"Rise and shine, Prodigies!" Verna's peppy voice awoken the group. "Let's get ready for the coronation of Father Time today!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAvhb3i9FWXA
Catherine scratches her neck as she pushes the quilt off. "Coronation?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAh8GslZAyjU
"Apparently, a new Father Time is to be crowned today." Nathaniel states, stretching.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAKdxuCMpdKg
"Your mission today is to just watch over the new guy before the celebration begins. Pretty easy, right?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANA3AnGd3LsF5
"Wait...our job today is to be a goddamn babysitter?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAlfRMRmtBDD
"If that's how you view it, yes. But as a reward, you get to go to the after-party!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANACRQrfZcvJS
"That at least solves dinner..." Ezra thinks aloud.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAorC9UUEpwd
"Breakfast will be served once you get there, so just put on your clothes and shoes and...look a little presentable.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAGK1g9z5gIv
"No prob.." Arsenio says. "Let me just get my morning tea before I go.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAF95Or9L3xj
"T-Tea?" Isabelle asks while brushing her hair.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAGGdcPV5Cq8
"There's no time to go time traveling now." Nathaniel interrupted, pulling his shoes on his feet. "We have to be there as soon as possible. Thou leaving would only cause delay."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA4CyIkIedkj
"...Alright then..." Arsenio says, slowly sitting down and sliding his hands in his coat pockets. "I'll just wait until later then.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAkjISY49y3F
"Is everyone ready?" Verna asks, peeking into the room as she does so.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAJCamN2jfXM
"I think so.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAfpjSBs7Rlb
"Good, good!" she fully opens the doors to let the Prodigies out. "Then, let's go, shall we?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANATXbVy0Gbjf
The four leave the Sanctuary, following behind Verna. A crowd of other Prodigies and Timekeepers exploded into cheers and claps, not for them, but for the soon-to-be Father Time. The five come out to take a look.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAVgli7hb3AT
"See him?" Verna points towards a young man dressed in golden silk. "That's in z was Chrono, the so-called 'Golden Child' of the Time Realm."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAserOiW2NXu
"...Is it because he's blonde?" Catherine remarked.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA7Dv4cqE5Vo
"... That might have had a influence on the nickname, yes."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA9tKyYTOlhC
They watched as walked stone faced across to the home of Father Time.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAb7xtebIccO
"Let's go." Verna says, instructing them to follow Chrono.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAXFE18CSX27
When they finally get to the house of Father Time, opened the door and walked in, they were amazed by the interior of it. They could feel the whimsical breeze of it's godly aura.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAnZokpnHX1C
"Hello?" Catherine waited for a response.
381Please respect copyright.PENANApBIh3CI6t9
"J-Just a minute!" A voice called out before crashing and falling is heard. Then, from the stairs emerged Chrono.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAdSBPbMMvH9
"Verna, very nice to see you again. And these four might be?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAOWRvWR7lKI
"This is Nathaniel, Catherine, Isabelle and Arsenio. They're the new Prodigies that are here to keep you company while we prepare for the ceremony."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA63BrAEWIL2
"I see..."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA2Soox9j3jl
"Thanks again for doing this, guys."
Verna time warps away.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAEOqJdVZnxS
"...Which one of you is which? I just don't want to be confused.."
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They introduce themselves once again, giving him some clarity.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAIRZWT09eSt
"Ah, well it's nice to meet all of you."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAkcKWtQm2N1
"Verna t-told us that w-we would have s-some breakfast.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAUS5fXcEF5u
"Of course. You've come here quite early, so I'm sure you four are starving."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAg1r8r74B71
"Yeah..." Catherine agreed, lightly holding her stomach.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAGpXKHOqzmZ
"I thought so. I've prepared something, so don't worry."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA0qyA43sIYG
Chrono brandishes a golden door, which he promptly throws open and reveals some nice breakfast meals, already plated and ready to eat.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAw9paB9RkXM
"You m-made all of this yourself?!" Catherine exclaimed, impressed.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAEvtd1wLJqk
"I was just planning on making food for myself, but I didn't want to be rude.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAVH9DQIvzyx
"It does look rather...delectable..." Nathaniel says, clearing his throat.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAMPalOVMEJi
"Well, shall we eat or watch it get cold?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANA4Gorsg3l4L
The four Prodigies and the Son of Time all sit down and enjoy a nice breakfast, basically wolfing down the entire plate before them.
