"So why are we sitting here talking?" Crono said. "Porre is being attacked!"
"Calm down, Crono," Trent said. "All in due time. For now, we're going to need
help. Those people that helped you fight Lavos, is there anyway to get to them?"
"Not anymore," Marle said. "The gates are closed and Epoch was dismantled,"
"Umm… actually, that may not be entirely accurate," Lucca said. Everyone
looked at her. "I guess I kinda wanted to keep it around. Just in case. And it's a good
thing I did,"
"Wait," Crono said. "Why should we go and mess with time again? Can't the four
of us do anything?"
"We can," Trent said. "But they're probably going to do one of two things. One,
they're going to lure us away from the castle and then take it. Or two, they're after us.
They'll soon attack the town of Truce if that's what they want, forcing us to split into two
groups. It's simple divide and conquer,"
Everyone's face became grim. "These folks don't fool around, do they?" Crono
said. "Well, lets go girls. We need help,"
"Good," Trent said. "I'll hold down the fort here,"
In the largest woods in the year 605 AD, few people can be found. In fact, there is
only one that is a permanent resident here. He is short, and can often be found in a cave,
hidden by a bush on the surface. His name is Glenn, but everyone calls him Frog because,
well, he's a frog. Put under the spell of the wizard Magus some ten years ago, he has
been like this ever since. Today he is sitting in his home, relaxing from a day of
patrolling the forest. Suddenly, three people climb hurriedly into the cave. "Crono!" Frog
said. "It hath been sometime. What brings thee here to thy humble abode?"
"We got trouble, Frog," Crono said. "Big trouble. Grab your stuff and come on!
I'll explain on the way,"
"Say no more, friend," Frog said as he picked up his sword, the legendary
Masamune, and the four headed out.
In the year 64,999,995 BC, a tribe of primitive people enjoyed the first era of
peace for as long as anyone can remember. The leader of this tribe was a young woman
named Ayla, a strong fighter who helped defeat the Reptites. She took a walk on the
outside of the village when she saw a familiar group of people running towards her.
"Crono! Lucca! Frog! What you do here?"
"We need help!" Lucca said. "Think you could give us a hand?"
"Ayla help! Ayla still strong!" Ayla said. "Kino lead tribe. We go now,"
In the year 11,995 BC, a shadowed figure walked across the harsh terrain. His
hair billowed in the air, revealing his pale skin and long pointy ears. He had searched the
earth time and again, but it was the only thing he could do. Searching for the one person
that mattered, and he would search until he found her. He was Magus, the most feared
wizard of the 7th century. Through the snow, he caught a glimpse of three figures up
ahead. "Crono," he said calmly. "Let me guess, you need help,"
"Yeah," Crono glared at him. Though Magus had helped them defeat Lavos, he
never forgot the pain he put them through. "Let's go,"
"The weak must always be helped by the strong, I suppose," Magus said.
In the year 2305 AD, life is much different from what it was the last time that
Crono and his friends visited it. Instead of the constant blizzard over the sparsely
populated wastelands, there now stood tall, majestic buildings. Trees and wildlife covered
the land outside the cities, free from pollution. In this world, life is more peaceful than
people could ever imagine, and humans and robots live as equals. In a field stands a lone
robot. He is on cleaning duty. In the distance, he spots a few figures walking to him.
"Crono," Robo said. "What are you doing here?"
"Need some help, big guy," Crono said. "Think you could spare some time?"
"Of course," Robo said. "I would like to see Lucca again,"
"Damn! Damn! Damn!" Trent said as he knocked another dragon's head off.
"Where the hell could they be?" He had been fighting for a good twenty minuets, but
how much longer he could do this he didn't know. He knew that Truce had been attacked,
but Porre was where the help was needed more. "Come on, guys," he said. "To much
longer, and I'll be screwed,"
"Hey Trent!" a voice came from behind. He turned to see everyone standing
behind him, weapons drawn. "Need a hand?" Lucca said.
