Chapter 5: Magical Powers Reduex
Lucca completed the Epoch, she wiped the beads of sweat from her head and laid down on the couch, she looked over at the calendar, just in time. There was a knock at the door and Setzer, Relm, and Strago walked in. "Is it completed Lucca?" Strago asked. "Yes." Lucca said, she pointed towards her workshop; everyone went in and saw the Epoch. Lucca hopped in the pilot's seat, Setzer jumped in, and then Strago. "Hey! Where do I sit?" Relm asked. "You can sit on my lap Relm." Setzer said, Relm sat down on Setzer's lap, Lucca turned the knob on the Epoch to the end of time and pressed the button, and the Epoch roared to life and flew to the end of time.
The four jumped out and walked up to the main room, Gaspar was there, asleep. "You guys go into the room behind me, I'm gonna ask Gaspar something. Strago nodded, and he, Relm, and Strago entered the door. There in the middle of the room was a frog, dancing back and forth. "Hey ya, my names Spekkio, the master of war." Spekkio said. "You look like a frog to me." Relm said, "Well, it's simple, if you're strong, I look strong, if you're weak, I look weak." Spekkio said. "Lucca told us that you could teach us magic." Strago said. "Of course, you with the white hair, and trench coat, you would be perfect for shadow magic, the old man would be thunder, and the little girl is ice." Spekkio said. "How do we learn this magic?" Strago asked. "Ipso Manifacto Zapata!" Spekkio chanted, a bolt of lightning struck Strago, Relm was surrounded by ice, and Setzer was engulfed in darkness. "Care to test your powers?" Spekkio asked. Setzer cast a spell that suddenly came to his head, "Dark Bomb!" Setzer yelled. "Lightning!" Strago yelled. "Ice!" Relm hollered. Spekkio was struck, Spekkio released a magic attack, Relm painted Spekkio's picture, and the Spekkio picture released the same attack and knocked Spekkio down, "Why do you need my powers when you have that?" Spekkio asked, dusting himself off. "Bring your friends!" Spekkio said as they left the room.
"Where's Lucca?" Setzer asked as he walked out. Gaspar turned around and said, "Lucca left to get her friends, I have something for you." Gaspar said. "What is it?" Strago asked. Gaspar held out a small device, "This is a time engine, insert this on the console on your airship, and it can travel through time." Gaspar said, Setzer took it, "How did you?" Setzer began to ask, "Take the middle portal back to your time and install that, find your friends." Gaspar said.
Terra, Edgar, Locke, and Cyan looked around Fiona's Shrine; there wasn't much to look at. So the four headed across the long bridge up to the north continent, they found Jidoor and the Opera house there. The group headed west and found a town called Truce, it was small and not very advanced, but on an island just south of the city, Edgar spotted the airship, the group ran to it and waited around for Setzer. Setzer, Strago, and Relm showed up, and installed something on the consol of the airship. Setzer and everyone took off to find Sabin and Celes.
Lucca flew through time to 601 A.D., it almost seemed like the Epoch was going fast enough. What Gaspar had told Lucca frightened her to the very core, if this Kefka was revived; he could summon Lavos and destroy the world. Lucca reached Gaurdia castle in 601 A.D. and landed just inside. She ran into the king and queen's chamber. "Where is Frog?" Lucca asked. "He is in the knight's quarters." Leene replied. Lucca bowed and ran to the knight's quarters and saw Frog. "Lady Lucca? What art thou doing here?" Frog asked. "Frog it's an emergency, two worlds where merged, and in one there's this guy name Kefka." Lucca said. "Aye, I have met him." Frog said. "Well, anyway, he has enough power to revive Lavos and destroy the world, we have to stop him." Lucca said. "'Tis urgent, I agree, but we art in a war here." Frog said. "Frog, you must go, for the sake of the world." Queen Leene's voice said from behind Lucca. "But, my queen. I cans't not abandon the kingdom." Frog said. "We have those new weapons, we can handle ourselves, I order you to go." Leene said. "Yes, my queen." Frog said, Frog followed Lucca out to the Epoch. Lucca set the dial to 2301 A.D. and took off.
The Epoch landed in 2301 A.D., it was perfect not a cloud in the sky, it was better than 1000 A.D. Lucca went to the place she prayed was still Proto Dome, and it was. Lucca found Robo, Atropos, and Johnny inside. "So babe, what I was trying to say was that, if you put the rockets on the front rather than the back, the chances of a crash greatly decrease." Johnny said. "It sounds good, and the blue prints look good, but this new jet bike seems a little far fetched." Robo said. Lucca walked forward and looked at the plans. "Take the dampeners and move them three feet to the left, put the engine a good six inches back, and put some more wheels on it." Lucca said. "Lucca?" Robo said, noticing the scientist for the first time. "What are you doing here?" Robo asked. "It's about the worlds combining, there is an evil tyrant who can bring back Lavos, and we need your help." Lucca said. "Why of course!" Robo replied. "I'm coming too!" Atropos said. "No! No Atropos, I couldn't stand losing you again, you'll be safe here." Robo said. "Hey, I'm coming!" Johnny said. "Johnny? Can you even fight?" Lucca said. "Can I fight?!? I am one of the best road warrior robots ever, trust me, I can hold my own on the battlefield." Johnny said. "Well, now we have one too many." Lucca said. "Thou may siteth on mine lap milady." Frog said. "Well, that would be great Frog, except that I'm bigger than you, why don't you sit on my lap?" Lucca asked. "Very well, I shalt doest that." Frog said. Lucca, Frog, Johnny, and Robo piled in the Epoch and took off for the end of time.
Sabin and Celes had taken the ferry to a town called Truce; they hoped to find their friends there. They were sitting on the deck looking out across the water. "I really hope we find them soon, I miss Locke." Celes said. "Yeah, at least you have someone." Sabin said, and then was surprised as he had thought aloud, and had not intended to. "Oh, it's okay Sabin. You'll find someone, I know you will, you have a great personality, and you're very handsome. When the time is right, you will have someone." Celes said. Sabin looked out across the water and sighed. "I guess you're right, I just... I've been "just a friend" to every girl I've ever known. It is both a gift and a curse I suppose, but what are you gonna do?" Sabin said, "Your hand's looking better." Celes said, changing the subject, Sabin looked at his busted hand. "Yeah, I guess the bones are mending back together." Sabin said. Suddenly a shadow cast over the boat and all the other people on board started to talk. Sabin looked up to see the airship flying high above. "Can you get us up there?" Celes asked. Sabin quickly rummaged in his bag and found his dragoon boots, he put them on and swept Celes up in his arms, with a flying leap Sabin almost made it, he tossed Celes so that she wouldn't fall with him, she landed hard on the deck, but was okay, Sabin grabbed a hold of a window sill and held on for dear life.
"Celes?" Locke exclaimed, looking at his love. "Yes Locke, I'm back." Celes said, the two locked (heh heh, pun) in a kiss. "I don't mean to bother you guys, but could somebody help me up?" Sabin asked. "Oh, I almost forgot about Sabin!" Celes exclaimed, she reached her hand down towards Sabin, "I can't reach it." Sabin said, Locke grabbed hold of Celes' ankles and held her down a ways more, Sabin caught Celes' hand and Locked pulled her up, Cyan and Setzer joined in and pulled with all their might, "Where's Umaro when you need him?" Setzer asked, pulling with all of his might. Finally, they got Celes and Sabin aboard the airship. "So what's going on?" Sabin asked. "I'll show you!" Relm said, Relm grabbed Sabin's broken hand and her hands glowed blue, and then Sabin's hand was mended fully. "Magic? But how?" Sabin asked. "As soon as we find everyone else, I'll show you." Setzer said. Setzer dropped Cyan and Sabin off in Narshe to find Umaro and Mog.
Cyan and Sabin guided through the caves of Narshe easily, but to their surprise, a familiar laugh came from behind them. They turned to see a large purple octopus with sharp yellow teeth. "Good to see you again, Vweeheeheehee!" Ultros said. "Fungah!" Chupon said from behind him. "'Tis that stupid octopus again?" Cyan asked and sighed. Sabin rolled his eyes, "Not you again." "How dare you speak of the mighty Ultros as he is boring, I am all powerful!" Ultros roared. Sabin performed a Bum Rush and beat the living crap out of Ultros, Cyan did Quadra Slice, and Chupon was knocked out. Sabin kicked Ultros in the head, "Stupid octopus." Sabin said, and then he and Cyan went on to find Mog and Umaro.
