GWA18E

**START**

**Chapter 18. Settling of scores.**

The terrified demon tried to flee, flew away as fast as he could, but Roy in an instant appeared right in front of him. With tremendous speed he hit Valnak in the stomach causing him to fold in on himself.

- Damn you! - stammered the demon trying to catch his breath. - Now you will see.

Valnak tried to hit his opponent again and again, but the latter simply moved out of the way so that his enemy's blows never touched him. The demon tried to escape again, but his opponent grabbed one of his legs and threw him to the ground, making a huge gaping hole when he crashed. After a few moments he managed to get out quite bruised, he looked at the sky and saw that Roy was still there, motionless, looking at him with that expression that now lacked any feeling. The cowering demon flew at him with a punch, but now the tables had turned completely. The boy absorbed the blow without barely perceiving it and parried a subsequent one-handed punch by grabbing his opponent's arm. Valnak tried to free himself using all his power, but not even with his demonic strength could he move his opponent even a millimetre. In desperation he hit his enemy in the face with his other arm, he punched him repeatedly with all his strength, but he remained unmoved, only his head was slightly thrown back by the impact of the blows that made him bleed from the lip.

- I told you so. - Roy declared in a cold and dispassionate voice devoid of any trace of clemency. - You're going to die.

- But what kind of monster are you? - His incredulous and astonished opponent shouted on the verge of hysteria. -

- You would know; you are the one who created me. I was someone who was peaceful and did not harbour hatred in his heart, but you have sown it. You have hurt the people I have loved most in my life and you have awakened in me something I did not believe existed. The desire to kill for revenge. - Roy replied nonchalantly. - Now you're going to know what happens when you go too far and play with the feelings and lives of innocent people?

- No, wait! - Shouted the demon in a desperate tone. - I can tell you many things you'll be interested to know about yourself!

- What things? - He asked with his emerald eyes full of fury, to spit. - Do you think you'll be able to buy your miserable life with anything you tell me? Poor wretch, how are you going to save your life and soul from damnation?

Valnak tried to teleport again and again, but there was something that prevented him from doing so, he could not concentrate his power and he immediately realized why.

- Damn Wiseman, he has betrayed me, he is blocking my ability! - He said to himself in alarm, although trying to control his emotions he added this time with a much more conciliatory tone. - I know you are very angry with me and I cannot reproach you, but I offer you the possibility of defeating the sect.

- Too late for me to believe your lies. - Roy replied punching him in the stomach, which made the demon doubled over with a tremendous pain that made him gush blood from his mouth. -

- You must believe what I tell you, “He groaned, - “, my true objective and that of Armageddon was to awaken and dominate this enormous force you possess, you are a sun warrior.

- What is this about a sun warrior? - Roy asked now with a gesture of attention that denounced his interest.

- A sun warrior is...-" But Valnak stopped in his stammering explanation and then smiled retracting his intentions. - Good thinking will be my last victory over you, Roy Malden. Come to think of it, your friend will die, and you will continue to ignore this secret.

- Speak up! - Roy shouted at him, unceremoniously shaking him with a repeated and forceful battery of punches. -

- I won't do it. - His opponent challenged him between gasps of breath from the harsh punishment he had received. - Because I am a demon of high rank with a hell oath of fidelity, and I will fulfil it. I prefer to die with dignity! - He spat and then commented more serenely. - You know, Roy Malden, I fooled you. I didn't kill your parents, the cultists did. I wasn't even here then. But I wanted to spur you on to fight, even though I never imagined you could transform yourself. How cruel fate is, isn't it? - He smiled mockingly despite everything and added with a last-ditch effort. - I was going to kill you with honour. That's the least you deserved, even your friend has been brave now, just as she was then. She deserves my respect just as she did then.

- What do you mean? - Roy wanted to know now with curiosity overcoming his anger. -

- I won't tell you that. I'll take the secret to my grave. - The demon laughed weakly. -

               Although his eyes were eager to receive death and his opponent understood it by releasing him. Valnak fell plummeting to the ground and his enemy sentenced pointing at him with the palm of one hand.

- Be as you wish, take your secrets to hell! - And from his hand a powerful wave of golden energy burst forth, sweeping the demon, and exploding all the surrounding terrain. The demon could only howl in pain moments before it was completely disintegrated.

Roy still floated in the sky for a few seconds, until the rain of debris and dust subsided, revealing a huge crater that was only surrounded by a wasteland. He landed near there completely exhausted, after the combat and once his enemy was destroyed, his body relaxed losing the rage that was replaced by a huge sadness and worry. That glow faded and its volume diminished, recovering its normal aspect. He barely drew energy from his exhausted body and was able to walk around the surrounding blocks until he collapsed, whispering Bertie's name as he lost consciousness. Fortunately, Ami and Rei were nearby and witnessed this and narrowly escaped the explosion.

- Ha! Did you see that? - Sailor Mars Warrior exclaimed with a gesture dominated by astonishment. -

-Yes. She was right. In everything she told us. - Mercury mused. - Now we must help him. Come on Rei!

        Her friend nodded and between the two of them they picked Roy up and not without great effort dragged him to more crowded streets. There they called a cab and cancelled their transformations returning to their normal clothes. After a few minutes, which took forever, the taxi arrived. They had to give a thousand and one explanations convincing the frightened cab driver that the man had been the victim of a robbery but that he was not dead. With his help they took him on the way to the emergency room, but Ami, who had only a cursory knowledge of medicine, was surprised to find that Roy's condition was not as serious as it seemed. It was unbelievable but most of his wounds had closed after that amazing transformation. The girls, anxious to avoid the police, and more than a few uncomfortable questions, persuaded the driver to drop them off in the neighbourhood where the boy's apartment was located. The man. A big, strapping young man of colour, as interested as they were in not being involved in a shady business that they would surely report to any hospital, agreed, even helping them to take him up to the apartment.

-I don't want any trouble. - The frightened driver was able to say. -

-Come on, I'm asking you, please. Just give us a hand to lift him up. It's too heavy for us alone. - Ami asked him. -

-Yes. -We'd appreciate it. - Rei added, taking out a hundred-dollar bill. -

-Okay, ladies. - The man said, taking the money and carrying the unconscious guy on his shoulders. - These white guys only know how to get into trouble, don't they? - He smiled knowingly at the two girls with oriental features who did the same. - What a ruckus there is in the streets, though. It must be a terrorist attack.

           The girls did not respond. As they walked up the stairs of the building and despite the stares of curious onlookers and people passing through the building, no one said anything. Unfortunately, in New York, the rate of muggings and assaults was so high that this poor boy could have been beaten up by any gang and no one would dare to report him in case he was the next target. For that part, the warriors were thankful to be in America and not in Japan, in their homeland the police would have quickly intervened. Here it hardly mattered. Besides, as the cab driver had told them, after the explosions that had occurred in some parts of the city, many people thought that some terrorist group was spreading panic. That boy could be yet another victim. Without taking any more care of it, the warriors opened the door using a key that their friend had in his pants pocket, finally that man unloaded him in the bedroom. The girls settled him on the bed and Ami did some emergency bandages and dressings. Thanking her for the tip the cab driver left.

- What can we do? - Rei sighed, dropping into a chair. -

-For now, let him sleep. - Ami replied, taking her temperature to decide. - He seems to have some fever and is very weak. The best thing is for him to rest. And we must go with Bertie and the others. - She added in a more concerned tone. -

-Yes. Hopefully they can do something for her. - Rei said, ready to start saying some prayers, both Buddhist and Christian, wishing salvation for her friend and finishing off with regret. - I can't even imagine how Cooan will feel.

Her companion nodded equally dismayed, sitting down on the living room couch in turn. Tom meanwhile had arrived at a hospital, double-parking, even though it was strictly forbidden. That was precisely why he was sure to attract attention. So, it was and when one of the employees of the place approached him to warn him, the boy informed him of the seriousness of his friend. The man, visibly shocked by the stake through the girl, ran to alert the nurses. When they arrived, Cooan was recovering from fainting and immediately became frantic again, even on the verge of collapse at the sight of Bertie's condition.

