GWA32E

**START**

**Farewell brave Warrior.**

Everyone got up early. Roy in fact did not get much sleep. After that dawn he and Bertie had to hurry to join the others. They were getting dressed when Beruche, in an amused tone, commented.

-You're starting to rub off on me. - She laughed. - I'm going to be late.

-I'm sorry, but your sisters have told me that you tend to be very stubborn. - He rebutted, trying to appear jovial. -

The CD player was on with more songs by QUEEN, the boy's favourite band. Now, he blanched when he heard the next one.

***Empty spaces***

***What are we living for?***

***Abandoned places***

***I guess we know the score***

***On and on***

***Does anybody know what we are looking for?***

           Bertie looked at him strangely, the boy's expression worried her. Maybe that song meant something very important to him. She wanted to listen in turn...

***Another hero***

***Another mindless crime***

***Behind the curtain***

***In the pantomime***

***Hold the line***

***Does anybody want to take it anymore?***

***The show must go on***

***The show must go on, yeah***

***Inside my heart is breaking***

***My make-up may be flaking***

***But my smile, still, stays on***

***Whatever happens***

***I'll leave it all to chance***

***Another heartache***

***Another failed romance***

***On and on***

***Does anybody know what we are living for?***

***I guess I'm learning***

***I must be warmer now***

***I'll soon be turning***

***'Round the corner now***

***Outside the dawn is breaking***

***But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free***

              And the boy couldn't help but let a few tears fall, alarming Bertie. What was wrong with him? He had been so strange all the night before. Perhaps she could ask him, but the song went on....

***The show must go on***

***The show must go on, yeah, yeah***

***Ooh, inside my heart is breaking***

***My make-up may be flaking***

***But my smile, still, stays on***

***My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies***

***Fairy tales of yesterday, will grow but never die***

***I can fly, my friends***

            And Roy sang in chorus with this performer, full of emotion and restrained sadness.

***The show must go on, yeah***

***The show must go on***

***I'll face it with a grin***

***I'm never giving in***

***On with the show***

***I'll top the bill***

***I'll overkill***

***I have to find the will to carry on***

***On with the show***

***On with the show***

***The show must go on***

**(The Show must go on. QUEEN, credit to the artists)**

- What's the matter with you? - she asked softly as she saw him crying. -

-I always get emotional listening to these songs. I can't help it. Even more so after losing my parents. - He confessed. -

-I'm sorry. I, I didn't mean to... I've been a fool. I'm sorry..." - The girl apologised sincerely. -

But Roy put his arms around her and pulled her to him to whisper affectionately.

-Not at all. You are my light. Like Freddie did and does with his music and songs, you give me joie de vivre, little cube.

She smiled now, visibly excited too and a little flushed. She barely managed to mumble.

-You like that artist a lot. I can understand him. He sings beautifully.

Now, however, Roy sighed again to explain.

-It's much more than that. When he sang this song, he already knew that he had very little left because he was very ill. But even so, he still took all the energy he had left and wanted to sing it with all his strength and passion. In this way he would leave it to us as a legacy. And that reminds me of my own parents. They knew for sure that, one day, the end would come for them, trying to protect me, and despite everything, I never saw them sad. They were there for me until the end.

This time it was Bertie who hugged him, trying to give him the love and support she felt he needed. Roy took the opportunity to stroke her hair and whisper.

-Promise me that no matter what happens, you will always be there, like a light in the darkness. And that you will fight for good and help others.

-Of course I will. I promise. - She said, pulling away from his embrace and looking at him with a wide smile. -

-And now that you'll soon be a Malden, you can't go back on your word. - He remarked affably, stroking her nose, to finish off. - I promise to love you always and to fight for you and for the rest of the world, to put an end to these demons so that hope will not fade.

                 She nodded with a smile. And after a few more moments the two finished dressing and left for their appointment with the rest. At half past eight in the morning they all met at a place agreed upon the day before. The warriors, Tuxedo, the Justicieras, Tom and of course, Bertie along with Roy. The latter addressed everyone.

- Well, I hope you have luck in the attack. I'll take care of the demon, I trust you, I know you'll succeed. - He smiled and was convinced that you would. -

- I'm sure you'll give him a good beating too. - Usagi agreed, showing  a "V" with her fingers. -

- Beat him, Roy! - Cooan exclaimed, unable to contain her glee. -

- But be very careful, eh? The other demon put you in a serious predicament. - Beruche reminded him with a shy smile of unease. -

- Don't worry, I've increased my strength a lot, this one's minutes are numbered. - He assured her with a tinge of confidence. -

The only one not talking was Karaberasu, she looked at Roy who was chatting with her sister Bertie, Tom and Cooan, sensing that something was not right. It was strange to explain, for some time now she had been able to sense things that others seemed to miss. And this seemed quite serious to her. So, she decided to take Petz by the hand and whisper to her in a separate place.

- He's lying, he's too scared, he knows he can't beat that demon.

- You must be mistaken," - Petz replied incredulously. - He's stronger now than he was before. Besides, how can you know that?

- I don't know. It's a terrible feeling," - Karaberasu confessed - I feel that Roy is doomed...

- Kalie please don't say that! - Her sister asked her showing concern. - If only Bertie and Cooan could hear you.

- That's why I'm telling you," - she whispered to her astonished interlocutor. - Roy doesn't want them to suffer needlessly. I sense that he's having a hard time, that he's distressed. I'm sure he's doing this for a reason, so I'll pretend too for everyone's sake.

Her sister didn't want to believe those words, besides Karaberasu was still looking very strange, possibly this was another one of her strange reactions. She let her be and together with her younger sister approached Roy to cheer him up. He thanked them both, but understood from the look on Kalie's face that she knew. He remained thoughtful, unable to speak to the young woman, and only made a mute gesture of supplication, which the girl understood, nodding gravely without Petz noticing. Now it seemed that the world around them was utterly silent, deaf to each other's encouragement and conversation. So the girl walked away and Roy looked for Beruche with his eyes, Petz and Karaberasu had joined her and Cooan. The boy felt faint, he needed someone to be honest with. But Tom already knew that, and he didn't want to make him lose the false joy he was barely displaying in front of the others. At last he saw the only person who could listen to him approaching, and it was none other than Ami, that girl was Bertie's best friend, so he discreetly called out to her.

