GWB28E

73. Chapter 28. The ruthless Devilish Lady.

 The next morning Amethyst came home after training. This time she had played horseback riding. She came walking after getting off the bus when she saw a boy who was familiar to her.

-Hello Brian! - She greeted him with a half-smile.-

-Amethyst. How are you? - He was interested when recognizing her, turning in the direction of the voice of the girl .-

            Of course, anyone would be looking at the French without being able to look away, with that imposing plant and dressed as an attractive Amazon. More when she had removed her jacket that was held with one hand behind her back marking her more than generous charms so patent under the blouse.

-I have come from riding.- She said.-

That was evident, more at the assent of her interlocutor, who, looking at her from top to bottom and smiling, replied amused.

-Yes, I've assumed it.

            The young woman laughed, of course, in sight. But she appreciated that relaxed moment. Brian was a good boy. Of the few she liked there. And besides, he was attractive, a little taller than her and pretty well considered. If not for the fact that Amethyst herself was in love with Leval, she would not say no to go out with him. However, that young man also had a love perhaps platonic, and now surely impossible. It was precisely he, who asked the girl.

- Do you know anything about Kerria? I think she was sick. We had an appointment to study, but she told me on the phone that she was not feeling well.

            The girl erased the smile from her lips and lowered her head, she felt embarrassed. More when she re-lived what happened in her mind. She could barely look her interlocutor in the face. Anyway, she did not know how to fake her feelings and gather courage, she replied in a careful and kind tone.

-Look Brian. You're a good boy. I like you, what it's more ... I respect you, and I do not say that about so many people. And ... I'm sure you've heard what is said about Kerria ...

            Now it was the young man who looked away and could muster with dejection.

-Yes, I've heard things. But I'm sure they are not true ...

-I do not know what exactly you may have heard. - Amethyst sighed, adding immediately. - But I was present when she said ... well, when she admitted that ...

-Enough! - The boy asked her, cutting it with greater abruptness than it used to be used. However, immediately calmed down his tone to add more conciliatory .- Please ... I do not want to hear anything else. I do not care. She is not like people say. I know her ...

-I know.- Amethyst agreed with sadness in her face to admit.- And I thank you for believing in her. You are much better friend of hers than I have proved to be. I hope we can cheer her up and let all this to be forgotten soon. I'm counting on you for it. Will you help me? - She inquired hopefully.

-Of course, yes.- The boy smiled at last, nodding with more encouragement.- She is not alone, there are more people that will surely support her. I will talk to whomever is needed. We have to cut this nonsense at the root.

The boy remembered how, to his horror, he had heard the most tremendous things. And the fact that if Kerria was a lesbian, it was the least important. Some said that she was simply a nympho who had slept with a lot of people. Others who even prostituted herself in hostess clubs. Or that, together with her friend Debbie, she made pornographic films. The boy had wanted to punch all those scoundrels who insulted her merrily. And so he said.

-I'm not going to let anyone hurt her and defame her in this way. I'll be by her side, whatever happens. I know that she is not like that ...

Amethyst was impressed when she heard him. She knew that it was that way. Some of her friends told her. This young man had  stood for Kerria and reproached many of his companions for the miserable and petty attitude they had had with that poor girl. And he did not have to resort to violence to embarrass more than one. That boy who used to be so calm and quiet reacted much better and with more forcefulness than she was capable of. And he did it because he truly loved Kerria. It was seen in his eyes that he believed one hundred percent what he claimed. She had to admit it. Brian had taught her a lesson.

-Thank you very much for everything you've done. - Amethyst smiled at him, confessing with kindness. - You know? You have shown to love and understand her more than any of us. I really would like very much that she and you ...

            Now it was the patent flush on the boy's cheeks that made his companion keep quiet. Then he said, to get out of that embarrassing situation.

-I have to go. I have to go to the city to do some shopping and the bus is going to go. See you around.

            Amethyst nodded, poor boy! She let him go as she headed for home. When she got inside, she took off her riding boots and hung her jacket in the hall. Then, feeling tired, she greeted her parents and went to have a shower. Just as she entered the bathroom, the phone rang. Her father, who was just getting up and making breakfast, picked it up in the kitchen.

-Yes?. Diamond Lassart speaking. Tell me. Who is it?

- Please Diamond! Help us! - He heard the anguished voice of Beruche. - Kerria has disappeared, she is not in her room.

- What happened? – The man wanted to know with concern. -

- We had an argument with her, for her behavior and other things. But everything had been solved. I left her sleeping in her room. And this morning she was not there! - Bertie could reply to the edge of tears to give a brief summary of the previous attack they had suffered. - I do not understand…

- Calm down, I'm going there, right now - his friend replied before to hang up. -

-What happens, honey? – Emerald asked her. She was at his side dressed in a silk robe and finishing breakfast. -

- It was Bertie, her daughter has disappeared, it seems that they had an argument with her and before that an attack by some sectarians. She is very worried. Roy and Leval have already gone out to look for her and she asks me to help them.

- The sectarians? How awful! Poor girl! I hope you find her soon, - his wife replied with visible concern. - I'll tell Amethyst when she gets out of the shower, maybe she knows where she might have gone.

