GWA30E

**START**

**Hurried Victory.**

Karaberasu awoke somewhat better, but was still in bed. Her mood was also distant and she barely spoke. Beruche and Cooan, very worried about her, offered to stay, but her older sister Petz dissuaded them.

- It will help more if you continue to attend classes. That's what you have to do. I'll look after Kalie and she'll get better soon. - She told them with loving firmness. -

The two girls agreed. Petz was now showing her gentler side, and this was truly the woman who as a child had worked so hard to bring them up since they arrived at the Court of Nemesis. When they lost regular contact with their mother, she took that place with devotion. Of course, she was capable of being stern and terribly angry if need be. However, she could also be sweet and loving with her little sisters as if they were children. This face of kindness had long been hidden under the evil influence of the Black Moon, and since the four of them had begun to live again, Petz had tried hard to make it shine through, occasionally punctuated by one of her well-known annoyances, which were more like irritations against Karaberasu and her acid remarks. But it was precisely Kalie who needed her affection the most. Something very serious had to have happened to her to leave her in this state. The sparkle in her eyes had faded and she seemed only a shadow of the person she used to be. Anyway, the younger ones went away leaving their older sisters alone. They knew that there were times and situations where the two had more confidence in each other. For, despite their many quarrels and the fact that they often seemed to get along like cats and dogs, there was a connection between the two of them similar to the one Beruche and Cooan had with each other.

-Let us know if anything happens. - Bertie asked.  -

-Don't worry, I'll keep you informed if anything happens.

-She'll do well to sleep for the time being. - Cooan said as she took her leave, leaving after Beruche, but not before saying, "We'll call in a little while to see what's going on. We'll call in a little while to see how it's going...

-Don't worry. I'll see that Kalie has something good for breakfast as soon as she wakes up. - The older one told her. - Don't be afraid to go.

And while the two younger ones were leaving Karaberasu woke up. She had overheard some of the conversation and wanted to sit up. At least she could sleep and recover somewhat.

-I must pull myself together. - She said, trying to spur himself on. - This didn't happen...my sisters can't see me like this.

          She had to be strong, for her and for the others. Things were bad enough already, in this battle against the forces of evil, without having to take care of her.

- I promised! - She thought with determination, trying to rally herself. - I promised to be someone else.

Remembering her purification and going back to that time, she began to behave in a completely different way than she had been. Just a few weeks later, after managing to rent Otafukuya, she was working at the time when her friend Minako came to visit her.

- How is everything going? - the sailor wanted to know. -

-A lot of work, but great. - She answered.

Fortunately, the lunch break was coming. Her sisters were still busy with a few customers, but Petz, seeing Minako, told them kindly.

-You go ahead; we'll be done soon.

-Thank you. - Kalie, who proposed affably to her friend said. - There is a restaurant where they make delicious okonomiyaki near here.

-Well, you have to try it. - Her interlocutor nodded enthusiastically. -

And there they went, it was indeed delicious and Karaberasu was perplexed to see her friend eating with such an appetite.

-I thought only Usagi was capable of devouring food like that. - She commented helplessly. -

-I like to savour good food too. - Minako said, still swallowing what was left. - Although she's no one's better! - she added with amusement. -

Kalie looked at her watch, commenting ruefully.

-I should be getting back soon. My sisters have the right to eat too, and get some rest.

-Of course. - Her interlocutor conceded. - You are very considerate.

-I have to be. I've spent my whole life thinking only of myself. - Kalie sighed. -

-Well, it'll be less now. It was just that the dark energy dominated you and your sisters. - Minako smiled, playing it down. -

-No, Mina-chan. - She rebutted. - Actually, I was always kind of selfish. Even as a child. I was really very naughty with my sister Petz, taking away her toys or spoiling her dresses. And with poor Bertie and Cooan, anyway, I took advantage of the fact that I was older to trick them a bit. - She even smiled and blushed a little to admit it too. - I love attention.

- I guess we have that in common! - Minako laughed now. –

            Kalie herself laughed, and after a few moments in which she took the opportunity to pay the bill by inviting her friend, they got up.

-Next time I'll pay. - Minako affirmed. -

-Don't worry about it. - She replied affably. - I love being able to offer something to others. I promised when you purified me.

- Did you promise to treat us to okonomiyaki? - A stunned Minako asked. -

- No," - she laughed once more, only to add more seriously. - I promised to be a better person, to help others and not to try to take advantage of anyone.

Her friend smiled approvingly, and soon they said goodbye and she went back to work, allowing Petz and her sisters to rest for a while. Now she reaffirmed that wish.

-I won't be a burden to anyone. - She told herself emphatically. -

               And she made an effort and struggled out of bed. As soon as she could, she got dressed even though she was still in a lot of pain. Petz didn't take long to notice her as she stayed in the living room and let her sleep.

- What are you doing? - she asked her younger sister with a touch somewhere between concern and admonition, the kind you use when someone who is ill tries to do something too much that might harm them. - Don't even think about it.

