Chrono Trigger

A Moment for Reflection; the party looks upon themselves introspectively. An agreement is reached, and Glenn's resolve returns…

The sky had cleared and the heavens were illuminated with the countless worlds that made up the night sky. Marle, standing alone underneath it all, looked upwards with a troubled heart. There were many things that bothered her and being underneath something so enormous and beyond her did not help at all. She honestly did not know why she had come out here. Maybe an adolescent part of her wished that Crono would join her like he did in the mountains, or maybe she wanted to ask him questions that bugged her since the night of the Ioku celebration.

She felt her heart flutter as she heard footsteps crunching in the snow. It was not the flattering feeling she imagined, rather it was something like being startled. She could tell who approached her by the sound of the steps. She leaned against a tree as the small green knight entered her peripheral vision. She could tell he gave her a quaint nod, "Trouble sleeping, mi'lady?"

"No," she sighed, "I was just thinking."

"What may it be that pertains to thy thoughts?"

She thought for a moment and shook her head, "I'm sorry, but it's a little personal."

"Ah," Glenn said with another slight nod, "'tis well enough. Perhaps it is a good a reason as any."

Marle turned to him, "What brings you out here? Have you decided on what to do?"

"'Tis a little personal." Glenn said with the slightest of smirks. Marle answered with a giggle and looked into the skies again. As she began to feel lonely, Glenn showed himself to be a little more open than Marle proved to be. "I have measured my choices, as I still do. This is a foul beast of a challenge that I have left unattended for such a long time. I have much life left, and I have seen Magus slay better men than I." He cleared his throat and turned around to go back inside.

"Wait, Glenn." Marle said quietly, almost as if she wished he did not hear her.

He turned around and cocked his head. "Aye?"

"Earlier, you said that you believed Crono shared the same sin as you. What did you mean?"

Glenn frowned at the question, but answered, "I know it well. It is a sadness I have carried a long time; it is a burden that I carry with me still. See ye to Crono about it."

She quickly said, "But he won't talk to me."

"Then perhaps it is not for thee, but," he nodded grimly, "I may confess my own transgression. My sin was that I did not do enough to save a life dear to me." With that he turned around and went inside.

Marle thought for a moment, opened her mouth like she were on the verge of realizing something, and followed Glenn.

The time came for repairs as Lucca sat at Robo's back. She had become quite expert concerning this complicated mass. Her fingers worked nimbly through the cords and ever-turning gears. Meanwhile, Robo sat there, twiddling his thumbs as his electronic sensors reported an increase in function. Lucca wiped her brow and smiled in triumph as she heard the consistent drone of cooling fans. She sealed that portion of his body and began to examine the others.

"Miss Lucca, is there some pressing matter that worries you?"

She raised an eyebrow, but did not shift her focus as she loosened set screws. She thought for a moment and shrugged, "Nah, not really. If there was, I think I do this to ease any problem I have. This is very therapeutic for me."

"Have you always loved machines?" Robo asked.

"As far back as I care to remember." Lucca said in lighter tone. Robo could detect something amiss, as if she hid something further; but he paid no mind.

"I wish I could think of something I could do to ease my nerves…" He said.

Robo detected an increase in adrenaline which usually meant his remark raised a red flag. Lucca coolly said, "Why? Are you saying you are nervous?"

"Yes."

She began, almost patronizingly, "Well, you could always turn off your emotion masking if it interferes with your…"

"I prefer not…" Robo said calmly. "Besides, I do not think it is any program."

"Oh," Lucca said, "because, I mean, your emotions and programming are not designed to…"

"I know what I am designed to do, but I don't care. I am nervous, and that is all there is to it." Robo said this very uncharacteristically. He was slightly aggressive, but held his mild-mannered tone. Evidently, Lucca was taken back. There was a long moment of silence.

"Do you like to read? Or paint?"

"I beg your pardon?" Robo asked, cautiously.

"Maybe that would help ease your nerves." Lucca said this aimlessly as she casually looked around her surroundings. "Whenever I get nervous I like to make things and read to get my mind off whatever is bothering me." Lucca said, offering a book that lay on a table next to her. "Here, read this. It might help."

Robo uttered quiet, shameful thanks and began to flip through the pages, reading aloud. Lucca thought for a moment, dismissed her thought, and smiled.

Could she be wrong after all?

