GWB35E

80. Chapter 35. The Attack of the Mysterious Sectarian.

As every afternoon, Amethyst, with too much make up and a fancy dress, went to Leval's house to review. The boy was surprised to see her always so well dressed to go to class with him, but he judged it to be the customs of her family. The girl, as was usual upon arrival, greeted the father of his "teacher".

-Good afternoon. How are you, Mr. Malden? -She said with a shy and cordial tone, with a slight smile. -

-Amethyst! - Roy greeted her as he was sitting on the couch watching television. - Glad to see you, come in, come on.

The girl entered slowly and stood in front of Leval's father. He watched her with a funny gesture and told her jovially.

-But do not stand there, daughter. Sit down! Leval will not be late, he's in the shower.

           It used to happen that she arrived a little after father and son had finished their training session. Roy was showered right away in the bathroom downstairs and his son did the same in the one above. Now Mr. Malden was watching a wrestling program and indicated to the bewildered girl.

-Look. The number of times I've taken Leval and Kerria to see this live, when they were little. They loved it! ... - And pointing to the screen indicated Amethyst. - Check it out. ¡Take that !, how he has pulled the ring ... give one slap more to that clown! ... – He cheered fun. -

The truth is that his interlocutor did not understand anything. Mr. Malden was much stronger than those guys, who, despite appearances, were mere humans. So she questioned his with her eyes and Roy, noticing that, smiled at her fatherly and confessed.

-Yes, I know what you're thinking. We are able to do much more impressive things. True?

The girl had to admit that with a nod and a half smile. Her host then explained, almost in a tone of nostalgia.

-When I was a child, I did not know anything about my origin, nor did I still have my powers. My father was a fan and he would take me to see the wrestling. The same as basketball. For me, some of those guys were my heroes. "Hulk Hogan", "The Ultimate Warrior" ... I know they are normal people. Well, a little bit stronger than the normal average of humans. Even so, every time I have a couple of hours and see these programs, it's as if I'm enveloped in a sense of something magical. It's like going back to childhood. And for a few moments I can believe that I am that child again, without worries or responsibilities, enjoying with those "super men".

-Yes, I understand you. - The girl agreed who also kept fond memories of similar things. - Now I realize that before I was totally free ... when I did not know the truth ...

Her host had no chance to answer that, since Bertie made her appearance in the room next to Kerria. His wife smiled amused and shaking his head to declare.

-Of course ... You're already boring the poor Amethyst with your little wars! "Look at you. Making her to watch your wrestling videos ...

-It was no like that, cubito. - He could reply by adding jovially. - I was playing host until our son finished. He really took his time. It takes longer for him to dress than to the sailors to transform, ha, ha!

It was saying that and poor Amethyst blushed to her ears. Beruche immediately noticed and changed the third questioning kindly.

-Dear. Do you want something to drink? ...

-No, no, thank you very much, Mrs. Malden. - She answered, rising like a spring from the sofa, while she greeted her friend who seemed ready to leave. - Hello, Kerria.

-Hello Amethyst I'm going with my cousins. We wait for you later. - She smiled knowing that her fellow  Justiciera knew the meeting point they would go to train. - I hope the class will be good.

The interpellated nodded somewhat retrospectively. Kerria said goodbye to everyone and left. After a few moments they heard footsteps, it was Leval who finally came down already showered and changed. The boy greeted his mother with a kiss on the cheek.

-I'm sorry I made you wait. - He said addressing his "student" to add with kindness. - We shall start when you want it.

      The aforementioned nodded, again blushing. In fact, whenever she went to the Malden house, she was so self-conscious that she almost did not talk. But it was not a matter of excessive respect or not feeling comfortable. Roy and Bertie were lovely, Kerria a great friend and Leval a fantastic kid. It was precisely that. Every day she was more laced by him. So, without saying anything, she prepared to follow him up the stairs. Although before starting or even upload them, the young man's father jokingly dismissed them, commenting on the girl.

- Tell this to that jerk of your father. If one day he has time and comes to see a program of these. I'll show him a couple of keys. If the etiquette allows him to bend over, lately I see him very exquisite. Do not take it badly Amethyst, but your daddy is a very stubborn little prince - he laughed. -

-But Roy! - Bertie reproved him with her hands on her hips. – What were you thinking,  How could you to say that to the poor girl? Diamond is her father! Keep those jokes for when you are alone.

-Ok cubito. Don´t take it like that. I did not say anything bad. - Her husband defended raising his palms so comically that on this occasion the girl could not help but laugh. -

-I will tell him. Thank you. - Amethyst nodded, finally climbing after Leval, who also smiled after hearing that while the girl said goodbye. - Goodbye, Mr. Malden.

            The girl was thinking about how funny Kerria's father was. Of course, everything made sense when her mother revealed the true origin of her family. Now she understood that little prince's nickname! And to think that at first she thought it was because of the character of Saint-Exupéry! However, she was perfectly aware of the degree of friendship and mutual affection that her father and Mr. Malden professed despite, or precisely, that kind of jokes. When the issue came out in her house, Diamond accused Roy of being idiot and crazy. Sometimes, even provoking the laughter of the girl herself and the loud noise of her mother. He declared that he could not understand how the object of his daughter's love interest could be Roy's son. And he lamented with hilarious theatricality, telling the then blushing girl that if she ever went out with that handsome young man and things were really serious she took the risk of being daughter in law with that nutty. Amethyst then became even redder and Emerald burst with laughter making them deaf. But now, knowing the truth about the lives of her parents and Leval´s and the rest of her friends, the girl understood that they were all fabulous people. They had made great sacrifices and always sought the common good. That was very commendable and the young woman wanted to be up to their standards. Besides, she had spoken to Kerria, Idina and Kathy and they all agreed on that. Belonging to these families was a great honor but also a huge responsibility. The girl sighed. Maybe one day she could do it and contribute her bit to the epic of her elders. But at the moment it was time for her to focus on more mundane things. The exams of physics should be prepared and passed. She would start there. Besides, now she had Leval alone for her, even if it was just for an hour. Between these reflections the two entered his room to study. The girl, as almost always when she visited that "sanctuary of order," was dedicated to contemplating with more or less disguised interest the ornaments, trophies and other objects that made up the decoration of the room. Leval had added a poster on the wall, on the front of his bed, an allegory of the solar system with two drawn lines that, starting from the Earth, snaked around several planets.

-Do you like it? - He asked proudly. -

Amethyst made a slight nod, not that it was wrong, but that was not what she understood by something to admire. She would have seen with better eyes any poster of motorcycles, or even girls, (that would at least indicate that she could still maintain the hope that this boy was human at least in that sense). Although judging by the passion with which he spoke then, that must be much more exciting for him.

- It's a map of the Voyager ship routes! They launched them over forty years ago and they are already far beyond the solar system!

-And would not it have been better if they were in a straight line?- She inquired more than anything, to give the impression that the subject of the conversation was still something to her. -

- No, on the contrary! - He smiled following with one finger one of them that appeared on the map in green. - In this way they used the gravitational impulse of the Jovian planets to gain speed.

The girl squinted her eyes as if he were speaking to her in another language. She kept an uncomfortable silence but Leval did not seem to have caught the nuance of her expression. Nonetheless he apologized by adding.

- Excuse me, I always get distracted by my things. Let's stop that now. We have little time and we have to start with the class.

