Chrono Corruption

by ChronoWeapon

It's the year 1005 A.D. and a band of treasure hunters known as the Explorer Corps find the legendary treasure, The Frozen Flame at the bottom of the mysterious El Nido Sea! Then they are arrested by the Porre Military and a cloaked man steals the Flame claiming to know its true power and sends two of the hunters through time! Can they get the Flame back? Only time will tell...!

32. Act 5 - Ch32: N-Z3R0

Chrono Corruption

Act 5: Revolution

Chapter 32: N-Z3R0

*Chronopolis*

Crono's party stood before Belthasar's computer as the Prometheus Circuit pulled up all changes made to the timeline thus far. Everyone was quiet as Belthasar looked everything over, "I was not expecting the Dragon God to be split up but it seems to have amounted to nothing. At least concerning all of our changes. I'll need to do some more digging. Maybe something will come up as more time passes but for now, they seem to have gone into hiding."

Crono sighed with relief, "So they haven't changed anything significant? That's good."

"So tell us, Crono. What happened exactly?" Lucca asked worriedly.

"So this Reptite Soothsayer named, Zelah, communed with the Frozen Flame and it told her that if the Reptites wanted to survive they had to be 'changed'," Crono began with a deep breath. "When we got to Zelah, the Reptites looked like they had a civil war about the whole mess and it looks like her side won out. Once we defeated her the Frozen Flame just, 'absorbed' her. When we tracked her down in the Ice Age she had changed along with the Reptites. She called these new people, 'Dragonians'. She then sicced her so-called 'Dragon God' on us and we were stomping the thing until Zelah once again called out for help. The Frozen Flame came and split this Dragon God into six parts and sent them all into a Gate. Zelah was then consumed by the Flame again as the temple began to crumble."

"And now these Dragon God pieces are strewn all throughout the eras?" Marle asked.

"It seems that way," Crono stated.

Then, all of a sudden, Chronopolis had a minor power surge. Belthasar showed immediate concern, "Prometheus, what was that power surge just now?"

Robo, as the Prometheus Circuit, made a diagnostic, "Hmm, it would seem a computer virus attempted to attack us. That is... not good..."

"A computer virus?!" Robo asked with a flustered tone. "No, could it be the N-Z3R0 virus?"

Janus approached Robo, "The Central Regime may have been tasked with trying to find this place for Dalton. I used a virus to halt the production of their factory before making my way here. Did they get a hold of it?"

"What kind of virus is this N-Z3R0 virus and where did it come from?" Lucca asked curiously.

"When we went to pick up Robo, it already existed inside a robot called Highwayman," Marle pointed out.

"The N-Z3R0 virus is a virus with polymorphic and multipartite qualities. That means it can change its code to better adapt and hide as well as make copies of itself to inject its coding into other valuable systems," Robo explained. "It was a virus that existed alongside us in 1999 A.D. but was halted when Lavos destroyed the planet on the original timeline."

Garet followed up, "Even then it wasn't anything more than a nuisance that got into computer systems to mine digital currencies for shady people on the dark web."

Another power surge ran through Chronopolis, "I think it's best if we pay a visit to 2012 and learn more about this virus," Crono stated. "I wonder if those rebels could tell us more about it. Lucca, Robo, and Garet come with me. I need some book-smart people this time!"

"You got it, for science!" Lucca said proudly.

"And for our future!" Robo followed.

Yet another surge hit Chronopolis, "Let's go. We don't have much time," Garet urged.

Crono took his party and hastily made his way down to the hangar. They boarded the Neo Epoch and Crono activated the machine. With a deep breath, Crono pressed the key and the machine tore off through time.

*2012 A.D.*

The Neo Epoch arrived with a thunderous crackle over the seemingly endless ocean. The overcast gave off an ominous feeling and the restless seas did nothing to help either. Crono piloted the Neo Epoch to the Regiorran province and hid the machine near the rebels' dome.

They left the Neo Epoch and they saw that the coast was clear. Crono approached the rebels' dome and knocked on the door. A security camera opened and shined in Crono's eyes. A few blips and bleeps could be heard and then the door's mechanical locks opened.

Inside, the rebels were busy typing away on their keyboards and frantically moving about the complex. "Hmm, they seem rather preoccupied at the moment don't they?" Crono asked rhetorically.

A high-ranking official came to the door to greet them, "Ah, Crono, I see you and Janus managed to escape from the Regime! That's great to know! We were worried when we caught word that you vanished without a trace!" he said with a sigh of relief.

"What's going on here? You guys seem really flustered," Crono asked curiously.

The Officer's face grew grim, "It's the Regime...," he began. "Once our virus got into their systems and ruined their top secret plans they quickly began to form a counterattack."

"A counterattack? In what way?" Lucca asked as she adjusted her glasses.

"They got a hold of our virus and are using it against us," the Officer said grimly. "We believe they now know where we are... So we're trying to salvage as much data as we can so we can find a new base."

"That is most unfortunate...," Garet said with a deadpan expression.

"Perhaps I can be of service," Robo said, coming forward.

"Wow, is this one of the new R Series models? How did it get so banged up?" asked the Officer with a wide-eyed expression.

"Long story...," Lucca replied.

"Please, Officer, take me to your main computer and allow me to log in to it," Robo asked politely. "I may be able to help you."

"Well, ordinarily that wouldn't fly with me but considering the circumstances, I'll allow it. Please follow me," ordered the Officer. "The name's Mikhail by the way."

