GWA19E

**START**

**The Sisters meet.**

Two days later, things were going better and better. Beruche was already sitting up in bed and was patiently enduring Cooan's solicitous efforts to make her eat, just as if she were a kindergartner.

- Come on, eat another one. - Her little sister said in a honeyed voice, as she spooned a spoonful of soup into her mouth. -

- I can do it myself,"-  the girl replied, trying to swallow as soon as possible so she could speak. -I'm not a child!

-You need to get your strength back. - Cooan told her in a maternal tone. -

-Yes, I'm fine now. - Her companion insisted with resigned patience. - You don't have to spoil me so much.

- Take advantage while you can! - Her sister laughed. -

Roy, who had entered the room a few moments ago without Bertie noticing, smiled amusedly at the scene. Crossing his arms, he soon intervened, taking a spoon and a napkin, which he wrapped around the patient's neck as a bib.

- Come on, little cube," - he said in a fluttering voice that got on Beruche's nerves. - This one for sailor Mars...

- But what do you know... wow!

             When the patient tried to protest, he took the opportunity to shove the spoon into her mouth. Cooan tried to keep from laughing, but to no avail at the sight of such a spectacle.

- Very good - the boy approved with a frankly ridiculous tone, returning to the charge in spite of his victim. - Now, another one for Mercury chan. Come on, you've got to get strong and maybe you'll even grow up, you little dwarf!

That was too much for Bertie. She took off her bib and threw it at the boy and promptly bombarded him with chunks of bread.

- That's enough! - she protested, albeit amused, for she herself was amused by the comicality of the situation. - You're a clown!

- If you want, I'll make you a little plane with the spoon. - He laughed -...

The girl feigned a throw of the plastic cup she had against him and Roy took cover behind the door of the entrance. Cooan watched all this with a smile.

- They were made for each other. - She mentally admitted to herself. - It had been a long time since I had seen my sister so relaxed with someone, she who has always been so shy.

- Don't you have anything better to do? - Beruche asked the boy in the meantime. -

- Right now I can't think of anything better to do than to feed you, little cube. - He laughed, coming closer as soon as he thought the young woman had run out of "ammunition". -

- I'll tell you something more interesting," - she replied with a mischievous half-smile. - How about studying something? Since you're here, you could bring your notes and books, I'm sure you need them.

The boy put his hands to his head as he exclaimed with theatrical horror....

- No way, and you haven't even been discharged yet!

- I have a lot of catching up to do and a lot work to do as well. It's a good thing Tom is still in class and he and my sister take the notes, otherwise I'd be lost with you! - She affirmed with a mood between optimistic and amused. -

Roy opened his mouth looking at Cooan with a feigned gesture of circumstance and dread, who laughed shaking his head. Then the boy took one of the napkins and after smiling mischievously approached Bertie who was watching him suspiciously.

- What are you going to do? - she asked without understanding. -

- You're better off keeping quiet, honey. - He said, knotting it around her mouth. -

- Hummmm! - the patient exclaimed and took a short time to take it off to go on the counterattack. - Roy, you're a fool!

And grabbing the empty plastic tray, she gave her partner a heartfelt "smack on the head". While he was rubbing it, the girl took advantage of a stock of pieces of bread she had on the small table near her bed and resumed her shots at the boy who ran to take cover behind an amused Cooan, the latter was able to say with a chuckle.

- Please, you look like two elementary school kids, you'll see when the nurse comes and makes me clean all this up!

- Then I'll help you, if your sister will let me do it well enough. - He promised her, hiding in the shadow of Connie, who also received some "bread attack".

The battle was interrupted by Ami entering the room. Roy immediately stepped behind her. The newcomer looked at Beruche and Cooan with a quizzical look on her face, but the latter told her what had happened and the girl laughed too. She carried some flowers in her left hand which she placed in a vase near the bed.

- Well, let there be peace. - The smiling sailor asked them as she went out of the room for a few moments and returned with a small portable table. - Bertie, you'd better channel your regained energy into something more positive. - She advised sympathetically. -

Cooan removed the food tray and let her friend place the folding table and a small box on her sister's lap.

-Ami, what have you got there? - The convalescent asked her with a curious expression and a deliciously singsong tone. -

- It's a surprise. - The alluded one answered, winking at her. - Look at this.

          She opened the box and took out some small and pretty chess pieces that Bertie looked at with delight. Her eyes became like saucers, at the same time that her friend placed a board on the table and offered her with an affectionate tone.

- Fancy a game? It's been a while since we've played.

- Oh yes, thank you Ami! - Beruche responded, clapping her hands in delight as the expression on her face brightened. -

Roy smiled. He really liked to see his partner like that. It was very difficult for her to express her emotions so openly. Perhaps after unburdening herself of the weight of her past and suffering so much at death's door she had freed herself. In a way it was as if she was now bringing out a hitherto quite hidden joy and charm of which she had offered only glimpses. That was the word, enchanting! As excited and innocent as a child discovering things for the first time. The boy could not stop looking at her and feeling something very warm inside. Although now it was time to continue acting a little. So he decided to go back to the joke and, to start with, he sat astride a chair at an equal distance from both of them and, covering his nose with his fingers, he narrated in a gangly voice.

- Ladies, gentlemen, the champion Mizuno with white pieces, the challenger Malinde with black ones. It seems that Bertie plans to attack with a double combination of bishop, rook that....

- Oh, shut up! - Ami protested with laughter. - We can't play like this.

- Roy," - Beruche added, simulating a tone of amused threat. - I'll hit you again with the tray and this time I'll ask for a metal one and not a plastic one...

- Okay, okay - he said getting up and making a space with his hands, to go to the door where Cooan was. - See you later.

          Ami and Beruche laughed and waved at him. Roy and Cooan left the room leaving them both engaged in the game.

- Luckily your sister is back to her old self. - He said to the girl, now in a more serious way, although relieved about it. -

- Yes - she smiled weakly, trying not to look him directly in the eyes. - Thank goodness...

- What's the matter, Connie? - her interlocutor asked her, realizing that something was wrong with her companion at the sight of her saddened countenance. - You don't seem very cheerful.

- I guess it's all the worry and nerves that I've endured during these days, you know. - The girl declared, sighing at length and trying to avoid the subject. Smiling more tightly now, though fleetingly. - When you let your guard down...

- You feel tired and everything comes over you, it's normal. - The boy thought he understood, putting an arm around her shoulder to comfort her, encouraging her with a jovial tone. - Come on, I'll buy you a coffee, and then you should go home and rest if you want, between Ami and me we'll keep an eye on her.

- Thank you Roy. - Cooan shivered as she felt his embrace and smiled gratefully. - I think I'll do that. Besides, I'll have to relieve poor Tom in class.

The two were leaving down the hallway heading for the hospital cafeteria, but they heard Rei's shouts that made them turn around, sailor Mars joined them running.

