undefined
Luna and Artemis had set the plans to begin their journey. Although they were lions at the current moment, when Usagi had used the Imperium Silver Moon Crystal in conjunction with Sailor Pluto’s time warping abilities to change history, the two cats had been given the ability to change their shape into any feline they desired. The change in power also allowed the cats to become human when needed, like they would need to now.
“Alright. When Trowa comes to feed us this morning, become human,” Luna reminded Artemis.
“Yeah, I know. Its been such a long time though… I hope we can pull this off,” Artemis replied. “How is that kid gonna help us find the Senshi, Luna? He can’t know anything about them. It was long before he was even born that the Senshi stopped fighting.”
“I don’t know how Artemis, he just will. There is something about him that reminds me of someone, though I can’t figure out who…”
“Maybe you’re just going senile, Luna,” Artemis teased. The evil eye she responded with shut him up quickly.
“Well, time to see if we can pull off this transformation.” Luna closed her eyes and began to focus all of her energy into her bones and muscles, willing them to shrink and stretch. Her joints slid, with only minor pain, and she felt her legs taking the brunt of her weight. Her back straightened, her arms shrunk, her jaw receded, the fur covering her body changed into loose clothing and when she opened her eyes again, she was standing upright in all her human splendor. She quickly tossed her long curly black locks over he shoulder and stood proudly.
Artemis, however, was having a much more difficult time getting the change right. First he reverted to his basic cat form, then into a jaguar, then some kind of half-human, half-cat creature. Luna smirked as she watched him, trying to keep from laughing as he desperately tried to shift into a human with no success.
“Don’t laugh! It’s not funny Luna!” Artemis whined.
“Yes it is, Klutz the Cat! You’ve never been good at this,” Luna said, trying to keep from bursting into laughter. I remember how long it took you to get the lion thing right… Luna thought sarcastically.
Although her form had changed, Luna’s senses were still heightened like a cat’s. It was fortunate, because she could hear Trowa’s steps as he came toward the cage for the morning feeding. “Hurry up and get it right! He’s coming!” Luna hissed.
“Aw crap! Uh…” Artemis closed his eyes and focused again, but finally pulled off the transformation. He stood nearly a foot taller than Luna, although just as thin and pale. He looked at Luna and gave her a big ‘Look-I-Did-It!’ smile, but his face fell when he saw the golden crescent moon on Luna’s forehead. “Uh Luna, your moon is showing.”
She pulled back her hand to smack him for being rude when she caught his meaning. “Oh damn!” she whispered. She closed her eyes, waved her hand over her face and the crescent disappeared. Artemis did the same. They finished their glamours just in time to see Trowa rounding the corner. Hie eye widened and he nearly dropped the plate of meat he was carrying.
“Who are you?” Trowa said with a slight hint of worry in his monotone voice. “And where are my lions?” He ran up to the cage and set the meat down on the ground. Artemis immediately made a dive for the plate, but Luna stepped on his back and glared down at him. Trowa just stared blankly.
“Allow my to introduce us. I am Luna,” Luna said bowing. “And this slug,” she said, indicating Artemis, who was still reaching desperately for the meat, “Is Artemis.”
“Gotta… grrrr… get… breakfast… Must… err… eat…” Artemis said stretching for the plate.
“GET UP!” Luna roared at her companion. He looked up at her sheepishly and then stood proudly in front of Trowa, a hand on his hip, his long straight white hair falling to his thighs.
“Greetings! I am…” Artemis began. Luna smacked him upside the head and rolled her eyes.
“I already did that part, if you had been paying attention,” Luna said snidely.
Trowa stared blankly at them. “Where are my lions?” he asked.
“Well ya see…” Artemis started.
Trowa interrupted him. “Where are my lions?” he demanded, a hint of anger entering his monotone voice.
“WE are your lions,” Luna said quickly.
“…” Trowa was more speechless than usual. Damn it Quatre! I told you to stop putting those funny herbs in my drinks! “It’ll help you relax!” you said. My ass. Look at the kinds of dreams I’m having! Trowa thought angrily to himself. He vowed to punish Quatre for this.
“This is a dream right? I’ll wake up and you’ll be gone and my lions will be back,” Trowa muttered to himself. “And I’ll get you for this Quatre.”
