Chapter 6: Prehysteria!
JANUARY 19, 65000000 BC
"Ow..." Crono rubbed his head. What had happened? Let's see... he had gone in the Gate with Marle and Lucca... he had looked down... he had discovered he wasn't standing on anything... oh, yeah.
The teen suddenly felt something... sniffing at him? Oh, great. Crono forced himself to his feet. Nearby, he heard the girls doing the same. A sharp hiss came from in front of him. Then, they opened their eyes-and almost screamed.
"They're all green and scaly!" Marle yelped. Indeed, the creatures looked to be half-dinosaur and half-human. And they looked distinctly unfriendly.
"I don't think they like us!" Crono observed. On cue, the creatures surrounded the three, leaving no escape. It looked like they were goners...
But fate was with them, as a cavewoman charged from the right. Lucca shook her head. "She's a goner." But the scientest was far wrong, as the cavewoman smashed through the enemy ranks like a natural disaster. Dino-people flew in all directions, squealing. The three did a collective jawdrop as the surviving enemy ran for the hills like a T-Rex was on their tail. The woman stood her ground, shrieking unintelligible insults after them. When they were gone, she turned to the three. Crono gulped.
"Um... let's hope she's not territorial..." Fortunately, it appeared she wasn't, as she dropped to her hands and knees and began sniffing at Crono's feet. He groaned and facepalmed. "Again with the sniffing? Why me?"
The cavewoman stood up. "Hm. Ayla smell that man is good fighter. Ayla like!" Lucca immediately began laughing her butt off, while Marle growled and muttered, "She better not get TOO friendly..." The woman sniffed at the girls next. "Women good fighter too. Ayla like also!" This just made Lucca laugh harder. Marle calmly grabbed the scientest's head and rammed it into the wall until she stopped.
Crono looked at the new lady. "Uh... hi. I'm Crono, and they're Marle and Lucca. What's your name?" She grinned and let out a howl.
"AAAAYYYYYYLLLLAAAAA!" After she was done, the three uncovered their ears and Crono spoke up again.
"Okaaaaay... nice to meet you Ayla." She grinned.
"Where come from?" Crono blinked. Lucca decided to try explaining it.
"We're... from way after the day after tomorrow." Ayla scowled.
"What you say? No talk rubbish or Ayla, head go boom!" Lucca backed up.
"Yow! I don't think she understands, guys..." Marle sighed.
"Ayla, where do YOU come from?" Ayla pointed to the west.
"Ioka Village! We go!" Without warning, she took off at full throttle. The three halfheartedly followed her.
"Hey, Kilwalas!" Crono noted. Four of the white fuzzies were dancing around a large rock in a circe. "Hey, guys! Wazzap?" The Kilwalas shrieked and charged at him, waving spears.
As the three ran, Marle commented, "Crono, do you remember that movie Spekkio showed us about pygmies?"
"Shut up."
***
A day's hike later, they found Ioka Village, a community of rough tents made of dinosaur hide on the banks of a river. Ayla turned to the three. "Ayla go now. Busy. Crono talk to people!" Off she went.
The three spent about an hour talking to the people about many different things. One man said that lightning stunned dinosaurs. A woman told them that the Chief had the red rock. Several children commented that they wore "strange skins". One particularly dull man asked them if they were Reptites.
"Right, enough socializing with neanderthals. Where's Ayla?" Crono was tired.
"Maybe she's at that big area they won't let us in." Marle suggested.
However, the cavemen at the entrance simply said "Go see chief. Not ready yet." As they walked off, Crono saw one tent that was decorated more colorfully than the others.
"Hm. Is that the chief's hut? Let's see, girls." Inside, Ayla was puttering with a pot of something. Lucca blinked. "Ayla! You're the chief?" Ayla heard them and turned around, smiling.
"Yes, Ayla chief. Party now!"
***
It grew dark quickly. As soon as the sun set, the entire village moved to the blocked-off area. The three could now see that it was a festival ground. Ayla stood up on a "podium" made of leaves and branches.
"New friends! Strong man, Crono! Strong women, Marle, Lucca!" "UNGAAAH!" The cavepeople yelled. "Party now! Dance! Food! Fun!"
The music started up, and Crono almost choked. It was almost the exact same tune played by a band at the Fair! He turned to Lucca, who had had a similar reaction. "I think I should talk to the musicians..." Lucca nodded. "Good idea. I'll sample the poi. Where's Marle?"
"I dunno. She slipped off."