- Thank goodness! - she gasped, trying to catch her breath. - I didn't think I could catch up with you. Cooan, you have a visitor.

- A visitor? - The alluded one asked her, visibly surprised. -

- They're back there. - Rei pointed to the other side of the corner. -

Cooan, followed by Roy and Rei headed that way. As they rounded the corner of the hallway the girl's heart skipped a beat. She stopped dead in her tracks with an exclamation of joy as she recognized her two older sisters standing next to a pair of suitcases.

- Petz sama! Karaberasu sama! Girls, what a joy! - She ran towards them with open arms.

           Petz was the first to step forward, but her gesture didn't seem to flinch, but rather gave her sister a hard look. Unaware of this, Cooan approached them until she was within reach and asked them eagerly.

- When did you arrive, Petz...?

           Without saying a word, she surprised everyone by giving her sister a loud slap, so hard that she almost knocked her backwards! The assaulted, surprised and frightened, bent one knee and covered her sore cheek with her hand, looking at her older sister in disbelief. So did the others who had witnessed the scene without believing what they had seen. Petz at last burst into a thunderous, unhinged rant at the dumbfounded girl.

- Anata wa Musekinin. Naze nai Watashitachi Kōru ka? Anata wa orokana!

            Both Roy and Rei were stunned. However, the latter was able to translate for him some of the "niceties" that Petz was dedicating to her frightened and surprised little sister while the angry woman continued with her reproaches.

- When Ami and Rei told us that your sister was seriously ill in the hospital, we almost died of fright! - She pointed to Karaberasu who also stood stunned behind her. - Kalie and I were crying at home and we had a very hard time, we were so scared. We had to drop everything as fast as we could and book tickets on the first available flight wondering if Bertie would be alive or dead. What were you thinking? - Tears were now welling up in Petz's eyes, too, finally mitigating her screams. - You are irresponsible!

Karaberasu, also upset and worried about Cooan, nevertheless interposed herself between her furious older sister and her terrified younger sister.

- Enough is enough! - She asked Petz in a conciliatory but forceful and firm voice. - Please control yourself, she must have had a hard time too. There was no need for all this.

Unable to bear it any longer, Cooan burst into tears as she tried to justify herself while crying.

- Gomen nasai, onegay, Petz sama! I'm so sorry, I didn't want to worry you, but I didn't know what to do, my God, I was so scared, I thought Bertie was dying!

Seeing her little sister in that state Petz felt like her heart was going to break, unable to stop her tears from rolling. She helped her up and hugged her sister, saying in a conciliatory tone, from which she had already banished the anger.

- Gomen nasai, Cooan-chan! Little one, I got carried away by my nerves, forgive me!  Now calm down, we are here and everything will be fine.

Karaberasu joined their embrace and cried with them. Rei and Roy stood there, pinned together unable to utter a word. When Sailor Marte finished translating for him discreetly the boy dared to approach at last to try to de-dramatize the situation. And with the help of the sailor, now translating towards the sisters, he said.

- It would be better that before you see Bertie you three calm down a little. He's not up to much yet and I don't think he can take a blow like that, even I couldn't! - He asserted with a faint smile that tried to be as friendly as possible. -

- Don't worry. - Petz smiled embarrassed between her sobs, once Rei translated and nodded in deduction. - You must be Roy. We thank you so much for what you have done for our little sisters. Forgive my bad manners. I beg you. - She added with a polite bow. - I haven't even introduced myself. I am Petz Malinde, the eldest and her. - She added in the direction of the other newcomer - is Karaberasu, the second oldest. - She also made a slight nod and smiled while holding Cooan in her arms. - Please take us to our sister's room.

- How is Bertie? - Karaberasu asked. -

- I think you can see for yourselves. - Rei replied affably. -

Roy nodded in return and led them down the corridor. The two older sisters walked with uncertainty. They were nervous though, they didn't know how their sister might be. The news they had so far spoke of a very serious injury and that had kept them on edge during the whole trip, being unable to eat or sleep. However, Rei seemed to be in a good mood, which cheered them up. Finally, when they arrived just in front of the door, they were reassured to hear Bertie's own voice exclaiming with joy.

- Checkmate, I've finally beaten you Ami - chan! - Hee, hee, hee!

- Well played – The sailor answered with pleasure. –

- You didn't leave me, did you? - Beruche asked her suspiciously, prey to that inevitable suspicion. -

- I promise you I won't. - Her companion affirmed sincerely. - This time you have been more skillful. I can tell you've trained here....

-Yes, I had a very good opponent, a girl from another university. I was very sorry I couldn't beat her in the final of the tournament I won.

- Did you win a tournament? That's great. - Ami said visibly happy. -

-Yes, but I don't know if it would have been so easy playing against Sophie. She's almost as good as you. I'd love it if you could meet her and play a game.

-It would be a pleasure. I don't know if we'll have time for that, though. - Her friend responded. -

Her companion was about to say something, but just then there was a knock at the door. Her sisters and the others heard the usual "come in". At last they decided to go in. As soon as the convalescent saw them, she tried to sit up, knocking over the board with the chips without noticing it. But that didn't bother her, her eyes were now full of tears and her lips were trembling with joy. Her two older sisters ran up to her and embraced her in a very emotional embrace.

- Petz Oni-sama! Karaberasu Oni-sama! - Bertie was able to stammer. -

-Chibi Kureijī! You little fool, you had us worried sick! - Petz answered her between sobs and kisses. - What happened to you?

- Rei and Ami told us. - Karaberasu added in the same way. - We were so scared that we took the first plane!

- I'm sorry. - Beruche replied emotionally, trying not to cry but of course not succeeding. -I won't worry you like that again!

-You'd better not! - Petz smiled to say not without a certain tinge of guilt. - Because your poor sister has had to pay for the fear and anguish that I brought from Japan.

The girl didn't understand anything, but at last her spirits calmed down and she was told what had happened. Cooan's cheek was still red, but little by little it was getting better. Calmer, they began to talk with the others. Bertie, unaware that they had already introduced themselves, pointed to Roy.

- This is my classmate, and a good friend, Roy Malden. Roy. - She addressed him in turn, pointing to her sisters. - This is Petz and Karaberasu, my older sisters.

- We already know, we had no problem recognizing you from the photos you sent. Tall, handsome... - Kalie remarked casually, to the blushes of her younger sisters and even the boy himself, when they translated it to her with laughter. -

- He must be a fantastic boy and appreciate you very much to have cared so much about you. - Petz added gratefully, this time in English. -

            That made both Roy and Bertie herself blush even more causing everyone to smile.