If Marle had wanted to see Crono she should have traveled further out into the woods. Out here there were no glowing lights save for the twinkling stars. Only the serenity of a snow-silenced forest surrounded him. He thought on many things: his mother, Alwyn, his friends, and what awaited him while his sword silently cut through air. His feet landed softly into the snow, barely making any noise as he completed a flip through the air. In this silence he could hear his own breath, free to feel blood course through his veins without distraction. His finer senses were not deadened by the others and it was a soothing meditation.

He spun on his heels as he heard something approach him in the darkness. His pointed blade marked his intruder. The figure approached and he lowered his weapon.

"I'm sorry, Glenn." He said in less than a whisper. A whisper was more than enough to be heard in this quiet. "You surprised me."

"All the others have retired some time ago; art thou restless this evening?"

Crono nodded, "Sometimes, when I can't sleep, I just work until I am tired."

"Amazing, the similarities we share." Frog said with croak. "My reason be the same as thine. Wouldst thou desire an opponent?"

"You?" Crono began incredulously, "I prefer not to be humiliated, thank you."

"Do not be so humble, Crono. Humility may be a godly attribute, but when spoken falsely it is but a lie. Thou hast shown much improvement."

Crono felt so flattered that he didn't know what to say. "Well, after such kind words, how could I refuse to get my butt kicked by you?"

"I suppose we shall see." Frog said with a grin.

Crono held a boundless joy that a dog would hold for its playmate. Glenn fed off his excitement as the two circled, measuring each other. Glenn took in a sharp breath, shattering the quiet before launching forward. It was almost like a dream the way he moved; the snowflakes barely billowed in his wake. He was swift, but made almost no sound. Looking back on it, Crono found himself to be over-confident. After all, he was mastering the elements. It wasn't until he faced Glenn that he realized he still lacked in certain places.

Actual skill in handling the sword for example…

Crono's strategy consisted in swinging in large arcs most of the time. His body was strong enough he could cause the blade to slice anything in two. However, to a mind that was quick and knowledgeable in deflection, it did not take much to affect Crono's balance through the sword. Glenn eased his way into the fray by means of a jab, which Crono dodged. He also swung his blade and it clanged against Glenn's. Already, that seemed to disrupt the peace of the evening.

Crono swung his blade, but it was countered so smoothly that barely a sound was made save for metal sliding against metal. The force of his blow was redirected upward and he nearly fell backwards as his arms followed its new course. Crono grunted in surprise as he tensed his arms and brought the tip of the sword to the level of his eye. He swung again, but Glenn did not even bother to parry with the sword. He leaned backwards and the blade missed him by mere inches. However, his eyes did not quake nor did he stumble. In fact, he actually began to grin. Crono tried again, Glenn not even bothering to deflect with his blade.

"What's so funny?" Crono asked, irked by Glenn's lackadaisical nature.

"Canst thou land a blow? Dost thou swing an axe or a sword? Thy strength has improved greatly, but where is thy technique?"

"Who asked you?" The growl that came from Crono sounded as if someone else spoke and he immediately apologized before restarting.

Glenn was like a phantom. The sword would barely miss him with every swing. He stood, calm and collected as if he weren't limited by the needs of the flesh, while Crono breathed heavily, wiping sweat from his brow. Although Glenn was small he was disproportionately strong. Glenn wielded a double edged sword that was nearly the length of his body as if it were lighter than a rapier. It was insulting to Crono, to be so easily bested by somebody who would not even lift a finger to fight somebody he knew to be so evil. Thinking on that, Crono began his assault again only to find that Glenn used his sword less and less.

Finally, to Crono's surprise and annoyance, Glenn sheathed his sword. With a mocking amiability, Glenn gestured for Crono to come closer and attack. Recklessly, Crono obeyed and shot forward with a grunt of effort. Glenn sidestepped, and in a sight awkward to see, Crono tripped over an extended foot. Glenn burst out into laughter, but was quickly silenced as he saw a blade thrust towards him. He stepped back and saw that Crono was on an overwhelming offensive position now. While Glenn stumbled backwards, avoiding the blows, he looked for an opening and delivered a punch to Crono's ribs.

"H'YA!" The silence of the night resumed as the shout echoed away from them. Crono fell to the ground, trying his hardest to breath.

Glenn straightened himself so that he was at his tallest and looked toward Crono. There was a mixture of emotion from the two, which was very similar to two good friends who have become carried away in a competition. Crono grunted as he let his hind end fall into the snow, exhausted from the brief yet intense excursion. He looked into Glenn's eyes with a frown, but looked away.

