Chrono Trigger
Short stories of Modern Guardia; in which our protagonists rest and attend to their preparations…
The New and Improved Spekkio
It was a pleasant surprise when they find themselves in the familiar swirling mists that were the end of time. Although they had explained it in detail to Glenn, he had a hard time coping with the basic concept of time travel. Since they were here, they could show him certain periods in history that appeared in the pillars of light to get their point across. Instead of becoming worried, Glenn was pleased that he could finally wrap his mind around the whole situation. As for Ayla, she merely shrugged and said that she would fight whoever challenged them and that was good enough for her.
"Speaking of fighting…" came the familiar old voice from underneath the lamppost.
"Gasper!" The original four members of the group made their way to the friendly old man, Lucca taking a little more time than the others.
"It is good to see you all again," he said with glee, tipping his hat to the group, "and look how strong you have become!"
Lucca arched her eyebrows at him, "How can you tell how strong we have become?"
"Well," Gasper said, jutting his thumb to a familiar door, "as I was saying, if you go inside there you will see."
The members of the group that had been there for the first visit were not as ignorant about what lay behind the door. Crono approached the door with the same hesitancy as a child avoiding a spoonful of bitter medicine, but finally found the courage to let it swing open. They walked through the door, looking for the same duplicitous form they had faced last time. A look of horror came over Crono's face when he was not greeted by a small white creature. Instead, he was greeted by a large, muscular beast that looked very much like Masa and Mune when they combined on the peak of the mountain.
Instantly, their weapons were out and they watched the newfound creature with apprehension. After it made no movement, Lucca called out to it and it finally responded in a surprisingly cheerful voice. "Hey! Look who it is! How have you guys been?"
There was stunned silence that lasted a few moments before Crono asked, "Who are you?"
"What?" The creature fumed, crossing its arms over a rippling chest. "You mean you don't remember me? It's Spekkio! You know…the manifestation of war and the fighting spirit? Ring a bell?"
Lucca gave him a sneer, "You can't be him! I mean, you are so…so…"
"Tough looking?" Spekkio suggested with a toothy grin.
Lucca folded her own arms, her hip swaying out to the side as she said, "That, and you sound like you've been living on a diet of sugar since we've last met."
Spekkio laughed a gut-busting and almost theatrical guffaw. The laugh, as loud and sudden as it was, was still a bit contagious to Crono and Glenn who found themselves smiling. Nobody else smiled, but at least their nerves lessened and they stood at ease. Spekkio smiled and began to flex as if he were showing them something by example, "You see, I appeared weak before only because I was a mirror image of your own strength! But, as you look at me now, you can tell you all have come a long way in your journeys!"
"And why are you so chipper?" Marle asked, her hands clasped behind her back.
"Well, that is because I also reflect you in that aspect. You were so nervous when you first started, so frightened and unsure. My personality reflects your confidence, which is your faith in your strength. In that way, I am the manifestation of war and the fighting spirit."
"Interesting," Lucca said to herself more than anyone else. Already, the dusty thoughts of performing dissection for the sake of discovery returned.
"So, now that we have covered all that, how about a sparring match?"
Crono's eyes went to the ground, "Uh, I'm not sure. I remember how badly it went last time."
"You might be surprised." Spekkio said in singsong.
Without warning, and without the knowledge or agreement of his companions, Crono launched forward while simultaneously redrawing his sword. It came down, but was stopped as massive hands clasped the blade. By this time the party had joined in the fray and the battle went underway. Within moments, Gasper noticed that light kept flashing from underneath the door and he laughed only to suddenly stop and fall back into sleep.
What Became of the King?
The swirling mists of blue eventually gave way to familiar surroundings. Darkness suddenly turned into large stacks of books and machines covered in metal chips and grease. Ayla could not help but sniff the air, having never before smelled anything like oil, machinery, or anything manufactured for that matter. She scampered about Lucca's living room, looking at everything with great interest. As for Lucca, she called out for her parents who did not answer back.
She let her hands fall to her side, her foot tapping against the hardwood floor as well. "Hmm, they must be at the doctor's office…Mom probably needed some more antibiotics." Lucca sighed and turned to her friends. She held out her arms wide and said, "Anyway, welcome to my house! I know. I am as surprised you all are. I thought the people at the fair wouldn't let him take home his invention." Lucca wondered for a moment, but went on, "We can stay here as long as it takes for us to get ready. And if you guys need anything-Hey! Don't touch that!"
Lucca ran toward Ayla who had picked up a set of calibers and ring gauges and began bashing them on a nearby desk. She pried them out of Ayla's mischievous hands and held them adoringly, as if coddling a child. Lucca looked at the intricate instruments and groaned, pushing lever of the mechanism back and forth to see if its measurements were still accurate. She then measured the gauge with her calipers to see if Ayla had dented its dimensions. Thankfully they were unharmed. She turned to Ayla and with a pointed finger said, "You," (stressing the first word strongly) "can't touch anything."
Ayla gave her an indignant look, "That is not fair! I let you touch my stones, my mats, my door, my…"
"Yeah," Lucca began incredulously, "well, if you want to touch my stones there are a lot of them outside. Okay? Go nuts! Help yourself!"
"Lucca?"
Lucca spun on her heals and said the names of her parents heartily before running to them and enveloping them in a big hug. Ayla looked at the mother and was about to ask why she was sitting in a moving chair, but stopped short as Crono gave her a nudge to the ribs. Lucca began to tell their parents about what had occurred, where they had been, and the friends they had made. Crono and Marle joined in eventually, offering their own accounts and introducing Glenn and Ayla. Surprisingly, they were not shocked or alarmed at Frog's appearance.
