"Rise and shine, Prodigies!" Verna's peppy voice awoken the group. "Let's get ready for the coronation of Father Time today!"
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Catherine scratches her neck as she pushes the quilt off. "Coronation?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAewFxuGgYy9
"Apparently, a new Father Time is to be crowned today." Nathaniel states, stretching.
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"Your mission today is to just watch over the new guy before the celebration begins. Pretty easy, right?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAW7mewlTqli
"Wait...our job today is to be a goddamn babysitter?"
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"If that's how you view it, yes. But as a reward, you get to go to the after-party!"
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"That at least solves dinner..." Ezra thinks aloud.
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"Breakfast will be served once you get there, so just put on your clothes and shoes and...look a little presentable.."
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"No prob.." Arsenio says. "Let me just get my morning tea before I go.."
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"T-Tea?" Isabelle asks while brushing her hair.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAcV1y1MF0n4
"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."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAlGSkeowcRd
"...Alright then..." Arsenio says, slowly sitting down and sliding his hands in his coat pockets. "I'll just wait until later then.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAFspuk0WrDT
"Is everyone ready?" Verna asks, peeking into the room as she does so.
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"I think so.."
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"Good, good!" she fully opens the doors to let the Prodigies out. "Then, let's go, shall we?"
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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.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAaSbAQKEVjY
"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."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAh52gTNWpne
"...Is it because he's blonde?" Catherine remarked.
385Please respect copyright.PENANABRohLbAcek
"... That might have had a influence on the nickname, yes."
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They watched as walked stone faced across to the home of Father Time.
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"Let's go." Verna says, instructing them to follow Chrono.
385Please respect copyright.PENANA38xkB5SQkr
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.
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"Hello?" Catherine waited for a response.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAuzZGwgZf9P
"J-Just a minute!" A voice called out before crashing and falling is heard. Then, from the stairs emerged Chrono.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAf94NlBHeej
"Verna, very nice to see you again. And these four might be?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAXfzlWKghs0
"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."
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"I see..."
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"Thanks again for doing this, guys."
Verna time warps away.
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"...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.
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"Ah, well it's nice to meet all of you."
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"Verna t-told us that w-we would have s-some breakfast.."
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"Of course. You've come here quite early, so I'm sure you four are starving."
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"Yeah..." Catherine agreed, lightly holding her stomach.
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"I thought so. I've prepared something, so don't worry."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAzsHf2HW6oE
Chrono brandishes a golden door, which he promptly throws open and reveals some nice breakfast meals, already plated and ready to eat.
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"You m-made all of this yourself?!" Catherine exclaimed, impressed.
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"I was just planning on making food for myself, but I didn't want to be rude.."
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"It does look rather...delectable..." Nathaniel says, clearing his throat.
385Please respect copyright.PENANA4cJbhlqj2b
"Well, shall we eat or watch it get cold?"
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The four Prodigies and the Son of Time all sit down and enjoy a nice breakfast, basically wolfing down the entire plate before them.
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"Man, that was good..." Arsenio says, stretching in his seat.
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"I'm glad you enjoyed. It's very difficult to find people who enjoy similar interests to me."
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"Now what? Do you just read books and whatnot?" Catherine asked, taking the last sip of her drink.
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"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.."
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"Then why not join us? From what we've experienced, we certainly need the help." Arsenio asks, leaned back in his chair.
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"I was never suited for things like that, unfortunately..." Chrono sighs. "My Gift is also a little...hard to control."
385Please respect copyright.PENANArTCVYGHhFZ
"...Can we see it?"
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Chrono begins to rub his arms as guilt and embarrassment threw itself on his face.
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"You can say no, you know..." Catherine speaks. "No one's forcing you."
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"It's...complicated."
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"That's u-understandable...I have a Gift I can't quite c-control myself..."
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Dawlly immediately pops itself out of Isabelle's pocket with an annoyed look.
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"I-It's true..." she looks at Dawlly with the same annoyed look.
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"Interesting.."
