Start Date: March 19, 2021
Windwillow
Chrono Trigger
Chapter Four
Time had become distorted. A young princess, Nadia of Guardia, had somehow fallen back in time. Her being royalty, not bringing her back was a death sentence, and so two youths have teamed up with an anthropomorphic frog to rescue the real Queen Leene.
Presently captive to the kingdom's chancellor, Leene still believes she will be rescued.
That faith is well-founded.
Scene One
"Eee! Don't kill me, please!"
The situation was thus: Our heroes stepped down the right-facing stairway only to fall, but only Crono hit the Hench down below. With Frog's blade drawn, negotiation seemed in the party's favor.
Crono knelt, and said "Then don't do anything funny. All we want is to find the Queen, so tell us and you're free to go."
The Hench sighed.
"The Queen's in the back, turn left and you'll find the door."
Lucca nodded, but as the group turned to the door, the Mystic muttered, "Never gonna get in, though..." Our trio turned at once and Frog unsheathed his sword.
"W-well... the door's locked till you unlock it. Turn back to the left..."
Crono groaned.
"You suck at directions. Just tell us."
"Right... the main room in the back only opens with the organ key in the front area. Play Quaver in A, semibrave in C twice..."
By the time he was finished, the gang had already scaled the stairs.
"I forgot to mention it's heavily guarded! They're all dea-"
The sounds of fighting, swishes and thuds, were followed by three beautiful notes. Then, the organ went boom.
"I... I think I'm fired..."
Another Angle
"Do I Need to Change the Sheets?"
Back at the castle the two maids and knight by Leene's room had grown restless.
One of them said, "It's been three hours... is Her Majesty in danger of some kind?"
"We can't disobey," the other said, "but we can't leave the linens to soil."
The lone knight nodded, saying, "The Queen's guest left, so... maybe she ordered him somewhere?"
"To where, and what? I've an ill mind of this..."
Scene Two
"The end is here, Leene," said the chancellor, "My hospitality is over."
Just as the royal official was about to rise, however, a single line split the door, breaking it open and leaving with it three unwelcome guests.
"Your Majesty!"
Frog broke from a sprint to a skid, baring steel with a silvery sheen.
"Frog!"
"Milady," he said with head bowed, "let us deal with him. Take cover!"
She did so, and thus all parties involved faced one another.
It was the chancellor who spoke first.
"Hmph... my men should've kept you out of here."
Crono drew his weapon and said, "They're busy being dead. Wanna join 'em?"
Lucca nodded.
"I didn't even need to use my GENIUS weapon, the almighty...!"
Crono stared at her, and so she stopped. Her one-liners would work in a comic book, not now.
"Ahem. So explain yourself, jackass!"
A low chuckle, a glare in his eyes, the official said, "Maybe I'll steal the throne? Maybe I'll kill her for the fun of it? Or, perhaps..."
The air in the chamber immediatly cooled. As the chancellor's eyes opened they revealed blood-red sclera, and a gnarled set of razor teeth.
"I just want to eat her!"
The group stood in shock. Even more shocking was the chancellor's transformation: A violent gust of air and sharp lightning revealed its true form: a four-legged beast with a leather hide, horns, and a smokey topaz carapace. The air was filled with a foul odor, and its sight alone almost turned Crono's stomach. (Lucca fought just enough not to hurl)
"This," the creature rasped, "is my true form; Yakra, lieutenant of the North Branch! Ain't I cute?!"
Before they could answer the party scrambled. From its bulging neck a huge iron ball launched itself, seemingly bigger outside than it, and punctured the far wall.
"What are you, a pinball machine?!" Crono cursed. Three more followed in quick succession, narrowly dodged and punctuated with a rushing movement. For a big hairy beast, our heroes could just barely evade it. Although Crono and Frog swiped at it, they couldn't connect. Then, it swirled a 180, locking eyes on the Queen. It didn't have a mouth, but it looked like a smile.
"You think I'll just crush you three worms? We have another player..."
The demon's carapace seemed to tear open, a series of sharpened spear-like spikes aimed, and fired, at Leene. Frog moved with amazing speed, making it just in time to block the attack with his broadsword. Still, some pierced his left arm and scruffed Leene's dress. He yelled in pain.
