GWA41E

Chapter 41. Nephrite vs. Aspiez.

The two groups watched each other studying the situation in silence. Nephrite, led by confidence, spoke quietly to Roy.

-I do not think that guy will last long, I'll finish him off right away.

-Do not belittle him, - his companion warned him seriously. - They are dangerous enemies, and be careful my friend, I do not think that this one falls into the same trap that the others, now that they have seen that we are not simple puppets. Never lower your guard and fight as you know! - He finished cheer him up to add a friendly and hopeful. - Good luck.

Nephrite nodded and moved towards the battlefield, in his mind were those last words he whispered to Naru. That young human girl who had managed to open his heart to goodness. It seemed so distant to him. Those days when he was appointed by his then sovereign, the cruel Queen Beryl, to obtain the rainbow crystals in order to awaken the seven demons contained therein. At first he tried to do it with human energy that he obtained from his many stratagems. And in one of them he met this girl, candid, sweet and who, in spite of everything, fell in love with him. At first Nephrite judged that form of being as a human weakness more than it could exploit to its benefit. But soon he understood that, far from being absurd, it was a good and noble sentiment that returned that lost condition of terrestrial prince. He remembered when he had not yet been possessed by evil and, in his other life, he protected his lord Endymion alongside his comrades. Although the demon Metalia ended them and reincarnated them in their servants. Dominated by their wickedness they tried to destroy the Earth and the princess who had been reborn in it. However, when he began to live under the identity of Masato Sanjouin and made contact with Naru, she discovered to him that world of small things like the chocolate dessert, which he never got to prove. The truth is, he tried to use the girl for Sailor Moon to appear and being able to defeat her, but his intriguing and evil fellow Zoisite came forward. Kidnapping Naru through his subaltern demons and demanding him the black crystal, which was the only mean of locating the rainbow crystals. Nephrite could not give it to him, but he could not stand idly by, even though he repeated himself to the satisfaction that he did not care about the fate of a human. But he tried to convince himself of it in vain. By then his heart had already been touched by her, he rescued her. However he was wounded when he took her from the place where they had hidden. Then they both chatted and he was completely honest for the first time since he could remember. He told the girl who he really was and what he had intended. And, to his astonishment, Naru did not care. He was still aware of the words of that girl when he rescued her from the henchmen of Zoisite. He carried her when she sighed gratefully.

-You came to save me, thank you very much.

-I don´t deserve to be thanked. I do not know why I did it. - He replied, who was certainly baffled by his own course, and more when, in spite of his own astonishment, he confessed. -

-I've been fooling you all along. At heart I am a villain, I have always been and that is something that will not change.

-I do not care, - the girl smiled, leaving him even more surprised when she added sweetly. - As long as you are by my side I do not mind being cheated.

He left her standing on the floor, staring at her in amazement. The girl followed him smiling in that special way, that she reached inside his heart, sweeping away any other kind of feeling, even the negatives he had as Metalia general. Then Naru looked in several directions with a worried look. There was a park nearby and she took him by a hand guiding him inside. They sought refuge by sitting on a tree. The girl, tearing part of the jacket of her own pajamas, told him uneasily when she saw traces of her then-greenish blood, affected by the attack of a devilster.

-You've been hurt because of me.  I'm so sorry! And those wicked men could come back.

-Do not worry, - he smirked. - Is nothing.

Although she was good at wrapping that scratch and he was able to move his arm freely.

-Thank you very much. The boy could tell, truly as recognized as surprised by the degree of care and affection she had put. -

-Mr Sanjouin, - the girl replied timidly, almost shamefully. - They make a delicious chocolate dessert near here. And I was wondering. Do you like chocolate?

-Yes, I like it,- he could say doubtfully, did not really know what that was. -

Although the girl noticed right away since she replied softly but at the same time forcefully.

-You lie. But you do it with kindness and elegance.

-I am so sorry. - He could say as an excuse. - I really do not know how to talk to others without lying. That is so consubstantial in my kingdom that I often find it difficult to tell the truth, even in such trivial matters. It is normal for us to lie and betray each other.

