GWB30E

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**STORIES**

**LONG STORIES**

**GWB ENGLISH**

**PREVIOUS CHAPTER**

**ESPAÑOL**

**75. Fight between emotions.**

When Roy and the others arrived at the place in question, there was nothing unusual left there. Only the diffuse lights of the patrol cars and ambulances ran through the place showing bursts of several people lying on the ground, most of them belonging to the marginal population. Sharpening his fine hearing, Mazoui thought he heard something.

-I heard some moans,- he told them.

-Yes me too. There must be someone there.- He indicated in turn.-

Roy nodded approvingly, those two guys were using the skills he had been teaching them in their training. And he could sense a very slight energy as well. On his side, Leval approached that area, next to some cardboard boxes at the bottom of an alley, which in effect let out a low moan. The boy was able to verify that it was a tramp.

-Are you OK? - Leval asked timidly, without getting too close, he did not know if he could be hurt and it was not too pleasant the foul smell emanating from that guy. - Can you hear me?

            The man stretched out a trembling arm until he found a nearby cardboard bag. There he kept a bottle of whiskey and took a long drink. Leval could not be sure of his disheveled appearance, but that guy looked middle-aged and dark and straight, although that could easily be attributed to the indirect light that barely reached him. After that drink he seemed to get the necessary strength to speak with Leval, who was joined by Roy and Mazoui as attentive listeners.

- Tell me sir. Have you seen anything strange around here tonight? - The boy asked him. -

- Have you seen this girl around here? - Roy added, showing him a recent photo of Kerria.-

            As soon as he saw that picture, the vagabond was startled, with a surprising agility he moved away from his inquisitors, snuggling behind the boxes. Making sounds of fear and breathing heavily, he instinctively covered his head with both arms.

-Calm down, please. You are safe.- A stunned Mazoui assured him.-

-You are not in any danger,- Leval insisted. -

-Help us. I beg you.- Roy asked.- Tell us what happened.

Between all they had to convince him with a lot of patience and kindness to speak, at last the trembling man agreed to tell them what happened.

-They're going to think I'm a drunken madman. Seeing me would be natural. -That man sighted and of course he smelled a lot with alcohol.- I admit that not even I myself would believe ... I do not want nobody to laugh at me.

-Don't be afraid. I assure you that we have a very open mind.- Tom said kindly.-

Between Leval and Mazoui they helped him up and sit on a nearby bench.

-No one will laugh at you. I promise you.- Roy intervened.-

-Take your time. - Diamond added.-

Finally and after a few more seconds, the trembling man agreed to tell them what had happened.

-She was here. - He whispered in a voice full of fear. - I've seen her, but she was dressed in a different way. - And indeed, he gave a description that matched the uniform that everyone saw her wear. – She was beautiful but very cruel. That beauty could not be of this world. Her eyes. - He remembered shuddering with panic. - I was terrified only by thinking of her look, she seemed to have no feelings, they were reddish eyes, bright as fire. They could be seen shining like two points in the darkness. Anyone who looked at them was as bewitched. I never saw anything like it! The Dark Lady, the Lady of Hell, they called her. I am believe it, she has to come from there.

His listeners looked at each other in shock, especially Tom, Roy and Diamond, who understood perfectly what that meant.

-But did she say anything? Did you hear her speak? Maybe where she was here close to you. - Leval insisted, trying to focus on something that could give them a clue. -

            The vagabond waited what it took everyone an eternity to clear their throat with loud coughs before answering.

- Yes, she had no problem saying things clearly. She said that she was coming to get us out of our miserable life and that everyone who wanted to be rich and serve her powerful lord should follow her. Many accepted without hesitation, accompanied by some men in robes that distributed money to those who joined. But I did not want to know anything about that, they seemed evil to me. You know, bad people, you cannot trust them.

-And what happened next? - Roy asked impatiently. -

- She rose in the air. - The vagabond continued, who hastened to add as if he expected the objection and tried to anticipate. - Yes, yes, as you hear, I have not gone crazy! - Everyone looked at each other for a moment and then turned their attention back to the testimony of that man. - She floated and the breeze waved her red cloak. She lifted a medallion from around her neck and produced a reddish light. Then she ordered everyone she had recruited to look at it. I closed my eyes, I sensed that this would not be any good, after a moment I thought there was no danger and I opened them, it would have been better not to, because I saw something horrible.

- What? - Mazoui asked in a calm and apparently neutral voice, although as intrigued as the others. - What was it that you saw?

The guy opened his eyes expressing a clear sense of panic and was barely able to reply.

- All, all those who had looked at the glare had eyes like her! They laughed with a horrible laugh. I got scared and tried to hide between the boxes. But somehow she noticed my presence, I do not know if someone would tell her or that she saw me with those eyes. I'm sure she was able to see in the dark as if it were daytime. The fact is that she ordered me to be caught. I resisted, but I am weak and those guys under her orders had superhuman strength. At last, they took me before her, went down again and she spoke to me. Her voice was strangely beautiful, almost hypnotized, very sweet and kind, but it did not match the look in her eyes ... She told me ...

