Chrono Trigger
The Land of Mystics; in which an explanation shows how our protagonists return to Guardia in secrecy…
There were many kind words shared between Alwyn and Crono before they parted. They both promised to continue sending the occasional letter to each other and promised that if by any chance they found themselves in each other's land they would support them as it was done before. Also, before they even made the plan to leave they consulted with Alwyn about possible ways to return to Guardia.
We have not touched on the delicacy of their being in Medina without passports. Since these countries were still sowing enmity between each other it would be very bad for them to be found out by the government here. Since some Mystics hold the power to change into human form there had been great cautionary measures taken from both sides. When a Mystic arrives in Guardia they are immediately given an inn and they are to report to the immigration office everyday as a way to monitor their activities. By doing this they prevent hate crimes or attacks on the homeland. When a Mystic is found with no passport or if they fail to report to immigration the consequences would be dire (Save for Alwyn and his unusual situation). However, in this place where Mystics still believed humanity to be inferior and expendable, punishment was expected to be even more extreme.
Much angst against humans existed because of the continuous spurring of the remaining generals from the Great War. They greatly believed that humans did whatever they pleased and that they were extremely prideful. Although they lost the war their hearts hardened in the face of defeat and their indignation grew insomuch that if they were to see a human walking around the land they would instantly take it as a taunt and a threat. They accused humans of pride, yet were far more prideful themselves. Even if they were to get on the boat, once they returned to Guardia they would instantly be found by the authorities and to be taken in by the king. They could not take the gate since none of the other pillars of light led to their time, therefore they were distraught.
"You know, perhaps old man Melchoir could be of some help…" Alwyn suggested with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Melchoir?" Crono said with a raised eyebrow. "Who is Melchoir?"
"He is a human just like you people."
"Then why does he live here?" Lucca asked, "Wouldn't he be nervous with all these Mystics around?"
"I can't say for certain. Some say he is a diplomat, some say he has dual citizenship. All I know is that I have never seen such an intelligent fellow! If you take anything to him he can fix it! He is one fine blacksmith as well! He could make the sturdiest looking things you have ever seen!"
"Melchoir…Melchoir…" Crono repeated the name to himself several times. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
"Hey!" Marle chimed in suddenly, "Isn't that the name of the jeweler at the fair? Remember? The one who wanted my pendant?"
"Oh," Crono nodded his head as it slowly dawned on him, and then excitement filled him as well, "that's right! He had all those weapons too!"
"If we have time," Lucca began, "we might as well get Marle a decent crossbow and your sword is looking pretty dinged up, Crono."
"Well, that's all good for weapons and whatnot. But how are we getting back into Guardia?" Crono asked.
"Trust me," Alwyn said with a wink, "if there is a way back into Guardia, old man Melchoir has a way. I suggest you wait until dusk."
And so that's how they found themselves walking south-west towards the more provincial part of Medina. The crowded neighborhoods slowly gave way to rolling mountains with the occasional farm or hill-top home. They also noticed that further out of the town proper this place became quieter and even lonelier. There was the occasional Mystic traveler that would give them an odd look. When they left Alwyn suggested that they cover themselves with mantles and hoods to avoid detection. It hid their skin, but it was quite an oddity to see four creatures walking around in drab mantles with everything covered. Yes, this was not the best disguise, but it did not help any when Marle raised a fist in the air and shouted "Death to all humans!" to a traveling Mystic as a futile means of fitting in.
Crono gave her a nudge with his elbow as he harshly whispered, "'Death to all humans'?"
They could not see her face, but all knew she was blushing, "I was nervous!" Marle put in lamely.
"My heat sensors indicate you are experiencing a heightened blood flow to the face. Would you like a sedative?" Robo asked politely.
"No" Marle said while rolling her eyes, "I do not want a sedative…"
There was only one other time where they felt very uncomfortable and that was when they happened across a small province where there were several fires ablaze. Marle and Lucca did not want to go near, fearing that it was some cult gathering all this way from any thing that could protect them. Crono and Robo went, telling them to wait a little further down the road while they inspected the fires. As they drew near they realized that Marle and Lucca were correct. There was a fearsome looking bunch of ogres dancing around a fire while several imps banged out a primal rhythm on drums. It was truly hellish looking scene; at least fifty creatures all dancing about, casting long shadows from a blazing bonfire at the center of their merrymaking. Their features could not be All the while they were chanting the most horrific hymn they had ever heard.
