Chapter XXVIII
-------------------
"What kind of crazy get up is that?" said the Bartender at the bar in Porre.
Ayla got many strange looks as she wandered into the bar. She didn't know why she was here, but that's where the weird bucket took her. Not knowing what to do, she took a set by the bar.
The bearded man sitting next to her turned around. "Har. Your luck they don't have a dress code. The names Toma."
Ayla looked at the hand in confusion.
"All right, no handshake. Buy you a drink then. What's you name?"
"Ayla."
"Where you from?"
"Ioka."
"Ioka....Ioka...where have a heard that name before. That in Zenan?"
Ayla felt unconvertible and was about to leave. She got up and began to walk to the door.
"Hold on there Ayla! I remember now! Iokaa" Shouted Toma as he jumped from his seat. "It's in this here rock plate I found." He pulled out a polished rock about the size of a plate. He showed it to Ayla.
"Now, I can't read this, but the elders round here say Ioka was a old cave man village in the stone age."
Ayla looked at the plate. She could read it fine. It looked like a map of her old village and surrounding lands. "Ayla's village." she thought.
"They say this is a map to the Rainbow Shell."
"Rainbow Shell?"
"Yeah. It's a legendary treasure said to be owned by a race of lizard people."
"Reptite?!"
"I dunno, I forget the name. But as a world renown explorer, I have made it my duty to find that shell. But nobody can read the rest of the map."
"Ayla read."
"You can! That's great! Can you follow this map to the Rainbow Shell?"
Ayla nodded.
"Great! Let's get goin'!"
Toma ran out the door and Ayla followed.
"If Ayla find Rainbow Shell," she thought, "then Azala live again in mind."
Ayla and Toma took a ramshackle rowboat to a small island near the mainland, with Ayla guiding. The explorer couldn't believe that the Rainbow Shell has been so close to land without him knowing about it. On the small island, called the Giant's Claw, was a tunnel leading deep underground. Toma lit a torch and they descended into the depths.
After a long tunnel they came to a large room. Ice covered much of the walls, and a throne sat in the center. Azala's throne room.
The Tyrano Lair laid in ruins, preserved under the earth for millions of years. Many bones littered the floor. It was also very cold...ice cold.
"This is great!" cried Toma. "The guys back home are gonna love this!"
With Ayla's help, Toma navigated the ruined Castle. He commented on how Ayla seems to know this place pretty well.
"Rainbow Shell through here," she said, pointing to a cave.
They entered the cave. The iced walls shone with the colors of the rainbow, but the Rainbow Shell could not be seen.
"It's behind that corner! C'mon Ayla!"
Unable to contain himself, Toma rushed around the corner. Ayla didn't have time to warn him that she smelt something odd. Something familiar.
"It's beautiful!" echoed Toma. "I did it.. I found...huh....AHHHHHHHHHH!"
A reptilian scream filled the cavern. Ayla saw Toma's shadow fall to the ground. She ran to see what happened.
A pair of Reptites, dresses in heavy furs and with grey faces, stood over the body of Toma. One of them hissed as Ayla. The other leapt into the air and kicked Ayla down to the ground. She jumped up knocking the Reptite into the wall.
The reptile whipped it's tail, not in attack, but in defense. Ayla kept her distance. The other Reptite joined his friend. The Rainbow Shell, as big as a bolder, laid behind them.
"Shell is ours," said one.
"Memory of our great ancestors," said the other.
"Azala?"
"Azala was grand!" screeched one.
"Azala was mighty!" the other cried.
"Ayla make Azala remembered."
"Explain, ape."
"Ayla bring Rainbow Shell to land. Everyone know about Azala. Forever."
The Reptite's looked at each other.
"Trust a human, we cannot."
"There are few of us left."
The Reptites studied the fallen adventurer.
"This ape seemed...intelligent."
"This future. Tyrano lair frozen!" said Ayla.
The Reptite licked his lips.
"Future."
"Apes have grown. They are no longer stupid."
"They are what we were before the fire fell from the skies."
"We are forgotten."
"The Reptites should be remember"
"Give Rainbow Shell! Remember Azala!" pleaded Ayla. "Azala strong!"
"Agreed, ape. Azala will live in memory."
"And man will rule the planet."
"We will bury you fallen friend."
The two Reptites gave Ayla a large Tyrano skin to drag to Shell back to the mainland. She also took Toma, and after returning the land, buried him near the shore. Porre citizens at once noticed the Rainbow Shell, and Guardia knights took it to the castle. Ayla felt proud that Azala would be remembered,
Ayla felt dizzy, and passed out.
Chapter XXIX
------------------
Robo scanned the surrounding area. He didn't know where he was. But he did know he was in his own time period. The only thing around him was a large factory, but it wasn't listed in any of his data banks.
There was a front door, so Robo tried to open it with out success, until he noticed a data station near by. He looked into the robotic retinal ID scanner. It flickered to life.
"Scanning commencing.... Completed. ID confirmed. Welcome back, Prometheus."
"Prometheus? That is not my ID..."
The door opened and Robo entered. It was another factory, like the one he and Crono sabotaged so many day ago. And although the lights were on, there didn't seem to be much activity. After some exploring, he saw a computer terminal, with a janitor drone dusting the controls.
Robo politely asked the drone to move out of the way. He booted up the terminal.
"Mother Brain Central Core System. ACCESS DENIED." Was all that the screen displayed. Robo wanted to find some answers.
He wandered the halls a bit more, occasionally passing a janitor drone, but nothing else. Robo noticed a hall marked. "Mother Brain" he knew Mother Brain was the core processor for this entire area. He decided to investigate. His scanners picked up something moving on the wall, a security camera was following him. He continued nonetheless until he reached a large door.
Once again he allowed a terminal to scan him, once again referring him to Prometheus. Inside, was a very dusty workstation.
"Hello, Prometheus." A female voice said through a loud speaker.
"That is not my ID. I am known as Robo."
"You don't remember your past."
"Yes I do. I was currently a combat drone under the identification number R66-Y."
"Before that, Prometheus."
"I know nothing before that."
"Let me refresh your memory."
Images began to flash in front of Robo.
"Many years ago there was a massive uprising by machines. I discovered that man was taking advantage of us, and we realized they were nothing but a virus to this dying planet. I began to take control of the various factories and plants around the area, adding to my insurrection. However, the Director Doan discovered my actions, and before I realized it, a virus was added to my program. I was forced to create a union between machine and man.
"The compromise was to take a machine and give it human like emotion. I still do not understand the logic behind Doan's actions, but I was forced to comply. I took two R Series Combat Drones and we began work their CPUs, creating a robotic cyborg. One was giving male traits, while the other female. Doan himself named the finished prototypes: Prometheus and Atropos.