- I'm going to work. - Her sister replied in a quiet voice. -We can't be absent.

- Don't talk nonsense, woman. I called the shop and said you weren't well and that we wouldn't go today. - Petz replied in a soft voice instead of the angry tone she usually used to emphasize those words. -

Karaberasu didn't reply, trying to get to the exit door, but once there her legs gave out and she had to lean against the wall. Her sister came immediately to help her sit on the sofa in the living room.

- You see, silly? - You're not in any condition to move yet. At least you have to have some breakfast! Don't be hasty, I'll fix you something to refuel you and then you can rest. If you feel better this afternoon, we'll go to work if you want. Don't worry about it. They told me it's all right. And if anyone has to go, I'll do it. Besides, you still have a few tenths of a fever. - She said with the greatest kindness. -

          With an entirely maternal air, she stroked her sister's hair and forehead as she rested her head on Petz's shoulder.

- Thank you. - Kalie whispered in relief. -

             She really didn't feel well at all, the whole room was spinning and she felt very weak. Maybe something to eat would help. In fact, she had hardly eaten since yesterday.

-I'm hungry," - she finally admitted. -

- I'll make you breakfast right away. - Petz promised, then affirmed. - As soon as you eat it, you'll feel much better, and I've got what you need to make your favourite pancakes.

Her sister smiled comfortingly, she liked pancakes very much, as long as they were in a good mood together (which was not very often). Petz made them for her. Karaberasu knew how to make them herself, but it was more than a meal, it was a kind of symbol of togetherness. Her older sister learned from her mother as part of a long family tradition before she went to court and taught the others how to make them. Rather, she taught Karaberasu and Karaberasu taught Beruche, who taught Cooan. In this way the chain linked them all together. And the funny thing is that they each liked the same pancakes, but with a different topping. Petz liked them covered with cream, Karaberasu, on the other hand, preferred them filled with caramel, Beruche liked chocolate and Cooan was crazy about strawberry. And as Bertie always said, that must mean something. The symbol of belonging to the same family, a common bond between them all, but a different personality for each one. As if the taste was a sign of identity. And almost for once, without any precedent, all the sisters agreed.

- Do you want me to help you? - Kalie could say, now sitting in a chair and facing the living room table.

-No, leave it on me. - Her sister kindly responded. -

Karaberasu did not answer, now those terrible memories of the night before came back to her mind. She could not get the face of that terrible demon out of her mind. His terrible panting on her, how she struggled to try and push him away without succeeding. The helplessness, the pain and humiliation as he came inside her. Tears came again and she desperately fought them back. Under no circumstances did she want her sister to see her like this. She struggled with all her might to forget about it. She wished it had only been a terrible nightmare.

-Yes, it was just a bad dream... it didn't happen. It couldn't happen to me! - She kept repeating to herself over and over again.

              However, the excruciating pains she felt when she moved, accompanied by the general malaise she was suffering, made her realise, to her dismay, that it was very real.  However, she did not want to worry her sisters any more. She had to be strong. She was a Justiciera. And she was a determined and independent woman. No one would put an end to that. So she forced herself to say in a vain attempt to sound cheerful.

- Are those pancakes coming...?

- Don't be impatient. - Her sister said good-naturedly, relieved to hear her say that. -  That surely would be a good sign, she thought as she added more amusedly. - Good things come to those who wait. And mine is the best.

- Well, well! - Karaberasu rebutted in a feignedly casual tone. - I think I make them much better than you do. Mine are much fluffier.

-You wouldn't believe that if you were drunk. - Her interlocutor said. -

Although she did so in a friendly and even amused tone. She was glad to see her sister more cheerful, if only she'd got over the bad news of her capture!

- Thank goodness we got there in time! - she thought relieved, as she added in a voice. - They'll be ready!...

When they were finally done, Petz put a generous portion of caramel on them and added some cream as well. Why limit yourself? And after making some coffee as well, the two of them ate and talked for a long time as they hadn't done for a long time.

- Do you remember when mum used to make them for us? - Petz smiled. -

-Yes, I remember Cooan, when she was so little she used to squash the pancakes with her hands and smear chocolate all over them. -  Her interlocutor smiled. - Mummy despaired when she got her dress dirty!

- And Bertie always counted them to see if we had all the same ones! - Petz laughed now. -

-The same old rational girl. - Kalie agreed, happy to evoke those beautiful memories, when she added in a quiet voice. - What do you think would have become of our lives if we hadn't succumbed to evil?

-I don't know. - Her sister sighed now. - Maybe we would have married and lived in Nemesis. In the thirtieth century.

-Petzite, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..." - The girl mused, her eyes watering now. -

- Sorry for what? - The girl asked without understanding. -

Her sister took a deep breath and tried to avoid crying before clarifying.

-That time in Nemesis, when you caught me with Rubeus. I said horrible things to you. You were right.

