GWA18E

Chapter 18.Setting the score.

The terrified demon tried to escape, he flew away as fast as he could but Roy instantly appeared right in front of him. With a tremendous speed he hit Valnak in the stomach causing him to bend over.

- Damned! - The demon stammered, trying to catch his breath. - Now you'll see.

Valnak tried to hit his opponent again and again but he simply moved away so that his enemy's blows never touched him. The demon tried to escape again but his rival caught one of his legs and threw him to the ground causing him to open a huge gap in the crash. After a few moments he managed to get out quite bruised, looked up to the sky and saw that Roy was still there, looking at him with that expression that now lacked all feeling. The enraged demon flew at him with a punch, but now the tables had been completely turned. The boy snapped the blow if he barely noticed it and stopped another one with a single hand holding the arm of his rival. Valnak tried to free himself using all his power, but not even with his demonic strength managed to move his opponent not a millimeter. Desperate, he struck his enemy with his other arm, punched him repeatedly with all his strength, but he remained undeterred, only his head was thrown back slightly by the impact of the blows that made him bleed from his lip.

- I already told you. - Roy said in a cool, dispassionate voice devoid of any trace of clemency. - You will die.

-But what kind of a monster are you? - shouted his opponent on the brink of hysteria. -

- You will know, you are the one who has created me. I was a peaceful person who did not harbor hatred in my heart, but you have sown it. You have hurt the people I have loved most in my life and you have awakened in me something that I did not believe existed. The desire to kill for revenge. -Roy replied without flinching. - Now you will know what happens when you get too far and play with the feelings and lives of innocent people ...

-No wait! - Cried the demon in a desperate tone. - I can tell you many things that you will want to know about yourself!

-What things? - he inquired with his emerald eyes full of fury, to spit. - Do you think you can buy your wretched life with anything you tell me? Poor wretch. How are you going to save your life and your soul from damnation?

To all that Valnak tried tele transport again and again, but there was something that prevented him to do it, he could not concentrate his power and immediately noticed the reason.

-Damn Sage, he has betrayed me, he is blocking my ability! - He said alarmingly, although trying to control his emotions, he added this time with a much more conciliatory tone. - I know you are very angry with me and I cannot reproach you, but I offer you the possibility of defeating the sect.

- Too late for you to make me believe in your lies. Roy countered, slapping him in the stomach, causing the demon to bend over with a tremendous pain that made blood flow through his mouth. -

- You must believe what I say, - Valnak could moan - in fact, my real objective and the one of Armageddon´s was to wake up and to dominate this enormous force that you own, you are a solar warrior.

-What is that about a solar warrior? - Roy asked now, with a gesture of attention that denounced his interest.

-A solar warrior is ...- But Valnak paused in his babbling explanation and smiled then recanting at his intentions. - Well I thought it twice, this will be my last victory over you Roy Malden. Now that I think about it, your friend will die and you will continue to ignore this secret.

-Speak! - Roy snapped, shaking him without a thought, a repeated and forceful series of punches. –

- I will not do it. - He challenged his opponent between gasps, broken by the hard punishment received. - Because I am a demon of high rank with a hell oath of fidelity and that yes, that I will fulfill it. I'd rather die with dignity! -You know Roy Malden? - He snapped. – I ´ll be honest with you. I did not kill your parents, the sectarians were. I was not even here then. But I wanted to urge you to fight, though I never imagined that you could transform yourself. How cruel is fate, right? -He smiled slyly despite everything and added with a last effort. - I was going to kill you with honor. That's the least you deserved, even your girlfriend has been brave now, just as she was then. She deserves my respect just as she once did.

-What do you mean? - Roy wanted to know now with obvious curiosity surpassing his anger. -

- I will not tell you that. I'll take the secret to the grave. – The demon weakly answered.-

Although his eyes were eager to receive death and his opponent understood him releasing. Valnak plummeted to the ground and his enemy sentenced him with the palm of one hand.

-Whatever you want, take your secrets to hell! - And out of his hand came a powerful surge of golden energy that swept the demon and blew all the surrounding land. The demon could only howl in pain moments before he was completely disintegrated.

Roy still floated in the sky for a few seconds, until the rain of rubble and dust passed, revealing a huge crater that was only surrounded by a wasteland. He landed near there completely exhausted, after the combat and once his enemy was destroyed, his body relaxed, losing the rage that was replaced by a great sadness and concern. That glow dimmed and his volume diminished, regaining his normal appearance. He barely drew energy from his exhausted body and was able to traverse the surrounding apples until he collapsed, whispering Bertie's name as he lost consciousness. Fortunately, Ami and Rei were nearby and witnessed this by getting rid of the explosion.

-Have! Have you seen that? - Exclaimed Sailor Mars with the gesture dominated by amazement.-

-Yes. She was right. In everything she told us. - Mercury muttered. - Now we have to help him.- Come on, Rei!

Her friend nodded, and between them they picked Roy up and dragged him into crowded streets with much effort. There they called a taxi and canceled their transformations returning to their normal clothes. After a few minutes that became eternal, a yellow vehicle arrived. They had to give a thousand and one explanations convincing the frightened taxi driver that this man had been the victim of a robbery but he was not dead. With his help they led him to the emergency room, but Ami, who had a brief medical background, could see that Roy's condition was not as serious as it seemed. It was incredible, but most of his wounds had closed after that startling transformation. The girls, eager to avoid the police, persuaded the driver to leave them in the neighborhood where the boy had the flat. The taxi driver. A young big colored man was as interested as they were in not being involved in a murky affair. And they would surely be  going to any hospital, so he accepted, even helping them with the wounded man into the apartment. When the girls pleaded him.

-I do not want any problems-  the frightened driver could say. -

-Come on, I beg you, please. Just give us a hand to raise him. He weighs a lot for us alone. - Ami asked.-

-Of course. We'll thank you. - Rei added, taking out a hundred dollar note. -

-It's ok ladies-  he replied taking the money and carrying the unconscious guy on his shoulders. -These whites only know how to get in trouble. Right? - He smiled complicity at those two girls with oriental features who did the same.- Even if there is a mess that is in the streets. It must be some terrorist attack.

