[Serge awakens in a bed. A large black woman in the room notices him.] Lady: You're finally awake? If you're looking for your friends, they're outside. [Serge heads outside, where Kid, Guile and Korcha wait.] Kid: Oi! Serge! Ya finally woke up, eh? Give yer thanks to Korcha. He's the one that saved us after we fell off the cliff. Korcha: No sweat. It's just part of my job as a ferryman. But I have to admit, you caught me by surprise when you came fallin' from the sky. You're lucky that it was the sea thatCHA fell into and not the rocks! Kid: But geez, you're such a wuss! How could you get knocked out from such a short fall!? As for me... A little graze like this... ain't gonna... knock... me... down. [She collapses.] Korcha: Ugh, oh man! She's burnin' up! There's a clinic in this village. We should take her there. C'mon, I need your help too! [They bring her to the doctor.] Doctor: It seems the patient has been poisoned with Hydra Venom. I would say the most she has to live is about two days... If we had some Hydra Humour we would be able to nuetralize the poison... Korcha: Doc, if we find this Hydra Humour, we can save this girl? Nurse: Yes, but that's impossible now. Hydras are extinct on El Nido... Korcha: What do you mean, "extinct?" What's goin' on!? Doctor: Hydras are ver rare and valuable creatures. The blood, bones, meat... Every part is valuable. It's considered to be a panacea for various illnesses. That is the reason Hydras were hunted to extinction in El Nido. Nurse: As a result a whole species has been made extinct. Just to make a quick fortune. Guile: Is there no way to find this humour? If we could cross the sea to the mainland, there might be a chance, right...? Doctor: ...That is not possible. The currents of El Nido are extremely dangerous, this time of year. It is highly improbable to cross the sea unless you are on a large vessel... Even if you manage to get there, your chances of finding Hydra Humour are bleak... We do not have much time. Nurse: ...Doctor? [The doctor starts walking out.] Korcha: H-Hey, doc! Where are you going!? Nothing's been resolved yet! Doctor: ...Excuse me. I need to be alone for a while. [He leaves.] Guile: Serge, what are we going to do? Kid is going to die if we leave her like this. Korcha: I-Is this some kinda joke? Wait right here. I'll go get the doctor back! [He walks to the door and stops.] Korcha: Who the hell are you!? Harle: What'z zis? Non apologiez for bumping into moi? Ooh la lah, don't you know any mannerz? [She comes in.] Harle: Ha haa, she iz down for ze count, just az I t'ought. [She walks up to Serge.] Harle: Serge, mon ami, why don't we just leave her be? Korcha: Who are you, and what's with that strange costume!? Harle: Se taire! I have no buziness wit' no chicken-hawk. I am having a converzation wit' Serge. You're bothering moi, so keep your mouth shut. Korcha: Why you... I ain't gonna letCHA barge into this room and get away with all the stuff you've said! You've made me mad. I'll show ya some manners! I'm not gonna cutCHA any slack just because you're a girl! Harle: Try if you dare. I am not so weak az to be caught by a chicken-hawk! Korcha: Heh, you've got some nerve. You're gonna regret it! Charge!!! [He runs at her but she vanishes!] Korcha: Oops. Dammit, where'd she go? Harle: Ahahaha You're amuzing. [She reappears at Kid's bedside.] Harle: Ahaha, such a simpleton. It'z so much fun playing jokez on you. I waz only here to see how she waz doing, but I had fun while I waz at it. So long, Sere, au revoir, mon ami! Pleaze dream of moi every night! Oui! [She vanishes.] Korcha: ...Tsk, she's a loon. What's her deal? I just don't get it. Yo, Serge, are all of your friends like that? Kid: Oooo...... Serge...... Korcha: C'mon, go talk to her. [Serge heads to the bed.] Kid: Serge, I'l leave this... with you. It's my favorite amulet. Remember what the... prophet said... Serge. Where did... it all start? Where... do angels... lose their way...? ...Try to... remember ...Serge. I'm fellin' a bit tired... I'm gonna rest up... for a while... Korcha: You heard what the doc said. There are no more Hydras in this world. On top of that, there's no way to get to the mainland, and El Nido isn't that small a place. Are you gonna take a one-in-a-million chance to search for this thing, just to save a girl you barely even know? Hey, whatCHA gonna do? (Serge): Find a way to save her. Korcha: Alrighty then! I'll come along with ya. [Later...] Korcha: ...By the way, so you even have a clue where to start lookin'? Hey, do ya? [Serge shakes his head.] Korcha: Tsk, that's what I thought. Where in the world should we start? ... All we have left is that girl's amulete... Damn, what are we gonna do!? If only we had some kinda clue! Nurse: ...Um maybe you should go see the shaman? The shaman might be able to give you some clues from that amulet. Korcha: ...... That's right. The shaman... Guile: ...A shaman? That