GWA07E

Chapter 7. Letter to the Warriors.

After a week since the last incidents things were forgotten and everything had returned to normal. Meanwhile the karate playoffs had arrived and Tom completed his training on the mat. Roy, who had finished training on the next court, came to see him.

- Hello boy - he greeted his friend to repeat in Japanese bowing jokingly with a feigned bow - Konichi Bah!

- Konnichi Wa ... silly, - corrected this one with a smile while he reviewed his kimono that had been something dislocated after the warm up. - I'm going to tell Bertie to teach you how to say it.

-Ha, ha! - Roy laughed, watching him visibly amused. - It does not matter, I'm sure she'd be able to give me private tutoring on those courtesy crap. And I just came to ask how you're doing...

-I'm in shape - he said, making a succession of kicking shifts and a few "sukis" (punches in the martial arts slang) as a demonstration. -

- Oh, I'm impressed, you know, crush them all! - His friend encouraged him by waving a hand. -

-Of course! - Tom smiled enthusiastically, - this year I'm going to take the title. -

- Good luck, then I'll see you in the playoffs, - Roy said, wished him the best as he said goodbye with feigned karate blows. His friend shook his head with another spontaneous smile. -...

Beruche and Cooan meanwhile walked the campus, one day ago and both girls chatted distended. However, the conversation inevitably fell on the events that had occurred a few days ago, as Bertie brought up the subject of writing to her friends in Japan.

- I know we agreed not to say anything. But I'm not sure we're doing well. Maybe we should tell the girls something. That attack Roy suffered was very much like the one they described to us when they told us about their other enemies, those who possessed human beings. And our own droids did something similar. Although they did not always control people.

-Maybe it's just what they told us. - Said Cooan little anxious to worry her friends and sisters. - Some criminal. Besides, seven days have passed and nothing strange has happened. Perhaps it would be hasty to alarm them. What if there was no reason to worry here and they did have their own problems at home? We would be distracting them without need.

Beruche pondered the question. Her sister was right. Besides, in America, the assaults and robberies were quite frequent. Roy might have seen something that seemed odd to him. And ... well, if she was honest with herself, she could even think of one more joke of that jerk. But what sense would it have? They had not been direct victims of it and Tom himself was the one who spoke to them about the subject. Roy did not tell them anything about this mysterious attacker being supernatural. But, on the other hand, what if they both agreed? His bank-mate was not stupid and he would surely know that if he went with that story, no one would take him seriously. But with his friend, he was different, although Bertie resisted to believe that Tom participated willingly in something like that.

-Do not think about it anymore,- her sister advised. - Let's let it be and you'll see how it was just an incident.

Bertie was going to tell her something but she did not have a chance, towards them a few girls from the group of cheerleaders dressed as such and carrying the pompoms were approaching. They were headed by Melanie who went to both sisters. Greeting with a kind smile to Cooan although it seemed not to be so nice with Beruche, she presented it with a haughty look to the pair that said with sneering mockery.

-Going for a walk?

-Yes. - Cooan returned the smile. - It was very good weather and we had nothing to do.

- Do not worry, I can give you the chance to spend some more time entertaining. - Melanie offered who explained. - Soon the karate competitions will begin. And we have Tom who will represent us. Surely he would love for a beautiful cheerleader friend of his to be there to help him to win.

- Okay, yes. When will it be? - The interested woman wanted to know. If she could support her classmate she would be very happy to do so. -

- If you go with the girls they will tell you. - They're in charge. - Melanie said, adding with a mocking look to Bertie. - If your sister does not care.

-Cooan is old enough to decide on her own, she does not need my permission. - Replied the aforementioned with a neutral tone that made it difficult to determine if she was annoyed or not. -

- It's a gesture for your part. - Melanie conceded. Her voice sounded like a sneer.-

- Then I'm going with them. - Cooan smiled at her sister wishing that she did not take it wrong. -

But Bertie dispelled her suspicion with a smile as she urged her to it.

-Go! Tom will thank you. Surely he can win anyone if he sees you by his side.

Cooan nodded cheerfully and walked away with the others, though Melanie stood there for a moment studying Beruche, and then threw another thud...

-I hope you do not mind me taking the heat off Roy when he plays his game tomorrow. Or did you know that they have a commitment against those of Saint Paul that is our rival university? Sure, how silly I am! , You do not have to be aware because you hardly care anything about what your classmate does, of course, you only care about your class tasks.

- You are absolutely right. - Ironically grinned Beruche to sentence. What Roy does in his free time is only his business.

- That's the way I like it. - Replied the haughty chief of animators with an air of forgiveness. - That you are a good and reasonable little Japanese. Look, she added now more nicely - I've been meditating and there's no reason why you and I should not get along. Look how kind I am to your sister. I really appreciate her, she's a very nice girl. And if you respect my land, I assure you that you can spend a very pleasant year here. And Connie too.

- This humble little Japanese does not understand the American dialect yet. - Answered Beruche, collecting all her sarcasm. Although in those weeks the progress in that language both of her and her sister had been very remarkable. - I apologize for my awkwardness if I've offended you, but as far as I'm concerned you can stay with Roy as long as you want. Besides. You will do me a great favour if you take him off me. I do not want him to bother me with his nonsense when I'm studying.

Melanie grinned, stroking her own hair. That girl finally realized who was in charge there and that pleased her. It was obvious that she was not going after Roy either, so there was no reason to be wrong. So she took a more pleasant tone.

- You sure will like to see Tom. And considering that the karate was invented by your people...

- I will not lose it... - Beruche assured her. In fact she wanted to leave that idiot girl as soon as possible. - I am sorry, I must go.

