GWA01E The Scholarship

Tokyo, capital of Japan, a sunny sunset, in the central district of Minato, in Roppongi Hills, on a high floor of an apartment block. There, the four Malinde sisters, the former Ayakashi, have been living for some time, they had worked for the defeated Black Moon of Nemesis, planet number ten of the Solar System.

After being defeated by the Sailor Senshi and transformed into normal people they opened a cosmetics and beauty shop, at first a small post called "Beauty Quartete", which, supported by their knowledge of the subject and their hard work, managed to thrive. After a short time they decided to acquire the prestigious Otafukuya store, taking advantage of the fact that the owners made liquidation by end of business. Meanwhile, the two small ones were interested in studying the teaching career and managed to overcome the first two courses, compressed in a few months, with excellent grades. Encouraged by her older sisters, her warrior friends and her own yearnings, they applied for a scholarship to attend their senior year abroad. They wanted to brush their techniques in pedagogy and languages. As they had studied English in the specialty, they decided for a British university or of the USA.

After a few months, Cooan, the youngest sister, tall and slender, with long curly dark hair and beautiful violet eyes, went down to pick up the mail and found one of the letters sealed with the letterhead of the Ministry of Education. She opened it with great impatience and after reading it her eyes widened and she smiled. Without being able to contain her enthusiasm, she began to jump on the place with the astonished look of some neighbors that went up and down.

-Ah, we got it, what a joy! I have to go up and tell the others!

She was so excited that she did not even remember to use the elevator. She trotted up the stairs like an exhalation. She almost collided with two individuals who were talking. One of them, a long-haired young man, smiled sympathetically, watching her amused, and the other, dark-haired, with a knob, also smiled faintly as she excused herself for her impetus.

-Excuse me." She asked as she passed between them.-

After that race she arrived exhausted. She opened the door to the floor and let it clatter. Meanwhile, barely recovered from the effort and recovering air between sobs, she was still able to enter screaming and jumping for joy, to cross the hall and rush into the room.

-Girls, we made it, Bertie, Kalie, Petz, come and see this!

Petz, the eldest of the four sisters, tall, with dark green hair gathered in a bun and green eyes, was making a house of cards to kill the languorous boredom that filled her at that hour of the afternoon. She had laboriously placed the last card at the top when the cries of the new arrival startled her and made her throw all the construction. She got up in a rage and shouted at her sister.

"Can you tell me what is all scandal about, Cooan?" Do you know the hours that I have spent to raise this castle? - She reproached her visibly upset in one of her characteristic outbursts of genius.

Karaberasu, the second in age, came out of her bedroom, attracted by the commotion. She wore a mask of beauty made with slices of gherkins, with her chestnut hair collected by an elegant red bow. Her inquisitive honey-colored eyes scrutinized the scene. Amused, she approached the enraged Petz and said mockingly.

-We must have won some prize in one of those silly competitions to which Cooan writes.

-You're wrong," she said, sticking her tongue out at her sisters. - Much better than that, girls, you will not believe it ... remember the letter that Bertie and I sent requesting a scholarship?

They nodded looking impatiently for an affirmative answer.

- Yes, so what? ... - both responded in unison. -

-It turns out that the answer has come and they have given it to us!" - exclaimed Cooan joyfully as she showed the letter waving it in her right hand and pointing it with her other hand. "I'll read it to you," she said ruefully to continue breathing something more deeply. - "Dear ladies, having received your application and in view of your brilliant academic record in the first two years of the daigaku, given the expansion of scholarships this year and also taking into account the recent agreement signed between the Ministry of Education and numerous Foreign universities, etc., etc. –(Recited the excited girl jumping the other forms to get to the point.) We are pleased to inform you that our scholarship fund has granted you the objective of your request. Of matriculation and material in the university of the country that you select within those adhered to the agreement. To this end, this request must be present within ten working days after the receipt of this letter in our ministry, bringing their academic records for obtaining the respective permission. We congratulate you, the Minister of Education of Japan, Monbukagakusho "

-Great girls! I knew you could do it! Karaberasu exclaimed in an euphoric way. -

-I have to tell Bertie! You will be very happy." Replied Cooan in the same way. -

- Well, you'll have to wait. She is not here, she went to visit Ami and has not yet returned.- Petz reported very happy also but showing a greater dominance. -

Cooan nodded, though she was really eager to tell her sister. That was their dream come true! It seemed incredible, after those two years living as normal women, after all that had happened. Now, those memories came to mind like a kaleidoscope of emotions and images. Her own fight against Sailor Mars, her terrible amorous disappointment. The desperation that flooded her then when she realized that her superior simply considered her an instrument. She was about to sacrifice her own life for a cause as barren as it was wrong. Then, when the more cornered and desperate she felt, the fire-fighter took pity on her and saved her. She gave her encouragement and courage to face a new life. And she accepted the challenge. After her redemption, when Sailor Moon purified her with the energy of the Silver Crystal, she started from scratch. She stopped using her Nemesis name, Kermesite, and adapted the version of her country of adoption. Rei helped her settle in, even offered to spend a few days with her. The other girls surrounded her immediately accepting her as one of the group. For the first time she knew what friendship and fellowship were. Still she missed her sisters. Thanks to Heaven, in a few days Bertierite, as Bertie was called in the Black Moon, appeared to try to accomplish a mission. In that chess tower she faced Ami and was about to defeat and kill the other warriors. But then she was abandoned by her older sisters. Cooan knew what was like to be repudiated and alone. She was able to convince Bertie that the world could be a wonderful place, and instead of betting on useless sacrifice, her sister trusted her and allowed herself to be purified. Then they were closer than ever. Eventually they even succeeded in persuading Karaberasu and Petz to join them. Together they undertook the business, together they had brought it forth. Their friends sometimes visited them, although they were always very busy. After a few months they hardly saw them. Other things happened, sometimes chaos seemed to take over everything and there were moments when, like the rest of the population, they were affected by strange events that they scarcely remembered. Possibly new enemies. But luckily, everything seemed to be going well now. Meanwhile, she and Beruche began to study. Now, after so much work, the reward came.