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"Is there anything else you like to do other than read and fantasize?" Catherine asks.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAdTXxaZPZYy
"I like to learn more about my Gift."
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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.
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"O-oh my.."
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"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.
385Please respect copyright.PENANA8FbcwwN6aH
"So, what's your Gift? I'm sure you four have gotten one.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANA5kPlmdaF4X
Catherine nudges Nathaniel. "You show yours first. You're the supposed leader."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAkeWwc4TEoD
"I have never said that I was a leader..."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAIkPiFto8gE
"W-Well..." Isabelle added. "You d-do know the most out of all of us..."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAiNZPY2iIak
"...Fine.." Nathaniel reluctantly agrees.
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First, his arm, then up to his shoulder, until his entire body was covered in armor.
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"You never told me you could do that.."
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"I feel as if there is... no need to use the full Gift. It is...uncomfortable.." He speaks from within the suit.
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"Well, get the hell out of it then..."
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He removes himself from the armor, reverting back to his velvet clothes.
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"Well, since thou wants to assume roles, maybe thou would like to go next, co-leader?"
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"Of course you pin this crap on me.." Catherine growled. "But sure, why not?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANADHhPhAHegK
She slips through her chair, and all the way through the floor.
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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.
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"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.
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She gasped, as if she was underwater when she crawled out.
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"You alright? You've been in the floor for quite a while..." Arsenio mentioned.
385Please respect copyright.PENANA1InAqbZWwM
"...Yeah, something just... freaked me out.."
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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.
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"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.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAIRhOddzOqH
"I just had to wake up today! Is it wrong to get some sleep around here?!"
385Please respect copyright.PENANA2gRqhElBna
Dawlly smiles innocently as Isabelle continues to roar.
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"Don't worry, I've got this.." Arsenio stands up. "Trust me, my charm is irresistible."
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He grabs her wrists, looks her deep into her eyes..
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"Ah, great..." Catherine grumbled, rolling her eyes.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAFfj2YH0apJ
"Didn't anyone ever tell you that you look adorable when you're angry?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANActN73PvdrO
Isabelle, easily flustered and caught off guard, immediately snaps back to her timid self.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAlGKVXGMduv
"See?" He points out. "It's like a secret perk I have." He starts throwing up two pieces of jewelry.
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Isabelle immediately feels her ears.
"M-my earrings!"
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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."
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Isabelle just kept turning red as she puts back on her earrings.
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"So, you yourself do not have a Gift just yet, Arsenio?"
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"I haven't really felt anything, so no...I think."
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Outside, bells begin to ring. Chrono looks up at the clock sitting across the room from him on the wall.
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"Ah...only an hour left..."
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"Is there anything else thou wants to say to us before thou becomes Father Time?"
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"Use your Gift well, and I hope we get to see each other more in the future."
385Please respect copyright.PENANA0oSN4nBmLm
Chrono smiles genuinely.
385Please respect copyright.PENANARJ9m8GMkC4
"So, what now?" Arsenio says, picking his teeth.
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"Well, if you four are attending the ceremony, you'll have to be properly dressed."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAs5dKvS4uUU
"Well, Verna could've told us that earlier.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANA5Vq1WtPHXw
"Don't worry, we have a public closet full of gowns and suits for you to wear."
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Chrono stands up, leads them upstairs and pulls open a closet door.
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There were attire in every color of the rainbow.
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"Hey, now this is nice!" Catherine says, walking into the spacious closet.
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"Don't be afraid to pick whatever you want!" Chrono says, leaving.
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Trying to decide what attire to wear, the Prodigies pick the most extravagant and dazzling outfit that fit them the most.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAwW90rKeKDu
The four take turns putting on their new clothes, which gleamed and twinkled in the light. Once the four return to the closet.
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"Looking nice girls.." Arsenio says.
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"These shoes are gonna kill me later, but yeah, thanks.."
Catherine complained.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAvsAPYkhT4q
"Now that that portion has been completed.."
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Nathaniel grabs Arsenio by the shoulder.
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"Arsenio. Thou shall come with me."
