Journey to Guardia Saga…
Disclaimer: I do not own Chrono Cross (and this disclaimer should go on through the whole story. I'm tired of writing this.).
*Well here's Chapter 14 or Chapter 2 of the Journey to Guardia Saga. Thank you all for the reviews. I don't have much to say so enjoy the story everyone! Please review! Oh, one more thing. To answer some questions from my reviews, I sort of did get that idea from FFX, but not on purpose. I can't think of any other name for the keys at the time. And I just got this out of my mind, and came up with that name. And most of the idea is basically from the Dragon Tear of Love and Hate thing, since they are round you know. And beside that, it is after a hard week of school too. My mind wasn't working after solving a confusing math problem by MYSELF (my teacher doesn't teach good), writing an essay, reading 7-10 page reading of "Lord of the Flies", and staying after school to do some Boy's Tennis Stats since I am the manager of the team. I'm bad at making up names anywayz, so you get the idea. Hopefully that will answer your question. (AGH! I talked too much. Okay I'll shut up and let you read).
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The beautiful place of Guardia is so similar to El Nido. The difference is the atmosphere. The whole place seems so deserted and quiet. A few seagulls flew above, calling upon each other to depart this place, consumed fully of non-living and quietness. Only the sounds of the sea and wind brewed upon the land, without any signs of birds, tiger's roars, or any sorts of animals coming and going about.
On top of a great hill, Serge stood there looking down at the lush forest of Zenan. The wind blew gently through his body. It is all ready reached nine 'o' clock of the morning after the Chrono Gang just made their move a few hours back. Serge was up on the hill to check up for any whereabouts of Gwena or Ookami. To his surprise, no aura readings of the two evil minions of Lynx have ever come. Within the forest, a small fire was visible in the middle. Within the interior of the forest, Norris, Glenn, Leena, Orlha, Korcha, and Karsh sat around the fire. They sat there chatting away as they were all excited of the adventure ahead.
So far in the journey, no monster or creature ever heeded to attack them at full force. In the clear path that leads towards the forest is even deserted as the group ran crossed it non-stop.
Serge was about to look the other way when a faint voice went through his mind. "Serge…!"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 15 – No turning back…
~*~*~*~*~*~
He turned to that source of the sound to see Kidd coming to him, holding two plates of stuff in her hands carefully.
"Kidd, what brings you here?" asked Serge, waving to her. "Is that food I smell?"
Kidd gave a little giggle, handing the plate of food to Serge. Serge gladly took and sat down and began to eat. Kidd sat with him, looking into the land below. "You never get tired of food, right mate?" asked Kidd.
Serge just nodded and began stuffing his face with food hungrily. She just giggled as she began eating her food. "Did you made this?" asked Serge, finishing the plate within minutes.
"The one and only. If you wanna know what's in it, it's rice, chicken, scrambled eggs, some fish, and other junk. Leena helped me spice it up a bit," said Kidd. Kidd blinked a few times as Serge put the plate down, rubbing his stomach. "You done all ready?"
He nodded. He had a smile plastered on his face. Kidd smiled as she began eating her food slowly. Kidd really was thankful that Serge likes her food so much. Usually people who knew her would skip any meal if she were the one who made it. However, Serge didn't even mind.
Sighing, he laid back on the soft, cool green grass below, looking up into the beautiful sky of the day. Serge never gets tired of seeing the blue sky above. To him, the sky always looks so interesting every day whenever he gazes into its cool features. He felt contented and relaxed, feeling a little break from the long run is in his reaches.
"Any 'traitors' coming on our tails?" asked Kidd, finishing her food. Within the word "traitor", she gave a little hint of anger.
"Let's just say that you won't be kicking their ass' for a while," hinted Serge. "Unless you really want to kick them like the jackasses they are."
Kidd giggled with Serge's little play-along procedure. Serge would always do that in order to get people's minds out of the situation. That's one thing Kidd liked about Serge. Always make everyone's day a bright one. Kidd would gladly do the same, depending on her mood at least.
Serge slowly sat back up, dusting the loose grass from his back and down. He stared right in front, eyeing the distant ocean with another land not too far from here. He wondered what lies beyond that point as he gazed into the tinted atmosphere. Kidd, on the other hand, knew what lies beyond the boundaries of this land, but she would never tell anyone since she only knows 'some' of the boundaries.
"Come on, nothing around here for now," said Serge getting up. "We should go to the others and get going. The sooner we leave, the sooner we will reach our destination." After dusting himself up, Serge slowly kneeled down, looking at the visible controlled smoke of the fire in view. Kidd looked at him curiously, wondering what's on his mind.
Within moments, Serge made a huge and graceful leap down the hill with a single jump, falling down towards the forest entrance below. Kidd was agape by this sudden move and she tried catching up to him by running down.
Once ground was in view, Serge landed on two feet without even falling onto his behind. He gave a sign of relief. He made it just in time and just in the right time. Before long, Kidd came along, stopping right in front of Serge with those surprise eyes still in her eyes. "H-how did you-"
"Don't ask," said Serge. "I don't want to explain it now since we need to get moving." With that said, Serge dashed into the forest with Kidd tagging along.
In the dark forest, Serge and Kidd roughly played with each, using the branches to stop them from going into the campsite first. Laughter rang through the quiet forest, hearing footsteps of sounds of dead leaves and grass. Kidd used a low branch and smacked onto Serge, making him topple to the ground. Kidd laughed and ran for her life, Serge yelling behind. Serge caught up to her within seconds, almost tripping from the sudden movement. Serge lost his footing and fell to the ground once more, dragging Kidd along the ride this time. Kidd sat on top of Serge when they fell, laughing hysterically.
