Journey to Guardia Saga Chapter 3
Disclaimer: Chrono Cross is not mine so don't even think about sue me!
*Hello again and welcome to another long chapter 3 of the Guardia Saga addition. If you are wondering about this, I thought I could finish the Guardia expedition in one chapter, but I guess not due to the fact that it is waayyy tooo long! So I split it up to different chapters, making it the Guardia Saga. Well, anywayz, thank you all for the reviews! I am really happy to see that everyone likes my story. So here is I know some of you want to see a romance going on with Serge and Kidd, but just bare with me. Pretty soon, it will come, at least a few chapters away, but don't worry. Anyways, hope you enjoy the third chapter and please review! Hope all you guys enjoy it!!! IF ya have any questions, please feel free to e-mail at LilAznKuti@mail.dpinoyweb.com ^_^ (sorry if there is some mistakes in grammar. Too lazy to revise…'cuz of SAT 9 testing… o_O)
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Sounds of cobble pebbles and dirt started to be heard within the path to Guardia Palace, the main source of Guardia's true prosperity. A forest once laid before Guardia, but now that the kingdom is forever deserted, the trees grew withered and leaves never once grew there again. The only remains are branches that look like skeletons of the non-living. The bushes are as well the same ranks of the tree branches, yet more disgusting and acrid as ever.
A footstep suddenly snapped from near, creating an echo through the quiet and apathy forest. Serge looked around his surroundings, completely alert as he slowly walked amid precaution with his seven companions trailing behind, mimicking his very movements. His deep blue eyes soon met a pathway clearing just up ahead. He turned to Kidd, giving her a questioning look.
Kidd, right behind him, saw his look of curiosity and smiled. "That path leads to Guardia Palace. Don't worry, that's the only path that will lead us to it. Can you feel the presence of the Key Sphere?" she asked, staring directly at the path.
Serge closed his eyes for a moment, then reopened them. "Hai, the aura still feels strong." With that said, the group moved on, with no disturbance of any weird creature beyond the dead plants of the forest.
It has passed seven minutes now, and Serge and his friends are close to the palace. Serge could feel the aura strengthen every perspective he moves, coming closer, closer to his goal item, Key Sphere of Hope. Within decades of minutes and sounds of endless grass crunches, Serge suddenly stopped, stepping onto the cobblestones of a cement stairway.
Within that stare he looked, there stood Guardia Palace, a huge structure and memorial place of Guardia for all times. Its prosperity has now died like the village down below, as though this was the main power circuit to keep the kingdom alive.
Serge looked up more to see the huge tower of the palace in the middle. Within that space, he closed his eyes to match the golden emblem's second etched picture. He opened his eyes and smiled with relief. "The picture matches with this. This is the place of its location," he said. Kidd stood by him as they both gazed into the spiritless palace. Serge looked down at the young Radical Dreamer, signaling a nod. "Come on, let's go…"
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Chapter 16 – Guardia Ruins…Misunderstandings collide…Past Revealed…
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With Serge's signal, the gang has started to walk up the cobble stairs to the gigantic, impervious doors. Glenn pushed the door as much as he can, but to no avail. "This is no good. The door cannot budge," he said, wiping the sweat out of his brow.
Serge stepped up next, looking at the door that is tightly shut. Soon, Serge noticed something about the castle. Unlike the village before it, Guardia Palace seems to be intact. Well, at least most parts of it. Yet, somehow, the lower part of the castle seems to be intact and well. Serge cocked his head, thinking through those questioning thoughts. "But how? It almost seems like it is…never been touch," he thought.
He started to put his gloved palms on the huge door, feeling its cold surface. "If I want answers, I have to look for answers," he said to himself silently. Serge began to push on the impervious door, using all his strength to open it.
"What are you doing Serge?" asked Glenn.
"You can't open it with just your bare hands," said Leena. "Come on, stop being a show-off."
Serge ignored their voices as he on kept pushing. With one heave of his right foot, the door slowly opened, giving in to Serge's unexplainable strength. With one heave of both of his arms, Serge pushed the doors vigorously. The huge two doors parted and banged right into the sidewalls. Serge heaved a sigh, wiping the sweat from his brow. He turned to the others, smiling. "Come on, let's go in."
His companions looked at him with surprise eyes, blinking unconsciously. Serge narrowed his eyes with a confused frown; sweat dropping. "What are you guys gawking about?"
"Um…nothing, nothing. Please continue," said Glenn, waving an arm. "I'm just surprised that Serge actually opened the door with his own hands."
At the lead, Serge led the group inside the dark palace.
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The Chrono Cross around Serge's neck started to glow, giving a bright blue, yet dim light for the gang to continue their walk along the dark corridors. The decorations around the place was nothing more than mere shambles of statues of chipped lion statue pieces and rusted steel from the armor knight statue, looking as if it were melted. Within the walls, the tapestries were nothing more than burnt paper burned through the middle of it. The colors are completely dull due the conditions and temperature of the castle.
"This castle must have been deserted for so many years. Look how dingy it is," said Leena, looking completely disgusted by the look of the palace.
"Don't say such things about me home, Leena," said Kidd. "After all, it has gone through a major downfall."