She smiled nodding with a comforted expression. At least there she could follow him a little. And Leval, proceeding with his usual naturalness, told her to sit on his bed and he did the same at her side. Setting the table in his room next to both of them and letting Amethyst place her notes folder on top. In turn, he removed some of his own that she pried by inertia. Although she barely understood anything of the gibberish of mathematical and physical formulas he had written there.

- It's an exercise of the academy.- The boy explained carelessly. - Mazoui lent it to me to try to solve it.

-And you did it? - She wanted to know, now, with real interest. - It seems complicated.

- Well, not quite. - He admitted with a slight smile, as if he wanted to apologize for some kind of awkwardness, when he added. - Yes it is really very difficult, it is a kind of simulation of atmospheric reentry and we have to calculate inclination angles, vectors and temperatures that a thermal shield can hold.

Amethyst thought that if she kept listening to such a jargon, her head would begin to spin like a real satellite. The thing about that boy was unheard of. Until then, she had only seen him get excited when he talked about those topics. In fact, even her fellow Justicieras had played jokes on her once. She remembered just a couple of days ago. Being in a nearby park, with their civil identities. They were walking just when Amethyst had finished the class that afternoon.

-And what about with the wonderful sir? - Kathy inquired, with some sarcasm .-

-We are moving forward a lot.- She affirmed.-

-That's good.- Idina said, affirming with optimism.- Keep it up and you will surely pass the exam.

-I do not know if Amethyst refers to that kind of progress.- Kerria smiled.-

-For the moment I'm afraid that they are the only ones I can aspire to. - the aforementioned girl suggested to confess.- See that I'm well dressed, and even showing cleavage. But Leval does not even know about that. He spends the afternoon talking about astronautics, space travel, rockets, Von Braun over here, Armstrong and the Moon over there ...

The others stared at each other in amazement, of course, and with the bust that their partner had, any boy would have been really ecstatic. Even Kerria herself had to admit.

- That's amazing! Girl, if you the heavy artillery doesn´t work in that way I do not know what else you can do.

- I do know! - An amused Kathy exclaimed, affirming with jocularity. - Surely if Amethyst disguised as a rocket to go to your house, Kerria, your brother would ride her without thinking twice ...

Idina made a face of not having fully grasped that as Kerria rolled on the grass, bursting with laughter. Amethyst, totally red, went after Katherine who ran between laughter.

- I'll give you… ideas! -An ashamed Amethyst said while pursing her friend.-

At last she reached her grasping her neck in a theatrical way and even pretending to strangle her. The others watched the scene with laughter, since Kerria was able to explain the meaning of those words to her cousin Idina, who, after becoming red, laughed too. At last Amethyst declared, laughing in turn.

-You are a pervert! But ... the fact is that it is not such a bad idea ... -She said speaking with a pensive tint, so that the others writhed on the lawn of the park and could not stop laughing.-  Seriously. - The Frenchwoman insisted that she could not avoid falling to the ground and squirm. - In the end, it's going to be the only sensible thing I can do! ...

-Oh! – Kerria could retorted, bursting in tears of laugh and holding her abdominals that already hurt her .- I imagine the satellite Amethyst the first in orbit around my brother! ...

-Yes, ready to land.- Ha, ha, ha - Idina kicked with a laugh.-

-Houston, we have a problem! - Kathy exclaimed for end of hilarity.-

-C'est assez ... - Their the victim tried to say, about that joke. Even in her native language, since she was also unable to stop laughing.- La ferme, s'il vous plait ...

And so they spent a good time until they could recover. Now the young woman smiled almost laughing again while she remembered those scenes, before the astonished look of the boy ...

-What's wrong? - He wanted to know.-

-Oh, no, nothing! - She hurried to answer, embarrassed. - It is that I have just remembered some jokes with the girls.

-I'm glad to see that you have all become such good friends. -The boy affirmed, saying to his surprised and at the time enchanted interlocutor.- The cousins ​​Kathy and Idina appreciate you a lot. So my sister does, I don´t have to tell you.

-Thanks.- The girl was able to reply, now with a soft tone and blushing face.- The same as I appreciate them all.

-You're welcome. Well, we are going to what concerns us.- Him said without noticing the look that her eyes, so violet and deep, dedicated to him, when he riveted.- That time flies by ...

At last Leval closed his notes and opened the girl's. Wondering…

- Where were we? Oh yeah! - He smiled amused, looking at the girl to comment. - What a coincidence! What we talked about before Vectors and scalars!

- Actually, I mess a little with that. - She confessed with blush, not knowing to specify if this was produced because of her clumsiness with physics or her proximity to the boy .- It is very confusing.

- Let's see Amethyst, look good. - He asked her pointing to a sheet of paper on which he wrote while explaining. - "Vector magnitudes: the speed with which a mobile moves, since it is not defined only by its module (which marks the speedometer, in the case of a car), but it is required to indicate the direction and direction ( where it's headed); the force acting on an object, since its effect depends, in addition to its intensity or modulus, on the direction in which it acts; also, the displacement of an object ... "(Text is not from the author, extracted from Wikipedia)" - She nodded, but almost more looking at him than at the paper. Leval, oblivious to this, continued with his explanation. - Then. If we have two vectors of equal power and the opposite direction they cancel each other, right?

- Yes, yes that is clear.- She replied with patent embarrassment.-

-Do you know the difference between vectors and scalars, right? - The boy asked. -

- This ... I do not remember very well. - The young woman opposed with embarrassment.-

-Don't worry, listen. - He asked, explaining .- A vector has both magnitude, direction, is an amount oriented. For example, speed, force and displacement are vectors. And a scalar is a type of magnitude that is expressed only by a number and is the same for all observers. For example, the mass is scalar, I weigh two hundred fifteen pounds ...

- Is that much? – The girl asked in amazement.-

-Well ... about ninety-seven kilos and a half.- The young man calculated, adding nonchalantly.- The truth is that my muscle mass increased a bit with the training. Well, go ... let's continue with this. To add scalars we use simple arithmetic, to add vectors that are on the same line, also ...

The girl was looking at him now with her wide violet eyes wide open. She thought that all those kilos the boy had very well distributed. She weighed around thirty less, but of course, she was a woman. Her constitution was not the same. And just seeing those biceps that his "teacher" contracted involuntarily when he told her something about the book gave her an idea of ​​how that "muscle mass" was. The truth is that she looked away blushing, because she was looking at the young man's anatomy more than she should have. Leval did notice this time, warning her kindly while pointing out the examples of those graphs that she barely understood.

- Amethyst, you should look at the notebook, not me. Otherwise you will not understand.

- Excuse me - she blushed again - I was somewhat distracted, thinking about what you said about the sum ... of course ... go on, on.

And Leval patiently continued his explanation before the girl's enrapture. Anyway she also began to be assault by a certain complex of guilt. She realized for this boy the things he was explaining to her must have seemed almost kinder to him in comparison to what he was studying and what he should learn. So, for one part, she wished that the time they spent together did not end, but on the other, she longed to pass that subject and study something interesting in turn, she did not want him to take her for an idiot. Another hollow head more than there was in the  high school that only cared about her appearance. The boy had already dated some of them and surely would not want more women that were like that. So she would have to draw his attention on her because of something of greater interest, not just sport. And for one thing they could share together he had to act as a teacher. Reaffirming the impression that she was stupid. If only they could be together without needing those classes! Anyway, when she thought this, she had to be alert so as not to become distracted and attend to. Luckily, Leval tended to be so engrossed in his explanations that he rarely noticed the poor Amethyst's sighs and her veined eyes when she watched him. And so the classes passed more or less like this.

