Chapter 2 / Princess Nadia

For a moment I felt like I was falling...but in this strange void I never felt like I was in a complete free fall...more like I was being led to a specific destination. And then I could finally make something out...like a hole that had appeared before and I was propelled towards it. I tumbled out and jumped up to my feet and put my hand on the hilt of my katana. I turned to see that the gate I had come out of, had closed...it was no where to be found.

"Marle?" I called out as I took in my surroundings. Was this on a mountain, or a hill? Either way the trees around me were colored orange and red...indications of it being in the fall...and I could feel a coolness in the air. It certainly wasn't the warmer temperatures like back home. So this had to be a completely different place I certainly didn't remember a place like this. Then the trees around began to rustle. "Who's there?"

"Seems like this human has wandered a ways off from its home," it was an Imp...and not only an Imp but a blue Imp. I had heard of them...they lived in the Mystic village on the other continent but Mystics and Humans rarely interacted with each other due to their differences. And just a long standing bitterness leftover from the war with the Mystics. "I guess its our job to be accommodating."

Two other Blue Imps came from either side of me. I guess this was going to be one of those kind of fights. Either way...I pulled out my katana and readied it...they barely registered the fact that I had a weapon. The one to my right made the first move, deciding to throw a rock at me, but it was done simply in order to get me to move. I was ready though and took a step back, letting the stone pass by me harmlessly as another one of the Imps charged at me. I quickly side stepped and flipped around to kick the imp away and then came swinging at the last Imp who failed to realize the attack would be coming at him so quickly. He jumped back but I still cut the front of him.

"You're surprisingly skilled, human," the Imp legitimately seemed impressed.

"Leave now, or next time I'll strike to kill," I said as all three imps took a step back. Every second was a time wasted that I should be finding Marle. And if imps had attacked me...then Marle might be in serious trouble. Though to be honest she was incredibly tough and deadly with her crossbow, so whoever decided to give her trouble was going to have issues. As long as nothing had happened in the interim.

"Hey...is it really worth it?" one of the imps asked the apparent leader.

"Alright...well you've impressed me, human. What is your name?" the blue imp asked.

"Crono," I said simply.

"I will remember that name," The blue imp said as the three of them disappeared back into the woods. Was the blue imp impressed or something? Well...it wasn't like I knew much about the mystics or imps anyway. Maybe they had an odd code of honor or something.

I sighed and sheathed my sword. So I wasn't in a place of safety...but what about Marle? It was a good thing she had her crossbow with her when she went through the gate herself. Anyone that tried to give her trouble was going to get more than they bargained for. Still, I needed to find her...but first getting out of this area would be first priority. Then establishing where I was...if it was even possible for me to do so. If there were Mystics here...had Marle and I simply just jumped to a different continent? Or was this a different place altogether? Only one way to really find out. And no reason to stick around here.

There was only one real path out of here as this place seemed like a cleared out area that someone could camp out at. Still I should probably remember this place just in case I need to go back to it. I remained cautious as I moved forward and saw a small waterfall and river...and a bridge ahead of me. As I approached the bridge I could tell it had been worn...it looked like it hadn't seen maintenance in a while. And down below...I could see more Imps...but this bridge was definitely human construction. Why were there Mystics here? Had they invaded human territory or something? Or maybe they were planning to. Either way I saw a clear path. It was probably best if I avoided contact...and going across the bridge would definitely call attention to myself. Instead, I scaled down along the trees. Sure it was a little difficult to do so while attempting not to make any noise but there was no benefit to making a big ruckus and getting into a fight unnecessarily.

It took me a while, not sure how long, but I managed to scale down and leave what was apparently a mountain as I walked away. Thankfully I noticed that there was a town within walking distance. And maybe it was my imagination but the terrain seemed familiar...but it was definitely different. I noticed that the Mystics had not been there very long...as a matter of fact they didn't seem very organized so more than likely they were vagabonds and unlikely an advanced vanguard unit. Plus the mountain seemed too remote and hardly strategic for a Mystic stronghold. And judging by the fireplace...there had actually been humans there within the week.

The long walk gave me time to think...Marle wasn't defenseless, so if she had arrived here, I had to imagine she managed to escape the mountain and more than likely would have headed to the city...it would have been the smart thing to do. Plus Marle had more keen eyes than I did...it had been evident in just the small amount of time I had spent with her. Marle...she is an amazingly beautiful young woman...it wasn't only just that though. She definitely seemed to be well educated...she was just a bit sheltered. And now she was thrown out here...in the middle of an unknown place, on her own. I had her pendant with me, I looked down at it in my hand...just what was with this pendant that was able to do what it did? I stuffed it back into my bag as I was approaching the town. I noticed the building that was clearly labeled as tavern on the far side. There were also several soldiers around the tavern. They gave me an odd look but left me alone...the thing was...the armor they wore...it was a lot like the Guardia kingdom...but from hundreds of years ago. I shook my head...I shouldn't jump to conclusions. I was more surprised I remembered anything from Mom's history lessons.

Still despite the looks I made my way in to the tavern. It seemed like a full house for tonight. I moved over to a free chair on a back table and tried to listen in on the conversations going on. The less attention I brought to myself the better.

"Did you hear? Looks like Zenan Bridge got destroyed, so now we can't even access the southern continent," one of the patrons said.

"Well we are at war...I heard Magus' main general attacked the bridge and that we took it out ourselves so we can prepare a counter attack," another said.

"Wait we took out our own bridge? But we have family over there!" the first patron got irritated. "Just what is the Guardia family doing?"

"Hey, don't speak about things you don't know anything about," One of the guards that was apparently off duty said as he put down his drink.

"Then what have you been doing?" the patron boldly replied.