381Please respect copyright.PENANATooRRqpVeC
"Man, that was good..." Arsenio says, stretching in his seat.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAeHFlzDrJ9W
"I'm glad you enjoyed. It's very difficult to find people who enjoy similar interests to me."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAaqzTqJjlkN
"Now what? Do you just read books and whatnot?" Catherine asked, taking the last sip of her drink.
381Please respect copyright.PENANALJQi4jUb8p
"I'm afraid so...I yearn to join you Prodigies on adventures. They sound full of excitement, far more exciting than being the future ruler of the Time Realm.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAn6s9FnKkrj
"Then why not join us? From what we've experienced, we certainly need the help." Arsenio asks, leaned back in his chair.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA3pqBoaiqzr
"I was never suited for things like that, unfortunately..." Chrono sighs. "My Gift is also a little...hard to control."
381Please respect copyright.PENANApnN1EtoftI
"...Can we see it?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANArAzxFbx03X
Chrono begins to rub his arms as guilt and embarrassment threw itself on his face.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAIA6WRgfKrO
"You can say no, you know..." Catherine speaks. "No one's forcing you."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA6cODS8pzXL
"It's...complicated."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA7LXVXa66X2
"That's u-understandable...I have a Gift I can't quite c-control myself..."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAmU4EoMqONP
Dawlly immediately pops itself out of Isabelle's pocket with an annoyed look.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAMgfWj1Ubhd
"I-It's true..." she looks at Dawlly with the same annoyed look.
381Please respect copyright.PENANASoo8xbtKgu
"Interesting.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA7kzfeVeCdY
"Is there anything else you like to do other than read and fantasize?" Catherine asks.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAxfFSokPP3l
"I like to learn more about my Gift."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAMzx4QPnmjU
Carefully, as not to fully summon his Gift, Chrono slides his sleeves back and reveals the shiny, golden exterior, speckled with gems of many, his fingernails now sharpened and curved.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAXq39Kq1v3Z
"O-oh my.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA9yueYWehIp
"This is as far as I'll go..the last thing I want is to turn on you.." Chrono quickly pulls his sleeves back up.
381Please respect copyright.PENANApZcDXIUDq3
"So, what's your Gift? I'm sure you four have gotten one.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAKqdbSs9IFJ
Catherine nudges Nathaniel. "You show yours first. You're the supposed leader."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAr2ibOlvyFt
"I have never said that I was a leader..."
381Please respect copyright.PENANApXTIak9lZj
"W-Well..." Isabelle added. "You d-do know the most out of all of us..."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAI4yj3QgkQF
"...Fine.." Nathaniel reluctantly agrees.
381Please respect copyright.PENANALAlx08feAg
First, his arm, then up to his shoulder, until his entire body was covered in armor.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA8KnODrAuZv
"You never told me you could do that.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAa53mc2vwzA
"I feel as if there is... no need to use the full Gift. It is...uncomfortable.." He speaks from within the suit.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAPLhML65o48
"Well, get the hell out of it then..."
381Please respect copyright.PENANACjOy978bdf
He removes himself from the armor, reverting back to his velvet clothes.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA1tV2EjJrYh
"Well, since thou wants to assume roles, maybe thou would like to go next, co-leader?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAL5aOXiPN10
"Of course you pin this crap on me.." Catherine growled. "But sure, why not?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAhOB6siTWvh
She slips through her chair, and all the way through the floor.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAloIwrcKKmc
It was like she was in her own dimension, her escape from reality. She swam around as she heard the others from above.
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That's when she heard a voice calling her name from the distance.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAekpv79Y4Xx
"Hello?" The voice creepily whispered.