"Isn't it terrible how they mock you?" a voice asked from nowhere. "Who? Who's there?" Ultros asked. "Someone who could help you out, if you would be willing to listen." the voice said. "I'm listening, now show yourself." Ultros said. Suddenly a portal opened and a man with golden brown hair appeared, he had a patch over one eye and was wearing a long orange cape. "The names Dalton, how do you do?" Dalton asked. "Bad! Now tell me, how can I kill them?" Ultros asked. "Follow me; I can get you power beyond your wildest dreams." Dalton said. Ultros rubbed his forehead with one of his tentacles, "Okay, but Chupon has to come too." Ultros said, pointing to the unconscious taciturn. "The more the merrier." Dalton said, Ultros picked up Chupon and carried him into the portal behind Dalton.
"Hello Kupo!" Mog greeted Cyan and Sabin. "What's up?" "'Tis good new Sir Mog, we hath found a way to get magic. We needest thou to come, and bring Umaro." Cyan said. Mog nodded, though he wondered how Umaro could use magic. Mog got Umaro and brought him out, saying goodbye to all of the moogles on the way. "Goodbye Kuku, Kutan, Kupan, Kushu, Kurin, Kamog, Kupek, Kupop, Kumama!" Mog said and waved. Umaro, Mog, Cyan, and Sabin went back through the caves to Narshe to wait for Setzer and the others. The city of Narshe had greatly improved over the last year, no longer was it inhabited by monsters, it was a thriving city, like it was before Kefka screwed up the world. Cyan sat down against a building, "Sir Sabin, Lady Celes telleth me that thou art having woman troubles." Cyan said. "Oh, why do I ever open my big mouth?" Sabin said. "Sir Sabin, I couldst help thou find a lady, if thou wisheth it." Cyan said, Sabin stood quiet for a moment, "Sure, keep an eye out for me. Hey Mog, you know any single women?" Sabin asked. "Plenty, as long as you don't mind moogles." Mog said, smiling. "I'm sorry I ever asked." Sabin said.
The airship touched down by Narshe, Gogo and Gau where standing on deck with Setzer. "Where is Sir Shadow?" Cyan asked. "We found a man named Clyde in Kohilingen, he said that Clyde was dead, and as proof, the man was taking care of Interceptor. So... Shadow is... gone for good." Setzer said. "'Tis terrible news, I wast looking forward to fighting alongside Sir Shadow again." Cyan said, everyone hopped aboard the airship. "So where is this magic at?" Sabin asked. Setzer used the new dial on his console and set it one the sign for infinity. The airship took off at the speed of light, going through the time stream.
The airship stopped and everyone got off, Setzer pointed everyone to Spekkio's room. One by one, everyone got his or her magic. Terra was lightning, Locke was fire, Edgar was lightning, Sabin was fire, Celes was water, Cyan was lightning, Gau was incapable of magic, Mog was Ice, Umaro was incapable of magic, and Gogo was shadow.
Lucca had dropped Frog, Johnny, and Robo off at the end of time with all of those odd people from the other world. Lucca was going to go get Ayla and Magus, then Crono and Marle. Magus was obviously the best bet for beating Kefka, but she decided she would get him last. Lucca came to her own time and picked up Crono and Marle, she took them to the end of time and then went to pick up Ayla.
At first glance, Lucca thought she had ended up in 12,000 B.C. by mistake, but after checking the gauge several times, it said 64,999,999 B.C., so Lucca went walking through the snow and eventually found Ioka village. Lucca entered the tent she remembered to be Ayla's and found the cave woman sitting with Kino next to the fire, both of them snuggled together, the first thing that Lucca noticed was that Kino and Ayla where now wearing several heavy furs, as opposed to their original skimpy clothes that left little to be imagined. "Uh... Ayla?" Lucca asked, Ayla turned around, a very sad look on her face that quickly turned to joy. "Lucca! Ayla glad see, come, eat, drink, party!" Ayla yelled. "Umm... Actually Ayla, I am the bearer of bad news." Lucca said. "What Lucca mean bad news?" Ayla asked. "Well, our world and another have been merged, and this tyrant from the other world has great magical powers, he can bring back Lavos." Lucca said, Ayla's joyful smile suddenly turned to rage. "Lavos!! He make world cold and white, hunting not good, people starve, all Lavos' fault. Ayla want kill Lavos again, Ayla come with. Kino stay here, take care of village!" Ayla growled and stormed out of the hut. Ayla and Lucca went to the Epoch, got in and went into the time stream. Ayla pulled off her furry shirt and pants to reveal her original skin bikini, "Ayla glad, can dress like used to, furs itchy and uncomfortable, no like." Ayla said. "Now I know where Marle gets it." Lucca thought to herself.
The Epoch came up in 11,999 B.C., Lucca flew the Epoch over the last village, no one was there, and then Ayla spotted something on the mountain. "Fire, there!" Ayla said, pointing to a cave, Lucca flew the Epoch over to the cave and fortunately found a ledge big enough to land the Epoch on; Lucca entered the cave and found all the people from the last village. "Where is Magus?" Lucca asked, the villagers pointed to outside, Lucca and Ayla walked around the side of the mountain and saw Magus kneeled over a gravestone, his shoulders where shaking up and down, and there was a sound, it sounded foreign coming from Magus, he was... sobbing. Lucca quietly came up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder, Ayla did the same. Magus suddenly froze, he reached his gloved hand up towards his face and began to vigorously wipe at his eyes with the back of his hand. Magus turned up to look at Lucca, "What do you want?" Magus asked, trying to sound as heartless as ever. "Relax Magus, we won't tell anyone that you where crying." Lucca said. "I was not crying." Magus said. "It alright, Ayla know feeling, no use hiding." Ayla said. "I WAS NOT crying." Magus growled, "Who's Deborah?" Lucca asked, reading the name from the headstone. "No one." Magus said, he stood up and started walking back to the cave. "Well she was obviously someone if you where crying for her." Lucca said, "I was not crying, now mind your own business." Magus growled. "Listen Magus, there's something important that I have to tell you." Lucca said. "Did you find Schala?" Magus asked. Lucca replied, "No, but..." "Then I don't care." Magus said. "Lavos may be coming back." Lucca said. Magus spun on his heal and rushed towards Lucca, he lifted the girl up by the collar, his eyes glowed a brilliant red, "What did you say?!?" Magus asked. "Our world and another have combined, the is a tyrant from the other world who is all powerful and can bring back Lavos." Lucca said. Magus sat Lucca down, "We must leave now!" Magus exclaimed and ran towards the Epoch, Lucca and Ayla followed behind him.
The Epoch took off through time, suddenly an object flew and hit the Epoch head on, Magus flew through the glass dome and out into the time stream. The object was pushed by the Epoch and went to the end of time. Magus was lost in time. The Epoch stopped, and Lucca surveyed the damage, "This thing won't fly for a while, but what did we hit?" Lucca asked, she looked at the blue cylinder shaped object, and out came Johnny. "Sorry babe, my fault." Johnny said. "What is this thing?" Lucca asked. "It's my new and improved, time traveling jet bike!" Johnny said. "Well whatever, now Magus has been lost in the time stream, we may never find him." Lucca said.
Magus spun in the time stream, looking into the ominous void that was time. "Why do I even bother to get up in the morning?" Magus asked himself, as he spun into the great unknown. Eventually Magus came out of the time stream and hit the ground with a loud Thunk!, he was in a cave of some sort, he spotted a chest to the far end and went over to it, he found a dagger in it, the label on the knife said, "Striker" Magus put the knife in his belt and walked further into the cave, he saw a man dressed in black, he had a large dog at his side. The man turned to Magus and threw a knife; Magus caught the knife between his index and middle finger. "Who are you?" the man asked. "That is not important, where and when is this?" Magus asked. "It is 1000 A.D. and you are in the cave in the Veldt." the man replied. "What name do you go by?" Magus asked. "Shadow will do, you?" Shadow asked. "Call me Magus; does the mongrel have a name too?" Magus asked. "Interceptor." Shadow replied. Interceptor began to growl at something in the shadows (heh heh, another pun) two beasts made themselves visible, "What are those?" Magus asked. "Sr Behemoths, one is strong physically, the other magically." Shadow said, "Which one uses magic?" Magus asked. "The tan one." Shadow replied, Magus turned toward the tan Sr Behemoth and released a Dark Mist attack on it, the behemoth roared in pain, but shook it off. Magus cast Dark Matter, the behemoth was greatly damaged, and it cast Meteo. Several balls of stone and fire hit Magus, but because he had not casted a fire spell, he was not harmed. Magus summoned a black hole and the Sr Behemoth was drawn into it, Magus looked over as Shadow finished off the other Sr Behemoth.
