To Far Away Times: Chapter 3

All the color drained out of Crono's face. "Run that by me again?"

"Marle, or Princess Nadia, is a direct descendant of Queen Leene. But the queen has been kidnapped. Somebody was supposed to have saved her, but since Marle looks so much like Leene, they probably called off the search. But if the real queen is killed, then Marle will never have been born! She'll cease to exist."

Crono paused for a moment.

"You mean to tell me that the girl who I picked up at the fair, showed around for the afternoon, got lost in time, and then erased from history is the PRINCESS!"

Lucca meekly nodded.

Crono sunk to his knees. "I don't feel so good."

"Snap out of it, Crono! There's still a chance to save her! If we can rescue Queen Leene, then history as we know it will remain unchanged! We have to find her!"

"Y…you're right, Lucca. But where do we start? The real queen could be anywhere?"

Crono felt like he was forgetting something important. He racked his brains, searching back in his memory, back to a conversation he'd had earlier, in a seedy tavern, with a chatty explorer named…

"Toma!"

Lucca eyed him strangely. "What did you say?"

"The explorer I met, Toma! He said that the last place the queen was seen was around the cathedral to the west of the castle!"

Lucca beamed. "That's as good a lead as we'll get. Let's check it out."

The pair rushed out of the hallway and towards the throne room. Upon entering, Crono paused and glanced towards the king, who looked rather preoccupied. Lucca nudged him forward.

"I don't think it would be a good idea to speak to him right now. He's probably got enough on his mind."

Crono agreed. "Probably best not to worry him any more." The two of them slipped out of the throne room and into the woods.

It didn't take them long to find the cathedral in question. The path to it was fairly well traveled and obviously heavily used. Approaching the gate, Lucca spied a hunched figure entering the building.

"Hold on, isn't that the Chancellor? I saw him in the throne room earlier. What's he doing here?"

"Maybe he's just very religious." The look on Crono's face showed that he really didn't believe that. "But it is rather suspicious."

"Agreed. Let's follow him and see what he's up to."

They walked up to the door and slowly pushed it open.

"What the… he's not here!" Lucca exclaimed.

Aside from a few nuns silently praying in the front pews, the cathedral was deserted.

"But I'm sure I saw him come in…"

Crono nodded in agreement. "Let's ask these nuns, I suppose."

Crono lightly tapped one of the nuns on the shoulder.

"Excuse me…"

The nun looked startled. "I'm sorry, I didn't notice you come in. What can we do for you?"

"Um… did you see an old man come through here?"

The nun shook her head. "Nobody has been here all day."

Crono thought he saw a savage gleam in the eyes of the nuns, but it quickly passed.

"Crono, over here!"

"What is it, Lucca?"

"I found this on the ground. It's a hairpin with Guardia's royal crest!"

Crono turned to the nuns. "What is thi…?"

The nuns were no longer there. In their place were a group of horrible creatures that looked half woman and half snake. They flexed their razor sharp claws and hissed menacingly.

"Um… Crono?"

Crono's sword had already left the sheath. One of the creatures, seeing the motion, screeched and lunged forward. Crono managed a quick side step and swung hard. It toppled to the ground. The remaining creatures, enraged at the loss of their sister, swiftly attacked. Crono fended them off as best he could, but he could only do so much.

"Crono, get down!"

Not knowing what to expect, he quickly dived to the side. Moments later, a burst of flame engulfed one of the creatures. Shrieking horribly, it bat futilely at the flames. Seeing their fellow creature burning to death distracted the other two long enough for Crono to charge in and finish them off.

"Thanks Lucca!"

"Don't mention it!" Lucca hefted her flame throwing device and gave him a cocky grin.

Crono noticed a movement behind Lucca. "Lucca! Behind you!"

Lucca tried to turn around, but it was too late. The beast raised its claws to strike…

…and toppled to the ground, quite dead.

"Lower thy guard and thou art allowing thine enemy in." A short, squat figure emerged from the shadows, wielding a wide bladed sword, now stained with the creature's blood. It wiped the sword on the creature's body and sheathed it with a flourish. It then addressed the dumbstruck duo.

"Thou art here to rescue the queen?"

It was one of the most bizarre things either of them had ever seen. It had muscular arms attached to a broad, squat torso. But the strangest part of the creature was its huge head, which was that of…

"A frog!" Lucca gasped. "Crono, it's a talking frog! Gross! I hate frogs!"

The frog-man looked annoyed.

"My guise does not incur thy trust. Very well. Do what thou wilt, but I will save the queen."

"Wait a minute!" Crono interjected. "We're here to rescue the queen, so if that's your goal as well, maybe we can help each other."

Lucca nodded. "You don't seem like a bad frog, uh, person… thing. I'm sorry about what I said before. What's your name?"

The frog was silent for a moment. "Call me Frog. My real name is… not important."

"Well, nice to meet you, uh, Frog." Lucca was obviously uncomfortable around him, but was putting up with it well. "Shall we go?"

Frog nodded. "I hath been watching this place for a while, and I believe there is a hidden door in the premise. Let us search."

