Chrono Corruption

Act 5: Revolution

Chapter 36: A New Truce, Part II

*Garai*

Glenn and Janus quietly made their way to the center of the Square. They peered over the stone wall down at the fountain. Garai, indeed a giant of a man, stood quietly watching over the villagers turned prisoners that lined the outskirts of the area. His long silvery hair flowed in the wind and complimented his entire suit of Mythril plate armor.

"Ah, there he is and...!" Glenn said until he was stopped in awe. "Is that this era's Grandleon at his side?!"

"Calm yourself," Janus said quietly. "It still seems corrupted even in this era. I wonder if this 'paladin' has any idea what he is wielding."

"Then we shall see!" Glenn said strongly.

"Halt, wait for just a few more moments," Janus said patiently.

"Why?" Glenn replied.

Janus held up his hand and began counting down using his fingers. After he closed them, he took a deep breath and in the distance, a sound could be heard, "Ty's smoke bomb," Janus said. Then another noise could be heard to the west, "Garet's gunfire," he claimed.

Garai was now alert and wondering what the sounds were. "He has noticed!" Glenn said impatiently.

Janus tried focusing to hear Lucca's gunfire or Robo's weapons but he did not hear them, "Lucca must still be trying to find Melghid. No matter, let us confront this, Garai," Janus said coldly.

Before Garai could leave his post, Glenn placed a foot on the wall and shouted down to him, "Garai of the 4 Devas! I am Glenn a knight from Guardia's past! I have come to challenge you! Prepare yourself!" he said as he leaped from the wall down to the fountain.

Janus appeared from the other side of Garai and he seemed unimpressed, "Hmm, I was warned that the King of this country had the means of calling upon the past and future to aid him. I was not expecting an old hero and an old villain to come to this nation's aid at the same time."

"We manage," Glenn stated as he drew his sword.

Janus drew his scythe from a puff of smoke and Garai took the Grandleon and his ordinary sword from his sides and crossed them above his head. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, "This sword, the Grandleon. It is cursed with a thirst for blood. I shall sate its bloodlust with yours!" he said viciously.

Garai's eyes grew dark and glowed with red light. He dashed toward Glenn and he parried the corrupted Grandleon with his sword. The other sword came crashing down and Glenn blocked it with his shield.

Janus shielded himself with a Magic Wall and then followed it up with a new spell, "Magic Draw: Shifting Sand!" he chanted as he cast his very own Earth spell. He seemed to be in a trance when he used this spell as if someone else was choosing the spell at random. A geyser of sand erupted from a magical circle and traveled over to Garai like a snake. It pummeled Garai's back causing him to break off from Glenn.

Garai turned to face Janus and made a mad dash for him. He roared with the wrath of the corrupted Grandleon. Janus dodged his mighty swings as silently as an owl. As Janus dodged, he chanted. Another spell, "Magic Draw: Howling Wind!" he said strongly as a screeching blast of powerful wind magic crashed into Garai and shoved him back several feet. "He certainly is a sturdy one," Janus thought.

Glenn took the opportunity to strike, "You are wide open! Never turn your back to an opponent!" he said with an Aerial Dive.

Glenn's blade struck Garai in the shoulder but it was quickly halted by his thick armor. Blood trickled down Garai's back but he seemed undaunted and Glenn leaped into the air above him. Garai countered with a three-swipe combo that caught Glenn off guard. Glenn was struck and hurled to the ground, bleeding badly. He was then hit two more times before Glenn took a more defensive stance. His blood began to pool beneath him as he ground his teeth. Garai smiled wickedly, "Yes..., be sated Grandleon...," he murmured as the sword pulsated with a sickly light.

"Magic Draw: Blinding Light!" Janus said in a trance. As soon as Janus unleashed his spell he realized that it was a bad draw as it was dependent on his Magic Wall. Since the Magic Wall currently did not protect him from Light magic the Blinding Light spell did nothing but bounce off of Garai. "Damn!" he cursed.

Garai turned to him and performed a powerful technique. He swiped the ground and multiple sword beam trails raced across it. With a roar, Garai's technique then made a swift and powerful rush toward Janus, "No time to dodge!" he grunted as the technique struck him. Janus's Magic Wall shattered and he was thrown to the ground.

"Does the Grandleon still sting, Fiendlord? My Will Breaker technique amplified its power many times over!" Garai asked creepily.

Janus found himself stunned by the pain as he struggled to regain control of his body. Glenn had his arms raised above his head, "Got to recover while he's distracted!" Glenn mumbled quietly.

