GWA24E

Chapter 24. The Masters are exterminated.

Everyone passed through a long day until Tom regained consciousness. Roy was beside him at the moment of waking. The boy's parents would be arriving shortly, because when they received the news they ran to take the first plane available. This was going to be very hard for everyone and Roy had spent many hours trying to decide how he would tell the truth to his friend. But at last he opened his eyes and that meant the moment had come. Although, the first thing the convalescent heard of his partner was a very affectionate ...

-How are you, boy?

-How is Connie? – It was the first thing he wanted to know before he answered. -

- She is okay, now it's up to her to be in class, but she'll come later. We take turns to see you. - Explained his friend. -

- Roy, what happened? - He asked to add confused. - I barely remember anything.

- You fought a demon, you were a very brave, friend.

Tom looked at him strangely and tried to change his position, but for some reason he could not move his legs. That started to frighten him and so he made him notice his companion with a look full of anguish.

-I cannot move, I cannot feel my legs! - He stammered in vain. -

Roy lowered his head and said nothing, he did not dare to look at him.

-What happened to me? You know that, right? - He asked him more urgently, though his companion was still silent. - Tell me! - Screamed Tom clutching an arm of his friend with his hands still shaking. -

-Listen, Tommy, - Roy muttered, trying to gather courage to tell him. - You've been hit hard.

-But I do not feel the body from the waist down. - He confessed, his voice choked with fear. -

-No, - his interlocutor admitted, visibly pitied, - that demon struck you in a vertebra that controls the nerves of that part.

- Are you telling me I'm disabled? Is that?  -Said Tom, frightened and now incredulous. -

Roy could only nod, not daring to look at his friend's face.

-Good God! - Exclaimed the convalescent man, dominated by rage. - Cannot be! Dammit! This cannot be happening to me! What am I going to do now?

-You have to recover as soon as possible to get out of here. - His companion replied, trying to comfort him. -

-Until when will I be like this? - He asked, causing his interlocutor to look into his eyes even though he tried to gather it.

- The doctors said it was very serious, - Roy said in a voice trying to soften the situation - that there is little hope, but that does not mean that ...

And Tom shuddered in horror, it was very clear what Roy was trying to make him understand. Especially when his friend was speechless and did not even dare look at him face-to-face.

-Are you trying to tell me that I'll stay like this for a lifetime? - He snapped, shaking his head energetically in vehement denial. - No, that cannot be!

- Friend listen to me ... - He wanted to add Roy but was cut immediately by his partner who was beside himself.

-Leave me alone! I want to be alone! - He managed to replicate this completely sunken. -

-Tom, please, - he tried to calm him, but he was a victim of rage and despair. His companion shrugged, pulling the objects on the bedside table. - Leave me, damn it! - He shouted like a possessed man. -

- Yes, I will return later - his interlocutor had to grant very worried and saddened by the pain and desperation that his friend was enduring in that bitter trance. -

He left the room slowly leaving a disconsolate boy who could only cry in silence. This was going to be terrible, the boy's parents were about to come, it was up to them to stay with him. For the rest of the day until they arrived, Tom did not want to see anyone. Not even Cooan who arrived as early as possible in class. The poor girl did not have the courage to enter that room, and she simply stayed in the waiting room with her sister and Roy.

-How did he take it? - Bertie wanted to know with a worried tone full of consternation. -

-How do you think? - His interlocutor bitterly sighed letting himself to drop in the chair. - How could anyone take that?

Bertie did not answer that, she lowered her head regretfully. It was Roy who wanted to know now.

-And your sister?

-She has gone out for a while to clarify her ideas. - She informed him. - She is totally shattered, and She is also very worried. - Bertie confessed. -

-It had to be horrible for her, to be there and not be able to do anything, - said the young man. -

His classmate did not reply, but there was a lump in her throat. She did know the truth. And beyond this terrible misfortune her sister dragged a complex of guilt from which perhaps she could never be released ...

Meanwhile Cooan had been pacing aimlessly around the hospital. She stopped by a phone booth. She carried enough coins so she tried to contact her friend Rei ...

-Maybe if she talks to Usagi-chan. The power of the Silver Crystal will be able to cure Tom.- She though, trying to hold a minimum hope.-

Meanwhile in the sanctuary Hikawa the telephone rang. It was morning there. This time it was Yuuichirou who took care of the call.

-Cooan! – He said in a very nice tone,  when he recognize her voice.-

In spite of herself the girl had to smile. That crazy boy had that virtue. He raised the mood to anyone, so after returning the salute she asked him if he could pass her with Rei.

