GWA33E

**START**

**The end of the Great Wiseman?**

April ran aimlessly. If Tom and the others were not able to protect her, she would be lost. She was also shocked by the news of Roy's death. Poor boy! But there was nothing she could do for him now. Now she had only herself and her sister and niece to look after.

- I have to find them! - She said to herself with real dread. -

The voice of the man who had assailed her from the other side of her bedroom door was still very fresh in her memory. The girl had been lying in bed, thinking for hours. After confessing to Melanie how she really felt. Then she got the call from her sister. Something terrible was about to happen, he told her.

-Inform your friends. - Those were the last words she heard him utter before she hung up. -

And she was about to do so when, behind the door of her room, she heard that voice. It was male and he said to her with playful tones and sifted with sadistic sarcasm.

-Aaapril... We know what you are... and we know what you're doing.

- Who is it? - she asked with a mixture of surprise and fear. -

But this mysterious interlocutor continued his speech without paying any attention to the question.

-Traitor, you are a traitor. Just like your sister. But don't worry, when the master is done with your annoying little friends, we'll take care of you and your family. You'll see what happens to those who dare to tell on us...

- Enough! - she shouted, searching for something she could use as a weapon. - You bastards, you won't touch Paige or my niece.

Finally, she found a blunt object, a vase on the table. Filled with desperation, she was ready to smash it over the head of whoever was there. She resolutely opened the door. However, no one was there. After making sure by looking up and down the hall, she left the vase in its place and ran to tell Tom. Now she was still running, but she was running deeper into the night, looking for Paige and little Marla.

-I won't let anything bad happen to you. - Her only obsession, she thought. -

Maybe she could talk to her parents, tell them what was going on, and they would forgive and accept her sister back. She knew Paige didn't want her to. According to what she had told her, her own father had abused her. But April was reluctant to believe it, and besides, even that, if true, would be better than the terrible fate that could await them.

-Paige will understand, for Marla's sake. - She said to convince herself. - I have to find her; I don't know where she could have gone.

          In the meantime, and after the hard blow they suffered with the loss of Roy, discouragement and sadness invaded the whole group. Once again, after returning from Japan after their particular discussion, the wars and Mamoru joined them. Together with Petz, they pulled the rest with the strength of their character and determination. The ones who were the most depressed, apart from Karaberasu because of their own circumstances, were Cooan, Tom and above all Beruche. And to make matters worse, they had a terrible few days ahead of them, for the tragic outcome had taken place on Friday. At least during the weekend, they could try to calm down a bit, and it also coincided with a short break in classes in order to prepare for exams. Cooan and Tom, supporting each other, began to get over it, but Bertie withdrew into herself and spoke to no one. She seemed insensitive to the world. Despite Ami's efforts to cheer her up and those of the rest of the group. Karaberasu did not show any noticeable improvement either, but she was still able to stand by her sister's side and comfort her in silence. For many hours the two of them sat in the solitude of a closed room without saying a word. This made Petz and Cooan very sad, but neither could do anything but be patient and trust that their sisters would come out of their depressed state on their own. But although Karaberasu was well enough to continue working and wanted to return to it as therapy, Beruche no longer felt the slightest desire to return to routine life. Without Roy, it would simply become unbearable. Every moment she would look at her bench and remember that he was not there and that he would never come back this time. Still, mostly at the insistence of Cooan and the sailors, she summoned up a last bit of courage and agreed to accompany her sister and Tom. The three of them appeared in class with hardly a word. Bertie did not say a word and took her seat. At that moment her subconscious betrayed her, and if someone opened the classroom door and came in late, she thought she always saw him. She couldn't help thinking that it wasn't true. It wasn't possible! She even expected that, at any moment, Roy would rush in and apologise for being late, drawing laughter from everyone. But then, after those brief moments of reverie, the harsh reality set in and she realised that it would never be like that again. She dared not look at the empty place to her left. The last words of her classmate echoed in her head and she did not even listen to the teacher's explanations. So the break in the class finally came and she went out into the corridor. Sitting on a bench outside, she didn't utter a word and just stared at the floor. Waiting for Cooan and Tom to come out.

- Bertie," she heard Melanie's familiar voice approaching. -

            The girl looked cordial and took a nonchalant interest in her, still oblivious to her companion's drama. After all, it wasn't news to the head cheerleader that Roy had skipped class one morning and she was worried enough about April's disappearance. She remembered the confession her friend and classmate made to her and her heart broke. But now, leaving that aside, she wanted to say hello to Beruche.

- How was the mini-vacation?

She didn't answer. Melanie was convinced that she had heard her, so she came up to her and insisted.

- How was it with Roy, did you study hard," - she smiled mischievously. -

At that very moment Roberts had spotted Cooan with Tom. He went to greet them, glad to see them again, but the scene he saw could not have been more pathetic. Both of them had the same feeling as Beruche. It was only when they returned to the classroom and thought that their friend would never be with them again that they could not help crying. They huddled in the corner of the classroom until it passed, but Malcolm approached, visibly surprised.

- Is something wrong, boys? - He asked them worriedly, realising that this was far from normal. -

He recalled the pitiful appearance of his companion the other day and approached them with a quizzical look on his face. The girl could not look at him, and only Tom was able to break the tragic news to him. Malcolm was paralysed with horror and stared at them in disbelief. He even tried to cheer Cooan up, but she said through her sobs.

- I am better. But my sister hasn't been the same since it happened.

-How... how? - Roberts stammered uneasily. - "Melanie's gone to have a chat with Bertie! God! I hope she won't tell her anything that....

Without finishing his sentence, he ran out of the classroom, followed by Cooan and Tom, and he heard that last sentence from the head cheerleader.

- Where does that boy go? - she smiled, not yet realising that her classmate wasn't even looking at her. -

Malcolm ran to his girlfriend and at that very moment the young woman realised that something was wrong with Bertie and asked her more seriously.

- Are you all right?

- No, Melanie, leave her alone! - he demanded almost desperately, running towards her and pulling her away from Beruche. -

- But what's the matter, Malcolm, why are you like this? - his girlfriend asked him, astonished. - I was just asking him.

Roberts ignored her and turned to Bertie very gently. He placed his hands affectionately on the girl's shoulders, who was now trembling, trying to hold back her impending tears.

- Are you okay? Can we do anything? Anything...

Melanie looked at the two of them in shock, and of course the look on her boyfriend's teary-eyed face frightened her. There was something serious going on here. Beruche's head was still slumped between her shoulders and unresponsive, she was now visibly trembling and her companions could only hear muffled sobs.

- What's the matter with you?  - Melanie asked, turning her jovial expression into a worried one. -

Tom and Cooan arrived at that moment. The girl's eyes were red with tears and Melanie noticed this.

- Come on, Bertie. - Her sister pleaded, trying to control her own sobs. - Let's go back to the room...