"Deliver our enemies into our hands"
"So we may drink their blood and take our old lands"
"Let our cursed enemies die by the swords"
"That comes from our gigantic, monstrous hordes"
"Lavos shall come with Magus at his right hand"
"No proud warrior against Lavos shall stand"
"They deny us our freedom! Behold they lie!"
"Their wickedness be known, for soon they shall die!"
"The war had been lost but will soon start anew"
"And we shall feast upon the old king's sinew"
"Lavos shall come with Magus at his right hand"
"No proud warrior against Lavos shall stand"
Imagine the chill that went down Crono's spine as he heard those words. He almost wanted to despise Mystics himself when he heard those words. It caused his blood to boil in indignation and he wanted very much to go down and tell him his thoughts on what Lavos was and what he would do. That was when Robo stopped him, "Master Crono, that will not do. A wise man cannot be made out of fool. At least not by a foolish action. It is common for such devious acts and beliefs to be more extreme so far outside the cities. Remember, Alwyn tried his best to avoid the smaller cities because they had fewer keepers of the peace and they tend to be ignorant of more recent events. Pay no attention to them. Also, this song is not of their making, but according to my data is an old song that had existed since the Great War."
"Even so, it is abominable…" A voice said from behind them.
Crono yelled in surprise as he spun about as saw Marle and Lucca staring at them with wide eyes in response to his reaction. "What are you two doing here?"
"We got a little frightened of waiting on the path…we thought that…"
"Who is there?"
They instantly went silent as they realized that some of the noise had died down. There were still drums being played and several Mystics were still dancing to the tune, but a group of ten had ceased their part in the festivities and peered anxiously into the bush. Crono, Marle, and Lucca sunk into the bushes while Robo did a fantastic job of remaining as still as a tree trunk. After a few minutes the investigators stopped staring into the bushes and started dancing and playing their instruments again. They took one last look at a stone statue modeled after Magus before they sidled away.
It was dark outside, but it was still early in the night when they finally reached a beautiful home. There was not a full moon outside that night, but it was bright enough for them to see that this was a quaint setting with a sweet smelling garden set about it. During the day they imagined that this place was probably buzzing with bees, or full of chirping birds, but for now it was gray and dark. It was that way mostly in contrast to bright electrical light that came from inside the house. They could also hear sweet music come from inside.
"Should we sleep outside and come back in the morning?" Lucca asked.
"Yeah, I almost think it is probably the most polite thing to do." Marle replied.
Crono nodded, "I suppose it would be a bit of a scare for him, this late at night."
"You're right. I would be scared senseless!"
It was quite the opposite, because the travelers (save for Robo who was never surprised) nearly jumped out of their skin while a rotund man adorned in strange clothes stood in the open doorway, smiling invitingly. They held a hand to their chest, as if they wanted to stop the frantic beatings of their hearts as they looked at the laughing man and asked, "Are you, by any chance, old man Melchoir?"
"The very one and the same! Please, come in, unless you would rather tough it out on my front lawn until tomorrow!"
His house was a very nice one indeed. Whatever his station was in this place, evidently it was well with him. He was indeed the same person that tried to buy Marle's pendent and the same man who tried to buy Crono's opinion in order to obtain the priceless heirloom. Crono knew this because he was eagerly investigating the many sheathed swords and eastern blades that hung on racks. Much like the other weapons he had seen at Melchoir's stall at the fair, these were far superior to any other he had seen from his town. The seemed to have a shine within them, each well polished blade showing a disproportionate image of his face. He saw his bulbous reflection smiling back as he lifted the sword from the rack (with Melchoir's permission of course) and took a few practice swings. It was light, as if it were aluminum.
"I do believe that is the same make of sword that you had your eye on at the fair!" Melchoir walked up to him, hands clasped behind his back.
"So you remember us then." Crono stated, although he meant it to be interrogative.
"How could I forget such a couple?" Melchoir said with a smile. Crono blanched, Marle blushed, and Lucca almost gagged. Then Melchoir said, alleviating their current reactions, "You two were so interested in what I had. It was almost as if you were drawn into my tent. I will be honest, you two made my day."
