GWHC06E The story of Karaberasu and her new family

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In the apartment of the four sisters all celebrated the reunion and victory over the enemy. At least almost everyone, Karaberasu was speechless, a feeling of deep loneliness, an abandonment similar to being in the middle of a vast desert, despite being surrounded by her sisters and friends nothing could encourage her. From time to time she smiled faintly at anyone who directed any comment to her  in order to don´t attract attention. She did not want to tarnish those moments of joy with her reunited friends. She knew they had reason to feel happy. Now, overcoming the enemy, everyone could live their lives with the people they loved. Only she was without anyone, but yes, with that tremendous responsibility with which that ruthless demon charged her. In her mind there was a struggle of emotions between fear and hope. Fear to the words of the evil Wise who, before being destroyed  prophesied to her that from her belly the evil would arise. Hope when she heard Roy say that baby would eventually join forces fighting for good.

-It's like throwing a coin into the air, - she mused, aside from the rest. - I do not know which side will fall. And I cannot risk making it the wrong one ...

-A little more water?- Bertie offered, sitting at the table beside her. -

-No, no thanks. – She replied coming out of her thoughts.-

She was now listening to Roy, who was next to Beruche, commenting on something apparently funny, because everyone was laughing ...

-Yes, Yes. I swear that guy had a sense of humor even more ridiculous than mine. - He assured.

-Come now! - His friend Tom said, shaking his head at Cooan's amused gaze. -

-Roy is telling the truth, - Sapphire, who was sitting next to Petz, told them. - He was the strangest individual I've ever met. He wanted us to make him laugh to train us!

-Surely with Roy he had it very easy. - Bertie exclaimed, causing the rest to burst out laughing. -

-Hey little cube, because you would have also.- He grinned from ear to ear.- Your sense of humor has improved a lot.

-That's why I do not laugh with your jokes . - She replied unabashedly, causing the laughter to rise again. -

Nevertheless, Kalie could only smile. She wished she could get carried away by that atmosphere of euphoria and good humor, but it was enough to feel her bulging belly to not do it. But she continued to watch the rest of the people talking and laughing and having a great time. They deserved it. Then each one was counting his adventures and even she participated in relating that fight against the demons in the school and how they went to that church looking for protection for the children.

-At last, after so many sacrifices, a new beginning is opened. - Sapphire declared, with Petz's ravished gaze on him. - And we will be worthy of him.

-Yes, my friend. - Roy agreed. - There's still a lot to do, but the city is starting to look like new.

-Now we have more work than ever.- Petz said. - We have been hired in a department store to distribute aid. That is pretty. We can continue to do something for people. Right, Kalie?

-Yes, of course ... it's a very good thing, - she said, smiling faintly. -

And so they continued until at almost dawn the boys said goodbye. When she was out, she was near the door, Petz and Sapphire still stood inside looking at each other and caresses. Cooan and Tom had left already, Bertie and her boyfriend were going to do it. Surely to exchange some kisses. At last, the sisters entered the apartment and Kalie went to close the door. Surprised when she saw Roy still waiting in the hallway. The girl said something surprised.

-Do you forgot anything? Do you want me to tell my sister?

But he shook his head and made a serious gesture to respond.

-I do not want to talk to Bertie, I want to do it with you, Kalie.

-You'll tell me… - the young woman replied softly. -

And after staring at her, the boy wanted to know in a worried voice.

-Tell me something. Have you thought about it?

The woman knew perfectly well what he meant, nodded slowly, she crossed her arms over her gut and declared.

-I do not want to be a burden. My sisters deserve to enjoy their happiness.

-You are no burden. -Her interlocutor replied looking at her sadly. - Believe what I said.

-I wish I could, but I cannot risk it. I know what I must do ... And you too ...

His interlocutor did not respond to that. He simply took her hands in his and whispered with great affection.

-Take care. Will you do it? ... And if you have any problems, just increase your energy. I will be able to feel you ...

-No, Roy. - She shook her head. - I have to go alone and get by on my own. - I need time. Someday I might be able to return. But only when I am are sure it does not pose any threat.

-A baby is no threat.- Opposed the boy. -

-You know perfectly well who his son is. And it's a risk we cannot afford to take. In addition, some of these sectarians may have survived. They should not even suspect my baby true nature. No one ... -She said. -

The young man sighed and could say in dismay ...

-That will break your sisters' hearts. Are you aware of that, are not you?

-I already have broken mine.- The girl mumbled closing her eyes and lowering her head.- Please, I only ask you to give me time ...

-If that's what you want. - Roy sighed resignedly, who added with affectionate tint of voice. - Good luck Kalie.

And after giving her an affectionate kiss on the forehead he left. The girl sighed longingly as well, trying to stop the tears. Just then her sisters called her.

-Kalie.- She heard Cooan's voice.- What are you doing out there?

-Nothing. -She smirked as she could. - I was chatting a little with Roy, he forgot something and ... you know what he is like. He always has occurrences and jokes.

-Yes! Not only have not that custom been taken from Heaven. They even trained him more for what.- Her sister told her, adding with more haste. - Come on, it's too late. We'll have to go to sleep ...

She entered meekly and closed the door. She wanted to show a more youthful appearance. Moreover, when Bertie and Cooan went to bed, she volunteered to order everything. She even resorted to some acid comment like the ones she used to do to her sister Petz, so  she did not suspect anything. And she got it. She insisted on taking care of the housework because she did not have much sleep as her elder sister said.

-Are you all right, Kalie? - Petz asked, even without going to sleep as Bertie and Cooan had done a few minutes ago, exhausted by so many emotions. - Is something wrong?

 The reason was that she saw Karaberasu go to the kitchen and worried followed, because she saw great sadness in her face, after the first moments of happiness. In addition to having seen her very quiet during dinner.

-Do not worry, - she smiled at her, trying hard to make a joke.- It is not so strange that I want to scrub, Petz. So you can´t say I  am lazy. Go to sleep! I will not do anything foolish, just scrub the dishes and maybe break some more to finish your work.

-Very well - her quietest interlocutor added, even encouraged by that friendly jibe. -

And the eldest of the Malinde was of an unbeatable good humor and after what happened anything made her smile. She walked obediently to her room after wishing her sister goodnight with a loving kiss on the forehead and a wish ...

- See you tomorrow!

- Farewell, my dear older sister. - Karaberasu could muster with a vision clouded by tears, so that Petz could not hear her. - Bye, be very happy.

There Karaberasu stayed scrubbing the dishes, but her intentions were quite different. As the hours passed at night, the thoughts of the latter were invading more and more, and the idea that had begun to forge for days was at last a body of decision.

- I do not know what I'm doing here. I do not have a place next to my sisters, before them a wonderful future opens next to the men they love, but what do I have? I can not go on here, threatening their happiness or encumbering their lives with my problem. No, that cannot be ... I have to leave.

Those were the thoughts that tortured Karaberasu who already had it decided. Especially after her conversation with Roy. She finished scrubbing the dishes and went to her room, taking advantage of the few savings she had and her best clothes, objects of more value and necessity, she had made a pair of suitcases. They weighed heavily and more in their advanced state of gestation, but she did not want to leave anything she had saved, she would probably need it. She slipped silently into the bedrooms of her sisters and gave them one last parting look. All of them slept with a happy and relaxed countenance, completely oblivious to the suffering that plagued the young woman who waved them away with tears in her eyes. She did not dare kiss them for not to wake them. In the living room she left a note of farewell, explaining the reasons that led her to leave. She wrote it from the bottom of her heart, unable to contain a silent cry.

"My dear sisters, I have decided to go and seek my own happiness, as you have already found yours, I do not wish to be a burden to anybody, I am displaced here, it is not your fault, but I know I should not interfere in your Lives, now that you have a new opportunity to live them, I will have my son, do not fear and I will face life with him, I will go forward, because I am part of a family of fighters, do not look for me, please! I will find you, be very happy and take good care of yourself, and do not forget me, as I can never forget you. I love you, with all my soul. Your sister. "

Kalie.

She signed, trying to keep the tears from falling on the blade. When she had finished, she carefully placed it on a vase and left the house with her suitcases closing as gently as the door could. It was very late and she approached the nearest cabin, from there she called a radio taxi. The vehicle arrived in fifteen minutes, which was an eternal time to her. She asked the taxi driver to take her to the bus terminal and from there, waiting until almost dawn, she took one heading west. Her pregnancy was already evident and she found it very tiring to pack her bags, luckily, some travelers seeing her in that state and helped her very kindly. The trip became long, long and melancholy, she thought about the moments of happiness and future projects she had shared with her sisters. When they were healed by Sailor Moon with the Silver Crystal and undertook a normal life. Then, when they open the shop and work all together and in harmony. She also remembered her little sisters going to study abroad and how she and Petz came very worried when news of Bertie's serious state came to them. Once there they knew that there was another threat and it was them, who, once again transformed by Sailor Moon, could face it as Justicieras. Karaberasu was happy then, even in the midst of all that chaos. She felt like a useful person struggling for good and surrounded by the love of her sisters and friends, that helped to finish to amend her past of the Black Moon. But then came that. That terrible moment when she was captured and forced by that horrible demon. Although she avenged by annihilating him, many nights she still had nightmares and woke up screaming in the dark. Although the worst was when she discovered her condition. That monster had also made her pregnant with something that might well be another horrible demon. It was then that she collapsed falling into the deepest pit she had ever been in. Not even as evil sister. She even tried to end her life and to abort at any cost, but something, she was not sure what, kept her to do it from time to time. Then, after Roy's loss and Tom's grudging situation, she tried to overlap to help her disconsolate sisters. At least, and even if it was selfish of her, she felt bound to them more than ever in their respective misfortunes. But then everything changed. Miraculously his friends recovered and resurrected returning to fight and defeat evil definitively. Karaberasu wanted to glimpse a ray of hope for her as well. She prayed every night on her knees, begging for a miracle just as these had been for her sisters. Tom uncannily recovered from his paralysis, Roy and Sapphire resurrected and returning to the arms of Beruche and Petz. But her pregnancy was still there and no one human or divine, seemed to want to erase that. In the end she understood that there was only one way for her. She could not compromise the future of her sisters and friends whom she was leaving behind. In the wake of those thoughts she fell asleep and had to be awakened by the driver. It was noon and they had reached the first stop, staying at a motel in a town called San Andreas. Curiously in a county called Calaveras.

-This must be a sign, - she said when she saw the sign. - It's called just like my own name when I lived in Nemesis.

Now she smiled a little. As she lay down she remembered once, being a girl of only five, a conversation she had with her mother. Little Kalie had been arguing as usual with her sister. This time after quarreling by which name was more beautiful. Her mother came to make peace.

-Mine is more beautiful. - Petzite repeated. -

-No, yours is very ugly. Mine is better.-

-Enough girls.  You both have precious names. - They were cut off by their mother,  and she whose own name was Idina, added. - And they mean important things.

-What? - Little Petzite inquired. -

-Well, for example, they are names derived from very valuable minerals, some exist in our world. Yours without going further, is associated with gold and silver. And it takes its name from the scientist who discovered it.

-How much do you know, Mama! - exclaimed the little girl in a very happy tone.-

-Grandmother Kim told me that when I was as small as you.- Her mother said smiling. -She was a geologist and she knew a lot about those things.

-And mine? What is the meaning of my name? - Calaverite wanted to know. -

-It's also a valuable mineral. And besides that, your grandmother told me that there's a county on planet Earth that's called that ... actually there they discovered it and took its name from that place.

-You see?- The baby smiled, looking at her sister with joy as he added. - Mine is better!

Obviously Petzite did not agree and resurged the controversy. Although her mother immediately made them silent, claiming

- Your little sisters also have names of valuable minerals. Like Grandma Kim, who comes from Kimberley. Which derives from the Kimberlite mineral.

-And yours? - Calaverite wanted to know with curiosity. - Is Idina the name of another mineral?

Here her mother smiled to comment amused.

-No, my case is different. Your grandmother named me this way because her own grandmother was called like that. That other Idina was my mother's grandmother.

-Then she was our grandmother's grandmother. - Petzite deduced.-

-Yes darling. It is great-grandmother. - Her interlocutor nodded in a low voice. - See? All the names are beautiful and all have their meaning ...

Calaverite smiled brighter. The same as her sister and for that time they made peace. Now it was Kalie who smiled in her sleep. Though an uncomfortable ray of sunshine immediately awakened her. For a few moments she thought she was there, in Nemesis, with her sisters and her mother.

-Mom, Petz, Bertie, Cooan! - She thought trying to keep the tears from appearing. - Who would have told this? It is ironic, when I was a child I said that I would like to know the place where my name came from. Well, I will not be able to complain because that wish has not been fulfilled. I hope I have the same luck with others ...

Although what was not very funny was discovering that her name in Spanish meant skull. And that made her think of that damn Sage.

-It could be a signal, yes, - she whispered, now with an edge. - Perhaps of my own destiny. That is why I must get as far away from the people I love as possible.

Thus, among memories, fears and reflections she rested something more. She grabbed something for breakfast in a nearby coffee shop and after a few hours it was time to board another bus that drove her to her ultimate goal in Los Angeles. A day and a half after leaving home. She came back to falling asleep as the journey passed at night and dawn, the first light of dawn illuminated the arrival terminal when the bus arrived ....

- Come on, ma'am! - The driver gently shook her shoulder, a middle-aged man who seemed to be in a hurry. - We have arrived and I must lock the bus in the garage.

Little by little Kalie was returning to reality, at first believed that it was some of her sisters who woke her up as usual, but then she remembered the situation in which she was and whispered an apology.

- Thank you very much, sorry, but I was very tired and ...

-Do not worry, - the driver added, giving the woman's situation a friendly reply. - You have two suitcases, I'll take them out ...

Karaberasu got up and followed the man who had the deference to leave her suitcases at the foot of a nearby coffee shop that fortunately was already open. She had slept well but now she was hungry, and walked into with her luggage. Taking a seat at one of the free tables, she waited for a girl to come and take note of it.

-What do you want? - She asked with a smile. -

-A couple of eggs… and bacon, please, with an orange juice. - She asked as she tried to adjust her make-up a bit. -

The girl disappeared and after fifteen minutes reappeared with the request. Karaberasu ate with voracity and then asked for a place to be able to settle. From the cafeteria they told her to take a taxi to the south of the city, she did so and she looked for a lodging that did not exceed her economic possibilities. But, unfortunately for her, all the places were overpriced. She had no choice but to save until she found a job and in her current state that task seemed very difficult to achieve. Finally, when night fell, and when she was exhausted from carrying her heavy luggage all over the city, she arrived at a modest boarding house on the outskirts. She knocked on the door, sighing. There was almost no light and she was terrified of not finding a shelter. She waited agonizingly for someone to respond, and after a few moments she heard footsteps creeping behind the door and a woman's cascade voice asking from the other side.

-Who is there? What do you want at this hour?

-Good evening, - Karaberasu admitted, as she checked her watch and noticed that it was already past nine.- She added, not without a sense of guilt. - I wanted a room for the night. You see, I just got to the city ...

The door opened, revealing an older woman behind her, with blond hair and plump, smiling, who wore a simple green dress with a white apron.

-You've come to the right place, miss, twenty dollars a night, the money in advance. - She said, still smiling. -

The girl took out the purse and paid her, the woman put the bills in a pocket of her apron and nodded approvingly.

-Okay, come in.- She gestured at his hand. –

Kalie packed the bags with obvious effort, the landlady realized her pregnancy and ran to help.

-In your condition you should not carry so much weight, - she advised gently. -I'll help you.

-Thank you very much, - Karaberasu smiled. - By the way, I have not introduced myself, Ka ... -

She was about to say her real name but then she rectified giving a new one, which she would use in the future, as if in this way she could erase the traces of her painful past.

-My name is Karla Smith. - She said, thinking that by that common name, it would be very difficult to track.

-Are you a foreigner? - The woman said, perceiving her accent and hearing that name, to which her interlocutor nodded. - My name is Dorothy Howard, and I've been renting rooms for more than twenty years. They are not very luxurious but  comfortable and clean. Do not worry, you and your baby will be fine. -She said giving a nice look to the girl's belly. -

- Thank you, the truth is that I am somewhat scared, I have very little time left - Karaberasu recognized smiling with timidity and visible fear. -

-You're a first-timer, are not you? - Her inter- side nodded. - Damn! I'm going to tutor you because I am old enough to be your mother. I brought three children, two boys and one girl into the world. -She sighed with nostalgic tones as she said this, but then she reminisced with the casual tone she had been using until then and added. – It is not so terrible. - She felt the contours of her broad hips. - The bad thing is that if one does not care, she loses her silhouette. Just like me.

That made her interlocutor laugh, it was a long time ago that she did not want to, Mrs. Howard joined the laughter, telling her client to follow.

- Leave the suitcases, then we'll go up.

Climbing steep stairs Mrs. Howard led the girl to the upper floor, there, took out a key and opened the door closest to the landing, giving the light said.

- This will be your room. I hope you like it.

            And the woman invited the girl to see that bedroom. It was a small room containing a simple bed with sheets and blankets of a pale blue, a dresser for the clothes and a bedside table with a lamp. There was another table, something larger, in front of the bed that served as a desk. On it a large window from where there was a good view of the exterior of the city. Overall to Karaberasu it seemed a simple room, but flirty and cozy. Mrs. Howard slid the curtains a little, and lowered the shade.

-If it's all right with you, I'll pick your luggage up now, - the landlady suggested. -

-I'll help you, they're a lot of weight for a single person,-  the grateful young woman replied. -

That woman nodded and they went downstairs and did the tedious task. As soon as they were left cornered by the bed, the girl felt dizzy and collapsed. She could barely sit on the bed. She felt very weak and her vision blurred. Mrs. Howard tried to help her recover from worry.

-Are you all right, lass? What happened to you? - She asked incessantly, patting her gently on one hand. –

-It's just that I'm very tired. - Karaberasu said, her eyes closed and a hiss. - I have been looking for accommodation all day and have not eaten anything since in the morning.

- But that in your condition is a temerity - The old woman reproached her visibly worried to her and adding. - Ok, as soon as you rest come with me and I'll give you dinner. You have to recover strength or you and the baby will resent.

-But I do not know if I'll have enough to pay you for dinner, - her interlocutor said worriedly. - I have little money and I must save money until I can work.

-What nonsense are you saying! - Mrs. Howard grumbled. - Do not worry about that and come with me.

-I do not know how I can pay you, ma'am, - Karaberasu sobbed excitedly at the gesture. -

- Forget it and call me Dorothy. - She smiled encouragingly at her who encouraged her with a jovial - Come on girl, you have to eat! ...

After a few moments in which the girl was able to gather some strength, Mrs. Howard, or rather Dorothy, as she insisted on being called by her client ever since, helped her down and sit at a table in the dining room. Porcelain dishes were ready. The hostess went to the kitchen with a soup. She served Karaberasu a generously and then poured herself. As soon as she began to eat, Dorothy was astonished to see the young woman devour the first course, she served her a little more and then brought some chicken and vegetables. The landlady could not stop looking and smiling as the girl, with great appetite, was finishing of the last meal. The old woman brought some fruit and some sweets that she made and they finished dinner.

- It was all very good, you are a great cook – Karaberasu said very grateful, although adding with emphasis. - When I can, I'll pay you. I just have to find work.

-But are you speaking about that again, lass? – Dorothy cried, feigning disbelief. - Stop worrying of that and just worry about your son!

- The fact is that, for the baby, I'm going to have difficult to find a job - the girl said regretfully. - I do not want to be a burden, as soon as I run out of money I'll leave.

-Not at all! - Her interlocutor  said energetically, to explain with all reason. - In your condition you cannot be wandering around. By the way, it's not that I want to be indiscreet, but. Where is the baby's father? How does he let you go like that?

The questioner did not reply, just stared at the table with such a sad expression that it frightened Dorothy.

-Oh, forgive me if I said something inconvenient! I always screw up, I'm sorry. - The old woman apologized. -

- No, you're not to blame. I do not like to talk about it, it's very hard for me. - The girl whispered and with a tone full of regret and embarrassment she dared to confess. - He forced me, you know ...

-Oh my God! - Dorothy jumped her hands to her mouth to drown her own exclamations, and looking at the girl with an expression of pity and amazement .- Poor thing! The guy who did that must have been an evil one. I hope he is behind bars.

-He was a demon, - Karaberasu muttered, - but he's already dead, anyway it's better that way.

- Come on girl, stop thinking about that, you have to try to forget that terrible thing - the good woman encouraged her. -

-I try, but wherever I go that memory goes with me, it is always persecuting me - she retorted bitterly. -

Karaberasu told her that she had been living with her sisters in New York and she had left, not wanting to be an obstacle to their happiness.

-I want to have this baby and get it out for myself. - She said convinced as tears rolled down on her cheeks. - I do not want to be a burden on them.

-But they are your family. - The woman objected. -

-It's too long to explain, but I had to leave. And now ... well, I do not know what I can do. - She whispered between sobs feeling totally lost. -

Her interlocutor gave her a sympathetic look, but immediately reacted with that bounce of hers and after laying a hand on another of the girl, she said.

- Easy, everything will be fine. You'll see, I'll help you. God has made you come to this house for some good reason. So let's do one thing. You will stay here until you have the baby and a job that earns you enough money to keep you both and you will not pay me anything.

- You are very nice to me! - Karaberasu could babble excited even though she was quick to deny - but I cannot accept, you have a business to maintain and do not wish to be a nuisance.

-A business? - Dorothy smiled, confessing. - You're the first to come for a long time, and I feel so alone. My children rarely come to see me and I have enough money to live. This I do because I would like to have company, that is why I rent the rooms sometimes, so do not talk about that any more.

Dorothy told her that her two sons they are adults now, with their own families and lived well. Many times she had been asked to sell that board and go with them, although the old woman never wanted to. For her, he told the girl, that now she listened with great interest. The most beautiful thing in the world was to meet people, and having them as guests. And if she could do anything to help them, then better. She had done it all her life but lately people were colder than before and came and went so fast that she could barely know anyone. In addition, few clients stopped there already and in that the woman declared.

-And now someone has put you here. At last God has heard my prayers. Don’t you think?

Karaberasu smiled excitedly and hugged the old woman. She seemed shocked when she pulled away from that sudden show of affection. Then she resumed her smiling face and helped the girl into her room. There, Dorothy wrapped her up. Looking at her and stroking her hair with maternal tenderness, she whispered.

- You are so similar to my poor little girl, now you would be the same age.

- Your daughter? How old is she? – Her guest asked out of curiosity. -

-She died two years ago. - Dorothy replied, looking down and sadly adding - she had an accident, she was going to have a child too.

Her interlocutor, affected by those words, hastened to reply.

- I'm really sorry. I did not want to make…- But the old woman would not let her finish, and she said with renewed optimism. -

- Do not hesitate, this is a thing of destiny! God has put you here and I will take care of you as if you were my own daughter. Now you must rest, sleep well - so she kissed her forehead and turned off the light, shuffled out and closed the door leaving the room. -

Karaberasu was thoughtful for a while, maybe that good woman was right, would it be a matter of fate to have gone there? She did not know. She had been torturing herself for a sign. Something to guide her. Now she was livelier, at least she would have a house and a person who would help her. She thought about this and felt more secure and protected. At last it seemed that her prayers were beginning to be heard. She was so happy that she progressively slipped into the warm darkness of the dream, which she received this time without nightmares.

Then days passed quickly. These were the weeks, Karaberasu helped in whatever she could to Dorothy, cleaning, cooking, or anything else she could do. In addition, as far as she could, she moved around the city trying to find work. But everywhere she got the same disheartening response. They did not admit anyone in their condition. Gradually she lost hope and was depressed, but her landlady was always there to cheer her up. They had both become very good friends. It was more a maternal - filial relationship, something Karaberasu greatly appreciated. She hardly had time to have childhood in her home world or to be with her own mother. The old woman even told her that she could call her Dotty, as almost everyone in the community did. And the days passed. One night Kalie had a strange dream. Seeing herself and her sisters clothed in garments of light, each one of different colors, hers was a warm orange color. The young woman in her dreams whispered.

-Elisan, the Lady of the Fall ... that was me ... my other life ...

However, she almost forgot that kind of daydreaming immersed in her daily chores. The truth is that little by little she began to be made to that new life. Thinking that perhaps the rest had already forgotten about her.

-Yes, I might have found my place in the world after all.- She thought now with more relief and optimism. -As for you my darling,  she mused, stroking her belly. - I have faith everything will be all right ...

However, there were people who worried about the girl's whereabouts. Both her sisters and their respective boyfriends and friends tried to locate her. But her name did not appear. Roy, despite what he had promised, even tried to detect the girl's energy. But he never managed to concentrate. Maybe that was an answer to that. He had given his word and the unconscious did not allow him to betray her. Finally they decided to respect Kalie's will. In her note she said that she would be the one to look for them when she felt ready. But there was someone else, someone who wanted to help her over even the orders she had received. In Japan, in the city of Tokyo, Minako Aino was sitting on her bed, next to her it was her inseparable friend Artemis.

-Did you get any clue? - The girl asked as she combed her long silky hair free for once of her characteristic red bow.-

-Not yet ... but I'm making inquiries. As far as I know she left the apartment she shared with her sisters. - The cat replied. -

-It's going to be very difficult to locate her. God knows where she would have gone. - Minako lamented.

The cat looked at her with regret and seemed hesitant to answer, and at last, seeing the consternation on her friend's face, he dared to say in a hurried way.

-Well, there might be a way ...

His interlocutor came to look at him with great attention and the cat told her.

-The stones of justice carried by the sisters and Emerald are traceable if activated. But we would have to use thirty-century technology. Luna might notice. And, if she found out...

-I know Artemis, I'm asking you something very dangerous. We're going against a direct order. -She sighed. - I will not ask you to risk so much for me.

-Do not be ridiculous! You are my friend. I know that everything will go well. - The cat said with determination.-

That made his friend smile gratefully. Now, to the mind of the young sailor came the memory of the conversation she had with her inseparable companion long ago, during the celebration that made all of the victory and the reunion as Roy made a toast...

-Boys and girls, listen! - The boy demanded, rising to his feet and raising his glass, - I drink for all of us and for Kalie! , Which is not present here in person. But she absolutely is in our hearts! I am sure that we will see her soon enough. Because we are happy and we can always meet! Or come to the aid of any of us or the people who need us. And of course, to throw these parties often, or at least meet from time to time.

