AIZA-SAN'S FIC [English]

Chapters 31-40

XXXI

The next day, Saki called everybody, telling them about the Spring Festival.

-So, are you coming? OK, bye, she said at the end. She was nervous, but most of all, it would be the first time that she would go to the Spring Festival. –I have an idea. Saki went to her room, and took off her braid’s ribbon. Her hair was loose, and it was extremely long. After combing it out, she tied it in a bun, but it was too big. –Creeps. It’s too long, said Saki. –You need help? Asked a voice outside her window. Saki turned her head, and Misato was sitting on the windowsill.

–Yeah, definitely. Saki opened he window, and Misato leaped inside. –What’s up? Asked Saki. –Oh, nothing apart from the usual. –How’s Genzo? Asked Saki.

–When I went out, he was in the garden. –Oh. -How about like this? –No. I don’t like it. Misato made two small buns, and there were two streams of hair from the buns. Misato loosened them up. –How about like this? –Ah, that’s better. Misato made a bun, and let the rest of the hair fall over Saki’s back. –Thanks, Misato. I owe you one. –Don’t worry, said Misato. -Misato, how can you do such hairstyles, with those paws? –Easy. I just have to be resourceful. Saki was confused.

After that, Misato went out of Saki’s room. –OK. We’re all meeting here, so I have to be quick. Saki put on her brand-new kimono, and looked at herself. She didn’t look like herself. –That can’t be me, she muttered to herself. Then she went out of her room. Nobody had arrived still. –Well, at least I can have a little rest. Then Mayumi went down. –Mayumi, you haven’t put on your kimono? Asked Saki.

–What? Is it time already? I forgot. And Mayumi went upstairs again. –Saki, I need help, shouted Mayumi from her room. Saki ran upstairs. And then, the bell rang.

–Oh, creeps. Jun, open the door! Shouted Saki, as she had to help Mayumi. –Where do you think I am, huh? Shouted somebody outside the door. –T-port, now! Said Saki, as she opened the door, and then she helped Mayumi. –Saki, why were you so angry? Asked Jun. –I was about to help Mayumi with her kimono, and you ring the bell, and I was in a hurry. –Well, sorry, but can’t you do something at the same time, apart from shouting? Asked Jun, beginning to get angry. –Whatever, replied Saki, ending the fight, as she went upstairs.

After that, the Gang was in the Spring Festival. –Wow! It’s amazing! Said Saki, as she looked everywhere. –You really like it, huh? Asked Tsubasa. -I like to learn about traditions of other places, and all of that. –Gee, sis, don’t get too excited, said Jun, scratching the back of his head. –Look. There’s a contest over there! Said Atsuko, who had a blue and yellow kimono. –Of what? Asked Reiko, who was wearing a brilliant pink one. –It says that whoever wins the contest, wins a great prize. It’s a swordfight contest, said Taro. –Who’s going in? Asked Mayumi. –I’m for it, said Tsubasa. –Me too, said Kaoru, who had a crimson kimono. –Count on me, said Kojiro, who was dressed in black. –Me too, said Genzo. –We’re going to participate, said the Twins. –Me too! Said Akira. -I’m going to try it too, said Taichi.

–Takeshi, Taro, aren’t you going to participate? Asked Tsubasa. –No thanks. I’m not participating, said Takeshi. –Don’t count on me. You know that I’m a chicken, said Taro. –Then I’ll do it! Said Mayumi. –Mayumi, you can’t! You’re too young, said Jun. –So what? Taichi’s only three months older than me! –Let her chip in, Jun. Besides, she’s going to prove herself, said Kaoru.

The first to participate was Kaoru. She had to fight against a tall, awkward man, who looked wicked. –Fight! Said the ref. Kaoru holded the sword with both hands, while her rival had it with one hand. Kaoru avoided the sword once, twice, thrice, and at last she found a weak spot. “He uses only one hand, so he doesn’t defend for long!” she thought, and slammed the sword against her rival, leaving him knocked out. –Number 3 wins! And the Gang cheered. The next one was Jun. He had to fight… against Kojiro. –Oh, man! Said Jun, when he saw Kojiro. –Sorry Jun, but friendship doesn’t count here. –In war, anything goes, said Jun, gritting his teeth. The swords clashed noisily, and Jun ducked. Kojiro almost cut Jun’s hair.

–Close shave, said Jun to himself. Then Jun attacked, and Kojiro had to stretch himself backwards. Then Kojiro attacked, but Jun avoided him passing thru his long legs. –Sorry Kojiro, but you’re out! Said Jun, as he beat Kojiro. –Number 7 wins! –Good one, Jun. -Sorry man, but one of us had to win, said Jun, smiling. After three turns, it was Akira’ turn. But it was a small cat against a giant fat man.

–Meooow! Take this! Said Akira as he finished with his rival with one blow. –Wow! Said the Gang. –I say, while they are bigger, they are more stupid, said the cat, smiling bravely.

Next one was Tsubasa. He had to fight against a girl that looked like Atsuko.

“Oh, rats. She looks like Lily, but she’s not.” He thought. It was tough, and Tsubasa at last defeated the girl, when the point of his sword almost touched the girl’s face. –You win, she said. After that, it was Taichi’s turn. He had to fight against an old man, no taller that Taichi himself. Taichi attacked with all his might, but he lost. Then it was Saki’s turn. She had to fight against a tall, elderly man. –Remember, this is like a battle, Saki said to herself. –Fight! Said the ref. The man attacked Saki, and she just avoided it. Then she jumped high, and landed behind her rival. (How? Saki’s quite agile, even with a dress) the man turned back and tried to attack Saki, but she was too quick. –You’re no match for me, said the man. -Yeah, right, said Saki, after ducking. Then she concentrated, and used the sword quickly. She attacked intensely, and at last, she defeated her rival. –Great! Said Jun and the others. Then, it was Mayumi, against Genzo. –Don’t think that I’m too small, said Mayumi. –Let the best one win, said Genzo.

Then both swords clashed, and Genzo had a hard time controlling his sword.

-Mayumi, where did you get that strength? Asked Genzo. –I’ll tell you later! Said Mayumi, as she jumped. Then Genzo felt the metal against the back of his head.

–Number 46 wins! Shouted the judge, and Mayumi went to where Genzo was.

–Thanks to the battles, she whispered in his ear. Then it was Kaoru against another girl. –C’mon Kaoru, you can do it! Said the Gang, as she moved her sword. “It’s not like my Chakra, but I can manage it”, thought Kaoru. Then, she defeated the girl. –Great one, Kaoru, said Taro. –Gee, thanks. Then it was Jun’s turn, against another teenager. Jun handled the sword with one hand, as he needed to win some strength. But, sadly, Jun lost. -Good try, bro, said Saki, smiling. Then it was Akira vs. Tsubasa. –Here I go, said Tsubasa. Tsubasa fought bravely, but Akira won, as he was smaller and swifter. –Well, you can’t always win, said Tsubasa. Then it was Saki against the old man who defeated Taichi.

It wasn’t easy, as the experience of the old man was like Saki’s strength.

Then Saki saw that the old man was about to stick to her. He was a lewd.

–Don’t bother, she said, as she hit the old man’s head with the round end of her sword. Then it was Mayumi’s second turn, against a boy much taller than her. The boy looked very confident, and Mayumi’s hands were sweating. And then, she saw that he didn’t defend himself. –He thinks that the best defense is attacking, but he’s wrong, said Mayumi, and she attacked at her rival’s stomach. –Great job, Mayumi! Said the Gang, as she greeted her rival. –Well, one of us has to win, said Jun.

–Yeah, definitely, said Saki. It was Kaoru against the teenager who had beat Jun. After a minute, Kaoru defeated the teen. –Jun, how could you lose to this one? It was too easy, said Kaoru, with her hands on her hips. -Sorry, said Jun ironically. Then it was AAkira against another person. -Akira, how is it that you’re so good with the sword? Asked Jun. –I like kendo, said Akira, as he jumped high in the air and defeated his rival. -Gee, said the others. Then, it was Saki versus Mayumi.

“I have to be careful. She’s quick, but I’m too strong for her”, thought Saki.

“If I’m not cautious, I could lose”, thought Mayumi. Mayumi and Saki’s swords clashed noisily, but Saki retrieved it quickly, so she could defend herself.

Mayumi forgot that Saki’s own weapon was a sword, and Saki was very clever. Mayumi attacked Saki, but Saki blocked her easily. Saki threw her sword in the air, took it quickly, and then she touched Mayumi’s neck, taking off a small bug that was on it. –Good one, Saki, said Mayumi. There was one more fight, and then it was Kaoru against Akira. -I’m very sorry, Akira, but I’ll win, said Kaoru. –Don’t think so, Kaoru, he replied. Then he began to attack Kaoru. And then, Kaoru stopped him. –You’re tough! Said Kaoru. And then, Akira defeated Kaoru. –Ah, well, at least it’s a Gang victory, said Kaoru. Then it was Saki’s turn, against a boy. -Fight! Said the judge. The boy attacked first, and Saki blocked it very well. –It’s not going to be easy, she said. Then Saki attacked, using one of the moves she used with her own Sword.

Then the boy attacked, and Saki narrowly avoided it, and then she slammed the sword against the boy. –It’s Saki against Akira, said Tsubasa. Then Akira took out a sword, as Saki still holded the one she used. –OK, Akira, this is between you and me, said Saki. –This is the end, said the cat. Suddenly, there was an explosion at the Festival, and the people who was there panicked. –What’s happening? Said Saki. –Something exploded! Shouted Kojiro, who ran from the scene of the explosion. He was coughing, because of the smoke. –OK, guys, we have to get to the bottom of this, said Saki, rubbing her eyes. –Over here! Said Maya, who found a small, empty tent. After checking if there was somebody inside, Saki gave the order. –OK, guys, it’s the old job again! –Right! –We call upon Earth Power!

-We call upon Water Power! –We call upon Fire Power! –We call upon Ice Power! –We call upon Light Power! –We call upon Stellar Power! –We call upon the Power of Nature! –We call upon Air Power. NOW! Then Misato and Akira went out to check what happened. “Guys, it’s Misato. There are Dark Warriors everywhere. We need help, now!” “We’re going there, Misato. Hang on”, said Genzo. –T-port, now! Exclaimed everybody at the same time, and they arrived at the scene of the crime.

-You arrived just in time, said Akira, as he sent a Dark Warrior flying. -We were waiting your messages, said Jun, as he defeated the Dark Warriors with his ice rays. –Keep on fighting! Said Kaoru. Then, the fourth servant appeared, Sapphire. –Everybody’s here. Thanks for saving me from looking for you one by one, she said, with an evil grin. –You’re wrong, Sapphire. We’re not here to give up, said Saki. –‘Cause we’re here to stay, said Taro. –Ha. Go, my dear demon, she said, before disappearing. Then somebody appeared. It was the boy who made the inscriptions for the fencing contest. –Oh no, not him, said Akira, frowning. -Why did you say that, brother? Asked Misato. –He’s a friend of mine, replied Akira. Then the boy turned into a demon. –It’s time to fight! Exclaimed the demon, and attacked. Tsubasa and Taro tried to block the attacks, but they were deeply hurt. –Guys! Exclaimed Jun, as he ran to check them. Then, Tsubasa and Taro were transformed into swords. –What? Exclaimed Kojiro. -Be careful, guys. If he hurts any of you, you’ll transform into swords, said Jun.

Then, Atsuko tried to attack the demon. –Galactic Earthquake… But the demon attacked her, and she also transformed into a sword. –Atsuko! Exclaimed Saki. Then the demon attacked Takeshi, Taichi and Reiko. –Oh no! Shouted Jun. –Galactic Sparkle, attack! Shouted Mayumi, and the demon was hurt. –Great job, cousin! Said Saki. But then, the demon attacked Kojiro, Maya, Kaoru and Hikari.

–Stars, attack! Shouted Hikari, before turning into a sword. Only Genzo, Saki, Jun, Mayumi and the cats were still up. The demon attacked, and they narrowly avoided the attack. The demon attacked again, and Mayumi, Jun, Saki and Genzo were transformed. Only the cats were left. –I challenge you to a duel! Shouted Akira.

–What? Said the demon. –I dare you to a swords duel. If I win, you will transform my friends back. If I lose, you can eliminate me. –But this is too dangerous, said Misato. –Don’t worry. I still haven’t lost, he replied, with a brave light in his cerulean eyes. Then the demon took one of the swords. “If I’m correct, he took Tsubasa.”

–Sis, pass me a sword, please. –OK, she said doubtfully. –Fight! Said the demon. The demon was very strong, but Akira wasn’t going to give up so easily. “Akira, help us!” said a voice in his head. It was Tsubasa’s voice. “I’m gonna save you, guys, but it’s not gonna be easy.” The demon almost touched Akira, but he jumped, and attacked the demon, breaking a crystal he had on his hand.

XXXII

The swords turned back into the Warriors, and the demon was furious. –Leave it to me, guys. I’m going to turn him back, said Akira. –I call upon the Truth Talisman Power. Galactic Rush, attack! Shouted Akira, as he attacked the demon.

–Aaaaaaagh! I’m transforming! Said the demon, and the boy from the swords contest appeared. –Great job, said Saki. –Thanks. Then the Warriors disappeared. Later, the Gang ran to where the boy was. –Are you OK? Asked Akira. –Ow, my head, said the boy. –OK, now, where were we? And it was Saki against Akira. Akira attacked her quickly, but Saki didn’t move. She only turned her sword a little, and Akira hit his head with Saki’s sword. –You win, said Akira wearily. Saki didn’t answer. She only smiled, and the boy gave Saki the first prize: A pair of skates.

Then it was time to go home. –Ah, it was cool, said Saki. –Well, now we have to concentrate on the Soccer Tournament, said Jun, raising his eyebrows. –And David’s arriving the first day of summer, said Mayumi. –Summer’s soon to come, and so is David, said Saki, staring up at the sky. -And talking about summer, we have to study for the exams. We’re about to enter High School. –Hey, yeah, you’re right. I’ll miss Junior High, and we’ll have to use new uniforms, said Saki. –I don’t know how they’re going to be, said Jun. -For boys it’s the same black suit. For girls, at least it’s a blue uniform. –But in Junior High it’s blue too, said Mayumi. –Yeah, but the blouse’s white. The blouse in High School is blue, Mayumi, said Saki.

–Yeah. And besides, you don’t use uniforms in Elementary, said Jun. Mayumi frowned. –Don’t bother, she replied. –OK, we have to study, guys, said Saki, bringing the books. Jun sighed and took a book. –Oh no. Algebra first? No way! He said, throwing the book to his sister. –Then, why don’t you study Biology? –Good idea. Pass it, said Jun. –Saki, can you pass me my English book? Said Mayumi.

–OK.

An hour passed, and they were getting sleepy. Mayumi was reading with her face on one hand, almost asleep. Jun was lying flat on the floor, with a book on his face. Saki was sitting on the sofa, pinching herself so she wouldn’t sleep. –Jun? Don’t sleep, said Saki. –Mm? Pass me the Algebra book. -Mayumi, do you need a book? Said Saki weaarily. But there was no response. Mayumi was snoozing, when her elbow slipped, and she hit herself with the table. –What? What? I wasn’t asleep! She said, turning her head sideways. Then Hanako arrived. –Hi Saki, hi Jun, hi Mayumi. –Hi mom, said the Twins at the same time. –Hi, aunt Hanako, said Mayumi. –Why were you so hushed? –We were studying. We have final exams soon, and we’re going to High School after summer, explained Jun. –So this is our last opportunity to win the National Soccer Cup, said Saki. –Mayumi, you’re studying too? –Yeah. I’m going on to 5^th Grade, she replied. –Then, let me cook dinner, said Hanako. -What are you doing today? Asked the three kids. –Pasta. I know that you like it. The three kids’ eyes glistened. –Pasta! It’s paradise after days and days of beef and chicken, said the three kids.

-You were hungry, weren’t you? Said Hanako while the Twins and Mayumi were wolfing down the food. –Yeah, definitely, mom, said Saki, with her mouth full of pasta. –Mmm, mom, you’re great! Said Jun, smiling broadly. After finishing dinner, everybody was full. –Mm, aunt, I can’t eat one more crumb, said Mayumi, rubbing her stomach. –You were very hungry. I can’t believe it. Saki was very sleepy. –Mm, I’m going to sleep. Don’t wake me up until it’s time to go to school, she said, before slumping on her bed. –The same for Mayumi and me. Akira and Naoko were upstairs, and went down to eat something. -Meoow purred both cats, while they rubbed themselves against Hanako’s legs. -Oh, your food. Here you have, said Hanako patiently after drinking a glass of orange juice. –Meoow, said Akira, but Naoko made a very big mistake. –Thanks, she said quickly, but Hanako understood what she said. –You talked, or is it my imagination? she said. Akira stared at Naoko, and shook his head. -It’s no use, Naoko. Now she knows our secret, said Akira. –You can talk? Said Hanako, astonished. –Well, the fact is that we do, said Naoko. –You can talk in Spanish? Asked Hanako. –Después de escucharlos durante un año entero, definitivamente podemos, said Akira.

–Incredible! Said Hanako.

The next day, Akira woke up Saki with a loud meow. –Meooow! Wake up!

