GWA08E

Chapter 8. Tour of New York.

The next day, Friday, it was Roy who had a sporting commitment. Beruche and a still somewhat puzzled Tom came to see him. Cooan would not be with them since she was part of the group of cheerleaders who would be in charge of giving their moral support to the team. Melanie had selected her with a lot of emphasis, and that had made the girl very happy. The game would begin at six in the afternoon and a couple of hours earlier, both the girls of the Cheer - leaders group, as the players, were struggling in the previous warm-up. Roy was with the rest of his teammates doing the stretches and the first runs around the track. The same could be said of Cooan and her group. Melanie aligned them all before the beginning and exposed them with evident interest.

-Let's see girls!" This is the first game of the preseason, and although in theory is a friendly our team is played more than the mere victory. - And looked through the row of her selected - I'm sure that all of you will give the best for the boys to play to the full.

- Yes group leader! - They all replied in chorus including Cooan. -

Sketching a knowing smile, Melanie nodded with satisfaction.

- That's the way I like it. - She asserted taking charge after giving out the slogans - let's see. You Serena and you April, you'll take care of the left wing.

The two alluded, one of them of black skin and another one more pale white, both brown, with the hair to the shoulders and of medium stature; They nodded without delay, placing themselves in a prearranged position. Melanie went on.

- Francine and Terry on the right.

A medium-haired blonde and a shorter-haired blonde, slightly taller, obeyed immediately at that end.

- And Cinthia with Connie in the centre, right behind me. - Concluded the boss indicating with one hand his position. -

In fact this site was the least compromised since both were the most novice of the group. In this way Melanie capitalized more attention of the public and prevented that a hypothetical error of either of the two girls was so evident. Although the cheerleader was not worried about the new acquisition of the equipment, she had to recognize that her physical condition was excellent and that her sense of rhythm and dance had nothing to envy to those of the more experienced cheerleaders.

- Okay, let's start rehearsing dance four and seven. You know, without getting confused. - Chiselled them insistently. - Choreography ready from the first step.

And Melanie turned away from the group, she had it more than learnt and would be in charge of controlling the evolutions of the others. She carried a radio cd with it that it activated not before saying.

-Are you ready! - And one, two, three...

The music that was increasing of pace until being fast, thus the girls had occasion to warm up as they danced. Cooan did very well, she was not nervous and executed all the movements precisely and with the right cadence before the attentive and approving look of Melanie. And not just this one. In the other side of the field the boys did not lose sight of the evolutions of their companions. Roy and the others were "making lines". (Run as fast as possible from one streak to the other of the court, touch it, step backwards and back to the next) This is how the reflex, velocity and the race were exercised in addition to the physical background. Roy had this more than done and almost always was the first one to finish the route. So, when they had stopped to catch their breath, the boys recreating themselves with the graceful and provocative movements of their classmates.

-What a wonder! Is really good to train like this! – Said Jack Cooper, one of the team's tall forwards, with a fibrous build but sturdy and blond hair, was one of Roy's best friends. -

- And there's a lot of new meat. - Commented Daniel Smith, one of the pivots that stood out for more than two meters, with dark skin and black hair. -

- Of course. - Oswald replied "Ossy" Lane, the starting base, a little over six feet and brown hair with a rather athletic body .- It will be time to know them well.

- For some of them maybe! - added Jack River. - We know the others by heart. Hey Roy?

-Yes - he agreed with a wicked smile of complicity. -

-Well, I'd like to try out what the new one knows about there. - Said Michael Newhart, another six-foot-wide small forward with broad backs, and brown, curly hair, nodding unashamedly at Cooan. - The Japanese girl.

- Does not look like "Jo-Sam" - Said Roger Collins, another pivot of the team, black, enormously muscular and shaved in his head. -

-Hey, do not insult her! - Roy said with some discomfort to warn his companions. - Besides, for you to know, it is reserved matter. -

-What a fucker you are! - And I do not blame you for the taste. It's really good the truth. -Jack watched as he mischievously described Cooan. - Look how good that little skirt and this golden top. (Uniform of cheerleaders for games). No wonder you hastened to plant your flag.

There were mocking choruses of "Ahhh, tell us more!  Among all the others and Roy had to try to clear things up.

- I don´t mean me. But let's say I have a friend who has shown his interest and if someone messes with my friend, he messes with me. He is one of us. - He stated clearly and at the same time very revealing for almost all his colleagues. -

- Okay dude, the sacred covenant of brotherhood. Roger agreed apologetically, - and I did not want to insult her. I meant that it does not look like "japo", you know, slanted eyes and lemon face.

- That coming from Japan does not mean that she was born there. As she told us, she is of foreign origin. - Roy told him, warning him straight away. - And for your information that “Jo-Sam "was the term used in Korea and Vietnam for the whores.

- I'm sorry, man. - His disgruntled companion excused himself again. - It is a word I learnt in my childhood. I heard my father say that every time he saw a "yellow". I thought they called them all like that.

- It does not matter - Roy grinned, but he added looking serious. - But neither of you can think of calling her that. And it's not yellow either. Do not make racist comments.

- It was not my intention - his interlocutor apologized. -

All agreed with assent. That was when the coach's indignant voice interrupted them.

-What the hell is happening here? Am I going to have to line up the cheerleaders? They train with much more intensity than you, lazy people! Come on, I want to see you move!

The coach threw towards all of them several balls and the group exercised in pitches against the basket, lay outs and dunks, etc. Now there were the girls who rested after rehearsing for recreating themselves the view with them. Cooan leaned over the protections of the midfield to watch.

-A giant group! - She thought amusing. - But the one that moves the best of all is Roy.

In that moment the object of her attention entered the basket by crushing two hands. Cooan could not help but applaud, but from that position she was not observed by the boy, it was Melanie who approached her saying.

