START/END TRACK 1
START TRACK 2
FADE IN:
INT. CRONO’S ROOM - MORNING
The screen fades in from blackness, showing CRONO, a spiky-, red-haired teenager, lying fully-clothed in bed.  The sound of BIRDS CHIRPING fill the open-windowed room.
As Crono’s cat rubs up against his leg, CRONO’S MOM comes up the stairs to his room and walks into his room.
CRONO’S MOM
Crono...
Crono does nothing.
CRONO’S MOM
(louder)
Crono...
Crono rolls over.
CRONO’S MOM
(yelling)
Crono!
Crono bolts upright, and looks to his mother, as he rubs his eyes.
CRONO
(tired)
Hey, mom.
CRONO’S MOM
Good morning, sleepy head!
CRONO
What time is it?
CRONO’S MOM
Time for you to get ready for the fair!  It would be a shame if you missed it so you could get some sleep.
CRONO
(sarcastically)
Truly, a shame.
Crono’s mom walks to the window.  The sound of a BELL RINGING in the distance enters the room.
CRONO’S MOM
Ah...don’t you just love the sound of Leene’s Bell when you get up?
CRONO
Mom?  Can you give me a minute?
She turns to him and then leaves the room.  Crono stands and walks to the window, running his hand through his hair.
INT. CRONO’S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Crono’s mom is at the kitchen sink, washing dishes, as Crono comes down the steps, slightly more presentable.
CRONO’S MOM
Before you go, that inventor friend of yours...oh, what’s her name?...
CRONO
Lucca?
CRONO’S MOM
Lucca wanted you to stop by her house first.  She said she wants to show you her newest invention.
CRONO
Thanks, mom.
CRONO’S MOM
Ooh!
She tosses Crono a small bag, and he catches it.
CRONO’S MOM
Your allowance.
CRONO
This much?
CRONO’S MOM
Plus some spending money.
Crono walks towards the door.
CRONO’S MOM (O.C.)
Have fun at the fair!  Be home before dinner!
Crono closes the door behind him.
INT. LUCCA’S HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
The door is open, so Crono leans inside and looks around.  The house is in a general state of disarray, though Crono is not surprised at the clutter.
CRONO
Lucca?
He steps into the house and walks inward, looking down the hallway for her, seeing nothing.  He then looks towards the back end of the house, but still nothing.
CRONO
Lucca?  Are you here?
He starts walking backwards, looking around.
INSERT -- CRONO STEPPING OVER SEVERAL CONTRAPTIONS.
LUCCA (O.C.)
Here!
Crono is startled, and turns to see LUCCA going over a blueprint of a large device, the majority of which is rolled up.
LUCCA
You know, you really should learn to keep your cool better.  Eventually, you’re going to have to use that sword of yours.
Crono looks down at his weapon, and looks back to Lucca, who is smiling.
CRONO
My mom told me-
LUCCA
That I wanted to see you, I know.  It’s been a while since I started on it, but I’m almost done, and I wanted you to have a look at the plans before I unveiled it today at the fair.
CRONO
What is it?
Lucca unrolls the rest of the blueprint, revealing drawings and schematics of two huge transporters, connected by various wires.
LUCCA
Behold!  The Super Dimension Warp!
CRONO
The...what?
LUCCA
You stand on one pad, we power up the machine, and instantly, you’re transported to the other.  Science at its purest!
CRONO
Sounds sort of dangerous, don’t you think?
LUCCA
Don’t worry, my dad and I have had plenty of time and energy to perfect it.  You see-
LARA (O.C.)
Lucca?  Who is that?
LUCCA
(yelling into back room)
It’s just Crono, mom!  I asked him to come over.
LARA (O.C.)
Hello, Crono!  
CRONO
Hello, Lucca’s mom!
Lara comes into view in a simple wheelchair, one that was made from scratch. 
LARA 
Now Crono, I told you to call me Lara.
CRONO
Sorry…Lara.
Lara smiles and Lucca rolls up the plans.
LUCCA
Well…I have to go help Dad set up the presentation, so…I’ll be off now.  Something amazing is going to happen today.  I can feel it.  See ya!
Lucca leaves, and Crono walks over to Lara.
CRONO
You alright?
LARA
Yes…ever since Lucca built me this wheeled chair, life has been easier.  She even wants to call it a “wheelchair”, but I find that to be incorrect grammar, so…
CRONO
She doesn’t care so much for English as she does for…well, everything else.
Lara smiles again.
CRONO
Sorry Ms. Lara, but I have to go.
LARA
Oh, I understand.  Say hi to your mother for me!
CRONO
(walking towards door)
Gotcha, Ms. Lara!
Crono walks out the door.
LARA
(shaking head)
I will never understand that boy...
EXT. LUCCA’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Crono looks out at the fairgrounds and sighs.
CRONO
Well...time to have some fun.
END TRACK 2
START TRACK 3
EXT. MILLENNIAL FAIR ENTRANCE - DAY
Crono walks into the fairgrounds, looking in wonder at all the things around him.  A cat runs by, and he looks down at it.
Crono walks forward through a circular track, and halfway through, several men and other creatures rush by him, and he stiffens up as they do.  Then, he continues on, looking around some more.
To the side is an old man, MELCHIOR, in a red and blue outfit.  He is standing behind a weapons table.
Crono walks over to the table and peruses the goods.
MELCHIOR
Well, good afternoon, my young lad!  It seems you have an interest in swords.
CRONO
Well, you never can be too careful.
MELCHIOR
My thoughts exactly!  Do you like what you see?
CRONO
Damn, this is good steel.  Where’d you find it?
MELCHIOR
I made it myself!  A secret trick that only my kind and I know!
CRONO
Your kind?
Melchior looks to Crono’s blade.
MELCHIOR
May I see your sword, lad?
Crono pulls the weapon and hands it to the man.  He pores over it, examining the blade.  As he tests its flexibility, it snaps apart in his hand.
MELCHIOR
Oh, would you look at that!  
CRONO
You broke my sword!
MELCHIOR
It was of poor quality.  Very unreliable in combat.
He puts the shards on the table and hands Crono a better sword, much sturdier and stronger.
MELCHIOR
Here, take this one instead.  It’s my best creation - the Rainbow Blade.
Crono starts to pull his money bag out, but Melchior stops him.
MELCHIOR
No, no, no!  My gift to you.
CRONO
But...I can’t take this from you without paying for it.
MELCHIOR
Believe me, boy...you’ll need it.
Crono takes the sword and sheathes it, a perfect fit for his scabbard.  He looks back at the man.
CRONO
Thanks.  But what’s your name?
MELCHIOR
You may call me Melchior.
Crono walks away, and up the steps to the next section.
CRONO
Strange old man...
EXT. MILLENNIAL FAIR SQUARE - CONTINUOUS
Crono walks forward and sees Leene’s Bell.  He walks up to it, examines it, and backs away while still looking.
As he backs up, he accidentally bumps into a fast-moving blonde-haired girl, MARLE, and they both fall down.  Marle’s pendant flies off towards the middle of the square.
Crono stands and sees the girl looking for her pendant.  He sees it, grabs it, and hands it to her.
MARLE
...thank you.
Crono helps her to her feet.
CRONO
Are you all right, miss?  Are you hurt?
MARLE
(nervous, looking around)
No, I’m fine.
INSERT -- TWO GUARDS WALK NEARBY, LOOKING AROUND.
Marle sees the guards, GASPS, and then loops her arm with Crono’s, pulling him along further into the fairgrounds.
CRONO
What are you doing?
MARLE
Please, sir, just help me out here.
CRONO
But I thought you didn’t need my-
MARLE
Well, now I do.
They hide behind the bell, and the guards disappear into the crowd.  Marle gives a sigh of relief.
CRONO
Are you hiding from somebody?
MARLE
(defensive)
No!
CRONO
Okay...then what’s your name?
MARLE
It’s N-
(stops, thinks quickly)
Marle.  My name is Marle.
CRONO
That’s a pretty name.  Where do you li-
Two more guards appear from around the corner.  Marle pulls Crono further away, towards the next set of steps.
MARLE
I’m sorry about this, but please, just play along.
CRONO
Alright with me.
They go up the steps.
INSERT -- SIGN NEXT TO STEPS READING “SUPER DIMENSION WARP PRESENTATION”.
END TRACK 3
EXT. MILLENNIAL FAIR PRESENTATION PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS
Marle and Crono walk up to the main stage and duck behind some bushes, where the guards won’t see them.  Several dozen people have gathered for the show.
Lucca and her father, TABAN, are preparing the devices, which are just now being connected and tested.
TABAN
(speaking to crowd)
Ladies and gentlemen, if you will hold on just one moment please, we will begin the show!
Lucca looks out and sees Crono next to Marle, arms looped together, and she looks at him inquisitively.
MARLE
Do you see any more guards?
CRONO
No, I think we’re safe.  Or, rather, you are.
MARLE
Good.
CRONO
Let me just ask you one question: did you escape from prison?
MARLE
No.
CRONO
Didn’t think so.
Taban steps down from the platform, as Lucca stands next to the left-most transporter.
TABAN
Alright, then, ladies and gentlemen...let the show begin!
LUCCA
(speaking to crowd)
What we have here is a marvel of modern, and potentially post-modern science: a device that can instantaneously transport any object - including a HUMAN BEING - through matter itself, a distance of 5 yards, without the aid of deception or trickery.
TABAN
It is a device that will one day be able to do away with the days upon days of walking that I know you are all so tired of.
Light laughter comes from the crowd.  Crono laughs, but Marle hits his legs to make him stop, and he does.  Lucca sees this.
LUCCA
But now, we must test it - on one of you!
MARLE
(whispering to Crono)
Are we clear?
CRONO
(whispering back)
Clear.
MARLE
Let’s go.
The two start to leave.
LUCCA
So for my first volunteer, let me introduce my friend Crono!
Crono stops walking, and turns to Lucca.
LUCCA
Crono, would you and your traveling partner come here, please?
MARLE
(whispering)
You know her?!
CRONO
Yeah...
Crono walks up, and Marle reluctantly follows him up to the stage.
LUCCA
Crono, please step on this pad here.
Crono walks onto the pad, and stands in one place.  Marle fidgets nervously.
LUCCA
And now, by a flick of this very heavy switch...
Lucca pulls the huge switch, and the entire thing lights up and whirs.
LUCCA
Crono will appear over on your right!
Once Lucca pushes the switch back up, Crono’s body begins to fade as the machine takes effect, and suddenly, several beams of light shoot to the right-most pad, materializing into the red-haired teenager.
The audience claps, and Crono steps off the platform.
Marle looks out into the square and sees six guards looking around.  They look her direction.
START TRACK 4
MARLE
I’ll go next!
Marle walks onto the left platform and twitches constantly.
TABAN
But the machine needs time to power down...
MARLE
I don’t care!
The guards walk into the arena and towards the stage.
TABAN
Well, if you say so...
Taban pulls the switch, and the entire thing powers up again.  The guards get onto the stage and surround the platform that Marle is on.
MARLE
No!  I won’t go back!
The guards reach up to grab her, but Marle turns to Crono.
MARLE
Push the switch!
Crono leaps into action, pushing the lever back up, as the machine begins to transfer.
However, the energy that courses between the two pads strangely gets attracted to the pendant that Marle is wearing, and she yells as her body gets torn apart.
Suddenly, a black void opens up around Marle’s body, and it slowly sucks her in, as her form disappears into the darkness.
CRONO
Marle!
Crono pushes the guards aside and runs into the void, disappearing as well.  Lucca runs forward.
LUCCA
Crono!
The guards restrain her, however, and one of them accidentally pulls the plug on the machine with his foot.  The void fades away completely.
LUCCA
No!
GUARD CAPTAIN
(to audience)
Alright, people, there’s nothing to see here.  Go back to your business!
The guards usher the people out, as Lucca and Taban stare at the left platform.  Lucca kneels down and looks at the device, as Taban rubs her shoulder.
TABAN
Honey...let’s just go home for now.  We’ll look at it later.
LUCCA
Yeah...yeah, you’re right.
She gets up and walks out of the square.  They pass by Melchior, who looks at the platform with interest.  He, too, turns away.
INT. TIMEWARP - CONTINUOUS
Crono finds himself floating in a tunnel of darkness, a void of purple and black swirling colors that gets gradually closer and closer to a small speck of light at the end.  He covers his face as he nears the exit.
INT. ARRIS DOME 2ND FLOOR - 2300 A.D.
A black void, the same kind as before, opens up from the silent dome, and Crono falls to the ground out of it, rolling against the wall.
As he comes to a stop, he looks around himself and gets to his feet, gawking at the incredible scenery: a room filled with blackened, dirt-covered, fire-ridden machinery and steel.
CRONO
What the hell?
He walks forward, steps on a metal platform, and it cracks beneath him.  He leaps out of the way before it collapses, falling to the level below.
CRONO
What is this place?
He walks over to a pair of shutters on the wall, and pulls them off the wall, where they’ve become stuck in place.  As they fall to the floor, he looks out.
The world outside is black and cold.  A deeply chilling breeze attacks Crono’s body, and he stumbles back, while fixated on the desolated place outside.
He goes back to the window and looks outside in horror.
END TRACK 4
EXT. MILLENNIAL FAIR PRESENTATION PLATFORM - 1000 A.D.
Lucca stands off to the side as guards patrol the area, looking to see what happened, though the transporters are gone.  She hangs her head in shame.
LUCCA
Buffoons...
The King, KING GUARDIA, arrives, as the Captain of his men walks up to him.
KING GUARDIA
Where is she?  Where is Princess Nadia?
GUARDIA CAPTAIN
I do not know, sir...she disappeared.
KING GUARDIA
Disappeared?  What do you mean, she disappeared?
GUARDIA CAPTAIN
Literally, sir, she disappeared.  One moment she was there, and the next...from what my men tell me, it was incredible, and strange.
LUCCA
(whispering)
Princess Nadia...could that be...?
The King clenches his fists.
KING GUARDIA
I want her found, and returned safely to the castle.  No one goes home until this is done, understood?
GUARDIA CAPTAIN
Yes, my Lord!
LUCCA
And the plot thickens...
INT. ARRIS DOME 2ND FLOOR - 2300 A.D.
Crono is still looking out the window when a SCREAM is heard from the floor below.  Crono turns to listen to it.
CRONO
Marle!
START TRACK 5
He runs out of the room and into the...
INT. ARRIS DOME STAIRWELL - CONTINUOUS
...rushing down the stairs into the...
INT. ARRIS DOME 1ST FLOOR - CONTINUOUS
...where Marle is being assaulted by two robotic creatures.  Her calf is cut, and blood is coming from the wound.
MARLE
Get away!
She backs up against the wall and gets on top of a container, kicking at the creatures, who slash at her.
CRONO
Leave her alone!
MARLE
(surprised)
Crono!
Crono unsheathes his sword and rushes at the creatures, who turn to see him.  Crono gets a hit in on one of the beasts, severing one of its legs, as the second one hits Crono towards the other side of the room.
Getting up, Crono holds his sword in a stabbing position to the side of his face as the undamaged beast comes closer, two thick blades ready to be used.
As the machine nears, Crono shifts his weight to dodge a blow, and then he rams his sword into the beast’s face, making it short-circuit and stumble about.  It falls.
The sound of SOMETHING CLICKING INTO PLACE is heard, and Crono turns to see the second machine, albeit disabled, mounting a rapid-fire gun to be used.
CRONO
I’m not cut out for this.
The gun starts blazing, and Crono rolls out of the way, towards the creature, and slices the gun from its shoulder.  Then, in a downward cut, he rips the beast in half with his blade, sparks flying everywhere.
END TRACK 5
Crono stands and sheathes his sword, rushing to Marle to look at her wound.
START TRACK 6
MARLE
Damn it all!  He got me!
CRONO
Hold still, or you’re just going to keep on bleeding.
Crono rips part of his sleeve off and ties it around Marle’s calf, putting pressure on the wound.  He takes her leg and props it up on a platform right next to her, telling her to lean back.
CRONO
(laying her down)
Keep the wound above your head.  Lay back.
MARLE
How do you know all this?
CRONO
(getting Marle comfortable)
I had to learn the basics.  I’m an only child.
MARLE
Me too.
CRONO
Well, my mom isn’t exactly the most practical one in the world.
Marle laughs, and Crono smiles.
CRONO
Sure you’re alright?
MARLE
Yeah, I’m fine.
CRONO
Sounds familiar.
Marle adjusts her leg and breathes rapidly.  Crono puts his hand on her diaphragm and uses his hand to slow her pace.
CRONO
Deep breaths.  Remember, deep breaths.
Marle’s breathing slows and she relaxes, no longer tense.  He removes his hand.
CRONO
So...what exactly were you running from back there?
MARLE
...I don’t feel like discussing it.
CRONO
And you would rather discuss what?
Marle smiles, as Crono puts pressure on her wound with his hands.
MARLE
I guess you taught yourself to fight like that too, huh?
CRONO
Yeah.  But you know, you should have a weapon.  It’ll make your life easier.
Two more machines enter the room, inching closer to the duo.
MARLE
I don’t need a weapon, as long as you have yours, right?
CRONO
Well, I won’t always be able to protect you.  You may have to rely on yourself eventually.
The machines open up their guns, and Crono turns to see them prepare to fire.
From the doorway, a sphere of light hits the closest machine, destroying it.  The second creature turns to see Lucca pointing a futuristic gun at it.
She pulls the trigger, a second sphere decimating that one as well.  She tucks the weapon into her belt and turns to the two of them.
LUCCA
Of course, there’s always me.
Crono smiles.  Lucca walks over and looks at the wound.
LUCCA
Good job, Crono.  Nice handiwork with the bandage.
CRONO
She needs to see a doctor.  One of the machines got her.
LUCCA
Figured that.
MARLE
How do we get out of here?
LUCCA
Same way I got in.
CRONO
How is that?