The girls did not respond. As they climbed the stairs of the building and despite the looks of curious and people who passed through the building no one said anything. Unfortunately in New York the rate of robberies or assaults was so high that this poor boy could have beaten by any gang and no one was going to dare to report it just in case was the next target. For that part, the warriors thanked to be in America and not in Japan, in their homeland the police would have intervened quickly. That it hardly mattered here. In addition, as the taxi driver had told them, after the explosions that had occurred in some parts of the city, many people thought that some terrorist group was causing panic. That boy could be another victim. Without worrying more than that, the warriors opened using a key that his friend had in his pants pocket, finally they unloaded him in the bedroom. The girls accommodated him in the bed and Ami did some cures and bandages of urgency to him. Thanking the generous tip, the taxi driver left.

-What can we do? - Rei sighed while she dropped into a chair.-

-For now let him sleep. - Ami replied meanwhile she took Roy´s temperature to concluded. - It seems to have some fever and he is very weak. He needs a proper rest. And we have to go with Bertie and the others. -She added with more concern.-

-Yes. I wish I could do something for her. - Rei said that she was ready to start praying some prayers, both Buddhist and Christian, wishing for salvation for her friend and riveting with regret.- I cannot even imagine what Cooan will feel like.

            Her companion nodded equally in dismay, sitting down on the sofa in the living room. Tom meanwhile had arrived in a hospital, parking in double row although it was strictly forbidden. That's why he was sure to draw attention. So it was and when one of the employees of the place approached to warn him the boy informed him of the gravity of his friend. This man, visibly impressed by the stake that crossed the girl, ran to warn the nurses. When they arrived, Cooan recovered from fainting, and then she became frantic, even on the brink of collapse when she saw Bertie's condition.

-Oh my God! - She shouted in horror and anguish. - My sister!

Until Tom was able to calm her by taking her by the shoulders forcefully and repeating her.

-Bertie's still alive, Connie!  We cannot panic. We do not have a second to lose. Come on!

Cooan managed to calm herself sufficiently and the paramedics took advantage to remove the victim from the back of the vehicle and put her carefully on a stretcher that they brought and carried her inside the hospital with promptness. Two young men followed them but were taken aside by other nurses while their companions ran with her to the emergency room. There, Beruche was flanked by two doctors who hastened to graft a tube with serum and measuring their constants ...

- Lungs are affected and she has a very irregular pulse. Traumatic injury at the level of the thorax with possible affection of the pulmonary apparatus. A young-looking, dark-haired man diagnosed -

- She's lost a lot of blood. We must hurry or it will be late. - Added the other one of barbed hair, that seemed to be older in age.-

- I'll take care of talking to those who brought her. - Answered the youngest doctor leaving the patient in the care of his colleague who entered the operating room with her and a team of surgeons.-

The doctor located the two young people, both broken and cuddling in the waiting room, escorted by two nurses and a newly arrived police officer. At the officer's request, Tom explained that they had been affected by the mysterious explosions that had occurred throughout the city. What else could he say? His terrified tone and the desolation of Cooan in unison to their own wounds, made that version more than convincing. When they explained that both the victim and her sister were foreign, that made even more sense.

-It was a recklessness thing - said the policeman lapidary but sympathetically. - Without knowing the city you did not have to go through a neighborhood like that when there was notice of evacuation.

Cooan barely heard that last, she could only look at the doctor and repeat over and over again with a terrible anguish.

-She will be saved, will not she?

- I'm sorry, but I cannot say. - Replied the doctor with a face of circumstance. - We have to undergo a delicate operation and if it is supported by her, the postoperative will be decisive. It will depend on her strength. Within the misfortune she has been lucky, that stake has acted as a stopper preventing her from completely bleeding.

There was one more detail that no one wanted to address, but the doctor had no choice.

-Do they have health insurance?

-How can you ask such a question in a moment like this? - Tom cried out in anger, so much so that the nurses held him by the arms, fearing that he would try to beat his interlocutor. -

-I'm sorry, believe me I understand you, but I do not make the law, my friend. - The doctor apologized regretfully. -

And paradoxical as it turned out it was Cooan who, calmer, was able to answer.

-We have one at Golden State College. We are studying there with a scholarship and this one covers hospitalization insurance. She explained in such a concise and calm way that Tom regretted his outburst.-

- Excuse me. - He whispered weakly to the doctor. – I am so sorry.

He smiled weakly and sympathetically, that was enough for the nurses to let him go and leave. The same as the policeman, who supposed he could not do anything else there. He had many more warnings of injuries and multiple explosions to attend. And this was another case of the many that had occurred that day, which would be shelved without remedy.

- Go home as soon as we know anything we will call you. - The doctor asked them with all the softness and sympathy that he could show with the argument of ...- Here You will do nothing, the operation can last for hours. Just wait and see if we have blood from the victim's group, she will surely need some transfusions. For her and more people. I do not know what the hell has happened, it looks like a terrorist attack. - He pointed to the same aisle where the least-wounded received cures or bandages. -

- I stay, I have her same group. - Cooan replied, remembering then with renewed unease. - Where's Roy? Oh my God, not him, either!

- I'll stay with you, Connie. - Tom offered her friend but she refused. -

- You must go and see if he is alright. Look for Rei and Ami! - The boy was reluctant to leave her, but she insisted with an imploring look. - Please, Tom, I'll be fine here. You find them! I just hope they're safe ...

His partner had to give in. In turn he was very worried about his friend or whatever he was now. He could not keep Roy's expression out of his memory, it was like another being completely alien to the human race. So terrible and powerful did it seem that even that evil demon was overwhelmed by the horror of having awakened a monster far beyond his ability. But he was his friend and Rei and Ami were there too. If they were with him, it might be that the three of them were safe. But where to look for them? Those ruins were his only clue and he ran towards them without waiting to be healed. He boarded the car and it was only ten minutes, but he found that desolation and saw no one. He could only go to one place. If Roy was still alive and Bertie and Connie's friends, too, they would probably be in a hospital, but which one? Or maybe they would have gone to his apartment. He stopped in a booth and phoned. Luckily at the fourth ring someone answered, it was Ami.

