GWA33E

Chapter 33. The End of Wiseman?

After the hard blow that they suffered with the loss of Roy the discouragement and the sadness invaded the whole group. Once again Rei, Petz, Mamoru, and Usagi herself, pulled the rest with the force of their character and their determination. The ones that were more sunk were Cooan, Tom and, above all, Beruche. And if that were not enough they had terrible days ahead because the tragic outcome had taken place on Friday. At least during the weekend they could try to calm down a little and also coincided with a small break in classes in order to prepare the exams. Cooan and Tom leaning on each other began to overcome it but Bertie locked herself in and did not talk to anyone. She seemed insensitive to the world. Despite Ami's efforts to lift her spirits and those of the rest of the group. Karaberasu did not show any notable improvement either, although she knew how to be beside her sister and comfort her in silence. For many hours the two of them sat together sharing the solitude of a closed room without a word. This made Petz and Cooan very sad, but none could do anything but be patient and trust their sisters to come out of that depressed state. But although Karaberasu was well enough to continue working, Beruche no longer felt the slightest desire to return to routine life. Without Roy that would simply be unbearable. Every time now and then she would look at his bench and remember that he was not there and that, this time, he would never return. Anyway, she made a last ditch of courage and agreed to accompany her sister and Tom. All three appeared in class without speaking. Bertie did not say a word and took her place. At that moment the subconscious betrayed her and if someone opened the door of the classroom and entered with delay she believed to see him always. She could not help thinking that this was not true. It was not possible! She even hoped that, at any moment, Roy would run into the race apologizing for being late, laughing at everyone. But then, after those brief instants of reverie, the stark reality prevailed and realized that it would never happen again. She did not dare to look at that empty spot to her left. Her mate's last words echoed in her head and she did not even listen to the teacher's explanations. So finally came the rest of the class and went out into the hall. Sitting on a bench outside, she did not say a word and just looked at the floor. Waiting for Cooan and Tom to leave.

- Bertie! – she heard then the familiar voice of Melanie approaching. -

The girl looked friendly and carelessly interested in her, still oblivious to the drama of her companion. After all for the cheerleader it was not new for Roy to skip a class any morning.

- How's the mini vacation?

She did not answer. Melanie was convinced that she had listened to her and came up to her and insisted.

-What about Roy? Have you studied much? - She smiled wickedly. -

At that moment Roberts had seen Cooan next to Tom. He went to greet them happy to see them again but the scene he saw could not be more pathetic. They both felt the same feeling as Beruche. They went back to the classroom and thought that their friend would never be with them again and could not help crying. They took refuge in a corner of the classroom until it passed, but Malcolm approached visibly surprised.

-Is something wrong, guys? - He asked them worriedly, realizing that this was far from normal. –

The girl could not look at him and only Tom was able to give him the tragic news. Malcolm was paralyzed by horror and watched them, unable to believe it. He even tried to cheer Cooan but she overcame pain, sobbing.

 - I am better now. But my sister has not been the same since it happened.

-How ...come, how? - Roberts stuttered uneasily -Wait a minute, Melanie has gone to chat with Bertie! God! I hope she does not tell her anything ...

Without finishing the sentence ran out of class followed by Cooan and Tom and came to hear that last sentence of the chief cheerleader.

-Where is that boy? - She smiled, not realizing yet that her companion was not even watching her. -

Malcolm ran to his girlfriend and at that same moment the girl noticed that something was happening to Bertie and she asked her more seriously.

-Are you okay?

-No, Melanie, leave it! - He asked almost desperately running to her and away from Beruche. -

-But what's up Malcolm, why are you taking me apart? - Inquired her astonished girlfriend. - I was just asking…

Roberts ignored her and addressed Bertie very gently. Feeling affectionately his hands on the shoulders of the girl, who now trembled, trying to contain her impending weeping.

-Are you alright? We can do something? Whatever...

Melanie looked at both of them in amazement, and the face of her boyfriend, with watery eyes, frightened her. There was something serious. Beruche still had her head buried between her shoulders and without answering, now she was trembling visibly, and her companions heard only muffled sobs.

-What's happening to you? - Melanie asked, making her jovial gesture for another worried. -

Tom and Cooan arrived at that moment. The girl's eyes were red with tears, and Melanie noticed it.

-Come on Bertie, - her sister asked, trying to control her own sobs. - Let's go back to the room ...

-What's going on here? - Melanie asked, now with real impatience and anguish when seeing the faces of all. - You know Malcolm, tell me!

But the boy lowered his head without looking at her. He did not dare to tell her. Melanie started to look around and then asked.

-Where is Roy, has he not come? I guess he is training.

-He will not return. He will never return ... - muttered Beruche surprising the girl. -

-What? - Melanie asked, unable to understand what her companion intended to say, and so she wanted to know. - Has he got any problems with the teachers?

No one replied. If only had been that maybe it could be solved by talking to Miss Parker. But when she looked at the rest of the boys ... those faces and that pain in their eyes, that could not be a mere problem of discipline or expulsion ...

-Has something happened to him? - The girl asked, her voice in anguish. -

- You'll see Melanie. - Could stammer Tom.-

That made the girl look at him astonished although this one could not finish because it was Beruche who then interrupted him by muttering.

- He's dead, he's dead. They've killed him ...

Melanie's heart flipped and her eyes widened, she could not assimilate that. What did Bertie say? Had she gone mad?