"Crono! Lucca! I..." Frog croaked as he coughed blood, "I can't fight now! You must take control!"
Before Yakra caught it, Crono lunged and swung his sword hard on its back, only for it to bounce off.
"Grahhh, dammit!" he huffed, "This sucker's tough! I can't even cut the shell!"
"Crono! Shut your eyes and get ready!"
He looked at Lucca, who reached into her pouch and withdrew a small canister. She swung towards a charging Yakra, and as it hit the floor a brilliant light blinded the lot of them, save Lucca and Crono, with Yakra lifting its bulk to two feet.
This was his chance, and Crono took it. He lunged at Yakra, and with a single vertical cut sliced straight through it. A moment passed, as did a horrible scream, as Yakra fell back and dissolved to dust.
Lucca grinned.
"Flash bomb! And I didn't zap myself this time!"
The battle seemed over, but the group dashed to Frog's side. He'd taken a killer blow to his arm, one that would need medical attention. Crono grabbed his shirt arm and wrapped it over the wound.
"..."
"Frog!"
The knight snapped to attention, Leene standing over him. If a frog could smile sheepishly this was the time. Crono slung Frog over his shoulder, and so they departed.
A treasure chest near the table rumbled, popped open to reveal the REAL chancellor.
"Y-your Majesty! As you can see, I am undamaged!"
No one else was there, so he dashed from the room in hot pursuit.
Another Angle
"Are We Dead?"
The soldiers Crono freed had gone to sleep, but the nightmares woke them.
"Argh! Don't...!"
One of them groaned, "Can we leave yet?"
Scene Three
A rescue party was quickly called, and by the next morning the group arrived at the Castle. Everyone was tired, sweaty, and covered in bruises, but only Frog was badly hurt. Royal medics set his broken limb, as other nurses cleaned the others. In the royal hall, the King rose from his throne.
"You've my gratitude, Sir Crono, for rescuing my Queen. It seems I'm in your debt."
Crono grinned.
"Yeah," he chuckled. "No sweat, man!"
Lucca kicked him in the shins. She whispered, "This is the King, dummy! Show respect!"
Crono straightened up and gave an awkward bow.
"It was much your pleasant.. uhh... You have much, uh... I'm welcome?"
The King chortled.
Now moving forward, the Chancellor piped up, "We must create a justice system, one to deal with such rogues like Yakra! I'll need a bigger budget, though..."
"Ah, but... what of the lass who so closely looked resembled Leene? She's given orders not to disturb her, but I want you to go see her."
Our heroes jolted. That was the whole point! Quickly they moved to the eastern wing, where the soldier and attendants gathered by the door. When they caught sight of the two, they gave a confused look. Then, they bowed and left the area.
Crono and Lucca entered Leene's bedroom, and with a flash of brilliant light, Marle appeared, though clad in her casual tunic.
"...?"
Marle's eyes darted around.
"What...?"
Lucca fell to one knee.
"Your Highness! Thank God you're alive!"
Those same eyes fixed on Crono.
"I... what happened? It felt like I was being ripped apart, but... wait. Your Highness?"
She giggled.
"Cat's out of the bag," she said with a smirk. "My real name is Nadia, the princess of Guardia. I never meant to trick you, Crono, but... You wouldn't have shown me around if you knew...?
Crono simply shook his head. That said more than words.
"I knew it! I knew you'd say that, Crono! You're so sweet!"
"All that aside, we need to go home. If we're done here, I can get us there. Crono? Nadia...?"
Marle stuck her tongue out.
"Call me Marle! We're friends, now."
The three of them shared a hard sigh. Princess saved, history preserved, end of story.
But since this is fiction, we must continue. All of our heroes exited the room and, crossing by the peanut gallery with a sheepish smile, made their way back to the throne room.
"My, oh my," breathed Leene. "She looks so much like myself! 'Tis no wonder she fooled my guards..."
King Guardia rose from his throne.
"Sir Crono, Miss Lucca, and..."
He cocked his head.
