GWA03E

Chapter 3. Flight skills and old memories. Will it be easy to adapt?

The plane was speeding skyward toward its destination, the public address informed them of the conditions in the commander's voice.

-Good morning ladies and gentlemen passengers. I am commander Ken Sato of Japan Airlines. On a model Boeing 767 aircraft. We leave Narita International Airport and fly to New York's John F Kennedy International Airport nonstop. The approximate duration of the flight will be about 14 hours. We will cross the Pacific Ocean and the sub-continent of North America. The weather is good, clear skies with no rain forecast, with occasional turbulence. We remind you that they have service of meals and dinners and the possibility of reclining your seats to sleep. We also recommend getting up once stabilized the device and walk for a few moments to avoid any symptoms of seizure in its extremities. You will be informed when we are about to land. Thank you very much and enjoy the flight.

The pilot repeated this in English. The girls now tried to find out how they were capturing the language and they had to admit to each other that it was not as easy as was to listening to the practices on CDs. But at least they understood the basics. Then they did not pay too much attention. When the flight attendants explained safety and rescue protocols with gestures, while the instructions were heard by the on-board loudspeakers they hardly noticed. They were both exhausted and tried to rest a little. In fact, they meditated on their future. They were going to be students in a foreign country. Would it be hard for them to adapt? They thought about it and made many conjectures.

Beruche recalled how intense the last two years had been. Once left behind their old life they had to start practically from scratch. They worked hard and both she and Cooan studied conscientiously. Ami helped them a lot in that period, the few times they could see each other  were enough to put them in contact with teachers and directors of distance university. They were able to take two years of teacher training in a relatively few months thanks to their high intellectual level. Fortunately in Nemesis the formation was very good and they had a solid base to face the challenge. And now at last they were on their way to finish their preparation, in America they could take their last year with practices. Bertie was nervous, adapting to a culture so different from the one that had welcomed them was a challenge. They were not yet fully adapted to the twentieth-century Japan and they were going to start again in the United States. The little children were an important matter too. She did not dislike them, but she did not like them a lot either. In her case she preferred the older ones, to be a high school teacher, even, why not? An university professor. But Cooan was so eager to study this career that she almost dragged her. Both were very close and Beruche was very grateful to her sister for all her support and affection. In fact, thanks to her younger sister she had redone her life instead of destroying it. So she wanted to share the experience with her. She would always have time to reorient herself later.

Cooan was thinking as well. She was delighted with the idea of knowing another country, but she would miss her older sisters and her visits to the Hikawa Shrine. She had sometimes gone to chat with Rei and occasionally to see Chibiusa. The child had grown and matured a lot, she told her, after facing new challenges. Though neither of them wanted to talk about it too much. Nor did she insist, they must be matters relating to her activities as warriors of justice. In any case, she loved children and wanted to become a good educator, partly by vocation and to try to make amends for everything bad that  she did when she served the Dark powers. Besides, who knows if in America she would finally find a good man to make her forget her disillusionment with Rubeus?

-That was the most important day in my life.- She thought.-

The girl still remembered with a mixture of sadness and relief that day. The day that her life changed forever. She had gone shopping after the battle she and her sisters had held against the moon warriors. That happened after their nightmare droids had failed too. Since then things had been quiet. She took advantage of that calm situation and went to a cosmetics and perfume shop, named Otafukuya, which had some prestige among twentieth-century humans in Tokyo. She made a few acquisitions, including a small, frosted bottle of perfume she thought would be an ideal gift for Rubeus. She was loaded with a full bag, she hated not being able to use her powers to make her float but that would mean exposing herself. So  she would have to carry that! She will walk to a secluded alley and then she will be transported to the ship. She thought of that when she left the store. Then she heard a sound of voices, it seemed an argument between a man and a woman. But before she could help it, she hit something and fell to the ground. All her things were scattered, furious she realized that she had collided with a guy who was also on the floor and asked hurriedly.

-I am so sorry. Are you okay?...

-You idiot! Do not you have eyes on your face?- She criticized him, really furious.-

-I ... I'm sorry ... a lot.- It was the only thing that silly individual could say.-

She wished she could have burned that idiot down there with her "Dark fire", but she could not ... anyway. At least one woman who seemed to go with him caught her attention.

-Come on Yuuichirou, pick up all that.

-Yeah, yeah ... Immediately. - Replied that boy between babbling and rushing to obey.-

But Kermesite noticed him, those scruffy hairs and that ridiculous beard were very familiar ...

-I know him!-  She thought, remembering in surprise. - It's that guy of that aesthetic protection course! -

Kermesite remembered that this guy was one of those who, along with the warriors, thwarted her mission at the Hikawa Shrine. When she used one of her most fierce droids to try to nullify a point crystal bulb. But she reminded silent until that boy had kept all of her things in the package and offered it to her. Then she hurried to take the bag from him, spitting with contempt.

-You're a miserable worm. What a pathetic man!

And without giving their interlocutors time to respond, she walked away carrying her bag and thinking in annoyance.

-People with that level of intelligence cannot be happy at all!

At last she was able to enter through a secluded alleyway and to transport herself to the ship, entered the main entrance and entered the central plant. Murmuring her displeasure when she was surprised by the voice of her boss, who said in a kind tone.

- Why do you come angry?

-Ru ... Rubeus! - She could answer totally taken by surprise.-

-I was expecting you, Kermesite,- he added with that gallant bearing and manly allure that captivated her so much.

-To me? - She was able to say almost choking on words.-

-Who else could I expect? Beautiful Kermesite. - He answered, pulling her close to him, grabbing the bag she carried against her chest.-

The girl visibly flushed, now was a perfect chance, her sisters would be in their rooms resting, no one stood between them. Perhaps now Rubeus finally confessed that he was so in love with her, as Kermesite herself was of him. However, his boss, while still smiling, proposed.

