GWA06E

Chapter 6. The Library of Miss Rose

            Early in the morning the girls decided to do some gymnastics. They had awakened soon enough and wanted to get a little break before they had to study. Roy focus in his training had completely forgot about what had happened last night. Tom for his part, also trained for the karate championship. The first combats would be disputed in a few days. At the end of his physical activity, in the afternoon, after eating, Tom called the girls and suggested that they go to the library to show them how it worked. Roy said that he would go a little later. Once the trio arrived, he started to enter. Cooan, looking up in all directions, exclaimed.

-This pavilion that houses the library is huge! - Also, it is a good thing that it opens on Sunday afternoons.

-Yes - said Tom to the girl in an unenthusiastic way, objecting to her in a pessimistic manner, - but the only problem is Miss Rose as a receptionist.

-Is she bad tempered? - Beruche asked, imagining her as a sergeant, throwing a grudge against the boys who were slow to return the books. -

-No, she's none of that, - sighed the boy who cleared up. - She is a very kind woman, but she is very old and deafer than a wall, we are going to be very a difficult time to make her understand us.

-Well, Tom, I do not think it's that bad - Cooan said with a lively smile. - Let's try!

            The boy was reluctant but between them they convinced him. The three entered and went to the reception area. There, sitting and knitting was Miss Rose, with her grey shawl on her shoulders, her matching hair tucked into a bun and a sweet expression of a venerable old woman on her face, showing no sign of her presence. Cooan went to the window and gently touched the glass.

-Excuse me, hello, could you help us, please? - The girl insisted but in no case did she get an answer. -

-Let me do it! - Tom asked that with a mixture of decision and gesture to do it often he rolled his arm and struck harder with a great noise while screaming. - Miss Rose!"

            The old lady then left the point and laboriously approached the window. She seemed to have noticed, the boys sighed in relief.

-Yes, yes, this is the library, young man, - smiled the old woman. -

            Tom looked at her in puzzlement and resignation, then looked at the girls and they laughed. The boy turned to the window and repeated the same thing in a louder voice.

-Can I get a book now, do you have some form that you can leave me to make the request for the book, please?

- Pass, pass, that today I do not cook, and there is no steam. Do not worry, we do open in the afternoon.

            With a huge drop of sweat on the head and the laughter of the two girls in the background, everyone got into the room and began to look for books to read. Roy arrived a little later and, meeting the librarian, entered the room without making a noise, which was not too difficult for the aforementioned question. In fact he could have entered singing and dancing, while pounding a drum and she had not even heard. He looked for his friends although he did not have to look much, he found the three sitting reading. He waved a whisper hello and the others responded with a gesture of the head except for Beruche that made a grimace of disgust. Roy grinned at her with an expression of circumstance and began to look for a book to read. After a while to decide, he finally chose one entitled "Educational techniques for the elementary school child" and sat down to read it with Bertie. She seemed to ignore him completely.

           

            Meanwhile, in a dark place, surrounded by a multitude of objects of cult of black magic, several hooded figures carry out a sinister ritual. One of them said.

- We already have the invocation ready for the soul-hunting demons, we can call the first of them.

            Everyone gathered praying a litany of spells around a five-pointed star. A cloud of smoke materialized, and two reddish embers, as eyes, emerged between them and a voice that seemed to emanate from the aftermath resounded.

- I'm here...

- What is your name and what is your rank? – He was asked by a second figure. -

- I am the demon Atalagar, of the Third Infernal Circle....

-Do you know what your mission is? - The first figure interrogated him.-

- To obey your orders and to possess some human soul that takes us to the objective. - Answered the devil. -

-Do you know where to go? - The third figure intervened, to which the demon nodded with his sharp head. -

- Well, go, fulfil your mission, I command you! - Exclaimed the first of the figures with imperious voice. -

            The entity disappeared instantly blurring the dark room, making the flame of the black candles flicker...

            After leaving the library area Bertie and Cooan had selected some books. They wanted to borrow them, though they feared that it would cost them enough to explain to Miss Rose since she heard nothing at all. But they could not leave with them without the authorization of this one so...

-There! - Exclaimed Cooan, relieved, and with her eyes shivering. - I have the solution, we write it on a paper and she read it.

Tom, Bertie, and Roy jumped with joy, visibly relieved. How had they not occurred to them before?