-Yes, for Kalie and us! - They all chanted in unison, raising and clinking their glasses. -

The sailors in unison offered to that also, although in an aside, it was Artemis who told Minako.

-Are you really sure what you're going to do?

-Yes ... I am. -The sailor said flatly. -

-You know we've been banned from any direct contact with her. At least for now. - The cat reminded her.-

His friend sighed as if trying to arm herself with courage enough to reply.

-I know perfectly. I know what Usagi and Mamoru told us. That girl has to live her life apart from the rest. That will be very important for the future. I am not unaware that they are direct orders of the sovereigns of the Silver Millennium. I know they spoke to us as Serenity and Endymion and I know the consequences of disobeying ... but, still ... understand it Artemis. - I cannot - she whispered with obvious consternation. - I was unable to protect her when that evil monster raped her. That I will never forgive myself. So I will not leave her on her own now. At least I try to lend some support, even from a distance. Will you help me? Please. -She asked in a pleading tone. -

The cat looked at her with regret and sympathy nodded to declare.

-You know very well that you are my friend and that I will never leave you alone. We will do our best to help that poor girl. I'll see to it as soon as I can.

Minako smiled then stroking the cat's head, then the two returned to the stream of laughter and general animation...

-I have not forgotten my promise. - Artemis declared as if he could read those thoughts in her friend's mind. - I assure you.

-Thank you. - The girl smiled, finishing brushing her hair and putting on her big red bow. - She also remembered what Usagi herself told her, that very day...

The young Sailor Venus felt very bad when the whole plot was unveiled. Things had happened like that for a reason. All the suffering of her friends was necessary for their training and that their real personalities came to light. So she apologized deeply to Usagi for not trusting her.

- I should have had faith in you. Which I did not do.  -Minako lamented to apologize immediately. - I'm sorry for all the horrible things I said to you...

-It was natural, - her partner replied, adding in a rather revealing way, at least for her fellow-host. -You are a good person and you wanted to help our friends.

-What would you have done in my situation? - The girl asked. -

Her companion nodded, sighing to admit without palliatives.

-No doubt the same. I have always believed that we have to follow the dictates of our heart and conscience, maybe before everything else. However, sometimes we cannot or would cause even greater harm than we want to fix. Do not forget.

And here she wanted to see a ray of hope. But also a warning. In that Usagi, or rather, Serenity, could become very cryptic. What was she really saying to her? She could not be sure of it, so she better not risk being discovered. For the moment…

And in California at last came the much feared and expected day. Karaberasu began to suffer contractions that hurt her belly in an acute and lacerating way. Dorothy, who knew very well what that meant, sat her in an armchair and called an ambulance. When this time came the frequency between contractions had become much smaller. The paramedics hurriedly carried a stretcher that picked up the girl and carried her to the vehicle. Dorothy walked beside her, holding her hand. They arrived at the hospital and installed her on one of the beds.

- Dotty. I am very afraid! I do not know what will happen. - Karaberasu confessed visibly nervous and trembling with fear. -

- Do not worry, you still have to dilate a little more, as you are first timer that will take some time. – The old lady said in a nice tone, trying to calm her friend. -

- I do not know if this will turn out well, if something happened to me, please, take care of the baby! It's not his fault. - The distressed girl begged. -

-Do not say silly things. - Dorothy smiled sweetly at her. - Nothing's going to happen to you. And when you have him in your arms I assure you it will have been worth it, you will see.

It took several hours for Karaberasu to finally be ready. They took her to the delivery room and offered her anesthesia, but she did not want it. She wanted to be present when the baby was born. Now in her mind were given two encountered feelings. On the one hand, she wanted the child to come into the world, but on the other, she had a terrible fear that he might be a monster, as she had dreamed in her nightmares. To all this, the contractions became already more violent and the doctors asked her to push breathing deeply and with rhythm. She obeyed as best she could. Sweat pearled her forehead and fell down her face as a nurse dried it solicitously. Then the doctor said he saw something and indicated.

- It's coming out, I see his head, push it just a little bit more.

Overcoming the pain Kalie prayed mentally asking God with all his might to be a healthy and normal baby. She did not know what could happen if she gave birth to a beast as against those who had fought. Maybe she could even being investigate as a paranormal phenomenon. Luckily, the doctor dispelled her fears.

- Everything is very good, continue like this, it is already in perfect condition, finally! - the doctor exclaimed when he declared – He is a child and very robust, congratulations!

The parturient relaxed after the effort, smiling and crying nonstop for the emotion. Lifting the baby by one leg, the doctor patted him behind until he began to cry.

-Of course he had good lungs. At one point they cut the umbilical cord and showed the child to his mother. When she saw him son for the first time, she experienced a difficult feeling of total happiness. Now her fears seemed to dissipate as if from a bad dream were treated in the sight of that baby. He was a precious child, with a rosy beard, with a few brown pelts lining his little head and his large honey-colored eyes.

- Thank God! - Karaberasu who could mumble looking tenderly at his son, smiled adding – he is a normal child.

The nurses took the baby to wash him and put a blanket around him. After doing so he were brought in a crib where the child slept placidly. One of them put him in his mother's arms, then Dorothy entered. She had been waiting with great interest.

-Do you see how terrible it has been, silly? - She said to Karaberasu approaching her to add with careless tone. – He also looks like a very strong child.

-It's true, - she admitted proudly, -It is such a wonderful thing to have a son!

She remembered then that mysterious force that had prevented her from both abortion and suicide on more than one occasion. Maybe it was the same boy who wanted to be born, now she was really glad that everything had turned out this way, by having not aborted.

-The doctors told me that you'll be able to go home in a few days. - Dorothy smiled softly, stroking the little boy's head. - Tell me, what will you call him?

-I have not decided yet - The girl said.-

-Well, do not be in a hurry. A name is for life. -Her friend stated. -

-No, at least in my case. -  She mused, almost thought out loud. -

-Did you mean? - Dorothy wanted to know. -

-Nothing, I said I really want to go home with him. -

-Of course, my dear. And when you come back, we'll have a party to celebrate. - The old woman smiled.-

Kalie nodded very happily and she was. After a few days she was discharged with her baby. She would still have to spend a few more days at home because she was weak from birth. A few weeks later, one afternoon like any other, she was almost re-established and the boy cried for his food. Karaberasu took him in her arms, sitting on a rocking chair and began to breastfeed her. The baby sucked with desire, seemed to be very hungry. However, without the girl's notice, her stone of justice on a nearby table, began to glow with amber flashes of amber. Other than that, the first-born mother smiled as she stared at his little head and felt a wonderful sensation. It was then that she noticed that strange glow. But before she could get close to him, she felt a sharp pain in her nipple, leaking faint lines of blood. She lifted the boy who seemed to cling to her to see if he had suffered any damage but in doing so the horror almost made him fall off her arms. The baby's face was full of blood from Karaberasu herself, but that was not what terrified her. His eyes flashed a reddish hue, and out of his mouth two tiny fangs dyed red. The girl screamed in horror and almost dropping the child in her crib, she ran out of the room. Dorothy heard her screams and intercepted her as the terrified girl ran down the stairs.

-What's the matter? - She asked, startled. -

-The child, the child! -Karaberasu shouted, unable to stop, -it's horrible, he's one of them!

-Calm down. - Dorothy told her. You're hysterical. What's wrong with the child? - She wanted to know visibly worried about the condition of that girl. –

But the girl was still beside herself, and Dorothy had to shake her and even slap her in order to control her.

-You're mad, tell me, what happened to the boy? - She insisted, already alarmed. -

-I knew he could not be normal, - Karaberasu moaned bursting into tears.- He is one of them.

-What do you mean? One of whom? - Dorothy asked, understanding nothing. -

-Come upstairs, come and I'll show you, - the hysterical girl urged, taking her by the hand and pulling her to her room. -

Dorothy, totally stunned and very uneasy, let herself go and they both entered the room. The child cried, Karaberasu showed her the marks of the wounds on her nipple and the blood in the baby's mouth. However, he now looked completely normal. Kalie's stone no longer emitted any flash. The old woman shook her head and lifted the child in her arms cradling him to stop him crying.

-Honey, -Dorothy explained serenely to the nervous mother. - Babies are occasionally born with fangs of milk and unwittingly bite their mothers in trying to suckle. It is very normal. He made you some blood, you should not worry about that.

-But what about the rest? - Karaberasu asked, still horrified. - He had red eyes! If you had seen him, he looked like a beast!

- You have being influenced - her friend said, trying to calm her - between the stains of blood, the fright and the baby may have been irritated eyes, you have imagined. Let's see, where are those red eyes, eh? -She asked, showing the child to the girl. Now he had wide, honey-colored eyes open. -He's a lovely kid, is he, kiddo? - Dorothy added tenderly looking at the already calm baby that even made nice sounds. -

-I'm so sorry, - Kalie sighed, finally relaxing - I've been such an idiot. I'm paranoid and my imagination plays tricks on me sometimes. Thank you.

- You should not fear anything, if there is any other problem tell me, but especially for your sake and your child, please, calm down. - The woman advised her watching that girl with some concern. -

Karaberasu sighed at length, now she felt like a fool. She could not mix her son with her own fears. Surely Dotty was right, she had to calm down, she promised that it would. The old woman smiled encouragingly and left her cradling the boy. More days passed and she could enjoy breastfeeding her child without suffering any other incident. At last the day came when her hostess asked her if she wanted to baptize the baby. Karaberasu did not think the idea was bad, so she could introduce the child into the community. Besides, Dorothy was quite religious and Catholic for more signs, and that made her very excited.

-Go to the church of Father O 'Brian, -She said the young woman. - He's very close to me, and he's been a close friend of mine for many years. He even baptized my children.

-Very well,- she smiled. - I'll go and see him this afternoon to arrange the day.

And she did so, she went up to the church and was greeted by an aged priest with gray hair and medium height who asked to see her to come where he was.

- Tell me daughter, what can I do for you?

- You see, I have a little boy and I would like to baptize him in his church. Dorothy Howard, the landlady from here. Gave me your address.

-So you come from Dotty - the priest smiled gently. - Great.

- Could you baptize the child? You see, it's just that I'm not going to be able to pay you just ... -She was able to say ashamed.

Karaberasu more or less told her situation, she was alone and without work and with a few already diminished savings, she did not have much money for ceremonies.

-Of course, yes, that's what I'm here for, my dear, - said the priest, adding kindly. - Take your son tomorrow after Mass or attend if you like. And do not worry about the money. The sacrament of baptism is free.

-Thank you, I'll be here tomorrow, - Kalie smiled, encouraged by the priest's kindness. - But I'd better get back to you later, I do not want the boy to get nervous among so many people.

-As you prefer, then I'll wait for you tomorrow. - He agreed, saying goodbye to her and went back to his office. -

Once she returned home and told the news to Dorothy she was very happy. After supper and bedtime, Karaberasu went to bed. The name she would have to put on the boy was hovering in her head. At last and after not finding any suitable, at least for her taste, she fell asleep. In her dreams, she thought she perceived a sort of hooded figure wearing a black sackcloth and carrying a large open book that spoke to her.

- God always writes straight, even in the most crooked line, you must call your son Mazoui, for that is the name of the envoy, who must precede His messenger.

Karaberasu woke uneasily, though not frightened. For some reason this appearance did not arouse in her the same fear as the Sage. Although they looked a lot in appearance somehow knew they were not the same. Soon the dream dissipated from her head with a cloud of smoke, but the name was recorded, but not knowing why she would call her son Mazoui.

-Yes, that will be your name, my love. - She said to the baby, who was oblivious to all that he slept soundly in his crib. - Mazoui Smith.

The next morning, Dorothy showed her the little dress that had been used to baptize all her children. It was white in tone, somewhat yellowed by time, but still in good condition, with graceful little bows and flaps that would cover the baby's body. Very nice to take the child to church. The young mother thanked her and dressed the little boy. Dorothy explained that a client had arrived to spend the day and that she would be late. So Karaberasu went alone to the church with the little one. She went quiet until she saw the parish. Instantly the baby began to cry and his mother tried to calm him by cradling him, but as they approached the crying became more and more an unbearable scream. It was almost a hiss. The girl was terrified to see that her son had bloodshot eyes and fangs, he kicked frantically. Again her righteous stone blinked, now with an even more powerful tone. Without looking at him she ran back home. The baby immediately calmed down once the church was out of sight and the stone stopped shining. As long as Father O 'Brian was waiting for her and she did not arrive he decided to call her. By then, a broken-down Karaberasu had told Dorothy what had happened, the old lady told the priest that she went straight to the house.

-Come in, - Dorothy said visibly frightened. - She's in the dining room, she's got me very worried, Father. I hope you can be a voice of reason to her.

-Do not worry,-the priest said with a reassuring gesture. - I'll talk to her.

As he entered the dining room and before he could say a word, Karaberasu, who was sitting on a chair, rose quickly and inquired.

- Father. Do you know how to do exorcisms?

-But daughter, why do you want me to do an exorcism? - The priest asked in astonishment. -

-It's for my son, I know he's possessed, - she said, leaving Father O'Brian and Dorothy who was coming in after him, frozen. -

-Let's see, calm down, daughter, - the priest asked calmly. - What are you up to telling me that?

She at first resisted talking, but then thought she had no choice. Little by little she told them everything that had happened until then and seeing the faces of both of them incredulity. She recounted the way she was forced, leaving her fellow men surprised and horrified.

-I was raped by a demon, I swear! It was when I fought them and the child came out to him, I beg you, Father! I've already been warned. You must eliminate that influence before it gets worse.

Father O 'Brian and Dorothy looked at each other in amazement; at last, the priest recovered from the impression that these statements had caused him and he could say.

- That cannot be, you must calm down. You cannot think of a possession like that

-I assure you it is true,-Karaberasu sobbed, trembling, she was about to cry. -

-Dear, you're very nervous - Dorothy said, her face worried. - It would be best if I made you a tea and went to bed. Father please try to reason with her and calm her down.

-I beg you, I'm not crazy, help me! -The tormented girl stammered, unable to control her despair. -

-Calm down, - the priest replied, holding out his hands. -No one says you're crazy, just nervous, that's all. Look. -He handed her a card he took out of one of his pockets, as he said in a conciliatory tone. - Here are the address of a good friend of mine. Dr. Julie Conrad is a very good and trustworthy psychoanalyst, who is sure to be able to help you. Tell her that you're going sending by me.

-I understand, - Karaberasu whispered resignedly as she wiped her tears. - You think I'm mad.

- No, no! My daughter. - The priest was quick to respond - only you are very confused, that is all, but if you have been raped is normal. I will accompany you myself if you wish.

Dorothy walked back into the dining room with a cup of tea.

-I've already laid the baby down, - she said in a tone of pity, - the poor thing has fallen asleep right away ... if he's an angel.

-Let's do one thing, father, - she said in a more irascible tone as she listened to Dorothy talking about the child. - I'll go see that doctor friend of yours, but then I'll take my son to church, so you'll be convinced I'm telling the truth.- And you will exorcise him, okay?

-Very well, - the priest said, wishing to calm her down. - Go and see Julie, and then I'll give your son all the exorcisms you want, I promise.

Karaberasu nodded relieved and was calmer. Dorothy got her to drink the tea. Later she said good night and went up to her room to sleep.

-Poor girl, -Father O 'Brian said very worried, - she is very traumatized, it must have been a horrible experience for her. But Julie will help her. Take cases of psychological assistance to rape victims in this district.

-What a pity!  She's such a good girl, I hope the poor thing heals soon! - Dorothy said, genuinely dismayed. –

The next day Kalie, fulfilling her part of the agreement, went to the address that the father had given her. She did not have to ask for an hour because the priest had telephoned the doctor to inform her of the case and to request her urgent intervention. The girl had only to wait after a couple of patients to be received. The doctor herself opened the door of the office with a smile. She was a young woman, probably about the same age of Kalie, with dark long curly hair falling below her shoulders. The truth is that Karaberasu reminded her a little of her sister Cooan. Although this woman had inquisitive blue eyes with which she watched her carefully under a few glasses. She extended her hand to the newcomer, who hesitantly shook it.

-Hello, I'm Dr. Julie Conrad, how can I help you?

-Good morning. I come sent by Father O 'Brian, I'm Karla Smith.- She introduced herself in an expressionless tone. -

-Ah, of course! Come in and sit down,- the doctor invited her, pointing to an armchair placed in front of her office table, neat and very aseptic, decorated only by some interior plant. - Would you like something to drink? - Her host offered.

-No, thank you very much. Should not I lie down there and tell you my life? - Karaberasu asked sarcastically, pointing to a divan by the side of the desk. -

-That will not be necessary, - the doctor said sympathetically, dismissing the tone of that remark. - I just want us to chat like two good friends, that's all, because that's what we're going to be. By the way, I'll tell you if you allow it, I think we're the same age. - She smiled very kindly though her interlocutor seemed a forced expression. - Now, tell me what has happened. Father O 'Brian has brought me something forward, -she admitted, but then added, looking at her with apparent sympathy,-nevertheless, I want to hear your version.

The patient accepted and told her story that nothing differed from the version that Julie had heard from the priest. Although now Karaberasu spoke dispassionately.

-What I need is a priest and not a doctor, - she added, finishing the narration. -

Julie had been taking notes as she listened to the conversation. At last she briefly reviewed them and declared, staring at Karaberasu with narrowed eyes.

- So that was what happened and you said you fought some demons and that one of them? ...

-If you want, I can tell you the most scandalous details,- Kalie interrupted her interlocutor, adding in a bitter tone.- But I assure you they will not be to your liking. - She smiled wryly. -

-It will not be necessary for you to tell me details, but tell me that too. - Julie asked, apparently very interested. - If you are so kind…

Sighting with patience Karaberasu told her the whole story. How her sisters and she fought the demons with Roy, Tom and the others. She did not want to explain much of the powers of any, because she believed that the doctor would end up considering her totally crazy. Nor she even tried to show her own power so as not to be located. When she finished, her listener went over her notes and intervened again.

-What happens to you is perfectly normal and very clear, - she declared in a very academic tone. -You have created a psychological barrier, against the rejection and the repulsion that rape has caused you. You have removed from your mind the image of that rapist as a person and replaced it with that of the most despicable and evil being you can imagine, a demon. Then, in order not to feel alone and misunderstood, you have created that history, putting your family and loved ones in the struggle against those forces of evil. You unconsciously need the support and affection of your family to help you overcome this bitter trance. As for your son, it is very natural, you have two mixed feelings about him. On the one hand you love him like any mother would want her baby, but on the other hand you do not want him, as the result of that rape. Then Father O 'Brian appeared and everything made sense. He is the figure that represents forgiveness, which can exorcize the child and thus your subconscious could accept without problems, you would erase your rejection towards the baby, which is what, deep down, you want. And that's all, no more, no less, -she said categorically with a wide smile that seemed to her astonished listener to be really stupid. -

Karaberasu had been confused all through the exposition, the doctor, like any booby hatch  who prided herself, knew how to make her doubt of all that was evident.

-You think you are smart, but you have no fucking idea what you're talking about - she muttered as she regained her sense of reality. -

-You said? - Julie asked with a very pleasant expression, so much so that Karaberasu felt nearly compelled to crash her against the wall. -

- Not anything, you may be right. - She retorted, as best she could. -

- Well, then this is what we will do. Now I will send you some test exercises to fill them, it is not important, just to establish some guidelines that, ...

- Do not worry about that, thank you very much for everything, you have helped me a lot .- -Her patient suddenly cut her speech.-

And without giving her interlocutor time to react, she rose and shook the hand of the doctor who was surprised.

-If you do not want to do them now, there's no hurry, maybe another day, but stop by here and we'll talk, okay? - Julie asked once she recovered from her bewilderment. -

-Yes, of course, -Her patient said without any intention of doing so. - As you say ... goodbye.

And she left immediately leaving the doctor who could hardly watch her leave the door.

-What an idiot! .- Kalie said with anger and bitterness .- She has no idea of ​what she is talking about. I guess those demons would not get here. You should thank us for stopping them ...

            She sighed, trying to calm herself. Nor she could blame the people for not believing it. If it had not happened to her, she would not believe anything like that either. But it was hard to have sacrificed so much to protect people who looked at her as if she was a madwoman!

-Now my dear Mina-chan. I can begin to understand the scope of everything you have done for the world ...

She remembered her friend and the other warriors. And to her memory came one of those afternoons in Tokyo in which she walked along with that was her great enemy and later magnificent friend, Sailor Venus. After browsing in some shops, they both took a seat in a coffee shop.

-I'm out of breath. - Minako sighed after taking off her shoes and rubbing one foot against the other. -We've been through most of Yuban!

-But we've seen very nice things, - Kalie encouraged her.-

-Yes, and none within our reach,-her interlocutor replied, trying immediately to cheer herself up to add. - But when I ´ll be a famous idol I will buy a lot of dresses and accessories!

Karaberasu watched her with a half-smile and then thought about something. She dared to exteriorize it and asked her friend.

-Excuse Mina-chan. One thing has sometimes hit my head ... I hope it does not bother you if I ask you.

-Well I do not know. It depends on which question is that .- Her friend said  with strangeness.-

And after taking a few moments to think about it, Kalie said.

-You and the rest of you are warriors of justice. And princesses in another life. You have great powers and the world admires you as heroines ... Even you told me that before joining  Sailor Moon´s group you were Sailor V. There are even video games with your character! How is it that you and the others ...?

Then Kalie was silent for a moment, wanting to be as delicate as possible. However, her friend smiled and stepped forward to finish that annoying question for herself by riveting.

-Why do not we take advantage of it and take advantage of our fame? That's what you want to know, right? ...

-Well, yes,-Karaberasu admitted.- You could have all that for which you sigh ... both you and the others ... and you deserve more than you have.

Although Minako shook her head and replied more seriously.

-You're confusing Sailor Venus and Sailor V with me. I am Minako Aino, a high school student who dreams of being a youth idol. A girl who enjoys watching shop windows, spending time with her friends, playing volleyball and trying to study as little as possible. And, you know Kalie? It should not be in any other way. Everything I achieve in my life as Minako I will have to earn it by just being Minako. And the others share the same opinion. Our mission as warriors is one thing and our private lives another very different story.

-I understand. - She nodded, feeling somewhat embarrassed. – I am sorry. I am apologized if I offended you ...

-No, none of that. – Minako hastened to tell her friend. - I understand that may seem absurd. However, our gifts are a means to fulfill our task, not to carry out our particular projects in life. It would be unfair to the rest of people.

-You're right. That was the difference that existed between us before. -Kalie sighted feeling guilty still at the thought of that.- We only wanted to fulfill the task that they entrusted us meanwhile to take advantage of our powers. Thank goodness you got us out of it!

-You have much merit. You were able to renounce evil and the mirage of power in order to have normal lives.

-Yes, my sister Petz always says this.-  She commented. - Life in the twentieth century is much more difficult than in Nemesis in the Thirtieth century, but we are much happier. Because we live giving us affection and with friends as wonderful as you.

Minako nodded with a big smile and after a while they had some tea and both resumed their long journey through the shop windows of the neighborhood ... Now, while walking back home Kalie sighed thinking sadly. However, that feeling was being replaced by a growing resolution.

-It's a hard life, my dear friend. I wish I had you here and my sisters! But I cannot ... I have to fight and fix my life for myself. And I'll do it! I will not allow my son to be one of them.

When she finally arrived, Dorothy and the priest were waiting impatiently. The baby was sleeping with a finger in his mouth. Karaberasu came in swiftly and jabbed sharply without giving the floor to anyone else.

-Father, we're going to church, right now!

And without saying more she grabbed the baby's carrycot and put the child inside, put a blanket over him because it was cold in the street. Father O 'Brian and Dorothy looked at each other, the house keeper had to accept to reassure Karaberasu.

-I'll prepare dinner for you when you get back. - Dorothy said, trying to ease the tension. -

Kalie and father O'Brian left the house. On their way, the priest became interested in the conversation she had had with the doctor.

-She's a good girl, but she cannot help me. - She explained. - She would never understand what's really going on. This is not her world.

The priest listened with an expression of circumstances, he did not want to refute the girl so as not to irritate her. They were approaching the church and as it happened before the baby began to cry. The young mother directed the priest a look with the expression "I told you so" but Father O'Brian said with the greatest of ease.

- The baby will be hungry, that is very normal.

The baby's crying became more and more unbearable, the stone that the girl was wearing around her neck began to blink again. Karaberasu completely ignoring him this time, told the father abruptly.

-Open the door and let's go!

The priest obeyed with concern for the screams of that creature that hardly seemed human. The girl hurried toward the baptismal font, the child's howls were already unbearable. She left him on the altar, taking off his coat. Then something incredible happened. The baby began to rise in the air levitating while a reddish halo radiated, it was fluttering and his eyes glowed red, from his mouth those little fangs protruded that so frightened to Karaberasu, accompanied by foaming of greenish color, Father O 'Brian was Paralyzed by horror and not knowing what to do.

-OMG! - exclaimed at last between babbling - but what is that?

-Do you think I'm crazy now, father? - She snapped, not seeming to be affected by the scene. - Or will you send my son to the psychiatrist too?

-Forgive me, my daughter, you were right, -The priest said visibly horrified and crossed himself repeatedly to confess. - Truthfully, I have no idea how to start. I will consult my book ...

He headed to his office, the baby seemed to lose strength and descended on the altar. His small childlike face was disfigured with grotesque grimaces, he seemed to suffer a lot. Now Karaberasu could not help the tears. As horrible as it seemed it was his son and the baby was not to blame for his situation, on the contrary, he was the victim! May father O 'Brian succeed in turning him into a normal child!

-Father, - she warned him remembering something important. – Some time ago, another priest advised me to keep the child in a sacred place for as long as possible. He said that would benefit him and that would nullify some of his demonic influence.

-To be on sacred ground is deadly to a devil, - the priest replied. - But this child, being a hybrid and having a human part may endure it. Now, may God help us. I am not an exorcist, I will try to do what I can, daughter. - Having said this, he took out a little bottle with holy water and sprinkled the child who began to emit greenish smoke and to cry with renewed strength. Kalie's stone was now gilded with intense gold. Later, the father intoned a litanies in Latin.

After a few hours the baby lost strength and began to cry like a normal child, the priest blessed him several times and proceeded to baptize him.

- I baptize ... - paused to address the mother to ask .- What name do you want to put ...?