- I'm leaving, if you know something, call Bertie and Roy's house ... - Her husband indicated.-

            His wife nodded and Diamond flew away at full speed to avoid being seen after leaving through the window. Emerald went to find her daughter who had already left the shower and was drying her hair. Her mother informed her of what had happened, alluding only to the disappearance of Kerria. Amethyst paled, but in spite of feeling very worried about her friend, she did not dare to say anything about what had happened in the changing rooms at school. Even though she wanted to, she had no idea where Kerria could have gone. She could only shrug her shoulders at her mother's question and admit it.

- I do not know, I have no idea where she could go, mom. Lately we have seen little. Kerria has had problems at the School. - She answered with voice low and worried.-

The girl remembered remorsefully her recent conversation with Brian and her lack of support for her friend when she needed it most. And now that she was planning to fix things Kerria was gone. She wish she had not done anything foolish!

- What kind of problems? - Her mother asked her. -

The girl chose not to say anything, although as the interlocutor's gaze was still on her, she finally had to say something to get out of the way.

- I think they were some disagreements with other girls, between her and some of her classmates. But I could not do anything. - She replied trying not to cry, she did not want to betray her feelings. However, her sharp mother inquire more so she added. - I had no chance ...

- I hope she has not done anything to repent. - Emerald sighed with visible concern thinking - It's bad luck that we were not at home yesterday. Maybe we could have done something. Anyway, - she added trying to be more optimistic. - We can only wait until your father and the others can find her.

            Amethyst nodded, but hurriedly dressed again to go out and ran away as quickly as she could, her mother seeing her go, shouted at her.

- Where are you going, daughter?

- I'm looking for Leval to help him. Maybe between the two of us we can find out where Kerria is.

       And her mother nodded. For her part she stayed there trying to get in touch with the rest of her friends ...

            Brian was coming to the bus stop. There were no people. He looked at the clock and sighed resignedly. Apparently the bus had left five minutes ago. When he stopped to chat with Amethyst he lost some minutes and now it was too late. He only could wait for the next one. So he was going to sit on the bench to wait, then someone touched him from behind on the shoulder. When he turned his heart almost came out of his chest. It was her! The truth is that she looked so beautiful, her light brown hair, usually collected in a braid was loose, undulating with the breeze that had risen. Her eyes maybe glowed in a strange way. The boy would swear that a reddish tone, but his partner immediately put  a sunglasses on. Notwithstanding, that red mini skirt that showed the full extent of her impressive legs, topped in two shoes with good heels matching her lips and that white top that clearly marked her charms, made her irresistible. However, Brian noticed something strange. It was as if his partner was not  as always. Maybe it was what he thought because of the latest events. As soon as he could focus, he asked with interest and kindness.

-It is nice to see you. How are you? Did you have still a cold? ...

-I'm great, -  the girl replied with a rather mellow tone, while with her hands, played with the shirt of the astonished boy, neck height .- What a pleasant coincidence. What are you doing here?...

-I was going to buy some things ... - The increasingly nervous young man could answer.-

-I'm so glad to see you. And do you know why? - The girl smiled without waiting for reply, she added while the two sat on the bench. - You're one of the few who don´t deserve punishment in this damn neighborhood. No, you're not like the others. You do not tell lies. Right, Brian? - She whispered with even more sugary tone, for the boy's blush.-

-I do not know what you mean ... Lies? ...

-Yes, yes you know.- The girl affirmed that now she placed her two hands on his chest to walk down, slowly and in such a sensual way that poor Brian thought that the heart was going to come out of his chest. And more when her friend sentenced. - Damn losers hypocrites miserable! Look at them. Accusing me of the fact that I like women ... only, what a stupid thing !, to be satisfied only with women having a boy like you here ... because you are very attractive. Have not anybody ever told you?

-Bu ... well ... - He could stammer, feeling very stiff  as a certain part of his anatomy had begun to rebel at the caresses of which his chest and legs were object .- What ... what is... principal is that everything is clarified.- He was able to add.- Surely speaking about these things ...

But his private zone was even more agitated when his partner got up and approached very close to the astonished boy. Then she put one of her feet on the bench, just under his crotch. Kerria stroked her long, shapely leg to the foot, asking her puzzled interlocutor in a tone that really exuded lasciviousness.

- Do you like my new shoes? ...

-Yes, of course ... very ... beautiful.- Brian mumbled.-

The poor boy swallowed hard trying to get away, although he became completely red when that part of him showed up in his pants.

-Hum! - She moaned with obvious approval when she realized it, adding funny.- Well, you should see my new high boots. They are also red ... I really like the red color ...

-I thought your favorite was blue.- He muttered really ashamed and trying at all costs to calm down.-

- Blue is for losers! - His interlocutor spat, finally removing her foot from the bench to the relief of the boy who thought his pants were going to explode.-

-I'll remember it for your birthday. Is October 12th, right? - He said something hurried, since he still breathed with agitation.

            Then she pulled away slightly, looked him up and down and smiled a smile that seemed somewhat perfidious, sentencing as she caressed her partner on one cheek.

-Just like I said. You are the only one worth saving from all that rabble that is dedicated to spreading mischief about me. If you even remember my birthday! It is a precious detail ...

-It's all going to be fixed.- She was encouraged by her friend, who was surprised of course by that attitude, but perhaps the poor girl had been subjected to a lot of pressure. Yes, that must be! He thought, to rivet with bouncy tone .- We'll clarify everything, Kerria.

