Chrono Trigger
He Who Dared to Summon a God; the showdown begins and a revelation is the result…
He arose slowly, his hand clenching his sword so tightly the blood drained from his knuckles. His white bandana waved in the drafts of the castle as he looked skyward, presumably to the unseen peak of the castle. His eyes narrowed and he turned about, walking toward the exit as his friends wordlessly followed. The tears that flowed so easily where hid from his friends out of shame and it stung his eyes. His walk was angered and determined while the walk of his friends was uneasy and awkward.
Meanwhile, the wicked imps cackled heartlessly as they spoke of what they had seen. However, they were interrupted as they felt something dark swell within them. They looked at each other unanimously, confirming without words what had just happened. They giggled excitedly, each one knowing what must be done. Then, they argued one with another, their pride clouding their judgment as they hid their fear of the intruders. They could not be honest with themselves, let alone each other as they boasted of their own strength. "I can take them all" they each claimed, pretending that they wanted to prove themselves. They rolled a die to determine who would be the first to slow the advancement of their guests. The lot fell on Slash who hid his uneasiness behind a grin. He disappeared in a flash.
Marle and Lucca walked side by side as the group made their way up a spiraled stairway. Marle wanted to ask questions so horribly that it nearly drove her mad. However, she knew that this was definitely something she wouldn't want to bring up while she was in earshot. Maybe this was something that she didn't want to bring up since it was so personal. And now we see that she began to understand how severe this situation was. She began to see that this was not just a matter of trust, but that it had been so painful that even Crono did not dwell on it. She felt a pang of guilt for trying to pressure Crono into sharing something so hard just for the sake of feeling trusted.
Her thoughts were interrupted as they entered a large ballroom that had been neglected like much of the castle. There were many doors and rooms, but only one stairway that continued to spiral upward on the opposite side of the room. Crono moved forward, motioning wordlessly to his party to follow along. However, they were stopped by the sudden appearance of a silhouette that stood in the middle of the floor. It was a creature that Frog was familiar with, and the corners of his mouth went up in pleasure at the sight of him. "It has been too long, Slash…"
He bowed, feigning respect, "Sir Froggy…Still as hideous as always. It seems our little alteration was an improvement after all."
Crono, to the surprise of everyone, did not waste time with pleasantries, "Is there only you?" He asked with threats laced in his voice.
"Why, of course!" Slash said with a grin. "I will prove to Master Magus that I am capable enough to…"
Slash ducked just in time as a katana passed over his head. His bulbous eyes turned into an annoyed stare as he unsheathed his own weapon and countered a blow aimed for his neck. He placed his free hand on the back-end of his blade and pushed Crono away. He twirled his sword in hand and said with venom, "You don't like to waste time, do you? Very well. Let's see what you've got!" The party began to move forward, but was stopped by a single proclamation.
"He's mine!" Crono shouted. "Go on ahead!"
"Crono!" Lucca shouted, "We can help you!"
"I said go!" He grunted through clenched teeth. "I need this…"
Have you ever sensed that a person would reach their breaking point or the end of their patience if you had said one thing further? Anyone who has felt this would understand what usually happens next. Nothing was more hurtful to Marle and Lucca than seeing him so angry, but to provoke him to stronger anger was a dangerous proposition. They looked at each other, judging what each felt by their expressions, and went up the stairway and out of sight.
At that moment Crono and Slash stood face to face, their weights clashing against each other through their swords. The fear of taking on an entire party fled his heart and Slash grinned naturally. He looked at the frustrated youth before him. "So," he said with a grunt as he pushed back, "I suppose we must have hit a nerve." Crono answered with a violent push that sent Slash reeling backwards. He fell on the flat of his back, quickly rolling out of the way of a downward strike. Slash pushed with his back and found himself on his feet again.
"Oh yes…" he said with bubbling anger. "This will be fun."
"Will he be okay?" Marle called after her comrades, having fallen toward the rear. She shot continual worried glances behind her.
"He's a big guy," Lucca answered, "he can take care of himself!"
This answer was not good enough for Marle, but she had no say in this current situation as the party made their way across another room. Robo and Glenn had passed through an archway while the two girls followed closely behind; but evidently they were not close enough. They screeched to a halt as a heavy barred gate separated them from Robo and Glenn. They fell upon the gate, their hands gripping the bars and eyes searching for a switch.
"Oh…Please ladies…don't be in such a hurry to leave…"
They turned around to see a beautiful, voluptuous woman who was sitting in an armchair that they had not seen when they entered. She stood on her feet and gave a casual glance to the two men who were sealed away from offering assistance. She noted that they tried their hardest bend the gate. She smiled triumphantly. Their efforts were in vain and proved that her magic was even more potent than she knew. Her attention went back to the two young women who gave her the condescending glare that only women can give to one another. "Jealous of what I have?" She said, gesturing to her body.
"Why would I be jealous of a cheap floozy?" Lucca said with her trademark smirk.
"Well," she offered in feigned coyness, "aren't you jealous of that cheap floozy beside you?" She pointed a lazy finger towards Marle.
Marle gave Lucca an uncomfortable look. Lucca could feel Marle watching her, but tried not to acknowledge the incrimination. "Either put up, or shut up!" Lucca barked in reply.
"Ooh…" Flea answered, shivering in what appeared to be ecstasy. "I love it when people talk so tough! Alright…Let's see what you've got!"
