I own Ana and Bob! Nothing else though…
Chapter 8: The Lost BrotherEven though Kidd wanted to stay with Serge, she found that it would be impossible. The Mastermune was just too large. So, Kidd ended up in the middle anyway. Serge cleaved a werewolf cleanly in half. He jutted his swallow back to stab another one, and then swung it sideways to kill three others. These five were replaced by ten. Kidd watched in awe as Serge wiped out werewolf after werewolf. A werewolf growled at her and attacked. Kidd, mesmerized by Serge, didn't even see it until it was too late. It slammed into her. She yelled out in pain and fell to the ground. Glenn saw this and tried to help her, but he was held back by a large amount of werewolves. The beast moved in for the kill. Now Ana noticed Kidd, but she was with Glenn, so she was stuck also. "Serge!" Serge spun around at the sound of Ana, "Kidd!" Ana yelled. The werewolf brought its paw back, ready to slash Kidd's throat. A split-second later, it had no paw. It roared in pain, but was cut short as its head was separated. Kidd looked up into the worried eyes of Serge. "Are you okay?" He asked. Kidd nodded, "Yeah. I'm o–Serge!" Serge was tackled to the ground by a group of werewolves. The beasts completely covered him, tearing and biting. "Serge!" Kidd screamed again. Kidd saw something begin to glow from within the group of werewolves. A werewolf was suddenly thrown off Serge. It was followed by three more. Kidd could see what happening now. Serge wasn't even moving, but the Mastermune's power sent anything that touched him flying. A few more werewolves clawed at Kidd's fallen comrade. They howled as they were slammed into the rock wall thirty feet back.
As Kidd ran to Serge, now clear of werewolves, she vaguely noticed that it was pouring down rain now. Kidd knelt down by Serge's side. His clothes were in shreds, and whatever skin showed, was covered with blood. "Serge! Wake up!" She grabbed him and only felt a mild shock as the Mastermune recognized her. She shook Serge. "Please! Wake up!" Tears were streaming down her face now. Serge was just barely breathing, and his pulse was extremely small. Many werewolves began to converge on the two. Kidd's eyes widened as she saw this. There's no way she could take these many and live. She looked for Glenn and Ana, but saw neither of them. A nearby creature pounced. FWOOSH! It was vaporized by a pillar of flame before it had the chance to do anything else. Kidd winced at the extreme heat. She looked up and saw the form of a flying dragonian. From this dragonian's mouth came a pillar of sweltering fire. FWOOSH! Three more werewolves were vaporized. The rest of the werewolves that were in that area scattered. They were soon followed by the rest.
Glenn and Ana ran over to Kidd and Serge. Ana placed her hands on Serge's chest and a blue light emitted from her hands. The blood flowing from Serge's wounds stopped, and the cuts and lacerations closed. Ana looked exhausted, but before Kidd could ask what had happened, the dragonian, Bobowikia, landed with a thud. Serge moaned lightly. His eyes opened and he stared into Kidd's worried eyes. "Ugh. What happened?" Kidd slapped him on the arm, "Ya nearly got yerself killed, mate! Lucky for us, Bobowikia just happened to be in the area." Serge winced at the slap. He was sore all over. He could just barely make out Bobowikia's form a few feet away. He sat up with the help of Kidd. "I guess you've saved us again. Thank you." Serge said. "You fight well, human, but you are hindered by feelings. Fighting is about instinct, if you rely on your feelings, you will fall." Serge rolled his eyes and slowly got up, "It's been my experience that feelings can give you an advantage. If you have passion, it can fuel your abilities and make you more powerful." Serge shot back. Bobowikia didn't reply. "Bobowikia, why are you here? I don't think that you're here to argue about my ways of fighting." The dragonian snorted, "I'm here to request something of you, Chrono Trigger" Serge waited. "I'm here to request that you take me with you on your quest for Lynx. He betrayed me, and I want revenge." Serge's eyes widened. He wants to come with us?! He looked at his comrades and they were all having similar reactions. Serge smiled, "I won't stop you from coming with us, Bobowikia." The dragonian face remained expressionless. "I have one request for you though." Serge said with a smile. Bobowikia snorted. "Let us call you 'Bob' for short. I'd get sick of saying your full name all the time." The dragonian nodded its huge head, "Fine."
