GWA21E

**START**

**The Justicieras face the enemy.**

Fortunately, the girls were waiting for that treacherous attack, Petz and Beruche, at whom it was initially aimed, dodged it with some problems and the Lady of Lightning was the first to counterattack.

- Lightning power! - she shouted, launching her energy discharge that was avoided by the demon by a few centimeters. -

Beruche meanwhile materialized her sword and attacked her enemy.

- Pure ice attack! - she exclaimed as she slashed at the demon and wounded him in the chest, he howled in pain and cursed her. -

Karaberasu and Cooan fought for their part against each other. Their opponent was, however, dexterous, and managed to escape. The lady of Thunder deployed her whip, but failed to reach him. Her companion, materializing her bow, prepared to shoot. The demons moved away from them, regrouping.

- These bitches are more powerful than we thought. - Moliak admitted. - We must be careful.

- You are right comrade - Suak nodded proposing him. - Let's do the infernal fusion and they'll have nothing to do.

- The what? - Cooan asked in surprise. -

- You'll find out soon enough! - Suak laughed with a wicked grimace. -

- Whatever it is, we won't let you do it. - Petz shouted, attacking again. - Thunderstorm lightning! - She launched a powerful discharge against the demons, leaving them stunned. -

- Damn you, that hurt me! - Suak retaliated with a bolt of energy that the Lightning Lady hastily dodged. -

- And it's going to hurt even more! - Karaberasu asserted with a mocking gesture. -

For her part Cooan hit Suak with a fire arrow in one of his arms, the demon howled in pain and cursed in frustration. Karaberasu took advantage of the circumstance to hunt him down by wrapping her whip around his neck with great mastery in her handling that, despite the years of inactivity, she had not forgotten. Moriak lunged at her, but was parried by Petz's javelin, which dug into his side. Beruche grabbed him and putting the edge of her sword on her opponent's neck, she urged him to surrender.

- Come on, give up, you don't stand a chance, we have defeated you! It would be better for you if you stopped fighting. - She offered generously. -

- Never, bitch! - Moliak spat. - We'd rather die than surrender to miserable females.

- How dare you say that, you, macho demon pig? - Petz spat at him angrily. - Now you will see. - She delved with her javelin stirring it in the wound of the demon that bellowed in pain. - Do you still think the same? - She asked with a wicked smile reminiscent of her Ayakashi days. -

- Enough, I give up - Suak who was afraid of the risks of continuing a lost fight shrieked. -

- Who are you? Who sent you? - Karaberasu asked him in a bad way. -

- With your whip around my neck I can't answer, - the demon gasped trying desperately to let him go. -

- Lady of Fire - Karaberasu told Cooan. - Aim your bow at him! If he tries anything, blow his head off.

- Very well," - her sister said, aiming one of her arrows at the same part. -

Karaberasu only needed a sharp tug to unscrew the whip from the neck of her enemy, who could finally breathe a sigh of relief...

- Now you will answer our questions. - The Lady of Thunder asked him in a fake honeyed voice. - Won't you?

- Don't do it or you'll be a traitor dog! - Moliak urged him, breaking away from Beruche and attacking Petz. -

The Ice Lady reacted in time and stabbed him with her sword. Petz finished him off with a bolt of energy. Moliak howled and exploded. The sisters stepped back to avoid any kind of shockwave and when they regrouped they turned to a still stunned Suak, urging him to answer.

- You've seen we're not joking. - The Thunder Lady whispered to him with a threatening gesture and tone. -Tell us what we want to know or we will make you suffer the same fate as your companion.

The others fixed him with cold, baleful stares, and that ended up frightening their prisoner.

- All right," - the demon answered submissively. - What do you want to know?

- Who are you? - Petz asked. -

- I am Suak. Demon of the third circle, of the anti-virtue category.

- What does that mean? - Beruche asked naively. -

- It means that I love to enjoy you, females! - the demon hissed with a lascivious smile. -

For any retort, the Lady of Thunder gave him a visibly furious whip in his mouth.

- We didn't ask you to tell us the filth that goes through your head, you pig! Just answer what we asked you.

- That I have,"- the demon responded with a grimace of pain. - She asked. -

- What do you want, why did you come here? - Petz asked. -

- We must place the five stones to build the dark portal that will bring our great Lord of Darkness and his army. - That being explained, confirming the girl´s suspicions. -

- Who sent you? - It was Cooan's turn to ask. -

- I am under the orders of the Great Wiseman and his Masters, of the final Chaos Sect.

- Who is this Great Wiseman that...? - the Lady of Thunder asked, who stopped her sentence and reflected for a few moments to comment with her sisters. - Doesn't that name remind you of something...?

- Yes, it sounds familiar," – Beruche said, thinking for a moment. -The Wise Man," - she said slowly. -

- Yes, it could be," – Petz agreed. -

- But that can't be possible. - Cooan objected, remembering the others. - The Sailors destroyed him.

Karaberasu turned again to the demon.

- Where is this Sect? Answer me! - She urged impatiently. -

- I will never tell you that," - Suak hissed with a look full of hatred and defiance. -

With visible fury the Lady of Thunder struck him again with the whip that produced subsonic waves against his enemy, making him groan from the violence of the impact.