Suddenly Celes, Sabin, Setzer, and Edgar walked in. "Shadow? Who is this?" Celes asked pointing to Magus. "Don't worry, he's on our side." Shadow said, starting to leave. Magus began to follow him, when he sensed a great magical power, "Where is all that magic coming from?" Magus asked. "Our Magicite shards, here." Sabin said handing him the bag. (Now for the purpose of saving time, we are going to say that they have already collected all of the Espers, yes even Crusader, now pretend that it is not a giant plot hole and continue with the story.) Magus opened the bag, it was full of glowing red stone Magus placed his hand over the bag, his hand glowed, the glow went into the bag and all of the Magicite shards flew in the air around him. A large creature in jewel-encrusted armor appeared, "I Alexandr bestow to you the power of Justice." Alexandr said and disappeared. A large black dragon appeared, "I Bahamut give you the power of the Sun Flare." Bahamut said, then disappeared. A white whale appeared, "I Bismarck give you the power of the ocean." Bismarck said, and disappeared. A small blue rodent with a red gem embedded in its forehead appeared, "I Carbunkl give you the power of shielding." Carbunkl said, and disappeared. Three odd looking monsters appeared, "We, the Crusader's give you the power of Merton." the Crusader's said and disappeared. Several more appeared, a large wolf named Fenrir, Golem, Ifrit, Shiva, Kirin, Maduin, Odin, Palidor, Phantom, Pheonix, Ragnarok, Raiden, Ramuh, Shiva, Shoat, Siren, Sraphim, Stray, Terrato, Tritoch, Unicorn, and Zoneseek. The powers of all the Espers flew into Magus, he glowed a brilliant red and fell to his knees, the magicites went back in the bag, and Magus stood up and handed the bag back to Sabin. "Thank you." Magus said and flew off after Shadow. "He learned all the esper's magic at once, which takes talent." Celes said.
Magus caught up with Shadow and stopped, "Where are you going?" Magus asked. "The Coliseum." Shadow replied. Magus followed Shadow. Shadow and Interceptor swam to the next continent, Magus flew. Shadow went into the Coliseum, he was asking everybody about an item called "The Striker" Magus looked in his belt at the knife, "Shadow, is this it?" Magus asked. Shadow looked at the knife, "Yes, it is. I shall fight you in the Coliseum for it." Shadow said. "Sounds fair, but if I win, you have to join me on my journey." Magus said, "Sounds fair." said Shadow, shaking hands with Magus.
The ninja and the warlock stepped out on the battlefield, Shadow threw several shurikens at Magus, but he managed to dodge them all. Magus cast Dark Bomb; Shadow was hit by Magus' spell. Shadow was thrown to the ground by the spell. Magus decided to use one of his new powers, Magus summoned up a spell called Ultima, a spell that looked like a Dark Bomb x10 appeared, and Shadow was knocked out.
Inside Shadow woke up, Magus handed Shadow the striker. "What is this for?" Shadow asked. "I don't need it, besides you will need a powerful weapon on your journey with me. Now place your hand on my shoulder." Magus said. Shadow did as he was told and he glowed a brilliant red, the glow dissipated. "I know all of the magic." Shadow said. "Yes, you do. Now let us go." Magus said, Shadow nodded and he and Interceptor followed him. Magus went to the Zenan continent and to Leene Square, Magus used a spell he had once learned for opening portals, he cast it on the time gate and it opened Magus, Shadow, and Interceptor walked in.
Several weeks later in 1000 A.D.: the lead cultist made his way into Kefka's tower he found Kefka, lying there bleeding. "My loyal followers you have come." Kefka said, the cultist healed Kefka with and elixir. "Yes we come from a future of piece, we ask your help in disrupting that, we have merged our world with another, but the spell caster from this world asked a price, he asks that you destroy a powerful warlock named Magus. "I can do that, now get the statues, we're going to the future." Kefka said, the cultists gathered up the statues and followed Kefka through his shortcut.
The time gate opened up in Truce Canyon in 601 A.D. Magus walked out, followed by Shadow and Interceptor. Magus surveyed the area, there where several broken magiteks, in the middle sat a man in a green coat; he had a blonde mow hawk, and blue eyes. "Who are you?" Magus asked. "Former General Leo of the empire." Leo said. "What do you mean former?" Magus asked. Leo pointed towards the sky; a large island was floating above. "They didn't have much use for me, so they sent me on a suicide mission." Leo said. (The past has changed in this world, so Leo isn't killed by Kefka, only mortally wounded and left for dead) Suddenly a body fell from the sky and landed hard on the ground. Leo examined the body, "This looks like Emperor Gestahl." Leo said. "Yes, Gestahl was killed by Kefka. I remember it as though it happened only yesterday." Shadow said. "Leo, have you seen any blue portals around?" Magus asked, yeah there was one inside that old castle with the dragon on top of it." Leo said. "How fortunate for us." Magus said, a smile crossing his lips.
Magus, Shadow, and Leo took the path through the magic cave to get to his castle. Magus walked up through his castle, it was as dark as ever, but fortunately there where no mystics roaming within. Magus reached the chamber where he had attempted to summon Lavos, at the end was a time gate. Suddenly a portal opened and out stepped Dalton. "Hello Prophet! How are you today?" Dalton asked. "What do you want Dalton?" Magus asked. "A simple thing, I want your head on a platter!" Dalton yelled. Magus raised a hand and to cast Dark Matter, but suddenly his mother (Queen Zeal) appeared behind him and the person whose neck she held a knife to made Magus stop. "Schala?" Magus asked. "Why are you here Prophet?" Zeal asked. "You really are insane; you can't recognize your own son when you see him." Magus said. "Janus?" Queen Zeal asked. "My Janus, I guess we where wrong about you never learning to use magic." Dalton said. "No matter, we will kill your sister anyway." Queen Zeal said. "Mother no, please, help me Janus!" Schala screamed. "What kind of person would kill their own daughter?" Leo asked Queen Zeal, drawing his sword. Magus placed a hand in front of Leo. "No, she'll only kill her." Magus said. "Well, I'll kill her anyway." Queen Zeal said, she took her knife and thrust it towards Schala's face, suddenly a dagger zipped through the air and nailed Queen Zeal's hand to the wall, Queen Zeal screamed. Shadow threw more dirks at Dalton, nailing both his hands to the wall. Magus walked up to Dalton, his scythe out. "Schala, turn away, you won't want to see this." Magus said, Magus raised his scythe and cut off Dalton's head. Magus turned to Zeal, "Now, I will give you another chance, but only because you are my mother." Dalton said. "Well, isn't that sweet. Don't you think Chupon?" Ultros asked. "Fungah!" Chupon replied.
Magus turned to see the duo. Ultros shot ink in Magus' eyes. Shadow grabbed a sword from the wall and hurled it at Ultros, three of Ultros' arms where cut off. "You! I should kill you where you stand! We are both more powerful than ever before, none of your old tricks will stop us!" Ultros said, his legs grew back. Leo raised his sword, "How about some new tricks!" Leo said, and used Shock. Ultros was fried, with his last breath, he said, "I really am just a stupid octopus." Chupon flew at Leo, Leo used Shock again, Magus wiped the ink from his eyes and used Dark Matter. Chupon fell dead. Magus walked to Schala and hugged her. "Schala, I missed you." Magus said. "I missed you too Janus." Schala said, kissing Magus on the forehead. "Come we must go." Shadow said. "Yes, we must be going." Leo agreed, Interceptor barked in agreement. Magus, Schala, Leo, Shadow, and Interceptor entered the time gate.
Kefka appeared in Magus' castle, "Where is the warlock?" Kefka asked. "He already left." Queen Zeal said, Kefka looked over to Zeal. "My my, aren't you looking good." Kefka said, "You know, I can help you get power beyond your wildest dreams and eternal life." Zeal said. "Got it." Kefka said. "Trust me, greater than even you could imagine." Zeal said. Kefka rubbed his chin for a minute and said, "Okay, if it turns out to be a lie, I'll just kill you." Kefka said. Kefka released Queen Zeal and Zeal opened a portal, the two walked in.
