Chrono Corruption
Act 4: New World Order
Chapter 26: The Singing Mountain
*Chronopolis*
Crono's party breathed heavily with relief as they arrived at Chronopolis. "Ah, that should keep them busy for a while!" Lucca said.
"Indeed, that computer virus will keep that computer messed up for a while!" Robo added.
"...Come, we should not waste any time," Janus urged.
"Same old Janus, not even a thank you!" Crono said with a wide grin.
"..."
The party went to meet up with Belthasar who was already plotting the next move. "Ah, Janus, how good it is to see you again my boy. How have you been?" Belthasar asked genuinely.
Janus took one look at Belthasar's state of being and he began to chuckle, so much so, that he tried really hard to hold it back by placing his face down into his fist as he supported his elbow by crossing his other arm underneath it. Then, he burst out into laughter, "All life begins with a Nu and ends with a Nu, is that it?! Only you would think to do this!" Janus said as his laughter died down. He then calmed himself, regaining his composure, "Ahem, to answer your question, I am doing fine all things considered...," he finished.
Belthasar seemed overjoyed, "It does this old man some good to see you laugh again, Janus!" he said as he was on the verge of joyful tears.
"Hey, let's introduce you to everyone," Crono said. "There are some new faces around."
"Very well then," Janus agreed, regaining his stoic composure.
Crono then turned his attention to Garet who was nearby, standing over a console, "Like this guy. Garet this is Janus Zeal, Janus, this is Garet," he said happily.
Garet and Janus faced each other as Garet extended his mechanical arm in a formal greeting, "The Prince of the Magical Kingdom of Zeal, the Fiendlord Magus, you have quite the reputation," Garet said formally.
"Hmm," Janus mused as he grabbed Garet's hand. "So the people of this era learned how to weave the artificial into their flesh, have they? Interesting...," he concluded.
"It's all thanks to Belthasar. I am one of the first," Garet explained.
"That is no surprise...," Janus said.
With the conversation over they went to inform Marle who was already hanging with Ty and Glenn in the Biology Center. Marle came to Janus and looked him over, "Boy, you look so much more... alive without that Fiend getup! You actually look like you got some sun!" she teased.
"...You are just as energetic as ever, I see...," Janus replied.
Marle giggled, "That's just who I am I suppose, but don't be fooled, after all the things I went through I've had my bad days...," she said growing a little glum. "But I'm glad to see you again regardless! Did you ever find Schala?"
"...No...," Janus replied flatly.
Marle slumped her shoulders, "Urk, sorry..., I guess that's still a touchy subject..."
Janus met eyes with Ty, who was just as tall as he was. "So this is your poison master, I presume?" he asked no one in particular.
Glenn responded, "Yes, this is Ty Drayguard, and we were having a conversation just now about poisonous frogs. I had no idea they came in a toxic variety."
"...Riveting...," Janus replied flatly.
Ty smiled cheekily, "Don't you mean, 'ribbit-ing'?"
"...," Janus moaned. Janus's gaze was then taken by the Cloud Key around Ty's neck and his eyes widened, "Where did you get this...?"
"Oh, you mean my Cloud Key?" Ty asked as he removed it. He handed it to Janus, "I've had it for a long time. It was a family heirloom of sorts. It was just too pretty and mysterious for anyone to throw out. I found it one day and no one protested when I asked to keep it."
As Janus felt the key in his hand a memory returned to him. He heard the voice of his elder sister, Schala when he was just a boy. "Janus, you bring that key back here! You should not go around locking and unlocking everything with that skeleton key! You will give the Gurus a hard time. Come, let us return it to them. I'm sure it has something to do with their experiments," he recalled.
A single tear formed in his right eye but he quickly removed it and regained his composure. He handed the key back to Ty, who quietly picked up on Janus's body language. "Kinda sentimental don't you think?" Ty started. "One thing I like about artifacts is, I take a long look at them and wonder, where were you before you got to me...," he claimed.
"...At least it ended up in the hands of someone who values it...," Janus said. "It would also seem that it became a catalyst for your Wind magic."
Ty was surprised, "How did you discern that?"
I gazed into the sunstone set into it," Janus began. "This key was made as an anchor point to the progenitor of what would be Wind magic. The same was done for the elements that came before. The Zealians crafted these objects for the other types of magic until they developed into an innate trait in its inhabitants. Unfortunately, Wind and Earth never made it passed this phase. I am quite interested in seeing how you perform..."
Ty blushed at being put in the spotlight, "Well, I've got a friend with an hourglass that does the same but for Earth!"
Janus's interest perked up, "Hmm, so both were found? Then the two people found each other. How poetic... Where is this friend of yours?" he inquired.
Crono interjected, "Belthasar said the only place she could be is stranded in Prehistory. We were just getting ready to go get her now."
"Right, I'm ready and willing! I got to find my battle buddy after all!" Ty said eagerly.
"This one is going to be a little different," Crono stated. "Tomo might have met with Ayla in the time she's spent there. I'm hoping to convince Ayla to join up as well but there is a chance she may not be able to. I don't know her life after our previous adventure and as far as I know, she is a happy wife and mother."