Kerria meanwhile, had gone to train with her two cousins, the three together practiced fighting and the use of their weapons. They were in a wasteland surrounded by a grove of trees. Kathy then seemed to feel something strange, for she stopped and told her companions.

- Girls, I notice a strange feeling, as if someone was watching us.

- It's true.- Idina agreed that she had not been oblivious to it either, remarking - for a while. I sense a strange aura. You have not noticed, Kerria?

- No - denied this one surprised. - I was focused on training.

- Maybe it's Amethyst that comes here. - Katherine ventured without too much conviction. -

- No, when I left home, she still had not started her class with my brother. And they have for an hour at least. - Kerria answered positively. -

- It will be best to look – Idina advised. - Surely it's nothing, but it's better to make sure.

- Let´s spread between the trees, without losing contact. - Kathy urged them. -

So they agreed. The three entered separately between the trees. Katherine ran her stealthily with the whip ready. As she scrutinized the brush she remembered the conversation she had with her mother when she revealed her secret to her ...

Karaberasu was looking out the window, there, in her house in Los Angeles. Katherine arrived from the High school. As usual she left her books on the table and approached her mother, kissing her on the forehead, asking jovially.

-Hi Mom! How was the day?

This one always used to smile. After telling her how well had been, she asked the same question and that led to a brief conversation between the two. However, on that occasion Karaberasu's face was serious. She had been wondering how she was going to address that issue with her daughter. After what happened at the home of her sister Bertie and the fear that she had when she believed that Mazoui was going to attack her little girl. After that, nobody wanted to spend more time on what happened. Apparently the danger of the sect gave the impression of having been ended, at least for the moment. But she sensed that things unfortunately were not going to be so simple. And there was also the pact she made with her sisters and Emerald to reveal their respective secrets to their daughters and successors. So she addressed the girl gravely.

-Please, sit down, honey, I have to talk to you.

Katherine obeyed, observing her mother uneasily. She did not think she had done anything that her mother had heard to scold her. At least recently. Well, the little nighttime snack that lasted too long with a boy from her high school was already in the past.

-No, that cannot be .- She muttered trying to stay calm .-

Karaberasu for her part wanted to take advantage of that opportunity. There were only two of them. Now that Mazoui lived in the Academy and Mathew had turn in the hospital they could talk in depth. She was going to say something when the girl commented with a worried gesture.

-Is something wrong, mom?

-No my love.- Her mother denied, deciding to cut to the chase. - But after what happened at your aunt and uncle's house, I think we should talk. You see, you're almost an adult woman. In a short time you will finish the High School. Possibly you will go to a university far from here. Your brother is already in the academy ...

Her daughter listened to her with some trepidation, Karaberasu realized that she was going around and then she stuck to what really worried her.

-You've seen that there are very dangerous evil forces. And that both your aunts and I have tried to fight them as Justicieras.

-I still cannot believe it! You and the aunts are Justicieras fighters. – The girl could tert with a tone of admiration. -

-Well, at least we were. You would realize that your aunt Cooan gave the baton to your cousin Idina. Well, my daughter. Your aunt Bertie will do the same with Kerria, Emerald with her daughter Amethyst and I wish that you were the one to replace me.

-Me? - The astonished girl replied, pointing to herself with a finger. - But mom. I do not think I can be a Justiciera.

-So your cousin Idina did not believe neither and there you have her. - Her mother replied encouragingly. - You are able. I am convinced.

-Yes, but I want to say that I do not think I'm ready. I do not know if I would like to have that responsibility. - The girl objected in a hurry. -

-I understand, - her mother muttered, adding in a sad tone. - Maybe it's too soon. I'm sorry I put you in a compromise, honey.

-Not mom - the girl hastened to reply.- It's not about that ...

Now she felt ashamed of that direct refusal, in fact she had talked without thinking. Although she was not foolish enough not to realize that she had hurt her mother. So she was able to improvise.

- I'd like to know something else before doing something like that. For example, where do your powers come from and those of aunts?

Karaberasu sighed. That would be difficult, but she saw no alternative but to be totally honest with her daughter. So, after inspiring and releasing the air as if preparing for an authentic test, she revealed.

-What I'm going to tell you is the truth. Maybe it's not something you're ready to hear. But first of all daughter, you must know that I love you, your brother Mazoui and your father, more than anything in the world. I only ask you one thing. Trust me. Whatever happens, I will always be your mother and I will love you.

- Sure mom. - The girl said embracing her, but with a certain fear to hear those words and so she let him know. - But, please, you're scaring me.

-You do not have to be afraid, sweetheart.- She asked her with an affectionate tone while she caressed her cheek.- Now listen ...

In this way her mother finally dared to begin her story.

- Many years ago, your aunts and I arrived on this planet. Because, we really were not born here.

-What? - Exclaimed the girl without being able to believe what she was listening to. -

-I already told you, darling. It will not be easy for you to hear it, as it will not be for me to tell you. - Her mother stated and determined to do so, she continued. - We came from the future, from the thirtieth century to be exact. With a very specific mission ...

Katherine passed the rest of the story with her mouth open, finally her mother riveted.

-It was Sailor Moon, the mythical fighter for justice, the one who purified us and the one who later gave us these pendants. -She indicated holding the righteous stone that was around her neck. - Since then, whenever we were capable, we fought to defend what we wanted to destroy one day. Now unfortunately we are too old to continue with that task. That's why we want to delegate to you.

-But ... then what will aunt Petz do? Can she give her stone to one of my cousins? - The girl wanted to know. -

-The men could not use this power even if they wanted to. - Her mother explained. - It's something that only women can use. But your uncles and other friends of ours, like your cousin Leval and your brother, have even greater powers of their own. However, it would not be fair to leave them all the responsibility. We women also know how to fight ... and what's more, we must do it for justice and for our loved ones, as well as for other innocent and defenseless people in the face of evil.

The girl was now thoughtful. She was not sure what she should do. Better said she was but she resisted it. What would happen to her life? Her projects, hopes, going to university, even being able to study dramatic art or be a famous journalist. Or singer and actress like her godmother Minako. Would she have to give it up? However, she did not dare to confess that to her mother. She could accuse her of being selfish, and possibly she was. Anyway, Karaberasu, who knew her daughter well, was more subtle when she proposed.

-Why do not we do one thing? I can give you the stone of justice and teach you to become a Justiciera. This summer, before you go to Ireland to see Grandma Meg, your cousins, Amethyst and you could come together and practice. When you know what it feels like to be a Justiciera you decide if you want to continue or give me the stone back.

That seemed fair to the girl. Overall, she was to try it just one summer. Then her mother offered her the possibility of not continuing. She nodded and accepted. She was also very curious. Karaberasu then took off the pendant and put it around her daughter's neck. At first Kathy did not perceive anything strange. It was another necklace. Even it did not seem like anything of the other world strictly speaking of its quality as an ornament. In fact, she had seen it since she was little and never caught her attention. However, when her mother told her the words she should say to transform and she repeated them, she felt something incredible, after a show of light and a few turns that her own body gave outside her will, she reappeared dressed as a Justiciera. She could hardly believe it when she looked at herself in the mirror. The truth is that the boots and the whip that now looked seemed more appropriate to some of these films for adults. When she dared to suggest it, her mother smiled, but then that smile froze in a grimace of bitterness.

