Chapter 18: The Magic Kingdom

Act One

As soon as they arrived in their strange, new surroundings, Crono and Marle felt a sudden chill, and immediately began to shiver.

"You feel it immediately," Lucca alerted them as she shivered herself.

"My internal thermometer reads 258 Kelvin," Robo announced.

"What does that mean?" Marle asked.

"It's really cold," Robo answered.

"Where we go?" Kino inquired.

"New place!" Ayla replied.

"Not exactly," Lucca corrected. "This is what we tried to tell you earlier. It's the same place, just a different time."

Marle, still shivering, turned to Crono.

"Keep me warm?" she requested with a smile.

Crono complied, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close.

Lucca, meanwhile, approached the mouth of the cave, and peered outside. Snow was falling, and the icy wind made peering into the interior almost impossible. There were no visible signs of life.

"So this was the result of Lavos falling," she observed.

"Actually," Robo began, "this Ice Age only began less than three million years before our own time."

Lucca turned to Robo.

"So you're saying a whole bunch of stuff happened and we missed it?"

"According to my time gyro," he answered, "it's the year 12000 B.C."

Lucca turned back to the mouth of the cave. There was blinding snowfall and howling wind in all directions.

"We'll," she said, "we wouldn't last long out there."

Crono lowered his head in despair. It was either out there into the bleak Ice Age, or back to the prehistoric era, where they would be instantly burned by the flow. Either way seemed to lead to certain death.

"Look at the wall!" Marle suddenly exclaimed.

Crono turned to look at the back wall of the cave. There were flat furry masses hanging on the wall. Below were round ceramics.

"Skins," Robo observed. "And pottery. This is the beginning of the Neolithic Age."

"The what?" asked Crono.

"Early humanity," Robo clarified. "They were nomadic. Traveling and leaving things behind."

"So they left these furs behind," Lucca said. "And therefore won't mind if we borrowed them?"

"Unlikely," Robo dismissed. "There would be no permanent settlements for many thousands of more years."

Meanwhile, Crono peered out of the mouth of the cave.

"Snow," he observed. "As far as the eye can see."

"There must be people somewhere," Lucca suggested.

"Or a Gate," Marle added.

"One thing's for sure," Crono said, "we can't stay here. We'll need food eventually."

It was thus decided. The seven time exiles donned the fur coats and, after some hesitation, stepped out into the endless snowstorm.

The snow was blinding, and the cold wind made everyone's eyes sting. But all knew it was, in reality, the only way to go.

In the distance, movement was spotted. Looking closely, the group could see that they were large animals surviving out in the cold. They were creatures that looked like elephants, but were completely covered in hair.

"Woolly mammoths," Robo observed. "These haven't been seen alive in thousands of years."

"Are they friendly?" Marle asked.

"I wouldn't take the chance," Lucca dismissed. "Look at those tusks."

"I think these are where our coats came from," Marle suggested.

Not wanting to tempt fate, they kept their distance from the mammoths.

One hour went by.

Then another.

The cold was getting to everyone, as well as hunger and fatigue. There were no other caves. They saw one other herd of mammoths, but no other signs of life.

Then, finally, something appeared in the distance. It appeared to be some kind of snow-covered dome. There were four red lights on the roof, and there seemed to be antennae pointed at the sky.

"Something's not right," Robo said. "My time gyro must be off. The wheel hadn't even been invented, let alone whatever this is."

"What is this, anyway?" Marle asked. "And is there food and shelter?"

"There's only one way to find out," Crono replied.

"I knew that was coming," Lucca said.

It took another fifteen minutes to reach the dome.

It was warm inside. Everyone felt somewhat relieved, although there didn't appear to be any food.

What was amazing was that the floor seemed to be made of pure gold. There were three stain-glass windows.

"Who built this?" Marle asked aloud.

In the center of the dome, there was a strange circular symbol.

"This reminds me of a Ray Bradbury story," Robo began as he advanced toward the circular symbol. "Only instead of snow there was ra-"

Suddenly, Robo turned a blinding white. Moments later, he was gone.

"Robo!" Crono exclaimed.

"Where did he go?!" Marle cried.

"He...he's gone!" Lucca uttered. "As soon as he stepped on that symbol, he just vanished!"

"Nobody step on it!" Crono warned.

Then, a blinding white light appeared again. A few moments later Robo rematerialized.

"You guys!" he exclaimed. "You have to see this!"

"Are you okay?" Marle asked.

"Most certainly," Robo answered. "Step onto the symbol. It'll be alright, trust me. You'll be amazed at what you see."

With that, he stepped on the symbol, and vanished again.