"Hey, get off me," said Serge playfully.
"No, you brought me down here in the first place," giggled Kidd.
"You know I just ate."
"But after all that runnin', your stomach shouldn't be that full," rebounded Kidd, pressing her weight on his body a little more.
"C'mon Kidd, I really need to get up," said Serge, looking at her with those puppy eyes. Kidd couldn't resist those puppy eyes. She sighed and finally gave in. Kidd was about to get up when Serge suddenly picked her up, holding like a baby.
"Hey, you trick me, you jerk!" laughed Kidd, struggling to get off of Serge's arms, even though she didn't want to.
"Hehehe, don't underestimate me, Kidd," said Serge. "I'm stronger than you think."
From behind the corner tree, Glenn looked at the two friends playing like little kids. Glenn coughed, interrupting their little play. They both looked at Glenn with surprised eyes. "I see you two are having fun," he said. Both Kidd and Serge turned red like tomatoes. Glenn gave a little chuckle; laughing about the faces they gave him. When Glenn was about to walk to the campsite, Serge and Kidd tackled him from behind, making him fall. The three laughed with joy as they wrestled each other playfully. Glenn and Serge most of all. Kidd watched the two out in the sidelines, laughing. Karsh saw the two and soon joined, making Norris as the referee. The girls all cheered on for their man to win as the three men brawler started.
At the end, it ended up as a tie. Glenn with his head all unruly and tangled and Karsh all dusty from bottom to foot, his hair all messy. Out of the two, Serge was the most person who looks all beat up. His bandana was missed place, his hair more unruly than Glenn's, and his clothes all sloppy. The reason is due to the Glenn and Karsh teaming up against him.
"Shou, you guys have to team up," said Serge playfully, fixing his bandana, hair, and clothes up. Glenn and Karsh laughed sinisterly, giving each other high fives from their accomplishment.
"Serge, what does 'Shou' mean?" asked Norris, noticing the different language dialect.
"It's short for Chikushou and it means…some kind of bad word that I don't want to explain," explained Serge, fixing his clothes. "Don't ask where I got it from. I just picked it up somewhere."
"Tch, you guys act like little kids," complained Korcha.
"Why are acting like this get up Korcha? We're just having fun," said Karsh. "Are you our father or something?"
"No, the only thing that I can have fun is looking at me beloved," said Korcha, looking at Kidd with affection.
A stress mark started to form on Kidd's head and with one blow; she punched Korcha right on the cheek, making him crash into a tree. "Pervert," she muttered angrily.
The friends laughed, seeing the consequence just dawned upon Korcha.
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The fun was over and the Chrono Gang soon went through the dim forest. Serge was in lead once again, his weapon right in front of him. Right behind him was Kidd, holding her spectacle dagger. Glenn was next, holding the handles of his two Einlanzers, thinking about his brother's advice. Next was Leena, holding her pan in front of her. Orlha was behind, her fist ready for action. Korcha stood next, his fishing pole ready to whip any monster. Then it was Karsh and Norris, holding their weapons in front of awareness.
Serge walked very cautiously, sensing any monsters that are hostile or aggressive. He suddenly stopped in his tracks to a distant sound in front. He slowly poised himself, his eyes narrowing down.
"What is it, Serge?" asked Glenn.
Serge slowly closes his, concentrating on that noise. Nothing came up as he reopened his eyes. "I don't know. Just keep quiet and walk slowly," whispered Serge. Serge continued on, walking slowly with every movement. Serge heard that rustled sound again, and he once again closed his eyes, concentrating on that noise. Something in his mind stirred, and Serge followed that reading, looking behind everyone. "All right, who's making that sound?" asked Serge to one of his gang. Kidd looked behind to look at Glenn. He shrugged and looked behind at Leena. She also shrugged and looked at Orlha. Same thing she did and looked at the three men behind. Both Karsh and Norris shrugged their shoulders. This only leaves one person.
All gazes turned to Korcha. He looked at them with curious eyes and shrugged. "What?!" All of them shrugged and continued to walk, hearing that same rustling noise again. Serge turned around to see Korcha fixing his fishing pole.
"Korcha!" everyone yelled. Korcha looked up incredulously. "What?!"
"Yer damn fishin' pool you idiot!" said Kidd, pointing at the long rod. The invisible line of his fishing pool was stuck in one of the trees, making a rustling sound.
"Opps, hehehe, sorry," said Korcha as he reeled in the invisible line.
"Baka," muttered Serge silently. Right then, he felt his mind stirred and looked straightforward, ready to fight.
"Serge what is it?!" cried Kidd, also ready for battle. Everyone was soon poised.
Serge slowly closed his eyes and sensed it out. He could feel a creature with wings, its whole structure with a long tail and four legs. Its head feels like a bird like structure. Overall, the creature is really aggressive and really defensive. Serge felt several more. Growls were suddenly heard as everyone poised, standing where they are.
Serge could almost see it. A half-lion and half-bird creature that is unknown to all. A Griffin. "Watch out!" yelled Serge.
With loud roar from all around, one of the Griffins made its first move, heading towards Glenn.
"Glenn, right in front of you!" yelled Serge, sensing one of the Griffin's auras coming up. Unsheathing both of his Einlanzers, Glenn was able to block one of its ravenous claws. As Glenn threw the Griffin out of his close range, Glenn charged at it, killing at the end with ease.
"Karsh, Norris, two attacking behind!" yelled Serge again. Right on time, Karsh and Norris were able to kill the two charging Griffin.
Serge could feel the intensity of the Griffins as they started to group together. He could sense their next move. "Everyone duck!" he yelled. The Chrono gang obeyed him just in time to see a flock of them attacking above.