Meanwhile, as the sorceress grew closer, Glenn and Robo continued to work against the gate feverously. It seemed that no matter how hard they struck the metal it would fix itself and grow even denser. Finally in frustration, Glenn raised his head from the work and shouted demeaning epithets to Flea. Amid his clamoring he shouted out, "Art thou such a coward that ye cast us to wayside, Flea? Surely thou knowest that thou art no match for us all!" Glenn raised his sword, swinging it hard at the bars to no avail.
Marle drew her crossbow and held it at the ready, "It's okay, Glenn! You and Robo should go ahead! We'll show her who's in control here!"
"Very well. Please be careful Miss Guardia and Miss Lucca!"
Glenn gave a cautious look behind him as Robo led the way. He briefly followed.
Their sprints brought them to another spiraled tower. The windows had nothing to bar the wind and rain, so the steps were sleek as water flowed down the steps. Outside the western side of the tower they could see the main tower and the balcony that would lead them to it. Seeing the object of their search they intensified their effort, the sound of their steps thundering upwards to meet the ears of an anxious general.
Ozzie had been biting at his nails again, knowing that these foes had made it past his most hardened soldiers. He knew that he could take a precaution, using an ancient spell to protect him, but who knew if it was strong enough to hold these enemies at bay. However, he feared Magus the most and shivered to feel that pain again. Instead, he rooted his feet into the ground in an effort to deter his fright. It barely made a dent, but by that time it was too late. The door before him exploded into splinters, as the metal titan didn't waste time to open it. The frog knight came barreling in behind him, shielding himself from the splinters with his cloak. The cloak came down and a pair of bulbous eyes found Ozzie. They narrowed as the frog knight grinned in delight. "Aye…I believe it was thee who hast told me that if I made it past thy flunkies I wouldst have a chance at thee…" He unsheathed the Masamune at that point. "I have come to collect Ozzie…"
Had his skin been flesh instead of scales he would have been red in the face from embarrassment. He stammered as Glenn and Robo circled him like predators, edging in closer and closer. Ozzie's eyes darted forwards and backward and he whimpered, swearing that he could already feel the strike of the blade before it even happened. Suddenly, he let out a shout and a great frost hung in the room. The frost had frozen to Robo and Glenn, but had not damaged them. However, they were stunned to see that were Ozzie was standing a large block of ice stood instead. Glenn growled and his blade struck the ice, only to rebound. Even Robo tried his fists, but they only slid across the compacted and slick surface.
Meanwhile, Ozzie had been praying fervently that this shield would hold. When he saw that their attacks barely did a thing he shouted in joy and began to taunt his hunters. "Ha! I can't believe it! You fell for the oldest trick in the book! If only you were as smart as you were ugly!" Ozzie would have stuck his tongue out at Glenn, but they could not see him within his cold prison.
"We shall destroy this and you in the process Ozzie!" Glenn shouted, his sword clanging against the ice again.
"Ha! That's where you are wrong!" Ozzie said in singsong, "This ice barrier is impenetrable! Nothing can get in and out of here until it disappears in an hour! By then it will be too late!"
Robo began to beat the ice harder, "Do you really think that you're safe behind…Wait a moment…did you say that nothing can get out?"
Glenn stopped swinging his sword and Robo let his arms hang down at his side. They looked at each other, their expressions bemused.
Glenn shook his head, "No…surely this must be another guise…no mortal being can be so foolish."
"I think he's serious." Robo answered, his voice laughing.
Ozzie, who had stopped singing his taunts, spoke up. "Hey! What're you doing!? You want to get after me, don't you!?"
Glenn gave a cunning smirk as he turned to the hunk of ice, "Actually, I believe that we have an appointment with thy master and we intend to keep it."
"NO!" Ozzie shouted out in sudden fear, "You cannot face him until you defeat me!"
Robo scoffed, "What are you going to do? Make me rust?"
"Hey! Don't you walk away!" Ozzie shouted after their retreating forms. "You must know that you can't take me on! You're running away! You damned cowards!"
At this, Glenn's face scrunched up in disbelief and irritation. He looked at Robo and said, "I do believe that out of all his sins, he is constantly guilty of hypocrisy! However, he brings to mind that we must wait for the other members of our party. We need them if we are to fight Magus."
"I suppose…" Robo said, putting a finger to the base of his dome in thought. "In that case, what should we do?"
"I suppose it is a bit…childish…maybe even…cruel…but why not have a little fun with the Mystic general while we can?" Glenn's lips curled into a ruthless smile as he rubbed his hands together.
"…Agreed." Robo replied, doing the same.
Glenn and Robo approached, smiling impishly as Ozzie sat helpless. "Hey! Don't act like I can't hear you over there! Hey! What do you mean by 'fun'!? What're you doing…NO! GO AWAY! AAH!"
"So, tell me…That Crono character…you two don't have dibs on him, do you?"
A plume of fire engulfed the suit of armor that Flea had perched herself on. It slowly melted into volcanic ore, scorching the ground. However, it completely missed Flea who leapt into the air, summoning a spell of her own. She seemed to float as she called forth a whip of fire. Lucca barely dodged as Flea brought it down on toward her. The whip left scorch marks where it landed causing suffocating smoke to rise from the burn.
"I mean…I figured that he would prefer that nerdy girl over there…After all, they have been friends for so long…"
A gale of wind shoved Flea violently against a wall. Meanwhile, Marle brushed a few loose stands of hair out of her eyes. She panted, the spell exhausting her. Flea quickly jumped to her feet and smiled triumphantly, seeing that Marle nearly tottered in her breathlessness. She stretched out her hand, but shrieked as a fiery whip wrapped around her wrist. She fought the urge to reach for the pain, but summoned a cooling wind to disperse the fire. She growled in annoyance, "But I suppose that the blonde girl is just a far better looker anyway…and that is all men really care for, isn't it?"