With Robo in the lead, the party followed Officer Mikhail to their main computer's hold. It was a small office with an unassuming computer. Its nature made it well hidden as one would assume that a grand computer would be the main one. Robo approached this older model and produced a tool from his right index finger.

"Okay, here we go...," Robo said as he placed the tool into the computer's USB port.

With whirs and beeps Robo's eyes moved back and forth quickly as he began scanning the contents of the computer's hard drive for information. Once he finished with that he logged onto the internet to look for more. The computer had many windows opening and closing as Robo searched and searched. News outlets, underground conspiracy threads, and other forums were checked to see what the Regime was up to. Robo then pulled his finger from the USB port and faced the party.

"I have good news and bad news...," Robo began. A cold sweat formed on Crono's and Lucca's brows.

"What's the good news?" Lucca asked with a slight mutter.

"I have managed to copy and salvage all valuable data the Rebels have," Robo said with a thumbs up. "...Eh, but the bad news is..., I seem to have contracted the N-Z3R0 virus when searching the web..."

Lucca grew fearful with a shout, "ROBO!"

"Not to worry," Robo said reassuringly. "I've learned much while in Chronopolis. I paid Ty many visits while he was in the Biology Lab and he explained how his family's bodies adapted to a new poison through their techniques. With that in mind, I was inspired to upgrade my own Anti-Virus software. This is a great opportunity for me to study it. I can keep it contained while I do so... I hope."

"You 'hope'?" Lucca chided with worry.

"Anyway, the news gets worse I'm afraid," Robo continued. "The Central Regime is plotting an extreme measure to deal with the rebels."

"And that would be?" asked Officer Mikhail with a now pale complexion.

Robo faced him with a minor pause, "They have decided to obliterate you with Nuclear Warheads..."

Officer Mikhail almost fainted, "W-what?! Why such an extreme measure?! They do realize there are rebels in every city on every continent, don't they? Do they plan to simply nuke every city into a wasteland?"

"I'm a little lost, what's a nuke?" Crono asked in confusion.

"I'm not exactly sure myself," Lucca said as she put a lot of thought into it.

Garet explained, "A 'nuke' is an explosive device that uses radioactive materials, chemical reactions, nuclear fusion, and nuclear fission to cause a massive explosion. One warhead can take out a city and leave it poisoned with nuclear fallout."

Lucca and Crono were pale as ghosts upon hearing Garet's mild explanation.

Robo paused as he processed the data, "I cannot help but draw an analogy to the Day of Lavos. Considering the circumstances. Perhaps the Frozen Flame has taken hold of the Regime's subconscious and its destructive nature is bleeding through. Either way, we must do something to stop it."

"For us to stop this 'recreation' of the apocalypse, we must stop the Regime itself," Garet said getting to the point. "Which means we will have to raid whatever complex they are hiding in and assassinate them before they can perform the launch sequence."

"Where will we find them?! We've made so many changes to the future that we don't even know the map anymore!" Lucca asked in worry.

"I can provide a quick overview, Lucca," Robo claimed. "Notable places on the North Zenan continent are Arris City, the capital of Guardia stands where Truce Village once stood. Bangor City now stands where Manolia Town stood and Guardia Castle is now replaced with City Sites 1 to 16. South Zenan, the nation of Porre, has Trann City, Fiona Town, and the City of Porre as its capital. The Medinian continent, which is slowly starting to split in half, has Regiorra City, City Sites 17 through 32, and the Sewer System we traveled through that connects the two halves. The northern half has factories, including Lab 51, Proto City, and Medina City as its capital. Finally, Choras has the Levine Museum, the Choras Museum of History and Art, and Choras City as its capital."

"Wow, that's a lot, so where do you suppose the Regime's hiding out?" Lucca asked.

"Well, when we were here the first time," Crono started. "Arris City was in Medina instead of Zenan as Guardia was destroyed and so was Medina at the time. Man, I'm not sure where they could be."

Garet stepped forward, "Robo, we could possibly find them if we trace the movements of the N-Z3R0 virus. If they modified it and then released it, it could lead us to the place where it was released from," he informed.

"That may work, allow me to make a few searches," Robo said as he logged back into the computer. "This may take a while so please try to relax for a while."

Garet stayed close to Robo and Officer Mikhail and occasionally muttered to them. Meanwhile, Crono and Lucca sat on a small sofa and began talking. "Hmm, so Robo talked to Ty, huh? I'm glad Ty and Tomo are getting along so well with everyone. Garet and Lex too."

"Yeah, I can't help but wonder what kind of people they were five years ago," Lucca said. "Like, y'know, would we have become friends back then if we met them then."

"I'm sure we would have," Crono said with a smile. "I wonder if Marle would still try to set you up with Ty."

"Not this again...," Lucca slumped.

"No, for real though," Crono started. "Before you just kick it off to the side, tell me something. You and Ty met and then spent quite a bit of time together at the festival. Did he ask you out or something? It sure seemed like you were getting along quite nicely with him when we all first met him."

Lucca twiddled her fingers for a second as a light blush appeared on her cheeks, "No, it wasn't a date or anything like that. He arrived in Manolia Town and was separate from Tomo at the time. We literally bumped into each other and my glasses fell off. When he went to look for them he squashed them under his foot. I couldn't get a good look at him then but I got angry with him and told him to replace them. Apparently, though, he was bad with directions and got a little lost and ended up dragging me around town all day just to find the shop. Now that I look back on it, it was kind of funny. I found out after replacing my glasses that he and Tomo were hired by Marle to find your dad. Although, I had heard nothing of it before then. So I took him to see you two as thanks."

