GWA14E

**START**

**Roy begins to appear strange.**

In the Lair of the sect the Great Wiseman had once again summoned Valnak to his presence. Together with the three Masters he waited impatiently for him. At last, the required one appeared without any haste.

-It was about time you deigned to come, it is more than half an hour since I called you," - he reprimanded him with irritation. -

- My apologies, Great Wiseman, I was a little distracted before coming here. - The demon smiled mischievously. -

In fact, he was touring the mortal world a bit and making some nonsense. He laughed a little at the misadventures of those stupid humans and then, he wanted to get closer to see if he could get any clues. In his inquiries he came upon a place where there had once been a bookstore.

- Well, they're not here anymore. I was late. - The demon said to himself. -

But even though it gave the impression of having been abandoned for years, he could still feel traces of magical energy. The same one capable of having created a spell to encapsulate his comrade.

-The aura is still intense. They had to deploy a lot of power. For an incantation like that, you're either a master of high-level magic, or whoever it was, had the help of some demon. And I don't want to believe the latter. I hope the Fifth Column didn't have occasion to send one of their own. - Valnak reflected. -

Then he felt the call of the Great Wiseman, he invoked him urgently.

- Damn idiot! - He smiled, shaking his head. - "He has no patience. Well, I'll help him cultivate that virtue, ha, ha, ha!

And he refused to show himself in that filthy lair for quite a while. At last, when it seemed to him that the hooded idiot had waited long enough, he came to his call. Now he listened carelessly as his summoner reprimanded him.

- Well, enough with the distractions, you were summoned to fulfill a very specific task. The time has come to awaken Armageddon and you must do it without further delay, Valnak.

- I have already taken care of the first phase of reactivation, but the process is slow, and I must complete it. Keep in mind that it has been dormant for a long time and the awakening will be costly. That's not counting the seal they put on it. - The questioner argued in turn with a patient tone. -

         And when that idiot had summoned him, he was distracted from locating any of those meddlers or the traitors who protected his prey.

-I am more and more certain of it. It had to be one of my own kind. Otherwise, mere humans could not have controlled so much power. - The demon pondered. - The question is, will these traitors still be around or not?

His disquisitions were interrupted once again by the interjections of that annoying hooded man who ordered him sharply.

- Then don't waste any more time here, go immediately!

- Whatever you say. - Valnak replied between teeth making a bow and disappearing. -

          He reappeared in a secluded outbuilding of the university that he had decided to use as a center of operations. The demon exchanged his uniform for human clothes and his appearance for that of a young man with ash-blond hair and blue eyes as he said to himself.

-In a short time, I will have completed the mission and when Armageddon is fully ready, we will no longer have to put up with the stupidities of that ridiculous Wiseman, you damned imbecile! Because of the futility of his people our attempts to dominate the universe have failed time and time again, but soon it will be different. Armageddon has the greatest power imaginable. All I must do is reactivate him so that he has full control of that body, and we will be the masters of the planet. And then we will open the gates to our master, and we will be splendidly rewarded by him. Ha, ha, ha, ha, have a little more patience comrade and friend! We will soon be united again, the two of us.

And encouraged by this prospect, he set his plan in motion by going to talk to the basketball team's coach. He was not expecting such a surprising visit, especially when, after inviting the man to take a seat, he identified himself as the "scout" of an important team in training, adding that he was interested in one of the players on campus.

- Could I see him this afternoon when his training session is over? - He asked the coach in a polite and courteous tone. -

- Of course! Don't worry, I'll let you know. - The coach added, still surprised and proud that one of his own players was the object of such interest. -

- I'd rather he didn't know where I am and not talk to him yet. - Valnak rebutted arguing with good judgment in the eyes of his interlocutor.  - I do not wish to make him nervous and force his style. You will undoubtedly understand, at this age they get upset right away. And I want him to be himself. - He explained with the utmost kindness, smiling an accomplice smile, as wide as it was false. -

- Don't worry, I understand. - The trainer affirmed in the same way, adding with curiosity. - By the way, which team do you represent?

- The "Red Devils" - Valnak replied with a patent and sarcastic sense of humor, which obviously his interlocutor could not grasp. -

-I haven't heard of it, maybe it's from the minor commercial leagues. - The manager commented and added, however, with obvious complacency. - Very well," - he said. -

- Yes, but we'll make a great team this year, I assure you. - And that boy is the piece we are missing to win the championship. You'll see, with him in our ranks, nobody will be able to stop us. - The demon smiled, visibly amused by that joke that only he could understand. -

- Stay here if you want, my friend. -The coach responded, who was watching him with surprise when he heard those words. -

- Then I'll be around. And I will approach you when I consider it appropriate, of course, with your permission. - The alleged scout said. -

- No problem. Talk to him whenever you want. -The coach, who could not hide his pride that one of his players had caught the attention of a professional league, assured him. - I hope there is good news.

-Could you give me some information about the boy? - Valnak asked. -

- Yes, of course. - The manager smiled, pulling out a filing cabinet from a nearby shelf and opening it to take out a file, which he offered to his interlocutor. - Whatever you need.

- Wow, so his name is Robert Malden. - That scout commented. - Very well, this will serve to support my report, I will return it to you as soon as possible. – He said while got a photo of the boy. -

- Oh, don't worry, I have copies. You can keep it if you wish. - The trainer kindly offered. -

- You don't know how much I appreciate it; it will be very useful. - His interlocutor, who looked especially at the photo that illustrated the dossier smiled, repeating with satisfaction. - Very, very useful...

- And when will you tell me your final decision? - The technician wanted to know with a barely contained curiosity, and then he said, "I'd like to tell you the good news. - It's just that I would like to give the boy the good news.

- I will have to inform my superiors to decide the case. - Valnak replied with studied professional calm. - But he will know soon... much sooner than he imagines.

- Thank you very much. - The coach smiled affably, reaffirming his support for his player. - Believe me, he is a good boy, and his greatest desire is to reach that level you say.

- You have no doubt that he will achieve it. I will personally take care of that. You stay well. - His colleague said goodbye. -

Valnak shook hands again with the coach, who felt a kind of electric shock, although he simply smiled without giving it any importance, observing how the man left his office. The demon walked away satisfied, giving out smiles to anyone who crossed his path...

