GWA10E

**START**

**Valnak.**

After a few days the activity of the university continued unchanged. Bertie fully recovered from her sprain leaving the crutches behind. Tom had returned to fight in another round of fights and now, in a normal way, he was the winner achieving the qualification for the championships. Cooan had been very active organizing an aerobics class for the girls, in which she combined dancing with gymnastics and self-defense. The girl applied an idea she had when she was still working for the Black Moon. Her great dynamism and enthusiasm made even the cheerleaders and Melanie herself join her to train. The head cheerleader arrived a little later than the others and was entertained by watching Connie's evolutions from outside the room.

-Come on girls! one, two, three...- she cheered as she executed the steps and was imitated by the rest. -You must get in shape! As we said in the Hikawa Dojo, strength, and beauty for girls!

Melanie had to admit that this girl was surprising. And even more, a valuable source of information. Especially now since she had noticed that, in the last few days, the relationship between her annoying sister the frigid and Roy had become quite close, and she didn't like that at all. As she supposed, something must have happened between the two on that excursion in which they disappeared, for a whole night! And if it was what was listed, she could understand that Roy was now paying his attention. It would be the last of his conquests. So maybe she shouldn't worry. But what didn't add up was that, at least in front of her, they had never kissed. Possibly the Japanese was embarrassing. A hypocrite is what she was! Well, she had deceived her! Or maybe she wanted to hide for fear of the warnings that Melanie herself made to her, that was more logical. But thanks to having Connie on her team, she would make sure of it. If her own sister was not aware of relations between those two, nothing was happening that should worry her. Anyway, what worried Melanie the most was that Roy seemed to have changed, he was more attentive to the study and a word of that fool girl was enough for him to react like a puppy.

-He must be pretending, I can't find another explanation, not even with me he was so attentive. - She said. She could not avoid being assaulted by jealousy even though she tried hard to believe that it was only her pride as head of cheerleaders and her reputation as the most popular girl in the College, the resentful – Anyway, now I have more important things to do.

Putting those fears aside, she finally joined the class and continued the rest of the training. When they were all done, the girls congratulated Connie.

-It's hard to keep up with you. -  Susy flattered her. -

-Thank you, I trained a lot as a child. - Cooan said, adding. – I practiced dance and martial arts

- Oops! Don't mess with Connie, who will kick you in your hard butts! - Serena laughed. -

The other girls imitated her, including the one alluded to. It was April who commented amusingly, laying her hands on the shoulders of her now somewhat blushing companion.

-Don't talk nonsense! I haven't met a sweeter and nicer girl than Connie.

The questioned smiled with a more serious face and some embarrassment. If only her friends in the cheerleading group had met her a few years ago!

-I've changed a lot, of course, and I'm glad it was like that.

Although sometimes she was not sure if she had really changed her way of being when she was purified, or this was affected in Nemesis when she was exposed to dark energy. She wanted to think that her real self was this, that of a sweet and affable college girl who loved her sisters and friends very much. She was in those reflections when she heard Melanie's approving voice approaching the group addressing her.

-Do you know that you are a great coach? We will have a much higher preparation than the rest of the cheerleaders of any rival university with your training. - Melanie assured her with a convincing smile. -

- Thank you very much - Cooan smiled wiping her sweat with a towel she was carrying in her sports bag. -

- Hey, I'm curious. - She was asked by her interlocutor just to start a conversation. - Where did you say this technique is from?

- From Hikawa Shrine. - The girl remembered with nostalgia. - I called it Dojo as a kind of joke. Dojo means something like a gym in your language, not exactly that, but it could be translated like that. - She explained proudly. - It was a technique that I put in place with the help of some good friends.

- Yes, I see. - Melanie nodded that she subtly changed the subject by directing the rudder of the talk to where she was interested. - And your sister does not participate in these classes?

- Well, she is now preparing the chess competition. - Cooan replied. - It will be within a few hours when the first games begin. We all are going see it, are you coming? - She offered her with a friendly gesture, adding in extension to the rest. - Well, all of you are invited too.

-I can't, I must go to the library. - Susy apologized. -

-I must see someone but thank you. Wish your sister good luck on my behalf. - April said in turn. -

The other girls excused themselves in one way or another. And they said goodbye leaving Cooan alone with her captain. At last, she declared in turn quite sincerely.

- That chess thing bores me a lot. But thank you anyway.

And of course, she wasn't going to waste her time going to see that silly girl. Who in their right mind would go there to fall asleep? She thought with joy, although she was not going to say that to her naïve interlocutor.

-Well, even Roy has promised to go! -  Cooan said then to comment. - He said he didn't understand much of it, but he wanted to see my sister competing. And you'd have to see Bertie in front of a board. she could be there for hours on end!

If Melanie hadn't disguised herself, the turn of her heart might have been reflected in her face. She was able to control herself enough to say with forced kindness.

- Well, I may then come to say hello to your sister, you know, to encourage her. Although I don't think cheerleaders are allowed in one of those games.

- Nope! At least not to cheer. – Cooan laughed oblivious to the true thoughts of her partner. - It would be too boisterous.

She still remembered the time she went together with the girls to encourage Ami, who was playing against her sister Bertie, in her sister last mission on the Black Moon. Usagi began to sing and wave those little pancakes causing everyone in the room to look at her. She and the same girls blushed to the ears.

-Ha, ha! Luckily Rei took those tablets from her. - She remembered with a laughing expression. -

-Is something wrong with you? – Melanie asked her, looking at her in amazement.

-No, sorry, I was remembering some dear friends of mine. Especially of one of them who was very noisy cheering. - Cooan jovially responded. -

- Yes, anyway. Now I must leave you. - Her group leader apologized by leaving while her interlocutor picked up the rest of her belongings.

- Goodbye. I hope to see you over there. - Cooan said goodbye candidly without her partner listening to her anymore.  -

- Damn bitch! - Melanie mumble boiling with anger - You've crossed the line with me and you're going to regret it!

And it's not that she believed Connie had laughed at her, no. This was so candid that she had possibly told her all that with the best will and was completely oblivious to what was happening. In fact, it was clear that she was crazy for Roy. And that was precisely what Melanie wanted. If there is the slightest hint of romance between him and that bland, Connie would be the first to know. At least she could see with visible satisfaction how the rest of the cheerleaders refused, politely that yes, to witness that departure. They all knew what she thought of that Japanese chess player. And none of them was going to think of upsetting it.

-And I'm going to tell you right now, - the head cheerleader thought grinding with anger. -

Meanwhile Beruche was thinking about her chess game. She had joined the chess club from the beginning of the course very soon stood out for her good level, this led to her being selected. In fact, Hank Williams, for a few days after recovering from that incident, as Tom and Roy told him when the boy woke up on the ground with them by his side, did not stop thinking about that tournament eighter. He was very worried about that championship and getting the win. The boy remembered seeing his classmates along with Bertie and her sister, there, crouching beside him and looking at him with concern.

-Are you okay? – Roy asked him. -

-Yes, well, I don't know what happened. What am I doing here? - He wanted to know. -

-You must have fainted. - Tom conjectured. -

And between him and Roy Malden, they helped him up. Hank was feeling good, and his restlessness was greater because of the imminent tournament than because of his fainting. So, he told Bertie.

-Will you be ready to participate? The tournament will be in a couple of weeks.

-Of course, don't worry, - that girl smiled kindly at him. -

The truth is that she was pretty girl, well, the kind of girl that would never notice him. And as commented on campus, Roy already had her as "reserved matter", at least that was the euphemism that was used when a boy and a girl started a relationship or were involved.

-A pity, a girl so smart and so studious, wasting time with that gigolo. - He thought with obvious frustration. – Another one on his list.

