The next morning, there was a shout from Tifa, as she discovered Yuffie was missing. Chrono wasn't happy either. A search was being planned out, when Zack, and Sephiroth, with Dragon Shadow on his shoulder, entered.P
Zack was holding a frog. "I don't think you need a search party. She's right here."P
The others looked at the frog, who stared back at them. Tifa looked puzzled. "Yuffie?P
"Ribbit!"P
Tifa looked at Zack puzzled. "How?"P
Zack shrugged. "At a guess, she tried to steal Dragon Shadow."P
They looked at Dragon Shadow, who watched them in return. "I can't help it. I wasn't even awake at the time."P
Chrono looked puzzled. "But how can you sit there, without doing anything to him?"P
Sephiroth, Zack and Dragon Shadow began to laugh. The others looked puzzled. Dragon Shadow looked at them. "Long story… Don't ask."P
Tifa was getting annoyed. "Are you gonna sit there, or changer her back?"P
Dragon Shadow looked at Yuffie. "Suppose it's my turn…"P
There was a flash, and Yuffie stood there. She backed away from the three. "I'm gonna get you for that you…you, you stupid lizard!"P
Tifa walked up to Yuffie. "Did you try to steal her?"P
Yuffie realized this could be trouble. "And what if I did?"P
Tifa shook her head. "Yuffie, you never learn…"P
Chrono looked at them all. "I guess it's time for us to go see the gate. That is, if we ever hope to leave here, and end this trouble yet again."P
The others nodded, and they all set off for the nearest gate, which was located in the forest. After Chrono's return from their adventure, the king had ordered the trail to the gate re-opened. Sure enough, the gate was there. Tifa and the others watched at Luca approached the gate, with her key extended. The gate opened. Sephiroth and Dragon Shadow acted as if they'd expected the gate to open. However, Tifa, Red, and the others couldn't hide their amazement. Chrono looked at the gate, and nodded. "How are we all gonna get through? You know what happens if more then three people enter…"P
Lucca nodded. "But not if we go in groups of three."P
Tifa walked up to the two. "Hold it for a second. What happens if more then three people enter?"P
Chrono looked at them. "Why," he spoke with a certainty the others didn't feel. "We end up at the end of time. Nothing dangerous… except the boredom."P
Chrono and Nadia were the first to enter. Magus followed. Sephiroth followed him, Dragon Shadow still on his shoulder. Zack followed. Tifa watched him enter. "Well, if he can do it, so can I!"P
Tifa entered, followed by Red, Vincent, Cid, Barret, Yuffie, and finally Cait Sith. Lucca was the last to enter. As she did, the gate shut. P

CENTER* * * * */CENTER
P

Tifa and the others were looking around in amazement at what lay around them. Chrono and Magus were over speaking with Gasper. Dragon Shadow was trying to watch everyone, as Sephiroth was as well. Neither of them seemed comfortable in the new area. Zack was over speaking with Vincent, although they were the only ones who could hear what was being said. Luca and Nadia were also discussing something, then turned and ran into a pillar of light. Chrono saw them leave, but said nothing. P
Finally, Gasper turned to the group. "Strange friends you brought this time. What era are they from?"P
Chrono turned to him. "I've got no idea. I don't think they're even from this world."P
Tifa nodded. "We aren't. That's a long story we don't really have time to get into."P
Chrono shook his head. "Is it just me, or is everything a long story with you?"P
Tifa shrugged. Chrono shook his head. "Lucca and Nadia should be back soon…"P
"I do not know if that is a good idea they had. One day, we may just try to finish what was begun long ago…"P
Chino turned to Magus. "Given the situation, I think we need all the help we can get. Besides, Frog's more worried about you attacking him. He's happy to let the past lie, if you are."P
Magus looked at Chrono, a challenge in his face. "Somehow, I find that difficult to believe. Given what I did…"P
Chrono shook his head. Any reply he would have made was cut off by Nadia and Lucca's return. But that wasn't what got everyone's attention. Frog had that honor.P
"Sir Chrono. I am glad to see you are well. Frog glanced at Manus. "And thee as well. Though, I must admit, I never thought I'd say such…"P
Manus glanced at Frog. "I never thought I'd hear you say such."P
Just then, Red started to laugh. "Now I see why you weren't surprised by my speech. A nice change, I do admit."P

CENTER* * * * */CENTER
P

Introductions occurred next. Everyone was so busy trying to figure out who was who, that they missed Sephiroth's disappearance. Dragon Shadow left with him. The two traveled over to the gates. Sephiroth was glancing at the one that lead to the past, when he knew what was coming…P
Dragon Shadow did too. Sephiroth drew his sword, just as a figure emerged from the pillar. A figure who was there for only one reason.P
With a metallic ring, the two swords were drawn, and they met with a metallic crash. Even if the others missed that, Dragon Shadow's scream was not so easy to miss. It rang across the end of time, and vanished into the void beyond.P
However, the scream, and the clashing of swords wasn't what made Tifa's blood run cold. It was the laugh…