"Hell yeah!" Trent said. "Crono, take half the folks and go to Truce. They've
been attacked. The rest of you stay here and help me,"
"Ayla think you give many orders for one Ayla know so short time," Ayla said.
"But Ayla want fight, and good fight here," She ran into a large group of monsters,
throwing all of them in every direction.
The rest of them ran in different directions. Crono, Marle, Magus, and Robo all
heading north, while the rest stayed with Trent. Lucca and Frog kept casting level 2
magic on groups of monsters, while Ayla and Trent did the hand to hand fighting. Most
of the monsters were dragons, like the one Trent had fought in Truce, but some were
monkey type animals with huge wings. Ayla took care of these by pulling huge rocks out
of the ground and throwing them at the monkeys.
Trent looked around. The arrival of the others had turned the tide of the battle for
a while, but now the monsters once again had the upper hand. 'I've got to do something,'
Trent thought. 'If things keep going this way, there's no way we'll survive,' He noticed
how much the monsters seemed to focus on him. This gave him an idea. "Lucca, could
you use one of those bombs on these things?"
"Well yeah," Lucca said. "But not if we are all in the middle of them,"
"Don't worry about that," Trent said. "Just get one ready," After getting a good
running start, he leapt off a dragon's head and cleared a good twenty feet before he came
down. Almost all of the monsters followed him. He ran for a few seconds until he felt
that he had a good enough distance between the others and himself. "Now Lucca!" he
yelled. With that, he dove headfirst into the group of monsters. At least twenty dragons
fell before he was overwhelmed. Their claws dug deep into his arms and chest.
Suddenly, Trent felt a wet, sticky tongue grab his back and yank him back to the
others. Lucca threw a Napalm into the center of the group of monsters, destroying most
of them. Ayla and Frog finished the rest of them off with hand to hand fighting. Lucca
stayed near Trent, who could barely stand. "Here," she said as she handed him a high
tonic. "This'll help,"
Trent drank it and felt his strength return to him. "Thanks," he said. "Is that the
last of them?"
"'Tis," Frog said when he came back. "And might I say, that was indeed a brave
thing thou did. Foolish, but brave nonetheless,"
"Thanks," Trent smiled. "I think. Come on, we got to see if Crono and the others
are ok,"
"Crono no need help," Ayla said. "Crono strong. All strong,"
"Well, I'd feel better if we check," Trent turned and sprinted over the bridge to
the north.
"Though nigh to death, the boy can't wait to return to the battle," Frog said to
himself. "He would make a fine knight,"
Crono looked over the town of Truce. Some buildings were in ruin, but for the
most part they had arrived in time to save it. "These monsters were tough," he said to
himself. "A lot tougher than I expected," He sighed. "At least everyone is okay. I sure
hope they're doing ok in Porre,"
As if in answer to his question, Trent came bounding up the path to the town.
"Hey," he said. "How goes the good fight?"
"Done, for now," Crono said. "How's Porre?"
"A little better than Truce," Trent said.
"Where's everyone else?" Crono asked. "Are they ok?"
"They're fine," Trent said. "I'm a little faster than them,"
"Oh my god!" Marle said when she arrived. "What happened to you?"
Trent looked at himself. He hadn't noticed how much blood he had lost in the
battle. "I'm fine," he said. "Lucca gave me a high tonic. My shirt's just a little blood
stained. Is everyone ok here?"
"Yeah," Crono said. "Looks like you were right about the divide and conquer.
How'd you know what they were going to do?"
"I just thought of what I would do in that situation," Trent said. "Here come the
others. We need to talk,"
When everyone gathered together, Trent spoke up. "Guys, as much as I wish it
was, I don't think that we've seen the full strength of our enemy,"
"Who might that be?" Magus asked. "You seem to have a lot of answers for
someone we barely know,"
"I don't know who what we're up against, but I plan on finding out soon," Trent
said. "Lucca, you told me about the old man at the end of time. Do you think he'll know
what's going on?"
