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CHRONO COMPENDIUM
Script Perfection Project
Radical Dreamers Demiforce Translation
© December 25, 2003 Aitrus, ZeaLitY
http://www.chronocompendium.com
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CONTENTS
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1. Legal information
2. How to use this script
3. Radical Dreamers script
4. Credits
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Legal information
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This is an unofficial game script guide to the game Radical Dreamers, which is
a product of Squaresoft. The translation was done by Demiforce. It can be found
at http://radicaldreamers.sourceforge.net. The Chrono Compendium has released
this edited script, devoid of programming information pertinent to the game, as
part of its project to release all complete scripts of the Chrono series.

12/25/03: Version 1
-Release
01/09/03: Version 1.1
-Minor Edits

http://www.chronocompendium.com
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How to use this script
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Instead of cordoning off scenarios, Square left the various scenarios jammed
together since they borrow text from one another. The script is as-is done by
Square and translated. These are the scenarios:

0) Title Screen/Ending
1) Kid: Le Trésor Interdit
2) Magil: Caught Between Love and Adventure
3) Kid and the Sunflower
4) SuperXtreme Alphacosmos Police Case EX Ultra
5) Homecoming: Shea's Light
6) The Enigmatic Gigaweapon: Paradise X
7) The Shadow Realm and the Goddess of Death
8) Bonus Feature Text
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Radical Dreamers script
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2003
SQUARESOFT / DEMIFORCE
PRESENT

It was then that I opened the notebook my mother had given me...she said she
found it while cleaning out the closet. Crumbling and covered with dust, it
turned out to be the diary of my long-lost grandfather.

Do you still remember...?
How we first met, and all of our adventures since...
It all seems like such a dream nowadays...
You were a piece of a star that fell from the sky.
Whenever I want to return to those days long gone, I close my eyes and whisper
your name into the evening sky...

Kid...
Kid...

...Kid...
...Hey, Kid!
"Are you ready, Kid? I know you're anxious, but stay on your toes."
"Yeah, likewise, mate! Mess up, and I'm leavin' ya behind!"
"C'mon, Magil. That bastard Lynx is gonna get what he deserves!
 Say yer prayers...Not that it'll do ya any good!"

And so, the curtain closes on another tale.

However, another time, after the spotlight had faded from Kid, Magil, and
Shea...

However,
another time, after the spotlight had faded from Kid, Mick, and the Martians...

However,
another time, after the spotlight had faded from Gilbert, Riddel, and Noelle...

However,
another time, after the spotlight had faded from Kid, Magil, and Pollon...

However,
another time, after the spotlight had faded from Kid, Gange, and Paradise X...

However, another time, after the spotlight had faded from Kid, Magil, and
Riddel...

...In another place and another time... a similar band of adventurers had come
forth, equally unsuspecting of their other selves, and life went on as they
strode out into the great unknown.
But, that's a story for another day. For now, I shall put down my pen."

As I softly close my grandfather's diary, I hear my mother's voice call to me
from downstairs.
"Didn't you hear me? Your friend is here!"
I turn around, already knowing who it is. My door opens quite energetically,
where I see a strangely nostalgic young girl barge in.
"Serge! We found some ruins of an old mansion up in northern Kitsune Forest
today! Come on, let's go exploring!"

1) Kid: Le Trésor Interdit
2) Magil: Caught Between Love and Adventure
3) Kid and the Sunflower
4) SuperXtreme Alphacosmos Police Case EX Ultra
5) Homecoming: Shea's Light
6) The Enigmatic Gigaweapon: Paradise X
7) The Shadow Realm and the Goddess of Death

"Boy, did her information help. I thought the perimeter's counterspell would be
quite a problem."
Kid's braid sways gently from side to side in the cool nighttime breeze.
So far, we've managed to slip through the magical shield network undetected and
sneak into Lynx's domain. Still, this inner region can make for some pretty
rough travel.
Kid, Magil, and I comprise this party of three...

However, while walking behind Kid, I can't help but notice her ponytail
endlessly swishing back, and forth... back, and forth... back, and forth...
I'm starting to get sleepy... so, so sleepy...

*Mmm, sleep...
*I can't fall asleep! Not now!

It's too dangerous to fall asleep now, I keep telling myself over and over!
Kid had a name for this sort of thing, but I can't seem to remember it at the
moment...
Man, that was close. Shaking my head, I try to stay alert.
Still, all this is really something. Walking through a forest like this on a
night like tonight reminds me so much of the first time I bumped into her...

"...Serge..."
"Serge!!"
"Huh!?"
"Snap out of it, lazy bones!"

Looking up, the tall, shadowy mansion of Lord Lynx looms before me. I can't
believe we're there already... I must have been really out of it.
"The hell were you daydreamin' about, mate? Let's go!" Kid says, disappearing
into the mansion.
"Hey, wait up, Kid!" I shout, frantically chasing after her. However, she's
already deep inside.
The darkness engulfs me...

It's been something like three years since Kid and I met. Back then I was a
drifter, wandering wherever my music led me. During my stay in the remote town
of Regiorra, I ended up running into a girl who later joined me, leading to the
beginning of all this.
That girl was Kid...
Kid is a thief, of course.
Not even seventeen years old, already she's widely renowned as a top
professional. To make matters worse, she's cute, devilishly stylish, and has a
sparkling personality. And boy, can she cook... if you ask her, that is.
Well, to be completely honest, she has her share of problems as well. She likes
to think of herself as a kind of Robin Hood, stealing from the rich and giving
to the poor, but that's just not the case.
At times her sharp tongue can get the best of her, viciously lashing out at
anyone who stands in her way. She exaggerates every other word, and sometimes
lies outright... and as for listening to other people, well, forget it.
When it comes to money, well, I've never met anyone greedier in my life. Her
relentless pursuit of wealth is ironic, considering she's a nomad, like me...
I don't know, maybe I'm being too hard on her. She has her good points, too.
She can really shine sometimes, when she wants to...

Glancing back over my shoulder, I notice a silhouette silently emerge from the
grove.
Magil...
This associate of Kid's is known to us only as `Magil of the Shadows'.
I know next to nothing about him, except for the fact that he somehow knew Kid
before I came into the picture.
A high-class magician of some sort, he looks to be about thirty. He usually
keeps to himself, though.
The top half of his face is covered with a mask at all times. I've never even
seen what he really looks like.
At times, it seems as though I'm hanging around someone from another world --
traveling with this pack is definitely an interesting experience.
Kid's quiet about her past too, but it's like I know her entire life story
compared to how little I know about Magil.
From time to time I find myself wondering who he is, where he came from, and so
on. I'd ask Kid, but I get the impression she knows as little about him as I do.
You might be wondering, how did I end up where I am now? Well, there's a lot of
reasons, I suppose...
I guess you could say that life doesn't always go how you plan.

*I guess you could say that life doesn't always go how you plan.
*It's like the old saying, `April showers bring May flowers'.
*Well, once you fall off the horse, it's hard to get back on.

My life definitely hasn't turned out the way I thought it would... not that
it's been a terribly bad life, at least not so far, but still...
Remembering back to when Kid and I first met, my face breaks into a wry smile.

"Hey mate, what's with the funny face all of a sudden?"
"Oh, nothing... I was just thinking how strange life is."
"Life? What're ya thinkin' about all that for? You sure yer not turnin' into
some kinda pansy or somethin', are ya Serge?" she says over her shoulder before
rushing on ahead.
"For example, lately it's been pouring down hard. But someday, the sun's bound
to start shining on me! It'll come someday, I'm sure of it!"
"Yeah, likewise! For now, I'm just a small time thief," Kid adds. "But someday,
I'm gonna strike it rich... and then, watch out! Heh, heh... ahahahahaha...!"

Life is like a stone on the side of a hill. If it comes loose, there's really
no chance of it stopping until it's tumbled all the way down to the bottom.

"What're ya talkin' about? It's like yer sayin' we're messin' up yer life just
by bein' here!"

Gulp...

"H, how did you know what I was thinking, Kid?"
"Because you were saying it, not thinking it," Magil says from behind.
Oh no... what have I been saying!?
"If you don't like bein' with us, why don't ya do us a favor and take a hike!
Hmm? We could do just fine without a third wheel!" Kid shouts, stomping away
angrily.
"Kid, wait up!" I call out, running after her.

"Hey, what's that bright flash over there?" Kid suddenly asks, pointing towards
a thicket in front of us.
"Huh? I don't see anything..."
I look around closely, but all I see is a bunch of trees and rocks, extending
on into the darkness.
"It was a bright flash. It was right over there, I tell ya!"

*Go check it out.
*Pay it no mind and insist we move on.

I walk over beside Kid, trying to see whatever it was she saw. Magil approaches
as well a moment later.
"We are already fairly deep into Lord Lynx's territory," he says. "It's
dangerous to start blindly wandering around. You are aware of that fact, are
you not?"
However, Kid doesn't budge an inch, keeping her eyes on the bush.
"Do you feel something here?" Magil asks, changing his expression a moment
later.
Kid's eyes meet Magil's for a moment, but before long she returns her focus to
the forest.
"So be it," he finally says. "If we are intended to stray from the path, this
may prove to be worth something in its own regard."
But before Magil even finishes speaking, Kid bolts, disappearing into the trees!
"Hey, wait up!"
"Be careful, Serge. Foul things lie down this path..."
Nodding, I cautiously start to make my way through the trees.

"I don't know, Kid... this is Lynx's property. Who knows what kinds of things
are lurking around here at night..."
"Hmph. It's prolly somethin' valuable no doubt, but oh well... the Flame is
more important."
Puffing her cheeks, Kid returns to my side.
Without even the moonlight to guide us, we proceed on through the thick forest,
trying not to make a single sound.
As I stop for a moment to look around, a gust of icy wind howls across my face.
In this dark, hostile forest, it seems that even time has stopped.
It's the world of the night... Kid's world.

Suddenly, Kid comes to an abrupt stop.
"Seems someone wants to say hello."
Out of a nearby thicket, two shimmering eyes catch my attention. Whatever it
is, it's staring at me silently.
After a few moments, a few more pairs of eyes appear. They seem to be surveying
the area.
A deep feline growl breaks the uncomfortable silence, and I realize we're being
hunted by a pack of feral cats.
A few of the figures slowly approach from behind the trees. I look behind me,
only to see that they've already encircled us.
A few more slowly creep in, now totaling about ten...
Chills run down my spine. In a daze I clumsily unsheathe my knife, grasping it
tightly as I bite my lip.
Kid stands ready with an air of composure.
"Careful, mate. These buggers are prolly rabid."
The growling increases, now a constant rumble all around us.
Their yellow eyes shimmer like jack-o-lanterns while saliva drips from their
snarling jaws.
The middle one's stomach gurgles as its eyes widen, fixed directly on me.
"Looks like we ain't gettin' outta this one without a fight!"
What do we do!?

*Attack!
*Magic!
*Defend!
*Run!

"Come on, let's go!"
Kid suddenly dives into the pack, delivering an awesome kick to one of the
beasts!
A painful howl fills the air, adding to the already heated commotion!

The cat crouches, readying itself for a pounce. With its claws extended, it
suddenly leaps towards me!
I instantly dive out of the way!
The razor-sharp claws miss my chest, yet still manage to tear a painful scratch
into my side.

"Dammit...!"
Gritting my teeth, I regain my focus.

*Attack!
*Magic!
*Defend!
*Run!

Hearing growling behind me, I turn around to realize there's another one right
at my heels!
My muscles clench as the animal tears into my shin!

"Dammit...!"
I struggle to compose myself and stand firm. However, the growls continue to
increase, petrifying me.
"Quit stallin', Serge!"
Kid's voice returns my focus.
What now!?

*Attack!
*Magic!
*Defend!
*Run!

Out of the forest, a ferocious cat charges at me!
I narrowly slip by!!
"Phew..."
However as I look down, I see another snarling at me, right at my feet! In a
panic I scramble to ready my knife!
Quickly!!

*Attack!
*Magic!
*Defend!
*Run!

I slash viciously at a nearby cat!
Startled, it leaps back with incredible reflexes. I stay my ground, not getting
any closer to the beast.
Hearing a howl, I know I've hit my mark.
Licking its wound, the animal recovers after a moment of pain.
I ready my knife, waiting for my next chance to attack.

As I try to remember a spell, a cat suddenly leaps directly at my head, its
huge jaws wide open!
"No!!"
I raise my arm to guard my face!
Pain sears into my arm!

Struggling and tangling with the creature, I manage to pry it off and keep it
at a distance.

"Hey, get in here and fight, Serge!"
I turn around to see Kid driving her fist into a cat's head, narrowly escaping
its jaws.
"Ha!"
The strike didn't connect perfectly, but still, the beast is dazed.

As we start to head towards the rear of the pack, one of the cats notices what
we're doing and sneaks up on us from behind.
I turn around to see that there's one of them going straight for my legs!
"Ahhh!!"
My calf screams with pain!
I frantically thrust my knife into the animal!
Screeching and flailing, it falls backwards, releasing
its grip on my leg.

"Serge, behind ya!!"
I turn around to see that I'm now face to face with a pair of those ravenous
yellow eyes!

*Attack!
*Magic!
*Defend!

There's no time!!
I duck as the cat lunges and snaps at me. I smell the bloody odor of the cat's
breath as it passes overhead. Just as I think it's past me, I feel its back
claws dig into my back!

Scrambling out of the way, I manage to shove my knife upwards, planting it deep
within the animal's belly!!
The sound of death can heard as the cat falls to the ground before me, barely
moving.
Almost delirious, I lose balance and fall to my knees. Rolling over, I manage
to shake off the confusion before any of the other cats can get any closer to
me.