And despite not seeing her for many days due to the practices they had, he did not lose his patience. Just yesterday the girl had gone to the chess club.  She was playing against a couple of teammates that she beat quickly. Hank himself wanted to challenge her to a game.

-I hope that's how it helps you train. - He said when he proposed it. -

And she accepted willingly. Asking the boy quite politely.

-Which pieces do you prefer?

-Well, I'll play with the black ones so you can practice the offense. - He replied. -

So it was, Bertie started with the opening Ruy Lopez, moving king pawn e4. Hank responded with pawn e5 facing his piece to hers, the girl soon took her horse to c3 to threaten Hank's pawn and he replied with his horse to c6, to do the same. Bertie took out his bishop to b5 also threatening his opponent's horse.

-We are very balanced, - he said. -

At least that seemed to be because after a few moves she had taken tactical advantage. Later, after losing a tower and having his queen seriously compromised, Hank had no choice but to surrender.

-You are incredible! - He praised her unreservedly, to sentence. - The best player I have ever seen!

And that girl smiled deliciously to move her head and reply.

-You haven't seen my friend Ami play. I'm barely able to beat her a game very occasionally.

-I wish she would come and sign for our club then!  With her and with you we would be champions. - He said. -

His interlocutor laughed in that singable of her that really left anyone captivated. Hank could barely help but sigh. That girl had everything, beauty, intelligence, she was simple and kind. What a pity that she had such bad judgment to choose that handsome Malden as a boyfriend!

-She is not for me, that is for sure. - He said with regret. -

Now, returning from those memories, he was busy finalizing the preparations. The Golden organized a tournament against other universities, and Bertie was one of those in charge of opening the championship. Her rival was a very intelligent girl and a good chess player. Hank had met with Bertie to tell her things about her opponent.

-Her name is Sophie Volkova. She is a girl of Russian origin. She came to study exchange like you. Since she was a child, her father has prepared her very well. She has already won several championships in the United States. She is a big fan of Gary Kasparov. She usually uses many of the games of that great master as references in her game. – And he told her all that, relying on a dossier of photos of that young girl with blond hair and blue eyes, she had a rounded face, although she was attractive.

- Oops. I will be happy to play with her. - Bertie said studying that dossier with interest as she admitted. - Kasparov is also one of my favorite great teachers.

-Well, Sophie is an only child and during her childhood in Russia she had to be alone for a long time, while her father left her to go to work. She lost her mother when he was very young. - Hank told her. -

-I'm sorry. - Bertie muttered, lowering her head. -

The young woman thought that perhaps she had more in common with that girl than her mutated admiration for that world champion. Bertie was separated from her parents when she was very young. The same as Cooan and her other two sisters. Even, in a way, it also reminded her of Ami. Her friend grew up barely seeing her father when he left to travel the world after separating from his mother, Dr. Mizuno.

- By playing chess with someone you can know many things about that person. - She told her interlocutor.

- Yes? How which ones? - He wanted to know. -

-His or her way of being, if that person prefers to attack decisively or be cautious, of the passion that person puts into things. - She listed him as an example. -

Hank remembered those words, of course Bertie spoke to them in a still and very reflective voice. She seemed to know very well what she was talking about.

-I'm sure she'll win. - He thought. -

And he went on his way to the chess room, although he ran into a group of boys, of course, led by that Malden chop. They were in a little group and apparently, they looked at something with interest and laughed...

-What will they be doing? - He said curiously as he approached them. -

Although both Hank, Roy and the rest were oblivious to their enemies not resting. In the sect's lair the Great Wiseman had summoned the three masters for a new and diabolical invocation. On this occasion he addressed the infernal powers assuming the call...

-O Great Master and Lord of Nothingness, send us one of your guardian angels to help us in our mission.

After those words of the Great Wiseman, a dense cloud of smoke covered the room. Right in the center of an inverted pentacle drawn on the ground, a figure emerged that, little by little, was taking shape. A deep and gloomy voice was heard from her as the silhouette became appreciable.

- In order not to frighten you I have come in human form. My name is Valnak, I am captain of the Horde of the Fourth Infernal Circle. And now tell me - he questioned with abruptness walking a cold, malignant and indolent look between them. What is so important that you must call me into this boring mortal world?

-O great lord! - One of the masters submissively kneeling before him responded. - We've had trouble reactivating one of our demons here on Earth. Everyone we send before you has failed.

- That is why, with your help, we hope to finally achieve our goal. - Another of the masters added with a very servile tone. -

-What demon are we talking about? -Valnak inquired with great interest as the smoke dissipated and made him completely visible. -

His appearance was that of a normal man, tall and blond, but with blood-red eyes. Dressed in black armor with a cape of the same color. Two crisscross tridents were marked in fire red on each of his shoulders, distinctive of his hell range.

-About Armageddon, sir, - The other master responded, and he conjectured. - I think you know him.

-Of course, he is my comrade! he is very powerful, has my same rank and a body with immense potential strength. If I manage to reactivate him, I will get a promotion. Also, I promised him and that's a promise I do want to keep. - He smiled pleased declaring with much better humor. - You have done very well to call me. I know him better than anyone.

Then the Wiseman, who had been listening on the sidelines of the group, intervened.

- Do not forget Valnak that I was the one who invoked you. I have not done it to make you look good, only to fulfill your mission and do what I command you.

-Wow, Great Wiseman. - The demon answered, bowing as if he had now been discovered him there for the first time, although he had not been oblivious to his presence. - I'm glad to see you again. When do you want me to start with my task?

-The sooner the better! We don't have too much time. - Wiseman sentenced with urgency. -

- I will call one of my demons, Beat up before me! – He shouted invoking him with a gesture. In response to his request, a silhouette of reddish eyes instantly materialized in the form of a satyr of ancient Greek mythology. - You have already heard, go, and start the attack, I will go right away. - He ordered him. -

- As you will, my lord. - The demon responded, he knelt submissively before Valnak and disappeared. -

At university Bertie left her room for the game room. With a folder of notes on possible strategies under her arm. She thanked Hank for all that information about her rival with which he had provided her.

-I can't neglect her for a moment. Judging by her results. – She reflected. -

She was well mentalized so as not to be in a bad place and eager to start the game, but Melanie was waiting for her in a corner that she knew she would have to go through. The blonde haughtily crossed her path and Beruche, not suspecting anything, greeted her.

- Hi, Melanie. - She was going to go on her way as if such a thing when she held her gently but firmly by one arm.

-Are you going to play? - She asked her with irony in her voice. -

- Yes, I was going to the library right now. - Melanie was informed by the questioner surprised by that way of approaching her. -

The cheerleader stuck her eyes on her and watched her defiantly, she didn't know how to beat around the branches, so she went straight to the point.

- It will be better for you to take care only of your affairs, you know, studies and chess.

- I don't understand what you mean. - Her interlocutor replied, bewildered but without averting her gaze. -

- Yes, you know. Remember what we talked about a long time ago. - Melanie pointed at her with a false calm. - I'm not as far-fetched as you, so I'll tell you clearly.  I hate goody- two- shoes like you.  - She snapped with an idiom that her interlocutor did not capture. - Although the message was clear when she threatened openly. – And I hate hypocrites even more. Don't approach Roy or you’ll have a problem with me, little Japanese. Do you understand?

Beruche was greatly outraged to hear that ultimatum Who the hell thought she was that stupid girl to speak like that to her?

- Roy and I are friends. - She declared by crossing her arms and adding with her false mocking tone that she only liked to use to attack sarcastically. - If you want to see something else is your problem, beautiful. And you know one thing?  I am sick and tired of your greatness airs. Instead of telling me that, you should talk to him. You may not interest him, and I am not to blame for that, I think it is up to you alone.