- What's going on here? - her companion asked now with real impatience and anguish as she saw everyone's faces. - You know Malcolm, tell me!

But the boy lowered his head without looking at her. He didn't dare tell her. Melanie began to look around and then asked.

- Where's Roy, didn't he come? I guess he's got training.

- He's not coming back. He'll never come back..." - Beruche mumbled, surprising the girl. -

- What? - Melanie, who couldn't quite understand what her classmate was trying to say and wanted to know. - Have you had any problems with the teachers?

        No one replied. If that was all it was, perhaps it could be solved by talking to Miss Parker. But when she looked at the rest of the boys... those faces and that pain in their eyes, it couldn't be a mere disciplinary problem or an expulsion...

- Has something happened to him? - the girl asked, her voice heavy with anguish. -

- You see, Melanie. - Tom was able to stammer. -

            That made the girl look at him astonished, but he couldn't finish because it was Beruche who then interrupted him, muttering lapidarily.

- He's dead, he's dead. They killed him...them.

Melanie's heart skipped a beat and her eyes widened wildly, she couldn't take it in. What was Bertie saying, had she gone mad?

- You can't be serious, can you, Malcolm? - the girl asked shyly, to whom Roberts had already slipped an arm around her shoulders. -

And then her companion looked at her and her eyes full of sadness and pain left Melanie paralysed. For a few moments no one said anything until Bertie burst into hysterical screams attracting the attention of everyone passing by.

- They killed him! Those damn monsters killed him! And there was nothing we could do, I couldn't save him!

Cooan hugged her sister trying to calm her down. The head cheerleader shook her head and two lines of tears crossed her cheeks. But she refused to accept that.

- What are you saying? What...? - she sobbed in shock, unable to add anything else. - No, that can't be...

           Roberts had to hug her when she burst into tears, and Tom came over to help her. Melanie was pale, she couldn't open her mouth now. She turned her attention to the boy in his wheelchair who confirmed it with a grief-stricken look, struggling not to cry as well. So did Cooan who was now busy just sitting her sister down and rocking her in her arms to soothe her, to the astonished looks of the rest of their companions who had formed a circle around them. Then Tom added, corroborating Beruche's cries.

- It was them. The same ones who did this to me. - He said dryly, as the head cheerleader began to cry uncontrollably and was held down by Malcolm. -

            Bertie calmed down, broke away from her sister and stood up and walked over to the girl, they looked at each other and Melanie asked between sobs.

- It's a joke, of course. - She smiled forcibly and kept shaking her head back and forth. - Roy's gone too far this time. I'm sure he'll be out to make fun of me any minute. – Melanie stammered, but she knew in her gut that her classmates wouldn't be capable of such a thing. - No, it can't be. - She mumbled, giving in to despair and crying again, so much so that she had to sit with her boyfriend. -

- We can only be united. - Tom whispered to her, also in desolation. - Together we must try to bear it.

            Then, however, the voice of the headmistress emerged from the chorus of other students. All the boys turned away, eager to get out of the way. No sooner had they heard Beruche than they stiffened. They didn't believe it at first either, but they soon knew it wasn't a joke. Now Miss Parker pushed her way through them and reached the desolate quintet, inquiring with her usual sternness, this time tinged with strangeness.

- What is going on here?

No one said anything for a few moments, however, only Malcolm could begin to whisper.

- You see, miss. It's about our mate Roy...

- What's the matter with Malden, has he done another one of his tricks on someone? - He declared accusingly and added reprovingly. - I see, that boy has been truant again and God knows what mischief he's been up to. I'll have to speak to him for clarification.

- Roy's dead, miss! - Tom was able to reply, choking back his tears as he overtook Beruche, who seemed to be under tremendous strain. -

Parker went pale. And she had barely digested the news when she asked.

- What was it like?

- A car accident. - Tom replied tersely, and despite his pain he knew it was useless to try to explain anything else. -

- Good God! - the headmistress exclaimed, shaking her head and adding her typical admonitory refrain, now full of regret. - I told you so! That boy was always irresponsible. I'm sure he ran too fast. That...

And she couldn't go on adding any more words. Beruche had sprung to her feet, sick and tired of hearing that. She couldn't take it any longer and faced Miss Parker, gnashing her teeth and shooting fire out of her eyes. Even the stern teacher recoiled in fright at the sight of her, and yet the enraged girl had not yet begun to scream.

- Shut up at once, you, stupid old hag! What do you know about how he died? You've always been making life miserable for him and he sacrificed himself for all of us, even for you! I don't ever want to hear you speak ill of Roy never again!

           The girl was speechless, and she certainly wasn't joking. The teacher even feared that Beruche would attack her because she was out of her mind. Only Melanie, closer to her, held her, trying to calm her down while she looked at Miss Parker, imploring her with her eyes and pleading with her in hurried words.

- Please don't mind her, she doesn't know what she's saying!  She's very upset. - She looked at her companion and squeezed her in her arms affectionately to add in a conciliatory and soft voice. - Calm down. Bertie please, this won't bring him back.

The headmistress sighed in gratitude for the time-out and regained her composure to reply again with little success, addressing Beruche in a quiet voice.

- Under the circumstances I will overlook this terrible disrespect, it is a serious breach of the rules. But I know that you are a model student and that if it were not....

               But she cut her off once more, now retorting with a tone of cold, controlled anger.

- I don't give a shit about your rules, you know that? Nothing matters to me now, all I know is that we loved each other and he died by my side. But what do you know about that? All you care about is your fucking regulatory bullshit. Do what you want with me, punish me or expel me, but leave me alone!

- That's enough, Bertie. - Cooan softly termed with a desolate face, hugging her broken sister as well. - Please...

Melanie left it to her companion to appease Beruche and stepped between the agitated girl and the teacher to whom she pleaded once more, her eyes heavy with grief and tears, her tone very dejected but conciliatory.

- Leave her to us. I take responsibility for her. But you must understand that she is broken. She doesn't mean what she says. Please, miss. I beg you! Forget it just this once.

Parker nodded in sympathy for the girl. Besides, those words had struck a chord with her. She had always been bitter about the circumstances of her life. And she had suffered in her youth for a love that also ended up broken. Her fiancé, who was also a college classmate, died in Vietnam shortly after leaving for the war. The wedding was scheduled for a week later, when he returned from leave. She never got over it and now this poor girl was going through something similar. She could only understand her pain and leave her alone. She nodded again and turned and walked away. And if that wasn't enough, another thought tormented her.

-I have failed. - She said to herself in dismay. - They trusted me to keep him safe here. But I couldn't do it. Forgive me, Mr. and Mrs. Malden....