- Of course you do well to applaud. Roy is number one in many things.

- Sure he is very good, I wanted to see him play because I have only seen him in training. - Cooan replied with interest. -

Melanie looked at her in amusement, she did not know what to do with that girl, or really was that naive or she pretended to be. The experience had taught him not to trust the "dead mosquitoes." Perhaps that's why she did not like the idea of ​​Connie's sister sitting next to Roy. But now she was calmer in that regard. And this other one, it simply she did not seem dangerous, but it was better to make sure.

-Do you like Roy? - She inquired quite naturally, causing her speaker to stare at her and blush to her ears. -

-What? - She could say without being able to assimilate such a direct question. -

- Come on, it's okay! All the girls like him - Melanie laughed heartily at the poor, unhappy expression of the poor wretch. -

-You too? - Cooan asked coyly, adding in all good faith. - As you are the leader of the cheerleaders you will have any guy you want.

That made Melanie laugh until she almost doubled over. Connie was truly a prodigy of ingenuity elevated to the umpteenth power. At least that seemed to be about love. That occasion was too good to it pass up, so she decided to continue having fun at her expense for a little more time.

- Hey, do not worry. I like it because he is very good and because he does it really well. You already understand me! He has a skill that leaves basketball in nothing! - She said in a very insinuating voice.-

- Ability. In what? - Cooan asked candidly, because she still did not understand some double meanings and phrases made in English. -

Her companion opened her mouth in astonishment. Did not she catch that, either? Well, Melanie should not forget that she was a foreigner. So she should be made more explicit...

- Let's say he and I have had such relationships.

From the pale face of the poor girl, her vast open mouth and eyes, Melanie could see that she had been understood. And she added, even to the greater blush of her candid companion.

- Here we are very liberal and if you want to try I will not reproach you. Roy has a lot of rhythm for that. Of course, you cannot do it in your room with your sister there. But that's no problem, I can give you mine. My partner will understand ... Ah! And do not forget the gummies, he is very clueless ... And you do not want to get ... you know

-No, you're not serious, that's forbidden, and besides, what a shame! - Cooan could say between babbling. - No, I could not, I mean, no.

-Do not tell me you're still a virgin? - Melanie shot her. -

The cheerleader was getting more and more excited about that reef that was ahead just for her amusement. That poor girl was as red as a tomato. What the others were going to laugh at as soon as she told her! She returned to the charge again with rejoicing.

 -Have not you ever been with a boy? -She asked with feigned (or perhaps not so) astonished face. -

- No, well yes, I had a relationship, at least one boy I liked, but it did not work out. -She replied in a quiet voice, in fact she felt as if she were in the middle of an interrogation. And she could add. - Now I think more when it comes to looking for a boyfriend.

-Looking for a boyfriend? - Do not be silly, girl! - Melanie smiled patronizingly at her. - You do not have to compromise, you know, one night and if you like to repeat, you do. Although with Roy I only leave you one huh? -She finished with complicity. -

Cooan was delirious. What kind of relationships were established there? The truth is that she had heard her warrior friends comment that Westerners had another way of doing things in that field, that they were more launched, so to speak. Especially women. It reminded him vaguely of Nemesis. There were many rumours circulating about Rubeus himself and his wanderings. Although she had always refused to give them credit, she later learned they were true. But in the end he was a man… and men, you know. They are only in their own interest. Of course, she was not at all willing to get into that.

- I thank you very much but I must concentrate on studying to take advantage of the year. Same as my sister. - She affirmed trying to recover the pause in her palpitations. -

-Your sister does not have a boyfriend either? - Melanie smiled, nodding as if she wanted to hear Cooan's response with much interest. -

-No, she, as far as I know, she is not interested in any of them yet. - Replied Cooan with a shy smile. -

Melanie wanted to continue her harassment and downing, especially by focusing on that annoying Connie´s sister. That opportunity to get more information was unique. Under these circumstances, this fool would tell her everything she wanted to know. But she took care of it and remained in silence because Roy was heading toward them. The boys had finished heating and it was half an hour before the start of the match, the doors had opened and the crowd was flowing inside. It was time to finalize the preparations. Although before they had a few minutes to talk and the boy wanted to use them.

-Hello girls! - He greeted them with a wide smile.-

The truth, he was sweating and still breathing hard to recover from the effort. But that, far from making him lose his appeal, helped to further enhance his charms in the girl´s eyes.

-What´s up Roy? - Willing to humiliate those of Saint Paul? - Melanie replied, pouncing on his neck as she winked at her embarrassed companion.

He slipped discreetly after a couple of kisses of Melanie that were rather lullabies. Cooan simply did not come close and smiled slyly. Meanwhile he, oblivious to that, graciously grabbed Melanie's waist and assured them.

- We cannot lose, we have the best cheerleaders in the world. So count on it.

-Did you like our rehearsal? - Cooan asked hopefully at Melanie's amused gaze and Roy's amiable assent. -

- Sure, Connie. - He answered very sincerely. - You in particular have done very well. You have a lot of rhythm. "Right, Melanie? - He asked the boss who agreed with a wicked smile to add, not without rejoicing. -

- That's what we were saying right now, the rhythm is important for everything. Right, Connie?

This one was not able to answer because the blushing controlled her so much that she could not look directly at the boy. Roy feared some of Melanie's habitual jokes with the new ones and decided to give a cloak to the embarrassed girl.

-I think it is about to be your entrance. - He commented to the leader of the cheerleaders. -

-It is true! Damn it, I almost forgot!  –Said Melanie - I have to leave the cd player in the locker, pick up the pompoms and return the key. Well, I'll be right back. Connie, wait for me here.