"So, it's just you and I going then?" Ty asked.
"Yep, think you can handle it?" Crono asked with a smile.
"Of course!" Ty said without hesitation.
Marle huffed as she talked to herself, "Oh, this would have been a good opportunity for Lucca to get closer to Ty. At this rate, nothing will ever happen!"
Everyone checked their equipment and upgraded Marle's equipment to a Steelneedle Crossbow, a Chain Mail Corset, and Leather Ribbon. Glenn replaced his bronze equipment with a Steelplate Hauberk, Chain Mail Trousers, and an Ironwall Shield. Ty received a set of Steelfang Knives, a Chain Mail Jacket and Shorts with Steelshade Goggles. They then quickly headed to the Time Travel Center and Crono took another Time Egg. "All right, let's do this!" Ty said as the machine opened the artificial Gate. Crono and Ty entered and the Gate shut behind them.
*Prehistory*
Crono and Ty were dumped out of the artificial Gate into a thick jungle. As they got their bearings, Crono recognized the place, "Oh, this is the Hunting Grounds! I know where we are! All we have to do is head south and we can meet up with Ayla!"
"Great, I sure hope Tomo is there too, but with her desire to explore she might have wandered off," Ty said.
*Ioka Village*
The duo entered Ioka village and the prehistoric people seemed to be living a prosperous yet simple life. Many noticed Crono and approached him, "Crono, you visit Ayla?" asked a man.
"Yeah, is she around?" Crono asked.
"Yes, she in Chief Hut with children," he said.
"Thanks!" retorted Crono.
Crono and Ty made their way to Ayla's hut and Crono peeked inside, "Hello, Ayla? It's Crono!"
At first, Crono didn't see anyone, but then suddenly, out of the darkness of the hut, Ayla pounced on Crono like a lioness. She pinned him to the ground in joy, "Crono, come see Ayla again! Ayla so happy!" she said with a big hug. She didn't change very much from how he remembered. Her outfit was still the same light lavender fur bikini she wore before.
"Oh, yeah, I brought a new friend too!" Crono said struggling to get out his words.
Ayla turned her gaze towards the shadow looming over her, it belonging to a seemingly shocked Ty. She then rose and began to circle him with sheer curiosity. Ty seemed kinda nervous, "D-do I pet her?" he joked.
Ayla laughed, "Ayla, not cat, Ayla learn from cat!"
"I can see that," Ty followed. "She kinda reminds me of Tomo, only a lot more aggressive. Speaking of which! Hey, Ayla, my name's Ty, and I have a friend that's supposed to be here. Have you seen any women that look, oh, I dunno, out of place?"
Ayla nodded excitedly, "Yes! Strong woman with big club! She eat good! We train together, get strong while wait for Crono and friends!" she explained.
"Good! Where is she?!" Ty asked.
"That way! She ask about Singing Mountain. Hot place near Tyranno Lair. She want explore before Crono come," Ayla said as she pointed to the east.
"Thanks, much appreciated!" Ty said politely.
Ayla laughed heartily, "Crono bring nice friend! Smell like poison frog!"
Ty looked himself over and smelled his jacket, "Well, looks like I gotta change my deodorant!" he said playing along with the ludicrous statement.
Everyone laughed as Crono began to speak, "Listen, Ayla, do you remember that Dalton guy from Zeal?"
"Bad man, that steal bird? Yes, Tomo tell story, so Ayla train," she replied.
"Well, he came back and destroyed our home. I fear he might do the same to everyone else! Would you be willing to help us find our friend so we can bring her back?" Crono asked seriously.
Before Ayla could reply, Kino came out and instantly became fraught with disappointment after laying eyes on Crono. Kino was accompanied by two children a girl and a boy, "Oh, Ayla have family now! Daughter, name Leah, after Ayla mother! Son, name Noah, for rest! Kino watch children. Ayla help Crono," she said cheerfully. Kino dropped his head with a sigh.
"Wait how old are your kids here?" Crono asked with a bit of surprise.
"Leah, 5 winters, Noah 3!" she replied.
"Woah, she's already 5? Were you..., pregnant when you traveled with us?" Crono asked alarmed.
Ayla shrugged in response, "Me not know at time!" she said with a smile.
"That's incredible!" Ty said, taking the words out of Crono's mouth.
"Well, it's great to see you doing well, Ayla, but are you sure you want to leave your kids just to help me?" Crono asked worriedly.
"Crono friend! Friend in trouble! Ayla help friend! Bad man return. Help finish battle then come home," Ayla replied honestly. She then approached her children and bent down as she placed her hand on each of their heads. "Mother go now, help friend! Return soon! Behave while mother gone, ok? Eat well, sleep well, work well! Kino great husband!" she said with a cheerful smile. This brought a smile to Kino and he nodded in agreement.
With that, Ayla didn't even seem to need anything as she seamlessly joined Crono's side. Ty seemed concerned, "Hey, are you sure you don't want a weapon or something?"
Ayla tilted her head in confusion, "Ayla have weapon!" she said as she clenched her fist. She looked down and found a sizeable boulder at her feet and punched it making it split in two.
