GWA12E

**START**

**The Test**

The days off passed quickly as they always do and it was time for a new test. The boys had studied according to their respective habits. Beruche and Cooan had locked themselves in the library and in their room to cram thoroughly. Tom had done the same. The only one who hadn't studied much, as was his usual custom, was Roy who, between basketball and his special training, hadn't had time. Still, he was confident in "his ability to inspire," as he liked to call it. A couple of hours before the exam he chatted with Tom, who asked him if he was ready.

- Well, how are you doing, I don't think it's too difficult, almost everything has been explained to us in class.

- Yeah, the only problem is that I skipped a few and now I don't even know what the subject is about. -Roy replied, shrugging his shoulders to make his ignorance even more evident. -

- Well then, you're going to have a hard time, boy, I don't know how you're going to manage. - His friend replied shaking his head. -

- Don't worry - he smiled smugly - trust my ability. You know me, in times of need Roy Malden grows in the face of adversity.

- In times of need? You mean whenever there's an exam, Roy Malden tries to cheat like a desperate man. - Tom grinned mischievously. -

- I wouldn't call it that, I'd call it a scripted knowledge transfer. - Said his colleague, making his interlocutor burst out laughing. -

- Ha, ha, ha, you don't have the nerve! Come on, let's go to the library and see if we can find the girls. -

-Well, uncle. That's what it's all about. A demonstration of knowledge assisted by a guide... it's like when you make a presentation, and you help yourself with annotations... isn't it?

        And without his companion being able to stop laughing, repeating his friend's motto, he went in search of Cooan and Beruche, followed by Roy, who was also smiling broadly.

- Ha, ha! I never thought of it that way. - Tom said as the two of them walked away. - The truth is that you have outlets for everything.

On the way they passed a group of classmates, all chatting about their upcoming exams. They greeted them and Roy of course exhibited that confidence he boasted when asked. Once they were away from that group, he added in a triumphant tone.

- You see, Kansas hillbilly? I'm not nervous at all.

-Come on, let's go find the girls. - His friend sighed, shaking his head with resigned patience. -

Meanwhile, at the Sect's headquarters, Valnak seemed to be studying as well. He was reading a book with considerable interest, on the cover of its spine was drawn an inverted five-pointed star.

-This is very interesting. These stones are fundamental to our objectives, and they are in certain places that are quite difficult to access. Unless we are two powerful demons instead of one, who try..." He meditated. -

      The Great Wiseman appeared next to him and reproached him for seeing him in this state.

- What are you playing at, Valnak? We have a very important mission at hand, and you are reading books. I would like to know what is so important that you read so that you don't act immediately.

- Don't worry, Great Wiseman. - The demon answered imperturbably without stopping reading. - Despite appearances I am working on a plan. And this book will give me all the information I need to accomplish my task. Besides, I must study for my commander's exam. It's not enough for me just to make merit. You must not get impatient - he finally closed the book and added. - Well, I have already read everything I need to know to fulfill this delicate task, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

- I hope so for your sake, you should know that the high officials are beginning to get impatient. - The Great Wiseman warned him without much patience. - And that can mean a lot of trouble.

- Don't worry, I'll take care of it right away. - He promised to comply with great alacrity, for he was already summoning another demon. - Come to me, Sailonel! - He declaimed with too much theatricality and from a cloud of smoke a diffuse figure emerged and took shape. -

- At your command, master - sounded a guttural voice that belonged to that demon that had the appearance of a hairy beast, small yellowish eyes and large fangs protruding from its mouth. -

- Go and fulfill this mission. - Valnak ordered him with apparent indifference. -

- As you command, master. - Replied Sailonel who bowed his head and disappeared. –

        The Wiseman still seemed angry, even so, he limited himself to make a comment tinged with false tranquility.

- I don't know if you have noticed it Valnak, but our target has long been able to easily defeat this kind of demons...

His interlocutor smiled in amusement and replied confidently.

- That is precisely what I want. Let's just say that my plan can't work if the boy doesn't get a little more training. But don't worry, Great Sage, there's very little left.

- What plan do you mean? - he asked, stroking his ball. -

- Let me keep the secret to myself for the time being. - Valnak answered, also looking at the ball of his companion in which the demon could be seen arriving at the university. - Now watch this...

Meanwhile, in the library, Beruche and Cooan were busy reviewing the latest topics. They both controlled the test very well, they had worked on it down to the last detail, and only then did they take a short break.

- I think we've studied enough," - Bertie said with conviction, closing her notes. - No matter how much we go over it, we won't be able to know it better.

- You're right," agreed her sister, "let's go to the cafeteria for a drink.

-I think that's a good idea. And tell me. - Her colleague wanted to know. - How are you doing with your cheerleader friends?

-Very well, it's just that now we've stopped the rehearsals to study. We’ve cut back. - Cooan clarified. - Only to Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The others also must prepare for tryouts for their respective careers.

- And what do they study? Because apart from that stupid Melanie, the others are not teachers. - Bertie assessed, feigning normality in her tone, even when she insulted the captain. -

Cooan shook her head with a sigh. It was very clear that her sister and Mel had not liked each other from day one. But this was already excessive. So, she wanted to rebut her in a conciliatory tone.

-Well, for example, April studies law, Serena studies physical education, Brooke studies engineering and... Mel...she's not as bad as you think.

- You're calling her Mel now? It's not like you've known her all your life. – Bertie commented interlocutor with a sardonic edge. –

- “Come on, Bertie. – Her sister asked her. - She doesn't speak ill of you. In fact, she sometimes asks me how you're doing in school. I'm sure she realizes that being next to Roy in class must not be easy to attend to. - She smiled now. -

Beruche shook her head in return, she couldn't believe her sister was so naive. Surely that girl would behave quite differently with Cooan. It was quite clear that Melanie Sanders was after Roy and that she took her for a competitor. And she had told her as much.