-Thank God! - Tom sighed in a rush. - Are you all right?

Sailor Mercury told him yes, She said that Roy slept soundly. His interlocutor explained to her what had happened in the hospital. The boy ran to the apartment and on the contrary Rei and Ami went to take him over with the girls. So Tom lay down to rest and was overcome by sleep same as his friend. He woke up within a few hours cursing his weakness. What if Roy had suffered a crisis while he slept? But fortunately he rested and seemed to be stable. The warriors in the meanwhile, gave themselves the duty of watching over Beruche accompanying and consoling Cooan. This situation surpassed them and despite not having wanted to do it, they had no choice but to communicate with Japan. This time the older sisters of her friends would have to know. It was Ami who called, first consulted with Usagi who gave her approval, then she dialed the number of Petz and Kalie, while Rei was sitting on a sofa in the waiting room with a shattered and exhausted Cooan.

-She's my dear sister! - The disconsolate girl could sob, her hands clasped under her chin. - I ... I love her so much. I cannot forgive myself if something happens to her.

-She's going to be all right. - She was quick encouraged by Rei - we must have confidence. - You'll see. You already saved her once when you convinced her to change. Now she will have to be herself to do it. But she is strong. All of you are. She will overcome this.

-Thank you Rei, thank you for being such a good friend. - Cooan could say before burying her tearful face between the sailor's chest.-

The warrior could not help but shed tears as she hugged her, wishing with all her strength that on this occasion her words were also prophetic.

-We'll be with you until your sister reestablishes. Do not worry. Everything is going to turn out well - She repeated trying not to cry.- Right Cooan?

At that moment, in Japan, the phone rang in the sisters' apartment. It was late and they were about to go to bed.

-Who could be at this hour? - Petz said with obvious displeasure. -

-Maybe one of my boyfriends. -Her sister laughed. -

-I would not be surprised. You're very capable of giving them our number.

-Of course I do. - Kalie  laugh. - I'm not as aloof as you ...

- I am going to Answer it. – Petz said  to her more than annoying sister. - I'll tell what I think to whoever ...

            But it was Karaberasu who put on a playful expression answering the call first. Then she heard a familiar voice and smiled to exclaim.

-Ami-chan! How are you?...

Petz was about to ask for explanations, but then she saw how her sister's face was transfigured. From smiling and cheerful she became livid and tears fell from her eyes as the girl could barely stammer.

-What? Oh, my God! It cannot be ... No ... we will go as soon as we can ... I beg you to take care of them, please! ...

-What's the matter? - Petz Could ask visible frightened.-

Her sister hung slowly and could not stop crying. It took her a long time to calm herself down so she could respond between babbling.

-It's ... it's Bertie, she's ... she ...

-What?  Bertie What? What happened to her? - Inquired the major, taking her sister by the shoulders while Karaberasu can´t help shaking.-

Finally she could tell Petz what Ami had told her. Now it was Petz's turn to cry and turn pale. At that very moment both sisters began to prepare their bags ...

In America meanwhile, Tom no longer slept. He kept taking care of his friend who raved about the fever. He mumbled something unintelligible to his companion who could only apply cold cloths to him and wish him to be cured. Dusk and the warriors called. Beruche had left the operating room and remained stable despite the severity of her condition. It was a good start, but the next few hours were going to be decisive. Both Ami and Rei and Cooan would stay there, the latter remained sunk but better after learning that Roy was well and that her sister still had a chance. They concluded the conversation by entrusting to Tom the care of his friend. He agreed on this by vowing not to rest anymore and continued to watch. Another new call, this time alarming news. Beruche had entered a coma and the forecast was reserved, that meant extreme gravity. It was an almost irreversible situation. It was a terrible blow to Cooan that she had lost her conscious again, they treated her with salts and she woke up. She had to be put under sedation and now she only moaned with her head buried in her arms with her friends doing anything to encourage her. Tom also felt desolate, but he had to keep his word and continue along with his friend. He finish the conversation promising they would leave towards the hospital as soon as Roy recovered. It dawned, it became full day, and at last, after a little while longer, the boy awoke. Slowly, his eyes narrowed, and he immediately received the image of his friend, who sat on his bed relieved to see him again conscious. The convalescent head ached and his body was grazed by tremendous weakness. All his limbs weighed like lead. He could still ask with a whisper.

-How did I get here?

- Ami and Rei brought you. - Tom smiled sheepishly. -

-How long have I been asleep? - His companion wanted to know as he tried to get up carefully. -

- At least a whole day, - answered his interlocutor adding .- You know? You had me worried, you had high fever and delirious dreams. Although I did not understand anything you said. - He hastened to add to avoid this possible question, though he heard him repeat Bertie's name occasionally. - I guess it would not matter ...

-And the girls? How are they? - Roy asked anxiously. -

- Well, Cooan is fine, she just had a fainting and some bruises. - Summed up his friend with a soft tone. -

-And Bertie?  How is she? - The boy wanted to know holding his friend by an arm in an agonizing way and his face twisted by uneasiness. - Tell me!…

He lowered his head and kept a tense silence that the interlocutor broke and urged him to answer.

-It's serious, is not it? For God's sake, answer me! - Roy urged him desperately to hear an answer. -

- He's at the Memorial. - His friend answered quietly. - In a coma, doctors do not have too much hope ...

Hearing this, the battered boy tried to get up more quickly but Tom stopped him. Roy felt very weak and hungry, as if he had not eaten in a thousand years, but he only wanted to see Bertie. Hardly and with the help of his companion who finally gave in to his desperate plea, he rushed into a closet, took out some clothes and changed. Although his friend wisely took the floor.