- You are making me lose my patience, you, filthy demon. - She spat at him with a growing tone of irritation. -

- You dirty bitch! - Suak rebuked her, moaning from the pain. - You will pay for this, I assure you. The Great Wiseman knows everything that is happening here. And my master too, he will give you what you deserve.

- Be very careful what you say! - Beruche shouted at him, swinging her sword at the demon's throat. -

- How is that possible? - Cooan asked with more aplomb. - How can you know what is happening now?

- You are more stupid than I thought - the demon laughed and unveiled to the horror of the girls. - He sees everything in his ball. He must have identified you by now, you're lost, especially you! - He pointed at Karaberasu who didn't like that perfidious tone at all. -

Petz pointed her javelin at him with her typical bad temper.

-I won't allow you to threaten us, you, filthy monster!

- We are getting more and more powerful. - Suak added ignoring that warning - and many more are coming. We will crush and kill you, but first we will enjoy possessing your bodies and souls.

- We shall see about that. - The Ice Lady rebutted with determination. -

- Yes, we will see, and much sooner than you think. - Suak said, pleased now by the fear he could detect in the women. -

- When will you do the summoning? - The Lady of Thunder asked him unceremoniously. -

- I don't know that. - The demon replied, earning a kick in the stomach from Kalie, which made him fold on himself, listening again to the voice of his aggressor, now tinged with glee. -

- Too bad, I don't believe you, I'll have to shake you until you confess the truth or until you convince me.

- Yes, and don't worry, if she gets tired I will continue. - Petz promised him maliciously. -

Bertie looked at her sisters in surprise, the truth is that they were going too far even for a demon, they were not like that anymore. Although it could be that circumstances had changed them. In any case, neither Cooan nor she herself was so willing to go to such lengths despite the caliber of their adversary. Her younger sister agreed with a glance and reflexively lowered her bow for a few seconds. But that was a mistake. Suak realized that and taking advantage of her enemy's carelessness, he hit her enemy making her fall and escaped with tremendous speed to hide in some nearby bushes.

- Oh shit! - the Fire Lady cursed herself - I got careless.

- When it comes to these bastards you can't afford to be soft. - Karaberasu indicated to her as if she had read the thoughts of her two younger sisters. -

- Don't worry, he's weakened and couldn't have gotten very far. We will catch him – Petz assured them. -

- Yes, let's go get him! - the Thunder Lady harangued. -

- But we must be very careful, he is still dangerous. - Beruche warned them wisely. -

- He's here! -They heard the girl's scream of terror. -

-Calm down. - Bertie told her. -

-Here we go. - Cooan added. -

The sisters immediately headed for their enemy. This one had just managed to hide a couple of meters away from the one who had been his captive. Now, in the tense moments that intervened before the arrival of the Justicieras, he was staring at April with a mixture of hatred and ill-contained sexual desire. The girl was paralyzed with terror. She was very lucky that the demon was not interested in putting up a fight. Suak knew that if he was caught again he would be destroyed. So, as soon as he recovered sufficiently, ignoring the human, he teleported back to his base.

- Are you all right, did he do something to you? - Cooan asked, reaching the girl. -

The questioned girl was unable to answer. The rest of the Justicieras looked around, but saw nothing. At last, they were attracted by the question of that demurred girl.

- What was that? What's going on?

-Calm down. - A woman who, in addition to wearing a mask like the rest, had a big red ribbon tied in her hair, asked her. - Don't worry about it.

-That being was here and suddenly disappeared! - She told them still in shock. - How did she do that?

She must have run off in a hurry. - Another woman, a little taller than the rest, wearing a uniform of green tones, wanted to refute her.

- NO! -exclaimed a discomposed April, pleading. - I'm not crazy, I know very well what I saw.

-Calm down. - Cooan whispered affably. - No one says you are. But you have to calm down a little.

The poor girl burst into tears, covering her face with her hands. Her interlocutors looked at each other with regret. Especially Bertie and Cooan. The little girls stepped back a little to comment.

- What do we do with her? - Bertie wanted to know. - Now I recognized her without a doubt. She's one of your cheerleader friends.

-Yes, that's April Sinclair. The second captain. Melanie's roommate. - Her sister clarified. -

-We'll have to escort her to school without her discovering our identities. -Her sister whispered. -

Cooan nodded. She was very sorry for that wretch. She was lucky they were there, though.

-Lady of Lightning, Lady of Thunder. - She turned to her older sisters. - Please check the area. We will escort this girl home.

-My name is April, as you yourself know. - She was able to say. -

- Where do you live? - Bertie asked her for the sake of appearances. -

-I'm a student. I live on the faculty at Golden State College. - She replied. -

- Do you know where that is, Fire Lady? - Beruche asked her sister, avoiding smiling. -

- I think so, it's a bit far away. - She declared. -

- You know what? We'll escort you until you can catch a bus. - The woman in the blue uniform, still carrying a sword that looked like it was made of crystal, kindly proposed. -

-Thank you very much. I still don't know who you are. - April mumbled, asking somewhat naively. - Do you work for the government?

It could be that those strange degenerates were criminals or something and they were an elite group in charge of hunting them down. Those women shook their heads no, though.

