Chapter Two: The Queen Returns

Crono could only see darkness. He felt a faint sensation of acceleration, as if he were being pulled forward, but could see little. His eyes slowly adjusted to the utter darkness and he could detect slight warps and patterns surrounding him.

In an instant all motion stopped and he could see a clearing of grass. An opening appeared before him and he was deposited on the ground. The surroundings were unfamiliar. In his hand the pendant still sat, looking like any other piece of jewelry. He placed the pendant around his neck so he wouldn't loose it then tucked it under his shirt.

He was standing in a clearing of trees. To his right was an gap leading out into the light. Crono felt a small gust of wind as the gateway behind him closed. Crono turned and saw only blank grass where the gateway had been.

Crono could see nothing in the clearing that looked interesting and so began to walk towards the exit. As he reached the exit he heard a familiar screech, the sound of an angry Imp. He turned slowly and saw the three imps, there skin blue like turqoise, dash out of the bushes. Crono drew his sword as one of the Imps hurled itself at him.

The tiny Imp, not even half as tall as Crono, tried to kick at Crono's knees but Crono was faster. Sidestepping expertly, Crono slashed the Iron Blade into the Imps back, cleaving it in two. What a blade this is, Crono thought as the other two Imps charged at him. Crono stood his ground, not daring to turn his back to the Imps.

The two Imps split up, trying to outflank him. They charged at the same time. Crono swung his sword and slashed a great gash across the chest of one of the Imps but could do nothing to prevent the other from kicking him with its steel shod boots. Well, at least they aren't armed with knives, Crono thought as he swung his sword to where he placed the Imp to be.

The Imp had already lept back. Crono kept his sword at the ready, never wavering as he watched the Imp. The Imp jerked to the left then dove right before running straight at Crono. Crono brought his sword in line with the Imp and allowed the creature to impale itself on the blade. Crono had seen that simple trick used many times by the Imps.

Crono quickly examined the bushes again but still could not see anything hiding in them. Crono stepped out of the clearing and was pleased to find that no more Imps were lying in hiding. Unfortunately, as Crono crossed a bridge spanning a river far below a pair of Blue Imps were dropped to the ground by two birds. The birds, Crono didn't get a good enough look at them to identify them, flew away as the Imps moved to attack.

Once again Crono drew his sword and waited for the battle to start. The Imp on Crono's left moved first. Dashing forward to strike with his boot. Crono didn't let him get that far. He lashed out with his sword in a tight arch that neatly severed the head of the Imp. The second Imp hesitated for a second as it saw the first Imp die. That second was all Crono needed.

Crono dashed forward with all his speed and swung the sword at the Imp. The Imp did not have enough time to react. It died in an instant. Crono glanced around for more enemies but could see none. Quickly he wiped off his blade and resheathed it.

Just a few feet away stood a small wooden chest. Crono walked cautiously over and opened the chest. Inside he found a bottle of Tonic, the universal medicine of the Kingdom of Guardia for as long as anyone can remember. This was placed into the pack Crono wore on his back. The pack had been a birthday present from his mother and had probably cost his mother's life savings. The pack was a rare magical pack, magic being exceedingly rare in Guardia except in ancient objects that were discovered by adventurers and treasure seekers. It could store any number of items without ever becoming filled. All one had to do to take something out of the pack was to reach your hand inside and think of the object that was needed.

Crono started to walk towards a rope ladder that lead down the mountain. On a small rock outcropping was another chest. Crono opened this and found a pair of gloves with intricate designs drawn on them. Experimentally, Crono placed the gloves on his hands. Crono could see no use to these gloves unless the weather was cold, which it was not. As he examined the curious embroidery on the gloves Crono thought back to rumours he had heard in town about gloves that mad those who wore them stronger. Crono pulled his sword from its scabbard and gave a few experimental swings. The sword seemed lighter and jumped with the slightest touch. Then this must be one of those Power Gloves they talked about, Crono thought.

Crono resheathed his sword and walked towards the rope ladder. To one side a pair of Blue Imps were kicking around what looked like a green ball. Crono moved slowly by the two Împs but they were too intent on there game to notice him. Crono stepped away from the mountain he had found himself on and saw a village that looked remarkably like the one he had come from.

However, the house he lived in was missing. As were the docks for the ferrys between the islands. He walked into the town and knocked on the door of the first house he saw. An elderly woman answered the door. Excuse me, but where is the Millenial Fair?

Millenial Fair? There is no Millenial Fair, this is the year 600 and King Guardia the 21st is ruling, the woman said looking at him oddly.

You said this is the year 600, Crono asked in confusion.

That's right, she said, Is something wrong?

Crono shook his head no and walked back into the town square. One of the buildings was marked as an Inn. Crono walked towards the Inn hoping he could find some information on what was happening. Inside the Inn several of the patrons were talking of the latest happenings in the war with the magician Magus. Apparently his armies had just destroyed Zenan Bridge, the bridge connecting the Northern and Southern continents. Apparently Queen Leene, who had been missing for some time, had also been found wandering in the mountains. A man in an orange jumpsuit sat down at the bar and started to talk to Crono. Are you a stranger here??

He continued before Crono could reply. Well, I'm Toma the Explorer. Hey if you'll buy me a drink I'll tell you the latest about what's been happening.

Crono said, hoping the information would be worth the money.

Bartender! A cider, Toma said before continuing, Apparently Queen Leene went missing after she visited the Cathedral.

One of the soldiers down the bar shouted to Toma, They've already found her!

Oh really, Toma said, So much for that. And I thought there was something strange about that Cathedral.

Toma went back to his drinking. Crono let him continue and walked out of the Inn. They found the Queen wandering in the mountains, Crono thought, And that portal appeared in the mountains. Maybe they found Marle while they were searching for the Queen. Best to check with someone at the Castle.

Crono walked towards the Forest that surrounds the Castle of the King of Guardia. The path forked inside the trees. Crono took the path to the left. As he entered a small clearing a screech split the air and three Blue Eaglets dropped from the sky to attack Crono. Crono drew his sword.

One of the Eaglets continued its dive, aiming for Crono's head. Crono dodged to one side and slashed his blade through the air where the Eaglet would pass. The bird had no chance and was slashed in half by the keen edge of the blade. Crono held his blade ready for another attack. The Eaglet on his left charged him. Crono tried to bring his blade around fast enough but only clipped one of the birds wings. A puff of feathers dropped to the ground and the bird tumbled after them, unable to fly with a damaged wing. The third bird ran from Crono as its companions died. Good riddance, Crono called after it.

Crono cleaned the blade of his sword and continued through the forest. The path turned and twisted several times. In another clearing, near the other side of the forest. Four Green Imps riding small green furred animals called Rolys attacked him. Crono was getting tired of these constant attacks and so when he drew his sword he charged forward. The Imps tried to spread out but Crono was too fast. He swung his sword in several viscous archs, cutting each Roly Rider down. Whoa, Crono thought, That took care of that.

Crono continued through the forest unaccosted. When he stepped into the light again he could see the imposing spires of Guardia Castle. He stepped up to the door and opened them. Inside two guards moved towards. one of the guards said.

Check out that hair, the other guard said, You one of Magus' troopers?

The other guard laughed, He wouldn't have made the cut. Show us your stamp collection kid.

Beat it kid, the second guard said.

Stop that at once, a womans voice called.

Queen Leene!!

A woman with blonde hair and dressed in a regal dress stepped towards the guards

Leave him be. He's a friend of mine, the woman said.

But there's something odd about him, the first guard tried to say.

The Queen glared at the two guards. Are you refusing to obey my orders??

No my lady, the guards said in unison.

Please enter, sir, the first guard said.

The Queen put a hand to her mouth and Crono could have sworn he heard her giggle.

Crono stepped past the guards and up the stairs into the King's Court. As Crono entered the Chancellor seemed to stare at Crono then sniff and walk up the stairs behind him. The King addressed him immediately. So you are the young man who rescued my dear wife. Perhaps you can tell me what happened? She seems to be acting rather odd.

I'm not sure sir, Crono said.

She also seems to have lost her coral pin, which she has always treasured, the King continued, Oh forgive me, you must be tired. You may rest in the Knights Quarters if you like.

Thank you sir, Crono said as he bowed to the King.

A knight walked up to Crono and said, The Queen wishes to speek with you.

Crono nods to the knight who leads him to a staircase. The guard says, The Queen's room is on the top floor. You are expected.

On his way to the Queen's room Crono finds a treasure chest containing a Tonic. Well, at least some good came from this trip, Crono thought.

When Crono reached the top floor he saw an archway leading into a hall. A large knight in armor bared the entrance. As Crono approached the knight bowed and stepped to one side, You are expected.

Crono stepped through the doorway and turned right. A large set of oaken doors sat at the end of the hall. Crono knocked politely on the door which was promptly opened by one of the ladies in waiting inside. One stared in shock, You rescued the Queen?? You don't look all that tough.

Crono ignored the remark and stepped forward. The room was Spartanly furnished, with only a bed, a simple carpet, and a table with some chairs. The Queen had her back turned to him. Crono cleared his throat to get her attention. Slowly the Queen turned, Ahhh, there you are.

The Queen glanced at the two ladies in waiting and said in a regal voice, Please leave us. I wish to speak to this man.

The two women bowed there heads slightly and moved soundlessly out the door. Come nearer, Sir, the Queen commanded.

Crono stepped a few paces closer before the Queen began to giggle like a school girl, Fooled you, didn't I, Crono? It's me! Marle! But everyone calls me Leene.

Before Crono could reply Marle continued, I'm so relieved your here.

She walked away from him, not looking at him. She turned suddenly, We barely know each other but I knew you would come for me...

Marle walked back towards him and moved close to him. Thank you, Crono, she said, giving him a light kiss on the cheek.

A strange blue light filled the air. S...somethings wrong..., Marle said her face twisting in pain, W...what's happening? I feel like I'm being torn apart....

Crono reached his hand towards Marle as she began to glow, Help me, Crono!! I'm scared, please, help m...me!

She put her hands to her head, as if to prevent it from splitting apart. Crono tried to grab onto her but it was as if she did not exist. His hand passed through her sillouhette as she dissappeared in a flash of light.