The musicians told Crono that they passed the song down with every generation. Apparently, it even lasted to the 11th century. As he started to walk back to Lucca, a hand grabbed his arm and he whirled around. It was Marle, and she was dancing!
"Dance with me Crono!" The teen blushed.
"Er... I don't dance very well..." Marle stopped and pouted.
"Oh, poo! You've just never tried! Come on! Please?" He sighed.
"Fine. Just this once." She immediately cheered up.
"Yay! Thanks!" She led him into the crowd, and they danced. Crono was pretty bad at first, like he had said, but the rhythm was simple, and he soon picked it up and was dancing like a pro.
Ooga bunga munga meeple
Dance with wind people
Ooga bunga munga meeple
Dance with mountain people
Ooga bunga munga might
Sing and dance all NIGHT!
As they danced, Crono suddenly felt a burning pair of eyes on him. Looking around, he saw a single caveman on the edge of the party, glaring at him. What's with that guy? Crono wondered as he was pulled away by Marle.
"See, I told you it would be fun!" Marle told him.
"Yeah... it was, wasn't it?" Crono admitted. Marle smiled.
"Crono... thanks." Then she kissed him, and fireworks exploded in his head. The moment seemed to last forever, and even after she broke it off, his brain stayed frozen. She laughed at his vacant stare. "Let's go see how Lucca and Ayla are doing, shall we?" Dumbly, he followed her.
Lucca was grinning as they walked up. "Hey, Marle. Whatja do to him?" Marle blushed.
"I... uh... kissed him." Lucca burst out laughing.
"Yeah, that would do it. Hey, Crono! Have some poi!" Crono mutely sat down and Lucca gave him a bowl. He took a sip and immediately started spitting, back to normal.
"ARGH! Lucca, what IS this?"
"Jurassic poi! What else? Come on! Are you a man or a mouse?" Glaring at her, Crono chugged the bowl. When he was done, Lucca laughed drunkenly. "HahahahahaBURP!" Now it was Crono's turn to laugh. Marle moaned. "Great. They're drunk on poi." She noticed Crono was gone. "HEY! Lucca, where'd Crono go?"
"Uh... he said something about Ayla and the Dreamstone..."
Ayla smiled and dug around in a pile of stuff. "Ayla hear Crono want red rock, so Ayla bring." Lucca and Marle ran up just in time to see Ayla pull out a red crystal as big as a football. "Rare, rare red rock sign of power! Ayla strongest in tribe, so Ayla have. Crono want, then Crono must beat Ayla!" Marle gasped.
"Crono, don't even think about it! You'll be creamed!" Crono, however, didn't hear her.
"Uh... okay..." Ayla grinned wolfishly, then stood up.
"This party, so we no fight. We have contest! Bring plenty soup!" Cavemen brought over a pair of huge pots, each filled to the brim with poi. "Whoever drink pot first win red rock! Start now!" With that, Ayla picked up her pot and started chugging. Crono blinked owlishly and attempted to do the same, but it was too heavy, so he resorted to sticking his head in. Lucca was actually rolling around with laughter, while Marle refused to watch. Ayla had gotten the lead, but Crono was catching up. Ayla kept the lead, though. It looked hopeless. As she was about to finish, she dropped it! Yelling, she picked it up, but it was too late. Crono was done. Sighing, she handed over the rock. "Enough. Crono win. Red rock is Crono's."
Marle cheered. "Crono, you did it! Crono? Crono?" But he didn't hear her. He had passed out. Marle grumbled and decided to watch Lucca do the "Drunken Sailor's Hornpipe" on front stage.
***
In the morning, the first thing Crono saw when he woke up was a dead fish. "Hell of a way to start the day..." He muttered as he raised himself off the food area. Looking around, he saw Marle sleeping on a huge leaf near him, and Lucca in a tree. "Oy! Marle! Wake up!"
"Yawn... oh, hi, Crono!" She smiled as she got up. "Great party. Where's Lucca?" Crono pointed into a tree, and she laughed as he walked under her, grabbed the branch, and shook it wildy.
"What the-YAAAAA!" With a resounding crash, Lucca landed face first. A moment later, she had Crono by the throat. "Grr..."
Crono pulled her hand off his neck and backed off. "Hey, calm down, drunk girl."
She seemed offended. "Drunk girl?! Liar! I was a perfect lady last night! Although I seem to have lost track of several hours... Urp!" She ran into the bushes, and Marle wrinkled her nose at the sound of the scientest's retching. After the noise stop, there was silence for a moment, followed by a startled yelp as Lucca ran back in. "The Gate Key... it's gone!"