-I hope she does not take long coming," Cooan said, sighing. - So she will see that there is always hope.

She had not finished uttering the sentence when the sound of the door was heard closing softly. It was Bertie, the third in age, who was deep in thought and muttering with slight displeasure.

- Oh heavens! This time I almost beat her, I should look more closely at the plays. She always does the same to me. If just I had moved that bishop before. And I must remember to use my towers. – Then she left her concentration when she saw her sisters visibly happy. She hailed them with the hand, smiling as well. - Hi, girls, I'm back.

Her sister, Cooan, rushed forward, taking her by the hands as she pressed her nervously.

"Bertie! ... read this, run!" She urged her, releasing her to give her the already wrinkled, smooth letter. -

With an expression of astonishment and looking astonished at the rest of her sisters with her indigo blue eyes and before their smile, Beruche smoothed the letter once more and read it. She could barely muster.

"Is ... this is ... Is that what I think it is?"

Her younger sister nodded with a smile. The girl then let her joy overflow. She and Cooan began to jump out of the hand and give jubilant shrieks. Even the graceful braid of Bertie's hair between pale blue and albino disintegrated by the bumps she had with her sister. Spreading her mane over the girl's shoulders and sill. Their older sisters watched them smiling too. It was not easy for Beruche to express her emotions so openly. She was a rather reserved girl. And that was practically the only thing that had not changed in her after her redemption. Bertie herself was thinking about it. She was always shy and with a tendency to introspection. She was the most thoughtful of her sisters and the one who least liked to express her feelings, but it did not mean she did not have them. With the only one with who she was more open was with Cooan, and that because she was the youngest. The others, being older, had always inspired her more respect. About her former chief Rubeus better not talk. And as for the rest of her superiors, they were simply too high to enter into any kind of relationship except obedience to their orders. Therefore, when Cooan left, she was the one who felt it most saddened. At first she wanted to go immediately to fulfill the mission of canceling one of the point crystals, but she also wanted to understand why her sister had betrayed them like that. And the truth is that she was about to succeed in her efforts. She discovered the secret identity of Sailor Mercury, who was none other than Ami Mizuno. The one who would later be her opponent in that final chess game. When the game was over and she revealed who she was, catching the other warriors in a bubble, she was sure she had won and defeated her hated enemies. But Ami's words begging her to kill her instead of her companions upset her. Her older sisters then appeared at her side to claim victory too. At first that annoyed her, but at the end of the day they were her family. What was horrible for her, taking her almost to the point of madness, was that, when her plans were frustrated, both Caraveras (named Karaberasu then) and Petz, abandoned her to their fate. At that moment everything clouded for her, she wanted to disappear taking her enemies ahead, at least that way she made sure of being remembered. However, it was when Cooan appeared and managed to persuade her not to do so. She assured her that she was not alone, that there were people who cared about her. At first, sunk and bitter as she was, she did not want to believe her, but finally her younger sister, who did not hesitate to risk her own life to reach her, persuaded her. Seeing how Kermesite, being a simple human, risked so much for her, touched her. Her heart then thawed and she wanted to believe the words her sister had said. When she finally agreed to stop her attack, Sailor Moon purified her. That was the most wonderful feeling she had ever experienced. Bathed in that warm glow, she felt that she was free of a great burden and then hope nested in her soul. Then, along with her sister, known since then by Cooan, she settled in a modest rented apartment. She went to work in the same store where her sister was and made a good friendship with the girls she had been willing to kill. She was surprised by the affection and support that the sailors lent her. Above all, she discovered her great affinity with Ami. Her now great friend. After that, her sister and she managed to get the other two out of the dark side. That was a wonderful thing and they all worked together and worked hard to have a happy life. Then she would start to study with Cooan who convinced her too. Now, after her skepticism, came this great news. Bertie never thought they were going to be selected. Instead Cooan always told her that she should not give up to the hope. She had to admit that her little sister was right. Now she was jumping with her, getting carried away by the euphoria ...

"We do it, it's fantastic!" They both cried out in a shout. -

- Girls, this has to be celebrated. What do you think if we did not open today? - Karaberasu immediately proposed, due to she was never eager to work. As she winked at them with a knowing smile. -

- Not so fast! - Petz cut her off to argue - I'm sorry to be the spoiler, but today is Saturday afternoon and good business. You know that we still have a lot of local to pay, and we will celebrate tomorrow.- The others had no choice but to agree with a resigned chorus of yes. -

- I'm going to call Ami, it will take a great joy. Besides, I must thank her for how much she has helped me to study. - Added Beruche who went towards the telephone. -

- I'll tell Rei, she can call the others, we can meet to celebrate," Cooan said excitedly. -

-Very good. Petz said approvingly, though she reminded them inflexibly of how she used to do every time. "But do not be long, you'll explain everything in detail tomorrow." We must open at exactly the hour.

The girls nodded and after a few calls, in which they only told their friends that they wanted to see them the next day to tell them something important, they went to the store. It was time to open and soon the customers would arrive. They already had many that were habitual, they had gained a deserved prestige there. The local was soon crowded and they could only talk by taking advantage of a break in the brief moments when people did not enter.

-I'm so happy and so nervous," Beruche smirked. "It was so difficult for us to be awarded with the scholarship!" Look, there were at least forty of us fighting for six seats.

-We've been very lucky, yes," Cooan admitted, tinkering with that, - but we also studied hard, if we did not get good grades we would never have gotten it."