"Maybe," Lucca said. "I think you should go there,"
"I'd rather someone else go," Trent said. "I may be needed here,"
"But if you go, you can ask Speikko to give you magic," Lucca said. "Come on,
we can take Epoch,"
"Ok," Trent said. "We'll be right back,"
Lucca and Trent boarded the Epoch and quickly set out for the end of time. "Hello
Lucca," the old man said. "Long time no see,"
"Hey Gasper," Lucca said. "Sorry for disturbing you, but we've got a little
problem,"
"Yes, I know," he said. "It's already happened here, remember?" He smiled.
"Who's your friend?"
"I'm Trent," he said. "I'm kinda new here,"
"I see," Gasper said. "Well, head inside the door up there, and you'll get what you
came for,"
"Thanks," Trent said. He and Lucca went inside.
"Well, well, well," voice said as they entered the room. "I am Speikko, God of
War!" The figure of a huge monster formed in front of them. "Lucca, it's been what?
Five years?"
"I wish I could stay and chat, but we just need you to give this guy magic so that
he can help us," Lucca said.
"Ok," Spekkio said. "No one ever comes just to say hello, do they? Walk around
the room clockwise three times, kid,"
"Is that really necessary?" Trent said.
"Well, no," Spekkio said. "But it does entertain me,"
"Ok then," Trent smiled. "As long as it has a point,"
He walked around the room and then stood before Spekkio. "Hmmm…" The God
of War said. "It seems that you have a very peculiar aura about you. One that I've never
seen before. I think I'll call it 'White' magic. Ready? Ipso Facto Meanie Moe Magico,"
A bright light surrounded Trent. When it faded, he stood there, just as before.
"Are you sure it worked?" Trent said.
"You doubt the god of war?" Spekkio said. "Of course it worked! Care to try it
out?"
"No thanks," Lucca said, pulling Trent by the arm. "We really need to get going,"
"Come back to see me when you get the time," Spekkio said. "I'd love to study
this new magic you have,"
"Sure thing," Trent said.
They walked out the door and got ready to bored the Epoch when the old man
said, "Hey,"
"What?" Lucca said.
"I'd like to talk to your friend here before you go," the old man said. "Give us a
minuet,"
The two walked aside. "Well, what is it?" Trent said.
"I just thought you might want to know that I looked it to it while you were in
there with Spekkio, and there is no record of you before or after this little skirmish in
1000 AD," the old man said. "Care to explain?"
"Well," Trent said. "I was raised in the mountains, so no one really knew me
anyway. As for after, I couldn't tell you,"
"I think it means that you will not survive this fight," the old man said. "I just
thought I'd give you fair warning,"
Trent thought of this for a second. "Well thanks," he said. "But I've got to get
back. The others may need me,"
"You would be willing to die for these people you barely know?" the old man
said.
"If need be," Trent said. "Doesn't sound like I have much of a choice. Besides, no
one will miss me. Crono and the others are the only people I've met in years,"
"As you wish," the old man said. "I see you will not be deterred,"
"See ya," Trent said as he and Lucca boarded the Epoch and took off back to their
own time.
"Glad to see you again, sir," Robo said when Trent and Lucca arrived in 1000
AD. "And you Lucca,"
"Hello, Robo," Lucca said. "Where is everyone else?"
"They all went to the castle for the night," the robot said. "I remained here to
inform you of their location,"
"Ok," Trent said. "Let's join them,"
The three began the short trek to the castle. "Trent, what did the old man want
with you?" Lucca asked.
"He told me that I would die if I continued to fight here," Trent said calmly.
"What?" Lucca exclaimed.