- Of course, she was arguing with her grandfather. As usual. Ha, ha ... Right now I'm calling her. How are you doing in America?

-Fine thanks. - She whispered mutely.-

-Now Rei is coming, - replied the young man.

In fact, the young priestess was attracted by that conversation. After  scolding to her grandfather for those familiarities that he took with some young girls.

-Who is at the phone?- She wanted to know.-

-It's Cooan. - His interlocutor told her, and then he whispered in a slightly worried tone. - I think something's wrong ...

-Thank you Yuuichirou. Please leave me alone. - The young woman asked.-

The boy nodded. Rei silently thanked him for being kind and considerate. Although they almost always quarreled, because she always scolds him, at the bottom of her heart, she loved him very much. And if he had even noticed something with Cooan, it was certainly because something happened to her. Although Usagi had not said anything lately and more after the conversation that both maintained, her friend was so quiet for what used to. So, at once she would obtained the answer for that ...

-Hello Cooan! What's up? - She said, trying to be cheerful.-

-Please, you have to help us! - She asked her without further ado. - You have to talk to Usagi and ask her to use the power of the Silver Crystal ...

-The Silver Crystal? What has happened? - Inquired the priestess, worrying seriously. -

She listened to her friend with a mixture of regret and horror to the story about what had happened. Cooan sobbed uncontrollably, and that made it difficult for Rei to understand her at all. She felt tears of regret and helplessness too. At last, after concluding, Rei's long sigh could be heard when she replied.

-I'm very sorry. It's awful! Believe me, I'm sorry. But I must be honest with you. I'm afraid Silver Crystal is no good for that.

-You could check with Usagi-chan.  Please! - Begged the desperate girl. -

-I will do it. I promise. - It was the answer. - But I cannot guarantee anything.

-At least if you try, I'll keep a hope, - her friend moaned, collapsing behind the other line. -

-Listen Cooan. You were not to blame. -She wanted to cheer her up. -

-I was the Justiciera. My duty was to save him. He is innocent and good and I hesitated because I cared more for my stupid identity than what could happen to him.- She stammered between tears. -

-Calm down, please. - Her friend softly urged her, too. - I assure you, I'll see Usagi-Chan today and ask her for help.

And after trying to give more courage to her shattered interlocutor Rei was quick to fulfill her word. She telephoned her friend and warrior comrade. She could talk to her but she did not want to clarify the nature of the problem. She just said it was very urgent. Both agreed to meet in the Parlor Fruit Crown.

-I came as fast as I could. - Usagi greeted her when she saw her roommate sitting at a table. -

-It's about our friends in America. I guess this is what you meant. It is not like this? - The priestess informed her about everything. -

Usagi listened almost without blinking, showing a pitiful face. However, when her companion concluded, she simply looked at the ceiling and nodded to answer.

-I am sorry. There is nothing I can do.

-Yes, - her friend whispered. - That's what I said to Cooan. But I thought maybe ... if we were there and emitted the energy of the Crystal to that boy ...

- It would not do any good to him.-  Usagi insisted. - There are things that unfortunately have to happen and we cannot change. Not even us.

Her companion watched her strangely. Those words sounded very strange. More coming from Usagi. It was as if she was giving up even before she tried. That was not her style.

-We could no lose anything by trying. Well, yes, we can go there. Let´s call the others and if we use the teleport ...

-Enough Rei!-  - Her friend cut her with a very unusual abruptness when it comes to her. - I told you it's useless. Forget this…

The priestess gave her a look of stupefaction, now she realized that it was not Usagi who spoke, but Serenity. Even so, that reply annoyed her and she could respond with indignation.

-How do you want me to forget it? You know them too ... they are our friends. Dammit! I cannot let it go this way. - She punctured with a fist on the table that made the drinks they had jump at the sentence .- They are suffering a lot!

That made even other clients look at them in perplexity. Luckily that lasted only a few moments and people lost interest. A few moments of embarrassing silence passed until Usagi could say more gently, trying to sound conciliatory.

-I am sorry. Forgive my abruptness. I wish I could do something! Unfortunately, they must be the ones to get ahead. Trust their strength.

Rei lowered her head, she felt bad for her friends and almost worse for that argument. It was as if she could perceive something strange and that disturbed her. Again that nasty feeling. Her friend did not tell her everything she knew. Maybe she could not. The fact is she was frustrated and angry. She would have to call Cooan and tell her that, indeed, there was no hope for Tom. And she was more afraid of that certainty than anything else.