Lucca clenched her teeth as she tensed her whole body, repeating the mistake that Marle had just made. She stretched her arms outward, both palms facing toward Flea. Much to Lucca's enjoyment, Flea's eyes bulged at the sight of her spell. Wooden tables and jars nearby began to crack in the smoldering heat, while scattered books began to burn and flutter about like moths. "Special delivery!" Lucca shouted out, causing the enormous spell to surge forward. The room was basked in a reddish glow as the ball of fire sped forward, crashing against the wall in a violent explosion. It wasn't until that moment that Lucca realized how foolish that was. She dived toward Marle, covering her as debris sped toward them. The searing heat and the coolness of the stormy night compressed, bringing a gale that sucked out shelves and vases that littered the room. When the winds subsided there was a gaping hole leading to the outside of the castle. The violent flashes of lightning clashed with the steady licking flames of the burning décor and candles.
"You ladies will never learn, will you?"
As they lay on the ground they turned to see Flea sitting in a singed chair, lazily looking at her nails as if nothing had happened. She blew on them, turning to look at them with a goofy grin. She let her boots come to the floor. She shot straight up, straightening herself so that she may look down on them imperiously. "What really makes you think he's worth it? I don't see why you both have to hate each other for it. In my opinion, I would hate the guy…But then again…I suppose that you are just girls…silly, immature girls...It's a shame you won't live long enough to be wise enough to understand that…" She held out a hand and was about to summon something to burn her enemies to a crisp.
"I don't hate Marle…I never did."
Flea's face turned into an amused countenance while Marle looked at Lucca with a wane smile. "Oh, is that so? That is not what I saw when we…"
"Jealous? Maybe…" Lucca stopped Flea, much to her annoyance. "…I love Crono…but don't think for a second I don't love Marle too!"
Flea gave her a look that suggested that this was neither the time nor the place for syrupy speeches. However, she was almost sickened to the point of vomiting when she heard the princess speak.
"That stands for me, too!" Marle growled.
Flea gave them looks of disgust, "It doesn't matter anyway…it's not like you have the strength to defeat me…"
It was at that point that the two jumped to their feet, each using the power of the elements. Had they the moment to think on what they would have done, they would have deemed it as foolish. However, at that moment they acted as one, each summoning their respective element. Destructive fire and chilling wind combined together. Instead of neutralizing each other, as they would have supposed, it caused a great explosion which launched Flea backwards with an ear-splitting scream. She collided against the wall, the force of the blow still propelling her outward. The scream faded as she fell earthward, her form disappearing in the dark mist of the storm.
"What happened?" Marle asked, brushing off her clothes.
"I'm not sure…I haven't seen anything like it…It seemed as if the air rapidly contracted when heat and cold touched each other and then suddenly expanded…" Lucca breathed heavily and looked toward the gate. The magical iron slowly faded away until the path was clear again. "Well, we can practice it later…We should catch up and…" She was stopped as she felt Marle hug her tightly. Lucca blushed immediately, not knowing if she should return the embrace or politely ask her to unhinge her grip just a little bit. "Hey, Princess…take it easy."
"I'm sorry…" Marle pulled herself away. Lucca could see that her eyes were becoming misty. "I'm sorry if I ever made you feel like you were less than me…"
Lucca shrugged, "Ah…You didn't really do it…I mean…I was a little bit jealous…but who wouldn't be of you…you know?"
Marle looked at her skittishly, toying with her pendant. "If it helps, I have been jealous of you for a long time…"
Lucca scoffed, not in derision, but in disbelief. She began walking, trying to put that out of her head to avoid looking like she cared. However, she could bear it no longer and said, "Alright…why would you be jealous of me?"
She spoke it as if she were ashamed of this fact. "Because Crono trusts you more than me…more than I can ever hope for him to trust me."
Lucca sighed and smiled. She could see how Marle could be genuine in that remark. She gave her a sideways glance, "Well, you know…after all of this we should talk about it…you know, we are friends after all and we should be honest with each other…"
"I would like that very much." Marle replied.
"Well, enough with this mushy crap…We need to get going! We got a warlock to take down!" Lucca said this with enthusiasm that made Marle smile again. They charged up the stairs.
"Ha! Truly pitiful!"
Crono growled indignantly as Slash rolled underneath another piercing attack. He jolted to his feet with all the finesse of an acrobat and sidestepped around the room. He held an arm in the air, his other arm almost dangling the sword. It would take the occasional jab, which was forcefully knocked away. However, this did not worry him for he knew that he could get inside this brat's head. All his years as a swordsman taught him that all he needed was one good opening and that it happened more frequently if the target was enraged.
"Are you really willing to help anyone? I mean, are you even capable?"
Slash felt himself fly off his feet as he received a kick to the chin. He did not expect Crono to use his other weapons. He landed on the floor, his chin already beginning to bleed. He somersaulted backwards, pushing himself to his feet. His weapon was out again, but he was nearly too late as a blur of green and red charged toward him. He rooted his foot on his back leg and received the push, but not without his foot nearly sliding out from underneath him. He looked into those fierce apple-green eyes and felt his reserve falter. This time, since his footing was uneven, he could not return the push. He felt himself gradually slipping back against a wall. His heart beat faster as the swords came closer and closer to his throat.