- I have only returned the help she has given me. - The alluded acknowledged rubbing his head visibly embarrassed. -

- Forgive me, girls. I don't want you to think I'm forgetting. Thank you very much to you too. We are indebted again. - Petz continued, turning his attention to Ami and Rei. -

- Don't worry about it. That's what friends are for. - Ami smiled. -

- I hope you can stay, at least for a while. - Beruche commented hopefully, looking at her older sisters. -

-You won't get rid of us so easily, young lady! - Petz answered her in an uninhibitedly maternal tone. -

- Yes, fortunately things have been going very well for us since you came here. So much so that we've even been able to close for the vacations. - Kalie affirmed in her peculiar ironic and mocking way. –

- But not indefinitely. - Her older sister, as always looking out for the welfare of the business while picking up her Japanese. -

- Oh come on, don't be a spoilsport as usual, Petz. – Karaberasu reproached. -

- I'm not a spoilsport, I'm responsible and you're old enough to be, Kalie. - She reproached her in turn. -

- Please, don't start with your sermons again, you're so boring! - Her interlocutor complained, sighing for a long time. -

- What do you mean, boring? - Her sister exclaimed with an annoyed tone of voice, replying in turn. - What happens is that you know I'm right, but you don't like to hear it....

Roy and the sailors listened with their mouths open. They were amused and he didn't understand a word of what seemed to be a domestic dispute. Until Cooan laughed and interjected into the controversy with a jocular comment in English.

-How I've missed these fights of yours! I'm glad you haven't lost the habit.

- That's right, Roy..." - Beruche corroborated, looking at him in amusement. - If you thought I was severe, now you'll see how my sister Petz does it.

- No, I've already seen it! Petz suma, or was it sama? - he sighed, waving a hand with a pretended gesture of horror. - How she hits!

- It's not that bad. - Petz defended herself with barely a whisper, slightly flushed with embarrassment as she averted her gaze. -

Everyone burst out laughing, even Petz herself was this time unable to avoid hilarity at the situation.

- I apologize to all of you. - She excused using again the English she seemed to speak more than acceptably. - Especially you Roy, my behavior was rude, and I hardly used your tongue. Forgive me. I didn't do it with bad intentions.

- Don't worry, it's normal that you wanted to talk to your sisters in your own language, especially considering the circumstances you have been through. - He smiled considerately, taking away all importance to the subject. -

- Now with a little luck we can relax. - Karaberasu winked at the astonished boy. - Finally a vacation!

- Hey, what do you think you're doing? - Petz reproached her again, this time without leaving English. - Can't you think of anything else?

- What happens is that I am a very vital girl. - She was also able to say with a good control of that foreign language for her. - And since we are here, I would like to have a good time in this impressive city.

- You're one of mine! - Roy affirmed enthusiastically. - You'll see how much fun you can have here if you know the places! I've already shown your sisters the wonders of New York. Now it's time to see the nightlife.

- I'll love it, with a guy like that I'm sure I won't get bored. - Kalie exclaimed, tinging her voice with insinuating sweetness. -

- Hey! What do you think you're doing? - Bertie intervened this time with feigned anger, or maybe not as much as she wanted to make it seem, overtaking her now surprised sister Petz who had just said the same thing. - Roy has to study. He's missed enough classes already taking care of me, so I'll see to it myself that we both catch up. Until then, no partying.

He clasped his hands together in supplication, but it was no use because Beruche, crossing her arms, shook her head with her eyes closed. Although everyone understood the joking context and smiled.

- Bertie is another dictator. - Karaberasu commented jocularly. - Woe betide the boy who puts up with her!

- How dare you to say that? - the alluded one admonished her with eyes almost as wide as saucers as the others laughed. Roy even nodded in agreement with his partner's sister to add to the hilarity. - That's not true..." The embarrassed young woman defended herself, arguing. - What happens is that I am responsible...

      After this new cataract of laughter, the young man took the floor to praise the new arrivals.

- It's incredible, you have a perfect command of English. Just like your sisters.

- Yes, well, we've been studying since we were little girls. - Petz responded modestly. -

- That's why, among other things, we wanted to come here. - Beruche added. -

- They are very good students. - Ami affirmed. -

- So much so that they have even helped us to catch up with English..." - Rei added with an accomplice nod. -

And the conversation among the other five continued animatedly as Karaberasu made an "aside" with her sister Cooan.

- He's very handsome, so, this is the famous boy you were telling us about in your letters. - She sentenced with a mischievous smile remembering the pictures and her little sister's expression in them. -

- Yes, - she answered shyly, and looked at him with a now resigned tone. - But he is not for me.

         The hurried girl didn't have to explain any further. With her consummate experience in relationships Karaberasu had already noticed Roy joking with Beruche and understood at once what her interlocutor meant.

- I understand, I'm sorry. - She replied softly adding encouragingly. - But don't worry, there are more boys!

- Bertie doesn't know how he feels about her, I overheard him. I know from the way she behaves that she likes him too and I don't want to come between the two of them. - Cooan explained. -

- I don't think your sister is that dumb. But you're right, just look at them, especially Bertie's reaction when Roy asked me out. As much as she wants to pretend it's a joke, she's not fooling me, I know her well. - Karaberasu said and who smiled again adding in an affectionate way. - But don't worry little one, you are a great girl and I'm sure you will find someone who deserves your love, you'll see!

At that there was a knock on the door, Ami opened it and greeted Tom who had just arrived from the university.

- Hi, I brought the notes you asked for, Bertie - He said as he entered, but seeing so many people he was a bit shocked and didn't dare to go all the way to the back of the room. -

- Girls. - The now smiling Cooan declared, introducing her sisters. - This is Thomas Alan Rodney, another good friend of ours and Roy.

The boy looked embarrassed, but he waved with a smile and qualified.

- Just Tom to friends. How do you do?

Petz and Karaberasu introduced themselves by shaking his hand and giving him a slight nod, appraising him with their eyes just as they had previously done with Roy. They also recognized him from the photos. The boy certainly showed that the Japanese lessons Cooan had given him from time to time in the past had been helpful. He was able to greet both of her sisters in that language and they nodded smilingly, praising the skill with which he expressed himself. Tom then went to give the notes to Beruche. Karaberasu whispered again to her little sister.

- Hey girl, this one's not bad either.  And he speaks our language too.

- Yes, I gave him some lessons. - Cooan mused shyly. -

- And do you know if he has a girlfriend? - Her colleague was now interested with a little smile. -

- Tom? - replied her interlocutor in surprise. - Girlfriend? Well, no, I don't think so. I've never seen him go out with any girl.

- You haven't? - Kalie commented with visible mischief, eager to poke her sister. - Well, you know...maybe girls aren't what he's interested in?

- I don't think so. - Cooan denied, unable to keep the blush from lighting up her cheeks. - No, I'm convinced that Tom isn't the type....

