x
Catherine was just finishing unpacking her old stuff from her parents' home to a fresh apartment. She was finally going to that university she and her parents were waiting for her to go to.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa00PKVrIs
She moves things through her "living room", adjusting the dresser to be against the wall and placing her dusty family photos on it. After a bit more shuffling and placing, she sits down on her puffy couch and turns on the TV to her favorite show.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAyU8LIgLb
"Finally done..." she sighed.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoFPDr74dU
Then she remembers the gift her grandparents had left her for the graduation party. Catherine told herself not to open it until she got to her apartment, but now that she was here, her curiosity finally broke her, causing her to snatch the box from the table beside her and rip open the wrapping paper.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl2M6C5gRf
She slowly opened the box, and the only thing that was inside, was a brilliantly golden watch that sparkled when she rocked the box from side to side. There was also a note, written in her grandmother's handwriting.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQk7xD2lMd
You have been selected as a Prodigy. Use that watch well, and have a wonderful time at university.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9bMzhAraF
"Prodigy?" She read the note over and over, trying to make sense of it. What was a Prodigy?
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhjbWsLedi
She turned the card to the other side. More writing, it's seemed like directions.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOVuqHAgcy
In the dead of night
Tap on the inside
Drag forward or back
Close your eyes and hold your breath
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosExEwx8kw
Her cellphone started to vibrate. She picks up the phone, and holds it up against her ear.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6iAJSbOOu
"Hello?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbqHASUF8o
"Cathie!" It was Talia, her friend from high school. Her eyes lit up when she heard her voice.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcIdR6zG3M
"Tal? It's been a while. How's everything doing on your end?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcShegFPcV
"Good. Still working on getting my stuff ready to move out, how about you?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjYkHxZKl1
"Traffic was slow as hell, but I have most of my stuff in the apartment. I have to go to the storage place tomorrow and get the rest.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HczM2Culy
"I could help you. We can meet up tomorrow and go together."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwCXQOjYoJ
"Awe, thanks," she said, twirling the golden streak of her hair. "I can go after I finish class for the day, show you this pretty watch my grandparents bought me."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAfW2VHDYz
"Ooh, a watch?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvbovkUbCT
"Yeah. Also came with this weird note. Something like directions?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaW4gon93g
"Weird. Your grandparents didn't say anything about it?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nT8pl8qRI
"No, I'm just opening the box, and you're the first person to call me.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97gLSYe1Y0
"I dunno, maybe follow the directions and see what happens. Maybe it's how to get it set or something?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWZjxj10Zs
Catherine looked back down at the clock, realizing it hadn't moved an inch since she'd open the box.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW38Agnjyo
"You actually might be right, it's not moving...like at all."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbwjqGJwRC
"I thought so. I'll let you concentrate on that and I'll call you back, okay?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn58quPDhF
"... Okay. See you later."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLRh56NYuL
"Bye!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinz5b8xtEi
...She looked out the window. The sky was bleeding orange through her curtains. Now was the perfect time to see what she what these instructions really did.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj4HFw7KB3
She tapped the middle of the clock as instructed. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and slides her fingertip counterclockwise.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qTavPN1aS
A wave of wind blew past her hair and almost knocked her down.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9PMGOs4ub
"What the-"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsdk2L585D
She reaches for the window to shut it from this hurricane blowing the papers in her room, until she realized. There was no way wind could be blowing past her. The window was closed.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRporcaNKz
Catherine was even more confused now, frantically looking around to figure out what was happening. She could see the air around her warp into faces and memories of the past. Her living room shimmered a dim and faded blue. There was a blinding light, calling her to come closer.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnQa0IUnmb
"Holy crap..." she said underneath her breath. "I guess I'm supposed to...go in?"