           For their part the other classmates entered the classroom and the next teacher was informed of what had happened by Malcolm. He politely allowed the boys to remain outside and closed the door behind him and began his lesson. Tom and the others sat down on nearby benches in the corridor and tried to talk in the calmest of moods. Melanie turned to her classmate and whispered.

- How did it happen? How is it possible?

- He died to save us all. - Bertie replied, this time too whole for the tragic situation. -

- I know," - Melanie muttered. - He was a wonderful boy. And I'm so sorry. - She bit her lip, trying to control herself, and continued in a stammer. - "I know you and I haven't been getting along very well until recently, but... I want to make up for the bad time I gave you... if you need..."- She couldn't take it anymore and cried, hugging Beruche. - They won't win, they can't win, don't let them win! - The head cheerleader sobbed in the ear of her partner, who answered her with determination, still sobbing. -

- They won't, I promise you, we'll never let them!

And Bertie had in mind the promise she had made to Roy - she would never let those scoundrels get away with it, even if it cost her life!

-We'd better get some rest. - Tom proposed. -

The others nodded and decided to skip the rest of the classes for the day. Melanie, meanwhile, hadn't finished talking to the boy and, taking advantage of Malcolm's gentlemanly help to get Bertie up, turned to the boy in the wheelchair and asked him, still with tears in her eyes.

- Do you know where April has gone?

-I don't know. - The boy admitted, who told him. - She came to see me very scared. She was afraid for her and her sister.

Melanie nodded, that poor girl was in a moment of tremendous emotional fragility, comparable even to that of Bertie and her sister Connie. She sighed, remembering that confession she had made to her.

-We'll always be friends, I'm sorry, but that's all I can give you. - She thought. -

They were in their room, where they had shared so many things, joys and sorrows, exam jitters, cheerleading performances. All but one, their respective flings with boys. That had always weirded Melanie out, maybe her friend was shy and reserved on that subject. But after getting to know her over the years, that didn't seem to be the case. And when she heard this gossip about her friend, she couldn't help but be indignant.

-We knew it wouldn't be O.K. with you. - Serena commented when they told her after the rehearsal. -

-It's true, Mel. - Brooke added. - And we can understand you, for God's sake! You've had to share a room with that girl for two years! I wonder what went through her head. -

She nevertheless gave her classmate a stern look to retort, furious.

- You know what disgusts me the most about this? It's not April and her supposed homosexuality. It's you guys, talking about her like that behind her back. I can't believe that, being her partner for so long, you would do something like that.

-We heard her confess in the locker room, and she was trying to make out with Connie. - Brooke objected, annoyed in turn. - And ok, I can understand you defending her, she was your friend...

- She's my friend! - the captain cut her off sharply. - And what you say, whether it's true or not, doesn't change anything.

The other two gave her a look between incredulous and contemptuous, Serena even shook her head in declaration.

- What happened to you, Mel? You used to be a reference for all of us.

And they left her there. She soon went to her room to find April crying. After chatting, Melanie said to her in an affectionate tone.

-If that's who you really are, and you've fallen in love with someone who doesn't love you back, like Connie?

-Mel, I'm not in love with Connie, that's not true. - April assured her. -

That made the cheerleading captain sigh in relief. She had always assumed that was biased gossip. Those two bitches Serena and Brooke had been jealous of April since day one. But her friend's next words really shocked her, when that girl, daring to look her in the eye and holding her hands, whispered between sobs.

-I'm in love with you, I always have been. Forgive me!

-But, I..." - Melanie could barely whisper as she slowly pulled away from the girl. -

- I'm sorry! - April moaned, putting her hands to her face and hiding her head between them. - I couldn't help it.

-No, it's okay. - Her partner hastened to answer, giving her a loving hug. -

And after letting her cry in her arms, Mel was able to say with more temperance.

-April, you are my friend and my partner. We've been through a lot together. But, you must understand, I can never reciprocate what you feel for me. Not in that way.

-I know, Mel. That's why I feel this way. - She sobbed. - I have no right to expect anything and I don't think I should still be here with you.

-Not at all. - Her companion rebutted. - I will always consider you my friend.

And after a while in which she tried to cheer up the poor girl as best she could, Melanie went outside to get some fresh air. She never saw her again. Now, alone in the room, she cried uncontrollably, between that, and Roy's tragic death, she was devastated. Then she did something she hadn't done for years, she got down on her knees, clasped her hands together and prayed through her tears.

-Lord, help us, the world is falling apart and I am so afraid, for all of us....

            Her friends and colleagues were no better off. In fact, the next day they had to go to the place where Roy won the Karaoke contest. None of them felt up to it, but it was Tom who insisted. He wanted to keep the promise he had made to his friend. And almost all his mates were there. They held their breath and the boy sang in Roy's place, choosing a song of his favourite band "Too Much Love Will Kill You"...

***I'm just the pieces of the man I used to be***

***Too many bitter tears are raining down on me***

***I'm far away from home***

***And I've been facing this alone for much too long, oh***

***I feel like no one ever told the truth to me***

***About growing up and what a struggle it would be***

***In my tangled state of mind***

***I've been looking back to find***

***Where I went wrong***

***Too much love will kill you***

***If you can't make up your mind***

***Torn between the lover and the love you leave behind***

***You're headed for disaster 'cause you never read the signs***

***Too much love will kill you every time***

***I'm just the shadow of the man I used to be***

***And it seems like there's no way out of this for me***

***I used to bring you sunshine***

***Now all I ever do is bring you down***

***Mmm, how would it be if you were standing in my shoes?***

***Can't you see that it's impossible to choose***

***No, there's no making sense of it***

***Every way I go I'm bound to lose***

***Oh-oh, yeah***

***Too much love will kill you***

***Just as sure as none at all***

***It'll drain the power that's in you***

***Make you plead and scream and crawl***

***And the pain will make you crazy***

***You're the victim of your crime***

***Too much love will kill you every time***

***Yeah-yeah, too much love will kill you***

***It'll make your life a lie***

***Yes, too much love will kill you***

***And you won't understand why***

***You'd give your life, you'd sell your soul***

***But here it comes again***

***Too much love will kill you***

***In the end***

***In the end***

**(Too much love will kill you, QUEEN, credit to the author)**

Until he couldn't take it anymore. He broke down crying and had to be helped down by the two girls who were also very affected.

-I can't, I can't, I can't, forgive me, my friend," - he moaned, unable to finish. -

         There was a moment of silence and then a standing ovation, no one was able to utter a word. Both Roberts and Melanie, visibly moved, helped them down and joined them in an embrace full of affection and sadness, as did Roy's colleagues and friends. Tom was even presented with a red ribbon. It was Jack Cooper, who, full of regret, whispered to him, however, with kindness as he tied it on his right arm.

-It's the same one Roy wore at our meetings. He would have wanted you to have it, Tommy.

