GWA04E

**START**

**Bertie's brash classmate.**

Riiiiiinnng. The alarm sounded relentless, marking 7.30 a.m. Cooan, with one open eye, unwillingly extended her arm to stop the sharp sound. Touching with her hand, she stopped it, she got up from the bed, stretched out her arms and yawned.

-Ouuuahhh! It's time to get up - She said really annoyed. –

-Tell me, Cooan, - Bertie asked, also between yawns and clutching the pillow - what time is it?

- 7.30, time to get up, sleepy! - Her sister replied, rising, and stretching her arms. -

- We could sleep a little bit more. - Beruche mused that she could hardly take off her eyelids. -

- Breakfast is eight o'clock. Do you remember? -  Cooan warned her. -

-Oh, my God, it's true! -  Bertie lamented that until that moment she was not aware of where she really was. When she realized at last, she had no choice but to add with acquiescence. - Let's go, we cannot delay before we start – Fortunately, she remembered that she was in a bunk and jumped off the bed. -

Both washed and dressed at a great speed, being barely at eight o'clock in the dining room. Breakfast was very American, cornflakes with milk, toast and orange juice, or bacon with eggs and fruit, to choose from. Both decided on the first option, they did not want to get too full. It took them thirty minutes to eat, afterwards they decided to take a walk to familiarize themselves with the corridors. Browsing the admission lists, they saw that they had been assigned to the second group, by surname, from M to Z. They were with their folders and half a dozen books ready to go to their classroom to start classes. They had been walking for a couple of minutes in the corridors when, in the distance, there were footsteps approaching towards them, accompanied by a masculine voice that exhorted all the students to give way, what they did to the point.

-Excuse me! I'm coming! - I'm in a hurry! Sorry! Opps! Be careful!

The voice belonged to a tall, sturdy figure approaching with great speed. In his garnet sweater the words Golden State Basketball were read in golden letters. He had tried to go the usual way, but some idiot had closed the back door of the gym. He had no choice but to take a good detour. He would be late, and the man would be angry. If he did not want to be going around the court for an hour, it would be better for him to tighten his pace. He ran warning as always of his presence. Turning around the corner he found himself almost face-first with two girls, but no one saw him since they were focused on their thoughts watching the classrooms from the hallway. That guy did not pay much attention either, or with a remarkable speed he passed the two of them trying to avoid them. There was a gust of air to Cooan that made her turn her back to him. But Beruche took the worst part, she was on his way, and she almost was overwhelmed. Hit in one side, she lost her balance and fell to the floor along with her scattered books being somewhat dazed. The boy stopped, confirming the first impression, he was very tall, strong, with brown light hair and green eyes, he had very attractive features. Smiling, he looked at Bertie and declared without looking concerned at all.

- Sorry baby, I would help you but I'm in a hurry. You should pay more attention to the corridor again.

And then ran out again as if that was not his problem, in a few seconds he got lost at the bottom of the gallery. The pained girl rose, labored, helped by her sister, collected her scattered books, the expression of her eyes was of great anger.

-I could not believe it! She jumped, unable to restrain herself. - Have you seen what a rude guy! -She shrieked with her hands (even though the boy had disappeared from her sight some time ago) before the astonished faces of the other students passing by and the blush of Cooan. But Beruche did not seem to be worried about that, and even added to anyone, albeit in a lower voice but equally outraged - and still says to be careful I ... Shinchō ni mieru gurosu! - She snapped on her tongue, to continue in English - beast, animal! At least he could have helped me up. If I were the one that I was before ... He would be lucky if I did not freeze him for life.

- Yes, he is a handsome but very impolite boy, although he seems very strong, he hit you hard. - Her sister whose eyes seemed to make the effect of little hearts while the girl had the hands entwined to the height of the chin, said. -

-Oh, Cooan! - How can you even say such a thing? He has passed me over! - Her visibly irritated interlocutor denounced. -

-It's true, I'm sorry. - Cooan said, her face flushed, her hand on the back of her neck. - It was a joke. Sorry Bertie ...