She takes a step towards it, the sound of the now shattered floor crackling beneath her feet. Then, she carefully walked towards the light.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKALN6oDoYE
It felt as if she walked past a doorframe.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D5q2UUpPX
"Grandma, Grandad, what the hell did you get me into..?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMhULVihXw
Catherine was outside, a large wall in the distance and music playing. Swaying next to her was a thin tree bearing large apples on almost every branch.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5AX53GvOo
"...Well, if I'm gonna stay here forever, I might as well get a snack..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2a7jqSniL
Forcefully, she started to kick and ram into the tree, causing something larger than a couple apples fall out. At least a big one fell right beside her.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ82U0ZiJq9
"I hope that wasn't a dead body..." she half jokes, taking a bite of her newly obtained snack.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X83WWCqAw
It was a body, but he was very much alive.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b95vklxbx
"A very comical jester thou are..." He says with clenched teeth as he gets up.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMEmzeQEsi
She almost choked on the bite she was chewing on.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxoYqWrx9g
"Jesus Christ!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4TQdFxY62
"...Art thou okay?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrvq9j1xTP
"You could've told me you were in that stupid tree!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe48AJMY0mc
"I was asleep..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdwsGd83I7
"...Who the hell sleeps in a tree?!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQsNt0dlLv
"...I shall ask again..art thou okay?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CMIBpfEjv
"I don't even know where I am!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj1DVwYXCY
"...I see.." The boy takes a look at Catherine's watch, which was swinging around her neck, only to for Catherine to jump to conclusions and slap him as hard as hard as she could.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G0bx8AlHI
"What's your problem?!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMAkSVAmSa
"I was admiring your clock. I have no interest in you."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozTRUY32po
He pulls a golden chain from his garments and revealing another sparkling golden watch, identical to her own.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kgu4E8vvM
"My name is Nathaniel. It seems thou art also a Prodigy..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wEiCzxi5u
"Prodigy?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6cjWmQbSC
"A Prodigy is a time traveler and protector of Time itself. This ability is gifted to one of Prodigious blood before them."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KithQuYuj
This was so unbelievable to her, but to be honest, so had everything else.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIZBh2YZfO
"Well, if I'm freely able to time travel, I should be able to get back home, right?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLHdzstEqi
"...No, not necessarily. If thou go to a time too far, thou won't have enough Tempural Energy to go back to thine own. Thou will need to travel to a closer time.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0lDMTG0Mg
"Does that mean I'm stuck with you?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqtLSQ7eho
"If thou wants to survive, thou might want to stay with me."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpcykdm3OP
"I can't tell if you're being sincere or a damn creep.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dkb3XRQZE
He creates a sword from nowhere and places it's deathly sharp edge close to her throat.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyUgXolxQA
"Does thou want to die here from starvation?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtpnzHEqK8
"Are you seriously going to kill me if I don't go with you?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93fX1DreaR
"No, that was for attempting to insult me.."
He lets it go, where it fades away into metallic dust, pulling her up.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdy80AhuAO
"Now, if thou wants to survive, I would suggest you follow me.." he says walking away.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJTZWrQxUh
"Fine. But do something weird and I'll beat the hell out of you."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVNoOMEv58
"We must be far aroint from the commoners. We mustn't expose ourself."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3ia5bdm0g
"Yeah yeah, secret organization and whatnot. Just hurry up so I can go home,"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt8ov5kcmL
Nathaniel, with his own watch, does the same movements. The time warp appears, brilliantly blue and whispering just as before.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw8RWMExdK
"Ladies first..." He leads Catherine inside.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISFGKrSgUw
"Ugh.." she stomps into the warp, dragging him by the cravat with her.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3FqPEK6wu
This new time period. It was definitely more industrial, and in the front of them was an worn, abandoned mansion, the windows covered by wooden planks.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIZpYxbLfL
"...Maybe it's better looking indoors?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9vvdgX11Q
Catherine walks up to the menacing house, but as soon as she knocked on the splintered door, it creaked open.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hylvIGdRl
"...Come on Nate, door's open."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoQFePhCA5
"Nate?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlFbJA8ZyT
"It's a nickname. Just hurry up."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7of6B4NXd
"Why don't thou go by thyself?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Yvsy8Ohsl
"Because. You have weapon powers. What if this place is full of gangsters or something?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhYwRrTXj8
"Fine...however, I shan't be responsible for thou."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC95a9DrW1
"Just shut up and come in."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPQUBPJCIx
The walk across the wooden floor,9 screeching every step they took.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqWNtwD4Al
"What does thou plan to find?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOWul9KIL3
"We can stay here for the night, and we get out the next morning."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgiYfTJsqY
"In this rodent infested place?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDslmNgajol
"It's better than outside, isn't it?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEybqQ9mT3
They hear another creaking door from somewhere from above the crooked stairs.