            Observing that unfortunate with a strange mixture of curiosity and rejoicing, Devilish Lady approached. Yes, covering her nose with pretended comedy, which caused the laughter of her henchmen who immediately ceased and dry, as soon as she spoke and asked with a tone between amused and supposedly jovial.

- Wow!, look what we have here. A little rat that was hiding. Do not you want to join us? Do not you want all the benefits I offer you? Do you prefer to continue with this disgusting life? Come on! , serve my master. he will teach you the way. I assure you that you will be happy forever and above all, you will smell better.

            More laughter, among which was included the smile of the inquisitor herself. Then she commanded silence again with a gesture of her hands when that man prepared to answer.

-What master is that one to teach me? - The intimidated vagabond inquired with palpable bewilderment. - I am too old to go back to school.

- Hahaha! You're funny! - she laughed with a sinister laugh to add with false condescension. - Poor man, I do not know whether to leave you here or take you only as a buffoon. I'll ask you one last time. Will you join us? Answer right now, I do not have much patience. - She snapped now abruptly and losing that charm in her voice. -

- No, I do not think your master can give happiness to anyone, after what I've seen. - The vagabond was terrified because that sudden change of tone had vanished what remained of the initial charm in that strange woman. - This cannot be right.

- So you've seen something, huh? That cannot be. - Devilish Lady replied, feigning honeyed and shaking her head in order to sentence by way of ultimatum. - If you're not with us, you're against us. I'm sorry for you, but none of our enemies survives.

In fact her voice had changed, not only in the character but in her own physical nature. From beautiful and soft it had passed to a horrible guttural hiss.

-I do not know what or who that woman was, but I doubt very much that she was human ... -The vagabond said to them.-

            The astonished group listened with horror and regret, especially on the part of Roy and Leval, and even more when that poor guy added still affected by terror.

- Then, in less than a second she pounced on me and lifted me in suspense. She rose again in the air, from her mouth arose two horrible fangs. It was frightful! She looked like an animal. She laughed at my pleas ...

So waving that guy like he was a wimp, Devilish Lady smiled with malignant glee ...

- Do not be so afraid.- She mocked, drawing a grimace of disgust and adding with contempt. - I do not intend to stain my hands with you, you're just a spoil, ha, ha! – Then she let him go indifferently, letting him fall from a couple of meters high. –

The vagabond hit his back. He was numb and gripped by pain but fear could do more than that and he tried to sit up to escape. Although they were not going to allow it. With a certain reluctance, Devilish Lady made a sign and two of her minions held the poor man who struggled impotently, trying to flee in a pathetic effort condemned to failure in advance.

-What are we going to do with you? - She asked herself amused to answer quickly. - Well, I may be merciful after all.

She landed next to him as if an idea had suddenly occurred to her and changed the subject using a more colloquial voice and even tinged with a numbing nuisance, addressing one of her acolytes.

- Have you noticed, that's why I prefer to fly, walking through this dirty alley has stained my boots. And that's something I cannot stand.

- I'll clean them for you right now, my Dark Lady. - He offered, kneeling immediately. -

- No, wait, let him do it. If he wants me to forgive him, he will have to earn it. - She smiled in an evil way. -

- Yes, I will - the terrified vagabond stammered, who quickly knelt to find a rag, but she stopped him by removing her foot. -

-Not like that! - She laughed as if that bastard did not understand the way he had to do it and ordered him with deep satisfaction. - I want you to clean them with your tongue and try not to stain them even more, pig!

            Terrified, the poor man had no choice but to lick Devilish Lady´ boots. She laughed delighted with the sadistic fun that this provided her.

- Very good, slave.- She approved in a soft voice, giving herself satisfied after a few long seconds to declare by way of promise. - You are worth a prize.

                       So she extended one of her feet until it was under the crotch of the beggar who was stunned.

- You'll see, you'll like it. - Devilish Lady smiled carefully rubbing the guy who even started to get turned against his will. -

            But after a few moments she stopped and told him with pretended regret.

- Too good for you, do not you think? This I will only reserve for my most faithful and gifted slaves, on the other hand, for those who refuse to join me and my Master, I have planned this one! - She spat with sadistic contempt. -

            The vagabond closed his eyes as if in this way he would relive those memories in a less painful way and those present watched him with pity and full of incredulous horror when he continued visibly affected.

- Then she took out her foot and kicked me to the ground. I heard her laugh and she ordered her assassins to beat me to death. I began to receive a terrible beating and I could not stand it for a long time, I lost consciousness listening to her horrible laughter in the background. The last thing I heard while they beat me was that she would go back to all the disgusting traitors who had humiliated her and ended them. Then I fainted. I guess they would give me up for dead or they did not want to bother anymore.