- At least try to recover a little more. It would not help anything to make you worse. You should eat something ... - He proposed with good reason -

Roy went to the refrigerator and ate everything he found, fruits and cheese, then he finished with the bread he kept in a cupboard. Tom stared at him in astonishment. His friend showed more than hunger, an unlimited voracity. He helped him to prepare something more and the boy devoured it. Cereals and nuts were completely finished. The convalescent felt better now, seemed to regain some strength. Then without warning he flew out the window. Tom stared at him deeply sadly and drove away in the car behind him. Roy arrived at the hospital and entered through a window on the top floor that was deserted. He was nervous, very tense and worried about Bertie. But he knew that this was not going to help her at the time. Now her enormous strength and the rage that had driven to this had no longer reason and yes the supplication and hope. He took a deep breath, over and over again. Calmer, he went down to the desk and asked for her room. Not being a relative the nurses did not want to give him any information. The boy had to control his nerves in order of not to destroy the place. But he managed to impose his reason and providentially the manager told him that there were more people waiting to see that patient. He asked where they were and the nurse attending the position, understanding his situation, sent him to the waiting room promising that they will notify him. Sitting there were Ami and Rei trying to console Cooan, who was groaning in a hollow. As soon as she saw her friend through her tears she rose like a mechanism and hugged him in tears again.

-Oh Roy!  Thank God! I thought you were dead, too.

-Calm down -  he replied softly, stroking her head. - Tom told me what happened. Bertie is not dead yet, Connie, there's still hope ...

-She is in very condition bad! - moaned Cooan unable to stop crying. - Doctors say that the stake caused a pleural effusion and that it is very difficult for her to resist it, what are we going to do? What am I going to tell my sisters? ...

His interlocutor merely pressed her against his chest so that her friend could relieve herself. Above that, he looked at Ami and Rei, who could barely contain their tears. They both had red eyes from crying too. Tom arrived a few minutes later and his friend instructed him to take care of Cooan. He wanted to go up to see Beruche, but the doctors would not let him. After much insisting and begging he finally got permission and entered the room where she was. A nurse monitored the weak vital signs of the patient who was intubated and connected to an assisted breathing machine because her right lung was perforated and could not suck air without being reduced in size. Seeing her inert dried Roy's throat, he came and stroked carefully the girl's long platinum hair tried in vain to suppress his tears.

-Please, sir,- the nurse said gravely. – You must leave the room.

-I beg you! Leave me with her even if it's only for five minutes - he replied and his eyes were so desperate that the pitiful woman consented to leave him in the room. -

When that nurse came down to the waiting room, the girls, with Cooan at their head, approached her.

-How is my sister? - The girl wanted to know with vehement despair. -

- Stationary. The nurse said softly, adding. - A friend of hers is with her ...

 

And without further ado the woman departed from there, she had to attend to many other matters. Cooan decided to go and see her sister and in the process obtain a hug from Roy, she needed him more than ever. Neither Ami nor Rei prevented her of doing it, they too were exhausted and very affected by everything ...

-Oh, Rei!- Ami was really desolate, when she said. -What if we intervened too late?  We should have used all our power. Don’t you think?

-You know as well as I that we were not allowed to do such a thing. - Her companion tried to console her, which in turn was very much affected, even when she sentenced. - If we did, it would not have happened what have happened ... and she told us. Usagi said that this must happen.

-What kind of warrior is he, when he transformed? - Ami asked changing gears, while stammering. - I've never seen anything like that!"

-Nor I do, but it's clear he's very powerful.  Although we had to risk so much to achieve this. Above all, the lives of our friends. - Her companion answered with regret. - I will not forgive myself for that.

-And if Bertie dies? - Her friend asked almost rhetorically, to sentence her trying to find a loop of hope. - That should not happen. Usagi told us ...

-She told us that we would have to make sacrifices. -Rei cut her friend softly by putting an arm around her shoulders.-

- It is very hard for them ... - Sailor Mercury could mutter.-

-What did Usagi tell you? - Rei wanted to know, trying to change the subject.-

-They've finished with the enemy there. She told me it was long to explain. And she  said that soon she will come here with at least Mako-chan and Mina-chan ....

A faint smile flickered across Rei's face, but it faded away even though the girl could say.

-Maybe it's a bit late already, but I'll be very happy to see our partners.

Ami agreed on it, but then added.

-But we shall have to return very soon to Japan.

-And leave our friends to your fate here? - Exclaimed her fellow sailor who immediately lowered her tone as she caught the reproachful glances of other people. Adding more gently.- How are we going to do that?

-I am sorry. It's what Usagi-chan has told me ... - Her companion justified herself with a resigned sigh but added.- I also talked to Kalie and told her what had happened. Well, you know, the version we can tell them.

-How did she take it? - Rei asked in a trembling tone. -

Ami gave a weak smile and muttered distressed shaking her head.

-You can imagine ...

Her friend said nothing else and both of them fell silent, trying to rest ...

In Beruche's room, Roy sat at the side of the bed and held a hand of the young woman in his own. He began to speak to her in a low, slow voice.

- I'm sorry, Bertie, it's all my fault. Once again you're having a really bad time because of my stupidity. If I had reacted sooner! If I had been stronger, this would never have happened. - As he spoke tears rolled down his cheeks and bathed his face, whimpering disconsolately as he added desperately. - Stay with me please! I cannot bear it again! I've already lost the people I loved the most and I do not want to lose you. I love you! I love you more than anything in this world! - Weeping would not let him continue, and he buried his face in the belly of the inert girl. -

Cooan had arrived at the door of the room and was about to enter when she heard the boy's words and after a few moments of perplexity and confusion she went running with tears in her eyes.

- Roy loves her! - She thought disconsolately as she ran. - What am I going to do? Bertie is my sister, I cannot interfere.

But her conscience struck her like a hammer, in the background Cooan always knew in one way or another, her feminine perception saw more than her own mind wanted to accept. She just had to see them together to notice. But until that moment she had always denied it and now she was tortured with another, even worse thought.

-My God, I'm a heartless monster! How can I be jealous right now? I want my sister more than anything, she is the most important now, she has to live and become happy with him.

As she could she mastered her feelings returning to her sister´s room. Roy was calmer now, he had stopped crying and sat there and watched Bertie mumble a prayer. The shattered Cooan joined him.