is an unfamiliar word. Korcha: The shaman inherits the power of the Dragon God and governs the village. They're like a mayor or chief. The shaman might know something, although I can't say for sure. It's worth a try. We'll continue this outside. Let's decide what to do at the boat. [They start heading out when an odd cat like ghost comes in. Korcha: Huh? [It turns into a regular cat.] Korcha: Oh, you're... Luna, from Mel's place. What... [Mel comes in and takes it.] Korcha: Oh hey... ......That Mel... What is she up to? What's up? It's just a cat. Strange guy. Come on, let's get goin'. [They head outside of his home.] Korcha: We need to get goin' as soon as possible, but you probably need to equip yourselves, right? I'll be waiting here. Call me when you're ready to go. We haven't much time, so hurry. If you need to seee the shaman, go down this way. Take the ladder to the second floor of the merchant tower and go left. There's a tower called the Dragon Shrine. Compared to Termina, this is a small village, so you shouldn't have any problems of getting lost. [They head to the Dragon Shrine where an older lady sits and a younger, white haired lady stands. She talks to them.] Shrine Maiden: Welcome to the Dragon Shrine. I am Steena, a shaman serving Village Chief and High Priestess Direa. I presume that you have come to this shrine seeking assistance? Please don't hesitate to ask Chief Direa for guidance. Direa: ...You possess a young but gentle air about you... Hmm? There is an odd wind that is whirling about. I have heard that such windbearers appear at time, but... [Serge informs her of what has happened.] Direa: ...Do you speak the truth? That you are already dead in this world...? Hmm, I see... So that's why you have an odd air about you. As for a way to return to your original world, I do not know, but there are always reasons why such phenomena occur... The Land of Genesis. Your only key may lie there... The key that connects your world to this one. ...Shall we say, it is a "Dimensional Distortion" of sorts? Steena: If events in your world are different from events here... It may be possible to save the girl, stricked with the Hydra poison. That is if the extinct Hydra still exists in your world... [They head back to see Korcha, at his boat.] Korcha: Are you ready to go? (Serge): Ready any time. Korcha: Are you really sure? Don'tCHA dare tell me you want to come back later! Think about it really carefully. Are you positively sure? (Serge): I'm ready. Korcha: Alright, we're off. All of you get in the boat. [They get in and sail back to Termina. Korcha docks in an empty spot. A man is obviously upset by this.] Man: HEY!!! Who said you could dock that thing there!? Get that thing out of here, right now! Korcha: Hey, don't be such a hardhead. It's not like we're robbin' from anyone. Besides, nobody else is dockin' here, right? Man: That's not the point! What I'm trying to say is... Korcha: Here, keep it. [Korcha gives him something.] Man: You can't bribe me with some...!!! Th-The delicious scent and this subtle texture...! This must be the famous, rare drink of Dragonians, the "Dragon's Glory!" Korcha: (I thought this might happen, so I snagged some from my ma's kitchen.) Man: A-Alright. I'll give you special permission this time. But next time I might not be so easy. When that happens... Korcha: Don't worry. I'll get some more for you. Man: Very well. Heh heh heh... You're pretty quick for a kid. [He leaves.] Korcha: If you don't hurry, that girl's gonna die. You two can't do this alone. Why don'tCHA let me come along? [Korcha joins the party.] [They head to Opassa Beach.] Guile: Opassa Beach... Angelus Errare... Is it true that this place has split the flow of time in twain? Korcha: So, Serge. WhatCHA gonna do now? [They find an odd green hole on the ground in the beach.] Guile: What is that...? Is it reacting to something? Korcha: So this is the hole that connects the 2 worlds... The whatCHAmacallit hole, right? [Serge takes out the Astral Amulet.] [FMV] [Reacting to the amulet, a portal opens up around Serge and brings him back to his home world.] [FMV] Guile: It felt like my body split in two. A very strange feeling... Korcha: So now we're in that other world... I still can't believe it, though. [They head to the Hydra Marshes. A man stops them.] Marsh Guy: Why, if it isn't Serge! Didn't the village elders tell you not to come near here! Do you have some kind of business here? ...Hmm, I won't ask you what it is. I can tell by the look on your face that it's something important. Here, go on through. I'm sure the 3 of you can handle yourselves. Before you enter here, I'll give you a word of advice... The marshes are like a maze full of poisonous monsters. Be prepared! [They continue on. Serge sees a ghost of an odd creature.] Korcha: WhatCHA doin' standin' there in a daze!? I hate cold and clammy places! Besides, we ain't got time to sit