-We did spank each other. - Her interlocutor remembered, now holding one of Kalie's hands with her own. - But, woman, that happened a long time ago... It's more than forgotten. Or rather. It hasn't happened yet if you think about it.

That was technically true. That time was still a thousand years away. Despite this, her interlocutor shook her head and replied with a tinge of regret.

-I didn't mean what I said. - I love you very much, Petz. I may not tell you often...well, you and the others...Bertie and Cooan...I love you more than anything in the world. You're my family.

- And I love you. – Her sister, who was beginning to get emotional smiled. -

-Thank you..." - Her tearful sister nodded, holding her hands. - I know I don't give that impression, but I have my own way of being... although when they caught me... I realised that it could have been the last time. And I wouldn't have a chance to tell you.

She couldn't help but burst into tears, and her sister did the same, getting up and hugging her.

-Don't worry, little one. Now we're together again. Nothing bad will happen to you, I promise. - Petz was able to sob.

             And besides being moved, she had been worried. That way of speaking was certainly not typical of Kalie. She used to be biting, cheeky, somewhat fatuous and conceited. But she was also intelligent, optimistic, energetic and outgoing. The poor thing must have had a hard time when she was captured. Petz hadn't dared to bring it up. But it was her sister who did. Surely she had to free herself from those terrible moments.

-Thank God, we got there before they hurt you, - she added. -

Karaberasu stifled a groan and closed her eyes, then opened them and smiled bitterly. If only her sister knew what that monster did to her! But no, she wouldn't say anything...

        And her companion did the only thing she thought appropriate. She tried to de-dramatize the moment to cheer her up.

- Come on, if you're saying that because of the pancakes, eat the one that's left over. You know I don't like leftovers.

-You're going to make me fat. - Kalie smiled, trying to pretend once again. –

            In the end, though, she took Petz at her word. And she ate heartily. She was hungry, of course. The truth was, Karaberasu, aside from satisfying her mere appetite, felt better sharing these moments with her older sister. However, true to the promise she had made to herself, she kept the heavy weight that weighed her heart down, not daring to confess what had really happened to her. Why make her other sisters' lives miserable? Being by her side was enough for her, and they had suffered enough.

-I have no right to make them sad. - She kept repeating to herself. -

             Although, overcome by pessimism, she unfortunately felt that the worst was yet to come. However, as the evening wore on, she felt much better, at least physically. The fever was gone, and although she did not go to work, she assured herself that she would be ready for the next day. Petz was relieved to hear this and waited eagerly for the other two to arrive to reassure them about her sister's health. Meanwhile, for the younger members of the family, the school day went on as normal. Although they were worried about Kalie. Roy was also a little restless, too reserved for his usual self. Beruche noticed this right away. She kept thinking about what had happened the night before and consulted her sister after sharing her wishes for Karaberasu's recovery. Once they called home, Petz assured them that Kalie was much better. The two sat down to talk about their companion.

- What do you think, Cooan, don't you think Roy is very uneasy?

- Yes, and Tom isn't behaving normally either,"-  she confirmed. - I've seen him reading a lot of weird books, about magic and stuff. He tells me it's just a hobby of his. However, I think they're both hiding something from us.

- Yesterday when we were leaving I heard Roy talking to a projection of a demon. I think they were challenging each other to a fight. - She confessed to her surprised little sister. -

-But he's a normal human now! - Cooan replied with visible concern and fear. - He wouldn't stand a chance against one of those demons.

- He assured me he would not accept. But, after seeing him today, so nervous, so distant, I find that hard to believe. - Bertie admitted. -

Then she fell silent. It was precisely the two boys who were approaching them, coming from the rehabilitation room. Tom was turning the wheels of his chair with his hands and his friend was helping him by pushing a little from behind when they saw their companions.

- Hi girls, are you coming for a drink? - Roy proposed in a relaxed tone, too much for the way he had been behaving so far. -

- Tell me something," - Bertie asked, deciding to be frank and direct in her approach to the question. - Is there something you're not telling us?

- Well, no," - he replied, angrily. Now his tone seemed irritated and nervous again, which surprised the girls. - What's that about now? - He asked defensively. - What do you think I've done this time?

- Don't be angry, Roy," - Cooan asked politely. - Bertie just thought you looked a bit odd, that's all.

- Well, I see him as the same old dummy! - Tom laughed to ease the tension, but it sounded a bit forced. -

- You don't seem very natural yourself. You're not keeping anything to yourselves, are you? - Cooan asked, and was visibly cut off. -

But it was Roy who took the floor again, fed up with this kind of sitcom in which no one was speaking clearly. So he decided to take the definitive step and did so in a reproachful tone towards the girls.

- Don't be ridiculous, it's just that I've told Tom what happened. We're worried about you; we don't like you risking your lives. And if you're going to hide things, I think you've been the first to do so with your Justiciera identities.

They both looked at each other with resignation, there was nothing to say to that, only to try to explain.