         And the rest of the red ribbons nodded visibly excited. It was at least a nice tribute to Roy's memory. Tom allowed to be done, although his expressionless face showed nothing but tears. The girls stood beside him trying to comfort each other at this sad moment.

-I'm sure wherever he is, he must have loved your version of that song. - Cooan sobbed, hugging him with great tenderness. -

Bertie could only nod. Bertie could only nod, though without the strength to say a word. Melanie was now watching them from a distance. She asked Malcolm to drive her to the university. Her boyfriend nodded.

-They haven't finished Roy's tribute yet. - He was able to say. -

-I know. But I have something important to do. - The girl said. -

And after arriving at the college she asked the boy to wait for her. It was a bit late, but she was still counting on being on time. She walked determinedly towards the headmistress's office. She knocked on the door and heard a knock. As she passed, Miss Parker looked at her strangely and was able to ask.

- Is there something you want, Miss Sanders?

-Yes, Miss Parker. Two things. But neither is for me. - She replied. –

         The first was more academic. Melanie had heard that her classmate Bertie had nevertheless been disciplined. Perhaps out of grief and sadness, but she had severely insulted the headmistress in the presence of students and the occasional teacher who came over to overhear the scuffle. So the girl made no bones about it and declared.

-Please, I beg you. Please, I beg you, let it pass. You saw how she was.

And this time Parker merely sighed, and in a tone rather more considerate than her usual, responded.

-It wasn't me who started it. It was some of the teachers on the faculty. They consider it a very serious offence....

-But you must understand the circumstances. Please! - The girl begged her. - You can't imagine what that poor girl is suffering. What we all feel! - she sobbed helplessly. - It's not fair!

-No, it isn't. Life isn't fair, Miss Sanders. - Her interlocutor agreed, lowering her gaze to turn it back to her companion and sentencing. - You have already discovered that. I did, too, when I was your age. When I was a happy girl full of illusions... that were shattered....

Melanie listened to her astonished. She had never thought about it, but the truth is that the headmistress was always very surly and unfriendly. Stern, strict. A good teacher, yes, when it came to teaching her subjects, but very detached from human contact. Even so, the captain of the cheerleaders was able to compose a faint smile and plead.

-That's why I ask you, if there's any of that girl left in you, you must understand Bertie.

-It's funny. - Her interlocutor was now able to say, almost reflectively. - You two didn't get on at all, I understand. And now you seem like sisters.

-You're quite right. - The young woman admitted, to confess. - But the very thing that brought us apart has brought us together. I can understand her all too well. And considering that I wasn't fair to her, I wish I could help her now, at least....

Parker listened to her carefully and nodded. She seemed more excited than usual when she finally replied.

-I know you like teaching and even wish you were a teacher here. If you ever make it and sit in this office, in the position I'm in today, you'll realise that things are complicated. Much more than they appear to be. You will have to be inflexible most of the time, strict and hard on many occasions. But also up to certain limits. And, above all, not to get too attached to your students. Do you think I don't suffer when I see your classmates like that? The death of Mr. Malden's parents also weighed heavily on me. They were very good people.

Parker kept to herself that she had promised the wonderful couple to care for and help their son as much as possible. Now she felt dismayed. She thought again that it was as if she had failed them. But it was hopeless... so she added in a quiet voice.

-You will remember how that poor boy was left. He lost his way. When he first entered the University he was a good student. Then that terrible accident to his parents changed him. And I'm not surprised. I had a hard time because of him. But I had to be strict so that he wouldn't stray irreparably.

-Yes, I remember. - Her interlocutor nodded. - And I understand you too, Miss.

- That's why I advise you, if you were in my place one day, not to get too involved or you'd suffer a lot. - Parker advised her with a shade of bitterness. -

Her interlocutor listened to her with regret. In fact, she then tried to cheer up her friend, who was devastated by the loss of his parents. And now, ironically, after he had chosen Bertie, it was Melanie herself who was trying to help her former rival overcome the tragedy of Roy's own disappearance. With that in mind, she answered resolutely and at the same time with a great deal of sincerity.

-If I were headmistress one day, I wish it didn't have to come to that. I wish I could be more open...and allow myself the luxury of appreciating all the students. I wouldn't want to have to isolate myself behind a shell...for fear of getting hurt.

Now, though, she was surprised to see a slight smile on the face of her colleague's face, who said.

- May you never have to! May you not become someone whose life is left in bitterness. - Then she drew in a long breath and then let it out, trying not to be affected by tears. Once she pulled herself together, the head teacher said. - Be careful. That meeting to open the file will take place. It's on tomorrow's agenda and that can't be changed. However, I will advocate for it to be closed without cause. I will do my best to ensure that it does not affect your colleague's curriculum.

-Thank you, thank you very much, Miss. - Melanie could smile now. - I really do. I can't thank you enough. On behalf of myself and Bertie....

Parker smiled once more, commenting sharply.

-Miss Malinde doesn't know you're here, does she?

Melanie was taken aback by those words, as accurate as they were unexpected. At last she admitted it in a quiet voice.

-She doesn't... she doesn't even know about her file. Right now the poor thing isn't aware of anything but her grief.

- I see. You are a good companion. And you'll have a good future in teaching, too, if you set your mind to it. Don't forget that. - Miss Parker said, wanting to know. - You said there were two things, this is one. What's the other?

-You see; my classmate April is missing. I don't know where she might be. - Melanie told her. -

Parker then looked down and, sighing, said.

-I shouldn't tell you any of this, but under the circumstances, maybe it will help your friend. She sent me this letter. - She commented. -

She handed Melanie an envelope containing a letter, in which April asked Miss Parker to drop her from the University.

-But she can't do that. She still has another year to finish her degree! - the perplexed and dismayed head cheerleader exclaimed. -

-I'm afraid that's neither your decision nor mine, Miss Sanders. - Parker commented in a saddened tone. -

-I beg you to do this girl a favour. Don't act on her request. That letter has never reached her. - Melanie asked him. -

-I can't do that; it would be a serious violation of the rules. - Parker objected. -

-With all due respect and as Bertie said, to hell with the rules! - Melanie replied indignantly. - Please don't let the lives and studies of two good girls be ruined.

Jane listened to that demand and closed her eyes, she was fighting a hard battle inside. She really wanted to give in to the impulse to tear the letter to shreds. But it had been delivered with acknowledgement of receipt, and there would always be proof of its existence. The contents were another matter. At last, with a long sigh, she was able to say.

-What I can do is leave it on my desk and give the girl time to reconsider. If she comes here within, say a week, I can give it back to her. Otherwise, I will have no alternative but to take it.

-Thank you very much, Miss. - Melanie smiled now. -

-Don't give them to me yet. - She asked her interlocutor. -

Nevertheless, the girl, after thanking him again, left. Roberts was waiting for her, and she told him what had happened.