-Mazoui, - Karaberasu said quickly. -

The priest was surprised, he did not know that name but he did not object to it. After what he had seen, he decided to do whatever the baby´s mother asked.

- I baptize you as Mazoui Smith in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit .... Amen ...

The boy seemed to calm down, now he babbled like any other baby. The demon traits had disappeared and the priest handed it to Karaberasu who was crying and smiling happily, also seeing that her stone had ceased to glow.

-Thank God, it's all over, - she said with a touch of emotion, embracing her son. - You are a child like others. No, for me you are the most wonderful in the world, you are my son!

When it was late, the exhausted priest offered to take Karaberasu home. Father O´Brian told Dorothy what had happened, her face shown her bewilderment. If it had not been because she'd known the father for many years and knew he was a serious person who would never invent or joke about something like that, she would never have believed it. She apologized to the girl over and over again who, weeping, hugged her. Dotty, also in tears, promised never to reveal what had happened. Karaberasu finally happy, went to sleep, first laying the baby who looked exhausted. Days passed and the child showed no abnormal behavior.

On the other hand, in Tokyo, returning from the institute, Minako maintained a lively conversation with Ami and Makoto.

-This Usagi is always in a hurry. - Makoto declared. -

-Well, in this case it's justified. Mamoru invited her to the amusement park. You know, a date. - Ami smiled. - The truth is that, after the attacks of these strange beings, they deserved some privacy.

-Yes, thank goodness Roy and Bertie's son could come from the future to warn us. And that makes me think that our sovereigns of the future have to spend more time together or our Chibiusa will have difficult to be born. - Minako laughed causing her companions to blush. -

However, before anyone could say anything else they saw Artemis. After greeting the girls with a meow, since they were in a busy street, the cat, faithful to his custom, stood next to the young Venus.

-Good. I'm going to my academy. - Ami told them, looking at her watch. - It's getting late.

-How are you doing with high school? - Makoto wanted to know. -

-I hope to be able to attend these exams for the scholarship in the United States with some probability of success. - Her companion replied. -

-Of course you can! - Minako said with enthusiasm, sentencing. - Knowing the intelligent and studious you are you will past without problems.

-Thank you. So girls. We'll see each other tomorrow. - Mercury said goodbye, turning away on another street.-

Their companions waved their hands to say goodbye, in which Artemis, seeing that his friends were already walking through a deserted area of ​​people, caught the attention of Venus.

-We need to talk. You know about what ...

Those words startled Jupiter, who gave them a look of strangeness. Nevertheless her friend stopped, they were near the park bench and asked the cat and Makoto to sit with her. Then she declared.

-You can speak freely Artemis, I fully trust Mako-chan.

-Are you sure? - Insisted the cat who seemed to be bothered by the other girl's presence. -

-What's going on here, Artemis? - Jupiter wanted to know. -

-It would be better for you not to know, - the cat  replied in a drier way than he used to. -

-We need help on this, - Minako replied then. - I've been thinking about it and I cannot do it alone. Someone has to cover me.

-What is going on here? - Her companion now wanted to know with evident uneasiness. - You're really starting to scare me ...

So Artemis and Venus looked at each other and finally the girl nodded, the cat told Makoto what was happening, asserting.

-Karaberasu's justice stone has been activated several times and I have been able to trace it. I know where she is.

Then it was Sailor Jupiter who stood looking disbelieving at her friends to exclaim.

- Have you gone crazy? ... Did not they clearly warn us that we should not intervene? ...

-I know very well what they told us. - Minako replied quietly, adding in a pleading tone. - Please Mako-chan. Something similar happens to you. And I've heard you ... You're the only one who can understand me. I'm not talking about coming into direct contact with her, just to help her in whatever I can. Without Kalie knowing it. That is not against the orders.

-The hell is not! - Her agitated friend replied, reminding her. - We were strictly ordered not to get involved, to let her go ahead on her own.

-She's my friend! ... and I failed her when she needed me most. - Venus sobbed now, resting her head on her intertwined hands. - You have to understand!  I ask you, please.

Makoto looked at her with regret, put an affectionate hand on her friend's right shoulder and whispered more gently.

-I know what you're going through. Yes, you're right, something similar has happened to me ... but in the end I have complied with the rules. Minako, you know we're friends. Remember I agreed  with you then. But then they explained the reason for everything. Now we cannot plead ignorance.

- I'm not asking you to disobey yourself too. But please, do not say anything to Usagi or the others. - Her interlocutor begged.-

-If they asked me directly I could not lie. - She sighed and lowered her head. - That would be to betray them.

-I do not want you to do it, - her companion said. - Look, you know I have some auditions to sing. I want to become an idol and no wonder I've got a test in the United States. Is not it true, Artemis? -She asked the cat with complicity.-

-More concretely in Los Angeles – The feline said.-

- As soon as I can make a trip to America. You know ... a girl has to pursue their dreams.- She smiled tremulously at her partner. -

-Please Minako, you are playing with fire. Be very careful. If Usagi ... well, if Serenity ever  find out that you're lying ...

-She will not, because it will not be a lie, -  her companion replied asserting, - Artemis has moved some contacts and in fact, I will get those tests.

Now it was Makoto who sighed shaking her head ...

-It's a very dangerous business. But whatever it is I will support you. - She could say at the end, to the joy of her fellows. - However, promise me that you will act with great caution.

-That's for granted.- Her friend said. - Thanks Mako-chan.

And so it was decided, a few days later, when the cat had finished preparations, Minako broke the news to her companions. Needless to say, everyone congratulated her with effusiveness. The only one that remained more moderate was precisely Makoto. Usagi seemed to believe that completely and was glad as the most. She even wished her friend good luck and asked her to bring some autograph from the celebrities there. Luna, however, remained very quiet all day. However, Minako and Artemis were able to travel to the USA. Without any opposition.

-Lead to America! -The young warrior exclaimed with her arms raised in the air. -

-I hope everything goes well, -the cat sighed as he was kept it in a special pet basket. -

-Do not be such a harbinger. Everything is going well so far, - the girl answered. - And I'm sure I also win some prize ...

And they boarded that plane bound for the United States. Karaberasu, for her part, was able to start leaving his son in Dorothy's care and started looking for work. After some failed attempts she finally found it. She was lucky, father O 'Brian knew a lawyer who worked for a firm demanding a secretary. Karaberasu, thanks to her studies, obtained the place. She was glad to have taken a course after becoming an ordinary woman. It was soon to lease Otafukuya. Her younger sisters began to study magisterium and one afternoon, when she and Petz were picking themselves up at the store, Kalie commented.

-I think our sisters do well to study. It never hurts to diversify in the workplace. If they can be teachers, they can always have an alternative job.

-Yes, I fully agree with you,- Petz said. - Although the main thing for me is that they achieve their dreams.

-So is it for me. That's why I would also like to study something. - Karaberasu said, astonishing her sister. -

-You what? - Petz pointed out, to say in disbelief and amusement. - If every time we had classes, you tried to escape. -

-I was ten years old. – She retorted smiling to add.- And now I would do something that I liked ...

-Eat and sleep? -Her sister sneered in a fun tone.-

- No ... - Kalie smiled without being affected by that joke.- Administrative accounting and secretariat. I've already been looking at some academies.

-And you will be able to study and attend the business at the same time? – Her suspicious interlocutor wanted to know.-

-Absolutely. -The young woman said and added. - Listen Petz. Not only am I beautiful, I'm also intelligent ... Grandma Kim always told me ...

-She told everyone of us. - Petz smiled. -

-Well, but that was true for every of us. Wasn´t it? - Kalie laughed now. -

-Yes! - Her sister agreed, sharing those laughs. - I cannot disagree with that.

-And you know as well as I did that in Nemesis we were well educated. Twentieth-century matters are very easy. - Karaberasu said, with seriousness, adding. - Fortunately all the information that was implanted by telepathic way in the future did not disappear when we were purified.

-Yes, it's true.- Her sister agreed with a thoughtful gesture. - It's a huge advantage for us...

-So I am determined. - Kalie said enthusiastically. - I'll study that as soon as I can. And you should do something like that.

And for once she looked like the older sister. Even Petz was convinced. Now she was greatly pleased with her decision and not only that. Something else happened that came to help her. By registering for social security and giving her name she had problems not being in the databases, but two mysterious individuals who identified themselves as federal agents contacted her by letting her know that they knew her true identity. At first that frightened her. She remembered being held in a room in an official building when that couple, a short-haired, red-haired woman and a male with a brown hair, both in the middle of the thirties and elegantly dressed, approached her, identifying themselves with their plates.

-Miss Karla Smith. Right? – The guy asked and added. - We're from the FBI.

-Yes, it is me.- She replied in a trembling voice.

-At least you say so.  We have other data.- That woman said.-

-Please. I do not want any problems, I have a small child. - She implored. -

-Do not fear.- The guy could say. - We're here to offer help ...

-Help? - The girl was surprised. -

-Yes, - the redhead said. She carried a briefcase that she opened by taking out a series of papers and cards as she commented in a friendly tone. -Until now you were working in the submerged economy. From this moment on, you have everything you need to live a new life.

-I do not understand ... what does this mean? - The astonished young woman inquired.-

-It's like you were in a witness protection program,- the agent explained. -

-But why? - She could not help but wonder. -

-Let's say it's a way for our government to thank you for everything you've done for this country and for the world. - He smiled slightly. -

-And is like this, as easy? - Kalie asked timidly, though relieved. -

-If you would like anything else. - The woman smiled now. -

-Just a decent job to be able to take care of my child. - The girl said. - And  being let alone to raise him with peace of mind.

-Do not worry about that, - her interlocutor, assured her. - Now we must go. Good luck, Miss Smith. It has been a pleasure to meet you.

The other woman said goodbye in turn, leaving her surprised but happy. Apparently these federal agents were not interested in inquiring more about her. What they did was reunite with that Japanese girl who had arrived a few days ago. After following in her footsteps since she landed at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and went to several recording houses with her songs. At last, when the girl was returning to her hotel room, Both agents approached her and after showing her credentials, they asked for confirmation.

-Miss Minako Aino?

-Yes, it's me. - She admitted that she was carrying a purse in which Artemis was. -

-Beautiful cat. What kind of breed is it? - The red-haired woman was interested. -

-A very old one. - The young woman said , and without further ado she wanted to know.- What do you want from me?

-We're not going to waste your time. We know who you are, -that individual said, adding .- What we do not know is why you have come here.

-I have to sing in some test - she replied without flinching. -

-We are aware that you have put a lot of interest in succeeding in the world of music and interpretation. Do not worry, you will get the right promotions to make it so. Although we believe that your main mission was another.

-That's true, and I do not want help from that class to achieve my goals. That is strictly personal. Besides, it does not conflict with my main mission. - Minako commented, adding no more. - What's more, you can help me fulfill it. Being famous I will have an influence that, if necessary, can be used for the defense of this world. Do you believe, don´t you?

Her interlocutors looked at each other, seemed to agree that this was possibly so. Finally the redhead smiled and in a much more amiable tone she declared.

-We wish you good luck with your test then. And if we can do something to help you.

Now it was Minako who looked at them both inquiringly and commented.

-Maybe you can do one thing. But not for me. One of my friends I believe she resides in California, but I have not been able to find her whereabouts. I have no intention of visiting her. I just want to know if  she´s okay.

-Who that person is? -The man asked, pulling out a small computer to check data. -

-Her name is Karaberasu Malinde, although she may have changed her name. -

Both agents exchanged glances and after checking the identity of that woman, the man made some inquiries and declared.

-Yes she has a new identity. She is in a program similar to witness protection and she does not want to be found. But being who you are ... I think we can give you that information.

-I thank you. - Minako smiled. -

Once they updated  her, the feds left, and she told Artemis.

-Well, now it's a matter of time, we'll try to see her without her discovering us. I want to make sure that she's really all right ...

And so she did, after doing her tests, which went quite well without needing extra help, the young sailor and her cat looked in the direction of who was now known as Karla Smith. It took them a while but they found her. With a pair of binoculars, Minako watched the entrance to the house where she was supposed to live. She smiled as she saw her friend pushing out a baby stroller. Kalie seemed to be reasonably well. At her side, an older woman who talked to her and made her smile.

-Well, Artemis, - the girl sighed visibly relieved. - It seems like things are going well. That's all I wanted to know.

-What will we do now? - The cat wanted to know too. -

- We return to Japan, and finish high school. I hope that there I also get the tests like here. And as for Kalie ...

-Shall we tell her sisters?

-No, - the sailor said moving her head. - If it is the will of our friend, we must respect her. I wish that she can become very happy with her child, away from the struggles and problems that we have to face.

Artemis agreed on that. After that the girl and the cat returned to Japan, although the consequences of their performance awaited them there. For Karaberasu, on the other hand, life was normal. Even in a pleasant way, watching her baby grow and working, always helped by that kind woman. Then three years passed. During that time the Earth suffered serious threats, although she chose not to intervene, she wanted to protect her son and Dorothy. For this she did not hesitate to resort to her identity as Justiciera without that woman discovering it. She succeeded in safeguarding her own, even when the threat of a terrible comet loomed over the Earth. On that occasion all she could do was go to a shelter with the landlady and the baby.

-I do not know what's going on,- the distressed Dorothy said. - The authorities hardly say anything. Just let's go get in these subway stations.

And there they were with some dozen people, protected or guarded (that was a matter of opinion), by members of the National Guard. All those soldiers in camouflage uniforms, helmets and m-16 carried in military pose. Although there were also medical services, tents and other series of supplies in case that part of the city was attacked or suffered any damage.

-They said a great meteor is coming. Is it the end of the world! - A terrified individual shouted. - We will have no escape, it will destroy the planet!

Dorothy crossed herself at once with fear. The soldiers shut that guy up by trying to calm him down with good words. The rest of the people did not speak. They could barely look at each other in panic. It was Karaberasu who, leaving little Mazoui in Dotty's arms, raised her voice to everyone.

-Ladies and gentlemen, do not fear anything. Earth will be safe ...

-What will you know? - Other man who sounded mad, shouted.-

There were murmurs, some in favor, others against that retort, until Kalie resumed the word with dyes full of security and passion.

-I know. There is nothing to fear. I met some really extraordinary people who will not leave us when we need them most. Have you forgotten that Golden Warrior who has done so much for our world?

-Who is that? - Inquired a woman without understanding. -

-It sounds like something familiar to me.- Another guy admitted, a young man in a suit. - When I was in New York ... People talked about him ... and he was once on the news flying high.

-Yes, and there's more like him. -A lively Kalie said. - There are powerful fighters who will not allow anything bad to happen to us.

-But what could they do against a meteorite? -Another woman cried, fighting with horror. - No matter how strong they may be, it's unstoppable.

That once again caused murmurs of fear, but Karaberasu silenced them again with her voice sounding powerful in the watchful eyes of all, including the surprised soldiers ...

-Those warriors are so powerful there are no piece of rock, however large it may be, which can destroy the Earth. - I have seen them in action. -She could say in a proudly and emotional way. - And I believe in them.

Although she herself was not sure what she was saying, she felt as if an enormous conviction had taken possession of her will. Neither she nor her son were destined to end their days in that way. Besides, she trusted her sisters. She managed to calm these people down, and the officer in command of the military contingent thanked her. She later even came to appear as Justiciera just to try to encourage some groups of people. However, she was careful that the cameras could film her. She did not want to be discovered. Anyway, much people thought she would be a simple actress so disguised to give moral and the fact did not transcend outside the west coast.

-Well. - She sighed one afternoon when she returned after a round. - Now it's your turn, sisters, Sailors, Tom, Roy ... I trust you will take care of every one of us ...

And of course, the alluded ones managed to save to the planet of that meteorite, as well as of other really dangerous situations. Nevertheless, there were deaths and devastation. Even a tsunami provoked by the destruction of that huge comet ravaged part of San Francisco. Fortunately Karaberasu and Dorothy lived in the interior and were unaffected. Luckily with the great determination of the people everything was rebuilt and gradually returned to normal. Finally came a time of peace more prolonged. During that time the baby had become a very awake and sweet child, he was quite intelligent for his age, he had even begun to read the stories that his mother told him. Kalie remembered when the boy was barely three and a half years old. She looked at him with a tender smile holding him in her lap when the little boy struggled to hold a small book of children's stories with their little hands ...

-In ... to ... this.- He could decipher with difficulty before the proud look of his mother.- The little ... to said ... Who ... if ... had sleep? ...

Kalie said affectionately pointing the word to him.

-Sleep in my ... little …bed.-  The child concluded with satisfaction. -

-Very well, my dear. - She praised him. -

-That girl was Grandma Dotty? -Mazoui asked with amazement, adding as an predictable conclusion. - She was called the same.

-LOL! - Her mother laughed visibly amused by that occurrence. - I do not know, my love. I do not think so ... Although you never know. You could ask Dotty yourself. - She smiled imagining that.-

The little boy nodded at his mother with a smirk of childlike enthusiasm. She gave him a big hug and after putting on his pajamas, lying down and cuddling him, she whispered lovingly.

-Now you have to sleep ...

-See you tomorrow, Mommy, - he whispered, already closing his eyes. -

-Happy dreams, my love. - She wished to her son, kissing him sweetly on the forehead.-

Karaberasu came out and turned off the light, letting him sleep. She adored his son, along with Dorothy who was like a grandmother to the little boy. They were raising him in an admirable way. On the other hand. Even apart from moments of great crisis, she had had time to act as Justiciera on a few occasions at a more domestic level. Of course, always with the concern that it did not transcend too much. It was restless, too. At first with all the problems she had with the child of course she was never transformed to fight against any delinquent. But once, shopping alone, she watched as some guys went into a shop and pulled out a knife, threatening the terrified owner, an old man. The girl looked at it with horror, clutching her pendant with the stone of Justice she wore at her neck. There was a secluded street where she could be transformed, but she was afraid that if she acted as a Justiciera they could locate her or worse, she could be involved in some battle. She could not afford to be hurt or discovered. Before, she was alone, but now she had her son. So she did not dare to mediate. Yet she felt guilty and anguished. She could not stop looking at that poor man, being pushed and threatened while those who were heartless robbed him. At last, despite of all that fears she could not take it anymore. She swiftly entered that desert alley, shouting.

-Pure Thunder Heart. Give me the power!

And after transforming, she came to the race, by which time those two individuals had fled the store leaving the old man badly wounded. The little she could do was call the police and an ambulance after reversing her transformation and try to help as much as possible to that unfortunate person who was bleeding with a stab. Fortunately, her intervention, not as the Lady of Thunder, but as a normal person, saved the man's life. But she swore she would never let it happen again. In fact the following years she intervened, always in the most discreet way possible, not to be detected. Although passing the time by she did it less frequently and the time came when she decided to leave it  at least for a while to take care only to her son. Mazoui  was growing normally  and had started to walk and talk in due time, without any special problems. But one day came the first scare, of those fears which took her to question definitively her activity of Justiciera and to focus entirely on her small child. Mazoui, like any other child of his age, contracted measles. He had normal symptoms but his temperature rose to 44 degrees! Karaberasu and Dorothy were very frightened. Good thing the old lady called Father O'Brian, and he reassured her. When the woman turned her face was more relaxed, she told the worried mother her conversation with the priest.

-Father O 'Brian has told me that a nephew of his, recently graduated in medicine, has come to the city to work in a hospital, he says he will send it to us. Right away, he is living in the house of the father.

-I do not want to be a nuisance,-  Karaberasu objected somewhat uneasily, - that boy does not know me at all and I do not have much money to pay him.

-Do not worry about it. - Dorothy reassured her with a smile. - He's a very nice boy, you'll see. He will not charge you anything. Besides, as soon as he knows that you are his uncle´s friend, he will  say that he will see Mazoui.

The girl smiled more relieved, inwardly she had the feeling that her son could bear that temperature but she preferred not to risk it. About twenty minutes passed and there was a knock on the door. Dorothy opened the door, letting a tall, husky boy with coppery brown hair and blue eyes, wearing round glasses that gave him an intellectual look. Young and attractive, probably the same age as Karaberasu. He introduced himself saying good night to both of them, Kalie and Dotty.

- My name is Mathew O'Brian, nice to meet you. - He said to the girl who had managed a little looking really pretty.

The doctor, of course, noticed it. He was certainly not insensitive to the beauty of that woman. Although she saw him surprised and muttered.

-Ru ... Rubeus ...

-Sorry? What do you mean? - Asked the young man. -

-Do not. Nothing, nice to meet you.

- It is a pleasure .- He smiled now, to go to worry about the reason of that visit. - Where is the little boy?

-Thanks for coming. - I'm Karla Smith and my son is upstairs lying down, I'll take you with him now, doctor.

-Call me Mathew, - he grinned as he placed a briefcase he carried on a table. -Let's see ... - he pulled out a stethoscope and a thermometer.- "I'll just wear this, I do not want he to be scared to see the briefcase.

-Do not worry, he's a brave boy, - Karaberasu said, pleasantly and graciously. - Please come. And sorry for the inconvenience.

-There's no reason to be sorry. - The boy smiled. -

She was stunned. That boy had features so similar to those of her former boss that in her first impression she could almost have sworn it was him. However, neither his hair, despite being brown pulling reddish, nor especially his kindness and sincere expression, seemed to have nothing to do with Rubeus. She did not think of that anymore, she smiled back at him and motioned the doctor to follow her. The young man went back down the stairs and Karaberasu opened the door to the boy's room.

-Mazoui, are you awake, honey? - Her mother asked softly. -

-Yes, mamma, - the little boy replied, his face with those reddish spots so characteristic of the disease. - I'm playing with my plane. - He showed a small airplane in his right hand with which he described pirouettes on the bed. -

-Hello .- Mathew said, smiling at the boy as he took a seat on the edge of the bed, - so you like planes.

-Who are you? - The boy asked, studying the stranger curiously. -

- My name is Mathew and I am a doctor, I come to help you to get well, Mazoui.

- I do not want to take injections! - He said defensively with a gesture of visible fear. -

-At the moment that will not be necessary. I'll going to check you now. -He said, and placed the stethoscope on the boy's chest. -

-It's cold! – Mazoui exclaimed. - It tickles me.

-Of course, -Mathew said amused to ask him, - let´s see ...please, coughing a little.-  The child did it, and the doctor listened for a moment and took off his stethoscope. - Okay, now the temperature. - He pulled the thermometer out of the child's scare face. -

-Needles not! - He kicked now visibly frightened. -

-Mazoui, behave yourself, - Karaberasu said patiently. -

-Do not be afraid, - the doctor said reassuringly. - This is not to punch you. It is a thermometer that is placed in the mouth, - and as a demonstration put it into the child mouth and the thermometer, which was digital and instant, then shot at 44 degrees. - This cannot be! - Mathew whispered to Karaberasu, looking at her with anxious anticipation. - It must be broken, - he added, dismissing the matter, - these modern thermometers are unreliable. - Do you have any with mercury?

-Yes, I'll bring it to you right now, - her interlocutor answered, rummaging in a drawer on the nightstand next to the bed. -

-Well, - Mathew said, to entertain the child. - So you like airplanes.

-I want to be a pilot, - the boy answered decisively. -

-So you know you have to study hard, - the young doctor warned. -

-Did you study hard to be a doctor? - The very interested child asked. -

- Yes, very much! – Mathew smiled, added. - Now please, open your mouth. - He asked the boy, helping himself to scrutinize him with a stick that had also been brought in and declaring reassuring. - The throat is fine.

- Take. - Karaberasu held out the thermometer, and Mathew put it on the boy's mouth, warning him to keep quiet without opening his mouth for a few minutes. -

-Let's play a game, we'll shut our mouths for a moment and see who can stand it the most, - the doctor suggested, so to make him more bearable, he closed his mouth with him. -

After about three minutes he took the thermometer and checked that it marked the same temperature. The young doctor was puzzled.

- I do not understand, in a condition like this he should be burning by the fever and yet he does not seem to accuse it at all ...

-My son is a little special - Karaberasu smiled nervously. -

-All I can think of is trying to lower the temperature with ice. I'll get you an antibiotic and let´s see how the night goes by. Tomorrow I'll see him again, but if anything happened in the middle of the night, do not hesitate to call me. - He wrote down a recipe that left the mother. - It's a syrup, give it to him before every meal.

-I do not want to be so annoying, - she replied, visibly stiff. -

- Do not worry, this case interests me a lot. The important thing is to do a good medical follow-up. And if necessary I can arrange for him to be admitted to a hospital, - he replied cordially. -

That did make her interlocutor nervous, she could barely reply.

- I'd rather not. If it is not something serious. I just do not like hospitals

Far from being surprised, the young man smiled, admitting.

- Looks like we have that in common. I do not like anything to go as a patient. And I cannot name them to my uncle when he gets sick. As a good Irishman, he says, that whatever has the cure with a home remedy and a prayer.

-I do not know how to thank you, - she said, and smiled, relieved at the friendliness of the young man. - The truth is, I do not have much money to pay you for your visits.

-It will suffice for me to have a coffee. - Mathew said with a smile. - I'm interested to hear if Mazoui had been sick before.

-It will be my pleasure, tomorrow I'll make my favorite cake to accompany the coffee. - She smiled gratefully. -

-Well, - the young man said, rising from the bed. - So, see you tomorrow.

-Can I go to the kindergarten tomorrow? - Mazoui asked between yawns. -

-I am afraid no, honey, - Karaberasu replied and after she explained to Mathew. - He loves going to kindergarten, he is a very intelligent boy and enjoys a lot there. -

-That's fine, but for now you cannot go back. - Mathew said cheerfully. - Wait to get you all fine, here you will not get bored either. When I was small and sick I also had to stay in bed and entertained reading comics and making cutouts.

-I like comics and short stories, -Mazoui replied, delighted with the idea. - My mom reads them to me but I have almost learned to read them alone.

-That's fine, you're a smart kid. - Mathew replied with approval. -

- And you like to help people, I notice it when you approach. - The boy declared, staring with his inquisitive and large honey-colored eyes at him. -

-That's why I'm a doctor.- The visibly amused interpellated smiled to say goodbye. - Well, it's late and you have to rest, until tomorrow, Mazoui.

-See you tomorrow,- The weary little boy whispered . -

The doctor went away accompanied by the girl who never ceased to thank him for his attentions. Then she went up again to wish the child goodnight.

-Now you must sleep. - Karaberasu asked his son affectionately. - I'm sure tomorrow you'll be better, darling.

