GWB29E

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**74. An old enemy.**

It was Tom who first started telling the story. Remembering what happened in the last days.

- You see, our daughter Idina studies in a high school in Portland, she's very good at singing, she has a natural gift.

- Yes, since she was very small she has taken ballet and singing lessons, she likes it a lot, she also has guitar and piano studios. Her grandmother Sarah taught her a lot. She was a music teacher. And then both Tommy and I helped her and encouraged her to continue. - Cooan pointed out with pride. -

            Although her husband immediately took up the word because he was aware that his friends waited impatiently to be straight to the point. So he added, ceasing to tell them that kind of background.

- She was giving a recital together with other girls of her course when ...

            Dressed in a nice white evening dress with a long, silky skirt, Idina had just played the "Claro de Luna" sonata at the piano, receiving great applause from the audience. She, blushing, greeted with a slight bow and a broad smile. Her parents must have been lost among the public, because there were many people in that great room. She looked for them with my eyes but she could not find them. Well, she would see you later, now she would enjoy the applause. When these were extinguished she set out to get off the stage. Distracted in finding her family, she did not notice the presence next to a man, reddish-blond hair, whose body was well-formed under an elegant suit of Italian cut navy blue and white shirt without tie. His face was quite attractive and his eyes seemed to contain a fascinating mixture of intelligence and passionate analysis. He approached her in a very polite way while showing her a canvas that he was carrying in his hand. His voice sounded jovial, warm and without a hint of shyness, when he told her.

- Excuse me if I seem daring but I could not help but delight with your great interpretation, congratulations! Also your great beauty has caught my attention.

Idina was surprised by those compliments so bold  but she contemplated pleased the outline of her that man had made in charcoal.

- It's magnificent! You are a great artist! – She exclaimed admired and especially feeling very flattered. -

- My name is Tony, Tony Suebur, I am a painter.- He introduced himself by offering his hand to Idina who shook it gently. - I specialize in portraits, especially of pretty girls and I would like very much to be able to paint yours. Doing it in proper conditions of course, your talent inspires me a lot.

- You see - she replied thoughtfully and very reluctantly. - I'm still not old enough to decide that. I would have to ask my parents for permission. I do not think they approve it without first talking to you.

- You're right. - The painter agreed, adopting a more serious expression and affirming immediately with renewed optimism. - I'll talk to them, I assure you. But now I'm in a hurry, it'll be another time, take this.- He gave Idina the sketch.- Keep it! Until we see each other again and I can paint the final one. Which I hope will be very soon.

And giving the astonished girl a charming smile, he went away losing himself among the people with very slow gaits and at the same time agile and sure. The girl remained pensive, almost in a state of reverie imagining herself in a painting, dressed in a beautiful suit and painted by that handsome artist. All that was very similar to that bohemian romanticism that was so fashionable at the end of the 19th century. A Mouline Rouge think. At least she had read that somewhere. Her little friend Nehie told her long ago that, as a queen she was, the several artists had painted some portraits of her. That made her very envious being small. So now, given this opportunity, why not? She could have her own. In addition, she imagined herself as a kind of possible muse for an incipient genius of painting and sighed delighted with the idea. It would be nice to help a young and kind artist like that guy. In that instant, her mother's voice brought her back to reality.

- Daughter! - Cooan called her - your father and I are here.- So she raised her hand among a large group of people to underline it by praising it next. - You've been magnificent, honey!

            Mr. and Ms.  Rodney made their way through the remains of the crowd to their daughter. Idina was waiting for them radiant and after receiving the hugs and the following congratulations from their parents, she told them what happened.

- I do not know - his father said, putting a hand to his chin in a doubtful gesture - you should not trust the first one, Idina. You are too innocent and inexperienced.

- Dad. - She defended herself. - I explained him that I would have to talk to you first, but he told me he was in a hurry and that he would ask you to do it another time.

- If that guy bothers you again, tell me right away. - Tom told him without trusting at all. -

- Dad, he did not bother me, he was very kind and very polite. - The girl said. -

- Of course he draws very well. - Cooan admitted taking the portrait in her hands to admire it more closely. – That fact cannot be denied.

- Well, - her father intervened trying to leave the subject. - Let's go home, a delicious dinner will be good to celebrate your great performance, daughter.

            Everyone left and the rest of the day passed normally. The girl asked her parents.

- Do you know  anything about Alan and Lance? Have they called from their camp?

-You know how they are.- Her mother smiled.- They will be having such a good time that they do not even remember us.

-Don't be like that.- Her husband smiled, pleading for his children.- Alan sent me a WhatsApp. They are having a great time, yes. Especially him. He loves excursions, although he says that Lance does not like them that much. That prefers to visit the city before doing marches with the scouts.

-Well, he still has a few days left to try to get rid of it.- Idina laughed, who knew her brother well, at least in that aspect.-

-Yeah, Lance almost looks more like my brother Daniel's son than mine.- Tom smiled. - Everything that being in front of a computer keyboard or reading is what he likes the most.

