Thoughts to the void

By Exile

Disclaimer: Blah blah blah, I don't own any characters, yackedysmackedy, Square does, yadda yadda yadda…

Author's note: This is just a small story (or at least that's what I want it to be). I'm writing this just to get my mind of the other story (Reunions and Rainfall. Hey, a shameless self-plug!), because I'm stuck with that one at the moment. Hope I'll finish it sometime soon. This is my second story yet, so some comments (read: reviews!) are welcome.

This story is actually a prequel to Reunions and Rainfall, as you might notice in the later chapters. I just might make a series out of this… ("Oh god please no!!" O_O)

This story tries to describe what Magus' (who else… -_-) thoughts are during certain events from the game. Some parts that don't appear in the game itself are also explained here (according to what I think what happened). Okay, enough rambling from my side, let's go to the mage himself…

Chapter 1: Playing the prophet

A single lamppost standing in the middle of a small square was shining it's dim light on the 5 people standing beneath it. One was a little further away from the group, standing silently on a small bridge leading into the void that surrounded the entire area. He just stared at the black emptiness, minding his own business.

Why did I join them again? Why did I have to risk my life in countless battles for no apparent reason? Yes, I knew. But couldn't they just destroy Lavos now instead of solving other people's problems? What about me? I'm one of them too now. At least I think so.

They allowed me in their little group of time-travelers because I was the only one who knew how to bring that red-haired kid back to life. Of course I wasn't really the only one. Most Enlightened people, those still alive, probably knew about it too. I just told them I was the only one because I needed them for my own revenge. My revenge on Lavos. Without them I was virtually powerless against the alien insect. That became already clear at the Ocean Palace.

My thoughts wandered back to that moment, when I informed the queen about the arrival of the kids. It seemed almost ages ago now…

"Your majesty, I must warn you of some great danger to your kingdom."

"Danger? To my kingdom? What do you mean? Explain yourself, prophet!"

"You don't have to worry yet, your majesty. They…"

I pretended as if I was looking into the future, mumbling some strange words under my breath.

"…will arrive days from now, which is enough time to prepare."

"They? How many are there?"

"Exactly three of them. One kid with red spiky hair, a young girl with big glasses and purple hair and a prehistoric woman."

"What? Children endangering my kingdom? Bwhaha! That's impossible!"

"It might seem like that at first, but I must warn you."

I tried to make it sound as if it were the worst thing that could possibly happen to Zeal.

"They could mean the downfall of Zeal."

"And how exactly can three kids and a.. a prehistoric woman? What exactly do you mean by that?"

"They have somehow managed to travel through time, your majesty."

"Is that possible? How do they do that? Tell me!"

"I'm sorry, but even I can't tell how."

I knew perfectly well that Lavos was responsible for theirs and my travels through time.

"I see."

Queen Zeal paused for a moment.

"You may leave now." she finally said as she gestured me to go away with her hand.

"Of course your majesty."

I bowed and walked backwards at the same time, trying to be as humble as possible. I knew very well how the queen could suddenly burst out into random acts of violence if she got displeased. After all, she was my mother. Lucky for me, she didn't know that.

When I reached the door, I stood up and turned around, only to come face to face with Dalton. We both said nothing, and only exchanged angry looks. Finally I just pushed him out of my way and walked off.

Dalton was the only one who could get in my way. If he managed to discover that I was a false prophet, he'd immediately tell the queen, which meant my death. Not after a few days of torture though. I knew that very well.

Maybe it was possible to get Dalton completely out of my way. On second thought, that might actually be a bad idea. I only wanted to get my revenge on Lavos, not alter history somehow. It was clear to me that, if I actually did defeat Lavos, time would change anyway. But if it didn't…

My own mind started to confuse myself. I hadn't slept in days. Even though I am a night-person, and it was the middle of the day, I really needed a good rest.

I was on my way to my bedroom in the palace. I came past several enlightened ones, each minding their own business. None of them even dared to look me in the eyes, for as far as they could see where they were. I always kept my hood far over my head to make sure nobody would ever recognize me.

When I opened the door to my room, I saw a plate standing on my drawer, next to my bed. Dinner, finally. I hadn't eaten a thing in hours. After I took my cape off, I sat down on my bed and took the plate on his lap.

"Meeow!"

I felt a cat rubbing against my legs. It purred loudly. When I looked down I saw the royal prince's purple cat, Alfador.

"Shoo! Get away from here!" I motioned the cat away with my right hand.

If Alfador was here, then Janus couldn't be far away. I looked around the room, searching for any signs of the little squirt.

"Alfador, get back here!"

I heard a whisper coming from below me. I put the plate back on the drawer and looked under my bed.

"What have we got here. The little prince." I grinned.

Janus quickly crawled from under the bed and ran away before the I could do anything. After meowing one more time, Alfador also left.

I suddenly realized that I didn't have my cape on, so Janus must've seen my face! What would he tell somebody else? No. I didn't need to worry. Janus probably couldn't recognize himself. Especially not his adult self.

I stood up and locked the door. I reminded myself to do that more often in the future. Uninvited guests were something I hated most.

"Hey Magus! … Hello? Earth to Magus?"

Crono is waving his hand in front of my face. Quicker than Crono's eyes can follow, I grab Crono's hand.

"Don't ever do that again, kid, if you know what's good for you." I scowl at him.

"Uhm, sorry about that…" he apologizes.

"What do you want?"

"We thought that maybe you would, you know, like to eat something."

I sigh. Accepting help from someone like him. At least he isn't a weakling.

"What do you have?"

"Lucca brought some steaks. You want some too?"

"Raw meat? I'll pass."

I turn around and look back to the void.

"No, she's going to cook it. Somehow, I think."

I hear the Epoch's engines power up. Both of our faces turn to Lucca who is holding a steak on a long pole in front of Epoch's exhaust.

"Almost…" she says.

Flames suddenly burst out of the exhaust pipes, cooking the steak and signing Lucca's clothes a bit. She jumps backwards from the sudden heat.

"Aw! Hot! Hot!"

Marle, who is sitting in Epoch's dome, turns off the engines.

"Was that enough Lucca?"

"I... think so." she replies.

"So it's raw meat after all, huh?" I say to Crono, trying to show no emotion at all. I turn my look away again.

Cooking the steak hadn't worked out the way Lucca had wanted. Instead of a nice piece of cooked meat, there is now a black piece of rock sticking on the pole Lucca is holding.

I hear Crono's stomach grumble.

"I don't care if it's healthy or not, I'm eating it." he says, while he looks at his stomach. He turns around and walks away.

Finally, Crono had left. Stupid teenagers. Nothing but trouble. I was like that once too, strangely enough. Always acting like I owned everything. Well, I actually still act like I own everything.

I got lost in my thoughts again, now going back to my years growing up with my former generals…

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Well, not much of an interesting chapter yet, isn't it? Don't worry, it will soon (about chapter 4 I think… crap, this story only has 5 chapters -_-)

"And remember kids, don't forget to read and review before you go to bed!" ^_^