-What do you say? You cannot be serious. Right not Malcolm? - The girl asked shyly, to whom Roberts had already put an arm around her shoulders. -

And then his companion looked at her and his eyes filled with sadness and pain left Melanie paralyzed. For a moment no one said anything until Bertie burst out in hysterical shrieks, attracting the attention of everyone passing by.

-They killed him! Those damn monsters have killed him! And we could not do anything, I could not save him!

Cooan hugged her sister trying to calm her down. The cheerleader shook her head and two lines of tears crossed her cheeks. But she refused to accept that.

-What are you saying? What…? - She sobbed really shocked without adding anything else. - No, that cannot be…

Roberts had to hold her when she burst into tears, and Tom came over to help. Melanie was pale, now she could not open her mouth. She directed her attention to the boy in his wheelchair who confirmed it to her with a sorry look fighting not to cry as well. The same as Cooan, who now only took care of sitting her sister and rocking her in her arms to calm her, before the astonished glances of the rest of their companions who had formed a circle around them. Then Tom added, corroborating Beruche's cries.

- It was them. The same ones that did this to me. - Sentenced dryly, while the chief of  cheer leaders began to cry in an uncontrollable way being held by Malcolm. -

Calmer Bertie pulled away from her sister and rose to the girl, both looked at each other and Melanie asked between sobs.

- It is a clear joke .- She smiled forcibly while moving her head to one side and another. - This time Roy has crossed the line. Surely he will show up at any moment to laugh at me. -She stammered, this last one but she knew inside that the boys would not be able to do something like this. - No, it cannot be.- She muttered, surrendering to despair and crying again. So that she had to sit with her boyfriend. –

-We can only be united, - Tom whispered to her, also in desolation. - Together we must try to bear it.

Although then, from the circle of the other students came the voice of the head of studies. All the boys turned away, eager to get out of the way. They had hardly heard Beruche stiffen. They did not believe that at first, but they soon knew it was not a joke. Now Miss Parker made her way among them and came to the desolate quintet inquiring with her accustomed severity, this time tinged with strangeness.

-What's going on here?

But no one said anything for a moment, only Malcolm could begin to whisper.

- You see, miss. This is our partner Roy ...

-What's wrong with Malden, has he made another of typical jokes again? - She said with an accusing tone and added in reprobation. - I see, that boy has missed class again, and God knows what a damn thing he's done.  I'll have to talk to him for clarification.

-Roy's dead, miss! - Tom could have replied, choking on his sobbing, anticipating Beruche who seemed to be under tremendous tension. -

Parker went pale. And she had barely digested the news when she asked.

-How was it?

-A car accident, - Tom said simply, that despite the pain he knew it was useless to try to explain otherwise. -

-Good God! - Exclaimed the head of studies, shaking her head and adding as her usual admonition, now full of regret. - I already told him! That guy was always irresponsible. Surely he ran too. What...

And she could not continue to add any other words. Beruche had risen to her feet like a weary spring. She could not stand it any longer and faced Miss Parker gnashing her teeth and shooting fire from her eyes. Even the stern teacher backed up in terror at the sight of her, and the angry girl had not yet begun to scream.

-Shut up, you damn stupid old witch! What will you know of how he died? You have always been making his life impossible and he sacrificed himself for all of us, even for you. Damn! I do not want to hear you talking Roy down again!

The aforementioned was speechless and certainly that girl was not joking. The teacher even feared that Beruche would attack her because she was out of her mind. Only Melanie, closest to Bertie, held her trying to calm her as she watched Miss Parker imploring her with her eyes and begging her with running words.

- Please, do not take it into account, she does not know what she is saying! She is very affected. -The she looked at her companion and held her in her arms affectionately to add in a conciliatory and soft voice. - Calm down. Bertie please, this will not get him back to us.

The head of studies sighed grateful for that time out and regained the composure to retort again with little success, addressing to Beruche with lowered voice.

- Given the circumstances I will ignore this terrible disrespect, it is a serious violation of the rules. But I know that you are a model student and that if not ...

But the aforementioned cut it once more, replicating now with a tone of cold and controlled anger.

- I do not give a shit about your standards and rules. Do you hear me? Now nothing matters to me anymore. I just know that we loved each other and he died at my side. But, what do you know about that?. You only care about your damn statutory stupidities. Do whatever you want with me, punish me or expel me, I don´t care, but leave me alone!

- Bertie is enough. - Cooan told her gently with a desolate gaze, also embracing her broken sister. - Please ...

Melanie left her companion the relief of appeasing Beruche and stood between the agitated girl and the teacher. She pleaded once again, her eyes filled  with regret and tears, and very downcast but conciliatory she begged.

-Leave her to us. I make myself responsible for her. But understand that she is shattered. She does not think what she says. Please, miss. I beg you! Forget it this time.

Parker nodded in sympathy with that girl. Besides, those words had reached her deep. She was always bitter about the circumstances of her life. And She suffered in her youth for a love that also ended up broken. Her fiancé, who was also a college friend, died in Vietnam shortly after leaving for the war. The wedding was set for a week later, when he was supposed to returned from a license. She never  overcame that and now that poor girl was going through something similar. She could only understand her pain and leave her alone. She nodded again and turned away from there. The other classmates entered the classroom and the next teacher was informed of what happened to Malcolm. He kindly allowed the boys to stay outside and closed the door behind him, starting his class. Tom and the others sat on benches near the corridor and tried to speak with the most serene mood. Melanie turned to her companion and whispered.