- What an idiot! anyway - Beruche said that she looked at her sister, narrowing her eyes and with a gesture of resignation. - Forget it, and we're going to class, or we'll be late the first day.

Her sister nodded, looking at the watch with a quick expression, the two of them headed to where they were going to receive the classes and after searching for a few minutes they arrived at her classroom but found it closed. For a moment they were frightened. What if they had started without them and they could not pass? However, Cooan again consulted her wristwatch, which, to their relief, marked eighty-five. Then a rather handsome, dark-haired boy, dressed in a woodsman-style shirt and jeans, strode toward them.

- It's closed, it's still early. But they will open soon. Oh, excuse me, I have not even introduced myself! - He added to think that the astonished faces of both girls would undoubtedly obey that - my name is Thomas Alan Rodney, but my friends call me Tom. - He held out his hand. -

- Nice to meet you - One of those long-haired, almost white-haired girls, ending in a braid, said relieved. - I am Beruche Malinde, Bertie for friends. -

The girl thought that at least he had manners. She still remembered her bad experience a few minutes ago.

-It's a pleasure. - The other of those two beautiful strangers added. -

Tom stared at that other girl with long dark hair, with purple tones, and with a graceful style, since two little pikes of hair like a kind of small cones were marked on both sides on her head. They almost looked like a cat's ears! He smiled helplessly, his friend sure would call her Catzi or something like that, if he saw her. But as he studied her more carefully, he noticed that her eyes were a beautiful violet, reminded him too much of someone. The boy sighed, but fortunately his interlocutor did not notice. She was too busy taking the boy's hand as she carefully chose her words in English.

-I am Cooan Malinde, we are sisters. Nice to meet you. How are you?...

- It's a pleasure, forgive me for being so straight but I see that you do not seem familiar with the center yet. I'm wrong? You must be new students. - The boy inquired with insight. -

- Yes, it is true, - Cooan admitted - We are new here, we arrived yesterday from Japan.

-You came from so far away! -  Tom exclaimed with amazement. - Well, you're not look like as the typical Japanese girls.

The two of them exchanged glances until Bertie seemed to understand. She smiled then to answer.

- No, we came to live there from somewhere else.

- We are from another country of origin, - Her sister intervened quickly - but we moved to Japan from very early age.

- That is remarkable. - He replied sincerely praising them next. - You speak our language very well. -

They both thanked him with smiles although Cooan replied with care.

-Well, there are still things that we are ... What was it like? Resist us a little. -She finished as she remembered the word. - And if people talk to us quickly, we have trouble understanding.

-I understand, you have a lot of credit, I do not think I was able to speak Japanese even if I studied it a thousand years. I only know some martial arts words. Ayime, yame ... well, those things. - He nodded quite clearly and tried harder to speak slowly, which they both thanked. -

-Oh, it's not as difficult as it sounds. - I assure you. - Beruche said. -

-Then maybe one day I'll ask you to give me some lessons to learn something. - He could reply with a broad smile. -

-We'll be happy to help you. - Cooan said kindly, more out of deference than anything else. -

        Although that caught the attention of that boy who smiled again. She blushed almost instinctively. He was a handsome guy and he looked nice. Anyway, the conversation they had had had to be interrupted. A beadle had come and opened the class. Tom indicated them looking into the classroom.

- Well girls, it's time to get in.

           A gray-haired man, not very tall, dressed in a navy-blue suit, a yellow tie, and a grim-looking goggle arrived then and entered the classroom and turning to the girls and boys gathered there announced.

- The students of group two do the favor to enter if they are so kind.

-Come on, you first, ladies. - Tom told them gallantly. -

           The girls, without making themselves beg, entered the classroom. There they stood as did the rest of the students who seemed to be expecting something.

-If I'm naming you, sit down in a row. - The teacher told them, drawing a list. He sat down at his table and scrutinized it, so, he and began to speak their names. Two students, when they heard their surnames went to sit, the professor continued naming. - Malden Robert. Tom smiled, shaking his head like most other guys. "Malden Robert," the teacher repeated, not noticing a few more high-pitched laughter. - Same as every year! - He shrugged and continued to read, not without difficulty. "Malinde Beruche."