- Ami, I want to tell you something, can you come here for a moment, please?

- Yes, of course," - she replied with a smile. - What is it, Roy?

He moved a little away from the group. His companion came closer and the boy commented in a low voice.

- You're Bertie's best friend, she's very fond of you, I know.

- Thank you, I like her too, but what's that all about now? - her interlocutor asked him without understanding. -

- You must support her as much as you can, please! She's going to need it. When I'm not here, help them... take care of her and the others. I'm counting on you and the rest of the warriors, you're all they'll have.

- But Roy, why are you telling me this? - Ami replied with a surprised gesture, looking at him alarmed. -

- I can tell you, you're really the only one I can be honest with. You see. The demon I'm about to face is terribly powerful, I don't stand a chance against him. He far exceeds my strength.

- Maybe you're worried and think that," - the girl tried to encourage him with a gesture of uneasiness that she was trying to eliminate. - But I'm sure it's not that bad. It's normal to be afraid before battle, we all are. - She added, no doubt attributing it to that. -

- I have gauged their strength. - Her friend explained, telling her, to the girl's horror, the details of the pact he and Tom had made. - Do you understand now? I must fight, for even if I lose and he kills me, I will at least force him back to Hell. That will give you some time to destroy the Sect and prevent them from summoning the evil that will destroy the world.

- Do you want us to fight by your side? - Ami offered, and now she believed him, feeling distressed for the boy. - I'll tell my teammates and Tuxedo. We'll go with you, between all of us we might beat him.

- No Ami, thank you," - Roy shook his head. - But not even all of us together could beat him. You would lose your lives and you have a vital mission to carry out, the fate of the world depends on it. - He sighed long and looked over at Beruche, who, oblivious to this talk, was now conversing with Makoto and Minako. - What hurts me most is not seeing her again. - He lowered his head and took the hands of the girl who was looking at him in deep sorrow for those terrible words. But the boy insisted with a pleading expression. - Help her, please! But don't say anything yet, I don't want to break her heart. Not now, she must ignore it until the end.

              Ami returned a look full of compassion and nodded sympathetically. What could she do, what could she say, but she didn't have much time to think about it.. Beruche noticed the two of them talking and walked over to them. Before the boy arrived, he gave a faint smile and whispered, leaving his companion truly dismayed.

- The show must go on, Ami.

And before she had time to reply, Bertie arrived and, turning to the boy, reproached him in amusement.

- What are you doing, Roy? Aren't you tired of me? Are you already trying to pick up my best friend?

            Hearing this, the sailor looked away, feeling very tearful and very upset, fortunately Bertie wasn't looking at her now.

- Well, he was just encouraging me, little cube. Don't be jealous. - Roy smiled teasingly. -

- I..." – Sailor Mercury interjected, forcing a smile that was already frozen in place. - I'll leave you, I'm going to chat with my companions. - She walked away and Beruche, interpreting this in a very different way, laughed. -

- Poor little Ami, maybe I wasn't too gentle, ha, ha! - And she added jovially. - Well Roy, when you come back from the battle I'll make it up to you. For the moment I won't say anything about our wedding plans.

- I'd better not, I've got a lot of studying to do before I graduate, but I'll do it gladly if I have you with me. You are the light that has led me to the right path. - He affirmed, giving her a light kiss on the lips, while he caressed her hair. - Never forget that...

          he wished he could have hugged and kissed her hard, but that would make her suspicious. Bertie was no fool. So that would be his last goodbye. The one he would keep in his heart.

- Be careful, eh? - the girl asked, caressing his cheeks affectionately now. -

And Roy, as it couldn't be otherwise, continued with the comedy with a broken soul inside and exclaimed.

- Relax, I'm a Saiyan! – So to underline his statement, he turned into a golden warrior, leaving everyone astonished. - I don't know what that is, but look at the strength I have!

Everyone was impressed by the power that their friend gave off, his radiance blinding them and even lifting shards of stone into the air. He laughed, kissed the girls, shook hands with Tuxedo and shook Tom's hand, gave him a hug and whispered his goodbye.

-Take care of them my friend, I leave them in your hands.

- Good luck Roy, God bless you," - his partner wished him with tears in his eyes, which he quickly wiped away so that the girls would not notice them. -

-Are you two sweethearts or what?" - Cooan laughed, jokingly affirming. - Roy, Tom is only mine! Take it up with my sister.

- All right, I'll leave him in your hands. - The man jocularly accepted, separating himself from his dejected friend. - I'm going now; I don't want to provoke a lovers' quarrel.

                Everyone laughed, celebrating the joke except Ami and Karaberasu and of course Tom. Watching this scene Petz said to her sister in triumphalism.

- You see, Kalie? - she commented enthusiastically after Roy's display. - You're scared for nothing, look at his immense strength, who could beat him?

- I still don't think he has a chance. - She insisted in a quiet voice, but added with a slight tinge of hope. - But God grant that I'm wrong.

Roy waved to everyone and flew off to his rendezvous with the demon. Beruche watched him walk away full of pride and then said to Cooan, full of enthusiasm.

- He'll win for sure, look at him, he's the strongest man in the world!

-Yes, he is. - Her sister nodded, sharing her optimism. - He'll take down all those demons single-handedly.

Ami watched this with a heartbroken soul. On the verge of tears, she couldn't stand it and took Usagi by the hand and pulled her away.

-Roy is lost. He confided in me. We have to do something for him.

But her friend's expression overwhelmed her even more. Usagi shook her head and could barely mused grimly.

-There is no hope for him in this fight.

-Let's do something. - Her friend urged her. - I beg you...

-We can only pray that he does not suffer too much. But the show must go on. He told you so himself. And we must comply with his wish.