The mother gave a smile to her daughter, and as Ayla noted to herself, it was a weary smile that showed a fundamentally unhappy nature. She could see creases in her skin that stayed even while she smiled and suddenly Ayla was very relieved that Crono stopped her earlier. She stepped forward and stretched out a hand in greeting. "Hello, I am Ayla." For reasons she didn't know, Taban took her hand warmly, but averted his gaze. Lucca's mom did just the opposite and looked her over with a seemingly judgmental stare.
"And I am Glenn of Porre." Frog offered, stepping forward with a slight bow.
"Hmm…that's a surprise. I would have figured you were from the east." Taban said with a shrug.
"From Choras? How wonderful that it still stands…" Glenn said with thoughtful demeanor.
"Actually, I meant Medina in…" Taban looked up and saw Lucca frantically gesturing for him to stop. Taban wisely obeyed.
There was an awkward air for a brief moment before Taban cleared his throat and made his way to Crono and Marle. He effectively broke the silence with a bit of interesting news. "You are a lucky boy, Crono." Taban said, clapping Crono on the shoulder, his eyes lids rising in surprise as his hand met rock-hard muscle. He cleared his throat again and went on, "The king had a warrant out for your arrest for a few days, but it seems the public has stirred up a little commotion on your behalf." Crono asked what he meant, and in reply Taban began to speak to Marle. "Princess Nadia, your father, I am sorry to say, is in a tough predicament."
"What do you mean?" Her hand began to fiddle with her pendant.
"There has been a lot of foul play whispered about the king and his part in the trial held for Crono a week and a half ago." At that, Crono, Marle and Lucca felt astounded at how little time had passed in their realm while it seemed as if it had been years since their journey began. "What your father said in the courtroom about hanging Crono left everyone very skeptical. Add that to the fact that Crono has gone missing and you have a very doubting and alienated public."
"Good," Marle said firmly, almost as if she felt justified in her lack of concern, "he wasn't completely innocent in this whole affair. It serves him right."
Taban took a few bracing breaths before he continued, "People suspect that Crono has been abducted and maybe even executed. In hopes that the people won't rise against him, he publicly offered probation for Crono, hoping he would come forward and relieve the suspicions of the people."
"How very much like him," Marle spat bitterly. "He's always thinking of himself."
"Marle," Crono said, stepping forward, "this could be serious. Maybe we should talk to your father and see what we can do about clearing his name."
Marle shuffled her feet, her fingertips still twirling the pendant as she searched for an out. "All we need is for the people to see you, am I right? When we go shopping we'll make sure to stop by a really public place. That should be enough to push aside any doubts, right?"
Crono had a disappointed look on his face, but conceded. "If you think that would be best…"
"I do." Marle said with finality.
And like that, the matter was closed. Marle was understandably quieter than usual after that conversation. After all, her mind had turned to very serious things and the remembrance of her trials in Magus' castle suddenly flooded back to her. She remembered the hurt she felt as that image mocked her, and even though she swore to herself to make things right with her father, she did not wish to do so now. It further troubled her that she did not want to see her father, even though she was so adamant of her assertion in the castle. Was she truly unlike her mother? Instead of thinking on these sad thoughts, she listened as Lucca and Crono prepared a list of things they would need for their trek through the tundra.
Celebration, Repairs, and Puns
There was a sort of laidback celebration the first night the group came home. Although they made a list of supplies they would need, the general stores closed in an hour and they preferred to accomplish the public portion of their visit in one fell swoop. Taban went to a nearby store and bought fresh food for a large impromptu dinner, which Marle and Laura began to prepare. Crono introduced a few new card games to Glenn, while they introduced the idea of cards to Ayla all together. (At one point they had to inform her that it was against the rules in any game to devour the cards. Actually, that was a slight exaggeration, seeing that she only gnawed on the edge of the ace of spades to see if it had any flavor). Lucca, meanwhile, found herself in a very comfortable element as she worked side by side with her father. Robo sat, uncomplaining as they opened his circuit boards and examined his inner workings.
Taban had just finished telling Lucca how he managed to talk the fair manager into letting him take home his device. The lie was brilliant, however, it cost him the chance to participate in the exhibition. After all, saying that your device was on the verge of exploding does very little to assuage the fears of a judge. Even so, Taban explained that what they were doing must be more important than any old competition. Although he had the slightest forlorn expression on his face, it disappeared as he examined the majesty of the creation before him.
"Amazing!" Taban exclaimed, his miniature flashlight showing parts and fixtures that had been manufactured to tolerances as high as ten thousands of an inch.
"Big time," Lucca said as she pounded out a dent caused by the teeth of their most recently defeated opponent, "I'm always amazed whenever I see what he looks like inside."
"Aw," Robo pretended to gush, "I'm glad that somebody cared to look past my stunning good looks!"
"Hush," Lucca said absent-mindedly, a smile showing on her face, "what did I tell you about shtick?"
"That it belongs in the mud?" Robo said, prompting a laugh from Crono.
"'A shtick in the mud!'" Crono laughed, "You've been practicing, haven't you?"
"Maybe." Robo said slyly.
Lucca looked up, suddenly irked, "So, it was you."
Crono blanched, "Uh, what did I do?"
Lucca took a deep breath and began pointing toward Crono with her wrench, "Don't you play innocent with me! You are so busted now. I have it from your own mouth that you have been training Robo to use those annoying, constant puns of yours."
Crono raised his arms in defeat, "Alright, okay, you got me. I mean, what did you expect? Did you expect that I would resist the urge and not do the opposite of what you told me?"
"No," Lucca began slowly, building up to a drawling, sinister tone, "I expect you to die…"
Frog dove over a pile of books to avoid the collision that would have occurred had he stayed in his spot. Ayla reeled back in surprise, falling off her short stool and found herself sitting upright on the floor. Books flew up into the air and fell from their neatly placed stacks as Lucca tackled Crono to the ground. His eyes widened and that was all he could do as he felt his back slamming onto the hardwood floor. He tried to move his hands, but felt tiny hands clasp his wrists, which pinned him further to the floor.