"Oh," Crono rubbed the back of his head, seeing what he truly meant by "couple." He looked up again, "Do you think we could test its durability? It feels way too light to be steel."
"Certainly," Melchoir nodded, "do you plan on buying it?"
Crono looked over to Marle, as did Lucca. On their way to this place, they had discussed the necessity for new weapons. Crono saw that his sword was starting to become dull and Lucca needed to make more ammunition. They barely had enough money for food, but Marle had been carrying a large sum of money this entire time. Crono and Lucca were not too fond on taking somebody's money, but Marle had to firmly state that she would buy them something if they wanted it or not. She also stated they had better choose or else she would pick out something that they might not like and she would force them to use it. Needless to say, they were still hesitant on actually taking her money. She gave them an annoyed, yet encouraging smile as she nodded in reply.
"Yes," Crono replied, "only if it is as strong as my sword. It must be steel," then he said diminutively, "it feels heavy enough for it…"
Evidently Melchoir heard him, "Heavy does not necessarily mean better. Let me put your sword to the test."
"There is no need," Robo began quickly, "my sensors can test the molecular structure and stability of an element by…"
"Robo, shhh!" Lucca said, putting a finger to her lips.
"My apologies."
Melchoir carried both swords and went out a back door where a furnace and a worktable stood separate from the house. There was a small straw roof that was held up by eaten lumber and the roof was pitch-black from smoke. There was a part of the bench that was much like a vice, except two were welded together so that there was space in the middle the length of a blade. Melchoir slid Crono's sword into the vice-grips and tightened them so they gripped the blade after the handle and a few inches from the tip. The turned to Crono and said, "Alright, take my sword and cut through your sword."
"That will ruin both of them!" Crono said with a warning tone.
"It won't," Melchoir said with a cocky smile, "come on. Give it a swing."
Crono stepped up the vice-grips and drew in a breath, preparing himself in case the sword bounced back into his face. He stood shoulder-width apart, raising the sword high above his head, (and this was when everyone saw how magic and mastering the elements affected him) swung so fast that nothing was seen, but his move was heard as if it were a shrill wind. There was also a sound much like a stone sharpening a knife and them the sound of metal dragging on dirt. They looked at Crono's sword and it was so cleanly split in two that if you were a distance away you would swear on your life it was still intact. Just like a child who had seen some cheap magic trick, Crono seemed astonished and disbelieving.
"I felt no resistance at all!" He nearly squealed. He bent down and looked as the sword, seeing a gap in the blade the width of the blade he carried now.
Just as Marle, Lucca, and Robo have seen the affects of magic, Melchoir stood quietly as if he were somehow troubled. The four did not realize this as Crono looked over the blade which remained flawless. As if he were afraid of being noticed, his countenance suddenly changed into an amiable smile as he moved towards them and said, "That was mighty fast…So, are you impressed? Will you buy it?"
"Of course!" Crono said. All his reservations about money disappeared after the demonstration.
"So, how is it that you came to this place?" Melchoir asked.
It was such an out-of-place question that the four stammered on their words for a second, and then Crono said, "Well, we sailed over. But we lost our passports."
Melchoir smiled and seemed to believe them as he said, "Oh, I see. Then you are in a spot of trouble, aren't you?"
"Well, we can't try to go back the way we came, or else we would…"
"Be punished to the full extent of their law, I know. It was very rough for me when I first came here."
"Why did you come here?" Crono asked, "Wouldn't you rather be with other humans?"
"I don't mind them either way, as long as they aren't members of that foolish cult. I had to defend myself a few times. It never came to blows, but threatening make me feel so thuggish. I am here because there is a cave about five miles west of here that has the most heterogeneous amount of metals I had ever seen in a cave. If it weren't for that cave I would have been more than happy to live on the western continents."
"That means a lot of different types of metal, Crono." Lucca said with a playful sneer.
Crono playfully knocked on her head in return, which Lucca returned with shove, "We talked with a mystic named Alwyn. He said you might help us."
"Well, I suppose if you want to avoid the government there is a way to avoid them all completely."
"And how can we do that?" Robo asked.