         At the sound of her name, the girl hurried to sit down, leaving no room for her absent companion, the teacher urged her to move to the next seat. Blushing Bertie shifted apologetically at the professor's condescension. He was unperturbed by stripping names from his list.

- Malinde Cooan ...

-It's me. - She said to her interlocutor and quickly sat down where she had to. –

           The professor finished listing all of them, twenty-four in all. Tom sat behind Cooan. Before class began, Beruche raised her hand and asked.

- Excuse me, sir. Could I ask you something? - She could almost whisper, feeling ashamed to be the first to intervene. -

- Listen, please. - The man replied again condescendingly, addressing the rest of the class as well. - For those who do not know me. My name is Henry Palmer, and now. What did you want, Miss? - He wanted to know by looking inquiringly at Beruche. -

-Look, Mr. Palmer. - She said hesitantly. - My sister and I are foreign and new here, we still do not have a good command of the language, could not we sit together? Even if it was just the beginning.

-I'm sorry Miss Malinde. - He consulted on his list to sentence. - But here we follow the order strictly. - The professor argued arguing with great discretion, at least according to his opinion. - In addition, the sooner you relate to the native students, the sooner you can improve the language and make friends.

-Yes, sir. - Beruche nodded docilely, looking at her empty space, wondering who she could talk to. -

-Do not worry, your companion will be here soon, I've known him from previous years. - Palmer assured him, looking at the poor girl, nodded resignedly and disapprovingly at the misfortune she had had in pairing. - It will not take long ... more ...

       The words of the professor seemed prophetic, because said and done, at that moment there was a sound of knocking of knuckles on the outside and the professor authorized the entrance. The door opened slowly, and through it a face appeared to Bertie unpleasantly familiar, she recognized the boy from before.

- I'm sorry for the delay Mr. Palmer, we had a major talk from the beginning of the season and a pre-selection of players, you know what that is. It always lengthens too much. - He apologized and he smiled shyly, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. - These newbies ...

-Of course, you do the same thing every year. - The teacher replied reluctantly to ask with sarcasm. - Even if you belong to the college basketball team it is not correct to be late, and less on the first day. It sets a bad example to the new students, Mr. Malden.

- You are right, sir. Excuse me again. - The boy agreed that seemed to say it in a sense. He even clutched his hands to his chest to illustrate how rushed he felt. -

          Otherwise, as soon as his interlocutor looked at the rest of the class, he smiled shamelessly and somewhat mischievously, to get a few smiles from his classmates. Although as soon as Palmer returned to him, he immediately erased that expression and nodded.

-Will you be kind enough to honor us for a year with your presence at the proper time? - His disgruntled teacher asked him. -

-I'll try, sir. - The boy said casually and wanting to know after looking around the room. - Where can I sit? ...

- In that place. Palmer indicated patiently, pointing to Bertie. -

           The boy went to sit in the place next to her, invited by a new gesture of urgency of the teacher, impatient to begin. She glared at him, and he recognized her with a great surprise, he said in a conciliatory tone.

- Hello again, how's it going? - He smiled, but when he saw the look on Beruche's face, the smile on his lips froze, but it was not possible to be discouraged. - I'm Robert Malden, but they all call me Roy, and you are? - He waited for a quick answer, as almost always happened to them when it came to girls. –

        Instead, the offended girl waited a few seconds, pretending not to pay attention. Then she turned her back to him and said in a robotic way.

-Malinde Beruche, I'm the girl you ran into in the hallway before. Ah! - She twisted a little and turned to him with sarcastic denunciation. - And ... thank you very much for helping me pick up my books, - she smirked as she rifled with that same tone. - You're a very gallant man, Mr. Malden.