-We'll see each other - The chief of the cheerleaders said goodbye, heading back to the gym. –

The Japanese stood there watching as her interlocutor was on her way to the court. Before leaving, the cheerleader smiled for what she must have judged as a victory. Bertie shook her head in resignation. In truth that girl was the perfect pair for Roy, although on the other hand he did not look so bad boy after all. After the unfortunate joke of the pool his attitude had changed and behaved well himself. But he was very crazy and anarchic and for Beruche these were characteristics too opposite to her way of being. At least the way she wanted to conduct herself since she began this new life. Although she sincerely pitied his partner by having to put up with that stupid. Melanie, to tell the truth, reminded her a little of the Duchess Esmeralda, one of her chiefs in Nemesis. Always so arrogant and vain with them and their own subordinates, but licking the soil that the prince trod upon and undercut herself before him. At least this other girl did not have that laughter so crazy, anyway.

Meanwhile, in the ominous den, the hooded men re-joined. It was time to call upon another devil. Celebrated the ritual, two reddish eyes emerged from a thick black haze. The demon appeared as Ayinnon and was ordered to attack another target. He headed for the university, entered the gym and got into Tom's gloves. The man, who had stopped training, picked them up from the ground, and then a thick mist penetrated his ears and made him convulsed. The boy fought with all his strength against the unpleasant sensation of feeling controlled but little by little he was yielding before her. When he was finally possessed, his eyes gleamed with a reddish glow, and a macabre smile flashed on his countenance. After a while, the girls and Roy each came by to witness the fighting. Cooan was already changed with the uniform of cheerleader and next to her companions she danced and she enlivened the previous moments before the match. Roy watched her from the step and he downs to stand almost at her side. Casually Beruche did the same, heading for her sister's position and they met.

- Wow.! Glad to see you around here. - The boy greeted her leisurely. -

-I came to see Tom. I think he fights now. - Replied Beruche less familiarly. -

-Yes. I spoke to him recently. He is sure to win. - Affirmed his interlocutor with a gesture of satisfaction adding fun. - And he will be more when he sees that your sister has come to encourage him.

- We're all with him. - Bertie stated without seeming affected by the comment. -

Melanie, how could it be otherwise, was attracted by the vision of her desired companion. Roy saw her sigh with resignation. She would come and give him a headache again! He was paying dearly for everything that happened last year when he coiled up with her. For him at first it was nothing serious, then he was really attracted to Melanie. But he realized that it was not what he was looking for. He couldn´t have a deepest kind of relationship with that kind of girl. They left their relationship with much agreement, or so he thought. However, he was wrong, that girl did not give up so easily what she thought someone belonged to her. It used to be she who got tired of boys calls, but not the other way around. And being honest with himself, Roy saw her as the ideal girl to have a good time, but not for deeper things. Besides, as long as she was hovering around him, no other girl on campus would dare to insinuate herself. What a complication!

- Hello, Melanie. - He greeted her with a smile that failed in his attempt on not to be forced. -

- Hi handsome. - She retorted, noting with no pleasure the presence of that Japanese woman. -

- We met here by chance. - Bertie commented to her by all greeting.-

-I see, - the cheerleader muttered with obvious suspicion. -

- Bertie was very kind to come to see our Tommy. - Roy had terrified without suspecting the atmosphere of mutual disgust that surrounded his two companions. - May she will come to give me support tomorrow too.

-Bertie does not mind those things. Right? - Melanie told her with a sharp tinge. -

The aforementioned was already quite sick and tired of that attitude, she would do whatever she wanted. It was one thing not to watch out for Roy and his activities and another to let herself be overwhelmed by that stupid spoiled brat.

- Well, look maybe I might have time tomorrow. And frankly I would like to check if this jerk is good at something, other than making bad jokes, of doing pranks. -She declared at the same time that her eyes narrowed with a caustic look at the boy. -

-Again! - He was surprised, pretending indignation. - I've already asked you for forgiveness a hundred times. What happens now? Did I say something wrong?

- It's just that Bertie's very picky the poor thing. - Melanie smiled, laying both hands on the boy's shoulders in a mellow, sibilantly possessive manner. - Do not take her badly. She will only have been a joke, in her foreigner style...

- Must be that. - He smiled as he looked at his partner in relief. -

-I'll leave tomorrow if Melanie gives me permission. - She watched as she charged against her rival. - I would not like to get into other people's affairs.

-What do you mean! - Roy wanted to know, visibly bewildered.-

-Oh, nothing, I only meant not to compete with the professional cheerleaders - Bertie replied with covert amusement. -

- No problem for that. Against the cheerleaders, according to what things, no one can compete and less with their boss. - Melanie threw her at first. -

- Of about that I am quite sure. I imagine that there are skills that I cannot carry out either. - Replied Beruche firing in turn in the water line of her opponent without the slightest condescension when asking rhetorically. - Why worry about a simple spectator who will see you from the stands when they are at the foot of the track? Would not they draw more attention by outlining themselves with the players than others who just watch, or is not that something so certain for some of them?

The boy looked at both alternately and was not so stupid as to continue ignoring that it was a powder keg. Her two companions had been in bad terms from the very first day. His experience advised him to do as if he did not know the meaning of those thumps that flew from one to another. Hopefully they would not go any further. And he was not wrong. Melanie smiled smugly and avoided translating her discomfort, she walked away to take care of their girls. By the time they reached them they had finished dancing and the competitors were coming out of the tunnel from the changing rooms. Among them was Tom who did not seem to notice that Cooan was there. She gave no importance to that. She though he was focused in his coming match. So she would take advantage of the moment and asked Melanie for permission to join her sister and Roy.

- Yes, until the break we have nothing more to do, go and see the fight with them. - She answered without much interest, satisfied at least to interpose to somebody between both, just in case. -

Cooan thanked her and ran to her sister and Roy. How lucky she was to having him there! He would have seen her dance, and indeed, the boy could not have been otherwise, praised her evolutions on the dance floor. The girl blushed in spite of herself and tried to dissemble inquiring about the fought match that Tom was going to play.

-Are you sure he'll win? - She sounded hopeful but very unsure. -

-Of course - Roy said, nodding with conviction. - Sure, he's the strongest.

