Start Date: December 10, 2021
Windwillow
Chrono Trigger
Chapter Twenty-Five
With Yakra's trickery as the Chancellor exposed, he now was encased in a prison of ice. A warm, bizarre blue aura had surrounde Marle, a strange phenomenon that was not lost on Crono...
Scene One
"Ugh! How could a human use magic?!"
Yakra screamed as he struggled futilely. Marle grinned as her aura expanded.
"You won't be around to hear the answer!"
In fear, Yakra reached out his hand, but Marle snapped her fingers and all the ice in the room burst into shards. Yakra shattered into hundreds of pieces. As the King and the rest of the audience stood agape, Marle hi-fived Crono.
Marle turned to the King and smiled, her aura growing brighter.
"Looks like you owe me one."
The King paused, and turned to Crono.
"I sentence you to death and you rescue me. Sweet irony, eh?"
Crono smiled.
"I wasn't the one who did it. Thank your daugther."
The King turned to Marle and sighed.
"Perhaps my judgment was flawed... Maybe Aliza was right."
Marle cocked her head.
"My mom? What about her?"
The King sighed.
"Before she died, her last words were to accept your love, whoever it may be... I didn't fathom the meaning."
Marle paused.
"You were there? I've always thought you were gone somewhere else."
The King nodded.
"You were there as well, Nadia. You were just too young to remember."
Marle paused, unsure. The King smiled.
"You were saying, 'Daddy, Daddy, all my favorite people are here!' It was touching..."
Marle slowly grinned.
"I can't remember the last time I called you that."
The King embraced Marle.
"I'm sorry, Nadia... for so much... can you forgive me...?"
Marle smiled and tightened the embrace.
"Sure... Daddy."
A brilliant light flashed, and the King stepped back as Marle's aura surged, crackled, and slowly dissolved back into her body. Crono cocked his head.
"And that was what?"
Marle paused.
"You remember what Gaspar said? About linking our souls to a higher power?"
Crono nodded. Marle grinned.
"I just got so much power that I think he was right! I can feel energy surging throughout my body... it's almost overwhelming!"
Crono cocked his head.
"What does that mean?"
Marle smiled, and held out her hand. From it, a tiny spark of ice turned into a full-fledged glacier that encompassed the entire room.
"And that's just a sampling!"
Crono smiled.
"Well, we better get back to our friends. I AM free to do that, right, Your Majesty?"
The King nodded.
"I'll reserve my judgment for now. But if you let any harm come to her..."
Crono smiled.
"I'd kill myself before she gets hurt. Count on it."
The King smiled.
"Then, you're free to go."
Scene Two
"I see you've found my words correct, yes?"
Gaspar tipped his hat. Marle smiled.
"The power I've got now is... unbelievable. You really were telling the truth!"
Crono crossed his arms.
"And on the plus side, I'm not sentenced to death now."
Robo nodded.
"Yes, and it seems that we can accomplish our goals in any order. Who wants to take up the first slot?"
Frog paused.
"I've my own demons to face... Let me go next."
Lucca nodded.
"Yeah, but where do you wanna go?"
Ayla raised her hand.
"Go where dead friend is."
Frog sighed.
"I... buried him in our homeland of Choras, far to the east. I hear they've built a castle shrine there. We should start there."
Crono nodded.
"Who's going?"
Magus raised his hand.
"I'm curious about this place..."
Gaspar shook his head.
"Aren't we forgetting something?"
Lucca gasped.
"The Rainbow Shell! We need to take it to Melchior on the double. Let's go, Crono."
Scene Three
"My word! First the Sun Stone and now the Rainbow Shell... whatever that is, never heard of it but the quality is remarkable."
Melchior tapped his cane.
"I'd run up against a wall with the Sun Stone, but now I've a few ideas..."
Crono nodded.
"Whatever you can give us."
Melchior paused.
"Give me a week."
Scene Four
The Epoch flew around the south eastern continent of Choras. It was nominally a Guardian protectorate, but was mostly autonomous. Landing next to a large, castle-like structure, the party entered in 1000 C.E.
"When I first came here, it was much less... ornate."
Frog looked around. Magus nodded.
"They built a fine grave for him... He was quite respectable, indeed."
Crono sighed.
"Now then, where to go?"
A shrill cry sounded, and a large, armored figure emerged. It was spectral and carried a broadsword. Frog drew the Masamune.
"Watch out!"
Frog and the ghost clashed, only for the spectre to quickly overwhelm him. Slash to slash, Frog was unable to retaliate, until he fell to his knees from exhaustion.
"Retreat!"
The party escaped and, as they exited, the ghost dissolved into thin air. Magus sighed.
"I guess he doesn't want visitors."
Frog paused.
"Perhaps... time has warped him. Let's visit this place in my era."
Crono nodded.
"Makes sense. Let's head to the Epoch."
Another Angle
"The Greatest Smith"
"I see... the qualities of both are remarkable. Both hold magic potential greater than even Dreamstone..."
Melchior tapped his cane.
"I doubt I could make entire suits of armor from them. I do have one idea, though..."
He smacked his head.
"Of course! There's one more thing to make!"