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He drags him away.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAinFozWPOqX
"Hey uh, Nathaniel, what are you trying to do?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAzowTMoM6TM
"We must fix this hair of thine.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAQxPkvebtLq
"Wait...Nate no, my hair is fine-"
Nathaniel pulls Arsenio outside.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAMDJ8ud0TJY
"Well, it w-wouldn't be too wrong to d-do the same, would it?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANADXvWpION9I
"No, we can take turns doing each other's hair. That seems hella fun!"
385Please respect copyright.PENANA6G3rPuNLeS
"O-okay!"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAaWMUJvKLoO
Isabelle finds some combs, brushes, and hair accessories.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAQTJcjp1FiC
"N-now, what kind of hairstyle would you want?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAWH7lpFJnXW
"Something simple, I guess. Not trying to impress anyone.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANA3v8Rjn6LSN
Isabelle gets to unbraiding Catherine's hair, carefully and gracefully taking it apart. In the middle of brushing however, Isabelle stops.
385Please respect copyright.PENANABNDHhWOSLS
"Uhm...Catherine?"
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"Yeah?"
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"There's a m-mark or something...on your neck.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAPYQvN5Uk8h
"Huh? What does it look like?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAfPwThVujqZ
"It l-looks like something scratched you... you didn't g-get attacked b-by anything, did you?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAKh8hDGEG1q
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.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANADi7nFIt8O9
"D-Do you have any allergies?"
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"I'm not supposed to."
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"...Oh my.."
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"I'm not too worried about it... it'll clear up soon..."
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"...If you say so.."
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Isabelle continues to brush and straighten Catherine's hair. Before she knew it, Isabelle was already putting a flower pin neatly upon her head.
385Please respect copyright.PENANA9JZd9xjdbC
Isabelle puts a mirror in front of her face. "T-Tada!"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAU0kWK72vGv
"Oh damn. That's actually really good."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAS7Zc4pjxS4
"T-thank you.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAA0Mc18cLHx
They switch positions, with Catherine sitting behind Isabelle to do her hair.
385Please respect copyright.PENANA5svPRM7dLG
"Is there anything specific you want to get?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAw0C9S6LN9L
"U-Uhm.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAu39ZzIt8wo
"Oh wait, I actually learned how to do this one hairstyle, French roll or something like that?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAMEu0nMIt32
"Okay, that one t-then.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAp0CLQrRRGd
"Alright."
385Please respect copyright.PENANA9U8jqrrRqM
Catherine gathers all of Isabelle's hair, pulling it together, wrapping it around itself, until it looks like the hairstyle.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAtI2aLNlR7y
"Crap, I don't have any hair pins.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAVZlL1qCjFr
"D-don't worry, I have a backup.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAphiI2wDRhe
With her Gift, Isabelle sews the updo together until it fits securely, then places her own pin into her head.
385Please respect copyright.PENANABsFxRFRI4x
"...That works too.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAU7dQJQT0IY
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.
385Please respect copyright.PENANA4LsNoD4kUm
"I still don't get why you did this, it was fine as it is.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAESf6GmqsE2
"Trust me, thou would rather look like this."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAJy30jsM0yA
"I see the boys didn't have a good time picking out hairstyles." Catherine taunted.
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"T-They do seem to be in a debate.." Isabelle added.
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"It's gonna take forever to put my hair back now.." Arsenio protested.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAJLfRLjxKP8
"Let's not w-worry about that... we're supposed t-to have fun.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAcG6eTXZb95
"Yeah, I guess that's true..."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAU9l8TPneIA
There was thirty more minutes left. Still plenty of time to waste. Chrono comes back to check on them.
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"Ah, looking exquisite Prodigies!" Chrono praises them. "I'm sure you'll be the best looking ones out there!"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAn2LMg6VA2H
"Eh, I doubt it, but I feel a lot prettier in this poofy thing.." Catherine flutters the ends of her dress.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAigVIU7Mbfz
"Ah, don't be so modest, you look great!"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAFdIN0zZND3
"Well, we still have lots of time. What should we do until then?" Arsenio asks.
