Chapter 9 - Something Wicked This Way Comes

The room was virtually pitch-black, only a dim glow from five candles giving any light. The shadows crept around, small shuffling noises breaking the eerie silence. As a big iron door opened, light flooded into the room, revealing the pentagram on the floor with the candles on the five inner points. Three people clad in black robes, hoods drawn over their faces stood at three of the points.

"You're finally here brother and sister. We've been waiting for you for several hours. What was the delay?"

"We... found a rather remarkable sacrifice that we thought you would be pleased with." Turning, she called into the corridor to one of the adepts. "Bring him in."

Kicking and yelling, a figure was dragged in by two adepts. His purple hair lay straggled across his face, making it almost impossible to see it. Help upright, he flicked his hair back revealing his pale white skin.

"Janus Zeal... this is a treat! But I'm almost afraid to ask... what time zone did you get him from?"

"Before he tried to summon Lavos in 600 AD... he still doesn't know about his sister yet."

"Schala? What have you done to her!" Janus cried out. "If you've hurt her, I'll..."

"You'll what? In case you haven't noticed, you've been stripped of your magic, you've got no weapons... there isn't a single thing you can do. But don't worry, we haven't done anything to Schala... yet."

Janus burst from the grip of the two adepts and threw himself at the leader, but found himself trapped in midair, unable to move.

The leader shook his head, a malicious grin just visible under his cowl. "Now that was uncalled for!" With a flick of his finger, Janus fell to the floor, landing heavily. Trying to push himself back up, he was shoved to the floor by the boot pressed firmly against his back. "Strap him down and prepare him."

Turning to the other cloaked members, he asked, "What news do we have of Destiny Morad?"

"She's joined up with Crono, Lucca and Marle and they've just left the End of Time."

"Did they find the girl in Arris Dome?"

"Yes, and they still have her with them. They left for 1000AD to leave the girl with Crono's parents... there has also been an unexpected bonus. Gaspar has died."

"Gaspar! How?"

"He had a heart attack when he realised who the girl was, but he never had a chance to tell them."

"So they're still unaware about her identity?"

"Yes sir, they still don't have a clue."

"Good, so all of our plans are progressing correctly?" With a nod from the rest of the group, it was time for the ceremony to begin. "You're going to enjoy this Janus. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be able to do this and appease our God."

"Wha... what are you talking about?"

"Just listen and learn... you may just recognise it!"

Standing back, the five cloaked figures took their positions on the outer points of the pentagram, starting to chant. The words were soft at first, but slowly rose in volume and harshness.

Neuga Ziega Zieber Zom, now the chosen time has come
Neuga Ziega Zieber Zom, now the chosen time has come
Neuga Ziega Zieber Zom, now the chosen time has come
Neuga Ziega Zieber Zom, now the chosen time has come

The leader raised his hands into the air, calling out with vehemence, "Exchange this world for oblivion!"

Janus thrashed against his bonds as he realised what they were doing. "No! Not this!" Although he couldn't see it, he could feel the gate open up below him as it sucked them all in.

Next thing, they were in an unreal plain of existence, the sky and ground gone, instead replaced by a shimmering blue light, Lavos hulking over them. Sweat ran down Janus' face, as he knew the fate that had befallen him. The enormous beak opened up, the globe inside emitting a faint white light. Quickly, it increased in intensity, surrounding Janus, absorbing him. Everything turned white except Janus, screaming as he slowly disintegrated, leaving nothing behind.

As the light returned, the five were back in the dark room, the only evidence anything happened was the candles were now out, smoke wafting upwards.

"That was refreshing."