At the end of time, everyone was gaining all the spells of the Espers from Magus, even Spekkio. Magus stood over by the wall, Marle gave Magus a huge hug. Magus looked down at her, "What are you doing?" Magus asked. "I just thought that you had died, I was worried. So now I'm hugging you because I'm glad that you're back." Marle said, nestling her head against Magus' chest. Magus looked up, praying Marle would let go, she did not, Magus waited for what felt like hours, he looked over to see Schala and Lucca laughing at him. Magus poked at Marle's head, "Did you fall asleep?" Magus asked, "No, I'm not letting go until you return the gesture." Marle said. "Let go." Magus said, trying to squirm his way out of her arms. "You have to hug me back first." Marle said, "I will do no such thing, now let go." Magus said, "Time doesn't pass here, I can wait as long as it takes." Marle said. Magus rolled his eyes, "Oh fine!" Magus said, and put his arms around Marle. Marle let go, "See? Was that so hard?" Marle asked. "Oh, give him a break Marle. He has always been nervous around girls. In fact, he had a little girlfriend back at Zeal Palace." Schala said. "Hey!!" Magus said. "Oh, I have to hear this! Go on." Lucca said. Magus shot Schala a dirty look, Schala gave a smile and continued to talk. "They were quite an item, every day they would walk around holding hands, and..." Schala said, Magus did not hear the rest; he did not want to, he left the room and went into Spekkio's room, he felt his face turn a bright shade of red, he drew his cape over his face.
Magus could hear everyone laughing from the other room, the door opened and Terra walked in. "What do you want?" Magus asked. Terra came and sat down in the corner next to him. "I just don't like people saying embarrassing things about other people." Terra said. "Your point?" Magus asked. "Nothing, this is just the only quiet place around here." Terra said. Magus looked over at her, "You're hair is a very odd color." Magus said. "Look who's talking, my hair is green because I am, or rather was half Esper. What's your story?" Terra asked. "My hair is blue and my ears are pointed because my mother used magic when she was pregnant with me." Magus said. "The same with Schala?" Terra asked. "Yes." Magus said. "What's that scar on your neck from?" Terra asked. "A whip." Magus replied. "How did you get a whip scar?" Terra asked. "The same way I got the rest of them." Magus said. "There are more?" Terra asked. Magus removed his cape and armor, Terra looked, his entire chest and back where covered in scars. "Oh my god! How did you get all of those?" Terra asked. "When I was nine, I was sucked into a time portal, I was found by a group of monsters who raised me as a lackey, they trained me in magic and fighting, one of them, his name was Slash, every time I would disobey, he would lash at me with a whip." Magus said, "Oh, that's terrible." Terra said. "That was nothing, the mystics where kinder than my mother." Magus said. "She beat you?" Terra asked. "I wish, my mother pretended I didn't even exist, only Schala acknowledged me. I was shunned because I couldn't use magic, well I showed them." Magus said, shaking his fist. "Calm down, I was enslaved by the empire so they could use my superior powers against their enemies." Terra said. "We have really terrible pasts." Magus said. "You've got that right." Terra said. "So do you think Schala is finished talking about me?" Magus asked. "Probably." Terra said. Magus looked in Terra's green eyes, like two emeralds, sparkling brightly. "L... Let's go back with the others." Terra said, "Um... Yes, let's." Magus said.
Magus and Terra went into the next room. Schala looked up at Magus, Magus glared at her. Marle came up and gave Magus another hug, "You were soooo cute when you where little." Marle said. "Not this again." Magus thought to himself. Terra noticed that Magus was not comfortable and said, "So, how do we plan to stop Kefka?" Marle let go of Magus. "Well we know that Kefka will probably summon Lavos, and he has teamed up with Ozzie, Slash, and Flea." Crono said. "And now he has teamed up with Queen Zeal." Gaspar said. "What??" Schala and Magus both said in unison. "She'll lead him right to Lavos." Magus said. "Not quite, you see, Kefka must first kill you as was his promise to Ozzie." Gaspar said. "He's after me?" Magus said, and then smiled, "I guess that I'll just have to show him a little magic, I can handle him." Magus said. "No you can't!" Terra said, "He's too strong." "I can handle him." Magus said, walking towards the Epoch, Terra caught him by the arm. "No! Please, he's much too strong." Terra pleaded. "Well what should I do? Wait till he gets Lavos and becomes more powerful?" Magus asked. "No, don't go alone, take someone with you. Someone strong." Terra said. "Ayla, Leo, come with me." Magus said. "I'm coming too!" Terra said. "We don't have room." Magus said, "Actually we do, I moved the back seat over and placed another seat beside it." Lucca said. "Okay, I'm going to go visit our friend Ozzie." Magus said. Magus, Leo, Ayla, and Terra got in the Epoch and took off.
"I believe we need to go check on the cult of Kefka." Shadow said. "I'll go too; we'll take Celes, Locke, Gau, Umaro, Strago, and Robo." Edgar said. "Sounds good babe, I'll go check on my own time, Crono, Relm, you're with me." Johnny said, hopping in the jet bike. Sabin, Cyan, Lucca, Setzer, Marle, Mog, Schala, and Frog where left to train. Sabin had Gaspar conjure up a set of weights, and Sabin began to work out. Marle watched intently as the sweat ran down Sabin's back, his muscles rippling as he lifted the weights. Marle licked her lips and began to reach forward; Lucca caught her by the shoulder. "What are you doing?" Lucca said. "Must... have." Marle said, reaching for Sabin. Sabin turned around and began to towel himself off, "Is there something I can help you girls with?" Sabin asked, Marle melted into a puddle on the floor. "Uhh... No, nothing at all." Lucca said, dragging Marle away. "Marle, you're involved with Crono, you can't be looking at other men!" Lucca said. "But Lucca, look at him, look at that body, we don't have to tell Crono, it'll just be one time and..." smack! "Snap out of it Marle!" Lucca said. "But Luuucccccaaa." Marle wined. "Okay, you can look, but don't touch." Lucca said. Marle sighed, "Okay..." Marle said disappointment in her voice.
"Thou art a powerful fighter." Frog said. "I couldst sayeth the same for thou." Cyan replied. "I see that thou speaketh the olde English as well." Frog said. "Yes." Cyan replied. The Masamune and Slay Render clashed in a shower of sparks, Frog dodged out of the way of Cyan's sword and Cyan ducked under Frog's sword. Frog did a great leap and came down, only slightly short of cutting Cyan in half down the middle.
Lucca came over and sat down next to Setzer, "You're friend over there seems a little too interested in Sabin." Setzer said, "Yeah, she's like that, oh look, see, now she's chasing the white cat thing around the room. She has the attention span of a gnat." Lucca said. "I see... So what do you enjoy doing?" Setzer asked. "I enjoy inventions, or rather, inventing." Lucca answered. "Tell me Lucca, what is your favorite kind of food?" Setzer asked. "My favorite food is roast with cranberries, and fresh pineapple slices. Mmm, I haven't had it in so long." Lucca said, licking her lips. "Sounds good, meet me tomorrow on the airship." Setzer said. "Are you asking me on a... date?" Lucca asked. "Maybe, you'll see tomorrow." Setzer said, flashing Lucca a smile.
"Come here cutie, I just wanna hug you!" Marle said, "Get away from me, you crazy lady!" Mog screamed running around the room from Marle. "Heelllp! This girl's nuts!!" Mog screamed. Marle did a flying leap and tackled Mog; she picked the little moogle up in her arms and squeezed it so hard that his eyeballs almost popped out. "You are soooo cute." Marle said. Mog was viciously trying to pull himself from Marle's grip, "Heeellllp!!!!" Mog screamed again. "Good god Marle, his heads going to explode if you keep doing that." Lucca said. "Oh thank god, the smart ones here." Mog said, and sighed with relief. "But he's all fuzzy and warm." Marle said. "Put him down Marle." Lucca said, Marle stuck out her lower lip. Mog jumped out of her arms and hid behind Lucca's legs, "Stay away from me!" Mog yelled and quickly ran in Spekkio's room and locked the door.
Sabin was piling his weights in the corner, he was done exercising for the day, he was looking down at the ground, so he wasn't paying attention to what was going on, incidentally Schala was walking along reading a book, the two where not paying attention at all. The two ran into each other, Schala fell, Sabin spilled his armful of weights, Schala covered her eyes, waiting for the inevitable pain when the weights would hit her, but Schala felt someone grasp her ankles and quickly pull her out of the way, she heard the weights clanging to the ground just behind her. Sabin stood her up and brushed off the front of her robes, "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." Sabin said, "It's okay, neither was I. But at least we're both okay." Schala said, "Yeah, you would have been a goner if those things had landed on you." Sabin said. Schala then came to grasp that Sabin was right; she would have died if it were not for him. Schala hugged Sabin, "Thank you." Schala said. "Uhh... Yeah, any time." Sabin replied, patting her back. "Is this the time, the one?" Sabin thought to himself. Schala stepped away, "Thank you, so very much." Schala said and went to find her book. Sabin set down by the wall and thought to himself, "Well, she is cute, and I think that she's around my age, but what about that brother of hers, he looks kind of overprotective." Sabin thought to himself.