And she left to finish the preparations. Roy smiled watching as she left and commented to Cooan with affability.

-I'm glad you're in good terms with the girls.  From what I have heard you are really appreciated.

- Thank you. - She smiled at him with a sideways glance. -

And besides she could not take away what Melanie had said to her. Would that be true? Anyway she liked him a lot, it was impossible to deny it, and Roy was not like Rubeus, but he could not be sure either. She had a reputation for flirt and that worried her. But who knows, with a little patience...

- I have to go to the locker rooms, we have the pre - party talk. - He informed it. -

- I wish you luck. - She wished him with the enlightened countenance.-

-And relax Connie, you will do very well. - She encouraged him, believing that the girl's blush was due to the nerves of her debut. -

After saying that he left with his companions. Cooan watched him, thinking that it was a shame that her sister and Roy did not get along better. The guy was very friendly, maybe some thug yes, but nice person in the background. She regretted that both began such an evil. Although good, lately their relationship seemed to have improved. She was glad for it. She did not have time to think more about it. She saw Melanie and the others laughing at something. She did not have time to ask them about what. They had to take their places behind the baskets to go dancing when the game started and there was some "time out".

Tom and Beruche came to the field occupying two places in the stands.

- I hope ours win. - She wanted to look at his partner with concern, the boy seemed absent. -

-Yes. I hope so. - He agreed without much enthusiasm as he looked around at Cooan. -

-Hey, Tom, are you all right? - Bertie asked. - You've recovered from yesterday, have not you?

-Yes, yes, do not worry! - He hurried to respond by coming out of that kind of bucolic trance. - It's just that I still do not understand what happened to me. That of a spirit, I do not know. Sounds so incredible!

Beruche listened to him with interest and a real desire to be able to help him. She wish she could tell her everything she knew from experience! But she could do nothing but reassure him with good words.

- Forget about it. It's already over, try to have fun, in case you can have fun here. - He added thinking more about herself, since this type of sport she did not like too much. -

- You're right. - He said more animatedly, assuring his companion. - And you'll see how fun it is! Roy is very good and the rest of the team too.

- He must be! Because I think that instead of studying, he spends the whole day here. - She cried with warning air. -

- Do not be so hard on him. - Tom asked, taking a more confidential tone in defence of his friend. -Roy may seem irresponsible at times, well. - He corrected, unable to avoid a smile. - He almost always seems so, and he behaves as such. But I assure you that this is not his true nature. When I met him last year at the beginning I thought just like you, but then I convinced myself otherwise.

Bertie raised her eyebrows, turning her attention to the boy. It was a clear invitation to continue the conversation, and her companion accepted it.

- Basketball is very important for him, since he was a boy, his father instilled in him...

However the fanfare of the band stopped the conversation and her partner waited for the national anthem to sound. The players of both sets were aligned in the centre of the court and with the hand on the chest they listened to with respect as the rest of the students. Beruche imitated Tom more because of courtesy than anything else, this was not her country, but she was there and she had to observe the rules. She took advantage of it to look at Roy, Bertie discovered him among the other members of the team and realized his serious and concentrated attitude. Of course with that face he did not look like him. She even felt a strange impression, as if she had already seen something like that. That tense gesture and that impression of dignity that transmitted while the chords of the music sounded. But that vanished immediately as the band concluded and the players dispersed to make the last warm-up. Then it was the turn of the girls and Tom alerted his partner.

-Look! , There is your sister with the others.

Bertie saw her and she was proud. Cooan was the best of them all, even better than that presumptuous Melanie with whom she had signed that tacit truce (Which did not mean that she did stand her at all). But why think about it now? The cheerleaders finished their evolutions and the party began the end.

-Let's go Golden! - Screamed the spectators, eager that its equipment obtained the victory.-

The match was competitive and Roy effectively demonstrated his seriousness on the court, directing his team, defending and giving instructions to his own. He even appeared in some plays stealing several balls and scoring enough points. Cheered by his fans and the moods of the Child-leaders, the Golden, after a really good last minutes, won by twelve of advantage.

-Roy's been great! –Said Tom, adding - And the whole team too! A triumph very worked. Do not you think? - He asked his companion.-

            Beruche had to admit that he was really good. She noticed how he delivered himself in the game and formed a unity with his companions. That boy, selfish and frivolous in appearance, changed a lot on the parquet floor. This was his hobby, what he most liked to do, and perhaps even his true vocation. Bertie could understand that. It happened to her with chess. Even being still Ayakashi, she agreed with the warrior Mercury a game playing the lives of the other sailors, when she had them at her mercy. She was not to be proud of course because she did a few cheats. Even so, she realized that even then, the interest in playing was irresistible for her and in the previous game, which was the final of the championship where she had infiltrated, there were no ruses. Ami won, but Beruche despite being enraged then with the defeat enjoyed enormously. She had played three games before and she won all cleanly eager to be measured against what she knew was her mortal enemy Sailor Mercury. Later, when she became fully human, she remained with her opponent and since then a great friend, to play and play. The two of them spent hours at a board and between movements and reflections they could talk about many things. Now she missed Ami, the rest of the warriors, and her own sisters, but here she had made new friends. And Roy could be one of them. Tomorrow the four of them would all be together, of course it was just an educational excursion for her and Cooan. But she was glad that the two of them could share it with these guys.

-I'm going to congratulate Roy! - Said a very happy Tom, who had hardly spoken during the whole game. Are you coming? - He offered Beruche, adding hopefully. - We'll see Connie as well.

She nodded with a smile. She was grateful for the name that had been placed on her sister. For Americans to correctly pronounce "Cooan" was somewhat problematic and Roy, as always, avoided complications and baptized her with that nickname from the first day. Her sister, of course liked it and Beruche herself too. Although the nickname of little cube, which that silly had stuck to her, sometimes made her mad. Especially because he used to use it when he made a naughty thing and try to appease her by getting, of course, quite the opposite. Although, to be honest, she always pretended to be more upset than she really was.