"WHAAAAAAAT?!" Crono screamed. Marle looked around frantically.
"Hey! Look, footprints with claws!"
"Claws...?" Lucca pondered. "Let's go see Ayla about this!"
Ayla appeared to be still asleep. Crono started to go in, but Lucca and Marle firmly pulled him back. "Na-uh. Let her fellow women wake her up." Crono gave in and stayed outside. He heard them talking for a few minutes, followed by a loud war-cry and Ayla dashing out, her face like a thundercloud.
"Crono! Lucca say your stuff gone! True?" Crono nodded, and Ayla let out another war-cry. "Must be Reptites! We go to Reptite Lair! Get Crono stuff back!" Ayla paused. "Problem. We take only three people, or Reptites see us coming! No good!"
Lucca sighed, then raised a hand. "I'll stay. I wanna learn how to make that Jurassic Poi, anyways." Ayla nodded.
"Okay. Lucca stay. Crono, Marle and Ayla go to Reptite Lair!"
***
According to Ayla, the Reptite Lair was in the Forest Maze to the south. However, the first thing they saw in the Maze was not a Reptite, but the angry caveman that had been glaring at Crono during the party last night. Ayla immediately ran up. "Kino! What you doing here?" The caveman turned, a sad expression on his face.
"Ayla..."
"Tell Ayla! Now!"
"Kino... take Crono stuff... but Reptites follow... steal stuff!" Ayla growled and whacked Kino over the head, smashing him to the ground. Marle blinked.
"Um... ow?"
"I'd say that's an understatement." Crono commented as Kino got back up. Ayla growled.
"Why Kino do this?" Kino looked down.
"Ayla like Crono... Kino no like..." Crono and Marle both sweatdropped as Ayla yelled some more.
"Kino dummy! Ayla like Kino BEST! Now get back to village!" Kino nodded and ran away. Ayla looked after him. "Kino is strongest man in village... so if Ayla die, Kino is next chief." She shook her head, throwing off her mood. "We go to Reptite Lair now!"
The trip through the maze was fairly uneventful, with only a few fights, mostly with giant Cave Apes, angry Gold Eaglets or more pygmy Kilwalas. When they reached the end of the maze, in front of them was a large mountain. Crono groaned. "More mountain climbing?" Ayla shook her head.
"No. Reptites INSIDE mountain." She led them over to one side, and Crono saw a large cave in the side. Marle smiled.
"Ah, the mountain is hollow! Well, at least we don't have to climb it. I think one trip through the Denadoro Mountains was enough to last me a while."
Inside, the cave was surprisingly well-lit from torches on the walls. Ayla started to lead them in, then drew them back, hissing, "EvilWeevils!" Marle blinked.
"Surely we can take 'em!" Ayla grinned, then pressed her finger to her lips. The three watched as one of the EvilWeevils turned its pointed nose to the ground and dug a large hole, then crawled in. As soon as it had, Ayla ran straight forward and dived in. After a moment of surprise, Crono and Marle followed, ignoring the shrill cries of the other EvilWeevils.
The hole quickly led to a large room, and Crono saw Ayla facing off the EvilWeevil and a pink-and-green flower. The EvilWeevil already had a large dent in its side. As Crono & Marle ran over, the bug plunged its proboscis into the plant's blossom. With a squeal, it shriveled and died, but the dent in the EvilWeevil flatttened out, and the bug charged, sticking Crono in the arm. The retaliatory slash sent it across the room, and Ayla finished it off with a well-aimed punch. Crono winced as the wound spurted,and Marle prepared to cast Aura. However, Ayla beat her to it. As she blew him a kiss, a wave of pink energy washed over him, and the wound was healed.
That felt a lot like Marle's Aura, he thought as the girls dragged him down the next hole.
A 2-ton mass of blubber and scales met them. "Crap! A Megasaur!" According to paleontologists, these dinosaurs were among the most feared predators of the time, along with their stronger relatives, the Terrasaurs. Crono decided to start things off the best way he knew how. "Lightning!" He was completely unprepared for the response: It shrieked and went completely limp. Ayla was gaping.
"Crono! How you do?" He smiled.
"It's called magic." She thought.
"Ma-geec. Only Azala be able to do like that before." Marle facepalmed.
"This Azala knows magic?! Just great. Ayla, wouldja mind taking out this fat lug before he wakes up?" Ayla obligingly spun into a somersault and finished with a kick that imploded the beast's forehead, and down they went...