-We only work for justice to prevail. - The one who was dressed in more orange tones and carried a whip in her right hand smiled. - I am the Lady of Thunder. - And she cracked her whip to prove it, producing a small boom. -

-I am the Lady of Fire. - Cooan added, showing her bow and a flaming arrow that she immediately made vanish. -

-The Ice Lady is my name. - Bertie said, creating some snowflakes as her sword was coated with a kind of frost. She immediately made the weapon disappear, though. -

-And I am the Lady of Lightning. - Petz proudly rejoined, emitting a few sparks of electricity from her javelin. -

-Thank you, thank you very much for saving me. - The still traumatized girl smiled at last, still looking at them with admiration, noticing those pendants with those beautiful coloured stones they were wearing. - You are very brave!

And those benefactors, after smiling affably for that praise, kept their promise and accompanied her to a bus stop that was deserted at that hour. But now April was not afraid. She felt safe surrounded by these amazing women. Anyway, she didn't plan to tell anyone about it. They would surely think she was crazy. Even more so when the bus finally arrived and she smiled and turned to say goodbye.

-Thank you very much for everything again, I...

        However, to her astonishment, there was no one beside her. Where had these individuals gone? She sighed and wasted no time in getting into the vehicle. She had no desire to remain alone in that place.

-It's unbelievable. If I hadn't lived through it, I would never have believed it. - She thought, somewhere between relieved and terrified. - Oh my God, Paige, what have you gotten yourself into?

         For his part, the demon had been transported to the sect's lair. There the Great Wiseman awaited him and addressed him in a falsely condescending tone.

- Oh, Suak, you took a long time to come back. Did you put the stone in the right place?

-Well... we had a slight setback. - The alluded one was able to reply. -

- And where is your companion?

- You see, Great Wiseman," - the demon mumbled, visibly nervous. - As I told you. We had an unforeseen event.

- And what kind of unforeseen event has delayed you? - his inquisitor asked with false curiosity, flashing two reddish dots behind his hood. -

- Four very powerful women, but I managed to escape, - his interlocutor informed him quite satisfied. -

- And Moliak? - The Wiseman wanted to know, pretending to be unaware. - You still haven't told me where he is.

- He has been destroyed by them," - Suak responded in a low voice. -

- I see, and you have revealed our plans to buy your miserable life, haven't you? - He scolded him in a choleric voice. - Speak!

The demon ducked his head, stammering in fright.

- Forgive me sir, I had no choice, but what I have told you will not help you in any way. They are only females. They don't have enough power to stop us.

-Do you think so? - He asked sarcastically and then added in an irritated tone. - Well, you and your partner haven't done a bad job. And that's not all, don't you know they have powerful allies who are capable of destroying us?

Suak looked at his master in surprise, but immediately replied.

- But they don't even know where to start.

- Of course - The Great Wiseman responded with irony - and that is why you considered it appropriate to help them and have opened the way for them with your stupidity. You are not only a traitor; you are also irresponsible. - He declared, making the alluded to be paralyzed with fear. Even more so when he added. -" they have one of the stones now. It will be impossible for us to continue with the invocation if we don't recover it. And it was your fault...

- I'll go back and finish them off - the demon begged kneeling down - I beg you, give me another chance! I'll get her back...

- You couldn't take them. If you haven't been able to do it before with your partner, how could you do it now alone? That's assuming you could locate them. All you'll do is pay for your treachery! - he said to address the Masters, who were indifferently contemplating the scene, to order them. -You summoned this scum, pass sentence now.

- Death! - the first master exclaimed. -

- Death! - the second one corroborated inflexibly. -

- Death! - the third one inexorably added. -

The three lowered their thumbs impassively and the leaden silence that spread in the room made Suak understand that he was condemned without remission....

- No, please! - the terrified demon shrieked - I implore you! I only did it to buy time for you. Now you know their identity! - He was desperately trying to plead for mercy. –

- I already knew that," - the Great Wiseman said with contempt. - Idiot! Who asked you to buy time? You were ordered to place the Yalmutud stone and you have lost them. You let yourself be shamefully defeated and instead of going unnoticed as instructed, you and your companion went about raping humans, allowing the enemy to locate you.

- It was too strong a temptation for us. The sex of females attracts us in an irresistible way. We are antivirtues!  - Suak excused trying to defend himself. -

- At least your comrade knew how to die like a demon and now you will follow him. - His interlocutor spat, raising one of the sleeves of his habit, taking out of it a long multi-coloured finger that he pointed at the horrified demon. -

- Nooo, mercy! - he shrieked, covering his face with his hands. -

-Disappear at once! - the Great Wiseman howled, fulminating the demon with a lightning bolt from his finger. -

Suak exploded while the masters contemplated the spectacle with total disinterest. They lowered their heads, preparing to leave, but their leader also addressed them with a threatening tone.

- Next time you can summon someone more trustworthy or you will follow the same fate, I will not tolerate the slightest mistake.

- We will not let you down, sir - the first master answered almost in a whisper. -

- We will redouble our efforts. - The second one assured trembling. -

- Forgive our clumsiness, we will never again summon a demon without your permission. - The third one with completed in a submissive tone. -

- I don't care how many demons you summon," - The Wiseman responded irritably. - I just want you to stop messing around, now get out of my sight, you idiots!