Suddenly realizing someone was here, they hid behind a dusty, dingy, couch.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64J3qGpMl5
Shaky footsteps follow.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qg2IdDuVQ
"E-Ezra?" A girl's soft voice echoed. She flicks on the barely functioning lights, only slightly brightening the room enough to see.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhm4mIntMt
Just before the girl could come towards them, Nathaniel jumps up and chokeholds her. The girl appropriately screams, struggling to break free.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsyGNJG8nN
"Nathaniel, what the hell?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01RsWgeh49
"If she wants to survive, she'll stop screaming."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbnf13yMCJ
Catherine sees the girl reaching for something from her back pocket...
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRZYlBg3P4
The girl takes her object and jams it into his arm, allowing herself to escape. Nathaniel pulls the object, a pair of scissors, out of his arm.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lm7IkW9eG
"H-How did you get here? Who are you?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggeo56m4TA
Catherine slowly gets up from her kneeling position. "The door was open when we knocked. We didn't break-...well, we did, but we thought it was abandoned..."
The front door swings open. An older woman runs in and throws Nathaniel and Catherine out of the way.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwGxbxcjM2
"E-Ezra!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHWz1NsjQu
"Isabelle! Are you alright?!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPoeeIMDKc
"I'm o-okay,"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWTl5YeH3m
"Good, good.." The woman, supposedly named Ezra, lets her go. She turns to the two, her expression changes from a caring mother figure to a ball of rage.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74ARG87csQ
"What...are you doing here?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcnwj3YIc7
"We just wanted a place to stay for the night.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsfMsbxxY9
"And you think attacking my sister is a reason why I should let you stay?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY7BJkdYJM
"We thought the place was-"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONHUuy01sk
Ezra pulls out a knife and points it towards Catherine's neck.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi3wVEJMaU
"... Isabelle?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXhWY0OFbp
"Mhm?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYjzEVBBA0
"What should we do?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCmyzj0PO0
"...If t-they need a p-place to stay...I don't mind letting them stay in my room.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwc6xVuorz
"...You're too sweet." She removes the knife and slips it back into her bag. "Show them upstairs. Scream if anything happens."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCsQ4dZTHu
Isabelle nods carefully hops up the stairs and disappears into the shadows of the dimmed house.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2lO4qlBDO
The duo carefully follows her. Isabelle grabs the stairs to the attic.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuitFtLKI31
"Damn, you live in the attic?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhsmGR1N0r
"It's very spacious up here..." she responds, carefully climbing up.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUDbti7YbG
Isabelle was right, the attic was extremely spacious, but that space was filled row to row with porcelain dolls.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaAMJCQ9Wt
Catherine hated the things, their uncanny faces and glassy eyes intimidated her. She carefully walked up, the attic emitting a stuffy, but aromatic mist upon her face. That didn't stop her from cringing at the collection, though.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttl3McXmbL
"I found them when we moved here..." Isabelle stated, her voice a slight echo. "My little sister loved them, so I fixed them for her to play with.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyCVWjgIgp
"If you don't mind me asking..." Catherine started. "Where is she now?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjinKIJn88U
Isabelle went silent. "I d-don't want to t-think about it..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjET8AIso8
Isabelle then sits in her lofty bed, in the more immense part of the attic. Dolls and stuffed animals decorated the
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvRKZUIxtm
The two Prodigies sit down on the wooden floor next to it.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcMSP10gX2
"You d-don't have to sit on the floor."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqAT87Wmyp
"I mean, this guy sleeps in trees like a goddamn sloth, so maybe the floor is an improvement.." Catherine quipped. Nathaniel angrily stares in response.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgj1uqSa82
"A-anyways..." Isabelle interrupts. "How did you two get here?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWaMyOik3g
"If the Tempural Energy brought us here..." Nathaniel thinks aloud.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9i9JoALpIy
"That means one of them is a Prodigy, right?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCowKruDwbP
"Most likely..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIkV1mJZLQ
"P-Prodigy?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwpH1Dp9Xu