and toast "marshmellows," man! [Serge nods. They continue on and climb on a huge tree branch.] Korcha: Everybody down! Something big's headin' our way! [A giant Wingapede flies by them.] Guile: What was that thing? I cannot believe this place! [They reach a cliff, where an odd yellow creature with an umbrella comes out of the shadows then hides again.] Korcha: Did you just see a strange lookin' creature up ahead? [The creature comes out again.] BubbaBeeba: This beebas no place for humans, beeba! Go away! Beeba off! [They defeat it in battle.] BubbaBeeba: I beeba sorry! Here! I give you this! Please forgive beeba! This beebas flute that is handed down in the beeba family. It beeba magical! It calls Wingapede! It makes Wingapede beeba good Wingapede! It is best beeba used in a "wide open space!" Well, I'll beeba seeying ya! [The creature leaves, they take the flute.] Korcha: Why don'tCHA try blowin' the flute here, Serge? [He does that, nothing happens.] BubbaBeeba: This beeba the wrong place! This isn't the "wide open space" I was talking about! [It leaves once more.] [They continue on and reach a wide open area.] Guile: A wide open space... could this be it? Korcha: Serge, why don'tCHA try blowin' that flute? [The Wingapede returns.] Korcha: So this is Wingapede... it's actually smaller than I thought. Guile: Serge, why do you not try feeding it something? [Serge does, and the Wingapede attacks them! They are forced to defend themselves.] Korcha: The foothold could give way at any minute. Serge, we should avoid passin' through the middle. [They continue on and eventually are surrounded by a group of dwarves.] Dwarf Chieftan: Halt, humans! We cannot permit you to advance any further! DaffyDwarf: The Hydra is the tutelary deity of this forest, hi-ho! Without it, this forest will die... DaggyDwarf: Should you still wish to advance, you will have to get by us! Prepare for battle, wicked humans! [They are defeated.] Dwarf Chieftan: Too...strong... Are we unable... to stop them...? [He leaves into a nearby clearing.] Guile: The Hydra must be up ahead. Let's go, Serge! [They head into the clearing. The Dwarf Chieftan is there, as is the Hydra, who is underwater.] Dwarf Chieftan: You befouler of the forests...! Human vermin!!! Prepare to receive the anger of nature that you so deserve! Hi-ho! O great Hydra! Hear my voice! Turn on these wretched humans... Teach them how the forest, no... our planet... is pained by their existence! Hi-ho, Hydra, away! Korcha: This sure the hell ain't my world! I can't believe there's a Hydra before my eyes...! It's comin'!!! [The Hydra rises out of the water and fights them. It is defeated, and collapses to the ground.] Dwarf Chieftan: What do you humans intend to do with out mother planet? Not thinking of the future... cutting down trees like there's no tomorrow! Burning the forests to make your towns even bigger! And all for what? Do you think that you are the only ones who live on this planet? Do you even know the works of life-forms other than yourselves? Hi-ho!? Hi-ho!? Don't kid yourselves! Youa re just hairless apes! Or worse, hi-ho! You are nothing more than freaks of-of-of evolution!!! Hiiii-hooooowwww-ugh! [He runs away.] [Serge goes up to the Hydra and gets the Hydra Humour. Then the Hydra dies.] [They head out to the main part of the marsh, and are surprised to see no dwarves.] Korcha: There's not a single dwarf roamin' this forest anymore... Have they abandoned this place? Guile: ...Let's hurry. [They go to see the doctor.] Docter: Can this be!? Hydra Humour... but how? We will discuss that later. As long as we have this, making an antidote will be easier than catching a wave! We can save the girl with this!!! We will prepare an antidote right away. Nurse, help me with the preperations! Stat! Nurse: Y-Yes! Doctor: I have no idea where in the world you found this... nor do I now who you really are... But now is not the time to ask such questions. You have done your part, now you can leave the rest to me. [He leaves.] Korcha: You heard the doc; we've done all we can. Just trust him and wait. [They wait in the other room...] Guile: It is already close to nightfall. [The Doc comes in.] Korcha: Do, how is she? Will she be alright? Doctor: Yes, she has passed the critical period. There are no signs of complications from the poison. The girl has held up well, but only thanks to you dudes. You have done the impossible by finding the antitode... I still cannot believe it... You, with the red bandana, you are Serge, correct? She would like to speak with you. It will be a little while before she falls asleep from the anesthetic. Will you speak with her, dude? [Serge nods his head and they go in.] Doctor: I will be in the room next door, so when you need me. And do not forget that even though the poison is gone, she has not completely recovered. ...Well then, catch you later, dude. [He leaves.] [Serge goes up to Kid's