A Provoked Duel; Bonus chapter
By: Gibson22
A cool breeze whipped through the valley of the mountain range while a lone figure sat on a moss-covered rock. The wind blew through his dark hair, making his long locks blow in every direction only to land over his eyes. At that moment he didn't care. He was in shock…a wonderfully surprised shock. Everything had felt different, insomuch that only now he realized that the curse had made everything feel different. His skin, which used to be an ugly leathery green, was now smooth and tan. His skin, too thick to feel the wind while he was under the curse, felt dry and comfortable while the wind danced around the follicles of his arm hair which amazed him. He didn't even remember that he had arm hair.
He realized that he had hair, and he saw that his had tanned skin once again, but a worrisome fear tugged at him when he realized he hadn't looked under the gloves that covered his grotesque hands. For the longest time he sat there, hoping and praying to god that it was not just a dream. He had a dream once where he retained his true form before the curse took him, but when he visited everyone they still stared at him as if the curse was never removed. He looked into a mirror and screamed in terror when he realized that he had not changed, but his eyes had fooled him. He woke up with tears in his eyes that night. It would be a horrible torture if he had to pass through such a wicked experience again.
He began to pull on the index finger of his glove, but he hesitated. He reflected on the words of his nemesis before he died. He said very clearly that when he and his party would destroy Lavos that would be the day when he would receive his true form. After they had defeated the demon, they rejoiced and celebrated when they realized the world had been saved. However, as the days passed and the whole world celebrated, he noted with dismay that his form remained the same. The days turned into weeks, and then they had to bid farewell to their friends until god saw fit for them to meet again. He had returned to his own time and continued to roam around the country, making his way through life. He had not changed back. More time passed; weeks turned into months until six months had passed from the day they saved the world. The man could count it down to the very day if he wished, but counting the days was depressing to him.
He felt that he was a fool to believe the words of his enemy. They were bitter rivals bent on the other's destruction. Why would he want him not to suffer? He shook his head and scoffed at himself for believing what he had said. In the end, Magus had the final laugh and would leave the victor wishing that he had traded fates with each other. It would be a cruel lie befitting a man that had caused the death of thousands. However, as he looked at his gloved hands, he remembered the look on his face when he requested Lavos' demise. He seemed different; so unlike the man he grew to hate.
At that point, a happy memory played through Glenn's mind. He was in Crono's time, celebrating along with the others while the Millennial Fair continued all around them. If you think that Frog always reflected on his curse, you would be mistaken. For days there was nothing on his mind except for celebrating with his comrades. The fair was beginning to close and fireworks exploded throughout the night sky, leaving only clouds of smoke behind. Crowds cheered as they were paraded throughout the town square, and at that moment Glenn felt that no one truly paid attention to his curse. He waved warmly to the crowds just as the others had done, but when it was all over and they went to the palace to celebrate away from the crowds, Glenn found himself alone as he walked the long, spacious corridors.
It seemed like he only had to be alone for him to reflect on his curse, for that's when he had no one to remove his painful thoughts by way of carefree conversation. In his time, he left the castle, ashamed of failing his friend. There was time he assisted his friend who was the captain of the guard, but he was murdered and that was when Magus passed the curse onto Glenn. His curse was a mark of shame and he did not wish for his majesty to see him. It was a rarity when he visited the castle, but when he did he would quickly excuse himself or wait outside only to evade the gaze of his old-time-comrades. In this time, he had no inhibitions and explored the castle freely. It was a strange mix of nostalgia and curiosity. It was the same old castle he used to roam; yet time had wrought its changes in almost every single corner.
During his exploration of the castle he found himself on a terrace that overlooked the whole countryside. The terrace was high in the air and it seemed like a long way down. The forest that surrounded the castle looked beautiful in the pale moonlight. A full moon hung in the sky, so bright that stars next to it could hardly be seen. He could see the distant twinkling of city lights and the bright flashes of fireworks while the world celebrated throughout the night. He sighed as he leaned against the ledge with his elbows. His thoughts become more mournful as the scenery began to become more beautiful to him.
"Hey Frog…How are you?"
A heavy, muscled arm relaxed around Glenn's shoulders at that point. The arm did not twitch when it felt Glenn's cold, clammy skin, but it was comfortable as if the arm had always been there. Glenn smiled diminutively as he did not take his gaze of the sprawling scene that lay before him. He nodded in reply; he was still happy to hear himself greet a man whom they thought was dead at one point. "I am in low spirits, Crono."