- Well, if he likes women, you're overdue! He certainly seems like a nice guy to me. And he's hot too. Go get him before I do! - She laughed in amusement making her little sister smile visibly embarrassed. -

Cooan didn't know what to think, so far she had only waited for a chance with Roy that had occupied all her feelings. She certainly liked Tom a lot. They even had similar tastes, languages, even dancing which they both loved. The two often chatted about those and many other topics. He was a sweet, charming and very sensible boy. Next to him she enjoyed and felt very good. But she had never thought of him as a possible boyfriend, only as a friend. Nevertheless, she had some reason to think that she was not indifferent to the boy. Anyway, so far she wouldn't have been able to reciprocate that. Maybe now she could start to look at him differently and the truth was that she had to agree with her sister. Objectively he wasn't bad at all and especially in the last few days he had shown to be a very good person, selfless, sensitive and really concerned about her, so different from Rubeus!

-We'll see. - Thought the girl, blushing with that idea that was not at all unpleasant for her. -

The conversations among everyone continued until the end of the visiting hours. Petz and Karaberasu decided to stay that night with their sister Beruche, but Cooan convinced them that they should settle down and rest from the trip.

-You can stay in the apartment we have rented. - She offered. -

-Yes, thank you. - Karaberasu nodded. -

-But we would have to stay with Bertie. - Petz opposed. -

-Don't worry, you'll be very tired from the trip. We will stay. - Ami offered with Rei's assent. -

-We thank you for everything, girls. - Kalie smiled adding not without some emotion. - Thank you so much for taking care of our sisters.

-You're welcome, that's what are friends for. - Rei replied. -

And the two sailors left in turn, to go to see the convalescent. Both newcomers, before leaving, stayed a few minutes in the hall of the hospital chatting with their little sister and the boys.

- Maybe if they had been the ones from before, this wouldn't have happened. - Cooan lamented. -

Petz and Karaberasu looked at each other uncomfortably and even motioned for her to shut up. But her younger sister smiled at them to reassure them.

- They know the truth. - She remarked casually, pointing to Roy and Tom, who also smiled. - Don't worry!

- Yes, we know about your old lives, but we don't care about that at all. - Tom kindly corroborated, qualifying. - I mean it's in the past and it's clear that you're not like that anymore.

Petz and Kalie stared alternately at Tom and her younger sister with a look of circumstance on their faces. Not knowing what to say.

- It's a long story. - Cooan added to dispel her sisters' misgivings entirely. - I'll tell you when we have time.

- Let's just say Ami and Rei gave me the background and I told Tom something. - Roy interjected, adding with blunt cordiality in the same vein as his friend. - We don't care what you were in the past, what it counts is that you are now pure of heart. I was controlled by the forces of evil and I know how hard it is to escape their influence. Much worse than I could have imagined.

- That wasn't your fault either, Roy! - Cooan hastened to his defense. -

- Well – Karaberasu interjected reflectively and more seriously. - Now that we all know each other well we should draw up a plan of action. Roy, do you think those monsters will come back...?

- As far as I know, we have only destroyed a few of them. Surely there must be many readier to attack us at any moment. Even if the loss of their leader was a blow to them, I have no doubt that they will return. - He declared, now with sincere concern. - What's more, they will want to retaliate.

- Let them try! - Petz said with a defiant tone and a glint in her eye as she raised a threatening fist and sentenced. - Now the whole Malinde sisters will be waiting for them!

- Wow," - Tom jovially exclaimed, appearing to be frightened. - Your sisters were right; you don't back down from anything. You've got a lot of character!

- Don't you know that? - Cooan added hastily, still rubbing his cheek, and everyone burst out laughing. -

              Petz, still embarrassed, held her little sister's face with both hands and kissed her affectionately, then said with unbeatable good humour.

- What a reputation I've made for myself!

The rest of those present smiled and Karaberasu took the floor.

- Well, since you are so informed about our lives, I hope that, in return, you will tell us something about yours.

- We'll have time for that and more! - Roy answered animatedly. -

- Yes, and now we'd better get some rest, we'll have a busy day tomorrow. - Petz affirmed. -

- I won't deny it this time. - Approved Karaberasu adding. - You see? When you are right you are right.

- What do you mean, when I'm right? – Her sister responded with her arms raised to sentence, (and by her expression, it was not clear if she was joking or serious) - I am always right!

Cooan put her hands to her head. Tom and Roy looked at each other in amusement. Those two seemed to always be arguing and with a new quarrel between the two of them they left, followed by their little sister and the two boys....

At that moment, at the Sect's headquarters they were reflecting on Valnak's death. There was still a great deal of commotion in the air. More like fear in the hired assassins in the face of such a powerful enemy. However, the Great Wiseman addressed the masters with indifference.

- Valnak has died because the very stupid one made the mistake of belittling his enemy.

- But sir! - one of the masters objected in fright. - If our adversary is so powerful, what can we do against him? He will defeat all the demons we send him!

- That will not happen. - The Great Wiseman declared emphatically. - Because from now on we will send demons from higher circles.

- But Valnak was a captain of the hordes of the fourth circle. Just like Armageddon. - Another master dared to declare with astonishment.  - Who else could we send?

- I mean - his interlocutor explained with irritation - demons from more advanced circles.

- That would be very dangerous. - The third master warned in horror. - They might not even respect your authority.

- Leave that to me - the Grand Wiseman told them with tinges of absolute self-assurance to unveil. - I will invoke Stiliach. He is one of the strongest commanders of the fifth circle.

- But, sir, that Stiliach is completely insane, even the demons of his own circle are afraid of him. Even Valnak wanted nothing to do with him. -The third of the Masters opposed, stammering in terror. -

- Wretched bunch of cowards!" - the Great Wiseman burst out in a rage, making the masters throw themselves to the ground before him, but his master continued furiously. - How are we going to succeed like this, no wonder it was so difficult for us. I don't know how you have the audacity to protest! You couldn't even subdue him when he was just a common human ignorant of his true identity. Run and hide in a hole like the rats you are! Stiliach will not dare to disobey me, for the power of the high hierarchies of the underworld protects me. Now, prepare the summoning!

The masters continued to kneel, begging for mercy. One even implored with a trembling voice....

- Forgive Us, Great Wiseman, it shall be done as you say. Command us and we will obey you!

- That's much better, ha, ha, ha! ..." - The Great Wiseman finally approved amidst sinister laughter. –

Meanwhile at the Golden, news of Beruche's recovery had spread rapidly. Even Malcolm Roberts, still with his arm in a cast and on sick leave, was smiling with joy when Melanie told him, visibly excited in the cafeteria, over refreshments.

-I can't tell you how glad I am, and how relieved I am. I had a guilty conscience. I was very unfair to her...

-Fortunately, she's fine. - The boy wanted to move, but winced as he changed his position. -

- Are you in a lot of pain? - Melanie asked, looking at him with concern. -

-No, don't worry. - He smiled. - I'm more than used to this. I often get injured playing. Tell me. How are you doing?

-A little better, as far as Bertie is concerned. Her poor sister has suffered so much. It's been very hard to see her so down. Such a cheerful girl...