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"The hell?" She exclaimed. That freaked her out enough to pull herself out of the Phasing dimension.
381Please respect copyright.PENANADE3lxHk9wV
She gasped, as if she was underwater when she crawled out.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAZI8zdFWEnV
"You alright? You've been in the floor for quite a while..." Arsenio mentioned.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAbEqNxvOjVm
"...Yeah, something just... freaked me out.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAUFPvkEdgpx
She slides back in her seat...
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"I-I'll go next..." Isabelle announces. Within seconds, the threads began pulling themselves out of her sleeves.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAERP4Ns4fci
"I can even control her emotions like this!"
Dawlly pulls itself against the rest of the threads. Isabelle clenches her chest, before dropping. She wakes up in a fit of rage.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAH6k01TeGk4
"I just had to wake up today! Is it wrong to get some sleep around here?!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANADWRu1SXS0P
Dawlly smiles innocently as Isabelle continues to roar.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAGyao1YXyuS
"Don't worry, I've got this.." Arsenio stands up. "Trust me, my charm is irresistible."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAVqyzrLhgjD
He grabs her wrists, looks her deep into her eyes..
381Please respect copyright.PENANATrmwpuN8MS
"Ah, great..." Catherine grumbled, rolling her eyes.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAfr8ZuLWijT
"Didn't anyone ever tell you that you look adorable when you're angry?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAo3CtiDUW8t
Isabelle, easily flustered and caught off guard, immediately snaps back to her timid self.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAB9TnJt4lJe
"See?" He points out. "It's like a secret perk I have." He starts throwing up two pieces of jewelry.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAFz2oLHdM3H
Isabelle immediately feels her ears.
"M-my earrings!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAzCaGx2elbR
Arsenio chuckles and gives them back to Isabelle. "Don't worry Belle, I might be a thief, but I couldn't steal from a sweet girl like you."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA5IguLFWKPo
Isabelle just kept turning red as she puts back on her earrings.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAFzWcHHetIO
"So, you yourself do not have a Gift just yet, Arsenio?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANA4Goa54A0x4
"I haven't really felt anything, so no...I think."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAbrke1oHkhU
Outside, bells begin to ring. Chrono looks up at the clock sitting across the room from him on the wall.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA3r9vDWzCpY
"Ah...only an hour left..."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA0wu6QordWa
"Is there anything else thou wants to say to us before thou becomes Father Time?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANA38rK7dDgql
"Use your Gift well, and I hope we get to see each other more in the future."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA5uyF1imjMX
Chrono smiles genuinely.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAIhGTcBgU3p
"So, what now?" Arsenio says, picking his teeth.
381Please respect copyright.PENANArNVflsoPyO
"Well, if you four are attending the ceremony, you'll have to be properly dressed."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAa9LG7cw2hp
"Well, Verna could've told us that earlier.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAUUddQAjJfR
"Don't worry, we have a public closet full of gowns and suits for you to wear."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAsFYm83JShd
Chrono stands up, leads them upstairs and pulls open a closet door.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAhLhal2rAq3
There were attire in every color of the rainbow.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAkZ9IzCrYaV
"Hey, now this is nice!" Catherine says, walking into the spacious closet.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA6nfUZDHiIY
"Don't be afraid to pick whatever you want!" Chrono says, leaving.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA7gRAtuOOe4
Trying to decide what attire to wear, the Prodigies pick the most extravagant and dazzling outfit that fit them the most.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAaL1pajXSrT
The four take turns putting on their new clothes, which gleamed and twinkled in the light. Once the four return to the closet.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAZj2FAokVI9
"Looking nice girls.." Arsenio says.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAVRIF1YyHvp
"These shoes are gonna kill me later, but yeah, thanks.."
Catherine complained.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAepxtI6XZAy
"Now that that portion has been completed.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAZ3SOP5kKrW
Nathaniel grabs Arsenio by the shoulder.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAxPaF0Urz52
"Arsenio. Thou shall come with me."