That left her interlocutor surprised and above all she was pissed, so that little bit of a nerd rebelled! She really wasn't as prudish as she appeared. Surely, she acted like this thinking of having Roy eating on the palm of her hand...

-You're naïve! - Melanie spit out with disdain and rage. - But you're right about something, it's my business! And I'm going to show you that Roy has certain needs that you won't be able to meet. At least with your ridiculous morality. I will soon have him at my mercy. Or is it that maybe you speak so convinced because you have already let yourself be tested by him? Do you think that way you will make him fall in love with you? Don't trust yourself. – She hammered mercilessly. - He has messed with many. But in the end, he always comes back with me.

Beruche tried to remain calm although she would have willingly strangled her. However, that was what that slut wanted. Better to hold back, plus there was a game of chess that she had to play. She had to be calm. She wasn't going to fall into Melanie´s trap. So, she just said.

- We'll see. Although I that you would not boast me so much, you could get an unpleasant surprise.

Melanie smiled maliciously and didn't reply, just pulled her polemicist away from a bolt and walked away down the hall.

Without imagining the confrontation organized for his cause, Roy was surrounded by a group of friends. Before going to witness Bertie's departure, he took the opportunity to meet with them and they all chatted amusingly looking at an erotic magazine that one had put on the cover. Roy, taking her, commented jokingly among his companion’s laughter

-That chick is great! What tits! Wow! Look. And that other – He pointed to some photographs of and unfolded the characteristic central poster to large size to the delight of the rest. Uff!, this makes your day and also reminds me of the occasional joke of women. Listen - everyone came together to hear him well. -

At that moment, Bertie saw him and approached him, forgetting about the altercation with Melanie. She wanted to remind him of the place where he should go, she didn't trust him to be aware and approached just in time to listen to him...

- How is a woman like a ship? - Everyone looked at him with a curious expression waiting for him to answer himself. - In which the boat has a hatch, and the gossip woman is! Ha, ha! - Chorus of laughter of the group, which encouraged Roy to tell another joke. - What is a folded sheet of paper for a woman? - Another expectant silence and the boy answered almost without being able to stand the laughter - A puzzle! Ha, ha, ha - Again general laughter celebrating the snap. - Two guys go, and one asks the other. How is your wife? And the other responds. Comparing her to whom? Beruche listened without being able to hide her displeasure, but Roy, oblivious to that, kept telling more. - How is a woman like a balloon?

-How, how? - A curious colleague, eager to hear the answer, asked him. -

-In which the balloon tends to rise, and the woman goes up to tend! Ha, ha, ha.

More laughter that was extinguished as the boys noticed in the presence of Bertie. Except Roy, for she had intentionally placed herself behind his back. The little group was opening letting her pass, while the target of the girl, oblivious to everything, was going to tell another joke.

-Why do women have only four neurons?...

-Why? - Beruche asked him with sarcasm. -

-One for every fire in the kitchen! ha, ha, ha...- the boy's tone went from a funny laugh to a muted murmur when he finally recognized the voice of his companion -... Heh, glup...-He turned slowly with a stupid smile to face a reproach and hard look. - Hi Bertie, how you around here? Didn't you go to the library to play chess?

- Me? To the library?... to play chess. I can't Roy, remember I only have four neurons in my brain. – She replied with acid irony. -

-It was just a joke! don't take it to heart. – He could try to argue as he looked at her breasts that clearly defined the channel between them at the end of the neckline and hurried to rectify. - I mean don't take it seriously.

-Wow, - Bertie said in a feigned velvety voice. - How politically correct you have suddenly become. So we look like balloons! Hey? That's the impression you have of us. Huh, Roy?

- It was just a joke, to pass the time - He defended himself even with a pathetic grimace of smile drawn on his face. - Not so much.

-It's true, you must have heard another joke he told yesterday! That one was strong! - A somewhat silly colleague intervened. - (Rather quite silly).

-No, no, if you're not going to like it, it's not funny! – Roy hurriedly contradicted him quite frightened. -

-I will decide that. - Beruche silenced him.  So, with a gesture, the girl invited the companion of his overwhelmed classmate to tell her, to the horror of this and the other congregants. -

- Well, so, well – That boy seemed to hesitate while everyone else was swept through numerous sweat droppers making ostensible facial gestures so that he would not continue talking. – This... it's one that says...

Roy and the others tried desperately to silence him by also using his hands that moved undulating to one side and the other with visible distress. Unfortunately, the individual in question did not notice it and ended up finishing the situation, when he was questioned again by Bertie with a feigned kindness and good mood.

-What joke is it? You can tell me; I won't be angry with you for a joke. - She granted him. –

- Right - The hesitant boy who still did not notice the ostensible gestures that Roy made behind the girl's back to close the beak, agreed. –

-I promise you, - his interlocutor smiled candidly. -

- Well - That relieved boy gave up revealing - because it is the parachute, the one who says that in which you look like women to a parachute. - Roy made desperate gestures even with his eyes and sketched the grimace of the "Noooo" on his face, so that he would shut up, but he did not have any success since the boy riveted. - In that if you do not open you are not worth anything! That is wrong, but it is very funny. Ha, ha - that guy laughed – Do you catch it, right?

While Roy felt like strangling him, thinking that, when Bertie grabbed him, the same thing would happen to him.

- Yes, I do get it... I see, very funny. - She muttered with a supposedly dispassionate tone. -

-Aren't you angry? - That boy asked her with prevention. -

-I promised you I wouldn't be angry with you, would I? - She replied with a tinge of a voice that was kind enough to sentence. - I keep my promises.

Beruche smiled to that boy in a rather sarcastic half-smile while declaring calmly addressing Roy.

- You were right about one thing with the jokes.

-Ah, really? - He replied, thinking with relief that the girl had not taken it as badly as he thought. - Do you mean that they are just jokes to have fun? See? Why wasn't it so much? - He asked hopefully. -

But Beruche, moving her head from one side to the other, slowly replied without losing even that false aplomb.

- I mean, they are not funny at all.

And then, standing on tiptoe and with both hands, she hit Roy on the head with her folder to the cry of.

-Asshole!

-But if you said you weren't angry. – He was able to reply complainingly, even crouching after such a folder. –

-No, - she harshly corrected him to remind him. - I said I wasn't going to be angry with your buddy. With you it is a very different thing. - The girl who was already giving free rein to her native Japanese to add visibly indignant. - Anata wa Hitoriyogari, dansei yüetsu shugi-sha, orokana!

Then she turned away from there, while saying loudly and recovering a formal and dispassionate tone. While her interlocutor watched her with eyes opened like dishes just like the rest.

- You will need more than just a parachute to pass the next exam without my notes. Of course, you can always ask one of your friends. Those that have so many neurons.

All the boys waved their hand snorting. What a character! Roy following her march with a stunned look, he went after her moments later, catching up with her with quick steps as she tried to apologize.

-If it's just a joke, woman! you know what happens among men. Don't take it like that, glup. - He turned to the mouths of the group hissing with his fist raised and murderous look that frightened the idiot in question even from a distance. - We will talk about you and me, you jerk! - He snapped at him and again focused on Beruche who was still walking impassively and pleaded again. - Wait please!, glup...

Hank had witnessed that a few meters away without intervening. He was weighed down and angry that this idiot had made Bertie angry in that way. She didn't deserve that, let alone now that she was about to play. He wished he could have gone after her and told her that not all the boys were like that! Although being the same Roy who had been following her did not dare to go.

-I hope she sees him for what he really is. - He said, sighing resignedly as the other boys’ group dissolved. - Well, I must go and receive Sophie.

Meanwhile, the demon had crept into the girls' locker room. He entered the showers and dematerialized in a haze waited patiently for some prey to arrive. And it was precisely Melanie who came there. She was still sweaty after training and hadn't had time to shower and change.