-And what are you going to do, girls?" Karaberasu asked.-  Where do you want to go?"

- We do not know yet," said Bertie, - but we'll decide.

-Well, do not fall asleep and don´t delay your decision," Petz advised with her classic prevention, "these things must be resolved quickly.

"I want to see the girls!" - her friend smiled - lately they hardly come to visit us, not even by the shop.

They all remembered how their friends helped them. When they opened Otafukuya they offered to work the previous days to bring and place the genre and advertise. Directed by an energetic Usagi who was literally voicing the goodness of the business. To tell the truth, the sisters could not help but blush at the sound of her horns and her shrieks.

-Come on, ladies!" Come and meet Otafukuya, the best cosmetics store. Here, all women can be beautiful!

And Rei, inevitably, answered her, shouting as well.

-It's true, if even you got decent when the sisters make-up you ...

After hearing that Usagi stopped for a moment in her propagandistic work and faced the look of the one of her companion to answer with some indignation.

- What did you mean by that, eh?

-Nothing, nothing," smiled her friend with malice to sentence. - No matter how good the creams were, they cannot work miracles either.

However, it was Usagi who smiled perfidiously now to say with a surprising good tone as she approached to a small stand with merchandise that it was on the street.

-Yes, you may be right, my dearest Rei ... and since you talk about how good these creams are ...

And taking Rei totally unprepared  Usagi anointed her face with the contents of a jar. The other girl had to spit out several times to get rid of that cream while listening to the laughter of her attacker ... Although that certainly did not help to appease her irritation ... but to increased it, if it is possible, when Rei hear her mate to declare between laughs.

- I think I've managed to fix your terrible face ... This has been a free trial!

But Usagi had to stop laughing and start running, since the aforementioned woman was already chasing her, lifting one arm and raising a menacing fist as she shouted at her.

-When I grab you, you will see what it is like to fix your face for real ... instead of creams you will need surgery!

That was overrun, the sisters watched the scene astonished, as did the people who passed by. Luckily the other sailors got in the way. Makoto held the furious Rei and Minako tried to soften the thing by stating.

-Girls, that's all right! You know the saying, two do not quarrel with one if you want.

-Two do not quarrel if one of them do not want to,- Ami corrected her resignedly as she sheltered behind a frightened Usagi.-

- I'm not going to quarrel with her, I'm just going to kill her!" Rei exclaimed, waving her fist.-

-Well ... it was not so much. -Usagi justified herself  reminded to her antagonist with tones of reproach .- At the end of the day you started, as usual ...

-Well, now I want to finish what I have started," replied her interlocutor with a threating expression on her face.

-Oh, please… it is enough!  We are putting in a squeeze to the sisters instead of helping them .- Said a hurried Makoto that despite her remarkable physical strength was almost unable to restrict her warlike companion Rei.-

Finally things calmed down. At least for a while. The one that took Mars to pour a bottle of cologne to Usagi by the head. The scene was repeated, changing the roles now. Although that, as shocking as it seemed, made some women come near by the commotion. Thinking that the creams and perfumes were so good that the girls were fighting to try them. In the end all were so stunned by the situation that even the two antagonists parked their dispute. The result was a success and the business began to be launched. The brand-new owners laughed at the memory of it ... they were also sorry to see so little of their great friends ...

- I think they had to face another threat - said Cooan - but Rei did not want to tell me much about it ...

-It's only natural, we're just normal women now, we cannot get into those things,-  Petz added as a result. - And I'm glad it's like this.

-We have a very intense life to live. And also very busy. – Said Bertie while she was packaging some creams. -

-On the one hand, I'd like to help them-  Karaberasu said, his tone sad now. - I cannot help thinking that I wish we had had our powers when Sapphire ...

- Kalie - cut her Cooan worried - do not talk about that!

-Do not worry," Petz said with a faint smile and soft tone. - That happened a long time ago, I have overcame it.

- Well, you have to go out and date with some handsome and interesting man - Advised Karaberasu encouraging her voice with the intention of doing the same with her sister - as we have all done.

- Well. Almost all. - Cooan smiled, glancing sideways at Bertie, who took notice. -

-I have not seen anyone interesting enough yet.- She answered.- 

- Our  sisters are going to ask for custom men! - Karaberasu exclaimed jokingly -

-Yeah, apparently none of them are handsome enough for them!- Cooan laughed at the joke. -

- Well, you have not  doing too much about yourselves neither.- Said Petz, addressing Kalie with a certain reminiscence. -

- At least I've got some. - Replied the aforementioned.-

Cooan them sighed now more serious and said

- Although it is true that, for the moment, I have not found my ideal guy. I do not want to rush.

The others nodded in solidarity. They all remembered some other exit with their friends the sailors. Their friends introduced to them several colleagues from their high school. However, they were too immature boys. Moreover, no one of the sisters felt much more desirous of directing their lives on the path of love. Not until they were more fully integrated and some other scars were completely closed. Especially in the case of Cooan who, after her tremendous disappointment, still feared to be wrong again. With Beruche the subject was something more complicated. She needed someone who could match her great intelligence, fill her on a personal level and be able to fascinate her, and of course, considered more importantly studies and future. For Karaberasu the thing was more fun than romantic interest and yes, she had flirted with some other men, but none came to interest her seriously. And Petz, well, treasured her brief moments with Sapphire, the young brother of the ruler of her world. Even if she did not want to admit it, it still hurts. So she was prepared to reply.

- During this last year we have worked so hard that we have not been able to maintain any stable relationship, but it will come, I at least do not hurry.