Ami turned away shaking her head, she couldn't believe it! How did Usagi know? That poor boy had whispered it to her in confidence. Now she looked at her friend Bertie and her heart broke. Then she heard her comment with lively optimism.

- I think he'll be fighting near a moor where he trains, just outside the city, he says it's uninhabited. So he must have planned to take that demon there. We can go and cheer him up. " – Beruche proposed. - The warriors could teleport us.

- Good idea! - Cooan exclaimed. - But there are too many of us for that. - He objected, looking at the whole group. -

- Well, I´ll go first! - Bertie laughed - that's why he's my boyfriend... and then you guys.

           She approached Sailor Moon and told her idea to her, who, acting as if nothing was wrong, nodded very enthusiastically, much to Ami's horror and disbelief.

- OK, we'll do it. - She called the other warriors and told them the plan. - Girls, let's get ready for the sailor teleport.

- I don't think that's a good idea, Usagi," - Ami objected with a serious expression that contrasted with the giggling, confident expressions of the others. -

- And why not? - Minako intervened pleading. - Roy is going to win for sure, we won't be in any danger.

- Yeah, I want to see how he fights! - Makoto exclaimed euphorically. - From what you were saying and what he's done here, he must be spectacular when he fights for real!

Ami wanted to retort, but simply didn't dare. If her friend had given her that retort, she didn't even want to think about what might be provoked if they got into an argument about it in front of the sisters. No, it would be too cruel for Bertie. And another thing that petrified her was the look that Usagi herself gave her, her companion's eyes oozed sadness, but she smiled nonetheless, declaring when she sentenced with an ambiguous tone that only Mercury could understand.

-We'll go there, we'll cheer him on, and I'm sure it will help him. It's a show we can't miss. We can't do that...

              For his part, Tom didn't even want to look at them as he was sure he couldn't hold back the tears. He had to keep a low profile, praying that Cooan wouldn't offer to go. Fortunately, she was busy talking to the sailors. The only look he exchanged was with Karaberasu and they both instantly understood that the other knew, but said no more. Ami meanwhile was still struggling with herself. She had to keep the promise she had made and deep inside she was hopeful that, despite the bad omens, Roy would win. And above all, Usagi's expression silenced her. She resignedly agreed with a nod and they transported Beruche to the wasteland. Then they returned for Cooan and the others. Tuxedo with the cats headed there on their own. Tom for his part argued that it would be better if he went back to the university to cast some helpful spells. The others were puzzled, but judging that it must be something important, they didn't object. The sailors transported him in a moment to a secluded part of the campus, then returned with the others, but first the boy exchanged a rueful glance with Ami.

-Goodbye and good luck. - He was able to say before the sailors left. -

When they reappeared in the faculty, the girls had to hide behind some bushes to teleport back to the shelter of curious eyes. The boy, once they were gone, turned the wheels of his chair towards the dorm building. It was very early in the morning and there was no one out there. Or at least almost no one. A gruff man's voice greeted him from behind him.

- How about you, Rodney?

As he turned around he saw this colossus standing next to him. It was Roberts who smiled at him gruffly to comment.

-I went out for a little workout, we have a semi-final match coming up.

-I wish you luck. - The boy was able to whisper in a quiet voice. -

- Is everything all right? - His interlocutor asked, looking at him in surprise. -

And his companion seemed to have been crying and looked really pale.

-Yes, don't worry, I have to go back to my room. - Tom was able to answer. -

Malcolm nodded as he watched him leave, turning the wheels of his chairs with both hands. He politely opened the door to the building for her.

-Poor Rodney, it must be so hard to be like this. - He sighed, no doubt believing that the boy was depressed about his disability. - I'll talk to Mel and the others, we need to cheer him up.

               And in the meantime, Roy arrived at the agreed place for the duel, there was still no one there. He stopped being a golden warrior to save energy. He had become a golden warrior just to cheer up his comedy in front of the girls. But unbeknownst to him, the girls, who had already been transported, were watching him from afar with the help of binoculars. Little by little, they approached him. Bertie, seeing him there, alone and waiting, couldn't help but laugh and joke.

- That devil must be so scared that he didn't even come, hee, hee! - She stood the poor guy up! For once he's been on time.

- Yes, and I don't blame his enemy, if I were that devil I would have done the same. - Rei smiled and added admiringly. - Of course, Roy is impressive when he transforms!

- Hey Rei, what do you mean by that? - Minako poked her visibly amused. -

- I don't mean anything," - she hastened to reply, blushing. - I'm just saying that it's amazing to see him.

- Yeah, he reminds me of an old boyfriend I had. - Makoto said, putting both of them together at chin level and making eyes like a slaughtered calf. -

- Well, you can forget about him, he's got a girlfriend. - Usagi reminded her, pointing at Bertie who was laughing at the banter. -

But suddenly they were all perplexed and even worried, Ami cut them off with a tone somewhere between harsh and almost indignant, with wet eyes and a truly desolate look on her face.

- That's enough, shut up!

Her stunned companions looked at her blankly. It was Makoto who approached her with caution and asked.

- What's wrong, Ami?

          She didn't answer, but instead, taking advantage of the moment of silence from the others, she mustered enough courage to confess the truth to her friend after mumbling a pained.

- Forgive me Roy, but I can't keep silent any longer. It's too cruel... I can't stand it any longer...

And both Beruche and the others turned their attention to her when he told them, addressing her friend the Justiciera.

- Bertie, I don't want to tell you this, but Roy is probably going to lose.

- Don't talk nonsense, woman! - she replied with a smile of utter disbelief. - His enemy hasn't even shown up. The only thing he's going to lose is time.

                  But it was not yet the appointed time, it was given at that very moment, and after a couple of minutes in which nothing happened, a great dark and dense fog covered the place. The girls took cover behind the rocks that were emerging in the landscape, surprised and expectant. They could see a huge silhouette materialise with two terrible glowing red eyes, a bull's head, a muscular black body with two hoof-like limbs. It shook them all. Of course now they were not so sure of their friend's victory.