The three masters humbly withdrew. Elsewhere, the Justicieras fighters, after leaving that girl safely, returned to the battlefield. They had scoured the surrounding area in case the demon had sought refuge nearby. Finally, tired of investigating and seeing that the stones of their necklaces did not blink, they deduced that their enemy had fled.

- We can't do anything here - Petz sighed resignedly. - Let's go home.

-It escaped right under our noses. Damn it! – Karaberasu spat, kicking a nearby can to vent her frustration. -

- The important thing is that we defeated them. And above all that we have saved April. - Beruche declared trying to raise her sister's spirits. - And now we know their intentions.

-On our way back here, Cooan told me that you know that girl from the university. Is that true? - Petz wanted to know. -

-Yes. -Bertie admitted. - What I don't know is what she would be doing near here.

-From what Roy and Tom have told us, this area is not a very friendly neighbourhood. That's not counting the demons. - Cooan added, with a bewilder voice. -

It was certainly odd for someone who wasn't in trouble with the law to venture into that kind of neighbourhood. Perhaps their companion was on her way somewhere else or else kidnapped from somewhere else and taken there. The bad news is that they couldn't ask her.

-You must be very, very careful. No one must discover our identity. - Kalie warned them. -

- Don't worry. We will be careful. And, besides, we will be prepared. - Cooan assured, pointing to the stone and affirming. - Without this they won't be able to carry out that summoning, we just have to hide it well, so let's take it to a safe place.

So they did, they arrived home and with their normal identities they looked for a good place to hide it.

-We should call the sailors and tell them what happened. - Cooan proposed. –

-I think it's a good idea. - Petz agreed. -

It was Bertie who did the telephoning on this occasion. Despite the time difference, she managed to reach Ami. The girl greeted her friend and was very happy when she heard about it.

- Congratulations! You have done very well. It was a brilliant debut as Justicieras. - He congratulated her. -

-It was hard, but we followed your example, we fought together and we defeated them. - Beruche told him with patent satisfaction, between the smiling faces of her sisters, especially when she sentenced them. - We also saved an innocent girl and what is even more important, now they will not be able to carry out their plans.

-We expected nothing less from you girls. - A proud Ami said, immediately advising her. - But stay on your toes. They certainly won't give up so easily.

-We will, rest assured, Ami-chan. - Her companion assured her before saying goodbye. -

The sailor also hung up. She immediately took care of notifying her companions. They all gathered at the shrine. Including Mamoru and the cats. Once she had updated the rest, it was Makoto who commented.

-Then everything is going great. Without that stone apparently those demons won't be able to carry out their plans.

- That's great! - Minako exclaimed with enthusiasm. - Our friends have proven to be excellent warriors.

-Yes, we could say that we have opened a franchise in the United States. - Rei smiled, adding humorously. - Business is good!

Although they soon realized that neither Usagi nor Mamoru seemed to share their enthusiasm. It was Luna the cat who commented to them strangely.

- Is something wrong? I think it's very good news...

-It's true. All they have to do is keep that stone safe and prevent the enemy from getting hold of it. - Artemis added. -

-That's what we're worried about. - Mamoru said with a reflective and somewhat uneasy air. -

-Yes, now those demons will put them directly in their sights. - Usagi affirmed. -

-They've already done that. - Rei added optimistically. - And they're counting on Roy to protect them. They'll be safe. You should have seen him.

-That's right. - Ami added, agreeing with her partner. - He's enormously powerful. I don't think any of those monsters stand a chance against him.

-I hope you girls are right. - Usagi, sighed and soon gave a more animated smile to add. - That's true. I don't have to be pessimistic. Things are going very well. Our friends have done wonderfully. And the fact that they were able to get their hands on that stone was a stroke of luck.

- Of course it was! - Minako encouraged her by putting an arm around her shoulders. - Let's celebrate. Our pupils have passed the test with flying colours....

-They've done a great job. - Artemis praised them. - Another team of do-gooders. It never hurts to have help.

-Yes, because even we can't be everywhere, and sometimes we need a vacation. Right, girls? - Makoto laughed, putting a hand behind her neck and making her friends laugh with her. -

However, Usagi and Mamoru looked at each other seriously. However, they didn't want to disturb the rest. Maybe they were right after all. It would be better to enjoy the moment. Though they should also keep their wits about them. After saying goodbye to the other warriors the pair returned alone. Luna and Artemis had gone off on their own. Strolling through the streets of Tokyo at night, on their way home, her boyfriend commented in a serious tone...

- Are you absolutely sure?

-Unfortunately, yes. They were very clear about that. - The questioned woman replied, lowering her head. -

-So, so far, this has only been the first round. - Mamoru concluded. -

-The war is far from won. The enemy will counterattack. And they will surely resort to their best trump cards..." - Usagi declared. -

-What can we do? - Her boyfriend wondered aloud, attracting the girl to him, after passing an arm around her waist. -

-You know as well as I do.  Nothing until the time comes. Whatever happens, we can't get involved before then. Neither we, nor the girls either.

-You're not unaware of what it might cost us to come between them and their friends, are you? - He said softly. -

-I know perfectly well. Just as I know that everything is planned and that it must happen that way. - The girl mused, adding regretfully. - As much as it pains us... But for the moment let them enjoy themselves and be as happy as they can.

