Chrono Cross
Ultimania Translations
Ver 0.91
22 Jul 2001
Created by BubbleBobby2000
bubble@singmail.com
=============================================================================
History
=============================================================================
22 Jul 2001 Version 0.91
Added two sections:
- time chart; and
- interview with director.
Did a bit of rewrite for easier reading.
Added more 'objective' analysis.
4. A Guide to Understand Chrono Cross
(Ultimania pg 464-467)
5. Linked Chronology of Chrono Cross and Chrono Trigger
(Ultimania pg 468)
6. Interview with Mr. Masato Kato
(Ultimania pg 478-481)
=============================================================================
1. About This Document
=============================================================================
The term FAQ is misused a lot, so I would not use the term FAQ to classify
this document. This document was created with the purpose of throwing some
light into the convoluted plot of Chrono Cross. As I a Chrono Cross fan
myself, I purchased the CC Ultimania Guide, as well as the artbook
collection, Missing Piece. The CC Ultimania Guide is a complete guide with
walkthroughs, Element charts of monsters, maps, bestiary, etc. The Missing
Piece Art Book is however, a collection of the art pieces by Mr. Nobuteru
Yuuki, the character designer for Chrono Cross. But I will do the translation
of the Story Section of CC Ultimania Guide, since it contains the most
important information about the plot.
Please note that if you have not cleared the game, you might not want to
carry on reading, because this entire document is nothing but absolute
spoilers. You have been warned.
In all the translated sections, I have tried to translated each sentence in
Japanese word-for-word, without diluting it with my personal opinions. Hence,
you may find that the translation sounds weird or sounds off. At parts where
I am not sure, I will insert the appropriate '???'
There are many people who do not believe what the sections in the guide says,
and yet there are many people who. Please note that the intention of this
guide is not to change anyone's perception of the game. It merely serves as a
deeper insight into scenario-writer's mind that didn't quite make it to the
actual game for some reason. Please also note that although these sections
were taken directly from the CC Ultimania Guide book, and it was explicitly
stated that the information was gathered with the help of the scenario write-
cum-director Mr. Masato Kato, I would like to stress that the information
here may or may not be 100% accurate. Furthermore, my not-very-good Japanese
might have marred the translations a little. So, please draw your own
conclusions.
=============================================================================
2. Credits and Acknowledgements
=============================================================================
Chrono Cross, the characters, plot and names belong all the Squaresoft.
The CC Ultimania original text was published by Digicube, edited by Studio
Bentstaff.
The benefit I get from writing this, is my increase in my Japanese
vocabulary. :)
Special thanks to Boku-kun, who translated the interview with Mr. Masato
Kato. Unfortunately, I have been unable to contact him, so I did a re-
translating of the interview again. Most of it is in my own words, with
several lines lifted from his translation.
Greets go out to those from the GamesFAQ message board:
- Halbarad
- CygnusZ
- Grand Dreamer
- Hyena20
- jason79
- Meimi
- Miguel
- One That Was
- Leebot
- Gilbes
In particular, greets go those who took part in the extremely interesting,
yet sometimes heated debate of the Sea of Eden / Dead Sea topic.
=============================================================================
3. Chronology of Chrono Cross
(Ultimania pg 463)
=============================================================================
We tried to arrange the events related to the story of Chrono Cross in a
Chronology. In the brackets after the person's name, that person's age at the
time is indicated. (If the age is unknown, then there will be no indication.)
AD1000 Crono, Lucca, Marle returns after defeating Lavos.
(After this Lucca finishes her theory on AI system program)
AD2300 Belthasar, who crossed time from BC12000 to end up here,
Establishes the previous existence of time research center,
Chronopolis
A field of strong gravity found around the seas in El Nido.
Following that, the Frozen Flame was extracted.
El Nido artificial islands were established.
Belthasar disappears
AD2400 Artificial islands established.
FATE, created from Motherbrain, operational.
AD900 mainland humans, begins immigration to El Nido
Among the early immigrants Viper clan was the leader.
And Viper became the mayor of Termina. (After this, the
Ruler of El Nido was the Viper clan).
Acacia Dragoons was formed.
AD1003 Acacia Dragoons Viper (40), Radius (45), Garai, Zappa (35)
received appointments in mainland.
Serge born.
AD1005 Guardia Kingdom falls, Porre assumes power.
AD1006 Serge (3), attacked by panther demon,
on the verge of death.
Big storm. FATE systems down for a moment,
Sea of Eden opens.
Harle born
Wazuki, Miguel, loses control, drifts to Sea of Eden.
Serge contacts Frozen Flame, his live saved.
Wazuki suffers from mental disorder.
FATE reboots.
At the same time, Prometheus circuit activates.
FATE control to the Frozen Flame denied by the guard system.
Miguel, stays in Sea of Eden.
Wazuki and Serge returns to Arni.
After that, Wazuki disappears
AD1007 Radius (49), finds Masamune in mainland. Garai dies.