-OMG! Do not let my sister die, please! - The poor girl pleaded again in tears. -

-He will not! - Roy assured her, trying to comfort her! - Have faith!

Cooan hugged him again and cried. But not only because of the state of her sister but also because in this way she also carried out her silent resignation to that wonderful boy. Then without any of them noticing, the body of Beruche was invaded by a faint white aura. Close to the girl, and very briefly, almost imperceptibly, an immaculate silhouette touched her gently and disappeared. The scanner detected a noticeable improvement that neither Roy nor Cooan noticed as they both left the room disconsolate. Tom, who had already parked and reached the living room, greeted Ami and Rei who were waiting outside joining to them alongside Roy and Cooan.

-I'll stay.- Tom offered. - You're very tired Connie, go to sleep.

-No, - she said, shaking her head. - I will not move from her side. Let me alone. - Demanded the girl. -

-You should rest. You could get sick too. - Ami reasoned, watching her with concern. -

-I do not care! - She exclaimed, losing her temper. - I do not care what happens to me, I do not care! If Bertie dies, I just want to die with her!

And to the astonishment of the rest was Rei who, with tears in her eyes, grabbed her by the shoulders and shaken it forcing her to look at her, to say with a hard and even indignant tone stained by tears.

-I do not want to hear you talk like this never again. Do you hear me Cooan? Do you think your sister would appreciate something happening to you? Do you think your other sisters would understand? What about your friends? Do not we count for you?

The girl, almost in shock, looked at her fellow-speaker and the sailor returned a look full of anguish and consternation. Soon Cooan cried again, this time asking for forgiveness to all. Her nerves were broken. But Rei hugged her and in a softer and sweet tone and then she said.

-It is ok Cooan, everything is going to be alright. We will stay. Please, rest a little, then come and relieve us. I promise we'll let you know if anything happens. But you must rest. Do it for Bertie. She would not want anything bad to happen to you, and neither would we.

-Thanks ... thank you Rei ... you're right, forgive me. - She could say as much as her friend corresponded with a faint smile. - Yes, I'm exhausted ...

-Tom, - said a saddened Ami, addressing the equally dismayed boy who was watching her friend with pity. - Please, go with her ...

-Sure. - He replied politely telling the poor girl. - Come on, Connie.

The boy held her gently around her shoulders with one arm and she let herself be gratefully assisted. They said goodbye and both left. Roy stayed there with the two girls. He was exhausted even though he slept and sat on a couch in the living room. Ami settled next to him and Rei stood beside him. The boy then told them gently and full of recognition.

-I did not thank you for taking me to my house. Thank you very much.

- You are very welcome. - Kindly replied Rei. - It was a pleasure to help you, we are friends after all. -

-You made a great effort, you must be exhausted, go home and get some rest.-  Ami added with concern. -

- I'm fine now. - Roy smiled weakly. - Do not worry about me.

-How is it possible that after that battle you stay so soon on your feet? - Rei interrupted in amazement to add in a more leisurely tone. - A normal person would not recover in a week of rest.

-It's something I do not even understand.- The boy acknowledged. - I do not know why I have this strength.

-Yes, it's amazing how you got so much power.-  Ami said now as if she had not heard the boy's last sentence. - Only Usagi is strong enough to do such a thing. And look, I've seen her do incredible things that no one else has been able to imitate. But I admit that what is yours is worth comparing and even surpassing her in certain extends.

He looked at her sideways and also Rei, seemed to meditate the answer and finally he confessed to them in a slow and thoughtful way ...

-When Bertie was wounded, I thought she was dead, then something broke inside me. Something in my blood, what had been asleep all my life. An incredible rage gripped me. I saw Valnak and I was not afraid I only thought about killing him. Nothing and no one could have kept me from that. I wanted to fight without caring about the blows or the damage they did to me. At first I was furious as I had never been, but then I felt no emotion. It was only to fight and to fight ...

Rei and Ami listened to him with open mouths, it was  Sailor Mars who first recovered and finally said solemnly.

- You have a great power, much greater than anyone can imagine. You must learn to use it well, because I feel that the fate of the world will largely depend on it.

-That power can only be possessed by a pure-hearted person.-  Ami added, sentencing. - Now you are the main enemy of the forces of evil. We will be with you, but I fear that from now on, we can do little to help you.

- No Ami, you're wrong, your help has been and will be very valuable. Now more than ever I feel I'm going to need you. I think hard times are yet to come. - He nodded calmly, asserting as he watched them with admiration. - Now I understand why Bertie and Connie are such as extraordinary girls. It is logical having friends like you. You are really incredible! You do have strength and determination. And if the rest of your team is like this, when you are together you are sure to be invincible. We are honored and lucky to have you on our side.

The two girls looked at each other and smiled feebly, thanking those words. Then they turned their attention back to that boy.

- Unfortunately we must return to Japan in a few days, there they also need us. - Responded Rei looked away with regret, though adding something in a more lively tone. - But we have warned the sisters of Cooan and Beruche. They know well what it is fight like and they will know how to help you, you can trust them as much as we do.

-We told them what happened, except for your powers, we did not tell Cooan neither. - She was in a very precarious emotional situation as you could see and we did not want to add any concerns to her. The poor woman still does not know they are coming. We have not dared to tell her. - Ami confessed that she added objecting now to her companion as if she wanted to remind her of that detail - Petz and Karaberasu know how to defend themselves but it is a shame that they do not have their powers anymore, now they would miss them.

-That damn Valnak intended to humiliate them! - Roy snapped at the thought of his enemy's words about the old nature of their friends. - But all he got was to make me see how wonderful they really are. Much more than I could imagine, because I understand them well. I was dominated by evil too and I know what it costly is to escape from its control.

- It is true. - Rei endorsed him - they had much courage and determination. I can assure you.

-They always said that you two were very important people in their lives - he affirmed with gratitude in his words, sentencing. - As I said before, now I understand how much you really were and still are.

Rei smiled, answering with a story.

