Chrono Trigger
The City of Dreams and the City of Secrets; in which we find that the paradise is illusionary. Also, a chilling prediction is announced…
Even from the distant portal the height of the structures was daunting. It wasn't until they were just outside the gates that the party was actually intimidated by the sheer scope of this picturesque metropolis. Natural and man-made wonders existed side by side as greenery could be found growing all around them and the pristine glow of ivory walls and golden decorations dazzled they, who were not familiar with them. The streets were bustling with people; the wide alleys were filled with the chatter of many, whether it be business or casual conversation. They were surrounded, people accidentally bumping into each other as crowds weaved in between crowds. The sight was nearly dizzying, and the colors of robes were so vivid and distracting that it would be almost impossible to spot the man they were meant to look for.
Although the people who wandered the streets were diverse in all ways, from the manner of their dress and even as to the color of their skin, no amount of diversity could distract from a true anomaly such as Crono and his motley crew. There was an uncomfortable air as the party felt a few probing eyes who would look away shyly or even eye them with disgust. Concerning those who watched with disgust, their eyes would suddenly widen as if they realized something and they would look very puzzled as if the subjects of their gaze had done something very odd.
"You seem to be tired and need a place to rest. Perhaps I can help you."
A hand rested on Crono's shoulder and gently turned him around. A bearded man gripped his shoulder with purpose and made a point to smooth out the brown and white robes he wore with his free hand. Crono looked about himself and nodded, the man nodding in return. "Then you may come with me. There is a society that aids scholars performing their research on the energy harvested from Lavos-"
"'Harvest energy from-!?'"
Quick and fluid like a whip, the man lashed his hand toward Lucca's wrist. He gripped it so tightly that the pain silenced Lucca, who blushed for reacting so carelessly. The man gave her an imploring look that Lucca acknowledged by avoiding his gaze shamefully. The man nodded slightly, letting her hand fall from his grip as he resumed his strained smile. He gestured down the street and said, "It is very close. I hope you will find our accommodations most suitable." He led the way, shifting through the endless streams of people who were constantly being touched but did not seem to mind.
Finally, the streets began to thin out and grow wider. The party could look around themselves and not fear losing whom they followed. They took in the sights of the city, finally realizing that these were not ordinary people, but that they were striking and beautiful. They walked upright, their posture very straight, and they held their heads high as if they were proud of everything about themselves. Even more interesting was the fact that none of the pedestrians in sight showed any sign of aging. Although it was not thought upon or noticed by any member of the party, Robo could see past the guise of illusion. Everything he detected told him what he needed to know: within the massive crowd of people, there were those who were not only elderly, but very ancient.
Through his eyes, he could see the strange aura that changed the outward appearance. The outward appearance was forcibly changed from blotchy pigment that would undoubtedly show as liver spots and pale skin. Within their bodies, Robo could detect arthritis and misshapen bones that had been deformed and dented by time. Not only that, there were constant fluxes in adrenaline when weight pressed upon tired joints, showing that these people were in great pain yet hid it with poise and an odd sense of self-righteous piety. He wanted nothing more than to inform his party, but the uncertainty of their situation prevented him from doing so. He continued on, trying to make more observations and piece together what he had seen.
Robo was not the only one who had noticed strange behavior. We had already seen the actions of those who beheld these visitors with disgust, but a correlation was discovered as Crono began to pay closer attention to those who stared at him. Those who looked away from him shyly were dressed well, but noticeably poorer than most others. Not only that, his eye would occasionally catch strange markings on various places of their bodies. A woman, who cringed underneath the impudently appraising eye of a lecherous hawker, stretched forth a hand and caught change in her open palm. Crono noticed, as she clenched her fist and brought it to her side, that there was a mark on her hand. He felt that his eyes deceived him, for what he saw was not the work of a tattooist or a birthmark, but the work of a branding iron.
"That can't be what I saw…" He whispered to himself.
It should also be mentioned that everyone had noticed something else rather interesting: everyone here used magic. While Robo saw the more subtle uses for their skills, the people of the city made no effort to conceal the power they possessed. It was a difficult challenge to not stand and be amazed as people soared from rooftop to rooftop without fear of falling, conjuring flames to cook a meal, or using their magic in a variety of ways. They even used elements that Crono and his friends could not identify as children ran up walls and even hid their bodies by becoming completely transparent as the Nu had done in the prehistoric era.
"We are here."