381Please respect copyright.PENANALKf81lstNe
He drags him away.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAswXwgVLcY6
"Hey uh, Nathaniel, what are you trying to do?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAhppnL1ceYf
"We must fix this hair of thine.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAtwVi1Addag
"Wait...Nate no, my hair is fine-"
Nathaniel pulls Arsenio outside.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA7i2cJndZoD
"Well, it w-wouldn't be too wrong to d-do the same, would it?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAy4M6Ck2Uxk
"No, we can take turns doing each other's hair. That seems hella fun!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAd36z76bfT4
"O-okay!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANATgjPddkGYK
Isabelle finds some combs, brushes, and hair accessories.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAAicammtwua
"N-now, what kind of hairstyle would you want?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAJnkKyaXPDs
"Something simple, I guess. Not trying to impress anyone.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAY5nwOxq21N
Isabelle gets to unbraiding Catherine's hair, carefully and gracefully taking it apart. In the middle of brushing however, Isabelle stops.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAm7LAiG0CWx
"Uhm...Catherine?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAaPe3eoxRhv
"Yeah?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAvgOKviZ5wi
"There's a m-mark or something...on your neck.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAew3Maeq9dA
"Huh? What does it look like?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANArzpe4e81i7
"It l-looks like something scratched you... you didn't g-get attacked b-by anything, did you?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAjf5y3isqZt
Catherine scratches her neck once again.
"I dunno, I thought I just had an allergic reaction to something yesterday, that's when it started itching like crazy.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAYpaPmOTYyA
"D-Do you have any allergies?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANATRcMukJyBc
"I'm not supposed to."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA7W4hsGfsvs
"...Oh my.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAPUZG5sO1YN
"I'm not too worried about it... it'll clear up soon..."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAYndq1E8AFh
"...If you say so.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAG2PkIpTKR8
Isabelle continues to brush and straighten Catherine's hair. Before she knew it, Isabelle was already putting a flower pin neatly upon her head.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAuRKKdRwLrE
Isabelle puts a mirror in front of her face. "T-Tada!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAucb97Ogl2l
"Oh damn. That's actually really good."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA0weUp3axvY
"T-thank you.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANApvsFQNJcUk
They switch positions, with Catherine sitting behind Isabelle to do her hair.
381Please respect copyright.PENANATsXGRzJ7kx
"Is there anything specific you want to get?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANA9bRPBkcfAv
"U-Uhm.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAwfD1jy2SZN
"Oh wait, I actually learned how to do this one hairstyle, French roll or something like that?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAU3WxudG9m4
"Okay, that one t-then.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAa0yPE9GA0Q
"Alright."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAboULnHTEyZ
Catherine gathers all of Isabelle's hair, pulling it together, wrapping it around itself, until it looks like the hairstyle.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAEjE65p170F
"Crap, I don't have any hair pins.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA4ghtSmKj3Z
"D-don't worry, I have a backup.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA5Y6bjYvR8i
With her Gift, Isabelle sews the updo together until it fits securely, then places her own pin into her head.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA1G6bS9YNxi
"...That works too.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6IDtBdwRT
Both the boys suddenly walk back into the closet. Arsenio's hair was no longer covering his eye, but instead pulled back to where someone could see both.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAj9sHQuFd5t
"I still don't get why you did this, it was fine as it is.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAhc2jpWcCPN
"Trust me, thou would rather look like this."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAdCBRlpRE7P
"I see the boys didn't have a good time picking out hairstyles." Catherine taunted.
