A/N: Um…Excuses, excuses. Well, here ya go. Chapter 5 of LtC,
ready to be read and feasted upon. ^^ There's a bit of a confusing
scene in this chapter, but it's kind of stupid as well (as in, really REALLY
obvious, and NOT as mysterious as I actually wanted it to be) Hehe, everyone
is free to guess as to WHAT is going on, WHAT will be going, and WHAT the
actual plot of this story is. Cause it's not just about Hotaru/Kurama's
relationship. J Hey people, I'm actually ADDING all these new characters
for a reason, ya know! ^^ So, hope you enjoy!
Love Through Centuries
Chapter 5: Old Acquaintances
~*~*~*~
Hotaru promptly found herself being led down the halls of the Sovereign Summit. By whom, she did not know, nor did she particularly care. She was eager to reside in her room to talk with Serenity and her senshi. Though it had merely been two days, she felt too isolated from her fellow senshi. Here was a chance to finally reunite with them, although they weren't particularly the old set of senshi she had left behind.
She gingerly let her mind wander. She had seen the final Makai Lord. He had arrived last, but had managed to slip undetected into the shadows. But she had managed to get a glimpse of him – and she was surprised. A pair of red eyes glowed fiercely in the darkness as he glared at her. She only glared back, taking that precious moment to observe him. She was, after all, here to reconcile them.
His spiky black hair waved precariously in the air. As the eyes glared at her, she had noticed a bit of red glinting beneath the white piece of cloth of a headband he tied around his forehead – as if to conceal something. He was short – shorter then both Youko Kurama and Yusuke, but seemed quick and agile on his feet. He wore a simple black cloak over black baggy pants and ankle boots. It was easy for him to hide in the shadows, but…
Hotaru was not an easy person to evade.
Afterwards, the fox girl had promptly announced that everyone had arrived. The crowd dispersed, as guards (who were really licensed sorcerers/sorceresses) led them off to their rooms.
Hotaru had been led away by a young girl seemingly sixteen years of age; plain brown locks fell to her shoulders with large almond shaped emerald eyes. They had left the room in silence, after Hotaru had bid Koenma and Botan goodbye, and had set off down the hall.
After walking through countless hallways, turning around countless corners, and passing countless doors, she finally realized just how incredibly large the Sovereign Summit was. Someone could easily get lost in such a vast building.
Suddenly, they stopped in front of a door. Continuing down the hallway was a dead end, but there were many of the same doors side by side; large wooden engraved in gold. Brushing a slender finger against the lock hole of the door (strange enough that the door didn't even have a handle), the guard's fingertip glowed a deep green, before they both heard an audible 'click'.
The door swung open and the sorceress stepped aside so Hotaru could enter. The senshi of death was, simply said, amazed.
There was a large king sized bed placed in the middle. Across from it was an alter like seat, covered with soft blankets and comfy looking pillows. There was a bathroom adjoining, but Hotaru didn't bother checking that out, knowing it would be as majestic as the room. A large desk with writing materials stood in a corner. Lamps with candles inside to burn was placed in various places around the room.
"Wow, this is so cool", Hotaru said quietly, eyes shining in a childish manner.
"This will be your sleeping quarters during your stay here", began the sorceress, as Hotaru whirled around to face her. "There will be an opening ceremony, banquet dinner and a ball dance tonight. Your outfit is given to you in the closet over there", she indicated the faint outline of closet doors in the wall next to the desk, "and I will be arriving at six p.m. H.T (human time) to accompany you. My name is Tokei, your guard for the few weeks of your stay. I will be accompanying you to many places such as the meeting rooms or the dining halls for regular dinners. The locks on your doors can only be opened by those such as I, even from the inside out. Any questions?"
Hotaru blinked, and then shook her head. "But if the door locks on the inside, that means I can't go out unless one of you comes to let me out".
Tokei nodded. "It's really not that hard of a procedure. I'll know if you want to go out. You can have food sent up to your rooms if you're hungry, and if you want to invite some of the other guests to your room, just tell me and I'll bring them here. Simple".
She sighed, shaking her head. "To you maybe. Um…well, can you inform Neo Princess Serenity and her company for me, that I'm currently residing in this room? We were planning on meeting up after, but see the circumstances now, I suppose they'll have to come over".
The green-eyed girl nodded and stepped out of the room. "Be right back".