-I'll bet on him. - Beruche announced optimistically and added, pointing to a corner of the central mat. - Ah! There he is and he seems ready to start.

Tom was in the band with the competition kimono on, his black belt matched his hair. His rival, also black belt, looked very good in turn, judging by his warm-up. The referee called them, they both greeted each other and the fight started.

-Go and get him, boy! - Roy encouraged.

But then what made his companion baffled them, he lowered his arms and let himself be struck, with the wonder painted on the countenance his friend shouted at him...

- Go up the guard, but, what are you doing?

Tom was shown a yellow card for standing over the ball and blocking an opponent's quick free kick. However, the referee was unimpressed, and booked him for diving.

-Maybe it's a tactic from him. - Cooan said naively.-

-No, Tom does not fight like that, he takes the karate very seriously, I do not get it - Roy answered in complete dismay. -

The other threw a kick that reached Tom and scored an "ipon" (two points), but this one seemed to give equal, then the demon that possessed him smiled and said.

- Now it's my turn to have fun ... - with great celerity he chained several accurate blows to the other opponent who fell to the ground knocked. Yet he was still on top of him, raising his arms and screaming in a hoarse voice. - I'm the best, ha, ha, ha, ha!

The people were discontented by this painful spectacle and booed. The girls looked at each other in amazement that guy could not be their classmate! Roy also could not believe what he saw but he reacted, he did not hesitate and went down to the mat. Grabbing his friend by an arm he took him out of the room. Meanwhile, Cooan whispered to her sister.

-I notice something different about Tom, at first I did not mind, but he ignored me completely when I greeted him. Now I feel like it was not him, as if he was someone else. It's something Rei taught me to perceive.

Bertie merely agreed with a slight nod as she watched as Roy stepped in to prevent the public's disapproval of his friend and went into the tunnel with him without him opposing. At least there, his classmate showed concern for Tom and behaved maturity. Who knows? He might not be such a lost cause after all.

-Can you tell what happens to you? What the hell are you doing? - Roy shouted, very disturbed to his companion, once inside the locker room. -

-I have you this time! - Exclaimed Ayinnon, who looked at him with red eyes and sentenced him. - You are already mine, and now you will not escape...

Abandoning Tom's body, which fell unconscious to the ground, the demon took its shape. He resembled a normal man of equal height to the one of Roy and complex fibrous but strong at the time, he was bald and with two prominent ears although his clothes were strange. A sort of suit to a black piece with a red trident embroidered on each shoulder. At first his alleged victim stood still in shock but then reacted. He had been training lately in case he repeated something similar to the previous monster and punched him making the devil dent. This one, who was not expecting the attack, retreated dazed and was on guard. The girls entered the tunnel at that moment and heard noises of blows.

-Something's happening! - Cooan said worriedly. - I notice, I perceive an evil energy.

Beruche did not think it and went to the locker room. Luckily it was empty then. There were no more athletes inside. Her sister followed her and they both came to see both rivals studying each other.

- You will regret attacking my friend, disgusting monster, I will not forgive you! – Said Roy who was furious. -

-We'll see, - replied Ayinnon, who smiled very confidently. - You've only had one stroke of luck. But you cannot do anything against me.

Suddenly, and after the demon, a numerical count was heard (one, two, three, four....) It was Cooan who used the ritual Rei had taught her against evil spirits, she said as she placed the fingers of her hands Intertwined in various invocatory postures.

-Evil spirit, get away from here! - She shouted as she tossed a paper to the demon that adhered to him making him start to burn to the astonishment of Roy, Beruche and even Cooan herself. -

The boy ran away towards them as the creature burst into sharp shrieks, disintegrating.

-But what was that? - He wanted to know he still stunned and staring at a trace of ashes that was all that remained of his attacker.-

-A Kami, what you call a demon, - Cooan informed him, explaining quite naturally to the boy's astonishment. - I have a friend in Japan who is a priestess and has taught me how to fight them. But I did not think the reaction was so violent, it must have been a very evil being.

Roy could not sketch any word, luckily his friend Tom had regained consciousness and stared dazed in all directions without knowing what had happened. The others thought it unnecessary to tell him anything for now, they ran to him to help him. Luckily he had nothing serious except for his surprise.

-What has happened? I do not remember anything, I must go to the tatami to fight. - Said the astonished boy still baffled. -

-Come on - Roy said, coming up to him, helping him to his feet as he told him. - Quiet kid, you've won, but not in a very orthodox way...

-Won? I do not remember anything. - Tom still hesitated to stand, his face marked by amazement and disbelief. -

-It's been pretty strong, but do not worry, your opponent was good, but you'll do better. - Beruche smiled condescendingly to him. -

-All right, Tom! - Cooan said to him, smiling a kind smile that if wrought in the boy wonders. It was only by seeing her that he put aside his strange amnesia and even stood firm on the ground while she rifled. - Next time, I'm sure you remember the match...

The three accompanied him with an accomplice silence until they left him in his room to rest and Roy congratulated Connie again for her intervention, she responded now more seriously.

-Well, I did not think this trick would be that useful to me.

-Do you know what that was? - He asked them. -

- We're just like you. Bertie replied cautiously. - My sister through that spell to him, hoping to paralyze him, but she could not imagine that he would explode.

-This is crazy! - Roy said with a serious gesture and his arms in jars. - A kind of ghost gets into my friend, controls him, and attacks me. Connie makes him explode with a kind of spell, and you're so calm? - He pressed them without believing what he saw in Bertie's seemingly relaxed expression. -

- You have to know that in our country these things are not so rare, perhaps this place has some curse. - Cooan replied shyly. -

-Well, I hope we do not have to suffer it again. No, at the end I´ll have to call the ghost busters. I hope this is the last time. - He said wanted to settle the issue. - Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll see how Tom feels. -  And Connie ... - He smiled, nodding approvingly. - You were fantastic! - Thank you.