"It is actually through that cave I have told you about. During the Great War it was an underground channel that connected the continents. Magus brought the tormented back to life and forced them to dig an underground cave leading to the west. They used it to force their attack that took the life of the old king." A chill went down their spines at that moment as they thought of that kind hearted man and his beautiful wife. "However, there might be an opportunity that it still connects after all these years. I imagine it must be at least fifteen miles in length. It will take a while to travel, but there are luminescent stones and torches that will guide your way. I have never traveled more than a mile into its interior. I hear that there are wild animals and monsters that make their nests there."
"We either deal with the creatures there, or we deal with the Mystics here." Crono said, pondering on the situation.
"I honestly suggest you return to the capital tomorrow." Melchoir said, "You can write to immigration at Guardia and they will get you back home. Things are unstable as it is, and although these fools make it seem different, this place is in no hurry to bring war back to their country."
"I suppose we will do just that." Marle replied.
They lied.
It is silly to say that so plainly, but that was what they had done. How could they possibly tell him the truth? Would he believe them if they said that one of them was a condemned felon, another being a robot (and not a knight in armor as Melchoir believed), the third being an accomplice to a jailbreak, and the fourth being a princess and heir to the throne? Sometimes it is a good thing to lie if it is spare feelings, or avoid needless complications. In fact, the three humans tried justifying the situation by saying that they did not lie, but withheld truth. Although they said they would do "just that" they were actually referring to crossing through the caves. However, Robo, being the complete logical being that he was, stated what they tried not to admit. It led to an interesting morning conversation that is worthy of note, if only a small one.
"We are not going to the city?"
"Are you nuts? And bolts?" Lucca laughed hysterically at her own joke insomuch that Crono and even Marle chuckled, "If we go back, they will kills us! And if they don't, the Guardian government will."
"You two informed Melchoir that we were going back to the city."
"Oh, we only said that we will do 'just that' and we meant the caves."
"My sensory systems detected a slight waver in your tone of voice, showing that there is doubt in your own…"
"Robo!" Lucca yelled aloud, yet her bright, affectionate smile showed her true thoughts, "Do you want me to rip out your voice box?"
"Why would you do such a thing?"
Her smile disappeared and she said rather apologetically, "I, uh, I was just joking."
At that moment there was a strange surprise; Robo actually laughed.
"So was I, madam!"
Crono and Marle looked at each other with gawking maws, which turned into contorted expressions while they held back their laughter.
"You're a robot!" Lucca began, still smiling, "You cannot makes jokes!"
"Sure I can." Robo replied with a cool voice, "Using my sensory…"
"No, no," Lucca shushed him with a raised hand, "no more 'using my blah-blah', just tell me what you thought." ("Did I just say 'thought?'"?)
"Humor seems to come after awkward situations. It seems that is how humans relieve their stress. I have also noticed from several events that when I fail to fully comprehend your meanings there are increased rates in your blood flows. My reply was to relieve the tension which was brought on by your realizations that you had lied…odd…Your blood flow has increased again…"
"Robo," Lucca sighed, "you should have quit while you were ahead."
"Was he ever ahead?" Marle asked, giggling.
"Actually," Crono began with a smile of his own, "I think he was."
They had come to the cave. There was a large gaping hole which was actually large enough to drive tank through it. At the thought of a fifteen mile journey underground they were wishing devoutly that they could bring their vehicle through the time portals. Perhaps they could, but it they had gone too far now and they felt they would be pushing their luck if they drove through this world in a vehicle like their jet bike. Exactly as Melchoir had said, there were torches that stretched into the depths of the cave. A small line of flames flickered in the darkness and there was the dank smell of earth. The path actually seemed pretty straight forward.
"Maybe this won't be as hard of Melchoir made it out to be." Marle said hopefully.
They entered into the cave, the natural light slowly dimming until all color was either a flickering red or a faint blue. At that moment Crono and Marle had a chilling thought, "What if the torches go out while we are down here? We can get lost and never get out!" However, they were embarrassed by their own forgetfulness as Lucca cleared her throat behind them, holding aloft a single flame in her hand.
While they traveled down the road they continued to practice their magical skills. They were impressed to see that they were much further along than they thought. Evidently their journeying had quite an affect on them already. Marle was able to cover the entire floor in frost at her whim while Lucca could run her fingers along flame without feeling a burn. Crono could cause bolts of light and electricity to cackle from his fingers. Robo was slightly dismayed to see that his powers, although evident, were difficult to be seen in the lackluster light. Another thing they discovered was that the torches lighting the path were not like any other torches they had ever seen. Marle tried practicing a spell on a torch, but became frustrated when the flame refused to die.