(At this time, Lucca finds Kid and adopts her)
AD1010 Serge (7), saved by someone just as he was about
to be drowned. Parallel world born.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
SPLIT HOME WORLD
This is the world where Serge was saved.
FATE cannot interfere directly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
AD1011 Fargo (31), Zelbess tries to flee from Viper
[not sure if translation correct]
Luccia (19), helps Zelbess but ends up
helping the children only. Marcy born.
Fargo, entrusts Nikki (10) to a traveler.
Fargo convertes own ship to entertainment
resort on the sea.
Creates model/prototype of S.S. Zelbess.
Serge (12), Leena (11) makes a promise at
Cape Howl.
AD1016 Lynx, contacts Viper and brings news of
The Frozen Flame.
Radius (58), hands over Einlanzer to Dario (22).
Moves to Arni village, becomes Arni chief.
AD1017 Dario (23) and Riddel (21) engage.
Dario, Karsh (24), Peppor, Solt expedition to Isle
Of Damned to suppress demons.
Dario, loses memory and ends up at small island.
Everyone from Viper Manor, go to Dead Sea to search
for Frozen Flame. Missing after that.
AD1020 Serge (17) crosses dimensions.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
SPLIT ANOTHER WORLD
Original world
FATE can interfere.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Marge dies shortly after Serge.
AD1011 Fargo (31), Zelbess tries to flee from Viper
[not sure if translation correct]
Luccia (19), helps Zelbess but ends up
helping the children only. Marcy born.
Fargo, entrusts Nikki (10) to a traveler.
Fargo convertes own ship to SS Invincible and hides
it as a ghost ship. Begins attack against boats under
Viper's command.
AD1016 Lynx, contacts Viper and brings news of
The Frozen Flame.
Radius (58), hands over Einlanzer to Dario (22).
Moves to Hermit's hideaway.
AD1017 Dario (23) and Riddel (21) engage.
Dario, Karsh (24), Peppor, Solt expedition to Isle
Of Damned to suppress demons.
Dario, dies, buried in Termina.
=============================================================================
4. A Guide to Understanding Chrono Cross
(Ultimania pg 464-467)
=============================================================================
In this section, for the sake of understanding the story in Chrono Cross, we
have selected the parts that were thought to be particularly difficult to
understand, and the related links to previous games and explained them
together. The contents here will be fairly in-depth, so if possible, we would
want you to clear the game before reading this. And, this section was
completed with the help of scenario writer, Mr. Masato Kato.
"The Frozen Flame, which is able to heal all illnesses and fulfill any
dreams." – Radius
................................................................
The Original Form
................................................................
"This is the essence of what descended from the heavens in the prehistoric
age. The living crimson stone... the Frozen Flame!" – Lynx
The Frozen Flame was a generic name of a fragment of a life form, and it
existed from somewhere in the ancient past. The Frozen Flame that was a point
of issue for this game was found in AD2300 in El Nido. And in this fragment,
contains immense power and is a very dangerous artifact.
It is said to have the power to manipulate time, and grant wishes. But that
power is only limited to the one who can master it. As if the stone itself
chooses its user, it is called the "stone that has a mind of its own."
Because it is seen on its outside as a red, shiny stone that seems to burn,
it also bears the nickname "Shiny Flame."
................................................................
The Arbiter of Time
................................................................
"It is now up to you, the one whom the Frozen Flame has chosen as its
"arbiter"..." - Marle
Other the person the Flame has personally recognized, the Frozen Flame cannot
be touched by anyone else. The "Arbiter", is the one who can do so – using
the Flame as a medium, he links with the Flame's original form, and he
mediates between that life-form and living things on the planet, he is "the
one chosen by the Flame." The Arbiter will gain immense power, using that
power to arbitrate the life of his fellow life-forms. That is to say, in the
case where the Arbiter fails to put a stop to the conflict between the two,
and his unable to turn the negative feelings of the ?ringleader? of the
conflict to nothing, then he (the Arbiter) will evolve with Lavos, and there
is the danger that the world will lead to destruction. In addition to that,
it is assumed Schala, from Chrono Trigger, who holds to power to control the
Mammon Machine, was near ???the Arbiter??? / ???being an Arbiter???.
................................................................
LINK TO TRIGGER: Dreamstone
................................................................
The red rock that appeared in Chrono Trigger, and the Frozen Flame are the
one of the same kind. The Dreamstone, has been confirmed since it is
BC65,000,000 year star where Lavos still floats on the sky, and has been
being valued highly from that time. In particular, the people of the magical
kingdom of Zeal who used Lavos power, and ?studied? prosperity, they used
this stone to its fullest. In all the various inventions, the biggest was the
Mammom Machine, but the for the sake of the Kingdom's prosperity the Mammon
was much used, as a result, the Mammom Machine went haywire, and the Kingdom
collapsed.
In addition to that, things like the Masamune and Schala's pendant, were made
in this era from the Dreamstone. Among these, Schala's pendant, Schala, who
was swallowed into the dimensional distortion, passed it on to another's
hands, into the Guardia's royal family and it became Marle's. In Another
Viper Manor, the story you can hear from Karsh about the Frozen Flame, is
related to this pendant. That kingdom in the north, about which the story has
been told generations after generations, is the Guardia Kingdom.
