"Rise and shine, Prodigies!" Verna's peppy voice awoken the group. "Let's get ready for the coronation of Father Time today!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAyajgsajQaY
Catherine scratches her neck as she pushes the quilt off. "Coronation?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAC8BamwdiVP
"Apparently, a new Father Time is to be crowned today." Nathaniel states, stretching.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA9Qtzlmuzyi
"Your mission today is to just watch over the new guy before the celebration begins. Pretty easy, right?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAccU44AZIy3
"Wait...our job today is to be a goddamn babysitter?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAZnEU7L7UaH
"If that's how you view it, yes. But as a reward, you get to go to the after-party!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA5EoRuYGtqq
"That at least solves dinner..." Ezra thinks aloud.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAMEpYZKL075
"Breakfast will be served once you get there, so just put on your clothes and shoes and...look a little presentable.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANABja4vb39yS
"No prob.." Arsenio says. "Let me just get my morning tea before I go.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAexhUyKhn6R
"T-Tea?" Isabelle asks while brushing her hair.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAq6s9EXuakp
"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."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA90rPJCZldr
"...Alright then..." Arsenio says, slowly sitting down and sliding his hands in his coat pockets. "I'll just wait until later then.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANApqs6uwDW3s
"Is everyone ready?" Verna asks, peeking into the room as she does so.
427Please respect copyright.PENANArjUpSIt4CM
"I think so.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAL0bLYFHh9Y
"Good, good!" she fully opens the doors to let the Prodigies out. "Then, let's go, shall we?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAzNZFDofQHw
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAn6ngQ2GpfE
"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."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAEwP8bxj3t1
"...Is it because he's blonde?" Catherine remarked.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAtMC6kwh6VO
"... That might have had a influence on the nickname, yes."
427Please respect copyright.PENANANEdinm7rKe
They watched as walked stone faced across to the home of Father Time.
427Please respect copyright.PENANADysOJVNJS1
"Let's go." Verna says, instructing them to follow Chrono.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAXbTxCwqDfz
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAvTMUp9aZYz
"Hello?" Catherine waited for a response.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAOdsiJDCmSg
"J-Just a minute!" A voice called out before crashing and falling is heard. Then, from the stairs emerged Chrono.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAHaOYjU8SO4
"Verna, very nice to see you again. And these four might be?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAVmRKNd99sd
"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."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAFt4niDzWUk
"I see..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANADzyspVmceA
"Thanks again for doing this, guys."
Verna time warps away.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA5m71Uh0nWi
"...Which one of you is which? I just don't want to be confused.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANALbilKE15sF
They introduce themselves once again, giving him some clarity.
427Please respect copyright.PENANArV5FGfBp1x
"Ah, well it's nice to meet all of you."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA5a9851opXn
"Verna t-told us that w-we would have s-some breakfast.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAchytN2tT7r
"Of course. You've come here quite early, so I'm sure you four are starving."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAXDnLhiCleL
"Yeah..." Catherine agreed, lightly holding her stomach.
427Please respect copyright.PENANATfBO4TE2z3
"I thought so. I've prepared something, so don't worry."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAOuogWRmgmc
Chrono brandishes a golden door, which he promptly throws open and reveals some nice breakfast meals, already plated and ready to eat.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA7xVGIfk8Xc
"You m-made all of this yourself?!" Catherine exclaimed, impressed.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAz96mPPcRFL
"I was just planning on making food for myself, but I didn't want to be rude.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAqNqrZLTEaX
"It does look rather...delectable..." Nathaniel says, clearing his throat.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAMu6jkz4PUI
"Well, shall we eat or watch it get cold?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAhMQvifDuds
The four Prodigies and the Son of Time all sit down and enjoy a nice breakfast, basically wolfing down the entire plate before them.