I barely miss a set of claws as I dodge a quick attack. As it lands and starts
to turn around, I take advantage of the opportunity and chant an old spell of
mine, hoping to get the incantation right...
However, nothing happens!
The feline pounces again, but because of my fumbling magic, it takes me by
surprise! Its massive body is suddenly on top of me, forcing me to the ground
as it tears into my shoulder!
Shuddering, I throw it off of me before it does any serious harm.

Here comes their next attack!
As I try to secure my footing, I accidentally trip over a rock and become dazed
for a second or two. Regaining my composure, I see that a cat has already
started to charge at me! It'll be on top of me in a matter of moments unless I
do something fast!
Suddenly, I feel an intense heat from behind me, followed by a bright red flash
that darts out, striking the cat in mid-air!
It drops to the ground, burning from head to toe, making hideous howling noises
as it tries to extinguish itself.
I take a moment to watch the smoldering feline run away in fear. I look up,
only to see Magil towering over me. He shoots a glance at me, and then moves on
with a cold gaze in his eyes.

In desperation I raise my arms in a cross, guarding my face!!
The beast catapults onto me, throwing me down and pinning me to the ground!
I scream from the bottom of my lungs as I feel the sharp jaws clamp down on my
skin!

The beast straddles my body. Its teeth are now sunken deeply into my arm, my
blood staining its fur as it growls. The pain is unbearable!!
I do everything in my power to struggle and break free, but the jaws are like
an iron trap, gnawing and ripping flesh deeper and deeper with every passing
second!
Whoa! What was that?
All of a sudden the cat is hurled off me, thrown backwards by some incredible
force. It cowers in a heap, away behind a tree, with a gaping hole in its
belly. It roars helplessly.
I look up to see Kid standing behind me, her knife
dripping with blood.
Squeezing the wound on my arm, I rise to my feet.

The cat has suddenly pinned me against a tree, making me painfully aware of its
huge fangs and horrible smell.
Its large mouth opens widely, ready to take its first bite. It snaps at me
sinking its teeth into my shoulder!
"Aaaahhhh!!!"

In desperation I push the cat off of me, and I collapse to the ground.
"God dammit!! Now's not the time for foolin' around!!" I hear Kid's voice shout
at me amidst the howls and screeches.
I look over to see that the beast now lies on its back, blood pouring from its
mouth, with a knife planted in its belly.

I take a deep breath and try to tighten my grip on my knife, now slippery with
sweat.
Then, out of nowhere, Kid flashes across my field of vision, landing a direct
hit onto a cat beside me!
The cat screeches in pain as Kid pins it to the ground, stomping and kicking it
with all her rage! Without a moment's delay, she boots the animal up underneath
its jaw. It moves no more.
All of a sudden, the crazed atmosphere gives way to a war cry behind me!
I whip around to see Magil's inferno spell setting a cat's head ablaze! It
jumps up, screeching and howling in madness before running away wildly. In
confusion, it runs directly into a tree and knocks itself out cold!
I look around, and see that only one of the pack hasn't been taken care of yet.
As Kid and I start to close in on the beast, it bolts, fearing for its life.
"Well that was some workout, eh mate?" says Kid, coming towards me as she tends
to her arm.
I take a deep breath as I look around, trying not to step on too many of the
bodies.

I groan as the adrenaline wears off, and I start to feel the pain from all my
injuries. I don't know how well I'll do if we get ourselves into another one of
these things... I feel a little light-headed, standing here.

Am I going to be all right?
I sure took some blows back there... I'll be the first to admit, I really
haven't been in too many of these situations before. Danger wasn't my calling,
I suppose.

I'll admit I was a little worried back there at times, but nothing too serious
happened.

I try talking to Magil, despite knowing how he'll react.
"Are you all right?"
With an expressionless face, he looks down at me blankly.
"You need not worry about me."
Wow, the affection is just overflowing from that guy.
However, I probably shouldn't start complaining now. We've still got a long way
to go... We haven't even set foot inside Viper Manor yet.
Kid glances over at me, seeming eager as ever, ready to tackle what's next. "Ya
gonna hang around all night or what, mate?"

*"No way! let's go!"
*"Not just yet, all right? I need a minute..."

"Hey, c'mere."
Trying to ignore my aches and pains, I head over towards Kid.
"Good job back there, mate."
She comes closer. I can see the reflection of the moon in her eyes, as she
gives me a warm, comforting smile.
"But c'mon, we can't just stand around all night! There's treasure waitin' to
be found!"
I'm still lost in her eyes as she starts to set off...

"Aw, quit whinin', Serge," she says, glaring down at me coldly.
...
"You're always saying that. `Mess up, and I'm leavin' ya behind.' Well, then
what? You'd be alone, that's what. You never have any respect when talking to
me..."
I wish I could say these thoughts to her... but...
In my heart, I let out a sigh.
I look up to see that from behind me, she's already started to head off into
the forest.

Magil continues behind her without a hitch.
I hurry to catch up behind the two. In a place like this, getting separated
would be a bad idea...

We continue to make our way through this natural labyrinth of wood and rock.
Somewhere, quietly waiting within this huge forest, Viper Manor beckons us.
Deep within lies the treasure we've come for...
Lord Lynx, as he's formally known, is an aristocrat who governs the Regionna
outlands. From the way Kid talks, he's apparently an old adversary of hers.
Tonight, our goal is Lord Lynx's most prized possession, a scarlet jewel known
as the Frozen Flame.
Besides being priceless, some say this beautiful stone harbors some sort of
mystical power.
They say many people have sought after the Flame, but none have been victorious
in stealing it. Viper Manor has claimed many lives...
...But we will succeed.
We pride ourselves on making the impossible possible. Besides, the way Kid
talks about Lynx sometimes, it sounds like she's got an awfully personal
vendetta against him.
We can't lose... We've come too far to lose.

And so, after having spent countless hours crossing this dreary, lonesome
forest, the silhouette of a towering mansion finally comes into view through
the trees.
"We made it!" Kid shouts. "Yer days are numbered, Lynx!"
We quickly make our move, quietly dashing out from behind a thicket. Once at
the mansion wall, we creep stealthily along the perimeter, searching for an
entry point.
After a short while, we come upon a terrace near a garden which looks
relatively inviting.
It doesn't look like there are any guards on patrol. Still, the mansion gives
off a strange sort of morbid feeling. It's as quiet as death.
Magil gazes up at the towering fortress. "We can enter into the west wing from
here. There's no need to look elsewhere."
"Okay, let's go!" Kid says, jumping over the terrace handrail.
"Halt!" shouts Magil from behind, staring at Kid. "Our goal is the Frozen
Flame, not vengeance on Lord Lynx. Remember this, Kid."
"Aye, no prob," she says, glancing over her shoulder.
"Ain't gonna be nothin' to it... like takin' candy from a baby. We'll be outta
here before that slimy rat knows what hit him! Yeah, ya low-down,
good-for-nothin' bastard, I'll make you pay!!"
There she goes again...
"C'mon, I'm gettin' tired of waitin' around!" she yells, before bolting into
the mansion.
Magil shakes his head in silence as I chase after Kid, already deep inside.
The darkness engulfs me...


"Get yer head screwed back on, Serge! We got a score to settle with Lynx! We
don't have time to hang around outside!"

"What're ya talkin' about, turnin' back now!? If you wanna chicken out, you can
just go back yerse..." Kid says, before suddenly stopping to look at something.
She whips around, her eyes fixed steadily on the wilderness before us.
Her gaze follows a tiny, glittering light, floating in the air momentarily
before zipping off into the forest.
"The Golden Beetle!!"
Suddenly, Kid jumps over the handrail, furiously running into the forest where
the light had disappeared!
Could it really be the legendary Phantom Golden Beetle, said to show itself
only once in a thousand years?
The legend goes, he who captures it will come to enjoy more wealth than one
could ever need in an entire lifetime...
"Wait up, Kid!!" I call out, frantically chasing after her into the woods.
Beside me, I hear Magil let out an exasperated sigh as he follows after us.

Passages extend to the left and right. Wherever we turn, darkness awaits...

*Let's try the right passage.
*How about the left passage.
*Let's get out of here...

As though we're inside a gigantic snake, the passageway twists and turns,
stretching deeper and deeper into the mansion.
We now stand in almost complete and utter darkness. Just a trace of moonlight
manages to illuminate the path. I stop for a moment, and realize it's now
completely silent. I feel as though we're being watched silently by every
single being in this dreadful house.
Taking a deep breath, I move on...
And I set my foot down slyly. With the stealth of a cat yet so valiantly
composed, Kid follows behind in stride. Drifting in and out of the shadows, the
macabre figure of Magil looks out from behind.
The Weaver of Fate has surely by now taken notice of us, cradling us carefully
in her arms...

We make our way down the dimly lit passageway. After a few moments, we come to
an old, dusty door on the right. Kid quietly presses her ear against the door.
"Quiet as a church mouse. No one's there, mate."

This is the clock tower storeroom, if I remember
correctly...

*Open the door.
*Keep going down the hallway.
*Head back towards the terrace.

"Aw, come on... there's nothin' here. Let's try someplace else."
We leave the room.

"What's with all this junk? Must be a storeroom or somethin'..."
It seems like this is the inner mechanics of a clock tower. However, the gears
look old and rusted, and cogs are spinning randomly without connecting up with
their proper teeth. I doubt the clock's still in use today; the room seems to
be currently used as a storage area.
A large object catches my attention, off in a far corner of the room. It's too
dark over there to see what it is, though.

"Do not touch anything out of the ordinary," Magil says abruptly, sending a
sudden shock down my spine.
However, just as he says this, I see Kid emerge from the shadows, dragging the
large object out into the middle of the room.
It's a large antique sword of some kind.

"We've got no use for that old thing, Kid. All it'll do is slow us down.
Besides, we probably wouldn't even get much money for it."
"Hmph. I reckon it's worth a lot to the right buyer, like an antique collector
or somebody..."
Sulking, Kid quietly lays the sword down.
"What do you want?"
I look around, startled. That was definitely not any of our voices.
Kid and Magil immediately take position, focusing their attention towards the
source of the voice.
"Who's there!?"
A figure suddenly appears out of the darkness. It seems to be a short old woman
with a large hood over her head. Although fully covered, it's obvious she's
quite old.
"Aw, It's just some old hag," Kid says. Magil's sharp gaze on the woman remains
unchanged, however.
"Heh, heh... what an energetic young lady. You haven't come here this late in
the evening to drop in on some friends, I'd imagine..."
I glance at Kid.
"Perhaps you have some score to settle with Master Lynx...?"
My heart jumps...
This is definitely not good. Will she warn the rest of them about us?

*Tell the truth.
*Play dumb.
*Pretend to have not heard her.

Kid's eyes narrow. "If we did have a score to settle with that bastard, what's
it to you?"
"Heh... just as I expected."
The old woman cackles in amusement.
"Children... they're always so interesting like that. So imaginative, yet so
predictable."
...???
"What're you talkin' about, old lady?"
"Oh, it's already been four or five years, I would gather. According to what I
was told, one night a young thief came to the manor, looking for trouble... The
thief was a little girl, about ten years old."
Surprised, I glance at Kid. There's a trace of an ice-like radiance in her
eyes. Staring at her makes me feel like it's suddenly dropped below freezing in
here.
Unfazed, the old woman continues her story...
"The girl was an orphan. She set off to face Master Lynx all alone, hoping to
avenge the girl who had cared for her like a big sister.
But, after all, she was all alone. Outnumbered and overpowered, she was
eventually defeated and captured by Master Lynx's henchmen...
As an ally, Master Lynx can be quite an asset. However, as an enemy, he can be
one of the most fearsome men alive. If not for a friend who sneaked in and
secretly rescued her, she surely would have perished.
From what I've heard, this mysterious figure who could allegedly slip in and
out of the shadows was the subject of many whispers throughout the manor, long
after this incident had come to pass."
Not moving a muscle, I try to look for Magil. He's nowhere to be seen. I can
only guess he's sporting one of those trademark expressionless faces, somewhere
off in the darkness.
"The inhabitants of Viper Manor don't condemn the unfortunate, because no one
can win all the time. However, from time to time, the Goddess of Fate has been
known to cast down those who have too much good luck, throwing the cogs of time
out of order. It's not wise to try and stand against fate, continuing to repeat
one's mistakes time and time again."
The old woman continues, staring straight at Kid, smiling sweetly. "If you want
to steal the jewel, and if you really want to beat him, you too must give up
your most valued possession, Kid. As long as you cling to it, the hands of your
clock will never budge. They'll stay frozen, trapped in the distant past..."
"...Who the bloody hell is this old hag...!?"
"Me? Oh, just an old lady... pay me no mind. Thank you for listening to this
old maid for such a long time. I certainly hope I haven't delayed you at all.
But before you leave, which one of you..."
With that, the old woman looks in my direction.
"Ah, yes. You look like you've got a bit of a scrape there. Won't you let me
have a look at it?"
What should I do? I don't know whether to be petrified or comforted by all
this...

*"Yes, please do, ma'am."
*"No thanks, it's okay."
*"What should I do, Kid?"

The old woman clasps her hands together. Bowing her head, she mumbles a few
words in a low tone.
Suddenly, a gentle pale blue light surrounds my body, filling me with a strange
warmth!
"Wow... look at that!"
My wounds are being healed before my eyes! It feels as though there's some sort
of soft music being played all around me, putting me into a strange serenity.

When I come around, the woman is gone.
"Hello? Lady?" says Kid, relentlessly looking around. However, there's no trace
of her. All signs of her presence are gone.
"Wonder what was up with that old hag..."
Looking around, I can't help but wonder what she was talking about, with all
that talk about a prized possession and everything...

