"Chrono, how far away are we from the fish lady?" Catherine asks, struggling to keep her head above water.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAZpQpFHrOMC
"I'm not quite sure. We'll need a better strategy in order to get there faster and spare the people some casualties.." Chrono replies.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAipUi8OBakq
305Please respect copyright.PENANAtmFifXiNqZ
The rain poured down even more with every shriek Noelani made.
305Please respect copyright.PENANApDjkAQy7rc
At that moment, the both of them knew what they needed to do. They swapped their souls with their respective deities, and their almost invincible bodies made it possible for them to swim underwater without issues.
305Please respect copyright.PENANANDx7JWnikq
305Please respect copyright.PENANANMsnRvfHg9
Approaching the siren, Piravit tries her best to cover the Time Beast while he prepares his attack.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAxOlCdB78Hq
With a hearty roar from Piravit, the waves of water split away from the two, as a rift to the Phasing Dimension creates a crater of protection around the entire city.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAd0shy3hxcp
Time Beast had began his attack, starting with the Roar of Time, which stopped everything.
305Please respect copyright.PENANARy2F8fiP5M
For the first time, Piravit and Chrono worked together to fight the Timebreaker Noelani.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAhk8WxRoCau
They landed hit after hit to damage the Timebreaker, and when the time returned, Noelani, in pain, screeched another horrid song.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA3g5urR5kgS
More rain rushes to the ground. Chrono had to stop time once again to relieve the pressure of the rain.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAREnZDQMD1W
"This will not end well. We have to go back in time and try again...but..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA8mNO3JYRIh
"What?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANA7O0Q2ryyxk
"We'll have to move even quicker to avoid repeating this."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAcJAtF0z8e4
305Please respect copyright.PENANAK7L7I6WZ7j
"...I can do that."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA40YtqkyDTR
305Please respect copyright.PENANAWX8CgBAe0Z
"Good."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAY2z78TzM6q
With a similar roar, time itself began to slow, then repeat itself in reverse. Catherine had barely any time to blink before they were back at her dorm, but this time, she had no time to stall.
305Please respect copyright.PENANApmt9veX9VS
She threw open the door, where Chrono appeared by her side. Catherine and Chrono sprinted towards the opening rift of time. Rain began to pour again.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAolOvFqnapU
"At least it's not as bad as was before.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAxfaOsicgdn
"We just have to stop Noelani before she manages to fully insert herself into the Human Realm.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAJ8scxedP5h
Chrono, in his normal form, stops time once again.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAa2VVZbGbuT
"Hurry Catherine! Run as quickly as possible! Get as close as you can!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAHt7M2seGbh
"What the hell? Why aren't you coming with me?!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANA55xBQNfVf9
"I'll tell you later! Just please, go!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAlARuTcH1VQ
Catherine, concerned and a bit afraid, pulled herself together and calls on the powers of the Phasing Dragon, letting the cyan flames envelope her hands.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAz59jBv58rQ
Within seconds, Catherine pulls punch after punch, kick after kick, getting in as much damage as possible.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAWEpyi1RcJR
Chrono's time stop began to fade away, as the strain was beginning to be too much. Chrono's next move was to run as fast as he can to Catherine to aid her.