-Oh yes! - She agreed with a sardonic smile to sentence. - You can be sure everything is going to clear up, Brian. I will personally take care of that. By the way. It will take a while to me to return home. If you see my parents tell them not to worry, they will know about me right away. And ... if you see Amethyst ...

-I saw her this morning.- He anticipated, believing in this way to encourage his friend.- We have spoken and we will help you.

-Well, go, go! How considerate she is! ... she's going to help me ... - she laughed lightly, evidencing a clear tinge of scorn and added in a soft voice. Tell her that we will see each other very soon, before what she believes. And then I will thank her for her help as she deserves ... Will you do that for me? - She asked with a strangely sensual and even intoxicating tone.-

-I will do anything for you. Always! - the boy asserted as if he could not help being honest with that kind of confession after hearing the voice of her. - You can count on me for whatever you want.

-I know. You are the only one I can ask for in this way. So sweet ... – She smiled broadly, raising her glasses slightly to reveal blood-colored eyes, which glowed like embers. - And when all this is over I'll make sure we spend more time together ... I promise ... it's the least you deserve ... and I know how to reward those who help me well.

           

And she fixed that hypnotic gaze of hers on the astonished young man. Her eyes were red as fire, but her companion was not able to assimilate that, surprised by that last statement. He wanted to say something but at that moment the noise of a large vehicle distracted Brian's attention. The boy looked for a few moments to the side realizing that it was the bus. He immediately returned his attention to his partner, looking at her, to apologize and say ...

-I'm sorry but the bus has already ...

            However he was puzzled, the girl was simply not there. Although he looked around he could not locate her. Some other people had reached the stop and got into the vehicle. The young man even wondered if he had not imagined all that. Of course, if Kerria had really been there, he was not able to understand where she had gone. However, he did not have much time to think about that. In a hurry, he got on the bus before it escaped again ...

-I'll have to call her parents when I return.- It was the only thing that he could thing about while he took a seat.- They will want to know what she has told me.

Anyway, that girl seemed really strange. Brian could swear that it was Kerria who was in front of him, although for some strange reason, he was not so sure that she was the one speaking to him. Her voice, her way of saying things, her eyes… those strange eyes that he could not remember now. Something was wrong. He thought then of one of the last times they spent together. In the boy's house. When he explained a subject of mathematics to her, both sitting in front of a table in the living room.

-This is boring! - the girl sighted, posing her green eyes with reluctance on that book full of (for her) unintelligible formulas.-

-Well, it's not that bad.- Brian encouraged her.- If you look at it with perspective it is very useful.

-Yes ... but it's still boring.- She said with a slight and recognized smile after looking at her partner.- Thanks for trying to make it easier for me.

The boy was embarrassed at times. Having her in front of him looking at him with that look so beautiful in her eyes,  full of sympathy which disconcerted him.

-This ... look Kerria, it's easy ... - He could barely stammer directing his shameful look towards the book.- You have to take each element of the matrix and count them. The number y of rows and columns is called dimension ...

And so they had a good time. He tried by all means to focus on his explanation instead of getting lost in those green eyes of his partner. Or avoiding looking at her red lips and the beautiful smile that his "pupil" offered whenever he clarified a point she did not understand. He wish he could kiss her right there! Sometimes he even appreciated that his mother would come over from time to time to offer them something to drink or eat.

- Do you want anything? – Brian´s mother asked them .-

-No, thank you, Mrs. Rice. I do not want to bother. - the girl responded with good manners.- Your poor son enough inconveniences has already because of me.

-Don´t care about that, sweetie.- That woman smiled then. - You never bother ... By the way. How are your parents and your brother?

-Oh, very good, thank you very much for asking.- She smiled leaving Brian knocked out once again.- They also send many greetings ...

-Yes, I hope to see them one day and chat with them. - Mrs. Rice commented.- Well, I leave you alone. You have a lot to review ...

And his solicitous progenitor was walking away giving Brian the chance to at least slow down his tachycardia during that interim period. And that despite of Kerria used to come dressed casually, with sneakers, jeans, and T-shirts. Despite that, she was really a beautiful girl. Once he had seen her more elegant and then Brian understood that almost all the boys in the institute were in line to try to go out with her. Fortunately, nobody was known to have achieved it. But he was not stupid and saw her talking very animatedly with some of them.

-I hope she's not dating secretly with Johnny or that third-year Ryan. -He thought with growing anxiety.-

-Brian! - She called him making him almost jump out of the chair.-

-Yes! - The bewildered boy could say.-

Kerria looked at him amused, even laughed at the thought that she would have startled him out of some mathematical calculation ...

-I have to go now. It's getting late. Thank you so much for help me. If it were not for you, I was going to fail math until I was thirty.

-It's nothing ... - He muttered. - Whenever you want, you know where I am.

-Yes, thank you very much.- The young girl smiled giving him a kiss on the cheek.-

And she left, and he hoped to see her next day at the high school. Although they lived close, the boy always tried to leave something sooner to meet her on the way. The truth is that lately, with the arrival of Amethyst, he did not dare to join them. Although Leval was also going.

-I only hope that all this does not affect her too much.- He was thinking about so he was looking absentmindedly through the bus window.- I would like so much that what they say about her is not true! It is that it cannot be ... Please, Lord, give me even if it is only an opportunity for her to love me! ...

