'Why did I jump in?' He mused, 'And where the hell am I?'
Crono saw up ahead a certain blackness. It was as deep as obsidian, and drew nearer by the instant, like the jaws of an oncoming predator. He tightly folded his arms before him as the darkness immersed him. His mucsles tensed as he continued to delve maddeningly into the unknown. Crono felt reality tear itself open again and he was slung through the darkness.
Crono could taste the grass and dirt. He hit the ground face-first, like falling rock, and tumbled into a tree. His head swirled like a propeller blade. Crono sat on all fours, taking the air in voraciously. His eyes felt as though they were going to launch themselves out of his sockets. Crono's stomache turbulated like violent crosswinds, nearly expelling all that he had eaten that day. His ears pounded violently like a frantic tribal drum.
Crono looked about and found himself upon a knoll in a pocket of a canyon.
Two imps came dashing out. The imps were short in stature as imps almost always are. They were not so terribly imposing as they were hideous little annoyances. Their heads were about the size of footballs, and were so much larger proportionately to the rest of their bodies, Crono wondered why they didn't fall over. Their eyes were large and buggish and glared contemptously at Crono. They drew stones from pouches and lobbed them at Crono. He managed to sidestep most of them but a few of them did strike him.
He wheeled about, and delivered a stout thrust. He cursed to himself as his blade cleaved nothing but air. The imp he first swung at fired a stone directly in the small of his back from point blank. Crono turned again, and punted it against a tree. He swung about, and flashed his sword. Again, he struck nothing. Crono feigned a kick, and then slashed. He found his mark, and turned to finish the one he kicked just as it came to.
Crono stopped to catch his breath.
'What am I doing here?!' he inquired to himself. Crono wiped his blade upon the ground and sheathed it. 'Right Marle.' He let free a hearty breath, and left the canyon's pocket. He looked about the area. Somehow He knew it. Somehow He knew the it. He walked out onto a bridge with overlooked a steep canyon. A thich mist hung over the waters concealing it from his sight; although he could hear it ramble down.
Crono avoided any more imp confrontations, and exited the canyon. Just down the way he saw a village.
The road upon which he walked was a bit wet, as was the case for most mornings. Crono surveyed the landscape as he walked. The road looked strikingly like the one he walked upon to get to the carnival, but that was a mere coinidence.
Crono quickened his pace as he neared the village. He studied it for a bit in an attempt to discern his location. It seemed vaugly familiar, as though he were attempting to recall a deja vu vision. The structures were quaint, and seemed a bit antiquated.
'One of these places can help me out'
Crono headed into an inn. He saw a bar which he went up to. It was filled with the usual lot, a middle aged man taking his mind off the day with a pint of ale, one guy passed out face upon the pine, and what have you. He approached one.
'Scuse me, can you tell me where this is?'
'Whaddya mean this?'
'Where are we?'
'Oh why didn't you say so'
Crono rolled his eyes, and he smelt the lager from the man's words.
'You from outta town or something'
'You might say that'
'Well I guess if you weren't you wouldn't've asked now would ya?'
'Can you just tell me?'
'Geez, don't get so pushy, this is Truce Village'
'Oh. Okay. Can you tell me where the Millenial Fair went to?'
'Mi-whattial fair? Son that wouldn't be for another 400 years or so'
'I see thank you. Say has anyone else from not around here shown up of late?'
'Umm, hmmm. Well they found the Queen up near the canyon.'
'Really. Tell me about it'
'Man you been livin on a farm or something?'
Again Crono rolled his eyes
'Well everyone was up in arms when the Queen just vanished a few days back, thinking it was Magus that swiped her or something, but she turned up at the canyon. Everyone was relived, ya know with the War and all going on. These are fortean times we're livin in I'm tellin ya'
'Thank you.'
Crono noticed another man had come up to the bar.
'Come on now, didn;t I tell you how you're eyes are like the waterfalls of the Denadoro mountains?' The man was attempting to charm the barmaid.
'Sorry Toma. That's not gonna work on me anymore'
'Now you can't let me leave like this, we may never see each other again'
'You better not, cause then that tab of yours will never get paid'
'What's one more?'
'For you? Alot'
Toma grumbled. 'I can't go on my journey without my ale first, that's just not right'
Crono was intrigued by the man, and went over to him.
'Hey friend, can you buy a travler a drink before he goes?' Toma requested as the lady rolled her eyes.
Crono felt his pockets. He drew out a few coins and set them on the table. She took them, not bothering to check over them, sighed to herself and went off.
'Thanks man. I owe you one.'
'Not a problem'
'My name's Toma, perhaps you've heard me, world famous treasure hunter, and explorer. You name it I've either found it, or soon will.'
'I'm Crono, I'm new to these parts. What are you hunting for now?'
'Well there's a bunch of stuff, sun stone, rainbow shell, siren's instruments, I'd tell you more, but I don't want you beat me to it, not that you could though'
'Right.'
'Tell you what kid, since you bought me a drink I'll tell you somethin. The Queen disappeared when she was visiting that catherdal out west of the castle, and they still don't know where she is'
'I just heard they found her.'
