An Apocalyptic Invasion

i take a trip to the grand canyon

My dreams were... weird.

And I'm not talking about sitting on top of a giant stack of waffles kind of thing. It was more like they were distorted.

They flashed by. I saw Carlos revealing his true form. Seeing the Catwings for the very first time. There were just so many more that appeared.

All of them eventually spiraled into a dark hole, and my dream self tumbled on to some hard ground.

Didn't expect that to happen, did you?

The voice came from behind.

"Where are you?" I whirled around, trying to locate it.

It's your job to find out. It spun around my head, then settled right in front of me.

Poor human.

"I'm not poor," I snapped.

Really? You just got attacked by a mortal, and you couldn't defend yourself. That's my definition of being poor.

"It was unexpected," I said. "I didn't know he was going to launch himself at me."

Yes, but you could have done a greater job at defending yourself, no?

I decided to change the subject. "Who are you?"

That's an excellent question. What do you THINK I am?

"Mm... a Catwing?"

Yes.

"Were you born in the past hundred-thousand years?"

The voice chuckled. Oh, I existed long before that... time.

The way it hesitated made me think something bad happened in that period.

"Are you related to Jhaufyther and his siblings?"

Considering I am his ancestor, I would say yes.

"Comet Trail?"

The voice laughed. Close. Think... his khits.

I ran through their names: Galaxy Flurry, Black Fire, White Trail, Star Tail, Quasar Flurry, and there was one more...

"Oh! Plasma Trail?"

Ding ding.

"Nice to meet you."

I return your greeting. Now, I like you. Unlike that miserable human boy, you were asking the right questions.

"YOU made him choke me?" I exclaimed. "Why?"

Let's see: he's part of that embarrassingly small "gang". He's very pathetic and is always nervous. He's weak and scared and-

"Okay," I interrupted. "You made your point. Is there a reason you're talking to me?"

Yes, actually. Currently, I reside in a place that's... less than desirable. I long to leave it forever, but my own stubbornness prevents me from doing that.

"And what am I supposed to do?"

Hmm... good question. Perhaps you can go to a specific spot here in the States where you can physically talk to me.

"How am I supposed to know where you are?" I demanded.

Don't worry. One of your closest friends can help you. He's been there, after all.

"Since when did Carlos go there?"

A long time ago. Just after he got revived.

"So... what you're saying is that I need to ask him," I said slowly.