"Well," said Lucca, he can't allow a human being to be harmed."

One by one, they stepped onto the symbol.

Sure enough, they were amazed at what they saw.

The snow was gone. Instead, it was lush and green. The sun was out, and it felt a pleasant eighty degrees. The sky was clear, and completely blue.

"Where are we?" Crono inquired.

"I wish I knew," Robo answered. "This place has been forgotten by recorded history. All I know is we're in the sky."

"The sky?!" Crono exclaimed.

"Look over the ledge," Robo commanded.

Crono turned his attention to the ledge of the island that was fifty yards away.

"See?" Robo continued. "You can see the clouds below!"

Marle, meanwhile, turned in the other direction, and spotted something that would generate much more interest.

It was a temple.

A large temple. One large enough to fit at least a thousand people inside.

"Mesopotamia isn't settled for many thousands of years," Robo said.

"Where?" asked Crono.

"The first civilization," Robo clarified. "Only now, it looks like it wasn't. What we're looking at right now fundamentally rewrites history."

"Maybe someone inside would know where a Gate is," Marle suggested.

"My universal translator's up an running," Robo informed them.

Hoping at last to see civilization, the seven of them eagerly made their way to the temple. Inside, there was carpeting, more stained glass windows, and, most importantly, there were people.

They were dressed in orange and indigo robes. Some were going about, some were fleeting in beds, and one was standing right near the entrance.

"Welcome to Enhasa, in the magical kingdom of Zeal," he greeted. "We find truth in the bliss of sleep. Dear me! And who might you be?"

"We're a group of weary travelers," Crono replied. "Seeking food and shelter."

"Well," said the gatekeeper, "we cannot just let anyone into Enhasa. We usually are only open to magic users."

"We can use magic," Lucca insisted.

"I would need proof," the man said.

"Suit yourself," Lucca said as she pointed her finger at a lone book on a table and fired a spark from her finger.

The book immediately burst into flames.

"Eeek!" cried a woman.

"What the?" shouted another man.

"You can use magic?" the gatekeeper exclaimed. "Why didn't you say so? Do come in."

"Thanks," said Marle as she put the fire out with a water spell.

MEANWHILE...

Princess Schala stood at the sealed door with the Zealian crest. She took a deep breath; she was not looking forward to the encounter she was about to have. She had heard rumors that her fate had been decided; this would simply make it official.

She held her pendant up to the crest.

And the door opened.

Inside, a woman of about thirty-five sat on the throne. She had blue hair, and was dressed in orange and blue robes.

She was Queen Zeal, the ruler of the Kingdom of Zeal.

Schala duly knelt before her. If she didn't, she would have her head chopped off; the fact that she was her daughter made no difference.

"Welcome, my beloved Schala," Queen Zeal greeted."

"Your majesty," Schala returned.

"I summoned you here for some wonderful news," Queen Zeal announced. "I have formally arranged your marriage. In thirty day's time, you will marry Dalton."

Schala felt her stomach tighten. She barely knew Dalton, but she knew enough that he was an abusive individual who tortured women at will. He was also rumored to keep bizarre creatures as pets. And she had originally been told of other plans.

"Mother," protested the still-kneeling Schala, "I thought I was to assist in the construction of the Ocean Palace."

"That has changed," Queen Zeal informed her. "The Prophet warned me that the Ocean Palace would be a dangerous place for you."

Schala turned her head to see a man in a purple cloak looking down on her. He had been in the kingdom for many months, but his cloak had always concealed his face; nobody knew what he actually looked like.

"The Prophet has never been wrong," Queen Zeal continued.

"Yes, your majesty," the defeated Schala admitted.

She kept her composure as best as she could.

Inside, she was weeping bitterly.

MEANWHILE...

Crono and his friends, meanwhile, continued to explore the strange and wonderful city. There were beds everywhere, with people sleeping out in the open. Everyone found that odd, but were well aware that customs were different in this time.

Near one of the beds stood a six-foot yellow rodent. Crono noticed it was identical to Masa and Mune.

"This is the eternal kingdom of Zeal," she said, "where dreams can come true. But at what price?"

With that, she spun and vanished.

"Where she go?" Ayla inquired.

"The magic kingdom gets strange," Marle said.

And then, the creature reappeared behind Kino.

"Am I a butterfly dreaming I'm a man?" she continued. "Or a bowling ball dreaming I'm a plate of sashimi? Never assume that what you see and feel is real!"

She then disappeared again.

"What kind of world is this?" Lucca asked herself.

The creature reappeared one more time.