However, Garai turned his head to face Glenn in an eerie manner. He began walking over to Glenn as he continued his healing spell. Garai raised the Grandleon above his head, ready to bring it down on the injured Glenn. Then, Garai suddenly stopped as his body was enveloped by shadowy tendrils, "Magic Draw: Lurking Shadows!" Janus said breathing heavily. Without the Magic Wall, this spell was limited to its shadowy version and nothing more. These shadows burned and tore at Garai's body all while keeping him bound. "Glenn, hurry with that healing spell before we bleed out!" Janus scolded.

"Yes! It is done!" Glenn claimed as both he and Janus were covered in a warm soothing light. "Ah, that is better."

Janus got to his feet as Garai broke his spell's hold. "Let us try some combinations, we are not dealing enough damage to bring him down," Janus recommended.

"Indeed, enough holding back!" Glenn said as he began casting his Water magic. "My Bubble Burst with your Dark Bomb!"

"A Dark Bubble it shall be then," Janus said softly. He conjured a Dark Bomb and it was enveloped by Glenn's bubble. The result resembled a black oily bubble that made its way to Garai. Garai, blinded by bloodlust, attacked the bubble with his blade and it burst, causing him to be blasted with oozing dark magic. The Dark Bubble broke off into four smaller bubbles that found their way back to him to hit him further. After it cleared, the now heavily damaged Garai began spitting up blood.

Garai then set his gaze on the morning sky above and his body gleamed with Light magic. He crossed his swords again and was consumed with a healing spell. It stopped his bleeding but did not restore him completely. Garai then spoke with some of his senses restored, "I will not be defeated by the likes of you! I am the leader of the 4 Devas! We gained so much in the last few decades. If I fall, then all we have worked for will be lost!" he said angrily with a hint of melancholy.

"All you worked for?" Glenn said in frustration. "You have what you have because of a wicked man from the distant past! A wicked man that only did what he did for the sake of twisted revenge against us!"

"Garai," Janus began. "I do not know the extent of what Dalton told you and your people but he ultimately used you for his own gain. He will no longer support your country now that he has what he wants. If he awakens, I predict he will use the Flame's power, Lavos's power, to annihilate your country as well as the others. He wishes the world and all time be under his command."

Garai shook his head in disbelief as he gnashed his teeth in frustration, "No..., this can't be right!" he said as the Grandleon sent him back into his previous state.

"Glenn! A stronger spell!" Janus shouted.

"Yes, here it comes!" Glenn said with coordination.

"May your bloodlust be drowned in the Deep Sea," Janus murmured as a torrent of pitch-black water began to surround Garai.

Garai seemed to panic as the maelstrom of water enveloped him like a snake wrapped its prey. The pressure he felt was immense as if Glenn and Janus had sent him to the very bottom of the sea. The magical water dispersed until no trace of it was found. Garai was out cold as he fell back into the water fountain and dropped the Grandleon.

Glenn inspected Garai, "Not a man of many words was he?"

"...," Janus mused. "Let us hope that Crono has made it to the castle. Come we must detain this man. I sense the others are victorious as well."

*Later*

After the defeat of the 4 Devas, Crono's party took back control of Leene Square and kicked out any resisting soldiers with little difficulty. The Guardian people cheered and rejoiced as they were set free. The 4 Devas were detained around Nadia's Bell, asleep from Ty's poisons. Crono's party reconvened here as well. "Mission success!" Tomo cheered.

"I wonder if Crono has made it to the castle yet?" Ty asked no one in particular.

"Not to worry!" Lucca said strongly. "I'm sure he's just now opening the front door!" she continued with a hearty, triumphant laugh.

*Guardia Castle, Catacombs*

"Whew! It was a good move, taking that secret path in the forest again. No one seems to be this far down beneath the castle!" Marle said with relief.

"Yeah, while the Porre Soldiers look for us in the forest outside we'll be creeping in on Viper!" Crono said confidently.

"It like hunt! Ayla silent like big cat!" Ayla said softly.

On cue, a strange shadow moved in front of the party and then it materialized from the ground in front of them. It was in the shape of a large cat no less. It was indeed a spirit of some kind. Its cat-like body was made from a dark material while its eyes, the tips of its ears, and the tip of its tail were like flames.

"That seems... appropriate," Crono replied with a raised brow.

The shadow cat retreated slightly as Crono approached with a readied step. "Crono, look!" Marle said as she pointed out a whole pack of these entities that made themselves known throughout the catacombs.