-Do not worry, I do not care. - She smiled coyly, adding that she was almost dreamy. - I had thought that if we could ever go and you to eat that chocolate dessert that would be very nice. Don´t you believe it?

-Yes, I do - he answered, now firmly. - We'll go sometime.

-You mean it?  - She said hopefully. -

-Do you think I'm lying to you now? - He could reply and this time being able to express what he really felt. -

-No, I know you mean it. I am so happy!

The truth is that then he thought why not. After what had happened it would be best to leave the realm of darkness. Abandon those evildoers he now denied and even join the Moon Warrior to fight them. He could be of great help. He knew their location and plans, and what they wanted to do with that world no longer seemed so adequate. Especially if that threatened good people like Naru. The irony of it all is that he himself wanted to use it as a trick. To desert to join the enemy was a lie that he himself had told that girl in the hope that she revealed to him where Sailor Moon was. Now, he wanted it to be possible. He meditated when the girl looked at him candidly and asked him.

-Is there a day in your world where you do not have to work because it's holidays?

Nephrite was surprised. He had never heard of such a thing. He had to laugh to the satisfaction of the girl who made him notice.

- You are laughing! What nonsense! I laugh and cry at the same time!

It was then that he felt something was wrong. The damned minions of Zoisite attacked them with treachery catching him with low guard in those moments. Nephrite was mortally wounded as it was pierced by a sarcastic arm of a youma and subsequently interposed in the blast wave of several explosions caused by another, shielding the young woman with his own body. Yet he could still protect her by giving the black crystal to his enemies. His colleague and opponent taunted him cruelly, but that did not bother him. He only suffered for the girl and she shed tears for him. Although the boy, seeing that his end was coming, asked her to run away, she did not want to leave his side. That was the last thing that finally opened his heart. The same warriors came to his aid destroying these demons, but it was too late. He died hugging Naru and her clean tears washed his soul. Then he arrived to Heaven and there he received the offer from Landar who spoke to him with these terms.

-You have expiated many of your sins with your death, now, if you want to finish cleaning your conscience, I offer you the possibility of doing so.

He nodded, it was what he most wanted. Now he knew what love was, and he also discovered friendship when his other companions arrived. He had trained and worked hard as he never thought possible to overcome all the trials and the time had come to see if that had been worth it. So he stood proudly in the middle of the battlefield while his opponent did the same. The demon, very tall, of green color and reptilian features, with malignant amber eyes, now wore a ridge that ended by decorating a helmet similar to his face of a prehistoric reptile. Without hesitation, he threatened Nephrite with contempt.

-You are doomed, mortal!  I am the best trident fighter of Hell.-

And he made the weapon appear attacking without waiting for a reply. It was very fast and despite the elusive young man and his protective mesh of the special suit, the demon managed to open a wound in the chest and arm but not too deep. The boy, bleeding profusely, covered the wound with one hand and materialized a sword in the other.

-Now you have asked for it, you filthy devil! - He snapped angrily. -

He attacked his enemy with a few knives that he stopped with the trident. Nephrite stripped off his chainmail and wrapped it around his arm like a shield. It would be more useful to him to subtract the attacks of his rival and in this way offered more resistance to the tip of that weapon.

-LOL! - The monster rejoiced revolving around his opponent. - This is going to be fun.

-You can bet on that, yes. - His interlocutor agreed ironically without neglecting his guard.-

Aspiez for his part materialized a network as a Roman gladiator. He dragged her down the floor as if it were a snake, trying to catch his opponent. He warned and dodged. The demon threw the dense mesh but failed and Nephrite hit him in the side. Now they both hobbled, juggling to demonstrate the mastery of their weapons and intimidate the enemy.

-You know how to defend yourself, mortal. - Aspiez smiled with only simulated approval. - But I am far superior to you, - he added smugly. -

-That's what you think, - Nephrite said with his characteristic coolness for the fights. - I was the best swordsman in the Dark Kingdom, you bastard.

-So you're a traitor, eh? - The demon commented with sarcasm and contempt to assert - now more than ever, I want to finish with you.

-If you think I'm going to let you do it you're deadly wrong. - His opponent replied with a wry smile. -

They attacked again with quick and dangerous blows and attacks. Nephrite had to cut the distances carefully, for the trident of his enemy was longer than his sword and this was an advantage for his rival...