"You are not going to do what I think you are going to do…" Crono said, almost warningly.
"Hmm, it has been a while since we did spit torture." Lucca smiled evilly.
"Such barbarism!" Glenn said with a good-natured chuckle.
"I'm warning you, Lucca, don't you dare." Crono stated firmly, staring her in the eye.
"I wouldn't challenge her," Robo said from his viewing point, "you could say that she looks so angry she could spit!"
The pun distracted her long enough so that Crono lifted her off his body. She fell back to the ground and felt herself being scooped up from behind. She half-shrieked, half-laughed as she felt her arms pinned to her side, Crono gripping her in a tight bear hug. She kicked her feet in the air, but found that she could not squirm out of his grasp. "Okay! Okay! Uncle! Crono, I said 'uncle'!" Crono released her and she landed on the ground, defeated.
"Crono," Lucca began, still giggling, "Why must you use puns? Either of you? Honestly, when did you start?"
"Where do you think?" Taban said, suddenly joining in. "I've been saying those jokes to Crono for years! I just stopped telling them around you because it drove you crazy."
Lucca seemed stunned, "You mean, all this time, Crono had been brainwashed into thinking puns were quality humor because my own father taught him?"
"Sorry…" Taban said lamely, with a smile and a shrug.
Lucca sped away from where she stood and toward her father. He laughed as she tackled him to the ground, but suddenly grew surprised when he found his struggling against her seemed to have no effect. Her grip was soft, but was like unyielding steal as she towered over him, snorting and gathering phlegm to fulfill the threat she made to Crono earlier. "Lucca, don't you dare! You do that you are grounded!" Lucca's father struggled vainly against deceptively small muscles that had been fine-tuned and strengthened by adventures, but found himself submitting to his fate, his neck craning to avoid what was coming. The group laughed at first and then a small diminutive sound earned disgusted groans in response. Meanwhile, Marle stepped out of the kitchen carrying the first of the plates she would serve to everyone. She stopped in place, seeing scattered books, toppled chairs, and Lucca holding down her father.
"Um…did I miss something?"
Changed Times and Unchanged Minds
"How bizarre!"
The following day found the group of adventurers in the streets of Truce, the capital of Guardia. As they viewed the populace, it was suddenly clear why Laura and Taban weren't disturbed by Glenn's appearance. Although Glenn was not nearly as pleased as everyone else, Crono found himself enthused. People of Mystic descent were walking in the streets, unabashed by the citizens who greeted them as warmly as Crono imagined possible.
Although he would have loved to ask anyone what happened, he needed to stay incognito until they were ready to leave. Therefore, he did not remove the old mantle that he borrowed from Taban. Instead, it earned an interesting conversation among his friends. "What do you think happened? This couldn't have happened while we were gone. How did this change?"
"It must have been our part in the battle." Lucca began, "History said that after Glenn fought Magus the Mystics carried on, using the castle as a fortress. Maybe since it was destroyed by the gate there was no prolonged battle afterward, making Guardia more open to the Mystic nation."
"Even after the death of Magus," Glenn asked, his eyes barely showing underneath the hood of his mantle, "the Mystics in your time remained stiff-necked?"
Lucca nodded and Glenn walked on, watching any Mystic he saw with an air of suspicion.
"Is something wrong?" Crono whispered to Glenn, leaning toward him.
"'Tis nothing." Glenn answered shortly, shaking his head for emphasis.
Crono walked a while further, but felt prompted by some inner-voice to stop. He encouraged the others to continue which they did. Crono looked at Glenn and motioned with a twist of his head that he should follow. Glenn sighed and wordlessly obeyed as they walked toward a small store that was connected to a home. "Glenn, have you ever tried something called 'soda pop'?"
"I confess, I have not."
"Ha," Crono smiled, "you are in for a treat!"
Crono pulled out a few coins and handed it to the patron, requesting a certain brand of soda. The owner brought it out to them, and it was icy cold to the touch, bits of frost still clinging to the outside of the glass bottles. With this small store there was a sort of veranda with benches, upon which Crono and Glenn settled themselves. They sat side by side, watching the people walking through the familiar cobblestone streets. Crono watched as Glenn took his first sip of soda and laughed as he pulled away from the bottle, only to slowly return and down the rest of it quickly. "Strange texture, this. It feels as if ants are running through my mouth as I drink it."
"I never heard anyone describe it like that." Crono said with a laugh, "It's called carbonation. The soda doesn't taste as good unless it's in there."
"Ah," Glenn said, "May I have another?"
"You're addicted now, aren't you?"
Crono ordered another round, but took the next bottles with a lowered head, seeing that the storekeeper eyed him as if he were familiar. He sat again with Glenn and said they should hurry on before he was recognized. Glenn wordlessly obeyed, his eyes following another group of Mystics who spoke enthusiastically about some fair to the north. Glenn felt his face tighten into a sneer as he took another swig of soda, not noticing that Crono saw his reaction. When he noticed, his face immediately softened and if he had the ability for it, he would have blushed.
"Aren't you happy that Mystics are getting along with us in the future?" Crono asked, watching another group pass them by.
Glenn took another gulp and said, "The scriptures say that God is not a respecter of persons. He would have wanted it this way."
"Sometimes, we don't want what he wants at first…"
"Aye, I suppose thou speakest the truth. And I confess, I am not happy in this." He looked up, gesturing to the world as a whole.
"Nobody seems to be fighting…The Mystics seemed to have forgiven…"
"Who has forgiven who?" Glenn said abruptly, cutting off Crono's thoughts. "We may hath been estranged from them in my time, but it was their master who came for us and declared war!" Glenn held the tip of the bottle, letting it dangle from his fingertips, "If anything, we have forgiven them. Or at least, thine people hath done so."
"I guess you're right. Sorry, I forgot about that." Crono leaned forward, his elbows on his legs.