'What?! You don't say. I coulda sworn there was something fishy about that catherdral.'
'Couldn't say. haven;t been there. I'm not a treasure hunter though. I am looking for a friend of mine maybe you;ve seen her'
'Odds are.'
'She's about this tall, red hair, blue eyes, really energetic, really pretty'
'Brother you just described the queen!'
'Well okay. Wow. Thanks'
The lady came back with Toma's drink, and one for Crono as well.
'Here you are.'
'Here's to you kid.' Stated Toma. Crono took down a little of his, it was a bit bitter for his taste. By the time he set his glass down Toma was finished. Crono was impressed.
'Hate to drink and run, but, you know how it is. Catch ya round kid. The next one's on me'
Crono watched Toma exit.
'I wish he'd settle down. All that rambling can't be good' said the lady, almost as a lament
'He's quite a charachter'
'You have no idea'
Crono finished his drink and left the inn. He thought about all that he talked about.
Guess the only place to find a queen is in a palace'
He took another look about. SO this is what Gaurdia looked like during the Mystic War. I see my house hasn't been built yet
Crono took off down the path that led to the castle, at least in his day it did. He followed it to thick, labrynthine almost cavernous grove.
Crono was not aware of the bird which was swooping in towards him untill in collided with the back of his head. He shouted a curse as he hit the ground face first. Crono groaned and rubbed the back of his head. He snapped up clutching his sword. The bird lingered about tauntingly. He beckoned it to make another run at him. It dove like a missle. Crono readied himself, and when it was just in range, he leapt up and ran it through.
He continued through the grove, wondering when it would end. He followed twisting, serpentine pathes and winding trails through and through, wondering when it would end. Crono was unsure as to how long it took him, but eventually he emerged from the forest, and faced a grand ornate palace.
He stood for a moment and simply gazed at the edifice with wide-eyed amazemet. It stood right before a mountain, part of the palace actually went into it. The towers and spires reached high, tickling the clouds.
Crono went through into the first main hall. There he was stopped by two gaurds. They crossed their spears before him, binding his progress.
'What do you think you're doing here son? You don't just walk into the palace like that.' said one soldier.
'Hey you think he could be a spy for Magus?'
Crono tried to get in a word edgewise, but was interrupted before he began.
'What this kid? look at that hair, he'd never make the cut!' Their voices quivered with an intense bravado, like a child trying to feign strength before a bully.
The other gaurd laughed. 'Let's see your stamp collection son'
'What are you talking about?' asked Crono, 'I--'
'Get outta here boy!'
'Hey!' protest Crono, attempting to get by.
'Don't make us hurt you, not that we wouldn't enjoy it or nothin'
'Stop that at once!' Demanded a woman who came apparently out of nowhere.�� The soldiers turned about, to see a woman atop the steps. She wore a lavish yet simple poweder-blue dress. Her hair was pulled up upon which sat a regal tiara. She looked just like a queen should, Crono squinted trying to get a better look at her 'Queen Leene!' said one as they bowed. Crono bowed as well, not wishing to displease her.
'Show your manners, this man is a friend of mine, and you will treat him as such!'
'Majesty, there seems something wrong about him.'
'Dare you refuse to obey my orders?'
'Please forgive us Lady. Do enter sir'
She let free a youthful giggle, and went off.
'You got lucky this time boy.' admonished one
'It must be an honor to be the queen's friend' observed the other.
Crono acknowledged them and took after the queen. Another gaurd stopped him
'Young sir, the King wishes to have a word with you. Please follow me' Crono acknowledged and followed. 'I envy you whom the queen calls friend'
Crono looked about the massive corridors of the palace as he walked. The already high walls and arches seemed to rise even larger in the torch light. He looked down at the red carpet beneath his feet. It streached before and behind him like a road.
They came to two grand ornate doors, open wide. 'The king awaits'
Crono crossed the threshold, and looked back at his escort. 'Uh, thanks'
The throne room was as wide as a theater stage. Upon the walls were lavish tapestries and meticlulously crasted ornimentations. Crono thought his eyes would fall out of their sockets. Just before him, sat the King. Two thrones stood upon a platform, exalted above the rest of the floor. An old man stood off to the side of the king. In each corner of the royal platform, was a stairwell. Crono walked up to the bottom of the wide stairs which led to the thrones, and bowed.
'Sire' Crono had never been in the presence of a king. His palms began to leak beads of sweat.
The King was a good sized man. Upon his broad shoulders, sat a cape, rich and thick. His beard was long and thick, like the grass of a prairie. The crown stood with diginty atop his head, and shone like the sun at miday. His eyes were full of wisdom and power, which were supported with sincerity. However in his gaze was a certain apprehension, he looked as though he was in a hospital waiting room, waiting for a loved one to come out of surgery. His hands tembled slightly, despite his best efforts, and his voice waived slightly, like a radio transmission disrupted by a gust of wind.
His voice was deep and Crono felt a bit ill-at ease when he said, 'Arise sir. I must extend my deepest of gratitude, for delivering my beloved Leene. Although, I must say, she hasn't quite been herself of late, she lost her coral pin, an heirloom. But forgive me, sir you must be weary. My queen does wish to see you, if you follow the stairs to my left you will reach her room.'