381Please respect copyright.PENANARJmSJ8AHPS
"T-They do seem to be in a debate.." Isabelle added.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA403OZ6YuJu
"It's gonna take forever to put my hair back now.." Arsenio protested.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAh6hGc1JVic
"Let's not w-worry about that... we're supposed t-to have fun.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA5IOYFsmFTj
"Yeah, I guess that's true..."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAxMRKYzqyfX
There was thirty more minutes left. Still plenty of time to waste. Chrono comes back to check on them.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAn3FmtlK1EO
"Ah, looking exquisite Prodigies!" Chrono praises them. "I'm sure you'll be the best looking ones out there!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAtc9KTrq3S7
"Eh, I doubt it, but I feel a lot prettier in this poofy thing.." Catherine flutters the ends of her dress.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAyWlCZmPKAI
"Ah, don't be so modest, you look great!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAR8fbVh0Mvv
"Well, we still have lots of time. What should we do until then?" Arsenio asks.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAZCHWsSa5V9
"Why wait?" Chrono asks. "I can manipulate time at will. I'll just skip time a few minutes.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA74B7VLD6G2
Chrono raises his arms. Their breathing gets faster, no, everything they did became quicker than their eyes can see, then abruptly...it all stops. The bells ring once again.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAOEf1VsBl7F
"...That was...strange."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAECy4z8CvN7
"Let's go. The ceremony's about to start."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA76K6VsaLZP
Catherine pushes Chrono out of the door. "We're right behind you, don't worry."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAv0p7diC3mU
Chrono sighs, stands in a more noble-like pose, and walks out with same neutral face as before. The Prodigies start walking similarly, standing on the sidelines as they got to the end of the golden aisle.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAWzU78If9XW
The crowd begins to applaud as Verna appears behind Chrono. She clears her throat.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAJiOUAHLB0m
"Welcome everyone, to Chrono's coronation. It's been a while since we've had one of these, huh?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANARNrbyesVi0
The crowd erupted into light laughter.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAAnOw8Meqd9
"Anyways," she continued. "let's get to the best part."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAgtERFU3JME
She turns Chrono around, hold his hands gently.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAe75tViUfrm
"Do you solemnly swear, as long as you live, that you will fairly rule over the Time Realm?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAr7UmWMV8Ej
Chrono silently nods.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAWPA4iKrfnM
Verna releases his hands, opens her own, and in them, appears an extravagant crown which seemed to glow in the light.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAPQXN0ZQnSo
"Well then," she places it upon his head. "..you are now Father Time."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA0wtlrz6qgB
Everyone explodes into cheers. The Prodigies couldn't help but clap along.
381Please respect copyright.PENANACZ5M9RofhO
"Now, let us commence. Grab a partner, for the party is about to begin!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAKgv7E1GkI5
Groups begin to pull apart into parties of two, music begins to fade in.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA3jVCRKvRrx
Catherine feels fluttery from the tension.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAW5lkwwdH1l
"...Is something the matter Catherine?" Nathaniel's voice seemed louder than the opening song softly playing in background, the duos of dancers twirling around like a top.
381Please respect copyright.PENANArKzWmosiaF
"I just...never danced before. I just sat in the back of the room drinking punch and looking at everyone else at prom." she returned, sadly chuckling. "Speaking of which...I should go do that now."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAnmQjkGMkX6
She trudges off to a table, which had some people conversing between each other, and some cool punch standing on a table. Catherine brainlessly takes a cup, picks up the golden ladle, and puts the drink in the cup before taking a sip, like she always does.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAC51ePqYkw1
She tries to find familiar people swimming through the crowd like fish in water. Catherine is lost in thought as she took another sip, the cool temperature of the drink removing the clawing tension from her head and shoulders.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAZEQ3RSFjmD
"Does thou plan to do this at every party?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAixkZdDK1Ra
Catherine finds the source of the tension. She knew Nathaniel was standing behind her the entire time. Without looking back, she responds.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA2pjmMsDS7n
"I don't have anything else to do. Why'd you follow me anyway?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAsvdx05mpdM
"I actually came here for a pastry.." he reaches behind her to grab a tart from the tray on the table, taking a bite and getting jam and whipped cream on his face.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAjoC4Nvoy32
"Nate, you dumbass..."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAultVt3bkAY
"Hm?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAjl0JRctObd
"You have jam and crap all over your face.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAQVaPSgI4rZ
She pulls a napkin, and is just about to hand it to him, when a voice yells in pain, quieting the party to silence.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAtIFbnUGToh
"...What's going on?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAPg3w6Zir28
"I am not sure."