- What is it? - A perplexed Makoto muttered.

- It's a monster! - Minako agreed, equally astonished and horrified. -

-And terribly evil. - Rei was able to whisper, as shocked as the rest. - From here I can sense its aura of darkness.

Bertie's breath had almost stopped. What was that thing? Was Roy completely insane? She wanted to think it was just an appearance.

-We've faced terrible demons before, but none like that. - She confessed in fear. -

-It's true. That thing is...really horrible. - An equally terrified Cooan agreed. -

          Neither Ami nor Usagi uttered a word, and the rest of them stood in tense, fearful silence, appraising the monster with their eyes. Indeed, it was Nagashel who had emerged and was holding an hourglass in his right hand, which he placed on the ground and then faced Roy. The young man seemed almost insignificant in comparison. Still, the boy held his gaze steadily as the demon said to him.

- Sorry to keep you waiting! I had to tidy up a few things in my domain. - Laughed the demon laughed, he seemed to be in a good mood as he added. - Maybe that's why I let you live a little longer. It's all the same to me. And you can count on that time.

His opponent transformed back into a golden warrior, this time ready for battle, as he responded to his antagonist by appearing as confident as he could.

- I thank you for that. But now you'll see that I don't need you to give me any advantage. I'm going to destroy you!

The demon did not seem at all impressed. His opponent was watching him, and he realised that he wasn't even getting into a fighting stance.

-If I attack him by surprise and with all my might, I might have a chance," - he thought hopefully. - Enough talk! - he then shouted, attacking at high speed. He slammed the demon into a mountain which collapsed with his impact, burying him in a pile of rocks - Well, maybe you're not as tough as you looked! - Roy exclaimed, encouraged by the result of the blow. -

Nagashel emerged from the rubble without seeming to notice the shock or the punch. His opponent attacked again, striking him in the stomach and head. The demon rose into the air and so did the Sun warrior, still hitting him. He seemed to have touched him seriously as his opponent did not respond. Beruche looked at the girls and clapped her hands enthusiastically and declared with satisfaction, especially to Ami.

- There you have it, Roy is beating that monster, didn't I tell you?

The young girl's confidence had been restored. Just as she thought, this monster was just a mere appearance. Sailor Mercury and all the others smiled, she thought Roy had overreacted, scaring her for no reason. Karaberasu also thought she might have been mistaken, until she stared at the demon and a shudder ran through her body, panicking, she ran to meet Beruche.

- No, he's just pretending, he's playing with him! His real strength has nothing to do with this, he hasn't deployed it yet. He's waiting for Roy to run out of steam, he's giving him hope, and then he's cruelly baiting him.

- But what are you saying? - she asked, not believing her pessimistic sister at all. - Roy is giving him a good thrashing, look at him! - She pointed to the boy who was bombarding his enemy with ever stronger energy beams, burying him in a crater in the ground from the multiple energy blasts. - He'll finish him off in no time if he continues like this.

Karaberasu decided not to speak further. Despite appearances he could feel that the monster was perfectly fine and the boy was already panting from the effort. Tiredness was beginning to take its toll, but Bertie didn't notice that.

- Tough on him, Roy! - she shouted delightedly, honking her hands. - Finish him off quick, sweetheart.

But he turned in surprise at hearing her, his rival as he stood up as if nothing had happened to him, grinning wickedly.

- What are you doing here? - he shouted, looking at Beruche in surprise and anger - go away, quick! Damn you, warriors, why did you bring her? Take her away at once!

He was so engrossed in giving these instructions that he didn't even notice Nagashel standing next to him until he hit him, knocking him to the ground. Despite this, Cooan jokingly reproached her sister.

- See what you've done, silly? You distracted him and that monster hit him.

- Don't worry, Roy's going to beat him up even worse now. - Bertie replied with full confidence - ...

- Oh no,"-  Karaberasu exclaimed in horror, she seemed to sense better than anyone that the demon's aura was growing and added. -Roy is lost! God have mercy on him!

The others stared at her in astonishment and disbelief. But unfortunately Kalie was not wrong. Nagashel decided to fight for real, comedy aside. Roy stood up trying to hit him, but he could no longer hit him with any blows. Only after a few moments did the demon let himself be hit by him, but the young man couldn't budge him an inch despite unloading a punch with all his might.

- No, no... it can't be. He played with me! - The boy stammered, panting from exhaustion and horrified at the realisation. -

Nagashel grimaced a terrible grin and counterattacked with terrible punches to Roy's stomach and face. He even grabbed him by the neck and threw him against the rocks, splitting them with his enemy's head.

- Let's play, ha-ha-ha-ha! - howled the monster, full of destructive euphoria. - Here, let's see how you manage....

         Having said this, he sent a volley of lightning bolts at the boy, who, suffocated and badly wounded, barely dodged them. Beruche's face began to turn from confident to worried, turning pale, and Ami and Karaberasu's fears began to be confirmed.

- Having fun? - That devil asked him sneeringly attacking again. - Take this...

The monster slashed his adversary's face with a punch that sent blood spurting from his mouth and nose. Exhausted and badly punished by his opponent's blows, the golden warrior fell to his knees on the ground, while the demon slowly descended towards him without seeming to be in any hurry.

- Get up Roy! - Beruche shouted desperately. - Come on, Roy!

But the young man couldn't, he was thrown against a wall of stones with a kick, badly resting in the hole he made when he hit them. Nagashel continued to advance towards his battered opponent with a sneer. At the same time, he said, "That's it?

- So that's it? You've given up so soon? We've only just begun, so prepare yourself for a long agony, ha, ha, ha! I didn't come to this pathetic world to have so little fun. - He bellowed, rejoicing in the pitiful state of his rival. -

All the others watched the scene, petrified with terror. Karaberasu shook her head in desolation and the sailors clenched their fists in helplessness. Petz was trembling with fury, wanting to go to the poor boy's aid, but the fear was even stronger. So was Cooan who could barely move with panic and horror at what was happening to her friend, but still held out hope that it was Roy's trick. Beruche on the other hand was no longer so convinced and was very scared.

