Chrono Trigger

The Cowardly hero; This chapter contains the pretend tales of an imposter while deeds of another are unaccounted for…

All children in the world are all special and unique. However, almost anyone who has been a parent can agree on a few things; such as the fact that generally there are two different types of children. There are the kinder children who try their best to be honest and decent while there are others who are so dubious and disobedient they would put others in harm's way to fulfill their own ambitions. There are hopes in every parent who have the misfortune to raise such a child that the children will one day right themselves.

For some that day may come, but for others it never does.

The reason why such an obscure point is brought along here is because a certain child was up far past his bedtime, wandering the streets of Porre with his friends. It was understandable, of course; how could he sleep right after a war? All day long until it was over the people were on their last nerve, wondering how long their defenses could hold out. However that is not the point, because this was not the first time he had misbehaved. Yes, this child was a pest and nuisance to his teacher; he was a thorn in the side of his neighbors; he was a liar and exaggerator of his own stories insomuch that any word he said was doubted. And anyone who was once like him knows that eventually there comes a time when his lies are too much to keep up with.

"Tata, why hast thou slackened thy pace? Keep up with it, now!"

"Methinks I saw something unbefitting to my eye. I wish to have a look." He turned about to go, but was stopped by friends who were as dubious as he.

"Fool! Knowest thou the right beating we shall receive if our parents find out our deeds? Surely a man from the tavern shall know thy father by aqquaintance!"

War is always the fantasy of young minds who only ponder the greatness and noble side of battle. However, the situation earlier that day had even the most naive of children worried about what would happen. As the Mystics moved on Porre everyone was herded into the innermost part of the city where guards could keep a close watch on the people. Because of Guardia and their quick response, Porre avoided major casualties. When everyone was allowed to return home later that night they also told parents that children would be better off indoors. That was the advice the parents wished to follow, but even at this time you would still see a few children walking around town to look at the formidable knights that held their positions. It was understandable after all, for it was the dream of many children to see knights in action, even though it was something as monotonous as street patrol. They would also gawk at collateral damage from the battle while scoffing at those who told them to go home.

Finally, their travels brought them to the further outskirts of town were the damage was more severe. There were no burnt structures, but the boys were able to collect arrows stuck into the sides of houses along with shattered daggers they found on the streets. That would earn them bragging rights at school the next morning (if it resumed) and that was more than enough reason to set foot outside that night. It was easier to walk about that part of town as well since the majority of those people did not feel safe enough to travel home until the following day. The streets were nearly deserted and only so often they would see another soul walking down the street. However, going into a tavern was a great deal different than walking in the shadows of a late night. There would be soldiers there making merry in light of the victory and there would possibly be acquaintances to Tata's father, much like his friend pointed out.

"'Tis but only a look! He who lets me I shall make a sore man!"

His friends growled collectively in annoyance, "Fine! The decision is thine, but remember this: if thou shall reveal our doings in your inevitable confessions, you will find the beatings of your parents like lashings of a feather in comparison to what we shall give unto thee!" And with that they were off like a shot.

Tata only shook his head in defiance, sending his dark brown locks whipping against his face. Hearing that final admonition was a bit frightening, since his friends would undoubtedly punish him a greater deal than his father ever would. After all, his father was an influential man and he could not afford rumors of hard abuse. In fact, he was also a very rich man insomuch that he spoiled the boy, thus spurring his selfish nature. Yes, Tata was so unfeeling that he had no reservations about using his wiles against his father and that is why he felt no need to be worried. He told himself that there would be no need to tell on his friends if he was caught, because his father, he determined, would never do anything. He stepped up to the door of the bar and took a deep breath.

The door was already open so he had no worries about drawing attention to himself. Once he entered the bar it was quite a different atmosphere from the outside world. Outside it was deadly quiet, but in here there was laughing and cheers heard all around. There were no friendly feelings towards the Guardian soldiers, but they were welcomed at least and even a few Porre knights felt indebted to them as far as to buy them a drink or two. Although their company was more of a competitive suit, it was still a celebration nonetheless. In fact, they were debating at that moment.

"He has lived and learned his skills in our domain! Surely he belongeth to us! A Porre soldier is unequaled in battle!" A Porre soldier shouted.

