Weirdos IV: The Emerald Heart

Chapter 19: The Lone Butterfly

"We don't have much time left," Ike said after hearing Yvanna's announcement. "Keep me updated, okay? Track Serafina's movements if you can. I'll just inform the others. Thank you."

Despite being enclosed inside Ezekiel's barrier, the rest of the rescue team, especially the Elemental Weirdos, still tried to fend off the villains attacking the barrier with the help of their respective weirdnesses. Powerful winds courtesy of Cezka blew hard against the villains accompanied by fireballs from Professor Sivera. Up above them, explosive arrows from Tony also showered down on the enemies.

Inside the Orb, RB is currently thrashing and crashing all over. The black tails on his back have reappeared, and his hands have transformed into diamond claws. Whenever he tries to touch the white barrier, his darkness sizzles loudly before vaporizing into smoke. Even his gemstones weren't able to penetrate the Orb.

"Are you sure they're not hurting him?" Crimson asked as he watched the scene. "RB looks like he's in pain."

"It's part of the process," said Lizzy, an X-ray Vision Weirdo and one of his teammates. "The Healers have no other choice. Also, it's not like we could even approach them to ask how long are they going to take to finish the Orb," she added before looking back at the huge circle of Healers several meters away from them.

"I wish I could go out there," Crimson said as he watched the maelstrom of elements whirling around their barrier. "I really want to kick someone in the face right now."

"You'll get your chance. For now, we have to save RB. Once we go back here in the future, that's when we're gonna get our revenge," Yven replied with his arms outstretched in front of him. Over the distance, his ice spikes and fireballs rained down on the villains.

Professor Romeus passed by. "We just received a report from the surveillance team! Serafina is coming. Stay vigilant and alert!"

"What the. . . We should hurry up! That crazy lady is going to kick out butts!" Crimson said.

"You can't rush the Orb," Ike replied who was following Professor Romeus together with some of his friends and classmates. "We just have to wait until the Healers complete the Orb. By the looks of it, it's not gonna take that long."

Crimson followed Ike and the others. "Is waiting really our only option?"

"I can delay Serafina," Jelal suddenly said. "Well, I think I can delay her. My Fear Weirdness allows me to manipulate dark magic up to some extent. It's not powerful, but it might give you some time to escape."

"And what? You're going to be left behind? We're not going to kill you, at least not right away; but do you seriously think that these villains will let you live after what you've done to them? I know you want to prove yourself to us, but you don't have to jump into the fire just to prove your allegiance," Ike said to him. "You're now part of the group. In this group, no one gets left behind."

Crimson threw them bewildered stares. "What do you mean? And who is this dashing guy in black?"

"That is Jelal Habib of the Time Citadel," Ike replied as he continued walking.

The Fox Weirdo jumped away from the guy in black before growling and baring his fangs. "HOW ABOUT I TAKE YOU OUT RIGHT NOW?!" he said as sharp claws appeared on the tips of his fingers.

"Calm down," Ike replied. "He's RB's friend. He's been helping RB over the past few months. At least that's his story. I only believed in him because of Cataleya."

"I'm watching you closely," Crimson whispered as he narrowed his ruby-red eyes at the Fear Weirdo. "Just make one wrong move and I'll bite your handsome face off."