-How did it happen? How is it possible?

-He died to save us all. - Bertie answered this time too whole. -

-I know, - Melanie mused. - He was a wonderful boy. And I'm sorry. - She bit her lip, trying to control herself and continued between babbling. - I know you and I have not gotten along very well until recently, but ... I want to make up for the bad times I've put you through ... So if you need ... - She could not take it anymore and she cried hugging Beruche.- They will not win, they cannot win, do not let them do it! - Sobbed the cheerleader in the ear of her companion who responded with determination even between sobs -

-They will not, I promise!  We will never allow it!

So they decided not to go to the rest of the classes at least on that day, the next they had to go to the place where Roy won the Karaoke contest. No one felt up to it but it was Tom who insisted. He wanted to keep the promise he made to his friend. And almost all his companions were there. They held their breath and the boy sang in Roy's place, choosing a song from his favorite group "Too Much Love Will Kill You" ...

I'm just the pieces of the man I used to be,

To many better tears are raining down on me

I'm far away from home

And I've been facing this alone

For much too long.

Oh, I feel like no one has ever told the truth to me

About growing up and what an struggle it would be

In my tangled state of mind,

I've been looking back to find

Where I went wrong.

Toi much love will kill you

If you can´t  make up your mind

Torn between the lover

And the love you leave behind,

You're headed for disaster,

Cause you never  read the signs.

Too much love will kill you.

Every time

I'm just the shadow of the man I used to be

And it seems like there's no way out of this for me

I used to brighten you sunshine,

And now all I've do is bring you down

As it would be if you were standing in my shoes ...

Can´t you see  it is impossible to choose

No there is not making sense of it

Every way I go I´m bound to lose.

Oh yes

So much love will kill you.

Just as sure as none at all

It´ll drain the power that´s in you

Make you plead, scream and crawl

And the pain will drive you crazy

You are the victim of your crime

Too much love will kill you every time

Yes, too much love will kill you

It´ll  make your life a lie

Yes, too much love will kill you

And you won´t understand why

You´d give your life, you´d  sell your soul

But here it comes again

Too much love will kill you

In the end….

In the end…

(Too much love will kill you, QUEEN, credit to author)

Tom sang until he could not anymore. He collapsed crying and had to be helped to get down by the two girls who were also very affected.

-I cannot, I cannot forgive me, my friend!  - He groaned, unable to finish the contest. -

There was a moment of silence and then a great ovation, no one was able to utter a word. Roberts and Melanie, visible moved, helped them down and merged with them in a hug full of affection and sadness, as did Roy's friends and companions. Tom was even given a red ribbon. It was Jack, who, full of sadness, who whispered yet kindly as he tied on his right arm.

-It's the same thing he was wearing at our meetings. He would have wanted you to have Tommy.

And the rest of the red ribbons nodded visibly excited. This was at least a nice tribute to Roy's memory. Tom allowed himself to be done although in his expressionless face only tears could be seen. The girls were at least next to him.

-Surely, wherever he may be, he will have loved your version of that song. - Cooan sobbed and embraced him with great tenderness.- It was so beautiful.

Bertie could only nod. Although she was not even able to say a word. Melanie watched them now from a distance. She asked Malcolm to take her to college. Her boyfriend nodded. However, he said.

-Roy's tribute has not yet ended.

-I know. But I have something important to do.

And after arriving at the faculty she asked the boy to wait for her. It was late, but she still had to be on time. She walked resolutely toward the head of the study´s office. She knocked on the door and heard the front door. As she passed, Miss Parker looked at her strangely and asked.

-Do you want anything from me, Miss Sanders?

-Yes, Miss Parker. I do. But not for me, - she retorted. -

Melanie had learned that, despite everything, The faculty had opened a disciplinary file to her companion Bertie. Perhaps she was carried away by pain and sadness, but she had gravely insulted the Head of Studies in the presence of pupils and some other professor who approached when he heard that scuffle. So the girl went directly to the matter and declared.

-Please, I beg you. Let it pass. You saw how devastated she was.

And this time, Parker only sighed, and in a much more considerate tone of her usual habit she replied.

-It was not me who set that in motion. But some teachers of the cloister. They consider it a very serious fault ...

-But they have to understand the circumstances. Please! - The girl asked. - You cannot get an idea of ​​what the poor girl is suffering. What we all feel! - She sobbed and could not help it. - It's not fair!

-No, it is not. Life is not fair, Miss Sanders. -Her listener agreed, looking down to address her again and sentencing.- Miss Malinde has already been able to find out. I did also at the same age. When I was a happy girl and full of illusions ... that were shattered ...

Melanie listened in astonishment. She had never thought about it but the truth is that the head of studies was always very aloof  and not friendly. Severe, strict. Good teacher, yes, in terms of imparting her subjects, but very detached from human contact. Even so, she could make up a faint smile and plead.

-That's why I'm asking you if there's anything left of that girl in you. I think that girl would surely understand how Bertie is feeling.

-It's curious. - Now her interlocutor could say, almost with dyes of reflection .- You two did not get on well at all as I understand. And now you seem like sisters.

- You are absolutely right, - the young woman admitted, to confess. - But the same thing that confronted us has ended up uniting us. I can understand her too well. And considering that I was not fair with her, I would now, at least, to be able to help her as much I can...

Parker listened intently and nodded. She looked more excited than usual when she finally replied.