"I forgot, I'm sorry, Kidd."
"Yer forgiven."
Serge stopped in the dull red carpet to find another door in front of them, with leading stairs in front of it. Serge looked to his left to see a corridor leading to one room. The other side was the same too. Serge looked in the middle to see a crest of two dragons hanging above, dulled gold and still in good condition. "This must be the throne room," he said.
Kidd nodded her head. "That's right, mate. This is where the audiences are held between Aunt Marle and Uncle Crono," said Kidd. Kidd smiled as pleasant memories started to fill her mind. "I remember back then that I would always go here with Sis for a visit to Uncle Crono and Aunt Marle. They would always play with me and invite me for dinner all the time with me buds around." Kidd turned to her friends. "Do you wanna see?"
Everyone nodded as they followed Kidd. Pushing the light doors that are surprisingly easy to open, they all went in, walking along a long corridor to a fleet of small stair steps. Right above a platform pavement, two huge decorated chairs stood in its place, still in good and mint condition, even though it was with full of dust. Unlike the other rooms before this, this room is the only room that only looks intact.
Serge cocked his head once again, wondering the features of the mint conditioned throne room.
*The man with the katana started to lunge forward at his feline enemy, crying out a war cry.
The feline smirked and waited for him to come.
*Flash*
Both were gone in the blink of an eye. Behind the doors was a heated place, burning to debris.
Serge was brought back to reality, panting uncontrollably as he gazed into the throne room. "The very place is the same as I have seen that vision. What is it telling me?" he said silently, looking for any signs of any fragments or any clues. Right there, a sign was found. Before Serge's feet was a katana lying on the floor, with its rainbow blade still glinting brightly. Serge kneeled to it and picked its handle up. Surprisingly, it didn't crack in his grasp.
"That's…" Kidd kneeled down with Serge, touching the handle of the katana. "That's Uncle Crono's sword."
"What?" said Serge, averting to Kidd's eye astonished.
"Uncle Crono always have this with him, even outside the palace. But, why? Why is it still here?"
Serge inspected the blade carefully. "Strange, there's no blood imprints on the handle nor the rainbow blade," thought Serge. He held the katana above his head. "Could the vision tell me that the deaths of Crono and Marle are nothing more than lies? Could they still be alive?" A smile started to form in his lips, solving one puzzle with a few more to go. He observed the floor once again to find a scabbard tied to a brown belt, still in good condition. Serge's smile widens. Slowly, he sheathed the Rainbow Katana in its proper place and slowly cross-tied the belt around his waist like Glenn's with his Einlanzers.
"Why are taking that Serge?" asked Karsh. "I wouldn't mind taking that off your hands."
Serge just simply smiled. "No. Otherwise, the owner would be displeased if it's in another person's hands."
Kidd looked at him curiously, wondering what is Serge is trying to point out. Slowly, he turned to the group. "All right, now let's find that key," said Serge, closing his eyes once more. "It's there, down the halls, to the…right."
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Serge was walking down the halls of a very long staircase, feeling his legs beginning to tire. Within his waist, the Katana was still on his back. Right behind, Kidd grasped his shoulder, using him as guide down the dark halls. "If only there were torches, I would see-"
Kidd's eyes caught something that is recognizable in one of the rooms. Suddenly, she knew where this stair rail leads. "Serge let me lead. I know where this leads to," she said, grasping his arm. Serge turned and nodded. Pressing his back against the wall, he let Kidd pass, her pace quickening as she ran down the fleeting stairs. "Kidd, wait!" he yelled, running after her. Glenn, Orlha, Leena, Korcha, Norris, and Karsh mimicked the two's move as they followed.
Kidd soon turned around the corner to the end of the stairs, halting in front. Serge didn't watch where he was going and accidentally bumped into Kidd, making both of them fall.
"Hey, what is-" Glenn didn't know where he was going and tripped over Serge's laying body, dropping right on the other ground beside him. Along the line, Orlha tripped, then Norris. Then Leena, then Korcha. Karsh was the one who stopped in his tracks as he laughed hilariously at his friends.
"Sorry Kidd. You surprised me," said Serge, lying on top of Kidd.
Kidd blushed rapidly, feeling his warm body on top of hers. Kidd was suddenly washed over with content, but realized the situation. "T-that's all right, mate. But, will ya please get offa me? Yer squishing me like a bug," said Kidd, her feelings didn't want him off.
Serge slowly got to his feet, helping Kidd onto her feet. He looked at Glenn, Orlha, Leena, Norris, Korcha stalked on top of each other, giving a chuckle to Glenn who happened to be real squashed due to the heavy load burdened upon him.
Karsh still laughed as he fell, grasping his stomach. "Hahaha! You guys are such idiots sometimes!" he said, in between laughs. Orlha got angry quickly and punched him to the wall.
"You idiot! That's not funny! You're the one who should feel like an idiot since you are the only one standing, Mr. Safety person!" she retorted, a stress mark forming on her forehead.
Karsh mourned in pain, with swirls forming his eyes. "Ohh…I see little birdies around my head."
Serge sighed, his laugh dying down. "Come on, you guys. This is no time for games." He turned to Kidd. "So, what is this place?"
