Chrono Trigger
Part 1: The War With Magus

Author's Note:
This story is my most ambitious yet. I am going to create a novelization of the superb role playing game for the SNES, Chrono Trigger. It may take a long time to complete each part but I am going to split it into three parts. I am using a single ending, the ending in which the characters travel through the Black Omen in order to fight Lavos. Some changes may be made but I beg that you see it as creative license. I will try and use the same speech that each character uses though the dialog may not be exactly the same. Chrono will actually be speaking and since I have no basis for exactly what he says I have given him a voice. There will not be as much combat as is in the game, it would bog down the story. I will try to keep it action packed though. Also, some ideas may suffer from my interpretation.

The first part are the events leading to Frog's defeat of Magus in the Middle Ages. Part two shall be the events in and around Zeal, the Kingdom of Magic. Finally the third part will be the showdown with Lavos.

I hope you enjoy.

Chapter One: The Millennial Fair

The day was bright. Gulls were wheeling in the sky, there raucous calls filling the air. Fireworks exploded in the air and a great mass of balloons lifted into the sky. Today was the day of the Millennial Fair. The people of Guardia celebrated the Millennium and the 400 years that had passed since Magus, the wizard who had waged war on Guardia, was defeated. Leene's Bell, constructed in 600 AD for the wife of King Guardia XXI was ringing loudly.

Just a little ways in front of the site of the Millennial Fair sat a small village. Inside one of these house lived a young man, Crono. He was only 18 but was well accomplished with the sword. His hair was red and cut jaggedly and stuck out from his head at odd angles. He was sleeping in his clothes, so anxious was he to go to the Fair.

His mother walked up the stairs. she called, Crono, wake up, you'll be late for the fair. You've been looking forward to it for so long.

She sighed and walked to the window. Pulling open the curtain she hears Leene's Bell ringing in the distance. Leene's Bell makes such wonderful music, she said to herself before she turned back to her still sleeping son, Now wake up, that inventor friend of yours... Lucca wanted to show you her new invention.

Crono woke slowly shaking his head trying to clear the cobwebs from his mind. Come on, get up!

Crono's eyes snapped open as he finally remembered what today was. He leapt from bed and did a quick stretch. His pet cat watched curiously as he grabbed his simple wooden sword that sat propped on beside his bed. The cat lost interest in this and trotted down the stairs. Crono made sure he had everything then followed. His mother was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Now you behave yourself today, his mother said, Here's 200 gold, have fun at the fair today.

Thanks mom, Crono said before dashing out the door, not even bothering getting anything for breakfast.

The mayor wanted to thank you for finding his son! Go and see him before you go to the fair, Crono's mother called after him.

Crono rolled his eyes impatiently. About a week before the Mayors son had gotten lost in the forest and Crono had volunteered to find him. It hadn't taken too long but the child had been taken by some Imps in the forest. Crono had rescued the child and brought him to his father. The Mayor had said he would reward him. Times had been somewhat troubled. There was always the danger of the Imps. It was not that serious a threat, the kings guard usually would handle the raids if they actually happened. However, because of this threat some, like Crono, had learned to use the sword at an early age.

Crono stared longingly at the fair before finally walking over to the Mayor's house. The old man who was the Mayor of Crono's village was sitting behind a stack of papers feverishly trying to finish them all. He looked up and caught sight of Crono's peculiar spiked hair over the stack of papers. Ahhhh, Crono, he said as he signed his name to a sheet of paper, I'm afraid I'm too busy to reward you personally but if you talk to the man upstairs he should give you some money, I believe there is also some over in that chest over on the wall.

The Mayor went back to his work grumbling about a form that had been sent to him for approval. Crono walked to the chest and pulled open the lid. Inside was a hundred gold piece. Wow, Crono thought, I guess this wasn't a waste of time.

Crono went up the stairs and sitting behind a desk was another man, just as old as the Mayor but with only half as much paper stacked on his desk. The man never looked up from his tally sheets where he was working out the budget for the year. Blasted fair, the man grumbled, Only makes things difficult when it comes to figuring out a budget. Why couldn't they have held it further south.

Crono cleared his throat to get the mans attention. Ehhh, what, the man said as he looked up, Oh, you must be that kid.