Lucca completed the Epoch, she wiped the beads of sweat from her head and laid down on the couch, she looked over at the calendar, just in time. There was a knock at the door and Setzer, Relm, and Strago walked in. "Is it completed Lucca?" Strago asked. "Yes." Lucca said, she pointed towards her workshop; everyone went in and saw the Epoch. Lucca hopped in the pilot's seat, Setzer jumped in, and then Strago. "Hey! Where do I sit?" Relm asked. "You can sit on my lap Relm." Setzer said, Relm sat down on Setzer's lap, Lucca turned the knob on the Epoch to the end of time and pressed the button, and the Epoch roared to life and flew to the end of time.
The four jumped out and walked up to the main room, Gaspar was there, asleep. "You guys go into the room behind me, I'm gonna ask Gaspar something. Strago nodded, and he, Relm, and Strago entered the door. There in the middle of the room was a frog, dancing back and forth. "Hey ya, my names Spekkio, the master of war." Spekkio said. "You look like a frog to me." Relm said, "Well, it's simple, if you're strong, I look strong, if you're weak, I look weak." Spekkio said. "Lucca told us that you could teach us magic." Strago said. "Of course, you with the white hair, and trench coat, you would be perfect for shadow magic, the old man would be thunder, and the little girl is ice." Spekkio said. "How do we learn this magic?" Strago asked. "Ipso Manifacto Zapata!" Spekkio chanted, a bolt of lightning struck Strago, Relm was surrounded by ice, and Setzer was engulfed in darkness. "Care to test your powers?" Spekkio asked. Setzer cast a spell that suddenly came to his head, "Dark Bomb!" Setzer yelled. "Lightning!" Strago yelled. "Ice!" Relm hollered. Spekkio was struck, Spekkio released a magic attack, Relm painted Spekkio's picture, and the Spekkio picture released the same attack and knocked Spekkio down, "Why do you need my powers when you have that?" Spekkio asked, dusting himself off. "Bring your friends!" Spekkio said as they left the room.
"Where's Lucca?" Setzer asked as he walked out. Gaspar turned around and said, "Lucca left to get her friends, I have something for you." Gaspar said. "What is it?" Strago asked. Gaspar held out a small device, "This is a time engine, insert this on the console on your airship, and it can travel through time." Gaspar said, Setzer took it, "How did you?" Setzer began to ask, "Take the middle portal back to your time and install that, find your friends." Gaspar said.
Terra, Edgar, Locke, and Cyan looked around Fiona's Shrine; there wasn't much to look at. So the four headed across the long bridge up to the north continent, they found Jidoor and the Opera house there. The group headed west and found a town called Truce, it was small and not very advanced, but on an island just south of the city, Edgar spotted the airship, the group ran to it and waited around for Setzer. Setzer, Strago, and Relm showed up, and installed something on the consol of the airship. Setzer and everyone took off to find Sabin and Celes.
Lucca flew through time to 601 A.D., it almost seemed like the Epoch was going fast enough. What Gaspar had told Lucca frightened her to the very core, if this Kefka was revived; he could summon Lavos and destroy the world. Lucca reached Gaurdia castle in 601 A.D. and landed just inside. She ran into the king and queen's chamber. "Where is Frog?" Lucca asked. "He is in the knight's quarters." Leene replied. Lucca bowed and ran to the knight's quarters and saw Frog. "Lady Lucca? What art thou doing here?" Frog asked. "Frog it's an emergency, two worlds where merged, and in one there's this guy name Kefka." Lucca said. "Aye, I have met him." Frog said. "Well, anyway, he has enough power to revive Lavos and destroy the world, we have to stop him." Lucca said. "'Tis urgent, I agree, but we art in a war here." Frog said. "Frog, you must go, for the sake of the world." Queen Leene's voice said from behind Lucca. "But, my queen. I cans't not abandon the kingdom." Frog said. "We have those new weapons, we can handle ourselves, I order you to go." Leene said. "Yes, my queen." Frog said, Frog followed Lucca out to the Epoch. Lucca set the dial to 2301 A.D. and took off.
The Epoch landed in 2301 A.D., it was perfect not a cloud in the sky, it was better than 1000 A.D. Lucca went to the place she prayed was still Proto Dome, and it was. Lucca found Robo, Atropos, and Johnny inside. "So babe, what I was trying to say was that, if you put the rockets on the front rather than the back, the chances of a crash greatly decrease." Johnny said. "It sounds good, and the blue prints look good, but this new jet bike seems a little far fetched." Robo said. Lucca walked forward and looked at the plans. "Take the dampeners and move them three feet to the left, put the engine a good six inches back, and put some more wheels on it." Lucca said. "Lucca?" Robo said, noticing the scientist for the first time. "What are you doing here?" Robo asked. "It's about the worlds combining, there is an evil tyrant who can bring back Lavos, and we need your help." Lucca said. "Why of course!" Robo replied. "I'm coming too!" Atropos said. "No! No Atropos, I couldn't stand losing you again, you'll be safe here." Robo said. "Hey, I'm coming!" Johnny said. "Johnny? Can you even fight?" Lucca said. "Can I fight?!? I am one of the best road warrior robots ever, trust me, I can hold my own on the battlefield." Johnny said. "Well, now we have one too many." Lucca said. "Thou may siteth on mine lap milady." Frog said. "Well, that would be great Frog, except that I'm bigger than you, why don't you sit on my lap?" Lucca asked. "Very well, I shalt doest that." Frog said. Lucca, Frog, Johnny, and Robo piled in the Epoch and took off for the end of time.
Sabin and Celes had taken the ferry to a town called Truce; they hoped to find their friends there. They were sitting on the deck looking out across the water. "I really hope we find them soon, I miss Locke." Celes said. "Yeah, at least you have someone." Sabin said, and then was surprised as he had thought aloud, and had not intended to. "Oh, it's okay Sabin. You'll find someone, I know you will, you have a great personality, and you're very handsome. When the time is right, you will have someone." Celes said. Sabin looked out across the water and sighed. "I guess you're right, I just... I've been "just a friend" to every girl I've ever known. It is both a gift and a curse I suppose, but what are you gonna do?" Sabin said, "Your hand's looking better." Celes said, changing the subject, Sabin looked at his busted hand. "Yeah, I guess the bones are mending back together." Sabin said. Suddenly a shadow cast over the boat and all the other people on board started to talk. Sabin looked up to see the airship flying high above. "Can you get us up there?" Celes asked. Sabin quickly rummaged in his bag and found his dragoon boots, he put them on and swept Celes up in his arms, with a flying leap Sabin almost made it, he tossed Celes so that she wouldn't fall with him, she landed hard on the deck, but was okay, Sabin grabbed a hold of a window sill and held on for dear life.
"Celes?" Locke exclaimed, looking at his love. "Yes Locke, I'm back." Celes said, the two locked (heh heh, pun) in a kiss. "I don't mean to bother you guys, but could somebody help me up?" Sabin asked. "Oh, I almost forgot about Sabin!" Celes exclaimed, she reached her hand down towards Sabin, "I can't reach it." Sabin said, Locke grabbed hold of Celes' ankles and held her down a ways more, Sabin caught Celes' hand and Locked pulled her up, Cyan and Setzer joined in and pulled with all their might, "Where's Umaro when you need him?" Setzer asked, pulling with all of his might. Finally, they got Celes and Sabin aboard the airship. "So what's going on?" Sabin asked. "I'll show you!" Relm said, Relm grabbed Sabin's broken hand and her hands glowed blue, and then Sabin's hand was mended fully. "Magic? But how?" Sabin asked. "As soon as we find everyone else, I'll show you." Setzer said. Setzer dropped Cyan and Sabin off in Narshe to find Umaro and Mog.
Cyan and Sabin guided through the caves of Narshe easily, but to their surprise, a familiar laugh came from behind them. They turned to see a large purple octopus with sharp yellow teeth. "Good to see you again, Vweeheeheehee!" Ultros said. "Fungah!" Chupon said from behind him. "'Tis that stupid octopus again?" Cyan asked and sighed. Sabin rolled his eyes, "Not you again." "How dare you speak of the mighty Ultros as he is boring, I am all powerful!" Ultros roared. Sabin performed a Bum Rush and beat the living crap out of Ultros, Cyan did Quadra Slice, and Chupon was knocked out. Sabin kicked Ultros in the head, "Stupid octopus." Sabin said, and then he and Cyan went on to find Mog and Umaro.
