I don't own CT, I don't own Square.
*Cough *Cough *Cough, ahem, I did get this chapter up in a week. Well, close enough to a week. Now, go and review this chapter, then I might get chapter 3 up in a week. No, really, I will. Hey, what are you doing with that hammer? No, not my fingers! *Crunch *Crunch *Crash.
Chapter 2: Opening night (or day).
January 1, 1000.
Crono yawned. Yesterday was a long day - after Lucca's tirade, he didn't feel like attending the party, especially because Ara was present. He passed the time practicing his sword skills, and helping Lucca carry large boxes to a clearing in the millenium fair that Taban reserved for their invention display. They were working on the assembly since yesterday.
After finishing breakfast (fried eggs and bread), and picking up his wooden sword (there were rumors of problems with the mystics), Crono quickly made his way down to the millenium fair. The entire square was a scramble of color, people dressed in every single costume ever imagined. Reds, blues, and yellows all blended in to an enormous mosaic, as if somebody took a handful of gems, and scattered them over a rainbow. Crono couldn't believe the amount of people present, and if rumors were to be believed, more and more were arriving from as far as Porre, not that it was a problem, as the mayor claimed. He said something about benefiting the economy (Incidentally, the only subject taught in school that Lucca found useful, perhaps, because she didn't have the books on it), but he didn't seem to make any mention of the terrible noise.
Overall, Crono didn't mind it - he enjoyed the noise, the confusion, and the spontaneity that didn't happen in the normal, sleepy Truce village. After examining the card he got at the entry, he decided to head over to the games section - he didn't have much money to spend in any of the market stalls, as he had all the supplies he would need for a few years.
After a few tries, he managed to hit the bell with the weight, after which, he moved over to the target range. For a mere 10 GP, he would have a chance to win 10 points - but it wasn't as easy as he thought. With the limited ammunition for an air gun (one similar to one of Lucca's), and the fast - moving, distant targets were just icing on the cake. After nearly humiliating himself, he headed towards a small, corded off arena-like area - marked Gato I.
Apparently, this was a rather popular attraction, as a rather large crowd was gathered around it, cheering somebody on, but the only thing in the arena was an eight foot tall robot, with small arms, a very bulky body, and short, stubby legs. On the sides of the elevated, padded platform, were signs that read:
Gato II battle robot - © 1000 Lucile Ashtear Instructions for use:
Insert 5 silver points or 25 GP in the right shoulder slot. Press the switch above the slot. The robot will commence battle in 5 seconds. Ages 16-50. Lucile Ashtear holds no responsibility for any injuries.
Crono had a vague idea about the robot's strength - he helped test Gato I. Unfortunately, Gato I bared little resemblance to the newer version - it was much shorter, and used it's arms as a weapon. Then again, Gato II didn't seem to be attacking inanimate or inhuman objects, such as trees, or cats.
As Crono got closer to the platform, he caught the topic of discussion - specifically, the chances of somebody surviving for more then 10 seconds in that arena, while the robot is active. He also caught a few fragments of arguments about the robot's life expectancy, and the amount of bones it had to have broken during testing, as well as a more notable voice that had to belong to Ara.
"I'm offering 300 GP here for your 10 GP to anyone who can beat that thing." -She boldly announced, with her usual, assertive smirk.
Strangely enough, even at those odds, nobody was bold (or foolish) enough to accept the challenge. After another look at the robot, he took out his wallet, and examined it's contents. 50 GP, and his points card were all it contained. He decided to take the chance, as victory would definitely be good-enough revenge, with the bet merely icing on the cake.
"Here are 10 GP, and I would suggest that a fool who can't even use a training sword, without breaking their partner's arm shouldn't even talk about the fighting abilities of others." - He stated, in Lucca's impartial manner.
Ara's unfriendly gaze, as well as a few snickers from the crowd proved his suspicion about the sharpness of that remark's point, but that was not the thing on Crono's mind. He stepped up onto the platform, and drew his sword. He focused on the handle, and recapped his training. He stepped up, and dropped a 10 GP coin into the robot's coin slot. The crowd was silent, except for Ara's muttering about something concerning idiots.