"They say that Magus is a powerful sorcerer." Lucca suggested, "How frightening! Perhaps he enchanted these torches with such powerful magic that they are ever-burning!"
"That must have been a horrible surprise for the kingdom." Crono shook his head in shame.
"I don't remember reading that the king dies…" Lucca stated. "I wonder if something had changed in time."
"You know what? I don't remember hearing about a member of the royal family dying in a war either. Then again, we didn't know that the hero who saved the queen was some giant frog masquerading as a peasant either." Marle replied.
"What if someone else is traveling through time like us?" Crono mused.
"Is it possible? You think that old crackpot in the end of time would have told us, right?" Lucca stated.
"I suppose." Crono said with a nod of his head.
Have you ever noticed how slowly time drags on in darkness? There is nary a thing to occupy our attention; therefore we are left to the thoughts in our mind, which usually tend to be whining in a situation like this. "How far have we gone? How much time has passed? When do we get there?" They were already longing for the sun and the green grass of the upper world. Also, the more they progressed, the more solid the ground became, which was rougher on their soles. The ground was strangely smooth as if the bedrock had eroded overtime. ("There must be a steady stream of water that comes through hear with every rainfall" Robo pointed out, "that's why there holes at least four feet off the ground. Any inhabitants that live in this cave did it to avoid being swept away in their sleep.")
Just when they felt that they were ready to take a rest they heard a loud rumbling. They made their way gingerly, hoping that it was not a stampede of monsters ahead. They looked ahead and saw a cave that was large enough to house an army. There were even scraps of old clothing, rusted swords, and rusted shovels scattered in random places. "Maybe the Mystic army made camp here when they traveled this cave long ago." Lucca deliberated.
"That means we are close." Robo replied. "I do believe that rumbling is also an underwater river."
He was accurate in his assumption. They could already see a swirling blackness that twisted and flickered in the light for a brief second before it grew dark again. They saw that it was the surf of the river and judging by the splashes they made it was a very fast river indeed. They were on a cliff that overlooked the area, but there was a pathway that twisted back and forth along the face so that they were able to reach the camping grounds. The paths were wide enough to allow a line of five regular humans to travel down without fear of falling. When they reached the bottom they felt a horrendously unnatural air surround them and they shivered.
"Who dares into my cavern?"
This question rumbled the very earth on which they stood insomuch that they did not understand it at first, thinking that it was only the thundering river. However, the voice uttered its threatening interrogation once more, and the voice surrounded them in a way that they did not know where it came from. They looked about nervously, their weapons drawn.
"Fools…" The voice seemed to purr, "weapons of steel and stone do not harm me. Only a secret art, which is dead to your kind, may harm me."
"And what secret art is that?" Crono yelled out, suddenly feeling brave.
"The mastery of the elements…The force to control nature itself…What brings you here?"
"We are trying to return to Guardia," Lucca shouted out, "what is your reason for being here? And are you a monster of this cave?"
"Can a monster speak?" The voice answered indignantly, "No matter…I am a Mystic by birth, and I serve my master who at this very moment has infiltrated the highest levels of your kingdom…"
"What do you mean?" Marle asked, suddenly feeling enraged. "What are you planning to do?"
"We shall not await the day of Lavos…We wish for the power that comes from a legion of thousands, be they human or Mystic…We are a secret combination that seek to overthrow the governments of the earth and reign supreme…We will not serve that descendant of a fool. I serve a master who is like Magus in his cunning and cruelty."
"You must be crazy," Lucca said with a taunting tone, "you master is most likely dead now, seeing how utterly stupid you Mystics are."
Lucca did not appreciate Mystics, but at the same time she did not despise them altogether. Rather, she said these things to enrage the Mystic so he would show himself. Her plan worked, and they knew it from the pounding footsteps of some giant that shook the cavern walls. Showers of dust floated from the ceiling as a silhouette slowly came into view. As it stepped into the light their courage slightly faltered. The voice, which was deep, dark, and murderous, suited its form very well. The creature had sharp fangs that went past its jaws, along with massive claws that were accessories to thick hands (if you could call them that) that were covered in the thickest skin any had ever seen. Perhaps the best way to explain his skin was that it was like a rhinoceros. It was baggy and hung over in certain spots, but was tough and weathered. He was right when he said that no sword could puncture that hide. His eyes were different as well. They were glowing red, as if some fire flickered just behind his eyes.