The Frozen Flame is an amazing piece of artifact that could do almost
anything. It could grant wishes, heal wounds, control time and history. But
one interesting thing to note is that, no one, absolutely no one, had the
power the wake the flame, except for the Arbiter. FATE had the Flame, Harle
touched the Flame, and so did the Dragon God, but none had the ability to
open it up like Serge did when he approached the Flame. Does the awakening of
the Flame signify anything in particular?
Apparently, it seems that the Frozen Flame should not be of the same material
as the Dreamstone. For those who have played Chrono Trigger, you will know
that the Dreamstone already existed in prehistoric times BC65000000 –before-
Lavos fell and destroyed the reptites. However, we also know that the
Dreamstone has tremendous powers. In particular, using the Dreamstone, the
Zeal Kingdom is able to harness the power of Lavos and use it for their own.
So is this a mis-thought on the author's part? Or is there a more direct
connection between the Dreamstone and Lavos?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SERGE AND THE TWO WORLDS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"The world is not just a single entity. Another world similar to ours exists
in another dimension." – Prophet of Time.
................................................................
Basics of Parallel Worlds
................................................................
There are unlimited parallel worlds, but what became the theme of this story,
was when ten years ago, Serge's life/death split the world into two parallel
worlds. That is to say, all events in the world before ten years ago, ran
together. Or, if there were any the difference that occurred in these two
worlds, it started ten years ago.
So, why was Serge able to move between these two worlds? That is because, his
body was the key to the worlds' splitting, the environment is his dimension
was uncertain (unstable?). Furthermore, the first time he moved across the
dimensions, was related to the power of a girl who called him from another
dimension.
"The end of the human world is nigh! When this time comes, Serge, there
shall be a deep emnity between you and the world!" - Lynx
What does this ominous sentence hints? Does it mean that Dark Serge will
carry out his destruction at different places? Does it mean that when Serge
defeats FATE, he will revive the Dragons who are the enemies of the humans,
and lends the humans into crisis? Or is it that, if Serge does not carry out
his task as an Arbiter, and he eventually merges into the Time Devourer,
leading to the world's destruction? The sentence "deep emnity between you and
the world" takes that many meanings.
................................................................
Memories as a Child
................................................................
Actually Serge, should have died ten years ago. Chronopolis existence in the
Sea of Eden, exists far into the timeline after his death. But he was saved
from the fate of death, and a new dimension called the Home World was born.
This is not a coincidence. This irregular world, to the person who was aware
of the danger of the invitation of destruction to the world (refer to the
Dead Sea), and who also wishes Serge to exist, the split was systematically
planned.
At the time when Serge was saved, he was only a small 7 years old, but the
memory at that time remains. Sometimes images of the beach that pops up, is
the event that stays and burn in the depths of Serge's heart, the event ten
years ago.
{A image of the FMV of Kid on the beach}
Looks like a movie that doesn't tell much. But in fact, it hides a very
important meaning to the story.
That movie, shown after the Kid has been stabbed in Fort Dragonia,
immediately before Serge enters the Temporal Vortex, bears some interesting
meaning. First of all, you see Kid on the beach. That should actually signify
Kid saving Serge ten years ago. Secondly, you see a first-person perspective
of someone falling very deep into the ocean. That should actually signify the
drowning of Serge that very same time, in the other world. The movies, placed
side by side at each other indicates that Serge was able to 'see' the both of
him in the two worlds at the most crucial moment in his life. There might be
more meanings to it. But it's an interesting subtlety, nevertheless.
"On the central continent, the scary band of thieves are disturbing the
society. [can't remember exact script]" – Arni villager
The band of thieves "Radical Dreamers", actually only has one member, Kid.
But Kid, gave her band a plural form. This, isn't a mere name "Radical
Dreamers" that she gives to her band. A general term that means radical [=
revolutionary] people who dreams, and she, too, thinks of herself as one of
them.
The background of this naming, was taught by the Lucca who adopted her. Lucca
had once explained to Kid about the evolution of life. "All life was born
from the sea. The ones who dreams of the outrageous dream of going up to the
lands, after a long time passed, their dreams were fulfilled. We ourselves,
are the descendants of those dreamers." This was not mentioned in the story,
but the story of evolution can be heard in the ritual room in Home Fort
Dragonia.
................................................................
Another Personality
................................................................
"Ze urge to bring everyt'ing to not'ing iz now stronger zan your dezire
to save everyone." – Harle.
Inside Kid, she has a personality that she does not even know herself lurking
inside. In Chronopolis, the person who explained the Time Crash was that
other personality. It was the one different from "the Kid" who is egoistic,
greed of living [not sure about this]; it was "the other Kid" who is
dedicated, and does not want to see everything go to nothing. Has Kid been
carrying this side of her? Or is "that other person," who was about walk on
and bring forth a different path from herself, "Kid?"...
................................................................
A Body that Never Dies
................................................................