-We have to tell her right away. - The young man said about Bertie. -

-No, leave it. -She asked him. - He has a great deal to suffer now. When I can, I will tell Connie what has happened, so that she can tell her sister.

             Her boyfriend agreed to that. It would be the best thing to do. Melanie was quite right. Tom, Connie and Bertie were truly devastated by the loss of their partner. What the couple didn't know, though, was that their friends had a vital mission to accomplish. To locate, destroy and end the terror of the Sect, to prevent any more demons from being summoned. So they could not go on mourning their friend forever. On the other subject, Malcolm was puzzled when Melanie told him that April had resigned from her studies there.

-If only I knew where she'd gone to talk to her. - The girl mused. -

-We'll look for her. - Roberts offered. -

Melanie nodded, regaining some of her spirits. She didn't tell her boyfriend about April's declaration of love for her; that was their private business. She was glad to see that he was willing to do anything to help her find her friend, though.

-I was a fool not to see that you love me like this. - She thought looking at this colossus, apparently so rough, but with such a good bottom. - I can't reciprocate April, but I can reciprocate you.

              And they decided to start looking for their friend. On the other hand, Tom, Cooan, Bertie and their sisters met the next day with their friends. The whole group of girls together with the warriors, Mamoru, Luna and Artemis, debated thoughtfully about it and decided not to postpone the attack any longer, time was precious. Petz was the first to speak.

- We can't leave them any more time to get stronger. We know where they are, we will follow the plan. Sailor Moon and the other warriors will stall the cultists and other guards that come our way. We'll go in. Tom will conjure up some protective aura to help us.

- We have to be very careful. If we do it wrong, we'll ruin everything. - Karaberasu warned them, seeming to blend back in with the others. -

- Make sure you destroy the Great Wiseman completely, leave nothing of him. - Usagi warned them. –

- Don't worry, we won't leave a single piece of that bastard behind. - Cooan assured. -

- Good. Artemis, Luna and I will cover your rear," - Mamoru interjected. - "in case any cultists want to surprise us from behind.

- Then go ahead, we don't have a second to lose! - Artemis harangued. -

They continued to discuss the details and at one point split into two groups.  Tom and the sisters planned their part and Usagi and the other warriors along with Tuxedo and the cats had a quick exchange of knowing glances. After their bitter discussion at the Hikawa shrine, Sailor Moon agreed to tell them more. Then Minako commented quietly and with marked regret to the rest of her companions.

- This is really terrible. Are you sure it must go on like this?

- There's no other way. - Mamoru replied in a firm, if sorrowful, tone. -

- They have to do it themselves, and we can only help them on a few occasions, and this is one of them. - Usagi stated too serious for her usual self - Right Rei? - She added asking for her partner's confirmation. -

        The questioned one nodded slowly to sentence with visible dismay.

- You know as well or better than I do. You told us yourself. It's their own story. They must take responsibility. As much as it pains us not to be able to do more for them. But, I understand the feelings of the others, sometimes it's unbearable.

- They are suffering so much. - An emotional Makoto objected, looking at the other group with regret. - My heart is breaking.

-I can't bear to look at their faces and see the expression in their eyes. - Minako agreed with tears in her eyes. -

- It's the same for me. I told you that. But believe me, there's a greater cause for this. - Usagi sighed with resigned pity, agreeing with Sailor Mars. -They must carve out their own destiny and find out some very important things about it.

- Yes. I know you are right. But if only it were possible to relieve them of something. As Mako-chan says. It breaks my heart to see them like this, especially Bertie. – Ami said, who couldn't help but look at her poor friend with great sadness as she sobbed as she sentenced. - She is broken-hearted. She is my friend and I see her suffer so much that I can't bear it...

-That's why we have come. - Usagi declared, smiling shyly this time, to affirm. - It's not much but there is something we can do. We'll help them win. And then we will encourage them as much as humanly possible. But for now we have no choice but to continue to play our part.

- So you trust these friends of yours? -Makoto asked. -

-Yes, we trust them completely. - Mamoru replied sharply, asserting. - We must be patient and wait.

-Now, let's go to our friends. - Usagi rejoined in the same vein, though with more cheerful undertones. - We cannot collapse; we must give them strength.

Her companions and Tuxedo Kamen agreed and rejoined their comrades-in-arms who had already finished laying their plans. This time it was Beruche who, summoning up the courage and bravery she needed, harangued them.

-Let's do it for all the innocent people of this world and for Roy, that wherever he looks he can be proud of us! We owe it to him.

              They all nodded in agreement, wanting to pay this last tribute to their friend. The girls summoned their powers giving rise to an incredibly beautiful show of colours as their respective energies appeared. It seemed like an endless choreography of light and dance as they all changed into a never-ending lights of transformations. Finally, after a few seconds, both the sailors and the Justicieras were ready. Together with Mamoru and the cats, they ran with determination towards their goal. Tom, praying for the success of his friends and companions, returned to his college room ready to conjure as many mantras as he could to protect them.

-This one's for you, buddy. - He said to himself, overcome with emotion as he prepared. -

Unbeknownst to this, back at the sect's headquarters, the Great Wiseman called Nagashel, eager to celebrate his triumph. But after a while of fruitless waiting, a demon named Oleads, reddish in colour, with black armour and long gangly arms, appeared in his place and bowed. His summoner asked him in dismay and surprise.

- You are only a demon of the fourth circle, where is Nagashel? speak up, why has he not come, I have specially conjured him.

- My lord Nagashel made a pact with a human whom he then annihilated. But he knew the laws of Avernus, and neither my lord nor others, of equal or superior circles to him, will be able to return to Earth within six Earth-months. - He replied laconically. –

- What? - The enraged Wiseman howled - damn it! I knew he killed that plot, but this I did not know.

- By the same pact I can only be in this compound and to protect you, nothing else. The rest is up to you. - The demon added with an indifferent gesture on his reddish face. -

By this time the sailors had reached the outside of the sect and deliberately attracted the attention of the guards. They came out in large numbers, but they were only human. They easily put them out of action. In the meantime, the Justicieras gained access to the interior through another place that had been left unprotected. They used the stones as a compass, and the stones flickered more and more intensely and continuously as they advanced.

- There are demons here, girls. - Cooan announced in a whisper. -

- Yes, and of an important rank. - Karaberasu pointed and urged the others. Prepare to fight!

- I'm ready," - Beruche responded with her reconstituted ice sword raised in concentration. -

- So Am I. - Cooan agreed with the same firm gesture. -

- Go ahead then," - Petz indicate them with a forward motion made with her left arm. - Let's get this over with.

They crossed a narrow, poorly lit corridor, at the end of which a solid metal-looking door appeared, but that didn't stop them. Concentrating their energy beams, they broke it down and entered a room where they surprised the Great Wiseman and the demon.