305Please respect copyright.PENANADi5V54Qkd5
Catherine had just been blown away with the small gust that the hurricane had brought.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAHtSry6Jaqd
Catherine's face, arms and legs were covered in dirt and scrapes.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAtjhhxZqXOT
"Ow..." she stands up and turns to Chrono as a slight annoyed look flew across her face. "What the hell are you standing there for!?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANA4IaJEfE5C8
Chrono fumbles with a secret satchel that he had stored for events like this. He then pulls out a dagger, the blade's shape zigzagged like the thunderbolts flickering among the sky.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA2vtTgc1Hb2
"Quick! Catch!" Chrono then slides the blade closer to her. "Infuse your energy into that blade! It's the only thing I have that could possibly stop her!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAExxe6VFQ8Y
Catherine swipes it from the moist ground, as cyan energy began forming a longer blade around the original one.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA6IR1j3P6tB
Catherine's face became stern with determination.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAToFEQ95GIr
"Now Noelani...get the hell out of here!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAxOzFSzVVR1
She runs as fast as she can with hilt in hand and begins to throw the sword, but as soon as she let it go.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA7Seufm7dIC
It pierced flesh, but not from who she was hitting.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAMYxyT8mZXL
Nathaniel immediately staggers while the others began to roll up to his side.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAOI8KiveT64
"Nathaniel! A-Are you okay?" Isabelle cries.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAzTRMMnWXBf
"I am fine, Isabelle." Nathaniel slowly begins to pull the blade from his shoulder.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAkkCf9gPMYT
"Nate, don't! You'll bleed out!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAF8Xsp54Nn0
"I will survive until that happens..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA7f9007MyqY
The dagger was torn out as Nathaniel drops to his knees. When the other Prodigies tried to get him back to his feet, he refused their attempt to help.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA99HcQs3Dq5
"Sorry for being late. We didn't realize something was wrong until just now..."
Kenzo said, using his chains to protect himself from the rain.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA9KFi6HLRsb
Catherine takes the now bloodied blade from the ground in front of Nathaniel, reactivating the cyan blade.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAAjM6rT6txn
The Prodigies, now reunited, take a fighting stance.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAhXwBXbix1D
Noelani cocks her head in curiosity, then with a song, the pouring rain became a light drizzle.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAu7vjaVAV8x
"...She's giving us a fair fight." Arsenio says, pushing his hands into his pocket.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAf85tEXm4U9
"Like she had a chance. She's still outnumbered, one to five!" Kenzo states, pulling out his chained scythes.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAv02Kh0l61N
That's when Verna's voice yelled from behind.
305Please respect copyright.PENANADtOvqcRhyC
"Don't lower your guard!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAf9he1iTCvM
"V-Verna?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAmPZXvZHmd5
"T-Tempus: Cessatio!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAVqcAnaV9iu
That's when time stops, including the Prodigies.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAbMc46fWlpK
The Timekeeper floats closer to the group, pushing them aside, but too focused on her students to notice, she accidentally returns time to normal..
305Please respect copyright.PENANASqdhwPHJ9H
Suddenly, a strong barrage of thunderbolts began stomping down towards Verna, each bolt becoming even more stronger and painful than the last.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAlxIx58fWSs
With each strike, Verna gets more hurt until her golden white hair is completely disheveled.
305Please respect copyright.PENANARgBSHTiCU5
Verna ends up on her knees, staring into space.
305Please respect copyright.PENANApdNDq4Ar5f
"No...no...you can't...be serious..." Catherine whispered in disbelief.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAuzv8V3Vz1n
The rain had completely stopped. As her body struggled to breathe, Verna looked to the sky with tears welling in her eyes.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAJs8ZkedjZM
"Prodigies..thank you..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAX9mbzM23gl
Verna gave them a small smile, knowing that her life wouldn't be the same.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA7oacxCLy85
"I've done the last thing I wanted to do for myself...dying protecting the Prodigies I tried tirelessly to train and grow fond of."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAtlntXwgsjN
Verna's face turns to sadness as she begins to look at the darkness in front of her.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAD4PdILgyDW
"...I wish we could've stayed together a little longer...I never really got to know you five...personally.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAnNgsqe474D
She blinks her tears away.
305Please respect copyright.PENANArrPAKeqp6X
Noticing the golden white cracks in her skin, Verna calls out a name to atmosphere above.