-I know you like teaching and that you would even like to be a teacher here. If you do it one day and sit in this office, in the position that I occupy today, you will realize that things are complicated. Much more than they seem. You will have to be inflexible almost always, strict and hard on many occasions. But also up to certain limits. And above all, do not get too attached to your students. Do you think I do not suffer from seeing your companions like that? The death of Mr. Malden's parents was also very sad to me. They were very good people. I appreciated them greatly.

Parker kept to herself that she had promised that wonderful couple to take care of and help as much as possible to their son. Now she was dismayed. It was as if she had failed them. But there was no remedy ... this way, she added quietly.

-You'll remember how that poor boy was. He lost his way. At the beginning of entering the University he was a good student. Then that terrible accident of his parents changed him. And I'm not surprised. I had a terrible time with him. But I had to be strict so that he did not deviate in an irreparable way.

-Yes, I remember. And I understand you too, miss.

- So I advise you that if one day you were in my place, you shouldn´t involve too much or you would suffer a lot. - Parker advised her with a shadow of bitterness .-

Her interlocutor listened with sadness. In fact she tried to encourage her friend, who was destroyed by the loss of his parents. And now, ironies of fate, after he chose Bertie, it was Melanie herself who tried to help her former rival to overcome the tragedy of Roy's own disappearance. Thinking about that she answered resolutely and at the same time with many doses of sincerity.

-If I were to be the head of studies one day, I would not want to get to that. I wish I could be more open ... and afford myself the luxury of appreciating all the students. I would not want to have to isolate myself after a breastplate ... for fear of being injured.

But now she was surprised to see a slight smile on her interlocutor.

-I wish I never had to! Do not become someone whose life is caught in bitterness. - Then she took a long breath and then let the air out, trying not to be affected by the tears. Once she recovered, the head of studies said .- Don´t worry. That meeting to open the file will be held. It is on the agenda of tomorrow and that cannot be changed. However, I will plead because it closes without cause. I will do my best to ensure that this does not affect your partner's curriculum.

-Thank you, thank you very much, miss. - Melanie could smile now. You do not know how much I appreciate it. In my name and in Bertie´s ...

Parker smiled once more, commenting sharply.

-Miss Malinde does not know you're here ... is she?

Melanie was surprised by those words, as sure as they were unexpected. At last she admitted it in a low voice.

-No ... she does not even know about that file. Right now the poor girl is not aware of anything but her grief.

- I see. You are a good companion to her. And you will also have a good future in teaching if you want. Do not forget - said Miss Parker. -

The girl, after giving thanks again, left. Roberts was waiting for her and she told him what had happened.

-We have to tell her right away, - said the young man.

- No, leave it. She has a lot to suffer now. When I can, I'll tell Connie what's happened, so she can tell her sister.

Her boyfriend agreed to that. It would be the best. Melanie was right. Tom, Connie and Bertie were really shattered by the loss of their partner. But what the couple did not know was that their friends had a vital mission to fulfill. Locate, destroy and end with the terror of the Sect, to avoid that no more demons could be invoked. So they could not keep crying forever for their friend. So, the next day they met with their sailor friends and debated the issue. The whole group of girls with the warriors, Mamoru, Luna and Artemis, decided not to postpone the attack any longer, the time was precious. Petz was the one who took the floor first.

- We know where they are, we'll follow the plan.  Sailor Moon and the other Sailors will entertain the sectarians and other guards who come to us. We will enter. Tom will conjure up some protective aura to help us.

- We have to be very careful. If we do it wrong, we will ruin everything. - Karaberasu warned them that she seemed to get back in with the others. -

- Make sure to destroy the Great Sage completely, do not leave anything of him. - Usagi warned them. -

- Do not worry, we will not leave a single piece of that bastard. - Cooan said. -

- All right. Artemis, Luna and I will take care of covering your rear, - Mamoru said - in case any sectarian wants to surprise us at your back.

-Go ahead!  We do not have a second to lose.- Artemis harangued. -

They continued to discuss the details and at one point they were divided into two groups. Tom and the sisters planned their part and Usagi and the other warriors along with Tuxedo and the cats celebrated a quick exchange of accomplices glances. After that bitter discussion at the Hikawa Shrine,  Sailor Moon agreed to tell them something else. Then Minako commented in a low voice and with marked regret to the rest of her companions.

- This is really terrible. Are you sure that everything should go this way?

- There is no other way. - Mamoru replied with a firm but distressed tone. -

- They must do it and we can only help them in a few occasions, this is one of them. - Usagi said too serious for what she used to be - True Rei? - She added asking for confirmation from her mate.

The respondent nodded slowly to sentence her with consternation.

- You know it as well or better than I do. You told us yourself. It's their own story. They must take responsibility. As much as it hurts us don´t be able to do more for them. But sometimes it's unbearable.

-They're  suffering a lot, - Makoto objected, visibly moved,  watching the other group with regret. - It breaks my heart.

-I cannot bear to look at their faces and see the look in their eyes. -Minako agreed with tears in her own.

- The same thing happens to me. I already told you. But believe me, this is due to a greater cause. - Usagi sighed with resigned pity, coinciding with Sailor Mars. - They must carve out their own destiny and discover very important things about it.

-Yes. I know you're right. But if it were possible to alleviate them at least. As Mako-chan says. It breaks my heart to see them like this, especially Bertie. - Ami agreed that she could not stop watching her poor friend with a great sadness as she sobbed at the sentencing. - She's broken-hearted. She is my friend and I see her suffer so much that I cannot bear it ...

