Start Date: November 9, 2021

Windwillow

Chrono Trigger

Chapter Fourteen

To save the future, Crono returned to the present. Then he went to the past. Then he went back to the present. After dropping in on prehistoric pandemonium Dreamstone had been retrieved - the final step to repairing the Masamune.

But, who would wield it?

Scene One

"Dreamstone, remarkable," murmured Melchior as he examined the red rock. "However you got it, you've got it."

Marle asked, "Now can you fix it? We're gonna need it."

Melchior nodded.

"Yes, but I could use help from her," pointing to Lucca. "She's the talent for magic and science both. I'd like to use her skills."

Lucca laughed.

"Sure, old dude!"

The three descended the stairs of the cottage, where they found a smithy complete with oven, bellows, and a working desk. Melchior took the stone and cracked off a piece.

"Refine this to a ratio of 2:1, extract the magic energy, and contain it in this," he said as he placed a bottle on the table. "I'll do the rest."

Lucca nodded and took up her tools. She ground the Dreamstone to powder and, mixing it with water and oils, magically extracted its essence into the bottle. Melchior, meanwhile, positioned the blade and hilt parallel to each other and began to hammer.

He gestured, and Lucca handed him the bottle. Pouring it between the broken parts, he hammered it with several fast strokes. It echoed, glowed, and steadily he beat the Dreamstone back into place.

Another Angle

"Sweet Relief"

"Oww..."

Crono held his stomach. The pain was almost unbearable. While Lucca's Tonic eased the pain and relaxed his muscles, the bones themselves were still cracked.

Looking up he saw a faint shimmer. A smile crossed his face as he staggered up and placed a weary hand in the light. At once his wounds stitched; bones set, muscles repaired, to the point where he felt as good as new.

He clenched his fist and pumped it.

"Back in action!"

Scene Two

Restored, it was gorgeous. Sleek steel, a blade with a shimmer of red, and the air of elegance you'd expect of a legendary sword. Its hilt was bright red, its scabbard jet black.

"Here," said Melchior as he handed the weapon to Lucca. "The Masamune in all its glory."

She took it, almost dropping it.

"It's so HEAVY!"

Melchior chuckled.

"I'll fix up a sling for you. Broadswords are meant to be heavy and powerful, after all. Here," he added as he swung the weapon over Lucca's shoulder. "You can make do with this."

Marle smiled.

"Thanks, mister!"

They left, and as they exited Melchior smiled mischievously.

"Now, then... I'll make some Enhasan tea and read a bit."

Scene Three

Frog leaned back in his bed, his mind uneasy. All this had awakened memories he hadn't dreamed he'd relive...

Crono slipped down the entryway, holding the sword.

"Delivery," he said, hoisting it over his shoulder. "I've got something you'll want."

With a sigh, Frog rolled over.

"Apologies, Sir Crono, but I've no need for gifts..."

Smiling, Crono laid the Masamune on the bed. Frog gathered himself and, turning over, nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight of it: the Masamune! He jolted, pushed Crono away, and threw the sword on the ground.

"This isn't possible!" he hissed. "Is this a sick joke?!"

Crono lifted the blade and, unsheathing it, revealed a holy white gleam to the knight.

"Serious," he said with a smile. "The real Masamune. Look familiar?"

Frog's breath became ragged; eyes darting from side to side. His pulse had never been so strong.

"Here," said Crono. "I'll give you the-"

"NO!"

To his surprise, Frog shoved the weapon away. He fell back, shocked, not knowing what to do. Frog gasped, hacked, and threw up.

"Not yet," he sighed. "I don't deserve it."

"C'mon, man," yelled Crono. "We went through hell to get this thing!"

His eyes met Frog's, and the look of uncertainty quieted Crono's mouth. He was breathing rapidly, shaking wildly, and in a cold sweat.

"Not yet," whispered Frog. "Not yet..."

Crono hopped up.

"Fine, not yet. But I've got someone you need to see first!"

Scene Four

"Egads! Now I feel hungry... frog legs're so nice when they're fried..."

Frog's face dropped. Now in the form of a small, white marsupial - a Kilwala - Spekkio sighed.

"Sorry. I'm a bit peckish today."

Lucca growled, "You said to bring a new friend, but not for lunch!"

Spekkio sighed.

"My bad, I'll have a banana later. Anyway, good job finding this guy. 'Cause he's a frog his element is, naturally, Water. This one's different from the ponytail girl, so..."

He slammed his hand on Frog's head, knocking him back.

"Allow me to elaborate. Little Miss over there controls Ice, but this one can use Water. Make bubbles, create waterfalls, etc. By pressing into the ground he can even make water spout over a certain distance! Like Spiky here, he can also enhance his attacks. Covering that sword with a coat of heavy water makes it MUCH stronger."

Frog groaned.

"Great... thanks..."

Scene Five

The cave was innocuous, just a crag on the eastern side of South Zenan. Still, Frog said this was an important place, so...

Our heroes - Crono, Frog, and Robo - arrived to find a lifeless rock.

"And this thing's relevant how?" asked Crono.

Frog stepped forward and placed a hand on the mountain.

"The Masamune. Place it in the ground over there."

Cocking his head, Crono regardless unsheathed the legendary sword and drove it into the earth. Frog slowly walked towards it, stopped, and sighed.