In the church, the warriors and the Justicieras took care of the children. These were surrendered by exhaustion and sleep. They accommodated them as best they could in the benches and gently encouraged them to sleep. Karaberasu stroked the blond hair of a kid who had fallen asleep, looking at his angelic face now without fear. This made her smile for the first time in a long time.

-I wish my son could be like that! - She wanted to think. - A normal child who is capable of loving his fellow people. An innocent child.

After observing that woman with attention and a certain pity, Michiru approached and became interested by her. Touching gently one shoulder of the Justiciera with one hand.

-What are you thinking of? - She asked cordially. And as she spoke Neptune could not help but glance at the girl's bulging gut. -

-I just think we can see the light again - her voice whispered quietly. - To save this world so these and all the children on Earth can live happy and in peace.

-You are very brave. - Michiru smiled. - You are all, you and your sisters. - She praised her, too, so that she could not help asking. - Is it true that you all were former enemies of Sailor Moon and the others? Were you from the kingdom of Nemesis?

-Yes, that's true. - Karaberasu admitted. - But thanks to them we discovered that we were wrong. They taught us how beautiful this world is and that we can be very happy in it.

- That is true - Warrior Neptune agreed, confessing in turn. - We also know what it is to fight hard to protect it. Many sacrifices must be made and often they are very painful.

Kalie nodded slowly, caressing the little face of that child next to her in a hushed voice.

-If our suffering can avoid that of innocent people like he is, it will surely be worth it.

Michiru agreed on that and could not help but smile at the sight of that scene but her companion Uranus called her. So she excused to Karaberasu and came.

-Do you know that girl? - Haruka whispered to her companion as she looked sideways at the Justiciera who was now clutching the child. – Is pregnant by a demon?

-Holy God! - Her interlocutor replayed with an exclamation in a gesture of horror - it is horrible! How can it be?

-He raped her - Uranus replied, her voice low and distressed. - I heard Minako comment on that with the others. And when we were about to come to reinforce them, she asked me to protect her.

-I think they're very good friends, - Haruka told her. - Venus feels very bad for her. I promised I would do my best. Furthermore, now that I've seen her, I think it is admirable that in her condition she can gather strength to fight. - I do not think that I could have withstood such humiliation and above all of such a being like these filthy demons. She is a very strong woman.

-It's true, they are admirable women, all of them. - Michiru nodded visibly impressed and sympathetic. - May their effort not be in vain and we can win.

-The truth, I do not know what will happen. –Uranus said in a tone of doubt whispering to her partner. -She also told me, along with Makoto, what happened when that guy Roy died.

-I heard something. - Michiru replied, wanting to know. - Is it true that Usagi refused to use the planetary attack and did not let them go to the eternal phase?

-It's true, - her companion confirmed. - Fortunately the sisters did not notice it. They were under a lot of pressure and there was a lot of confusion to hear our teammates to discuss.

-I do not understand why Sailor Moon acted like this, - said Neptune. - It's nothing like her.

-You know as well as I do that sometimes there are powerful reasons that force us to act in a way we do not like. I agree with you. Knowing Usagi I would bet anything that she would have been the first to intervene not to mediate something ... Something that maybe only she knows. - Haruka commented with a certain posture of mystery. - And that she cannot reveal to us...

At that moment the two of them were silent, their companion Pluto approached them. She looked worried too. When she reached her position, Michiru asked.

-Did you talk to Usagi and Mamoru before you left, did not you?  Did you let them know about the situation?

-Yes, - she replied, adding, - I told them the progress in the negotiations. We will soon have the special group ready. We have been approved for the next phase.

-And for the moment those mysterious outer invaders have not shown any signals of their further presence. - Sighed Michiru. - It's a good thing.

-Goodness. We would have been unable to attend to two fronts at the same time. - Uranus added. - We have enough with this one.

Her companions nodded. Changing the subject, Haruka then gave a glance at her companion Hotaru who was wrapping one of the children and offering a smile to him.

-There you are. The warrior of destruction. -She sighed adding with a touch of guilt. - And many times when I look at her, like now. I only see an adorable little girl whom we may be stealing from childhood.