-Hello Mel. - April greeted her who was already drying. -

She was surprised to see that her captain did not even direct her gaze and even less the word. Melanie quickly stripped naked. Rarely had April seen her so angry, although that did not prevent her from recreating herself in looking at her. At least she had a privileged position. As her second and trusted friend, she could see something wrong with her. However, she knew her well enough to realize that it was not a good time to ask her. The newcomer got into one of the showers and opened the water that began to run...

-Maybe when she goes out, she will be calmer. I'll wait. - Thought the girl. -

Although a few moments later she saw something very strange. A kind of black smoke floated near the roof.

-What is that? - She wondered between stunned and worried. -

And she became frightened when that thing got into the shower that her partner was occupying.

-Mel, beware! - She squealed at her, though she didn´t seem to hear her. -

The captain of cheerleaders only thought about their encounter. Tired and still angry about her encounter with the Japanese woman, she had stripped naked quickly, without paying attention to her second, she got into the shower opening the water and gave herself fully to that relaxing discharge to lower her adrenaline ...

-Damn slut! – She was thinking off Beruche. - She is going to remember who I am...

But Palizar was ready and rushed over her penetrating waves of steam through her mouth. Melanie's negative attitude and anger towards Bertie had attracted him like a powerful magnet and he was able to dominate his victim without setbacks. Her victim noticed how something inside him tried to possess her, she resisted but it was useless. After a few seconds and libidinously caressing his newly acquired body, the demon came out of the shower, without even putting on a towel, letting the drops of water slip down the breasts and abdomen of that human female...

-Mel, are you okay?

-Better than ever. - The questioner whispered with a tone between funny and sarcastic, to address that girl and declare. - With this body I do not think he will resist me. Don't you think?

- What? What do you mean? - The dumbfounded April could ask.

-Tell me, do you like me? -The demon inquired her by approaching her until she got almost gluing her breasts on her stunned friend. - Come on. Tell me. I want to know if he will be attracted to me.

-Who? - The girl was able to ask, barely moving away. -

-Roy Malden, of course. – The demon with Melanie´s body replied. -

-You know very well that you are the most popular girl in college. And that Roy..., well, you and him... anyway, Melanie. - April sighed wanting to talk to her friend more calmly. - This is not you. Please don't humiliate yourself in this way in front of him, he doesn't deserve it.

April felt uncomfortable. What was Mel doing? And what left her even more out of place was that her friend began to want to caress her in more than committed places as she whispered to her.

-I know you like this body! Even if you are a female. I can perceive it.

-But can you tell me what you're saying? - The girl exclaimed, pulling away from her immediately to add indignantly. – Even as joke it is enough.

-Sorry. - Her friend smiled and turned around. -

April was still gasping in fright while Melanie got dressed. Although what took her breath away was watching her leave the locker room. Just before she did, her friend looked at her, and her eyes glowed a very strange reddish color.

-She has had to irritate them with the shampoo. - April said trying to calm down. - Of course, that will be.

She also wanted to think that, to some extent, she had vented her frustration at being rejected by Roy...

-I'd better let him know when I see him. I don't know what Mel might be capable of. I had never seen her like this!

And in the meantime, the demon left in a hurry to fulfill his mission.

- I hope to find that human soon. - He said with a half devilish smile. -

Roy followed Beruche down the hall until he reached the door of the library. They walked in and she took refuge in the still empty room. He tried to pass but the girl hit him with the door in his nose, insensitive to any of his pleas, although he reiterated himself in protesting from outside.

-I've never seen a girl as insensitive as you!" Not even with so little sense of humor! so you will never flirt with anyone, I assure you!...

In the end, tired of insisting, he walked away with his head down and wondering how he would get some decent notes in addition to regretting the incident. It would be better not to witness the game so as not to deconcentrate it and to blame him on him if he lost.

-This girl can become very stubborn. – He thought with resignation. -

In turn Beruche was angry and upset. Although on the other hand, she had overdone it. After all, Roy was right that those things were common among boys. It was she who had invaded that context and could not complain. She even remembered how her sisters and herself criticized men, let alone when they met the warriors and had those kinds of conversations! But the recent dispute with Melanie had warmed her spirits and she had been so tough. She sighed regretfully. It would be better to go out and make peace or remorse would overwhelm her during the game. Her rival would not take long to arrive, but she still had half an hour left. Time more than enough. So, she left the room and went to find him.

-Roy? - Wow, where did that silly go? - She said as she looked down the hall. -

Her partner in turn went to the basketball pavilion and sat on one of the benches, lamenting the bad luck he had had. Now that things were starting to go well between them! He sighed resignedly; he would already try to fix it. Then he saw Melanie approaching him, she looked happy, and greeted him in a mellow voice than usual.

- Hello Roy... I thought you were in Beruche's departure.

- No, it's early to go. - He denied without wanting to tell what happened. - I also must study for the exam. - He replied with a hint of just thinking about it. -

- Well, I really want to exercise. I'm very, very hot and I need something to get my adrenaline pumping. - She whispered to him as one of her hands ran down Roy's neck dangerously down to his back. He walked away quite surprised. Melanie was going overboard, even for what was normal in her. - Not even the shower calms me down, - she continued in a lewd voice, - maybe if someone would accompany me to my room...

- I am very worried about the exam and I must go see the chess tournament. - He tried to apologize -

-I will help you, - the girl smiled perfidiously, kissing him on the neck. - Come to my room and you'll see how you forget about it. Chess, what nonsense devoid of all emotion! The soul can only be satisfied through carnal enjoyment. And I'm an expert on that...

Roy was quite surprised. Melanie didn't look like her, she spoke very strangely, it was an uncomfortable feeling. On top of that, she was cornering him in a corner. When, trying to get away, the boy had stood up, she hugged him and almost jumped on top of him kissed him passionately before he could know it. Just then Beruche, who had even been laughing along the way remembering the poor boy's face when she hit him with the folder, went to look for him on the court. At that moment the place was deserted of more people, she wanted to make peace and she witnessed that kiss believing that it was something very different from what was really happening. The words of the head of cheerleaders hammered her head, it was clear that she was right, she knew him well and he had fallen into her nets with astonishing ease. Surprised and even injured without knowing why, she turned around and left, but the boy saw her and getting rid of Melanie's sticky hug as best he could, tried to stop her with his call.

- It is not what it seems, please wait, let me explain!

-You won't say you prefer her to her than me! -  Her stalker spat out very sinisterly, assuring. - I can give you pleasures that stupid woman couldn't even dream of!

-Let me go, Melanie, there's no joke! - He asked her to push her away. -

However, she held his arm and with superhuman force pushed him against a wall as the tone of her voice became guttural and hissing and her eyes glowed reddish.

- Not so fast, you don't move from here! I won't let you escape, human!

-Who are you, you aren´t Melanie, are you? - Roy shouted with a gesture broken down by surprise and fear. -

- Do not you like the body I have chosen? - He was cynically asked by the devil. - It's a shame because we could both have a great time.

-Damn bastard, you're one of them! -  The boy said so angry - What have you done to Melanie? Leave her alone!

-As you want! - His rival agreed, and the girl's body collapsed to the ground, a dense black haze that materialized in the form of the demon. - You're mine! - he proclaimed, clutching Roy by the neck.

But he got away giving him a strong punch. The demon surprised, remade however quickly, and attacked again; both began to fight. Oblivious to that Beruche, forgetting about the tournament, ran to her room with tears in her eyes, saying to herself with a half-voice tinged with sobs.