With that, Roy turned away from Cooan who was still looking at him for those compliments. Beruche took the opportunity to tell her sister.

- There is no doubt, we are facing a very dangerous enemy. - She stated showing her real concern. - This time the sailors must know it.

- Yes, we will call them without fail, but I do not know if they will be able to come - objected her sister. -

-They will - Bertie said, convinced, sentencing. - They have always come to our aid when we have needed it.

And without wasting time they gave a called and besides, they sent a letter to Ami, asking her not to say anything to her sisters. They wrote to their sister after. Cooan told them about Roy and their other companions. Beruche about how good they were there and what they were learning. The letters arrived at the home of their respective recipients in Japan. Karaberasu picked up the letter from the mailbox and pushed it up. She opened it and read it with Petz.

-Listen to this - She asked her sister with rejoicing. - Cooan already likes a boy, she goes fast, but Bertie takes it more calmly, of course she is calmer.

-It seems strange to me - Petz said thoughtfully. -Everything goes, I do not know how to tell you, so good that it seems a lie...

-Are not you glad for them? - Karaberasu replied somewhat surprised. -

-Oh yes, of course I'm glad! - Her sister assured her with an objection, but I have a feeling. It seems to me as if something out of place happened to them. I have a strange feeling, it seems that they did not tell us everything. I'm not sure, but write them down and tell them that, as soon as we can, we'll go and see them. But later on, I do not want them to be alarmed.

-Do you think we're doing well? - Kalie asked her without much conviction. -

-Of course! - Petz replied forcefully. - We are her older sisters, we must worry about them.

Her sister nodded, for once she absolutely agreed. They both felt that responsibility. At the same time, at Ami's house, correspondence was also received. The girls gathered (all except Usagi who had not arrived at the agreed time) to read Beruche's letter, in which and with more detail, they explained those strange attacks. When it was over, Rei was the first to speak and did so with concern and reflective tone.

- I do not know who they can be, but I felt it the other day, when we destroyed that demon. Perhaps the entity we are being told in their letter is one of them or it could be that it was a new enemy different ... like the one who was destroyed by the outers last day...

- I do not know. But it must be a major problem if they ask for our help. - Makoto added with a thoughtful gesture. -

- Well, what a mess we are here. A new attack could occur at any moment, - concluded Minako visibly worried. -

- No need to worry, now there are more warriors available. We can talk to them and they can help us. - Interviewed Ami providing a more optimistic view. -

- Yeah, but you know how they act. I do not know if we can count on them being free. More after last time. - Objected Rei.-

- Well, but they're still a reinforcement. If we need them I am convinced that they would come. In spite of everything they are our mates. Anyway Bertie and Cooan are good friends and they ask us for help. Some of us could go there and try to solve that problem. - Makoto proposed. -

-I'll go, of course the two are dear friends of mine. - Besides, Rei boasted with some hype. - Cooan has defeated one of those bugs with a spell I taught him.

-Of course, of course! - The rest of them were replaced with beads of sweat on their heads. -

The woman smiled proudly, still remembering the afternoon when Cooan passed by the sanctuary. Among their many conversations they had often spoken of supernatural beings. More when she told her some of her previous battles, even prior to their mutual confrontations. The priestess, in one of these talks, explained to her.

-There are many evil spirits loose. Most are not capable of doing harm, but sometimes, just like your droids and other beings, they can materialize and possess the living. I will teach you to write a protection spell and use it as a weapon. You may never need it, but you never know.

-I thank you very much, Rei. - Smiled her partner visibly interested. -

And Cooan proved to be a good student, learned in a short time to invoke the power of that spell. Her teacher remembered her not without satisfaction, although her thoughts returned to her companions and the conversation they were having.

- But now we cannot go, it's impossible. We are very busy and that without counting on these mysterious enemies. In case we have less exams ... maybe for vacations. Although if they need us our obligation is to come to their rescue. - Minako interrupted. -

- It is true. - Ami agreed, adding that she wanted to calm everyone's spirits. - However they say that there have been two isolated attacks. And of supernatural beings they have only confirmed one. At the moment I do not think they are in danger. As we are here, taking into account the school calendar, we will not be able to go until a couple of months. Let's be calm, if the situation worsens, we'll be sure to get it.

The others looked at her with a certain guilty feeling, it did not seem entirely right to ignore that request. This is what Makoto said.

-What if they were in danger? - We cannot leave them to their fate, they have no longer any power to defend themselves.

Though it was Rei herself who sighed, she replied.

-You know what Usagi and Mamoru have said. We cannot intervene like this. We will have to do it in time.

- And how will we know when it is time to do it? - Minako wanted to know sentencing with restlessness. - Nor do I want to leave them at the mercy of a threat like this one and I do not think that the school calendar is excuse to remain here folded of arms without doing anything.

 Ami feeling the same justified it in tone and expression, by saying.

-I also want to go there, Bertie and Cooan are very good friends. But I think things here right now are more important. And Rei is right. You know that we should not intervene too much. Surely they will keep everything under control, they have experience. I have no doubt that those suspected enemies will become more cautious in trying to attack them again after being defeated twice. So, when we are sure that everything is solved we will go and I will only dedicate to play some chess matches with Bertie. And taking advantage of the visit I will give a good look at your university. - Finished more relaxed getting to produce the smile in their friends when adding like final desire. - I really want to see where they study ... will they have a good academic plan?

-Ami! - Said the others, pointing to her companion with accusing fingers and jocular tone - you're always with the same!

The girl blushed, then came Usagi, greeted them all and sat down. Rei hastened to reprimand her.

-You're late, as usual! - She scolded her with shrill screams. - Now we'll have to tell you everything!

-Excuse me - the girl apologized, lowering her head with a bead of sweat beading her neck. -I'm sorry girls, and look Rei, I came with Luna, and she has arrived later than I...