Ty paused, "Never mind...," he said with a light chuckle. "Shall we be going?"
With Ayla rejoining once more, the party of three left Ioka and began heading to the east.
*A Month Earlier*
As the artificial Gate created by Dalton opened, Tomo came hurtling out of it. Battered and bruised, she managed to get to her feet to notice that she was in a thick jungle. "Woah, where did the Darkness Beyond Time spew me out at?" she asked no one in particular.
She walked through the thick foliage and noticed creatures she only could have seen fossils of in her era. "Wow! I can only be in one place! The age before written language! The age of the most ancient places and peoples! The age of the dinosaurs! Hey Ty, come take-...!" she said as she quickly cut herself off. "...Oh, right... you're not here right now. Well, I'm... sure he'll come to look for me soon!" she said as she was suddenly reminded of Ty's silvery transformation under the effects of the Aura Surge. She blushed as she became all starry-eyed. "Ugh, what am I thinking? Why am I all lightheaded after thinking that? Never mind, well, while Ty catches up to me, I think I'll explore a little. I wonder what cool rocks I can find!" she said quietly to herself as she tried to find a way out.
A few days passed until Tomo finally made her way out of the jungle. Stepping out of the tree line and into the fields. She found the ancient grasslands of the prehistoric world bearing little differences from the ones back home. "Hmm, I guess some things don't really change all that much," she said as she basked in the coming sunset.
"That being said, humans have always preferred meadows and plains to live in. So I wonder if I can find a village," Tomo said to no one in particular.
After around a week since she arrived, Tomo had pushed her survival skills to the limit. She used her Gastromorph spell to eat and train against creatures she never thought she would encounter. She slept under the stars and noticed the sky was very clear and the night was bright with starlight and moonlight. Finally, a village came into view.
Tomo's eyes brightened, "Yes! I knew it! I wonder if Crono's prehistoric friend lives there!" she said jumping with joy.
Tomo entered the village and was in awe over all the prehistoric peoples and cultures she was now experiencing. As she walked about the people noticed their out-of-place visitor and seemed to be just as in awe of her as well. Tomo thought for a brief moment as she looked around, "What did Lucca say their friend's name was? Ayla? Was it...? Yeah, that sounds right!"
Tomo turned her attention to the nearest person, "Do you know Ayla?" she asked in a slow simple tone. The man smiled with a wide toothy grin. Tomo smiled nearly as wide, "Can you take me to her?"
The man agreed and happily escorted Tomo to the Chief's Hut. "Ayla, you have visitor!" the man shouted.
Rough sounds came from the hut as a woman with long curly blonde hair dressed in lavender fur skins resembling a bikini came into view with an expression of interest. As soon as Tomo and Ayla met eyes they realized they were kindred spirits. Ayla noticed immediately that this girl was strong and her clothing was similar to the clothing worn by Crono and his friends.
Tomo smiled, "Hello Ayla, I'm a friend of Crono, can I speak to you?"
Ayla smiled with a wide grin upon hearing Crono's name dropped, "Crono friend?! Then Ayla friend too! What name?" she asked strongly.
"My name's, Tomo Levine!" she replied.
"Tomo, good name! Ayla throw welcome party! Come!" Ayla said joyfully.
Ayla took Tomo by the hand and welcomed her into her hut, "A party? For little ol' me? Sure, I got to wait on Ty and the others anyway!" she said.
*Later that Evening*
The party was held in a meeting place that was fenced off from the outside world in a simple rectangular shape. Torches lined the fences and drummers pounded in a rhythmic manner near them. Food was laid out on massive leaves and much more in baskets behind it. Ayla stood before her people with her family consisting of her husband, son, and daughter with her arms outstretched to the sky. She announced loudly, "Everyone! Tonight we party! Welcome friend of Crono! Her name, Tomo! She say, Crono coming soon with new friend and old! Eat, sing, dance!" she said stepping down.
"Wow, I guess Crono really left an impression on her and these people!" Tomo said to no one in particular.
While Ayla was cheerful, her husband seemed down. Her children were shy but curious. Ayla came to Tomo and encouraged her to let loose and have fun. Tomo was more than happy to. Tomo spent the night dancing around the fire and munching on small foodstuffs. As the night went on, the people began getting tired and Ayla decided to approach Tomo for one final event, "Ayla see Tomo eat big! Ayla eat big too! Ayla challenge Tomo to eating contest! Winner eat most food!"
Tomo smiled eagerly, "You're on!"
Tomo and Ayla sat down as the villagers prepared food for them to eat. They brought baskets upon baskets of fruits, vegetables, and cooked meats. Once everything was set a villager waved his hand as a signal to begin.
Tomo and Ayla began ravenously shoveling copious amounts of food into their mouths as drummers pounded their drums and the onlookers chanted. Little bit by little bit, empty baskets began to pile up with both women sitting on equal terms. As their abdomens began noticeably bulge and distend, the ladies began to slow to a crawl. Both women finished three baskets of fruits and vegetables and two slabs of meat. The village chancellor had a hard time calling the winner as the two women had consumed the same amount of food.