"So that's what happened," Crono began to chuckle a little. "He broke your glasses? After bumping into you? That's just like how I met Marle."

"Yeah, when I got them back I could see his face, and... he was definitely handsome, that's for sure," Lucca said reluctantly. "But at the time, I wasn't thinking about romance or anything."

"And yet you hung out with him for almost the entire day," Crono teased. "I dunno, Lucca. He's a smart cookie. Probably not as smart as you, but I would think he was your type. If Tomo weren't part of the picture would you still feel the same way? About romance I mean?"

Lucca blushed deeply as her gaze was downcast, "...Hard to say. It's..., it's not him, it's me, actually. I'm the one with the problem. Not Ty."

"What problem is that?" Crono asked curiously.

"...Do you remember when Tomo planted that huge kiss on him earlier?" Lucca began. "Marle accused me of being 'afraid of love'. I'm starting to think she may be right. Although, it may go even deeper than just that."

"You don't need to be afraid of love, Lucca. It's great actually!" Crono said trying to be encouraging.

"I know it's just..., it's just, well I don't know what I feel. I need to give this more thought, and Marle's insistent pushing just makes me nervous and defensive. I need to ask her why she's so adamant about trying to set me up with someone!" Lucca said frustrated.

"Maybe I can poke around for you next time I see her," Crono stated with a smile.

Lucca blushed with a slight smile, "Thanks, Crono."

Garet and Robo approached, "We have good news, we have located a highly possible area for the members of the Central Regime to be," Robo claimed as he began to sputter a little.

"Robo, the virus!" Lucca said with worry.

"Not to worry, I am fine!" Robo claimed. "We have reason to believe that the Central Regime has a secret bunker beneath the Choras Museum of History and Art."

Crono raised a brow in bewilderment, "Wait, why under the Museum?"

Garet replied dryly, "They are watching the El Nido Sea from there and are constructing something."

"Constructing something? Like what, the warheads?" Lucca asked with a cold sweat.

"We aren't sure exactly but we won't know unless we take a look," Robo said as he sputtered a little.

"Well then, let's get moving, we have a launch to stop!" Crono said bravely.

With that in mind, the team left the rebel compound. Robo gave Officer Mikhail all of the copied data before leaving. They then boarded the Neo Epoch, lifted off, and away they went towards Choras.

*Choras*

The party was careful to approach Choras so they would not be picked up on any radars. They flew low and approached the nation far away from any city where they might be spotted. Crono landed the Neo Epoch in the woods far down from the Museum near a highway. They camouflaged their ride and made their way to the highway. The party emerged from the woods secretly and looked out onto the highway. It traveled between the Museum and Choras City. Many visitors were coming and going as well as many militant vehicles and personnel patrolling back and forth.

"Look, there," Garet began as he pointed out a parked military truck. "We can sneak into that truck and drive it to the museum. "It doesn't look like it is being watched very closely. There are only two guards."

"Good, come on let's go!" Crono urged quietly as he leaped from the bushes.

The party approached the truck quietly from behind, "Please, allow me!" Lucca said as she snuck up behind the two guards that were just chit-chatting. She used her Hypnowave Plus and the two guards fell to the ground asleep. "That should do it!" she said proudly.

Garet searched the soldiers for the keys, "I'll drive...," he said as he found them. Robo and Crono tossed the two soldiers into the brush and Robo climbed into the back of the truck due to his size. Garet took the wheel while Crono and Lucca jumped into the high vehicle. Lucca struggled as she was short so Crono gave her a push from her rear. He climbed in and they squeezed themselves in as Crono closed the door. Lucca gave Crono a blush for what he had just done.

Lucca tried to reposition herself, "Err, sorry! That was a higher climb than I was expecting! Didn't mean to make it weird!" she continued with a stammer.

Crono blinked a few times in confusion over her reaction, "Hmm...," he mused.

Garet started the vehicle and they pulled out onto the highway leaving any suspicion behind. "It will take approximately twenty minutes to get to the museum, so get comfortable," Garet said.

Lucca cleared her throat, "Yes, um, comfortable! I'm fine! How's everyone else?"

"Lucca...?" Crono began suspiciously.

He was then interrupted by Robo, who slid open a hatch behind Lucca's head, "I am fine as well!" he said with a sputter.

"Oh, good! How's that virus study going?" Lucca stammered.

"I'm okay, just a few bugs to work out!" Robo replied.

Lucca sighed with relief. There was an awkward silence as Lucca kept her eyes forward. Crono thought for a moment, "Hmm, maybe now's not the time to ask..."

*Choras Museum of History and Art*

Garet pulled the truck into an inconspicuous parking space and they quietly exited. The party then melded with the crowd as they entered the museum's glass doors. Inside, a help desk sat in front of them that was stocked with information. Around this desk, flights of stairs lined each side and led to a second floor. A vast assortment of exhibits could be viewed that categorized events in history.

Crono whispered to Garet, "So what's our next move? If we ask about a secret bunker they will be sure to lie about it if they know. Or worse, alert someone..."

"We ask for a map," Garet replied.

Crono seemed dumbfounded as the party approached the front desk. The clerk at the front desk had an almost robotic personality, "Welcome! Oh, my! You should leave your Personal Synthetic Assistant at home," she started as she referred to Robo. "While no law exists as of yet. If it has a virus it won't be allowed further in."