The she cat shows at that moment. She came in through the door and told the others, cutting Usagi this time with a rather serious tone.

- Girls, whatever your conversation is about I am afraid you'll have to wait. - And turning her head toward the exit she informed them. - Artemis just called me. Another new enemy has been detected, come on! - They all nodded and went there. -

They left, leaving the letter of Beruche and Cooan on the table. Meanwhile, at college, Roy was on the court. He trained but not basketball. Since his confrontations with the demons, extraordinary abilities had arisen in him. Apart from its greater strength and speed, now also had the ability to stay in the air. This he had discovered when making a dunk and grab the ring, he had let loose and fell ill, wished not to hit the ground to avoid injury and behold he remained suspended in the air at a meter high.

-It's plain to see - thought the boy, taking it very seriously. - Those monsters are looking for me, I do not know what they want or where they come from, but I will not let them hurt my friends any more...

After finishing training, he returned, took a shower in the locker room and returned to his room. He happened to meet Bertie down the aisles. She went with a pile of books and could not see where she was walking, the girl stumbled and before she fell he caught her.

-Thank you, - she said, blushing and holding the books laboriously. -

- This time I was the one who has prevented you from falling instead of throwing you ... now we will be in peace, no? ... - Roy asked her with a view to ease the situation between them that was not yet all good which it should, at least for his taste. -

-I suppose so - replied Beruche, looking at him earnestly. -

-Do not you ever smile? - The boy asked, trying to cheer her up. - You are a very cold girl, you really look like an iceberg....

- That is too exaggerated. -  She answered without flinching. -

-It's true, - he insisted. - And how small you are, only a cube, of course I hit the nickname little cube! As the Spanish people I met said, cubito! - He repeated laughing. -...

Bertie, despite trying to avoid it, nodded, laughing, and Roy, holding her books, smiled in return, quite satisfied.

- You do not know how glad I am to see a smile on your face. I thought I was never going to make it with you.

- Tell me something. - The girl smiled who seemed to think better to change the subject keeping her composure again. - How's Tom? Still baffled?

- A little bit yes, - admitted his interlocutor also serious now - but he's okay. As silly and caring for others as usual, but, what can we do? That Kansas peasant is my best friend and I have to put up with it, ha, ha, ha! - He put a hand on the neck with a laugh that, however, was unable to pass for authentic, since behind it was perceived the concern. -

Although Beruche was very shocked with this answer it did not bother her. She could also feel that feeling in Roy. He had been rather uneasy when he saw his friend. She was beginning to realize that maybe he was not a bad boy. In his own way, he was kind as Tom and cared for people, only he was ashamed to admit it. The boy hid his true feelings from that seeming frivolity. It happened the same to her as though in another style. Bertie hid her emotions under the mask of indifference, as she had been doing since her Black Moon days. The same Tuxedo Kamen told her and the young girl noticed. That's why she could understand that boy, surely there would be something in him that she did not know. A part of himself that bothered to hide to the rest of the world. Like her. But there was something else, she felt in her companion something familiar, although she did not know what, perhaps she was beginning to feel attracted to him but not! It could not be that, she immediately denied it to herself.

Roy had similar feelings, at the beginning of knowing her for him she was just another girl. Worse still, they had a very bad start. And she did not follow the jokes like the others, who were just some fools who kissed the ground where he stepped on no matter what he made to them. Unlike Bertie. This girl was sensitive and good under the appearance of coldness. She suffered too much, being punished with his stupid jokes out of tune. Roy began to be really interested in knowing her well, to unravel that supposed seriousness. This girl was capable of smiling and surely of loving. She showed it with the great affection she had for her sister. They were both sweet and very innocent. Seeing though Connie he could tell right away, however, Bertie was trying to hide it. Although both show a prevention of moving on to something more than friendship. And in fact they hardly interacted with other boys others than Tom or himself. And with them it was pure friendship or companionship. Roy was not a fool, and he had noticed, apart from his confession, of his friend's attempts to get close to Connie, but she eluded him. Bertie herself did not seem interested in anything but her books. Why? Had they been disappointed? Always and day by day, sitting with her partner felt a new feeling with her about the other girls and wanted to know what it really was, anyway she refused to think that it was anything more than a simple friendship.

-Hey - he said, trying to take advantage of the moment of truce in that cold war. - This weekend we could visit the city. What do you think about the idea? I've grown up here and can be a good guide, I know where the best New York-style hot dogs are made. Tell your sister and I'll tell Tom. It will suit you well for your academic activities.

She stared at him in surprise, and Roy feared a refusal, but to her relief and contentment, Bertie replied with little disguised interest.

- I'll talk to my sister, for me it is okay, I want to get to know New York, Manhattan, and the most important sites. It was something we had wanted to do since we arrived but we were worried about not knowing how to move.

- Well, here you have the best then. I know the city by heart. You'll see when I tell Tom, he'll be encouraged! - Roy replied enthusiastically that Beruche agreed. -

- Very well, because on Saturday at nine o'clock in the morning we were in the vestibule. - Her companion told him that she left undaunted leaving him with her books. -

-Hey! Roy shouted at the realization. Hey, what do I do with this?

- you are so kind for doing me this favour of going back these books, now there is Miss Rose turn, hee, hee, hee, hee. That's because of the pool, I can also play. "Now we are even, lad" - she said with a good command of slang, which left the boy perplexed. –Still - Bertie repeated. - Now we are truly in peace. - She emphasized this last lightening her face with a broad smile followed by a delicious and chirpy giggle that the boy had never heard. - He, he, he! Well, see you tomorrow Roy. I hope you do not have to delay yourself much. - She said goodbye with a pretended velvet voice, running away and laughing down the hall. -

-Oh - he mused, remaining thoughtful but in love with that musicality, unheard of her until then, to recognize himself. - This girl learns quickly, she even got me this time...

A couple of boys passing by saw Roy loaded with books. They had both witnessed the scene from afar, and they were laughing at their companion, who, being in a good mood, addressed them with delight.

