| GCB Fanfics: Vs. Mode |
Vs. Mode - Interlude: "Gold in Shadows"In one of the emptiest places in the multiverse, the snoring of a single man echoed. Underneath a lit gas lamp and leaning on his cane, the sleeper had a sizable snot bubble out of his left nostril, growing and shrinking with every snore. All was relatively quiet until a bright flash and some loud noises popped the bubble and jolted him from his sleep. "Huh? Wha-? Oh, visitors!" Looking to his left, the man saw two familiar people leaping onto the platform. "My, my. It is good to see you two again. How long has it been? Oh, wait. It doesn't really matter, does it? Not here, anyway. All the same, it's nice to have visitors again after having almost no one to talk to." Crono nodded and smiled at his old acquaintance. The boy was about to speak when the door behind Gaspar opened, revealing a small green frog-like creature. "Hey, it's the spiky-haired kid! You remember me, don't you? Spekkio, the Master of War?" Crono widened his eyes in recognition at the one who taught magic to him and his friends. "I only look like this because no one's come around to challenge me since forever! How about it, kid? A sparring session for old time's sake?" After Crono gave his assent, Spekkio shouted, "All right! Follow me!" Once the door was closed, Spekkio could be heard through the door saying, "Come on. Give me your best shot, kid!" Moments later, a bright green light was seen from underneath the door and a loud explosion was heard. Smoke started to come from the door's frame as the two outside heard Spekkio grumble, "That was most embarrassing." Gaspar chuckled a bit at his companion's defeat. "It certainly has been a while since the Master of War has had a decent battle." The former Guru took a moment to study Magus. "Hmm. Something has changed within you. I can tell you've become much stronger, as is your will to obtain what you long for. However, you seem to be conflicted in your soul. Would you care to tell someone, if not the one who you arrived with?" The sorcerer looked down briefly before he answered, "I have gained possession of an artifact that could possibly bring my search to an end. At first, I had no intention of taking it, but then it tempted me with its golden radiance and its promise of happiness." Magus sighed. "And I succumbed to it. Ever since, I've been struggling to master it rather than have it master me. I was twice a witness to it in the past, and I cannot let it happen again." He paused. "But I can't help but realize this is the closest I have been in years." "All right, kid. You got lucky that first time. Now I'm ready!" One casting of Luminaire later, Spekkio refrained, "That was most embarrassing." Gaspar responded, "That is a dilemma. There is nothing wrong with chasing a dream. Yours is actually quite a noble one. Yes, I understand why you are reluctant to continue your pursuit with an outside influence that could possibly poison your mind. I was witness to that myself, if you remember. That being said, I can't tell you what to do. I can only give you one question to think about: 'Who do you want to be when you have finally achieved your goal?' You were a heap on the floor when you fought Lavos for the first time. Would the one you're looking for approve of all you have done to find her?" "One more time, kid! This time, I'm serious!" The green light, the explosion, and the smoke proceeded as usual. Afterwards, Crono and the charred blue ogre form of Spekkio exited through the door. "Ok, ok! I give up for now, but I can feel it. I'm slowly becoming my old self again! Hey kid, promise me you'll come back again to spar with me?" Crono nodded, which caused Spekkio to punch the air a few times. "All right! I won't be such an easy out next time. Just wait until I'm in the pink Nu form again!" With that Spekkio, returned to his room and shut the door. "Is it time for you to leave so soon? You are welcome to come back, anytime. This place can be reached from any time, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding your way back here! I can see you need to get to where you're going, so farewell to you once more, and good luck in all your endeavors!" Crono waved goodbye as he hopped off the platform to the waiting Epoch. Magus was prepared to jump as well when he heard one last bit of advice from the Guru. "Remember that question, Janus. It will help determine your fate." Magus showed the glowing back of his right fist to Gaspar as he replied, "My fate won't change either way. I will find her, with or without this." Once Magus fully disappeared from his view, Gaspar heard the Epoch warp away, and the Guru returned to his eons-long nap. Next Entry Back |