"Dost thou still seek to fight the Magus?" Glenn asked in a solemn tone.

"What?" Crono asked, giving him a hard stare.

"Thou hast seen thy inexperience, yet dost thou bolster thy resolve even now to fight Magus?" Glenn stepped back as Crono shot up with a shout.

"Are you telling me that you came out here, presuming to tell me what I can and cannot do!?" His fists were clenched and Glenn, although he being the victor, found himself ill-at-ease.

He gestured for Crono to calm down, which he did. "That was not my intention, and I ask forgiveness if that is what thou hast seen. I have truly wished to duel thee, and my words before were sincere. Know that I have heard of thy skill in the battle for Zenan Bridge and my heart truly swelled at those rumors." Glenn's voice went from diplomatic to fondness as he said, "I knew that thou had the skill to do great things. Dost thou remember my parting words as I left the castle? I knew that seeds of greatness had found root in thee, and even now thou'rt constantly growing. Thou'rt even stronger than when I had last seen thee battle."

Evidently, Glenn's pacifying words had an affect since Crono was more civil now. "So, why did you tease me? Why did you make fun of me? I worked hard."

"Crono, from thy form I have seen that thou hast fought hordes of monsters, who have not nearly the skill thou posesseth. Thy skill in dealing with groups outmatches any other that I have ever seen. I would even say that thou hast fought giants who were strong, but clambered about with the grace of a dying elephant." Crono laughed in admittance, but that earned a somewhat sharp stare from Glenn as he continued. "However, there is a great difference between the clambering numbers of the inexperienced to the sole warrior whose skills are finely honed. Aye, thou have fought giant, armies, and them all, but hast thou ever dueled with a single man who was so proficient on his own that armies and ogres pale in comparison? I do not boast of myself, but I say you have done so this night; and dare I say it and I hope thou forgivest me for doing so, but thou'rt lacking greatly."

Crono's brow furrowed but Glenn went on, "That is why I say this: Are thy convictions thought out? Art thou willing to take on a man who had bested me the way I have bested you?"

Crono's hard countenance softened as he understood. "You have fought him before."

Glenn's facial features shifted greatly as he said with a heavy heart, "Yes, yes I have."

A stroke of revelation hit Crono and he bolted upright, "So the mystic general we heard about…the one you fought against was Magus?"

Glenn nodded silently. "He was far more powerful than I, and rest assured, more than thou can comprehend. Still, thy will remains adamant?"

Crono thought for a moment and said with a goofy grin, "Well, I think we would have a much better chance if you came with us!"

Glenn became wide-eyed and seemed shocked into silence. After a moment he began to smile and even laughed as he said, "Thy words are flattering. However, as I have said, there is still much to ponder upon. I thank thee for trying my skill. I must take my leave and think."

As Glenn walked off Crono nodded and resumed his training.

"I have decided on what I believe to be the right thing to do."

All stood waiting patiently, well rested from comfortable environs. The sun had risen, but was covered by gray clouds that blanketed the skies. A cold wind whipped across the fields and provincial homes that sat off in the distance. Although the atmosphere was gloomy, what stood in front of them was the most joyous thing they had seen. Glenn, who had begun to look comfortable in the garb of a commoner, rid himself of it and donned his breastplate. His cape billowed in the wind and his armor seemed to have been polished from the night before. Even given his less-than-intimidating form, he looked truly heroic as he stood with a strengthened resolve.

"However, I have confessions I must share with all of ye. Therefore, I ask for thy patience while I tell the reasons for my hesitancy."

The group nodded and Glenn began.

"I was a child growing up within the poorest area of Porre. Yes, I was once a citizen of an adjacent kingdom, which is why my home has been within these borders. I grew up, constantly facing the harassment of cruel children and an empty stomach. One day, salvation came in the form of an old friend, Cyrus. My life, although I did not know it then, was constantly filled with struggle. I learned the sweetness of hard work when I had met him. He was the son of a noble and he yearned for a friend at that time. It was by the blessing of a noble that I was lifted from my lowly station (whereas my poor parents remained there until I became a knight). His father was a noble who served in the military, and having been taught by a retired soldier who pitied me, my knowledge of self-defense allowed me to train with Cyrus as a sparring partner. We progressed quickly through the ranks, and many said I have done so only by hanging onto Cyrus and his coattails. It sorroweth me to say it, but that is not too far from the truth."