- At least I move, Minako and I have even gone to discos, karaoke and I have accompanied her to some audition. The truth is, we have a lot of success with men, - Karaberasu smiled. - Why do not you cheer up one day, Petz, and come with us? - She offered her older sister happily. -

-I've already told you that I do not like these places too much,- she said without much interest. –

-But you do not hate men anymore, do you?- Cooan asked shyly. -

-No, of course not, silly,- said the woman, putting a hand on her sister's right shoulder and adding more lightly - not everyone, though some are hateful.

The girls celebrated the comment with laughter, of course that was true! But it was about focusing again. The break was over and new customers came in demanding numerous products. They were delighted, the sale of that afternoon was promised very substantial. They continued the work without being able to chat anymore. They were good saleswomen, they knew how to make any woman feel more beautiful and even more confident. That was their slogan when they started at their small post. "You too can become beautiful." And of course they set an example with their own beauty. However, they also had to know how to create the interest of their clientele. Although each had her own style to achieve it. Cooan was very friendly always and was willing to help potential buyers. With her charm and with her careful way of attending, she pleased the public very much. Beruche was not so cordial, yet pleasant. But she was very convincing when it came to giving reasons of all kinds, scientific and aesthetic, of such or that cream could go better with the pH of each woman's skin. Karaberasu almost assaulted her clients with an overflowing enthusiasm and contagious them of that optimism that displayed with her words. Immediately she involved anyone with her personality. And Petz was very confident in her assertions, kind but firm. Perhaps the most serious of the four but conveyed a total confidence and solvency. By combining their talents were hard to overcome them in their business. Although this had the consequence that the full house was almost assured and that meant having to work hard all day. Thus, after a restless and profitable Saturday came the expected Sunday. On their day off they took advantage of it to see their friends. At least two of them. In a central restaurant in the city were gathered the four sisters together with Rei Hino, civil name of Sailor Mars, a girl with long black hair and eyes that glowed with violet pupils of a mysterious and inquisitive air and Ami Mizuno also known by the Girls like Sailor Mercury, of a more sweet and fragile appearance than her companion, navy blue hair, and eyes matching her hair, which reflected a great intelligence and serenity.

-You do not know how much I rejoice for you, girls. You deserve it! - Ami said as she finished a dish of Spaghetti. -

Rei nodded as she devoured a plate of tempura, declaring full of confidence and confidence.

-True, you have worked very hard and I am sure you will be magnificent teachers.- She then turned to Cooan, smiling in an accomplice. - Do you see how you have a bright future ahead?

-Thank you,- said the woman, smiling too. - Rei, you were right, we owe everything to you.

The girl remembered how that girl, whom she now knew by her real name, but that time was her enemy Sailor Mars, had saved her from her previous life and especially from herself. In those days Cooan served the Black Moon family and was only concerned to fulfill her mission and obsessed with her love for Rubeus, that evil leader of her clan. It was as if invisible chains had surrounded her by tying her to that wicked life. But thanks to the warriors she could break them. When she recalled remembering that feeling of emptiness and disappointment that assailed her to believe that she had lost everything and how even when she was hurt, she interposed between her and death, Cooan could not stop looking at that girl with great affection and gratitude. Later, the other sailors helped her to gradually convince the rest of her sisters. Even later, when occasionally she could see Rei both talked a lot about the projects they had. Sailor Mars was one of the most encouraged her to become a teacher. Seeing that she had a great appreciation for Chibiusa and that she was well acquainted with her, as well as with her other little friends. Sometimes, at the Hikawa Shrine where her friend was a priestess, Cooan had improvised some classes with the Little Lady and some friends of the girl. Rei watched her closely and told her that teaching children would be a good way to go about rebuilding her life to help others, step by step. Cooan agreed. She still had in mind a day in which the homesick for her home world overcame her, speaking in the sanctuary she confessed.

-You'll see Rei. When we went to serve Prince Diamond we were very young girls. Especially me. That I am the younger sister. I still remember how we said goodbye to my parents, especially my mother.

-It had to be very hard for you. I understand because I also see my father very little. - Her friend replied, not without regret. -

-It's just that ..." The girl could mutter, trying to control a sob, but she could not. - The saddest thing for me is that I remember my mother's voice, even her touch when I caressed Rei, but, I do not remember her face! Even though I struggle, I cannot remember it, it's like I can only hear his voice inside me! But I cannot see my mother's face.

-Oh Cooan, I'm sorry! - She could say with visible pity embracing her friend when she saw that the girl could not help shed tears. - I know what that is like. My mother died when I was very little and sometimes I have to try hard to remember what she was like. Although I remember the same things as you, the smell of her hair, her touch and her voice so sweet.- She confessed now with a tinge of  sadness.-

- Did your mother die? Her interlocutor surprised her with a stunned look. - I'm so sorry ...

-Yes, as I've already told you, my father is engaged in politics and we hardly see each other. My grandfather Kondo raised me. He instilled in me the love for the Shinto.

-We are even more similar than I thought,- Cooan said adding with admiration. -At least that. Now I understand why you are so strong in all aspects.

The priestess looked at her sympathetically, giving her a kind smile.

-You're strong, too. That is why you must have faith. You have traveled a long way and sure that the best is yet to come. I am convinced, one day you will remember her.

Her interlocutor could smile beyond her tears. Now her thoughts returned to the moment she was in and she ended up in the conversation asking.

-By the way, what about the other girls? They could not come?" - She wanted to know something disappointed. - I would have liked to see them so much.- The rest of the sisters nodded in support. -

-Well, ... I fact, they're busy,- Rei could reply quickly, a stupid smile on her face as a suspicious drop of sweat beaded her forehead while she was speaking.-

-Are there any problems? Inquired Beruche with concern. - Have you received a new threat?

- Nothing like that, calm down! - Answered Ami, who laughed lightly as she said- "I'll explain, you see. Usagi, Makoto, Minako, Mamoru along with Luna and Artemis, are very busy organizing my birthday surprise party.