Luna and Artemis just stared at each other. “This isn’t a dream,” Luna said calmly. “I can prove that I was one of your lions. Don’t try this Artemis. I don’t want you to look stupid.” With that, she closed her eyes and changed back into her lion form. Trowa stared on, wide-eyed.
“See?”
“I still think I’m dreaming,” Trowa said. “Why are you talking to me?”
“Because we need to find the Sailor Senshi; warriors that defend our solar system,” Luna told him plainly. “And we believe that you can help us.”
“Me? What do I know? I’m just a solider,” Trowa told the lion.
“I’m not sure how, but my senses tell me that you will lead us to the Senshi,” Luna said.
“Okay, yeah… I’m going back in now… You stay here and when I awake up, you better be lions again.” Trowa turned and left.
Luna just stared up at Artemis. “That went well,” Artemis said sarcastically.
“Shut up. It actually went better than we think. I get the feeling that Trowa knows one of the Senshi VERY well,” Luna said.
“Someone here maybe?” Artemis said, thinking.
“Have you noticed anyone that seems have Senshi-like ability?” Luna asked.
“You mean beside that fact that everyone here is a circus performer and can perform amazing acts of agility and strength?” Artemis asked sarcastically. Lune shot him a ‘Don’t-Be-Dumb-Look.’ “Jeez! No need to be rude! Actually, I have noticed one girl that seems to be above average, even for a circus. That Cathrine girl. Not only is she strong and agile, she has the overwhelming desire to protect the ones she loves AND she hurls knives with a deadly accuracy that only one person I have ever known had.”
“You mean?”
“Yes, Makoto.”
* * *
A capsule hurtled through space faster than a star’s light could go. It was a sphere made of black rock, radiating dark energy that could be felt throughout the galaxy. The four occupants it held inside lay perfectly still, each encased in nearly invisible crystal shields. To the untrained eye, the four humanoids were dead. But in reality, they were fully awake, conversing with one another.
Were are almost there. The time has come for us to rule!
The four creatures were connected through a telepathic channel, allowing them to trade thoughts, feelings, and images. The first creature’s crystal was set above the other three, showing that it had superiority over them. The body was not lavishly decorated either, wearing simply a blue robe. The creature, female, was laid on top of what looked like a stone altar, one body with it’s head at her feet, another with it’s head near hers and a third humanoid parallel to her, making a square on what could be considered the floor of the capsule. In the middle stood a huge cauldron.
Yes my queen! This universe will be ours! responded the being at her feet.
Is the invasion plan ready? the first asked.
Yes. Thanks to the warnings we received from other would-be conquerors, we have a plan ready to keep the Sailor Scouts out of our way, the man at the queen’s head began. He proceeded with an explanation of the plan. Since Earth has fallen into mana decay, if the Senshi were to arrive, they would find very little magical power to work with. What we will attempt to do is trace the energy of the Silver Crystal through space and locate the Senshi as they are now. The three of us will go after the Senshi and cut them down one by one, although Drakala will be in charge of the Moon Princess and her lover. Our goal will be to steal the Star Seeds and, using the Cauldron, take control of the planets one by one.
This plan sounds good and well Malore, but what if they start awakening? It seems that something is brewing in space already, the queen responded.
Then we will just have to combine our efforts. I have already begun the proper traces to find the Senshi. But fear not Queen Validaria, we shall rule! Malore said reassuringly.
Reports suggest that the King has been put into suspended animation and is locked away within the Earth. How shall I get there? the second female, Drakala, asked.
You have always held the most magical power of all of us, next to Validaria. That is why I chose you to find the future Queen and King. You have power to rival theirs, Malore explained.
But now, we must create new servants. If we are to battle the legendary Sailor Scouts, we will need help. I suggest that we perform the ritual of old, Falon added.
Agreed. Let us begin, Validaria said. The four concentrated energy through their bodies, their crystals darkening. As the power around them grew, glowing dark auras surrounded the crystal casings. Suddenly, a bolt of energy streaked out of Validaria into Falon, snaked through Drakala, blasted through Malore and then back into Validaria. The ring pulsed for a few seconds and then a bolt of energy from each body streaked out and struck the cauldron. The cauldron began to glow with dark power and opened what looked like a vortex to another world. The whole capsule pulsed with energy as creatures slowly formed within the cauldron.