- Oh, my God! - she cried out in horror and anguish. My sister!

             Until Tom was able to calm her down by gripping her shoulders tightly and repeating,

-Bertie is still alive, Connie! We can't panic. She needs us. We don't have a second to lose. Come on!

           Cooan managed to calm down sufficiently and the paramedics took the opportunity to remove the victim from the back of the vehicle and carefully place her on a stretcher, which they brought and carried inside the hospital with alacrity. The two young men followed but were pulled aside by other nurses as their colleagues ran with her to the emergency room. There, Beruche was flanked by two doctors who rushed to graft an IV and measure her vitals....

- Pulse thread and very irregular. Traumatic wound at the level of the thorax with possible involvement of the pulmonary apparatus. - One of young appearance and dark hair diagnosed. -

- She's lost a lot of blood. We must hurry or it will be too late. - The other grey-haired one, who appeared to be older in age, added. -

- I'll take care of talking to the people who brought her in. - The younger doctor said, leaving the patient in the care of his colleague who went into the operating room with her and a team of surgeons. -

The brunette doctor located the two young men, both debris and hugging in the waiting room, they were escorted by two nurses and a newly arrived police officer. At the officer's request, Tom explained that they had been affected by those mysterious explosions that had occurred throughout the city. What else could he say? His terrified tone and Cooan's desolation, coupled with his own injuries, made that version more than convincing. When they explained that both the victim and her sister were foreigners, it made more sense.

- It was reckless. - The policeman commented lapidary but compassionately. - Without knowing the city, they shouldn't have gone into a neighbourhood like that when the evacuation notice was issued.

     Cooan barely heard that last, he could only look at the doctor and repeat in terrible anguish.

-She will be saved, won't she?

- I'm sorry, but I can't say for sure. - The doctor answered with a face of circumstance. -We must submit her to a delicate operation and, if she endures it, the postoperative period will be decisive. It will depend on her strength. Despite the misfortune, she was lucky, that stake acted as a stopper, preventing her from bleeding to death.

There was one more detail, which no one wished to address, but the doctor had no choice.

-Do you have health insurance?

-How can you ask such a question at a time like this? - Tom shouted at him in anger, so much so that the nurses held him by the arms, fearing that he might try to hit his interlocutor. -

- I'm sorry, believe me, I understand, but I don't make the law, my friend. - The doctor was able to apologize with regret. -

And paradoxical as it may seem, it was Cooan who, calmer, was able to answer.

- We have one, at Golden State College. We are studying there on a scholarship, and the scholarship covers hospitalization insurance. - She detailed so concisely and calmly that Tom regretted his outburst.

- Forgive me. - He mused faintly to the doctor.

             The doctor gave a faint, understanding smile, and that was enough for the nurses to let him go and leave. So did the policeman, who supposed there was nothing more he could do there. He had many more calls of wounded and multiple explosions to attend to. And this was another of the many cases that had occurred that day that would be hopelessly shelved.

- Go home as soon as you are taken care of. -The doctor asked them with all the gentleness and sympathy he could muster on the grounds that... "You won't do anything here; the operation could take hours. Just wait to see if we have blood from the victim's group, she will surely need some transfusions. For her and others. I don't know what the hell happened; it looks like a terrorist attack. - He pointed to the same corridor where more minor injuries were being treated or bandaged. -

- I'll stay; I have the same group as her. - Cooan replied and then remembered with renewed concern. - Where is Roy? My God, not him too!

- I'll stay with you, Connie. - His friend offered but she refused. -

- You must go and see if he's all right. Look for Rei and Ami! - The boy was reluctant to leave her, but she insisted with an imploring look. -Please Tom, I'll be fine here. You find them! I just hope they're safe....

          His partner had to give in. He in turn was very worried about his friend or whatever his friend was now. He could not get Roy's expression out of his memory; he was like another being completely alien to humans. So terrible and powerful it seemed that even that evil demon was overpowered by the horror of having awakened a monster far beyond his capacity. But he was their friend and so were Rei and Ami. If they accompanied him, it might be that all three would be safe. But where to look for them? Those ruins were his only clue, and he ran to them without waiting to be healed. He boarded the car, and it took him only ten minutes, but he found that desolation and saw no one. There was only one place he could go. If Roy was still alive and Bertie and Connie's friends were still alive, they were probably in a hospital, but which one? Or maybe they had gone to his apartment. He stopped at a pay phone and knocked. Luckily on the fourth ring they picked up and it was Ami who answered.

-Thank God! - Tom sighed, asking in a rush. - Are you alright?

Sailor Mercury told him yes, Roy was sleeping soundly. Her interlocutor in turn explained everything that had happened at the hospital. The boy ran to the apartment and on the contrary Rei and Ami went to exchange him with the girls. So, Tom lay down to rest and was overcome by sleep like his friend. He woke up a few hours later cursing his weakness, what if Roy had suffered a seizure while he was asleep? Fortunately, he was resting and seemed to be stable. The warriors, meanwhile, devoted themselves to watch over Beruche, accompanying and comforting Cooan. The situation was beyond them and although they did not want to do it, they had no choice but to communicate with Japan. This time their friends' older sisters would have to know. Ami was the one in charge of calling, first she consulted with Usagi who gave her the go-ahead, then she dialled Petz and Kalie's number, while Rei remained seated on a sofa in the waiting room with a shattered and exhausted Cooan.

-It's my dear sister! - the grief-stricken girl sobbed with her hands clasped under her chin. - I..., I love her so much. I won't be able to forgive myself if anything happens to her.

-She's going to be alright. - Rei hastened to encourage her, "We have to have confidence. You already saved her once when you convinced her to change. Now she'll have to do it herself. But she is strong. You all are. She'll get through it.

-Thank you, Rei, thank you for being such a good friend. - Cooan was able to say before burying her tearful face between the sailor's chests.

           The sailor could not help but shed tears as she hugged her, wishing with all her might that this time her words were also prophetic.

-We will be with you until your sister is O.K. Don't be afraid. Everything will be alright," - she repeated, trying in turn not to cry. -

At that moment, in Japan, the phone rang in the sisters' apartment. It was late and they were about to go to bed.

-Who could it be at this hour," - Petz said to herself with obvious annoyance. -

-Maybe one of my boyfriends," - her sister laughed. -

-I wouldn't be surprised. You're quite capable of giving them our number.

-Of course, I am. - Kalie laughed. - I'm not as difficult as you are....

-Bring it. - Her more than annoying sister ordered him: "I'll tell four things to whoever it is...

But it was Karaberasu who put on a playful expression. She immediately heard a familiar voice and smiled and exclaimed.

-My friend! How are you doing?

             Petz was about to ask her for explanations but immediately saw how her sister's face was transfigured. From smiling and jovial, she became livid, and tears were falling from her eyes, while the young girl could barely stammer.

-What?... My God! It can't be... No... We'll go as soon as we can... I beg you to take care of them, please!...

-What's the matter?" - Petz was frightened. -

Her sister hung up slowly and could not stop crying. It took her long enough to calm down before she was able to answer in a stammer.

-It's... it's Bertie, she's... she's... she's...

-She's what? What happened to her?  - the older sister asked, overcome by anxiety, grabbing Karaberasu by the shoulders and even shaking her.

           Finally, she was able to tell Petz what Ami had told her. Now it was Petz's turn to cry and turn pale. The two of them hugged each other in dismay, but they soon reacted.

-We must go to them. They need us," - Kalie said, regaining some strength. -

So, both sisters began to pack their bags...

-Oh, my God," - Petz sobbed. – “We must hurry....