-If I hadn't been a demon I could have succeeded as a public relations man. I may be as nice as the next guy, but it turns out I'd rather be crueler and blood thirstier than any of them. Ha, ha! - He thought full of sarcasm and glee. -

However, despite the promised silence of the master the news flew. In the pavilion, the object of Valnak's interest was getting ready to train with the rest of his teammates. Fortunately, after the exam and the work, he would have a few weeks to prepare for the games in peace and quiet. He was doing a round of baskets when one of his teammates, Ozzy, came up to him and whispered to him.

- Roy, boy, come quick, there's a guy here asking for you, he says he's seen you in action and he's interested in getting your services.

- Who is he? - the questioner asked with an astonished expression. -

- I don't know him, he must be a scout. - His partner replied with a shrug. - He's with the coach in his office, and I heard something of what they were talking about, go without wasting a second.

His interlocutor looked at him skeptically and gave an amused smile.

- Come on, Ozzy, I know you!  - he replied with manifest disbelief. - Don't try to pull my leg with such a bad joke.

- I swear to God, man, this time it's no joke. I'm serious. - He assured him again and again. - What's more, I shouldn't tell you because this guy wanted discretion, but you're my colleague and I couldn't keep it a secret from you. I think it's from a professional team.

Roy knew Ozzy well from previous years and judging by his expression and his words he had either become a superb actor or he was telling the truth. For a few seconds he struggled with his suspicions and finally overcame them, driven by the desire for it to be true.

- I'll be right there. - He finally said and went straight to the office. -

I wish it was all for real, he thought, if it was someone from an important team, he might have a chance. The dreams his father had instilled in him since he was a child would be one step away from being fulfilled, but he had to be patient and keep a cool head.

- Don't be nervous - he said to himself to try to calm down. - Don't let him see that you are very interested.

However, Roy's joy went down a well, that guy was gone before he arrived. He had knocked on the trainer's door after hesitating for a few seconds. If that man had been inside, he would have thought up any excuse to come in and see him. But when the trainer indicated that he could come in he was gone. Not mincing his words and full of impatience, the boy didn't take a second to ask anxiously.

- Who was that guy? What did he want from me?

- What guy, Malden? - The coach asked him, pretending not to know who he was referring to. –

- Come on, coach! - Roy added, visibly nervous. - That guy who was talking to you, he was asking about me, wasn't he? Why did he come here?

- Well, to tell you off like everyone else who comes to see you here. - The technician replied amused. - Why else?

          He still reminded the boy of the incident with Bertie. But when he saw Roy's gesture of disappointment and how the latter, crestfallen, turned to leave, he stopped him with a conciliatory tone and admitted.

-Wait Malden, it was a joke. Yes, a guy came in and asked me about you.

- Really? What did you say? What did he ask you? - The young man exclaimed. -

Roy was stunned, firing off questions non-stop. His trainer, sympathetic to the boy's excitement, waited for a few seconds for him to stop the downpour and waved him to shut up.

- Calm down, boy, he told me he saw you and was impressed, then he asked me for information about you. I gave him your data sheet and recommended you, he replied that he would have to study it and consult with his superiors.

- And why didn't he talk to me? - the boy wanted to know; a bit puzzled. -

- I don't know - grumbled the trainer, taking away its importance, - from what he told me, I guess he doesn't want to throw you off balance or give you false hopes. I'll tell you one thing though, try to do your best, because he warned me that he will be watching you without you knowing it.

- He wants to see me play, of course! - Roy exclaimed in high spirits. - I'll do my best, sir, but I'm a bit lost. What do you advise?

- Look, the only thing I can tell you is to play as you always do. That's how he must have seen you. Try to be yourself. And it's funny. - The coach added, putting his hand to his neck. - I know almost all the scouts of important teams and I've never seen this one before.

- But he didn't tell you the team he represented. - Roy asked, puzzled. -

- I think he told me the Red Devils or something like that, I've never heard of that team.

- Neither do I - The boy agreed without even thinking about the meaning of that name to conjecture. - It must be new, maybe from some expansion division, that's why they were looking for players.

- Yeah, something like that. It sounds to me like he mentioned something similar. - The agreed manager, thinking back. - Whatever it is, son, I expect you to give it all you've got. Go on, now get to training.

- Yes sir, I sure will! - The boy nodded and started training with great enthusiasm. -

So, he did and when he finished training, he took a shower and was about to leave to find his friends to tell them about it when Melanie passed him on the way out of the field.

- Hi Roy, are you in a hurry? - She asked in a serious but friendly tone. -

- Yes Melanie, I'm sorry. It's just that I must go see Tommy and the girls. - He added in passing. -

- If you don't mind, could we have a word first? - She asked too politely for it to be superfluous. - Please!

Her interlocutor mentally resisted, he wanted to tell Tom, Bertie, and Connie everything as soon as possible. But Melanie's face did not admit of postponement, and he asked her.

- What's the matter? You look worried.

- What is it that you're in such a hurry about, Roy? - She asked in turn, momentarily deflecting the question. -

He was surprised at the sudden turn in the conversation but couldn't resist telling her. His companion listened attentively and smiled at the end sincerely wishing him...

- I hope you make it; it's always been your greatest wish.

- Yes, and I want them to know it. Especially Bertie! She's always saying that basketball was nothing more than a sport to pass the time and that she should study more and play less. Let's see what she says now! - She commented with visible enthusiasm. -

- You really care what she thinks, don't you? - Melanie asked him with sadness and discomfort reflected in her eyes. -

Roy was surprised. That tone was very rare in that girl, always smiling or provocative, haughty, and even too presumptuous, even angry, but never so downcast.

- What's the matter? Are you all, right? You seem worried. - He was interested. -

She couldn't help but look away, although she knew that the situation could not be postponed any longer and asked him in a quiet voice.

- Roy, please be honest with me, how do you feel about her?

It was the least he could have expected, and the question came down on him like a sledgehammer. He also didn't know what to say when he wasn't even sure of the answer. Or maybe he did know her but couldn't bring himself to admit it.

- I don't know what to tell you, Melanie. She's my partner and a great girl. - He was able to reply hesitantly, mumbling. - Really wonderful. I'm not sure about anything, though.

- You don't fool me; I know you well. - The girl smiled tinging her now feigned jovial tone, with a hint of bitterness to assure this time with hurt sincerity - I've never seen you like that with any other woman, not even with me! It's sad to have to admit it, but that's how it is.