-I fought against Cooan, I have the power of fire and she possessed it too, she was my counterpart. We faced each other several times and we were fairly even. Well, -she acknowledged with a slight smile. - Actually she was stronger than me but I managed well. In the end I witnessed how her boss cheated on her. She loved him but he only used her to fulfill his evil purposes.

- So Connie suffered a disappointment. - Roy commented perplexedly agreeing in a row. - Yes, since I have known her, she has given me the impression of doubting and not wanting to venture too far into lands that go beyond friendship.

-She suffered a lot. She thought she had lost everything, in just an instant she was unable to return to her house and she was with a broken heart. - Added Rei. Fortunately she realized that she herself was the most precious thing she had. She wanted to get ahead and live a normal life.

-After that. She helped us to convince Beruche. - Ami interrupted. - Like Cooan with Rei, she was my antagonist because she dominated the power of water and ice.

That surprised Roy, though not quite  a lot. It was funny after all. He called her little ice cube! How could have he imagined such a thing? But square. Although his interlocutor continued to tell his story and he put the maximum attention, when she just said.

- It was very funny to us that you called her little cube. - Ami smiled to his listeners and they did the same, so the girl continued. - We fought a few times and I finally faced her in a chess tournament. There she managed to capture my companions and played a game in exchange for their lives. I lost, although she cheated, but in that case it was normal. What was not so much is that she agreed to forgive my friends if I sacrificed myself. When I asked, she was baffled. It was as if the facade of icy indifference that she offered in plain sight fell suddenly. Her older sisters appeared and told her to kill us. But she could not, she preferred to freeze herself so she would not have to. - Ami was silent for a few seconds and decided to continue, it was not worth it by now to sweeten things so she unveiled. - Well, actually she tried to end her life and took all of us with her due to her a terrible disappointment. She thought there was no way anyone would love her. Not even her own sisters. She had been left to her fate, her heart was broken. And that was still worse for her!

- Her sister Cooan eventually convinced her to agree to live like a normal girl. She told her that her heart could not freeze. That she had her love and that she herself was capable of loving. - added Rei. - Then and between the two of them, they eventually persuaded their sisters to leave the wrong way and set up a shop.

- The following years they worked hard and they prepared eager to be teachers. During their mission with the Black Moon they made contact with the children as their objective was a little girl. This girl is called Chibiusa and came from the future seeking our help. Not only did they not kill her but they risked their lives to protect her later. And they became very good friends. Especially Cooan, which was the first to be healed.

- And Beruche accepted her last mission too to try to warn her sister that the rest of the Clan would seek her to kill her as a traitor. - Rei remembered. - Despite being still an evil one. When her sister opened her heart to her, her brotherly feelings could do more. So, as you can see, Valnak's words, despite being objectively true, are in an elaborate and partial way and do not explain much about the true story.

Roy nodded for a moment and declared visibly impressed.

-They have taught me a great lesson, something I will never forget! And I will follow their example. I will fight against evil, even at the risk of my life if need be and those bastards will not triumph. I swear I will never allow it. All I regret is that Bertie did not have those powers you told me about, now she would not be like that! - He concluded, burying his head helplessly in his hands, trying to stifle new sobs. -

- That demon was very strong for her. - Ami said softly placing a hand on the boy's left shoulder, trying to cheer him up. - Even with her old powers she wouldn´t have avoided being harmed. But with or without power she did not think of her safety and tried to save you. That is the power of love, which is the greatest that exists!

-Yes, - Rei added sweetly in her words. - You also reacted like this when you thought to lose her and that great strength of your interior was untied thanks to the power of love. You could not have woken it otherwise. Ignoring that was Valnak's biggest mistake.

-Thank you very much, girls! - Roy could say, his voice trembling with emotion. - Thank you for everything you have done! You are very strong too! , That I can see it in your eyes.

- We've also had our battles. - Mars grinned at him. -

- And if we learn something is that whenever we stay united and maintain our bonds of love, nobody can beat us. – Pointed out Ami. - It's a lesson that  Sailor Moon has taught us many times.

 - I would like to see that Sailor Moon in action - smiled the boy affirming with admiration.- If you are so exceptional, I cannot imagine what it will be her like, being your leader.  Especially after what you have told me. Thanks again. I will not forget. - The boy nodded, placing each hand on one of the shoulders of his interlocutors. - I will always be indebted to you! - I promise you that if you ever need me, I will be there. And a Malden won´t break his promises, ever.

Ami and Rei also smiled at him visibly affected by exhaustion and emotion. Roy could see they were very tired. These poor girls had not slept in several hours after the battle and had to be taking care of them all. However warlike they might be, they would have to be at the limit of their strength. So he asked them to be the one who did the first guard. They, after doubting, accepted grateful because they were really exhausted. The boy stayed that night and they all took turns on the following nights. They always spoke to Beruche, they were sure that she could hear them and that it would help her to overcome her condition. Tom, meanwhile, also focused on Cooan, accompanied her at all times. On the one hand he wanted his partner to know the feelings he had for her, but on the other he preferred to wait. He did not want to do it yet, he did not judge him gentlemanly or noble in view of the emotional dependence that Connie might have with him in those hard times. Not until Bertie was out of this state. Roy meanwhile, when he was not in the hospital trained hard. He could already carry over a thousand pounds, helped by the Mars and Mercury who were surprised by their rapid progress. The boy even insisted that the sailors bombarded him with their best attacks at what they at first were remiss. But little by little he showed that he could even resist that. Meanwhile, in the university, once it was known the state of Beruche everyone was interested on her. Even Melanie felt very bad about her attitude toward that poor girl who was on the brink of death. Anyway, since she'd suffered the incident with Roy, her outlook on life had changed and she understood many things now. Although the boy had not returned for the class since he alternated his efforts between the hospital and the training. He just wanted to be stronger, control his power and end forever with those damn demons. Nevertheless they did not make an appearance in those days. It seemed that the defeat of their leader had intimidated them. In the seat of the sect meanwhile the death of Valnak shocked to the masters. Now they were very frightened, if Roy was so strong they could not stop him. Besides, they had lost the possibility of using him for their purposes. The Sage, on the other hand, was glad that this undisciplined and anarchic individual had disappeared. Just as the demon himself suspected before he was destroyed, the Wiseman had interfered with a spell to cut off his escape. In the end, Valnak bothered him, he was a stupid idealist who did things more out of loyalty to his partner than to follow the desires of the main infernal hierarchies. So he was not necessary anymore. The Sage would take care of finding him an adequate substitute ... And as for Beruche, she remained stable and unchanged ...