- Listen Roy," - Cooan answered patiently, putting a hand on his shoulder. - We are the only thing between those demons and the people of the city. We must fight them, even at the risk of our lives, to protect the rest of the people.

- There is also that Golden Warrior! - the man said who, however, did not think that the time had come to reveal himself as such. - He is very powerful, let him take care of everything.

- We can't do that," - Beruche intervened. - As strong as he is, it wouldn't be fair to burden him with all that responsibility. It's our fight too, the warriors entrusted us with that mission. We must protect this part of the world, they already have their own problems and we can't, nor do we want to let them down.

- However, you must be very careful, never be careless. - Tom asked them. –

            The boy looked rather worried, but taking charge of the situation. But wishing he had a clear path, he glanced sideways at Roy and his companion picked up on it.

- Well," - The more relaxed Roy sighed. - I'm sorry, but I can't help thinking about it, I trust you and I know you'll do what's best, but be very careful. - He pleaded with them in turn. -

- Thank you Roy, your support and understanding means a lot to us. - Beruche smiled kissing him on one cheek -....

- Now that everything has been cleared up, let's have a drink,"-  the boy added, smiling again. -

They nodded in agreement and it was Tom who asked.

- How is your sister?

- She had a fever yesterday and when we left she was still sleeping. - Cooan responded with concern. -We called home a while ago and she seems to be doing better.

- Let's hope she will soon be better. - Beruche wished with a long sigh. - We'll leave early today to be with her.

Her companions understood. Roy put an affectionate arm around the girl's shoulders and she smiled comfortingly. They all went to the cafeteria and continued chatting in a more relaxed atmosphere until the girls left. Meanwhile, back at the sisters' flat, Karaberasu was feeling a little stronger, but still very disoriented. She struggled once again not to relive the terrible episode of the previous night. She had almost lost the battle as her sister was now busy with household chores and had left her alone in the dining room for a few moments. Fortunately, after a while, the two little girls arrived. They were delighted to see that their sister was now more recovered, and Kalie herself cheered up at the sight of them, forgetting her distress for a few moments. Petz joined the others and the new arrivals discussed what they had talked about with the boys. Karaberasu listened attentively and asked Beruche if she had seen the image of the demon.

- But why do you want to know," - she asked, surprised by her interest. - I don't think it's of much importance.

- It does to me," - her sister insisted with a pleading expression. - Did you see him?

- Not very well," - Bertie said, trying to remember. -"because I was a little way off. When I arrived he was beginning to fade, but he was very tall, even taller than Roy.

           She described as best she could from the scraps she could remember, the description matched Karnoalk and Karaberasu felt a shiver run through her body, she turned visibly pale and stifled a moan.

- Are you all right, Kalie? – Petz asked her immediately, she had joined them in the meantime, surprised like the others by this sudden reaction. - What's wrong with you?

- Yes, I'm fine, don't worry. There's nothing wrong with me. - she replied with a faint smile. - It's just that I thought I saw someone similar when I was captured.

- Kalie," - Cooan asked her with gentle, fearful prevention. - I know you don't like to talk about it, and I understand, but it's important. - Her sister nodded and her interlocutor asked. - Did they do anything to you?

- I just remember being taken, tied up and passing out, then I woke up and saw Bertie next to me. - She replied, lowering her head. -

She had to make a great effort not to break down. Some part of her being wanted to cry out what had happened to her. The terrible way she had been outraged and the pain she had suffered. But on the other hand, she didn't want her sisters to suffer or feel guilty. Therefore, she did not dare to look at them, so that they would not be aware of the internal struggle she was going through. Fortunately, Beruche intervened, wishing to lighten the mood.

- Well, let's put the matter behind us, it's over and fortunately you're fine. Let's have dinner.

They all got ready to do so, and the conversation turned to more pleasant topics. Like the little that was left of the course and the illusion that the two little girls had for being teachers at last. They hoped that their warrior friends would be able to attend their graduation. Wishing of course to be able to finish with those demons before. For their part, the boys were talking too. Both were worried about their classmates and Roy was hesitant to reveal who he was.

- What should I do, Tommy, should I tell the girls that I am the Golden Warrior or not? On the one hand, I feel obliged to, because I know their identities and it doesn't seem fair that they don't know who I am. But then I think that if they did, they would want to help me fight increasingly powerful demons and that would put their lives in great danger.

- Besides, if they were in the way you would be more concerned about their safety than the fight. Nor would you fight with your full strength or attention and put your own life in danger. - Tom added objectively. –

               Roy, who felt as if his friend had read his mind, nodded slowly with closed eyes, inwardly glad that he understood.

- Their lives are the most important thing to me," - he declared in a tone of great seriousness that was not his usual way of sentencing. - I will fight with all my might to protect them and the rest of the world. I will do whatever it takes.

- At least you can fight," - Tom sighed. - I can't move from here, and I tell you, the sight of Cooan and the rest of the girls going off to fight those monsters and the thought of their lives on the line gnaws at my heart. - He gritted his teeth helplessly, clenching his hands on the arms of his chair - and here I am with nothing to do!