-Roy is a friend to me, nothing more. It's not my fault if he doesn't want anything to do with her. - She thought, although she answered something quite different to her conversation partner, with a slight touch of irony: - "That must be it, I confess that sometimes it's complicated to be around that guy. He never stops talking nonsense.

For her part, Cooan couldn't believe that her sister didn't realize how lucky she was. Roy was such a great guy, fun and vital, always encouraging others. And so handsome! In fact, thinking of him, she insisted on leaving the library.

-Come on, let's go for a drink. - Cooan proposed once again. - She was about to get up when she looked up and saw the two boys waving. - Look Bertie, it's Tom and Roy, what luck, we'll tell them to come with us.

They approached when they saw them, both greeted them, and they filled them in on their plans.

- Guys, let's rest until exam time. How are you guys doing? - Beruche asked. -

- I'm doing very well," - Tom answered, smiling to confirm. - Let's go for a drink, shall we?

- That's great. That's what I had just proposed to Bertie. The truth is that we've been studying for a long time now and it's not a difficult test. There's also not that much to cover, and when we pass it, we'll only have the end-of-term exams left. - Cooan added confidently. -

- And you, Roy, how are you doing with the test? - Bertie asked him with a distrustful gesture. -

-Me? Well, wonderfully. - He smiled faintly as he put a hand to his neck. A large bead of sweat beaded on his head. -

-Well, what a pleasant surprise! -His bench mate’s face lit up as she exclaimed. - "You've studied for the exam! -

He wanted to say yes but couldn't. He couldn't understand why, but with Bertie's face in front of him he was incapable of lying. In other circumstances he used to do it without problems, but with this girl it was different, it seemed that she could see inside him...

- Well, not exactly that. - He had to qualify. -

           He took out of a pocket a pen with something rolled up inside, he showed that it was a piece of paper. -

- What's that? - Cooan wanted to know. -

- My way of passing the exam. - Roy smiled, showing off his pen. -

-Of course, you'll have to write with it. - His naïve interlocutor thought she understood. -

-Well, that too, of course. But the main thing is the little surprise inside," - the young man said, he took out and unrolled a thin piece of paper containing the pen, presumably designed for writing.

-Oh Roy, don't tell me you're going to copy! - Beruche scolded him with a frown and a string of disqualifications. - You're lazy, a cheater and I don't know what else to call you.

- Well, it's no big deal," he justified himself. - Besides, it takes a lot of work to do this.

- That's true, Bertie. - Tom defended him with visible sarcasm. - At least he's got it down on paper. With a bit of luck, maybe he won't even have to take it out," - he concluded hopefully. -

- The truth is that it wasn't exactly like that. - He pointed out with a ridiculous tone of voice that seemed to seek forgiveness for a childish prank by confessing flatly. -The truth is that I paid Phill Rollins about thirty bucks to sell me his notes.

His friend put a hand to his forehead. That was the last straw! In the faculty environment they knew this Rollins guy well from other years. He had notes and all kinds of techniques to "save effort" in studying. At least that's how he promoted. Tom thought he was just plain shameless. That way of doing things was radically against what his parents had taught him. And he was deeply disappointed that his friend had to resort to such tricks. Roy was a smart boy and could pull it all off by his own efforts. He regretted that situation very much.  But, at the end of the day, it was his decision. And he didn't interfere in other people's lives. At least he saw that he certainly agreed with Connie and Bertie, it was the latter who was quick to disapprove in a sour tone.

- You're unbelievable! - the young woman exclaimed, crossing her arms, and turning her back to him angrily to sentence. - Don't ever speak to me again," then changing the subject she said to the others in a much kinder tone. - Come on Cooan, I'm thirsty, are you coming, Tom?

- But it's not like that. - Roy responded trying to ingratiate himself with his more mellow tone of voice. - Hey Birdie, don't get mad at me.

- Don't call me that,"- she replied dryly. -You know I don't like it.

- Well then, little cube," - he insisted. - I'm sorry, okay? I promise not to take out the notes...much.

Her hopeful gesture vanished and was replaced by an even more irritated one when Roy finished the sentence...

- You'll never learn, what a cross! - the girl lamented, turning away. -

- Cubito... - He asked her with a pleading look. -

- Don't call me anything. You cheat, you hard face, you lazy bum! Anata wa kan`ningu des! -

She admonished him again. Those kinds of performances angered Bertie almost more than anything else. She knew how hard it was to study and earn things the hard way. At least she learned that after starting her new life. And she remembered those afternoons studying together with Ami. The two of them would sometimes meet at her friend's house, when Dr. Mizuno was working or traveling. Others at the Hikawa shrine. There, it was not uncommon for Rei and Cooan to be chatting as well. They even joked that they were impossible while having tea and sandwiches.

-I don't know how they are able to endure so many hours of study. - Rei sighed then, commenting to Cooan in the presence of Bertie and Ami. - And I thought the year to get into high school was terrible!

-We both studied hard together at home, too," Cooan said jovially. - Although I have told my sister that we must have fun too.

-Well, I have fun that way. - She smiled, looking complicitly at Ami who nodded. -

- Well, we'll leave you to have a great time! - Rei laughed and she took the tray away once they finished the snack. -

The priestess and Cooan left the room where they had been talking with them, closing the door behind them.

-They can't understand what we enjoy studying. - Ami smiled, adding. - And for me it's also a means to become a doctor like my mother.