-Hey, what's wrong, I just cannot study from time to time? - He grinned. -

The boys, who knew him well, laughed and celebrated with him. In this fun way the three of them went down the hall. Meanwhile, Beruche had come to her room and told her sister the plans they had for Saturday. Cooan was very happy, she wanted to see Roy and more to go out with him, which was almost a date. Her older sister smiled and thought no more about it. Although something inside seemed to open, it was really as if a part of the ice that covered her heart even began to melt and she was glad of it. She remembered a time when she almost froze forever. When she really was reborn. This time, in Tokyo, in that chess tower...

She was next to Petz and Karaberasu in the ship of their chief Rubeus. They all attended with disbelief and growing annoyance at the images of Kermesite, turned into a vulgar human, working in a cosmetics shop. The girl was solicitously attending to a client, declaring with excessive and sweetened kindness.

-You are precious, madam.

-What a shame! - Cried Calaverite, with patent contempt.

-Yes? - Kermesite added in the meantime, addressing a new client with a very solicitous tone. -What can I do for you, ma'am?"

-I cannot believe it. She is the calamity of the four Ayakashi sisters! - Petz snapped indignantly.

Bertierite listened to them watching her younger sister with the same feeling of perplexity and barely muttering.

-But why? Why did she want to become an ordinary human being?

-I do not understand how she could have betrayed us this way." - Said Calaverite.-

-I don´t consider her my sister anymore. - Petz said with obvious disregard and disdain. -

Bertierite really could not understand either. Just a couple of days before Kermesite was really obsessed with ending that brat and pleasing Master Rubeus. Now she saw her there, wasting her life, in that stupid servile attitude. Having renounced for ever to her home, her family and her future...

-We do not need traitors in our family ...- Rubeus said, taking her out of those thoughts. -

-You have been very stupid, Kermesite - Bertierite said in a low, soft voice. -

However, the girl was startled when the mirror in which she watched her sister cracked. Turning, he watched Rubeus's gesture. It was really scary. His expression was of cold cruelty, more when he sentenced, folding his arms.

-We'll find a way to kill the traitor at any moment. Now let us move forward with our mission. This is the new point crystal ... - And as he said that, the image of a strange chess-tower building appeared on the holographic projectors of the ship.

Bertie did not think of it, then interrupted her boss to volunteer.

-Rubeus, leave the mission to me ... - She asked immediately leaving for the city, without even waiting for the response of her superior.-

At that moment she could only think of one thing. In her sister! She would fulfil the mission, of course, but she would go before to try to talk to her. To warn her of the fate that awaited her! If Rubeus caught her Kermesite could be considered herself dead. With Petz and Calaverite at least she would have the opportunity to try to reason. However her boss was another story. Unlike her other sisters, she was never fascinated by him. Bertierite was the only one who saw him for what he really was, a ruthless, cold and calculating guy, who would not hesitate to pass over who was necessary in order to achieve his goals. He was only loyal to Prince Diamond and only seemed to trust the words of the Master Wise Man. That other enigmatic personage who had never left to see his face. Bertierite had a real dread of both of them. But she had always tried hard to hide it under a mask of unconcerned coldness. But now it was different. She had to warn her sister and above all, she longed to hear an explanation from Kermesite´s lips that would clarify the reason for her desertion. Perhaps if Kermesite revealed the motives of her betrayal she might come to understand it. Or it could be that if she succeeded in accomplishing this task she could ask for mercy for her. In the end, and despite hiding it, she loved their sisters a lot, but especially the younger. This had been a very hard blow for her. All she had to do was kill off the warriors and prove to Kermie that she was wrong. And she set about it. First she came to see her, but she was not in that shop. She sighed in disappointment. She would have to go to fulfil her mission first. So she went to that strange building to bombard it with dark power. When she arrived she found three pathetic little girls talking about how nice it was to compete. One of them, with blue hair and fragile aspect, said that the important thing was to be able to participate, that the result did not count. It seemed so stupid to her that Bertierite allowed herself the luxury of engaging in that conversation, in her opinion, in an obvious way.

-Of course the result is important. If you do not play to win, the game is a waste of time ... You have to play to win!

The other three girls stared at her in astonishment. One of them, blond and long-haired, divided into two pigtails and with two large bows on either side, asked.

- Hey, who are you? ... What you have to do in the game is to put your best, the result no longer matters.

But Bertierite ignored her by focusing on the other girl to whom she explained with patronizing condescension and disdain...

-Losers always say things like that. Although I assume that with your age you will participate in the children's championship. Right, little girls?

-But what are you talking about? - Replied the blond girl in an annoyed tone.-

-Forgive me, but I cannot keep wasting time with you. Goodbye, little girls! - Bertierite dismissed ignoring them as she entered the tower with suggestive floors.-

It took her a while to locate the exact spot. She could then exchange these human clothes for her work uniform and began to bombard that with dark energy. Suddenly a door opened. It was that girl, the one who had been talking about her desire to participate in the tournament, who ordered him.

-Stop there!

-Well, it's you, stupid - Bertie thought, not in the mood for interruptions. And so she answered. - You must think you're very brave. I hate the good girls like you, and look, you're going to pay all my dislikes ... Go to hell!

And without prior notice she downloaded to that girl an attack of "Dark Water" that it knocked her down in the ground causing her to scream of pain.

-You'd better not try to get up. - Bertierite advised her with a false sweet tone full of sarcasm. -

Nevertheless, that girl tried, Bertie knocked her down again with another attack at the same time that added, mocking with joy and false mellow voice...

-You see? Silly ... Did I hurt you? Oh, I'm sorry! But do not worry. I will make you feel no pain, no more.

And she was ready to give her the final blow when that baby invoked her transformation to the cry of...

-Plan Mercury give me the power! Make up!

Bertie was puzzled. After a series of lights and turns on herself, that girl appeared turned into a warrior. But far from worrying about it, she laughed delighted to declare.