-Would you like to go to the Hikawa Shrine again? I need your presence there.

-But.. there, there is nothing, Rubeus. She could say visibly surprised.-

-The girl will appear very soon. - Answered his interlocutor.-

-Really?" She exclaimed as she blushed even more as he pulled her roughly to himself.-

-Yes, this very afternoon.- He whispered to his compatriot.-

Kermesite´s heart was beating more than a hundred per hour, she wanted to please her boss at any cost. It only occurred to her to say.

-Things will be much easier knowing that. I Kermesite, bet my life that I will kill that girl.

-Very well,- agreed Rubeus in a drier tone to add. - Do not fail me this time.

-Never,- she replied, trying to rest her head on the chest of his interlocutor, but then he jerked away abruptly to leave.

That left her misplaced. She felt a little sad but then she remembered. The little bottle! She encouraged her gesture and called out to him as he was about to disappear behind one of the doors.

-A moment, please, Rubeus.

His boss turned with inquisitive eyes, not expecting that. But the girl, with a jovial tone, took the small bottle and offered it to him, putting it in one of the his hands that the boy opened still baffled by that gesture.

-Look, this perfume is delicious. I think you're going to love it, I want you to have it.- She said.-

Her boss certainly seemed puzzled,  he has not expected that, she smiled hopefully. But then the boy replied with a dry and cold voice.

-Thank you.- However, He quickly rejoined and added with a more youthful manner.- I thank you very much for your gift ...

At that moment there was a crunching of crystals breaking, when she realized what was happening, she saw the fragrance drip from her beloved´s hand. He opened his fist and dispassionately dropped the remains of those crystals and the perfume to the ground, declaring with slight annoyance combined with indifference.

-Well, I should have held it gently. I'll be more careful next time.

And he left, departed disappearing through one of the doors of the ship, leaving there a desolate Kermesite. There she stood, staring at the broken bottle for a moment, feeling distressed and even hurt. Had he done so on purpose? No, She did not think so, it was a magnificent perfume. Why would he does that? Surely Rubeus would grab it with too much force, he was not used to such things. But she could not stay there, lamenting for that. She had to fulfill her mission. She would end up with that brat and her master would be so happy that he would be sure to show his love to her. On second thoughts, it was only logical that he behave like this. Because of his high position he was under a lot of pressure to get results. The truth is that he had never intimated himself.  Maybe only a brief glance when they were all together. Besides, they were chief and subordinate, and Prince Diamond did not approve of such relations, especially given the important mission they had to carry out ... the best thing would be to complete it successfully. So, dressed in her black dress and her flowing white skirt, carrying a beautiful umbrella, she was transported to the vicinity of the sanctuary. Once there, she walked there as she thought.

-Rubeus said the little girl will show up around here this afternoon, but it's late and she still has not showed up.- She looked at her wristwatch to get back to the center of her worries. - I do not know what's happening, he doesn´t  care about me...no,  we'll see ... She sighed.

Then a familiar voice took her by surprise again ...

-Welcome to the Hikawa Shrine, do you want a reliquary of luck? An amulet, a prayer to purify your soul, Or do you have some serious love problem you want to consult? ...

-Again, you miserable worm?" She could reply as she got out of her astonishment to see that guy moving a sunshade and taking out amulets from everywhere as she asked.

She sighed and decided to buy him a lucky stick. This guy thanked her from afar, but she paid no attention to him. She immediately consulted what she had acquired and smiled enthusiastically.

-Ah, excellent luck! All your wishes will be granted today! Oh, I do not need to worry about anything! He treats me with coldness and hardness because he wants to make me jealous, that's what I'm sure of. - And opening her compact  she said with enthusiasm.- Dear Rubeus, I will makeup myself to be more beautiful ...

But interrupting her enthusiasm appeared the face of her boss in the mirror. He seemed to be irritated and asked.

-Kermesite, have you found the girl?

-No, not yet Rubeus. - She could say with patent bewilderment.-

-You should not waste time fixing your face.- He replied with angry tone.-

-I, I'm so sorry! - She was able to apologize really hurried.-

-I do not want you to wait and see if the girls who show up are or are not the ones we're looking for. Kill all the girls who resemble her.

-Yes master. - She replied submissively.-

Although now the expression of his boss was softened a bit and added a better mood.

-I want you to do an impeccable job ... my love ... – He finished disappearing from the screen.-

That turned the heart of the girl. At last he had said it! He had confessed his love to her ... it could not be otherwise, he was testing her.

-I'll please you, Master.- She replied, although the communication was over, thinking with joy. - I knew Rubeus loved me.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the shouts of a girl who was chasing that freaky guy who sold her the lucky stick. She was armed with a broom and she was shouting at him ...

-Hey Yuuichirou!, I told you that the chickens are fed in the morning! How many times do I have to repeat things to you?

After giving them a look of disdain, she thought.

-There is difference between them and us, Rubeus and I love each other differently ...

Then her sister's voice brought her out of her thoughts. Making her go back to where she was. Bertie asked.

-Do you think Americans will be very different from us? You know, in their way of thinking and things like these..

- I think so, judging by what people have told us. But I do not think that it costs us much to adapt.  Remember Bertie that we came from another world. - Cooan paused to add. - Compared to Nemesis this should not be much change. Remember that we came from a planet in war and ten centuries in the future. Besides - she smiled optimistic - our level of English is not bad. A similar language was spoken at court. Our ancestors came mostly from an English-speaking country. Although, later the language changed mixing with others of Asian origin. At least that's what some of our governesses told us.

- You're right. Neither did our mother remember. And our father hardly knew anything of what they called the language of the pioneers. - Agreed its sister looking out through the window.

Only the vast blue expanse of the ocean could be seen. Bertie thought about that. Her sister was always a good antidote to her doubts. She took out an illustrated booklet from the University they went to and read.