Crono pulled out his sword and began tapping the walls with the hilt. He didn't get far before Lucca, who had been examining the organ, called out to him.

"Crono, Frog, I think I've found it! One of the keys on this piano is fake. I'm guessing that if I press it…"

There was a click, and one section of wall rolled away, revealing a hidden door.

"Bingo!"

Passing through the door, they almost ran headfirst into a small group of gargoyle like creatures. The creatures, angered at the sight of humans, attacked fiercely, but they were no match for the group and were quickly taken care of.

Continuing on, they came to two sets of stairs flanking a long hallway. As they walked down it, two giant snakes came slithering out of alcoves on either side.

"Intrudersss! Get them!"

Though the snakes were tougher than anything they'd previously fought, they managed to take them down. The group entered the door at the end of the hall.

The corridor continued through the door. Along the way, they had to contend with a number of traps, including a staircase that suddenly turned, dumping the trio in a heap at the bottom. Finally, they reached a large pair of double doors guarded by two yellow skinned brutes. They were obviously bored and inattentive, so they put up little resistance. Caught between two skilled swordsmen, the monsters went down in seconds. As Crono moved to open the door, a loud scream rent the air.

"The Queen!" Frog cried. Bursting open the door, sword drawn, he charged forward, eyes blazing in a fury. Standing at the far side of the room was none other than the Chancellor. Nearby, helplessly tied to the wall, was a beautiful but frightened woman. Angered at the interruption, the Chancellor scowled at the group.

"How did you get in here! No matter, none of you will leave here alive!"

"Frog, be careful! That's not the Chancellor!" the queen called.

The fake Chancellor laughed evilly. "Stupid frog! You'll regret ever confronting the great Yakra! True form change!"

The Chancellor's clothing was torn apart as his features ballooned outwards and his body began to expand to many times its size. His skin became hard and leathery, and a number of tiny legs began to sprout from beneath him. His face became somewhat mole-like, and two large tentacles sprouted from his back.

"Droooooooo…" the beast emitted a strange sound and his tentacles began to bulge weirdly. Frog, sensing the danger, dove for cover. "Everyone, get down!" Moments later, a stream of deadly needles burst from the tips of the tentacles, showering the area in spikes. The group became pinned down behind a large stone altar.

"Lucca!" Crono screamed over the storm of needles. "Got any bright ideas?"

"Give me a minute!" Lucca screamed back. Pulling a round object from her belt, she counted to three and hurled it at Yakra. A deafening explosion filled the room, followed by Yakra's shrieks.

"Now!" screamed Crono, but Frog was already up and running. Moving in tandem, the two swordmen slashed hard at Yakra, striking one after the other. Two tentacles fell twitching to the floor.

But Yakra was far from finished. Charging forward, it body slammed Crono into the wall, winding him. Frog, seeing his predicament, rushed to his aid. Twitching his stubby but powerful legs, he launched himself through the air, scoring a deep gash in Yakra's side. Enraged, his many legs pumping furiously, Yakra whirled around to face the new threat.

"Crono!" Frog shouted at the winded fighter. Shaking off the effects of the blow, Crono got to his feet. Moving swiftly to relieve the beleaguered Frog, the two fighters now worked side by side to fend off their foe. Almost as if they could sense each other's intentions, the two moved a short distance apart, and then charged in, making an X movement, each almost a mirror image of the other. Blades flashing, the two delivered a powerful double strike where they converged on Yakra. The creature shuddered, and then slumped to the ground, never to rise again. Lucca tended to Crono while Frog cut the ropes holding Leene.

"Are you injured, Your Majesty?"

"No, I'm all right. Thank you Frog, and both of you as well."

Frog shook his head. "The king awaits. Let us return to the castle. And thee, Crono and Lucca, I thank you both. I could not have succeeded without thy help."

A muffled thud came from a nearby cabinet.

"What was that?" Lucca exclaimed.

Frog cautiously approached the cabinet. The thud sounded again, more urgent this time. Frog popped open the cabinet, which promptly disgorged a bound and gagged elderly man.

"Chancellor!" gasped Leene. Crono and Frog hurriedly untied him.

"Phew!" he coughed when the gag was removed. "That monster Yakra crammed me in there. I am uninjured, as you can see!"

Leene sighed with relief. "I'm glad you're safe, Chancellor. Let us return to the castle."

Back at the castle, the king was overjoyed to be reunited with the queen.

"Leene… I'm so glad you're safe. You had me so worried."

Frog kneeled before the queen. "I failed to protect you, Your Majesty. I hath disgraced thee."

"Frog…" Leene started, but Frog cut her off.

"I'm sorry." With a curt bow, he marched from the room.

Crono and Lucca found him standing outside the throne room. Without waiting for them to ask, he spoke up.

"'Twas a fault of mine, which endangered the queen. I am not worthy to call myself a knight. We shall likely never meet again." Frog turned smartly, walked out of the castle, and was gone.

Lucca watched him sadly. "He was a good… frog. I'll miss him."

Both of them were silent for a very long time.

