to discover Reptites have survived the long ice age, and war with humanity for control of the planet. King Zeal confronts them at the old Lavos impact crater, scattering them through time and unleashing the 'Atash Kedah', a destructive spell that changes history. to find the Dragon's Tooth, an enchanted totem that will assist Chronopolis. Melchior takes up residence in Chronopolis to aid the fight against him. He explains the mysterious villain was King Zeal, somehow alive and in possession of the Frozen Flame, a shard of Lavos with incredible powers. There, they meet Cedric the Executor, the ruthless first King of Guardia, as well as Antaeus, the ancestor of Porre. The party also visit 1 A.D., the era of the founding of Guardia. They number the Dragon God-a Reptite artificial intelligence created in an alternate timeline-and the Xamoltan time travelers, who were used by King Zeal and survive into the restored human world. Other foes come from the Reptite timeline, an alternate universe temporarily brought into existence by King Zeal's meddling.
King Zeal gives him the Masamune, and he assumes leadership of the Mystics after 600 A.D. Kasmir is an illusionist who served under Magus in the Mystic War. While under Lavos's influence, he recruits Dalton and Kasmir to his cause. He later learns of his deception, and seeks to dominate Lavos and recreate his kingdom through unmatched temporal power. Confused and saddened by the loss of his kingdom, he is easily manipulated by Lavos, who uses him to attempt revenge on Crono and his friends. The main villain of Crimson Echoes is King Zeal, revived by Lavos through the Frozen Flame. He fixes the Epoch during the story's course, which returns as the Neo-Epoch (akin to its design in Chrono Cross). He nonetheless harbors darker wishes to leave a grand legacy in history, and is almost recklessly pragmatic. Belthasar claims it will be a guardian of time to ensure a threat such as Lavos will never arise. Robo assists the Guru of Reason, Belthasar, who has established a clandestine temporal research facility named Chronopolis in 2305 A.D. Ayla dwells in 64,999,995 B.C., and has given birth to her tribe's successor. Magus searches for Schala in the still-frozen 11,995 B.C., and feuds with Dalton, obsessed with finding artifacts from the lost Kingdom of Zeal.
Frog lives in 605 A.D., restored to his human form, though this was not implemented before the cease and desist letter. The three struggle to ease tensions with Porre, which has modernized its military and seeks to end Guardia's economic hegemony. Crono and Marle are junior regents of the Kingdom of Guardia Lucca continues her scientific endeavors. Crimson Echoes features all the playable characters of the original game, and is set five years after the events of Chrono Trigger.