Finally, one morning, after several days of waiting, she reacted. She started to move and Roy, next to her at that moment, overcoming the emotion and disbelief ran to call the doctor. Bertie had been in a deep sleep, she saw a vast landscape of majestic trees, with a beautiful pool of crystalline waters, surrounding an immense palace that shone like silver. Then she saw a vision that frightened her, a hooded stranger in a long black robe carrying a large open book in which he seemed to be scribbling something with a long black feather of bird.

-Wise Man!- Exclaimed the terrified young woman. -

That apparition did not speak, although the girl noticed how he moved his head under that sackcloth marking a No. Then he disappeared ...

-Where am I? - She asked, looking now in all directions.-

She began to see faces of people she did not recognize. At first two children, a boy and a girl who grew up to become really attractive young people. These were joined by more boys and girls. Finally she could see a group of nine boys and girls whom she did not know but at the same time were vaguely familiar to her. That vision disappeared and she saw herself flying over a beautiful place of trees and rivers, near again of that palace so sublime. Then she saw a great figure that shone with an immense and white light.

-Who are you? - The girl asked, staring at the appearance. –

- I cannot tell you that. - She heard him respond in a soft, affectionate voice. - But someday you'll know.

-I'm dead? - She asked in spite of everything without any fear. -

-No, indeed, now you will come back to life, - That mysterious being said, adding to his affectionate advice, full of sweetness. - You must have courage from now on, because you will have to overcome some very difficult tests. Be strong! Because the future depends on you and your loved ones, you must always be united and you will triumph over all evil, now awake ....

The echo of those words was the last thing she heard. The figure and everything around her faded slowly, now it was all darkness and sounds that were more familiar to her. Slowly, she opened her eyes, and even blurred, she could see Roy getting up and running out. When the vision was finally clarified, he was there, next to her, holding a hand of her in his.

-Wake up sleepy, you're going to be late! - He smiled.-

The boy with a glowing gesture looked at her, barely controlling the emotion. That smile was the only nice thing that could be seen on his half-shaved face with big dark circles under his eyes that were the real sign of his concern.

-How long have I been like this? - She whispered, still weak and dazed. - What happened to that demon?

One of the doctors, who had been called by Roy, looked at her strangely. The boy hastened to say with a tone that he meant to be casual.

-She must still be dreaming, Doctor. He winked at her friend, and she smiled slightly, realizing she must remain silent. - You've been like this for a whole week, we've all taken turns watching you. All of us were worried about you, little cube. - The boy explained gently. -

-Thank you Roy.-  She smiled wider now. Adding with a muted whisper. - Thank you so much for taking care of me ...

- That's nothing! - He replied, trying to fade the drama with a more humorous tone - I have only done it for your notes of literature. Tom´s are very bad and Connie's too complicated. From whom I would borrow them if not from you?

She smiled a shy smile at the thread of that comment, and after holding the look of her interlocutor for a few moments could not help but laugh. They both laughed at this. Almost thirty minutes passed which they used above all to exchange glances of joy and who knows how much more! The boy had resurfaced completely from his suffering and now he was making the jokes that used to exasperated the girl. But this time she welcomed them with more and more enthusiastic and singing laughter. Although Roy put one of his fingers on her lips cursing his own unconsciousness. He  thought in a guilt way that his friend and... well, hopefully she could became something more ! so She had just come out of the coma and he did not want the girl to make too much effort not to suffer a setback in her recovery . She understood when she look at him, though she certainly did not resent anything, and the laughter and jokes made her very well. He could not say this to him because, at that moment, the others arrived. They had already been informed of the girl's change of state.

-Bertie! - Ami sobbed, hugging her carefully. - It's a miracle. Thank God, -She added with great joy.-

- How are you feeling? -A no less emotional and nice Rei wanted to know.-

-I'm fine, thank you. - She smiled.-

-We have to call Connie.- Tom said. – She has to know it as soon as possible!

-I'll take care of it – said Sailor Mars.-

Rei ran to the nearest phone. She called the faculty, the number Cooan had left. Although a friend's voice sounded in place of her friend.

-Could I talk to Miss Malinde? - She inquired. - It's from the hospital where her sister is... It's urgent.

-Just a moment. Please. Do not hang up, I locate her and then I make her come.- It was the answer.-

Rei waited for a while, she was nervous and wishing to give the great news to her soul friend. At last she heard her voice ...

While this was happening Cooan tried to train with the other cheerleaders, but she don´t focused. She made mistakes in choreography in steps that were simple even for beginners. Yet none of her companions said anything. On the contrary, they were all taking care of the terrible situation that was going through. At last it was Melanie who told them.

-Let's have a break.

The others dispersed in search of their water bottles or to chat. The boss of the cheerleaders approached Cooan. She saw the young woman sat with her head buried between her shoulders.

-It's been a hard day. - Melanie greeted her. - We've worked hard ..."

-I am sorry. I didn´t do anything alright.- Cooan apologized with saddens in her voice.- 

-Do not worry about it. - Melanie encouraged her companion with a kind tone. - You're one of the best ...

-I cannot think of anything other than my sister.- She sobbed. - I'm sorry Mel!

Melanie watched her with pity. She sat down beside her and put an arm around her shoulders. She was going to say something to encourage her when Miss Parker arrived. The two stood up as a spring when the head of  studies addressed them with a serious tone and something worried.

-Miss Malinde. There is a call for you from the hospital ... it is urgent ...

-What happened? - She wanted to know showing how anguish she was. -

-I do not know. They just want to talk to you. You can use my office.