-Excuse me. - She could say, trying to hide her displeasure. - I must return to the Sanctuary ...

She put the amount of her drink on the table and got up, hurrying out of there. Her friend did not want to try to stop her. Usagi sigh. She knew that moment would come. Although she did not think it was for this reason.

-There are many things that I do not even know. - She reflected with regret. - And sometimes I do not know what I can do either. I am sorry Rei…

For her part Cooan returned to the hospital. She sat down with her sister and Roy. After half an hour the parents of her friend arrived. At first the Rodney´s did not recognize the boys, nor they knew who the parents of Tom were. But Roy, who had seen a picture of them, approached them at once to greet that people. As soon as he called them both focused their eyes on him. They were middle-aged people already throwing to maturity. Tom's father, of equal stature than his son, looked like a stocky man with thick hair and mustache and pipes, his face was weathered by the outdoors. The mother was a woman who looked fragile but not helpless. She had, instead, an innate elegance as she moved and picked up her dark hair, already grayish, in a discreet bow. Both had steady blue eyes. Beruche and Cooan stood discretely to one side while Roy took the floor.

-You're Tom's parents, are not you? - He asked, using a tone of respect the girls had never heard from him.

-Yes, we are. Who are you, lad? - Mr. Rodney wanted to know, looking at him with his eyes.-

-I'm Robert Malden, the roommate and friend of your son, nice to meet you sir, ma’am . - He introduced himself then alluding to the girls. - And they are also companions and good friends of Tom.

-You're the one who warned us, are not you? - Mr. Rodney agreed with a strong handshake and patted a shoulder with visible amiability. - Thank you, son!

- Yes sir, you're welcome. - The boy admitted with serious tone but cordial to add distressed. - I am so sorry that our meeting is in these circumstances.

And both Bertie and Cooan listened intently without being noticed, but it was Mrs. Rodney who noticed them and approached them both. The girls then greeted with polite Japanese-style nods.

-Do you know my Tom too? - She could say this trying to temper her still tremulous voice because the woman kept thinking about the serious condition that afflicted her son. -

-Yes, ma'am. - Beruche courtesy replied, son after she told that woman her name and the one of her sister. -

Cooan seemed to want to say something, she could not really help feeling guilty and more in front of Tom's mother. She wanted to scream that he was this way due to trying to protect her but her throat was dry and she lost the courage to speak. What happened was that Mrs. Rodney, in spite of all that situation, gave a sympathetic and grateful smile to declare.

-I thank you for being by his side. I am very happy to see that my son has such good friends. - And she added staring at an uneasy and stiff Cooan. - Then you have to be Connie, my son has told me about you on the phone and in some of his letters. The famous Constance with which he won that dance contest.- Could finish by forcing a slight smile.-

- Yes, it's me. - She admitted timidly, almost choking on the words. - They gave me that nickname because my  Japanese name sounded strange to them. -She added with a faint smile. -

-You do not know how much we thank you for all you have done - said Mr. Rodney, presenting himself more informally. - You can call me Will.

- Sorry for my rudeness. - Added the hurried woman. - My name is Sarah and you, my dear.-She said, turning to Cooan again. - Roy told us on the phone ...

But the interpellated could not suppress a sob and finally confessed with bitterness and stammering tone among tears of despair.

- I could not do anything to help him. I should have tried to do something.

Mrs. Rodney gave an affectionate hug to the girl who collapsed in tears at the sight of everyone. Especially from her sister who knew well the hell of regrets that Cooan was going through. It was Mr. Rodney, however, who comforted her with her deep voice, full of poise and understanding.

- My son did what any man who deserves to be call like that, should. He tried to defend you. Do not suffer any more for that, girl. You are not to blame for anything, on the contrary, you have taken care of him. You have not strayed from his side. We can never thank you enough.

- You do not understand. - She whispered with a weak voice that melted with her tears making it impossible to understand her words .- No one can understand how I feel .- She thought completely choked by the pain. -

It was Beruche who relieved Sarah in the task of welcoming Cooan into her arms. She made her sit down to help her master. Mrs. Rodney, trying not to cry too, asked Roy if they could go and see his son.

- Of course, it's still the visiting hour. I will accompany you to the door of the room if you wish.

- You're a good boy. The woman smiled, her eyes watering. - God bless you, son. Thank you very much.

