GWB26E

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**ESPAÑOL**

**71. The Return of the Chaos Sect.**

- So you saw him.- Said a voice that came from the bottom of a long mahogany table that was located in the center of a large office, barely lit by a zenithal light. -

With a cap in his hands and waiting to answer, there was a guy of gray hair and face with hard features. With servile humility he went to that shadowy figure, who was sitting at the other end of that table.

- Yes my lord. - He affirmed without hesitation - and it was him. The son of Lord Karnoalk, the envoy.

-I understand.- That mysterious figure answered with an opaque voice, barely affected by the enthusiasm in spite of what he added. - That's great news, we must find him and make him stand on our side. For that we will have to awake his diabolical nature. Unfortunately, the Master and his people cannot come to Earth anymore because of that cursed Golden Warrior and the Justicieras. But the Envoy is partly human, as are many others. Hybrids can remain in this world. We have already won some of our cause. However, he is the most powerful of all. You and that friend of yours, who have seen him must take care of looking for him. But it will not be easy for you, so for that you will have all the help you need.

- Thank you, we'll bring it to you, count on it.- The individual promised, allowing himself to sketch a faint smile and to add. - The will of the Master will be fulfilled at last, after so many years ...

Unable to imagine the plans that were drawn against him, Mazoui trained with Leval and Roy almost from dawn, in a secluded part of the city. He told the two boys that he trained there a long time ago, the time he fought against the demons.

- Come on, now attack me both at the same time. - Their mentor proposed them while rising in the air. -

The boys, who already knew how to fly with ease, attacked him. But he stopped all his blows without any difficulty and that he did not resort to becoming a super warrior. Roy hit his son causing him to fall to the ground. Mazoui tried to counterattack with two energy balls but his opponent received the impact without flinching. Smiling with contempt, he snapped at the boy.

- Is that all that the son of a bitch of Satan knows to do?

-But how can you say such a thing? - Mazoui exclaimed surprised and angry. - Apologize  right now!

His interlocutor just laughed scornfully and added.

-Come here to make me apologize, you devilish bastard. - Roy challenged him, urging him with provocative movements of his hands. - If you have what it takes.

- You cannot be serious. - Mazoui replied that he could feel himself shaking with fury. -

-No? - His opponent laughed scolding him sarcastically. - Come on, you're just a cowardly half-breed! Son of a damn monster and a vicious whore!

Blind with rage and with his demonic appearance, Mazoui attacked viciously, but his opponent dodged him again and again. The boy's blows were strong but uncoordinated, they did not hit on his target. Finally his instructor hit him in the stomach and in the back throwing him on the ground. He landed next to him. While the boy stood up and tried to hit him. Roy blocked his punch and corresponded with another. Bringing him back down without apparent effort.

- But why are you insulting us like that? – He shouted, crazed and helpless while his rival moved his head, now with resignation. - Why do you say those things about my mother? I thought you were friends! She is your wife's sister!

Roy let him vent a little more and then stopped him, holding his fist, when the boy tried again to attack him.

- Enough, boy. Forget what I have told you. It was not serious. - He indicated calm tone to add. - I wanted to see what really worried me.

Mazoui looked at him surprised and, breathing with raging difficulty, not understanding that, with his eyes still red. Roy then added almost like a masterly oratory.

- I wanted to try you. And it has turned out as I have imagined, you are very sensitive to provocation, plus the adrenaline you release in a combat results in you immediately losing control of your actions. - He explained leaving him stunned and continued, now with a tone of affectionate reproach. - Mazoui, you are strong but you lack the main thing, never let your emotions obfuscate you until this point. Imagine that you had to fight against a real enemy. The combats are based not only on the mere strength but in detecting the weaknesses, both physical and moral of the opponent, and knowing how to take advantage of them. What would have happened to you if a demon provoked you like that? Or the guys of the sect I fought against. Do you think they would be nicer than me? No boy, you have to learn to control yourself, no matter what they tell you. First of all you, must keep your head cool and focus on the fight. When you fight, that is only thing which matters. Because if your mind is not clear and dedicated to the maximum of your concentration, I assure you that you will be lost.

The interpellant fit that admonition sitting on the floor, with his hands resting on his head and cursing his naivety. Now, calmed down, it seemed incredible to him that he had been so stupid as to fall for such crude provocations.

-I understand, - he sighed then recovering the normality of his appearance.- I disappointed you, right Roy? I'm just stupid. Any rival would have made me what he had wanted. - He lamented, now, quite angry with himself. -

- No, you have not disappointed me at all, Mazoui.- His teacher smiled, putting an affectionate hand on the boy's shoulders.- What happens is that you are still very young and have no experience. Also, even if you have a demon part, your heart is very pure, too kind, and that makes you even more vulnerable to hurting your feelings. But remember that all the insults directed by your enemies in the fight are nothing but praise that shows that they need to undermine your strength in some way, do not forget it. And try to be the one to deceive them. To turn against them any kind of trick that they try to use. I know that sometimes it is not easy, especially when people we love are involved. But you must be strong, not only for yourself, but precisely for them. Because your rivals will try to use them whenever they can against you. Trust me. I know it very well.

The boy listened very carefully to those words and recorded them in his mind. His instructor was absolutely right.

- I'll improve, I promise. - The boy smiled encouraging his face. - Thanks for teaching me this.

Roy smiled with satisfaction, meanwhile his son rejoined the fight. Leval had been watching and listening to all this, and that might well serve as a lesson for him. Since the day before yesterday he only thought about his sister and how bad she was having. Neither of them said anything when they got home. The girl wiped away her tears and went to wash her face in the bathroom. Fortunately, her mother must have been upstairs and she did not hear them enter and her father was not present, he would surely be in a team meeting.

- You are better? - He asked the girl softly, when she left the toilet.

-Yes, thanks. - She replied, outlining a weak smile. -

-Don't worry, no one is going to make fun of you, or hurt you again, I give you my word. Who dares to try it will face the music with me. - The boy promised. -

-I appreciate it, but now all I want is to rest. And that our parents do not find out about this. At least not yet. I want to be the one to tell them. -Her sister asked him. -

-It's your decision. - He agreed adding more affably. - Come on, we better get changed and be ready for dinner in a bit.

Her sister nodded, and he put a comforting arm around her shoulders. They walked slowly up the stairs to their respective rooms. Her mother saw them just as Kerria entered hers.

-Hello son. -She greeted. -

-Hi Mom. - He replied. -

- How was the day? - He wanted to know the interlocutor of him. -

-Well, with a lot to things to study. - The boy smiled slightly. -

- And your sister? - She has entered her room very quickly.

For a split second the boy feared the worst. His mother gave the impression of having a radar and he was sure that she was going to see through him like glass and bring out what had happened. He was resigned to answering something quickly when the ringing of the house phone came to his aid. And that distracted his mother who went to answer in her room. After sighing in relief, Leval heard her, she was talking to her father.

-Yes, Roy… Will you be in time for dinner? Good. It's okay. Yeah, you'll catch up in no time. - Bertie laughed slightly. -

The boy took the opportunity to enter his room and change. Kerria must be in the shower. The poor thing evidently had not used the the one in the girls' locker room. Soon she came out with more comfortable clothes and saw her sister with wet hair and without her braid, coming out of her also clad in a comfortable cotton tracksuit that she used as pajamas. At that moment, their mother hung up the phone and left her room, commenting

-Your father has one of those meetings with the technical staff. I don't know what about signings. - Bertie sighed in boredom to add. -He doesn't think he can get back in time for dinner.

-Let's hope they can sign some good players, we need it! - Kerria commented in a tone between hopeful and jovial. -

Leval was surprised. His sister spoke as if nothing had happened. She possibly she was making a great effort to overcome and that his mother did not observe anything strange. So he tried to help her and added with a jovial tinge.

-Well, if Daddy doesn't show up on time I'll eat part of him. We will not throw anything away.

-Well, I haven't prepared anything. - Bertie commented. -

-I'll take care of it. -He proposed. - There were some chicken nuggets left and I can make a salad to go with them.

-I'll help you. - Kerria volunteered. -

- You, Ky? -He laughed pointing a finger at her while he commented jokingly. - Be careful not to burn the salad.

- Leave me alone! Exclaimed her sister, giving him two or three slaps. -

To their relief, her mother smiled when she saw them like this. Amused, she commented as she walked downstairs.

-Well, if you promise not to cause any catastrophe, she will leave you in charge of dinner. I go to my office, I have tests to correct.

-Of course, I'll watch the potato face. - Leval smiled. -

-Fool. -His sister replied. -

The two animated their comedy a little more until their mother, shaking her head slightly and leaving them for impossible, got lost downstairs. After a few seconds, Kerria sighed looking at him in recognition and whispering to him.

-Thanks.

-Come on, let's make dinner. - He said affectionately. -

They did so and after a little over half an hour the three of them sat down at the table. The salad suited them very well and the nuggets were delicious. To fill the conversation Leval spoke, as always, about what he was going to study with Mazoui. Fortune seemed to be with them because his mother seemed to think of something else, loaded as she was with exams to correct. Even after about twenty minutes his father arrived. After greeting everyone, he exclaimed as he usually did.