"Isn't it terrible how they mock you?" a voice asked from nowhere. "Who? Who's there?" Ultros asked. "Someone who could help you out, if you would be willing to listen." the voice said. "I'm listening, now show yourself." Ultros said. Suddenly a portal opened and a man with golden brown hair appeared, he had a patch over one eye and was wearing a long orange cape. "The names Dalton, how do you do?" Dalton asked. "Bad! Now tell me, how can I kill them?" Ultros asked. "Follow me; I can get you power beyond your wildest dreams." Dalton said. Ultros rubbed his forehead with one of his tentacles, "Okay, but Chupon has to come too." Ultros said, pointing to the unconscious taciturn. "The more the merrier." Dalton said, Ultros picked up Chupon and carried him into the portal behind Dalton.
"Hello Kupo!" Mog greeted Cyan and Sabin. "What's up?" "'Tis good new Sir Mog, we hath found a way to get magic. We needest thou to come, and bring Umaro." Cyan said. Mog nodded, though he wondered how Umaro could use magic. Mog got Umaro and brought him out, saying goodbye to all of the moogles on the way. "Goodbye Kuku, Kutan, Kupan, Kushu, Kurin, Kamog, Kupek, Kupop, Kumama!" Mog said and waved. Umaro, Mog, Cyan, and Sabin went back through the caves to Narshe to wait for Setzer and the others. The city of Narshe had greatly improved over the last year, no longer was it inhabited by monsters, it was a thriving city, like it was before Kefka screwed up the world. Cyan sat down against a building, "Sir Sabin, Lady Celes telleth me that thou art having woman troubles." Cyan said. "Oh, why do I ever open my big mouth?" Sabin said. "Sir Sabin, I couldst help thou find a lady, if thou wisheth it." Cyan said, Sabin stood quiet for a moment, "Sure, keep an eye out for me. Hey Mog, you know any single women?" Sabin asked. "Plenty, as long as you don't mind moogles." Mog said, smiling. "I'm sorry I ever asked." Sabin said.
The airship touched down by Narshe, Gogo and Gau where standing on deck with Setzer. "Where is Sir Shadow?" Cyan asked. "We found a man named Clyde in Kohilingen, he said that Clyde was dead, and as proof, the man was taking care of Interceptor. So... Shadow is... gone for good." Setzer said. "'Tis terrible news, I wast looking forward to fighting alongside Sir Shadow again." Cyan said, everyone hopped aboard the airship. "So where is this magic at?" Sabin asked. Setzer used the new dial on his console and set it one the sign for infinity. The airship took off at the speed of light, going through the time stream.
The airship stopped and everyone got off, Setzer pointed everyone to Spekkio's room. One by one, everyone got his or her magic. Terra was lightning, Locke was fire, Edgar was lightning, Sabin was fire, Celes was water, Cyan was lightning, Gau was incapable of magic, Mog was Ice, Umaro was incapable of magic, and Gogo was shadow.
Lucca had dropped Frog, Johnny, and Robo off at the end of time with all of those odd people from the other world. Lucca was going to go get Ayla and Magus, then Crono and Marle. Magus was obviously the best bet for beating Kefka, but she decided she would get him last. Lucca came to her own time and picked up Crono and Marle, she took them to the end of time and then went to pick up Ayla.
At first glance, Lucca thought she had ended up in 12,000 B.C. by mistake, but after checking the gauge several times, it said 64,999,999 B.C., so Lucca went walking through the snow and eventually found Ioka village. Lucca entered the tent she remembered to be Ayla's and found the cave woman sitting with Kino next to the fire, both of them snuggled together, the first thing that Lucca noticed was that Kino and Ayla where now wearing several heavy furs, as opposed to their original skimpy clothes that left little to be imagined. "Uh... Ayla?" Lucca asked, Ayla turned around, a very sad look on her face that quickly turned to joy. "Lucca! Ayla glad see, come, eat, drink, party!" Ayla yelled. "Umm... Actually Ayla, I am the bearer of bad news." Lucca said. "What Lucca mean bad news?" Ayla asked. "Well, our world and another have been merged, and this tyrant from the other world has great magical powers, he can bring back Lavos." Lucca said, Ayla's joyful smile suddenly turned to rage. "Lavos!! He make world cold and white, hunting not good, people starve, all Lavos' fault. Ayla want kill Lavos again, Ayla come with. Kino stay here, take care of village!" Ayla growled and stormed out of the hut. Ayla and Lucca went to the Epoch, got in and went into the time stream. Ayla pulled off her furry shirt and pants to reveal her original skin bikini, "Ayla glad, can dress like used to, furs itchy and uncomfortable, no like." Ayla said. "Now I know where Marle gets it." Lucca thought to herself.
The Epoch came up in 11,999 B.C., Lucca flew the Epoch over the last village, no one was there, and then Ayla spotted something on the mountain. "Fire, there!" Ayla said, pointing to a cave, Lucca flew the Epoch over to the cave and fortunately found a ledge big enough to land the Epoch on; Lucca entered the cave and found all the people from the last village. "Where is Magus?" Lucca asked, the villagers pointed to outside, Lucca and Ayla walked around the side of the mountain and saw Magus kneeled over a gravestone, his shoulders where shaking up and down, and there was a sound, it sounded foreign coming from Magus, he was... sobbing. Lucca quietly came up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder, Ayla did the same. Magus suddenly froze, he reached his gloved hand up towards his face and began to vigorously wipe at his eyes with the back of his hand. Magus turned up to look at Lucca, "What do you want?" Magus asked, trying to sound as heartless as ever. "Relax Magus, we won't tell anyone that you where crying." Lucca said. "I was not crying." Magus said. "It alright, Ayla know feeling, no use hiding." Ayla said. "I WAS NOT crying." Magus growled, "Who's Deborah?" Lucca asked, reading the name from the headstone. "No one." Magus said, he stood up and started walking back to the cave. "Well she was obviously someone if you where crying for her." Lucca said, "I was not crying, now mind your own business." Magus growled. "Listen Magus, there's something important that I have to tell you." Lucca said. "Did you find Schala?" Magus asked. Lucca replied, "No, but..." "Then I don't care." Magus said. "Lavos may be coming back." Lucca said. Magus spun on his heal and rushed towards Lucca, he lifted the girl up by the collar, his eyes glowed a brilliant red, "What did you say?!?" Magus asked. "Our world and another have combined, the is a tyrant from the other world who is all powerful and can bring back Lavos." Lucca said. Magus sat Lucca down, "We must leave now!" Magus exclaimed and ran towards the Epoch, Lucca and Ayla followed behind him.
The Epoch took off through time, suddenly an object flew and hit the Epoch head on, Magus flew through the glass dome and out into the time stream. The object was pushed by the Epoch and went to the end of time. Magus was lost in time. The Epoch stopped, and Lucca surveyed the damage, "This thing won't fly for a while, but what did we hit?" Lucca asked, she looked at the blue cylinder shaped object, and out came Johnny. "Sorry babe, my fault." Johnny said. "What is this thing?" Lucca asked. "It's my new and improved, time traveling jet bike!" Johnny said. "Well whatever, now Magus has been lost in the time stream, we may never find him." Lucca said.
Magus spun in the time stream, looking into the ominous void that was time. "Why do I even bother to get up in the morning?" Magus asked himself, as he spun into the great unknown. Eventually Magus came out of the time stream and hit the ground with a loud Thunk!, he was in a cave of some sort, he spotted a chest to the far end and went over to it, he found a dagger in it, the label on the knife said, "Striker" Magus put the knife in his belt and walked further into the cave, he saw a man dressed in black, he had a large dog at his side. The man turned to Magus and threw a knife; Magus caught the knife between his index and middle finger. "Who are you?" the man asked. "That is not important, where and when is this?" Magus asked. "It is 1000 A.D. and you are in the cave in the Veldt." the man replied. "What name do you go by?" Magus asked. "Shadow will do, you?" Shadow asked. "Call me Magus; does the mongrel have a name too?" Magus asked. "Interceptor." Shadow replied. Interceptor began to growl at something in the shadows (heh heh, another pun) two beasts made themselves visible, "What are those?" Magus asked. "Sr Behemoths, one is strong physically, the other magically." Shadow said, "Which one uses magic?" Magus asked. "The tan one." Shadow replied, Magus turned toward the tan Sr Behemoth and released a Dark Mist attack on it, the behemoth roared in pain, but shook it off. Magus cast Dark Matter, the behemoth was greatly damaged, and it cast Meteo. Several balls of stone and fire hit Magus, but because he had not casted a fire spell, he was not harmed. Magus summoned a black hole and the Sr Behemoth was drawn into it, Magus looked over as Shadow finished off the other Sr Behemoth.