-Yes, she's a wonderful girl. And so is her sister. Now that I can tell you without making you angry with me. - Roberts commented. -

His interlocutor looked down now, that was another thing that had been taking her toll on him. So she admitted.

-And I've also been very unfair and very stupid to you. I hope you forgive me.

-I have nothing to forgive you for. - The now-blushing boy hastened to reply. -

The cheerleading captain looked at him with an affectionate smile and Roberts, with his almost two meters tall and his muscular body of about two hundred and fifty pounds of weight, trembled like a flan. He was about to say something, when April's voice greeted them.

-Hello, couple. - She said with a tone close to sarcasm. -

Melanie wasn't too happy about that. She didn't want to embarrass poor Malcolm even more. The truth is that after the beating she had suffered at Roy's hands, she had approached him. At first full of regret and guilt. Grateful, too, since that boy did not hesitate to come to her defence when the rest of their companions were terrified of that kind of monster Roy had become. She realized that, despite his tough, brutish appearance, he had a good background and very noble feelings. And she had literally kicked the shit out of him as long as she was so obsessed in her desire to make Roy listen to her. For that reason, she looked somewhat seriously at her friend. The latter didn't seem to notice that and added.

-I'm glad to see you. I was so happy for Connie; her sister is doing so much better. Isn't she?

-That's right. I was there when she got the news. - Melanie smiled now. -

-What she didn't tell you is that in that hospital, besides her and Tom, there was that pig Malden. - She told them in a tone full of disdain. -

-That's not illegal. - Roberts sighed. -

- After what he did to you, that's all you have to say? - An incredulous April asked him. -

It was a face-to-face confrontation. And he gave me a good beating. -Her interlocutor humbly admitted. - I could have attacked before and I did.

-You should report him. - His conversation partner replied. - He should be thrown out of the university! And you, Mel? Are you going to forget so easily and quickly what he did to you and the horrible things he said to you?

The questioned woman lowered her head once again and in a quiet voice she said.

-I prefer to forget about it. I don't want to see him anymore, but I don't want to bring him down either. No, enough of that kind of attitude.

April watched them with a mixture of astonishment and disbelief. She shrugged her shoulders to declare.

-Yourselves. Although I know of some students who are going to ask Ms. Parker to convene the disciplinary board and take action. His behaviour cannot go unpunished.

In fact, in addition to her, others like Hank Williams and some students, especially sophomores and juniors, had been moving. Things had come to a temporary standstill when that wave of attacks and bombings had shocked the city. After that Malden had not made an appearance and the matter was forgotten. Now, however, they could take it up again.

-You could sign the petition to have him expelled. - April suggested. -

-Do what I say. You don't want to deal with him. - Roberts advised her cautiously, who, with fearful tones, added by way of confidence. - When he stopped the punch I threw at him; I could see his eyes. I've never seen anything like it. I panicked. It would be better for you and the rest of us not to provoke him.

Melanie nodded, shaking only at the memory. Something similar happened to her. It was as if this guy wasn't Roy. Certainly not the one she had known. So she nodded in agreement with Malcolm.

-Leave him alone, April. I don't understand what's in it for you.

Sighing helplessly, the girl left without answering. Both Melanie and Malcolm watched her in puzzlement. The second cheerleading captain was furious and frustrated. When she had finally gotten rid of that damned Roy, it was that simple-minded idiot Roberts who was taking her place.

-That's all that jerk ever wanted. To be Mel's lapdog.

On top of that, then she had her own sister's problem. She had no idea what to do. She'd called that guy several times, but he wasn't answering. Maybe he would have left after getting what he wanted. And that made her meditate. She thought again about the Malinde sisters.

- What would those two have that could interest this guy so much? - She wondered. –

      And she went to her own room, to see if she could do some digging. Meanwhile, Petz, Kalie and Cooan, along with Roy and Tom, had arrived at the apartment the latter and her sister rented. After saying goodbye to the boys, thanking them for joining them and letting the older girls make themselves comfortable, Cooan went to prepare dinner. Soon the doorbell rang.

-I'm coming. - The hostess replied. -

      When she opened the door, she was surprised. All her sailor friends were there. Usagi, Makoto and Minako had also come to reinforce their companions who remained in the hospital that night.

- What a joy! - She exclaimed, hugging the new arrivals. -

-We were looking forward to seeing you. – Minako declared. -

- Where are the others? - Makoto wanted to know. -

-In the dining room. - She told them. -

        Cooan thought it was a pity she couldn't introduce her friends to the other girls. Luna and Artemis were also present. The cat made her way to the living room where Petz and Karaberasu were indeed present. It didn't take long for all the others to pass behind her, after the effusive greetings between all of them, Luna asked for a moment of attention and declared not without regret.

- We know everything that happened, Rei and Ami told us. We took the flight yesterday without wanting to say anything so as not to worry you. We wish we could stay and help you, but we must return home, including them. We have a serious problem in Japan.

        Everyone's faces darkened, but Usagi was quick to cheer them up.

- Come on girls, this is not the end of the world. Besides, there is a way for you to fight too.

- Which way? - Petz asked in bewilderment and regretfully rebutted. - We no longer have any power.

- Usagi has the Grail. – Artemis explained, who immediately clarified. - Well, or at least the power that emanated from it, so, combined with her improvements after her last experiences, she can make very powerful weapons sprout from your pure hearts. Talismans from your star seeds that will give you a new strength.

- Star seeds? I do not understand. - Petz termed. -

-It's a bit long to explain, but I assure you it will amaze you. - Makoto assured her. -

-Well, that way I guess we'll be able to deal with these monsters here, won't we? - Karaberasu asked. -

- That's right. - Usagi herself affirmed. - We just have to wait for Bertie to be discharged so that you can all be here.

The sisters nodded, eager to see what it would be like. Luckily they only had to wait one more day. Beruche was discharged fully recovered. Everyone celebrated by eating together. Tom and Roy were introduced to the rest of the sailors who were impressed by how handsome and friendly they were. Needless to say, Makoto and Minako were reminded by the two boys of old boyfriends they had to the resigned gesture of the others. They were in a burger joint when two of the sailors uncovered two wicker baskets. Inside, Roy noticed two cats.

- Wow, what cute cats. - He said to Minako, who was feeding some hamburger to the white feline hiding there. - I didn't know they liked hamburgers... Hey, kitty! - He smiled at the feline. –

         But the boy's smile froze on his lips when he clearly heard that puss declare with reproachful tones.

-Excuse me sir, my name is Artemis, not Kitty. And... Mina-Chan, I've told you many times that I like it better made.

- Huh? Am I crazy or did that cat just talk..." - the boy said with astonishment on his face. -

-You're crazy without a doubt. - Tom replied with a jocular expression, fearing a new joke from his companion as he had been oblivious to it. -

The girls were laughing their heads off. So Roy was quick to wave his hands and reply to his friend.

