Chrono Corruption
Act 3: Origin of the Flame
Chapter 15: Rise of Guardia, Part 1
*End of Time*
Crono opened his eyes suddenly and he sat up, startled. "What happened?" he cried out as he looked around the room. Everyone was waiting for him to wake up. Everyone had arrived at the End of Time.
"Well, there's sleeping beauty!" Ty joked with a chuckle.
Marle came in close and grabbed his shoulder, "Are you alright, sweetie? What was with the gold hair thing?"
"Yes, I would like to know what that was all about as well!" Lucca followed, adjusting her glasses.
"It has to be something we all got from the Frozen Flame! Ty and I got Magic that way," Tomo chimed in.
Crono got up from his resting place, "Then let's go ask Gaspar. Maybe he'll know," he said.
As a group they left the resting area and congregated around Gaspar, telling him of the events that transpired in the Ice Age. Gaspar was astonished, "So you say you... transformed? Your hair changed color and you became like a... super self?"
"Yeah, I felt like I could touch the sky! My body was so light in weight as if nothing could hold me back. Everything was in slow motion to me and my sword felt like it could cut anything!" Crono said ecstatically.
Gaspar stared off into space recalling some old memories. He then spoke, "Could it be? The 'Enlightenment' the Zealians were searching for all those years in Zeal?"
"Enlightenment?" Lucca said astonished.
"Yes, long ago when we discovered Magic we sought out greater things with it. Lavos may have been the source of that power, but we shaped and molded it. Near the end of Zeal, we three Gurus hypothesized that there was something... else beyond Magic that we may be able to attain," Gaspar explained.
"Wow, it sure was a shame we couldn't have studied Zeal more before it fell. These things would have been nice to know!" Lucca stated.
"Everything has its time Lucca," Gaspar said. "Anyway, it sounds like the Flame has affected all of you. So the power now lies within you. You just need to bring it out as Crono here has."
"Does this phenomenon have a name or title?" Lucca asked curiously.
Gaspar took a moment to think, "...No, but, why don't we call it, the 'Aura Surge', due to the person's spiritual essence gaining a surge of power strong enough to become visible to the naked eye."
"Neat!" Crono said cheerfully.
"...So, we should all be able to do it then?" Marle asked, hoping for confirmation.
"You were all struck with the Flame's energy, so yes, logically I don't see a reason why you would not be able to do as Crono did," Gaspar reiterated.
"Alrighty, now that we got that out of the way, how do we trigger it?" Ty asked curiously.
"When I did it, it was because Marle and the rest of you were in danger. I kinda wished in my heart that I could do something to change the situation and then, 'boom'! That happened," Crono explained.
Ty stared off into space for a moment, "Hmm, so it's triggered by a need and an intense desire?"
"Ty, what are you thinking?" Tomo asked worriedly.
"Maybe I should go into the Prison of Time and grind a little. Maybe I'll discover my own need. Anybody want to come with?" Ty asked invitingly.
"Hold that thought, Ty, we need to decide what to do about Dalton first," Lucca said urgently.
"That's right, but where was he trying to send us?" Marle asked worriedly.
"Probably the same place he sent Tomo and me the first time we encountered him," Ty started. "A strange place where time and space meant nothing."
"...But there were too many of us, so we just ended up back here at the End of Time," Lucca deduced.
"Good thing too, I don't want to go back into the darkness with those weird anomalies!" Tomo said shivering.
"Let's start with what we've learned," Lucca started. "Dalton seems to be able to see through the Flame wherever it is in history. So basically, he's been sitting in his own little pocket dimension binge-watching history as we know it. However, he doesn't seem to have the power to change where the Flame goes or when or where it's been."
"He's much like Schala once was. He's now the Flame's 'Arbiter'," Gaspar interjected.
"'Arbiter'? What is that exactly?" Crono asked puzzled.
"Schala was the only one who could manipulate the Flame's energy. Originally, it was the King of Zeal, but when he passed it fell to Schala. I do not know why," Gaspar explained. "However, we do know, that there can be only one Arbiter at a time."