-That's a good idea! - They replied in a chorus. -

            Cooan wrote on the paper the title of the book, the room number, its data and smiling handed the paper to the old woman. She was convinced that everything had been solved thanks to her ingenuity and made the uve with her fingers in triumph while the librarian looked at the paper. However, and without being disturbed, the old woman returned the same to the girl and asked in a high-pitched voice and something cascaded.

- Little girl, I do not see very well, would you mind reading it to me?

The four of them fell literally on their asses with their legs extended and a droplet of sweat on their foreheads. After many attempts helped by mimicry and relieving each other when despair had been able to with the previous, they managed to leave with the books. They should return them in a week and promised themselves not to come back another Sunday afternoon.

-Of course, the poor woman is deafer than a wall, - Bertie sighed, shaking her head as they walked away.-

-Well, we've been lucky this time, - Roy said, adding as he waved one of his hands. - Sometimes it takes for her half an hour to find out what people said. Good thing I do not come often.

- Yes, of course you will not have many problems because of the books, rather it will be for lack of them - replied his companion with narrowed eyes and patent irony.-

- Hey. What did you mean by that? - He asked, looking at her with a gesture of astonishment and annoyance.-

- Nothing, nothing ... I only meant that this is better for you. - Beruche smiled perfidiously amid the laughter of her sister and Tom.-

-We'd better get back to our rooms. Tomorrow's lessons must be prepared, - Tom sighed. -

- Prepare? What? - Roy wanted to know from the surprised stare of the rest. -

-Tomorrow Miss Parker is going to ask us about the book we chose for the text commentary. That's why we went to the library today. - Cooan replied. -

- Really? - I thought you went to study. For the exams in a few weeks. - Said the boy, putting a hand to his neck with a puzzled gesture as his companions exchanged stunned looks.-

- As I have said before - Bertie said, remembering Cat Luna, she whispered to her sister. - What a cross it´s fallen on us! - And they said that Usagi studied little. It's Ami by his side!

The other girl could not stop laughing, her sister accompanied her to the surprised stares of the boys. It was Tom who asked them with a smile to turn.

- What do you laugh at?

-Nothing important, our own business - replied Beruche.-

-We remembered some old friends - added Cooan, who changed the subject and said goodbye to the boys. - Well, we're going to our room now.

-Good-bye guys ... and Roy, I would read something other than the results of the basketball league bulletin board if I were you - Bertie remarked mockingly.-

This one did not succeed in replicating, although both Connie and Tommy were laughing. Finally, even Bertie herself laughed. At last Roy smiled in turn, he had not seen that girl laugh much, and she was actually much prettier when she did. And in his own way he had a sense of humor. Maybe she would have forgiven him for playing the pool. Much better this way. He simply shrugged, and both he and his friend said goodbye to the girls returning to their room.

            The demon in the meantime appeared in the university and under the appearance of a dense black haze he got into a coffee machine. At that moment the janitor of the corridor arrived. After finishing his shift, he was about to drink something. He took out a soda (the demon was inside because he had been able to enter through a millimetre crack in the lid) and drank. In a few moments the guy began to suffer arcades and spasms. The man fell to the ground and rose to his feet with a malignant smile, a reddish flash appeared in his eyes.

- Let's get to work. - He whispered, heading for the student room. –

In the boys' room, Roy had left. Although it was a little late and it cost him to follow Bertie's suggestion and get some book to read. Tom was in his room resting and reading hers. The door to the room opened and the boy saw the janitor coming into his room. That surprised him, though he stood up, commenting in a casual, nonchalant tone.

-Hey friend! Are we so dirty that they send you here to clean our...?

            Without letting him finish the sentence, the demon hit him and made him fall, asking him in a hoarse voice...

- Your partner, where is he?

            Tom was puzzled, barely able to react at first, that guy did not seem so strong and what he behaved like that! He was not going to let himself be treated that way anyway.

-"And what do you care? - He said, getting up as best he could to kick the man with a full impact, but even so he could not get him affected. The boy stared at that strange man with astonishment, that blow would have knocked out any normal person!

            The demon in turn looked at him with a mixture of mockery and contempt, and with superhuman strength threw Tom out into the hall. He was knocked unconscious by beating himself against the wall and Atalagar just walked away behind the track of his target. The latter, oblivious to everything, arrived on the other side with a book and, seeing his friend on the ground, ran in alarm at him and revived him with care. As he could and still affected by the blow, Tom told him what had happened. Roy was outraged and astonished at the time ran out to find this guy without hearing the warnings of his partner who shouted behind him.