"No, repent not of what thou hast said. 'Tis a good thing that thou hast forgiven them. I am not sure I can do the same."
"Why not?" Crono asked, turning to him.
Glenn sighed, "Take no offense to my words, young friend, but as I have said, thou art in the gullibility of thy youth. For ten years I have fought those monstrous hordes and witnessed their horrendous acts of cruelty. Cyrus is not the only brother I had lost to them: Fisk, Wilt, Benson, Wren, and far to many others to name in one sitting, have all died at their hands."
"It was war," Crono urged, "They did what they had to do to survive as did you."
Glenn looked at him, "Ah, the impervious, unfaltering, yet misdirected trust of the youth. You would have to experience life through my eyes to understand that there was only one for which I held wrath, yet I never slayed a Mystic with a smile on my lips…Yet, I remember the men whom fought by my side, many of them being gutted with sardonic smiles. It disturbs me as I watch these creatures walk about, their smiles so perfectly matched to their ancestors it is eerie."
Crono watched them, and all at once understood where Glenn was coming from. "I can understand why you would feel that way. Well, if it makes you uncomfortable we don't have to talk about it."
Glenn smiled, "How good it is to have a friend that can understand and not judge! Forgive me, but a life full of horrible circumstances and brutal memories cannot be assuaged and forgotten in the course of a few days. These are not the same souls who hungered for blood, but their faces are the same."
"It's okay. Really. Should we catch up to everyone?"
"Aye."
Glenn took the bottles and went to the storekeeper. The man took it with a smile, turning his back away from the pair to go inside his home. Glenn had to admit, as he gave a word of parting to the store owner, that it felt nice not to be stared at, nor receive a smile that showed hidden unease.
Harsh Appraisal
"This is your home, Crono?"
Ayla eyed the home with great interest. While we have seen that Ayla found Crono attractive at one point, we have never fully addressed the respect that she held for him. In her mind she imagined that she could best Crono in a fight, but that didn't stop her from wondering how Crono became so strong. To her, this was a chance to see how a particular type of warrior was reared and where he was raised. In a way, Ayla felt as if she were looking into the core of Crono's development as a warrior. This was no mere house visit, but a study that would give her some insight on how to raise her own children (whenever she would have them) and what she could apply to the development of her village.
"A garden," Ayla nodded, looking at the patches of fruits and vegetables. She patted Crono on the back and said, "Very good. Good for making diligence."
"Uh, thanks?" Crono added, uncertain of the reason why Ayla had suddenly become so observant.
While she peeked around the corner of the house, Crono already tried the door handle and found it to be unlocked. He stepped inside and called out those familiar words he used to say whenever he entered that door. "Mom? I'm home." Even as he called to her, he could hear a squeal of delight and the pounding of footsteps running down the stairs. The next thing he knew he was pulled into a tight and affectionate hug. Crono's mother pulled away, her eyes sparkling and her smile stretching so wide her cheeks smarted.
"Oh, have you heard the news Crono? You don't have to worry about being arrested anymore! You are on parole!"
"I have heard about that." Crono said, smiling equally as brightly and hard.
There were a few more words exchanged until Crono's mother finally turned her attention to the other members of the group. She put her hands to her face and put reached out to clasp theirs in thanks and greetings. "I am so sorry that I did not get to meet you all the last time. I was so distraught over what happened that I almost fell apart. It is an honor to meet you all."
Robo bowed, "It is no problem at all, ma'am. It is good that we may finally meet under more pleasant circumstances. I am Robo."
"A pleasure." She said with a smile. Her attention turned to the short, green man who removed his hood and bowed politely. "And who is this?" she said with a pleased tone.
"I am Glenn of Porre, and I must say that now I know from whence Crono received so much kindness and amiability."
Crono's mother giggled as Frog kissed the back of her hand, but stopped as her eyes fell on Marle. "Is it true that you are really the princess?"
Marle, not really knowing where she stood as an heiress any longer, went with the safest guess, "Yes, I think so."
There was a look of crossness in her eyes, but it softened as she remembered how passionately Marle spoke for her son that day in court, "Well, you are welcome in our home at any time. From now on, you are like family to us."
"It already feels that way." Marle added, giggling as she gave Crono's mother a hug.
"And Lucca," said Crono's mother, gathering her in a tight hug, "I hear more and more about what trouble you went through to save my son from the executioner's block. I don't think there is anything I can do to thank you enough."
"Pfft," Lucca replied with a wave of her hand, "I can't really say it was nothing, but how could I leave my best friend in a place like that?"
It was at that moment that Ayla walked in the door, searching every nook and cranny of the home without an invitation. At first the mother didn't seem to notice her presence. It took the sound of a potted plant scraping against the wooden floor to alert his mother to her presence. Crono's mother seemed surprised, but as she watched Ayla her gaze seemed to intensify until her target finally felt her stare on her. She looked up and smiled back at Crono's mother, whose eyes began to grow wide as she took in her appearance.
"Are you mother of Crono?" Ayla asked, leaning forward and prodding Crono's mother in the arm. Crono seethed though his teeth, leaning forward to interrupt.
"I am." She stated politely, brushing away the prodding finger before Crono could say anything.
The mother nearly shrieked as she felt the strong woman grip her in a tight embrace, her feet being lifted from the floor. "It is a great honor to meet you! Tell me, how is it that Crono became so strong? Did you make him lift rocks? Till the garden?"
"Put me down!" The mother said firmly.
Crono covered his face with his hand as Ayla put her back to the ground, still oblivious to the fact that she had gotten off on the wrong foot. It wasn't until Crono's mother began prodding her in the breastplate that Ayla realized she did something wrong. She could feel herself shrink underneath that finger as Crono's mother read her the riot act. "I don't care if you are my son's friend, there are certain things that you do not do when you first meet someone! You do not search around my home without permission! You do not squeeze the breath out of someone you just meet and…my word…"
"What is it?" Ayla asked with her hands going to her hips, which seemed to strengthen the mother's surprise.