 -Listen to this. Golden State College has a long educational tradition. Founded more than a hundred years ago by John Bakersfield, a Bronx-born miner who became rich during the gold fever in California and who wanted to use some of his wealth in fostering education. For this he returned to his native State, New York, and founded a major school there, with the nickname of the State in which he made his fortune. - Said the girl concluding.- That's why it's called Golden State, even if it's in New York.

- Yes, because that's the name the Americans give to California. Right? "Said Cooan, who had also been kept informed about the place they were going.-

-Yes sister! Said Bertie, who jokingly said, -So we'll have to start practicing.-

            Her sister agreed on it funny, after exchanging some sentences in English they decided to rest a little. None of them said anything for a while and after a silence looking at her watch, it was Beruche who resumed the conversation with another question.

-By the way, do you have any idea how long we've been flying?

- I would say about two or three hours and we still have at least ten more. - Cooan calculated without much notion of it actually. -

-I miss the ability to teleport us,- Bertie sighed. - These twentieth-century planes are so slow!

-I couldn´t agree more – Answered her sister laughing with her, both covering their mouth with one hand and throwing glances of complicity. - Especially to save time. Or travel through it!

They were interrupted by the announcement of the PA system ... "Attention to all passengers, due to an atmospheric instability, we ask you to keep your seatbelts fastened and do not get up, we will be in turbulences, but it will not last long.

- Well, that is not starting precisely nicely, I can´t handle the shaking. I was used to our ship. - Said Cooan who looked quickly for the paper bag under her seat.

And so it was, the plane began to jerk and the girl to feel bad. Beruche looked at her sister with concern.

- Calm down, it'll be nothing.- She tried to encouraged her by caressing a hand of Cooan. - You see, to me the turbulences give me thirst instead. - She beckoned with the arms to the stewardess who approached immediately asking them very attentive. -

- Did you want something? Lunch, snack, something to drink?

- Yes, please, can you bring me some orange juice…? -Asked Bertie. -

-Immediately ladies,- replied the smiling stewardess, disappearing down the aisle and reappearing with the drink cart. - Here they are. But when she was about to serve Cooan, she smiled and said not with her finger, her face visibly pale.

The stewardess served Beruche, and at the very moment when she was about to deliver the glass, there was another jolt and quite strong, which made her pour into the skirt of Cooan.

-oh! - exclaimed the girl horrified, covering her ears with her hands. - Oh, not my new dress!

- I am so sorry! Please excuse me!- The astonished flight attendant could tell that she tried unsuccessfully to wipe her client´s skirt with a napkin, then she claimed. - Miss, miss, the company will pay the damages, now I fill out a receipt.

But Cooan was not paying much attention to her now. The plane continued to move, another abrupt jerk. The poor girl had eyes with two spirals in her pupils, dazed and her guts riveted as if she were spinning into a washing machine, she was barely able to whisper.

-I think I'm going to vomit.- And she hurriedly thrust her head into the bag. Then  a characteristic grof, glop, glup could be heard. -

-Be calm- Beruche encouraged her in solidarity as she softly patted her sister's back and held her. -

-Miss.- The worried stewardess asked in a very kind manner. -Do you want me to bring you a chamomile?

The questioner nodded her head in the bag, at the end of the bag with a pleading gesture to pray.

- Yes, please, but be careful, eh?

-Oh yes! -the stewardess forced a smile and ran away for her. - Here you have and forgive me .- She repeated again and again, although fortunately for the passing dizziness that could sigh relieved, this time without to spill anything. - I hope you get better soon…

After drinking the chamomile effectively the young woman settled her stomach and found herself better. It also contributed the fact that the plane had stopped moving. Both sisters reclined their seats and managed to fall asleep and wait for their destination. Cooan dreamed back to those memories of the day of her conversion into human ...

She had decided to change her tactics. She was tired of walking around, she changed her clothes for a dress and short skirt red and a briefcase that made it appear, plenty of creams and perfumes. Disguised in this way she approached the sanctuary house, interrupting two girls who were chatting.

-Excuse me. I am a cosmetics saleswoman from door to door. -She said kindly, affirming.- You two are very pretty. Do you happen to act as models?

Pleased, she watched the effect her flattering words had on those fools. Visibly excited, they wondered aloud.

-Is that the way we look?

-They'll see." - Kermesite whispered unfolding her samples. - This cream is very good for the skin. If you wear this you will get a beautiful boyfriend immediately. Or do you already have one?

-Well,- replied the brunette of those two girls with visible flush. - It's not a boyfriend, it's something like that.

-Ah! In that case I can also say that I have something similar to a boyfriend.- Said the other one, shorter and with long blond hair, combed with pigtails and two strange balls of hair on the head.-

-Usagi ... you have already lost Mamoru, do not you remember? - answered the young woman with the long jet hair.-

Reluctantly, her interlocutor had to admit.

-Well, it's true that he treats me somewhat coldly these days, but

-You know nothing, Usagi. Loving is trusting. And if you cannot trust him there will be no loving connection between him and you. - Replied the brunette girl with more conciliatory voice .- The important thing is to continue trusting, although he was apparently indifferent. Then things will change to be as before.

-I hope so,- whispered the other girl visibly sad.-

-Of course! -  Her friend encouraged her.

Kermesite had been listening to this without intervening, but it sounded more and more foolish. Then she could not help it and gave her opinion, even forgetting her real purpose there.

-I do not think you have understood. The woman exists to be loved. Trusting in someone or trusting in love means nothing. You should not continue to love someone if he treats you coldly, that is very unworthy.

Both girls stared at her in astonishment. The blonde immediately cried out in horror.

-You mean ...!

-That you must leave him at once.- Kermesite replied.

-No!- Said that little girl.-

-If you want to keep love forever, you must not give up on your appearance for a single moment.- You have to make-up in order to be more attractive and have men loving you. -And she decided decisively leaving her listeners stunned.- There is no argument about that!