"Excuse me…" a voice from behind made them turn around. The king and queen had come through the doors and were now standing behind them.

"I just want to thank you for saving my dear Leene," the king said.

"Indeed, who knows what would have happened had you not shown up then?" the queen added. "By the way, what happened to the girl who was mistaken for me?"

"Yes, who was that girl we found in the canyon?"

Lucca started. "I'd forgotten all about her, come on, Crono!"

Grabbing Crono's hand, the two of them raced past the throne room up to the Queen's Chambers. "Since we rescued the queen, she should reappear back where we left her, come on!"

Tearing open the doors of the Queen's Chambers, they arrived just in time to see a form materialize on the floor near the window.

"Uhh… what happened?"

"Marle!" both Crono and Lucca called out in unison.

Crono rushed up to her. "Are you all right?"

"Crono… it was awful. I was somewhere dark, cold, and lonely. I can't recall it very well. It felt like dying. I was so scared."

"It's all right. You're here now. Can you stand?"
"I… think so. I'm all right now. Thank you both."

Lucca and Crono helped her to her feet.

Lucca smiled. "Glad to see you're all right, Princess Nadia."

"You guys risked your lives to help me and… Princess… Nadia…? Uh oh."

Marle's eyes widened in surprise, but then she smiled.

"Guess you figured it out, huh? Sorry to deceive you both. I was afraid that if you knew my real identity, you'd be too scared to show me around like you did."

Crono laughed. "That's not true at all! I'd be happy to show a girl as cute as you around anytime, princess or no!"

Marle cheered up instantly. "That's what I like about you, Crono! You really know how to make a girl feel better!"
Lucca rolled her eyes. "Knock it off, you two."

Marle grinned. "Jealous?"

"Bite me."

All three of them laughed heartily. Marle wiped a tear from her eye.

"Whoo… the queen is safe, right? Let's go home. It's been quite the adventure."

After retrieving Marle's old clothes from the maid, the group headed down the stairs and to the throne room. There, the two doubles made their acquaintances. Aside from the age difference, the two easily could have passed for one another.

"Wow… you really could be my twin." Marle commented, examining Leene's face. She turned to the king. "You two be sure to get along, for my sake!"

Leene looked confused. "Excuse me?"

Marle grinned roguishly. "It's nothing. We have to go now, thank you for everything!"

Making their way back to the mountains, it wasn't long before they found the thicket where the portal had left them.

Marle piped up, "This is the place, but how to we get home?"

Lucca's eyes took on a maniacal gleam. "I thought you'd never ask! Behold!"

Lucca reached into her jacket and pulled out a small, wand-like object.

"Well, Your Highness… er… Princess… uh…"

Marle held up one hand. "Please, just call me Marle!"

"Well then, Marle, observe!"

Lucca fiddled with a few knobs on the device, and a glowing blue portal appeared in front of them.

"WOW!" Marle gasped. "Lucca, you're amazing!"

Lucca struck a pose. "Ain't it the truth! Anyways, I call this a 'Gate.' It connects two points in space-time. With this device I call a 'Gate Key,' we can use them as we please. I made it using the principle behind the telepod."

Marle looked confused. "That still doesn't explain why the first gate appeared."

Lucca shrugged. "Best explanation I can come up with is that the telepod malfunctioned. Either that or… something else made it."

An ominous silence hung in the air.

Marle cut in. "This is getting pretty weird. Let's just go home."

Lucca nodded. "Agreed. Hop in, everyone!"

The ride down the tunnel was a lot smoother than they remembered it. Before long, they were standing back at the Millenial Fair.

Marle sighed with relief. "We're finally back! Why don't the two of you come to the castle? I'd love to have you over for dinner. It's the least I can do."

Lucca shook her head. "This whole mess was my fault. Sorry to put you through all this."

Marle laughed. "Are you kidding? This was the most fun I've had in months! Not to mention I've made some new friends. Father will be furious, though." She giggled.

Lucca smiled. "I'd like to come, but I've got a lot of work to do. Crono, be a gentleman and escort her home." Lucca waved goodbye and headed out of the square.

Marle waved after her. "Bye Lucca, see you soon!"

As soon as she was gone, Marle turned back to Crono. "Shall we?"

Though the walk to the castle was a fairly long one, it felt all too short to Marle. She began to realize that once she got there, she'd have to go back to being a princess again. Her stomach sank at the thought. Finally, the two stood in front of the castle gates.

"Well, here we are." Marle's heart sank as she pushed open the doors.

"Princess Nadia!" a voice called. The Chancellor, an elderly man with a long white beard and beady eyes, charged down from the steps.

"You're safe! We heard you were abducted! We had soldiers everywhere!"

Spying Crono, his beetle-like eyes narrowed.

"Scoundrel!" he shouted, spittle flying from his lips. "I'll bet you're the one! Guards! Seize him!"

"What? No! Stop it!" Marle cried, but the Chancellor and two guards only grabbed her and pulled her up the stairs. Marle screamed in anger as a group of guards grabbed Crono and roughly hauled him away.