Crono's mother folded her arms and said with a frown, "What in the world are you wearing? Do you have no respect for yourself?"
Ayla was stunned and looked at her apparel innocently. "But, I like what I wear…"
"That is no way for a lady to dress!" Crono's mother barked, "I imagine, being as pretty as you are, you would rather have people look you in the face, am I right?"
Ayla looked to her cohorts for guidance, but ended up nodding in more of a guess for the right answer.
"Crono, you take her upstairs right now and give her some of your old clothes until she can find something decent of her own to put on. And Ayla…don't you let me catch you wearing such clothes in public again!"
Crono would have argued, seeing that this was quite embarrassing enough. However, he could tell that this was something his mother had firmly decided on. He led Ayla up the stairs to his room while his mother began to converse with the other members of the party, who were very careful not to say anything offensive or obscene. He shut the door behind him and began to rummage through his drawers, finding an old shirt and a pair of pants. He talked to Ayla who stood very still while he put whatever he removed on the desk. "I think most of my stuff is too big for you, but at least for the pants you can roll up the legs and tighten the belt."
Crono turned to Ayla and quickly turned back, seeing that she was in the process of undressing. Evidently, the Ioku had no qualms about changing in front of each other. He waited until he was sure she was covered and turned to face her. "Listen, I am really sorry. My mom is just very old-fashioned and she doesn't know that in your time…" He stopped as he noticed Ayla's face, which seemed to be glowing in admiration.
"Now I see why you are so strong! Your mother is just as strong!"
"Wha-?" Crono began to ask, but was stopped as Ayla continued.
"You did whatever she told you! She must be amazing! She must be stronger even than you!"
Crono half laughed and half scoffed indignantly, "What? No, I am definitely…"
"What strength she must hold, to make her own son do whatever she wants with no word of complaint! Your mother is so strong you are almost like her slave!" Ayla beamed, sitting on the bed, evidently overcome what she had just seen.
"Oh come on!" Crono said, agitated. He reached out for Ayla's wrist and began to pull her after him.
"Hey, you be kind and respectful to a lady!" Ayla said with a haughty air, "If you do not, I will tell your mother!"
Ayla laughed as Crono gave her another tug, bringing her downstairs.
A Familiar Face and a DisturbanceThey had begun attending to the first of their many shopping trips, leaving Crono behind since he claimed he had important things to discuss with his mother. It wouldn't have been a good time for him to be exposed anyway, and neither was it necessarily good for Marle. The mantle did well in covered up her hair, but even still she had to watch the ground as she walked so that no one saw her face. That is why she nearly passed a place that would have caught her interest immediately.
"Marle!" Lucca gasped in surprise, tugging on her cloak. "Look! You don't think it could be him, do you?"
Marle stopped and looked upward, seeing a new store in the town proper that used to be a restaurant. She looked at Lucca who pointed again insistently, this time to the sign of the store. Marle obeyed and her eyes widened, squinted pensively, and widened once again as she read the sign.
She felt a surge of hope in her, more for Crono's sake than her own.
The sign read: "Welcome to Alwyn's and Shultz, the best outfitters in town!"
She turned to Lucca and said, "You don't think it could be him, do you?"
They gave each other inquisitive looks before walking up the stairs that led to a patio. They pushed open double doors and found themselves in a large store, filled with general goods that attracted various sorts of customers. There were at least three people whom they did not know attending to customers, dressed in formal clothing. However, there was one person that Marle and Lucca knew, as well as a woman that only Lucca knew.
"Fritz! Claire! What are you guys doing here?" Lucca said, gesturing to the store around her.
"It's you!" Fritz clumsily jumped over the counter, almost falling flat on his face. He ran toward Lucca and gave her a tight hug, despite her slight protestation beforehand. Claire hurriedly took a longer route around the counter and met Lucca with a wide smile and a hearty handshake. Lucca noted that her eyes searched the group for someone and then pretended to have not done such a thing.
"Hey, where is Crono? Is he okay?" Fritz asked. Claire's eyes were lit at the sound of that name and she looked anxiously at Lucca.
She nodded, "Yeah. He's doing really well. But keep it down and try not to talk about him too much." Lucca said, working her way down to a whisper.
"I can understand that," Claire said, adding with a demure smile, "but I hope you guys can get him down here! I know Alwyn has been worried sick about him!"
"Alwyn?" Marle said evasively, seeing if they would reveal more about the man before they made any conclusions.
"You probably don't know him," Fritz threw in. "He's a business man from Medina. He met Crono here a few years ago and in turn introduced him to us."
Marle and Lucca looked at each other excitedly, earning puzzled looks from Fritz and Claire. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh," Lucca began quickly, trailing off for effect, "I just never knew your last name was Shultz…"
They continued talking about what had been going on during the fair and began talking about the things they wanted to purchase. Asking for coats during such a warm winter struck Claire and Fritz as odd, but fortunately a familiar face made his appearance. "Well, well, well!" Came a sunny exclamation. "Who do we have here?" The party turned and saw Alwyn, standing with a large grin on his face, accompanied by the friend they had seen with him in Medina. They greeted each other and made brief introductions before putting forth questions that pertained to Crono and the reason why they were in his shop.
"Crono doesn't want to be seen in public right now, so he's laying low…As for us, we are looking for supplies. We are…going on a trip." Lucca finished awkwardly.
"Very well!" Alwyn said, tapping his foot. "Claire, Fritz, help these people out and give them whatever they need. It's on me."
Everyone smiled brightly, and even Glenn couldn't help but admit there was some amiability in Alwyn that he liked. "Alwyn, that's a lot to offer…"
Alwyn waved his hand in refusal at the rejection, "Don't say another word. I would have never had such a successful chain if Crono never helped me that day. I would have never lived here as well. Besides, I'm sure what you will need is just a drop in a bucket."