-Every one of you has a different personality, but we love you all equally.- Cooan assured giving a kiss on the forehead to her daughter.-

Idina smiled for that and the evening developed with nothing more to review. A couple of days passed and one morning, on the way to school, the girl came across the artist again. He saw her from afar and immediately approached, greeting her again with his exquisite manners. This time he wore a long white pants and a dark blue shirt, on which he wore a thin gold chain.

- Hello again. - Tony smiled, asking in a very cordial way. - Have you thought about my offer?

- Hello, how are you? - She replied returning the smile to excuse something hurried. -Well, I have not been able yet. You have not talked to my parents yet.

- I'll do it, if you give me your phone. - The painter quickly answered taking a notepad and a pencil out of a pocket of his trousers. - Do you have a cellphone?

-I do not have permission to tell it to strangers. But I can tell you the one of my house.

-It is the most reasonable.- His interlocutor conceded.-

So Idina gave her the address number of her parents. Tony again said goodbye to her, pretexting his busy schedule. Upon returning from high school, the girl was greeted by her mother who was not too happy.

-But how did you come up with to give that man our phone number? - She scolded her with arms on hips.-

-Did he call, Mama?- Idina asked surprised and also happy, as if she had not noticed the anger of her mother. -

- Yes, he did- she answered, adding with a restless mood. - And I'm very worried that he was so interested in you, daughter.

- But mom. - The girl argued. - He is an artist and says that my talent inspires him.

-And your tits too! - her interlocutor snapped.-

After that sentence there were moments of uncomfortable silence. Cooan had enervated without being able to avoid leaving her daughter astonished, the truth is that she feared that the girl was too good and naive. She had been very protected from any kind of bad influence and was not able to believe that anyone had bad intentions. Although that, and unfortunately, had to change, she was not a little girl anymore. Or at least, she was old enough to start seeing the world more clearly. Anyway, Cooan immediately sighed, calming that outburst and added in a more conciliatory and gentle tone, but no less serious.

- I am sorry, daughter, I know it's not good to talk like that, but you're almost fifteen years old. Physically you are a woman and very attractive by the way, men notice you. You still do not notice it, but you must be very careful. There is a lot of pervert out there. And many unscrupulous men who would not hesitate to take advantage of your good faith.

- Ok mom, - Idina acknowledged lowering her head, it bothered her that they thought her so stupid. - I'll remember, do not worry ...

Of course she knew it, but that's why she had not accepted that proposal. Although she wished, she did not want to do it without permission and told her parents right away. Anyway, she wanted to reassure her mother, because she understood that she only cared for her and assured her once more.

-I promise you that I will not be neglected.- Then an idea occurred to her and she proposed. - Why do not you come with me one day if he tell us his address?

- He already told me on the phone. - Her mother told her as if in this way she would imply that this guy was not as innocent as he seemed, so she searched until she found a piece of paper where she had written it down. - Of course we'll go, he asked me if we could go tomorrow afternoon.- Cooan sighed and walked around the room adding with resignation. - I will not be able to, I have an excursion with the children in the nursery, I promised the little ones that we would go to the zoo. But if your father can go, that's fine with me. He will check immediately if that man is legit or not.

            Idina did palms crazy happy. Surely if her father went with her he would realize that Tony was a very nice boy and there would be no further problems.

-How nice! - She jumped exclaiming excitedly. - I could have my portrait.

Her mother sighed, shaking her head slightly. Idina worried him. Although she had nothing to do, for example, with the things her sister Bertie had told her about Kerria. Her niece had apparently started going out a lot and being late. Nothing to do with her brother Leval, studious, orderly and methodical. Although that, at least, seemed like the typical natural behavior of a teenage girl. Then there was Garnet, Petz's wayward son who wouldn't stop doing mischief, even if it was without malicious intent. He contrasted with Coraíon's more sedate and prudent character. About Kalie, Cooan had little idea of ​​her sister's children, but it seemed that both Mazoui and Kathy must be good boys and would not create problems for her mother. The fact is that she could not say that Idina was neither naughty, nor responding, nor that she, much less she was in that phase of adolescent rebellion. Quite the opposite! Perhaps if so, she would have been prepared to respond by taking more concrete action. The bad thing was that, in a way, her daughter was too good, homey, sweet, loving and trusting. And she did not show (that Cooan knew at least) how old she was on the mental plane. Not that she was immature and irresponsible, on the contrary, she was studious, dutiful and educated, although very innocent and naive.

-It's our fault. In an effort to protect her and hers, we educate them in such a safe environment and surrounded by good people that the girl believes that everyone is to be trusted. Alan is older and more aware of that, and Lance has always been much more thoughtful and cautious. But Idina thinks that everyone is good and pure of intentions. Well, not all of them are, daughter. "She meditated uneasily." There are terrible monsters out there, and they are not demons, or droids, or invaders from space. What's more, they can be very handsome and appear to be charming. I know this very well, I learned a very bitter lesson when I was a little older than your age and I was fooled by a wolf in sheep's clothing. That's what scares me the most, darling. That neither I was able to realize it, nor could you see it coming.

