Author's notes: * denotes thought. For information on Crono Trigger, the game this is based go to http://icybrian.simplenet.com/cronotrigger.html

"And if you ask why I've changed,/
all I have to do is say your sweet name./
It's your Love,/ it just does something to me,/
It sends a shock right through me,/
I can't get enough./ And if you wonder/
about the spell I'm under,/ It's your Love."
Tim Mcgraw and Faith Hill - "It's your Love."

Magus looked upon the room, it was exactly as he had left it. As he began the preparations for the spell, he looked back on his life. He had led a rather interesting life. Born prince Janus Zeal, son of Xavier and Serenity Zeal, King and Queen of the kingdom of Zeal. His father had died soon after containing the Mystics to a solitary mountain, which was enchanted to make float and budded mount woe. Unfortunately this used up a great deal of power and the Queen was force to look for another source of power. The solution had been Lavos, an alien parasite in the planets core which fed off the lifeforce of the planet. Queen Zeal was slowly corrupted by his evil energy and tried to attain immortality by awaken Lavos. And so growing up He only friends were his sister Schala and Alfador, his purple pet cat. Lavos eliminated the only threat to him by scattering the Zealian Gurus, the only people to resist his power, throughout time. He had burst in to protect the only person he cared about, his sister Schala and who happen to be the only person able to control the energy of Lavos, and had been sent through time as well.

Landing in 580 ad, he was found by the mystic leader Ozzie and had been taken prisoner. Held in Ozzie's dungeon and tortured for his pleasure, having had enough he lashed out with his magic. Ozzie had been impressed enough with him to let him join the mystic army. Unwilling to remain where he was and presented with the oprotunity for revenge, he had accepted. Being the only human in a army waging war on humans had left him without any friends... accept one person, but he was more than just a friend.

~Flashback~ "Thanks Slash, you're the only person to ever be kind to me, accept my sister. Even Flea barely tolerates me." Janus said to the mystic. He was 6"1', just a couple inches shorter than his own 6"3',bald dispite being a teen with blue skin. "I know how you feel Janus, I'm part human myself. Growing up without the magical or physical strength all other mystic had. The other kids would tease me, beat me up and call me halfbreed." replied Slash. "I didn't know that." "It's not something I like to talk about." came the reply as he turn away briefly. At that moment Janus thought the man had never looked more beautiful. "Slash?" "Yes?" as he turn back to him, Janus tilted their heads and kissed him.

*I've blown it. It's all been for nothing.* "neuga zeina zember zom..." He started the spell.

~Flashback~ "This has gone to far, you've become obcessed! What price must be payed for your revenge?" "I have done no such thing, and it is not your place to tell me what to do!" "Please Janus! ever since you took control I feel I don't know you anymore!" "My name, is Magus."

*You were right, my Love, and I have paid the one price I couldn't pay...* "Now the chosen time has come..."

~Flashback~ "You betrayed us! Prepare yourself!" Slash proclaimed as the battle started. It was a brutal fight, and one out of two attack were aimed at him. Finally, it ended, "this isn't the end!" He said as he retreated. Proceeding through the fortress, they encountered Magus three generals, Ozzie, Flea and Slash "Now you die Magus! Ozzie Pants!" "Flea Vest!" "Slasher 2!" The three presented there new equipment. It was even more brutal this time and the blows even more powerful, but they slowly gained the uphand. "We must retreat Flea." "Yes, that would be prudent." Slash crawled over to Flea, and before they teleported out, Slash gave one last look at Magus, and after coughing some blood, the severely wounded duo left.

*You.* "Exchange this world for..." *How I have wronged you, my Love. I just pray I can atone.* "Slash." As the spell completed, a flash filled the area.

And outside the circle they appeared, plucked from the exact moment they disappeared. "What happened? This doesn't look like Medina. And what happened to our wounds?" Flea said as she took in her surroundings, final picking up the only person in the area. "Magus!" Slash had noticed him imediately however, but only now said anything. "Janus?" Janus only response was to collapse from the energy the modified spell had required and the wounds that had been transfered to him. "Janus!" Slash yelled as ran to Janus side. "I'm sorry, you were right, the price was too high." Were his final words as he coughed up some blood, and breathed his last. And so Slash held the head of his lost love in his lap, crying in a world beginning it's rebirth from an icy death as a stunned Flea stared on, the only witness to this final act of love was a small purple cat.

And the Black Winds howled...

The End