As they spoke, from the very moment they entered the store, there was the increasing sound of a gathering crowd. It was only at this moment, after Alwyn took a quick glance out the window behind them, that the party noticed it as well. What started, as a distant exchange of words was quickly becoming a loud rant by nearly a hundred people. They all gathered around something, but due to the crowd nobody could see the recipient of their wrath.
"What is the cause of such commotion?" Glenn asked.
Alwyn sighed, "Those poor boys…it looks like they're in a lot of trouble."
"What boys?" Marle asked.
"The patrolmen." Alwyn stated as if he were surprised. "As I was coming here I saw them walking down the street. There were a few people their age following them and I could tell they wanted to stir up some trouble. People have been going around, pushing the buttons of the authority around here. Sometimes it is settled before things get out of hand, but it doesn't seem to be the case this time. I can't say I blame them for being angry, what with the king and all…but those are just boys doing their job. They have nothing to do with the king." He shook his head sympathetically.
Alwyn turned to Claire and Fritz, "We better put up the shutters and close the doors until things cool down." Alwyn addressed the group. "You guys better stay here."
Marle turned to Lucca and whispered, "You know we can't let this happen!"
"I know, but what can we do?" Lucca whispered back.
"I can beat them back and save the good people!" Ayla announced triumphantly.
"We can't do that," Marle said back, almost admonishing Ayla for the idea, "first off, they aren't all bad people. Second, that'd make a fight break out for sure! Not to mention it will make things worse!"
Glenn looked at the party and said, "I suppose that our only course be this: we shall cut our time here short. We must gather our supplies whilst one from our party fetches Crono. Surely, his appearance here shall disperse the multitudes. Instead of our planned respite, we shall take our leave as soon as possible."
"I guess it depends on whatever Crono decides." Marle answered. She looked at Lucca, "Can you go? You can probably find his place faster than any of us can."
"Yeah, I'm on it." Lucca answered, bolting out the door. She gave one look to the crowd, finally catching a glimpse of the patrolmen. They were back to back, trying to pacify an angry mob that shoved them ruthlessly. Lucca lengthened her stride, making her way as fast as she could to Crono's home.
A Sensitive Subject
"It seems like you have been growing. You look different somehow."
Crono sat at the cozy table, helping himself to his mother's famous eggs and bacon. It had been a pleasant conversation that lasted at least an hour. He had talked about his friends, earning a chance to explain Ayla on her behalf. He spoke of the relationships he shared and Crono's mother was particularly interested in learning more about Marle.
He did not eat with the group since his mother told him it would be impolite for him to eat before the others and leave her to do all the cooking. In a kinder gesture he cooked for his mother and allowed her to sit and eat first while she asked questions. It was his turn now and food seemed to have tasted better for it. He dipped his toast into the yolk, swallowing the whole thing after a few chews. His mother laughed and leaned forward, her chin resting on her hands. "At least your appetite is familiar." She pushed a glass full of orange juice toward him, which he gulped down greedily. He wiped his mouth clean and sighed in evident satisfaction.
"It's been to long since I had your cooking."
"Crono," his mother answered with a sort of surprised expression, "it's only been a week since you left."
Crono's features took a look of surprise, but he quickly recovered by saying, "Well, it seemed like a long time."
"I can understand that." She said, looking at him warmly. "I miss seeing my boy every morning. It seems like forever to me too. Are you getting up on time?"
"Actually, I have been."
She laughed, "You are maturing! I knew there was something different about you."
Crono smiled. He returned to his food as they shared a comfortable silence.
However, the comfortable silence turned into something palpable as certain thoughts stirred in Crono's mind. It took a while for his mother to feel it as well, but she said nothing, knowing that if anything troubled her son he would tell her. She could already tell that something was bothering him, seeing that he stopped eating and played with his food instead. Even still, she said nothing and waited for Crono to say…
"Mom, can I ask you something? Something kind of personal?"
She smiled, "Yes. Of course you can."
Crono looked down at his plate, building up courage. "Have you ever told anyone else…I mean, other than Lucca's parents, about…" Crono trailed off.
His mother instantly tensed, sensing what was coming her way. However, it was only caused by surprise and the sudden well of bitter memories stinging her for only a moment. It happened whenever they opened up this subject, which would happen time and time again. After all; between people who truly love each other, no concerns or troubling thoughts are ever unmentioned. Also, hard memories never vanish or fade, but they are easier when shared or discussed between two people who trust each other. To show her support and that she was not afraid to talk about the subject, she finished his thought. "No, I haven't talked to anyone else about your father or Elly. I never really had a reason."
"Would you ever be mad if I wanted to tell someone else about it?" Crono asked, looking as if he were struck by guilt for simply putting the prospect out there.
His mother smiled sweetly, "Of course not. But who would you want to speak to about that?"
Crono blushed at this part, "Well…it's one of my friends that you have met."
"Oh," his mother replied softly, smiling down at her hands. She had an idea of who it could be, but she did not pry.
Crono, completely removed from his food that he used as a crutch for his nerves, set his fork down and looked at his mother. "I know that it is a really sensitive subject and that we don't want to shout it out to the public or anything. I know it was hard for you…"
"It was hard for you too." Crono's mother answered, her hand clutching Crono's affectionately for a moment before letting it go. "You went through the same thing I did."
"I know." Crono nodded, his gaze falling to the table. "It just doesn't feel right talking about it without hearing what you have to say."
"I know it's a hard thing to talk about. Out of curiosity, why do you want to talk to your friend about it?"
His mother didn't know what ordeal he went through while he explored the Mystic castle. She also didn't know about the night in the Ioku village where he let it slip to Marle that he once had a younger sister. He thought for a moment if he should tell her everything, but decided against it for fear of making her worry. A sickly feeling came to his stomach and guilt about holding the truth back during such a close moment circulated through him. The mother noticed, but mistook it for a telling gesture to leave it be. "You don't have to tell me. I just want you to be sure that you tell her for the right reasons."