427Please respect copyright.PENANApgULiqldiy
"Man, that was good..." Arsenio says, stretching in his seat.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAb7XoX3CxLA
"I'm glad you enjoyed. It's very difficult to find people who enjoy similar interests to me."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAtR4vUpqAKu
"Now what? Do you just read books and whatnot?" Catherine asked, taking the last sip of her drink.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAPEXMmH7SRk
"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.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5XtrIRHZM
"Then why not join us? From what we've experienced, we certainly need the help." Arsenio asks, leaned back in his chair.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAjGW8FvnMEQ
"I was never suited for things like that, unfortunately..." Chrono sighs. "My Gift is also a little...hard to control."
427Please respect copyright.PENANASnAV60xSag
"...Can we see it?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAgCyHNjFONn
Chrono begins to rub his arms as guilt and embarrassment threw itself on his face.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAwmNkehMC7m
"You can say no, you know..." Catherine speaks. "No one's forcing you."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAAraOFqJGyu
"It's...complicated."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA4Q0x3AA3gC
"That's u-understandable...I have a Gift I can't quite c-control myself..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA96vtQfEfB2
Dawlly immediately pops itself out of Isabelle's pocket with an annoyed look.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAVpZM3YjaUV
"I-It's true..." she looks at Dawlly with the same annoyed look.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAE7ke3clgYa
"Interesting.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAzk81Ktl9Ct
"Is there anything else you like to do other than read and fantasize?" Catherine asks.
427Please respect copyright.PENANArezQvuj2q0
"I like to learn more about my Gift."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAaItBtmhh9B
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANALHS9MA07Hv
"O-oh my.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAAX5gNWEtdW
"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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAYzRSKFhK0v
"So, what's your Gift? I'm sure you four have gotten one.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAaIMYTQofkc
Catherine nudges Nathaniel. "You show yours first. You're the supposed leader."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA7oCKpi848n
"I have never said that I was a leader..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAH1c6I5t6I4
"W-Well..." Isabelle added. "You d-do know the most out of all of us..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAFYv57YARkm
"...Fine.." Nathaniel reluctantly agrees.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAHystIUTc6F
First, his arm, then up to his shoulder, until his entire body was covered in armor.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAMf8F27ODC2
"You never told me you could do that.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAffDQd5V2ru
"I feel as if there is... no need to use the full Gift. It is...uncomfortable.." He speaks from within the suit.
427Please respect copyright.PENANALUNOPpO5u4
"Well, get the hell out of it then..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAPmh9q6fvHM
He removes himself from the armor, reverting back to his velvet clothes.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAY4ud7AxaIX
"Well, since thou wants to assume roles, maybe thou would like to go next, co-leader?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAcieJK4V4HN
"Of course you pin this crap on me.." Catherine growled. "But sure, why not?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAogXH6j7Z5z
She slips through her chair, and all the way through the floor.
427Please respect copyright.PENANActE1nYshWS
It was like she was in her own dimension, her escape from reality. She swam around as she heard the others from above.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAb2UuZiigzA
That's when she heard a voice calling her name from the distance.
427Please respect copyright.PENANANSTpvIprSQ
"Hello?" The voice creepily whispered.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAJXeb7oqd9S
"The hell?" She exclaimed. That freaked her out enough to pull herself out of the Phasing dimension.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAnR4CKenMIn
She gasped, as if she was underwater when she crawled out.
427Please respect copyright.PENANACapiul9Jpv
"You alright? You've been in the floor for quite a while..." Arsenio mentioned.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAY4nKWScxkn
"...Yeah, something just... freaked me out.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAJs2hdNJ3XL
She slides back in her seat...
427Please respect copyright.PENANAl7C9DyMLz1
"I-I'll go next..." Isabelle announces. Within seconds, the threads began pulling themselves out of her sleeves.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAinkUn8sPQI
"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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAzGwZ977JHW
"I just had to wake up today! Is it wrong to get some sleep around here?!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAiHjupU31kV
Dawlly smiles innocently as Isabelle continues to roar.