"Let's get our arses outta here! This place is givin' me the creeps!" says Kid
all of a sudden, already heading for the door.
"Hey, wait up."
As I catch up with Kid, she gives me a friendly poke in the ribs. "Hmph, ain't
no fair you were the only one who got healed."

The old woman narrows her wrinkly eyes, barely visible from under the hood.
"Is that so? Well, so be it. I won't keep you any longer. However, it's not a
wise idea to pass up generosity, especially in such a place like this. And, as
I'm sure you know by now, the only one who can help Kid and the shadow walker
is you, Serge."
With that, the woman vanishes.
"What the...? What was up with her?" Kid asks, puzzled.
"We must not linger. Let us search elsewhere."
Magil heads toward the door as though nothing has happened.
"Yeah, let's get our arses outta here."

"Jeez! Yer a man, aren't ya? Decide for yerself!"
However, as I look back towards the old woman, she's nowhere to be found.
"What was up with old granny there? She sure left in a hurry," says Kid, biting
her lip.
"We must not linger. Let us search elsewhere." Magil calmly says, heading to
the door.
"Yeah, let's get our arses outta here."

"Lynx? Who's this Lynx bloke?"
Kid plays dumb with all her might. If I didn't know her better, I'd say she's
quite a convincing actor. After all, she really isn't the kind of person who
worries much about lying in the first place...
"From what I've heard," Kid says, "that bast... er... bloke sounds like quite a
character. I don't know anyone stupid enough to go up against someone like
that. Ain't that right? Heh..."
"There's no need to try and deceive me, young lady."

*Confess and admit the truth.
*Be stubborn and still play dumb.

"Are you calling me a liar!?"
"Well... all right then. I apologize if I was rude, but it's just Viper Manor
has seen more than a few unwelcome guests over the years. Surely you can
understand my apprehension. I hope the rest of your stay is an enjoyable one...
heh, heh..."
Hissing these words, the old woman's figure melts into thin air, vanishing
without a trace.
"M... ma'am?"
Kid and I glance at each other.
"It's a waste of time to stay here any longer. Let us search somewhere else,"
Says Magil, as though nothing happened.
"Yeah, I've had enough of this place..."

"Huh? What was that? Sorry, I'm hard of hearing. Sure is a nice moon out
tonight, huh..."
"Please don't mistake me for someone who is fooled easily. Now, I won't be
asking you again. Do you plan to go up against the Master?"

*Be honest.
*Continue pissing her off.

The room is quiet except for the sounds of the gears. There's no sign of the
hooded lady anywhere.

"Hello?"
"...Ma'am?"
"Well if yer not here, say so, ya old hag!!"
The silence is deafening...
"This is a waste of time. We should investigate elsewhere," says Magil, turning
on his heel.
We follow him out.

From here, the passageway stretches to the right and left. The right path
continues on into the mansion, while heading to the left will take us to the
terrace.

*Proceed to the right.
*Head towards the terrace.

With Kid leading the way, we descend the stairs...
At the bottom of the staircase, a quite sturdy looking door stands on the
right. The hallway also continues on ahead, which will take us back towards the
terrace.

*Open the door.
*Proceed ahead to the terrace.
*Turn around.

After a little while we come to a door on the left. The terrace lies ahead.

*Open the door.
*Proceed on towards the terrace.
*Go back.

After a short while, the terrace comes into view on the left. The cool evening
air trickles in through the doorway, giving me a subtle reassurance...

*Proceed on through the hallway.
*Go out onto the terrace.
*Turn back.

We rush over towards the sword. Looking down at it, Magil starts to speak.
"This may be what we're looking for. By the looks of it, this sword could be
the fabled holy Einlanzer, or perhaps the demonic Masamune..."
"Wow Magil, you know about the Masamune?"
".............."
"Did ya ever know its owner?"
".........Yes."
"Was he yer mate?"
".........."
"So he was one of yer enemies then?"
"..........No."
"Hmm... well, hey Serge, take this thing!"
"Huh...?"
"Come on, ya don't expect a fair maiden like me to carry this bulky thing all
over the place, do ya? Well?"

*"Fair maiden!?"
*Swallow my pride and pick it up.

I grit my teeth and remind myself it would get me
absolutely nowhere to argue with her...
So, I go to Kid's side, and pick up the sword, just as I was told to.
"Oof!"
Jeez, it's heavy...!
"Okay, let's get our arses to that bloody torture chamber! I can almost smell
the Frozen Flame from here!"
I follow Kid out of the room, dragging the heavy sword.

Without a moment's notice, Kid punches me straight in the stomach!

I tumble to the ground in a daze.
"Wha, What are you doing!?"
"Hmph!"
Kid snorts, turning the other way. I look over to Magil for sympathy, but he
offers none, as usual.
"Hurry up and take it, Serge. It'll be morning soon, ya dummy."
I struggle to my feet, reluctantly picking up the sword. Jeez, this thing is
heavy!
"Okay, let's get our arses to that bloody torture chamber! I can almost smell
the Frozen Flame from here!"
I struggle to drag the heavy sword out of the room, still dizzy from the blow.

Proceeding ahead on the path, we come to a staircase going up, and...a
firm-looking set of doors on the left.

*Open the door.
*Proceed ahead to the stairs.
*Head back through the passageway.

"There better be treasure here. The smell of gold's thick in the air, mate."

*Go inside.
*Proceed ahead to the stairs.
*Head back towards the terrace.

"Hmph, just like I thought... locked," Kid says after jiggling the handle.
Frustrated, she kicks the door.
"This might slow us down, but sure as bloody 'ell won't keep us out!"
"Well, unless we find the key, there's nothing we can do, Kid."
"Let's get to it then. I bet Lynx's got it stashed up in his room somewhere,
the bastard..."
Unable to do anything, we leave to look elsewhere.

*Proceed towards the terrace.
*Return to the stairs.

*Proceed ahead to the stairs.
*Head back towards the terrace.

From the treasure vault, paths extend to the left and right. The right path
proceeds back towards the terrace, while an ascending staircase lies to the
left.

*Head towards the terrace.
*Proceed to the stairs.

"It better open now," says Kid, putting the key we found into the lock.
As the lock clicks, we're suddenly showered in all colors of light!
"Musta been an enchanted lock... Whatever's on the other side of this door's
gotta be good!"
The heavy doors open, slowly...
Inside the room, I gasp at the awesome spectacle laid out before our eyes.
Despite the sparse light, a brimming mountain of silver, gold, and other
precious-looking artifacts shimmer and twinkle throughout this huge treasure
vault. Kid is almost drooling at the sight. But to be fair, a sight like this
would captivate most people...
Enormous heaps of riches are piled before our eyes, in amounts most people will
probably never see in their entire lives. It looks to be authentic...
"Remember, our goal is the Flame. Do not waste time with frivolities," says
Magil flatly.
"Jeez, I told ya, I know..."
Regardless of Magil's warning, Kid can't help but be taken aback. She gawks at
the room's contents in awe, until...
"Hey, what's that? In the back, on that pedestal..."
There, a palm-sized jewel radiates a pale crimson light, resting patiently
behind the other treasure. It looks as though it's a roaring flame that's
somehow been frozen in time...
The Frozen Flame!!
As Magil glides over towards the pedestal, I nervously call out...

*"Come on, take it, before someone realizes we're here!"
*"Be careful... we can't afford falling into a trap."

Come on! This is what we came for," Kid says, joining in with me. "It's ours!
Take it!!"
Magil reaches his hand out towards the Flame, slowly...
Suddenly, an alarm bell rings out! The room lights up, and heavy metal bars
fall in front of the door! Our only exit is blocked!
Out of the corners of the room, four mechanical birds suddenly come to life!
"INTRUDER ALERT!! INTRUDER ALERT!!"
Their loud metallic screeching only adds to my uneasiness!
Dammit!! This is nothing but another trap...
Kid immediately turns to me.
"Bollocks, Serge! This is all 'cuz you were sayin' we had to hurry!"

*"What!? You were the one who was egging him on!"
*"We all could have been more careful..."

"Damn straight! I can't believe how many times you've bungled things up for us!"
"Will you two please quiet down? Lynx's minions will be here any minute..."
But before Magil can even finish his sentence, we start to hear deep, snarling
voices, somewhere outside the room...
"Which way is it coming from?" a heavy voice asks.
"Sounds like the treasure vault's alarm to me."
 The voices continue to get louder and louder as we stand motionless inside the
room. We silently gawk at each other, hoping any one of us has some sort of
plan.

"What was that? What did you say to me, Serge!?" Kid says, raising her voice.
"Uh.. Nothing, really!" I say, lowering my eyes.
"Will you two please quiet down? We need think about how to get out of here.
Someone is bound to be on their way," says Magil, annoyed.
But before he can even finish his sentence, we start to hear deep, snarling
voices, somewhere outside the room...
"Which way is it coming from?" a heavy voice asks.
"Sounds like the treasure vault's alarm to me."
The voices continue to get louder and louder as we stand motionless inside the
room. We silently gawk at each other, hoping any one of us has some sort of
plan.

"Hmph, fine," Kid frustratedly says, glancing back at the door. "Just remember
we're short on time!"

After investigating the pedestal for a little while... "Serge was correct. It
does seem to be trapped."
Magil steps back, mumbling something in a low voice while placing his hand near
the base of the pedestal.
Slowly, an inscription begins to emerge on its surface, shining brightly for a
moment.
"It should be disarmed now," he says, before cautiously lifting the scarlet
jewel from the pedestal.
Serge's party got the Frozen Flame!!
Whew... we did it! With a sigh of relief, I turn towards Magil. He's looking
intently at the Flame.
"Way to go, Magil! All right, let's..."
Suddenly, the gem shatters into a thousand pieces in Magil's hand!
"It's a fake. Indeed, that fiend Lynx would never have left the real Flame in a
place like this."
"Damn..."
Suddenly, an alarm bell rings out! The room lights up, and heavy metal bars
fall in front of the door!
Our only exit is blocked!
I look around, only to see Kid holding a fancy crown, suddenly realizing what
she's done...
Serge's party got the Golden Crown!!
"That, that dimwitted dingo!!" I say to myself.
Suddenly, out of the corners of the room, four mechanical birds suddenly come
to life!
"INTRUDER ALERT!! INTRUDER ALERT!!"
Their loud metallic screeching only adds to my uneasiness!
"It doesn't look like it will open," says Magil, checking the iron bars in
front of the door.
But, before Magil can even finish his sentence, we start to hear deep, snarling
voices, somewhere outside the room...
"Which way is it coming from?" a heavy voice asks.
"Sounds like the treasure vault's alarm to me."
The voices continue to get louder and louder as we stand motionless inside the
room. We silently gawk at each other, hoping any one of us will have some sort
of plan.

Kid hides herself under a mountain of gold coins.
"Quick, hide, mate!"
I frantically look around the room.
There! Over in the far corner, there's an empty treasure chest behind a post. I
dash over towards it, climb in, and close the lid.
"Looks like there's no one here, boss."
"That's strange. No one's ever been able to escape this old thing..."
Softly opening the lid of the chest, I take a peek outside through the small
crack and see five goblins, bedecked in armor, having unlocked the iron bars
and standing just a few feet from me.
They look around the room restlessly, peeking into the shadows. Eventually, one
of them raises his head to speak.
"Maybe a rat set it off. The cook was complaining about rats just the other
day."
"Rats? Are you trying to tell me a rat set off the trap?" a fat goblin
questions the other with a doubtful face.
And, with that... "Squeak... squeak, squeak," comes from the corner, over by
where Kid's hiding...
Taken aback, the goblins stop moving, and look at each other. After a little
while, the chief slowly strokes his chin and says, "No, actually, wasn't it
stray cats that the cook was complaining about?"
"...Meow, meow," comes the voice a second time.
Again, the goblins glance at each other. "That's strange, what I heard was that
it was a vicious Heckran that raided the pantry, I think."
Not a peep this time... I can only picture Kid racking her brain, trying to
think of what a Heckran sounds like...
"Just as I thought -- a thief," says one of the guards. But, just as they start
to approach...
"He... Hekeikekekekeke... heke, hekeike, ranranran!"
"Oh, well then, it certainly is a Heckran! Without a doubt!" one of them says,
exchanging a smile with the others.
"Well, that's pretty frightening then. Come on, let's get out of here."
The pack begins to file out of the treasure vault.
But then, suddenly, the goblins all spring on the pile of gold!
"Well, what do we have here?"
"Hey! Get yer hands off me, ya slimy freaks!" Kid says, struggling to break
free.
"Slimy? A thief like yourself isn't in much of a position to criticize!" one of
them hollers at her.
Kicking herself free of their grasp, Kid inches back into the corner of the
room. The goblins start to corner her off, laughing to themselves...
I quietly sneak out of my hiding place and unsheathe my knife. Taking on an
entire troupe of armed goblins is a lost cause, even for Kid.
What should I do? Frankly, I'm in a quandary...

*I've got to save her...
*I've got to save myself!

Hmmm... I think I'll leave this to Kid and Magil, while checking on the
situation outside...
I sneak over to the door, left open by the goblins...
"Serge!!"
Gulp!
I timidly turn around, only to see that all the goblins are now staring at me
intently.
I guess it didn't exactly occur to Kid to sacrifice herself in order to let her
friends escape. Well, it's too late for any of that now! I reach for my knife,
gritting my teeth!

Yeah, I can't abandon my friends, especially at a time like this.
Gripping my knife tightly, I charge into the center of the room, shouting,
"Hey, you stupid oafs!"
They all turn around, staring at me blankly for a moment, before their
expressions turn to rage.
"You just came out here to die. Didn't you, little man."
Gulp...