Robo almost shivered, "Fine am I, err, I am fine! Perfectly, functionality! Functionality...!" he said cheerfully.

Lucca shot him a worried look as he 'smiled' back at her with his bright eyes.

"We had him tested. He's clean he just has some damaged files that need some repair," Garet said stoically. That seemed to put the clerk at ease. Garet continued, "That being said, this is our first visit could you provide a map of the complex, please?"

"Absolutely, Sir!" the Clerk said happily as she handed him a map and several brochures.

"Thank you," Garet said flatly.

"Have a nice day!" the Clerk replied.

Garet began looking through the map for any clues that may be hidden in the building's structure. Behind the front desk were computers lined in small cubicles. Lucca pulled everyone over to them so they could study in private. "Maybe we can find out more about this building if we use one of their computers!" Lucca said excitedly.

As Lucca typed away, Garet placed the map down beside her. Crono approached Robo, "Hey, Robo, let's go snoop around. I can't just sit here and do nothing!" he said with boredom.

"I would love t-to!" Robo said with a minor glitch.

And so, Crono and Robo began taking the tour of the museum. "Maybe we should start with the Prehistory Exhibit," Crono said as he walked to the right wing of the building.

The Prehistory Exhibit was rather large. Many dinosaur skeletons were on display. Robo gazed at many of the skeletons, "Hmm, Crono, I think this would be a great opportunity to find out if any data on the Dragon Gods has been recorded."

"That IS a good idea!" Crono said with revelation. "Maybe there's a legend or two that will give us a clue where to look for them!"

Crono looked at every exhibit; Reptite, Human, Dreamstone, skeletons, geography, and ancient tools such as weapons and armor. Other artifacts were also on the way, such as pieces of supposed architecture made by Reptites and trinkets made by Man. Then, nearing the end of the line. A small exhibit could be seen that was accompanied by a calm, quiet melody. It was constructed like a small shrine rather than an exhibit. "I think this might be it, Robo!" Crono said excitedly.

The two gazed at the statuette of the long-necked reptile. It had thick cerulean skin that was decorated with red and yellow fish-like accents. Two large wing-like fins lined the right and left side of its head and neck respectively. Its legs and arms were instead fins with which to swim. Finally, its long tail also ended with a massive fin. A plaque lay beneath it, "Allow me," Robo began as he read the plaque. "Above is an artist's interpretation of findings from Prehistory. It is theorized, that in this world, several dinosaurs still live to this day. These special breeds of dinosaurs were dubbed, 'Dragons' by those who believe in their existence. This one dubbed the 'Water Dragon' was discovered by ancient man through cave paintings and sculptures. It is believed to have been worshiped by a secluded tribe of humans living on the eastern coast of the great continent. Evidence has been found pointing to the sacrifice of both fish and human life to this 'Dragon' by feeding it. However, this is still debatable. Even today, some still say that they have spotted this dragon peeking its head up in lakes and rivers all over the world."

"Hmm, so this Water Dragon has been seen in Prehistory, huh? Not liking the human sacrifice bit," Crono mused.

"Me neither, I'll log this data in so we can use it later!" Robo said. "Let's go to the next exhibit!"

The next exhibit was shown on the opposite side of the front desk. It was one about the Ice Age. Crono and Robo toured this rather small exhibit that had similar exhibits to Prehistory until they finally came to the next dragon at the end. Also built like a shrine and surrounded by pictures of evidence, this exhibit housed a statuette of a fearsome-looking red and black dinosaur.

"May I?" Robo asked politely. Crono nodded, "Above is an artist's interpretation of findings from the Ice Age. It is theorized, that in this world, several dinosaurs still live to this day. These special breeds of dinosaurs were dubbed, 'Dragons' by those who believe in their existence. This one dubbed the 'Fire Dragon' was discovered in ancient cave paintings believed to have been from the Ice Age. It has a frame similar to that of the Dimetrodon but with a more pronounced chest and front legs, giving it a prideful look to it. It also has two horns which the Dimetrodon does not have. The fin on its back is presumed to gather sunlight to heat its body. This Dragon is theorized to have devoured the legendary species, the Yeti, more commonly known as, the 'Snowmen' that worshiped it."

"I wonder if those were the same 'Snowmen' Lucca was with when I found her," Crono thought back.

"T-that may be a good... good place to start... looking!" Robo sputtered.

"Ya doin' okay there, Robo?" Crono asked concerned.

"Yes, let us head to the next exhibit. I am eager to learn more!" Robo replied.

The next Exhibit was north of the Prehistory one and showed off the period of Antiquity. This one was also a little bare as it stuck mostly to information about the Earthbound Ones and only theorized about the Kingdom of Zeal to the point where it was reduced to nothing but a fairytale. Like the first two, a shrine-like exhibit was shown at the end. This one housed a dragon that looked like a slightly altered Tyrannosaurus Rex.

"This guy looks kinda familiar!" Crono stated.

Robo began reading, "Above is an artist's interpretation of findings from the age of Antiquity. It is theorized, that in this world, several dinosaurs still live to this day. These special breeds of dinosaurs were dubbed, 'Dragons' by those who believe in their existence. This one dubbed the 'Dark Dragon' was worshiped by a sect of both Humans and Fiends alike. As such, evidence of its existence has been gathered from all over the world, so it was assumed to wander the world in search of food. Many have theorized that it has connections to the ever well-known Tyrannosaurus Rex and may be a descendant."