...Landing in what appeared to be a break room for the Reptites. Crono groaned loudly as they surrounded the three. "Blast this deja vu. Run for it!" Ayla led the charge for the door, smashing through any Reptites in the way, while Crono kept the ones following them at bay with Lightning, and Marle picked off the snipers with her bow. When they got through the door, another Megasaur met them. One more Lightning, and the dinosaur went limp like the other. Ayla grinned, and with a Rollo Kick to its rear, she plugged the door with the inert monster.
Crono paused and surveyed their surroundings. To their right was a Cave Ape and a pair of the mushroom-like Shitakes, and a dead end. While to the left was a large door, guarded by two Reptites and a Megasaur. Marle pointed at the left path.
"To Azala. Chaaaarge!" As the three whipped their heads up, Crono used his normal opener.
"Lightning!" Nothing happened. "Gah! Out of magic power!" As he rummaged in his pack for a Mid Ether, Ayla took out one of the Reptites... and the Megasaur knocked her flying. Marle screamed.
"Ayla! CURE!"
So, Marle's developed a more powerful healing spell. "LIGHTNING!" The Megasaur crumpled, and the healed Ayla quickly flattened the other Reptite while Marle fire a bolt directly into the Megasaur's eye.
"Well, time for our appointment with the bossman. I wonder if he'll have coffee and donuts?"
***
Azala sighed as he heard the results of the scuffle outside. Memo to self: Get better bodyguards next time. He also decided that he would pretend not to notice them at first and continue examining the strange apparatus. "Hmm... how on earth could the apes have made something this advanced...?" He muttered absently as they charged in.
"Mr. Azala, your three 'o clock is here!" Crono wisecracked. The reptite leader turned and stared at him.
"What the HELL are you babbling about, kid? Interesting... you two look nothing like Ayla or the rest of those howling savages..." He turned a cold smile to her. "My dear, you look the same as always... barbaric."
Ayla was not interested in exchanging pleasantries. "Give back Crono stuff! NOW!"
"So that's his name, eh? Crono?" Azala looked back at the teen. "Well, Crono... I may give it back, if you tell me what it does... NOW!"
Crono could tell the Reptite leader was spoiling for a fight, and no mattter what they said, the result would be the same. "It's an atomic flying toaster, you idiot."
Azala was not amused. "Trying to be funny? We'll see how much you're laughing in a moment! Heeeere, Nizbel!"
"Who or what is a Nizbel?" Crono asked Marle, who had gone white.
"You don't want to know." As a huge form lumbered into view from the back of the cave, Crono went pale as well.
"Oh, shit." It seemed a good thing to say. Nizbel was as big as Masamune had been, but where it had been yellow and fat, Nizbel had tough-looking grey scales and the figure of a master bodybuilder. Ayla immediately charged in with a Rollo Kick, but Nizbel knocked her back with one lumbering foot.
"LIGHTNING!" Like the Megasaurs, Nizbel was immediately stunned by the electric attack. As Marle fixed up Ayla, the cavewoman assaulted her enemy, bashing and pounding everywhere. It seemed the Lightning had dropped Nizbel's defenses as well. Crono took the initiative as well, Spincutting deep into Nizbel's back. This seemed to jar Nizbel, and with a scream, the dino sent the electric energy back, rushing through the room. All three fell back, and Nizbel followed up with a crushing charge. Crono angrily sent another Lightning that stopped him in his tracks, and he turned to Azala.
"Hey, Azala, do you know what killed the dinosaurs? The Ice Age." He leapt into the air with a Spincut, and Marle fired an Ice into his path. With a butal crunch, the frigid blade impaled Nizbel's skull, and the mighty monster collapsed.
"Unbelievable... you... you apes beat Nizbel?" Azala shrieked. Ayla strode over and grabbed the Gate Key out of his slimy grasp, then tossed him to the back. He stood up, and as a secret exit activated, he tossed out a parting shot. "Remember, we Reptites will rule the world! Your days are numbered, apes!"
"Ayla not scared, Azala! Fight any time!" Ayla suddenly fell to her knees and let out a resounding belch that echoed through the entire cavern and blew Crono & Marle off their feet.
***
"Crono leave now? No fun for Ayla!" The next morning, Crono had announced that they were going. Now they were saying their farewells. Kino was also there, and raised his head.
"Kino sorry. Try to be strong like Crono!" Lucca grinned.
"I had a great time. Thanks for the poi recipe!" Marle smiled.
"Good luck with the Reptites!"
"Yeah. Give Azala one for us!" Crono finished as they turned to leave.
Ayla called after them, "Come back sometime! Dance, eat, fight, fun!"
The Gate was only one trip to the Mystic Mountains away.