"There was a great battle during our tenure in the military. It was during that time that both Porre and Guardia decided to join forces with other kingdoms to stand unified against the growing threat of the Mystics. As symbol of our merging, and even an act of trust, certain soldiers and nobles were exchanged between kingdoms. That is how Cyrus and I have become enlisted under the command of the King and Queen of Guardia. We loathed the idea of departing the land of our nativity, but upon our arrival we were treated with such love and respect that we quickly called it home. Queen Leene was especially accommodating and welcomed us."

"We have served our lieges faithfully, risking our lives more and more as our devotion grew. Finally, we were knighted and were free to move on our own. I had the ability to accept a calling to have my own army as Cyrus, but in those days I considered myself lowly. Cyrus was the epitome of strength and valor. It was by him that my life had blossomed and my parents had been cared for until the day they died. When they died, it was Cyrus who comforted me. Surely, it would be easy to see why I shirked to leave his side. He was my better, my friend, and my brother."

"However, I grew distressed as glory began to overtake him. He grew more and more ambitious and made great boasts and promises. His exploits earned him great renown and in the eyes of the unknowing and the ears of his enemy he was immortal. He even began to believe these words. I dare not say anything to him, for how could I condescend to him, the very one who lifted me from filth? The very man who had instilled the ideals of abolishing evil in every form? Finally, one day, he visited the King and Queen and made a declaration so bold it resounded within the kingdom. He said, 'This mage has plagued our fine world long enough! It is time to end his cruelty, and I shall be the one to do it!' Oh, if only thou wert there to witness the spectacle of it! The court erupted into applause as he nobly bowed to his majesties."

"I had seen the mage in battle before and my heart stopped at the sight. I had never seen such hatred and barbaric skill made manifest. I had often told Cyrus I feared for him and that his legacy made him mad. He gave me an angry retort and out of fear of losing his love I never said another word." A pause in this story took place as Glenn wiped a rolling tear from his cheek and he resumed. "We had learned of the prophecy that whosoever wielded the Masamune and the hero medal could cut down evil as stalks of wheat. We had journeyed and found the medal and obtained the Masamune by no small measure of effort."

"During our travels we heard that Magus was on the move, examining weaknesses in terrain and fortifications. We had an army at our disposal, but what happened next disturbed me. Cyrus told his army, in dramatic fashion, that they would fall if they accompanied him. He boasted, saying that his strength could handle Magus and the entirety of his army. Like a fool, I said nothing, watching him as he went like a lamb to the slaughter…"

"We are close, Glenn. I can smell their sulfuric stench!"

A handsome young man bent down over snapped twigs that lay just off a beaten mountain path. "They have traveled north, up the face of the mountain."

"Then shall we go as well." A knight who carried a shining blade looked determinedly up the path.

A hand clenched the knight's arm and he shot back a look of irritation. "Glenn, why dost thou let me? Release thy treasonous hand."

"My lord and friend…dost thou trust my feelings?" Glenn began softly, as if he would have broken something delicate had he not spoken otherwise.

"Glenn, thou'rt my brother and knowest that I trust thee with all my heart." He gave him a sort of reprimanding stare as his gaze eased toward the peak of the mountain.

"I beg thee, Cyrus. Let us return and bring more soldiers. Surely thy victory will not be cheapened by spectators?" That was not the truth to his plea and Cyrus could see through him.

"Dost thou doubt my strength?"

"Nay, those were not my words, Cyrus. Surely thou knowest that…"

"I have known thee since thy near infancy, Glenn! I see thy doubt forming behind thy lids!"

Glenn felt something force its way up his throat. He wanted to say something. He knew so many things he could say to save Cyrus, but none that would keep him from sacrificing their bond. Cyrus watched him intently, ready to lash out at him if he said anything that was not supportive. All those strong words concerning Cyrus' growing pride, his longing for the Queen and power (which was a half-committed, side-ways muttered confession that Glenn never relayed to another being), and growing dislike for authority were swallowed and the taste was as bitter as any medicine. Glenn shook his head and Cyrus gave him a congenial grasp on the shoulder. They silently made their way up the hill and the horror within Glenn's heart grew commensurately.