"What are these guys? They weren't here last time we were here," Crono thought out loud.

Ayla growled while keeping her stance low, "Evil spirit...," she said. Ayla got on all fours and let out an intimidating growl.

The shadow cat backed up and vanished into thin air as did the rest of them. "Well, that certainly was... strange," Marle said puzzled.

"Ominous, more like it," Crono added.

The party then quickly and quietly made their way through the catacombs and into the prison. As they made their way through the prison it felt like they were being watched but they had no time to sit and think about it as they finally made it through the prison and back into the castle itself.

*Guardia Castle*

Marle became distressed as she viewed her now barren home, "Ty was right..., everything that wasn't nailed down is... gone!"

Crono clenched his teeth, "Bastards, they must have spent the whole time we were away just taking everything they could get their hands on!"

"Like Reptite raids! Reptite attack village! Take everything!" Ayla said in comparison.

"Come on, let's find Viper!" Crono said angrily.

It didn't take long for Crono and the others to find Viper as he was in the throne room holding an auction for many of the items found in the castle. They peeked around the corner passed the open door and saw many wealthy aristocrats seated in chairs. All of them were foreign to Guardia. Many seats were empty as it seemed most of the castle's treasures were auctioned off. The Rainbow Shell and the Sunstone were all that was left and a peculiar man was making ludicrous bids on them. Every time Viper got a bid from someone else, this fellow would make it far higher.

Marle was distraught, "Crono..., all of our things...," she said trying to choke back tears.

"I know, and this strange guy right here really wants the Rainbow Shell and Sunstone," Crono whispered quietly.

He had a presence about him. He appeared human but not quite. He wore a black uniform with gold details and trimmings. It consisted of a trench coat, a black mantle on his back with a high-collar and yellow lining, a purple obi, black boots, pants, sleeves, and finally, a gold-plated hat that had two horn-like protrusions that pointed directly behind him. He had large beastly hands, long brown spiky hair, and a human face that was covered in facial hair that, while well groomed, still seemed to have a wild feel to it. His most defining feature, however, was the large animal ears he sported. These ears gave off a nostalgic feel of a feline, but not any known to draw a direct comparison.

Crono and Marle were shocked, "I-is that a...?!" Marle began.

"Why strange man have big cat ears?" Ayla asked quietly.

"He must be! He must be Lynx!" Crono said with a strong whisper.

"Ty and Tomo were right after all! He's definitely a Demi-Human!" Marle said as she raised her voice a little. She quickly realized her error and covered her mouth as she took cover.

Then, the man looked back over his shoulder and turned his head quietly in their direction. His emerald beast-like eyes give off a glow like any cat or other nocturnal beast. He then smiled as he turned back to Viper and made another ridiculous bid. This time no one challenged his bid and a few more people got up and left until everyone but Viper and the mysterious man were all that was left.

'Lynx' approached Viper and shook his hand. He then turned to leave but before he did so he once again turned his gaze to Crono and his party. He then simply smirked and began to leave the castle altogether with not a word to them as he passed their hiding spot.

"Did anyone else feel the atmosphere lose a few pounds?" Marle asked comically.

"Yeah, the walking omen just stepped out. Now's our chance to confront Viper!" Crono said Marle and Ayla readied themselves.

Crono leaped out of the safety of cover and entered the throne room with Marle and Ayla to his left and right respectively. "Viper!"Crono shouted sternly.

Viper focused his full attention on Crono and his party as he was backed up by Porre Soldiers. He then placed his arm out giving his men the signal to back down. He calmly approached the party and gave them a warm smile. "I've been expecting you to show at some point, 'King Crono'...," Viper said with a belittling tone.

"I'll be brief, Viper. Tell me where my dad is," Crono demanded.

"Caelus? He is on the rooftops, the balcony to be specific. Waiting for you. He told me to tell you exactly where to find him," Viper explained.

"Good," Crono said as he began to walk off.

"Ah, are you forgetting something?" Viper asked as he signaled his men. The men surrounded Crono. "You'll have to get passed-!" he said as he was cut off. Crono had cut down all of Viper's men with his superhuman speed.

"I 'am' past you," Crono said with tranquil fury. "My wife and friend there will be who you will be dealing with. Now, if you don't mind, I will see to my dad." With that, Crono dashed off to find his dad on the rooftops.

Viper scoffed as Crono dashed out of the throne room. Marle readied her bow and Ayla pounded the floor with her fists. Viper then sighed as he revealed a large sword with a unique shape. The blade was in the shape of an anchor, "Very well, 'Queen of Guardia' if you and your friend wish to face me alone then I will show you the folly of such arrogance! You will feel the bite of my blade, the Viper's Venom!"