For its part Amethyst did not give a second of truce to herself. The anguished girl ran as fast as her long, athletic legs, allowed her. She really wanted to do something, but what? She did not know, the only thing that hammered her in the head was that Kerria had needed her help and she did not lend it to her. Although she did not make fun of her, she did not protect her either. Except for that absurd fight with the stupid Simps, which would have occurred sooner or later for any other reason. Now she was asking herself an examination of conscience, as if defending her friend's honor would have been no more than a mere excuse. What she was certain that Molly did not harbor any personal animosity towards Kerria. She had simply used her as an easy pretext against her. And that could not be understood as an aid. True friendship should have been tested in the locker room, she should have challenged those damned fools, hugging her friend and telling her that she loved her the same, that their sexual orientation was no barrier between the two. But of course, that would have been possible if she was not the first to hold such prejudice. And now what? Someone, possibly some criminal, would have kidnapped her, or maybe she would have escaped. The truth is that her mother seemed very frightened and did not give the impression of telling her everything she knew. The girl was impatient to see the Malden, and especially to see her friend safe. In this way she arrived at the house of Kerria's family, with the heart almost coming out of the chest, between the restlessness and the career that had occurred. When she knocked on the door she almost coincided with Leval, who had just returned from searching without any result. When she called, it was the boy who opened the door, his face was tired, tense and worried. Amethyst immediately thought of apologizing, but that, far from fixing things, would surely make her the target of the boy's reproaches. So she considered it better and offered to help him to continue. It was almost two in the afternoon. Kerria still showed no signs of appearing. The young man, without a word, went to the dining room and she followed him. Beruche, prey to anguish, had called the police. They showed up and examined the room to get up and running quickly. They had just left promising to tell if they discovered anything. Roy for his part was still sweeping from the air all the places he could remember that had been associated with the old sect. And also tried, uselessly, to perceive the aura of his daughter. Amethyst meanwhile went to the room of the Malden and found a bleak picture.

-When happened? - Inquired the girl coming to the sobbing Beruche that could barely stand because of anxiety and fear. -

- This morning, as it took her to get up, I went to wake her up around ten. But the room was upside down, the bed undone and her clothes all in the closet. She would never have left like this! Especially after what we talked about. Somebody has taken her away, I know! They want to hurt her! My poor girl! - Bertie wailed inconsolably. -

            The poor woman was suffering a lot. Amethyst tried to calm her down without losing her composure and burst into tears. Although she still had to endure another blow, and this really hurt because it came from the boy she loved.

- You also knew it, right? - He reproached her with a bitter tone. - Is it true that you left her down?

- No, I did not turn my back on her, Leval.- She hastened to deny.-

But she barely almost replied with a babble, she was not able to withstand the pressure and remorse much longer. So she could not continue talking in the midst of the crying that dominated her, against her will. It literally collapsed in front of Beruche's suffering and the boy's accusatory look. Finally she was able to say between sobs.

- I did not know how to act, for me it was a blow, but I never wanted to turn my back on her. She asked me, she assured me that it would be best for me. I know I did wrong, I should have stayed with her. You're all suffering a lot and if something happened to Kerria, I would not ...

Her tears did not let her continue and she hugged Bertie. This one, who also needed consolation, accepted the sad girl to respond even softly in the midst of her pain and her anguish.

- It's not your fault. You should not torment yourself anymore. This is on all of us. None of us knew how to understand her. We did not see what was happening in time.

            Leval himself kept a guilty silence. He was not the one to dump his anger and his concern on that poor girl. Amethyst was suffering just like him and everyone. And now she just wanted to help. The boy himself, having supported his sister, made the mistake of bringing up the subject and he did not forgive himself. Possibly if all that had been said in a calmer environment and in other words, not after that attack, his father would have been calmer and that terrible discussion would have been muffled. Besides, whoever the kidnapper had been, or the kidnappers, they had taken her right his very face. Since Kerria's room was in front of his. He was as guilty or more than anyone. In this way the boy softened his gesture towards his sister's friend and whispered to her when she separated a bit from his mother.

- I'm sorry, Amethyst. It was not your fault. Forgive me, please, I'm nervous. - And without the girl barely able to speak, he added decisively. - I'm going to go out and look for her too, I'm burning here without doing anything!

His mother was aware of it, it would have been useless to try to dissuade him. The boy could not sit and wait, she did it herself at the cost of a terrible effort. But perhaps because it was a kidnapping, the possible abductor called to ask for a ransom, or the police returned to look for more evidence, someone had to stay there.

- I accompany you, please .- The girl asked solicitously, while trying not to sob and wiping her tears precariously. - My father also left just talk to your mother, may have met yours.

             Leval would have preferred to go alone to take advantage of his powers, but seeing the look of anguish of that poor girl he had to agree. Anyway, it would be wiser to use the car. From the air, he would not have much chance of finding her since he still did not master his father's techniques. And it could be that they had left some clue or trace on the outside.

- Okay, we'll go in the car.- He and the girl agreed, after giving Bertie a loving kiss on the forehead and promising that everything would be fine, she followed him to the garage. -

            They both rode in the car. The boy started rolling down the road that joined them to the road of the urbanization when a silhouette barely visible, since the sun faced them, interposed falling from the sky. Astonished they stopped. Leval got out of the car angry and shouted at that woman, (it was clear that it was, despite the red cape that waved in the light breeze half covering it and that left to see bursts that wore a kind of black swimsuit topped with high red boots with stiletto). In any case, she had her back to him and did not seem to flinch until the boy reproached her with agitation, overlooking even that strange wardrobe.