-Of course. - Bertie agreed in affirmation. - It's great to be able to learn. Now, with my sister, I also have the goal of finishing my teaching degree. I don't know if I'll ever practice. But in any case, it's worthwhile to broaden my horizons. - She added to confess. - I like cosmetics, and the job is not bad. Especially being able to share the day with my sisters. But it doesn't quite fill me up.

-The nice thing is to be formed as a person, with your own effort and grow during the experience. - Ami declared. -

Bertie looked at her with admiration, her friend was truly a unique person. She told her so.

-Every time I think that you have had to study while fighting against us and other enemies. And that hasn't stopped you from being the best... You're amazing!

-Well, it's no big deal, studying is my passion. - Ami smiled modestly and was somewhat embarrassed by such compliments. She soon added, though, in a more dismayed tone. - One of the times I had the worst time fighting against the Black Moon was when Emerald used that hallucination droid. And I thought everyone was accusing me of cheating on tests.

- A Duba-type droid? - Bertie asked, looking at her with surprise. -

-I think that was her name. - Her friend agreed, wanting to know in turn. - Does it look familiar to you?

-My mother had some at home. And in the palace. If I remember correctly, there were some too. - Her interlocutor commented with a reflexive gesture to affirm. - Maybe they contributed to deceive us.

-Possibly so. - Ami nodded, who did not give more relevance to that and did say. - So, they had to use our worst fears and mine was that I would be considered a fraud, not worthy of my grades.

-That's ridiculous, you are the most studious and intelligent person I have ever met. - Beruche said. -

Her friend smiled once again in recognition of those words. Then she turned the page of that matter and of her books to comment with joviality.

-Well, let's get on with it, or we'll use up our time chatting, and then we couldn´t criticize Usagi and the others!

Bertie laughed in turn and imitated her friend. So, they each began to study their respective subjects for that day.

-Roy, you're so unaware. - I wish I could make you understand how important it is to study honestly!

          And as she mused on that she walked away in the company of her sister and Tom, who were trying to stand aside and look away, as if the scolding Bertie had given her companion was not about them at all. Which, on the other hand, was true.

- Which classroom do we have to go to? - Cooan asked, turning to Tom. -

- One hundred and twenty-three C," he replied, adding in surprise. - Your sister is so angry with Roy.

- And that surprise you? - She replied shaking her head with disapproval and regret. - I didn't expect it from him either. That's not the way to do things, Tom. Don't you think?

-The truth is, you're right. - He admitted. -

     And the boy couldn't object to that and accompanied his companion to the cafeteria. Roy had already left, chasing Beruche with his pleas and excuses in the face of the girl's indifference. The demon had entered Professor Jones' office and despite her resistance had possessed her when she grabbed the bundle of exam papers in which the entity had taken refuge. Once in control of that human, and wearing a macabre smile on her face, she left, heading for the classroom. At the same time, the group were finishing their refreshments in the cafeteria.

- Good. - Tom said, draining a soda. - It's time, we must go inside.

- Yes, let's go in and Godspeed. - Roy added between sighs. -

- I'm sure you won't need it. - Bertie scolded him with disdain. -

- Oh, little cube, stop tormenting me already. - He asked her conciliatorily, wielding his favorite excuse. - I haven't been able to study, besides, it's just a test. I won't do it anymore, okay?

However, the girl turned to him with a look of reprobation and regret to argue.

- Roy, if there's one thing I've learned in this life, it's that there are no shortcuts and that you shouldn't play dirty games.

- You are right, but this case is an emergency..." the boy insisted. -

- Do what you want but forget about me! - the girl said, leaving him for impossible and leaving the cafeteria towards the classroom. -

- I hope this is the last time. - Cooan added with the same reproachful gesture of her sister. Something unprecedented so far, at least for the boy. -

- You too, Connie? - He was surprised. - At least I thought you'd stand up for me.

- I'm sorry Roy, but my sister is right. You don't understand. - She replied, softening her countenance with a sympathetic half-smile, and adding. - "Anyway, I hope you get lucky this time. - Anyway, I hope you get lucky this time.

The boy smiled comfortingly as she walked away....

- What a nice girl Connie is! - he thought gratefully. - Thank you, - he replied to the girl and then turned to his partner. - I promise it will be the last time...at least this term.

- Come on, let's go. - Tom indicated him that on the way he had to listen to the pleadings of his heavy friend. -

- If it's no big deal, we've all cheated at some time, well, we all have. Okay, you haven't, but you must admit that you are weird and...

- Oh, Shut up! - his partner sighed, bored of listening to him as they entered the classroom -....

They all took their seats, although they were not their usual places as it was a different classroom. For the test they placed themselves where they could as they entered, leaving a space of one seat between the rows. Roy had a gap at the end of the class, so much the better, he thought. Beruche was near the front, Cooan on the left side and Tom two seats further back in the same column. Melanie was a little away from him in turn, but close to Bertie, and gave the impression of being at ease in the exam. So did Roberts and others of his classmates. Although the waiting was something that tested their calmness since the teacher was running a little late.

-I guess she'll give us more time. - Bertie commented quietly. -

-I don't think you'll need it. You're so smart, I'm sure you'll be finished in no time. - Melanie answered teasingly. -

Her companion chose to ignore her. Cooan in turn mentally reviewed some things.

-I think I'm very well prepared. First, I must be calm. - The girl said to herself. -

       And it happened to her as it did to all the boys who were waiting like her, trying to temper their nerves, for the teacher to arrive. Finally, after a couple of minutes, Miss Jones came in and handed them each a sheet of paper face down while she explained to them in a relaxed tone.

- Well, as you know, this is a multiple-choice test, and I might add, a very easy one. It is just one more mark to be able to evaluate you, I trust you have studied hard. You can now turn over your papers, you have an hour and a half.