"Bugger! Why are these things are here? I never seen them around here before!" retorted Kidd.
"Kidd behind!" yelled Serge. Kidd ducked from the Griffin behind and with one slash, the Griffin died.
"Close call," said Kidd, sighing in relief.
Serge narrowed his eyes, seeing the number of them is quite numerous. Serge thought through and they have no other choice. "The Griffins are too many! WE can't defeat them at the position we are in!"
"What is your plan?" asked Norris, preparing another bullet.
"Everyone go and twos and separate after the next attack from them. Be sure to keep your head low! All of us will have to meet at the ruins of Guardia!" he ordered. Everyone agreed and waited for the next attack to come.
Serge closed his eyes and waited for the next aura reading to rise. "Wait…wait…wait…" one aura reading increased and it came in front. "GO!" With that word, everyone dashed in different directions in two.
"Minna-san! Be careful!" yelled Serge.
"We'll meet you guys at Guardia!" yelled Glenn.
Serge ran for his life through the forest with his hand holding on to Kidd. He could sense the Griffins following them from behind. With his other hand holding the Masamune, Serge and ran for their lives.
Meanwhile, Glenn and Orlha ran for their lives, ignoring the leaves and vines that are in their way. "Damn it, there's too many of them! What do you predict?" yelled Orlha.
"About ten to fifteen!" yelled Glenn as he saw some of the Griffins in the dim light. Glenn stopped running, his Einlanzer prepared to attack.
"What are you doing?" asked Orlha. "We're going to get killed if we fight these!"
"I specifically said there are ten to fifteen of them, Orlha. They may be strong but they may be weak too. If we fight together, then we would have a better chance surviving than running for our lives." Orlha smiled, knowing what he meant.
"Wanna kick these birds ass? Like old times?" asked Orlha, pulling on her Spectra Gloves for a tight fit.
"Yes, let's!" said Glenn. Once the birds got near, Orlha and Glenn charged at them with everything they got.
~*~*~
Numerous sounds of gunshots were heard in the far forest, the flying beasts falling down easily. Each shot is accurate by the second. Norris loaded another twelve bullets as he ran. Right in front of him was Leena, running for her life.
"How many are there?" yelled Leena, screaming at the top of her lungs.
Norris prepared to target the next nearest Griffin. "About twenty left. Don't worry, they won't get near us with my shots!" said Norris, just killing one.
"Thank you, Norris," said Leena, still running for her life.
~*~*~*~
Karsh just stopped in the middle of his running as he held his ax back. Within his arm, he gathered green chi energy, containing poison inside. With one heave of his throw, he threw it with speed as it targeted the Griffins, coming to Karsh like a boomerang. He grabbed in time, seeing the Griffins die like dominos. AxialAxe. Ten more came from behind their dead comrades as they went after Karsh and Korcha. Apparently, unlike Karsh risking his life, Korcha cowered behind a tree, afraid of the flying beasts.
"Damn it! I have to do all the work while Korcha sits there and hide," said Karsh, using another of his tech skills AxialAxe.
~*~*~*~
Serge and Kidd still ran for their lives, dodging and killing any monster that is in their way. So far, Serge managed to kill at least ten to twenty as Kidd only killed at least seven from behind.
Right then, Serge just finished killing off five Griffins with his Masamune as Kidd with four. Grabbing Kidd's hand once again, Serge blindly went through the forest. "C'mon, more is on the way," he said.
Kidd nodded as they kept on running, hearing the gawking sound from behind. More of those Griffins have increased. "Chikushou! There's too many!"
Finally they stopped, hiding behind a tree. "What are we going to do now Serge?" she asked, catching her breath.
Serge looked out, averting to one side to another. He shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure. Looks like we're sitting ducks!"
Kidd looked around her surroundings, trying to find a way out of this. She was looking around frantically when something on the tree caught her. Curiously, she pushed away the leaves that were covering it. Right then, Kidd gasped as she read the inscription:
Sis and Kidd:
Together Forever…
~*~*~*~
"Kidd, this is where I first found you when you were just only four years old…"
The young Kidd looked down at the grassy ground. "Really…? Was I alone?"
"Yes, Kidd, you were. But I am glad that I have found you" A smirk started to from in her mouth. Let us put an inscription here. That way if you get lost and find this, you will know which way is home…"
~*~*~*~
Kidd shook away that thought as a new feeling of hope went through her body. "I know…I know this place!" said Kidd excitedly.
"What?" asked Serge, still concentrating on the Griffins. She stood up, blocking Serge's view.
"Serge, I know this place! I know which way to go," said Kidd.
Serge looked at her curiously, wondering why she is all excited. The aura reading went high from one of the Griffins and Serge grabbed Kidd. "Look out!" he cried, lying Kidd the ground with Serge on top of her. Right then, a Griffin just passed by them, missing them by miles.
"You okay?" asked Serge, looking at her with concerns.
"Yeah, I'm fine," said Kidd, blushing a pink hue on her cheeks. "Serge, I know which way is the exit."
"Really? Which way?" said Serge, standing up carefully. Kidd turned to the engraving of the tree trunk, looking at it carefully.
"We go that way!" said Kidd, pointing to the left direction. Serge grabbed Kidd's hand once again and ran to the left, his Masamune still within his grasp. Right behind them, more of those Griffins started to follow angrily.
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It seemed like forever as they ran to the left path of the forest, running aimlessly without a clue where they are going. However, Kidd, fortunately, knows where this path leads. Soon, the trees started to clear a path, bringing forth light on their bodies. Serge was glad that they were almost out of the forest. Yet, his mind was focused on the Griffins behind. He could still hear their annoying gawking and loud flapping rings. Serge increased his speed as he firmly held Kidd, running as fast his feet can carry.