Both Setsuna and Michiru watched the girl in turn, but they did not say anything for a moment. It was finally the warrior Pluto who could affirm with regret.

-There is no day that I should not regret having taken it away from Tomoe. And I do not want you to misunderstand me. I love Hotaru very much, as you do. For me it's almost like a daughter. She brings us great joy. But I know that the best thing for her would be to have lived a normal childhood with her father. Without having to relive as a warrior again.

-She had to wake up to face Neherenia and then against Galaxy. - Haruka sighed. -

-And now this. - Michiru could add. - It is too much for anyone...

-She will always fight and never complain. - Setsuna told them, however, she said now with a more hopeful tint. - If we manage to win things may change. Perhaps both she and her father could be able to recover something from this time they have lost and being together.

And as her companions questioned her with their eyes, Pluto explained them.

-Shortly before we met with Usagi and the others, I spoke with our interlocutor. You know that he has a great fortune, many enterprises and besides, he has been put in charge of forming the alert group. He is recruiting talented people in all fields of science. Among them guess who is among his priorities.

-Professor Tomoe? - Haruka was able to inquire between cheerful and surprised.-

-That's right, - her companion confirmed. -

-Then when this is over, Hotaru could spend more time with him. - Michiru said as she asked her interlocutor. - Did you tell her?

-Not yet, - Setsuna replied. - I do not want her distracted now in the middle of the fight. But we'll tell her when it's all over. I hope you will help me.

-You can count on us, - Uranus retorted with the assent of Neptune.-

The three of them chatted a few more minutes and Pluto soon went to spend some time with Saturn. Elsewhere in the church, Cooan talked to Sharon. The Lady of Fire tried to make her sleep, but the girl was unable to do so and asked in a trembling voice of fear.

-Will evil demons come again? - I am very afraid. What if I get caught again? Surely they will hurt me, like they did to my parents.

- They will not be able to do it, sweetheart, we will protect to you. – The adult smiled cheerfully, holding around the small body with one arm. - Besides, look at who have come to help us, no less than the famous Fighting Warriors of the Moon. They are even more powerful than we are. Surely we will win! - She said pretending to be convinced and winking through her mask. -

-Will you stay with me until I fall asleep? -The girl asked with a timid and fearful little voice of plea. -

- Honey, do not be afraid, I will not leave you alone. We will not leave you. - Cooan said softly, stroking the little girl's cheek. - We will never abandon you...

Sharon looked at Tom standing guard with his katana near them. The boy noticed and gave a gentle smile despite all the weariness and wounds that dragged him.

- That boy over there, is your boyfriend right? I've seen you before. - The little girl confessed referring to a fleeting kiss that Cooan give to the boy in a rest and added with an accomplice voice. - You're Miss Connie.

-How did you know that? - She asked in surprise as Sharon slipped the mask with one of her little hands. -

-I'm a child, but I'm not dumb! - The little girl laughed, adding with joy. - And that one over there. She pointed to the Ice Lady. - It's Miss Bertie. I noticed at school. When she saved me.

- Yes, it is true. - Cooan had to admit, praising the girl. - What a clever girl you are! but keep us the secret, huh? - She asked with an accomplice smile. -

-Do not worry, miss, and now tell me, is that boy your boyfriend? - Insisted the little girl with amused interest. -

Cooan laughed she even blushed a little, that girl knew how to blush anybody, which was funny in the midst of all that situation. She had to nod again as she replied with a knowing whisper.

- Yes, he very handsome, isn´t he?

The little girl also nodded, laughing, and declared with absolute conviction.

-When I grow up, I'll have a boyfriend as handsome and strong as he is.

- Surely you will have. - Said the justice with a big smile and adding as he put the mask again. -  You are so cute! -

So she tickled Sharon in her little tummy that caused the little girl's laughter. Cooan felt happy, those innocent childish words were like a balm to all. Even her sisters and sailors who noticed the little girl's laughter smiled animatedly. But neither was it a matter of scandalizing and awakening the other children. So the Justiciera interrupted her tickles and whispered affectionately to the baby.

- Now go to sleep, I will be by your side. I promise.