I was in those internal disquisitions when her husband returned from his gym. Cooan immediately told him about the conversation. He listened carefully and agreed to accompany her daughter.

-Sure, I have no problem, Connie, don't worry. I'll watch over our little girl. As soon as she makes sure that her intentions are honest. If possible, and with me there, that man will be able to paint her portrait.

- I trust you, I know that by your side she will be safe. - Her wife agreed.-

Furthermore, Tom, in a gesture of astute foresight, decided not to warn the artist. If that guy was sincere they would apologize later for the intrusion, but this way he would find him really working, or not, you never know. It was a way of checking if that man was what he claimed.

-Tomorrow I will go with you, daughter.- Tom told the girl who jumped up full of joy.

-Brilliant! Thanks dad! -She exclaimed hugging him.-

Tom and Cooan smiled, they loved seeing her daughter so happy. So they would do anything to keep her happy and safe. They had dinner and after a while they went to bed. Idina, full of impatience for the hour to come, could barely fall asleep.

-It's true. - The girl commented now, with a tone between guilty and in a hurry. - I was like crazy waiting for that moment. I was a fool!

-No honey, you lack experience in life. Nothing else.- She was encouraged by her father who continued with her story.

And finally, the next day, late in the afternoon, they went to the place indicated by the signs that Cooan had taken. They corresponded to a studio located in the best part of the city. Tom was quite impressed.

- Of course this guy has a good place to work. - He declared valuing the surroundings with his eyes and nodding approvingly. -

            He called the intercom and a polite male voice invited them to come by opening the door. Tom and Idina went up in a wrought-iron elevator in the style of the early twentieth century. The girl smiled to herself, that was beginning to be the same as in her first thoughts. That Bohemian romanticism somewhat outdated but full of glamor. Once before the door and before the girl's father could call. The same voice told them.

- Come in, it's open.

            Indeed, the door was opened only by pushing it, yielding meekly and without screeching. (It would have been a sign of ill omen, but it seemed as mild as the manners of its owner). So, without further ado, Tom and his daughter entered very slowly as they scrutinized the place.

-Well, dad. This seems very big .- The girl commented .-

- bequiet! - He said .- Let's browse a little without he seeing us.

-But that's not right.- The girl opposed.-

-In this case, yes.- His father refuted her.- We have to make sure ...

            The studio was full of easels with half-finished paintings, all had a high quality. They looked at them one by one. Tom was amazed, not that he was an art connoisseur, but in his opinion, that guy really knew how to paint and captured the soul of what he portrayed. He barely stopped with his attention on the last canvas when the artist approached with an apron stained with paint and the sleeves of his shirt rolled up. He held out a hand that was previously wiped with a rag and presented with warm politeness.

-How are you? I am Tony Suebur, I trust you will know how to excuse my audacity with regard to your daughter, but I assure you that only artistic interests move me.

- Nice to meet you. - Replied his interlocutor in a courteous manner but making an effort because he seemed still distrustful. - I'm Thomas Alan Rodney, Idina's father as you have been able to deduce. Sorry that we have showed without warning. - There was a moment of embarrassing silence and added as if this justified it fully. - You will understand that it is my duty to worry about my daughter.

            Although, and in honor of that man, he fitted that initial distrust with naturalness and agreed with his best tone of kindness.

- Perfectly, do not be uneasy. If I were in your situation I would do exactly the same. And I assure you that if she agrees to me portraying her, you will be at her side. Needless to say, I will not make any pictures of your daughter without your prior permission, of course.

            Tom tried to order his ideas, at first glance that guy seemed exemplary. But he had too much experience not to be wrapped so quickly and less when the package was so nice, that always led him to suspect. Things are not usually as they seem. Although sometimes yes, the difficult thing is to know how to identify when it is this way or not. Anyway, the decisive factor was at his side without stopping jumping and asking him with a sweet voice.

-Oh yeah! Please, dad. I'm so looking forward to having a picture.

And for him that contentment of his daughter weighed too much, it was impossible to try to get defensive in that environment. Tony, meanwhile, flashed a broad smile on his handsome face addressing the girl in the same way his own father had. Realistically and weighing the inconveniences.

- I have to warn you that being a model is very dull sometimes. You will have to be quiet for several hours and we may need several sessions. It is something that should be thought well.

- I do not care! - she replied visibly excited. - I am very excited to have my own portrait!

- But, you will have a lot of work to do. - Tom intervened with the utmost sharpness he could use. Trying to look for a "but" to that succession of ideal situations and the response of that man could depend on his final decision. - Why so much interest for my daughter? There are many other beautiful girls to portray.

- Yes, but your daughter has something, something else. - The artist answered with a gesture that seemed thoughtful and a voice provided with the right touch of conviction. - She has talent, art is present in her. And I feel in her debt.

