Start Date: November 16, 2021

Windwillow

Chrono Trigger

Chapter Seventeen

What was there to say? Lavos had come, fallen to earth as its doom. What lay ahead could be predicted only by God Himself.

Scene One

The party observed the aftermath. What was once the Tyranno Lair had been reduced to a titanic crater meters across. A few spires of the castle jutted from the chaos, but quickly fell apart.

"Incredible," murmured Frog. "There's nothing left but rubble... what power!"

Crono nodded.

"And now we gotta fight that thing... c'mon!"

Descending, our heroes rushed to the center of the blast radius. Ayla knelt and felt the ground, but shook her head.

"Lavos fast, already deep in ground. No can catch."

Robo's senses pinged, and he pointed at a familiar object.

"It is a Gate! Perhaps it leads to Lavos?"

Landing, Crono and the others lingered at the Gate. The situation was both painfully simple and positively terrifying. Was this it?

Kino swept by on the Dactyls.

"Kino brings others Ioka. Be careful, Cro! Ayla!"

Gathering their courage, Crono, Frog, Ayla, and Robo entered the Gate.

Another Angle

"Settlement"

Lavos's shell shattered the Planet's crust, grinding through it with incredible force. It slowed to a stop, imbedded a series of brutal spikes, and literally impaled the Planet from within. A blue, shimmering void formed around the monster.

Its size was enormous, being as large as a dozen Tyranno Lairs. Huge towers of spikes rimmed a massive, rotund outer shell covered in scales and dripping with magical energy.

Yet, one small piece was no longer there...

Scene Two

"COLD-COLD-COLD!"

Crono screamed as he exited the portal, the group deposited in a frozen wasteland. Frog and Ayla also shouted in pain, though Robo seemed unaffected.

"My sensors detect temperatures below freezing. We should find shelter."

"You THINK!?" screamed Crono. "WHERE?!"

Robo pointed at a strange altar several yards away, which they reached quickly. The pedestal was made of obsidian, with bizarre magical etchings surrounding a colored circle.

"Hey, what?" muttered Crono. "It's not cold anymore!"

Frog nodded.

"It appears to be a magic field of some sort. I've no arguments."

Ayla sneezed.

"Ayla still cold! Go shiny place!"

They all nodded and entered the circle. A whirling vortex of energy - like a Gate, but faster - brought them to a new location: a lush highland, green grass and azure rivers. No life was visible, but it was a beautiful place.

Crono stopped and listened.

"Do you guys hear a waterfall?"

Robo paused.

"It is approximately fifteen meters to your left."

Crono stepped forward to look. What he saw made him scream and fall back, skittering on the ground towards his friends.

"Sir Crono, what is the matter?" asked Frog. "You look as though you've seen a ghost!"

Crono paused.

"Just look."

Frog did so, and also leapt back in shock. They'd found a waterfall, yes, but there was no bottom to it. The water simply poured down into a vast, empty sky... they were above the clouds.

Robo thought hard.

"This is... illogical. Even at Earth's highest elevation, we would not normally be above cloud level."

Ayla perked up her head.

"Ayla see big tent!"

She pointed towards a large building, purple and gold in color. It was the size of a city, but it was only one massive structure. Upon reaching the settlement, they found a Power Spot.

"Let's keep going," said Crono. "We might need a quick switch..."

And so they entered. What laid before their eyes was incredible: ornate windows, walls, and pieces of art were scattered across a shining-steel room of great luster. There were people, bookcases, beds, and most important of all internal heating.

"Check it out...!" breathed Crono. "This is-!"

He was interrupted by a scream from Ayla. She ran to a corner and began to shake. It was the first time he'd seen her afraid, and it seemed appropriate. Prehistoric tents to refined living quarters would scare anyone, even Ayla.

Frog cradled her in his arms.

"Sir Crono, I believe we should swap with Marle and Lucca. I myself am also... troubled by this environment."

Crono nodded.