The man dug around inside the drawers in his desk. After five minutes of searching the man finally pulled out a small bag of coins. That's 300 gold for you sonny, the man said as he handed the gold over.

He went back to his work without another word to Crono. Crono turned and walked down the stairs. He ran out the door and sprinted all the way to the Fair.

The fairgrounds were covered in brightly colored balloons and tents. Just inside the entrance an oval shaped track had been set up. Several racers of various species, including one cat, were running around the track trying to beat the others. Crono watched as the competitors sped by him, breathing hard. He stepped quickly across the track so he wouldn't be in there way.

In the center of the race track a large fountain had been set up. People milled about the area, looking at the various booths that had been set up. To the right of the track Crono could see an old man with a display of swords. Crono, avid swordsman that he is, walks over to talk to the man after waiting for the racers to pass by again.

Good morning, sir, the man says, I am Melchior.

The man glances at the wooden sword hanging by Crono's side. Not a bad weapon for a beginner but you have the looks of someone with a bit of experience with the sword. Perhaps you would be interested in one of these fine weapons, all created by my own hard work.

Crono examines the weapons on display. The choice isn't that varied but Melichior is correct that they are indeed fine weapons. Melchior picks up one of the Iron Blades and examines it like a father. This sword was forged using a process only I know. The blade is light, but very strong. It will not break and the edge is keen. It is not the greatest weapon, but for 300 gold it is a good purchase.

Crono took the weapon and tested it. The weapon was light. The balance was perfect. Crono gave a few practice swings. The blade felt light as a feather and yet held firm when he tested the strength with his hand. 300 sounds good, Crono said,

Crono tossed the bag of coins to Melchior. How much would you give for this old sword, Crono asked as he pulled the wooden sword.

I can't give you more then 20 gold, that's about all it is worth, Melchior replied.

Crono said, accepting the money from Melchior.

Crono started to walk off before Melchior called to him. I live on the island to the east. Come visit me sometime.

Crono waved at Melchior and nodded his head. Crono felt like spending some more money and purchased himself a brand new Bronze Helm and a Karate Gi suit. He changed into the suit in a private, screened off section near the armorer. He placed his blue tunic over the suit and stepped back out into the fair. These, while probably being unnecessary were useful to have if he were ever attacked by some Imps who were trying to steal from travelers.

Crono asked some of the patrons if they had heard about Lucca's invention. They said that it was being set up near the back of the fair grounds. Crono walked up the steps to see what Lucca and her father, Taban, had built this time. He hoped it would actually work this time. There previous inventions had a nasty habit of exploding.

As he reached the top of the steps he could see Leene's Bell hanging in the center of the courtyard. To his left he thought he could see a cat cleaning itself on a table. A young girl about Crono's age was wandering around the bell, looking slightly lost. She was dressed in a loose white dress that was cinched about her waste with a leather belt. Her blonde hair was tied up in a ponytail. About her neck was a pendant with an intricate design made from a strange red mineral.

Crono stepped towards where he could see the clearing behind the fair but the girl was careless and tripped. She fell headfirst into Crono sending him flying. The pendant flew from her neck and landed some distance away. She stood and shook her head. She saw Crono still lying on the ground and walked over to him looking concerned. Are you all right, she asked as she gently rocked him.

Crono had hit his head against the stone of the square and was momentarily dazed. He put his hand to his head and managed to nod an affirmative. She stood up abruptly as she realized that her pendant was missing. Where did it go, she said as she frantically began searching for it.

Crono stood and could see a pendant lying on the ground to the right of the bell. He recognized it as the one the girl had been wearing. He walked over, still a little unsteady on his feet. He bent to pick the pendant up as his head swirled. He walked to where the girl was frantically searching around the bell. I think this is yours, Crono said, trying to stop himself from slurring his words.

Oh, you found my pendant, she said with sound of relief.

She took the pendant from his hands and examined it to make sure there was no damage. Thank you, she said as she placed the pendant back around her neck, It has a lot of sentimental value.

No problem, Crono replied.

What's your name?

he replied.

Crono, that's a nice name, she said with a grin, My name is... Marle. I'm new in town. Do you mind if I tag along with you?

No I don't mind, Crono replied a bit nervously, I was just going to see an invention my friend was going to show today.

Thank you, she said with a giggle, That sounds great.