"Viper we don't have to do this! We can make a new truce!" Marle claimed strongly.

"Silence!" Viper retorted angrily as he slashed with his sword. A mighty yellow sword beam as bright as the dawn swept across the castle floor. Marle and Ayla effortlessly leaped over it. Marle retaliated with her arrows but Viper used his sword as a shield deflecting all but one that pierced his right shoulder. He grunted in pain as he pulled the arrow and cast it to the floor. As he did so, Ayla came from above and with a mighty pounce, bashed the towering man over the head with her rock-hard fist.

Viper stumbled back as he laughed heartily. Blood dripped from his forehead that he casually wiped away. "I see I may have underestimated you. Perhaps your confidence was not misplaced."

Marle loaded her bow, "I've earned it! All of us have! We fought for this world and all of its inhabitants many times now!"

Viper's eyes shifted back and forth as if Marle's words began cracking down on the lies he was fed. "No! The Kingdom of Guardia must fall for everyone to gain their freedoms and their independence! I will not stop until the shadow of Guardia is removed from all other lands!" he said angrily as he began attacking with his sword again.

Marle narrowly dodged and placed some distance between herself and Viper with some backflips. Before Viper could lunge in and close the distance she gained, she placed a Tricky Arrow at his feet which burst into a thick glue. However, Viper was close enough that he held his sword over her and he wore a stern expression as he believed he could make the kill. Unfortunately for him, Ayla quickly intercepted with a hard Roundillo Kick to his left side. This punted the large man like a rag doll but he did not fall. He held his side in pain and astonishment at Ayla's strength. He propped himself up using his sword as a cane as he took deep breaths. Ayla closed in like a cat, ready to pounce.

"What is she, a wild animal?" Viper mumbled quietly to himself. As Ayla closed in, Viper regained his composure with a grin. "Let's see if I can utilize a little G-Force to strike you a little harder!" he said as Ayla took hits from Viper's sword. Ayla bled as she stumbled back. Viper leaped into the air and brought down his sword in an attempt to behead her but it failed and only opened up Ayla's right shoulder. "Damn, I missed her neck!" Viper cursed.

Viper raised his sword in an attempt to finish the job but was suddenly stopped by a powerful arrow from Marle that effortlessly ran through Viper's upper torso and out the other side. "That's one of my Deadly Arrows, Viper. Don't make me put it through your heart next time! Now, surrender!"

Viper expelled blood from his mouth as he held his wound with one hand and his sword with another, "NEVER!" he shouted as he seemed to enter a blind rage. Viper swiped the blade three times, horizontally and diagonally twice. This created three golden beams of light that met in the middle, "Air Force, go!" Viper said as he forced out his palm and the beams of light raced over Marle.

"Oh no!" Marle cried out as she was sent flying.

She lay motionless on the floor of her home curled up into the fetal position. Viper approached, dragging his sword across the ground. "N-Now I have you... No more games... No more surprises...," Viper said as he struggled to lift his sword.

Marle popped up like a mole from the ground, "Except one...!" she said as she cast an ice spell.

Viper was surprised, but smirked, "You missed!"

"Wasn't aiming for you!" Marle said as she stuck out her tongue. "Ayla now!"

Viper looked behind him in terror as he saw Ayla holding a large boulder of ice with only one arm. Ayla roared, and with a powerful throw, she hit Viper with the massive boulder causing it to shatter and bury him in the resulting ice chunks. He looked up at Marle angrily, who now stood over him. "Be calm, I don't want your life. Now, we're going to stop this nonsense and work things out," Marle said with authority.

With that Viper passed out cold.

*Caelus Trigger*

Crono made his way to the ruined rooftops of Guardia Castle. He found himself standing on a large square balcony that overlooked the kingdom. The King would sometimes come here to view Leene Square from his castle. Caelus now stood in this spot, overlooking the Square in disappointment. The old Epoch sat in a corner of the balcony.

He did not turn to face his son but spoke in a melancholic manner, "So, you came alone, did you? I see you left all your friends behind."

Crono hardened his gaze, "Yes, we split up to deal with Porre's forces. Plus, every time I brought friends with me you tried to kill them. So today, as the sun rises, I come to meet you alone."

"You have a sense of finality in your voice," Caelus said softly.

"Rightly so," Crono said. "My friends have pushed back Porre. I can feel it. We're preparing to make a new truce dad. As the new King, I will grant the other nations under our control their independence. Come on, let's end this without any more bloodshed."