Mamoru nodded and they both arrived at her house. There they said goodbye, before Usagi's mother opened the door.

- Wow!" - the woman commented as she watched the boy walk away. - Too bad Mamoru-san didn't stay for a cup of tea.

-It's late already, mom. - Usagi smiled pleadingly. - She has to get up early to study.

-Well. Well then, let's you and me have it. Your father is on a business trip and your brother is away studying. This house is very lonely and for a time I have alone with my daughter....

-Of course, Mom. - The girl smiled even wider, adding in a tone somewhere between expectant and a little honeyed. - Do you have any of those pancakes?

-Well, I don't." - She was able to reply. -

Usagi looked a little sour, but her mother immediately encouraged her by promising her.

-Look. I'm going to make them and we'll drink them together...

- Great! -She exclaimed full of joy. -

And her mother Ikuko's pancakes were the best in the world. She smiled at the prospect. At least she could continue to be that crazy and cheerful little girl for a while, forgetting her tribulations. On the other hand, though, she kept thinking about the four sisters and their friends.

-I hope they are well. - She said to herself. -

         For their part, Usagi's objects of concern were resting a bit, already in their civilian clothes, after their successful combat. Although they could hardly rest for a few minutes when the doorbell rang, it made them a little uneasy. Who could it be? Did some demon or cultist know where they lived and had come to retrieve that stone? They didn't trust it until Cooan decided to look through the peephole. After a few brief moments she smiled in relief and told her sisters that it was Tom and Roy.

- Open up, but not a word about what happened. - Petz told them as a slogan. -

- Don't worry - the girl who opened the door agreed, but not before whispering with complicity. - It's our secret...

And the other girls switched on a radio to disguise themselves. As if they had really been there all the time listening to music. In fact, some songs could be heard. At the same time, as soon as they saw Cooan, both boys came in smiling.

- Hello girls - Roy greeted them - How is your stay in the city going? You've already gone shopping, haven't you?

- Well, no, but we didn't have a bad time. - Beruche smiled and her sisters laughed and covered their mouths, if they only knew where they had come from! - You know, an evening between sisters. And by the way, isn't it a little late?

-It's never too late to have a good time. - Roy said, smiling with that mischievous grin of his. - That's how you extend the evening.

-I don't know, after so many emotions we're a little tired. - Cooan sighed. -

- What a pity! - Tom interjected, feigning some regret as he added. - We were coming to invite you to dinner, but if you're already so tired....

The four of them looked at each other puzzled, they didn't expect that, they didn't say anything until Bertie said amused.

- I can't believe it and you came all this way at this hour just to invite us to dinner. What a nice touch!

- Yes, don't be surprised, we're that nice. - Roy replied with some self-congratulation. -

            Cooan grabbed Tom's arm and couldn't help blushing as a cramp ran through his stomach. Even more so when the girl whispered to him in a honeyed voice.

- You're a sweetheart, Tommy, and don't worry, we're always ready to go out to dinner for free. For that there is no tiredness that is worth. Right girls?

- Yesssssss!" - all the others chorused as they surrounded the boys and exclaimed. - We're hungry, we're hungry!

- Girls listen up. - the alluded one smiled with a face of embarrassment. Of course he didn't count on the four of them. But of course, he couldn't say it. - It was a joke. We can go for a walk.

          Just then, before anyone could reply, a good song that Roy knew well was playing.

***You gotta be smart***

***You gotta be cool***

***You gotta keep a straight face***

***When you're playin' the fool***

***You gotta wear a smile***

***When you're breakin' the rules***

***You gotta charm that snake now, baby***

***You gotta be smooth***

***You gotta be quick***

***I think it might just help***

***To be a little bit sick***

***You know the bite can't cut you***

***If the skin is thick***

Then Roy sang, in an amused tone, accompanying the song.

***Charm that snake now, baby***

***Hey, we ain't all good lookin'***

***There ain't no reason***

***To take a good lickin'***

***The clock on the wall***

***Gonna keep on tickin'***

***Charm that snake now, baby***

***Charm that snake now, baby***

***Whoa, oh, oh***

***Don't let go of it***

***Don't let go***

***Whoa, oh, oh***

***Gotta charm that snake***

***Charm that snake***

***One stripe, two stripes***

***What does it mean***

***The venom is lethal***

***But the meat is clean***

***The best take advantage of you like a machine***

***You gotta charm that snake now, maybe***

***Don't let the fingernails***

***Under the heart***

***If they get a good grip***

***They're gonna rip it apart***

***The first and last kisses***

***Are the dangerous part***

***You gotta charm that snake now, baby***

***Charm that snake now, baby***

And Tom seconded his friend by singing in a clear, pleasant voice.

***Whoa, oh, oh***

***Don't let go of it***

***Don't let go***

***Whoa, oh, oh***

***Gotta charm that snake***

***Charm that snake***

***There's a hook in the bait***

***The first one made a mistake***

***If you've got what it takes***

***You better charm that snake***

***You gotta let it show***

***You ain't gonna let it go***

***I'm gonna let 'em know***

***Never gonna let it go***

***Uh-huh, well, all right***

***Let's get it right***

***Oh, yeah***

- Oh yes!" sang all the sisters at the same time, really having fun with it. -

And they loved to have those moments of complicity and union between them. Since they were very little in Nemesis they had not enjoyed something like that again. Cooan even remembered some of the songs her mother used to listen to. They were from Earth, on old recordings of her ancestors that she kept. And she'd had a chance to listen to a few of them since she was in college and had met Tom and Roy.

