Okay! Here it is, and Fargo and Nikki are in it! Yay! Ahem… Okay… I think that you are all cheering on the inside… Anyway, there's action in this one!
I don't own Chrono Cross or any of its characters… I own Ana and Bob though. Now… READ!!!
Chapter 11: The Attack
"Come on, boys! Bring her in nice and soft!" Fargo yelled as the large cruise liner/part-time music platform neared the port of Termina. Not that his men actually listened to him. They were too busy looking out at the mess that was where the bustling city of Termina used to be. "What the heck happened here?" Fargo asked the figure next to him. "I don't know, Dad. I've never seen something like this before. It must have happened very recently. We were just here a few weeks ago!" The 'figure' was dressed in a thick woolen coat to protect from the cool ocean breeze. Underneath this coat, he was wearing tight, brown leather pants and a pair of black leather suspenders. He was the musical artist/actor Nikki. He was also the son of Fargo, an ex-pirate. Fargo now owned and operated a large cruise liner. The boat was also used for Nikki's band's headquarters. "You're right. Seeing how there are still fires raging and things like that going on, this must have just happened a few days ago, a week tops. A scantily dressed, blond-haired girl stepped up beside Nikki. She gasped, "What happened here?" Nikki turned to her, "I don't know, Miki." Miki was Nikki's lead female singer and dancer. She was also his wife.... "Come on. We have to go see what happened. Maybe we can help." Fargo said, indicating the rowboats lining the side of the ship. The three climbed into the nearest boat. After being joined by a few more curious sailors, the boat dropped into the calm sea. A few more boats filled with people followed, and they started rowing toward the distant shore of Termina.
Serge and the others were waiting on Termina's beach when the first of the rowboats was beached onto the shore. Fargo was the first to step out. Fargo walked up to the small group of people. Dario stepped forward to greet him, "Welcome, Fargo." Dario nodded at Nikki and Miki, "Hello to you also." Nobody from Fargo's group spoke for a long time. Finally, Fargo spoke, "So... Where's the old fart? And what in the name of Gaia happened here?" Dario stiffened. Most of the rest of Serge's group had similar reactions. A salty tear rolled down Riddle's cheek. Dario answered finally, "General Viper... was killed in battle a couple of weeks ago." Fargo tensed up, "Wh–What? Viper's dead?" Although they weren't seen together very often, General Viper and Fargo were very good friends. Dario nodded, "He was killed in battle with a dragon. The very same dragon, who along with an army of assorted monsters, destroyed Termina." Fargo snapped out of his mourning, "What? Did you say an army of monsters? That's impossible. Monsters don't band together!" Dario was about to answer, but Serge did before he could, "They were commanded by a person named Lynx. He sent them." Fargo's eyes widened, "Lynx? Lynx has been gone for years. Plus. Even if he was back, he couldn't just send an army of monsters to destroy a city. That's impossible." Serge shook his head, "No. That's only a fraction of what he can do. Lynx can control the very weather if he chooses. I know... He destroyed my home with a hurricane. A hurricane that originated from nowhere and dissipated after doing its duty." Fargo raised an eyebrow, "Do I know you from somewhere?" Kidd stepped up, "Let me handle this, Serge." Serge recognized the voice of Schala. She looked in Fargo's eyes. There was no screaming, falling to knees, or anything like that. There was just silence. After a few moments, the silence was broken by a gasp. As gasp that originated from Fargo. A scar formed on Fargo's cheek. A scar that Serge had given him during their brief fight on the Invincible. "Serge? Kidd? What happened? I don't understand. I have two sets of memories!" Kidd/Schala held up a hand, "We'll have time for that later. First..." She looked into both Nikki's and Miki's eyes. They gasped as memories flooded back into their heads. "There. Now you should be able to understand exactly how powerful Lynx is." The three nodded slowly. "How is he back? I thought we killed him!" Nikki asked. Serge sighed, "We were wrong. He didn't die. He escaped. And now... he's back, and he's more powerful than ever." He indicated Termina, "A lot more powerful..."