Within moments, they reached a clearing, were trees circled around the grass patch. The Griffins are still coming after them, and Serge was beginning to get paranoid. Serge suddenly stopped, clenching his fists in anger. Kidd looked up at him, seeing the annoyed face in his eyes. "Serge?"
"I have enough from running. I have no other choice but to use Luminaire. Even though I need some strength when I use the Chrono Cross." He turned to Kidd. "Kidd, go to the safest clearing that's far away from my tech skill. Come back for me when the coast is clear."
"But, Serge…"
"Go! I don' t want to see you hurt," he said, targeting the Griffins. Reluctant to move, she finally obeyed and moved to a safe clearing, making note to have a safe distances to see Serge's tech skill.
Slowly, Serge concentrated on the chi energy, cupping his arms in front of him. Within minutes, the white light appeared, making the Griffins stop in their tracks, the white chi surrounding the whole clearing. Serge opened his and released the ball Chi of energy up to the sky. Once the energy covered the whole area of the circle, Serge felt himself lift off the ground, controlling its burst. Right then, Serge threw back his head and with one glow, it started to spread, destroying the evil that's within the circle.
The light dimmed and Kidd knew from that point that it is clear. Coming out of her hiding place, she ran over to Serge, checking to see if he's all right. To her surprise, Kidd saw him all right, still full of energy. But, she wants to make sure.
"…Serge, are you all right?" she asked.
Serge turned to her and smiled. "I should ask the same thing to you," he said, his Masamune disappearing into the Chrono Cross.
"I'm okay, thanks to you."
"No, thanks to you, we couldn't have get out of that mess," said Serge. Kidd blushed at his statement as he looked around his surroundings. "You said that you know this place right?" Serge stopped in his tracks, absorbing the warmth through his body.
"Yeah, this is the forest where Sis found me," said Kidd, looking up into the sky.
"What?" he asked incredulously.
"That's why I know this place very well. Sis would always bring me here and tell me about how she first encountered me in this forest alone. She said I just appeared outta nowhere and that's when she spotted me. The very tree we were hiding in was the very place she found me. I remember she etched inscriptions there just in case if I got lost. To know where I am and I would know the rest."
Serge nodded his head, interested in her story. "Do you know which way to go?"
"Yeah, this way," she said pointing to the left. "From here on, we go on straight." "If we keep on going straight then…"
Serge slowly led the way, grabbing Kidd's hand gently on his own, heading to the direction that Kidd pointed out.
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It was a long walk, but it was worth it. As they walked along the clearing of the forest, Serge couldn't be more astonished about this place. Everything in this inner space of the forest is beautiful and magnificent. Water started to be heard near by, with a small little lake within it. Serge gratefully drank the cool water, relaxed that they found water just in time. There were no animals, however, as they kept heading left. None of the plants and trees is yellow or dead. The atmosphere looked alive, yet not quite alive without the animals lurking about. The only noise was the sound of the water behind them and their footsteps on the grass.
Kidd could feel that they are almost there. She couldn't help it, but shiver about that thought. Serge felt her shiver and stopped, looking into her eyes. "Are you cold?" he simply said.
"Nah, I just got these cold chills about this place sometimes. It gets too quiet around here," said Kidd, still shivering.
"Why does it give you cold shivers?" asked Serge curiously.
"Well…that is…" Kidd couldn't possibly tell him about it. She turned her look away from Serge, showing the sadness in them as she glared down. Serge knew from that point he shouldn't ask any more questions. He almost forgot that this was her homeland that left an emotional scar in her heart. Slowly, Serge drew her into a hug, warming her up from the cold imaginary shivers she just had.
"I'm sorry. I almost forgot that this is your home that you left behind sometime ago. I'm sorry for asking so many questions," he said.
Kidd just sighed, nuzzling into his chest. "Don't worry about it. I knew you would be asking questions since you never been to this part of the world." She looked up into his deep blue eyes. "Just like a child walking aimlessly through a land he doesn't know. I understand that. Don't worry, I forgive you." They stayed like that for a few minutes, tightening the little embrace inch by inch. Kidd kept on snuggling into Serge's chest, smelling the sea within him.
"That smell always comforts me. He smells like the sea, even though he has been in Arni all his life," thought Kidd. "Yet…"
A vision of the strange man started to hug her in a tight embrace, showing how much he cared about the situation.
"His hug seems so familiar and his scent is the same. It feels as if I was a child again to that time period."
Slowly, Serge removed himself from the hug, gently holding both of her small shoulders with both of his hands. "Come on, let's move on," said Serge, looking down at her with a smile. Kidd nodded, following Serge side by side.
The trees started to decrease within the path. Kidd knew that they are almost there. It has been twenty minutes now, still walking along the grass path. Right then, they are climbing a steep hill. Serge didn't worry how steep it is. He wanted to continue to see what lies beneath this hill.
"I can feel it. We're almost there," thought Kidd as she was beginning to get nervous. Serge could see the steep hill is beginning to flatten, making him feel delighted that this steep hill will no longer be hard to climb. He kept on walking, Kidd's heart beat started to thump rapidly with every step.
Serge suddenly felt a frightened aura from behind. He could feel the heart beat beating rapidly. He turned around to Kidd, looking at her. Kidd looked up and stopped, staring deep into his deep blue eyes. "Kidd, are you okay?" he asked.
"Y-yeah, of course. Why?" she asked nervously.
"I can feel your heart beat. It's beating fast. Is there something that I don't know about?"