-What a surprise! You can never imagine that you were Warrior Mercury. This will be a nice gift for Rubeus.

Then she attacked her, but the sailor blocked it with her own power. Bertie smiled incredulously to declare contemptuously as she crossed her arms.

-You? Do you dare interrupt me?

Although when she was to return to the charge to eliminate that annoying warrior received an impact of a surprise attack that hurt her hand.

-Spark plug pressure!

Unable to help it, she shrieked, grasping the palm of her bleeding hand. Looking at her enemy she saw two more of those warriors.

-This is not fair! You are three against one and this is what I call violence. - She could protest with indignation.-

-Shut your mouth! - Replied the highest of those sailors adding with a threatening tone. - Or you want me to send you another...

Faced with such a numerical disadvantage, Bertie decided that it would be better to withdraw, although she did not do so without first threatening to Mercury.

-I do not care, now that I know your secret...

She disappeared back to her ship. She was healing her hand when her older sisters appeared. They pretended to care about her condition, and one of them, Calaverite, asked her in a rush.

-Well. Have you been hurt?

-You're bleeding. - Petz noticed.-

-I'll tell you what happened. - She wanted to clarify them with a simulated smiley tone although it was Calaverite who interrupted to inquire with sarcasm in her voice.-

-Do not tell me you've failed?"

-For me it would be a big mistake and I would die of embarrassment - Petz said.-

-You're trying to humiliate me, but I will not ask for your help.

-I hope so, you know that the volunteer for a mission must succeed or cannot return - Petz warned.

-Kermesite has let us down and we do not want to have any more idiots in the family. - Sentenced Calaverite laughing together with her older sister.-

Bertie had to laugh with them, but deep down she was very frightened. What if the same thing happened to her as her little sister? It would be a stink for her own family! They would repudiate her or worse. She had to fulfil her mission, no matter what it cost ... She returned determinedly to challenge Ami in a game of chess. She had a plan ready. She infiltrated without any problem hypnotising the girl who was at the reception to register her as a participant. Thus began to play, and even without resorting to her powers, she defeated all her opponents without problems. She was really good at playing chess. She finally met Ami in the final. How little the fool imagined that she had reserved! She could not help but laugh when that naïve girl reached out her hand and said hopefully.

-I think I'll enjoy this game.

Bertie smiled and offered her own hand in response, it was cold after concentrating her energy. At the time I thought.

-When I win I'll fill this place with the power of darkness, I'm looking forward to the time.

She was delighted to see the expression of her opponent, she would have felt the cold in that handshake, and without waiting for that fool to say anything, and she was the one who asked.

-In the finals I would like to use these pieces.-

-They're beautiful! - Exclaimed Ami, who seemed impressed by the rich decoration in emeralds and rubies that showed.-

-They're not just precious. - Mutated a funny Bertie, who had prepared them to amplify her freezing power.-

-Eh? - Replied her interlocutor who did not catch those words, receiving a mocking giggle for all answer.-

Bertierite rejoiced beforehand at the prospect of a clear victory and success in her mission. Out of all that, their naive rival did not object, they started a very balanced game. Bertie even thought she had beaten her. But in a bad decision, led by overconfidence, she lost her queen and suffered a checkmate after two moves. That infuriated her terribly, she was very competitive. So much so that for a few moments she had forgotten the true intention of her presence there. The truth is that she also wanted to have won that championship, to prove that she was better in everything than her rival. Now she felt humiliated. She then declared abruptly, barely masking her anger with a velvety tone of voice.

-Not yet ... the game is not over, Sailor Mercury. This has only been a children´s game!

When she heard her, she rose from the chair like a spring. Bertie did the same. Then she threw an icy ray that froze the camera that relayed the tournament. Ami had time to turn, but she was waiting for her, she smiled. Her goal was much more ambitious. The other warriors soon appeared, as she had calculated they would. She enclosed them in a special bubble with her amplified powers and challenged the Mercury Warrior.

-Do you want us to play your life and theirs in a game of chess?

-Do I have any other choice? - Asked her interlocutor with visible indignation.-

-No, I do not think you have it. For every piece that you lose I will freeze you. -She warned her rival, amused. -

Ignoring the pleas of her companions not to play to save them, Sailor Mercury continued to move. Although Bertie had cheated by advancing her pieces. When her opponent reproached her, she laughed.

-Of course! is one of the delights of this game.

Little by little Ami was freezing, but in spite of it she insisted on playing. Bertierite herself was surprised and even admired of Ami´s courage. Making another move, she told her enemy not without a certain tone of astonishment.

-I see you've made another move, and you know full well that you're going to lose another piece. It is not like this?

In fact Mercury had it easy. She could resign and let her kill the others. But she could be saved. Bertie would take her prisoner but would spare her life. At first she thought not to keep her word. Nevertheless the resolution of her adversary had impressed her. Perhaps with such a trophy and success Rubeus pardoned Kermesite. Although what she heard then the already weak sailor plead.

-Please ... - Ami muttered, trying to resist the rigors of the advanced freezing she was already suffering. - Save my friends even if I die ..."

-What? - Exclaimed her astonished interlocutor, rising from her chair to ask. Why?

-Because they're the best friends I've ever had. I do not mind dying if they get saved...

Bertie hesitated then, she was about to consider that proposition. In the end, if she ended with one of the warriors could also be attributed a sound victory. Anyway, it would be better to end them all, but something made her hesitate. Then Petz and Calaverite appeared at her side. Both of them with the cheekiness to sing victory, as if they had done something to deserve it.

-Good sister work. – Praised her Petz.-

-Yes, now we will finish them all together. - Added Calaverite.-

-You really have some nerve. - The recrimination reproached them, annoyed by that intrusion.-

Finally she was going to take the piece and kill Mercury when a red rose anticipated destroying that figurine and disintegrating the bubble in which she kept prey to the other warriors when breaking her capacitor of energy.