"Head back to the Power Spot and bring Marle and Lucca here. You all need some time to decompress."

What he didn't say is that he needed to as well.

Another Angle

"At the End of Time: Respite"

Ayla was still shaking as she appeared at the End of Time. Robo and Frog accompanied her, with Robo keeping one hand on the Power Spot to tie it with the Gate Key.

"Marle, Lucca, Crono desires your attendance," said Robo, escorting the cavewoman into the square. "Frog and I must explain a few things to Ayla."

The two nodded and vanished into the Power Spot.

Frog gently led Ayla to a corner, where she sat trembling. He staggered to his own feet, similarly troubled. Robo stepped up to explain the situation.

"There is no gentle way to say this, but you are at a time-space distortion in the center of space-time. We call it the End of Time."

The old man tipped his hat to Ayla.

"Salutations, madam."

Ayla skittered further into a corner.

"Ayla... Ayla...! Where Ayla?!"

The old man sighed.

"I'll need to bust out a pretty good Cliffnote for this one..."

Scene Three

Marle stood agape at her surroundings. Lucca was equally stunned, but more excited at all that lay before her. Crono did his best to keep his own composure as they entered. The people were dressed in fancy lavender robes, most of them with purple or blue hair.

One familiar face popped up, one that made Lucca reach for her gun. It was Masa, or maybe Mune... but not? This one looked vaguely female.

"Welcome to Enhasa," she said, "where dreams come true. But at what price?"

She vanished, reappearing walking up a wall.

"Reality is full of opposites. Left and right, up and down, with every coin having two sides. Assuming anything is a fool's errand."

Again she disappeared, now standing upside down on the ceiling.

"Who are we? We think, so we are. But consider... am I a butterfly dreaming I'm a man, or a bowling ball dreaming I'm a plate of sashimi?"

Now she appeared right in Crono's face.

"My name is Doreen. Never assume what you see and feel is real."

Before anyone could react she vanished again.

Marle slowly regained her breath.

"What... was that?"

Crono shook his head.

"It looked like one of the Masamune's spirits... but it wasn't either of them. Where the hell are we...?"

Another Angle

"At the End of Time: After the Explanation"

By now Ayla had stopped shaking.

"Ayla head hurt... Lavos destroy world? So Cro and friends protect world?"

Frog nodded.

"I hadn't believed it myself before recently. But all I've seen proves the story genuine."

Ayla paused, head bowed.

"Lavos hurt Planet... Ayla help Planet fight..."

The old man leaned back on his light pole.

"I knew you'd agree once we brought up the Planet. People in your age were more attuned to nature than before or since..."

Robo nodded.

"I was told that she knew what a Power Spot is."

Ayla slowly lifted her head.

"Earth cry... Ayla wipe away planet tears..."

Scene Four

The environment was rich in luxury. Beds were everywhere, with about half the people in town sleeping. Those that were awake were quite friendly, explaining the gist of the place.

Called Enhasa, it was a place of rest. Because the great Kingdom of Zeal (its name) had conquered all its peoples' needs there was no need to fight for survival. Here, the citizens could retreat into their dreams, seeking enlightenment and bliss.

Moreover, the libraries in Enhasa were massive. Pieces of history, music, and literature filled entire ROOMS of books. After paging through some, Lucca was astonished.

"I haven't even HEARD of this much philosophy! They've explored every facet of human culture here... Any library back home would look at this place and feel like they were infants."

Marle nodded.

"The books here are beautiful! I studied a lot in the castle, but never like this!"

Crono scratched his head. The whole business made his head hurt.

"Well," he sighed, "it doesn't look like we'll find any info on Lavos here. Let's head to the next town."

They descended the stairs, but found a young lad at the bottom. He was dressed in more elaborate robes than the others, sharing their purple hair. Slowly he ascended the stairs, and looked closely at Crono.

"The Black Wind blows... one among you will shortly perish."

He turned and left. Lucca cupped her chin.

"Fun kid. But haven't I heard of what he said before, the Black Wind...? Sounds cool."

