*Loosley based on Chrono Cross, a Playstation RPG*

The room slowly blurred into focus from triple vision. Crichton felt a bit nauseous as he sat up. Aeryn blurred into view, sitting on the bed next to him. She smiled slightly. She held out a small tin cup of water. “Hey sunshine” he said with a smile as he took the cup. “How long have I been out?” he asked taking a sip. “A little over 10 arns” said Aeryn. “Sorry, I was dreaming,” said Crichton. “What about?” she asked.

Crichton thought about the dream. “Tailex, Chiana, you”, he said. It was bizarre, kind of like a hallucination. It started with the same scene of him standing over Chiana’s body, a knife covered with Nebari blood. She lay in a pool of the grayish blue blood, slightly conscience. The sight brought a smile to his face. Next, his face was reflected on a crystal. Suddenly, his face morphed into that of Tailex. Then the crystal shattered.

Then, the dream seemed to be cut short and Scorpious’ chip kicked in. “John, help!” exclaimed Aeryn. Tailex stood behind her while she kneeled. He held his inverted hand behind her neck. He held Jothee with his other hand. “The only way to save them is to come to Fort Zeakden,” said Scorpious. “I will protect you and her from Tailex” said Scorpious. “He scares you doesn’t he?” asked Scorpious. “If your dealing with Tailex, I am the least of your worries”, said Crichton as the dream ended.

“How long have you been sitting there?” he asked. “About 5 minutes, Zhaan said you had a concussion,” said Aeryn. “How are you?” he asked, She lifted up her shirt to show a small, gold regenerator strip on her stomach. “The knife barley cut the muscle,” she said.

Zhaan walked in. “Ah, John your awake”, she said. “How are you feeling?” she asked. “Like I just got dotshoted in the backfield” said Crichton. He looked at the 2 confused women. "“Never mind” he said. He thought a second. “Did you do a toxicology check on Aeryn?” asked Crichton. “No, she was stabbed, I didn’t think to”, said Zhaan. “Run one,” he said. “Why?” asked Aeryn. “Something Tailex said”, said Crichton. Zhaan put a small blood sample into a small device. “It will do the tests automatically, he have half an arn”, said Zhaan. Crichton sat up. “Well ladies, will you join me for breakfast?” he asked.

The entire crew sat around the breakfast table. Rygel was busy scarffing down some weird food. “So Chi, what’s your history with Tailex?” asked Crichton.

She stopped eating, put down her fork, and looked up. “Since I was 3 cycles old, I was an orphan, our parents were killed in a transport accident. We were adopted by my aunt and uncle. She was a scientist and he was an anthropologist. They were unable to have children, so they adopted 3 other orphans from the Tyreen war. She was always inventing something for the government, but she had a pet project that she always worked on in her spare time. We didn’t have much, but we were happy and were treated right. It was the only time Nerri and I were really happy. That was until that bastard Tailex destroyed everything. He burned down our house and killed my aunt in front of my eyes. His beasts, Hunters I believe they’re called, killed everyone else. Lucky for me, a stranger came in and saved me. He faded into nothing after he rescued me”.

“What about Nerri?” asked Crichton. “He was at a friend’s house that night” she responded. She was beginning to tear up. “It was 16 cycles ago, I was 6 then,” she said. “Now I dream of killing him at least once a day”, she said. “That was your crime wasn’t it, thoughts of revenge”, said Zhaan. “Yes, they couldn’t purge my hatred”, said Chiana. “He must have killed her for her research”, said Aeryn. “I remember that before he killed her, he said she knew too much about him, and took a book”, said Chiana. “Was your aunt’s research on something called Third Energy?” asked Crichton. “I was so young then, I can’t recall”, said Chiana.

“What is Third Energy?” he asked anyone. He got nothing but blank looks. “Well, whatever it is, he wants it pretty bad” said Crichton. “I wonder how many decades he has been looking for it”, said Chiana. “Or centuries even”, she added. “How long can Tyreen live?” asked Aeryn. “Forever, if they aren’t killed or catch a disease”, said Chiana. “They are immortal, at least to aging”, said Chiana. Pilot chimed in. “The automatic scanner says that there is a problem with Officer Sun’s toxicology,” said Pilot. Zhaan, Aeryn, and Crichton quickly walked out.

“Zevra toxin?” asked Aeryn. “Yes, it is a toxin made solely in the Tyreen territories,” said Zhaan. “It is slow acting, and takes 3 days for it to kill it’s victim”, she added. “You will start to weaken in a few arns,” he added. “Then we head down to that town, Terminia, and get the cure”, said Crichton. “That’s the problem, the cure is only produced in the Tyreen territories as well” she said with sorrow. “I know who has some”, said Crichton. “Who?” asked Aeryn. “Tailex”, he said.

