Overworld (12,000 B.C.) (4)

Continue your Chrono Trigger walkthrough in 12,000 B.C. as Crono's party confronts Queen Zeal, rescues the Guru, and faces Lavos.

Alright, let's dive back into 12,000 B.C. – this is where things get really interesting! After you've jumped through that Time Gate from 65,000,000 B.C., you'll find yourself in what's known as the Dark Ages. It might seem peaceful with its magical floating kingdom, but trust me, there's a storm brewing. Your party, including Crono, will travel through Skyways and Land Bridges to reach this floating kingdom. The folks here call themselves the Enlightened Ones and they're all about magic. You'll learn that Queen Zeal is using the Mammon Machine to channel Lavos' power. Since Lavos is the big bad responsible for the planet's destruction, you know you've gotta stop her. Keep an eye out for Marle's pendant – it turns out to be Schala's from this era and can be powered up by the Mammon Machine. This powered-up pendant is your ticket to Queen Zeal's chambers. Once you get there, watch out for the mysterious Prophet (who you might recognize as Magus later on!) who warns Zeal about Crono. Dalton will then sic Golem on you. After you defeat Golem, Zeal will have you imprisoned. Luckily, Schala and her younger brother Janus will rescue you. They know their mother, Zeal, is going down the wrong path. The Prophet wants to get rid of you, but Schala wants you spared. So, you'll all head back to the Time Gate, and Schala will send you through it, magically sealing it behind you. The Prophet then forces Schala to seal the Gate permanently. Now, with the Epoch in your possession, you'll return to 12,000 B.C. and head to Terra Cave. The people there, the Earthbound Ones, will tell you that Queen Zeal has locked up the Guru of Life on the Mountain of Woe. You'll need to ascend the magic chain and defeat Giga Gaia to rescue the Guru. Surprise! The Guru of Life is actually Melchior. With Giga Gaia defeated and the seal broken, the mountain will start to collapse, but don't worry, you'll all get off safely before it plunges into the water. Back in Terra Cave with Melchior, Schala and Janus will arrive. Schala explains she's turned her back on Zeal. But then Dalton shows up and kidnaps her, taking her back to Zeal. Fearing the Mammon Machine will awaken Lavos and destroy everything, Melchior gives you the Ruby Knife – it's the only thing that can destroy the machine. Using the Skyways and Land Bridges again, you'll head back up to Zeal Palace to confront Dalton. After you defeat him, he'll open a portal to the Ocean Palace, deep underwater. You'll follow him through. Prepare yourself, because you'll be fighting your way through the underwater Ocean Palace. You'll eventually reach the Mammon Machine, where Queen Zeal, Schala, and the Prophet await. As the Mammon Machine channels Lavos' energy, you'll stab it with the Ruby Knife. This will cause an energy discharge, sending you all to a different dimensional plane where Lavos finally appears. Lavos will easily defeat your party, leaving you all near death. It's then that the Prophet reveals himself to be Magus...