-Mammy, - the little boy replied sharply - the doctor is very nice and handsome. Do you like him?

She was puzzled, did not know what to answer.

- Well, yes, he is very nice, and I like him, son. - She admitted with a shy smile to change the subject before turning red, with a jovial – Come on, stop talking and go to sleep!

-Well, I think he likes you, too, - Mazoui said, laughing with a funny expression on his little face. -

-Do not be naughty. - His mother admonished him affectionately as she gave him a slight tickle that made the little boy laugh. – Now go to sleep, see you tomorrow, my love.

Karaberasu brought his favorite teddy bear to her son and kissed him on the forehead. The temperature seemed to have gone down, so being quiet she turned off the light and went to her room. Once there she smiled, to be so small Mazoui had a lot of psychology, hopefully he was not mistaken in the thoughts of the young doctor! Karaberasu had to recognize to herself that she had liked that doctor enough. In truth he physically reminded her of Rubeus, tall, strong and handsome. However, his character seemed to be diametrically opposed. He was nice and kind, but not in that artificial way that characterized his former boss. She was tired so she let it be and went to sleep. The next day Mazoui was much better, the temperature had dropped to a more familiar 38 degrees. Just in case her mother went to the pharmacy to buy the medicine that the doctor had prescribed. This one even had the detail of writing that was for a patient of his hospital with which the amount came out to Kalie to half price. The girl gave the child a spoonful before breakfast, as Mathew had indicated.

-You look better, my dear ...

The little boy nodded, amused as he was at looking at some comics ... his mother asked.

-Are you hungry?

-I want some pancakes ...

-Well, let´s see if I can make them, eh? – Kalie smiled more excited to see him so recovered, adding then mischievously. - But if you wait a little bit I'll have cake, which you like the most.

-Yes mom! Cake, cake, - he exclaimed enthusiastically. -

Karaberasu smiled, she gave him a kiss on the forehead, which now felt less hot already. She immediately telephoned the doctor to inform him that the child was doing very well. At meal time the temperature was already 37.5 °. Mathew came by to  check him and was impressed by that very fast recovery. True to her word Kalie had baked a cake. As she promised she invited the doctor to try a slice. After serving other piece of cake to the small child they chatted for a couple of hours and after saying goodbye to her and the boy, he left. He had to go and talk to the hospital director to start his work the next day. A few days later Mazoui was fully recovered and the doctor, with the excuse of seeing him to do a checkup, came to visit him at home, although in fact the intuition of the child was well and was more interested in seeing the mother. So he knocked on the door and it was she who opened it.

-Hi Mathew, what a surprise! - Kalie smiled. -

-I was going to check if Mazoui was all right, - he said with some embarrassment. -

- Yes, it's so good that he's going to nursery. He's still there, I have to go and get him in half an hour, -the lively girl replied. -

-Oh, I did not know, - The man replied rather nervously, though he seemed to add value by adding - I still had a little time and ...

- If you want you can join me, he'll like to see you. He never ceases to speak of you. He says you are his friend. – Kalie said visibly pleased by it, adding. -He has been very fond of you.

-Really? – Mathew said, glad to hear that too. - I'll be delighted! , thanks. Besides, it is on my way to the hospital.

- Well, let's go, - she proposed - we can take a walk ... if you wait a few minutes ...

The young man nodded and she asked him to sit down. Meanwhile, Dorothy was coming out of the kitchen, and when she saw the girl running to her room, she smiled. It was clear that Mathew was not indifferent to the girl and that made her happy. The woman thought that they made a very good couple and she did not use to err in those questions. Besides, that poor girl had been alone for a long time, just taking care of her son and working, she deserved a little social life, and why not say it, to have some relationship. After a few minutes Karaberasu, dressed in an elegant cream-colored set, went down the stairs more slowly and joined the young doctor in the dining room.

-You look great, - he said timidly. -

-I've only dress a little more properly, - she lied shamelessly, almost blushing, pleased by the compliment, but the boy did not seem to notice. -Come on.

Dorothy came out to greet them and Kalie told her that they were going to look for Mazoui. The old woman smiled and waved them away. The young couple got lost behind the door that Karaberasu was getting close gently to him on the way out.

-How about the hospital? - She asked, trying to break the ice. -

- Very well thank you, I am very happy, I have been admitted very cordially, do not you think that is very common.

- It's great! , Such a young man and a medical doctor in a hospital - She praised him. -

-It was hard to get here but it's worth it, - he agreed, with obvious satisfaction. -

- Surely you have been studying for a long time ...

-Yes, I have not had occasion to do anything else, - Mathew admitted. -

-Not to go out with friends, or any girlfriend, - Karaberasu inquired in a very interested way. -

-Oh no, that's it! , None of that, - he replied, quite naturally explaining. - Studies and practices have completely absorbed me. Well, I play rugby a little.

-Are you an athlete? - She was surprised, or at least that made him think. -

-I grew up between America and Ireland. My parents are from there. - He said. - In that country rugby is a very popular sport. I played even in some summer league. And I took a few strokes .- He sighed caressing the right shoulder and left leg .-

-Well! It is a dangerous sport so it seems ...

-Not so much, - the young man smiled, who in turn asked. - What about you?  Do not you have any other plans than work?

-Not for the time being, - she said rather decadently, but then added more cheerfully. - But you never know, I'm open to any possibility ...

-I suppose you'll be very busy between the child and the work, - he surmised, more emphatically, trying to find out. - I do not know if I'll be indiscreet, but are you married?

-No, -Karaberasu replied. - I'm single.

- I was saying it for Mazoui's father, I thought you could be separated ...

Karaberasu was uncomfortably silent, Mathew knew then that he had entered a forbidden terrain in her life.

-I'm sorry, - he said, responding quickly with the feeling of having spoiled something. - If I have meddled in your private life I apologize.

-No, there's no reason, - the young woman said, grinning with circumstance to add quietly. - Mazoui's father died, I do not like to talk about it.

-How sorry I am, I did not know anything! -The doctor said, genuinely ashamed of his blunder. -

-I thought maybe your uncle would have told you something. - Karaberasu said dubiously and somewhat stiffly. -

-No, he ... he just told me that you were a very hard-working and intelligent woman, besides a good mother and I see that it is true . -The boy replied in a more relaxed tone. –

Her interlocutor blushed, smiling more naturally now, Mathew kept looking at her, she was very pretty when she smiled. She, too, felt increasingly attracted to him. So she began to instinctively flirt with her best woman´s weapons. At last they came to the nursery, time and distance seemed to them both too brief. Mazoui was already waiting with his little purse for the arrival of his mother and in his childish face appeared a big smile to see her next to Mathew. Without waiting an instant he ran to embrace her and Karaberasu received him with one knee on the ground to pick him up immediately.

- Hi honey, how was your day?

-It was good, mommy! - the child answered, saying hello enthusiastically - hi Mathew!

- Hello Mazoui,- The doctor said in turn, - how are you?

-Very well,- replied the boy, at once, to add. - Hey Mathew, do you know that in a few days is my birthday?

-In two weeks,-  his proud mother said with a smile. - He is going to be four years old.

-Hey, four! You're a little man, - the doctor smiled. -

- I invite you, - the boy said with great enthusiasm. -

- Well - the alluded doubted assaulted by the commitment of the situation and the reality in explaining - I do not know if I can go, maybe I had a guard ...

The boy looked disappointed and Karaberasu was quick to intervene, she had the perfect justification.

-I hope you can come!  We would like both. - She asked. -

-Well, -Mathew said, assuring the child with a broad smile, - that day I will change my turn. - I will not miss your birthday for anything, I promise.

Mazoui smiled happily. Shaking hands with his mother and Mathew, they returned home. The doctor apologized halfway and said goodbye to them. He went to the hospital. Both Karaberasu and his son returned home very excited ...

-Good, Mama! Mathew is coming.

-Yes, honey. - She smiled warmly at her, adding. - We'll have to make a nice party for you and he. We are going to have a good time, right?

The boy nodded. For his part the doctor came in his turn, spent the consultations and on a break phoned his family in Ireland.

-Hi, Mom. - He was able to say hello in a cheerful voice. - How are you? I'm fine, yes, I'll tell you. Well ... the truth is that I've met a girl. It's too early to say that ... Catholic? I do not know, I do not think she... Mom! - He added in a tone between patient and annoyed.- She's a very nice and responsible woman. Well, I'll tell you in a little while. How about Dad? Is he still with that rheum? Give him a hug from me. A kiss for you. Bye…

After hanging, he sighed. His parents were typical Irish Catholic devotees. It was not surprising considering his uncle was a priest. The trouble was that for them it was not too funny if his boy could intimate with women who did not practice their religion.

-And that I have not told them she has a son, yet- He sighed thinking about how he would say that .- Although it is still very soon. We will have to get to know each other better. I'm already looking forward to Mazoui's birthday. - He thought with a smile.

In Japan during those years the situation became difficult for Minako. Not as far as her professional life is concerned. She was already a famous youth idol. She achieved that fame and success she longed for. And she did it by her own efforts. Now, sitting in her dressing room in one of her breaks between acting and acting, she remembered what happened. Her cat was lying in his corner, on the sand drawer. Like any ordinary pussycat, which is what for some time he had been. She sighed sadly, watching him. She really missed being able to chat with him. After the last battles they had things seemed to have calmed down and she effectively succeeded in her country like singer and even actress. But that did not matter to her now. The truth is that as she feared, Mamoru and Usagi (or rather, King Endymion and Queen Serenity) discovered everything she had been doing behind their backs. It was soon to defeat the troops of that Gralas for the umpteenth time. And after the departure of Setsuna and her wedding with that king of the Saiyajin whom they attended in that world, when she was called to presence of their sovereigns. These used a place that the magician Landar left them in Heaven.

-Did you send for me to call? - The girl who appeared in her casual clothes and accompanied by Artemis could ask.-

However, she was surprised to see that all her companions were dressed as planetary princesses, with long protocol dresses and their diadems. In addition, her companions of the inner solar system showed serious and even worried faces when they looked at her. Usagi and Mamoru also wore the royal gowns of Serenity and Endymion.

-Minako Aino, princess of Venus and sailor guardian of the Inner Solar System . - The sovereign replied with a stern gesture and severe tone.- I think you have something to tell us.

At that first moment the girl looked at her interlocutor and the others with bewilderment, it really did not come to her mind what was happening. It was when she looked at Jupiter and she lowered her head with desolation, as did the rest of her companions in the inner solar system. It seemed that neither Haruka nor Michiru nor Hotaru had any idea about what was happening. Even so, they were worried. It was Artemis who, looking at Luna, who also looked very rude, could whisper to her friend.

-They know…

-Very good. -The young woman said, with a similar tone in gravity, looking directly at the sovereigns and asking in turn. - What do you wish to know?

It was Endymion who rose from the throne he occupied and approaching a small table from which he took a briefcase that he handed to Minako, as he told her.

-Federal US agents reported your presence in California.

-Yes, of course. - The girl smiled, replying without hesitation, as she checked those reports that reported her presence there. - I went to make some recordings for my career. When I wanted to become an idol. And that was the first step to achieve it. That is not a crime. -She stated with some joviality. -

-But there you did something else. - Serenity looked down at her and did not alter her serious countenance.

-Yes, it is true -The interpellated admitted, declaring without shame. - I was interested in the situation of Kalie and wanted to see how she was.

- Very clear orders were given in that regard. Venus, - Endymion affirmed in a calm tone but still in a reproachful way as he returned to sit on his throne.-

-You ordered us not to interfere with her or help her. All I did was go to see her, without her discovering me and seeing that she was happy. Worrying about a friend I do not think it's any crime. - The girl defended herself with more serious tints in her voice. -

-No, that's not it. - Serenity agreed, who was now the one who got up to approach her and Artemis, who also went to inquire. - And you helped her, right?

The cat lowered his head and could reply without regret but with total sincerity.

-Yes, your Majesty. And I would do it again if I were asked ... I beg your pardon.

-I know you would. I understand. As Usagi Tsukino I understand. - The queen smiled in a concession perhaps to her feelings. -

-Thank you. - Minako said visibly relieved. - I knew you'd understand.

However, her interlocutor hardened her expression again to sentence.

-But as the queen of Neo Cristal Tokyo, Queen Serenity, I cannot tolerate a fault like that. That is why I am obliged to take action. So that something like this is not repeated. With all the pain of my heart. I'm so sorry Artemis. You disobeyed a direct royal mandate. – She declared pointing the cat with her scepter. He made no attempt to move, seemed to accept submissively that, when the queen sighed almost in a voice broken by consternation. - You have left me no choice.

Before anyone could react, from the scepter of the sovereign broke a silver ray that illuminated the golden crescent that the cat had on his forehead, in a few moments that mark disappeared, to the horror of Luna, who exclaimed.

-Your Majesty, I beg you, have mercy on him!

-What have you done to Artemis? - The astonished Venus could ask. -

The girl was perplexed, watching the cat with a worried expression, more when he walked around the room without seeming to know anyone of those present. With horror Minako realized that the brightness of his eyes had gone out, he was now like any animal!

-I've canceled his speaking ability and his memories. From now on he will be an ordinary cat. -Serenity confirmed with regret. -

The other princesses looked at each other in amazement and shock. How could she have done such a thing to poor Artemis? Venus cried now, unable to stop the tears. She wanted to take the cat in her arms, but he escaped by climbing to a nearby seat.

-Artemis! -The girl was able to sob between sobs. - How could you do such a thing? - She was indignant, turning to Serenity, who was watching her with an expression of distress, though unperturbed. - He just wanted to help me because he was my friend. He was who woke me up as a warrior and was always by my side. How dare you? - She snapped angrily. - Damn you!

-Venus! Haruka harshly said then. - Show respect.

-Yes. - Michiru agreed dryly. - Do not forget who you're talking to.

-You two, shut up! - Minako demanded, facing them in anger. - It's none of your business.

- Are you going to force us? - Princess Uranus challenged her. -

-If necessary ... do not doubt that I will. - The enraged woman replied, without taking her eyes from those of her companions. -

-Stop! – Endimion said with a cold but sharp tone.-

-Venus, calm down. - The princess of Mars asked her softly, who, not caring to break the protocol, went to embrace her companion. - I beg you, please ...

She at first rejected that gesture, but then she thought better of it and allowed herself to be done. The princesses Jupiter and Mercury also approached to offer their support. Although the queen was not yet finished.

 -Princess of Venus. You have been suspended from all your functions as a warrior and guardian for an indefinite time. Deliver your transformer.- She demanded it with a warm but firm tone.-

-Please Usagi, do not take things that far. - Makoto asked the queen. -

-Yes, I think she's already learned the lesson. Artemis's punishment is more than enough. - Princess Mercury begged.-  Usagi-chan, onegay. -

-I'm not Usagi Tsukino right now, and I do not need you to tell me how I should perform my duties as a queen. -Serenity cut them off in a firm, though soft, but really intimidating tone. - Besides, it's not your job to interfere with this.

No one dared to reply. But it was Venus who, visibly downcast and angry, took out her transformer and her bracelet and handed them to the queen in a brusque way while she met her gaze with hers.

-You can keep this. I deserve it after all. I knew what I was exposing myself to. But what you have done to Artemis I will never forgive you! ... Do you hear me? We're done as friends.

There was a tense silence, no one dared to say anything. Even the queen stared at the ground with a sad expression, perhaps struggling not to cry. After a few moments, it was Minako herself who took the floor ... in a seemingly respectful but ironic tone that tried to conceal her rage and bitterness without succeeding.

-Do you give me your royal permission to retire, Serene Majesty?

Serenity nodded sadly. Her interlocutor turned and left with quick, decisive steps once she was able to seize the now elusive Artemis. The girl remembered all that with regret. Her friend was with her but it was not much the same. In spite of that, she still took care of him the best she could.

-Well, - she sighed, going over her makeup. - It's my turn to act ... wish me luck, Artemis ...  She asked the cat.

Although unsuccessfully given that oblivious to those words the cat was entertained by fiddling with a ball of yellow wool ...

In Los Angeles that two weeks passed, Mathew and Karaberasu met several times in those days, they said to prepare a surprise to the boy, but in fact both enjoyed their mutual company. The girl at work was looking forward to her appointment.

-Karla. Have you already finished the order list for the Trust company? - His boss asked, pulling her out of her thoughts. -

-Yes, Mr. Oleson, - the girl replied, showing him the screen of her computer. - I was going to send it by email now.

 -Very good. When you finish with that and with the invoice of expenses of this month you can leave.- He declared his  fatty chief away from there.-

And that man was not a bad person. Maybe something punctilious, but she always tried to do things right. In fact, since they hired her she showed a really good job done very much appreciated by Oleson who was her direct superior, and even by some managers. In addition, her command of the Japanese made her very useful as soon as some problem arose in the department of commerce for the Pacific. In those years she had risen from an ordinary administrative to Oleson's private secretary and it was rumored in some gossip that perhaps they could send her to the office of the division of exchanges with Asia. Anyway, that did not bother her too much, she was fine like that, she earned enough to keep her and her son and help Dorothy with the bills. This she meditated while finishing in half an hour the review of what her boss had asked her. At last she said good evening and left the office ...

-Hello Karla. - One of his companions greeted her.

-Good afternoon, Norman. - She sighed. -

He was of medium height, somewhat bald and with glasses. A nice guy in general though somewhat persistent at times. Kalie could feel it. At least in the romantic sense. Or was he a stalker or anything like that. But she did not feel like trying to venture any further into his attempts to flirt with her.

-Have you finished yet? - He could say with little success, since it was obvious. -

-Yes, I'm going home, -the young woman said.-

-If you wait a little, I can accompany you. I finished in just ten minutes. - He hurried to say. -

-Thank you. But I've already had a date and I'll be late. - She excused herself kindly. -

-Well! Maybe with some friends.- The guy ventured without wanting to be more precise.-

-That's it. We're preparing my son's birthday. - Kalie informed him. -

-I do not want to entertain you, then. - He smiled tremulously. - That's very important, tell me. How old is ...it was Mazoui, right?

-If that is. He is four years old. - She smiled, now grateful that her partner remembered the name of the child. - We are preparing a surprise party ...

-Well, you'll tell me how it goes.- That boy doubtfully added .-

Kalie nodded, a smile of circumstance, but she did not want to be rude. That boy did not deserve it either. After all, if he was interested in her and was not mutual, it was not his fault either. If only he knew who she was going to meet! At last she left the street and walked to her meeting place with Mathew. She sat down in an armchair in the cafeteria in question. A waitress waited to take note. She ordered tea and waited. Mathew seemed to be delayed although while she was watching the television and something caught her attention, they were transmitting a game of basketball. It was the Golden State Warriors team against the Knicks of New York. She smiled broadly when, watching some plays, she saw an acquaintance of her as she listened to the commentator.

-Damn, bang ... triple ... good game from the Knicks base, in this first half he already has ten points, eight assists and two rebounds. In addition, the invisible Malden has stolen three balls. His team is up by seven.

She remembered that boy and of course her sister Bertie and the others. What had become of them? It was clear that the boy had triumphed in his favorite sport. In fact, she was tempted to try to contact him to join her whole family. But something prevented her. It was a strange sensation.

-Perhaps soon enough, when Mazoui was a little older. - Said the young woman .-

-Hello! Watching the basketball? She heard the soft voice of Mathew who had just made an appearance.- I did not know you liked it.

-Not especially. - She affirmed returning of her thoughts. – I was just killed the time.

-Excuse me, - the boy replied, taking that for a veiled reproach to his tardiness. - We had a lot of last-minute work at the hospital.

-Oh, no ... I did not mean that! - She was quick to answer, realizing how her interlocutor had interpreted it. - I am very grateful to you for coming. You're taking a lot of trouble.

-Not at all, - he declared, winking at the pair he added. - Mazoui and I have become good friends and I want him to have a great birthday.

Kalie watched him again with a strange sensation. Those gestures were so similar to Rubeus's. But it was clear that the boy had nothing to do with him. Mathew realized she was lost in her thoughts that she seemed to be looking at him and commented fun.

-Did I say something strange or did I come in disheveled?

-No. - She smiled a little blushing and looked down. - Sorry, I was thinking ...

-Well, you look very pretty when you are in such an introspective way. - He smiled with a little more impudence, which he immediately tried to correct. "I'm sorry. My Irish vein of throwing compliments ...

-For me, do not suppress it,- Kalie said, really amused because it was now the doctor who seemed to be getting a little red. - A girl does not get tired of receiving them ...

However, he seemed to behave in a more measured manner, yes, without losing his cordiality and changed the subject, returning to the issue that they were supposed to deal with.

-Do you think we should buy balloons?

-Yes, it's a good idea.-  She nodded, composing herself to focus on the party. - He loves colored balloons.

-Well, do not worry about that, and bring some juggler or magician, and I'll take care of the balloons myself.

-Thank you very much. Dorothy is going to lend me a hand with the cakes and the decoration of the house, - she affirmed in turn.- There will also come a few little friends from the nursery ... I will need some help to control so many children. - She sighed only thinking about that. -

The doctor agreed to this and almost unintentionally laid one hand over Kalie's on the table when he answered.

-Will be worth it. It will be an unforgettable party for your child. That's for sure.

Karaberasu smiled slightly as she stared at the young man's hand, and then he noticed it and declared it somewhat embarrassed.

-I am sorry…

Although she shook her head, then they talked for a while longer and at the end they said goodbye and left for the day of the celebration. And finally this one arrived. At the birthday party, the friends of Mazoui met. Karaberasu was very happy, she had his son happy and that great boy at his side. The adults chatted away from the fun organized by the children.

- I'm so glad to see him with your friends! - She declared with a pleased sigh. -

- I'm glad that everything is going so well, especially after what you've had to work to prepare the party.

-With your help and Dotty's, I've had it very easy.- The girl replied visibly grateful. –

-We've done little, you've had most of the work. - Mathew replied, looking into her eyes, not hiding his admiration. -

-It's worth it, just to see my son so happy. - She sighed, her voice soft now staring at the ceiling and reflecting on a much deeper level than her interlocutor could imagine when she added. - Surrounded by his friends, and so much affection. With that smiley face ... everything has been worth it ...

Mathew could not stop a cramp from crawling through her. He saw that young woman so attractive and above all so dedicated to being a good mother. Optimistic and fighter. With that expression so sweet as he watched her playing and laughing at the little boy who could not help but whisper in surprise.

- You're a great woman ...

-Thank you. - The girl smiled brightly, looking into his eyes. - And you're a magnificent man.

Karaberasu leaned closer to him and kissed him lightly on the lips. The truth is that she could not restrain herself. The doctor gave her a look of astonishment as she tried to apologize awkwardly.

- I'm so sorry, I do not know how I could.

But Mathew smiled broadly and kissed her back, making it longer.

-I was looking forward to this moment, - he confessed when that kiss was over. - We both wanted it, but I lacked the courage you had. I do not know how it happened, but the only thing that matters is that I am in love with you ...

-I love you, too, - she admitted. - Since the first day I saw you. I do not know how to explain it.

- It happened to me. I felt a crush. I know it is very hasty, we barely know each other and all that, but do you want to marry me? - he asked almost with a babble. -

She was puzzled. It sounded so strange to her. In fact she had never wanted to compromise. Maybe because she had never found a man who was attractive and interesting enough, except for Rubeus, being very young and still in Nemesis, corrupted by dark energy. With him with whom she first came to have relationships of all kinds. But then that guy showed her what a bastard he was. When he already had what he wanted from her, he flirted with other women, including Cooan. Since then Kalie did the same and went out just to have fun. Without seeing any man who thinks fit. Maybe Bertie's boyfriend had been the only one who made her that impression. Although it was clear that her sister saw him first! She smiled. She always got on very well with that boy. They had many winks of complicity and a similar way of having fun. In fact, he was the only one who guessed her intention to leave. Tom was also a wonderful boy, though she did not see him as his type. He was very happy for Cooan when the two sealed their relationship. And above all, she was very happy for Petz, when she recovered her only love. The return of Sapphire was as miraculous as necessary for her older sister. She deserved it after a lifetime of caring for the rest. But in her own case she always thought she would be destined to be single. Then came that terrible episode of her rape, her pregnancy ... now with her son things were very different. She could not look only for herself. And Mathew, besides being a good man, attractive, and charming, had everything necessary to be a magnificent father to Mazoui. What was clear was that she had matured and was not willing to behave as in the old days. She no longer wanted anything frivolous or irresponsible. Quite the opposite. Life had shown her to be very tough and only wanted the sincere love of someone who was willing to take care of her and let herself love him in turn. Although Kalie also had her doubts and her repairs. She really did not know if her feelings were inspired by the mere attraction to that young doctor or if they were dictated in part by the need to give a paternal reference to her little one. Either way, it didn´t matter! She nodded and they both hugged, the girl wanted to laugh and cry with joy.

- I do not know how Mazoui will react, and your uncle? And your parents?

-We should ask him straight away, - his now more serious interlocutor replied. -

-Do you want to call your uncle and your parents? - Karaberasu replied, surprised. - Now?

-No, tell Mazoui first! - Mathew said now. - I think he should know. You have been so courageous and since you have taken the first step, now it is my turn.

He was just saying this when the boy came running up to them. He carried in a hand a pistol, a gift from one of his friends.

-Mom! Mathew! - He shrieked like a madman, showing his toy. - Look what a cool pistol Jerrie gave me!

-She's a very nice son, - Karaberasu said with a slightly nervous smile. -

-You'll show it to us later, will you? - Mathew added something more serious to declare. – Please listen to us Mazoui. Your mother and I have to tell you something.

The questioner looked at them both with their honey-colored eyes wide open.

-I have asked your mother to marry me, so that we may be three together, what do you think? - He asked Mazoui solemnly. -

The boy was silent, the two adults waited expectantly for his answer and his mother insisted. Perhaps the little one did not fully understand what that meant.

- Tell me honey, what do you think? Mathew has asked me to be his wife, you know what that is, right? He would be your dad.

-Really? - Exclaimed Mazoui at last. - You promise? - He added excitedly holding onto a hand of that man. -

-Well, of course, - he replied, genuinely surprised by the reaction he had not expected in his best thoughts. - If you think it is right.

-How good! I'm going to have a dad like my friends. It's better than Jerrie's pistol! I'm going to tell them.