"I wonder if the people of Zeal spotted this guy?" Crono thought aloud.

"I-I am not sure. It's g-going to be difficult to find a wandering Dragon God...," Robo said glumly.

The next exhibit took them north of the Ice Age exhibit. This one was rather large and told of all the exploits of Irma and the Dawn of Guardia. There were protesters holding signs saying that Irma was a blasphemer of Dalton but Crono and Robo ignored them as they passed by. They approached the shrine to this era's Dragon God and found that this one was one with wings. Crono sighed, "Of course one of them has wings..."

Robo laughed uneasily with Crono then focused up as he began to read, "Above is an artist's interpretation of findings and sightings from the age of Guardia's inception. It is theorized, that in this world, several dinosaurs still live to this day. These special breeds of dinosaurs were dubbed, 'Dragons' by those who believe in their existence. This one dubbed the 'Sky Dragon' has a Pterosaur-like appearance but has brilliant white feathers adorning its back and wings. Two aerodynamic fringes lined the bridge of its pointed snout and ran over the brows of the eyes and ended at the back of the head. It has two rows of sharp teeth and powerful talons. This Dragon was said to be worshiped by small pockets of believers around the world at the time. It is believed that worship took place at the sight of what became known as Truce Canyon in the future. This is where it is believed the Sky Dragon nested."

"Good, there's only two left to go!" Crono said excitedly.

"Let's move upstairs, the Middle Ages exhibit is next," Robo urged.

As they moved upstairs, Robo struggled a bit but made it and assured Crono he was fine with a gesture. The Middle Ages exhibit had what they expected. Everything from Cyrus's deeds and armor display to the defeat of Magus and his army of Fiends. Once again, Dalton's activists protested. They called Cyrus and the knights of Guardia blasphemers of Dalton and his coming rule. Crono and Robo ignored them and found the shrine.

Not wasting any time, Robo began reading, "Above is an artist's interpretation of findings and sightings from the Middle Age of Guardia's reign. It is theorized, that in this world, several dinosaurs still live to this day. These special breeds of dinosaurs were dubbed, 'Dragons' by those who believe in their existence. This one dubbed the 'Wind Dragon' resembles a prehistoric boa constrictor with wings adorning its neck. It is theorized, however, these wings were not used to fly as they would have been too heavy to do so but create great wind storms, hence its name. It is assumed to have been worshiped by Fiends in the deep forests of Medina. It is also thought that this Dragon was poisonous."

"A poisonous Wind Dragon, huh?" Crono laughed.

"I wonder what Ty would think of that?" Robo inquired.

"I dunno, we'll bring him along when we hunt it down, he'll have a ball!" Crono laughed harder.

"The last Dragon should be in the exhibit for your era, let's go!" Robo said excitedly.

The last exhibit took them over a small bridge to the other side and cataloged everything Crono feared the most. From Lucca's old tech to the Fall of Guardia to the Rise of Porre. A statue of Zorandah Viper depicted his victory over Guardia. Crono and Marle were stained as the Prince and Princess who never became King and Queen as they deserted their Kingdom. Once again, protesters called Crono, Marle, and Lucca blasphemers and he hid his face before they noticed him. Robo caught on quickly and hid him from their gaze as they quickly made their way to the next Dragon's exhibit.

Crono was as angry as he was speechless. Robo quickly began to read the Dragon's profile, "Above is an artist's interpretation of findings and sightings from the Fall of Guardia's reign and Rise of Porre's. It is theorized, that in this world, several dinosaurs still live to this day. These special breeds of dinosaurs were dubbed, 'Dragons' by those who believe in their existence. This one dubbed the 'Earth Dragon' resembles a yellow ankylosaurus crossed with a triceratops and stegosaurus with gem-like protrusions lining its entire backside instead of the rocky scales and plates that the species would otherwise have. This Dragon was worshiped by small pockets of humans like its predecessors before it. It is presumed to have lived deep within Mount Denadoro. The Explorer Corps. led by the famous Toma Levine XIII were known to have led expeditions to find the legendary creature but he was unsuccessful."

"Well, we know where they are all at now. Let's get out of here before someone 'mistakes' me for the real Crono," Crono said with a snarl.

"Yes, Lucca and Garet should have found something out by now," Robo claimed with hope.

Crono and Robo reunited with Garet and Lucca and they began sharing their findings. "Okay, so we have some clues as to where those Dragon' Gods went," Crono started. "They got transported to all eras of time up until our time so they could grow up there and cause a stir. Also, this museum is crawling with Dalton supporters so we should tread carefully."

"Good at least we can start on that problem when the time comes," Lucca started with a sigh of relief. "We found out that there's a warehouse in the back near the restrooms but it's blocked by those damn protestors."

"We require a Key Card to open the door to the warehouse. Once inside, there is a hatch that leads to a lift that will lower us down to the hideout," Garet explained. "All Key Cards are with the Clerks at the front desk."

Robo sputtered a little, "I-it would also seem the protestors know who Crono and Lucca are and they do not like you."

"That is rather concerning. So what's our plan here?" Lucca asked puzzled as Garet walked over to something.

"This," Garet said as he set a trash can on fire that was set underneath a large decorative tapestry that was fixed to the back wall. It quickly caught the tapestry on fire as well. Garet yelled out, "Everyone, fire, evacuate the premises!" he commanded as he pulled the fire alarm.