Suddenly Celes, Sabin, Setzer, and Edgar walked in. "Shadow? Who is this?" Celes asked pointing to Magus. "Don't worry, he's on our side." Shadow said, starting to leave. Magus began to follow him, when he sensed a great magical power, "Where is all that magic coming from?" Magus asked. "Our Magicite shards, here." Sabin said handing him the bag. (Now for the purpose of saving time, we are going to say that they have already collected all of the Espers, yes even Crusader, now pretend that it is not a giant plot hole and continue with the story.) Magus opened the bag, it was full of glowing red stone Magus placed his hand over the bag, his hand glowed, the glow went into the bag and all of the Magicite shards flew in the air around him. A large creature in jewel-encrusted armor appeared, "I Alexandr bestow to you the power of Justice." Alexandr said and disappeared. A large black dragon appeared, "I Bahamut give you the power of the Sun Flare." Bahamut said, then disappeared. A white whale appeared, "I Bismarck give you the power of the ocean." Bismarck said, and disappeared. A small blue rodent with a red gem embedded in its forehead appeared, "I Carbunkl give you the power of shielding." Carbunkl said, and disappeared. Three odd looking monsters appeared, "We, the Crusader's give you the power of Merton." the Crusader's said and disappeared. Several more appeared, a large wolf named Fenrir, Golem, Ifrit, Shiva, Kirin, Maduin, Odin, Palidor, Phantom, Pheonix, Ragnarok, Raiden, Ramuh, Shiva, Shoat, Siren, Sraphim, Stray, Terrato, Tritoch, Unicorn, and Zoneseek. The powers of all the Espers flew into Magus, he glowed a brilliant red and fell to his knees, the magicites went back in the bag, and Magus stood up and handed the bag back to Sabin. "Thank you." Magus said and flew off after Shadow. "He learned all the esper's magic at once, which takes talent." Celes said.
Magus caught up with Shadow and stopped, "Where are you going?" Magus asked. "The Coliseum." Shadow replied. Magus followed Shadow. Shadow and Interceptor swam to the next continent, Magus flew. Shadow went into the Coliseum, he was asking everybody about an item called "The Striker" Magus looked in his belt at the knife, "Shadow, is this it?" Magus asked. Shadow looked at the knife, "Yes, it is. I shall fight you in the Coliseum for it." Shadow said. "Sounds fair, but if I win, you have to join me on my journey." Magus said, "Sounds fair." said Shadow, shaking hands with Magus.
The ninja and the warlock stepped out on the battlefield, Shadow threw several shurikens at Magus, but he managed to dodge them all. Magus cast Dark Bomb; Shadow was hit by Magus' spell. Shadow was thrown to the ground by the spell. Magus decided to use one of his new powers, Magus summoned up a spell called Ultima, a spell that looked like a Dark Bomb x10 appeared, and Shadow was knocked out.
Inside Shadow woke up, Magus handed Shadow the striker. "What is this for?" Shadow asked. "I don't need it, besides you will need a powerful weapon on your journey with me. Now place your hand on my shoulder." Magus said. Shadow did as he was told and he glowed a brilliant red, the glow dissipated. "I know all of the magic." Shadow said. "Yes, you do. Now let us go." Magus said, Shadow nodded and he and Interceptor followed him. Magus went to the Zenan continent and to Leene Square, Magus used a spell he had once learned for opening portals, he cast it on the time gate and it opened Magus, Shadow, and Interceptor walked in.
Several weeks later in 1000 A.D.: the lead cultist made his way into Kefka's tower he found Kefka, lying there bleeding. "My loyal followers you have come." Kefka said, the cultist healed Kefka with and elixir. "Yes we come from a future of piece, we ask your help in disrupting that, we have merged our world with another, but the spell caster from this world asked a price, he asks that you destroy a powerful warlock named Magus. "I can do that, now get the statues, we're going to the future." Kefka said, the cultists gathered up the statues and followed Kefka through his shortcut.
The time gate opened up in Truce Canyon in 601 A.D. Magus walked out, followed by Shadow and Interceptor. Magus surveyed the area, there where several broken magiteks, in the middle sat a man in a green coat; he had a blonde mow hawk, and blue eyes. "Who are you?" Magus asked. "Former General Leo of the empire." Leo said. "What do you mean former?" Magus asked. Leo pointed towards the sky; a large island was floating above. "They didn't have much use for me, so they sent me on a suicide mission." Leo said. (The past has changed in this world, so Leo isn't killed by Kefka, only mortally wounded and left for dead) Suddenly a body fell from the sky and landed hard on the ground. Leo examined the body, "This looks like Emperor Gestahl." Leo said. "Yes, Gestahl was killed by Kefka. I remember it as though it happened only yesterday." Shadow said. "Leo, have you seen any blue portals around?" Magus asked, yeah there was one inside that old castle with the dragon on top of it." Leo said. "How fortunate for us." Magus said, a smile crossing his lips.
Magus, Shadow, and Leo took the path through the magic cave to get to his castle. Magus walked up through his castle, it was as dark as ever, but fortunately there where no mystics roaming within. Magus reached the chamber where he had attempted to summon Lavos, at the end was a time gate. Suddenly a portal opened and out stepped Dalton. "Hello Prophet! How are you today?" Dalton asked. "What do you want Dalton?" Magus asked. "A simple thing, I want your head on a platter!" Dalton yelled. Magus raised a hand and to cast Dark Matter, but suddenly his mother (Queen Zeal) appeared behind him and the person whose neck she held a knife to made Magus stop. "Schala?" Magus asked. "Why are you here Prophet?" Zeal asked. "You really are insane; you can't recognize your own son when you see him." Magus said. "Janus?" Queen Zeal asked. "My Janus, I guess we where wrong about you never learning to use magic." Dalton said. "No matter, we will kill your sister anyway." Queen Zeal said. "Mother no, please, help me Janus!" Schala screamed. "What kind of person would kill their own daughter?" Leo asked Queen Zeal, drawing his sword. Magus placed a hand in front of Leo. "No, she'll only kill her." Magus said. "Well, I'll kill her anyway." Queen Zeal said, she took her knife and thrust it towards Schala's face, suddenly a dagger zipped through the air and nailed Queen Zeal's hand to the wall, Queen Zeal screamed. Shadow threw more dirks at Dalton, nailing both his hands to the wall. Magus walked up to Dalton, his scythe out. "Schala, turn away, you won't want to see this." Magus said, Magus raised his scythe and cut off Dalton's head. Magus turned to Zeal, "Now, I will give you another chance, but only because you are my mother." Dalton said. "Well, isn't that sweet. Don't you think Chupon?" Ultros asked. "Fungah!" Chupon replied.
Magus turned to see the duo. Ultros shot ink in Magus' eyes. Shadow grabbed a sword from the wall and hurled it at Ultros, three of Ultros' arms where cut off. "You! I should kill you where you stand! We are both more powerful than ever before, none of your old tricks will stop us!" Ultros said, his legs grew back. Leo raised his sword, "How about some new tricks!" Leo said, and used Shock. Ultros was fried, with his last breath, he said, "I really am just a stupid octopus." Chupon flew at Leo, Leo used Shock again, Magus wiped the ink from his eyes and used Dark Matter. Chupon fell dead. Magus walked to Schala and hugged her. "Schala, I missed you." Magus said. "I missed you too Janus." Schala said, kissing Magus on the forehead. "Come we must go." Shadow said. "Yes, we must be going." Leo agreed, Interceptor barked in agreement. Magus, Schala, Leo, Shadow, and Interceptor entered the time gate.
Kefka appeared in Magus' castle, "Where is the warlock?" Kefka asked. "He already left." Queen Zeal said, Kefka looked over to Zeal. "My my, aren't you looking good." Kefka said, "You know, I can help you get power beyond your wildest dreams and eternal life." Zeal said. "Got it." Kefka said. "Trust me, greater than even you could imagine." Zeal said. Kefka rubbed his chin for a minute and said, "Okay, if it turns out to be a lie, I'll just kill you." Kefka said. Kefka released Queen Zeal and Zeal opened a portal, the two walked in.