Immediately everyone turned over their test and got ready to begin. The girls and Tom answered without difficulty. Usually they read, smiled, and crossed out an option without hesitation. But Roy scratched his head with his pen waiting for the lady to look away.

- Paulov? Who was that guy? – He sounds familiar from the Lakers, but I don't think it's the same guy. - He said with no idea which box to cross off. - Well, it's time for plan B. Cubito, for the record, I tried. - He justified himself mentally when he realized he had no idea how to answer that. -

        When Miss Jones finally seemed to be distracted Roy pulled out the paper with the answers from the pen. But he could see to his horror that none of them matched the test template.

- Damn it, this idiot Phill has passed me the questions from another test! When I get my hands on him! - he mumbled, perking up moments later. - Good thing I have another emergency cheat sheet, let's see if this one will do!  - He wished fervently, pulling out a slip of paper from his watch. -

He was so engrossed in deciphering that he didn't even notice them approaching him. Then a hand tapped him on the shoulder, Roy turned and was petrified to see Miss Jones looking at him with a serious expression. He cursed his rookie carelessness and could only smile at the teacher stupidly. When the exam was over, she told him she wanted to see him in her office and left, heading that way. Most of the students didn't say anything, some hadn't even noticed, but Tom, rather worried, turned to him sympathetically

- Boy, you've got a good one. Jones doesn't forgive these things.

-Not her, not anyone. - Roberts added in passing, certainly enjoying it. -

He hoped that was a lesson to that wise guy. He always had to get away with everything. Let's see what he did now, and he burst out laughing.

- What happened? - Melanie asked as she walked out of the classroom. -

-Malden got caught trying to cheat. -Malcolm informed her with undisguised glee. -

- What? - The cheerleading captain exclaimed. -

She wanted to ask the stricken man again, although she quickly realized that he was in quite a bit of company. He even heard that obnoxious Japanese woman lecturing him, although this time with good reason.

- I warned you - Beruche told him with a worried look on her face. - We'll see how you get out of this. You may be suspended from the course.

- Oh, Roy, I'm so sorry! - Cooan said to him with a heavy heart. -

- Well, don't worry, I hope I can get out of it, I must go now. - He answered, trying to appear calm (although he was shaking like a pudding), heading to his teacher's office. -

Melanie had no choice but to admit that, on this occasion, she was in complete agreement with that little Japanese girl. She and the others stood waiting for Roy and crossed their fingers. Hopefully that woman would be benevolent this time, otherwise their friend was going to be in a lot of trouble.

- Is it true, Tom? - The head cheerleader asked to the boy. -

-I'm afraid so, Mel. We warned him, but you know him. - He sighed resignedly. -

- Why does he have to be so thoughtless? - Melanie wondered aloud. - For that and other things.

      Neither Cooan nor Bertie wanted to say a word. Cooan because she didn't know what to say, and Bertie because she didn't want to talk to the girl and feared that the last sentence was a hint to herself. Finally, the head cheerleader left, shaking her head, and looking extremely worried.

-Maybe I'll try to support him with Miss Jones. -She thought. -

However, Malcolm was standing nearby and approached her. As if he had read the girl's thoughts, he commented in a stern tone.

-Let Malden sort out his own problems.

- Mind your own business! - she replied in an unpleasant tone. -

-That's what I do, and you should do the same. - Her companion advised her in the same tone. -

And he went away ruminating his anger. It was clear that no matter how much nonsense that damned Malden did, he was still the center of the world for Melanie.

-Someday you'll see him for what he is. And I'll be waiting. - He thought contritely. -

           For his part, the stricken man arrived at the office door and knocked, a lump in his throat especially when he heard...

- Come in...

The boy opened timidly, and the teacher fixed her eyes on him....

- Come in Malden and sit down - The teacher ordered him with a stern gesture behind the table of her office. -

- It's not what you think. - Roy declared trying to justify himself as he sat down. -

- Oh, no? - She rebutted without, of course, believing him at all. - Well, I think it was clear that you were trying to cheat. What's the matter? Haven't you studied hard enough? - she asked him with full confidence in fact. -

- No, not at all..." - the questioned person visibly nervous with a drop on his head answered. - It's not exactly that.

- Don't lie to me," - she whispered now, getting up from the chair and sitting on the table, crossing her long and provocative legs in front of him. - It's not something you need to worry about, - after that assertion she stood up again and caressed the boy's neck gently. - I'm sure there's something you can do to make it up to me.

- But me. - He was quite surprised and even frightened and denied with false naivety. - I don't know what you mean.

- Come on Roy," Mss. Jones smiled as she increased the intensity of her caresses. - I'm a mature woman who has her needs. You're very attractive and I'm sure you're very well endowed. - She whispered in his ear as she sensually caressed the crotch of the perplexed boy, whose face was sweating profusely. -

He couldn't believe it, but if things got complicated and there was no other solution. Miss Jones was certainly quite a bit older than he was, but she was very attractive for her age. With long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and brown eyes she must have been in her early forties, although her appearance was that of a woman who took care of her body, perhaps doing sport.

- Why not? - He thought without too much displeasure. - If nothing else....

-Well... let's see what you could do. - She mused in his ear in a honeyed voice. -

- It depends on what you want me to do to. - Roy was able to reply in a more controlled tone. To ask. - Do you want me to do a job for you or something?

- Something like that - she answered with a lascivious and soft voice and started kissing him on the neck and on the lips. -

Roy thought he was in heaven; he was even going to have a good time. But his conscience would not allow him to do so. Moreover, he remembered Bertie's words, you can't take shortcuts and although he had been willing to cheat, it was one thing to have the notes and another to approve in this way. Or wasn't that what really mattered to him? He told himself that, had this happened to him last year, he would have done it without hesitation. But now...