- To tell you the truth, I don't know how to answer you. - He smiled forcibly, wishing to settle that uncomfortable question, to propose to get out of the way. - Look, we'd better talk about it later, I'm busy right now. Please understand, they don't tell me every day that I can become a professional.

- I do understand. - She barely agreed. - But give me an answer as soon as possible, please! I must know.

Her partner just gave her a slight nod and walked away. And Melanie knew for sure that she had already lost him. Sighing, she left for the dressing room. She had rehearsal, but she had lost the desire to dance or smile as she moved around the dance floor. When she arrived, some of her classmates were there, including April, Serena, Brooke, and Susy among others. Connie had not yet shown up. With a saddened tone that she didn't bother to hide, she addressed her second.

-April, please take over the training today. I... I'm not feeling well.

-Sure, Melanie. - She looked at her with concern, as did the rest of the girls. -

She wanted to go after her when she saw her turn around and shuffle out of there. Although she had to do her duty and could not follow her at that moment. She would surely be in a bad way because of Roy.

-I don't understand how you can be so insensitive, Malden. - April thought with manifest contrariness and sadness. - Melanie is a wonderful girl. And she really loves you. But you never could see past her façade. You certainly don't deserve her. However, she had to fall in love with you.

Now she found that the rest of her classmates were looking at her with puzzled expressions on their faces. Without hesitation she turned to them all and harangued them.

-Let's go. Today we will rehearse giving it our all. Melanie has trusted me to lead you and I trust you. Make her proud of her cheerleading squad.

- Yes, April! - the others chorused. -

And they got ready to change and go to their practice. For his part, Roy thought about that brief but meaningful conversation with Melanie and really couldn’t focus. He hadn't considered that she would ask him something like that. Normally he would have been able to use the hackneyed," baby I only care about you, or "that girl doesn't mean anything, you know that" like when he had been fooling around with others and they were still dating. And back then it was true, and she surely knew it! However, now he was unable to give such an answer. But what if he was just a friend to Bertie? He was very confused, and on top of all that, there was his fervent desire to succeed. Better to forget about the sentimental issues for now and focus only on this good news. He agreed this with himself, when he ran into Tom and the girls, they were leaving the cafeteria. He told everyone about it driven by irrepressible enthusiasm but didn't want to venture anything more than speculation.

- Well, - Beruche smiled very happy for him, but tempering that feeling with cold caution. - I hope you have a lot of luck, Roy, in your studies you must work very hard, although you are very good at basketball, and you try as hard as anyone. I must admit that there is no doubt about that. But don't forget about the work we have to hand in tomorrow.

- Thanks cube, that makes me very happy. You see, it's not just a silly game, it can be my life! -He laughed in high spirits. - And I won't forget, you'll have my job tomorrow. - He raised a hand as a figurative oath. - I promise you.

- I'm sure you'll be hired - Cooan who didn't want to be less and who was also very happy for him, added. - I'm going to tell the girls right now.

- Sure buddy! And soon we'll be coming to see you play in a big league. - Tom declared in turn full of enthusiasm. - Although I hope you'll give us the tickets because they're very expensive. - He joked, pulling a smile from his partner. -

- Don't worry, you'll be my guests if I ever get to play at Madison. - He promised them. -

- Well, let's celebrate later. - Cooan proposed jovially. -

- No thanks, I mean, I'd really like to, but I must practice some more. - He declined. - Thank you, guys! - He said adding with great joy and hope, - I assure you that your support is very important to me.

In his euphoria he kissed both girls on the cheeks and patted Tom on the back and walked away towards the court. The others looked at each other and smiled. Beruche and Cooan felt their hearts beating fast and both shared the same feeling of joy for their friend. If only he could make their dream come true as they had done. Tom couldn't help but feel proud either.

-Well. - Cooan commented. - I must go to training.

- I hope some scout from a professional cheerleading squad doesn't come by and want to take you too! - Her sister joked. -

And she left smiling in amusement at the comment. It didn't take long for her to appear in the locker room when her teammates were already dressed in their training uniforms.

- You're late! - April who seemed to be angry snapped. -

-I'm so sorry. - She apologized, explaining. - It's just that I got caught up in congratulating Roy.

- Roy? - Susy wondered. - What happened? - She wanted to know with obvious curiosity. -

The same could apply to the others. Even April looked at the newcomer with a questioning look. Cooan told them what had happened.

- I hope he gets signed to a big team! Can you imagine? Someone from our university playing in a major league.

-Yes, that would be great. - Serena agreed and nodded. -

-Let's hope he gets lucky. - Brooke added. -

-He's really very good, I'm sure he is. - Cinthia, another of the young women who had just joined the cheerleaders that year, added. -

April nodded, although she didn't say anything about it. What she did indicate to the girls was that they should go to practice.

-Connie, get changed quickly and join us. - She snapped sharply before leaving. -

Cooan couldn't understand what was wrong with April. She used to be a nice girl. She had never seen her like this.

-Well, we all have our bad days. - She reflected as she changed. -

She did and ran to join her classmates. April did indeed lead the rehearsal, demanding a lot from everyone that afternoon. Finally, when they finished, they went to shower, and the second captain approached her and commented.

-Connie, you're a good girl, we all really appreciate you, so I'm going to give you some advice. One as a friend.

The questioned turned to look at her and listened attentively, April then told her.

-Don't put Roy Malden on a pedestal. That boy is not what he seems.

-I'm sorry, but I think you're wrong. - Cooan rebutted, arguing. - He's had a hard time, he's suffered a lot, he's lost his parents...

-Yes, I know that. - Her interlocutor cut her off, declaring. - And as a result, Melanie turned to him. She encouraged him and didn't leave his side. And look how he's repaying her. - She remarked. -

-I don't want to get into it. - Cooan mused, declaring. - The feelings between two people are theirs alone to clarify. Don't get upset April, but I know you're a close friend of Mel's and you may lack objectivity.

Although what she didn't expect was that her colleague smiled, shaking her head to reply with ironic discomfort.

-At least I'm not her sister.

- I don't understand what that's all about! - Cooan was now annoyed, sentencing. - My sister has nothing to do with this.

Her companion didn't answer, she just turned away and went to get her towel. As she dried herself, she thought that perhaps she had gone too far. In the end, Connie wasn't responsible for what her sister did or didn't do with Roy. Or maybe she didn't even figure it out, although she didn't think that last one was likely.