-In her debt? - Tom repeated without understanding. -

- Yes, she offered us her a wonderful piano concert, I could enjoy her art and I would like to reciprocate making you enjoy mine. So, when She was a famous pianist, I'd be able to say that I painted a portrait of her.

            Idina blushed, it sounded like what she had thought, only in the opposite direction. If she was going to lend a hand to that boy so that when he was known she could boast that he painted her portrait, Tony claimed the opposite. That encouraged her even more, believing that this artist and herself had the same way of thinking, that they understood each other without words. Even Tom was surprised without knowing what to say, but pleased by that idea. Besides, he had seen the other paintings and had to admit that those words made sense. The painter did not seem to speak just for speaking. Surely he would have seen in his daughter something special and that he could capture it in a painting. So he had to give up.

- Then do not talk, anymore. - Tom yielded. – Please, you can start whenever you want.

- Let's do it right then. - Tony thanked him with moderate enthusiasm. -

            And that pleased his interlocutor even more. He would have suspected something if that man had told him the hokey "you will not regret". But that guy behaved perfectly and completely naturally. He had brought a chair to Idina to sit down and offered Tom another one that he accepted without a compliment. He even offered them to drink something but both father and daughter politely refused. In this way, Tony began to sketch and after an hour to paint. After a while Idina showed signs of fatigue. The artist, who noticed this quickly, told her very kindly.

- To be the first session, we have done much more than enough. If you wish, we will continue another day.

- Yes, thank you very much. - Idina smiled asking with notorious desire. - Can I see the painting?

            However, the painter refused with another polite smile.

- We artists are very maniac sometimes. - He explained with fatherly courtesy. - We do not like our clients to see our unfinished works.

-Yes, I understand that.- Tom said, commenting to his daughter almost in a funny way.- Be patient, it will be more beautiful when we see it finished.

            Despite her interest Idina did not insist, she and her father said goodbye to the artist returning home ...

-I want him to finish it! - The excited girl affirmed.-

- Be patient my darling. - Tom repeated laughingly, placing a hand on his daughter's right shoulder. -

At that moment Karaberasu and Mazoui arrived. There were new greetings full of affection and emotion.

-I've left Katherine in the apartment. I do not think there's a need for her to be here. -Kalie justified herself. -

-You've done well.- Bertie nodded.-

The girl had suffered a hard impression and although she did not blame her brother for anything, she needed to be alone. This is how the newcomer commented. He still remembered the conversation he had with her. Once the two of them entered the girl's room.

-Are you okay, darling? - Asked a restless Karaberasu.

-Yes, thanks mom.- the girl whispered.

Kalie didn't know how to approach the subject, it was difficult and very annoying. But she took advantage of the fact that her son was in another room changing.

-You know that the one who attacked you was not your brother, right? - She dared to ask the girl with a pleading tone and trembling voice.

Katherine stared at her and her mother feared the worst. It could be that this terrible incident, despite the courage shown by her daughter, created a gulf between the two brothers that could not be bridged. Fortunately and to her relief and joy, the girl answered with a sure and gentle tone.

-I know Mazzi loves me as much as I love him. If he was able to get out of that kind of spell they did to him, it was because he cared more about me than that evil power that controlled him. And I know that I should never tell him what happened. -She added sadly.- He would never forgive himself.

-My girl! - Karaberasu hugged her, between excited and grateful.- Thank you for being such a good sister to him.

After separating from that hug, the young woman sighed, pleading with regret.

-I know that it is very hard for him to cope with that kind of disease that he has. And that he finds it difficult to make friends or go out with girls out of fear. But I will always be by his side when he needs me.

Her mother nodded, proud and very relieved, and she went on to say.

-Now I have to go with him to see your uncles. They may need us. You better stay here.

-Okay, Mom. - She agreed, claiming.- Anyway, I'm a little tired.

Karaberasu affectionately kissed her daughter on the forehead and left her to rest. Then she went to the living room about to see how her son also left her room already changed and ready.

-We have to go, Mom. Something bad is going to happen at Uncle Roy and Aunt Bertie's house. I feel it. And I think they are going to need our help.

-Let's go. Your sister stays. She is exhausted.- Kalie told her son without wanting to give him more details.-

He agreed. Kathy had been through a very rough time.

-I should have been able to protect her." -The boy lamented.-

-You did, believe me, darling. - She replied affectionately. - Come on, let's help your uncles.

Mazoui nodded. Now, alongside her son, she was ready to do whatever it took to lend a hand. However, she had no idea what she would be. For now they joined the rest and chatted a bit about the situation they were facing but with a tinge of optimism, conjuring themselves to get out of it, as they always did in the old days.

-I'm very glad to see you again.- Cooan said hugging her sister.- At last we are reunited again ... and your son is a really handsome boy.