* * *
I feel it. Dark powers are brewing in space. Serenity did a good thing to wait until mankind had spread out again to separate us. It will make their job more difficult, said a woman, grinning to herself. If only she understood what will come of this…
It’s strange when I have to get involved in things. It’s hard to do when you already know the outcome. But it has come to pass already, so if I do not fight, time will collapse on itself. I hate to awaken the Knights though. It’s been thousands of years since we needed them… Oh well, she thought, shaking her head. It’s time.
“It has begun.” She sighed, but then smiled as she thought of Serenity’s smiling face. “The Messiah will have to save the world… again.” She rolled her eyes. Will the threats ever stop? Oh wait… Not for a long time… she reminded herself.
She raised her staff above her head and opened the towering gate in front of her, then stepped through and disappeared into the swirling vortex as the gate closed behind her.
* * *
Artemis had finally shifted back into lion form by the time Trowa came back to feed them again.
“Oh good. You’re lions again,” he said as he pulled a steak from the plate and set it in front of Luna.
“We could be human, but we eat so much more as lions,” Artemis joked.
Trowa just stared at Artemis in disbelief then dropped his head. “I’m still asleep.”
“No you’re not! And we need to talk to Cathrine right away,” Luna commanded.
“Oh so now Cathy is going to help you find your samurai or whatever?” Trowa asked, unbelieving.
“It’s Senshi, and yes. We believe Cathrine IS one of them,” Artemis corrected.
“Okay, I’m gonna try and go wake up again,” Trowa said as he walked away. Under his breath he added, “Quatre, I love you but you are going to DIE for this…”
“He’s not responding well,” Artemis said disheartened.
“It’s strange,” a new voice said from out of nowhere. Luna jumped and Artemis’s eyes grew wide. “The Knight of Jupiter usually has a strong bond with animals to compliment the Lady’s affinity to plants and weather.”
“Oh Gods! It’s you!” Luna nearly shouted.
“No need to call to my ancestors, Luna. You have known that I’d be coming.”
“But how did you find us?” Artemis asked.
“I just knew where you’d be. I can read any event in time,” she said snickering.
“Of course, forgive my insolence,” Artemis said, trying to bow.
“No need to bow. You two have done well. Luna, your senses about this place were right. Cathrine is who you are looking for. Her brother, now that’s a different story.”
“What do you mean?” Luna asked.
“Don’t worry. You’ll know soon enough. I’ll be watching you. You must somehow get Cathrine out here. Because I helped Serenity change history, I can undo part of that magic myself. It should be enough to recover some of her memories.”
Trowa had returned to get the plate, only to find a tall, slender woman with long black hair topped in a bun and carrying what appeared to be a huge key talking with the lions. He had hidden and caught most of the conversation. He stared in awe at the tanned lady, forgetting that he probably shouldn’t have been eavesdropping on them when his trance was broken suddenly as the lady turned and looked at him. He eyed her curiously. I know her… At least, I think I should know her… he thought. Who is she? Trowa wondered.
“You do know me. Well, you did… It has been a long time. Come here boy. I will tell you everything you need to know,” she responded.
“Who are you?” he asked cautiously.
“I am Sailor Pluto,” she said calmly. “Now go get your sister. There is much to tell her.”
* * *
The crystal casings had melted away, expended as part of the energy costs to create new monsters. Validaria sat upon what remained of her altar. The throne that was left was imbued with powers that had existed for much longer than this solar system. In front of her was the cauldron, now looking like a normal pot. Along with creating the mass number of servants, the ritual had expanded the size of the capsule by nearly 100 times, then folded it into a pocket dimension where it could not be detected. She surveyed the creatures with pleasure. Her three warriors surrounded the cauldron, kneeling before her.
“This many Darklings will be more than sufficient,” she said with pleasure. “No one can make ‘em like us.”
“That’s right! With Drakala’s magic, my cunning, Falon’s brute strength, and your control, nothing will be smarter, faster, stronger, or more focused than these Darklings!” Malore said triumphantly.
“That’s what you said about the last group of Darklings. The ones that Galaxia crushed so pathetically and STILL had enough power to nearly destroy the Cauldron.” Drakala’s snide comment got sneers from Malore. That was still a sore subject and it was obvious that the two had little room in their hearts for the other.