-If the girls saw me, they would never speak to me again. - He thought feeling more and more uncomfortable in this situation. Imagining the faces of both, especially Bertie's, full of disappointment and contempt. At last, he sat up, avoiding the teacher, and was able to stammer. - I'm, I'm sorry, I did wrong. I regret it, but I don't think this is right either...

           She glared at him, Roy thought he was finished, surely, He would fail, and Parker will open a file for cheating. They might even make him repeat a grade or kick him out of college. At least that's what he thought until Miss Jones began to laugh in an unbridled and sinister way and grabbed him by the neck with both hands, squeezing him hard, so hard that he couldn't breathe.

- You're not bad, but you're not my type," - she laughed with a gesture of madness. -

- Let me go. -Roy said, trying to catch his breath and get out of her grip, and then he understood. - You're not Miss Jones!

- But how clever you are, I´ll give you an A+! - She spat in a guttural voice. -

The boy rolled over and with a punch in the stomach managed to break free from his assailant. The teacher's body fell to the ground and from it emerged a black mist that materialized in the form of the demon.

-This time you will be ours! – That thing hissed, adopting its real appearance. -

- I should have guessed it before, damn you! - Roy shouted, gritting his teeth in fury. -

The two began to fight, the demon had trapped the boy, but he began to release energy and let go despite the enormous strength of his adversary.

- What? How is it possible? Where do you get so much energy? A miserable human can't do something like that. Who are you?  - Sailonel asked him dumbfounded. -

- I'm a very angry guy because you pissed me off too much, you asshole, I don't get rubbed by any hairy bug! - The boy responded with an angry face. - Now you're going to find out!

Roy threw a bolt of energy at the astonished demon, making him explode. At the same time, in the Sect's headquarters, Valnak felt his envoy being annihilated. Despite what all the masters and the Wiseman watching him expected, he laughed in amusement.

- Wow, it looks like the book was right. His latent power is awakening. Well Armageddon, you will soon be under my control. - Valnak affirmed between resounding laughter. -

However, the Great Wiseman, who had just materialized next to him was not so amused, and so he said in a contrite tone, not without irony.

-I'm glad you take your failures so sportingly.

-You're wrong. - His colleague smiled mischievously and then said. - This has been a success. I'm very close to being able to dominate him.

-I hope so for your sake, you don't have much time left to achieve it. - The Wiseman replied, disappearing. -

-This guy is stupid. And he doesn't understand anything. He must have little sense under that filthy hood. It's better this way, he shouldn't interfere too much. - Valnak thought, but in a lively mood as he meditated. - Soon, my dear comrade, you will be back soon.

And while that was happening in the headquarters of the sect in the faculty, the boy, also surprised with his growing strength, gave himself a few seconds to calm down. After tidying up the chaos caused by the fight, he left the office after writing down some things in a notebook he saw and called the infirmary so that his teacher could be attended to. He did not know how he had managed to defeat that demon so easily. However, he soon forgot about it when Miss Jones, now recovered, called him back after a few minutes and said:

- I don't know what happened to me, Mr. Malden. All I remember is that I called you into my office for some reason. But I can't remember anything, my head hurts so much. Thank you for calling the infirmary. That was very kind of you.

- It was nothing. - He smiled shyly to remind her. - Well, yes, you see, I made an appointment to tell you that I couldn't attend the test and you told me that you were postponing the exam and that I should come in to discuss the day to do it. And when I arrived, I found you unconscious. Are you sure you are well? - He was interested. -

     Although he looked truly hypocritical, knowing beforehand that nothing was wrong with his teacher and resorting to his improvisation skills to compose this story.

- Oh yes, I'm very well, thank you. - Miss Jones replied, covering her head with her hands. - Although this headache is awful, I need an aspirin. - And after pulling herself together she added, "So we're not meeting on a specific date?

- No, I mean yes, now that I remember, how silly! I think before we met here, you mentioned something about a week from now. You told me it was the only free time you would have, but you didn't confirm it and told me to stop by your office to check. I think I did.

       Roy hurried to answer, because before calling the infirmary, he had looked at the lady's diary and discovered an entry for seven days from now, where he had circled it.

- Very well," she agreed, consulting her notes and indeed, the vacant moment appeared there. - Now please let me rest and thank you again for notifying the infirmary.

- It's the least I could do, thanks to you. - He smiled and left the office triumphantly, heading for the cafeteria as he said to himself. - Uff! It's a good thing I'm a genius at persuasion, especially with women.

       There Cooan, Beruche and Tom were waiting for him, their faces tense with anticipation and fear of what might happen to their friend. Therefore, they were all surprised to see him come so proud and showing the "V" with his fingers. When they asked him about it, he simply declared as answer.

- Trade secret, let's just say I'm a resourceful guy, heh, heh!

- So, what happened? - Beruche wanted to know, unable to suppress her curiosity. - What did she say?

- Well, she told me that I'll be able to take the exam in a week, and since she doesn't have another one to take, ha, ha! - Roy pulled out a cheat sheet he had in his pocket, announcing with visible glee, "She'll have to take this one, and this time I've got the good guide! - He added full of triumphalism. -

- You're amazing! - Tom smiled astonished -...what you don't get.

- I hope you don't push your luck a second time. - Cooan advised him between surprised and worried. -

- Not this time," - he replied, smiling, reassuringly as he smoothed out the saving chop. - This will be a piece of cake...

- But if you take the test alone with her, she won't take her eye off you. - Tom objected. - How are you going to be able to get anything out of it?