"I'm Doreen," she introduced. "Seek the hidden path, and open the doors of knowledge, each in turn."

Around the corner, a woman walked straight up to Crono.

"You used magic!" she acknowledged.

"That's correct," Crono replied.

"That's amazing," she complimented. "I thought only us Enlightened Ones could use it. You are, no doubt, extraordinary."

"Thank you," Crono said.

"I'm Arhmal," she greeted. "I'm the priestess of this city. I was told you needed food and shelter for the night."

"Oh, yes, please!" Marle exclaimed.

She then looked at Kino, and especially at Ayla.

"You could all use some Zealian clothes," she observed.

THAT NIGHT...

The sun had set, and the stars were now visible out the windows.

Everyone had been given lodging, as well, as Zealian clothing and the opportunity to bathe.

Crono's heart almost skipped a beat when he saw Marle in Zealian robes.

"You look beautiful," he complimented.

Marle smiled, and wrapped her arms around him.

"You make me feel beautiful," she replied before kissing him.

And then, another woman, a blond woman, appeared behind Marle.

It was Ayla, but she was difficult to recognize. She was fully dressed, and her hair was clean and combed. She had bathed, probably for the first time in her life.

Arhmal then greeted everyone, and led them to Enhasa's dining hall. The table there was long, and lined with food that even Marle, when she had still been a princess, had never seen.

"I'm sure you have many questions about our kingdom," Arhmal began as everyone sat down. "Please feel free to ask anything that comes to mind. I won't consider anything inappropriate, I promise."

"Thank you," Crono said.

"May I ask when you started living up here?" Marle began. "When did Zeal begin?"

"Nobody knows for sure," Arhmal replied. "We have been living here for many thousands of years."

"Who is in charge here?" asked Lucca. "Who runs this place? I know you're in charge of the city here, but who rules the kingdom?"

"Queen Zeal rules our magical kingdom," Arhmal replied. "She is without peer in beauty and grace. She gave us our peaceful, prosperous way of life."

"She sounds like an admired woman," Marle observed.

Not like my father, she thought.

"And most importantly, a family woman," Arhmal continued. "Queen Zeal is the proud mother of two children."

"Thou say'th she hath given your way of life?" Frog inquired.

"The Queen has given us everything," Arhmal said. "After her father, the king, died, she nurtured magic, which has advanced the kingdom."

"So it's magic that powers this kingdom?" Lucca asked. "Where we come from, we have no such power. We read books by candlelight."

"It used to be magic," Arhmal clarified. "But now we found another source."

"What source would that be?" asked Robo.

"I'm not sure," Arhmal replied. "Only Queen Zeal knows the most important matters."

Crono, realizing the kingdom's advancement, decided to ask another question.

"What about Gates to other worlds or times," he asked. "Has anyone found any?"

"I'm not sure," Arhmal admitted. "That's another thing you would have to ask the queen. Or perhaps the Guru of Time in that case."

"The Guru of Time?" Lucca asked.

"She has three gurus," Arhmal replied. "The Guru of Life, the Guru of Reason, and the Guru of Time. They are her three top advisors. The Guru of Reason built the Blackbird. And now, he just finished the Ocean Palace."

"The Ocean Palace?" Crono inquired.

"Zeal's new capital," Arhmal replied.

For a while, there was silence. Crono had never thought he would come to a place like this. And, yet, he realized that the conversation was not proving productive for him. He had wondered whether the kingdom of Zeal had caught wind of Lavos, and was trying to think about how to work up to the subject without risking altering history.

Then he realized it.

Perhaps Queen Zeal would know.

"Listen," Crono began, "how can I talk to the queen?"

"Nobody talks to the queen," Arhmal replied. "She is only listened to."

"Is there a place where we can have an audience with her, then?" asked Marle.

"The queen's palace is at the center of Zeal," answered Arhmal. "From there she protects the entire world. That's why we can sleep our days away here in Enhasa."

It was silently decided at that point. The next day, they would make their way to Zeal Palace. They would meet the queen, and, hopefully, she would show them how to find a Gate.

If only it was that simple.

LATER...

Marle sat quietly on her bed. Arhmal had set aside two rooms; one for Crono, Frog, Kino, and Robo, with the other for Marle, Lucca, and Ayla.

Lucca had fallen asleep; she had been exhausted from the day.

Marle was beginning to fade as well. Then, she noticed that Ayla's eyes were red.

Suddenly, Marle felt her heart ache for her companion; she had lost the only world she had ever known. She was no longer a chief; she was just a woman now.

Marle realized it might be best to console her.

"I know this is hard for you," she began.