Suddenly, to Crono's surprise, Slash let himself go. Crono nearly fell forward, his sword pushing against Slash's sword whose back-end connected with his torso. With athletic ease, Slash tucked in his legs until they were at Crono's chest. With the power of a hydraulic press, he pushed off of Crono. Also, according to his quick-witted plan, the foot connected with the sword arm and the katana flew away from Crono to clatter on the ground. Slash landed on his feet, hunched forward and ready to push off again. He did so, his sword swinging in a wide arc towards Crono's abdomen. His eyes were wide in excitement as he saw a weaponless hand.
His excitement instantly disappeared as hands clasped together, catching the blade. He grunted in frustration as the sword was brought upright against his will. He could see a thin line of blood trickle down Crono's hands, but the hardened face showed no signs of pain. Instead, his teeth were clenched as he pushed Slash backwards once again. Slowly but surely, Slash's grip on the sword began to tighten and twist insomuch that the sinews in his wrists would sprain if he held on any longer. The pain grew and grew until it was too much. He felt something pop and he groaned as his sword clattered down to the ground. He felt his tunic go tight as he was pulled forward. "What do you think of my fighting skills now?" came the almost beastly growl.
Slash said nothing, but frowned as he looked at him. Then, he said with as much honor as he could muster, "At least when it came to defending the one I loved, I gave it my all. I did not hesitate in my willingness to give to the ideal and master I love. Can you say the same?"
Slash felt his body slam against the wall. He could hear the soft sound of crumbling brick. He felt himself go dizzy for a second as his eyes rolled in his sockets. When he came to, he saw Crono glaring at him. "I was a child…"
"You are accountable…child or not…Your unwillingness to accept your part in it is proof of your guilt…"
That painful, yet serene sensation filled Slash again as the wall behind him gave way underneath the force of the blow. "Who are you to speak about guilt and regret!?"
Slash smiled, not minding the taste of blood that began to fill his mouth. "It is easy for the guilty to recognize the guilty…I can taste your bitterness all around you…and may I say I love the taste of it…"
His body was slammed into the wall for the last time. The wall behind him gave way and the outside world blew into the room, its gusty currents bringing the spray of cold rain. Slash looked at him and said once more, "Yes…You may kill me…shed my blood in anger…Appease your hatred for those who bring your shame to light…I may die with no regrets…but it is a happy death knowing that you can't do the same."
A fist burrowed its way into Slash's face and he finally lost consciousness. He hung limply in Crono's grasp, breathing slowly while his nose trickled blood. Crono looked out the hole, not being able to see the ground from this height and thought of the satisfaction he would receive from disposing of this creature. He looked at the prostrate form of his tormentor and shivered in revulsion. He cast his unconscious victim to the dusty floor and breathed heavily. He gave one final glance at his foe and ran after his friends.
"I won't stand for this degradation!" Ozzie shouted at the top of his voice.
"Did you hear something, Glenn?"
"Nay…I hear nary a thing!"
Marle and Lucca walked in on an amusing scene. Before them they saw a wide space where Robo and Frog stood on opposite sides of the room. They saw that the stone floor was covered in water with bits of scraped ice between the cracks. They did not seem to notice the girls as a large block of ice skid to a stop in front of Robo. Glenn nodded toward him, suggesting that he take the next action. The girls watched as Robo shoved the ice with as much strength as he could muster. They were surprised when they heard a hysterical scream from within the ice and even more surprised when Glenn and Robo counted as the ice banked off the walls.
"One…two…three…four…five…" they counted unanimously.
"Come on…come on…" Robo said, sounding desperately hopeful.
Very slowly the ice ran into the wall a sixth time and Robo threw his hands up in victory. "Ah-ha! Let's see if you can beat that!"
Glenn sighed, "It is only a game, Robo…Besides, thou hast counted the side wall! It deflected but five times!"
"We never made a rule on that!" Robo protested.
At that point, Marle interjected. "Um…why are you guys shoving around a stupid piece of ice?"
"I'M NOT STUPID! JUST YOU WAIT YOU INSOLENT TWIT!"
Lucca gawked. "There's someone in the ice?"
Glenn grinned widely and innocently; which made Marle laugh since it was it new trick for him. "'Tis only the Great Sir Ozzie! Wilt thou say hello, dear Ozzie?"
"PAINFUL DEATH AWAITS YOU FOR THIS HUMILIATION, Y-Y-Y-YOU FROG!"
Glenn seethed in between his teeth, acting as if he were in pain, "Aye, such a searing rejoinder…How shall I ever make peace with myself…Oh…I know!" He pushed the ice again, causing the leader of thousands to scream again.
"Hey…How about I give it a try?" Lucca asked.
"No way." Marle said, jabbing her own thumb at her chest. "I'm up next."
At that moment Crono came in. The party looked at him, asking with their countenances if he were okay. He said nothing, but walked toward the opposite side of the room. He turned around and gave them a sort of impatient stare, showing that he was ready to continue. Although Ozzie would never admit it, he sighed in relief as he stayed huddled in that frozen block of ice. "Well, I suppose it is the end of our fun, isn't it?" Robo asked.
"Not quite yet…" Glenn said with a chuckle. He leaned into the ice, saying with a grin, "Wouldst thou tell me Ozzie…hast thou ever been sledding?"
Before he could ask why, Glenn and Robo pushed the ice as hard as they could toward the descending stairway. They felt goose bumps of wicked pleasure as they heard the cause of their annoyance wail and scream as he tumbled downward. With a very satisfied smirk on his face, Glenn walked toward the group that congregated before the next flight of stairs. Crono gave them all very serious looks and said, "Magus could have summoned Lavos by now, and you are playing?"