-Be careful, that guy was not normal!

            Roy discovered him a few feet away, the demon had also detected his presence and with a mocking grin went to him.

-You're already ours! - Atalagar exclaimed as he lunged for him, trying to catch him. -

- Fuck you! - Replied the boy, who dodged the demon, punching him in the stomach with all his might, but he did not feel them at all. -

            The boy tried to hit him again but the demon held his arm in one hand and the other grabbed his shirt. Then he lifted him up, squeezing him against the wall with incredible strength. The rest of the students who had witnessed the scene were in search of the guards in the hallway. Those who tried to intervene were snatched away by this stranger as if they were mere puppets. The others fled in terror, leaving only Roy with that guy.

- Now you will be ours, finally! - The demon screamed triumphantly. He tore off his victim's T-shirt, but as he grabbed his neck, he was howled in surprise and pain.

            From the boy's neck hung a crucifix (of which he never used to part). Although he was stunned he realized that it had damaged the individual and in a reflex act put it on the front. As he did so, the man convulsed, howling and vomiting a slimy mass that rose, growing and acquiring a silhouette, half man, half beast. Roy was paralyzed by fear, disgust and astonishment, only being able to stammer.

-What, what-what's that?

- Damn, how dare you? Now you'll see! - Threatened Atalagar who tried to nail him with sharp claws. -

            Instinctively the boy reacted with great speed, not knowing how he escaped the attack of the devil and of his hand left a golden ray that crossed it. To the surprise of the own Roy and of the same demon this one burst to pieces. He was panting and exhausted by the effort, leaning against the wall and looking at his hand that was now seemingly normal again. Then came the rest of his companions who had seen nothing of the latest events. Brad, one of the members of the basketball team, was the first to come and ask him how he was doing.

-You're good? What happened?  We thought someone was trying to rob you and we told the police. - He informed her with concern.

- It must have been a freak, I could not see him well. He attacked me and made him flee with a punch. - Roy replied that he observed the employee's body on the ground and sensing that the poor man had nothing to do with his aggressor defended him with the first thing that occurred to him. - He attacked him too.

Besides, he did not want to tell the truth either, for he feared that they would not believe him by thinking of one of his jokes or taking him directly for a fool. At last the organized uprising gradually calmed down and questions from teachers, who came there warned by some boys, Roy repeated his version. He did the same to the police.

-Very well - said an agent who arrived quickly accompanied by some nurses who indicated pointing the still unconscious man. - That's all yours.

- We'll take him to the hospital. - Answered the paramedics raising the man on a stretcher and disappearing towards the exit. -

- You've been a witness. Right? - The cop asked Roy, preparing a notebook to take his data. -

-Yes sir, - he admitted. -

- How was the man who attacked you?"

- I could not see him well. It was all very fast and he covered his face with a hood. - He answered in a bewildered tone. -

-And you cannot tell me anything else? - The officer insisted. -

- He was tall and very strong. - He pointed out.

            The agent had to settle for this brief description and left, not without first sending the boy to one of his superiors. When Roy finally finished talking to the police, recounting the facts to a certain Inspector Higgins, he returned to his room and told Tom what had really happened, except how he had killed the demon. He told him that he had chased him away with a cross, which was a gift from his mother.

-I cannot believe it, - said his companion thoughtfully. - It was like a vampire movie, if this guy had not attacked me, I would not have believed it.

- Well, it was real, my friend. That was kind of a monster - Roy said. And he wanted to do something to me. I am still...

At that moment they knocked on the door without letting him finish the sentence. They were Cooan and Beruche who had learned of what had happened and were interested in the state of Roy.

-Are you okay? - Bertie asked with a worried expression, forgetting her former anger and even her mocking.

-Thank you - Roy smiled more relieved, trying to look calm. - I'm glad you finally care about me...

-Who attacked you? - Cooan asked uneasily. -

- It must have been some jerk, - he lied, - or the boyfriend of some girl I get too close to, or one who came too close to me! – Impossible for me to know, there have been so many, ha, ha, ha! -

At first he did not even know why he said that, but he decided it was better to pretend. He did not want to frighten them. Of course he acted very well and managed to deceive them both.