"You are the fools. Your king is the biggest fool. He hadn't noticed that his very closest subordinate is my very master who seeks to overthrow the kingdom!"
All four looked at him dubiously and then Crono realized whom he spoke. He remember looking into that old man's eyes that escorted him to the prison and ordered his death, knowing that the king had set a trap for himself by giving a meaningless threat against the boy's life. "The chancellor…" Crono said breathlessly.
The Mystic laughed, "Yes…how you know him, I do not know myself, but you have made me happier than anything could possibly make me."
"And why is that?" Robo asked.
"My master commanded me to frighten away anything that came down here…He wanted no creature to attempt to escape into Guardia, knowing that it could compromise his plan…He wished to keep this place secret so that he may return here from time to time and gather others to our cause. He wanted no worries of a usurper to grip the heart of the king…He wanted to gain the power to command the multitudes. Therefore, I stayed down here these many weeks, frightening any who dare showed their face here…He warned me to kill no one…That is why I told you these things…Since you all seem to know so much now, I have a feeling that he would make an exception for your case…"
The mystic ended this on such a low tone that it caught its opposition off guard. The monster rushed forward and screamed in a fit of rage. The party scattered in different directions as his monstrous hand crashed into the ground. A first attack, if placed well, could end a violent struggle, and the very forces of knowledge and how things are saved these four from a certain death. Had they not been quickened by their new power they would have been sliced or pounded into the earth by the weathered claw.
"You left your back to me, Mystic!" Crono pointed his sword and thrust forwards, already forgetting what he had seen.
Even with his newfound power and speed, the sword merely bounced off the skin with a thin scratch. It had barely begun to bleed when the enraged creature spun about, his stretched out claw swatting Crono away like a fly. To Crono, it felt as if he were hit by a brick wall. Once again, had he not received such power from the manifestation of war he would have fainted from the blow, falling unconscious into the hands of the demon. Instead, he flew several feet into the air, flipping until he righted himself, and landed on the ground, balanced, skidding back on a leg and knee. The creature was dumbfounded.
It tried its best to hide its astonishment, but it failed, "Very well…A bigger challenge means a bigger victory…"
The monster ran forward again, and it was then that Crono saw how powerful, yet how clumsy he was. He ran awkwardly, his thundering footsteps shaking the earth all about him. The most important thing was that he almost completely forgot about the three others who were in the opposite direction of his path. The darkness abated for only a second as a blazing heat struck the creature in the back. It howled in pain and fell the ground, rolling out the flames that scorched its back. Had they been quickly witted (or at least more than they were) they would have the good sense to end him while he was on the ground defenseless. Even when they would retell the story to various people they never remembered why they froze. Perhaps it was the fact that such a massive creature showing such pain was foreign to them insomuch it stunned them into bewilderment. They were even more stunned by how much power had already developed within them.
The creature righted itself, breathing heavily from its frantic flailing. It looked towards Lucca and sneered in a very sinister way. "Ah, so you little fools know the elements, eh? I was going to tear you limb from limb and watch your flowing blood soak the ground…" A line of drool came out of an open crack in its mouth "but if that is how it's going to be, then maybe I shouldn't hold back after all…" At this moment they realized the reason why he was chosen to guard the pathway between these kingdoms. He was truly a fearsome thing.
"I will dash your bodies into the rocks and watch them break like sticks…For that, I will need water…"
The light was still dim, yet there was a vague outline of what seemed to be snakelike creatures. The Mystic smiled as he made strange gestures with his hands. With each gesture the snakelike figures followed in a similar pattern around the darkness with darting speed. The figures spun and twirled in so many directions that it was impossible to tell which direction they would strike from. They began to move so fast that they could feel a slight breeze come from their bodies. Our protagonists' eyes darted from the creatures to the mystic who smiled sadistically. Their eyes went wide when he made a dramatic and unfamiliar gesture. When they turned to face the creatures they were darting towards them from all directions.