Kerria's horrified father looked more closely at the vagabond and noticed during the story that this poor man had bruises all over his body and blood traces in his mouth and nose. One of his eyes was almost closed and bruised. Before, they had hardly been able to see it thanks to the gloom that covered the alley, but now that one of the ambulances had approached them, illuminating them, everyone could see it.

- Calm down, my friend. - Roy asked him with a kind tone and with deep regret and guilt .- Take this, I hope it helps – So he took a good amount of dollars and put them in the pockets of the shabby coat that guy wore. -

-I don't want charity,- that man said with dignity. -

-It's not about that. Consider it compensation. I am very sorry for what has happened to you. You really don't know how much. -Roy could reply with respect and regret in his tone, lowering his gaze.-

-I understand.- That bum sighed. -Hopefully you can find her and stop her before she does any more damage!

           Soon paramedics arrived from the ambulance who took care of him, taking him to the hospital. Everyone stayed there, looking at each other incredulously, none of them wanted to say anything. Diamond took the floor to politely address his friend.

-It's not your fault.

-Who else? She is my daughter. - A dejected Roy replied, surmising full of consternation. - Maybe if I hadn't argued with her this wouldn't have happened.

-If they were after Kerria this would have happened anyway.- Diamond wanted to encourage him, who immediately added with sympathetic dismay.- But I understand you perfectly. I also have a daughter whom I love more than anything in the world.

-Lamenting won't do us any good, Dad. - Leval intervened, showing off a better spirit to sentence. - We have to continue. The sooner we track her down, the sooner we will find her.

-Yes, that's true, - Tom agreed, proposing. - We'd better split up to cover more possibilities. - Leval, Diamond and I can keep looking around this area.

Mazoui and I will go home in case there is any news. - Roy nodded. - In case she decides to go back there.

They did so and at that moment, at the Malden house, the youngest of the four sisters continued to tell her story ...

            Rubeus laughed with sadism while Cooan asked with a pleading expression.

- Please! Release my daughter, she is innocent. She does not know anything about all this. Leave her and get revenge on me!

- So you seriously think I am going to do it .- Her antagonist  replied smiling perversely. - Do you think I'm an idiot, Kermesite? I'll finish with you and maybe I'll keep her as a souvenir. - He righted himself with obvious rejoicing. - She will be a beautiful trophy.

- If you were a man you would fight against me! - Tom furious snapped, to add increasing the tone of the provocation with deliberate contempt. - Dare with me in a face-to-face battle. You are just a coward. You do not have what it takes! You only dare against defenseless girls and women. No wonder you lost the four sisters.

            Tom's puja worked, Rubeus irritated and full of rage, released Idina throwing her against Cooan.

-You're going to wish you hadn´t say that, insolent mortal! I will kill you in the most painful and slow way! And when they see how I do it, the rest of your family will suffer the same fate.

            Idina cried in a fit of fear, her nerves shattered. Cooan hugged her daughter trying to comfort her with sweet words as she parted with her from there. For his part Tom was on guard and replied staring at his enemy.

- We'll see that later. I'm not as easy to defeat as you think.

        But Rubeus just smiled sadistically and disappeared from everyone's sight. He reappeared before the surprised Tom. With a punch he threw her out the window. Cooan and Idina screamed in horror as the wicked individual laughed, giving them a sadistic look.

-Do not worry. Your turn will come soon.- She assured them. -

But his adversary clung to a ledge and was able to slide down a column to the ground. He tumbled around several times and got to his feet as fast as he could, slightly bruised and cut on his hands and forearms, but essentially unharmed. His enemy, realizing this, flew off and landed a few meters in front of him with an indolent gesture.

- I recognize that you have resources, but not enough. Now you will pay for your bravado, say goodbye to the world! - Rubeus commanded him throwing a red ball of energy that Tom dodged with difficulty. -

-Ignífugus! - Idina's father exclaimed when receiving another impact, this time direct.-

His sadistic rival laughed but was astonished to see that this mortal had not burned to the contact with his projectile.

-How is it possible? - Exclaimed unable to believe.-

- I also know some tricks, you bastard.- Tom smiled and countered with the cry of.- Bird of Fire!

On this occasion it was Rubeus who had to stop a projectile of flames with an energy barrier. Unfortunately for the Rodney´s their enemy was powerful and the attack was repelled. However, Tom took the opportunity to jump on his opponent and give him a punch that threw him several meters back.

-Now you can say you're dead.- Rubeus snapped with visible anger.- Do you think that with those ridiculous attacks you will be able to defeat me? ...

-I do not know. But I do not lose anything for trying. - His enemy replied with a sure tone. -

-You will lose your life, miserable human. And then it will be your family that follows you.- Howled his adversary throwing himself against him.-

            Cooan and her daughter witnessed what had happened, the girl was still crying, trembling with fear, and her mother said in a calm voice.

