GWA08E

**START**

**Sightseeing tour of in New York.**

The next day, Friday, it was Roy who had a sporting commitment. Beruche and a still somewhat bewildered Tom came to see him. Cooan would not be with them as she was part of the cheerleading group that would oversee giving moral support to the team. Melanie had selected her quite emphatically and that had made the girl very happy. The match would start at six o'clock in the afternoon and already a couple of hours before, both the girls of the Cheer - leaders group, and the players, were busy in the previous warm-up. Roy was with the rest of his teammates doing the stretches and the first races around the track. The same could be said of Cooan and her group. Melanie lined them all up before the start and exposed them with obvious interest.

-Let's see, girls! This is the first game of the pre-season, and although in theory it is a friendly, our team is played more than the mere victory. I'm sure they all. - And she walked with her eyes the line of her selected. - You will give your best so that the boys play to the fullest.

- Yes, group leader! - They all replied in chorus including Cooan. -

Squeezing out a smile of approval Melanie nodded contentedly.

- That's how I like it. - She asserted taking charge immediately after distributing the slogans -, let's see. You Serena and you April, you will take care of the left wing.

The two alluded to, nodded without delay, placing themselves in a prefixed position. Melanie continued.

- Francine and Terry on the right.

A blonde with half a mane and another with shorter brown hair, a little taller, immediately obeyed by standing at that end.

- And Cinthia with Connie in the center, right behind me. - The boss concluded by indicating with one hand her position. -

To tell the truth this site was the least committed since both were the most novice of the group. The two set out to locate themselves immediately. the girl next to Cooan was of oriental features, although she had been born in the United States.

-So, you're American but you have Chinese parents. - Cooan said when she met her days ago. -

-Yes, - Cinthia nodded, revealing to her. - My full name is Cinthia Mei Wong. What about you? Are you European?

-No, I'm Japanese. - Cooan smiled. -

It was her interlocutor's turn to be amazed. She immediately told her.

- You don't look like it either.

-No, anyway, really my sisters and I came to live in Japan from another distant country, but we already consider ourselves from Japan. - She was able to answer to get out of the way. -

Now, the two waited, so nervous and expectant, both one and the other. And they were grateful at the same time for the placement that their captain had arranged for them. In this way Melanie capitalized on more attention from the public and prevented a hypothetical mistake of either of the two girls from jumping into view. Although the chief cheerleader did not care about the new acquisitions of the team, thinking especially of Connie. From the latter she had to recognize that her physical condition was excellent and that her sense of rhythm and dance had nothing to envy to those of the most experienced cheerleaders.

- Okay, let's start rehearsing dance four and seven. You know, without getting lost. - She nuanced them with insistence. - Choreography ready from the first step.

And Melanie left the group, she had it more than trite and would take care of controlling the evolutions of the others. He carried a radio cd with him that he activated not without first saying.

-Attentive! and one, two, three...

The music began that was increasing in rhythm until it was fast paced, in this way the girls had the opportunity to warm up as they danced. Cooan did very well, did not seem to be nervous and she executed all the movements precisely and with the right cadence before the attentive and approving gaze of Melanie. And not just this one. On the other side of the field, the boys did not lose sight of the evolution of their teammates. Roy and the others were "making lines." (Run at the highest possible speed from one line to another on the court, touch it, walk back and run back to the next) Thus the speed of reflexes and the race were exercised in addition to the physical background. Roy had it more than overcome and was almost always the first to conclude the tour. Thus, when they had stopped to catch their breath, the boys recreated themselves with the graceful and provocative movements of their classmates.

-How wonderful, that's how it's nice to train! - Jack Cooper said, He was one of the team's tall forwards, with a fibrous but sturdy build and blond hair, he was one of Roy's own best friends. -

- And there is also a lot of new meat. - Daniel Smith commented with joy, one of the pivots who stood out for his more than two meters, with dark skin and blight black hair. -

- Quiet. - Oswald "Ossy" Lane, the starting point guard, replied with just over eighty-year-old brown hair with a rather athletic body. - There will be time to get to know them well.

- A few! - Jack laughed. - We already know the others by heart. Huh, Roy?

- Yes, of course. - He agreed with a mischievous smile of complicity. -

- Well, I'd like to try what that new one tastes like there. - Michael Newheart, another forward of almost two meters and wide backs, as well as dark blonde and curly hair, pointing shamelessly towards Cooan to say. - The Japanese.

- She doesn't look like "Jo-Sam" - Roger Collins, another pivot of the team, black, enormously muscular and shaved to zero said. -

-Hey, don't insult her! - Roy intervened with some discomfort to warn his companions. - Also, for your information, she is reserved matter.

-What a fucker you are! you've already seen her Huh? And I don't censor your taste. The truth, she is very hot. - Jack observed mischievously describing how his norm was. - Notice that well fits that red miniskirt and that golden top. (Uniform of the cheerleaders for the matches). I'm not surprised you've hurried to plant your flag.

There were mocking choruses of "Ahhh, you got her, man!" among everyone else and Roy had to try to clear things up.

- It's not because of me. But let's say I have a friend who has shown his interest and if someone messes with my friend, he messes with me. He's one of ours. - He declared in a categorical way and at the same time very revealing for almost all his companions. -

- OK, mate, the sacred covenant of the brotherhood. - Roger agreed that he added in an apology - and I did not want to insult her. I meant it doesn't look like "japo"," you know, squeezed eyes and lemon face.

- Just because she comes from Japan does not mean she was born there. As she told us she is of foreign origin.- Roy explained to him admonishing him often. -And for your information that "Jo-Sam" was the term that was used in Korea and Vietnam for so-and-so.

- Sorry, man. - His embarrassed companion excused himself again. - It is that since I was a child I heard my father say that every time he saw a "yellow". I thought they were all called that.

- Okay, that's okay. - Roy smiled, but he warned with a serious gesture, reproaching his interlocutor and passing the rest. - But let none of you think of calling it that. And she's not yellow either. Don't make racist comments.

- It was not my intention. – His interlocutor apologized.  -

Everyone agreed with nods. That's what they were in when the coach's indignant voice interrupted them.

-What the hell is going on here? Am I going to have to line up the cheerleaders? They train with much more intensity than you, idiots, Come on, I want to see you move!

And without further ado, he threw several balls towards everyone, and the group exercised in shots against the basket, innings, and dunks, etc. Now it was the girls who rested after rehearsing to enjoy with their view. Cooan, with the same interest as her teammates, leaned on midfield protections to observe.

-What a group of giants! - She thought amusedly. - But the one who moves best of all is Roy.

And they were very tall, she had met handsome and well-behaved men, especially Rubeus, whom she did not want to remember and even the princes Sapphire and Diamond. The latter must have been even higher than Roy, although there he would not attract her attention. At least there would be two or three guys taller than him.

-It's funny, from here Roy even looks short compared to some. - She smiled funny. -

In this the object of her attention entered the basket smashing with two hands. Cooan could not help but applaud although from that position he was not observed by the boy, it was by Melanie who approached her telling her.