Lucca pulls a wand from her pocket.
LUCCA
It’s called a Gate Key.  It’s actually supposed to allow remote operation of the transporter, but now it lets me activate the Gate.  I had to outsmart some guards to use it, though...
CRONO
Gate?
LUCCA
You know?  The big black thing that you ran so recklessly into?
MARLE
You came in after me?
CRONO
Well, I couldn’t just let you go, could I?
LUCCA
(with a smirk)
Unfortunately, you couldn’t.
CRONO
(after a moment)
What are you talking about, Lucca?
Lucca sees that Crono truly doesn’t know what she’s talking about.
LUCCA
...Never mind.
MARLE
Look, let’s just leave, alright?
CRONO
Your leg needs time to stop bleeding.  If we move you now, it could worsen your condition.
LUCCA
I suppose I’ll take a look around, then.  You stay with Marle.
Lucca leaves the room.
CRONO
Well, she’s just as bossy as ever.
INT. ARRIS DOME COMMAND ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
The door to the room is bolted shut, but that doesn’t stop Lucca’s gun from putting four holes in the corners, allowing the door to fall from its frame.  She walks into the room.
LUCCA
Let’s see...
(looks up to see sign reading “Command Room”)
Command Room, eh?  Let’s see what kind of devices you have in here...
She walks to the main console, and sees there in a protective case a small, watch-like DEVICE, though highly advanced.
PAUSE TRACK 6
LUCCA
Now what…is this?
She removes the covering and carefully picks it up.  Lights start to come on in the interface, and it emits a series of high beeps.
LUCCA
What the hell?
It stops beeping, and lights continue moving on the surface.
DEVICE
Greetings, human user.  I am the portable robotic assistant R-66Y, a fully-functional multi-language device capable of over 7 million unassisted tasks, including but not limited to—
LUCCA
Wait, you talk?  
R-66Y
Yes, human user.  I talk frequently.
LUCCA
I can see that, but what’s interesting is that you UNDERSTAND enough to talk back.
R-66Y
I do not see why this is interesting.  Since the year 1785, artificial intelligence has been sentient enough in programming to—
LUCCA
Since WHEN?  What year is this?
R-66Y
I do not know.  I was deactivated September 26 of the year 1999 in accordance with automatic emergency shutdown procedures, and partially due to a large magnetic interference pulse resonating from—
LUCCA
Do you follow orders well, R-66Y?
R-66Y
Yes, human user.
LUCCA
Okay.  First, call me Lucca.  Second, stop talking so much and get to the point, something that might be of interest to a human.  And third, how do I find out where we are?
R-66Y
The main console contains an internal clock that will tell you what year this is.
LUCCA
In other words?
R-66Y
Press that large blue button to your left.
LUCCA
There we are.  Good enough, 66.
R-66Y
Shall I call myself 66 from now on, Lucca?
LUCCA
That’ll do.
RESUME TRACK 6
Lucca presses the blue button, and the huge screen in front of her turns on, but it is white, with black lettering on it.
LUCCA
(reading screen)
“Current date: August 8, 2300 A.D.”  What the...?
The screen becomes more and more static-filled, and finally, sounds of explosions come on.
INSERT -- LUCCA’S FACE, AS SHE WATCHES THE FOOTAGE, HER EYES WIDENING.
INT. ARRIS DOME 1ST FLOOR - MOMENTS LATER
Marle takes her leg and pulls it over the side of the platform, trying to stand on it.  She can’t, and she cries out.
CRONO
Whoa, whoa, whoa.  Take it easy.  I’ll help you along.
Lucca rounds the corner into the room and Crono looks up at her.
CRONO
Lucca!  Marle’s leg is better; we can go n-
LUCCA
You need to see this.
INT. ARRIS DOME COMMAND ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Crono helps Marle into the room, as Lucca preps the screen.
LUCCA
66, would you care to introduce?
MARLE
66?
LUCCA
He’s my watch.
66
I am 66, Lucca’s watch.
LUCCA
Good boy.
CRONO
It talked.
LUCCA
I know.  
66
This is the Command Room of the people who ran this dome prior to the destruction of your world.  The station’s main computer has an internal clock that says this is the year 2300 A.D.
MARLE
What?  2300 A.D.  But that means-
LUCCA
We travelled 1300 years into the future when we stepped through that gate.
There is silence.
LUCCA
Now, somewhere during that time, a catastrophe of magnificent proportions occurred, ending all human life in this era.
She presses a large blue button.
66
This footage is from September 26, 1999 A.D...a time entitled “The Day of Lavos”.
The screen comes to life, and static fills it.
END TRACK 6
START TRACK 7
INSERT -- ON THE SCREEN, THE WORLD, GREEN AND BEAUTIFUL, IS TORN APART BY A MASSIVE BEETLE-LIKE CREATURE, SPEWING FIRE AND MAGMA EVERYWHERE.  METEORS OF ROCK CRASH INTO EVERY STRUCTURE, SMOTHERING THE PLANET.  FOR A FULL MINUTE, THIS FOOTAGE CONTINUES, WHILE AT THE END NOTHING REMAINS.
Crono is left in awe, while Marle is nearly to tears.  Lucca has her head lowered.
CRONO
So...300 years ago, this creature, Lavos, destroyed the planet?
LUCCA
Yes.
CRONO
And he was dwelling in the planet for how long?
66
It is impossible to tell...but the readings indicate that there were unusual energy levels from as far back as your time, and maybe even further.
MARLE
That THING is in the ground beneath our homes?
66
If the readings are correct...then yes.
A short silence ensues.
MARLE
Well, we have to do something about it!
LUCCA
What CAN we do?
MARLE
We go back to our time and we tell everybody we can about it!  Then we destroy it!
LUCCA
A foolhardy plan.
CRONO
Lucca, what other choice do we have?
LUCCA
(sighs)
Look...it would be best to attack the creature as far back as we can, before it’s gained enough power to sustain itself.  That means, the further back in time, the greater our chances.
CRONO
How far back can you take us?
LUCCA
I don’t know.  I suppose we’ll just have to pump the Gate with as much energy as we can and see where we go.
Marle and Crono look at each other, then back to Lucca.
CRONO
Let’s do it.
66
Are we about to do something foolish?
INT. ARRIS DOME 2ND FLOOR - MOMENTS LATER
Lucca and the others arrive in the room, and Lucca prepares her Gate Key, as Marle and Crono wait.
Lucca adjusts the settings on the Key.
LUCCA
Alright...the power is at full, and I’ve reversed the charge, so we'll go back in time as far as this will take us.
CRONO
And you’re sure it’ll work?
66
The chances of success in this regard are minimal at best.
LUCCA
In other words, not really.
She presses the button, and electricity courses from the Key, reopening the thin black void in space in front of them.  It gradually widens, beginning to suck them in.
Crono picks Marle entirely off the ground, carrying her.  Marle and Lucca look at him, surprised.
CRONO
...It’s easier this way.
He walks inside, Marle with him.  Lucca scoffs.
LUCCA
Show-off.
She enters as well, and with the electricity gone, the Gate closes behind them.
END TRACK 7
EXT. MOUNTAIN SUMMIT - 600 A.D.
The Gate opens, and Crono walks out with Marle, Lucca following after them.  The Gate immediately shrinks to a very small size, as the three look around.
The world they are in is heavily forested and overcast, with light mist covering everything in sight.  They look out into the distance to see more, and see only green fields.
CRONO
So...any ideas, Lucca?
LUCCA
If I had to guess...
(looks out)
I’d say this is the Middle Ages.
CRONO
What, you mean medieval times?
LUCCA
...If I had to guess.
CRONO
That’s reassuring.
They begin their descent down the mountain, and Marle looks out at a hilly field to their right.
MARLE
Hey, I know those hills!
CRONO
You do?
MARLE
Of course I do!  I just said I did, didn’t I?
Crono looks befuddled.  Lucca looks at the hills.
LUCCA
Yes...those are the hills just outside of Guardia castle.  I used to do my experiments there when I was a kid.
MARLE
And I used to go there with my mom!
CRONO
Strange, never seen ‘em before.
LUCCA
Crono, if you have nothing to contribute to the conversation, just don’t say anything at all.
She walks on ahead.  Crono shakes his head.
CRONO
Can’t say I haven’t seen her like that before, though.
EXT. MOUNTAIN BASE - MOMENTS LATER
Crono puts Marle back on her own two feet slowly.  Lucca walks off ahead to look around.
CRONO
Can you stand on your own?
He gently lets go of her, allowing her to test her legs out.  She stumbles into place, but she stands on her own.
MARLE
Yeah.  I think I can carry myself this time.
CRONO
You know, I was only-
MARLE
Making things easier, I know.
(smiles)
I still appreciate the gentlemanly gesture.  You would be surprised at how many ‘gentlemen’ have no sense of chivalry.
CRONO
And you would know this because...?
LUCCA (O.C.)
Hey, you two!  I see something!
Crono and Marle walk over to Lucca, who is at the top of a hill looking down into the forested region below.  Marle limps slightly as she goes.
CRONO
What is it?
LUCCA
See right there?
(points ahead)
It’s a castle.
MARLE
...Guardia Castle.
66
Additionally, it appears that we are in the year 600 A.D.
CRONO
How did you know that?
66
The stone facing on the front of the castle was placed there at the end of the 6th century A.D., later replaced by reinforced bronze, and since the castle is only half-covered now, it was an easy inference.
CRONO
You can see?
66
You thought otherwise, human user?
CRONO
It’s Crono.
MARLE
There’s a town down there to the left!
Marle points through a thicket of bushes to their left.  The three move over to them and push them aside, ducking and looking down towards the village.
LUCCA
Interesting...
She stands, as do the others.
LUCCA
Come on, let’s head for the castle.  Then we can find out what we’re up against.
Crono and Marle turn and follow her.
MARLE
...I don’t like castles.
CRONO
Well, she does.
They descend the hill, headed for Guardia.
START TRACK 8
INT. GUARDIA CASTLE - LATER
Lucca and the other two step inside the open castle gates, while guards rush back and forth from the castle to the outside area, preparing for something.  Crono looks around at the soldiers while Lucca looks at the banner above the stairwell.
LUCCA
Yup...this is 600 A.D. alright.
CRONO
How do you know?
LUCCA
(pointing at banner)
Because it says it right there.
At the bottom of the banner is the year 600 A.D. in Roman numerals.  Crono nods his head in realization.
From the top of the main stairs, a man in robes, holding a sceptre, looks down, the CHANCELLOR.  He runs down the stairs.
CHANCELLOR
My Queen!
LUCCA
I’m not your-
The Chancellor brushes past Lucca and heads towards Marle.
CHANCELLOR
I thought you were in your room, resting.  Why ever are you down here-
(sees blood on bandage on calf)
Blood?  A bandage?  Where were you hurt?
MARLE
I’m not the-
CHANCELLOR
Guards!  Arrest these people!
Several soldiers arrive and surround the three.  Marle pushes the Chancellor away.
CHANCELLOR
My Que-
MARLE
(angrily)
I’m not the Queen!
The Chancellor stands in awe.
QUEEN LEENE (O.C.)
She is not.
Everyone looks to the top of the stairs, where QUEEN LEENE, a Marle look-alike dressed in a seafoam gown, and KING GUARDIA, the king, are descending the steps, followed by four guards.
CHANCELLOR
But...how...?
QUEEN LEENE
Chancellor, I would suggest you stop speaking until you have something to say.
CRONO
(muttering)
Sounds familiar.
The Queen walks towards Marle and looks at her, her amazement slowly turning into a smile.  Marle tries to hide her face.
QUEEN LEENE
So, maybe his confusion was warranted.  There is, indeed, a striking resemblance between us.
Crono stands in awe.  Lucca simply lowers her head.
QUEEN LEENE
Tell me, lass, what is your name?  Where are you from?
MARLE
My name is Marle.  I came here-
The Queen reaches down and grabs Marle’s pendant, looking at it.  She is in disbelief.
QUEEN LEENE
My mother’s jewel...and her mother’s before me, and hers before my mother...
The Queen reaches up to see her own pendant is still in its place, and she takes it off.
QUEEN LEENE
How, then...?
LUCCA
...I think I can explain a few things.
They all turn to Lucca.
INT. GUARDIA THRONE ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
The King and Queen are seated in their thrones, listening intently to Lucca’s story.  Marle and Crono stand beside the storyteller.
LUCCA
...and by going through the gate, they arrived in the future, the year 2300 A.D.  I went after them slightly later, but only after I heard from the guards who exactly Marle was.
KING GUARDIA
Well?  Who is she?
LUCCA
Marle is known in our time as Princess Nadia, the sole heir to the Guardia line.
Crono stands in awe.
LUCCA
She’s your great great great great great great great great granddaughter, from 400 years in the future.
Queen Leene smiles.  The King laughs and stands.
KING GUARDIA
Well, this is incredible!  We have to have a celebration immediately!
LUCCA
I’m afraid we don’t have time for that.  Marle’s wound needs to be treated and we need your help to destroy the creature that ends up decimating this planet.
The King sits.
KING GUARDIA
Continue.
LUCCA
We’re hunting a creature known as Lavos.  We believe it may be-
The King lowers his head, and an audible gasp goes throughout the room.  Whispers begin flying.
LUCCA
Your Majesty?  What is it?
KING GUARDIA
We know of this Lavos.  He threatens us with the thought of his existence every day.  He is the reason we are at war.  And you say he lives in our future?
Lucca nods, as the King continues.
KING GUARDIA
Then it has all been for naught.
LUCCA
What, Your Majesty?  We need to know.
KING GUARDIA
(slowly, in a dark tone)
On the continent across the sea, there lives a magician known only to us as the Magus.  His magic fuels the army of Mystics we have been fighting for so very long.  Normally, we would be able to combat them...but now, the Magus is attempting to summon an even greater evil, in order to destroy us entirely.  That evil...is Lavos.
CRONO
What is it?
KING GUARDIA
We don’t know.  But the great power he is imbuing upon his troops is weakening our defenses.  Our only hope now is to infiltrate Magus’ lair and defeat him before he can complete his rituals.
QUEEN LEENE
But no ordinary warrior can penetrate this wizard’s power.  Only the Hero can do that.
LUCCA
The Hero?
QUEEN LEENE
A warrior blessed by great spirits, wielding the sword of magic itself, and wearing the great emblem of Guardia upon his neck.
Lucca and Crono look up to see the emblem, a huge serpent wrapped around a fire-soaked sword, biting the pummel.  She looks back to the King.
KING GUARDIA
At one time, he fought for us.  But ten years ago, he left to fight the dark magician, and has yet to return.  However, he will come.  When our need is greatest...he will come.
END TRACK 8
A gold-plated soldier, the GUARDIA CAPTAIN, runs into the throne room, blood and gashes on his armor.
GUARDIA CAPTAIN
My Lord!
(he kneels)
The Mystic forces have broken through our last defense!  They are almost on the bridge!
The King stands.
KING GUARDIA
Summon the last of our soldiers to the bridge, and build a defensive!  We must not let them reach this side of the river!
GUARDIA CAPTAIN
Yes, my lord!
He gets up and runs back.  The King walks forward.
KING GUARDIA
(to guard)
Get my and my wife’s possessions procured and bring them to the mountain tunnels.  Prepare for evacuation of all non-combatants.
GUARD
Yes, my lord!
He runs up the steps to the right.  The King sits again and the Queen holds his hand.
KING GUARDIA
What can we do...
Crono and Lucca look to each other.
CRONO
We’ll fight!
KING GUARDIA
What will two more warriors do against Magus’ troops?
LUCCA
Believe me, Your Majesty...
(pulls out gun)
We can do a lot.
MARLE
I want to fight too!
QUEEN LEENE
Absolutely not!
They all look to her.
QUEEN LEENE
I will not risk my future daughter in war!  Besides, you’re hurt!
MARLE
I’ll be fine.
QUEEN LEENE
The hell you will!  Guard, bring Princess Nadia to the infirmary, and see that she is taken care of.
QUEEN’S GUARD
Yes, ma’am!
He helps Marle to her feet and down the steps to the left.
MARLE
Crono!  Be careful!
CRONO
Don’t worry about me!
Crono looks to Lucca.
LUCCA
Let’s do this.
They run down the steps to the entrance.
EXT. ZENAN BRIDGE - MOMENTS LATER
((NOTE: This scene takes place on the side of the bridge furthest from Guardia castle.  The Guardia forces are attempting to keep the bridge safe.))
The entrance to the bridge is swamped with living corpses, bodies in various states of decay, though most of them are skeletons.  They swarm upon the wooden structure’s entrance, weapons in hand, hacking at barriers, killing soldiers.
The last few soldiers have backed up behind their only remaining barriers, preparing for a final offensive on the span.  The army is beating on their wooden and stone obstacles, almost through.
Crono and Lucca run the course of the bridge, up to the final soldiers, who have formed a thin line, perhaps 20 people in all.  The Guardia captain stands in the center, and Crono and Lucca go to his left and right.
The captain turns to them.
GUARDIA CAPTAIN
Hey, you two were just in the throne room talking to the King.
LUCCA
‘Were’ being the operative word.
GUARDIA CAPTAIN
...What?
LUCCA
Never mind.
GUARDIA SOLDIER 
They’re almost through!
GUARDIA CAPTAIN
Shut up and pay attention!
The beating gets louder.  Lucca steps forward, gun at her side.
LUCCA
Everybody step back.  I’m about to level the playing field.
They all take a few steps back, and Lucca holds the gun up with her right hand, keeping her aim steady by resting it on her left forearm.  She takes careful aim at the entrance.
LUCCA
Here we go.
The barriers tumble down, as a plethora of skeletal warriors stumble onto the planks, ready for blood.
However, they are met by a wall of spherical light bullets, pumping repeatedly from Lucca’s gun.  Each one tears holes through the crowd, decimating the enemy ranks.  Each soldier’s bones fall, disconnected, to the ground.