427Please respect copyright.PENANALYo8OUV8wS
"Don't worry, I've got this.." Arsenio stands up. "Trust me, my charm is irresistible."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA9RnzTAtKy2
He grabs her wrists, looks her deep into her eyes..
427Please respect copyright.PENANAzb2v34u9Kb
"Ah, great..." Catherine grumbled, rolling her eyes.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAngoN7aP8MI
"Didn't anyone ever tell you that you look adorable when you're angry?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAsxAKnWTduo
Isabelle, easily flustered and caught off guard, immediately snaps back to her timid self.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAd4q0ltoFyV
"See?" He points out. "It's like a secret perk I have." He starts throwing up two pieces of jewelry.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAlmmreOcn0N
Isabelle immediately feels her ears.
"M-my earrings!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAJ4RhqQzJbh
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."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAJQbsgBeKUT
Isabelle just kept turning red as she puts back on her earrings.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAJAa6XXKIR5
"So, you yourself do not have a Gift just yet, Arsenio?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAklXoJWUvAo
"I haven't really felt anything, so no...I think."
427Please respect copyright.PENANArcNoVyZchq
Outside, bells begin to ring. Chrono looks up at the clock sitting across the room from him on the wall.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAb0JNyYaKF2
"Ah...only an hour left..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANABWICjiDYE5
"Is there anything else thou wants to say to us before thou becomes Father Time?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAc2Lu4SpzYF
"Use your Gift well, and I hope we get to see each other more in the future."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAkdWCJ5XMR9
Chrono smiles genuinely.
427Please respect copyright.PENANArF68naBTzM
"So, what now?" Arsenio says, picking his teeth.
427Please respect copyright.PENANANUDpRhEtit
"Well, if you four are attending the ceremony, you'll have to be properly dressed."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA9Vh6HxDfCj
"Well, Verna could've told us that earlier.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA1ALzUsSu9l
"Don't worry, we have a public closet full of gowns and suits for you to wear."
427Please respect copyright.PENANANz3R2mS7Rf
Chrono stands up, leads them upstairs and pulls open a closet door.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAavLTs673Fr
There were attire in every color of the rainbow.
427Please respect copyright.PENANATgf1yaboce
"Hey, now this is nice!" Catherine says, walking into the spacious closet.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAztl4oZw3KR
"Don't be afraid to pick whatever you want!" Chrono says, leaving.
427Please respect copyright.PENANANnloMsHmUX
Trying to decide what attire to wear, the Prodigies pick the most extravagant and dazzling outfit that fit them the most.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAQfndlfAEm4
The four take turns putting on their new clothes, which gleamed and twinkled in the light. Once the four return to the closet.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA23VXCtQOJK
"Looking nice girls.." Arsenio says.
427Please respect copyright.PENANASwu1nTqnvC
"These shoes are gonna kill me later, but yeah, thanks.."
Catherine complained.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA2TBOR47W9i
"Now that that portion has been completed.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAamaR7nt86t
Nathaniel grabs Arsenio by the shoulder.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAopJZQGpSih
"Arsenio. Thou shall come with me."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAJNqVwSXWtT
He drags him away.