- Of course, you do well to applaud. Roy is number one in many things.

- Surely, he is very good, I wanted to see him play because I have only seen him in training, and he always plays. - Cooan replied enthusiastically. -

Melanie looked at her amused, she didn't know what to stick to with that girl, or she really was that naïve or she pretended to be. Experience had taught her not to trust "that shy girls." Maybe that's why she didn't like the idea of Connie's sister sitting next to Roy. However, she was now calmer in that regard. And this one, simply did not seem dangerous, but it was better to make sure.

-Do you like Roy, don´t you? - She asked her with total naturalness, making her interlocutor look at her stunned and blush to her ears. -

-What? - She could say without being able to assimilate such a direct question. -

From everything she had heard about Melanie and her courtship last year with that boy, perhaps it would not be wise to respond. At least with the truth.  Although her classmate immediately wanted to take out importance to that issue.

- Come on, that's okay! All the girls like him - Melanie laughed rejoicing in her inner self with the bewildered and shameful expression of that poor embarrassed girl. -

-You too? - Cooan asked her timidly adding with all her good faith. - Since you are the boss of the cheerleaders you will have any boy, you want.

That made Melanie laughs until she almost doubled. Connie was truly a prodigy of naivety elevated to the umpteenth power. At least that seemed in things concerning love. That occasion was too good to pass up. So, she decided to continue having fun at her expense a little more.

- Hey, don't worry. I like him because he is hot and because he does it very well. You already understand me, he has a skill that leaves basketball far below! - She affirmed with a very insinuating voice. -

- Skill. - In what? - Cooan asked candidly that she still did not understand some double meanings and phrases made in English. -

Melanie opened her mouth, stunned. Did she not grasp that either? Well, she shouldn't forget that she was a foreigner. So, she would have to make it more explicit...

- Let's say he and I have had such relationships. You know... or don´t you?

From the poor girl's pale face, her excessive opening of the mouth and eyes, Melanie could see that she had been understood. And she added, even to the greater blush of her candid companion.

- Here we are very liberal and if you want to try, I will not reproach you. Roy has a lot of pace for that. In fact, practically all novice cheerleaders must comply with that kind of tradition.

-What? - The blushing Cooan exclaimed. -

-Well, I said almost all of them. Some have not wanted to, but because they are ... you already understand me! - Melanie laughed, riveting. – Men are not their thing. Although quiet, I am not one of those. And you?

-Me? - Cooan pointed to her own chest. - No, I don't!... well, I like men, of course, handsome ones and that...

Trying not to burst into laughter Melanie nodded simulating approval to retake the word.

-Great then. Then you are invited to join Roy's select girl fan club. Although of course, you can't do it in your room with your little sister there. But that's no problem, I can lend you mine. My partner will understand... Ah! and don't forget the gummies, he is very clueless... And you don't want to be left... You know...

- No, you won't be serious, that's forbidden… What a shame! - Cooan could reply between babblings. - I couldn't, I couldn't, I mean, no.

-But if you said you liked guys. Or does Roy seem ugly to you?

-Ugly? Not at all! - Cooan was quick to deny. - It's not that, it's that I... not yet...-She was able to babble prey to the goshawk. -

-So, you’re virgin, aren´t you? -  Melanie asked her. -

The head of cheerleaders was increasingly enthusiastic about that reef in front of her just for her amusement. That poor one was red as a tomato. What the others were going to laugh at as soon as she told them! She returned to the charge with rejoicing.

-Have you ever been with a guy? - Melanie asked with a feigned (or maybe not so much this time) face of amazement. -

- No, well yes, I had a relationship, at least one guy I liked, but it didn't go well. -Cooan replied with soft voice, to tell the truth she felt as if she were in the middle of an interrogation. And she was able to rivet. - Now I think about it more when looking for a boyfriend.

-Find a boyfriend? Don't be silly, woman! - Melanie smiled at her condescendingly. - You don't need to commit, you know, one night and if you like to repeat then you do. Although with Roy, I only allow you one, huh? - She finished off by appearing complicity. -

Cooan was hallucinated. What kind of relationships were established there? The truth is that she had heard her sailor friends comment that Westerners had another way of doing things in that field, that they were more direct, so to speak. Especially women. That vaguely reminded her of Nemesis. There were many rumors circulating about Rubeus himself and his wanderings. Although she had always refused to give them credit, she later learned that they were true. But at the end of the day, he was a man and men, you know. They are only in their own interest. Of course, she was not at all willing to get into that wheel.

- I thank you very much but I must concentrate on studying to take advantage of the year. Just like my sister. - She affirmed trying to recover the pause in her palpitations. -

-Does your sister not have a boyfriend either? – Melanie smiled, bowing her head as if she wanted to listen with great interest to Cooan's response.

- No, she, ...  as far as I know she is not interested in any yet. - She replied with a shy smile. -

Melanie wanted to continue her harassment and takedown especially by focusing on that irritating little sister of Connie. The opportunity to extract more information was unique. In these circumstances that fool would tell her everything she wanted to know. Perhaps it was true that her sister was not after Roy. What if she was precisely one of those?

-I'll have to ask some of the girls in college. Those who go to ambient bars. - She thought with joy. – Perhaps that Bertie might go to the same place...

However, she was careful to do so because it was precisely Roy who was heading towards them. The boys had already finished warming up and it was half an hour before the start of the match. The doors had opened, and the public was pouring inside. It was time to finalize the preparations. Although before they had a few minutes to talk, and the boy wanted to take advantage of them.

-Hello girls! - He greeted them with a broad smile. -

The truth is that he came sweaty and still breathed agitated to recover from the effort. But that, far from making him lose attractiveness, contributed to further enhance his charms in the eyes of both.

-How are you, Roy? Are you willing to humiliate those of Saint Paul? -  Melanie, pounced on his neck as she winked at her puzzled companion.

This one slipped out discreetly with fitting before a couple of kisses that were rather licks. Cooan just didn't come over and smiled strangely. Meanwhile, oblivious to that, he grabbed Melanie's waist amicably and assured them.

- We can't lose, we have the best cheerleaders in the world. So, count on it.

-Did you like our rehearsal? – Cooan asked hopefully to Melanie's amused gaze and Roy's kind nod.

- A lot, Connie. – He replied very sincerely. - You have done very well. You have a lot of rhythm. - Right Mel? – He asked the captain of the cheerleaders.

She agreed to that with a mischievous smile to add not without rejoicing.

- That's what we both mentioned right now, rhythm is important for everything. Right Connie?

            She was not able to respond because the blush controlled her to such an extent that she could not look directly at the boy. Roy feared some of Melanie's usual jokes with the new ones and decided to help that embarrassed girl.

- It is going to be your turn. - He commented to the head of the cheerleaders. -

-It's true! Damn, I´ve almost lost track of time! I must leave the CD player in the locker, pick up the pompoms and return the key. Well, now I'm back. Connie, wait for me here.