Several hours later, the entire crew gathered outside the hanger bay. Zhaan, Chiana, and Rygel had gone to Terminia, the largest city on the planet (2000 people). They were sent out to find anything they could about Fort Zeakden. It was a ruin from an ancient civilization. It was carved into a mountain. A transporter connected the top, to the bottom. A walkway connected to another mountain, which had a small building atop it. Something important was in that building. Statues of Hunters littered the valley and ruins. The Peace Keepers had secured the lower part of the fort and would soon have the summit. The transport was to heavy to land on the walkway so they would have to jump down from it.

Aeryn looked pale. She held her pulse cannon. Crichton carried his MAC-11’s and 2 pistols. He wore his black coat. The others walked to the transport, she stopped him. “Why are you doing this?” she asked. “To save Jothee and you,” said Crichton. “We can rescue him another time, going to Zeakden is suicide”, she said. “Good, you know I have a death wish,” said Crichton. “The only thing that keeps me alive is you” he said. He stroked her cheek. They kissed lightly. They stared into each other’s eyes. “You coming?” came Chiana’s voice. They quickly ran to the transport.

Everyone but Zhaan and Rygel stood on the walkway. It was exactly like Crichton’s dream, except for the 5 shield men coming for them. They all held retractable batons and had holstered pistols.

Aeryn fired a charged blast at the lead shield man, knocking him over on his back. They had planned ahead of time, on how to counter this new threat. Chiana and D’argo fired high, trying to hit their heads. They raised their shields slightly. Crichton fell on his left side, holding 1 MAC-11. He let loose a quick burst of auto fire at about knee cap level. The 2 on the right had their shields to high and her knee capped. They both crumpled like paper cups. D’argo put his sword back into sword mode and charged the remaining 2.

He slammed into them with great force, and the left one went down. He quickly slashed the others exposed back, killing him. He tongue lashed the other marine he downed. The 3 others put up their hands. Aeryn quickly but darts into them. Crichton pulled out his spare pistol and began to overload it. He threw it just before it exploded at the blue glowing circle on the side of the mountain. A large explosion rocked the walkway. “Transporter will be automatically repaired in 15 minutes”, said a computer voice from inside a Hunter statue. The circle was beginning to regenerate. “Let’s go see Tailex,” said Crichton. Chiana grabbed a shield and followed. D’argo flanked Crichton as he kicked in the doors.

A wave seemed to hit him and he had a flash. Of Chiana’s body, the bloody knife in his hand, the evil smile. Then, his reflection in the crystal that morphed into Tailex’s, then shattered. He shook of the vision. “Your dead Tailex!” Chiana exclaimed as she took up the rear.

The room was only partially illuminated. Blue streams of energy moved through glass like tubes under the floor. Each tube connected to a Hunter statue, 5 were in the room. In the center of the room there was a crystal on a pedestal. Tailex, Ashton, and Scorpious stepped out of the shadows.

“Finally, we have been expecting you”, said Tailex, who held a large sword in his left hand and pointed his overturned right hand at the intruders. The criminals had their weapons ready to attack any of their opponents. "As I promised,” said Tailex throwing a small injector to Aeryn. It had a small container of green liquid. “Anti-toxin, put it in your arm”, he said. Jothee came out from the shadows. “Go wait for your father outside”, said Tailex. “What are you doing?” asked Ashton. “A deal’s and deal”, said Tailex. A loud click came from behind him.

Ashton pointed a grenade launcher at the group. “What the hell are you doing?” asked Tailex. “I can take the rest of them without killing Crichton”, said Ashton. “And if you miss?” asked Tailex with an annoyed, if mono toned voice. “I’m willing to risk it”, said Ashton. “I’m not”, said Tailex.

With that he faded into nothingness. Suddenly, he reappeared behind the two Peace Keepers. A black liquid covered his blade and it burst into flames. With a quick strike, he hit the Commodore in the back, slashing a burning gash in his back. He fell dead, on fire. Simultaneously, he fired his wrist blade into Scorpious’ back. As it retracted, Scorpious fell. “Tailex…you traitor…” he gasped before he passed out. “You were very helpful in navigating this sector, but you have out lived your usefulness”, said Tailex. “This Fort will make a good resting place for the Commodore and yourself”, said Tailex. “And let this be your final resting place as well”, he said to the criminals.

He fired his blade at Chiana. It busted through the plastic and he pulled the shield towards him. He quickly covered his body from Crichton’s pulse fire. He disappeared and then reappeared behind Crichton. He smashed him to the ground with his shield and kicked the MAC-11’s away. Aeryn fired her cannon and knocked the shield from his hands. He fired his wrist blade and it stuck into her cannon. He pulled it away and threw it across the room. He fired a poisoned knife from his wrist at her, but she rolled out of the way.