- Don't torture yourself, my friend, that's not true. - His companion rebutted him with tinges of encouragement. - You've done a lot for us and you can still do more for all of us.

- But Roy, what can I do except pray for you? - his friend objected visibly discouraged companion. -

- Apart from that, which won't do us any harm," - his friend smiled to ease the tension, adding more seriously. - "You know how to cast spells of protection. - You know how to cast demon protection spells and a lot of other things you've learned. Like how to locate them and protect us from them with magic. You can give us some key advantages in the fight, boy, you must learn more about it, we're counting on you!

- I'll do my best, my friend. - Tom smiled gratefully and knowing that those words were not mere encouragement. He really could do it and he would do it well, to help as much as he could to take these bastards out, and so he unveiled to his interlocutor. - You know; I've been reading some books lately to increase my knowledge.

Not to mention what April had told him the night before. However, Tom was hesitant to tell his friend that.

-I don't want to burden him with any more problems. I might be able to take care of everything on my own. - The boy thought. -

And everything the girl had told him had left him shocked and horrified. He had also promised to protect the identity of his classmate's sister.

- Do you understand, Tom? - he asked with a mixture of anguish and pleading in his tone and expression. - If that got out, I'd be blamed for everything. And I'm innocent! So is my sister. She could do nothing against that, thing!

The boy listened with a thoughtful expression and nodded slowly to answer.

-Look, I understand you're scared. We all are. But you were still able to come and warn me.

-I know I haven't behaved as I should have, but I was so scared. - April sobbed. - And not just for me, my sister and my niece are in danger too.

-We'll do everything we can to protect them. - Tom assured her . - Them and you too.

-Thank you. - The girl smiled faintly. - I promise that, from now on, I will try to inform you of anything that might be relevant.

He nodded, smiling back. April leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek, leaving the room. Tom was glad that the girl had trusted him, but still, he was horrified. This was terrible! But he couldn't tell his friends, let alone Connie. It would break her heart to know. Nor could he tell Roy. If he faced this demon again, he ran the risk of obfuscation, and with such a powerful opponent, he could pay dearly for it. So now he said nothing when his friend smiled at him with an affectionate pat on the back to settle the matter and harangued him sympathetically.

- Then get to work, find out what you can!

- Don't worry! - his companion assured him, pretending to be more enthusiastic than he was. -

His interlocutor then added in a more serious and concerned manner.

- I'm really going to need your help because I'm going to go to that challenge tonight. That bastard will pay for whatever he's done to Kalie; I swear on my life!

-Be careful. - I will prepare a spell of protection for you," - his companion who was uneasy at Roy's tone and determination to warn him. - But if that demon is too powerful, it may not do you much good, so don't be careless! I wish you the best of luck, my friend, and please don't let yourself be defeated or lose your head. Be very, very careful.

- I will be and I will win. - He promised him. -

The girls had finished their dinner. It was still early and Beruche phoned Roy and Tom's room, nobody answered. He thought they had gone out, but after two hours he called again and there was still no answer. Cooan told her they were probably on campus. They did not go to see them because they wanted to investigate the cult on their own. To do so, they had to return to the site of the previous day's fight. Knowing what this meant, Cooan turned to Karaberasu in a protective tone.

- If you want to stay at home, we'll sort this out. I don't think we have to fight.

- That's right, you don't need to come. You might find going back there unpleasant. You don't want to remember it. - Beruche added kindly. -

- Thank you," - she replied with determination. - But I have to face it to overcome it completely. And I feel safe among you.

- That's the spirit, sister! Come on, girls! - Petz urged them energetically. - We don't have time to waste! -

            They all agreed and in unison transformed themselves. Karaberasu's uniform had already completely regenerated thanks to the power of her stone. It looked as if it had never been damaged.

-I wish it could happen to me as it did to my clothes. To forget everything as if it had never happened and be completely renewed. - She thought in dismay. -

              Although she tried hard to put it out of her mind and overcome her fears, she followed her sisters and together they set off. Roy also set off for the challenge venue, his wristwatch showing half past eleven. The girls then arrived at the scene of the battle. They began to search for any clues (the same as their friend had done the night before.) Something that might lead them to discover important information. But they could find nothing that could be useful to them. At that moment they heard footsteps in the darkness, approaching towards them, and they became on their guard. A tall silhouette emerged from the shadows, Petz shouted menacingly.

- Stop, who are you, make yourself known or face the consequences...!

The figure replied in a voice that was familiar to them, it was Roy.

- Calm down girls, it's me....

- But what are you doing here? - Bertie asked him, facing him angrily. -

- I've come to fight that demon," - he told her slowly. -

- Get out of here,"-  she demanded fearfully. - "we'll fight him.

