Why Does Schala Look So Drastically Different in Chrono Cross?
As a long-time Chrono fan and gaming enthusiast, one question has always captivated me: why does iconic character Schala look so distinct in Chrono Cross compared to her debut in Chrono Trigger? Her altered appearance hints at a deeper, darker story after the first game‘s conclusion.
First, let‘s recap Schala‘s background for context…
Schala‘s Origins and Warm Personality Shine in Chrono Trigger
Princess Schala, complete with long, flowing blue hair and kind eyes, made her first appearance in Chrono Trigger for the SNES back in 1995. As royalty in the magical Kingdom of Zeal circa 12,000 BC, a caring Schala assisted protagonists Crono, Marle and Lucca in their quest. She used her positional authority and innate magical gifts for good. Behind the scenes, Schala suffered from her cold-hearted mother Queen Zeal‘s exploitation. Yet she retained a warm personality and selflessness. Plus, her pendant enabled time travel itself!
Schala became a quick fan favorite for her tragic backstory and altruistic efforts to save the party on multiple occasions. Her mysterious disappearance via a vortex near Chrono Trigger‘s ending left players eager to learn her ultimate fate…
Exposure to "Darkness Beyond Time" Dimension Corrupts Schala Physically
Unfortunately Schala endured horrible experiments from mad parasite Lavos and the Prophet (her brother Magus) within the Darkness Beyond Time zone. The chaotic dimension irreversibly altered the princess as she fused with Lavos into the abomination known as the "Time Devourer." Specifically, Darkness Beyond Time‘s erratic temporal energies and lack of sunlight caused bleaching of hair pigment and skin paling.
By the time villain Lynx and heroic Serge enter Darkness Beyond Time in Chrono Cross, they discover a ghastly figure covered in shadowy tendrils…none other than Schala. "It was as if her body had been corroded by Lavos," the Chrono Cross Instruction Booklet description eerily reveals. Schala begs Serge to defeat the Time Devourer and free her tormented spirit before the horrors consume her entirely.
Schala Sacrifices Herself to Stop Time Collapse
After a cataclysmic showdown punctuated by sweeping musical score "Schala‘s Theme," Serge harnesses the Chrono Cross pendant‘s power to expunge Lavos‘ presence from Schala. Her form reverts to the Princess Schala known from Trigger as she speaks words of gratitude. Schala then repairs ruptures in time itself caused by Lavos – stabilizing existence at the cost of scattering her entity across the timestream. She ensures no evil can ever prey on her power again. With her iconic blue hair and radiant presence restored, Schala enters eternal rest…
The dimensions Schifferspace and Darkness Beyond Time will likely forever remain mysterious and inscrutable. But looking back we now know Schala underwent profound tribulation across countless years while trapped there. In defiant contrast, her selfless conduct and affectionate persona persisted despite surrounded by soulless demons. Princess Schala‘s changed look represented just one outward sign of the excruciating metamorphosis endured silently for ages. Her willingness to rescue reality while mired in hopelessness cements her status as one of gaming‘s most courageous and resilient figures ever depicted.
So while we regrettably cannot save Schala from her fate, we can celebrate her inspirational perseverance and learn from her unfathomable strength. For that Schala, is your legacy.
What do you think about Schala‘s harrowing corruption at evil‘s hands? Please share your perspectives and favorite Schala moments in the comments below!