"No," Ayla dismissed as she shook her head. "Not hard. Ayla chief of Ioka, but people no like."

"Tell me about it," Marle sighed. "I used to be a princess in my time. But my own father hates me."

"Ayla understand," said the feral woman. "People make Ayla chief because they fear. Old chief try to force Ayla. Ayla kill."

"I didn't realize," Marle observed. "I thought your father was chief or something. I was a princess because my father is the king of Guardia. But, now that here's disowned me, his line will end when he dies."

"Parents die when Ayla six," Ayla said.

"I'm sorry," Marle said. "My mother died when I was young."

"Ayla happy here," she assured her. "No Reptites. Only good people."

"You're happier in this strange place?"

"Mom and dad, before they die, tell me stories of place like this," Ayla continued.

"How old are you, anyway?" Marle asked. "If you don't mind me asking."

"Ayla twenty-four," she replied. "Kino seventeen."

"I'm sixteen," Marle replied. "Crono's seventeen."

"Ayla love Kino," Ayla said. "Marle love Crono?"

"I've only know him for three weeks," Marle replied. "I'm not sure I'm quite ready to few that way yet. We met by accident and it really ran away with itself."

"Maybe...you tell him before too late?" Ayla suggested.

"We've already seen the end of the world," Marle admitted. "Twice. But I'm definitely liking him more every day."

Ayla smiled before toppling over and beginning to snore. She was beyond exhausted.

August 23, 12000 B.C.

In the morning, everyone had bathed and dressed once more before meeting at the center of Enhasa.

"I've never slept so good in all my life!" Marle declared.

"Neither have I!" Lucca added. "No wonder everyone is asleep here!"

"Zeal Palace is on the main island," Arhmal informed them. "I have no idea what a Gate is, but I hope you find what you are looking for."

"Good-bye, Arhmal, and thank you," Crono said.

Arhmal smiled and returned to her chambers, leaving the visitors to make their way out of the city.

"I wonder how these people learned magic," Lucca wondered aloud.

"Would it help if I informed you that their DNA is different from that of homo sapiens?" Robo interjected. "It seems to be a later step in evolution."

"What does that mean?" asked Marle.

"They're not human," Robo clarified. "They're humanoid, but not human. They're more advanced."

"They're more advanced?" Lucca echoed.

"Yes," Robo affirmed. "They evolved into something greater than humanity. These 'magic powers' as you call them seem to occur naturally. Their intelligence seems to exceed ours as well."

"That's amazing," Lucca admitted.

And then, Crono, who had been leading the way, suddenly stopped.

A stairwell was before them. At the top of the stairs stood a young boy. He had long, blue hair, and appeared to be about ten years of age. He was dressed in purple garments, and had a cat, which was equally purple, by his side.

"Excuse us," Crono said.

But the boy did not move. He simply glared.

"'Tis a sullen lad," Frog observed.

The boy continued to glare for a few moments. He then marched down the stairs right past them, as if they weren't even standing there.

"The black wind howls," the boy began. He then turned to face them. "One among you...will shortly perish."

Marle gasped.

"Urchin!" exclaimed Frog angrily. "Halt!"

The boy simply turned and marched off.

"I knoweth not what this portends," Frog admitted. "What an unpleasant lad."

"Strange one," Ayla said. "But not bad boy."

"I'd rather take a stick in the eye than listen to the next thing that comes out of his mouth," Crono muttered.

Without further incident, they found their way out of Enhasa. A couple of miles beyond the city, they happened across another golden room.

Inside, there was another seal.

"I'm guessing this leads back to the ground," Marle suggested.

"It looks like it," Crono admitted. "But at least now we're well-prepared."

Each of them stepped on the seal. A few moments later, they found themselves on the surface once more, with the sound of whipping winds right outside.

Act Two

With nowhere else to go, Crono and his companions set out into the endless blizzard. It was not as bad as before; their Zealian attire was quite effective in preventing any serious effects of the cold.

After an hour, the travelers found themselves in an ice cave. The walls were beautiful blue, and everyone was amazed at the sight.

Nobody noticed the lone mammoth browsing in one corner of the chamber they were in, but once it trumpeted loudly, everyone turned and drew their weapons.

The mammoth charged, aiming straight for Lucca.

Frog, seeing his chance, leaped in front of the charging mammoth, slid under its long trunk and sharp tusks, and drove the Masamune right into the beast's heart. He then rolled out of the way just as the mammoth fell to the ground, dead.

Frog withdrew the Masamune, and looked upon the dead mammoth.

"'Tis a pity," Frog lamented. "Such a noble creature."