Glenn shrugged, his previous enjoyment enveloping all indignation he should feel at that comment. "I dare not face off against Magus with only the two of us. It would be the last that thou would see of us."
"Is he really that powerful?" Crono asked, his grip tightening around his hilt.
"Aye…Had it not been for my rest I would be very unsure of our success…I will be honest…one of us may die today."
"Then let us hope it is Magus." Crono looked toward the stairs, breathed deeply, and resumed his sprint while the others followed.
The clouds had begun to part, causing the dampened walls of the castle to shimmer in pale moon light. It brought to the mind a dark foreboding of things; whereas the storm had been with them the entire time, how strange it was that it suddenly abated. The cold, shrill winds continued their serenade as Crono led the way across the connecting bridge.
"Protect our lord!"
Crono came to a jog as he looked across the bridge, seeing a large group of mystics congregated just before the flight of stairs that led to the pinnacle of the castle. Already they could see the silvery glow of steel broadswords and arrowhead. With a unanimous scrape of metal, they unsheathed their weapons and lowered their shields. They let out a war cry and charged forward, thrusting spears ahead of them while they rained arrows upon their targets.
Using the innovation of her most recent foe, Lucca summoned a whip of fire and hindered the vanguard. Following suit, Marle began to freeze the puddles left from the torrential downpour, pleased as she saw the foe slip and lose balance. Robo began to lead the way, trampling the enemy underfoot while Glenn and Crono protected dispatched any who came at their sides. It was a very brief obstacle and in a few moments the final defense had been easily defeated.
That was when they heard a steady chorus…
The singing was occurring since they fought against the henchmen earlier, but so great was their commotion that they failed to realize it. They gave each other dark looks and practically leapt up the stairs toward the final room. The post had been abandoned and they found the door unguarded.
Imagine the dark surprise that the Mystic elders experienced as six heathens broke down the door to their holy of holies. In their minds, the very stench of the humans polluted the sanctity of their sacred temple, and they regarded their presence with gnashing teeth and growled epithets. However, these were merely monks who knew nothing of combat. Although their outrage warranted brutal justice, they could only shrink from the room, their spines shivering as they turned their back to the defilers in a bid to leave. The group watched as each of them left. The last to leave closed the door shut behind him and left with a final curse. They were alone…or at least, they were alone with him.
"So…You have finally made it here after all these years…"
A dark ecstasy enticed Glenn so much that he felt almost giddy at the prospect of gutting his long-time foe. His large eyes stared across the way, catching the light of blue-flame torches within them. His lips curled into a pleased smile as he reached for the blade of the Masamune. "Aye, it has been a long while. How fitting is it that I have brought a gift for thee." The sword had a very satisfying glimmer to it and it cast its light pointedly on Magus. However, he did not seem the least disturbed.
He gave a nonchalant grunt and said, "So, you found the Masamune…Are you sure you can use it?"
"I shall leave the decision to thine perforated corpse!"
Magus held a grim solemnity reserved for funerals, yet he seemed anxious, almost as if he were impatient. "I had expected you to arrive earlier…"
"Sorry we didn't keep our appointment!" Lucca grinned, "We'll be sure to make this quick!"
At that moment a wind, which was far colder than any they had ever felt, went through the room. Everyone gave each other confused looks, and finally turned to face Magus. He looked skyward, past the rooftop of his abode and muttered to himself, "The black wind howls…" He mused to himself, and suddenly, with resolution faced his guests. "If you are going to try anything, you better try me now…" The party gasped as he stretched a hand outward to summon a wicked looking scythe him. He held it adoringly, occasionally giving them glances with his fierce red eyes.
Nobody moved a muscle, each one wondering if there was some other trap laid out for them.
"Are you prepared? I haven't got all DAY!"
He moved so gracefully they could have sworn he was floating, maybe even flying through the air. He swung mightily, knocking over torches and splashing burning oil across the room. The party had been surprised by this sudden movement, but evaded with no difficulty. Magus already began his next attack with such fluidity it was astonishing. His fingers jerked as he manipulated the fiery oil, casting it toward Marle in the shape of a fiery ball. She shrieked as she summoned a cold wind to protect herself. The ball of fire dissipated and fell to her feet, but she found Magus nearly in her face with a drawn scythe.
Broadsword meet scythe as Glenn interceded, a pleased countenance gracing his features. He looked down at his arms and back at Magus with dancing eyes. "Ha, I see that thou lackest strength since our last meeting! Hast thou grown fat and weak in thy undeserved station?" He shoved Magus back, who floated gracefully onto a heavily ornamented table. Magus twirled his scythe and scoffed condescendingly, saying, "Do you really think I am fighting with my all?"
At that point, Magus heard the heavy footsteps of an approaching tank. He leapt from the table which shattered into thousands of tiny pieces as Robo charged forward. The table did not slow him as he threw heavy punches toward Magus who evaded them with ease. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed that the red-haired devil was quickly approaching him. He hooked the next punch with the inside of his scythe, locked it against his metal body, spun him around, and threw him at Crono. He grinned as he heard a satisfying grunt and concentrated on the two women who stood side by side.
His eyes widened in surprise when he saw that they worked together very well. They had cast the same spell they learned earlier that day which so easily defeated Flea. It came faster than Magus expected and he covered his eyes with gloved hands. He felt the biting sensation of frost and fire as his body flew backwards against the castle wall. The wall exploded into a cloud of ancient dust, showing another room beyond the sanctum. Although his body plowed through the wall, he did not land on the ground in a heap. He stood erect, dusting off his leather chest plate with a look of annoyance. "I will not have you interfere in my plans!"