"Yeah," he replied. "The old guy told me that as far as history goes, I never
existed before or after this started. The before I get, but the after means I died and no one
cared to tell anyone,"
"How can you be so calm about this?" Lucca said. "If someone told me I was
going to die soon, I'd flip,"
"It doesn't matter if I die," Trent said. "No one would cry. I've only known one
person before yesterday, and she's dead,"
"I would!" Lucca said. "I can't believe that you would think that! You're my
friend, and I won't let you die,"
Trent gave her a gentle smile. "Don't worry," he said as he put his arm around
her. "It's not my time yet. I won't go without a fight," He paused. "Don't tell the others
about it though,"
"Why not?" Lucca asked.
"Cause I can tell most of them don't trust me," Trent said. "I just need them to
think that I'm in this thing all the way,"
"Ok," Lucca said. "Did you hear that Robo? Don't tell anyone,"
"Affirmative," Robo said without turning to them.
Crono and the others stood before the king in the throne room. Crono stood in
front. He had just gotten done explaining what he knew about the situation to him. "I
want you to know that every last one of my troops are at you disposal, Crono," King
Guardia said. "I know that you can do it,"
"Thank you sir," Crono said. He never really got used to the king being his father-
in-law. He still tried to act as dignified as possible around him.
"That may be helpful," Trent said as he barged into the room with Lucca and
Robo. "I think I've got a plan,"
"Who are you?" the king growled. "Guards!"
"It's ok, daddy," Marle said. "He helped us before,"
"Well then," King Guardia said. "Introduce yourself before you address me
again,"
"My name is Trent," he said. "I'm here to help,"
"And how might you do that?" Magus said. "We've known you all of a day and
you start ordering us around,"
"'Tis true," Frog said. "As much as I hate to agree with the likes of thee,"
"Do we really have time for this?" Trent said.
"Give me one reason I have for trusting you," Magus said.
"Give me one for not," Trent said.
Lucca jumped between the two. "Guys," she said. "Calm down. We're going to
need everyone to get through this,"
"Trent," Crono said. "Tell us your plan,"
"Here it is," Trent said, turning away from Magus. "It's clear that who ever did
this was after us. Otherwise they would have attacked the castle when we were all at
Porre. Instead they went after Truce. Chances are, they want Crono more than anyone,"
"Why is that?" Marle asked.
"Cause he's the leader," Trent said. "You lose your leader, all hell breaks loose.
So this is what I want to do. Send out word that Crono and one or two others were killed
in the battle. Then the eight of us go into hiding and wait for them to attack again,"
"How do you know that they will?" Crono said.
"Because, they will think that they have us on the run and will want to wipe us out
before we can regroup," Trent said.
"Makes sense," Magus said. "If it was me, that's exactly what I'd do,"
"How doth thou know so much about the ways of evil?" Frog said.
"Just try to think of what would be the best way to crush someone," Trent said.
"The biggest problem is, we don't know who we're fighting. But that'll have to wait.
Hey, your highness," he said turning to the king. "How fast can that army of yours get to
Porre?"
"It is about half a days march," King Guardia said. "Why?"
"Damn," Trent said. "To long. The town would be reduced to nothing by that
time,"
"What do you suggest then?" Crono said. He was the only one, besides Lucca,
that really trusted this newcomer.
"I don't know," Trent said.
"Oh so he doesn't have all the answers," Magus said.
"I haven't heard any from you," Lucca said.
"Give me until morning," Trent said. "I'll figure it out. For now, I suggest we get
some rest. Tomorrow may prove worse than today,"
"I agree," Marle said. "I'll show you to your rooms,"
"Wait," Magus said. "Someone should share a room with the new guy,"
"My name's Trent," he said. "What are you afraid of? From what I hear you
weren't exactly a good guy before,"
"I have proven myself," Magus said. "I have yet to see you fight,"
"Yeah?" Trent said. "Well if you were in Porre you could have seen me. You
might have even learned a thing or two,"
"Guys," Lucca said. "I really don't see why we should fight like this. I'll stay with
Trent if it'll make everyone feel better,"
"As you wish," Magus said. "But watch him close,"
"Calm down, Crono," Trent said. "All in due time. For now, we're going to need
help. Those people that helped you fight Lavos, is there anyway to get to them?"