             Somewhat embarrassed to receive such compliments Mazoui saluted in turn and watching his cousin Idina he perceived something strange. She felt nervous and somewhat scared. That girl had to go through a terrible test too. It seemed as if the fate of his family was that. From what her mother told him, her own sister Kathy behaved admirably in the face of this sectarian attack. Idina in turn gave all the impression of having suffered the same or similar situation and as for her cousin Kerria ... he just hoped that they could recover her from the clutches of evil in time. Despite not knowing exactly what had happened the boy had a very bad feeling. Nevertheless, he decided to remain silent for the moment. So, after a few minutes of conversation between the group, Emerald, with patent curiosity, asked Cooan, also attracting the interest of the rest.

-And when do you enter  in the story? ...

- Now precisely. – Cooan replied continuing the story. - It was when Tom and my daughter were in the painter's studio, I took my children to an excursion, that of the zoo. Then we went back by bus and I taught the kids to spell words. I had the address of that artist in my bag and when I went to get a pencil, I dropped it, a child picked it up and tried to spell it ...

- Miss look S U E B U R Did I say it right?

- Very good Mike. - Cooan smirked. -

- And now, I'll do it the other way around, Miss! - the little boy exclaimed excited about his success. - R. U. B. E .U. S.

             And despite the obvious, that seemed to get stuck in her mind as if it were clogged with cement made of incredulity and absurdity. She had to mumble the contents of that paper and when she heard herself say the words and mentally put the word together, Cooan's face changed, snatched the list from the child's hands.

-What  did you say? - She asked agitated, as if she still could not believe her own reading. -

- Have I said it wrong? - Asked the small boy worried and even frightened by the reaction of his teacher, he thought that perhaps he could have said some curse. - I'm sorry, Miss Connie.

            She noticed the frightened face of the child and took hold of all his aplomb. She calmed down as much as possible, she was questioning that poor kid as if he was responsible for that.

- No, it's okay, honey, it's fine. Come on, let's leave it for today, okay? - She smiled at him, trying to disguise the growing concern that assailed her on her dark face. -

            Once she returned home, she waited for her husband and daughter. Cooan stopped the narrative and wrote to the girls those letters on a paper as a demonstration.

- You see?

-It cannot be! - Beruche exclaimed with visible stupor. - It has to be only a coincidence.

- Let's not jump to conclusions prematurely. And keep counting. - Karaberasu asked as intrigued as the rest but showing more temper in her voice. -

            Her younger sister nodded, although she was calm to know the outcome of what the others did not know. She continued with her story ...

When Tom and Idina returned, they found Cooan very worried. Her husband approached asking what was happening and she, waiting for the girl to go to her room, confessed the reason for her nervousness.

- But. What's the matter, Connie? He inquired when he looked at her face, she was pale, she looked very scared, Tom was worried. -

- It's that painter, Tom, look what I have discovered! - She whispered alarmed showing him the paper. -

- And what is that particular about? - Her husband asked with a shrug. -

            Taking advantage of the fact that Idina, oblivious to this, was still in her room. Cooan explained.

- That was the name of our old master, the one of the Black Moon! The one that brought us to the past of the Earth to fulfill the mission to kill Chibiusa and destroy the crystals point. The same one who tried to kill me with a bomb. Remember that I told you about it years ago.

-But Connie! - Tom exclaimed incredulously and with a placating spirit. - That guy died more than twenty years ago. You told me that he faced the sailors and they finished him. Are not you getting a bit paranoid?

            Cooan relaxed. Now she felt embarrassed, she seemed to think better.

- You're right, it will be nothing more than a sinister coincidence.

- Besides, that guy is very kind. – His skeptical husband added to end that absurd fear. -I have personally seen how he works and he is a magnificent artist, do not fear. And I assure you he has not tried to kill us or anything like that ...

- Yes, do not worry.- Cooan nodded more calmly - sometimes I am cautious. The truth is that it is ridiculous. Forgive me…

She affirmed it already convinced, and smiled mocking her own concern. The truth is that she even was assaulted by desires to apologize to that poor man, oblivious to her suspicions, to confuse him in that way.

- Sure ... Go on, you have to relax. - Her husband smiled, putting an arm around her shoulders.-

His interlocutor sighed now to sentence.

- Yes. I have been like a fool.

            Her husband gave her a short shoulder massage that she thanked. The truth is that after that hard day with the children and that scare that she had had she was tense. She could sigh in relief long now. Tom as an expert in martial arts, and after having studied some courses of oriental techniques, knew how to calm her and also how to stimulate her for other occasions! However now it was more time for the first. Although the therapeutic treatment was interrupted right away. Idina went down to the dining room, she was hungry, having posed for so long was more exhausting than it seemed.

- Mom, what about dinner? - Although when she saw her mother sitting on the sofa thoughtful and her father slapping her on the back asked with concern.  Is there any matter?

- No, daughter, nothing, I'm just tired. Children give a lot of war when they go hiking and I'm not so young anymore. - Cooan concealed, encouraging her gesture with a smile. - They've left me a rag.