-Huh? What time is it? she asked wearily. –It’s 6:15. –Give me one more minute, she muttered. –Saki, wake up. You’re going to get late for school, said Hanako.

–What? Then she got up and ran to the bathroom. Mayumi was already having breakfast, and Jun was cleaning his tennis shoes. Then Saki went downstairs, ready for school. –Did you sleep well, sis? Asked Jun. –Why do you ask, Jun? Well, I did. –I asked because I couldn’t. It was hot. –Yeah, right. I was freezing last night! Said Mayumi. –She’s right, said Naoko. –Shh! Signaled Mayumi. –Oh, I forgot to tell you. Your cats can talk. –Akira, Naoko, why didn’t you keep the secret? Asked Saki crossly. –It’s my fault. Your mom served us dinner, and I talked by accident, explained Naoko. –Well, I think that it’s something strange, said Hanako. –Mom, please swear that you’ll keep the secret. If not, we’ll be in really big trouble, said the Twins at the same time. -I swear it, said Hanako, confused. –We have our reasons for keeping the secret. –OK. Akira, can you do me a favor? –Yeah. Tell me. –Please bring me my purse. –OK, and Akira ran to Hanako’s bedroom. He came back in a minute. –OK. Here’s for you, for you and for you. Buy something in school, OK? Because you’ve been studying too hard, said Hanako, giving a smile to her family.

When the Twins arrived at the school, they remembered what Tsubasa said.

–“Well, actually, I heard that one of the teachers is sick, and he’s going to give up his work.” –Who do you think that’s going to be our new Biology teacher? -I don’t know, but we won’t be here for long now, said Jun. –Yeah, you’re right, said Saki, sighing. –What? Who’s he? Asked Jun, amazed. –What are you talking about?

–Look. Is that the new teacher? Asked Jun. –No way! It’s, it’s Taki! Exclaimed Saki. –What? You mean, he’s Beryl, I mean Taki? –Yeah. There’s no one in Nankatsu with that hair, said Saki. Then the Twins ran to where the new teacher was. –Taki! Welcome! Said Jun, as he arrived. –Well, if it is two of my new students, said Taki. –You’re going to teach us? –Well, it’s a half job, ‘cause you see, I’m teaching here, and in Nankatsu High School. –So we’re seeing us in next summer, said Saki.

–Yeah. And, how’s Kasumi? –She’s OK. She’s studying medicine. –Oh. Then the bell rang, and the Twins ran to their classroom. –See you in Biology! Said Taki. The Twins arrived just before Ms. Nishikuni. –Sorry, Ms. Nishikuni, but we got up late. –But why? she asked. –We studied until late, and we were really tired. –OK. They had Algebra. Later, the bell rang, and the Gang went to the Biology room. –I know who’s the new Biology teacher, said Jun. –Shh! Said Saki angrily.

-Hello. My name is Mr. Ogata. –And the old teacher? Asked one of the Gang’s schoolmates, Wataru. –He retired. Well, since you’ll be soon in High School, I expect to see you next summer. –It’s Taki! whispered Taro. Taki’s first day as the Biology teacher was a total success. After the recess bell rang, the Gang stayed longer inside the room. –Taki! You’re the new teacher. Cool! Said Takeshi. –Well, since Kasumi’s gone, you’ll need somebody who knows of the Dark Legion. And talking about it, what’s new? Asked Taki. –Sapphire. She’s attacking now. –I know her well. She’s the oldest and most powerful servant in you-know-where, said Taki. –That means that, we’ll have trouble fighting against her? Asked Saki. –Yeah. Definitely, said Taki, nodding his head. Then, there was panic in the school. –What was that? Asked the Gang at the same time. Jun looked through the window.

–Dark Warriors. Let’s hit it! he said. Then the Gang went to the patio. –We have to fight here again, said Genzo, sighing. –We don’t have any choices, said Saki, looking at him.

Then, when they arrived at the patio, the kids who were playing before the ambush were behind the Dark Warriors, who were scaring them. –Guys, we can’t transform. We have to be ourselves, said Saki softly. –OK, said the others, and they began to fight. Taki also helped too. –They’re too many! Said Jun. –Hey, guys, why don’t you help? Asked Saki. –They’re not so scary! Shouted Genzo. Then the kids were fighting against the Dark Warriors, and they beat them, but Sapphire appeared.

–Go on, Takuya. A boy didn’t fight. He was in seventh grade, and he began to attack the Gang. Sapphire was about to disappear. –Oh no you won’t, Sapphire. It was Taki, who hit her hard on her back. –Oof! How dare you! she said, not recognizing the one who had hit her. Then she attacked him, leaving him blind for a minute, and disappeared. Then the boy, Takuya, turned into a demon. –What the…? Guys, c’mon, we have to hide, said Saki, as they hid between the bushes. Later, the Warriors went jumping towards the demon, but it attacked, and left the Warriors quite injured. –Wait a sec. He’s a friend of my sister Kokobu, said Kaoru. –What do you mean? –Leave it to me, guys. It’s my demon, she said, with a serious look on her face.

Kaoru threw her Chakra, but it didn’t work. –Darn it. There has to be something.

–Use your Main Power, shouted Taro. –All right. I call upon the Justice Talisman Power. Galactic Wave attack! And the demon disappeared. Before anybody could see them, they called back to normality. –Whooo! It was tough, said Kaoru, after wiping the sweat off her face. –Who said that it was going to be easy, huh? Said Jun, raising his eyebrows. –Taki, are you OK? Asked Saki. –Yeah. I’m all right. Sapphire’s strong, but this isn’t anything, he replied, rubbing his eyes. Then, the school bell rang. –C’mon guys, we got to go to class. And they had their Geography final exam. At least the Twins were prepared, but Tsubasa and the others weren’t so cool. When the teacher told them to put down their pens, Tsubasa looked really pale, and so did the others. -And, how did you do in the exams? Asked Saki. –I-I d-di-didn’t s-stud-study, sputtered Genzo, who was in a nervous crises. –Tsubasa? Asked Atsuko, who wasn’t so nervous. Tsubasa face was white as wax, and he wasn’t able to say a single word. –Don’t even ask Taro, said Kaoru, as she helped Taro walk. –You were nervous, girls? Asked Jun.

–Certainly. I almost fainted, said Kaoru. –It was hard, said Hikari. –Definitely, agreed the others.

-Why were you so calm, Twins? Asked Takeshi. –We studied yesterday until late, said Jun. –Remember. Tomorrow we have History, English, Music and PC exams. –I know who’s going to pass the Computers exam easily, said Genzo, after calming down. –Yeah, I know who too. Atsuko, said Saki. –You too, Saki, said Atsuko, smiling. -No way. You’re as twice as better than me. I’ve got nothing to do against you on computers, said Saki. –Aren’t you being a little too early before trying? Said Hikari, raising her shoulders. Then somebody tapped on Jun’s shoulder. –Don’t bother, Saki. –What? She said. She was at his side. –If it wasn’t you, then who tapped my shoulder? He asked, and he turned back. –Roberto! Exclaimed Tsubasa. –Tsubasa, guys, we have team training. The other players of the team are here, and your new uniforms. –No way! But we have exams, said Saki. –You have an authorization from the principal. –What do you think? Asked Saki to Genzo. –Let’s go. I’m dying to block a shot or two. Later, Saki was running to the lockers, to pick up her sports bag.

Ten minutes later, the team was concentrated in the Shutetsu’s field. –Why here? Asked Ryou. –Because it’s the best field, replied Shiroyama. -Trainer, if you can’t come, who’s going to train us? Asked Fujio. –My understudy of sorts. Then he pointed to Saki. –What? Me? You’re kidding. -Why? Asked Shiroyama. –I’ve got enough work being the substitute trainer in Nankatsu Junior High. –I’m not. You’re a great trainer, and besides, I won’t be here for a time. -And what about Roberto? Asked Tsubasa. –No thanks. I’m staying here, training the teams, answered Roberto. Then Shiroyama handed Saki the whistle. –So, you’re going to be the trainer for a time, Saki Aiza. Do you accept? –I do, and I’ll accept the responsibility as trainer of the Nankatsu Soccer Club. Then Tsubasa and the others went to congratulate Saki. –So, trainer, what do we have to do? Asked A.J, smiling. Genzo frowned. –OK guys, we have to run twenty times around the field. –We? Asked Jun. –Don’t think that I’ll only be the trainer, Jun. Remember that I’m still a player in this team, said Saki, smiling.

Later, the team was training, when somebody appeared. –So, the Nankatsu is trained by a girl, said a rough, mysterious voice. –What? Said Saki and the others. –Look! It’s the Meiwa French Canadian! Said Bruce. The trainer was an alcoholic man who trained them very violently, but thanks to that, they were a powerful team. Saki felt the stench of alcohol, and retreated. –What do you want, Kira? Asked Saki, tensely. –My ace told me that a girl trained this team. So I want to see how is your team’s level, replied Kira, before drinking a good swig of sake. “Kojiro!” Thought Saki. “It wasn’t my fault. Kira beat me hard to get that information from me. I didn’t want to,” replied a voice in her head. “Follow my idea. I’ll act like if you betrayed us, but don’t worry. I believe you” –So, Kojiro Hyuga told you that I trained this team? Kojiro winced, but he talked like if he did it on purpose. –I did. I thought that a team who is trained by a girl has to be a team of cowards, he said defiantly, though his guts were squirming like worms. Then Genzo tried to hit Kojiro, but Saki stopped him with her hand. “No. He’s only acting”, she told him telepathically. “Guys, no matter what, don’t try to hit Kojiro. He’s only acting according to an idea I have.” “OK”, said the boys who could hear her.

XXXIII

-Then, what do you want to do, huh? –We’ll play a soccer match. Twenty minutes each half. –Applying rules, said Saki firmly, as she knew that Kira never played by the rulebook. –If not, I’m not accepting. We have many things to do, said Saki boldly. –All right. –Wait a minute. I have to change. –Change? Replied everybody. –Of course. I’m playing too. Saki ran to the locker room, and put on her new uniform. –Wow, it’s cool, she said to herself. Then she went outside. –Hajime, you’ll be the ref. –OK. -Ken in the goal. Yada, Satoru, Ryou and Fujio in the defense line. Hajime Taki, Masahiko, Jun, you’re midfields. Mamoru, Tsubasa and I will be the forwards. –And what about us? Asked Takeshi, Genzo and Taro.

–You’re substitutes for today, guys. Then Hajime blew the whistle. Mamoru passed the ball quickly to Tsubasa, who began to run and shun the other players quickly. Then Kojiro tried to take the ball from Tsubasa’s feet, and he did it. Kojiro began to run towards the goal, but somebody took the ball off his feet. It was Jun. He whistled before passing it. Saki took the ball quickly, and began to run across the field. It looked like if the Team had wings on their feet.

Then, many players of the Meiwa tried to take the ball, but Saki shunned them. Strangely, the players after trying to take the ball, did it again. Saki struggled to keep the ball. –I’m not going to lose! She said finally, after she kicked the ball up high. Then she jumped, and her braid hit by accident a player of the Meiwa. –Sorry if I hit you, she said, after getting rid of the last player. Then she landed, with the ball on her feet. Saki ran to the goal, and prepared to shoot, but then, Kojiro ran to where Saki was. He tried to take the ball, but Saki was quicker. She passed the ball quickly to Mamoru, and he passed it to Tsubasa. -OK Tsubasa, shoot the ball! Yelled Saki. Tsubasa kicked the ball, but it hit the crossbar. Then Tsubasa knew what to do. He jumped as high as he could. He shouted briefly before doing his most powerful shot: The Overhead. The goalkeeper couldn’t do anything before such shot, and the ball went directly into the net. –Goal for Nankatsu! Shouted HAJIME. –Stop the game. Let’s not waste time, said Kira. –You challenged us, and now you retire? I assume that you are afraid of losing, said Saki. –We’ll play against each other in the National Soccer Tournament, said Kira. –Hyuga, come on. –Give me a second. –NOW! –Sorry guys. I didn’t want to betray you. I was forced, said Kojiro quietly to the Nankatsu, before running off.

-What did he mean? Asked Urabe. –That he didn’t intend to betray us. He was forced to give that information to Kira, explained Saki. Jun raised his eyebrows.

–Oh, come on; let’s keep practicing, OK? Said Saki. Then they kept on practicing. “I’ll swear that Nankatsu’s going to win the National Soccer Cup”, thought Tsubasa. But he wasn’t the only one. –Who’s going to win the National Soccer Cup? Shouted Saki. –WE WILL! Shouted the other boys. And they resumed the practice. Later, Saki was walking alone home, as Jun and the others decided to study at Tsubasa’s house. –Creeps. I thought that Jun studied long enough yesterday, but he decided to be with his friends. –I see that you’re alone. –Hajime! Thank God you’re here. –I live near here, you know. –Well, that’s good. –Why are you so alone? Asked Hajime. –‘Cause my brother decided to study at Tsubasa’s house, along with the others. I studied everything yesterday, and besides, I have to cook today. –Ah, I see. Hey, now that I remember, that boy, Kojiro Lenders was at the stands the day of the soccer match between our schools. Is he your… -No. He’s only a friend. My boyfriend was in the stands, but he wasn’t with my friends. –I see.

-OK, this is where I stop, said Saki. –OK, see you in the practices, said Hajime, before walking off. Then, Saki found a surprise. A bad surprise was waiting for the girl. –So, you’re still going out with other people without my permission. Saki simply ignored that voice, Osamu’ voice. Then Osamu took Saki by her arms. –Now, you have to prove me that you love me. –And what if I don’t, huh? There’s nothing between you and me, and you know it, said Saki, struggling. The pressure on her arms was rising, and Saki’s teeth were squeaking because of the pain. “I got it!” Then Saki tried to use her powers, but she couldn’t. “What? It didn’t work!” -So, are you going to give me the love proof? Said Osamu, with an evil smile. –Never. At least I have the mind to know what’s right or wrong, not like you, that you only look for pleasure! Said Saki. Then somebody who was near there ran to help Saki.

–Leave alone the girl! Said the person, with a foreign accent. –Roberto! Said Saki, with a lot of relief. Then Roberto hit Osamu on his head. Osamu lost hold of Saki.

–OK, thanks Roberto. Now leave it to me, she said, as she moved her arms. –OK, bye, said the Brazilian, as he ran away. –You’ll give me the love proof! Roared Osamu. –Yeah, right. I’m not crazy! Said Saki, and she punched him right in the face.

-Now, get out of my life! Shouted Saki, as she kicked Osamu out of her sight.

Then, she entered her house, ran upstairs, and closed her room door, locking it from inside. –Saki? What’s happening? Said Akira, from outside the door. Saki was shocked. Osamu almost killed her. Then, the doorbell rang, and Akira opened the door. –Hanako! Exclaimed Akira. –Hello Akira. Is one of the Twins here? –Saki’s here, but she doesn’t talk. She’s locked in her bedroom, and Jun is at Tsubasa’s house. –What happened with Saki? Asked Hanako. –I heard a fight outside, and I saw that Roberto, the trainer of the soccer team helped Saki getting rid of that stupid of Osamu. He could almost kill her. –Osamu, repeated Hanako angrily. Then both Akira and Hanako went upstairs, and Hanako opened the door, using the key. –Saki, what happened? Asked Hanako. Saki was in a corner, almost crying. –O-Osamu a-attack-attacked m-me, she stuttered greatly. –Uh-oh, this is hard. Akira, call Jun quickly, please. Please tell him to come here, along with Genzo. Naoko, bring here a glass of water, please, said Hanako. –Right! Said both cats.

Then Jun and Genzo arrived. –What happened? Asked both boys. –Osamu attacked Saki. She’s in a shock. –Leave this to me, said Genzo. -Saki, you have to calm down, and tell me what happened. Saki struggled to calm down. –Osamu attacked me. He took me by my arms, and he tried to kill me. If it wasn’t for Roberto, I don’t know what could happen, said Saki, breathing quickly. Then, between all the fright and the nervousness, Saki fainted. Then, between Genzo and Jun, Saki was laid on her bed. –She’s in a nervous crisis, and I think we shouldn’t leave her alone, said Hanako. –I’ll stay with her tonight, said Jun. –I’ll take care of her in school, said Genzo. –You forgot that I’m also in your school, huh? Said Jun, laughing. Genzo rubbed the back of his head. –Good point, he said, smiling grimly. –What happened? Asked a tired voice. Saki woke up. –Saki! Exclaimed everybody in her room. –You remember what happened? Asked Hanako. -No. I feel like if all my recent memory was wiped off, said Saki. –What do you remember? Asked Genzo. –I remember that I was walking home, and HAJIME was with me, and then, when I got home, somebody attacked me, but I can’t remember anything else, said Saki, putting her hand on her forehead.

-You don’t remember anything else? Asked Jun. –No. Everything goes blank until there. –Saki, what do you want now? Asked Hanako, concerned about her daughter. –I don’t know. It’s like if somebody erased my memory, she answered, confused. –Let’s go and talk in the living room. Saki needs some rest, said Akira.