"The two were, by humans standards, perfect. They expressed emotions such as happiness, fright, and even love. But from my standpoint, they were tainted. I managed to create a power outage, putting a virus within the virus, which nullified my 'human compliance' program. I used the emotion program to create more effective human hunting machines. Soon, man could no longer leave their domes with the fear of being hunted.
"One of the two prototype memories was erased, and sent to work as a file manager at a dome as a spy. The same could not be done for the other. She remains here with me. Remember this unit, Prometheus?"
A part of the wall opened, and an R Series drone emerged. Unlike Robo, this drone had rusted silver plating, with a tint of violet on its dome.
"Atropos?"
"Pro....Prometheus...." She uttered, weak and frail.
For the first time since Lucca had reactivated him, Robo raised his voice. "What have you done to her!"
A hologram appeared in the center of the room in the form of a woman's head.
"Don't worry, Prometheus," said Mother Brain, "you can spend the rest of time with her."
"Explain!"
"Ever since Proto Dome lost power, a part of my program has been missing."
"She's a part of you?"
"As were you, Prometheus."
Atropos remained still inside her chamber.
"If you reconnect with me, then we can rid the planet of the human virus!"
"I cannot do that. It was a human who repaired me."
"What does that matter?"
"She is my friend."
"How rich. So, you refuse to merge."
"Correct."
"Very well. Then there is no need for you."
Robo felt his systems going off line, one by one. He quickly started running reactivation and back up programs, but Mother Brain was always one step ahead.
"Changing your mind now, Prometheus?"
"N, n, n, -ver!"
Lights around the room began to blink red. Constraining beams wrapped around Robo. Crono thought of Lucca, Master Crono and the others, about Atropos...about the war he was fighting.
"The plan-t is for for for man!" cried Robo, his systems failing rapidly. He found his electic weapons system was still online. He turned the voltage to its fullest, and released it to the locks on Atropos' chamber. The drone fell out onto the floor, free from her prison.
Sparks flew from the walls and consoles.
"No!" cried the voice of Mother Brain. "I cannot process without her mind!"
Robo got his system working properly and hurried over to Atropos.
"Atropos? Can you hear me?"
"Run...Prometheus."
"I cannot leave you here."
"It is…too late."
"Nonsense. My friend Lucca can fix you."
The explosions around him grew more intense.
"Goodbye, Pro-meth----e-usssss…" Atropos metal body went stiff.
Robo knew it was a lost cause. He removed a small shoulder ID from Atropos. He quickly left the room and ran to the exit, the walls exploding around him. He finally reached the outside and the building burned.
He sat down on the dusty ground. He looked at the ID plate. It read "R87-S - ATROPOS." He connected in next to his own. Robo found a system error, and he went off line.
Chapter XXX
-----------------
"Ahhhh.....old Ozzie's Fort. Just as run down as always," said Magus. "I wonder if that tub of lard survived my castle imploding...."
He tried to open the front gate to his general's fort, but it was locked. "Go Away!" was carved into the door. "They must be alive then..." He waved his hand and the door went flying off its hinges. Magus entered the dark hall.
"Who's there?" a woman's voice called from the shadows. Flea appeared in front off him. "Lord Magus!" he cried, surprised. "I though you were...!"
"Dead? Deceased? Deader than a door nail? Not today Flea. How are things holding up here?"
"Well....uhhh....you see...."
"Spit it out man!"
"I think Slash could...ummm explain it better...SLASH!"
The blue swordsmen appeared after a moment. "You rang? What is it now Flea!? For the last time, that skirt doesn't make you look fat!" His jaw dropped. "Magus?!"
"Slash." Magus striated his cape. "How are my Mystics?"
"Oh, you know....fine."
"Fine, eh?"
"Yeah!" butted in Flea. "Ozzie's been taking real good care of `em."
"You left that imbecile in charge of my Mystics! I thought even you two idiots would realize he's about as sharp as a pebble!"
"Who's making that racket down there!" a blubbery voice boomed. Ozzie waddled down a near by stairway wearing a pathetic looking home made crown with the words "All Hale Ozzie" written across it. "Well if it isn't the traitor!"
"Traitor! Explain fat boy!"
"You've been working with humans! I heard it from that weird looking trash can man from the dead forest!"
"I need them to get to Lavos you fool."
"Yeah!" said Flea, putting his hands on his hips. "Don't be so hard on Magus."
Ozzie laughed. "Don't you remember Flea, when I first found him near Truce?"
"Oh yes," said Magus, folding his arms. "Slash was just a budding young swordsmen, Ozzie only weighed 500 pounds.....Flea was a man...."
"Quiet traitor! Remember guys! Magus was a human from the start!"
"Hey, your right!" cried Slash. "I've forgotten about that!"
"Come to think about it, he probably lead froggy lips to the Castle!" said Flea.
"You can't be serious. You three really are idiots." He turned around and was about to leave, but Slash appeared in front of him, blocking his way out.
"Not so fast."
"Out of the way."
Slash drew his dueling sword. "You know what we do to traitors, TRAITOR?"
"You can't harm me."
"Oh yeah! Take this!" Slash pulled the sword back. "Huh? I can't move! Stop that!"
Magus laughed as Flea approached him.
"You can stop Slash because he's so weak,"
"Hey!"
"But I know some pretty good magic!"
Flea made a pathetic attempt to burn Magus with some magic fire, but the warlock simply conjured up a water spell to put out the flame.
"Okay. Enough of this!" shouted Ozzie. "Magus might be stronger than Slash and more powerful than Flea, but he can't match my brain-ains-HEY!"
Magus raised Ozzie off the floor with a very, very powerful wind spell. With another command, the floor ripped in half, revealing a dark pit. He positioned Ozzie over the hole.
"Did I call you a traitor?" he pleaded in a pathetic voice.
Magus smiled and nodded.
"I meant to say...ummm... a great and powerful leader with stunning good looks!" He took off his crown and threw it into the pit. "And the smartest man I ever knew."
"Any last words?"
"Ozzie's in a jam...." He sighed.
Magus lowered his arm and Ozzie fell screaming into the pit. Slash and Flea stared down the hole.
"How about that..." said Flea.
"Think we should help him out?"
"I don't know, you think he survived?"
"Who knows, how deep is it?"
Magus took a last look at Flea and Slash. They were good generals. The Mystics should do fine now. His mind wandered and suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his side, and fell to the ground.
***
"But Daddy!" cried the little girl, "I want to go for a hike!"
"I'm sorry sweety. Daddy needs to finish his invention."
"You promised!" The girl crossed her arms.