-That's past. - Roy said in a conciliatory tone, trying to iron out the affair. - I'm really sorry, let's forget it. Hey? You and I are going to be mates all year long. - He put his hand on the back of his neck and leaned forward with his chair to declare himself unconcerned. - So, we better get along, do not you think?

-Enough! Palmer exclaimed, his face congested, and rising from the visibly angry chair. - That's enough Mr. Malden, you are late as usual, you talk like you always do, you lean back in your chair like a sofa and not happy about this, you distract the new students. Behave yourself! His voice thundered throughout the classroom. -

-Ups! - The boy exclaimed, jumping up into a normal posture and apologizing immediately. -Sorry, sir, I was just trying to make international friendships. You know, helping the new ones integrate.

- I do see. You never change. - Palmer said, shaking his head and puffing to calm his indignation as he asked the boy with obvious sarcasm. - Do you give your permission, may we begin?

-Well, - Roy said with a shrug. - Yes, yes, of course, for we are all gathered here. -But he added with feigned pomp. - Although if someone does not want to say it now or remain in silence forever. - He raised his hand, Beruche looked at him stunned unable to believe possible nerve and the rest of the class could hear smothered laughter. -

          Palmer, dull of the attitude of that boy, decided to begin the class that was of introduction, like the rest of the others. The teachers presented their programs to the students. In each of them Roy had to do some prank before the general revelry that celebrated except for Beruche. At last, the classes ended, and his peculiar companion asked.

-What did you think the first day of class? Bored weren´t they? ... you'll see the rest, - he finished with rejoicing. -

-Bored? Oh no! - Bertie denied that she responded with her best tone of irony. - What's up! After meeting you, it is impossible to get bored. I'm sure I'm going to have a great time this year.

-What does that mean? - Roy asked, frowning. - It's a compliment or a reproach.

        And she responded this time without resorting to sarcasm and yes to indignant forcefulness ...

-I'm just saying you're the most rude, disrespectful, and rude guy I've ever had as a partner. If I could do that, I would change places right now and I would not speak to you throughout the course. So, in your expert opinion judge if that is a compliment!  - She let go of him. -

         Roy stared at her in astonishment. That girl was sexy but so surly. But he would make her come to reason, always with all. Well, at least, he did it almost always ...

-Does that mean that you do not like me? - He asked, with a whisper of ironic humor. –

At first that reply sounded so sincere that she hesitated. Perhaps she had misused words. But after a while, she watched as the boy wore a rogue smile. It was clear that he was trying to play with her. Well, he was going to see that messing with her wasn´t a bad idea!

-Take it as you wish. - Bertie replied nonchalantly adding on the waterline. And as far as I'm concerned, you should not be a very good student.

His partner was going to respond but he could not. A feminine and insinuating voice was anticipated coming from the bottom of the class. At the same time a voluptuous figure with tight skirt, long legs, and a tight sweater, marking two pointy breasts and swinging a long blonde mane came up to Roy and ran her hands around his back and his neck. This one became visibly nervous although he did not say anything.

- If you want to change places, you'll see how with him I do not get bored, cutie. - That provocative girl said. -

-Listen! - Beruche responded surprised and annoyed by the tone of that stranger. Although not finished to understand well. - Who are you?

- I'm Melanie Sanders, boss of cheerleaders and the only one that can get so close to Roy. - She introduced herself with a look of disdain and adding with arrogance. - I hope you understand, baby, I'll tell you more slowly if your understanding of our language is limited. I - she pointed out herself with an open hand on her generous breasts. - Roy. - She pointed to the stunned boy who looked like something stiff. - He and I. He is mine. Do you understand? So do not try to stop by.

-What? Hold on a second. - Bertie said, frowning with an expression of annoyance. -What do you think?  I have come here to study, not to waste time.

- That is what all girls say. More the ones with your prissy appearance. - Melanie replied in a rather contemptuous tone. -

Beruche got up angry, that, if she could catch it well, maybe not all the words of course, was an insult. Just the tone was quite rude. She was not willing to tolerate being insulted, without hesitation she faced that individual. They both held their gaze. Melanie was quite taller, but this did not intimidate her opponent.