And she walked away to finish off the preparations. Roy smiled as he left and commented to Cooan affably.

- I celebrate that you adapt well with the girls. From what I have heard, they appreciate you.

- Thanks. - She could smile looking at him sideways. –

She could not get out of her head what Melanie had told her. Would that be true? Anyway, she liked him very much, so that she would deny it, and Roy was not like Rubeus, although she could not be entirely sure either. He had a reputation as a flirt and that worried her. But who knows, with a little patience...

- I must go to the locker room, we have the pre-match talk. - He reported regretting not being able to chat a little more with that nice girl. – See you now.

Perhaps he could have tried to inquiry Cooan about her sister. But now was neither the right time nor the right place. He hoped to be able to address Bertie when they were visiting the city the next day.

- Good luck. - She wished him with a happy countenance. -

- Likewise, and calm down, Connie, you will do very well. - He encouraged her believing that the girl's blush was due to the nerves of her debut. -

That said, he left along with his companions. Cooan stood still at first, thinking it was a pity that her sister and Roy didn't get along better. The guy was very friendly, maybe a bit of a hooligan yes, but a good person deep down. She regretted that both started such a bad thing. Although good, lately their relationship seemed to have improved. She was glad about it. She didn't have time to reflect on that anymore. She immediately saw Melanie and the others arrive who apparently had been laughing at something. She didn't have time to ask them about what. They had to take their places behind the baskets to go out dancing when the game started and there was some "dead time"

-Let's go there. I hope to get it right. I will not disappoint my colleagues or my friends. – She though trying to cheer herself up. -

For their part, Tom and Beruche arrived at the field occupying places in the stands.

- I hope ours win. - She wished that she looked at her partner with concern, the boy seemed absent. -

- Yes. I hope so. - He agreed without much enthusiasm as he looked for Cooan. -

-Hey Tom, are you okay? - Bertie asked him.  -You are already recovered from yesterday, right?

-Yes, absolutely, don't worry! - He hurriedly replied coming out of that kind of bucolic trance. - It's just that I still don't understand what could have happened to me. That one-spirit thing, I don't know. It sounds so incredible!...

Beruche listened to him with interest and a real desire to be able to help him. She wished she could tell him everything she knew from her own experience, although she could do nothing but reassure him with good words.

- Forget about it. It's already happened, try to have fun, if one can have fun here. - She added thinking more about herself since she didn't like this type of sport too much. -

- You're right. - He replenished more animatedly, assuring his companion. - And you'll see how fun it is! Roy is very good and so is the rest of the team.

- He can already be! because I think that instead of studying, he spends the day here involved. - She criticized him with a warning air. -

- Don't be so hard on him. - Tom asked her, adopting a more confidential tone in defense of his friend. -Roy may seem irresponsible at times, well, - he corrected without being able to avoid a smile.  - He almost always looks like it and behaves as such. But I assure you that this is not his true nature. When I met him last year, I initially thought the same way you did, but then I became convinced otherwise.

Bertie raised her eyebrows focusing her attention on the boy, it was a clear invitation to continue with the talk and her classmate accepted it.

- Basketball is very important to him, since he was a child, his father instilled it in him...

However, the band's fanfare interrupted the conversation and his partner waited for the national anthem to be played. The players of both teams were lined up in the center of the court and with their hands on their chests they listened with respect the same as the rest of the students. Beruche imitated Tom more out of courtesy than anything else, that was not his country, but he was there and had to observe the rules. She took the opportunity to look at Roy, discovered him among the other members of the team and realized his serious and focused attitude. Of course, with that face he did not look like him. He even felt a rare impression, as if he had already seen such a thing. That tense gesture and that impression of dignity that he transmitted while the chords of the music sounded. But that quickly faded as the band ended and the players dispersed to make the last warm-up. Then it was the girls' turn and Tom alerted her classmate.

-Look! is your sister with the others.

Bertie saw her and felt proud. Cooan was the best of all, even better than that presumptuous Melanie with whom she had signed that tacit truce (which did not mean that she swallowed it in any way). But why think about it? The cheerleaders finished their evolutions, and the match began at the end.

-Let's go Golden!  – The spectators shouted, eager for their team to get the victory. -

The match was competitive, and Roy effectively showed his seriousness on the court, leading his team, defending, and giving instructions to his own. He even showed off on some plays by stealing several balls and scoring quite a few points. Boosted by his audience and the spirits of the Cheerleaders, who executed various choreographies, with Cooan standing out in each one of them.

-I wish our sisters and friends could see her! - Bertie exclaimed with pride. -

-She does it well. She's a magnificent dancer. - Tom said. -

-I think you're also very good at dancing. - Bertie replied. -

-My mother taught me as a child. - The boy replied somewhat timidly now. - I have continued to practice a little, because now I devote more to martial arts. But I signed up for the dance activity since last year. - He revealed it, wishing. - It would be great to be able to dance with your sister.

-Surely, she will think the same. - Her interlocutor smiled at her cheerfully. -

He wished it were so, Beruche had a very good concept of that boy. She wished her sister noticed how he looked at her! In the good sense in which he did it, of course. It was enough to observe him to know that he was infatuated with Cooan. Although she put that aside, looking at the resumption of the match. Roy kept trying hard and harangued by the crowd until he fired from far away causing the general uproar when he undid an uncomfortable tie in the scorer. The boy smiled raising his arms and clenching his fists in a sign of joy, being congratulated by his peers.

-Very well, that's how it's done. - Tom encouraged him, honking with his hands. -

In this way the Golden, after some good last few minutes, finally won by twelve of advantage.

-Roy has been great! And so has the whole team! A hard-fought triumph. –Tom exclaimed. - Don't you think? - He asked his companion. -

Beruche had to admit that Roy was good. She noticed how he gave everything in the game and formed a united group with his teammates. That selfish and frivolous boy in appearance, changed a lot on the parquet. That was his hobby, what he liked to do the most and even perhaps even his true vocation. Bertie could understand that. It happened to her with chess. Even though she was still in the Black Moon, she made a pact with Sailor Mercury a game risking the lives of the other sailors, when she already had them at her mercy. That was not to be proud of because she cheated. Even so, she realized that, even then, the interest in playing was irresistible to her and in the previous game, which was the final of the championship where she had infiltrated, there were no tricks. Ami won, but Beruche despite being enraged then with the defeat enjoyed it enormously. She had played three games before and won them all cleanly eager to measure herself against what she knew was her mortal enemy Sailor Mercury, not because she was a sailor, but because she was a great chess player. Later, when she became fully human, she met with her opponent and since then a great friend, to play and play. The two spent hours in front of a board and between movements and reflections they could talk about many things. She missed Ami, the rest of the sailors and her own sisters, but here she had made new friends. And Roy could be one of them. Tomorrow the four of them would finally go out together, of course it was just an educational excursion for her and Cooan. But she was glad the two of them could share it with those guys.