Yes, he had returned to them. The Chrono Trigger had worked much to the joy of the party. That day, when Crono was resurrected and brought back to them, the whole party ran upon him and all embraced him at once while he sat there bewildered, but happy all the same. That night there was a meteor storm and they fell by the thousands. It almost seemed as if nature had wept for joy just as his companions did. For days they exchanged stories about what had occurred while he was gone. Crono only gave his account of what he felt, saying that after his death he felt like he was taken to a beautiful place that was bright and peaceful where it seemed as if the weight of all his cares fell from his shoulders. He tried desperately to explain, but he lacked the proper language to explain it in all its wonder. If it was the same place the party suspected that he had gone to, then no amount of sages or authors could hope to adequately describe that place. With him, they had conquered Lavos and now their life had went into a state of happiness and prosperity.
However, Crono had become so much more observant during the course of their journey that he deducted that Glenn would always mourn when there was no one with him. For that reason, he had found him out and accompanied him, willing to forego the festivities if necessary. Glenn noted his compassion, and he was moved to honestly by such an unselfish gesture. Glenn had trusted Crono just like he trusted Cyrus, if not more so. It was only natural that he began to tell Crono of his worries and his fears…
"I have nothing left to do in life." Glenn whispered so low that the fireworks booming in the far off distance were louder than he was.
"Why?" Crono asked, facing him while Glenn did nothing but look over the edge.
"Lavos is defeated. Magus has been slain and Cyrus' spirit has been released. I am all that is left."
Crono turned around as he leaned against the railing of the terrace, using his shoulders to anchor himself. A look of sympathy came over his face as he realized what dark thing Frog was contemplating at that point. There was a moment of hesitation before either spoke again, "They say that there is purpose in living." Glenn nodded his head as he kept peering over the edge of the terrace. His heart beat quickly as he felt his resolve waver. He looked at Crono with a slight frown, "What could I possibly do? I can't possibly return to the castle."
"Yes, you possibly can." Crono retorted.
Frog shook his head, "No. I thought that thou would understand my plight. I carry the symbol of my failure. My honor has deserted me."
Crono put his hand on Glenn's shoulder as he looked up to him with those wide eyes that would disturb others, but not Crono. He only smiled as he squeezed his shoulder and said, "Your actions have returned your honor in full. Just because you bear the scar of failure does not mean that you have no honor. Don't you realize that I bear the same scar?" Crono lifted up the stomach of his shirt and there was long scar about six inches on his side. It was from the fight that had killed him. The fight with Lavos and Queen Zeal. Glenn looked away and tried to think of a retort, but could find none. He sighed.
"You have a scar you can hide…"
"If I could, I would show everyone." Crono said.
"Why?"
"Because it shows how much I had given up." He tucked his shirt into his belt once again as he stared off into the distance. It seemed as if he contemplated something that bothered him. He breathed deeply and sighed, seeing that he had no other choice. "Remember when I talked to you about where I went after I died? Remember how we talked about how fortunate we were that I had come back?" Frog nodded, and Crono smirked as he faced him, "I didn't want to come back."
Frog gaped, a little surprised. "What dost thou mean?"
Crono looked fondly to the stars, seemingly happy yet hesitant to speak on it. "I wasn't lying about those feelings. That place that I went to was paradise. There are many things I can't remember because it all seemed like a dream, or it was taken from me, but I felt you guys calling for me." A certain sense of longing filled his voice as he continued, "I didn't want to answer you guys. I wanted to stay in that place where I felt so at home. I felt so at peace and it felt like a warm blanket had wrapped itself around me and the place from where I had come from felt so cold." He looked at Glenn again, only with a look of sternness, "I didn't want to leave! But I did!"
Glenn began to understand, slowly but surely, "Why did you leave such a place?"
Crono looked at him, "Because of you. Because of Marle. Because of Lucca. Because of Ayla. Because of Robo. Because of…Magus…"
Glenn went silent, "You don't mean you saw him there…do you?"
Crono nodded, but softly said, "But he was different than before."
Crono looked over the ledge now and his shoulders tensed. "I had left that place to come back here. Even though we are all so happy now, this place pales in comparison. I thought about doing the same thing you are thinking of now. I miss it so much, but I know that would be selfish of me." Frog felt a pang of guilt as he turned away from Crono. His friend spoke still, "There is still too much for me to do. I know that one day I can go back there, but it will be when time decides it! Not a moment before! I left it, and you have the audacity to throw away that sacrifice I made for you. Don't you dare think of putting me the pain you went through, especially after I left that place for all of you!" Glenn only stared at him as he towered over him, and it seemed as if he were a madman, but at that moment he realized the love and devotion he had for them all. There was more in him then they could contemplate.
"Why did you tell such things to me?"