The girl was falling asleep. She was exhausted and her eyes finally closed, but on her face appeared a confident and cheerful expression for the first time in a long time. Her teacher stared at her for a moment as if hypnotized, then carefully wrapped her in a blanket and gave her a warm kiss on the cheek. That was what they were fighting for, it was worth sacrificing themselves if those kids could survive and become happy in a better world. Now more than ever Cooan thought that she was finally paying the debt that still struck her at the bottom of her heart. She remembered that time, when, together with her sisters and her evil ex-boss, they attacked the Moon Warrior and Chibiusa. Usagi protected the little girl over and over again, not caring about Rubeus's rush. Meanwhile, the four of them fought against the rest of the warriors who came to the aid of her friend. The battle was fierce and finally the members of the Black Moon were rejected and had to retire. But she did not forget that. What's more, she could not understand why Sailor Moon was in such danger to save that child. Now at last she understood. What's more, she had to smile when she realized that she was doing the same.

-Thank you friends, thank you very much for helping me to understand. - She thought as she caressed little Sharon's hair while the child was already asleep. - I will not disappoint you.

On the battlefield, the warriors Mars and Jupiter set the plan in motion. With utmost care they crawled toward the demon who guarded the stones. He was so engrossed in the fight between Nephrite and Aspiez that he did not notice anything. Mars beckoned her friend to sneak around. While Rei, in a low voice, made a paralyzing spell that enveloped him. When she was ready she made another sign to Jupiter and her companion approached the unsuspecting guardian. Then, she said in a tone of naturalness, as if she really cared what she asked.

-Excuse me, mister demon, is not this the bus stop for Tokyo?

The questioner, surprised to see that human questioning this foolishness, and especially that she had dared to stand there, was baffled. Although after a few moments he reacted by preparing to attack but was paralyzed! He could not even howl! Makoto winked at him and whispered a funny "thank you". Then she warned the others. The warriors could not believe in their luck, they only went through one sphere and managed to get hold of all of them! When everything was in order and with the same secrecy Ami and Minako approached and made a chain with their companions who passed the stones. Mamoru urged them with a whisper to hurry up. But good fortune did not last forever and a couple of demons from the fourth circle noticed what was happening. They attacked the warriors with swords. Tuxedo intervened and fought against one of them, throwing several red roses at the chest of his enraged enemy. With the staff, Tuxedo stopped the blows of the sword of that wounded demon, but still very strong and dangerous. Usagi went to his aid, launching against the demon the "Moon Therapy Kiss". This left her opponent badly hurt, Mamoru finished him with more roses, of the few that remained, causing him to explode.

-One less demon! - He said-

The other demon was fighting at the same time against Ami, Makoto and Minako. He received their attacks but in exchange he wounded them with their beams of energy. Rei came to the aid of her companions with her "Burning Mandala". Usagi finished him with her attack again and his enemy exploded. Makoto and Minako were badly wounded and Ami treated them as best she could. Rei and Usagi were exhausted, Tuxedo Kamen realizing that their situation was already unsustainable if their enemies attacked them again, used the communicator and called to the other warriors. Setsuna got the message.

- Here Pluto speaking, what happens, Sir? - She asked, easing her uneasiness. -

-Do you have the situation controlled there? - His interlocutor inquired -

-Yes, everything is quiet here for now. - Setsuna confirmed. -

-Then please, come here as soon as possible! - Mamoru asked urgently as he explained to Pluto. - Jupiter and Venus are wounded and Moon, Mars and Mercury Warriors exhausted. We have recovered the stones but we cannot withstand another attack. And those demons will soon realize what has happened.

-Got it - her interlocutor replayed. - As soon as we can be there. – She turned off the transmitter and ran to inform her colleagues. Once she did, Haruka was the one who turned to Petz and explained the situation to her -

- We have to go and help our friends. I guess you will not have too many problems here. Anyway if you get complications call us and we will send as many as we can for your help.

- Do not worry about us. - She replied with a tone of confidence to relieve her interlocutor of that problem. - We will be able to control the situation.

- We're sure of it. - Michiru intervened with an approving smile. - Good luck, fellows.