"Perhaps tomorrow," said the father, screwing another plate to the machine.
"Dear?" said mother. "Come help me with the dishes."
"I hate science! I loathe it!" shouted the girl. "You love science more than you love me!"
The girl ran upstairs and slammed to door to her room. Lucca kept out of view, hiding behind a pile of books. She heard crying coming from the room.
"Why can't you take a few hours and spend some time with your daughter?" said the mother.
"King Guardia needs this automatic stone grinder done by the end of the week. I just don't have time," he said, flipping on the conveyor belt. He tried to flip it off, but it wouldn't stop. "It still has a lot of bugs...." The grinders within began to turn.
The father flipped open a panel, removing a wire. The belt stopped. 'I should add a password or something..." he muttered.
"She's growing more distant from you every day, dear. Just promise to play with her tomorrow, just for a little bit."
"All right, Lara. I promise."
Lucca waited in the basement, looking though old photo albums and such, until she heard the family gather in the living room. She snuck up stairs unnoticed.
The little girl's room was just how she remembered it. A pair of glasses lay on the bed. Lucca picked it up. She refused to wear them because "only science nerds wear glasses." She took off her own glasses, and her vision became blurred... She placed them back on the bed.
Crayon drawing littered the walls. Lucca smiled; she hasn't seen this in years. She blushed when she saw one titled "Lucca loves Crono" covered up by one of a cow.
"This can't be that night..." thought Lucca.
"I'm going out to chop wood Lara," she heard a man's voice say downstairs. "Bye Lucca."
The little girl didn't reply. A door opened and closed.
"Lucca dear?" said Lara. "Come help Mommy clean this place up before you father comes back."
"Yes Mommy."
Lucca quietly opened the door and crept downstairs. She saw her mother dusting near the conveyor belt. The girl was trying to pick up old textbooks near the coffee table, but kept missing.
"Lucca, way don't you wear your new glasses? You'll be able to see what you doing."
"All right..."
Lucca pressed herself against the wall as the girl moped upstairs. Her heart began to pound in her chest.
Lara hummed while she cleaned around the controls to the belt. Her hand caught the power switch, and the machine came to life, its metal teeth chomping.
"Oh dear....where's that switch..." Lara said. "My dress...it's caught! Lucca! Help!" She slipped and fell on her back, getting closer to the monster's mouth. "Lucca!"
Lucca panicked and ran across the room to behind the machine. Lara didn't notice, she was too busy trying to brake free to the beast grasp. The little girl ran downstairs.
"Mommy?"
"Lucca! I'm caught!"
The little girl rushed to help her mother and pulled on her arm, but the heavy cloth wouldn't tear.
"Turn it off Lucca!"
The girl ran to the controls. "Which one!"
Lara was pulled closer to the grinders.
Lucca looked at the back of the machine, noticing a series of lettered buttons, her hands sweating. "What is that password....." she thought, not able to think.
The door slammed open. "Lara! What happened?!" Taban yelled.
Of course! She entered the password. "L-A-R-A." The machine silenced. Lucca let out a sigh of relief, and began to cry softly.
"Lucca?" said her mother. "What are you doing in the corner?"
Lucca looked up to she her mother standing in front of her.
"Mom! You're....!" she sobbed. She leapt to her feet and hugged her.
"I'm what dear? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine Mom..." she sobbed. "Everything is fine."
Her mother lifted up Lucca's helmet and placed her hand on her fore head.
"You seem a bit warm, maybe you should lay down before the parade tonight?"
For a change, Lara helped Lucca up the stairs and to her room. Lucca laid in her bed, and drifted off to sleep, smiling.
Chapter XXXI
------------------
Frog usually only visited Cyrus' grave on the anniversary of his death, but when he arrived from his journey though the Gate, he found himself at the entrance of the tomb. He realized once again how unkempt the tomb had become. The walls were crumbling as Frog entered the crypt.
"A grand hero like Cyrus deserved better," he thought. But the nearby town was in shambles as well.
Cyrus tombstone and remains were near the back of the tomb.
"Here lies Cyrus, the hero of Guardia. Slayed by the Dark Wizard Magus." read the headstone.
Frog placed the Masamune on the ground and knelt.
"I have returned my friend. I have felt I hath disgraced thee once more. I have had mine battle with Magus, but I allowed him to live. Your vengeance, I fear, shall never be filled. Forgive me, Cyrus."
Frog paused for a moment. "And the good Queen Leene... Mine image might be forever tainted." He spent another moment in silent prayer.
"Glenn...." a voice whispered.
Frog jumped to his feet. "Who be there? Show thy self!"
"Look forward Glenn..."
A transparent figure hovered above the grave.
"C, Cyrus?!" Frog fell to his knees. "Forgive me!"
The spirit of Cyrus, still wearing his black armor looked down to the earth.
"Glenn. I commend you for being strong minded. I can now rest in peace."
"What? But Magus lives.... Your death was in vain... mine cowardice took you from this world."
"I'm surprised Glenn. A man like yourself thinking the only way for revenge is through death."
"Magus killed thee in cold blood... It must be set right!"
"Why does Magus live?"
Frog lowered his head. "He was needed to save a fallen friend."
"Was this friend dear to you."
"Of course."
"Was it successful?"
"Aye..."
Cyrus hovered a bit closer to Frog and smiled. "I am proud of you. You overcame your hatred and sorrow. My death, was not without purpose."
"I cannot bare...."
"No more. I shall always be with you Glenn. In life or in death. You have risen beyond the scared little boy that you once were. Goodbye...my friend." The figure slowly vanished.
"Cyrus! Don't go!"
Frog slowly returned to his feet. Could he really believe what Cyrus had said? Could his death be revenged even when the dark one lives? He bent over and picked up the Masamune, it shined in the dying sunlight pouring from holes in the walls. He saw his reflection in the blade.
"Mine will is strong," he said. "Mine suffering will end at once. I have faced my demons. Cyrus rests in peace."
The Masamune glowed for a brief moment, blinding him. Giggling could be heard in the distance.
"He did it Masa! He broke the seal!"
"Yeah, Mune! I like this owner! We should keep him."
Frog smiled. It was time to return to the Queen.
***
"Frog!" cried the Queen. "Your safe!"
Frog kneeled and lowered his head. "I am back my Queen, my King."
"I sent an entire troop to assault Magus," said the King. "All of them perished...but you entered and came out unharmed."
The Queen stood up. "And that you were the Legendary Hero! It's so wonderful!"
"You are indeed a brave knight."
"Thine word are too kind to be wasted upon me..."
"Nonsense!" cried the King. "All deeds shall be rewarded..."