- Then do not worry, I'll do something, and in the process I can prepare dinner for everyone. - The girl offered herself solicitously. -

- I thank you honey. - Her mother smiled, relaxing her tension at last. -

- Are you sure you know how to cook? - Her father asked making a joke, contributed to it, with a funny tone trying to puncture his daughter. - I do not know, I do not know…

- Dad, you know very well that I'm a good cook. - Idina was claimed before the smile of her parents. – I cook a very rich pasta.

- It's okay. - Tom laughed with exaggerated solemn tone. - I'll take the risk!

- What do you risk? - The girl reproached with feigned indignation, giving him on the head with a napkin. His father who began to dodge it with a comical expression of horror. - Not that I was going to poison you!

            Everyone laughed and in fact, Idina took care of the dinner, and as the girl claimed it was delicious and there was no regret for any intoxication. They chatted more relaxed while they finished.

-I admit that you are very good in the kitchen.- Her father declared.- You are a great cook.

-The grandmother Sarah taught me some things.- Idina replied with a clear blush and pleasant to hear that.- And one of these days I want to make her apple pie.

-Those are big words. - Cooan laughed, adding. - It was hard for me to reach an acceptable version of that.

- Aunt Mimette also explained to me some tricks to make pies. She does it very well .- The girl commented.-

-Even though your aunt is so clueless that I think she confuses the flasks in her laboratory with the kitchen containers! -  Tom laughed.

-Don't say those things about poor Mimette! - His wife scolded him with humor, laughing in turn to point out.- Even if they are true.

-Poor cousin Mimi, sometimes she gets very red when Aunt Mimette does one of hers.- Idina laughted.- I haven't seen her for a long time, I suppose they will continue the same.

           The three laughed a lot at that. Their relative Mimette was in fact very special. So the evening passed. The next day was Sunday. The girl went to pose again. Tom was busy and had dispelled his misgivings, despite, or precisely because of the note that Cooan showed him. The assumption that it could be a guy who died so many years ago was ridiculous and more than knowing that the clue he would have left in the note, if it had been him, it was so clear. So he did not mind telling the girl that later he would pick her up. He was still at home preparing the training program for his gym's high belts when, at the end of an hour, a package arrived. Cooan, who was in charge of preparing the activities for her students, picked it up, signed the receipt to the messenger boy, giving him a tip that he gladly thanked before leaving. Cooan enter the package in the house. She examined the wrapping, a simple earth-colored paper What could it be?, Its shape was slightly rectangular and its thickness about four centimeters or so, although it was noticeable that it must be somewhat hollow inside, as the fingers crushed the paper without difficulty noticing a kind of rim on the outside. Out of curiosity as she was, she had  to open it in order to solve that mystery. Although she saw it on the back, she knew right away that it was a painting. A note traced with skillful and gothic calligraphy accompanied it.

- Here is a preview, I trust that I have managed to capture the true essence of the protagonist. One that will last at least a thousand years. –Cooan read, realizing that it had no signature. -

So she, more and more intrigued, she turned to look at it, and it all happened in just a second, the painting crashing to the ground as she put her hands to her cheeks and let out a frightened cry. In the adjoining room, Tom jumped out of her chair and came over quickly when he heard her, immediately grabbing hold of her trembling woman who seemed to be about to faint.

-But Connie, what's the matter with you? - He wanted to know really astonished and worried to see her in that state. -

-Look ,look at this! - It was the only thing she could answer, pointing the box hysterically until she was able to add with a broken voice. - That ... that picture, it's not possible. My God!, it's not possible. - Tears rolled down her cheeks and her face was contracted in a grimace of dread. -

Tom, after looking at his wife with a mixture of surprise and fear, devoted his attention to that, picked up the picture of the ground looking at him surprised and exclaiming.

-But ... What the hell means this!

            It was a portrait of Cooan, or not. It was Idina, the resemblance was so great that it was almost impossible to tell them apart. Although, on the face of his daughter wore a sinister smile. Then he saw in detail the purple striped dress with which it was depicted. The girl also wore a kind of jewel. It looked like a fairly large and orthogonal sapphire, on the base where the hair was born. Just above the forehead and painted on it, a black crescent with the horns pointing downwards. And in one of her hands the girl held a tiny glass perfume bottle with a capricious design.

-I do not understand, honey. Why did you wear that? What is it? - Tom asked his wife, adding with reflective bewilderment. - The fact is that I am familiar, but I cannot remember where.

- It's my old Ayakashi costume! - Cooan yelled in terror. - I was wearing it when I arrived on Earth. It is that artist, he knows who I was, the name inverted on paper, everything fits. It must be him!

            Her husband welcomed her into his arms, trying by all means to serene her. Despite starting to be restless, they had to remain calm and reason.

- Calm down, you're very nervous. Maybe Idina told him. - He argued. -

- Good God Tom! You know as well as I do that I have never told our children about our past, or my old life. And less to Idina. Please! I beg you, let's go there. Our daughter is in danger, she needs us! - She asked desperately holding on to an arm of her husband who was increasingly worried. -I know, I can feel it ...