–I’ll stay here, said Genzo. –But why? Asked Jun. –I’m not going to leave her alone. I promised her that before my trip to Germany, replied Genzo. –If you say so, said Jun, and he went downstairs. Then Genzo tried to take care of Saki. –Genzo, I’m scared. What if somebody tries to attack me again? Said Saki, staring nervously to the ceiling. –Nobody will. From now on, one of the Gang will be with you, and if nobody can, then I’ll talk with my friends of the Shutetsu. –Thanks, Genzo, I owe you one, replied Saki. Then something shone inside Saki’s backpack. –The Guardian Crystal! Whispered Saki. Genzo took the backpack, and passed it to Saki. She took it out, and noticed that it shone intensely. –What does that mean? Asked Genzo. –I don’t know, said Saki. Then Saki began to shine with the same golden light, and after the light went out, she was back to normal. –Saki, are you OK? Asked Genzo, after rubbing his black eyes.

-Yeah. Now I remember everything. Osamu attacked me, and Roberto Hongo helped me. –Ah, so he was the hero this time. –Without a doubt, said Saki.

-But, what were you doing with Hajime Suzuhara? Asked Genzo. –Talking. We’re friends, and besides, I’d rather be dead, before deceiving you, my Genzo, she said, looking directly at him. He smiled, and he went out of Saki’s room. –And, how’s Saki? Asked Hanako. –Much better. After you went out, we had a good talk, and now she’s well. She only needs some rest. Then Jun and Genzo went out. –You worry about Saki a lot, Genzo. If you keep like that, your hair’s going to turn white. –Don’t worry. She’s very important for me, so it’s not a problem. Then Jun stared at the darkening sky. –Who are you really? Asked Genzo. –Why do you ask? –I know you’re not a normal teen. –Of course I am. –No. I mean, a pair of identical twins normally is of the same gender, but in your case, it’s exceptional. –Yeah, I know. But mom hasn’t still told us why happened this, and there’s no chance to ask anybody else. –Why? –My dad died before we were born, and mom got real sick when she was about to give birth to us. –Careful, Jun! Shouted Genzo, pushing Jun. –What the…? Dark Warriors were attacking them. –What do you think? Asked Genzo. –Like my sister says, it’s the old job again. –Right. I call upon Air Power. Genzo, Air Warrior. NOW! –I call upon Ice Power. Jun, Ice Warrior. NOW!

-These Dark Warriors are different, said Genzo, as he hit a Dark Warrior.

–You’re right, Genzo. These are much stronger than the others, replied Jun, as he blasted some with his Ice Rays. –Genzo, why don’t you try to throw something? –I don’t know if I can, he said. –Just try it! Shouted Jun, before being punched in his stomach. Genzo jumped, and without knowing how, he sent a strong jet of air towards the Dark Warrior that was about to attack him. –Cool! He said. Then Genzo helped Jun. –Thanks man, and now it’s my turn. Jun concentrated, and he sent a hoard of Ice rays, leaving the Dark Warriors frozen solid. –Great, man! Then Sapphire appeared. –I’ve got you, Warriors. –I don’t think so, said both boys, and they ran. –Normality, now! Muttered Jun, as they ran into a dead end. Then Sapphire chased them, but it didn’t succeed. –I’ve got it. T-port, now! Exclaimed Genzo. And both boys were at Genzo’s house. –Wow, cool! Said Jun, who didn’t know the house. –Come on in, said Genzo. –Genzo, honey, why did you get here so late? Asked Genzo’s mother, Yoriko. –Saki had trouble with a boy, and I went to visit her. Ah, and this is Jun, Saki’s twin brother. –Good night, ma’am. –Hello. Then the door opened again.

-Dad! Exclaimed Genzo. –Hi son. This must be one of your friends. –My name’s Jun Aiza, sir. But my friends call me Jun –Why don’t you stay for dinner? –I’m sorry, Mrs. Wakabayashi, but today I have to cook at my house, since Saki’s still in a shock, said Jun. –Well, you’re welcome anytime, said Yoriko. –OK. Bye Genzo.

–See ya tomorrow, and don’t forget, tomorrow we have a meeting with the others. –Yeah. And Jun went to his house. Jun arrived, and he made something quick for Saki, Mayumi, Hanako and him. –I’m the only man here, so I have to take care of everybody, he muttered while he was making some salad. –Yeah, right. And what about me? Said Akira. –Oh, you’re right. What date’s today? Asked Jun. –We’re in June the 10^th. –That means that we’re soon to go to Tokyo, and Shinji too. –What are you talking about? Asked Naoko, who was mending Akira’s cap. -What’s for dinner? Asked Mayumi. –Salad. Something quick and healthy for a Warrior, said Jun. –Yeah right, said Mayumi, and she took an apple from the fridge. –Mayumi, you shouldn’t eat anything before dinner, said Akira. –Yeah, OK. I’ll eat it after dinner, she replied. –Good idea, said Saki, who just came inside the kitchen.

-What’s for dinner? Asked Saki. –Salad, replied Jun as he chopped the carrots.

–Remember Jun, no onions. I hate them, said Saki. –OK. Mayumi, could you pass me a tomato? Asked Jun. –Here you have, said Mayumi. –OK, dinner’s ready, said Jun. The doorbell rang. –Coming! Shouted Jun as he opened the door. –Hi Jun.

–Hi mom. Dinner’s ready. –Very good. Hanako had gone to buy some sodas. Then the family sat down. –Jun, why don’t you ask Taro to teach you how to cook? Asked Mayumi. –Why not? Taro’s just three months older than us and he really digs it at cooking, said Saki. –You’re right. I should ask him. –Who has to wash the dishes? Asked Hanako. –Let me see, it’s Mayumi’s turn, said Saki as she checked the task board on the fridge. –OK, said Mayumi, as she took a bench to reach the dishwasher. –Sis, can we talk a moment? Asked Jun. –Sorry brother, but I have to do my homework. With all the trouble today, I haven’t done it. –Yeah, you’re right. I should do it too.

XXXIV

The next day, Jun woke up with a start. –What the…? Oh, it’s already six o’ clock. I’d rather wake up Saki and Mayumi. He went inside Mayumi’s room, and woke her up. –Mayumi, wake up. It’s six o’clock. –Already? Said Mayumi wearily. –Yeah. C’mon, hurry up, said Jun as he went to his sister’s room. –Saki? He asked before opening the door. The door opened, and Saki was already dressed, but seemingly, her hair was much shorter. –What did you do? Asked Jun, scared. –It’s not what it seems. I simply tied the end of my braid to the beginning of it. It’s much more practical. –Well, yeah, you’re right. When did you get up? –At 5:30. I couldn’t sleep. –I just woke up. –Then, get dressed. You’re in your underwear. Jun went red on his face and ran to his room. Two minutes later, he went out of his room, with a white shirt and black pants. –I don’t know about you, but I think that Japanese people don’t have such a good taste for clothes as Colombians. –Don’t even talk about it, said Saki crossly. She had on a white blouse with a blue sailor neck, and a blue skirt. –Mayumi, are you ready? Asked Jun. –Yeah, she said. As usual, she had a sweater with black Capri pants. –OK guys, let’s go, said Saki.

-Today is the last day of class, and we have our last exam, said Saki as she changed her shoes. –Yeah, you’re right, Saki. It isn’t going to be easy, said Kaoru. –It’s Biology, with Eric, said Atsuko. –Yeah, and we have our last soccer practice, before Saki’s trip to Tokyo. –If Saki’s going to Tokyo, who is going to train us? Asked Hikari. –I asked Roberto Hongo to train the Girls’ Team while I’m not here, explained Saki. –Oh. We’ll wish you luck. -Yeah, but I’m not going on the first day. –Why? Asked Atsuko. –Shinji, my friend’s coming the first day of summer. –Cool.

–I’d like to meet him, said Kaoru. –I don’t know, Kaoru. He’s quite different from you. He’s almost my triplet. Kaoru made a raspberry. –So what? I just want to meet him, not to be his shadow. Saki felt a small shudder. –OK girls, we have to go to Biology and we’re going to the soccer field after that. –OK, said Atsuko and the other girls. After the exam, Saki took her sports bag, and changed into her Female Team uniform, with the number ten on it. Atsuko had the number 8, Kaoru had the 11 and Hikari had the number 4.

-OK girls, before we start, I have to tell you something, said Saki. –What? Asked Heather. –I’m not going to be here for the summer. I have to go to Tokyo with the Boys’ Team. –And then, who’s going to train us? Asked Kira, worried. –Roberto Hongo. –What? Roberto Hongo, the soccer star? Said Sophie. –And the Boys’ Team trainer, added Hikari. Then everybody began to warm up for the training.

–OK girls, and now we’re going to practice the long shots, said Saki, as she passed the girls some soccer balls. –Hey, Saki, what day’s tomorrow? Asked Atsuko. –Saturday. Shinji comes…tomorrow. –Guess what, Saki? Said Hikari excitedly. –What? –I have a boyfriend. –No way! Said Atsuko, Kaoru and Saki.

–What’s his name? Asked Atsuko. –Masato. Kaoru and Saki raised an eyebrow while they passed the ball to their teammate. After the practice, Saki was changing to her school uniform, knowing that it would be the last time that she would have it on.

When she got home, Akira and Naoko were out. –Mayumi, could you do me a favor? –Yeah, what? –If somebody calls me from the United States, pass me right away. If it’s somebody from Nankatsu, including Genzo, I’m not home. –Why? –I’m going to fix Shinji’s bed at Jun’s room. Saki went inside her brother’s room, and began to fuss all over. Meanwhile, Mayumi began to draw. -I’m not as good as Saki. I wish I could bbe a good painter like her, she said. She kept on drawing, and then, the phone rang. –Hello, Ariza Residence. Mayumi talking. -Hello, is Saki available? –Who’s talking? -Shinji, from Fort Lauderdale. –Yeah. Saki, you’ve got a call! Shouted Mayumi. –OK, shouted Saki back. -Hello? Saki talking. –Hi Saki. It’s Shinji. –Hi Shinji. What’s up? –Nothing, except that I’m going to Nankatsu in an hour. It’s flight 182 from Fort Lauderdale. -OK, you’re coming to Nankatsu, aren’t you? –Yes. –OK, I’ll be waiting for you. -Then, we’ll see us soon. Bye Saki. –Bye, Shinji. Good luck on your trip. Saki hanged the phone, while a deep sigh went out of her.

After that, Saki went to her room, and turned on her PC. –Now, I’ll work on some stories for Elumey, I’ll write to Isabel and the others. Then she connected herself to the Net. She had two e-mails. “Saki: Hi. I write to you telling that my page has been damaged. So please don’t send me any stories until I tell you, OK? Elumey.” –Darn it. Who could have done that? Muttered Saki. “Dear Saki: I hope you get this e-mail. Are you alive? Robato”. Saki smiled. –That Robato. He’s zany, she said, nodding. Then the doorbell rang. –Hi, I’m home! Shouted a familiar voice. –Hi Jun. I’m going to cook today. –Good. What’s for dinner? –How about a cheeseburger? –With French fries? –OK. Then Saki set off to make some dinner. Jun went to change himself. –It’s been a tough day. I just wish to go to Tokyo, he said. –Mmm, Jun, We’re going to have some visit for the vacations. –Shinji? –Yeah. Can he stay in your bedroom? –No problem. Besides, you know that my room has two beds because of that, he replied.

After dinner, Saki, Jun and Mayumi were talking in the living room. –I’m going to see the matches on TV, said Mayumi. –Well, sadly we can’t take you to Tokyo, said Jun. –And what about Shinji? –Well, he’s staying with us too. He’s also staying in the hotel where we’re going to be, said Saki. Then the cats arrived.

–Where were you? Asked Jun. –We had a meeting with Akahara. -About what?

–He’s suspecting that Sapphire’s kidnapping cats, and turning them into demons, explained Akira. –Yeah, I remember that you gave me a sample of demon skin, and it turned out to be cat skin, said Saki, scratching her face. –And now she’s using human beings, said Naoko, worried. –Naoko, why are you using glasses? Asked Jun. –Well, I can’t see so clearly, and I went to Dr. Mizuno’s. She gave me these glasses. –Ah, I see. Then Mayumi yawned. –C’mon, Mayumi, you’re tired, said Jun, carrying her upstairs. –Me too, said Saki, before T-porting to her room.

The next day, Saki woke up early. –I have to be ready for Shinji’s arrival, she told herself. She cleaned up the house while Jun and the others were still sound asleep. Then she checked the time. –Mmm, it’s only six o’clock, but I don’t know when Shinji’s going to arrive. Then Jun went down the stairs. –Sis, what’s happening? He asked drowsily. –First, we have to go to school to get our report cards, and Shinji’s coming today. –And? Replied Jun. Saki glared at her brother. –Shinji’s our friend, isn’t he? If you won’t go to the airport, I will go there, said Saki crossly. –If you wish, I can go with you to the airport, said Mayumi. –Hey, thanks, Mayumi. I don’t want to go alone. –Well, you know how’s Jun in weekends, said Mayumi, smiling. Jun glared at her, and some hairs poked out of his ponytail. –Thanks for nothing, Mayumi, he replied angrily. -OK, what do you want for breakfast? Asked Saki. –How about a sandwich for me? Asked Jun. –I only want a glass of milk, said Mayumi. Saki made it all quickly, and Jun gulped down his sandwich, while Mayumi and Saki chewed on some toast.

-You remember Shinji, Mayumi? Asked Saki after sipping some tea. –Yeah. He’s tall, thin and dark-haired? Asked Mayumi, confused. –Yes, that’s Shinji. Then Saki took the phone. –Hello, Takeshi? Hi, it’s Saki. Would you like to join me today? You see, I have to go to the airport. Yeah, Shinji, my best friend’s coming from Fort Lauderdale. You can? OK, see you then. Bye. Then Takeshi arrived at Saki’s house. –Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go, said Takeshi, who was on his bike.

–Mayumi, you coming with us? –Yeah! Just let me get my bike. Then the threesome went to the airport. Then, the P.A resounded in the airport: -Passengers arriving in flight 182 from Foort Lauderdale, USA, please register in the customs.

–How do we know if Shinji’s there? –Well, this is my plan. Mayumi, you’ll be with Takeshi at the door. I’ll be looking everywhere. Then, Saki went to where Takeshi and Mayumi were. Then…

-It’s him! It’s him! Shouted Saki, pointing to a tall, dark-haired boy, waving at her. When he went out of the customs office, Saki almost hugged him. –Welcome to Japan, Shinji, said Saki. –Thanks, Saki. Where’s your brother? –At home. He’s lazy in the weekends. –Well, I don’t believe it. –Hi Shinji, said Mayumi. –Is this the Mayumi Takasugi I knew as a little girl? Said Shinji, lowering his glasses. –I knew you when you were about six or seven years old, he said. Mayumi blushed.

–Well, thanks, she said, smiling. –Shinji, he’s Takeshi Kido, a friend from Colombia too. –Hi. You can call me Takeshi. –So, are you going to Tokyo for the Soccer Tournament? Asked Saki. –Yeah, if I can go with you…-You’ll go as my guest, said Saki. –Why? Asked Takeshi and Mayumi at the same time. –Takeshi, you forgot that I’m the substitute trainer and a player. Mayumi, you forgot that I’m going also to state everything for the single that Ms. Arai is preparing, said Saki, smiling.

-We’ll help you with your luggage, said Takeshi. –OK, but it’s not much, explained Shinji. Then, between Takeshi, Shinji and Saki, the bikes were with the entire luggage (only two suitcases and a handbag!) Then, they arrived at Saki’s house.

–Jun, open the door! Shouted Saki from outside. –Coming! Said Jun, as he went downstairs. –Shinji! Shouted Jun. –Hi, Jun, said the other boy, smiling broadly.

–C’mon, I’ll show you the room, said Jun, guiding Shinji upstairs. When the two boys got to Jun’s room, Shinji couldn’t stop himself from smiling. –So, this is your room, Jun. I never thought that you had two beds in your room. –Well, sorry if it’s a little messy, but I think that my sister told you that I’m a bit lazy in the weekends. Then Jun helped the newcomer to get settled. –Well, at least you’re taller than me, so there’s no problem knowing which are your clothes, said Jun, joking. Shinji raised an eyebrow. –Oh, sorry man. I forgot that you don’t like those type of jokes.

-Lunch’s ready! Shouted Saki from downstairs. –Mmm, what’s for lunch?

-Guess. –Is it pasta? –Yeah. With cheese sauce. –Great! Said the youngsters. While they were eating their lunch, Shinji talked of his trip. –Man, it was long! Said Jun. –Well, from Bogotá is a bit shorter, but from Fort Lauderdale, it was exhausting! Said Shinji, yawning. –Well, you need to sleep, Shinji. And with the change of time zones, it’ll be a little difficult. –Mmm, Shinji, are you still talking Spanish? Asked Jun. -¿Qué crees, Jun? Por supuesto que si, said Shinji, laughing. –Well, thanks for the lunch, Saki, said Jun, cleaning his mouth with the napkin and handing her the report card. –You really cook good food, said Shinji, smiling. –If you want to sleep, go ahead. This is your house, said Saki. –OK, and Shinji went upstairs, to have a very needed rest.

Two hours later, the doorbell rang. Mayumi opened the door. –Hi Taichi. What’s new? –Well, nothing. And you? –In fact, yes. Saki’s best friend came here to Japan. –I thought that Saki’s best friend’s Genzo. –Well, I mean her all-time best friend. He’s Colombian too. His name is Shinji. –I see. Then a door opened upstairs.