And so, they did, forgetting anything else but to book a seat on the first available flight. In America in the meantime Tom did not sleep anymore. He kept looking after his friend who was delirious with fever. He mumbled something unintelligible to his companion who could only apply cold compresses and hope for a cure. Night fell and the warriors called. Beruche had come out of the operating room and remained stable despite the seriousness of her condition. It was a good start, but the next few hours were going to be decisive. Ami as well as Rei and Cooan would stay there, the latter was still in a bad state but a little better after knowing that Roy was well and that her sister still had a chance. They concluded the conversation by entrusting Tom with the care of their friend. He agreed, vowing not to rest, and continued to keep watching. Another new call, this time alarming news. Beruche had slipped into a coma and the prognosis was guarded, which meant extreme gravity. It was a practically irreversible situation. It was a terrible blow for Cooan who had lost consciousness again, she was treated with salts and woke up. They had to administer sedatives and now she was just moaning with her head buried in her arms and her friends could do nothing to cheer her up. Tom was also devastated, but he had to keep his word and carry on with his friend. He hung up promising that they would go as soon as Roy recovered. It was dawn, full daylight and at last, after a while more, the boy awoke. Slowly he squinted his eyes and immediately saw the image of his companion who rolled over on his bed relieved to see him conscious again. The convalescent had a headache, and his body was subject to tremendous weakness. All his limbs weighed him down like lead. Still, he was able to ask in a whisper.

-How did I get here?

- Ami and Rei brought you. - Tom smiled shyly at her. -

-How long have I slept?" - his companion wanted to know as he tried to get up carefully. -

- At least a whole day," - his interlocutor answered, adding. - "You know, you had me worried, you had a high fever and were delirious in your sleep. Although I didn't understand anything you were saying. - He hastened to add to avoid that possible question, although he heard him repeat Bertie's name on occasion. - I guess it wouldn't be important...

-And the girls? How are they? - Roy asked anxiously. -

- Well, Cooan is fine, she just had a fainting spell and some bruises. - His friend summed it up with a frown. -

-And Bertie? How is she? - The boy wanted to know, holding his friend by the arm in an anxious way and with his face twitching with worry. - Tell me!

The latter lowered his head and kept a tense silence that his interlocutor broke by urging him to answer.

-It's serious, isn't it? For God's sake, answer me!  - Roy urged him, desperate to hear an answer. -

- She is at the Memorial. - His friend answered in a quiet voice. - In a coma, the doctors don't have much hope...

Hearing this, the battered boy tried to get up faster, but Tom stopped him. Roy felt very weak and terribly hungry, as if he hadn't eaten for a thousand years, but he only wanted to see Bertie. Barely and with the help of his companion who finally gave in to his desperate pleas, he rushed over to a cupboard, pulled out some clothes and changed. His friend judiciously took the floor, though.

- At least try to pull yourself together a little more. It wouldn't help if you got worse. Eat something..." - He suggested, hitting the nail on the head. –

Roy went to the fridge and devoured everything he could find, fruit and cheese, then finished off the sliced bread he kept in a cupboard. Tom watched him dumbfounded. His friend was showing more than hunger, he was voracious beyond measure. He helped him prepare something else and the boy ate it with voracity. Cereals and nuts were finished. The convalescent felt better now, he seemed to have regained some of his strength. Then without warning he flew out of the window. Tom stared at him deeply saddened and drove off after him.  Roy arrived at the hospital and entered through an upper floor window that was deserted. He felt nervous, very tense, and worried about Bertie. But he knew that this was not going to help him at this time.  Now his enormous strength and the rage that had driven it no longer had any reason to be but pleading and hope. He took another deep breath. Calmer, he went down to the front desk and asked for her room. Since Bertie was not a relative of his, they did not want to give him any information. The boy had to control his nerves so as not to wreck the place. But he managed to impose his reason and providentially the receptionist told him that there were more people waiting to see this patient. He asked where they were and the nurse in charge, understanding his situation, sent him to the waiting room promising to let him know. Sitting there were Ami and Rei trying to comfort Cooan who was moaning in total collapse. As soon as she saw her friend through her tears she jumped up and hugged him, bursting into tears again.

-Oh Roy, thank God, I thought you were dead too.

- Calm down," he replied in a soft voice, stroking her head. - Tom told me what's going on. Bertie's not dead yet, Connie, there's hope yet....

-It's too bad! - Cooan moaned, unable to stop crying. - The doctors say that the stake caused a pleural effusion and that it is very difficult for her to resist it, what are we going to do? What am I going to tell my sisters?

Her interlocutor simply pressed her against his chest so that her friend could unburden herself. Above her, she looked at Ami and Rei, who could barely hold back their tears. Both were also red eyed from crying. Tom arrived a few minutes later and was put in charge of Cooan by his friend. He wanted to go up to see Beruche, but the doctors wouldn't let him. After much prodding and begging he finally got permission and went into the room where she was. A nurse was monitoring the weak vital signs of the patient who was intubated and connected to a ventilator, as her right lung was punctured, and she was unable to draw air without shrinking in size. Seeing her inert Roy got a lump in his throat, he approached her and carefully stroking the girl's long platinum hair tried in vain to suppress his tears.

- Please, sir," - the nurse asked him with great kindness. - "I must beg you to leave the room.

-I beg you, leave me with her for five minutes," - he replied, and his look was so desperate that the pitying woman consented and left the room. -

When the nurse went down to the waiting room, the girls, with Cooan in the lead, approached her.

-How is my sister?" - the girl wanted to know with vehement desperation. -

- Stationary. - The nurse replied softly, adding. - "A friend of hers is with her now.

And without further ado the woman left, she had many other matters to attend to. Cooan decided to go to see her sister and hug Roy, she needed him more than ever. Neither Ami nor Rei prevented her from doing so, they themselves were also exhausted and very affected by everything...

-Oh Rei," - Ami sighed, truly devastated, "What if we intervened too late? We should have used all our power, don't you think?

-You know as well as I do that, we weren't allowed to do such a thing," - Rei tried to console her. She was also very upset, even when she said. - "If we had, what happened wouldn't have happened... and according to what Usagi told us, this was bound to happen.

-What kind of warrior is he that he has transformed into," - Ami asked, stunned. - "I've never seen anything like it!

-Neither have I, but it's clear that he's very powerful. Even if we had to risk so much to achieve it. Above all, the lives of our friends," - her companion replied regretfully. -

-What if Bertie dies," - her friend asked almost rhetorically, trying to find a silver lining. - "That shouldn't happen. Usagi told us...

-She told us that we would have to make sacrifices," - her interlocutor cut her off gently, putting an arm around her shoulders. -

- It's very hard for them..." Sailor Mercury mused. -

-What did Usagi tell you?" - Rei wanted to know, trying to divert the topic. -

-They have already finished with the enemy there. She told me that it was long to explain. And she told me that she will be coming soon, accompanied at least by Mako -Chan and Mina -Chan ...

A faint flash of a smile crossed Rei's face, however it soon faded away although the girl was able to say.

-Maybe it's a bit late already, but I'll be very glad to see our companions.

Ami agreed, but then she added with a frown.

-But we will have to return to Japan very soon....

-And leave them to their fate here?" - her companion exclaimed; however, she immediately lowered her tone when she caught the reproachful glances of other people, adding more softly - "How are we going to do that?

-I'm sorry. It's what Usagi-Chan told me..." - Her companion justified herself with a resigned sigh although she added: - "I also talked to Kalie and told her what happened. Well, you know, the version we can tell them.

-How did she take it," - Rei asked tremulously. -

Ami gave a faint smile and shook her head in sorrow.

-You can imagine...Bertie is her little sister.

          Her friend said nothing more and the two of them kept silent, trying to rest....

In Beruche's room, Roy sat on the side of the bed and held one of her hands in his. He began to speak to her in a low, slow voice.

