Chapter Eleven: Key to Destruction
Han woke up, and he was lying in a dark room. He stood up, stretched, and looked around for a bit. Then, he realized that he was in the Bend of Time once again.
"Han, there you are." A familiar voice said.
"Schala! Oh, I'm so glad to see you!" Han said as he knelt down on one knee out of respect.
"Relax, you don't need to show me respect. It is I that should show you the respect." Schala said along with a soothing smile.
"Anyway, what the hell is going on? What's wrong?" Han asked.
"Well, Vern has you know. He thinks that he can use you as a key to enter the Holy Land."
"The Holy Land?"
"Yes," Schala continued "The Holy Land is inside of Furtive Mountain. It is believe to house the Frozen Flame. Only the true Chrono Trigger can open it."
"I don't get it, why did he call me the Chrono Trigger? What is that?" Han asked. He really believed Schala now, compared to the first time they met. He's been through a whole unbelievable adventure so far, so he's obviously use to strange things, such as the story he was being told.
"Well… I would not worry about that if I were you. Again, I only know so much. If you are the Chrono Trigger, then you have to escape from Vern before he uses you to open up the door to the Holy Land. Once he gets to the Frozen Flame, it's over." Schala said.
"Well… that's positive thinking. Anyway, am I the 'Trigger' or not?" Han asked. Schala sighed and went into deep thought.
"You may be. Your soul is very strong, and I would not be surprised."
"I don't get it, what's so good about my soul?" Han asked in an annoyed manner.
"It's filled with compassion and hate. I know, it does sound strange. What it means is your soul is bottled up in strong love and fierce hate, black and white. That explains why you have Gray magic and are able to use Black and White spells. This could mean you are the Chrono Trigger, it's very unique." Schala said. Han looked at the ground with a worried face. He was starting to come out of confusion and face reality. Schala walked up to Han and put her hand on his shoulder.
"I understand how you feel. But don't be afraid, you are not in this alone. Your friends are helping you out the best way they can, I see it in them every time they fight. Their souls, too, are incredibly strong, filled with love, joy, power, and most of all… courage. I wish I could be of some help, but that's impossible. You and I are so far apart." Schala continued while pacing in front of Han. "Please, do not feel afraid, be brave."
"I have been, just all of this is so hard to comprehend and believe." Han said.
"I know, trust me, I know. Now what I also must say is… keep an eye on Carle. Her spirit is starting to make me wonder. Keep her alive, she may possess a power we don't know about."
"Like what?"
"I can't tell it's too hard to see."
Han stood there for a few seconds and was about to ask a question about Carle… but he just withheld. He figured it wouldn't be a very wise question.
"Well, I don't remember Sullivan giving me the 'Dream Stone' so… how did I get here?" Han asked. Schala pointed to the pendent that was around Han's neck.
"That pendent does it all now, that's really why I gave it to you. Ok, now it's time for you to wake up. Vern has you in a city called New Aegis, so you're very far away from home indeed." Schala said.
"So what do I do?" Han said.
"Your friends are coming; Jade knows that Vern is keeping you in New Aegis. I would not sit tight though; Vern could take you to Furtive Mountain any moment. Try to find a way out."
"Ok, I'll do what I must." Han said with much confidence.
"Ok, this will not be the last time we see each other. When ever you need help, just pray hard with the pendent and I shall bring you forward. If anyone else wants to join you in coming here, have them pray with you. That is all. God luck, Han! Stay alive!" Schala said, as the whole setting began to blacken and Han was no longer in the Bend of Time.
Han woke up in a strange room. There was a metal floor with three metallic walls and a ceiling. A prison like fence was in the front. It was an ok size room. It was not that small or dirty at all, just a little cold. It was well lit and a strange lab seemed to be nearby. There was one long window on the left side of the cell that was not able to be seen through, only someone else on the other side could see through it. Other than that, the room was pretty big and seemed it could hold about 15 people crammed into it.
Han sat up from a small bed, the only thing in the room. He rubbed his eyes and stretched. He noticed that he had nothing but pants and underwear on. His bandana was still wrapped around his head, and strangely, the pendant that Schala gave him was still around his neck along with Carle's ring. Funny he began to think They take everything off me but this pendant. Doesn't this mean something? He shrugged and got up onto his bare feet. It was cold and strange. He looked into the reflection of the glass that was on the wall and looked at him self. Damn, I've really gotten some muscle after this whole nightmare. He thought as he examined himself. He had really changed sense the beginning of this whole adventure. He was stronger physically and mentally.
"Damnnit, go in there again and try and get that pendant off of him! I NEED IT NOW!" A voice screamed at another. It sounded like Vern's.
"Y-y-y-y-yes sir!" A man said. The man with two other reptile soldiers unlocked Han's cell. They were armed and seemed to be dangerous. They all came into the cell and two of the soldiers grabbed Han, each by the shoulders. The man, who was wearing a lab coat, put a rubber glove onto his right hand and reached forward. Han tried to break free, but was held firmly by the soldiers. The man continued reaching for the Pendant carefully when a shock went flying out of it.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" The man screamed in agony. A blue lightning bolt was flying out of the pendant and seemed to be protecting Han. The man fell to the ground and panted.
"Damnnit!" He screamed on the top of his lungs. He then got up and walked out of the cell. His hand was grabbing his left wrist and he walked away in a pissed-off manor. The other two guards slammed Han with the backs of their guns and walked out of the cell, locking it as they left. KriHans laid there on the ground for about a minute, trying to get his breath back. When he finally got back up, he heard a conversation between two people.
"I-I-I can't get the…"
"DAMN YOU! What a worthless fool you are!"
Han ran forward to the door of the cell and tried to look through, but couldn't. Instead, he saw a shadow on a wall of a figure in a long cape and the same man in the lab coat.
"I-I-I dunno what is wrong with it! It's like the pendent is protecting him!" The man in the coat said with a gesture.
"Nonsense! How dare you think that!" Vern said with a flap of his cape. His shadow walked closer and closer to the man in the coat.
"Now… how am I supposed to get anywhere if I don't have the pendent?" Vern said in a calm, quiet voice. "We have that boy… who seems to be the Chrono Trigger. If we can't get the pendent off of him then this whole plan is useless. Now… how can I become FATE and continue to drain the power from this planet if I don't have the pendent?"