They both pull out their golden watches. "You haven't seen a clock like these have you?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5mBfxdTkD
"It seems...familiar..." Isabelle instantly gets up and rummages through a desk full of needles, thread, and fabric, when she stops and pulls out another identical watch from the drawer.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq87txOsBB
"At first, I t-thought it was just a normal pocket watch my father had forgotten..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xY9POqwgf
"Huh. Well, I guess that answers our question.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBjrFkdk6B
"S-so does that m-mean I can go with you two?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyARvP1fwd
"Considering that your sister isn't too keen on letting us stay here in the first place, I don't think asking her is a good idea."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr0ubNwIow
"D-do have to ask Ezra?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhYzfJTReQ
"Ask me what?" the sound of the older sister's voice boomed throughout the attic.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT3cB4SclZ
Isabelle finally spoke up. "I-I want to go with them!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BQRHLrkgi
"...If that's what you're going to do.." she fully stands up from the opening. "then I'm going with you. Prodigious or not."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XJJ7qjweV
"Would that even work?" Nathaniel asks.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhAMfmyMnL
"It wouldn't h-hurt to t-try..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pUdIiteNI
"...If thou insists.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkDXPwktQc
"But seriously, you three head to bed. I want sleep too."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU4j6oiFak
"Okay..." Isabelle calls out. "Goodnight."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHu5q3510I
"Goodnight.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0n1Mr2Zh2
And with that, Ezra left the attic, sliding down the ladder with fading footsteps. Isabelle throws a couple blankets and pillows their way.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRE0ptng2W
Lights leak through the planks of the roof the mansion the next morning. The stuffy perfume was instantly overpowered by the smell of warm breakfast cooking downstairs. That was enough to wake the three of them.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkur6bN6nwL
"Good morning you two..." Catherine says, stretching the tired out her body.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStdn3sQOcP
Nathaniel was already sipping a cup of coffee. "This drink is surprisingly...bitter.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTtl2TT8Lr
"Well, you're supposed to drink with milk or sugar if you don't like it bitter."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiR4GwgILP
"I think w-we have some downstairs.." Isabelle informed, head slightly poking from out of her thick comforter and quilt. She then pulls the blankets off and steps out, stretching herself and stepping down to the floor. Catherine had seen something peek out from the opening behind Isabelle, just out of the corner of her eye.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb3RDK5F3D
"Hey, Isabelle. I think one of your dolls is caught on your clothes.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNGK06tuYO
"O-Oh? That's never h-happened before..." she reaches behind her. "I c-can't reach it.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNQiO907i1
Catherine sighs, walks over to the girl, and attempts to pull the plush cat, adorned with a creepy stitched grin, off of her back. But when she tugged, the thing angrily screamed and gripped tighter.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlQ5VVt1O7
"What the hell?!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFC3l5rxWe
"Hey hey hey!" the thing said with an angry tone. "Don't pull on me! You'll rip my fabric, you idiot!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOvumYWIdP
Catherine stepped back in astonishment.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl9ORyD6BV
"D-Dawlly?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunVgpqzC71
"Heya Izzy!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBo5dcoCE9
"B-But..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeSBIrmsTC
"What? You think my memory died with your sister?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5AUnnh14c
Isabelle starts to go slowly down the rest of the stairs, continuously asking the talking and asking the doll questions. Catherine followed behind, eavesdropping on their conversation.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EdlL0UmSb
"What are...you doing here?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTv1EN6ZFp
"Apparently, I'm your new Gift! Look look!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnJyZSMa79
Thin black thread ran between Isabelle's fingers, wrapping around her arms and up her neck.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusYWuKK2uT
"Pretty cool right?" the doll asked, smiling from ear to ear.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6ycWtIgon
"...I need to wash the sleep from my face.." Isabelle runs like a bolt of lightning to another part of the hall. Catherine hears water running, a splash, whispering, another splash, whispering again.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡows86T5xfI
"Isabelle, are you alright over there?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtux7Pnczv3
"I-I'm fine!" she calls back.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfZj9IKIuO
"Do you want me to come in?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUcXysG5gl
"N-No!"