–Excuse me, Mayumi, where’s the bathroom? –Second door at your left! Said Mayumi. –Thanks! –Who was he? –Shinji. He arrived today. –Well, Mayumi, I need to tell you something. –What? She asked. –I’m going out for the vacations, so I need to give you this. Taichi handed his Power Ring. –No, Taichi. Keep it. I could lose it, said Mayumi, refusing to take the Ring. Then, Dark Warriors attacked them. –What the…? –Taichi! Careful! Said Mayumi, as a Dark Warrior was about to attack the boy from behind. Then, something, or somebody attacked the Dark Warriors. –Who are you? Asked Taichi. –Well, what are you waiting for? Hide! Said the person. –Shinji? Asked Mayumi. -No. It was Kojiro. –Kojiro! Exclaimed the children. –Besides, who’s Shinji? Asked the teen. –Saki’s best friend, said Mayumi, nervous. –OK guys, leave it to me. T-port, now! Said Kojiro, and he disappeared with the Dark Warriors.

Some time later, Kojiro appeared once more. –Why did you do that? Asked Mayumi. -Since I’ll be for a time Saki’s rival, I need to help you. –Rival? Why? Asked Taichi. –Because of the Soccer Tournament. I wanted to play with Saki and the others, but I can’t. –OK, smiled the kids, and Kojiro went off. Then, Taichi and Mayumi began to talk cheerfully, when Shinji went down the stairs. –Where are the Twins? He asked. –They went to Taro’s house. –Taro? –He’s a friend of us, said Taichi. –Oh, and I’m Taichi Morisaki. But my friends call me Taichi. –Pleased to meet you. My name’s Shinji Hashimoto. Mayumi, I heard a commotion out there. What was it? –I don’t have the slightest idea, Shinji, said Mayumi, shrugging. –Do you need something? Asked the girl. –Well, not now. I just need to talk with the Twins, ‘cause I have to give them something, and to you too. –What? Asked Mayumi, startled. Then Shinji gave her a bag. –I don’t know if it is your size, but I hope you like it. It was a summer dress. –Shinji, it’s lovely. Thanks, said Mayumi, smiling broadly, and blushing too!

-You brought presents for everybody? –Well, think of it as the birthday present that you missed the most, Mayumi, replied the teenager. –We’re home! Said Jun. –Hi Twins. I have something for you. –What? Asked Saki. –For Jun, and for you, said Shinji, handing both teens something. –Hey, Shinji, thanks! Said Jun, trying on a shirt of his favorite soccer team, Atlético Junior de Barranquilla. Saki was speechless. Shinji gave her a book, and a dress too. The book was called, by any strange reason, In Search of the Golden Warrior. It was about the legend of the Golden Reincarnation and the Guardian Warriors. –Did you like it? Asked Shinji.

–Yeah. I-I can’t believe that you spent money on this. –Well, your aunt Stella, her mom, sent her the dress. Jun’s shirt, the book and the dress all come from me. Then the phone rang. –Hello? Ariza Residence. Jun talking. Ah, hi Tsubasa. What? You have the date for the trip to Tokyo? When? Next Tuesday? Great! I’ll tell Saki, Takeshi and Shinji. Shinji’s a friend of us, OK. Bye. –What? Asked Saki. –Next Tuesday’s the trip to Tokyo. –Great! Said Saki. –I have to call Ms. Arai because of you-know-what. –Oh, yeah.

XXXV

-What’s you-know-what? –It’s a secret. Only Jun, Mayumi and I know it.

–Saki, when can I meet your friends? Asked Shinji, who was eager to meet the Gang. –Well, we’ll meet tomorrow, so you can know the Gang. –How many people are in the Gang? –Well, they’re sixteen, including Mayumi and Taichi. And my cat, Akira is in it too, along with Genzo’s cat, Misato. That completes sixteen. –Genzo’s your best friend here, isn’t he? Asked Shinji. –Yeah. He’s the best goalkeeper in the entire town, and he’s also good at Martial Arts, said Jun. –Would you like to know the town? Asked Saki. –Yeah, definitely. I want to see the city, said Shinji.

-OK. C’mon, we’ll show you the whole city, said Saki. Then Shinji and Saki went out. –You see that big building? That’s Nankatsu Junior High, where I studied before. –Before? Why? Asked Shinji, scratching the back of his head. –Because after summer I’m going to enter High School. –Ah, now I get the whole idea. You’re going to enter 9^th grade, aren’t you? –Yeah.

-Uh, Saki, I need to tell you something, said Shinji. –What? She asked.

-I don’t know how to tell you this, but your great-grandmother died. I’m sorry for giving you such bad news. –Don’t worry. I know that she’s better where she is.

That cancer was killing her slowly and painfully. Thanks for telling me. Then they arrived to the park. –This is one of my favorite places. –Well, now I see why. It’s full of trees. –Yeah. And, have you known anything about Robato? -Well, the last thing I knew was that he’s now with a new girlfriend. –Who? –I think that she is a friend of you. Her name’s Paula Aguilar. –Great. And do you have a girlfriend? –No. In fact, you’re still my only friend, said Shinji, lowly. –Don’t worry. You’ll meet my friends tomorrow, and you’ll make even more friends, said Saki, smiling broadly.

–And I forgot to tell you. A friend of mine wants to meet you. Her name’s Kaoru Mizuno. –Are you serious? -Yeah. She’s a bit shorter than me, has black hair, and she’s great with Martial Arts. –Well, it seems that she’s quite unlike me. –C’mon, Shinji, cheer up. I don’t like to see you so glum, said Saki, patting Shinji’s back.

-What time is it? –6:30. We’ve spent a lot of time walking around, said Saki.

Then both teenagers walked home, but then, Dark Warriors attacked them!

Saki defeated them with ease, but Shinji couldn’t do anything. –Saki, help me! Said Shinji, scared. –Leave my friend alone! Said Saki, as she struggled to save Shinji. –Shinji, hide. Did you read the book you gave me? –Yeah. If I’m not wrong, I think that they are Dark Warriors, aren’t they? –Yeah, that’s right. Run home. I’ll cover you, said Saki. –But why? –Just run! There’s no time to lose. Then, as Shinji ran home, Saki defeated the Dark Warriors alone. –Sorry for telling you what to do, Shinji, but I have to save you. I call upon Air Power. Saki, Air Warrior. Now! Then, Saki attacked the Dark Warriors with her own powers. –Galactic Hurricane, attack! And at last, Saki had some peace. –Normality, now. Then she ran home.

–Shinji, are you OK? She asked when she went in. –Yeah. At least I’m OK. And you? He asked. –Don’t worry. I’m fine. –What are you talking about? Asked Jun. “Read my mind, Jun”.

-Shinji, if you read the book you gave Saki, can you tell us the legend of the Golden Reincarnation? Asked Mayumi. –Mayumi… said Saki, frowning. –No, it’s OK. The legend tells that before human beings dwelled on Earth, there were two sisters, Saki, and Kaioo. Both sisters had a dream, to save the Universe, but Kaioo turned Evil, and then, she turned into the evil Queen of the Dark Legion, Callisto. Kaioo had the opportunity to be the Golden Warrior, the most powerful Warrior in the Universe, but when she turned into Callisto, Saki was the only one left. Then, when Saki was fifteen years old, Callisto tried to kill her, and then, the war between Good and Evil began. But there were also other Warriors, the Guardian Warriors, who were sixteen in number. Saki commanded the Guardian Warriors, but Callisto had the Four Servants and a Legion of demons: the Dark Legion. –Which were the Four Servants’ names? Asked Jun. –Jade, Onyx, Beryl and Sapphire. The war was very hard, and the Guardian Warriors couldn’t survive. But in the Dark Legion, Jade died. But then, Callisto hurt Saki very seriously, and then, Saki made an oath. “If Callisto comes back, and tries to destroy this planet, my Guardian Warriors and my Reincarnation will defend it. Guardian Crystal, let the spirits of my Warriors live.” And the legend tells too that whenever Evil strikes, the Guardian Warriors and the Golden Reincarnation will appear, and they will defeat the forces of Evil, said Shinji.

-It’s a great legend. But, do you believe in it? –Well, in fact I do. –Me too, said Saki. –Me three, said Mayumi, who liked to hear legends. –Well, while we were walking through the park, something very, very strange happened. Something that looked like the Dark Warriors of the legend attacked us. –That’s why Shinji came home first. I was covering him, said Saki. –Shinji, we have something to confess. Because we know that you’re a living tomb, and you saw that, we’re going to tell you a secret. –What? Said Shinji, who looked worried. –The legend is true. Those Warriors were real Dark Warriors, and Callisto exists. –But how do you know that? –Because Jun, Mayumi, Akira, and I are Guardian Warriors. In fact, we’ve also found the Golden Reincarnation, said Saki, lowering her head. -Who’s the Golden Reincarnation? Asked Shinji. –It’s…me, said Saki, pointing to herself. -I accidentally chose Saki as my Japanese name, not knowing the truth. Shinji was stunned. –But you have to swear that you won’t tell it to anybody, even though it’s a legend. We have to defend the Earth from Callisto. –But, if there are sixteen Warriors, and you’re four, who are the other twelve?

-The rest of the Gang. Tsubasa, Atsu-chan, Taro, Kaoru, Kojiro, Maya, Reiko, Taichi, Takeshi, Hikari, Misato and Genzo are the other Guardian Warriors, said Jun. -I swear by my life that the secret will be kept, for as long as I live, said Shinji, with his hand on his chest. –And how did you turn into…? –Just say you-know-what. It’s easier. –Yeah, that. –We were normal, when we were transported to another dimension. The Spirit gave us the means of transforming and fighting.

But then, the phone rang. –Let me. Hello? Aiza Residence. Saki talking.

Oh, hi Tsubasa. What? We’re going there now! Bye! Jun, Mayumi, come with me.

Shinji, you have to stay. It’s too dangerous. –Right, said the others. While they were running to Tsubasa’s house, Jun asked Saki what Tsubasa said.

–Roberto turned into a demon, and Tsubasa can’t do anything. –Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s do it! Said Mayumi. –Right. -I call upon Air Power. –I call upon Ice Power. –I call upon Light Power. NOW! Then, the Warriors arrived at Tsubasa’s patio.

-Warriors! Said Tsubasa tiredly, who was against a tree, with a little thread of blood running across his face. –Don’t worry. We’re here, said Saki, who began to heal the boy with her powers. Meanwhile, Jun and Mayumi were fighting against the monster. –Let’s do it together! Said Jun. –But Saki… -We have to do it now! Shouted Saki. –Right. –Yeah. I call upon the Courage Talisman Power. Galactic Frost Attack! –I call upon the Faith Talisman Power. Galactic Sparkle!

–I call upon the Wisdom Talisman Power. Galactic Hurricane, attack! And the three attacks blended into one. Then, the demon disappeared, leaving only the Brazilian soccer player on the ground. –Thanks guys, whispered Tsubasa. Saki made a thumbs up, and the Warriors disappeared. –What, what happened? Asked Roberto. –It’s a long story, said Tsubasa, while he was helping Roberto to get into the house.

-Normality, now! Said Saki, as she, Jun and Mayumi were running through the park. When they arrived at their house, Shinji was fast asleep on the sofa. -Poor Shinji. He fell asleep while he waited for us. Then, Saki whispered in Shinji’s ear. –Shinji, c’mon, let’s go upstairs. Shinji blinked twice, and then, everybody went to sleep. That night, Saki didn’t sleep very well. She was dreaming of her father, and that he died in an accident. –Dad! She shouted, and she woke up with a rush. She was breathing quickly, and she was covered in sweat. –What happened? Asked Shinji and Jun when they opened the door. -I had a nightmare. It’s the same dream over and over. –What is it? Asked Shinji. -In my dream I saw my dad, and how he died, well, how I presume he died. It’s the same dream again and again. –Well, you have a little fever, said Jun, as he touched Saki’s forehead. –Shinji, can you bring a glass of water, please? The glasses are in the first cupboard at your left. –Right, said Shinji as he went downstairs. Then Hanako went inside Saki’s room. –What happened? She asked. –Saki had a nightmare, and she has a fever, said Jun.

–Shinji went for a glass of water. –Ah, I see. Saki, what’s that you have on your night table?

-A book that Shinji gave to me. Why? –Just asked. Then Shinji went upstairs.

-Here. Saki, drink it. –OK. Then Saki drank the water. –That’s better. Thanks, Shinji. –Well, I should thank you more things than you should to me, he said, smiling. After that, everybody went to sleep again. The next day, Saki woke up, much better than before. Jun was in the kitchen, frying up some eggs, and Shinji was reading a book. –Morning, said Saki. –Good morning, said the boys. –What are you reading? Asked Saki. –Hannibal, said Shinji, with an eerie smile. –Shinji, can you stop smiling like that? It scares me, said Saki, rubbing her arms. –OK, said Shinji, smiling normally. –And, how’s Fort Lauderdale in the summer? Asked Jun. –A blazing inferno. It’s too hot for me. –That means that Jun and I could live there perfectly? –What do you mean, Saki? Asked Shinji, confused. –We’re already used to hot places. We lived in La Guajira, and besides, we’re from Barranquilla. –I-I thought that you were from Bogotá! Said Shinji, surprised.

Later, Jun and Saki were discussing about the Soccer Tournament in Tokyo.

–Well, if we have to play against Kojiro, then we’ll be in trouble, said Jun. –Yeah, but there’s nothing we can do. Gateman refused to let Kojiro enter the Team, explained Saki. Then Jun checked the time. –10:30. We have to meet with the others. –Yeah, said Saki. –Shinji, it’s time! –Yeah, he said from upstairs. Then he dashed downstairs, and Jun, Saki, Shinji, Akira and Mayumi were going to the meeting. –And, who’s the leader of the Gang? Asked Shinji. –Well, it’s Saki, but each and everyone’s its own leader, explained Jun. –I still don’t understand something, said Shinji. –What? Asked Mayumi. –Why are the cats in the Gang?

–Because they’re Warriors too, said Mayumi. –How? –We’re human attitude cats, said Akira, and Shinji jumped because of the surprise.

-The cats talk! Said Shinji, between scared and surprised. –Yeah. They’re also Warriors, like my cousin said, explained Saki. Then they arrived at the video arcade. A thin boy with a blue sweater was there. –Hi Taro, said Jun. –Hi Twins, hi Mayumi, Hi Akira, replied Taro. –Shinji, he’s Taro Misaki. He’s a Water one.

–Saki, what are you doing? Asked Taro, bothered. –He already knew about you-know-what. There’s a book about the Legend, said Jun. –So, you know about…

-Yeah, about the Dark Legion, whispered Shinji. Then some girls arrived. –Maya, Reiko, Hikari, over here! Exclaimed Jun. –Hi guys, said Reiko. -Hi girls, said the others. –Shinji, they are Reiko Yagami, Maya Takenouchi and Hikari Izumi. Girls, this is Shinji Hashimoto. –Nice name! Said Maya, surprised. –Well, thanks, said Shinji. –Maya is a Fire one, Reiko an Ice one and Hikari is a Stellar Power one. The girls raised her eyebrows. –He already knows our secret, explained Taro.

–How? Asked Hikari. Saki showed the girls the book. –Ah, now we get it, said the girls.

Then, Tsubasa, Genzo, Kojiro, Takeshi, and the others arrived. –Tsubasa’s an Earth one, Genzo’s an Air one, Kojiro’s a Fire one, Atsuko’s an Earth one, Taichi’s a Light one, Takeshi’s a Stellar Power one, Kaoru’s a Water one, Misato’s a Nature one… explained Saki as the others arrived. –Guys, he’s Shinji. He already knows about the secret, said Jun. –Sapphire’s striking even harder now, said Takeshi.

–Yeah. She’s using the ones we care about. We have to be brave, said Tsubasa.

–Er, Saki, Jun, I don’t know how to say this, but I have some kind of power, said Shinji. –What? Exclaimed the Twins. –Yeah. You remember the Magic Circle Transformation Attack? –Yeah. It’s a power we have. –Well, I have it too. –No way! Exclaimed Saki. –Yeah. Some bullies at the school in Fort Lauderdale attacked me, I concentrated a lot, and then, I saw that circle around me. I said “Transform!” and my energy transformed into some kind of blades. The bullies were scared, and they ran. –Incredible, said the Gang.

XXXVI

Saki was thinking a lot. –If Shinji has that power, maybe, maybe the others gained that power too. It could be a powerful weapon when used, but…, she whispered.

–Saki, what are you thinking? Asked Taichi. –If Shinji has that power, maybe the others have it too. –Could be a possibility, said Genzo, who seemed to be a little jealous, and Saki knew it. –Genzo, he’s only my all-time best friend. Stop being so jealous, she said, and Genzo changed from green to red. –Sorry.

–Well, you don’t have to worry, Benjamin. Saki’s my only friend, and besides, I wouldn’t damage my friendship with Saki ever in my entire life, said Shinji. –Ah, I see, said Genzo and he smiled nervously. –Ignore it, Shinji. Genzo es celoso por naturaleza, said Saki. –Ah, replied the teenager. –So, who’s going to go to Tokyo? Asked Shinji. –Tsubasa, Taro, Genzo, Jun, Takeshi and I will go. Kojiro’s going too, but he’s an opponent, sadly, said Saki. –Yeah. I wanted to be in the team, but I couldn’t, said Kojiro grimly.