The door slammed shut.
Hotaru was left to stand in the middle of the room, glancing around hopelessly. Sighing, she went to sit on the edge of her bed, waiting for her friends. Seemed like there wouldn't be anything to do until Chibi-Usa, Palus and Celis arrived.
Falling backwards upon her bed, she laid there, hair fanning out around her to form a halo. Glinting violet eyes stared up at the ceiling as she waited for her friends to arrive.
Sighing, she reluctantly let her mind wander back to the meeting. Something had happened during that time. Something strange, so strange she couldn't keep it out of her head.
Now, as everyone should now, Hotaru is the Senshi of Death and Destruction, the Messiah of Silence, the Bringer of Redemption; Sailor Saturn. She had been put to sleep since the end of the Silver Alliance, and had been kept asleep until the human Hotaru and Chibi-Usa's pure heart crystal had unleashed her inside her body. She had faced death, rebirth, death, and rebirth yet again. Hardly anything was enough to shake her.
Until she had seen him.
She should've expected it. Heck, it had been a few centuries, but she should've expected to see him again. It was impossible not to. Since she had left Makai the first time, she had felt that part of her destiny would rest in that very place, and she would inevitably wind up in that place again.
Well, her prediction had certainly come true.
Sad as it was, she couldn't forget him. Hate it wasn't, but certainly some spite aimed towards him. Maybe she was merely angry he had brought too many memories rushing back. To see him again…She hated it. She never wanted to ever again.
'From now on, I'm going to avoid him. It's childish of course, and to avoid him during the diplomatic meetings and even during the day is impossible. But I won't talk to him. Surely he'll get the message and leave me alone to myself…I'm sure he recognized me. Just great, even more complications…I wonder how Usagi-chan and the others are doing back in Crystal Tokyo?…'
Frowning, Hotaru rolled over onto her stomach. She closed her eyes and sighed again. In boredom.
~*~*~*~
Yusuke travelled silently through the halls of the Sovereign Summit, hair flying behind him as he walked in a brisk pace. Eyes darting around, he found no bodies hidden in shadow, and continued on his way.
Turning the corner, he spotted a few of the territorial rulers' company chattering loudly and raucously. He winced at the sound, glaring darkly at the group. He hated how these youngsters cared of nothing but fame and power, believing them to be the meaning of all life. They were desperate to live in a way that was only advantageous to them.
Growling low under his breath, he continued to walk forward, internally willing his energy forth. A dark glow of pulsing energy surrounded him almost at once. The group immediately scattered, each and everyone of them casting him fearful looks.
Once moving past them, he continued down the hallway and abruptly turned another corner before he let his power drop and the aura disappeared. A tiny grin graced his face for a minute as he relished in the feel of fear surrounding him, fear for him. Those imprudent demons definitely needed to be a taught a lesson.
There was someone here…Hiding in the shadows. Yusuke didn't need to squint to make out the tiny figure leaning against the wall, and the pair of mismatched eyes glowing fiercely in the darkness.
"You really shouldn't have done that, Yusuke-san".
"Who would possess such a cynical voice – none other then the second cat prince of Merufjika", Yusuke replied, voice low and darkly tinted.
"Why, of course. Who else would you expect? Only one such as I can creep up upon you undetected".
Such arrogance. He despised it.
"Do not be so obnoxious. As for your earlier comment, I do not need your advice. Do not forget, young one, I am older and wiser".
"How you've changed from the past, Yusuke-san. Hundreds of years ago, you would've been close to throttling me by now, hm? And please, don't be so sure about being so much more older then me…You of all people should know I am not as I am".
Yusuke remained stoic, eyes merely narrowing as he resisted the urge to blast the demon that taunted him without fear.
"Don't try to act as though you know what is going on, young one. Life is more then just fun and games, as I'm sure you are very well aware of". Yusuke slowly turned, tilting his head to the side so that his face was overshadowed, coal eyes glinting dangerously, black strips of bangs dangling in his face. "This hatred of yours. That is why we sealed you within him. The poor child demon you are encased within suffers, but at the very least, you are unable to cause destruction".
An ugly look twisted upon the youthful face. "And why else would you need to encase me? Unless you are afraid, everyone here is afraid! Afraid of my power…Afraid of my abilities! Weaklings here, everywhere! Do not think this is the end, Yusuke!"