Kidd smiled. "This is the royal treasure area. I'm not sure what's in here, but I know for sure that this place is where I hide when I play Hide and Seek with me buds back then. But I never really noticed about the insides of it."
Serge had a sudden rage of aura readings through his head, seeing two different colors in his mind. Serge couldn't believe the thought at the very moment. Two aura readings? He only felt one back up in the outside. How can that be possible? The Chrono Cross started to resonate brightly in the halls, making everyone's eyes avert to its resonating light. Serge slowly cupped it in his arms, sensing the difference in the aura readings. He slowly walked, feeling the Chrono Cross' powers leading it to the auras. Dowsing is what he called it. A magical experience he gained to predict where the aura senses is leading him to. Serge turned to the left, feeling the aura that matches its strong energy. Once he was in front of that door, Serge looked at the Chrono Cross, seeing that it is not resonating rapidly.
"I-it's…it's not here. The Key Sphere is not here," said Serge, a note of surprise in his voice.
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Somewhere in the outskirts of Guardia…
Two forms appeared from the dirtied path, looking at the Kingdom Guardia. "Hehehe, so this is Guardia," said the male. "Gwena, what do you think?"
Gwena came beside Ookami, looking at the village. "Heh, this is the place all right. Funny, I thought this place would look more stunning. But I guess Lynx's statement is true. The kingdom is nothing more than rubble."
"How dare you say such things!" said a voice from behind. Gwena and Ookami turned to look at that source and smiled evilly.
"What you say, prisoner?" asked Gwena.
The female with her blonde hair tied in a ponytail glowered at Gwena and Ookami with angry eyes, loathing for their cruel rebuke. Her arms were cuffed in metal chains.
"Don't make fun of her country, Gwena," said Ookami sarcastically. "Or she might kill you with her chains of death." Both of them laughed, making the innocent woman glower them even more.
"We led you to this place! So don't criticize it, you over-grown bastards!" yelled another voice, the voice masculine. Coming up beside the female, a man with spiky red hair looked at them angrily, clenching his confined fists.
"All right, all right. We will stop," said Ookami. "Now, tell us where is the key located?"
The female and male looked at each other.
"Is there any hope?"
"Don't give up, we'll find a way soon."
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"What do you mean its not here?" retorted Korcha with surprise. "I thought you said it was here?"
Serge shook his head. "No, I now read two auras. One that leads to this area, and other leading to…" Serge turned to the south, suddenly the Chrono Cross resonating rapidly. Serge gasped as the Chrono Cross glowed right in front of his face, pointing to a door in the south, colored in white and gold. Right on the door, a male winged person was etched in the door, in a praying posture. Serge slowly walked to that door, walking hypnotizing as he followed the Chrono Cross' powers. Kidd and the others just looked at him as he came upon the door, looking at the strange writing.
"Within this door, the person whom possess the Chrono Cross lays the Key Sphere of Hope. The exact hope of the ancient ones who wants to protect the whole world as much as they can. Their dreams, their visions, their prayers have been answered, and they wield the ability needed for the world's safety. The key rests in this place, as it is a similar concept of the hopes of Guardia, a prosperous land full of parallel hope that is never given up," Serge read. The word disappeared and was replace with three words.
"Ichidou -Donna-Kojin," said Serge out loud.
"The door? It is not opening," said Glenn, coming up behind.
"Why isn't it opening?" asked Orlha.
Serge inspected the designs, seeing something under it. A hand print model was on it, saying the words, "Blood of the Ancient." Understanding immediately what it means, Serge took off his right glove, showing his bare tanned fingers. He flexed them, feeling the cool atmosphere filling in his warm hand. "Kidd, let me see your dagger," said Serge.
"Sure, what for?" she asked, handing him her dagger. As soon as he grabbed the handle, he cute himself right in the middle of his palm, blood slowly sipping in the open gash. Kidd backed off, seeing Serge's expression surprisingly calm. "Serge…"
He carefully gave Kidd's dagger to her, being sure to wipe his blood. Slowly, he pressed his hand in the imprint, pushing it lightly.
The imprint of the hand started to glow rapidly, reading in Serge's blood. The glow died soon afterwards, analyzing the new data within. Serge removed his hand and looked at the cut. When he looked at it, no cut or blood appeared in his palm. His hand healed right away for some strange reason. Smiling, he grabbed for his brown glove and put it back on his tanned right hand.
At that moment, the door slowly opened in front the gang, hearing its opening rumble echo through the halls. Serge inspected the area within to see the Key Sphere of Hope right on a silver altar, beaming brightly with the mixed colors of pink, yellow, and orange. Serge slowly walked in, with the others right before him.
At the moment he entered, he could feel the warmth within the key, relieved that it was here all along. Serge slowly stepped into the alter and started to cup his hands, concentrating on the Chrono Cross to bind.
"Why does this door need the imprint of your hand Serge?" asked Norris, starring in awe as the Chrono Cross began to combine in the aura of the Key Sphere of Hope.
"I'm not really sure. I just know somehow knew at that moment and I knew what to do." The Key Sphere of Hope now binds in with Serge and the Chrono Cross, feeling the warmth subsiding in his body. He opened his deep blue eyes and smiled. He imaged the Golden Emblem's second picture disappearing. Two more to go for the key spheres.