385Please respect copyright.PENANA3J8OJTVMER
"Why wait?" Chrono asks. "I can manipulate time at will. I'll just skip time a few minutes.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANA7ArnSQyHRN
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.
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"...That was...strange."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAs6TOAwCbmN
"Let's go. The ceremony's about to start."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAqck5VzdF8W
Catherine pushes Chrono out of the door. "We're right behind you, don't worry."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAkLvwWk2kZn
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.
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The crowd begins to applaud as Verna appears behind Chrono. She clears her throat.
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"Welcome everyone, to Chrono's coronation. It's been a while since we've had one of these, huh?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAF3pX8gWSgm
The crowd erupted into light laughter.
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"Anyways," she continued. "let's get to the best part."
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She turns Chrono around, hold his hands gently.
385Please respect copyright.PENANApvIm8A4sAQ
"Do you solemnly swear, as long as you live, that you will fairly rule over the Time Realm?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAEu5eYXEuH9
Chrono silently nods.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAs7Ki4VgIx8
Verna releases his hands, opens her own, and in them, appears an extravagant crown which seemed to glow in the light.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAYqfI6MXUjB
"Well then," she places it upon his head. "..you are now Father Time."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAzV8kNHXvF0
Everyone explodes into cheers. The Prodigies couldn't help but clap along.
385Please respect copyright.PENANABiFvsaA0zx
"Now, let us commence. Grab a partner, for the party is about to begin!"
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Groups begin to pull apart into parties of two, music begins to fade in.
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Catherine feels fluttery from the tension.
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"...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.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAS8e8ZxlrfJ
"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."
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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.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAebwSUyaE5n
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.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAwvqP3GLC7E
"Does thou plan to do this at every party?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAwXMRvT1X9n
Catherine finds the source of the tension. She knew Nathaniel was standing behind her the entire time. Without looking back, she responds.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAKH2ve4LtXi
"I don't have anything else to do. Why'd you follow me anyway?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAHkZbs703Og
"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.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAxWAQLI7GUw
"Nate, you dumbass..."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAPpWMG329uE
"Hm?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAQlvGKsbPC3
"You have jam and crap all over your face.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANALcr1eLxzPM
She pulls a napkin, and is just about to hand it to him, when a voice yells in pain, quieting the party to silence.
385Please respect copyright.PENANARmcl9HjZwx
"...What's going on?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANA2bhJ2rx2Lv
"I am not sure."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAYivj2Undso
"...Boost me."
385Please respect copyright.PENANApe27rAaCa1
"What?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAcU1JxVVCHb
Catherine struggles to climb up Nathaniel. Once she reaches his shoulders, her eyes catch something unexpected.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAqQPaO8PaZy
"It's...Chrono.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAG8JidrVNfu
The two push participants out of the way.
385Please respect copyright.PENANASnwVBnAOQF
"I was worried about his hands and..." a girl whispered towards them.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAPQkNiVl8wv
"Don't worry, we've got this."
385Please respect copyright.PENANA0sR1rxJPMk
It seems like his Gift was finally coming into play.
385Please respect copyright.PENANA4PkQZAAouj
"Chrono...are you alright?"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAAEPJYoz08K
Chrono grabs the edge of Catherine's dress to pull himself up.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAYxNPsw9LGv
"I'm fine, really! My Gift just... activated all on it's own.."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAtKkTADPBOp
As he stands up, everyone could see his Gift's true form. His face was plated halfway with gold, just as his arms were.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAF9IQenX3w3
"But seriously, I'm fine!"
385Please respect copyright.PENANAQmFJ7nOzjZ
More of his face became jagged.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAHNR4U8D9Dd
"... Let's go. Nate, you get Arsenio and Isabelle."
385Please respect copyright.PENANAPNf2ljFCFq
Catherine pulled Chrono away from the party, taking him back the House of Father Time.
385Please respect copyright.PENANAyPBTgRnyja
"Okay, Chrono...what happened?"
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"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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