The rest of the party's trip to Termina was uneventful. They reached Termina just as the sun was thinking about peaking over the horizon. "It would be better if I stayed out of sight." Bob said after landing. Serge nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you're right. The people here are going to be very paranoid. I don't know how long we're going to be here though..." Serge trailed off. Bob got an idea, "I will try to gather some information on the whereabouts of Lynx. I will be back in two weeks time. I will meet you here to discuss what will be done." Serge thought about it, "Yes. That should work just fine." Bob turned and, in one giant flap of his wings, flew off toward the rising sun. Serge smiled at the fading form, "It sure is nice to have him on our side. Don't you agree?" The other three spoke their agreements. "Well. Let's go."
"So, Glenn. Why exactly are we here, anyway?" Kidd asked. Glenn smirked, "I don't know. Maybe I was getting homesick or something. I do know that we were all getting tired of Leena hounding all of us at all hours of the day though." Kidd laughed, "You got that right! Man, she sure is pushy." Their conversation was cut short as they saw the figure of Dario running toward them. "You're back!" Dario said when he arrived at their position. He and Glenn hugged. "I'm glad you're back. Oh! And you accomplished your mission too! That's great!" Glenn cut him off, "No. Our mission hasn't been accomplished yet. We saved Kidd, but Lynx is still loose." Dario's eyes darkened, "It's Lynx again?" Glenn began explaining.
After explaining everything, there was a long silence. Nobody knew what to say! Finally, "You all look exhausted. Although part of the manor was destroyed, there's still a lot left. All long as you don't mind sharing a room with another person, we'll have plenty of room! After you've rested up, we can have a feast!" The four all but cheered at this plan. They walked toward the partly destroyed Viper Manor. As they walked, Serge felt a sudden cold chill. He turned around looking for something. Kidd walked beside him, "Mate? You okay?" Serge was silent for a moment, "Um... Yeah! Yeah, I'm okay. I just thought... Oh, I don't know. Don't worry about it, Kidd. I'm just being paranoid." Kidd smiled, "Okay! Come on, I'm tired. Let's get to the manor fast." Serge smiled back at her, and they caught up to the other three, including Dario.
"Okay, here's where Serge and Glenn will sleep." Dario pointed at a door. He turned back to the girls, "And you will be sleeping just down the hall. That room." He pointed at another door further down the hallway the five were standing in. "Yeah, I have one. Why do I have to share a room with Serge? The guy snores like nobody else I've heard. It's loud enough to wake the dead!" Glenn complained. The rest of them laughed. "Come on, Glenn. Let's get some sleep." Serge said. Glenn shrugged and walked into the room after him.
When he arrived in the room, Serge was already getting undressed and getting ready to take a bath in their own personal tub. SPLASH! Serge hopped in the tub. Literally. "So. How are things going with you and Kidd?" Glenn asked. Serge lifted his head from the water. He grinned widely at Glenn. Glenn laughed, that grin plus Serge's thick hair sticking to his face was just funny, "That good, huh?" Serge just stuck his head back into the water. When he came back up, he asked, "How 'bout you and Ana?" Glenn smiled, "It's going great, Serge. I can't even begin to explain what I feel for her. I–I think I'm falling in love with her." Serge smiled back, "The fact that she's the princess of a country, that until thirteen years ago was the most powerful country on the planet." Glenn shook his head, "It did at first, but not anymore. Princess or peasant, she's still Ana. If anything, that just makes me hate Porre more for taking that from her." Serge nodded, "Yeah, I understand. It the same with Kidd being a 'clone'. She had no real mother and father. In fact, the closest she had to family was Lucca. Lynx took that from her, that just made me hate him more too."
"I think I'm in love with him, Kidd." Kidd laughed, "Well, good for you, Ana. It's about time he got somebody!" Ana got out of the large spa that was built into the floor in their room, and wrapped a towel around herself. Kidd got in after her. "Ahh... I could get used to this." Kidd said while relaxing in the spa. "So. What about you and Serge?" Kidd turned a deep red, "What do you mean?" Ana chuckled, "Don't give me that, Kidd. I know you two like each other." Kidd was starting to look uncomfortable, "What are ya talking about?" Ana laughed now, "Give me some credit, Kidd. Other than the fact that you broke a mind-controlling spell by saying, 'I love you', Glenn and I barely stopped you from kissing each other yesterday." Kidd turned redder, "I–Uh–I mean..." Kidd laughed, "Yeah, yer right, Ana. Maybe I do love him." You love him more than you let on. Kidd growled softly. Butt out, Schala. This doesn't involve you. Schala laughed in Kidd's mind and then went silent. Kidd finished washing up and got dressed. "I'm gonna go for a walk. Be back soon." Kidd said. Ana simply grunted and rolled over in her bed. Kidd smiled at her and walked out the door.