427Please respect copyright.PENANApTVL15WItj
"Hey uh, Nathaniel, what are you trying to do?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA2hoA6p1KX9
"We must fix this hair of thine.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAh9jzbXdtAV
"Wait...Nate no, my hair is fine-"
Nathaniel pulls Arsenio outside.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAvL1bI46wcB
"Well, it w-wouldn't be too wrong to d-do the same, would it?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA8a9pUEzr1G
"No, we can take turns doing each other's hair. That seems hella fun!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAEaUZBN2nLB
"O-okay!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA6cmQkIeN1Z
Isabelle finds some combs, brushes, and hair accessories.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAV6b13qb44Q
"N-now, what kind of hairstyle would you want?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAoezr9iaW8z
"Something simple, I guess. Not trying to impress anyone.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAtH0Rjzlh0T
Isabelle gets to unbraiding Catherine's hair, carefully and gracefully taking it apart. In the middle of brushing however, Isabelle stops.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA5CvqeaD1gY
"Uhm...Catherine?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAmR5tdCEw8p
"Yeah?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA88VyOeg6NG
"There's a m-mark or something...on your neck.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAjLsLPfwfoq
"Huh? What does it look like?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA9WE04NZrLi
"It l-looks like something scratched you... you didn't g-get attacked b-by anything, did you?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAzSjPuyR6xg
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.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA9qVCmUVDeI
"D-Do you have any allergies?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAJ3oJSHe7ch
"I'm not supposed to."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAtKl6GkGjbv
"...Oh my.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAysqcRDVUTH
"I'm not too worried about it... it'll clear up soon..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAiTWUsEQg4H
"...If you say so.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAFYTUIyPJdR
Isabelle continues to brush and straighten Catherine's hair. Before she knew it, Isabelle was already putting a flower pin neatly upon her head.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAO7kRwYc1xI
Isabelle puts a mirror in front of her face. "T-Tada!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA49BUDyPnV8
"Oh damn. That's actually really good."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAZY0hq3TVTa
"T-thank you.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAsSucih4zIJ
They switch positions, with Catherine sitting behind Isabelle to do her hair.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAvxpbKxnjDG
"Is there anything specific you want to get?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAGHxeozdhpo
"U-Uhm.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAGYs5omcfkg
"Oh wait, I actually learned how to do this one hairstyle, French roll or something like that?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAR90MnLfkM0
"Okay, that one t-then.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAwiamUXbJ51
"Alright."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3UeIN4Ltu
Catherine gathers all of Isabelle's hair, pulling it together, wrapping it around itself, until it looks like the hairstyle.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAealDXI77Nt
"Crap, I don't have any hair pins.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAr67Fg6fq09
"D-don't worry, I have a backup.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAEf6Ng47ORJ
With her Gift, Isabelle sews the updo together until it fits securely, then places her own pin into her head.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAzUCB9RwLNk
"...That works too.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAztFXwAxwHi
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAuKeeiwMotN
"I still don't get why you did this, it was fine as it is.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAAYXybIlQob
"Trust me, thou would rather look like this."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAVtUyDx2jQg
"I see the boys didn't have a good time picking out hairstyles." Catherine taunted.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAIEJnd35shB
"T-They do seem to be in a debate.." Isabelle added.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAaC3O6KXJtM
"It's gonna take forever to put my hair back now.." Arsenio protested.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAvNLKK4fEHZ
"Let's not w-worry about that... we're supposed t-to have fun.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAfZ1AJG2oT3
"Yeah, I guess that's true..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAQMTO8CzJ6d
There was thirty more minutes left. Still plenty of time to waste. Chrono comes back to check on them.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAIlt12fMYJw
"Ah, looking exquisite Prodigies!" Chrono praises them. "I'm sure you'll be the best looking ones out there!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAdyUa52ATQ8
"Eh, I doubt it, but I feel a lot prettier in this poofy thing.." Catherine flutters the ends of her dress.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAuDvwz8kcmt
"Ah, don't be so modest, you look great!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAPUNKZBpNdL
"Well, we still have lots of time. What should we do until then?" Arsenio asks.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA6UHnGZCSYF
"Why wait?" Chrono asks. "I can manipulate time at will. I'll just skip time a few minutes.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAz17BfPOhGp
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA2TzPRqA91Y
"...That was...strange."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAzHePUHWwYa
"Let's go. The ceremony's about to start."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA93YxwTfJR9
Catherine pushes Chrono out of the door. "We're right behind you, don't worry."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAVYCPV657cZ
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANACjgvnKtQsv
The crowd begins to applaud as Verna appears behind Chrono. She clears her throat.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAN9PRmihF0D
"Welcome everyone, to Chrono's coronation. It's been a while since we've had one of these, huh?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAVJWbeDYRPO
The crowd erupted into light laughter.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAduyStxmkMG
"Anyways," she continued. "let's get to the best part."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAMUFwP9IQ3r
She turns Chrono around, hold his hands gently.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA0SD8fwJjbC
"Do you solemnly swear, as long as you live, that you will fairly rule over the Time Realm?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAOXDFfcaxII
Chrono silently nods.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAh50YD5pt1Q
Verna releases his hands, opens her own, and in them, appears an extravagant crown which seemed to glow in the light.