JANUARY 21, 1000 AD
The three gratefully accepted Irvin's offer of breakfast before heading down to Melchior. The old man smiled as they walked in. "Oh, hello. Given up on the Dreamstone?" Crono casually tossed the red rock at Melchior.
"I tend to doubt it." For a moment, he thought Melchior was going to have a heart attack. He was just sitting there, staring at the stone. In his eyes, Crono could see memories were flooding him like mad, and it was several minutes before he could speak.
"How... how on earth did you find the Dreamstone... and the Masamune... no, don't tell me. I don't think my old heart could take it..." He looked at Lucca. "Young lady, would you help me?" Lucca practically jumped.
"Sure! I'd love to!" As they walked down, she turned back to Crono & Marle, grinning. "You two can be alone." Crono felt himself blushing furiously as he looked at Marle, who sat down on the couch and indicated that he should sit next to her.
"Crono... it's almost done... when the Masamune's completed, we'll take down Magus, and the world will be saved..."
"Yeah... but somehow... I dunno, Marle. I'm just getting this feeling that... it won't be that easy..."
She sighed, then grinned. "Crono, do you remember at the party, when I kissed you?"
"Yeah..."
***
At some time, Crono must have fallen asleep. When he woke up, it was sunset, and Melchior & Lucca were coming up from the basement. "Sorry to keep you waiting." The old man was beaming, and Lucca held a long bundle. The two stood by the window, and as Lucca unwrapped it, Melchior announced, "Take a good look! THIS is the Masamune!" As she held it up, the last rays of sunlight caught and reflected off the sword. Beautifully polished, the sword was a masterpiece, with intricate designs all up and down the blade from a time long ago. A small orb of untempered Dreamstone formed the pommelstone on the smooth golden hilt, and he could tell instantly that the blade razor-sharp.
"Awesome! What a weapon!" Marle was amazed. Lucca rewrapped the weapon and gave it to Crono, and Melchior nodded.
"Crono... go and deliver that to Frog."
"What the- how did you know about Frog?!" Crono demanded, but Melchior shook his head.
"You'll know... someday."
JANUARY 22, 600 AD
After a couple days hiking to the south, the heroes arrived back at Frog's. "Tis' thee again." Frog said sadly as he turned to greet them.
"Yes. And I believe... that this is yours." Crono said as he unwrapped the great blade.
"This sword... tis' the... the... MASAMUNE?!" Frog was startled out of his wits. He quickly calmed down, but Crono still saw the gleam back in his eye. "I... I must ponder this turn of events. Remaineth here the night."
JANUARY 31, 590 AD
It was a wondrous time for Guardia. The Mystics were quiet, and the King had just been married. The only trouble was the Frog King, who had taken over the Denadoro Forest & Mountains, and stolen the Hero Medal from Guardia Castle.
"Cyrus!" The great knight turned to see the youthful King Guardia looking back at him. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Cyrus nodded.
"Yes, I am. It's time we broke the Frog King's hold on Denadoro and took the Hero Medal back. And I'd like to see that legendary sword that's rumored to be up there as well." The king nodded slowly.
"I know you well enough to realize that nothing will turn you from this path. But be careful. Leene and I need you here, and I'm getting a bad feeling..." Cyrus bowed once, then walked out of the throne room. In the Hall, the knights were all gathered to wish him farewell. Cyrus's second-in-command walked up, a boy of 16 with great talent.
"Sir Cyrus! We, the Knights of the Square Table, salute you and wish you well on your journey!" Cyrus nodded briefly and walked down the stairs, where Glenn, hs best friend and squire, was waiting.
"Ready, Cyrus?" Cyrus nodded and they turned to leave, when another voice rang through the hall.
"Cyrus!" It was Leene, the new Queen. Cyrus and Glenn both bowed. "Cyrus, make sure you return to us safely!"
"Of course, your majesty. By your leave..." He walked through the door.
"Glenn, you take care too!" The green-haired young man simply nodded once and followed Cyrus out.
***
Several days later, they had arrived at the Denadoro Forest that surrounded the great mountains. "So, Glenn, where do you think the Frog King is?" Glenn shrugged.
"I dunno, CyruMOVE!" The knight jumped to the left as a Naga-Ette slashed at the spot where he had been. Cyrus quickly turned and divided it in two while Glenn hit another with the flat of his blade, knocking it unconscious. Cyrus went chasing a third in the bushes.
"Heh... you're alone, pacifist..." Glenn glared into the bushes.
"Whoever's there, come out now!"