Even then she came back to reality. What was she doing there talking to those two sillies? She had a mission to fulfill! More when the brunette girl, said in a somewhat hurried tone.

-I do not think we want to buy anything.

-I am sorry. - Kermesite apologized that she saw the opportunity to ask. - By the way, is there a little girl living here? ...

Now her interlocutors observed her with amazement, it was the brunette who inquired in a tone of strangeness.

-A little girl?

-Well, I also have cosmetics for girls. - Could say to get out of that situation.-

-No, there's no little girl here, - answered that girl with jet-black hair.-

-In that case excuse me..-She asked as she picked up her cosmetics and left thinking. -The girl does not live here. So it may appear from one moment to another. I can do nothing but wait for her to arrive.

When she was out of the reach of the eyes of curious, she got rid of those clothes and that sample and swapped them for her work uniform. She floated up to the top of a tree and waited. She did not have to do it for too long. The young girl climbed the steps of the sanctuary. Satisfied that her patience had borne fruit, Kermesite fell down beside her, and crouched down to stand at the level of the brat's eyes, she whispered to her in a tone of mellow and somewhat annoyed.

-I got you…

The chick cried terrified trying to escape, quickly, she knocked it down, holding it to the ground while adding fun.

-I was getting tired of waiting for you.

But suddenly she felt a blow to the head. It did not do too much damage to her, though it tore her from the back. She turned irritated to find that idiot apprentice priest of the sanctuary who asked with reproach.

-You, what are you trying to do? ...

-A broom?- She replied between stunned and really angry. - Do not tell me that you hit me in the head with that witchcraft artifact?

And while this guy was staring at her in surprise, holding up that tool to sweep, she got up and threw him in the face.

-Look what you've done with my fantastic hairstyle. You spoiled my style! Power of fire! She summoned her attack by throwing it at that unfortunate man who ran to avoid it by throwing himself to the ground.

Now she went from anger to delight, that damn idiot! She was going to make him pay for his meddling before she broke up with the girl.

-Die!- She shouted, to top it off. When a stone flew to her head, she was able to dodge it almost, discovering that brunette girl. - I will not allow you to interrupt me,- she shouted, attacking both with another wave of her dark fire.

But something happened that stunned her. That girl stumbled and was on the ground, helpless before her attack. She threw a bolt of energy at her and that boy threw herself between that girl and the dark fire, receiving the impact. Kermesite's mouth opened wide with astonishment. She could scarcely say.

-You've been mistreated by that woman! How is it that you still protect her?

-I ... I love her just as she is.- The guy could answer, his voice choked with pain.-

-You idiot! She doesn´t care about you at all! - Kermesite replied in turn, as if she wanted to get him out of that stupid illusion he kept.-

-I do not care.- It was the answer that, barely, that boy gave before he fainted.-

-Yuuichirou, resist! – The girl asked with concern causing the astonishment of her enemy.-

Then that girl stood up facing her, and with an expression of rage she snapped at her.

-Damn you, I'll never forgive you. Planet Mars give me the power!

And to Kermesite' s astonishment that girl who was wrapped in a reddish light and orange circles of flames, spinning on herself, became one of her enemies.

-Oh! But you're one of the warriors!  She cried, unable to believe it.-

Now she was aware of a detail, seemingly insignificant but key. Neither she nor any of her sisters had noticed it before. Japanese girls were not blonde. At least in the case of Usagi and Minako they never noticed. Not that bluish tone in Ami-chan' s hair. Thinking about the times that were later, once they became friends, in the house of some of them. Her own family did not see them that way. At least she never heard anything about it.

-Maybe it was our dark powers that let us seeing them as they really are. And then, after knowing their secret .- She thought now. - We were foolish not noticing. Well, now I'm glad it was that way then. - She smiled.

However, she came back from her memories as she and her sister woke up when the plane was about to land at New York airport. The public address made the report of the weather conditions of the city and began the approach maneuver to John F Kennedy. The two of them prepared with a restless gesture, especially poor Cooan. But for her relief  They managed to withstand the landing that was much smoother than the takeoff. After a few minutes they were able to get off the plane and pick up the luggage. Ready to go to customs control.

- Well, we're here. Hello New York! -Exclaimed Bertie, forgetting the fatigue of the journey and extending her arms to the sky to add with illusion. - The Malinde sisters are ready to conquer you!

-Hey sister! – Replied Cooan who winked an amused smile. - Sounds like we're still from the Black Moon.

They both laughed at the joke. Fortunately the process of crossing the border was faster than they thought. Some questions were amusing, but they were warned that they should answer seriously and be sincere. Especially issues of the kind of… do you intend to kill the President? Are you going to kidnap someone? In sum, many of the questions on the questionnaire that they had to fill out were quite shocking. Needless to say, they marked a no. Their suitcases went through the metal detector without incident and the passports were in order. The officials and other security personnel were returned together with the protocol greeting.

-Welcome to the United States of America.

Once they both laughed at that control, remembering how easy it would have been for them to have passed by if they had kept their old powers. Finally it was Cooan who focused a bit on leaving the terminal.

- Finally, let's stop nonsense that you have to find a taxi. - She indicated her sister with more practical sense. -

- Look over there. - Beruche pointed to a large group of yellow vehicles parked in front of them - these should be, there are many.

-Well, let's go before we run out of time,- her sister urged. -

At that moment something blinded Bertie, it seemed a white glow, when she covered her face with one hand she thought she could make out a great figure of a man, yet the impression vanished soon and Cooan asked.

-What happened to you?..

- You did not see it, did you?- Her surprised interlocutor replied. It was a blinding blaze. I swear I saw someone ...

-I have not seen anything, it must have been the reflection of the sun,- her sister guessed, as the star struck some rooftops and windows of some vehicle. -

- Yes, well, that would have been ... Run! - Beruche indicated to her changing radically of subject to see how some taxis were occupied quickly - we have to hurry.