Serge turned to his friends, looking directly to them with a smile. The Rainbow Katana was still around his waist, Serge walking up to them with its metal sound clattering inside the scabbard. "Let's head back," said Glenn, to the entrance door.
Right then, before Glenn ever got near it, the door suddenly slammed in front of him, surprising his eagerness. Glenn ran to the closed down, banging on the stone doors to open. "For goodness sake, it won't open! How come it closed on us since this is the only way to get in?" he said angrily, banging on the doors with rage.
"Glenn, calm down," said Orlha, trying to pacify the Dragoon Knight.
The group looked at each other with frantic eyes. Will they be stuck here forever? Serge shook his head, reassuring them that they will not be stuck here for life. Norris, other than the fact that he is worried, just had a sudden idea come through his mind.
"I have been through these kind of situations before. If there is only one way in, there always should be hidden around here. Serge, why do you think this place would close its doors upon us? You have been in the temple near Zeal, correct?"
Serge nodded his head. "Something about this is strange," said Serge. He turned to Kidd. "Kidd, when you were young, did you ever see a place like this?"
Kidd thought for a moment, putting a finger on her chin. Her eyes lighten up. "Yeah, but…back then, me and me buds were seeing these people digging up this place up," said Kidd.
Serge knew that something was going on. No one really gone in here due to that fact it was never open. Serge thought through his mind and came out with one solution. "This temple must have another entrance to this other than that over there. Somehow, this place was supposed to be kept secret from outsiders to retrieve the secrets of the sphere. I guess something about the Holy Land is something must be kept. Something about that place is the key purpose Lynx wants to gain. But why would he want the Key Spheres?"
Serge saw something through the rocky walls of the south side of the cave-like temple. He turned to that direction to see another door imprinted there. He slowly strides over there, looking at the door with curiosity.
"Serge? What's the matter?" asked Leena, coming up to him.
Serge slowly touched the obscure door. With one touch of his hand, the door suddenly glowed, sliding upwards to show a case of stairways leading up. The Chrono Gang, except Serge, was all surprised and relieved that there is exit here after all without a hesitation to look around.
"I wonder this leads to?" wondered Kidd as she followed behind Serge up the long fleet of stairs. Once the whole group has all got on the stairs, the door behind them suddenly closed, leaving them in a dark room. Serge looked forward with admiration. "There's no turning back. Whatever this path leads, it will lead us there." He started to move his feet up and up the stairs
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Ten to fifteen minutes have passed and Serge and his friends still climbed the long stairs. Only Serge, Glenn, Karsh, and Norris were the ones who did not get tired from walking that fleet of stairs. Behind, he could hear the women panting uncontrollably with their feet wearing down.
Serge stopped in his tracks to see a light up ahead. He turned to the others and pointed to the light with one finger. Newfound energy was found in the women's conscience as they ran towards the light up ahead.
"Am I glad to see light again!" said Orlha with a sigh through the process. Serge stopped right above the source of the light, seeing that it is blocked and there is no way to open it.
"Ah, man, now what?" asked Karsh, completely disappointed of this situation.
Serge examined the dark tops carefully, looking at one end to the other. Serge soon caught his vision on a little hard hanging ball in the middle. Within that point, Serge saw a little door opening, leaving some trails of its crack. Serge smiled and slowly touched that very wall, feeling a cold and gold metal feeling. With one push, light started to consume the dark room, Serge coming out of it first.
Within that moment, the scenery before him dumbfounded Serge. Kidd came out and saw the wondering glances of the Chrono Trigger looking out into space. She looked at his direction. With sound, Kidd gasped at the familiar scene.
In front of them was a ruined place crumbled down to nothing but leftover rumble. Within that rumble is Leene Square, the very place of times of ceremonial times. Kidd sank to her knees, seeing the place in shambles.
"L-Leene Square," Kidd muttered, her eyes in widen surprised. Serge looked down at her and kneeled with Kidd, taking in the breathtaking scene before them.
"Kidd, you know this place?" he asked, looking at broken and rusted priceless on the floor.
"Yeah, this is Leene Square. A place where people go and play around, having parties or trading goods and food for the public; with children playing around this very bell. Sis would always bring me here and tell me stories about the famous Millennial Fair that is a tradition in Guardia. But, I never expected to see this place in shambles," explained Kidd, her face suddenly turning pale.
Serge stood on his two feet, glaring behind him. Right there, Nadia's bell stood, down on the cement cobble grounds of the Leene Square ruins. Serge closed his eyes to remember that particular scene he saw in his line of vision. On the bell, Serge began to read the inscriptions.
"A.D. 1000Nadia's Bell
May our prayers for peace
Ring on for eternity...
"The hopes of the realm of these people for peace within our world. Probably that's why the Key Sphere of Hope came to this land and hid itself inside the palace," said Serge. Stepping beside the two, Glenn, Orlha, Norris, Leena, Korcha, and Karsh glanced at Leene Square, asking pointless questions of how this place fell so suddenly. Kidd slowly got to her feet, looking at the place with bittersweet sadness.
"I never…expected this place to fall."