"You really want us to trample over your head that badly? Well, I suppose we
can accommodate you," the goblin boss says, giving a deep laugh.
Without a moment's hesitation, Kid shouts back. "Don't think you can easily
pick a fight with the likes of the great Kid and get away with it!!"
"Wait a minute, so you're the elusive Kid?" the boss asks, as its eyes softly
narrow. "How sweet this is. Perhaps if I deliver your head to Lord Lynx, he'll
give me a nice reward..."
The boss goblin takes its morning star from its side. The huge iron ball
jangles down to the floor.
"Please don't confuse us with just any ordinary goblins. Striking fear into the
hearts of men everywhere, we are Lynx's Elite Security Force, the fearsome
Magical Gobbler Team!"
"If ya got time to spout off all that nonsense, then ya sure got enough time to
get yer arses kicked!" Kid shouts, exploding with a fierce roundhouse kick!
The goblin teeters and staggers, dizzied by the brunt of her attack!
"Let's get 'em, boys! Start with that little twerp over there!"
Metal balls begin to swing around, swooshing through the air with deadly speed!
"Jet Gobbler Attack! Now!"
Sliding across the floor like the wind, the goblins simultaneously rush us!

Looking up, all I see is a goblin coming at me head on, ready to bash its
weapon into my skull!!

*Dodge!
*Parry!

It's no use -- my timing's off!
A side shot from the goblin's morning star slices through the air!
I try to dodge, but...
Intense pain shoots into my side! I hit the floor with a tremendous thud!
Oh no!
As the blood begins to trickle down my head, everything I see before me becomes
soaked in a deep, dark redness...
Kid's voice quickly becomes farther and farther away, as I begin my descent
into a never-ending darkness...

"Serge! Get up!!"
Hearing Kid's words, I somehow totter to my feet, cradling my wounded stomach.
I can't let myself falter now... I've got to stay focused!

I feel the gust of wind from the metal ball as it closely grazes by me!
Somehow, I manage to dodge safely! However, I fall off balance and hit the
ground with a thud.

The metal ball rams into my shoulder, throwing me off balance!
Writhing in pain, I'm barely able to lift my head in preparation for the next
attack.
"Gahahahah, good boy! Come on, let's have some more fun!"

As the blood begins to trickle down my head, everything I see before me becomes
soaked in a deep, dark redness...
Kid's voice quickly becomes farther and farther away, as I begin my descent
into a never-ending darkness...

"Long live Lord Lynx! Glory to the Magical Gobblers!" says the last of the
goblins as it comes crashing to the ground in a bloody mess!
Phew... that's the last of them.
However, as the blood begins to trickle down my head, everything I see before
me becomes soaked in a deep, dark redness...
Kid's voice quickly becomes farther and farther away, as I begin my descent
into a never-ending darkness...

Frantically parrying the goblin's attack, I try to lunge with my knife...
However, before I can do anything, the goblin snaps me up in its thick arms and
smashes me as hard as it can into the floor!
My mind goes completely blank from the shock.

Quick as a mouse, I slice into the goblin's side! It lets loose a gnarling
scream of pain as its putrid face contorts in agony!

Kid comes to my aid, delivering a lightning-quick strike to one of the goblins!
"What's the matter, huh!? Where's yer Magical Gobbler skills now, or whatever
ya call it?"
The goblin can't help but collapse onto the floor in pain. Kid boots it in the
jaw before backing away for her next attack.
"Quit screwin' around, Serge! Keep an eye on yer own trouble!"

Beside me, an arrow of light jumps out from Magil's fingertips, instantly
pulverizing the goblin!
The goblin topples to the ground, half vaporized. Magil stares at it with his
ever-present eyes of steel as his dark cape flaps in the breeze.

Just then, I start to hear an odd howling noise from behind me. I turn around
to see Magil's Black Wind spell streaking out from his fingertips, transforming
in midair into a countless number of razors! They fly like homing missiles into
one of the goblins, cutting it to shreds!
"H, how can a human have such power? Who are you!? Aaauughh!!"
The goblin shrieks in fear as its body is effortlessly torn to pieces! Magil's
expression remains unchanged as he silently surveys the scene, looking for his
next target.

Another huge iron ball whizzes through the air, swinging down towards me!

*Roll over and dodge it!
*Ram the bastard!

Dammit, I'm not gonna make it! The heavy large iron ball tears through the sky
and swings down on my head! I try to bend down quickly to dodge it, but...
The next moment all I see is stars, as I lie on the floor in a daze.
"Serge! Watch out!"
I hear Kid screaming at me to get up. My hands are pressed against my head,
trying to ease the wincing pain.
Doubt and resignation will get me killed in battle. I can't end up like this!

As quickly as I can, I roll over and try to dodge the attack!
Yes! The iron ball smashes into the floor, sending sparks flying everywhere!
It misses me by a hair's breadth. I frantically scramble away from the weapon.

However, the iron ball strikes me square in the back, sending me clear off my
feet!
I hit the ground with a hard thud, as the back of my head smacks against the
hard stone floor!
I roll over and try to recover, but the throbs of pain are unbearable...
"Sing, boy! Sing the song of pain!"

Scampering away, I suddenly see a dark shadow cover the ground in front of me.
Fearfully looking up, a huge goblin towers directly above my quivering body!
"Die!!" the goblin roars, swinging his weapon down!
No...! I won't go that easy!
Somehow, I manage to reel to my feet and avoid the blow.

I've got to think of a better strategy than just standing around! I quickly put
my weight onto the goblin, trying to force it off balance!
Unfazed, the goblin moves only a little as I collide with it. I, however, bump
off and tumble onto the ground!
"Aaarrgh!" I scream, as the goblin kicks me in the ribs!

Gritting my teeth, I butt my head against the goblin's face!
My head feels like it's been hit by a hammer. However, as I open my eyes I see
that the goblin's in a lot worse shape than I am. It falls backwards in a daze,
its mouth a bloody mess.
My head feels like it's on fire. I take a second to regain my wits.

"It seems we've fallen prey to another one of Lord Lynx's traps."
Kid and I turn to Magil.
"Huh? What the bloody hell are you talkin' about?" asks Kid.
The scarlet jewel Magil holds in his hand breaks into a thousand tiny pieces
with a loud snap.
"It was a fake."
"That cheapskate... I shoulda known!" Kid shouts.
Kid's the last person in the world Lynx would probably think of hearing that
word from...
"Anyhow, let's go. The real one's still gotta be in this mansion, somewhere..."
"Yeah."

"They said they were Lynx's personal guards, yeah? They might have some
valuable stuff on 'em..." but before she even finishes speaking, Kid starts to
search through the head goblin's clothes.
Sheesh, there's really no need to be such a scavenger...
"Hey, what's this?" she says, removing a small metal object from the goblin's
pocket. It's a hand-shaped medallion of some sort, covered in archaic-looking
symbols.
"It's a key," Magil says, walking over towards us. "These markings suggest it
unlocks a certain magical seal."
"Wow... well, their loss," says Kid, casually putting the plate in her pocket.
"Dammit, they don't have any other good stuff. Cheap goblins...."
She stands up and looks around, sighing. "It'd be a waste to leave all this
loot behind, though!"
"We can always come back for it later, Kid."
Kid turns around and grins. "Yeah, yer right. Okay, let's go. The night won't
last forever."

"Easy... easy," says Kid, wiping some sweat off her brow.

Suddenly, Kid shoots an angry look at me. "So, ya wanna double-cross us,
leavin' us to die when we need ya the most?"
"No...! That... that was just an act! I only wanted to throw them off guard. I
was trying to divert the attention from you! Of course I intended to help you!"
I don't like the way Kid's looking at me one bit...

"We must be on our way," Magil says. "There's no way of knowing who else knows
we're here now."
"I know. That bastard's causin' us too much trouble..."
Phew... that was close. Kid's not the type of person to let something like that
slide very easily...

"Hey, fool," she says, staring bitterly at me. "I can take care of myself."
Her eyes start to quiver, and she turns away.
"But... thanks, mate."

"Dammit Serge, yer such a loon, thinkin' you could rescue me from those goons
like that. Heh, it worked out pretty well though, eh mate?"

"Serge, ya goof, I can take care'a myself. But thanks, mate," she says,
cracking a smile.
Her face hits me like a glimmering beam of light, cleansing my darkness and
filling me with joy.
"I'll never forget what ya did back there... even if I never see ya again after
tonight."

With Kid in the lead, we ascend the narrow staircase...

"The treasure can wait. We must first find the Frozen Flame."
"I know. Sheeze, yer no fun."

*Proceed towards the terrace.
*Proceed to the staircase.

The cracked stone stairs seem to endlessly twist upwards. It feels like we're
heading up to a scaffold to be executed...
Atop the staircase, an old but solid door waits for us silently. This damp
place fills me with a feeling of dread.
"There's a faint voice comin' from the other side of the door," says Kid. I
fear the worst.
"Maybe we should check somewhere else..." I say.
"What'sa matter, ya chicken?" she says while glancing at me, but I can tell by
the sound of her voice that she isn't feeling much better about this than I am.
There's something wrong about this place, and we all know it...

*Go back down the stairs.
*Open the door.

I really think we ought to come back some other time," I say hesitantly. Magil
doesn't look too enthusiastic either.
"What, you wanna turn back? Arrite, guess I got no choice," Kid exclaims while
shrugging her shoulders.
How rare, Kid listening to other people for a change.

It's a small room, one you'd find in a stone tower. It's empty, and I can't
find a single window in it.
"What the hell kinda room is this?"
Although she's trying to hide it, I notice a shiver running down Kid's spine.

"There may be something of use here. Let us search more closely," Magil says
quietly.
"Ya really think we'll find somethin'? Hrmf..."
Kid proceeds to the middle of the room, while I examine the walls and floor.
The stone floor is filled with countless scratches, covered by splotches of a
dry dark ink.
"Hey Magil, would you come over here please? Something is carved into the wall
here. I think it's an inscription of some sort..."
Magil kneels down in front of the wall and examines the writing. Looking closer
at it, it appears to be written in blood.
"Indeed. This text has been worn down with age. Most of it is unreadable."
Here's what I can make out:

                 ...won't la...   mu... onger...
            ...cia Dragoons....  nee...he encha...
                swor... order to... ...proof...

Without any warning, the door slams shut! We stand up, taken by surprise!
Then suddenly, a low rumbling starts to fill the room!
"What's happening!?" Kid shouts, looking around frantically.
"What's that above us!?"
"What now? There's no time to lose!"

*Try to stop the ceiling!
*Break through the wall!
*Try to ram the door!

Kid flies like an arrow, ramming against the door!
Her small body bounces back -- the door is far too
heavy!
"Bollocks!"
Magil streaks across the room like a hurricane, dashing against the solid oak!
The door creaks, but holds tight!
My turn.
I ram into the door with all my strength!
"Aaarrgh!"
A heavy shock shoots through my body, but the door doesn't budge an inch!
The rumbling continues to get louder and louder, reminding us of the rusty
blades, eager to greet us!
"Serge! Magil! Come on, together!"
The three of us start to ram against the door
simultaneously with all our strength!
The door hinge gives! We stumble outside, barely escaping certain death!
Behind us, we hear the gut-wrenching sounds of the blades meeting the stone
floor. I watch the morbid scene in a daze, gasping huge breaths of air.
Finally, the grinding sound fades away. It seems the ceiling has stopped.
"Damn that Lynx, toyin' with us like that..."
"So, this is the torture chamber. I wonder how many of the Acacia Dragoons it
has claimed," Magil whispers.
"Who?" I ask.
"The Acacia Dragoons. They were once an elite force serving General Viper, a
powerful man who used to rule the western territory of Gerzbuehle. They were
defeated more than ten years ago, by the very hands of Lord Lynx. By the looks
of things, we have apparently found their resting place."
"Eh, who cares," says Kid as she stands up. "Generals and Knights and
everything, it sounds like some old bedtime story."
Magil shrugs his shoulders in silence as we start down the stairs, eager to get
away from this awful place.

"We've got to stop the ceiling!!" I shout.
"How!?"
"I don't know... shouldn't there be a secret release lever somewhere?"
We quickly search the floor and walls as the rumble of the dreaded ceiling gets
louder and louder!
"Aaargh!!"
One of the blades slices into my shoulder! There's no time to look for a lever!!
Oh no...
A shock shoots through my body as my clothes start to take on a dark hue of red.
Everything I see before me becomes soaked in a deep, dark redness...
Kid's voice quickly becomes farther and farther away, as I begin my descent
into a never-ending darkness...

What do we going to do!?

*Try to stop the ceiling!
*Bash the wall!
*Ram the door!

"Okay! Let's try to stop this thing!"
I stand firm and raise both of my hands high to support the ceiling.
"Stop it Serge! It's too strong!"
She's right! The ceiling is too heavy -- I'm not making any difference! It
continues to descend onto us more and more!
"Aaaahhhh!!"
It's getting too close! I can't get out!
Help!!

"There has to be a way out of here!"
We start ramming up against the walls. However, the stone mesh holds tight!
This isn't working! The ceiling is getting too close!
"Aaahhh!"
A blade has sliced into my neck!
Dammit...!
As the blood begins to trickle down my neck, everything I see before me becomes
soaked in a deep, dark redness...
Kid's voice quickly becomes farther and farther away, as I begin my descent
into a never-ending darkness...

What are we going to do!?

*Try to stop the ceiling!
*Bash the wall!
*Try to ram the door!