And with the enthusiasm of his own age, he ran off without saying anything else, leaving his mother and Mathew dumbfounded. After a few moments when neither of them could speak, they both laughed at last. They hugged each other full of happiness. As soon as Dorothy came by, carrying a tray of sandwiches for the children, she saw them and approached her curiously for this behavior. As soon as the news was communicated to her, the old woman lit up with happiness.

-This must be celebrated! - The good woman proposed them jovially - As soon as we tell your uncle he will be very happy. He told me he was anxious for you to have a formal girlfriend. But if you got married, that will charm him !, and especially with you, my lass - she affirmed caressing to Karaberasu in one cheek and this one smiled very excited. - And then your parents sure will also be happy.

-We will ask Father O'Brian to marry us, -the young woman said. -

-Well, as soon as I can tell him. - Mathew said happily. - And then I'll call my parents to Ireland.

-Have you already told Mazoui? - Dorothy asked them with interest as she was only concerned about the little boy's reaction. -

-Yes, and you should see how well he has reacted. - Karaberasu replied, telling her what had happened. - We can hardly believe it.

-That rascal! I bet he'd be spinning that too in his little smart head. – Dorothy said she could not help but laugh. -

-Then he was ahead of us. In fact, everything has been so sudden that I do not even have a ring. -An apologetic Mathew admitted by taking a hand to the neck. -

They laughed again, this time together. As soon as the party was over they decided to let that night go by, and the next day Dorothy called the priest to tell him the good news. As everyone thought, father O'Brien was very happy and prayed, thanking God for such a wonderful event. Although he first called his family. The boy was excited but also thought that perhaps his parents did not take it so well. He decided to let them know without loss of time.

-I hope they approve. - Dad sure will do it, although Mom may be something more complicated. - He said, not without some uneasiness.

In Ireland, at the O 'Brian's house the telephone rang. Jack got up to take care of him. His voice slightly hoarse, he took off the pipe he used to smoke.

-Yes?

-Hi dad. – He heard his son's lively voice.-

-What do you say? - Replied that good-natured, Irishman who was his father. - Anything new for the Americas? What ´s news do you have?

- AI have one really big. I'm getting married, dad! - He exclaimed, suddenly releasing the news. -

His father was astonished, he ran his short hair and pulled gray, and was slow to reply.

-When? With whom?

-With a beautiful and very good girl, - The young man answered. -

-You had told us you were just dating her. - Jack objected. - Is not that sudden?

-You're right, maybe it appears like that. - Admitted the boy who nevertheless confessed. - But it was a crush. I don’t know. I feel that she is the woman of my life. You always told me that when you saw Mom the same thing happened to you.

-Yes, son. - He acknowledged his interlocutor who nonetheless qualified. - But we were engaged for more than five years.

-They were different times. Now things happen faster.

-Listen Mathew. - You're old enough now to decide what to do with your life. If you want to marry her to me it seems perfect. I wish I could meet her. That yes. And you know that your mother does not agree very much with my character. She does not approve so quickly.

-That's why I want you to have the opportunity to come shortly before the wedding. - The young man told him.- I must tell you two more things.- He added now with a dye something more worried.-

- What? - He wanted to know his compatriot. -

-The first, uncle Hugh considers her a great girl. Furthermore, it was thanks to him that we met.

-Well, if that old rascal recommends her to you is a point in favor of that young woman, .- His father retorted, wanting to know.- And how did you meet her? At church?

-That's the second thing I should say to you. - The boy answered more urgently. - She has a son, he got sick and the uncle called me to visit him.

-What?  Does she have a son? So is she divorced? – Jack could say to his son with a clear alarm in his voice.

-No dad. The child's father died. -The young man answered honestly. -

-I get it. It is a disgrace but from the Catholic point of view it is not a fault. Good…

-And Mom? Is not she at home? - Mathew wanted to know. -

-She went out with Rossie O'Leary and Molly Flanders to the market. Surely gossiping about your sister. Another member of this family who has emigrated and that we barely see. It will not be long. But I will tell her that you have called and I'll try to ... well, prepare her the best I can. - He sighed in resigned tone. - Give me a couple of days to go and work the land ...

-Whatever you need. - Thank you, dad, - the young man said, with a clear acknowledgment. - By the way, I hope I can speak to Alannah and her husband in order to invite them to come.

- I don´t know what to respond. She lives in France and there is no way she comes to visit us. Anyway, - sighed the man. - You know how stubborn your mother can become. And your older sister is exactly the same. A hug, son. - Your caller said goodbye.

Mathew agreed on that and hung up. He knew that his poor father was going to have a very complicated task. His mother did approve that Ally (as he affectionately called his sister) left Ireland. Her mother thought that she was young to study archeology abroad, and that provoked an argument between them whose wounds were not completely closed. And that later, his sister met that Pierre in Paris and married him. Now they had two girls, Bridget the eldest and Suzanne the youngest, his two nieces. Thanks to that the mother of both softened the roughness because deep down she missed the children. Even so, the family of his eldest daughter was little seen in her homeland. The boy sighed. If that happened to Alannah and it was simply going to live outside. With that sudden news of his wedding, his mother would not agree at all. But to tell her that she was going to be a grandmother before that mother-in-law! At least her sister married after a courtship of a couple of years and with a single type and childless.

-It will not be easy, no,- the troubled boy thought. - I hope Ally helps dad in order to persuaded Mom.

And he tried to contact his sister. She was hard to locate. She worked in her career as an archaeologist and spent her life going back and forth from one excavation to another. But at last he was able to locate her, taking advantage of the fact that she had gone to England to investigate at Stonehenge, and after the greetings he told her what was happening.

-Well, God help you Mat, because our mother is very stubborn, -The young woman said.-

-Yes, as a certain older sister I know! - Mathew laughed, adding more seriously. - I hope you can come with Pierre and the girls.

-I cannot assure you, - his interlocutor answered. - And I would like Mat, I would like very much, she affirmed, with regret. -

-I understand, Ally. - He was able to respond, though without concealing a certain amount of disappointment. -

-Why do not you do anything?  Come from Honeymoon to Ireland and we'll see you there. By the way, we could bring the whole family together. That's what our traditional mother would like.

-I'll consult my fiancée, - the boy said, feeling more encouraged by that. - I hope it was possible. -

So they agreed that and said goodbye. For her part Kalie was very happy and eager to make preparations. She missed her sisters more than ever. Maybe she could try to contact them. Now that Mazoui seemed to be a completely normal child. She talked to her fiancé and they agreed to set the wedding date for three months. They did not have many guests, it would be a very intimate celebration. Of course the boy rectified that mistake of missing the ring and gave his fiancée a magnificent one with a set topaz stone. Despite apologizing for not being able to spend much. However, Kalie gave him a hug and a kissed him deeply. That was the least of it. The value of that jewel was far above the material, as well as that of her stone of justice. That pendant reminded her of her family continually. That is why one day, together with Mathew, she told him the possibility of calling her sisters.

-Since I left almost five years ago, I have not heard anything from them, - she explained. -

-Well, tell me, it would be great if they came to our wedding, - the boy encouraged her. - Just like my parents.

Karaberasu smiled decisively, moved by an impulse she picked up the phone and dialed. She waited a few moments until an unfamiliar voice came on.

-Who are you? -The stranger person asked. -

-Excuse me, maybe I was wrong. - She said  repeating the number she had. -

However, the voice, which belonged to a woman, confirmed it, Kalie explained that she called to speak with her sisters.

-You must refer to the girls who rented this flat before me, -the woman guessed. - That was more than three years ago. I think they went to another State.

-And do not know you where? - Karaberasu asked, distressed by the news. -

- I'm not sorry...I am not.

-Well, thank you and excuse me, -Kalie said, who hung up the phone softly and in dismay. -

-What did they tell you? - Mathew wanted to know, somewhat worried about her expression changing. -

-She does not know where my sisters are, -the consternated girl told him. -

-We'll look for them, do not worry, -  Mathew comforted her cheerfully. -

-No, - she replied, shaking her head. - They're probably mad at me for leaving them like this. Or they may not even be in the country yet. Maybe someday I'll see them again. But now we must focus on preparing our wedding, - she added trying to cheer herself up too. - There will be time to try to find them. Above all, what I want now is to get to know your parents and made a good impression to them.

-Yes, although I assure you that that will be very easy. At least with my father. - The boy smiled. -

 And it was precisely Jack who, not after two but four days, called him. His tone was circumstantial.

-How did it go? - Mathew inquired with obvious interest. -

-How could you imagine. Your mother often does not listen to reasons, but I've convinced her that she should at least give her fiancée a chance. So we will travel to the United States in about ten days.

-We will wait for you with much impatience,- the young man assured him. -

And so they were. He told Karaberasu that, aided by Dotty, she strove to have the house very presentable. She bought herself some clothes. Elegant but without falling into pretentiousness. They also explained to the child that Mathew's parents came to meet him. Mazoui promised to behave very well. He always did, but the kid seemed to realize how important that visit was going to be.

-Do not worry, -the boy said with a face so serious that it made the adults smile, when he said to Mathew with an accomplice whisper. - I'll get your parents to let you marry Mommy.

That of course filled the doctor with tenderness and made Karaberasu feel very proud of her little one. Mazoui certainly seemed to be very intuitive and curious. He always played around the house and spent a lot of time listening to the stories Dotty told him. However, one day the woman was coming and going with some clothes in her hands the boy stared at her with a shocked look.

-What is the matter with you, Mazoui?

-You have a strange shadow. -She goes behind you. - The boy said pointing to a wall.

The woman looked without seeing anything. She grinned, shaking her head ...

-You must have seen some shade from the curtains. - She said declined that in importance as she walked away with some towels.

But Mazoui looked surprised. It was as if some kind of black cloud chased Grandma Dotty. Although if she said that nothing happened, it would be like that. He shrugged and continued to play with his plane. And without further developments in that regard, the days passed, Karaberasu was so busy and the parents of his fiancé arrived. The young doctor went to pick them up at Los Angeles airport. After a while he saw them appear from the exit door.

-Here! - He indicated ...

Jack immediately spotted his son and along with his wife Megan went there. She had gray hair that was still long red-haired and of medium height. Her husband was tall, though not as tall as Mathew. The two embraced the young man and the first and unavoidable question was.

-Has not your fiancée come? - Jack was surprised. -

-She had to work - the boy replied. -

-She could have asked for the day. - Megan objected, already frowning with disapproval. - Knowing we were coming.

Father and son looked at each other, almost sighing with resignation. That poor girl was already disappointing her demanding wife and mother respectively. And she was not even there! Although, her young boyfriend soon wanted to defend her.

-Mom. She could not, she has a lot to do. First, at the export center where she works. In addition, she had to take the child to school. Then she has to pick him up. Trust me. In spite of everything she wanted to come, but it was I who dissuaded her from it.

-Well! And why did you do such a thing? - His father wanted to know now with a surprised gesture.

-I wanted to talk to you sooner and tell you a bit more about the situation.- Mathew replied. -

-That would have been very good if you had done it long ago, -Her mother reproached him.-

- Meggy. - Mourned her husband calling her to calm. - Let the boy explain himself.

-It's okay, - the woman agreed, as they left the terminal and took a taxi. - Tell us about her. Is she  your same age? - She inquired with visible interest. -

-Well, yes, she's younger than me, - Mathew said, commenting. - I'm thirty-three,

-I know exactly how old you are, I brought you into the world. - Her mother countered with a grin.

-I meant that she's twenty-six if I remember correctly, - the boy added. -

-So young and already with a child .- Her mother Interrogated him.-

-That's not so weird. And she's not that young either for that, - her husband argued, asserting. - Maybe she had the baby with ... I do not know. How old is that kid? - Jack wanted to know. -

- Four years old, I attended to his birthday. Precisely at the party that Karla did to celebrate. -Mathew answered.-

-She must have had twenty-one or twenty-two. Megan, you got pregnant with Alannah when you were twenty-five. It is not very different.

-Yes, but we were married by the church a year ago. And you and I, old rascal, had been dating together since we were eighteen. Well, you had twenty.- She reminded him almost in a warning tone, to interrogate his son again.- What happened to her husband?

-She was not married, - the boy replied in a hurry. -

-Then she had that son in an illicit relationship. - Megan sighed. -

-I suppose they were planning to get married, but her boyfriend died. - Mathew commented. - That was a disgrace. Of course when we talk about the subject I notice her very affected. Mom, do not be so badly thought out.

-Of course.- Jack said, - And from what Hugh has said to me since she had the child, she has gone out of her way to raise him up, even baptized him in my brother´s church.

-But is that girl Catholic? You told me not. - Megan objected. -

-I do not know if she's going to be Catholic or not. But Uncle Hugh holds her in high esteem, and if she took Mazoui to baptize, she must have faith in God. Come on, it is that not enough? - Mathew replied that he was already starting to bother about such an interrogation. -

-Ma what?  Is that her child's name? Oh my God! What kind of name is that?..

-What kind of name is Sheamus? Or Morrigan? I'm sure that for a lot of people those names will sound strange here. - The already irritated boy answered, pleading in turn .- They are traditional, as surely the child´s name will be. Typical of here, or perhaps of her family. What it matters is that both she and Mazoui are great.- He asserted with better mood.-

Between these disquisitions the taxi was arriving at its destination. Dorothy's house. It was late already. Surely Karla was out of work and looking for her son. Mathew hoped he would have given them time to be home. In fact, it was. They were both well dressed.

-They're coming, Mommy! - The child warned her before even hearing the noise of the vehicle. -

And in a few seconds a taxi appeared and parked a few meters away. From it came down two people, a man and a woman entered into maturity, and Mathew. Kalie quickly stepped forward with his son's hand and, with a slight bow, she wanted to introduce himself.

-I'm Karla Smith, I am delighted to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. O'Brian ...

-Me too, - Megan replied with little conviction in her voice. -

-Yes, equally, although we are not of the royal family . - Jack laughed, much more handsomely than his wife, to add. - You do not have to bow in front of us.

The girl seemed to blush a little. The O'Brian did not give more importance Although the patriarch immediately noticed the child and, with an appreciable dose of sympathy, he wanted to address him ...

-And this young gentleman?

-My name is Mazoui, sir. How are you?

-A very well-mannered kid, - Jack said. - All right. And I hope you do too, young man.

-Yes. I'm very happy to meet the parents of Mathew. - He said smiling and said - He's going to be my dad ...

-Well! So that makes you excited. - Megan interjected, watching the boy with sympathy. -

-A lot. - The boy smiled. -

-We'd better go inside. - Karaberasu said, pleased at the first impression her son had made. Please ...

The O'Brian accepted and everyone went into the house. Dotty waved them from the kitchen. Jack was cordial enough to respond.

-So you're another mother for our son, - he said cheerfully. –

- It's not so bad, by God! - The good woman blushed. -

But that did not seem to be too funny to Megan. But she nodded politely and said.

-We know that you have been very attentive to Mathew and that you are a good friend to Hugh, my husband's brother.

-Father O'Brian is a charming man and a magnificent priest. - Dorothy praised him. - I consider myself very fortunate to be one of his parishioners. - And after saying that, the woman added to the child. - Mazoui, honey, come with me. I'll prepare you some snack ...

-A cake, Grandmother Dotty? - The boy wanted to know with a hopeful look. -

-Let's see what I have here. - The woman smiled taking a hand. -

They walked away as Mathew's parents watched them go.

-Wow, Grandma Dotty. - Jack smiled. -

-Dorothy is like her grandmother to my son. She has seen him born and has helped me to raise him. - Kalie admitted,  with a thankful tone in her voice.-

-She's always been a good Christian. Uncle Hugh says it often.- Mathew added. -

-And you, my dear? - Megan asked, addressing the question to Kalie. - Are you also one of the members of my brother-in-law's parish?

There was a somewhat embarrassing silence. Although the aforementioned person knew how to respond ...

-Father O'Brian baptized my son. And I hope someday I'll be able to baptize some more. - She smiled now, looking at Mathew who blushed slightly. -

-But I think I remember that you were not Catholic, -the boy's mother said, not letting herself be won over by those words.

-Mama.- Mathew wanted to mediate gently-

-No, it's okay. - Karaberasu replied, smiling a little, adding, - I'm not going to fool you, Mrs. O'Brian, I'm not Catholic. At least I was not born like that and I was not a believer. Let's say life did not give me much opportunity to believe that miracles existed. Well, until my son was born and I met yours later. And of course, I thank God very much for giving it to me. Now I just want to be a good mother and a good wife.

After that retort her interlocutor did not know how to react. It was Jack who most carelessly stepped in.

-It's good enough for me. If my brother has sufficed, being a catholic priest. Do not you think Meggie?

Nevertheless, the woman did not reply directly. She nodded, finally declaring.

-You're a sincere girl. That's fine. And you have a lovely child. - She admitted with better disposition. -

-Thank you. - Kalie replied, allowing herself to smile more widely now. -

So they set out to spend that afternoon. Next to the parents of the boy. Kalie tried hard to make a good image. In fact, she really just had to behave like she used to. Even Mazoui proved to be very intuitive for his young age. Megan herself had to admit that he was a really lovely kid. So between preparations and other daily concerns came the day of the wedding. Karaberasu even accepted to be baptized in the Catholic faith and communion since she technically did not belong to that confession. In this way the religious wedding could be celebrated. On the same day that she made that decision and was in the church, Mathew and his parents attended as witnesses. Like little Mazoui. After the ceremony, she entered a confessional. She wanted to talk to the priest.

-You will see father, - she began by saying in a somewhat hesitant way. - This is new to me. You already know who I am and what happened to my son. Well, I'm scared.

-Afraid of what, daughter?  - The priest asked.

-To deceive my future husband. He knows nothing about the true origin of Mazoui. He thinks his father died in an accident. That's what I told him. And I do not know what to do. Would it be fair to him to marry me without knowing the whole truth?

-Well, that is the question for you to decide. It will depend a lot on the confidence you have in him. -His interlocutor answered. -

-I'm terribly afraid he will not understand. He could not believe me and take me for a crazy. As you and Dorothy thought. -She reminded him, not without a slight reproach. Adding even more fear. - Or worse yet, that he believes me and change his opinion about me and especially about my son. Mazoui is innocent ...

-Yes, my daughter, I understand. I beg your pardon for that. And you say well. My nephew, although a believer, is a scientist. Possibly he would not believe anything about the origin of your child. And if he did, he would attend to the facts, not to the supernatural. But if you consider it carefully you have not deceived him. When you said that your son´s father died.

-I ... I ... - The young woman sighed, in tears, to confess full of anguish. - That is not the whole story. The truth is… I killed him, Father.

The priest was perplexed. His mouth was open behind the confessional. He could scarcely exclaim.

-But my daughter. That is a capital sin! You killed a man.

-He was not a man. But a demon. - The girl reminded him.-

-I have to admit that I have never been in such a situation in my life. But ... not being human and being a creature of darkness he had no soul. I guess that changes everything. You did not do wrong if you destroyed an emissary of the evil one. And have remorse about it even knowing how he did to you, prove that you are a good person.

-Thank you father,- the young woman mused, adding. - But there is more ...

-I am listening to you, my daughter.

-See, that monster forced me in such a horrible way that I still wake up with nightmares. I still get up crying and screaming sometimes. -She sighed. - And I have not had sex with any man since. I do not know how I can when Mathew and I get married.

-I'm sure you can. -The priest encouraged her. - Because that will be true love blessed by God. Not an attack of a lustful entity. You will find strength, you are very brave. You have proved it.

-Thank you, father, - she said with a distinct tone of emotion. - You do not know how much it helps me to hear you say that.

-Ego absolvo pecatis tuis .- The parish priest declared .- Now, after the absolution, the only penance I impose is that you pray to find relief to your fear and your pain.

-I always do it - she whispered. -

And after these words she retired. Hugh watched her go with pity. Poor girl! She really was a good girl who had suffered a lot and deserved to be happy.

-I'll pray for you, daughter, with all my heart.  You deserve it. - He thought pityingly. -

And so, at last, the expected day arrived. Karaberasu was beautiful, dressed in a cream-colored suit, (she did not want to wear a normal white wedding dress out of respect for her fiancé’s mother) and a hairstyle that collected her hair gracefully in a bun on top of her head ,and on this, a white flower. The dress had a short tail that Mazoui took care of. Dorothy was the godmother, the godfather was Jack and two of them were the witnesses. Together with the boy's parents. Father O 'Brian, as was already decided, officiated the ceremony. Once before the altar the priest waited for the couple. Mathew came from his mother's arm and it was Jack who take Kalie to the altar, as a song asked for by her and her boyfriend sounded ...

Love does not ask why

It speaks from the heart

And never explains

You do not know that

Love does not think twice?

It can come all at once

Or whisper from a distance

Do not ask me if this feeling is right or wrong

it doesn´t have to make much sense

It just has to be this  strong

Because when you are in my arms I understand

We do not  have a voice

When our hearts make the choices

There is no plan

It's in our hands

Love does not ask why

It speaks from the heart

And never explains

Do not you know that

Love does not think twice?

It can come all at once

Or whisper from a distance

Now I can feel what you're afraid to say

If you give your soul to me

Will you give too much away?

We can´t let this moment pass us by

Cannot question this chance

Or expect for any answer

We can try

Maybe we can try

But love does not ask you why

Love does not ask why

It speaks from the heart

And never explains

 Do not you know that

Love does not think twice?

It can come all at once

Or whisper from a distance

(Instrumental)

So let's take what we found

And wrap it around us

But love does not ask you why

Love does not ask why

It speaks from the heart

 Do not you know that

Do not you know that

Baby!

But love does not ask you why

Love does not ask why

It speaks from the heart

And never explains

Love does not think twice?

It can come all at once

Or whisper from a distance

Love does not ask why ...

(Love does not ask why. Celine Dion. Credit to the artist)

And when that beautiful song ended, the priest addressed the couple by pronouncing the usual formulas.

-We are here to unite this man and this woman in sacred marriage. If someone has something to say against this bond before God and before men, speak now or forevermore remain in silence...

And after waiting a few moments, in which the heart of the bride beat with intensity, the priest continued ...

-Mathew Conner O'Brian. Do you accept Karla Smith as a legitimate wife, to love her, honor her and respect her, till death do you part ?

-Yes, I accept, - he replied quickly, looking at his girlfriend with a broad smile that she corresponded.-

Father O'Brien then addressed the young woman ....

-Karla Smith. Do you accept Mathew Conner O'Brian as legitimate husband to love him, honor him and respect him, till death do you part?

And after hearing this it was as if her life paraded in front of her in an instant, her childhood in Nemesis, her march to the Court along with her sisters. The way she had to grow among that evil influence of the Sage. Her journey to the past to fulfill that terrible mission, her fight against the warriors and her defeat and purification. After that a new life and her trip to the United States. That terrible rape she suffered and her flight to face her destiny alone. The birth of Mazoui and how she met Mathew until now ... when she finally replied, her voice filled with emotion.

-Yes, I want…

The priest asked the godparents to bring the rings closer. These did and Mathew placed one on the finger of his girlfriend.

-With this ring I marry you, - he declared solemnly. -

She repeated the same thing in turn. After that, Father O'Brian raised his voice to sentence.

-Here, before God almighty and in the name of the authority that has been given to me by the Holly Church, I declare you husband and wife.

And before even the license of rigor Mathew was already kissing his brand-new wife. Kalie was very happy. At that moment it was as if all her fears and doubts had disappeared. Although perhaps the euphoria of the moment worked so miracle. The whole family went to celebrate at a banquet paid by the parents of the fiancé. During the same they spoke and decided that the just married would go to Ireland of Honeymoon, in order to know O'Brian's home country. Of course Mazoui was included in the lot. Although Dorothy offered to take care of him since it was a very long trip and perhaps at his young age that did not suit him. On the other hand, the couple might want some intimacy. Kalie thought about that and got to talk to Mathew.

-I do not know what to do. I do not want to leave my son even for a few days, but I do not want to impose him on your parents either.

-Do not worry about it. My parents already adore him, - the boy said. - Trust me. We can be together, travel, and have our moments while Mazoui is close.

Kalie smiled more relieved. After that conversation she assured Dotty that there would be no problem. The old woman nodded, though it was a little painful to separate herself from the child.

-You'll have to behave very well, - the old woman said sweetly to him. -

The boy nodded, but then he was silent and very still. It almost paled.

-What's the matter? - Dorothy wanted to know. -

Although the little boy did not respond and that came to upset the woman ...

-Mazoui, sweetheart. Do you feel bad? ...

The boy shook his head, and with his eyes expressing great fear he was barely able to whisper to the old woman.

-Grandma Dotty, you have a very rare shadow behind ... It's like a form.- He said.-

-A form? - Dorothy repeated incredulously. -

She looked around and around the room, but she could not see anything unusual.

-You should not read those comic books of fear. - The woman gently admonished him without giving more importance. -

And she went away to continue with her housework. But the little boy could see clearly that kind of shadow that was taking a more human form. Luckily after a few moments she vanished ... Since he did not want his mother to scold him, Mazoui chose not to say anything. Thus passed more days without any abnormal fact and the time of the trip arrived. In this way, the nearly complete O'Brian family set off for Ireland. Once on the plane, the kid told his mother.

-Mommy. And how is Ireland like?

-Very green, honey. - She smiled. -

-Like an apple?

-Yes something like that! - Karaberasu laughed. -

-You will like it. You see. -Mathew said, sitting on the other side of the boy. It's a land full of magic and charm.

The young doctor's parents nodded. And the kid smiled. He liked magicians. In the meantime, and years after his punishment, in Japan, Minako was quite a celebrity. She even traveled to the United States since her fame already reached there as well. She visited her friends and did not cease in her zeal to know how Karaberasu was. This time she did not want to resort to official channels. By her own means she returned to that house where she knew the girl lived. However, although she waited, she did not see her around. She was thinking of getting close to calling and getting acquainted. At the end of the day, that did not matter anymore, having been removed from her post as guardian and princess, she wouldn´t have to obey any mandate. Yet something prevented her from going. That was when a well-known and kind voice said at her back.

-Kalie has got married, she's from Honeymoon. You will not find her here now.

When Minako turned, she could not believe it. There, standing, and with a smile were Usagi with Luna. When he saw her, she could think of nothing but sighing and answering.

-A lot of time has passed!...

-Yes, -her interlocutor agreed, and wanted to know. - Where is Artemis?