After close to fifteen shots, Lucca’s gun jams.  She holds it up, while only a handful of creatures remain.
LUCCA
It needs to cool down!  Can you guys handle the rest?
GUARDIA CAPTAIN
Yes, ma’am!  Chaaaaaarge!
The line of soldiers thrusts forward, raining steel upon the last Mystics, crossing onto actual land.  Crono impales several of the enemy, slashing heads from torsos, and watching skeletal frames crumple, some falling into the water below.
Within only about twenty seconds, the battle is over, and the enemy is no longer in sight.  The fight is complete.
Crono stands among a pile of bones and breathes heavily.  He sheathes his sword.
INSERT -- SHOT OF THE AREA WHERE CRONO IS STANDING, AS HE WALKS AWAY, AND THE BONES IN THE GRASS SLOWLY BEGIN TO MOVE, SWIRLING INTO A MASSIVE PILE.
The soldiers are all walking away, but an EVIL LAUGH echoes nearby, catching their attention.  As they turn to see where it’s coming from, they see what is happening.
As the bones swirl together, they climb higher and higher, reaching a height of about 12 feet.  As they get higher, each bone finds itself something to attach to, making for one massive skeletal frame.
When they’re finished, Crono pulls his sword again, and the soldiers all take a step back.  The huge, 12-foot tall beast, ZOMBOR, complete with an energy orb in its chest, then screeches at a high pitch, the bridge trembling with its power.
The soldiers all flee in terror across the bridge, even the captain, who sees his men running and follows suit.
GUARDIA CAPTAIN
Back to the castle!  Back to the castle!
LUCCA
No...
(pulls gun up to aim)
...this ends here.
As the Zombor comes at the two, Lucca fires a shot off straight at the enemy’s face, a dead-on shot.  But the Zombor swings his hand at the blast and knocks the spherical bullet off into the distance, totally dismissing it.
LUCCA
Or maybe not.
Lucca fires again, this time at the beast’s stomach, but the mouth that sits there inhales the blast, and then thrusts it back at Lucca.  It hits the ground in front of her, sending her flying back almost 20 feet onto the bridge.
The creature turns its gaze to Crono, who stands ready to fight.  Zombor swings at him, but he leaps over the attack, landing and leaping over another.
START TRACK 9
The beast then screeches and punches towards Crono, busting a hole in the bridge.  Crono jumps over it, lands on top of the hand, and runs up the arm towards the chest.
As Crono leaps towards the monster, he holds his sword to the side of his face, ready to stab, and impales the beast’s chest, breaking through several bones and hitting its energy core.
Crono remains attached to the chest, hanging from his sword, as the beast screeches in pain.  The energy core bursts forth, shooting Crono off about thirty feet, as he slides to a stop on the wood.
The sword still in its chest, Zombor rushes forward at Crono, intent on ending the battle.  But he doesn’t get far.
A strange caped FIGURE walks into view, standing between Crono and the creature.  Zombor pauses, and then screeches again.
However, the figure runs at the beast, sword in front, ready to stab.  As he nears the monstrosity, he pulls it out to the side, ready to slash.
In one fell strike, the figure swings his blade at an upward angle straight through the beast’s body, his sword followed by a trail of light that severs the bones from each other.
As the creature stumbles towards the edge of the bridge, its top half falls into the water, crumbling to multiple bones halfway down.  The bottom half simply falls apart, and the bones disintegrate into dust, blowing away.
The figure sheathes his sword, standing in one place and looking towards the forests ahead.  Crono and Lucca stand and walk towards him.
As they near, the figure turns his head slightly, though not enough to see his face.  Lucca and Crono stop about five feet away from him, as Crono picks his sword from the ground and sheathes it.
LUCCA
Who are you?
FIGURE
My name hath no meaning.  Knoweth only my purpose.
CRONO
And what is that?
FIGURE
To shieldeth the Queen of Guardia from harm.
Lucca steps forward.
LUCCA
Let me see your face...
The figure waits for a moment, and then slowly turns around.  Lucca gasps when she sees his true form.
The figure is actually a human/frog hybrid, with the body of a human, except for his head, which happens to be very much like that of an amphibian.  The skin below his mouth expands and deflates.
66
This hybrid does not register.
CRONO
Well...that’s a new one.
FIGURE
Thou seeketh to end the reign of Magus, do thee not?
LUCCA
Uh...we do.
FIGURE
I seeketh the same.  Doesth thou wish for my assistance?
LUCCA
Uh, absolutely!  Though I don’t think we’ll be able to do much to help you...you seem to be pretty well able to take care of yourself.
FIGURE
That is not precisely the case.  I needeth one more item to completeth my quest.
Lucca sees the emblem engraved on the medal around the figure’s neck.
LUCCA
Hey...you’re the Hero of Guardia, aren’t you?
FIGURE
(after a moment)
Indeed.
CRONO
What do you need?
FIGURE
...The Masamune.
Lucca and Crono look confused.
CRONO
Come again?
FIGURE
A sword forged from the most impermeable of substances known to thine people - the only weapon capable of defeating Magus.
LUCCA
“Wielding the sword of magic itself...”
FIGURE
Knowest thou the blade?
LUCCA
The Queen told us about it, earlier.  Where is it?
FIGURE
Contained in the tunnels of the Denadoro Mountains, across the bridge and upon the summit of the highest peak.
CRONO
Let’s go get it!
FIGURE
Alas, I cannot.
(turns)
At one time, I was like thee - human.  But upon my venture to defeateth Magus many years past, I was changed, and that curse liveth on with me now.  It prevents me from trespassing those sacred grounds.
CRONO
Then...we’ll just have to get it for you.
LUCCA
Crono!
CRONO
(whispering)
The Hero is the only one who can defeat Magus.  If we get the sword and bring it back, he can kill Magus and stop the summoning of Lavos.  That way, our world will never die!
FIGURE
Wouldst thou retrieveth the Masamune from its holy scabbard?
Lucca pauses for a moment, and then nods.
CRONO
We would.
The figure bows to them.
FIGURE
Then I will waiteth for thee upon this bridge, as I defendeth my Queen from her attackers.  I thank thee.
LUCCA
...No problem.
The figure begins to go across the bridge, but stops.
FIGURE
Oh, and to answereth thy question...my name is Frog.
FROG hops across the bridge.
LUCCA
Simple enough.
Lucca turns to Crono.
LUCCA
So...where now?
CRONO
Where else?
Crono steps onto the grass and walks off into the distance.  Lucca follows.
LUCCA
Should’ve guessed.
END TRACK 9
EXT. DENADORO MOUNTAINS BASE - LATER
Crono and Lucca get to the base of the mountain, and look up at the incredibly steep climb they have ahead of themselves.
CRONO
Wow.  Didn’t think it was gonna be that steep.
LUCCA
No turning back now, right?
CRONO
Right.
MARLE (O.C.)
(in distance)
Wait for me!
Crono and Lucca turn to see Marle running towards them, with a new pair of clothes on, ones that aren’t bloody.  She catches up with them and pauses to breathe.
MARLE
(gasping)
You guys...move...too fast...
LUCCA
What happened to you?
MARLE
(standing up, still breathing heavily)
They took me to the infirmary...and they gave me new clothes...and they put this bandage on my leg...and now it doesn’t hurt anymore.  Ow!
She reaches for her leg.
MARLE
Okay...maybe that was a slight exaggeration.
Marle looks up at the mountain.
MARLE
Wow, that’s steep.
CRONO
That’s what we were thinking.
(turns to Marle)
Think you can make it up there?
MARLE
I followed you guys, didn’t I?
Crono and Lucca look at each other.
LUCCA
Then let’s go.
They start climbing, and Marle stands to follow them.
MARLE
Hey, wait up!
START TRACK 10
EXT. DENADORO MOUNTAINS - MOMENTS LATER
The three climb the mountain, using various rocks and tree limbs to keep themselves from sliding down the 60-degree slope.  They are struggling, but holding on.
Lucca looks to the side, seeing all sorts of various animal life, all unknown to her.  Many of them bare fangs at she and Crono.
66
I get the impression that these animals wish to harm us.
LUCCA
Holy doesn’t always mean nice, you know.  Besides, it’s in an animal’s nature to defend its territory.  No amount of magic can change that.
CRONO
So you actually bought the whole thing about magic?
LUCCA
After seeing what Frog did to that monster...don’t you?
Crono nods.
MARLE
Frog?  What kind of name is Frog?
LUCCA
In this case...the perfect one.
MARLE
Really?  I’d like to know h-
Marle’s grasp slips and she begins to slide down.  She YELLS, and grabs Lucca’s ankle to stop herself.
LUCCA
What the...?!
Lucca grasp also slips, and Crono turns just in time to see them sliding down.  He grabs Lucca’s hand, and uses his sword to hold himself to the mountain.
MARLE
Sorry!
CRONO
Don’t worry about it!
Crono pulls the two of them back up, and they both get their bearings again.  Lucca shakes it off while Crono sheathes his sword.
LUCCA
(angrily)
Just don’t do that again, alright?
MARLE
Alright.
They keep climbing.
EXT. DENADORO MOUNTAINS PLATEAU - MOMENTS LATER
Crono finally finds a flat surface and pulls himself up onto it, then helps the other two up as well.  They all kneel and take a short breather, then stand.
In front of them is a cavern a few feet off the ground, surprisingly well lit and going upwards.  It leads to the inside of the highest peak of the mountain.
LUCCA
The highest peak.  Just like Frog said.
Marle is quiet.  Lucca turns.
LUCCA
Not gonna say anything about his ridiculous name?
MARLE
No, I know where that leads.
Lucca turns back to the tunnel.
CRONO
Shall we?
He continues on, hoisting himself inside and pulling the others up as well.  Then he takes the lead again as they explore the tunnel.
END TRACK 10
INT. DENADORO MOUNTAINS TUNNEL - CONTINUOUS
Lucca looks at the drawings inside the cave, lit by the lanterns on the walls.  She rubs her hand over top of the drawings.
LUCCA
These are in an ancient script...but they’re very recent.  I would say, less than a year old.
(looks around)
Which means that someone - or something - lives in here.
Lucca goes up to one of the torches.
LUCCA
It’s not even warm...
She passes her hand slowly through the flame, but she doesn’t flinch.  She turns to the others.
LUCCA
The fires aren’t real.
Crono passes his hand over the flame and pulls it back in pain.  He shakes it off.
CRONO
What are you talking about?!  That hurt!
Lucca does it again, but just turns away.
LUCCA
Strange.
MARLE (O.C.)
Look.
She points to two sets of tracks leading into the cave, both small and far apart.
MARLE
Someone does live in here.  Two someones.
Crono puts his hand on his sword and walks ahead, while Marle and Lucca look at the tracks.
CRONO
Over here, you two.  There’s a clearing and some light.
START TRACK 11
They all walk forward, and step into a large open space.  In front of them is an altar, at the top of which is a sword embedded in the stone, with light shining intensely upon it.  The room is otherwise empty.
CRONO
There it is.  The Masamune.
Crono walks up to the blade and takes his hands off his own.  Reaching towards it, his hand enters the light, and he pulls it back in pain, smoke rising off of it.
CRONO
Damn!  Not the other one!
The room begins to shake, and the three of them step back, as the light starts to intensify even more.  In one fell swoop, all of the torches in the cave go out, and it’s left dark.
From the sword, two balls of light float out, rotating around the blade and the handle, eventually coming to either side of the sword and hovering a few feet above the ground.
The two balls transform in a matter of moments to two small creatures, both green and young-looking, wearing identical white tunics, the keepers MASA and MUNE.
LUCCA
(in awe)
What the hell...?
MASA
Ah, Masa, it seems that we have uninvited guests.
MUNE
Surely we do, Mune.  Do you seek the sword of magic, travellers?
Crono steps forward after a moment.
CRONO
We do.
MASA
But I see no medals, no Hero Medals at all.
MUNE
Do you wish to steal the Masamune from us without proper identification?
LUCCA
We come here on behalf of one who cannot climb the mountain.  The true Hero, Frog.
MASA
Frog?  You mean Glenn?
There is a short silence.
MASA
Yes, he does possess the Medal.
MUNE
And yes, he did send you here.
MASA
But we do not give the Masamune to those who are weak, even if they are only to carry it and not use it.
MUNE
Do you three wish to prove yourselves?
After a pause...
CRONO
Yes.
LUCCA
Yes.
MARLE
Yes.
MASA
Good.  Then I will begin.
He floats for a moment, and then flies in front of Marle, powering up a ball of light.  He thrusts it at her, and she stumbles back from the blow.
As she holds her arms to defend herself, pushing into the blast, a wall of water rises up from around her, blocking the blow.
As soon as Masa stops, the water goes away, and Marle falls to her knees in exhaustion, vapor lifting off her body.
MASA
She is strong.  Brother?
Mune pops up in front of Lucca, and attacks her with a similar blast, as fire erupts from Lucca’s body and deflects the blow.  Mune stops, Lucca exhausted as well, while fire drifts in rivulets from her skin.  
MUNE
She is even stronger.
They both step in front of Crono, and he puts his hand on his sword.
MASA
But this one...
MUNE
I sense his power emanating from inside.
MASA
So powerful...
MUNE
Let us break him.
They both fuse into a single being, MASA/MUNE, and then power up an incredible sphere of energy.  It sparks with electricity.
As the beam of light flies at Crono, his body becomes engulfed by it, and he floats into the air, arms outstretched, YELLING.
After a moment, lightning shoots out of his body so fiercely that it breaks the beam of light and also surrounds Masa/Mune, throwing the creature backwards.
Crono falls to the ground, lightning streaking off his skin, as he kneels and looks to the beast.
Masa/Mune stands, and sighs.
MASA/MUNE
(two voices speaking at once)
I see that your strength is proportional to the evil you are up against.  Good.  This is the way of all great warriors.
Crono and the others stand, their respective elements dying down.
MASA/MUNE
(two voices)
You have now unleashed your greatest ally - magic itself.  This will allow you to overcome enormous odds where any other human would fail.  Use these powers - and the power of the Masamune - well.
The creature drifts into a ball of light, and then enters the sword.  Crono and the others go up to the blade, and Crono reaches out to grab it, no longer harmed by the searing light.
He pulls the weapon from the stone, and looks at it carefully.
MASA/MUNE (V.O.)
Let the wind carry you out of this place.  Then, complete your task.
The three stand on the stone pedestal, and are lifted slightly off the ground by a gentle yet forceful wind.
MASA/MUNE (V.O.)
Goodbye, heroes.
They shoot out of the cavern into the sky.
EXT. ZENAN BRIDGE GUARDIA-SIDE - MOMENTS LATER
Frog stands at the entrance to the bridge, peering over the railing.  His sword is sheathed and he stands quiet.
FROG
Cyrus...
Slowly, behind him, Crono, Lucca, and Marle are lowered gently to the ground, totally silent.  They softly touch the bridge, and Crono, with the Masamune, walks up to Frog.
Frog senses danger and he whips out his sword to attack those behind him.  But Crono blocks the blade with his forearm, lightning protecting him from being hurt, and the blade turns to dust.
Frog lowers his arms, as Crono lifts his other hand and shows Frog the Masamune.  Frog takes the sword from Crono’s grip and looks at it.
As Frog backs away onto land, he holds the Masamune upright, wind beginning to surround him.  His cape lifts up.
MASA/MUNE (V.O.)
Glenn...this sword was once entrusted to your friend and master, Cyrus.  No matter what curses may befall you, remember this - you are the one and only Hero.  Cyrus made sure of that.
A vortex of wind surrounds Frog’s body.
MASA/MUNE (V.O.)
Take this power and this blade and fulfill your destiny with them.  There is nothing now to stop you.
The wind dies down.  Frog swings the sword a few times to test it out, and then places it in his old scabbard.
CRONO
Well, Glenn?
LUCCA
Ready to kick some ass?
FROG
I would haveth it no other way.
MARLE
Well, now the “Frog” thing makes perfect sense.
END TRACK 11
EXT. CAMPFIRE CLEARING – NIGHT
Frog sits cleaning and sharpening his new blade, while Lucca looks over her watch.
LUCCA
Damn those little green bastards…they busted 66.  Well, I guess I’ll just have to fix him when I have the time.  
Marle holds two twigs and waits impatiently, shivering, no fire to keep her warm.
MARLE
Why can't we just go fight him now?  It's too cold out here!
FROG
We waiteth until sunrise.  Then, we striketh.
LUCCA
Besides...
Crono arrives with firewood in his arms.
LUCCA
Here comes the fuel now.
CRONO
Your wish is granted.
He drops the logs into the circle of stones and Marle crawls over to them, trying to start a fire by rubbing the sticks together.
LUCCA
What are you doing?
MARLE
What does it look like?  I'm starting a fire!
Lucca stands and points her hand at the wood, launching forth a bullet of flame that sets it ablaze.  Marle falls backwards.  As Lucca laughs, Marle gets back up and sits next to the fire.  She puts her hands over it.
MARLE
...I forgot about that.
LUCCA
You would.
Marle gives her a cold glare, and then Lucca and Crono sit.
MARLE
Why did they give us magic anyway?  Why us?
CRONO
I don't think they gave us anything.
MARLE
What?
CRONO
Those two creatures said that they were simply unlocking what was already inside of us.  I think they were testing us, pushing us to our limits...and that's why now we can do the things we can.
LUCCA
Already inside of us...perhaps that's why I could pass my hand through the flames without getting burnt?
FROG
Hmm...thou maketh sense with thine words...
MARLE
This is starting to freak me out.  We were born like this?  What about everybody else?  My family?
CRONO
Perhaps...we're the only ones.  Perhaps we were supposed to have these gifts.  We were supposed to use them to end Magus' threat, to destroy Lavos.
LUCCA
Preordained fate...it seems ludicrous...
FROG
So doth many things.
LUCCA
That brings me to ask…Frog, why did you wait ten years before reappearing?