-I'll ask Tom to play me some more, maybe he knows them. - She thought as that tune was coming to a close. -

***You gotta charm that snake***

***Whoa, gotta charm that snake now, baby***

***Whoa, gotta charm that snake now, baby***

***Charm that snake***

***Whoa, you gotta charm that snake now, baby***

***Whoa, you gotta charm that snake now, baby***

***Charm that snake***

**(Charm the Snake. Christopher Cross, credit to the artist)**

       When the song ended Roy shook his head and declared with mock solemnity.

- Tom, a promise is a promise and a gentleman never breaks his word. I hope you have plenty of money in your wallet.

- What do you mean, me? - he asked, astonished, adding, -  "What about you?

- Leave me out of it, it was your idea. - His friend smiled mischievously. -

- Mine? - He asked, pointing at himself astonished and firmly refuting. - But you said that...

However, his companion silenced him with a gesture of his hands as he added....

- Don't be stingy, you Kansas hick, and invite the girls....

- It's not that I don't want to, it's just that this is all I have. - His friend justified himself visibly in a hurry, taking fifteen dollars out of his pocket. -

- No problem," - Beruche interjected in a fake, mischievous, carefree voice. - Roy will help you with the bill. That's what he's your partner and friend for. And friends are for occasions, aren't they?

Hearing this the smile on the alluded one's face twisted as he stammered nervously.

- No, no, no, no, wait a minute. I didn't say anything about dinners...

- Come on Roy! - Cooan interpellated him with a malicious tone. - You wouldn't be able to leave Tom in the lurch, would you? - They all looked at him with interest and their eyes were drilling him for confirmation when his sister remarked. - That's why you're his best friend...

            The boy also looked at his colleague and swallowed saliva, he didn't have more than twelve dollars between bills and change, he laughed a bit stupidly as he asked the girls in a conciliatory voice.

- Would you settle for a pizza?

- What do you mean, a pizza? - Petz asked with a contrived tone of indignation. - Weren't you going to take us to Maxim's?

- Maxim's? - Roy exclaimed, his eyes wide and his mouth agape. - You're out of your mind! They even charge you for window shopping there!

- Dude, we're in trouble. - His partner warned him, feeling uncomfortable at times. -

So it seemed. The four sisters looked at them with a threatening gesture, approaching them with pastry sleeves brought by Karaberasu from the kitchen, more than ready to stain them.

- Hey girls, what are you going to do," - An uneasy Tom asked them, trying to move away. -

- Look, this is a new shirt! - Roy warned them, also quite anxious. -

         But they turned a deaf ear to these words and Beruche meanwhile declared maliciously.

- So you want to buy us a simple pizza, huh?

- Do you think so little of us? - Cooan added with a sinister smile. -

- Don't be like that. - Roy asked them, making a space with his hands to try to make excuses. - It's just that our economies are not very strong...

- That, but at least we can treat you to a snack. - Tom proposed with a sweaty brow. -

- A snack, eh? - Petz repeated sarcastically, addressing her sisters in a commanding voice - "Mina hayai!

And the others deployed at once surrounding them and once they had them cornered against the door....

- Girls, you know - Beruche laughed exclaiming - Tsuki ni kawatte...!

- Oshokio! - the others added enthusiastically in chorus.  -

- Wait! What are you going to do? - Tom asked, who was already dreading it, however. -

- Come on girls, let's reciprocate their kindness, let's treat them to dessert! - Karaberasu proposed, smiling mischievously. -

- Run Tom! - Roy indicated to his friend opening the door. –

          The latter did not make him repeat it, following him in a hurry and being chased amidst laughter by the four sisters ready to unleash their deadly attack of the cream pastry sleeve... April, on the other hand, did not have such a pleasant evening. This time she was so upset that the security guard caught her trying to sneak in. Seeing her in that state worried him so much that he even offered to call an ambulance or the police.

-I've been attacked, but I'm fine. - The girl stammered. -

That man, middle-aged and with little hair, was nevertheless quite a nice guy. He walked her to the door of her room.

- Are you sure? Do you want me to call an ambulance?

-No, it's not necessary, really. - She asked him with an anguished expression, imploring him. - Please don't tell Miss Parker about this.

-Just this once, I won't inform her. As long as you are well. - The watchman replied. -

       And as the young lady nodded vigorously, the man merely nodded in farewell.

-Have a good rest, Miss. - The guard wished her and walked away. -

April entered trying to make as little noise as possible. However, Melanie was still awake. Seeing her appear in such a state, she immediately exclaimed with concern.

- What happened to you?

Her friend couldn't help but burst into tears and let herself be hugged by her surprised and alarmed companion. However, she did not want to answer Melanie's questions. Seeing her in this pitiful state, Melanie helped her to take off her tattered clothes and take a shower. She then wrapped her in a towel. Once dry April put on a nightgown...with her friend's expectant and worried gaze, she barely mumbled.