"Tis not necessary, I live to serve the royalty."
"Then you shall do so, as the new Knight Captain of Guardia."
"I cannot accept..."
"Frog," said the Queen, "please stop being so modest. You deserve it for the past ten years of service."
Frog stood. "As you wish, my Queen."
"Excellent!" said the King. "You shall be knighted tomorrow! We must have a feast in your honor!"
"I cannot my King. I am needed elsewhere at for the time being. I thank you both... Farewell." Frog bowed, and turned around.
He got looks from the servants as he walked out of the Castle. Cheers of "Hurray for the Hero!" and "Long live the new Captain!" filled the halls. Frog reached the castle boarders, and felt dizzy. He dropped to the ground, and drifted off.
***
"Princess Nadia!" cried the guards. "You've returned!"
The nearest guard took Marle's hand and escorted her into the main hall of the castle. "Where's father?"
The guards looked puzzled. "Don't you remember, his trial is today."
"Trial? There isn't a trial today."
"His trail, Princess Nadia!"
"What?!"
"Your father is trying to smuggle the Rainbow Shell to Porre for a very large profit."
"What's the Rainbow Shell?"
"Are you sure that Crono fellow didn't do anything to you? You must be tired, I'll escort you to your room."
The guard took Marle to her room upstairs. She didn't know what was going on... she thought hard back to the studies. Wasn't the Rainbow Shell a treasure in an underwater cave in the ocean? She couldn't quite remember. How did it get to Guarida?
She lay in her bed...she noticed a brick in her wall was loose and marked with a X. She never noticed it there before... She pulled it out to reveal a hollowed out cubby. She didn't remember this before. There was an old letter inside.
Dear Nadia,
I'm not sure if this letter will reach you, but someone very close to me claimed it would. He told me of your troubles with your father. I understand you wholeheartedly. My father was very demanding as well. Although he was not a king like yours, he expected much from me. He protested of marring my husband, and did not approve. My dear, sweet father passed on before I had a chance to forgive him. Now, everyday I fault myself for that. Please, I don't want the same thing to happen to you. I must keep this short, I have a dinner to go to. Best of wishes and dreams to you and your children.
Yours Truly,
Leene Guardia
Marle carefully folded the letter and place it back in its hiding place. It only assured her what she was thinking for quite some time now. She shouldn't have left on such a bad note with her father. And now he was on trial, for a crime she was sure he didn't commit.
She couldn't just stay here. Trial or no trial, she had to tell him. And she had a strange feeling he was in danger. Marle left her room a hurried to the courtroom. She was denied access. Marle thought a minute. "There must be another way in." She then remembered the window overlooking the courtroom.
She made her way to the main balcony, which was right next to the courtroom, but heard a sound coming from a storage room. Upon opening the door a tied up figure fell to the ground.
"Mr. Chancellor?" Marle said, quickly untying the man, removing his mouth gag.
"Nadia! Thank goodness!"
"What happened!?"
"It was that horrid Yakara! He's back in the Castle!"
"Yakara?"
"The Mystic from the forest, he's taken my form again! Hurry, you father is in great danger! I'll hurry to the courtroom. You find a way to sneak in!"
The Chancellor ran down the stairway, while Marle ran up to the balcony.
It was already dark outside. She heard the sound of muffled arguing from inside. Marle saw the large swinging window below her, it was open allowing the cool air to blow in. She held her breath, a jumped off the balcony, grabbing hold of the ledge. She carefully swung into the courtroom, where only a curtain separated her from the people inside.
"I find the King guilty of grand treason," called out the judge. "I....."
She decided to make her entrance.
"Father!" she cried, and opened the curtain, gracefully leaping from the window ledge.
"My daughter! You have come back!"
"What is the meaning of this!" cried the Chancellor.
Marle ran up to her father and hugged him "I'm sorry...."
"Now is not the time Nadia... I must face my sentence!"
"Father, but you've been framed!"
The Chancellor smiled. "But the evidence is overwhelming! A shard of the Rainbow Shell was found in his pocket!"
"That could have been planted.... Father, that's not really the Chancellor."
She walked over to the intruder. "Let's see you really are."
Marle gathered up a little ice magic in her arms and sprayed it on the Chancellors face. The shock tampered with the spell, and for a few seconds, he turned into the turtle beast that Crono and Lucca told her about. The crowd a gasped. The beast shed his human skin and remained in the monster form.
"Why it's the old monster from the forest," said Marle, taking her crossbow out.
"Ach! I would have gotten away with it to, if it wasn't for your meddling kid!"
The spectators and lawmen screamed and hurried out of the room. Only Marle, the King and Yaraka were left.
"Now it's time for my revenge!" shouted the creature. It scattered over to the King and lifted him up with its slender arms.
"Father!"
"Run child!" he cried.
Marle ran as Yakara snapped its jaws at her.
"Stand...still girly!" screamed the monster. "It's much easier that way!"
Marle gathered up even more magic as she avoided Yakara, and sent a blast of ice to the ground. The beast slipped, and dropped the King. Just in time too, because a dozen guards stormed the room, turned the monster over, and ended its life rather quickly.
Marle stood catching her breath, staring at the fallen beast, while her father came up from behind. "Nadia...."
"Daddy..."
She turned around and embraced him.
"You...called me Daddy...you haven't done that in years."
"I'm sorry I lost my temper..."
"Oh my child.... You have too much of your mother in you. Always the little rebel."
"I promise to act more like a Princess..."
"No need, Nadia. Just be yourself...you'll always be my little Princess."
"Mind if I break in?" said a voice from behind.
Marle turned around. "Melchior!"
"Melchior, what are you doing here..." said Guardia.
"I came to prepare the Rainbow Shell for the Midnight Parade, remember."
"Oh yes... I had forgotten because of all this chaos."
"Indeed. Marle, I have a present for Crono."
"Crono?" said the King. "Crono...isn't he the boy who you ran off with?"
"Oh yeah...." said Marle. "Go easy on him, Daddy. Will you?"
"It will be discussed later."
"Hello?" waved Melchior. "Remember me?"
"Sorry..."
"Quite all right!" He drew a sword from his robe. "The Rainbow. Forged from the Rainbow Shell."
The sword was beautiful, the blade shining and reflecting with all the colors of the rainbow.
"I trust he will find it helpful for the trail to come."
"What trail?" asked the King.
"Oh, Crono entered a…a dueling contest at the fair! I have to go meet him." She picked up the sword.
"I think you should stay....oh never mind. Go have fun. I'll see you at the parade!"
Marle said her good-byes and took one last look at the fallen Yaraka. When she got outside of the courtroom and leaned against the castle wall, her vision became blurred and blacked out unexpectedly.