"What the hell is so important about this damn pendent you keep bitching about?! Why…" The lab man said with a booming voice. Vern immediately picked him up by his throat and threw him at the wall. The man slammed hard against it and lay on the ground, still conscious. He quickly tried to get back up when he notice his glasses were broken.
"How dare you defy the Great Mighty Vern! How stupid are you? The pendent is the only way I can enter the Bend of Time and capture Schala's soul. If I have her, then our problems will be flawless. The new Mighty Lavos will be unstoppable and my path to the frozen flame will be easy as pie. No one can stop me, not even a punk like that kid in the cell." Vern said as he calmed down a bit. He turned to walk up to Han's cell, but was interrupted by a voice on the load speaker.
"Master Vern, your assistance is need at Sector L. Repeat, Master Vern; you are needed at Sector L." The voice said, coming from a loud speaker not to far away.
"Damnnit. Aw well, its not like this punk is going anywhere. Get the damn pendent off of his neck, but don't kill him. That's my job after he opens up The Holy Land." Vern demanded.
"Y-Y-YES S-S-Sir!" The lab man said. Vern left the room by going onto an elevator. The door closed with him in it and Vern was gone… for now. The lab man shook his head and went onto a computer. The two other guards stood right and left of the elevator door. They stood perfectly still and seemed like toy soldiers. Ok Han thought to himself now what? What the hell am I gunna do now? Now Schala's in trouble! I'm gunna pray to her right now. Han walked over to the corner of the cell and began to pray and tell Schala everything.
"What do you see?"
"Eh… looks like five soldiers armed with semi-automatics and blades. Don't look easy."
"Well we have to get in there somehow!"
"Relax, we will. He's depending on us."
Rad took the binoculars out of his eyes and rubbed them. Sullivan was drawing out a plan with Jade's help and Carle stood there with worry in her eye. New Aegis was not that far away from where they were standing. It was snowing out as usual. New Aegis was way up north from modern civilization and it was always snowing. There were some pine forests around with animals like foxes, wolves, ravens, and so on. However, New Aegis got most of their resources from these forests, so there were not too many left.
All four of them lay still on elevated ground about one mile from New Aegis. A fence surrounded the city along with watch towers and spotlights and a few guards every other part. Overall, the city seemed to be pretty well guarded. It seemed like no one was getting in or getting out. One thing that was chilling was the fact that the city seemed to have no civilians. The whole area seemed to be one really huge war camp with soldiers and weapons. All of this seemed to be Vern's doing, and it obviously had to be stopped.
"It's really getting late. The sun is about to set and we've been on the go all day. Let's camp for the night." Sullivan said while taking objects out of his pack.
"I aint complaining!" Rad said as he rushed over to help Sullivan unpack.
"But what if they use Han and we don't get there on time?!" Carle screamed.
"Relax," Sullivan said to Carle in a soothing way "I've known Han for a while now. He can take care of himself for the time being. He's strong enough." Sullivan concluded. Carle just looked strait at Sullivan in absolute disgust.
"Yeah, don't worry about it. Han will be fine, I'm sure." Rad said in a reassuring way. Carle didn't seem to react to Rad's comment.
"How dare you say that." Carle said to Sullivan with anger. "Is that what you plan to do? Leave him to fight for himself?!" Sullivan just stared back at Carle in confusion.
"He needs us! His life depends on us! We can't just sit on our asses sleeping in the snow! Han is sitting somewhere all alone thinking of us. We can't let him down. You KNOW he would come through for you people, even if it meant risking his life." Carle said with pride.
"I understand, but none of us are Han." Sullivan said as he went to set up a tent. Carle stood there with no expression. Jade went to comfort her, but Carle just ran away in misery.
"CARLE! WAIT!" Rad screamed as he dropped firewood and ran after Carle.
"I'LL SAVE HIM MYSELF!!!" She screamed on the top of her lungs. Her voice echoed in the snowy mountains and the sound of her feet pounding against the snow made the ground tremble. Rad and Jade ran after Carle… but Sullivan hesitated. What did I say? He thought. He shook off the thought and ran after her.
She ran as fast as she could down the slop of the snowy hill. A forest was coming up into view and she wasn't stopping at all. She panted and panted until she began to slow down. She finally fell onto her knees and cried her heart out. Jade stopped running and walked slowly over to Carle. Rad and Sullivan also stopped and stared. Carle cried until she was simply too tired to cry anymore. Jade signaled for Rad and Sullivan to leave, and so they did. They walked back to their campsite to set up a fire and give Carle a little bit of time to herself.
"Are you ok?" Jade asked Carle while putting an arm around her shoulder.
"I dunno." She said with a small sob. She began to tear more and Jade put Carle's head to her shoulder.
"Shhhhh, you'll be ok."
"It's not me who I'm worried about."
"Well… Han will be just fine. I'm sure of it. Don't worry, Sullivan didn't mean what he said."
"Then why aren't we off saving Han right now?!" Carle shot back.
"Listen, we are all very tired. We have traveled many miles in these past two days after Han was taken. We need a break, that's all." Jade said in a soothing way. Jade seemed to have this gift of understanding and making people feel better. Just look at what she's been through…
"I'm not just mad at that. It's just… Han. How do I know if I'm ever going to see him again? How do I know if he's even alive right now?" Carle said.
"He has to live, Vern needs him. If Han dies, then Vern can't get to the Frozen Flame, it's that simple." Jade said to Carle. Jade sighed and went on. "Look, if he doesn't make it or we don't save him, the world as we know it will be gone. He will come through, I know it. Han is a fine boy and he knows what he's doing, I'm sure of it. Just like you, Rad, and Sullivan. You all have your own unique qualities that make you… you." Jade paused to see how Carle reacted to it. Carle seemed to understand it all.
"I just want Han in my life again, that's all."
"So do I… Carle. So do I…" Jade said as she gazed into the artic night sky.
"Look at that, the moon is out." Jade said.
"Yeah, it sure looks pretty."