The questioner had to restrain himself also to avoid the emotion, so he guided the parents of his friend to the room deciding to return later with the girls. It was necessary for Tom to have intimacy with his family and to be able to relieve himself and, if necessary, to reconsider his future. At least in the short term, he should face tough therapy in order to try to recover, if possible, some mobility or be at least able to fend for himself. His parents offered to go home but he did not want to, he wanted to finish his studies and fight to recover even if it was a small part of what was lost after his injury. When Roy knew it, he was proud of the strength of his friend. Tom´s will had overcome the initial blow. But that did not remain in the least in his resolution and now more than ever, Roy was determined to make those cursed sectarians pay. Mr. and Mrs. Rodney, after thanking them again, relieved them of the vigil by telling them that they would take care of everything. So they were able to return home. Roy accompanied the girls to the flat of his sisters, who in the meantime (and without his knowing it of course) had investigated the activities of the sect. Both Petz and Karaberasu became interested in Tom's condition and offered to visit him. However, knowing that the boy's parents were there, they decided to stay out of the way. It was a family affair after all, and they were not as close to that poor boy as their sisters. What they could do was a compilation of the data obtained and thanks to this a map that gave a revealing information ... meanwhile Cooan received the answer of her friend.

-I'm sorry. - It was the bitter news. - I consulted Usagi but she cannot do anything for him.

-Thank you anyway. - Cooan replied that she kept an absent tone. - I'll take care of being by his side ...

-I wish you all the best, - replied the priestess dismissing the communication, but then that feeling of indignation assaulted her again. - This is not going to stay like this, - she said aloud. - I'll call Ami and the others. If Usagi cannot do anything, maybe we can find a solution ....

            They did so, the four of them meeting  without let their friend and sovereign know, to chat. And although they could not find anything to help this poor young man, they did exchange very interesting opinions. Some days passed. In America, Tom was able to leave the hospital although he was forever tied to a wheelchair. He had not discovered Cooan's secret identity, nor reproached her for anything. However, he did not want to be a burden on her, and he avoided her. Nevertheless, the girl tried to be close. Everyone was sorry and worried about this situation but they also did not know very well what to do. They could not prevent her from trying to help the boy or deny him a desire to keep his dignity safe. Although no one shared that point of view. Anyway Tom stayed with his parents in the apartment that his partner lent them. Kalie and Petz had already found something larger at a good price that they could pay with their jobs. Also Mr. Rodney offered to pay him a rent, but Roy categorically denied it. He felt very close to his companion and friend. Thus, once life returned to precarious normalcy, he was decided to seek the lair of these sectarians. However, there were Petz and Karaberasu who had the most fortune. In a routine patrol as justicieras they confirmed their investigations to discover a group of acolytes returning to their base. As soon as they could and with the aid of binoculars and two more days of espionage, they deciphered the numerical code of the access door. Satisfied they called their sisters and they remained on the floor they had rented, but only came Beruche who greeted them with a worried face

- Hi girls, Cooan says She is sorry, but she preferred to stay with Tom. She asked me to tell her what we decide, anything will be fine for her.

-She has not been separated from him since he is handicapped. - Karaberasu observed reflexively. -

-She should not blame herself in this way, it's not good for her or Tom. - Petz said with visible concern. -

- But that she doesn´t like that boy before, right? - Karaberasu replied. -

What are you saying? - The astonished Beruche Interrupted to add – They were already out before what happened to Tom and they were good friends since we all met.

-I do not know if I should tell you this, - Kalie added grimly. - But she was not in love with him, she told me once.

-What do you mean? - asked her interlocutor, who in the end knew, despite not wanting to admit it. -

And her sister, making good those thoughts, answered sharply.

- I think you know it, Bertie.

-No, it cannot be! - said the respondent trying to deny herself and above all looking for a justification. - She did not tell me, why?

- She did not want to stand between you and Roy. - Petz said, too distressed to explain, - when she discovered that he loved you and that you corresponded to him.

-I thought she was only interested in him because of his appeal. Yes, it was true that at the beginning of the course She was sticking to him, but I thought it was rather frivolous. I did not think she was serious! - Exclaimed the desolate Beruche. -

Now she was holding her hands to the head fighting not to cry, overwhelming with a sense of guilt.

- She heard him declare his love to you when you were in a coma and from that moment she resigned. - Karaberasu told her what she knew because it was with her that Cooan had been sincere. - She accepted the situation ... Although it cost her to do it.

-How sorry I am, - Bertie lamented, still stunned by this revelation. She and Roy were more than friends by now. However, she knew nothing of the confession he made when she was in the coma. - Poor Cooan! I never meant to hurt her. She must have suffered a lot, and when she and Tom finally started dating together, this happens.