-I'm going to congratulate Roy! – A happy Tom who had barely spoken during the whole game. declared. - Are you coming? - He offered Beruche, adding hope. – So, we can see Connie as well.

She nodded with a smile. She was amused by the name given to her sister. For the Americans to pronounce "Cooan" correctly was something problematic and Roy, as always, avoided complications and baptized her that way from day one. Cooan liked it of course and Beruche herself too. Although the nickname of little cube, which that fool had pigeonholed her, sometimes drove her crazy. Especially since he used to use it when he made a mess to try to appease her getting of course, quite the opposite. Although, in honor of the truth, she always pretended to be angrier than she really was.

-Cubito. - Beruche said funny. - If he knew how close that name really was to me. How to explain it to him!

Luckily, she would not have to, she ended up saying as she descended the stairs that crossed the stands going to meet the others. Tom and Bertie eventually reunited with Cooan although they had to wait for Roy to leave the locker room after briefly celebrating the victory with his comrades. When he arrived, Bertie simply reminded him with severe air.

- I hope you don't go on a spree tonight and forget about tomorrow.

The alluded to shrugged and looked at her in surprise, exchanging more looks of complicity with Cooan and Tom and responding with casualness.

- You don't need to congratulate me, cubito. I don't know, nothing about, Hey, how good you have played! You're great! And things like that.

-You've been fantastic, Roy! - Cooan rushed to intervene, partly to dispel his possible discomfort with her sister and because she really thought about it.

But Beruche was more unaffordable to give praise and only asserted.

- You play well, and I must admit that you strive, if you were the same when it comes to study, you would surely get honors in all subjects. - Although remembering Tom's words she finally gave a smile and admitted. - But you have managed not to bore me with this sport, and you deserved credit for that.

To Roy that sounded like the best of praise, no doubt Bertie had been pleasantly surprised with him, but she would not admit it even under torture. So, he decided to let it be. He was more than satisfied with that.

- Well. Don't worry, tomorrow I won't be missing. Word of honor. - He solemnly promised. -

- And he always keeps his word. - He was supported by his partner. -

- Roy, you have a friend you don't deserve. - Beruche smiled. -

Although he was pleased that, apparently, it was true that Roy always respected the word he said. For his part Tom looked at Cooan gratefully but, to his misfortune, the person who capitalized on his true object of interest only had eyes for that friend. The questioner took the floor once again.

- I guess I waste my time if I invite you to come to our victory party. - He offered. -

- Roy, we have stopped studying to see you. Cooan will be tired, and we have homework to do. - Beruche replied emphatically that, despite everything, she softened her tone to add conciliatory. - But thank you anyway and remember that see you tomorrow at nine o’clock. - She insisted as a farewell. -

To her regret Cooan agreed to that with her sister. On the one hand she would have liked to attend but she did not dare to get into that type of party. Especially if they were as they counted. Besides, she couldn't help but remember what Melanie had told her. Everyone drank covertly meeting on the court or gym taking advantage of the weekend and that many teachers went home. And after the drink you got to other things. No, better to go to sleep early. Beruche was right, she was tired but happy. And on top of that, she would have to get up soon the next day.

-It was an intense day. - The young woman said. -

-And you've been so good. - Beruche praised her. - I thought before that I wish our sisters and girls could have seen you!

-Melanie has told me that if we made it to the state finals, television could come. And our team of cheerleaders would come out at the national level. – An excited Cooan told her sister. -

Her sister sighed. She didn't trust that head cheerleader. Although at least she seemed to treat Cooan with quite a bit of consideration...

-That would be great. And you would eclipse them all. – Bertie finally agreed as the two went to their room.

For their part, the boys also chatted a little.

-Admittedly, Connie is doing very well as a cheerleader. - Roy said that watching his friend's gesture he was quick to add. - I am still not interested in that.

-Yeah. - His companion sighed, adding regretful. - The bad thing is that I do not attract much her attention.

Roy ran a fraternal arm over his friend's shoulders and squeezed him a little trying to sound spirited.

-Come on Tommy, boy! You haven't even tried yet. Look, I'll tell you what we're going to do. Come tonight's party. We talked to some girls. You should go for someone. To practice.

-No, I couldn't. I can only think of her. - The young man replied, sighing again. -

His companion shook his head with a faint smile. It was clear that Tom didn't want to party too much either and had to go alone. So, he said goodbye with a somewhat mocking tint.

-Alright, Kansas hick! have sweet dreams. With your princess Connie...

He barely avoided the hit that Tom threw at him in “gratitude” for those words, although Roy immediately added to imbue some morale to his interlocutor.

-We will visit the city tomorrow. It will be your chance to talk to her more. Listen to me, be yourself. If you show yourself like you are, you will have her crazy for you.

-And speaking of crazy. Will you try not to throw Bertie into the water if we go to see Miss Liberty, will you? - His friend responded with humor. -

After laughing a little of that comment, they said goodnight and Roy left to the party. He assumed Melanie would be there to flutter around him, but this time it wasn't. She was under siege by a rugby player. It was a certain Malcolm Roberts, large and quite brute type, two meters high by almost two others wide, red-haired and with a wide jaw. This guy Roy didn't like him too much, especially because he was in the crosshairs of the girl, he was interested in. The relationship between them was not exactly cordial, rather it did not exist. To the rivalry between his two teams to capitalize on the attention of the University with his sporting achievements, this other skirt situation was added, and Roy did not want to complicate life with Roberts. If he wanted Melanie, then all his! After all, he had it almost all last year and was a little fed up with the girl's possessive eagerness. So, he just drank with his friends on the team and strayed as far away as possible. Melanie was not stupid and understood that she should not go after him in front of everyone. She had fun making the rugby player suffer while burning with contrariness inside. What about Roy? Just a few months before, any wish of her would have been like an order to that boy and now it would be said that he ignored her when he did not blatantly avoid her. That was humiliating and her anger grew even more when someone told her that someone had heard him talk to the Japanese women and Tom preparing an outing to the city. Melanie didn't believe he was behind Connie, no. She realized he didn't look at her that way. She knew Roy well, so she was the other. Damn slut! Perhaps she was not as innocent and puritanical as she intended. Or that was precisely her weapon. Of course, Roy was more than made to daring and dynamic girls like Melanie herself. However, his defenses did not allow him to face a "poor shy and serious foreigner who only came to study." And that surely, she would have been pretending to be difficult with him.

-There is nothing that stimulates Roy more than such a challenge. And that so-and-so must have realized...- Melanie mused. -

But she had figured out her game, so she would "settle the scores" with that little girl. She had Connie on her team anyway and could get her information out. It would be convenient to impersonate as her friend and treat her well if she was interested. Of course, those pair of fools didn't know who they were playing against, but they would soon find out.

-So that is your game! eh? - The head of cheerleaders snapped with a tense expression and feeling hurt in her pride. - You are going to regret it, Japanese girl. I'll show you who calls the shots here.