At the end of time, everyone was gaining all the spells of the Espers from Magus, even Spekkio. Magus stood over by the wall, Marle gave Magus a huge hug. Magus looked down at her, "What are you doing?" Magus asked. "I just thought that you had died, I was worried. So now I'm hugging you because I'm glad that you're back." Marle said, nestling her head against Magus' chest. Magus looked up, praying Marle would let go, she did not, Magus waited for what felt like hours, he looked over to see Schala and Lucca laughing at him. Magus poked at Marle's head, "Did you fall asleep?" Magus asked, "No, I'm not letting go until you return the gesture." Marle said. "Let go." Magus said, trying to squirm his way out of her arms. "You have to hug me back first." Marle said, "I will do no such thing, now let go." Magus said, "Time doesn't pass here, I can wait as long as it takes." Marle said. Magus rolled his eyes, "Oh fine!" Magus said, and put his arms around Marle. Marle let go, "See? Was that so hard?" Marle asked. "Oh, give him a break Marle. He has always been nervous around girls. In fact, he had a little girlfriend back at Zeal Palace." Schala said. "Hey!!" Magus said. "Oh, I have to hear this! Go on." Lucca said. Magus shot Schala a dirty look, Schala gave a smile and continued to talk. "They were quite an item, every day they would walk around holding hands, and..." Schala said, Magus did not hear the rest; he did not want to, he left the room and went into Spekkio's room, he felt his face turn a bright shade of red, he drew his cape over his face.
Magus could hear everyone laughing from the other room, the door opened and Terra walked in. "What do you want?" Magus asked. Terra came and sat down in the corner next to him. "I just don't like people saying embarrassing things about other people." Terra said. "Your point?" Magus asked. "Nothing, this is just the only quiet place around here." Terra said. Magus looked over at her, "You're hair is a very odd color." Magus said. "Look who's talking, my hair is green because I am, or rather was half Esper. What's your story?" Terra asked. "My hair is blue and my ears are pointed because my mother used magic when she was pregnant with me." Magus said. "The same with Schala?" Terra asked. "Yes." Magus said. "What's that scar on your neck from?" Terra asked. "A whip." Magus replied. "How did you get a whip scar?" Terra asked. "The same way I got the rest of them." Magus said. "There are more?" Terra asked. Magus removed his cape and armor, Terra looked, his entire chest and back where covered in scars. "Oh my god! How did you get all of those?" Terra asked. "When I was nine, I was sucked into a time portal, I was found by a group of monsters who raised me as a lackey, they trained me in magic and fighting, one of them, his name was Slash, every time I would disobey, he would lash at me with a whip." Magus said, "Oh, that's terrible." Terra said. "That was nothing, the mystics where kinder than my mother." Magus said. "She beat you?" Terra asked. "I wish, my mother pretended I didn't even exist, only Schala acknowledged me. I was shunned because I couldn't use magic, well I showed them." Magus said, shaking his fist. "Calm down, I was enslaved by the empire so they could use my superior powers against their enemies." Terra said. "We have really terrible pasts." Magus said. "You've got that right." Terra said. "So do you think Schala is finished talking about me?" Magus asked. "Probably." Terra said. Magus looked in Terra's green eyes, like two emeralds, sparkling brightly. "L... Let's go back with the others." Terra said, "Um... Yes, let's." Magus said.
Magus and Terra went into the next room. Schala looked up at Magus, Magus glared at her. Marle came up and gave Magus another hug, "You were soooo cute when you where little." Marle said. "Not this again." Magus thought to himself. Terra noticed that Magus was not comfortable and said, "So, how do we plan to stop Kefka?" Marle let go of Magus. "Well we know that Kefka will probably summon Lavos, and he has teamed up with Ozzie, Slash, and Flea." Crono said. "And now he has teamed up with Queen Zeal." Gaspar said. "What??" Schala and Magus both said in unison. "She'll lead him right to Lavos." Magus said. "Not quite, you see, Kefka must first kill you as was his promise to Ozzie." Gaspar said. "He's after me?" Magus said, and then smiled, "I guess that I'll just have to show him a little magic, I can handle him." Magus said. "No you can't!" Terra said, "He's too strong." "I can handle him." Magus said, walking towards the Epoch, Terra caught him by the arm. "No! Please, he's much too strong." Terra pleaded. "Well what should I do? Wait till he gets Lavos and becomes more powerful?" Magus asked. "No, don't go alone, take someone with you. Someone strong." Terra said. "Ayla, Leo, come with me." Magus said. "I'm coming too!" Terra said. "We don't have room." Magus said, "Actually we do, I moved the back seat over and placed another seat beside it." Lucca said. "Okay, I'm going to go visit our friend Ozzie." Magus said. Magus, Leo, Ayla, and Terra got in the Epoch and took off.
"I believe we need to go check on the cult of Kefka." Shadow said. "I'll go too; we'll take Celes, Locke, Gau, Umaro, Strago, and Robo." Edgar said. "Sounds good babe, I'll go check on my own time, Crono, Relm, you're with me." Johnny said, hopping in the jet bike. Sabin, Cyan, Lucca, Setzer, Marle, Mog, Schala, and Frog where left to train. Sabin had Gaspar conjure up a set of weights, and Sabin began to work out. Marle watched intently as the sweat ran down Sabin's back, his muscles rippling as he lifted the weights. Marle licked her lips and began to reach forward; Lucca caught her by the shoulder. "What are you doing?" Lucca said. "Must... have." Marle said, reaching for Sabin. Sabin turned around and began to towel himself off, "Is there something I can help you girls with?" Sabin asked, Marle melted into a puddle on the floor. "Uhh... No, nothing at all." Lucca said, dragging Marle away. "Marle, you're involved with Crono, you can't be looking at other men!" Lucca said. "But Lucca, look at him, look at that body, we don't have to tell Crono, it'll just be one time and..." smack! "Snap out of it Marle!" Lucca said. "But Luuucccccaaa." Marle wined. "Okay, you can look, but don't touch." Lucca said. Marle sighed, "Okay..." Marle said disappointment in her voice.
"Thou art a powerful fighter." Frog said. "I couldst sayeth the same for thou." Cyan replied. "I see that thou speaketh the olde English as well." Frog said. "Yes." Cyan replied. The Masamune and Slay Render clashed in a shower of sparks, Frog dodged out of the way of Cyan's sword and Cyan ducked under Frog's sword. Frog did a great leap and came down, only slightly short of cutting Cyan in half down the middle.
Lucca came over and sat down next to Setzer, "You're friend over there seems a little too interested in Sabin." Setzer said, "Yeah, she's like that, oh look, see, now she's chasing the white cat thing around the room. She has the attention span of a gnat." Lucca said. "I see... So what do you enjoy doing?" Setzer asked. "I enjoy inventions, or rather, inventing." Lucca answered. "Tell me Lucca, what is your favorite kind of food?" Setzer asked. "My favorite food is roast with cranberries, and fresh pineapple slices. Mmm, I haven't had it in so long." Lucca said, licking her lips. "Sounds good, meet me tomorrow on the airship." Setzer said. "Are you asking me on a... date?" Lucca asked. "Maybe, you'll see tomorrow." Setzer said, flashing Lucca a smile.
"Come here cutie, I just wanna hug you!" Marle said, "Get away from me, you crazy lady!" Mog screamed running around the room from Marle. "Heelllp! This girl's nuts!!" Mog screamed. Marle did a flying leap and tackled Mog; she picked the little moogle up in her arms and squeezed it so hard that his eyeballs almost popped out. "You are soooo cute." Marle said. Mog was viciously trying to pull himself from Marle's grip, "Heeellllp!!!!" Mog screamed again. "Good god Marle, his heads going to explode if you keep doing that." Lucca said. "Oh thank god, the smart ones here." Mog said, and sighed with relief. "But he's all fuzzy and warm." Marle said. "Put him down Marle." Lucca said, Marle stuck out her lower lip. Mog jumped out of her arms and hid behind Lucca's legs, "Stay away from me!" Mog yelled and quickly ran in Spekkio's room and locked the door.
Sabin was piling his weights in the corner, he was done exercising for the day, he was looking down at the ground, so he wasn't paying attention to what was going on, incidentally Schala was walking along reading a book, the two where not paying attention at all. The two ran into each other, Schala fell, Sabin spilled his armful of weights, Schala covered her eyes, waiting for the inevitable pain when the weights would hit her, but Schala felt someone grasp her ankles and quickly pull her out of the way, she heard the weights clanging to the ground just behind her. Sabin stood her up and brushed off the front of her robes, "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." Sabin said, "It's okay, neither was I. But at least we're both okay." Schala said, "Yeah, you would have been a goner if those things had landed on you." Sabin said. Schala then came to grasp that Sabin was right; she would have died if it were not for him. Schala hugged Sabin, "Thank you." Schala said. "Uhh... Yeah, any time." Sabin replied, patting her back. "Is this the time, the one?" Sabin thought to himself. Schala stepped away, "Thank you, so very much." Schala said and went to find her book. Sabin set down by the wall and thought to himself, "Well, she is cute, and I think that she's around my age, but what about that brother of hers, he looks kind of overprotective." Sabin thought to himself.