- It's not a joke, man, I swear that cat talked.

Although the alluded one didn't pay too much attention to him, he was just petting the black feline that Usagi had in her basket. And he answered with amused tones.

-Look, I grew up on a farm and I can assure you that cats never gave me conversation....

Although now he was the one who was left in one piece when the kitten he was petting looked at him fixedly and replied...

-That's because you didn't know me, handsome....

- Luna! - Artemis, who didn't seem to be amused by the compliment that his partner had dedicated to the human intervened. - Please, be modest...

          Tom stood up like a spring amidst the girls' laughter. He pointed to the cat and exclaimed.

- It's true! A talking cat!

-I'm a lady. - Luna corrected him, leaving him and Roy speechless, while the girls burst out laughing. -

-No, Tommy. - A more than giggly Cooan said. - They are two talking cats...

-We have to introduce you to Luna and Artemis. - Bertie interjected, equally amused by this. -

-Yes, they are two emissaries of the Silver Millennium. - Ami explained. -

- The what from what? - Roy was surprised. -

-It's a long story, the girls will tell you. - Rei told them. -

-Yes, we are warriors of the moon. - Minako said, giving Artemis a piece of meat that the cat was grateful for. -

-And I thought I had seen it all. - Roy, who recovered enough to let out one of his witticisms, sighed. - Here even the cat fights! Hey, nice to meet you! You're not related to Garfield by any chance?

- Who's that? - A puzzled Artemis wanted to know, with the laughter in the background of the rest. -

-It's a joke, silly. - Luna admonished him. -

-The truth is that, for once, I agree with my partner. - Tom agreed, still stunned. - I thought I'd seen it all...until now.

              The others laughed again at that. And so they spent the day in a good mood. Roy and his partner returned to Roy's apartment in the city.

-This is awesome, man. Two talking cats! - Roy exclaimed as they reached their destination. -

-The truth is that I don't know what to think anymore. - His interlocutor admitted, changing the subject at once, to add in a more worried tone. - Look, I didn't want to say anything in front of the girls. But yesterday, when I was at school, I heard things that I didn't like at all. Things about you. - He remarked as they went up to Roy's apartment and entered, closing the door. –

- About me? - his colleague repeated, sighing resignedly. - I'm not surprised. After what that scoundrel Armageddon must have done, I'm lucky I'm not behind bars.

-The fact is that some of the students are organizing a collection of signatures to have you expelled. - A hurried Tom told him. -

-I can't blame them. - Roy admitted. - They don't know what has happened.

-Precisely, I think we should tell everyone the truth. - His friend suggested. -

-I don't know, Tommy. Maybe it would be better if I left. I don't want to get you in any more trouble. Neither the girls, nor you.

- You're joking, aren't you? It's one of those stupid jokes of yours. - His interlocutor became annoyed, leaving him perplexed, and before his companion could utter a word, he added. - Listen Roy, I don't mind you calling me a hick, I don't mind you playing practical jokes on me. But neither the girls nor I are going to let you leave without finishing your studies.

- Oh, come on! We are risking a lot more than a semester or my teaching career. - Roy claimed between astonished and reproachful. -

-We're a team, and we're friends. We all have a common dream and we are all going to achieve it. You've seen what Bertie and Connie's lives have been like. They are excellent girls who have excelled themselves at every turn. But for that they have been fortunate to have these wonderful friends of theirs. And in watching them, I have learned that no matter what happens, we cannot sacrifice our lives, or our hopes. We won't let them kick you out without at least giving you a chance to explain yourself. Unless you don't dare. But I promise you that, whatever happens, we will be by your side. And I'm not going back on my word either.

         Roy listened to him at first dumbfounded and then grateful. Tom was more than a friend; he was a brother. He nodded trying not to get emotional.

-Thank you very much. I promise I'll go to the college in a few days and try to straighten things out. If that's possible.

-Very well, I'll take your word for it. - Tom smiled more warmly. - Now let's have dinner. If you have anything decent to eat around here.

-Boy, you're in luck. I'm a great cook. - His interlocutor unabashedly revealed. - And you've earned my efforts today.

          His companion smiled in amusement, waiting to see what he would surprise him with. Meanwhile, after saying goodbye to both boys, once the sisters and the sailors were alone, Artemis told the team of sailors to get together and concentrate their minds. All of them did so immediately and combined their powers with Sailor Moon.

- Crisis give me the power! - she shouted, transforming herself into "Eternal Sailor Moon. "-

To the astonishment of the sisters, Sailor Moon appeared in an outfit different from her usual uniform. Her boots were now white, she wore a star engraved on her choker, and a pair of wings composed of something similar to feathers protruded from her back.

-This is Sailor Moon´s final transformation. Her Eternal phase. - Luna the cat explained to the astonished sisters. -

-She must be much more powerful now than when she was fighting us. - The perplexed Petz was able to say.

-Yes. She is. And we have our eternal version too. - Minako revealed to them. -

-Although we prefer not to use it now, it's more expensive to maintain. And it consumes a lot of energy. But this is an exception. - Usagi commented to her interlocutors with the surprised looks of her own companions. -

              However, none of them said anything about it. For her part Eternal Sailor Moon raised her sceptre and pointed the sisters with four beams of energy towards their hearts. From these a bright star burst forth and separated from them and in turn gleaming weapons emerged from that radiance, all different from each other, one for each of them. The stars returned to their respective hearts and the weapons were suspended in the air. A sword of ice and crystal for Beruche, a bow with a string and arrows of fire for Cooan, a retractable javelin with two diamond-sharp points for Petz, and an elastic whip with subsonic cracking waves capable of igniting with a stream of energy for Karaberasu. At least that's what Artemis told them. The weapons then took the form of four different colored stones set in necklaces that hung around the necks of each of the girls.

- You only have to say, pure heart, give me the power, that will be enough to transform you, do it and you will see. - Sailor Moon told them, returning to her normal state. -

The four sisters looked at each other astonished and held those stones hanging around their necks. More determined, they were about to do it when Luna stopped them.

- How you are, Usagi! - she reproached the sailor shaking her head. - You've forgotten what I told you.

- What? I think I explained everything. - She answered without understanding. -

- Each one has to invoke a different thing," - the cat reminded her admonishingly.  -

- Oh, it's true! - She admitted embarrassed, putting a hand to her forehead. - What an oversight, I'm sorry!

And ignoring her now, Luna was pointing alternately with one of her paws while informing them.

- You Petz, you should say pure heart of lightning, give me the power. You Karaberasu, pure heart of thunder, you Bertie, of ice and you Cooan of fire. Those are your elements corresponding to the colour of your stones, green, yellow, blue and red respectively.