The two walked towards the clearing but were stopped by a pair of ushers. They're not finished setting up yet. Try again in a little while.

The two set off again. As they walked down a ramp to the right of Leene's Square and saw a little girl crying. Marle instantly walked over to the child. What's wrong?

My cat, I don't know where he is, the child said through sobs.

I know, Crono said as he snapped his fingers, Wait here, I'll be right back.

Crono ran to where he thought he had seen the cat. There it was, cleaning itself as if it didn't have a care in the world. You're causing some trouble, Crono said to the cat as he picked it up.

He jogged back to where the child was and showed her the cat. Thank you so much, the girl cried as she hugged the cat to herself.

You're so sweet, Crono, Marle said smiling at him.

Come on, Crono said, Let's go find something to waste a little time.

Marle said following Crono's lead.

They were about to walk to the main fairgrounds when a sign caught there attention. It said simply and pointed the left of the fairgrounds.

I wonder what this is, Marle wondered aloud.

Don't know, Crono said looking at the sign, Let's find out.

They followed the path indicated and came to a square clearing cut from the trees that formed the rear of the fairgrounds. In the middle stood a large, round robotic contraption. As they entered the clearing the robot pulled out a microphone and began to sing in a high pitched metallic voice, They call me Gato. I have metal joints. Beat me up. And earn fifteen Silver Points!

Come on Crono, Marle said with excitement, Let's try it out.

Reluctantly Crono agreed. He drew his new sword from its scabbard. The sun glittered off the blade. Marle drew a compact crossbow from a concealed holster. Do you know how to use that thing, Crono asked doubtfully.

Well enough, Marle replied sourly, Let's get started.

The robot turned and lumbered towards Crono. It was very slow but he didn't know how much damage it could do. He kept the blade of his sword in a position where it could easily block any blow the machine might make. A whirring sound came from Gato and a hatch on it's stomach popped open. A padded boxing glove blasted from the hole and struck Crono a smart blow on the head. Crono rolled away from Gato. That thing strikes pretty hard, Crono called to Marle.

Marle pulled a bolt from the pouch hidden beneath her clothes. She loaded and fired the bolt at the metal giant. The bolt struck soundly and embedded itself in one of its arms. Gato turned to face this new threat. Crono moved quickly behind it and raised his sword. Another bolt struck the machine in the center of the chest. Crono struck quickly, bringing his sword down on the machines back. The metal of Gato gave slightly so as not to cause any permanent damage. The blade shook slightly as it bounced off the armored hide. Crono struck again slashing the blade across the back of Gato. The machine let out a chime and moved back towards the center of the arena.

Gato pulled out his microphone and sang, I lost, you won. Here's fifteen points. Now wasn't that fun?

The hatch on Gato's chest sprang but the glove popped out and dropped fifteen Silver Points, the currency of the fair, onto the ground. Well, that wasn't so bad, Crono said, Took me a bit by surprise though.

Crono rubbed his head where the glove had struck him. Crono took the silver points and put them in one of the pockets of his tunic. Well, Marle, Crono said, What do you want to do?

I don't know, Marle said, Do you think they're done setting up yet?

Crono shrugged before saying, Let's find out.

They walked to the entrance to the exhibition and found it unblocked. As they were walking by a display of various candies Marle said, Wait Crono, I want some candy.

Crono waited as Marle picked out something. Hey, have you heard the latest news, the man running the display asked conspiratorially, I hear the King is worried about his tomboy of a daughter. Just once I wish I could meet her, just to see how wild she really.

Marle looked a little nervous as she heard this but Crono was paying attention to what the man was saying. It would be interesting, Crono agreed.

Marle finally picked one of the sweets. Thanks for being so patient, she said to Crono.

They walked through the entrance and saw a small group of people clustered around a strange set of machines. Taban was pacing back and forth giving a speech to the crowd. Who here is brave enough to test the Telepod? This device was created by my lovely daughter Lucca, he said this gesturing to Lucca.

Lucca had brown hair that was tucked underneath a cap that she could push her enormous spectacles up onto if she needed to. She was busy examining one of the pads of the Telepod and did not notice Crono entering the clearing. Taban continued his excited talking. Just step on this pad, he said gesturing at the pad to the the left, And you will appear over here!