At last! There were voices heard a distance away. The specifics were drowned out by the roaring of a nearby waterfall, but one of the creatures spoke with a scratchy voice, as if his vocal pipes were scrapped down with sandpaper. Another was feminine, and was soothing and coy. The next sounded like the first, although it was more soft-spoken. The final voice was unlike the others. The voice was smooth and decisive, and it spoke with displeased tones. A dark feeling came from listening to that voice, even though the topic of the conversation eluded them. After a few tense moments of waiting, which seemed like hours to Glenn, they raised their head over the shrubs to see their prey.

Glenn looked to Cyrus with immeasurable worry. Cyrus had a stunned countenance, which grew into a sly smile. He even chuckled to himself as he unsheathed the Masamune by the scabbard, spinning the sword in a show of confidence. Glenn felt his heart leap in his chest as the sword grazed the leaves and twigs of the shrubbery, making a sound that anyone could distinguish as metal cutting skimming through something soft. Glenn's hands went to the Cyrus' hand and gripped it tightly, causing his swordplay to cease. "Art thou mad?" Glenn hissed to an indignant Cyrus, "We have the element of surprise! Mayhaps we could assassinate the group!"

"Assassinate?" Cyrus spat heatedly. "If thou'rt insinuating that I creep to his back like a coward, than I refuse and condemn thy notion!"

Cyrus stood and made as if he were going to walk out into the opening and challenge Magus face to face. Acting on instinct, Glenn leapt upwards and tackled Cyrus to the ground. "Which is worse? A coward or a fool? Art thou so prideful that ye would be willing to risk death?" The rustling of leaves grew louder as they wrestled and the four Mystics looked in the direction of the noise. Glenn's heart stopped beating as he saw a knowing look on Cyrus' face. He felt a great shove and fell backwards while Cyrus leapt to his feet.

He jumped out into the opening and shouted, "Here I am, conniving snake! Face me, for I am Cyrus, the hero of Guardia Kingdom!"

Glenn stay hidden in the brush, peaking between the leaves to watch the showdown unfold. Cyrus held the Masamune in one hand, pointing it towards Magus as if he were marking him. The trio, who instinctively moved behind Magus, still smiled sardonically despite their cowardice. The only reason was because Magus began with a voice that feigned amazement. "Ah, I have heard about you, Cyrus, hero of Guardia."

"That does not surprise me," Cyrus added with a cocky smile, "and I imagine you may have heard of the Masamune!"

Magus' face faltered for a moment as he noticed the blade for the first time. The movement of his eyes went from the sword to Cyrus and back again. A smile formed on his face, and it was a smile of relief as if he noticed some important detail. "And what would the hero of Guardia want with me? Why would he go through all the trouble to get this sword and seek me out? Surely, you must love your king to go through so much trouble."

Cyrus scoffed, "Or maybe I would just love to gut you where your stand?"

Magus stood silently, with no weapon in his hand. Suddenly, a swirling mist came from the ground and formed as a scythe in his hand. "Would you now?" Magus said this with a smile, leaning on his scythe.

"In the name of God, I shall smite you, even to the earth."

Magus laughed, "Very well then, o' man that deems himself to be so duly appointed, it is your move."

A cold wind blew, which made Glenn shudder along his spine. However, the wind only gave Magus a gleam in his eyes that suggested nothing else but a victorious outcome. It was then that Glenn felt his insides plunge into icy water and he knew, although he did not know how, that Cyrus would lose this battle. He mouthed the name of his childhood companion as Cyrus stepped forward, swinging the sword prophesized to stand against all evil.

Magus gripped the middle of the scythe and twisted his arm in a small circle. The scythe twirled about like a windmill, pressing the sword aside. Cyrus was quick on his feet, following the momentum, turning his back to Magus and thrusting the sword behind him. Again, the handle of the scythe pushed the sword aside effortlessly. Cyrus did not swing the blade, but jutted back an elbow for Magus' face. It was a miss as Magus loomed over the opposing shoulder, whispering something into Cyrus' ear.

Glenn could see the whites of Cyrus' eyes grow wider, quickly turning into angry slits. He yelled and began swinging with all the power his arms could afford. He swung diagonally downward, aiming for Magus' right shoulder, which was dodged by a side-step. A thrust came next and it passed between the planted handle of the scythe and Magus' body. In the blink of an eye Magus closed the gap between the handle and his body, pinning the sword by pressing onto its broadside. Cyrus grunted, trying to pull the sword from his grip. He growled and swung a fist towards Magus' face. Magus did not even bother to stop the hand as his body pressed against the sword further. Cyrus felt his elbow and shoulder go tight against his body as he flew from Magus and tumbled to the ground. He gawked as he saw Magus holding aloft the Masamune with a condescending grin. Magus threw the sword into the air, letting it land before Cyrus, the blade cutting into the earth.