Kid holds two treasures. One is the Astral Amulet given by Lucca. The other,
was the pendant that Kid carried before she was picked up by Lucca. This
pendant, actually, was used in the previous game to allow to time travel, and
is the same pendant as Marle's. The participation with time in this game is
the same; when Kid's on the verge of a dangerous, life-threatening situation,
the pendant holds the power to rewind time back.
................................................................
LINK TO RADICAL: "Radical Dreamers"
................................................................
In Chrono Cross, Radical Dreamers had only one person Kid. But in the game
"Radical Dreamers," it was a 3-person band of thieves. The members were Kid,
Serge and Gil (whose true self was the character Magus/Janus who appeared in
Chrono Trigger). Regretfully, him, who did not appear in Chrono Cross, his
trace is somewhere...
According to some people, Kid was –never- actually given by Lucca. You can
find out whether she actually did if you show the Astral Amulet to Lucca at
the very last part of the game at Opassa Beach.
So what happens to Kid after Serge released the Time Devourer? Some think she
merged with Schala, which the game seems to subtly imply. Others think that
she would continue life on her own, which actually sounds a little more
realistic. The ending didn't show enough of her for us to conclude what
happened to one of the most important characters in the game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
LUCCA'S HOUSE – ORPHANAGE OF THE FLAME
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Her mind looks like its trapped in the past" – Riddel [can't remember
English script]
................................................................
Nightmare? Or the past?
................................................................
"Will I... Will I ever see you again?" – Kid, when she was young
When Serge was to save Kid who was trapped in her nightmare when she was
young, the place that he went to, was actually it the time in the past, or
the nightmare that controlled her heart? If you borrow Mastermune's power,
you will understand what happened but, the correct answer is the former.
[Serge travelled into the past, not into her dream.] When he did so, Serge,
made acquaintance with Kid when she was young... When you meet her for the
first time in Cape Howl, try to remember how she looked like.
................................................................
The One Reflected in the Spirits' Eyes
................................................................
"Huh? Hey, it's the princess." - Masa
Three brothers and sisters live in the Mastermune, Masa, Mune, and Doreen.
The birthplace of the three of appeared since the previous work, was in
BC12000 in the Magical Kingdom of Zeal that was proud of its prosperity.
Naturally, the true state of affairs of the kingdom, which is their
birthplace, is detailed. And, in the eyes of the three who has been
continuingly looking into the hearts of people, they see the nature and the
truth of a person whom that person himself/herself does not even know of. The
figure of Kid whom brothers and sister saw in their eyes were...
"Hey!? It's the..." "...the Time Egg?" – Masa, Mune
When you hold to Mastermune, the 3 spirits, Masa, Mune, Doreen will identify
that existence of the "incomplete time egg." The one that they refer to in
their conversation is the Astral Amulet. Actually inside that [Amulet], an
experimental time egg made by Lucca has been hidden inside. This "Time Egg"
of course, is a different thing from the Key Item with the same name.
................................................................
LINK TO TRIGGER: Lucca's House
................................................................
The structure of Lucca's house is the almost the same as the one that
appeared in Chrono Trigger. The rooms that were added when Lucca converted
her house into an orphanage, and it was built for the use of the children.
And, in this Orphanage, for those who played the previous work, ???various
plans were applied???. For example, the robot that is near the entrance, was
the prided invention of Lucca that was exhibited in the festival grounds of
the Millenial Fair, and his name was "Gato." Stuck on the walls of the
children's room were portraits of models who were members of the group in the
previous work. ???The one in particular???, was the method to obtain Kid's
Level 7 Elemental Tech. In the previous work also, there was an event where
in Lucca's house in the past, you enter a password into a machine, that
password and the password in this work is completely the same, that is to say
"LALA." In the previous work, ???a hint appeared???, in this work, ???not
only there was only interaction between words and buttons???, for the
password, those who did not play the previous work will not understand the
plot. "LALA" is the name of Lucca's mother.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SEA OF EDEN / DEAD SEA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"That Flame is sleeping. In the Sea of Eden, where the past and the future
intersects." – Lynx
................................................................
Sea of Eden – The Place Where the Past and Future Intersects
................................................................
"There are even rumours that say that the time inside there is reversed." –
Sage [of Marbule]
The Sea of Eden, contains a structure that originally exists in 2400AD.
Chronopolis, which, through the Time Crash side-slipped space and time to the
past ten thousand years ago, was born. Because of that, this place flows with
a different time compared to the outside world. In the case where Chronopolis,
and FATE's existence has the possibility of disappearing (that is FATE is
afraid of the most), the Sea of Eden will also be destroyed.
................................................................
Dead Sea – Omen of Destruction
................................................................
"The Dead Sea is the true form of this planet's future." - Miguel
Home World is the irregular world which FATE was unable to ??assume??. In
this world, the Dead Sea exists instead of the Sea of Eden. This, in the
future on the time axis which Serge survived, is the other future where
Chronopolis does not exist - that is to say that the scene that one can see
in the Dead Sea is waiting to occur. That is the meaning it portrays. And the
scene that was developed in the Dead Sea, is the true form of the future that
Crono and company should have avoided (=killed), the future that was
destroyed. In other words, it is ominously indicated in this place that, in
the case if Serge were to survive, the world will probably be destroyed.