"I... was his squire. He was my best friend, and my idol..."

He sighed and looked at the Masamune.

"He always said I was too soft..."

Slowly he turned his head to the clouds.

"Cyrus..."

Scene Six: Flashback One

"Cry-ba-by Glenn! Cry-ba-by Glenn!"

A young green haired boy sat on the forest floor, four older boys tossing stones on his head. As he began to bleed, a rustle sounded. He lifted his head and, through the blood, saw another young man. Black haired, muscular, and unlike the youth, clearly confident.

"Why didn't you fight back?" asked Cyrus. "You're strong enough to take care of yourself."

Glenn shiffed.

"But it hurts getting hit. I can't do that to someone else..."

"You're a marshmallow, Glenn..."

Scene Seven: Flashback Two

An older Cyrus, decked in plate armor and carrying a broadsword, stared out over Zenan Bridge. Another young man approached, one without armor yet armed, with deep green hair.

"I'm thinking of enlisting," Cyrus said. "They say I can fight for our country..."

Glenn nodded.

"You're the best I've ever seen. Her Majesty would be well served."

Cyrus sighed.

"Why not you, too? You've a defter hand than I."

Glenn shook his head.

"My answer is the same... I don't think I could hurt someone..."

Scene Eight: Flashback Three

Cyrus, now in full armor, kneeled before King Guardia.

"I depart for the southern marshlands," he said. "The Frog King has raised much trouble there, and it's said he holds the Hero's Badge..."

King Guardia nodded.

"I know you can do it, Sir Cyrus. Go with God."

The Queen peeked from behind.

"You be careful as well, Glenn!"

He still wore no armor. But, holding a longsword at his side, Glenn kneeled.

"Your Majesties, be well..."

Scene Nine: Flashback Four

A shriek sounded from the young lass, as she was chased by several large frogs. This was dangeous territory - the Frog King's - but she needed to gather water. She ran as best she could, but fell. Staring in horror, a huge frog-beast loomed above her.

And was quickly chopped in two.

"Milady, are you alright?" asked Cyrus as he stepped over the dissolving frog. "These fiends are quite troublesome."

Rachel nodded.

"My thanks, Sir Knight. I am fine, but... I spilled my water. I must take more and-"

A water pail was placed next to her. She looked up, and saw a smiling Glenn.

"I've retrieved it, milady," he said with a bow. "A knight's duty is not only to protect but to make lives better. Can't do that with an empty pail, can we?"

She smiled.

"I thank you, as well."

"UNFORGIVEABLE!"

A bellow echoed as a giant frog burst from the water. It was dressed as royalty, both robe and crown, and was clearly furious. Cyrus placed himself between the pair.

"My subordinate," it croaked. "is not yours to slay, human! You'll pay in blood!"

Cyrus smiled, unsheathing his sword. He simply shook his head and, lunging, slashed the Frog King several times in an instant. Bleeding, it spat up a small ball of phlegm and ran. He approached and, withdrawing an object from it, smirked.

He'd retrieved the Hero's Badge.

Scene Ten: Flashback Five

Masamune, the giant beast, dispersed to its two other halves. It had taken only a few strikes to win the battle.

"Well fought," sighed Mune. "The Masamune is yours."

The two seperate creatures shimmered, and flew together to reveal a brilliant broadsword. Cyrus clasped it in triumph.

"CYRUS!"

He didn't hesitate a moment. Running from the cave Cyrus came upon two figures. One was Ozzie, but the other had a darker aura. Pale-skinned with purple hair, and wearing a long black cloak, Magus smirked as he shattered the Masamune with his scythe.

"The sword!" gasped Glenn. "The Masamune, it's...!"

Cyrus placed himself between Magus and Glenn.

"Glenn," he whispered, "my will is now yours."

"...?"

Cyrus sighed.

"The will to protect Her Majesty... I entrust this task to you, now."

At once the realization crossed Glenn's face. But, before he could react Cyrus rushed at Magus. Promptly, he was sliced in two by his scythe.

As his corpse dissolved, a small light fell down the waterfall. Glenn looked into the eyes of Magus above and screamed. Screamed, and jumped back.

Ozzie cackled.

"Tiny frog from a tiny pond! Can't even face us!"

Magus smiled menacingly.

"Sounds appropriate," he said, pointing at Glenn. "Run back to your little puddle and begone."

A crack of lightning sounded, black energy coursing through Glenn's body. He could feel his muscles snap, his bones shatter, only to reassemble again. Confused, he turned his eye to above just in time to watch Ozzie laugh again.

By the time he came to, his body had changed. Now more frog than man, through his tears he sighted two lights: one the broken hilt of the Masamune, and the other a gleaming medal.

"The Badge..." he croaked before losing consciousness. "The Hero's Badge..."

Scene Eleven

Frog's eyes fell from the sky unto the Masamune. Resolve filled his soul for the first time in years.

"My name is Glenn!" he roared. "The will Cyrus gifted me, the holy sword, and all that is holy...!"

He grabbed the hilt of the Masamune with great force. At once power pulsed from it, almost blinding Crono, but by the time he could see again the blade had been withdrawn, brandished, and swung at the cave.

The mountain itself split in two, neatly leaving Frog to stand with sword outstretched. He tightened his grip, staring intently at the Masamune.

"... leave to me the task to slay Magus. We go!"