- Like the nature of our ancient powers. - Beruche observed. -

- That's right. - Agreed Luna who clarified. - However, before they were based on the negative energy of the black crystal. But once this was nullified and replaced by that of the star seeds in pure hearts such as you now possess, these same powers are maintained. Although they have changed sign for they will be fed by the positive energy of good.

- It is great, we have understood. - Petz declared, urging the others on. - Girls, let's go!

The four of them shouted their respective phrases, and after a chaos of gyrations, lights, colours and effects, they were transformed. The uniforms were very similar to those of the sailors themselves. On their foreheads were golden headbands with one of their matching stones set. On the neck a small ribbon of the colour of each one where the elements of their signs were intertwined with a golden crescent moon inscribed and pointing upwards with the horns. Like the symbol of the White Moon.

- The emblem of the Silver Millennium of the Moon and the Neo Crystal Tokio realm of Earth! - Kalie was surprised as soon as she saw it. -

- Who would have thought we would be wearing this symbol, right, girls? - A stunned Cooan commented in turn. -

-Of course, we would never have believed it. - Petz admitted. -

-And we would never have thought then that it would be a great honor for us to do it. - Bertie remarked in a tone somewhere between respectful and grateful. - Thank you...

      They continued to recreate themselves in their new battle uniforms. Each of them wore exclusive and beautiful earrings. Petz was wearing lightning bolt earrings, Kalie two small whips, Bertie two snowflake crystals and Cooan two flame-like ones.

- You look sensational! - Makoto praised them, even adding humorously. - And I thought my rose earrings were the coolest.

-Yes, they're very chic. – Minako agreed, making a statement. - Everyone will admire you...

     But that was only the beginning. Further down, elastic bodices, each in white with bows on the chest, matching their respective stones, were tight to their bodies and ended in short tulle, the same colour as the bows, like little skirts. Just like those of her friends. These garments left their legs visible from the thighs to the knees, where high boots, matching each girl's uniform and with medium heels, took over. Petz had the dark green colour contrasting with a lighter one, Karaberasu had orange and yellow, almost golden, Bertie had light blue combined with a darker shade of blue, and Cooan had a mixture of red and violet. Afterwards, Luna the cat reviewed the appearance of the infrastructure, pointing out to the sisters that their wrists had also been materialized with watch-shaped transmitters. They were astonished to see that this was indeed the case.

-The weapons will appear at your will when you summon them. - The feline explained. -

       And in Petz's case, being the eldest, she would also have a special bag in which she could keep more than one surprise. Of course, Karaberasu protested saying that her sister did not have to be the most suitable one to carry that, the alluded one got angry and they fought for some minutes before the resigned look of the rest. And when everything seemed to be settled....

- Aren't these skirts too short? - Petz commented, looking at each other with an undisguised concern for modesty. -

- They look perfect to me!  It's an unbeatable occasion to show off my great feminine curves. Not to mention my long, beautiful legs. You'll see. I'm sure the men will be delighted with me. - Karaberasu intervened fatuously and jovially, in her purest provocative and presumptuous style. -

- I'm sure that, if you go around provoking, they'll mistake us for just any girls. - Petz muttered between his teeth. -

- Luna and I didn't have much time to make another design. - Artemis apologized. - We worked on the basic Sailor patterns.

           But Karaberasu, smiling mischievously, replied jovially and acidly, in order to take revenge for the previous controversy.

- Don't worry, they're great uniforms, really! It's just that Petz is a bit of a wimp, and since she's not so young anymore, she can't go around showing her imperfections.  The years are unforgiving, dear big sister.

And she underlined the word "old" with derision. While the rest of those present looked the other way and feared a good one.

- What? How dare you? - The indignant alluded one exclaimed, glaring at her. -

- Please girls, calm down, now is not the time for another of your arguments. - Cooan asked them, visibly embarrassed. -

- That's a fantastic uniform, thank you! - Beruche interjected enthusiastically, also trying to avoid the awkward situation. - You've gone to a lot of trouble.

Petz nodded and, embarrassed, apologized to her friends.

- Forgive me! I'm ungrateful, I didn't mean to offend you, it's really great, thank you for everything you've done for us! We feel very honoured by this honour you do us. We don't deserve that much. - She added with great recognition. -

-We will try not to disappoint you. - Kalie agreed this time with her older sister. -

- You won't. We are convinced. And you're welcome. - Rei smiled at them. -

-As for the skirts, don't worry, woman! We understand, it's okay. - Makoto answered in solidarity. -

- Yes," - Ami agreed, smiling as she reminisced. - We sometimes had problems with that too. Even some of our old enemies have come to our attention.  But you won't let to see anything unseemly, we can assure you!

- At least nothing we don't want to show! - Karaberasu laughed and thus earned another reproachful look from her older sister. -

- The main thing is that this costume and the powers you now have, besides making you sexier, help you above all to fight the enemy. - Minako wished them, adding. - They will even improve your understanding of other languages.

- And something else they did, but I don't remember now.  - Ami tried to remember added. - They should have some kind of instruction manual.

- Yes, they're almost better than ours. - Makoto retorted with irony, sententiously. - And I dare say without the almost.

             And as she qualified that sailor Jupiter directed an accusatory glance at the cats who chose to divert theirs by pretending to be clueless.

- Don't worry girls, we won't let you down! -Cooan exclaimed euphorically. -

- For love and justice. - Petz pronounced solemnly, paraphrasing Usagi who nodded with approval. -

- We are the four Malinde sisters and we are going to dazzle you! – Karaberasu completed jocularly adopting a typical sailor pose. -

- Magnificent! - Luna praised them in admiration. - We couldn't have better delegates here.

- Give them hell, girls! - Makoto harangued them, raising a fist to make her expression even more graphic. -

-One very important thing I almost forgot. - Usagi interjected. -

- Another one? - Rei smiled, not without some amusement, sentencing. - You get crazier every day!

Her friend stuck her tongue out at her and Mars responded in kind, the others sighed with patience and finally Usagi took the floor with a strangely serious and even solemn tone.

-You, in spite of everything, are not sailors. And that's for several reasons. You cannot evolve to super or eternal stages. Nor do you owe me loyalty as your queen in the future. And most important of all. It is not your destiny to be warriors forever. Someday you may delegate those pendants and your powers to your daughters, if you have them, or to any pure-hearted woman who will freely accept this responsibility. A sailor is not capable of doing that, except in very rare and few exceptions. And she needs special permission from me, or, rather, from Queen Serenity.

-That's right. - Luna agreed. - You are not obliged to accept this forever.

-For now it is our duty and we owe you and the world a great debt. - Bertie replied with a mixture of recognition and emotion. -

-Count on us. As long as we are useful and necessary. - Cooan added. -

Her two older sisters nodded in unison, underlining that.

- We have to go, that's right. - Ami interjected, somewhat saddened, but brightening her tone and countenance to add. - But I am glad to know that now you will defend love and justice here.