Aren't there any cracks in the wall? Come on... there have to be at least one
or two!
"Forget it, Serge! We don't have time!"
"Aaahhhh!!"
I feel a flash of pain throughout my left temple! I stumble to the ground as I
press against the side of my head, trying to stop the blood from gushing out!
"Serge!!"
Kid's screaming fades slowly away into the distance as I lay there, stunned...
The deep redness overcomes me...

I nearly slip and fall on one of the damp stairs. Bracing myself against the
cold walls, I keep on climbing...
We come to the old, stoic-looking door, waiting for us silently atop the
staircase.

*Enter.
*Head back down the stairs.

"We have no business here. We should search elsewhere," says Magil.
"Yeah, it'll be morning soon. Let's go."

"I don't care how many clues are hidden here. Unless we find a way to disarm
that bloody trap, there's no way I'm goin' in there again."
"General Viper's daughter... I wonder if she knows anything."
"Yeah, her name was Riddel, right?"

"Without that ancient sword Einlanzer, it's hopeless..."

"Yeah... well, come on, let's go."

"You wanna go in there again? Are you serious!?"
Then, suddenly, in a quiet voice, as though she's afraid others will hear it,
she asks, "Yer not a masochist or somethin', are ya?"

"There's no way I'm goin' in there," Kid says, turning back.
The two of us follow her down the stairs.

Wh, what do we do now!?
"Serge!!" Kid screams desperately. The sound of blades is getting louder and
louder! I don't know what to do!!
"Arghhh!!"
A blade has sliced into my neck!
Oh, no...
As the blood begins to trickle down my neck, everything I see before me becomes
soaked in a deep, dark redness...
Kid's voice quickly becomes farther and farther away, as I begin my descent
into a never-ending darkness...

What are we going to do!?

*Thrust the sword into the ceiling!
*Thrust the sword into the floor!
*Thrust the sword into Kid!


*Try to stop the ceiling!
*Bash the wall!
*Ram the door!

After a while, the path splits into three directions. To the left is a
descending staircase, while the path on the right extends into darkness.
Another passageway lies ahead...

*Take the stairs.
*Proceed on ahead.

*Proceed ahead to the cathedral.

ballroom.

*Turn and head down the right path.

*Turn right, heading towards the study.

*Head back towards the terrace.

As I start to slowly descend the stairs in the dim light, I stretch my hands
out in front of me to try and feel for something. However, all I'm greeted with
is the moist feeling of these grimy stone walls.

We've descended the staircase. To the left lies a huge stone archway, and to
the right we can see a narrow path twisting into the darkness.

*Enter the passage on the right.
*Go through the archway on the left.
*Head back up the stairs.

We continue through the passageway...After a while we
arrive at a beautifully decorated set of double doors.

ballroom.

*Enter.
*Turn back.

We head down the path. After a while, it ends at a stained wooden door. This is
the study, I think...

*Go in.
*Turn back.

"Guess this's the study."
This huge room is faintly lit by the moonlight, shining in through a tall
window. In the back of the room stands a large, ornately decorated desk.
Row after row of bookshelves house thousands of thick, dusty books. A painting
is hung on the rear wall, sharing space with various exotic curios.

*Examine the desk.
*Walk over to the bookshelves.
*Check out the painting.

I walk over and open a drawer in the mahogany desk.
The drawers contain writing materials and documents, arranged in an orderly
fashion. Unfortunately, they don't seem to contain anything worth mentioning.
But then, a small picture in the drawer catches my eye. It's a portrait of a
friendly-looking girl with a faint smile on her face.
I hold it up, wondering who it could be...

"It's prolly Lynx's adopted daughter," Kid says, looking over my shoulder with
her nose crinkled. "...Pedophile."
A faint gasp from behind me suddenly catches my attention. Turning around, I
see Magil walking over to us with his eyes fixed firmly on the picture. I don't
think I've ever seen him like this before...
"What is it, Magil?"
My question visibly startles Magil, but after a few moments, he returns to his
usual wooden face.
"...Nothing."
His firm response doesn't leave much room for questioning.
"We're wasting valuable time. We should look elsewhere," Magil says abruptly,
turning towards the door.
Kid and I look at each other, perplexed.
"What's his problem?"
"Don't ask me..."
"Hey Magil, wait up!"

Suddenly, we start to hear footsteps coming this way. Though they aren't that
loud, they boom like thunder in the night.
Kid and I jump up. Magil swiftly conceals himself in the nearby shadows.

*"Quick, behind the door!"
*"Quick, under the desk!"

I walk over to one of the bookshelves and start looking through the rows of
books. Most of them are written in languages I've never even seen before.
I pull one of the books off a shelf. It's so heavy I have to support it with
both of my hands. I clumsily turn up a random page.
The book contains page after page of strange scribbled symbols. They twist and
dance, almost as though they're alive...
Wait... what? I blink my eyes, bringing my face closer to the book. It had to
have been my imagination. They're not actually moving. Wait, are they?

I turn up another page. It features the same kind of strange contorted symbols.
It's making my head hurt just by looking at them.
"What could this be...?"
"Huh?" says Kid, coming to my side.
"Ah, it's a magically coded book. Ya can't read it. Besides, all these magical
books are prolly cursed. Wouldn't do ya any good to read em, even if ya could."
"Watch yerself around these books, mate. There might be somethin' in one of
em..."
"What are you talking about?"
And then, just as I turn my head to ask Kid about it, the book starts to moan
in a dreadful way. I immediately slam it shut, jamming it back in the bookshelf!
Magil, who had been watching us the entire time, approaches the shelf and
reaches out for a time-worn, leather-bound book.
"You know about this stuff?" Kid asks, looking up at Magil like a duck in a
thunderstorm.
"Some. This is an ancient tome from a far away land. It was once known as the
Book of the Dead. I never expected to find it here, in Lord Lynx's possession."
Magil gazes at the timeworn, leather-bound book.

*Ask him to open it.
*Recommend putting it back.

I walk over and examine the painting, illuminated by the pale moonlight.
It's an oil painting of a very strange landscape. I've never seen anything
quite like it before.
It's a depiction of an endless, scorched desert, filled with red sand
stretching out to the horizon. There, unbelievably tall mountains soar upwards
for miles and miles, meeting a blazing orange sky.
It seems surreal, almost out of this world. But even more than that, it seems
like a very sad, lonely painting, as if it's depicting a fleeting memory of a
desolate soul. What kind of person could have painted this?
And furthermore, why's it here in the study? None of the other stuff around
here matches it...

It's a watercolor painting, depicting a peculiar scenario. Within the painting,
it appears to be day and night, as well as spring, summer, autumn, and winter,
all at the same time. Everything looks melted away, fading into everything else.
At the core of this swirling, chaotic maelstrom, there's a small black gem,
burning with a deep red flame inside of it.

"What is it, mate? Find somethin' valuable?"
Kid comes over to my side and reaches out for a fancy plate.
"The ransom for just one of these could feed a family for an entire year, I
bet..."
Suddenly she stops, looking over towards me.
"Come on, there's no wrong in takin' it..."
"Let's focus on the Flame, Kid."
After a moment, she hesitantly puts the decorated plate back on the shelf.
Suddenly, we start to hear footsteps coming this way. Though they aren't that
loud, they boom like thunder in the night.
Kid and I jump up. Magil swiftly conceals himself in the nearby shadows.

*"Quick, behind the door!"
*"Quick, under the desk!"

Kid and I quickly hide behind the door with our backs pressed against the wall.
I hold my breath as the door creaks open.
A quivering candlelight spreads in through the doorway. However, whoever opened
the door doesn't seem to have any intention of entering the room.
"Mmmh... thought I heard something. No reason for anybody to be in here though,
since the Master is away. Still, with those Porre southerners on the move, it's
better safe than sorry..."
The door closes softly, blanketing the room in darkness once again. The voice
becomes more and more distant as the footsteps fade into silence. Still, we
wait, without moving a muscle.
"So, Porre is up to something," Magil mutters, emerging from the shadows.
Porre is a large country governing the southern continent. I hear it's a pretty
well-developed and fairly prosperous place. What would they be after in these
outlands? Surely not the Frozen Flame...?
No matter how valuable it may be, in the end it's just a jewel... a piece of
rock. How valuable could it really be?

Kid and I scurry down underneath the desk. Curling up, I wrap her up in my arms.
"Hmph... smaller than I thought."
"What? Hey! I..."
The door opens with a sudden creak. We sit motionless without making a peep.
The quivering light of a candle spreads in from the doorway. Soon after, a hand
holding a candlestick comes into view from behind the door.
Tightening, I nervously hold my breath.
When I look down, my heart skips a beat. With Kid's lips right in front of me,
I feel myself starting to lose control. So full... and pink... and glossy...
My heart starts pounding faster and faster. I force myself to stop staring and
shut my eyes tight.
Whoever opened the door doesn't seem to have any intention of entering the room.
"Mmmh... thought I heard something. No reason for anybody to be in here though,
since the Master is away. Still, with those Porre southerners on the move, it's
never too safe to be sorry...."
The door closes softly, covering the room in darkness once again. For a while
we wait, not moving an inch.
The footsteps echo away into the distance.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I can't stop thinking about how great she
smells...
"Hey, how long are you gonna stick to me like that?" Kid asks, pushing my jaw
upwards.

blowing into my ear.

folding her lips around my ear.

"Huh? Uh... I mean... sorry!"
I quickly get up, bumping my head against the desk with a loud bang.

I crawl out, rubbing my head.
"Man, that stings."
Kid comes out next. Crouching, she looks me over and says, "Ya goof... you
arrite?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"So, Porre is up to something," Magil says quietly, emerging from the shadows.
Porre is a large country governing the southern continent. I hear it's a pretty
well developed and fairly prosperous place. But what would they be after in
these outlands? Surely not the Frozen Flame...?
No matter how valuable it may be, in the end it's just a jewel... a piece of
rock. How valuable could it really be?

"We've seen enough here," says Magil. "Let's search somewhere else."
We leave the room, heading back through the corridor.

"Come on mate, we don't have time for this. Randomly searchin' a place as big
as this is stupid. We need to get a move on!" Kid says, irritated.
 She's right, I suppose. If we keep on dawdling, it'll be morning before we
know it.

We leave the cathedral, heading back through the corridor.

We leave the ballroom, heading back through the passageway.

We head back through the passageway.

After a bit of walking, we come to a three-way split in the path.
To the right is a set of stairs leading down, while a narrow passageway on the
left leads off into darkness. The path up ahead will take us towards the
terrace.

*Take the stairs.
*Proceed towards the terrace.
*Head into the left passageway.

*Turn left, heading towards the study.

*Retrace our steps.

We retrace our steps through the dark passageway. Finally, the we come to a
three-way branch.

We leave the study, retracing our steps through the dark passageway. Finally,
the passage comes to a three-way branch.

There's a descending staircase in front of us, in addition to passageways on
the right and left. The one on the left will take us back towards the terrace.

*Descend the stairs.
*Head towards the terrace.
*Enter the right passageway.

*Enter the right passageway, proceeding towards the cathedral.

ballroom.

*Retrace our steps.

"Maybe it's better if we don't open it, Magil..."
Magil stares silently at the book cover for a moment. Then, nodding silently,
he returns the book to the shelf.
"Perhaps it's best to leave such ancient knowledge alone."
"I swear, you sound just like an old hermit sometimes, Magil."
Suddenly, we start to hear footsteps coming this way. Though they aren't that
loud, they boom like thunder in the night.
Kid and I jump up. Magil swiftly conceals himself in the nearby shadows.

*"Quick, behind the door!"
*"Quick, under the desk!"

Prompted by curiosity, I ask Magil to open the book.
He hesitates for a moment, but then nods silently and opens the thick leather
cover.
The large book opens with a long creak. Suddenly, a strange sort of breeze
seems to leap out from it, howling all around us.
Curtains, papers, and even the chandeliers sway as this odd, directionless gust
of wind scurries around. After a few moments, it whisks out the door.
I fearfully turn to Magil, wondering what we've done now...
"Hey, there's nothin' written in it!" Kid says. "What gives?"
Shifting his attention back to the book, Magil turns up another page. They're
all blank.
"Sheesh, what a waste! Let's write somethin' in it!" Kid says, already
scribbling something down.
"Dear Lord Lynx, go buy some real books while you're out! Jeez! And by the way,
the jerk store called, and they're all outta you!"
Suddenly, we start to hear footsteps coming this way. Though they aren't that
loud, they boom like thunder in the night.
Kid and I jump up. Magil swiftly conceals himself in the nearby shadows.

*"Quick, behind the door!"
*"Quick, under the desk!"

"Okay! Time to find that key!" Kid says as she steps into the center of the
room, surrounded by row after row of books.
"Where did that crazy mirror say we could find it? Hey, Serge, pay attention
when I'm talkin' to ya!"
"Huh? I thought you remembered which one it was..."

"So which is it?"

*The blue book in front.
*The red book in front.
*The purple book in front.
*The green book in front.
*The blue book in back.
*The red book in back.
*The purple book in back.
*The green book in back.
*The white book in back.

"Errrr... wasn't it the one in the front shelf with the blue cover?"
"The front shelf, eh. The blue one... the blue one... here it is! This one?"
Kid pulls the book from the shelf. I watch closely as she opens it up. Her eyes
become narrow as a cat's as she starts to read the mysterious symbols. Then,
she begins to read a passage in a low, steady voice.
"In the week before their departure to Arrakis, when all the final scurrying
about had reached a nearly unbearable frenzy, an old crone came to visit the
mother of the boy, Paul.
It was a warm night at Castle Caladan, and the ancient pile of stone that had
served the Atreides family as home for twenty-six generations bore that
cooled-sweat feeling it acquired before a change in the weather..."
Kid's voice trembles as her speaking becomes softer and softer. Looking over, I
see she's sunk into silence with dim eyes.
Suddenly she notices me looking at her. Turning away, she quickly closes the
book.
"This ain't the right book, Serge. Which one is it?"