-Let's go to that cab," Cooan suggested, pointing to one of them, the one closest to them. -

They both loaded their bags juggling and headed toward one of them. The driver, a not very tall man with a dark complexion and mustache to the "Cantinflas" was leaning on the hood absentmindedly reading a newspaper. When he saw them he left him immediately, and with a cap in his hands he addressed them.

-What can I do for you, chamacas? He asked in a distinctly Mexican accent. –

They both looked at each other with an expression of strangeness, and Cooan pulled out the pocket dictionary. He looked for the term "chamaca" without finding it. While Beruche, in somewhat dubious English, asked the man.

- Please sir, can you drive us to this address? - riveted trying to mark the pronunciation as she handed the signs of the university. -

-Let's see," said the man, who, reading them, nodded hard to smile. - Nothing easier. That's done ... Come on suban al carro - The last wrods said in Spanish to the puzzlement of the girls who did not understand.

-What?- Bertie looked with surprise at her sister who shrugged. - What did he say? - She whispered bewildered. -

-I think he said that we should get into the taxi,- Cooan pointed out, more intuitively than anything else. -

The girls did. After getting into the car, the man packed his suitcases. The vehicle started quickly behind the airport. During the trip, the taxi driver was telling both of his adventures. They listened even though they did not understand half of what I said to them by their constant phrases and idiomatic turns in American English mixed with expressions in Spanish. The talk of the taxi driver was more or less like this.

- I left Jalisco when I was 15. I crossed the border como espalda mojada, here I married Lupita. It is a very pretty woman, muy linda, we have six children and we wait for another one. Look, look," he said, taking out his wallet with one hand and Passing it from behind the seat, he held out his wallet, and a stream of photographs fell on each other, "Precious my chaps, ¿verdad?"

Before this the only thing that the girls did was to remain silent during the whole trip. They only nodded at the same time that the pupils of their eyes looked like two little dots and a droplet of sweat fell on their forehead. They hardly noticed the route through the city. A shame because it had be worth looking at. At last, they seemed to leave the same as they crossed a clear expanse of buildings and more terrain occupied by vegetation. After a few more minutes they saw a large row of newly cut hedges and a large archway. Above it, with large reddish-brown signs highlighting between the green and brown monotony of the landscape and the buildings dotting it, it could be read, "Golden State College, Private University." Both remained open-mouthed, absorbed in the contemplation of the facilities and the campus. It was even better in reality than they saw in the brochure Mr. Fumata showed them in Tokyo.

-I think we'll like this place,- said Beruche, delighted as she tossed her head out the window for a better view. -

-And say it! It is a very beautiful place - confirmed Cooan equally enthusiastic. -

- Very well, we arrived - indicated the taxi driver stopping the car, he parked it in a parking near one of the faculties. - End of journey ladies, - lowered the price flag and the counter stopped, the man went on to list. - Let's see, it's ten dollars to surpass the urban rate, another ten for excess baggage and the trip is twenty-one dollars. They add up to a total of forty-one.

- One moment.- Cooan took fifty dollars out of her pocket and handed them to the man, adding with a smile, since that fellow, even being an shameless talker, had liked them. - Take, for your children.

The taxi driver smiled in turn accepting that ...

-You can tell that these two are foreigners and good people,- he thought with satisfaction. - Thank you ladies. He started to stop them when they got off. -  Aguarden no más! I'll help you with your luggage.

They both thanked him and between the three of them they went down and left the suitcases in the hall. At that moment, a mature woman, about fifty, dressed in a neat, sober dress, with a perfectly made bow in the center of her head and round glasses, was in her midst. She would be same height of the girls. She had a kind of notebook under one arm. She passed the taxi driver indifferently and presented herself in a cold, formal manner.

- Good Morning. My name is Parker, Professor Jane Parker, I am also the dean of this faculty and head of studies. I take care of supervising the students among other duties -  And taking that notebook she consulted it and asked with an undisguised indifference. - Miss Malinde of Tokyo, are you the new scholarship recipients?

-Yes, madam, it is us,- replied Beruche, respectfully, trying to understand the woman's quick conversation.-

- Miss, if you do not mind - rectified her to the girl with the irritation of who had to correct that error several times a day. -

-Excuse me, miss,- Bertie said, a little flushed. -Yes, we are the Malinde sisters.- She agreed, pointing to Cooan and herself with her hand. -

-Nice to meet you Miss Parker.- The other girl smiled. -

-My pleasure - she said, though she did not sound very convinced, to add without further bother to the talk. - You are on my list, well, please follow me to their lodgings.

Both girls obeyed without delay, that woman had already started to walk. So they walked along a landscaped walk with classic statues flanking the road. Miss Parker was going fast, almost military, and both the girls and the taxi driver, loaded with suitcases, had a hard time following her. They came to a white neoclassical building. The dean took out some keys and opened the door. With a gesture he invited the group to enter. Once inside was counting a succession of doors and stopped next to one, which made the number twenty-one. At least that said in a small blue poster with black numbers on its front. She opened it with another key and again directed them to pass by.

-Here are your dependencies, please pack your bags,- Miss Parker told them. -

They obeyed as best they could. They entered the luggage leaving it in the center of the room, this one was big and functional. To one side a bunk of two beds perfectly made, in front of these a bedside table with lamp and a window of good illumination. On the other side of the room were three doors. Two were of a built-in wardrobe with good hanging capacity and three good size drawers. The other led to a very neat bathroom with shower, cistern and a sink with a large mirror, (this pleased both much) and an adjacent coquette for toiletries. In a corner was a nice towel rack with towels of various sizes, all white and with the initials of the center engraved in golden tones.