This is related to Serge being and "Arbiter." At the point in time when Serge
continues to survive, and at the point in time when Serge visits the Dead Sea,
because the possibility of him being swallowed by the Time Devourer and
landing the world to destruction is high, this vision of the future is born.
But, the future that is shown in this place is fluid [unstable]. What kind of
fate the world will follow after this, will depend on Serge's actions
hereafter.
................................................................
LINK TO TRIGGER: The Illusions of the Children
................................................................
The children first appeared in the Dead Sea, after that at Terra Tower and
Opassa Beach. They were also the young teenagers who saved the future in the
previous work "Chrono Trigger," Crono, Lucca and Marle. ???Knowing all the
reasons that lead to this place, they repeat their profound speech many times
over???.
In addition to that, they say that they "do not exist in this time axis," and
appearing as illusions, it hints that they are already deceased. This appears
that it is not unrelated to the fact that the world in this work runs on the
time axis that contains Guardia Kingdom's downfall. But even so, this time
axis is one of the uncountable time axes. Their fate after the previous work
is certainly not limited to this fate.
................................................................
LINK TO TRIGGER: Nadia's Bell
................................................................
The place that Time Crash Ground Zero situates, is the Leene's square that
appeared in "Chrono Trigger." This square is the site where Crono and company
began their adventures. At the same time, this site was also the site they
were received after they changed the future. And, after they ended their
adventure, to continuously pray for peace from then on, the thing that was
established in this square was "Nadia's Bell." The origin of the name of this
bell is Princess Marle's real name "Nadia".
[In Japanese, Marle = "maaru," which Nadia = "maarudia."]
The Dead Sea is an interesting place, out of which many theories have been
proposed to explain its formation. Unfortunately, not many theories could
stand their own ground without either contradicting game evidence or plain
common sense.
Unfortunately, nothing much about the Dead Sea is said in CC Ultimania as
well. Based purely on the explanations given by Ultimania, we know of these
few facts:
(a) The Time Crash caused Chronopolis (and the Sea of Eden) to side-slipped
backwards in time.
(b) Time runs differently in Sea of Eden from the world outside.
(c) FATE was afraid of the paradox that would have manifested itself as
the Dead Sea.
(d) The Sea of Eden turned into the Dead Sea ten years ago after Serge
survived in Home World.
(e) The Dead Sea is snapshot of the ruined future, which Serge has a hand
in causing.
As for the ghosts of Crono, Marle and Lucca, nobody knows what exactly happen
to them, although their ghosts obviously suggests that they are dead. There
are people who believe they are dead, there are people who believe they
aren't. Nobody really knows the answer.
And what's with Leene's Bell in the center of the Dead Sea? Unfortunately,
this was never explained in the game, nor in this guide.
"The legendary holy sword forged by the Dragon people...[can't remember exact
script]" - Radius
................................................................
The Transitions
................................................................
There were the white, shiny sword, the Einlanzer, and the cursed sword that
carries the red blade, the Masamune. The circumstances of [surrounding] the
two swords' are as follows.
(1) In the mainland, Radius became obsessed [possessed?] with the Masamune,
and murdered Garai. He took over the Einlanzer, when he returned to El Nido,
he floated [discarded] the Masamune into the sea. The place where it drifted
to was cursed and turned into a evil island. (This is how the Isle of the
Damned was born.)
(2) Dario, succeeds the Einlanzer from Radius's hand.
(3) Dario became obsessed [possessed?] by the Masamune in the Isle of the
Damned, he was murdered by Karsh who stopped the mayhem. Lynx, who saw every
detail of that, took the Masamune away.
(Above (1),(2),(3) the circumstances were the same in both worlds, but the
following (4) were different events.)
(4) In Another World, Dario's body was found together with the Masamune by
the search team [researchers?], and was buried in the shrines in Termina. In
Home World, the search for Dario was aborted, after that Radius found the
Einlanzer. Using this, he held a memorial service in the Isle of the Damned.
................................................................
LINK TO TRIGGER: Masamune
................................................................
The Masamune, as touched on in the section in the Frozen Flame, was made from
the Dreamstone. In 12000BC in the Magical Kingdom of Zeal, it was forged from
the hands of Sage Melchior. Originally a small knife, but at the instant when
it was used to stop the Mammon Machine made of the same stone, the form of
the sword turned into a long sword. The reason as to why strong power is
hidden in the sword, it is definitely related to the fact that it is made
from the Dreamstone, but the circumstances that turned the Masamune into an
evil sword is surrounded in mystery.
................................................................
LINK TO RADICAL: Einlanzer
................................................................
The holy sword Einlanzer also appeared in "Radical Dreamers." The
manufacturer's and the owner's ???establishment??? is different from this
work, but the fact that the holy power can cleanse evil is the same.