-Well! Bertie frowned with renewed annoyance. – I should have imagined something like that. Very well Roy, I'll see you tomorrow in class if someone else does not give a good beating! - And without further ado, she left the room visibly angry. -

            Cooan watched her sister in surprise, she seemed to take it personally. Anyway now she had to go, she gave a smile to the boys and went after Beruche. Roy said nothing and just lay down. He did not see how Tom came out behind the girl and told him uneasily.

- He says because he doesn´t want to scared you, but that guy was not normal, I hit him with a good kick in the face and he did not flinch. That would have broken anyone's jaw. Also, he threw me against the wall like a rag, and that I weigh 185 pounds! - Cooan was very surprised to hear this kind of confession and tried to calm him. -

-Maybe he was drugged, - she guessed, remembering while some of her old droids had a similar strength, then told Tom in a reassuring tone. - I'm sure tomorrow Roy will be fine, we'll see each other in class, okay?

The boy nodded but wanted to say something more. He had not really come out after her just to tell her that.

- Hey, Connie. He added timidly. How about we meet later after classes? - She looks puzzled and Tom visibly nervous, ended up adding. - So we could talk more calmly, with all this mess I wanted to have asked you how you take the exams. And I could use some help from you to study some Japanese. - He added remembering the good advice of his friend. -

- Well, I'm busy now, tomorrow we'll talk, huh? - She excused herself dryly with a half-smile of circumstances and she went away definitely. -

His interlocutor remained there watching her leave. He had not been sure at all, and now he seemed to have made a fool of himself, as if he had spoiled things before he even tried to start them. Maybe that girl thought he was after an easy catch. He cursed himself for his stupidity but there was no remedy and he returned to his room.

-I must have looked like an idiot. - He sighed with dismay and resignation.-

            Already in her room, Cooan told Beruche what Tom had told her about the attack, omitting for the moment the rest and this one responded thoughtfully.

- Maybe he was just crazy or could be something more serious. When we write to Ami and Rei we will tell them to see what they think.

-And our sisters, no? - Her sister was surprised. -

-Of course not, - said her interlocutor with a serious expression, what could they do?" - He argued forcefully. - We must not worry without necessity ... and you know them, especially to Petz, would appear here at the moment and would revolve the whole faculty...

Both of them could imagine their sisters back and forth asking questions and putting them in evidence with their discussions. And surely there would be nothing to look for. Petz would be annoyed that she had to go there and leave the business, Kalie would take it sarcastically and would advocate spending a vacation there in search of attractive suitors, her older sister will face her little seriousness and surely they would discuss again. It was as if they could already see that happening, and both Bertie and Cooan nodded in sighs ... the latter said.

- You're right. Surely we would have them come for nothing. -She acknowledged also thinking about what Tom had meant by talking to her.-

            The truth is that he was a charming boy, but she did not feel interested, not at least in the way that perhaps he intended. Or it could be that he only wanted that, to be help with the Japanese. She sighed, at least it was a nice boy who seemed to care about his friend. When he told her that, she could feel his uneasiness. And maybe she acted very abruptly getting defensive. Even if it was the result of the nerves after that attack. But the poor man did not deserve that.

-I would talk quietly with him during the dance class...-thought the girl.-

-Well, - Bertie told her - then we'd better write to the sailor or called them...

-Yes. I will call Rei. I think this is more of their specialty. And besides we can send a letter with some pictures to our sisters - Cooan said.-

Beruche agreed, it was true, as a Shinto priestess Rei was an expert in dealing with evil spirits. Although she seemed to think that twice when she added.

-Perhaps it is a little hasty to alarm her. Don’t you think? I wish I had things clearer before I frightened her without need. To her and to the others. - She affirmed as she was going to enter the bathroom to brush her teeth before bed time.-

Her sister agreed with a thoughtful gesture before her interlocutor left.

- So far, I will tell her how it goes and nothing else...

Bertie nodded. In fact, they both relied on Sailor Mars as well as their other warrior friends. Cooan especially remembered with much affection the first days after her conversion in normal human. By then she was confused and lost. In a new world, starting from scratch, without the support of her family and with her heart broken after that terrible disappointment of love. Fortunately she had the girls there. All the sailors behaved very well to her, but it was mainly Rei who welcomed her and helped her as if she were a sister.