"Wolfus and I use to stare at it every night together." Jade paused to giggle in happiness. "All those nights we spent together, all the fun we had…" She stopped giggling. "To think that all of it ended so quickly. I remember telling Wolfus if he was ever worried while he was away at war to look up into at the moon… and think of me… and I would be looking too. I swear that every time I looked up at the moon while he was away, I felt him. I knew in my heart that he too was looking at that same time. The two of us, so far apart, yet gazing at the same thing. I'll never forget that feeling, that warm… sweet… comforting feeling. That feeling was… love." Jade said in a sad manner. Carle looked up at the moon with Jade. She squinted and gazed at its beauty.
"When you look at it, do you still get that feeling, Jade?" Carle asked.
"For some odd reason…" Jade said with a very long pause. "yes."
"Then maybe Wolfus is still alive."
"It's possible."
"Hey Jade?"
"Yes?"
"Can I call you… Jackie for now on?"
"Jackie? Heh, sure! It's been a while since someone has called me that." Jade said with a smile. They both stopped talking for a bit and gazed into the moon.
"Do you think Han is looking at the moon too?" Carle asked.
"Well… what do you think?" Jade asked. Carle stood staring at the moon with no expression.
"Yes. I think he is." Carle said in a sure voice.
"Oh really? You feel it, huh?"
"Yeah, I feel like he's sitting right next to me. Could this feeling… be…"
"HEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!" A voice screamed from the camp, interrupting Carle.
"That sounded like Rad!" Jade screamed as she hopped up onto her feet and pulled out her sword.
"HEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!" Rad's voice hollered again. Carle got onto her feet and pulled out her dagger.
"Let's go." Jade said as she began to dash toward the camp. Carle ran with her up the snowy hill.
"GAAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!! You think you can beat me?! HAHAHAHAAAAA!" A voice said aloud. Jade and Carle were getting closer and the voice was getting louder. Who could it be?
"Bullshit! We'll take you on you fat green fool!" Rad screamed.
Carle and Jade were in view. Jade could see the enemy, but not enough to tell who it was. The harsh snowy winds made it hard to see the whole figure.
"OH! Look what we have here! It's been a while since I've seen YOU, JACKIE!" The man said. Jade stopped running right next to Sullivan and Rad and could clearly see who it was. "Or should I say… JADE! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!" The man said with laughter.
"Ozzie." Jade said with hate in her eyes.
"Yes, it is I! The one and only, OZZIE!" Ozzie said with his arms up in the air. His white robe-like clothing flapped with the snowy winds and his green skin stood out in the night sky.
"You may have defeated Slash and Flea, but you will not go through me! HA! I made a rhyme!" Ozzie said with a chuckle.
"Um… what a bad joke." Sullivan said with confusion.
"What do you want Ozzie?!" Jade said with her teeth showing. Her sword was pointed right in his direction.
"ME? Oh boy, I want a lot of things. I want to be Vern's master assistant! I can do that by killing you people!" said Ozzie.
"That isn't gunna happen!" Carle screamed.
"Sure it is. I've already killed this bitch's father! HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!" said Ozzie.
"Not to mention Wolfus and countless others." Jade said with anger.
"Wolfus? Oh, no no no no, I didn't kill him. Who knows where he is, I threw him into a portal. Who knows or cares where he is!" said Ozzie.
They all stood there with their weapons in hand. The wind began to pick up and the night grew darker.
"All I need to do is report to Vern that a team of worthless teens are on the way to save the Chrono Trigger. Then your plans are worthless!" said Ozzie. "What a stupid kid that is. I wouldn't be surprised if he's dead right now! HAHAHAHAAAA!" Ozzie said with laughter. He laughed and laughed until he felt a blade slash his face. "OW! WHAT THE HELL?!"
Carle slashed him all right, and it was a good hit too. Ozzie's face began to dip with blood. He stood there with surprise and agony. Carle, on the other hand, stood with pure hatred in her eyes and pain in her heart. Ozzie went to punch Carle, but Carle just dodged quickly, making Ozzie fall face down into the snow.
"Um… are we going to battle this guy? He doesn't seem like much of a challenge…" Sullivan said in a very confused voice. Ozzie got right back up and pull out his sword and ran at Sullivan. Sullivan tackled Ozzie and kicked him in the face. Ozzie simply got back up.
"GAH! It's no use! I'm nothing without Flea and Slash!" Ozzie pouted. Jade just pushed Ozzie head first into the snow and put her blade up against his throat.
"Give me a good reason why I shouldn't kill you." Jade said with a scary voice. Ozzie tried to brake free from Jade's grasp, but it was no use. Finally, he gave up.
"I'LL DO ANYTHING! PLEASE! DON'T KILL ME!" He screamed like a little kid. They all glanced at each other with smiles on their faces as if they where to burst into laughter.
"Anything…?" Sullivan said with a grid that reached ear to ear.
"YES! PLEASE!" Ozzie said helplessly.
"Fine, you are going to help us get into new Aegis and save Han." Jade said with force. Ozzie didn't reply, only moaned in agony.
"Man, I thought this guy was going to actually put up a fight." Rad said with a laugh.
"So I grew old over the years, BIG DEAL! Wait until I get Slash and Flea back, then you'll have trouble!!!" Ozzie said with anger.
"Ok, tie him to that tree. Jade, you watch him and make sure he doesn't move. If he does, you know what to do." Sullivan said to Jade. Jade acknowledged Sullivan and tied Ozzie up onto a tree. The rest went to their tents and slept for the night, with the campfire still burning. Jade stayed awake to guard Ozzie, and she didn't fall asleep once. Ozzie was asleep with snot running down his nose and snoring so loud it made the snowy hills shake. Carle, on the other hand, did not sleep at all. She walked out of her tent and went to the summit of the hill with trees and bushes. She sat there, looking at the moon and the city of New Aegis. She kept getting that feeling that Jade was explaining and she enjoyed every second of it. She kept having flashbacks of Han and the time that he saved her life on the ship. Not once did she fall asleep that whole night, just sat in the trees of the summit, gazing at the moon.
"Hurry up make this place look decent! Vern will be here any minute!" said a guard next to Han's cell. Han was up all night gazing at the moon that just barley showed through a window across from the cell. He sat in the corner, eyeing the ring that Carle gave him. He put it on and felt a little better. The room was growing colder by the minute, and the sounds of the soldiers in the other room kept him awake. He had just contacted Schala a little while ago, and she was informed of Vern's plan. Schala explained that it is impossible for Vern to enter the Bend of Time unless he had the pendent. The pendent would stay on Han unless he dies, so it wasn't coming off anytime soon.