Chiana pointed her pistol at Tailex’s back and fired. A little red spark flew out and fell short. Jammed! As he swung his flaming sword at her, D’argo’s blade deflected it. D’argo threw him back and tried to go on the offensive. They exchanged a few blows, then locked weapons. D’argo’s sword became too hot to hold. He dropped it and rolled away from a flaming swipe. Tailex saw Aeryn reclaiming her weapon. She froze as she saw his hand pointed at her head.

Crichton, holding Winnona, slammed into him with a form tackle, sending the blade off course. He put his trusty pistol against Tailex’s chest and fired twice. The Tyreen winced, and fell to the floor. Crichton quickly picked up his twin SMG’s. He replaced his pistol in his holster.

“Enjoy hezmana!” said Chiana with hate in her eyes. They turned to leave. Suddenly, a deep laugh came from behind them. “You first girlie” said Tailex. He teleported from the ground, to behind the crystal. His wrist weapon and sword sat where he had laid. “Come closer Crichton”, said Tailex. “Don’t do it John’, said Aeryn. He moved forward regardless. “Do you want to know your true destiny?” asked Tailex. “Sure” said Crichton. “Now, our destinies become one”, said Tailex. He opened his mouth and a mass of black energy flew into the crystal. His body seemed frozen; his eyes were now green.

Crichton looked at his reflection in the glowing crystal. It suddenly morphed into Tailex’s face. Then it exploded in a violent flash of light. Crichton fell to his knees, his hands on his face. His head felt like it was in the Aurora Chair. Tailex collapsed and fell to the ground. Eventually, the light subsided and Crichton began to stir. He raised his head slowly from his hands. He had a grimace. Suddenly, his blue eyes turned pure black, and an evil smile came over his face.

He slowly rose to his feet. He looked at Tailex. “You all right Crichton?” asked Chiana. “Yes, I’m fine Chiana”, he replied, his back to her. “Now’s your chance, finish him”, said Crichton in a mono tone voice. Chiana drew her ivory handled dagger and stepped forward. “Go ahead, he’s defenseless,” said Crichton. Tailex looked up. He looked into her eyes. She stopped. “I can’t, it isn’t right”, said Chiana. “Since when have you been little miss morals?” he asked. Crichton didn’t wait for her to answer and he grabbed the knife. “Fine, I will do it”, said Crichton. “I will avenge Layla for you, die Tailex!” said Crichton walking forward. “Wait!” she exclaimed. “Never once did I mention Layla’s name to you Crichton”, said Chiana. “How do you...” she paused. “Don’t tell me you’re…”

Crichton was turned to her, eyes closed. Suddenly, his eyes opened, revealing the black, evil eyes. He grabbed her with his left hand, and drove the knife into her stomach. She looked at him in shock. The knife made a soft metal like sound as he pulled it out of her belly. He left her fall to her knees, and then on her stomach. Her head banged and settled on the floor. A drop of blood dripped from the knife and seemed to echo. A smile lit up Crichton’s face. “Your Tailex aren’t you?” she asked passing out.

“John, why?” asked Aeryn. “The little slut was annoying” he replied. He put the wrist blade on his right wrist and picked up the sword. He stood over Tailex. “Look at yourself!” exclaimed Crichton. “Your existence in this universe has no purpose now”, said Crichton. “Honestly, I was going to kill you, but I think I will enjoy making you suffer”, said Crichton. “If you want to meet again, I will see you on the other side of the Sea of Eden, Tailex”, said Crichton. He threw down the MAC-11’s and picked up Chiana.

D’argo stopped him before he reached the door. Crichton picked up the shards of the broken crystal. He looked at D’argo. “Where are you taking her?” he asked aggressively. “To my ship”, he replied. He sucker punched D’argo in the head, knocking him down, and kicked Aeryn in the face. “Who are you?” asked Aeryn. “Commander John Crichton”, he said walking past. “The Chrono Trigger”, he added as he stepped into the daylight. He pushed a button on his wrist weapon and the Disembowler roared up. The airlock opened. He and Chiana both instantly teleported to the door well and closed the door. The ship roared off as D’argo came out. He yelled as Crichton disappeared over the mountains. He saw Jothee. “Father!” he yelled hugging D’argo. They embraced. “Zhaan, get us now!” he said over the comm.

Inside, Aeryn stared at Tailex, who stood up. He looked at his hands and body. “Tailex, hands where I can see them!” she exclaimed. “Who me?” he asked. “You are Tailex aren’t you?” asked Aeryn sarcastically. “No, Aeryn, I’m John”, he said with a slight southern accent. “What the hell happened to me!” exclaimed Tailex. The last thing he saw was Aeryn’s fist coming at him.

Guest Cast…
Tailex…Michael McManus