Although CC Ultimania tells us that the Masamune in Another World was
recovered together with Dario's body, we don't seem to see it anywhere.
Apparently, Another World's Masamune seems to be completely unaccounted for.
It is also interesting to see how the Einlanzer and the Masamune are once
again, symbolic representations of the Planet and the people, a recurring
theme that has been used throughout the game. The Einlanzer, is a sword
forged by the Dragonian species, while the Masamune was forged by the humans.
"FATE has been watching over and guiding the descendants of the staff who
left this research center." – Chronopolis Staff
................................................................
Degeneration of a Protector
................................................................
"FATE itself was actually the protector of humanity!" – Belthasar
Originally, FATE, "the protector of humanity" so to speak, was a machine that
was built with the purpose watch over humanity. But, as time passed, while
continuously watching over the humans, FATE began to dream. A dream that
assimilating with humans to evolved into a new breed of species. Was that
dream, a desire that was naturally born while staring into the Frozen Flame?
The dreaming, and yet slightly corrupted FATE, began its action of unlocking
the Flame, for it's own use rather than for the humans.
................................................................
The Love and Hate of a Machine that Dreams of Evolution
................................................................
"I love you so much... That is why I sometimes desire to smash you to
bits!!!" – Voice in the Dead Sea (= FATE)
While continuously protecting humanity, there was deep love and ??on top
that??, deep envy and hatred. The feelings FATE had for the humans was
complicated. After it acquired an incarnation [not sure?] that possesses a
human body, the feelings of the person of the original body held, inter-mixes
with the feeling of the already complicated FATE, as a result, the disorder
further intensifies, gradually leading to corruption. After that, the
destruction activities were manifestations of this complicated feeling. The
statement above [the "I love you so much..." statement], was said by FATE
when she had the Dead Sea destroyed, and it was directed to the entire human
race more than Serge.
................................................................
LINK TO TRIGGER: Motherbrain
................................................................
FATE's prototype with the same name "Motherbrain", appeared in the previous
work in 2300AD in the ruins of the future. That was a mad machine that dreams
of eliminating the humans and building a world that contained only its fellow
species [of robots]. FATE existed in another future after history was changed,
a future different from the one Motherbrain existed. It was built originally
from Motherbrain, and as expected, it dreams of evolving into another
species, ???and was seized by madness???.
................................................................
LINK TO TRIGGER: Prometheus
................................................................
"Prometheus," the name of the circuit that was set up inside of FATE, came
from the true name of a member of the party from the previous work [Chrono
Trigger], Robo. But this circuit, was not the system used by Robo. At the end
of previous work, after Robo returned to the future, Lucca thought of him
[missed him?] and had this completed. It was a safety program that prevented
the corruption of machines. This was not built with a specific motive. But in
the future after it was invented, Belthasar who had the same thought as her,
inserted it into FATE's circuit.
FATE is also another interesting point of debate. There are some people who
believed that FATE was good all the way. There are some people who believe
FATE was evil all the way. There are also others who think that FATE was good
at first, but turned bad later. CC Ultimania's explanations seem to suggest
that the last group of people has probably the most accurate interpretation.
Another point of contention was whether FATE was a God or not. Some people
believe that FATE was a god (or wanted to be). Others believed that FATE was
simply a machine that named itself a god. Unfortunately, this is something
that no one has any answer to as well.
Finally, Prometheus. Many people believe Prometheus to be Robo. Others say it
isn't. But apparently, according to this Ultimania's explanation, it doesn't
seem to be.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DRAGON GOD
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"The seven Dragons who had been rendered almost powerless and forgotten...
traveled across the dimensions to reunite into a single entity!" – Prophet of
Time
................................................................
The 5 Phrases that Contain the Word 'Dragon' [ryuu]
................................................................
Let's explanation in simple terms, the five phrases that sound the same.
"Dinosaur People" [kyouryuujin] is the evolved species from the dinosaurs
[reptites?]. Between dinosaurs and humans, looking on the outside [???not
sure], they were in a fight with the primitive humans for existence. Their
leader was Azala. The dinosaur people [reptites], were extinct in the Chrono
Trigger time axis, but in other time axis, they survived, and achieved
evolution. This evolved dinosaur people we called "dragon people" [ryuujin],
other name for that is "nation/people of the dragon." [ryuu no min]. The
"dragon god" [ryuushin/ryuukami] in the world built by the dragon people, was
a kind of organic/living machine. Formed from the aggregation of the planet's
energy, the form of the dragon is temporary. "Dragon race/family" [ryuuzoku]
and the dragon people has the same meaning, it deals with many things [???],
it can also be said that the dinosaurs developed without evolving into
dinosaur people. The significance of that, is that, the characters like
Dragon Child [Draggy], comes under that race/family.
................................................................
The Initial Motive
................................................................
When the seal was broke, the dragons gathered in the sky above Chronopolis.
But, at this point in time, their motive was not revenge, it was snatching
away the Frozen Flame. The one who would execute that, was the one who
followed the plan, the 7th dragon who befriended the humans for this action.