-Well, whether she's aware of it or not, that's none of my business. - April said to herself as she was leaving. -

          A while later, when the cheerleaders had already left, Roy entered the, at that time, deserted court, starting to train once again. Concentrating on his basket shots, he didn't see that man near him. He was a few feet away and was looking at him, smiling strangely.

- It must be him. - He thought as he spotted him, introducing himself enthusiastically, despite his vain attempt to feign objectivity. - Hi, my name is Roy Malden, I'm six feet four inches tall, although in sneakers I'm about five.  I play point guard or shooting guard and I'm a conscientious defender, I'm good at stealing balls. I'm also a very good three-point shooter.

Having said this, he approached the man who was looking at him without saying anything and held out his hand, he shook it smilingly and Roy was surprised by the strange warmth that radiated from it and the electric shock he gave him.

- I already know you, I know everything there is to know about you. – That individual declared slowly. -

- I hope my trainer wasn't too hard on me. - The boy smiled nervously. - Don't believe everything I've told you either, ha, ha!

- Nothing like that, in fact, you are the missing piece, the one we've been looking for a long time. With you on our side we will be invincible. - His interlocutor assured him. -

- Hey, it's no big deal," Roy laughed modestly, incredulous at what he was hearing. - I don't know what game you've seen me play in, but I'm not a star either.

- You still don't know your true potential, that's why I'm here, for you to discover it. - That guy answered him. -

- What do you mean? Do I have to train more? Don't I? - The boy asked him candidly. -

- Something like that. - The visibly amused guy smiled. -

- Let me give you an exhibition! - he asked him, heading towards the court, where he threw several shots at the basket and made all of them, then he dunked several times. - What do you think? - he asked hopefully. -

- Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! - the man's laughter soon turned into hysterical laughter that echoed throughout the court. Roy began to suspect something strange looking at him in surprise. - You're delusional! It seems to me that you still don't know what we're really talking about. You still don't know who I am, do you?

- Should I know? – Roy asked him, changing his jovial tone to one full of uneasiness. - What if this guy belonged to an important league and was offended at not being recognized? -

But then that individual, with a glowing reddish look, sentenced.

- I must admit that I'm going to be sorry to have to wake you up, as a human you are very funny. I'll miss a good time, but in the end, you'll thank me for it.

And without further ado Valnak transformed his false countenance into his usual one.

- Who are you? - A shocked Roy, who stood at attention as the man laughed and laughed, asked him. - You don't belong to any basketball team, do you? Are you another one of those demons?

To the boy's amazement and horror, the man rose into the air and wrapping himself in a long black cloak out of nowhere changed his attire to black armor, with two tridents drawn on each shoulder. He looked his prey up and down with slow, theatrical indifference to respond with irony.

- Yes and no. I'll introduce myself; I am Valnak, but I'm not just any demon, I'm captain of the Horde of demons. And you, stupid, you'll soon be my best comrade again!

- What do you mean by that, you bastard, are you the one who's been attacking us all this time, huh? - Roy spat, clenching his fists. -

- But how clever you are! - his laughed interlocutor mockingly. - No, you're certainly not as stupid as you look.

- I won't let you do anything to my friends! - the boy replied resolutely, rising into the air as well. -

- Wow, you've mastered the flying technique all by yourself! - Valnak exclaimed in surprise and added with overbearing glee. - Impressive, but that won't do you any good with me.

- But this will! - Roy responded while attacking him with a punch. –

Valnak dodged him very easily by punching his opponent in the stomach, then hit him with another blow in the back and threw him to the ground. He landed next to the boy who was hurting from the attack without being able to get up.

- Oh, Roy, don't make it so hard for me! Look. - The demon said with a surprisingly cordial tone. -It's really nothing personal. You're simply in a body that interests us, that belongs to one of my best comrades.

- I don't understand what you mean. - He gasped, getting up at last. -

- That's what I imagine. You see... - Valnak explained with unusual patience and even cordiality. - My companion and friend Armageddon, a demon of the fourth hierarchy, dwells within you. He is the rightful owner of that body. He has been since you were born into this world. We put you here to fulfill an important mission. There is no other destiny for you, Roy, you must believe what I tell you.

- I have no idea what you are talking about. But that destiny thing, that was you! – Roy said getting on his guard once again as he remembered those words from his dreams. -

Despite this his antagonist did not alter his confident countenance and continued to explain with aplomb.

- I am not very well acquainted with everything; as far as I know, there was a mistake in bringing you and then certain meddlers and some wretched traitors, whom I am about to discover, prevented us from reaching you. But all that is of no importance now, for the time has come for you to wake up and fulfill your task.

- What task? You must be out of your mind! - Roy shouted at him. -

          The young man got up trying to hit him once again without succeeding to suffer a new counterattack in the form of a punch against his liver that left him on his knees in front of the demon.

- You have the duty to help me to help our master and his legions to pass through this dimension, imagine a world dominated by demons! - He declared with obvious enthusiasm. - It will be a great thing; we will kill and enslave all humans, and no one will be able to stop us!

- I will never let you do it! -the boy shouted in disgust. -

       And gathering his strength to get up, he wanted to attack his opponent. However, Valnak pulled something out of his armor and squeezed it in his hand causing his opponent to fall to the ground writhing in pain. When the demon opened his hand, he showed a tucked-up photograph of the boy, the one he took out of the dossier, which he now smoothed out with care to add triumphantly.

- I really don't want you to end up so badly, Roy. I have nothing personal against you. I told you, I even like you. I'm offering you the chance to surrender. Let Armageddon dominate you and you will live at the bottom of this body. You will be able to serve him and serve yourself to his pleasures. - He sentenced adding condescendingly. - Without going any further. When we dominate the world, you can take that girl you like so much as a concubine. And she will gladly submit to the power of darkness, she already did it once. She is used to being a puppet! - the demon smiled with a gesture full of glee. -

- Don't even think of laying a hand on her, you bastards! I'll tear you apart with my hands! - The defendant Roy spat, holding his hands to his chest and stomach as if he were trying to hold back an unbearable pain while he was barely able to babble. - I... will... not... allow it.

However, Valnak shook his head with an indifferent gesture and replied with disdain.

- As you wish, idiot, you'll be possessed anyway. I just wanted to make it easy for you. The truth is that if you fight it, it will cost a little more, but it's already underway. Make no doubt about it, Armageddon will take over sooner or later.