-Little cube. -  Beruche told herself amused. - If he knew how close that name really was to me. - How to explain it to him!

Fortunately she would not have to, she ended up saying as she descended the stairs that led up the steps. Tom and she finally met with Cooan although they had to wait for Roy to leave the locker room after briefly celebrating the victory with his comrades. When he arrived, Bertie merely reminded him sternly.

- I hope you do not go partying tonight and forget about tomorrow.

The man shrugged and looked at her strangely, exchanging more glances of complicity with Cooan and Tom and responding with care.

- No need to congratulate me. I do not know, nothing like… Hey, how well you played! You're great! And other things like that.

-You were fantastic Roy! - Cooan rushed in, partly to dispel his discomfort with her sister, and also because she really thought about it. -

But Beruche was more unavailable to give praise and only asserted.

- You play well and I have to recognize that you struggle, if you did the same to study for sure you would get honours in all subjects - Although remembering the words of Tom finally gave a smile and recognized. - But you have managed to entertain me with this sport and that has its merit.

For Roy those words sounded like the best of praise, no doubt Bertie had been pleasantly surprised with him but she would not recognize that even under torture. So he decided to let it be. He was more than satisfied with that.

- Good. Do not worry, I will not miss tomorrow. You have my word. - He solemnly promised. -

- And he always keeps his word. – His friend supported him. -

- Roy, you have a friend that you do not deserve. - Beruche smiled.-

Tom looked at her gratefully and he did the same by staring at Connie, but to his misfortune the person who capitalized on his real object of interest had only eyes for that friend. The alluded one spoke again.

- I guess I'm wasting my time if I invite you to come to our victory party. - He offered. -

- Roy, we've stopped studying to see you. Cooan will be tired and we have homework to do. Beruche retorted sharply that, despite everything, she softened her tone to add conciliatory. - But thanks anyway and remember that we see each other tomorrow at nine o'clock. -She insisted as a farewell. -

In spite of himself, Cooan agreed with her sister. On the one hand she would have liked to attend, but she did not dare to get involved in such parties. Especially if they were as it was said. Besides, she could not help but remember what Melanie had said. Everyone drank more or less covertly meeting on the court or the gym at the weekend and many teachers were going home. And after the drink came other things. No, better to go to bed early. Beruche was right, she was tired but happy. And they would have to get up early the next day.

-It's been a really intense day - said the young woman.-

-And you've been really good. - Beruche praised her. - I wish our sisters and the girls could have seen you!

-Melanie has told me that if we made to the state finals, television could come. And our team of cheerleaders would leave at national level. - The excited girl commented. -

Her sister sighed. She did not trust anything about that cheerleader. Although at least she seemed to treat her sister with considerable consideration...

-That would be great. - She finally agreed as both of them headed to their room. -

The boys also chatted a little.

-I must be that Connie is very good as a cheerleader. - Roy said, watching his friend's gesture added. - It's just a compliment to her. I still do not care about that.

-Ok - His partner sighed. - The bad thing is that I do not call much her attention.

Roy put an arm around his friend's shoulders and squeezed him a little trying to sound cheery.

-Come on, buddy, Tommy! - If you have not even tried. Look, I'll tell you what we're going to do. Come to the party tonight. We talked to some girls. You should try it sometime. To practice.

-No, I could not. I can only think about her. - The young man replied, sighing again.-

His companion shook his head with a slight smile. It was clear that Tom did not want to party too much and he wanted to go alone. So he said good-bye somewhat mockingly.

-Come on, Kansas peasant, I wish you sweet dreams. With your princess Connie...

He barely escaped the capon that Tom threw at him in appreciation of those words, but Roy soon added to imbue some morals with his interlocutor.

-We'll visit the city tomorrow. It will be your chance to talk more to her. Trust me, be yourself. With that you show yourself like you really are, you'll have her crazy for you. Take the boat and cross the Delaware. - He said using that historical metaphor.-

-And talking about boat. – Please, don´t you to throw Bertie in the water if we're going to see Miss Liberty - His companion replied, not without humour.

After a bit of a laugh at the two of them, Roy was on his way to the party. He supposed Melanie would be there to flutter around, but this time she was not. She herself was subjected to siege by a rugby player. It was a guy called Malcolm Roberts, big and rather rough, two meters tall by almost two others wide, red-haired and broad-jawed. This guy Roy did not like him too much, especially because he was in the sights of the girl that interested him. The relationship between them was not exactly cordial, but rather did not exist. To the rivalry between their two teams to capitalize the attention of the University with their sporting achievements, it joined this another situation of skirts and Roy did not want to complicate his life with Roberts. If he wanted Melanie, then he can keep her! After all, he had her most of last year and was a little sick of the girl's possessive eagerness. So he just drank with his friends on the team and got away as much as possible. Melanie was not a fool, and she realized she should not go after him in front of everyone. She had fun making the football player suffer while she burned with annoyance inside. What happen with Roy? Only a few months earlier, any desire of her would have been like an order for that boy and now it would seem that he ignored her when he did not shamelessly avoid her. This was humiliating, and her anger grew even more intense when someone told her that he had heard him talk to the Japanese and Tom preparing a way out of the city. Melanie did not think he was behind Connie, no. She realized soon that he was not looking at her that way. She knew Roy well, so it was the other. That fucking bitch! Perhaps she was not as innocent and puritanical as she intended. Or just that was her secret weapon. Of course! Roy was more than made up for daring and dynamic girls like Melanie herself. However his defences did not allow him to face a "timid and serious poor little foreigner who only came to study". But she had discovered her game, so she would "settle the accounts". Anyway she had Connie on her team and she could get information from her. It would be best to pose as her friend and treat her well while she was interested. Of course that pair of fools did not know who they were playing against, but soon they would find out.