Serge laid a comforting hand on Kidd, making her look up into his deep blue eyes. "Whatever happens, it happens Kidd. Lynx wanted to destroy everything in his path and this whole place shows that he's not joking. If only…we can find some way to restore Guardia to its natural beauty," he said. "The people's hopes around here did not answer because of Lynx disrupting their prayers."
"Serge…if you died back then, what would of happened to me in the future?" Kidd asked, changing the subject. He looked into her eyes, seeing the look of desperate needs. Serge sighed, looking up to the pale sky.
"If only I knew, Kidd. If only I knew. That is one mystery I didn't find out," he said. "Come on, let's go back to Porre. Our journey here is done."
With that said, Serge turned to the group, giving a signal that it is time to move out. Everyone nodded sadly as they followed Serge and Kidd to the exit.
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Somewhere on the path towards Leene Square, four lone figures started to walk up to the ruined place. A sinister laugh started to form among the group, hardly waiting for the next thing they will see. There is no stopping them from their purpose at hand and the mystified item.
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Serge suddenly stopped in his tracks, stopping right on top of the stairs. Kidd looked at him, seeing the alarm within his eyes. His heartbeat started to come in beat with time's seconds as he felt unconscious sweat sweeping over his brow.
"Serge?" everyone said in unison.
Serge clenched his fist as a shot of aura reading started to consume his mind. He stumbled back, feeling the sudden multiple energy coming to him so rapidly. "Serge, what's going on?" asked Kidd.
With no time to waste, Serge leaped off the stairs to the ground, growing into his fighting stance. He glared behind him, Kidd, Orlha, Glenn, and Norris jumping down the stairs beside him, poised in stance as well. "Someone's coming. Four of them at least," said Serge.
"Who are the four?" asked Glenn.
Four specks started to form on the other side of the area, Serge instantly knew who it is.
Kidd squinted her eyes to see the familiar faces of her two traitor friends. She growled in anger. The nerve of them to let Kidd see their dirty faces here once more.
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"Hehehe, it's here. It's under Nadia's Bell," Ookami said with a smirk forming in his mouth.
"At last, we found the key before our competitors ever came here," said Gwena, laughing uncontrollably.
The man with spike hair, who was still confined, can see 6 to 8 figures up ahead. He smirked. "Maybe you do have an obstacle ahead of you, Gwena. Look over there."
Gwena, looking incredulously at the man, whipped her head to the very front. Her eyes widen in horror rage as she saw 8 young people all ready there. "Damn it! Ookami, it looks like we have company!" she retorted, stopping in her tracks as she held the chains of the female with blonde ponytail hair.
"What the hell is this?" said Ookami. "Who are they?"
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Serge could see them clearly now, narrowing his eyes with rage. He slowly walked over there, showing the bravery he has bestowed upon himself. "Serge, where are you going?" asked Leena.
"There's only one way to settle the score. That is to take action first. I want to see the two unidentified people they have there. It looks like they used those two for finding the key," said Serge.
"But you're not going alone!" said Kidd, hinting a promise they made.
Serge smirked. "Of course not. I would never forget our promise," he said, continuing his rather slow pace.
"And all of us will back you up," said Glenn, putting his gloved hand on both of his two Einlanzers. "Right, Karsh, Norris, Orlha, Leena, and Korcha?"
"Right," everyone said in unison, prepared for anything to come. All of Serge's comrades are specially excited about this. This exactly portrays the events that happened last year. Fighting together like old times.
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Serge and Kidd walked side by side as they slowly approached the four figures ahead. Serge stopped in his tracks and stood there, facing his adversaries. His eyes narrowed down to the pulp, glaring at them with complete rage.
Ookami and Gwena managed to see Serge's angry face from afar, closely inspecting him with their unaided eyes. Ookami smirked. "Well, well, if it ain't the man who yelled at us in the bar. Fancy meeting you here," he said.
Serge clenched his hands, balling them into fists. The anger started to rose, the thought of them working for Lynx and the traitors of Kidd. The winds started to increase as Serge's anger started to rise up little by little. By then, Kidd stood by Serge, facing the two once called friends. She too narrowed her eyes. "It's you…! It's you guys!" retorted Kidd, clenching her fists.
Ookami and Gwena at that very moment were surprised to see Kidd here with the man from the bar. Ookami smirked his evil grin, glaring at Kidd's curved body from head to foot. He started to give a low chuckle. "Hehehe…it's nice to see you too, Kiddo. I didn't expect to see you here back at your home," he said.
Serge's anger started to increase more.
"Whatever, you jackass. I never expected ta see yer traitor little face around here. Especially you, Gwena!" retorted Kidd, tightening her hold within her grasp. "I thought years ago that you were a good friend. And I see that you showed yer true colors."
Gwena pouted, giving a little mad mourn. "Whatever, rat girl. Remember, once we see your face again, you would be considered as our enemy," stated Gwena.
Kidd folded her arms around her chest angrily. "Do you think I'm stupid or somethin'. Course I know what you said four years ago!" yelled Kidd.
Serge watched as the two women started to argue at each other. Ookami and Gwena don't even recognize him after just three years, even though he surfed through time back in Kidd's past, the future should be altered a bit. He could feel his rage coming to its peak as he watched Kidd and Gwena, fighting like little girls. Ookami soon joined the fight, backing up Gwena.