He gestured towards the other pad now. Crono heard the grumbling running through the crowd and walked over to Lucca. Lucca heard someone walking up to her and turned. she cried, You made it. No one wants to try the Telepod.

Lucca finally noticed Marle standing slightly behind Crono. She stared at her curiously. I know I've seen her somewhere before, Lucca thought to herself. Hey Crono, whose your friend?

Crono turns and grabs Marle by the arm and drags her forward. Lucca, this is Marle. She's new to the area and asked me to show her around. Marle, this is my friend Lucca.

Pleased to meet you, Marle said a touch too formally.

There was an uncomfortable as Lucca tried to think of where she had seen Marle before but it eluded her. So no one wants to try your new invention, Crono asked breaking the silence, Well, I'll try it.

Lucca asked.

Crono said, Someone's has to try it out.

Lucca said with a smile.

That so nice of you Crono, Marle said as Crono stepped towards the Telepod.

Crono stood in the center of the Telepod pad on the left. Lucca turned towards the audience and shouted, Let's get this show started!

Taban, Lucca's father, flipped a switch on the control panel sitting next to the pad that Crono was standing. Lucca took up position next to the a duplicate control panel on the opposite pad. She flipped a switch on the panel and a growing humming began to fill the air. The sound grew in strength till the air seemed to vibrate with the sound. Taban and Lucca chanted off a list of steps to follow as they primed the Telepod for activation.

Lucca pulled on a large lever set into the side marked Activate. Crono stood still as he felt a strange tingling along his skin. The sensation was not unpleasant. For a moment the world in front of his eyes blinked out of existence. He could see a long black tunnel through the stars then the world returned. But it was different.

When he first stood on the Telepod Marle had been standing in the crowd to his left, now she was on the right and Lucca was standing by the control panel attached the pod. A gasp went up from the crowd. It had worked!

Crono stepped down. That wasn't so bad, he said to Lucca with a grin.

Crono walked to where Marle was standing. Hey, that looked like fun, she said when he was within hearing distance, I want to try it.

Before Crono could even respond she was walking toward the Telepod. Taban saw her walking toward the machine and instantly boomed out towards the crowd, Another volunteer! Now watch as this young lady is transported to the other pad!

Marle stood on the pad and stared out at the crowd watching. She gave a small wave to Crono as Lucca and her father began the litany to activate the machine. Once again a loud humming filled the clearing. Marle felt a warmth on her chest. She looked down and saw the pendant beginning to glow. A sound, like wind blowing, rose above the humming of the Telepod. The pendant's glow became so bright that Marle was forced to look away. My pendant..., she said as the warmth grew painful.

Arcs of electricity formed between the two pods of the Telepod. Lucca and Taban backed away from there panels, afraid that they would be electrocuted. Lucca looked shocked, The pendant is reacting with the Telepod!

Crono took an uneasy step towards Marle. Marle looked directly at him, her eyes pleading, Help me....

The glow of the pendant reached a peak then between the two pads an hole formed. It floated in the space where the electricity was arching. Crono could feel a strong wind pulling him towards it but he managed to hold his ground.

The hole was blue in color but with many shifting patterns, almost like a disturbed pool of water, and glowing. Marle tried to stand against the wind that pulled on her but she could not resist. The wind pulled her into the gate and shut after she was through. Sitting on the pad was the pendant that she had been wearing.

A discontented murmur ran through the crowd as Marle disappeared. Taban immediately shouted out, Alright, that's all folks! That's all for now!

The crowd shuffled slowly out of the clearing. Crono ran to where Lucca and her father were discussing what had happened. Lucca, what was that?

It looked to be some sort of gateway, Lucca said, But I don't know where it leads.

Let's find out, Crono said as he strode purposely towards the the pod.

He picked up the pendant and held it firmly in his hands. Lucca looked at him, puzzled, Your going to go after her?

That's right, Crono said confidently, Now start this machine up.

Lucca said reluctantly, I'll try and figure out what that gate was and come after you.

Taban and Lucca activated the machine. The pendant glowed and warmed as the energies built up. The gate opened again, the same perfect circle of scintillating energy. Crono locked his hands onto the pendant refusing to let it go despite the burning. The wind blew again and Crono let himself be pulled into the gate.