Catherine shakes her head and walks towards the smell baked into the air.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vlIAUgVim
"Took you long enough." She places a plate next to an empty chair. "Where's Isabelle?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslVdoJh43Z
"In the bathroom.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZnhDUDUN1
Ezra leaves another plate and speedwalks to the bathroom door.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeW4jdQjrx
"Isabelle-"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3Gjw9xemn
"J-Just a minute.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9WN6fey8H
The door opens, and Isabelle scrambles to pull down her sleeves.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63iTtlyl7J
"...Did something happen?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbWqBTZBKP
Isabelle softly shakes her head no.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND1XYmv8J0
The doll's piercing, scraping voice suddenly entered the room.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJSYfrdLPP
"She's lying. She's trying to hide me!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JU2PIfQrH
"N-no! G-go a-away!" Isabelle was holding her head inside her hands as more thread spilled from her sleeves.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3b4oWvZeC
"Don't get too frustrated. Don't want you to go insane and start stabbing people again, right?" the toy chuckled.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdVYBE7XkQ
"W-what?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgPaKI2pQe
"I don't know what you are, but stop messing with her." Ezra said sternly.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxXQYYUraB
"You don't want to attack me either. I'm attached to her soul now, and you won't like her when I make her angry~!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTXhMEeomg
"Let her go, asshole!" Catherine yelled.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NowLQnP3d
"Wow, such vulgar language! I wonder how many words you can say after she sews your damn mouth shut!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG1xztF67i
"Try it, prick!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePaNhc9ndD
"Oooh, okay!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNe99JMPtW
Isabelle's expression changed from fear to anger in seconds, her scared mumbling to angered growls.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMzvhYYVnL
"Isabelle?" Ezra slowly tries to approach.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dcfd29IxJ
Isabelle reaches for her back pocket once again.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9oz85DFxv
"Move! She's got a-" Catherine pushes Ezra out of the way, taking the jab from Isabelle's scissors.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTAy4rkyzn
"See? I told you!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzKVo21Twe
"Shut up.." Catherine says, holding the shoulder wound.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rT2dbMn50
"Isabelle, that's enough." Nathaniel says, approaching her. "Or... maybe she's in the doll's control?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrJSl3jA9S
"Damn straight! And that's only a portion of what I can do!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj9KMZ2uyF
"I see.." Nathaniel states, showing his own Gift. A large, metal, thorn shaped shield adorned his right arm, sharp enough to cut the air around it.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtujJW4IBf
"Catherine, I would like it if thou take her dearest sister to safety."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLI5UhPp7b
"Alright, but I'm coming back. Ezra, let's go."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq1ZS6my7e
"...Be careful with her, Nathaniel."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVELVU5unS
"...I shall try."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58N9hSe9yS
The two run out of the mansion, only barely able to hear the sounds of things clattering to the floor.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0HZxgjvQu
"I'll be back, hopefully with your sister."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZzw5QKZih
"Please..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16WH9l0FpF
Catherine runs back into the now destroyed house.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPpPDTsue5
"Awe, Cathie's back!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvXDLNVQB7
Catherine takes a glance at Nathaniel, scratches from the scissor jabs and slashes all over him and his shield-spear.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZyAnxFidQ
"Isabelle is very formidable when angered.." he says in-between shallow breaths.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOoGWbAp2k
"Finally giving up, Nate?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzmjIJ8Jfp
"...Yes."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUd1ptOsJ1
"Good! Now..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1hgsHKRKN
Isabelle snaps back to her normal self, dropping the scissors.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpf1pcuufK
"Dawlly...never do that again..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyG7CSXpgJ
"How about this? I only do it when you need me to. I'll even ask, okay?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbOlIvVphx
"...Only w-when I need to."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3drS4PRdGE
"You got it boss!" the doll disappears, slipping itself inside her pocket.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSnDrJkSa9
The three of them go outside, where Ezra makes sure Isabelle is okay. Isabelle assures her she's just fine.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC0z19m5TR
Catherine tapped her clock, pulled the hands forward, and the time warp opens.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZE3nv38RS
"Well, let's see where this takes us. Hopefully, I can finally go home."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjNOBq2Jjv