-Shinji, how’s Fort Lauderdale? Asked Kaoru, who was interested on him.

–Hot. In summer it’s hot as the Sahara Desert, and in winter it’s hot too. At least you have snow, he explained. –Ah, I see, said Kaoru. Then Saki felt a shudder.

–Guys, I smell trouble. C’mon, we gotta check out. Then the Gang went to an alley. Then, by surprise, Dark Warriors fell from the sky! –Careful guys, these are stronger than the normal ones, said Genzo. –What are you talking about? Asked Taichi. –Careful! Shouted Mayumi, as she hit the Dark Warrior with a stick. Then, the Dark Warriors tried to attack Shinji, but… -Transform! Shouted the teenager, and the Dark Warriors were beat. –Great, Shinji! Said the Twins. –Let’s do it too! Said Jun. –Yeah, said Saki. The Twins concentrated, and a strange circle surrounded them. –Transform! Shouted both of them. From Jun flew Ice Rays, and Saki transformed her energy: A Phoenix flew from her.

Tsubasa and the others tried it too. Strangely, everybody had that circle around them. –TRANSFORM! Shouted everybody, and it worked! Tsubasa used what looked like balls of energy. Atsuko had thunderbolts. Taro used a whirlpool, and Kaoru sent out hundreds of Chakras. Kojiro sent out what looked like a tiger made of energy. Maya used flames. Genzo attacked using arrows of energy. Reiko attacked with an aurora borealis. Taichi used sparks, and Mayumi used rays of light. Takeshi threw sabers, and Hikari used what looked like her ninja stars. Akira used stings, and Misato attacked with fans. Shinji still used blades of energy. Then, without transforming, the Dark Warriors were beat. –This is great! Said Hikari.

–Don’t use it too much, or you’ll energy will go low! Said Jun, who was panting.

–Yeah, but it’s faster than transforming! Exclaimed Kaoru. –Shinji, thanks for remembering us that power. Ever since you went to the U.S.A, we lost that power, said Saki, with a tear falling from her eyes. –It’s OK, Saki, replied Shinji, smiling. But then…

-We call upon Earth Power! –We call upon Water Power! –We call upon Fire Power! –We call upon Air Power! –We call upon Ice Power! –We call upon Light Power! –We call upon Stellar Power! –We call upon the Power of Nature! NOW! And, strangely, a demon appeared. –Shinji, hide! Shouted Saki, as she stopped the demon from hurting him. –I’m not going to hide, Saki. I don’t want to be a coward anymore, replied the teenager. –There’s no time to lose. Hide now! Shouted Genzo. But Shinji stood high. Then the demon shook off the Warriors, and was about to attack Shinji, but then, Shinji attacked first. –Transform! And strangely, this time it was some sort of swords that appeared on Shinji’s hands. –You’ve been using that power too long! Said Jun. –When I know that my friends are with me, my energy doesn’t go low. “Shinji, you should be a Warrior, or even the Golden Warrior”, thought Saki. Then, the demon tried to attack again, but Shinji blocked it. –That demon’s too strong. Try to use the Crystal! Shouted Shinji, before hitting the wall.

-You’re right, Shinji. I should try it again. Maybe it’s painful, but it’s a debt I have to pay, said Saki. -I call upon the Guardian Crystal Power. NOW! And Saki transformed again. -Galactic Reincarnation Crystal Attack! And the demon was destroyed. Then Saki turned back into herself, and fell to the floor, exhausted.

–Saki! Shouted the others. –Normality, now, said Saki tiredly, but with a great smile on her face. –Give me the Guardian Crystal! Or I’ll destroy you, said a voice behind them. –Sapphire! Exclaimed the others. –The Fourth Servant! Whispered Shinji.

–So, you have a new Warrior. Well, this is your first and last battle! –Get out of here, Sapphire, warned Kojiro. –But I came here to do you a favor. I’m going to take off that responsibility of yours…forever, said Sapphire, grinning nastily.

–C’mon guys, let’s get out of here! Said Genzo, who was carrying Saki on his back. And everybody began to run in different directions. Shinji, Jun, Misato, Akira, Mayumi and Genzo were running to the park. Then Genzo fell, and Saki was on his back. –Gotcha! Said Shinji, as he caught Saki.

-Great save, Shinji! Said Jun. –I told you that I was playing soccer in Fort Lauderdale, said Shinji, looking behind. –Jun, help Genzo. I’ll carry Saki. But then, Jun began to fade away again. –Oh no! Said Jun, afraid. Then Genzo stood up, and Jun was normal again. –I’m OK. Let’s hit it. –Right! Said Jun, Shinji, Mayumi and the cats. When they arrived at the Twins’ house, Saki woke up. –Where am I? she asked wearily. –At home. You transformed into Saki again. –I see, she said, exhausted. –Well, at least we lost Sapphire, said Akira. –Yeah, and she’s going to have trouble finding us all, added Misato. Then Hanako appeared. –Saki! She gasped, as Saki was with fever again. –It’s OK, mom. –But you have fever again.

–Mom, you should know as a nurse that the fever isn’t an illness, but a defense of the body, said Jun. –Besides, we were running here, added Genzo. –Akira, is that cat a relative of yours? –I’m his sister. I’m Misato Nakamatsu. Genzo was startled. –Misato, why did you talk? –Well, Akira told me that Hanako knew his secret.

–What time is it? –It’s time for lunch. –What’s on the menu today? Asked Jun.

–Well, remember that today was your turn, Jun.

-I forgot! Shouted Jun, and he raced to the kitchen. Everybody heard him fussing, and then…-Come and get it! He shouted. Sandwiches. –Well, improvised, but good, said Hanako. –Mmm, Jun, did you use the turkey ham that I bought yesterday? Asked Saki. –Yeah. I tried it, and I liked it. Then, Saki stopped smiling. –Saki, what’s wrong? Asked Genzo. –I don’t know. I don’t know why do I feel like depressed. –Saki…, said Mayumi. –I’m not hungry. Thanks, but I’m going to my room. –OK, said the others. Saki went upstairs, and into her room. She threw herself on her bed, and strangely, began to cry. But then, somebody knocked at the door. –Who is it? Asked Saki. –Please, let me go in. I need to talk with you, said a voice from outside. –Who is it? Asked Saki again, softly. –It’s me, Shinji.

–Pass. The door’s open. Shinji went in, with a worried look on his face. –Saki, what’s going on? Tell me. –I don’t know, Shinji. Suddenly I felt low, like if something was missing of me. –Does it have to do anything with Colombia? –Well, I don’t know. Then, everything lit up in Saki’s mind, and she looked lost.

-Saki? –I really missed you, Shinji. When I came here to Japan, I was trying to forget Robato. Then there was a time when I felt very alone, and I needed a friend to count on. I thought of you all the time, like if my heart was crushed into pieces. But then, Genzo entered in my life, but I still missed part of something. -Well, Jun told me that you literally came back of death. You saw your father, didn’t you?

–Well, yeah, but mom has been like mother and father at the same time. In Colombia, when you went to live in the U.S.A, I felt like if my happiness departed with you, and I even stopped loving Robato. I felt worthless. –Well, you don’t have to feel like this, said Shinji. And he gave Saki a pat on the back. -Thanks, Shinji. I needed you. I needed somebody who could listen to me and to my problems.

–Well, what are “big brothers” for? he said, smiling. Then somebody knocked at the door. –Can I come in? Asked Genzo, from outside. -Sure. Open the door, said Saki. Then Genzo went in. –Why were you so down? He asked. –Because I needed to talk with somebody who could help me, said Saki. Genzo looked startled. –What do you mean, Saki? –Well, that I needed to talk with a big brother. –But… -It’s a long story, said Shinji.

Then, the phone rang. –Hello? Aiza Residence. Saki talking. –Hello. Is Genzo there? –Who needs him? –I’m his cousin Nabiki, from Tokyo. –Genzo, for you, said Saki, handing him the phone. –Hello? –Hi Genzo-chan. It’s me, Nabiki. –Oh, hi Nabiki. How’s my aunt? –She’s fine. I heard that you’ll be here in Tokyo soon. Is it true? –Yeah, but not for the vacations. Er, Nabiki, can I call you later? I mean, this isn’t my house. –OK. Bye! –Bye. –Genzo, who’s her? -My little cousin. She’s fourteen years old, said Genzo, with a nervous voice. -And why are you talking like that? Asked Shinji. –Well, don’t tell anyone, but she has a crush…on me. It’s getting me crazy. But she’s nice, if we take out the crush part. –You have a picture of her? –I think I have one in my wallet, said Genzo, taking out the picture. –Well, she looks like you, said Saki, pointing to a short girl, with black hair and light brown eyes. –Well, she’s nice-looking, added Shinji. –Yeah, but she can be very annoying when she wants to. –Well, girls are girls, said Shinji, and Saki gave him an angry glare. –Oops, sorry Saki.

-Whatever, she said, but she wasn’t smiling. –Now what happened? –Well, it happens that I need to sleep, and you don’t get out of here. So, please, I need to rest. –OK, said the boys, and they went out. Saki covered herself with the blankets, and fell in a deep sleep. Meanwhile, downstairs, Jun and Shinji were discussing about the legend, Mayumi was playing checkers with Genzo, and the cats were sleeping too. –King me! Said Genzo. –Good move, Benjamin, said Shinji, observing. –Er, Shinji, have you known anything of Robato? Asked Jun. –No. In fact, we’re not so close friends, as Saki and us. You know, the only thing that we had in common was your twin. –Well, you’re right, said Jun. –Mmm, could you talk a little more quietly? I’m trying to sleep, said Akira, sleepily. –Oh, sorry Akira, said Genzo. –Er, Shinji, how did you meet Saki? Asked Genzo. –It’s a long story. You see, when the Twins and I lived in Colombia, there was an Orthography contest, and Robato was there too. We met each one of us there, and well, Robato was the first to be eliminated. Then, it was between Saki and me, and she won the 2^nd Place in the whole country.

-Yeah, I remember. In the school phase, Saki beat me, said Jun. –Who’s Robato? Asked Genzo. –Saki’s former boyfriend. He was crazy, but cool. –I see, said Genzo. –I win, said Mayumi, after eating Genzo’s last checker piece. –Oh no, said Genzo mockingly, and laughed. -Shh! Said Shinji, signaling Genzo to be quiet, and pointing up. –Yeah, you’re right, said Jun. Then, the door opened.  –Hi mom, said Jun. –Hello, Mrs. Hanako, said Shinji and Genzo. –Hi boys. Where’s Saki? –She’s asleep. -Mmm, who has to cook dinner today? –It’s Saki’s turn, but I can replace her, said Shinji. –Well, if you want to, said Hanako. Then Shinji went to the kitchen, and then, a pleasant smell filled the whole house. –Mmm, it smells like…, said Jun, sniffing here and there. –Wait a sec. I know that smell, said Genzo, smiling. –What is it? –Spaghetti Carbonara. I can recognize that smell anywhere. It’s my favorite dish. –Smells swell, said Hanako. –Yeah, said Mayumi. –Dinner’s ready, said Shinji.

-But who’ll wake up Saki? –Leave that to me, said Akira. Then the cat ran upstairs, and a minute later, Saki was going downstairs. –Dinner? Who cooked? she asked sleepily. –Well, it was your turn, but Shinji cooked, explained Jun. –Mmm, thanks Shinji. After a while, everybody was enjoying the dinner. –Hey, Shinji, this is delicious! Said Jun, smiling broadly. –Thanks. My mom taught me to cook, since I have to cook for myself sometimes. –I see, said Genzo, with a mouthful of pasta.

–What day’s today? Asked Saki. –Sunday. You forgot? –Well, I think I forget everything when I sleep, she said sleepily. Then the phone rang. –Hello, Aiza Residence. Jun talking. Ah, hello, Mrs. Wakabayashi. Yes, he’s here. What? No, he’s dining here. Don’t worry Mrs. Wakabayashi. OK. Genzo, you’ve got a call.

–Thanks. Hi mom. Yeah, I’m OK. What? OK. Remember that I’m going to Tokyo next Tuesday. I told you why already. OK, OK, I love you too, OK, bye. Gee, my mom forgets that I’m going to Tokyo. It’s a good thing that at least my aunt Marina lives there. –But Nabiki is a Japanese name. I don’t get it, said Saki. –Well, she‘s Mexican and she’s married to my uncle Genji. It’s something hard to explain.

Then Genzo had to go. –Well guys, see you tomorrow. –See you, said the others, as he was walking north. –Now I know why do you like this town, said Shinji.

–Yeah. It’s just like La Guajira, though it’s not so hot as El Cerrejón. -Or as Fort Lauderdale. I already told you that in summer, it’s a blazing inferno. It would be cool to live here. –I don’t think so. Your dream was to live in the U.S.A, and now you’re making your dream true. What else can you ask for? Said Jun. Then Saki and the others went to sleep. When Saki woke up, she heard somebody downstairs. –Who’s there? Asked Saki. Then she heard a soft voice. It was Mayumi. –Mayumi, why are you up so early? You normally sleep until late on vacations. –Well, remember that it’s my turn today to make breakfast, and besides, I want to do something special. –What? –French toast. I like them a lot. –Tell me something, Mayumi. Do you like Shinji? –Well, I don’t know how to say it, but… and Mayumi blushed deeply. Saki smiled. She realized that Mayumi, her cousin, had a crush on Shinji. Then Mayumi threw herself on Saki, sobbing. –You don’t have to be so bashful with this, Mayumi. You can tell it to me. –What? What do you mean with this?

XXXVII

–I had crushes too, and I’ve been in love already. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, you remember that I was depressed because I had to leave behind Robert, my former boyfriend? –Well, I think so. –I’m already OK, because love knows what it does. In fact, I’m going to tell you a secret. –What? Tell me. I’m a tomb. -I have a boyfriend now. –Who? –Well, he’s tall, has short black hair, dreamy eyes, lightly tanned skin and he’s great with History. Mayumi was thinking deeply. –You mean that you’re in love… with Genzo? She whispered, surprised. –Well, yeah. I can’t deny it, ‘cause it’s true. –I still can’t believe it. I mean, I thought that he was your best friend and…-Well, he’s my best friend here too, because you know that my all-time best friend’s Shinji, said Saki, smiling. Then the French toasts were done, and a nice aroma flew all around the house. –Mayumi, I got an idea. Why don’t we put on the dresses that Shinji gave us today? Besides, Shinji, Jun and I are going to Tokyo tomorrow. –Great idea. What's more, I haven’t seen you with a dress for ages, said Mayumi, who was setting the table. –Good morning, said two voices, Shinji and Akira’s voice. –Hi guys, said the girls. –And Jun? –He’s sound asleep. When I felt that scent, I woke up instantly, said Shinji, who looked strange, but a little more handsome without his glasses.

Ten minutes later, a still sleepy Jun Aiza went down. –Hi. What’s for breakfast? He yawned. –French toast, said Akira, who was licking his chops. –And how did you sleep? Asked Saki. –Deeply. I was dog-tired. –And talking of dog-tired, we have soccer practice today, said Saki. –Can I go with you? Said Shinji. –I don’t see why not. Then the Twins and Shinji went to the soccer field. –Hi guys, said the Twins.

–Hi, said Shinji. –Hi Twins, hi Shinji, said Tsubasa, who was there. Then Fujio, Taiki and Hajime arrived. –Hi Twins, said the three teens. –Hi guys. You ready for tomorrow? The other ones answered yes. –Who’s he? Asked Hajime. –He’s Shinji, my best friend. He arrived from Fort Lauderdale, U.S.A, said Saki. –Ah, so he’s your friend, said Randy, the same who participated in the Fall Festival. –Yes, Randy. Then the others arrived. –Hi guys, said the others. –We’re going to Tokyo tomorrow, said Tsubasa, who was just dying to go there again. –And Mr. Shiroyama? Asked Hajime Taki. –He hasn’t arrived still. I wonder what happened to him, said Saki, worried. Then Genzo arrived on his bike, with a tired look on his face. –Genzo! What happened? –Mr. Shiroyama can’t come by now. He said that he’ll be here in an hour, he wheezed, and he got off his bike.

-Well, if it’s like that, then we should begin to warm up, said Jun. –OK, c’mon guys. We have to get ready, said Saki, blowing her whistle. Then everybody began to warm up. –OK, Hajime, pass it to Takeshi! Shoot! OK, it’s a good strategy, said Saki. Then she looked at Shinji, who was looking the practice. –Are you bored, Shinji? –No, I’m OK, he said quietly. –If you wish, yo can practice too. -Really? -Of course. I think there’s an extra uniform in the lockers. Look in the first one at your left. There it is. And Shinji went to the lockers. –Well, it fits well, said Shinji. –Not bad. Not bad at all, replied Saki. –Thank god I brought my own soccer shoes. Shinji’s shirt had the number 17. –OK. There’s going to be a substitution. Hajime, come here. Shinji, go in, said Saki. Some of the boys were startled. –What does this mean? Asked Hajime. –Well, he could be a reinforcement, said Saki, shrugging. Then the practice restarted. Tsubasa passed the ball to Mamoru. –Hey, Mamoru, pass it to the new one, Shinji! Shouted Tsubasa. –OK, replied the other boy. –Got it! Said Shinji, running to the goal. Then Shinji passed it to Taro. -Shoot! Said Shinji. –Yeah! Said Taro, who kicked it. –Goal! Said the others.