- I'm sorry Bertie, it was all my fault. Once again you are having a very bad time because of my stupidity. If I had reacted sooner, if I had been stronger, this would never have happened. - As he spoke the tears rolled down his cheeks and bathed his face, he whimpered disconsolately as he added in despair. - Stay with me, please, I can't bear it again, I've already lost the people I loved the most and I don't want to lose you, I love you, I love you more than anyone else in this world! - The crying did not let him continue and he sank his face on the inert girl's belly. -

Cooan had reached the door of the room and was about to enter when she heard the boy's words and after a few moments of perplexity and bewilderment she ran out with tears in her eyes.

- Roy loves her! - She thought disconsolately as she ran. - What am I to do? Bertie is my sister; I can't stand in the way.

        But her conscience was hitting her like a hammer, deep down Cooan always knew one way or another, her feminine perception saw more than her own mind wanted to accept. She only had to see them together to realize it. But until that moment she had always denied it to herself and now she was torturing herself with another, even worse thought.

-My God, I am a heartless monster, how can I be jealous at this moment? I love my sister more than anything, she is the most important thing now, she must live and become happy with him.

         As best she could she mastered herself by retracing her steps back to the room. Roy was also calmer now, he had stopped crying and remained there sitting and watching Bertie mumbling a prayer. The shattered Cooan joined him.

-Please don't let my sister die," - the poor girl pleaded again in tears. -

-He won't let her!" - Roy assured her, trying to comfort her! - Have faith!  -

Cooan hugged him again and wept. But not only because of her sister's condition, but also because she was also carrying out her silent renunciation of that wonderful boy. Then, without either of them noticing it, Beruche's body was invaded by a faint white aura. Next to the girl and very briefly, almost imperceptibly, an immaculate silhouette touched her gently and disappeared. In the scanner, there was a noticeable improvement that neither Roy nor Cooan noticed as they both left the room in dismay. Tom, who had already parked and arrived in the room a few minutes ago, Ami and Rei were waiting for them outside.

-I'll stay. - Tom offered affirmatively. - You are very tired Connie, go to sleep.

-No," - she shook her head. - I won't move from her side. - The girl said. -

-You should rest. You could get sick too. - Ami reasoned, watching her with concern. -

-I don't care! - She exclaimed, losing her temper. -I don't care what happens to me, I don't care about anything anymore! If Bertie dies, I'd like to die with her!

         And to the astonishment of the rest, it was Rei who, with tears in her eyes, grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her forcing her to look at her, to tell her in a hard and even indignant tone, tinged with tears.

-Do you hear me, Cooan? Do you think your sister would appreciate it if something happened to you? Do you think your other sisters would understand? What about your friends? Don't you care about us?

           The girl, almost in shock, looked at her companion and the sailor returned a look full of anguish and dismay. Soon she cried again, this time apologizing to everyone. Her nerves were broken. But Rei hugged her and with a softer and sweeter tone told her.

-That's it, it's over Cooan-Chan. We will stay. Please rest a little, then you will come to relieve us. I promise we will let you know if anything happens. But you must rest. Do it for Bertie. She wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you, and neither would we.

-Thank you, Rei...you're right, forgive me. - She was able to say as her friend reciprocated with an encouraging smile. - Yes, I'm exhausted...

-Tom. - An also saddened Ami said, addressing the also dismayed boy who was looking at his friend with regret. - Please, go with her...

-Of course. - He replied in a kindly way, telling the poor girl. - Come on, Connie.

         The boy gently put an arm around her shoulders, and she gratefully let him help her. They said goodbye and both left. Roy stayed there with the two girls. He was exhausted despite having slept and sat down on a couch in the living room. Ami settled next to him, and Rei remained standing next to him. The boy then said to them softly and full of appreciation.

- I have not thanked you for taking me home. Thank you very much.

-Don´t even mention it. -Rei replied kindly. - It was a pleasure to help you, that's why we are friends. -

- You made a great effort, you must be exhausted, go home and rest." - Ami added with concern. -

- I'm fine now. - Roy smiled faintly. - Don't worry about me.

-How is it possible that after that battle you can stay on your feet so quickly. -" Rei asked him in astonishment, adding in a slower tone. - A normal person wouldn't recover even with a week's rest.

- It's something I don't understand myself," - The boy admitted. - I don't know why I have this strength.

-Yes, it's amazing how you got so much power," - Ami commented now as if she hadn't heard the boy's last sentence. - Only Usagi is strong enough to do such a thing. And I've seen her do incredible things that no one else has been able to imitate. But I admit that yours is worthy of comparison and even surpassing her in certain aspects.

Roy looked sideways at her and at Rei, he seemed to meditate on the answer and finally confessed to them in a slow and reflective way...

- When Bertie was wounded, I thought she had died, then something was unleashed inside me. Something that was in my blood, that had been dormant all my life. An incredible rage came over me. I saw Valnak and I was not afraid, I only thought of killing him. Nothing and no one could have kept me from that. I wanted to fight no matter the blows or the damage they would do to me. At first, I was furious as I had never been, but then I felt no emotion. It was just fighting and fighting...

        Rei and Ami listened to him dumbfounded, it was Sailor Mars who recovered first and said at last with solemnity.

- You have great power Roy, much greater than anyone can imagine. You must learn to use it well; I sense that the fate of the world will depend largely on it.

- That strength can only be possessed by someone with a pure heart - Ami added, sentencing. - You are now the main enemy of the forces of evil. We will be with you, but I'm afraid there is little we can do to help you.

- No Ami, you are wrong, your help has been and will be very valuable to me. Now more than ever I sense that I will need you. I believe that much harder times are yet to come. - He rebutted with serenity affirming while observing both with admiration. - Now I understand why Bertie and Connie are such extraordinary girls. It's only natural to have friends like you. - He declared. - You're truly amazing! You really have strength and determination. And if the rest of your team is like that, when you're together you're sure to be invincible. We are honoured and lucky to have you on our side.

           The two women looked at each other and smiled faintly in gratitude for those words. Then they turned their attention back to the boy.

- Unfortunately, we must return to Japan in a few days, they also need us there. - Opposed Rei averting her eyes with regret, although she added a little more animated. -But we have warned the sisters of Cooan and Beruche. They know well what it is to fight, and they will know how to help you, you can trust them as much as us.

- We have told them what happened, except for your powers, we didn't tell Cooan either. She was in a very precarious emotional situation as you have seen, and we didn't want to add to her worries. The poor thing still doesn't know they are coming. We didn't dare to tell her. - Confessed Ami who added objecting now to her companion as if she wanted to remind her of that detail - Petz and Karaberasu know how to defend themselves but it's a pity they don't have their old powers anymore, they would need them now.

-That damned Valnak intended to humiliate them! - Roy said as he thought of his enemy's words regarding the former nature of his friends. - But all he succeeded in doing was to make me see how wonderful they really are, much more than I could have imagined, because I understand them well. I too have been dominated by evil and I know how hard it is to escape from its control.

- That's true. - Rei confirmed - they had a lot of courage and determination. They had to work very hard and overcome many inconveniences. I can assure you that.

- They always said that you two were very important people in their lives," - he said with gratitude in his words, sentencing. - As I told you before, now I understand to what extent.

Rei smiled and responded with a story.

- I fought against Cooan, I have the power of fire and she possessed it too, she was my counterpart. We faced each other on several occasions, and we were quite evenly matched. Well - She acknowledged with a slight smile. - She was stronger than me then, but I managed well. In the end I witnessed how her boss cheated on her. She loved him but he only used her for his evil purposes.

- So, Connie suffered a heartbreak. - Roy commented, perplexed, agreeing in the aftermath. - Yes, it makes perfect sense. Ever since I've known her, she's given me the impression that she's been hesitant and unwilling to venture too far into areas beyond friendship.

- She suffered a lot. She thought she had lost everything; at one point she was left with no way to return home and heartbroken. - Rei added. - Fortunately, she realized that she herself was the most precious thing she had. She wanted to get ahead and live a normal life.