"Not anymore," Marle said. "The gates are closed and Epoch was dismantled,"
"Umm… actually, that may not be entirely accurate," Lucca said. Everyone
looked at her. "I guess I kinda wanted to keep it around. Just in case. And it's a good
thing I did,"
"Wait," Crono said. "Why should we go and mess with time again? Can't the four
of us do anything?"
"We can," Trent said. "But they're probably going to do one of two things. One,
they're going to lure us away from the castle and then take it. Or two, they're after us.
They'll soon attack the town of Truce if that's what they want, forcing us to split into two
groups. It's simple divide and conquer,"
Everyone's face became grim. "These folks don't fool around, do they?" Crono
said. "Well, lets go girls. We need help,"
"Good," Trent said. "I'll hold down the fort here,"
In the largest woods in the year 605 AD, few people can be found. In fact, there is
only one that is a permanent resident here. He is short, and can often be found in a cave,
hidden by a bush on the surface. His name is Glenn, but everyone calls him Frog because,
well, he's a frog. Put under the spell of the wizard Magus some ten years ago, he has
been like this ever since. Today he is sitting in his home, relaxing from a day of
patrolling the forest. Suddenly, three people climb hurriedly into the cave. "Crono!" Frog
said. "It hath been sometime. What brings thee here to thy humble abode?"
"We got trouble, Frog," Crono said. "Big trouble. Grab your stuff and come on!
I'll explain on the way,"
"Say no more, friend," Frog said as he picked up his sword, the legendary
Masamune, and the four headed out.
In the year 64,999,995 BC, a tribe of primitive people enjoyed the first era of
peace for as long as anyone can remember. The leader of this tribe was a young woman
named Ayla, a strong fighter who helped defeat the Reptites. She took a walk on the
outside of the village when she saw a familiar group of people running towards her.
"Crono! Lucca! Frog! What you do here?"
"We need help!" Lucca said. "Think you could give us a hand?"
"Ayla help! Ayla still strong!" Ayla said. "Kino lead tribe. We go now,"
In the year 11,995 BC, a shadowed figure walked across the harsh terrain. His
hair billowed in the air, revealing his pale skin and long pointy ears. He had searched the
earth time and again, but it was the only thing he could do. Searching for the one person
that mattered, and he would search until he found her. He was Magus, the most feared
wizard of the 7th century. Through the snow, he caught a glimpse of three figures up
ahead. "Crono," he said calmly. "Let me guess, you need help,"
"Yeah," Crono glared at him. Though Magus had helped them defeat Lavos, he
never forgot the pain he put them through. "Let's go,"
"The weak must always be helped by the strong, I suppose," Magus said.
In the year 2305 AD, life is much different from what it was the last time that
Crono and his friends visited it. Instead of the constant blizzard over the sparsely
populated wastelands, there now stood tall, majestic buildings. Trees and wildlife covered
the land outside the cities, free from pollution. In this world, life is more peaceful than
people could ever imagine, and humans and robots live as equals. In a field stands a lone
robot. He is on cleaning duty. In the distance, he spots a few figures walking to him.
"Crono," Robo said. "What are you doing here?"
"Need some help, big guy," Crono said. "Think you could spare some time?"
"Of course," Robo said. "I would like to see Lucca again,"
"Damn! Damn! Damn!" Trent said as he knocked another dragon's head off.
"Where the hell could they be?" He had been fighting for a good twenty minuets, but
how much longer he could do this he didn't know. He knew that Truce had been attacked,
but Porre was where the help was needed more. "Come on, guys," he said. "To much
longer, and I'll be screwed,"
"Hey Trent!" a voice came from behind. He turned to see everyone standing
behind him, weapons drawn. "Need a hand?" Lucca said.