Yusuke turned around sharply, eyes narrowed to near slits. Faster then the eye could see, he slid forward as if sliding and was face to face with the demon he was conversing with. A hand was raised and a finger ran delicately down a porcelain cheek. "Afraid? Is that what you really think? Your power is unique, but we are not afraid. Perhaps, the only thing I am afraid of is our ability to destroy you without a second thought…
We fought you centuries ago. Your power is encased within this child, for this long, and yet you do not understand why we did this?…How amusing, how utterly amusing you are. And despicable. We did this to keep you out of our hair. You are merely a fly the Makai Lords can destroy within seconds. Don't think your power is so much as worthy as you say. Arrogance is truly your downfall".
"Why you – "
Yusuke slammed his hand around his neck and let his long nails dig into the pale skin. "Only that you are within the child's body that we do not kill. Years ago, we were weak. Now we are not. Do not anger me. The result is only worst then death…Shinraa".
He turned abruptly and let the demon fall, eyes wide, pupils dilated. Yusuke strode down the hall and out of sight quickly, thoroughly satisfied with how he had dealt with the situation. The demon was left sitting upon the ground, eyes widened in fear, and yet, not necessarily hate.
"…Ura…me…Yu…ke…"
He smiled, although his eyes were still wide with shock. However, the smile was gentle and loving, his eyes were filled with blankness. It was as if his face was two sides of the same coin.
"If love sprouts between hate…and which hate sprouts between love…then love can sprout from hate once again".
~*~*~*~
Serenity paced upon the carpeted floor of her room. Palus and Celis were in her room, since they were rooming with her. The room they had been placed in were larger then the other singled rooms, large enough to fit three king sized beds.
On one of those beds was Palus sprawled upon, sleeping lightly, curled into a fetal position. Celis was gently petting her hair and watching Serenity pace with amusement in her eyes.
"Really, Serenity-sama, I know you're worried, but walking back and forth does nothing".
The pink haired girl threw an annoyed glance at the other darker pink haired girl. "I know, Celis-chan, but please excuse me while I wonder what happened to Hotaru. If it were any one of you in the same situation, I would be just as worried!"
Celis giggled at her princess' vehement protest. "I know, I know. Just do not worry so much. I am sure Hotaru-san is perfectly capable of taking care of herself if she ever finds herself in trouble. She was one of the Outer Senshi of Her Majesty, after all".
Serenity sighed, and nodded. "I know. But if you were aware of what had transpired in her life, you would be just as worried as me, if not, more".
"Oh?"
"Don't really feel like explaining now, Celis-chan. But I really do wish to speak with Hotaru. Like why she reacted as such when faced with Youko Kurama. Or what she's doing here in the first place. I understand this is during the time the Black Moon Family is attacking Crystal Tokyo, but I was never told where Hotaru was during that time".
Before Celis could reply, there was a light knock on the door.
"Come in", Serenity said quietly, eyeing the door with suspicion.
The door handle clicked and they knew it was a magic-user coming in. The door was opened and a young woman stepped in, closing the door gently behind her. Smiling, she bowed in respect and in unison, Celis and Serenity bowed whilst staring.
This girl had the most amazing green eyes, after all.
"Hello. I am Tokei, sorceress and guide to ferry Hotaru-san during her stay here. She requested me to bring all of you to her room and to retrieve all of you just before dinner tonight. If you will not be coming back to this room, your outfits will be transported to Hotaru-san's room. Will there be a problem?" the brown haired girl inquired.
Serenity smiled and shook her head, grateful for anyone to have broken her worried reverie. "No, there won't be a problem. If you don't mind, we will not be returning to the room before dinner. Will you be directing us to Hotaru's room, Tokei-san?"
"Yes".
Celis gently shook Palus awake and the blue haired senshi groggily sat up. Rubbing her eyes childishly, Celis pulled her off the bed and led her into the adjoined bathroom so she could wash the sleepiness out of her face. Serenity followed Tokei as they went out the door and held the door open for the two as they came up. Now the door closed with an audible click. Celis tried the door again, just in case, and it was securely locked.
"Where're we going, Serenity-sama?" Palus asked, eyes bright again and not as glazed as when she had just woken up.
"To Hotaru's room, Palus-chan".