- She helped us convince Beruche. - Ami interjected. - Like Cooan with Rei, she was my antagonist because she mastered the power of water and ice.

That surprised Roy, but not entirely. It was funny, and to think he called her an ice cube! How could he have imagined such a thing? But it fit. Although his interlocutor continued to tell Bertie´s story and he paid the utmost attention when she just said.

- We were all very amused when you called her little cube," - Ami declared, alluding to precisely that and infecting her listeners with a slight smile, to continue. -We fought a few times and I finally faced her in a chess tournament. There she managed to capture my companions and we played a game in exchange for their lives. I lost, although she cheated, but in that case it was normal. What was not so normal was that she agreed to forgive my friends if I sacrificed myself. When I asked her to do so, she was puzzled. It was as if the facade of icy indifference that she offered to everyone suddenly fell off. Her older sisters appeared and urged her to kill us. But she wasn't capable, preferring to freeze herself so she wouldn't have to. - Ami kept silent for a few seconds and decided to continue, it wasn't worth it at that point to sugar-coat things, so she unveiled. - Well, she tried to end her life and ours, prey to a terrible disappointment. She thought there was no chance anyone would want her. Not even her own sisters. She had been abandoned to her fate, she was heartbroken, and she was still the bad kind!

- Her sister Cooan finally convinced her to accept to live as a normal girl, she told her that her heart could not freeze, and she was right. That she loved her, and human beings had a great capacity to love. Just like her. - Rei added. - Then, between the two of them, they persuaded their sisters to leave the evil path and set up a cosmetics store.

- The following years they worked hard and the two of them prepared themselves to become teachers. During their mission with the Black Moon, they met children because their target was a little girl. Her name is Chibiusa, and she came from the future looking for our help. Not only did they not kill her, but they risked their lives to protect her afterwards. And they became very good friends. Especially Cooan, who was the first to redeem herself.

- And Beruche also accepted her last mission to try to warn her sister that they would look for her to kill her as a traitor," Rei remembered. - Despite still being an evil one. When her sister opened her heart to her, her brotherly feelings were stronger. So, as you see, Valnak's words, despite being objectively true in themselves, are so in a stilted and partial way, they don't explain the real story by far.

Roy nodded meditatively for a few moments and declared visibly impressed.

-They have taught me a great lesson, something I will never forget! And I will follow their example, I will fight evil, even at the risk of my life if I must, and they will not succeed, I swear I will never allow it. My only regret is that Bertie didn't have those powers you told me about, she wouldn't be like this now! - He concluded, impotently burying his head in his hands, trying to stifle new sobs. -

- That demon was too strong for her. - Ami repeated, gently placing a hand on the boy's left shoulder, trying to cheer him up. - Even with her old powers she wouldn't have avoided being badly hurt. But power or not, she didn't think about her safety and tried to save you. That's the power of love, which is the greatest there is!

- Yes - Rei added with sweetness in her words. - You also reacted like that when you thought you lost her and that great force inside you was unleashed by the power of love. You could not have awakened it in any other way. Ignoring that was the biggest mistake of Valnak and his people.

-Thank you very much, girls! - Roy was able to say with a trembling voice, overcome with emotion. - Thank you for everything you've done!  You girls are very strong too! I can see it in your eyes.

- We've had our battles too. - Mars smiled at him, taking the heat off the matter. -

- And if we learned anything from them, it's that as long as we stay united and maintain our bonds of love, no one will be able to defeat us. - Ami added. - It's a lesson that Sailor Moon has taught us many times.

- I would like to see Sailor Moon in action," - the boy smiled, affirming with evident admiration. - If you are this exceptional, I can't imagine what she will be like as your leader. Especially after what you have told me. I pity the fool who dare to confront her.

-She is our friend Usagi, you met her when you were freed from Armageddon," - Rei reminded him. -

-That's true," - he admitted, - "Well, I found her to be a really nice girl. She knows how to convey encouragement. Give her my best regards," - he asked affectionately now. -

-We will, thank you very much," - Ami said. -

-Thank you. I will never forget what you have done for me and my friends. - The boy nodded, placing each hand on one of the shoulders of his interlocutors. - I will always be indebted to you! I promise that if you ever need me, I'll be there.

           Ami and Rei smiled at him also visibly affected by exhaustion and excitement. Roy could see that they were very tired. Those poor girls had not slept for several hours after the battle and had had to take him to his apartment and take care of everyone. As warriors as they were they would have to be at the limit of their strength. So he asked them to take the first watch. They, after hesitating, accepted gratefully because they were really exhausted. The boy stayed that night.

-I will not separate from you, I promise, little cube," - he thought as he reached the room and was about to remain seated next to her, watching her with that fragile appearance of a sleeping princess. - "At least, in that, that damned Valnak was right in this. You deserve to be a princess.

In the meantime, April had made her way towards the signs that guy gave her. After a few turns, she ended up in an undesirable area of the city. Nervously, she looked behind her at the collection of individuals with sinister looks, beggars lying on the street or girls of licentious life that crossed her path.

-I can't believe Paige lives here," - she said to herself with uneasiness. -

And she came to suspect that this guy had cheated on her. She was tempted to turn around and get out of there before she was attacked, robbed or worse. However, her desire to see her sister again was stronger. That address was the only clue she had and she clung to it. At last, she climbed a flight of worn stairs and entered a narrow hallway with peeling walls. Doors lined both sides. She advanced until she reached the number she had written on that piece of paper. She wanted to ring the doorbell but it was broken. She decided to knock using her knuckles. She waited a moment, there was no answer. She tried again... Finally, a woman's voice that she immediately recognized asked:

-Who is it?

-Paige, it's me, April," - she replied, raising her tone. -

She thought she heard a baby cry. Then a few footsteps, finally that door opened. In front of her was her sister, looking very faded and with excessive make-up.

-What are you doing here," - Paige asked her in a half-hearted greeting. -

Her interlocutor didn't answer; she threw her arms around her. Her sister let her do it and after a few moments she separated from her, adding with a tone between dismayed and annoyed.

-I told you, you shouldn't look for me. And much less come here. You don't belong here.

-But Paige. I was so worried about you," - she justified herself. -

That cry was heard again, it grew louder and the tenant of the apartment immediately turned around, whispering in a honeyed tone.

-Now, now, my child... I'm coming....

And she went to take the baby from a rustic cradle in which it lay. The perplexed April followed her into the apartment. It was as ramshackle and precarious as the rest of the building. Without being able to utter a word, she watched as her sister cradled the baby in her arms.

-Don't cry, my darling. Look, Aunt April has come to see us.

-You have a daughter?" - she exclaimed with obvious astonishment. -

-Yes... look..." - She whispered affectionately to the baby when she calmed down her cries. -

April questioned her sister with her eyes. She sighed and let her take her little one in her arms. The baby seemed to be comfortable with her.

-She likes you. It's funny, she doesn't usually get along with anyone but me. - Paige revealed to her, who seemed surprised in turn.

Her sister smiled, fascinated by that little girl. After rocking the child, a little, she closed her eyes. At last, her mother returned to take hold of her and put her in the cradle.

-How was it? - April wanted to know. -

-I called the pizza delivery service, but they made a mistake and brought her to me.

-You know what I mean," - her interlocutor said, shaking her head slightly. -

-It's an occupational hazard," - Paige said. -

-What do you mean by that? A surprised April asked her. -

-Don't pretend, you're not that naive. – Paige responded. -

The questioned woman opened her mouth and eyes with perplexity and horror. Was her sister a...?

-It's exactly what you're imagining.

-But why?" - April exclaimed, instantly covering her mouth. -

She didn't want to wake her newfound niece. And Paige, now looking at her sadly, commented.

-I chose the wrong path in life. But there is no turning back for me now. I must continue on this path.