"Pick it up, o' mighty warrior." Magus said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The other mystics guffawed and Cyrus looked away in embarrassment. They pointed and mocked him, noting that he was breaking out into a cold sweat. The embarrassment quickly gave way to annoyance and then to anger. Enraged, he plucked the sword from the ground and pointed it again. With a shout he announced, "How dare you mock me! How dare you whisper to me that I am not worthy to wield this sword! I shall kill thee, devil! Then thou wilt truly know that I am worthy of the Masamune! I am Cyrus of Porre, and I shall not stand for this indignation any longer! Die!"

He swung so strongly that a rock could be cut in two, but rocks cannot move, and they cannot counter. The struggle continued with the cheers of Magus' cronies and Cyrus' grunts. He was shouting epithets of anger and he tried one move after another, but with each parried blow it become more and more obvious that Magus was making sport of him. Finally, Cyrus could bare it no longer and made the most desperate attack yet.

Magus, whose eyes became solemn for an instant, also swung with his full strength. A loud clang echoed throughout the mountain as the blows connected. Somewhere, a flock of birds flew from their nests, startled. Meanwhile, Glenn's face, along with Cyrus, paled in horror as the mighty Masamune was split in two. It landed in the grass, skidding to a stop as Cyrus held the hilted portion of the sword.

"It broke? But that is not possible! I am…"

Cyrus was silenced as he felt a pain explode through his entire body. Glenn gasped as he saw the mystic general raise his brother into the air by the pointed bottom end of the scythe. Cyrus hands, trembling and weak, tried to lift his body from the point, but they could not grip.

"NO!"

The group of Mystics were startled as another person darted from behind the bushes, leaping high into the air. A sword came crashing down for Magus' head, which he narrowly dodged. Instead, the blow landed on the handle of the scythe, chopping it in two. Cyrus' body fell to the ground limply and rolled to the side. Meanwhile, with tears blinding his eyes, Glenn swung desperately at the retreating warlock. The surprised countenance eventually faded as Magus regained his ground and pushed his attacker away.

"Ah, what is this? I am glad to see that you are more of a challenge. Please, face me. It has been too long since I was forced to use my magic!"

"Damn you Magus!" Glenn launched another assault, but felt his body fly back as a sudden gust of wind halted his attack. He landed with a thud and groaned in pain.

He recoiled as he saw fire burning around Magus' hand. Magus grinned and extended his arm, obeying the chanting of his comrades. A pillar of fire surged forth and headed towards Glenn. He clenched his teeth, held up his arms in defense and prepared himself for the worse with eyes wide open. To his surprise and dismay, the fire was obscured by a body that filled his view. He shouted the name of his best friend and reached for him as he fell back. Cyrus had taken the fatal blow.

"Why? Why hadst thou…WHY, CYRUS!?" Glenn accidentally shook the body with a scream that racked his whole body.

His friend smiled weakly, his face red and his armor charred black. "Glenn, what have I done? What have I become?"

Glenn felt his eyes swell with tears, "What meanest thou, Cyrus? Thou art a fine man!"

Cyrus shook, his bodily functions struggling to regain themselves from something irreparable. "Glenn, in my pride I have lost my soul…I was – I was willing to steal the queen…I was willing to betray his majesty…What have I become? Why have I done this? Why did I not listen to thee?"

Glenn shook his green locks and said with a forced smile, "I know thou wouldst never do such a thing!"

"I would…" Cyrus said, suddenly crying bitterly. "Magus was right…He knew I was not worthy to wield the Masamune!"

"Cyrus, do not listen to him! Thou'rt the finest man I know!"

Cyrus' breathing became labored, "Glenn, please; protect the king and the queen. Love them as I should have…"

Glenn's hand tightened around Cyrus' hand. "Do not leave me Cyrus! Thou canst leave me!"

Suddenly, with a hoarse voice and wide eyes, Cyrus looked at Glenn with urgent fervor. "Glenn…Run…Run away…"

Glenn shook his head, "No, I cannot leave thee!"

The order became louder and more pronounced, "Run! Leave me! Save thyself! Run, Glenn! RUN!"