Serge and his friends explained everything to Fargo, Nikki, and Miki shortly after. "So... You need to get to Porre, huh? Hmm... I might be able to arrange for that." Fargo said with a grin. Nikki smiled, "Rockin'! We're goin' on another adventure!" Serge smiled at him, "I don't think your guitar is going to be very helpful this time around, Nikki." Nikki waved him off, "Who said anything 'bout using my axe? That costs too much money to get fixed. I plan on using a sword." Serge looked at him questionably, "When did you learn how to use a sword." Fargo patted Nikki on the back, "I taught 'em. I was getting tired of having to buy new strings for his guitar. The cruise business only fields me so much money, ya know." Serge smirked, "Figures. Well, I propose that we leave tomorrow morning. That way we can get some rest. I'm sure that you're tired." Fargo made a face, "Naw. We're all good. We'll leave now. Just give me time to gather the crew." Serge shrugged, "If you say so."
It was decided that Serge, Kidd, Glenn, Ana, Bob, and Karsh would go to Porre. The others, Dario, Riddle, Zoah, and Marcy stayed behind to help rebuild Termina. Serge and Kidd now stood at the bow of the S.S. Invincible watching the sunset. "So... How'd you give Fargo and everybody back their memories? Doreen told me that it was impossible." Kidd smiled, "Simple. Schala took their memories, and she can give them back." Serge laughed, "Yeah. I guess you're right." A shadow passed on the deck of the large ship, and Serge looked up. Bob flew right above it. Serge smiled, "So. What d'ya think about Bob?" Kidd laughed, "I don't know what to think. I mean, he's a member of a race that died a long time ago!" Serge laughed, "So are you. Ahem... I guess I should say us now, huh?" Kidd's face fell, "I–I guess so..." Serge put an arm around her, "What's bothering you?" Kidd looked, "It's this whole prophesy business. It scares me, Serge." Serge put a finger under her chin and raised her head to look at him, "Do I look like I'm going to defect the forces of good and join Lynx?" Kidd smiled sadly, "No... It's not that. I know that you would never do something like that. It's just... If Lynx took control of you again... The prophesy could be fulfilled that way too..." Serge absorbed this, "I guess I'll have to be more careful then. I'll have to make sure not to let my anger and hatred get out of control." Kidd nodded and smiled., "Hey! I've been meaning to ask you. When I was about to get fried by that dragon. I looked up at you. You were about twenty maybe thirty feet away. There's no way you could've made it in time to save me. Then I blinked, and when I opened my eyes, we were rolling out of the way of the fire. How did you get there so fast?" Serge just looked at her, contemplating whether to tell her or not. Finally, he sighed, "I–I don't really know. I mean, I know how, but I just don't... Okay, it goes like this. When I saw you, I started running to you as fast as I could. But... I knew that there was no way that I could make it. Then I saw the dragon breathe the fire. I yelled, 'No! Stop!' And well... That's what happened, but it wasn't only the dragon that stopped. Time itself stopped. Nothing moved except me. Even sound didn't move. I stopped time!" Kidd just looked at him, "What?! That's impossible! Nobody can stop time!" Serge shook his head, "I agree with you, it is impossible. But... I did stop time. I'll understand if you don't believe me, but it did happen. Unless the entire fight was a dream, then..." Serge shrugged sadly. Kidd. What do you want? It is possible for him to stop time. What? The prophesy... It also told that the person would have power over time. What? No... That can't be true! I'm sorry... That was the final part of it. Now I know, Serge is that person. Whether or not he'll destroy the planet, I don't know. As you said, fate is dead, but... Be careful... There was silence in Kidd's head. Serge noticed that something was bothering Kidd, "Kidd? What's wrong?" Kidd looked up at him, "I–It's nothing, mate. Nothing at all!" Serge looked at her a moment longer and nodded. He knew that she was lying, but he decided not to pursue it. It's probably not something that involves me... He thought. Kidd yawned, "Well. I'm gonna go to bed. Gotta rest up for the big fight and all." Serge nodded and smiled, "Okay. Good night, Kidd. See you tomorrow." Serge watched as Kidd walked down below deck. He sighed, "What's going on with me?" In his deep thoughts, he didn't notice the dark shape that passed them in the water....