-That's all, thank you very much,- said Cooan, addressing the taxi driver.-

He left the remaining luggage and said goodbye to them, wishing them good luck. The guy left whistling down the long corridor, ignoring the disdain in the gesture of the professor . Meanwhile Bertie, running the whole of the room with a twist of her head, declared.

- The truth is that this is beautiful, do not you think Cooan?

- Of course, I love it! - agreed  her sister by clapping without being able to avoid it. -

- Foreigners! Miss Parker thought derisively, pouting sharply. - I'm glad you like it, now and if I may, I let you know about our rules of coexistence .- She took again the block of notes she was carrying and listed mechanically. - I inform you that the punctuality is highly observed, breakfast is at eight o'clock. The first class starts at nine, there is a fifteen-minute break between classes. Lunch is served at 13.30 and at 16.30 classes are resumed. These, with their usual pause, end at 17.45, at 19.45 dinner is served. Then you have free time for what you like. Except special permission or exceptions you should not be outside the rooms from 22.15. At 22:45 the lights in the corridors and the rooms are turned off. You can lie down whenever you want and get up when you please, as long as you respect this schedule, have you understood?

-Yes, Miss ...- the girls chanted. -

- Okay, now a few basic rules to follow. - Said the teacher resuming the thread and in an even more severe tone. - Persons of the opposite sex are not allowed in the rooms. As you should know this is a mixed campus and morality is observed very strictly. No animals and no introduction of alcoholic beverages, drugs or anything of that type, that is constitutive of immediate expulsion, without prejudice to appropriate legal actions. Do you understand? -The two new pupils kept nodding their heads at this flood of draconian conditions. -

-Anything else? - asked Cooan candidly judging that nothing could be left, but was wrong -

- I have not finished yet! - Miss Parker added dryly, after which she continued untroubled the rules to follow. - It is forbidden to make noise, parties and all kinds of  mess from 20.00. At 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. By the way, they have a laundry service that works every day except Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.- When she finally finished she turned to the girls and asked them for commitment. - Do you have any questions?

-Sorry,- Cooan dared to mumble. -How many days are of class?

- Monday to Friday. On Saturday and Sunday you are free.

-Are there extra academic activities? - Beruche was interested. -

-As many as you like, take-and from  her block she produced a pamphlet that she gave to Bertie, relative to other occupations, quite nourished with pages.- If you have no more doubts than to expose…

Both, totally overtaken by this cataract of information, shook their heads. The truth is that even if they had had they would not have dared to have exposed them given the mood of that woman.

-Well, I'll let you settle in, good morning and welcome to the Golden State College.- Miss Parker closed the door, and her steps slipped down the hall. -

- I remember droids with much more sympathy than that woman. - Sighed Cooan, who still seemed intimidated. - This seems more rigid than the Nemesis palace norms.-

-Yes-not even Prince Diamond would have demanded so much. Well, it'll all get used to it, let's settle in, - Beruche said, opening one of her suitcases. -

And after calling their sisters and telling them the details of the trip and their satisfaction for the campus and their accommodation, the girls settled in to cast lots for the bed. Bertie stood up and Cooan down. It was a good time to put their things in order in the room that was to be their very home during that year. Finally they went to bed. The two dreamed of their future experiences, but after that Cooan was still remembering her fight against Rei ...

Still in shock of having seen the transformation of her enemy, Mars launched her attack. Kermesite teleported to avoid it. When she recoiled from her initial stupor, she exclaimed in delight.

-What a precious surprise! If I can kill you alongside the girl, Rubeus will feel happy!

And after said that she launched some projectiles of fire that the sailor tried to dodge as she could. The two threw their respective bursts of energy that collided canceling with a great explosion. But she took advantage, being faster. She could disappear and be transported. She did so by knocking down her rival after nudging her in the face. The hit threw Mars several meters against the ground. Just where that boy lay. Now Kermesite had her at her mercy. She launched another attack, assuming that the warrior would dodge it by letting the fire reach that fool. However, to Kermesite' s astonishment, her enemy preferred to carry that boy and push him away from the path of the blast of fire. Nevertheless, she paid dearly for that gesture of altruism because she was seriously injured in one leg. Unable to believe it the Ayakashi landed a few feet from her opponents and snapped, almost as if she scolded her rival for her silly mistake.

-Moron! I would have left a guy like that and fled.

- How could I do such a thing?" Her enemy replied from the ground. - Yuuichirou was wounded just to protect me.

-I remember that you said that loving someone was very important.- Kermesite replied with some troubled thought and not without some disdain.-

The gesture of her adversary expressed astonishment when she finally recognized her.

-Of course, you're the cosmetics saleswoman!

-It was not worth protecting that boy. Because neither is your lover nor the man you love from the bottom of your heart. - She snapped.-

The sailor struggled to her feet, but her injured leg failed her, She fell to her knees to answer with difficulty.

-I only wanted to reward him for his sincerity. Ah! - She complained from the pain of the burns.-

-Ha! - smiled Kermesite asserting convinced. -The love between Rubeus and me is much stronger than yours.

-Silly stuff! - exclaimed her opponent to sentence. - You only love yourself. You do not care what other people feel ... and that ... is not true love ...

-Of course it is! -She refuted in an offended tone, insisting. - We love each other, and very deeply.

-I do not think that's true. - Opposed his opponent with patent skepticism. -

Those words struck Kermesite, she remembered then the sequence of events, the way in which Rubeus had despised her gift and how he pushed it away. No, it could not be ... She shook her head trying to get rid of those terrible ideas. It was plain to see that her enemy was trying to weaken her resolution, She was trying to buy time. Maybe she was waiting for the arrival of her companions. Of course, that should be!

-Damn it ... Damn it ... it's over!" She managed to exclaim to subdue herself and add in a more sure and firm tone that she wanted to sound dispassionate. -You said all you had to say. The little girl will be the first to die.