381Please respect copyright.PENANA1XgciXC0P8
"...Boost me."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAP8YkLRGYjJ
"What?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAN9mhyXjVJJ
Catherine struggles to climb up Nathaniel. Once she reaches his shoulders, her eyes catch something unexpected.
381Please respect copyright.PENANANZDvilg3q2
"It's...Chrono.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAEN1myzDNiX
The two push participants out of the way.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAkrhO6dp2Ix
"I was worried about his hands and..." a girl whispered towards them.
381Please respect copyright.PENANABRkzFM6c3Y
"Don't worry, we've got this."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAjy9XqKnOjC
It seems like his Gift was finally coming into play.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA86XNtpIyb0
"Chrono...are you alright?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAMhD2e30oS5
Chrono grabs the edge of Catherine's dress to pull himself up.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAO1l0CX4idW
"I'm fine, really! My Gift just... activated all on it's own.."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAs8e3SAlUYx
As he stands up, everyone could see his Gift's true form. His face was plated halfway with gold, just as his arms were.
381Please respect copyright.PENANA0bR5DaffoL
"But seriously, I'm fine!"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAZ790bJ4ZlJ
More of his face became jagged.
381Please respect copyright.PENANATY4ymOknnY
"... Let's go. Nate, you get Arsenio and Isabelle."
381Please respect copyright.PENANAKX5wEcCPip
Catherine pulled Chrono away from the party, taking him back the House of Father Time.
381Please respect copyright.PENANAaZw9q27Dva
"Okay, Chrono...what happened?"
381Please respect copyright.PENANAitzKDBpcpT
"I-I think the stress...plus the demonstration from this morning..."
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Nathaniel and the others enter the room as more of Chrono's face became encased into more gold. His clothing began to rip as thorns began poking through.
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"C-Chrono? Are you okay?"
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"I-I am f-fine, Prodigies...this is just what happens...It's a little painful, though..."
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More barbs rip around his body, horns even start to curve from his head.
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"O-Oh goodness.."
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"I just have to...fight it. I can't hurt anyone if..."
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His breathing gets heavier than stones.
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"Is there anyone we can get for help?"
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"You don't need to bring anyone. Just...leave before it.."
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Without thinking, Chrono threw a glass from a table right beside him.
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"Okay okay! Let's calm down.." Arsenio says, recovering from dodging.
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"I-I can't! It's going to..."
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The Prodigies prepare themselves, but they were still unprepared for Chrono's unpredictable speed as he dashed at Catherine and threw her out of the window behind them.
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Catherine simply used Phasing to break her fall, diving into the floor.
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The voice from before called again. "There she is again!"
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"...Who the hell are you? What do you want?"
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She saw a stripe of bright cyan wave past her. Catherine tried desperately to find where the line went.
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"...Behind you.."
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Catherine turned around to see the menacing face of a dragon staring back at her. She was about to take a breath to scream.
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"Hey, don't scream. I just want to know how you got here."
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Catherine confusingly looks.
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"This is my Gift...I can phase through crap like it's water. I broke my fall from a building.."
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"Oh, you must be the person I marked yesterday. Makes sense, I guess.."
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"M-Marked?"
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"That itch you could never satisfy." It points towards Catherine's neck.
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"...Wait, that was you?"
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The serpent playfully clears it's throat before bellowing menacingly.
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"Allow me to become you, and I shall spare your life!"
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"...Do I get other abilities other than falling through stuff?"
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The dragon shrugs. "I think so?"
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"Great. Come on then."
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It phases through Catherine, unlocking a surge of energy and power within her.
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Catherine climbs out of the dimension as the others were looking for her.
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"Sorry if I scared you guys.."
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"Catherine! Y-you're okay!"
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"Yeah, I just got a new friend."
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The dragon only appeared as a ghost coiled around her body.
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"And her name is?"
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"Not sure.."
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Like a ghost, the dragon swapped her soul with Catherine's.
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"Piravit. My name is Piravit, the Spiritual Dragon of Phasing. I have chosen Catherine here as my host..."
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"Thou is...possessing her.."