305Please respect copyright.PENANALS2cbpTidw
"...Eran..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA544Wfnbuyl
The Prodigies were extremely confused, but stood frozen in place.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAr1c7LE72LU
"... I'm coming back...don't worry...I'll be there, I promise..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAae7E9ywNxO
Catherine couldn't stay quiet any longer.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA59CnRfLcpP
"Who the hell is-"
305Please respect copyright.PENANANT0Ec2rNid
Nathaniel holds her back.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAY6boFVf7uE
"...Now is not the time for your remarks, Catherine..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAH3IettyxeF
"You know what, I'm sick and damn tired of you, Nathaniel!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAyHtNhflwPZ
"Me?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAg38V0orMk5
"Ever since we've met, you've been the sharpest thorn in my side!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANALGrVH1EvNk
"P-P-Prodigies..." Verna interrupted her rant. "There's n-no need to fight...I know you're confused and scared, but don't put that on your peers..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAbEF9MsQv1y
Her face continues to shatter like glass.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAankbrsGHOD
"I know someone who can help... you'll have to trek a dangerous path, but I know you five together will make it to him..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAp0oxpZDF4h
She pulls the watch shakily, pulling out a folded sheet of paper, handing it to Catherine. Shattered pieces clattered to the ground as she knelt down even more.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAHNeFuqgax1
"A-And Prodigies...one more thing..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAxYUhRlgBB6
A dazzling light began to envelope Verna as the Prodigies reach out to her. The last of her tears trickle down her cheeks as she muttered out her last words.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAXiZrorPq5r
"...Don't give up. Fix the Fabric of Time, even if it takes a lifetime.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAkPOJ4NLD3s
She takes the watch from her neck and hands it to Nathaniel, who took it with hesitation.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAz2iApzfa4H
"I'm leaving the power of stopping time to you Nathaniel..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAq4zsWZmzCo
Catherine and the others stood back as fear and solemn struck their hearts.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAKfQn868gzq
Her skin...became that of porcelain, the final word she spoke forever plastered into a cold statue of death.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAi0Vm11vyYD
A warm light floated above it, but as soon as hope seemed to fill the Prodigies, Noelani swiped it from the air, before looking at the five with a stern look.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAa7d9t8yiTo
"N-No! Wait!" Catherine attempted to stop her.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA6YTwLslDao
The siren ignored her attempt though, and returned to the warp she came from, leaving the street a flooded mess, and the Prodigies with Verna's soulless statue.
305Please respect copyright.PENANANIMYW2Ytgk
Catherine could see Nathaniel grip the watch that Verna had gifted him. It's rims reflected the now shining sun's light, but no matter how bright the sun was, it wouldn't stop the somber shadow that cast upon the spirits of the Prodigies.
305Please respect copyright.PENANApmjpGpCWCE
***
305Please respect copyright.PENANAvgA7fs7qpp
It was days after, and the Prodigies, still stricken with grief, split up to their own Time Periods.
305Please respect copyright.PENANABFo0lzbMJ0
Catherine was back at home, helping Talia with her studies and hanging out with her.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAVD4BnGqKya
That's when a time warp opens with the other four Prodigies returning to her side.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAPbbUa6PKB5
Nathaniel wore the Timekeeper watch around his neck, holding his original watch in his hand.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAEWsd9YJXEw
Arsenio was carrying Isabelle as she slept, with Ezra watching him like a hawk.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAINSDp2TCIc
"Hey guys..." Catherine says, slumping back in the cushion of her couch.
305Please respect copyright.PENANATMVUiQOnPJ
"...It is time to leave."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA7NPafkUyIe
Nathaniel says this while placing his watch on the table, motioning her to return to the Sanctuary with them.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA4OcIwJ1gyB
"Talia, if you ever want to join us, just put on the watch, alright?" Kenzo states with a small smile.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAd2SZGmKXxq
Talia glances at the watch, then the group.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAHwuEKfY1aX
"I'll think about it.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAwFiO7HnArm
Catherine stands up from her seat, placing a hand on Talia's shoulder.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAwpEQMq5GxY
"Think about it before you decide on this. Don't come along just because. Things are bound to happen where we're going."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAhl4Xhr0yYB
"Things like?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANA4ds4hAm1sy
"I don't even know if we'll all survive. Verna said it's a dangerous place.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAKmq4tNoBQB
Talia nods. "Alright..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAFpyAVp7e94
Catherine looks behind her as the other Prodigies slowly push their way back to the Time Realm, then follows behind. The warp closes behind her.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAtE0GCO99We
Back at the Sanctuary, the stuffy air of tension kept them from speaking to one another, so when Kenzo stood up, looking quite annoyed, it startled the rest.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAkJ8LW6W5LB
"We shouldn't stay quiet like this! We need to prepare for our journey!"