Tomo, however, smirked as she quickly looked around trying to ignore the fullness of her feast. She perked up as she saw a large mushroom monster called a Mossback shuffling around the empty baskets from earlier in the evening. "I love mushrooms!" Tomo stated as she pointed her finger at the creature and used her magic on it. The beam of light collided with the now panicking monster and it transformed into a sauteed mushroom that was around the size of a grapefruit. She stuffed the mushroom into her mouth as both Ayla and the people watched in surprise.
When she finished, she learned a new skill from it. The knowledge flooded her mind as a word passed her lips, "Osmose, huh, that monster gave me the ability to siphon the vitality from other organisms? Neat!" she said to no one in particular. Just then, her body began to react, "Uh oh, I ate too much again! I can't hold this form anymore!" she said as she expanded into her plus-sized state.
Tomo stumbled as she regained her composure. The villagers were thrilled by Tomo's supernatural display as they threw up their hands and cheered. Tomo fell onto her bottom as she was a little spooked from the cheering. Ayla waddled up to her with a smile of approval, "Ayla impressed! Tomo has strong gut!" she finished as she faced the villagers. She threw her arms up, "Ayla concede! Tomo win!" she announced loudly. With that, the villagers partied until everyone either returned to their own huts or slept in the meeting place.
The morning came and Tomo rose up, "Ugh, my stomach...," she moaned with a stretch and a yawn. She brought herself to her feet and found Ayla and her family sleeping soundly by what was once a campfire. As Tomo approached her, her shadow awoke Ayla. Ayla yawned and mimicked a cat when stretching. She stood up and faced Tomo, "Ah, Ayla sleep like stone!" she said.
"Yeah, me too," Tomo agreed as she continued stretching her limbs. "Ah, do you know where I can get some exercise? I figure I should train while I wait for the others."
"Hunting Grounds good for strength!" Ayla said strongly.
"Good, Crono and the others have been training too! I don't want to fall behind because I was just sitting around eating too much," Tomo explained.
Ayla tilted her head, "Why Crono train? Friends in trouble? Need strength?"
"Yeah, a crazy guy named Dalton attacked me and a friend and through that, we met Crono and the others. Apparently, this Dalton guy knew Crono all along and wanted revenge," Tomo explained.
Ayla ground her teeth in anger upon hearing Dalton's name. "Dalton bad man! He want revenge? He no deserve!" she said strongly. She pinched the side of her belly and grabbed an inch of fat between her fingers. "Ayla grow soft after she become mama. Ayla train with Tomo too!" she said as she threw her fist into the air.
With that, Tomo's temporary stay in prehistory officially began as she waited for her friends to come and find her.
*Back With Crono*
In an effort to catch up to Tomo, Crono and his party traveled quickly via two Crested Sprinter dinosaurs attached to a stone-wheeled cart like they were horses. As expected, it was a very bumpy ride but Ayla seemed to enjoy it. Crono was uncomfortable while Ty looked like he was ready to vomit.
"This fun, Ayla like!" Ayla said laughing.
"Do these dinosaurs ever need to stop?!" Crono asked with his shaking voice.
"Help, get me off of this crazy thing!" Ty said as he did his best to hold down his lunch.
The two Sprinters came across a small stream and leaped across with a strong jump. As they landed, the cart smashed against the ground throwing Crono and Ty to the ground as Ayla landed safely with a somersault. The two Sprinters ran off into the wilderness. Ty vomited and Crono straightened his clothes as he got to his feet.
Suddenly, Ayla heard someone talking and quickly and quietly made her way to the source of the voices with Crono and Ty in tow. Ayla quickly found the source and knelt behind a small patch of bushes. Like any hunter, she quietly observed the owners of the voice. It was a gang of five Reptites with varying sizes standing over the downed Tomo. Ty wanted to intervene, "Hey, that's Tomo! If we don't help her they'll eat her!" he said with an angry whisper.
Ayla shushed him while grabbing his jacket, "Shh, listen, they not eat!"
The Reptites laughed, "Ha, what a juicy human! She'll definitely feed plenty of us! Let's hurry and get her back to the Singing Mountain," said one of the Reptites.
"Tomo want see mountain," Ayla started. "What Reptite up to? Ayla find out!" she said.
With that, the party quietly followed the Repitites for quite some time careful not to reveal themselves but would if Tomo was in danger. The party was led through some of the era's ancient biomes some including a tar pit, an ancient valley, and then finally a lava field. However, the Repitites began growing tired and after a couple days, ran out of rations. One of the Reptites kept eyeing the bound and gagged Tomo. Ty kept one of his daggers unsheathed, "Just try it dino-breath and I'll be wearing your hide!" he said with a strong whisper.
The smaller Reptite was reprimanded by a burlier one, seemingly the leader, by bashing him over the head. "No, you fool, we must save as much food as we can! The planet is restless and the Soothsayer says we must take shelter if we are to survive. So no sneaking snacks!" he said angrily.
The small Reptite moaned, "Awe, I wanna maul her!"