- We'll see about that! – Roy challenged him full of fury conjecturing. - What if I kill myself before you get it, you son of a bitch, would that demon die with me?

         Now his rival paled visibly, he had not foreseen that. And that human was stupid enough, or perhaps the word would be audacious, to do it. That would ruin everything! And that boy guessed it by looking at his face and adding with glee.

- I knew it! What can we do, Valnak! I guess I'll see you in Hell anyway. - He sentenced crawling towards the exit ready to do anything, but the demon got in the way by squeezing the photograph, Roy fell between screams of pain. -...

- I've already wasted too much time with you! If you don't accept it the easy way, it'll be the hard way! I don't care! - Valnak spat, from his armor he took out the pentacle he had used before on Roy, which now glowed with an intense reddish glow. His prey screamed again, victim of a sharp pain as the demon invoked - Signacula contriti sunt, liberare carcere, may the seals be broken and you be released from your prison, wake up Armageddon, I invoke you!

Roy shrieked more and more writhing on the floor as if something inside him was tearing. At last, he collapsed as he could no longer bear the pain. Valnak, laughing, levitated again as he said.

- It's done, now I just must wait for him to wake up. Then I'll be back - he disappeared with another thunderous laugh, leaving his helpless victim alone in the pavilion. -

After a while the boy woke up totally confused, everything was quiet and there was no trace of that mysterious individual. He hardly remembered anything of that conversation. In fact, he would have thought it had only been a nightmare if something wasn't eating him up inside. He got to his feet as best he could and returned to his room. It was quite late, and no one was there. When he got to his room Tom was asleep. For an instant he wanted to tell him what had happened, although the foggy state of his mind barely allowed him to think.

-I must pull myself together," - he muttered. -I must train...maybe tomorrow...

           It was as if his brain was unable to piece together the events of the last few hours. It seemed as if something or someone was interfering. And his friend was there, maybe he could help him.

-No..." He said to himself, feeling more and more strange. - I won't disturb him...

At last, he didn't wake him up, he lay down and tried to sleep too, maybe with rest he would get over it. That night he had horrible nightmares. The ones that had been tormenting him for a long time were now much clearer, bringing back memories that he thought were buried forever inside him, battles, slaughter, and destruction. Little by little something was making its way through his mind, his soul, relegating him to the oblivion of his personality and the boy ended up becoming aware of his true self...it was almost dawn when he woke up.

-It's the hour I've been waiting for. - He whispered with a triumphant tone. -

He looked at the man sleeping under the bed he had been occupying and smiled wickedly to himself.

-It is not yet the time for me to deal with him.

And he left his room, strolling around the pavilion, without anyone seeing him since it was still deserted at that hour. Although he did notice someone sneaking out of the university by skipping curfew. He smiled. That looked familiar. He didn't hesitate to go after that person.

-That person might be interested in my offer. - He thought. –

The next morning Tom woke up and as usual he set out to do the same with his friend, who always fell asleep. But, on that occasion, the bed appeared perfectly made and Roy was not there. At first, he was surprised, but then he smiled, Roy had probably spent the night in some girl's room or maybe on the court training. So, he went to breakfast hoping to see him around. The two sisters were also heading to the cafeteria when they ran into their partner, the three of them sat down to breakfast.

- Hey Tom, how come Roy isn't with you? - Cooan asked, a bit surprised as she was not used to it. -

- He must have gotten up before me," he smiled. - I haven't seen him yet.

- Maybe he's training. He must want to be ready for his test. - The girl ventured. -

- That boy can't be fixed; he's already forgotten he was supposed to help me with a literature review. I warned him yesterday! I'm sure he didn't. He'll hear me when I find him! - Her sister reproved angrily. -

- Hey, Roy," - Cooan had spotted her partner and waved to him, he walked over, catching Bertie in mid-speech. -

- Hey Roy, I'm surprised you're such an early riser. - Tom smiled sarcastically. -

- Yes," - Beruche added. - "But I'm not surprised that you don't bring me your share of the summary. What a cross I have with you, but what have I done to deserve such a lazy fellow? - She finished with her arms up in the air. -

- You mean this? -  the boy responded with an unaccustomedly cold tone as he took out a folder with typed pages from the backpack, he was carrying on his back. - Is this what you wanted?

Bertie took the folder in her hands and opened it, she was stunned to see that the entire summary was there, she apologized with a crestfallen face.

- I'm sorry, this time I misjudged you...I was hasty.

- It's natural, princess - Roy replied with a wry smile. - I've always been lazy all my life, haven't I? But that's over now, I have a very important job to do. And besides, I gave you, my word. And I never break it. At least not with you...

Everyone looked at him with a puzzled face, especially Beruche. Why did he call her that? Although she then remembered that time in the pit and smiled, Tom also noticed something and said more nonchalantly.

- Sure, it's related to that guy on the basketball team.

- Exactly, you got it right," - his interlocutor confirmed. -

- That's the way I like it, Roy! I hope it lasts," - his bench mate declared with sincere approval. -

- You bet it will," - he replied glacially and with a baleful look on his face. -

Bertie realized that something was not right, normally that comment would have made her laugh, but she noticed something strange about him. That wasn't the boy she knew, but she thought it was because he was nervous about the basket test, so she didn't think anything more of it. They entered the classroom and class went on with a silent Roy, not a joke, not a laugh, not even some inconsequential comment with which he used to try to entertain them both.

- Are you all, right? - Beruche asked him, surprised by the change in his attitude. -

- I'm perfectly fine," - it was his laconic answer, and he said nothing more. -

And the class was being quite boring, but even Bertie couldn't imagine what was going to happen. Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, Roy stood up to the astonishment of everyone, including Mr. Palmer, the teacher of the hour, who reacted immediately.

- Mr. Malden, what are you doing getting up from your seat, is this joke of yours," – it was a stifled laughter in the classroom as his classmates feared something similar. - Don't you find my class interesting enough for you? - he asked wryly. -

- You said it yourself," - Roy smiled smugly before declaring with indifferent coolness. - And I'm not going to waste any more time here.

Everyone was perplexed, Beruche could not believe what she had heard and pulled one arm of her companion while mumbling to him.

- What are you saying? Are you out of your mind?

- Well," - Palmer replied, indignant at this lack of respect, excessive even for that boy. - Perhaps you would do better.