"Errrr... it's the book with the red cover in front, isn't it?"
Kid heads to the shelf.
"The red one... the red one... got it!"
Kid pulls a book from the lower shelf. She opens it as we watch closely.
Leafing through it, a passage catches her eye, which she begins to read in a
low, steady voice.
"A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and
a nice Chianti. Fly back to school, little Starling."
 .........
"Yuck! What the hell is this!?" Kid yells, slapping me.
I feel sick.
Yuck.

"Sheesh, Serge! You shouldn't let a lady read such things. Now which book is
it!?"

"Errrr... it's the book with the purple cover in front, isn't it?"
Kid heads to the shelf in front.
"The purple one... the purple one... here it is! This one?"
Kid pulls a book from one of the shelves in the middle. I watch closely as she
opens it up. Her eyes become narrow as a cat's as she reads page after page of
strange, convoluted symbols.
The Neo-Epoch was damaged and expelled into space without any phase changes.
Warning! Warning! Engine severely damaged! Output has been reduced to 30%! Only
six Antiparticle shells remain!
Shield range 16 sectors! L-spin reaction at the starboard bow! The enemy fleet
is moving towards us!
Gyado, wake up! Hiyu Corps, use your final power..."
.........
"What is this? It reminds me of..."
"Of what, Kid?"
"...Nothin'! Quit yankin' my chain, Serge! Which book is it!?"
Sheesh...

"Hmmm.... that book over there, the green one... maybe that's it..."
"The green one... hmm. This one right here? Okay..."
From the bottom of the shelves, Kid pulls out an old, decaying book. She coughs
a little as she opens it, trying to avoid all the dust released.
After looking through it for a while, she begins to read a page in a low,
steady voice...
"Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the western
spiral arm of the Galaxy lies a small unregarded yellow sun.
Orbiting this at a distance of roughly ninety-two million miles is an utterly
insignificant little blue-green planet whose ape-descended lifeforms are so
amazingly primitive that they still think digital watches are a pretty neat
idea..."
........
"Serge, ya dummy! This ain't the right book!!"

"Hmm... it could be that blue book on that shelf over there..."
"Well -could- it be the right one, or -is- it the right one?"
"I don't know. I 'm pretty sure. Yeah, the blue one. Yeah."
Kid heads over to the shelves, already fuming.
"The blue one... the blue one... got it."
Kid pulls it off the shelf. I watch intently as she opens the dusty cover. Her
eyes become narrow as a cat's as she reads page after page of strange,
convoluted symbols.
"...It was only then that I realized that in this incredible game of life, the
bonus is contained within love and adventure. Cordially enthralling myself into
the temptations of the flesh despite a momentary rush of suspiciousness,
finally I moved my fingers downward... ever more downward. Until, gulping down
my many feelings of apprehension and vulnerability, into this pleasureful
ocean, I..."
......
..........
..................
Kid's face turns red.
"What is this rubbish? What in blazes are ya havin' me read now!?"
Abruptly, she rises to her feet.
Thwap!
Stars explode before my eyes!
I fall backwards, into a never-ending darkness...
Kid's shouts are becoming more and more distant, as I slowly sink into the
eternal silence...

"Enough of this! Where's the real book!?"
Barely able to stand, I frantically try to reassemble my thoughts...

"Maybe it's that red book over here in back. Yeah, that sounds like it."
"The back shelf... the red one... the red one... here we go!"
Kid pulls a book from the shelf. I watch closely as she opens it up. Her eyes
become narrow as a cat's as she starts to read the mysterious symbols. Then,
she begins to read a passage in a low, steady voice.
"...Sun Tzu said: The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a
matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a
subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected. The art of war, then,
is governed by five constant factors, to be taken into account in one's
deliberations, when seeking to determine the conditions obtaining in the field.
These are..."
.......
............
"What the heck is this? Some sorta witchcraft? Quit havin' me read all these
stupid books, Serge! Which one has the key!?"

"Hmmm... I'm pretty sure it's that purple book over there... I think..."
"Which one? Oh, I see it."
Kid pulls out a purple book, towards the bottom of the shelves. I watch closely
as she opens it up. Flipping through the pages, suddenly an old brass key falls
out of the book, hitting the ground with a clank!
"All right! The key!!"

Throwing the book aside, Kid bends down and grabs the key. Her eyes light up as
she stares at it in her hands. We race out of the study, eager to see what
awaits us in the vault.
Magil follows behind a moment later, after returning the book to the shelf.

"I'm pretty sure it's that green book over there in back."
Kid heads over to the shelves.
"The green one... the green one... here, got it!"
Kid pulls a book from the back shelf. I watch closely as she slowly opens it.
Her eyes become narrow as a cat's as she reads page after page of strange,
convoluted symbols.
"I refuse to be a victim. When this becomes your mantra, constantly running
through your head, you will shift towards me-centered living. Only by taking
full responsibility for your problems, and their solutions, will you break free
from the constant cycle of victimhood. Remember, you are only a victim if you
choose to be."
"Aaahhh!!!"
......
............
"What is this drivel? I can't stand any more of this!!"
Kid puts the book back.
"C'mon, Serge! Where did you say it was?"

"Let's try that big white book, down there in back."
"The back shelf... the white one... the white one... here we go!"
Kid pulls a book from the shelf. I watch closely as she opens it up. Her eyes
become narrow as a cat's as she starts to read the mysterious symbols. Then,
she begins to read a passage in a low, steady voice.
"The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.
The desert was the apotheosis of all deserts, huge, standing to the sky for
what might have been parsecs in all directions. White; blinding; waterless;
without feature save for the faint, cloudy haze of the mountains which sketched
themselves on the horizon and the devil-grass which brought sweet dreams,
nightmares, death..."
Kid continues to read, getting lost within the book.
"Hey, Kid, shouldn't we be looking for the key?"
"Hold on, mate! It's startin' to get good!"
"But, Kid..."
"All right already! Sheesh! Which book did you say it was?"

This seems to be Viper Manor's ballroom.
Beautiful decorative ornaments rest on a large table in the center of this huge
hall. Rows of huge pillars are lined up on both sides, adorned with sculptures
of birds and various other animals. At the far end of the room sits a gigantic
organ, taking up the entirety of the wall. Its pitch-black aura beckons us.
A countless number of candles provide a soft, flickering luminescence to the
room. Everything around us shimmers in the dim candlelight.
Various portraits have been hung high up on the walls, depicting all sorts of
well-dressed people. From what I can gather, they're high-quality oil
paintings. They all have a similar sort of morbid gaze in their eyes, though.
Who could these be? Lynx's relatives, maybe?
Of these, a portrait of a young lady in a pink dress catches my eye.
Wait, what was that?
I swear she looked at me just then!
...Come on, Serge... time to put away the ghost stories.
It's just my imagination acting up again, I tell myself.
It was probably a trick of light, caused by a flickering candle or something.
The oils' glossy finish distorted the image for a second or two. Yeah, that's
what happened.
But... I don't know...
"This room's bloody strange..."
Kid sees it too... she has to have seen it.
"I suggest we look elsewhere," Magil says suddenly. Kid and I offer no
objections.

Pushing her way through the massive doors, Kid steps into the huge hall.
"No one's here, still..."
With a countless number of candles illuminating the room, everything around us
flickers and sways in the ever-changing light.
Placed high up on the walls, many large portraits mysteriously stare down upon
us.
Wait, what was that? I could have sworn one of the faces moved just a second
ago!
...Come on, Serge... enough with all this. It was probably a trick of light,
caused by a flickering candle or something. The candlelight distorted the oils'
glossy finish for a second or two. Yeah, that's what probably happened.
But, maybe...
"These paintings are bloody strange..."
Kid sees it too... she has to have seen it.
"I suggest we look elsewhere," Magil says suddenly. Kid and I offer no
objections.

After continuing on through the passage for a while, the terrace comes into
view on the right. I take a deep breath of the fresh evening air, hoping to
calm my senses.

*Continue on through the passageway.
*Go out onto the terrace.
*Retrace our steps.

We walk quietly out onto the terrace, instantly welcomed by a cold nighttime
breeze. The dreary forest we came through lies directly ahead. A light chill is
sent down my spine as I watch the treetops rustle in the howling wind...

*Talk a little with Kid.
*Try talking with Magil.
*Head back into Viper Manor.

Peeping in from the arched entranceway, Kid looks
astonished. "Wow, look at this! I heard about these things, they're called
atriums."
A large fountain sits in the center of this beautiful room. Looking across the
way, another archway similar to this one leads off into darkness.
"Whoa, cold!" Kid exclaims, taking her hand out of the water.
Coming to her side, I kneel down and peer into the pond. Leaning over the
beautiful marble edge, I too feel the chilly water.
From deep beneath the surface, a number of fish start to swim towards us.
"These buggers look expensive..."
I can't seem to see the bottom of the pond. I wonder how deep it is...

The fish are a little restless, splashing here and there.
Suddenly, Kid tugs at my arm, jerking my hand out of the water. Before I can
ask why, one of the fish leaps out, snapping at me.
We scramble to our feet and take a few steps back from the fountain.
Many other fish soon follow, jumping out of the water, snapping at us. A few
land outside of the pond. I kick one of them into a corner. Watching it
violently squirm around, it appears to be a piranha.
More and more of them emerge from the apparently
bottomless depth.
Having gotten a fresh scent of game, the piranhas start to splash around more
viciously now, getting water everywhere.
I wonder how many of these things could be in there... It looks like there are
more and more of them emerging every second.
Suddenly, a dark red liquid starts to erupt from the fountain! Kid leaps back
at once. I'm shocked as well, staring dumbfoundedly at the erupting fountain...
The gushing red liquid shoots higher and higher! The water level in the pond
rapidly rises, taking on a disgusting red hue!
Before long, the water level has started to overflow onto the floor! A bead of
sweat rolls down my brow as I realize that the room is about to fill with water!
We might be able to make it to a safe distance before the piranhas reach us.
Quick, what do we do!?

*Make a run for the far exit!
*Head back to the staircase!
*Take care of these suckers!

There's not enough time to think! Already the water's risen to my ankles, and
piranhas have started to come at me!
Kicking and splashing, I ward them off for the time being.
However, suddenly a terrible pain runs into my left ankle!
I lift my foot up, tearing off the freakish thing and smashing it with the heel
of my boot!
However, looking up, I see three more coming my way!

What do we do now!?

*Make a run for the far exit!
*Head back!
*Get these suckers!

"Are you serious? There's no way in hell I'm goin' back there to be eaten
alive!"
"Yeah, losing a leg or two wouldn't do a thing for your girlish figure."
Having stopped before the atrium, we once again come to the ominous Mouth of
Truth...

"Come on, we're outnumbered!!"
Splashing through the water, we turn back, heading for the passageway from
where we came.
However, a few of them manage to sink their teeth into me before I can get away!
I kick off the last remaining few as I bolt out of this vile room!

"Phew... what a close call."
"That rat bastard... Whatever trick he's got up his sleeve, it won't stop us
for long. We're comin' for ya, Lynx!"

"Quick, the exit over there!!"
With the water now up to my calves, I find I can't move very fast at all! The
dyed water, now sticky like blood, splashes violently as I make for the
opposite end of the room!
Below me, I can feel the sharp stab of those tiny, razor-sharp teeth digging
into my legs!
One of them suddenly jumps out of the water, clamping down on my face! Shocked,
I frantically try and get it off without tearing into my skin!
However, as I'm doing this, dozens more swarm around me, biting into me from
all angles!
I try to make a run for it, but unable to see, I bump straight into the
fountain, coming down with a huge splash...
All I see from then on is the bubbling red water, as the small fish devour me...

Wincing in pain, I turn around. Quick, what do I do?

*Make a run for the far exit!
*Head back through the entrance!
*Start kicking ass and taking names!

"Let's get these things!!" I shout.
Kid looks at me like I'm crazy. "This ain't no joke, Serge! We're gonna get
eaten alive here unless you do something quick!"
She's right, attacking these things head on is too difficult! They're far too
fast to catch!
A look of scorn fills Kid's eyes.
"Get over here, ya runts!!"

Dammit, they're biting me! Help!

These things are fast! What do I do!?

*Make a run for the far exit!
*Head back to the entranceway!
*Grab my knife and start making some sushi!

"C'mon, we've gotta get outta here! NOW!!"

Dammit... it's hopeless!

Setting my sights on the far exit, I start frantically splashing through the
murky water.
With the water level now risen up above my calves, I find I can't move very
fast. The room has taken on a nasty smell, too -- an awful mixture of blood,
fish, and saltwater.
"Aaahhhh...!"
Two fish have simultaneously bitten into my left thigh and right ankle! Hacking
away at the two, I rid myself of their visceral grip and continue to make a run
for it!

From behind me, Magil's arrows of light dart into the water, disintegrating the
lightning-fast fish!

Oh, no! Just now I slip on a fish, sending me splashing into the water!
The next moment, from all around me I start to feel sharp stabbing pains as a
dozen fish swarm at me... and then a dozen more... and then...
"Aaaaahhhhhh!!!"

However, it's still a ways to the exit. What do I do!?
*Try and head for the far exit anyway!
*Head back to where we came!
*Skin these guppies!

We proceed through the dark passageway...

We retrace our steps through the passageway.

The passageway makes a sharp turn to the right, before stretching on through
this subterranean maze...

Before long, we're greeted with a beautifully ornate set of doors on the right.
Strange... there's a distinct smell
of flowers coming from here.