The Reptite went in for a bite, overcome with hunger. His superior didn't have time to reprimand him again before, like a viper striking from the shadows, Ty leaped over the fearful Tomo and struck the Reptite. He shoved his dagger through the top of his mouth and out the bottom of his jaw. His fellow Reptites attempted to aid him.
Tears formed in Tomo's eyes as she saw Ty. "Hey, bud, didn't your superior say you shouldn't sneak snacks? You wouldn't want to eat her anyway, the meat's too tough!"
Ty cut Tomo free and she jumped off the prehistoric cart and hit the ground. Ty stood next to her, Crono and Ayla coming up to them. Tomo embraced Ty sniffling a little, "...You're late... you know that?!" she said as she looked up at Ty with watery eyes. She then buried her face in his chest, "...Still, I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little worried you wouldn't show...," she finished.
"Yeah, anyone would be..., even I was getting a little worried when I was stranded...," Ty said trying to hide his emotions a little.
The Reptite gang leader laid eyes on Ayla, "C-chief Ayla of Ioka?! What are you doing here?!" he asked in a panicked state.
"Reptite have friend! Act very suspicious... What you doing?" Ayla asked seriously.
The leader growled, "We're trying to survive if you don't mind! Fate may have sided with you warmbloods, but this will not be the end of the Reptites! The Soothsayer says she found a splinter of the mighty red star that fell upon our once proud lair. Through it a voice speaks and tells us what we must do to survive," he said strongly.
Crono reacted first, "No, that's impossible! That's called the Frozen Flame and it won't help you survive. It's deceiving you and the rest of the Reptites. How did you even find it?!"
"Ha! It found us! As the Soothsayer prayed for mercy at the altars of the Singing Mountain, a Frozen Flame emerged from the depths of the lava pits and glowed with wonderful light! With it, we will endure the coming Ice Age or any other disaster!" he said confidently.
Before Crono could say anything Ty yelled in pain as the Reptite he damaged with his dagger had snuck up from behind and bit down on his shoulder, "Ow, prick!" Ty shouted angrily as he flipped his dagger into a reverse grip and pierced the side of the Reptite.
The lizard withdrew, "How come I couldn't bite through you?!" he snarled.
"My jacket's a little tougher what with the metal chains inside it and all," Ty retorted even as blood flowed down his torso.
"Ty are you okay?!" Tomo screeched.
Ty smiled, "Yeah, I got this. I want to run a little experiment and I just found my guinea pig." He finished as he sheathed his daggers and soaked his fingers in his blood. He outstretched his bloodied hand toward the Reptite and smiled, "You know, since I've been at Chronopolis, I've picked up a few mind-blowing tricks. I figured since Tomo can do a little more than move rocks around with her magic, like transform creatures and stuff, I figured my magic could also do a little more," he said as the blood began twisting in the air mixing with his wind magic.
Ty formed a strange ball of liquid with spike-like protrusions on it. It changed color from blood red to a sickly purple color as he then sent the obviously toxic sphere hurtling toward the Reptite. "...Bio...," Ty muttered with a smirk. The frightened lizard attempted to flee but then got soaked with the sphere as it burst like a water balloon on his back. The Reptite screamed as an acidic vapor emitted from his entire body. The Reptite's friends could only stand and watch in horror as their friend dissolved and Ty regenerated as the vapors magically clung to his body.
The Reptite leader was angered and frightened all the same, "Let's get out of here! These mammals have strange powers! Just like the Soothsayer!" he finished as he and what was left of his gang quickly picked up their belongings and ran off to the tall yet skinny mountain ahead of them.
Crono approached Ty, "Damn, what was that?! That was sick!" he said with admiration.
"I learned a little about this DNA stuff at Chronopolis and noticed it twists like a tornado," Ty began. "So I was wondering if my Wind magic could change the shape or directions of certain chemicals into something different. Since my blood is resistant to poison, I was able to collect some of it and change its chirality to become toxic instead. Once my target was dissolved, I used my Wind Magic to gather the vapor and change the chirality back to a restorative shape. Thus healing me, while killing him."
"Ha, I learned essentially the same thing by eating a mushroom monster!" Tomo said as she playfully downplayed Ty's achievement.
Ty smiled, "Oh, yeah? And here I thought I was being clever! And all you had to do was eat a mushroom? What else did you learn while you were here?"
Tomo gazed at the Singing Mountain in the distance and smiled, "Let's raid the Reptite's new lair and I'll show you! I trained here with Ayla until you arrived. Those gooney Reptites caught me with my back turned."
"Well, alrighty then, let's go crash their party!" Ty said to everyone.
With that, the party cheered and they began making their way through the lava fields to the mountain.
*Singing Mountain*
Crono's party came to a tall butte-like volcano. It was enormous, so much so, that the encampment of Reptites outside didn't notice their arrival. "Let's see if we can sneak inside!" Ty recommended.
"Yeah, going through the front gate is too dangerous, we don't need to face the whole species. Well, what's left of them at least," Crono deduced. "We just need to separate them from the Flame."
"What Frozen Flame?" Ayla asked curiously.
"It's a piece of Lavos that broke off after hitting the planet," Crono explained.
"Part Lavos? That bad, Ayla smash it!" Ayla said with a simplistic tone.