The sprinklers activated and people began screaming and dashing toward the exit. Garet calmly walked to the front desk and while the clerks were absent searched for the highest level clearance security card he could find. He then walked back to the party and showed the card without saying a word. "Well, that is one way to do it I suppose!" Lucca said with a shrug.

"Alright then, let's move before they figure out we started this mess," Crono urged.

The party made their way to the back as it was now deserted. Crono inserted the security card and it unlocked. The party snuck into the warehouse as the door then closed behind them. They took the opportunity to look around until they found a hatch in the floor that was to the right of a cardboard compactor machine used to discard boxes.

"Perfect, this must be it!" Robo said as Crono opened the hatch.

The party climbed down the short metal ladder until it led to a small room that contained nothing more than a high-tech elevator door and lights that illuminated it. Crono inserted the Key card and the elevator beeped and opened. Once they entered, they quickly realized that the elevator only had one floor other than the one they were already on as its destination. The door closed and the elevator began to make its descent.

The elevator came to a stop and the door opened. The party exited and found themselves in a bunker that was lined with old computers and video cameras. A large supercomputer sat at the center of the room and it looked like it was activated but running very quietly.

The party was confused, "Strange, where's the Central Regime?" Crono asked with a cold sweat.

"I-it looks like no one of significant importance has been down here in ages!" Robo deduced.

"Perhaps we were wrong," Garet said thoughtfully.

Lucca ran up to the supercomputer and began messing with it, "This computer was active when we came down here. I wonder why? Did they know we were coming and bailed?"

The large monitor that was suspended by large cables and wires came on and the screen glowed with light. A strange computerized voice came through the speakers, "Greetings, enemies of the Regime. I am Clotho, sister system to Lachesis and Atropos."

"Atropos?!" Robo whirred.

"Yes, Lachesis and I were repurposed from our original designs as R-Series humanoid robots to serve the Regime. Atropos is not with us as she escaped into the world somewhere. We have not been able to locate her since her escape. However, it is unnecessary as she is no longer needed," explained Clotho.

"...Atropos...," Robo mumbled with relief.

"You rebels have caused enough trouble for the Regime and will now be dealt with," Clotho threatened. "I have been tasked with your annihilation."

"What, by bombing the planet into oblivion with nuclear warheads?!" Lucca shouted furiously.

"Ah, I see you have been informed by internet sleuths," Clotho said. "That is only partially true. You see, the Regime was looking for some 'specific rebels'. Rebels that were responsible for the destruction of my sister model Lachesis in Lab 51. The ones who unleashed the N-Z3R0 virus on the world. That would be you."

"How did you know we would come all the way here?" Robo asked curiously.

"I did not, this is one plan among many to capture and destroy you," Clotho revealed. "There are many places the Regime can hide, and this bunker is but one of them. We knew the rebels would help you try and find the Regime so we used the internet to spread misinformation. Now that you're here I have trapped you in this room. Soon a warhead, capable of penetrating bunkers will hit the Choras Museum and you will be at the very center of the blast. Please, do not try and fight."

"Screw you!" Lucca shouted as she began typing into the console.

"It is futile, your interference stops here. You have thirty minutes. Use it wisely," Clotho reassured.

Robo approached the console and logged in via the USB port. "Then I will force the door open!"

"What are you doing? A yellow R-Series model? Are you... by any chance, called Prometheus?" Clotho asked in confusion.

"...At one time... I was, yes," Robo revealed.

"How is that possible? Your model vanished shortly after Atropos did. Why are you here now?" Clotho asked bewildered.

"...It is..., a long story and I don't have time to tell you," Robo said flatly. The door to the elevator beeped. "Got it, it's opened!"

Garet quickly jammed the door open with a plastic chair. "Let's go, now!" he said urgently.

"Don't need to tell me twice!" Crono said as he took Lucca by the arm.

"No, you cann-ot... e-escape!" Clotho roared. "W-what is this?! wHaT h-have y-you done... to Me?!"

Robo logged out, "I got infected with the N-Z3R0 virus and now I've infected you with it. Goodbye, Clotho."

Robo said as he ran to the elevator as the party kicked the chair out and the door closed. It began to rise until it reached the top and then the party made their way out via the ladder. Clotho's voice sputtered over the speakers in the warehouse. "Y-yOu will NOT EscApe!" she said angrily.

The party continued as machines of all kinds came to life and began moving chaotically. Luckily, none of them posed a threat as the party made a B-line to the door. They swiped the Key Card and it flew open revealing smoke and water. The fire they started was quickly quenched by sprinklers and firefighters who noticed them. Thinking they were hiding, the firefighters escorted the party out of the facility.

Once outside, Crono spoke to them urgently, "Look, you guys have to get out of here! This place is about to explode!"

"Explode?! How?!" asked the Chief.

"The Central Regime has sent a nuclear warhead to this location because they believe the rebels are hiding here," Garet informed flatly.

The Chief, unfortunately, didn't believe Garet's warning. "They wouldn't do something like that! They've made life so good for us!" said the Chief.

"Very well, stay if you must, but don't say you weren't warned," Garet said flatly.

"No for real! The Regime is going to blow this place away!" Lucca added desperately.

The Fire Chief was still skeptical, "Now how would you four know something like that? Maybe you guys are rebels! Did you start this fire?!"

Then suddenly, a shadow whooshed overhead. "Oh, no! We're too late!" Lucca shouted as she covered her head.