Scene Five
"You said they BUILT a castle. It was already here, dude."
Frog nodded as they landed.
"These were the ruins of Choras's ancient government, before Guardia took over. For some time they were an autonomous kingdom, and this was their castle."
The party descended to the castle's basement, down dilapidated stairs and empty halls, until they reached a large iron door. Frog stopped, and bowed his head.
"I never thought I'd return here... Can he forgive me...?"
Through the door was a large gravestone, etched with crude markings; Frog was no stonemason, so it was less than elegant.
Here Lies Cyrus, the Fool Who Challenged Magus
May His Soul Rest
And His Sword Glisten
In the Place of His Birth
Magus crossed his arms.
"Fine wording."
Frog stepped forward, and paused. He slowly drew the Masamune and laid it on the grave. Kneeling, he bowed his head and prayed.
"Cyrus... I've returned. With the Masamune, no less. I... my only thoughts... are if you could ever forgive me..."
Crono sighed.
"If the guy'd have seen all you've done, he'd let it go."
Frog shook his head.
"No, no. All I've done is try to atone... I've accomplished nothing."
A soft, breezy voice sounded.
"You give yourself no credit, Glenn."
Frog's head snapped up.
"Cyrus?!"
From the grave a figure emerged. Clad in deep, purple and black armor, he made a strong impression on Crono. The spectre stepped over to Frog.
"Raise your head, friend."
Frog shook his head.
"I deserve no redemption. I... ran that day, like a coward. I couldn't stop Magus from..."
He paused, and looked behind him at Magus.
"Dammit, you planned this! You wanted to be here to gloat!"
Magus shook his head and stepped forward.
"I killed the man, but I've always respected him. When we fought that day it was as enemies, but a bond of honor."
Frog grit his teeth.
"Forgive me, Cyrus, for bringing this MURDERER here!"
Cyrus shook his head.
"I sense no malice. Perhaps even regret, eh?"
Magus crossed his arms.
"It was nothing personal."
Cyrus smiled.
"Fine way to avoid apologizing. I can see in your eyes your true feelings... no need to regret. I hold no grudges."
Frog kneeled deeper.
"No grudge? At me OR your killer? I've no idea how you think, Cyrus!"
Cyrus stepped up above Glenn. He gripped the Masamune and branished it.
"Remember that day, Glenn. I sacrificed myself for you. You've no dishonor in recieving my love."
Frog paused.
"Your will..."
Cyrus nodded.
"Yes, Glenn. I entrusted my will and Her Majesty to you... and you've done well by both."
Kneeling, Cyrus sheathed the Masamune and handed it to Frog, who stopped cold.
"Take it, Glenn. You've my will and my forgiveness... raise your head and claim it: YOUR sword."
Frog slowly took the sword, tears in his eyes.
"I shall wield it with pride, my friend. I shall slay evil, one greater than Magus..."
He rose, tears drying.
"And I shall wield it by both our hands, be they flesh or not. I promise that I will fulfill your will."
Cyrus smiled, and faded away. The Masamune lifted itself and unsheathed it, a familiar voice emerging.
"You've great character and spirit," said Masa. "The holy sword shall respond to that light with its own."
A crack of light resounded, as a blue aura encompassed both Frog and the Masamune, the same as Marle's. As he grabbed the sword and sheathed it, he sighed. He turned, and smiled.
"Our souls are linked. I can feel our powers resonating... Marle was right; this power is beyond imagination."
Crono smiled.
"Then let's head back. Melchior said he'd be done soon, so let's go visit."
The party departed, though Magus lingered.
I killed a good man that day... Maybe I made a mistake.
Scene Six
"Have you made anything good, Melchior?"
Melchior nodded.
"Prism Bands. One for each of you... so, seven."
Frog cocked his head.
"Prism Bands?"
The old man held out a shimmering, multicolored bracer. Crono and Frog put them on. Melchior nodded.
"Well, then, Janus. Blast Crono."
Magus shrugged.
"Works for me."
Crono recoiled.
"Wait, what?! Don't!"
Magus blasted Crono away with a bolt of lightning. However, he caught himself and braced, and remained standing.
"That didn't hurt much..."
Melchior tapped his cane.
"These Prism Bands gather and disperse negative energy. When its wearer is damaged, it blunts the impact and cushions it, if not preventing the damage altogether. Using these can block most magics and weapons."
Crono smirked.
"Nice job, old dude. Now, let's head back to-"
Melchior shook his head.
"I've got one final surprise."
Turning, Melchior removed a cloaked object from his cabinet, revealing it as a fine, crimson-hilted katana. He lifted it up and unsheathed it, revealing a blade that shimmered in prismatic hues.
"Its scabbard is trefoil-shaped, laquered-solid lilac with an irregular flame pattern on the blade. It's far and away my finest work. I call it the Vermillion Sparrow: Suzaku."
Crono paused.
"That Flea freak called himself that, so we need a new name."
Magus crossed his arms.
"And what would that be, precisely?"
Crono held his chin.
"Well, this whole mess is to fulfill someone's dream, right?"
Frog paused.