-And, in your opinion, how’s Shinji? Asked Saki. –Awesome! Said the others.

–He has velocity and strength. He can be a reinforcement for the team, said Hajime, scratching his head. Then somebody arrived. –Mr. Shiroyama! Exclaimed the Team. –Sorry for being late, but I had to do some paperwork. –Well, we’ve been practicing, said Jun. –Who’s he? Asked Shiroyama, pointing to Shinji.

-He’s a friend of mine, said Saki. –Hello. My name is Shinji Hashimoto. –And do you play soccer? Asked the manager. –Yes. I play soccer in the U.S.A. I live in Fort Lauderdale, explained Shinji, blushing. –He could be a reinforcement for the Team. He’s good at it, said Saki, hoping that Shiroyama could let him be part of the Team. Shinji was quite nervous, but he knew that maybe he could be part of the Nankatsu Soccer Team.

-Well, let me see his ability, said Shiroyama finally. Then Tsubasa passed a ball to Shinji. –Hey, Shinji, here you go, said Tsubasa. –Thanks. Shinji controlled the ball quickly and very well, and then he passed it to Tsubasa. –Well, then here we have the nineteenth member of the Nankatsu Soccer Club, said Shiroyama. –Which position do you play? Asked Genzo. –Well, almost all, except goalkeeper, but I’m best at being forward and defense player, said Shinji, looking to the floor nervously. –So Shinji has the number 17 on his shirt, doesn’t he? Said Takeshi, smiling.

–Yeah, said Shiroyama, smiling too. –So, Shinji will come with us to Tokyo not as a guest, but as a team member. Then the Team cheered the new member, who even if he was living in another country, he would help too. –Three cheers for Shinji! Shouted Tsubasa. –Hooray! Shouted the others. –Remember that you have to be at the train station at 9:00 AM. Don’t be late, said Shiroyama. –Right! Said the whole team. Then the Twins and Shinji went home. –Welcome to the Nankatsu Soccer Club! Said the Twins at the same time. –Gee, thanks, said Shinji, blushing deeply. Then they arrived. –Hi guys, said Mayumi, when she opened the door. –Hi Mayumi. –So you’re going tomorrow to Tokyo? She said. –Well, yeah, but guess what? Said Jun. –What? Asked Mayumi. –You know that Shinji’s going with us. Well, not as my guest, but as the nineteenth player of the Nankatsu Soccer Club, said Saki.

-That’s great! Said Mayumi, smiling broadly. –Congrats, said the cats. –Gee, thanks, said Shinji, blushing again. Then Saki rushed to the bathroom, Jun went to the kitchen, and Shinji went to Jun’s room. –OK, the next one! Shouted Saki when she went out of the bathroom. She had just taken a bath. Shinji rushed to the bathroom just after Saki went out. Saki went quickly to her room, and ten minutes later, she went out with her new dress. –Well, at least I feel better now, she said, smiling. –Wow, Saki, you look gorgeous, said Jun, whistling. –Don’t bother, said Saki. Then something clashed in the kitchen. –What happened? Asked Saki, when she arrived at the kitchen. –A, a, a cockroach! Shouted Mayumi, who was standing on a chair. –Don’t be dumb, Mayumi. It’s a beetle, said Jun, taking the bug. –I thought it was a cockroach, said Mayumi. –No. Cockroaches are brown or black. Besides, this beetle had a horn, said Saki. –Ah, said Mayumi, wiping the sweat off her face. Then the phone rang. –Hello? Aiza Residence. Saki talking. What? OK, I’m going right now. Jun, Mayumi, Akira, come here now! Shouted Saki. –What? Asked the others. –There’s trouble again, and this time Genzo’s parents were attacked!

Then Saki and the others ran to Genzo’s house. –Who called? Asked Jun.

-Misato. Genzo’s trapped inside his house. The good thing is that Misato’s too quick to be noticed, said Saki. When they arrived at Genzo’s house, Genzo was against the fence, and two demons were about to eliminate him. –I call upon Air Power! –I call upon Ice Power! –I call upon Light Power! –I call upon the Power of Nature! NOW! –Stop there, you demons! –How can you attack your own son? –Warriors! Said Genzo. –Galactic Rush, attack! Shouted Akira, and the demons tried to catch him, but Akira was too quick. –Genzo, why didn’t you transform? Asked Jun. –I was in the garden, and then my parents tried to attack me, and my Power Ring was in my room. I couldn’t do anything, said Genzo. –Try to T-port! Shouted Saki, as she jumped to avoid the demons. –Good idea. T-port, now! Said Genzo, and he disappeared. A minute later, he appeared, totally transformed. –I call upon the Wisdom Talisman Power. Galactic Hurricane, attack! Shouted Genzo, and all was normal again. –Normality, now, said Genzo.

–That was quick! Said Mayumi, who had to use her spark blazes to blind the demons.

-So, tomorrow we’re going to Tokyo, said Genzo. –Yeah. –The bad thing is that Nabiki’s going to be there, and that’s depressing, said Genzo, sighing. –But you’re not going to be with your cousin forever! Said Jun. –Besides, you’re going to be with us, said Saki. –Yeah, that’s right. Then Jun, Saki, Mayumi and Akira were going back to their house. –What happened? Asked Shinji when they arrived.

– Sapphire attacked Genzo’s parents, and we had to fight. It wasn’t easy, said Saki. –Guess who called just five minutes ago. –Who? –Robato. –Oh, creeps, said Saki. –Why do you say that? –Because he still loves me. It’s totally pathetic. He’s desperate, though he has a new girlfriend, replied Saki. –If you say so, said the others. –Saki, can I check my e-mail? Asked Shinji. –Sure. Why? –I think that my mom wrote to me. -OK. Then Saki and Shinji went and checked Shinji’s e-mail.

–Well, at least my mom knows that I’m OK, said Shinji. –Yeah. It’s hot, isn’t it?

–Yeah. Why don’t we go and eat an ice-cream cone? Said Shinji. –Good idea.

Then Saki and Shinji went out. –And, have you known anything of Laura? Asked Saki. –Yes. Maybe it’s not much, but she lost weight. –Thank god. She was tremendously fat. –Yeah. You don’t have brackets anymore. Why? -Well, before I moved out of Colombia, my treatment finished. At least it was quite quick. –Yeah. Remember that I need brackets? –Yeah. –Well, I had them after you came here to Nankatsu. –Great! So you’re all right now. –Yeah. Then, Saki had a shudder.

–Shinji, I smell trouble. –Yeah? Well, I don’t. Then Sapphire appeared. –So, Warriors, you’re out? How cute. But this time, it’s the last time! –Yeah right, Sapphire. There’s only one Warrior here, said Saki. –Guess who is it, said Shinji. But Sapphire attacked them both. –Shinji, are you OK? –I guess so, but I don’t feel well, and then, Sapphire disappeared. –Go out, my dear demon! She cackled before disappearing. –Shinji! Shouted Saki, as he turned into a sphinx. –There’s nothing I can do. I call upon Air Power. Saki, Air Warrior. NOW! –If you wish to defeat me, you must answer three riddles, said the sphinx.

-OK, answered the Warrior. –Which animal walks in the morning with four legs, at noon with two, and at night with three? Saki thought for a minute. –I got it. It’s the classic riddle. The human being is the answer. When it’s a baby, it walks on fours. When it’s grown-up, it walks on two legs, and when it’s old and feeble, it walks with a cane. –One done, two to go. The beginning is someone who lives in disguise, and has enemies to fend, the middle is the something to mend, middle of middle and end of the end. The end is what someone says when the words fail and miss. Now tell me, which animal you wouldn’t like to kiss? Saki was confused. -Someone in disguise could be a clown, or a spy. Middle of middle and end of the end? I’ll leave that later. When words fail and miss? Er, that’s difficult. Wait. It’s er. Clown, er, spy, er…it’s a spider! She said. –Two down, one to go. Who is the one who lives inside a Warrior, but doesn’t appear? That person lived thousands of years ago, but has only little time born? –Saki. She lives in me. I am the Golden Reincarnation. She lived thousands of years ago, but I’m fifteen, said Saki. –I call upon the Wisdom Talisman. Galactic Hurricane, attack! And the sphinx disappeared, leaving Shinji unconscious.

-Normality, now! Said Saki, before Shinji could get up. –What happened? Asked Shinji, when he woke up. –Guess. You were attacked by Sapphire, and you turned into a sphinx. –Well, at least I’m okay now, said Shinji. –Yeah. At least now you know what is to be a monster or a demon. –Why? –You see, Beryl, the Third Servant, attacked me, because I had a half Talisman. –No way! Said Shinji. –Well, believe it. We have to go home. Then, while they were walking home, they met with Hajime. –Hi Hajime, said Saki. –Oh, hi, Saki, hi Shinji. –Hi. –What’s new?

–Well, I was walking from the doctor. –And? Asked Shinji. –Well, it seems that I’m better from my heart affliction, and that I can play now twenty minutes. –That’s great! Said Saki. –Yeah. Now you can be in the first or second half, said Shinji, as they walked to Saki’s house. –Shinji, how did you know Saki? Asked Hajime. –Well, we’re old friends. We met when both of us were living in Colombia, and we were participating in an Orthography contest. She beat me, and since then, we’re best friends. –But, isn’t Genzo Wakabayashi your best friend, Saki? Asked Hajime.

–Yeah, but here. Shinji’s my all-time best friend. There’s a big difference between one and other. –Ah, now I get it, said Hajime. –OK, see you later, said Saki and Shinji.

XXXVIII

When they got home, Jun was talking with somebody. –Hi Jun. –Hi. Then the person stood up. –Genzo! Said Saki, surprised. –Hi. What’s new? –Well, there’s something to tell. –No. Let me tell it, Saki. You see, I was attacked by Sapphire, and Saki helped me. Thank God she was there, said Shinji. Genzo smiled.

–Well, since you’re part of the team, we’ll meet later. Bye. –Bye, Genzo, said the three teens. –Well, we’ll be in Tokyo for a long time. At least it’s not soccer all the time, said Jun. –You’re right. It’s sad that we have to play against Kojiro, but Gateman is the one to blame, said Saki. –Yeah. You know what? I’m eager to play with you in Tokyo, though I wished to be in Nankatsu a little more, said Shinji.

–Shinji, don’t be such a dummy. It’s not all the summer. It’s about one or two months in Tokyo, said Saki. –Yeah. Besides, who knows if Callisto will leave us alone there. I bet that she could even attack us in a soccer game, said Jun.

–Don’t even think about it, said Mayumi, who was just entering the living room.

–She’s right, Jun. You shouldn’t be so negative, said Akira, scratching his head.

-What time is it? Asked Saki. –About six o’clock, said Mayumi. –Well, we should pack our things for tomorrow, said Jun. –You’re right. –Aw, I wish to go and see you, said Mayumi. –Well, we’ll write to you. Besides, it’s only going to be for a pair of months, said Shinji, and Mayumi blushed deeply. “Mayumi, what’s happening with you?” asked Jun telepathically. “Well…I can’t say it.” –If you say so, said Mayumi. Then the door opened, and a very tired Hanako Acevedo went in the house. –Hi mom, said the Twins. –Hi, aunt Hanako, said Mayumi. –Hello, Mrs. Hanako, said Shinji and the cats. –Hello, everybody. Who has to cook dinner today? –It’s my turn, said Saki. –Shinji, can you come, please? -Yeah, sure. Then Saki began to fuss in the kitchen, and it sound like if Shinji was fussing too. –Come and get it! Shouted Saki. Then everybody raced to the dining room, and there was lots of chop suey on a wok. –Mmm, Chinese food! Said everybody.

Then they were eating. –Saki, Jun, Shinji, please call me when you arrive to Tokyo. –Don’t worry mom. I’ll call you, said Jun. –And I’ll remind him to call you, said Saki. –I promised Mayumi that I would write to her, said Shinji. –Well, we’ll cheer you from here in Nankatsu. –Aw, mom, I’d wish that you could come for the final match. Mrs. Ozora will go there, said Jun. –Well, you know that I can’t, since I’m a nurse, and my job is to heal people. But you know what? I’ll send you some things with Margaret. –Thanks, mom, said the Twins. –Don’t worry. It’s my turn to wash the dishes, said Jun. Then Saki and Shinji went upstairs to pack their bags. Saki put some of her sweaters, shirts and sports clothes, caps, underwear, two or three dresses, sandals, pajamas, some ribbons for her braid, notebooks, pencils and tennis shoes. Jun packed some jeans, shirts, shoes, underwear, some caps, something for holding his ponytail and the gold chain that was from his father, Mark Aiza. It always brought him good luck. Shinji packed almost the same as Jun, except that he had quite short hair (no ribbons for hair), and he also packed Hannibal, his favorite book. Then, everybody went to sleep.

Saki was sleeping soundly, when Akira woke up quickly. “I think there’s trouble around here”, he thought. He looked at the alarm clock that was on Saki’s night table. “It’s one o’clock in the morning. I’d rather go and check what’s happening.” Then he grabbed a shirt, jeans, tennis shoes and his cap, and sneaked out of the room. He slided down the stairs, and went into the living room. There was a black butterfly on the window. Akira was scared, as he feared those butterflies, but then he saw that it was a very small owl. –What? He whispered, and opened the window. It was one of Yosemite’s messengers, an owl called Blocker. The owl hooted softly, and handed the cat a message: “Akira, you must come to the H.A.C’s headquarters. There’s a very important meeting. Yosemite, H.A.C 1. Then Akira grabbed a pencil. “I’m coming right away. Akira, H.A.C 15.” –Blocker, send this as fast as you can, please, said Akira. The owl hooted reassuringly, and went off again. Akira left a note, and went out. –Well, at least I have my Power Ring, he said. He ran and ran to the alley, and there was Yosemite. –I received your message, Yosemite. What happened?

–Raven has disappeared. I’ve sent all the mouse post to search for him, but we haven’t found anything. –Have you looked in the Misaki’s house? –I sent Misato there, and she asked both Taro and his sister. They haven’t seen him either.

Then, a mouse arrived. It squeaked to Yosemite. –What do you say, 143? You found him? Where? The mouse squeaked quickly, and Yosemite began to run.

-Hey, where are you going? Shouted Akira. –Come with me. 143 found Raven. Then both cats and the mouse were running. Raven was on a garbage can, almost dead. –Raven! Shouted the cats. –C’mon Yosemite, help me carrying him, said Akira. Then they arrived to the alley. –Yosemite, I have to go home. Maybe Saki and the others are worried. And please, don’t send Blocker. I thought that he was a black butterfly, and I’m afraid of them. Please send me the messages with the mouse post. –OK, Akira. Bye, said Yosemite. And Akira went home. When he arrived, he had stayed out for half an hour.

In the morning, Saki woke up with a start. –We’re going to Tokyo! She shouted.

–Mmrr, let me sleep, Saki. I couldn’t sleep last night, said Akira, who didn’t open his eyes. Then she went to the bathroom, but she saw that Jun was waiting outside. –Jun, you’re up so early? –Early? Sis, it’s 8:15. Shinji’s already downstairs. I’m waiting for Mayumi. –Mayumi, hurry up! –OK, and Mayumi went out. Then, Saki went in, and she bathed herself quickly. –It’s your turn, Jun. And Saki went to her room. In three minutes, everybody was ready. Saki and Jun had matching caps with their sweat suits. Shinji polished last night his glasses, and then they were off to the train station. –I’ve got an idea, said Jun. –Which? Said Saki. –Shinji, don’t lose hold. –OK, and Shinji caught Jun’s jacket. –T-port, now! Shouted Jun and Saki, and they were at the train station. Almost everybody was there. –You arrived just in time! Said Shiroyama. –Well, it was my fault, said Saki. –Hi guys! Said the girls.

–Atsuko! Shouted Tsubasa. –Girls! Shouted the others. –Good luck, said Reiko.

–Well, we’re going to need it, said Saki. –Good luck to you, Saki. You’re going to show that soccer isn’t just for boys, said Kaoru, cracking her knuckles. –Good luck, Shinji. Here, this is for you, said Mayumi, handing Shinji something. –Thanks, said Shinji. It was a yarn wristlet, blue, yellow and white.

Mayumi blushed deeply. Then the train arrived. Everybody cheered as the players went on the train. Tsubasa, Taro, Genzo, Jun, Saki and Shinji were in a compartment, chatting away. –Nice wristlet you got there, Shinji, said Tsubasa.

-Thanks. Mayumi gave it to me. Takeshi and Taro chuckled. Shinji frowned. –I don’t see where’s the joke, said Jun. –Well, you know how’s Mayumi, Jun, said Takeshi. –Mayumi just wished Shinji good luck with the wristlet. I don’t see what’s wrong with it, said Saki. That made Takeshi and Taro’s laughter stop immediately. –Good point. –And Genzo? I haven’t heard him, said Tsubasa. Genzo was fast asleep. –Look at that. He’s fast asleep. Maybe he didn’t sleep very well, said Saki. Then somebody knocked at the door. –Who is it? Asked Tsubasa. Then the door opened. –Kojiro! Said everybody, except Genzo. -Hi guys. –What are you doing here? Asked Jun. –Well, I decided to be with you. I hate to resist that revolting stench of alcohol from Gateman. –You’re right. That man smells from here even, said Tsubasa, sniffing.