Another Angle

"A Prophet's Wisdom"

One of the priestesses sipped a cup of tea next to her colleague.

"He predicted the earthquake in Remn last week... saved dozens."

The other nodded.

"Truly, the Almighty sent him to us. It's strange, though..."

With a sigh, the other woman bowed her head.

"His predictions are so... dire. It seems as if the world will end soon."

Scene Five

The trip to Kajar took two more land bridges. Once there, though, it was just as splendid as Enhasa was. Here, science was the focus. Texts on architecture, mathematics, and a number of sciences were studied. Naturally, Lucca was in heaven.

"I can't believe this!" she murmured. "I can't even follow most of this..."

Marle gasped.

"Even you?!"

Lucca nodded.

"Dad wouldn't know either. Well, then again he was never much on reading..."

As she turned the pages she stopped, cocking her head.

"Water summons wind, wind makes fire dance...?"

Marle handed her a book.

"This says 'Water.' What does it mean?"

Lucca laid down her own book and opened the 'Water' book, whereupon she was startled as a small water spout emerged from it. She almost screamed but caught herself.

"Well, it summoned water I suppose..."

Crono handed her another book.

"This one is 'Fire.' Open it."

Lucca shook her head.

"Of course not! But, wait... water summons wind, wind makes fire dance... Marle, can you find a 'Wind' book?"

Marle nodded and, scanning the shelves, handed her the book. Lucca paused.

"If I'm right, there's an order to this. Water, Wind, Fire... maybe something interesting might happen?"

Crono shook his head.

"I was just joking about the fire book."

Lucca sighed.

"The scientist in me can't stop here. First, the water book again..."

She laid the 'Water' book on the ground and opened it, revealing a column of water that emerged from the book.

"Next is wind..."

Now opening the 'Wind' book, a gentle breeze emanated from it. It was... calming. Then the books merged and created a small rain cloud.

"And last is fire..."

Crono wanted to say something, but she opened it anyway. A small ember emerged from the book, growing into a small ball of fire. Then the fire zoomed into the rain cloud, collided, and in a wave of steam a new door opened in the back of the room.

"Cool!" Crono gasped.

The party continued into the room, where they found only a desk and a journal. Lucca paged through it.

"All life begins and ends with Nu. This is the truth! This is my belief, at least for now."

Marle cocked her head.

"What does that mean?"

Lucca continued to read from the book.

"It all began aeons ago, when man's ancestors picked up the shard of a strange, red rock. Its power, beyond human comprehension, cultivated dreams... in turn, love and hate were born... only time will tell how it all ends..."

Crono sighed. That was too much babble for him. Then, it hit him.

"Red rock... Dreamstone?!"

Lucca paged through the book.

"No, they call it a Frozen Flame here..."

Another Angle

"At the End of Time: Pensive Memories"

Frog sighed.

"What a wondrous place, though! Such color and majesty..."

Ayla sat Indian style.

"Make Ayla head hurt, so bright."

At his lamp post, the old man tipped his hat, but said nothing. He sniffed.

Now come the uncomfortable memories... I know how it all ends, but how I miss those beautiful halls and all they contained...

Scene Six

The next destination was a huge castle, seated high on the top of the highest mountain. From there they could see the full kingdom... and what began as confusion morphed to amazement.

Across the land was a lush, verdant paradise. Forests, fields, lakes in the sky... the waterfalls poured down into an endless nothingness. Multiple cities dotted the continent - and that was what it was, they could tell it was the size of Zenan from above.

Marle gasped.

"Where ARE we...?!"

Crono shook his head.

"We aren't in Truce anymore... let's keep going."

They did and found themselves in a giant room, more beautiful and ornate than any other before. Stairs led here and there in a criss-cross, almost like a giant maze. At the far west corner was a chamber marked with two... unsettling statues.

"Welcome, travelers!" said a robed figure as he approached. "This is the Queen's Palace, the center of the Kingdom of Zeal!"