All dived out of the way, but Lucca was not fast enough. She felt something pound into her chest and it sent her flying backwards. It was not as strong as the blow that Crono received, but it caused her to land in a rough heap on the ground. She grabbed her chest in pain and her heart suddenly felt as if it were dunked in ice. Her shirt was wet…But with what? She had no time to think. There was another snakelike creature heading towards her, causing her to dive out of the way. It seemed that the Mystic was angered by her attack earlier, because he caused the majority of these strange creatures to swarm about her. She was leaping backwards and forwards and was growing tired by the minute. She just evaded another blow when she spun around and saw another heading straight for her head. Her reaction was what we would do in such a situation; she put her hands up, tensed all her muscles and screamed.
The blow never came…
She opened her eyes quickly as if she wanted to see what horrible thing awaited her, but saw only mist floating before her eyes. It was also noticeably lighter in the room. What she had done was accidentally cast a spell that incinerated anything close to her. What she saw floating before her were the very creatures that pursued her. A quick thought flashed through her mind and she felt her chest again. It was still wet, but not with blood as her fears dictated. It was water.
"Everyone!" She shouted, "He is controlling water in the form of those creatures!"
That was true and it became evident by the light that suddenly illuminated the room. The old scraps of clothing and old tents left years past had caught aflame and lit the cavern so they could see their opponents clearly for the first time. They were creatures made of water from the underground river, and their movements were controlled by the Mystic himself, which was the reason for his strange gestures.
"He controls their movements with his hands!" Crono shouted in reply.
The team thought as one, all dashing towards the Mystic who began to frantically move his hands about as if he were a conductor. He had grown frightened and it was evident by how sloppy his attacks became. The water snakes were missing their targets by inches at first, and then by feet until Crono and his friends were able to concentrate their attacks. The Mystic had made a mistake by telling them his weakness, and now they rained down on him endlessly. The Mystic was no longer summoning jets of water to attack his opponents, but was covering his body from the raging torrent of elements that bombarded him from every side.
"Now, Crono!"
The flustered Mystic viewed this as a never-ending nightmare that he desperately wanted to wake up from. He was no longer using magic, but swiping recklessly at his enemies. His vision was becoming blurry, but he still able to see a figure charge towards him. It was Crono, and he shouted for his attention. The mystic swung again, but far too soon. Crono leapt into the air with effortless grace, twisting so that he was nearly upside-down, staring into the Mystics eyes. The Mystic could see his face clearly now and it was smiling in triumph as a single hand pressed against his head. He felt a white-hot pain shoot throughout his cranium and eyes as a powerful surge of electricity flowed through his self. The eyes rolled into the back of his head and his body smoked as it had done before. He fell limply to the ground with a thunderous bang and a low groan. Crono landed neatly on two feet, spinning around to face the defeated beast.
All stood around the creature silently. It was still breathing, but it was becoming increasingly labored. As he looked on the scorched monster, Crono could not help remembering something similar when he had killed another creature. Although it was a horrible thing, and even a wicked thing, something about it laying prostate on the ground caused Crono to shrink from ending it. The creature sensed this and merely laughed, "You still fear me? You rightfully should. Although you may have defeated me, you will not be so fortunate when the chancellor shall strip all power from the name of the king. He shall rule with an iron fist, casting out all those who oppose him and raise his people in ignorance. Even so, we will bring about the creation of Lavos and the resurrection of Magus! In the name of Magus, I swear you will suffer far more than I…"
"Are you in pain?" Crono asked, holding an open palm towards the creature.
"Damn you, son of man…We will finish what Magus had started…" was its only reply. It wheezed as it writhed on the ground.
Then, with a reverent silence unbefitting this beast, Crono summoned the power of lightning within him and shocked the Mystic until he heard its death rattle. Crono merely shook his head as his companions wondered why he looked so solemn. When they asked him why he only said softly, "It is because of this Magus and his companions that our kingdom faces danger now. It is because of the deeds of one person that our world suffers from this hatred. What if we were to stop Magus; end his rule? Would that stop Lavos and this constant feud between these countries?"
"It is possible…" Lucca said, with an optimistic voice. She never enjoyed seeing Crono depressed and lost for words.
"There are many factors that seem to separate your two countries," Robo said, "but I imagine embarking on this quest would only help."