'Is that all sire?'
'We shall talk later.'
'Thank you'
Not too far from Crono and the King stood the Chancellor. He was an old man, with hair as grey as steel, and thick beard that crept to the base of his sternum. His eyes were wide and weary, yet in them held something Crono could not distinquish. His countanence pervued a certain bitterness, Crono accounted this to his, age, but something just sat wrong. He was unsure as to what
'What are you looking at boy, can't you see I am deeply immeresed in though? Leave me alone!' his voice sounded like an old record player, scratchy, and abrasive.
Crono was taken back, but did not bother replying. He headed up the steps to see the Queen. Crono had only some idea as to why she would wish to see him. He climbed the stairs to the queens's chamber. He lost count of how many steps he took. By the time he reached the top, he practically crawled onto the level ground, gasping voraciously.
'So you saved the Queen. You don't look that tough' comment a lady.
Crono was far too winded to retort.
a soldier came and helped him up. Crono thanked him.
'Shall I announce you sir?' Crono affirmed
'May I ask how goes the war sir? I have been away.' Which was sort of true, he didn't wish to draw the critism he did at the tavern.
The soldire sighed. 'Grave young sir. The Zenan Bridge has collapsed, our front ranking divisions have been severely battered. It's as though they are inhuman. Even now, I wait my deployment to the front. Oh if only Sir Cyrus would return and deliver us.'
Crono noted to remember the name Cyrus
The solider knocked upon the door. 'My lady, your saviour arrives'
'Thank you. please enter.'
'Do remember your manners sir' reminded the gaurd. Crono rolled his eyes, and went into her chambers.
She dismissed her attendants. the Queen stood before the farthest wall, back turned to Crono.
'Please approach sir.' Although he was becoming weary of being called sir, Crono did approach. 'I fooled you didn't I?'
The queen turned about, smiling plesantly. 'It's me Marle'
Crono nodded
'don't tell me you knew'
'Well actualy, uh, no I didn't'
'Well you could've at least looked more surprised.'
'Sorry, I'll do better next time.'
'For some reason, everyone calls me Leene, and they think I'm their Queen, I mean, not that I'm complaining.' She paused, and walked away a few steps. 'Somehow Crono, I knew you'd come for me, even though we hardly even know each other.'
'yeah I can't explain it either'
'I'm so glad you're here.' She walked back over to him. 'Thank you,' Marle stopped suddenly, when the torches in her room were suddenly snuffed out, envelopling them in darkness. A chill wind blew in, raising goosebumps upon thier skin. They both felt an ominous, meancing presence enter the room, like a wolf returning to its den.
The darkness congregated about her. He watched on, still afraid. Marle began to levitate as though pulled by some unseen pupeteer� 'Crono help me! CRONO!'� She shut her eyes, tight as a vise in an attempt to shut out the pain.�
He rushed foreward, finally free.� His arms were spread in attempt to grab her, from the unseen grasp which had her in tow.� He dove forth, sealing his grasp but his arms closed about nothing. Marle simply was no more.
Crono sat and cursed to himself. 'What now' His shoulders slumped and his lungs deflated. 'Where the hell did she go?'
When Crono exited the room, he was encountered by the attendants who sat waiting eagerly by the door.
'That was awfully quick, did any thing funny happen in there?'
He gave her a quizzical look. 'No' He said starkly.
'Are you sure?' asked the other 'You were polite weren't you'
'Of course' who were they to interrogate him as such?
'Did she seem a bit odd to you? we think that Leene hasn;t quite been herself of late?'
'She seemed fine to me' Although, he knew no different.
'If you insist.'
Crono heard the gaurd sigh. 'I grow weary of the gossip around here.'
Crono darted down the steps. Down the last set, his feet became a bit overzealous, and he tumbled down like a rock. He could tell the stairs were stone by the way they slammed against his head.
He lie at the bottom, body screaming, head throbbing, gasping for air.
He was brought back by Lucca shouting his name
'There you are Crono. Did you find the girl?'
'Well,' He expalined all that just happened.
'WHAT?!'
Crono watched Lucca think from the floor. She stood and pondered for a moment, scratching her forehead, other hand on her chin. 'Listen up, I think I know what happened.'
He sat up. 'You coulda helped me up you know'
Lucca shrugged and began her disertation. Crono rolled his eyes as she said, 'Something's terribly wrong Crono. that girl you brought, looked really familiar, and if you look around you, you'll see that this castle is the same as the castle in our time. And from what I've gathered by talking to the people here, I can think of one conclusion'
She took a deep breath. Crono found himself more drawn in with each word. Lucca had that effect on him.
'that girl you brought is Princess Nadia'
'WHAT!?' He jumped up, and took Lucca by the shoulders.
'This is the year 600. In this year, Queen Leene was kidnapped, but according to history, she was rescued. They must have found Nadia, and assumed immeadatly that she;s Leene. So if something were to happen, or did happen to Leene, Nadia, would no longer exist.'
Crono groaned.
'We gotta find her, but where'
'The Catherdral.'
'You think that's where she is?'
'Only one way to find out'