- That's not a problem. - His friend smiled mischievously. - This time I won't be careless, and I have a thousand and one ways of copying without her knowing. For example, placing a string in the chop and threading it through the neck, with the help of....

And the boy gave a masterly dissertation on how to place all kinds of papers and notes without being seen, pulling them or not with the help of very fine threads to hide or remove them. Everyone watched him with their mouths open. When he finished speaking, he turned to them once more and added with an amused gesture.

- Do you have any questions?

- Roy, I must admit that you are very skilled, I didn't know anything about these techniques. - Beruche flattered him, surprising Cooan and Tom. -

- I'm a genius, but I like to be modest! - He laughed, glad that Bertie didn't take it badly anymore, surely, he had impressed her with his tricks. -

- And that's the note you'll use? - She wanted to know, to which he nodded in satisfaction. The girl smiled and asked him sweetly. - Hey, can I see it? - Roy, stunned by this tone, left her the note and she looked at it with a mischievous smile to ask. - So, these are the answers to the test, huh? I'm sure you have copies hidden everywhere. For an emergency, in case you can't look this one up. Clever as you are.

- No, I don't," - he responded smugly. - Well. - He corrected himself thoughtfully. - Not yet I must copy it into smaller ones, but for the moment I only have that one.

- Do you? - she asked mockingly. -Oh really? I'm glad to hear it..." - Bertie said mischievously. -

-Hey. Why are you making that face? - The boy wanted to know, and he thought something was wrong. - Are you all, right?

         Then, to Roy's discomposed face, and the astonishment of Tom and Cooan, the young woman tore the paper to pieces before her wayward companion could avoid it.

- What have you done? That cost me thirty bucks! How am I going to pass now? - Roy groaned -

- Well, by studying like everyone else. - She answered this time with a not so feigned seriousness and arms on her hips. -

- I was hoping for a quiet week, I can't catch up in such a short time! - Roy panicked. -

- Don't worry about that." - His companion told him, looking at him with narrowed eyes and seeming to enjoy the situation as she added. - "I'll help you study by myself.

Tom and Cooan watched the scene with their eyes wide open. And Beruche mercilessly continued.

- Oh, by the way, one of the days you didn't come, Mr. Palmer gave us a team assignment. We must look for bibliography and make an essay - and without giving him a chance to reply, she put in Roy's hands a good pile of books to his disgust and horror. - Here is your part. When you finish studying, start with this.

The boy got down on his knees trying to find the pieces of his cutlet while whimpering.

- You're a cruel, unfeeling girl! You have no heart; you can't even do this to your worst enemy!

Cooan, Beruche and Tom watched in astonishment, Bertie wanted to keep her stern look but couldn't help laughing. Both her sister and Tom, after their initial moments of astonishment, joined in. Meanwhile, Roy, in a hurry, tried uselessly to gather the few pieces of notes he could find in orderly fashion, exclaiming, "Oh, no, no!

- Oh, no, no, what a mess!

Evidently oblivious to this amusing scene, a few days later in Tokyo, Petz and Karaberasu were about to finish their day. It was already late and there were only two customers left. It didn't take long to serve them. Then Petz was checking the cash register and Karaberasu was about to close the back room. At that moment two women dressed in a long skirt and blouse, one, and long pants and a sweater, entered the store and approached. The one in the casual attire, taller, with brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, smiled and asked in an amused tone.

- Do you have crimson lipstick?

-I'm sorry, we were just about to close. But I'll see what I can do, just a moment, miss. - Petz, who had her back turned, was able to say. -

But when she turned around to meet the woman, she smiled. It was her friends the warriors Jupiter and Venus, dressed in their civilian identities!

-Hello," - the blonde with long hair adorned with a red bow, greeted. - Hard day's work, isn't it?

- Mine-Chan! Mako-Chan! - Kalie exclaimed as soon as she came out of the part of the warehouse closed to the public and saw them, asking them. - What brings you here?

-We wanted to see two good friends and have some refreshments with them. - Makoto replied jovially. - If that's all right.

- It is perfect! - Karaberasu agreed in kind, looking hopefully at her sister for her approval. -

-Of course, we can. We've finished our work for today. It will be a pleasure. - She was seconded by her sister for once without arguing, also eager to share some time chatting with these two girls whom they appreciated so much. - We have things to tell you...

So, after checking that everything was put away and in order, doing the checkout, setting the alarm, and closing the store, the two sisters went with their friends to a nearby coffee shop. In fact, it was the Fruit Parlor Crown, the establishment where the warriors used to meet. Although this time Usagi, Rei and Ami were not present.

- Aren't the others coming? - Karaberasu wanted to know. -

-No, Usagi had a date with Mamoru. You know, being a couple. They must take the opportunity to see each other alone without her parents finding out. -Minako told them with a mischievous tone that made them smile. -

-Of course. - Karaberasu agreed with her sister's assent. -

-Ami is studying at her academy and Rei must attend the shrine today. - Makoto explained. -

-Well, this way we can chat a little bit. - Minako, added and she, subtly changing the subject, wanted to know. - How about Bertie and Cooan? Have they written to you lately?

-Yes," - Petz told them. - They tell us that they are very happy there and that they have already passed their first exams with flying colors. They will only have to take their final exams in a few months.

- And they will have graduated as teachers! - Kalie added, visibly proud. - Our little sisters are very smart girls.

- I'm so envious! To be able to finish their degrees already. And we still must finish high school. - Makoto sighed. -

-And it's quite complicated and stressful. - Minako said in turn, enumerating. - Exams, tests, papers... and on top of that... the activities of the sports clubs...

-Thank goodness you're quiet now. It's good that you don't have any enemies, isn't it? At least that's what Usagi told us recently. - Petz commented as she finished drinking her soda. -

Her friends exchanged glances for a few moments, and it was Makoto who immediately replied with a somewhat embarrassed half-smile.