"Then let's go back home, rest up, go to the fair, and help the king of the past hold the Zenan Bridge."
"Yeah, now you're talking!" Marle said with a smile.
They only had to walk a few hundred yards until they came to a pool. The pond was filled with a strange whirlpool that spun around in such a way that no surf splashed into the air. In short, it seemed as if it were enchanted. Not only were their strength and speed intensified due to their new powers, but their senses seemed to heighten themselves and they could feel something tingle inside them. (Except for Robo maybe, but he would explain it as a strange new prompt within his programming).
"This is definitely magic." Marle said, stooping down to touch the water.
The water swirled around her fingers, but no drops ever broke away form the body of the water. Instead, its texture seemed thick yet it still felt like water. Marle straightened herself up and said, "I think we can jump in."
"Are you sure?" Crono asked, leaning over the pool.
"Well, I bet you that the Mystic wouldn't die to protect a pool that would tear you to ribbons…"
"True enough, but…" Crono still leaned over the pool.
What Marle did next was unexpected. Lucca leaned over the pool and tried to look down into its depths so that she and Crono stood side by side. They stood together, wondering who should test it first. When they suggested drawing straws Marle got a very mischievous grin on her face and she inched closer. Her heart sped up as she got nearer and nearer. Before Robo could shout out a warning, Marle gave an abrupt laugh and shoved her two unsuspecting friends into the swirling pool. They were so surprised they didn't even scream as they fell straight down, instantly swallowed up in the pool. She slapped her knee and laughed while Robo stood there, not sure what he should do next.
"Ms. Marle!" Robo said as if he sounded revolted by her behavior.
She suddenly felt slightly ashamed and very shy when she tried to explain herself, "You don't understand Robo! They pulled a mean trick on me when we were on our way home! If you knew you would understand!" She crossed her arms and softly said, "I suppose I should have got back at them a different way, but it is a way to get home, isn't it?"
"Are you sure about that?" Robo asked.
Suddenly, Marle felt a sick feeling come over her and she ran to the poolside and peered into the water, afraid that she did something horrible. As she inspected the pool she felt something cold and hard push against her bareback. She gave a shriek as she fell headlong into the pool while Robo thought to himself that she would find it hilarious later. He followed behind her and dove into the churning water. This place was magical, for he saw nothing except endless bubbles surround him. The light quickly dwindled and he was in darkness, but he could feel himself moving at an incredible speed. Suddenly, after only a few seconds, he saw a circle of light and the outlines of his friends that were already a great distance ahead of him. The light grew bigger and bigger until suddenly he felt himself thrown ashore on a white sandy beach. Crono, Marle, and Lucca were already bickering and eventually laughing about what had happened only seconds before. Robo looked around the area and saw a bunch of provincial houses with people walking about in the distance. He also saw a home connected to a lighthouse in the distance, which was actually Lucca's home.
They were finally home.
Author's Note: Okay, I haven't had a lengthy note for a while and I just want to address a couple of things, and preferably in chronological order:) First off, Kit you are right. I have read the Magicians Nephew. You are one sharp thumbtack, I tell ya. I got the big huge book that contains all the stories and I'm on the Final Battle right now. Also, to Picon; no I don't dislike Lucca, but you are right. She does come off as a bit on the bi-yatchy side, but I meant for that to be only for the gurus. I wanted to establish an emotional conflict between her and the gurus via their philosophical discussions. She particularly hates the gurus because she feels she is smart but feels inadequate in comparison. At least that was what I wanted to convey. She didn't have that interaction with Melchoir yet, but that was only because they didn't talk about anything. I was going for dynamic, but she can come of as overly aggressive. I'll work on that. In fact, I meant to make her more heroic in this chapter as well. Thanks for your opinion. As a matter of fact, thanks for all your opinions. There is nothing I love more than checking my mail and seeing that some people are reading what I put out. I'm just glad someone enjoys reading them. I hope to return the favor soon. Happy days to all.
P.S. Don't worry…I'm not going to have Magus be all completely evil. There is going to be a twist as to why he is portrayed in such a way. I think ya'll will like it. Trust me! ;-) Oh, and sorry if my writing gets repetitive. Writing becomes daunting to me when I put up lengthy chapters like these. I think I write shorter chapters better. Enjoy nonetheless!