-I wish it were something this superficial, honey. - She was able to replicate adding with a tinge of pain in the voice. - But it's not a game. I know it very well. When you wear that uniform you must be prepared for everything. And many things are really terrible. That's why I'm asking you. Before accepting join the others and get ready with them. I wish with all my heart that the only thing you do in your life as a Justiciera  is that. Train with your cousins ​​and friends and have good times in their company.

Katherine nodded. And that is what she did, that summer the girls met. At the beginning with the teachings of Chibiusa, the daughter and successor of Sailor Moon, and then themselves on their own. All had trained and learned to master their respective weapons and powers. And the truth is that she began to feel more and more bound to it. It was a very difficult link to explain, little by little it had begun to be part of herself. The truth is that, knowing the amount of things she could do for people with those powers, she had already decided to accept. Suddenly something ripped her from those memories and reflections. To her right side, she saw the shadow of something moving at great speed. She turned around but it was gone, when she looked back she found a hooded man, he was quite tall. Quickly, without a word, he hit her in the head leaving her unconscious before she could react.

- Ha, ha, ha! Only two left!

Kerria searched through the trees without seeing anything unusual. She also thought about the last weeks. Her life had really changed a lot. The latest events made her mature. After being free at last to express their true feelings and to escape the malign influence of these sectarians and especially after overcoming the coma in which she was plunged, she felt as if she had been reborn. She remembered when, talking to her mother about everything of these, she offered her the stone of justice ...

Beruche was sitting in the living room. Roy was with her. Kerria arrived from high school, there were barely a few days to finish the course. As on so many occasions Brian had accompanied her home after going through the library together. They said goodbye until the next day and she entered.

-Hello mom, hello dad – She greeted them with good humor. -

-Hello honey.- His father replied that, rising from the couch, he went to her to ask. - How was the day?

-Well, the classes have not been too boring, although I feel so much desires of finishing the exams. - She valued. -

-Have you study them well? - Roy wanted to know with patent interest.-

The girl smiled satisfied, at least  she did not have to fool her parents. Now she was focused and willing to do things right. She wanted to make a path for herself and that everyone was proud of her. And so she said. His father smiled widely to sentence with a loving tone.

-I know you will do very well, honey. And we are proud of you. You've been through a lot and you've come through. Now enter the room. Your mother wants to talk to you.

-Is something wrong? - the worried girl could ask. -

Not that she thought his father could be upset about something. Of course he evidenced his state of mind very clearly, and now he seemed to be really happy, he even seemed slightly excited. But her mother was something else. Sometimes Kerria did not know what she might be thinking when she adopted that serious expression and put that scrutinizing look. However, it was his father who took care to remove that fear when sentencing.

-It's nothing bad. All the contrary. It is something that symbolizes the extent to which we trust you. But it's not for me to tell you anything about that.

And without adding more he went to the floor above. Kerria sighed, going to sit next to her mother. Beruche, without a word, took off her pendant and when the surprised girl settled down next to her she put it between her hands.

-But mom. This is…

-My stone of justice. The one that made me the Lady of Ice. From now on darling, I want you to be the one to replace me.

Although the girl shook her head sorrowful and even letting out some tears to confess.

-I do not think I am worthy of this, mom.

- Of course you are, my love! - Bertie encouraged her, passing an affectionate arm around her shoulders. -

- Every time I remember the horrible things that I did to you and that I told you when I was that monster! - The girl sobbed still full of shame and guilt. - How could I be a Justiciera?

-That monster does not exist anymore,- her mother whispered. - You defeated her fighting a hard battle inside you. - And after a brief moment of silence, Beruche sighed adding with a tinted voice of understanding towards her daughter. - Honey, I understand you perfectly, when I was young I also served the forces of evil.

-But you were deceived. - Opposed the girl. -

-As happened to you. - Bertie reminded her. - Did not they suggest you? Trust me. Those evil ones are masters in that art. We have all fallen under their influence on some occasion, but what really counts is that we knew how to escape from him. Now, if you still suffer for that, you have the opportunity to compensate yourself and the rest of the world.

-Yes. I would like to be able to do that. To help others. - The girl nodded with visible recognition and emotion. - Thanks Mom. Thank you very much for believing in me!

-My love. I would put my life in your hands without hesitation. And someday I know that you will save many innocents and with your cousins ​​and Amethyst you will watch over the people who need it, as we did and as our friends, the Sailors warriors  of justice, have always done. Now put the pendant on, I want to see how it fits you. - Beruche asked with expectant joviality. -

The girl was prepared to obey, after saying the words that her mother told her to transform and undergo those amazing turns accompanied by multiple flashes of light, she could not help but look at herself in astonishment in the mirror.

- Of course you look much more pretty than me - Bertie admitting without reservations. - You have a much better body than me, daughter.

-I don´t know, this is  definitely not the kind of clothes I'm used to wearing. - The surprised girl commented. -

And she could hardly believe the image of herself that returned the full-length mirror that they had in the back of the room. With that uniform of white bodice, with that bow on the chest, skirt until the middle of the thigh and boots of light heel, that reached until her knees, of blue color. Although what dislodged her most were that diadem on her forehead, the small shoulder pads and the mask.

-I'll call your father to see you. - Bertie commented with obvious pride. - He'll be as happy as I ...

And she did it without delay, Roy went down immediately and observed her without saying a word. The girl was thinking since maybe she looked something ridiculous, although finally her father also declared with great pride. Quite far from his usual joke tones.

-You are a precious Justiciera, as your mother was. As are all those who fight for good.

-Yes- his wife seconded him affirming holding hands with her husband. - I would like it so much that your godmother Ami could see you now.

-The godmother Ami? - Kerria was surprised. - What does she have to do with this?

-She is Sailor Mercury. She was my worst enemy once and then she turned into my best friend. Together with  Sailor Moon and the others, they saved me and saved your aunts too. - Her mother told her. - At the beginning we fought among ourselves several times and then we did it on the same side on so many other occasions.

That really was too much. Her godmother, the prestigious doctor Ami Mizuno, was Sailor Mercury! The woman who took her out of her mother's womb to bring her to this world. The one who saved her life by operating it in those critical moments, after being severely wounded by that trident. The legendary fighter from Japan who, as a child, had sometimes heard her parents talking and even on television! Now she remembered some of her visions, when she was about to die. Seeing her godmother fighting and after that, helping her mother.

-I ... I do not know what to say ... - the girl, who was really impressed to sentence, muttered, overwhelmed by such responsibility. - I do not think I can be at your level.

-Of course you will be. - Her mother smiled at her. -

-And more so,- his father blurted out, this time with his unmistakable tone between joker and provocateur. - With those heels that you wear you towered your mother two heads. Go on, if Brian could see you now with that miniskirt! Then we did not take him out of the house! - Roy laughed making even her daughter go red.

Of course the usual hit on his head from his wife did not take long to fall. Everyone laughed later. And Kerria, also in a good mood, said to continue the joke.

-It may not be a bad idea. Perhaps I'll wear it to go out!

And after the laughter of all she reversed the transformation and her parents told her some of the adventures they had fighting against evil. Confirming those visions that she had while in a coma. She was smiling now, remembering that while her search was over. There did not seem to be anyone there. She was about to leave again for the clearing when someone, without warning her to appear, grabbed her arm. The girl turned trying to hit instinctively but her fist came up with a hand that blocked it. Now she could clearly see a hooded man holding her, he pushed her away, hitting her in the stomach. Kerria lost her breath and fell to the ground trying to recover it. The hooded topped it with another blow to the neck leaving it senseless.