- What? ... - exclaimed all while looking at her friend with eyes wide.

Her companion asked her with amazement

- Ami ... how do you know that? We are on the third of September, there is still a week left. It's a surprise - Rei revealed that she shrugged her shoulders with resignation and sighing in disappointment - or at least it was going to be ...

-You should see how bad Usagi keeps a secret, I heard her yelling to Yuuichirou in the Sanctuary, she replied, unable to stop laughing. - Do you remember Bertie?

The girl smiled in her turn, now she remembered! It was at the end of August, one of those days that she had been with Ami. The two of them used to play some game of chess or study together. The good thing about both is that their hobbies were very chord and their intellectual abilities too. If someone was able to help Beruche with some university subjects like psychology or English was Ami. And if anyone could lend support to the sailor in their effort to prepare well to enter the medical career was Bertie who also liked the sciences. That day they were just reviewing some psychology notes in the Hikawa Shrine because it used to be a very quiet place. There was a very spacious room that Rei let them use, with a couple of chairs and a large table. The truth is that a shout took them out of their concentration. They both heard Usagi, who had just arrived, and called that nice boy, Yuuichirou, who worked there.

- Hey, do not forget, huh?" Ami's birthday party is on September 10th. Try to have the decor ready. We will do it here, in the big room of the Sanctuary. You'll see what a surprise we're going to get!

-Ok Usagi, do not worry. - He replied with another cry since his interlocutor was leaving, glad to have reminded him. -

The two girls looked at each other in astonishment, but within seconds they laughed. This Usagi would never change! Bertie remembered that fun. If there was one person with whom she had developed as much complicity as with Cooan was her friend sailor Mercury. If they would take it well that even their own sisters came to think of something else ... the truth is that by tying up, they had never seen her flirt with boys, either in Nemesis or on Earth. Petz, of course, had that failed romance, which ended so tragically, with Sapphire. Karaberasu, on the other hand, did not deprive herself of any handsome man who crossed her path and flirted with several of them, and Cooan was still wounded, although she often did not want to admit it, after her disappointment with Rubeus. But what about her? Did not she care about men? She remembered one day that, arriving at the apartment she shared with her sisters, she greeted them as usual.

-Hi girls. Now I'm back.

Although the other three looked at each other in a strange way, Bertie noticed it and asked them.

-Something wrong?

-You came to see Ami, did not you?- Cooan asked shyly. -

-Yes, of course ... Has anything happened? She insisted that she began to fret when she saw those expressions on the faces of her sisters. -

-No, it's okay, it's okay,- Kalie said quickly, but she added with a certain tone of discomfort. - You'll see Bertie, it's not for nothing, but. Do not you and Ami spend a lot of time together?

-I do not understand,- replied the questioner, in turn. - Why do you say that? We are friends.

It was Petz who, to the astonishment of her younger sister, put both hands on her shoulders and said in a rather soft and kind voice.

-Look, Bertie, whatever happens, we'll love you the same, you're our sister. You can tell us.

-Tell?- Beruche was surprised to add visibly bewildered. - Tell you what?

And after a few moments in which none of her sisters seemed to want to speak, it was Cooan who dared to ask with a trembling voice and patent prevention.

-You and Ami? ... you understand ... the two of you ... well ...

It took only a few seconds to Bertie to see where those insinuations were going. She opened her eyes wide and exclaimed.

-You will not think that Ami and I!

-No, we do not think anything,- Kalie said, lifting both palms together as if they were docking her. -

-Yeah, well, I mean, that's perfectly respectable, everyone has their likes.- Petz added in a conciliatory manner. -

- Girls. - Bertie could tell that she was beginning to blush for moments. "I assure you, that's not what you're thinking.- We are friends, nothing more ... I do not like women. Not in that way.

-Then you and her no? - Cooan asked, shaking her head. -

There was an awkward silence, and at last Bertie broke it with a sigh.

-Listen, I know I'm not too sociable. That I do not open much to people. Although that has nothing to do. I like men, but now I have other priorities. And you know that I have a hard time trusting in others. I only have you and our warrior friends. And with Ami it's something special, but not in that sense. She hastened to change. - We understand each other very well, we have many similar tastes and illusions, that's all.

-That is clear! If I already told you ... - Karaberasu exclaimed now with a more casual tone. –

"How did you tell us?" Petz reproved her to reveal. - If before Bertie arrived you were commenting that you were going to take her there to see if she would connect with a boy ...

-Well, that proves that I was firmly convinced that our little sister shares our preferences. - interrupted Kalie with her characteristic irony. -

-And you added that she would forget those inclinations of hers.- Her sister Petz said accusingly. -

-Oh yeah? Did I say that, too? I do not remember. How clueless I am! - Kalie shook her head as she smiled rather stupidly, putting a hand to her neck. -

-Well, quit now! Leave her alone! - asked Cooan who felt stiff and was really reddish thinking about her poor sister. -

But to everyone's surprise Bertie laughed with that chirpy laugh of hers when something really amused her. And she could say.

- Poor Ami! - if She would find out what you were thinking of us, considering how shy she is! ...

And her sisters did not say anything, rather looked away with obvious blushing. Now when she remembered that Beruche smiled. Although that expression soon turned off when she looked like Rei would turn red for a moment and would squeeze one of the napkins in the restaurant, twisting it with both hands as if it were a familiar neck. The girl seemed to give off sparks of fire through her normally deep eyes with violet pupils.

-I'm going to kill Usagi when I lay my hands on her! - She threatened visibly irritated. -We had been planning it for weeks and she had to screw it up! ...