FROG
…I once was toldeth to run by someone important to me…but just a few weeks ago, I heardeth a voice within my head, urging me to returneth to duty.  A dream, if you will.
LUCCA
I…guess I understand.  Never been a big believer in dreams.
FROG
When you weareth the crest of the Hero, sometimes dreams are all thou hast. 
CRONO
Well...
(lies against tree)
I think we should get some sleep.  We do have quite a battle ahead of us tomorrow.  
MARLE
(lies down)
Goodnight, everybody.
LUCCA
(puts gun away and lies down)
Goodnight.
FROG
(sheathes blade, stays sitting up)
Sleep well.
They all close their eyes, Frog being the last one.
FADE TO BLACK.
CUT TO:
START TRACK 12
EXT. DENADORO MOUNTAINS PLATEAU - 590 A.D.
A heavily armored knight wearing the Hero Medal, CYRUS, and a blue-robed wizard, MAGUS, cross blades, the Masamune (Cyrus) and a scythe (Magus) catching each other.  The two fling away from each other, and a green-haired squire, GLENN, stands behind Cyrus, holding his sheath.
The knight slides to a stop, and the wizard laughs, back turned.
GLENN
Cyrus!  Art thou alright?
CYRUS
Just leave this to me.
MAGUS
Admit it, Hero...you and your pathetic weapon are no match for my dark energy.  
CYRUS
Magus, I will never let you succeed!
MAGUS
If only you knew you wrong you are...
Cyrus rushes again, and Magus turns back, blasting the warrior's sword with dark electricity, holding him in place.  The Masamune begins to waver.
CYRUS
No...the Masamune...
MAGUS
I will break you and your blade so that I may never have to deal with you again! 
CYRUS
...No!
He tosses the blade back towards Glenn, as it lands in the ground, sticking up.
GLENN
Cyrus!
The blast soars into the knight, throwing him backwards, energy drained.  His armor is scorched, and he is almost dead.
CYRUS
Glenn...
GLENN
Cyrus!  Don't die!
CYRUS
Glenn...I can't protect you anymore...you have to run...
GLENN
No!  I can fight!
CYRUS
Not here...not now...
GLENN
Cyrus!
CYRUS
Glenn...just do as I say...and run...
Glenn stands up and backs away, as Magus walks over to the downed knight and tightens his gloves.  Cyrus turns to face Magus.
Magus reaches down and tears the Hero Medal from Cyrus' neck, looking at it.  He then tosses it over his shoulder, as it falls down the cliff's edge.
Afterwards, he lifts Cyrus to his feet by his throat and holds him up.
MAGUS
Goodbye...Hero.
Cyrus erupts into flames, burning into nothingness.  Glenn falls backwards from the blast, as his master and friend falls into nothing but a pile of ash.
As Glenn watches in horror, the wizard wipes his gloves of the ash, and then looks to the green-haired squire.  Glenn backs up and stands, using the Masamune to balance himself.
MAGUS
Does the follower wish to go after his leader into the afterlife?
GLENN
You killed my friend...and now you will die!
Glenn tears the sword from the ground and rushes at Magus, swinging the blade weakly and angrily.  Magus easily dodges the three slashes, and then grabs the sword, tossing Glenn and his weapon back.  Glenn struggles, bleary-eyed, to his feet, as Magus shakes his head.
MAGUS
Take my word when I say I don't want to kill you.  You obviously pose no danger to my goals or me...but nonetheless, I can't allow you to continue with your rage...so let me discourage you from fighting any further.
Magus puts up his hand and shoots Glenn with a green aura, which surrounds him and makes him stumble about.  Glenn leaves the Masamune on the ground and falls off the edge of the cliff, several hundred feet down.
Magus walks over to the fallen blade and holds it, looking mockingly at it.  Suddenly, however, he tosses it aside and YELLS in pain, his hand burned.
As the blade lands on the ground, two lights appear and hover above it.
MASA (V.O.)
Leave this weapon be, wizard.
MUNE (V.O.)
You have no right to wield it.
MAGUS
So it IS protected...no matter.  You will no longer be a nuisance after today.
Magus drifts into thin air, disappearing.  The two lights enter the blade and the sword suddenly flies into the air, plunging down into the mountain nearby.
EXT. DENADORO MOUNTAIN RIVER – CONTINUOUS
Glenn lies on the ground near the water, unconscious.  His face cannot be seen.
Glenn slowly comes to, his face still unseen.  He pushes himself up from the ground and drags himself over to the water.
Looking in the water, Glenn can see that his face is now that of a frog's.  He GASPS and falls back, surprised.
GLENN
A...curse?  Magus hath cursed me?
Glenn feels his face and breathes rapidly, slowly calming down.  As he looks around, he sees the water trickling down from the top of the mountain.
In the water is the Hero Medal, floating slowly downriver, towards him.  Glenn reaches out and grabs it as it passes nearby, and he holds it in his hand, cleaning it off.
GLENN
Cyrus...my master, Cyrus...
He places the Medal around his neck and then tucks it into his clothes.
GLENN
Yes...I shall avenge thee.
(standing)
If thou rest, thou shalt rest in piece, my friend.  Magus shall payeth for this treachery.
(looking into water again)
I swear it.
END TRACK 12
EXT. CAMPFIRE CLEARING – NIGHT
Frog awakens suddenly, GASPING and placing his hand on his hilt, though he doesn't make any other movements.  He looks around at the sleeping trio, and he settles down, calming himself again, closing his eyes.
FROG
Tomorrow...tomorrow, indeed.
EXT. MAGIC CAVE - SUNSET
The four, led by Frog, walk up to the mountainside.  It is a flat, very characteristic rock wall.
CRONO
Well…here it is.
FROG
Beyondeth this wall, lies thine enemy’s lair.
Frog goes up to the wall and passes his hand over it, feeling for something.
LUCCA
How do we get past it?
Frog’s hand finds a crevice, which runs vertically for nearly a hundred feet.
FROG
Leave that to me.
(steps away from the wall)
Get back.
The others all move backwards, as Frog takes the Masamune at his side and unsheathes it.  He holds it out.
Frog closes his eyes and lowers his head.  Wind begins to pick up around his blade, becoming more and more powerful.  Eventually, it is like a tornado circling the steel, the mist nearby sucked in towards the sword.
Suddenly, Frog pulls the blade back and rams it into the crevice he found in the mountainside, the blade going hilt-deep into the stone.  He then rips it out in an upward swing, as the wind passes from the blade to the stone.
Immediately, the wind pushes the two parts of the mountain face away from each other, opening a tunnel that leads deep under the ocean and towards Magus’ Lair.  Several small boulders fall nearby.
FROG
It is done.
He keeps his sword unsheathed, and walks further in, while the others follow.
CRONO
That’s one powerful, green little guy.
MARLE
Green is right.
They disappear into the shadows.
EXT. MAGUS’ LAIR - NIGHT
From the other side of the cave, Frog and the others emerge, looking up at a massively-tall tower, surrounded in a black mist and some dark flying creatures.  Unnatural SCREECHES can be heard.
MARLE
This place creeps me out.
Crono and Lucca SHUSH her.
LUCCA
(quietly)
Element of surprise, Marle?
MARLE
(quietly)
Yeah.  Sorry.
They continue on.  As they walk across the bridge, the door automatically opens, very loudly, for them.
LUCCA
Well, so much for surprise.
They walk inside the castle, and the door closes after them.
INT. MAGUS’ LAIR - CONTINUOUS
In front of them lies a grand staircase draped in dark purple carpeting that leads almost thirty feet to the top of the room.
As the main door closes behind the four, a SINISTER LAUGH fills the room, echoing throughout.  Frog holds his blade at the ready.
FROG
Magus.
They all four walk up the steps, slowly, looking at everything around them.  Paintings on the wall switch places, bats fly around everywhere, and chandeliers shake with no provocation.
Another SINISTER LAUGH resonates, followed by words:
MAGUS (V.O.)
I’ve been expecting you, young heroes...
They continue up the stairs, as the wood creaks loudly.
MAGUS (V.O.)
Come further within...and you will finally meet your doom...
Another SINISTER LAUGH leads to an eerie silence, just as Frog and the others reach the top of the room.  They gather at the head of the stairs and look.
A portal of white light sits in front of them on the floor, with no other ways of advancing in sight.
LUCCA
Looks like that’s the only way to reach him.
FROG
Indeed it does.
CRONO
So let’s stop wasting time and stop Lavos.
FROG
Well-put.
They all step onto the portal, and it transports them immediately to...
INT. MAGUS’ CHAMBERS - CONTINUOUS
...a dark room lit only by the light from the portal.
Once all four have arrived, they step out of the light and look around.
MARLE
Not a good time to be afraid of the dark...
FROG
(quietly)
Be quiet...Magus may yet have a trap in play...
MAGUS (O.C.)
(omnipresent)
Neuga, ziena, zieber, zom...
Two blue flames light up in front of the four.  They walk between them.
MAGUS (O.C.)
Now the chosen time has come...
Two more light up, and then two more.
MAGUS (O.C.)
Exchange this world for one of mist...
Two more, two more, two more.
FROG
(quietly)
He speaks in gibberish.  Let us cut his tongue.
MAGUS (O.C.)
To open up the great abyss...
Two more, two more, and then, an entire circular pattern of blue lanterns light up, circling around a magic circle inscribed upon the ground, an altar - and a cloaked figure with his back turned to the group, Magus.
Wind picks up everybody’s trailing clothing, including Magus, whose cape flows in the breeze, as he CHUCKLES.
MAGUS
Ah...it’s the frog.
(turns to look at Frog)
Kissed any princesses lately?
FROG
I rather enjoyeth this form, Magus...
(tilts Masamune blade enough for light to hit it, attracting Magus’ attention)
...and I oweth it all to you.
Magus looks to the sword and his smile turns into a grimace.  He turns back around.
MAGUS
I see that the spirit of Cyrus lives on with you, my dear Glenn, as well as his sword.  It is a pity, truly, that he had to die.  So much potential, for such a weak human...
FROG
Mindeth thy words!
(holds sword out to side)
Thy end, long delayed, has finally cometh!
Silence.  Magus dips his head in contemplation.
MAGUS
The black wind begins to blow...
(spins around, pulls on glove)
Give me your best shot, Glenn...if you’re prepared for the void.
Crono and Lucca begin to move forward, but Frog holds them back.
FROG
No, my friends.  This is one battle I must fighteth alone.
START TRACK 13
Magus smiles and whips his cape behind him.  Frog, in turn, holds his sword at the ready, and charges.
Frog slashes out at Magus, who is guarded by a white forcefield.  The blade deflects off the magical field and bounces back, allowing Magus the chance to thrust Frog back with a magical bullet.
Frog lands in a crouching position and charges again, this time leaping over a second blast and stabbing at the shield.  The metal tears a hole in the forcefield, negating it and almost hitting Magus.  Magus backs up, surprised, and continues, angry.
The fight continues for another minute or so, a constant battle between the two, until eventually Frog rushes at Magus, wind charged inside his blade, and slashes the wizard across the chest, a deep gash in his flesh.
The wizard stumbles over to the altar, and kneels down in pain.
MAGUS
How...what...have you done...to the Masamune?  Cyrus’ sword...was never this strong...
Frog walks over to Magus and holds his sword for the final blow.
FROG
I, Magus, am not Cyrus.
He prepares to stab Magus, but the ground begins to shake, and he loses his balance, stumbling back into the others, who catch him.
MARLE
What’s going on?!
LUCCA
This tower doesn’t lie along a fault line, so it isn’t an earthquake...
CRONO
Could it be...?
FROG
Lavos!
Magus turns to the altar, standing weakly.
MAGUS
No...no, don’t wake up on me now!
LUCCA
Wake up?  You created him!
MAGUS
CREATE him?  No, you fools...I only summoned him!  He has lived here for many ages, dwelling in the earth, absorbing all he needs to stay alive...
FROG
Magus!  Thou art nothing but a deceiver!
MAGUS
No, Glenn...I am much more than that...
A huge Gate begins to open above the altar, and Magus looks to the timewarp.
MAGUS
Take me, Lavos...
He is pulled into the Gate.
CRONO
We have to do something!  The Gate is too strong!
LUCCA
At this rate, we’ll all be sucked into it!
FROG
I believe that thou hast run out of choices.  We must allow it to take us!
MARLE
I always hated this part...
They all stop struggling against the wind and fly into the Gate.
END TRACK 13
INT. TIMEWARP - CONTINUOUS
The tunnel of darkness spreads out, and slowly, a speck of light at the end of the tunnel grows, until it becomes their doorway out.
INT. END OF TIME – CONTINUOUS
START TRACK 14
The four - in the order of Frog, Crono, Marle, and Lucca - are tossed not-so-gently out of the Gate, and they all hit the same metal fence.  It is the only thing keeping them from rolling off into a vast, empty void of darkness that surrounds the small platform.
An old man standing beneath a lamp post in the center of the room - GASPAR - sees this, and seems surprised at what has happened.  He tilts his hat to have a better look.
The four all come to their senses and start to get up.
MARLE
Well...that was certainly “interesting,” wouldn’t you say, Lucca?
LUCCA
Yeah, but first I’m gonna say, “Where are we?”
GASPAR
You are at the End of Time, my dear.
They all look to Gaspar, whom they didn’t notice before.
CRONO
And you are?
GASPAR
I am Gaspar, one of the three Gurus of Zeal, also known as the Guru of Time.
FROG
Speakest thou in riddles?
GASPAR
Certainly not!  Every word I say is the truth...for the most part.
LUCCA
(harsh)
Alright, let’s stop beating around the bush.
GASPAR
Young lady, I am not beating around anything!
MARLE
(nicer)
What she meant to say was, “Would you be so kind as to entertain our questions?”
GASPAR
(straightening up)
Of course.
LUCCA
(dusting herself off)
What exactly is this place?  And don’t just tell me its name.
GASPAR
This is a place untouched by time, a place that connects to all periods in existence.  If you think of time as a number line, this place would be both infinity and negative infinity.
MARLE
Alright...why are we here?
Gaspar looks at the four of them more closely.
GASPAR
There are many reasons somebody would arrive here after stepping through a Gate.  Sometimes it is their destination, and time wills them to appear.  Sometimes the gate is unnatural, not connected to another place, and so they wind up here, the crossroads.  But seeing as how you have four people altogether, that is probably the reason.
CRONO
What?  We have four people, so now we’re suddenly thrown into the holding pit of time?
GASPAR
No.  The Conservation of Time Theorem states that Gates may only transport three at once before their ability to function is impeded.  When four or more attempt a transfer...they wind up here, the default position.
LUCCA
Sounds like a sketchy theorem to me...
GASPAR
I’ve been here far too long to not believe it.
FROG
This may happen often, then?
GASPAR
All the time.
MARLE
How did you get here?
Gaspar hobbles away from the lamppost, using his cane as a support.
GASPAR
Well, I arrived here by accident, of all methods.  In fact, I built this place here.  This used to be nothing but an empty void, until I constructed this platform.
CRONO
Still looks like an empty void to me.
GASPAR
(sitting down on bench)
Watch your tongue, boy.
CRONO
Sorry.
GASPAR
I come from a place called Zeal...a city in the sky.
LUCCA
A city in the sky?  That’s impossible!  The sheer physics of a-
GASPAR
You have the gift of magic, don’t you, my dear?
LUCCA
Well, yes.
GASPAR
So did my people.  Only...we had it in a greater form, a more technological form.
LUCCA
...So it was an artificial city.
GASPAR
Still is.  If you travel through that pillar over there, you’ll be right below it.
(points to platform with pillars of light on it)
12,000 B.C...would’ve lived a nice life if it hadn’t been for that infernal beast...
FROG
Of what beast doesth thou speaketh?!
MARLE
Lavos?
GASPAR
Why, yes...you know of it?
CRONO
I think it’s safe to say we’re well-acquainted.  Lavos created the warp that brought us here.
GASPAR
Ah...well, that would explain certain things.
CRONO
What do you mean?
GASPAR
Lavos brought me here, as well.  Me and my companions were all thrust to different eras - the Queen’s son Janus, the Guru of Reason Balthasar, and the Guru of Life, Melchior.
Crono’s eyes widen, and he has a flashback of the man at the fair.
INSERT -- CRONO REMEMBERS MELCHIOR FROM THE MILLENNIAL FAIR.
Crono looks to his sword and continues listening to the story.
LUCCA
Alright, so you’re saying that Lavos is alive and well in the year 12,000 B.C.?  And that even then, he’s powerful enough to create a timewarp on his own?
GASPAR
Powerful enough to destroy Zeal itself.
A short silence.
GASPAR
Before I went through the Gate, I saw my home, and my people, killed at his expense.  A continent in flames, falling into the ocean, smothering the land in water.
Gaspar looks at their faces.
GASPAR
You have a score to settle with this creature?
LUCCA
We’ve witnessed the aftermath of his power.  An entire planet - our planet - covered in dust, no life left at all.
Gaspar is shocked.
LUCCA
You didn’t know?
GASPAR
I’ve never gone past my own time, for fear of being unable to return here.  This is my home now.  I could never leave.
Gaspar lowers his head.
GASPAR
I sense a determination and power within you four that may yet be able to destroy Lavos forever.  I simply hope that 12,000 B.C. is far enough to do any damage to him.
LUCCA
Why?  How long has he been in the earth?
GASPAR
...65,000,000 years.
The four are floored.
GASPAR
But the gate to that time has long since faded.  If you still wish to defeat him, you should hurry and do it in the age of Zeal, while your magic remains intact.  Who knows how long your spirits will hold out in these dark times...
CRONO
I guess it’s time to go, then.
The four start to walk towards the pillars, but Gaspar holds out his hand.
GASPAR
Wait!
They stop and turn to him.
GASPAR
Remember that only three may travel at once.  Otherwise, every road leads directly back to this point.