- Now, Idina, I want you to leave here, go fast. Hide at home or better take some money and go to a hotel.

- But mom! - The girl sobbed terrified and very worried. - You and dad, what will you do?

- Do not worry, daughter, we'll take care of him.- Cooan stated in a warm voice, trying to transmit calmness to her daughter, although she herself was very scared. - Come on, run!…

  Meanwhile, in the inner courtyard of the building, deserted at that time, Rubeus was still attacking Tom who avoided as he could to be reached by the rays of his enemy, running out more and more to do so and projecting some more protective spell, having to endure as, if that were not enough, the comments of his adversary.

- I recognize that it is not bad to be a pathetic human. - Rubeus smiled, delighting in throwing energy beams at his enemy while saying with a false tone of condescension. - Poor little Kermesite! It must have been very bad when I rejected her. As much as to be satisfied with a guy as vulgar as you, ha, ha, ha!

Tom dodged a new bolt of lightning and threw a lid of a garbage can against his rival. Rubeus moved away, eluding the attack without difficulty. Meanwhile an anguished Cooan observed that knowing that she had not a moment to lose ...

- Now honey, go! - She asked her daughter categorically. -

- But, that man is very strong. What can you do? Even though dad knows martial arts and some magic tricks, he is just an ordinary person and so are you! - Idina objected more and more anguished. -

            Her mother rested her hands on the girl's shoulders and met her gaze with an affectionate expression and at the same time calm to confess.

- I'll reveal a secret ... I'm one of the Justicieras ...

- A Justiciera? - Idina repeated incredulously- It cannot be!, these women are very strong and good fighters and you are just an elementary teacher.

Cooan smiled maternally at her daughter and whispered, even amused, despite the desperate situation they were going through.

- Do not think being a teacher is easy, Idina. It takes a lot of courage, as much as patience and I am, yes, but believe me. I am also one of the Justicieras and I was known by the Fire Lady. Friend of the famous Sailors of Justice. Although I have not practiced for a long time, I hope to be still in shape and remember how it was done.

            The girl watched her mother wondering if maybe she had gone crazy. But this one, guessing her thoughts, gave a reassuring smile and caressed her daughter's chin.

-If you do not believe it, wait and see. - Cooan indicated to Idina and immediately shouted displaying her stone. - Pure heart of fire, give me the power!

            Before the astonished eyes of her daughter, Cooan was transformed with a show of lights and turns on herself until completing the change and affirmed proud of it.

- You see it? I am the Fire Lady, I will know how to take care of him, now go, fast! - Urged the astonished girl who could only look at her with her mouth open. -

             The Justiciera jumped out the window and went down swiftly to help her husband who was injured and at the mercy of his rival who punished him with hard blows. Stretching his arc of fire, which materialized out of nowhere in her hands, she threw a volley of burning arrows at Rubeus, which he, however, dodged without too much difficulty. He was surprisingly fast. Cooan was amazed.

-How is it possible? - She exclaimed affirming without hesitation. - You never had that speed.

            His enemy looked at her with an air of rejoicing and superiority and soon responded, laughing loudly.

- Hahaha! You're right, that was before. And before I kill you, I'll tell you things that will surprise you, poor fool! – He riveted throwing several energy balls against Tom.-

He was able to conjure another protective screen and was only injured in one shoulder. In spite of everything, he could hit his enemy with several punches that, however, did not cause him the least effect.

- Get away from my wife and my daughter, you bastard! - He could slash the human battered, spitting blood.

            Rubeus gave him a look between amused and full of disdain and in turn hit him in the stomach throwing him to the ground. Tom, despite being badly wounded, was not willing to give up and crawled as best he could. But his opponent also attacked Cooan. Using his speed, he approached her without being able to dodge and hit her again and again without any regard. The Justiciera fell to the ground bleeding from her lip and nose, while her former commander laughed mocking her.

- Oh, poor little Kermesite! So in the end you went to the side of Sailor Moon and the others. True? What did they promise you, happiness? Eternal life? Or maybe energy? Well, it does not seem that your new friends have made you too strong! - He said with sarcasm. -

It's called true love, caring for others and being considerate of them.- Cooan could answer, with a tone of open defiance despite finding difficulties in articulating a word, even so, she riveted.- You would never understand

The woman herself was very battered, she was struggling to get up from the ground and was bleeding from her lip and nose as a result of the beating she received. Her enemy however remained unscathed and watched her with a mixture of amusement and disdain, responding in kind.

-I don't have much interest in understanding it either, you fool.

That said, he grabbed her by the neck lifting her off the ground to throw her several meters away from Tom, who was struggling to recover to counterattack.