- We were looking forward to seeing you! - Petz sarcastically snapped at him, brandishing her javelin. -

- Prepare to lose your lives! - Cooan shouted. -

The Wiseman gave them a careless glance with her two flaming carbuncles for eyes, and it was the demon who replied in the same threatening manner.

- It is you humans who will perish!

Oleads began an attack of energy bolts that the girls either dodged or repelled by virtue of an energy shield Tom had provided magically attached to their stones. The counterattack was swift and lethal, using all their strength and weapons at their disposal. Karaberasu with her whip, wrapping it around the demon's neck. Cooan, pierced him with a fiery arrow. Petz pierced his belly with her javelin, and at last, Beruche, cut his throat with her sword without the slightest hint of hesitation or mercy. She wished she could have done the same to Roy's murderer, but there was no time for regrets. Not now, for Oleads exploded with barely a chance to defend himself, though the Ice Lady spat with cold fury, aiming at her other foe with the edge of her brownish-blooded sword.

- This is for Roy! And now we're coming for you! - She threatened the Great Wiseman who even seemed to flinch. - Bloody scum!

              The others nodded determinedly, ready for anything, with a mixture of rage and regret, they wanted to settle the score with their enemy. Of course he was very dangerous, but it was not him they feared most, but falling back into the chains of hatred. They must not change for the worse again. Cooan remembered her own anger when Tom was paralysed. Now she only wished her sister's heart would not freeze. It had almost done it once, but Cooan had saved her herself. Perhaps this time, however, it would be different. What if her heart, her love and her best feelings, had died with Roy? What if they had followed him in his demise? No, that was not the way, and she was not about to allow it. She would talk to Bertie and support her in moving forward, but now they had another mission to accomplish.

         Karaberasu, meanwhile, joined Bertie in facing their enemy and adding with equal anger.

- Now you have no more devils to protect you, accursed one, you will pay dearly for all the evil you have done!

But the dark necromancer recovered from his initial surprise and confronted them, retorting with amused sarcasm as he laughed mockingly.

- Ha, ha, ha, ha! - Do you really think you can punish me; you bunch of traitors? I'll be the one to take your lives," - he added with a howl as he lashed out with a beam of lightning that scattered them. - You will die!

The Justicieras took cover, invoking magical protection, and responded. Cooan launched a volley of arrows that the Wiseman nullified with a protective shield, which slammed into his screen and exploded harmlessly.

- Who are you really? - Petz asked him as they fought. - How do you know us?

- I serve the supreme lord of Darkness, the Phantom of Death. Master and lord of the beings of Oblivion and Nothingness. - The enigmatic being replied. -

Now the contenders seemed to study each other in a minimal truce. Though both sides maintained their defences, waiting for the slightest slip of the enemy as they continued their conversation.

- We've seen one just like you before. - Cooan gasped from the effort. - Are you the same one?

- The one you met in the future was one of my brothers, an acolyte of the Grandmaster. It was through him that reports came to us about you and your family.

- But why are you doing this? - Karaberasu asked without letting her guard down. - So much hatred and destruction, what for? It's absurd! What do you intend to conquer if you destroy everything?

-We come from beyond the depths of Hell, we are creatures of darkness and oblivion. We hate all disgusting forms of life like yours that pollute the peace and stillness of eternal silence. You serve only to groan in agony under our torment! - He spat at them with contempt. -

             His enemies froze as they heard those terrible words. It was Bertie, however, who first pulled herself together, exclaiming with rage and determination.

- Well, you won't succeed, you wretches! Even if we have to lose our lives to do it, we'll destroy you for ever!

- We'll see about that," - the Wiseman spat, launching a series of lightning bolts that struck Beruche and Petz in an unguarded manner, wounding each of them in the shoulder. -

- Are you girls all right? - Cooan asked in fright. -

- It's alright. Luckily Tom's shield has protected me. - Bertie replied and stood up again after feeling the pain and ordered them. - Take care of yourselves!

-That's right. - Petz backed her up. - Let's get that vermin....

- I'll cover you," - Karaberasu volunteered, she cracked her whip, emitting energy that drove the Great Wiseman back. -

- The only way to defeat him is to attack him all together. - Bertie intervened, launching a bolt of icy energy that the Wiseman's shield stopped again. -

- Poor fools! - He laughed, raising his ball to accumulate power and repel them with an energy wave that knocked them down. - You're lost! You'll end up even worse than your crazy mother!

The girls were petrified. Petz was barely able to say.

- What do you know about her, you bastard!

-I know she found out things she shouldn't have; like all humans she was prone to stick her nose where it wasn't wanted. One of my brothers saw to it that no one believed her, not even you, ha ha ha! ...But your end will be even worse than hers, a victim of her insanity! She thought she could stand up to us and she paid for it...

- Damn bastard! We'll see about that," - An enraged Beruche exclaimed, struggling to get up from the ground, as did her sisters. - This is for Roy! - she shouted with a bolt of energy. -

- And this is for Sapphire! - Petz joined her with another of similar intensity. -

- For Tom! - Cooan exclaimed in turn. -

- And for our mother and the other innocents who have suffered because of you! - Karaberasu echoed. -

And the rays of all four converged against the Great Wiseman. Between them they all concentrated, mentally uniting with Tom who, from his room, sent them as much energy as he could, boosting their strength to the limit with the help of his mantras. Finally, after an agonising balance of power, and despite their enemy's resistance, they managed to break through his barrier and reach him. The necromancer endured it at first, but after a few moments of receiving the overwhelming intensity of the combined lightning bolts, he exploded into pieces with a final, terrible shriek. Only its ball was blown away and fell into a secluded corner. The girls took no notice of this and celebrated their victory with jubilation. Even their partner, from a distance, smiled an exhausted but happy smile.

- It's over! - Cooan sighed, struggling to catch her breath. -

- What does he mean, our mother found out things, what kind of things? - A bewildered Cooan wondered -

-It doesn't matter now. - Her exhausted sister Petz sighed, resting a hand on the shoulder of her interlocutor. - She doesn't suffer any more. Or rather, she wasn't born to suffer yet....

-You're right, what counts is that we've finally made it. - Beruche said in a breathy voice, looking up. The girl was able to smile tremulously, dedicating it to Roy from the bottom of her heart. - For you and for the others, my love!

- Let's make sure girls. - Karaberasu reminded them quoting Usagi's words. - That guy is very dangerous, so let's bury this place to avoid any risk.

              There was unanimity and they left the chamber after bombarding it with the rest of their meagre energy. They finally managed to bring down the building, which was reduced to a mass of rubble and dust. Exhausted but satisfied, they leaned against some nearby trees to regain their strength. Mamoru and the girls and cats soon joined them. Cooan and Karaberasu were helping their sisters nurse their wounds when Usagi came to their side.

- How is it going? - he asked them with hopeful caution. - You have succeeded in destroying him, have you not?