-It's a pig, as he deceived me the other day, he was just lying to me! That's what he does with all girls. - At last, she stopped in a corner and dominated. She had to calm down, she wasn't going to let that slut humiliate her like that and she reflected more heavily - I'm stupid, I don't know why I put myself like that. It's Cooan who should hurt the most if she saw him. I must talk to him, set the record straight. At the end of the day, I shouldn't care who he is with, I've acted like a fool. We have no commitment and are free to do whatever they want. Also, he's going to think I'm going after him. Anyway, it is difficult for such a guy to change.

She wiped away tears and retraced her steps. She was surprised to see one of her sister's fellow cheerleaders arrive, who asked her.

-Have you seen Roy? I must tell him something urgent.

- Roy? I don't want to see him for a long time. - She responded wound yet. -

-Listen, - that girl asked her. - I know that you are his classmate and that lately you were seeing each other a lot. I don't know what your relationship is, nor do I care. I'm also aware that you're Connie's sister. My name is April Sinclair, and I am the second cheerleader captain. I'm worried about Roy, Melanie is very weird. She could do anything. She feels very bad.

-What? - Beruche asked without understanding. -

April sighed doubting whether to continue saying that, although she decided it was necessary to avoid greater evils and revealed it to her.

-Melanie is very hurt by Roy's rejection. She was very strange with me in the locker room. If you see her or see Roy, be careful. Let him know that she is willing to do anything to get him back.

Bertie was dumbfounded. Perhaps she would have misinterpreted the situation then. She was able to control herself at last and told her worried interlocutor.

-Thank you, if I see him, I will let him know.

-Mel is my friend. I don't want her to do anything she can regret. And believe me, the girl I saw in the locker room wasn't her. - April said. -

And having said that the cheerleader left, Beruche for her part wanted to return to where she had left those two. She would try to figure out what was going on. At last, when she arrived at the door of the lonely field, she heard noises of blows and missed, she looked inside.

-What's going on? - She asked herself aloud. -

The demon hit Roy throwing him against a file, he recovered very quickly and hit his surprised rival who was not expected so much resistance. All this was observed by Valnak who had appeared behind a part of the stands outside the attention of the protagonists of the duel and the frightened Beruche who did not know how to help ...

- Very well Palizar, do your duty. - The captain of the Horde was smiling. –

Anyway, Valnak had enough experience to know that this would not be so simple. Although he wanted to observe to what degree that human was ready. He wouldn't intervene for now. And above all, he noticed that girl whose face was very familiar to him.

-Wow, this will be very interesting. – He said. -

By this time Tom and Cooan had reunited, the two were heading towards the library to witness Bertie's departure, but not finding Roy, they thought he might be on the court.

- Surely, he has forgot about it, this Roy is a case! – His companion commented with admonitory air. -

-There is still time to go. - Cooan reassured him. - We look for him and that's it. He can't be far from here.

-And what about your sister? - I thought she had come by now. -

-I don't know where she will be. I haven't seen her since the morning. - Her interlocutor admitted. -

Tom was going to retort when they heard two dull bangs coming from the court. They immediately ran there joining a group of students who had also heard the noise but had not gone to browse so as not to get into trouble. Meanwhile Roy, overtaken by his enemy, ran out of there. Nor did he want Bertie (whom he had just seen arrive), to be involved in that fight. Under the shelter of any curious person, he entered an adjoining room chased by the demon. Tom, Cooan and Beruche gathered on the court and ran after him. But Tom stumbled upon one of the multiple objects that had fallen in the path of his friend and Palizar, being left behind. Meanwhile, the sisters entered after the devil in that room. As soon as they did so, the door closed behind them in an abrupt and unnatural way. On the other side Tom tried to knock it down without success, it seemed reinforced by a kind of impassable force field. Inside the girls came to the aid of their partner attacking the demon with all the objects they found there. Pencils, erasers, and folders that they threw against the body of their enemy. Beating, enraged, and upset, threatened them with guttural squeals.

-I will kill you all, miserable scum! I'm going to finish you off! – He sentenced by turning against the girls. -

Roy jumped against him, taking Palizar away from them, placating him by the legs, both rolled on the ground. The demon rejected him by rising furiously and declaring.

- No one who attacks Palizar comes out alive.

-What did you say your name was?  Roy responded with a strange tone between burlesque and funny despite the hurried situation. - Pali... what? What a ridiculous name!

-Don't make fun of me, damn miserable mortal, you're just a pathetic human!  - The demon howled for him while his rival dodged him while saying with derision. -

- Yes, but my name is not Palizar! What a name, ha, ha! -He laughed exaggeratedly to get as far away as possible the enraged demon of the girls and continued to provoke him -Come on! with that name you cannot be taken seriously. Come here that I'm going to give you a beating.

The demon, visibly offended, finally caught him by grabbing him by the neck. To the point his hands transformed into claws. He was willing to deal him the final blow but felt a telepathic order from Valnak.

-What are you doing, you idiot?  If you cause his death, you will be destroyed next!

Amazingly for Roy and the girls, the demon barely controlled himself by lowering his sail while hissing agitatedly...

-You're lucky that my lord wants you alive!  If you didn't serve his purposes, you'd be dead!

Then Cooan, in that carelessness of her enemy, recited a spell and threw an amulet at the demon that paralyzed him. Roy took advantage of his efforts to free himself to let go and stuck a chair leg on him, blowing him up, pulling away with the girls behind some tables.

-Chao Palizar! - He exclaimed with derision as the demon exploded. -

Once the shock wave from the explosion dissipated, Roy joined along with Beruche and Cooan.

- Thanks for helping me, Connie. - He gasped in relief. -

- It was nothing. - She smiled at him without wanting to give it importance. -

-And thanks also to you, little cube. - He added with a recognized tone. -

Bertie was going to say something when a silhouette of unrecognizable face materialized in the room, it was Valnak.

- Alright, I see you're not as helpless as you seemed. You've wiped out one of my best anti-virtue demons. I am impressed. - He declared with strange burlesque kindness. -

-So, it's you who's behind all this, who are you? – Roy asked him, putting on guard. -What do you want from me?

The silhouette disappeared, but the voice kept ringing from all over the room.

- I want you, that's clear...

-Come for me, if you dare, the same thing will happen to you as to the others! - Roy replied by brandishing a stick with a defiant gesture everywhere and none. -

- Ha, ha, ha! - His antagonist laughed, funny. - Poor stupid, you don´t stand a chance against me! , you don't know who you're up against. The demons that you have destroyed so far with all that work and difficulty, were only my servants.

- He is not alone. We are a team. - Cooan intervened with a determined voice. -

- You will also have to face us, whoever you are. - Beruche added by joining her sister. -

-You stupid girls! - He spit out that voice with manifest contempt. Do you think we have forgotten your betrayal? I know who you are, and I will take care of giving you your due later. Did you think you were safe here?

Both girls felt a chill run down their bodies. What did that strange being know about them? Who could it be?

- Don´t Dare to touch them or I will kill you!  - Roy threatened without understanding in the meantime what that entity could refer to. -

- Ha, ha, ha! - Valnak sneered. - You won't say the same thing when I finish my work with you. But there is no hurry. I will let you live a little longer, I love to have fun with you. See you soon. - The voice disappeared, and the door of the room opened itself as if it had never been stuck. -

Tom and the others came in ready to intervene but there was no one there but Roy, the girls, and a lot of damage. They barely improvised an explanation. They saw a rat, or something similar, come in there. They chased her but she escaped. It must have come out of some hole. When everyone heard that they lost interest and left, the boy told his friend the true version of what happened. He replied with determination.

- Do not worry, the union makes the strength. He will not dare against the four. - The newcomer declared to reassure his friends. -

- I don't think it's that easy, they are forces that go beyond our comprehension. - Roy replied very seriously, and then addressed the girls with an inquisitive gesture. - What did he mean when he talked about you?