-That's why we came. - Usagi smiled shyly this time, to assert. -It's not much, but there's something we can do. We will help them to win. But for now we have no choice but to continue representing our role.

-So you trust those friends of yours? - Makoto asked. -

-Yes, we really trust them. - Mamoru said firmly. - We must be patient and wait.

-Now, let's go with our friends. - Usagi rifled in the same way, albeit with more courageous tones. -We cannot collapse, we must give them strength.

Her companions and Tuxedo Kamen were in agreement and returned to meet with their comrades in arms who had already finished plotting their plans. This time it was Beruche who, gathering the courage she needed, harangued them.

-Let's go there! Let's do it for all the innocent people in this world and for Roy! Wherever he watches us he can be proud of us!

Everyone nodded at the same time, wanting to pay that last tribute to their friend. The girls invoked their powers giving rise to an incredibly beautiful show of colors as their respective energies appeared. It seemed like an endless choreography of light and dance as they all shifted in an interminable show of transformations. At last, after a few seconds, both the warriors and the Justicieras were ready. Together with Mamoru and the cats they ran resolutely toward their goal. Tom, begging for the success of his friends and companions, returned to his university room ready to conjure as many mantras as he could in order to protect them.

-This is for you, my friend.- He said , deeply affected by the emotion as he prepared them.-

Apart from this, in the seat of the sect, the Great Sage called Nagashel, he was eager to celebrate his triumph. But after a while of unsuccessful waiting, a demon named Oleads, reddish, black armor, and long, ungainly arms, appeared in his place and bowed. His summoner asked between annoyed and surprised.

- You're just a demon from the fourth circle. Where is Nagashel? Speak! Why did not he come? I specially conjured him.

-My Lord Nagashel made a pact with a human whom he then annihilated. But he knew the laws of Avernus, and neither my lord nor others, of circles equal or superior to him, will be able to return to Earth within six months of the Earth. -He replied laconically. -

-What? - Yelled the enraged sage - damn it! I knew he killed that lot, but I did not know that.

- Because of that same covenant I can only be in this enclosure and to protect you, nothing more. The rest is up to you. - The demon added with an indifferent expression on his red face. -

By then the warriors had reached the outside of the sect and caught the attention of the guards deliberately. These came out in large numbers but were only human. They let them out easily. Meanwhile, the Justicieras acceded to the interior by another place that had been unprotected. They used the stones as a compass, and these blinked more and more intensely and continuously as they advanced.

-There are demons here, girls, - Cooan announced in a whisper. -

- Yes and of an important rank - said Karaberasu urging the others. Get ready to fight!

-I'm ready, - replied Beruche very closely. -

- And I am ready too. - Cooan agreed with the same gesture of firmness. -

-Come on then, - Petz said with a forward gesture made with her left arm. - Let's get this over with.

They crossed a narrow, dimly lit corridor, a solid door appeared in the background, but that did not stop them. Concentrating their energy rays, they knocked her down, gaining access to a room in which the Great Sage was surprised with the demon.

-We already wanted to see you! - Petz sneered, wielding her javelin. -

-Prepare to lose your life! - Shouted Cooan. -

The Sage gave them a careless look with those two carbuncles that he had for eyes, and it was the demon that replied them in the same menacing way.

-You are the ones who will perish, human!

Oleads began an energy-based attack that the girls dodged or repelled by virtue of an energy shield that Tom had magically attached to their stones. The counterattack was fast and lethal, using all their forces and the weapons at their disposal, combined. Karaberasu with her whip, curling it to the demon in the neck. Cooan, pierced him with an arrow of fire. Petz pierced his belly with her javelin, and at last, Beruche, cut his neck with her sword without showing the slightest hint of hesitation or pity. She wish she could have done the same thing to Roy's killer! But there was no time to mourn. Not now, for Oleads burst out, barely able to defend himself, though the Ice Lady spat in her cold fury, pointing her other enemy with the edge of her bloody sword with a brownish hue.

-This is for Roy! And now we're going to get you! She threatened the Great Sage who even seemed to be frightened.- Damn scum!

            The others nodded purposefully, ready with a mixture of rage and prevention, they wanted to settle their accounts with their enemy, but deep down they feared falling back into the chains of hatred. They should not change for evil again. Cooan remembered her own anger when Tom was paralyzed. Now she just wished her sister's heart would not freeze. She was about to do it once, but she saved it herself. However, perhaps on this occasion it was different. What if her heart, her love and her best feelings had died with Roy? What if they had followed him in his disappearance? No, that was not the way and she was not willing to let it. She would talk to Bertie and support her to continue, but now they had another mission to fulfill.

Meanwhile Karaberasu, joined Bertie facing their enemy and adding with the same anger.

-Now you do not have any more devils to protect you!  You cursed freak, you will pay dearly for all the evil you have done!

But the dark necromancer recoiled from his initial surprise and confronted them by replying with amused sarcasm as he laughed with mockery.

- Ha, ha, ha! - Do you really think you're going to be able to punish me, you little traitors? I will be the one who have your lives! - he added with a howl as he attacked with a beam of rays that scattered them. - You will die!

The Justicieras were covered invoking the magical protection and they responded to the attack. Cooan launched a barrage of arrows that the Wise Man canceled with a protective shield, these smashed against his screen exploding innocuously.

-Who you really are? - Petz asked as they fought. - How do you know us?