Kidd's eyes hid behind her bangs, bowing her head down low. "Y-you will see, mate. Once we get up there, you will understand."
Serge cocked his head, feeling a bit confused with Kidd's words. Serge slowly continued to walk; Kidd's heart beat beating faster and faster as they move. The clock is ticking every second of their step, she could hear the ticking timing with her heartbeat. She was nervous of the sight she will see after this hill. A familiar oak tree came into view now, standing there on top of the hill. "It's there…"
Serge stood on the flat surface of the hill, sighed in relief that there is no difficult steep hill about. He walked towards the other side of the hill. Kidd walked slowly behind, knowing that the thing she is nervous about is only a few feet away.
Serge suddenly stopped at the edge of the hill, looking down at the land below. "D-D-Dokoira…?" said Serge, his voice full of shock. Kidd stood by him, looking away from the place before her.
"…D-d-doko? This place, it couldn't be…?"
*An image of a burning house started to come, burning everything into debris. Serge saw himself looking down this terrible event with a young Kidd looking with him.
Kidd sighed, looking into the debris place. "Serge…this is…my home. The very home I was raised for four years before that event happened."
Serge couldn't believe his eyes. How did he end up being in this place without any hesitation about it? Then, he realized Kidd's knowledge about the forest. Of how she knew where to go and where it leads. Somehow, she was reluctant to tell her about her home just beyond this hill.
Kidd slowly went in front of him, looking down at her used-to-be home. Serge stared at her, wondering what is going through her mind. "T-this is the very home in which Lynx destroyed in order to kidnap Sis. I-I don't know why…I just don't know why Lynx burned down our home."
Serge slowly went to the huge oak tree, looking down at the place. Everything that used to be there was burnt down to debris, only sot and remains of the house is still there, showing how big and nifty it was back then.
"I was part of the fire during the time when Sis was kidnapped. She was trying her best to protect me from those fire demons. She tried her best until Lynx phased in front of us, saying these strange words that fully explained the events that happened last year. I don't know what happened then. It's all blur. But when my vision came back, I was on a hill with this…young man standing beside the oak tree, looking down at my home with a sad-" Kidd looked at Serge, he, staring down into the house with sad eyes.
*The man stood beside the oak tree, looking down at the house with the looks of sad eyes. The crackle started to be heard from the fire as it destroyed the remains of the house.
Kidd shook her head from that thought and kept her eyes on Serge's form.
~Vision~
*A white aura started to surround the young man, seeing him phasing off into the face of the earth. "Always remember, Kidd, that you will never be alone. Even though you don't know my name…"
"No…please…"
*Flash*
"…or you never seen my face," said the man.
*Flash*
The aura started to surround the man. "…I'll always…"
*Flash*
Two white forms started to form behind his back as aura started to consume him. "…be your friend Kidd. No matter what…"
~End of Vision~
"C-can Serge…?" Kidd began, starring at Serge. Serge turned his gaze to Kidd, looking straight at her with sad eyes. Right then, they stared into each other's eyes, not breaking their long stare. "…be the one who rescued me?"
Serge gave her a sad smile as she walked towards her, his deep ocean water eyes never leaving her light cerulean eyes. Kidd slightly widened her eyes as she noticed his movement. With one swift movement from his arms, he held Kidd in a tight, caring hug.
The smell of ocean once again smelt in Kidd's senses, feeling agape by this familiar hug and familiar position. Birds fluttered everywhere, as they hugged, not letting go of each other. Serge nuzzled into her hair, trying to comfort her with his hug. "Kidd, don't worry. This time, I won't leave you," he said.
"What does he mean by this time?" thought Kidd. Serge slowly released and leaned in to kiss her cheek. Kidd blushed as she felt his warm lips upon her cheek, feeling somehow content and calm about his movement. Serge moved away and looked into her eyes, seeing her shocked eyes. He gave her a smile, laughing in the inside to see her surprised expression.
"I-I…uh…" muttered Kidd, still completely stupefied. Serge gave her a comforting hand, making her snap away from her fantasy.
"Kidd, you must relieve your senses and face your fears. Your home before you is just a reminder of your scar," he began. "I can sense that you are still trapped within the border lines of your past. But, you must move on. If you're worried if you forget Lucca, if you were able to bind yourself from your past, just keep her in your heart by memory." Kidd looked up at Serge, seeing him staring down at the ruins before them. "I also have the same situation as you, remember? I thought if I forget the past, I would forget Chichiue. But then I realized if I keep his memory in my heart I wouldn't forget. You should do the same to your Aneue."
Kidd smiled a sad grin, nodding her head in agreement. "Okay, I'll do that. Thanks for the advice, mate." Serge began to give a little chuckle. Kidd looked at him curiously. "What's so funny?"
Serge turned and gave her a wide grin with his closed. "It's kind of strange when you think about. Even though we live in two completely different countries, we almost think the same." Serge continued his chuckle, making Kidd smiled and laugh with him.
They mutually laughed for minutes, thinking about their differences and similarities. Kidd's laugh died within minutes and soon grabbed Serge's hand, leading him down the hill. "A-anone, where are we going?" he asked.
"Down to the old house. I wanna see if there's anything left," said Kidd. Then, she realized something. "What does…A-none mean?"
Serge realized that thought as well, looking at Kidd in curiosity. "I think it means…'umm' or excuse me."
"And what about Aneue and Chichiue?"
"Big Sister and Father."
"Where did you learn those words?"
Serge shrugged. "I don't know."
Kidd stepped into the shambled place. She looked around it, seeing the familiar structure of it. There was only an outline of it left and Kidd walked in to the peculiar circle. Serge followed her, hearing the dead leaves and burnt word below their walking feet.
