Chapter 1: The Stranger



The setting is Porre Kingdom, few years after the events in Chrono Cross. The political situation of the kingdom has been stabilized, and the Xenan mainland is once again at peace.

This day in the town of Portol, life is peaceful as usual. The town folks go about their daily routines in harmony, always friendly and looking out for each other. The town leader, Girean, stands on the cliff overlooking the town, proud of this small yet prosperous community that he spent his life building.

Near the outskirts of the town, the two children are enjoying the day, playfully chasing after each other under the soft, warm sunshine. The six year old Jesso, a.k.a the local troublemaker, chases relentlessly after Rikka, the town's favorite five year old. Rikka, amused, can't stop giggling.

Rikka: Come on, Jesso. You can't catch up to a girl?

Jesso struggles to catch his breath while dragging his "slightly chubby" body into motion.

Jesso: *gritting his teeth, angry at himself for not able to catch up to his love interest* Just you wait, Rikka! You best run as fast as you can!

Rikka laughs, turns her head around and makes a face at Jesso.
Suddenly she hits something hard, and before she knows it, the world is twirling around her and she lies flat on the ground.

Rikka: Ow! *sits up, and shakes her head to rid of the dizziness*... what happened?

Jesso, seeing Rikka's hard fall, hurries to her side.

Jesso: Are you alright? *examines Rikka's arms and exclaims* You're all scratched up!

Rikka: I'm okay... what happened? *shakes her head again and sees a tall figure standing before her*

A tall man, well dressed in a suit and a hat, stands towering over Rikka and Jesso. Rikka obviously ran straight into the man and fell.

Jesso: *sees the man and enraged* Hey, you! Who are you? Whatya doing standing here? You hurt Rikka!

Rikka couldn't see the man's face, under the glare of the sun and the shade from his hat. But nevertheless she still feels the uncomfortable, piercing glance from the mysterious man.

The man stares at the two kids for a moment, then continue to walk on.

Jesso: *surprised* Hey! hey! You! where are you going?

The man's figure disappears into town.

Rikka: *confused* Who is he? I've never seen him in town before.

Jesso: *shrugs, his simple mind can't really care* Beats me. What a jerk though. *turns to Rikka and helps her stand up* Come on, let's go back and get you patched up.

Rikka nods, and the two kids run down the path leading into town.

* * *

Outside on the porch of the town head's house, two men are sitting relaxed on the chairs, conversing under the beautiful sunshine. They are Girean and Jaycob. Jaycob is perhaps the second most respected figure in town, right after Girean. He has a powerful vigor and a physique like a bull, and well-liked and popular in town (especially with girls) for his honesty and cheerfulness. He is a long time friend of Girean; or more appropriately, almost a son to Girean. Girean has every intention of passing his seat as town leader to Jaycob, except Jaycob isn't a man who likes to be burdened with responsibilities. Here is Girean, attempting to convince Jaycob once again.

Girean: ... and you know I'm old, my friend. I don't think I can maintain my strength much longer. The town needs someone strong and capable to lead them. You are young and powerful, Jaycob, and I don't think there is a better candidate than you.

Jaycob: We've been through this before, Girean. I don't think this duty suits me. I mean, of course I want to do what I can for this town, but I simply couldn't imagine myself staying at one place for years and years... it's just not me.

Girean: Jaycob, but at some point in a man's life he must settle. Sand, no matter how much it enjoys the unpredictable waves, must eventually settle.

Jaycob: Girean...

Girean looks on to the distance, and the figure of a man caught his attention. The figure approaches the two men, slowly but steadily.

Jaycob: *surprised* Hmm, we don't get many visitors around here, this time of year. *stands up and calls out to the man* Hello sir! How do you do?

The man does not reply. He walks past Jaycob, ignoring him, and stands before Girean. The two cannot but feel the uncomfortable atmosphere surrounding the strange man.

Girean: *alarmed, but calm* How may I help you?

Man:... *glances at the surround, then adjusts his hat*... Are you the town leader?

Girean: *slightly confused* Yes... and you are?

Man: I need to find the whereabouts of a woman... *puts his hands in his pockets* A young girl... to be precise...

Jaycob: *before Girean can speak* You must be looking for Medice.

Man: *as if he did not hear Jaycob, to Girean* Do you know where I can find her?

Girean: *thinks to himself* Strange... this is the third time I've been asked the very same question... what business could people have with the girl? *smiles at the stranger* I'm sorry, but Medice is no longer with us. She has journeyed east to Medina about a year ago.

Man:... *thinks pensively for a moment* I need a boat to Medina, now.

Jaycob: *irritated by the man's unfriendly attitude* Sir, I'm sorry, but I don't think we can help you. All our boats have left, and the quickest one will be a day way.

Man: *annoyed, turns to Jaycob* Why do you interrupt me? I want to speak to the town leader.

Jaycob: *he does have a temper* You...!

Girean makes a hand gesture to Jaycob, signifying him to calm down.

Girean: Sir, it is true that our boats will not be back until tomorrow morning. *points in the direction to the town inn* Why don't you stay at our inn for the day? Let me take care of the charge.

The man stands silent for a moment.

Man:*finally breaks the silence*...very well. I will be back tomorrow morning.

The man leaves, his figure disappearing down the town path.

Jaycob:*sighs* People can be very rude nowadays. *Scratches his head with wonder* It's strange, what could people possibly want with Medice? It's the third time somebody comes to this town, asking for her... *slightly worried* is she in trouble again?

Girean stands up, and walks slowly down the porch. Jaycob follows him.

Girean: That girl... she is full of wonders... *looks up to the sky, in a trance*... that must be where she came from... *shakes his head* But it is also those with great power that must be careful...

Jaycob: Girean, do you think...?

Girean: *interrupts him* Let us not worry about the girl, Jaycob. She can take care of herself. *steps on the path opposite to the town* I must be out of town for a while. Keep watch on the stranger, but surely be polite.

Jaycob nods, and watches the old man walk down the forest path.

Jaycob: *deep within his memories* Medice... *reaches into his pocket, clutching a silver bracelet in his hand*... please take care of yourself...

Jaycob turns around and disappears into the house.

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