-We wish you the same. It's been an honor to meet you. –Replayed Petz.-

-Honor has been ours. - Hotaru smiled as her companions nodded. - Take good care of yourself, please...

So they said goodbye. As soon as they left and being halfway, the Saturn Warrior commented to the others.

-I'm just sorry we did not tell them anything about their teammates. It's a shame not to be able to do it.

- You know what happens. - Haruka said with good logic. - It would be better to wait until the fight is over, I would not wish to give them false hopes if they fail.

-You're right, -Setsuna agreed. - We will consult our partners. They will let us know if Sailor Moon thinks it is appropriate to tell them. Although the first thing is to support our companions. Come on, hurry up!

And the four crossed quickly that area that, curiously now was free of enemies. The Justicieras on their part sat in a moment of rest, some other people offered to watch and they thanked them. They were very fatigued, had not eaten or hardly rested in the last hours and the continuous battles already passed a big bill to their increasingly weakened bodies, but they tried to forget all this and talk. It was Petz who said thoughtfully.

-Maybe we should go with them, in case our help is needed there.

-No, we must stay here. - Tom countered. - The church is safe for now, but if the demons open a breach they could attack with lightning bolts of energy.

-Besides, we are too weak to engage in any new fighting that is not strictly defensive. - Cooan reminded them with a sigh of helplessness. - If we took a step out of here and they surprised us, it's over.

-Anyway, our stones do not blink now, there are no demons nearby. - Petz said coherently.-

-They're backed up, beyond our reach. - Karaberasu said worriedly, and before the surprised faces of the others, she insisted. - I know, I feel it! Now they are slowly withdrawing to the point of invocation, something serious is going to happen.

-What? - Beruche wanted to know just as much as the others. -

-I do not know how to explain it, but I can feel it. - Kalie said that to the restlessness and astonishment of the rest of her sisters. Tom, please can you warn the priest.-

They boy did it and Kalie told him with urgent concern.

-Father, please! - I want to confess and be given the communion if I don´t bother you.

-Of course my daughter, - the priest smiled. He even seemed pleased to receive that request. - How could you bother me?  It is my obligation and my vocation and I will gladly do so. If something disturbs you, you must be at peace with God.

She nodded and despite not being catholic she wanted to draw out all her fears and her doubts and even the remorse she had in her past life. She was not very explicit, although it was not necessary either. She only claimed to be sorry for being an instrument of evil and the priest nodded. He was a man of understanding and brave spirit. Even when he heard about the girl's demonic pregnancy, he acquitted her of everything she had done so far. She felt a sense of great peace and felt as if her strength was returning. Now she was firmly convinced to fight and never waver, whatever happened in her life. Even having to be alone. The priest also repeated the suggestion that, when the child was born, she would take him to any other parish priest. And he added kindly.

-Take heed of the counsel which my fellow-servant gave you and remain in holy place as long as you can, it will greatly benefit you. Both you and your son.

- Yes, thank you, Father. I feel better. As if I had peace. - Karaberasu said, snuggling into a completely exhausted bench and muttering as the Ice Lady approached. - Forgive me, but I'm very tired and I need to sleep.

- Of course, I understand. We all need it, Kalie. - Bertie smiled helping her to cover with a blanket as she added with affectionate consideration. - You sleep now and then you will relieve us. Have a good rest and do not worry about anything else.

The exhausted girl smiled comforted by her sister's words and then fell asleep. Meanwhile, Cooan talked to her boyfriend, both watched the children's quiet rest.

-You know, Tom, I never thought I risked my life to defend others' lives. It's such a beautiful thing to be able to help others!

- Yes, the same thing happens to me. Besides, I love kids. When this is all over, you and I can form a family. What do you think about the idea? - He asked her determinedly. -

The truth is that the boy was already exempt from that shyness that he had when he had tried to get this subject before. He was always felt embarrassing to talk about this things. Especially with Connie. He loved that girl from the very first moment and he had been through a lot of difficulties to have her love at last. And the truth is that, after what had happened and what they were living, being ashamed for that made no sense anymore. On the contrary, he did not know if perhaps this could be the last moment they had to talk about it. So he insisted after giving her a loving kiss on her lips.