"Are you daft? The Queen had been kidnapped, all military operations were put on hold to search for her," The Guard replied.

"Huh?" the other Patron started. "But I heard they found someone in the mountains and that she was the queen."

"I heard she wasn't wearing something the Queen usually wore so that seems a bit odd to me," the first Patron stated.

"Well it had to be the Queen because they called off the search. Either way we'll be repairing the bridge soon to make a charge at the Mystic army," the guard said dismissively and returned to his drink. I had heard more than enough.

I quickly excused myself and left the tavern. I couldn't believe what I had heard...this WAS Guardia kingdom...but during the war with the Mystics and their enigmatic leader named Magus. I remembered reading about this. But wait...Queen Leene was found at...the Cathedral...not the mountains. That was definitely a problem. Wait...so this had to be...around 600AD...had I...gone back in time? That explained why things felt the same geography wise but was still different. But why was there a claim they had found the Queen in the mountains? And one of the patrons had said she wore odd clothing...I needed to confirm this...that meant going to Guardia castle.

Still then, this meant that I was in Truce village...of around 600AD...400 years ago. Eesh...just what kind of crazy was I in here? Either way I set out towards the castle, which could easily be seen from the main road in Truce. The forest that led up to the castle was used as a natural defense that in my opinion was a double edged sword as Truce was very close to the Castle, it was more likely the town would be destroyed if only to draw out the soldiers of the castle. The castle itself was build on top of a mountain and had been forcibly flattened to build upon it. It must have been a lot of work when the castle originally went up. I made my way to the castle through the path of the forest...which was nearly identical to the path in the present. I did have to kill a few monsters along the way but nothing major or remotely dangerous.

I stared at the castle door and took a deep breath. I had a feeling I knew what I would find out...but that also worried me. I pushed the large door opened and entered the Entrance Hall of the castle. I closed the door behind me as two guards quickly approached me. Though honestly wouldn't it make more sense to station the guards on the outside of the door?

"Halt! Who goes there?" The first Guard approached me and looked at my clothing. "I have not seen your face before. And those clothes are quite outlandish. Wouldn't be an agent of the Fiendlord, would we?"

"Do Fiendlord agents make a habit of strolling through the front door of an enemy castle?" I countered.

"Heh, he wouldn't make the cut even if he was. This boy isn't build to lift a sword, let alone serve in the Fiendlord's army," the other Guard decided to taunt me. I'll give it to these guys though...my outfit would seem odd and my hair style and crimson hair color definitely stood out. Most people didn't have spikey red hair. I wouldn't let me in to the castle either if I was in their position.

"I suppose you're right. Run along kid or we'll have to lock you up in the..."

"Stop that at once!" a voice of authority rang through the Entrance Hall as another individual appeared.

I looked to the source and found myself unable to do anything. The woman who had appeared was gorgeous...no, beautiful beyond words and it was almost as if she alone illuminated the entire hall. As if she were the only source of light in a world of darkness. She wore a shimmering white-green dress and walked with an elegance befitting of someone of royalty...I didn't realize till a moment later that I had been holding my breath.

"That man, is a friend of mine and you will treat him as such," she said and locked eyes with me.

No...it couldn't be...but there was also no other solution...there was nothing else it could be. I decided it was best to say nothing and try and soak up as much information as possible.

"But, Your Majesty, there is something strange about the way he looks," The first guard protested.

She glared at him, "Are you refusing to obey my orders?" The command in her voice clearly showed a tone of authority...not just anyone would so easily sound that way.

He quickly shook his head and bowed to her, "No of course not! Forgive me, Your Majesty."

"Thank you," she looked at me. "Come to my quarters later, but feel free to look around the castle." Without another word she turned and left. But I could never mistake that smile of hers...It was definitely her...Marle. If that was the case then...it would only make sense she could be mistaken for the Queen. That meant that Marle was not her real name.

No I couldn't waste time, I ran up the stairs after her and saw as she disappeared off to a right hallway. But I stopped when I realized I was in the throne room and the King was on his throne. I stopped and bowed.

"Rise...you are the one named Crono I assume. Queen Leene said it was you that rescued her. Although..." He shook his head.

"Is something wrong, Your Majesty?" I pressed.

"Its just Leene always had a hair pin with the Guardia family crest...she always wore it and now she claims to have lost it but she does not seemed concerned about it," The King did sound quite confused...and no doubt Marle's personality was something quite different as well. But his concern meant that Leene would have never been caught without it. A treasured possession...much like Marle's pendant no doubt.

"I wouldn't worry, Your Majesty. She is more than likely just glad to be safe again," I said in a comforting tone. What bothered me was the man next to the king...who seemed to grumble something under his breath before walking off. Judging by what he wore...he was more than likely the Chancellor. "If you'll excuse me, Your Highness. The Queen wished to see me."

"Ah, yes of course. She more than likely wishes to thank you. Please, as a way of thanks, make yourself at home within the castle," The King smiled as I got up to my feet and off to the hallway where I had seen Marle disappear to.

I made my way up the stairs all the way to the top. I didn't take time to look at anything as I had a clear objective. I came to the top floor and a guard stood blocking the door. I approached him, "I'm here to see her Majesty. She's expecting me."

"Ah you must be Sir Crono," he nodded. "She has permitted you entry, but please do not linger, Her Majesty needs time to rest."

I nodded as he moved out of the way and allowed me to pass. I walked down the hall but I could feel my heart pounding a mile a minute just by the implications this all meant. Things were incredibly messed up. I walked into the room of the Queen. She looked at me and turned to her handmaidens

"Please leave us. I need to have a word with this man in private," the Queen instructed. The handmaidens bowed and then moved passed me...only giving me a glance before disappearing out into the hallway and the door closed behind them. "Come closer, don't be shy."