-Yes... well, that's right, although sometimes I don't know what scares me more: a monster like the ones we used to face or a math test!

-For me, it's clearly the latter. - Minako said, drinking from a straw in turn. -

The girls laughed at that comment. Then the waitress approached them. She was a young girl with light brown hair in a ponytail, who, after smiling at the girls, asked them sympathetically.

- Is there anything else you would like?

-A handsome boyfriend. Is your brother already free, Unazuki? – Minako responded, provoking laughter from the rest of the girls. -

- No... I’m sorry! – The waitress laughed in turn to tell them. - He's going on a trip to Europe soon. He's going to see Reika.

-I'm very happy for them. - Makoto said, affirming. - They have spent a long time apart and it is very difficult to maintain a long-distance relationship.

At the curious faces of the sisters, Unazuki, who sat with them for a moment, and her friends, filled Petz and Karaberasu in on the story.

-So that girl is studying abroad, like our younger sisters. - Kalie commented. -

-That's right. She has been living between Europe and the United States for a long time. - Minako clarified. -

-It must be very hard. We miss our little sisters very much. - Kalie sighed at Petz's nod. -

-Well, they're having a great time there. - She said now. -

-They even sent us pictures. - An enthusiastic Karaberasu commented, taking out a small sort of small cardboard box from the bag she was carrying. - Look! You'll see.

When they opened it, they all saw that it was indeed a small photo album. Petz and Kalie had saved some that Bertie and Cooan had sent them. They showed the girls in New York, posing smiling on the Golden campus. Also pictures of their rooms, some classes, basketball games and some with a couple of guys. One tall, dark-haired, and quite handsome, and the other taller, brown-haired, very attractive and smiling. The latter was posing in a photo to Bertie's right, slipping an arm behind the girl's back and resting a hand on her left shoulder, dwarfing her to a great extent, given that she was not even close to his shoulder. The same guy was in another next to Cooan. In that one he was dressed in the uniform of the university basketball team; the girl was dressed as a cheerleader. And he, probably in American style, was resting both hands on the shoulders of his companion, to whom he was very close. It could also be seen that he also towered Cooan by at least two heads. They all smiled as they saw, even in the photo, the blush that lit up the girl's cheeks.

-Hey... your sisters can't complain. - What handsome boys there are at your university! It makes me want to enroll there too when I finish high school! - Unazuki commented, with admiration. -

Visibly pleased by those words, Karaberasu showed them another picture of the four of them together visiting New York City. They were next to the window of the mythical Tiffany.

- What envy I have! -  Unazuki sighed. -

-Just seeing those jewels is a morale booster. - Minako agreed. -

-I still remember that time with you. - Makoto was about to say, but immediately noticed the presence of her waitress friend and opted for a cautious silence. -

-I've always said that jewelry is no big deal. - Petz affirmed, immediately understanding the meaning of that. –

In fact, that anecdote was about a confrontation they had against Minako and Makoto when she and Karaberasu still belonged to the Black Moon clan. Petz and her sister took the identity of two amulet sellers and wanted to spread dark power in the neighborhood. At first, they tricked their now friends, who went with Usagi, but then with the presence of Chibiusa it ended up degenerating into a battle. In the end their plan failed, and they had to retreat. So, it was better to leave it alone.

-Well, they sent us more pictures. - Karaberasu hastened to intervene, to draw a veil over this vexed subject. - Look...

     Another snapshot showed Cooan with a group of girls, all dressed as cheerleaders. On a note her little sister attached, the names of those pictured could be read, and Kalie did so.

-A few of the Golden Cheerleaders. From left to right are Serena, April, the second captain, Melanie, who is the captain, Cinthia, Susy, and me.

-Cooan is not bad at making friends. - Makoto smiled. -

- And they call her Connie over there! - Petz laughed. - According to what she told us, it was because of that Roy, who likes to give nicknames to everyone. Can you guess what that boy calls Bertie?

And when the others shook their heads no, she jokingly replied.

- Ice cube!

That elicited laughter from Makoto and Minako, although Unazuki obviously didn't understand the extent of it and simply smiled, looking amused at her friends.

-He hit the bullseye. - Makoto affirmed. -

- That kid's got an eye! He nailed it! - An amused Minako agreed in turn, asking Karaberasu. - "Show us more pictures, please.

        She smiled and nodded. She showed one featuring that other dark-haired boy, wearing a karate kimono and black belt, posing with Cooan and Bertie holding his arms and smiling, on either side. Although he wasn't as huge as his partner, he would be a little shorter than Mamoru's height. And in fact, he resembled him in some features. He certainly gave the impression of being quite pleasant judging by his look and expression.

-From the looks of him, the dark-haired man's name is Tom. - Petz commented, adding now as she pointed to the other boy. -

- He's gorgeous too! - Makoto praised. -

-And the other one, that Roy guy... According to Cooan, he's the star of his university's basketball team. - Kalie added. -

-He's certainly very tall. - Makoto agreed, affirming. - Cooan is about as tall as I am, and that boy makes her look like a dwarf.

-Well, Bertie tells us that this handsome basketball player keeps getting on her nerves with his witty remarks. Besides calling her "Cubito"! Imagine our sister putting up with that. - Petz smiled. -

More laughter, of course, they could well imagine Bertie crossing her arms in disgust at the boy's jokes.

- She even told us that he had thrown her into the pool in her clothes! - Karaberasu whispered to them. -

- What? - Her friends and Unazuki exclaimed in chorus. -

-As you can hear. - Petz commented, and with a mischievous grin, she asserted. – He would dare to do that to me, and that punk would have known better. But our little sisters are such softies. - She added with amusement. -

The others nodded, in a jovial mood in turn.