-Calm down. - Roy asked between worried and amused now, mediating between them, and separating them theatrically with his hands. Melanie allowed a faint smile of disdain towards her rival and immediately turned her gaze to the boy. -

- You're a jerk, you do not know how to make me jealous huh? Sorry, I do not think you'll get it with this bland.  -

The girl smiled perfidiously, before her mate could reply, she kissed him on the chin and patted her behind, leaving with vamp pose as she told him.

- We'll see you later, darling ...

-It's not what it seems. - He tried to justify himself by shrugging his shoulders with a giggle. - We're no longer engaged or anything, they're Melanie's things. You do not have to fight her for me, ha, ha.

-What? -  Beruche exclaimed, rather furious and full of disbelief. -  Are you crazy?

-Do not worry, I know girls are crazy about me. I do not know why you will find me all so irresistible. - His interlocutor, who was quite happy about himself, told her. -

-You, you are a presumptuous and arrogant little boy! - Who do you think is crazy about you, cretin? - She insulted him by cornering him against the desk. –

- It's not okay for me to say it, but I'm popular. - He laughed visibly amused by that attitude of his partner, (in his way of looking so exotic) - Ask the girls on the campus, everyone is dying to date me.

-No, sir! - His interlocutor almost on the verge of bursting with anger refuted. -All not ... I can assure you that. At least here is one that neither in dreams. Anata wa shitsureidesu! Watashi wa gaman shite inai riyū!

-What? -  His companion could say, opening his eyes wide. -

The boy was stunned. Of course, he did not understand anything about all that last rant said in God knew which language, but of course it did not sound right at all.

- What you hear, but I can repeat it more slowly if you want. - Bertie smiled with some malicious expression that used to use in the past. -

And after stating this last one left the classroom leaving to the surprised Roy that watched it to leave without knowing that to replicate to that …

-What a weird girl. - Roy thought. -

  At the exit her sister was waiting with Tom. Minutes earlier, as Bertie did not leave, she decided to wait for her, and that solicitous boy made her some company, as he told her how things worked there.

-I hope the classes are not very different from what you are accustomed to in Japan. - The boy commented. -

-No, we really have not attended class regularly. - She confessed - We took the first courses at a distance.

-Well! That shows your perseverance. It's rather hard. - He valued Tom sincerely impressed. -

-Yes, it was. We had to work and study at the same time. - It was no easy task. - She agreed. -

-And what were you working for? - He wanted to know, more than anything to continue that conversation, but then tried to tint, adding with prevention. - If you do not judge the question too personal.

-No, - the girl smiled, then replied. - I was a cosmetologist. My sisters and I have a store in Tokyo. Sometimes I have sold them door to door.

-Well, if you opened a branch here, you'd be very successful. - He affirmed. -

            Cooan smiled; it might not be a bad idea. She already imagined her sister Petz putting her hand to her chin to weigh that possibility. And Karaberasu encouraging them all to mount a stand "Beauty Quartete" on campus. She laughed, unable to help herself before the boy's stunned look.

-Sorry, - she said, realizing the boy's expression. - It's not because of you, I think of my older sisters trying to settle down in the middle of college.

-I can tell by your tone that you love your sisters a lot. - He said, looking at the nice face in front of him. - I understand, I also love my little brother and I miss him.

At that moment, some of the classmates left, and they all greeted the boy who, smiling, returned his courtesy. Cooan thought that he would certainly be a good boy. It seemed that the others were very considerate to him. And in fact, he was very nice. Then the two heard exclamations in Japanese. Poor Cooan was stunned to hear her sister ranting in her native language. She must have been quite angry. She could hear the Discussion with that other blonde girl who left the class with a smirk of disdain. Although this individual stopped at Tom and greeted him, quite kindly.

-Hi, Tommy. How was the vacation?

-Well, thank you, Melanie. And yours? - He was politely interested. -

-You know, a lot of trips, a lot of partying and hoping to see the fool of your friend. - She sighed with a mischievous smile. -

-This is Cooan … - He hurried to introduce the girl who was attending to that conversation somewhat out of place. -

Melanie merely looked at her indifferently, as the hint offered her hand.