"Hell yeah!" Trent said. "Crono, take half the folks and go to Truce. They've
been attacked. The rest of you stay here and help me,"
"Ayla think you give many orders for one Ayla know so short time," Ayla said.
"But Ayla want fight, and good fight here," She ran into a large group of monsters,
throwing all of them in every direction.
The rest of them ran in different directions. Crono, Marle, Magus, and Robo all
heading north, while the rest stayed with Trent. Lucca and Frog kept casting level 2
magic on groups of monsters, while Ayla and Trent did the hand to hand fighting. Most
of the monsters were dragons, like the one Trent had fought in Truce, but some were
monkey type animals with huge wings. Ayla took care of these by pulling huge rocks out
of the ground and throwing them at the monkeys.
Trent looked around. The arrival of the others had turned the tide of the battle for
a while, but now the monsters once again had the upper hand. 'I've got to do something,'
Trent thought. 'If things keep going this way, there's no way we'll survive,' He noticed
how much the monsters seemed to focus on him. This gave him an idea. "Lucca, could
you use one of those bombs on these things?"
"Well yeah," Lucca said. "But not if we are all in the middle of them,"
"Don't worry about that," Trent said. "Just get one ready," After getting a good
running start, he leapt off a dragon's head and cleared a good twenty feet before he came
down. Almost all of the monsters followed him. He ran for a few seconds until he felt
that he had a good enough distance between the others and himself. "Now Lucca!" he
yelled. With that, he dove headfirst into the group of monsters. At least twenty dragons
fell before he was overwhelmed. Their claws dug deep into his arms and chest.
Suddenly, Trent felt a wet, sticky tongue grab his back and yank him back to the
others. Lucca threw a Napalm into the center of the group of monsters, destroying most
of them. Ayla and Frog finished the rest of them off with hand to hand fighting. Lucca
stayed near Trent, who could barely stand. "Here," she said as she handed him a high
tonic. "This'll help,"
Trent drank it and felt his strength return to him. "Thanks," he said. "Is that the
last of them?"
"'Tis," Frog said when he came back. "And might I say, that was indeed a brave
thing thou did. Foolish, but brave nonetheless,"
"Thanks," Trent smiled. "I think. Come on, we got to see if Crono and the others
are ok,"
"Crono no need help," Ayla said. "Crono strong. All strong,"
"Well, I'd feel better if we check," Trent turned and sprinted over the bridge to
the north.
"Though nigh to death, the boy can't wait to return to the battle," Frog said to
himself. "He would make a fine knight,"
Crono looked over the town of Truce. Some buildings were in ruin, but for the
most part they had arrived in time to save it. "These monsters were tough," he said to
himself. "A lot tougher than I expected," He sighed. "At least everyone is okay. I sure
hope they're doing ok in Porre,"
As if in answer to his question, Trent came bounding up the path to the town.
"Hey," he said. "How goes the good fight?"
"Done, for now," Crono said. "How's Porre?"
"A little better than Truce," Trent said.
"Where's everyone else?" Crono asked. "Are they ok?"
"They're fine," Trent said. "I'm a little faster than them,"
"Oh my god!" Marle said when she arrived. "What happened to you?"
Trent looked at himself. He hadn't noticed how much blood he had lost in the
battle. "I'm fine," he said. "Lucca gave me a high tonic. My shirt's just a little blood
stained. Is everyone ok here?"
"Yeah," Crono said. "Looks like you were right about the divide and conquer.
How'd you know what they were going to do?"
"I just thought of what I would do in that situation," Trent said. "Here come the
others. We need to talk,"
When everyone gathered together, Trent spoke up. "Guys, as much as I wish it
was, I don't think that we've seen the full strength of our enemy,"
"Who might that be?" Magus asked. "You seem to have a lot of answers for
someone we barely know,"
"I don't know who what we're up against, but I plan on finding out soon," Trent
said. "Lucca, you told me about the old man at the end of time. Do you think he'll know
what's going on?"