-They tried to assault me, in the street. I think they wanted to rob me, or worse, but I was able to run away.

- My God, you have to report it. - Melanie advised her. -

-I don't want to remember it again. I just want to rest. - The girl sobbed, asking her. -Please give me one of the pills I keep in my little pink box.

- The ones you use to sleep? - Her friend wanted to know. -

April nodded. Her interlocutor observed her with manifest concern, although seeing the pitiful state in which her companion was, she thought it would be better not to burden her. So she brought her a glass of water and after taking the pill, the poor girl lay down on her bunk.

-Sleep and rest. Don't worry about anything else. We'll talk tomorrow. - Melanie whispered affably. -

-Thank you. - She sighed, feeling very tired. -

Helped by her friend to get into bed, she soon fell asleep. The head cheerleader, on the other hand, lay awake for a while longer, watching her restlessly, and thinking in dismay.

- What aren't you telling me, April? I know something bad is happening to you. And I won't be able to help you if you don't tell me.

          And it wasn't the first time that strange things had happened to her friend and classmate. Last year, for instance, she barely attended the course. She spent almost the whole year away, being able, however, to make up some subjects in the extraordinary exams. Then April told her that she had gone to see her parents.

-My mother's health was very delicate, I had to take care of her. But she's fine now. - Melanie remembered that April had confided in her. –

-You're a pretty and smart girl, I have no idea what could be happening to you. - Melanie mused, shaking her head with concern. -

              But at last, tired as she was, she did the same as her companion. She lay down and fell asleep. Many, many miles to the east, in Japan. The next day, and after a pleasant evening tasting pancakes with her mother, Usagi was awakened by Luna.

-I have news. - The cat informed her. -

-You tell me. - The girl said as she yawned and got up from the bed. -

-You know that we recently finished with the enemy here. That's why the others were so happy when the sisters called us yesterday.

-Yes, I know that. What's the matter? Have more of those demons appeared? - the young woman asked uneasily. -

-No, it's not that. - Luna replied. - We have to meet again at the Sanctuary and we'll report back to you. Artemis and I have discovered something.

- What? ...- the girl wanted to know. -

- Didn't they tell you? - her feline interlocutor asked in turn. - You know... there...

-They don't tell me everything. - The girl replied. -

- Have you gone there again? - Luna wanted to know, adding in a somewhat worried tone. - I mean; you weren't happy about yesterday?

-No, I didn't go again. - Her companion replied, clarifying. - I got some things ahead of me, it's true... but I'm sorry Luna, I can't confide it even to you. - She sighed regretfully. -

-I know. - The cat nodded, adding sympathetically. - You can't tell the girls either. I understand that it's eating you up inside.

-Well. - Her interlocutor tried to smile. - At least you and Artemis can fill us all in on whatever you've found out.

-Yes, go on, let the others know. Please. - Luna asked. -

             So it was done. Usagi had to call her boyfriend and then all her classmates. However, they had to wait until the afternoon so that everyone could fulfill their respective study and work commitments. Finally, they gathered at the Hikawa shrine. There, the cats told them.

-We have received information. - Luna told them and asked them. - Do you remember the attack we suffered in the north of the country, the one the sailors from the outer solar system took care of?

The rest nodded...Now everyone's faces were worried again. It was Artemis who informed them.

-An unauthorized presence has been detected entering the planet's atmosphere. It is too small to be a ship. It could be similar to the intruder your teammates defeated.

- Has visual contact been made with it? - Ami wanted to know. -

-For now, no. Shortly after arriving, it disappeared from the radar. - Luna replied. -

-This is just what we needed. Not being enough one enemy like the one we have, now there are going to be two! - Rei protested concernedly, with the looks of the rest of them agreeing with those words. -

-At least the one here seems to be exterminated. And in America our friends have everything under control. - Minako sighed trying to encourage her companion. -

-And we shouldn't be too hasty either. For now, judging from what you have told us, whatever it is has not proven to be hostile. We'll have to wait for further developments. - Mamoru intervened, trying to calm the group. - We will stay alert, but that's all.

-Yes, and our duty is to focus on the threat we know about. - Usagi added. - In case the enemy attacks our friends again.

- Speaking of which. - Makoto commented. - We've left the girls alone there. When can we go back to help them?

-Our presence is not necessary so far. They are coping very well on their own. As you said yourselves. - Usagi answered. -

- And they've already made their debut as Justicieras, demonstrating their expertise. - Luna, added with patent satisfaction. - I think they are going to be great partners and allies that we can count on in the future.

-I'm sure they will do very well. They are good girls. - Minako added.

-On one hand, I'm sorry I had to involve them in this. - Usagi sighed in judgment. - Being a warrior demands a lot of responsibility and sacrifice. Even if they don't have to be forever.

They all nodded. They knew it all too well! But they hadn't had a choice. In fact, it was Rei who said.

-As things are always the way they are; all the help we can get is little. This is a never-ending story. We can't know what the next threat will be. By the way! Speaking of the future. - She wanted to know with the shared interest of the others. - How is the future queen of the New Moon operation going?

-Things are going well. - Mamoru replied, now seeming much more loquacious as he added. - Chibiusa and the Asteroids are taking care of it. That's why they won't be able to be here for a while.