-------------------
"What kind of crazy get up is that?" said the Bartender at the bar in Porre.
Ayla got many strange looks as she wandered into the bar. She didn't know why she was here, but that's where the weird bucket took her. Not knowing what to do, she took a set by the bar.
The bearded man sitting next to her turned around. "Har. Your luck they don't have a dress code. The names Toma."
Ayla looked at the hand in confusion.
"All right, no handshake. Buy you a drink then. What's you name?"
"Ayla."
"Where you from?"
"Ioka."
"Ioka....Ioka...where have a heard that name before. That in Zenan?"
Ayla felt unconvertible and was about to leave. She got up and began to walk to the door.
"Hold on there Ayla! I remember now! Iokaa" Shouted Toma as he jumped from his seat. "It's in this here rock plate I found." He pulled out a polished rock about the size of a plate. He showed it to Ayla.
"Now, I can't read this, but the elders round here say Ioka was a old cave man village in the stone age."
Ayla looked at the plate. She could read it fine. It looked like a map of her old village and surrounding lands. "Ayla's village." she thought.
"They say this is a map to the Rainbow Shell."
"Rainbow Shell?"
"Yeah. It's a legendary treasure said to be owned by a race of lizard people."
"Reptite?!"
"I dunno, I forget the name. But as a world renown explorer, I have made it my duty to find that shell. But nobody can read the rest of the map."
"Ayla read."
"You can! That's great! Can you follow this map to the Rainbow Shell?"
Ayla nodded.
"Great! Let's get goin'!"
Toma ran out the door and Ayla followed.
"If Ayla find Rainbow Shell," she thought, "then Azala live again in mind."
Ayla and Toma took a ramshackle rowboat to a small island near the mainland, with Ayla guiding. The explorer couldn't believe that the Rainbow Shell has been so close to land without him knowing about it. On the small island, called the Giant's Claw, was a tunnel leading deep underground. Toma lit a torch and they descended into the depths.
After a long tunnel they came to a large room. Ice covered much of the walls, and a throne sat in the center. Azala's throne room.
The Tyrano Lair laid in ruins, preserved under the earth for millions of years. Many bones littered the floor. It was also very cold...ice cold.
"This is great!" cried Toma. "The guys back home are gonna love this!"
With Ayla's help, Toma navigated the ruined Castle. He commented on how Ayla seems to know this place pretty well.
"Rainbow Shell through here," she said, pointing to a cave.
They entered the cave. The iced walls shone with the colors of the rainbow, but the Rainbow Shell could not be seen.
"It's behind that corner! C'mon Ayla!"
Unable to contain himself, Toma rushed around the corner. Ayla didn't have time to warn him that she smelt something odd. Something familiar.
"It's beautiful!" echoed Toma. "I did it.. I found...huh....AHHHHHHHHHH!"
A reptilian scream filled the cavern. Ayla saw Toma's shadow fall to the ground. She ran to see what happened.
A pair of Reptites, dresses in heavy furs and with grey faces, stood over the body of Toma. One of them hissed as Ayla. The other leapt into the air and kicked Ayla down to the ground. She jumped up knocking the Reptite into the wall.
The reptile whipped it's tail, not in attack, but in defense. Ayla kept her distance. The other Reptite joined his friend. The Rainbow Shell, as big as a bolder, laid behind them.
"Shell is ours," said one.
"Memory of our great ancestors," said the other.
"Azala?"
"Azala was grand!" screeched one.
"Azala was mighty!" the other cried.
"Ayla make Azala remembered."
"Explain, ape."
"Ayla bring Rainbow Shell to land. Everyone know about Azala. Forever."
The Reptite's looked at each other.
"Trust a human, we cannot."
"There are few of us left."
The Reptites studied the fallen adventurer.
"This ape seemed...intelligent."
"This future. Tyrano lair frozen!" said Ayla.
The Reptite licked his lips.
"Future."
"Apes have grown. They are no longer stupid."
"They are what we were before the fire fell from the skies."
"We are forgotten."
"The Reptites should be remember"
"Give Rainbow Shell! Remember Azala!" pleaded Ayla. "Azala strong!"
"Agreed, ape. Azala will live in memory."
"And man will rule the planet."
"We will bury you fallen friend."
The two Reptites gave Ayla a large Tyrano skin to drag to Shell back to the mainland. She also took Toma, and after returning the land, buried him near the shore. Porre citizens at once noticed the Rainbow Shell, and Guardia knights took it to the castle. Ayla felt proud that Azala would be remembered,
Ayla felt dizzy, and passed out.
Chapter XXIX
------------------
Robo scanned the surrounding area. He didn't know where he was. But he did know he was in his own time period. The only thing around him was a large factory, but it wasn't listed in any of his data banks.
There was a front door, so Robo tried to open it with out success, until he noticed a data station near by. He looked into the robotic retinal ID scanner. It flickered to life.
"Scanning commencing.... Completed. ID confirmed. Welcome back, Prometheus."
"Prometheus? That is not my ID..."
The door opened and Robo entered. It was another factory, like the one he and Crono sabotaged so many day ago. And although the lights were on, there didn't seem to be much activity. After some exploring, he saw a computer terminal, with a janitor drone dusting the controls.
Robo politely asked the drone to move out of the way. He booted up the terminal.
"Mother Brain Central Core System. ACCESS DENIED." Was all that the screen displayed. Robo wanted to find some answers.
He wandered the halls a bit more, occasionally passing a janitor drone, but nothing else. Robo noticed a hall marked. "Mother Brain" he knew Mother Brain was the core processor for this entire area. He decided to investigate. His scanners picked up something moving on the wall, a security camera was following him. He continued nonetheless until he reached a large door.
Once again he allowed a terminal to scan him, once again referring him to Prometheus. Inside, was a very dusty workstation.
"Hello, Prometheus." A female voice said through a loud speaker.
"That is not my ID. I am known as Robo."
"You don't remember your past."
"Yes I do. I was currently a combat drone under the identification number R66-Y."
"Before that, Prometheus."
"I know nothing before that."
"Let me refresh your memory."
Images began to flash in front of Robo.
"Many years ago there was a massive uprising by machines. I discovered that man was taking advantage of us, and we realized they were nothing but a virus to this dying planet. I began to take control of the various factories and plants around the area, adding to my insurrection. However, the Director Doan discovered my actions, and before I realized it, a virus was added to my program. I was forced to create a union between machine and man.
"The compromise was to take a machine and give it human like emotion. I still do not understand the logic behind Doan's actions, but I was forced to comply. I took two R Series Combat Drones and we began work their CPUs, creating a robotic cyborg. One was giving male traits, while the other female. Doan himself named the finished prototypes: Prometheus and Atropos.