The guys were chatting, while Saki drew the landscape and Genzo slept. Then Kojiro saw what Saki was doing. –Hey, is that Mt. Fuji? –Yeah. Why? Asked Saki, surprised. –It’s very good, said Kojiro. Then Taro checked the time. –We’re going to arrive at 11:30. –OK. See you guys, said Kojiro, as he went back to his own compartment. Then Genzo woke up. –Anything new while I slept? He asked. –Well, Kojiro came and stayed for a while, said Jun. –He praised my pictures, said Saki.

–I see, said Genzo. Then the train stopped. -We’re in Tokyo! Said Tsubasa, stretching his arms. Saki put away her notebook and put on her cap. Then everybody was out on the station. There were many people, but there was a girl with a pink shirt and jeans, and with a white band on her forehead. –Oh no…! Said Genzo, with a sour expression on his face. –Genzo-chan! Shouted the girl, Nabiki Wakabayashi. –Hi Nabiki, answered Genzo, with a sigh. –They are your friends?

–Yeah. –I’m Tsubasa Ozora. –Taro Misaki. –Takeshi Kido. –My name is Jun Aiza. –I’m Saki Aiza. –Shinji Hashimoto.

But when Saki talked, Nabiki frowned. –Don’t frown, Nabiki. I’m just a friend of him, explained Saki nervously. –You’d rather! Shouted Nabiki. –Aw, c’mon Nabiki, she’s only a friend. –Genzo-chan, why is there a girl in the team? –Because she’s a player too. –Genzo-chan? Why does she call you that? Asked Taro. -She always calls me Genzo-chan, and I don’t like it, Nabiki. –But that’s you’re name, Genzo-chan. Then the other members of the Nankatsu went to where Genzo and the others were. –What happened? Asked Shiroyama. –Well, my cousin was waiting for me. Sorry if I made you wait, said Genzo. Nabiki was at his side, smiling.

–Nabiki, why don’t you go home? I’m going to a hotel. –But Genzo-chan, I want to be with you. –Look. You’re thirteen, and I know that you understand what I said. Now go home or I’ll tell Uncle Richard that you’re acting as a baby, said Genzo, incensed. That made Tsubasa and the other jump. –Genzo, calm down. You’re giving me the chills! Said Saki. –Oh, sorry Saki. It’s just that when I wake up, I’m bad tempered. Then Nabiki went out of the station. –I think that you were too hard with her, Genzo, said Takeshi. –I think it’s not a good idea to bother him, whispered Jun. -I heard you, Jun. –Sorry.

Then they arrived at the hotel. –It’s the same hotel, said Tsubasa. –Well, it’s good, said Shinji. –We’re going to be five in some rooms. So in the first room, Mamoru Izawa, Hajime Taki, Teppei Kisugi, Ken Wakashimazu and Satoru Nagashima. In the second room will be Taiki Oikawa, Fujio Iwabara, Daisuke Urabe, Mamoru Yada and Masahiko Nagara. In the third room, Hajime Suzuhara, Tsubasa Ozora, Taro Misaki, Ryou Ishizaki and Takeshi Kido, and in the fourth room, Saki Aiza, Jun Aiza, Genzo Wakabayashi and Shinji Hashimoto. –Right! Said the members of the Nankatsu Soccer Team. Then Shiroyama gave the keys to Mamoru, Masahiko, Tsubasa and Genzo. -Well, here we are, said Genzo, as he opened the door. There were four beds, two closets and a bathroom. –Well, I suppose that we should get settled, said Jun. –OK, said Shinji. –Jun, you have to call mom. –Yeah. After they were settled, and Jun called Hanako, somebody knocked at the door.

–Who is it? Asked Saki. –It’s me, Ryou. It’s time to lunch, and there’s a buffet. The meeting for the Tournament’s later. –Thanks for the data, Ryou, said Jun.

Then Saki, Jun, Genzo and Shinji met with the others in the dining room.

–Mmm, looks good, said Jun. –Taro? Taro Misaki? Asked a tall boy to Taro, who was in front of Saki. –Hikaru? Hikaru Matsuyama? –Yeah. So you’re here for the Soccer Tournament? –Yeah. And how are the others? –Fine. We’re representing Hokkaido. And you? –Well, I’m representing again Nankatsu, as you see. –Who is he? Asked Saki. –He’s a friend from the Furano. His name is Hikaru Matsuyama. Hikaru, these are my friends Saki Aiza, Jun Aiza, Genzo Wakabayashi, oh, sorry, you already know him, and Shinji Hashimoto. Jun, Saki and Shinji are Colombian. –Pleased to meet you, Hikaru, said the Twins. –Hi, said Shinji. Then the Twins, Shinji, Genzo, Taro, Takeshi and Tsubasa sat at a table. –Mmm, looks good, said Tsubasa, picking up his chopsticks. Jun, Saki, Shinji and Takeshi had forks and knives, while Genzo and Taro had chopsticks too. –Twins, how do you manage to eat in school without chopsticks? Asked Taro. –We always carry a fork and knife. We don’t know how to use chopsticks, said Saki. –I know how to use them, but I prefer Occidental cutlery, said Takeshi. The food was superb.

After the lunch, all the teams met at the meeting room, including the Nankatsu and the Meiwa. –Before the matches are chosen, the pledge will be spoken. Tsubasa Ozora, captain of the Nankatsu Soccer Team will do it, said the president of the Japanese Soccer Association. Tsubasa’s ears went scarlet. –Good luck, Tsubasa, said Saki, as he passed to the front. –I swear that I’ll play fairly and help my opponents when they are injured. I also swear that I will respect all my opponents and not disregard them or say something bad of them, in front or behind them, said Tsubasa, a bit nervous, but very relieved when everybody clapped their hands. Then Tsubasa took out a piece of paper, and Nankatsu had to play in the first group. Then Hikaru, captain of the Furano took out a paper, and his team had to play in the seventh group. Kojiro took out a paper too, and the Meiwa had to play in the third group. Everybody in the team sighed, relieved, both in Nankatsu and Meiwa. –Well, that means that Kojiro could play against us in the final game, said Takeshi. –Shhh! Signaled Taro. Later, all the teams went to the stadium, ready for the best Tournament in their lives.

XXXIX

After the ceremony, Nankatsu had to play against a team from Shikoku, the Takamatsu Tigers. –OK guys, this is our plan. Genzo goes in the goal. Satoru, Ryou, Fujio and Urabe in the defense line. Masahiko, Teppei, Mamoru and Takeshi, you’re the midfields. Tsubasa, Taro, you’re forwards. Let’s hit it! Shouted Saki.

–YEAH! Shouted the others. Then the referee blew the whistle, and the Takamatsu had the ball, and they ran, but Masahiko took the ball out of the rival’s feet.

–Takeshi! Shouted Masahiko, as he shot the ball with all his might. –OK! Shouted Takeshi, as he ran with the ball, and passed it to Taro. Taro passed it to Tsubasa, and he passed it back to Taro. Nobody could stop them, until Tsubasa shot, and the goalkeeper couldn’t stop it, but it went over the net. –Good move, Tsubasa, said Taro. –Yeah, I wanted to score a goal, he replied. Then the goalkeeper passed the ball to a midfield, and they began to run. –C’mon guys, stop them! Shouted Tsubasa, and Saki from the bench. And Jack took the ball. He shot it to Taro, who shot, and it bounced on the crossbar, but then, Tsubasa made an Overhead Kick, and the ball went to the bottom of the net. –Goal! Shouted the narrator and the Nankatsu players –Who’s going to win? Shouted Tsubasa.

–Nankatsu! Shouted the others back. “C’mon guys, with that courage, you’ll win this match easily”, thought Jun. He was right. Nankatsu won three to none, and Taro, Tsubasa and Mamoru made the goals.

-Good game, guys, said Saki and Shiroyama. –It wasn’t easy, said Genzo, who had to stop some very hard shots. –Well, Tsubasa made an excellent goal, and so did Taro and Izawa. The three players smiled. –Remember, we have to see the matches of the other teams, so we can see their technique, said Jun. –Jun, the strategist of the Team, said Tsubasa sarcastically, and Jun hit him on his head.

–You know I hate jokes, Tsubasa Ozora, said Jun, his eyes throwing sparks. Tsubasa decided to stay quiet, as the teens of the Gang knew that the Twins didn’t like jokes at all. Saki, Jun, Shinji and Hajime were helping the others with some towels. –We’ll win the Soccer Tournament for two times in a row. Are you with me? Shouted Tsubasa. –YEAH! Shouted the others. Then some players of the Takamatsu went to where the Nankatsu was. –Great game, said the captain.

–Thanks, said Tsubasa. –We have to go to the hotel, said Shiroyama. After packing everything in the sports bags, they went back to the hotel. But then, disaster came. Genzo then saw a pink shirt. –Oh no, it’s Nabiki. –I have an idea. Hide between Satoru, Shinji and Takeshi, and maybe she doesn’t see you, said Saki. –If you say so, said Genzo, hiding between the players, and they went into the hotel, without Benjamin being noticed.

-Man, that was a close shave, said Shinji, after taking off his jersey. –Yeah. You already saw how annoying can Nabiki be, said Genzo, from his bed. –Are you done, Saki? Asked Jun, who was waiting for his sister to go out of the bathroom. She was changing into some fresh clothes. –Go in, Jun. I’m done, said Saki after going out, with a t-shirt and the same trousers of the Nankatsu sports suit. –Well, at least there’s air conditioning, and it’s much cooler than outside, said Shinji, reading his book. Saki was writing in her notebook, Jun was making strategies and chewing some bubble gum. Genzo was playing his flute softly. –Hey, Genzo, you play real well. Since when do you play it? Asked Jun. –Uh, I play it since I was in third grade. I wanted to play the guitar, but I couldn’t, and then a music teacher taught me. –Private teacher? Asked Saki. –No. In the Shutetsu. I was the worst in Music class. –But you’ve always been an excellent student, said Jun.

–Not in that time. Yeah, I was a good student, but that music teacher knew that I didn’t have the ability to play the guitar or the piano, so he taught me to play the flute. It gave the impression that I had talent for it, and I played in the Elementary School Band.

-You play all the flutes? –I play the recorder, traverse and the Japanese flute, but nothing else, said Genzo, shrugging. Then some kind of explosion or disaster happened. The door banged open, and Nabiki was at the entrance. –Nabiki! Said Shinji, Jun and Saki. Genzo was speechless. –What are you doing here? –I want to be part of the Team, said Nabiki. –You can’t. Even though Saki’s part of the Team, she lives in Nankatsu, and you live here. Nabiki began to cry. –But I want to be with you, she said, sobbing. –I’ve told you many times that you can’t be with me. Besides, I’m not exactly in vacations. I’m in a very important soccer tournament, explained Genzo. Then three faces appeared in the doorway. –Aunt Marina! Uncle Kenzaburo! Keiichi! –Hi Benjamin. Sorry if Nabiki’s bothering you and your friends, but you know her, said Keiichi, Nabiki’s older brother. He holded Nabiki by her shirt and she was trying to hit him. -Leave me alone, Keiichi, said Nabiki. –Leave Genzo alone, replied Keiichi, frowning. –Or I’ll tell Sebastian that you’re deceiving him. Nabiki went pale. -Bye, said Marina, Kenzaburo and Keiichi. –At last, some sleep, said Genzo, and he dozed off instantly. –I’m shattered, said Saki, as she changed into her nightclothes, in the bathroom. Jun still had his Nankatsu uniform and he buried his head in the pillow. Shinji also changed, and closed his eyes. A little while later, Saki went out of the bathroom, and slept deeply.

The next day, Shinji was the first to get up. –Ah, it’s a perfect day, he said, as the sun shone brilliantly on the summer sky. Then Saki woke up. –Morning, she said.

–Hi. Then Saki changed herself in the bathroom, and Shinji put on his Nankatsu sweat suit. Then both Saki and Shinji went out, but Saki left a small note to Jun and Genzo: “Shinji and I went to jog out. See you at 9:00 AM to breakfast. Saki.” Shinji and Saki were jogging around the soccer field. –And your asthma? Asked Shinji. –You wouldn’t believe it. –After you-know-what, I think that all’s possible.

–After a match I had against the Yamabuki, I fainted, and I saw my dad. Then I thought I died, and he gave me a light. He said that I wouldn’t suffer from asthma ever more. –Wow, said Shinji. Saki brought her soccer ball, and then they practiced a little. Meanwhile, in their room, Genzo was stretching out, after he woke up. Jun was still sleeping. -Jun, it’s 8:00 in the morning. Wake up, said Genzo.

–Mmrr, c’mon Saki, just give me ten more minutes. Genzo scratched his head, and then he threw his pillow over Jun’s face. –Hey, what’s the doggone idea? Shouted Jun, angrily.

-Don’t you see that’s almost breakfast? Said Genzo, making his bed, after finishing his stretch-out. –Ah, creeps, I wanted to sleep a little more. –Well, c’mon, it’s breakfast time, and I’m hungry, said Saki, just going into the room. –Where were you, guys? Asked Genzo. –Didn’t you read the note we left? We were practicing a little soccer. And besides, I was the first to get up, said Shinji. Then somebody knocked at the door. –Who is it? Asked Saki. –It’s me, Tsubasa. Aren’t you going to eat your breakfast? –Yeah. We’re going there now, said Genzo, brushing his hair quickly. Then the foursome went out of the room, and followed Tsubasa. –Hey, Tsubasa, did you sleep well? Asked Saki. –Well, I didn’t. Somebody in the next room snored deeply. I think it was Masahiko, he said. He had huge eyerings, and he yawned. –Well, you can sleep later, said Jun. –I hope so. When they arrived to the dining room, Tsubasa saw somebody he knew. –Mino! Over here! –Tsubasa? Said Mino, an old friend of Tsubasa. She was a little shorter than him, had brown hair and a sweet voice. –Guys, she’s Mino Tanada, a friend of mine before I came to Nankatsu. –How are you, Tsubasa? –Well, you can figure it out, Mino. And you?

–Well, I’m OK. I’m in a new school now. The German-Japanese School, here in Tokyo. –One of us knows German, said Jun. –Of course not. I never talked German, said Genzo. –Well, our captain’s name is Jun Misugi. –What? Said Hajime. –Not you, Hajime. They’re talking of other Jun, said our Jun.

Later, while they had breakfast, Saki was eating a good dish of cereal, Jun some sunny-side-up eggs, Tsubasa some pancakes, Taro was eating a cheese sandwich, Genzo ate French toast, Takeshi had some coffee with milk and bread, and Shinji had eggs too. –Mmm, this food’s scrumptious, said Genzo, chewing down the French toast. –You and your refined food, Genzo, said Jun, jealous.

-C’mon Jun, we’re not broke. Remember that we receive money from dad’s death insurance, apart from the 5000 yens that you won, said Saki, but then she bit her lip. After they finished, they went to the stadium, to see the third match. The Meiwa had to play against a team from Sendai. Kojiro was looking at the stands, and waved his hand when he saw Jun and the others. –Good luck, Kojiro, said the guys of the Gang. –Thanks, he said, and went to the field. Then the match began. The players of the team from Sendai kicked the ball, but Kojiro stopped it. He began to run to the other goal, and kicked with all his might. –Goal! Shouted the others. When the match finished, the score was 4 to 0. –Well done, Kojiro, said Tsubasa.

-Thank god we didn’t have to play against you first, Kojiro, said Jun. –I’m glad about it, but Kira wanted to defeat you from the beginning. –When you said that we were a team of cowards there in Nankatsu, was it true, or not? Asked Genzo. –No it wasn’t. You know that I’m not the type of teen that makes himself look important, said Kojiro, cheerless. –Lenders! Shouted the same intoxicating voice, Kira’s.

–Sorry guys, I have to go, said Kojiro, running off like a tiger. –Man, he’s quick! Said Taro. –Well, he has to, said Tsubasa, knowing that Kojiro was the captain of the Meiwa, and that maybe they had to play against him. Then, there was another match, and the Nankatsu went back to the hotel. –Well, at least this is much better, said Tsubasa, wetting his jet-black hair. –Yeah, said Jun, scratching his head at the base of his ponytail. –It hurts you, Jun? It seems that your ponytail’s too tense, said Saki. –Why don’t you let loose your hair for a moment and relax a little? Said Shinji. –OK, said Jun, letting loose his hair. Strangely, Takeshi, Shinji, and the others were surprised at the length of Jun’s hair. –It’s very long! Said Hajime, opening his light brown eyes. –I wouldn’t imagine it if I didn’t see it, said Shinji.

-What? You surprised because I have long hair? Takeshi has long hair too, said Jun. –But not as long as yours, said Takeshi, nodding,

-Well, you’re right with that, but c’mon, it’s time to cheer up and relax a little, said Saki, exasperated. Then they went and sat in a sofa, except Genzo, who was reading the news table. –So the free days are Sundays and Thursdays? Thanks.