"How long did it take for this place to go downhill?" asked Serge, kneeling down to see real old papers.
"It didn't take that long. Everything burnt to the ground to nothin' the next day. I saw it all happened and the only thing left was this result." Kidd saw a huge object lying on there motionless. Kidd kneeled down and wiped the dirt off the thing. "Sis' talking robot. Gato. I remember this. This robot would always play with us whenever Sis is away to see Uncle Crono and Aunt Marle."
Serge walked up to her, looking at the broken robot. He still can remember the last words of Gato before it sizzled out. Right behind the robot was a dusty frame on the floor. Serge walked to it, almost as if its mysterious cover hypnotized him. Kidd noticed this and stared at Serge. "What is it, mate?"
Serge ignored her question and looked into the object on the floor. He slowly knelt down and picked it up, wiping away the dirty dust from its glass. Amazingly, the glass was not broken. Kidd walked up to him and looked down at the object. Within the object, three young adults with many children were in the picture. One of them was Kidd in the middle with one of the grown-ups holding her. This woman has short purple hair, with large glasses on her eyes. She wore a weird helmet all over head and wore a yellow scarf around her neck. "This must be Lucca," thought Serge. Next he looked at another woman next to Lucca. She wore a white Greek-like outfit with a tub-top like shirt. Around her neck, she wore a golden choker with golden armlets around her arm area. Her hair was blonde tied in a ponytail. Right next to the blonde girl was a man, wearing a turquoise kimono suit with an orange scarf around his neck. Around his forehead was a white bandana, holding his long spiky red hair. "Spiky red hair?" thought Serge. Suddenly, something shocking came to his mind as the vision of that picture blurred.
~Vision~
A palace started to burn down as the city around it was burning down as well. Within the interior, a man with a katana in his hand stood in defense with a woman with her crossbow behind him. The man held his katana firmly, gazing into the predecessor before them.
"Ah, so you are the other two members who changed our future. And you are the ones who happen to know where the second key is."
"What?" said the man, looking astonished. "What are you doing here, Demi-Human and what are you after?"
"The first Chrono Trigger. In the near future, another Chrono Trigger will arise and wreck the freedom of humanity."
*Flash*
"Why is it so important to tell you about the keys?" asked the woman.
"Those keys will lead me to the Holy Land."
*Flash*
"You know…how do you know?"
"Of course I know…that's because I read all the history books. I did my homework and now I should be rewarded for doing so…"
*Flash*
The man with the katana started to charge forward at the feline enemy, crying his battle cry.
"Too slow…!"
*Flash*
Before Serge knew, the man, the female, and the feline disappeared into thin air, leaving the whole palace place to burn.
~*~End of Vision~*~
"Agh!" Serge screamed, stumbling back a few steps. Kidd was right there as she tried her best to stabilize his balance.
"Serge, you okay?" she asked.
"That…vision…" mumbled Serge, feeling his own sweat coming down his cheek. The wind started to blow gently through his body, making the sweat dry instantly. "That…vision I just saw…" repeated Serge, looking up into the sky.
"What vision?" she asked.
"…It's telling me something about the past…something…" he closed his eyes, rethinking through the vision. "…something that is misunderstood for many years up until now. This person…I think he's calling…calling for release…calling for…"
He looked at Kidd, his eyes showing half mad, half sad. "…dispel…release…"
"What do you think it means?" asked Kidd.
Serge shook his head. "But I know this person is calling me. I can't read where the aura is…but it feels like the aura…of the Chrono Trigger's spirit." Kidd looked at him with a questioning look. Chrono Trigger's spirit? Kidd repeated those last words.
Out of nowhere, Serge turned around, sensing something coming towards them. Six multiple auras were read. Without any moment wasted, Serge stood in front of Kidd ready to protect her.
"Serge, Kidd!!" yelled a voice above the hill. Serge eased down, recognizing the voice instantly.
Running towards them were Glenn, Orlha, Leena, Norris, Karsh, and Korcha, waving to them with relief. Serge and Kidd beamed as they saw that all of their friends are all right.
"We're glad to see you guys again!" said Serge, giving Glenn a high-five, their usual greeting. "You actually survived those griffins.
Glenn shrugged. "Orlha and I have thought of a way to fight those monsters other than fleeing our lives. We apparently worked together to defeat those Griffins."
"Hehehe, yeah. We were a pretty good team back there. I would surly kick those monsters out the forest with both of us," said Orlha, clenching fists in a ready position.
"Same with me and Leena," said Norris. "Instead, Leena was more like a decoy while I shot them before they even hit her."
"Yeah, even though I was scared to death, it was sure fun," laughed Leena.
"Well, at least you guys have worked together. Korcha hid behind those trees while I have to fight alone," said Karsh, glaring angrily at Korcha.
"What did I do?!" retorted Korcha.
"But they were easy to beat in my side."
Serge sighed. "At least you guys got it easy. We were fleeing for our lives because there were too many of them. I used one my of tech. skills at the last part when we made to a clearing. Without Kidd, we wouldn't gotten out of there alive."
Kidd was busy looking down at the picture, seeing her Sis in there. None of the friends noticed Kidd's actions. "By the way, how did you end up here?" asked Serge.
"We followed markings on some trees, pointing us to that direction," said Glenn. "Whoever put it there, we should give them a big thanks." The six noticed about their surroundings. "By the way, what is this place?"
"Anone…well…you see…" Serge stumbled, looking down at Kidd. Kidd met his gaze, giving an expression not to tell them. "It's just a place we found when went up that hill. We thought there would survivors living here," he lied.