I moved up next to her, "Are you having fun, Marle?"

She giggled, "You knew right away didn't you?"

"Not right away...but I..." I stopped for a moment and considered my words. "Only you smile that way."

She smiled with her cheeks visibly changing to a shade of red, "We barely know each other but somehow...I knew you would come for me. I just didn't imagine things would happen like this." The smile faded as she let out a long sigh. "I suppose this means you figured out who I really am and how I was able to be mistaken for the Queen."

Of course...and the answer explained a lot of things. "You're Princess Nadia Guardia...the ever protected and kept from the eye of the Kingdom. The King has been super protective of you since your Mother died," I said softly. It both explained how she was able to walk around freely without being recognized and look a lot like her ancestor. Of course...this was now causing another problem. Hardly a problem you would ever expect to have.

She nodded, "You know quite a lot don't you? Father protects me for the sake of the Guardia line...but there has actually been several times the family line came close to ending. Though my Father has been prone to paranoia since Mom died."

"Like right now. They are convinced you are Queen Leene...and because of that they canceled the search for her," I said looking at her. "Look...Your...Maj..."

She stepped forward and put her hand on my mouth. She knew what I had intended to say...but she wanted nothing to do with it. "No," she said angrily and I could see it clearly in her pale emerald eyes. "Don't you dare do that. We're friends, partners...equals. You are the one person in the world I never want to have bowing to me. To you...I am Nadia...or Marle. Well when we are alone you can call me Nadia but when were out and about..." She trailed off. I guess when it was just us it would be Nadia...but she didn't want to let on that she was the princess to others.

I gently moved her hand, "Nadia...I'm sorry." So don't call her 'Your Majesty' or she gets mad. Well...I didn't know her very well yet but I wanted too. But one thing at a time.

"I've have enough servants and guards...and even though I didn't tell you the truth...you were still the first person that made me feel like an equal...that made me feel like I was...that I mattered as more than just something to be pampered," she said in a whisper as she moved towards me and placed her head on my shoulder. "Oh, Crono...what are we going to do? I can't convince them I'm not Leene and there is no way I'll be able to leave the castle like this. Maybe if you found Leene then we could...I..." She then fully collapsed into me, but something felt off. "Crono...I feel...something is wrong...it's like...it hurts! Crono!"

"Nadia," I turned her to take a look at her but I saw a look of pain and terror in her eyes.

"Crono," her voice came as a whisper as I brought her over to the bed and picked her up to place her onto it. "I think...I'm dying...like something is..."

Then right before my eyes she simply...disappeared into some odd green aura. I got to my feet and took a deep breath. "Nadia..." The only immediate thought was that because the search got called off...the real Leene died and was never found. Because of that Nadia's ancestors were never born...and so she and all of family in between had simply...disappeared. But if I still had my memories of her...did that mean I still had time? In history...Leene was found at the Cathedral by a knight of this kingdom. All I had to do was go and bring back Leene...that should correct the time line. This was a lot of assumptions to make, but I know I had no time to sit and think about it. I needed to act.

I quickly left the room. and ran into the Handmaidens and Knight talking.

"Ah have you finished talking with the Queen?" the knight asked as he saw me.

"Yes but she wished to be left alone. Apparently she is quite worn out," I replied as naturally as I could.

He nodded, "I understand. Thank you for visiting with her, I'm sure she will be quite more relaxed now."

I didn't linger and made my way to the stairs and starting heading down them...but was surprised immediately as someone I actually knew was coming up them.

"Crono! We have a problem," it was Lucca. I knew that much but I noticed a nearby door and as soon as she got close to me I grabbed her and pulled her into the side room that seemed to be for storage. "Crono...what's wrong...I know that look."

"Marle...she disappeared," I couldn't think of any other way to describe it.

"I see...I thought that might happen...I had hoped to find you before then to warn you but..." Lucca put a hand on my shoulder. "We still have time to fix this Crono. I assume you pieced together who she really is."

"Yeah, She's Princess Nadia," I said simply.

"Yeah, history was altered when they called off the search. But according to the history books she wasn't found for a few more days from now. We still have time to save the Queen. But we have a limited window or we won't be able to change it back," Lucca was torn between wanting to comfort me and pushing us forward. "But I also...just wanted to say I'm sorry...for just disappearing on you while I was so absorbed in my work...your an important friend and..."

"I know, Lucca. You don't have to tell me that. I just want you to put down your screwdriver every once in a while and remember that you have more in your life than just your inventions. Look, we don't have time for that. We're heading to the Cathedral and saving Leene. As long as I can still remember Marle then it isn't too late," I said moving past her and out of the storage room. There was no time to waste. I had to save her...I just had to.


We entered the Cathedral and I immediately felt like something was wrong. There were a few Nun's that seemed to be in prayer as we walked forward. "This can't be all there is to the Cathedral," I said as I looked around. And yet there didn't appear to be anything...no door...no passage...no nothing.

"If I had some of my equipment I could have done a structural scan to get a basic layout but for now..." Lucca shook her head as we made our way towards the front.

As we did I noticed something shining on the ground...I took a few steps and leaned down towards it...it was a hairpin? I picked it up, there was no doubt what this was...it had the Guardia royal crest. "This is Queen Leene's hairpin."

"The Guardia Royal Crest?" Lucca looked to me.

I nodded, "Yeah the King told me it was something she always had with her. So the only question is..." I looked up to see that the four Nun's were now standing in front of us...and a very threatening manner. I finally figured out what it was that was wrong. "And what exactly are you?"