The robot made a click. Another one followed. Click. Click. At the forth click, the arms rose up, and the robot began to move in Crono's direction. He jumped forward, and hit it in it's right shoulder. The robot paused for a moment, and counter-attacked with a hit with a boxing glove that sprung out of it's stomach. Instinctively, Crono swung at the glove, deflecting it from hitting his stomach. The blow came in the ribs, and he heard a crack. He felt a sharp pain in his chest, while the crowd roared. He got up, and swung at the robot's other shoulder, this time ducking the counter-attack. Two quick, consecutive hits on the robot's 'legs', and a broken sword later, it rolled back to its original position, and paid out 40 silver points.
At this point, his pain had gotten to be a very, very noticeable distraction. He collapsed on his knees, as some of the people from the crowd rushed out to help him. A bandage was offered to him, but upon closer inspection of the wound, it was not needed. A tonic was poured onto the fracture, and he immediately felt much more refreshed, and free of the pain. With support, Crono got up, and stepped down from the arena. A small figure tried to leave, while concealing it's face, but was pushed up to the front.
"Now, I'd be *huff rather interested *gasp about the money *huff that you owe me" - He managed to get out.
The unfriendly looks from the crowd were almost enough to get anyone to hand over their money, while Crono's unfriendly gaze was. After grumbling something about accidents, and some form of threat, Ara handed over her 300 GP, and fled in the direction of the market stalls.
After a few reassuring comments about his health, and a small rest, Crono also headed in the direction of the market stalls. After purchasing 4 more tonics, and an iron sword (to replace the one he broke), he headed out to see Lucca's new invention.
He got there just in time - the (sparse) crowd waiting outside the clearing was finally let in.
"Come over here, and take a look at the new Telepad! First day of the fair admission is free!" - Were the words an automatic speaker system kept repeating. Crono followed the crowd in, to see a rather strange sight.
The 'Telepad' was a two-part machine. The first part consisted of a platform, with another platform supported 7 feet above it, while the second part looked identical to the first. The two parts each had some sort of control panel near them, and the panels were connected by a mass of cables. A thicker cable was attached to the first - or was it the second pad, connecting to a small box-like device, that made a whirling noise. In front of the brightly colored Telepad stood Lucca, waving a screwdriver in the air, with Taban standing behind her, over the left control panel.
As the crowd calmed down, and took their seats, Taban completed his inspection of the control panel, and walked up to stand next to Lucca. The crowd (mostly) quieted down, as he was prepared to speak.
"This day is going to be a major breakthrough in the concept of travel. No longer will we need to walk, or to ride in a boat, or a cart to move through places. Today, we have created the first working prototype of a new system of transportation - the Telepad I." - Were his first words to the crowd. There was a round of applause, as he cleared his throat.
"Now, to demonstrate the Telepad I, we require a volunteer. Is anyone here willing to try it?" - He continued.
The crowd murmured. Some people shouted out: "Why won't you try it?"
"Well, it has to be closely monitored from both sites, and only me and Lucca can do that. It's perfectly safe, we already tested it on some of our furniture." - Taban replied.
The crowd murmured something that definitely signaled disapproval. Some of the more impatient people had already begun to leave. After assessing the situation, Crono raised his hand, and shouted over the crowd: "I'll take a try at it".
The announcement was like a bucket of water over a campfire. The arguments subsided, and only a few people kept on talking, this time in whispers.
"You are really going to try it, Crono?" - Asked Lucca, for her first words since the completion of the Telepad.
"Of course. If you said that it is going to work, then it definitly would." - He replied, trying to ignore the memories of some of her earlier prototypes of miscellaneous inventions not performing at the accepted safety standards.
Ignoring the conversations around him (mostly pools on whether or not he survives), Crono stepped up onto one of the platforms, following the single instruction given to him.
"All right, you might feel a bit light-headed for a moment, but it should be fine." - Warned Lucca, while Crono (should have) been thinking about things like "Will I get there in one piece?", and "Where did I leave my will?"
Lucca and Taban stepped up to their control panels, and Lucca pulled a large lever. The Telepad made a whirling noise, and the platform Crono stood on started spinning. A beam of light went down his body, and there was a brief, but blinding flash. As the flash was over, he was gone.
"Beginning reconstruction." - said Taban, as Lucca deactivated the first platform. "There's something wrong!" - he yelled out. Lucca hurried over to the second one, and quickly checked the displays. "You need to increase the power." - She quickly assessed, and pulled a lever up to the maximum setting.