"I-I've never d-done this before.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVVzx3Xzpg
"It's like walking through the door. Nothing bad's gonna happen, alright?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi6aq9tnB5
"O-okay.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaJkOkqv7M
And with that small exchange of words, the four of them went through the time warp, but instead of a different Time Period like they were expecting, it was a small pocket dimension. And inside...was a giggly, eccentric white-faced jester, covered in makeup and vibrant colored clothing.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG67JjfmoAA
"Oho! Visitors visitors!" it said, jumping up and down.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP9sevhO3o
"Oh great.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOOZyTIYlj
"U-uhm..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA9Tb1aFCo
"What's the matter? Afraid of lil' old me?" it's crescent moon like smile only got wider. "I know plenty of games that'll get you nice and warmed up to me!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SM7YgoUju
"Games like what?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUeAdkNm88
"Dodgeball perhaps?" he pulls out bells, three times as small as his spindly hands.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEt0U7yd5F
"Those are...easily avoidable." Nathaniel says, taking a better look at them.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xzr4kuqNS
Ohohoho! No, no, these are everything but avoidable!" the jester proclaimed. "Take a look and see!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEU9IPh2Pa
The jester threw them behind himself. Then, a loud boom emanated from every corner. A burning ball of orange and red roared behind. "So, let's get playin', shall we?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDMznehCwC
"I'm afraid not.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39jpYNyMzo
"Yeah, you can't really play dodgeball with high grade explosives."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzaKGmFeb4
"Oho! I don't think you understood! That was an order..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw10X25qNGl
"You, a jester, order me?" Nathaniel revealed his Gift.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmKseJYfRO
"That's the rule of the game!" the jester throws the bomb from every angle it can with such agility, leaving the four to barely escape the explosions.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf10uaG5o2
"This piece of crap isn't kidding!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM0kkApTP0
"I-I'll try to hold his arms b-back! Dawlly!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXeKO1rldt
"Yeah yeah, I've got it." Dawlly took Isabelle's Gift, wrapping the thread around the jester's body.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOrttAxZxU
"Oooooh, not fair, not fair!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDq0VXvBT1
"Shut the hell up, you almost killed us, you better believe it's fair." Catherine snapped, dusting the ash and gunpowder from her clothing.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDujiygCmw
"You rulebreakers must be punished!" A loud roar came from the jester's voice. They braced themselves.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIyN8zKz4l
"Tempus: Cessatio!" another voice called out. Suddenly, it felt as if time itself had stopped. Catherine and the others couldn't move. In their frozen state, they saw a woman, floating there in front of them. Going in front of their assailant, the woman tears a warm, brilliant light from the jester's chest, and slips it into her bag. She snaps her fingers, and suddenly...
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiCLdTK8vN
The four of them grab ahold of their chest and faces, frantically trying to understand what happened.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeNdfuK4B0
"Hey hey hey, don't worry, I didn't do anything to you.." the woman states. "I just took Pierrot's Tempural Spirit."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE2pMo9xEw
"Is that w-what that...warm light was?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnwHCE2rIm
"Mhm. I'm glad I came at the right time, too. Can't be a teacher without students, right?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dhdWCIgtU
"Teacher? You mean to tell me I have to go to school here too?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB7KWgJWsR
"Eh, somewhat. My name's Verna, by the way. I keep watch of the Time Realm while Father Time is away. Now, for your next mission..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHDvhWhSy5
"Mission? We literally almost got blown to smithereens by clown boy over there, don't you think we need a little bit of a break?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQT9KbDDVi
"Well, you still need one more Prodigy in order to reach your 'breakroom', so find him and come back, okay?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGB0JnUWQv
"Uuugh, fine. We'll find the stupid boy and bring him back. Where are we headed? Past? Future?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIXM9eC1Me
"Future, now hop to it."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuQCo1Wp0o
"Alright, alright, but after this, I'm going home."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwhlPa9k6f
"If you so desire.." Verna gladly drags Pierrot to the time warp and chucks him in. "I'll see you guys later. Don't die."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQomdUJ08P
Catherine hoped this was the last time she had to travel around. The after affects of it was starting to hit her, but nonetheless, she did the thing threw herself in, and...
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KtF6qwJxt
Suddenly, she was surrounded my metal bars, and a dingy atmosphere.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Zsowh3mu7
"Ah, crap..." she grumbled. "...We're in prison.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbYTa1MkK7
"We shall split up. I go west, Isabelle and Ezra go east, and Catherine, thou go north."
