Chapter 4: We're Back!

The same blackness swirling around them. They fell for a time. The portal opened and deposited them at the fair, in between the two Telepod pads. Marle gave a sigh of relief, We're back!

Feels good to be home, Crono agreed.

Crono, Lucca why don't the two of you come home with me to the castle? I'd like you two to come over for dinner.

Sorry for putting you through all that Marle, Lucca said.

Are you kidding, Marle said disbelieving, That's the most fun I've had in months! And I've got some new friends too.

Lucca looked over at Crono. Crono, be a gentleman and take her home, Lucca said, I've got some work to do.

With that Lucca waved at the two and walked out of the clearing. See you soon Lucca, Marle called after her.

Marle turned to face Crono. Will you escort me home Crono, she asked formally.

Of course, Crono replied just as formally.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds before the both broke into laughter. Let's go, Crono said.

The two walked towards the fairgrounds exit. All about them people were enjoying the fair. They walked from the fairgrounds into the town square of Truce Village. Crono said as they passed close to his house, Let's go inside. I want to introduce you to my mom.

Marle agreed enthusiastically.

The two walked in through the doors of Crono's house. Hey Mom, Crono called, Mom! There's someone I'd like you to meet.

Crono's mother stepped out of the kitchen, where she was busy trying to cook dinner. Oh, hello dear, his mother said, Now what's this your shouting about.

Crono's mother spotted Marle standing somewhat behind Crono. his mother said, Who's your new friend?

Mom, this is Marle, Crono said, I met her at the fair today.

Crono's mother burst into tears. My little boy is growing up, she said through her tears.

Crono rolled his eyes. She did this when I introduced her to Lucca too, he mumbled to Marle.

Crono's mother rushed up to the two of them, crying all the way. Crono said in exasperation, We just met. I'm walking her home.

Isn't that sweet, his mother said.

Crono saw the look on his mother's face and knew it was time to be leaving. Crono said, We've got to go.

You two run along now and I want to see some grandchildren soon!

Crono went bright red.

Marle was trying hard not to burst out laughing. She was holding her sides, as if trying to keep them from exploding. At least that's over with, Crono said, Better to get it done now.

Marle was still trying to keep from laughing. You have a great mother Crono, she stopped as a giggle tried to work its way out, Does she always do that?



Finally she couldn't control herself any longer and fell to the ground laughing. This is not funny, Crono said seriously.

You should have seen your face, she managed through her laughs, It was hilarious.

Crono glared at her for a moment before her laughter infected him. When they finally both calmed down Crono said, Let's get you home.

The two entered Guardia Forest, it was getting on 5 o'clock in the evening. Light was starting to fail in the forest. Crono drew his sword and motioned for Marle to get her crossbow. There are a lot of dangers in the forest, Crono said.

Crono turned left at the first turn. A group of mottled mushrooms sat in the middle of a clearing ahead. Uh oh, Crono whispered, Hetakes. They look like mushrooms but they'll attack travellers if they make too much noise. Be quiet.

The two walked past quietly. The Hetakes didn't move. As they walked through an intersection of the forest paths a bird carrying a bell flew over. The bird tossed itself wildly, the bell ringing loudly. Two beetles came out of the nearby bushes. Marle fired her crossbow at the bird. It fell from the sky with a squawk. Crono dashed forward and slashed one of the beetles along its back. The creature died without a sound. The second beetle leapt at Crono and latched onto his back. Crono tried to punch the beetle but he couldn't connect. Marle ran towards Crono and bashed the beetle with her crossbow.

The beetle fell from Crono's back, stunned. Crono whirled and killed the beetle before it could move. They never learn, Crono said, I've killed more of these things then I care to think of and still they attack you.

The two continued through the woods and found another group of sleeping Hetakes. The companions stepped quickly between the monsters. Unfortunately, Crono wasn't paying complete attention. He stepped on a twig which broke with a loud crack. The Hetakes leapt from the ground. Heads up, Crono called.

Crono rolled to the left as a Hetake jumped at him. He slashed his sword at the Hetake and killed it. Marle fired a bolt at another Hetake. The final Hetake tried to charge Crono but it was no use. Crono sliced the Hetake in two.

We're almost there, Crono said.

They stepped out of the woods and there before them were the imposing spires of Guardia Castle. You know this is the second time I've been invited into the castle, Crono said with a grin.

Well that's what you get when you start hobnobbing with royalty, Marle said.

Crono pushed open the door and held it for Marle to step through. She stepped inside like the Princess she was. As soon as she walked in the door a voice called out. Princess Nadia!

A man looking almost exactly the same as the Chancellor from the year 600 ran up, huffing and puffing. Are you all right, the old man asked in an very familiar whinny voice, Where have you been? I heard you were abducted we had soldiers searching for you.

I was just having fun at the fair with Crono, she said innocently, gesturing towards Crono.

The Chancellor looked at Crono. Scoundrel! You're the one, huh? Kidnapping Princess Nadia!

I didn't kidnapp her, Crono said trying to protest.

The Chancellor would hear none of it. Admit it! You confused her and tried to take over the throne! Terrorist!

Crono was looking baffled. He was too confused to reply.

S, stop it, Marle yelled at the Chancellor.



The room was filled with soldiers. Marle tried to keep them from getting to Crono but they just pushed passed. Marle sighed in frustration then yelled at the top of her voice, STOP THIS AT ONCE!

The guards eyes went wide as she screamed out. The guards bowed to her as one. The Chancellor was furious, What are you doing?

Princess Nadia told us to..., one of the guards tried to say.

the Chancellor yelled, Detain him!

The guards shot to there feet. One guard closer then the rest struck Crono in the head, knocking him unconcious. Marle cried as she tried to reach him but the guards kept her away.