bed. She turns and faces him.] Kid: Hehe, you've become bloody handsome while I was out of it. I don't know all the details, but I heard what happened from the doc. Looks like there's been a lot goin' on while I was asleep... I guess it proves that you can take care of yerself now, eh? ...Oi, Serge. Ya did good, mate. Why don't ya look cheerful for a change? Ha, I would've been alright without any antidote at all! Strth... Now I owe ya one... Serge... Thanks. [She falls asleep.] [Later, in the other room, they talk to the doc.] Doctor: ...A world different from our own? That is far out, man...! That there really is such a thing... And you dudes are from this other world, I presume? Korcha: Just to make it clear, Doc. The only one that's from the other world is Serge. All the others, including myself are from this world. We're all with him for different reasons though. Doctor: Another world... So I suppose some things are slightly different. The Hydra Marshes are a good example of this. Otherwise we would have never found a Hydra in this world. Parallel worlds, never to cross each other, yet existing along side one another... Korcha: Hey, Doc, let's not think too deeply about this. There isn't any easy way to explain it. Even after going through it myself, I still doubt what I saw. Let's just drop the theories, Doc! The girl's been saved. That's all we need to know, right? Nurse: ...Hahaha. That's very like you, Korcha. But he's got a point, doctor. Kid's life has been saved. I don't think we need to think about anything further for the time being. Doctor: Well, I guess you are right... I cannot find an answer to this by thinking of it on my own. It is pretty late. We have been talking for quite some time... Let's call it a night. One good day's rest should be enough to let her get up and hang ten. [That night, a girl sneaks into Kid's room, and steals something. She then leaves.] [The next morning...] Kid: Whatcha gonna do, Serge? You've already found a way back to your world, right? You could just go back home and live a peaceful life, pretending that nothin' ever happened. But can ya really forget everything you've seen here? And can ya live with yerself after ya turned yer back on us? [FMV] [Serge sees a town on an island blowing up.] [FMV] [He thinks back to Lynx, walking towards him in Viper Manor.] Lynx: Now come to me Serge, The Assassin of time! THE CHRONO TRIGGER! [Back to the present...] Kid: What are ya gonna do, Serge? (Serge): I won't go back yet! Kid: I see... Then I'll stick around with ya a little longer. But just don't slow me down, ya hear? I don't know what happened 10 years ago... But it looks like Viper's mob has got something to do with it. Let's go after 'em. I need to bash up that Lynx charactter and get me hands on the Frozen Flame! Lynx... He stole something precious from me... He's taken away my future...! I'll find him! No matter what it takes! Korcha, I heard that ya helped in the search too. Korcha: Hmph, It was nothing. Kid: Yeah? Well, thanks for nothin' then... Korcha: ...Now then. At one point I thought we were doomed for sure, but it looks like it's all settled now. All that's left is to take you guys back to Termina, right? My job ends there. You get a special discount price of 300G for the round trip. Sorry, but I need to make a livin' too. Kid: Haha, you're pretty damn shrewd, eh? I shouldn't have thanked ya earlier. Hmm? [She looks around.] Korcha: What is it? Ya lookin' for something? Kid: ...Hmm, yeah. Well, the Elements I had on me grid are gone. Oi, Serge. Didja remove the Elements from me Grid? [Serge shakes his head.] Kid: Hmm, if it wasn't you... then who did? Korcha: The only ones looking over you while we were gone were the doc and the nurse. They should be in the room next door, so let's ask ehem when we head out. The doc should know something. Kid: ...... I hope you're right. [They head into the next room, where Korcha's sister Mel stands.] Kid: Huh? Mel, whatCHA doin'... Mel: Hey, blondie! If you wantCHA stuff back, I challenge you to catch me!!! [She runs away.] Doctor: What is it, dude? Is MEl up to something again? Korcha: Well, yeah. The same old mischief, but... This time, she's gone too far. Geez, that idiot... What is she thinkin'? I don't get it. I'm sorry about her, Kid. I'll get the stuff back from her later, so go easy on her, alright? Kid: Ahh, that's no problem. It ain't anythin' I'll suffer without anyway. Not to be rude, but I don't have time to play around with brats. I've gotta go chase after Lynx now! Hmm, what is it, Serge? (Serge): ...It's nothing. Kid: Why are you actin' so strange? Just when I though you'd loosened up a little... Don't worry. Korcha said he'd get me stolen stuff later. Let's just get a move on! Korcha: Don'tCHA worry, Serge leave the rest to me. I'll go grab that kid after I take you guys back to Termina. I won't make you guys wait too long. [They head outside.