- Excuse her, please - Asked Ami with a bead of sweat on her head while pleading for her absent friend. - You know how she is, She does that trying to help. But don´t worry Rei. As far as  the others concern I do not know anything.- She broke down laughing. -

- This Usagi is so stupid that you can never plan anything if she's around. She always has to screw it up! How does she come up and say it aloud?  She has to be a fool! - Added her companion, still angry. -

All the others sighed and a drop of sweat appeared on their heads porridge, at the level of the nape.

- That is true! - chanted all at once. -

- Well, changing the subject. - Rei again gave a long sigh of resignation - When will you go to the offices for those certificates? I hope, at least, you can come to the party.

- Yes do not worry. - Said Cooan trying to cheer her friend hurrying to add. - We would not miss it for anything.-

- Although we have ten days, - replied Beruche - We also thought to go tomorrow, we do not want to delay too much ...

-Yes, we have to prepare a lot of things for the trip, wherever we go,- Cooan added. -

-Who could have said it? Our little sisters are going to fly away from our side. - Petz lamented, not knowing clearly whether she was joking or serious. -

- It's not the end of the world. Ami encouraged her, convinced. - And you're sure to be in touch."

- It seems like it was yesterday when we joined this world and you see!- Said Bertie. - How fast these two years have passed!

The girls agreed on this and kept on remembering and talking about the old days, telling each other about their adventures for hours. Finally, Ami and Rei announced that they should leave already, during the talk Luna had called by the communicator warning them of some emergency. Rei confessed that it was something about Ami's surprise party. Petz said that they also had to get up soon the next day as they were to work and Bertie and Cooan approaching for the papers. They said goodbye, wishing to meet for another occasion, if possible at that party, this time all together. At home, the younger sisters made plans, chose clothes and other occupations of such a long journey. They were going to be a year away from home. At night, tired but happy, they went to sleep. Karaberasu and Petz were alone in the living room chatting.

-I am proud of them,- said Kalie, - they have adapted very well to this new life. Do not you think so?

-It's true,- confirmed her older sister as she sat on the couch pulling out a pair of cushions, - and thanks to them and the warriors you and I are here as well.- I trust them both very much and I know that they will go very well wherever they go. For me, their efforts and their way of seeing things have been an inspiration. They have managed to infect me with their optimism to face life.

Karaberasu nodded approvingly adding.

- Yes, me too and I think they will take advantage of this opportunity Uaaah! - She could not suppress a yawn at the end of the sentence and added. - I would like to continue the conversation but I am very tired, I go to bed, that tomorrow we must get up early.

- Yeah, me too, a long day will be waiting for us. There's a lot to do, - agreed Petz, rising from the couch and putting the cushions back in, after meticulously smoothing the surface she'd been sitting on. -

Karaberasu wished her good night and went to her room. The girl started to put on her nightgown and lie down to face the new day. Of course, after so many adventures, she was happy. She had her sisters and good friends. In her case it had never been raised that her previous life had been so wrong until she saw how her younger sisters deserted. At that moment she remembered feeling more furious and disappointed with them, because it was in danger of her own career at the service of her clan that she wasn´t saddened by her loss. When Petz volunteered for the mission to return with the living renegades or eliminate them alongside the warriors, she was practically obliged to accompany her. She was ashamed now that she told her older sister to kill what she considered  a traitors. But, fortunately, she was able to open her eyes in time. Petz herself had been corrupted by the power of that staff that Rubeus gave her and tried to kill them all. Including herself who was supposed to be on her side! After that, she was shocked, but what hit her most of all was to see that the warriors came to the rescue of Bertie and Cooan and that  Sailor Moon herself was interested on her. Thus she could realize the meaning of love and friendship. She collaborated then with her new allies to save Petz. Afterwards, they all joined forces to try to eliminate the menace of that void hole. That damn trap of that bastard Rubeus. The truth is that Karaberasu knew him quite well. More than she ever told her sisters. Very dizzy at first with her handsome commander and even came to date him a couple of times, at least until she discovered that only considered her a trophy. Later, despite following his orders, she showed no interest in fulfilling the tasks he entrusted. Whenever she could go with Petz. At that time her poor sister Cooan was under the spell of that rascal, and to Kalie's reproach, she did not bother trying to disabuse the girl. Later, when at last they were free and began their new lives, the name of Calaverite was removed and she modified it. It was a symbol of that new beginning. However, if she was honest with herself, she sometimes missed the comfort of the XXX century life in Nemesis and her powers. The good thing is that her extroverted character and party  spirit was maintained. She even dragged her younger sisters, not so much her older sister. Kalie knew that Petz had a thorn in her heart, and although they often argued, they were very close in age and shared experiences and they loved each other very much. That did not mean she loved her two sisters any less, of course.  As for the sailor concern, she only had feelings of gratitude. Above all, she had a particular affinity with Minako, who, like her, loved the fun, the attention-grabbing and the world of fame. She remembered some other conversation she had with the young Sailor Venus. One day of so many that they  free, the two walked the streets of Tokyo seeing shop windows.

-That dress is ideal for combining it with my bow and matching shoes. - Kalie told her friend -

-Yes. - Minako nodded with enthusiasm. - And there I see a jacket that is cute.

-Has not Artemis come with you?" Her companion wanted to know, changing the subject. -

-He does not like to go shopping. He says that I exhaust him going from one window to another. - The sailor smiled. -

-Men are always the same,- replied Karaberasu, asserting amused. - Even cats! But then well they like to see us attractive and for that we have to dress with elegance.

-It is true. What are we going to do? Minako sighed mirthfully. - Being beautiful is not a sin.