- Well, this is being much easier than I imagined. Hahaha!

Idina returned to the clearing waiting for her cousins. She began to worry because they had had enough time to return. Something was not right. She was sure of that. She still remembered that battle against Rubeus. A few hours later, after having recovered a bit physically and especially emotionally, her mother had a very important conversation with her ...

Cooan entered the room of her daughter who was lying down trying to rest after the hard battle and sat on the bed next to her.

-How are you, honey? - She asked, intensely worried. -

-I'm fine mom. Do not worry. - The girl smiled weakly. -

Her mother gently stroked her hair and face to smile sweetly and mutter.

-No, you're not, my love. And it is normal. Nobody is fine after something like that.

-I ... I'm so sorry to have been so nervous. - The girl sobbed. - I almost let him kill you ...

-Actually my girl. I am very proud of you. Your father and I are. - Cooan quickly said, who then changed her smile and affectionate gesture to another more restless to add. - But we are also worried. Now you have a great responsibility and you have already seen how terrible our enemies can be.

-Yes. I never would have believed that there could be someone so cruel. - The girl admitted in a quiet voice. - But why does he hate you so much? ...

- Believe it or not, daughter. There was a time when Rubeus was not like that. But evil corrupts and when we let fear, hatred or anger dominate us in the end that is the result. -She sighed, gathering courage to admit with regret. - That's how I was once too.

- You? - The girl surprised looked at her with disbelief to refute, flattering sincerely. - You are the best mother in the world and the best teacher. All the children love you very much and one day I would like to be like you. You have always been good, mom.

Idina would swear that her mother was moved, and in fact she had to wipe some tears, Cooan shook her head and after smiling slightly, she insisted.

-Of all that Rubeus told you, most were lies, but in that he did not deceive you my love. When I was young, your age or a little older, I was in love with him. And there was nothing that he asked me which I would refuse. - And as she observed that her daughter seemed to blush, her mother was quick to point out. - Fortunately for me, he never saw me that way. At least he never insinuated himself. I must give that to him at least. And he was very womanizer. However, when it came to fulfilling his mission and his work, he was very methodical and professional, he dedicated himself to that with all his energy.

-But then. – Her bewildered daughter could reply. -How could he control you?

-I have already told you. - Cooan repeated with visible regret. - Love is sometimes dangerous, if you look at the wrong person. It makes you suffer and you can become selfish and cruel. But fortunately your godmother Rei and her friends saved me from that.

- The godmother Rei? - The girl was amazed. -

-I tried to kill her more than once and we fought fiercely. - Her mother confessed to her that she added with obvious gratitude in her voice. - But when I thought that my life was ruined by failing my mission and Rubeus abandoned me to my fate giving me a bomb to sacrifice me, she and the others saved me from my desolation and my rage. Rei was very generous with me and became my best friend. She welcomed me into her sanctuary, helped me to integrate on this planet and, together with her other fellow sailors, offered me her friendship. That's why I was very happy when, after meeting your father, marrying him and having you and your brothers, she could be your godmother. You see, daughter, you were the first. Your cousins ​​and Amethyst will surely follow you someday. They will need your help and that of their mothers to learn to be righteous and a good Justicieras. But before that happens I would like you to spend a few days with the godmother Rei in the Hikawa sanctuary. She will teach you very valuable things, as she did with me.

-Of course. I will love being with her again. It's great! - Affirmed the girl with visible content.-

Cooan kissed her daughter on the forehead as she said.

-Yes it is. Then I'll call her to tell her what happened and ask her. Although I'm sure she'll also look forward to seeing you again. She loves you very much, my life.

Idina nodded with a warm smile that her mother gave back. Then Cooan let her rest. And indeed, after the adventures to recover her cousin Kerria from the clutches of evil, she spent a few days in Japan with her godmother who taught her many things. Now, using those abilities, she had sensed a malignant energy. She shuddered, she was almost totally sure who that belonged to. She wished with all her heart to be wrong. However, her suspicions were unfortunately confirmed when, from the trees, it came, tinged with scorn, a sinisterly familiar voice.

- But if it's the Fire Lady, how glad I am to see you again!

-Who is it? Rubeus, is that you? - Idina asked with a mixture of fear and indignation, looking in all directions with her bow prepared. -Where are you? Go to face me if you dare!

- I won´t make you wait. - The voice mocked while announcing - here I am. – Then he appeared right in front of Idina and without she could react he snatched hit her bow throwing it away. - Now you cannot hurt me with that. - He affirmed raising his hood and finishing taking off the sack before the panic of the girl. - It will not turn out twice, you brat.

- It cannot be, it's you! It's not possible! , Ru, Rubeus, how could you survive and find us? - Idina stammered terrified. -

- Yes, it's really me, I love that you recognize me and that you tremble with fear.- He laughed with sadistic rejoicing to sentence. - Now get ready for my revenge!

- You will not get away from this. The bow is not my only weapon and now I'm trained. I have learned many things, you will not conquer me without fighting. - She replied recovering the courage. -

And the girl, trying to make good her words, attacked Rubeus with energy rays that she had learned to throw and a succession of kicks and punches that he dodged without problems. She even threw a couple of papers repellent evil spirits, but her rival also avoided disappearing and reappearing in a matter of tenths of a second.

- Ha, ha, ha! - He laughed while saying funny. - Little fool. I'll finish you in a moment.

-You will not get it !, my friends will come in any time to help me. - Idina said trusted in it - and you will not be able to stand against all of us.

But her enemy laughed, arms on hips, revealing to the horror of the Justiciera.

-Your friends? Ha, ha ... I'm done with them, and it's been very easy. But do not worry, I'll give the same treatment to you too.

As soon as he finished the sentence, he disappeared from her adversary's sight and reappeared again on the side of the girl. He attacked her in a fulminating way, hitting her repeatedly until he knocked her down.

-I will sell my life dearly! - She gasped, trying to crawl laboriously and get up. -

- What a melodramatic! - Rubeus scoffed, but nevertheless shook his head in refusal to add. - But not yet, it would be too easy like that. Do not worry, I'll save you and the fools of your companions for later. I want your daddies and mommies seeing you die. - And with that, he threw a bolt of energy that left Idina unconscious, he smiled with a flash of cruelty in his eyes and sentenced pleased. - Now for the missing ... thinking about it better. I'm sure she'll come alone when she sees what I'm going to do to her beloved mom, ha, ha, ha!

Oblivious to all this Amethyst finished the class and after saying goodbye to the Malden´s she went home. Although she still had time and wanted to go through the forest glade first, where the girls were trained Fortunately, she did not need to change her clothes, it was enough to invoke the power of her stone. All comfort, she thought with an smile. But when she arrived, she found the Fire Lady, scared on the floor and blood-stained. Amethyst was scared. She ran to try to revive her.

-Idina answer me! – She shrieked shaking her with little delicacy, due to fear and concern that invaded her, who could have done that? - Let's go, awake please!

After some agonizing moments of anxiety, her friend regained consciousness while babbling weakly.

- Ru, Rubeus is back, he's here. He has defeated the three of us. I do not know where the others are. Look for them please. I'll be fine.