After she snatched the Frozen Flame, she merged with her brothers in the sky
above.
One very important point that was never addressed in the game was how there
was only one of the dragons in either world, when there was supposed to have
been a pair of each of the six in the two worlds.
Another important aspect that was never addressed, was where did Harle go? No
one know if she actually died with the Dragons, or if she left the Dragons.
Again, being the main character, she lacked the proper ending to conclude her
own life story.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
TIME DEVOURER
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"The Devourer of Time is a new life-form... Born out of the fusion of a life-
form from this planet with Lavos, who nests on the far side of the
dimensional void." – Prophet of Time
................................................................
Time Devourer's True Shape
................................................................
"IT will awaken... Then, the Devourer of Time will begin to consume all
space-time continua..." – Prophet of Time
The Time Devourer, is a new life form that nests on the other side of the
darkness of time. In some time axis after some life-form was defeated, it
fused with ??life of this planet??/??a life from this planet?? and was born.
And it continues to fuse with ??life??/??this life?? that holds hatred, anger,
despair and all other negative feelings. When the complete fusion in
accomplished, the Time Devourer awakes, and it will begin devouring time and
space. Without a method to stop it, everything will return to nothing.
The true Dragon God's body 10,000 years ago, after defeated by FATE was also
absorbed by the Time Devourer ??that holds regret??. And, when the Magical
Kingdom of Zeal was destroyed, there also seems to be were who were absorbed.
................................................................
The Future
................................................................
"Your actions will determine whether in the future all time is devoured by
Lavos, sending the world into everlasting death." – Marle
The fusion of the Time Devourer becomes complete, when the one who can free
the Time Devourer, the body of the Arbiter is absorbed into in. Because of
this, when Serge survives and does not free the Time Devourer, the world will
welcome the time of destruction not too far away. But, even if Serge dies,
the Time Devourer nesting at the darkness of time continues its fusion, the
world will eventually destroyed. As long as Serge does not free the Time
Devourer with the Chrono Cross, there will be no future.
The very big plot that didn't quite make it to the game itself: Serge merging
with the Time Devourer actually completes its fusion. So was it meant to be
like that? Or was this an after thought of the scenario-writer? Nobody knows.
Upon examining the game script, we can see that Belthasar actually says –
something- to the extent of Serge merging with the Time Devourer. He says,
"that one will gain extraordinary powers, by binding with the Time Devourer."
If binding actually means merging with the Time Devourer, then perhaps that
was the way it was actually meant to be, but for some reason, didn't make it
to the game.
Another thing that, again, wasn't explained properly, was how the Dragon Gods
were consumed by the Time Devourer. CC Ultimania merely states that the
Dragon Gods were consumed after they were defeated by the Time Devourer. What
happened in the middle, is up to anyone's guess.
=============================================================================
5. Linked Chronology of Chrono Cross and Chrono Trigger
(Ultimania pg 468)
=============================================================================
=============================================================================
6. Interview with Mr. Masato Kato
(Ultimania pg 478-481)
=============================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ask Mr. Kato!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The scenario in this work includes many elements of puzzles. If you have
referred to the analysis of the scenarios (pg 460 onwards), then you'd
probably have, to a certain extent, resolved some of the mysteries. But even
so, there should probably still be some questions left. Getting together in a
common interview there, Mr. Kato helped cleared some of the questions
regarding the content of the scenario. It's worth reading every Q+A!
Question: Did Home World's Kid die in the fire five years ago?
Answer: If you think about the rumors that are being whispered about the
Radical Dreamers in Home World, she's probably still running around up in the
mainland.
Question: What's the reason for Kid going after the Frozen Flame?
Answer: The reason for this appears to be 'going after the legendary
treasure.' But the true reason behind this is that Kid knew about the danger
of the Frozen Flame. Before the orphanage was raided, Lynx must have
approached Lucca a number of times, that must have been forced out when Lynx
employed forceful methods. At that time, Kid being nearby, she must have
sensed that, when Lynx threatened Lucca and Lucca strongly refused. Lucca
probably have inferred to some extent from the very little information Lynx
gave, and she probably uttered that 'if the Frozen Flame was to fall into the
wrong hands, the unthinkable would happen.' Kid, hearing this, she was
determined not to let Lynx have the Flame, and also to obtain the Flame
herself to deal with later.
Question: The world in the stage in 'Chrono Trigger' had only one moon. And
that same world as the stage in 'Chrono Cross' had two moons. Why would that
be so?
Answer: As a result of the time clash, the dimensions split. The point in
time where Chronopolis and Dinopolis was hurled to, another moon came in
existence.
Question: Why do Lynx, Harle and the Six Dragon Gods exist in only one of
Home World and Another World?
Answer: Regarding the Six Dragon Gods, originally they existed in two
dimensions, but it was made such that each in either word was destroyed. As
for Lynx and Harle, there were two of them but Lynx and Harle disappeared in
the Dead Sea in Home World.
Question: Harle is said to be 18 years old, but is that only in appearance?