- I can't let you do that; you could never defeat him. - The boy assured her firmly. -

- And you can? - his interlocutor shrieked, losing her apparent calm. - Can't you see he'll kill you? You don't have the power to fight him! Besides, you promised me, you promised me you wouldn't fight that monster. - She reproached him as worried as she was hurt. - You're never supposed to break your promises.

- And I haven't broken it," - Roy patiently refuted her for the sake of clarification. –Little cube. What I promised you was that I wouldn't take any unnecessary risks. And I won't.

Then the alarm on the boy's watch went off, set at twenty-three fifty-nine.

- There are things I haven't told you, Bertie," - he added. - And I should like to...

           But he was interrupted before he could finish his sentence by a bright red light that appeared directly in front of them. In the middle of it, the figure of Karnoalk materialised. Karaberasu, terrified at the sight of him, hid behind a pillar. Despite her best efforts to maintain her self-control, she was confronted again by the figure of her rapist and panic set in. This time, however, the demon was only paying attention to Roy.

- Here I am! - Karnoalk exclaimed with an evil grin. - As you can see I'm punctual, I'm glad you are too. Although to tell you the truth I didn't think you'd be able to make it. Ha, ha, ha! I admit that says a lot about you.

- So you see, you were wrong. - His antagonist dryly said. -

- Anyway, you've brought a lot of help with you, though I don't think it will do you any good. - The demon sneered, looking at the Justicieras with a sneer of contempt and then asserted. - "These bitches won't do you any good. - These bitches won't do you much good, the only thing they can do for you is to give you a nice time before you die. If you want, I'll give you half an hour to enjoy them, or don't you need that much time, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

- Leave them out of this," -  The boy said, visibly irritated by his enemy's words. - It's enough for me alone to beat you up!

- Roy, don't be crazy! - Petz asked him - That demon is very powerful, go away!

- Please, we can't vouch for your safety, go away before I kill you! - Cooan insisted with a look of anguish. -

- No,"-  he replied, raising his tone. -" You go, I know I can defeat him alone. - He added with great confidence in his own abilities, which perplexed the girls. -

- But how can you do that, Roy? Have you lost your mind? - Bertie asked him in near despair. -

He was undeterred and added, turning to the Justicieras.

- As I was about to say before I was interrupted by that demon. - To all this the alluded one listened with amusement and crossed his arms. He nodded with an evil grin as he was quoted. - There's something I haven't told you. But I'm going to do it right now. Karnoalk, you wanted me, didn't you? You wanted the solar warrior? Well, here I am! - Roy shouted as he gathered energy and with a shout released it to become the Golden Warrior to the astonishment of all the girls. - I'm ready.

- It's about time, Sun warrior. - " The demon interjected, looking unimpressed. - I was beginning to think you'd be chatting all night. Now, if you don't mind, let's get down to business, and since I'm feeling generous at the prospect of a good fight, I'll let those wretched humans go this time.

- Very well," - Roy nodded, "I agree, you girls go now! - he ordered, turning to the girls who had not yet recovered from their surprise, and argued. - You'll be in my way if you stay here. I couldn't fight with all my power.

Beruche wanted to retort, but her younger sister grabbed one arm and Petz grabbed the other.

- This is beyond our strength. - Cooan said to Bertie, who had no choice but to admit it, even with a look of shock and awe on his face as he saw the boy glowing with golden radiance. - Come on, we must go!

They all withdrew except Karaberasu who remained there hiding and trembling. Roy saw her out of the corner of his eye and decided to take to the air to get away from there, the demon followed him.

- Are you going to run away? - Karnoalk shouted at him, gathering energy. -

- Not at all, I just want a bigger place to beat you to a pulp. - His opponent responded by doing the same. -

- Well, first try to stop this if you can! - The demon shrieked, attacking with a cloud of blows that Roy parried and returned with the same intensity. -

The fight was terrible, the rivals fought as equals, great bolts of energy collided, both moved at enormous speed. The Justicieras could not follow them with their eyes. The fight was certainly very close, but the golden warrior was the first to show signs of fatigue. Little by little, the demon was gaining the upper hand.

- Ha, ha, ha! Have you had enough? - Karnoalk asked him with a mixture of amusement and derision. - What a disappointment! I was expecting something much more interesting.

             Roy concentrated his energy for a final blow, but his opponent anticipated him with several punches that knocked him down. The boy fell to the ground, battered, and Karnoalk landed, exhausted too, but with an advantage, as he built up a ball of energy ready to finish off his foe.

-We must help him! -  Beruche, who was a few dozen metres away witnessing the scene, shouted. -

-Yes!" - Petz and Cooan agreed, together with Bertie advanced towards the enemy attacking with all their weapons. -

           The demon still had the strength to deflect those attacks and counter-strike weakly but enough to throw all the girls a few metres back. As soon as they got up Cooan noticed Karaberasu curled up in a foetal position behind a pillar and shivering in panic with a glazed look in her eyes.

- It's Kalie! - she pointed out to her sisters. - She's terrified; we must get her out of there!