"Why don't you start speaking like the rest of us in the world? Why stay with such an antiquated tongue? A Guardian said with deriding laughter.

"Ah, but that is the thing, is it not? He speaks our dialect, for we are brothers under country! He may serve Guardia, but he be a Porrean man, heart and soul!"

"He may have been from Porre at first, but he has sworn allegiance to our king. I imagine that your king must regret his decision though." This earned a hearty laughter from all the Guardian soldiers.

Tata edged closer to the conversation, sliding past barmaids carrying large mugs of amber liquid and idle soldiers. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a familiar face and sucked in a sharp gasp. His friends were right: there was a man that his father knew, and he was sitting only feet away with his back turned. He was talking with another man who looked directly at him. Quickly, Tata spun out of the way and was safe from his view. Thankfully he also had a better view of the conversation which seemed to be something that involved nearly everyone in the bar. A group of tall, lean, dashing soldiers sat at a table each one shooting gestures towards the topic of their conversation. Tata shook his head in disbelief, because the person of whom they referred to as a great soldier was quite different from what he considered to be worthy knights of any realm.

The figure was a short and stubby thing that could be no higher than four feet. He was hunched over at the counter, his back against all those that spoke so highly of him. He seemed like an old man, his back hunched as he simply stared down at the bar. Tata could only see his back, which was actually obscured by an earthy green cape. By his side was a sword that was almost the length of his body. If he were not hiding he would have laughed at the thought of the figure trying to fight. One thing was quite odd about this figure too. He was a bald man and it seemed as if his head were colored green. In the end Tata imagined he was wearing a strange beret. The conversation continued…

"What sayest thou, Glenn? Art thou Porrean by heart? Thou speakest in our manner."

He said nothing by continued to stare down sulkily at the bar. The men shot uncomfortable glances at each other. Finally, one of the rowdier Guardian soldiers spoke out, "Ha! He obviously doesn't agree with you then!"

"He has lived here, in Beggar Street since the beginning of his life! Our king may have offered him and Cyrus to thy kingdom as a truce, but their hearts forever belong to our fine nation!"

"I belong to no one." Came the hallow reply.

The bar dropped in volume far too quickly for this to be considered a remark from a normal person. The soldiers gave each other quizzical glances and Tata suddenly realized that occasionally the civilians would give horrified glances in the stranger's direction before turning away, pretending as if they had never looked. A soldier went up to him and gave him a pat on the shoulder, "You speak nonsense, friend! If you do not belong to either, you belong to us both!" He raised his glass and gave the stranger a silent toast.

There was the steady building of friendly voices once again, but it died when the stranger said firmly, "I am not worthy of servitude. I am a failure in the eyes of all those around me."

The stranger leapt from his stool and that was when Tata finally saw what had been praised this entire time. His heart beat wildly as if he were going to die any moment. He looked into the face of what could be deemed a monster. A creature, which looked very much like a frog, talked and walked as a man. Although its features were bizarre, it was easy to see that there was pain and sorrow in its countenance. He swiftly began to move towards the door, which was a path that Tata blocked. Tata, out of blind fear, scattered backwards trying to let out a yell of surprise.

"Glenn, why do you do this to yourself?" A soldier almost sounded frustrated. "Have you ever wondered that maybe if you fought at the bridge we might have killed Magus with your help?"

"THOU WILL NOT LECTURE ME ON SUCH A TASK! SPEAK NOT HIS NAME WHILE I ABIDE!"

The entire bar was silenced from his seething rejoinder. Had Tata not accidentally stumbled outside he would have been heard, but he had fallen backwards onto the street and out of earshot. Had he been there he would have seen fierce shining eyes that held so much anger and resentment it was unfathomable. It was that same look that would have graced his features had the king died; it would be those same features that would stay hardened until they finally softened as he and Magus died in a final battle. However, as he looked about the room his eyes began to well up with tears and he looked down, all the anger being replaced with guilt. "Forgive me, but I must leave. Good battle, my faithful friends. May we meet again."