- I want us to spend the rest of our lives together. And I hope it will be many years. - He smiled faintly. -

-There's nothing I could wish for more. - Cooan smiled as she clung to an arm of the boy and whispered now with some regret that clouded that joy. - When I look at my sisters I feel that I am very fortunate. Bertie and Petz have lost the men they loved and Kalie, well, theirs may be even sadder.

-I'm sure they'll all be able to rebuild their lives when we get the victory. - Tom encouraged her, who was also very sorry for them and wanted her to do so from the bottom of her heart. - They certainly deserve it.

-Yes, - his girlfriend agreed, improving her mood again. - I have that hope, too. Too many good people have sacrificed themselves to give us the opportunity to do so.

Their memory flew to Roy and Cooan even beyond. She could not help but think of her old comrades in Nemesis, who, though mistaken and corrupted, were once people with desires, emotions, and kindness. If she really managed to live happily and in peace she would never forget in her prayers so that at least they would find peace in the other world or wherever they might be. She would pray for everyone, including Rubeus. Maybe for him more than anyone. But now she was next to the man she loved and she really felt happy. She just wanted to hug him and put everything else aside. And so they were united in a long and affectionate embrace. Mutually infusing each other with love and morals. Meanwhile, Beruche was talking to Petz on the other side of the church.

- I want so much to see the end of this fight. We hope to win! - She sighed, looking up at the vaults decorated with divine images, imploring them with all her heart. -

-We'll make it - her sister promised, asserting without doubts with her genuine strength of mind, -you can bet on that!

-I wish Roy could be here, - Bertie mused, now dimmed by the sadness of the memories. -

-He would be very proud of you. And of all of us, he did not die for anything. He managed to give us the time to defend ourselves. And we are going to take advantage of it! - Petz replied with complete rotundity. -

-You know? - Beruche told her confidently, opening her heart to her sister. - The other day I dreamed with him, at the foot of my bed, he smiled and I came to believe that he was really with me. Then I saw someone, a figure of light, maybe it would be his soul or an angel that goes with him so he does not get into trouble there, - she guessed, drawing a smile between amused and nostalgic. - I miss him so much, and I still need him, Petz! She finished with a melancholy tone. -

-I understand you very well, dear. - Her sister, who was seized by the same emotion as she remembered. - I also dream about Sapphire many times, with the last look I saw in his eyes. It was a deep look that reflected his feelings towards me. He had peace, tenderness and much love. I always longed for him to look at me that way, and when he finally did, he filled my heart for a lifetime.

- That look. You'd like to see him again. It is not true? - Beruche asked in solidarity. -

- I always see him. - Her sister grinned at her. - I keep it inside of me. My soul has engraved that image and he lives in my heart. Every time I close my eyes there he is. Whatever happens, they can never take that away from me. Just like you, no one could take away Roy's memories from you.

- Yes, I suppose we must learn to live with our memories. True? - Beruche asked, affected by the nostalgia in her eyes, which had tears to her regret. -

- Yes, my little sister. - Petz said softly, embracing her sister and surrounding her shoulders with one arm in a maternal attitude. - We will have to live comforted by them and fight for the memory of the beings whom we loved and who also loved us, we should never give up, we owe it to them.

Bertie nodded slowly, letting her embrace, and she held herself for a long moment, full of memories and dreams in the depths of her heart. Though inside she wondered. Could that suffice for a lifetime to her like it seems to be for her sister?

In the battle, the fighters stayed even, both were closely watched. Tension reached such a point that a single carelessness would decide the combat. Then Aspiez managed to lay the right foot of his rival with his net. He tried to nail to him with his trident as he knocked him down, but Nephrite stepped his sword in. The demon pushed to nail his weapon into the neck of his rival while smiling sadistically. But his opponent was holding on tight.

- LOL! - Laughed Aspiez in a thunderous way, full of rejoicing by the plight of his enemy and spitting at him mockingly. -You will die!