The building followed the make of all the other structures that surrounded them: the entrance had no doors and only a gaping wide entrance. Thick curtains hung at either side and were bound by silk ropes while the floor underneath them could have been a mirror by how clean it was kept. Men, who Crono assumed to be scholars due to the long beards and spectacles on their faces, walked in and out of the many rooms. Their heads were bowed down to the books they read as they strode from room to room, completely absorbed in their studies. These men would often open their eyes widely as if they had comprehended some great thing, and they would return to their books and retain the furrowed brow that was typical of studious types.
"The Queen, in order to speed up the progress of our research, has cast a spell upon this place."
"And what did she do?" Robo asked, deciding that it would be okay to speak as long as they were prompted.
"She and her advisors believe that a well rested mind is ready for anything. Therefore, she has made this place a boon for pleasant dreams."
"Really?" Marle asked, her nervousness giving way for a brief moment, "How is that possible."
Their guide grimaced as if he were about to gag on his own words, yet they came out almost lovingly, "Through Lavos, anything is possible."
The party nearly grimaced as well and looked about uncomfortably.
"Lavos…inspires dreams? For what purpose?" Crono began, trying to hide his distaste.
The man gave him a warning look and Crono fell silent.
They made their way toward the only room that had a door. Their guide opened it and allowed them to pass through before he followed. This was a bedroom that was filled floor to wall with throw pillows, soft sheets, and mattresses. Marle and Lucca could not help but squeal for joy when they felt the covers and even went as far as to dive onto their beds. They lay on their backs, looking up toward the chandeliered ceiling, sighing wistfully as they remembered the things that have been deprived of them.
The guide smiled and turned to leave, but stopped and gave an ominous look toward the party. "What you heard from the messenger earlier still stands…I can understand if you wish to explore a little further, so you may leave this room and explore; but I ask that you do not leave the premises. I promise you shall have your answers tomorrow."
The party said nothing and the guide slowly closed the door.
"Be one with me…"
The disembodied voice was no higher than a whisper, or perhaps even a hiss. However, its effect was harrowing to the core. It seemed to reverberate within the body, sending shivers up and down any spine, no matter how strong or fearless it was. There was nothing but a swirling darkness. It held a penetrating cold that numbed your fingers and froze your ears. There was a feeling of dread in the air. Only those who believe in the unseen would be able to comprehend the fear that gripped whoever had this disturbing dream, and to those who had never felt such a thing would find themselves further distraught by it, having no experience or name to put to it.
Marle had felt this before.
She spoke out into the darkness, yet she seemed to have no voice. However, she knew that she was understood. She could feel a presence lurking over her, almost as if it were just over her shoulder. She turned about and saw nothing at first. As she stared into the gloom she thought she could see jaws, and nothing but jaws, materializing in the darkness. Perhaps they were only a vision brought on by her unease, yet the jaws moved in time with the voice.
"Surely, thou dost know me…for I was with thee in the beginning…"
Her heart beat loudly in her chest, the beat traveling to her ear canals and fingertips. She could not see her own clasped hands, yet she could still see the seemingly imaginary jaws in front of her. She spoke again, her voice silent yet still understood.
"Thou shalt give thy soul unto me. Bow down and worship me so that thou may live forever…"
Finally, her voice could be heard, yet the words seemed to belong to someone else. "You cannot be who you say you are. Where is your glory that I should worship you?"
"YOU WILL WORSHIP ME! I AM HE! BOW OR PERISH!"
The jaws were nothing more than shadows within shadows, yet something made it clear that they gaped open. The coldness gave way to a warm and humid air. The jaws stretched over her head and the darkness seemed to intensify. Dark mists swirled about her as her horror increased, her eyes growing wide and frightened.
And then she awoke with a start…
Actually, they all awoke at the same time. The dimness of the room was not nearly as palpable as the darkness in their dream, for a single lamp whose light was turned down showed their faces. All sat upright in their beds or hammocks, their faces covered in a cold sweat. Even Robo, who had been limp a moment ago, jolted up at the same time the others did. They looked at each and it was enough to let themselves know that they had all dreamed the same thing. They lay back down, their eyes unblinking as they stared at the ceiling.
Glenn, still trembling from his nightmare, was frustrated as he remembered that speaking out loud was forbidden. Therefore, he prayed within his mind and tried to sleep again.
The morning eventually came as it always does, but it found the party lacking in rest. It had been a constant struggle all night, and it had gotten so bad that whenever their eyes closed they could feel the hot breath and imagine the phantasmal teeth that the creature bore at them. Their eyes were baggy, bloodshot and they were not in the mood to talk, not that they had the freedom to do so anyway. Instead, even after they were prepared for the day, they sat on their beds, finding little things to do to occupy their time.