- Of course - he assured him at once, angering the professor even more. -

-Very well, Malden, I've had enough of you! - He motioned with his hands for him to come out to the stand. - If you're so smart, prove it at once, you're going to teach the class! If you, do it well, you'll get a grade of honor, but if you don't, I'll fail you without the option of recovery and you know what that means, you'll be expelled from the university!... What do you think of that, Mr. witty guy? What do you decide? It's about time you were taught a good lesson. - He challenged him, however, conceding a path of retreat in the face of the gravity of the situation. - But you can still sit down and apologize, and I'll forget this incident.

Nevertheless, Roy laughed to everyone's astonishment, Beruche desperately whispered to him again.

- For heaven's sake, apologize and sit down! Can't you see you're risking your future?

- Apologize? But I have told the truth. - The boy answered between malevolent laughter. - Now you'll see! - He smiled at the astonished girl and went out to the blackboard and asked the teacher jovially. - What subject do you want me to explain? Please," he added in a forced voice somewhere between paternal and honeyed, "let it be worthwhile and not a ridiculous lecture like yours.

- So that's what we've got, eh? - Palmer shouted out of his mind, opening the syllabus book at the end - You've dug your grave here, Malden! - He added, pointing to a page in the book. - The Mathematical Theory of Chaos. Explain that and I want it perfect.

- Just a moment, sir. - Tom said, also standing up with a pale countenance like the rest of the class in which not a fly was stirring. - We haven't studied that, he can't know it, please, ask him for a topic from the beginning of the course at least.

- Shut up Mr. Rodney and sit down, your colleague boasts of being a better teacher than me, let him prove it! Or, if not, let him face the consequences. - The teacher replied inflexibly. -

Tom had no choice but to obey, looking at his classmate between astonished and very worried. The rest of the class was shocked, not to say frightened. Melanie could not figure out what the hell Roy was doing and watched him uneasily. Maybe it had something to do with the scouting thing. But that boy would never behave like that. Only Roberts was shaking his head with a half-smile thinking how stupid that boy was. He had just kicked himself out! No one could believe what they were witnessing. Tom for his part was still looking at him rather hurriedly, but his friend smiled at him and said without showing any concern.

- Don't worry, that theory is my favorite. You couldn't have picked it better. - And without further ado he made himself a chalk and began by saying to everyone's astonishment. -

- "Chaos theory is the popular name for the branch of mathematics, physics and other sciences that deals with certain types of dynamical systems that are very sensitive to variations in initial conditions. Small variations in these initial conditions can imply large differences in future behavior, making long-term prediction impossible. This happens, although these systems are strictly speaking deterministic, i.e., their behavior can be completely determined by knowing their initial conditions" ... (Excerpt from Wikipedia).

       Beruche listened to him in disbelief - that couldn't be his partner! During all this time they had been together she had gotten to know him well and the one who was talking certainly could look like Roy, but he was not at all. She also felt something since she had seen him that morning. A kind of cold, dark feeling when she looked at him, and she shivered helplessly. It reminded her too much of her past life in Nemesis when everyone was dominated by the terrible power of the Wiseman.

- Oh, God! May it not be what I'm imagining. - She thought in horror. -

Meanwhile the boy continued to write numerous complicated formulas and to the amazement of Professor Palmer and the entire class his explanation was masterful. After expounding the useful applications of that theory in the field of meteorology, economics, and other sciences, he sentenced.

- "A crisis of perception is approaching. The complexity of the world has led human beings to simplify reality. To abstract nature to make it cognizable and, sadly, to fall into the trap of duality. Good and evil, objective, and subjective, up, and down. Many scientists have already given up the illusion of order to dedicate themselves to the study of chaos, which accepts the world as it is, an unpredictable totality. (Excerpt from a web page, http://www.iac.es/gabinete/difus/ciencia/silbia/caos.htm not mine) Friends, I conclude by saying that Chaos is a universe. In fact, it is the true universe and the one that will dominate all others. Soon, very soon the true reign of Chaos will come and the Phantom of Death, the Prince of Darkness will take over everything. To plunge the Cosmos back into the original Nothingness. Chaos Dominus mundi. - He said, handing the chalk to the astonished professor while he said sarcastically. - Do you have any questions? I hope I have explained it in terms you can understand.

Beruche and Cooan felt chills, that of the Phantom of Death was too familiar to forget. That was the hidden power that led to the destruction of the inhabitants of their world and controlled them through the Wiseman!

- It's unbelievable, unbelievable! - Palmer was astonished, as was the rest of the class, whose members couldn't stop looking at each other in astonishment.  -

- Then keep your word! A pact is a pact! - Roy demanded dryly. -

- You have an honorary degree; you can leave now if you wish. - The defeated professor admitted, unable to take his eyes off those formulas, too complicated even for him. -

- Very well, because I, a prominent member of the Circle of Knowledge and Science, am too busy to waste my time with this nonsense. - He replied haughtily and without another word, left the classroom. -

Palmer didn't feel well after that and called it a day. When the others left, commenting on what had happened among themselves, Beruche, Tom and Cooan went in search of Roy. They found him sitting on a bench, indifferent and with a sinister half-smile adorning his face. Bertie was about to say something to him when Melanie stepped forward.

- Oh, Roy, I didn't expect that from you, you're a genius! - She commented admiringly. -

- Of course, I am," he replied with a cold smile, "and you don't even know the half of it, remember I promised to give you an answer? -

- Will you, do it? - she asked hopefully. - What is it? - She wanted to know, not without some fear. -

- This one, baby - he laughed and took her in his arms and kissed her passionately before the surprised look of everyone. -

Melanie was very happy, it seemed that Roy had become hers again, but the kiss went on too long and she was already lacking oxygen, she broke away and told him between gasps, although with a smile, believing that everything was due to the boy's passion for her.

- Why, Roy, that's enough. I can't breathe. You're not trying to drown me, are you?

- What's the difference? - he smiled again. - Enjoy it while you can, and you'll die a very pleasant death. Unlike the rest...

         The girl was shocked to hear him, that didn't sound like a joke, his look and his tone were very cold and terrible. Suddenly and without her even being able to pull away Roy grabbed her neck and pulled her to him kissing her again and this time it was something horrible. His mouth burned and she tried desperately to break free in frantic spasms. At the same time, he was shamelessly groping her, reaching down to her most intimate parts to the horror of the rest of the students.

- That's enough, Roy! - Tom intervened, genuinely shocked and frightened. - Even as a bad joke it's more than enough.