- He must have confused us with others. - Cooan pretexted with a tinge of voice and rather nervous expression. -

- Yes, - Beruche seconded her somewhat more controlled, changing the subject radically with a more conciliatory tinge. - Hey Roy, sorry, I haven't been fair, I'm sorry I doubted you. It wasn't that big of a deal, sorry

- It's okay, Bertie. As for the jokes you were right, but what happened before with Melanie, I assure you that I did not... - But she made him shut up by lifting a finger. -

-What happened? - Cooan wanted to know by looking at them intrigued by the same thing as Tom. -

-Nothing important, - her sister responded. - Roy needs my notes for next week's exam.

-Yes, that's okay, Connie. - The boy added. -

-The game! - He remembered at that moment Bertie putting a hand to her forehead. - I almost forgot. It's about to start! O heavens, I´ll lose if I do not manage to be there at the agreed time.

-Come on, let's not waste time! – Tom urged them. -

The four of them ran to the tournament hall. Meanwhile, Hank Williams had tried to entertain his visitor a bit. The girl looked at the clock with a stern and disapproving expression.

-I assure you that I do not know what could have happened to her, Bertie Malinde is a very punctual and responsible girl. - He tried to justify it with tone and gesture of circumstances. -

-Well, maybe that doesn't apply to today. - Her interlocutor smiled slightly, adding with regret. - I would have liked to play against her, from my reports she is a very good chess player.

And just a few moments later Beruche entered running into the room, to greet her rival and sit down at the appointed time. She was visibly agitated.

-I'm so sorry, I had a setback, - she apologized between gasps to catch her breath. -

- Do not worry. - That young woman responded, introducing herself. - I am Sophie Volkóva. It's a pleasure to meet you.

-Beruche Malinde. – This one introduced herself in turn. - Likewise, excuse me.

-We can wait a few minutes, until you are calmer. – Her interlocutor politely offered her. -

Bertie appreciated the gesture, and it came in handy. Her mind was not for too many chess strategies. She couldn’t focus. She thought of Roy, of what happened to Melanie, but, above all, of that mysterious voice that seemed to know her sister and her very well, too well to feel calm or safe.

-We must tell the girls. – She thought with visible uneasiness. -

She took a deep breath and wanted to calm down. Now she couldn't do anything about it. She would try to play the best she could and finally, after a couple of more minutes, she addressed her rival announcing.

-I'm ready. Thank you very much for your kindness.

-Let's get around the pieces. - Hank intervened. -

He was going to throw a coin in the air although Bertie stopped him proposing her adversary.

-Since you've had to wait and you've been so gentle to give me even more time to calm down, I think it's fair that you choose.

-You are very kind, I accept, thank you. I choose the white ones. - Sophie replied. -

Thus, the game was arranged for its beginning. Sophie started with pawn e4. Bertie responded by imitating that move by taking her king pawn to e5, her opponent moved, horse f3 and Bertie did the same with her horse to f6.  Sophie reinforced her offensive by climbing lady's pawn to d4. Her rival immediately saw that this threatened her own pawn who was unprotected. She reacted with horse to e4 anticipating and eating another enemy pawn.

-Wow, interesting. - Sophie said. -

This moved the king's bishop to d3. Beruche advanced her lady pawn to e5. That was answered by her opponent who now ate the black pawn that was in the center, placing her horse in e5. Bertie's turn to take out her king's bishop to d6 and harass that horse. Sophie was unfazed by it, she had him protected by a pawn and took the opportunity to make a short castling. With tower to f1. Beruche mobilized her other horse to c6. Here her rival stopped for a few moments to meditate. The clock was ticking...

-What will you plan to do? - Bertie reflected in turn, alternately observing the gesture of concentration of her adversary and the board. -

She was liking that game. It was almost like playing against Ami. That girl was in a way very similar. Just as Hank had told her. Both were cautious but did not shy away from combat. In the end, her opponent made up her mind. With her horse occupying the center she took the one that Bertie had just taken out. Logically, the player of the black pieces countered by taking it with a pawn that mobilized until that square c6 of such an arduous dispute. Sophie smiled slightly by raising one of her pawns to c4. There came the turn of her rival to get involved, in the same way she had done before, with king's tower at f8. Sophie advanced her pawn to c5, threatening Beruche's bishop, as she commented.

-You are clearly on the defensive.

-I am playing with black ones. – Bertie told her. -

-You know what I mean. -Her interlocutor said. -

Bertie had to admit that her rival was right. By reason of the circumstances, she had been taken in tow. In effect, that was contrary to her philosophy, that of "playing to win," anyway, she dominated the game well with the black pieces and perhaps giving ground to her opponent she could be emboldened and make some mistake.

-But she's very good, maybe as good as Ami. - Bertie said. -No, I don't think she will fall into the trap.

And she retracted her bishop to e7. Sophie advanced her pawn towards f3. Now she had her opponent's remaining horse in her sights. Bertie immediately removed it to g5. Her opponent took out her other horse to c3. Beruche moved her tower to e8. Another moment of waiting ensued. Now Sophie was weighing her chances. She judged that the time to start using artillery had come, moving her lady to a4. Unimpressed Bertie mobilized her other bishop to d7, thus protecting a pawn and the way of penetration of her rival's lady. Sophie responded by moving her other bishop to d2. Turn of her opponent to move her other tower to b8. This time it was up to her opponent to mimic the movement by moving tower to b1. Bertie stopped to think for an instant. She decided to move bishop to f6. The game was already more than half an hour and the players were totally even. In line with that, Roy commented to Tom with a whisper.

-Who is winning?

-I have no idea, - he confessed, taking the opportunity to address Connie with a whisper. – How is Bertie doing?

-I don't know. Chess is not my thing. - She answered in a low voice in turn, although yes, nuancing. - I have played sometimes against her and she always beats me. But sometimes it costs her more. And I can see it in her expression. Today, judging by her concentration and the look she has, it seems to me that this game is difficult, and her opponent must be very good.

Meanwhile, Sophie had moved her king to h1. Bertie replied by raising pawn to h5. Her adversary retreated her horse to e2.  It was as if the local player had started a full-blown counteroffensive, she advanced pawn to h4. Hank did not lose sight of the board, nor the evolutions of both. He could see that this was totally balanced and that the slightest mistake made by any of them was going to decide the game.

-They both know it and neither of them want to make that mistake. - He thought. -

Sophie's turn to raise pawn to h3 and block her rival's advance. Bertie moved her lady to c8. At that moment Sophie smiled advancing her bishop to a6 to harass her. Her rival merely returned her lady to the safety of d8.

-You've put together a good defensive framework. - Sophie said. -

-You are welcome to try to penetrate it. - Bertie replied. -

Although her interlocutor responded by retracting her bishop to d3. Bertie then put her lady back in c8 and the visiting player in turn returned the bishop to her previous position.

-This no longer makes sense. - Bertie, who once again pushed her lady away from d8, declared. -

-I totally agree with you. – Her rival responded. -

And Sophie extended a hand to her that Beruche immediately shook. After this gesture, applause was heard from the spectators. (Source, Kasparov vs. Jussupov, 1995. https://www.chess.com/es/games/view/713000. Page chess.com)

-Who has won?

-Tie. - Tom announced. -

-Tie?" asked his friend asked. –

-That's right. – Cooan confirmed. -

-That's very boring, and they can't play extra time or something? – Roy asked. -

That provoked the incredulous looks of some companions and the smiles of Cooan and Tom who, laughing now, replied amusedly.

-This is not basketball!

Meanwhile the players said goodbye cordially, Sophie told her.

-I hope we can face each other again. And that next time there is no problem that disturbs you. You are a great player, but I think today you have not been able to get your full potential.