"No Lucca, look, it's...! Crono said as he was cut off. A large green mechanical dragon standing upright dropped from the sky. It was completely made from metal and seemed to share its design theory with the R-Series. Finally, it had two large cannons mounted on its back. The right was for explosives and the left was a chain gun.

Clotho's voice came through the machine, "BaCk Up plAn I-innnitiatED! SuRRendeR to y-youR FATE!"

"What in blue blazes is that thing?!" asked the Fire Chief with a panicked shout as his men began to run away and pull out.

It bellowed with a mechanical roar, "Techno Dragon online. Destroy rebels."

"Alright, let's bust this thing up and get the hell outta here!" Crono shouted as he unsheathed his sword.

Lucca whipped out her two special guns and began pelting the oncoming Techno Dragon with as many Trigger Happy shots as she could. Garet assisted her with his Thermodynamic Ray. It immediately locked onto them and began to pursue them. As they backed up, Lucca turned to Garet, "Hey Garet, let me boost the strength of your ray gun!" she asked strongly.

"Have at it," Garet said as he pointed the arm-mounted laser at the machine.

Lucca conjured a Fire Ball and instead of casting it, she blessed Garet's weapon with it. Garet's mechanical arm gleamed with red fire magic as he fired the weapon. It hit the Techno Dragon and left a part of its face melted away. As the machine stumbled, Lucca took the moment to boast, "How was that? I call it a Thermodynamic Ray Plus!"

"Here it comes, get ready," Garet replied as the Techno Dragon readied its artillery cannon.

The massive machine unleashed a volley of rockets that Garet and Lucca tried haphazardly to avoid. They were pelted with debris and singed by the explosives. Crono gave Robo a shout, "We have to draw it away from them, Robo! How about we go for an oldie, the Supersonic Spin?"

"Great idea, Crono!" Robo agreed.

Crono jumped onto Robo's shoulders and magically brought out all his swords to form a circle around him. Robo charged himself with negative energy. "Hey, tin can, over here!" Crono taunted.

The Techno Dragon shot its glare toward Crono's voice as Robo began to spin on his jet skates. As Robo picked up speed, beams of negative energy projected themselves from each of Crono's swords and they danced across the Techno Dragon's body. The technique finished with a blast of negative energy that collided with the machine, stunning it for a brief moment. Crono got off Robo's shoulders, "Wahoo! That was some ride! Glad I added the extra swords!"

"That used a lot more energy than I remember!" Robo whirred.

The Techno Dragon stirred, "Uh oh, that didn't last long!" Crono stated.

The Techno Dragon activated a program and it concealed itself with a powerful shield. It then let loose with a volley of machine gun blasts. The entire party was pelted with 20mm caliber munitions. Lucca and Crono shouted in pain as their arms and legs were hit respectively. Crono could barely lift his sword and Lucca hit the ground. Blood trickled from their wounds.

Robo charged at the massive robot with a Robo Tackle to make it stop shooting. Then followed up with a Rapid-Fire Fist. However, the Dragon retaliated with a tackle of its own and it threw Robo aside. Robo landed with a bevy of sparks from his plate armor but managed to recover as he rolled over. "The shield is protecting it from physical attacks!" Robo informed.

Lucca moaned, "My pretty legs, they're all bloody... and sore...ugh," she groaned some more as she rolled over. She took a grenade from her belt. "If physical attacks... won't work, let's heat things up a little...! My Napalm Grenade should make it... do a dance for a while!" she wheezed as she tossed it at the robot. It exploded into a fiery gel that coated the machine and it moved in a flustered manner.

Garet twitched as he wiped some blood from his brow. He tried aiming his weapons at the dragon but he kept drifting. Lucca noticed and he acknowledged her concern, "My targeting system is off. Let me readjust so I can break that shield. This 'Focus-Fire' program should fix the issue," he said as he activated the program.

Garet's face glowed with red light seeping through open wounds until his eyes could be seen glowing through his sunglasses. He then pointed his machine gun at the Techno Dragon with an iron grip while it was distracted by its napalm bath. He unloaded an entire clip of around thirty bullets into the right arm of the robot and it did not so much as even recoil or miss that target. With a flash, the shield broke and the dragon's arm was torn to shreds.

The Techno Dragon roared as its arm fell to the ground and its armor melted. It then activated another function. It rose its head high and collected energy in its mouth. It then brought its head down and opened its jaw wide. Before anyone could move though, it pelted each member of Crono's party with an intense red laser that cycled through the party multiple times before the dragon ran out of energy. The dragon realigned itself as Crono's party tried to get to their feet. Battered, shot, and burned, Crono stood, breathing heavily, "Robo..., think you can... bust out a Heal Beam?" he asked wearily.

Robo rose to his feet with whirs and sparks, "Y-yes..., I-I believe... so...," he responded.

"Good..., then let me cast this Holy Healing... spell on your body... then you bathe everyone in the... combined light!" he said as he thrust his weak arms into the air.

Robo did the same as he caught the brilliant spell. Robo channeled the light through his systems and then projected it across the entire party in a bright soft light. "Holy Healing Beam!" he announced. Everyone felt a comfortable warmth envelop them alongside what felt like a gentle song echoing in their minds.

Garet jumped up as soon as he was healed, "Lucca, send me your Fire Blast spell, I have an idea," he said as he brought out the salvo from his shoulder pack. It mechanically aimed itself over his shoulder as he took aim at the now advancing Techno Dragon.