Serge woke up at the sound of yelling. BANG! BANG! BANG! There was loud knocking at his door, "Serge! Get up! Guldove's being attacked!" Glenn's voice ripped all sleepiness away from Serge. He got dressed. Serge ran out of his room just in time to see Glenn run up the stairs that led above deck. He followed. What he saw would stay in his nightmares forever. There was a giant sea serpent attacking Guldove. The serpent was so long that it wrapped completely around the ocean village twice! It had two heads, one at either end of its body. Out of its mouths came huge jets of water. The speed and pressure that the water poured out was enormous! A stream of water hit a wooden walkway that led to the chief's hut. The walkway was ripped to splinters. "Go! Pull away! We'll go in with the rowboats! We can't risk the ship!" Fargo said to both his crew and Serge's people. It was too late though. Serge had already dived off the side of the boat and was steadily swimming for Guldove. Kidd did the same. Fargo laughed, "Or we could swim!" The rest of the group decided to row there.
Serge swam with unbelievable speed. He reached Guldove before the boats or Kidd did. As soon as he climbed out of the water, he attacked. He started with the new move he had learned in Termina. His eyes flashed white and bright, white flames burst out of his open palms. The flames hit the sea serpent, but the move wasn't as powerful as last time. It didn't do much damage to the beast. Serge cursed. He tried again, but he got the same results. Kidd climbed onto the dock of Guldove and ran up to Serge. The two dived out of the way just in time to avoid a stream of water aimed at them. CRASH! There was a large hole where they had just stood seconds before. The rest of the group arrived a moment later, and began climbing out of the boats. Ana's eyes were already bright yellow. FLASH! A huge lightning bolt crashed into one of the serpent's. The head was stunned, but the other one turned to her. "Ana! Watch out!" Glenn tackled her out of the way as a jet of water blew past. The water obliterated a boat that was behind Ana. That's when the Mastermune began glowing...
FLASH! FLASH! Both heads were hit with lightning. In the short amount time that Serge had, he slashed deep into the snout of one. It roared in anger. FWOOSH! Serge yelled out in pain as he was hit by a stream of water at point-blank range. He crashed through the floorboards of Guldove and splashed into the water. "Serge!" Kidd screamed. She ran to the large hole. Before she could reach it though, Serge floated up out of the hole. His eyes were a bright white. Kidd could just see the image of Masa and Mune behind him. Serge reached the peak of his ascent and brought his arm back. Masa and Mune did the same. He threw the Mastermune down into the beast's mid-section. It stuck deep into it. The bolt of magic energy hit the beast in the exact same spot. When the light cleared, the beast had been cut in half. Both heads fell limp and splashed beneath the water. Cheers erupted from all over Guldove as Serge floated to the ground. Kidd ran forward to hug him. Serge felt something deep inside of him. His eyes widened, and he tackled Kidd out of the way as one of the heads of the sea serpent exploded upwards through the floorboards. The other head exploded out of the water on the other side of Guldove. Serge cursed and got off of Kidd. He turned to face the head closest to him. It glared down at him. The Mastermune glowed brighter, and Serge ran forward and cut deeply into the serpent's neck with it. The creature roared more in annoyance than pain. Serge's eyes widened as the jaws of the beast flew down at him. FLASH! A lightning bolt stunned the beast and gave Serge time to get away. He looked at Ana and smiled. If she saw him, he didn't know.