Everyone just shrugged and left that subject behind. Serge smiled down at Kidd and winked, Kidd giving him a silent thank you. "Since we're all together, let's head Guardia," said Karsh, walking off.
"Matte, Karsh," called Serge, making Karsh stop in his tracks.
"What is it, Junior?" he asked.
Serge narrowed his eyes, disgusted by the name. "We're not sure were is our location since we all scattered from that surprise attack. I need to get the Key's aura reading and get us back in track."
"All right, but hurry up," said Karsh, sitting down on the ground.
Serge nodded and slowly closed his eyes. For a moment, silence provokes the whole group, waiting for Serge to open his eyes. With one flick of the aura reading, Serge opened his eyes quickly, looking north. At that spot, a little bridge was formed with a river flowing under it. Serge was surprised that the aura reading was actually strong. "It's close by," said Serge. "It's in that direction."
Kidd slowly stood up and looked at that direction. "Guardia is close by. I could feel it," she said.
"Well, then shall we go?" asked Glenn. With that said, the Chrono Gang started heading in that direction. Kidd stood in the same spot for a moment, looking down at the picture she is holding. She smiled, seeing that it is still in good condition after all these years.
"This time, I'm taking this with me," she said removing the picture from the frame. Kidd slowly dropped the frame, holding the picture in place. "If only I knew what happened to you Uncle Crono and Aunt Marle." She gently held the picture to her chest, holding it with tears starting form.
Few feet away from her, Serge stood there, watching her move. He smiled, seeing that she is beginning to keep everything in her past to her heart. He could feel a questioning thought running through her mind. She's thinking about the disappearance of Crono and Marle. "Many people said they have died, as Norris would explain. Yet, I got this feeling that they are still alive. But why do I have this feeling?" Serge said to himself.
Kidd, tucking in the picture in her pouch, started to catch up when she noticed Serge looking up to the sky once more, deep in thought. An evil smirk started to form in her lips as she started to run to him.
Serge was coming from the real world when a huge weight started to burden his shoulder. Looking behind, he saw Kidd, wrapping her arms around Serge's neck, smiling happily.
"All right, what's this all about?" asked Serge, looking at her curiously.
"Can I have a piggy back ride until we cross the bridge?" asked Kidd, pleading like a child. "Please?"
Serge sweat dropped. "But aren't you too heavy and too old for this?"
Kidd shook her head. "Come on Serge."
Serge groaned. "But Kidd-"
Kidd once again has a smirk forming on her lips. "This is MY house. And I want YOU to carry me! SO no buts!!!"
Serge was stumped in that point and he couldn't think of another rebound. Finally, Serge gave in, even though he is just pretended to refuse before. "Okay, okay." Kidd smiled as she wrapped her legs on the sides of his body. Ringing his arms around Kidd's leg, they started to catch up with the rest. Serge didn't complain on the way there since Kidd's weight was actually light. Kidd hung on to Serge, whiffing in his aroma of the ocean. She really loved that smell.
~^ ^~^ ^~^ ^~
Serge stepped upon the grassy plains of the field, just finished crossing the bridge. Kidd, by then, was off of Serge's back and now is walking along side him. The path they are going through now leads to a land that is too far from here. Because of Serge's aura reading, they were coming near.
Kidd could feel the nervousness rising in her veins, increasing with every step she makes. Her heart quickened once again, feeling her breath becoming uneven. Behind them, their friends walked behind, not saying a word to each other at the moment. From this point, the situation at hand is important. This is no longer a playtime. This is serious time. Serge concentrated on the whereabouts of any other energy coming from on other sides. So far, none was read.
Any minute, the Chrono Gang would be near the place. The place Kidd didn't want to see any more of the horrors, the loneliness, the quietness within.
The grass of their walking feet were the only sounds that are made in the land, except the sounds of lapping waves of the ocean. Serge could feel the cold wind rising, insinuating that this kind of wind is not the warm wind he will always feel. He could feel the swift loneliness and the swift coldness within that very wind. He knew that it was sign about something up ahead.
Glenn walked along the dirtied path, watching the clouds drift by. Yet, the clouds in this area seem so ominous that it gives Glenn the shivers. Never in his life did he see clouds that look so dark, gloomy, and evil. Another sign of nature like the wind. Glenn prepared himself by telling himself to go with the flow of fighting like a flowing river. Those words were his big brothers. He admired those words as it rang through his mind.
Kidd stopped in her tracks as she saw a sign up ahead. She was the only who noticed the sign. The young radical dreamer knew what the sign is going to say. Below that very sign, dirtied paths started to cross each other, each leading to different ways like the areas of a directional sign.
"Kidd, you okay?" asked Orlha, tapping her shoulder.
"Y-yeah, I'm fine," she lied. But deep inside, she is nervous of seeing the kingdom that she tried not think about so many years ago,
Serge stopped in his tracks to see two paths leading to different ways. He was about to walk when something huge and tall caught in his mind. Everyone noticed this and stopped right were he is. Serge could feel his breath becoming reckless as he turned his to stare at his right. Within that point, Serge widened his eyes.
Glenn, Orlha, Norris, Korcha, Leena, and Karsh noticed his gaze and mimicked his move. Right then, like Serge, they were also stupefied by the scenery right in front of them.
Kidd looked as well beside Serge, not surprised at all of the scenery. "There it is…" she said silently.
Within the right dirtied path, there lies the Kingdom Guardia; the once prosperous kingdom that reigned for so many years on Zenan since centuries ago. It was a beautiful place back in those days of its liveliness with bustling people busy in the streets working, selling, or buying. The buildings were all shaded the color of red and light brown with mixtures of blue and orange. Plants used to hung all over the little village with boats to transport people anywhere they desired. This was the first place in which Demi-Humans and humans lived in harmony.