The door opened, and the man from the day before stepped in. He nodded at them knowingly, and said. "I am sorry that you were not able to sleep well. Please, be patient and I promise you that without hesitancy that your many questions will be answered shortly. Today we are going to Enhasa."
"What is Enhasa, again?" Lucca asked.
"Enhasa is the city of creation and development, while this city, the city of Kajar, is the city of sleep."
"I sure as hell can't wait for that place, seeing how well this city made me sleep." Lucca said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
The guide looked as if he had a bucket of cold water poured on him and he gave a warning look toward Lucca. She shrugged away his warning, not wanting to be apologetic like before.
They left their lodgings and reentered the central room, surprised that nobody was awake yet. A cool breeze swept through the room and there was a strange sense of peace. That peace seemed to intensify as they left and found the streets nearly empty. The sun arose, but the sky was still ablaze in color as it poked out from the horizon. It made the others realize that they had been awakes the entirety of the night, and it seemed to weigh down their shoulders.
To their surprise, they were not leaving the city. On the contrary, they were walking toward the hub of Kajar, where it should have been as crowded and busy. The buildings became taller and taller, their alabaster towers glowing red in the early morning as the party walked down what seemed to be a main road. Within the adjoining alleyways, merchants began preparing their wares, and groups of people dressed in rags swept the streets of discarded fruit peels and garbage. As they passed one of these alleyways, Crono let his gaze linger over their hands. A rolled up sleeve full of patches and holes revealed another mark like the one he had seen before, save that the insignia itself was different. Crono leaned toward the man who led them and whispered in his ear, "Who are they? What are they doing?"
The man looked toward the street sweepers, his eyes glossing over as he turned away from the sight. "Everything will be explained. Please, just be patient." Crono's eyebrows raised in surprise. He had hoped that the answer would not have any implications of being an unpleasant truth, but the melancholy look of the guide told Crono everything he needed to know. He had heard of such familiar traits about branding and brute labor when referring to slaves, and the hesitancy on part of their guide only strengthened Crono's hate for this place. How strange that this place used to be such a welcomed escape from the harsh world they had left behind! What manner of paradise could possibly be sustained by slaves?
"We are here."
They stood in front of a large and spacious building. Although it was early morning, a slowly growing crowd moved inside while a constant flow of people exited. The place had a general hustle and bustle that was familiar to Crono. It was reminiscent to the flow of the docks whenever new ships came in, yet the odd thing was that any place for transit typically resides at the outskirts of any city. So why was there so much traffic flowing from the center of the city? The answer came in a familiar form, and in one they should have expected since it was by that same power they arrived here.
"A warp point?"
Lucca stood at the base of an edifice, where stairs trailed up its sides. Her hands rested on her hips and she chewed on her lip in a show of excitement that she tried to hide. The guide looked toward Lucca, a little baffled and slightly pleased that a hint of a first smile hung on her lips. "Yes. The city of Enhasa is very important to the growth of our society." He gestured to the warp point, "In fact, it is so vital to the progress of our society that it is usually not accessible to the ordinary citizens of Zeal. It is several miles west of this city and a rift separates it from the main continent, along with the castle."
"So, why are we allowed through?"
"Right now, you technically are not. You will be because I am with the research facility responsible for the development of raw elemental power." The guide glanced up toward the warp point where several imposing men stood with their arms crossed. He momentarily ignored the confused look of his guests and said under his breath, "Say nothing unless spoken to and leave it all up to me."
The guide stopped in front of the guardsmen and gave them a nod, "I request passage to Enhasa; for myself and for my guests."
The guard rose an eyebrow, "It is a strange group with you. Do you have permission from Dalton?"
The guide retained a confident look and replied with indignation, "You know I don't need that buffoon's permission to do everything. If he had everything his way, you would need permission to relieve yourself, and I don't mean from your duty."
The guard laughed affably, "I see what you mean, but rules are rules. Please understand that it is not rules I made myself. I need clearance for anyone to enter Enhasa."
The guide spoke with the guard as if he were an old friend, and perhaps they were, or perhaps friendship was the product of a plans carefully laid so long ago. After a few minutes of conversation and after a few assurances to his fellow guards, the sentry stepped aside and said, "Well, it is evident that their power is very basic, so I believe you when you say that they are important to your research."
"Basic?" Marle whispered to Lucca, offense in her voice.