Heavy footsteps made their way outside where a frightened Tata desperately scrambled to hide behind a barrel. He held his breath and he dare not move an inch. He heard loose stones scrape on the street as the stranger dragged his feet, shutting the heavy door behind him. The stranger looked into the sky and said with a very mournful voice, "I cannot do it, my friend. I am no longer fit to be a knight." There was a sound of soft weeping and something metal falling to the ground, "Forgive me and my weakness!" Then there were the sound of dashing footsteps and nothing more.

For a long time Tata didn't dare to move an inch. Finally he peered over the barrel and saw that he was the only one in the middle of a deserted street. He learned against the barrel, sliding down its side until he sat down with a sigh of relief. He looked on the ground and saw something that he did not see before. His eager hands reached out for something that shimmered in the dull nightlight. It was a medallion. A gold medallion that had such fine intricate detail it could only be fully appreciated in daylight. "The strange creature must have dropped it! What a foolish thing! This must be a medallion of great value!"

He did not chase after the stranger, nor did he have the heart to leave it to the soldiers. True to his nature, Tata began his way home, swinging the medallion by its connecting chain. He whistled and thought of a story he could tell to explain such a marvelous thing for a youth to hold. In the end he figured all he would have to say is that he found it. He smiled for his discovery, unaware of all the trouble he had just caused for himself…

Crono rode on with his friends. The scenery changed quickly compared to when they were on their feet rather than on their horses. They started out in the golden rays of a morning sun that shined triumphantly over the ocean waves. Next they found themselves in grasslands covered with sparkling dew and they rode long enough that it began to dry under the morning sun.

Lucca did not ride long until she felt that familiar fear creep up inside her. It was not nearly as strong as it was when she and Crono first came to this time, but it was potent enough to make her stop the group in order to momentarily dismount. She nearly asked Crono if she could ride with him, but Marle was first to offer. Although she was not her first choice she was glad to have the security. Crono rode well, but the princess was the perfect equestrian. Although Marle seemed to be a delicate flower at times, she was a hardened rider who knew everything from feeding a horse down to the correct form for galloping. She was even kind enough to teach Lucca several things as they rode. In the end Lucca was very glad that she rode with Marle.

Robo had the largest and strongest horse out of everyone to make up for his massive size and weight. Although he was heavy the horse shouldered him well and Robo rode in pace with the others. Crono kept quiet for most of the journey. He would only stare straight ahead as if he were thinking about how to approach Magus. Toma, having traveled to so many places, had become talented at many odds and ends. Riding was not difficult for him nor did he complain about the cold unlike the women in the group.

"I swear, if I hear another complaint about the wind I will sow your mouths shut!"

"You have to catch us first, and you can never do that with the way you're riding that horse!" Marle taunted him further by sticking her tongue out at him.

"Where did you learn how to ride a horse so well?" Toma said, acknowledging her superior skill.

"I have my resources. A lady can learn many different things." She looked at Crono from a distance and winked. He only smiled, blushed and looked forward again.

After a while they could see the beginnings of dusty paths all of which led towards the same place: a rustic looking town that seemed more like a former outpost. They passed a few farms that evidently been through some action just the other day. Passing by the outer farms was the only unpleasant part of entering Denadoro, mostly because there were still the bodies of Mystics being buried by a few Guardian soldiers. There were also arrows that were planted into the ground with broken shields and swords. The litter from the battle was only a sign of how quickly the Mystic soldiers retreated. Further inquiries would reveal that when they were advanced upon they threw their weapons down and retreated for the mountains. The arrows stuck out of the ground at such an angle that it was obvious to Crono that Guardian soldiers did not even need to risk upfront combat. The archers swept the area while infantry fought against any enemies that advanced. When he saw an impaled imp on the grass, thinking of the battle only made him further morose.

"I just thought of something," Lucca began, "I have an idea, but how did the king know about the other nations when they were under attack? No messengers could pass either way."

Toma pointed overhead, "Messanger pigeons; they can be downright useful as long as our enemies don't see them passing by."

Marle smiled, "Really? That's kind of cute, actually."

Toma gave her a sideways glance, "Well, it is much faster than by foot and it is far more convenient. I don't think 'cute' is the word for it. There are different birds that are trained to seek out different people and locations. There is even a bird that they use to contact Glenn. That was why he came up this way to help find the queen, I hear."