"'Her?'" Crono restated her giveaway while blushing.
"…Or 'him'!" His mother added quickly.
Crono laughed and so did his mother. She folded her arms on the table, lowering her chin to meet them while looking up at her son with a smile, "I gave it away, didn't I?"
"Kind of…" Crono answered.
"So tell me more about her!" The mother almost said with a squeal of delight. "I can tell that she likes you."
Crono gave a surprised smile, his eyes becoming bright as if something bothering him had finally been put to rest, "Really? You think she does?"
"I could tell when she spoke for you during the trial." She said with a fond tone.
"What?" Crono seemed dumbstruck. "Ayla wasn't at the trail…"
Crono's mother had a look of horror on her face, but it turned into relief as Crono burst into laughter. "I got you."
"Ugh…you can't do that to a mother…But really…tell me about Marle."
Crono joked with his mother because he honestly wanted to avoid this line of questioning. It felt awkward talking about someone this way. He made a few random gestures in an attempt to summon words to describe what he felt. "She makes me feel comfortable. I can't really explain it. I don't know if it's because we knew each other for so long…" He remembered that to his mother it had seemed much shorter than he knew. "I mean, it seems like we already knew each other by how well we got along. It just feels like she honestly wants to be around me and that somehow makes me feel like nothing I've ever felt. I thought it was in my head until you told me that she might feel the same way…The fact that she it seems like she cares for me makes me happy…"
His mother smiled, "So is that why you want to tell her? You want to see if she'll still feel the same way after hearing about Elly?"
"I guess so…Sometimes I worry that I might be no different than dad was…being his son and all. It makes me wonder if I'll ever do anything like he did."
Crono's mother looked at him square in the eyes and said, "I know this more than anything: you are not your father. And by the way you have grown, you never will be. You are still the same sweet boy that you have always been."
"Thank you." Crono said with a tremulous smile.
The atmosphere immediately changed as Lucca came in through the front door. She had a worried look on her face and she was panting. Crono could already tell by the look on her face that he would need to leave. He could tell that they would have to cut their vacation short and continue their journey. Crono looked at his mother and back at Lucca. As cowardly as it may seem, at the moment he didn't have the heart to tell his mother. "What's wrong, Lucca?" Crono prompted.
"Crono, we have to leave. Right now. A crowd is ganging up on some soldiers and it's getting pretty bad."
Crono sighed. "Alright. We better get going then."
"You know that once we show ourselves we can't stay. People from all over will hound us and we might get involved in something deep if we stay." Lucca added.
Crono nodded in reply. He looked at his mother and said, "I'm sorry. But I have to go. I'll be home soon. I promise."
"I know." His mother rose and gave him a parting hug before he bound out the door, Lucca leading the way. His mother watched after him long after he left her sight.
The Words of a Martyr
He could feel people watching him as he ran down the street. He could also hear the shouted claims of people saying that they have seen the great martyr walking the streets. Evidently, everyone had been convinced that what he or she have heard was true. Several people cheered him on as he run, slightly offended when he did not return their praises. Others turned deathly white as if they had seen a ghost. There were also others, who were very few, that glared at him with a deep hatred. He supposed that they were either off-duty guards or members of the country who were still on the side of the king.
Finally, he saw the distant square where spurious chants and vicious insults were hurled with reckless abandon and ignorance. Crono was struck with dread when he saw that the guards were on their knees, one bleeding profusely from the nose while the other bled from his eyebrow. He could also see that the crowd began to be flanked by guards on duty. The guards stood, their swords sheathed with bludgeons taking their place. The guards would prod the crowd with their weapons of choice in warning whenever one received a shove.
Now Crono could hear the shouting of the ringleader who led the impromptu riot. "Is it a crime what we are doing here? This is the same treatment that Crono must have received from our good king! Is this what the merciful King of Guardia does to those who disagree with him?"
He was a young man, barely older than seventeen. Nonetheless, he acted with brutality that betrayed his age. He delivered a powerful kick to a guard's stomach. The guard fell over, moaning in pain while the other guard attended to him despite his own injuries. The crowd shouted in agitation as the ringleader prompted a surge of movements from the guards. There was a sharp cry of pain as a cudgel whipped someone in the face and the crowd shouted angrily. The shoving quickly turned into blows and almost all too quickly there were screams.
Perhaps it was because he panicked, or maybe it was because deep down inside him he knew it was the only way to prevent a disastrous riot, but Crono did something extreme to gather attention to himself. He leapt into the air, high above the crowd that fought each other. Lucca gasped as he soared through the air and the words, "Oh no" left her mouth. Not everyone noticed him at first, while the few who did rubbed their eyes in disbelief. He landed gracefully on the rooftop of a two-story building and looked down to the crowd to see a scant few eyes watching him.
"Listen to me!" Crono shouted.
The fighting had died some, but the square was still alive with a vicious brawl between guards and civilians. Even worse, there were people from the connecting streets who rushed toward the fight. Even those who had noticed Crono were forced to turn their attention away as someone advanced on them.
"I said 'listen to me!'"
There was the sound of rumbling thunder and the square was lit with a blinding light. The whole crowd shrieked in surprise as a boom shook the town square, causing all to fall down to the ground in fear. The light subsided as quickly as it came and they could only hear the sound of someone wanting to be heard. Their eyes collectively went to the rooftops where Crono stood, holding his hand aloft that still crackled with bolts of lightning.
"I-it's him! It's Crono!"
The crowd stood dumbfounded for a moment as if they wondered what to make of this. Suddenly, there was a burst of applause from the crowd. The young man who instigated the riot looked down at the battered guard and smirked. He bent down to him, grabbed a fistful of hair, and forced his eyes to look up at Crono. "You see that? What do you think about that?"