LUCCA
Alright, then...who’s gonna stay?
The four all look at each other over and over, nobody saying anything.  This goes on for several moments.
LUCCA
Well?
The guessing game continues, everybody refusing to back down and stay.
GASPAR
I feel so wanted.
LUCCA
Alright, alright, I’ll stay.  I...guess I’ll give 66 a makeover.
CRONO
Okay.  See ya Lucca.
They walk away towards the pillars.  Crono and the other two stand on a pillar of light and look to Gaspar.  The old man points to the next one over, and they move, transporting off into the past.
LUCCA
Well...looks like I have some time to myself, eh?
GASPAR
Just don’t make too much noise, young lady...I’m trying to get some sleep.
LUCCA
(quietly)
Weirdo.
The end of the man’s cane hits her on the head, and she winces.
LUCCA
Ow!
GASPAR
That’s for talking back to your elder!  Young rascal!  Hmph!
END TRACK 14
INT. FROZEN ENCLOSURE - 12,000 B.C.
Crono, Frog, and Marle step out into a cave that is only eight or so feet high, only twenty or so feet into the mountain, and with a thin exit into the outside world.
Their first breaths are visible in the cold air, and Crono and Marle shiver ceaselessly.  Frog is unaffected.
CRONO
(shivering)
What’s so special about you?
FROG
Cold-blooded.
CRONO
(shivering)
Oh.
MARLE
(shivering)
Let’s get out of here and find ourselves a warmer place, alright?
FROG
Thy request is valid.  Let us proceedeth.
They exit out the short escape into the...
START TRACK 15
EXT. FROZEN WORLD - CONTINUOUS
...where a biting wind attacks them.
CRONO
This place must be in the middle of an ice age or something...
MARLE
Would’ve been nice to have Lucca’s fire magic now...
FROG
I believeth I can do some good here.
Frog pulls out the Masamune, and he looks into the horizon, seeing a structure quite a distance away.  He powers wind into the sword and swings the blade.
A tunnel of wind penetrates the atmosphere, creating a safe passage through the wind and snow that remains in place even after he puts the sword away.
FROG
Doesth that aid you?
CRONO
Very much.
MARLE
(happy)
Thank you, Frog!
They all enter the tunnel and walk, safe from the cold and wind, towards the structure.
INT. EARTH-TO-ZEAL SKYWAY - LATER
The three come through the cloth-band door of the structure, and look at the dazzling site before them.
On a pedestal in front of them, a beam of light sits on the ground, with a hole in the ceiling that it goes up through.  Flowers and decorations are everywhere within the skyway.
MARLE
Wow...didn’t think I’d see something so pretty in such a desolate place.
FROG
An eerie feeling doth haunteth my thoughts.  Shall we steppeth into the portal?
CRONO
Well, we’ve already done it twice, and both times we ended up in a place not exactly to our liking.
(rubs snow from hair)
But you know, maybe the third time’s a charm.
He steps up into the light with the others behind him, and they become three thin bands of energy that shoot into the sky and disappear.
INT. ZEAL-TO-EARTH SKYWAY - CONTINUOUS
The three materialize in a room exactly like the one they were just in.  They look around.
MARLE
We didn’t go anywhere?
CRONO
(looking out door)
Well, it’s not snowing...
(listening)
And there are people here.
END TRACK 15
They walk out the doorway into the...
INT. ZEAL PALACE - CONTINUOUS
...and gaze about at the things going on.
Books are opening and shutting themselves, spewing fire and lightning and wind and water everywhere.  People are casting small spells constantly, to light candles, to put them out, to fix a chair.
FROG
A city of magic.
CRONO
Come on...
(peering at symbols written on ceiling)
Let’s get this over with.
Crono walks around and looks at the doorways, peering at symbols and things of that nature.
MARLE
What are you looking for?
CRONO
Someone to talk to.
MARLE
There are ‘someone’s all around us.
CRONO
Someone IN CHARGE.  I don’t want to ask a random person about-
Marle taps a man on the shoulder and he turns around to face her.  She puts on her best innocent smile.
MARLE
Hello!  Um, could you tell us how we can find Lavos?
An audible gasp goes up throughout the room, and everybody turns to her - including a blue-haired woman standing in one of the doorways, SCHALA.
ZEAL MAN
You dare speak of Lavos in this place?
MARLE
Well, I-
ZEAL MAN
You come here, as strangers, and then presume to upset our balance?  Do you know what would happen if the Queen heard this talk?
MARLE
No, I’m sorry, I-
ZEAL MAN
She would cut off your head!  She would kill your friends and your family, and then she would take your blood, and she would-
SCHALA (O.C.)
That’s enough.
Schala walks over to the group, her robes fluttering behind her.
SCHALA
If you want to prevent your own ends, come with me.
They follow her, and Crono gives Marle a harsh stare.
CRONO
(whispering)
That’s why men don’t ask for directions.
INT. SCHALA’S CHAMBERS - MOMENTS LATER
The four enter the room, and Schala shuts the door telepathically.
SCHALA
First of all, who are you?
Marle begins to speak, but Crono goes first.
CRONO
I’ll do the talking.
Marle quiets down.
CRONO
I am Crono.  This is Marle, and this is Frog, or Glenn, if you prefer.
SCHALA
Where do you come from?
CRONO
...the future.
START TRACK 16
Schala looks at their faces, and then nods intuitively.
SCHALA
I see.  You came through the timewarp, didn’t you?
Crono nods.
SCHALA
And you are blessed with magic, are you not?
CRONO
...We are.
SCHALA
Then I suppose you are not as strange to our ways as I thought you are.
CRONO
Look...
(sighs)
Honestly, we’ve come here on a mission.
SCHALA
What mission?
CRONO
To destroy Lavos.
Schala takes a deep breath.
SCHALA
He ends this world, doesn’t he?
CRONO
Yes.  In 14,000 years, this entire planet will be one huge ashtray, and who knows how many days or weeks or months from now, his power will topple this continent as well.
Schala sits down.  The others follow suit.
SCHALA
Then my worst fears have come true.  Dear mother...
CRONO
...Mother?
SCHALA
You have to understand, it isn’t her fault.  She wouldn’t have wanted any of this to happen...
CRONO
Who is your mother, and what is she doing?
SCHALA
...As we speak, my mother, the Queen, is preparing to move the great Mammon Machine to the Palace under the ocean, in order to complete her dream of rebirth...
CRONO
The Mammon Machine?
SCHALA
A device designed to draw power from Lavos himself.  It is what has enabled this city to survive so long, kept us safe from the bitter winds and cold of the outside world.  The Gurus have said that moving the machine closer to Lavos might awaken him, and then everything would be for nothing...
CRONO
Lavos might wake up?!
(looks to others)
Where is the Mammon Machine, and where is the Queen?  We have to stop them.
SCHALA
(thinks for a moment, looks up)
I can take you to her.
INT. MAMMON SIDE CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER
The three, led by Schala, enter a hallway that slowly gets closer and closer to the Mammon Machine.  It’s a hidden hallway, but nonetheless, it allows eavesdropping.
They reach the end, where a small slit allows a view into the room and a good listen.
SCHALA
(whispering)
Let me take a look...
Schala peers into the room and sees her mother, QUEEN ZEAL, standing in front of a large red device, the Mammon Machine.  Beside her stands a small blue-haired boy, JANUS.
SCHALA
(whispering)
There is the queen...and also my brother, the prince.
ZEAL GUARD
Queen, the Prophet is here.
QUEEN ZEAL
Send him in.
A man in a large blue cape steps into the room, his face concealed entirely, the PROPHET.
QUEEN ZEAL
Ah, the Prophet, at last, has arrived.  I’ve heard a great many things about your visions.
PROPHET
(in disguised voice)
Some are for good, some are for ill...but all are in your service, my Queen.
MARLE
(whispering)
Who is that?
SCHALA
(whispering)
I have never seen him before...yet his aura is strangely familiar...
PROPHET
Tell me, my Queen, where is the princess Schala?  I wish to see her.
QUEEN ZEAL
She is in her room, resting, I suppose.  Being the medium of Lavos is tiring work.
PROPHET
Indeed.
QUEEN ZEAL
Janus, would you please go fetch your sister for me?  Tell her she’s wanted in the Mammon Room.
JANUS
Yes, mother.
He walks out of the room.  Schala turns to the others.
SCHALA
(whispering)
I have to go, or they’ll suspect something.  Just...make sure they don’t see you.
Schala leaves, and Marle and Crono take her spot.
FROG
(whispering)
This doth reeketh of conspiracy.  The medium of Lavos?
CRONO
(whispering)
Let’s just listen in and see if we can find something to use against them.  There has to be a way to end this.
Janus and Schala enter the room, and while Janus returns to the Queen’s side, Schala stands next to the Prophet.
SCHALA
Yes, mother?  You summoned?
The Prophet circles Schala, gazing at her, though his face is never revealed.
QUEEN ZEAL
Schala, this is the Prophet.  His fortune-telling has already helped us greatly from afar, but now he has come to be my assistant in our quest to rebuild Zeal.
SCHALA
Yes, of course, mother.
He stops in front of Schala, still looking at her.
SCHALA
She is strong of spirit...you chose wisely in your decision of caretakers.
QUEEN ZEAL
Yes...Schala has always been the perfect key to operating this machine.  And now, once we move it to the Ocean Palace, its strength will be multiplied tenfold, and Schala can finally sit next to me on the throne, as my daughter and my successor.
PROPHET
It is a fate decided perfectly.
SCHALA
I accept that fate.
MARLE
(whispering)
So Schala is actually in cahoots with the Queen?
CRONO
(whispering)
No...she’s helped us too much already.
FROG
(whispering)
Or leddeth us directly into a trap.
Crono and Marle turn to Frog.
FROG
(whispering)
I suggest we hurry before yet more evil deeds occureth.
CRONO
(whispering)
Agreed.
They turn and walk back down the hallway, and Schala, inside the Mammon Room, looks in their direction.  The Prophet sees this, and then sees the indentation in the wall.
PROPHET
Aha!
He uses his powers to push the wall slab aside.  Suddenly, Crono and the others are locked in place, and slide backwards into the Mammon Room, into full view.
QUEEN ZEAL
Well, well, well...it seems that our Prophet here is of more use than he seems...and Schala has been keeping secrets from us.
SCHALA
I concealed nothing.  I do not know them.
PROPHET
Then you would not mind if I killed them.
He begins to power up a spell, but Schala steps forward.
SCHALA
Wait!  Do not harm them!
PROPHET
Oh?  And why?
QUEEN ZEAL
They cannot be allowed to stay.  They know too much.
SCHALA
...I can tell you where they came from.  I can show you the way back to their home.
PROPHET
...Then do it.
INT. FROZEN ENCLOSURE - LATER
Schala and the Prophet enter the cave, and they look to the timewarp there.  The four enter the cave immediately after, forced to move by the Prophet’s magic.
PROPHET
Ahh...a Gate.  At long last, I see one with my own eyes.
SCHALA
There, the way they came!  Now will you let them return to their time?
PROPHET
Of course...
(looks to Schala)
...but only on one condition.
SCHALA
What?
The Prophet opens the Gate with his mind, so that it is ready.
PROPHET
Once I throw them in...you must seal the Gate.
SCHALA
What?  Why?
PROPHET
Do not argue, princess.  Their lives are at stake.
Schala sighs.
SCHALA
...Alright.
The Prophet uses his powers to place the three inside the Gate, and then closes it.
PROPHET
Now seal it shut!
Schala holds her hands up to face the Gate, and in a flash, a pyramid-shaped prison encloses the blue pool of light.
PROPHET
Good.  Now come with me.  Your mother is waiting.
He leaves, and Schala turns to the gate.
SCHALA
I’m...sorry.  If you all are strong enough to defeat Lavos...then you’ll find a way back here.  I know you will.
She leaves the cave.
END TRACK 16
INT. END OF TIME - CONTINUOUS
As soon as Crono and the others appear in the pillar of light, they shake themselves off, taking full use of their limbs.
Lucca sees them arrive and stands up from her cross-legged position, walking over to them.
LUCCA
What the hell happened?
MARLE
Well...nothing, really.
LUCCA
Nothing?!  What about Lavos?
CRONO
Please stop yelling at us.  We just got hauled telepathically through an icy and windy world and shoved into the Gate against our will.
LUCCA
Oh...sorry.  Didn’t know.
FROG
Is the Guru yet awake?
LUCCA
You mean Gaspar?
She turns and sees him asleep on the bench.
LUCCA
He’s indisposed at the moment.
Crono and the other two walk up to Gaspar and Crono shakes his shoulder.  The old man wakes up and looks at the three, smiling.
GASPAR
Well, if it isn’t the young time-travellers.
CRONO
We need your help.
MARLE
Is there any way we can get back to 12,000 B.C., other than using that pillar?
GASPAR
Well, I don’t think so...to my knowledge, that’s the only permanent Gate leading into that period.
CRONO
So basically, we’re screwed.
GASPAR
Not necessarily.
Gaspar stands and walks to the lamppost.
GASPAR
One of my two comrades - Balthasar, the Guru of Reason - he was a magnificent inventor.  He was actually the one who built the Mammon Machine, you know.  Anyway, his last invention was a vehicle that could transcend matter, travelling to any period in the space-time continuum.  When he disappeared into Lavos’ great Gate, it went with him.
MARLE
Where was that?
GASPAR
The future - 2300 A.D.
MARLE
So...if we go get that craft from Balthasar...
CRONO
Then we can go back to 12,000 B.C. and destroy the Mammon Machine, thus preventing Lavos’ awakening.
LUCCA
What the hell are you people talking about?
GASPAR
I see...it is a brilliant plan, now that I think about it...
CRONO
Which pillar leads to 2300 A.D.?
GASPAR
The one in the center.
Crono and Marle start to go.
LUCCA
Ooh, wait!  Take this, Marle.
Lucca hands her a crossbow, and Marle takes it.
MARLE
(shocked)
Well, I...
LUCCA
I had some time on my hands, and it’s been something I’ve wanted to create for a while, so...
MARLE
Thanks.
LUCCA
(holds up hand and watch)
I also fixed 66, and…I gave him some slight tune-ups.
CRONO
Tune-ups?  I thought he was incredibly advanced.
LUCCA
True, but so am I.
Crono nods, as Lucca prepares to turn him on.
LUCCA
I present to you all the newest humanoid addition to our team…Robo!
She turns him on, lights flash, and then the high beep.  Everyone except Lucca covers their ears, and then it goes away, Robo online.
ROBO
Ah, Lucca.  I didn’t expect you to be here.  How’s Lara?
LUCCA
Much better.
Crono, Marle, and Lucca all walk towards the pillars.  Frog stays where he is, and halfway, Crono and the others look back to him.
MARLE
What’s wrong, Frog?
FROG
Only three may goeth.  I have no desire to see thy tortured future.
LUCCA
...Fair enough.
Lucca energizes the center pillar of light and watches as its rays brighten enormously.
CRONO
We’ll be back for you.
FROG
Indeed.
She steps inside, and the others follow suit as well.
They all disappear as they did before, and the pillar dies down.  Frog sits on the ground and looks to the Hero Medal.
FROG
Very soon, Cyrus...very soon...
INT. KEEPER’S DOME – CONTINUOUS
START TRACK 17
The three appear within another dirty dome, only this time it is filled with operating machinery, a plethora of lighted panels, and with nobody around any longer.
They walk forward and see control panels that are still in use.  The sound of GEARS GRINDING can be heard.
LUCCA
Shh!
(stops)
I hear someone.
CRONO
That’s just some gears grinding.
LUCCA
Believe me, I know the difference between gears grinding and somebody working on their invention.
(walks down center of room)
This way.
Lucca leads the pack into the dome, and she turns the corner to see a large white machine, the NU, adjusting levels on a control panel.
ROBO
Another artificial intelligence?
LUCCA
Hello?
The Nu turns to see the girl and her friends.  He looks to Marle’s pendant and smiles.
NU
Ah!  Human visitors!  Welcome to the Keeper’s Dome, home of my departed master Balthasar.
LUCCA
Departed…
NU
He died some time ago, of old age, I am afraid.
(looks to Marle’s neck)
You carry the Pendant of Zeal, I see.
Marle looks and grabs at her pendant, as Crono notices what the Nu is referring to.
MARLE
The Pendant of Zeal?
NU
Yes...it is the great jewel of the Zeal line.  In fact, it is said to be able to transcend and control time.
LUCCA
So...perhaps that’s why it created the Gate at the Millennial Fair...
NU
This way, this way.  I’ve been waiting for you to arrive.
MARLE
The Zeal line...does that mean I’m related to Schala and the Queen?
The Nu leads them into the...
INT. EPOCH ROOM - CONTINUOUS
...where he walks up to a large craft and stops.
END TRACK 17
NU
Is this what you are looking for?
LUCCA
Is that the ship that can travel through time?
NU
It is called the Epoch.  A masterful piece of machinery.
CRONO
And it was left here, alone, by Balthasar?  Why?
The Nu looks surprised.
CRONO
Balthasar’s human form may have passed away many years ago, but he implanted a layout of his brain into my programming.  Thus, I am him, with his knowledge, dreams, and skills.  So no, he did not leave it alone.
LUCCA
Then he left you here to wait for us?
NU
Yes.
CRONO
That’s the second time we didn’t know we were invited.
LUCCA
So...how does it work?
The Nu walks underneath the head of the device and enters a code on the lift that is there.  It lights up and powers up.
NU
The Epoch is ready to board, when you are.
The three walk over to the ship.
MARLE
Very cool.
LUCCA
I could’ve built this.
CRONO
Maybe so...
(steps aboard lift)
But I don’t think we have the time to wait around.
The others get on the lift as well.
NU
Press this button to go up.
CRONO
Are you going somewhere?
NU
My creator has asked that you shut me down before you leave, once my purpose has been fulfilled.  It was his dying wish.