-Oh! I must confess that I sometimes feel sorry for the poor guys who are trying to hook up with us. - Commented her friend -

- Yes, being the representation of love and beauty is sometimes a hard burden for me.- Answered an amused Minako. -

And both laughed in an accomplice, those shop afternoons and chatting about trends and some gossip were very refreshing. The truth is that Kalie could not talk much of it with her sisters. Petz was almost always thinking about work, Bertie and Cooan in their studies. At least she also had Minako and the others to exchange confidences. When they put themselves to it the warriors could be of fear. They gossiped so much that even Kalie was sometimes unable to follow them. Yet she loved to spend time with them and enjoyed their friendship. But perhaps, if she felt that someone was not as happy as she could be, it was precisely her older sister.

-I wish I could cheer her up! And more now that the little ones seemed to channel their lives by a different course and to separate of them ...

And Petz was still sitting on the couch, thinking. She still remembered those last two years after her fight against the sailors. After their defeat they realized that they were only being used by their commander Rubeus. She herself became an instrument of the perfidious plans of the Black Moon. She became so blinded by ambition that she even tried to kill her own sisters! This staff was such an intoxicating source of power that it annulled her own fraternal sentiments in favor of that unhealthy ambition to ascend. When she remembered, she felt very guilty. But fortunately they were able to overcome it, and above all convince her, that her path was not the right one. And were the two little ones, whom she had cared since coming to the court of Nemesis, who opened her eyes with the help of  Sailor Moon and the others. Since then Petz has vowed to always help her sisters so that they can be happy and get whatever they want. She felt indebted to them and firmly believed that this was a great opportunity to give both of them their love and support. They were going to go very far, to another continent and they would not see each other in enough time. But she would make sure, as she had been doing since then, that things would go here, taking care of the store and the house with her sister Karaberasu. It was fortunate that they kept some of the gems they brought from Nemesis, they were able to sell them and get enough to buy the house in such an expensive neighborhood and start paying Otafukuya. Now they had to work very hard to get ahead and continue to thrive as before. It could be said that in that aspect they had not problems. Those years had treated them well by giving them material well-being and, above all, friendship, with the warriors and above all, among themselves. The truth is that they lived well and were happy like that, although in the background Petz envied them a little. To the smaller ones for their joy and the enormous ease with which they could detach themselves of their old memories and to Kalie because the vigor and the innate optimism that she possessed. The openness of Karaberasu, coupled with her great faith in her own possibilities, that had made her fit perfectly to her new life, without any emotional strain. It was Petz herself who, being the elder, kept more memories of her home planet. But above all, and despite always denying it to her sisters, she kept in her heart the last moments that happened next to Sapphire. She had him so close and so far at once! What would have happened if he could have returned? How many times had she dreamed that this magnificent boy was coming back through the door and into her life. If they had returned they would surely have started a life together, finally together! But that could no longer be. Sometimes she thought that at least not was alone in this situation, her sister Cooan also suffered for Rubeus, but that was a huge disappointment. That bastard used her as he did with Karaberasu. However the eldest of the rest of her sisters did not fall in love with him, it was simply an affair. Cooan, on the other hand, was sweet and sensitive beneath that malignant appearance that had been built around her, too young and inexperienced for that ruthless world around her and was very vulnerable to the cynic's handling. Anyway, the best thing that could happen to her was that Rei would release her from that suffering and help her start again with the other warriors. The same as Ami did with Beruche, the third of the sisters, always so introverted and quiet and at the same time sympathetic and timid when one could reach her, with a great heart that in vain endeavored to hide in the Black Moon. She was the only one who took pity on Cooan when she defected.

-Those two have always been close. - Petz meditated. - My case has been different. They can afford to dream again of falling in love with someone. But not me. I had you by my side and we both knew we loved each other. You never deceived me Sapphire, you were just blind, just like me. At least you only cared about Diamond, which I was unable to do for my sisters then, when I was bitter and possessed by that craving for power. But we were able to be free and we took off the band on time. Although fate was very cruel and ripped you from my side when I thought I had you at last.

Those thoughts hurt in the depths of her heart every time she let them flow. She remembered with a mixture of regret and nostalgia when they walked towards the shelter, in full attack of the Black Moon, and she saw him. The city was increasingly deserted. Cooan sighed looking around to assert.

-Have you seen?" Apparently things have become very serious. There is hardly anyone in the streets. -

-Yes, we'd better hurry to get into the shelter. - Agreed Karaberasu. -

Petz nodded carelessly when something caught her attention, a familiar figure was shuffling and leaning against the corner of the opposite street. She thought she recognized ...

-Sapphire! She could say in amazement and disbelief. -

The others did not seem to have seen him, but their sister ran suddenly across the street. Taken by surprise they called her in vain, finally they all went after Petz. When they reached her she was kneeling holding the head of a man who seemed to be injured. To the shock of all of them, they recognized Sapphire, the younger brother of Prince Diamond. He was unconscious.

-Girls help me, we have to take him home. - Petz asked them. -

-But we must go to the shelter,- Beruche said. -

-Please!- Her sister begged, They were astonished, that was something they had never seen her do. Especially when she added with visible gesture of suffering and fear in her voice. - He'll die if we leave him here. I beg you, help me!

Without thinking twice Beruche nodded, both she and Karaberasu and Cooan prepared to try to transport Sapphire along with Petz. He weighed heavily, but between the four of them they managed to lift him and put the boy's arms around the shoulders of the two elders. Fortunately their house was not far away. Cooan and Bertie relieved them when they got tired. They were able to get on the elevator without problems. They walked in with him in the apartment and finally they put him in the bedroom of their older sister. Between them they healed the wounds in the best way they could and they laid him down.

-We cannot do more for now.- Bertie sighed.

-Let him sleep to see how he wakes up.- Cooan suggested.-

The girls did. Petz prepared something to eat while Karaberasu said with palpable unrest.

-What can we do? He does not look good.