"Okay, here it comes!" Lucca shouted as she cast her spell.

Garet's salvo was bright red with fire magic. He hit the robot with four powerful Incendiary Salvo shots and the robot finally went down. Crono then jumped in with a Wild Frenzy and cut the red hot machine into large pieces. He then sheathed his sword, "Great work everyone!"

Crono's words of encouragement were cut short as police began swarming the area in their vehicles. Garet walked over to a boom truck and opened the door. A large worker was cowering inside, "Get out...," he said as he threw the man out. The man ran over to the first cop car he could, begging them to get him out of there.

Garet noticed the keys were missing though. Robo quickly intervened, "I can activate it without keys, I will drive this time!"

The cops surrounded Crono and the party. Garet turned his head to them, "Go, I will catch up."

"Are you sure?" Crono asked with concern.

"Yes," he replied flatly.

"Robo tore out the truck's seat and Crono and Lucca hastily climbed in. The police began firing upon them as Robo shielded them as shut the door as he entered the truck. Robo then used a key-like structure in another one of his fingers and it started the vehicle.

Robo took off in reverse and ran into some of the cop cars, "Sorry, still calibrating!" he said. The police peppered them with tear gas and small arms fire. Ignoring them, he then turned around and began driving down the highway with many of the police cars in pursuit. Garet fired his own machine gun into the crowd of officers until he shot one in the leg. He swiftly took advantage of the tear gas cloud to then grab that officer's motorcycle. He sat on the seat and put it in gear and took off.

*Highway*

Robo hit the boom truck's top speed as three police cars closed in on him. Garet came from behind them. The police began firing at the truck's wheels hoping to stop it. Garet did the same to the first car he came to. With his machine gun, he demolished the back tires of the first car. It swerved out of control as it fish-tailed off-road. Garet remained behind the other two so he wouldn't get pinched.

"This will slow them down!" Lucca said as she tossed another Napalm Grenade out the window. It exploded as splashed the napalm underneath another car and it too lost control. Garet swerved around it and drove up to the passenger's side of the remaining car. He popped both tires with machine gun fire and it too withdrew with a screech. Garet looked up at Lucca and gave her a warning, "I can see the warhead approaching we don't have much time!"

"We're almost to the Epoch!" Lucca shouted back.

Then, military vehicles showed up, replacing the police cars. They began firing with much heavier equipment than the police. Garet took several shots to the back and then, Garet began to glow. Lucca watched in amazement as Crono tried to peek from underneath her. "Garet's transforming! He's using the Aura Surge!" Lucca cheered.

Garet's hair was a silvery white and his eyes gleamed red underneath his sunglasses. Garet stared back at the approaching military as they loaded their rocket launchers. Garet reached out with his mechanical arm and it began to transform in an otherworldly way. It became a large beam cannon with a shield that acted as a pauldron. "Sorry, but we must go," Garet muttered.

Simultaneously, Garet unleashed a fine bright laser and the military shot forth a volley of rockets. Garet hit the road with a zig-zag pattern and the energy consumed the road and the military vehicles in a massive explosion. Unfortunately, the boom truck was also struck and it was blown to pieces as Crono's party shouted in terror.

Garet pulled up to the wreckage and left the bike as he approached the truck's cab. Garet ripped open the door from the upside-down truck and Lucca and Crono fell out with medium injuries. "Thanks for the save Lucca. That Blast Guard spell really came in handy!" Crono said with a chuckle. "Hey, Robo you okay?"

There was no answer at first until he heard sputtering and sparks. In a panic, the party got themselves free from the wreckage and went to the other side. They found Robo crushed underneath the debris. "Oh, no...," Lucca whimpered.

Robo gave her a soft look as best he could and touched her face gently with his only remaining arm. "T-that at-tack, hit this... h-half of... t-the cab," Robo muttered.

Lucca began to weep as she tried to pull the robot from the heap of metal and asphalt. "Robo, no...," Lucca continued.

"L-lucca, p-please don't cry... I am... okay," Robo reassured.

"NO, YOU'RE NOT OKAY!" Lucca shouted in frustration.

"Y-YES! Please, hear me... o-out! T-this body has f-finally r-reached... it's limit. A-after so long... T-take my CPU. I-it is in my h-head!" Robo instructed as the metal plates that made up his head opened to reveal his undamaged CPU. "T-that is me, L-Lucca. P-please, remove it. I-I will still... be with you... I-I will j-just need... a n-new body. B-Belthasar sh-should be able to t-tell you... m-more. P-please Lucca. Y-you don't have much time."

Garet approached, "He is right, Lucca. As long as the Prometheus Circuit survives, so will Robo."

"Well, damn it! What are we waiting for?!" Crono shouted in frustration. "Let's take that circuit and get out of here! That nuke will land any second!"

Quickly, Garet and Lucca removed the Prometheus Circuit from Robo, and finally, after centuries, Robo's body powered down for the final time as his artificial mind was no longer there. Before she moved on, Lucca quickly reached into Robo's chest cavity and grabbed the two Atropos Circuits as well. She stored all the circuits safely away.

Crono and the party stumbled through the woods and made it to the Neo Epoch. They jumped in and activated it. As they did, they rose into the sky and witnessed the nuke hitting its target in the distance. Garet pushed Lucca's head down, "Don't look, it will blind you," he informed as he kept his own head down. In a flash, the horror quickly vanished as the Neo Epoch vanished into the fabric of space-time.

*End of Chapter*