-We won't be able to count on them then. - Artemis sentenced. -

-That's why having the four sisters as reinforcements is so important. - Luna emphasized. - They are virtually another supplementary team of warriors.

They all nodded, glad that they were. After a brief silence Usagi took the floor to reveal to her friends.

-We received a letter from the future. Everything is going well. Surely, in a few years from now, if things in this time go as they should, we will have gained invaluable allies to greatly improve the defence of this planet and even to guarantee it for a long time.

The others allowed themselves a hopeful smile. However, Mamoru dispelled their optimism when, in a more serious tone, he declared.

-We must not rejoice too soon. The enemy is not yet defeated. At least there. In the next few months there could be some very hard tests ahead, girls. For all of us and our friends.

- Tests? What tests? - Rei wanted to know, showing concern once again. -

-We don't know for sure. - His interlocutor replied. -

- And who does? It seems as if someone was telling you that kind of thing. - Ami said perceptively. -

-Sometimes we have dreams. That's all. - Mamoru replied, playing it down. - And they're not always accurate.

-Well, but for the moment we shouldn't get overwhelmed. - Usagi wanted to say to boost the group's morale again and cut off those incisive questions. - We'll deal with whatever it is when it arrives.

Her boyfriend agreed, nodding and giving a faint smile. The others, realizing that it would be useless to insist, wanted to brighten their gesture once again.

-I called Bertie this morning. - Ami added with a more animated tone. - I was looking forward to talking to her more after what she told me about her victory.

- What kind of things? - Minako asked with her typical interest in gossip. -

-Well, more domestic occupations. - Her friend smiled to clarify amused. - Things are not going badly for them. They and the boys are getting closer and closer. Especially Bertie and Roy...-And now she even laughed to add with an accomplice tone. - Apparently they had a cream war yesterday.

- A cream war? - The others exclaimed with visible astonishment. -

-That sounds very sensual. - An Amused Rei commented asking with obvious interest. – Tell us, tell us...

They all looked at each other, Mamoru shrugged his shoulders. That could only mean one thing. Gossip time. So it was Makoto who wanted to know.

-But then, has she confirmed if there's more than friendship between her and Roy? She and he... you know what I mean..." - She nuanced between the mischievous smiles of the others. -

-Well... she didn't tell me that. - Her companion replied, who was able to add with a blush. - Although, from the way she was talking, I think it won't be long now.

-Well, in Cooan's case, things must be a little slower with Tom. - Rei said, nodding with hints of complicity. - Although I have no doubt that the boy likes her. And, when I talked to her, I had the impression that she had started to notice him more...

-As handsome and nice as he is, if I were in Cooan's place, I wouldn't even think about it. - Minako affirmed. -

-You know that the poor girl had a terrible disappointment with that evil Rubeus. - Her dark-haired companion reminded her. -

-From what we know about him, Tom must have nothing to do with Rubeus. - Makoto said.  - The girls speak very highly of that boy.

- That's true. He's a really nice boy. - Ami admitted, adding with a straight face. - Still, Rei and I think it will take Cooan a while yet to feel secure and confident enough to embark on that kind of relationship. Besides, it was clear that she liked Roy. Just look at the way she looked at him. Poor thing thought we didn't notice.

- I felt so sorry for Cooan. She had another heartbreak. - Rei nodded, declaring with a tinge of optimism in spite of everything. - But every cloud has a silver lining. Now she can focus her attention on that other gorgeous boy. And it's true, it will be a challenge for her to regain her self-esteem and the confidence to give her love again. But I am sure that, in time, she will open up to it.

         And following that reflection of the priestess, Usagi stated emphatically.

- Well, I am also convinced that in the end she will reciprocate Tom's love.

- And how can you be so sure? - Makoto wanted to know, as well as the rest. -

-Well, heh heh! - the questioned woman laughed, putting a hand to her neck to make a statement. - It's my sixth sense. I'm an expert in love....

-Listen cutie. That's my job. - Venus told her. - In case you don't remember, I am the warrior of love and beauty.

- Of course, of course! - She hastened to concede her interlocutor who made a space with her hands, adding: - "It's a hunch of mine, nothing to do with it. You'll see, girls.

The others didn't think much of it. Usagi used to say a lot of nonsense, but sometimes she was right and in this case they didn't see her so far-fetched. Of course, if a boy like Tom was after them, they would not think much about it. So, after chatting for a while more they finally decided to split up. The next day they had to get up early.

-Well, we'll see each other at school tomorrow. - Makoto said goodbye. -

-Yes, we'll have to start studying. - Usagi sighed. -

- To start, Usa-Chan? We have an exam in two days. - Ami commented. -

- What? - both the alluded one and Minako exclaimed, opening their eyes the size of saucers. -

-You two, in your usual line. - Rei sighed, shaking her head. -

          And with that new concern in the making, the girls said goodbye for the day. Over the next few days, despite the exam that Minako and Usagi failed, things seemed to go pretty well. Meanwhile, in America the Justicieras began to fight those demons with increasing success and in Japan the warriors would eventually discover what that mysterious presence was. They didn't even have to look for her, since she came to meet them... and she turned out to be the person they could least imagine...

**START**