The questioner then released her, throwing her to the floor with contempt. Melanie sat up as best she could, gasping for breath and with tears in her eyes.

- Have you gone mad? - she shrieked between furious and frightened - You almost killed me!

- So what?" - Roy laughed in such a sinister way that everyone was shocked, even more when he sentenced. - You're no good to me! Everything I wanted from you I've already got!

- You're a pig! - she shrieked, feeling humiliated and above all very frightened. - I never thought you were like that I never want to see you again!

- Look at you, what a pity. - He smiled and added as if it were a whip. - And you're just a slut, you strut and behave like a common whore, and I've treated you like one. Do you think you're something else to me? You're lucky I have other more important matters to attend to. But don't worry, I'll deal with you later, when I'm done with my duties.

Melanie wanted to reply, but his icy stare, full of perversity, paralyzed her. All she could do was sob and run away in a fit of nervousness, Roy's teammates backed away in fright. The cheerleading captain didn't stop until she reached her room, opening the door she rushed crying on her bed.

- Mel! - April exclaimed, lying there on her bed. -

The girl had not had the courage to leave her room. The previous morning, on her way back after breaking curfew, she had had that terrible encounter. She was walking towards the interior of the faculty when, behind her, she heard the boy's voice.

- Well, who do we have here? It isn't April.

She turned around almost giving an exclamation of shock. But when she saw him, she sighed with relief.

-Roy, you gave me a good scare. - She confessed. -

- Oh, really, I am sorry? - He smiled, adding amused. - It seems you've been a bad girl. You missed your curfew.

-Well, don't think I do this often, I... I was running late. - She was able to excuse herself. -

But her companion shook his head and approached her position and whispered to her as he stroked her chin as if he was about to try to kiss her.

-It doesn't matter to me, April.

The questioned girl pulled away, that boy had never come so close before, let alone touched her. In fact, he had never tried anything like that. So, she tried to say with tinges of forced calmness and even joviality.

-Look, it's very late, we'd better each go to our own rooms....

-Or we could ask my partner or yours to let us have one of the two rooms. What do you think? - He insinuated. -

- What? - the young woman exclaimed, now, with an alarmed tone. - You can't be serious!

However, she didn't have the impression that Roy was joking. And he pushed her upon himself to insist, cornering her against the wall.

- Don't you want to try? I've never let anyone down...

-No, I, no... Please, let me go! - She asked him in a frightened tone. -

The boy laughed then, but it wasn't a laugh that came from a joke, not even a heavy one. It was a truly sinister laugh that chilled the girl's blood. Especially, when he, shaking his head, sighed to reply with a honeyed and falsely paternal tone.

- Oh, poor little April! She doesn't like men - how complicated that must be when she's a cheerleader! I know what you'd prefer... How about we go to your room, and I propose to Mel? I'll make out with her if she makes out with you. Would you like that more?

Still unhinged, April had the courage to protest angrily.

- How dare you say a thing like that, you're a scoundrel!

And her interlocutor scoffed once again, admitting with ironic derision.

-I am, yes, but at least I don't hide it. Yours is worse. You're just a frustrated dyke, aren't you? Sneaking off to bars so you can hook up with girls, while hiding the real you from your friends, the other cheerleaders. Starting with Melanie. Sure, you know what she'd think of you...what they'd all think....

- Stop it! - the horrified girl stammered, holding her hands to her face. - You don't know anything about me.

- Oh, I do know, I know a lot of things! - He laughed. - I only had to look at you to realize it. And you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to tell your classmates what you do and where you go... And maybe something else... something you're hiding...

April was only able to shake her head with an anguished gesture and plead with a thread of voice.

- Please! I don't know what you think you've seen, but it's not what you think.

However, her interlocutor surprised her once again when he unexpectedly grabbed her by the neck and lifted her up several centimeters. The girl was terrified, what kind of a psychopath was he, did he want to hurt her in some particularly terrible way, she could only cry with fear.

-Listen to me, you little slut queer. - He whispered to her. - I don't give a damn who you sleep with or how crazy you are. But I don't want you to cross my path, not you, not anyone! Soon, very soon, things around here are going to change. - He said. - And you can be useful to me or face the music along the others.

And having said that, he lowered her to the ground. Between sobs of terror, the girl assured vehemently.

-I'll do whatever you say! Please, don't hurt me!

-Well, that's much better. - He laughed. - I want you to do the following...

And after giving her precise instructions Roy told her she could leave. April was only able to get to her room, carefully open the door and crawl into bed hugging her knees and trembling with dread. She barely grabbed a bottle where she kept her pills. She took a couple of them. Fortunately, Melanie was asleep then.

-This hasn't happened, it can't be. - She said to herself in a trembling voice, trying to hold back her sobs so as not to wake her companion as she tried to convince herself. - No, I just imagined it, that's all....

         She was finally able to lie down and fall asleep after the medication took effect. The next morning, claiming to have a severe headache, she stayed in bed.

-I hope you get better. - Her roommate had wished her when she was already up and freshly showered and was getting dressed to go to breakfast. - When school's out I'll check on you.

-Thank you, Mel. Don't worry, I've already had something to drink. - She whispered, covered up to her chin. -

          She tried hard to keep from bursting into tears. She didn't want to humiliate herself like that, nor could she explain to her friend the true extent of her distress and anguish. And now, Melanie, too, was totally devastated and terrified. April had seen her come in, unhinged and unable to extinguish her crying. The night before, then, had been true, if only it had been her imagination! And while she was wishing for that, her roommate narrated what had happened, in a stammer, leaving her frozen.

- It was horrible! Roy, no, I don't know... it wasn't him! I don't understand. Why did he tell me that? -She groaned in devastation, covering her face with both hands. - What did I do to him? And those eyes!

April was only able to hug her. If only she could kiss her long on the lips and cuddle with her in bed, to share her warmth and affection! But she couldn't do that. Least of all in that terrible situation. She would not take such vile advantage of the person she loved so dearly. It was bad enough to swallow the terrible conditions that this monster had imposed on her and that she was forced to comply with. It was clear that Roy was no ordinary person. He knew too many things about her and her life. And the girl was terrified, she was terrified that her blackmailer would tell all this to her classmates. Especially Melanie, so she didn't understand why he had treated her like that.

-I'm so sorry. - She was able to say between tears, thinking in her turn. - I'm sorry Mel, but I must obey.