- This enemy is too powerful! - Petz, who was also keeping an eye on the battle, exclaimed. - "Oh no! It's going to finish Roy off!

          The demon staggered forward with a ball of pent-up energy in his hands, smiled and, though exhausted, prepared to unleash the final blow. All this amidst a great cloud of dust and debris that made it difficult for the girls to see. So much so that they lost sight of their sister, suddenly Kalie wasn't there.

- Die sun warrior! - the demon shrieked just as he was about to launch his attack on Roy who was lying helpless on the ground. -

            But then something paralysed him... He could hardly move, it was as if he was fighting against a feeling of wearing a huge, heavy cloak.

- What was it? - Karnoalk said to himself without understanding. - What is it?

-Tommy's protection spell, well done my friend. - Roy thought, trying to pull himself together. -

        However, the demon was so powerful that this kind of paralysis was beginning to wear off.

-I admit it was well played. Unfortunately for you, wretch, I am too strong for these cheap magic tricks. – Karnoalk howled.

         And just as he was smiling, thinking he was going to break free, something grabbed his arms. It was the whip of Karaberasu who had overcome her fear to witness what was happening.

- No!" - she exclaimed. - I will never allow you...

- Who dares? Who are you? - Karnoalk asked in surprise. –

          He immediately turned to see the woman only five feet away. Even he was amazed by the look in her eyes, so much hatred and rage that the Justiciera had in them that they were almost paralysing him. The human's strength seemed to have multiplied. That, together with the other strange sensation of heaviness and paralysis, disconcerted him. The demon wanted to let go and could not.

- But it's not possible, weren't you there? - he shouted in astonishment. -

- Now Roy, attack him! I can't resist much longer! - Karaberasu shouted apparently not paying attention to her enemy, but not allowing her to finish the sentence. -

The golden warrior recovered enough to unleash all his pent-up energy on his adversary. Luckily he was able to take advantage of the opportunity that his friend's spell and the intervention of that poor girl, overcoming her fear, had given him. He knocked his enemy down, leaving him badly wounded. Only a moment before Karaberasu had released his grip and rolled away from the blast. Karnoalk's own attack energy exploded on the demon as he fell off balance and exhausted his strength. Once the shockwave of the detonation had passed, they all moved towards him. But the demon was truly defeated. But the demon was truly defeated and could barely move.

- You have defeated me .... Sun warrior," - he stammered, acknowledging his defeat. - It's true... you have Saiyan blood in you. Although, had that female not helped you... I would have defeated you anyway.

His interlocutor gave him a puzzled look. He did not understand what his enemy was referring to. But it was clear that he was alluding to the same thing Valnak tried to tell him.

- What does that mean, Saiyan? What do you mean? - The astonished boy asked. -

- You're not from this world..." the dying demon managed to say in a whisper... - You...

Roy was trying to understand those words, they must be very important and also the girls were watching Karnoalk with their weapons, attentive to what they heard and forewarned that he could be pretending to attack suddenly, but with a cracked voice he was trying to finish the sentence.

- It will do you no good..." - he grinned wickedly despite his grave condition. - Others much more powerful than me will come and finish you miserable humans off....

Petz watched her enemy furiously, but focused on him, she didn't see her sister Karaberasu until she snatched the javelin from her and pierced the demon's chest with it. Everyone including Roy was petrified by surprise, horror and disbelief. The girl howled completely out of her mind.

- Shut the fuck up you bastard and enjoy this! Don't you like it, come on, I can't hear you. Say you like it, say it, say it, say it! - She kept repeating over and over again. -

           As if by compulsion, she pierced her hated aggressor with the javelin endlessly, until he was covered in blood. Karaberasu herself was splattered with it, but she kept frantically piercing what was now nothing more than a wreck. The demon exploded, filling her face with even more blood, but the girl seemed to be in some kind of trance. She licked at the blood splattering her to the paralysed shock and horror of all. At last she sentenced, now in a slow voice, filled with a strange calm.

- She can never hurt anyone, ever again. - And no sooner had she finished speaking than she collapsed on the floor in exhaustion and a nervous wreck, bursting into tears. -

Everyone was still there, unable to move. They were trying to assimilate what they had seen. Finally, the first to react was Petz who, in a gentle voice, helped her sister, who now looked like a bundle, to sit up. Her legs could not support her; she was also helped by Roy who gently lifted her up in his arms. Bertie and Cooan could only weep between stunned and horrified at the sight of such a dramatic spectacle.

- Let's go home little one. Forget about this and rest. - Petz whispered compassionately, stroking her head. - Forget about it...it's over now.

Karaberasu nodded as she trembled and wept silently. Roy truly stunned and pitied her and said nothing. He carried her home followed by the rest of the girls who also remained speechless, shocked by the impressive scene. And at that moment in the Sect Headquarters, the Great Wiseman stroked his ball and said to himself in a reflective tone.