The four nuns instead erupted into an odd colored flame and what appeared were four creatures. I knew what they were...Naga's. Mystics that had the lower half of a snake and upper of that of a woman. And they moved fast. They came charging in at both of us, I quickly drew my katana and slashed the two that came at me. One slid under my blade but I caught the other in the arm. It caused her to hang up for a moment to which I took advantage of by kicking her to one side and quickly rounding my sword around and cleanly chopped off her head. They weren't going to show us any mercy and I was done playing nice at this point. The death of their comrade did nothing to slow them, nor did they even seem to register it.

Lucca was more than handling herself...I wasn't worried, I knew that despite how often she put her heads in books or inventions she kept herself in shape and knew how to fight. She carried with her two weapons...one a hammer and her other a gun of her own design. I turned to see her as she knocked one back with her hammer and then shot it between its eyes with her gun, killing the Naga quickly. I turned as one of the Naga's came back at me, I allowed myself to fall backwards to avoid the attack and used one hand to catch myself and flip onto my feet. Then I sprang forward and cut off both of the Naga's arms before turning back around and stabbing her through the chest. I pulled out the blade and pushed the now dead Naga to the floor. I looked back to Lucca as I saw her put four or five bullets into the Naga causing the half snake to collapse to the ground. Then Lucca walked up and hit the Naga hard with her hammer. She certainly hadn't lost her tenacity when it came to fighting.

"Wasn't expecting that," Lucca sighed as she looked around.

Then something fell behind her from the ceiling, "Lucca!"

However, in the same instance as this Naga had gotten the drop on Lucca...another individual came from seemingly nowhere and cut the Naga in half. As the last Naga died all of them erupted into that odd flame as before...and left nothing behind. Lucca moved away and came next to me as we turned to the new individual and it was...a frog?

"Lower your guard and you will allow the enemy in," he said clearly as he sheathed his sword. "To what purpose do you come here?"

"To save Queen Leene," I said simply. I had to imagine that this was the knight that had saved the Queen. He had also been referred to as the cursed knight...one who technically had never been a knight but had been a stalwart defender of Guardia and the Queen. And that he had been cursed by the Fiendlord Magus himself. His appearance definitely confirmed that.

"So you've determined that she must be here as well?" he asked.

I nodded, "I have my suspicions that the chancellor may be behind this."

"Yes, I sensed something was off with him before the Queen disappeared. Either way the one responsible is further within, perhaps you would accompany me?" the frog asked. I should probably note that this 'frog' was the size of a man and seemed more than capable of holding his own with a sword...as he was using a broadsword...a double sided edge. Any sword with double edge blades were by nature harder to use.

"Crono...it's a giant talking frog," Lucca whispered and tugging on my arm. I had forgotten that Lucca wasn't that good when it came to small creatures...and frogs specifically.

"I suppose it would be hard to trust me...looking as I do. However...this form serves to remind me of past failures...and suitable to one such as I. Still I would ask you to come with me, for I know not the danger that may lurk inside," the frog said and I nodded.

"No its a good idea...but our problem comes from we need a way to move forward. As we are we know there has to be a secret door but how do we move past it," I shook my head as I walked over to the organ piano.

"I'm sorry...its not that I don't trust you...I just have an aversion to frogs...so what should we call you?" Lucca was still somewhat attached to my arm at the moment.

"My name is not one that I use any more for personal reasons. Frog will suffice as a name, and what Her Majesty likes to call me. I apologize if it implies I do not trust you...however my real name is just another reminder of my failure. But this is why we must make haste. No doubt there must be a key to a secret passage within this chapel. Let us search every corner," Frog said as he quickly went to search around us.

"Crono..." Lucca let out a sigh from next to me. "Do you think that he's..."

"Yeah...he's more than likely the cursed knight that went against Magus. Who he was and how he was cursed was never really documented," I said as I was looking at the organ piano. There were sheets of music but one stood out to me...It was normal music...but three notes in particular were circled. "No...it couldn't be that simple."

"For Mystics? Sometimes the simpler the better," Lucca commented from next to me.

There was no harm in trying either way. I put my hands on the piano and played the three notes. Something clicked and then we watched as the wall on the far right slid out of the way revealing a door. "Pretty complex for Mystics...isn't it?"

"It does seem odd they are capable of this in this time period...but we have little recorded about Mystic technology to begin with. I'm more concerned about how they've managed to infiltrate Guardia so close to the castle," Lucca noted.

"Good work, but we should not linger. Let us continue, the Queen's life is still in danger," Frog said as he made his way to the door...I couldn't agree more. The faster they got to the Queen...that meant Marle could be saved. Entering the secret door was a hallway and at the end we saw Mystics standing around. More Naga's...had they not heard the commotion from before?

"How should we approach this? If we cause too much ruckus we could put the Queen's life in danger," I said looking to Frog.

He nodded, "Indeed, first we must ensure the Queen is safe. Let us wait and see what these Mystics wait for."

We ducked along the side of the hallway and waited to see if they would move. Eventually they did and we made our way down the hall and through another door. This area had a few different doors...it would be too obvious to head forward to the larger door at the top of the staircase...but it was being guarded.

"Alright...now what?" Lucca whispered.

"Let's check the side rooms...we might be able to confirm that the queen is here," I said back in a soft tone. Frog and Lucca nodded in agreement as we snuck past another Mystic...this one was a gargoyle. There certainly was a good variety of them. Mystics was a term that didn't necessarily mean any one race but instead a collection of races that tended to be magical in origin. But magic itself had been lost to humanity for quite some time...although there are stories of humans that once used it. Sneaking past Mystics turned out to be easier than I thought considering they were quite loud. We moved up a different pair of stairs and made our way over to the most conspicuous of doors...it was a door that had spikes around it to prevent entry...or exit. But there was a switch next to the door. I flipped it and the spikes disappeared. It was obvious this was meant to hold someone inside. I opened the door and entered.