            And in the meantime, Roberts, who had just arrived in the hallway and witnessed the last scenes, approached Roy visibly furious. That had been the last straw, and more than enough, in his patience. The opportunity he had been waiting for to settle the score. Although not even in his worst thoughts had he ever imagined that this guy would commit such an outrage, what was certain was that he would pay for it. Malcolm was more than furious, but, even so, he didn't want to provoke a scuffle that could drive them both out, and he stood before the guy with a threatening ultimatum, threatening him with a thunderous shout.

- Malden, I'm going to kill you, you're a pig! You're going to go apologize to her right now or....

- Or what? - Roy asked with indifference and a haughty look. - What's going to happen?

- Or I'll break your face right here! - he bellowed, shaking with fury. -

The truth is that Roberts was scary just to look at him, especially in that state of anger. When he was angry, no one dared go near him. On occasion he had sent someone to the hospital, and then only because of accidental blows on the field. He used to be a calm guy, even if it seemed otherwise, as he was prone to get irritated easily and say clearly what he thought. He had never really hit it off with Roy. However, he had never challenged him despite everything. Normally he controlled himself and did not go beyond an apparent anger and some shouting. But now, really enraged and out of his mind because of his partner's terrible mistreatment of Melanie, who knew what he would do! With one punch he looked as if he could break a table in two. Tom, very frightened for his friend, stepped in and tried to calm him down.

- Take it easy Roberts, it doesn't have to come to this. I'm sure Roy will apologize. I don't understand how he could behave like that either, it's unacceptable, but there must be a reason....

However, the giant, this time oblivious to reason, pushed him away as if he were a doll.

- You stay out of this, Rodney. It's not your business, I have nothing against you, but if you defend him, be damned! - he threatened angrily. -

- You're a clown! - Roy spat, adding fuel to the fire to the horror of the others. - You're not even a match for me. You'd better go comfort that bitch Melanie if you're man enough to do it. Or do you want me to do it? I know what she likes, and I'm used to it. - He remarked with a smirk, running a hand over his crotch. -

This was too much for Roberts, blind with rage he lashed out at his rival without thinking. He even pushed aside up to three boys who were trying to hold him down as if it was nothing, throwing them several meters to the ground. But when he sent his fist against his target, the latter held it back with one hand without any apparent effort.

- What's wrong with you, is your strength gone, is this the paladin of the aggrieved maiden? - Ha, you imbecile! - His rival mocked with ironic and contemptuous smiles. - You are nothing but a fool! - he spat at him; his voice laden with insulting contempt. -

His opponent was astonished, despite his rage and strength he was not able to move him an inch. It was as if this other paralyzed him just by looking at him, but unfortunately this one was not satisfied with that. He punched Roberts in the stomach with such force that it made him fold in on himself. Then he grabbed his arm and broke it, the boy fell to the ground screaming in pain. Without showing the slightest mercy, Roy kicked him and, as if he were a wimp, lifted him up in the air with one hand holding him by the neck without the terrified kids nearby who witnessed such a terrible scene being able to move for fear of such treatment.

- You're going to die, stupid, that'll teach you to stand up to me. - He hissed, making his adversary's hair stand on end. -

Only Beruche was able to intervene, imploring him in horror.

- Stop it please, you'll kill him, let him go, Roy! What's the matter with you?

He stared at her, his eyes now seemed to reflect an internal struggle, only then did he seem to react. He let go of Roberts who fell to the floor semi-conscious from the beating. Then Roy put his hands to his head and shrieked in a tone that sounded like his usual but deeply terrified.

- My God, what is happening to me? I can't handle him, I can't...

          Most of his companions turned away in shock and terror. Roy paced the perimeter of their faces with his own unhinged countenance. He meant no harm to anyone, but he was unable to subdue the beast stirring within him. In fact, this agonizing protest had been almost the last flicker of his will.

- What is going on here? - The voice of one of the teachers was heard, who was attracted by the commotion, along with Miss Parker.

          Roy hearing them could only run away, he ran out of there, Beruche, Tom and Cooan were the only ones who followed him, catching up with him in an adjoining room, no one else dared to go. When they saw him, their friend was kneeling on the floor shrieking in pain. Bertie, with visible shock and concern, came to him.

- What's wrong? How can I help you? - she asked him, very frightened. -

- He wants to get hold of me, please don't let him, don't let him, none of you will escape alive if he does. - Roy howled, his face discomposed with despair. - I'm so afraid, please help me!

- Who, a demon? - the visibly distressed girl asked him - What can I do?

- My head is going to explode; I only see horrible things! Help me, I beg you! - He repeated between sobs of helplessness. -

- How? What can we do? - All his friends were now asking him, as desperate as they were lost and helpless. -

- Only true love can save me. Love and friendship... - He gasped as if he couldn't breathe, he could barely whisper - I feel that it is taking over my soul, you must escape from here before it is too late. Go away, I beg you!

- No, we will not leave you! - Bertie moaned hugging him. - You must fight whatever is hurting you!

- We will never leave you alone. - Cooan added, still trembling with fear, and hugged by Tom who was also very frightened. -

Their poor companion gradually stopped panting, he was covering his face with his hands, and they could not see his face, finally there was silence, he seemed calmer. Beruche, trusting that this crisis had passed, whispered with affectionate concern....

- Roy? Are you better? - There was no answer. - Roy, how are you feeling?

        At last, they heard something, a sarcastic laugh and a strange tone of voice that answered leaving them frozen. -

- I'm very well, it's been ages since I've felt as wonderful as I do now...

And without warning he let go of his companion, throwing her to the ground with a slap. Then he got up, but he was not himself, his eyes sparkled with a reddish hue, his gesture was discomposed with a rictus of madness and again he laughed, but it was a horrendous laugh that echoed throughout the room. Bertie and the others recoiled in shock and terror.

- Roy, what's the matter with you, please, answer! - Tom asked him in a half-voice, half-frightened. -

- You're scaring the hell out of us," - Cooan stammered, who helped her paralyzed sister to her feet. -

And the one they thought to be their friend faced them and after a sardonic smile tinged with perversity, he sentenced with a guttural voice that froze everyone's blood.

-Roy Malden is dead! - I am Armageddon the destroyer of worlds, captain of the demonic Horde and your end, miserable humans ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

None of the three could move, all were petrified by the terror that invaded their minds and souls, only Armageddon's demonic laughter could be heard during a sepulchral silence.

**START**