-Don't say that. You can always change," - her sister wanted to encourage her. -

-It's my destiny, April. One of the masters told me so. -She sighed regretfully. -

-Who are these masters?" - her interlocutor asked her without understanding. -

Her sister now hardened her gesture and her tone, sentencing lapidary.

-Nothing you should care about. You'd better leave.

-But I can't leave you like this, nor the child..." -The astonished girl wanted to object. -

-Go away! I can take care of myself," - Paige insisted, literally pushing her towards the door as she hostilely remonstrated. - "And I don't want to see you here anymore. Do you understand?

Her interlocutor couldn't help crying, shaking her head helplessly as she tried unsuccessfully to get her sister to listen to her.

-I can help you! Please! I'm sure Mom and Dad...

Though Paige now grabbed her by the collar looking at her with a menacing expression to hiss.

-Never! Do you hear me? Don't you ever tell our parents about any of this. Now get out of here! And for your own good don't ever come back....

And she pushed her one more time, pulling her out of the house and closing the door violently. Stunned and totally devastated April heard again the crying of the little girl and her mother trying to calm her with sweet words. She shook her head and, unable to stop crying, walked away down that gloomy corridor.

-I have to do something. I'll come back, I'll convince her," - she said, trying to cheer herself up. -

Paige cradled her little girl in her arms crying as hard or harder than she or her sister.

-I'm so sorry. But it has to be this way. I can't let you be corrupted too, April. - She thought with a great pain in her heart.

It was certainly too late for her. Even as a child she had been abused by her father, or what she had thought was her father. But when April was born she felt totally outside the family. Her own mother focused more on the new-born, leaving her very much alone. However, far from hating April, she loved her. She was the only one who showed her affection in turn, and she was also innocent. When Paige grew up, her character became rebellious, in fact she did anything that could annoy or hurt her parents, but never anything that would make her little sister suffer. Finally, after strong arguments and threats of institutionalization, she ran away. On the street she had to survive as best she could. She even sold herself to some depraved person for a few dollars. Then, when she was at her most desperate, one of those guys who slept with her told her about the sect.

-They might be able to help you there. They'll give you a house and you'll be able to live better," - he assured her. -

And since she had nothing better to choose from, she agreed to accompany him to one of the meetings of those guys. In fact, those guys, whom they respectfully called "masters", hooded men with sinister voices, promised her their help, especially when one of them told her.

-Your sister has suffered a terrible accident. She needs you by her side.

-How do they know that?" - she asked in shock and surprise. -

-If you don't believe it, go to visit her. And if you need help for her recovery, don't hesitate to ask us for it,"- Another of those individuals answered. -

And to her astonishment and horror, those guys were right. Her sister had been run over and left bedridden. She would never be able to walk again. After crying her eyes out in sadness, she went back to see the masters who assured her that, if she complied with their orders and got April to do the same, she would be able to walk again. She agreed to do anything in exchange for her sister's health and recovery. Even when she got April to sign that. She remembered how she stood before those three hooded men who demanded her once she returned that parchment to them.

-Did your sister sign it of her own free will," - one of them asked. -

-Yes, she has,"- the young woman nodded. -

-In that case, the pact is valid," - one of the masters confirmed. -

-And have you explained to her what she has committed himself to?  - Another one asked Paige. -

-I did, I told her that she had to obey," - she mused, lowering her head. -

-Obey?" - Another master exclaimed, adding sternly. - "Did you explain to whom and why?

-No... well, I told her that she would be asked to do things and that she would have to comply with them.

-You wretched whore! - Another one of those guys said, arguing: - "If she hasn't paid obeisance to our Lord, the Prince of Darkness, that pact is worthless.

-We will annul it," - Another added. -

-No, I beseech you," - she whimpered, dropping to her knees. - "I will do anything you ask of me, anything! But let her go back to the way she was before.

-You are a stupid bitch! - Another master insulted her, though, with a tinge of glee, he added, -

-"And that's going to be your main occupation from now on. Carry on with your work. You will devote yourself to giving pleasure to our most prominent acolytes. You will be a common reward for their services to our master. Then you'll be able to make some money...

-Or else..." - Another of those scoundrels added, leaving the sentence in suspense. -

         Paige knew perfectly well what the conclusion of those words would be, she immediately nodded humbly and mused with stoic resignation.

-I will do anything you ask of me. I only want you to keep my sister out of this and that she is cured....

-So be it," – One of the masters said, with the assent of the others. -

And since then, besides doing it to survive, she had to sell herself as merchandise and let herself be used as payment for services rendered or reward for loyalty. She suffered with some real pigs and perverts who did anything that could cross their depraved minds. And one fine day, she discovered that she was pregnant. Her first intention was to have an abortion, although she didn't know why, she didn't have enough courage. Maybe if she had a baby to give true love to, she would have a way out or at least a window of hope in that hell of life. That was how Marla was born.

-You are all I have now, my child," - she whispered lovingly when she finally managed to put her back to sleep. - "And I will take care of you. At least, I hope your aunt is safe from them.

For her part, the girl returned to the university, skipping curfew. Although now it was easier after the recent circumstances. She went into her room and there she saw Melanie. Although it was very late, her friend was awake. At first she thought she might ask her where she was coming from, but to her surprise she discovered that she was crying, sitting on her bunk.

-What's the matter," - she asked, forgetting her own grief for a moment. -

The Cheer- leaders captain seemed to find it hard to speak. At last, though, she was able to say in a stammer.

-It's about Bertie, Connie's sister, she's in the hospital very seriously. She's suffered terrible injuries from those attacks. She's going to die for sure!  Connie is devastated. Susy saw her when she came to pick up some things! And she said her expression was .... and I... I can't help but think that....

Crying, she was unable to continue. April hugged her right away letting her vent and mused.

-You are not to blame for anything.

-I attacked Bertie from the first moment she came here. I blamed her for Roy not liking me. I dumped my jealousy on a girl who was not at all to blame for that," - the captain moaned. -

Her colleague didn't know what to say to that. What Mel said was true, but she didn't want to bring her partner down any further. She hugged her as tenderly as she could, and the two stayed like that for a long time. In the end, almost dawn, they opted to take a shower and try to go out for breakfast.

-Let's hope there will be good news," - April tried to cheer her up. - "Don't be so pessimistic.

And as soon as they could, they asked. When Tom appeared at the faculty he told them, full of dismay, that Bertie's life was hanging by a thread. Then he said he had to go back to the hospital.

-I'd like to go see her," - Melanie offered. -

-Maybe that's not a good idea," - her friend tried to dissuade her. -

Her interlocutor nodded, letting a few tears fall. Possibly Connie remembered how she had treated her hapless sister.

-I'll pray for her. Oh yes, I will!  - Melanie assured after hugging the boy. - "Tell Connie!

-Thank you. I'm sure that will help. We must have faith,"-  he replied kindly. -

          And soon after he left, he had to relieve his friends. Although he left one important detail unsaid. That Roy was there. The boy thought it would be better not to name him in front of Mel. When he arrived at the hospital, he replaced him in the task of accompanying the patient.

-Any change? - he asked when he met his friend just outside the room. -

-No," - he sighed, tired and somewhat depressed. - "Nothing.

-Be confident," - Tom smiled warmly at him. - "Bertie is an exceptional girl. She'll come out of it.

-Yes, she is. Thanks Tommy." - Roy smiled in return. -

-Melanie and the girls have taken an interest in her. And I assure you, Mel was in pretty bad shape. She promised to pray for her recovery and I'm sure she will.

-I wish I could apologize to her for whatever I did to her. -" Roy mused, feeling guilty once again. -

-Everything will be all right. But, as my mother always says. - "Come on, piano, piano, and one thing at a time," - his companion told him cheerfully. -

       His friend hugged him affectionately and walked away. Tom came in ready to accompany the poor girl who was still in a coma.