- Yes, we have destroyed the Great Wiseman, completely. It's over," – Cooan sighed, still exhausted from the effort. -

- But are you sure you've destroyed him completely? - Makoto insisted with a doubtful expression. -

- We haven't left any of him behind. - Bertie assured her. - Then, for good measure, we trashed the room.

- That bastard is dead and buried! - Petz stated stonily (and no pun intended).

- That is great girls," - Ami congratulated them heartily, visibly relieved that this was the case. -

- Are you all well? – Karaberasu asked them. -

- Yes, don't worry," - Rei answered with a smile. - Our part was the easiest. We didn't have any problems.

And Sailor Mars thought about throwing a barb at her Sailor Moon friend, something like, despite Usagi being here. But she reconsidered. This was no time to be joking around. The girls' expressions were exhausted, and though they were pleased with their triumph, Rei knew that, deep down, it was a bitter victory. Instead, she went to give her friend Cooan a hug. Ami did the same with Bertie and the rest of the sailors with their former counterparts. Usagi watched them, nodding with approval and some sadness. She knew all too well how hard it was for all her teammates not to be able to do more.

- Let's go," - Luna asked them, eager to leave as soon as possible. - It gives me the creeps just to be near this place.

They all agreed and left, returning to their respective homes. The sailors said goodbye with a promise to return if their presence was needed. But their friends believed they had accomplished their mission. However, in the wreckage of the Sect's headquarters, inside the collapsed hall and under some badly fallen planks that supported the rubble, a glow of reddish-scarlet light appeared, accompanied by a sinister laughter...

- ¡Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Soon we shall meet again...and then it will be the end of you! - the sinister voice of the author of the laughter declared. -

However, in the days that followed, nothing out of the ordinary happened. The girls recovered from their physical wounds, but, in her room, Beruche was unable to recover from the moral ones. She was sleepless, thought only of Roy and she could not come out of her depression. After the fury of revenge and the spirit that drove her to fight, she felt empty. Even though Miss Parker kept her word and that dossier never materialised. But she wouldn't have cared about that. Now she just stared out the window on a rainy afternoon without saying anything, until her sister Cooan came to her and tried to comfort her.

- I know how you feel, One-chan. - she whispered in a gentle voice. - But you can't go on like this for the rest of your life, remember Bertie? You told me yourself once. You don't eat and you don't sleep much, you'll end up getting sick. - She added, visibly worried. -

Beruche rested her head on her sister's shoulder, weeping silently until she could articulate and gave in to the relief, for it was what she needed most.

- I'm devastated, Cooan! None of it matters to me anymore. The man I loved is dead, and on top of that he suffered so much, what hurt him the most was me being there to watch him die. He died helpless, humiliated and very sad. In terrible despair.

- No, that's not true," - her interlocutor gently rebutted. - Roy gave his life for you, for all of us. He had you by his side until the end, in his last moment you comforted him. He died seeing your smile and with the hope that we would destroy those evil people of the Sect, and we have succeeded. I am sure that, wherever he is, he will be very proud and happy.

- But what's left for me now? - Beruche sobbed. - What do I have now to keep me going? I've lost everything, Cooan!

- What do you have left? – Her sister said. - To live," - she replied emphatically, repeating to her sister the words that Rei had once said to her. - You haven't lost everything yet! You have yourself! You have your life left, don't waste it suffering, live it! You have to graduate with me and Tom, be a teacher! Remember our dream? That's what we wanted. That's why we came here. We can't disappoint our sisters, our friends, let alone ourselves. Besides. I heard that Parker didn't blame you for anything. And I know Melanie had a lot to do with it. She's finally become a good friend.

- Yes, I suppose you're right. - Bertie admitted in a breathy, pleading voice. - But it's so hard. I don't feel like doing anything. There are nights when I can't sleep, remembering....

- It is also very difficult for me,"-  her companion agreed, who hastened to add in a more hopeful tone. - But together we can do it, for him too, especially for him. Roy always said you'd make a great teacher, and I'm sure he was right. Fulfil the dream he couldn't. Be a teacher!

There was a brief silence in which Beruche tried to meditate. It was true that she liked that life. Perhaps teaching older children, but above all, having the opportunity to help others, to learn and to be good people. Repaying that moral debt, they incurred when they came from the future in pursuit of that crazy mission. She thought of her poor sisters. They had all suffered and sacrificed. She could not allow any of it to be in vain. Least of all the sacrifice of the one who had been her first and perhaps only love. Besides, she promised him.

- Yes, Roy would like that, you know? -She was able to smile between sobs, paraphrasing her late boyfriend. - It's as if I could look at him and he'd say, 'Come on, you little cube, don't use me as an excuse to give up, it's not my fault!

Cooan looked at her with great regret and affection - if only she could get her sister to react and regain her cheerfulness! And it seemed that at least Bertie had realised that being like this was not going to lead to anything good. So she added, equally excited.

-I'm sure she'd say something like, "You're such a good teacher and such a nerd, don't spoil it!

Her interlocutor nodded slowly. She had no doubt that he would have said something like that. At last he nodded with regained determination.

-I will," - she nodded with renewed determination. - For Roy, and not only for him, but for all those who have sacrificed and also for myself. Thank you, Cooan-chan. - She declared, hugging her sister, and they both became emotional. -

But that was not all. Someone knocked on their door and although neither of them were in the mood for visitors, they changed their minds when they heard Tom's voice from outside.

- May I come in, girls? - he asked cautiously, adding with a tinge of mystery. - There's something you need to see.

Cooan opened the door and Tom wheeled his chair forward. He was carrying a large cardboard box on his knees and the two girls looked at him curiously. He smiled slightly and invited Beruche to take it, she did so, placing it on the bed and glancing at the contents. She couldn't help but get excited, there were many of the things that had belonged to Roy piled up there. Above them all, a picture of him caught her eye. At least she thought so, for it was of a funny little boy of about eight with bowl-cut hair posing with two people, a mature, jovial-looking man and woman, who looked like they were at an amusement park. Tom then whispered to them both.

- He and his parents at Disneyland. - Tom added in explanation. - I got this package from the post office. Malcolm was kind enough to bring it to me. It was dated the day before Roy died. He must have sent it with orders for it to arrive a few days ago, but he got the address wrong. - He allowed himself a fleeting smile to sigh. - This boy is always so absent-minded! - And he went on again in earnest. - There was a note for each of the three of us. Well, he was telling me to pass it on to you Bertie, apart from us, he had no one else in the world.

New tears came to her companions as they listened, but now they forced themselves not to cry any more. Tom continued to offer each of them a piece of paper. Both girls unfolded them and with voices trembling with emotion read two messages on a sheet of paper. Cooan's read.