A few minutes later, Han heard Vern walk into the room.
"It is time." Vern said to the people in the room. "Give the kid some clothing and chain him, I want him unharmed. Meet me outside in ten minutes, and NOT A SECOND LATER." Vern said with harshness. He walked out of the room and soldiers began running all over the place, getting ready for Vern.
"Get this on, kid. NOW!" A guard screamed at Han, throwing him nasty looking clothing. It was a weird Eskimo-like jacket and a pair of nice looking boots. Still, it was nothing compared to his usual open blue shirt. Luckily, he still had his own pants and his bandana.
When he finished getting his cloths on, two guards came in and put his arms in handcuffs attached to a chain that someone would use as a leash. They quickly pulled Han outside. Vern stood there with about seven other soldiers.
"Looks like I'm getting to the Frozen Flame after all! HAHAHA! Fool, did you actually think you were better than me?!" Vern shouted at Han. He walked up to Han with anger. His boots hit against the concrete ground made the ground shake.
"DID YOU?!" He screamed at Han, spitting in his face. Han didn't move at all, just kept a blank expression.
"Give me an answer!" Vern screamed at him. The air grew silent for a second. Then, Han did the bravest thing. He turned his head, and spat right in Vern's face. Vern stood perfectly still for a second, then punched Han right in the face, knocking him down. He pulled Han back up with force. Han's mouth was bleeding, but he was smiling. His eyes said the word 'bravery'.
"How dare you!" Vern screamed. The soldiers stood, staring in shock at what Han had just pulled off.
"I'm a dead man anyway, your not going to get anywhere." said Han. Vern wiped the spit off his face and said, "We shall see soon enough." He then punched Han in the stomach and ordered the convoy to march forward.
The journey was long, but not an exodus. It was about a two hour walk until they finally stopped in front of a mountain with a huge stone door at the front and a long flight of stone stairs. The snow made the gateway hard to see, and the night sky didn't help much either. The only sounds were the howls of the wind, the caw of a hawk, and the howl of a nearby wolf. The soldier's boots crunched in the snow while Han was being dragged by two soldiers. When they stopped, Vern began to walk up the stone stairs and stopped. He turned around to address the soldiers.
"The walk is over; we are finally at Furtive Mountain!" Vern said as he threw his arms up in the air. The soldiers cheered and chanted in joy. Vern continued to speak. "Our primary mission will be achieved if we open this door. This door leads to the one and only Frozen Flame! Once I wish to be FATE and Lavos is complete, we can all rule this world and bring chaos to those in our way!" said Vern with a nasty smile. The soldiers all cheered louder, but grew silent after Vern put out his hand to hush them.
"Bring the boy forward." He ordered. A soldier pushed Han forward. All the soldiers stared at Han, as if he was the most important thing alive. Han was forced to walk and kneel in front of Vern. His chains were removed and his hands were free. As he knelt down, he felt a boot kick him in the chin which made him fall back.
"Try anything funny and I will not hesitate to kill you." Vern said to him, grabbing him by the neck. Han showed no pain whatsoever. It was as if he were ready to accept his death. Vern pointed his sickle at Han's back and ordered him to walk forward. As Han did so, he began to think. Ok, I need to think of something, FAST. I can't pray to Schala right now and I can't just run away. Han turned around to see how many soldiers there were, but Vern yelled at him to keep walking up the steps. Ok, I'm outnumbered by eighty. DAMNNIT! I'm screwed. Well, maybe something good will happen. If not, I'm fighting back, I'm dead anyway.
The walk up the steps seemed forever. Han could hear his pulse more than the sounds of his own footsteps. Finally, he reached the top, and there was a nice view. Still, the mountain seemed to go a couple miles upward to the summit. The stairs didn't go that far at all. At the top of the stairs there stood the huge double door. Right in front of it laid a seal of some sort. The language was something Han couldn't read. He did notice a symbol of two short brown bald men with pointy ears. One had green-white clothing; the other had purple-white clothing. One of them said Masa under it, and the other said Mune. In the center of them were a wolf and a sword. A strange border circled it.
"Go on, walk onto it. Open the door to the Frozen Flame!" Vern screamed. Han turned around with bravery.
"No." he said clearly. Vern stared back at him with anger.
"What… did… you… say?!" he snapped back.
"I said 'No' and I didn't stutter either." Han said wisely. "I'm not going to let you destroy the world, Vern."
"How dare you! Walk onto the seal, NOW!" Vern yelled. Han just stared back at him. Then Han heard a voice that sounded like Schala. Han… do… not… worry. It… is… ok. Trust… me… it said three times. Han felt a wave of comfort go over him from nowhere. It seemed to be Schala, telling Han that it was ok to walk up to the seal and open the door to the Holy Land. Why the hell does she want me to do that? Without anymore thought, Han began to walk up to the seal.
"Do it now or die!" Vern said with five soldiers pointing their guns at him. Han took a deep breath and walked onto the seal. A harsh wind picked up and everyone was silent. Han shut his eyes and put his head down. Vern smiled in joy and the soldiers staid on guard to make sure Han was doing his job.
The wind grew louder and a minute went by. Han opened his eyes to find the seal not reacting to him and the door not opening. Vern looked surprised and his face showed anguish.
"What does this mean?" one of the guards grunted. Han looked back at Vern in confusion.
Vern stared at Han with hate.
"He's… not… the Chrono Trigger..." Vern said with anger. Han looked shocked and grabbed the pendent, hoping for a miracle.
"TAKE HIM BACK TO THE CELL NOW AND ORDER AN EXACUTION! I WANT TO WATCH HIM DIE! FIND ME THE REAL CHRONO TRIGGER!" Vern screamed out loud. It was so loud; snow began to fall from the mountain. No one had ever heard Vern scream this loud.
Sure enough, the convoy began to move. Vern knocked Han out cold and ordered two soldiers to bring him back to the cell. Vern was very pissed off. Great. Marched out here for hours all for nothing. I'm gunna kill this kid just to take my frustration out Vern thought to himself as he began to march forward with the group. If Han wasn't the Chrono Trigger… then who was?