-Yes, - said the cheerleader, her expression tight and wounded in her pride. - You'll regret this Japanese. - I'll show you who the boss here is.

Roy also had things to talk to some of his classmates. He, like Melanie, Roberts, Tom himself and a few other students, belonged to the Brotherhood of the Golden Eagle. A typical university society for outstanding and popular students. The boy wore the red ribbon that was now tied to his right arm. That was the symbol that indicated its membership to the directive. Like Roberts and Melanie. His friend Tom was only a blue ribbon, which gave him the right to be a member but not to vote. Underneath that were the green ribbons, or limbs tested and the yellow ones, students who were mere aspirants to enter and who would have to be valued for their merits. Finally Roy saw his friend Jack who was the Big Brother, with his purple ribbon, the Head of the Brotherhood.

-Hi mate! - He greeted him in a relaxed tone as his friend drank a beer. - I need to talk to you about a couple of admissions.

-You will tell me who are they. - Replied his companion. -

-I'd like the nominations of Connie and Bertie to be accepted. - He revealed.

-No problem for me, but we'll have to meet Ozzi, Melanie, and Malcolm. You know, the rules dictate that all red ribbon members vote unanimously. I, as a purple ribbon, will act as a notary of what is decided.

-Ok. That way I can tell them. To introduce themselves. - Affirmed the boy.-

-Are you telling me they did not ask for it? - Jack was surprised. -

-They do not even know our brotherhood exists, but I think they're two exceptional girls. –Don´t you think so? - Said his interlocutor.-

-At least they are gorgeous.  And they are also nice. - said the respondent nodding amused to rivet. - When you know it and they are officially ready to ask for it, let me know. I will support you.

And the boy thanked his friend for his gesture and said goodbye leaving the celebration. He did not want to go to bed too late so she would not miss his date. And he arrived the next day. For once and for a change, at nine o'clock he was waiting with Tom for the girls at the agreed place.

-Oh, this is a surprise - Bertie said, not without a little sneer. - Roy Malden being punctual ..."

-What did you think? - He replied, becoming the offended although that lasted for nothing more than an instant. - If I say something I will. And what is more. Kansas Peasant! - He jokingly asked his friend. - Did you bring the Discman?

By all accounts Tom pulled that sound-reproducing device out of one of his jacket pockets. Roy connected it to a small speaker.

-What's that for? - Cooan wanted to know.

-To listen to a classic of "the Voice" - Tom replied with a smile. -

-So is. No one is going to visit our "Big Apple" without having heard this song ... - Roy said giving the button of play.

The astonished girls smiled to hear, that was a beautiful song and the man who sang it had a voice between serious and something torn that nevertheless sounded harmonious and full of energy. They were able to understand the letter quite well because it was sang very clearly ... accompanied by that, for that pair of thugs, who with their best will and not bad style did the choirs and the delights of the girls.

Start spreading the news,

Today I go.

I want to be part of it,

New York, New York.

These tramp shoes

Miss walking

Right by his very heart,

New York, New York.

I want to wake up in a city

Who does not sleep?

And find that I am king of the hill,

The first one in the pile.

The sadness of this little town

They are melting.

I will make a new beginning of it

In Old New York.

If I can do it there,

I'll do it anywhere.

It depends on you,

New York, New York.

New York, New York.

I want to wake up in a city

Who never sleeps?

And find that I am a number one,

The first on the list,

The king of the hill,

A number one.

The sadness of this little town

They are disappearing.

I'm going to do

A brand new beginning of it

In Old New York.

And if I can do it there,

I'm going to do it anywhere.

It depends on you,

New York, New York.

New York.

(Frank Sinatra New York, New York.

-This was singing - Tom said. - A genius!

-I tell you my friend - said his companion in a tone of humour. - I know I'm wonderful.

And among the laughter of the girls, Tom gave him a hitting on his head to reply.

-I did not mean you, idiot! ... I was referring to "the Voice”...

-Okay, okay ... - His friend agreed with laughter and rubbing the bang with a hand.-

- A lovely song. - Bertie admitted. And she wanted to know - Why do you call him "the Voice"?

-Obviously, do not you think little cube? - Roy laughed again. -

-I did not think you liked this kind of music - Cooan interjected. -

- So you can see we're eclectic. - Tom replied somewhat embarrassed to address her. -

-Yes, that epileptic. - Roy said for the rest without knowing for sure whether he was telling a joke or not. -

-Come on! Stop talking nonsense. - Bertie asked, sighing resignedly. -

-What happens is that you did not imagine that we had such a quantity and variety of musical tastes and interests - The alluded replied with jocosity, adding - On top of that, so good ...

-Any other day it would be great if we play some more varied music so that you can catch the tastes of here. - Tom timidly proposed, looking more at Cooan than anything else as he spoke. - If you fancy, of course.

-Yeah, that would be a good idea, but now we have to hurry or we'll miss the bus. - The girl reminded them.-

-You're right, Connie. - Roy said taking note of it to urge his friends. - Come on!

So they went to the stop without delay. There was a regular bus from the university to the city, the boys boarded it. After an hour and a half they reached the terminal. They finally went down and stopped to plan the route, Roy informed them with the help of a subway map.

- I glanced at the tourist itinerary and we have until twenty-one hours to take the bus back here. We will arrive just before the twenty-second forty-five. Now, we have some options that I comment. See which ones you like the most. The blue line takes us from the JFK airport to Manhattan. We can make a transhipment on the green line to board the southern ferry and visit "Liberty Island" and "Ellis Island".