"Wait a minute. If that's the case why are we delivering this letter to Frog by hand?"

"Frog?" Toma asked with an air of offense.

"Oh, it was our nickname for him. His idea; I swear."

"Oh," Toma sounded relieved, "well I suppose that maybe the queen feels that Glenn will want Crono there when he reads the letter. Maybe it contains private information." Toma was silent for a moment as if he felt he should have held something back, but then spoke, "And maybe she thinks that he would help if he knew you were going."

"Why do you say that?"

Toma gave a shake of his head, "If I were going after Magus, I would want someone with me too."

Toma would have immediately kicked himself for saying something so disheartening. He immediately tried to think of something earnest to say. Just as he was about to open his mouth he could smell the heavenly scent of freshly baked bread with butter. He was not the only one who noticed the scent, because he could hear very low rumblings from his cohorts. He gave them a smile and said, "You know what? How about we stop someplace and get some lunch? I don't think you guys had anything yet."

All, except Robo, quickly agreed and they found a quiet little place a little further in town. The roads here were in far enough towards the town plaza so that they were lined with interconnecting faded red bricks. There was also a good amount of people walking about the city. The damage to Denadoro was not as extensive as it was to Porre, seeing that Guardian forces reached here first. Therefore, the people were quicker about returning to their lives which evidently included gossiping and exchanging rumors.

When they were riding on their horses they didn't notice the antsy exchanges of the people. It became especially apparent that something exciting was going on, because upon their entrance to the restaurant the people were jabbering excitedly. They sat down, ordered their victuals, and settled into the environment. The excitement must have been contagious, because Marle and Lucca were suddenly filled with a desire to know what was going on. Crono watched them both and could not help but smile. They felt too timid to simply interrupt someone during their meal, so they would lean back in their chairs and try to listen to other conversations. Marle leaned back so far that she would have fallen over if Crono hadn't caught the chair in time.

"So what are they saying?" Crono asked, inspired by their curiosity.

"I'm not sure, but it sounds like someone famous is coming." Marle said with a nod.

Toma scoffed, slamming down an empty mug, "All that eavesdropping and you don't know who it is? Ha! You may be a better rider, but at least I can get actually be useful when trying to learn something."

Marle glowered, "Well let's if you can hear easier than me."

Toma took a deep breath and puffed up his chest. "Alright then. Prepare to be humbled…HEY YOU! I HAVE A QUESTION!"

Marle slapped her forehead while Crono grinned, "Real smooth, Toma…real smooth…"

Toma gave Marle a brief glance that seemed to shout "silence" as he turned to an astounding and surprised patron. The poor man was in the middle of drinking something with a kick and he sputtered it and turned to Toma with a face full of irritation. "What is going on? Why is everybody so excited? Who's coming here?"

The man replied hostilely, "Where have you been, you idiot? Everyone is saying that the hero in the prophecy has risen and he is off to search for the sword. Rumor has it he is coming here before he looks in the mountains."

A flash of old information can suddenly be roused to the intellect and it connects just in the blink of an eye. Crono and everyone almost thought it all at the same time. They weren't sure how they even arrived at that conclusion, but all they knew is that they had already determined Glenn to be the hero that was spoken of in history. Toma resumed his conversation with the annoyed patron, but Crono ushered everyone in and they spoke in hushed voices.

"Could it be possible that time hasn't changed as much as we thought?" Crono asked, looking to Lucca.

"I thought that the king's death would enrage Frog enough to make his move, but now maybe he is going with a fixed purpose." Lucca replied.

"What if it isn't Mr. Frog?" Robo intervened, "What if time has been changed so much that a different hero was chosen? Or what if it's an imposter?"

"Maybe we should wait here until the hero arrives. If it's Frog, we can give him the letter, no problem, and be on our way. Hopefully he can come with us."

"Well, I nominate Crono to talk Toma into letting us rent a room for the night!" Marle gave him a taunting and playful grin.

Crono, for the first time that day, seemed to have no hint of sadness whatsoever. Instead, it was replaced by a mischievous grin. "Okay. I'll do it."

Just at that moment, Toma finished his conversation and turned back with a look that seemed suspicious. He looked at them all, each one seeming so innocent and silent. "What are you guys doing? Did you put something in my drink?" He looked down into his mug and took a drink, regardless.