-At the hotel. I left him entertained with a ball of wool, the ones he likes so much. - The girl could reply. -

She really did not feel so angry yet she remained hurt. On the one hand, and in spite of all that she said, she was glad to see her friend, who was her future queen and unfortunately had to exercise as such a few years ago. But of another she did not forget. She even came to confess quietly.

-You know? It's funny, I did not have the courage to get close to calling. Not even now that there is not command or vow which tie me anymore .- She finished with a certain tone of reproach .-

-Minako, -Usagi retorted serenely. - Nothing is forever. However, it is not yet the time for Karaberasu to meet up with others.

-And when will you decide that's the time, Your Majesty? - Minako inquired now with an unsmiling tinge. -

-No, do not get me wrong. I do not decide that. - Her old companion answered in a soft tone despite everything. - Listen to me. I understand that you are angry with me. But I had no choice but to act like I did. And the time has come for me to explain the reasons.

-Honestly, that does not matter to me at all. You can keep your secret reasons. Your dreams, revelations or whatever they are, but leave us alone! - The girl refused, expressing careless how hurt she still felt. -

Her interlocutor bowed her head sadly, but she could not plead anything more. It was the cat that accompanied her that intervened then.

-Please, Venus, - Luna asked. – Allows us even if it's only five minutes. -

-I no longer call me like that.- She challenged the cat.- I am Minako Aino, a youthful idol and singer of success. And nothing more or less…

-The queen has come to restore to Artemis his memories and his ability to speak. - Luna informed her interlocutor. And the cat with a pleading and anguished tone, insisted: - Please! I have missed him too. Do you think it was less hard for me than it has been for you? He is the father of our future daughter Diana!

The woman was thoughtful for a moment, then lowered her head and then nodded slowly.

-I'm sorry, Luna. Forgive me. You're right. My hotel is not too far. I came in a taxi escaping my escort and the journalists. - She commented.

So they called a taxi and in fact, when they arrived they had to go down hidden by a pair of sunglasses and protected by the security crew of the singer. When they finally entered Minako's room, she showed them the cat who was now sleeping on his sandbox, near a frayed ball of yellow wool. Usagi watched him, unable to keep her eyes from being watered. She mumbled in the emotion-affected tone as she approached and stroked his head affectionately.

-Forgive me, Artemis.

Instantly she became Queen Serenity, with her long, cottony dress and scepter. From it, a silver ray struck the center of the animal's forehead. Soon that golden crescent that looked old reappeared. The cat could wake up within a few minutes, opened his eyes and then looked surprised at his visitors.

-Luna.- Could say still stunned .- Your Majesty ... What happened? ...

-You have slept a lot.-  The sovereign smiled at him. - Now it's your turn to wake up, my friend.

Luna immediately approached him and put her head to his companion's. Minako smiled. His old friend was back. And she said with deep emotion in the tone.

-I've missed you so much!

-I do not remember very well. How much time has passed? - The still bewildered cat wanted to know -

-It's long to tell.- Luna answered to add.- Come on and I'll explain. The Queen and Minako have things to talk about.

Although for a moment after the cats left the two were in a thick and embarrassed silence, finally it was Minako who sighed wanting to know.

-Why now?...

-I missed my friend.- Usagi answered the question. -

-I've missed you for a long time. - The singer reproached her. – I have missed you and the others. Since I achieved fame it has not been the same. I could see the others, Rei, Ami and Makoto. All of them also have very busy lives. But you're the only one I could not reach. Even if I said I was done with you as friends ... that was not true ... at least not later. Because when that happened, I really meant it.

-I am so sorry. And I understand perfectly. You were in your right. As for us. Mamoru and I were very busy too. - Usagi apologized. -

-There is something that I have never been able to understand, -her interlocutor replied in a hurt tone and growing indignation. - I appreciate Setsuna very much, we have shared very difficult moments in the battle, without going any further I remember when we fought side by side against Neherenia. But she fell in love with the king of the Saiyajin and you approved it. Even when that meant violating her vows of obedience and loyalty. I did not commit such transgression and yet you robbed me of my condition of warrior and princess of Venus. You pushed me from your side! You took away Artemis, my only friend then! And do you think that now everything will be back as before? Do you know the anguish that I suffered every time he got sick? Or when he ran out and got lost in the street? He could have died! And yet, his life will be greatly reduced. A simple cat is not like an inhabitant of the Silver Millennium. Do you think I'm going to forgive you all that?

The other girl listened in silence, she knew that moment would come. It would be difficult for both of them, but whatever it cost, she would try to make her friend understand.

-I know you have plenty of reasons to be like this.- She admitted. - If there's something else you want to say or do ...

-Anything I want? Of course there is! I have wanted to do this since that day. - Minako burst out giving  a tremendous slap, full of rage, at her interlocutor.

Usagi fell to the floor, covering the mark with her hands. Her cheek was flushed, and she struggled to her feet. Her interlocutor breathed now with agitation, and she wept, covering her face with both hands.

-Listen to me, Minako. - She asked calmly. - Things were not like that. Setsuna married for love, yes. But she had to give up many things that were dear to her too. She left her position as guardian and warrior. She became an ally and has never ceased to be our friend. However, she will never be a sailor in this life. Your case was different. I never took away your dignity as a princess of Venus. I simply suspended you from your duties as a guardian. And now you can return to them if you wish. – Having said this, she ripped out of a bag that carried the transformer and bracelet of the girl and offering them to her with the outstretched hand.

Her companion observed her for a moment without speaking. Minako let her to stand for a while longer with that elongated arm, offering in vain those devices. Finally she shook her head and muttered.

-And why would I want that now?  Have not you stopped to think that maybe I'm happier without having that responsibility? You had the right to take it away, yes. But it's me who decides whether to accept it or not again. And my answer right now is no.- She said still angry.-

Usagi lowered her arm regretfully. She did not say anything, she simply left that stuff on a small table.

-You're in your right,  - she finally stated to hold Minako's gaze and say. - But that's the least important thing. What I most want is to recover my friend. You see ... when I did what I did, I had no choice. I acted as Serenity. The Millennium Queen of Silver and Neo Crystal Tokyo of Earth. As Usagi I would never have done that. But that was a luxury that I could not afford. And unfortunately for me, the times in which I can act and live as Usagi Tsukino are increasingly scarce. Before long I can only be Serenity. The moment of truth will come ... and I would like to have you by my side with the others, when that happens.

Her companion looked at her with a startled expression. That really shocked her. What could her friend being talking about? Friend, yes, as she had confessed before. When her rage vanished, she never stopped considering her that way. So she could not help asking.

-What is happening? Please, tell me everything and for once do not tell me it's something I still cannot know.

-I promise you this time, I'll tell you everything. As it has been revealed to me. - Her fellow host affirmed by laying her hands on her friend's, while both sat on the bed.-

So they chatted for a long time, when the cats finally returned, watched as the two girls hugged, cried and smiled at the time. Minako finally wiped some tears and told her feline friend.

-Artemis. When we finish the tour we will finally return home. I have to return to my post. - She announced with an arm over the shoulders of her friend who smiled happily in turn.

-I'm glad it's like this, -The cat said visibly satisfied, same as Luna.-

-But that will be after the concert that I will give here .- - The young woman commented. -

- I would love to see you act, but I could not buy tickets, they were all sold out. - Usagi lamented that she seemed to be that childish, crazy girl ever. -

-You had to be a friend of the star! - Minako laughed and winking at her, she assured. - Do not worry. I'll give you a VIP pass.

Usagi soon jumped out of her hands with her companion. The two shouted, they continued jumping and did a little crazy until Usagi and Luna said goodbye, wishing to enjoy the performance next day. When she was alone again with her cat, the singer sighed, lying on the bed with her legs bent and making herself with her transformer told her ...

-Well, Artemis. Now I have been able to understand everything ... a hard task awaits us. And I'm glad to have you again by my side.

The cat nodded with obvious satisfaction and left the girl to rest.

Meanwhile, The newlyweds arrived in Ireland on the same day. They landed at the airport and Dublin. Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath

-What does it say? - Mazoui wanted to know. -It is written in very strange letters.

- Dublin airport. – Jack read. – It is Gaelic.

-It is actually in Collinstown. About ten kilometers from the capital. - Mathew clarified. -

-And our house is in Kildare. -Megan added. -

Although a woman's voice caught the attention of everyone greeting them affectionately.

-Brother and family! - She exclaimed.-

Mathew immediately turned to the sound. A few feet away, a woman with long red hair and some freckle, wrapped in a shirt and khaki trousers, with explorer boots, beckoned to them.

-Alannah!  - He replied while he was running to embrace her.

This woman was of remarkable stature, though not so much as her brother. He took her in turn, making her turn between their laughter. Kalie smiled and Mazoui laughed in amusement. Jack also smiled. The one who did not seem to change her gesture was Megan.

-I'm going to introduce my wife and my son to you. - He said enthusiastically. -

-Well! Well yes you have hurried.- Her interlocutor retorted with a smile.-

Although her brother did not answer that but he looked something more serious when he said.

-I missed you at my wedding.

-I know. I am sorry. I could not go in time. I was in the middle of an excavation. After Stonehenge I had to leave my friend Reika there and go urgently to the ruins of Megiddo.- She told him now with a tinge of regret .- My husband and my daughters are still in France. I hope they will come soon

She said no more, since they came with the rest of the family watching them. Mathew made the introductions. Alannah looked at the boy with a surprised look.

-So you're little Mazoui, that is curious. I´d swear I saw you before.

The boy looked at her with a smile. It was as if he could see a light on that lady. She seemed to be a nice and good woman.

-I doubt it very much, daughter. - A laughing Jack interviewed.-

-I might send you some picture on your cellphone. - His brother said. -

-Yes, that must be, - the young woman nodded, turning now to Kalie. - And you're my new sister in law... Karla, right?

-Yes I am.- Karaberasu smiled while offering her hand. - Nice to meet you.

Although her sister-in-law ignored that and directly embraced her. That made Mathew smile as her older sister added.

-We do things like this when it comes to family. Welcome to the O 'Brian´s clan ...

Karaberasu thanked that gesture. This girl seemed to welcome her with protective instinct. Maybe it had a lot to do with what happened next. Alannah shifted her glance, even in mood, to greet something more sternly with her mother.

- Hi Mom. Glad to see you well.

Megan nodded but did not reply. The rest tried to ignore that. At last they were heading to the house of Mathew's parents. This was an appreciable construction with stone foundations and good size. His new grandparents showed Mazoui the surroundings, including a few blocks with horses they had. Although the boys entered, the animals seemed to be worried.

-They're not used to strangers. - Jack told the boy. - Do not be afraid.

The little one was not scared, but those animals were. He came a little closer and one of those horses even whinnied, standing on his hind legs.

-I do not understand.-  Mathew's father thought aloud. - Well, we better leave it for another time. Maybe we've been away too long and that has baffled them.

And he came out carrying the child by the hand. Mazoui, on the other hand, looked at those animals with wide eyes, not understanding why they would be so nervous. He hardly mumbled.

-They are beautiful.

Meanwhile Alannah chatted a little with her new sister-in-law. She told her in brief her own story ...

-You see, you've been lucky, with my father, no problem, he's very open and understanding. But my mother is different. She is stubborn and very concerned to her customs and in what people say. She did not see appropriate to leave the village. And let's not say Ireland! And to get married outside…

-She looks like a good woman to me. She will have her defects as we all have.- It was able to replicate her interlocutor with prevention.-

-You'll get to know her, - her sister-in-law replied, shaking her head, but then she said, - That does not mean I do not love her. She is my mother after all. It is just we just crashed a lot. But I must admit that she loves my daughters. After all, they are her granddaughters. Although I have few chances to bring them. If I am honest, I want them to grow up in a more cosmopolitan environment.

-Well, you are their mother, you must decide what is best for them. - Kalie replied diplomatically.

-And what can you tell me about you? - Alannah wanted to know, asking to her interlocutor.-

-I have long lost my parents.- Kalie was able to mumble.- I also left a lot of things behind. And I'm really happy to have found your brother and to be part of a family as large as yours.

Alannah realized that her sister-in-law did not want to tell much of her own life. She could understand that they had just met and that she did not yet have enough confidence. She nodded to smile, assuring her.

-The O'Brian are typical Irishmen. We love the family. Well, in most of the occasions.- She tinted that words with humor.-

They both laughed at that. Kalie felt that girl was a good person, like Mathew, perhaps even more extroverted, and above all, more characterful. In some ways she reminded her a little of Petz. So they spent the afternoon, chatting in little groups and even meeting some neighbors when going to a pub nearby. There, Alannah surprised Kalie with her good voice. Intoning one of the songs that were heard by those homes.

Already in my school years, acting the days silly

One and one and one is three

And the man said, 'Hey, come and you cut a piece of the great moment'

Dresses of armor-forces, horse-riding center of Troy

It never made sense to me.

I did not want to be part of the big debate about moonlight

Chorus:

'Stop, pay the price', they said me

"Take this advice, you're out of your mind"

I said, 'Stop, keep the phone.

This has to be cut into the bone

Pity, I see red, I see red, I see red "

Clever man, stumbles, falls and twists

He always falls to his feet

And he puts his face to the far horizon

Are not you going to come here? Cannot you go that way?

However, its pace do not miss anything

Because he is doing everything he can to keep surviving

'Stop, pay the price,' they said to me.

"Take this advice, you're out of your head"

(Chorus)

'Stop, pay the price', they said me

"Take this advice, you're out of your mind"

I said, 'Stop, keep the phone.

This has to be cut into the bone

Pity, I see red, I see red, I see red "

So who wants a riot? People should be calm

Do not we give them good TV?

You can learn to love your life from distraction

Nothing on the inside, nothing on the outside

All the way from A to Z

I can live without that kind of satisfaction

'Stop, pay the price,' they said to me.

"Take this advice, you're out of your head"

I said, 'Stop, keep the phone.

This has to be cut into the bone

Pity, I see red, I see red, I see red "

'Stop, pay the price,' they said to me.

"Take this advice, you're out of your head

I said, 'Stop, keep the phone.

This has to be cut into the bone

Pity, I see red, I see red, I see red "

(I see red. Clannad credit to the author)

After the applause of all those gathered Alannah sat at the bar next to her new sister-in-law. Karaberasu at once praised her talent.

-Well, this is very common here. We like to sing a lot in Ireland. - Her interlocutor told her. -

-You do it very well, I have a friend. - She smiled remembering Minako and her desire to succeed in music and entertainment, She thought she had heard something about her even though they had not spoken in years, so that she continued saying. - I had a friend who was a good singer too. Her dream to be famous ...

-Does she accomplished it? - Alannah wanted to know.-

-I haven´t known about her life in a long time. - Kalie confessed in a more subdued tone. - When I went to California I left a lot of things behind ...

Her interlocutor did not deem it appropriate to go further. It was clear that the life of that girl had not been a path of roses. She could understand that. So, wishing to get closer to her, she decided to be the first to open her chest while they were served two pints ...

-When I was almost a baby I wanted to see the world. Ireland is very beautiful and I love my land, but I wanted to know what else there was. In addition, since I was a little girl I was fascinated by the ruins and the old things. I wanted to become an archaeologist since I was ten.- She smiled shaking her head and referring to amusing .- I began digging in the garden and then other places to see what I found. My parents were very angry when I came in full of mud and some old pot that had been out there. Or I would go to what was left of some ruined farm to explore.

-You were an adventurer. - Kalie smiled. -

-Yes, and at least my father encouraged me, but always saying that without wanting to investigate those things I should study them first. He bought me books about legends from Ireland or about ancient cultures. Rome, Greece, the Celts, the Bretons, anyway ... That, I ended up hooking. When I finished high school I wanted to go study outside. But my mother was opposed. She never liked me to do this. She always said. Ally, a proper lady is not filled with mud to the ears digging holes. She wanted me to study something more useful according to her.

-And then you decided to do it despite everything .- Her interlocutor guessed.-

-Yes, as soon as I was old enough I enrolled in the Sorbonne ... and got a scholarship." I had it difficult because at first it was difficult for me to acquire a good level of French. - She laughed and added more seriously. -But I tried hard to learn that language and other, this time dead languages ​​as Latin and Greek ...

Kalie smiled as she heard her sister-in-law talking. That girl reminded her of her little sisters. Full of dreams to study and dedicate to their vocation as teachers. They did not have an easy time having to take as many subjects of two courses of the degree compressed while they were working in the shop. However, they succeeded. Alannah seemed to be made of a similar stuff.

-And you made it." - Kalie praised her. - That's fighting spirit.

-Yes, I did, but I paid a very high price. For a while my mother refused to even talk to me. I spent a couple of years without returning home. I lived in Paris, from the scholarship I obtained and from some work as a waitress and even an occasional model of portraits. Even naked! - She smiled a little blushing now. - Then I met Pierre, who is a bank clerk. Well, now the branch director. -She clarified.- He also liked classic culture. And the first time we saw each other was in the Louvre Museum. I looked at the relief of the Hammurabi code and I began to tell him what it meant. From there we went for a drink ... and the rest. You see. That's why I understand my brother. It was love at first sight.

-And you got married right away, did not you? - Her interlocutor wanted to know with obvious interest.

-The truth is, yes, just after a few months. Very soon I became pregnant. My eldest daughter Bridget was born a year and a half ago when Pierre and I met. That changed things. We got married in Paris. My mother was still angry with me and refused to come. My father neither could. Only Mat appeared. We have always been in very good terms. That's why I was very sorry I could not be present at your wedding.

-Do not worry. - Karaberasu said.- We though you would have your reasons.-

-Thank you. My brother has always been so understanding. - The young woman smiled weakly, then, wanted to be completely sincere, she told her sister-in-law. The truth is that I did not have to go to Megiddo. At least not in that moment. The fact is I was in Paris, things with my husband did not go too well. It's ironic but it happens like my mother. As I have to travel continuously it bothers me that we do not spend more time together and  besides, I leave so much the girls on their own.

Karaberasu looked at her in solidarity. She could understand that the distance was very hard when you had to give up to see your loved ones. Nevertheless, she kept quiet, in order to allow her companion to continue her explanation.

-My other daughter Suzanne was born a year and a half ago. Bridget already has four, like your son. I have hardly seen them in the last year. Almost since I was able to leave Suzanne in the nursery with her sister I started to travel again. And many times I feel guilty. - She sighed. - Pierre did not tell me that, but I know he thinks I'm a selfish pursuit of my work goals and I do not care about my daughters.

-I do not think that's true, or you would not be telling me this, - Kalie said. - And I also know what it's like to have to watch over a child. Besides working and many other things. We need help.

-I see we understand each other quite well. - Her sister-in-law smiled. -

-In my case, I had to go through a lot. And if I told you what happened to me, you would not believe it. - Karaberasu said. -

-Do not underestimate an Irishwoman and you'll be surprised. - Alannah offered. - Even though I do not look like that to you, I've seen very strange things.

Her interlocutor agreed on that by nodding slowly. Yet it was a story too incredible and she chose to say with a conciliatory tone.

-Give me some time, please. I'm still not ready and before anyone else I'd like to tell Mathew everything ...

And as her interlocutor looked at her now in surprise, Kalie hastened to add.

-Not that he does not know everything that's important to me. I have not deceived him in anything if that is what you fear. Let's say it's the things that have happened to me that will be very difficult to assimilate.

-Anyway, it's your life and you must make that decision . - Alannah conceded, deciding to close the matter after looking at the clock on the pub's bar. – It is getting late, they're going to close, we'd better get back together. My brother is going to believe that I've kidnapped you.

They returned home and after a few more days in Ireland they concluded the Honeymoon. During that time they did not maintain relations since Kalie claimed to have much shame to do it in the house of the parents of Mathew. In fact, he was not too comfortable with that neither in his paternal home. The boy sympathetically accepted it. For his part Mazoui had a great time with his new adoptive grandparents. Especially with Jack who led him through long walks in the countryside and told him legends of the land. But once they returned to America, everyday life began. The long awaited wedding night arrived that Karaberasu had so far avoided in one way or another. But it was no longer possible. She was nervous and a little scared but she forced herself to leave those fears behind. Before that trauma she had maintained relationships and enjoyed them. So after and leaving Mazoui asleep the couple passed to the nuptial room. The two stripped, when they were undressed, they embraced and began to kiss, but once on the bed Karaberasu began to suffer apprehension,  she tremble visibly and turned away from the boy.

-What's the matter? - He asked, puzzled and annoyed. - You've never behaved like this.

-It's nothing, I'm sorry, - the embarrassed girl apologized trying to get over it, - let's try again.

They hugged again, Mathew gave no importance but again the same thing happened. Karaberasu began to suffer an attack of anguish that she was not able to bear. When her husband stepped over her, she jerked away from him and jumped out of bed.

-But what's wrong? - He shouted angrily and mostly feeling humiliated by the reaction he did not understand. -

-I cannot do it, I cannot! -The young woman sobbed in a corner. -

-Is it me? - He said, pointing to himself. Did you expect anything else? Am I not good enough for you? - He burst out in frustration. -

She burst into tears and Mathew calmed down, he starting to worry seriously and cursing himself for having lost his temper that way. Of course his wife had something serious and he had not shown any sympathy, he tried to fix it by apologizing as gently as he could.

-Forgive me, I'm a fool, I've gotten nervous, I was really looking forward to this moment. If you are not ready, I will wait. - He noticed that her face was very pale and her body had a slight convulsion.-

-What's happening to you? You're trembling with fear, - he asked visibly worried. -

-Did not your uncle tell you? - She asked in a voice choked with tears and shame. -

-Tell me what? - Mathew wanted to know, surprised - what did he have to tell me?

-OMG! , I thought you knew, that's why I did not tell you before. - The sunken girl lamented. -

- Please tell me what it is! ... - he asked, trying not to distress himself too. - What is it that torments you like this?

-Forgive me, I thought that after all this time I would overcome it -She sobbed, hugging Mathew who held her in his arms trying to reassure her. - But ..., but it has not been so.

- Karla, trust me. Please. Tell me! - He asked fondly. - What is it that distresses you so much?

She seemed to hesitate, the fear was guessed in her eyes, afraid of his reaction, to relive her memories once more, but she knew it was inevitable. So arming herself with courage she confessed to Mathew what had happened to her.

- I was raped and I got pregnant of Mazoui.

- I did not know, I understand it is hard, but there are psychologists, specialists who can help you. - Her husband said in a soft and affectionate tone. -

-You do not understand,- she replied, wiping away her tears and looking into his eyes with deep regret. - It was not a normal rape.

-What was that? was not a normal rape? - The young man was surprised at that. -

As if that could be called normal! Although the speaker immediately guessed that thought, she took a deep breath and decided to confess.

- Listen to me. I´ll tell you the whole truth. To start with my real name is not Karla Smith but Karaberasu Malinde ... I was the Lady of Thunder. One of the Justicieras.

And at the astonished gesture of her husband, she decided to reveal the everything, Mathew's face went from surprise to disbelief.

- You must believe me! Do not think I'm crazy, I beg you! - She asked desperately. -

-But do you know what you're asking me to believe? - He snapped in a tone of complete astonishment and skepticism. - Damnation, satanic sects, for God's sake!" , I am a scientist, I cannot believe in such things.

- You also say that you believe in God - she reproached him that now she went from the anguish to the annoyance. - Why cannot you believe what I say?

-It's not the same, - Mathew said. - It does not have any kind of similarity.

- It is not? Ask your uncle, he can confirm it, - she said dryly that she had already been angry at the attitude of her husband.-

-I'll do it, do not worry, - he replied, trying to be more conciliatory to add with a calm tone – that thing about Mazoui. You said he is half demon, or that he was, because according to you now he is completely normal. Understand that, at least, I find it very difficult to believe. But I promise I'll phone my uncle and clear this up. Come on, let's go to sleep ... we're tired after the trip ... everything will look better tomorrow.

Karaberasu nodded and her husband managed to make himself forgive with some caresses, she wanted to be hugged and comforted so she gave up in her anger and both fell asleep. The next day he telephoned his uncle and him, to the astonishment of his nephew, assured him that everything the girl had told him was true. Mathew believed in the word of his uncle and did not leave his perplexity. He remembered then the fever so abnormal that had had the boy when he met him.

-Have you already convinced yourself? - Karaberasu asked in a tone of veiled reproach. -

-I'm sorry, I did not want to doubt you, but you understand that it was very difficult to believe. - He excused himself. – However, whatever happened to Mazoui I do not think it's anything supernatural. It can simply have genetics something different from ours. When we can we will take blood samples from him and analyze them.

-I want my son to have a normal life, please do not tell him the truth, Mathew. - Karaberasu asked with an imploring, anguished look. - I could not bear it if they wanted to analyze him as a fair phenomenon. And I beg you, do not say anything to your parents at the moment.

-Calm down, I will not tell them, not them or anyone else. It will only be a few samples and in the future they could be very useful. - Her husband assured her, aware of what that might mean for the child. -

She nodded convinced and calmer, trusted that she was now her husband and knew she wanted to help the child who was now his son. However, the boy did call his sister. Alannah had been on a trip now, and soon after leaving them she returned to France and from there to Megiddo. The archaeologist was excavating a site of Roman times and there to see a mosaic that began to unearth before her trip to Ireland. But now, looking at him closely, she was perplexed.

-This cannot be! - She said visibly in astonishment and even fear. -

Fortunately her colleague and friend Reika Furuhata was there. That newly married Japanese girl was with her digging in Stonehenge where the two met that journalist. A blonde girl named Amanda Thomson, who was very interested in any artifact or ancient rest. As she told them, in addition to making a chronicle for the newspaper in which she worked, her boyfriend was an antiquarian. But that enigmatic woman was something else. She had a responsibility that only revealed to Alannah herself, indicating that if she witnessed anything abnormal or strange, she would soon be in contact with her.

-This could be something of your interest. - Alannah thought she ran to find her colleague, shouting almost like a possessed woman. - Reika, you have to see this ...

Her companion came immediately and then went to see that mosaic. Although Reika did not seem strange to her, she nevertheless ratified the era and style, which was what her friend asked for, since apart from a portrait that appeared there was an inscription in Latin and Galician aramid. Both translated that seeing that it said the same thing. After that day, Alannah returned to the hotel. There she discovered that she had several calls. One of her husband, asking her when we would return. The girls were going to celebrate the end-of-course function and Bridget was asking about her mom. The girl sighed. She wished she could come back. But timing couldn´t be worse, so she saw it complicated! But the message that most surprised her was that of her brother. He asked her to call him as soon as she could. His tone seemed agitated. Something serious must have been happening. So she returned the call to the private number he gave her. Despite being half a world away they were able to establish contact. The boy waved and without further ado, told her that incredible story Karaberasu told him. Alannah let him finish without interrupting, turning pale.