Nathaniel states, pointing them in the right direction.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P9pgLPVgE
"Okay, splitting up inside a place like this is not a good idea.." Ezra returns.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD96OcedWZ
"It is the only way we can cover ground. I'm sure you understand we're looking for someone in such a large facility."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Djcboz5Y1
"If this was a horror movie, we'd be dead. If we split up, we get lost and can't get to the others if we need them." Catherine adds. "The best way is to go down to every four way, and try your plan. We go down each of the halls, if we don't find the guy, we come back, go down to the next four way, repeat."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbQ0jEntiz
"That's a b-bit complicated..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KptcKWgws
"It's not as complicated as you think."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgEWeoMIhg
"Yeah, let's try this one and see.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcz1sOGENVh
They try it on the first four-way they come across, but all the cages in the halls were empty. They try the second one, same thing there. The third time, but to no avail.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGA34tnCu1
It was only after the fifth time when someone was found within these brick walls and metal bars.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv20gCbqjT
"God, I hate this place. Why are we in prison, damnit?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06RKvJ59tI
"Correction..." a boy's voice echoed. "I'm in prison. You're in a prison."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jlKYcvbGc
"Oh shut up, smarta-"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ520jmwc30M
For once she could finally feel the Tempural Energy reaching out to her, pointing her to the person they were looking for.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpNFbgcHh2
"You. You're a Prodigy."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uPYMWAfIi
"A what now?" He begins slinging around a golden blur.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu6OqsQzzu
"Whatcha got there?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTHhOKOh9g
He stops twirling the thing around his finger. "It's a watch or something. I just liked the way it looked. I'm a bit of a kleptomaniac."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWzFZtTEzD
"So you stole it."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU23yCQNnds
"I'll take what I can get. Now, what's a wonderful looking lady such as yourself doing here?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodFdnJzgo0
"Oi, d-don't flirt with me!" Catherine sputtered. "I'm here to get you, and then I'm going home, that's it, alright?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CzIAHnlcC
"I'd love to take you."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksO5VZNzUY
"...I hate that you'd love to take me. Now get up."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27koEPMhWL
"If I move any further than that doorframe, it shocks me. Unless you have a better idea, I'm staying right here."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtQG258oof
"If the problem is the doorframe, then I can just destroy it, right?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6KYN4lyQ8
"...If that's what you want to do."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jbKWPHtkv
"Do you have a stick or a bat or something?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsXVFifKww
"Nope, they confiscated my stuff before they threw me in here."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6XnHi0Qwx
"Then I'll just break it by hand." Catherine states. She walks up to the bars, starts kicking at the bars to, at least, loosen them, but suddenly... she's on the other side.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJiePYVNry
"What the hell?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDsoUpBfqV
"Got anymore good plans, Einstein?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9ypLwB39u
"You shut up." She sternly commanded. "I'm trying to figure out how I got in here in the first place."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmspWIRwX9
"From what I've seen, you just clipped right through. The bars didn't move a bit."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMTBEOSFUW
"...Let me try-"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhSYqD8ERT
As if on cue, she falls through the floor, unaware of her newly obtained Gift. It was like swimming through water, as she gracefully glided through the solid rock floor. She peeks out from the floor, finally discovering her ability, Phasing.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXva3qPqT1
"Holy crap." she snickers. "I'm definitely pissing off Nate with this."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUurq4klhns
"Hey, you're not helping me out by plotting whatever you're planning."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQTB8G49lH
"Yeah yeah, give me a second."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCLBK5ZHJY
She slips back through the floor and back behind bars.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRLrCoxJzt
"I'm gonna be honest, I don't think this is going to work."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewcm0AWOlx
"Can't hurt to try though, right?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi89gsLhh8r
Catherine sighs. "Come on...try not to breathe."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh5QhQlvjK
She unwillingly grabs the guy's hand, and activates her ability. On the other side, she throws him out first, then climbs up after him.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCROaDpz1kV
"Nice...I guess."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JAzNKSybw
"Now, let's go. Please."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rifh006h6
"Finally."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPFhLqK0i1
"Hey Nate! Isabelle! I found him!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlZ3dkbAgY
Catherine turns to the boy. "Put the stupid watch on...what's your name again?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGhO5cAsg4
"Arsenio..." he letting the watch drop around his neck.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk97k85uud
"Alright, we just have to wait for the others."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHFDY9nJWJ
"N-no need Catherine..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgODSvhNhIR
"Speak of the devil. Here they are."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIh1O77tQi
"H-Hello...my name is...Isabelle..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUh881MyJLh
"Arsenio..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc73rncqhCa