Lucca steps off the lift and goes around behind the Nu, opening its brain hatch, finding the switch.  LUCCA
Ready?
NU
Ready.
She flips it, and the robot powers down.  Lucca then steps back onto the lift and hits the button.
LUCCA
Goodbye, Balthasar.
The lift begins moving up, and then locks into place when it reaches the Epoch control center.  Lucca places Robo near the console.
ROBO
Ah, a magnificent specimen!  Let me just see here…
Two plugs eject from Robo, and they find their way into two holes on the console, where they insert and begin transferring data.
ROBO
Alright…ready whenever you are, Lucca.
LUCCA
Then take us to pick up Frog.
ROBO
Gotcha.  
The craft lifts off of the ground, and a hole opens in the roof, as the Epoch lifts out into a long enclosed runway leading outside.
LUCCA
Here we go.
The ship zooms into action, speeding up rapidly.
As they near the end of the runway, a flash of light engulfs the ship, and it disappears into the dark atmosphere.
INT. END OF TIME - MOMENTS LATER
Frog is still sitting on the ground, only now he’s polishing his sword.  Suddenly, the Epoch, very noticably and loudly, docks next to the fence.
Frog stands up in awe, gawking at the massive ship, as the top hatch opens up and his three companions look up at him.
FROG
Thy trip back took naught but a matter of minutes.
LUCCA
Hurry up!  We don’t have much time!
Gaspar looks at the ship from over the fence as Frog jumps in and gets situated.
GASPAR
Well, I’ll be...
MARLE
You wanna come along?
GASPAR
No, I can’t...this place is too much like home for me to ever leave.  Besides, if I did, time would finally catch up with me, and then I’d be dead in a matter of seconds.
CRONO
We’re sorry to hear that.
GASPAR
You know, you kids aren’t all that bad after all.
LUCCA
And you old folks aren’t so bad, either.
GASPAR
OLD?!
The Epoch’s hatch closes, and it disappears into the darkness.
GASPAR
(yelling)
I take back what I said about you!
(muttering)
Ungrateful little...
(mumbles)
EXT. FROZEN WORLD - MOMENTS LATER
The ship comes out of time-warp quickly and in a flash of light, floating a hundred feet or so above the ice-covered surface.  It stays in one place for a moment.
INT. EPOCH - CONTINUOUS
LUCCA
Alright, so where are we going?
CRONO
A place called the Ocean Palace.  It’s an underwater stronghold of sorts.
LUCCA
Okay, so it’s underwater...how am I supposed to find it?  And better yet, how am I supposed to get us in?
CRONO
...Good questions.
FROG
Perhaps Zeal containeth a way there?
MARLE
The Mammon Room.
FROG
They must have a way to get the Mammon Machine into the Palace.
CRONO
A transporter would take care of that.
LUCCA
Alright, then...to Zeal we go.
EXT. FROZEN WORLD - CONTINUOUS
The ship points its nose upwards and begins a flight past the clouds and into the sky.
EXT. ZEAL - CONTINUOUS
Popping up through the clouds, the city of Zeal is within full view of the ship, and it is a magnificent sight - a city floating, literally, in the clouds.
INT. EPOCH - CONTINUOUS
MARLE
Wow...it’s so beautiful...
LUCCA
Yeah, too bad it’s controlled by the enemy.
MARLE
Ever heard of suspending your disbelief?
EXT. ZEAL - CONTINUOUS
The ship moves closer to the city, docking up alongside of it.  The hatch opens, and Marle, Crono, and Frog leap out onto the ground there.
CRONO
Aren’t you coming, Lucca?
LUCCA
No, I think I’ll watch from here.  Plus, I have to try out all the cool gadgets this Balthasar guy stuck in here.
FROG
Can we count upon thou to cometh when we art in peril?
LUCCA
Probably.  Depends on how busy I am.
MARLE
That’s comforting.
The hatch closes, and the craft drifts away from the city.  The three all pull their weapons and walk towards the main gates.
INT. ZEAL PALACE - MOMENTS LATER
The door opens inward, and the three step into the city.  However, they realize quickly that they are the only ones there.  The palace is entirely bare.
Wind rustles the papers in the main room, as a barrage of them leave the palace through the now-open front gate, and the three stand their places, gazing at the emptiness.
FROG
A dark odor doth fill this place...
CRONO
The Mammon Machine is probably already gone.  Let’s just find a way inside the Ocean Palace and get this done with.
They walk forward, down the stairs, and straight through the doorway at the other end of the room.
INT. MAMMON HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
The hallway is also empty.  A black door lies at the opposite end of the room.
The three go up to the door and pass their hands over it, trying to open it.  But it will not budge.
MARLE
Hmm.  I wonder how we can get past this.
FROG
Force may be thine only option.
Frog backs up, slides forward on a current of wind, and stabs the door in the center.  However, it does nothing, and instead, he is thrown backwards by an even stronger magic.
FROG
Perhaps not.
Crono thinks for a moment, and then looks to Marle’s pendant.
CRONO
Marle, hand me your pendant!
MARLE
What?
CRONO
Balthasar’s machine said that your necklace was the Pendant of Zeal.
MARLE
Are you saying...?
FROG
Marle’s pendant doth strangely resemble this palace’s markings...
Marle takes the necklace off and hands it to Crono.
CRONO
Let’s see...
He places the jewel against the black door and waits for a moment.  Suddenly, the door begins to shake, and it immediately slides open.
CRONO
A lot easier than I thought it would be...
INT. MAMMON ROOM - CONTINUOUS
A white portal lies on the ground at the other end of the room, with a man standing beside it - Melchior.
Marle raises her crossbow and Frog raises his sword, but Crono puts up his hands in front of them.
CRONO
Stop!  He’s not an enemy!
They lower their weapons, and Crono sheathes his, walking forward.
CRONO
Melchior.
The old man looks up.
MELCHIOR
Do I know you?
CRONO
No...but we know you.  We know you and your friends Balthasar and Gaspar.  We know that you warned the Queen about taking the Mammon Machine too close to Lavos.  And we know what’s going to happen once they use it.
MELCHIOR
Then you also realize that it is too late to do anything.  Every magic-user in this city is too afraid to stop the Queen, and no one remains to watch the city fall.
CRONO
You’re wrong...three magic-users remain unafraid, willing to fight.  Us.
MELCHIOR
Even so, the Machine is being prepared as we speak.  It is hopeless.
CRONO
Not if YOU help us.  You’re the Guru of Life!  Surely you have something that can help prevent the taking of it!
Melchior thinks for a moment, and then looks up.
MELCHIOR
There is only one weapon that can defeat the Mammon Machine now...it is a sword I made long ago, but I know now not where it lies.
CRONO
What sword?
MELCHIOR
The Rainbow Blade.
Crono looks to his own sword in amazement and pulls it out.  Melchior’s jaw drops at the sight.
MELCHIOR
My sword!  Where did you find it?
CRONO
You gave it to me.
Melchior looks puzzled.
CRONO
It’s a long story.  Look, will this portal take us to the Ocean Palace?
MELCHIOR
Yes, but you must hurry!  The process is almost complete, and then it will be too late!
CRONO
Thank you!
Crono and the others rush to the portal of light and let it warp them away.  Melchior looks to his hands.
MELCHIOR
Finally...my tools of destruction may do some good...
EXT. EPOCH – MEANWHILE
The Epoch is flying through the area around Zeal, a few thousand feet in the air.  
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
LUCCA
What a nice view.
She leans back into her chair, and sighs.
LUCCA
So, Robo…what kind of cool things can this ship do?
ROBO
It appears this vessel is intended for not only travel, but combat as well.
LUCCA
Combat?  What kind of combat?
ROBO
Its arsenal is impressive, and its maneuvering capabilities as well.  I would think the intended target would be enemy aircraft.
LUCCA
Well, I don’t think we’ll have to-
A red light starts to go off on the console, and Lucca sees on radar several targets nearby.
LUCCA
Well, I’ll be damned.  Where are they?
ROBO
Below us.
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
Three ships, each the same size as the Epoch, fly upwards from the water into the sky, shooting their guns towards Lucca.
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
Several hits land their target, and the ship rocks.  Red lights start going off everywhere.
ROBO
Taking evasive actions.
LUCCA
Good idea!
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
The ship dives down to avoid the blasts, twisting and turning to stay in one piece.  The other ships turn to aim better, and continue tracking the Epoch.
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
LUCCA
Alright, you got us out of that one…now what?
ROBO
Take the controls.
LUCCA
What?
ROBO
You have to steer if I’m going to man the weapons array.  I can’t do both at once.
LUCCA
I thought you said you were multi-functional!
ROBO
Fully-functional, multi-language.  Don’t cross your adjectives.  It’s bad grammar.  
LUCCA
Never did like English that much.
She places her hands in two orbs of light on the sides of her chair and readies herself.  The radar beeps and they’re within range.
ROBO
Engaging manual piloting.
The ship shifts, and Lucca yells as the ship drops in speed.
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
Two cannons on the backside of the Epoch appear from small ports in the hull, turning towards the enemies and opening fire.  The ship rocks from the thrust.
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
ROBO
Incoming…
Lucca looks to the screen and sees several projectiles coming her way.
ROBO
MOVE!
Lucca dips forward, and the ship does as well, heading straight downwards towards the water.
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
As the ship dives, bullets continue to fly, and a missile barely misses the Epoch.  One of the enemy ships is struck on the wing by the Epoch’s fire, and starts spiraling, flaming.
The Epoch pulls up just in time to avoid hitting the water, and the other ship crashes into the ocean, exploding on impact.
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
LUCCA
(sighing)
Well…that wasn’t so hard.
ROBO
It’s about to get harder.  We have two more on our tail, and they’re getting into formation.
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
Four ships following the Epoch get into a two-layer formation, the ones on bottom opening up cannons and the ones on top opening up missile ports.  
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
ROBO
They’re using a destroyer pattern.  You pull up, I’ll ready the secondary weapons.
LUCCA
Got it.
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
The ship pulls up just as the firing begins, and two missiles exit from each of the two top ships, following the heat trail of the Epoch.  The Epoch barely outraces them, and they catch up quickly.
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
ROBO
The other systems will take a few minutes to get ready.  You need to move this ship as much as possible.
LUCCA
I’m trying!
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
The Epoch spins and twists, dipping and diving and all.  Its cannons continue to blast away, striking one of the missiles and making it crash into one next to it.  They both explode, and through the blast come the other two.
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
ROBO
Got it!  Missiles ready!
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
Two missile ports open on the Epoch’s underside, and they fire off, striking the missiles and making them explode.  The four ships remain in the background, however, as they prepare to fire yet again.
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
LUCCA
They’re doing it again!
ROBO
Not with this they’re not.
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
Six additional missile ports open on the underbelly of the Epoch, and all fire at the same time, striking the four ships with a wall of metal and flame.  
For a moment, it appears as if the four have been destroyed…but then one ship bursts through the fire, ready with a missile.  
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
ROBO
They’re about to fire, and we’re out of missiles.
Lucca looks all around her, and then at the ocean.  
LUCCA
Retract the wings.
ROBO
What?!
LUCCA
Retract the wings; we’re gonna dive.
ROBO
I suppose…
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
As the missile fires, the wings pull in, and the ship nosedives into the water, making a rather small splash compared to the incredible explosion of the missile, and then the damaged ship, hitting the surface.
The Epoch floats in the water, a few dozen yards below, as Lucca looks out the window to the water, and sees all sorts of marine life about, unknown species everywhere.
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
LUCCA
And to think…that all of these creatures will one day die, never having seen the light of the sun…
ROBO
I’m more worried about that ominous black building there.
START TRACK 18
Lucca looks out the window, and sees the Ocean Palace there on the ocean floor, a huge tower extending thousands of feet from the bottom.
LUCCA
My God…Crono…
INT. OCEAN PALACE - MOMENTS LATER
Crono and his companions appear in the portal, weapons drawn, and are instantly noticed by the Zeal guards, of which there are plenty.  
CRONO
Hey guys.  Sorry about this.
The battle ensues.  Frog and Crono dodge magical bullets and attack the guards, while Marle uses her crossbow to shoot a few as well.  Marle even shoots a massive bullet of water at one of her attackers, and throws him against a wall.
Frog uses a concentrated wind spell to lift several enemies into the air, slamming them into the ground.  He then finishes his group off with a few quick slashes.
Crono summons lightning into his sword and attacks the ground, electrocuting the many guards in his way, and then impales the head guard, finishing the job.
After the enemy is thoroughly decimated, the three collect themselves.
CRONO
You alright?
MARLE
Yeah.
FROG
Indeed.
Marle reloads her arrows while the other two wipe their swords off on dead guards, and they approach the door.  Crono holds his position there.
INT. OCEAN PALACE CHAMBERS - CONTINUOUS
Inside the room, eight dark-cloaked summoners stand around the Mammon Machine, each about ten feet away.  Directly in front of the device stand Queen Zeal, and on either side, Schala and the Prophet.
QUEEN ZEAL
Very soon, Schala, your time will come.  And then we will both be gods.
The Prophet turns towards the door and listens.
PROPHET
They are here.
The door flies inwards, a bolt of lightning carrying it directly towards the Prophet.  Crono and the others step inside.
The Prophet puts up his hand and stops the door in mid-air, tossing it to the side to see the three enter the room.  He sneers.
PROPHET
Infernal frog!
Frog holds his sword to the side.
FROG
Crono, the Machine.  I shall dealeth with him.
Frog rushes at the Prophet, and their private battle of magic and blades ensues.
Schala turns to look at the commotion, but Queen Zeal turns her daughter back around.
QUEEN ZEAL
No, Schala!  You must concentrate on the Machine!
Marle, meanwhile, aims at the Queen, who has now turned to face the princess.
Marle lets loose her attack, and a barrage of arrows fly at Queen Zeal’s face and body, each one turning to dust before it hits her.  Marle sees this and drops her weapon.
Rushing at the Queen, Marle powers up a concentrated ball of blue energy in her hand, and punches outwards with it once she’s within striking distance.
The Queen easily grabs Marle’s hand and tosses her to the side, as Marle hits the wall and falls down in pain.
Crono, meanwhile, runs down the center of the room, leaping directly over the Queen’s head.
QUEEN ZEAL
Die!
She shoots beams of energy at him, but they all barely miss, as Crono gets above the Mammon Machine, sword ready for the plunge.
Frog and the Prophet have each other in a deadlock of arms, as Crono impales the Machine at the core, lightning coursing through his weapon, and finally erupting outwards in a blast of forked light.
The entire room fills with light, until it’s simply white.
FADE TO WHITE.
FADE IN:
INT. LAVOS’ LAIR - MOMENTS LATER
Everybody that was in the room, excluding the eight summoners, now find themselves lying on an invisible ground, as if waking up.
Crono, Marle, and Frog struggle to their feet, and stare ahead in horror.
Lying before them is LAVOS, a massive, spiked, beetle-like beast at least 30 feet high, 60 feet in diameter, its mouth a set of three hard covers that open and close like hinges, forming, together, a perfect dome.
Next to Lavos stands Queen Zeal, who is petting the beast’s body, intoxicated by his power.  She turns to look at the three.
CRONO
My God...
QUEEN ZEAL
(laughing)
That was a nice try, boy.  But you see, the destruction of the Mammon Machine actually helped me more than it hurt.  For, instead of controlling Lavos’ power...I can now control Lavos himself.
The Queen floats into the air, situating herself on Lavos’ head, laughing all the way.
MARLE
Why?!  Why would you betray your own people for this?
QUEEN ZEAL
I don’t consider it a betrayal.  I consider their lives...a sacrifice.
FROG
Doesth thou haveth no soul?
QUEEN ZEAL
Oh, I do.  Perhaps not one as pure as yours, but a soul, nonetheless.
CRONO
We will destroy you!
QUEEN ZEAL
Oh, really?
(laughs)
Obliterate them.
Lavos SCREECHES, and powers up a spherical ball of energy in its mouth.  It grows huge, as Crono and the others prepare to fight.
However, as it launches forth, the Prophet leaps in front of the blast and deflects it with his magic.  Lavos SCREECHES again.
QUEEN ZEAL
Prophet?  What are you doing?
PROPHET
Lavos, your fight is with me!
The Prophet sheds his cloak, revealing that he is, in fact, Magus.  He holds his scythe to the side.
FROG
Magus!
MAGUS
I swore long ago, Lavos, that I’d destroy you, no matter what the price!  It is now time to fulfill that vow!
Magus summons dark energy into his scythe, turning the metal black.
MAGUS
Feel my wrath!
END TRACK 18
Magus rushes forward, thrusting his blade into Lavos’ mouth.  Dark energy rushes forth into the beast, exploding outward in violent waves of shadow.
However, the energy soon dies down.
MAGUS
What?!
Lavos thrusts Magus back, as the wizard slides to a stop.  The Queen looks on in amusement.
MAGUS
I survived the darkness to defeat you!  I will not fail!
Magus tosses the scythe aside and powers up a bullet of dark energy so massive that it rivals Lavos himself in size.  He struggles with the energy.
As he thrusts it forward, it engulfs the creature, and causes the beast to disappear for a moment.  Magus smiles.
However, the energy bullet dies away, and Lavos, fully intact, remains.
MAGUS
It...it didn’t work?!
Lavos opens his mouth, and shoots a beam of light straight through Magus’ body, as it lifts him into the air.
Magus YELLS in pain, and once the beam disappears, Magus falls to the ground, rolling in agony.  The Queen laughs.
QUEEN ZEAL
Fool!  Your measly powers have no effect against the great Lavos!  His energy is ancient, while you are nothing but fresh meat!
Schala stands from the ground and goes to Magus.
MAGUS
Schala...forgive me...I couldn’t save you all those years ago…and I couldn’t save you now…
Schala stands and faces the Queen.
SCHALA
Stop it!
QUEEN ZEAL
Schala?  How dare you defy me!
SCHALA
This is senseless!  Let them go!