"Thanks for saving me," Lucca said, half-sarcastically. "That nasty boy was almost right there."

They soon exited the cave to find themselves a hundred yards away from another dome.

"I think we all know where this leads," Marle announced.

Everyone eagerly marched into the dome, basking in its heat for but a moment before stepping onto the symbol on the ground.

Once again, the loud blizzard sound was gone. Once again, the temperature was warm. Once again, the ground, instead of white, was lush and green.

This floating continent was much larger than the previous one, with a lake, a river, and waterfalls, one of which fell off of the continent. There was a mountain, and a small island with a small building that seemed to be out of reach.

There were two cities; one straight ahead, one on the top of a nearby mountain. As the former city was closer, they mutually decided to visit it first.

Upon entering, it appeared nearly identical to the previous one, with similar design and decorations.

"It looks like we're back in Enhasa," Crono said.

"This is definitely not Enhasa," Lucca observed. "I don't see people sleeping out in the open."

"This is the magical city of Kajar," a bystander said. "We do experiments for the queen."

"Experiments?" asked Crono skeptically.

"Spells," the bystander clarified. "We invent new spells."

At that moment, a woman floated from around the corner, encased in a bubble.

"I heard about you guys," she greeted. "You were the visitors to Enhasa. And you can use magic! Welcome to Kajar!"

"I'm sure you're curious about this island if it's your first time here," the male bystander said. "Ask me anything."

"What was that one palace we couldn't reach?" Lucca asked.

"That's the Sun Keep you see on the southern continent," the male bystander replied. "A Sun Stone, once the source of this world's power, was kept there. But when we began using our new energy source, it was sealed up just like the north palace. They claim we don't need the energy of this tired, old planet."

"New source?" Crono inquired. "What new source?"

"I'm not sure," he replied. "Only the queen would know. That said, a lot of strange things have been happening recently."

"We've been seeing a lot of Janus lately," added the woman in the bubble. "He appears upset and paces around."

That had a familiar ring to it.

"Does he have blue hair?" Crono asked.

"Yes," the male bystander replied.

"Is he always so rude?" Lucca inquired. "He said one of us would die soon."

"He's terrible," the woman in the bubble answered. "Nobody will wait on him. If they went into his chambers, he would give them evil looks and tell them about their deaths. He's the most morbid child alive."

"His only friend," added the male bystander, "other than his sister, is that stupid cat. What tempest rages in his head?"

"Sister?" inquired Marle.

"Queen Zeal has two heirs," the male bystander informed her. "Schala and Janus."

"Is she just as morbid?" Crono asked.

"Far from it," the woman in the bubble replied. "Schala's an incredible child who has extraordinary magical powers. Being so gifted, she'll breeze through life."

"We see her from time to time," the male bystander said.

"Schala'a a wonderful girl," the woman in the bubble added. "I saw her singing to a child who couldn't fall asleep. If someone writes her a letter, she always writes back."

"It looks like apples land in different spots," Crono said.

He wondered which child the queen was more like.

"I heard Schala's powers far exceed those of her mother," added the male bystander. "Then there's her half-brother, Janus. He's of royal blood, but he doesn't seem to have a speck of magic."

"They're half-siblings?" Marle asked.

"The queen has never been married," the woman in the bubble replied. "She has a handful of male hands to attend to her...most intimate needs."

Marle covered her mouth in shock.

"My goodness," she whispered.

"Sounds good to me," blurted another female voice.

Everyone turned to its origin in surprise.

"What?" asked Lucca. "I want intimacy. I want kids. But I certainly don't want a husband!"

"We saw a big sky-boat outside," Crono then said, hoping to dispel the awkwardness.

"Oh!" replied the woman in the bubble. "You mean the Blackbird, the great aeroplane which Belthasar built. When it soars in the sky, it looks alive! Belthasar is truly a genius!"

"Belthasar?" asked Crono.

"He's the Guru of Reason," the female bystander replied.

"The Gurus of Life, Time, and Reason, live in Zeal," the male bystander added. "They're the top advisors to the queen. But Belthasar is the smartest. He also designed the Ocean Palace."

"But the Ocean Palace is behind schedule," the woman in the bubble pointed out.

"Not to worry," the male bystander assured her. "The Earthbound Ones are being allowed to work on the construction of the Palace. So they do have a purpose after all."

"Earthbound ones?" Marle asked.

"Those lacking magic have always lived beneath the clouds, as the Earthbound Ones," explained the woman in the bubble. "After all, they lack what we have."

Marle looked down in guilt; it was obvious that was whom their fur coats had belonged to.

Crono, meanwhile, attempted again to figure out the new source of their power.