"Will shut your stupid complaining, rat girl?! I'm tired of hearing your stupid squeaky voice in my ear!" yelled Ookami.
"Why don't you? I won't obey orders from the likes of you! Yer no longer me leader and yer not me mother!" yelled back Kidd.
The used-to-be friend's voice started rise, making Glenn, Orlha, Leena, Karsh, Korcha, and Norris hear the fighting argument. By then, Serge could all ready feel the hurt Kidd is feeling. Her time's scar is starting to throb within her very soul. Serge bowed his head down, his long blue bangs shadowing his deep blue eyes, clenching his fist and teeth at the same time, hearing the painful argument between friends.
"Who's the guy, Kidd? Trying to lure him to your trap, hooker!" yelled Gwena, trying to shoot Kidd down.
"Leave him alone, Gwena! He's a friend of mine and I'm not a hooker!" yelled Kidd, trembling in rage.
"Shut up, shut up, shut up, rat girl!" repeated Ookami. "You are not worthy to speak in front of us like that!"
"Like I said! I'm not one of you anymore! I have me own life now!" yelled Kidd.
Serge couldn't take anymore of their words. Kidd is beginning to shrink down inside and he doesn't want to see her like this anymore. No more of that pain, no more of that scar. He wants relive that pain and emotional feelings from Kidd's soul before something drastic happens. Serge couldn't figure out what is he going to do, but his anger is starting to boil, coming out like the ink inside the temperature meter coming out due to excessive heat.
"You still are! But you remain as the traitor of our clan!" retorted Ookami.
"So you should shut up and move out of our way!" yelled Gwena, her hands on her hips.
"Make me!" yelled Kidd.
"Fine I will," said Gwena, taking out her weapon.
Serge couldn't take this anymore. He went in front of Kidd and looked at both of them with the glow of his eyes visibly seen in the daytime.
"STOP IT RIGHT NOW!" yelled Serge, trembling in rage like Kidd. His thunderous voice once again surprised Ookami and Gwena, stepping back a foot as Gwena put her weapon back into place.
Kidd was actually surprised by his voice as it shocked everyone around him. Kidd could see the flabbergasted look within the two friends, looking at Serge incredulously.
"STOP THIS RIGHT NOW, OOKAMI AND GWENA!" Serge yelled again.
Kidd looked through the screen of Serge's back, seeing Ookami and Gwena stepping back a bit more. Right at the moment, as Serge was still in his angry mood, something moved behind his back again. "What is that?" asked Kidd. "Why am I seeing that again?"
Serge glared angrily at Ookami and Gwena. He never ever has been this angry to anyone before. Seeing their faces and hearing their harsh argument was one trigger that protruded his anger to go to the extreme.
"H-how…do you know our names? How the hell do you know?" asked Ookami.
Serge narrowed his eyes an inch, making the two step back again. "You don't remember me? And it's only been three years since we last seen each other. Ookami, the one who is plundered down to being lonely, grieving for his late father, and considered as a friend in that world; Gwena who offered me to stay at her and Kidd's house. Those people back then were the nice people I met when I was wondering through a land that I don't even know about," retorted Serge, explaining deeply within that inscription of his surf travels.
Ookami and Gwena looked at him with astonished eyes. Kidd is very well in shock as Serge spoke those words. Within that blinking moment, Ookami and Gwena knew instinctively who he is.
"It's…it's you…" stumbled Gwena. "It's Serge…still looking the same as three years ago." Serge looked them with angry eyes as he stood there, his body in a certain position as the wind started to blow gently through his body, showing the side of good within him.
"Serge…how do you know? How do you know about them?" asked Kidd.
Serge turned to her, his eyes softened by her sweet voice. "Because Kidd…I went to your past back then."
Kidd just looked at him, seeing the deep blue eyes averting to her two friends three years ago. She looked at them as their mouths almost dropped to the cement floor.
"I can't believe its you. After all three years and you still look like eighteen years old," said Ookami, gazing from head to foot at Serge's physique.
Serge shook his head, disagreeing with Ookami's miscalculation. "No, I'm seventeen and I'm going on eighteen. I lied to you about my age because the timeline that I first met you guys is after my birthday. Besides, I'm trying to hide my age so no one will know what age I really am."
Ookami and Gwena looked at each other, exchanging glances. "But…but…you're the same age as Ookami? How can that be possible?" asked Gwena.
Serge narrowed his once again, making them scared out of their wits. "Why should I be telling you personal obligations when I'm talking to those who joined Lynx?" he said, inferring to their evil, almost dilated dark eyes. "I am friends with Kidd who happen to be, in your standards, a traitor to you. And you very well should know why Kidd is angry with you two." He looked at Kidd and she nodded to continue. "Don't you remember any stories that she told you about her past? About how she loathes Lynx so much and wants her revenge? Did that ever occur to your mind?"
"Well…" began Ookami.
"Tell me. Tell me why you joined Lynx?" asked Kidd, stepping beside Serge.
"Shut up, you little-"
"Don't change the subject, Gwena!" retorted Serge, backing Kidd. "Answer her question!"