"As you wish!" It was a male, humanoid mystic with blue skin. He grinned.
"The name's Slash, and my job is to kill you!" With that, he whipped out a large samurai sword and charged at Glenn, who feebly tried to raise his blade and had it deflected. "Not good enough, kid!" As Slash prepared to deliver the final blow, another sword whooshed through the air. Slash screamed as Cyrus ran his sword through the Mystic's leg. Another, shadowy figure dropped down.
"Slash! Are you okay?"
"Yeah, but we need to get outta here, Flea! This guy's too good!" The two Mystics vanished back into the trees, and Glenn stood back up.
"Thanks, Cyrus... that's another one I owe you..." A rustling in the bushes caught their attention, and Cyrus raised his sword.
"Whoever's there, you'd better come out... now!" A very frightened-looking teenage girl emerged. "What's your name?"
"S... Sara." Glenn nodded.
"Sara, could you direct us to the Frog King?" She nodded, and started down a path. Eventually, they reached a clearing, and the Frog King was there, with two small retainers.
"What? A knight of Guardia? I assume you're here for the Hero Medal?" Glenn and Sara fell back as Cyrus nodded grimly. Suddenly, there was a rushing sound, and the voice of the mysterious Flea rang out.
"We decided to torch the forest! Have fun!" The Frog King did not seem to notice.
"So you want it back, do you, knight? Well, then come get it! Gribbit!" Cyrus drew his sword.
"As you wish, pollywog! En guarde! NIRVANA STRIKE!" The Frog King screamed as Cyrus's sword went deep into his massive gut.
"Aaaiiieee! How dare you pick on a helpless amphibian!" Actually crying, he threw the Medal down and ran. "Filthy medal! I won't forget this!" As Cyrus pocketed it, Sara spoke up.
"We need to get out of here! It's too late for this forest!" Cyrus nodded.
"We're going to the mountains to look for that legendary sword. Care to join us?" Sara slowly nodded.
***
"I don't like this, Cyrus..." Glenn voiced his opinion. "No Mystics anywhere..."
"Ah, they're just scared because of the fire. It's fine, Glenn."
"If you say so..."
Sara pointed excitedly. "Look! There's the cave!" Cyrus nodded.
"Right. Let's go in." Sara shook her head.
"Only the Hero can enter that cave. Watch." She walked over, but as she attempted to enter, a golden barrier formed, and she was unable to go any further. Cyrus cursed.
"Damn! And we came all this way..." Sara walked over to him, her eyes shining.
"No... Cyrus, I think YOU are the Hero... go on. Me and Glenn will wait." Cyrus looked at her for a long minute, then strode in forcefully. Sure enough, the field did not block him. Glenn grinned widely.
"I knew it! He IS the Hero!"
"Mm-hmm..."
Several hours passed until Cyrus finally emerged, holding a beautiful gold sword. "Glenn... I did it... I got the Masamune..."
"Excellent!" An unfamiliar voice rang through the mountains, and the two friends discovered to their surprise... that it was coming from Sara. Her eyes shone an evil red as she was surrounded by a black light, and when it cleared, a fat, green lizard-like Mystic stood. "You pathetic idiot! Did you really think YOU were the Hero?"
Glenn stepped back, shocked. "Sa... Sara?"
The Mystic sneered. "The name's Ozzie, lout. I'm second-in-command of the Mystic army. The barrier keeps out all Mystics, so we needed some fool to get it for us! Give 'em the old 'Only the Hero' story. Works every time!"
Cyrus's growl of anger became a roar of fury, and he charged at Ozzie, whom he had trusted... and a second, dark figure stepped in the way, and with one blow... shattered the Masamune. The Blade flew back into the cavern, but the Hilt went straight for Glenn and went through his right hip before tumbling off the edge of the cliff. As Glenn bent over in unbearable agony, the figure uncloaked itself.
"My name... is Magus, leader of the Mystic Army." Glenn wheezed.
"Cyrus... the sword... the Masamune... Cyrus, I'm a goner..." Cyrus grimly looked down at his friend, then back to his enemies.
"Run, Glenn... I'll hold them off..." Magus sneered at this.
"I'd worry more about yourself, Cyrus!" The Knight charged one last time, and the Mystic Leader smashed him back with a fist enveloped in blue lightning. Cyrus fell next to Glenn, mortally wounded. Glenn raised his face, and stared at Cyrus, who was horribly burnt.
"Cyrus!"
"Glenn... the King and... Queen... guard them... Glenn..." Those were Cyrus's last words, as the second part of the spell was activated, and the noble knight of Guardia burst into blue flame.