Tom looked at her scared now. Even so, he tried to calm her down and hurried to find another explanation.

- It could be someone from the government, they do know ...

But his reasoning died without being able to complete. Cooan shook his arm with the strength that gives the certainty of an impending tragedy that should be avoided at any price and insisted.

- Nobody can know that, all the details! - Howled sentencing in a state of hysteria. - That perfume bottle, I gave it to him the same day that I became a normal woman! I never told anyone, not even my sisters. We only knew, he and I!

            And Tom was paralyzed by a chill, he knew then that his wife was not wrong. They must hurry or possibly their daughter's life was in grave danger ...

-OMG! - He could muster pale and along with his wife ran to the home of that guy .-

            Idina meanwhile had gone up to the painter's studio that seemed deserted. With curiosity, she went through the gallery of easels with portraits and finally, she reached where it was. She looked expectantly and what she saw loved it, although she could not understand why Tony would have painted her with such strange clothes.

- It's a bit weird - she said aloud - although this costume must be recognized as original ...

-Do you like it? - She heard a voice behind her that asked her that question with interest, although when she entered she had not noticed the presence of anyone. -

            The young woman turned around and discovered Tony behind her. He wore a vest over his torso and a pendant, his hair was now red as fire, a black crescent with the tips down adorned his forehead and without ceasing to smile humming with ease and did not do badly to the surprised and pleased girl´s opinion.

***I start to paint you***

***and I do not get it***

***after studying you slowly I finish***

***thinking***

***Missing on my palette***

***intense colors that***

***Reflect your rare beauty***

***I can not***

***capture your smile,***

***translate your look***

***But little by little***

***I only think of you...***

***you keep coming***

***and you're still posing ...***

***With a lot of patience***

***Because always my canvas***

***it is white***

***The hours***

***they fly by***

***and there is little work ahead for your portrait***

***Suspect***

***That you are not in a hurry***

***and that you are pleased***

***see that little by little***

***I only think of you...***

**(I only think of you. Miguel Bosé, credit to the author)**

-What are you in disguise? It's not Halloween yet! - The girl laughed at seeing him as soon as he finished singing. -

- It's a long story to explain. - Tony replied adding a tone between honeyed and accomplice. - But you're beautiful and that suit enhances your beauty, you remind me so much of your mother as she was.

-Remind you my mother? What do you mean? - Idina inquired surprised, believing that the painter would have seen her mom in some occasion, although the truth, she could not imagine when. -

            For all answer Tony approached holding Idina's chin and stroked her gently. Whispering to the surprised girl.

- Your look is that of an angel. And that is something that fascinates me especially. Pure and devoid of all evil.

             On another occasion, she would have been very flattered by those words, but now she was very violent. Tony kept caressing her face, cheeks, and even ran one of his fingers over the girl's lips at the same time he pulled her to him.

- May ... maybe it's better to me to come back tomorrow. - She could babble with obvious fear. -

     But he shook her head slowly and inexorably and outlined one of his usual smiles, but it turned out to be completely different from the others. It was cold and full of a strange sensuality that was fascinating and unpleasant at the time. Idina was very confused but something inside warned her to get away from there. And her internal alarms went off when he whispered to her with an insane honeyed voice, full of false affection.

- I'm sorry dear, but I do not think we have so much time or I cannot finish your portrait. Before your tragic disappearance I must have it ready so you can be remembered for all eternity ...

            Idina could not react, when she wanted to open her mouth to answer, he anticipated and kissed her introducing his tongue and trying to incite her with his caresses. She felt like he was touching her body as if he had a thousand hands, they looked like cold tentacles that nevertheless burned her there where they touched her skin. Noticing a lackluster impression, a mixture of excitement, fear and anxiety, the girl managed to get away from him by covering her lips with one hand and quite scared. Although he showed no signs of being violent, more than that, he seemed to rejoice with the confused expression he read in her eyes and laughed with a histrionic laugh that thundered the place.

-Who are really you? You are not a painter, right? - She inquired trembling with fear and trying desperately to overcome with a failed tone of indignation. - What do you want from me?

Her antagonist smiled amused and decisively answered the first question.

- My name is Rubeus. Marquis of Crimson. And I belonged to the Black Moon ...

- Black Moon? What is that? - Asked Idina stunned, stepping back cautiously as she approached slowly but surely. -

- Poor girl, you're so innocent! - He declared with a sinister smile, adding with a false appearance of affability. - Your mother never told you about it, right? Let me do it. You will see, a long, long time ago. Or rather, in a long time, maybe. Well, it does not matter, it happened that we arrived on Earth with a mission. We had to change the course of history ...

            The girl was watching him between incredulous and frightened, that man must be crazy. But he spoke in such a way that he really seemed to tell the truth. Although what amazed her the most was the following.

-I commanded the mission, and your lovely mama was one of my subordinates. Her real name was Kermesite Ayakashi and her sisters, the Malignant. In charge of the persecution of the fugitive heiress of Neo Cristal Tokyo. We came from the dark star Black Moon, better known as the planet Nemesis.