427Please respect copyright.PENANArrntvxuKK7
"Well then," she places it upon his head. "..you are now Father Time."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA4kzAOQX4ls
Everyone explodes into cheers. The Prodigies couldn't help but clap along.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAPXhjVkxJij
"Now, let us commence. Grab a partner, for the party is about to begin!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA9THoRlUA8y
Groups begin to pull apart into parties of two, music begins to fade in.
427Please respect copyright.PENANADQJu2r9KRx
Catherine feels fluttery from the tension.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAovMP8POlY5
"...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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANALnll5INlSS
"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."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA7qQsg7AxlK
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANADYyKoru0qL
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAGbYGvFl2E0
"Does thou plan to do this at every party?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA27VMMtmfSP
Catherine finds the source of the tension. She knew Nathaniel was standing behind her the entire time. Without looking back, she responds.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAQLGjiLuOep
"I don't have anything else to do. Why'd you follow me anyway?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAHqKaGDkCYh
"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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA1aU2VvpSFA
"Nate, you dumbass..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAtZ81vGb6Qz
"Hm?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAPbY9qBTthe
"You have jam and crap all over your face.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANADXgl7T145E
She pulls a napkin, and is just about to hand it to him, when a voice yells in pain, quieting the party to silence.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAjJiMP2p4B0
"...What's going on?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAhTsW7F2JyU
"I am not sure."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAwFfO9G91oY
"...Boost me."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAo2kV9alMhm
"What?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAT3hTcWLRTl
Catherine struggles to climb up Nathaniel. Once she reaches his shoulders, her eyes catch something unexpected.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAV0VZCOx3F6
"It's...Chrono.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA8hdFIfMMwL
The two push participants out of the way.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAEH6ysDziot
"I was worried about his hands and..." a girl whispered towards them.
427Please respect copyright.PENANABfsgRy9ViB
"Don't worry, we've got this."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAgP2FmhAXFG
It seems like his Gift was finally coming into play.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA8WGSycfdNu
"Chrono...are you alright?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANABkSbCSrVCH
Chrono grabs the edge of Catherine's dress to pull himself up.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAco3xKmrBqp
"I'm fine, really! My Gift just... activated all on it's own.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANASibEjPn1PJ
As he stands up, everyone could see his Gift's true form. His face was plated halfway with gold, just as his arms were.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA10p2ZoVjUa
"But seriously, I'm fine!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANADSgoQpmlZQ
More of his face became jagged.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAEfWZ1hN7ey
"... Let's go. Nate, you get Arsenio and Isabelle."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAw2SQyyZJ6c
Catherine pulled Chrono away from the party, taking him back the House of Father Time.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAPUqwdLaCsQ
"Okay, Chrono...what happened?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANANYkkrn8inP
"I-I think the stress...plus the demonstration from this morning..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA0NHESYpife
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAGp1EF6kXAJ
"C-Chrono? Are you okay?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANADxo4et1LcR
"I-I am f-fine, Prodigies...this is just what happens...It's a little painful, though..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAC1oxZ2RY0g
More barbs rip around his body, horns even start to curve from his head.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAZHNjgFU22v
"O-Oh goodness.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAgM92mRXjib
"I just have to...fight it. I can't hurt anyone if..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA3GHL6aaPxx
His breathing gets heavier than stones.