Lucca slowly nodded.

"O-okay..."

As the man turned to leave, he smiled.

"Making this the center of the universe!"

He left, leaving no words to say except to continue. As they ascended a staircase they caught sight of a young woman sitting with a small, shimmering pot. They approached, curious.

"H-hello, travelers," she stammered. "W-welcome. You are... uniquely dressed, but all are welcome in the great Kingdom of Zeal!"

Crono cocked his head.

"Something wrong?"

She slowly nodded.

"Tell me, do you like plants...?"

Lucca paused, then nodded. The woman sighed in relief.

"I do too! The Guru of Life gave this sapling to me, said it held mystic powers, but... the Queen ordered me to burn it. Said that such things weren't needed here."

Marle shook her head.

"Well, plants are important! I know one place that'd... uh... die for it. Why burn it?"

The woman smiled and nodded.

"You're right! If the Guru gave it to me, it surely holds much import! Even against Her Majesty's wishes, I'll plant it... please, tell no one of it!"

Crono smiled.

"We never saw anything. Right, Marle?"

Marle giggled. The young woman smiled.

"You've my thanks... come to visit the Mammon Machine?"

Lucca stopped cold. That name didn't sound inviting, but she didn't want to be rude.

"That's in the west wing, right?"

She nodded eagerly.

"Yes, yes! Such glory! Ah, but... if I've a final request of you, perhaps...?"

Crono nodded. She sighed.

"Thanks to you. I... would ask that you see if Lady Schala is alright? Her chambers are in the east wing. She... has voiced... apprehension of late, and I would like of you to ask her wellness?"

Marle nodded.

"Ah," breathed the woman. "Praise the Almighty! Yes, please go to see her. I'm... concerned..."

Lucca cocked her head.

"Why?"

The woman paused, and hung her head.

"Milady has voiced... well... I..."

Crono nodded.

"We'll go see here for you."

She smiled, and nodded. They departed.

She and the Gurus are uncertain of our plans. The idea of migrating to see the Almighty Lavos... well, I don't know the REASONING, but I am curious...

Another Angle

"Gossip"

"I hear that Lord Melchior has vanished."

A citizen cocked his head at his friend, and took a sip of tea.

"Then all three Gurus are missing? How queer..."

His friend, a third man, nodded.

"Lord Belthasar and Lord Gaspar both voiced against the Ocean Palace plan. Do you suppose...?"

The first man shushed him.

"Silence is golden. If she is... well, speaking of this may end with our exile as well."

The second man took a sip of tea, handed from his friend.

"Lady Schala has also voiced opposition. How strange that the wisest among us hold doubt in their hearts..."

Scene Seven

The gloomy lad from Enhasa scampered into Schala's room. She noticed, and smiled as she kneeled down to meet him.

"Oh, Janus! Is something wrong...?"

Janus fell silent, but soon murmured an apology.

"The Black Wind..."

Schala sighed.

"I know, I feel it too... Worry not, all will be fine. Ah, and I wanted to give this amulet to you..."

He took it, smiled, then frowned.

"What is it?"

She placed it in his hand and clenched it shut.

"If something should happen, it will protect you... I wish I could remain with you always, but Mother..."

Janus shook his head.

"She's NOT our mother! When father died, she changed..."

Schala paused, and patted him on the head.

"Still, Janus, I cannot..."

The party entered.

"Are you Schala?" asked Crono. "Someone wanted to see if you were alright."

She rose, and smiled.

"I am well."

Another woman entered.

"Milady, the Queen requests your immediate presence at the Ocean Palace."

Schala paused, and hung her head.

"Are you alright?" asked Crono. "You look different..."

A moment passed, and the young lady kneeled in to whisper to Schala.

"Please, Highness. If you're late, I'll be punished..."

Schala sighed.

"Tell her I'll... be there right away..."

Marle paused. She didn't say anything, but she had an ominous feeling...

There was something wrong here that gave her chills...