This is the room Kid saw something
strange in.

These are the quarters of Riddel,
Lynx's adopted daughter.

*Continue on through the passageway.
*Enter the room.
*Head back to the staircase.

After a little while, the dark passageway ends at a polished, robust set of
doors.
Kid crinkles her nose in disgust. "Somethin's strange about this place... it
don't feel right, mate. Prolly just my imagination though, heh..."
Standing here in the cold darkness, Kid's hollow laugh does nothing but add to
my fear.

Lynx's quarters... Oh man, I can feel Kid's blood boiling from here.

*Go into the room.
*Turn back.

Heading back, we travel through the passageway, eager to shake this feeling of
dread.

After walking a ways, we come to a beautifully decorated set of doors on the
left.
This is the room Kid found something unsettling in...

This is Riddel's room.

*Enter the room.
*Keep on walking.
*Head back.

Continuing on through the passage, eventually we come to a branch.
We see an upwards staircase on the left, as well as a stone archway directly
ahead.
*Take the stairs.
*Enter the archway.
*Head back.

I follow Kid up the narrow set of stairs, hoping not to lose my balance...

We've ascended the staircase. In front of us, paths extend in three directions.
To the left lies a dark corridor, and the right path leads out to the terrace.
This path also continues on ahead...

*Take the left path.

*Head left, towards the

ballroom.

*Turn right, heading towards the terrace.
*Proceed ahead into the dark passageway.

*Proceed ahead, towards the study.

*Go back down the stairs.

We come to a branch after a ways. To our right lies a staircase going up, while
the start of a dark passageway is directly ahead.
*Take the stairs.
*Head down the passageway.
*Turn back towards the atrium.

*Head back.

From here, the passageway stretches to the right and left.
Heading to the right will take us to Lynx's quarters, while turning left will
take us back to the ascending staircase.

Heading right will take us further into darkness, while turning left will take
us back to the staircase.

*Let's head right, towards Lynx's quarters.
*Let's head to the right.

*Let's head left, towards the atrium.

*Let's head left, back to the staircase.

Following through the dark passageway, we come to a
staircase leading down...

*Take the stairs.
*Turn back.

Having crossed through the atrium, eventually we come to a split in the path.
We can either go left or right from here.

*Head down the left path.

*Head down the left path, towards the catacombs.

*Take the right path.

*Take the right path, heading to the staircase.

*Turn back.

After a little ways down the passageway, we come to a descending staircase...

*Take the stairs.
*Turn back.

We slowly walk down the stairs, taking us deep below ground. It's as though
we're descending further and further into an endless abyss...
Once we reach the bottom, we come to another split. We can go left or right,
but both paths look equally dismal.

*Let's try the right path.
*Let's head down the right path, towards the kitchen.

*I think we should try the left path.

*Let's head left, towards the Armory.

*Turn back.

Continuing on through the passage, eventually we come to a branch.
If we turn left, we'll be taken back to the atrium. Heading straight through
will take us to the catacombs.

Heading straight through will lead us into darkness...

*Turn left, towards the atrium.
*Proceed on ahead.

*Proceed on ahead, towards the catacombs.

*Head back.

"Okay, the goblin's key should open this door," Kid says, putting the key into
the lock.
With a click, the door unlocks. The door opens with a deep creak...
Damp air creeps up from below. Peering into the dark, decrepit place, I wonder
how I ever got talked into coming to a place like this...

No matter how many times I return here, I don't think I'll ever get any more
used to this place...

*Turn back.
*Go in.

After a bit of walking, we come to an old-looking door with a brass handle.

"Dammit, another locked door."
"I don't get it, there's no smell of gold or nothin'."
"This leads to Viper Manor's catacombs," says Magil hesitantly.
...He's right. Standing here in silence, I realize there's a faint scent of
death on the air. And then, putting my ear to the door, I start to hear deep,
tortured moans from far beyond...
I jump back, looking at the door. "Umm.... let's try somewhere else."

Heading away from the catacombs, we eventually come to a split. Turning right
heads back to the atrium, while proceeding straight through will take us to a
downward staircase.

ahead of us, I can see nothing but a dark, stone corridor, leading off into
darkness...

*Turn right.
*Keep on going towards the staircase.

*Keep on going forward.

*Turn around.

After heading down the dark, dingy passageway for a while, eventually I start
to smell the pungent odor of dead flesh...

dead fish...

We return to the atrium.
From across the way, we can see another archway that will take us to an upwards
staircase.

Ahead of us, we see another archway which will take us back to an upwards
staircase, and eventually Lynx's and Riddel's quarters.

*Continue on through the room.
*Turn back.

We return to the atrium.
From across the way, we can see another archway leading off into darkness.

*Go on through the room.
*Turn back.

After a little while, the passage ends at a small door.
"Hey, I smell home cookin'..."

*Enter.
*Turn back.

After a little ways, we're presented with a sturdy set of doors.
A wooden plaque has been hung above the door frame. Only one word is written on
it -- ARMORY.

"Armory, eh. The key to the catacombs has gotta be in here."

"Armory, huh... I dunno..."
I couldn't agree more -- Kid will probably start spouting off some headstrong
nonsense, getting us into some sort of terrible scenario where we'll eventually
be surrounded by a dozen guards, at least.
"I dunno, mate. If we go in there, you'll just get into some sort of whiny
panic or somethin'..."
.........
Incredible, this mutual admiration we have for each other.
We turn around, heading back through the passageway.

Kid places her ear on the door. "Not a peep."

*Turn back.
*Go in.

Before long, we come to an ascending staircase on the left. The passageway also
continues on ahead...
*Go up the stairs.
*Go forward.

*Go on towards the Armory.

*Turn back.

Heading away from the Armory, we come upon an upwards staircase on the right.
This passage also continues on ahead...

*Head up the stairs.
*Proceed on through.

*Proceed on towards the kitchen.

*Turn back.

We head up the narrow stairwell with Kid leading the way.
Coming to the top, we're faced with a dimly lit corridor. We head down it,
quietly masking our steps...

We start down the long, dark path in front of us.
The air down here carries a thick stench of death. Somewhere, further down this
passageway, Lynx's subterranean hideout awaits.
Kid's got a strange look on her face. I can't imagine what must be going
through her head right now. Magil, on the other hand... I can never read him.
But still, we usually talk a little, lightening things up... but right now,
nobody's making a sound.
I try to offer some conversation, hoping to avoid the increasing tension.

*"So, what really is this Frozen Flame thing?"
*"Why are we after the Frozen Flame?"

...No response.
Just as I start to think no one is going to answer, Magil starts to speak, his
low voice echoing throughout the stone corridor.
"It was said to be a gem which soothes all scars, granting eternal life to its
owner...
...Or so people believed.
The Frozen Flame is more than just an object. It's not of this world.
It descended from the heavens long ago, part of a huge meteorite.
Once, there lived a people who sought to harness its power, hoping to tap into
their yet unknown potential. And so, it became a treasure of great importance
and dreams.
However, whether a gift which bestows power is actually a blessing or a curse,
is another question altogether.
Since the birth of humanity, at least one entire race has fallen because of it.
These people once built a great thriving metropolis with its power, but now,
all knowledge of this era has been completely lost within the sands of time."
A faint feeling of distress comes across Magil's voice, throughout his speech.
"But then, how do you know about all this?" I ask.
Again, no answer.
Keeping silent, I continue walking. Our footsteps once again become the only
sound filling this dark path...
"Well, whether any of that's true or not, it'll all lead us to the same place.
Say yer prayers, Lynx! We're comin for ya! That's all I know, and that's
plenty!"
The Frozen Flame... what in the world could Lynx see in that mysterious rock...?
Remembering the painting in the study, the one with the black gem which had a
burning glow inside it... could that have been the Frozen Flame?
If that's the case, in the painting, it seemed like all the world was at its
mercy, flowing and melting into it...
I start to wonder if this is such a good idea, coming here, toying with this
ancient artifact...

Flooded with thoughts, I pause for a moment to take a deep breath and calm
myself.
Continuing on a moment later, I feel as though I'm a bit more at peace...

My question is met with nothing but a cold gaze from Kid.
There's no response from her. Actually, now that I think about it, I haven't
heard Kid talk much about anything in her past, ever. But then, just as I think
I'm not going to be answered, she starts to speak...
"I made a promise with my big sis... to get the Frozen Flame, and bury it for
her..."
"Bury it for her? Where?"
"At her old friend's grave..."
Kid looks down at her feet, continuing. "I was still little at the time, so I
can't remember much of it... But there was this friend of hers who she'd grown
up with, who died a while back. She said she wanted him to be able to rest with
the Frozen Flame...
I don't know what she meant by that, but after what happened at the temple, I
vowed to get my revenge, and honor what she wanted."
I stay silent, not knowing what kind of reply to offer.
"I shoulda talked more about it before, before I got you involved in
everything, I guess," she says after a while.
"It's bad, Serge..."
......
With nothing but the sound of our footsteps echoing around us, we continue on,
deeper and deeper into the passageway.

Suddenly, Magil comes to a stop. "Do not move."
"Huh...?"
Kid and I look around suspiciously. Around us, bones are scattered in all
directions. Many of them have been cut cleanly in half.
Looking around more, amidst the dim light I start to see that the walls have
been splattered with blood.
Then, suddenly, a trace of light catches my eye from behind.
There's a bolt of electricity approaching us, sparkling like a lit fuse on the
ground.
Coming within a few feet of us, the spark splits off into two, forming a circle
around us. Once the circle is complete, an odd glow starts to shine at our
feet! Then, from where the sparks had traced, light shoots upwards, forming a
wall of light all around us!
"It's a Devil Circle!"
We try to move, but we find ourselves caught within the rays of light!
With the scalding, noisy winds whirling all around us, all I see are rays of
shimmering light in every direction I look!
"Wh, what do I do? I can't see anything in all this light!"
Magil grabs me by the shoulder and returns me to the center of the circle.
Thankfully, he seems to be able to see just fine; his mask is probably
shielding his eyes from the radiance.
"There is always a way out of a Devil Circle -- we must find the gaps to walk
through!"
"If you say so...!"
Suddenly, Kid's elbow grazes one of the walls!
Sparks scatter in all directions! She instantly snaps her arm back, wincing in
pain!

Unable to see any gaps whatsoever, I hesitantly start to make my way towards
the blinding wall of light...

*Two steps to the left.
*Take three steps to the left.
*Take two steps to the right.
*Take three steps to the right.

*Take three steps to the right.
*Take two steps to the right.
*Take three steps to the left.
*Take two steps to the left.

*Try to forcefully break through!


"Dammit!"
Bolts of light strike crash into me from all directions! Without anywhere to
go, I bump off wall after wall, screaming out in pain!
"AAAHH!!"

I'm excruciatingly bounced off of the shimmering wall!

A single angel appears out of the sea of shining light, gazing down upon me
sadly...
"Serge...!!"

I manage to pass through the wall, despite my botched attempt!
"I made it... I'm not dead!"

However, there's yet another layer of swirling light just in front of us!

"There! Come on, now!"
From where we stand, a small gap in the wall can be seen all of a sudden.
Holding my breath, I leap into it with my arms shielding my face!

All right! We made it through!!
However, I open my eyes only to see even more of these glimmering walls
swirling before us!

"Come on, to the right a little...!"

"To the right, slowly...!"

"Come on, we might be able to break through!"

"To the left, slowly...!"

"We've got to go to the left a little...!"

I scurry away from the bloodcurdling thing as fast as I can. Looking back, I
see it vanish in a puff of smoke, just as quickly as it arrived! The wind
instantly dies down as well, and all the dust and grime that was blowing around
falls back to the floor in a flash. Everything has returned to a quiet
stillness. Too quiet.
And so, heading down the hallway further and further, eventually...
"At last..."
Kid steps toward the mighty set of doors, letting out a sigh of relief.
"Beyond this door... the Frozen Flame..."
From behind his mask, Magil's eyes let loose a cool radiance.
"Okay... let's go!" Kid says eagerly, grasping the handle.