427Please respect copyright.PENANANwri20G5Ng
"Is there anyone we can get for help?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA7ip3NoBESx
"You don't need to bring anyone. Just...leave before it.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAYeBdDWkgsI
Without thinking, Chrono threw a glass from a table right beside him.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAu4FRju3SHs
"Okay okay! Let's calm down.." Arsenio says, recovering from dodging.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA5W0PlzC8fe
"I-I can't! It's going to..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAgqNz9XlXVg
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAYXnmleMQqJ
Catherine simply used Phasing to break her fall, diving into the floor.
427Please respect copyright.PENANArnVNbI0XxA
The voice from before called again. "There she is again!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANARaNe6cKkHz
"...Who the hell are you? What do you want?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAk1nDmaFSMy
She saw a stripe of bright cyan wave past her. Catherine tried desperately to find where the line went.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAK7HhqHn39m
"...Behind you.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA8rmQqX8oqf
Catherine turned around to see the menacing face of a dragon staring back at her. She was about to take a breath to scream.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAiOdw94kF4u
"Hey, don't scream. I just want to know how you got here."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAqFjpcFDS1s
Catherine confusingly looks.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA0UmbIQxEI5
"This is my Gift...I can phase through crap like it's water. I broke my fall from a building.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAOGA2NHezAV
"Oh, you must be the person I marked yesterday. Makes sense, I guess.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANArxZNb2cR9Q
"M-Marked?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAnMdCu6dVO2
"That itch you could never satisfy." It points towards Catherine's neck.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAKWcawZV30v
"...Wait, that was you?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAplGJjRhpQk
The serpent playfully clears it's throat before bellowing menacingly.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAHFEtslM0Ab
"Allow me to become you, and I shall spare your life!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAdkWCJYm3Qp
"...Do I get other abilities other than falling through stuff?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAHi5PTuC1LS
The dragon shrugs. "I think so?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAUVoKVaPLDl
"Great. Come on then."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAV5UFksRLaC
It phases through Catherine, unlocking a surge of energy and power within her.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAuBzjs3HHph
Catherine climbs out of the dimension as the others were looking for her.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAHqojfSLkqk
"Sorry if I scared you guys.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAerzyaWJh7F
"Catherine! Y-you're okay!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAXkE98HQKJ3
"Yeah, I just got a new friend."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAUHLBexDOfx
The dragon only appeared as a ghost coiled around her body.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAtc37DT5hKn
"And her name is?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAGFVnPi1hMX
"Not sure.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAR36Qqw0fvb
Like a ghost, the dragon swapped her soul with Catherine's.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAT7qzAdaAB0
"Piravit. My name is Piravit, the Spiritual Dragon of Phasing. I have chosen Catherine here as my host..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA7O1RxVHx36
"Thou is...possessing her.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAwRbIhzhVjC
"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."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAZp7FJ8jDkg
"Cool. Now...about him.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANABhnGZ8qMoD
Arsenio points at the shattered window that Catherine fell out of.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA1ZXGXARqjY
Chrono's roar echoed throughout the realm as he perched on the window.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAoFlfXCtPIT
"Oi! You have some explaining to do!"
Catherine says as she takes back control of her body.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAmrEn7nvts5
"...Catherine, that's the Time Beast!"
Piravit says as a echoing voice inside her head.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA6bkunLyUZw
"Eh? That's Chrono, that's just his Gift."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAY9sVxiNIMD
"Like you, he's been marked. If he sees me with you, he'll kill us both!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAlBknHkEDL8
As on cue, Chrono jumps down right in front of Catherine, as if analyzing her. Then with angry aura, throws her again.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAptoBjZCk3H
Catherine hits the ground, tumbling.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAzYsHVboapW
She struggles to pick herself up, as Chrono runs towards her.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAauqLYCvtY6
"What the hell did you do for him to get pissed off?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAuPwVFfZVeA
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.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANANVVC9E9RLM
"You have gotta be kidding me!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAZSyI8Mghf6
"But don't worry! I'm sure if we beat him, he'll come to his senses!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAHGB6rMFlfb
Chrono pulls a punch towards them, only to be stopped by Isabelle's thread.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAhKVwBtrKW6
"C-Chrono! You h-have to come t-to your senses!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAgFm5fijjtl
"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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANApG5bcGgJHX
"I-I'm sorry...I can't k-keep him still..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAuh6QFwIasL
"It's alright! You've spared me some time!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAZNm7KvZWus
"Let me take over!" Piravit immediately pulls Catherine out, becoming the one in control.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAyNQU2YkdfL
As soon as Chrono began a barrage of punches, Piravit pulls away, but was able to only dodge a few before tanking them.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAQRUKQ0XMxA
"He's way too fast! I can't get a hit on him!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANALtjp89ttYW
As Chrono kept punching her in the chest, Piravit, in Catherine's body, was thinking of ideas, pondering as hard as her breathing.