- Oh my God, I have to go and help him! - Bertie cried, sobbing in anguish and trying to run to him - I must go!

- No, are you crazy? - Karaberasu shouted at her, holding her arm tightly. - You wouldn't last a single second! What could you do against that monster?

- I don't know, but I have to do something, I won't let him die like this! - Her sister answered desperately who, with all her strength, let go and ran away despite the screams of Ami, Petz and the others. - Hold on!

              Roy was exhausted and this demon was at the height of his power. Now, his evil aura seemed to expand in such a way that it made those present tremble.

- We must flee from here at once or it will kill us all. - The frightened Karaberasu added addressing to the others. -

- I'm not going to leave him alone; besides I have to help Bertie. - Cooan, overcoming her fear, ran to her sister's aid. -

-We can't leave them alone, cover them.  – Petz ordered. -

All the sailors and the girls nodded decisively and bombarded the spawn with their best combined attacks, but they were all smashed against an invisible screen of energy powered by the malevolent being's simple aura. So they were unable to get more than a sneer of contempt and glee out of it. The sisters scattered in a gale that the demon emitted towards them.

- Ha, ha, ha, ha! Don't bother, you insects. - He laughed with delight. - I'm busy.

The sailors were able to take cover in time, though. Despite that, they were unable to approach and continued to watch in horror as the beast punished their friend harshly. At last Minako could take no more.

-Girls. - Venus said to her companions.  - Let's team up and use the attack of the planets.

-Yes, that's a good idea. - Ami agreed. - If we do it at full power, we could put a dent in that monster...

             But their leader did not respond. She was staring at the ground, clenching her fists and gritting her teeth helplessly. As if she was engaged in an internal struggle. Minako insisted.

- Come on Usagi!

- Come on, hurry up! - Makoto added, shaking Venus' hand. -

Ami and Rei grabbed their friends' hands in turn, but to the surprise of the rest Sailor Moon didn't move.

- What are you doing? - Rei asked her without understanding this strange reaction, urging her with a desperate tone. - What are you waiting for? Come on!

-We can't do anything. That's the way it has to be. - Her friend mused grimly. - The chalice must be filled...

- What? - the others exclaimed, looking at her in astonishment.  -

- You're joking, right? - Rei asked with visible disbelief and anger. -

-I'm not going to stand idly by. - Minako snapped, trying to concentrate to move on to her eternal phase. -

- No!" - Usagi shouted, leaving them all perplexed. -

-Please... Usagi-chan. - Mercury implored her between sobs. - I beg you...

Although her companion's expression was of great sadness, all she did was shake her head in refusal. Ami froze, she didn't know what to do or what to say.

- I can't believe it! - Makoto mumbled, her eyes wide open. - You're just going to stand there and watch...

- Are you just going to let that monster kill him without doing anything? - Sailor Mars exclaimed trying to materialise her fire bow. - He's our friend... I won't allow it.

However, Sailor Moon grabbed one of her partner's arms and with a harsher and more cutting tone than she remembered, Rei heard her order her.

- Sailor Mars, no!

The warrior was stunned, watching her friend's stern face. This time, though, it didn't seem to be Usagi. Rather, it reminded her of the majesty of Queen Serenity. And it was scary to meet that gaze even though her companion's countenance was streaked with tears. Not knowing how to respond, she lowered her arm, unable to stop staring at her with an open mouth and an expression of astonishment, disbelief and fear.

- Why are you preventing us from helping him? Why did we come here then, to see him murdered? - Venus intervened with a tinge of anger. -

               There was no chance for a reply. At that moment, the demon counterattacked with a wave of energy that swept them all to the ground several dozen metres away, except for Beruche who clung to some rocks. Nagashel meanwhile hoisted Roy by the neck as if he were a wimp.

- You have your choice, you, pathetic creature! - the demon spat at him mockingly. - I let you die in prolonged agony and buy you time, or I kill you right now and end your pain. But the more I endure, the more time you'll give your friends. Which would you prefer? You won't say I'm not generous? - He smirked as he finished off the question. -

- Pre, I'd rather... endure. - stammered Roy, who was leaving an appreciable trail of blood on the ground. - Has...been...the...end...of...the...spec...tacle...must...go...on...

        The boy ached all over, it was an overall feeling of lax heaviness, he felt dull whipping around his arms and terrible cramps in his waist. Although he was so overwhelmed by the blows that he could barely feel most of his body or the warmth of his own blood and his strength was so depleted that he was no longer a Sun warrior.

- Ha, ha, ha! Good choice! - Nagashel mocked, shaking him. - But look at you! You look like a broken doll! You're just a toy in my hands! I warned you, but you thought you could beat me. You deluded fool! You wanted to play with me, eh? So let's play! - he exclaimed, visibly delighted. - It's time to have some fun!...

            He was about to strike his helpless victim again when he felt some almost imperceptible pricks behind him. He turned around and watched in amusement and curiosity as a small human faced him, it was none other than Beruche turned into Ice Lady.

- Let him go, you damned monster! - she demanded, wielding her sword in defiance. -Dare with me!

Nagashel gave her a puzzled look at first, but soon burst into horrified laughter that was echoed back.

- Who are you? - he asked, looking amusedly at the little human, squinting his terrible eyes. -

- Stop it or you'll be sorry! - She repeated, literally trembling with fear, but overcoming it with all her courage, while she did not avoid that dreadful look. -I swear I'll kill you!

- Get out of here! - Roy was able to say in a whisper when, in spite of his sight blurred by the loss of blood, he could see her. - "Go away!

- No, I won't leave you!" - the girl sobbed, shaking her head frantically. –

             The demon, giving the girl an indifferent look, released his prey a couple of metres away. All the others who were beginning to recover from the attack held their breath. Bertie was even about to run towards him, but Nagashel stopped her in horror at that gesture by placing one of his paws on his badly wounded foe.