–What were you asking? Said Tsubasa. –Our free days are Thursday and Sunday. –That means that we’ll get to know Tokyo! Said Jun. –Where are you from, guys? Asked Hajime, who seemed to be bored. –Well, Jun, Takeshi and I are from Colombia, more exactly from Barranquilla, said Saki. –I’m from Colombia too, but I was born in Bogotá, said Shinji. –I’m from Nankatsu, said Genzo. –I was born in Fujisawa, said Tsubasa. –And I’m from Osaka, said Taro. -Well, I’m from Tokyo, but I went to live to Nankatsu not long before the Twins arrived, said Hajime. Then somebody pushed Hajime, and tried to seize Saki. –Kira! Shouted the teens. He was obviously drunk. –You’re the worst trainer that there is. Get out of here, said the man, stinking. Then Saki hit him hard on his chest, and he let her go.

–C’mon, guys, let’s hit it! She shouted, and everybody began to run.

When they didn’t hear Kira’s voice, they relaxed a little. –Hajime, are you OK?

Asked Jun. –Yeah, I think, he replied. He was breathing quickly, and the Twins were worried about his heart condition. They hid in the Twins, Genzo and Shinji’s room. –Thank God that at least he’s not only drunk. He’s brainless, said Tsubasa. Saki’s braid stood on end. Her face was white as wax. –A, a, a black butterfly! She said, looking in the hall. Jun trembled too. –Calm down! Said Shinji, gulping saliva. Tsubasa and Taro went for a broom. Genzo hid the Twins, who were trembling.

–C’mon, guys, it’s only a black butterfly! –Yeah, but we’re frightened of them, said Jun, the calmest of them. Meanwhile, Tsubasa, Taro and Hajime managed to get a broom, and Tsubasa tried to smack down the bug. –I can’t! He muttered. –I got an idea. Taro, why don’t you get on Tsubasa’s shoulders? Said Genzo, who had just gone out of the room. –Good idea. Then Taro got on Tsubasa’s sturdy shoulders, and with the broom, smacked the butterfly with a strong blow, like with his Trident.

–Wow! Said the others, as Taro went off Tsubasa’s shoulders. The black butterfly disintegrated into millions of little scales that flew away like dust.

-OK, Twins, you can come out, said Genzo. Jun was much better, and at least Saki’s braid was normal again, but her face was still colorless. –Where is it? She asked. –Taro disintegrated it. It’s now dust, said Tsubasa, giving a pat on Taro’s back. –Ah, it’s nothing. When I lived in Okinawa, there were many, and I always smacked them off with a broom, he said laughing. Everybody laughed, including Saki. Then they went to the swimming pool, since the soccer matches ended for that day. When they were there, they were quite tired, but nothing stopped them of having fun. Saki had on an indigo swimsuit, and a white shirt. Jun had white and blue trunks. Genzo had a white shirt and red trunks. Tsubasa and Taro had matching black ones, but Taro didn’t have a shirt on, while Tsubasa had a green shirt. Shinji had a dark green shirt, and dark blue trunks too. Takeshi had camouflaged trunks. Hajime had a blue shirt and dark blue trunks. Saki jumped from the trampoline, and wet some of the boys. Saki laughed, as Taro, Shinji and Hajime were soaked. Then they began to throw water at the girl, but she avoided it going underwater. –Where is she? Asked Genzo, and then he felt that somebody was tickling his feet. But it wasn’t Saki, as she was at Jun’s side.

XL

-If Andrea wasn’t tickling my feet, then who was it? Said Benjie. He put his head in the water, and saw that there was somebody there. –Clarita? He said, No, it wasn’t her. It was another girl. Long blond hair covered her back, and her eyes had a friendly light. –Sorry if I tickled you, but I thought that you were a friend of mine, she said, with a very nice voice. –Who are you? Asked Andy, amazed.

-My name is Erika Namiya. I came here because my father is the manager of the hotel. And where are you from? She asked. –We’re from Newppy, in the prefecture of Shizuoka. –You’re the team that won the last Soccer Tournament? –Yeah. I’m Oliver Atton. –Benjamin Price, but you can call me Benjie. –Jason Robledo. Jace for short. –Tom Misaki. –Andrea Ariza, and Erika smiled. –David Rodríguez. –Andy Johnson, A.J for short. –Andy Ariza, he said with a different voice, as he had never seen such a graceful girl. –I thought that you were Ricky, a friend of mine. He had red trunks, explained the girl. Andy was bedazzled with Erika. “She’s cool, and so gorgeous. I thought that there weren’t girls like her”, he thought dreamily. –Uh, Erika, can we meet later? Said Andy, with his fingers crossed. –Where? She asked. –How about at dinner?

-I don’t know if my father lets me here so late, but I’ll try to make it, she said.

–OK, he said, and he dived in. –So, would you like to dine with us tonight? Asked Andrea. –Yes. You play soccer? –Yeah. And I’m the substitute trainer, she said. Then Andrea heard some sniggers coming from Tom, Oliver, Benjie, David, Jason and A.J. –Hey, what’s happening with you? Asked Andrea, angrily. –Oh, sorry Erika, but these boys are nuts. Erika seemed confused. Then Andrea saw why the boys were laughing. Andy was red as a tomato. Andrea pinched Andy’s cheek, and he jumped high in the air. –Ow! Shouted Andy. –Andy, you’re sunburnt. Go to somewhere shady. You’re scarlet. Andy forgot to put on some sunblock. –Erika, it’s time to go! Said a voice not so far from there. –Oh, I have to go. And she disappeared. –There’s a mighty fine girl there, said Oliver, imitating the voice of an old man. –Oliver, you should be a comedian, instead of a soccer player, said Andy, annoyed. –Well, you can’t live all your fifteen years without laughing a little, said David.

-You’re right, said A.J, taking his hair out of his face. –Guys, it’s getting dark. We should go out now, said Andrea. The others agreed. But when Andrea saw how her brother was, he wasn’t red at all. –I don’t get it. If you weren’t sunburnt, then why were you so red? Asked Tom. –I blushed, said Andy, with a very angry voice. –All your body? Incredible, said Jason, who was scratching a mosquito bite. –Uh-oh, I have to get out now, said Andrea, running. She was a little sick. –Was it something she ate? Asked Tom. –Beats me. –I don’t know. They waited in the living room for her, but she didn’t return. –She has to be really sick for not returning. She’s as tough as oak, said David. –I’m going to the room to see what’s happening with her, said Andy. He went to the room, and saw Andrea on her bed, clutching her stomach. –Andrea, what’s happening? –Got a cramp, though I’m not in those days. Maybe it was something I ate, she said, before moaning. –I’ll call a doctor.

–Please, said Andrea.

Much later, Andy and Andrea went out of the room, with the doctor. –Thanks, said Andrea. –Well, remember to drink this after each meal. –Right. Then the Twins went to dine. –Well, you look better, said Tom. –Thanks, said Andrea, looking at Benjie. He didn’t look her back. –Benjamin, why are you so angry? Asked A.J. –I can’t tell it. Andrea, can I talk to you alone? He asked, trying to be as calm as possible. –Hey, Benjie, cool down! Said Oliver, who seemed to be a little scared. Andrea stood silent. –If you say so, she replied quietly. After dinner (chicken and French fries), Benjie and Andrea went out of the hotel. –Andrea, we need to talk.

–Why? She asked, confused. –I know that David’s your best friend, and all of that, but you’ve been ignoring me all the time. –That’s not true, Benjie. You know that they forgot the secret, and I have to act as if we were close friends. I’m not very good at acting, and you know it. –But that doesn’t mean that you act as if I didn’t exist! Shouted Benjamin, incensed. Andrea stood silent. –That’s not the Benjamin Price that I met in Newppy. You’ve changed. Maybe it’s stress, or the fact that Clarita made you irritable, but you don’t have the right to treat me like this, she replied calmly.

Benjie was trembling with rage. –But, but… He couldn’t say anything else. –But what, Benjie? She asked, with her calmest voice. –But if we supposedly have to act, then why do you never talk to me and always talk to David and the others, huh? I exist, Andrea! He shouted, hysterically. But this time, Andrea slapped his face. –Calm down, Benjamin Alexander, or you’ll pay the consequences, said Andrea, with her toughest voice. Benjie stopped trembling, and he put his hand where Andrea hit him. She went into the hotel, leaving Benjie alone outside. Andrea went to her room, without giving out a single sound. –What happened, Andrea? Asked both David and Andy. –Would you mind? I’m not in the mood to talk right now. And she went to the bathroom. Just a while later, a completely crushed Benjamin went inside too. His cheek was still scarlet. –Before you say anything, please tell us what happened, said Andy. –Didn’t Andrea tell you?

-No. She’s more that furious, said Andy. David decided to stay as quiet as possible. –OK. Andrea and I talked because she’s been ignoring me continuously, and I got fuming. And if you see that my face’s red, she slapped me hard. I deserve it for being so jealous, said Benjie, with a guilty face. –And, where’s Andrea? Asked Andy. –She’s not in here, said David. Then Benjie opened the door, and it was empty.

-She T-ported back to Newppy! Said Andy. –Or maybe to Colombia, said David.

-Maybe she went to the park to think a little, said Benjie. –We should tell it to Oliver and the others, proposed Andy. –Good idea, said Benjie. Then they went to Oliver’s room. –Oliver, Tom, Jace, we need to talk with you, said Andy.

–What happened? Asked Tom, with a tired voice. –Andrea disappeared.

–What? Oliver, Jace, there’s trouble, said Tom. –What’s happening? Said Oliver, chewing on some gum. –Andrea’s gone. –Maybe she T-ported back to Newppy, said Jason. –I don’t think so, said Andy. Then somebody appeared.

–Steven! Said the guys of the Gang. –I heard a commotion outside, and I decided to see what happened. –Andrea vanished. –Why? He asked, confused. –Well, it’s my fault, said Benjie. –We were discussing, and I got real mad. She spanked me, and disappeared. Steven looked worried. –Wait here. Since nobody will miss me for a while, I’ll T-port to Newppy for a minute and I’ll search for her, said Steve.

–And where are your friends? –Well, they’re asleep already, but I can’t sleep. Then Steven T-ported back to Newppy. Two minutes later, he returned. –She’s not there, but there’s trouble. Sapphire is attacking the girls.

-What do you imagine? –Like my sister would say, it’s the old job again, said Andy. –T-port, now! Shouted the boys. Then, they transformed. –I call upon Earth Power! –I call upon Water Power! –I call upon Fire Power! –I call upon Air Power! –I call upon Ice Power! –I call upon Stellar Power! NOW! Marianne and the girls were quite injured. –Guys! Shouted the girls. –And Andrea? Asked Evelyn. The only boys were Ryan and Thomas. –Beats us, said Andy. Sapphire looked pleased. -So, your leader disappeared. Now I can do my work! And she attacked everybody. –Come on, guys, it’s a dirty job, but we have to do it! Shouted Oliver.

–Galactic Earthquake! –Galactic Explosion! –Galactic Supernova! Shouted the Warriors, as Tom and Benjie tried to heal the girls. But Sapphire was about to attack them, when…-Galactic Hurricane, attack! Shouted a familiar voice. It was Andrea! –Where were you? Shouted the guys. –I was in my house, picking up my Power Ring. I accidentally left it, she said, sticking out her tongue. Sapphire was still hurt. Then she took Evelyn.

-One movement, and she’s dead. –I don’t think so, said Evelyn, biting Sapphire’s arm. –Ow! And disappeared. –Normality, now! Said everybody, and the guys and Andrea T-ported back. –If you need help, call us! Said Andy.

Back in Tokyo, David fell asleep while the guys returned. –Andrea, why did you disappear? Asked Benjie. –Well, I received a message from Ryan, and I forgot my Power Ring. That’s why you didn’t find me when I went to the bathroom.

-You really gave us a big scare, said Andy. –Uh, Andrea, I want to say sorry about…-Don’t worry. It’s been my fault too, and sorry for slapping your face, Benjie. –All’s well when it ends well, said Andy, and fell right on his bed. Benjie yawned. Andrea let herself fall on her bed, and was sound asleep. Benjie crept into the bed, and shut off the lights. The next day, there were many other games, including the Furano’s debut. –Good luck, Armand! Shouted Tom, obviously happy for his friend. Armand made a thumbs up. –And the match begins! Shouted the narrator, as Armand passed the ball to a teammate, and there was great teamwork between them. Then, Armand had the ball, and shot, but the goalkeeper caught it in the air. –C’mon Armand, thumbs up and nail it! Shouted Tom. –Thumbs up and nail it? What’s that? Asked Andrea. –Well, it’s a code we had. It means “don’t give up and score a goal”, explained Tom. Andrea raised her eyebrows.

Forty minutes later, the Furano won two to one, Armand scored a goal, and a friend of him, Nakayama, scored the other –Guys, please wait a sec here. I want to pat on the back my friends, said Tom, and the others saw how Tom laughed with them. –He really missed them, said Andrea. –Could be, said Oliver. Later, everybody went to a meeting there was. –Guys, our next game is against the Horaki. And there will be some changes. Green in the arch, Harper, Adams, Morris and Rodríguez in the defense line. Mason, Diamond and Andy Ariza in the midfield, and Misaki, Atton and Andrea on the forward. –But why’s Benjie out? Asked David, confused. –I asked him that. You see, I can’t be playing all the time, said Benjie.

–OK. –Isn’t the Horaki where are the Korioto Brothers? Asked Andrea. –You mean Masao and Kazuo Korioto? Asked Bob, scared. –Yeah. They call them the Daredevils, said Tom. Some of the players felt a shiver on their spine. –Are you going to give up before trying? Asked Andy. –No. –Then? -We’ll win! Shouted everybody. After the meeting, Andrea went to her room, and Benjie did too, while David and Andy were talking with the others.

Andrea was taking out her notebooks, when she saw that Benjie was taking out a flute. –I didn’t know that you were here, said Andrea. –Huh? Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you either, said Benjie, smiling. –It’s been a long time since you smiled, said Andrea. –Well, my angel, you know that I haven’t been so cheerful. Then he looked at Andrea’s eyes again. She smiled. Andrea simply sent him a little kiss through the air, and he “caught” it in midair. –We didn’t do that since we came here, said Benjie, beginning to play the flute one of his favorite songs: Bolero, by Maurice Ravel. –Benjamin Alexander Price Moore, why didn’t you tell me that you know that song? Shouted Andrea. –It’s my favorite. Why? –It’s my favorite too! –No way! Said Benjie. –In fact, when I was in sixth grade, I made a solo with the flute. This song. –Incredible! I played it in the guitar, but I forgot how it went, said Andrea. Benjie smiled, and began to play it again. Andrea drew some pictures, inspired by the song that came out of the flute. It passed a while, and Andrea had made a great picture. A girl danced, while a boy played the flute. –I feel like dancing, said Andrea, but she kept on drawing.

Benjie smiled. He loved Andrea, he loved music, soccer, and that made him feel content. Then somebody began to whistle the second voice of the song: it was David. -I like that song too, he explained. Andy went in too. –Bolero? I love it, he said, whistling too. –Mmm, nice song, said Oliver, passing by. Then, somebody knocked at the door shyly. –Who is it? Asked Andrea. –I’m Clarita Price, said a melancholic voice. –Pass. Clarita didn’t look the same. Andy, David and Benjie stopped playing music. –Why are you here? Asked Benjie. –I came to say sorry for making such scandals before your friends. Your mom called me, and told me what was happening, she said, beginning to sob. She walked out. –Clarita, wait! Shouted Benjie. She looked back. –I know that you have a crush on me, and I accept your apologies. But please, listen to me. Andrea’s more than a friend to me. She’s my teammate, and the one that I trust the most. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t love you anymore. We’re stuck together, and I love that little mischievous and brave girl that is Clara Milena Price. So please, don’t cry. -That means that you do love me because I’m your cousin? She asked. –Of course I do, silly. You’re my cousin, and that’s all what counts, he said, smiling and giving a playful knock on Clarita’s head. Clarita smiled. –Me and my family will come to your next game. –I’ll be in the bench. But don’t worry. Oliver and the others will be there.

-Yes, said Clarita, smiling broadly. –Bye, Benjie! She said, before running off.

–I’m glad that everything went well, said Andrea, smiling. –Yeah. She realized that I love her because she’s my cousin, said Benjie. –As Evelyn’s our cousin, said the Twins at the same time. Benjie and Andrea went inside their room, and resumed the song. Andrea made some excellent pictures, as the three boys played that breathtaking song. Some time later, Oliver went to their room. –Guys, I received a message from Mrs. Rosario. It seems that Evelyn’s very sick, and she needs to talk with you, he said, not smiling at all. Andrea’s face went pale. –Benjie, guys, stay here. I’m going to call mom. She ran to the telephone, and dialed her house’s number. –Hello, Thomas? It’s Andrea. Is it true that Evelyn’s very sick? What’s she got? Oh no, not again! I’ll T-port with somebody. OK, OK, bye. –What happened? Asked Andy. –Evelyn’s got again that problem: Her tumor’s grown back! –No! Gasped Andy. Evelyn had a tumor on her brain long ago, and everybody thought that if it was taken out, Evelyn would be OK, but it grew back. –What happened? Asked Benjie, David, Oliver and Tom. –Evelyn’s tumor’s back. If we don’t go and use the Guardian Crystal, she’ll die, said Andrea. –I’ll go with you, Andrea, said David. –OK. Hold on to me. –Yes. –T-port, now, said Andrea, and disappeared in the very second.

[To be continued...]

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