"Yay, we get to see Hotaru-san again!" the child stuck in a young woman's body squealed and took off down the hall, dress flying behind her.
"Hey! Palus! You don't know where you're going! Wait up!" Serenity and Celis bolted after her, leaving Tokei staring after them confused, as a smile broke out upon her face and she giggled.
~*~*~*~
TBC
Love Through Centuries
Chapter 5: Old Acquaintances
~*~*~*~
Hotaru promptly found herself being led down the halls of the Sovereign Summit. By whom, she did not know, nor did she particularly care. She was eager to reside in her room to talk with Serenity and her senshi. Though it had merely been two days, she felt too isolated from her fellow senshi. Here was a chance to finally reunite with them, although they weren't particularly the old set of senshi she had left behind.
She gingerly let her mind wander. She had seen the final Makai Lord. He had arrived last, but had managed to slip undetected into the shadows. But she had managed to get a glimpse of him – and she was surprised. A pair of red eyes glowed fiercely in the darkness as he glared at her. She only glared back, taking that precious moment to observe him. She was, after all, here to reconcile them.
His spiky black hair waved precariously in the air. As the eyes glared at her, she had noticed a bit of red glinting beneath the white piece of cloth of a headband he tied around his forehead – as if to conceal something. He was short – shorter then both Youko Kurama and Yusuke, but seemed quick and agile on his feet. He wore a simple black cloak over black baggy pants and ankle boots. It was easy for him to hide in the shadows, but…
Hotaru was not an easy person to evade.
Afterwards, the fox girl had promptly announced that everyone had arrived. The crowd dispersed, as guards (who were really licensed sorcerers/sorceresses) led them off to their rooms.
Hotaru had been led away by a young girl seemingly sixteen years of age; plain brown locks fell to her shoulders with large almond shaped emerald eyes. They had left the room in silence, after Hotaru had bid Koenma and Botan goodbye, and had set off down the hall.
After walking through countless hallways, turning around countless corners, and passing countless doors, she finally realized just how incredibly large the Sovereign Summit was. Someone could easily get lost in such a vast building.
Suddenly, they stopped in front of a door. Continuing down the hallway was a dead end, but there were many of the same doors side by side; large wooden engraved in gold. Brushing a slender finger against the lock hole of the door (strange enough that the door didn't even have a handle), the guard's fingertip glowed a deep green, before they both heard an audible 'click'.
The door swung open and the sorceress stepped aside so Hotaru could enter. The senshi of death was, simply said, amazed.
There was a large king sized bed placed in the middle. Across from it was an alter like seat, covered with soft blankets and comfy looking pillows. There was a bathroom adjoining, but Hotaru didn't bother checking that out, knowing it would be as majestic as the room. A large desk with writing materials stood in a corner. Lamps with candles inside to burn was placed in various places around the room.
"Wow, this is so cool", Hotaru said quietly, eyes shining in a childish manner.
"This will be your sleeping quarters during your stay here", began the sorceress, as Hotaru whirled around to face her. "There will be an opening ceremony, banquet dinner and a ball dance tonight. Your outfit is given to you in the closet over there", she indicated the faint outline of closet doors in the wall next to the desk, "and I will be arriving at six p.m. H.T (human time) to accompany you. My name is Tokei, your guard for the few weeks of your stay. I will be accompanying you to many places such as the meeting rooms or the dining halls for regular dinners. The locks on your doors can only be opened by those such as I, even from the inside out. Any questions?"
Hotaru blinked, and then shook her head. "But if the door locks on the inside, that means I can't go out unless one of you comes to let me out".
Tokei nodded. "It's really not that hard of a procedure. I'll know if you want to go out. You can have food sent up to your rooms if you're hungry, and if you want to invite some of the other guests to your room, just tell me and I'll bring them here. Simple".
She sighed, shaking her head. "To you maybe. Um…well, can you inform Neo Princess Serenity and her company for me, that I'm currently residing in this room? We were planning on meeting up after, but see the circumstances now, I suppose they'll have to come over".
The green-eyed girl nodded and stepped out of the room. "Be right back".
The door slammed shut.
Hotaru was left to stand in the middle of the room, glancing around hopelessly. Sighing, she went to sit on the edge of her bed, waiting for her friends. Seemed like there wouldn't be anything to do until Chibi-Usa, Palus and Celis arrived.