Amethyst nodded, leaving her companion leaning against a tree as gently as she could, and hurriedly looked for her companions. Meanwhile, at her parents' house, her mother put the finishing touches on the design of new dresses for her fashion collection. Diamond was in a meeting at work, at the headquarters of the Masters Corporation in Washington. Emerald on the other hand had returned recently from Paris. After supervising the headquarters of Fashion Deveraux she had a backlog. Her next collection was about to be released and now, after working a few days in them, she finished the sketches and put them in her folder. She remembered while sympathetically the time her daughter, as a child, had stained similar ones to clean herself of jams ...

-What an inconvenience, but It was so funny that I could not even get angry.- She smiled.-

After a hectic afternoon in which the deadline almost fell on the designer entered the dining room. She had been looking like crazy the new designs for spring. Upon entering she was frightened, Amethyst squeezed some papers that coincided suspiciously with these. She wiped her mouth with them and as soon as she saw her, she said very happy.

- Mommy, I'm getting clean!

- Oh, Amethyst, daughter! - Emerald exclaimed about to give a shock. - What have you done? Oy, oy, oy, oy! - Repeated appalled trying to smooth and remove the currant jam from the few sketches that were still recoverable. - But why have not you used the napkins?

- I haf no  nafkins", - The little girl replied still chewing what looked like a bun with jam. – But I clean myself with little papers.

-Oh! - Her mother lamented, holding her hands to her head, when Diamond arrived. - My sketches! - It seemed like she was going to cry like she was the girl. -

-What's wrong, honey? - Her husband asked looking at the scene without understanding. Emerald explained it and to the designer's outrage he was very funny. -

- But how are you able to laugh? It was two weeks' work! , now I'll have to start again. - She reproached with patent bad mood. - And I'll deliver them after the deadline.

- Well, my love, I'm sure you'll improve them more now. If you even told me you hated them. You did not even keep them in the safe. They are not worth even to wrap a sandwich !, you said.- Diamond replied with a conciliatory tint and could not stop smiling. -

- Yes, good. I said that. - Emerald recognized that she could also sketch a smile that partly dissipated her anger. - Maybe now I'll do them more to my liking, but I'll deliver them very late. Madame Deveraux will kill me. - She objected, however, worried about that circumstance. – She hates unpunctuality ...

- Better late than never, sweetheart, and I bet that as soon as you tell Mrs. Deveraux the reason she will laugh even more than me. - A fun diamond asserted, taking the child in his arms and explained with sweetness but firmness at the same time .- My love, it's okay to clean yourself, but not with mom's drawings, okay?

- Ok dad ... - the little girl smiled hugging his neck. -

Her mother becoming more relaxed, gave a kiss to the girl and both she and her husband laughed ...

Emerald sighed smiling, what a love memories! and it seemed like yesterday it was already so many years ago, her little girl was already a woman. She turned off the work lamp on her desk and started to turn on the light. In doing so, the blood in her veins froze and she could not articulate a word. Her worst nightmares had come true. It was him! , Rubeus in person and as she reminded him of over twenty years ago. He was standing in front of her, crossed arms and looking at her with a funny and sadistic expression on his face that seemed even of joy, although hatred was reflected in his red eyes.

- So, here we are Emerald! How long without seeing you! - He declared sarcastically. - When was the last time? – The woman tried to pronounce a word but he prevented her by adding in a falsely jovial tone. -Ah yes, I remember, in my ship. When I asked you for help to save me from death and you abandoned me, laughing at me.

- But ... How is it possible? - She inquired with visible horror, trying to retreat. - You have also been able to survive the fight against Cooan! She told me that you were badly hurt.

- Now I have new masters and an immensely superior power. – He laughed triumphantly as he stabbed at his interlocutor a look full of rejoicing. - Although it took me a while those wounds were completely healed. Now get ready Emerald! it's your turn. You're going to suffer, I've already knocked out three of that silly Justicieras. - He commented nonchalantly before the face of horror of her and added with contempt. - You have given that powers to those stupid brats, right? You are no more than old women, instead, look at me! Now I am immortal, to tell the truth I should almost thank you.

- You will not succeed! - His interlocutor tried to gather all the possible courage in that challenge. -Roy, his son or even Diamond, are much stronger than you can be. They will crush you if you dare to hurt us.

Rubeus tilted his head slightly and smiled amused, as he added slowly approaching her, who was trapped against a wall, with slow steps.

- Maybe, but, for that. - And  he grabbed his speaker by the neck with a tremendous speed adding with sadistic humor. - They should be here, ha, ha, ha, - he lifted her in suspense while laughing, Emerald was paralyzed by terror while her aggressor asked sarcastically. – Have you seen them somewhere?

- But, how is that possible? - she moaned that she still could not believe it. -

- I will tell you. Why not? - Rubeus smiled macabrely, sentencing. - You're going to die anyway. You will see.

So he began his narration remembering, to the reproach of his captive, the last words he addressed her in the midst of his ship on fire when, holding a wounded arm and kneeling, he implored ...

- Emerald, help me! This is about to explode.

-Really? - She smiled with disdain, fanning herself slightly and declaring with cold indifference, tinged with disapproval. - What a shame Rubeus !, not only you have not managed to fulfill your mission but you have lost everything, the ship, to the four Ayakashi sisters. Look at you! , you are a disgrace. No - she added with contempt and indifference. -You deserve to die with this ship.- She said and disappeared between malevolent giggles. -

-Emerald help me, do not leave me here! ... Emeraaald! - Rubeus screamed in horror, but he could not say anything else. The ship exploded, he knew that his last moments had arrived and he shouted in  horror covering his face with his hands, but after a few seconds he took them off realizing he was safe. - But what? Where I am? - He asked aloud looking in all directions with visible bewilderment. -

- You are in my home - laughed a voice that came from above. -

He looked up and was shocked. He discovered a huge figure with a reddish complexion and two huge horns on his head and who was looking down on the terrified Rubeus with a tinge of superiority and disdain.

-Who are you? - The boy inquired, almost unable to say a word. -

- I am Zaerosh, demon of the sixth infernal circle. Colonel of the Aves and Viscount of the wastelands of Gress. I have saved you from death, human.

-And why have you done it? - Rubeus wanted to know getting up to check impressed that it did not reach beyond the chest. -

- You will be useful, I offer you eternal youth and increase your powers dramatically. I know, that will help you to fulfill your purposes.

- Purposes? - His interlocutor repeated the word surprised. -

- You will want revenge for this humiliation and the abandonment and betrayal of the members of your family. Your prince, in whom you believed so much, has abandoned you. That woman too and your subordinates have gone over to the enemy. Do not you think that deserves revenge?

- Yes. - Rubeus spat with contempt and anger. - Of course! , in return, what do I have to do?

- Swear allegiance. - He indicated the demon, who with a half-smile added enigmatically. - And something else...

The details were too morbid and Emerald could not hide a grimace that outlined her displeasure. But his rival continued remembering the pain that came later.

-What is happening to me? - Rubeus shouted scared. -

- You are becoming a demon, or at least a hybrid. - Zaerosh explained. - Now your powers are tremendously superior and to complete your loyalty to me, duck, - he told the boy to get on all fours, and ripped off his pants -...

She had listened astonished and frightened, for Rubeus to lose in that way his manhood would have been a torture.

-What did that demon do to you? - She dared to ask with fear although imagining what it would be. -

-Well, more or less what I'm going to do to you! – he sadistically laughed hitting her in the face to make her bleed through her nose and breaking her lip. Emerald moaned in pain as Rubeus forced her to bend down, drawing her head to his crotch. - Come on, you're going to love it. And this time you will not reject me. - He added gasping excited and pulling down his pants. She was forced to humiliate herself and practice oral sex. Meanwhile, his attacker enjoyed that holding her head in his hands so that she could not withdraw. Then he said in a threatening tone but at the same time with a certain touch of condescension and rejoicing. - If you do it right, who knows, I may forgive you and your precious daughter.