"I wouldn't touch it, Ayla. It's really dangerous," Tomo warned.
"Hey, I see a fissure in the western side of this thing. It looks like the Reptites are trying to patch it up, but there are not many over there. Let's sneak in through there!" Ty concluded as he examined the makeshift fortress.
"Huh, man, you have such an eye for these things don't you?" Crono asked with a chuckle.
"Hey, if I gotta do something, might as well be good at it," Ty said with a shrug. "Let's get moving, the sun is starting to set. I'll bet these cold-blooded reptiles don't move too much at night!"
The party prepared themselves for the coming operation by outfitting Tomo and Ayla with some new stuff. Tomo was given a Steelspike Mace, a Chain Mail Parka, an Iron Studded leather Waistband, and Ironsand Weights around her ankles and wrists. Ayla's bikini was upgraded to a Chain Mail Bikini that was accompanied by a Tiger's Tail Muffler.
*Nightfall*
Crono and his friends effortlessly snuck passed the sleeping Reptites all while taking anything of value and knocking out any that woke up. Careful to avoid rivers of lava below, the team vanished into the fissure like shadows in the night. Inside, they witnessed the ancient structures of the Reptites. Bridges and rooms decorated the dug-out mountain and it was incredibly hot inside. A platform placed at the center acted as a sort of primitive town square. This platform had a bridge that led to a low alcove just above the pool of lava. Priestly-looking Reptites entered and exited the alcove. "There, that must be where they're communing with the Frozen Flame!" Ty deduced.
"Alright, things look fairly quiet. Let's get down there!" Crono urged.
The party carefully made their way through the winding floors and buildings the Reptites made for shelter. Many Reptites were asleep for the night and were none the wiser that Crono and his friends snuck through their dwellings like ghosts. The only Reptites that were awake were the guards. They too were easy to sneak by as they moved sluggishly. Even when they were caught the guards were easily dispatched before they could alert anyone.
Eventually, the party came to the main platform and hid behind an altar until the coast was clear. Once it was, they made their way down the winding bridge and into the alcove. A stone-carved spiral staircase led them down deep underground.
Once they made it to the end of the stairs they emerged into a large open cavern with small pools of lava dotting the area. The cave had a large dinosaur skull at the back with its mouth wide open. It was incorporated into a sort of shrine for worship. Suddenly, as Crono and his friends took in their surroundings a Reptite guard roared, "MAMMALS!"
"Aaand there goes our cover," Ty said glumly.
Reacting to the stir, a priestly Reptite appeared on the ledge where the shrine was kept. In a gravelly yet feminine voice, she screamed at the party, "Humans?! How did you get in here?! EVERYONE GET UP!" she roared loudly.
Reptite guards clad in stone-made armor surrounded Crono's party. Tomo sighed, "This can never be easy can it...?"
The party braced themselves and drew their weapons. "You don't suppose that's the Soothsayer that gang of Reptites was talking about?" Crono asked rhetorically.
"Ayla strong, not lose to Reptites!" Ayla said strongly.
"CHARGE!" roared the guards.
"Hey, Ty, whip up a Wind Storm for me would ya?" Crono asked.
"You got it!" Ty agreed as he cast the spell.
Crono cast his Scintillation spell and it fused with Ty's tornadoes. The two tornadoes became black in color and lightning bolts emanated from them. They bulldozed the group of Reptites, throwing them aside. "Ha, that was quite a Thunder Storm!" Ty said with a chuckle.
More Reptites took their place and attacked. Ayla gave a signal to Tomo who used her magic in response. Ayla was given massive boulders that she threw at the Reptites, smashing some of them. "Tomo make big stone for Stone Toss!" Ayla laughed.
The Soothsayer became agitated, "These Mammals must be the ones the Frozen Flame showed me in my visions! They possess strange powers! Get them, get them, don't let them near the altar!" she screeched.
The party took to a higher ground that was to their right as the guards closed in again. The party bashed and sliced their way through them only to be met with more. Ayla faced Ty, "Ty strong! Make more tornado for Ayla?"
"Sure thing!" Ty said as he whipped up another Wind Storm.
Ayla jumped off a Reptite's head and into the storm. Her own Tail Spin technique split the storm into four dancing tornadoes that swept the Reptites away. Ayla came back down laughing and stumbling, "Oh, Ayla a little dizzy! Fun Tail Storm!"
"Now I know why you and Crono get along so well! Riding my tornadoes like that...!" Ty said with a smile.
The party moved up making it to a raised platform that was connected to the main altar by a stone bridge. This time, some fat green dinosaurs called Megasaurs joined in the fray as well as some rock monsters called Voclanites appeared alongside the Reptites. The Reptites would agitate the Volcanites to make them spew a shower of lava and small stones. Tomo whacked a Volcanite away from her just in time for its attack to miss. She then used her magic to consume the Volcanite and gain its Pyroclastic skill. She then used that very skill to shower some nearby Reptites. "This magic is so crazy," she said impressed with herself.
Crono hit the Megasaurs with Lightning Bolts to stun them. Ty followed by showering them with his new Bio spell. The Megasaurs dissolved into a bubbling tissue that barely clung to a bleached skeleton.