-She probably threw herself into Tom's arms to forget Roy, - Petz guessed. - And when she might truly begin to fall in love with him, misfortune has wanted this to happen, and now she feels compelled.

- Of course she loved him, I could see it in her face. - Opposed Beruche what certainly was so, at least in the last days. - That cannot be faked ...

- Yes, but things have changed now. - Her sister Petz shook her head with resignation and justified her words. - From what you have told us, that boy must not want to admit that she cares for him and I understand him.

-You must speak to her, Bertie, - Karaberasu urged, -  Cooan cannot go on like this.

-And what do you want me to say her? - Said the sour one, feeling more guilty now. As she replied. -Forgive me for stealing the boy you loved, but now you should not be with Tom to forget about that. Nor should you feel guilty that he is paralyzed for defending you. Especially when you could have defended yourself and you did not.

Karaberasu and Petz listened in amazement. But that information had not reached their ears, except when they knew about Tom's condition. They thought it was a logical reaction to her sister's frustration. Not that it would end up being a reminder nailed to her soul. But Beruche lowered her head and added more calmly, explaining her last words.

- That's what she thinks. She blames herself more and more on what happened. She did not transform in time. She hesitated for a moment if she should revealed her identity or not. How do you want me to tell her now to leave Tom?

-You must do it for her own good. - Karaberasu insisted in a sympathetic but firm voice. - You're the only one who can help her, we're not involved in that. She will listen only to you.

-If you do not intervene now, she'll end up doing a lot of damage to herself and she'll do it to him, too. - Petz said with regret, but her statement was unmistakable. - Believe me, that boy could reject her and hurt her deeply. Cooan should turn the page or she will become a bitter woman, and there is nothing worse than that. I know it very well…

Beruche did not answer, she did not know what to do or even to oppose against those arguments that she knew certain. In fact, she was also to blame, even if it was in an indirect  way. But she could not say a word to answer because the doorbell rang. Petz peered into the peephole, discovering the object of the conversation.

- Let's leave the topic for now - she indicated her sisters pointing with the finger towards the still closed door. -She is here. So for now on, we will talk only about what we are dealing with.

The other two nodded in agreement and Petz opened the door to Cooan who greeted apologetically as she entered.

-I'm sorry I could not come sooner, I just brought some notes to Tom. I thought I would not have time to come and that's why I told Bertie ... - The others exchanged worried looks but said nothing. -

-She has already told us, - said Karaberasu without letting her finish, - do not worry. It is better being all of us together.

-We've discovered the hiding place for those bastards, - Petz said, getting to the point. - And we know how to enter.

-What are we waiting for? - Cooan urged with a flash of anger in her eyes. - Let's get them! I'm going to make them pay dearly.

-We must be very careful, do not forget, - Petz warned her firmly, - so control yourself. -

-All right, - her sister agreed reluctantly, wanting to know with visible impatience. - But tell us where they are.

-Now let's go there. - Karaberasu answered. - But first of all let's transform ourselves

They all invoked their respective powers and set off at full speed. Meanwhile in college and at a break between classes, Tom had taken refuge in his room and kept browsing a few books. Rather he turned the pages without paying attention. He was very depressed and could not shake off his plight. His companion arrived then and noticed his dejected gesture, but he tried to speak to him in his best tone to raise his morale.

- Hello Tom. How are you taking the notes?

He did not say anything, for a moment he seemed not to have listened until at last he could only mutter, closing his notebook with his notes.

- I'm finished Roy. What can I do now? I am only a hindrance to you.

- Do not say nonsense, you are my best friend .- He challenged him by shaking his head and adding conciliatory. - We all love you and we will be with you for whatever you need. You also helped me when I was in trouble.

-But I do not want to bind you, - replied his interlocutor, - neither you nor Beruche. Not even Connie. I do not want her to feel obligated to me, it was my fault for not being able to protect her.

-And what could you have done? He was a demon, - Roy excused him. –

-Now I cannot do anything, - said Tom in frustration,- I'm just a useless paralytic!

His companion could not help but get angry, he could not bear that tone in his friend. It was clear that if he continued in this way he would ruin his life, and as painful as his current situation might seem, he should try to overcome it. Unfortunately the patches and the kind words were not useful if that caused the boy to take refuge in his self-pity. So he had only one alternative, even though he was going to regretted more than his partner, he shook him by the shoulders while his friend hid his head under his arms.