Emerald listening to this had no choice but to continue until the end. As much disgust as she felt. Rubeus had to admit that she was doing quite well.

- You have a lot of experience - he smiled. - I like that, I like it a lot.

And when that was over, she still had a thick throat because of the fluid she had to drink, she asked as she remained on her knees.

- Now, you will leave my daughter alone ...

- I'm not finished with you yet, bitch! - He replied throwing her down with a kick to spit with delight. - We've just started! ...

And began to hit her in a brutal beating that her defenseless victim tried to resist as best as possible curling up on herself. He climbed her on a table and after tearing her underwear  he gave free rein to his baser instincts. She cried out in pain when he penetrated her from behind with brutality. That followed for a few terrible minutes. When he seemed satisfied, he knocked her down again and resumed the beating until the poor woman was only a bloody wench at the feet of her assailant. Finally Rubeus kicked her in the stomach. Fortunately for her, Emerald lost consciousness a little earlier, listening in the background to the laughter of her terrible enemy ...

In the meantime, luckily, oblivious to the afflictions of her mother, Amethyst was able to find the others and she revived them as fast as she could. Kerria, as soon as she put her ideas in order, had a fleeting intuition and warned the others with a gesture of horror.

- He'll go for our mothers, I'm sure!

- Well, let's go to the houses, we have to stop him. This time he will not catch us unaware. -Kathy declared. –

All agreed on that and ran quickly to intercept the threat.  Both Idina and Katherine did not have to worry because their parents were far away. But they were very afraid of what might happen to their aunts and Emerald. Amethyst ran to her house while Kathy and Idina followed her. Slower by virtue of their injuries. Kerria turned in her own direction. She verified that her mother was safe and went to help her companions, but not before asking the surprised Bertie where Mazoui, Leval and her father were. Beruche, worried at the state of nervousness of her daughter and scared by the traces of blows she wore, in her opinion excessive for a training with her cousins, answered that the three had gone to train again.

- That damn bastard! - Kerria thought with anger. - He has calculated his attack very well, we are alone in front of him!

-What's happening, daughter? - Her mother wanted to know with worried expression. -

- Mom, is that Rubeus, he has attacked us all and he may now go for you and Amethyst's mother. - Revealed the girl leaving her horrified. -

-We have to warn your father and the others! - Bertie affirmed with emphatic fear. -

- You better lock up and try to locate them by mobile while we go to the Lassart house. – Her daughter indicated her. -

Her mother knew that she could not be of any help to her now. It would only be a nuisance and she nodded, but not before holding her daughter's face between her hands and asking her with anguished intensity.

- Be very careful, all of you, please! Rubeus never joked when it came to fighting. And he had no compassion.

Kerria nodded confidently and ran to join her companions, her mother then began to call her husband's cell ...

When Amethyst entered her house she found her mother lying on the ground and with symptoms of having fitted in a brutal beating. Her face was bruised and bleeding from her mouth and nose, the rest of her body was covered in bruises, even her clothes looked torn. She quickly knelt holding her in her arms, while asking very scared.

-Oh, mom! Answer please. What has he done to you? - She sobbed with desperation, caressing the cheeks of her as if in that way she could reanimate her. -

- Hi, my daughter. - Emerald whispered almost without being able to articulate a word, because her jaw was half fractured. However, even at the cost of a sharp and terrible pain, she was able to warn her. – Go away, soon. Get out of here or he'll kill you.

-I'm sure I'll kill him! - Amethyst spit furious and unable to stop crying. - He's going to regret having dared to do this to you. He will pay! - She got up and laid her mother gently on the ground and begged her. - Do not move, please. I'll call an ambulance.

Then, appearing suddenly, Rubeus hit the unsuspecting girl causing her to fall to the ground.

-So you're going to kill me? That's what I'd like to see. - He said funny with his arms crossed.- Come! - He challenged her with scorn and contempt - to see if you are capable of that, little girl, attack me.

-Damn you! - Amethyst shrieked, barely recovered from the surprise attacked, throwing energetic waves that Rubeus dodged without difficulty. - Fight without moving so much and you will see what is good! - She challenged him.

So Amethyst boiled with fury wanting to take revenge.

-As you like! - He laughed that he stood instantly before the girl. – Try now…

She tried to hit him, however, despite being a good martial fighter it was impossible for her to hit him. At last she managed to punch him in the face but, before the desperation of his adversary who was panting from exhaustion, his enemy did not even flinch ...

- What a disappointment! I thought that being the daughter of Prince Diamond you would be made of another stuff. Now I see that you are just like the others, a pathetic little girl who is useless! - Rubeus spat disdainfully who slapped her making her blood bleed from her lip. Amethyst staggered. - Join your bitchy mother! He snapped, finishing her with a knee in the belly that knocked her to the ground. -

The girl was bent over herself in a fetal position, she was hit hard and could barely breathe.

- Amethyst daughter, are you okay? - Emerald asked trying to crawl to her. -Scoundrel! - Shrieked trying to hold her jaw to mitigate her pain and looking at Rubeus with hatred, she sentenced. - Your revenge is only against me. You are a coward! Leave my daughter alone. Or I…- - She added in a menacing voice and stood up with the last of her remaining energies, facing off against her attacker. - You'll regret this ... I ...

-What? What are you going to do? Are you going to hit me? What can you do to me now, pathetic despoliation? - He laughed without deigning to look at his interlocutor and smiling amused added. - I am so sorry. But it is she who has interfered in my affairs. Maybe she wants the same treatment as you.  -He laughed caressing his crotch carelessly. -

-What have you done to my mother? - The anguished Amethyst shouted, trying to get up. –

- Your mother ... - He smiled with a wicked gesture to say contemptuously. - Not much,  She is too old for my taste. Although I must admit that she was not bad. But you are young and you are very pretty, you will see what I am going to do to you, you will like it.

- No Please! , do what you want to me but leave my daughter, let her go I beg you! – Emerald shouted falling on her knees with a livid expression. -

- Oh, oh nothing at all! - Rubeus denied with the head rejoicing with the expression of terror and desperation of his old colleague. - Besides, this hurts you more than if I did to you. True? You're already spent but your poor little daughter. She is so pretty ...she sure represents all your hopes for the future ... - He put a false voice mellow to say what immediately changed into a threatening tone. - Well, when I finish with her nobody will look at her anymore! She will be in such a state that you will prefer that I kill her. You'll see, and who knows, even maybe She is a virgin, although with my new demonic condition I assure you that she will notice, whether she is or not.

Amethyst put herself on guard trying to defend her mother more than herself. Her enemy was advancing slowly towards her, licking with lust. He was about to attack when Katherine's voice challenged him.

-We will not let you, you will not touch her a single hair anymore! - And as she spoke, she threw her whip, hitting the unsuspecting Rubeus. -

Idina joined the attack and threw a bolt of lightning that struck him, causing him to lose her balance.

- This is because of the blow of before, now things will be different.- She declared in a threatening tone. -

- We will finish with you.- Kerria added.-

The Lady of Ice attacked with her sword to split him in two. However, he stopped the edge by trapping the weapon between the palms of his hands while holding the balance to reject the judge of a kick.