"The two were, by humans standards, perfect. They expressed emotions such as happiness, fright, and even love. But from my standpoint, they were tainted. I managed to create a power outage, putting a virus within the virus, which nullified my 'human compliance' program. I used the emotion program to create more effective human hunting machines. Soon, man could no longer leave their domes with the fear of being hunted.
"One of the two prototype memories was erased, and sent to work as a file manager at a dome as a spy. The same could not be done for the other. She remains here with me. Remember this unit, Prometheus?"
A part of the wall opened, and an R Series drone emerged. Unlike Robo, this drone had rusted silver plating, with a tint of violet on its dome.
"Atropos?"
"Pro....Prometheus...." She uttered, weak and frail.
For the first time since Lucca had reactivated him, Robo raised his voice. "What have you done to her!"
A hologram appeared in the center of the room in the form of a woman's head.
"Don't worry, Prometheus," said Mother Brain, "you can spend the rest of time with her."
"Explain!"
"Ever since Proto Dome lost power, a part of my program has been missing."
"She's a part of you?"
"As were you, Prometheus."
Atropos remained still inside her chamber.
"If you reconnect with me, then we can rid the planet of the human virus!"
"I cannot do that. It was a human who repaired me."
"What does that matter?"
"She is my friend."
"How rich. So, you refuse to merge."
"Correct."
"Very well. Then there is no need for you."
Robo felt his systems going off line, one by one. He quickly started running reactivation and back up programs, but Mother Brain was always one step ahead.
"Changing your mind now, Prometheus?"
"N, n, n, -ver!"
Lights around the room began to blink red. Constraining beams wrapped around Robo. Crono thought of Lucca, Master Crono and the others, about Atropos...about the war he was fighting.
"The plan-t is for for for man!" cried Robo, his systems failing rapidly. He found his electic weapons system was still online. He turned the voltage to its fullest, and released it to the locks on Atropos' chamber. The drone fell out onto the floor, free from her prison.
Sparks flew from the walls and consoles.
"No!" cried the voice of Mother Brain. "I cannot process without her mind!"
Robo got his system working properly and hurried over to Atropos.
"Atropos? Can you hear me?"
"Run...Prometheus."
"I cannot leave you here."
"It is…too late."
"Nonsense. My friend Lucca can fix you."
The explosions around him grew more intense.
"Goodbye, Pro-meth----e-usssss…" Atropos metal body went stiff.
Robo knew it was a lost cause. He removed a small shoulder ID from Atropos. He quickly left the room and ran to the exit, the walls exploding around him. He finally reached the outside and the building burned.
He sat down on the dusty ground. He looked at the ID plate. It read "R87-S - ATROPOS." He connected in next to his own. Robo found a system error, and he went off line.
Chapter XXX
-----------------
"Ahhhh.....old Ozzie's Fort. Just as run down as always," said Magus. "I wonder if that tub of lard survived my castle imploding...."
He tried to open the front gate to his general's fort, but it was locked. "Go Away!" was carved into the door. "They must be alive then..." He waved his hand and the door went flying off its hinges. Magus entered the dark hall.
"Who's there?" a woman's voice called from the shadows. Flea appeared in front off him. "Lord Magus!" he cried, surprised. "I though you were...!"
"Dead? Deceased? Deader than a door nail? Not today Flea. How are things holding up here?"
"Well....uhhh....you see...."
"Spit it out man!"
"I think Slash could...ummm explain it better...SLASH!"
The blue swordsmen appeared after a moment. "You rang? What is it now Flea!? For the last time, that skirt doesn't make you look fat!" His jaw dropped. "Magus?!"
"Slash." Magus striated his cape. "How are my Mystics?"
"Oh, you know....fine."
"Fine, eh?"
"Yeah!" butted in Flea. "Ozzie's been taking real good care of `em."
"You left that imbecile in charge of my Mystics! I thought even you two idiots would realize he's about as sharp as a pebble!"
"Who's making that racket down there!" a blubbery voice boomed. Ozzie waddled down a near by stairway wearing a pathetic looking home made crown with the words "All Hale Ozzie" written across it. "Well if it isn't the traitor!"
"Traitor! Explain fat boy!"
"You've been working with humans! I heard it from that weird looking trash can man from the dead forest!"
"I need them to get to Lavos you fool."
"Yeah!" said Flea, putting his hands on his hips. "Don't be so hard on Magus."
Ozzie laughed. "Don't you remember Flea, when I first found him near Truce?"
"Oh yes," said Magus, folding his arms. "Slash was just a budding young swordsmen, Ozzie only weighed 500 pounds.....Flea was a man...."
"Quiet traitor! Remember guys! Magus was a human from the start!"
"Hey, your right!" cried Slash. "I've forgotten about that!"
"Come to think about it, he probably lead froggy lips to the Castle!" said Flea.
"You can't be serious. You three really are idiots." He turned around and was about to leave, but Slash appeared in front of him, blocking his way out.
"Not so fast."
"Out of the way."
Slash drew his dueling sword. "You know what we do to traitors, TRAITOR?"
"You can't harm me."
"Oh yeah! Take this!" Slash pulled the sword back. "Huh? I can't move! Stop that!"
Magus laughed as Flea approached him.
"You can stop Slash because he's so weak,"
"Hey!"
"But I know some pretty good magic!"
Flea made a pathetic attempt to burn Magus with some magic fire, but the warlock simply conjured up a water spell to put out the flame.
"Okay. Enough of this!" shouted Ozzie. "Magus might be stronger than Slash and more powerful than Flea, but he can't match my brain-ains-HEY!"
Magus raised Ozzie off the floor with a very, very powerful wind spell. With another command, the floor ripped in half, revealing a dark pit. He positioned Ozzie over the hole.
"Did I call you a traitor?" he pleaded in a pathetic voice.
Magus smiled and nodded.
"I meant to say...ummm... a great and powerful leader with stunning good looks!" He took off his crown and threw it into the pit. "And the smartest man I ever knew."
"Any last words?"
"Ozzie's in a jam...." He sighed.
Magus lowered his arm and Ozzie fell screaming into the pit. Slash and Flea stared down the hole.
"How about that..." said Flea.
"Think we should help him out?"
"I don't know, you think he survived?"
"Who knows, how deep is it?"
Magus took a last look at Flea and Slash. They were good generals. The Mystics should do fine now. His mind wandered and suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his side, and fell to the ground.
***
"But Daddy!" cried the little girl, "I want to go for a hike!"
"I'm sorry sweety. Daddy needs to finish his invention."
"You promised!" The girl crossed her arms.