"Has anything...strange been happening lately?" he asked.

"I heard a strange prophet has come to the palace," replied the woman before her bubble began to float in the other direction. "I don't know the details, but I heard he has uncanny powers."

With that, she disappeared around the corner from where she came.

Without further ado, they explored Kajar, though they found nothing meaningful except for a couple of books that either sprayed water or caught on fire. After an hour, they left the city.

"At least we didn't see that kid again," Lucca sighed as they stepped outside.

"Where to now?" Marle asked.

Crono, meanwhile, eyed a dock with what appeared to be a flying boat a couple of hundred yards away.

"Let's check out the Blackbird," Crono suggested.

As they arrived on the dock, they noticed two guards blocking the aeroplane's entrance.

"Who're you guys?!" asked one of the guards.

"We're travelers from afar," Crono replied. "We came here to see the Blackbird."

"I'm afraid this is off limits," the other guard replied.

"Can't you make an exception?" Marle requested.

"No," the second guard dismissed. "Now go away, or we'll throw you over the edge."

"Everything okay with the Blackbird?" a voice called suddenly.

Everyone turned to see a man in his mid-twenties approaching them. He had long, golden hair, with an eye patch over his right eye. He had a blue tunic and an orange cape.

"Everything's okay, Sir Dalton!" the first guard replied.

"Of course it is, you idiot!" sneered Dalton.

He then turned to the seven guests.

"Hey you!" he exclaimed. "What're you doing there?"

"Just visiting," Crono replied.

Dalton the spotted the amphibian.

"Aha! A frog! It was true then! You're the ones the prophet said would come and cause trouble!" He then turned and began to walk away. "Let's see how you handle this little situation. I didn't think they'd make it so easy on me!"

A moment later, Dalton was gone.

"The prophet knew about us?" Marle asked. "Why?"

Everyone felt uneasy. They never took hearing of the prophet seriously, but now that he was aware of their existence began to suggest that he might actually be genuine.

Crono, meanwhile, looked up at Zeal Palace.

"I think that leaves us with just one place to turn,"

Act Three

Crono, Marle, Lucca, Frog, Robo, Ayla, and Kino entered the palace, greeted by a young man seemingly standing guard.

"Where are we?" Crono asked, although he was fairly certain he knew the answer.

"This is the Queen's Palace," the young man replied, "the center of Zeal Kingdom. Which makes this, the center of the universe."

"Listen," Crono began, "we need to see the queen."

The young man began to laugh.

"Doesn't everybody these days?" he chuckled. "Everyone wants to meet her prophet. All his prophecies have come true. It's as if he knows the future! How eerie."

"Well, Marle said, "he seems to know us."

"That man's a newcomer but his accurate prophecies earned the queen's trust. He's a drifter; he's not one of us Enlightened Ones, nor of the Earthbound Ones either."

Lucca, at this point, was growing impatient.

"Can we see the queen or not?" she pressed.

"Are you kidding?" laughed the young man as he turned and walked away. "She wouldn't even give you the time of day!"

Lucca then turned to her cousin.

"That was productive," she sighed.

"I didn't think it would be that easy," Crono replied.

"Hang in there!" Marle insisted. "We're bound to find something!"

They began to explore the palace. At first, they found nothing of serious interest. But, when they passed a flight of stairs, they noticed two giant yellow rodents that looked identical to Doreen, whom they had encountered in Enhasa.

"I wanna be the wind, Masa!" one of them said.

"Masa?!" whispered Crono. It sounded very familiar to him.

"Oh, you will some day," the other one said.

"Big sister Doreen's at Enhasa again," the first one said.

"That's 'cause she likes dreams," the other one replied.

"I like the wind better!" the first one announced. "Whoosh!"

Further down, they saw a familiar face pacing grudgingly through the corridors.

It was Dalton, and he seemed in no mood to take any questions about anything.

"The Queen's aide, Dalton, was in charge of the Ocean Palace, until some traveling prophet took over," a young woman said. "He's in a bad mood so you should avoid him."

"We found that out the hard way," Crono replied.

"The prophet is worse," the young woman continued. "His aura is full of hatred and sorrow. He'll destroy himself, and those he loves."

"Do you know where we can find him?" Crono asked.

"The prophet?" replied the young woman. "He's always in the throne room. You'll need an audience with the queen to see him."

Lucca again turned to her cousin.

"This is a dead end," she lamented. "Both literally and figuratively."

And then, Crono caught sight of the boy walking down the corridor.

It was the same boy who had creeped everyone out back at Enhasa.

Now would be the perfect time to confront him.