QUEEN ZEAL
I’m afraid we can’t do that.  We did it once, and look how they came back.  It will surely happen again.
SCHALA
Then take me!
MAGUS
No!
CRONO
Schala, don’t do it!
QUEEN ZEAL
Quiet!
Crono gets hit by a bolt of fire, and falls back.  He gets back up, and rushes in front of Lavos.
CRONO
Take me instead!
QUEEN ZEAL
You challenge Lavos with that battered body of yours?
CRONO
My body may be ruined...but my spirit is stronger than you will ever know!
QUEEN ZEAL
Let us see.
Lavos begins to suck Crono into his mouth, and Crono powers up his lightning magic, forming a massive well of energy.
MARLE
Crono, stop!
FROG
Desist!
CRONO
Try this!
As soon as Crono comes within range of the mouth, he lets the energy tear through his body, as a shockwave goes out, turning everything except for Magus, Frog, Marle, and Schala into grey, frozen figurines.  That moment in time stops.
MARLE
NOOOOOOOOOO!!
Immediately afterwards, a white flash covers everything, and the four are back in the...
INT. OCEAN PALACE CHAMBERS - CONTINUOUS
...in exactly the same places they were just in.
Marle and Frog look around for Crono, while Magus comes to his knees and then stands, shakily.
MARLE
Crono?
FROG
Crono!
MARLE
Crono!
MAGUS
It’s no use...he can’t hear you.
Marle starts crying.
MARLE
Crono...
Frog turns to Magus and puts the Masamune at the wizard’s throat.  Schala and Marle watch, terrified.
MAGUS
Go ahead.  Kill me.  I have no weapon...Lavos stole my magic, at least for the time being...and now that you have the chance to exact your revenge, why not?  I failed at my own cause...I have nothing left to live for anyway.
Frog hovers over the decision for a moment, and then pulls his sword back, sheathing it.
FROG
Thou art a villain, Magus...but killing thee shall returneth neither of my lost friends.
MAGUS
It’s a pity...Cyrus wouldn’t have hesitated to end my life.  Yet you do.
FROG
I toldeth thou before, Magus...I am not Cyrus.
The palace begins to shake uncontrollably, as the four look around for a way out.  Marle looks to the light portal, but it is gone.
MARLE
(wiping tears)
The portal is gone!  How do we get out?
SCHALA
I can transport you three out of here...but it will use the last of my power to do so.
MAGUS
I’m not leaving without you, Schala!
SCHALA
Oh, yes, you are!
Schala takes her pendant off and it displays a bright light that encompasses the three of them.
MARLE
We can’t just let you die here!
SCHALA
Don’t worry about me!  Just go!
The light dissolves the three of them and transports them out.  The light then dies away, and Schala’s pendant dims to nothingness.
SCHALA
Please...please keep Janus safe...
EXT. NORTH CAPE - MOMENTS LATER
A large flash of light reveals Frog, Lucca, and Magus standing several feet inward from the coastline, the snow no longer falling.
They all look to the ocean, and watch as the Black Omen rises.
START TRACK 19
First, the water on the surface begins to quiver, and the top of the palace can be seen.  Then, as the upper half is revealed, the main body of the palace rises from its underwater lair.
MONTAGE -- THE BLACK OMEN APPEARING SUDDENLY IN MANY DIFFERENT TIME PERIODS.
-- THE PEOPLE OF 600 A.D. SEE THE BLACK OMEN APPEAR IN THEIR SKIES.
-- THE PEOPLE OF 1000 A.D. SEE THE BLACK OMEN APPEAR IN THEIR SKIES.
-- THE BLACK OMEN APPEARS JUST ABOVE A MOUNTAIN IN 2300 A.D., HOVERING OVER IT.
EXT. GUARDIA CASTLE - 1000 A.D.
King Guardia collects flowers in his hands from the ground.  His black mourning robes are whipped around and he looks up to watch the Black Omen appear eerily over the water in the distance.
He drops the flowers he has in his grasp, letting them hit the grass, as he falls to his knees in tears.
KING GUARDIA
Nadia...
EXT. NORTH CAPE - CONTINUOUS
Frog and Marle both move closer to the shore.  Magus stays where he is.
MARLE
Oh no...
FROG
The Ocean Palace hath risen, and has becometh a black omen in thy skies...
MARLE
This wasn’t supposed to happen, was it?  I mean, wasn’t Lavos supposed to destroy Zeal?  Was this palace truly supposed to fly?
FROG
Queen Zeal doth now have Lavos’ reins.  Nothing shall be the way it was.
The Ocean Palace, now the Black Omen, finds its place in the sky and stops.  Frog and Marle turn to Magus, and Frog approaches the wizard, blade drawn.
FROG
What knoweth thou of this wickedness?
MAGUS
I know nothing.  This is all Queen Zeal’s doing.  Lavos destroyed Zeal once; now she and Lavos will destroy our entire world.
Frog lowers his blade.
FROG
So thou art truly against Lavos.
Magus walks to the precipice, and look out into the distance.
MAGUS
You see, I come from this age, before Lavos’ arrival.  Since I was a child, I’ve wanted to kill Lavos for destroying my home - but more importantly, for killing my sister, Schala.
MARLE
Sister?  So that means...
MAGUS
I am Janus, the Queen’s son.  Lavos’ timewarp in 600 A.D. sent me back here, and I knew it was my chance to destroy him once and for all.  So I impersonated the Prophet, and easily told Queen Zeal her future, already knowing the path that it would take.  But...Lavos is stronger than he seems.  I thought my dark powers would be enough to defeat him...but it seems that I was mistaken.
FROG
Magus...
MAGUS
(turns around)
You and your comrades are no match for Lavos.  He feeds from this planet itself...there is no force stronger than that.
FROG
No single force, yes...
MARLE
...but if we can get Crono back, I KNOW we can fight that thing!
Magus thinks this over, and then looks out to the ocean again.
END TRACK 19
MAGUS
Well...there is one way you can get your precious Crono back...
MARLE
How?
MAGUS
Our prophecies foretell a device that is able to alter time itself, transporting to an important moment in the bearer’s life and helping them to change it.  A device known as the Chrono Trigger.
FROG
Chrono Trigger...
MAGUS
But our scriptures said it would only come to light in the darkest of places, surrounded by the enemy, in a world of the future...
MARLE
A dark world...
FROG
Perhaps 2300 A.D.?
MAGUS
Yes, perhaps.
From behind them, Lucca and the Epoch lower slowly to the ground, the hatch opening.  They look to the vehicle and turn back to Magus.
FROG
I thanketh thee, Magus...thou hast redeemed thyself in mine eyes.
They turn and begin to walk away, but Marle stops and then faces Magus.
MARLE
Come with us.
MAGUS
(turning to face them)
What?
MARLE
You want to destroy Lavos too, don't you?  And we've seen your strength...we would definitely be better off having you as our ally.
MAGUS
(smiling)
I'm afraid to say I don't share your optimism at Lavos' defeat.  Though if anybody can accomplish that task...it is you, not I.
MARLE
Then what will you do?
MAGUS
(turning back to ocean)
I'll just search for my sister...whatever that entails.
Marle nods her head, and she and Frog continue towards the Epoch, leaping into it.  Lucca looks at the two and smiles.
LUCCA
Hi, how did everything go?
(stops smiling)
…Where is Crono?
FROG
We shall explaineth on the way.
The hatch closes and the ship boosts off into the future, leaving Magus behind on the ground.
MAGUS
...Wherever it may take me...
START TRACK 20
INT. CRONO'S ROOM - DREAMWORLD MORNING
Crono is lying asleep in bed, just as he was the morning of the Millennial Fair.  The scene is the same, in fact...except that his sword is different.
CRONO'S MOM (O.C.)
Crono!
Crono awakens immediately, and looks around, surprised.  He looks at his clothes and gets up, looking out the window, still bewildered.
CRONO
I'm...home?
His mother comes into the room and he turns to face her, defensive.
CRONO'S MOM
Crono, are you alright?  You look like you've seen a ghost!
CRONO
Not quite...
CRONO'S MOM
Come on, honey, your breakfast is getting cold.  Don't want to go to the fair on an empty stomach!
She goes downstairs, smiling.  Crono pauses for a moment and then pulls his shirt down, straightening it out.  He shakes his head.
CRONO
Must've been a dream...
He leaves the room and heads downstairs to the...
INT. CRONO'S HOUSE – CONTINUOUS
...where he gets to the bottom of the stairs and sees his mother at the kitchen, cleaning.  Food is on the table.
He walks over to his plate and sits down, picking up his fork.  But then he drops it and looks to his mom.
CRONO
Mom, what day is it?
CRONO'S MOM
Why, it's the day of the Millennial Fair, of course!
CRONO
I know that, but...what day?
CRONO'S MOM
(turning to him)
What do you mean?
CRONO
What's the date?  The month, the day?
CRONO'S MOM
(after a moment, turning back to dishes)
Honestly, Crono, I don't understand why you have to be so difficult.  You know perfectly well what day it is.  I didn't raise my boy to be a moron, after all.
Crono pauses and then stands up.  He walks towards the door.
CRONO'S MOM
(turning to him)
Crono, you're not going to eat?
CRONO
I'm not hungry.
CRONO'S MOM
Oh well...then just remember to go over to your inventor friend's house.  She wanted to see you.  Oh, what's her name?
CRONO
...Lucca?
CRONO'S MOM
There you go!  Have a good day!
Crono leaves the house and looks out at the familiar vision in front of him.
CRONO
(muttering)
What is going on?
END TRACK 20
EXT. DEAD WORLD - 2300 A.D.
A beam of light appears and the Epoch reconstitutes itself from that beam, traveling slowly over the dark world.
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
FROG
(in shock at the destroyed world)
This is atrocious...
LUCCA
So, where would this enemy stronghold be?
As they're cruising, Marle looks out the window and sees the Black Omen drifting in the sky over a mountain covered by a black mist.
MARLE
(pointing towards peak)
There.
EXT. DEAD WORLD – CONTINUOUS
The ship turns sharply towards the mountain, and flies off.
EXT. DEATH PEAK - MOMENTS LATER
The ship pulls up next to the mountainside, several hundred feet from the summit.  The group, including Lucca, disembarks, as the ship waits floating in stasis.
The three move up the mountain, looking towards the top, the ominous feeling seeping into their bodies.
MARLE
So, I've been wondering...what exactly is Lavos' purpose?  What is his intent?
ROBO
To survive.
LUCCA
Figures.
MARLE
Yeah, but...
ROBO
How shall I explain it…when you step on the ground, do you watch for the insects or plants beneath your feet?  Do you even wonder how many thousands you kill with every step?
MARLE
No, not really.
ROBO
Considering Lavos’ size and power, that would logically be his nature.  He’s so large, so ancient, so advanced in respect to us that we’re like insects to him.
FROG
So...thy enemy’s ways maketh sense...
MARLE
The only thing Lavos didn't count on...was these insects fighting back.
LUCCA
Well-said.
As they progress, the four look to their sides, and Marle gasps.  She points her crossbow at several smaller versions of Lavos, LAVOS SPAWNS, that are a good distance away.  The creatures sit, unaware, their tentacles placed firmly in the ground.
MARLE
What are they?
LUCCA
...They appears to be Lavos’ spawn...
FROG
They feed from the ground...
ROBO
Like animals feeding from their parent.
MARLE
Will these disappear?  When we defeat Lavos?
LUCCA
They should.  If the father never existed...neither should the sons.
They continue up, and come within view of the peak, and they slow their ascent, as the shadow of the Black Omen beats down on them.
As they reach the final plateau, they see a tree sitting on a ledge overlooking the dead world...and the light-filled egg, the Chrono Trigger, that sits in its branches.
START TRACK 21
FROG
There it is.
Marle walks forward to the tree and grabs the egg gently, holding it and looking at it.
MARLE
This must be it...the Chrono Trigger...
LUCCA
So how does it work?
FROG
I knoweth not.
MARLE
Perhaps if I just call out to him...and remember him.
Marle gets on her knees and closes her eyes, thinking about Crono.
INT. CRONO'S HOUSE - DREAMWORLD MORNING
Crono looks out at the familiar scenery outside, but he turns back and heads into the house, closing the door.
CRONO
Mom?
CRONO'S MOM
Yes, dear?
CRONO
Have you ever heard of a creature named Lavos?
CRONO'S MOM
Lavos?  What is a Lavos?
CRONO
What about Magus?  Or the Kingdom of Zeal?  Or the Three Gurus?
CRONO'S MOM
Crono, what is wrong with you?
CRONO
Or Marle?  Or the Hero Frog?  Or Cyrus?  Or the Masamune?
CRONO'S MOM
Honey, just calm down.  You're getting excited.
CRONO
What about Gaspar, or Balthasar, or Melchior?
He looks to his sword and pulls it, the Rainbow Blade in his hand.
CRONO
The Rainbow Blade...
CRONO'S MOM
Crono, put that away this instant!
CRONO
This isn't real...I've already been to the fair...
CRONO'S MOM
Today is the first day!  What are you talking about?!
CRONO
No...I got this at the fair, from Melchior...
(looks around room)
This is an illusion.  The time travel, Lavos, the decimated future...that's all real.
(looks to mother)
You're the one who's fake.
CRONO'S MOM
Crono, just do as I say and-
MARLE (V.O.)
Crono!
Crono turns to look for Marle.
CRONO
Marle!  Is that you?
MARLE (V.O.)
Can you hear me, Crono?
CRONO
I'm coming, Marle!
CRONO'S MOM
Crono, you're scaring me!
CRONO
No, Mom...you can't be scared.  You're not real.
He pulls back his weapon and slashes through his mother, her body turning into mist as he does and the entire world disappearing in a flash.  He approaches a dark point in the distance, the inverse colors of a timewarp.
EXT. DEATH PEAK - 2300 A.D.
Everybody is still where they were, and a tear runs down Marle's cheek as she holds the Trigger out.
MARLE
(softly)
Please come back...
The Chrono Trigger starts to shine more and more brightly, and then it lifts into the air on its own, floating higher and higher over the group's head.
Once it gets to be about twenty feet above them, a white circular Gate opens, and it shows the exact moment that Crono is frozen in.
Suddenly, his grey body regains its color, and Crono starts to move out of the Gate, floating above the party, arms outstretched and his hair and clothes rippling.
As Crono slowly floats to the ground, he lands on his feet, and Marle stands, walking towards him.  She places her hands on the sides of his face.
MARLE
Come back.  Please...come back...
Crono's eyes softly open, and he looks at Marle.
CRONO
Marle...
Marle embraces him and squeezes him tightly.
MARLE
...You heard me, didn't you?
CRONO
Yes...I did...
Marle smiles and pulls back from Crono, as he looks to the others behind Marle.
CRONO
Lucca?  Frog?  What are you doing here?
FROG
We came to saveth thee, of course.
LUCCA
You didn't think we'd let you sit this battle out, did you?
MARLE
You're needed here.  We couldn't let you go.
CRONO
We?
MARLE
Well, I can't speak for the others, but...I couldn't let you go.
Crono smiles, and the four all look up at the Gate above them as it shrinks back into the Chrono Trigger form and then shatters, sprinkling light particles everywhere.
CRONO
Alright, then...
(looks to group)
Let's get this over with for good.
END TRACK 21
EXT. BLACK OMEN – 12,000 B.C.
Queen Zeal stands atop the Black Omen, positioned on a pedestal that is teeming with dark energy.  She has her hands out, soaking up all of the power pouring forth.
QUEEN ZEAL
Lavos...give me eternal life...
Her energy starts to gain more strength, seeping off of her body into flames of shadow, which actually scorch the metal of the floating palace.
However, her eyes open and look to Magus, who has mysteriously appeared there, cape whipping in the wind.
MAGUS
Mother.
QUEEN ZEAL
No, no, no...you have lost your right to call me that.  You sided against Lavos, against my dreams.  Dreams that you were once a part of.
MAGUS
You can keep your dreams.  All I want is my sister.
QUEEN ZEAL
Yes...it’s as I imagined.  Schala’s fate has tortured your own, doomed it.
Magus steps forward, energy starting to power up around him.
QUEEN ZEAL
I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Prophet.  Or, should I say, Janus?
Magus stops.
QUEEN ZEAL
It seems that you and your tiny amphibian friend have more in common than you thought.  A loved one dying, changing you, mutating you...waiting until the right time, waiting for the moment to strike, to exact your revenge.  You’re the same, you know.
MAGUS
Stop playing with my mind, Zeal.  Show me my sister.
QUEEN ZEAL
You wish to see Schala, one last time?  Fine.
Queen Zeal steps aside, and Schala stands there.  She appears to be exactly the same as previously.
Magus steps forward, his dark power dissolving.
MAGUS
Schala...
SCHALA
Janus...why have you come?
MAGUS
I had to see you again...I had to stay...
They stand very close.
SCHALA
I told you that you had to leave, didn’t I?  That I was going to save you?
MAGUS
I know, but-
SCHALA
It’s important that you listen to your big sister.  You could get hurt.
MAGUS
...I’ve been hurt more than you know.
SCHALA
Oh...my poor brother...
She touches his face and then holds it with her hands, as Magus closes his eyes and Queen Zeal appears directly behind him.
SCHALA
...Let me bless you, Janus.
Magus kneels, his defenses gone, and she kisses his forehead.  Magus opens his eyes and looks to her neck as he stands.
MAGUS
Where’s your pendant, Schala?
Schala looks up at him, and her eyes slowly turn into a blue void-like color, as if she’s under a spell.  She starts to back away.
MAGUS
Schala?
He breathes in deeply as if he’s been stabbed, and Queen Zeal smiles from behind him.
QUEEN ZEAL
Now, Janus...tell me what you know about these…heroes.
Magus’ eyes slowly fade into blue, and his expression goes blank.
EXT. BLACK OMEN - 12,000 B.C.