-You just need to rest. - Her big sister said sharply. -

-But. What will happen when he wakes up? - Bertie inquired with visible fear on her face, unable to avoid expressing her fears aloud. - Perhaps he has come to punish us for betraying Prince Diamond.-

-Yes. For him we must be just deserters. He doesn´t  know the reason why we have done that. - Added Cooan, also visibly restless .-

-Do not worry. I'll talk to him and explain everything. Sapphire was always sympathetic and kind. He will understand. - Petz reassured them.-

Their interlocutors looked at each other in amazement, at least the small ones. Since when had left Petz to hate men? She had never spoken well of anyone. Their older sister watched them with a faint smile. Realizing that and understanding them. What could they know about her elder sister´s intimate life?

-I'm going to see how he is feeling. - Petz commented in a kind and gentle tone, while on a tray she put a plate of soup and some bread. -

The girl entered the room. It just seemed like Sapphire had woken up after perhaps having some nightmare. Soon he noticed that he was in a bed. But his surprise was evident when he saw her.

-Did you wake up already? The girl wanted to know in a soft voice, showing concern on her face. - How are you?

-Petzite!-  He said, his voice still weak as he recognized her. - Where am I?

-In my bedroom,- whispered her interlocutor, leaving the tray on a small table and pulling up a chair to sit beside her.-

 Sapphire could then add, as if he was trying to remember it clearly.

-You've been living on Earth since you betrayed us.

"Yes,- she admitted. - And I'm ready to be punished, but I ask you to forgive my sisters, please! The girl begged him, letting some of her vexed anguish translate as she took one of his hands to her chest. -Punish me alone. I am the oldest and the responsible.

-Do not worry.- He smiled without giving any importance to that to say. - I did not come to act as executor .- But tell me .- He wanted to know now out of curiosity - How could you survive here?

-I have my sisters, and they have me. We take care of each other. The truth is that we have discovered that this world is wonderful. Perhaps, life here compared to Nemesis and its facilities is much more difficult. But we have realized how much love and trust are worth. It is just as it was in our world when it was still free from the influence of evil.

His interlocutor listened attentively to the story told to him by this woman who seemed totally changed and so he recognized her with admiration.

-You're so different. You look like another woman. And I must tell you that I really like this change of yours. - He complimented Petz as he brought the tray with the soup, which Sapphire really thanked. -

-Thank you,- the girl smiled broadly, blushing even to add. - They were Sailor Moon and some friends of hers who taught us that we can live fully and love to others and trust, without fear and without hatred.

-Then we've been deadly wrong from the beginning,- the boy mumbled bitterly, adding with awe. - That damned Wise Man filled our minds with lies and desires for revenge, and maybe it's too late. I must do something and fast!

Seeing Petz' s worried face, Sapphire told her what had happened, saying then with determination.

-I have to see my brother and tell him what's going on. He is in danger!

-You are the very same. - She lamented. - You only think of Prince Diamond.

-I must get up and leave. - The boy could reply.

And he tried hard to do it but falling prey to weakness. He tried to get up again, this time successfully. But when he was about to stumble again, Petz held him close.

-No! You must remain in bed, you are very weak! - She could oppose him with growing alarm. -

-I have to warn Diamond ...- he repeated obsessively.

-Do not! – Cried Petz between tears, something that astonished  Sapphire, more when she added tearful. - If you go to see him you can die, and I could not stand that something happened to you. If you were to lose your life, now that I've seen you again ...

-Listen to me. Please. - He asked affectionately, really moved by the feelings of that girl. -

It was a strange sensation. In his eyes she could see the reflection of the care and affection she had showed him. She had not felt anything like this in a long time. Sapphire took her gently by the shoulders and said, his voice warm and affectionate.

- I have to do it. If you knew that your sisters were in grave danger and something terrible threatened their safety, you would also try to help them. It is not like this?

The pitiful girl had no choice but to nod as the tears fell profusely, rolling down her cheeks. Sapphire straightened up adding with feeling and sweetness.

-Diamond is my only and dear brother. I would not forgive myself if something happened to him. You do understand, do not you?

Petz tried to say something, but he put a finger to her lips to add with a promise.

-And when I've talked to him. I will return here again. I'll leave my jacket to you until I come back. He pointed to a wall where his navy-colored  jacket was resting on a hanger. -

And she could only lend him a shirt that the boy set to leave the room. The girl went out on the terrace to pray, begging for the safety of the boy she loved so much. For a moment she cursed herself. So long dreaming of that opportunity and when she had had it  she was not able to tell him what she felt. But then she understood. It had not been necessary to tell it with words. He knew it. That's why he looked at her in such a special way, full of a sheen of love and sweetness that corresponded to those feelings. That expression on his face would be etched forever. Then, after a few harrowing hours, the tragic news came. But Petz already knew it, she noticed that when a terrible palsy almost took her breath away while the hanger where she held the jacket of Sapphire broke, letting it fall to the floor. The girl hugged that garment that within seconds disappeared from her very hands. Then she knew that she had lost him. Although Sailor Moon and the others, responding to a call for help that was made by Cooan. The sailors tried to protect him. When all the fighting happened and her warrior friends fortunately won, Usagi herself, accompanied by the rest, went to see them and asked for their forgiveness. All with countenances downcast and full of regret and pity. But she did not blame them. Quite the opposite. She even tried to show her friends and her own sisters that she was all right. Determined to begin her new life and completely forgetting the past. But as much as she feigned, this melancholy always accompanied her. Those bittersweet memories and regret that she had not been able to amend her life before and above all, that she had not been able to save him.

-If only we had opened our hearts before, my love ...- she muttered with regret.-

All those feelings hurt a lot. But she told herself she had to go on. So she struggled to lock them up behind a mental gate and only focused on the hectic, hard work that they would have the next day.

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