-Hello. Nice to meet you. She could smile with some nervousness, for that girl was imposing. -

However, the other girl left her hand in the air and only nodded. She turned back to Tom and said good-bye as she walked away.

-See you around. Make sure Roy does not spin around too much ...

Cooan watched her walk away, with discomfort. That individual had completely ignored her. But then she put it aside. The truth is that Beruche seemed to be arguing with someone still. At least she could hear it clearly. Her sister, with visible concern, came forward to her when she finally saw her leave and told her in solidarity.

- I've heard everything, I do not know who would have believed that girl that is. She has no right to treat you like that ... And she's rude. -She alluded, remembering how she had ignored her with the greeting. -

- Do not worry. - Tom said, joining the conversation this time addressing Bertie. - Calm down, she's a vampire who goes for all the guys who stand out on something and loves to tease others. In fact, she thinks she's the boss in those issues. Roy dated her last year, but I do not think he wants to repeat it.

-Is that Roy a friend of yours? - Bertie wanted to know, pleading mercilessly. - In that case, I advise you to change your friendships, he's unpresentable!

Although to her surprise, both were smiling and answered in a conciliatory way.

-You do not listen to him and do not get angry with him, because deep down he's a good boy. - The girls expressed their incomprehension in the semblant by that phrase made and its interlocutor it tinged. - He was just teasing you. A joke, just play, but when you know better you will see that he is not as bad as it sometimes seems.

-He sighed looking at the object of his defense as if he did not believe what he had just said and when he saw him leave, he went to greet him. Beruche said to her sister in a low voice.

-He will be a good boy in the deep, but at the deepest in the sea and with a stone at his neck. - She added with a mischievous smile, to celebrate her own occurrence. -

Tom while engaged in conversation with the individual. They both seemed very friendly and very happy to see each other.

- Roy, boy, I'm glad to see you, how are you? In the end you did not repeat course! Hey? - Tom exclaimed very happy. -

-Tommy, man! - He exclaimed as well, and they both hugged each other and gave each other a friendly punch on their shoulders as he explained jokingly to his friend. - No, you see. A few nights studying, a few chops and the invaluable help of the girls from the language club saved me this time.

- Oh no! Beruche thought, putting her hands on her head. - Oh God, it's much worse than I thought. -

-I heard. - Tom whispered to his companion with a mischievous smile, - that the girls at the language club helped you a lot with the French class. -

- They are experts in the field. - His friend said, and both laughed even though his partner winked at him and Roy agreed with feigned seriousness. It is true, what an ass I am! that there are very modest young ladies in front ...-

But Bertie and Cooan looked at each other in surprise, not understanding. Of course, they still did not master the double meanings of some words and from a distance they did not understand them well.

-How are you! - His smiling friend replied, shaking his head. - What will you leave for this year? Come on, let's talk to them, they are good girls and foreigners, they do not know our customs so do not do any prank.

Roy nodded with the implicit promise to be good and Tom led him both. Beruche did not seem too willing to engage in conversation, but her sister immediately greeted the tall, handsome brown-haired boy with a timid.

- Hello. How are you?...

- Delighted Miss ... - He smiled kissing her in a hand to Cooan blush and amazed, accompanied by the desire to vomit of her sister. -

- This is my friend Roy. Tom introduced him. - A great sportsman, he plays basketball very well.

-Well! - Cooan sighed looking at that handsome boy with eyes wide and bright. - So, you play basketball and you're, I mean, are you very good at playing? She grumbled with embarrassment at her sister's shared shame and the boys' rejoicing. -

- I like to play yes! - He laughed. - Actually, I do not do anything badly. - Roy said with great kindness and used one of his melting smiles (or so he thought). - Miss?...