He flew back into the chamber, his scythe ready to swing at Glenn this time. The scythe missed Glenn as he leapt into the air, his cape barely skimmed by the blade. In turn, Glenn brought the Masamune down over Magus' head, who spun left and avoided it completely. As Glenn landed, Magus gave him a solid quick to his chest plate, sending Glenn back against a wall. He stretched his hand forward, ready to cast a lightning spell. He groaned in pain as he felt a katana come down on his arm, which would have decapitated him had it not fallen on his gauntlets. He growled at the young man and thrust the pointy back end of the scythe. It connected, cutting his side. The boy fell back with a shout of pain, only to be healed by a green light that came from the insufferable blonde.
Furthermore, Magus' vision blurred as he felt something very heavy slam his back. He felt his body fly, skidding to a stop on the floor as Robo's arm hissed with steam. Magus' eyes clenched shut, only to open again to see his arch nemesis! His eyes widened as his green nemesis fell upon him with a war-cry. To his credit, his eyes did not flutter nor blink as he watched death approach him, but fate had decided that Magus should live. A sword came and deflected the blow, much to Glenn's bewilderment.
"Master, I hope I am not too late." Slash said with a bloody grin.
"No," Magus said, rising to his feet, "Keep them occupied will I continue the summoning…Take that Masamune if you can…it is vital for our needs…"
"Yes, my master…" Slash said hesitantly, confused by this latter addition to their plans.
He charged forward, showing no more fear at the prospect of taking on an entire group. He met with them all, who were still stunned that he managed to survive. Lucca shot an irritated look at Crono and said, "I thought you killed him!" Crono said nothing as he leapt into the air to meet him, but was surprised as a cold wind pushed him back against a shelf that housed Mystic scripture. He rubbed his head and looked up to see a beautiful, yet furious looking woman.
"No you don't, Slash!" Flea seethed, "I am going to destroy those two little brats first!"
"Not before I destroy those insufferable, childish, freaks!"
Everyone turned to the entrance of the sanctum to see Ozzie breaking down the door. He growled as he leapt forward, aiming for Robo who deflected his blow easily. Robo noted with some amusement, that Ozzie was dripping wet, stream rising from his enraged body. Robo could also see clumps of ice falling from Ozzie's shoulders and the folds of his robes whenever he moved. In just a manner of seconds our heroes' hands were full as their enemies released their fury. It was by rage that they choose their targets, and it was a poor decision. Only Ozzie was fresh from the drudgery of battle, having not suffered or even the chance to throw a blow in the first place!
Meanwhile, Magus gathered energy and power to enforce his will on the elements. (Had he not been encumbered by the dreadful task of summoning Lavos, it would have been an instantaneous occurrence). With a grunt, he stretched his hand toward the ceiling, blasting a hole through the roof. With his own natural strength and ability, he flew from the fray and out into the open world. It was Crono who noticed this, throwing his vision toward Magus' movement as he parried blow after blow.
"Glenn! We have to hurry! Magus is getting to safety!" Crono shouted, gesturing with his chin to the rooftop.
Glenn said nothing, but Crono saw that he had been heard, for Glenn's fighting became frantic yet it did not lack method. In fact, he became even more focused. Glenn twisted in the air, Ozzie parrying the blows of the Masamune with his scaly arms. It seemed as Glenn could fly as he came back to earth, only to swing at Ozzie as he descended. It was no magic or assistance from the elements, but the power of his own sword arm that pressed his weight repeatedly into the air. "Thou knowest that thou art weaker than I, Sir Ozzie!" Glenn said this with a euphoric grin as he brought the sword down on Ozzie's shoulder, staining his white tunic with blood.
"Shut up!" He shouted, swinging a claw wildly towards Glenn's falling form.
Glenn did not bother with the sword this time, but pressed his foot on Ozzie's swinging arm, allowing it to catapult him to a distant wall. The swing was very powerful, Glenn had to admit, for he could feel the gravity of it in his legs as he pushed off the wall. He came back, faster than a bullet. His arm tensed as he swung in a diagonal arc, hitting Ozzie with so much power that even his scales that had not been touched crunched under the blow. Ozzie flew back against the wall which crumbled, a bright red mark spreading across the front of his tunic. Glenn landed gracefully on the floor, his cape lilting to the ground just as softly. He pointed his sword to Ozzie as a challenge, daring his dizzy target to approach. Ozzie let out a strange gurgle and then fell unconscious on the floor.
Without as much as another thought, Glenn leapt to the roof, not completely unintentionally ignoring the shouts of his companions to wait. He could feel the cold wind against his face as rain splashed his shoulders. At last, he was standing in front of the target of his hatred, in all the privacy that the monolithic castle tops had to offer. He smiled, his lips curling over his teeth as he pointed the holy sword toward the warlock. "'It is myself and thee who stand alone. My spine shivers and my fingers twitch in joy at this moment."
Magus addressed him with an emotionless stare, casting his billowing cape aside. "Do you not fear death?"
"It will not be I who dies here, Magus…" Glenn said with a certain finality as he readied his sword arm.
Had Glenn been absolutely worthy of the sword, he would have noticed that the intense red eyes grew dim only for a moment as Magus uttered, "I have died a long time ago…" The eyes retained their fiery glow as Magus gnashed his teeth. "It is time you experience the same. Prepare for the void!"