- The hour of the final battle is at hand...The time has come to play our last trick....

                However, someone had been listening in the shadows. Someone who had managed to get into this new Sect headquarters. Someone who was already practiced at slipping in unnoticed.  It was none other than Paige, and the girl could hear the summoning that this nightmarish being was preparing. It chilled her blood in her veins. Fortunately, she knew that her life depended on remaining absolutely silent and immobile. So he did, hearing the Wiseman sentence, once he had finished.

-Being a demon of such a level, my summoning will still take time to be heeded. I can go no further in the infernal circles. But this great dark lord will be far more powerful than the Sun warrior himself.

And Paige was able to back away very slowly, as the hooded man walked away to give some orders to the leaders of the cultists. After an interminable few minutes, struggling to overcome her panic, the young woman was able to gain the exit. She made sure she had not been seen and returned home. As soon as she arrived, her sister was waiting for her. April had been looking after her niece. In fact, earlier that afternoon she had gone to visit Paige and told her about her conversation with Tom. She promised to help.

-If I want a future for me and my little Marla, I have to get out of here. But I'll never make it if someone doesn't put an end to this evil cult. - She told her interlocutor. - That's why I'll try to find out what they're up to.

-Be careful. - Her sister asked her. -

-Don't be afraid, I know how to infiltrate. Thanks to some of those idiots talking too much in bed, and their lust not allowing them to wait, I've learned how to sneak into their new headquarters through some of the secret corridors and entrances they have. You take care of Marla. As soon as I can, I'll come back and tell you what I've heard. - She assured her.

And now she told her, trembling with fear. April herself shuddered in terror. She couldn't believe it was true! She knew her sister wasn't lying, though. Even more so when she jotted down some names she'd heard the Wiseman himself say.

-I have to tell Tom about this as soon as possible. - She declared. -

So, after saying goodbye to her sister and asking her to be very careful, she went back to the college...

In Japan, meanwhile, the girls had gathered for the afternoon. The cats were present in their turn. Luna was chatting a little separately with Artemis. Artemis heard what had happened that morning...

- Did she? - he wanted to know. -

-Yes, she was very frightened. - His interlocutor affirmed. - She said something I didn't understand. Then she tried to play it down. But I've known her for a long time and I think there are serious problems ahead.

Luna received no reply from her partner. Soon it was the girls who began to talk and both felines wanted to listen. It was Ami who commented.

-Bertie called me this morning. She is urging me to come. Her sister Kalie was kidnapped by the cultists. They've managed to rescue her, but she's in bad, very bad shape.

- Is she hurt? - Minako fretted, looking visibly afraid. -

-Fortunately, not seriously. - Her interlocutor replied. -

-This can't be delayed any longer. - Rei said. - We have to go now...

-Yes, I agree. - Makoto interjected. - Nothing seems to be happening here. I get the impression that the problems are more serious where they are.

-You don't want to rush into things. - Mamoru commented. -

- After what Bertie told us? - Ami was surprised, asking without getting out of her perplexity. - Is that not enough?

-You said yourself that Kalie is safe. - Her colleague reminded her. - So we'll have to take some time to come up with a plan.

-With all due respect. - Minako interjected. - I think we've been discussing this long enough and planning enough...

All the while, Usagi listened without intervening. She didn't seem to be following the conversation with much interest, lost in her own musings. Though Rei added, sympathising with her companions.

-First it was Bertie, then Tom, now Kalie. We're playing too much with our luck, aren't we, Usagi? - she asked, turning to her friend. -

          However, she looked at her with an almost dismayed expression. And her reply, in a quiet voice and barely a whisper, stunned everyone...

-The cup of sorrow has not yet been filled.

Luna's mouth dropped open. Then she remembered. And she whispered to Artemis to her comrade's surprise.

-That's what she said... I don't know what she meant.

For their part, the rest of the girls looked at each other blankly. It was Makoto who dared to ask.

- What does that mean?

She then sighed, got up from the chair she was sitting in and after pacing around the room they were in, she commented softly.

-Ami, Rei. Call the girls, tell them we'll go...all five of us...along with Mamoru, Luna and Artemis.

That made everyone happy...finally! They had begun to think that moment would never come.

-Thank you Usagi. - Mercury smiled. - I'll call Bertie right away, I'm sure she'll be happy.

-Yes, I'm relieved to see that you've finally realised. - Rei added. -

-It is never too late. - Minako said with a wink. - Now everything will be fine...

Her friend, however, only gave a fleeting smile. The others didn't seem to notice too much, though. In fact, Usagi didn't want to speak, but she'd had another dream even more terrible than the one of that poor girl being so sadistically outraged. So horrifying was it that she didn't even want to tell Mamoru about it. It was a nightmare that had chilled her blood and filled her with sadness and dread. But which, sadly, should remain unknown to the rest of us. Worst of all, it would surely come true. So, together with the others, she decided to wait for the moment to teleport, as soon as it was agreed with her friends.

**START**