Han woke up, and he was lying in a dark room. He stood up, stretched, and looked around for a bit. Then, he realized that he was in the Bend of Time once again.
"Han, there you are." A familiar voice said.
"Schala! Oh, I'm so glad to see you!" Han said as he knelt down on one knee out of respect.
"Relax, you don't need to show me respect. It is I that should show you the respect." Schala said along with a soothing smile.
"Anyway, what the hell is going on? What's wrong?" Han asked.
"Well, Vern has you know. He thinks that he can use you as a key to enter the Holy Land."
"The Holy Land?"
"Yes," Schala continued "The Holy Land is inside of Furtive Mountain. It is believe to house the Frozen Flame. Only the true Chrono Trigger can open it."
"I don't get it, why did he call me the Chrono Trigger? What is that?" Han asked. He really believed Schala now, compared to the first time they met. He's been through a whole unbelievable adventure so far, so he's obviously use to strange things, such as the story he was being told.
"Well… I would not worry about that if I were you. Again, I only know so much. If you are the Chrono Trigger, then you have to escape from Vern before he uses you to open up the door to the Holy Land. Once he gets to the Frozen Flame, it's over." Schala said.
"Well… that's positive thinking. Anyway, am I the 'Trigger' or not?" Han asked. Schala sighed and went into deep thought.
"You may be. Your soul is very strong, and I would not be surprised."
"I don't get it, what's so good about my soul?" Han asked in an annoyed manner.
"It's filled with compassion and hate. I know, it does sound strange. What it means is your soul is bottled up in strong love and fierce hate, black and white. That explains why you have Gray magic and are able to use Black and White spells. This could mean you are the Chrono Trigger, it's very unique." Schala said. Han looked at the ground with a worried face. He was starting to come out of confusion and face reality. Schala walked up to Han and put her hand on his shoulder.
"I understand how you feel. But don't be afraid, you are not in this alone. Your friends are helping you out the best way they can, I see it in them every time they fight. Their souls, too, are incredibly strong, filled with love, joy, power, and most of all… courage. I wish I could be of some help, but that's impossible. You and I are so far apart." Schala continued while pacing in front of Han. "Please, do not feel afraid, be brave."
"I have been, just all of this is so hard to comprehend and believe." Han said.
"I know, trust me, I know. Now what I also must say is… keep an eye on Carle. Her spirit is starting to make me wonder. Keep her alive, she may possess a power we don't know about."
"Like what?"
"I can't tell it's too hard to see."
Han stood there for a few seconds and was about to ask a question about Carle… but he just withheld. He figured it wouldn't be a very wise question.
"Well, I don't remember Sullivan giving me the 'Dream Stone' so… how did I get here?" Han asked. Schala pointed to the pendent that was around Han's neck.
"That pendent does it all now, that's really why I gave it to you. Ok, now it's time for you to wake up. Vern has you in a city called New Aegis, so you're very far away from home indeed." Schala said.
"So what do I do?" Han said.
"Your friends are coming; Jade knows that Vern is keeping you in New Aegis. I would not sit tight though; Vern could take you to Furtive Mountain any moment. Try to find a way out."
"Ok, I'll do what I must." Han said with much confidence.
"Ok, this will not be the last time we see each other. When ever you need help, just pray hard with the pendent and I shall bring you forward. If anyone else wants to join you in coming here, have them pray with you. That is all. God luck, Han! Stay alive!" Schala said, as the whole setting began to blacken and Han was no longer in the Bend of Time.
Han woke up in a strange room. There was a metal floor with three metallic walls and a ceiling. A prison like fence was in the front. It was an ok size room. It was not that small or dirty at all, just a little cold. It was well lit and a strange lab seemed to be nearby. There was one long window on the left side of the cell that was not able to be seen through, only someone else on the other side could see through it. Other than that, the room was pretty big and seemed it could hold about 15 people crammed into it.
Han sat up from a small bed, the only thing in the room. He rubbed his eyes and stretched. He noticed that he had nothing but pants and underwear on. His bandana was still wrapped around his head, and strangely, the pendant that Schala gave him was still around his neck along with Carle's ring. Funny he began to think They take everything off me but this pendant. Doesn't this mean something? He shrugged and got up onto his bare feet. It was cold and strange. He looked into the reflection of the glass that was on the wall and looked at him self. Damn, I've really gotten some muscle after this whole nightmare. He thought as he examined himself. He had really changed sense the beginning of this whole adventure. He was stronger physically and mentally.
"Damnnit, go in there again and try and get that pendant off of him! I NEED IT NOW!" A voice screamed at another. It sounded like Vern's.
"Y-y-y-y-yes sir!" A man said. The man with two other reptile soldiers unlocked Han's cell. They were armed and seemed to be dangerous. They all came into the cell and two of the soldiers grabbed Han, each by the shoulders. The man, who was wearing a lab coat, put a rubber glove onto his right hand and reached forward. Han tried to break free, but was held firmly by the soldiers. The man continued reaching for the Pendant carefully when a shock went flying out of it.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" The man screamed in agony. A blue lightning bolt was flying out of the pendant and seemed to be protecting Han. The man fell to the ground and panted.
"Damnnit!" He screamed on the top of his lungs. He then got up and walked out of the cell. His hand was grabbing his left wrist and he walked away in a pissed-off manor. The other two guards slammed Han with the backs of their guns and walked out of the cell, locking it as they left. KriHans laid there on the ground for about a minute, trying to get his breath back. When he finally got back up, he heard a conversation between two people.
"I-I-I can't get the…"
"DAMN YOU! What a worthless fool you are!"
Han ran forward to the door of the cell and tried to look through, but couldn't. Instead, he saw a shadow on a wall of a figure in a long cape and the same man in the lab coat.
"I-I-I dunno what is wrong with it! It's like the pendent is protecting him!" The man in the coat said with a gesture.
"Nonsense! How dare you think that!" Vern said with a flap of his cape. His shadow walked closer and closer to the man in the coat.
"Now… how am I supposed to get anywhere if I don't have the pendent?" Vern said in a calm, quiet voice. "We have that boy… who seems to be the Chrono Trigger. If we can't get the pendent off of him then this whole plan is useless. Now… how can I become FATE and continue to drain the power from this planet if I don't have the pendent?"