"Who's there?" a man asked. They were soldiers and there was two of them. They stood alarmed, but one seemed injured. Not gravely but enough to slow his reactions.

"Peace, my friends, we've come to save the Queen," Frog spoke.

"Frog? The Queen assured us you would come. But you don't have time to help us, you must make haste to the queen. Someone named Yakra took her deeper in to kill her," The soldier upon realizing we were allies quickly changed his priorities. He was a soldier...loyal to the crown. I respected that.

"Is there anything else you can tell us on how to get to the Queen? Any more mechanisms that might be between here and there?" I asked.

"Yes, the final door must be opened by a piano, much like the one used to enter this place. Please, I am more than enough to see that I and my companion make it out of here but you must make it to the Queen," the Soldier bowed and urged us to leave.

We made our way out onto the 2nd floor balcony area and over to the side railing that overlooked the main door to the next area, "So we still have to get through there...any thoughts?" I whispered looking to Frog and Lucca.

"No time to waste right?" Lucca held out a small object. "When I throw this, leap down and head through the door...it should keep them confused as to what happened before it clears."

"What sort of contraption is that?" Frog asked.

"A smoke bomb...it'll cover us from sight while we go through the door," Lucca said quickly.

"Just keep in mind your path, once you are in the smoke you won't be able to see either," I whispered a reminder as we all moved by the balcony side. "On your mark, Lucca."

She gave the two of us hand signals...one...two...three. Lucca jumped up and threw the smoke bomb in front of the mystics and both turned to the sound of its impact. As smoke began to billow out we all jumped down behind them to the door. I quickly and quietly opened the door as Frog and Lucca lined in behind me. I closed the door on the other side and found ourselves in the next area. I moved forward to a staircase and made my way up...this was more like an entrance hall and it looked clear.

"Alright priority one is find the piano to open the door. Eesh, how convoluted do you have to make it to get around in your own stronghold?" I shook my head. "Anyway look out for the skull looking switches like we found earlier for the two guards."

"Wait...I believe there is noise coming from beyond this door," Frog came up to the door at the top of the stairs.

"Why hasn't Yakra killed the human yet?" a high pitched voice spoke.

"Don't question the great Yakra...besides he already explained it like four times and you just keep picking that time to take a damn nap," a much deeper pitched voice chipped in.

"Yessss...for...leverage..." the high pitched voice said mockingly.

"Yakra does not simply want to kill the humans in power...he wants to claim that power for his own so that he can overtake the Fiendlord. From there it would be a simple matter to take the rest of the world," the deep voice was no doubt proud of this. "Why else do you believe the Great Yakra would lower himself to disguise as a human? He has nearly gained the trust of the King."

I shook my head, "The Chancellor...so he is impersonating him? But their ability to disguise must be incredible to be able to pull that off. Does that have to do more with Mystic magic?"

"Aye. Mystic magic is quite capable in its possibilities. Full disguise is not beyond their grasp," Frog whispered back. "More than likely there are several they have replaced in the Castle. I suspected as much for some time."

"Okay so this Yakra has replaced the Chancellor...and he kidnapped the Queen? How is that to his advantage if he's trying to gain the King's trust?" Lucca asked.

"It isn't about trust...its about cornering the King to be of such a bad mental state that he can be deemed unfit to rule. Something a Chancellor is very much in a position to do," I muttered as I moved away from the door. "But with the queen supposedly found he must be unsure of what to do next."

"But once he finds out that she's missing again then..." Lucca gasped.

"Yeah...he'll proceed with his original plan...and kill Queen Leene. We have a limited window...I tricked the guards but they will check on the Queen and they'll know she is missing. News will more than likely make it back to Yakra quickly. Let's find that piano first," I said as I made my way over to a different staircase and leaped down the stairs. There was no time to waste. There were definitely a number of Mystics patrolling the area...was this Yakra paranoid? I suppose you had to be if you were plotting to take over a whole kingdom. Still the Mystics were hardly paying much attention to their surroundings. This far in more than likely had them over confident that they would know already if there were intruders. This made it that much easier to get by. By sneaking past them we were able to determine where the secret door was but not the piano needed to open it...we also found a switch along the way that we hit just in case it was needed.

It brought us all the way back to where we started and in front of the door we had overheard the mystics from before. Opening it we saw the piano in clear view...along with a handful of mystics.

"Hey, the spikes went down...shouldn't we go check it out? No one is playing with the damn switch again are they?" A Mystic groaned as they approached the door. We quickly moved away and out of view as a few of them left and down a different staircase. We rushed up and into the room. Only one Mystic remained. Frog jumped up as I sprang forward. Before the Mystic realized what was going on we had cut him down.

I made my way over to the piano and played the three notes...we heard the noise of the door appearing and we left the room. All that was left was to go beyond and find the Queen...and Frog and I had enough sneaking around. Lucca charged behind us laying down cover fire as we attacked. We kept moving...we found the door that appeared in the place we predicted and charged through. A long corridor was ahead of us and we charged down it eliminating the Mystics in our way as we busted open the final door. Then finally we saw her...the Queen. She was still in her formal Queen attire...an elegant white dress...similar to what Marle had been wearing...and they did look quite similar. She turned her head and looked at us. Relief flooded her face. Currently she was tied down to a table and the Chancellor stood menacingly over her with a knife.