"I always knew you were a strong boy, Crono. You make me proud," Caelus said with a chuckle. "But I am too grateful to Dalton for saving me. His voice echoes through my mind even now. It would seem, however, Dalton is still not yet ready to rise. His transformation is taking longer than expected."

"Dad, Dalton only saved you so he could poison you against me. Why can't you see that?" Crono asked with a heartfelt tone to his voice.

Caelus paused with a deep breath, "I can see that, son. The truth is, this is no longer Dalton's game..."

"...?" Crono mused with a raised brow.

"Truly, Dalton has not been a player for a long time now," Caelus began. "The moment he took the Flame he bonded to it, becoming a new host for Lavos. However, Dalton was weak-minded, which was beneficial for Lavos. With Dalton, Lavos could shape and mold his mind how it pleased. Lavos only cares about its own survival and nothing more. It cannot grasp our views of good or evil only that which would benefit its survival."

"So wait! Is Dalton... gone?" Crono asked in a confused manner.

"Yes, while it was his voice that those you have fought heard, it was Lavos that moved his mouth," Caelus explained. "The Priest, the Frog King, the Central Regime, Quin, Zelah, and even... myself, all became Lavos's pawns to ensure its life...," Caelus said as he unsheathed the Rainbow Sword.

Caelus finally turned to face his son. The breath was taken from Crono's mouth as he gazed into his dad's eyes. His eyes were now the same as those within the Frozen Flame. They were sickly yellow irises surrounding tiny black pupils set in the ink-black sclera. Crono instinctively popped his sword from its sheath with his thumb. With a bright flash, Crono had parried his dad's attack.

Tears of blood ran down his dad's cheek, "Son, you're going to have to kill me. Lavos's hold is too great! I am corrupted! Like the rest!"

Crono clenched his teeth, "No, I will find a way to save you!"

The two danced in swordplay as the sun rose on the plundered castle. Rainbow and silver sparks splashed with each parry. Crono used many of his techniques only for his dad to return with his own version of the same skill. The Steel Cyclone bounced off of Caelus's Cyclone like two spinning tops vying for dominance over the ground they fought on.

The spinning finally broke with yet another flurry of sparks and Crono swept his blade across the ground casting a flurry of sword beams that barreled toward his dad. Caelus easily countered with his own Wind Slash.

The two continued their flurry of expert swordsmanship, knowing that even one blow would allow great leverage for victory. Crono leaped high into the air and came down with his sword trying to cleave his dad's wrist open so he would drop the glittering Rainbow Sword. His effort failed, however, as Caelus retreated backward. Crono's sword hit the ground with a spark and as he looked up to face his dad, Caelus swiped back at him opening a wound across his chest.

Before Caelus could strike again, Crono went into a Wild Frenzy, attacking his dad with a flurry of stunning sword strikes with every unique sword he owned and afterimages for defense against counterstrikes. This time Crono managed to leave cuts on his dad's arms, legs, and torso but he was undaunted. He attacked Crono with a Photon Ray that grazed his left arm and Crono shot back with a Lightning Bolt that Caelus took full force.

The two took a moment to catch their breath, "Dad, that's enough, put down the sword!" Crono commanded.

Caelus only sighed in a saddened manner as he was unable to bring himself to do so. Instead, he cast an instant Photon Beam that hit Crono in the abdomen but did not pierce his body. Crono was left with terrible burns on his abs. Clenching his teeth and throwing up his hands, Crono ignored the painful burn and bathed his dad in a Scintillation. Caelus was unable to dodge the flurry of lightning bolts and was pushed back.

Caelus had been badly damaged up to this point, but he set his corrupted gaze skyward and lifted the Rainbow Sword. He cast Holy Healing on himself and with bright dancing light that surrounded his entire being, he was healed completely of all damage his son had inflicted.

Crono took a second to meditate, "I knew it would come to this. No matter what I did, my dad would just undo all of it. I can do the same but...," he thought as a fierce light filled his eyes upon opening them. "I'll have to do this all at once and hope you survive!"

Crono lifted his hands high and he levitated off the ground. Caelus grew concerned as the very atmosphere filled with energy and turned a luminescent green color. To protect its pawn, Lavos threw Caelus at his son. As Crono gathered energy his dad struck him many times with the Rainbow Sword. Crono could feel the struggle taking place within his dad through the sword strikes.