427Please respect copyright.PENANACsBrMZ61Bq
Piravit begins to punch rapidly in response, until the two stop.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAOZ13GzFkZ4
"I have to say..." Piravit states tauntingly. " You've given me quite the workout since I left my dimension-"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAqg8bzTYmdY
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAqZVBMhZc5l
"So, p-playing dirty are we?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAT9UDrJkAFD
Chrono responds with an angry, but silent, glare.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA0Z8WcoXQnM
"Great, I like games without rules..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAa2q5bNNWpu
Piravit phases back into the floor. When they return to the Phasing Dimension, the two separate.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAPbWXJ0q8Nl
"Okay, so new plan..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAx7MQ20JYRN
Catherine coughs as she feels the after effects of earlier.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAZbfrtcQfDG
"You better think of something and fast..."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAAf7sBehXcT
"There's one last thing we can do, but you have to follow a specific set of rules and-"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAsC76pzVQZq
"Nevermind... I'll figure something out.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANABDG3ybM6dY
Catherine jumps from the dimension and behind Chrono, where she sneakily kicks him.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA1tVLo7Ro71
Piravit follows shortly behind her.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAmnpIQRSru4
She kneels down towards Chrono.
"Well? Are you having fun yet? Not fun being attacked without noticing, huh?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAwhOIG16S4n
Chrono swipes at Catherine's arm, barely cutting her.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAnKLjgOyr9B
"...Nah. Didn't think so.." she says, standing up. "Didn't know you'd get this bad.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAIEnHFGtg1L
She picks him up. "Come on. Let's finish this so you can go back to normal at least. I have things to do.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAIw84fnh23R
Catherine stands in a fighting position.
"I'll only use my power alone."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAdTkY0wko2o
"Then allow me to join you." Arsenio says, standing beside her.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAuov8IRmEfI
"What are you gonna do, flirt him to death?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAMfZRwsvliN
"I actually had something else in mind.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAD4N5FiKQ8u
Arsenio was finally able to conjure a Gift, as an arm cannon faded to fit on top of his hand.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA5ZRxMU43pG
"I wanted to test this thing, you know?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAzvKLCgLFNb
"...Whatever."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAwT6r6bencQ
"Come forward..." Chrono says menacingly.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAEGD4ewaR3E
"Whatever you say, your Majesty."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAaQscgfc8AM
As the two-on-one began, more of the participants of the ceremony began to watch from a distance.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAJqz9F0Qgq3
"Seems like we've made quite an audience.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAm2gNAI2TcE
"Let's make this the best coronation the Time Realm has ever seen.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAgdnCovMg7E
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAvR0P6htvMj
With a sharp yell, time itself began to slow.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAg0a8fopDFO
"Damnit! We're stuck until.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA9yxrOawTLp
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAtmmce5pkKx
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA3Gom41xcub
"...I don't think we're gonna make it if he keeps stopping time like that.." She says, spitting up blood and standing up.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA3TZuT6MpvO
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAipjGADei3F
Catherine jumps up.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAWxkk2aSVLT
"You're welcome!" Arsenio says from afar.