"What the hell is so important about this damn pendent you keep bitching about?! Why…" The lab man said with a booming voice. Vern immediately picked him up by his throat and threw him at the wall. The man slammed hard against it and lay on the ground, still conscious. He quickly tried to get back up when he notice his glasses were broken.
"How dare you defy the Great Mighty Vern! How stupid are you? The pendent is the only way I can enter the Bend of Time and capture Schala's soul. If I have her, then our problems will be flawless. The new Mighty Lavos will be unstoppable and my path to the frozen flame will be easy as pie. No one can stop me, not even a punk like that kid in the cell." Vern said as he calmed down a bit. He turned to walk up to Han's cell, but was interrupted by a voice on the load speaker.
"Master Vern, your assistance is need at Sector L. Repeat, Master Vern; you are needed at Sector L." The voice said, coming from a loud speaker not to far away.
"Damnnit. Aw well, its not like this punk is going anywhere. Get the damn pendent off of his neck, but don't kill him. That's my job after he opens up The Holy Land." Vern demanded.
"Y-Y-YES S-S-Sir!" The lab man said. Vern left the room by going onto an elevator. The door closed with him in it and Vern was gone… for now. The lab man shook his head and went onto a computer. The two other guards stood right and left of the elevator door. They stood perfectly still and seemed like toy soldiers. Ok Han thought to himself now what? What the hell am I gunna do now? Now Schala's in trouble! I'm gunna pray to her right now. Han walked over to the corner of the cell and began to pray and tell Schala everything.
"What do you see?"
"Eh… looks like five soldiers armed with semi-automatics and blades. Don't look easy."
"Well we have to get in there somehow!"
"Relax, we will. He's depending on us."
Rad took the binoculars out of his eyes and rubbed them. Sullivan was drawing out a plan with Jade's help and Carle stood there with worry in her eye. New Aegis was not that far away from where they were standing. It was snowing out as usual. New Aegis was way up north from modern civilization and it was always snowing. There were some pine forests around with animals like foxes, wolves, ravens, and so on. However, New Aegis got most of their resources from these forests, so there were not too many left.
All four of them lay still on elevated ground about one mile from New Aegis. A fence surrounded the city along with watch towers and spotlights and a few guards every other part. Overall, the city seemed to be pretty well guarded. It seemed like no one was getting in or getting out. One thing that was chilling was the fact that the city seemed to have no civilians. The whole area seemed to be one really huge war camp with soldiers and weapons. All of this seemed to be Vern's doing, and it obviously had to be stopped.
"It's really getting late. The sun is about to set and we've been on the go all day. Let's camp for the night." Sullivan said while taking objects out of his pack.
"I aint complaining!" Rad said as he rushed over to help Sullivan unpack.
"But what if they use Han and we don't get there on time?!" Carle screamed.
"Relax," Sullivan said to Carle in a soothing way "I've known Han for a while now. He can take care of himself for the time being. He's strong enough." Sullivan concluded. Carle just looked strait at Sullivan in absolute disgust.
"Yeah, don't worry about it. Han will be fine, I'm sure." Rad said in a reassuring way. Carle didn't seem to react to Rad's comment.
"How dare you say that." Carle said to Sullivan with anger. "Is that what you plan to do? Leave him to fight for himself?!" Sullivan just stared back at Carle in confusion.
"He needs us! His life depends on us! We can't just sit on our asses sleeping in the snow! Han is sitting somewhere all alone thinking of us. We can't let him down. You KNOW he would come through for you people, even if it meant risking his life." Carle said with pride.
"I understand, but none of us are Han." Sullivan said as he went to set up a tent. Carle stood there with no expression. Jade went to comfort her, but Carle just ran away in misery.
"CARLE! WAIT!" Rad screamed as he dropped firewood and ran after Carle.
"I'LL SAVE HIM MYSELF!!!" She screamed on the top of her lungs. Her voice echoed in the snowy mountains and the sound of her feet pounding against the snow made the ground tremble. Rad and Jade ran after Carle… but Sullivan hesitated. What did I say? He thought. He shook off the thought and ran after her.
She ran as fast as she could down the slop of the snowy hill. A forest was coming up into view and she wasn't stopping at all. She panted and panted until she began to slow down. She finally fell onto her knees and cried her heart out. Jade stopped running and walked slowly over to Carle. Rad and Sullivan also stopped and stared. Carle cried until she was simply too tired to cry anymore. Jade signaled for Rad and Sullivan to leave, and so they did. They walked back to their campsite to set up a fire and give Carle a little bit of time to herself.
"Are you ok?" Jade asked Carle while putting an arm around her shoulder.
"I dunno." She said with a small sob. She began to tear more and Jade put Carle's head to her shoulder.
"Shhhhh, you'll be ok."
"It's not me who I'm worried about."
"Well… Han will be just fine. I'm sure of it. Don't worry, Sullivan didn't mean what he said."
"Then why aren't we off saving Han right now?!" Carle shot back.
"Listen, we are all very tired. We have traveled many miles in these past two days after Han was taken. We need a break, that's all." Jade said in a soothing way. Jade seemed to have this gift of understanding and making people feel better. Just look at what she's been through…
"I'm not just mad at that. It's just… Han. How do I know if I'm ever going to see him again? How do I know if he's even alive right now?" Carle said.
"He has to live, Vern needs him. If Han dies, then Vern can't get to the Frozen Flame, it's that simple." Jade said to Carle. Jade sighed and went on. "Look, if he doesn't make it or we don't save him, the world as we know it will be gone. He will come through, I know it. Han is a fine boy and he knows what he's doing, I'm sure of it. Just like you, Rad, and Sullivan. You all have your own unique qualities that make you… you." Jade paused to see how Carle reacted to it. Carle seemed to understand it all.
"I just want Han in my life again, that's all."
"So do I… Carle. So do I…" Jade said as she gazed into the artic night sky.
"Look at that, the moon is out." Jade said.
"Yeah, it sure looks pretty."