And She transported herself directly to her target. There was that baby, still unconscious. It would be enough for her to lengthen her nails and stab her, it would be very easy and everything would end. Rubeus and she could be happy together. Then a rose stuck right next to her. Looking up, she spotted a guy dressed in black tuxedo, cape, and top hat.

-Who are you?- She asked, stunned and upset.-

That man landed next to her and taking the little girl in his arm, he answered in an admonishing tone.

-Love wavers before the unknown truth. Your poor heart will cry if you discover what you really feel.

-What?...

Kermesite was totally baffled. What the hell was that supposed to mean? That guy was the weirdest thing she ever had seen. He always spoke in riddles. That strange words sounded like a note of Chinese luck cookies. But when she wanted to give an account he had moved away from her carrying the girl in his arms as he said goodbye with a laconic ...

-Bye.

-Hey you! Come back here. -Kermesite asked when she was finally able to react.-

But she could not do or say more, a burst of hoops of fire caught up with her. She had been caught off guard and was seriously injured. She could not nearly move her right arm that had been damaged.

-How careless I have been!" She whined between her teeth.-

-I'm here, I'm waiting for you!- Exclaimed her enemy, who seemed to have been redone in those precious seconds that she had wasted, distracted by the masked one.-

Of course that was the tactics of the warriors. Had her sisters been there alongside her things would have been different. Their enemies always acted together and as a team. It was very difficult to defeat them. But she had been very close to achieving it ... she would have to flee once more. But how would she explain this new failure to her superior? Then, as if he had been watching her, he appeared there, levitating a few yards and asked in a tone and a stern expression.

-Kermesite. have you finished with the girl? ...

-I'm so sorry, Rubeus, I was pretty close on that, but I failed.- She lamented, lowering her head in shame.-

-I see. - Said Rubeus crossing his arms as he declared it seemed that in a resigned tone. -Kermesite, you have been in my service for years, and I thank you, but I shall never see you again.

-What?- Exclaimed the aforementioned woman, astonished at what she was hearing. - Wait a moment, I'm fighting a warrior right now, and I'm willing to sacrifice my life in battle. Forgive me, please. -She pleaded with a growing sense of anguish as she pointed to her enemy.-

-You're not strong enough to beat her.- He replied, this time with a tone between indifferent and annoyed.-

-Oh! In that case you could fight on my side. - The girl proposed looking at him hopefully, while she clasped her hands at the height of the chin.-

Maybe that was it. Her boss had come to help her. But her illusions fell apart with the next lapidary phrase that he snapped at her, after a burst of laughter.

-Ha! What a bad luck! I have a team of disabled people.

-I cannot believe what I hear,- she replied, really astonished, but she still said, - I have loved you all these years, and you have loved me too!

-Love! Ha, ha, ha ... what nonsense! - replied his boss with an expression that stuck in the utter disdain when he sentenced in a way full of contempt .- I have not loved you for a single moment in all my life!

Those terrible words pierced the girl's soul like a dagger. She could not react, just stood there, shivering and staring at the one who had believed her soul mate. So it was all a hoax! Rubeus had used it and manipulated it. Now it was only a broken doll from which he had grown weary. And that was still worse when his superior, in an indifferent tone, materialized a black ball of energy in one hand and ordered her as he sent it to her, who gently held it in her hands.

-This is the first and the only gift I'll never give you ... take it.

Kermesite watched in astonishment. She could recognize what it was, barely able to stammer.

-This is…

-Eliminate the warriors of this world forever. This is so much better than the stupid bottle of corny perfume you gave me. - Said his boss with a patent tinge of mockery.

And he disappeared from her life for good. The girl could not assimilate that. She looked at that ball of energy about to explode and was not aware of her own safety. Actually nothing mattered anymore. She could scarcely mutter, almost resisting to realize that bitter reality.

-You gave me a bomb ... you want me to ... die ..."

-What?- Exclaimed her enemy whom she had forgotten all along. But it was  Mars who, visibly restless, asked for. Kermesite, throw it away, throw it away!

But the aforementioned did not seem to listen to her, she was in a terrible and painful emptiness. Her heart had shattered, nothing mattered. She could only cry and shake her head, Being prey of desolation.

-No ... too late ... you ... win ... my love for you was a mistake, it seems.

That bomb was about to explode. Then there was a shout ...

-Venus love me chain!

A chain of energy unbalanced her by knocking her off the sinister ball of her hands and throwing her into the air at a considerable distance. At once she heard another voice shouting.

-Spark plug pressure!

Following this exclamation a few sparks of energy destroyed that bomb that blew harmlessly in the air blinding them all for a moment with its glow. When Kermesite recovered, kneeling on the ground, she discovered the whole team of her enemies staring at her with hostility.

-Enough, surrender Kermesite!- Said Sailor Moon herself.-

-You cannot go anywhere. - Added the Sailor Mercury.-

But she was barely aware of the urgency of her situation. Although she was outnumbered by five to one, she was not worried. Mercury's last words, however, did upset her and she could hardly repeat. As if asking herself, full of disbelief.

-Cannot I go anywhere?

That stunned her opponents. They wasn´t expected such a response. Now the girl began to realize how far her personal drama had come. Rubeus had disowned her, never wanted her anymore, her sisters would not accept her. She was a loser and could never see them again. Nor will she return to  her world in the future. She was doomed ...

-You're right,- She admitted full of desolation, which turned into rage and bitterness as she added. "I have nowhere to go. I've lost everything because of you ... I've lost everything because of you. - She insisted as she stood looking at them with hatred and resentment, to sentence once more with a heartbreaking scream .- I have lost everything. Because of you! Aaahh!

And mad with pain, she lashed out at her enemies with long, sharp nails. She wanted to finish everything, even though she could only hurt some before they were done with her. It really was what she wanted. To finish once and for all with that terrible torture of being abandoned and heartbroken.

-I have lost everything! Everything is over! I have lost my future, my love, my house, because of you ... Aaahh!