- Cooan, Cooan Malinde. - She hurriedly appeared - I am Bertie's sister – she drew the alluded to her as she put a clear face of embarrassment and annoyance. -

- Yes, I already know Birdie. - He replied with a certain tone that did not like the girl object. And you do some sport, baby? - Roy wanted to know, turning to Cooan. -

- Well, I like dance and aerobics. - She replied, embarrassed, looking away from that face so attractive to avoid redness. -

- We'll see a lot of the gym then. And you? Young lady. Do you like to play? - He asked Beruche, with a trace of sarcasm. -

- I prefer intellectual games. -She dismissed this by addressing only Tom, adding now kindlier. - Although I also like to swim.

- Yes, my sister would not do very well, you should see her! - Cooan watched enthusiastically until she felt hurriedly as the look of the guy pierced her by speaking more than she should. -

- I do see. - Roy smiled slyly. - And I'm sure of that. You must float very well, the ice never sinks completely, or let's see only its tenth part ...

           He declared to the surprise of all and more of Beruche herself. Although it would certainly be chance, that boy could not even suspect what she was ...

-Yes, of course. - Cooan agreed, also somewhat stiff when he added. - My sister plays chess very well, right Bertie?

Before she could even do something about it, it was Roy again who had fun.

-All you need is a pair of glasses with thick crystal and a toothbrush for the Nerds club!

           Apparently neither Beruche nor Cooan understood that, although Tom, feeling that the atmosphere could be cut with a knife, brought out his friendlier tone and intervened to save the situation as much as possible.

- It has been a pleasure, surely, we will see much for the university after school.

- Yes, glad to meet you. - Roy agreed that he was going to say the name of that brunette girl with such funny hairstyle but did not remember well so he improvised. - I'm sorry, Connie, but we must leave you and you Birdie, "my little ice cube" do not get so hard on me!

He declared it with a pretended imploring tone as he clasped his hands in supplication and bent a knee to the girl who looked at him as if he were mad. That scene made Cooan laugh, but not at Beruche, who then remained expressionless and glaring at him (wishing to put into practice a crotch kick that read in a novel whose title she could not remember, but which Sounded like Pluto's satellite). But better to contain herself, so she remained silent and indifferent. Luckily that boy did not insist. He rose to his feet in a slightly impatient tone.

-Are we coming, Tommy?

- Yes, let´s go. – That boy agreed and added - We have the same room .... also, this year.

-Oh! Fuck.ng great! - Roy thought it over before moving on and changed the adjective into a more audible one. - I meant, fantastic. Goodbye girls, we'll see each other tomorrow. - He winked and smiled. -

-See you tomorrow. - Tom, who said goodbye, staring at them both as his friend squeezed his neck in a jocular way. And this way they went down the hall. -

-A couple of crazy boys. - Bertie said, - but at least Tom is much more polite and kind. Not like the other. What the hell did he call me? - She wondered aloud. -

- "Little ice cube" -Cooan translated visibly funny. - Ice Cube! I don´t think he met you before! LOL

- I do not like it. He is a pretentious and rude. - Beruche said in despised voice. -

- Of course, it has bothered you, you must see how you have reacted! You even spoke in Japanese! - Cooan laughed since both had promised to always speak in English to practice and added immediately to ease the matter. - It is not a big deal. He seems like a very nice and funny guy. What happens is that sometimes you have too bad mood and you have started badly.

- You cannot be serious. Bad moon, me? Look who's talking! - Her sister shook her head. -

- Oh Roy, how handsome and charming you are! ... but my icy little sister does not realize! - Cooan exclaimed this as if she did not hear her joining her hands to the height of the chin. -

-Come on, Cooan. - Beruche sighed, catching the joke and pulling a sleeve from her sister, she added with resigned patience. - We go to our room that is already late and we have many things to occupy us.

Cooan, still laughing, agreed, and both were lost in the long corridor.