-Look at me! - He ordered his companion harshly. - I will not allow you to say that, you must fight!

-It's easy for you to say that! - He cried, sobbing resentfully, - you have so much power that you do what you want! - You should be in my place and you would tell me how you feel, ... leave me alone.

His friend released him softly. Tom covered his face with his hands to drown his cries and tears. That broke anyone's heart. Roy had to brave himself once more to add now in a more controlled and soft voice.

-I'm sorry, - he apologized, taking a deep breath to ease the tension. - You're right, I might not face it, I surely would not have courage. But you can do it. You've always had a lot more will power than I did. I can never match that, no matter how strong I become. Please, Tommy! Of course I need your help, we all need it, we have a long way to go. There are many more innocents who can suffer.

The other boy could barely look up, his face streaked with tears. When after meditating for a moment he could barely replicate between babbling.

-Forgive me! I am so broken. I do not know what will happen to my life, everything I loved I've lost.

-No, that's not true, we're all by your side. - Roy insisted on his knees and hugged his friend to try to comfort him. - I count on you to help me. I know you'll get over it, you must have strength. Do not let those bastards win. What more would they want than to be able to sink you!

-Of course I want to be useful to you, but how could I help you now? - Tom asked, completely lost. -

- With your support, your friendship and keeping your head high. Connie pulled away from you just to call the ambulance and then she has always been by your side, that's very beautiful Tom. She loves you. I understand her very well, when Bertie was injured and I thought she was going to die, I thought that was going to drive me crazy. Then I turned. - He looked at his hands and added in a quiet voice. - I do not know where these powers come from, or why, or who I really am, but there is something I do know. You have much more credit than I do, you only count on yourself. I admire you for that, you have a lot of courage and dignity and nobody can ever take it away from you, nobody but yourself.

-But I cannot let Connie to waste her life on me . - Tom said, now with a visible charge of conscience. I do not want her to suffer or hurt herself.

- She really loves you. I see it in her eyes - repeated his interlocutor - do not let your pride spoil that my friend. It has taken you so long to get her love.

Roy patted his partner's shoulders gently and left the room. Tom was thoughtful, not knowing which way to go. His friend slumped down the hallway to his classroom. There he encountered Melanie and Roberts who were leaving a class and they immediately became interested in the state of their common companion.

-How's Tommy? - She asked him very worried .-

- He tries to get over it, but it's hard, - Roy said, his face grim. –

-If we can do anything for him. -  Added Roberts, also very interested in helping, - do not hesitate to say anything. Rodney is a great guy and it's not fair that this happened to him.

- Thank you so much my friends. With your support is enough. For now we cannot do anything but stay with him. - Roy thanked him with a slight smile. -

- It was because of them, wasn´t it ? - Melanie asked visibly. -

-Yes, - said the interlocutor softly. - They attacked him by surprise. Tom defended himself as best he could but he was no match against their power.

-That coward bastards! - Roberts spat furiously and indignantly. - I wish I had been there, I would have broken their heads!

-I promise you they will not get away with it, - Roy assured them with renewed firmness. - You'll see.

- Count on us for whatever you need.-  She whispered affectionately to her companion. - I talked to Miss Parker. She told me that there would be no problem, that Tom can take the exams later.

-Thank you ... really. Thank you very much for caring ... - The boy was able to respond really excited. -

-Are you kidding? - Malcolm tried to control his own emotion to sentence. - Tom is one of us. And it's from the Brotherhood. Their problems are ours. And we're not leaving him alone now.

His friend nodded with a grateful smile. Both Melanie and Malcolm nodded kindly and continued their march. Roy did the same, resuming his way to class. Since Tom was this way he was not skipping and day and took the studies very seriously. Nothing to waste time, no silly jokes. That was over. He wanted to help his partner in the best way he could and that was the most appropriate. He had allowed the others to do much for him. Now it was his responsibility to pay them the debt and be responsible.

-I will not fail you, my friend. - He said with all his determination. - We will stand together and overcome this.

            Meanwhile the Justicieras had reached their destination. They acceded to the interior leaving several guards, mere human sectarians, out of action, with ease. They entered by surprising three individuals dressed as monks, Cooan rushed at them without thinking.

-You damned bastards, you will pay for what you have done to Tom, your end has come! - She cried, being followed by her sisters who covered her back. -

The three masters turned around in surprise.