-Hey! Do not you know that you should not go down the middle of the road? I could have run over you.

            But as soon as the woman turned and waved her long red cloak, Leval froze.

- Kerria! Are you ? but what are you wearing? Where have you been?

            The girl gave him a look between amused and perverse, adding with a voice, velvety but full of malice and rejoicing.

- You confuse me with other person, handsome, my name is Devilish Lady. I am the Lady of the Underworld, servant of the Master of Darkness, and you will be mine! - She snapped.

And without further ado she threw a beam of energy against the surprised Leval sending him against some trees. Then, after a prodigious leap, she climbed on him astride as she whispered with lustful tinge.

- Now give me your seed to be able to conceive a perfect leader.

-Did you go crazy? What are you saying? - The astonished boy replied, taking it off as he could.

- You better not resist. - She added with disdain and pretended disappointment. - Although you are weaker than you thought. Maybe it's not worth procreating with you after all.

Leval was dismayed by the surprise. He was barely able to think, nor could he react. The same as Amethyst who got out of the car hallucinated by what she saw. Devilish Lady then noticed her and looked at her with obvious contempt, proclaiming.

-Well, a traitor! I already wanted to take care of you. You do not serve me at all, you will die.

- But Kerria, it's me, Amethyst. Do not you recognize me? Kerria What's wrong with you? Why are you dressed like that? - The girl who could hardly believe what she saw, asked. -

-Again! - The Lady of Avernus replied with annoyance. - What an obsession you have! I do not call myself like that. But it does not matter, Kerria Lorein Malden is dead and if you want to reunite with that miserable loser, for me it will be a pleasure to help you.

And then she attacked, firing another bolt of lightning at that girl who instinctively covered her face, although that certainly would not help, but luckily someone diverted the deadly blast of energy. Devilish Lady questioned the sky with her red eyes and between astonished and furious, she hissed.

-Who? Who dares to interrupt me? ...

- I do! - The resolute voice of Diamond sounded. -

            The young Frenchwoman looked behind her and could see, even more astonished still, her father levitating in the air.

- Da, dad! – She stuttered barely able to ask. - How can you do that?...

- It's not time for explanations, Amethyst. Enter Leval's house, fast! I'll take care of her. - Her father ordered her. -

- But, it's very dangerous. Kerria is not herself - her daughter objected, visibly frightened. -

- Obey, move! -Diamond urged her.-

And he did it with an unusual hardness in him, his voice was sharp and authoritative. Amethyst had never heard that tone and hurriedly obeyed away from there.

- Well, well - Devilish Lady said funny, focusing on the newcomer. - So you're one of those who opposed the Master so long ago. Well, I will get rid of you, that will please him very much.

           And without warning she attacked with her energy rays to her opponent, however, he removed them without much effort. Replicating with a tone of serene superiority.

- You need to improve a lot even so you can face me, girl. I already crushed demons much more powerful than you think you are, many years before you were born. – He asserted raising his energy. -

            Visibly restrained by the demonstration of her rival's power, she clicked her tongue in disgust and spat the words into hisses, acknowledging with frustration.

 -Damn, my attacks do not affect him, he's stronger than I thought! I will have to change my strategy.

             And before he could try to capture it she simply disappeared. The Prince of Nemesis looked around and could only see the impressed Leval who, already recovered from his surprise and initial amazement, was heading towards him, wailing helplessly and very angry with himself, kicking the air.

-Damn it! It was my sister and I was not able to trap her. I feel like an idiot.

- Calm down, you have no experience in the fight and you did not expect it. - Diamond calmed him with a calm tone. -

-Where is she? - The boy asked looking bewildered in all directions. - I cannot see her.

- She has disappeared. At least for now. But I'm sure she will come back. - His interlocutor replied, affirming later with regret. - This is very serious, Leval. I am afraid that your sister is under the influence of the powers of Darkness. - And without letting the boy assimilate those words, he urged him. -There is no time to lose! Come on! , we must warn your parents. Roy asked me to come and watch over here and ask if there were news or Kerria returned. And thank Heaven that I arrived on time. He keeps looking. But he will have to know it right away.

            Leval nodded and they both flew home. Beruche, shortly after leaving the boys, received a call from the police. The inspector she had asked herself on previous occasions contacted and immediately offered to help her. Although he did not know what Mrs. Malden could know about. She begged him personally to try to find her daughter. The inspector promised to do what he could, adding, of course, that his department was already working on it. But Bertie insisted, asking him that, if they knew something, they would call her and if not, she would come to see him in person. Higgins (that the name of the policeman was) did not understand such interest. Until Bertie confided that both had a common friend who would go to see him at the park the next day, whether they had found something or not, to help them in the research. When the astonished agent wanted to know who she was, she responded with a name that was well known to him. The Lady of Ice. Higgins assured her that he would be at the central park when she told him to and gave her his cell number. Beruche did not want to tell him that she had it, (of course, as Justiciera). And surely the fact that the sharp inspector had not recognized the woman's voice was due to two reasons, the first being that Ice Lady always distorted it with some procedure. The second, that Bertie had hers broken by the suffering and anguish she endured. So, they said goodbye staying in those terms, but she sighed wishing that her daughter appeared earlier.