-Thank you very much. You are magnificent! - Bertie praised her thinking about it. -

In fact, she equated her in level to Ami. While her dear friend might well be a little above. Judging by the results she reaped against her.

-Against Ami most of the time I make draws but, when it is not so, she beats me in proportion of one and a half times to one. - She recalled, valuing. - With this girl I think I could be close to fifty percent of victories and defeats.

-Thank you very much for this excellent game. - Hank congratulated them. -

-You are welcome. – His guest responded, and she said goodbye again to rival and the rest leaving. -

Hank seemed to want to say something to Bertie although he thought better of it, quietly retiring as soon as Roy Malden, his friend Thomas Rodney, and the player's sister approached her.

- It was a shame. - Tom declared. -

- I couldn't concentrate as well as I would have liked. – Beruche said. - I'm sorry.

- Given the circumstances you have done the best you can. - Roy was quick to cheer her up. -

- Next time you will be calmer, and you will win. - Cooan smiled also giving her support. -

-Yes, you're going to give that one a good beating, little cube. – Roy said more enthusiastically. -

- Thank you all. - Bertie smiled at them feeling a little more comforted to refute her interlocutor. – It's not that easy. That girl is quite good.

-But surely you are better. - Roy smiled, riveting with hints of sincere praise. - I see that you grow up in the face of difficulties and unknown enemies.

That produced some blush on the girl's face. In the end it was Tom who cut that moment as well as the restlessness that he saw now in both girls, to propose.

-How about we have a drink?

- No, thanks Tom. - Beruche refused on pretext. - It's that my head hurts. I had a lot of turmoil for today and then the concentration of the game has finished dumbing me down.

- Yes. - Cooan agreed. – I am also very fatigued. Please excuse us. -

None of the boys insisted, it would be best to let them rest. Roy especially did not stop thinking about the words of that mysterious enemy. What would he have meant by talking about them? Something was happening there, and the girls were very scared. And he didn't think it was just because of the attack of those demons. They seemed to be as used to as he was. It was about the expression of their faces. When that mysterious individual addressed them. They had turned pale to hear him, as if they had seen a ghost. As much as they both denied it, there was anything else. He was also increasingly worried, something in that new adversary produced chills in him. He was far worse than any other he had faced until then. He thought that it would not hurt him to rest and together with Tom he decided to go to his room as well.

-I must find out what is happening. – He thought with obvious unease. -

Later, already in their room, the girls wrote a letter to the warriors of Japan. This time openly, evidencing all the gravity of the situation. They updated them and asked for their help to go urgently and begged them to keep their older sisters out of this.

-I'm afraid, Cooan! - Her sister confessed to her. - That devil knows who we are, or rather, who we were, I am convinced.

- Maybe it was a coincidence. - She weakly opposed the question because she herself did not believe so. -

- I don't understand, there was no one left from our family, not from the Black Moon clan, not even the Wiseman. The Sailors finished him. - Bertie tried to recapitulate. -

- Surely, they will help us. Trust Sailor Moon and the others. - Bertie was encouraged by her sister - They have never failed us.

Beruche sighed, they had no choice, only wishing that their request would come as soon as possible. Roy meanwhile was also honest with Tom.

- I'm scared, buddy. For the first time in my life, I feel that I do not know what I am up against, this situation surpasses me. I don't know how to act, or what they want from me. Moreover, those guys are getting stronger and stronger.

- But you also increase your strength. Right? – His interlocutor responded trying to raise his morale. -

- I don't know if that will be enough. And most of all, I don't want you or the girls to be involved in this because of me.

- Don't be afraid for us, we know how to defend ourselves! and I can teach you some methods to improve faster. - His friend harangued him. -

Hearing this Roy was visibly encouraged and asked his companion to start as soon as possible. Tom agreed to that. He also had his sources and thought of an old acquaintance whom he could perhaps consult. After a while and quieter, he decided to go out and be interested in Melanie. She had already been recovered and she didn't remember anything that happened after the shower. In fact, she woke up on the ground.

-What happened? - She was able to mutter. -

-Are you okay, Mel? - She then heard the voice of a boy who sounded worried. -

When she looked at who was speaking, she saw that it was Malcolm Roberts. That rugby player who was so infatuated with her. Although it certainly wasn't mutual. He was big and strong, , and she couldn't say he was ugly. However, she was only interested in Roy. And it was that name that muttered.

-What has that wretch done to you? - An upset Roberts asked her upon hearing it.

-He has not done anything to me. - She denied, adding with an open tone. - I thank you for your concern, but I am fine, please, leave me alone.

Just then April arrived. Malcolm saw her coming and did not want to be in evidence in front of that other girl, without a word he walked away through a nearby corridor.

-Are you okay, Mel? - The newcomer wanted to know. -

-Yes, but I don't know what happened. I don't remember anything. I was about to take a shower...- She was able to respond by putting a hand to her forehead. -

-Lean on me. -April graciously offered her. -

And so, they went both ways to their room. In fact, they had been sharing a room for two years. Truth be told it was a very hard test for April to be constantly by her side, to see her wake up in the mornings and hear her rant about Roy. But there were also good times when they shared confidences and complicities in some mischief. As well as preparing choreographies for the cheerleaders. And between laughs or more serious and delicate moments, the only question she could never answer to her captain and friend was when she asked her.

-When are you going to ask me to leave you alone in the room?  Guys line up for you to give them a chance. Well, everyone but Roy, huh? That is mine and mine alone.

-We all know it. And for my part I would never dare to look at him. - She smiled then. -

-Thank you, April. You are a good friend. - Melanie laughed giving her an affectionate hug that sometimes almost made her cry, more when she insisted. - And being the second in command of the cheerleaders, you should get a good boyfriend, tall and handsome, from some university team.

-I'm very hesitant for that. I like them all so much that I don't know which one to opt for. – That girl confessed. -

-What do you think about Tom Rodney? - Melanie propose, affirming with sincere approval. - He is a good boy, serious, formal, handsome and a magnificent karateka and singer.

-Not bad at all. But I don't think he's interested in any of us. - April said. -

And that was true. That boy had not been seen dating any girls from the faculty. To which Melanie inevitably had to conjecture.

-Maybe he is, well, you already understand me...- She smiled amusedly to exclaim with laughter. - Can you imagine?

-I don't know, I don't think so. - April timidly muttered. -

-Of course not, you silly! - Your interlocutor laughed once again to sentence. - Do you think Roy would not have told me? It's his roommate! That is known right away.

-Sure, you're right. -April replied, forcing a smile. -

Now, leaving those memories aside, she helped Melanie get to her room and lie on the bed. After a while the cheerleader captain fell asleep. April went out for a short walk to let her rest. Soon she saw Roy approaching. The boy, seeing her in turn, immediately asked her.

-How is Mel?

-Sleeping in the room. - She replied with a dry tone. -

-I hope she's better. -She wished. -

-Well, then you shouldn't treat her like that. -She reproached him with visible discomfort. -

That made the young man look at her with puzzlement. However, he did not take long to answer with a conciliatory tone.

-I know how much you appreciate Mel; you are her best friend and her roommate. Here at the Golden that means a lot. And you're also a good girl. That's why I'll tell you what's going on. You'll see, April. Melanie and I split out last year. And I thought she was over it.

-Is it because of that Japanese girl? - April inquired now with genuine curiosity rather than anger. -

-Bertie has nothing to do with it. What was between Melanie and me was over before she arrived. - Roy answered sincerely riveting. – And I give you my word that I don't want to do her any harm, I appreciate her very much. Mel helped me when I needed it and I will never forget that.

April nodded slowly, lowering her gaze. She was able to sigh.

- I didn't want to be so mean. I am sorry. If you give me your word, then it will be.

And even she knew that this boy always fulfilled what he promised.