-How did you get in here? - One of them asked. -

- We are not as stupid as you had thought. - Karaberasu answered with irony and without neglecting the rear of her sister. -

-It's time for you to answer for everything you've done. - Petz said, brandishing her javelin. -

-In the name of Justice we will punish you. - Beruche told them. -

-Not this time! - Said Cooan in a voice full of anger, contradicting her astonished sister. - It will be in the name of revenge! Monsters like you do not deserve any compassion. Surround them, do not let them escape! -She ordered the others to obey, surprised by her energetic tone. - Come on!

The masters took out dark curved daggers and started to fight, the girls were ready to intervene, but the Fire Lady stopped them.

- They're mine, the three of them.

-Are you crazy? - Asked Beruche in awe, - they are very dangerous, especially if the three of you are against you alone.

- It's enough. I am capable of taking care of them! - Snapped her interlocutor. - I'll finish them all!

Bertie shivered, her sister reminded her of her worst time as Ayakashi. With that tone of cruelty, identical to when they had just arrived on Earth from Nemesis under the influence of the Black Moon. Nevertheless, she was then dominated by the desire to fulfill her mission of killing Chibiusa in order to please Rubeus and, what was more, she was also dominated by the influence of the dark crystal. But now that hate came from the bottom of her soul. It was no good, but in such a delicate situation it was impossible to begin a discussion to try to calm her down. So she, Petz and Karaberasu, who also looked astonished and frightened, chose to cover her sister.

-Spread!- said the Lady of the Ray to the others .- Cut the exits ...

Meanwhile the three masters did not appear to be frightened, they attacked the Lady of the Fire that dodged to the first one throwing against him a powerful ray of energy that crossed his chest. His enemy fell dead. The other sisters looked at each other terrified. They never had used their power completely, not against humans. The other two masters also observed this were frightened. However, they recovered soon and separated with their daggers ready to attack their adversary. One inflicted a cut on Cooan´s arm but she managed to retreat and materialize her bow, firing an arrow of fire that pierced the other Master and set him on fire. He howled in pain as he burned. Beruche, covered him with ice, putting out the fire that devoured him, but he was already dead when he fell. The survivor stood frightened behind a table.

- This is for Tom and for all the suffering you have put him through! - Cooan shouted at him, it really seemed like she was flaming her eyes. - What do you think now, eh? ... Did you think we were not able to fight seriously, damn cowards?

- Enough Fire Lady. Take it easy! - Bertie asked more and more frightened. - We have to capture him alive so he can talk.

-Yes, we must know who is behind all this, - added Petz cooler and soberly to temper the mood. - I doubt they were the bosses. It has been so easy to take them.-

-There's no need to talk. - Cooan respond in a tone of cruelty. - I'll exterminate this one too, and we'll find the others.

-We cannot risk that, - Karaberasu said, trying to appease her mad sister. - We must try to interrogate this one.

-Do not you understand that the longer we take to find them all, the more innocent people will suffer? -Beruche interjected, looking at her sister, although she, perhaps beginning to understand what she had done, tried now not to meet her eyes. – A lot of people could suffer the same fate as Tom, or even worse. Please, leave it be! We must have learned from the past. The sailors taught us that we should be merciful and that love is always better than hate. But if you continue this way you will become even more cruel than the Wiseman himself and they will have triumphed. Is that what you want?

Her sister could not answer. Cooan shuddered in fury, still aiming with her weapon at that master who crouched on the floor and trembling with panic.

- They are enemies, the sailors have also ended with many and their pulse did not shake in doing so. Neither will I tremble to eliminate this scum, I assure you. - The girl spat at last. -

- But they never did it out of hatred. - Petz fought back sadly. – I can tell you about that. I was almost ready to kill you because I was overcome by the same instinct that now possesses you. And after that, there is nothing left but a much greater bitterness.

-They don´t worth you destroy your soul because of them. - Karaberasu added in solidarity with the others. - And Tom himself would not like to see what you can come up with the excuse of avenging him.

-Excuse? - Cooan demanded wryly of indignant rage. - These scoundrels have destroyed the life of an innocent and many others and to them, far from caring or feeling remorse, they loved it! But look at them now, they tremble like chickens when they are given to try their own medicine!

The others gave her a look dominated by worry and even pity. Her sister could hardly bear that and despite all her hatred and rancor she was perfectly aware of what was happening. They were right, if she let herself be carried to the end she would throw away the last years of her life and all the dreams that  she had accumulated. She wouldn´t even be able to look at her sisters or at her sailor friends, and the rest of the people who were dearest to her. However, her blood boils when she thought of the tragic situation of Tom, being crushed by that demon. But no !, there were still many people to protect, she could not get carried away ...