- What's for dinner? I am hungry.

-I thought I wouldn't give you time. -His wife said -

-When it comes to eating, I speed it up. - He smiled. -

-Well, we've made a lot of salad and you still have quite a few Nuggets. - Kerria stated. -

- Enough? exclaimed his father, pleading jokingly. - Only one whole bowl left. But I'll have to figure it out who to feed with just that.

After provoking some laughter from his children and his wife upon hearing that, he joined them. He listened to some of what his wife and his boys were commenting, being Roy more aware of his sports management and the work outs with his son Leval and his nephew.

-Tomorrow we have a meeting with Amethyst's parents. - Bertie informed them and proposed. - Kerria call her if you want. You could go somewhere together.

-She's been so busy lately. - Kerria commented maintaining a carefree tone. -

-Well, stay with Brian. - Roy finished who really appreciated that boy very much. -

Kerria sighed, that did leave her without knowing what to answer, luckily her brother was quick to come to her aid.

-I don't think it's possible. Now they are all studying for the exams.

They left that subject aside and continued chatting about other more trivial things. Then in a couple of hours, they all went to sleep. At least Roy and Bertie. Both Leval and Kerria had a difficult time falling asleep, even though they eventually did. The next day in effect, as soon as has the meeting Diamond and Emerald arrived at their friends' house. Roy and Bertie received them in the hall, although their children were not at her side.

- Hasn't Amethyst come with you? - Roy wanted to know. -

Diamond mentioned that her daughter was worried about the upcoming exams. So much so that she had barely left her room and that she was still home.

-She's very applied lately. - The girl's father commented. -So much that she barely leaves her room. She has stayed there studying.

-I like her that way. - Emerald added. -It gives the impression that she is maturing. It seems to me that your children are exerting a good influence on her.

-I'm glad she's like that. Amethyst is a wonderful girl. - Beruche praised in turn. -

- Where are the boys? - Diamond wanted to know. -

-Upstairs, they were going down now. - Roy answered them. -

Soon they did so, with casual clothes. They greeted Messrs. Lassarts politely.

- How are you? - Kerria asked with the best of her smiles. -

She would know right away if Amethyst had said something to them, although it did not seem that way. They both responded smiling affably in turn.

- You have no plans today? - Inquired Emerald. -

-We have a lot to study. - Leval answered. -

-My daughter has the same concern. They must be very difficult exams. - The designer conjectured. -

-This part of the course is not easy at all, Mr. Lassart. - Kerria sighed. -

For an instant she gave a glimpse of her true state of mind when she thought about school, her classmates and, above all, about her friend or what had been her friend, Amethyst. But she immediately rebuilt herself in such a way that neither her parents, nor those of the French woman, suspected anything out of place.

-Well, we are going. You stay in charge of the house. - Roy commented. -

The boys politely said goodbye to her parents and their friends, and after closing the door, Kerria remained leaning on it, sighing long and lowering her eyes.

-I thought I couldn't take it anymore. - She confessed to her brother that she looked at her with solidarity sadness, taking charge of her difficult situation. -

- Do not worry Ky, now we are alone. We will spend the day here. We'll come up with something to distract us. - He wanted to cheer her up. -

Although the house phone rang and it was Leval who answered it immediately, fearing that it was a call from someone with the desire to offend his sister, he answered with caution. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

-Good Morning. House of the Malden. Yes. Hi, Brian! What had you arranged with my sister to study? Wait a moment please. -He asked her -

Immediately she warned Kerria, the girl knowing who it was about her, she shook her head lowering her gaze, full of regret. But before her brother resumed the conversation, it was she herself who got hold of the receiver.

-Hello Brian. - She greeted with a dull tone. - No ... well, I don't feel too well. You know? It must be some cold that I have caught. I am going to rest and I will not leave the house. Yes, of course thank you very much! Goodbye…

Leval watched her as she chatted with this boy. His sister's face said it all, he was about to cry. As soon as she hung up the phone on her he tried to cheer her up as much as possible.

- Would you like to go somewhere, Ky?

-No thanks, I'd rather stay here, if you don't mind. She commented, now showing her true sad face. -

-Okay, I'll fix something to eat and we'll play something. - The boy proposed. -

-I have no desire. - She replied with a frowned expression. -

Although he finally got her to see one of those action movies. He rented a pay per view channel and went out to a nearby store where he bought a good dose of candy popcorn (Kerria loved it). The film was set in space, about the fight of a civilization of united planets against an android invader. Leval, as always, pulled out all sorts of drawbacks based on what was really correct, such as. "You cannot travel in such a short time through space, those constellations are badly located." "You don't need aerodynamic designs in the middle of the cosmos since there is no friction", and so on. It was so comical at times opposing his scientific rigor to what they saw, that even his sister smiled, pleading.

- How can you know that, if you've never been there, smartass?

-Because I've studied a lot, Potato Head! I know a lot about the stars. - He replied, adding with an affectionate tone. - When the movie is over, I'll show you.

-I don't know how you can do it. - The girl hesitated. -

And to answer, after that feature film was finished, once they had dinner and put on comfortable clothes, Leval invited her to go out to the terrace on the top floor of her house. It was already night and the sky was clear, free of clouds, the stars were seen in all their splendor.

- From here we can see many stars of the northern hemisphere at a glance. But there are many more that we cannot see because of the atmosphere or because we do not have a good telescope. - He explained to his sister that she was really looking without understanding anything. -

- The sky is beautiful, yes. - Kerria agreed gently observing the nightly glares. -

- That in the shape of a dipper, is the constellation Ursa Major. Well, it would really be the tail of that supposed bear. - Her brother told her that he did not stop enumerating pointing to different parts of the sky. - There's Arturo, his main star, is several times bigger than our sun.

- Who would say it, from here it seems very tiny. - His sister commented with a slight smile. -

- That's because it's many millions of kilometers away. Sirius without going any further, or Proxima Centaur, which is our nearest star apart from the us, of course. Even so, even if we were able to travel at the speed of light, which is physically impossible, it would take us four years to arrive ...

He spoke with such enthusiasm of the time it would take with the speeds that could currently be developed and of all kinds of phenomena and physical paradoxes that could occur, that his sister listened to him rapt, forgetting for a moment her own worldly problems.

-This reminds me of when we were little. You always telling me about those distant and mysterious places you wanted to go. - The girl smiled. -

-It's something I still want to do. And science advances. We are getting closer to those trips. - He asserted. -

He refreshed and then she hugged her brother while she sighed and said.

- You're lucky, Leval. I really envy you. You can fly with your imagination towards the stars. I too would like to escape up there, at least I would stop suffering the injustice down here.

Her brother stroked the girl's long hair and, holding her affectionately against his chest, whispered in a comforting tone.

- Perhaps what attracts me the most about the stars is that they seem immutable while here everything changes and passes very quickly. Everything is quickly forgotten, Ky. Life goes on. You will see.

She nodded, wishing it would be so. And when it was a little later, and the night cool was barely bearable, they went to sleep. At least her sister seemed more upbeat and able to sleep better. In spite of everything, Leval knew that, once outside that sanctuary, Kerria would have to endure a real ordeal, especially if her parents found out about her. She told him about all her fears and he could only assure her that she would be by her side and encourage her to remain as worthy as possible in the face of adversity. She wish he could tell her how truly exceptional her family were! But since it seemed that the girl was on the fringes of that, and even she apparently did not participate in those powers, he did not wish to sink her further, creating another abyss for her. But she promised herself that he would strive and become a great warrior, he would defend his sister and all his people from any danger.

-I swear, little sister. No one will hurt you if I can stop it. - I thought coming back from those memories. -

So now, she wanted to carry out her father's advice and had decided to attack him, since she saw him being careless. In any case, it was a good occasion to vent her anger as he was not afraid of being able to hurt her. She lunged to catch him off guard, but Roy, with a half smile that he didn't see, dodged her again. Leval's fists found nothing to hit.

-But ... How is that possible? You have not been able to see me coming! -The astonished boy exclaimed.-

- I do not need to see you coming. I can feel your energy. - His father said smiling at the same time he affirmed.- Fast as light, serene as heaven, son ... is what my teacher taught me.

And without stopping to sketch a mischievous smile his experienced adversary threw a small ball of energy that ended up sending the boy among some brambles. The young man came out quickly, willing not to give up. This time he attacked directly. But it was impossible to hit his opponent, who just walked away. How was he able to do something like that? Even for greater gloating, Roy had his hands behind his back, intertwined. His son tried to give it to him again and again, before Mazoui's amused gaze that he observed apparently making mental notes of what his teacher was teaching them. And when Leval was already exhausted, he staggered off to the side. At that moment, his father punched him on the ground.

-Son. I already told you more than once. Equilibrium! - He hummed funny, honoring one of the movie scenes he liked so much. -

-But you hit me with your hands! - The boy protested.-

-And can you find out why I was not going to be able to poke you with them? - His coach smiled.

-You had them on your back, I thought you were not going to use them. - The boy replied, once he got up.

- In a combat you do not have to think about anything. You have to perceive the adversary.- His father explained to him.- Neither never take anything for granted. Or they will seat you in a good punch as you can realize.