427Please respect copyright.PENANANOitKH3XpX
"Thanks! Keep looking for openings!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAfapVg0Rhfy
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAQRloK0jLoN
"A-alright...you've proven your worth.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANA89lWd4KVm3
"Is this Chrono we're speaking to?" Arsenio asks as his Gift charges up once again and picks Catherine up.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAXoGvnLK2tA
"I-I'm not sure.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAcEPXmpMb5o
"Make sure you're sure. I'd hate to hit you with this thing for no reason."
427Please respect copyright.PENANASt1jFSunQv
"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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAlfIwJJgTZo
Chrono shakes his head. "N-nevermind! Let us continue with the celebration, yes?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAhnvnWb4rSB
"To be honest, I'm worn out..."
Catherine huffed. "You're like...crazy strong."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAIygTpGn0eV
"I-I'll make it up to you, I swear!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAftnwyATCRd
Piravit peeks from the floor. "Can I come out now?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAfzWDcmYOTu
"Depends.." Chrono says. "Are you willing to take your side of the deal?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAkhh0ZHVt9D
"Eep!" Piravit says, coiling itself around Catherine and hiding behind her. "A-Ah! My part of the deal...?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA5EkUjvjiim
"You shall give me full entry to your dimension. That was your promise to me."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAKZ1LaqlHD4
"...Fine. But you can't keep using Chrono as a vessel for your battles."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAdq9qyNkxqY
Chrono stares for a second, before hitting the ground, parts of his golden shell chipping off.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAXh7xZu6MZf
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAIvpjyESR0Y
"He's suppressed his power...I think."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAfxANJiSmOL
"Wait, they have a gender?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAphe3aUPtT3
"Yeah..." Piravit answered. "It is quite obvious that I'm female. No whiskers, see?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAEr88d8Wc2R
"I guess.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAjEAvNKr2kC
"Catherine! Arsenio!" Isabelle says, stumbling her own feet. "A-Are you two alright?"
427Please respect copyright.PENANABrMOfqeMtF
"I'm good. Not sure about Catherine though."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAmA3SJiBlvn
"Nah, I'll be alright. I don't think he broke anything."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAw9jCG8HIeJ
Nathaniel also approaches them with another tart in hand.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAfUIY0nFeZG
"Nate! You just had one of those things!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANAmv3uAHeQgI
"I must try every single flavor." He says taking another giant bite.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAiMLHIEuYjY
"..M-Maybe we should g-go.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAvl9bDPJjGd
"Are you sure? We can just...continue the party as normal.."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAMG2fR3NwBy
Arsenio shrugs. "Seems like a plan to me."
427Please respect copyright.PENANAaPrZ664bml
Slowly, the music begins to play. Partners begin to group together. It was like the party was uninterrupted the entire time.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA9ztFW5KxcL
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.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA7aH3flNoZA
After the party, the Prodigies carried Chrono back into the House of Father Time.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAYeffz8ugql
"Thank you, you four. Hopefully I can get around with solving some of your Timebreaker problems sometime!"
427Please respect copyright.PENANA8bFTdoxGu6
"We'd greatly appreciate it. We don't know how strong the next one'll be."
427Please respect copyright.PENANApGYXJf5VCy
Chrono waves them away as they go back to the Sanctuary. Ezra was already asleep when they returned, wrapped up in a blanket.
427Please respect copyright.PENANA22umL14NaS
"Well, we should get some rest too."
Catherine announced.
427Please respect copyright.PENANASjVws5HnWX
"Way ahead of you." Arsenio says, dropping into the bed.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAHC6zDJVJFi
Everyone puts themselves to bed for the night, and the Prodigies fall asleep.
427Please respect copyright.PENANAT28s8uWnvf
Silently, in the middle of the night, someone's Tempural Energy swarmed the room...
427Please respect copyright.PENANAAoLpyhwyAk
To be continued in Prodigy: Casters of Time: Chapter 4
427Please respect copyright.PENANAVI5ZZsCKcU
427Please respect copyright.PENANABiwG7JYDMn