“Shut your mouth! The attack wouldn’t have failed if YOU had taken the time to…”
“Stop your bickering!” Validaria demanded. The psychic shockwave that she sent to the two had them grabbing their heads and writhing in pain on the floor.
Validaria might have been physically weak, but her powers of mind control and psychic mastery, along with her magical prowess, were what kept her in charge. Little demonstrations like this helped to reiterate that point. Everything under her control was connected into her psychic web, with her at the top, her three warriors next, and anything they might create on the bottom. One level could hear all the thoughts they wanted from their level and the ones below, but anything in levels above were only perceived if the thinker willed it so.
Malore slowly recovered and kneeled before the queen. “My apologies. There will be no more outbursts.”
“There better not be,” she warned. The menacing look in her eye showed that the perpetrator of any such crime would be severely punished. “We are wasting time. You said that you would search for possible candidates. Who have you found?”
“There is a girl on one of the space colonies that I believe has potential. Her name is Cathrine Bloom. Etheric disturbances seem to be quite strong around her all of a sudden. Nothing huge, but small things: lapses in time, energy spikes, you know, the normal stuff. But they seem to be concentrated within the last few hours. And recently there was a huge energy spike, then time seemed to fold over and stop. I can’t figure out why though…” Malore began.
“It sounds risky, my queen. I think that I should take a few Darklings and check it out,” Falon said.
“He’s right. Until we know more about what’s going on, we can’t risk anything. And if she is a Scout, she might lead us to the other nine,” Malore confirmed.
“Very well. Falon, you shall take three Darklings with you and investigate. If this Bloom girl is a Sailor Senshi, then eliminate her before she awakens. You know how,” Validaria said.
“Of course my queen.” Falon grinned evilly and called up three of the many Darklings that they had created. He stood, bowed, and disappeared into space.
* * *
Trowa had felt scared of the woman who, while not physically taller than him, seemed to tower over him, threatening to squash him like the bug she made him feel to be. He had immediately run off in search of Cathrine, fearing that this woman would hurt him. Seriously.
“Honestly Pluto, did you HAVE to use your glamour on him?” Luna asked, smirking at the ancient warrior.
“He always has been a stubborn one. I know how to deal with Knights when I need to,” Pluto said amused.
“Knights? What are you talking about?” Luna asked.
“It’s nothing that you would remember. The Knights haven’t been around for a long time. They preceded the Silver Millenium,” Pluto explained. “But that’s for a different time. Right now, we need to focus on this Cathrine girl…”
Trowa returned moments later with his sister in tow. He unexpectedly bowed in front of the Keeper of Time and said, “Lady Pluto, may I present my sister, Cathrine Bloom.” He shook his head as if breaking out of some trance and quickly got to his feet.
Good. He’s remembering already. I didn’t think I would have that much effect on him, Pluto quipped to herself. She looked up at the new arrival and narrowed her eyes, looking her over. “Cathrine, come here,” Pluto commanded. Cathrine took a hesitant step forward.
Who is this lady? And why do I feel I know her… She’s not with the circus, although you could never tell from looking at that ridiculous outfit, Cathrine thought.
“Yes it does look like something you would wear during a show, doesn’t it,” Pluto said with a smirk on her face. Cathrine immediately shrank back in fear. “Yes, I can read minds Cathrine.” Cathrine stared in disbelief as Pluto smiled and shook her head. “There is much to explain. I already know that Luna and Artemis were right in seeking you out. You are exactly as hoped. Do you remember anything?”
“Remember what?” Cathrine asked. Where do I know her from? she asked herself again.
“From centuries ago. You and I were warriors for the planets. We defended the solar system from evil. And the time has come for you to join into that fight again,” Pluto explained, attempting to answer both questions at once.
“No! I was born here 21 years ago. My parents were killed in when our car was blown up. And after that I joined the circus. I’m not a warrior from long ago!” Cathrine protested.
“Yes, you are. But it’s no surprise you don’t remember. Serenity and I designed it that way. The truth is Cathrine, you don’t really exist in this world. You are the shell of another person, of Kino Makoto from the 20th century.”
“NO! That can’t be! I have memories of my life! Everyone knows I exist!” Cathrine shouted. She grabbed her head and fell to her knees, then passed out.
“Leave now! Get out or I’ll throw you out!” Trowa demanded suddenly, raging at the scene before him.
“Trowa… Don’t get angry. I don’t want to fight you,” Pluto said calmly.