305Please respect copyright.PENANALHL69FAWnp
"W-what?" Isabelle said, more tired than ever.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAawb9NooHaw
"If we just sit here without doing anything to avenge Verna or fixing the Fabric of Time, what are we Prodigies for?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANA0cdsKPNLGV
"I don't think you've noticed, but-" Arsenio began to say.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAHgWFP9KbV2
"I know what I've noticed, Arsenio. We need to get up. Right now."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA50pu01AQfx
Slowly but surely, every Prodigy stood up.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAjwBZyx3fk6
"Nathaniel, you're the leader. You tell us what we need to do next."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAVMVnCInjKa
Nathaniel calmly dusts himself off and clears his throat, before directing the other Prodigies.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAMJXxjCMbff
"We leave at dawn." He says with his back turned, before perching on the ceiling beam to read a book. The other Prodigies left to their own hobbies, Isabelle, Arsenio, and Ezra all taking a time warp to another place, and Kenzo silently leaving the Sanctuary.
305Please respect copyright.PENANATjcUNxolVd
Catherine decided this was the perfect time to mess with Nathaniel. She tries to jump up as similarly to him as possible, only to slip when she stepped higher.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAkNuW0ZMtq6
Nathaniel was just about to flip to the next page when he noticed Catherine's struggle. He rolls his eyes and pulls her up, before leading her to the other nook which was similar to his.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA9gDNMY1RHv
Before she climbed to the other end, she snatched the book from his hands and began flipping through the pages.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA6BkMlg8AyV
"Whatcha reading Nathaniel?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAvfmxx6zgRw
"Return that book to me, Catherine."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAw1XvLrSYBX
She mischievously giggled and continued to suspend herself by her legs while she continues to scan the book.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAoJMXs7N0pu
"Catherine.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAHk5YcqKgT0
"It doesn't seem that interesting."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAXhPPFO16CU
"Everyone has their tastes..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA6NTzd31FYs
"Well, I can't understand it. I think it's in French."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAha0JEeMZM4
"It is. That is my first language."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAQfQ56Q1Kwi
She hands him back the book. "That's cool, I guess.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAJFGtLihIlA
She climbs to the other ceiling beam, uncomfortably sitting in it's corner.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAvXCOI1zayJ
"How the hell do you sit like this? This is super uncomfortable..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAZMWiFf2zRq
"Thou does not have to keep thine feet on the perch as well. If thou happens to fall-"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAOA2d7w017y
"I've got it. While we're here, let's teach you some modern English so you can stop speaking in Shakespeare."
305Please respect copyright.PENANANmox1qAPN0
Her change of subject changed so quickly, Nathaniel couldn't keep track of what she was saying.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAvtmaz3fvao
"Pardon?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAM0aro3DzzC
She sits horizontally to the perch, facing towards Nathaniel.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAjrMiqMppsR
"It's really easy, we just have to change a couple words. Instead of thou, you'd say you, and thine would be yours."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAMwK01WbK2d
"...Why change my dialect if you-"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAtfYrRZBpEo
Nathaniel stops. He realized Catherine had already brainwashed him into speaking modern English.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAuwKLsS4lXt
"See? You'll be speaking like us in no time!"