-Come on, Bertie, you can't leave me and Roy alone," - he whispered affectionately. - "But above all, you can't leave Connie alone...it would break her heart. And if her heart were to break, mine would too....

            In this way, they all took turns in the following nights. They always talked to Beruche, they were sure that she could hear them and that this would help her to overcome her condition. Tom, for his part, also focused on Cooan, accompanied her at all times. On the one hand he wanted his companion to know the feelings he harboured for her, but on the other he preferred to wait. He didn't want to do it yet; he didn't judge it chivalrous or noble in view of the emotional dependence Connie might have on him in such hard times. Not at least not until Bertie was out of that state. Roy meanwhile, when he wasn't in the hospital trained hard. He could already carry over a thousand pounds of weight, helped by Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury who were amazed at his rapid progress. The boy even insisted that the sailors bombard him with their best attacks, to which they were reluctant at first.

-But are you sure?" - Mercury insisted with visible concern. -

-Absolutely, Ami," - he affirmed, "Don't restrain yourselves” - he harangued them. -

-We won't do it," - Rei nodded. -

       And of course they attacked him hard. At first they really hurt him, so much so that in the end they had to help him to his feet and try to heal his wounds. But, little by little, he showed that he could even withstand it. In the boy's mind it only mattered that Bertie would recover and become stronger, control his power and end those damned demons for good. However, they did not make an appearance in those days. It seemed that the defeat of their leader had intimidated them. At the headquarters of the sect, meanwhile, the death of Valnak shocked the masters. Now they were very scared, if this Roy was so strong they would not be able to stop him. Moreover, they had lost the possibility of using him for their purposes.

-It is terrible, our plans have failed," - one of them was alarmed. -

-What can we do?" - another one wanted to know with total uneasiness. -

-Without Valnak and Armageddon we are lost," - The third one said. -

        However, the Wiseman remained cryptically silent. He was glad, however, that this undisciplined and anarchic individual had disappeared. Just as the demon himself suspected before he was destroyed, he had interfered with a spell to cut off his escape. Deep down Valnak annoyed him, he was a stupid idealist who did things more out of loyalty to his companion than to follow the wishes of the top infernal hierarchies. He didn't need to. The Wiseman would already take care of finding him a suitable replacement....

-You miserable, cowardly idiots! I have no need of any of you. - He rejoiced in his reflections as he listened to the lamentations of the masters: - "I have not yet said my last word....

     And as for Beruche, she remained stable and unchanged....

Although at last, one morning after several days of waiting, she reacted. She began to move and Roy, next to her at that moment, overcoming emotion and disbelief, ran to call the doctor. Bertie had been in a deep sleep. In it she saw a vast landscape of great majestic trees, with a beautiful pool of crystal clear water, surrounding an immense palace that shone like silver. Then she saw a vision that frightened her, a hooded stranger in a long black robe carrying a large open book in which he seemed to be writing something down with a long black quill.

-Wise Man!" - The young girl exclaimed. -

That apparition did not speak, although the girl noticed how he shook his head negatively under that robe. Then he disappeared...

-Where am I?" - she said to herself, looking in all directions. -

       She began to see faces of people she did not recognize. At first two children, a boy and a girl who were growing up to become really attractive young man and young woman. These were joined by more boys. Finally, she could see a group of nine boys and girls that she did not know either but at the same time looked vaguely familiar. That vision disappeared and she saw herself flying over a beautiful landscape of trees and rivers, close again to that sublime palace, hand in hand with a large figure that shone with an immense white luminosity.

-Who are you," - the girl asked, gazing astonished at the apparition. -

- I can't tell you that. - She heard a soft and affectionate voice answer her. - But someday you will know.

-Am I dead? - she asked without any fear at all. -

- No, in fact, you will come back to life now. - That mysterious being assured her, adding by way of affectionate advice, full of gentleness. - You must have courage from now on, for you will still have to overcome some very difficult trials. Be strong! Because the future will depend on you and your loved ones, you must always be united and you will triumph against all evil, now wake up ....

The echo of those words was the last thing she heard. That figure that transmitted a great kindness and everything around her slowly faded away, now everything was darkness and sounds that were more familiar to her. She opened her eyes very slowly, hurt by receiving that luminosity they had not been used to in quite some time, and even in a blurry way she could see Roy get up and run outside. When her vision finally cleared, he was there, next to her, holding her hand in his.

-Wake up, sleepyhead, you're going to be late! - he smiled. -

        The boy looked at her with a glowing gesture, barely controlling his excitement. That smile was the only pleasant thing that could be seen on his half-shaved face with dark circles under his eyes that were the true sign of his concern.

-How long have I been like this," - she whispered, still weak and dazed. - What happened to that demon?

One of the doctors, who had been called by Roy, looked at her strangely. He hastened to tell him in a tone that was intended to be casual.

- She must still be dreaming, doctor," - he winked at her friend and she smiled slightly, realizing that she had to keep quiet. - You've been like this for a whole week, we've all taken turns watching you. You had us worried sick, little cube. - The boy explained sweetly. -

- Thank you, Roy," - she smiled more broadly now. Adding with a muffled whisper. - Thank you very much for having taken care of me....

- Not at all! - he replied, trying to play it down with a more jocular tone. - What did you think I did for you? I only did it for your literature notes. Tom's are too bad and Connie's are too complicated. Who else would let me have them, huh?

She gave a shy smile at that comment, and after holding his gaze for a few moments she couldn't help but laugh. They both laughed at that witticism. Almost thirty minutes passed, which they spent mainly in exchanging glances of joy and who knows what else! The boy had completely recovered from his suffering and was now back to making the jokes that so exasperated the young convalescent girl. But this time she welcomed them with increasingly enthusiastic and singsong laughter. Although Roy rested one of his fingers on her lips cursing his own unconsciousness. He admonishingly told himself that his companion and friend and... well, hopefully it would turn out to be something more, had just come out of her coma and he didn't want the girl to exert too much effort lest she suffer a setback in her recovery. She understood this, although she certainly didn't resent anything and the laughter and jokes did her a lot of good. She was unable to say this to him for, at that instant, the others arrived. They had already been informed of the girl's change of condition.

-Bertie," - Ami sobbed, hugging her with great care. - "It's a miracle, thank God! - She added with great joy. -

-How are you feeling?" - A no less excited Rei wanted to know. -

-I'm very well, thank you," - the young woman smiled. -

-We have to call Connie," - Tom said, full of happiness. - "She has to know as soon as possible!

-I'll take care of it," - The also euphoric warrior Mars affirmed. -

Rei ran in search of the nearest phone. She called the faculty, at the number Cooan had left her. Instead of her friend, though, a woman's voice rang.

-Could I speak to Miss Malinde," - she asked. - "It's from the hospital where her sister is... it's something urgent.

-Just a moment. Please don't hang up, I'll find her and send her right away," – It was the answer. -

Rei waited for a while, she was nervous and eager to give the big news to her soul friend. Finally, she heard her voice...

-Yes? Who is it? It's Cooan Malinde....

          A little before that happened Cooan was trying to train with the other cheerleaders, but she was not focusing. She was making mistakes in choreography steps that were simple even for beginners. Despite that, none of her teammates said anything. On the contrary, they all took charge of the terrible situation she was going through. Finally, it was Melanie who told them to take a break.

-Let's take a break.

       The others scattered in search of their water bottles or to go and chat. The head cheerleader approached Cooan. The young woman sat with her head slumped between her shoulders.

-It's been a hard day," - Melanie commented warmly, sitting down next to her and draping an arm around her shoulders. -

-I'm sorry. I can't get it right," - Her interlocutor apologized. -

-Don't worry about it. - Her companion encouraged her in a kind tone. -

-I can't think of anything but my sister," - the girl sobbed. - "I'm sorry!

Melanie looked at her with pity. Emotionally she also wanted to encourage her.

-I'm sure she's going to be fine. She's one of us and we're all praying for her, you'll see!