Robo leaned inward and answered, "The manner in which he phrased the word denotes a deeper meaning…we will ask our good friend shortly."
The guards stepped aside along with their commander and beckoned Crono and his crew to step forward. The crew obliged, giving cautious glances to the guards who watched them with a sort of impatience. "Well? What are you waiting for? Step on the plate." The group obeyed and the world before them faded into a violent blue light.
The place in which they stood was a very open area. The ground, which was decorated in intricate patterns of bricks, shook with the feet of hundreds who walked in the same square. These were not the flashy merchants they had seen in Kajar nor were they the ordinary scholars. These people were more of a sophisticated breed. Not only that, they appeared younger and more fit. They walked in flowing robes, their postures straight and their heads held high. They did not stop or greet one another, but if they were talking they were involved in deep conversation. Lucca reflected on the visits to higher institutions of learning in her world and noted that the very air even smelled of books just like they did back home. Already, she became excited and her eyes scanned the crowds for any experiments on display. Marle could care less, not wanting to be subject to the harsh disciplinarians of any school system and was more interested in Crono's thoughts. However, Crono held that old familiar silence as he walked. It made Marle worry, knowing that something must have upset him terribly. She gave a playful tug on the hem of his sleeve and smiled. He returned her smile sincerely, but it lasted only a moment.
The guide began to walk forward, the party following behind him. "We must pass through here and toward that building in the distance. It is quite a walk, but I am sure…Lucca?"
All eyes turned to see Lucca who appeared awe-stricken. Her arms hung limp at her side as her glazed eyes looked upward and to the west. All followed her gaze and instantly found the subject of her gaze: a monolithic, black plane soaring through the sky. It almost seemed like it was another floating mountain, it's smooth glossy surface obscured by the swirling mists of the sky. Although it was so distant, a steady humming could be heard. The guide cleared his throat and captured the attention of everyone save Lucca, "That is the Blackbird…It is a project that has been constructed at the behest of Sir Dalton and it was completed recently. You may not be able to tell from this distance, but its length from wing to wing is a mile."
"How can it possibly maintain its velocity?" Robo began, his tone becoming incredulous. Even a sight such as this did not exist in his own time.
The guide chuckled and said, "I may have very little or no respect for Dalton, but I must admit his genius…at least when it comes to aviation. I suppose every man truly does have a calling in life. He is completely useless in every other aspect, but in machines he is second to none."
That grabbed Lucca's attention. "Oh is he now?" She said, almost hotheadedly.
"Can you make something that large fly?" The guide said with a sly smirk.
Lucca said nothing and scoffed as they walked northward again. However, her indignant silence could not last long. She began to ask many questions about the Blackbird and even about Dalton. What disturbed the guide is that she almost seemed infatuated with Dalton just from viewing the Blackbird alone. The guide laughed and voiced his suspicion out loud, which earned him a light cuffing on his shoulder. "In truth, you would not like him, or so I would hope. He is a very…how shall I say…unrefined individual."
"Unrefined?"
The guide motioned for her to come close and he whispered, "If all goes right, chances are you will not have to meet him. Trust me, your life will be far more pleasant if you don't."
They reached the building and climbed its steps, whose highpoints were lower and less grandiose than its neighbors. Although the building was ornate like a temple, it did not seem to serve as lofty a purpose as the others. There was a fair share of scholars who entered and left the building, but the more popular places were bustling with activity. It almost inspired the others to ask the guide what was in those other buildings. They checked themselves and remembered that they must remain focused at the behest of their strange messenger.
Crono and Glenn noticed that the guide gave random people little glances or nods of his head that could be confused as greetings. They noticed that whomever the guide's gesture fell upon went straightaway to some unknown location. The guide gave Crono and Glenn a glance also; only it seemed to reassure them that nothing had gone awry. There were two men who stood at the entrance, both of them stepping aside as the party made their way. The air of this place was very calming, yet studious. There were many tables lined with chairs. Books were scattered in large piles on every desk, some of them lying open to bare their tomes.
"'Tis amazing." Glenn said as he massaged his chin with a gloved hand, "There must be so much knowledge within these books."
The guide seemed evasive at this point, almost as if he were ashamed of something. "The books are the works of our ancestors. They did not know of the greatness of Lavos, therefore they conjured up foolish stories and prophesies that were used to overthrow her majesty and to bring death upon us. They also speak the falseness that death must come to all men and they fail to mention that through Lavos all may have immortality. Therefore, by command of her royal highness, these records are to be changed and redistributed to the people."