Kidd ran over to the relative safety of Ana. Serge stayed where he was. FWOOSH! Holy flames leapt out of his hands and hit the serpent in the face. The face was deeply scarred as the power of the attack had risen along with Serge's anger. The sea serpent roared in pain and sunk back underwater. The other part of it didn't. It, instead, turned to Serge. FWOOSH! Serge cursed and dove out of the way as a stream of water turned where he was just standing into splinters. FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! Serge ran across the dock just barely beating the jets of water. SPLASH! The other head blew out of the water next to the other one. Serge cursed again. FWOOSH! The two streams formed into one super-jet of water. "STOP!" Serge yelled. Time didn't stop this time, but it did slow down enough for Serge to jump out of the way in time. CRASH! Time sped up again afterward. Serge had no time to celebrate though, as the serpents were already getting ready to do it again. "STOP!" Serge yelled again. Nothing happened. Serge cursed and dove out of the way just in time. Guldove, by now, was barely standing. Most of the upper platforms had fallen long ago. A flame erupted from Serge's hand and hit one of the heads. It dove back under. The other one still stayed there though. FWOOSH! Another flame flew out of Serge's palm. The serpent roared and dove under also. Kidd came running to Serge to see if he was alright. Serge felt something deep inside of him again. He signaled for Kidd to stop. She did. The feeling was gone now. Where are they? Serge asked himself. His eyes widened as he figured it out, "Kidd! Watch out!" Kidd didn't understand him. He started running to Kidd, "Move!" Kidd looked at him in bewilderment, "What?" Serge kept on running toward her, "Kidd! Move!" He knew that he'd be too late. CRASH! Kidd and the boards under her exploded upward as a head of the sea serpent exploded upward. When Kidd began falling, the serpent's mouth was wide open, ready to snatch her from the air. "NO!!! STOP!!!" Everything froze. Serge exhaled deeply as he saw this. He looked up to Kidd who was frozen in time just a few feet above the open mouth of the serpent. How am I supposed to save her? Serge thought frantically. Serge began to feel unmatched power rise inside of him. He smiled. That's how.
FWOOSH! The serpent's head disintegrated immediately when the holy flame hit it. Serge jumped over the large hole in the dock and caught Kidd before she could fall through. She was unconscious. He set her into Glenn's awaiting arms and turned around to find the other part of the serpent. It hadn't come up yet. Serge looked around. He felt something. He heard the smallest whoosh in the water beneath him. He instantly pointed his hands downward and let loose. The fire didn't damage the boards beneath him, but instead went through them as if they weren't even there. There was a bright flash underneath the dock and Serge knew that the final head was gone. He turned to look at his comrades and smiled. Their mouths all dropped. He smirked and walked toward Kidd. Bob landed next to him, "I concede. Feelings like anger and hate can fuel your power." He said. Serge laughed, "So... Where were you while we were getting our butts kicked?" Bob didn't say anything for a long time, finally, "I couldn't fight that..." Serge looked at him, "What? Why?" Bob looked down at Serge, "Water... It's my only weakness. I would've been killed." Serge smiled at him, "Well, in that case... You're forgiven." Bob simply nodded and took off again. Kidd groaned and sat up, "Ugh. What happened?" Serge smirked, "I killed it." Kidd looked at him and laughed, "Just like that, huh?" Serge laughed and nodded. He looked at what was left of Guldove and sighed, "We have to stop him..."
"Thank you so much for saving us all." The chief of Guldove said. Serge smiled, "It was no problem at all." The chief looked at Serge, "Well… Thank you again, Serge. And good luck on your journey." Serge's eyes widened, "You know who I am?" The chief simply smiled and walked away. Serge looked at him for a moment longer and then sighed. I'll never understand him… He turned to his comrades, "I guess we'd better go. Not much we can do to help here." Fargo nodded and indicated the remaining rowboats, "Let's go." Serge smiled and climbed in. He wasn't planning on swimming again…
A shadowy figure sat on an old, musty throne in a dark room. He laughed, "Come to me, Chrono Trigger. Come…" His laughter echoed throughout the room…
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There it is! You've read it, now you can bless me by reviewing! Please… Anyway, I hope I'll be able to get at least one more chapter up before I go to Six Flags. After that I hope for at least three chapters up before I go to Mexico. Thanks again! Until next time… R&R!!!!!