-I serve the supreme Lord of Darkness, the Phantom of Death. Master  and commander of the beings of Forgetfulness and Nothingness. - That enigmatic being replied. -

Now the contestants seemed to be studying in a minimal truce. Although both sides maintained their defenses in the hope of the smaller the footstep of the enemy as they continued that conversation.

-We've seen one like you before. - Cooan panted at the effort. - Are you the same?

-The one you met in the future was one of my brothers, an acolyte of the Grand Master. Through him we received reports about you and your family.

- But why do you do this? - Karaberasu asked him without lowering her guard. - So much hate and so much destruction. For what? It's stupid! What do you think to conquer if you destroy everything?

-We come from beyond the depths of Hell, we are creatures of darkness and oblivion. We hate all disgusting life forms like yours that pollute peace and the stillness of eternal silence. You only serve to moan in agony under our torment! - He spat at them with contempt. -

Her enemies froze at those terrible words. It was Bertie, however, who had retreated before, exclaiming with rage and determination.

-You're not going to get it, you bastards! Even if we have to lose our lives for it, we will destroy you forever!

-That we shall see! - Snapped the Sage, throwing a series of beams which reached Beruche and Petz in an oversight of both, wounding each one on one shoulder. -

- Girls, are you okay? - Cooan became interested. -

-Calm down. - Bertie replied while she rose again after accusing the pain and ordered them. - Take care of yourselves! - Both she and Petz protected themselves, fortunately, their defenses reduced the impact. –

-I'll cover you! - Karaberasu offered, cracking her whip with energy that drove back the Great Sage. -

-The only way to defeat him is to attack him all together. - Petz interjected, throwing in turn a bolt of energy that the shield of the Sage stopped again.

-Foolish scum! -The sage laughed raising his ball to accumulate power and repel them with an energetic wave that demolished them. - You're lost! You will end up even worse than your mother that madwoman!

That left the girls petrified. Petz was hardly able to say.

-What do you know about her? Damn you!

-I know she found out things she was not supposed to, like all humans she was prone to stick her nose where she shouldn´t have done it. One of my brothers made sure no one believed her, not even you, ha, ha! ... But your end will still be worse than hers. Victim of her dementia!

-Damn bastard! We'll see that! – Beruche replied enraged, barely rising from the ground, as did her sisters. - This is for Roy! - She shouted with a bolt of energy. -

- And this for Sapphire! - Petz joined her with another of similar intensity. -

- By Tom! - Exclaimed Cooan in turn. -

- And for our mother and the other innocents who have suffered because of you! - Karaberasu  added doing the same. -

And the rays of the four converged against the Great Sage. Among them they concentrated mentally joining with Tom, who, from his room, sent them how much energy he could leverage with his forces to the limit and  the help of his mantras. In spite of the resistance of his enemy they managed to cross his barrier and reach him. The necromancer endured it at first, but after a few moments of receiving the overwhelming intensity of the combined rays, he burst into pieces with one last terrible scream. Only his ball was parted, falling into a corner. The girls did not realize that and celebrated their victory with joy. Even his partner, from a distance, smiled exhausted but happy.

- It was over! - Cooan said while she struggled to catch her breath. -

-What did he mean, our mother found things out? What kind of things?- A disconcerted Cooan wondered. -

-That does not matter anymore,- her exhausted sister Petz sighed, placing a hand on the shoulder of her interlocutor. - She does not suffer anymore. Or rather, she is not yet born to be able to suffer ...

-You're right, what it counts is that we've finally got it. - Beruche gasped, looking up. The girl smiled shakily at Roy from the bottom of her heart. - For you and the others!

- Let's finish the job, girls. - Karaberasu reminded them of Usagi's words. - That guy is very dangerous, so let's bury this place to avoid any risk.

There was unanimity and they left the chamber after bombarding it with the rest of its scarce energies. Finally they managed to collapse the building that was reduced to a great mass of rubbish and dust. Exhausted but satisfied, they leaned on nearby trees to regain their strength. Mamoru and the girls alongside the cats soon joined them. Cooan and Karaberasu helped their sisters to heal their wounds when Usagi got to her side.

-How are you? -She asked them with hopeful caution. - You have succeeded in destroying him, have not you?

- Yes, we have destroyed the Great Sage, completely. It's over, - Cooan sighed, still exhausted by the effort. -

-But surely did you totally destroy him? - Makoto insisted hesitantly. -

- We have left nothing of him, - Bertie assured. - Then, for safety, we've torn the place apart.

-That bastard is dead and buried!  Petz assert (and never was better said)

-That is great girls! - Ami said cordially, visibly relieved. -

-Are you all right? - Karaberasu asked them. -

- Yes, don’t worry - answered Rei with a smile. - Our part was easy. We have not had any problems.

And Sailor Mars thought of throwing a blow at her friend Sailor Moon, something like, even though Usagi was here. But she reconsidered. This was not the time to be joking. The girls' expressions were exhausted, and although they were satisfied by that victory, Rei knew that, in the end, it was a very bitter victory. On the contrary, she went to give her friend Cooan a hug. Ami did the same with Bertie and the rest of the sailors with their old and former enemies, now friends. Usagi watched them nodding with approval and some sadness. She knew perfectly well how hard it was for all her companions to be unable to do more.

-Let's go. - Luna told them, wanting to leave. - I get chills just being near this place.