Catherine laughed.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAaB86sB3dwF
Nathaniel scowled at her half- jokingly. "You witch... you have tricked me."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAnTq3zRG12M
He noticed how easily the words easily slipped from his tongue. Nathaniel tries to keep himself from speaking any further.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAdL5H6IFNhK
"I knew you could do it. Good job Nate."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAcA7UAKPdz8
Nathaniel couldn't choose if he wanted to be angry with Catherine, frustrated with himself, or astonished at how easily he learned.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAt11XhVsMED
He succumbed to the dilemma, silently sticking his nose back into his book. Catherine jumps from the height of the near ceiling, bouncing onto her bed.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA6sIRh8etdW
"Time well spent, eh Nathaniel?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAPa9tHQWkpx
He stays silent.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAT2d7w0F8Bs
She lays back, taking a deep sigh of relief.
305Please respect copyright.PENANABQ4PJ37jA0
"Y'know, you're not too bad after all. To think you were some pompous prick.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA97xSn7FwUD
"I am glad you think that way.." He says, flipping again to another page.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAlYZu2GD2Yw
The tension started to pile again.
"... About the thing I said...that day..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAFlDFxfyYRE
"What about it?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAqhhmGPH4HH
"I don't feel like I really meant that. When I'm angry, I lash out at other people...it helps me calm down, I guess?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAzXjeAhNKaf
She leans up to look Nathaniel in the face.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm sorry..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAlMByLHOSuF
Nathaniel darts his eyes towards her.
"It is...fine. It was a stressful situation, after all."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAcctxkHoK0A
That's when a time warp appeared. Arsenio, Isabelle, and Ezra all walked through it, all holding a drink in hand.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAVUL5MI3tFZ
"You two are still here?" Ezra asks, head turned to one side in confusion. "I thought you and Kenzo would be out there together..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAlAHLwAVRKR
"A-Are you two alright?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAU0iZeIEWYO
"Uhh...yeah. We're just having small talk, I guess.." Catherine looks at the bubble tea the three had in their grip.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAOforKGBE7B
"Whatcha got there?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAiHnyTizfN3
Arsenio takes a drink before answering.
"Just bubble tea. They said they wanted one of their own, so I went to buy them one.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAFMNEz4YZfk
Isabelle nods, proving what Arsenio said was fact.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAlxEAve8hx7
"I-It's very delicious..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA9AHWWiljjr
Arsenio drinks again from his own beverage.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAjym3HHgxQv
"Where's Kenzo?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANA2F1GcKVNRX
"I dunno, he left at the same time as you three."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA4yD61jejzt
"He'll be b-back, I'm sure of it.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAbhQ8gMMTb7
"Yeah, that goofball always comes back somehow.."
305Please respect copyright.PENANA3g20eVNoB1
As if on cue, Kenzo slowly opens the door to the Sanctuary.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAIxs7b73sv5
"Are we ready to leave?" Kenzo asks. "Why are you guys standing?"
305Please respect copyright.PENANAJAdJa9NJWw
"No, neither mentally nor physically. We were just talking." Nathaniel states.
305Please respect copyright.PENANA8ohNd6Adgj
"Oh..."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAJzMTlVAvIW
"But we should sleep either way. If we want to be well rested, that is." Ezra says.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAsJebEBxH7S
"Then it's settled." Kenzo states. "Let's head to bed."
305Please respect copyright.PENANAEiiKG6HSaK
All five Prodigies prepare for bed. Only the day had things to bring to them.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAmqdxItBMh6
Sleep consumed the Prodigies almost as much as their fear and nervousness. Were they all going to survive by the time they get to the top? Who was this friend of Verna and how will they help them bring back her soul?
305Please respect copyright.PENANAFP6dksirdq
These were questions scrambling around in the Prodigies head as they held their eyes shut.
305Please respect copyright.PENANAY6Llb6d7NH
To be continued in Prodigy: Casters of Time Chapter 6
305Please respect copyright.PENANA6jeYGPnaXw
305Please respect copyright.PENANASLpU8ETwvF
305Please respect copyright.PENANA2l43PUu6ba