-And  what do you think? - Mathew wanted to know when he finished. - Tell me Ally, do not you think we're crazy?

-Maybe if I had called you yesterday I would have said yes. - The archaeologist sighed to add with enigmatic uneasiness. - But now I could believe you without any doubt. Besides, if uncle Hugh corroborates it, it will be 100% true.

-And what am I supposed to do? - Inquired the uneasy boy. -

-Caring much for your wife and your son, - she said solemnly. – And to love them ...

Mathew nodded even though he could not be seen. It really made him more surprised if he could be. His own sister not only believed it but seemed to know more than she had told him. After wishing to see themselves again and send their best wishes to them and their families, communication ended.

-I'm going to follow your advice Ally, - he said with determination. -

            In the days that followed, at last, with great patience and love, they could have relationships. Time passed. Then, within a few months, Karaberasu discovered that she was pregnant again. Although this time, far from horrifying her, that made her very happy, both she and Mathew who were exultant. Mazoui was also very happy to think he was going to have a baby brother. After a few months they moved into a larger house they had bought in the city of San Diego. The farewell of Dorothy was very emotional, neither she nor Karaberasu could avoid the tears, promising time and again that they would visit often. The good woman said farewell to Mazoui with a long hug.

-Take good care of yourself and come and see me, - the old woman asked. - Do not forget me.

The boy nodded excitedly as well and wrapped his arms around Dorothy's neck to secure.

-Yes Grandma Dotty, we'll come my little sister and I ...

-Sister? How do you know that? - The woman smiled, glancing at Kalie. -

However, she shrugged, it was still too early to know the baby sex. They took that for one of the kid's occurrences ... Mazoui then looked back at that kind of shadow that clung to Dorothy so much, but that was changing. That dark silhouette that looked like a woman was closer to the child's mother. He was puzzled at first and frightened later. Even more so when that black form disintegrated into a Kind of dark vapors ... the child then closed his eyes and clenched his fists as if he wanted to prevent it from approaching his mother ...

-Are you all right, sweetheart? - Kalie asked, looking at him uneasily. -

Mazoui opened his eyes slowly, relieved that this kind of shadow was rejected ...

-Yes mama.- He could say.- Now I'm fine ...

His parents took that for something typical of children and did not give more importance to that matter. Soon they said goodbye to Dorothy to their new home. For her part, Alannah now pondered what she had seen when she was back at Megiddo’s excavations.

-Yes, that's what that woman told me. Amanda told me to be alert ... - I thought to remember.

She was digging a richly decorated tombstone. To her enthusiasm and that of her colleagues, it had inscriptions reminiscent of some biblical passages. But that was not what caught her attention. When finished cleaning a mosaic from a nearby wall. One she had seen briefly when she was found before returning to Ireland to see her brother. In him, a childish face appeared. The archaeologist almost fell off the scaffolding on which she was standing there again, after her return to Ireland.

-Holy Christ! - She exclaimed. - It cannot be possible!

But it was, that face was that of his sister-in-law's son. And next to it an inscription in Galician and Latin Aramaic was written.

- The one who will precede the Messenger. Before the coming of chaos and forgetfulness.

She had to lower carefully trying to master her agitation. She did not know what to do. Then she took a few deep breaths and called Reika. As she arrived, she wanted to think.

-This is a coincidence. Just it. It looks similar to him and maybe I was affected ... It's silly! - She smiled finally trying to forget it.-

Then her friend came and between the two of them dated and studied that more thoroughly. Alannah wanted to think that it was just a sinister coincidence. Even more so when she left that cave in the sunlight. These ideas seemed so absurd and unreal that she left that topic. If she said any of that, they would take her for a crazy woman. So she preferred to end her work and return to Paris with her daughters and her husband.

-This is getting so long that I imagine many nonsense .- She thought as she continued her work.-

But then, when she saw the call of her brother and he told her what happened, she knew it was no accident.

-That boy is someone very important and special. And it will become a very valuable instrument. Both for good and for evil. It was his parents and family that would define on which side he inclined... - She now wished Mathew and Karla (O Karaberasu as she confessed her real name was to his brother) could guide the child along the right path. - But I cannot do more ...

For his part Mazoui spent some nights suffering nightmares, especially one, was repeated incessantly. He was at Grandma Dotty's house, although she was much younger and arguing with a long-haired girl. Many of the things that were said he could not understand them, but he realized that they were both angry.

-Listen to me, Mom,- she begged. -

-No, you listen to me. - Dorothy replied with visible indignation. - A daughter of mine will not be a slut.

-I want to be an actress, not a slut! - The girl answered with anger in turn.-

-You have to study, to dedicate yourself to something decent ...

-Since when acting  is not decent? You love those old movies. -The girl could state.-

-You're very young, you still do not understand. In order to do something in that world, and especially here in California, girls have to do many nasty things ...

-I'll work whatever it takes. – The girl assured.-

-I mean indecent things, Kathy! - Dorothy burst out. - Do you think that in order to get a role in a cheap series, there are not hundreds and hundreds of girls? ... How do you think the producers chose among them?

-I'm already eighteen. I'm not a girl. - She would reply with obvious discomfort. - And I would not let myself be manipulated like that. What happens is that you have no faith in me ... Instead dad ...

-Do not aim your father at this. Do you hear me? - Dotty shriek in anger. - You know that he is sick of the heart and the last thing he needs is you provoking him with this disgusting idea of yours.

Now the girl cried in frustration and helplessness. It took her a while to reply ...

-He understands me ... you just want me to do what my brothers do, to dedicate myself to a life I do not like. And at best end up working as a secretary.

-That's much better than ending up as a showgirl or a slut.- Her mother retorted to finish with uncompromising tone.- And this is over, as long as you live in this house you will do what I say ...

Mazoui heard all this frightened, it was as if he saw everything from a place where no one noticed him. That was for several nights, until one of them changed... As usual he witnessed the same argument, only this time, he was in front of them. But they did not see him. As the girl walked away to her room, the little boy, full of sadness, asked.

-Why is Grandma Dotty mad at you?

The stunned young woman seemed to see him then ... watching that child without knowing where he might have appeared from ...

-Who ... who are you? - She asked visibly surprised. -

-My name is Mazoui. I live here with my mom and Grandma Dotty ... why is she angry with you? She never gets angry ... well, only if I eat too many sweets.- Declared the child.-

That young woman bent down to his height, and still with tears in her eyes she could smile and whisper ...

-I want to make a dream come true, but she will not let me ...

-And that's why you're after her? - He asked sharply. -

-After her?- The girl was surprised. -

-Yes, - Mazoui said. - You are that black shadow that always follows her.

-Wait a minute. -The girl asked I don´t know what are you talking about. What shadow?

Then the boy remembered seeing the face of this young girl ... Without Dotty realizing he had sometimes surprised her by looking at old photo albums and there she was. Then, leaving that girl astonished once more, he inquired.

-Your name is Kathy isn´t it?

-Yes, - the woman astonished admitted. -

-Dotty says nothing, but sometimes I've seen her looking at your pictures and she's sad. I think you went to Heaven. She once told me that when I asked.

-To Heaven? .. I do not understand ... I am here, at home ... - that confused girl was able to respond.- And who are you? - She insisted on becoming more and more disconcerted. -

-I've already told you ... My name is Mazoui, and I've seen you behind Dotty, and the other day you were behind my mom. - Do you know she's going to have a little sister for me?

That girl was looking around now, feeling confused. It was as if the child's words were making her see ... but she saw something she could not understand.

-Now I remember ... - She began to mumble, taken with regret and fear. - I was going very fast ... driving ... then I do not remember anymore ...

-Then you went to Heaven ... but then you came back. - The child commented. -

-Oh! - She could exclaim with a gesture of horror. - Then I am ... Where am I now? ...

-I believe you are in my dream. - Mazoui revealed her. -

Indeed those words were to Katherine as a revelation, then she just being able to speak for the emotion and all made sense to her.

-I must have died in that accident ... and I thought I was still alive ... and now I remember a long black tunnel, and a voice saying it was not the moment ... but that, by a tragic mistake, I could not return. And that there was only one solution. They told me that when a new life was conceived, before that developed a soul of its own I could return through it. At first I refused and wanted to regain my previous existence anyway ... However, my mother did not listen to me. My brothers did not either. Now I understand, Oh my God! They could not see or hear me. Is that? I was just a ghost.

-I do not know. - Mazoui replied. - But I think you were angry ... you were dark in color ... I was scared.

-Yes. I was. Sorry to have scared you. I thought none of them wanted me ... I understand now. I would like to have a new opportunity to live, to achieve what I could not do ...

Then something lit up in the mind of the child who smiled to exclaim ...

-You want to be born again! ... And you want to be my little sister. That's why ... You were behind my mom ...

-Yes ... yes, I think so, - she whispered, looking at the boy tenderly. - Would you let me? Please! I felt your strength protecting your mother when I wanted to enter inside her.

-Yes ... of course I'll let you. - That way you'll be my little sister. - The boy smiled. -

-Thank you, Maz, Mazzy, - the girl lovingly muttered by stroking that brown hair to say. - I also remember something else now. They told me that if I came back that way all the memories of my past life would disappear ... so I could start over. I have no problem with that, but ... Please, will you help me? ...

Mazoui nodded quickly and nodded.

-I promised, I will love you very much ...

That young woman smiled excitedly though the child could no longer see anything, everything went dark and then a blast of light blinded him. He closed his eyes and after opening them he saw his mother smiling at him and stroking his hair with much affection to whisper.

-Let's go my love. You have to go to school ...

The boy stretched as best he could, and guided by his mother´s request, he went to wash his face. Although after finishing he commented to her surprise, once he put one of his hands on Kalie's belly.

-I really want Kathy to be here ... she's a very nice girl.

-What? - Karaberasu was surprised, looking at him in astonishment. -

Kalie was not surprised. She was five months old  pregnancy and she was beginning to feel a bit of gut. However, his son had not only hit the baby's sex but had even given her a name ... and not one but the one of Dorothy's death daughter ... Anyway. Surely he would have heard the good woman speak of her. She did not want to give more importance and after taking the child to the kitchen and preparing breakfast, she delivered him in the nursery and went to work. Thus, after a few months, Karaberasu  gave birth to a girl whom they actually called Katherine. The mother was lying with the child in her arms. Mazoui asked to see his sister and Mathew entered with him.

-Can I have her? -The boy asked at a moment when the little girl had started to cry. -Please, - the kid insisted. -

Her mother was reluctant to let him do so now because the baby was crying. At last she gave in to it, Mazoui held her timidly and smiled at her. The girl, strangely and surprisingly, left immediately crying and began to make funny faces. Karaberasu and Mathew looked at each other and smiled in amazement and delighted by the situation.

-Well, it seems that your little sister, just born, already loves you.- The doctor smiled.-

-Yes ... I love her too,- the boy affirmed. - I promised ...

Finally it was her father who took care of the newborn leaving her in the cradle. Next day, before being discharged, the girl received an unexpected visit. She could hardly believe it. At first she did not notice, she took her by one of the nurses who came in to check if everything was OK and to check the status of the newborn. But that young woman approached and Kalie could recognize her. She opened her eyes and could barely exclaim with emotion.

-Minako-chan!

The woman put a finger extended over her own mouth and whispered.

-No one should know I'm here. And I'm not just saying it for the fans.

-It has been a long time since I didn´t see you!  - Kalie could say with obvious emotion. -

  

Her friend smiled at her and sat down next to her on the bed. Both embraced and the newcomer commented.

-She's a beautiful child. Years ago I saw you with your other son.

-His name is Mazoui. He's a great kid.

-I'm so sorry I could not be with you. I could not do it. In fact, I'm disobeying orders from Queen Serenity right now.

-Why? Kalie wanted to know with amazement. -

-It's not easy to explain. But I do not care anymore. You will see. For a while I was suspended from my duties for trying to find you. Things must go in certain ways and I wanted to change them. You should not meet with your sisters yet. Do not ask me why. I just know it must be like this. However, and I told Serenity in person, you are my friend. I will do my best to help you and your children. No matter what order or instructions she give me.

Kalie took her by the hands and smiled gratefully, however, she shook her head and declared.

-I do not wish to cause you any trouble. Fear not, my life was hard at first. However, in recent years, thanks to Heaven, everything went well for me. I met a wonderful man, I married, I have two precious children. Now I am very happy.

-I'm glad. You cannot imagine how much. Anyway. I wanted to do something for you. - Minako sobbed, now saying really sorry. - When that monster did that to you, I ... I could not do anything to save you.

-It was not your fault. - Karaberasu encouraged her, who nonetheless told her. - All I ask is that you watch for my children. If anything should happen to me. Or if they ever needed it.

-I give you my word, - she answered quickly. - I'll help you and them if you ever need me.

-You know? Although I have not been able to do so until now, I would have liked to ask you to be the godmother of Mazoui and to be Katherine's. -Kalie proposed to her.-

The young artist smiled now much more broadly. Looking at the crib where the baby slept. Her companion guessed her wishes and nodded. Minako took the child in her arms with great delicacy and affection, declaring even with an air of emotional gravity.

-My little girl. I will always be there for your brother and for you. And if you ever needed me, you can count on me. That is a solemn promise made by your godmother Minako, on behalf of my guardian planet Venus.

And after these words she gave the newborn to her mother who cradled her sweetly. The young Japanese girl smiled again and after giving a light kiss on the crown the baby sighed saying to her friend.

-I have to leave. I do not want poor Artemis to get into trouble for me again. He watched the passage, hidden, to call me in case anyone came. - She sighed, shaking her head slightly to comment almost by way of reflection. - It's funny, I've been wanting to be a world idol for so long, and when I get that, it's an impediment. I even had to disguise myself as a nurse to enter here!

-I'm glad for you. At the end of the day you managed to fulfill your dream.- Karaberasu affirmed .-

-And I am very glad to see you happy and with this wonderful family. I hope someday I can see your children again! - The girl wanted.-

And after kissing her friend on the cheek, she said goodbye. Kalie watched her leave with an excited smile. Her faithful friend had not abandoned her after all. So she waited until Mathew returned to keep her company, but she did not tell him any of that. The next day, they returned home together. Time passed. Thus, both Mazoui and Katherine were growing. The child was already in elementary school, his sister, she was becoming a precious little girl with coppery hair and big blue eyes, went to freshman year of preschool. Once and for all she traveled with her father to Ireland, she met her grandparents and her aunt Alannah, who, in turn made her to become fascinated by the horses and traditional songs of  her country. She also played with her cousins ​​Suzanne and Bridget. One of the times, her aunt took them for a pony ride.

-I really like riding. - The girl was saying with delight as they moved along very green meadows. -

-Yes, it's a lot of fun, cousin. - Bridget said, that already was a girl of almost twelve years. -

-In France we also have ponies. - Suzanne added that she had almost ten to ask. - Do you have ponies in America?

-No, but Daddy takes me sometimes.- Commented the child -

-Is Cousin Mazoui going with you? - Suzanne asked.-

-No, he does not like horses very much. - Kathy said, and then changed the subject. - Listen, aunt Alannah. Will you sing me some Irish song?

-Sure my darling.-  The woman smiled. -

-And Grandma Megan has made cheese cake. -Bridget added , that girl really enjoyed eating, she was gaining weight perhaps too much, given her love of food. - I want to try it.

And that they did when they returned. The girls took the animals to the stable and after being instructed by Alannah they brushed the ponies and give them water and some carrots as a prize. Then they had a snack. The pups chatted animatedly with their grandmothers. Megan was especially happy to have all her granddaughters there. Fortunately her relationship with her daughter had softened greatly after those years. Although a shadow was still planned. She appreciated Mazoui, but between the few occasions he saw her and Jack, and he was not Mathew's son, she did not love him as much as Katherine, Bridget, or Suzanne. Even his own cousins ​​did not have too much sympathy for him. The boy was always overprotective of his little sister or else he turned away from the girls. Maybe that was natural since as a boy, he would like to play other things. Although Megan soon forgot that when her daughter and Jack started with traditional songs. He with his violin and she with his beautiful voice, causing the girls, and especially Kathy, to listen raptly ...

Rann Na MónaLa brea aoibhinn samhraidh` gus mé go tuirseach tlath-lag

Ni raibh a fhios gives laghadh ag duine ar bith an scéal deas

A tharla sun

`Smé dul sios an cosán beag gan smaoineamh ar mo bhealach

Le boladh féir, tháinig dralocht san aer

Is thosaigh mo chroi a dhamhsa

Rachad go Rann Na Mona

Rachad go Rann Na Mona

An alt atá galánta, thios chois na fairrge

Rachad go Rann Na Mona

I dtosach tá crann beithe, ar chúl tá crann rua

I lár tá fraoch corcra, is fuiseóg beag faol cheilt

Stá amhrán ag an éan seo, go luath sa trathnóna

Maoidheamh!

Boladh féir is dralocht san aer, is ach an gcroi a dhamhsa

Taim cinnte beidh mo shaidh le f__háil

Sa tobar bhfhuighidh mé ulsce

Goidfidh me bradán Ó`n Fhairrge Mhór in aice liom

`Sma fhaghann sibh cuir ar an alt seo go luath insan oiche

Geallaim, buladh féir is dralocht san aer

Is dhéanigh bhur gcroi dhamhsa

(Capercaille Rann Na Móna. Credit to the author)

At the conclusion of the small applause and quickly little Kat wanted to know.

-What does that song mean? I did not understand anything.

-It is in Gaelic, honey. -Her aunt smiled to sum up. - A traditional language around here. It speaks of love, of nature and of joy and the beautiful things that are on this ancient earth.

And the girl did not forget that. She was more and more convinced she wanted to sing. When she returned home after that vacation, she told Mazoui everything she had experienced. He always listened very carefully to her. Both she and her older brother were very intelligent, quite awake for their age. But above all, the boy surprised his teachers. He learned everything at first. However, shortly afterwards, the happiness they enjoyed was cut off by the beginning of strange crises that affected the boy. The companions who were present when these happened were very frightened, they said that he grunted of rare form and that his eyes seemed to shine red. The teachers did not believe this when thinking that it was only childish fantasies. Nevertheless Mathew and Karaberasu, were frightened. Their son never remembered anything but he began to suffer the marginalization of his peers. He became quite sad and his mother tried to cheer him up. However, when she was alone with her husband she was very depressed.

-I do not know what I can tell him ,Mathew. I do not know what I can invent, he is so sad that it breaks my heart.

-You must tell him what's going on-  he replied. -

-And what am I going to say? - Karaberasu replied visibly unsettled by that advice. – That he is son of a devil?

-No, you do not have to tell him that. - Mathew reassured her softly. - Just tell him that he is a special child in some things but that is not bad. Fear not, from his blood tests I'm preparing a serum for him that will help.

-I hope that works!.- If it worsened I do not know what we could do - she said very worried by that terrible situation. - My God, I could not bear it if that part of his being took possession of him. When I thought that was gone forever.

To her mind came those dreadful words of the Sage, before they destroyed him. With rejoicing that wicked being assured her that one day, his son, would be another demon. Kalie shivered in horror at the thought of it. She, who had wanted during those years to be reunited at last with her sisters and the rest, was afraid again. What if his son turned into a kind of monster? She could only wish her husband could do something. For his part Mathew developed a serum and began to test it with the child. The boy experienced a clear improvement, for a few years the attacks ceased to occur. For that time Mazoui was growing and finished primary. Katherine also entered the school, she had turned into a very pretty and extroverted girl. Her dream was to become a famous actress. At the age of nine she was already involved in some of the school's theater works and festivals. She admired the singers and movie stars a lot and she was a big fan of Minako Aino. Although this artist was not as prodigal as before. Although she did visit Kalie giving her some passes to be seen acting at Christmas, at a concert she gave in the United States. Everyone was very happy. The children even received autographs signed by that artist. That added to her admiration for that nice, talented singer. Especially from Katherine. Since then, whenever she was seen on television, the baby always said with enthusiasm in her childish voice.

-Look Mom. When I grow up I want to be as famous and as pretty as she is!

-Of course you will, my darling. If you work hard and you persevere like Minako, you will. - Her mother smiled affectionately.

Kalie saw her old friend, there, singing or playing roles in movies and she was very happy for her. She wish they could have kept the contact more! After her visit to the hospital, when Katherine was just born, they had seen each other again on that occasion. She still remembered. The two had something at an Angels restaurant. Under cover of press or other means of communication.

-How are you? - The sailor was interested. -

- Everything is all right, Mathew works as plant manager in the hospital. My son is getting bigger and better and Kathy is becoming a pretty young lady ...

That said, she showed Minako some photos of her family and looked at her friend waiting for a reply. The woman knew perfectly well what her interlocutor wanted her to say, but she had to move her head slowly and mutter in consternation.

-I am sorry. I can only tell you that they are all well and that they are happy ...

-Well, that is enough.- Karaberasu was to smile  with some bitterness.-

-I wish I could tell you more. - She sighed with a look that begged for forgiveness. -

However, her fellow quickly changed the subject to avoid overshadowing that evening and told her friend with renewed animation.

- Mazoui has made some great grades and Kathy too. Both are great! We are very proud of them. As a prize, we are going to take them to Disney World ...

-I'm very glad.- The other person could smile, who  in turn produced several tickets from her bag to add.- For all of you, I will give a concert here in a few days. If you can attend before leaving ...

-I don’t know. Although I can talk to Mathew and delay the trip. If his obligations allow it, - Kalie answered trying to think. - My children love your songs. Especially Kathy. They will not forgive me if we do not go and watch you act. She likes you better than Donald Duck. LOL!

-I'll take it as a compliment. - Minako laughed at last. - My dear friend. I wish I could do more for you. -She added extinguishing her smile almost muttering with consternation.- I assure you, it's not up to me.

Kalie laid a hand on Princess Venus's and smiled encouragingly to assert.

-You never forgot me. I know that if you cannot do more you will have a very powerful reason. Do not fear. I will do nothing that could harm you or the others. Maybe someday my sisters and I will be able to meet again and I can introduce my children to them. And I suppose they will introduce me to theirs.

-I'm convinced that it will be so.- Minako said trying to sound friendly and optimistic.- That day will come.

And after a while, they said goodbye since Kalie was going to look for her children. Now she also remembered those days when that wild little girl dragged her to the trials of would-be idols. Then they would go out and go shopping or take refreshments and talk about boys. At least Minako had managed to realize her dream. And when she meditated on that, she realized that, paradoxically, she too. She had two wonderful children and a wonderful husband who loved her. There was Dotty, whom the children regarded as their grandmother. And even the Irish family with whom they kept in touch. Perhaps not visiting them too much but knowing that they could count on each other. Seeing it like that, life in the end had not been so cruel to Kalie after all. But she always felt that feeling. How would her sisters be? She actually saw Roy about how many times the guy appeared on TV when he played his team. She often thought of contacting him and Bertie, hoping they would continue together. But something prevented her. Those words spoken by her friend, it was not yet the time to meet them. So, when would it be? It came out of her thoughts when, from a distance, she watched Kathy watching her admired singer on television.

-La ... the ... c'est la vie ... - sang the baby trying to imitate her favorite artist in one of her most famous songs.-

Mazoui watched her amused and when her sister finished singing he applauded. The girl smiled with visible illusion.

-Do you think I sing well, Mazzy?- She wanted to know very hopefully. Using the nickname she put on him since she was very young -

-Yes ... you sing very well, Kat.- The child answered. -

-As well as Minako? - The girl asked. -

-Well, as well as she does not ... - The boy declared in a sincere tone. -

Kathy frowned slightly, but her brother immediately approached the girl to cheer her up.

-But you're still very small. When you are older, if you practice a lot, you will surely sing even better than her.

His little sister smiled happily again. That was true. She still had to get much older. To her those words were very important. She admired Minako a lot and her dream was to become such a popular and good artist as her. Besides wanting to look like Mazoui. Her brother was her model, she adored him, he always cared to help her. They were a tightly knit partners. They were at least until the boy began to reach puberty. Little by little he was neglecting Katherine more and changed his character by becoming more reserved. At first Mathew and Karaberasu blamed puberty for being  the typical age of the beginning of change. The boy had gradually forgotten all those gifts that he possessed being smaller. He restlessness began to focus on girls his age or even something older. In fact he was becoming a very handsome young man who in turn began to attract glimpses of the opposite sex. That would be nothing wrong or strange. Until one night he felt ill, he could not sleep, his body burned. He got up with a severe headache. He tried not to complain, the next day there was class and his parents worked, he did not want to disturb them. He went into the bathroom to cool off with a bit of cold water. When he came in and looked at himself in the mirror, he was dumbfounded. His eyes glowed bright red and he felt a sharp pain in his gums. Looking at his mouth, he saw two big fangs. A feeling between the restlessness, the fear and anger became master of his mind. Stumbling, he tossed the contents of a cabinet to the floor, causing a muffled din behind the bathroom door.

-What's wrong with me? What's happening to me? - He wondered aloud in a voice more and more serious and guttural. -

Her sister, who was the next one, was awakened by the noise, came out sleepily from the room clutching her teddy bear and went to the bathroom attracted by the noise sticking her head to the door to try to hear something and touching with the knuckles .

-Are you ok Mazzy? What's the matter?- She asked timidly.

-Leave me alone, Kathy, and go to sleep, now! - He asked in a guttural tone that frightened his sister. -

The girl entered the room of her parents and shaken them with worry and fear, soon her mother woke up.

-What's the matter, honey? -She asked her daughter, being still half asleep. - Have you had a nightmare? Come on, come with Mom.

-Mama, - the young girl replied in a tone of fear. - Mazzy is in the bathroom and does not want to open me, he has a very strange voice.

Upon hearing this, Karaberasu quickly rose from the bed, Mathew awoke as well.

-What happen? Do you know what time it is? - He said with some irritated reluctance. -

-Something's wrong with Mazoui. - Karaberasu said worriedly. - Kathy told me he's in the bathroom and his voice sounds strange.

-Is Mazzy sick?-  The young man asked his father. -

-No, darling -Mathew said, getting up and guessing to try to reassure the child. - Something will have made him feel bad. Go stay here with Mom while I go and see what happens to him.