While she heard such nonsense, at least that was what the girl thought, Idina tried to escape, but the ubiquitous trestles, which seemed to be alive and cooperate with that man, blocked her way. Rubeus grabbed her without difficulty holding her by the neck and began to caress her, now rudely. She tried to resist but her aggressor had a lot of strength. She was not able to apply her martial arts skills against that guy who was ahead of any of her moves.

You're wasting your time, sweetheart." Rubeus scoffed. "A few little self-defense tricks don't affect me." But I must commend your courage. At least you try to resist.

"My parents will know right away that something is wrong." She replied, trying to appear more confident and confident even though she was scared to death. "And they will come looking for me."

But her attacker looked at her with a mixture of condescension and disbelief, to burst out laughing without letting go, declaring with glee.

-LOL! I'm counting on it, little girl. I count on it. They cannot be so foolish as not to at least suspect who I am at this point… and in case they do, I have sent them irrefutable proof of that.

The desperate Idina did not know how to act. She was trembling with fear, this guy gave the impression of being capable of doing anything to her.

-Mom warned me, and I didn't want to pay any attention.- She wailed silently, fighting not to sob.-

Then, as if it were divine intervention, they both heard a knock on the study door.

- Daughter, are you there? - Tom's uneasy voice was heard. -

-Dad! - She wanted to scream with all her strength, but Rubeus covered her mouth, grabbing her from behind and could only produce a muffled groan. -

- Idina, daughter answer to us! -The voice loaded with fear and anguish of her mother demanded now. -

The girl managed to throw a kick to one of the easels that, in a domino effect fell dragging many others, with the consequent crash. But far from being opposed by it, her aggressor celebrated with a malignant smile. Just a few seconds later, the study door jumped to pieces. Tom knocked her down with a couple of strong kicks, entering the race along with his wife. But both stopped short when they saw their daughter being held by that man who challenged them with a look full of hatred and rejoicing. Cooan was about to faint, her heart had leaped from her chest and drowned out a scream, it was him! As she reminded him. But now she was just worried about her daughter's fate. And her determination to save her took control over her horror. Anyway, the first one to shout at that guy was Tom who raised a fist and snapped at him.

- Release our daughter, bastard! We know who you are!

- Leave her alone, Damn you! - Cooan added as soon as she could muster enough courage. - My daughter has nothing to do with this.

            Still smiling, showing a total mastery of the situation, in which he knew playing with advantage, Rubeus responded with apparent cordiality.

-How long without seeing you, Kermesite, you're very old! But I must congratulate you, your daughter is exactly like you, when you were my favorite Ayakashi. LOL! Hey, really. I'm very sorry to have broken that cheesy bottle of perfume that you gave me. I hope you do not hold a grudge yet for that, ha, ha, ha!

            Cooan and Tom were paralyzed, listening to that individual without being able to believe it. They could not move, not even think about approaching. While he held their daughter as hostage he had all the triumphs in his hand. Idina, on the other hand, could not offer resistance, although now, she was almost more surprised than scared. Rubeus began to smile sarcastically and from that it happened to a growing laughter that deafened ...

-LOL! What a beautiful family reunion! -He exclaimed sarcastically. -

            At that moment the telephone rang, it was the police. Specifically Higgins, Beruche spoke immediately. Everyone's attention was directed towards her while she listened eagerly. After giving an emotional thanks and a laconic, I will be there, she hung up. Then she addressed the others and told them, containing as much as possible their emotions.

- A woman who match with the description of Kerria and who wore a long cloak, has been seen in the marginal streets of the east of the city just half an hour ago.

- It must be her! - Roy exclaimed that he energetically  said the others. - Come on guys!

Diamond, Mazoui, and Leval got up  immediately on the sofa, and the four of them prepared to fly off to it. They were about to do it when Tom wanted to join them.

- I'm afraid the story will have to wait. Diamond, can you take me?

- There's no problem, mate. - He said, holding Tom. -

            And they all left, rising from the terrace. The women looked at each other restlessly, praying that they could find the girl. But since it would be useless to remain anchored in this restlessness, apart from the logical curiosity to know the end of that story, Emerald asked Cooan to continue ...

- While we wait here for sure you can finish the story, it will be better to stay without talking and we will entertain.- Karaberasu also encouraged her. -

-Yes, I have a lot of interest in knowing how you could confront him.- Emerald added that she had also turned pale with horror when she knew the true identity of that subject.- It is terrible! I cannot believe that he has returned ...

            Idina looked at everyone with a gesture between relief and surprise. She really could not imagine them in the way that guy described them. Those could not be her mother or her aunts! For her part, Bertie herself agreed with the idea of continuing with this story and her younger sister nodded, agreeing to continue the narration. The attentive looks of the others focused on her and Cooan, after seeming to meditate for a few seconds on how to continue, she took a breath and continued the story ...

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