"You're just in time to witness the death of Queen Leene. It will be enough to send the King into despair. You are far too late to do anything," the fake Chancellor held the knife up...but Lucca took aim and fired. Hitting the knife it harmlessly flew away and into the wall. While he flinched back both Frog and I charged forward. I jumped over the Queen and kicked the fake Chancellor away while Frog quickly broke Leene free of her restraints and pulled her away.

"Frog...you came," the Queen said.

"Stay back, Your Majesty. This Fiend is not yet finished," Frog warned as we cautiously moved back to the door. Lucca grabbed the Queen's hand.

"Stay behind me, Your Highness," Lucca said.

"Be careful...he isn't human," The Queen warned.

"Looks like all your plans are going to fall apart and after this we'll make sure the castle is cleansed of any agents you have hiding there," I said as the fake Chancellor got to his feet and moved in front of the table.

"Is that right?" he sneered. "Unfortunately for you..." A wave of his hand and the exit was locked. "None of you will leave here alive...and none of you will get in the way of my plans for this kingdom and the world!"

"You will pay for your transgressions against the Queen. Prepare yourself, Yakra!" Frog held his sword out at the fake Chancellor.

"Is that so?" the fake Chancellor let out a laugh as he transformed. "Behold, my true form!"

It was definitely magic...because almost withing a moment he was nearly twice his size with large claws but...honestly it wasn't that threatening. "Do...you...not have arms?"

I couldn't help but ask...but yeah...he had claws but how was he supposed to attack with them? His appearance which I assumed would be quite terrifying was actually...kind of sad. I suppose it wasn't that bad because he could change forms...but that had to be inconvenient if he had to change form in order to do mundane tasks.

"Don't you dare look down upon me! I am Yakra! And I shall rule the world!" He countered and surprised me by his speed as he charged right at me. And seeing him attack was a lot more threatening now...he had good movement speed and had a rough hide on top to protect himself. Still I easily jumped over him and used his own body to propel myself further up into the air.

"Crono! I shall create the opening," Frog said as he came forward with his sword. I was going straight back down towards Yakra so I didn't have much choice.

Yakra stopped and looked straight up at me looking like was about to launch a magic attack but Frog slashed quickly at his midsection as I came swinging down and caught his underside, cutting Yakra as I then quickly jumped back beside Frog. It wasn't bad...if Frog and I could get a clear shot we could deliver a more decisive strike against him. But to do that...

"Crono, Frog! Get ready!" Lucca announced as she stepped forward and pulled out something from her bag that was at her hip. Yakra went on the offensive and I prepared myself for the worse. I was ready to attack but if Lucca was even a moment late then...

"Frog...you cross left and I'll cross right," I said loud enough for him to hear.

"Yes, I shall combine your might with my own. Let it be decisive and final," Frog said as we both readied our swords. Yakra came charging protecting his underside but he was greeted by a line of fire as he approached. Confused e halted and tried to move back to avoid it...but to do that he had to expose himself...Frog and I were there to capitalize it. I ran past, straight through the flame and cut his underside and Frog used the opening to drive his blade deep into Yakra.

"No! I was supposed to rule...I was supposed to finally...win..." Yakra muttered as he fell to the ground dead. As Frog withdrew his sword the body of Yakra disappeared in that flame we had seen before.

"He might have been a bad warrior but he was smart," I said as I sheathed my weapon. "There were just a few unknown factors that got in his way."

"Indeed, he had a fearsome mind that had successfully gained the King's ear. The death of Leene would have been enough to gain more leverage over the King..." Frog shook his head. "You are quite insightful, Crono."

"My Mother always taught me to keep my ears open and never dismiss a possibility. An open mind is less likely to be taken advantage of...if only for the reason to take the time to ask why someone does what they do. Sometimes you will be surprised by the answer," I said simply.

"Frog...Thank you. I knew you would come to my rescue. And to the two of you as well," Leene said as she walked over to us. She bowed to us. "If you had not shown when you did I would have been dead."

The worse part of that statement is that she would not be the only one dead. But there was no way of knowing that everything was okay until after they returned to the castle and see if Marle was back or not. I turned to leave but heard a noise...I walked to a large chest and opened it...I found within...the real Chancellor. I helped him out of the chest and untied him.

"Thank you, young man. If you are here then I assume that accursed Yakra has been dealt with?" he asked, apparently not registering the others in the room.

"Chancellor is that you?" the Queen made her presence known.

"Queen Leene?" he turned and smiled. "He managed to take you as well? I'm glad that we both managed to come away from this undamaged."

"It could have been a lot worse for both of you," I said, but it was obvious that the Chancellor was feeling a mixture of relief and frustration. "We should head back to the castle for now."

"Yes...I think I've had enough of this place for quite some time," Leene sighed with an obvious exhaustion. She nearly fell but I was there to catch her. I couldn't help but noticed the distinct traits that would eventually become a part of her descendant Nadia. the pale emerald eyes and blonde hair and even her build was similar to Marle...no wonder people had mistaken Marle for Leene. She was definitely faint from what she had gone through...no doubt the stress had a lot to do with it.

"Your Majesty, are you..."

"I'm fine," she insisted. "It has been quite a long time since I've eaten, I'm weak"

"Crono, would you be willing to look after Her Majesty as we make our way out?" Frog looked to me.

"That's fine, Lucca and you can take the lead. Chancellor you follow behind them and I will take up the rear with Queen Leene," I said settling the marching order to ensure no confusion.

"We'll clear the way, Crono," Lucca said.

"You are a courageous and well skilled young man. The Kingdom owes you much," the Chancellor said as he followed after Frog and Lucca.

I gently led Leene forward as we followed after the others. As soon as the others were out of earshot the Queen decided to speak.

"You and that girl have such strange fighting styles...where do you hail from?" she asked me.