-LOL! - Laughed Rubeus despite the fact that the edge of the sword had cut off his hands. But to everyone's surprise and horror, those cuts began to heal themselves and he howled drunk with his obvious superiority. - Your ridiculous attacks will not be able to harm me!

And without waiting for a reply, he began to throw against the Justicieras energy balls that they managed to avoid with great effort. As she could, Amethyst rose from the ground attacking with her boomerang. Rubeus dodged it, ignoring hit later. But the weapon came back from behind hitting him in the back of the neck.

- Now I have hunted you! - She exclaimed that she jumped with joy, throwing a bolt of lightning that stunned her enemy even more. -

-Now girls! - Idina indicated. - This is the opportunity, all at once, to the fullest!

The Lady of Fire launched her best attack, a barrage of arrows. Kerria did the same with the rain of ice knives and Katherine twisted her whip around his neck transmitting a discharge of his energy to the maximum power she managed to concentrate. Finally their enemy fell wounded to the ground.

-We did it! - Exclaimed Kerria full of optimism. – He is finished.

But to everyone's astonishment Emerald, getting up as best she could, approached Rubeus who was writhing from the wounds. However, it was not to finish him off ...

- I did wrong to leave you, I know. And since I could start again, not a day went by when I did not regret it. - She said in a strangely calm tone and even guilty despite everything he had done to her, more surprising if possible when she added full of consternation. - But, why do you have so much hatred towards others? You must forgive and leave that alliance with the demons. There was a time when you did not go like that.  Do you remember?

- For you it is easy to speak. - Rubeus laughed ironically spitting the words badly hurt and not without bitterness. – You were rescued by your beloved Prince Charming and he gave you the possibility of a new life. And what happened to me, huh? Did not I want to serve him anyway? Did I not seek triumph and salvation for our world?

Emerald thought she caught a glimpse of his lost humanity in the eyes of her former companion and insisted on her knees with him, while the girls were keeping an expectant and astonished silence.

- This should never have happened. At first you were not evil. I was not either, until they corrupted us. But it's not too late if you want to change. It was not for me.

- No, - he stammered adding with effort. - I already belong entirely to the forces of darkness and I prefer to die like this to live like you. Pathetic woman! you have become a mortal human being. With the same corny moraine as the stupid Sailor Moon. I preferred you as you were before, even though you left me to my fate, because I, even though I wanted you, would have done the same to you.

- You know that's not true! - Emerald sobbed without being able to take her eyes off that shattered body that was wounded beyond his capacity for regeneration. - We were young, arrogant, ignorant of the truth ... but we were not bad. At first not ...

And Rubeus, now it would be said that with a tinge of sadness in his eyes, declared.

- The bad thing about becoming a demon is that you must be a demon until the end and I want to finish everything. Do you want to know why I did not kill you when I was able to do it? - He added difficultly between babbling. - Deep down I hoped you could end my suffering ...

Then he could just raise his head and go to Amethyst who listened in surprise.

- You have exceptional parents, and you are a worthy daughter of them ... -After a pause to take a breath, he added, this time to the others. - Your mothers were always good girls. Even then. Now they can feel proud and you. - He matched focusing on Idina who looked at him with regret, especially when his hitherto enemy, added. - I have seen in you the same innocence of your mother, take care of her and never lose her. I could really paint it. In that I did not deceive you. You have everything that I could not have, the love of a family and good friends. But fortunately my life will end now ...

The girl could not help but shed a few tears for her enemy. She remembered the words of her own mother and those that had been spoken by Emerald. Deep down, she considered him a wretch. All the hate that he had accumulated and the successive handling of the evil that had submitted him and turned him into that monster anxious for revenge. Although upon realizing this, Rubeus could muster in amazement.

-Are you crying for me? After what I did to you?

Idina then replied deeply saddened.

- The truth is that I feel very sorry for you. My mother told me that there was a time when you were not bad. Only a boy with the same dreams as her to serve his world. But to see yourself so alone and abandoned must have been terrible. I can only do one thing for you now. And sure I will too. I will pray for your soul, so that one day you will free yourself of all that hatred and pain and be happy.

To everyone's amazement, Rubeus smiled, but now he seemed sincere and full of hope in those words. It even seemed that his eyes blurred. Although suddenly, he contracted his face in a terrible rictus of agony and exclaimed.

- You better run because I'm going to die and my body will explode!

            The girls looked at each other perplexed, but they had no time to lose. Amethyst was the first to react and proposed.

- Let's unite and create a barrier.

And remembering the teachings of Chibiusa the four did around Emerald. Between all they achieved a powerful shield of energy just at the moment when Rubeus shouted.

-Finally, I'm free!

 There was a tremendous explosion that shook the foundations of the house knocking down the roof and many of the walls. When the great smoke dissipated and the dust fell, fortunately all were unharmed, the improvised barrier had endured. Although it left them exhausted by the great effort. There was nothing left of Rubeus. They remained a few minutes without speaking and sitting to try to recover. Amethyst hugged her mother on the ground trying to comfort her. After a while, Beruche, Roy and the others arrived. They helped them get up and took them to Leval and Kerria's parents' house. They treated them there, healing them as best they could, and the girls told everyone what happened. The desolation of the elders contrasted with the fury of Leval that he spat out.

-Damned! If I had been here, I would ...

- But you were not there, neither you, nor us. - Roy intervened trying to calm him down as he added impressed, in the direction of his daughter and the others. - We have to congratulate the girls for their courage.

            Leval agreed to that, he was really surprised that his sister, Amethyst and his other cousins, were the Justicieras and would have fought like that. However, the frustration he felt at not being there to protect them was great. Anyway, it was better to pay attention to his father, everything had already happened and nothing was solved by continuing to be angry. So Roy said to Emerald's daughter.

- Anything we can do for you, we will  do it gladly..

- Thanks, but I'm afraid that Rubeus demon has destroyed our house. When dad comes back, I do not even want to think about the disgust that he will take. - She commented in an attempt to seem jovial.-

The young woman held a hand of her mother who was sitting on a sofa, with her face and the rest of her wounds carefully bandaged.

-Do not worry about that, daughter. - Emerald asked her with a whisper. - Your father will be happy that we are both alive.

-Oh mom, sorry! I do not know how I could forget. How are you ?,  it hurts you a lot. It is not like this? Maybe it would be better to take you to the hospital. - Amethyst replied anguished and above all cursing at the stupidity of her previous comment. -

- I can stand - Emerald answered with great fortitude looking at the girl with patent acknowledgment - Do not worry my daughter. I'll get well. Thanks to you. I love you, my girl ... I'm very proud of you, my love.

Her daughter hugged her gently and tenderly without being able to stop crying. After the battle that strength and determination left her in sight of the sorry state of her mother and all that desolation. The others were also moved. Although it was Bertie who reacted before to offer them both.

- We'll make up, we'll take care of you, stay tonight for this night and all the time you need. Tomorrow will be another day.-

- Thanks Bertie.- Emerald whispered that she was exhausted and really in a much worse state than she wanted to see. - At least now that Rubeus has finally died, we will no longer have to worry about such a terrible enemy. Deep down I feel very sorry for him. Although there is something good in this. At least I got rid of that ghost of guilt that tormented me for so many years ... And I think he got it at the end too ...

Beruche and Roy agreed silently, nodding. The other girls did not say anything. Although everyone was relieved that this danger was over. They wish it was the last! And at the same time, they admired the integrity of Emerald and her daughter. But what would happen to them, after that moment of simulated strength?

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