-Yes, thank you, Miss Parker. - Almost whispered a very nervous Cooan to ask to her companion in a trembling voice. - Melanie, please. Will you join me?

-Of course- said the young woman, indicating her second. - April. Take care of continuing the training. Please.

The aide nodded, though she and the rest of the girls watched her companion with an uneasy look. Wishing she had good news. Same as the chief cheerleader who accompanied that poor girl. She could perceive the anguish that dominated her at every step that was approaching the office of the head teacher. Melanie feared the worst. Parker's expression seemed muted. Connie herself had not wanted to face that alone. The truth was that  Melanie had come to really appreciate her. This Japanese girl was a very good girl, and the once-haughty cheerleader wanted to make up for her bad behavior with her sister.

-It's going to be all right. - Melanie repeated over and over again to the trembling young woman who just nodded. -You'll see ...

At last they went into that office and Connie picked up the phone on a table to put it in her ear and ask with awe ...

-Who is it? I am Cooan Malinde.  

-Cooan! - Exclaimed a plethoric Rei then in Japanese.- She has awakened! She's okay! Bertie is recovered! Everything is okay! Bertie is save!

Melanie understood nothing of the gibberish of noise that was heard in that language even where she was, a few steps behind. Her companion was tapping the receiver to her ear and now she opened her mouth, smiling brightly, she could barely speak in a voice choked with emotion ...

-Really? Oh thank you Rei! I'm running there. Thank God…

Immediately she hugged the chief cheerleader and cried, for a few seconds she could not utter a word. But Melanie supposed it would be good news to judge by her expression. At last, after these moments of suspense, her mate confirmed it.

-Bertie is awake! She is all right, Melanie! I'm running to see her ...

-I'm really glad Connie, really. - Her interlocutor smiled without being able to avoid the tears. As she added. - Come on, hurry up. I'll explain it to Miss Parker ...

Her partner did. She took a taxi and ran there as fast as she could, and as soon as she entered the room she rushed over her sister crying with joy.

- Beruche sama! Ane-chan! - She could say in her native language to add later in English. - Thank God! If you only knew how I have suffered and the fear I have experienced!

-Onee-chan-  Whispered Bertie, still weak, hugging her and stroking her hair. - Would not you think your older sister would leave you alone in a strange place? - She added, allowing herself to said that with humor. -

Ami and Rei also greeted the newcomer effusively, though more restrainedly, when they entered shortly thereafter. Tom brought a bouquet of flowers, Bertie's room was full of them because Roy and the others had made sure they did not miss a single day. He himself put them in water while everyone surrounded the "resurrected" expressing their joy. Among the general uproar the physician who followed her evolution laboriously opened his way to the convalescent.

- Please. - He asked calmly making a space with his hands - allow I to diagnostic the patient.

At last they turned away and the doctor recognized her. The group was anxiously awaiting his diagnosis, which, however, and to the satisfaction of all, was far more optimistic than they could imagine.

- I do not get it. - Said the doctor with the utmost disbelief drawn in the face. - There's no sign of injury!  Nothing, it is as if it had never existed! Miss. - He turned to Bertie, stunned, and declared. - Honestly, we did not think you could get out of this situation alive. Just recovering from the coma is a miracle, but you also do not show any sequels! Congratulations. I must admit that in my more than twenty years of experience I had never seen anything like this.

-That's because I'm part of a family of fighters, doctor. - She answered with a broad smile, not giving more importance. -

-Yes, that's true -  Cooan agreed, bursting with joy and squeezing a hand of her sister in hers and looking gratefully at Ami and Rei who were smiling now. - A great family indeed!

- Good. - added the doctor in a more relaxed tone. - So for your recovery to be definitive you will stay here for three more days. If these days passed and you are okay, you can leave. I'll order the snack at six o'clock now. - I think a light lunch will do great to adapt your body again to normal food.

-Could not  be two, doctor? - Roy said in a jocular tone. - I'm starving! Although for me it is less light will be.

Everyone laughed at that thought. Even the doctor who, seconds later, took a mockingly sterner gesture and commanded him.

-Out, the snacks are only given to patients.

-What do you give them, doctor? - Tom asked, amused, eager to participate in the joke. -

- Well, I think today it is going to be apple pie with milk. Or special compote in the case of her friend, so that her stomach gets accustomed. - He replied trying to remember. -

At that moment Roy put his hands to his throat and said in a rather fluttery voice.

-Oh Doctor, I think I'm getting sick. Could not I ask one of those pretty nurses to bring me the snack? My stomach, is used to eat,  so you can accompany all that you've said with some hamburgers, some smoothies, some chocolate and pasta. That would do the trick.

-Roy - Tom said, laughing as he spoke. - I think you have mistaken the pavilion. I am afraid mental illness room is in the other gallery.

That produced more laughter. The truth is that everyone was now in an unbeatable mood. And his friend returned to the charge.

-Very funny, - replied Roy, - but I will tell you one thing you Kansas peasant. Then do not be surprised if I do not invite you.

-You are very stubborn.- Replied the doctor with a jovial tone, infected by this wonderful environment and very happy to have recovered a patient in that state. - But you can do one thing, in the cafeteria they serve great snacks ...

- But that costs money. - Opposed the alluded - And I do not have a penny.

-Roy, as long as I won´t have to hear you, I can invite you to whatever you want! - Laughed Tom-

His friend's eyes flashed and without thinking he grabbed an arm pulling at him.

-So let's go!..

-Hey, that was a joke, I'm not as much wealthy! - He resisted his interlocutor demanding the support of her friends – Girls please help me! - He begged to address them. -

- Do not look at us. - Rei smiled with feigned malignity to sentence then with amused tone. - You've gotten yourself into the mess.

The others nodded sympathetically to their friend, and Tom swallowed hard, aware of the atrocious hunger his companion had lately. He tried to turn back again, claiming lack of liquidity, but Roy countered mercilessly ...

- Too late, man. But do not worry, pal. You can always work here for hours cleaning urinals.

And wishing to take advantage of the occasion, he dragged his rash colleague out of the room with the background noise of the laughter of everyone else ... 

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