- Not so fast. You think I'm going to give him away to you? - the demon mocked, crushing Roy and revelling in his screams of pain. -

- You coward, I'll kill you myself! - Beruche scolded him, crying and full of rage, lunging at him with her sword. - Die!

But her enemy did not flinch at all. Letting her come and attack him, he grabbed the weapon by the blade at Bertie's first attempt to wound him and cleaved it without difficulty, throwing the girl several metres away with a thrust. But she was soon on her feet to counterattack.

- Wave of crystals attack! - she shrieked, throwing her best weapon. Countless needles of ice flew at her uncaring adversary, who melted them with his breath. -

But the Ice Lady was tenacious and took advantage of a little carelessness on the part of the beast to lunge at it, managing to stab the remains of her sword into one of his legs, and that really hurt her rival, whose indifferent gesture turned furious towards the human.

- I've had enough of you, you, miserable rat! How dare you touch me! - Nagashel bellowed at Beruche who now recoiled in real fear. - I'll tear you apart! - he shouted pointing one of his hands at her to disintegrate her. -

          She reflexively covered her face, prepared to die, but Roy still had enough strength to grab his enemy by the paw and scream.

- Nooo, you swore to me not to harm anyone but me?

- Did I? - the demon replied, grabbing him by the neck to lift him up to his head and adding with false resignation. - It's true, what a bummer, I didn't remember. But you're right, a pact is a pact. Even if they attacked me. And that could invalidate the oath I swore. - He commented, enjoying the boy's anguished grimace and adding now with a feignedly reassuring tone. - It was a joke. Don't worry, my word given before my lord is law. Though as I did not promise in your case you will be the one to pay for it instead.

- Yes, all right," - he nodded weakly. - But please don't harm them, I beg you.

- Your wish is my command. - The demon declared mockingly, piercing Roy's side with one of his claws as he held him with the other. Asking with cruel sarcasm – Are you satisfied?

They both shrieked, the boy in terrible pain and Bertie in sheer horror. The demon, drawing its bloody claw, released its prey, which collapsed to the ground, rapidly bleeding to death. The ground was turning red around him in a dizzying, deadly rush. Beruche ran towards him, forgetting the danger and his enemy.  Seeing Roy in this terrible condition she thought only of succour and held him in her arms on her knees. Nagashel looked at them with disdain and ended the fight by picking up his hourglass.

- Half an hour," - he calculated in an indifferent tone. - That's six months of this world, that's how long you have. You're still a few minutes short, but I'll give it to you, so don't say I'm not generous. And don't worry, as soon as I get back the first thing I'll do is to reunite your female with you. - He laughed and without giving time for any answer, he disappeared after leaving a sarcastic echo. - So long...

Beruche didn't even look at him, she was shocked, her eyes flooded with tears and she tried to help Roy, but it was useless. His blood was seeping out of her hands despite her efforts to plug the terrible wound. Petz, Cooan and the others rushed over, terrified at what they had seen. Ami and Mamoru, who had a basic knowledge of medicine, looked down at the boy and sorrowfully exchanged two desolate glances and shook their heads at the others behind Bertie's back. She tried to comfort Roy, who was barely mumbling, mortally wounded.

- No, I didn't want you to see me like this. I can't stand it. - He groaned and the girl shook her head, trying to smile even though she was bursting into tears. -

- You'll be fine; I'll take care of you. Just like you did for me, remember? Then we'll graduate and we can get married. - Bertie smiled with a semblance of hope, even though she couldn't stop crying. -

- No, not this time,"- he mumbled, struggling to speak. - I have... deceived you, as usual... and you have believed it... you fool. You'll always... be a... fool, eh? I've... made fun of you... to the end. - He tried to laugh, but only spat blood that choked him and made him cough. - Have courage, you must... destroy... the Sect. - Bertie was wiping away the blood, she herself was soaked but didn't seem to notice it or if she did nothing mattered to her anymore. - I'm sorry, it will be... the first and last time... that I break... my word...

The girl's tears flowed non-stop, she felt helpless, desperate, in vain she tried to cling to Roy, but he was leaving her.

- Don't cry... please... please.... - He asked her, trying to caress her hair and cheeks with a trembling hand. - I'd like to remember you... with a... smile, even though you... are so... cold, you little cube. - Beruche struggled to smile for him once more, despite feeling heartbroken. - I... love... you," - the boy gasped feebly. - I'll love you... always and I'll never... leave you, always... have me by your... side.

- Of course I will! We have our whole lives ahead of us, darling. - She sobbed, caressing his face tenderly, as if she could give him back the life that was slipping away. -

The others were speechless with terror and pain as they witnessed the scene. Cooan was crying non-stop, completely out of her mind. Only Petz could hold her to try to contain her.

- Please do something! - Cooan pleaded desperately with Usagi and the others. - You have to help him!

But the sailors stared at the ground with tear-filled eyes and did not respond. But then Sailor Venus had an idea.

-We can transport him to a hospital!

- No Minako. There is no salvation for him. - Mamoru denied visibly dejected. -

- Maybe if we try. - Usagi muttered to him with deep regret. - Maybe we can do that...

           But her distraught boyfriend leaned closer, whispering just so she could hear him.

-You know as well as I do that we can't do it. Let him say goodbye to Beruche. These are his last moments.

Sailor Moon couldn't help but cry silently as her friends did, cursing the situation they were in. And they were all heartbroken as they listened to Bertie summon all her courage to keep talking to her.

- You've got to come back to class with me and play one of your stupid pranks on me! - she asked Roy, who was beginning to lose his senses. -

- No..., for... me... the... jokes... are... over. I just... wanted... to... be... with you. I can't see anymore," - he mumbled in a whisper as his vision blurred for good from the massive haemorrhage. - It's dark... Bertie, it's cold..." he clutched her hand and shivering confessed to her. -You know, now... I'm afraid... to be... alone, don't... leave... me... please... hold me! At least... until I can... be... reunited... with... my... parents.

She wrapped her arms around him, rocking him gently in her lap. Roy sucked in a last gasp, mustering what little energy he had left.

