The kidnapping of Leene as it turned out, was only the first hit to Frogs pride.
Rescuing Leene had done nothing and suddenly it became clear just how overwhelming the threat of the mystics were.
They had organized themselves and started to act smart, they had cut off supply lines to the outside world so now both soldiers and ordinary citizen were starving, as a result soldiers whom went to battle did not have the energy to fight and were killed without being able to defend themselves.
Frog did the only thing he knew how to do, he went on on his one mans crusade but now, more than ever, he became overpowered. More than ones did Frog find himself up over his neck in enemy soldiers and had to flee for his life, only his speed being the thing that could safe him.
And Frog hated it, every single time. Every time he was forced to run he was reminded of that day when Cyrus had died, that day when he had been to scared to fight. If only he had had courage that day. Then maybe it would never have come to this at all!
And here he was again, still as scared as back then, still running away with the tail between his legs. But what else could he do? They were thousands of mystics out there and he was only one.
One sad slimy pathetic frog…. They were loosing land, people were dying, Leene was in danger and Frog… he was useless.
What was probably only days, a few weeks at its most felt like an eternity and Frog grew tired both in mind and body. He was being slapped around by his enemies and had to be on constant alert, at last he simply had to retreat to his cave to rest.
Finally though as he had found his way home he lacked energy to get back up and curled up in the bed he had managed to make… He really was exhausted.
Exhausted from always fighting alone, from always be on guard and always being so scared.
That was though when a rustling sound came from above and Frogs eyes widened. Someone had found his hiding place! After all these years, someone had finally found it.
Frog didn't hesitate but jumped up and then hid himself in the hiding spot he had made ready for just such an occasion, a perfect spot above where he could surprise attack any enemy intruders.
Frog how-ever got an extra shock as it was a red haired boy, a spectacled girl and a princess whom looked so much like Leene who crawled down and at last stood on the floor.
"Wow." Lucca blinked as she looked around. "What is this place?"
Frog titled his head as he looked at them, but finally jumped down revealing himself making them all jump.
"It's you." Frog stated rather astounded as the three all looked back at him with shocked face expressions. "You really are something you found this place." he had to admit.
"Frog?" Lucca asked and her eyes widened. "You live here!"
"Oh!" Marle exclaimed. "Frog! Is he the guy you talked about? Who helped you safe Queen Leene?" she asked excited.
"Yes that's him." Lucca nodded in a slight smile, then she shivered. "I.. I know he looks strange bu-but he's really nice!" she tried to force a smile, though she still took a step away.
"Then I owe you my thanks! By saving the Queen you saved me to!" Marle smiled then curtsied. "It's nice to finally meet my savior!"
"You flatter me your highness, I'm afraid though that the rescue was purely selfish and that you were saved as well is only incidental." Frog said. "Please do not think of it."
"Oh come on." Marle smiled. "If you hadn't helped I would have been worse of than dead, I would never have existed at all!" she beamed. "Surely you can let me thank you somehow! I know, I could kiss you. Then maybe you would turn into a handsome prince!" she grinned all over her face.
Frog blinked astounded. "I… Don't think it works that way." he finally had to admit then he looked at them. "What brings you here though?" he asked. "I thought you had returned to your own time."
At that Chrono stepped forward, he reached into his pocket and found a glistening item which he then reached forward showcasing it to Frog.
Frog glanced down then his eyes widened in recognition. "The.. The heroes badge." he gasped. It really was incredible. Frog had honestly never thought he was going to see that thing ever again! He remembered how he and Cyrus had won it in combat with the toad king, and he remembered how Cyrus had worn it in a chain around his neck.
There was no doubt about it, this was not just some copy, it was the real thing, still shining, still almost glowing with its magic. And now it had found its way back to him.. Why? How? he asked himself, then he glanced up.
"We are looking for the legendary hero." Lucca then informed quietly. "We need his help, the spirits of Masa and Mune said he would be here. At this place. Frog?" she asked and Frogs eyes widened then he shook his head as he stepped backwards.
There was quiet as they all looked expectively at Frog, all with exited wide grin on their face. And their looks only made Frogs heart sink as he looked up at them. Knowing he would have to disappoint them. Better get it over with.
"The legendary hero is dead." Frog then stated.
"That can't be true!" Marle exclaimed. "Masa and Mune said…"
"He's dead! I saw it myself, I was there that day." Frog cut in. "And the blade Masamune, the only thing which stands a chance against Magus. It is broken, and even if it wasn't there is no one to wield it!"
That made Lucca look at him. "What about you?" she asked. "Can't you use it?"
"Me?" Frog asked almost laughing by the mere suggestion. "I am not worthy. I've no right to wield it." he stated as he looked away. "I'm sorry you made this entire journey for nothing. How-ever I am the only one here and I am no legendary hero. He died ten years ago." he said bowing his head as he closed his eyes. "Please leave." he asked.
The three teenagers looked at him then at each other, then though Chrono looked up and towards the chest at the wall before he walked over there.
"Chrono!" Marle exclaimed. "What are you?" she asked just as Chrono opened the chest and pulled up a hilt with a broken blade attached.
Frog didn't respond to that, just looked away.
"Is that?" Marle gaped. "The Masamune?!"
"But it's broken." Lucca pointed out.
"As I informed you." Frog tried to explain. "And no person remains in this world whom can mend it."
Lucca swallowed as she looked at the sword then squinted her eyes. "There's something written on it." she breathed. "It's… Frog." she then said looking up. "Do you mind if you borrow this for a while?" she asked.
Frog shrugged. "Do as you wish, it is but a useless piece of metal now. I even wonder if it was that special to begin with."
The teenagers all looked at him. Frog though refused to look back at them.
"We should go." Marle then finally stated.
"Yes, I suppose so." Lucca nodded and finally the two girls started to climb back up and out, bringing the broken half Masamune with them.
Chrono how-ever stayed for a little while longer, just long enough to place the heroes badge on the table making Frog look at him, no words were being spoken as Chrono just left it there and then finally left with the other two, leaving Frog looking up at the exit then down at the glittering badge.
The badge was supposed to unlock the powers of the Masamune, without the sword it was just a useless scrap of metal.
Frog frowned annoyed. What went wrong back then ten years ago?! Cyrus had the sword, he had the heroes badge and yet it hadn't worked! Why? The spirits of Masa and Mune had clearly stated they recognized their rightful owner in front of them. The legendary hero of this age.
Then why hadn't the sword worked for Cyrus? What was the point of this?!
Annoyed Frog groaned. Why did everything have to be so complicated?