*- "Connie, thank you so much for everything. You are a wonderful girl, cheerful, charming and full of enthusiasm. Don't ever lose that. You have also been a great friend to me. I leave you my things from the team. My favourite ball and part of what my parents left me. It's not a lot of money, but hopefully it will help you and Tom. In my turn I only ask two last favours. Make Tommy very happy. You both deserve it, and take good care of your sister. And please forgive me and also forgive Tommy. Neither of us had a choice. If you hear about it now, know that I fought the best I could. I only wish it was worth it and that you and the warriors will finish the task that I will not be able to finish. I am convinced that you will not disappoint me. A hug from your friend" ...*

And he signed his full name. *Robert Malden (Roy).*

Cooan shuddered with emotion, folded the paper carefully and looked at her sister. She too was reading the message and Beruche's note read.

*- I know what you're going to say, little cube. You'll call me an idiot or crazy, thoughtless or a moron, maybe worse, and in your language, which you know I don't understand, but you're right. I am all that and more. But I'm not doing this out of simple recklessness. It's not a desire for adventure, nor is it any of my own hooliganism. Not even out of stubbornness. You know well, on this occasion, it is what I must do. For all of us, the whole Earth depends on this fight, and I am not one to put my life before the rest of the world. Especially when you and my friends are on that side of the scale. Because from the moment I met you, I knew my life had meaning. I came into this world to serve the interests of evil, but thanks to your help and that of everyone else, I was able to free myself from those bonds and fight for justice and goodness against the legion of monsters who want to dominate us. Don't let them! You and your sisters are brave and courageous enough to stand up to them and win. Seize the chance!  The warriors and Tom will not fail you, and together you will win. You are a great team!*

*"And as for you and me. I feel it in my soul, more than any of the wounds I may receive. No one more than I would have wished our lives together as they should have been, for that is the feeling I have had ever since I met you. Here, in this little box, are the things I love most. My cross, the photos I have of my parents, and all this I bequeath to you. Including my flat and the property in my name, except for a few things that will go to Tom and Connie. Keep it as a memento, I know you are very tidy so forgive the mess it's all in, but it's very hard for me to part with something so dear to me and I couldn't help but be tempted to look at it carefully one last time. But it's much harder to say goodbye to you. That's why the night we spent together meant something wonderful and I will keep it in my heart until we meet again, maybe in Heaven, maybe in another life. Only God knows. But I trust in Him, as my parents taught me to do, and I know He will bring us together again. I only ask one more thing of you. Keep going and never give up. Be happy and don't give in to pain and hate. That is what they would want and that is precisely what they will not achieve." Now I must leave you, my classmate, my friend, my love, the light that has guided me to be better than I ever thought I could be. Pray for me and put some flowers where you know. For my memory will always be with you, wherever I am and I will smile with the scent of flowers".*

*With Love (signed) Roy.*

         The girl closed her eyes trying to hold back her tears, but she failed and some of them wet the sheet. She smoothed it with trembling hands, drying it carefully with the sleeve of her shirt and folded the paper. The others looked at her visibly excited. Bertie took the pendant with the cross that Roy always wore, except on that terrible day, and put it around her neck with devotion. She would never take it off. That would only have been possible in order to return it to its sole owner. For his part Tom took out the note his friend had left him and read it, holding back his sobs.

*"Tommy my friend and comrade. Thank you for everything, for putting up with my jokes, for covering my pranks and for teaching me to help others. Everything of mine is yours, you know that. I'll leave you some of the money I have left and my guitar, I'm sure you'll play it better than me. But do me a favour, partner. Take care of the girls and fight alongside them. And above all, my friend, don't ever sink, don't give up hope! I'll also answer a sharp question that only you would ask when you arrived: Why do they call me Roy when my name is Robert? Only you could come up with such a question! "Kansas redneck! And I didn't tell you then but I will now. You see, when I was little, very little, my parents called me Rob, but I was unable to pronounce it and just said Roiii. Well, at least that's what they told me. They thought it was funny and I stuck with that nickname. Maybe it's silly to remember something like that at this moment, but for me, any memory of my childhood is precious. Even more so since I learned how my parents sacrificed for me, just as you have all helped me to defeat fate. And I don't think fate has defeated me if I die fighting. On the contrary, we have defeated it because our enemies will never achieve their evil ends. Now, I beg you to get this parcel to Bertie. She has been the true love of my life and I know for certain that at some other time and place she was too. Don't ask me when or where...I don't know and no, I wasn't drunk then. - (A few ha, ha, notes on the paper and the letter followed.) -I just know. Well, I must leave you now, but only in a physical way for my heart and soul will be with you, my friend. Say goodbye also to Melanie and the others and tell her how glad I am that she is happy. You and Connie be happy too and take care of each other. Farewell or better, until we meet again.*

*Signed. With affection from your friend. Robert (Roy) Malden.*

Neither could speak for a long time as the sobs choked their voices and they each had a huge lump in their throats that would take a long time to dissolve. Tom could only let them rest and retire, exhausted, to sleep. Before doing so, they arranged to meet the next day in class, for they all wished to fulfil their friend's last wish: they would never give up! They would live their lives with hope, especially now that the Sect and the Wiseman had been destroyed forever.

- Now let us go to sleep. - Cooan said to her sister, precariously regaining control of her feelings. - Tomorrow classes continue and there are only a few days left until finals.

- See you tomorrow, and thank you, Cooan. Thank you so much for giving me hope. - Beruche whispered to her and smiled slightly as she thought. -And above all thanks to you, my love, may you be very happy wherever you are and don't worry, one day we'll both be together at last. But now I will live with joy and kindness in my heart, helping others, as you have asked me to do. - And closing her eyes she turned off the light ready to start putting the pieces of her life back together again. -

In Petz and Karaberasu's flat, Karaberasu had a bad night, with stomach pains and vomiting. She thought it was either because of the fight or because her dinner was bad for her, and did not discuss it with her older sister. But when she managed to fall asleep, she had a terrible nightmare about the demon forcing on her, and next to him was that damned Wiseman, though far from looking defeated he was laughing. Karaberasu shook herself in a cold sweat and had a terrible feeling....

- Oh, my God, let it not be true! - She muttered in her troubled sleep. -

Usagi was no stranger to these nightmares either, in which the recurring figure of that strange being in a long black robe and a hood covering his features also appeared. And to the young woman's horror, he kept writing things down in the large book he was carrying.

- Who are you? What do you want from us? - the girl asked without getting an answer. -

She woke up in her hotel room, hugging Mamoru. He seemed to be sleeping peacefully. All the girl could do was sigh and mumble with deep concern and regret.

-This is not over...no, there are still many horrors to overcome. I only hope that you can help us, my friends.

And after these words she looked up at the ceiling of her room and was finally able to fall asleep and sleep. She was certainly going to need to be rested to face what was to come.

**START**