- Remember...your...promise...I thank...God...for...making me stumble upon you...that day. I am very...happy to have...met...you...cube...- He said nothing more, gently his head dropped to rest in her lap. -

- Roy? Roy? - Beruche called to him, paralysed by the disbelief of feeling him dead - Rooy! - she shrieked hysterically, shaking him with all her might, but she got no response. -

             His eyes were open, lifeless, staring into infinity. The girl screamed in pain and the grieving warriors tried to lift her from the body, but she resisted by hugging him. Petz, also weeping, stopped the sailors with a gesture. The sailors, deeply moved, allowed Beruche to place a hand over the boy's eyes and gently close them. She recalled all the moments they had shared, ever since they had met. Their anger, their laughter, their caresses, until that very morning, when she saw him smile and become an invincible warrior. Then Ami intervened and, through her tears, told her friend slowly and calmly.

- He didn't want you to see him die, he would have wished you to remember him as he said goodbye to you.

- But why? – Beruche cried - Why?... Aaah!

           The girl, unhinged with grief, put her hands to her head as if she wanted to tear out her hair, which floated loose and unravelled at the mercy of the cold wind that now plagued the region.

- He had to do it to try to protect us all, to give us a second chance to win. - Usagi mused between sobs. - It had to be this way...I'm so sorry.

No one could add to the atmosphere of dismay. But then something amazing happened, Roy's body glowed with a luminous white glow and disappeared. Everyone was speechless with astonishment, until Mamoru was able to say with admiration, overcoming his grief.

- Farewell brave warrior, your sacrifice will not be in vain, count on us always.

- My God help us! - Petz mused in a helpless and dispirited tone as she clasped her fainting sister Cooan in her arms. - What are we going to do now?

Karaberasu looked down at the ground, her eyes wet with tears. Like the others, Cooan and Beruche were devastated, the latter even gone. The warriors, summoning all their determination to overcome the tragedy, had to carry her home with the help of her younger sister. Bertie was exhausted and fainted. She had to be put to bed and the also devastated Cooan was left to watch over her. Afterwards they were able to take the other two sisters to their flat. Petz was in a very bad way too, but seeing the state of Karaberasu, who was also totally emaciated, they were all worried. It was Minako who, in the young girl's room, was able to talk to her.

-I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. - The sailor said to her friend. - I wish we could have done something!

- Oh, Lord! When will all this be over? - Kalie was able to stammer, hugging Minako who was looking at her really saddened. -

But the sailor didn't expect her interlocutor's next words, which really left her petrified with horror.

-Please... Isn't it enough what they did to me... Why do my sisters also have to suffer like this?

- What's wrong with you? What did they do to you? - her friend was able to ask, truly astonished. -

And in tears Kalie confided to her that terrible and traumatic experience she had endured. Minako could only cry in horror, hugging her friend.

- I called out to you, I begged you to save me! - Karaberasu wailed, unable to stop crying. - But you didn't come.

-I'm sorry. – The shocked Minako sobbed, wailing in horror and dismay. - I'm so sorry! Forgive me...

            And for a while she continued to beg her forgiveness over and over again for not having been there to save her from that dreadful torture. When they finally finished talking and the sailor left the room, leaving a traumatised and exhausted Karaberasu lying there, she was pale and teary-eyed, totally haggard and even trembling. The others noticed this and looked at her in shock and astonishment, but said nothing. Usagi looked at her with deep sorrow. Venus, however, looked at her companion in turn with obvious reprobation and discomfort, full of fury, though she would not say anything until they had left. Meanwhile, further away, in his room on the campus to which he had returned, Tom wept with helplessness, rage and grief, as he felt the tragic end of his friend. It was then that someone knocked on his door.

-Tom, it's April, Tom, please open up... Oh my God, I've been found out. - She sobbed. -

And the boy, trying to pull himself together, went immediately to open the door...

- What's the matter? - he asked. -

-You know, one of your acolytes has accosted me here... He told me that my sister and my niece will pay for my treachery! You must help me!

-I don't know what to do. - The boy sighed, holding his hands to his face. -

The terrified young woman was crying in her turn, full of fear and anguish. She was barely able to whimper.

- You promised you would protect me!

And Tom, in a grave and sorrowful tone, informed her....

-That monster has killed Roy. There's nothing we can do about it. Run away, April!  Run away with your sister and niece. I don't know how much time we'll have before the end.

              The horrified girl also covered her face with her hands, then ran away without knowing for sure where she might go. Meanwhile, in the sisters' flat, amidst the weeping and displays of dismay, it was Mamoru who was finally able to say, as shocked as the rest.

-We must go.

-But we'll be back. - Rei added faintly, adding more emphatically, tinged with sadness and a desire for justice. - I swear we will.

           Petz, who was the only one next to them in the room, nodded weakly. Not strong enough to say anything. The warriors bid her as fond a farewell as they could, shaking hands with Mamoru, and the cats in the centre returned to Japan with the teleport. When they reappeared at the agreed place, near the Hikawa temple, Mamoru was about to tell them something, but it was Minako who, full of fury, stepped forward and shouted at Usagi in a loud voice.

- Why... Why didn't you want us to use the attack of the planets? Tell me. Why?

-It wouldn't have done any good. - She responded in a quiet voice. -

- And since when is that an impediment to trying to save someone? - Her interlocutor asked her with visible anger. - Besides, how did you know it wouldn't work...?

-Calm down, Minako. - A dismayed Ami asked her trying to mediate. - Please...

-She's right. - Makoto said, she sided with her angry companion as she added. - We could have helped him more. We didn't use nearly all of our power. Maybe if we'd attacked in the eternal phase...

-We don't know that. - Rei termed. -

-That's exactly why. - Minako replied, looking at Usagi with real annoyance to launch into an angry question. - Since when did we start giving up without a fight...?

                 She seemed to want to get out of the way and leave the controversy to her teammates, but Venus insisted, grabbing her by the arm to add in tears and full of indignation.