"Your name, ma'am?"
The party's hearts hit their throats. Nadia? Marle? Fifty-fifty, so what's the pick?
"Ahem," Marle cleared her throat, "I'm Marle."
"Miss Marle, then... I thank all of you for your service. Never have I pined for Leene's face more than now!"
Marle giggled.
"I hope you do like her, or I'm in trouble!"
With a curious glance from the royals, Marle said, "I mean, I'm glad... you're both... um... Y'know, happy?"
The doorway opened, revealing Frog. His arm was wrapped in a sling, his cape torn, but little none the worse for wear.
He sank to his knees.
"My shame is great, my Lord, my Lady. I must take leave."
"What?" Lucca exclaimed. "Why?"
"I could not protect Her Majesty from capture."
Marle gasped, "But she's here now, right?"
Frog shook his head.
"It was my fault she was taken. I take leave in disgrace."
He curtly turned and exited the throne room. Crono and Lucca followed, Marle close behind. Lucca was the first to speak.
"Wait! You saved her, she's safe, you screw up an arm and you STILL blame yourself?! Get a grip, dude!"
No response came from Frog. He turned back and walked away.
"Sir Crono, you are deft of blade. Sharpen it and protect what means most to you."
As I failed to.
Silence passed quickly. Without much to say, Lucca adjusted her glasses.
"Y'know, Froggy... you aren't so bad after all."
Another Angle
"Solemn Departure"
He was comforted by the woods, their soft breath and bird songs soothing Frog. With what he'd become this set him to ease. Passing through renewed his memory, of the battle with the Frog King, the reclamation of the Hero's Badge. The start of a journey.
"Yet," he whispered, "it led to naught. Best to leave before more memories awake."
Just across the broken Zenan Bridge was his home. A quick swim and a few hops, and he'd be there soon. Although, the more he forged ahead the more he thought of his own words.
A bitter pill, that.
Scene Four
We now turn back to the beginning, where the Telepod had shunted Marle through to the middle ages. All three heroes stepped forward, and all of them saw the pulsing rift in front of them.
"This," said Lucca, "is what I call a 'Gate.' Two coordinates of different space-time, all rolled up into this thing. We came here because someone... something... activated it. But it couldn't have been the Telepod."
Crono cocked his head.
"Am I supposed to understand that?"
"Put it this way: this can't have been a coincidence. I've got to look into it back in our time."
Marle blinked.
"Get back? How?"
With a flourish and a cackle, Lucca brandished a small silver rod. Electricity surged from it and, hitting the gate, exploded it into a shimmering blue sphere.
"Lucca, you're a genius!" Marle gasped.
"Nya-ha-ha-ha, ain't it the truth! Uh, wait, I mean..."
"Really, I'd trade my royal heritage for your brain any time!"
Lucca cleared her throat, a slight blush on her cheek.
"I'll spare the science. This right here, and where we started all this mess, are connected to each other - line by line. We can get back home, right here and now!"
Crono nodded.
"Then let's go! All that mumbo-jumbo makes my head hurt."
In agreement, our trio stepped into the swirling light.
Another Angle
"Rhythm and Blues"
Of the blue light, I think and breathe
By night, unholy tears I shed
Amongst the darkest of nights I believe
In salvation from my torment
Scene Five
At the end of the vortex, blue turned to shades of green as the trio fell to the ground at the Telepod's square. Not the softest of landings, but better than the alternatives. Lucca was the first to stand.
"Note to self: travel through space-time on a pillow..."
Marle was next, dusting off her tunic.
"That was... freaky as all hell!"
Finally, Crono.
"... Ouch."
The heroes breathed a sigh of relief. Around the square no people remained, but seeing grass and pavement made things more managable... sort of.
Lucca rose.
"Now the hard work: what the hell happened? I've got to do some research at home."
The group left Leene Square, where Lucca started up her motor bike.
"Alright," she breathed. "Be a good guy and take Marle home."
Crono choked.
"You want me to carry her back to the castle?! At least pick a comfy noose!"
"That's why you're taking her home, and then you can board a bus to the castle tomorrow."
Crono groaned.