For his part, Roy also had things to talk about with one of his teammates. He, like Melanie, Roberts, Tom, and a few other students, belonged to the Brotherhood of the Golden Eagle. A typical university society for outstanding and popular students. The boy wore the red ribbon that he now wore knotted to his right arm. That was the symbol that indicated his membership of the governing body. Just like Roberts and Melanie. His friend Tom was only blue ribbon, which gave him the right to be a member but not to vote. Below that were the green ribbons, or test members and the yellow ones, students who were mere aspirants to enter and who would have to be valued for their merits.  Finally, Roy saw his friend Jack who was Big Brother, with his purple ribbon crediting him as the Head of the Brotherhood.

-Hello, man! - He greeted him in a relaxed tone while his friend drank a beer. - I must talk to you about a couple of admissions.

-You will say. – His friend said. -

-I would like the candidacies of Connie and Bertie to be accepted. - He revealed. -

-It is not a problem for me, but we will have to meet with Ozzi, Melanie, and Malcom. You know, the rules dictate that all members vote unanimously. I, as a purple ribbon, will act as a notary of what is decided.

- Okay. That way I can tell them. For them to come forward. – The boy affirmed. -

-Are you telling me that those girls haven't asked you for it?

-They don't even know that our brotherhood exists, but I think they are two exceptional girls. Don't you think? - His interlocutor argued. -

-At least they are hot. And they are also nice. - The questioner affirmed nodding amused to rivet. – When they know and are officially willing to ask for their admission, let me know. I will support them.

And the boy thanked his friend for his gesture and said goodbye. He didn't want to go to bed too late so he wouldn't miss his appointment.

-I hope that both will be admitted immediately. - He wished when he went to sleep. -

And the next day came. For once and for a change, at nine o'clock Roy waited with Tom for the girls at the agreed place.

-Wow, this is a surprise. - Bertie said not without some derision. - Roy Malden punctually...

-What did you think? - He replied, becoming the offended, although that lasted only an instant.  And what's more. Kansas hick! - He jokingly asked his friend. - Have you brought the discman?

For every replica Tom took that sound player out of one of his jacket pockets. Roy connected it to a small speaker.

-What is that for? - Cooan wanted to know. -

-So, you can listen to a classic of "the Voice," - Tom replied, with a funny smile. -

- That's right. Here no one is going to go to visit our "Big Apple" without first having heard this song... -Roy said giving the "play" -

The stunned girls smiled when they heard, it was a beautiful song and the man who sang it had a voice between deep and somewhat torn that, however, sounded harmonious and full of energy. They were able to understand the lyrics quite well since it was very clearly designed by that interpreter... accompanied of course, by that pair of hooligans, who with their best will and not bad style made the choirs and the delights of the girls.

Start spreading the news

I am leaving today

I want to be a part of it

New York, New York

These vagabond shoes

They are longing to stray

Right through the very heart of it

New York, New York

I want to wake up in a city that doesn't sleep

And find I'm King of the Hill

Top of the heap

My smalltown blues

They have drifted away

I'm gonna make a brand new start of it

In old New York

If I can make it there

I'll make it anywhere

It's up to you

New York, New York

In New York, New York

I want to wake up in a city that doesn't sleep

And find that I'm number one

Top of the list

Head of the heap

King of the hill

What a pain I got, right here

Those are little town blues

They have all melted away

I am about to make a brand-new start of it

In old New York

And you better believe it, baby

If I can't make it there, you know

I'll make it anywhere

It's up to you

New York, New York

(Frank Sinatra New York, New York.  Credit to the artist)

-This was singing. - Tom exclaimed in admiration. – What a genius!

-Yes, I am. - His companion said with a tone of humor. -

With the girls' laughter, Tom hit him on the head to respond.

-I didn't mean you, you idiot!... I meant "the Voice” ...

-Okay, okay...- His friend agreed between laughs and rubbing his hit with one hand. -

-A beautiful song. – Bertie admitted. What did he want to know? - Why do you call him "the Voice"?

-It's obvious, don't you think, cubito?

-I didn't think you liked this kind of music. - Cooan intervened. -

-So, that you can see that we are eclectic. - Tom replied somewhat embarrassedly when he addressed her. -

-Yes, that's it, epileptic. -  Roy said without it being known for sure if it was a joke or not. -

-Go, stop talking nonsense. - Bertie asked him to sigh resignedly. -

-What happens is that you did not imagine that we had such a quantity and variety of tastes and musical interests. - The alluded boy responded with jocularity, riveting. - And above all, so good ...

-Another day it would be good if we put some more varied music so that you can capture the tastes of here. - Tom proposed timidly, looking more at Cooan than anything else as he spoke. - If you feel like it, of course.

-I remember our mother listening to a lot of music, right, Bertie? -The girl said. -

-It's true. - She nodded with a tone of nostalgia. - We were very small, but I remember well.

-Surely you have listened a lot of classics. - Roy said. -

The truth, now that he thought about it, he had not spoken to the girls about his family, but they had not commented on theirs either. They had only mentioned their parents and some other relatives, as now, but without going into details. Well, he could understand that better than anyone. It would not be precisely he who wanted to ask questions.

-We will put you something more of our discography then, on another occasion. By the time we go to dance. Do you think, Connie? - Tom intervened fretting out a little. -

-Yes, it would be a good idea, but we must hurry up or we will miss the bus. - The somewhat blushing girl reminded them in turn. -

She wasn't sure if that was trying to be some sort of proposition by her partner or just musical interest. Although now there was not much time to think about it, as the girl herself had indicated it was getting late.

- You're right, Connie. - Roy said realizing it to urge his friends. - Come on!...

So, without further delay, they went to the stop. There was a regular bus from the university to the city, the guys boarded it. After an hour and a half, they arrived at the terminal. They finally went down and stopped to plan the tour; Roy informed them with the help of a subway map.

- I have browsed the tourist itinerary and we have until twenty-one hours to take the bus back here. We will arrive just before the touch of twenty-two forty-five. Now we have some options that I tell you. Let's see which ones you like the most. The blue line takes us from JFK Airport to Manhattan.  We can make a transfer on the green line to board the southern ferry and visit "Liberty Island" and "Ellis Island".

- Immigrants stopped there when they arrived in this country, did they? - Cooan hesitantly inquire since she thought she had heard that mentioned in one of the classes. -

- That's right. -  Tom asserted by nodding approvingly although he completed now addressing Roy. – It would be better to buy some "metro cards". They are also valid for buses.

- You are right. - This one agreed, who explained to the girls. - They are cards for several trips.

Bertie listened to both visibly impressed. For the first time it seemed that Roy had something under control, and not just basketball. He certainly wasn't as dumb as he sometimes appeared. At least this version of the boy didn't resemble the way he acted on other previous occasions. He was showing to be orderly, punctual and with full knowledge of what he was talking about. More so when he added almost masterfully, giving them a choice between several alternatives, as if he were giving a class.