- Immigrants stopped there when they arrived in this country. Right? - Cooan asked doubtfully since she thought she had heard that being mentioned in some of her classes. -

- So it was. - Said Tom nodding approvingly but completed now addressing rather Roy. - It would be better to buy some "metro cards". They are also good for buses.

- Yes. - Agreed this one, which explained to the girls. - They are cards for several trips.

Bertie listened to them both visibly impressed. For the first time it seemed like Roy had something under control, and not just basketball. Of course he was not as silly as he sometimes showed himself. At least this version of the boy did not resemble the way he acted on previous occasions. More when he added almost masterfully, giving them to choose from several alternatives, as if he were giving them a class.

-Unfortunately we will not have time to see everything. The city is very big, we can go to the Midtown in Manhattan and approach Madison Square Garden or go through the Chelsea Market. Or maybe see the "Empire State Building" or walk down the forty-two avenue and approach Times Square. We could also of course go to the Statue of Liberty. But we will have to choose only two or three things at the most.

-You have it very well scheduled - Beruche conceded, unable to believe. She decided that they could be entrusted to the boys by adding - well, you will tell us where we are going.

-How about a tour of Fifth Avenue and then the South Ferry to the Statue of Liberty? - With that we sure occupy the day. - Tom proposed. -

-That sounds great - Cooan said encouragingly. - Let's go then!

They set off on the road, through the crowded streets of New York. Both boys explained the names and curiosities of the highlights. As they passed Fifth Avenue, the girls stopped to stare at the large shop window of a jewellery store called "Tiffani’s" or something. Seeing the prices almost gave them a shock. Beruche whispered in her sister's ear.

-This could not have been paid even by The Prince Diamond himself - to which Cooan smiled and nodded. -

After and after eating the typical "hotdogs" they contemplated the Empire State although they could not raise since they had little time. Later Beruche wanted to go in a moment to see the public library. The girl was delighted to think how Ami would enjoy in the middle of so many book. She and her sister also wanted to visit the Guggenheim and Metropolitan museums. Unfortunately they had no time. However, they were glad to have it as an excuse to return another day. Roy drove them to St. Patrick's Cathedral and a good while later they came to the South Ferry in Battery Park and went by boat to the Statue of Liberty. Pity that there were already many people since they got very late and had to wait almost an hour to board. Finally they did it. Roy, looking at the statue, warned them as soon as they arrived.

- There is always a queue here, as in the ferry, we must hurry.

-Well, it seems that today, at least in this, we're lucky, there don´t seem to be a lot -  Tom said, pointing to a small group of people standing next to the famous "Miss Liberty" - Maybe then we have time to go to Ellis Island or see Wall Street.

-Guys, - Roy said, pointing to statue. - Do you remember the famous" Superman and Lois "flight? Well, here the exteriors were shot, how I like that sequence! - He declared with admiration. - Ever since I was little ... since then I wanted to be like Superman...

The girls looked at each other, no one knew who this "Superman" might be, and then they remembered a movie they had seen at Rei's house some time ago and Bertie attacked him caustically but with amusement.

-And you already have?

Laughter from the others at that comment, but Roy did not flatter himself and replied in the same jovial way (And even sincere without of course his friends might suspect him)

- I almost got it!

And there was more laughter. Things were going well and the day was pleasant, even though they were exhausted from so much walking. Nevertheless, Roy had started to have a headache. Probably because of the night before yesterday and the whole day behind them, not too bad that he did not drink too much! Although for the moment better let it be, he had enough experience in those matters to know that would happen.

-Someday I'd like to fly like that, too. -  He sighed in the meantime Beruche, causing Cooan to laugh again, covering her mouth with her hands and whispering to her sister. -

- But if you flied before...

-Well - she replied, with another complicity, whispering and holding back the urge to laugh. – You and I already know that, but they both do not know.

Roy, for his part, thought that perhaps he might someday satisfy that desire. Who knows? But, in the end, that damn headache was increasing. Meanwhile Tom, who was next to the group of people guarding the site for the others to look around, got them into a little hurry.

- Come on guys that the queue advances. - He warned them to approach their position, which they did quickly.-

After a while, they finally reached the interior. After an interesting visit to the Statue they decided to board the ferry to Ellis Island, but when they arrived at the dock they were able to witness a remarkable show. There were assembled dozens of people in black robes and march hooded in procession praying a litany of songs. "The end of time is near." "The coming of the Master is approaching." Tom asked, astonished, one of the policemen who kept the sector cordoned off.

- Excuse me, officer, what does this mean? Are we having carnival today? – And he pointed to that strange group. -

Roy barely heard him, he covered his forehead with the palm of his hand trying to silence the incessant hammering he felt. Beruche and Cooan noticed it but did not say anything, believing it was a gesture of the many that he could do in the sight of something so grotesque.

-Well sir - said the policeman who answered Tom in the meantime - This is an authorized concentration of one of those crazed sects. - He pulled out a list which he read wearily. The final Chaos sect, what a gang! – He disdained. -

-Excuse me. - Roy said, eager to get on the ferry, and asked the policeman. - Hey, do you know if it's going to take long? , We have a ferry to aboard...

-It's a matter of a couple of hours or so, - he answered indifferently to the officer without letting him finish. -

-So? - Inquired Beruche with disgust and disbelief- then it will not give us time to return to our hour.

-I think we'd better get back together, I do not like what this looks. – Said Cooan disgusted about not to be able to visit the island, but even more disturbed by that spectacle. Those hooded men in their long black robes reminded her of the Wise Man, and that made her shiver. - I do not know how authorities allow things like that, they should lock people like that. - She declared with visible expression of suspicion and fear. -

-Mademoiselle - replied the agent patronizingly - if we were to lock up all the madmen who are in cults only in this state we would not have room enough in a jail the size of Manhattan. - One more sect, what importance does it already have? This is a free country, besides these do not hurt anyone, just say nonsense. I do not know what the end of the world, Armageddon or I know.