"Well, we were hoping that we could stay here for the night." Crono piped up.

Toma gave him a quizzical glance, "Huh? Why? We've only just started! We are supposed to be at Porre by nightfall!"

It was then that Crono gave Marle a final and disturbing grin before leaning towards Toma. He whispered something in his ear and suddenly Toma had a look of restrained disgust on his face. He shook it away and looked at Marle with a plastic grin, "Not a problem. I understand. We can stay for the night. This place actually has an adjoining inn. Let me talk to the innkeeper." He got up and gave Marle another odd glance and went to the desk.

When he was out of earshot, Marle nudged Crono with her elbow, "Crono, what did you tell him?"

He only started guffawing as Marle began to twist his arm.

The boy rode at the head of an impromptu parade.

At least half a day away from Denadoro, Tata started a journey that already proved far more amazing than he imagined. Just mere hours ago he was could not even imagine being in this position. People lined the streets and cheered him on as several soldiers followed closely behind. He could already see some people he knew from school and gave them a regal salute. He fought the urge to laugh as they looked on with astonishment.

Yes, news had quickly spread about the hero of legend, which was evidently this young boy. After all, why would he have the Hero Medallion?

It was that very same medallion the strange warrior threw to the ground that gained him so much praise. He returned home last night, only to find that his parents had been waiting for him. Upon his return he was only admonished and sent to his room, but not before his parents noticed something golden hanging around his neck. His father gave him a very dubious glare and demanded that he show him the necklace.

"No, it is mine! I hath found this trinket!" Tata already blurted out, sealing himself in his lie.

The father gestured firmly for the medallion, which inevitably ended up in is hands. "What strange writing upon this medallion! Where did you find this?"

He hadn't thought up that part to his story. "I-I-in the woods…" he stammered, instantly regretting what he said.

"For thy sake I hope that to be a lie! Such a dangerous time, and thou gallivant through the woods?" Although his father seemed anger he actually seemed more interested in the medallion.

"Return my medallion." Tata said, opening his palm.

"I will not. I will take this to one of the scholars, translate the meaning, and thou shall return it with a sincere apology."

And that was how it started. The next morning his father went to a scholar at the castle just as he promised, only the answer was far from something he could have expected. The scholar only stared in excitement as he took the father by the hand, shouting praises. It was long spoken in ancient verses that someone unlikely would find the hero medallion and that it would mark the beginning of his journey to destroy evil. The scholar, so misguided by the prospect of war ending did not stop to think that perhaps the child had lied. After all, who could be as unlikely as a child?

Within the hour the boy was taken in front of the scholars of the kingdom. He was interviewed and was very careful not to say anything about the froglike creature and his own friends. By this time he had rehearsed his story to himself in greater detail and his lie was believable. He was taken in front of the king and was made an honorary knight, which was also the dream of this silly boy who did nothing to earn such a right. Within another hour he was seated on a grand horse and was riding with soldiers who were touted as the best of the kingdom.

What a smug smile covered his face! He was no longer known as Tata, the spoiled child of a wealthy man. He was now known as the Hero of righteousness and justice, which was quite contrary to his history. He was far too busy living in his dream to realize that he was on his way to a severely dangerous quest. In all honestly, his only thoughts were, "These soldiers are the best in the kingdom. Surely they will do my bidding and at long last I will wield the Masamune. Magus is simply one man. The strain cannot be much. I will have my soldiers swarm him and return a hero to all!"

If only Tata knew this: Youthful ignorance is what often comes close to killing youth.

Author's Note: Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed it! It was a bit longer this time. We are going to get into longer chapters now, so enjoy. Also, I just want to point something out: I was never serious about killing off Crono. I just did it to get a fright out of you all. He is my favorite character! I wouldn't want the poor man to stay dead! Oh, I also want to say (although it probably doesn't come out that clear) is that Guardia and Porre speak different versions of English, as we do. (America, England, Australia, etc). I meant to explain that Frog speaks the way the he does because he came from Porre, which is how they speak the language. Thanks for reading and waiting!

From what I read, "let" is actually an archaic term from Shakespearean times that means "to prevent" or "stop".