-I can never forget what you did for me, dear Rei - She thought with a smile. -

She came to the memory a dawn in the Hikawa Shrine. The girl sat on the stairs of the temple, only a few hours after her purification. That night she had slept, or at least tried, in the shelter of the sanctuary. She spent the night with little sleep. She remembered moments from her past life, from everything she did, full of regret and wondering. What now? She ended up getting up very early. She dressed in that suit Red colour that she had obtained after her transformation. At least Sailor Moon had the kindness to make it appear using a kind of pen that she had. So after having recovered from so much crying and being comforted by her old enemies.

-Everything it is going to be alright. -Sailor Moon said to her.-

She was barely able to stand up. She was weak after that transformation. Although she felt happy and relieved. However, this effect gradually faded away and the young woman became very confused...

-It's natural- The black-haired cat who called herself Luna said, - The Silver Crystal has cleansed any vestige of evil energy in you. Now it's your turn to start living your new life.

-And ... what shall I do? -  She could almost babble.

-For now you must rest, - advised the warrior Mercury. -

-Come inside. - Urged the warrior Mars. - You'll be better...

They went inside the Sanctuary, in the area that went to the rooms. The girls who surrounded her reversed their transformations, showing up with their civil identities. One by one they introduced themselves, with polite inclinations.

-Tsukino Usagi. - Said who that a few moments before was Sailor Moon.-

-Kino Makoto. - Declared the tallest, Sailor Jupiter.-

-Aino Minako - Added Sailor Venus.-

-Mizuno Ami. - Said Sailor Mercury.-

And the one that remained, smiling at her cheerfully as she reached for her injured leg without even complaining, she declared.

-Hino Rei. Nice to meet you…

-I ...- It was the only thing she could say, embarrassed, excited, ashamed and overwhelmed by all that.

Although the girls would not let her say anything more. It was Ami who commented.

-I'm going to check on Yuuichirou. An ambulance will have to be called.

The others nodded. Rei accompanied her friend to attend the boy. Kermesite put her hands to her face, sobbing. She also had a bad time when the required ambulance arrived and took that poor young man, whom she had seriously injured with her "dark fire". She could only beg for him to recover soon.

-I'm sorry. I am terrible sorry. - She was able to say between tearful and dismayed.

-He'll be all right. - Makoto encouraged her by placing a hand on the young woman's right shoulder.-

-Well, it's getting late. - We must go home. –Said Ami.-

-Yes, you do not worry Kermesite. You can stay with me ... - Rei proposed. -

-I do not know ... I do not know what to say. - Answered her.-

-Say yes - Usagi exclaimed jovially, whispering into the stricken girl's ear. - But be careful about the food. Rei is a lousy cook...

-Hey! I know you. Can you tell me which kind of garbage you are whispering in her ear? -  Inquired the priestess with her arms in her jars.-

-Nothing, nothing. - Her companion smiled, putting a hand back her neck to sentence. - See you tomorrow.

At last, the rest of the sailors left and left her with Rei. The girl who had saved her. Though they did not talk much that night. Her hostess realized how exhausted she was and immediately prepared a room and let her lie down. Now, standing up and breathing in the cool breeze of dawn, she meditated ... She had a huge problem, that of finding accommodation in that city, so primitive and hostile, especially now that she lacked her powers. It was a very strange sensation. Before she could disappear and return to the ship as soon as she wished. Now she was a prisoner. And the fragility of being a mere human was not pleasant either. She sighed, putting her hands on her cheeks. Then she heard an affectionate voice addressing her, she looked up and gave a slight smile. It was Rei wearing her daily kimono.

-Good Morning. I see you very thoughtful. - The priestess said to interest in her condition, as she sat next to her. - Is something wrong? ...

Kermesite scarcely dared to look directly into her face. In addition, she saw that handsome bandage that her hostess was in her right leg, kindness of the burn that she caused to her in its battle of the previous day.

-I ... I do not know what to do ... I have no idea where to start. - She sighed in a trembling voice full of anguish.-

-From the beginning. - Responded her friend adding with certain animation. - Tonight you can also stay here. And for as long as necessary until you adapt...

-I do not know what to say. -  The girl was really excited about that. - Why are you so good to me?

