A mother sat in a rocking chair, holding her newborn child, whose cries were silent. "So my son," she said softly, "your father did curse you, but don't worry, I won't let them hurt you." It was a promise she couldn't keep, but she could try. "What shall you.be called? Cyrus, maybe? No? How about Glenn, after the hero? My you are original! Then you shall be given a unique name.

"Chrono."

...... Five Years Later.....

Lucca sat at the fountain, thinking. Nothing unusual about that. It was what she was thinking about that was strange.

She was wondering, for the first time in her five years in the world, why she had no friends. It had never really bothered her . She always played with her father, Taban. But now , for no reason, she found herself longing for a friend her own age.

She was slightly distracted by obnoxious laughter. She didn't pay much attention, until she heard,"Why don't you fight back,you dumb freak?"

She whirled around to see the three town bullies picking on a red headed kid, not much older than herself. They were shoving him back and forth.

"Leave him alone!"she shouted. "Pick on someone who can fight back!!"

The biggest one turned to her. "Is this any of your business, little girl?"

Lucca opened her mouth to answer when a deeper , male voice said, "It's not her business, but it's my business."

Lucca turned to look behind her. Taban , her father, stood behind her, arms crossed over his chest. "Don't I hear your mother calling you?"

The one who was holding the kid let him go and ran, soon to be followed be the other two.

"Are you okay?" Lucca asked him. The boy nodded.

"What's you're name?" Taban wanted to know. The boy glanced around uncomfortably, then made a vague gesture toward his throat. Taban nodded. "Ah, you're mute. Don't worry. Both Lucca and I know know hand language."

The boy motioned out his name. Chrono.

"That's a nice name," Lucca commented offhandedly. "Chrono..."

"Where do you live?" was Taban's next question.

Chrono blanched. I'm lost.

"No worry!" Lucca said cheerfully. "We'll just take you back to town and wander around until you figure out where you are."

But there was no need for that. A woman, nearly hysterical, ran up to them.

"Chrono!" She knelt and hugged him, causing him to blush slightly. "Where have you been? Are you all right?"

I'm fine! he motioned irritably. "Thank you for finding him," his mother said to Taban and Lucca.

"No problem," Taban respond. "My name's Taban, and this is my daughter Lucca."

"Thank you again. Chrono, you really need to spend more time outside to improve your sense of direction. You get lost far too much." She sighed. "Well, I guess we'll be going. Thank you again."

Lucca bounded forward. "Can we walk with you? It's boring for me and Dad to walk home alone."

Chrono's mother laughed. "If it's all right with your father."

Taban nodded. "Fine with me."

Chrono and Lucca ran ahead. "Don't go too far ahead, Chrono!" his mother yelled after them. Chrono stopped, turned around, made a face at his mother, and continued at a slower pace with Lucca. How come I've never seen you? he asked. I've lived here all my life, and I've never seen you.

Lucca giggled. "Live on that little island that's connected to the mainland by a bridge." Chrono nodded. thought an old ogre lived there! he gestured, then realized what he had said. I'm sorry, he apologized. I'm not too smart. I didn't mean it.

"I know you didn't," Lucca reassured him. "Anyway, were you born mute?"

Yes, but not naturally, he replied. Mom has told me something about my father cursing me or something like that.

"A curse?" Lucca asked curiously. Chrono nodded. Mother said that I could break it by opening this little box father left when he disappeared, but I can't figure it out.

Lucca thought for a moment, then asked, "Do you want me to help? No puzzle has evaded me since I was two."

Chrono's eyes lit up.Would you?

Lucca nodded. "But on one condition. You have to be my friend."

Deal, Chrono motioned. They shook hands. "How about we meet back at the fountain at the square? You know, where we met."

Chrono nodded. Okay, see you tomorrow!

"See ya!" Lucca said, jogging away.

Chrono waited for his mother, filled with exhilaration. He was going to be able to speak!