"Whoa..."
This cavern sprawls out to great lengths before our eyes. A forgotten world,
hidden deep below ground...
And, with a scarlet radiance, a single small gem shimmers in the darkness.
The Frozen Flame!
"Finally, we're here!"
The jewel shimmers warmly, almost as if it's responding to Kid's voice...
Taking a few steps into the moist cavern, Magil whispers, "Remarkable... intact
ruins of the lost Magical Kingdom."
Just as I start to ask Magil what he means, a taunting laugh can be heard from
high above us.
"Lynx!!"
Kid immediately pulls out her knife and hurls it through the air with all her
might!
As it approaches Lynx, he easily swats it out of the way, almost too quickly
for me to see!
"Always the same... such a savage little girl. Can't you give a gentleman an
honest greeting?"
"You bastard!!" Kid interrupts.
"And what have we here... the notorious shadow walker. I wouldn't be trying
anything like last time, if I were you."
Beside me, I see Magil come to a stop.
Lord Lynx...
Viper Manor's deadly owner...
The very same man who murdered Kid's sister, deceived Riddel's father, and
eradicated the Acacia Dragoons...
"Welcome back, Kid. I see you have successfully taken the bait, gluttonous as
ever."
"What...!?" Kid says hesitantly, taking a step back. Lynx stares down at her
with those frighteningly piercing eyes of his.
"You see, Kid, I brought you here because of the rock you carry."
"Which rock?"
"Surely you remember, the one you received from your sister, all those years
ago... the priceless keepsake you carry with you dearly, even now...
The Chrono Trigger!!"
"How'd ya know about that...?"
Kid's gaze returns to a scowl.
"No matter... we're here for the Frozen Flame! Yer finished, ya bastard!"
"Ah yes, toss your little threats around. But remember, no matter how many
times you think you have won, I have generously demonstrated how gravely you
are mistaken."
And with that, Lynx unsheathes a beautiful golden sabre.
"Previously I've overlooked doing away with you, letting you scurry on with
your pathetic little life. However, this time, I may not be so generous..."
Kid takes another step back, glaring at Lynx as he approaches.
"Lynx!! Ya murderer, I'll never forgive you for Lucca... This ends here and
now!!"
And so, Kid leaps into the air in a fit of rage, aiming a kick between Lynx's
eyes!
However, just as she reaches him, he swiftly dodges!
Kid stands there, wondering how she could have missed. Beside her, Lynx laughs,
taunting her!
Jumping up once again, Kid lets loose a fierce kick!
Skimming the tip of his nose, her kick cuts through nothing but air!
In a parry attack, Lynx sends his razor-sharp golden sabre through the air!
But Kid's already leapt back. The two face each other, only a few feet apart.
"If only you had been a bit faster, Kid," Lynx says, smiling.
All of a sudden, a line of red streaks across Kid's face!
"Kid...!?"
Wiping off the blood, Kid angrily rushes Lynx in a flash through the air!
Effortlessly dodging, Lynx drives the sword into her back as soon as she lands!
Kid bends back in alarming pain!
Somehow staying on her feet, she stumbles back and readies herself to charge
again!
"Stupid little brat...!!"
Lynx lands an elbow onto Kid's shoulder, knocking her clear down to the ground!
I feel her pain from the pit of my stomach, as I start to see blood trickling
from her lips...
"What's wrong, little girl!?"
Once again, Kid tries to lash out at Lynx, but he easily kicks her, sending her
back onto a pile of rubble!
Lynx then looks upward, focusing his concentration on the ceiling. As I look
up, I see a number of rocks have come dislodged from the cavern, tumbling down
onto her!
"Kid...!!"
I call out as I start to rush over to her! However, just as soon as I start to,
I see Magil's already there. He's streaked across the shadows, putting himself
between Lynx and Kid!
Saying nothing, Lynx shoots a thread of white light out of his fingertips!
The threadlike substance entangles Magil, binding his feet together. He hits
the ground with a thud!
In a dazzling radiance, a countless number of threads fly out from Lynx's
fingertips! They immobilize Magil completely, leaving only his head visible!
"How does that feel, shadow walker? Have you felt my web start to drain your
life energy yet?" Lynx says, smiling ominously.
"Grrrrr...!!"
 Kid... Magil... What am I going to do!?

*Stand up to Lynx!
*Try to free Magil!
*Help Kid!

Dumbfounded, I completely blow my opportunity!
Finished with Magil, Lynx again turns his attention to Kid!
"Really, Kid. Some time ago, you were actually something, but where has all
your power all gone now? Where has that happy little girl gone?"
Lynx smiles coldly at Kid, collapsed at his feet...
"Well, do you feel like handing over The Chrono Trigger yet? Surely you know by
now it doesn't pay to be stubborn with me.
Since I am a gentleman, stealing from an innocent girl just won't do. Perhaps
your companion, the filthy looking one, maybe he knows where it is? Will he
require my persuasion as well?"
Lynx starts to walk over towards me, trampling over Kid's head.
Kid's dazed voice can be heard faintly...
"Lynx... Lucca's treasure... you..."

Gulp... what am I going to do!?

*Stand up to Lynx!
*Try to free Magil!
*Go to Kid's side!

"Kid...!!"
She looks over towards me. With blood trickling from her mouth, she only moves
a little.
"Kid... are you all right?"
She lies there motionless, wincing painfully.
"...Serge..."
"It's okay, Kid! I'm here for you!"

"How kind... however, I think you should be more concerned with your own well
being, young man!"
An icy chill runs down my spine as I hear the evil voice behind me. I stand up
and turn around...
"So you, whoever you are. Opposing me is quite useless, as you obviously have
seen."
And in a flash, Lynx grabs me by the neck!

I hurry over to Magil!
"Magil, are you okay!?"
"Don't worry about me...!"
"Dammit...!!"
Behind me, Kid moans in pain!
"Go, Serge! You're forgetting what's important...!"
Magil's eyes look straight over my shoulders.
"Don't repeat the same mistake I did! Protect... Kid..."
Wiping the sweat and tears off my face, I quickly rise to my feet!

*Stand up against Lynx!
*Go to Kid's side!

I look over to Lynx, and fearlessly start running towards him!
However, Lynx instantly sees me and takes a quick swing!
Immediately dodging, the sword barely misses my shoulder!
"Shit...!!"
Just like Kid, he's unknowingly managed to slice into me!
Tumbling down onto the rubble, I look up to see a huge boulder ready to fall
onto me!
I roll out of the way onto my stomach, but then I realize Lynx is now just
above me!
I try to scramble to my feet, but it's only when I'm on my knees do I feel his
cold blade enter my back and exit through my sternum. I start to cough blood as
I grip the blade in vain...

"Young man, spare yourself, and give up now!"

Lynx brings his sword down in a flash!
Her back arching, Kid screams painfully before coughing up blood!
"Kid...!?"
Kid's face slowly turns to me... Those huge, pearly eyes stare straight into my
soul.
Something is being said from her barely trembling lips. Those lovely small pink
lips, now stained red...
And there, from her back pocket, she takes something out.
"......!!"
Kid's thin hand falls to the ground, and her gripped fingers open. A small dark
jewel falls out.
Lynx's eyes light up.
"The Chrono Trigger!!"
Then, suddenly, a dark area starts to form around the gem. Its swirling
darkness grows bigger and bigger!
The darkness consumes everything around me...

"Kid...!!"

He strangles me with his long, disgusting fingers!
"Urrghh...!!"
Then, he starts to lift me up by my neck! Struggling for air, I painfully hang
there, unable to tear myself free of his powerful grip!
"Look, Kid. Look at your pathetic little companion suffering. You can make this
all stop, if you want."
With blood dripping from her lips, Kid opens one of her eyes. Painfully gasping
and coughing, she lifts her head up to us.
She still wants to get up, but she's hurt far too badly.
"Serge...!!"
"Hand over the Chrono Trigger, Kid. Little do you know, but that rock is
actually a tiny, condensed universe. When combined with the Frozen Flame, it
gains the power to bend space-time, allowing its owner to reshape history. This
all could have never happened, if you merely wish it..."
Saying this, Lynx looks towards me, expressionless.
"And what about you, young man? Perhaps you know where the Chrono Trigger is?"
he asks, tightening his grip!
"...Serge...!!"
"What are you going to do, Kid? Can you afford to let this little boy die
without helping? How will it feel to have his blood on your hands?"
As Lynx grasps tighter and tighter, I find myself starting to lose it...
Lynx's face becomes a blur...
Suddenly, Kid's voice snaps me back to attention!
"I'm sorry, Serge...!! Wh, what should I do?"

*"Don't give it to him!"
*"Do what he wants, Kid!"

I try to speak, but I can't! Lynx's grip is getting tighter and tighter...
Suddenly. I hear a soft voice. From far away, something is calling my name...

"Don't... don't do it...!"

"Do... it...!"
I don't want to die. There are still places want to go... things I want to
see...

My consciousness... fading...

"Serge... I'm sorry... please forgive me...!!"
I can hear Kid call out to me, but her voice continues to fade, getting further
and further away...
Kid...

"Stop!! The stone... here!"
Lynx looks over to Kid. His eyes light up as his hands loosen around my neck.
Abandoning me, Lynx rushes over to her side.
"Here it is, Lynx..."
Kid reaches into her pocket. Lynx draws closer.
Despite being drained of nearly all strength, Kid manages to whip her knife
out, fiercely slashing at Lynx!
Screaming viciously, Lynx falls back, cradling his mangled face! Blood starts
to trickle down from between his fingers!
"You...!!"
Lynx staggers to his feet, keeping his right hand on the wound.
"I will have such fun killing you all...!!"
With as much power as she can muster, Kid kicks at Lynx, sweeping him off his
feet!
"Hah!"
Spitting blood, Kid coughs a little, but still, a smile manages to come through
her agony.
"K... Kid..."
I run over towards her, still feeling the burning grip on my neck.
Lynx turns to Kid, staring at her with his cold, evil gaze.
"Child, you shall beg for death soon enough. Every flavor of pain shall be
yours. Prepare to join Lucca!!"
Hearing this, Kid's eyes slowly open, and catch sight of Lynx. A red-hot gaze
burns in her eyes. Slowly, she rises to her feet!
A shimmering light suddenly spurts out of the Frozen Flame!
At the same time, a golden light bursts out of Kid's chest!!
Swirling around her, the light rises up, spreading outward in a glistening
spiral!
"Wh, what is this...!?" Lynx gasps.
Kid's voice calls out from deep within the shower of light... "You will not
win, Lynx!!"
She trembles, her eyes flowing with red tears.
And then, a single voice can be heard. It's a deep, profound voice... the voice
of undeniable honesty and truth.
Long ago, in a far off kingdom, lived a girl. Because of her power, the kingdom
had come to an end, crumbling under its own weight. Many became engulfed in the
temporal vortex that was created, never to be heard from again...
...But not the girl. She lived on, enduring a much sadder fate... Running from
her past and fearing her future, she wanted nothing more than to be swallowed
up in the surging waves of the vortex of time...
Hating what she'd done, refusing what she'd said or heard, to simply continue
living was her curse. But the stone, It had other plans for her...Turning back
the hands of her clock, scattering her memories, she was granted another
chance. Since the precious stone was in her possession, she carried with her
all its will and power. And so, she was born into this era, returning to
reality as a mere infant...
And with that, the fragments of the shattered Chrono Trigger fall to the ground
softly.
The cavern before us slowly starts to come apart, bending inward and outwards
like a tear in reality, until we are completely removed from its existence...
A single girl's voice resounds in the darkness...
"Please...
This dark energy...
Make it stop...!!"
Losing all sense of reality and presence, I become engulfed in this realm,
drifting aimlessly through the ages...
The world flows, time dissolves, and people live and die... I can see it all
within this mysterious ocean...
The origin of time... Every one of life's tranquillities is here...
I can see myself as a baby, crying at my mother's side, where she gives a warm,
proud grin...
I can see myself as an old man, softly smiling, knowing that death will come
soon.
Infinite versions of myself extend like ghosts throughout this endless corridor
of time...
Everywhere I look, I see another life, another era... In this unfolded
existence, I see countless lives, and countless dreams.
Resting in eternity, a kind voice calls out to me...
A single song...
...Kid!
...Kid!!
Can you hear my voice!?
...Kid...!?
Answer me, Kid...
Please...
Who...?
Who's calling my name...
"......Serge...? Wh, where is this...?"
"Kid!? You're here!!"
"That song... that beautiful song... it was Lucca's favorite..."
Kid softly smiles, closing her eyes. I can see she can't help but shed a few
tears for this long lost reminiscence.
This song is actually something I composed in my earlier years, back when I was
a musician. Kid seems to be very fond of it...
"You called out to me, Serge. You called my name. Thank you. You won't leave
me, will you?"
"I'm here for you, Kid."
"It all makes so much sense now... I know who I am, Serge... I know what I'm
here for."
"Let's go back now, okay? I'm ready."
"Urrrgh...!"
Lynx has pinned Kid to the ground!
"And now, you see your death!"
What do I do!?

*Square off with Lynx!
*Protect Kid!

I run over to Lynx, hoping to catch him off guard and ram him!
"What do you want, child?"
With a side blow, he strikes me down to the ground!
"K, Kid...!"
I frantically try to make my way over to Kid!

Lynx will have to get through me if he wants to get to Kid!
"Oh, will I get to put you both out of your misery at once?"

Lynx raises his sabre overhead, ready to plunge it into us!
"I wouldn't do that if I was you."
Quickly turning my head, I look in the direction of the voice.
"You...!?"
There, under a large hood, stands the old woman from before!
"So, Vera. Looks like Porre couldn't keep their hands out of this after all,"
says Lynx, flatly.
"Good to see you again, Master Lynx. Seems you've seen better days..."
The old lady... she's from Porre?
"The Frozen Flame, we will take custody of it now. It seems none of you can
decide on who the rightful owner should be."
The old lady gives a small signal, and dozens of armed troops rush out from
behind her, securing the cavern.
"I will not forget this, Vera!" Lynx shouts, floating up into the air.
Brimming with hatred, Lynx's glance turns to us. "And you! You will see death
by my hand!"
Saying this, Lynx vanishes into thin air!
The soldiers untie Magil, and start heading towards us.
The old woman gazes down on us from under her hood. "I believe you all ought to
come with us."
Looking up, I notice the armed soldiers have swarmed around us, with their
weapons ready!
Seeing this, Magil instantly waves his hands in the air, calling out some sort
of incantation! "Darkness, envelop under my command!"
Suddenly, all light in the cavern is put out! It's now or never!
"Quickly, Serge!!"
I grab on to Magil, who's holding Kid. Together, we flee the cavern, vanishing
into the darkness!
Led by Magil, we make our way out of the mansion...
Back in the forest, we see the search party's torches here and there, hunting
for us. Their militant barking can be heard as they continue to get closer and
closer to us.
We stop behind a tree for a moment or two, catching our breath. I look down to
Kid, who's taken quite a beating...
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, mate... fine."
"We're completely surrounded," Says Magil. "We must be on our way."
Looking around, I suddenly see torches all around us, starting to close in.
Kid suddenly lifts her head up. "Go, Serge... save yerself. The troupe is only
after Magil and me. If they find you alone, they'll let ya go."
"Wh, what are you talking about!? I ca