In Japan the sailors were now seated on the stairs of Hikawa. They had to go to the call of Rei that had discovered another enemy, this time circling near the same sanctuary. It was fortunate that Yuuichirou and her grandfather were away, in a journey in the mountains. That body had occupied the body of a girl who came to the temple pretending to go to pray but she raised a knife as soon as she came in front of the young priestess trying to stab her. Fortunately, she dodged and ran, pursued by her aggressor. Nevertheless, she could hide among the nearby trees and warn the rest. After a few minutes the others arrived turned into sailors and Rei could be transformed in turn into sailor Mars and join them.

-Up there! - Sailor Moon commanded that young woman whose eyes glowed red as she lifted the knife as she saw them.

-Ha, ha, ha! - You are going to die, moon warriors. - Her interlocutor assured them with a malignant smile. -

-Who are you? What do you want? - Sailor Venus asked her as she prepared an attack. -

-Wait! - Ami pointed at her visor. - He has an innocent girl possessed; we cannot attack him directly.

They all looked at each other helplessly. Although it was that individual who attacked them wielding their weapon and trying to stab them. Luckily, they were quick, and they could dodge without difficulty. Of course, without ceasing to hear as that girl shouted at them in a strangely guttural tone.

-The time has come. We will be free at last. And this time you cannot stop us, moon warriors ... not even you are able to be in several places at once ...

-Stop! Rei cried, conjuring one of his spells, threw a sacred paper at the cry of ... "Evil spirit, stay away from her!" -

When that piece of paper stuck to the girl's forehead, she let out a shuddering scream and black smoke billowed out of her head. From her open mouth came a dense column of something like the bitumen that took a humanoid form before the horrified expressions of the sailors. That malignant silhouette took on the appearance of a greenish-looking creature with an ovoid, scaly head screaming uncontrollably.

-Happy!

-What the hell is that demon? - Makoto asked aloud. -

-You said that that's just what it is! - Rei replied, barely releasing a bolt of energy from that creature.

         Both Ami and Minako countered with their "Aquatic Rhapsody" and their "Venus Love Me Chain". That was enough to immobilize the creature. Sailor Moon finished with her attack causing him to explode. They all threw to the ground to avoid the shock wave.

-It was close. - Usagi sighed, rising carefully. -

-We must see if this girl is OK -Ami that was next to that girl who now remained unconscious, lying on the ground, said. -

    After taking the pulse of Sailor Mercury sighed with relief. She was still alive ...

-He tried to kill me. - Mars said, adding uneasily. Besides, they seemed to know our identities. And I'm afraid there will be more.

-We must find out what they're up to. - Minako agreed. -

-Yes, until we do not know, we have no idea what their next goal might be. - Makoto added that she took her in the arms of that poor girl and took her inside the sanctuary.

Fortunately, it was a long time coming back, when she awoke, she said her name was Naoko and told them that she was a draftsman, with a gesture and a disoriented tone she confessed not to know what she was doing there. The girls simply calmed her by telling her she had suffered a faint. Soon after and after appearing to be fully recovered, that girl left after thanking them for their kindness. Once alone the girls argued about that.

-It's a shame Mamoru had to attend a conference today. Usagi lamented. - Even if we could have solved ourselves.

-We could use his opinion. - Rei affirmed in turn. -

-Artemis told me that he and Luna were going to try to gather information. - Minako said that she now looked at her friend Sailor Moon as if she wanted some clarification. -

The others did the same, although Usagi shrugged and declared.

-Do not look at me. I have no idea what is happening. Nor of what they pretend. I only know what Mamo-Chan and I have already told you.

-We'll have to investigate all. - Ami said then. You already know from experience that the longer we take to discover your plans, the stronger our enemies become.

The girls agreed on it and finally they separated for that day. Little could have imagined that, in a place far away, a group of sinister hooded individuals commented with rejoicing.

-The time has come. We have located it. Now you must check. - One of them said. -

-All right. - Other replied in a satisfied tone to assert. - The operation will have to start contact as soon as possible. Things are going according to plan.

     A third individual agreed.

-The moon warriors were very busy with our lure shippers. We have the free field.

-Let's proceed then. -The first of those guys declared with the support of the rest. -

Then no one else spoke, and a thick silence was made...

**START**