At that moment there was a terrible scream in the bathroom. Mathew ran there while Karaberasu, also very frightened, hugged her daughter and kept her from following his father. He knocked on the door and called the boy.

- Come on Mazoui, open to me, I just want to help you.

-Leave! Leave me alone! - He snapped, a kind of hissing that left Mathew stunned. -

Kathy asked her mother about Mazoui continuously, Karaberasu wanted and prayed for that this was not the curse that had haunted her since he was born.

-Mama, what's wrong with Mazzy? - The girl continued to inquire in her insistent sobs of fear. -

- He is sick honey, just that, tomorrow he will be better. Come, let's go to your room, you have to sleep that there is school tomorrow, -Karaberasu answered as calmly as she could while stroking her daughter's long, copper-colored hair. Come on. - She took the girl holding hands and led her to her room. -

Mathew was still trying to open the door, he heard gasps and a kind of guttural roar on the other side and he was scared. At last he managed to force the lock and opened it, but he could not imagine what he was going to find. Mazoui turned to him. Now he was taller, almost as much as Mathew himself, he must have grown at least ten centimeters in a moment! But that was the least of it, the boy's face was flushed, his eyes glowed red, and two fangs stuck out of his mouth that made him look terrible. Without a word, he jerked his father away from the bathroom with superhuman strength. Mathew fell to the ground, rising as fast as he could. In spite of being horrified he still maintained his calm and his curiosity of scientist. Mazoui, meanwhile, fell on his knees, covering his head with his hands, howling in pain. Karaberasu was drawn by the screams, closing the door of Katherine's bedroom so that the girl would not come out. Seeing his son in that condition she tried to go to him, but her husband held her trying to dissuade her.

-No, it's too dangerous, he's out of his mind, maybe he would not recognize you! I'm going for the serum. Do not go close him until I come.

So Mathew ran to get the medicine. Karaberasu watched between helpless, terrified and desperate, as his son struggled on the floor in shrieks of pain. Devastated she ignored Mathew's advice and crying asked her son as she approached him.

-What's wrong honey? What can I do for you?

-Help me, mother! - he asked in a choked voice. - It hurts me everything, my body burns.

She hugged him, trying to comfort him, though suddenly the boy pulled her away. Then he stood up and howled outside. Karaberasu was paralyzed by terror and disbelief, her son looked like a monster! He had grown enormously and had that horrible look, bright red in the eyes she still remembered in her nightmares. Horrified, she could not help but think that those terrible words of that wicked sage seemed to be fulfilled in the form of sinister prophecy. Then fortunately Mathew arrived with the serum and handed it to his wife.

-Have him drink while I hold him. - He asked. -

But she did not move, she could not do it, her husband realizing it, he insisted.

- Come on! This is the only thing that we can help you! You have to do it for him! - Her husband remarked with a shout. -

The traumatized mother finally reacted, uncovering the bottle of the antidote waiting for Mathew to hold Mazoui from behind. The boy was stirring with a terrible force that lifted his astonished stepfather off the ground. Karaberasu approached him and introduced him the serum taking advantage of the boy open his mouth to scream. For a few moments it seemed not to take effect but after a few moments his condition was receding. At last the boy fell to the floor and Mathew released him. Mazoui lay unconscious. Karaberasu exhausted and with broken nerves, ran to revive her son.

-What happened, mama? - He asked when he awoke. - I do not remember anything, but my head hurts a lot.

-You're all right, my son, - she said, hugging him through choked sobs, - that's all that matters.

-I can hardly get up. – Mazoui, who was exhausted could hardly muttered. -

-Lean on me, my son. - Mathew said helpfully, helping him to his feet. -

-I'm almost as tall as you, Dad, - the astonished boy discovered as he stood up to ask. -When I've grown up so much?"

-I'll explain it to you later. - His interlocutor replied, in a more calm tone than that of his disheveled wife. - Do not worry, now you must rest.

Mathew took Mazoui to his room and the boy laid down. Karaberasu opened the door to her daughter's room, which was desperately pounding and bursting with tears. Katherine rushed into her mother's arms as she opened it.

-It's all right now honey,-  Kalie whispered to her. -Do not worry, Mazoui is fine.

- I want to see him! - Demanded the little girl, with anguished babble. -

Karaberasu nodded, taking her daughter to her brother's room. Mazoui had fallen asleep almost instantly due to exhaustion. His sister caressed his forehead and kissed lovingly his cheek. Her mother took her to her room and the girl finally fell asleep. Karaberasu was reunited with her husband and her tone of voice was very sad and sunk when she inquired to him.

-What are we going to do, Mathew? I thought he was already cured when your uncle baptized him or when you gave him the serum before.

- This is also something genetic, it goes beyond the merely religious. It could even be normal in his development process – Her husband explained trying to calm her down. - Fortunately, the increased dose of the serum has being effective. Do not worry, I will work day and night to improve it, I am sure that I will cure him. We must trust and be with him more than ever.

She nodded, hugging her husband, allowed herself to be overcome by tears until she was overcome by exhaustion. Two long weeks passed in which Mathew subjected the boy to controlled shots of a more potent serum that kept him normal. Thanks to the support of his family he overcame that. The only thing left of his attacks were embers that revived when Mazoui became very angry. That cost him losing two girls that he really liked in the following years. On one occasion of the few times he traveled to Ireland. He was with a group of boys on a farm abandoned on a hill. There, a certain Fiona, a little girl with short brown hair and green eyes, had noticed him. She was from the group of friends of her cousins. Mazoui was already sixteen and he was really a towering boy. Very tall and handsome. For that girl who would be just fourteen he was really a crush.

-Do you know if he has a girlfriend? - He whispered to Suzanne that she had grown up to a pretty young woman about to turn fourteen.-

-I do not know. Cousin Mazoui hardly comes here. A few years ago we did not see each other. -She confessed to her interested little friend.

But he did not seem to notice much about that girl or any of those around. He was more worried about his sister. Kathy was only eleven and still small enough to be with that gang. Unfortunately, Suzanne, who was the person with whom she was best, was in the midst of her adolescence and did not play or share things with her like before. Of course Bridget was even more reluctant. Being older and more detached. The only thing that girl coincided with Mazoui was his lack of desire to be in Ireland. She preferred to live in her native France with her group of friends there. And with her rather chubby appearance coupled with her coldness, she was not too popular in her sister's group of friends, who did look more open. In fact now her cousin whispered to him about that admirer of his.

-Hey Mazoui. - Suzanne called then.-  Do you remember Fiona?

The boy approached looking puzzled. However, he greeted kindly. Anyway, he was beginning to not feel well. It was those attacks that he suffered sometimes . Good thing he had his pills. Although now he could not use them because that girl was next to him sketching a silly little smile and asking in a tone between nervous and full of interest ...

-Would you like taking a walk?...

The boy just shrugged. He did not want to, but he nodded. He wished to return to his grandmother's house, indeed he had come because grandfather Jack had unfortunately died of a heart attack the previous week. They arrived in time for the funeral and he was looking forward to going home. He did not feel comfortable there. And besides, those attacks that he suffered ...

-I'm sorry about your grandfather. - Fiona was saying. - As they left the abandoned farm where the rest of the group met ...

-Yes, we loved him very much, my sister and I.- The aforementioned  said taking advantage to try to apologize .- By the way. I do not know where Kathy is.

-Surely with her little friend Erin and other girls her age. - Fiona said nonchalantly and grabbed the boy's arm. -Come on Mazoui, let's take a walk. The scenery is very beautiful here ...

The young man was beginning to feel weird. This was unpleasantly familiar. He would have to take his synthesized serum pills but to his horror he began to feel his pockets and could not find them.

-Did you miss something? - The girl wanted to know, watching him strangely.-

-Yes ... yes ... I have to find them ... and fast. - He could say with visible uneasiness. -

Unwillingly Fiona agreed to return to that rundown farm. But the rest were gone. Maybe they decided to leave her alone with Mazoui. They entered and the young man looked immediately from all directions ...

-What is it?- The girl who did not understand such a hurry, inquired. - Is it something important?

-Yes, a lot.- He was able to say it in a voice more hoarse.- It has to be around ...

-Are you okay? - Fiona asked timidly. -

Although Mazoui turned his back on her now without wanting to look at her. He could hardly say with a guttural tone.

-Go away…

-Why should I? - The baffled girl wanted to know insisting. - Seriously, do you feel bad?

And she tried to look at him, but the boy drifted away again ... Even though she was insistent, then something happened that petrified her with astonishment. Mazoui looked at her at last, but his eyes glowed red, almost like fire, and two fangs protruded from his mouth when he howled.

-Leave me alone!

The horrified girl could hardly open her paralyzed mouth in horror. It only took her a second to run and scream in panic ... That was how Suzanne and the rest were down the hill saw her.

-What´s up? - One of the boys asked. -

-He is a monster! - Fiona could not control her trembling and crying. -

-What happened? What did he do to you? - Suzanne asked, her expression stunned. -

Her interlocutor was really scared. She had to take a deep breath and take a moment to calm herself. She was about to tell what had happened when Kathy and her friend Erin, another young girl from the village who, became inseparable from the little O 'Brian, came.

-Your brother is a monster! - Fiona shrieked at the surprised Katherine. - Get him out of here!

-What's wrong with you, Flannagan? – An startled Erin asked.-

That red-haired girl who had a few little twins in both cheeks looked with her green eyes at that girl and pointed her in amazement ...

-Did he try to deal with you? You know…- Andrew asked, another boy in the group.-

-My brother would never do that. - Kathy defended him. -

The one who was the center of all eyes took a few moments to recover and shook her head.

-No, but his eyes were red and looked like an animal. - She was able to mumble full of dread.-

-That does not make sense, we'll get him. - Another boy named John said. -

Fiona refused to go up but the rest eventually convinced her.

-You have imagined that. And besides, now we are a group of many. Do not be afraid. - She was encouraged by another friend named Sheila.-

At last, despite being very remiss, they persuaded her. Kathy was also together with Erin, when they arrived they called Mazoui, they looked for him, but the boy was not there. In spite of the strange thing of that John commented fun, raising some smile of the rest.

-It is clear that Mazoui wanted to go home and he would have given you a scare so that you would leave him alone.

However Fiona was crying, she hugged Sheila and another girl named Mary reprimanded John angrily.

-This is not funny at all. Fiona would not be like this if anything wouldn´t happened. I do not know what happened, but of course this guy is very weird. He is always in his business. He never comes with us.

-My brother is not weird. - An annoying Kathy interjected. -

-You go with Erin and devote your time to play. - Sheila admonished her. -

-Well, we'd better calm down. - Suzanne interjected, more politely telling Katherine. - Come on, cousin, let's go back to Grandma's house. Mazoui may already be there.

-It would be better if that guy does not come back here anymore - Andrew said, more concerned now in order to encourage Fiona. -

Making deaf ears Kathy, Erin and Suzanne went to the O 'Brian's house. In fact Mazoui was there and he was as if nothing had happened. The boy, on seeing himself alone, ran down the other side of the hill and soon arrived. Luckily Mathew saw him before anyone else could do it and could give him some pills. Mazoui had forgotten them at home. After a few minutes the boy had returned to normal. Now, in the face of his sister's astonishment and the rest, he reported something embarrassed once they told him what had happened.

-I had an allergy attack and my eyes went red. The other, I do not know what Fiona is referring to. I'm sorry If I scared her.

-Do not listen to her, She has always been an overstress and a whining.- Suzanne replied, dismissing the subject.-

-That would be what John said. You will want to get rid of that silly, right Mazzy? ... - Kathy added.-

His weary brother nodded, though unfortunately he know the truth. He did not like lying, but he had no choice. So at least the days went by and although he did not get together anymore with that group of boys and girls, he could rest easy. They returned to the United States and things were relatively normal. At least until Mazoui started dating another girl, named Aston. She was pretty and he liked her. However, for trying to protect her from attackers, he took on the demonic appearance that terrorized both the thieves and her girlfriend. She fled in terror, refusing to see him anymore. Luckily for the boy no one believed her neither because they thought it was only a figment of her imagination. However, he fell into a deep depression because of this but all his family managed to encourage him to overcome it. Another couple of years passed without important news, by the time Mazoui had turned eighteen, after passing the institute with brilliant qualifications, he only thought of one thing. That dream of his early childhood of being a pilot and entering the military academy. He remained the idol of his sister who was almost fourteen years old and was already an attractive young woman very similar to her mother. But with those two beautiful blue eyes and a coppery hair pulling more chestnut, inheritance of her father.

-Well Kat.- The funny guy said to her, once his sister arrived from her debut in high school.- How about the first day of class with the elders?

-I cannot complain ... There's even a theater workshop. I'll sign up.

-What about boys? - He commented in a somewhat provocative tone.-

-Well, there are some really handsome! - The girl laughed, adding amused .- But the most handsome was not there.

-And where is he? - His interlocutor wanted to know with a genuine tone of surprise. -

-Here, you fool! - The girl laughed, slapped him on the butt and ran.-

Mazoui did not hesitate to pursue her, and when he caught her, he did not stop tickling her everywhere. Meanwhile her sister burst out laughing. The bad thing is that, involved in that dynamic the boy took his hand and contacted one of the girl's breasts that were already quite developed. Then he released her, turning quite red. The same thing happened to her.

-It would be better if I went to tell Mom that we were here. - He said, still embarrassed, more to get out of the way than anything else.-

Katherine's colors had come up too, but it was clear that it was an accident. The truth is that it was not as before, although they were adore each other as brothers there were certain things they could no longer do ...then her thoughts were interrupted by her mother who also came back from work.

-Hey my lass.- Kalie smiled giving a kiss on the cheek to her daughter.-

-Hi, how was your day, Mom? - The girl wanted to know to leave aside the thorny previous issue.-

-Oh, as usual! My boss wants it all for yesterday. Since a couple of years ago I became head of exchanges with Asia, everything is hustle and bustle.- Her mother said.- What about you in the high school? - She wanted to know this one in turn sighing.- It's incredible !, it seems like yesterday When I cradled you and walked you in the stroller and you're a lady now.

-Well ... I was telling Mazzy that there's a theater group. - The girl commented. - I'd like to sign up. So I can become a famous actress like Minako Aino.

Her mother was smiling. If Katherine knew that this celebrated artist besides being a warrior of Justice and a princess was her godmother! In such thoughts she was when Mazoui made an appearance, the boy greeted commenting.

-I thought you were in the kitchen,

-No, I just got here.

She was going to ask what happened when her cell phone rang. It was Dorothy's number. They were just visiting the old woman, Kalie answered, and her relaxed gesture turned serious.

-Tell me ... is it serious? ... no, of course, I'll go there soon. -

-What is it, Mom? - Katherine wanted to know. -

-It's Grandma Dotty, she's been admitted to the hospital. They called me from there with her cell phone. I'll let your father know. - She could say with visible anguish. -

Kathy was also scared, Mazoui immediately hugged her sister. As soon as they could, they told Mathew and they all came to see her. Dorothy, who was already very old, fell ill. The once so dynamic woman, could no longer fend for herself. It was many years of hard work on her back and now, overcome by exhaustion, and the ailments of her age, in addition to that condition, she only had the strength to be in bed. Father O'Brian had already retired and had returned to Ireland the last years of his life to spend with his relatives, but Dorothy was alone. Her family seemed to have forgot her. So, after being discharged, Karaberasu took care of her. The old woman felt much better when she came home. Kalie and the others provided her with much relief and most of all, love. Also Mazoui and Katherine were going to visit the person who for them was their grandmother Dotty. Often they spent whole afternoons there, or both at the same time or taking turns. When they left their mother or Mathew  stayed to watch over the poor woman's health. All together they went to see her before starting their vacation. Mazoui, after high school had obtained a place in the Military Academy after passing the exams of entrance. Kalie alongside her family, told Dorothy, making her smile.

-I'm very proud of him. - Karaberasu said with a broad smile. - It's very difficult to enter that academy.

- So little Mazoui is finally going to be able to be a pilot, huh? - The old woman whispered, unable to speak any other way. - What you've always wanted ... is not it, my love?

- Yes grandma Dotty, - he replied, giving his hand tenderly to ask her softly. - Do you remember what I said?

-I'm very proud of you all - Dorothy said. - You're a great family.

-Thank you, Grandma Dotty. - Katherine whispered, kissing her forehead and assuring from the bottom of her heart. - We love you.

- I know my little lass, and I also love you ... - the old woman said excited by those words. -

-Come on guys, let Grandma rest. - Karaberasu asked. - Dad and I will go right away.

Mazoui and his sister waited outside, in the room where the two boys used to ran so fast. Kalie, meanwhile, wiped the brow of the old woman with the sweat that was beginning to soak her.

-I have little time left .- Dorothy sighed weakly. -But I'm so glad I've seen you become so happy. Overcoming all difficulties.

- And you still have a lot to see – She was encouraged by Mathew who tried to sound relaxed when adding. - Come on Dorothy, you've come out of worse things!

- Although I have not been with my children I have had you in return and that has made me very happy, - the old woman whispered. -

-Of course, we'll always be with you. - Karaberasu encouraged her, taking her hand as she struggled not to cry. - You're part of the family , you are our family...

The old woman smiled to moan again. Feeling increasingly weakened and gradually losing the sense of reality.

-Kathy. It is you my daughter?

         Her interlocutor nodded, smiling, despite the tears that were already coming down her cheeks. Even more so when that poor woman asked her in a pleading way.

-How much I rejoice my love! I thought something had happened to you.

-I'm fine, Mom. - Kalie whispered in a sobbing voice. -

- Sorry, we should not argue .... my girl I love you very much, thank goodness that accident was nothing. You should not have taken the car after what we said ...

- No, you were right, it's true. – Her dismayed interlocutor holding the old woman's hand, was able to muttered. -

- But, you forgive me, right? Say you forgive your mother. I did not want to tell you these things, if you want to be an actress, I think it's fine. Honey, please forgive Mom.

- Of course, of course. I forgive you. - Kalie was crying now, unable to bear it. -

    Although the old woman did not seem to notice her tears, she did, but she did, with a grateful smile and a sigh.

- Thank you my love, I love you very much

- And I love you too. I love you ... mother. - Her feigned daughter, whose words nevertheless came from the bottom of her heart, for she felt and meant them. -

-What about David and Jeff? -  Dorothy wanted to know, alluding to his children. - And my husband?

-They come now -The girl said with visible grief on her face. -

- I'm so tired ... I just want to sleep ...

- Sleep mom, when you wake up we will all be here. -Karaberasu assured her without being able to control her crying or her sadness. -

Mathew realizing that his wife could not stand the emotion any more, he took her out of there and led her to a secluded room. As soon as they were far enough, she released her feelings between tears and words broken by sadness.

- I owe her so much, Mathew! I still remember when she received me at her house, I was newly arrived in the city and pregnant with Mazoui. I do not know what would have been of me but for her help. Thanks to her I also met you when she called you to heal the child. For me she has been like the mother who I lost being just a child! She has been my family!

-She always was a wonderful woman, but she grew to old - her husband said in dismay, though trying to encourage his wife. - But do not cry for Dorothy, she's lived a long time and has been happy.

-The only thing I regret is that her own family did not care about her. - Karaberasu said in a sad and hurt tone and expression . - I know that makes her so sad ...

-I tried to contact them but they were never available. - Mathew replied, and sighed, proposing her with a better disposition. - Let's go with the boys.

The two of them left the room, in the dining room, Mazoui and Katherine talked about the memories they had of the house, when they were children. The endless afternoons playing hide and seek or with their dolls, how Grandma Dotty always prepared them some cake that they devoured in delight, or how she told them stories and sang them before they slept. Mazoui smiled at that. It seemed as if centuries had passed. Then he felt a strange sensation, as if someone invisible had kissed him on the cheek. There was a sudden silence and he looked up at the ceiling, letting a few tears fall.

-What is it, Mazoui? - Katherine asked, surprised by the abrupt silence. -

-Grandma Dotty is gone. - He said quietly. -

His sister looked at him in surprise, not quite understanding what he meant. Karaberasu and Mathew entered the dining room. Mazoui told them the same thing and his mother did understand. Without losing a second, she ran into the old woman's room followed by the rest of the family. When she came in it did not seem to have changed anything there. Dorothy was still asleep. Karaberasu approached her and noticed that she did not move, there was no sign of breathing. Mathew reached for her pulse but could not find it.

-She has died. - He concluded with sadness. -While sleeping. I am so sorry.

Katherine and her mother burst into tears as they were comforted by Mazoui and Mathew respectively. The latter telephoned the hospital where they sent an ambulance that confirmed the death. The old lady was taken away and the burial occurred the next day. Mathew tried to locate a family member and this time they answered the call. Two days later, the two sons of the deceased were presented to take care of their inheritance. An indignant Karaberasu insisted on talking to them and did not deprive of talking them down for their behavior. She went with her husband and found them at Dorothy's house, with a team of experts searching for everything that might be of some value.

-How dare you come here with these people? - Kalie shrieked at them, really angry. - Where were you when her mother died?

-Please, honey. - Mathew said, trying to calm things down. -

-Yes, Madame. - Said one of them. - This was our mother's house, and we have more right than you to be here.

-If we did not come earlier, it was because our obligations prevented us, -The other son added as an excuse that did not sound at all convincing. -

-What could be more important than a mother? Tell me - Karaberasu reproached them visibly outraged. -

-I do not want to be impolite. - The elder of the two replied with an arrogance. - But you do not have to be here. My mother did not leave a will and that means that this house is now my brother's and mine. So be so kind and leave.

-Cannons, vultures! -Karaberasu shouted. - You left your mother to die alone, and now you come to claim the few possessions she had.

-If you do not leave here right now, we'll have to call the police! - Threatened the other brother with an offended gesture. -

-Yes, we're leaving, - Mathew said, he had also been angry, failing in his attempt to remain calm and did not refrain from replying. - Thank God Dorothy did not see what kind of children she had!

-Hey, I'm not going to let you insult us! - One of them snapped. - You do not know anything about our family. If we have not come before it is because we had our reasons.

-Leave it. - The other brother asked him, shaking his head. -

- No, I'm sick of it! - Exploded that man, named Jeff, addressing the astonished Mathew and Kalie, to spit on them. - Our mother may have been a paragon of virtue to you, but she also had her flaws. Her closeness and her principles ... that's why she argued with Kathy, almost threw her out of the house for wanting to be an actress. Our sister had a fatal car accident and soon our father died of a heart attack. All because of our mother's attitude. What do you say to that ?, huh!

- She was very sorry, that's the only thing I can tell you - Karaberasu explained still excited to add full of pain. - If  you had been by her side when she died, you would know. - She took me for her daughter, and asked me to forgive her. She remembered all of you and loved you very much ...

The two brothers looked at each other, though David, who was the eldest, then declared in a tone of hurt and indignation.

- It's easy to say that now, but she had her whole life to apologize and she did not. So do not come now to give us lessons in morality or compassion.

-It's not worth it. - Mathew said dryly, taking a sunken Karaberasu over her shoulders, adding in a soft, comforting tone. - Let's go, honey. We do not do anything here anymore.

She had to agree on that, despite the enormous sadness that was overwhelming her. And so the two abandoned forever the house that was Dorothy´s and hers and Mazoui for a some marvelous years. Already in the car she put a song, one she had heard soon after arriving there and that almost summed up her own adventures and that had listened with Mathew when they met and they married ... of course that, for both had a very special meaning and more in such a sad situation.

I remember L A

Seems like a lifetime

We were on Sunset Boulevard

What movie did we do

There were days in the sun

That we stay forever young

Nights in which passion became involved

We thought that love would never die

There were moments in that life

That my heart still remembers

There were minutes, there were hours, there were days

There are moments that I still love you

When I remember LA

I remember  goodbye

I was looking your plane out of sight

Love is over, time to close the book

I'm still coming back for a closer look

There were moments in that lifetime

That my heart still remembers

There were minutes, there were hours, there were days

There are moments that I still love you

When I remember LA

(Celine Dion I remember LA .Credit to author)

Days later they learned that the two son of that magnificent woman had sold the house to a construction company that would demolish it to build apartments. Not wanting to delve deeper into the sadness that this caused to them they decided to take a vacation. Mathew left for Ireland with Katherine. There was his mother who had not seen her granddaughter for long. However, Mazoui could not accompany them, he had to show himself in New York for an access interview to the Military Academy, the only formalism that remained to be admitted. As it was a long trip Karaberasu insisted on accompanying him. In addition to her concern for her son, she was filled with memories of her sisters. Would they still be there? It had been almost twenty long years since she left, sunk and pregnant, not knowing where to go. She was now coming back with her adult son and having a family to be proud of. By the time they'd said goodbye to Katherine and Mathew at the airport, she'd been fully aware of how much life had changed for her. Kathy said goodbye to Mazoui at that moment.

-Good luck, Mazzy, I'm sure they will admit you when they see you. And congratulations anticipated for your success.

-I hope so, thank you, Kat .- He smiled, kissing her cheek. -

The girl, who was already singing very well, hummed her favorite song, a lullaby which was sang to them by her mother and grandmother Dotty when they were little children.

-Good luck, son. - Mathew said, - and do not worry, no matter what, we're very proud of you. We will call you to congratulate you and on the return we will celebrate together.

-I will not disappoint you, I promise you. -Mazoui assured, hugging Mathew and his sister. Karaberasu did the same and they said goodbye leaving them to board the plane. -

So mother and son had to take another flight to New York. The boy arrived in time to settle in a hotel and went to the interview. Everything went well and He was definitely admitted. Karaberasu and he were full of joy.

-I propose that we celebrate it, Mother! - Mazoui said to her while it raised her in his arms circling with her. -

-Yes, of course! - The aforementioned woman laughed, nevertheless she asked him. But let me down, I'm going to get dizzy! I'll tell you what we're going to do. I will prepare a good meal to celebrate your entrance to the Academy. How proud I am of you, my love!

-But Mama,- Mazoui objected, scanning the hotel's empty room. - We have nothing in the fridge, we've just arrived. We could go eat somewhere.

- Nothing at all, I'm looking forward to preparing something myself! - Karaberasu enthused, adding. - Soon, when you're at your academy, I will not be able to do it. And do not fret over food. That's no problem son, here are many supermarkets, we will buy something.

So the boy nodded and the two went to buy in a place near their hotel, little did any of them know, especially Mazoui, that there it would happen something that would give an important turn to their lives and their future adventures ...

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