There was another flash of light, and a beam of light quickly moved through the air, Crono reappearing as it moved.
A very loud round of applause, a dozen pats on the back later, and a reassurance from Lucca about the safety of the Telepad, a few brave souls also tried the teleporter - at 50 GP per try, it was something to tell their friends about. During a small break for a quick check-over of the systems, Crono asked Lucca about the principles of the Telepad - apparently, a person is vaporized on the first pad, as they are recreated on the second - they don't feel as if anything has happened, as an exact copy of them is recreated on the second. The discussion unnerved Crono - he didn't feel like getting himself vaporized, and projected 10 feet away. He also made mention of Gato II's strength, but Lucca didn't seem to have heard it.
After the initial rush of watchers, and riders, they only came in a trickle. Lucca took note of the latest rider - she mentioned to Crono (who was about to leave) something among the lines of seeing her before.
He took a good look at the blonde girl that Lucca mentioned. Not noticing anything unusual, he was about to leave. A few seconds later, he heard a zap, and a scream of shock from the crowd. Turning around, he saw the blonde standing on the Telepad spinning faster then usual, her pendant shimmering, as Taban ran for cover, while Lucca desperately tried to stop the process. There was a flash of light. She was still there. There was another flash. The flashes came faster, as he pendant shimmered faster. Behind her, a large blue sphere appeared, and she was pulled in. As Crono tried to grab a hold of her, Lucca pulled at his arm from behind.
"Don't even think about getting close - you could be vaporized! Have you gone insane?" - She screamed at him, as the girl was completely engulfed. The sphere collapsed into itself with a snap, leaving only the pendant behind.
Yes, I know, this wasn't a week, but these are long chapters. They are 2 times longer then most of the stories published here :P Now, how was it? I think this chapter is much worse then the previous one, but perhaps, it's because I never go to social events. Maybe I should write something about the big yellow circle that I see in the sky, and about how it may be the entity.
Oh, and Quark is an evil Firengi (Money-hungry, evil, large-eared aliens) from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He is very evil, and does many nasty things, because he only cares about profit. He also only talks about profit/business. :D
*Cough *Cough *Cough, ahem, I did get this chapter up in a week. Well, close enough to a week. Now, go and review this chapter, then I might get chapter 3 up in a week. No, really, I will. Hey, what are you doing with that hammer? No, not my fingers! *Crunch *Crunch *Crash.
Chapter 2: Opening night (or day).
January 1, 1000.
Crono yawned. Yesterday was a long day - after Lucca's tirade, he didn't feel like attending the party, especially because Ara was present. He passed the time practicing his sword skills, and helping Lucca carry large boxes to a clearing in the millenium fair that Taban reserved for their invention display. They were working on the assembly since yesterday.
After finishing breakfast (fried eggs and bread), and picking up his wooden sword (there were rumors of problems with the mystics), Crono quickly made his way down to the millenium fair. The entire square was a scramble of color, people dressed in every single costume ever imagined. Reds, blues, and yellows all blended in to an enormous mosaic, as if somebody took a handful of gems, and scattered them over a rainbow. Crono couldn't believe the amount of people present, and if rumors were to be believed, more and more were arriving from as far as Porre, not that it was a problem, as the mayor claimed. He said something about benefiting the economy (Incidentally, the only subject taught in school that Lucca found useful, perhaps, because she didn't have the books on it), but he didn't seem to make any mention of the terrible noise.
Overall, Crono didn't mind it - he enjoyed the noise, the confusion, and the spontaneity that didn't happen in the normal, sleepy Truce village. After examining the card he got at the entry, he decided to head over to the games section - he didn't have much money to spend in any of the market stalls, as he had all the supplies he would need for a few years.
After a few tries, he managed to hit the bell with the weight, after which, he moved over to the target range. For a mere 10 GP, he would have a chance to win 10 points - but it wasn't as easy as he thought. With the limited ammunition for an air gun (one similar to one of Lucca's), and the fast - moving, distant targets were just icing on the cake. After nearly humiliating himself, he headed towards a small, corded off arena-like area - marked Gato I.