"So we kill Dalton and destroy the Flame with him, and just make sure history plays out as it should," Ty said flatly.
"Easier said than done, I'm afraid. If Dalton is watching events throughout history, then he may be searching for something that can allow him to fully control the Flame," Gaspar said worriedly. "If he does, then who knows what he will be able to do with it."
"All right, I guess our next move is to see what era he's looking into next!" Crono said.
"We need to stop Dalton from acquiring the means to control the Flame," Marle added. "If he's after something, we can find out what by following him and then beating him to whatever he's after!"
"Sounds like a plan!" Ty started. "I'll go to the Prison of Time first and see if I can't learn this 'Aura Surge' thing. Anyone else?"
Marle whispered to Lucca, "Now's your chance to be alone with him! Get to know him better! What do you say?"
Lucca blushed and seemed uneasy. Her eyes shifted back and forth unsure of what she should do. She stood for a few moments trying to gather her thoughts, but it was too late. Tomo stepped forward with her hand cheerfully raised. "I will, you and I train a lot together! Let's see if we can't do this together!" she said happily.
"Alrighty, let's go for the gold!" Ty said as he and Tomo began heading to the prison. "Oh and Crono, don't be afraid to switch any of us in if you need us!"
"Will do!" Crono said with a smile.
Marle grumbled as she clenched her fists into her chest, "Ohh, you missed a golden opportunity there Lucca!"
Lucca gave her the cold shoulder, "Hmph, I didn't really want to in the first place! Can we just go, we're wasting valuable time here!"
"That's right, we should probably be going," Crono said oblivious to their conversation.
Crono went off ahead with Lucca behind. Marle thought to herself, "My goodness you are a hard nut to crack, Lucca!"
As they reached the pillars of light that were Gates, they found that a new one had emerged. "Let's see, there's one that leads to the Ice Age and now we have this one. I wonder where it goes?" Crono thought out loud.
"Only one way to find out!" Marle said as the three joined hands and Lucca activated her Gate Key. With a bright light, the three had vanished into the fabric of time.
*?*
The trio appeared in the mountains. It was also springtime as the morning sun was rising and melting the frost where it shined. "Wow, what a beautiful morning!" Marle said with admiration.
"Yeah, but when are we?" Crono said as he looked around.
Lucca then noticed something. In the far distance, she could see a landmass to the north and to the south. "Hey, we're on the young summit of the Denadoro Mountains! It's not as high, so we must be in the past. This is probably where we will fight for the Grandleon in the future! And according to the Gate Key, this Gate connects to the one we found in the Ice Age, near the equator."
"Well then, let's do a little hiking while we're here!" Crono said cheerfully.
Marle giggled, "And by hiking, you mean training on the local creatures! You're not scared that Ty will get ahead of you, are you?"
Crono scratched the back of his head with a mischievous grin, "Ah, you caught me!"
"Let's get moving then," Lucca urged flatly.
With that, they began descending the young mountain range. The Denadoro Mountains were quite a sight even in the past. The spring blossoms filled the hills and valleys with pretty shades of white, green, and yellow. The gang fought their way through the local wildlife as intended, polishing their skills along the way. Eventually, they came to the base of the rocky hills, and to their surprise, there was a pine forest awaiting them. It was not as thick and lush as Fiona's Forest was in the future but there definitely was one here. "Amazing, this must be what the forest looked like before the war that Magus started!" Lucca said with amazement.
"So that Retinite monster we destroyed in the Middle Ages destroyed this forest? How far back are we?" Marle asked curiously.
Crono deduced, "Hey, I think I know what era we're in! The Denadoro Mountains are nothing but hills with only a small range, this forest is still standing, could we be... in the era of the barbarians? You know, when Guardia was established?"
Lucca gasped, "You may be right, Crono! I remember those recordings in some of my old history books! If that's the case, then I wonder if we get to see Guardia's historical victory?"
"Well then, let's find a nearby village and get some supplies and info!" Marle suggested strongly.