Kidd walked through the destruction that was once Termina. She saw many buildings being erected as she walked. They're just like the people of Arni. Not even the total destruction of the town can stop them. They just start anew. Even if Lynx wins, he'd never be able to control these people. Their wills are too strong. If Lynx can't control them, he'll destroy them. That's why we have to stop him. Kidd sighed. Yeah, you're right, as always. Kidd involuntary smiled. Schala had taken over her mouth. Kidd felt a shiver run up her spine. She felt like somebody was watching her. She looked around, but saw nothing. She shivered, it had gotten colder. Time to go back. A shadow passed over head. She froze. She looked up and saw nothing. "I'm just paranoid. Yeah, that's it. Paranoid." She walked past an alley. In that alley, she saw two gleaming eyes staring back at her. She started running. She had only one thought in her head, Lynx. There were no footsteps behind her. She looked over her shoulder and her heart stopped. The person was following her, but he wasn't running after her. He was floating after her! He wore a large cloak that covered his face. A scythe rested on his shoulder. Lynx! She ran faster, but it was no use. He was catching up!
Serge woke up in a cold sweat. "Kidd!" He yelled. Glenn groaned and sat up. "What are you doing?" He hissed, angry at being woken up. Serge didn't bother on putting a shirt on, he simply got the Mastermune and started walking toward the door. "Serge!" Serge walked out the door. He reached the girls' door and knocked loudly. Glenn ran out of their room. "Serge! What are you doing?" Serge ignored him and knocked again. A tired Ana opened the door. "What?" She snapped. "Where's Kidd?" Ana rolled her eyes, "I don't know. I think she went for a walk or something. Why?" Serge started running toward the exit, "Kidd's in trouble!" He explained before exiting. Glenn and Ana looked at each other and grabbed their stuff.
Serge reached Termina in record time. Glenn and Ana were right behind him. They scanned the streets. Kidd's scream told them where she was.
"Let me go!" The cloaked figure did nothing of the sort. "I've been waiting a long time for this. I'm not going to let it slip through my fingers." Kidd stopped struggling. She, or at least Schala, knew that voice, but before she could contemplate it, the figure was punched across the face by the gloved hand of Serge. The figure let go of Kidd and was sprawled onto the ground. Kidd ran to stand behind Serge. She had no weapon, so she couldn't fight. Not that she thought she'd even have the chance, Serge looked like he was about to kill whoever had grabbed Kidd. By the Goddess. Is that? Schala was cut off as the figure rose. "Heh heh heh... You caught me off guard. Very few people can do that. I congratulate you, Chrono Trigger." The figure chuckled. Serge grabbed out the Mastermune. "Masamune..." The figure hissed. "If you leave now, I'll let you live. If you aren't gone in three seconds, I will be forced to kill you." Serge said through clinched teeth. The figure laughed, "I think that if you fight me, you be the one killed, Chrono Trigger." Serge got in a defensive stance. "You see! You are nothing compared to the other Chrono Trigger! Before the battle's even started, you're in a defensive stance. He, at least, took the offensive." The figure sneered. Kidd could feel Schala desperately trying to figure out who this was. Her efforts were, once again, hindered as Serge charged the figure. The figure blocked the swallow easily with his scythe. The figure laughed as they broke apart. He raised his hand, palms out. A dark wave of energy slammed into Serge. Serge flew backward into a wall. He put a crater in it. Serge groaned and got back up. Kidd could easily see that he was hurt by that. The Mastermune glowed brightly. Serge gritted his teeth and ran at the figure. The figure just laughed and hit Serge with another barrage of dark energy. This time Serge flew straight though the wall. "Serge!" Kidd screamed. FLASH! The figure yelled out. FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! Ana blasted him with lightning bolt after lightning bolt. Ana settled back to the ground, obviously drained by the magic. The figure was silent for a few moments and then started laughing, "That was nothing! The former Chrono Trigger, your father, could've nearly killed me one of his magic attacks. You only scratched me! You have a lot to learn, Princess Ana." He sneered. Glenn got into an offensive position and was about to attack, but he was stopped short as he caught sight of Serge. Serge was about fifty feet off the ground and rising. Ana and Kidd saw this too, and ran away from the massacre that was about to occur. "What's this? The Chrono Trigger can use magic too?" The figure said to himself.