- I do not think so. - His adversary answered by increasing his energy considerably to the stupor of his rival. - What do you think of this? - He snapped, managing to push him away. -

Aspiez turned away but his opponent rose like a spring describing a great somersault in the air. The demon attacked with his trident but the boy put the blade of his weapon between the spikes and turned unbalancing his enemy. With great celerity he freed his sword and shoved his enemy who roared with pain. The demon then threw the trident into his stomach, although Nephrite took the chance to behead him. Aspiez exploded even though the boy was badly wounded, quickly bleeding but was able to crawl along with his friends and leave the battlefield. Once outside, between Diamond and Sapphire they ran to raise it. Ail produced a bean and put it in the mouth to his partner.

-Dammit! - Nephrite stammered, speaking with difficulty because of the serious wound. - I've let myself be hunt like a beginner again.

- Chew the bean and you will recover, my friend. - Ail advised him cheerfully. –

The boy listened to him and ate, his life was going on and he was not going to lose it again. Although this time he would not be in danger. As soon as he swallowed the bean his wounds closed but he was still weak and sat on a nearby rock to recover fully.

-Do not worry, you'll be all right. - Diamond assured him nonchalantly, patting his back. - You have nothing that a good rest does not cure.

-Congratulations! You have done it wonderfully! - Roy congratulated him. - You're a great fighter. Like your classmates.

-If I had one of these before. - Nephrite smiled, holding the bag of beans with devotion. - The fight against the devilsters of Zoisite would have been very different.

- Now you've taken a calculated risk. - Roy revealed that he had noticed it. - You were very even in the fight and to finish with that demon you had to expose yourself, but you knew that the beans would cure you.

-Yes, but I almost did not tell it! - He sighed, visibly relieved now. -

He thought of some of the advice of Master Piccolo. On one occasion he struggled to reach out to him. Of course without success. His severe mentor punched him in the abdomen, which doubled in pain. While trying to recover and breathe, the namekian said in a disenchanted tone.

-If you do not give passion to the fight you will never get anything. You handsome boy.

And as Nephrite gave him a look between offended and annoyed, Piccolo smiled with exultation to declare himself crossing his arms hieratically.

-You lack strength and conviction in your attacks. You want to protect yourself while striking. And that is sometimes impossible.

-But, you always say that we should not neglect the defense. - He rebutted the alluded as soon as he could catch his breath.-

-Of course I said it, - his instructor conceded. - You should not attack madly.

- What are we left behind? - Nephrite blamed. - You cannot tell me one thing, and after you're against it."

-Well, I just did it. - He smiled perfidiously at his interlocutor, asserting. - Because it's the truth.

-I do not understand, - his disconcerted pupil could say. -

-One day you will. Sometimes you have to put everything at stake and be willing to lose it, to be able to win ... do not forget that. - Piccolo pointed out. -

-I will not, -the boy said as soon as he was recovered. -

And trying to take him by surprise he threw himself forward to his mentor who, as it could not be otherwise, rejected him effortlessly sending him back to the ground. However, this time he smiled with approval to sentence.

-Much better like that. Now you find out ... choose the right moment, try to get your rival to trust and do not think, act! And do not be afraid to displease yourself, ha, ha!

Then that bothered him a lot, now he smiled remembering it.

-Thanks Piccolo-sama. - He thought with appreciation. - Your lessons were really vital...

Meanwhile the others looked at him with approval. It had been a risky move but it was worth it. Nevertheless, they could not stop to exchange congratulations since the next combat was soon to begin.

-Well, now I go. - Diamond broke in without hesitation. -

-Come on, mate. -  Nephrite snapped back at him, his face more pale and pale. – Go and get him!

-I'll try not to look bad. - The prince smiled. - You know I hate when you win...

-Is it a bet as usual? - Roy smiled. -

-What will it be this time? - His interlocutor asked. - Let me make dinner?

-No way! - Nephrite laughed adding. - We said a bet, not a penance...

-Yes ... that would be harder than any of these combats. - Ail added with joy in turn.-

-We'll talk when I get back. -  Diamond said in a confident tone. -

- Now do not distract yourself. - His brother asked him more earnestly. - That demon seems very strong.

- Don´t be worried. -The prince smiled. - I will not...

-Good luck, my friend. - Nephrite wished him. -

Roy, Sapphire and Ail did the same patting his back. So Diamond, with steady pace, set out to fight against the last of the commanders of Nagashel...

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