Okay, for the heck of it I beat the game today but didn't save when I was in Kefka's Tower. I was near the town Relm and Strago are from (can't remember the name) when I last saved. Going into town, a lady says that for the first time in 50 years, Ebot's Rock is above water. I had headed towards the rock and went inside. Once in, there was a treasure chest asking for coral so I gave it to him. But I still can't get past this treasure chest. Is there something I'm missing?

You have to give the chest over twenty corals--I think the number's between 22 and 26. They should be found throughout the dungeon, if memory serves.

okay I'll try that. also, should I have Strago in my party?

He's compulsory.

Yeah...the whole point of doing Ebot's Rock is to do Strago's little side-quest, as well as to fetch one of his best (some would say the best) Lore.

thank you very much!!!! i need to go try that now...

does it have to be all at once or can i save and comeback once i have time to waste?

The coral gathering? All at once, I do believe.