-Well, they don't seem to be unhappy with him now. -Makoto pointed out sharply. -

-It's just that the boy is very, very good. – A blushing Unazuki agreed admitting. - I wouldn't mind if he threw me....

And as the others turned their heads and stared at her with their mouths open, she immediately blushed visibly.

- To the pool!

-Of course. - An amused Kalie agreed. -

-Of course, it would be nice to meet him in person. – Minako declared. - He must be a very funny guy. Not to mention handsome.

-Yes. My sister also says he's a nice guy. From what she tells me he must be something like Usagi, but as a boy. - Petz said. -

- Now that I'd like to see! – Minako smiled, provoking the general laughter again. -

Although when the echoes of laughter died down Makoto looked like she was about to say something, but Venus stopped her almost ordering her.

- No, don't say it, it can't be that none of them remind you of your old....

However, the alluded shrugged her shoulders to reply by cutting her off in mid-sentence.

-I was going to say that it's getting late. We must go. - She checked her wristwatch. -

-That's true. - Karaberasu sighed, admitting regretfully. - Tomorrow, we must open early again... what a drag!

- Work is work. - Petz asserted, looking almost as annoyed as her sister, on that occasion. -

        The eldest Malinde, despite her friends' refusals, insisted on inviting them. In the end she got her way. They all thanked her and after saying goodbye to Unazuki and the sisters, they left in the direction of their homes. Minako then commented to her warrior companion with a more serious tone than the one she had used up to that moment.

-Apparently, they don't know anything about what's going on over there. As we were warned by letter, Bertie and Cooan have not told them.

-Much better that way. - Makoto declared. -

However, her friend paused for a moment, looked at her with an uneasy gesture and whispered, almost as if she was afraid of being overheard.

-Now that Artemis is gone..." and before Makoto could ask about it, she quickly told her. - She went to make some inquiries and then to see Luna. But forget about that for the moment. You see...that cat is a very good friend of mine and we've known each other for a very long time. I trust him and I love him very much, but the poor thing sometimes doesn't know how to keep quiet, and I wouldn't like him to tell anyone by mistake what I'm going to tell you, neither to Luna, nor to the others...- And after a few seconds of pause that provoked even more the interest of her companion, the young blonde affirmed. - There is something that seems rather strange to me.

- What is it? - her interlocutor wanted to know. -

-In the last few weeks, the attacks of these beings here in Japan have stopped. It seems that there, in the United States, the same thing has happened. But I don't trust them. What's more, I have the impression that they were somehow coordinated. And I get the feeling that not only Usagi, but Rei and Ami, know more than they are telling us. It's as if they were following a script set in advance. A secret plan that you and I don't know about.

- Do you think so? - Her friend was surprised, giving her a look of disbelief, and then asserting. - "I guess they're just as confused as we are. I don't think they would knowingly keep anything from us. We're partners. I don't think so. Besides, why would they leave you and me out of it?

The mere possibility that this hypothesis was true created a sense of unease and regret in both. Neither wanted to believe it, although for Minako there were already enough signs pointing in that direction. The awkward silences they had depending on the topics they discussed, Rei's quick support of Usagi when she commented on things that, at best, were difficult to accept. The secrecy of the latter and Mamoru. Even Luna gave the impression of always speaking carefully so as not to say a word too much. The only one of her companions who seemed to be as inopportune as herself was precisely Mako-Chan and knowing her she believed her incapable of duplicity or being such a good actress as to be able to deceive her. That was why she had entrusted her. Although there was also the possibility that after so many adventures and battles, she was a bit paranoid. Hopefully her friend Sailor Jupiter was right!

-Well, I hope you're right. – Sailor Venus sighed, wanting to leave that topic aside and say with more joviality. - However, it wouldn't be a bad thing to travel to America and meet those two handsome guys in person, don't you think?

Her companion blushed a little. But she immediately nodded with a smile. Nevertheless, she objected.

-But I speak very bad English.

-Don't be afraid. I speak it perfectly. You know I lived in England for a year. I could act as a translator. And so could Bertie and Cooan, who will have a wonderful command of it by now.

-Well, girl, that's not bad thinking. Although you know that Usagi and Mamoru have said, we should keep watch here. They don't trust that the enemy has disappeared so easily. And for the time being their things seem to have calmed down. So, there is no excuse for such a long trip. We'll have to wait for a better time. - Makoto remarked. -

Resigned, her companion nodded, declaring in turn insistently.

-Anyway, I haven't dared to talk to Ami and Rei. I tell you, I noticed them looking at each other strangely when Usagi told us that we can't act yet. Before, they were just as surprised as we were. Now they don't seem to be so surprised by what they tell us.

-Maybe it's because they trust what Usagi, and Mamoru tell us. - Makoto insisted, anxious to put the matter to rest. - Give them the benefit of the doubt. They are our friends.

-Don't get me wrong. - She hastened to say her interlocutor admitting. - I believe in them blindly too. It's just that I'm surprised. It must be because I had to act alone as Sailor V for quite some time and I've learned to trust only what I check myself. And in this case, I feel quite disoriented.

-Well. - We'd better leave that for now. - Her friend suggested. - Let's take advantage of the fact that things seem quiet everywhere.

-Yes, you're right. We have enough to take care of, in terms of exams and schoolwork. - Minako said. -

- I don't know about America, but here you must study hard just to pass, let alone get good grades! -  Makoto exclaimed. -

          Her companion nodded in agreement. Then they went on to talk about other things, finally they said goodbye and each of them headed for their respective homes. The next day was school, so, they would have to get up early.

**START**