“Why? Because you know you’ll loose?!” Trowa yelled. It was obvious that Pluto was getting tired of his shouting.
“Because I don’t want to hurt you. And I know that if we fight, I will win,” she replied calmly.
“I could crush you in a second. Literally.”
“How? With that big machine of yours? That thing you call a Gundam or whatever? HeavyArms doesn’t stand a change against me.”
“WHAT?! You’re just a single human! You couldn’t stop a Gundam!”
“Yes I could Trowa. And I will if you fight me.” Pluto kept her cool, hoping to keep Trowa’s rage in check. It didn’t work.
“Let’s see it!” Trowa yelled as he rushed Sailor Pluto.
Big mistake… Luna thought. She and Artemis had been watching the argument heat with concern. It wasn’t very often you see someone actually challenging the exulted Sailor Pluto.
Pluto simply closed her eyes and shook her head. Then she lifted her staff above her head and whispered, “Dead Scream.” Pale purple energy radiated from the large garnet ball in the top of the staff, then she spun around and a bolt of energy slammed into Trowa, sending him flying backwards. He crashed to the ground and lay still for several seconds before finally standing.
“You are strong,” he said coolly. His blank look had settled back in and he walked over to his sister. He carefully picked her up and indicated for Pluto to follow him. “And you two talking lions better come with me.” This dream just keeps getting weirder and weirder…
* * *
Trowa went to Cathrine’s trailer and set her down on the bed. Pluto followed and, after Luna and Artemis had changed into their traditional cat forms and escaped the cage, came too.
“This was the right choice, Trowa,” Artemis said.
“Well since I didn’t wake up after that hit, I’ve come to two conclusions. 1, Quatre put WAY too many sleeping herbs in my wine or 2, this isn’t really a dream,” he confessed.
“The second one is correct, I promise. This is a lot to handle at once, I know, but things are becoming urgent here. You again stand at the dawn of a new age in human history,” Pluto explained. She looked up suddenly, her whole demeanor changing. She grabbed her staff with both hands and slowly stood up. “Something’s coming…”
“How do you know?” Trowa asked.
“I just do. Now do you want to help or not?” Pluto demanded.
“Anything to protect Cathy.”
“Good. Then wake her up. We’ll need her help.”
Trowa nodded and turned to Cathrine as Pluto ran out of the trailer. The artificial sun was bright, giving Pluto a full view of her surroundings. She looked carefully for the monsters she knew were hiding nearby, finding no sign of them, other than the very negative feel they left in the area. A sudden sound caught her attention and she turned just in time to see a huge beast lunge out at her. She twisted and brought the Time Staff around fast enough to bash the creature in the head and roll away safely. A second creature sprang up behind her and grabbed at her, but she jumped away in time to escape its claws. She stood in an en garde stance, surveying the two monsters before her. One seemed to be a huge cat-like creature, complete with claws and feline body. It was covered in green fur and had red glowing eyes. The second looked like a minotaur and stood at least eight feet tall.
There’s a third one… Pluto reminded herself as a spider looking monster tried to jump on her. “Dead Scream…” she whispered and hit the creature with a huge gale force, sending it flying into the other two monsters. Pluto assessed the situation when a fourth creature, human in appearance, teleported onto the scene. He floated in the air, looking mockingly at Pluto.
“So you’re the mighty Sailor Pluto? Hard to believe that you’re the Guardian of Time!” he laughed, mocking her. “I’m supposed to take care of you, eh? Easy enough,” Falon said. “Darklings! Hold her down!” he commanded. The three creatures rushed Sailor Pluto as Falon prepared to attack. He held out his hand and when he clenched his fist, a whip appeared. He coiled his arm back and snapped the whip at Pluto when a knife went flying through the air, stabbing his hand. He dropped the whip and grabbed his hand. “Damn it! Who did that!?!” he shouted.
“Stay away from her!” Cathrine shouted. She was holding a knife in her hand, arm back, ready to throw. Her eyes widened suddenly, realizing what she was doing.
“Don’t worry Cathrine! Use this!” Luna cried as she ran out of the trailer. She flipped in the air and a heart-shaped emerald appeared. Cathrine picked up the gem and stared at it, words slowly coming to her lips and she shouted, “JUPITER CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE-UP!!”