- And what about Kalie, did you know about it too? Couldn't we do anything for her either? The poor thing doesn't have the courage to tell her sisters. And it's tearing her apart... She hasn't stopped suffering since it happened. In the end she couldn't take it anymore and told me... and she was just moaning and babbling and saying. Where were you? Where were my friends? Do you know the horror she had to suffer? ... ¿Eh?

The others watched this scene with stupefaction. They had no idea what their companion was referring to between sobs full of frustration and anger.

- What are you talking about? - Ami wanted to know, as stunned and frightened as the others to see her friend in such a state. -

-I'll tell you what happened. – It was Minako's bitter reply. - One of those monsters abused Kalie and we weren't there to stop it. She told me everything. And... what could I tell her? That we weren't there because we had to stay at home playing hide-and-seek with the non-existent demons here? Because our beloved rulers told us to?

-I can't understand it. - Ami, who was now trying to talk to Usagi, mused. - Please, at least give us a reason.

-We've been standing here doing nothing when Tom was crippled, and now this! - The also incredulous and horrified Rei declared. - I don't understand... Please, explain it to us!

-Yes, don't do this to us. - Makoto interjected. - We've always been friends. We've shared everything. The good and the bad. Why don't you trust us now? What do you know that you won't tell us?

           But she didn't answer. This irritated Sailor Venus even more and she looked at her and deduced what was going on.

-Yes, that's right, you knew! You've known all along, haven't you? You knew this was going to happen... Those strange words, the chalice of pain you said... That's what it's all about, isn't it?

Her interlocutor didn't take her lips off and wanted to avoid her gaze, which brought Minako to her senses and she gave her a hard slap that almost knocked her down, to the surprise and horror of the others.

- I asked you a question! - Venus howled sharply. - Damn you, answer me at once!

- Leave her alone! Enough is enough! – A hurried Rei intervened, releasing Usagi from her partner's grip. - Please, Mina-chan...

- No, it's not enough. I've had enough of this. What's going on here, huh? - She now asked Mars. - Do you know?

-I don't know. - She replied, but asserted emphatically. - But whatever it is, and however hard it is for us, we have to trust Usagi and Mamoru.

-This whole thing is absurd, Rei. And you know it. - Makoto stepped in to declare. - Either we do something or we don't do it. I'm with Minako. Our duty as warriors is to support our friends. You guys have been there more than once. I'm sure you know more. Why don't you say anything? There are no more attacks in Japan lately. Why couldn't we join them and fight before? Why can't we stay there and fight now? They need us more than ever! For God's sake, can't you see that?

-It's not that easy. - Rei defended her friend with tinges of dismay. - Surely there is an explanation. These are very powerful enemies. Far more powerful than any of the previous ones we've had.

-She is right. - Mercury supported her in a conciliatory tone. - Things are very complicated. We can't do business as usual. The fate of the planet is at stake. And I'm sure there's a justification for all this...

- Damn it, Ami! - Minako exclaimed, now confronting her for questioning. - Go tell that to Kalie, Bertie, Tom, or the others!

-That's not fair. - Mercury sobbed, looking down and clenching her fists. - Bertie is my friend...and Roy was my friend too.

-What do you know that we don't? – Venus insisted, cornering her partner with a barrage of indignant questions. - Are we a team or aren't we? I'm tired of all this secrecy. What did Usagi tell you...?

-It's true. - Makoto supported her with equal parts anger and discomfort, as she sentenced. - So now we're just going to sit back and watch our friends die one by one? Who's next, huh?

Her companions didn't know what to reply, though there was no chance to do so. They all fell silent when Usagi finally burst out screaming in hysterics....

- That's enough, that's enough, that's enough, I can't take it anymore, shut up, shut up!

The rest of the girls watched her with a mixture of surprise and fear. But her friend was far from finished. In tears, she spluttered, meeting the now frightened Minako and Makoto's gaze.

- Do you think this isn't hard for me? That I don't mind watching our friends suffer? Do you think my heart doesn't break knowing what they did to Kalie without being able to intervene? Or seeing Cooan suffer for Tom in his chair? Or having to witness how Bertie watched Roy die in her arms without being able to do anything? Huh? Do you think this is a game to me?

-Usagi, calm down. Please. - A sobbing Ami asked in a sweet tone, wrapping her arms around her waist and hugging her from behind. - I know there has to be a good reason...for everything you decide to do.

Now it was the others who were on the verge of crying, looking down at the floor. It was Rei who, in a calmer voice, commented to her companions.

-I don't know what's going on either. But there is one thing I do know. If Usagi asks us to do something, we must do it. After so long and so many battles together, I trust her completely. I agree with Ami. She'll have her reasons for acting like this.

-I'm sorry. - Makoto sighed as she wiped away a few tears. -

-Yes..." - The tearful Minako now mumbled, hugging her heartbroken partner to apologise. - I'm sorry too, Usagi, forgive me!

        Her friend hugged her in return and they both cried together to release the tension. For his part, Mamoru had watched them in silence, along with Luna and Artemis, who, having just arrived, hadn't said a word either. The boy hadn't wanted to intervene until that moment. Now, however, he declared in a dismayed yet calm and serious tone.

-What we are doing, however hard and terrible it may seem to you, is part of something, something very important that must be done. It is not yet time to reveal it. But in this case we speak to you not as Usagi and Mamoru, but as Serenity and Endymion. And in the name of the loyalty you owe us, we ask you not to ask any more questions, nor to question our way of acting. Please. In due course we will explain to you what is happening and why we are doing it. Then you will understand everything...

At that soft but firm tone, the guardians bowed in a heartfelt bow, and it was Makoto who said in a respectful tone of voice.

-So be it, Your Highness. Please, forgive us.

-It shall be as you say, Sire. - Minako agreed haltingly, still emotional. -

Both Usagi and Mamoru smiled warmly, putting the incident to rest. However, it was all sadness and demoralisation among the group. The same was true of the sisters and Tom. Only at the Sect's headquarters was there joy, with the triumphant laughter of the Great Wiseman.

**START**