"Wolfus and I use to stare at it every night together." Jade paused to giggle in happiness. "All those nights we spent together, all the fun we had…" She stopped giggling. "To think that all of it ended so quickly. I remember telling Wolfus if he was ever worried while he was away at war to look up into at the moon… and think of me… and I would be looking too. I swear that every time I looked up at the moon while he was away, I felt him. I knew in my heart that he too was looking at that same time. The two of us, so far apart, yet gazing at the same thing. I'll never forget that feeling, that warm… sweet… comforting feeling. That feeling was… love." Jade said in a sad manner. Carle looked up at the moon with Jade. She squinted and gazed at its beauty.
"When you look at it, do you still get that feeling, Jade?" Carle asked.
"For some odd reason…" Jade said with a very long pause. "yes."
"Then maybe Wolfus is still alive."
"It's possible."
"Hey Jade?"
"Yes?"
"Can I call you… Jackie for now on?"
"Jackie? Heh, sure! It's been a while since someone has called me that." Jade said with a smile. They both stopped talking for a bit and gazed into the moon.
"Do you think Han is looking at the moon too?" Carle asked.
"Well… what do you think?" Jade asked. Carle stood staring at the moon with no expression.
"Yes. I think he is." Carle said in a sure voice.
"Oh really? You feel it, huh?"
"Yeah, I feel like he's sitting right next to me. Could this feeling… be…"
"HEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!" A voice screamed from the camp, interrupting Carle.
"That sounded like Rad!" Jade screamed as she hopped up onto her feet and pulled out her sword.
"HEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!" Rad's voice hollered again. Carle got onto her feet and pulled out her dagger.
"Let's go." Jade said as she began to dash toward the camp. Carle ran with her up the snowy hill.
"GAAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!! You think you can beat me?! HAHAHAHAAAAA!" A voice said aloud. Jade and Carle were getting closer and the voice was getting louder. Who could it be?
"Bullshit! We'll take you on you fat green fool!" Rad screamed.
Carle and Jade were in view. Jade could see the enemy, but not enough to tell who it was. The harsh snowy winds made it hard to see the whole figure.
"OH! Look what we have here! It's been a while since I've seen YOU, JACKIE!" The man said. Jade stopped running right next to Sullivan and Rad and could clearly see who it was. "Or should I say… JADE! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!" The man said with laughter.
"Ozzie." Jade said with hate in her eyes.
"Yes, it is I! The one and only, OZZIE!" Ozzie said with his arms up in the air. His white robe-like clothing flapped with the snowy winds and his green skin stood out in the night sky.
"You may have defeated Slash and Flea, but you will not go through me! HA! I made a rhyme!" Ozzie said with a chuckle.
"Um… what a bad joke." Sullivan said with confusion.
"What do you want Ozzie?!" Jade said with her teeth showing. Her sword was pointed right in his direction.
"ME? Oh boy, I want a lot of things. I want to be Vern's master assistant! I can do that by killing you people!" said Ozzie.
"That isn't gunna happen!" Carle screamed.
"Sure it is. I've already killed this bitch's father! HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!" said Ozzie.
"Not to mention Wolfus and countless others." Jade said with anger.
"Wolfus? Oh, no no no no, I didn't kill him. Who knows where he is, I threw him into a portal. Who knows or cares where he is!" said Ozzie.
They all stood there with their weapons in hand. The wind began to pick up and the night grew darker.
"All I need to do is report to Vern that a team of worthless teens are on the way to save the Chrono Trigger. Then your plans are worthless!" said Ozzie. "What a stupid kid that is. I wouldn't be surprised if he's dead right now! HAHAHAHAAAA!" Ozzie said with laughter. He laughed and laughed until he felt a blade slash his face. "OW! WHAT THE HELL?!"
Carle slashed him all right, and it was a good hit too. Ozzie's face began to dip with blood. He stood there with surprise and agony. Carle, on the other hand, stood with pure hatred in her eyes and pain in her heart. Ozzie went to punch Carle, but Carle just dodged quickly, making Ozzie fall face down into the snow.
"Um… are we going to battle this guy? He doesn't seem like much of a challenge…" Sullivan said in a very confused voice. Ozzie got right back up and pull out his sword and ran at Sullivan. Sullivan tackled Ozzie and kicked him in the face. Ozzie simply got back up.
"GAH! It's no use! I'm nothing without Flea and Slash!" Ozzie pouted. Jade just pushed Ozzie head first into the snow and put her blade up against his throat.
"Give me a good reason why I shouldn't kill you." Jade said with a scary voice. Ozzie tried to brake free from Jade's grasp, but it was no use. Finally, he gave up.
"I'LL DO ANYTHING! PLEASE! DON'T KILL ME!" He screamed like a little kid. They all glanced at each other with smiles on their faces as if they where to burst into laughter.
"Anything…?" Sullivan said with a grid that reached ear to ear.
"YES! PLEASE!" Ozzie said helplessly.
"Fine, you are going to help us get into new Aegis and save Han." Jade said with force. Ozzie didn't reply, only moaned in agony.
"Man, I thought this guy was going to actually put up a fight." Rad said with a laugh.
"So I grew old over the years, BIG DEAL! Wait until I get Slash and Flea back, then you'll have trouble!!!" Ozzie said with anger.
"Ok, tie him to that tree. Jade, you watch him and make sure he doesn't move. If he does, you know what to do." Sullivan said to Jade. Jade acknowledged Sullivan and tied Ozzie up onto a tree. The rest went to their tents and slept for the night, with the campfire still burning. Jade stayed awake to guard Ozzie, and she didn't fall asleep once. Ozzie was asleep with snot running down his nose and snoring so loud it made the snowy hills shake. Carle, on the other hand, did not sleep at all. She walked out of her tent and went to the summit of the hill with trees and bushes. She sat there, looking at the moon and the city of New Aegis. She kept getting that feeling that Jade was explaining and she enjoyed every second of it. She kept having flashbacks of Han and the time that he saved her life on the ship. Not once did she fall asleep that whole night, just sat in the trees of the summit, gazing at the moon.
"Hurry up make this place look decent! Vern will be here any minute!" said a guard next to Han's cell. Han was up all night gazing at the moon that just barley showed through a window across from the cell. He sat in the corner, eyeing the ring that Carle gave him. He put it on and felt a little better. The room was growing colder by the minute, and the sounds of the soldiers in the other room kept him awake. He had just contacted Schala a little while ago, and she was informed of Vern's plan. Schala explained that it is impossible for Vern to enter the Bend of Time unless he had the pendent. The pendent would stay on Han unless he dies, so it wasn't coming off anytime soon.