-I'd like to think so," - her companion moaned and let her hug her. -

          Melanie wanted to add something to cheer her up but couldn't think of anything. What could she say? She herself didn't think it was possible for the poor girl to recover. She was thinking about it when Miss Parker arrived. They both jumped to their feet when the headmistress addressed them in a serious and somewhat worried tone.

-Miss Malinde. You're wanted at the hospital...urgent....

-What happened?" - the girl wanted to know in anguish. -

-I don't know. They only want to talk to you as next of kin. You can use my office.

-Yes, thank you, Miss Parker. - A very nervous Cooan almost whispered to ask her partner in a trembling voice: - "Melanie, please, will you come with me?

-Of course," - the young woman said, indicating her second, "April. Take charge of continuing the training, please.

The girl nodded, although both she and the rest of the girls watched her companion with an uneasy look on their faces, wishing she had good news. April had her own tribulations. She couldn't stop thinking about her own sister and could easily put herself in that unhappy woman's place. Besides, something about her made her feel very guilty.

-The only thing I wish is that your sister gets well and that I had nothing to do with what happened," - She thought, full of anxiety. -

The man who gave Paige's address to her was the same one to whom she gave the girls' addresses. And a few days later, fortuitously or not, this had happened. April wanted to believe that it was a coincidence and that Bertie had been injured by some bomb that had been planted by terrorists. The ones the news had been talking about, the ones responsible for the bombings.

-Yes, that had to be it. There were many more people injured. If it had been an attack against her, no one else would have been affected," - she forced herself to reason. -

      In any case, even if it had been that way, seeing Connie so devastated broke her heart. So was the head cheerleader accompanying that poor girl. Melanie too could sense the anguish that gripped Cooan with every step as she approached the head cheerleader's office, gripping even her legs. Cooan was literally trembling with every step she took. Melanie even held her up, letting her lean against her, encouraging her with words of hope, but she feared the worst. Parker's face looked haggard. Connie herself had not wanted to face it alone. The truth was that the head cheerleader had come to really like her. That Japanese girl was a very good girl, and the once haughty Melanie wanted above all to make amends for her bad behaviour toward her sister.

-It's going to be all right," - she repeated encouragingly over and over again to the trembling young woman, who only nodded. -

-I'll leave you alone," - Miss Parker, who did not continue, said. -

-Thank you, miss," - Melanie, who kept holding her companion sighed. -

At last the two girls entered the office and Connie picked up the earphone that was on a table to put it to her ear and ask with evident fear...

-Yes? Who is it? It's Cooan Malinde?

-Cooan!" - A Delighted Rei exclaimed then in Japanese. - "She's awake, she's fine, Bertie's recovered!

Melanie could not understand any of the gibberish of noise that was heard in that strange language, even where she was, a few steps behind. Her companion held the earpiece to her ear and now opened her mouth smiling brightly, barely able to say with her voice cracking with emotion in the same jargon....

-Really? Oh thank you, Rei! I'm running over there, thank God!

She immediately hugged the head cheerleader and cried, for a few seconds she couldn't utter a word. However, Melanie guessed it was good news judging by her expression. At last, after those moments of suspense, her conversation partner confirmed it this time using English.

-Bertie's awake! She's fine, Melanie! I'm running to see her...

-I'm so glad, Connie, really," -  her interlocutor smiled without being able to avoid tears. She added: - "Go on, hurry up. I'll explain it to Miss Parker....

              Her companion did so. She took a cab there as fast as she could. She ran through the corridors of the hospital, receiving a few reprimands, but she didn't care. As soon as she reached the door she opened it and entered the room, rushing over to her sister and crying with joy.

- Beruche sama, Ane chan," - she managed to say in her native tongue and then added in English. - - Thank God, if you only knew how I suffered and how scared I was!

-Calm down, Onee-chan," - Bertie, still weak, whispered hugging her and stroking her hair. -You didn't think your big sister would leave you alone in such a strange place? - She added, allowing herself to say it with humour. -

Ami and Rei also greeted the newcomer effusively, though in a more restrained manner, when they entered shortly after. Tom brought in a bouquet of flowers, Bertie's room was full of them because Roy and the others had seen to it that he never missed a single day. He put them in water while everyone surrounded the "risen one" expressing their joy. In the midst of the general merriment, the doctor who was following her progress laboriously made his way to the convalescent.

- Please. - He asked calmly, making a space with his hands. - Allow me to auscultate the patient.

At last they stepped aside and the doctor was able to recognize her. The group waited uneasily for his diagnosis, which, however, to everyone's delight, was much more optimistic than they could have imagined.

- I don't understand. - The doctor said with absolute disbelief on his face. -There is no trace of injury! Nothing, it's as if it didn't exist! Miss. - He turned to Bertie in astonishment and declared. - Honestly, we didn't believe you could come out of this trance alive. Just recovering from the coma is a miracle, but you don't even show any after-effects! That's amazing. I congratulate you. I must admit that in my more than twenty years of experience I have never seen anything like it.

- That's because I'm part of a team of fighters, doctor," she replied with a broad smile without giving it any more importance. -

- Yes, that's true," - Cooan agreed, overflowing with joy and squeezing her sister's hand in hers while looking gratefully at Ami and Rei who were now smiling. - A great team!

- Good. - The doctor added in a more relaxed tone. - Well, in order for your recovery to be definitive, you will stay here for three more days. If you are still well after three days, you can leave. Now I will order your snack to be brought to you at six o'clock. I think a light lunch will do you a lot of good to readjust your body to normal food.

-Couldn't there be two? - Roy interjected in a jocular tone. - I'm starving! Although I'd prefer it to be less light.

Everyone laughed at that witticism. Even the doctor who, seconds later, adopted a pretended sterner gesture and ordered him.

-Get out, snacks are only given to patients.

-What do they give them, doctor?" Tom asked him in an amused tone, eager to participate in the joke. -

- Well, I think it's apple pie and milk today. Or special compote in the case of her friend, so that her stomach gets used to it," - he said, trying to remember. -

At that precise moment, Roy put his hands to his throat and said in a rather flaccid tone of voice.

-Oh doctor, I think I'm getting sick, couldn't you ask one of those pretty nurses to bring me a snack? My stomach is used to it, it can go with all that stuff you said with some hamburgers, milkshakes, some chocolate and pastries.

- Roy, we don't doubt that you are sick. - Tom laughed as he spoke. - Although I think the mental illness ward is in the other gallery.

That brought more laughter. The truth is that everyone is now in an excellent mood. And then his friend went back to the charge.

- Very funny," - he replied, - "but I'll tell you one thing. Then don't be surprised if I don't invite you.

- You're very annoying" - the doctor said with a jovial tone, infected by that great atmosphere and very happy to have recovered a patient in that state. - But you can do one thing, why don't you go down to the hall? We serve great snacks in the cafeteria

- But that costs money. - the alluded one objected. - And I don't have a penny.

- Roy, as long as I don't hear you, I'll buy you anything you want! - Tom laughed. -

His friend's eyes sparkled and without thinking he grabbed him by the arm and pulled him.

-It's a deal, let's go!

-Hey, it was a joke, I'm not short of capital either! - His interlocutor resisted, demanding the support of her friends. -Girls, help me! - He implored, turning to them. -

- Don't look at us. - Rei smiled with mock malice and then said in an amused tone. -You got yourself into the mess all by yourself.

-Yes, we feel sorry for you, Tommy, but a promise is a promise! - Ami laughed in return. -

The others nodded in solidarity at their friend's sentiment and Tom swallowed knowingly at his companion's atrocious hunger of late. He tried to turn back again, claiming lack of liquidity, but Roy mercilessly rebutted him....

- Too late, man. But don't worry about it. You can always work here by the hour cleaning urinals.

          And eager to take advantage of the occasion, he dragged his hurried colleague out of the room to the background noise of everyone else's laughter....

**START**