Ookami and Gwena fell silent, not answering Kidd's question. Gwena just pouted and Ookami looking up at the sky.
Serge noticed this and his eyes once again started to narrow in rage. His fist started to tremble with anger. "OUTOU!!!" Serge yelled, snapping the two reluctant friends to gaze into Serge's raging blue eyes.
Kidd sort of giggled quietly to herself, seeing Serge's angry yell frightening her friends out of their wits. Yet, this was not a laughing matter. This was a serious matter.
"Kiddo? Do they mean by Kidd?" said a voice from behind. Kidd heard this little murmur as her face lightened a bit.
"Kidd, what is it?" asked Serge, sensing Kidd's surprised voice.
"That voice…" began Kidd, trying to see through Ookami and Gwena. "That voice…it sounds so familiar?"
"What voice?" asked Serge. His mind began to stir as Serge felt two different readings other than Ookami and Gwena. "That's right, I've forgotten that there are four of them, not just two. But I wonder who it-" Serge was interrupted by the familiar glands of the energy, feeling something so familiar about it. Serge closed his eyes, seeing something within those eyelids. The remembrance of that particular time period and the vision of Guardia soon come together.
He slowly opened his eyes only to smile. The misunderstandings of the past is now broken, and Serge finally knew who are they. Kidd saw that smile and looked at the direction of Serge.
"I-it…can't be…? I-it couldn't be…" said Kidd, quite surprised of what she saw.
"But, that couldn't be Kidd though. I thought she died a long time ago," said the female behind.
Ookami and Gwena turned fully to their prisoners, seeing them talking out loud. "Didn't I say to SHUT UP!" retorted Ookami to the two people.
Kidd gasped at the scene before her. The man with spiky red hair and the red bandana; the woman with blonde hair tied in a ponytail. This only leads to one thing. Something lifted in Kidd's soul as she noticed the two prisoners right in front of her.
"U-uncle…Crono…?" The red spiked hair man turned to gaze at Kidd, widening his eyes for seeing Kidd. "A-aunt…Marle…?" The blonde hair woman turned to Kidd as well, after hearing her name.
Both of three stared at each other with shocked eyes. No words have come out of their mouths as they looked at each other. Serge, in the background, was surprised as well; his raging anger was forgotten after Kidd's words recognizing easily the prisoners of Ookami and Gwena.
In no doubt, the first Chrono Trigger, Crono, and the Princess of Guardia Nadia, or Marle, was actually alive.
"H-how…? You're still alive after all these years!" said Kidd, clutching her hands to her chest. "I thought you died…the day when Sis was kidnapped."
"Kidd, you're still alive?" asked Crono, quite surprised himself.
"We thought you were killed right after Lucca was kidnapped," said Marle. "I guess that explains why Lynx blacked mailed us."
"So,
it makes sense then," said Serge, finally fitting the puzzle together with his vision.
The Spectra Katana, the throne being the only thing intact, the katana no
wielding blood on its clean and shiny blade; it all makes sense. "You were not
killed by Lynx when he went to Guardia. He kidnapped you when Guardia Palace
was in flames, including the village. And he kidnapped because you know the
whereabouts of the Key Sphere of Hope."
"How do you know about the legendary keys?" asked Ookami, frowning.
Serge ignored Ookami's question and continued, "So then, it was a misunderstanding of time. When the fire was settled in the palace, people didn't find your bodies and everyone declared you dead right then. The sword was still there, people didn't notice about the sword and the scabbard. This explains why there was no blood crusted on the blade and that explains why the throne is still intact. This led Kidd to think that you guys were dead."
"Yes, that's true," said Crono. "But…who are you? You seem to be good friends with Kidd."
Serge nodded his head. "I'm Serge, from Arni Village, El Nido, another part of the world. The second Chrono Trigger of this world and this time period."
"Chrono Trigger?" said Ookami, Gwena, Crono, and Marle in unison.
"So it is true of what Lynx said," said Crono.
"Serge…? The second Chrono Trigger…" said Marle, gazing up and down his appearance. "That explains everything of to why Lynx is after you. You wield some importance in you that he wants so badly."
Ookami sneered. "You, the Chrono Trigger. Serge, who valiantly beat me back in those three years?" He clenched his katana and unsheathed it from its scabbard. "Lynx specifically said that you are the threat to our ideals for a new future!"
Serge narrowed his eyes and concentrated on Ookami and Gwena. Gwena joined in, grabbing her bow. "So, Kidd is a traitor after all. And I find that Serge, the Chrono Trigger, is also a traitor," said Gwena.
Kidd didn't pay attention. She is still in the ranks of shock in her hers after seeing Crono and Marle alive in her eyes. Serge knew that something like this is going on.
"Move out our way, Chrono Trigger. We are here for one purpose. To obtain the Key Sphere of Hope!" demanded Ookami, pointing his sharp katana at Serge. "You should bow before our feet since now I am properly trained by Lynx. I am stronger than you think."
Serge didn't seem worried one bit as he gaze into Ookami's eyes. Serge didn't care how powerful Ookami he is or how quick he is; but at least he got the important factor, the Key Sphere of Hope. "Well, good luck to you guys for finding it. The Key Sphere is all ready taken," said Serge. "And so is the Key Sphere of Dreams."