-All right, - the tortured girl finally conceded. – Let´s catch him, - She added, lowering her bow and addressing her enemy, she still spat, trying to eliminate her rage, - and you filthy worm, get out of there before I change my mind!

-Do not kill me, please. - Her enemy asked in a trembling voice. - I'm yours. I will tell you everything you want to know.

And immediately he rose from his hiding place with his hands raised and his head down, covered in his sackcloth.

-Take that damn hood off and look at us, you bastard!- Cooan ordered. -

The master complied with the wishes of her captor, lifting his cloak slowly and looking at his interlocutor. Then Cooan and the others were horrified to see a face pale, almost ashen, hairless and with empty eye sockets. Instead, there was only a reddish glow, the only evidence of an inhuman look that made them shudder.

-That's enough, - said the Lady of Lightning, dominated by repulsion. - Put it on again.

-As you say,- replied the latter, who made a gesture of obedience. -

 Though in his place he pulled out a sharp dagger he trough tried to wound Cooan. The other Justicieras, reacting swiftly, struck him with their attacks and the master fell to the ground without life, completely extinguishing the glistening of his basins.... Wheezing from the unleashed adrenaline, they were still shaken staring at that. When they were quiet and checked it out that they had no serious injuries or any hidden enemies, they sighed, relaxing their guard and leaning against the wall to rest, fading their weapons ...

- I'm afraid that this is not over. - Declared the Lady of Ice with resignation - we are back to the beginning.

-At least we have won. -Karaberasu sighed .- They will not bother us again.

-We'd better go, - suggested Petz, who had  bandaged her wounded arm with the tools she had extracted from her sack. - Let's go home.

-Before we have to check and destroy all this place. - Said the Lady of Fire herself with recovered serenity. - That they cannot return for anything of this damn dungeon that can be useful to them.

The others nodded and after unsuccessfully inspecting the remains of that barracks for some interesting thing they swept the place with their rays of energy. When they finished their task they called the police to take care of the sectarians who could not escape and went back home. Once back and more calm, the slab of remorse fell on Cooan who apologized visibly regretful.

- I'm so sorry, I'm very embarrassed, I got out of me. I'm sorry, I've been able to put everyone in danger because of my behavior. I almost became a monster.

- Okay, - Petz smiled giving her a hug - We know that these last days have been very hard for you.

- You must not torture yourself any more. Forget and keep going – She was encouraged by Karaberasu. -

- Yes ...but…I… if ... they had been humans beings I would have killed them! - She stammered, choking a guilty sob. -

- But they were not. - Beruche encouraged immediately. - And I'm sure it will never happen again. - Besides, it was in a fight, not in cold blood. It was them or us.

- If true. - Petz agreed, adding affectionately. - If they would have been in your place they hadn´t had any mercy. Now you must forget about this and go on with your normal life.

-I wish I could do it. - Cooan muttered, lowering her head, - but I cannot.  I was responsible. I have ruined the life of a wonderful guy who wanted to protect me, because he loved me. And all because of my damn indecision. I was actually more angry with myself than with these sectarians. She confessed in despair. -

The other three women looked at each other in dismay, Bertie thought her older sisters were right. She would have to talk to her when she was more focused. But for the moment the most prudent would be to rest and leave the subject apart until a better chance ...

Meanwhile, in an unknown place, the Great Sage had been able to witness what had happened in that lair through his ball. Although he did not seem affected and talked at the same time to strange female voices.

-It seems the masters have been eliminated, - said one of those voices. - What shall we do now, sir?

- That does not matter, they were just ordinary puppets. I was already getting tired of them and their stupid mistakes, you will take their place, - he replied. -

- It seems a difficult challenge. Those women are good fighters, - answered another voice. -

- Although you can count on us. We will not let you down, - said a third. -

-I hope so, for your sake, - replied the Sage in a warning tone. -

-Oh, my lord, - a fourth voice assured him, - we shall know how to deal with these pathetic human beings who call themselves Justicieras, they will regret having us as enemies.

-Well, time is running out, - the Great Sage urged, - while those fools were entertaining themselves with the masters we have placed all the Yalmutud stones in their places. Only the one that was taken from us is missing. Your mission will be to recover it and annihilate the Justicieras in order to place the stone. I will take care of invoking a powerful demon to help you. I do not want to take any more risks. He will take care of the Golden Warrior.

-As you command, sir! - They all answered in chorus. -

-Yes,-  He said laughing macabrely. - As I command, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

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