Everyone agreed on that and they left, returning to their respective houses. The warriors  said farewell with the promise of returning if their presence was necessary. But their friends believed they had accomplished their mission. Nevertheless, among the remnants of the Sect's headquarters, inside the dilapidated room and beneath badly fallen planks that supported the rubble, appeared a gleam of light between reddish and scarlet, accompanied by a sinister laugh ...

In the following days the girls recovered from their physical wounds, but in her room Beruche was unable to recover from the morals. She was not capable of sleep much, she was only thinking about Roy and she was not out of her depression. After the fury of revenge and the mood that impelled her to fight she felt empty. Although Miss Parker kept her word and that file did not materialize. However, that didn’t matter to her. Now she just stared out the window on a rainy afternoon without saying anything, until her sister Cooan reached her and tried to comfort her.

-I know how you feel, One-chan, - she whispered sweetly, but you cannot go on like this for a lifetime. Do you remember Bertie? You told me once. You do not eat or almost sleep, you end up falling ill. - She added visibly worried. -

Beruche rested her head on her sister's shoulder crying in silence until she could articulate and gave in to relief, since it was what she needed most.

-I'm shattered Cooan! None of that matters to me anymore. The man I loved was dead and suffered a lot, what hurt him the most was that I was there to see him die. He died impotent, humiliated and very sad. With terrible despair.

-No, that's not true,- said her interlocutor softly. - Roy gave his life for you, for all of us. He had you by his side until the end, at his last moment you comforted him. He died seeing your smile and hoping that we would destroy those wicked of the Sect and we have succeeded. Surely, wherever he is, he will feel very proud and happy.

-But what's left for me now? - Beruche sobbed. - What do I have now so I can move on? I've lost everything Cooan!

-To live! - She said emphatically, repeating to her sister the words Rei had once said to her. - You have not lost everything yet! You have yourself! Your life is what you have left, do not waste it suffering, live it! You have to graduate with me and Tom !, to become a teacher! Do you remember our dream? That's what we wanted. That's why we came here. We cannot disappoint our sisters, our friends, and even less ourselves. Further. I heard that Parker did not blame you for anything. And I know that Melanie had a lot to do. In the end she has become a good friend.

-Yes, I suppose you're right. - Bertie admitted in a choked voice, - but it's very hard. I do not feel like doing anything. There are nights when I cannot sleep just remembering ...

-It's also very difficult for me,- her sister agreed, who nevertheless, hastened to add with a more hopeful tone. - But together we will do it, do it for him, too, especially for him. Roy always said you'd be a great teacher, and I'm sure he was right. You have to fulfil the dream that he could not. Be a teacher be it also for him!

There was a brief silence in which Beruche tried to meditate. It was true that she liked that life. Maybe teaching children somewhat older than her sister´s preferences, but above all, having the opportunity to help others, to learn and to be good people. Paying that moral debt that they incurred when they arrived from the future after that crazy mission. She thought of her poor sisters. They had all suffered and sacrificed themselves. She could not let any of that be in vain. And less of all the sacrifice of who had been her first and perhaps only true love.

- Yeah, Roy would like that. I will,- the girl agreed, regaining her determination, - for him, and for everyone, and for me as well. Thanks Cooan-chan. - She stated hugging her sister and both were touched. -

But that was not all. Someone knocked at their door and though no one had in her mind to receive visitors they changed their minds when outside they heard Tom's voice.

-Can I enter girls? - He asked cautiously, adding with a tint of mystery. - There's something Bertie and you Connie must see.

Cooan opened the door and Tom moved his hands on the wheels of his chair. He had a big cardboard box on his knees and the two girls looked at him curiously. He smiled slightly and invited Beruche to take it, she did so by placing it on the bed and peering at the contents. She could not help but get excited, there were many of the things that had belonged to Roy. Above all, a picture of him. At least she thought so, for it was a funny boy of about eight years that posed with two people, a man and a woman of mature and jovial appearance, who seemed to be in an amusement park. Tom then unveiled them with a whisper to both.

- His parents and him at Disneyland. - And he added explaining that. - I got this package from the post office. Malcolm was very kind to bring it to me. It was dated the day before Roy died. He must have sent it with an order that it arrived a few days ago, but he mistranslated the address. - He allowed himself a fleeting smile to sigh. - This guy was always just as clueless! - And he went on again seriously. - There was a note for each of us three. Well, he told me to get you to Bertie, apart from us, he did not have anyone else in this world.

In their companions they saw new tears as they listened, but now they forced themselves not to cry anymore. Tom continued to offer them each a piece of paper. Both girls unfolded them and, trembling with emotion, read two messages on a sheet of folio. The one from Cooan said the following.

"Connie, thank you very much for everything. You are a wonderful girl, happy, charming and full of beautiful dreams. Do not ever lose that. You've also been a great friend to me. I leave you my equipment stuff. My favorite ball and part of what my parents left me. It's not much capital but I hope it helps you and Tom. I only ask you for two last favors. Make Tommy very happy. You both deserve it, and take good care of your sister. And please, forgive me and also Forgive Tommy. Neither of us had a choice. If you find out now, know that I fought the best I could. I only wish it is worth it and that you and the warriors complete the task that I cannot finish. I am convinced that you will not disappoint me. A hug from your friend "...

And signed with his full name. Robert Malden (Roy).

Cooan shuddered excitedly folding the paper carefully and looked at her sister. She also read the message and the note from Beruche said.