"There should be a village where Fiona's house is in the Middle Ages. It was the second-largest village on South Zenan before the village of Dorino!" Lucca informed. "So we head south from here."
With that, the party headed south into the great forest. The forest was filled with tall, hardy pine trees. Their scent filled the slowly warming atmosphere. Crono and his friends continued their practice of fending off local wildlife and camping when necessary when they came to the end of a day. After a few days, they finally reached the village they were searching for.
"Here we go!" Marle said cheerfully.
The village was quite large and filled with wooden homes with straw-covered roofs as well as some homes built into the hills. The villagers were dressed in leather tunics and dresses of all kinds that were adorned with furs and strings. Weapons, armor, and other armaments made from a strange petrified wood were stored around the village. The lack of adult males was also noted. A cute girl with blonde hair took notice of them immediately. She stood near the banner that was inscribed with the name of the village. It read, "San Dorino".
She approached with a smile, "Greetings travelers, are you from afar?"
"Yeah, pretty far actually," Crono stated uneasily. "So this village is called 'San' Dorino? Not just Dorino?" he questioned.
The girl responded, "Oh yes, it is named after our village priest San Dorino! If you would like, he can give you a brief history lesson!"
"Oh, um, actually, we came wondering what stories are being told in this land!" Marle said hamming it up. "We heard rumors of wars and famines and plagues!"
"Oh yes, what perilous times these are!" started the girl. "San Dorino has much more knowledge of these things if you wish to know!"
"Very well, so where can we find your priest?" asked Lucca.
"He is at a small chapel at the center of town! See, you can see it with your own eyes even here!" she said pointing to the small shrine.
"Many thanks!" Crono said gratefully.
Crono and his friends went to the shrine and found it uncanny to Fiona's Shrine, the structure they were responsible for in the future. A short elderly man, dressed in a white friars robe sat at a chair upon the pulpit while only three nuns prayed, scattered around the room. He seemed distressed as Crono approached, "Oh, greetings lad, how can an old man like me serve you today?" he said trying to keep his calm.
"You seem a tad flustered, is everything alright?" Marle asked with concern.
He seemed relieved that he needn't hold his facade any longer, "Are you travelers from a distant land?"
"Yeah, we're from very far away. We heard rumors of bad things, so we came to see if they were true," Marle said while acting.
"Oh yes, my dear," he started woefully. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am San Alba Dorino. I am the 'father' of the tribe of people here in this village called the Dorinites. In these dark days, the Guardia tribe seeks to unite all the tribes who live upon the continent with force. Their leader, Irma Guardia is a woman who seeks an ancient mythical jewel known as the Frozen Flame. With it, she believes all the tribes of Zenan will be united... whether we want it or not."
"Tribes of Zenan...?" Crono asked confused.
"Ah yes, long ago this entire continent was ruled by a tribe of peoples called the Zenanites. From their name, they named this continent, the Zenan continent," Dorino started. "The Zenanites quickly grew into splinter tribes, their brothers and sisters, and filled the land. This has been going on since Antiquity. The splinter tribes are as follows, the Guardians, the Manolians, the Denadorites, the Dorinites, and the Porreans. The Chorasites, cousins of the Guardians, went west overseas to find their own land, and the Regionnans, the Gerzbuehlans, and the Medinans went east to find their own lands as well."
"Wow, I didn't realize how many tribes there were," Marle said enlightened.
"The Medinans found their own continent, but they and the Regionnans and Gerzbuehlans fight the Fiends for the lands even now," Dorino added.
"I think we know how that one turns out...," Lucca whispered to Marle.
"...No doubt...," Marle agreed.
Crono spoke up, "So is everyone after this treasure?"
"It would appear so, but I received nightmares that tell of this treasure's evil influence!" said Dorino.
"Oh? Please tell us of these nightmares!" Marle encouraged.
"Very well, young lass," Dorino said holding back his fear. "I see darkness. A flame erupts from the depths of our lush planet. Not a comfortable flame that burns to keep one warm and light one's path, but a flame of destruction. A flame that boils seas and burns skies, and turns the land desolate and broken. The people huddle in fear dressed in rags as they cling to life. Truly this flame will bring about these things if it is found!"