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"Oh no, she agreed to this. It's more of a symbiotic relationship. I get to go to stay here in her body, and she gets my strength."
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"Cool. Now...about him.."
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Arsenio points at the shattered window that Catherine fell out of.
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Chrono's roar echoed throughout the realm as he perched on the window.
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"Oi! You have some explaining to do!"
Catherine says as she takes back control of her body.
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"...Catherine, that's the Time Beast!"
Piravit says as a echoing voice inside her head.
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"Eh? That's Chrono, that's just his Gift."
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"Like you, he's been marked. If he sees me with you, he'll kill us both!"
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As on cue, Chrono jumps down right in front of Catherine, as if analyzing her. Then with angry aura, throws her again.
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Catherine hits the ground, tumbling.
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She struggles to pick herself up, as Chrono runs towards her.
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"What the hell did you do for him to get pissed off?"
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The dragon goes back to it's spiritual state.
"Sooo, about 2,000 years ago...I made a bet with him...I kinda lost said bet and I hid in the Phasing Dimension until someone strong enough could become my host... hehe.."
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"You have gotta be kidding me!"
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"But don't worry! I'm sure if we beat him, he'll come to his senses!"
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Chrono pulls a punch towards them, only to be stopped by Isabelle's thread.
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"C-Chrono! You h-have to come t-to your senses!"
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"Get off!" He returns in a ferocious roar as he cuts the thread with his nails. Isabelle, pained, has to step back and catch her breath.
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"I-I'm sorry...I can't k-keep him still..."
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"It's alright! You've spared me some time!"
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"Let me take over!" Piravit immediately pulls Catherine out, becoming the one in control.
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As soon as Chrono began a barrage of punches, Piravit pulls away, but was able to only dodge a few before tanking them.
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"He's way too fast! I can't get a hit on him!"
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As Chrono kept punching her in the chest, Piravit, in Catherine's body, was thinking of ideas, pondering as hard as her breathing.
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Piravit begins to punch rapidly in response, until the two stop.
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"I have to say..." Piravit states tauntingly. " You've given me quite the workout since I left my dimension-"
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While it's still in the middle of it's sentence, Chrono begins to attack again, as Piravit had to take what seemed to be dozens of punches at once.
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"So, p-playing dirty are we?"
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Chrono responds with an angry, but silent, glare.
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"Great, I like games without rules..."
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Piravit phases back into the floor. When they return to the Phasing Dimension, the two separate.
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"Okay, so new plan..."
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Catherine coughs as she feels the after effects of earlier.
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"You better think of something and fast..."
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"There's one last thing we can do, but you have to follow a specific set of rules and-"
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"Nevermind... I'll figure something out.."
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Catherine jumps from the dimension and behind Chrono, where she sneakily kicks him.
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Piravit follows shortly behind her.
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She kneels down towards Chrono.
"Well? Are you having fun yet? Not fun being attacked without noticing, huh?"
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Chrono swipes at Catherine's arm, barely cutting her.
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"...Nah. Didn't think so.." she says, standing up. "Didn't know you'd get this bad.."
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She picks him up. "Come on. Let's finish this so you can go back to normal at least. I have things to do.."
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Catherine stands in a fighting position.
"I'll only use my power alone."
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"Then allow me to join you." Arsenio says, standing beside her.
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"What are you gonna do, flirt him to death?"
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"I actually had something else in mind.."
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Arsenio was finally able to conjure a Gift, as an arm cannon faded to fit on top of his hand.
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"I wanted to test this thing, you know?"
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"...Whatever."
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"Come forward..." Chrono says menacingly.
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"Whatever you say, your Majesty."
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As the two-on-one began, more of the participants of the ceremony began to watch from a distance.
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"Seems like we've made quite an audience.."
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"Let's make this the best coronation the Time Realm has ever seen.."
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The two Prodigies went two different directions, hoping for one of them to leave an opening for the other, but Chrono had a few more abilities to use to his disposal.
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With a sharp yell, time itself began to slow.
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"Damnit! We're stuck until.."