A bolt of lightening struck Cathrine and she felt her old self crashed away and being replaced by someone entirely different. Someone that knew how to fight. Someone that knew how to call upon nature. Someone that wasn’t going to let Sailor Pluto get smashed. Her clothing sparked away and was replaced by a sailor fuku and laced up boots. On her head a tiara embedded with a small emerald appeared.
“Supreme Thunder!” she shouted, calling down the forces of Jupiter at her enemies. It struck the group of monsters, but Falon simply teleported away.
Pluto sent another blast at the spider monster, then Jupiter shouted, “Jupiter Oak Evolution!” and hurled several power-charged leaves at the spider, reducing it to dust.
“Damn!” cursed Falon. “Get them! In the name of Validaria, destroy the Senshi!” Falon roared at the two remaining Darklings.
The other monsters charged, but were each met by a Senshi. Jupiter battled the minotaur while Pluto went hand-to-hand with the cat. Trowa peaked out of the trailer just in time to see the battle raging. He was about to run over and help when he felt rough hands grab him in a choker hold and drag him out.
“Stop!” a voice boomed. Pluto and Jupiter were distracted just long enough for the monsters to grab each one and hold them secure. Jupiter fought wildly against the monster when she saw that the strange man who was obviously in charge had a hold on Trowa.
“Let him go!” Jupiter screamed.
“Only if you give me what I want. I want your Star Seeds!” Falon said.
“NO! Jupiter, whatever you do, DO NOT give in!” Pluto shouted. The cat creature tightened its hold on, silencing her. She simply glared at Falon.
“If you value his life, give up your Star Seed!” Falon demanded again.
Shit! How could I let myself get caught like this? Trowa thought. Cathy is in trouble! I have to help her! It’s my duty… he suddenly realized. I must protect Princess Jupiter. That is my job… Wait! What am I thinking?
*It is your duty, Trowa…* a voice said to him suddenly. It was an older, deeper voice, but it sounded much like his.
Who are you?! What do you want!?!
*I am the part of you that has been dormant for thousands of years… I am the Knight of Jupiter. It is your destiny to protect the royal family of Jupiter from harm,* the voice said coolly.
But how? What can I do against these monsters?
*Call forth your weapon… You will know what to do from there…* the voice said as it faded into Trowa’s mind.
Trowa’s heart filled with a new feeling; one of purpose, of power. He felt an unusual strength flowing through his blood, like the thrill of battle, only thousands of times stronger. He knew what to do. He held out his hand, focused the power into it and…
The man holding Trowa screamed in pain as an axe buried itself into his arm. Trowa flipped out of his reach as he put the blazing hand axe into a loop on the belt that was slowly taking form around his waist. His eyes burned with ferocity that beat that of even the cat creature’s. Trowa’s form blurred, the symbol of Jupiter glowing in bright green on his chest. His clothing faded and was replaced by shining white armor with forest green breastplate and a cape to match. He lifted his hands up and shouted, “Axe of Beasts, come to me!” A blazing white battleaxe burst into existence in his lifted hands and he charged the cat creature, whose claws did nothing to the armor he wore, and brought the axe down right into its head. The creature squealed and turned to dust. This dream is actually kinda cool! Trowa thought with excitement.
“Beast Slash!” Trowa shouted as he sliced the axe down through the air. An arc of green energy ripped through the air towards the minotaur. Pluto whispered, “Dead Scream…” as Jupiter called, “Jupiter Coconut Cyclone!” and the three attacks converged on the unfortunate minotaur, reducing it to dust.
Trowa turned to face the man, now standing dumbfounded near the trailer, holding his arm. “You tell whatever evil you work for that this system is protected. Nothing can or will defeat us,” he said.
“As long as we live, you will never hold the Star Seeds!” Pluto added.
“Now go or we will destroy you!” Jupiter threatened.
“I’ll be back. And next time the Darklings will destroy you! Make no mistake of that!” Falon said as he disappeared.
Pluto looked proudly at the brother/sister team and smiled slightly. “You two will make excellent warriors. Now it is time to find the rest. Trowa, I believe you know where to look.”
Moments later they were inside Cathrine’s trailer again, their normal clothes back and their normal identities in place as Trowa made a call through space.
“Hello? Oh Trowa, it’s you!” a chipper voice said with excitement.
“Quatre, before I kill you, there is someone here who wants to talk to you…”