Then suddenly, Caelus stopped and stood before his son. With a breath cutoff, a bright burst of raw light magic erupted beneath him. It was so large it consumed Caelus completely in its dome shape. The people down below and Crono's friends could see the powerful spell from the Square.

Lucca gasped as she could see the great ball of light from the fields of Guardia. "Luminaire...," she muttered softly.

The spell's very presence displaced the air around it and its hum could be heard coming down from the castle with a whoosh. As the spell dispersed, it left Caelus standing with more damage than ever previously inflicted on him. He did not move but he did not drop the Rainbow Sword either. Crono breathed heavily, exasperated by the feat of casting Luminaire.

His dad's eyes suddenly opened, his grip tightening on the sword. Then his whole body began to pulsate with light and this light filled Crono with fear. "...You got to be kidding me... An Aura Surge!"

Crono's dad transformed via an Aura Surge and he stood before his son with golden hair just as he had when he transformed. Caelus gave his son a sad gaze as tears of blood ran down his cheeks. Crono braced himself in fear for what his dad's next move was. "...Am I going to die again...?" he thought fearfully.

However, a miracle occurred, and Caelus sheathed the Rainbow Sword. The look on his face tells that some otherworldly voice got a hold of him. Instead of attacking he approached the Epoch, the old time machine, and boarded it. With the push of a button, Caelus rode the machine high into the sky and it crackled until it vanished in the blink of an eye.

Crono was stunned as he dropped to his knees. Marle and Ayla came running through the door and to his side. "Crono, what happened?! Why did Caelus leave after all that?!" Marle asked in distress.

"I-I don't know...," Crono muttered sadly as he wiped his face of tears in an attempt to conceal his emotions. He smiled with a wide toothy grin, "But it looks like we won back Guardia!"

Marle hugged her husband and Ayla joined in as she lifted them both slightly. It became a group hug. "Come on everyone, let's get the Porre Legion out of here," Crono finished with a groan of ladies agreed with a cheer.

*Later, Leene Square*

And so the leaders of both Porre and Guardia congregated after all was said and done to settle their differences. A treaty lay before them as Crono and Marle faced Viper and his Devas. Crono faced them with dignity, "We stand here today, as I, King Crono, and Queen Marle relinquish any and all political hold over Porre and Choras. May both nations live in the peace of their own independence!" Crono announced strongly.

The Porre Legion and its leaders cried out in victory as Crono and Marle signed the treaty alongside Viper and his Devas. Treasures that were left had been divided evenly among the nations and all militaristic presences of each nation would return to their homelands. Viper spoke to his army in a loud and booming voice, "Attention all soldiers of the Porrean Legion! I, General Viper, declare that we are victorious this day! As per the treaty, we will not be occupants of Guardia but instead, return home to begin our nation's new existence under our own sovereignty! And with that, I order every Porrean soldier to begin packing up so that we may begin our journey home!"

*A Week Later*

After seven long days, the Porrean Military had completely vacated Guardian soil and retreated back to Porre. While Porre and Choras were now their own sovereign nations, the damage to Guardia had been done. Crono and Marle received both praise and rebuke for their actions regarding the outcome of the war but they paid it no mind, at least for now.

The Chancellor approached Crono, who sat restlessly on a ruined throne, rubbing his forehead. "Sire, during the Porre Incursion, we, the servants of the castle managed to find and preserve the body of the former King. As such, he is ready for a proper burial. The gloom that Guardia is under cannot be understated." explained the Chancellor.

"I know, this whole ordeal has been a real depressing one," said Crono with a sigh.

"Well, since the King is now ready for burial I come to you now to ask when you would like to hold the funeral. Should we wait for a little while longer to further preparations or do it as soon as possible?" asked the Chancellor.

Crono thought about it for a moment, "Hmm, give it a little more time Chancellor. I think the Guardians would like some time to pick up the pieces of their homes before we lay Marle's dad to rest. I also have some unfinished ends to meet so I will be taking off here once everything has settled," Crono explained.

"You're leaving again?" the Chancellor asked with astonishment. "But what about the people?"

"Not to worry, Chancellor. I want everyone here to continue their jobs as usual. Clean the castle of debris, fix what's broken, and tend to the needs of the people. If I don't find my old man and his 'puppeteer' there will be a worse calamity to hit this kingdom," Crono said sternly.

The Chancellor was filled with fear over what horror Crono claimed would befall them, "Yes, Sire! We will keep things in line until you return!" he said.

"Good, don't worry Marle and I won't be gone for very long. We will leave in the morning," Crono reassured as he left his throne.

*End of Act*