Now, as Serge gaze into that Kingdom, it is full quietness with no signs of life anywhere. There was no liveliness within the kingdom. No heart, no soul in each dead plant and color of the buildings. All were ruined down to debris. There were no emotions within the kingdom. None of it seems so alive anymore.
"This must be…" began Glenn, walking up a bit to see a better view.
"Yeah, this Guardia. The very kingdom that has been deserted for many years after the tragic downfall," said Kidd. "The kingdom used to be so beautiful when I last saw this place. It was with full of life with so many people around. Yet, now, all I see is nothing but the sadness, the heartache, and the hurt of this kingdom. Everything that people have accomplished is all gone."
Serge slowly walked along the dirtied path, looking into the town with trance, half-dilated eyes. "Guardia…" Serge began as he stopped, a few feet away from his gang. "This…place…" He slowly closed his eyes to image a certain place that exactly portrays the tone of this kingdom. "Looks almost like the future of this whole world. This is how it would like it if Lynx takes over this world. Like he did with Guardia. Leaving every single creature back to nothingness."
"You can't be serious?" asked Karsh, not believing this.
"Karsh, it's true. No matter what, you have to believe it." Serge pointed his finger at the village, angrily. "This is the work of Lynx, the so-called Fate who took away Chichiue's body. The very feline who destroyed this peaceful land! I don't know why Lynx destroyed it, but I will find out soon enough! This is why I am going to stop Lynx once and for all! First he destroyed the homes of many innocent people. Then he destroyed a huge kingdom to nothing but rubble. Now, he's after the whole world, wanting his damn idea to come true." The wind started to come vigorously when Serge spoke up. "This is his work. With those minions around with two of them as one of Kidd's friends in the past, they are the main sparks of leading this world to destruction just to search for the keys to the Holy Land."
The Chrono gang was quite surprised with Serge's out bursting words. None ever heard him spoke vigorously with words put into motion. His fist started to clench, trembling in anger.
Kidd laid a gentle hand on Serge's shoulder. "Serge, relax. Don't get yer emotions up too high. I know that Guardia is like the vision of the future you saw. I could never forgive that damn bastard for what he done. I wanted revenge on him for so many years for destroying Guardia, for destroying my home. He even created an emotional scar right on me heart. You as well with your father in yer heart."
Serge still trembled in rage, feeling his fighting spirit rising rapidly. Kidd sighed, trying as much as she can to calm him down. Yet in that brief moment, Kidd noticed something moving behind his back, seeing two bumps coming out slightly and coming in again through his vest and black shirt. "What was that?" thought Kidd as his back started to calm down. Serge looked at Kidd, seeing the determination in her eyes. Then, he turned to his friends. "Now, up to this point, this your decision. Are you coming with me to stop Lynx once and for all or are you going back home and do nothing?" he asked, looking sternly at them.
Each of them looked at each other, seeing the confusion in their eyes. The only one that is not confused is Glenn, seeing through the situation. He walked up to Serge and patted his shoulder. "I am with you all the way, my friend," he said, eager potential in his eyes.
Serge, Glenn, and Kidd looked at the other five friends, waiting for their decision. Norris stepped up, nodding his head. Next, Karsh came, smiling as well and nodding his head. Orlha, of course, gladly came in, interested in this new adventure. Leena joined as well, smiling. Everyone looked at Korcha, seeing the confusion in his eyes.
Korcha stepped up and smiled. Serge smiled, seeing that everyone is in. He turned to Kidd, smiling down at her. "Kidd, now that you are back home, you will no longer be alone to find out its mysterious. We're with you all the way," said Serge. Kidd smiled, relief spreading through her body.
Serge knelt beside Kidd's ear, whispering into it. "If things get tough, Kidd, I promise that I'll protect. Through thick or water, I will protect you…no matter what. Even if it costs me my life." Kidd blushed at his sudden words. He just smiled and turned to Guardia before them.
"All right, let's move!" he ordered as he began running towards Guardia along with his friends tagging along. From this point on, there is no turning back.
~*~*~*~
End of Chapter 15 – No turning back…
~*~*~*~
*Next time, on Chrono Cross: Angelus Errare, Journey to Guardia Saga Chapter 3
Kidd: I always used to go here with Sis for a visit to Uncle Crono and Aunt Marle.
*Shows Chrono Gang looking at Guardia ruins with Serge and Kidd in front…
Serge: It's not in here…
*Shows Serge using the Chrono Cross…
Ookami: It's in here. Under Nadia's bell…
*Shows Ookami and Gwena holding a male with spiky red hair and female with blonde ponytail hair in captivity.
Kidd: It's you…! It's you guys!
Ookami: It's nice to see you again Kiddo…
Mystery man with red hair: Kidd, you're still alive?
*Shows Serge glaring angrily at the two…
Gwena: It couldn't be…? It's Serge…still looking the same as three years ago…"
Mystery woman with blonde hair: Serge…? The second Chrono Trigger…?
*Shows Serge wiping his Masamune out
Serge: If you want the keys so badly… you have to get passed me first…!
Chrono Cross: Angelus Errare…
Journey to Guardia Saga Chp.3
Chapter 16 – Guardia Ruins…Misunderstandings collide…Secrets revealed…
*Phew, my poor fingers. And yet another long chapter. I am being evil to you guys am I? I guess this saga will have three to four chapters more. But I think I did pretty well. Well tell me what you think and PLEASE REVIEW!! I am now working on the next chapter and I am almost done with it too. If I get more reviews, then I will put it up sooner than you think. Thank you all for the reviews, once again.