"Your Majesty...would you prefer I lie to you, or say nothing?" I asked a simple question.

"I would prefer truth, but your words indicate you could not provide me with such," Leene sighed.

"I too would prefer to tell you the truth...I do not like to lie or make excuses...but even if I told you what I knew, I am unsure if it would be truth...or simply just the truth I have been led to believe. Either way the circumstances led me to rescuing you. There was no other choice for me. I'm sure you will hear some details as to why when you are back at the castle," I tried to give her some comfort with a smile.

"Crono...that was your name?" she asked after a moment.

I nodded, "A name gifted to me by my Father. Or so my Mother informs me."

"You are a gifted and strong young man...but I sense a sadness within you. But I feel you are on the edge of a discovery...about something within yourself. And that this is simply a beginning to a larger journey," Queen Leene was obviously exhausted as although she was trying to convey the feelings she had she was experiencing. With my free hand I reached into my pocket and put something into her hand. She looked at it.

"My hairpin? You found it?" She grasped it in her hand as if she had just regained a part of herself.

"The King told me you would never part with it. It's how we knew you were in the Cathedral. We found it on the ground inside," I said. "The King has been devastated since you went missing."

She smiled warmly at the mention of the King, "He's the same as always. He is an amazing man...courageous and faithful to his people. Crono...thank you for finding and returning this to me."

"If you don't mind me asking...why do you have such high sentimental value to it?" I asked.

"It is a simple hairpin with the Guardia Family Crest...but this also shows my connection to my Husband. I was not always royalty...I was a simple girl from Truce but I became a servant in the castle. I was a handmaiden to the Princess before she died of illness...and her and I were very close friends. She gifted me this hairpin and that was how my Husband and I grew close...through his sister. But I had long held a crush for him and had often been teased by his sister for it. This hairpin...is a reminder of those times...of the loss of my close friend and how it led to the love of my life...and yet it has not been that long. And I know we still have a long life ahead of us...and thanks to you, Frog and that girl...we'll have that chance," She clutched the hairpin to her chest.

I had heard a bit of it when learning about the history of Guardia. The kidnapping of Queen Leene was a memorable tale because of the cursed knight attached to it. The same that would leave to face down the Fiendlord known as Magus. It was something else to actually hear it from Queen Leene herself. What a weird day it has been. "I'm quite envious...can't say I have anyone I feel that strongly about."

"You and I will have to disagree on that," Leene said with a slight giggle...one that had a familiar ring to it. "Just because you do not see it...does not mean others do not."


"So that's the truth of it then," the Queen said as she shifted on her throne. The King looked concerned but she gave him a smile that assured him she was just fine. "Still...Crono, it does little to explain you or your friends presence within our Kingdom."

"This place has forever been my home and kingdom," I said honestly. "While I have my own reasons, you can rest assured that my interest were to protect the crown." I may be from a different time line but saving Leene meant saving Marle and...

"You have done a great service for our Kingdom," the King said as he got up from his throne. I was already kneeling in front of the throne as was Frog and Lucca on either side of me. He walked forward towards me as I noticed he had a sword at his side...it was decorative one used for a specific purpose. "Today let me honor you, not only as your King but as a Husband. There is no greater deed than you ensuring her safe return to the castle and to me." He unsheathed the sword and held it up. "For the immense honor you bring forth to not only your Kingdom but your parents and your own name...I grant you Knighthood and the privileges entitled to one. You are more than deserving of such a title." He touched each of my shoulders with the blade and then my head.

"I...thank you, Your Majesty," I wasn't sure if I could say anything else. I couldn't deny the King if it was what he wished.

"Rise, Sir Crono," The King said.

I did so and the King sheathed the sword. He stepped forward and took my hand and pulled me into a half hug. "I cannot thank you enough for bringing my wife back to me. She is all that matters to me."

"Your Majesty," I whispered. "I suggest you investigate your staff, there could be followers of Yakra still hidden within your walls."

He stood back and smiled, "I intend to do just that. Still whatever became of that girl we mistook for Leene?"

"I believe she is probably still up in the Queen's chambers. If you don't mind I would like to retrieve her...she is a friend of mine and was also how I knew that Leene was still in fact kidnapped," I answered giving a much more believable answer than I would have imagined. In a way though...it was true though...the only reason I knew of Leene was because of Marle.

"Go to her, but speak to us again before you depart," the Queen smiled. I nodded and without waiting I rushed off towards the stairs that led to the Queen's quarters.

I rushed by the knight and handmaidens and entered the queens room...just as I did a blue light appeared as I approached the queens bed...and as the light disappeared...Marle was there. I sat next to the bed as she sprang up her eyes wide and she gasped for air. Her eyes went to me.

"Crono!" she basically leaped at me and threw her arms around me...clutching me to her as if her life depended on it. "I'm here right...I'm alive? I'm not...wherever that was right?" Marle devolved into tears. "Oh goodness you are real...I'm back...and its you...really you...Crono..."

Marle had essentially pulled me onto the bed with my head hugged tightly to her chest. I had no idea what she experienced...but it couldn't have been anything good with the way she reacted. So I did nothing and let her regain control of her senses. Eventually her grip loosened.

"Everything is alright now, Nadia," I whispered as I pulled away from her and sat back up. She did to but she kept close to me.

She put her forehead against mine, "I'm not dreaming am I? This is really us? I'm alive right?"

I laughed, I couldn't help it. "Full flesh and blood, I promise."

"Can I...kiss you...to make sure?" she said leaning in to do just that but I couldn't let her. Not like this...her emotions were too high and as much as I would love to I wasn't going to let it happen like this. So I turned away and looked over to see Lucca from the doorway.