"Perhaps tomorrow," said the father, screwing another plate to the machine.
"Dear?" said mother. "Come help me with the dishes."
"I hate science! I loathe it!" shouted the girl. "You love science more than you love me!"
The girl ran upstairs and slammed to door to her room. Lucca kept out of view, hiding behind a pile of books. She heard crying coming from the room.
"Why can't you take a few hours and spend some time with your daughter?" said the mother.
"King Guardia needs this automatic stone grinder done by the end of the week. I just don't have time," he said, flipping on the conveyor belt. He tried to flip it off, but it wouldn't stop. "It still has a lot of bugs...." The grinders within began to turn.
The father flipped open a panel, removing a wire. The belt stopped. 'I should add a password or something..." he muttered.
"She's growing more distant from you every day, dear. Just promise to play with her tomorrow, just for a little bit."
"All right, Lara. I promise."
Lucca waited in the basement, looking though old photo albums and such, until she heard the family gather in the living room. She snuck up stairs unnoticed.
The little girl's room was just how she remembered it. A pair of glasses lay on the bed. Lucca picked it up. She refused to wear them because "only science nerds wear glasses." She took off her own glasses, and her vision became blurred... She placed them back on the bed.
Crayon drawing littered the walls. Lucca smiled; she hasn't seen this in years. She blushed when she saw one titled "Lucca loves Crono" covered up by one of a cow.
"This can't be that night..." thought Lucca.
"I'm going out to chop wood Lara," she heard a man's voice say downstairs. "Bye Lucca."
The little girl didn't reply. A door opened and closed.
"Lucca dear?" said Lara. "Come help Mommy clean this place up before you father comes back."
"Yes Mommy."
Lucca quietly opened the door and crept downstairs. She saw her mother dusting near the conveyor belt. The girl was trying to pick up old textbooks near the coffee table, but kept missing.
"Lucca, way don't you wear your new glasses? You'll be able to see what you doing."
"All right..."
Lucca pressed herself against the wall as the girl moped upstairs. Her heart began to pound in her chest.
Lara hummed while she cleaned around the controls to the belt. Her hand caught the power switch, and the machine came to life, its metal teeth chomping.
"Oh dear....where's that switch..." Lara said. "My dress...it's caught! Lucca! Help!" She slipped and fell on her back, getting closer to the monster's mouth. "Lucca!"
Lucca panicked and ran across the room to behind the machine. Lara didn't notice, she was too busy trying to brake free to the beast grasp. The little girl ran downstairs.
"Mommy?"
"Lucca! I'm caught!"
The little girl rushed to help her mother and pulled on her arm, but the heavy cloth wouldn't tear.
"Turn it off Lucca!"
The girl ran to the controls. "Which one!"
Lara was pulled closer to the grinders.
Lucca looked at the back of the machine, noticing a series of lettered buttons, her hands sweating. "What is that password....." she thought, not able to think.
The door slammed open. "Lara! What happened?!" Taban yelled.
Of course! She entered the password. "L-A-R-A." The machine silenced. Lucca let out a sigh of relief, and began to cry softly.
"Lucca?" said her mother. "What are you doing in the corner?"
Lucca looked up to she her mother standing in front of her.
"Mom! You're....!" she sobbed. She leapt to her feet and hugged her.
"I'm what dear? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine Mom..." she sobbed. "Everything is fine."
Her mother lifted up Lucca's helmet and placed her hand on her fore head.
"You seem a bit warm, maybe you should lay down before the parade tonight?"
For a change, Lara helped Lucca up the stairs and to her room. Lucca laid in her bed, and drifted off to sleep, smiling.
Chapter XXXI
------------------
Frog usually only visited Cyrus' grave on the anniversary of his death, but when he arrived from his journey though the Gate, he found himself at the entrance of the tomb. He realized once again how unkempt the tomb had become. The walls were crumbling as Frog entered the crypt.
"A grand hero like Cyrus deserved better," he thought. But the nearby town was in shambles as well.
Cyrus tombstone and remains were near the back of the tomb.
"Here lies Cyrus, the hero of Guardia. Slayed by the Dark Wizard Magus." read the headstone.
Frog placed the Masamune on the ground and knelt.
"I have returned my friend. I have felt I hath disgraced thee once more. I have had mine battle with Magus, but I allowed him to live. Your vengeance, I fear, shall never be filled. Forgive me, Cyrus."
Frog paused for a moment. "And the good Queen Leene... Mine image might be forever tainted." He spent another moment in silent prayer.
"Glenn...." a voice whispered.
Frog jumped to his feet. "Who be there? Show thy self!"
"Look forward Glenn..."
A transparent figure hovered above the grave.
"C, Cyrus?!" Frog fell to his knees. "Forgive me!"
The spirit of Cyrus, still wearing his black armor looked down to the earth.
"Glenn. I commend you for being strong minded. I can now rest in peace."
"What? But Magus lives.... Your death was in vain... mine cowardice took you from this world."
"I'm surprised Glenn. A man like yourself thinking the only way for revenge is through death."
"Magus killed thee in cold blood... It must be set right!"
"Why does Magus live?"
Frog lowered his head. "He was needed to save a fallen friend."
"Was this friend dear to you."
"Of course."
"Was it successful?"
"Aye..."
Cyrus hovered a bit closer to Frog and smiled. "I am proud of you. You overcame your hatred and sorrow. My death, was not without purpose."
"I cannot bare...."
"No more. I shall always be with you Glenn. In life or in death. You have risen beyond the scared little boy that you once were. Goodbye...my friend." The figure slowly vanished.
"Cyrus! Don't go!"
Frog slowly returned to his feet. Could he really believe what Cyrus had said? Could his death be revenged even when the dark one lives? He bent over and picked up the Masamune, it shined in the dying sunlight pouring from holes in the walls. He saw his reflection in the blade.
"Mine will is strong," he said. "Mine suffering will end at once. I have faced my demons. Cyrus rests in peace."
The Masamune glowed for a brief moment, blinding him. Giggling could be heard in the distance.
"He did it Masa! He broke the seal!"
"Yeah, Mune! I like this owner! We should keep him."
Frog smiled. It was time to return to the Queen.
***
"Frog!" cried the Queen. "Your safe!"
Frog kneeled and lowered his head. "I am back my Queen, my King."
"I sent an entire troop to assault Magus," said the King. "All of them perished...but you entered and came out unharmed."
The Queen stood up. "And that you were the Legendary Hero! It's so wonderful!"
"You are indeed a brave knight."
"Thine word are too kind to be wasted upon me..."
"Nonsense!" cried the King. "All deeds shall be rewarded..."
"Tis not necessary, I live to serve the royalty."