-Unfortunately, we will not have time to see everything. The city is very big, we can go to Midtown in Manhattan and approach Madison Square Garden or go through the Chelsea Market. Or maybe see the "Empire State Building" or walk down forty-two Avenue and get closer to Times Square. We could also of course go to the Statue of Liberty. But we will have to opt for only two or three things at most.

- You have it well planned. - Beruche conceded without being able to believe it. She decided that they could entrust themselves to the boys by adding. - Well, you will say where we are going.

-What do you think of a tour of Fifth Avenue and then the south ferry to the Statue of Liberty? With that we surely occupy the day. - Tom proposed. -

-That sounds great. - Cooan said, encouraging them all. -

They set out on their way, with great interest and curiosity the girls walked through the busy streets of New York along with their guides. Both boys explained the names and curiosities of the most outstanding things. Passing through Fifth Avenue, the girls stopped to look closely at the large window of a jewelry store called "Tiffany’s" or something like that. Seeing the prices almost gave them a shock. Beruche whispered in her sister's ear.

- This could not have been paid by Prince Diamond himself, - to which Cooan smiled and nodded. -

After eating the typical "hot dogs" they contemplated the Empire State Building although they could not climb since they had little time. Later Beruche did want to go in for a moment to see the public library. The girl was delighted thinking how Ami would enjoy in the middle of so many book. She and her sister were also left wanting to visit the Guggenheim and Metropolitan museums. However, they were glad to have it as an excuse to come back another day. Roy took them to St. Patrick's Cathedral and a good while later they arrived at the South Ferry in Battery Park and went by boat to the Statue of Liberty. The pity is that there were already many people since it was very late, and they had to wait almost an hour to board. They finally succeeded. Roy, looking up at the statue, warned them as soon as they arrived.

- Here there is always a queue, as in the ferry, we must hurry.

- Well, it seems that today, at least in this, we are lucky, there does not seem to be much. -  Tom said pointing to a small group of people who were next to the famous "Miss Liberty"- Maybe then we have time to go to Ellis Island or see Wall Street.

-Guys. - Roy asked, pointing to her in turn. -Do you remember the famous flight of "Superman and Lois"? Well, the exteriors were shot here, how I like that sequence! - He declared with admiration. - Since I was little... since then I wanted to be like Superman...

The girls looked at each other, none of them knew who that "Superman" might be, then they remembered a movie they had seen at Rei's house some time ago and Bertie attacked him caustically but amusingly.

-And have you already achieved it?

Laughter of the others at that comment and Roy replied in the same jovial way (And even sincere without of course his friends could suspect it)

- I almost have it mastered!

And more laughter. Things were going well, and the day was being pleasant, although they were exhausted from so much walking. To top it off, Roy's head had started to hurt. Surely due to yesterday's night and the whole day they had on their backs, thank goodness he did not drink too much and went to sleep early for what he used to! Although now it was better to let him be, he had enough experience in those struggles to know that this would happen.

- Someday I'd like to fly like that too. - Beruche sighed in the meantime, making Cooan laugh again, covering her mouth with her hands and whispering to her sister. -

- But if you already flew before...

- Well. - Bertie told her with another accomplice whispering and holding the desire to laugh. - I know, silly, but the two of them do not know.

Roy for his part thought that maybe he could one day please that desire. Who knows? But, in the end, that damn headache was on the rise. Meanwhile Tom, who was with the group of people guarding the site for others to look around, put them in a little hurry.

- Come on guys that the tail is advancing. - He warned them to approach their position, which they did immediately. -

A good time passed, and they finally accessed the interior. After an interesting visit to the Statue, they decided to board the ferry to Ellis Island, but when they arrived at the berth, they could witness a remarkable spectacle. There were dozens of people wearing black robes and marching hooded in procession praying a litany of songs. "The end of time is near." "The arrival of the Master is approaching." Tom, stunned, asked one of the policemen who were cordoning off the sector.

- Excuse me agent, what does this mean? Are we at carnival today? - He laughed pointing to that strange group. -

Roy barely listened to him, covering his forehead with the palm of his hand trying to silence the incessant hammering he felt. Beruche and Cooan noticed it but said nothing, believing that it was a gesture of the many that he could do in the sight of something so grotesque.

- Well, almost, friend, - The policeman sighed bored and responded to Tom in the meantime. - It is an authorized concentration of one of those sects of lunatics - He took out a list that he read tiredly - Ha! the sect of the Final Chaos, what a gang of crazy people! - He disdained. -

- Sorry - Roy intervened who, impatient to get on the ferry, asked the policeman. - Hey, do you know if it's going to take a long time? we must address...

-It's a matter of a couple of hours or so. - The agent replied indifferently without letting him finish.

-So much, really? - Beruche asked with disgust and disbelief. -

- I think it will be better for us to turn, I don't like how it looks. - Cooan suggested, she was disgusted not being able to visit the island, but more disturbed by that show. Those hooded men in their long black robes reminded her of the Wiseman and that gave her chills. -I don't know how they allow things like that; they should lock up people like that. - She declared with a visible expression of suspicion and fear. -

-Miss, - The policeman condescendingly answered. - If we had to lock up all the madmen who are involved in cults only in this State, we would not have enough room even in a prison the size of Manhattan. One more sect, how important is it already? This is a free country, plus they don't hurt anyone, they just talk nonsense. I don't know what about the end of the world, Armageddon or I know.

-How did you say? Repeat the latter! - Roy asked very agitated to hear that, surprising Tom and the girls. -

- One of them has said that Armageddon would soon come. I don't know, it will be a foreign rock band I guess. - The policeman conjectured without understanding that reaction in that boy either. -

Roy didn't think about it, obeying an impulse he jumped the police limits and ran towards one of those who looked like the cult leaders. His head was still hurting, and now it was almost unbearable. Despite this, he cut off the acolytes and without a word, he grabbed by the neck to which he seemed to direct them dragging him against a wall. The procession stopped and the police yelled at him.

-Stop, my friend! What are you doing? Those people have permission, they asked legally to be there. They have their rights, so let go of that man and come back here if you don't want to have trouble. - The agent ordered him in vain. -

-You! - The boy shouted, completely ignoring the police warning, and threateningly addressing the hooded man.  - Now you are going to tell me who the hell you are and what you want from me and my friends.

The rest of the assembled acolytes pounced on him, but another individual, also hooded, stopped them with a wave of his hand. Then he turned to the enraged boy and spoke calmly.

- Release our comrade and we will answer all your questions, Roy...

-Huh? - He exclaimed, effectively releasing the other hooded man, and looking surprised at his interlocutor while with his hands he covered his head that continued to torture him.  - How do you know my name?...

- We were waiting for you. You can't run away from us no matter how hard you try. -  The sectarian declared with rejoicing. - Even your own mind rebels, - he added in clear allusion to that piercing pain the boy felt. - Are you already noticing, right?