-Well, let's not dwell on goodbyes. Our friends need to rest. - Usagi intervened. -

And said this all the sailors approached joining their hands for the "teleportation" with the cats in the centre, although Rei wanted to tell them one last thing.

- Just one more piece of advice, girls. Here in America you'd better put on some masks so you won't be recognized and find some catchy names for each other and for the group.

- Do you really think that's necessary? - Cooan was surprised.

It's not a far-fetched idea. - Karaberasu assessed, bringing a hand to her chin to consider it. -

-Good trip. - Bertie wished them. -

-And next time you can teach us that trick too. – Petz smiled alluding to that transport system, as efficient as it was cheap. -

-We take note. - Minako laughed with the amused assent of the other sailors. -

The four sisters again thanked their warrior friends who smiled and wished them the best of luck. They immediately invoked their teleportation power and disappeared back to Japan where they had to face another serious threat. At least that's what they commented as they said goodbye....

-Well, here we are. Well, here we are. Now as the second team of warriors. - Karaberasu declared.

- Who was going to tell us? - Beruche said, receiving the assent of the rest. -

-I hope our friends are proud of us. It will be hard to keep up with them. - Cooan added. -

-We'll take a cue from them. And we will fight evil. - Petz said with everyone's assent. - We will try to help them as much as possible.

            For their part, the group of sailors reappeared in a sheltered area of the Hikawa sanctuary, away from the eyes of others. Then it was Rei who, with a somewhat surprised tone, asked Usagi.

- Why did you tell them that?

- Tell them what? - She wanted to know in turn the alluded one. -

-Yes, I know what Rei is referring to," - Ami, who also didn't seem to understand when she clarified, said. - That it was more difficult for us to stay in the eternal phase. That's not true. That's why I don't understand why you told us not to invoke that power during the fight. Unless...

-It's not easy to explain. - Usagi interrupted her before the astonished looks of her companions. Although she wanted to be more precise and added. - It's their fight, we must give them a chance to carry it out by themselves.

- When you faced this Valnak, didn't you use all your strength? - Makoto wanted to know in turn, visibly puzzled. -

-We used some powerful attacks, yes, but not to their full capacity. - Rei confessed. -

-But... that put you in danger. - Minako objected looking at Usagi not without reproach to affirm. - I don't understand how you could ask them such a thing.

-I have important reasons to do so. - Her interlocutor mused now with a more subdued tone. -

-Anyway, I don't think it would have changed anything. - Ami said, coming to Usagi's aid when sentencing. - That demon was very powerful, maybe even with the eternal warrior phase we wouldn't have been able to defeat it.

- In that case, what was the point of using it? - Makoto commented without understanding. -

-It was better not to take any risks. - Usagi said and, turning to Rei and Ami, asked them. - You saw Roy transform. You told me something through the communicator, but now I would like you to explain it to all of us. But if you don't mind, wait a little while, Mamoru will be here soon. Then we'll also fill you in on what happened here.

Her friends nodded. They waited for a few minutes and the boy arrived. Once gathered, both Rei and Ami briefed them on everything that happened in that alley. So, when they finished talking, the newcomer took the floor and said.

-It was clear, Roy had to do it.

-I understand. That's what we suspected. If we had finished with Valnak, his hidden power would not have manifested itself. - Ami affirmed. - Wouldn't it?

-That's right... and a good friend told me that this is the way. I trust him completely. He knows very well what he is talking about. - Usagi revealed to them. -

- A friend? What friend are you referring to? - Makoto wanted to know. -

         However, the respondent kept silent, not wanting to discover the identity of this person.

-Bertie almost died. - Minako objected with a serious gesture. - I don't think it's appropriate for us to play with their lives like this.

-But she didn't. Everything turned out fine. - Mamoru answered her now with a conciliatory tone, shaking hands with Usagi who smiled, more when he added. - You can be sure of one thing. Nothing matters more to us than their welfare and we don't want them to suffer unnecessarily.

The others listened in astonishment. Of course it was very clear that the couple of their friends and future sovereigns knew much more than what they were being told, but finally they took that for granted and nodded. If it had to be so, it would be so...then it was Usagi's turn to tell her two companions.

-We finally finished with the enemy, at least in Japan. Their base was near the Tokyo communications tower.

- As usual! - Makoto sighed. -

-Actually. - Minako declared. - It was too easy. There were barely a couple of hooded men and a couple of demons left. The warriors from the outer solar system didn't even have to come.

-We just attacked and destroyed those demons and then those two hooded guys.

-But if they were humans... How could you do that? - Ami panicked. -

-No, they weren't human, I can tell you that. They weren't anymore. - Usagi declared now with more gravity in her tone. -

Something else she told her companions that made them shudder. At least the threat in Japan was neutralized. However, they were increasingly certain that everything that had happened in and around Tokyo had been nothing more than a diversionary manoeuvre. Just as Minako had said, it was too easy. And from experience they knew that things were never that simple. Another thing that had happened, and that for the moment neither Mamoru nor Usagi had revealed to their companions, was a meeting that the two of them, as Prince Endymion and Princess Serenity, held with high officials of the Japanese government. They were joined by another individual who claimed to represent, albeit unofficially, the United Nations. That man claimed not to have full knowledge of what was happening in the United States, although he knew of the actions of some supernatural entities and of the terrorist attack on New York. He only expressed to his interlocutors that the governments of the world had full confidence in the sailors and their allies. At the end of that meeting, Mamoru commented to Usagi, already in his apartment.

-I have the impression that this guy knew a lot more than he told us.

-Well, we also know a lot more than what we have told him. - The young woman affirmed. -

The boy paced the room as he seemed to ponder. After a few moments he declared.

-You know as well as I do that the course of these events will be crucial for the future. We must be very careful with our steps from now on.

-As we have been up to this moment. - She replied and, sighing, affirmed. - Harder and more terrible things are about to happen. And we shall not be able to do anything to vary them. Sometimes I would like to help our friends more. They are good people. They don't deserve this...

-Yes, they are... although I haven't been able to meet them in person, I've heard you talk about them. - Mamoru reminded her, to sentence, apparently also with regret. - But it is as it should be.

His interlocutor nodded with resignation, they left that topic and focused on more trivial things. They both had exams coming up, though Usagi didn't like that prospect too much. She would meet with the girls to see if they could study at the shrine....

-This is another part I wish I could skip. But I must also make a future for myself on Earth like any other ordinary person. - She mentally harangued herself. -

        In the meantime, Petz, Karaberasu, Beruche and Cooan had watched their friends leave with sorrow, but at the same time with a new feeling of optimism. They were together again and felt stronger, especially with those new abilities. Now they were fully ready for action, they wished not to disappoint the trust that Sailor Moon and the others had placed in them. However, they also had an important question that would lead them to another of those endless debates among themselves. To perform in public, if they were not properly sailors, what name would they call themselves?

**START**