"How can these apes be this powerful?!" the Soothsayer shrieked in a panicked state.
Crono's party moved up the bridge but were intercepted by flying reptiles called Tyrangliders. Crono faced Ayla, "Ayla throw me!" he commanded.
Ayla smiled, "OK!" she shouted as she gave Crono a boost. Combining Ayla's great strength with his sword skills. Crono flew into the air with his sword outstretched. He impaled the Tyrangliders when they lined up. Crono came back down and wiped the blood from his sword and with that the party advanced to the main altar.
Ayla gazed quizzically at the Soothsayer, "Azala?" she asked.
"Wrong mammal! I am Zelah. Azala was my mother. I was taking refuge when the red star fell upon Tyranno Lair," she explained. "My mother was content to let us fall to extinction once the star fell but I will not! In fact, it may be our saving grace. My mother couldn't see the bigger picture. Sometimes death comes before new life can come into being. With your deaths, the Reptites will not only survive but thrive in a new world!" she claimed as she faced the altar. "Frozen Flame, I beseech you! Our enemies and yours have come to take my life! Help us!" she cried out as the altar shook.
The small mound of lava pooled out as the Frozen Flame made itself known. However, it was silent of Dalton's voice. It only emanated its sickly glow. Zelah was bathed in the light of the Frozen Flame, "Ah, yes! I see now! Nizbel X, come! You are needed!" Zelah summoned.
A large bipedal Reptite that resembled a green triceratops came lumbering from the Tyranno skull's open mouth and leaped over the pool of lava to meet Crono's party. Nizbel X flexed like a bodybuilder as it stood before them. "Woah, that's a big boy!" Ty remarked.
Nizbel grew angry, "Hey, I'm a female you dumb mammal!" she growled.
"Well, excuuuse me! I can't tell gender with reptiles! They don't have boobs!" Ty mocked.
"A third one, huh?" Crono smirked. "What surprises does this one have?"
Nizbel charged the party with a roar and batted Crono and Ayla aside with her large arms. Ty and Tomo used their Sandstorm spell but it only seemed to scuff Nizbel, "My scales are like the toughest of stones!" she taunted.
"Then we'll combine lightning with brute force! Right, Ayla?" Crono said confidently.
"Ayla ready!" she said as Crono summoned a Lightning Bolt. The Lightning Bolt charged Ayla and she took off running toward Nizbel and bit into her neck with blinding speed. The lightning discharged into Nizbel and knocked her to her back.
"Then we'll go for the head! Right, Ayla?" Crono said as he began his Steel Cyclone.
Ayla cheered as she stood atop the very tip of Crono's blade with one foot. She was caught up in Crono's spin until she gained enough momentum and jumped off. Like a drill, she planted her foot right in Nizbel's face, knocking the giant lizard on her butt. Crono boasted, "If you're hard as a rock, then a good Drill Kick is just what we need to crack you!"
Nizbel stood back up as Zelah chewed her out, "Don't let these lousy mammals get to you! ATTACK!"
Nizbel flexed her muscles again and unleashed a storm of electrical energy. Crono's team was bathed in the painful attack. Suddenly, Nizbel's skin changed from green to black and it shined. "Your little lightning trick won't hurt me anymore!" Nizbel claimed strongly.
Nizbel's boast turned out to be true as she began to pummel the party while their attacks simply bounced off. Even Crono's lightning spells bounced back at him. "What's going on?" Crono pondered quietly. "How is she so much stronger?"
Zelah laughed, "Having a hard time, mammals? You're not the only ones with special powers! This Nizbel was blessed by the Frozen Flame! She is far more than just an ordinary Reptite!"
Tomo cracked her neck, "Well, time to make my chubby body do some work then!" Tomo said as she reverted to her heavy form. She then took a squat stance and bathed herself in her earth magic's yellow light. With a bight burst, the light dispersed and Tomo's body had changed again. Her entire body was now a grey stone. She resembled a statue of herself but was capable of movement.
Ty blinked in surprise, "Woah...," he said.
Tomo lumbered forth toward Nizbel and they locked 'horns' as the two began wrestling with one another. They were able to hit each other hard, very hard. Nizbel felt Tomo's hits and Tomo felt Nizbel's. However, it seemed like Tomo was wearing out first as the new spell took its toll on her.
"Hey, Ayla!" Tomo shouted as she readied herself.
"Ayla here!" she replied coming up behind her.
Ayla lifted Tomo and jumped into the air. "You're gonna feel this one!" Tomo said confidently.
"Tomo Toss!" Ayla shouted as she threw the stone-made Tomo with her super-strength.
Nizbel attempted to block as Tomo's body came crashing into her. Nizbel was damaged, but not nearly as enough as Tomo and Ayla would have liked.
As Tomo took a moment to recover, Ty decided it was time to move, "Heh, my Bio spell should soften her skin up!" he said as he doused the reptile in the viscous spell. Unfortunately, the Bio spell didn't weaken Nizbel fast enough as her skin was far tougher than the other Reptites. "Figures...," he moaned.