Answer: Harle was born 14 years ago, when Schala heard Serge's cries, a clone
of herself was born, causing a distortion that temporarily broke the seal of
the Dragon Gods. Therefore, the 18 years old is only an appearance. That
raises the question of whether Harle's existing body can age normally.
(laughs) She probably had that form when she was born.
Question: What was the reason for you to show the scene where Harle leaves
Serge and the party?
Answer: Harle was a separated part of the dragons, but her role was not about
as big as the dragons. The role attached to her was to completely unify the
elements. Harle conspired with Lynx, and then made use of FATE, to quickly
accomplish the mission she had imposed on herself. But she knew that she will
have to unfold the battle with Serge and company that will put everyone's
life on the line. The departure scene is when she finally decides to leave,
and that's why she cried. Harle is not dragon but instead she takes the form
of a human. The reason is because she's born as the child of both dragon and
human. In the conflict between the planet and humans, as the children of
Lavos, Harle could also be seen as the bridge between the planet and the
humans. Harle's position is an extremely sorrowful one.
Question: Harle and Kid speak similar lines, and the results of the fortune-
telling by the fortune teller are the same. What's could be the reason for
that?
Answer: Harle is indeed the moon. There are two moons in this world. There's
another moon that exists as a sibling to the bigger moon. And Harle is a
fragment of that smaller moon. Her name itself is [tsuku-yomi] (meaning moon-
reading), hence she has plenty of lines with "to the moon." Well, certainly
Harle existing as an opposition to Kid had been established in the beginning,
there were also many other parts with this meaning.
Question: "After building Chronopolis, the Time Crash that it brought about
was unexpected," as said by Belthasar himself. "Everything was planned by
Belthasar," says Lucca. Which is the truth?
Answer: Belthasar's excuse, Lucca's analysis. Lucca probably had the right
answer. Belthasar foresaw 100% of everything, but having no reason to plot
any of them. So, if you ask why did Belthasar gave such an explanation, he
probably decided that it would be inappropriate to reveal everything then, at
Terra Tower.
[In the English version, Belthasar never said he did not expect the
Time Crash. In his exactly words: "Well, that research led to the
creation of Chronopolis and to the Time Crash... You might think I
really blew it, but perhaps it was really my finest hour!"]
Question: In the FMV where Serge come face to face with the Frozen Flame, is
it a hint of the future where Serge is unable to release the Time Devourer?
Answer: That's not the case. The Frozen Flame is called the legendary
treasure, however, it a fearful entity that surpasses human knowledge. That's
about what it hints at.
Question: Although the seal should have already been broken, the Dragons
stole the Frozen Flame away. Was it to acquire new power?
Answer: In either case, they will not let the humans have it.
Question: What was the true form of that huge face that called out to Serge
in Terra Tower?
Answer: In the initial design, it was planned to be another character but it
became one of the researchers in the game.
Question: Please tell us about the connection between Fargo, Lynx and General
Viper.
Answer: The connection between Fargo and General Viper is not directly
entwined with Lynx. Fargo, who had since the beginning detested General Viper,
in the several times he opposed General Viper, he came to know Lynx. It was
then he met a dangerous eye. [literal translation.]
Question: In Miguels' flashback, whose voice did Wazuki and Miguel hear in
Chronopolis?
Answer: The Frozen Flame's voice. Or, the thoughts of the Frozen Flame
converted into human's language in their own minds. That would perhaps be the
more appropriate answer.
Question: What could be the reason that Miguel was stuck in the Dead Sea? And,
were there two of him in existence?
Answer: 14 years ago when he entered the Sea of Eden, he was bewitched. By
the knowledge of the future, by the powers of FATE. Perhaps he was
overwhelmed in the sea of information, perhaps he became one with Chronopolis.
When the world separated into two, of course, there were two of him. The one
who was in Chronopolis, was eliminated by FATE, I'm afraid.
Question: In Another World, in Karsh's flashback, according to what he said,
was it not Karsh, and not Dario who was possessed by the evil sword?
Answer: At first glance, it appears that the words read that Karsh was the
one possessed by the sword. But if you read it again after knowing the truth,
you will understand that he was actually talking about Dario.
Question: What could be the reason that Home World's Viper Manor was in
shambles?
Answer: In the time when General Viper and the Acacia Dragoons disappeared,
the manor was brought down by a fire accident. Perhaps it was caused by a
lightning strike. Perhaps it was the result of carelessness of the Porre
spies who had entered the manor during investigations. Those would all be
probable reasons.
Question: It was mentioned in Lucca's letter that Janus existed. Did Janus
('Trigger's' Magus) appear at all in 'Cross'?
Answer: Originally, I wanted to write about Schala's and Janus's story after
that, but I gave up after we reached about 40 characters. I felt that writing
the close relation between Schala, Kid and Janus would impossible if I had to
squeeze the number of characters. As for Lucca's letter, when we started
developing for the game, the letter was written as Janus appearance was
planned. Lucca knew that Magus was in search of Schala, and since she didn't
even explicitly mention Janus's whereabouts, we left the letter as it is.