Falling backwards upon her bed, she laid there, hair fanning out around her to form a halo. Glinting violet eyes stared up at the ceiling as she waited for her friends to arrive.
Sighing, she reluctantly let her mind wander back to the meeting. Something had happened during that time. Something strange, so strange she couldn't keep it out of her head.
Now, as everyone should now, Hotaru is the Senshi of Death and Destruction, the Messiah of Silence, the Bringer of Redemption; Sailor Saturn. She had been put to sleep since the end of the Silver Alliance, and had been kept asleep until the human Hotaru and Chibi-Usa's pure heart crystal had unleashed her inside her body. She had faced death, rebirth, death, and rebirth yet again. Hardly anything was enough to shake her.
Until she had seen him.
She should've expected it. Heck, it had been a few centuries, but she should've expected to see him again. It was impossible not to. Since she had left Makai the first time, she had felt that part of her destiny would rest in that very place, and she would inevitably wind up in that place again.
Well, her prediction had certainly come true.
Sad as it was, she couldn't forget him. Hate it wasn't, but certainly some spite aimed towards him. Maybe she was merely angry he had brought too many memories rushing back. To see him again…She hated it. She never wanted to ever again.
'From now on, I'm going to avoid him. It's childish of course, and to avoid him during the diplomatic meetings and even during the day is impossible. But I won't talk to him. Surely he'll get the message and leave me alone to myself…I'm sure he recognized me. Just great, even more complications…I wonder how Usagi-chan and the others are doing back in Crystal Tokyo?…'
Frowning, Hotaru rolled over onto her stomach. She closed her eyes and sighed again. In boredom.
~*~*~*~
Yusuke travelled silently through the halls of the Sovereign Summit, hair flying behind him as he walked in a brisk pace. Eyes darting around, he found no bodies hidden in shadow, and continued on his way.
Turning the corner, he spotted a few of the territorial rulers' company chattering loudly and raucously. He winced at the sound, glaring darkly at the group. He hated how these youngsters cared of nothing but fame and power, believing them to be the meaning of all life. They were desperate to live in a way that was only advantageous to them.
Growling low under his breath, he continued to walk forward, internally willing his energy forth. A dark glow of pulsing energy surrounded him almost at once. The group immediately scattered, each and everyone of them casting him fearful looks.
Once moving past them, he continued down the hallway and abruptly turned another corner before he let his power drop and the aura disappeared. A tiny grin graced his face for a minute as he relished in the feel of fear surrounding him, fear for him. Those imprudent demons definitely needed to be a taught a lesson.
There was someone here…Hiding in the shadows. Yusuke didn't need to squint to make out the tiny figure leaning against the wall, and the pair of mismatched eyes glowing fiercely in the darkness.
"You really shouldn't have done that, Yusuke-san".
"Who would possess such a cynical voice – none other then the second cat prince of Merufjika", Yusuke replied, voice low and darkly tinted.
"Why, of course. Who else would you expect? Only one such as I can creep up upon you undetected".
Such arrogance. He despised it.
"Do not be so obnoxious. As for your earlier comment, I do not need your advice. Do not forget, young one, I am older and wiser".
"How you've changed from the past, Yusuke-san. Hundreds of years ago, you would've been close to throttling me by now, hm? And please, don't be so sure about being so much more older then me…You of all people should know I am not as I am".
Yusuke remained stoic, eyes merely narrowing as he resisted the urge to blast the demon that taunted him without fear.
"Don't try to act as though you know what is going on, young one. Life is more then just fun and games, as I'm sure you are very well aware of". Yusuke slowly turned, tilting his head to the side so that his face was overshadowed, coal eyes glinting dangerously, black strips of bangs dangling in his face. "This hatred of yours. That is why we sealed you within him. The poor child demon you are encased within suffers, but at the very least, you are unable to cause destruction".
An ugly look twisted upon the youthful face. "And why else would you need to encase me? Unless you are afraid, everyone here is afraid! Afraid of my power…Afraid of my abilities! Weaklings here, everywhere! Do not think this is the end, Yusuke!"