"Seeking the end of a dream..."
Crono took the sword, sheathed it at his side, and nodded.
"Dreamseeker."
Scene Seven
"Ooh, pretty! Can I look?"
Lucca examined Dreamseeker carefully, unsheathing and lightly swinging it.
"I didn't know you could MAKE something like this!"
Marle nodded.
"And I can feel the magic emanating from it, like it's a pool of water!"
Frog grinned.
"Just slighter a masterpiece than the Masamune, perhaps?"
Ayla sighed.
"Ayla like shiny stick."
Robo shook his head.
"Let us return to the matter at hand. We need a new destination."
Marle paused.
"Gaspar said something about the far future... Care to elaborate?"
Gaspar nodded.
"In the era of machines is a fortress, named Geno Dome. It is the birthplace of robotics, technology, and indeed our own Robo."
Lucca cocked her head.
"Robo was made there?"
Gaspar nodded.
"And not only him. Do you remember the R-Series?"
Lucca shook her head in surprise.
"Those rust buckets that tried to kill us?! Well, they did look a lot like Robo..."
Crono sighed.
"I'd rather not remember those things."
Gaspar smirked.
"Robo, the R-Series, and a number of other machines were created there. Now, in the distant southeast corner of the world, the computer A.I. Mother Brain has begun her sinister plan."
Lucca paused.
"And what is the plan?"
Gaspar shook his head.
"It isn't for me to say. You'll need to go yourselves."
Lucca growled.
"Stingy old man!"
Robo stepped forward.
"Myself and Crono shall go. Who will be the third?"
Magus raised his hand.
"I'd like a new watch. Maybe I could melt something down?"
Gaspar laughed.
"Typical Janus. Well, I'd get going. Time is of the essence."
Crono nodded, and pumped his fist.
"Then let's go! To the future!"
Magus scoffed.
"How corny."
Crono stomped his foot.
"The hell it is! Lucca, back me up!"
Lucca shrugged.
"Can't deny the truth. That kinda sucked."
Crono growled.
"Whatever! Let's go!"
Scene Eight
The Epoch landed in front of a new building, a Dome unlike the others they'd encountered. It was spired and ridged with machinery and construction materials, almost like it was still being built.
As the three entered, they found an empty metal chamber, about the size of a basketball court. Crono shivered.
"I feel some bad mojo..."
A voice echoed, mechanical and sinister.
"Welcome, humans. You have entered our sanctum. For this, you shall be cleansed."
Crono cocked his head.
"Cleansed?"
A claxon resounded, as a horde of robots emerged from the walls. Most were vaguely man-shaped, usually situated on spider legs and with detached heads. Their hands were replaced with laser guns and chainsaws.
"Meat must be processed. Dismissed."
Crono groaned.
"MEAT?! You stupid machines call us MEAT now?!"
He drew Dreamseeker.
"Fine, then. Eat steel, suckers!"
The robots charged, as Magus drew his scythe and cut down three at once. Robo launched a blast followed by a stream of gatlings, downing several more; he followed by bashing through all he encountered.
Crono swept his hand lightly, as his blade severed a head off an attacker. He grinned.
"It's like it's a part of my hand! Cool!"
He charged himself with lightning.
"Next!"
Dreamseeker was brandished, cutting down machine after machine. Each cut flowed to the next, a beautiful rainbow afterimage folllowing each strike. He slashed and gashed through the robots until, by the efforts of all three of them, they'd conquered their foes.
A hatch opened, and our heroes entered. There they found themselves in front of a massive steel door. The same voice echoed.
"Congratulations for passing our first test. Next, you must find the two Poyozo doll keys hidden in the factory to proceed."
Magus shook his head and formed a ball of lightning.
"Not if I tear this door down first."
He hurled the attack, but as the smoke cleared there was no damage done to the door. Magus stepped back.
"The hell?!"
A beep sounded as another hatch opened to the right.
"Our shelter is secure. If you wish to proceed, follow our protocol. Dismissed."
Crono growled.
"Oh, I SO wanna kill that thing!"
Robo shook his head.
"We must proceed as ordered. We must reach the center unit."
Magus cracked his knuckles.
"Great. Then we fry it."
Another Angle
"Reprogramming"
Program WG-1 engaged.
Enter command
... Command entered
Command will be followed.
"No! You must not!"
Command entered
Command will be followed.
"Please, do not! Prometheus, save-!"
Command entered
Program overwritten
Command MUST be followed
Scene Nine
As the party continued, they entered a room with a strange sound echoing. From above, they saw a Poyozo doll. Magus lifted up and snatched it.
"Half the equation..."
Robo nodded.
"But this sound is unsettling. Crono, can you see what is causing it?"
Crono nodded.
"If I open this hatch, we can... But what's that?"
A heap of garbage was carried from the machine.
"Dunno what it is, but let's find out..."
He opened the hatch.
"GOD ALMIGHTY!"
A human body fell out. Another moved, wrists bound with cords, as a laser sliced off the person's head, allowing it to fall to the ground. What they saw being disposed of was a fresh, human body.
Crono fell back.
"Does... does that mean... it really does see us as meat?!"