"Maybe," Lucca said. "I think you should go there,"
"I'd rather someone else go," Trent said. "I may be needed here,"
"But if you go, you can ask Speikko to give you magic," Lucca said. "Come on,
we can take Epoch,"
"Ok," Trent said. "We'll be right back,"
Lucca and Trent boarded the Epoch and quickly set out for the end of time. "Hello
Lucca," the old man said. "Long time no see,"
"Hey Gasper," Lucca said. "Sorry for disturbing you, but we've got a little
problem,"
"Yes, I know," he said. "It's already happened here, remember?" He smiled.
"Who's your friend?"
"I'm Trent," he said. "I'm kinda new here,"
"I see," Gasper said. "Well, head inside the door up there, and you'll get what you
came for,"
"Thanks," Trent said. He and Lucca went inside.
"Well, well, well," voice said as they entered the room. "I am Speikko, God of
War!" The figure of a huge monster formed in front of them. "Lucca, it's been what?
Five years?"
"I wish I could stay and chat, but we just need you to give this guy magic so that
he can help us," Lucca said.
"Ok," Spekkio said. "No one ever comes just to say hello, do they? Walk around
the room clockwise three times, kid,"
"Is that really necessary?" Trent said.
"Well, no," Spekkio said. "But it does entertain me,"
"Ok then," Trent smiled. "As long as it has a point,"
He walked around the room and then stood before Spekkio. "Hmmm…" The God
of War said. "It seems that you have a very peculiar aura about you. One that I've never
seen before. I think I'll call it 'White' magic. Ready? Ipso Facto Meanie Moe Magico,"
A bright light surrounded Trent. When it faded, he stood there, just as before.
"Are you sure it worked?" Trent said.
"You doubt the god of war?" Spekkio said. "Of course it worked! Care to try it
out?"
"No thanks," Lucca said, pulling Trent by the arm. "We really need to get going,"
"Come back to see me when you get the time," Spekkio said. "I'd love to study
this new magic you have,"
"Sure thing," Trent said.
They walked out the door and got ready to bored the Epoch when the old man
said, "Hey,"
"What?" Lucca said.
"I'd like to talk to your friend here before you go," the old man said. "Give us a
minuet,"
The two walked aside. "Well, what is it?" Trent said.
"I just thought you might want to know that I looked it to it while you were in
there with Spekkio, and there is no record of you before or after this little skirmish in
1000 AD," the old man said. "Care to explain?"
"Well," Trent said. "I was raised in the mountains, so no one really knew me
anyway. As for after, I couldn't tell you,"
"I think it means that you will not survive this fight," the old man said. "I just
thought I'd give you fair warning,"
Trent thought of this for a second. "Well thanks," he said. "But I've got to get
back. The others may need me,"
"You would be willing to die for these people you barely know?" the old man
said.
"If need be," Trent said. "Doesn't sound like I have much of a choice. Besides, no
one will miss me. Crono and the others are the only people I've met in years,"
"As you wish," the old man said. "I see you will not be deterred,"
"See ya," Trent said as he and Lucca boarded the Epoch and took off back to their
own time.
"Glad to see you again, sir," Robo said when Trent and Lucca arrived in 1000
AD. "And you Lucca,"
"Hello, Robo," Lucca said. "Where is everyone else?"
"They all went to the castle for the night," the robot said. "I remained here to
inform you of their location,"
"Ok," Trent said. "Let's join them,"
The three began the short trek to the castle. "Trent, what did the old man want
with you?" Lucca asked.
"He told me that I would die if I continued to fight here," Trent said calmly.
"What?" Lucca exclaimed.