-What a question! Well, the thing is clear. - Rei smiled jovially her interlocutor. - Because we are friends. That is why.

-Friends? - She was surprised, admitting with regret and regret. - But I tried to kill you just a few hours ago.

- So what? - Rei replied amused now to sentence. - I'm trying to kill Usagi every minute now and then. She always pisses me off with her nonsense! - She exclaimed theatrically, raising her arms to assert. - You will know her and will understand what I mean.

That made Cooan laugh, she remembered even the discussion that these two maintained when she came disguised as a cosmetic saleswoman ... how funny they were that ... Even she became involved in the talk!

-And yet - the priestess laughed in her turn, to say now with a softer voice and even full of affection. - We are the best friends in the world. I would do anything for Usagi. And I know she would do anything for me ... that's friendship, Kermesite.

The woman looked at the young woman in astonishment. She was someone very special. Kind and generous without measure. From that very moment she wanted to follow her example. She would help others, she will try to be as strong and as positive as Rei. And she would begin by denying all her bad memories and her dark past...

-Please, call me Cooan.  - She asked her lowering her head to sentence. - I do not want to have anything that reminds me of my old life. -

-What happens to your sisters? -Ye wanted to know her interlocutor.-

The girl sighed ... That was the hardest thing for her. Among all the things that she had lost ... Although she immediately declared with a deep voice and filled with sadness...

-When they find out what I've done, they'll repudiate me. I do not think they will hesitate to finish me if they find me.

-Do not say that - her friend asked sweetly, putting an arm around her shoulders. - They're your family, surely if we had the opportunity to talk to them we could convince them that they're wrong.

-Yes, I would like that very much - the girl whispered hopefully. - I think we could be very happy living here all together. Would you help me on that?

-Of course I´ll do, - Rei smiled, adding more dynamically. Come on! Help me make breakfast. We have the whole sanctuary for us. Yuuichirou will be in the hospital today. Then I'll go and see him. And my grandfather is traveling, he will return tomorrow.

-I'm terribly sorry for what I did to him. - She could say to her friend with visible consternation to add. - And what I did to you...

This? - Smiled the priestess pointing to the bandage that covered her leg to exclaim almost seemed amusing. - Bah! That's nothing. And Yuuichirou will be like new in a few days. I do worse things to him every time he screw up in the sanctuary!

Cooan returned to look at her new friend with gratitude. She smiled now and said yes.

-I want to be useful, I want to help you. Whatever ... tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it...

-Look. - Rei replied, putting her hands on the girl's shoulders. - The first thing is to have breakfast. -  We have to replenish our energies...

-I'd like to find a job. At least to be able to pay you what you're doing for me. - Her partner told her.

-Do not be silly. What you must do now is to adapt. Ok finding a job is fine too. But I repeat, we are friends, you do not owe me anything.

-No Rei. I owe you everything! - Replied her touched interlocutor taking the hands of the priestess between theirs as a teardrop escaped - I have been reborn thanks to you!

The other girl also smiled something affected by the emotion, but soon recovered. She did not answer but guided her guest into the kitchen. There, once they had breakfast, they left for the more commercial streets of the city. They walked for at least a couple of hours asking in stores and other establishments for vacancies. Unfortunately they did not need anyone. It was exhausting as well as frustrating. However, the newcomer to this world did not want discouragement to invade her. Of course Rei harangued her over and over again to raise her morale. She would find something, it was a matter of time. Finally they happened to pass near a very large cosmetics store, named Otafukuya. Cooan had bought there the day before. The young woman remembered that she had to wait for being attended, thing which bothered her. Then, as she went out, she collide with the boy from the sanctuary, who scattered all her things. Now she thought of that with a smile. Then it was Rei who, taking the reins, approached the one who seemed to be in charge.

- Excuse me. You're not looking for workers, are you?

The woman in question, a woman of about forty, dark and not very tall, stared at her in surprise before answering...

-It's curious. We had been considering placing an ad. Would you be interested, miss?

-No, I do not, but this lady does. - Rei said, motioning for Cooan to approach. At the same time she added with satisfaction. - Yesterday she came to sell me cosmetics that looked very good. She is a really good young woman at work. She gave me great indications for the skin and how to make-up in the most appropriate way. She advised me in such a professional way, that I thought she worked for you...