- I know what you're going to say little cube. You'll call me stupid or crazy, thoughtless or silly, maybe worse, and in your language, you know I do not understand, but you're right. I am all that and more. But I do not do this for mere recklessness. It is not a desire for adventure or a hoax of mine. Not even for stubbornness. You know it well, this time, it's what I should do. For all of us, the whole Earth depends on this fight and I am not the one who  puts his life before the rest of the world. Especially when you and my friends are on that side of the scale. Because since I met you I knew that my life had a meaning. I came to this world to serve the interests of evil, but thanks to your help and to all others I was able to free myself from these bonds and fight for justice and goodness against that legion of monsters who want to dominate us. Do not let them do it! Your sisters and You have the courage enough to face them and win. Take advantage of the opportunity! The warriors and Tom will not fail you and you will win. You are a magnificent team!

And as for you and me. I feel it in my soul, more than any of the wounds I may receive. No one but me would have wanted our lives to go together as it should have always happened, for that is the feeling I have since I met you. Here, in this little box, are the things I love the most. My cross, the photos I keep from my parents and all this I give it to you. Included my apartment and the goods in my name, except some things that will be for Tom and Connie. Keep it as a souvenir, I know that you are very tidy so forgive the mess in which everything is, but it is hard to separate from something so dear and I have not been able to avoid the temptation to see it carefully for the last time. Although much harder is saying goodbye to you. That is why the night we spent together has meant something wonderful and I will have it in my heart until we meet again, perhaps in Heaven, perhaps in another life. Only God knows. But I trust Him, as my parents taught me to do, and I know that we will meet again. I only ask one more thing. Keep going and never give up. Be happy and do not give in to pain or hate. That is what they would want and that is precisely what they will not achieve. "Now I must leave you, my classmate, my friend, my love. Pray for me and put some flowers where you know. For my memory will always be with you, wherever I find myself and smile with the perfume of flowers.

With Love (signed) Roy.

The girl closed her eyes trying to contain her tears but failed and some of them wet the blade. She smoothed it down carefully with the sleeve of her shirt and folded the paper. The others looked at her visibly moved. Bertie took the pendant with the cross that Roy always carried with him, except on that terrible day and put it around her neck with devotion. She would never take it off. That would only have been possible to return it to his sole owner.

For his part Tom took out the note that his friend had left him and read with his sobs.

- Tommy my friend and comrade. Thank you for everything, to bear my jokes, to cover me with the pranks and to teach me how to help others. All mine is yours, you know. I leave you part of the money that I have left and my guitar, surely you will play better than I. But do me a favor, partner. Take care of the girls and fight on their side. And above all my friend, never sink, do not give up hope! I also answer a sharp question of those that only you made when arriving. Why do they call me Roy if my name is Robert? Only you could think of such a question! "Kansas Peasant!" And I did not tell you then, but now I will. You see, when I was small, very small, my parents called me Rob, but I was unable to pronounce it and only said Roiii. Well, at least that's what they told me. It amused them and with that nickname I stayed. It may be silly to remember such a thing at this moment, but for me, any memory of my childhood is precious. Much more since I learned how my parents sacrificed for me, just as you have helped me all to overcome destiny. And I do not think he has defeated me if I die fighting. On the contrary, we have overcome him because our enemies will never achieve their evil ends. Now, please bring this package to Bertie. She has been the true love of my life and I know with certainty that in some other time and place she also was. Do not ask me when or where ... I do not know and no, I was not drunk then .- (There were some ha, ha, written on the paper and the letter followed.) - I just know. Well, I must leave you now, but only in physical mode, because my heart and my soul will be with you, my friend. Say good-bye to Melanie and the others and tell her that I am very happy that she is happy. Connie and You, too, and take care of them all. Until forever or better, till we meet again.

Signed. With affection from your friend. Robert (Roy) Malden.

No one could speak for a long time as the sobs drowned out the voices and each had a huge knot in the throat that would take a long time to dissolve. Tom could only let them rest and he retired, too, exhausted, to sleep. Before that, they stayed to see the next day in class because everyone wanted to fulfill the last will of their friend. They would never give up! They would live their lives with hope and more now that the Sect and the Wise had been destroyed forever.

-Now let's go to sleep,- Cooan told her sister, regaining control of her feelings precariously. - Tomorrow classes continue and there are very few days left for the finals.

- See you tomorrow, and thank you, Cooan. Thank you very much for making me regain hope. -Beruche whispered to her and smiled slightly as she thought. -And above all thanks to you my love, that you are very happy wherever you are and do not worry, one day we will both be finally together. But now I will live with joy and kindness in the heart, helping others, as you have asked me. -And closing her eyes she turned off the light ready to begin to rejoin the pieces of her life again. –

In the apartment of Petz and Karaberasu, the latter had a bad night, with stomach aches and vomiting. She thought it would be the fault of the fight or that her dinner had been in bad condition and she said nothing to her older sister. But when she managed to fall asleep, she had a terrible nightmare with the demon that forced her, and beside him was that damned Sage, although far from seeming defeated, he laughed. Karaberasu wriggled in a cold sweat and had a terrible feeling ...

Nor was Usagi unaware of these nightmares, in which the recurring figure of that strange creature with long black robe and a hood covering his features appeared. And to the horror of the young woman he did not stop writing things in that great book he was carrying.

-Who are you? What do you want from us? – She asked without any answer. -

She woke up in her hotel room, hugging Mamoru. He seemed to sleep soundly. All she could do was sigh and mumble with deep concern and fear.

-This is not over ... no, there are still many horrors to overcome. I just hope that we can help you, my friends ...

                                    previous                                               next