At that moment the police arrived and pushed the boy away with the intention of arresting him, but the cult leader told them that nothing was happening and asked them to let him go. The agents did so, eager not to complicate their day with paperwork and went to their protection zone, not allowing Tom or the girls to meet their friend. But then the group of sectarians dissolved at the behest of their boss. Before leaving, he revealed Roy.

- You have a great power, a force that the Master has given you and that now demands you to serve him, you must not and cannot refuse...

-Which Master? - The boy inquired between surprised and angry, trying to overcome the storm of stings and electric shocks that seemed to be unleashed in his head. - I do not know what the hell you are talking about, only those you have sent against my friends, do not do it again or you...

-Oh Roy! - The sectarian smiled maliciously and shook his head as if that threat amused him. – Deep down you are just a poor delusional. You also have no idea what's really going on. I am just a humble servant of the sect. I have not commanded anything against you, I have no such power. That is a matter for the high hierarchs. That is why I advise you not to make them angry and do your duty.

Then Tom and the girls arrived, the police allowed them to pass when the demonstration broke up. The leader, seeing them, said goodbye with that evil smile that adorned him and a disturbing "we'll see you." The alluded to was watching as he moved away and while his headache subsided. His friend came to his side.

-Who was that guy? What did he tell you? - Tom wanted to know without concealing his concern. -

-It is them!  who are behind the things that have happened," Roy informed them, leaving them stunned as the boy sentenced while watching that mob of hooded men move away.

Despite questions from others, he refused to say more. He was afraid of worrying them excessively. No one insisted on it and the boys went back to college. Unfortunately, the jovial atmosphere they had had throughout the day had dissipated. Now everyone was more serious. Although before returning they passed again through Fifth Avenue and visited on the way one of the churches in the area where Roy said he had made communion as a child. It was nothing less than St. Patrick's Cathedral. In Midtown Manhattan.

-I remember coming here. It was a very important day for me. - He told them. -

-It's beautiful! - Bertie exclaimed looking at the place in admiration. -

-Well, I think you're not wrong, Cubito. Roy smiled: Well, at least I guess so. You usually know a lot about those things.

-I like art, - she said, alleging. - During our distance teaching studies I chose a subject or two about that discipline.

They entered with a mixture of fascination and curiosity. At least as far as the girls were concerned. Cooan motioned for her sister to look toward a large sculpture. Bertie immediately commented.

-It is a Piety. Like Michelangelo's.

-But this one is much bigger. - Cooan observed.- Look, here indicates who was its author.- She read to them, after having made a pamphlet of those that were in the entrance. A man called William Ordway Partridge.

-I don't know which team he played for. - Roy joked at last, producing a shy smile on his friends. -

Tom for his part was glad that his friend was in a better mood. He noticed that his headache had faded. It was shortly after entering that great cathedral. It would perhaps be a coincidence. Meanwhile they were walking slowly through their arms and transepts.

-This is huge. - Tom said. -

- Kansas hick, I bet your town's church isn't as big or as this one. — Roy wanted to bite him. -

His interlocutor just smiled by shaking his head. In turn, he noticed a pair of huge organs that had very long pipes and whispered with humor.

-I don't have such a big instrument at home either.

They continued and almost at the end, the inevitable donation became necessary. They put five dollars each and this time Roy, far from making a joke or resisting paying, was the first to encourage the rest.

-Come on, with this they will do good works and keep this beautiful cathedral.

-For this time, I must admit that you are right and that you have spoken with a lot of sense. - Bertie smiled. -

A priest thanked them for that and gave Beruche a jar with water from the baptismal font since she became interested in Christian rites. At last, they left ready to return to the University.

-It's been a fantastic excursion. - Cooan said. -

-Well, we will do some more. There is still a lot to see. - Roy replied.-

Meanwhile, in the meeting place of the sect, the Masters already knew the encounter of their acolytes with that boy. They decided to send another demon, named Tagayanash, who arrived on campus heading towards the chess club premises. He got into one of the pieces just as Hank Williams was going to play a game alone.

-I will practice some movement, there are a few days left for the championship. - He said. -

Grabbing the piece, the black queen, a dense smoke sprouted from it and entered through his nostrils. The young man could barely react, he was immediately controlled. Smiling malignantly and with a guttural tone, he said.

-I will find you...

Soon the group of hikers arrived. Already in college each one returned to their rooms although it was still done to them that it was quite early. Curiously, Roy said he wanted to rest, even though this annoying headache had subsided him. Tom also wanted to retire to his room to shower and change, commenting that if it seemed right to them, then he would join them. Cooan and Bertie nodded, they wanted to take a walk outside the university to finish the day. They had returned quite happy from the experience despite that strange encounter with those sectarians. After walking a stretch through the campus, they sat on one of the benches that marked it.

-I must admit it. Roy has kept his promise. - Bertie said with a mixture of surprise and approval. -

-In that everyone says the same. He always keeps his word. -  Cooan commented. - And to tell the truth, he has been a magnificent guide. He knows the city very well.

-As he brags, he grew up here. - Bertie said. - But in any case, my respect for Roy has increased quite a bit today.

Cooan laughed, that said by her sister was quite a compliment. Adding now to change the subject.

-We have taken quite a few photos. I can't wait to send some copies to our sisters and girls.

-Yes, I am also excited to see them. - Bertie smiled, which she played a little now with that jar that had been given to her in the cathedral, adding. - Look Cooan, the parish priest said that this water has magical properties, or that it is blessed by some god or something like that. - She told the surprised Cooan. -

-I suppose it will. - Cooan replied, shrugging her shoulders. - It must be something like Rei's prayers... surely, she could tell us more. He studied in a Catholic school.

Her sister was happy with that. Then Tom came and invited them for a drink because he wanted to talk to them, he was worried about Roy and the girls agreed with him.

-He's been quite quiet since we came back, - the boy explained. -

-What would those guys have told him to make him look like this? - Cooan asked aloud. -

-I have no idea, and that worries me. - Her sister said. - If he didn´t even want to tell you, Tom,

-No, even though I have tried. But he simply replied that he was somewhat tired.

-I hope we can find out. To see if we can help him. - Cooan said. -

The others agreed on that and the three were conjectured on the matter. The object of their conversation for his part walked alone on campus and meditated on that same issue.

-What might those guys want from me? I had never seen them in my life. - He thought. - And these strange things that I can do.- He meditated remembering their ability to stay in the air for a few seconds or that ray of energy that came from his hand.- I don't understand. Although, lately as I have tried, I have not managed to repeat that.

And when he had the opportunity, somewhere secluded, he tried to launch that burst of energy again, although without result. Perhaps that was the result of feeling in danger at the time.

-Could that be what draws them to me?

He tried to find some connection with him, but he couldn´t. He didn't think it was due to the joke games he had made with the spirit table to scare girls last year. Although somewhat strange things had happened. But no, that was nonsense! Suddenly he had a strange feeling, something evil was coming towards him. He reacted quickly and almost instinctively by stepping aside when the demon rammed him.

