"So, who do we have in here?" Katherine's voice said behind them, and everyone turned around surprised. "The gnome, the traitor, the farmer, and the alchemist..." She narrows her eyes. "I'm only missing the wizard and the elf..."

Everyone got into defensive positions, except for Shrub, who freeze in the spot.

Katherine shrugs it, and quickly grabs Shrub and disappears with her, before any of the other emperors could do anything.

Shrub gasps in surprise. "Ka... Katherine...?"

Only then did she realize she was in a cage. "Katherine no! Please!" She begs, but the other girl said nothing.

"Shut up. Crying won't do anything. You'll be gone soon anyway. Joey!" She calls to the other. "Handle the pesky bugs."

Shrub reaches for Katherine, holding back tears, but she did nothing.

"Good job." She hears Xornoth approach, and Katherine bows. "You've proved to be helpful after all."

"Thank you, Master."

Shrub continues to fight sobs, trying to get through to Katherine. "Katherine please! Remember me? We had good times together! Please Kath...!"

not dina coming by to check on her sister paisley; i feel like i have some explaining to do here