Serge brought his arm back. The image of Masa and Mune did the same. He threw the Mastermune down toward the figure. The figure just watched in confusion. He only saw too late the image of Masa and Mune do the same. "No!" He yelled as the bolt of energy rocketed down at him. It was the most brilliant and powerful Flying Arrow that Serge had ever done. Luckily no one was in the area. The other three had backed off enough to watch, but not to be hit by the blast.
Serge's feet hit the ground. The Mastermune was floating in front of him, ready to be taken. He smiled and grabbed it. He walked toward the crater in the ground. He silently apologized to the people of Termina for destroying more of their city while he walked. When the dust cleared, he saw the figure on the ground. He looked unconscious. The cloak was in shreds, and the hood was simply gone. Serge couldn't see his face though, for the figure was facing away from him. That all changed as the figure stirred and rose to his feet. Serge gasped, the figure had an uncanny resemblance to Serge! Actually, the most he looked like Serge was his blue hair, but that was enough for Serge. The figure chuckled weakly at Serge, "Amazing. You combined a regular technique with a light magic attack that I've never seen before. It's truly amazing. It's something that nobody's ever done before. It actually knocked me unconscious, at least for a couple of seconds." Serge barely noticed the words that were said, he was too amazed at this person's hair. For years, Serge had been an outcast because of his hair. It just wasn't normal! Blue hair is just not normal! The only people he knew of who had natural blue hair was himself and his father. Then the words that this person was saying registered in his mind. Combining magic with a tech? What?! "Who–who are you?" Serge asked quietly, to overwhelmed by everything to come up with a stronger voice. Kidd, or Schala, answered for him, "Janus!" 'Janus' turned toward Kidd. Kidd stood by Serge's side. "I can't believe this! Janus, is that you?" Janus sneered. Janus? Where do I know that name from? Wait, Janus helped destroy the original Lavos, didn't he? This can't be that Janus, can he? Serge wondered. "Ahh... So you finally remember me, Sister." Kidd/Schala ignored him and continued, "What do you think you're doing?! You scared us half to death!" Janus sneered again, "What? Are you not happy to see me?" Schala frowned, "Quite frankly. No, I'm not very happy to see you. Maybe if you came on more peaceful terms, I'd be overjoyed to see you. I mean, I haven't seen you for thousands of years, but you kind of ruined it by chasing me, and nearly killing Serge!" Janus actually looked hurt, then he regained his composure, "It was a test. That's why I fought. It was to test his strength. As for me chasing you, you were running before I even moved. I–I've been searching for you for so long... I couldn't let you leave again, not before I at least had the chance to talk to you once more." Janus took on a kinder facial expression. Although, it still was evil-looking. Kidd/Schala's face softened also, "Fine. Well, I admit, I am slightly happy to see you again after all these years." Janus smiled a nearly invisible smile and looked at Serge, "Chrono Trigger, your goal resides in the ruins of Guardia. When your dragonian friend comes back, you must go there. I will be waiting for you in Porre. Protect Schala until then." Janus turned to walk away, "Wait!" Serge yelled. Janus looked over his shoulder. "Did I pass?" Serge asked with a smile. Janus's nearly invisible smile returned and he simply disappeared. Serge knew the answer, Yes.
Heh heh heh… That's Janus for you. So, what'd ya think? Okay, I've got some ideas for future chapters. Be reassured, the end is far from near. Truthfully, I want this one to be a long one. The only other fanfic that I've finished was only 9000 or so words. This is nearing three times that amount. So, it's my best yet. Heh heh heh. I feel pretty good about that. Anyway… Next Chapter! The group starts toward Guardia! Action? I dunno. Whether they'll actually get to the mainland? Dunno. Whether they'll be attacked by a huge sea monster and all of them killed? Hmm… Probably not. But… At the same time… The sea monster sounds kinda fun… Hmm… Well. The only thing I'm trying to say here is that I have no idea what I'm gonna do. Hahaha… Oh well! Please R&R!
--Ben