With that the two titans flew to each other, their blades clashing in a shower of sparks. They grunted against each other's weight as all warriors do to test the power of the other and leapt back, only to charge each other again. Magus did not clash blades again, but flipped over Glenn's head. Although his eyes followed Magus he could hear the metallic scrape of his adversary's weapon scrape against the ground. Glenn back-flipped as well, his feet evading the razor end of the scythe. Magus landed with his back toward Glenn who saw it as an opening. As Glenn approached, Magus swung his scythe and bent his back allowing the handle to spin and create a space. He caught it with his opposing arm and faced Glenn again, with an outstretched arm.
The clouds rumbled and Glenn's eyes widened as he felt something tingle within his body. Although he had not yet developed the legendary sensitivity of his enemy to feel changes in his surrounding, Glenn could feel the approaching lighting within him. He darted to and fro, avoiding every clash that came with an explosion of light and sound. Finally, he was close enough to Magus that summoning any spell would injure him as well. The battle of weaponry resumed as each gave blows, yet neither received. Finally, to Glenn's triumph, a blow landed on Magus' chest plate which caused him to grab his chest as he gasped for air.
However, that was the last blow Glenn would deal for a while as Magus' vigor was renewed. He came like a tornado, never allowing an opening to show itself at the right moment. Finally, Glenn received his own blow to his chest plate. His reaction was the same as Magus, only Magus regarded him coolly and indifferently when the blow was made.
"Frog! We told you to wait!"
Glenn did not acknowledge his party as they alighted on the rooftop. He was now drenched in the rain, his cloak weighing heavily on him, yet he did not notice. He only shouted as he charged again, his sword raised to strike. Suddenly, fury struck him as he saw his comrade steak toward his same target. Without thinking, and perhaps against his will, his sword swung for Crono! Crono narrowly dodged and he shot an irritated and annoyed glare at Glenn. "He is mine! Keep thy distance!"
Magus laughed to himself as the lone swordsman came to him, striking with the Masamune that had grown dimmer and dimmer by the second.
"Glenn!" Crono shouted out, knowing what was happening by sight alone, "Control yourself!"
"If thou shall reach out a hand to strike him, I shall cut it off!"
There were moments where the group would occasionally wonder why Crono seemed to be their unofficial leader and this was a moment that showed his merit. His mind did not miss a moment as he turned to Robo and barked out an order to hold Frog down until he gained his senses. He flew forward, seeing that Glenn had caught him out of the corner of his eye. Crono narrowly ducked under the broadsword, sliding across the wet rooftop on his knees. He did not even look after Glenn who pursued him with an enraged shout, for Magus was Crono's final target. Also he knew that Glenn was so blinded by rage insomuch that he did not notice a vice-like grip reaching out for him. As bronze-colored arms wrapped securely around Glenn he kicked and screamed like a man possessed, promising death to those who aimed to steal his victory.
"Marle! See if you can snap him out of it! Lucca! I need your help!"
These commands were shouted out as he leapt from his knees to his feet, immediately crossing blades with Magus. Meanwhile, Marle stood in front of Robo who held Glenn firmly. She dodged his barrage of kicks, trying to focus on what could be driving his mind into such rage. She drew a sharp gasp as she saw the eyes flicker a fiery red for just a moment. She put her hands to the side of his head; trying not to slink away from the pain his kicks gave her. His kicks quickly grew less frequent and he hung limply in Robo's clutches. Finally, his eyes opened and it seemed as if he had forgotten where he was.
Meanwhile, Crono and Lucca held the battle admirably yet still found themselves lacking. With each passing moment Magus was finding his root and standing in the battle. His strength and magic came together through his scythe, which he used to hurl blasts of wind or deflect fireballs thrown by Lucca. Even his cape whipped about with his sharp turns, occasionally slapping his opponents and blocking their view in the most vital moments. A fit of fear seized Crono as he heard a loud scream. Within the downpour he could see something spurt into the air. His friend Lucca fell to the ground, cradling her ankle that had just been cut. To her horror, the tendon connecting the calf to the ankle had been severed and her leg muscles began to roll into a ball in her leg. She screamed in pain, Crono being powerless to do anything except to keeping Magus away.
"Marle! Hurry! Lucca needs your help!"
"Allow me!" Came the gentlemanly reply Crono would expect to hear from his mentor.
It was three against one now. Magus found it harder to move as the ground became slippery as ice began to encrust itself around his boots. It was also very difficult to evade a heavy frame in such a weakness, not to mention the quick movements of a seasoned warrior. A deep fear began to encroach upon Magus and he drew himself away when he had the opportunity. He saw that the girl he had injured had been healed and no more than a thin cut remained. Also, Glenn brought down the sword with a renewed focus that was unsettling.
Magus was losing this battle…
"Everyone! NOW!"
We may say this for Magus: Magus fought as a dragon. So great was his spirit that even his arch nemesis felt a brief pang of misery for his foe; for anyone can be inspired by the sheer talent and skill that exhibited itself in Magus as eyes narrowed and his hands crackled with the energies of elements. As the party renewed its strength, they charged and leapt to Magus as one. Had Magus stayed unmoved he would have been struck simultaneously, so perfect was their timing. Instead, he moved as fast as anything hitherto seen. First, he thrust an arm out toward the calmest of the group. A strong gust of wind bit at Crono, throwing him back like a rag doll.