A few minutes later, Han heard Vern walk into the room.
"It is time." Vern said to the people in the room. "Give the kid some clothing and chain him, I want him unharmed. Meet me outside in ten minutes, and NOT A SECOND LATER." Vern said with harshness. He walked out of the room and soldiers began running all over the place, getting ready for Vern.
"Get this on, kid. NOW!" A guard screamed at Han, throwing him nasty looking clothing. It was a weird Eskimo-like jacket and a pair of nice looking boots. Still, it was nothing compared to his usual open blue shirt. Luckily, he still had his own pants and his bandana.
When he finished getting his cloths on, two guards came in and put his arms in handcuffs attached to a chain that someone would use as a leash. They quickly pulled Han outside. Vern stood there with about seven other soldiers.
"Looks like I'm getting to the Frozen Flame after all! HAHAHA! Fool, did you actually think you were better than me?!" Vern shouted at Han. He walked up to Han with anger. His boots hit against the concrete ground made the ground shake.
"DID YOU?!" He screamed at Han, spitting in his face. Han didn't move at all, just kept a blank expression.
"Give me an answer!" Vern screamed at him. The air grew silent for a second. Then, Han did the bravest thing. He turned his head, and spat right in Vern's face. Vern stood perfectly still for a second, then punched Han right in the face, knocking him down. He pulled Han back up with force. Han's mouth was bleeding, but he was smiling. His eyes said the word 'bravery'.
"How dare you!" Vern screamed. The soldiers stood, staring in shock at what Han had just pulled off.
"I'm a dead man anyway, your not going to get anywhere." said Han. Vern wiped the spit off his face and said, "We shall see soon enough." He then punched Han in the stomach and ordered the convoy to march forward.
The journey was long, but not an exodus. It was about a two hour walk until they finally stopped in front of a mountain with a huge stone door at the front and a long flight of stone stairs. The snow made the gateway hard to see, and the night sky didn't help much either. The only sounds were the howls of the wind, the caw of a hawk, and the howl of a nearby wolf. The soldier's boots crunched in the snow while Han was being dragged by two soldiers. When they stopped, Vern began to walk up the stone stairs and stopped. He turned around to address the soldiers.
"The walk is over; we are finally at Furtive Mountain!" Vern said as he threw his arms up in the air. The soldiers cheered and chanted in joy. Vern continued to speak. "Our primary mission will be achieved if we open this door. This door leads to the one and only Frozen Flame! Once I wish to be FATE and Lavos is complete, we can all rule this world and bring chaos to those in our way!" said Vern with a nasty smile. The soldiers all cheered louder, but grew silent after Vern put out his hand to hush them.
"Bring the boy forward." He ordered. A soldier pushed Han forward. All the soldiers stared at Han, as if he was the most important thing alive. Han was forced to walk and kneel in front of Vern. His chains were removed and his hands were free. As he knelt down, he felt a boot kick him in the chin which made him fall back.
"Try anything funny and I will not hesitate to kill you." Vern said to him, grabbing him by the neck. Han showed no pain whatsoever. It was as if he were ready to accept his death. Vern pointed his sickle at Han's back and ordered him to walk forward. As Han did so, he began to think. Ok, I need to think of something, FAST. I can't pray to Schala right now and I can't just run away. Han turned around to see how many soldiers there were, but Vern yelled at him to keep walking up the steps. Ok, I'm outnumbered by eighty. DAMNNIT! I'm screwed. Well, maybe something good will happen. If not, I'm fighting back, I'm dead anyway.
The walk up the steps seemed forever. Han could hear his pulse more than the sounds of his own footsteps. Finally, he reached the top, and there was a nice view. Still, the mountain seemed to go a couple miles upward to the summit. The stairs didn't go that far at all. At the top of the stairs there stood the huge double door. Right in front of it laid a seal of some sort. The language was something Han couldn't read. He did notice a symbol of two short brown bald men with pointy ears. One had green-white clothing; the other had purple-white clothing. One of them said Masa under it, and the other said Mune. In the center of them were a wolf and a sword. A strange border circled it.
"Go on, walk onto it. Open the door to the Frozen Flame!" Vern screamed. Han turned around with bravery.
"No." he said clearly. Vern stared back at him with anger.
"What… did… you… say?!" he snapped back.
"I said 'No' and I didn't stutter either." Han said wisely. "I'm not going to let you destroy the world, Vern."
"How dare you! Walk onto the seal, NOW!" Vern yelled. Han just stared back at him. Then Han heard a voice that sounded like Schala. Han… do… not… worry. It… is… ok. Trust… me… it said three times. Han felt a wave of comfort go over him from nowhere. It seemed to be Schala, telling Han that it was ok to walk up to the seal and open the door to the Holy Land. Why the hell does she want me to do that? Without anymore thought, Han began to walk up to the seal.
"Do it now or die!" Vern said with five soldiers pointing their guns at him. Han took a deep breath and walked onto the seal. A harsh wind picked up and everyone was silent. Han shut his eyes and put his head down. Vern smiled in joy and the soldiers staid on guard to make sure Han was doing his job.
The wind grew louder and a minute went by. Han opened his eyes to find the seal not reacting to him and the door not opening. Vern looked surprised and his face showed anguish.
"What does this mean?" one of the guards grunted. Han looked back at Vern in confusion.
Vern stared at Han with hate.
"He's… not… the Chrono Trigger..." Vern said with anger. Han looked shocked and grabbed the pendent, hoping for a miracle.
"TAKE HIM BACK TO THE CELL NOW AND ORDER AN EXACUTION! I WANT TO WATCH HIM DIE! FIND ME THE REAL CHRONO TRIGGER!" Vern screamed out loud. It was so loud; snow began to fall from the mountain. No one had ever heard Vern scream this loud.
Sure enough, the convoy began to move. Vern knocked Han out cold and ordered two soldiers to bring him back to the cell. Vern was very pissed off. Great. Marched out here for hours all for nothing. I'm gunna kill this kid just to take my frustration out Vern thought to himself as he began to march forward with the group. If Han wasn't the Chrono Trigger… then who was?