"Cyyyrruuuus!!!!" Ozzie ignored the burning corpse and focused on Glenn.
"What's wrong, kid? Aren't you gonna try your luck?"
"Urr..."
"What a wuss! Waddaya say, Magus? Can't you give him a more fitting form?" The dark mage grinned.
"Why not? There's always time for a little... fun." As he gestured, a globe of rainbow light shot into the heavens. "The Frog King is a friend of mine, Glenn. I find your treatment of him most unsatisfactory. And the beauty of this spell... is that it only works on cowards!" On the last word, a bolt of rainbow lightning struck Glenn in the head, and with a scream, the young man tumbled off, with Ozzie's words ringing in his ears...
"Guwahahaha! You spineless wimp!"
***
Frog gazed around at his friends, sleeping. His eyes then wandered back to the Masamune. "Near ten years hath passed..." He sighed. "Can I do it? I've changed so much... alas, poor Cyrus..."
***
"Awake'th, Crono!" The teen looked up to see Frog standing with the girls, a resolved expression on his face. "Though we may fail... let us go to Magus's Lair. Thou dost know of his power, correct?" Crono nodded. Lucca grinned cockily.
"Nothing can beat us!" Marle also grinned.
"We've come too far to lose to him!" Frog glanced at her oddly.
"Aye... there is something... strange. Sir Crono, I must ask that you tell me of ye all." Crono nodded.
"We need you to meet somebody anyways. We can tell you about it on the way." Over the two days they spent traveling back north to Truce, they told Frog of their story. He was highly skeptical until they demonstrated the magic, and even then was a little wary when they reached the Gate.
"This will... send us through time?" Lucca pulled out the Gate Key.
"Observe!" The Gate expanded, and Frog nodded.
"Aye, lass. I believe ye. So, ye want ME to meet with this 'Spekkio'?"
"Yeah. In you go!"
JANUARY 26, 0000 XD
After Frog was done looking around and meeting the Old Man, they took him in to Spekkio's room. Robo was there, and so was a blue Goblin... but where was Spekkio? Frog immediately drew his sword. "A Groupie! Stand back, sir Robo!" The "Groupie" began laughing.
"Hey, bolt brain! Explain to your friend who I am before he starts something he can't handle!" Crono jumped.
"Spekkio?!" The creature nodded.
"Yeah, I'm a shape-shifter." He turned to Frog. "Wazzup? Hm... a frog. You're getting Water! IPSO FACTO MEENIE MO MAGICO!" Frog started to protest, but then stopped as the same glow surrounded him that had for Crono and the girls. Smiling broadly, he formed a giant bubble of blue energy that floated over and smashed into Spekkio.
"Ow!" Frog chuckled, then turned to Crono.
"A most interesting thing. Now, who will go with us to Magus?" Crono looked at the three others. "Hmmm... you girls okay if Robo comes?" Marle and Lucca nodded.
"Yeah, it's fine. Besides, it's almost time for Outlaw Star!" Frog perked up at this.
"Ah, yes, this 'TV' thing. May I investigate, sir Crono?"
"Sure, we'll all take a one-day break to rest up." Spekkio raised himself off the couch.
"That's all fine and dandy, kids, but right now I need to speak to Crono here in private. So OUT!" Grumbling irritably, the group complied. Crono looked at the fat blue thing.
"What's the deal?" Spekkio looked up.
"Basically, I think you're ready to ascend to the next level of magic." Crono did a classic jawdrop.
"What?! Well, okay, but why'd you chase the others out?"
"Because the process would attempt to affect all people in the room, and they're not ready yet. Would be painful. Now, then... IPSO FACTO MEENIE MO MAGICO!" The magical glow returned, stronger then ever, and Crono felt his already-strong magic powers growing stronger.
"LIGHTNING 2!" A line of yellow sparkled spiraled outward from Crono, and a moment later, a fan composed of beams of yellow magic and lightning bolts radiated from him. Spekkio winced again.
"Ow! Kid, I wish you'd stop trying your stuff out on me. Might as well call the other back in now, it's Outlaw Star time!" Robo was grinning wildly. "Wazzup, rustbucket?"
"You did not tell me that random parts flew by here." Spekkio snorted.
"Yeah, stuff gets lost through time, all the time. Speaking of which, I believe these are yours, kid." Spekkio held up a pair of stinky socks with reindeer on them. "Crono" was stitched on them. When everybody was done laughing, Robo spoke up again.
"I found a two-second dash mechanism. Watch." Without warning, Robo went flying at Spekkio in a speedy tackle that sent the Master of War into a wall.