-Well! - Could say that woman stating astonished. - Well, it would not hurt to talk about you and the job. - She stated addressing a nervous Cooan.-

She nodded, though Rei immediately winked her an eye. And that made her regain her confidence. If she knew a deal about something that was cosmetics. She had spent her life with makeup, creams and so on. Of course apart from her other duties. It was then when the priestess apologized. She was going to see her assistant in the hospital. So there she was, alone in the face of danger. Fortunately she was able to meet with the manager who also happened to be the owner. She was very impressed with the knowledge and skill that she displayed. She even did a test that Cooan past in an excelled way with a very high mark when she catered to several clients. After a couple of hours, the woman, named Sayaka, told her.

-Very good Miss…

-Ke…- She said quickly. - Just Cooan.-

-Well, I have no problem in getting you tested. Working in this way will be very useful. Now the hour of more activity will begin. We will have to devote ourselves later to the paperwork. At the moment I would like you to go through the sanctuary sector and take care of advertising and selling our products. At least you already have the blessing of the priestess. And that is very important. - She smiled riveting that last.-

-Thank you so much Mrs! - The girl could say really happy.

So she went to the area that had been entrusted with some articles and a catalogue. When she reached the shrine, she remembered seeing Yuuichirou almost blindfolded. After feeling guilty again she was relieved because Rei was already ordering him to clean the floor again and again and the poor boy tried to obey frantically running it with a rag from side to side. In fact his soul was left in each pass. He did not look seriously damaged. At least that was a good sign.

-Hello! I am a door-to-door cosmetics salesperson. - The girl said with a jovial tone. -

-You! Yuuichirou exclaimed in a puzzled tone to say. – I think I've seen you before now.

-You're always in a good mood. Do you know that I envy you? - She said unconcernedly to the astonished boy.-

Rei went to the door to receive it. She smiled wishing her good luck. The boy went to continue his work and the priestess then talked with Cooan. After recommending some places in the neighbourhood where she could sell some products, she told her that in the afternoon, when her day was over, they would all go and encourage Ami to participate in the world chess championship...

-We will be delighted that you join us to support her. - She commented with great kindness.-

Of course she assured her that she was very honoured by the offer. The only one who would not be present was Ami herself, since she was going to go to the tournament to greet an old friend of her grandfather. That's how it was, when Cooan met the rest of the girls, they received her as if they had been lifelong friends. Sailor Moon herself congratulated her effusively on her new job. That made her laugh! Rei did not lose occasion to draw Usagi's attention to her screams. This one answered that she was a heavy indiscreet and ended up showing their tongues to each other. Minako and Makoto had to mediate. After that the young warrior Venus soon asked for advice on some beauty creams, saying that she had many neighbours who might be interested. The warrior Jupiter also gave her help to find some affordable apartment. She said she knew someone near where she herself lived. In this way, conversations and the kind offerings of all, were set in motion. They went to a coffee shop where a handsome boy served them a few shakes.

-Motoki is very handsome. - Makoto said blushing, to add. - Reminds me of an old boyfriend that I had...

-Yes, but there's nothing to do - He is really in love with his girlfriend Reika. -  Said Minako with pessimistic tone.-

That caused the rest of Venus friends to sigh as she blew through the straw of her soda, making a lot of bubbles.

-In my case I prefer to leave the men's issue for now, at least at the moment.  - Cooan stated.

The others understood. Even though Rei had not told them anything about what had happened before they arrived, it was the girl herself who told them about it. It was a way to finish exorcising those ghosts of the past. Of course they all encouraged her by assuring her that someday she would find love. And who knows? If the sisters could redeem themselves, perhaps Rubeus could do it too. After chatting for a while longer, after finishing the drinks they headed towards that strange building with the shape of a chess tower. The championship was about to start right away and she wished Ami could achieve the victory.

-I hope Ami wins the world championship - She said with an optimistic smile.

-Of course. I also hope so. – Intervened Usagi who was incombustible and unavailable to despondency, took out two small banners with the Japanese flag that made her dance with her arms as she exclaimed." Hip, Hip Ami, you will win! Come on, Ami, ra, ra, ra! ...

This produced an attack of shame on others and even in Cooan herself, as well as Makoto and Minako who were flanking her. All visibly coloured and with their heads down stoically they supported those chants. Fortunately, Rei soon intervened, taking her friends’ pompoms off and scolding her in a hurry and annoyance.