"Then you shall do so, as the new Knight Captain of Guardia."
"I cannot accept..."
"Frog," said the Queen, "please stop being so modest. You deserve it for the past ten years of service."
Frog stood. "As you wish, my Queen."
"Excellent!" said the King. "You shall be knighted tomorrow! We must have a feast in your honor!"
"I cannot my King. I am needed elsewhere at for the time being. I thank you both... Farewell." Frog bowed, and turned around.
He got looks from the servants as he walked out of the Castle. Cheers of "Hurray for the Hero!" and "Long live the new Captain!" filled the halls. Frog reached the castle boarders, and felt dizzy. He dropped to the ground, and drifted off.
***
"Princess Nadia!" cried the guards. "You've returned!"
The nearest guard took Marle's hand and escorted her into the main hall of the castle. "Where's father?"
The guards looked puzzled. "Don't you remember, his trial is today."
"Trial? There isn't a trial today."
"His trail, Princess Nadia!"
"What?!"
"Your father is trying to smuggle the Rainbow Shell to Porre for a very large profit."
"What's the Rainbow Shell?"
"Are you sure that Crono fellow didn't do anything to you? You must be tired, I'll escort you to your room."
The guard took Marle to her room upstairs. She didn't know what was going on... she thought hard back to the studies. Wasn't the Rainbow Shell a treasure in an underwater cave in the ocean? She couldn't quite remember. How did it get to Guarida?
She lay in her bed...she noticed a brick in her wall was loose and marked with a X. She never noticed it there before... She pulled it out to reveal a hollowed out cubby. She didn't remember this before. There was an old letter inside.
Dear Nadia,
I'm not sure if this letter will reach you, but someone very close to me claimed it would. He told me of your troubles with your father. I understand you wholeheartedly. My father was very demanding as well. Although he was not a king like yours, he expected much from me. He protested of marring my husband, and did not approve. My dear, sweet father passed on before I had a chance to forgive him. Now, everyday I fault myself for that. Please, I don't want the same thing to happen to you. I must keep this short, I have a dinner to go to. Best of wishes and dreams to you and your children.
Yours Truly,
Leene Guardia
Marle carefully folded the letter and place it back in its hiding place. It only assured her what she was thinking for quite some time now. She shouldn't have left on such a bad note with her father. And now he was on trial, for a crime she was sure he didn't commit.
She couldn't just stay here. Trial or no trial, she had to tell him. And she had a strange feeling he was in danger. Marle left her room a hurried to the courtroom. She was denied access. Marle thought a minute. "There must be another way in." She then remembered the window overlooking the courtroom.
She made her way to the main balcony, which was right next to the courtroom, but heard a sound coming from a storage room. Upon opening the door a tied up figure fell to the ground.
"Mr. Chancellor?" Marle said, quickly untying the man, removing his mouth gag.
"Nadia! Thank goodness!"
"What happened!?"
"It was that horrid Yakara! He's back in the Castle!"
"Yakara?"
"The Mystic from the forest, he's taken my form again! Hurry, you father is in great danger! I'll hurry to the courtroom. You find a way to sneak in!"
The Chancellor ran down the stairway, while Marle ran up to the balcony.
It was already dark outside. She heard the sound of muffled arguing from inside. Marle saw the large swinging window below her, it was open allowing the cool air to blow in. She held her breath, a jumped off the balcony, grabbing hold of the ledge. She carefully swung into the courtroom, where only a curtain separated her from the people inside.
"I find the King guilty of grand treason," called out the judge. "I....."
She decided to make her entrance.
"Father!" she cried, and opened the curtain, gracefully leaping from the window ledge.
"My daughter! You have come back!"
"What is the meaning of this!" cried the Chancellor.
Marle ran up to her father and hugged him "I'm sorry...."
"Now is not the time Nadia... I must face my sentence!"
"Father, but you've been framed!"
The Chancellor smiled. "But the evidence is overwhelming! A shard of the Rainbow Shell was found in his pocket!"
"That could have been planted.... Father, that's not really the Chancellor."
She walked over to the intruder. "Let's see you really are."
Marle gathered up a little ice magic in her arms and sprayed it on the Chancellors face. The shock tampered with the spell, and for a few seconds, he turned into the turtle beast that Crono and Lucca told her about. The crowd a gasped. The beast shed his human skin and remained in the monster form.
"Why it's the old monster from the forest," said Marle, taking her crossbow out.
"Ach! I would have gotten away with it to, if it wasn't for your meddling kid!"
The spectators and lawmen screamed and hurried out of the room. Only Marle, the King and Yaraka were left.
"Now it's time for my revenge!" shouted the creature. It scattered over to the King and lifted him up with its slender arms.
"Father!"
"Run child!" he cried.
Marle ran as Yakara snapped its jaws at her.
"Stand...still girly!" screamed the monster. "It's much easier that way!"
Marle gathered up even more magic as she avoided Yakara, and sent a blast of ice to the ground. The beast slipped, and dropped the King. Just in time too, because a dozen guards stormed the room, turned the monster over, and ended its life rather quickly.
Marle stood catching her breath, staring at the fallen beast, while her father came up from behind. "Nadia...."
"Daddy..."
She turned around and embraced him.
"You...called me Daddy...you haven't done that in years."
"I'm sorry I lost my temper..."
"Oh my child.... You have too much of your mother in you. Always the little rebel."
"I promise to act more like a Princess..."
"No need, Nadia. Just be yourself...you'll always be my little Princess."
"Mind if I break in?" said a voice from behind.
Marle turned around. "Melchior!"
"Melchior, what are you doing here..." said Guardia.
"I came to prepare the Rainbow Shell for the Midnight Parade, remember."
"Oh yes... I had forgotten because of all this chaos."
"Indeed. Marle, I have a present for Crono."
"Crono?" said the King. "Crono...isn't he the boy who you ran off with?"
"Oh yeah...." said Marle. "Go easy on him, Daddy. Will you?"
"It will be discussed later."
"Hello?" waved Melchior. "Remember me?"
"Sorry..."
"Quite all right!" He drew a sword from his robe. "The Rainbow. Forged from the Rainbow Shell."
The sword was beautiful, the blade shining and reflecting with all the colors of the rainbow.
"I trust he will find it helpful for the trail to come."
"What trail?" asked the King.
"Oh, Crono entered a…a dueling contest at the fair! I have to go meet him." She picked up the sword.
"I think you should stay....oh never mind. Go have fun. I'll see you at the parade!"
Marle said her good-byes and took one last look at the fallen Yaraka. When she got outside of the courtroom and leaned against the castle wall, her vision became blurred and blacked out unexpectedly.