-How could you survive and be the same as twenty years ago? Where do you get so much power? - She asked gasping, trying to get up. -

- I'll tell you. - Rubeus answered smugly - you're going to die anyway. - He gave a wicked smile and added. - You see, now I have new and very powerful allies. And a master with unmatched strength.

Cooan watched him and found terrified that the Black Half Moon on his attacker's forehead was disappearing to be replaced by an inverted five-pointed star. The eyes of his former commander glowed redder than ever and two fangs emerged from his mouth.

- OMG! - She could exclaim she really scared when contemplating that.-

- Surprised? - He inquired funny to sentence. - They were them who saved me from the destruction, increased my powers in an extraordinary way and gave me the chance to take revenge. What sweet revenge! and after you I'll take care of the other traitors of your sisters. And as a final dish I'll settle accounts with Emerald. That bitch left me to my luck on the ship. But do not worry, for her I reserve something very special, ha, ha, ha, ha! ... - And laughed sadistically while punishing with more blows to a battered Cooan that was barely able to cover herself as she could. - But meanwhile, it will be an honor for you to enjoy my attentions ... Isn't that what you always wanted, stupid bitch? - He spat as he continued to hit her for mercy, sentencing.- Well, now you have me to yourself!

            When she heard that, Emerald began to tremble, very frightened, she remembered a dream she had had for many years. Then she had just become a normal woman and her new life was just beginning, for which she blamed the nightmare on the remorse of the past. Although now she sensed that there was much more. A terrible and sinister warning. She could barely bring her hands to her mouth in horror. And Bertie, forgetting even her own drama, tried to calm her down.

- Calm down, we're together, we will not let him to hurt us.

- My daughter ... - Emerald babbled in fear and anxiety. - She's alone at home. What would happen if Rubeus showed up there now? I have to go with her! - She could say trying to get up. -

She remembered how she and Diamond had left the girl there. Amethyst was shocked and amazed. She couldn't believe what she had seen. And if that monster appeared surprising her, she would not have the slightest opportunity to defend herself against him.

-Amethyst was almost in shock. - Her horrified mother sobbed. - My poor daughter does not understand what is happening. We didn't have time to explain anything to her.

She remembered now how the poor girl kept asking over and over again when they got home.

-What's going on? How did you do that, dad? What happens to Kerria? That woman couldn't be her!

It was not Diamond but Emerald who, gently holding her daughter's chin with one hand, told her in a firm and loving tone at the same time.

-This is not the time for explanations, chérie. But when all this is over we will tell you what you want to know. Now, stay home and don't move from here. Close the door tightly and hide. Please.

The girl nodded, still staring at her mother with that combination of fear and wonder that dominated her. Emerald remembered that expression and was terrified. What if Rubeus suddenly reappeared and went after Amethyst?

- My daughter is still a child. She won't have any chance against that monster.- Emerald repeated with visible fear.-

- Do not worry - Cooan reassured her by stopping her in her tracks. - I have not finished yet, listen to me carefully, you will see how nothing is to be feared. -

And to prove it, the narration continued with the help of her daughter who declared. -

-When I managed to stop crying a little and saw what was happening and decided that I had to help them.

           That's right, Idina could see everything that happened from the window. Her parents were in grave danger. She had to do something, but what could she do? She was just a girl who had never seen anything like it. For Idina, her father had always been the best fighter, invincible, which no one could even try to hurt and now she had seen how that man gave him that terrible beating. The same as her mother, even though she was really the Lady of Fire, a mythical heroine of whom she had heard impressive things since she was very young. But Tony, or whatever his name really was, had beaten them both with tremendous ease. Anyway, she couldn´t just watch without acting while that evil guy wanted to kill her parents!

-I'm going there! - She said gathering all her courage.-

At that moment Tom, overcoming his serious condition, crawled to his rival. Rubeus saw him do it with a smile of rejoicing. He even allowed him to hold one of his legs while the human said with difficulty.

- You will not harm my family, I will not allow it.

- I think I'll have fun for a while. - His enemy smiled, raising him by the lapels with one hand and adding more and more happy with the march of events. - I promised you a slow death, remember? And I do not like to miss my word. At least in these things, ha, ha, ha, ha! -He stressed his affirmation throwing to the battered Tom to several meters and going to have fun with him. -

            Idina slid down hard holding onto a pillar. She ran and came to her mother who could barely stand, taking her right hand to the opposite shoulder that was dislocated, in addition to suffering various bruises and wounds all over her body. In addition, hard blows received in the stomach, seriously hindered breathing. However, when she saw her daughter arrive, she made an effort and stood up, despite her back hurting too, spitting it out with worry and anger.

-I told you to leave!

- I will not leave you alone! - The poor girl sobbed, helping to support her mother. -

- I sorry I ... - Cooan tried to speak but her strength visibly failed her. Even so, she was able to conclude with a soft, choppy tone from the gasps, in search of air and tinged with regret and fear. - We cannot protect you daughter. You have to escape, honey! You're still in time to save yourself.

- I'm not going to let that evil man kill you.- Idina said with her eyes clouded with tears, trying to get her mother away from there. - I will not allow it!

But Cooan was too punished by the blows and she almost did not stand. She staggered back to the ground and before fainting had a last thought. It was desperate, but it was the only thing there was. Maybe at least her daughter could have a chance to survive. So she gathered strength with several inspirations and told the girl that she was still trying to move her with desperation to get her away from that place.

- Daughter, we only have one chance, I would not have liked to get to this but there is no other solution. Take, put on the pendant. - She laboriously removed the stone from her neck and gave it to her. Cooan returned to her normal state reversing her transformation and explained with visible effort. - It will have to work, you are my blood and you are of pure heart. The stone will recognize it. But you have to be willing to accept it or it will not help ...

-Yes, I am, I'll do anything.- The girl could moan more and more worried about her mother's condition.- Please, tell me what I have to do! ...

Hardly, Cooan gathered enough breath to respond ...

-You must shout, what I shouted. Pure heart of fire, give me the power! and may God help you.

            Idina listened incredulously, but she had no alternative. That maniac was kicking his poor father. He would kill him in front of her if she did not stop him! Carried then by the rage and the desperation she repeated it transforming herself in Justiciera while her mother fainted surrendered by the exhaustion and the wounds.

-Mom! - The girl exclaimed very frightened, trying to wake her up in vain. - Answer back…please…

            Fortunately Cooan was only faint, breathing hard but still alive. Relieved by it, Idina let her rest on the ground and focused her attention on her father, who was still receiving the hard blows and being insulted by Rubeus. The girl knew that it was necessary to intervene immediately, before that monster killed him. But she had no idea what to do! In those moments of shock, she could see herself dressed as a Justiciera, and still not get to believe it, but she had no time to lose.

-Oh my God, help me, now I am the Fire Lady and I do not know what to do! - She pleaded looking up at the sky. –

She remembered the weapon of the justice which her mother had produced, the one that had most attracted her attention since she was a child, that arc of fire. She wanted to have it with her and use it against that evil one. She was furious and full of rage like she had never been in her life. And it was as if that weapon responded to her call, she managed to materialize the bow when she wanted it and she shouted to her enemy that he was stepping on his father's back and laughing with his howls of pain.

-I swear you'll pay for this, monster! Now I will kill you! -

And she tried to shoot the surprised Rubeus who had interrupted his beating against Tom when he heard her, but nothing came out of the arch.

-What's going on? Why does not it come out? - She wondered aloud between astonished and terrified.-

            Leaving his prey that was almost unconscious by the pain, his opponent approached slowly toward Idina that tried with desperation to manage to send an arrow of fire. But these did not appear. The girl was very scared, confused and nervous, not knowing what else she could do. And especially watching with increasing panic as her enemy cut the distance that separated them calmly and even seemed indolent, with a sarcastic mocking smile drawn on his face.

- Ha, ha, ha! You're a mess! -His opponent mocked,  he did not stop humiliating her with his following comments. - What a successor your mother has! You do not even know how to use your weapon. At the moment of truth, you are as useless as she was to fulfill her mission. But don't worry, deep down it's not your fault. It will be that it runs in the family. Come on, let me show you how it's done, girl.

And reluctantly, he threw a ball of energy against Idina, who hit by the blow, fell just a couple of meters away, knocking her down with the explosion and throwing her several meters away. The girl screamed in pain, that burned her right forearm that she had instinctively opposed when she was hit by the blast. Bruised and with the adrenaline shot like almost only bra, she tried to rise again before receiving a new attack, but Rubeus did not come near. Nor did he make the slightest attempt to launch another broadside. He just looked at her like an insect, smiled and screamed at her with disdain.

- Now do not bother me, you brat! First I'll take care of your parents, I'll take care of you later. - He turned to Tom telling himself with glee. - Where were we going? Oh, I was going to finish you off ... ha, ha! He materialized a large energy ball between his hands, raised his arms and prepared to throw it on his badly wounded opponent, who was helpless on the ground. - Say goodbye cretin ...

            Overcoming the pain of her injuries, Idina returned to the arch that had been a couple of meters away from her and aimed tremblingly.

- Please. - She pleaded between tears and clenching her teeth, looking at the weapon as if it were an old friend. - Do not fail me now, do not fail me! My parents will die if you do not shoot. The life of my family depends on you, come on!

Finally, when it seemed impossible, she managed to materialize an arrow of fire and closing her eyes, not daring to look in case she failed, shot against his unsuspecting enemy. The fiery bolt flew swiftly towards its target and pierced his back, causing him to release the ball of energy, which he was accumulating against Tom, on himself. The explosion that took place threw him badly hurt several meters back. Fortunately, his victim was not reached because Rubeus himself served as an involuntary shield and he was barely able to move afterwards. Now his arms and one of his legs were broken. In any case, he drew strength from where they did not seem to fit. He got up as best he could and stammered in rage, pinning his evil eyes on the trembling girl, who had already opened her, almost unable to believe that she had succeeded.

- Damn brat! I'm sure I'll come back to take revenge, I'll kill you all! - He howled to disappear instantly leaving the echo of his threat. -

The girl stood there, puzzled with herself. She looking at her hands that still held the bow with some burning embers. Finally, she reacted by running to the side of her father, she knelt next to him trying to help him.

-Dad! Tell me something please!

Tom did not respond, for a distressing moments, Idina tried to revive him to no avail. At last her father seemed to regain some strength and could hardly tell her.

- Idina ..., look in my left pocket ... of the pants, there are ... some beans ..., take them out ...

            His daughter obeyed in a hurry. She managed to find a couple of them.

- Daddy, I have them! – She responded relieved approaching Tom. -

- Give me one.- He asked with a whisper, he opened his bloodied mouth.-

The girl introduced the bean as delicately as she could and her battered father chewed. After a few seconds he was able to get up almost restored to his daughter's amazement.

- Dad, you're cured! How is it possible? - She exclaimed without believing it. -

- I'll explain everything later. - He replied urging her with his newly renewed dynamism. - Now you have to give the other bean to your mother!

            Idina did it by carefully reviving her to make her eat. Cooan managed to chew it slowly and after tense moments also recovered. The first thing she did then was observe the tearful face of her daughter, whose feelings had returned to her after the truce that her instinct for conservation during the short battle had gave her. Her mother declared visibly moved holding the girl's face tenderly in her hands.

- Honey, thank you very much! You have saved us all, I am very proud of you!

-I ... I did not want to kill him ... I do not want to hurt anyone! - The poor girl cried, collapsing in the arms of her mother.-

-It's okay, sweetheart. It's okay. You did what you had to do. - The sobbing Cooan repeated without ceasing encouraged her. - You have saved us all.

Both embraced crying while Tom, excited and proud too, looked at them full of love for both of them and joined their embrace. Finally he could say with something more serenity.

- We have to go home. Quick, you have to warn the others! I do not believe that that evil born has died. And if he has fled for sure he will try to recover from his wounds and return.

Idina then she took off that necklace, returning to her normal state.

-Take mom.- She sighed she exhausted by the tension.-

-Thank you dear.- Her mother smiled slightly, putting that pendant back on.

            Once they were able to return to their home Tom tried to call but they did not answer him on the phone. Finally he decided to rest with his family to try to reorder his ideas. And in that way a few hours passed and although they were already physically recovered thanks to the beans, they kept on guard with evident fear. At night the three of them decided to watch the television together to try to forget about that bad experience when Roy suddenly appeared out of nowhere to tell them what happened here and transport them ...

- And that's it. – Cooan said, concluding her story. - The rest you already know.

-It's something terrible.- Karaberasu could say.- I could never even imagine that that scoundrel would come back.

- Then, if he is not dead, he will surely come back for us when he recovers, we must be ready to face him.- Emerald affirmed, adding decisively on this occasion.- And above all, to prevent him from approaching our children.

- Well I believe...

Beruche could not finish the sentence, a tremendous noise shook the house. The living room window exploded into a thousand pieces and a dense black smoke flooded the room, a silhouette could be guessed among those shreds of smoke.

-Is him! - Emerald shouted terrified, pointing a finger and sentencing. - Rubeus has returned! …

-Rubeus? And who is he? ... Any friends of yours? - A feminine voice full of burlesque and cruel tone, inquired to add with amused sarcasm.- Well, I am sorry for him, but I have found you first ...

           Then they all looked there with expressions of terror on their faces. Indeed it was not Rubeus, for Beruche it was something even more terrifying. She would truly have preferred a thousand times to see her old master as strong and malignant as he was now, than the vision she had before her. When the smoke cleared completely discovering the figure that sheltered. Before them, dressed in a black body, high red boots and a long cloak of the same blood color rippling in the air, they could see a young woman from behind. And as she turned, her eyes shining with bright red eyes full of hatred, they recognized her as Kerria. However, this was none other than the cruel and ruthless Devilish Lady, who returned to fulfill her promise of revenge.

-Now, we are going to have a nice family reunion. - That sinister newcomer smiled, delighting in the faces of horror and concern from her audience. -

Meanwhile, Debbie had returned to her house. She was truly shocked by everything that mysterious individual had told her.

-I can not believe it. Then. What should I do?

On the one hand, the girl always knew that she had a special sensitivity. But she, too, wanted to lead a life as normal as possible.

-That in itself was difficult for me. I've never fit in anywhere. And now ... -she thought with a mixture of resignation and sadness.-

She remembered that conversation she had with that man. With him she could not be reserved or sarcastic, as she did with other strangers, to protect her own privacy. What's more, for some reason that she didn't understand, she knew that she could trust him. So she decided to be clear and as soon as she was led into that back room, she commented to him.

-I'm very worried about my girlfriend. Something has happened to her.

-You are not mistaken.- That individual nodded. - Kerria is fighting a tough battle.

Deborah opened her eyes with evident surprise, first, that guy was not surprised that the two were girls, but the most amazing thing, and that even scared her, was that he knew the name of his partner, so he could not help asking .

-How do you know who I'm talking about?

-I know many things. Although now there is only one important. And that is your presence here.- said that man affably, to add already in a more solemn way.- Deborah, you have a very important role to play. But not now. Kerria's story is not yours.

-What's not mine? What does she mean by that? I love her! I can't let anything bad happen to her.- The girl protested without going to consider the other words of her interlocutor.

It could be that, despite everything, it was one of those who did not like love relationships of people of the same sex. Although this individual only smiled slightly and shook his head, she answered herself.

-It has nothing to do with what you think. It is about something else. Your path will take you to another place. Take the time to be with Susan. She will need you before embarking on her own adventure, which will take her far beyond anything you can imagine.

-What does my sister have to do with this? Is something bad going to happen to her?

It would be terrible. Sue herself was just finishing high school in Los Angeles, and getting ready to enter that new Academy there. Was she in some kind of danger? What was this guy trying to imply? Was he trying to make her understand that she must choose between her adored older sister and her love? That was impossible. Fortunately, though, that individual didn't seem to be concerned, and he added her cheerfully.

-Your sister is a fighter, the same as you. And she will prove it. She will know how to take good care of her. Do not worry.

-Susan is. She wants to enter that military academy and she will surely succeed. She was always very determined. However, I am not a fighter.- Debbie denied.- I only aspire to live in peace. And with my girlfriend. Without anyone insulting or humiliating us for being who we are and for loving us.

-You're right about that. But there are things that are above even those so laudable desires.- She replied to her companion, claiming enigmatically.- Let's say that there are events that have to happen in a way. The future must be built in a certain way and there are elements that threaten that construction. You are someone important in the future of things, Debbie. But not here, not at this time. I assure you that, although you may not believe it now, you will meet other people with whom you will forge very important ties. And you will be connected with them because of that special sensitivity that you have. Like the young man who gave you that card with this address.

The girl looked at him stunned again. She certainly wanted that guy to be more explicit. But her companion shook her head as if she already knew in advance what she was going to ask him and she sentenced.

-I can't reveal anything you will have to live with, young Debbie. It will be up to you to discover it. The only thing you should know is that your path and Kerria's will have to separate now, and one day not too far away you will meet again, but each one will already have her life and her destiny headed in different directions.

She remembered those words asking that question once more.

-What should I do? How could I help her? ...

Another girl who was really scared and puzzled was Amethyst. She still she was not able to assimilate what she had seen. First to Kerria with that strange appearance attacking her in that unreal way, as if she had escaped from a horror movie! But that was even nothing compared to what she saw her father do. How was it possible that she was able to fly? And besides she had rejected that terrible ray of fire that Kerria used against her as if of a hair! ta, or a mosquito, just slapping it!

-I do not know what is happening. But I must find out. It's like my parents and Leval and Kerria's have a big hidden secret. Maybe they have some kind of device, like the ones that godfather Ian develops in his companies. Or a special suit that allows them to do those things. Yes, that must be it! ... -She said to herself trying to rationalize that.-

She really thought that theory was not so far-fetched. In fact, her father and her uncle Sapphire worked in those research and development divisions. Her friend Satory had told her about that. Unfortunately Amethyst had never been interested in such things. Now it saddened her that he had been so superficial. In any case, she hoped it was some such breakthrough, the one that made it possible for her father to rise into the air and stop that attack.

-Maybe Kerria is deranged and that she somehow had access to one of those devices, some laser pistol. And to cover up that technology, these strange stories have been invented. - She wanted to believe.

She of course she preferred to embrace that idea to the version she had heard at that poor girl's house. Demons, sects, supernatural threats to destroy the world… it was impossible for her to accept that no demon had possessed Kerria.

-Do not. What has happened is that they have taken her too far with the ridicule and contempt of her. And I have been as guilty as those who have insulted her. - She reproached herself bitterly.- Now I don't know what I could do for her.

And she wanted by all means to be able to help her friend and the rest of her family. She was struggling to think how.

-In spite of everything, I'm just a normal girl. - She thought with anxiety. - How could I face that?"

However, no matter how badly she was going through it, torturing herself with those thoughts. He was in no danger at the moment. Fortunately for her, she was safe in her home, completely oblivious to the bitter trance that her mother and the others were suffering with the arrival of that being of darkness that her friend Kerria seemed to have become.

**ESPAÑOL**

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