"Because you don't seem to realize your worth. I care too much about you and the others to let you suffer." He looked about him and then the full meaning of his explanation hit Glenn with a swelling feeling of hope in his chest. "I won't end myself, because I know that if I work hard enough I can be happy here too. Others will be happy while I'm here. You have felt happier when you had your original form, just as I felt happier in that other world. Don't you see? You can make your own happiness. Don't give up just because you aren't happy at the moment. Make your life paradise. I don't know if that is possible, but I'm always one to give it a try." They both chuckled; each still feeling tears well up in their eyes.
"So thou dost have understanding of my plight. It merely is another circumstance."
"We are more alike than you think, Glenn."
"But what if I never return to my original form?" He asked, hanging his head.
Crono smiled, "Repeat after me: Whatever will be, will be."
"What?" Frog asked, looking at him curiously.
"Life is meant to be challenging. When something isn't going right, just tell yourself that it will work out for the best…whatever that may be."
"Whatever will be, will be." Frog repeated this in such a way that it was evident he was trying it on for size.
Crono laughed, patting Glenn pleasantly on the back, "Right. Now there are some gorgeous women in there who seem lonely and in desperate need of male company. I, myself, am a little shy around some women if you hadn't noticed, so I need your help." He wrapped his arm around Frog as he pulled him back into the warmth of the castle, whispering his plan into his ear, leaving Glenn uncertain if it was their comrades or anyone in general. "I take the blonde and you can hit on any other one. Remember, wit is key. And if they don't dance with us then no problem!"
"Whatever will be, will be!" Frog let out with a shout and the two guffawed as they went back into the festivities.
That was probably one of the happiest moments of Glenn's life. Since the day the curse had come upon him he did not cease to miserable in one way or the other. With the guidance of his friend he realized that he wasn't alone in the matter and that he would always have him and his other comrades if he ever needed them. That night he did get a dance partner and he danced the night away. It was a sorrowful day when they separated and went to their own times. However, the prospect of future visits was always a pleasantry. Since that day, Frog never contemplated ending the pain, but would always try to make the situation suit him. He did return to the castle, much to the joy of the queen and king and he was welcomed openly. He took up Cyrus' place as the knight captain.
Now we return to that moment where it was unknowingly a dream or a reality. That night he had fallen asleep a distance away from his guards as they marched to assist in repairs from the war. He had woken up that morning to an extraordinary sight, but a harrowing one at that. He felt different, but as he tried to get up he found that his appendages have lengthened to their normal frame. He gasped, looking at his arms and his bare feet. The hair that had been gone for years had returned thicker and longer than before. However, as it was mentioned before, he feared that it was a horrible trick of the mind. Therefore, he hesitated as he stared at the very thing that confirmed to him his curse. It was mentioned at the beginning of this tale that his hands had always brought the reality of his fate to his eyes. There was the fear that once he removed the gloves he would be the same. It did seem strange to him, that after six longs months this would happen to his now. Still, he smiled as he remembered the words of his most cherished friend.
"Whatever will be, will be."
With that, he felt no anxiety as he tugged on the index finger of his glove. It slid off easily and Glenn let it fall gently to the ground. His eyes immediately began to swell with tears as he beheld the sight. His chest began to heave and his teeth gnashed together as gasped in between sobs. His appendage flexed as he tested it to see whether or not it would change form. It did not. That is, it did not revert to his curse.
His hand, which was once the constant reminder of his curse was calloused and tan once more. He frantically pulled off the other glove to find that it matched the other. His tears poured down his cheeks as he brought his hands to his face. They felt so warm and soft. He constantly massaged his face, still trying to discern if this was dream, yet he did not wake up. Had it finally happened? "Who are you?" A man stood in front of the man, dumbfounded when he spoke with the same voice of his captain. The man broke out into tears as he ran back to camp, shouting, "The curse on Glenn is broken! The curse on Glenn is broken!" The men gathered and quickly rushed back to witness this joyous event, Glenn was only happy to sit on that rock and cry for joy into his hands.
The curse had been lifted...
The End
Author's Note: I wasn't really planning on writing this chapter, but I did this in a way of thanks to Locuster for his in-depth review. I tried applying his advice into my story, but my writing still tends to be over-descriptive, describing meaningless actions, especially while Crono and Frog talk on the balcony. At least now I'm aware of it! Heh, heh. I still have a ways to go, but I hope I improve. Once again, thanks to all of you for submitting your reviews and I promise to critique yours as fairly and as honestly as I can. I also suggest that you check out Locuster's story: The Chrono Trigger. He does good things.
-Paul
P.S. Oh yeah…I don't own the Chrono Trigger franchise…duh.