"What!" retorted Gwena. "How can that be?"
"You should figure it out by now. After all, I am the Chrono Trigger," stated Serge. "Did you guys simply forget about that? Or are guys baka?" Gwena and Ookami glared angrily at Serge.
"You…you…threat!" yelled Ookami as he charged at Serge. Serge easily dodged it with ease. Ookami turned around, targeting at Serge with his katana.
Kidd was finally snapped of her mind as she heard Ookami charging at Serge. "Serge, you okay?" asked Kidd.
"Don't worry, Kidd. I'm okay," said Serge. "It looks as though we have a fight in our midst."
Kidd smiled, seeing the smirk Serge is forming. "Right."
Serge turned to her and smiled back. They both nodded their heads. Kidd slowly took out her dagger and was ready in stance, facing Gwena. "Even if you were my friend back then, you are more than a mere burden to hold us from our quest to prosperity to this world. Lynx's ideas are nothing more than destruction. You should realize what he done to Guardia. Yer consequence will soon come to you."
"Whatever! This kingdom of yours is nothing more than dog manure!" retorted Gwena.
Marle glared angrily at Gwena, ready to kick her ass. "If I was free, then I would show this a girl a thing or two!" retorted Marle, struggling in her chains.
"Umm…we have one little problem," said Crono, sweatdropping. He lifted his chains. Marle laughed nervously when she saw it, realizing that fact. He turned to Serge. "Serge, can you handle this without a weapon?"
Serge gazed at Crono and smiled. "Crono-sama, some things are more than what meets the eye," riddled Serge, cupping his hands around the Chrono Cross.
"What does he mean?" asked Crono, cocking his head.
A blue light, making everyone around them surprised, soon surrounded Serge. "What is that?" asked Marle. "What's happening to Serge?"
Serge slowly opened his eyes, seeing the Chrono Cross floating right in front of his face. The winds started to decrease as Serge used the powers of the Chrono Cross. Kidd and the Chrono Gang were not surprised at this. They were targeting at the their outnumbered adversaries, knowing what Serge is doing.
Within that binding light, it suddenly flashed, making everyone blind. Crono and Marle blocked that bright light with the aid of their confined arms, using it to block he bright light from their eyes.
Moments later, the light finally dimmed, Crono and Marle slowly lifted their eyes to see a faint glow. Crono gasped when he saw a weapon floating above Serge. "It…can't be…! It's the Masamune!"
Serge grabbed his Masamune swallow, the dim light fading to the normal light of the day. Once he held his swallow, he went to his fighting stance, ready to fight Ookami once more. Serge glared at Ookami, with eyes of intense concentration within.
"Marle, watch Kidd. I'll watch Serge," whispered Crono. Marle obeyed his request, and stared at Kidd.
"From the looks of things, we will be facing some back-up," said Glenn, unsheathing his Einlanzers out its scabbards.
"Good thing we're here," said Orlha. "Let's keep watch."
"All right, serious fighting time," said Karsh happily.
Serge and Ookami stared off at each other, watching each move they will do. Serge shifted his feet on the ground, his Masamune was in position, sharp and ready for battle.
"Rematch, Chrono Trigger. This time around, I will certainly take your life away from getting the Key Sphere from our hands," said Ookami.
Serge smirked. "I forgot to mention that I have the Key Spheres with me."
Ookami gave a sound of disgust after hearing Serge's words. "You will be dead before my feet before you even lay hand on me! How dare you take the Key Spheres!?"
Serge lowered his head, his angry eyes completely narrowed, almost as if he is evil. "I will not fall that easily. I am not going to you let anyone shatter the dreams of this world. I will not allow the future of this world be a shadow upon this world. When I'm here, I won't let anything harm this world. Come at me whatever you have. Bring it on!" The winds started to surround Serge as his words meant the truth.
"If you want the keys so badly to change the future of this world, then you have to pass me…!"
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End of Chapter 16 – Guardia Ruins…Misunderstandings collide…Past revealed…
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*Next time on Chrono Cross: Angelus Errare
Journey to Guardia Saga Ch. 4
Serge: Ahhhh!
Ookami: Yaaaahhhh!
*Shows Serge and Ookami fighting each other.
Kidd: My dagger…it shattered…
*Shows Serge using an invisible magic, breaking the chains from Crono and Marle's arms.
Serge: Crono, here!"
*Shows Serge and Crono side by side.
Marle: Kidd, come with me. There's a way to fix that dagger…
*Shows a image of Schala, talking to Kidd…
Mystery sound: Someone help us from killing Serge….
Mystery sound #2: Serge, help! Dispel the hypnosis that is put upon us by Lynx!!!
*Show Serge using a new tech. skill…
Serge: Break the spell…?
*Chapter 17 – Friends vs. Friends…Break a spell…?
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So what do you think? You like it? I apologize, once again, if the grammar and junk is not good. Anyways, hope you guys like and PLEASE REVIEW! Hopefully the next chapter is up. STAR testing is up, and I need to really concentrate on that. Anyways, see ya in the next chapter!!!