Yusuke turned around sharply, eyes narrowed to near slits. Faster then the eye could see, he slid forward as if sliding and was face to face with the demon he was conversing with. A hand was raised and a finger ran delicately down a porcelain cheek. "Afraid? Is that what you really think? Your power is unique, but we are not afraid. Perhaps, the only thing I am afraid of is our ability to destroy you without a second thought…
We fought you centuries ago. Your power is encased within this child, for this long, and yet you do not understand why we did this?…How amusing, how utterly amusing you are. And despicable. We did this to keep you out of our hair. You are merely a fly the Makai Lords can destroy within seconds. Don't think your power is so much as worthy as you say. Arrogance is truly your downfall".
"Why you – "
Yusuke slammed his hand around his neck and let his long nails dig into the pale skin. "Only that you are within the child's body that we do not kill. Years ago, we were weak. Now we are not. Do not anger me. The result is only worst then death…Shinraa".
He turned abruptly and let the demon fall, eyes wide, pupils dilated. Yusuke strode down the hall and out of sight quickly, thoroughly satisfied with how he had dealt with the situation. The demon was left sitting upon the ground, eyes widened in fear, and yet, not necessarily hate.
"…Ura…me…Yu…ke…"
He smiled, although his eyes were still wide with shock. However, the smile was gentle and loving, his eyes were filled with blankness. It was as if his face was two sides of the same coin.
"If love sprouts between hate…and which hate sprouts between love…then love can sprout from hate once again".
~*~*~*~
Serenity paced upon the carpeted floor of her room. Palus and Celis were in her room, since they were rooming with her. The room they had been placed in were larger then the other singled rooms, large enough to fit three king sized beds.
On one of those beds was Palus sprawled upon, sleeping lightly, curled into a fetal position. Celis was gently petting her hair and watching Serenity pace with amusement in her eyes.
"Really, Serenity-sama, I know you're worried, but walking back and forth does nothing".
The pink haired girl threw an annoyed glance at the other darker pink haired girl. "I know, Celis-chan, but please excuse me while I wonder what happened to Hotaru. If it were any one of you in the same situation, I would be just as worried!"
Celis giggled at her princess' vehement protest. "I know, I know. Just do not worry so much. I am sure Hotaru-san is perfectly capable of taking care of herself if she ever finds herself in trouble. She was one of the Outer Senshi of Her Majesty, after all".
Serenity sighed, and nodded. "I know. But if you were aware of what had transpired in her life, you would be just as worried as me, if not, more".
"Oh?"
"Don't really feel like explaining now, Celis-chan. But I really do wish to speak with Hotaru. Like why she reacted as such when faced with Youko Kurama. Or what she's doing here in the first place. I understand this is during the time the Black Moon Family is attacking Crystal Tokyo, but I was never told where Hotaru was during that time".
Before Celis could reply, there was a light knock on the door.
"Come in", Serenity said quietly, eyeing the door with suspicion.
The door handle clicked and they knew it was a magic-user coming in. The door was opened and a young woman stepped in, closing the door gently behind her. Smiling, she bowed in respect and in unison, Celis and Serenity bowed whilst staring.
This girl had the most amazing green eyes, after all.
"Hello. I am Tokei, sorceress and guide to ferry Hotaru-san during her stay here. She requested me to bring all of you to her room and to retrieve all of you just before dinner tonight. If you will not be coming back to this room, your outfits will be transported to Hotaru-san's room. Will there be a problem?" the brown haired girl inquired.
Serenity smiled and shook her head, grateful for anyone to have broken her worried reverie. "No, there won't be a problem. If you don't mind, we will not be returning to the room before dinner. Will you be directing us to Hotaru's room, Tokei-san?"
"Yes".
Celis gently shook Palus awake and the blue haired senshi groggily sat up. Rubbing her eyes childishly, Celis pulled her off the bed and led her into the adjoined bathroom so she could wash the sleepiness out of her face. Serenity followed Tokei as they went out the door and held the door open for the two as they came up. Now the door closed with an audible click. Celis tried the door again, just in case, and it was securely locked.
"Where're we going, Serenity-sama?" Palus asked, eyes bright again and not as glazed as when she had just woken up.
"To Hotaru's room, Palus-chan".
"Yay, we get to see Hotaru-san again!" the child stuck in a young woman's body squealed and took off down the hall, dress flying behind her.
"Hey! Palus! You don't know where you're going! Wait up!" Serenity and Celis bolted after her, leaving Tokei staring after them confused, as a smile broke out upon her face and she giggled.
~*~*~*~
TBC