-Thank you. - He smiled in turn, adding as if asking a favor to April. - Take care of her.

And he left leaving April there. He was already more relieved about his ex-girlfriend. Although on the way back to his own bedroom he came across Roberts who approached him with angry face and snapped at him.

-I hope this is not your thing, Malden!

Roy looked at him tiredly and replied apathetically.

- Give me a break, Roberts, I haven't had a good day and I don't feel like any more problems.

-If you hurt Melanie, you will face me! - He threatened him by sticking a frightening look at him. -

But his interlocutor felt tired and barely paid attention to it, adding nevertheless calmly.

- I don't want to bother, nor do I intend anything with her. I just want to be calm, okay?

And without further ado, he walked away taking advantage of the effect of his words. Roberts was baffled, perhaps he did not expect that kind of surrender, or that his antagonist would avoid direct confrontation. And being so subtle was not his style, he didn't know what to replicate, anyway he still warned him from afar.

- I'll be watching you, Malden. Don't forget.

Roy no longer heeded that last statement, other more serious things worried him. He strolled a little through the corridors and when it was time to sleep, he went back to his room, said goodnight to his partner and went to bed. But Valnak was still there. In the darkness of the night the demon disturbed the sleep of his prey with a telepathic message as a song that cooed and disturbed him at the same time.

***Going back into time***

***Lying through the night***

***Remember, when it just took all over***

***Taking me higher***

***Thoughts in my mind***

***On the roof***

***Uplifting***

***I'm drifting, away***

***From city to city***

***From dawn to dawn***

***And the whole generation, is on the rock***

***Goodbye to the past***

***Hello to the future***

***As the struggle continues***

***There's no fate***

***Someone’s going to ask you about the truth***

***And the meaning***

***Expecting, another answer***

***To be sure he's on the right side***

***And you’re on the wrong***

***Do not listen***

***It's your decision***

***From face to face***

***From soul to soul***

***And the whole generation is out of control***

***Goodbye to the past***

***Hello to the future***

***As the struggle continues***

***There's no fate***

***There's no fate***

***There's no fate***

***There's no fate***

***From city to city***

***From dawn to dawn***

***From face to face***

***From soul to soul***

***As the struggle continues***

***There's no fate***

**(Scooter, There's not fate. Credit to the artist)**

- You have no fate; it is already marked for you. Dark powers are your owners.  You must return to them. You are marked and nothing can prevent it. - All this resonated in Roy's mind that stirred in dreams while muttering that maxim. -

- There is no fate... For me...

Satisfied by his subliminal message, the demon returned to the base. There, the Great Wiseman, angry after what he considered a new failure, asked him for explanations.

-Why didn't you attack them, Valnak?  You would have finished with them without difficulty...

-I was watching a very interesting game of chess. - He responded without seeming concerned by the anger of his speaker, even commenting almost seemed like fun. - You should value that. You are a great strategist, Wiseman.

The hooded man did not respond to those words. He seemed to be meditating on them. Valnak then added with a more serious tone.

- I wanted to evaluate its strength and I have also discovered something interesting. Look at your ball.

-For what? - The Wiseman asked him. -

-You will have the answer. - Valnak declared enigmatically.

He finally did what his interlocutor asked him to do but without much desire and Valnak projected images of two girls on her. One playing chess, the other watching her with an expression of pride and affection.

- I have recognized them! I had seen them before. They were our thirty-century envoys! I remember that one of your brothers sent them to the Earth of this time. And they betrayed him.

-How come they are here? - The Wiseman wanted to know, surprised by this revelation. -

- They became normal humans. Apparently, those who helped them do so are not in this place. Or at least, I haven't been able to detect them.

-Take care of them. Kill them! - He was ordered by the Wiseman who moderated that impetus to qualify. - But you must fulfill your mission first, that's the main thing. Time is ticking.

The demon remained silent for a few moments, soon nodding to testify.

- Of course, as you arrange. As I wake up to Armageddon, I will have some fun with them. But now it is not necessary to kill them. What's more, they can be useful to me as chess pieces. I will use them to make the right moves when the time comes. They will serve to control the human that houses it. If he fears for them, I will have him at my mercy. Ha, ha! And when the time comes, they will be sacrificed.

-Do what you want with those two but get results! - Wiseman lapidary demanded, and he disappeared instantly. -

- Whatever you command, It will be my pleasure. – Valnak answered to the void and added for himself in a thoughtful monologue. - How much time has passed, old friend! but do not worry, I will free you from your chains and everything will be as before. This time I will not allow our plans to be thwarted. And less for those stupid traitors. Although I'm glad they're here. That will give me the opportunity to kill three pieces with the same shot. And this time, princess, I will have no mercy on you! No matter how good you are playing chess, you are not good enough to play a game against me. In the end I will be the one who wins and checkmates you. I have come from Hell for that, and I will not return without getting it. – So, after those reflections he vanished also leaving the place in silence.

Days later, when the girls' letter arrived in Japan, this time Ami oversaw receiving it. She was really worried after reading it.  It didn't take long for her to warn the others. On this occasion, the first to arrive were Usagi and Rei.

-It's terrible. Those enemies they face there are becoming more powerful, and they also know who they were. – Ami commented, wondering with visible concern. -How can that be possible?

-I think the time has come for us to intervene. This is already acquiring some very dangerous dyes for them. - Rei commented, with the countenance also very concerned. -

-It's not the time yet. - Usagi replied, adding with a somewhat enigmatic tone. – But when time comes, just you two will go.

-Just the two of us? – Ami exclaimed. –

Rei looked at Usagi with the same stupor as her partner and asked.

-We won't all go.

-Well, the three of us. I will go with you myself, but Minako and Makoto must stay here. At least for the moment. - Their interlocutor answered them. -

Usagi then took the opportunity to reveal a couple of things to her stunned companions. They nodded and although they had some more questions to ask, they did not have a chance. Soon there was a knock on the door. Ami opened by finding there the other two warriors of the inner solar system.

-We came as fast as we could. - Makoto greeted them. -

-Yes, Artemis told me you had called, Ami. - Minako added. -

Her companion passed them by and when they were all seated, she read that letter to them. The new arrivals expressed the same concern. However, Usagi seemed to be calmer now and told them.

-The time has not yet come to intervene there. Here we have dangerous enemies. As soon as we make sure that things in Japan are under control we will get going.

-The truth is that several days have passed and there have been no attacks again. - Makoto said with bewilderment. -

-But I think Usagi is right. - Rei intervened. - In a few more days we will be able to be completely sure.

The two newcomers looked at her friend surprised. She noticed asking.

-Can you know what happens? Do I have something on my face?

-No girl, but we're surprised you agree with Usagi so quickly. - Makoto replied. -

-It's true. - Minako agreed adding with a half-smile. - It's not very common.

-Listen to me, girls. The fact that Usagi is often unpunctual, bizarre, and clueless to the point of not being able to, apart from immature, does not mean that, very occasionally, she is not right. And when she is right, she is. - The priestess sentenced. - It is fair to admit it.

Now everyone looked at her with eyes like dishes.

-Well, seen like this. - Makoto smiled. -

Although it was the one alluded to in that kind of speech who took the floor not without irony to declare visibly annoying.

-Wow, thank you very much, Rei. I am grateful to you for defending myself in such an energetic way.

-You are welcome – Her friend who seemed oblivious to the disgruntled gesture of her companion while the rest moved their heads, smiled. -

-Well, what I said. - Ami recapitulated to get out of the way of that uncomfortable situation. - We will wait, and, in the meantime, we will try to inform ourselves better. Then let's see what we can do. If we discover the slightest risk to Bertie and Cooan we will have to act. What do you think?

The others agreed on it and after a while they separated, without stopping thinking, of course, about their dear friends.

**START**