And then, Crono felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Let's follow him," Marle suggested. "Maybe he made that awful prediction to imitate the prophet. Maybe he knows him!"

Crono nodded.

They followed the boy down the corridors until he disappeared into a room.

"Everyone stay put," Crono ordered. "I'm going to peek."

He then signaled for Marle to come with him.

Inside the room stood a girl of nineteen years. She had long blue hair, as did the boy, though it was much longer. She was dressed in the same purple robes as he was.

"Schala!" cried the boy as he ran to the girl and threw his arms around her.

"Schala?!" Crono whispered in confusion.

"Oh, you're back Janus!" she acknowledged as she hugged him back. "Is something wrong?"

"The black wind," Janus sadly replied.

"You feel it too?" she asked. "Don't worry, it'll be alright."

She then pulled something from around her neck, behind the pendant, and placed it around her brother's.

"Now," commanded Schala, "hold onto this."

"What is it?" the boy asked.

"It's a kind of amulet," his sister replied. "If something should happen, it'll protect you. I wish I could be with you always." She then looked down. "But mother has other plans."

"She's not our mother!" Janus objected. "She looks like mother, but inside she has changed."

"Still I can't, Janus," Schala lamented. "I'm sorry."

Just then, an old woman walked into the room.

"Excuse me, highness," she greeted. "The queen asks for your immediate presence at the Ocean Palace."

Schala hesitated for a moment, wondering if her mother had changed her mind.

"All right," Schala agreed. "Janus, I'll be going."

She hugged her brother goodbye and kissed him on the head. She then began to leave the room when she spotted Crono and Marle.

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "Who might you be?"

"Miss Schala, please hurry," protested the woman. "If you're late, I'll be punished!"

"Oh yes," Schala agreed. "I'm sorry."

Crono and Marle were soon left alone in the room with Janus, who slowly turned his head to face them.

"Dead," he said ominously.

"You need to speak a little more respectfully," Crono reprimanded.

"Go away," Janus retorted.

Marle then noticed the cat near her leg, and reached out to pet it. It promptly ran away.

"Don't waste your time," Janus reprimanded. "Alfador only likes me."

Not wanting to deal with the child any longer, Crono and Marle rejoined their friends outside the room.

Around the corridor, Crono caught sight of Schala again.

"I wonder where she's going?" Marle asked.

"Let's follow her," Crono commanded.

And so they followed her down each corridor she turned, taking care not to draw her attention. Eventually, they arrived at a door with a crest that looked like the symbol on the floor of the skyway.

As everyone watched, Schala raised her pendant to the crest. The door vertically slide open, and Schala disappeared into the darkness. The door quickly slid shut again.

Marle then approached the door.

"If her pendant opens the door, then will mine? They both look exactly alike."

She raised her pendant.

The door remained closed.

"Just as we thought, it won't budge," sighed Marle.

"Strange," added Ayla. "How come?"

Meanwhile, Marle turned to see an elderly Zealian eyeing her neck.

"That pendant," he began. "It looks like Schala's. When she chants to the Mammon Machine, the pendant glows as if they were in union."

And then, an idea suddenly sprang into Crono's mind.

"Wait a minute," Crono commanded. "Where is this Mammon Machine?"

"Follow me," the old man commanded.

The old man led them down the hallway and into another room; this was the hall of the Mammon Machine.

It's shape was identical to that of the symbols on the floors of the skyways, as well as the door that was sealed. A bright red energy field surrounded it.

"Will you trust me with your pendant?" Crono asked.

"Of course," Marle replied as she took it off and handed it to him. "I learned to do that when I crashed into you!"

Crono carefully guided the pendant into the energy field and held it there for a few moments. When he withdrew it, it had a red glow.

"Let's try that door again," he suggested.

They returned to the sealed door. There was nobody around.

"Here we go!" Crono announced.

Marle held her pendant up to the door again.

The door opened.

"Yea, we did it!" Marle exclaimed.

"Even a door of this caliber can't keep science at bay!" Lucca added.

"There is no doubt; Marle's pendant is made of the Guru's Rock," Robo theorized.

"Well?" Frog then said.

Crono led the way through the door.

Inside, Queen Zeal sat on her throne. To her left was her daughter, Schala, and Dalton. To her right was the prophet.

Everyone but Schala had an unwelcoming look on their face.

"Oh!" Dalton sneered. "So it's you!

"Who are you?!" demanded Queen Zeal. "How did you get in here?"

"Your majesty," the prophet began, "they are the evildoers I warned you of."