Apparently, this was a rather popular attraction, as a rather large crowd was gathered around it, cheering somebody on, but the only thing in the arena was an eight foot tall robot, with small arms, a very bulky body, and short, stubby legs. On the sides of the elevated, padded platform, were signs that read:
Gato II battle robot - © 1000 Lucile Ashtear Instructions for use:
Insert 5 silver points or 25 GP in the right shoulder slot. Press the switch above the slot. The robot will commence battle in 5 seconds. Ages 16-50. Lucile Ashtear holds no responsibility for any injuries.
Crono had a vague idea about the robot's strength - he helped test Gato I. Unfortunately, Gato I bared little resemblance to the newer version - it was much shorter, and used it's arms as a weapon. Then again, Gato II didn't seem to be attacking inanimate or inhuman objects, such as trees, or cats.
As Crono got closer to the platform, he caught the topic of discussion - specifically, the chances of somebody surviving for more then 10 seconds in that arena, while the robot is active. He also caught a few fragments of arguments about the robot's life expectancy, and the amount of bones it had to have broken during testing, as well as a more notable voice that had to belong to Ara.
"I'm offering 300 GP here for your 10 GP to anyone who can beat that thing." -She boldly announced, with her usual, assertive smirk.
Strangely enough, even at those odds, nobody was bold (or foolish) enough to accept the challenge. After another look at the robot, he took out his wallet, and examined it's contents. 50 GP, and his points card were all it contained. He decided to take the chance, as victory would definitely be good-enough revenge, with the bet merely icing on the cake.
"Here are 10 GP, and I would suggest that a fool who can't even use a training sword, without breaking their partner's arm shouldn't even talk about the fighting abilities of others." - He stated, in Lucca's impartial manner.
Ara's unfriendly gaze, as well as a few snickers from the crowd proved his suspicion about the sharpness of that remark's point, but that was not the thing on Crono's mind. He stepped up onto the platform, and drew his sword. He focused on the handle, and recapped his training. He stepped up, and dropped a 10 GP coin into the robot's coin slot. The crowd was silent, except for Ara's muttering about something concerning idiots.
The robot made a click. Another one followed. Click. Click. At the forth click, the arms rose up, and the robot began to move in Crono's direction. He jumped forward, and hit it in it's right shoulder. The robot paused for a moment, and counter-attacked with a hit with a boxing glove that sprung out of it's stomach. Instinctively, Crono swung at the glove, deflecting it from hitting his stomach. The blow came in the ribs, and he heard a crack. He felt a sharp pain in his chest, while the crowd roared. He got up, and swung at the robot's other shoulder, this time ducking the counter-attack. Two quick, consecutive hits on the robot's 'legs', and a broken sword later, it rolled back to its original position, and paid out 40 silver points.
At this point, his pain had gotten to be a very, very noticeable distraction. He collapsed on his knees, as some of the people from the crowd rushed out to help him. A bandage was offered to him, but upon closer inspection of the wound, it was not needed. A tonic was poured onto the fracture, and he immediately felt much more refreshed, and free of the pain. With support, Crono got up, and stepped down from the arena. A small figure tried to leave, while concealing it's face, but was pushed up to the front.
"Now, I'd be *huff rather interested *gasp about the money *huff that you owe me" - He managed to get out.
The unfriendly looks from the crowd were almost enough to get anyone to hand over their money, while Crono's unfriendly gaze was. After grumbling something about accidents, and some form of threat, Ara handed over her 300 GP, and fled in the direction of the market stalls.
After a few reassuring comments about his health, and a small rest, Crono also headed in the direction of the market stalls. After purchasing 4 more tonics, and an iron sword (to replace the one he broke), he headed out to see Lucca's new invention.
He got there just in time - the (sparse) crowd waiting outside the clearing was finally let in.
"Come over here, and take a look at the new Telepad! First day of the fair admission is free!" - Were the words an automatic speaker system kept repeating. Crono followed the crowd in, to see a rather strange sight.
The 'Telepad' was a two-part machine. The first part consisted of a platform, with another platform supported 7 feet above it, while the second part looked identical to the first. The two parts each had some sort of control panel near them, and the panels were connected by a mass of cables. A thicker cable was attached to the first - or was it the second pad, connecting to a small box-like device, that made a whirling noise. In front of the brightly colored Telepad stood Lucca, waving a screwdriver in the air, with Taban standing behind her, over the left control panel.