-Oh Lord! I beg you not to let anything bad to happen to my girl. - She sighed remembering.-

            Bertie looked towards a rocking chair that they still had in the living room. Many times she had sat there to nurse them, first Leval and then Kerria. Her little daughter used to crawl too near that place. Always to the feet of her mother who stood up and took her in her arms raising her in the air and giving her an infinity of kisses. The baby laughed. She remembered years later. Kerria, being a little girl of barely four years old, holding on to her teddy bear, Mr. Skipi, as she called him. And with six or seven, when she listened very attentively to some of the stories she told her, like that time. When after telling her some of her personal experiences camouflaged as a story, the astonished little girl asked her.

-And who is that Sailor Moon? ...

-A very brave girl who fights for love and justice, treasure.

-And is  she your friend?

-Of course, she is very close to mom and your aunts.- Beruche smiled, funny.-

- And  did she save you from the monsters? – Kerria wanted to know with visible interest.-

            Bertie took her lovingly on her lap and after caressing the little girl's hair, she smiled broadly, nodded and responded sweetly.

-She and her friends, the sailors Jupiter, Mars, Venus and Mercury, were always there to save who needed it. I was saved by Sailor Mercury, who was very brave. She faced a very bad girl who wanted to freeze us both, but she, along with aunt Connie, avoided it.

-Well, the cousin Idina says that her mother is also a friend of the sailors. - Kerria informed her.-

-It's true, honey. - Her mother admitted. - They also saved her, like me.

-Why do not we invite them home one day and we make them a cake to thank them? – The little girl inquired about the breeding with patent ingenuity.-

            Bertie embraced her tenderly and said with affectionate tone.

-It's a very good idea. I hope they can come ... they are always very busy.

- If they cannot we eat the cake! - The little girl affirmed with visible delight.- I´ll paint them one in a letter and we will send it ...

            That made her mother laugh more. Those laughter resounded now in Beruche's mind, which, returning to the painful reality, left the phone longing with all her soul that her little girl would return safe and sound. For his part, Roy arrived a few minutes after hanging up. Just when Leval and Diamond entered the house. Amethyst, who had not entered before, but, disobeying the instructions of his father (she could not repress her curiosity), had remained hidden behind the hedges of the garden, she did after them. Fortunately for her, her father did not notice that detail, because all his attention was directed to his friends the Malden, to whom he spoke with all his kindness, sympathy and understanding.

- My friends. I am afraid that what I am going to tell you will be very hard, but you should try to fit it as well as possible.

-Has something happened to Kerria? - Beruche chirped, being prey for an anxiety attack. -

            Her frightened husband and son also embraced her and together they were able to calm her enough for Diamond to tell them what happened. The faces of all were of deep desolation. Those of Amethyst and Leval, besides a tremendous astonishment and disbelief. Simply, that could not be happening! It was what they thought. And if it had not been because they had seen it with their own eyes, they would never have believed it. But for their parents it was much worse. They knew perfectly well what they were facing. Beruche could not stop crying with a broken heart and Roy blamed himself for it. Lamenting full of anger and bitterness.

-Damn they are! Why did they have to go after my daughter? Cowards! I swear I will annihilate them all like rats, even if I do not do anything else in life.

            Amethyst was very scared, the faces that had the presents were not for less. The situation was very serious, never in her life had she seen her father in that way.

- But what is happening here? What's wrong with Kerria? Who are you talking about? - She asked between astonished and horrified. -

- Can I tell her? - Diamond inquired looking at a tormented Roy, who nodded weakly while still trying to comfort his desolate wife. Then, addressing the girl, he explained gravely. - You see, daughter, it's time for you to know some things. A few years ago, before you were born. Your uncle Sapphire, Roy, Bertie, her sisters, our other friends that you do not know, and myself,  fought against a satanic sect and powerful demons.

- But Dad, how do you expect me to believe that? - Amethyst objected denying with the head unable to assimilate something similar. Or better without wanting to believe it despite what she had seen. - It's just ... simply incredible ...

- Your father tells the truth. - Intervened Leval who added. - That happened twenty years ago. So you see, there were survivors who now want to take revenge on all of us.

-And they have possessed Kerria! - Beruche sobbed disconsolate. Amethyst embraced her trying not to cry too while the tormented mother riveted. – It is horrible! What are we going to do, Roy? How are we going to fight against our own daughter? I do not know what to do. I'm really scared. We need help ... The sailors.- She said.- They have to come.

-I will try to warn them.- Diamond agreed.-

-We have to call them too.- Beruche insisted addressing her husband.- Roy, try to locate them ... They know how to face this type of situation ...

            Her husband felt just as confused and desperate, but he knew that it would not lead him to panic, so, in a supreme attempt to dominate, he tried to calm his wife by telling her and his son as well.

- First I'll call Tom. You call Mazoui, the two of you may be able to help us to recover Kerria safe and sound.

And without wasting time, he concentrated with all his intensity looking for energy and disappeared leaving Amethyst with her mouth open. Diamond meanwhile affectionately placed a hand on Bertie's right shoulder and told her cheerfully.

- I have to go home with my daughter. I'll tell Emerald what's going on so she can come here with you. Surely she would have been trying to locate others, especially my brother Sapphire. I hope she could do it. Masters gave him a vacation and did not ask where he would go with Petz and the boys. We agreed to see each other on their return. – Then he lifted his daughter in his arms, rising in the air with her to the astonishment of this one. - I'll let you know if something happens, call right away if you have news, please.

- We will, thanks. - Leval nodded affectionately hugging his desolate mother. -

-Papa.- Amethyst intervened somewhat frightened when both left the house. - Could not we drive?

-What is going on, this is much more fun. - Diamond allowed to smile to relieve tension while adding - and we will go very fast, so they will not see us. Do not be so scared and hold on. - He indicated to her shortly afterwards, to leave flying at full speed with his daughter, who could not suppress a scream. -

            Beruche asked his son to call Mazoui, he had the telephone number of his apartment. She would call Cooan to let her know, in case Roy did not find them, but that would not be necessary for other reasons they still did not know ...

            In Japan, a concentrated Rei attended to the sacred flames, her gesture was tense. She could not stop thinking about what Usagi had told her a few days ago,  so after the call she made to Mamoru's house, she came to the sanctuary. The priestess was outside, it was a peaceful afternoon, she sunned and thought about her things. Then her friend's voice called her.

- How are you, Rei?

-Usagi! It's you? -The interpellated exclaimed, visibly surprised, but then  she added with real concern .- Can you explain what is happening?

            However, the young woman who returned a worried look did not act like Usagi. Rei did not take long to understand that in effect, she was coming as Serenity. As the priestess feared, something very serious happened. Something important enough to break those two months of silence in which they had barely heard anything from her.

-You will see. -She said confirming that impression. - We have two serious problems. That is what you perceived. On the one hand it is the family of Cooan and Tom. They are in serious danger. And I do not know if they can overcome it, at least not without great sacrifices. And after them it will be the turn of Bertie, Roy and their children. There was the reason for that powerful malignant presence.

            Her friend was left with an open mouth, immediately wanted to get inside her house in the sanctuary. Usagi followed her asking.

-What are you going to do?

-Suitcase! - The interlocutor snapped, sentencing. - And I'm going to take the first available flight to the United States.

            However, the sovereign grabbed her friend in a wrist, Rei looked at her astonished and could now say more aggressively.

- Do not even try to stop me!

-You cannot intervene, Reiko.- She answered imperturbably.-

- That will be if I want! - Exclaimed this making a concession to her genius and her impetus. - First, stop calling me that, that's not my name. The second, if I cannot do anything, what did you do then?

-I had to tell you. Just that. In case you had thought to go there to visit. I'm sorry but you cannot mix in that ... - The aforementioned replied with regret.-

- Neither can Ami do it. True? - Her interlocutor was outraged. - You will not even let she know about it.

-No Rei. I already warned her. - Usagi told her in a dismayed tone. - And she said the same thing to you. Unfortunately you must stay on the sidelines. And she is fulfilling it.

            However, the priestess confronted her, and answered rudely.

- We are more than fed up with this! I am already aware of your warnings, I have spoken with Minako, with Ami and with Makoto. At least to the latter you gave her good news. But it is always the same story. You come like a bird of ill omen to tell us all kinds of misfortunes that will happen to our friends and then you stop us from going to help them. Can I know what the hell is wrong with you? Damn! This is not like you.

            Although to the surprise of her friend, her interlocutor nodded, and with a very humble tone affirmed.

-You're right. I apologize, to you and to all. But this does not depend on me. There are very large powers involved. And precisely because I know it is very unfair, I am going to reveal to you what they have revealed to me. At least for the moment. First of all I want you to know that these situations are tests that our friends have to overcome. And they must be the ones to make their way through it. By their own means. It is imperative that it be so.

            And after sitting both in Rei's living room, her partner and friend told her what she knew. The priestess paled. She could hardly muster.

- No! ... No ... it cannot be ... it is not possible ... They are just girls for the love of God! They are not prepared in any way for that. They can never face something like this ...

-You and I were able to overcome that kind of situations at their very same age. - Usagi refuted firmly but at the same time trying to encourage her to sentence. - You've known her since she was born. You know she can do it. She have to get it! And the other girl too... we can only pray for them.

            And her friend tried to nod as tears fell down on her cheeks. Now Rei remembered that conversation and sighed praying for her friends before the sacred fire, wishing that everything had gone well and trying desperately to find confirmation among those flames. She simply did not dare try to contact them. She did not want to know anything that could destroy her. She was too afraid that they had not been able to overcome this terrible test. And she also suffered thinking about her friend Ami.

-I will pray to the great Kami for our goddaughters, my friend.- Rei sighed.- I will beg your help and protection. Only that I can do ...

Meanwhile, near Portland, Oregon, and after a hard day's work that had been preceded by even more difficult days, Tom and Cooan were resting watching television. Their older children were away for studies. Only the little one, Idina, sat with them on the couch, watching TV and eating popcorn. She was the age of her cousins ​​Katherine and Kerria, more or less. However, with her fourteen years she was already a woman and more after the hard trance that had happen in those days. In addition, she was almost identical to her mother, and had shown a great value and courage of her own. But when they thought that things had normalized, they could immediately prove that they had not. Suddenly and to the amazement of everyone, especially the girl, a man appeared in the middle of the room. The whole family took a leap, Tom was the first to recover and say.

- Roy, my friend. How does it occur to you to appear so suddenly? Is something wrong? , you would not come this way unless something important would happened.

- Yes brother, I'm afraid that's the way it is, - he agreed that he was going to tell them what happened, but not before apologizing. - Sorry to bother you like that. Tom, in a nutshell, because time is money. The sect has returned and has my daughter possessed, please! I need you to help me. - And he asked with a pleading look so agonizing that it affected his friend. More when added with overwhelming regret, addressing Cooan. - Bertie also needs you at her side, Connie.

-Oh my God!, it's terrible, we'll go right away, - she agreed, taking an open hand to her mouth, full of horror at what she was listening to.-

- I can take you both. – Their friend offered, then he noticed the presence of Idina, she looked at him with her mouth open without being able to say a word yet. - Is this your daughter, Tom? - He inquired now with the most relaxed expression. - I have not seen her in years. It's the same as you, Connie. Forgive me, but I'm so nervous that I do not remember your name. What's your name, pretty? - He asked the girl kindly despite his own anxiety. -

- I ... Id ... Idina Rodney, ... Uncle Roy ... - She managed to respond nervously, to be interested, according to her careful education. - I'm glad to see you. How are you?

- Not very well, sweetheart, but I trust that everything will be solved.- He added looking at his friend and turning now to him. - Tom, if you want I'll take you now and leave Connie with the girl.

- Our daughter must come with us.- Cooan resolutely replied to reveal her astonished brother-in-law. – She has took over me.

-What? - The interlocutor asked without understanding. -

- It's a long story, if we have time we'll tell you once at home, - his friend replied. -

- All right, I can take your daughter and your wife and then you. - Agreed this one. -

- Agree. - His interlocutor nodded. - Take them first. I'm going to look for some books that I will need, do not be afraid, daughter. - He told Idina trying to reassure her. - Your uncle Roy is our best friend, he knows what he does and I fully trust him.

- Yes, you do not remember me well because you were very small the last time we saw you here, with your cousin Kerria and your friend Nehie.- He interjected, holding her by the waist as well as Cooan and explaining deferentially to the stupefied girl. - Now I will take your mother and you to my house. Do not be afraid, nor will you notice ...

            Concentrating Roy disappeared with them. When he returned for his friend, once the transport was completed, everyone embraced warmly. After the emotional greetings, Tom took the floor.

- I do not know what happened here, but it must be related to what happened to us.

- You will not believe it! - Cooan said addressing Bertie who had managed to calm down a little and cheered up seeing her and her husband and daughter. - We were attacked by who less could you imagine that could have done it. And I think he will come back, he goes after us and especially after Emerald. We must warn her without loss of time.

- But who is he? - Beruche wanted to know so intrigued now that, for a moment, she had almost forgotten the problem of her own daughter. -

- Now I'll tell you. - Tom intervened mumbling with contempt. - The very creepy, chose our daughter Idina as his target.

As he spoke he had her beside him, resting his hands on the girl's shoulders and saying that, he pulled her to him, with a protective gesture, wrapping and caressing the soft chin of the girl with the palm of his hand that formed a loving bowl ...

-Yes friend, please, tell us.- Roy asked him, on embers like the rest.-

            Everyone came to listen to the story, but at that moment there was a knock at the door. After the initial surprise, there was a little confusion, all were eager to see who it was but nobody came out to open. Finally Roy decided to do it himself and discovered that it was Emerald accompanied by Diamond. She ran to embrace immediately with her friends. She explained that they had left her daughter at home because Amethyst had endured too many new experiences in a day and was exhausted, as well as very scared and depressed by the fate of Kerria. And the others understood perfectly.

-Could you locate my brother? - Diamond wanted to consult with his wife.-

-I'm can´t. I am sorry. I've talked to Ian and he has no record of where they've gotten. I guess maybe Souichi and Kaori know anything. But I could not contact them either.- His wife lamented.- And the sailors did not respond to the telephone.

-Leave them for now. - Roy asked them, adding.- It is better not to involve anyone else in this for now. I think it's not a matter of bringing more people. I could investigate with my translation to see if I perceive their energy but I do not want to alarm them.

- Are you sure, friend? - Diamond asked.

The aforementioned nodded. Although the phone rang again. When Bertie answered, they heard her say.

-Hello Brian. Yes, well ... What? ... When? Did you find her strange? Yes… I understand. She told you that? Well ... thank you very much for calling. You're a good boy ... No, nothing, nothing ... everything is fine. we appreciate it a lot. Greetings to your parents. Goodbye.

            The rest watched her with uneasy expression while her friend listened to what that boy told her. More when Beruche told them what happened. Although it was Diamond, who trying to calm his friends and declared.

-For  now, we can only wait. We have to draw a plan.

-Yes.- Emerald agreed, worried but trying to sound cheerful.- Better that Cooan and Tom tell us what has happened to them and their daughter. It may be related to this and it could give us clues about the enemy.

Her friends agreed on that. Little else they could do for now. Then it was the Rodney’s who had the turn to put the newcomers and their hosts in the background of what had happened. Once they all sat down in a circle, Tom and Cooan together began to tell the story. A story that, of course, surprised everyone and made them shudder.

                          

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