And unsuccessfully tried to scratch some of her rivals, who, astonished and even frightened by their reaction, simply dodge her again and again as they could. Except for Sailor Mars, who, separated from the rest and still half lying on the ground, oozed sadness and with compassion in her eyes, shouting in vain.

-Stop!..

            Maybe that was the worst. To be so unhappy that even her mortal enemy pitied her. That made her cry and scream even more, trying to vent her bitterness and despair with new rush without success. Finally the Warrior Jupiter reacted by throwing a powerful knee.

-Stop that!- She exclaimed, attacking Kermesite.

This one was already ready to receive the blow. She wished they would soon get her back! But to her astonishment the impact never came. Another person received it instead. It was Mars, that girl with whom she had been fighting to death, the one who protected her. Gathering forces from apparently nowhere she interposed  her body and absorbed the attack falling on her after complaining of that forceful blow, to stupor of her own companions and of course of her rival, who looked at her now with the mouth open. Kermesite was so astonished to see what she even forgot for a few moments of her situation. She could only wonder why her enemy would have done that.

-But ... but what?" The Jupiter Warrior could babble, unable, like the rest of her companions, to believe what she saw.

- Not everything is finished Kermesite .- Mars said gently that she smiled encouragingly at her rival as she caught her breath. - You have not lost everything yet. You have yourself and if you think you were wrong it's time to correct things a bit. I'm sure you have a great future. Do not you think so?

And that sweet and understanding attitude finally disarmed her. All her anger, her pain, and her past resentment toward those girls suddenly disappeared. That girl, Sailor Mars was the only person, except sometimes her own sisters, who had shown her some warmth and sympathy in a long time. Now it was who, in the absence of anyone else, encouraged her in that terrible moment. Kermesite could only cry, but this time venting her sadness. Regretting all evil she had done, kneeling on the floor, ashamed, not daring to look up. She then heard her appraiser beg ...

-Sailor Moon, turn her into a normal woman.

-I'd love to do it if I can." - She replied with a tone of skepticism.-

-Sailor Moon, use the Silver crystal. - Suggested the black cat that was next to her.-

-It's not as strong as it used to be, but Kermesite is very weak now. I'm sure everything will turn out well. -Added a white cat that was next to the warrior.-

-Try it! - Insisted the black cat.-

Sailor Moon nodded affirming ...

-I'll try. - And muttered in demand of support to nobody in particular. - Please help me. - Then she invoked that energy with more decision. - Silver crystal! Give me the power!..

Then a flurry of radiant pink energy invaded Kermesite who was lifted and spun as her clothes faded. That was the most wonderful thing she had ever experienced. She felt renewed, happy, as if something had freed her from a great burden. Her heart felt a warm sensation. And those bad feelings she had simply harbored were no longer there. Instead she had a growing sense of love filling her. But a true love, for herself and for others. Not the selfishness of old. Now she saw it clearly. All her life she had been the victim of deception. The warriors were not the enemy. Quite the opposite, they were good people, of noble sentiments, who took pity on her and saved her from the hell she has been lived in. Now she cried but pure joy ...

And in her dream Cooan also cried,  and her tears wet his pillow but at the same time she smiled confidently...

In Tokyo her sisters welcomed the news, were eager to share it with Usagi and the others. Petz called Makoto when she was cleaning her apartment a little.

-Hi! How are you?- Said the sailor, who, after hearing her friend refer her to the news about her younger sisters, replied: - I'm very glad. I hope you enjoy your stay ... yes ... I envy them... Well, who says we cannot go and see them? Well, I'll tell the others. Thank you ... yes, we'll see each other ...

She hung up the phone and continued cleaning. In the meantime she remembered some bits of the conversation she and the others had with Usagi and Mamoru. In the Hikawa Shrine, all gathered in the front yard. Sitting on the stairs. Rei told them.

-I've felt some evil forces here, but they do not seem to be too powerful. Anyway we must be alert. It could be the beginning of something greater. As usual.

-Yes,- Ami agreed, looking at Usagi. - Cannot you tell us anything else?

-Well,- Her friend said, taking the word in a rather serious tone for what was usual in her. - I can tell you this. I know there are new enemies. I had dreams in which I was warned of it. But they also revealed to me that it would not be a battle that we have to face and win. At least not directly.

That's what Mamoru said, joining the conversation, as he declared.

- I also dreamed of something similar. A large dark figure with a book of garnet color and gold letters. And a voice that told me something like that, this story starts here, but it's not just your future. You must not intervene until the time comes for you, others must bear the responsibility.

They all gave him a look full of bewilderment, but it was Ami who spoke again.

-I still do not understand what our friends have to do with all this.

-I do not know either,- Usagi admitted adding. - All I know is that they will play a very important role. And we will have to help them, but only at certain times. The rest they will have to face it alone. Even sometimes we will be forced to hide the truth from them.

-I do not understand why,- Minako said, nodding disapprovingly. - The truth should not be hidden, especially among friends.

-You know as well as I do that is sometimes necessary to behave weirdly. - Usagi answered in a low voice to sentence. - I like it as little as all of you girls. I just ask you to trust what we say to you, Mamo-chan and me.

- Yes - agreed this one - believe us. It's not easy for Usako or me. We really appreciate the sisters. But I'm afraid there is a lot at stake and we can only intervene when the right time comes. It must be so.. - He stressed so that left no room for the retort.-

They all sighed with resignation. They knew after so much time and so many battles that they had to use the head and to follow a strategy. And if their future sovereigns told them that they had to proceed in that way they would have their reasons. This was what Makoto remembered when she received a call for her special watch. It was Rei, apparently another enemy had been detected. So she left the vacuum cleaner to one side and rushed to join her companions to face that threat ...

Meanwhile Bertie and Cooan slept peacefully with the conviction that they would live a magnificent experience. Both wishing to start the next day, a new and in their opinion, exciting course.

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