As soon as he felt the wind explode through him and before Crono even felt the first whip of the gale, that same hand came down and landed on a metallic arm. Hours before this encounter, Glenn had shown Crono how a light parry could deflect even the heaviest of blows. Having said this, we know that Robo did not have the fortune of participating in that lesson. Magus did not even have to close his eyes to feel the intricate movements that occurred underneath that fire-hardened shell. His knowledge of gravity, his experience of feeling out its force, was enough to throw the bronze giant without using a pound of his own strength. He could feel the direction of the incoming blow upon touch. Magus sidestepped, allowing the power to pass by him.
His other arm came into play as he saw silvery crystals and blazing fire speeding toward him. His shoulder blade waved, causing his shoulder to twist, which was followed by his arm and wrist. The scythe he carried went into a frightfully fast spin, blowing and deflecting the fire and ice crystals that came his way. What he did not expect was the explosion that followed. His power could not account for this small surprise. He felt his root dig into the ground, but just as it was with standing on sand in the surf, he could feel it slip away from him. His cape billowed and he eyes began to grow wide as he felt his feet lift from the ground. His eyes clenched shut as he felt a heavy blow land on his back.
He felt a world of pain in his spine and it didn't take him long to realize that the others served as a distraction for Glenn. Suddenly, the realization that he had been fooled enraged him. He righted himself and landed on his feet with a shout. His foes were halted by his sudden loss of composer. They could suddenly feel something very strange and unsettling. As Magus growled, the glowing in his eyes became so bright his pupils could not be seen.
"Forget Lavos…" he seethed. "I'll destroy you first before I take him…"
The party members were struck by his odd choice of words. It was Lucca who spoke first. "What do you mean? You're the one who created him!"
The strange feeling intensified as did the gruffness of Magus' voice, "What did you say? I? Create Lavos?"
Lucca addressed him again with a raised eyebrow. "Well, didn't you?"
He answered her with a booming laugh. "You fool! I have only summoned him! You are like these other idiots…Ignorant and not worthy of me…"
Crono stepped forward and spoke, not realizing that the rain had lightened and the wind grew bitter and fierce. "What do you mean? Where did he come from? Just what the hell are you doing!?"
Magus clenched his scythe and he somehow seemed stronger. His muscles relaxed and he cracked his neck before addressing them. "He has existed since time immortal…no being from this earth has created him and you are fools to think so. I have been using a combination of my power, your pains, and your fears to summon Lavos from the earth. However, you have proved to be more of a nuisance than I thought. I have ceased calling upon him and my strength is whole again…It is unfortunate that I have to wait for another opportunity such as this…but the pleasure of feeling your blood run between my fingers shall tide me over until I find more suitable pawns…"
Their hearts beat quickly as the world around them suddenly became quiet. Magus drew in a sharp breath, crouching down as he did so.
Dark mists began swirling about the party and they could feel a numbing sensation crawl up through their legs. They saw that he was being honest, for this feat of magic felt deeper and more sinister than what they have felt so far. They charged again, planning to cease whatever spell he was summoning, but all parties stopped as the pinnacle of the tower lurched. Even Magus fell to his feet as the castle began to shake. The dark swirling mists vanished as all hung for dear life onto anything that protruded from the roof.
"No…" Magus said with horror. "Not now…"
"What's going on!" Marle shouted while hanging on loose tiles. "What's causing this?"
Magus said with great gloom and despair, "Lavos comes…"
There are times when the senses are under such assault that they fail to register anything. The boisterous rumbling of the tower and the sudden constant flashing of lightning made it very hard to understand what was going on and for some reason they could hear nothing. Crono shouted, trying to point the others toward the source of the destruction. However, they had already noticed with horror a massive time gate forming in front of them. However, this gate was different than the others they had seen.
They realized that the tower was not crumbling, but it was being lifted from the castle. Debris floated in the air as if everything had been underwater. The world was no longer dark, but constantly illuminated by a white light. For a moment they looked at the gate with a serene sensation, but were snapped back to their senses as they saw Magus throw himself down to the ground.
They immediately followed suit. It was as if they had seen time itself freeze, and perhaps they did for things suddenly snapped back into its proper frame. The constant light suddenly subsided, followed by a rumbling thunderclap. The floating debris began to be pulled toward the gate that grew larger and larger by the second.
"What is it?" Glenn asked, his voice wavering as his grip began to slip.
"Don't let go!" Crono shouted.
It was too late for at least Lucca. An awkward hold caused her to fall first. Her fear overcame her and she flailed wildly, making it impossible for Crono to grip her hand in time. Crono yelled in horror as she was taken into the sky, becoming enveloped by the strange gate. Bitter tears stung at his eyes while he desperately clung to the crumbling rooftop. He could see the bricks and tiles peel loose only to be eaten by the void and he knew it was only a matter of time.
Magus was taken next, having been on a damaged portion of the roof. His passing was not lamented in the least, but he was shortly followed by Robo and Glenn. He looked to his right and saw Marle clenching the roof so tightly that her knuckles were bloodless. She looked at him with frightened eyes and it somehow gave him a sense of peace. However, that moment disappeared as they felt a mighty groan. They felt themselves soar into the air. They desperately searched for each other's hand, only to find that neither had anything to hold to only more. The castle, which they could not see, had been sucked into the sky. The very tower to which they clung, had broken into millions of bricks which were sucked into the gate with them…
Anything that had not been taken into the gate fluttered or fell to the ground hundreds of feet below. The storm, which had suddenly abated, had returned in full force, shadowing the world in its rain again. A giant castle, which had been in its place for generations and centuries had vanished without a trace…As for what Crono and his friends saw last…
There was nothing but darkness and silence…