"N-Nice to meet you.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRl0eDZKlw
"I haven't seen anyone for the last...five years. And two beautiful young ladies at that."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeldyU8nN3
"Let's skip the pickup lines and get out of this place, please?" Catherine rushed. " I have classes tomorrow, and you people are wasting precious time."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R1906LAUr
"Actually, you guys won't be staying home for long." Verna's voice echoed through the dingy halls. "I'm sure you'll miss your friends and family, but the Time Realm really needs your help.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMY8BRhlTB
Catherine groans. "I don't want to keep moving around different points in time! I'm getting sick just walking through the stupid portals and whatnot!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXoiAA4Cst
"I understand, you want to go back to your normal lives, but without you, we basically have no concept of time at all."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mP5xqtlOh
"...What else could you possibly need?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZODYcqUUn
"I need you five to come with me.." Verna's usual bubbly tone grew stern and serious in a heartbeat as she opened another time warp, guiding them inside. They walk out the other side, to an almost heaven-like place.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPdOBqLrnL
"This...is the Time Realm. And over there...is the home of Father Time."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc0QzRhRek
"What are we doing here, exactly?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMuFQE8Bw4
"It's the Fabric of Time..." she almost mumbled. "It's ripping apart as we speak. Quickly, we mustn't waste time."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRH2ln6DLj
The Prodigies ran as fast as they could, following Verna to a secret room, and when she opened the door, the mess of what seemed to be the Fabric of Time floated within.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdd9Pkxsyg
"This is where we keep logs of events of the past and future, and without them, the events that helped become you will disappear and..."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYiTfsVY9s
"So what can we do to fix it?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX1ufLtEgO
"The Timebreakers are probably a cause, pocket dimensions do tend to warp the timeline quite a bit. Stop them, and we might be able to mend it enough to solve the other part and heal it completely.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMwMVLYzqE
"And what happens if we don't?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMVVb1xeeQ
"I'm afraid the concept of time would be lost. No night, no day, no anything, the world...no, the universe would be destroyed if there's space but no time."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOvDsR9Myz
"So, mend the Fabric, and we can go home?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu3GA4VyAo
"Yes. If I could do this alone, I would."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1PIqGyoqs
Before Catherine could speak her mind, Nathaniel comes up with an answer.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwutN0mhazS
"Thou may rely on us."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nDQZTHIvA
"Nate!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxw3Dn1e5N
"Would thou rather us die without trying?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQrnaiT2zO
"No, but have you seen what the stupid jester did? We almost died back th-"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U4SPL8FU8
"Dying is not something I am afraid of. If thy cowardice is what is holding thou back," he turns his back towards her. "Then maybe thou should not be a Prodigy after all."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhtz48wkxK
Walking towards the door, he looks back towards the Timekeeper. "Does thou have any rooms for us to stay in?"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWzvStecDV
"...Ah, yes. This way.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9hNaeyiet
Verna gracefully leads them out, closing the door as she peeked inside. She approaches another door, places her own, slightly larger watch into the divot in it's center.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpynE4hLagy
As the door slowly opened, Catherine heard the clicking of the gears as the two parts glided from each other.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJWgimKgV9
The room was strangely comfortable to the five when they finally dropped where they were standing.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqhY1IgBAL
"Finally!" Catherine exclaimed. "I can finally sit the hell down!"
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEro1zxgDxN
"Get comfortable, because this is where you're going to sleep every night until the Fabric of Time is fixed."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHskxs9ZnU
"I can deal with that." Arsenio states, lounging on one of the beds. "Now, how about some snacks? I'm starving.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzg7XiCeFN
"Yeah yeah, I'll get you teens something to snack on. Just...don't destroy anything, alright?" Verna replies.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Qk7w3at22
"O-okay.."
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Rkb9k4WQA
Verna leaves them in the spacious room.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z1wFeoYUZ
Isabelle gets to sewing and knitting with Ezra helping her, Nathaniel starts to read a book, and Arsenio tinkers with his handcuffs. Catherine watches as they do their own hobbies and starts to do her own, writing short paragraphs in her notebook. She enjoyed as her slightly cursive handwriting inked on the paper as she wrote about some ideas she had rattling in her head.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NqWonA0Wh
She looked at the others. The paragraph's words entered her head as she saw what each were doing.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAn5ac2zcP
Catherine wrote and erased, thinking of other ways she could rephrase it. It took forever for her concentrated mind to slow down and fall asleep, and just before she gave up, she noticed everyone else, items in hand, asleep comfortably in beds.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pI3JnQSIr
"Heh." she chuckled. "I can finish this later." Catherine slips the now dull pencil into the book's crease before shutting it closed, pulling the blanket over herself, and finally closing her eyes.
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKyHh8Guvn
To be continued in Prodigy: Casters of Time: Chapter 2
375Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqxcjPrYDz
