Chapter 3: The Queen is Gone

Crono stood in shock for a moment as he tried to comprehend what had happened. Crono looked around for any trace of his friend. He had to find her!

Crono stepped from the room and walked back up the hall where the ladies in waiting had clustered around the knight who guarded the room. They appeared to be fawning over him. Crono nodded his head at the group, hoping he didn't seem like he was acting odd. Crono ran down the stairs as soon as he was out of sight. Toma had said something about the Cathedral, Crono thought, She disappeared during a trip to the Cathedral. I'll head there to investigate.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs he heard his name called. It was Lucca! You're okay! Did you find the girl?

Yes, but she... disappeared, Crono said nervously, Apparently they mistook her for Queen Leene.

What do you mean she's gone, Lucca said excitedly, then after some thought, It's just as I thought.

I knew I recognized her, Lucca said as she looked around, And this looks exactly like the castle in our time.

What are you getting at Lucca, Crono asked.

I'll bet they mistook her for her ancestor, Lucca said knowingly, You see, Marle is a member of the royal family in our time. She's Princess Nadia!



Marle, that is, Princess Nadia is a descendant of Queen Leene, Lucca said, Queen Leene has been kidnapped. As I recall someone is supposed to save her but history seems to have been changed.

Lucca continued lecturing, Marle looks so much like Leene that they probably called off there search when they found her. But if Queen Leene is killed then Marle will simply disappear. There still may be some time though. If we can save Leene then history should remain unchanged.

Something must have happened to Queen Leene. That's why Marle disappeared like that, Lucca said finishing her speech.

Well, let's go find the real Queen, Crono said, And I know exactly the place to start looking. The Cathedral over in the woods.

The two set off for the Cathedral. The Cathedral is an old building built in a clearing of Guardia Forest.

Crono pushes open the doors, which gives easily. As the two walk towards the altar in the front of the Cathedral Lucca notices that the nuns seemed to be watching them with unusual attention. As they step towards the nun seated in front of the organ she turns towards them and says, It looks like you could use some food and a place to... rest.

Not really, Crono began to say until Lucca pulled on his shirt sleeve.

Crono looked to where Lucca was pointing and saw something small and shiny. Crono walks to the small object and picks it up. Crono examines it in the light. A hair pin, Lucca says as she gets a good look at it, Wait a minute. That's the royal crest of Guardia!

The nuns move suddenly, forming a semi circle in front of the altar. In a simultaneous flash of blue flame the four nuns changed into something resembling a snake and a woman crossed. Lucca called as they moved to attack.

Crono drew his sword and lopped the head off of one as it closed towards him. The other three kept there distance. One made a motion as if she were blowing Crono a kiss. Crono felt his reactions slow. A slow spell, Crono said, even his voice sounding slowed.

Lucca fired her airgun at one of the Naga-ettes. The airgun was a simple weapon. It used a blast of compressed air to launch a pellet of metal at a target. The pellet struck the Naga-ette in the shoulder. The wounded creature gave a terrifying scream as it charged at Lucca. Lucca loaded the gun rapidly and fired another shot that took the creature in the chest. It continued forward by sheer momentum and crashed into Lucca sending her flying. Crono moved as quickly as he could towards the Naga-ette who had cast the slow spell on him. Crono thrust his sword at the Naga but he was moving to slowly. The Naga slashed at his side but was stopped short by a pellet that struck it in the head. It collapsed without a sound. Crono's movements suddenly snapped back into normal time and he swung his sword around in a short arch that detached the final Naga's head from its body.

Lucca was breathing hard as she moved towards Crono. That was close, she said between gasps.

Suddenly, with a burst of blue flame another Naga appeared behind Lucca. It took a swing at her but she rolled out of the way as the creature screamed in frustration. From the ceiling, a cloaked form dropped. It landed on the ground and charged the stunned Naga. With a sweep of its sword the figure killed the Naga. The figure turned it's head to face the pair of friends, Lower thine guard and thou'rt inviting the enemy in.

Crono and Lucca stared in shock. The face was not that of a man but of a frog. The frog had green skin and was wrapped in a fencers cloak and a suit of armor. Thou'rt here to rescue the Queen, the frog man asked, The lair is deep within, will thee accompany me?

Lucca took a step away from the frog. A... a frog?!

Crono, it's a talking frog! I hate frogs!

I don't know, he seems to be handy with a sword for being a frog, Crono said, adjusting quickly to what was happening.

The frog looked sadly at Lucca. My guise doth not incur thy trust..., the frog said, Very well, do as thee please. But I shall rescue the Queen.

Lucca called as the Frog walked towards the entrance of the Cathedral, You don't seem like a bad person-frog-thing... I mean...

Lucca said turning to him, What should we do?

I think we need all the help we can get, Crono said as he turned to the frog, Would you accompany us, brave sir?

Lucca grumbled a bit under her breath. It would be my honor, sir...

he said, and this is Lucca.

You may call me Frog, Frog said, For simplicities sake. My true name hath a long story behind it and we have little time to waste on idle talk.

So what do we do next Frog, Crono asked.

Mayhap a hidden door lies nigh? Let us search the environs, Frog replied.

The three begin to search the inside of the Cathedral. While Crono is examining the organ he notices some sheet music lying on the organ titled The Door Part 1. Hey Lucca, Crono called, Lucca! You know how to play the organ don't you?

Yeah why?

I just found this music on the organ and I think it might be our key inside, Crono said as Lucca came over to see.

Lucca said thoughtfully.

Well, give it a try, Crono said pushing her towards the organ.

Lucca sat down and played the series of three chords. With a whir and a clank a secret door opened in one of the walls next to the altar. Well done, Lady Lucca, Frog said.

Lucca said irritably, Can it with that Lady Lucca stuff!

As you wish.

The three companions stepped through the doorway. The door led to a long hall patrolled by small demons called Diablos. As soon as they stepped through the door they were spotted and three of the demons attacked them. They moved in close. Lucca tried to back away from the demon nearest her but it kept following her. In desperation she lashed out with the butt of her airgun. The demon fell back a few paces, just enough for her to fire a quick round into its head. The demon evaporated as if it never existed.

Crono lashed out with his sword at the demon nearest him. The demon took the blow on the arm, severing it. The arm evaporated as Crono's sword passed through the arm. Crono brought the sword around in an arch and slashed through the chest. The creature evaporated into nothing.

Frog kept his sword level with the Diablo confronting him. His gaze never wavered from his prey. A slight motion betrayed the movement the Diablo planned to make. As the demon began to move Frog slashed his sword through the air. The demon ran into the sword stroke before it could react. It disappeared.

Frog sheathed his sword with a fluid motion. Thou fight well Crono, Frog said simply as he strode across the hall.

Crono and Lucca looked at each other before following the determined frog through the doorway. On the steps ahead of them a pair of snakes, Gnashers as Frog informed them. The two snakes moved to attack. Lucca killed one at long range with a shot from her airgun. The second was killed as Frog charged forward. We must waste no time, Frog said.

The first door, at the top of the stairs, gave with a slight push from Frog. As he stepped inside a voice called out , Hey! What's with the disguises? No need for them in here.

We were just stopping in to see what was to eat, Frog said, glancing at the table laid out with food.

the Naga-ette at the table said, A little stringy but not bad. Can't wait to eat those two soldiers we caught. They look rather plump and juicy.

I think we'll pass, Frog said turning a slightly greener color.

I think I'll look in on Magus' statue before my shift, the Diablo said as he left.

Frog closed the door. What was that about, Lucca asked.

Thou dost not want to know, Frog said as he followed the Diablo around a corner.

Lucca didn't press the point. The Diablo entered a room opposite the dining room. Frog drew his sword and motioned for Crono and Lucca to draw there weapons. Inside the room they saw three figures. One was a soldier of Guardia and the other two were the King and Queen of Guardia. Frog looked confused, Queen Leene?

Frog! There was no need to rescue me, the Queen said, The master, Yakra, is very kind. I've decided to stay here. Now why don't you make yourselves at home too.

Something is wrong, Crono said, Let's get out of here Frog.

The three figures spoke simultaneously, Don't rush out so quickly. Make yourselves at home!

Three sets of blue flares and the three figures turned into Gnashers. I am starting to get tired of these things popping up everywhere, Crono said as he brought his sword in line with the closest Gnasher.

The Gnashers tried to close but the three were already prepared for them. Lucca fired a pellet at one Gnasher, laying it low. Crono dashed forward and killed two as he span in a circle slicing two of the snakes in half.

Frog nodded approvingly at Crono. Thou may makest a fine swordsman some day, Frog said simply.

Lucca kept her airgun levelled. Frog turned to his left. Through there, Frog said, The demon hast gone to pray before the statue of Magus.

The three moved through the tiny passage and found themselves in a large room. At one end stood a man bearing a scythe. Frog said.

Frog began to draw his sword but Crono stayed his arm. Crono said softly, There are too many of them for us to take. Pick your battles carefully.

Frog tried to free his arm before the wisdom of Crono's words sank in. Thou art correct, young Crono, Frog said in resignation, Let us withdraw.

The three left Magus' Temple and travelled back to the hall way. They weren't going to risk going through the main hall as it was well patrolled by demons. Travelling down the hall they had first come too they came to another door that led to a small room. In the room sat three chests. The three companions opened these chests and found a tonic, an ether and a suit of armor in the shape of a dress. A MaidenSuit, Frog said, apparently he was well versed in all types of armor and weapons, It will provide thou with good protection.

Lucca donned the armor over her clothes. It fit well and seemed to weigh very little. Crono quickly rifled through some of the drawers and found a small vile. As he picked up the vile several voices came from the door. Hey Humans!

There after the Bromide.

Get them!

Frog saw the three creatures roll into the room. They were curled up like balls before springing upright. Frog shouted a warning,

Lucca turned and fired a round at one of the Henchs. The round bounced off its armor. No enough power to punch through the armor, Crono yelled, Try for the head.

Crono's slashed his sword at a hench as it rolled at him. The blade resounded off its armor. The hench bowled Crono over, slamming him into a wall. The three Henchs formed a straight line and prepared to charge. Lucca rolled to one side and pressed another trigger on here airgun. A jet of orange flame poured from the nozzle, igniting the Henchs. They thrashed about in agony before finally lying still.

Crono stared in shock, What was that?!

A little invention I created, Lucca said, Just use the compressed air to launch a stream of flame.

Thou art an adept inventor Lucca, Frog said by way of a compliment, Now let us continue our quest.

The three continued along a ledge overlooking a great hall lined with Gnashers. At the end of the ledge was a treasure chest containing a glimmering sword. Tis a Saber made from steel, Frog said as he tested it, Tis too light for my likings. Take the sword Crono and use it well.

To there left a door sat closed, surrounded by a series of spikes. Next to the door a small golden skull was set into the wall. The eyes of the skull glowed. The three moved to the skull. Crono grasped the skull and lifted it. The skull shifted in its socket and the spikes withdrew into the floor. Frog pushed open the door and threw himself through with his blade drawn.

Inside the room two guards sat. Y, You're humans??

Crono said.

Frog looked slightly irritated at being ignored like this. The Queen is in the back of the Cathedral. Please save her.

Crono said, You two get out of here and we will take care of the rest.

Frog led the way out. We must move quickly, Frog said, Follow me.

Frog lept over the rail and quickly dispatch on of the Gnashers closest to where he landed. That frog is a little too eager, Crono mumbled as he hurled himself over the rail. As he landed he made a dash for the other Gnasher baring there passage to the door at the rear. Lucca jumped over the railing and almost fell to the ground if Frog had not caught her. Lucca recoiled a bit from Frogs touch but she was starting to get used to the creature. Sometimes she didn't even think of him as a slimy frog but as a person.

Umm, Frog..., Crono said staring at the mass of Gnashers heading for them, I think we should be going... Now!

The three dashed back towards the door as the Gnashers followed them. Crono threw the door open and dashed inside. Lucca and Frog followed closely behind. As the pair cleared the door Crono slammed it shut and put his weight against it. The mass of Gnashers slammed into the door, which groaned in complaint but did not break. Frog, reach into my pack and grab my old sword!

Frog reached into the pack and found the weapon waiting for him. Jam that into the door!

Frog slammed the blade into the door so that it would not open. Crono eased his weight of the door and saw that it would hold. That problem's solved, Crono said as he looked at where they were.

They were standing at the base of a massive staircase. On either said of the stair a pair of lanterns provided light. Lead the way, Frog, Crono said.

Frog marched up the stairs. Directly across from the stairs sat another door but as they looked inside they could see that they could not get far because of the spikes sticking up from the floor. We must find some way to lower those spikes, methinks, Frog said as they turned left.

On there left as they walked they saw a staircase. Crono took a step on the stairs. With a snap the stairs laid flat forming a perfectly smooth surface. Crono lost his footing and slid downwards. Lucca and Frog followed after him.

At the bottom of the stairs a Hench sat curled up, sleeping. The trio walked quietly past this sleeping guard and into the next room. Inside were two bats. When the bats spotted these intruders they immediately lept to the attack. Lucca shot one bat through the wing, sending it tumbling to the ground but the second tried to get a bit of Crono. It flew towards his neck but Crono but his sword around and slashed the bat from the air. That was easy enough, Crono said as he saw one of the golden skulls imbedded in the wall.

Crono walked over to the skull and pushed on it. With a whoosh of air and the sound of flapping wings two more bats dropped from the ceiling. Crono and Frog took care of these in an instant. Why don't we try and avoid being attacked, Crono said irritably.

Well it's not like we can tell them to go away, Lucca replied.

The three travelled through the hall avoiding the prying eyes of the bats that hung from the ceiling. About half way down the hall a sign posted on a blank stretch of wall read No Entry. Now that doesn't seem suspicious, Lucca said, There must be some sort of switch or trigger to open that door.

At the end of the hall the three found another of the skull switches. This time guarded by a bat and two Diablos. Crono killed one of the Diablos with a swift sword thrust and Frog took care of the other. Lucca fired a shot at the bat sending it tumbling down. I think I'm getting the hang of this, Lucca said as she pulled the switch.

They heard a loud clank followed by silence. Quickly they ran to check to see if the door was revealed. Blank wall greeted them. Let's check that room with the spikes, Lucca said.

They ran to look in the room, sure enough the spikes were retracted. Inside three Henchs and two Diablos waited for them. Crono charged the Henches, who were still clustered together, and killed them all in one sweeping arch from his sword. Lucca fired her Airgun at one of the Diablos while Frog slew his opponent with a quick thrust of his sword. At the front of the room was a stone slab set up like a table. To the right of the table was a chest containing an Iron Sword which Frog immediately took. Tis a good blade, he said after testing its balance.

To the left of the table sat another organ. A sheet of music sat on the organ entitled The Door Part 2. Lucca played another series of three chords. In the background a great grinding could be heard. To the door, Frog called.

The two humans followed the obsessed Frog. Indeed, a door had opened in the wall. Inside the door a ramp led farther into the church. At the end of the ramp a door led into a wide chamber. As the three companions ran forward they could hear a voice, Prepare yourself, Queen Leene.

The voice was high and whinny. Frog recognized the voice immediately. As the three ran forward the Chancellor saw them and jumped out of his seat. Queen Leene, who was standing in front of the table that the Chancellor was seated behind turned to them.

Frog took a leap forward. Majesty, stand back and allow us the honor, he said bowing to her.

She nodded her head and started to move away from the Chacellor. Be careful, she said to Frog.

Frog did not look up at her. The Chancellor began to laugh, It's useless to fight. No one will leave here alive.

The Chancellor strode purposefully from behind his desk. A sight which seemed funny given the advanced age he was at. Stupid Frog, it's time you jumped off this mortal coil. True-form... CHANGE!

At these last words the Chancellor began to change. His body bloated out, sparks of energy flew from his body as he expanded. The Chancellor began to laugh uncontrollably, the voice growing deeper by the second. With a final flash of energy the reared up on his hind legs and gave a terrible scream.

The creature before them resembled a bear in some ways except the hands and feets looked more like claws with no hand. Strange gaps sat on the creatures back that were tightly shut. The holes seemed to pulse with the creatures heart beat.

The creature roared again, I am YAKRA!

It charged the three companions. Crono side stepped slashing his sword along Yakra's flanks. The blade sank but seemed to do little more then enrage the creature. Lucca fired round after round into the animals side as it charged forward, too little effect. She triggered the secondary fire on her airgun and a blast of fire lept from the muzzle. Yakra roared in pain and turned on Lucca.

While the creature was distracted for the moment Crono and Frog charged forward. They both plunged there swords deep into the creature. Yakra bellowed and threw its assailants off. The two landed in a heap but quickly got to there feet. Crono tried to steady himself after hitting his head on the ground. Lucca let another blast of flame scorch Yakra's back. Instead of turning to face this new annoyance Yakra came down on all fours. The strange gaps on his back opened and elongated. A pair of razor sharp needles were fired straight in the air on a trajectory to hit Crono and Frog. The two dodged to the side as the needles embedded in the ground.

Crono and Frog charged Yakra once again, aiming there swords for his skull. The blades struck the bone and punched through into the brain. Yakra gave a scream as he died.

The room was filled with silence. Crono and Frog pulled there swords from the dead body of Yakra. Queen Leene walked up to Frog. You came to rescue me, she said, Thank you Frog.

Frog knelt before her, The King awaits. Let us return to the castle.

Frog stood and faced the two humans. I thank thee Crono and Lucca.

Yes, thank you so much. Please come and join us, the Queen said in agreement.

We would be pleased to accompany you, Lucca said in her best formal voice.

The Queen began to walk back to the castle. Crono thought he heard something strange coming from one of the chests in the room. He walked over and pulled the latch. Inside, the real chancellor was bound with ropes. The Chancellor immediately spotted the Queen and rushed to her side. The three companions followed in his wake.

The five reached the castle with no incident. King Guardia was overjoyed to see his wife returned.

Frog stepped forward and knelt before the King. I have failed to protect Queen Leene. I have disgraced thee.

With this Frog walked towards the main doors of the castle. the Queen called out.

Frog turned to face the Queen and made a short bow before walking out the door. Crono and Lucca followed him. Wait Frog, Crono said.

Twas a fault of mine that endangered the Queen, Frog said as he looked back at them, I shall depart for good.

Frog walked down the stairs leading outside. He turned and faced Crono, Crono, you hath the potential to be a good swordsman.

With that he hopped out of the castle. Lucca took a few steps forward. Froggy, you weren't such a bad guy either, she said saddly as he left.

Lucca turned back to face Crono, Let's go find Marle.

Lucca followed Crono to where Marle had disappeared. Crono pushed open the doors and walked inside. A strange shimmering began in the room then Marle appeared in thin air. Huh, what happened, she asked in confusion.

Princess Nadia, Lucca called to her.



She ran to him and threw her arms around him. It was awful, Marle said as she sobbed slightly, I don't remember it clearly. It was somewhere cold, dark... and lonely.

She shivered at the thought. Is that what it's like to... die?

It's alright, Crono said comfortingly, Your back now.

Welcome back, Princess Nadia, Lucca said in exasperation.

You risked your life to help me too, she asked before she realized, Princess... Nadia?'

She let go of Crono. Uh oh.

She started to giggle a little. I guess you guys figured it out, huh, she said.

Sorry Crono, she said apologetically, I didn't mean to deceive you. I am Princess Nadia. My father is King Guardia the XXXIII.

She took a few steps away then looked back. I really enjoyed being with you at the fair. But if you had known my identity... Crono, you wouldn't have shown me around the fair, right?

Crono shook his head. Why would it have mattered?

Oh Crono, she said with a grin, That's what I like about you.

The real Queen's safe, Marle said, So lets go home.

As they were walking through the throne room Marle stopped and looked at the Queen. So you're the real Queen, Marle said.

Leene walked over to Marle and examined her. You could almost be my twin, the Queen said, It's no wonder they mistook you for me.

Marle looked at the King and Queen. You two had better get along... or I'm in big trouble.

The two looked at each other then at Marle, Excuse me?

Marle giggled again, Never mind.

The three made there way to up Truce Mountain to the place where they had been deposited by the gateway. On the ground in the middle of the clearing sat a glowing blue sphere. How do we get home, Marle asked.

Lucca sounded a bit nervous, Your Highness... er... Princess.

Just call me Marle, Marle told her, feeling slightly annoyed.

Well then, Marle... Observe.

With a great flourish Lucca pulles glowing rod from inside her vest. She pointed the rod at the small sphere and pressed a button inset on the handle. The sphere grew to be a great portal, large enough for all of them to fit inside.

Crono and Marle took a step back in shock. Marle said in awe, Lucca your amazing.

Ain't it the truth, she said with a laught before she clamped some modesty down, Oh, um I mean...

Enough with the false modesty, Marle said, I would trade my royal ancestry for your genius any day.

If you say so, Lucca said doubtfully, Anyways, I call this thing a

She gestured at the portal. It's a sort of portal that takes you to the same location in a different era. Gates are very unstable so I used the principle behind my Telepod device to create a Gate Key,' she said showing the shining tool she had used to open the gate, Now we can use them as we please.

But why did this gate suddenly appear, Marle asked.

Either the Telepod had something to do with it or else, Lucca paused for effect, Something else created it.

Crono and Marle shook there heads simultaneously. This is getting too weird. Let's go back to our time, Marle said.

Crono and Marle followed Lucca into the gate. The gate shut around them.