"Let's be straight: I take the Crown Princess home? Just chop my head off, why don'cha!"
"You'll take her to a hotel?"
Okay. Better logic, sort of.
Lucca roared away, leaving two instead of three. A slight blush was evident in both parties, but the short distance to Crono's house was minimal.
"I'm home, Ma!" Crono shouted.
Gina almost bounded from the stairs.
"Where the hell've you been?! You better not've drank any..."
Pause. Just, pause.
"You brought a girlfriend home? Killer, son!"
More awkward silence.
"I, uh... mean, hello! What's your name, lass?"
"Marle."
"Right, Marle. Come on in and take a seat! The 'Retail is Wrong' is on! Love that thing..."
Gina left the scene, and now the house will be described. Crono's home was middle-of-the-road, a living room, kitchen, with two bedrooms upstairs. What caught Marle's attention was a photo on a shelf, depicting Crono, Gina, and another redhead dressed like a quintessential adventurer.
"Who's that?" she asked. The next pause... hurt.
"He's my dad, Joaquim. But, he died. He was a merchant, but got lost in the southern wastelands..."
Marle gasped.
"I-I had no idea-!"
He shrugged.
"That place killed a lotta people. They say it used to be a great forest, but the Mystic War turned it to a hell-hole. Desert, windy plains, and the smell of death. He was a great dad, though!"
Here he paused. Neither said a word, but both knew the other's thoughts. Regardless, the night passed. Marle slept in Joaquim's old bed, and at around 10:00 A.M. the two set off.
The bus ride was uneventful, so let's move on. Finally, the castle's walls were in sight. Past said walls was a grand hall, two modern-looking soldiers snapping to attention.
"Princess Nadia! Thank Heavens you've returned!"
Marle giggled sheepishly.
"Yup! I'm back, and now-"
"ARREST HIM!"
At that the two soldiers grappled Crono.
"Wh-why..." stammered Marle. "What are you doing to Crono?!"
"Arresting a criminal, ma'am. No more, no less."
Marle's eyes narrowed at the roly-poly chancellor, looking very fine for someone old as he was. Lots of cardio.
"Y-you-you...! Unhand Crono, NOW!"
The soldiers took a knee, but the chancellor waved his hand as a group of guards detained Crono. As they passed by Marle, seething with anger, she heard the voice she never wanted to hear again. King Guardia XXXIII.
"Enough, Nadia. Soldiers, confine her to her room."
Another Angle
"Family Business"
The chancellor slowly entered his chamber, dropping his head in a sigh.
"They really don't pay me enough for all this! First the budget gets slashed, and now we've got a seditionist punk to prosecute!"
A familiar smile twisted the old man's face.
"Four centuries in the making! At last the time for revenge has come!"
Scene Six
"Well, that was new!" Lucca exclaimed as she entered her house. "I could use a cola 'bout now!"
The house's layout was simple, two upper bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room littered with machines. They had a radio, but no television - all the gadgets took up room.
"Ma! I'm home!"
A gentle rolling noise, and her mother Lara descended with an elevator into the living room. She was a soft-faced woman, though her eyes seemed sunken. Her wheelchair clicked into place, and she was lowered down the stairway.
"Still obsessed with you and Taban's toys? All you two do is fiddle with machines."
Lucca cleared her throat.
"Gotta earn coin somehow, right? We're good off with Dad's blacksmith and gadgeteer work. It's putting a roof over our heads, meat in the belly, and..."
She stopped cold. Lara's face had sunken further. Muttering an excuse, she ascended the stairs to her room. Her helmet off and satchel laid down, Lucca leaned back in her chair.
We've got havoc on our hands with Marle's stunt... I've got to figure it all out or we're toast. It's up to me, and Madam Lucca's gonna deal with the whole mess!
But as she said that, a scar on her right hand throbbed. A jagged one, with everything she regretted pulsing in her palm. Slowly, she dozed off to sleep. But, as she continued to sleep, her radio activated.
"Breaking News: Princess Nadia's abductor has been detained, and tomorrow will be tried for kidnapping and treason. We shall see this fiend's head roll."