Leval nodded, that was what his father had just done with him. He prepared to prepare himself again by standing guard, but his mentor told him to stop.

- Is enough for today. Let's go home, guys. - And after a short pause he added flatteringly. - I'm happy, you've improved a lot.

-But what do you say, dad? - Leval inquired with tone between incredulous and disenchanted. - If we cannot even touch you and you do not become a super saiyajin, what would happen to us if you did?

- I was not so strong at your age, nor did I start training with this intensity. Believe me, you two are doing very well. Although it turns out that you, Mazoui, are intuitive but too passionate in the fight and you, son, you think too much and do not feel the aura of the opponent. Let's say that the virtue of one is the defect of the other. You will have to work that among other things. But the good part is that it turns out that you complement each other very well.

The two boys nodded. And their teacher then smiled adding.

- Otherwise you improve very quickly. But that does not help you to sleep. - He warned them with a feigned severity and really jovial. -

- We will not do it. - They both replied at the time, shaking their heads but very happy with these compliments. - Thank you.

Roy watched them when they walked ahead of him, and he did so without disguising his pride. They were two great boys. He remembered the words of his teacher, the legendary Son Goku, when he was instructing himself in Heaven. That was a long time ago. But he did not forget the good advice that this one, despite his carefree appearance, gave him ...

-Yes, you were much wiser than I could understand then, master. - He thought he grateful as long as he remembered that. -

After one more round, in which Roy couldn't even touch his mentor, although he took quite a few blows, they rested. During that pause his Saiyan ancestor told him.

- You're a good guy, all heart. You fight hard, but you have to be able to guess your opponent's movements. Or else you will be lost.

- And how am I going to do that? - The young disciple protested. -

-Feel the energy. -He answered his mentor. -

-You have a lot of energy, I can perceive it, but even so, I don't know what you are going to do. - Roy protested. -

-That's because you do not concentrate on the essentials. Listen, it's not a matter of you feeling the full force that I can deploy. That is the obvious for anyone. The fundamental thing is the inner aura of each one, people, objects ... for example the one of this stone.- He said taking a pebble that had come from nowhere and proposing to his astonished student.- Send it to me whenever you want, in order to see if I can dodge it.

-But that is very easy.- His interlocutor smiled.- You will see her arrive and with your speed you will avoid her. Even I know how to do that.

For every reply his mentor sat cross-legged and turned his back on him, then declared.

-Turn it to me without me seeing it. And always remember this. Fast as light, serene as the sky.

The young disciple looked at him bewildered, walked away a good distance and waited a while. His master had adopted the lotus pose with his hands clasped on his thighs. Then, when he thought he had spent enough time he reduced his energy level and threw the stone towards Goku’s head. He did not move as the projectile approached. Roy was about to shout to warn him. Then just as the stone was about to reach him, his mentor cocked his head enough to avoid it and smiled.

-How did you do it? - The boy wanted to know after approaching him.-

-I told you, you must perceive the essence of things. It is not the mere accumulation of power that makes you superior. It is how you use your resources and those of the rival against him.

And Roy wanted to learn how to do that, although his good bumps cost him. However, he ended up getting it. Now he remembered it with a smile. And he muttered looking at the heights of Heaven with a certain nostalgia.

-Thank you Master, thank you very much for teaching me so many things, and not only for the fight, but for life. Now I want to pass all that knowledge to my son and my nephew. Someday they will take over and they should be prepared. I have to train them like you, Master Piccolo and the others, prepared us.

He also remembered the other Leval, the one who came from the future, with whom he had trained and the one who had taught everything he knew. That's why he seemed to be living a déjà vu. Now, that other boy was his son in this dimension. But fortunately he did not fight like his counterpart, prey to his desire to save his future and his rage and pain by pretending revenge on those terrible androids. This boy now was a young man who only wanted to improve and fulfill his dreams. The same as his nephew, who wanted to overcome his fateful heritage, to be a good person and help others. Roy was happy about it and promised himself that he would do what he could to help him to succeed. Finally, he caught up with the two boys and chatted leisurely with both of them for a while. All flew back to the vicinity of the city where the car awaited them. Finally, they left Mazoui in his apartment and father and son returned home, it was the boy who was driving ...

-Tell one thing, dad.- Leval asked with visible curiosity.- You always talk about that master of yours. Was he really that good?

His father smiled nodding and smiling as he replied.

He was the best I've ever seen. His power was unparalleled ... and at the same time he was the simplest and most pleasant guy you can imagine. He loved fighting, but as a way to progress and overcome himself. Each fight was a challenge for him.

-It sounds incredible.- The boy affirmed.- On the other hand, you and the others, as I understand it, you fought because you had no other choice.

-It's true.-  His father admitted, declaring. -And I do not want you or Mazoui to fight for your life or save anyone's. I just wish you learned to control your powers and to enjoy a good fight that would test your ability. Nothing else. But unfortunately, you can never be sure of that, son.

-Mom is upset. I know. - The boy sighed with regret. - I know she is. Although she does not tell me.

- Your mother only wants for you and for your sister Kerria a normal life, with normal problems. – His father told him. - I cannot blame her. Moreover, I understand her very well. I made her suffer myself when she thought she had lost me. Although, she knows as well as I do that maybe one day new threats might arise. And it could be that then we are not able to face them anymore.

-I promise that, in that case, I will do everything possible to not let you down.- Said the young man.-

-I know, son. Although, you still have a lot to learn. Without going any further, the Fire of San Telmo still does not burn in you ...

- The Fire of San Telmo? What do you mean? - Inquired Leval curiously, to add .- Is not that a kind of electric effect that occurred in the old ships?

Now his father smiled more widely. He moved his head slowly and replied with gentleness.

-The time has not yet come, but do not worry about that now. One day you will understand what I mean. For now, continue with your normal life and with your dreams. Study a lot and get into that blissful space academy or whatever. Or your mother will kill me. Against that, there is no possible defense ...

-LOL! Do not worry, Dad.- Leval laughed in turn.- I'll do it ...

-Very well, son. - Roy agreed, patting the boy's right arm affectionately. -

Then they could see the familiar lights of their neighborhood and the chalet. Leval crossed the gate after opening the door with the remote control and stopped. Raising the garage door, the car entered and parked. Both got out of the vehicle. His father then told him jovially.

-Well, it's getting late, let´s go to the shower and to dinner. We are going to greet your mother and your sister.

The boy nodded, however, smiled tremulously. The memory of Ky and his situation assailed him now. He even felt a little guilty that he had been spending a wonderful afternoon in the company of his father and his cousin. He sighed wishing his sister was better. In fact, they did not see any of the women in the house and chose to go straight to the shower. They would greet them when they left. Kerria meanwhile was in her room very depressed about her. He had tried to contact Debbie, but she had not returned her calls.

-In the west they must be several hours apart. He may be sleeping. -She, she told herself with a mixture of anxiety and disappointment. -

He wished he could hear the voice of his girlfriend. Tell her what happened, warn her! But above all, that she told him that he loved her and that everything would be fine. He was about to send him a WhatsApp, but he did not want to leave written evidence. He certainly didn't feel like seeing anyone. In spite of everything, he went downstairs, since it was almost time for dinner and he had to continue hiding. His mother arrived shortly after shopping and both his father and his brother were in the shower. It was Bertie who spoke to her.

-Daughter, can you help me with the bags?

-Sure, Mom. - The young woman rushed to answer. -

She did not want his mother to notice something strange in her under any circumstances. So, trying to feign joviality, she wanted to know.

- How was your day?

-Well, the usual.- A few classes, to receive some families. - Bertie enumerated that she was carrying two bags, leaving the girl another number, while riveting. - And then to buy some food, that your father and your brother are two bottomless bags! Of course, many trainings they do but at the moment of truth are never to lend a hand ...

-I do not understand where they are going to train.- The girl said genuinely surprised now.- Do they practice martial arts or is it basketball? - She inquired, given that her brother had not clarified anything about that particular.- Or maybe it is something of that academy, where does cousin Mazoui go?

-I suppose it will be something of that. What they call men's things. - Bertie replied with apparent carelessness, claiming. - You know how they are, they love sports. I do not know if it's your father who wants Leval to become a basketball player to save his team...

-I'm sorry for him! - Kerria smiled, affirming.- My little brother is not interested in that sport. At least not to become professional.

-I have the impression that your father, deep down, still has that hope.- Bertie smiled.- Although it sounds more like what you said to prepare him and Mazoui for that academy.

The young woman nodded, now remaining silent. It's been a long time since she did not share activities with her father. It was as if his brother and his new cousin occupied all the free time he had. She supposed what her mother said, that he would be helping them to prepare physically for the tests of the military academy in which one was and in which the other wished to enter. He was a coach and manager. He was used to training athletes. Anyway, she appreciated it. She did not feel strong enough to look her parents in the face. Less after what happened, and she feared the moment in which both would find out. Then her mother took her out of those bitter reflections.

-Daughter, what about you at the school?

-Oh, well! ... the usual.- She knew how to retort paraphrasing her mother.- Exams ... you know. Although I am somewhat lost in mathematics. I hope Brian can help me.

-Brian, the Rice´s boy? - Bertie inquired. -

-Yes.- the girl nodded as she left the bags in the kitchen.- I asked him if he could come home and explain some topics to me.

-It's a very good boy.- Bertie opined, declaring with approval.- Of course ... he can come whenever he wants.

Just then the men of the house appeared already showered and freshened. After greeting everyone they set the table and prepared to have dinner. Roy busied himself cooking. According to him, he was the one with the most talent for that. Nobody wanted to contradict him. Beruche for her part helped Kerria to place the dishes while Leval went to bring the cutlery. At that moment she took the opportunity to look at her daughter. The truth is that she had noticed something strange in her for a couple of days. And that impression had been reinforced after her previous talk. Although she smiled and tried to be animated, the look in her eyes was very sad. As if something were worry. Now perhaps, by taking the subject of Brian that could make sense. She would swear that the girl had changed color.

-Maybe Kerria and him ... - Bertie thought with a slight smile. - In that case, I'd be glad. He is a great boy. And a very good influence for her.

So she let it be. After her daughter's incident, her behavior had changed for the better, and that boy, whom they had known since he and his parents moved to the urbanization a little over a year ago, had helped her a lot. He was a good student and he used to explain topics to Kerria, which the girl choked on. Once he came to that and Bertie received him. He was something shy and embarrassed, but attractive. He smiled, realizing that he always looked at Kerria with the eyes of a decapitated calf.

-This girl does not realize how beautiful she is.- Bertie thought between proud and funny.- But apparently that boy, does.

At last the dinner was ready and after an inconsequential talk everyone ate the pasta salad that "chef Malden" had prepared. After taking some French cheese, a gift from the Lassart family, they were about to conclude the evening. At least until Roy commented ...

-This little prince, I must admit that for cheeses and wines he has good taste ... Will he have brought it from France or maybe he bought them here?

-But Roy.- His wife shook her head funny. -Do not you remember? The other day we were with them to buy. Emerald recommended it to us. The Brocciu, to combine with fruits. And a tip of brie with wine ...

-Come now! Diamond and his bullshit. - Roy commenting visible funny.- I remember a couple of weeks ago that they invited us to dinner and the man goes and pulls out a table full of cheeses and a bottle of champagne. I already told him.  You stingy! And what the burgers are? For that I would bring bread and I had made a sandwich, ha, ha, ha

-Yes, I remember.- Bertie muttered, still blushed at the thought of that.- Only you could think of wanting to mix a French cheese board with French fries with ketchup and hamburgers.

-Well, it sure would be good. Do not the burgers have cheese? - Sentenced his smiling husband to hilarity of his family. More when he riveted .- What could be better?

The truth is that during that evening they laughed a lot. Fortunately, his friends already knew Roy well. Diamond even more. Beruche told her children. Kerria smiled broadly, at least that almost made her laugh, and Leval, on the other hand, did laugh. He could imagine the expression on the Lassart's face. Following that, it was Roy who intervened now addressing his daughter with a relaxed tone of good humor.

-And what about Amethyst? Apparently you have become very good friends. I hope she will not be as buzzed as her father ...

-No, no ... - The girl could respond while her smile was extinguished.- The truth is that now we see each other little. We are busy studying ...

- Sure. - The interlocutor agreed. - That is what you must do ... and she seems a responsible girl and she appreciates you enough.

At the moment of hearing that the girl rose like a spring, noticing her abruptness and after smiling something forced apologized alleging ...

-It's getting late. I want to study a bit before going to bed. Goodnight.

-Good night, daughter.- Bertie wished her who could not help but be surprised, although remembering what Kerria told her about Brian She let it be. - Do not spend a lot of time studying. Tomorrow is Sunday, so you should sleep and rest.

-See you tomorrow Ky.- Her brother wished her with a soft tone although somewhat sorry.-

- Sleep well my little princess.- Her more carefree father added.-

The girl nodded wishing them the same and went up to her room. She lay on the bed, clutching one of her dolls. Actually, it was her little bear, Mr. Skipi. Her favorite stuffed toy since she was little. She had taken him everywhere until she was eleven years old. She smiled now with a mixture of funny nostalgia and sadness. She remembered leaving her bear at home for the first time when she went camping a few years ago was one of the most difficult decisions in the world! Almost between babbling and with the voice taken by the emotion, she looked at that little face with that small bag and whispered it with affection.

-You have always been here for me. You have never judged me and you will never abandon me. Whatever I am, you will let me hold you ...

She did so, clinging to that little piece of stuffed animal and plush as if it could protect her from everything bad out there. At least, that was her childish fantasy. Whenever the darkness and the wardrobe monsters frightened her, Mister Skipi had been there.

-The irony is that now, the monster that has come out of the closet, It has been me. - The depressed girl sighed. -

Fortunately, soon and comforted by her doll, while she was tired she fell asleep. On her side, Leval crawled into his room and tried to sleep on his. Luckily those workouts made him tired enough to be able to do it. Although he was thinking of her sister and Monday when classes resumed.

-The bad thing is that I will be able to accompany her and be with her to a certain extent. Then she will have to face it alone.

At last, he was able to sleep, telling herself that he would be by Kerria's side for anything. His parents in the meantime went to bed. Bertie looked up at the ceiling and her husband, seeing her so thoughtful, asked her.

- Are you worried about something, cubito?

-I don’t know. It seems to me that our daughter is somewhat strange ...

-Kerria? I see her quite normal. What's more, I notice her much better in her behavior. - Her satisfied husband valued. -

-Today she asked me about your workouts.- Bertie commented.-

- What did you say? - her husband wanted to know with some prevention .-

-Nothing in particular. I played dumb. I think it is she who thinks they are for the academy. It makes sense given that you are going to train with Mazoui. By the way.- Bertie inquired.- What do you think of him?

- Of that boy? - Asked her interlocutor. - He seems a good boy. I do not think we should worry.

-After so long not knowing Kalie, find her married and with two children ... I still do not make up my mind.- Bertie added. - She has lived her life and has forged another family ...

-We are all family, cubito.- Roy encouraged her by passing an arm under his wife's waist and pulling her towards him.- A great family ...

-Yes, it is true. Maybe I had to spend time so that she and we were prepared to meet again. I'm looking forward to meeting her other daughter. She is our niece too. I think Minako is also her godmother.

-The sailors have been watching over them then .- Roy said who despite everything did not dare to tell his wife what he knew for so long, however, he sentenced. - There is nothing to fear, if they have been taking care of protecting your sister and her family. They may have kept it a secret for safety. They would have their good reasons to act like this, they always have them.

- Yes. Surely the sailors knew it and did not tell us for some good reason. - His wife agreed meditating on that particular.-

In spite of everything, it hurt her to have not been aware of her sister's situation. She would chat with Ami as soon as she had the chance. Then she remembered.

- And talking about our friends. I think Ami-chan had to come to New York for a medical conference or something.

-Ami? - Roy repeated surprised. - I do not know. Did she call you?

-No, and that's what I find weird .- His wife told him. - And the fact is that some time ago she told me that by this time she would come. And whenever she does, we meet and go to see each other.

-Yes, many times we are even going to pick her up at the airport.- Her husband commented  that he then pondered.- Maybe this time the congress has been suspended or she is very busy with all that medical stuff...

-It must be that.- Bertie agreed that she was already tired.- Well, I'm sure she will let us know if she can.

After giving a slight yawn, her husband did the same. They decided to leave the conversation and sleep. At last everyone in the house rested. Next day dawned and the Maldens woke up ready to start the day. At least almost all of them. Kerria hadn't even gotten out of bed, despite being after ten o'clock. She couldn't see Debbie, assuming she had come back from that trip. Maybe someone had tipped her off what had happened and her girlfriend had chosen to stay in California. It could be that that was better. She couldn't bear to Debbie was trapped in that too. After not receiving a response from her , she did not dare to insist with her calls to wherever she had gone to tell her what had happened. It no longer mattered, she still loved her, but, in order not to make things worse, it would be preferable not to have contact for some time. She also did not want to humiliate her brother more because despite the fact that he was supporting her at all times, she could not hide that she was suffering a lot too. Anyway, she was very grateful to him for the night they spent stargazing. He had made a hole for her in her particular paradise to take her out of her hell for a few moments. But unfortunately the solution to Kerria's pain was not in heaven but on Earth. For the rest, she had to try not to find out about her her parents and as for Amethyst, she did not want to see her. She was also thinking of poor Brian. The boy called her that morning as if he was not aware of what had happened and she had to tell him that she had become ill, but surely he already knew. She understood now that phrase that escaped from him at school, before all that happened. In spite of everything, he did not show signs of it, nor did he judge her and tell her that he would go another time. And then there were her parents. From her father she was not too afraid that he would find out about her, since he hardly seemed to understand her, much less could he guess what was happening.

-He is always so busy with his matches and his training sessions and now on top of that, focused on Mazoui, he seems more of his son than me. - She said to herself bitterly.-

Despite her mother told her that surprised her. Kerria did not know that they would be doing so much time away. Nevertheless, she wish her father had given him at least a small part of the attention he gave that boy! And then there was her mother. She did seem to be more aware of her life, but now, thank goodness that her days were very busy with her work, between meetings and evaluation meetings. In any case, the only inexorable thing of all, and at the same time the worst, was that the next day she had to go back to class and she could not bear the idea. She will again suffer the silent humiliation or the teasing and whispering, the looks of contempt from all her companions. She might be able to report that, but she didn't want things to get worse. What were they going to do, to punish halfway school? No, she hoped Leval was right and that all of that would end up happening. But until she did it would surely be very hard to take. She thought about all of that without noticing anything else. And it struck eleven. Then someone knocked on the door and opened it, peering shyly over the edge. It was Beruche who entered her daughter's room carrying a tray with some juice, milk, cookies, butter, jam and ham.

- Kerria, is late and you have not had breakfast. Are you sick? - She asked carefully placing the tray on the knees of her daughter.-

- I'm not hungry, mom - she whispered sadly. -

- Sweetie. What's wrong? I find you so downcast. Are things good? - Her mother was interested by scrutinizing her with her sharp dark blue eyes. - You were not going to meet Brian today?

- I called him to postpone it. Nothing happens to me. I was just thinking, that's all. I must have, you know. It will have come down to me of blow. - She could  with a thread of voice.- I feel something bad ...

Beruche smiled although of course, her daughter had the period or not, surely there was something else, it could be some disappointment or the pressure of the exams. Anyway, that same morning, she had received a call from Karaberasu and counted on being able to boost the girl's morale.

- Well, if you do not want to tell me I will not insist.- Her mother sighed adding more jovially - but I'll tell you something that will surely cheer you up. Mazoui's sister, your cousin Kathy, will come with her mother to see us. I think she is your age. I'm sure you'll get along very well both!

- Sure mom. - Kerria smiled trying to hide her mood. - I really want to meet her ...

For her part, Beruche's sister had gone to pick up her daughter at the airport, she was returning from her vacation from Ireland. Her father and husband of Karaberasu, had to return to his work as a doctor in the hospital and could not go with her. Her mother received her very excited.

-Daughter! - Kalie greeted her as soon as she saw her arrive at the airport terminal.-

-Hi Mom! - Katherine replied waving a hand while holding her suitcases with the other. -

As soon as the girl arrived with her mother they embraced and Kalie smiled caressing the long, silky copper hair of the girl to affirm.

-It's only been a few weeks and I think it's been an eternity. I even think you've grown up.

-What an ideas you have! - The girl laughed wanting to know - How about Mazoui? How is he doing at the Academy?

-Very good darling. And I have many other things to tell you. I'm looking forward to  seeing your uncles and cousins.

-I also want to meet them. - The girl said and added .- By the way,  regards from Aunt Alannah and cousins Bridget and Suzanne. Grandmother Meg also sends you a kiss.

-Thank you dear.- Kalie smiled.-

The truth is that with her sister-in-law she had always got on well, she was Mathew's older sister. Her nieces were nice girls, though somewhat introverted, at least in the case of Bridget. Suzanne was more open, but both were very attached to their native country, France. They were not as happy as their progenitor, authentic woman of pure Irish stock, dynamic, sometimes stubborn and always very lively, good singer and best archaeologist. So, thinking about that, she asked her daughter.

- Have you been touring the pubs of the region?

-Ja, ha! -Aunt Alannah and I have sung in some.- Katherine admitted.- You already know her, she likes to do that. And you also know that my cousins do not. Luckily, my friend Erin joined us ... But the best thing was when I met Minako Aino in person. She told me she was my godmother!

Her mother nodded caressing the girl's cheeks.

-So she is, sweetheart. We had not seen each other for a long time. That girl is full of surprises! - Kalie laughed that riveted in allusion to the idol .- Well, I was also surprised that you met there. I guess it's part of the magic of Ireland.

-She gave many good tips and encouraged me to continue with my studies and not leave the song.- The enthusiastic girl said.-

-Yes darling. Minako is right. You must strive but without giving up your dreams. -Karaberasu stated.-

Her daughter agreed on that with a broad smile. Of course she was very beautiful when she marked those small dimples that she had on my cheeks and it highlighted her little pecs in the frame of that youthful face, with those bright blue eyes. However, her gesture became more serious and embarrassed when she added.

-I've had a great time in Ireland. It's a pity you could not come. That's the only thing I've regretted. Aunt Alannah asked me a lot about you and Mazzi.

-Well, there will be another time.- Her mother replied, playing down the importance to add with clear interest.- And now that you have enjoyed that beautiful homeland and family, it is time for you to catch up with your relatives here.

-I am also very curious to meet them. But mostly I am looking forward to seeing my brother again. - The enthusiastic girl declared.-

-Well, first things first. – Karaberasu asserted telling her daughter – Let´s call a taxi, let's go to the apartment. There you leave this, you take a shower and you change, you rest a little and we go to my sister's house and her husband's.

Kathy agreed on it. She was eager to take a bath and relax after the flight. When she dove into the bathtub she remembered some of her experiences from that summer. As she told her mother, she had spent a very entertaining vacation in Ireland, knowing even some other handsome boy, although that was not going to tell her mother, of course. What she did tell her, as she had remembered, was that even the famous singer and actress Minako Aino was there. She still remembered the surprise she got when she told her nothing less than ...

- That was amazing. What luck I had! – She smiled while blowing the foam inside the bathtub and remembered .- The Irish luck, ha, ha ...

Katherine was with one of her best friends visiting a recording set. It was filmed a very famous series set in a medieval world. She knew it was difficult to get closer to see the actors and actresses who worked there. Despite the hopes of her young age made her feel encouraged to try. She thought about it for a couple of days and had an idea, in her opinion, great. Her friend Erin O'rourke, an Irish girl with green eyes, and red hair combed with a braid, said something uneasy.

-As we get caught by security, they will take us to the police station. Then surely my parents would kill me!

-Do not worry. I have a plan that cannot fail. - The young girl smiled at her as she opened a backpack that she carried on her back.- Have you brought the furs and clothes that the O’Connell’s lent us?

Her young friend nodded, displaying a similar backpack from which she extracted that kind of wardrobe. Without hesitation both changed their sports clothes for those outfits and covered the running shoes with herbs and mosses.

-Now we look like a couple of savages of those, ha, ha! - Erin laughed -

Her interlocutor nodded and with total confidence on her plan they went to the restricted area where the show was filmed. They wanted to enter by climbing a fence almost under the noses of the security guard who, on approaching asked.

- Can I know where you are going, young ladies?

-We work as extras and we had lost. - Katherine told him using her best skills when it came to persuasion.-

- And where your  accreditations are? - He wanted to know that guy big and put in some kilos.-

- How are we going to take them over to go to record? - Kathy replied feigning displeasure, to add with total confidence. – Come on! Let us pass or we will be late.

-Sure ladies. - The guard agreed, opening a door near that fenced enclosure.

So losing no time the two entered with a broad smile. It had been easier than they thought. Erin even pointed to a nearby field where they had built a couple of cabins and saw several cameras ...

-Look, that's where they are going to film.

-With a bit of luck we even  appear in the episode! - Katherine was enthused.-

But her joy was diluted when the security guy appeared accompanied by two local police officers. He pointed to both girls and indicated them.

-These two. Another couple of fans who have tried to sneak in.

And the agents forced the girls to accompany them. Erin then looked at her friend  with annoyance and reproached her.

-So your plans never fail, huh? O 'Brian.

- Well, almost never ... -She could weakly oppose this one.-

-My parents are going to kill me. - Erin muttered resignedly. -

Kathy was nervous and very worried in turn. Her father and especially her grandmother Meg hers, that was not going to be funny. She was already coming up with the excuse that she was going to give them ...

-One moment, please.- They listened then.-

It was a woman's voice, the two agents immediately stopped. A blonde lady, not so tall, with long blonde hair and with a red bow tied it, dressed as if she were a fairy tale princess, approached. Then, the security guard said in a respectful tone.

-Don't worry, Miss Aino. Right now I have notified the local authorities and they are taking care of these two.

-It will not be necessary. - The woman replied, adding in an accomplice tone as she watched the astonished young women winking at them. - I was really waiting for them. Do you know Ron? I forgot to warn you. Sorry, I'm very forgetful.

So both the security guy and the agents shrugged their shoulders, but if that famous actress said so ...

-Very well Miss Aino,  being that case, then we leave them with you.- The guy said who, along with the police, left happy for not having to deal with that.-

Both girls jumped excited. That was better than they could have imagined!

- Miss Aino, Miss Aino! - Erin repeated foolishly without being able to stop jumping. - I am a big fan, I have all your records and I have seen all your movies.

Kathy, for her part, looked at her rapt. That woman was everything she wanted to become! Beautiful, famous, actress, singer ... anyway! She wished She could take a picture of her with her! so she didn´t hesitate to remind her, or at least let her know about it.

-As a child I went to one of your concerts and you even greeted me and dedicated a song to me. Well, to my brother too. -She clarified right away. -

Meanwhile the famous artist smiled with amusement. She motioned for the girls to follow her.

-You should not have sneaked, girls.- She reprimanded them politely and then affirmed with an air of self-assurance.- Well, the truth is that I was doing the same with your age. When I tried to approach some celebrity. Oh! -She sighed riveting with a slight touch of melancholy.- That were good times!

And of course she showed them the whole set, she signed their posters and posed in photos with the girls. They could even see how she recorded her scenes of the day! Although, at least for Erin, that unforgettable moment ended when her parents called her and she had to answer her cell phone. The sad girl had to return. What they did not expect was for the actress to tell them jovially.

-Today I do not have more scenes to film. If you tell me your address, I'll take you home.

The young girl clapped her hands in ecstasy. Minako kept her word, but before leaving, they went through the actress's dressing room. She removes her makeup and changes into a more functional casual wear, consisting of a red short skirt and a vanilla-colored blouse. The girls waited, realizing the presence of a cute white cat, which adorned his forehead with a golden half-moon. He seemed to look at them with very bright eyes, as if he were thinking. It almost seemed like he was going to talk. But he just meowed and lay down on a cushion.

- What a beautiful cat! – Kathy could say.-

-It's my friend Artemis.- Minako answered, once she finished getting ready.-

They left him there and the actress drove a kind of  jeep to bring Erin home, she proudly introduce her parents to the artist. They thanked that kind woman for her attentions. Later, after saying goodbye to her friend and family, Katherine continued with her admired artist who now asked her kindly.

-Where do I take you? ...

The hurried girl could barely speak. It seemed incredible to her, especially when, shortly after starting, it was already late, the artist stopped the car and told her.

-Let's take a walk if you are not in a hurry. I love the landscapes of Ireland.

The girl came down with her. Really and as she had noticed nothing more to see her, Minako was shorter in person. The truth was she herself was quite tall, but that did not matter. What left her perplexed was when that woman looked at her with affection and commented to her.

-I do not know if you know, but I'm your mother´s  friend. I hope she and your brother are well.

- Are you my mother´s friend? - The girl repeated with visible astonishment.-

-Yes. Besides, I'm your godmother. - Her interlocutor smiled.

-What? ... I am sorry, do you really are? - The girl exclaimed.-

Her interlocutor nodded and then declared with a more serious tone and even seemed saddened.

-I've always been very busy. Traveling a lot, and with so many things to do that it was impossible for me to visit you regularly. But I remember that I went to see your mother when you were born. I took you in my arms and promised that, whenever you needed me, I would be there to help you. However, until now I think you did not need me ...

- I wish you could have come earlier! It had been great!- Kathy sighed.-

-You´ll see.- The actress commented.- Your mother was always a wonderful woman who has had a great family. She has raised you very well for what I have been able to see, as well as your brother. But she must have missed the rest of her family a lot. And now she's finally reunited with them and I think you're going to meet your relatives.

-How do you know that? - The girl was surprised.-

-I have my information sources. - Minako smiled, adding more seriously now. - Take care of your parents and especially of your brother. Always remember how great boy he is. Ok? Whatever happens, You have to love him a lot because I'm sure he loves you too. Never abandon him and support him always. He will need you sooner than you think. And keep working hard to achieve your dream. I did…

Katherine nodded totally enthralled by the words of her admired artist, who was also her godmother! When she told her friends and the rest of the family, they could not believe it. However, Minako, who seemed to read her mind, asked in an accomplice tone.

-At the moment, do not tell anyone except your mother that we've seen each other, Kathy. Let it be our secret. Ok?

And the poor girl agreed to it in spite of herself. She could not tell her family about it but at least she had that great memorable day. Then the actress took her to her grandparents' house and said goodbye from the car. Now, back from Ireland, Katherine was getting ready to meet those relatives. She was curious and full of hopes and projects. She wish she could share them! At least, according to Minako and her own mother, she had cousins of her age. But now it was time to focus. She was a good girl, got good grades and never got into serious trouble. Well, almost none. The only thing that lost her at times was that desire to be famous and her innate curiosity. In addition, she doubted that her parents approved any of her relationships with the opposite sex. That she did not even tell Minako! The truth is that with her almost fifteen years she was beautiful, with a copper brown hair tone, with deep blue sky eyes and some other little ones, that gave her even a sexier air. She could not deny her Irish heritage, of course. And she loved everything that had any relationship to the world of show and song. Her great dream was to resemble the one she now knew was her godmother. She even sang sometimes, although at the moment, just for entertainment. As her own mother deduced, Aunt Alannah had taken her on tour in many places, to soak her in the local environment and traditions. Anyway that was usual in those parts, in Ireland many people sang in pubs and at parties and it was another of the things that she seemed to have absorbed into her family legacy. Her father, her aunt and her grandparents, along with other people from the town, always knew how to celebrate festivities in which songs, dancing and joy abounded. The only thing she regretted was that her grandfather Jack had died some time before. She felt so sad when she was in his house and saw his empty armchair because she adored him. The same goes to her "grandmother Dotty" who unfortunately was not with them either. In fact, they had lost them with very little difference in time.

-At last.- She sighed somewhat embarrassed after leaving that relaxing bath.- I guess life is like that. Surely the two will be in Heaven. - She said to cheer herself up.-

And finally, she left that parked in her memory. After changing, Karaberasu took her to the Malden house. Bertie received them by opening the door. It seemed to her that her sister's daughter was beautiful, very polite and seemed somewhat shy.

- It must be a little  younger than my daughter. - Beruche thought. -

- How are you? - The girl saluted presenting herself in a very polite way. - My name is Katherine O 'Brian.- She looked around for Mazoui and asked with visible impatience barely controlled. - Has not my brother come?

- She and Mazoui are inseparable. - Karaberasu emphasized with a broad smile. -

- As you know, your brother is preparing to enter the military academy.- Bertie explained to her- and my husband and son train with him, it will be a short time before they arrive. Wait, I'll call my daughter so you can meet her.

Beruche went up to ask the girl to come down, Kerria nodded, she had time to have something for breakfast, study a little, have a light lunch, review something else for the exams and fundamentally rebuild her spirits. Indeed, her curiosity to meet that cousin of hers had motivated her to leave that melancholy and anxiety beside her. At least for that afternoon. So she followed her mother up the stairs. Coming down she tried to look jovial as she waved.

- Hello Aunt Karaberasu, hello ... - She added looking at the new arrival. - My name is Kerria Lorein. I suppose you are my cousin.

-Yeah, nice to meet you. - She responded by introducing herself again. - They told me a lot about you ...

- I hope that they have told you only the good things! – Kerria laughed now.-

Her interlocutor nodded amused. Then it was Bertie who proposed with animation.

- Well, now that we've met, why do not we sit in the living room and have a drink while we wait for the boys?

- Yes, I really want Kathy and Mazoui to meet. - Karaberasu said. - Between the summer holidays and the beginning of their respective classes, they have not seen each other for months ...

Katherine nodded hopefully at her mother's words. She missed her brother  whom she loved and admired him so much. Meanwhile the aforementioned had wanted to go through the apartment she shared with her mother. It came after she and Kathy left (being a weekend had permission from the academy), to shower and change, but someone expected him. A tall, hooded figure in a black sackcloth. Mazoui was taken by surprise, before he could react they threw somnolent gas, rendering him senseless. Lifting a pentacle that figure uttered some unintelligible words. Then he marked his victim's forehead with an esoteric symbol that seemed to be absorbed by his skin, vanishing. The boy woke up with his eyes glowing a reddish tone, but he recovered quickly. He thought he had fallen asleep and probably had a nightmare, but it was getting late, he showered and changed his clothes, heading quickly towards his aunt and uncle's house. And that figure, who was watching him hidden in the darkness, raised his hood and smiled.

Minako was chatting with Artemis. Already back in Tokyo she remembered her encounter with her goddaughter. She also thought about the words Usagi told her days before her trip to Ireland.

-The most frustrating thing of all is not being able to intervene, not even being able to warn them about it.- Lamented the girl.- The same thing happens to Ami.

-You both did what you could, Minako. - The feline encouraged her. - Now it's up to them. -

-I know. But just like my  friend Ami I would like to be there and help them.- The woman affirmed - Ami even had to cancel her attendance to that congress so as not to  fall into the temptation to go and tell them.

-Now we know that all this has to happen. Usagi told us. Trust our friends, they will be able to do it and it is a test they must overcome on their own. - Artemis said.-

His friend smiled a slight smile of circumstances. MInako understood and that was what she hoped. In spite of everything, she would have given anything to help them. Although, she had no choice but to wish her friends luck ...

At the Maldens' house, Roy and Leval had long since arrived. They introduced themselves to their respective niece and cousin who took a good look at the boy and smiled, even blushing a little. In a moment that she had apart from her with Kerria, she whispered with amused complicity.

- Your brother is gorgeous!

-Yes. - She mused without giving importance to that comment, adding in a courteous way. - Yours is not far behind either.

And speaking of the aforementioned. Night had already fallen and dinner was ready, but it did not come. Despite everything, they wanted to wait for Mazoui. After a reasonable time and at Karaberasu's pleas not to wait any longer, they decided to start. After another hour everyone had finished and wondered where the boy was. He should have arrived long ago. Kerria, who couldn't stop thinking about the situation that she should face the next day, apologized claiming that she had homework to do and a topic to study and went up to her room, her parents said nothing. Roy because she was away all day and did not know if her daughter had studied in the morning or she would have left it until last, and Beruche because they continued to believe that the girl had something that she had not told him. However, he thought it might be better to leave her alone for a while and when her relatives left, he would go upstairs to talk to her. So the girl disappeared up the stairs to her room, her last haven of privacy. Just then she rang her cell phone ...

- Hello? Is that you, Debbie? ...

Mazoui came a few minutes later, came in greeting those present with sympathy and hugged his sister above all.

-What happened to you son? - Kalie asked him, almost rebuking him for his delay, something unusual in him.-

-I'm sorry, I was so tired that I fell asleep.- He excused himself with a face of circumstances. -

The rest laughed, Roy agreed, claiming it would have been his fault, giving them so much trot with training. They left that as an anecdote and chatted amiably. Kerria meanwhile chatted in her room with her girlfriend whom she had finally been able to contact.

- How are you? Well, I have to tell you something ... What? She-Inquired she When being interrupted by Deborah. - You are crazy? I do not know. I'll try. Okay, give me at least five minutes ...

The others, oblivious to this conversation, also had a lot to say to each other.

- How nice to see you, Mazzi! Katherine exclaimed as she ran to hug him. -

-I tell you the same thing. Hey! It even seems to me that you have grown. - The boy commented in an affable tone. -

-I don't know, it can. - His sister replied somewhat blushing. -

- How about Ireland? Were you hanging out there with the cousins? - He was interested. -

- Well, you know how they are. - The girl sighed, adding. - I spent a lot more time with Erin than with them. Although Aunt Alannah took me singing in some pubs.

-I hope she didn't give you a pint of beer! - The boy laughed.-

Katherine was awkwardly silent. How was her brother able to know that?

But she had no chance to even try to deny it. Just at that moment there was a reddish glow that flooded the room. Leval, Roy and Mazoui, got up quickly. Everyone gasped as they saw a black hooded figure materialize, hiding its features.

-Who are you? - Asked Leval astonished and defensive. -

The figure took off the hood, was a man with dark hair, and eyes of the same color. His gaze was fixed one by one on all present and declared with malignity in the tone.

- I'm Nalgin, head of the New Chaos Sect. And you are going to suffer my revenge!

Then he pointed to Mazoui and aimed at him with a pentacle from which came a reddish glow. Before anyone could even react. The boy began to feel bad and he staggered to the ground, covered his face with his hands, his mother and his sister ran beside him.

-What happens to you, my son, what do you have? - Karaberasu asked with a gesture of fear and worry. -

- Get up Mazzi.- Katherine asked him also with a voice tinged with fear.- Come on!

- Mazoui, kill them all. - Nalgin ordered to  the stupor and amazement of the rest. -

- Get that out of my head! - The boy screamed, covering his temples with his hands before the faces of fear and worry of everyone. -Get it out!

-Come on! - The leader of the Sect insisted - Attack

- They're trying to control him. - Roy exclaimed, still stunned to realize it. -

- No Mazoui, resist my son! – Karaberasu asked him visibly distressed. -

But he stood up with his eyes and demonic fangs. Everyone was watching him scared. With a bolt of lightning, and without a word, he threw Leval out of the house, making him go through a window. In addition, he grabbed an arm of his terrified sister Katherine.

- She's a beautiful girl - Nalgin smiled - Would not you like to own her Mazoui? Do it! , sure that your mother will bring  fond memories back, ha, ha, ha, ha.

-Damned you! – Roy shouted, attacking the figure with a beam of energy that passed through her without touching her, destroying the wall. -

- Do not waste your time. You will not even touch me. – Nalgin laughed.- I'm an astral projection, you stupid fuckers!

- Please Mazoui. - Karaberasu begged. - set your sister free, you're not able to do such a thing.-

But he kicked his mother aside and lifted the terrified girl into tears by tearing her blouse.

- No please, let her go! - Katherine shrieked horrified and glazed with fear. -

The others were astonished and appalled by the scene, but they did not dare to intervene, they were afraid of hurting the girl. Then a trident materialized in the hand of the surprised and frightened mother of the boy.

-Come on. - Nalgin said with a countenance and a funny tone. - I let you choose, you can see how your son rapes his own sister or you can stop him with this. - He pointed to the trident and snapped. - Kill your son and you will avoid it!

The horrified mother trembled with that trident in her hand without knowing what to do. Beruche tried to help her niece but Mazoui pushed her away too. Roy pointed to him with a ball of energy but he did not dare to shoot. The boy, with a sadistic smile, started licking his sister's neck while caressing her breasts with the other. Kathy cried helplessly, looking into his eyes and pleading softly despite that terrible moment.

- Please Mazzi, you're my brother and I love you, do not do it. You have always helped me in everything. And now you do not own your acts.

But he seemed insensible to those words. Then Kathy hugged him and said to the amazement and horror of everyone.

- Okay.- The young woman remembered the good times she had spent with him and Minako' s words then echoed in her mind. She sobbed then with brave resignation - I will not resist. Do what you want. I do not want you to be hurt. - She declared and whispered something in his ear. -

After a few moments, which seemed eternal for the rest, Mazoui suddenly released his sister and fell on his knees to the ground. He screamed in excruciating pain, he struggled fighting inside. Roy hurried to get close to the girl and Karaberasu, who now knew what to do, put a silver crucifix on her son´s forehead. It burned to the touch and the boy collapsed unconscious. Nalgin cursed furiously and frustrated.

-Damn it, I'll go back and destroy you all, I swear! - And without giving more time, that guy disappeared. -

The rest of the people had not yet come out of their astonishment. That had seemed like a nightmare, but finally Karaberasu, still shaking with fright but relieved that everything was over, asked Kathy unable to suppress curiosity.

- What did you say to him, daughter?

- I just hummed that nana that you and grandma Dotty sang to us when we were little.- The girl sobbed.-

Now, after that moment of integrity, the young girl was also collapsing with broken nerves and her mother held her, letting her cry while hugging her. Roy took it upon himself to revive his nephew. And then Leval entered the house ready to fight back, but stopped short when he saw the sorry spectacle.

- Now you'll see! - He exclaimed, though Bertie interposed, motioning for him to be quiet. -

- But, Mom! - He could say looking at her puzzled. -

-Everything's settled, son. Do not say anything. I'll explain it to you. - She whispered. -

Leval nodded, he trusted his mother. The truth is that he saw his cousin on the ground. Perhaps his father had taken care to stop him. Although Roy was trying to spot his enemy.

-Damn it!" He snapped. - It was indeed a hologram image or something similar. - I can't find traces of energy from anyone

Although, like the others, he focused on the boy who was beginning to regain his consciousness. Karaberasu, and Katherine herself, when she recovered a bit from the shock, helped Mazoui to her feet. He, still stunned, saw his sister's blouse torn and the tears on her face, he gently wiped them with his hand.

-What have happened? – He asked worried and visibly embarrassed. - Who did this to you, Kathy?

She did not respond, tried to avoid the look of her brother.

- Somebody attacked us, son. - Karaberasu replied quietly. -

- Yes, an individual left you out of combat. - Roy added in a complicit way . -

Nobody dared to tell him the truth. Nonetheless, he insisted by asking his sister.

- Kathy, are you okay? - She nodded with vehemence hugging him and Mazoui, full of indignation and rage sentenced. - I'll kill whoever has dared to do this to you!

- Mazzi do not say that, please! – His sister exclaimed  breaking to cry.-

The others witnessed the scene moved by the affection, understanding and integrity of that girl, then Bertie noticed the lack of her daughter and asked alarmed.

-Where is Kerria? ...

- She had gone up to her room. - Leval replied looking up. -

- But maybe that guy was going there.- Beruche added terrified. -

-We are going to look for her, quickly! - Urged the girl's father with great concern in turn. -

They went up to look for her in her room, but she was not there. Fearful, Leval and Roy left the house to see if they could find her. Mazoui kissed her mother and her sister on the forehead and ran to help them. The two of them stayed with Beruche, who was going to suffer a nervous breakdown fearing for her daughter. Although during all that time and even before the attack, the girl, oblivious to everything that happened, had answered that call from her cell phone, it was Debbie. Her friend had returned from her trip, she was already aware of what happened at the institute and had come outside the Malden house, she wanted to see her. Kerria agreed, they met at the property's entrance. Making the least noise, the young woman went out the front door, taking advantage of the fact that everyone else was in the room talking. She finally saw her girlfriend waiting behind the door that closed her garden. She immediately opened it and ushered her in.

-Debbie. - She smiled excitedly, letting out a sob. -

She also kissed her on the lips that her partner only fit, she had a serious gesture.

- You already found out, right? - Kerria asked, fearing that she would be like that. -

Her interlocutor nodded. And she replied with a worried tone.

-You must be careful…

-I know. - Her partner cut her off with a sad tone. - I don't want them to make life impossible for us. Not you, not me, not my family. Maybe we should stop seeing each other for a few days. So that everything calms down.

-No, Kerria. - Deborah denied and continued to show great concern. - I do not mean that.

-Yeah, you're right. It is not fair that the prejudices of intolerant people make us feel guilty for the mere fact of loving ourselves. We will face it together if you want.

Although her friend shook her head. That surprised her partner. What was wrong with Debbie? Perhaps she was afraid of the repercussions. She wanted to ask her if she was like that and reassure her. But she did not have the opportunity, since at that very moment they heard a horrible explosion that shook the Malden house.

-OMG! - She exclaimed with horror - What happens?

- Come on! - Debbie said too alarmed and guessing. - It may be the gas.

They entered the house, when Kerria's father and brother had already left and Mazoui behind them.

-What happened, mom? - Kerria asked, arriving next to Beruche. -

- Thank God you're fine! - she sighed even with a voice choked with nerves but added relieved. - Where were you? Have you run into that man?

-To meet with whom? - The girl asked in turn without understanding, crossing a look with the equally bewildered Deborah and adding. - I was with my friend.

- Hi, ma'am. How is it going? - She greeted her politely. -

- Now not very well precisely, as you can see, look what have they done with our house.- Bertie could say calmer to see her daughter safe, pointing to the broken window and all the flaws and adding with better mood. - But luckily, nobody is hurt. Go on, daughter, give your cousin some clothes.

Kerria and Debbie watched in astonishment at that poor girl who covered her breasts in her tattered blouse. Her cousin immediately offered her.

-Come on, go up to my room. I'll give you something of mine, we should have more or less the same size.

Kathy agreed on that, Debbie was also with them. Once in Kerria's room, she  introduced her.

-It's my ... friend. Deborah Hunter. From the school.- She informed her cousin.-

She nodded, trying to appear calm even in a trembling voice.

-Ka ... Katherine O'Brian ...

-What happened to you? - Debbie wanted to know watching that girl with stupor.-

-I still do not know.- She barely sobbed this one.- It was all very fast.

-Don't worry about that now. - Her cousin encouraged her by giving her hand to Deborah.- Right now I'll leave you something of mine and you'll be fine.

-Thank you very much really. Sorry to bother you.

-Don't talk nonsense, woman. How are you going to bother me? - Kerria hastened to reply affectionately, who had now shook hands with Debbie. -

-Take it easy. - The goth girl said to Kathy, adding more cheerfully. - It's all over.

Kathy nodded gratefully. In the meantime, she had removed the remains of clothing that covered her, leaving her naked from the waist up. The other two girls kept noticing how pale her skin was, and how round and compact her breasts were, despite not being too big yet. But both of them quickly removed those ideas from their heads, the situation was serious enough for those frivolities. Debbie, for her part, looked at this with a mixture of surprise and fear. Something terrible had happened to that girl, but not because of having her clothes destroyed.

-A very strong evil presence has been here. - The young goth thought. - It's the same thing I perceived in Los Angeles.

And it is that Deborah had some bad dreams, even nightmares, in which her girlfriend was the protagonist. And she was very scared by what she could feel about her. Although she might have been wrong, since it was her sight that Kerria had not been the target of any attack. She maybe she mistook her for that other poor girl.

-Maybe I was thinking of Kerria because this happened at her house. -She told herself. -

Yet despite this attempt to reason things out, she felt bewildered. It could be that her fears had been unfounded. Even though she still felt that something was not going well.

-Thanks cousin. - Katherine sighed very recognized. -

-There is no reason to give them. Come on, take your time. -She kindly suggested the questioned. -

So once she put on the blouse her cousin lent her, Kathy went back into the room followed by the other girls. There the others waited for them. Beruche saw them go down then and she did not want to think what her daughter could have been doing with that other girl. Nor where did she come from. That did not matter now. She chose to remain silent, she would find out later. Then the men returned. Roy approached his daughter as soon as he saw her and said to her with a voice broken by tension.

-Where were you? , you had us very worried.

- Sorry, dad. - Kerria mused. - I went to see my friend who called me to ask for some notes and I heard the noise, then I came running.

- You're the famous Debbie, right? - Leval inquired with a hostile expression because he thought he recognized her from the time he went to look for his sister at the disco. – Aren´t you?

He faced his eyes with an unfriendly face, but Deborah held his gaze without hesitation. Leval added without being able to contain himself.

- They are talking badly about my sister because of you and I will not allow it.

- No, that's not my intention, I love your sister.- Debbie answered, she did not seem intimidated even more when she sentenced. - I'm not willing to let them hurt her.

Both Roy and Beruche looked at them bewildered, it was he who intervened.

-But what happens here? What does this mean? - He looked by inertia to Karaberasu and Kathy who were also surprised although they had no idea of anything, like him. -

- Roy, please, could you take us to our apartment? - Her sister-in-law asked her that she did not want to mix with other people's problems, she had enough with her own. –

- Yes right now. - He replied trying to put his ideas in order.-

Now there were more important things to deal with and he did not want to air any kind of problem for his family in front of his newly recovered relatives. However, he added addressing his children.

- As soon as I return I hope that you will clarify all this to me.

Mazoui, Karaberasu and Katherine waited for Roy to get the car´s keys, so he had to go up to his room. Beruche meanwhile, stared at the two girls and told her daughter.

- I also have an interest in knowing what your brother is referring to and this time I do not want elusive answers Kerria. However, we will wait for your father to return.

Deborah was really daunted. Even more than because of that tense and embarrassing situation, because of the presence of that tall boy, even taller than Kerria's brother. She felt something strange and threatening about him.

- Who is that guy? - She wondered with a mixture of fascination, fear and amazement. -

However, she intervened trying to impose herself on that growing sense of respect and intimidation that that chaotic environment produced in her and the counterpoint that her partner's mother and the rest of those present had offered in it, who fixed inquisitive glances on them, thus he was able to add more firmly, returning to the subject at hand.

- I do not want to cause you problems. But it's not fair that you  blame your daughter for all of this, in fact… I ...

-Debbie, shut up! - Kerria asked her bluntly, with a strength she did not think she possessed. When the easy thing had been to let her friend help her face the impending storm. - This is something that I have to solve with my family alone. Go away please, I'll call you.

- Very good. - She nodded to admit - it's too late, my parents will be worried about me. - And then she whispered to Kerria. - Are you sure?

- Yes, when my parents know it they will be very angry and I do not want you to be in the middle of all this. Thank you.- Her interlocutor in turn whispered. -

Debbie approached, it seemed that she was going to kiss Kerria but she stopped and said good night to her and the others, then she left the house.

-Something very strange and sinister is happening there. - She thought, with growing sense of alarm. - And it's much worse than Kerria thinks. It has nothing to do with us. That's why it scares me so much. Honey, I hope you're okay!

And after wishing that with all her might she moved away from her. She had to take the bus to go back to her house. Meanwhile, at the Malden dwelling, it was Deborah's girlfriend who spoke up to reproach her brother.

- Leval, you should not have said that. - She reproached to her brother. -

- I'm sorry, but it's been for your own good, Ky. - He replied that he tried to excuse himself in a conciliatory tone.-

The boy now regretted having  unveiled the secret. But he had been under a lot of stress and could not help it. Although in his eagerness to fix things he made another mistake when he sentenced.

- This has to be clarified, I prefer that you be the one to tell mom and dad before they find out about the high school gossip.

-Do you prefer? This is about my life, Leval! - Kerria retorted visibly upset. - And what about what I prefer?

Her interlocutor lowered his head to take breath and argue in turn adopting a more worried and restless tone.

- This does not lead to anything, do not you see that it will be worse if you remain in silence?

The girl was going to respond, to the perplexity and discomfort of Karaberasu, Mazoui and Katherine who neither understood anything, nor did they wish to interfere in a foreign matter. They had had enough with their own ordeal, and more than anything with the anxiety in their hearts, (especially in Kalie's who knew very well the danger they faced), that this threat could resurface at any moment. . In fact, the boy, still stunned, was nowhere to probe his cousin, nor was he interested in that. The one who did seem to notice something, though, was Kathy. It had been enough for her to look at this other girl and her newly acquainted cousin and see their body language. Especially when she changed her clothes with both of them watching her. They had joined hands intertwining her fingers and they were looking at each other in a really strange way. For a girl like her, already seasoned in some kind of relationship, that was immediately apparent. Those two were very close, perhaps too close for what would be typical of two mere friends ... anyway, given the terrible trance they had lived through and due to elementary education, she was not going to say anything. Also, her cousin and that other girl of hers had been very kind to her, helping her immediately without knowing her.

-And it's not my business either. - She thought. - Kerria has the right to love who she wants.

Poor Kathy had enough with her own situation and with helping her brother and her mother to compose themselves. She was still disconcerted, and she did not blame Mazoui for what had happened. But the one who did intervene sharply was Beruche who, forgetting the tense situation they had experienced for a few moments, put her arms on her hips and alternately fixing on her children that inquisitive and suspicious look that she possessed at moments like this, ordered in a voice authoritative and contained at the same time, making them both silence.

- Stop. Are either of you two going to explain what's going on here?

Leval and Kerria looked at each other in an awkward, guilty silence, waiting for their father to return. They said nothing as Roy returned with the car keys and both he and Karaberasu's family followed him to the garage, leaving that explanation in abeyance.

**ESPAÑOL**

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