-Now you will be mine! - Tagayanash howled, so he began to throw energetic shock waves making Roy jump after some hedges. -

-Damn devil! - He spit out and although somewhat dazed the boy hid waiting patiently for his attacker to come in to look for him. - You will see when I catch you, you have managed to get fed up with me and you will know who I am. - He sentenced furious. -

When the demon entered Roy grabbed his neck from behind and held him dominating him, despite the great strength he gave to the body of Hank Williams, normally a weak individual and nothing sporty. At that very moment in the cafeteria where they had gone for a drink, the jar that Bertie was teaching Tom and his sister began to shine. She sensed something weird, ran out to the park followed by the other boys.

- It's over there! - Beruche pointed to the hedges as the jar glowed even brighter as it approached. As if it were a compass to detect evil. - Oh heavens! - The girl exclaimed. - It is another of those beings.

And it is that when they arrived, the demon had already left the student's body and in the form of a huge type of bulging eyes and long and unpleasantly gray hair, he had engaged with Roy in a fight, or rather the demon threw waves of energy and his adversary dodged them as he could.

-Be careful girls, don't approach him, that guy is very dangerous. - Tom warned. -

-Don't worry, - Cooan declared resolutely as she pulled a paper of Rei's from her purse preparing to recite the spell. - I will destroy you with this.

But that entity, alert this time, dodged the attack, and threw Roy into some bushes. He got up but was grabbed by the neck by his enemy.

-I already have you, now you will come with us. - The devil said with a triumphant tone. He was going to nail something when Beruche's voice sounded behind. -

-Enough damn monster! You will not hurt him if I can prevent it. - And without thinking twice she threw the jar to the devil. - Take this!

Tagayanash did not judge that dangerous and did not turn away. The fragile jar broke when it hit him, on contact with the water, the surprised entity howled and began to burn, exploding a few moments later while the boys threw themselves to the ground to cover.

- Uff!! - Roy breathed a sigh of relief getting up from the ground. - Thank you, now you have been the one who has saved me, Cubito, I owe one to each of you.

-There is no such thing. - Beruche smiled with pleasure, adding with respect to the remains of the jar that were scattered on the ground. - It seems that this water was really holly.

- I am impressed with you, you have a lot of courage and ... where have you learned to fight like this? - Tom inquired very surprised -

- You see, we also know some self-defense. - Cooan replied with a faint smile. -

- Anyway, you know what's going on here, right? What did those guys tell you? - Bertie asked Roy more seriously, and he simply shook his head and replied. -

- Only they would keep sending beings like this. But they didn't want to tell me why.

And he locked again in that strange secrecy not proper to him. It was clear that he was not going to say more. Beruche sighed letting him be. There would already be time the day after we had a conversation. Now they were very tired, and they all went back to their respective rooms. Sure enough, it was already late, and they wanted to go to bed to be cool the next morning. However, Roy did tell his partner something else.

-I don't know Tommy. That guy told me that they are looking for me. And I don't know why...

His companion watched him with a worried gesture, it was as if he wanted to ask him something and did not dare. Although his interlocutor noticed this and commented with reassuring overtones.

-We are friends. What do you think? You know you can be honest with me. -Roy told him. -

-Have you had contact with any of those groups in the past? - Tom asked him. -

-No, never! - He flatly responded, and he added now with a more serious and reflective tone. - I know what I do and that I have done a lot of nonsense, but never anything to mix with guys like that. I swear to you!

Although he remembered then those visits, he made with his father to that store, Kelly's. However, he chose to remain silent that could be difficult to explain.

-Well. - Tom nodded that he took for good the words of his interlocutor, to sentence.- Do not worry, we will find out what happens and we will end with this.

- Thank you very much, my friend. I'm glad to have you by my side. To you, Bertie and Connie. - His partner smiled offering him a hand that the other boy shook.

And once they settled that issue they moved on to another matter. Roy informed his contertulio of his intention to propose to the girls to enter the Brotherhood.

-It seems good to me. – His friend affirmed, which he nevertheless alleged. – But I'm just blue ribbon, I have nothing to say.

-Officially no, but everyone respects you. – His partner commented adding. - And I hope that soon you will be promoted to red ribbon.

-For that, a member of the board would have to be missing. I don't see it as likely. - Tom said, though, he didn't seem to care too much. -

-In any case, if I tell you, maybe the girls are not very willing. Well, Connie does, but Bertie sure takes it for one more of my jokes. Or a frivolity. – His interlocutor was feared parodying in falsetto the voice of his companion to add. - No Roy! I won't get into those weird things of yours, I would waste time from my studies...

-I understand you. – His friend smiled to answer. - Don't worry, I'll talk to them too. I will make them see that we are not a sect of pirates.

-Well, of course not, - his friend said to rivet with a sigh. – We have enough with those other guys. If with the initiation jokes that we have for some newbies we sometimes go over, I wonder what kind of things will have to be done to be members of that group of crazy scum.

-Better not even think about it. – Tom advised him that he was already showing signs of being tired. -

His friend noticed this. He also wanted to go to sleep. So, they said goodnight and turned off the light. At that moment, in the center of the meeting of the sectarians, the Masters watched with indignation as another demon had been executed. They decided to take other kinds of measures. Although they did not have time to decide anything since, from among the shadows, a hooded figure emerged that floated in the air carrying a crystal ball in which images of the boys appeared. Immediately all voices were silenced, and the sectarians knelt revering the newcomer. Then this apparition took the floor with indignation in his speech.

- In view of your continuous failures it will be better for me to take care of this matter myself or the Master will be furious, and you know what that means.

- But Great Wiseman. We tried with all our means, we did not think they were such powerful rivals, they are just mere humans! - The stunned first master tried to justify. -

- That's where you're wrong. - That entity corrected him with a mysterious air, adding. - I know the identity of those two girls, and Roy as well. They have all served the power of Darkness before, but they are renegade traitors who must be destroyed... and he must be ours.

-And what can we do then? - The second master asked him very puzzled. -

- Only what I command you, and this time you will summon a demon from the Fourth Infernal Circle. - The hooded man replied emphatically. -

-But those are more powerful and much more difficult to control. - The third master objected fearful of that idea. -

-Leave that to me! Ha, ha, ha, ha... - His interlocutor responded with sinister joy. His macabre laughter filled the room. -

That same night Roy began to suffer horrible nightmares again. But this time he did see himself among ruins and death everywhere. As if he were a mere spectator, he observed himself in strange armor, laughing with a rictus of perverse madness and throwing fireballs at defenseless beings whom he mercilessly massacred. But the worst thing was that he felt he enjoyed it. He got up and sat up on the bed filled with a cold sweat. Far away, the Great Wiseman laughed as he stroked his crystal ball where he could see the frightened and confused boy at the time. And that sinister figure sentenced with a sure and even triumphant tone.

- He's already starting to remember, it's just a matter of time...

**START**