-Who are you? - She asked, stunned by a guy in a tuxedo, a top hat and a mask. -

-If you do not know how a pawn feels, you can never run a queen. - Bye.-

Watching her enemies free Bertie turned to her sisters in the hope of receiving their help. But to his horror, Petz told her to ignore the affair.

-It's a tactical mistake of yours. Bertierite.

-Yes. Work it out. End them or die, do your duty and you can return to the place that corresponds to you. - Calaverite said with equal nonchalance. - Or you'll stay here forever.

And both disappeared leaving her there, completely alone and outnumbered. Her enemies were now watching her with a surprised look. They looked as baffled as she. But surely they would recover from the stupor and end her life immediately. Why should they have mercy? But that was not the worst. Her own sisters had betrayed her! Left to her fate ... She felt shattered and empty. She could barely make a sardonic smile and laugh, with nothing more to lose, declaring to the astonishment of her rivals.

-It's most comical. If even I am funny. Do you see it? This is what I got from my own sisters. It is absurd to want to sacrifice for strangers. If even my own blood has betrayed me ... and the funniest thing is that I had hopes until the end. Come on, laugh! ... Laugh at me, damn it! ... - and after some agonizing moments in which her adversaries did not respond and looked at her,  she would be said that even with pity, she burst out screaming.- I will die, but I will take you all with me! ... Dark Water full power! ... In the end is born and die alone ... love is ... useless.

And she concentrated all her energy to release it massively. The room began to freeze and Bertierite with it. If she had to die at least she would do it heroically. Nothing mattered to her anymore, she was alone. Nobody loved her, nobody! Surely it would always have been so. Since their parents sent them all to serve at the court of Prince Diamond's father. They had grown up in this environment of intrigue and search for power. Without barely relating to others, always hiding their authentic feelings so as not to be labelled as weak or stupid. And the only one with whom she had any more affectionate connection, Kermesite, was the first to leave her. She only wanted to finish everything so as not to suffer any more ... then she heard the voice of her younger sister, who, very agitated, ran to her, begging.

-Bertierite, please. Do not do it!

-Did you come to laugh at me too? - She snapped, throwing fragments of ice against her sister.

-No ...- she replied, receiving the impact of a large block that knocked her down.

The warriors approached, worried about her state, shouting her name, but Kermesite extended an arm so that they did not approach. Still one knee on the floor he was retracted to add.

- Bertie ... please, live ... I love you, you're my sister...

-Shut up! - She howled she did not want to hear more lies. - A traitor like you cannot understand how I feel.

- Anesama ... Ane-chan. I beg you. Trust me! I know how you must feel helpless in the depths of your heart. But you are not alone. Trust me! Humans have an incredible ability to love...

Bertierite looked into her sister's eyes. Kermesite certainly was very changed. Her look was pure and clean, it did not seem to hide anything. She was even at the risk of her own life to convince her. She had nothing to gain from it and yet there she was. Ready to sacrifice for her. Could it be true? ... Was love in humans so strong for such a demonstration? ... At that moment she felt something ... she remembered the good times spent with her little sister. Her own childhood ... and a strange sensation made its way inside her. More when her interlocutor shouted at her, pleading with her in despair.

-You must live. Sister, please!

Bertierite then stopped her attack ... felt more and more like a strange warmth that she could not describe stretched from her chest. She could hardly murmur, looking between tears at her interlocutor.

-Can I feel that kind of love?

Her companion ran to her with tears in her eyes, without stopping repeating ...

-I love you Bertie! You are my sister, so dear...

-Oh Kermesite! You're crying!  Does love hurt so much? - She wanted to know in a tone of astonishment and emotion.

But her sister did not respond to that with words. However, she caught up with her, rushed into her arms and she held her. She now had a sense of happiness and affection that she did not remember having experienced in a very long time. Then she knew. She can perceive love. What's more, she wanted to receive it, she wanted to be able to give it too! She looked tenderly at her younger sister and nodded ... muttering between excited and regretful.

-I am sorry. Gomen nasai ... Kermesite.

            Then she only heard Sailor Moon invoke the power of the Silver Crystal. And then she sensed it. A halo of warmth that freed her from that evil energy of which she had been filled. At that very moment she felt light and cheerful as she had never been ... she had been completely reborn ... she was only capable of laughing, but it was a chanting laugh and full of happiness. She could hear then, as Ami put a hand on Kermesite's right shoulder, asked her sister affectionately.

-Is not that great?

-It is wonderful. Thank you very much. - Kermesite responded, visibly excited and touched.

Bertie realized that her combat uniform had become a standard human outfit. Now she felt rather tired. Her sister hugged her, putting a protective arm around her shoulders, and the warriors greeted her by welcoming her. Now she remembered that, still smiling, in her college room. And after so much to fight and to work, to adapt to this new life and to overcome all the obstacles, here she was. She had her dear Cooan by her side, the rest of her sisters and the warriors in Japan and these two new friends here. She thought that now it was her turn to help others and to enjoy friendship. Perhaps she should let herself to be carried away. Lowering her defences and relax her distrust. Especially with her desk mate. She felt better now that he had proven that he was not such a bad boy actually. He was just like a naughty boy and wished they could get along.

-What are you thinking about? You are very quiet. - Her sister asked her.-

- I was thinking in a fool girl who did not trust that there was true love and friendship. - She replied with a warm smile .-

And without her interlocutor could respond to that, Beruche gave a loving kiss on the forehead of her sister to sentence.

-If tomorrow we want to be ready and fresh we have to go to sleep. There are still two days left for this excursion and before we have other things to do.

Her sister agreed to it by returning her smile. It was already late and they would have to get up early. So they went to bed in a few minutes. Roy for his part told his friend the plan and this, as it could not be otherwise, accepted very willingly...

But at that moment, in the subterranean den, the sinister figures were already planning the attack of a new demon.

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