-Shut up Usagi!

It was then that Mr. Fumata called their attention, and then chatted a little with them. She remembered what that man asked.

-Are you Ami's friends?

-Yes! - They all answered in chorus, included Cooan herself.-

-Then you are the ones she called her wonderful friends - the old man declared with satisfaction.-

At Usagi's question that individual said he was a chess enthusiast and the owner of the building. Then it was when Cooan noticed Bertie's presence in the tournament. How little did her sister and she imagine how life were going to change for them!

-Dear friends. If anyone can help us again to my sister and me, those are you. But it is better not to disturb you at the moment ... I hope we can solve it on our own.

The girl now thought, remembering that in her dorm room, as she began to write the letter, talking about wonders of the university and some of her companions...

And in another place, in the dark and gloomy centre of the meeting, a hooded man told another.

- We have failed, the demon has been defeated. - The first figure was lamented. -

-Was he? - Replied the second. -

- It looks like that. We must hurry, there is less and less time, and that does not suit us. When can we send the next demon? - Asked the number three. -

-We have no choice but to wait for a conjunction of favourable stars. But it will be soon. - The second of the silhouettes replied. -

-We cannot fail, we risk a lot in this! - said the first of them and the other two nodded under their sash. -

-Let us end the meeting - said the second, - we shall remain at the same hour when it is possible to invoke another demon."

            When this was agreed, the silhouettes of the hooded men disappeared and everything fell silent.

In Japan, Rei was still meditating, she did not know why, but she had been reminiscing about the first few days she spent with Cooan when she was purified. Now she consulted the sacred fire and she stirred. Surprised, she flipped the cards and her expression paled. She called herself out loud.

-There's no doubt about it. The evil is increasing!

Although for now her friends had not said anything abnormal. When they saw Petz and Karaberasu they seemed to be fine, with their work in the shop and their everyday lives. Makoto and Minako treated them more and they even go occasionally to do some shopping and none expressed concern. As far as they were concerned their two younger sisters were studying hard and enjoying their stay in America. As for Bertie and Cooan, there did not seem to be anything to indicate that they might be in trouble. From what they had in their letters or calls everything went well and they even assured that they had already made some friends. Judging by all that, things could not be better for them. At least for now. However Rei could not help feeling that maybe that was not going to last long. Of course in Japan things were more moved. To give her the reason, in a few minutes the priestess heard the call of her communicator, another enemy had appeared. She immediately transformed himself and ran to join her companions...

-Where is it this time? - She wanted to know by speaking via transmitter with Luna.-

-It's not in Tokyo. - The cat informed her. - It's on Okushi-cho Island...

-What? So far? - Rei was surprised and asked. - How did you find out then?

-The outer ones are taking care of that. -Her interlocutor commented, pleading. - We have been provided the coordinates. We are going to reinforce them.

Once the five met, they used the sailor teleport and they appeared on that small island of the northwest. By the time they did it, apparently things had been sorted out. Her companions told them that this intruder did not act like the enemies they had faced.

-It was very strange - said a tall blonde-haired woman with a short ash as a sailor. -He wore a kind of breastplate and threw energy.

-Yes, he said he was an explorer - Added a beautiful young woman in aqua-coloured mane, dressed also in sailor.-

-I've never seen anything like that- Added a third woman, with a slightly darker skin and long dark green hair, carrying a sort of long, key-shaped staff.-

-We had to attack him at once in unison in order to destroy him. - I don’t know. I hope there are no more. - The blonde woman sighed. -

-We must return to Tokyo. I'm worried about those new enemies. - Usagi said, adding uneasily. - Do you think you can deal with this buy yourself?

- Do not worry, we will watch and if something else happens again we will tell you. - Commented the girl of the light green half hair.-

-We'll keep you posted. You go and protect the city and take care of those beings. If nothing else happens here and we can, we will go and help you. - The dark green-haired woman agreed.

Usagi gave a significant glance at these three guardians, and they nodded.

-We'd better get back home - Ami said with the agreement of her companions. -

So the five girls took their hands again, returning with their teleportation system to the city. They wish that intruder was only an isolated case! As things stood, they could not afford to have to fight on two fronts at the same time. At least her friends in the US seemed to be safe. They thought about it after returning to Tokyo and each went to their respective houses to take a well-deserved rest.

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