"Dammit! Didn't I say not to use me as a training dummy anymore?"
JANUARY 27, 600 AD
Crono turned to Frog. "So, Frog. How do we get to Magus?" Frog looked blankly back.
"I thought THEE knew..." Robo facepalmed. Crono suddenly perked up.
"Hey, maybe Toma'll know!"
It took two days of searching all three towns before they found him in a pub in Porre. The explorer looked up as they walked in. "Hey Crono, Robo... Hero." Frog jumped.
"How didst thee..." Toma chuckled.
"It's my job to keep my eyes open. So, you wanna get to Magus? Well, I'm afraid I don't know how..." Their faces fell. "...But I do know who does. He's a Hench who lives east of San Dorino... small guy..." Crono broke in, incredulous.
"Murray the Midgit?!" Toma nodded.
"Yup. I gotta go now, guys. Keep it real." Crono and Frog stared after him for a while, until Robo spoke up.
"Excuse me, but I believe he has left us with his tab again..."
***
Murray groaned as the rapping came again. Probably just kids again, he thought. Time for the big scary Mystic routine. He whipped open the door. "BLEEEEAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!!" Crono blinked.
"Uh... hi?" Murray turned white.
"Oh, crap..." Frog walked up, his face grim.
"Dost thou know the way to Magus?" Murray nodded slowly.
"Yeah, but why do you wanna know? Got a death wish or something?" Crono shook his head.
"Nah. See this sword here? It's the Masamune." Murray whistled.
"I see... well in that case, follow me!" The midgit Mystic led them to the east peninsula, and up to a solid stone wall. He pointed at it.
"That's the place, buds. Remember, time moves at an accelerated pace while you're in there. For every minute you spend in that cave, an hour goes by in the real world. Now, I'm outta here!" Nobody bothered following him through the undergrowth. Frog just walked up to the wall and placed one hand on it...
"Hey, you!" The cry ran through the forest, and the leader of the gang looked up, his face white.
"Augh! It's Cyrus! Run for your lives!" The bullies fled, and the older boy walked over and helped their victim up.
"Glenn, are you okay?"
"Yeah, thanks Cyrus... hic!" Cyrus sighed and helped the boy to his feet.
"Glenn, sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and not cry! Once you do that, they'll see that you're tough, and won't bother you anymore?"
"But... it hurts when I get hit. They..."
"...You're a marshmellow, Glenn..."
The young man made a sight fit for a picture, standing on the edge of the bridge, hair waving in the wind. Glenn walked up, a smaller, less impressive figure. "Hey, Cyrus. What's up?" Cyrus didn't turn around as he responded.
"Glenn... I've been thinking of becoming a knight." Glenn clapped a hand on his friend's back.
"I KNEW you were gonna enlist! You'll make a perfect knight!" Cyrus smiled.
"Hey, why don't you enlist too? You were better with a sword then me in our training..." Glenn looked down and didn't respond for several minutes.
"...I dunno, Cyrus. Those were just dummies... I don't think I could really kill somebody..."
Flashing with the same rainbow light, Glenn tumbled off the cliff...
Frog opened his eyes and saw something glittering in front of his face. It was in the river, and so was poor Cyrus's body. "The Medal... the Hero's Medal..." The Medal had snagged on Cyrus's lifeless arm. If it hadn't it would have been washed away, lost forever... the Hilt of the Masamune protruded from a stump...
Frog turned away from the wall. "Crono, hand'eth over the Masamune!"
The teen instantly knew what to do. He walked over to the center of the clearing and plunged the sword up to its hilt in the dirt. "Take it when you are ready." Frog strode over, and looked down at it for a moment, then raised his arms to the sky.
"Mine name is Glenn! Cyrus's hopes and dreams stand with me, and now, the Masamune... I swear upon this sacred blade, forthwith I shall defeat Magus and restore honor!" He placed both hands on the sword, and blue bolts of magic electricity flew around the blade. As he drew it, and raised it above his head, a globe of blue energy formed and grew, grew, until it encompassed a one-mile radius, then instantly concentrated into a single beam of golden light that shot straight into the heavens from the sword.
It was a sight Crono would never forget. Gone was Glenn, the unsure pacifist, and neither was it Frog, their gloomy, self-defeating ally. Standing there, with the Masamune raised to the heavens, was the legendary Hero, shimmering in the aura of his power. Frog turned and, with one stroke of the blade, divided the rock wall in half, revealing a hidden tunnel, and the three men rushed in, ready for their confrontation with Magus.