With that final shout, Cyrus sprang to his feet with inhuman strength. He sprinted towards the mystic group, shouting for Glenn to retreat. A blinding light went through the valley as Cyrus screamed again and fell to the ground. Glenn could not move his feet as his vision became clear. On the ground was Cyrus, sprawled and reaching out for Glenn. "P-p-please…Do not let my foolishness be the cause of thy…" His eyes slowly closed and a death rattle came from his body. His form, tensing from pain, suddenly went limp as life vanished.

His death, which would forever be engraved in Glenn's memory, was unceremoniously tainted by the raucous jests of his murderers. It was only Magus who did not laugh. He stood, watching Glenn expectantly, warning him with his gaze that he should follow Cyrus' advice. Glenn regarded him with gritted teeth. He bent low and picked up his blade.

He did not heed the warning.

"I was blinded by all my pain, blinded by the death of Cyrus. Like a man possessed, I charged forward and challenged Magus to a duel. He did not bother to cross arms with me. I felt my actions cease and I was thrown to the ground. Immediately, I was fallen upon and beaten like a dog by his cohorts. Whatever pity or understanding was in his eyes, they were gone the moment I had challenged him. He began to jest with the others, saying that I leapt like a frog and that I should bear its resemblance. I felt a great burning in my body, as if the very muscles and sinews were twisted and broken. If felt my body fall over the edge of the cliff into the cool waters of the valley. The fall rendered me unconscious, and when I awoke I found myself bandaged by my comrades. Three months passed before my vision had returned completely, but I failed to believe mine eyes…for what lay in front of me is what thy eyes behold this day: A disfigured creature that was created by the workings of the darkest soul."

The story was received with stony silence. There was nothing that could be said, and it was feared that any ill-placed word would defile the sacredness of the silence. Therefore, all looked down to the ground while Glenn gripped the Masamune by the hilt. Seeing that nobody was willing to speak, Glenn said, "There are many reasons why I have shirked to battle Magus again. I shall not speak of them all, for they haunt me to this day, but know you this: the day I had challenged Magus was the day I found myself to be no more than Cyrus. I faltered and the thoughts of my heart were silenced by rage. A man who seeks bloodshed for the sake of revenge is not worthy to yield the Masamune. Cyrus was better than I and its power corrupted him…who am I to wield the sword? Shall the Masamune deem me worthy?"

"But," Glenn began, "I see that thou art kind souls, bent on the restoration of peace in these lands. Mayhap if I fall into thy numbers, Cyrus may yet be avenged and peace be restored."

"Glenn," Lucca began, "you can't think like that if what you say is true."

"That is another fear, Lady Lucca." Glenn began despondently, "Will my reasons be pure when the time comes? Regardless, thy conviction and courage give me strength! I pray that my reasons be sure and righteous when I face Magus. And I have faith they will be as long as all of thee remain with me."

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Crono began gently, "Now I understand why you wouldn't want to do it."

"If I do not, then I shall carry this guilt within me for the rest of my life. I had not done all I can to save a life. Now comes the hour of my penance."

Author's notes: Well, it's been long enough, has it? I have another two chapters done though, but I am going to put them out over the space of a week. I want to make sure nobody accidentally skips chapters. Anyways, more language stuff for the curious.

Subject focus tenses:

Present: pag-verb (ex: Gusto ko pag-adto sa merkado – I want to go to the market). It literally reads "Want I to go to the market."

Past: nag-verb (ex: Nag-adto ako sa merkado – I went to the market). It literally reads "Went I to the market."

Future: mag-verb (ex: Mag-adto ako sa merkado – I will go to the market) It literally reads "Will go I to the market."

Progressive: naga-verb (ex: Naga-adto ako sa merkado – I am going to the market) It literally reads "Going am I to the market."

By the way: did ya catch the "merkado" in there? That is actually Spanish, but the spelling is changed to suit their pronunciation.

There are two other focuses: object, and location. I'll write about them next time.

Malayan languages are different from Latin-based languages in the sense that English always puts the focus at the very beginning of the sentence. Such as "I am the man" or "She did this." However, Malayan languages can put the focus anywhere they want depending on how they speak. The rules of placement are far less rigid than English, but it makes it very hard to make for a unified agreement on grammer, which is why some things can be said in such different ways. It's the beauty and curse of the language. Anyway, until next time!

Gibson