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Chrono begins his attack while they're stuck midair within the clutches of time. Catherine can feel the struggle as she tries to move and break herself free, to no avail.
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She feels the true strength of Chrono as he lands multiple attacks, the pain settling in before she could react. Chrono snaps his fingers, releasing time from it's statue. The sharp, deep pains only burned more as she fell.
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"...I don't think we're gonna make it if he keeps stopping time like that.." She says, spitting up blood and standing up.
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Arsenio reveals the power of his own Gift, as a fiery beam escaped from his hands as a brilliant red. It took Chrono's mind off of Catherine as he tries to block the flame beam with his bare arms.
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Catherine jumps up.
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"You're welcome!" Arsenio says from afar.
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"Thanks! Keep looking for openings!"
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As Arsenio keeps circling the area, and the crowd becomes more congested, Catherine continues to fight, dodging and landing punches. She even managed to crack the golden frame that latched onto Chrono's face. The both of them couldn't tell if they were trembling from fatigue or excitement. Their legs were just about to give in, when Chrono stops attacking.
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"A-alright...you've proven your worth.."
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"Is this Chrono we're speaking to?" Arsenio asks as his Gift charges up once again and picks Catherine up.
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"I-I'm not sure.."
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"Make sure you're sure. I'd hate to hit you with this thing for no reason."
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"I'm in the conscious of Chrono yes, but..." he looks at his hands and feels against face. "I don't know what body I'm in anymore.."
More cracks split the golden covering, from head to toe.
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Chrono shakes his head. "N-nevermind! Let us continue with the celebration, yes?"
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"To be honest, I'm worn out..."
Catherine huffed. "You're like...crazy strong."
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"I-I'll make it up to you, I swear!"
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Piravit peeks from the floor. "Can I come out now?"
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"Depends.." Chrono says. "Are you willing to take your side of the deal?"
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"Eep!" Piravit says, coiling itself around Catherine and hiding behind her. "A-Ah! My part of the deal...?"
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"You shall give me full entry to your dimension. That was your promise to me."
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"...Fine. But you can't keep using Chrono as a vessel for your battles."
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Chrono stares for a second, before hitting the ground, parts of his golden shell chipping off.
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The Time Beast appears as a ghost, similar to Piravit, above Chrono's body. His body pulls from the floor, as he dusts himself off.
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"He's suppressed his power...I think."
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"Wait, they have a gender?"
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"Yeah..." Piravit answered. "It is quite obvious that I'm female. No whiskers, see?"
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"I guess.."
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"Catherine! Arsenio!" Isabelle says, stumbling her own feet. "A-Are you two alright?"
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"I'm good. Not sure about Catherine though."
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"Nah, I'll be alright. I don't think he broke anything."
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Nathaniel also approaches them with another tart in hand.
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"Nate! You just had one of those things!"
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"I must try every single flavor." He says taking another giant bite.
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"..M-Maybe we should g-go.."
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"Are you sure? We can just...continue the party as normal.."
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Arsenio shrugs. "Seems like a plan to me."
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Slowly, the music begins to play. Partners begin to group together. It was like the party was uninterrupted the entire time.
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The Prodigies were peppered with compliments of their strength, but eventually, the other participants calmed down and went back to chat amongst themselves. The Prodigies had fun eating and dancing to the music that wafted throughout the realm air.
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After the party, the Prodigies carried Chrono back into the House of Father Time.
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"Thank you, you four. Hopefully I can get around with solving some of your Timebreaker problems sometime!"
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"We'd greatly appreciate it. We don't know how strong the next one'll be."
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Chrono waves them away as they go back to the Sanctuary. Ezra was already asleep when they returned, wrapped up in a blanket.
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"Well, we should get some rest too."
Catherine announced.
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"Way ahead of you." Arsenio says, dropping into the bed.
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Everyone puts themselves to bed for the night, and the Prodigies fall asleep.
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Silently, in the middle of the night, someone's Tempural Energy swarmed the room...
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To be continued in Prodigy: Casters of Time: Chapter 4
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