As the crowd calmed down, and took their seats, Taban completed his inspection of the control panel, and walked up to stand next to Lucca. The crowd (mostly) quieted down, as he was prepared to speak.
"This day is going to be a major breakthrough in the concept of travel. No longer will we need to walk, or to ride in a boat, or a cart to move through places. Today, we have created the first working prototype of a new system of transportation - the Telepad I." - Were his first words to the crowd. There was a round of applause, as he cleared his throat.
"Now, to demonstrate the Telepad I, we require a volunteer. Is anyone here willing to try it?" - He continued.
The crowd murmured. Some people shouted out: "Why won't you try it?"
"Well, it has to be closely monitored from both sites, and only me and Lucca can do that. It's perfectly safe, we already tested it on some of our furniture." - Taban replied.
The crowd murmured something that definitely signaled disapproval. Some of the more impatient people had already begun to leave. After assessing the situation, Crono raised his hand, and shouted over the crowd: "I'll take a try at it".
The announcement was like a bucket of water over a campfire. The arguments subsided, and only a few people kept on talking, this time in whispers.
"You are really going to try it, Crono?" - Asked Lucca, for her first words since the completion of the Telepad.
"Of course. If you said that it is going to work, then it definitly would." - He replied, trying to ignore the memories of some of her earlier prototypes of miscellaneous inventions not performing at the accepted safety standards.
Ignoring the conversations around him (mostly pools on whether or not he survives), Crono stepped up onto one of the platforms, following the single instruction given to him.
"All right, you might feel a bit light-headed for a moment, but it should be fine." - Warned Lucca, while Crono (should have) been thinking about things like "Will I get there in one piece?", and "Where did I leave my will?"
Lucca and Taban stepped up to their control panels, and Lucca pulled a large lever. The Telepad made a whirling noise, and the platform Crono stood on started spinning. A beam of light went down his body, and there was a brief, but blinding flash. As the flash was over, he was gone.
"Beginning reconstruction." - said Taban, as Lucca deactivated the first platform. "There's something wrong!" - he yelled out. Lucca hurried over to the second one, and quickly checked the displays. "You need to increase the power." - She quickly assessed, and pulled a lever up to the maximum setting.
There was another flash of light, and a beam of light quickly moved through the air, Crono reappearing as it moved.
A very loud round of applause, a dozen pats on the back later, and a reassurance from Lucca about the safety of the Telepad, a few brave souls also tried the teleporter - at 50 GP per try, it was something to tell their friends about. During a small break for a quick check-over of the systems, Crono asked Lucca about the principles of the Telepad - apparently, a person is vaporized on the first pad, as they are recreated on the second - they don't feel as if anything has happened, as an exact copy of them is recreated on the second. The discussion unnerved Crono - he didn't feel like getting himself vaporized, and projected 10 feet away. He also made mention of Gato II's strength, but Lucca didn't seem to have heard it.
After the initial rush of watchers, and riders, they only came in a trickle. Lucca took note of the latest rider - she mentioned to Crono (who was about to leave) something among the lines of seeing her before.
He took a good look at the blonde girl that Lucca mentioned. Not noticing anything unusual, he was about to leave. A few seconds later, he heard a zap, and a scream of shock from the crowd. Turning around, he saw the blonde standing on the Telepad spinning faster then usual, her pendant shimmering, as Taban ran for cover, while Lucca desperately tried to stop the process. There was a flash of light. She was still there. There was another flash. The flashes came faster, as he pendant shimmered faster. Behind her, a large blue sphere appeared, and she was pulled in. As Crono tried to grab a hold of her, Lucca pulled at his arm from behind.
"Don't even think about getting close - you could be vaporized! Have you gone insane?" - She screamed at him, as the girl was completely engulfed. The sphere collapsed into itself with a snap, leaving only the pendant behind.
Yes, I know, this wasn't a week, but these are long chapters. They are 2 times longer then most of the stories published here :P Now, how was it? I think this chapter is much worse then the previous one, but perhaps, it's because I never go to social events. Maybe I should write something about the big yellow circle that I see in the sky, and about how it may be the entity.
Oh, and Quark is an evil Firengi (Money-hungry, evil, large-eared aliens) from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He is very evil, and does many nasty things, because he only cares about profit. He also only talks about profit/business. :D