-What did you say? Repeat that last! - Roy asked, very agitated to hear that, surprising Tom and the girls. -

-One of them has said that Armageddon would soon arrive. - I do not know, it's going to be a foreign rock group, I suppose, - the policeman guessed, not understanding the reaction of that boy. -

Roy did not think twice, obeying an impulse jumped the police cord and ran to one of those who looked like the leaders of the sect. His head was still aching and now it was almost unbearable. In spite of this, he cut off the path to the acolytes, and without a word, he grabbed the neck of the one who seemed to be the leader, dragging them against a wall. The procession stopped and the police shouted at him.

-Hey friend! What are you doing? Those people have permission, they legally asked to be there. They have their rights, so let go of that man and come back here if you do not want to have problems. - The agent ordered him in vain. -

-You! - shouted Roy completely ignoring the police notice and addressing the hooded menacingly. - Now you're going to tell me who the hell you are and what you want from me and my friends.

The rest of the gathered acolytes rushed at him, but another fellow, also hooded, stopped them with a wave of his hand. Then he turned to the enraged boy and their leader spoke quietly.

- Drop our comrade and we'll answer all your questions, Roy...

-Eh? - Exclaimed the aforementioned, effectively releasing the hooded one, and looking at his interlocutor in surprise, while his hands covered the head that was still torturing him. - How do you know my name?

- We were waiting for you. You cannot run away from us no matter how hard you try, - said the hooded man with amusement. - Even your own mind rebels - he added in clear allusion to that piercing pain the boy felt. - You're noticing that already, are you?

At that moment the police arrived and pushed the boy away with the intention of arresting him, but the leader of the sect told them that nothing happened and they let him go. The agents made him anxious not to complicate their lives and went to their protection zone, without allowing Tom or the girls to join his friend. But then the group of the sectarians dissolved at the behest of their leader. This one, before leaving, revealed to Roy.

- You have a great power, a force that the Master has given to you and that now demands you to serve him, you must not and you cannot deny...

-What Master? - The boy inquired in surprise and anger, trying to overcome the storm of stinging and electric shocks that seemed to be unleashed on his head. - I do not know what the hell you're talking about, just the ones you sent against my friends, do not do it again or you will regret it...

-Oh Roy! - The sectarian smirked and shook his head as if that threat amused him. - You are a poor naïve boy. I am only a humble servant of the sect. Against you I have not commanded anything, I have no such power. That is a question of the high hierarchs. That's why I advise you not to make them angry and do your duty.

Then came Tom and the girls, the police allowed them the passage when the demonstration dissolved. The leader on seeing them said goodbye with that malignant smile and a disturbing - we'll see each other again. – Roy stared at him as he walked away and his headache subsided. His friend came to his side.

-Who was that guy? What did he said? - He wanted to know without disguising his concern. -

-So they are! The ones behind the things that have happened - Roy informed them leaving them astonished as the boy sentenced as he watched as that mob of hooded men walked away. - We must be very careful from now on.

Despite the questions asked by the others, he refused to say more. He was afraid of worrying them too much. No one insisted and the boys went back to college. Unfortunately the lively atmosphere they had had all day was dissipated. Now everyone was more serious. Although before returning they visited one of the churches in the area where Roy said he had made the communion as a child. The parish priest gave Beruche a bottle of water from the baptismal font as she became interested in Christian rites. Meanwhile, in the place of meeting of the sect, the Masters already knew the encounter of their acolytes with that boy. They decided to send another demon, named Tagayanash, who arrived on campus and appropriated the body of a student named Hank Williams, usually shy and reserved. Already in the university each one returned to their rooms although the girls wanted to take a walk to finish the day. They had returned a long time ago as a result of that meeting because Roy said he did not feel like continuing to claim a strong migraine and it was still early. After walking a short distance across the campus, they sat down on one of the benches that marked it. Beruche showed her sister more closely the little bottle of water the priest had given her.

-Look at this Cooan, the priest said that this water has magical properties, or that it is blessed by some God or something. - She told her before her surprised face. -

-I suppose so - said Cooan, shrugging her shoulders. - It must be something similar to the prayers of Rei ... surely she could tell us more. She studied in a Catholic school.

Then Tom came and invited them to drink something because he wanted to talk, he was worried about Roy and the girls agreed with him. What would those guys have told him? The three were guessing about the particular. The object of their conversation on his part was to stroll the campus alone and meditate on the same subject. He tried to find some connection with him, but it was in vain. He did not think it was due to the joke he'd made with the Ouija to scare the girls last year. Although rare things had happened. But no, that was nonsense! Suddenly he had a strange sensation, something evil came to him. He reacted quickly away as the demon struck him.

-You'll be mine now! - Tagayanash yelled as he began throwing energetic shockwaves, sending Roy out of the hedgerows. –

-Damned demon! He spat and although somewhat stunned the boy hid himself patiently waiting for his attacker to come and get him. - You'll see when I catch you, I got fed up and you'll know who I am. – He said really furious. -

When the demon entered, Roy grabbed his neck from behind and held him in control, despite the great strength he gave to the body of Hank Williams, usually a weak and not athletic individual. At that moment in the cafeteria where the bottle that Bertie had been showing to Tom and her sister had started to shine. She sensed something strange, ran out into the park followed by the others.

- It's over there! - Beruche pointed to the hedges as the jar glowed even more intensely as he approached. As if were a kind of compass to detect where the evil would be. - Oh heavens! Exclaimed the girl. - It's another one of those beings.