"Hey, he's talking about 1999 A.D.!" Marle whispered.
"Yeah, but he thinks the apocalypse is caused by the Frozen Flame as opposed to Lavos. So he thinks it's in this era instead," Lucca stated.
Crono continued, "Your dream is terrifying, for we have had 'visions' of our own!" he acted, masking his truth slightly.
"Then you believe the wisdom bestowed upon me by the Goddess of Fate? You are wise travelers indeed! But we believe Irma is within the grasp of the Flame as we speak. Her chosen hero, a man named, Lex Blueriver, has incredible might and is rumored to use the ancient art of Magic that was once thought to be a fairytale of Antiquity!"
"Thank you for your insight elder, but we must be going," Crono said, ending the conversation.
"Be careful out there children! Let the Goddess of Fate guide you!" Dorino said waving them off.
Outside the chapel, Crono and his team huddled, "I remember hearing the stories of Irma Guardia when I was a little girl," Marle began.
"Wasn't she the so-called 'Matriarch of Guardia'? The one that established the Matriarchal Monarchy, that we live under in our time?" Crono asked, trying to recall history.
"Yes, Irma is my great ancestor, so she likely has my pendant with her. She was a strong warrior and very wise. Her chosen hero, Lex Blueriver, is the first person to ever receive the Hero's Medal!" Marle elaborated.
"So that means that Irma and Lex have to win this thing for history to play out as it naturally has," Lucca stated.
"Alright, so where do we go from here?" Crono asked.
"Well, Dalton might want to find a way to interrupt this era, so I say we find Irma and make sure Dalton doesn't try anything to screw this up," Lucca suggested.
As they finished, the villagers began to run as a group of barbarians rushed into town with torches and swords drawn. "I think that's our cue to leave!" Crono stated as he and the ladies quickly made their exit.
On the outskirts of San Dorino, Crono and his gang watched helplessly as history played out as it had done in their history books. "...Crono..., I know this is supposed to happen, but I can't watch..., let's leave, please...," Marle begged with tears in her eyes.
Crono took his bride and his friend and they left the village as quickly as they had entered. They did not look back as they went from a walk to a brisk run to escape to carnage. From here, they headed south to the Town of Porre.
*Prison of Time*
Ty and Tomo exited a prison cell drenched in sweat. "That was a good workout! I'm getting stronger already! My Wind Spiral can become a Wind Storm now!"
"Yeah, it's really encouraging when you see results quickly, isn't it? I advanced my Earth Rumble into Earth Quake!" Tomo said as she stretched. "I learned three new monster moves too! I learned how to Absorb life force, Make Waves of water magic and generate a Crimson Rain! That Absorb spell came in handy for this training!"
"Yeah, you're really pounding them down!" Ty said jokingly.
"In more ways than one!" she giggled.
"Only problem is..., Wind Storm takes up so much stamina to use! Can't exactly use that one repeatedly!" Ty mentioned.
"Seeing as how advancing our magic takes up so much energy it seems we have a long way to go yet!" Tomo said as they both sat down. She chuckled and blushed, "That's okay with me though. It's not like I want this to end so quickly anyway..."
Ty seemed off in his own little world as what she said suddenly grabbed his attention, "Heh, we have all the time we need down here!" he said with a laugh. "...Speaking of which, since time doesn't move here, I wonder how long we've been in here."
"Dunno, but I think it's great!" Tomo said happily. "We can train without feeling rushed."
"True, but so far I can't seem to get a grasp on this Aura Surge thing...," Ty said mashing his fingertips into his forehead.
"Me either, I wonder if it's because we haven't fought tough enough opponents?" Tomo wondered. "Gaspar said it needed to be a great need or desire and we haven't exactly had that yet."
Ty stood back up and straightened his clothes, "Hmm...," he mused.
"What are you thinking about?" Tomo asked as she also rose to her feet.
"...Then I guess... I'll just have to go and pick a fight with something that'll kill me, or maybe, someone I care about...," he mumbled at the end of his sentence.
Tomo was mystified, she blushed then smiled, "Okay then, let's do it! We'll figure this out! Just like we always do!"
*Town of Porre, Dawn of Guardia*
After traveling south for a long while, Crono and his friends entered the Town of Porre. It greatly resembled the village of San Dorino, but much larger. It seemed to already be taken by the Guardia tribe. Crono faced his friend and wife, "I think it's best if we split up and see if we can't find information about Irma and Lex," he suggested.
"Right, I'll go to the Blacksmith and ask about some supplies. It's about time we update our equipment too!" Lucca said as she began walking away.
"I'll see if I can't find Irma, or maybe just some info on her if she's not here. See you in a bit sweetie!" Marle complied with her sweet tone.
With that, they broke up and began scouring the town. Lucca easily found the blacksmith's place and went up to him, but he chided his wife about letting people into his workspace. "Woman, haven't ah told you not ta let folks back here when I'm workin'?" he complained.
The wife quickly signaled for Lucca to come over to her and get out of his way. "Ah, I don't see why yer makin' such a fuss! People like ta see yer work!" she said as Lucca quietly stepped away. She faced the wife of the blacksmith and adjusted her glasses, "Do ya need some work done, young lady? Ya don't look like yer from around here," she went on.
Lucca cleared her throat, "Ahem, ah yes, I would like to place a large order actually."
"Such a well-mannered young lady! Now what can I get ya?" the wife asked professionally.
"What can your husband craft?" Lucca asked curiously.
"Have ya any Godwood, or perhaps Gum Rubber?" the wife asked.
"Godwood? Gum Rubber?" Lucca asked puzzled.
"Ah, yes, let me explain!" she began cheerfully. "Godwood is a mysterious petrified wood that is popular nowadays despite its rarity. It is the main ingredient in the latest armor and weapons! We complement it with Gum Rubber from the trees in the forest up north. Mixing Gum Rubber with Leather Hides makes great armor for people who want more flexibility! In addition, we decorate them with Amber gems that we cut and fasten into the equipment!"
"Ah, I see, yes I have plenty of those ingredients!" Lucca said as she pulled some from her bag.
The two made conversation until Lucca laid out all that she needed from the blacksmith and his tailors. "Okay, so let me see if we have this right; you want our Godwood Scimitar with an Elvish Tunic and Elvish Legguards with an Amber Gem Bandanna; a Godwood Recurve with a Dryad's Suit and Amber Ribbon; a set of Godwood Wheel-Locks with a Maliae's Hood and Amber Lens Loupe; a set of Godwood Falcatas, a Treefolk Jacket, a set of Treefolk Shortpants and Amber Visors; and finally a Gaea Short-Coat, a Gaea Belt and Godwood Bracers. Wheew! That's quite an order! I'll give this and the materials to my husband! Thank you so much for all this work!" she thanked Lucca as Lucca handed her the money.
*Meanwhile, with Marle*
Marle wandered the village and got some strange glares from many of the villagers only for them to retract those glares as if the person realized she wasn't the person they thought she was. A young teen threw a pebble at her, "Get out Irma, we don't want your truce!" he said, only to realize that she was not Irma. He gasped and came to her apologetically, "I am terribly sorry, Miss! I thought you were Irma Guardia! Your resemblance to her is uncanny, frightening even!" he said, a little pale.
Marle approached the boy, "Does this Irma resemble me that much?"
"Oh yes, I thought you her when I threw the stone! Since I am mistaken, Irma must still be elsewhere in town," the boy realized.
"Do you know where she might be?" Marle asked.
"She is likely still with the Priest," the boy replied.
"Thank you! Oh, and for the record, you shouldn't throw stones at pretty girls! You'll never find a wife doing that!" Marle said waving her finger. She then turned and headed for the largest building in town.
Marle made it to the large stone building and she entered. It was much like the Manolia Cathedral, a small number of people in brown robes prayed silently to themselves as Marle approached the back of a woman who was speaking to the druid-like prophet. The prophet seemed to relent to her demands, "Very well Irma, do what seems fit to you. We of the tribe of Porre surrender to you and your rule...," he said reluctantly.
"Good, there shall be no more bloodshed this day. You are a wise man, prophet," she replied.
"However, if your rule brings hellfire upon this world then let it fall upon your head, Irma!" he said sternly.
She scoffed, "No such thing shall occur!" she said as she turned around.
As she turned around she locked eyes with Marle and her face went a tad pale. Irma greatly resembled Marle as the boy from earlier stated. Her strawberry blonde hair was tied in a braided ponytail and her blue eyes were more cat-like in terms of shape. She wore plate armor; shoulder pads, a breastplate, gauntlets, a girdle with hip guards, and greaves made of Bronze and fastened with Godwood accents. Underneath the armor, she wore a red sleeveless shirt and she wore black skin-tight shorts. Finally, she wore a yellow scarf, Marle's Pendant around her neck, and had a familiar sword at her hip. She was aghast, "What manner of sorcery is this?" she said. "Is this an illusion brought on by you prophet?"
"Nay, I know that woman not!" the prophet said fearfully, referring to Marle.
"Who are you?" Irma demanded.
"My name is Marle," she said carefully.
"Where do you come from? From what tribe?" Irma demanded further.
"I am from the tribe of Guardia and... I have been on a long journey that I am returning from!" Marle acted hoping to keep Irma satisfied.
"You seem, so familiar to me," Irma said, her eyes widening with a sense of joy. "Could you be? A long-lost sister?"
Thinking quickly, Marle decided that she use her pendant as proof, "Yes, I have a similar pendant to yours! We are undoubtedly kin!"
Irma's eyes brightened with joy, "Surely you and I are sisters! What a joyous occasion this is! Fate has returned a sister to me! Come, we are headed north passed Denadoro. There a town in my name stands! We shall go there and make merry!" Irma stated.
"May I bring my husband and friend?" Marle asked, being polite.
"It would be good of you to bring them!" Irma said with open arms. "Come let us gather our things and depart. Surely you long for home!"
"Okay, let's go!" Marle said, proud of herself.
*Crono at the Tavern*
Crono scanned the tavern for anyone who might look heroic enough to be Lex. Then, someone caught his eye. This person was exactly the same height as Ty and he had a long sword made from bronze on his back that was not resting in a scabbard. Crono approached the man from his side so he could hear the conversation between the man and the bartender. "What do you ask of me, Guardian?" the bartender asked the tall man.
The man replied, "I simply ask for freshwater," he replied.
"Very well," the bartender said as he took the man's animal skin canteen and dipped it into a wooden barrel filled with water.
He handed it back and the man took a long drink. After a sigh of refreshment, he noticed Crono's gaze. "Is something the matter?" he asked flatly. He had short blonde spiky hair that was slicked back and two bangs framed his face, hiding his blue eyes at times. He had a lean build and his sword's placement on his back revealed him to be right-handed. He was covered in bronze bands, the one's on his wrists even had amber gems placed in them. He wore them on his neck, upper arms, and wrists. He wore a Blue Vest with furred shoulder pads, light grey trousers under a Spriggan Loincloth that reached his knees and covered the entirety of his lower body that was held up by a leather belt with a Hero's Medal on the buckle. Finally, he wore plate boots made of bronze.
Crono seemed surprised at first, coming out of his focus, "Do you know a Lex Blueriver?" he asked.
"I am he..., and you are?" the man replied.
"Ah, great, my name's Crono! Can I ask you about the Frozen Flame?" Crono asked naturally.
Lex nearly spit up his water, "Not so loud stranger! Come, let us leave this place! There are too many ears!" he said as he beckoned Crono to leave with him. Behind the tavern, Lex asked quietly, "What do you know of the Flame?" he asked engrossed with interest.
Crono tried to think of something, but drew a blank, "Um..., not much, just the name really!" he said nervously.
"Ah, so you don't even know of its location?" Lex asked.
"No, do you?" asked Crono.
"Lady Irma believes so," Lex began. "We have discovered a structure in the depths of the forest that lies in the Northern Zenan continent. We have made a small encampment at its entrance. We have discovered that the ruins are of Fiendish origin!" Lex said with excitement.
"Oh really? That's incredible! Have you opened it?" Crono asked curiously.
"No, but Lady Irma has drawn the sword of legend from the Hills of Denadoro! So that means she is to rule all of Zenan!" he spoke proudly. "We believe the sacred sword is the key to opening the ruins. After we are done with Porre we are then returning to our Town of Irma to create a truce between all of the tribes. After that, we will do everything in our power to enter the ruins!"
"I see, that's great news!" Crono said, acting cheerfully.
"By your reaction, you must be of the tribe of Guardia?" Lex asked hoping he guessed right.
"Yes, I'm a Guardian," Crono replied.
"Splendid, I am from Choras and I was handpicked by Lady Irma to be her chosen knight after a grueling trial many years ago! How great things will be for us of the tribe of Choras!" Lex boasted.
Crono, knowing the future of Choras, hid his discomfort. "Well, I should be off to find my wife and friend. Thank you for your time!" Crono said as he attempted to leave.
Lex stopped him, "Please wait! If you are Guardian you should head toward the Town of Irma where we intend to complete the truce between the nations! It shall be a historic moment!"
"I'll be sure to be there!" Crono said running off.
*Later*
Crono and Lucca regrouped with Marle who was now her ancestor's new best friend. Irma formally introduced herself to Crono and Lucca, "I am Irma Guardia and I understand that you are my sister's husband?" she said facing Crono. Crono nodded quietly as Irma faced Lucca, "Ah, then you must be his concubine?" she asked.
Crono tried to hide a laugh as Lucca blushed fiercely, "No, I'm just a companion of theirs," she said keeping her frustration under wraps.
Marle giggled and placed her hand over her mouth politely as Crono teased her, "I don't know Lucca, if you don't want Ty, you can always be my concubine!" he said trying to hold back a laugh.
"...Seriously you guys..., stop it," Lucca said in a calm frustration. "That's not even legal anymore...," she mumbled.
A voice shouted to them, it was Lex, "Greetings Lady Irma, I have returned!" he said. He noticed Marle and turned to Crono, "You did not tell me your wife is like a twin to Lady Irma! Is this your servant?" he said turning to Lucca.
Lucca's frustration nearly peaked, but she quickly realized something, "That's not..., technically wrong. I do serve Guardia as a scientist...," she mumbled to herself.
Marle finally interjected, "No, she is a great friend of ours! She is really smart and knows things I can't even pronounce!"
Irma's interest was peaked, "Is this woman truly that intelligent? If so then maybe she would be able to help us enter the ruins in the forest!"
"Ruins?" Lucca replied.
"Yes, the large stone door has been sealed, we believe, since Antiquity! We believe that inside, lies the legendary Frozen Flame! My sister! Your husband looks like a strong man and your friend an intelligent woman! Would you be so kind as to assist us at the ruins after the truce is fulfilled?" Irma asked hopefully.
"Absolutely!" Marle said cheerfully.
"Then it is settled! Let us head for home!" Irma stated excitedly. With that, the party left Porre with Irma, Lex, and a few able-bodied warriors. She left others behind to keep the peace in Porre.
*Town of Irma*
Upon reaching the Town of Irma many days later, everyone settled in and made merry with the return of Lady Irma. The elected members from each tribe of the Zenanites; the Guardians, the Manolians, the Chorasites, the Denadorites, the Dorinites, the Medinans, the Regionnans, and finally the Gerzbuehlans all gathered around Irma to sign a massive parchment with all the amendments that the new world would live by. They did so as they murmured and mumbled hoping the world would not end because of this. With all the names signed, Irma became the first Princess of Guardia, "Let it be known to all who attend! A great thing happens this day! From this day onward, this town shall now be known as the Village of Truce! For it was the town we have all gathered to come together under one banner! The Kingdom of Guardia is born!" she announced with many clapping and cheering.
*End of Chapter*