"Maybe when we have some privacy," I said and smiled at her. It was a better way to deflect it and also not flat out deny her.

Her eyes widened and turned to see Lucca as well...even still Marle didn't move from me, "Crono...I don't know if I can properly describe it...but if I had to equate it to something...it was like...dying. It was dark...and cold and there was just nothing...there was no getting warm...there was no way to move...it was just...it was awful...more than awful. I can't...it was so lonely and all I could do was think of you Crono...I just wanted to see you again and..."

"Shh," I pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm here now...and so are you...don't worry everything is fine now."

"Your Highness...if I could explain. We ended up not in a different place but a different time. Time was changed when they found you and Queen Leene was not. As a result she would die and you would have never been born. So time corrected itself...but before the time line could bear the true consequences we were able to save the Queen and correct the time line," Lucca said as she stepped into the room and knelled down before Marle at the edge of the bed.

"So we were right, Crono...we did have to save the queen," Marle whispered. "Lucca? You came to save me as well?"

"Yes, Your Highness. It took me time to figure out what had happened but eventually I was able to follow as well," Lucca explained.

Marle took a deep breath and I let go of her and she finally seemed to regain her composure. "So you both know that I'm Nadia now. All I wanted to do was go experience the Fair...celebrate how our Kingdom has survived for a thousand years...yet because of that...our Kingdom had almost been wiped out and why?"

"The machine reacted to your pendant," I said as I pulled it out from my pocket and held it out to her. "This pendant must have powers your family line might have once had. No doubt the machine somehow activated it and caused it to open that...whatever it was through time. And it was also what allowed me to follow you."

She looked at the pendent in my hand..."It's also what brought us together."

I chuckled, "I think that had more to do with us both not watching where we were walking."

She giggled, "You're right." She got to her feet finally with that amazing smile that I could never seem to get out of my head. "You know its funny...this is my room in our time line too. I had always wondered what the different sections of the castle had been used for in the past."

"Do you want to look around?" I asked.

She shook her head, "No, we should head home. Wait...can we do that?"

"Well, Your Highness..." Lucca started.

"Please...call me Marle. A lot less stuffy then Your Highness," Marle smiled. I couldn't help but notice that she didn't indicate to Lucca to call her Nadia like she had to me.

"Well...Marle..." Lucca pulled out an object from her bag. "This is a gate key. The distortion we used to get here I call 'gates' and this device is used to detect and open them. It will make more sense when we return to the one we came from. The distortions are tied to locations so they won't move once you find one."

"That's amazing, Lucca!" Marle was legitimately impressed. I was too considering how she was able to create it and figure out how it worked in a short amount of time.

Lucca grinned, "I am a genius you know."

"Definitely," Marle shook her head in agreement.

"So is it a problem that the gate is essentially there for good now?" I tried to redirect their conversation.

"Well the distortion is harmless from what I can tell. Without the gate key it won't open so no chance of anyone going through by accident," Lucca said. "I plan to investigate it further when we get back, but I was in a rush to follow after you."

Marle caught that part, "Wait...catch up? But didn't you both..."

"I followed later but Crono went after you immediately after you went through," Lucca seemed more surprised she didn't know this.

Marle locked eyes with me, "Crono...I know we just met but...thank you."

"We can talk later...let's get out of here. You might want to change out of that dress though," I chuckled as I headed towards the door. I noticed that her things including her crossbow was on the dresser, as well as her clothes she had been wearing when I met her at the fair. "I'll be outside. Oh wait, your pendant..."

She closed my hand over the pendant, "You hold onto it. I've had a habit of dropping it lately it seems. I'd rather keep it where I know it's safe."

"If you insist," I smiled and then left the room. I put the pendant into my bag where I had made a space just for it. A smaller pouch within the bag itself.

As I walked out I noticed Frog peering in but stepped back as I came out, with Lucca behind me.

"She indeed has an uncanny resemblance to the Queen," he commented as Lucca closed the door behind her. "I wanted to give my regards before I departed."

"It was an honor to fight by your side, Frog," I said and offered my hand.

"Perhaps next time I will see more of your skill as a swordsman. You have good potential," Frog said as he shook my hand. He then broke and turned to leave. "I have much to reflect on. I feel I am responsible for the Queen being in danger. With the King on guard I feel it will be fine to leave for a time."

"Sometimes its best to reflect but I also believe the Queen finds your presence here comforting," I said.

"Frog...I'm sorry I didn't trust you...I'm just not good with Frogs and...has nothing to do with you as a person..." Lucca started.

"I'm not offended," Frog interrupted. "It was a pleasure to fight by your side as well, Miss Lucca. I bid you both farewell." And with that he was gone.

A moment later Marle stepped out back in her clothes from the fair and seemingly more like herself...although I could tell that the experience had shaken her...it would take her time to return to normal.

"Are you ready, Marle?" I asked.

She nodded, "Let's go home."


A/N:

I spent so much of my childhood playing this game and now that I'm writing this...I feel like I should have done it sooner. There is so much I wanted Crono to be able to express to the other members of the party...mostly because as a kid I wanted to tell them those things. I spent a lot of my youth alone because of my Father being in the military so we...were always moving. I never had much friends growing up. And its a fact that has caused me difficulty into my adult life. But as such I felt I knew these characters in this game better than anyone. Granted that is just the viewpoint of a child. But I feel that finally I can put those expressions into a story that is more believable and tangible than I could have done earlier in my life. While mostly this story is for me. I hope that others will enjoy this as well.

Chapters are typically going to be around 10k, and releases are probably going to be monthly. That's the goal at any rate. I have an ongoing story in Persona 4 that is weekly and comes before this one. Anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Leave a review and maybe spread the word if you like it. See you at the next chapter.