Nizbel, however, didn't like the acidic liquid and decided to rush the nearby rogue. Ty tried to leap away but was caught by the leg and Nizbel repeatedly slammed him to the ground.
As soon as Tomo saw this, her stone form ended and her emotions began to bubble up from deep within her. She roared as she went into an Aura Surge. After the bright light ended, Tomo's hair was a similar silvery color like Ty's had been and her eyes were gold as the rest.
"W-what is this?!" Zelah asked in horror. Zelah retreated to the safety of the Frozen Flame and attempted to commune with it.
Nizbel held the unconscious Ty upside down by his leg, "You want this?" she taunted Tomo.
Before Nizbel could start laughing, her arm was broken by a hit from Tomo's mace. She dropped Ty to the ground instinctively and roared in pain. Tomo growled as her silvery aura flared up. "YES, I DO!" she shouted angrily. She charged Nizbel, reverting to her slim form to gain speed, and in a roaring fury, tenderized Nizbel until every bone, scale, and horn in her body was broken. Nizbel was reduced to nothing more than a pulverized mess. "How does it feel to be Pulverized, dino-scum!" Tomo said as her Aura Surge ended and she reverted to normal.
She ran to Ty, who was already being assisted by Crono. "Don't worry I got him!" Crono said as he cast his Raise spell on him.
Ty was revitalized, "Oww, that hurt...," he moaned as Tomo embraced him.
Crono looked up as Ayla approached Zelah. "You'll never get me warm-blood!" spat Zelah. Zelah poked the Frozen Flame with her staff and it became agitated. "Flame, I beg of you! VAPORIZE THIS MONKEY!" she said as she bowed before it.
Ayla stood confused as she stared at the Flame. It hit her with a beam of light, although it was slightly different than all the times it had hit everyone else. Ayla braced herself as her body began to change. Like Marle, Ayla's hair became snow white. She stomped the ground causing it to crack and break. "Ayla have fury! PRIMAL FURY!" she shouted as Zelah retreated in fear.
Ayla began to dance around as she wiped the floor with any Reptite that came close to her. As this happened, the Flame pulsated again causing the Singing Mountain to begin shaking. "This place is beginning to erupt let's get outta here!" Tomo announced.
Ayla's Primal Fury easily bulldozed a way for the party to escape as it smashed reptile after reptile. The party made it back to the main altar room and saw all the Reptites trying to escape as well. As she dashed through them, Ayla began pushing the Reptites out the front entrance by the crowd. Finally, the Reptites and Crono's party exited the volcano, and Ayla's fury had ended, her body spent. While the Reptites were thrown into chaos, Crono's party regrouped and silently made their escape as the Singing Mountain began to erupt.
The party ran all they could and hoped it was far enough as the mountain began to erupt. However, it began to act strangely. The whole mountain was bathed in the Frozen Flame's sickly light as its eruption began. The mountain spewed lava into the air, but instead of it falling back to the ground below the mountain began to transform. The Singing Mountain was taking a new shape. High into the sky, it went, the molten rock taking shape like a pterodactyl that proudly spread its wings. The Reptites roared with a cheer as the Singing Mountain had become a new dwelling, a tower.
"That wasn't supposed to happen...," Ty said dumbfounded.
"Dalton must have made the Reptite's a new home with the Flame's power!" Crono said. "He must still want to use the species for his own benefit."
Ayla growled, "Ayla smash tower!"
"That's enough for now Ayla. Let's go back and lick out wounds," Tomo suggested.
As the party regrouped, Zelah's voice can be heard, amplified by the Flame's power. "Listen my Reptite brothers and sisters! We have been given a second chance by Fate! This new Tyranno Tower is our new haven! We will not only survive but we will eliminate the mammals called 'Humans'!"
"Shit!" cursed Crono. "Mark my words Reptites, you come after humanity again and I'll make sure you go extinct!"
*After Returning to Ioka*
Once the party returned home, Ayla explained everything that had transpired to her people and they became both afraid and angry. Ayla made her claim to go with Crono as Kino rallied the human tribes for the oncoming threat that now loomed over the horizon.
Crono rallied his party, "Okay, I think we can get back to Chronopolis from the Gate at Mystic Mountain. "We better get going and sort everything out once we get back. Now that we found our last stranded friend, it's time to start pushing back against Dalton!" he said strongly.
"Yeah, let's get him!" Tomo cheered.
"Just tell me where you want me and I'll be there!" Ty added.
"Ayla strong! Beat Dalton into ground!" Ayla roared.
*Mystic Mountain*
Crono and his party made it to the Mystic Mountain without much resistance and scaled its base. Crono saw the familiar twinkle of a Gate come into view. Crono led his party over the small cliff that had the Gate and it was indeed sealed by Dalton's curse. Crono used the pendant as Ayla held the Time Egg. "Ayla be gentle with egg," she said with a motherly tone.
The Time Egg glowed along with the pendant and the egg shattered along with Dalton's seal. The Gate opened, "Alright everyone, jump!" Crono said as both he and Ayla leaped into the Gate, followed by Ty and Tomo. The Gate swallowed them up and away they went.
*End of Act 4*