When they arrived, the demon had already left the student's body and in the form of a huge type of bulging eyes and long and unpleasantly grey hair, had gotten involved with Roy in a fight, or rather the demon sent waves of energy and his adversary dodged them as he could.

-Watch out girls! Do not go near him, that guy is very dangerous. - Tom warned them. -

-Do not worry, - said Cooan, with resolution as she took out a paper in her purse, ready to recite the spell. - I'll destroy him with this.

But this demon, alerted this time, dodged the attack and threw Roy into some bushes. He got up but was caught by the neck by his enemy.

-I already have you, now you will come with us- said the demon triumphantly. He was going to nail something when Beruche's voice rang out. -

-Damn it! You will not hurt him if I can stop you.- And without thinking twice she tossed the bottle to the demon. - Take this!

The demon did not think it dangerous and did not turn away. The fragile bottle broke when it collided with it, on contact with the water, the surprised creature howled and began to burn, exploding in a few moments as the boys threw themselves to the ground to cover themselves.

- Ugh!! - Roy sighed relieved from the floor. - Thank you, now it was you who saved me little cube, I owe one to each one of you.

-No wonder, - smiled Beruche, adding with respect to the remains of the bottle that were scattered on the ground - it seems that this water was indeed sacred.

- I am impressed with you, you have a lot of courage and ... where have you learned to fight like this? - Tom inquired very surprised -

- You see, we also know something about self-defence. - Cooan replied with a slight smile. -

-Anyway, you know what's going on here, do not you?  What did those guys tell you? - Bertie asked Roy more seriously that he simply shook his head and replied. -

- Only that they would continue to send beings like this. But they would not tell me why.

And he closed himself up again in that strange hermetic no typical of him. It was clear he was not going to say more. Beruche sighed, leaving him alone. There would be time enough the next day to start a conversation. Now they were very tired and they all went back to their respective rooms. Indeed, it was late and they wanted to lie down to be fresh the next morning. But Roy did tell his companion something else.

-I do not know Tommy. That guy told me they're looking for me. And I do not know why...

His companion looked at him with a worried look, it was as if he wanted to ask him something and did not dare. Although his interlocutor noticed it and commented with reassuring tones.

-We are friends. What do you think? You know you can be honest with me.

- Had you had contact with a group of those in the past? - He wanted to know his partner.-

-No, never! - Answered, Roy, who added now with a more serious and reflective tone. - I know I do and I've done a lot of nonsense but never anything to mix with guys like that. I swear that!

But then he remembered those visits with his father to that store, Kelly's. But he chose to remain silent.

-Okay. - Tom nodded. He took the words of his interlocutor for good. - Do not worry, we'll figure out what's going on and we'll get this over with.

- Thank you very much friend. I'm glad to have you by my side. - His companion smiled offering a hand that the other boy shook.-

And once they settled that topic they went on to another subject. Roy briefed his compatriot on his intention to propose to the girls to enter the Brotherhood.

-I think it is fine. - Affirmed his friend, who nevertheless claimed. - But I'm just blue tape, I have nothing to say.

-Not officially, but everyone respects you. - Commented his companion adding. - And I hope that soon you will be promoted to red ribbon. -

-That would have to mean missing a member of the board. I do not see it likely. - Tom nodded, but he did not seem to care too much. -

-In any case, if I say so myself, maybe the girls are not very willing. Well, Connie did, but Bertie is sure to take it for one more of my jokes. Or a frivolity. - He feared his interlocutor parody falsifying the voice of his companion to add. - No Roy! I will not get into those weird things of yours, I would lose time in my studies...

-I understand. - His friend smiled to answer. - Do not worry, I'll talk to her, too. I'll let her see that we're not a damn sect.

-Of course not - replied his friend, with a sigh. - We have enough of those other guys. If with the initiation jokes that we have for some rookies we sometimes get by, I wonder what kind of things will have to be done to be members of that group of freaks.

-Better not think about it. -Tom advised that he was already tired. -

His friend noticed it. He also wanted to go to sleep. So they said good night and turned off the light. At that time, in the centre of the sectarian meeting, the Masters watched with indignation as another demon had been executed. They decided to take other measures. Although they did not have time to decide anything, out of the shadows, a hooded figure appeared that was floating in the air carrying a crystal ball in which images of the boys and the girls appeared. Immediately all voices were silenced, and the sectarians knelt, revering the newcomer. Then this apparition took the floor with indignation in his speech.

-Having seen your continuing failures, it will be better for me to handle this matter myself, or the Master will be furious, and you know what that means.

- But Great Sage. We tried with all our means, we did not think they were such powerful rivals, they are just mere humans! - He tried to justify the first master squalor. –

-That's what you're wrong about - he corrected, mysteriously, adding. - I know those two girls, and that Roy, too. All have served the power of Darkness before, but the girls are renegade traitors who must be destroyed ... and he must be ours.

-And what can we do then? - Asked the second master, very disconcerted. -

- Only what I command you, and this time you will invoke a demon of the Fourth Infernal Circle. - Replied the sage sharply. -

- But, those are more powerful and much more difficult to control. - Objected the third fearful master of that idea. -

-Leave that to me! – Ha, ha, ha - he replied with amusement, whose macabre laugh filled the room. -

That night Roy began to suffer horrible nightmares again. But this time he was in the midst of ruins and death everywhere. As if he were a mere spectator he observed himself in a strange armour, laughing and throwing fireballs against defenceless beings he massacred and the worst thing was that he felt enjoyed it. He stood up like a spring and filled with a cold sweat. Far away, the Great Sage laughed as he stroked his crystal ball where he could see the frightened and confused boy at that moment. And that sinister figure sentenced with a sure tone and even triumph.

- You're starting to remember, it's only a matter of time...

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