"Yeah," he replied. "The old guy told me that as far as history goes, I never
existed before or after this started. The before I get, but the after means I died and no one
cared to tell anyone,"
"How can you be so calm about this?" Lucca said. "If someone told me I was
going to die soon, I'd flip,"
"It doesn't matter if I die," Trent said. "No one would cry. I've only known one
person before yesterday, and she's dead,"
"I would!" Lucca said. "I can't believe that you would think that! You're my
friend, and I won't let you die,"
Trent gave her a gentle smile. "Don't worry," he said as he put his arm around
her. "It's not my time yet. I won't go without a fight," He paused. "Don't tell the others
about it though,"
"Why not?" Lucca asked.
"Cause I can tell most of them don't trust me," Trent said. "I just need them to
think that I'm in this thing all the way,"
"Ok," Lucca said. "Did you hear that Robo? Don't tell anyone,"
"Affirmative," Robo said without turning to them.
Crono and the others stood before the king in the throne room. Crono stood in
front. He had just gotten done explaining what he knew about the situation to him. "I
want you to know that every last one of my troops are at you disposal, Crono," King
Guardia said. "I know that you can do it,"
"Thank you sir," Crono said. He never really got used to the king being his father-
in-law. He still tried to act as dignified as possible around him.
"That may be helpful," Trent said as he barged into the room with Lucca and
Robo. "I think I've got a plan,"
"Who are you?" the king growled. "Guards!"
"It's ok, daddy," Marle said. "He helped us before,"
"Well then," King Guardia said. "Introduce yourself before you address me
again,"
"My name is Trent," he said. "I'm here to help,"
"And how might you do that?" Magus said. "We've known you all of a day and
you start ordering us around,"
"'Tis true," Frog said. "As much as I hate to agree with the likes of thee,"
"Do we really have time for this?" Trent said.
"Give me one reason I have for trusting you," Magus said.
"Give me one for not," Trent said.
Lucca jumped between the two. "Guys," she said. "Calm down. We're going to
need everyone to get through this,"
"Trent," Crono said. "Tell us your plan,"
"Here it is," Trent said, turning away from Magus. "It's clear that who ever did
this was after us. Otherwise they would have attacked the castle when we were all at
Porre. Instead they went after Truce. Chances are, they want Crono more than anyone,"
"Why is that?" Marle asked.
"Cause he's the leader," Trent said. "You lose your leader, all hell breaks loose.
So this is what I want to do. Send out word that Crono and one or two others were killed
in the battle. Then the eight of us go into hiding and wait for them to attack again,"
"How do you know that they will?" Crono said.
"Because, they will think that they have us on the run and will want to wipe us out
before we can regroup," Trent said.
"Makes sense," Magus said. "If it was me, that's exactly what I'd do,"
"How doth thou know so much about the ways of evil?" Frog said.
"Just try to think of what would be the best way to crush someone," Trent said.
"The biggest problem is, we don't know who we're fighting. But that'll have to wait.
Hey, your highness," he said turning to the king. "How fast can that army of yours get to
Porre?"
"It is about half a days march," King Guardia said. "Why?"
"Damn," Trent said. "To long. The town would be reduced to nothing by that
time,"
"What do you suggest then?" Crono said. He was the only one, besides Lucca,
that really trusted this newcomer.
"I don't know," Trent said.
"Oh so he doesn't have all the answers," Magus said.
"I haven't heard any from you," Lucca said.
"Give me until morning," Trent said. "I'll figure it out. For now, I suggest we get
some rest. Tomorrow may prove worse than today,"
"I agree," Marle said. "I'll show you to your rooms,"
"Wait," Magus said. "Someone should share a room with the new guy,"
"My name's Trent," he said. "What are you afraid of? From what I hear you
weren't exactly a good guy before,"
"I have proven myself," Magus said. "I have yet to see you fight,"
"Yeah?" Trent said. "Well if you were in Porre you could have seen me. You
might have even learned a thing or two,"
"Guys," Lucca said. "I really don't see why we should fight like this. I'll stay with
Trent if it'll make everyone feel better,"
"As you wish," Magus said. "But watch him close,"