The guide pleaded with his eyes that they would say nothing. However, it was by sheer luck that someone else had intervened.
"Her royal highness is a fool…"
The guide gasped and turned to the party. He searched among them to see who spoke those words. However, when none seemed to fall under his search he looked behind them. His eyes grew wide as he saw a young boy, dressed in thick robes. While the guide seemed horrified, the boy seemed cold and indignant. The guide stammered and motioned for the boy to look at his guests. "Please, Janus, do not say such things. Surely you wouldn't doubt the blessings that have come from the Mammon machine? Are these not proof that the great Lavos is capable of anything?"
Janus smirked and said, "You forget that he has not conquered death yet. He has only delayed it. The people of the kingdom are such fools, putting themselves through so much pain just so that they may live in their dreams."
"Janus…" The guide began, giving a furtive and pleading look, "Please…I implore you…speak no more of this. You know what will happen…"
"The prophets had warned my family of it for generations; Lavos can no more change the order of things than a man can change the rising of the sun. Death comes to all, whether they want it to or not…" Janus' eye fell upon Crono. As the eye narrowed, Crono could not help but feel as if he had been marked.
Suddenly, there was a scream. The entire building exploded into a scene of frenzy as people quickly moved out of the way of men dressed in heavy armor. Their boots squealed as they turned down corridors, their weapons at the ready. A steady cry went up among the armored men who shouted, "Who dares mention death in the city of the ever-living?" Tables were overturned, the tomes of precious books spilling into uneven lumps on the floor. All scholars held their hands above their head as swords were drawn and pointed at throats. Once again the call was made, the booming echoes of enforcers reverberating throughout the hallways.
Finally, the answer came. Even more so, it dripped with sarcasm. "It came from I, the very crown prince of this floating hunk of rock from where fools think themselves to be gods."
Marle could see a bit of herself in this boy, as he stood sanctimonious and unrepentant. While others perceived him as a brat who only wanted to abuse his authority, Marle saw something more. She could tell by looking at his straight posture, his defiant eye, and his ordinary robes that he despised who he was. He eyed the guard with disgust as he knelt in front of him. "Janus, your mother will not be pleased with your behavior. You know she commanded you to stop such talk. Had it not been for your royal lineage, you would have suffered greatly a thousand times over."
"It angers me that you would punish anyone for speaking the truth, or even common sense."
The guard shook his head, "Your mother shall deal with you. Come with me, your majesty."
The crown prince scoffed and shook off a hand that tried to be as gentle as possible. All scholars in the room let their hands down as the boy turned about and was escorted by the guards. There was a collective sigh of relief as the men filed out of the building in single file. However, all came to a stop. Everyone's eyes turned to the prince as he stopped in place and shivered. Suddenly, the mood of the room changed and everyone turned pale. There were hushed whispers that turned into gasps as Janus turned about.
"The black wind howls…"
"YOUR MAJESTY!" The guard exclaimed. He reached out to silence the boy, but was thrown back by some invisible force. He landed roughly on a table that broke underneath his weight.
The boy held out a finger which might as well been the condemning hand of God. All within his sight trembled as the finger circled about. Finally, it rested upon the guide and his party.
"One of you shall shortly perish…So says the black wind…"
The armed men left as quickly as they came, the crowned prince of this deceptive paradise in tow. The party looked at each other and collectively felt chills go up and down their spines. The guide only looked down to the ground as if he were trying to find some words to speak. Finally, his lips opened and they feigned laughter and merriment. "Ah ha, please forgive the prince. As you can see, he enjoys putting a little fright into the populace, just as any other boy…please, take no note of him and let's move on…" The party obeyed, but the fact that the guide put on a show of ease made them even more suspicious and worrisome about the boy's claim. Nonetheless, they followed the guide and said nothing more except for Lucca and Glenn who gave searing epithets of the boy and his behavior.
Author's notes: Yep…a bit of an explanation would be nice, eh? It has been a long while since I've updated. I'm really sorry about that. Thank you to some of my readers who asked about my story. It gave me the extra push I needed to get back to it sooner than I would have. I have been going through some big changes, such as a new place, new job, more bills, had to get a new computer, etc…I'm finally settled in, so I hope that I can write more. Please understand if my style seems a little off or different. Sometimes when I stop writing for a while I lose track of the story in my head and some of the wording I decided on. It's like riding a bicycle after ten years: you never truly forget, but you are a little shaky at first. :) Good to be back.