"How dare you think you could oppose me, you foreigners!" Queen Zeal hissed. "You're worse than the gurus! Dalton, take them away!"

"Yes ma'am!" Dalton enthusiastically replied. "By your leave..."

He raised his finger, and a portal opened behind him.

Our emerged a floating golden creature. It had two arms, sharp teeth, and a tail where its legs should be.

"Golem!" shouted Dalton.

The Golem began to bear down on everyone.

Crono immediately responded by casting lightning.

The Golem was stunned for but a moment before casting lightning back where it had come from.

"Crono!" cried Marle.

Crono didn't appear to be hurt, but was quite shaken up.

"You'll pay for this!" Marle exclaimed as she cast water on the Golem.

Moments later, water came back at Marle, leaving her all drenched.

"You have to stop using magic!" Lucca exclaimed. "It imitates whatever spell you cast!"

Robo, meanwhile, opened his shoulder cannon.

"Imitate this!" he shouted before a succession of missiles fired out of the cannon.

The missiles struck the Golem, blasting it to pieces.

"My poor Golem!" Dalton cried. "That was inexcusable!"

He then cast a spell, and, suddenly, everyone found themselves bound by a glowing light.

"I can't move!" shouted Crono.

"Fear not!" cackled Queen Zeal. "You won't die...immediately, that is! But by the time we're through with you, you'll be begging us to end your suffering. What a delicious diversion!"

"You have no idea what we've been through!" Crono insisted.

"And once we harness the power of Lavos," Queen Zeal added, "we'll be immortal!"

"Lavos!" shouted Crono. "I should've known!"

"If you want to stop us," Lucca added, "you'll have to kill us!"

"I'll do far worse than kill you!" Queen Zeal taunted.

LATER...

Crono, Marle, Lucca, Frog, Robo, Ayla, and Kino were sealed in a forcefield and suspended a yard above the ground. They were in a small, private room, with nobody walking by. They could not move any limbs, nor could they speak. They could only wonder what Queen Zeal was going to do to them.

And then, a familiar prince and princess entered the room.

"Idiots," muttered Janus. "What will you do, Schala?"

Schala took a long look at the prisoners.

"Let us rescue them," she replied.

"I think it's useless," Janus dismissed. "Besides, if they escape, you'll be in trouble."

Schala shook her head.

"Don't worry about me," she assured him. "They just might be able to rescue the gurus."

"Schala," Janus began to protest.

Schala quickly freed the seven of them from the force field by snapping her fingers.

They fel to the ground, though the fall was only a yard.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

"I think so," Crono replied. "Thanks."

She scanned each of them up close, one by one.

"You're not hurt, are you?" she asked.

Marle shook her head.

"Good," Schala replied.

"We are in your debt," Crono said. "If there's anything we can do, just ask."

"Quickly, escape from the palace!" Schala commanded. "And if you can, please rescue the Guru of Life. He was sent to the Mountain of Woe for opposing the queen. Please! You have to help him!"

"We'll save him," Crono assured her. "You have our word."

"I sincerely thank you," Schala said. "His name is-"

"I'm afraid I can't allow that," someone interjected.

Everyone turned to see the prophet entering the room.

"Your meddling tires me," he continued. "You'll just have to disappear!"

"You mustn't!" Schala pleaded.

The prophet's finger turned black; he was preparing to cast a shadow spell.

"Stop!" pleaded Janus.

The prophet's finger returned to normal.

"Okay," he agreed. "I'll spare them. But in return, you will cooperate, Schala!"

Defeated, Schala closed her gentle eyes and softly nodded.

"Now, show me how you came here," he commanded.

As it was night, the prophet prodded them through the palace and past Kajar unnoticed.

As they returned to the blistering surface, Crono once again felt doomed. The Hate they had come through led to certain doom; they were, no doubt, in another tight spot.

As he led them back through the ice cave, a Gate suddenly presented itself near the dead mammoth.

"So you came in through here," the prophet observed.

"Yes!" Crono exclaimed, not wanting to return to prehistory.

"Now Schala!" the prophet continued. "After I throw them in, I want you to seal the portal shut."

"No!" Schala pleaded. "You can't make me."

"Obey me!" demanded the prophet as his finger turned black again. "Their lives are at stake!"

"I...oh, all right..." Schala sighed. "Please forgive me..."

"We'll always forgive you," Crono assured her.

The prophet pointed to the Gate.

Crono opened the Gate, and led everyone in. The Gate then closed.

Under the prophet's watchful eye, Schala cast a spell, sealing the Gate in a pink pyramid.

With that, Schala collapsed to the floor, and began to cry.

"I'm so sorry," she sobbed.