Crono, Marle, Frog, and Lucca leap onto the Black Omen's outer walking area, as the Epoch closes up and docks.  They all look to the fortress entrance, almost 30 feet away.
LUCCA
This place looks very ancient...nearly a million years old...perhaps even used as a church, by the looks of it.
MARLE
Now it's only a house of evil.
FROG
Let us purge it.
They come to the doorway, and the door automatically opens.
CRONO
I don't like it when doors know we're coming in.
They all step inside, and the door slams behind them.
INT. BLACK OMEN ENTRANCE – CONTINUOUS
START TRACK 22
They stop and look around at everything nearby.
A SINISTER FEMALE LAUGH echoes throughout the structure.
QUEEN ZEAL (V.O.)
So, I see that the red-haired boy and his friends are back.  So nice of you to return.  Lavos enjoyed your energy greatly.
CRONO
Stop hiding, Zeal!  We end this NOW!
Another LAUGH resonates.  A few yards in front of them, part of the floor slides forward and reveals a staircase leading down.
QUEEN ZEAL (V.O.)
I was going to make you find me, but if you insist...Lavos will be pleased with your willingness to die.  So come in, warriors...enjoy the show.
The four move towards the stairs, as the LAUGHING continues.
LUCCA
I'll take it that's not a good sign.
FROG
Thou taketh it correctly.
They descend.
INT. BLACK OMEN CHAMBERS - MOMENTS LATER
The four come out of the descending staircase and into a room that is nothing more than a five-foot-wide walkway leading up to a circular platform at the other end, upon which is Queen Zeal, sitting atop her throne constructed of Lavos' needles...and Schala, Janus, and Magus, all sitting beside her in seats of metal, drugged.
They move down the walkway, which hangs over a vast chasm of darkness, and towards the Queen.
MARLE
What have you done to them?
QUEEN ZEAL
Oh, these three are simply connected to Lavos' energy, drugged upon his immense power.  Catatonic with lust.
CRONO
Zeal...let them go.
QUEEN ZEAL
Why should I?  Magus came back and betrayed me...Schala's presence is still required to keep Lavos at bay...and Janus is my key to holding Schala under control.  The Mammon Machine may no longer be my key to power, but Schala and Lavos have a...SPECIAL bond.  I can't ignore that, now can I?
Crono holds his sword out and stands defiantly before the Queen.
CRONO
Let them go.
QUEEN ZEAL
And who shall make me?
CRONO
I will.
LUCCA
And I as well.
MARLE
Count me in.
FROG
And none desire to slayeth your evil more than I.
The Queen smiles, and stands from her throne.
QUEEN ZEAL
It's so heartwarming to see you all willing to end my life...but I'm afraid I'm too close to its beginning to forfeit it now.
She holds up her hand.
QUEEN ZEAL
Goodbye.
A pulse of energy tears from her hand, and it strikes all four of the members.  Each one is taken to their knees, though they remain intact, and stand again.
Queen Zeal is surprised at this.
QUEEN ZEAL
More powerful than I initially believed.  No matter.
She attacks again, this time throwing them all backwards, as the four slide to their respective stops several feet back from where they just were.  They struggle to their feet and stand tall, weapons at the ready.
QUEEN ZEAL
How can you have become so strong...?
FROG
The black wind begins to blow...
QUEEN ZEAL
What?
Magus looks up from his place at Zeal's side.
FROG
Neuga, ziena, zieber, zom...
Magus looks to Frog specifically.
FROG
Now thy chosen time has come...
QUEEN ZEAL
Stop that!
She attacks him with a concentrated bolt of energy, but he absorbs it and continues.
FROG
Waken from thy magic mist...
Magus opens his eyes, as if he's awakening.
FROG
And send her to the great abyss!
QUEEN ZEAL
You will die, now!!
Zeal prepares to attack again, but Magus reaches up and grabs her arm, using his own magic to counter the spell.
QUEEN ZEAL
What?!  Magus, you insolent fool!
He gets up from his chair and stands in front of her, holding her spell at bay.
MAGUS
No, mother...insolence is yours alone.
She SCREAMS as rivulets of dark electricity course off her body, engulfing her.  She erupts into shadow, becoming nothing more than a mist in the air, as the pendant on her neck falls into the throne.
Magus picks the pendant up from the chair.
MAGUS
You took this pendant from my sister...and now I shall reclaim it in her honor.
He backs away.  Queen Zeal's remains float up and start to LAUGH.
MAGUS
What's funny, mother?
QUEEN ZEAL (V.O.)
Killing me will do nothing to Lavos.  It will simply free his restraints, making him more powerful than ever.
The group gets on edge again.
QUEEN ZEAL
You have failed once again...son.
She disappears altogether.
Janus' and Schala's eyes, as a result, finally open, and they sit up in their chairs.
FROG
Doesth she speaketh the truth?
MARLE
Is this not the end?
MAGUS
...I'm afraid not.  Even with my mother's destruction, Lavos lives.
CRONO
Then we must fight him.
MAGUS
The only way to do that...would be to transport into the crater.
LUCCA
That would require a massive amount of energy...
MAGUS
Yes...the kind produced by a willful sacrifice...the kind that Crono gave off to save us.
MARLE
What are you saying?
MAGUS
...I will send you there.
They all pause for a moment, surprised.
FROG
Thou wouldst...giveth thy own life?
MAGUS
Lavos has always been my enemy.  And the enemy of my enemy...
Magus turns to his sister and his younger self, walking towards them.  They stand together and face the others, while Magus takes the pendant and holds it tightly in his hand.
MAGUS
Goodbye...my friends.
A bright light emanates from his body, filling the room, covering everything except for the party in white.  The whiteness then becomes a light blue, as if they are stuck in a Gate entrance.
END TRACK 22
START TRACK 23
INT. LAVOS CRATER – CONTINUOUS
The entire area ahead of them is empty.  However, a loud SCREECH comes from behind them, and they turn to face Lavos.
His size has increased from 30 feet tall to perhaps 50 feet, making him 100 feet in diameter as well.  His shell is much tougher-looking as well...basically, he's much more badass, and much more sinister.
LUCCA
That...is one huge bug.
MARLE
He's even bigger than before...
CRONO
The Queen's death must have empowered him.
FROG
However it happened...
(holds sword offensively)
Lavos' end has arrived.
He walks forward.
FROG
For Cyrus...and Magus.
LUCCA
(walking forward)
For mom and dad.
MARLE
(walking forward)
For Guardia.
CRONO
(holds sword to side)
For home.
They all, as a collective, go forward, walking against the evil wind that flows from Lavos' body.  Lavos SCREECHES once again.
As they all get within thirty feet of the creature, they stand their ground, weapons at the ready.
CRONO
Fighting him one-on-one will get us nowhere.  We have to work together!
MARLE
Right!
LUCCA
What do you suggest?
Lavos begins to power up his energy.
CRONO
I suggest we move!
The blast comes quickly, and they all jump out of the way to avoid it hitting them.  They then quickly charge the creature.
Lucca runs to the side, shooting him with her gun, while Marle does the same thing, attacking carefully with arrows.
Crono and Frog, meanwhile, charge at the mouth, and stab at the same time, as Lavos SCREECHES in combined pain.  They pull their swords out.
However, a shockwave of energy erupts from Lavos' shell, and it throws all of them backwards.
The fight continues like this, the four attacking in various ways, Lavos defending himself well, for a few minutes.  Several injuries are sustained by the party, until eventually only Crono is uninjured enough to fight.  
The four form a line and pause, exhausted.
LUCCA
It's no use...he's too well-developed for our attacks to do anything...
MARLE
And you’re the only one that isn’t injured, Crono.
CRONO
You’re right...but I have an idea.
LUCCA
Yeah?
CRONO
I'll distract him while you guys summon as much magic energy as you can.  Then, when I give the signal, shoot it all at me.
LUCCA
What?
MARLE
What?!
FROG
Art thou mad?
CRONO
Just do it!  Now go!
Crono rushes forward, facing Lavos as the beast continues to attack.  Lavos summons a fiery rain to storm down on Crono, and he dodges the falling embers, getting closer and closer to his enemy.
As this all happens, the three have begun to concentrate on summoning, and their respective elements all start to pop out of their bodies.
As Lavos opens his mouth one more time, Crono throws his blade at the beast, jamming the creature's fleshy mouth with it.  He then attacks it with lightning, electrocuting the monster.
CRONO
Now!
The others shoot their energy at Crono's body, and it instantly travels into his own magic, strengthening the lightning beam to a thick white energy that immediately begins to do great damage to Lavos.
Lavos SCREECHES in agony, as his shell begins to burst in multiple places, spikes flying off of his body.  His mouth erupts in light, searing him, as the entire creature - and the room - disappear in a haze of magic.
As the magical assault ends, the group is in...
INT. BLACK OMEN ENTRANCE – CONTINUOUS
...where Crono falls to his knees in exhaustion, the haze lessening and eventually disappearing.
The others walk towards Crono, as the red-haired warrior stands, wobbly.
CRONO
Well...glad that one worked.
Frog looks to the ground in front of him and sees Crono's sword on the ground, shattered.
FROG
Thy blade is broken.
CRONO
I won't be needing it anymore.
The Black Omen suddenly begins to shake violently, throwing Crono off-balance, into Marle's grasp.  She helps him up, and then looks around.
ROBO
The structural integrity of this palace has been compromised!  We have to get out of here!
The four move towards the exit, as chunks of the ceiling begin to fall down around them, indenting the ground and causing various forms of debris to fly off.
They make it out the door into the...
EXT. BLACK OMEN – CONTINUOUS
...just as the rest of the room they were in collapses.
LUCCA
Come on, hurry!
They run on the shaky walkway towards the ship, while the palace begins to break apart.  The hatch opens and they jump inside, closing up and zooming off.
As they fly off away from the Black Omen, an explosion rocks the palace, causing the ship to shake.
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
The five are holding on for dear life.
LUCCA
This may get bumpy!
EXT. BLACK OMEN – CONTINUOUS
The entire palace erupts into flames, spewing huge pieces of rock and metal everywhere.  Several of them almost hit the ship, but Lucca's superior maneuvering skills keep them out of harm's way and moving safely towards land.
MONTAGE -- THE BLACK OMEN FALLS.
-- THE INHABITANTS OF 600 A.D. SEE THE BLACK OMEN DISAPPEARING FROM THEIR WORLD
-- THE INHABITANTS OF 1000 A.D. SEE THE BLACK OMEN DISAPPEARING FROM THEIR WORLD.
-- THE BLACK OMEN IN 2300 A.D. DISAPPEARS AS WELL, AND A SHOCKWAVE GOES OUT THAT DESTROYS THE MANY LAVOS SPAWNS THAT ARE ON DEATH PEAK.
EXT. NORTH CAPE – CONTINUOUS
The Epoch floats safely above the North Cape, and from the...
INT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
...the four look out the huge glass window towards the Black Omen, whose remnants are falling into the ocean, aflame.
LUCCA
...We did it.
FROG
The threat of Lavos no longer shall haunteth our world.
CRONO
And the evil that he brought out in others will no longer harm our people.
MARLE
(looks to Crono)
But we couldn't have done it without each other.
Crono looks at Marle and then leans back, smiling, as Marle lies her head on his shoulder.
CRONO
I just wanna go home.
LUCCA
Robo, do the honors.
Robo has his two plugs enter the console, and many beeps later, the ship powers up.
ROBO
Not a problem.
EXT. EPOCH – CONTINUOUS
For the last time, the Epoch faces the sky and gains speed, disappearing into a thin band of light, fading on the horizon, leaving the Dark Ages forever.
FADE OUT.
END TRACK 23
FADE IN:
INT. GUARDIA THRONE ROOM - 1000 A.D.
Crono, Marle, and Lucca walk into the throne room, where KING GUARDIA sits.  The King sees the three enter the room, led by Marle, and he stands, in shock.
KING GUARDIA
Oh, my God, Nadia!  What happened to you?  They told me you had died!
MARLE
I'm okay, Daddy.  I'm back now.
The King and Marle hug each other, and Marle sighs comfortably, the King nearly in tears.
The Chancellor walks up the stairs from the left and over to Marle.
CHANCELLOR
Princess Nadia!  It's a pleasure to have you back!
He then looks to Crono and Lucca.
CHANCELLOR
And who are you two?  Her kidnappers, I presume?
LUCCA
Kidnappers?  Have you gone m-
CHANCELLOR
Guards, arrest these two terrorists!
Guards start to surround the three of them, and Marle turns around.
MARLE
Now hold on just one second...
CHANCELLOR
Don't worry, princess, I know what I'm doing.
MARLE
Obviously you don't!  They didn't kidnap me, I ran away!
CHANCELLOR
...You did?
MARLE
Yes!
KING GUARDIA
You...ran away?  But why?
MARLE
Because...you would never let me do anything on my own.  I always tried to tell you, but...you would never listen.  I didn't think it would go this far, but, in a way...I'm glad it did.
The King hugs her again and then smiles.
KING GUARDIA
Well...you won't have to worry about that anymore, darling.  Not at all.
LUCCA
(whispering to Crono)
She's a lot more rebellious than she lets on.
CHANCELLOR
In that case, let's celebrate!
KING GUARDIA
It's the last night of the Millennial Fair.
Marle turns to Crono.
MARLE
I don't know, Crono...what do you think?
CRONO
Last time I went to the fair, I ended up hiding from the authorities and doing a bunch of things I’d rather not remember.  Now might be a good time to catch up.
Marle smiles and hugs Crono again.
LUCCA
Peppy as well.
EXT. MILLENNIAL FAIR ENTRANCE – NIGHT
START TRACK 24
Lights illuminate everything inside the fairgrounds.  Dancers and balloons and a band all take center stage, with a sincerely festive environment taking control.
Marle and Crono walk in side by side, straight through the center of the fair.  They look at everything around them, enjoying it.
MARLE
Crono, isn't it beautiful?
CRONO
It sort of reminds me of the fairs I used to go to on other peninsulas, before I moved here...that's why I was so excited when I heard we were having one.  But this...this is huge.  This is something I'll never forget.
MARLE
I mean...this is the way a celebration is supposed to be, isn't it?  Lights and music and dancing...your friends, your family...
CRONO
And those you care about the most.
Marle turns to Crono.
CRONO
Marle...I don't-
MARLE
It's because I'm royalty.
CRONO
That's not i-
MARLE
I know the stigma attached to princesses.  You either have to be rich or of noble blood to even be seen with one, right?  But I don't care!  Because what's more noble than putting the good of others before your own?
Crono is silent.
CRONO
Could it...could it possibly work out?
MARLE
I don't know.  But something we both learned in the past few days is that if you don't try...you'll never find out.
Crono is silent once again.
MARLE
You know, it's funny...I never did like the name Nadia.  It seems too...snobbish.  Don't you think?
CRONO
You're still Marle to me.
Marle kisses Crono quickly on the cheek and runs away, up the steps to the main square.  Crono follows to the...
EXT. MILLENNIAL FAIR SQUARE – CONTINUOUS
...where Marle is standing next to Leene's Bell.  Crono walks up to her, takes her hand, kisses it, and then kisses her.
The crowd there, including guards, the King, the Chancellor, and even Crono's mom and Lucca's parents, cheer.  Noticeable absences include Frog and Lucca.
As they separate, Crono looks up to the steps above them and sees Lucca standing there smiling.  Crono and Marle walk towards that area, and into the...
EXT. MILLENNIAL FAIR PRESENTATION PLATFORM – CONTINUOUS
...where Lucca and Frog are standing before the thin blue slit in space that will transport the warrior home.
CRONO
What is this?
LUCCA
It's our final moment as a team.
FROG
I wish to returneth to mine time, and protecteth the Queen from harm.  'Tis my sworn duty as a soldier.
A moment of silence.
CRONO
That's...that's truly what you want?
FROG
'Tis.
MARLE
So...this is the end?  I'll never see you again, Frog?
FROG
I am afraid not, madam.
LUCCA
We're ready to begin.  Frog?
Frog steps up to the portal as well.  Marle walks up to him and pauses before him, giving him a kiss on the forehead.  Frog is surprised.
MARLE
Didn't expect to get a kiss from a princess, did you?
FROG
Indeed, 'twas the last thing I expected.
Lucca uses the Gate Key to energize the Gate, opening the hole in space.  Frog is consumed by the void.
CRONO
Safe travels, Glenn.
FROG
Yes...I did enjoyeth that name...
Lucca adjusts the setting, and energizes the portal again, sending Frog away.  The portal closes and then disappears altogether, leaving Lucca, Crono, and Marle alone on the platform.
MARLE
The Gate...went away?
LUCCA
Possibly because Lavos is gone?  Because their purpose has run out?
ROBO
Isn’t that what you called preordained fate, Lucca?  I thought you didn’t believe in that kind of stuff.
LUCCA
You be quiet.
(sighs)
Science, it seems, has yet to explain many things that happened to us.  So I guess fate just needs to be put on my “to-explain” list.
They all turn from the portal.
LUCCA
So...where to now, Crono?
CRONO
I think I’ll try something new, like getting an actual job.  Do something productive.  Stop leeching off my mom.
LUCCA
You always were rather lazy.
Lucca walks towards the steps, and turns.
LUCCA
As for me…I’ll need Robo’s help to dismantle the Epoch.  Time is too risky of a business to mess with, and if the Gates are gone…might as well not go around making our own.
ROBO
Damn.  And I loved those missiles too.
She leaves.  Marle loops her arm with Crono’s. 
MARLE
So, what kind of job then?
CRONO
I’m not in too much of a hurry.
(looks to Marle)
I have other things to take care of first.
Crono looks up at the stars and the balloons drifting into the sky.
CRONO
But I’ll find something.  Yeah...something will come along.
PAN TO:
INSERT -- NIGHT SKY FILLED WITH BALLOONS AND STARS.
FADE TO BLACK.
END TRACK 24
START/END TRACK 25