"STOP THAT AT ONCE!"
The crowd who had been cheering fell into awkward silence. Crono leapt from the roof, causing a shriek to go up through the audience. He landed gracefully in front of the boy who stood as still as stone while members of the audience slowly moved away. Crono shoved the boy backward, the hand releasing the guard's hair as a result. The guard, however, no longer needed any assistance to hold his head up. He watched Crono with great surprise as the ringleader received a chilling glare. The boy looked at Crono with a mixture of confusion and hurt, but said nothing.
Within the store, Alwyn, Fritz, Claire, and their guests watched in awe. "What on earth did he just do?" Claire whispered.
Alwyn struggled to find words, "I-I don't know."
Crono finally prized his glare from the boy and looked at the two young guards at his feet. His heart wrenched in his chest as he saw that they were deprived of their weapons and that they were protecting each other. He looked back at the boy and said firmly, "Give them back their weapons."
"But Sir Crono, why would you want to do--"
"I told you to give them their weapons!" Crono barked.
The boy winced at his voice. He saw the resolve in Crono's face and sighed, signaling to a few of his cohorts that walked with him earlier. They threw down a pair of rapiers at the feet of the guards who in turn took them cautiously. Within the silence there were scattered whispers. Most of them questioned why Crono would assist the guards while a few wondered how Crono survived the fall. The guards said nothing, but held their weapons at the ready, prepared to charge toward the red-haired boy that had been a source of great contention in their otherwise peaceful kingdom.
Crono stood, as silent as everyone else. Words came to mind, but not one of them seemed appropriate to say. He was the focus of every person and mystic in that crowd. In the middle of his thoughts he saw his friends quietly leaving a store. Lucca motioned to him, voicing silently that they would meet at her place. He watched them leave out of the corner of his eyes and he was alone again.
Of all the words he could have said, nothing would have been more fitting than what he thought to be clumsy words stumbling from an uneducated tongue. "These are your guards…They need their weapons to protect you."
The young boy looked down to the street, ashamed by such simple words. The guards watched Crono with newfound respect and the civilians suddenly felt very foolish. Crono, pleased to see that his words had some effect, ran away from the crowd, earning a great clamor of questions and cheers. They gawked in amazement as he leapt to the rooftops, leaving the crowd behind as they vainly tried to follow him in the streets.
He found himself alone, sliding down a tiled-rooftop in a more crowded part of the city. He landed in a shaded alleyway were the shouts of people were distant. He took a moment to lean against the wall, look to the sky, and sigh in relief. He righted himself and walked down the street, covering his face with his mantle. He began to make his way back to Lucca's, wishing he could have said something more impressionable.
Departure
"We're sorry we can't stay any longer." Lucca said to her parents who seemed greatly disappointed.
Notwithstanding his feelings, Taban said, "No. I'm proud of you all. You did the right thing."
There was a general feeling of depression as everyone sat in a circle. In the corner of the living room sat backpacks full of equipment and supplies. Things such as blankets and sleeping backs were packed as tightly as they could to make as much room as possible for everything else. Thick coats lay on top of each individual backpack along with mittens, snow boots, and scarves. The only thing that wasn't here at the moment was the leader of their party…
Everyone stood as the door opened. A hooded figure walked into their living room, the darkness under the hood shielding his face. The figure waited until the door was closed before he removed his hood. He looked around at everyone; his eyes were seemingly weary from what occurred. He found the corner filled with supplies and he turned to Lucca. "Is that everything we need?"
"Yeah. We were lucky that Robo was with us. Because of him we were able to carry everything back in one go."
"Great." Crono said with a nod. "Thank you Robo."
"Please," Robo answered, "think nothing of it."
"What about the guards," Marle began with uncharacteristic tactlessness, "are they okay?"
"Yeah," Crono said, rubbing the back of his head. "I froze up while trying to think of things to say…but I think I got my point across."
"Good." Marle said with a smile. Crono returned it and went over to the supplies.
"So," he slowly drawled, already suiting up the winter clothes, "are we all ready?"
"I guess so…" Ayla answered, putting on her own winter clothes over the clothes Crono had given her.
Glenn stood in front of Laura and Taban and bowed, "We thank thee for thy generosity. It sorroweth me that we do not have more time."
"Maybe next time." Laura offered with a smile.
And with that, the party passed through the gate, the world fading into blue. Their respite had come to an abrupt end.
Author's Note: Thanks to all for reviewing. Sailor Phantom (sorry I shortened your name TT) suggested fan art and I like the idea. In all honesty, I've been wanting to draw some for my story as well. I will probably put up a picture for each chapter…to make it look authentic. :-P When Sailor draws some I will tell you all where you can find it, that is, if Sailor doesn't mind. :-D Same goes for me. I think I already wrote about this to you, but I didn't make Flea a male because of certain elements later on in the story. Ocaj, I most definitely don't want to mess with someone who has a nice sword collection. :) Crono's going to live. I was just kidding when I wrote that and wanted to see people's reactions. I wouldn't want to kill him anyway. And Kit, thanks for another good review. I'm glad you let me know that you found the Nu chapter funny. Sometimes I worry if my sense of humor can be too far out there. Being funny requires good timing and presenting material in the proper tone of voice and it relieves me when somebody informs me I'm right on target. Same applies to Tesukon. :) Shadowincarnate, thank you for your review. At times I take reviews and suggestions and apply them to my story. You opened up a different way to approach a certain aspect of it. Lirincandy, (and anyone who is willing to answer) I want opinion on something…Does the relationship between Crono and Marle seem rushed? I usually talk about how Marle feels while avoiding Crono's. Revealing his feelings for Marle in this chapter might be too much information too soon, or might make the relationship happen to quickly. What do you think? Thanks again to everyone!
Also, I am going to post for Deformed Knight before I start on another chapter. I should be done soon.