THE RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE PART 2

"At that time, yes. My grandfather had defeated a strange being called 'P.' He had a friend named Mike Thompson, representing the U.S. guild called GreenBlood. But in that battle, Mike lost his life saving my grandfather. When 'P' was defeated, he said that Mike was the true hero, elevating GreenBlood to martyrdom and the pinnacle of the W.O.G.A.B. But years later, my mother sought help from that guild but was betrayed; the help never came. It was then that the question arose: 'How is it possible that a fearless guild like that, which had fought for its brothers, did not come to the aid of one of its sisters?' At that moment, she began to investigate the matter. The closer she got to the truth, GreenBlood, using its influence, ordered the expulsion of the Roobóleo guild from the organization. Even with the help of France, Kenya, Cuba, and Paraguay, they couldn't stop Argentina from being expelled from the W.O.G.A.B., but she never gave up and kept seeking the truth. The path was difficult, and everything was against her, but she was never alone; she had my father, who always supported her in everything."

"How did all this end?"

"My mother sought help from the U.F.E.T.C. Since she was underground, she no longer cared about what people thought of her or her guild, so she forged an alliance with them. That's how the Circuits helped her, and together they exposed GreenBlood. She returned to the guild, and they were compensated with millions of gold bars."

"Gold?"

"Yes, my family doesn't use dollars. All our fortune is in gold bars. We don't trust a piece of paper that claims to be very valuable."

"Well, that's quite unique. Are you a millionaire?"

"Millionaire? No, of course not. Trillionaire."

"Wow, that's quite a fortune, despite having an ordinary house."

"Yes, my family and I don't like showing off with big houses and other things."

"Where is all that fortune stored?"

"In our personal vault."

"Vault? Don't you keep it in banks?"

"No, banks exist because society trusts them. In contrast, my family and I don't trust them, and we're not foolish enough to put our entire fortune in the hands of strangers."

"Ah, I see, you apply a lot of logic and sociology in your family."

"Uh... thanks."

"I have another question, is the Circuit similar to you?"

"No, it's completely different. They only have one leader elected by popular vote, but to be the leader of the U.F.E.T.C., you have to be respected by both chambers of the institute."

"Are there representatives from the countries in general?"

"No, the idea of Thanatos was for a world without borders connected to other societies. If you're a Circuist, you won't represent any country but the ideology of Thanatos."

"And is that wrong for you?"

Candado closed his book and placed it aside on the table.

"Well, it's not wrong to think differently or expand your thoughts. What's wrong with them is taking that ideology to the extreme, killing and threatening. That's what's wrong with the Circuits. I don't share the idea of imposing my thoughts by force."

"What do you really want?"

Candado stared into Hammya's eyes, then looked at his hands. He opened and closed them until he clenched his fists and said.

"I just want peace, no more cold war among us, no more bloodshed."

"Relax, Candado, relax. I have faith that you'll achieve peace."

"Well, I'm glad you have faith. After all, that's the only thing that doesn't get lost, even in the worst moments."

"Um..."

"Don't say more. I like always having the last word, not because I'm arrogant."

At that moment, Hector approached with a green folder in hand.

"Candado, can I talk to you privately for a moment?"

"Sure."

Candado stood up and followed Hector to the meeting room.

"Well, can I know what's going on?"

"It's about this folder, it was delivered a few minutes ago."

"Who sends it?" Candado asked as he received the folder.

"It's a delivery from the W.O.G.A.B. Do you think it would be an expulsion note?"

"No, I don't think so. If that were the case, the folder would be black, not green."

Candado opened it, and inside there was a letter with the official seal of the organization, the lion. Candado took the letter and examined it from top to bottom. After a few seconds of observation, Candado handed the letter to Hector and said,

"Here, read it to me. I don't know Japanese."

"Oh, you know French, German, Wichi, English, and Persian, a bunch of European languages, who knows how you learned them, but you can't read Japanese."

"Do I look like a world translator? Do me a favor and read me the letter."

"Fine. 'Dear Nankinjo...

"That idiot..."

"...,'Dear Nankinjo.. on March 10th, your exemption from your missions was decreed, and within thirteen days, you will be able to return to your duties at the Harambee Board. I hope this has served you as a choice. Remember, be careful when unleashing your wrath. I look forward to your return to Kanghar for your services as Candado/President. Sincerely, your boss, Yuuta Aikawa.'

Hector made a face looking upward.

"Isidro..."

"'It's great, Candado, you'll be able to return to the organization.'"

"Well, at least he was kind enough to give me permission to return on March 23rd. I'm going to kill that suspicious-faced guy."

"Well, remember that you hurt a board member."

"Yes, and I accept my punishment, but I won't tolerate him writing 'Your boss' in a damn letter. I'm going to break his nose."

"Come on, Candado, no more fights with your supe... I mean, I mean; comrades. It's been enough."

"Are you giving me orders?"

"Yes, I'm doing it for your own good. You must let go of that anger; in the future, it could bring problems."

For the first time, Candado felt that Hector was right. If he hadn't let anger take over, he would never have fought with the one who cast a terrible spell on him, and he wouldn't be spitting blood. If he wanted to live, he would have to trust the requests of others. As his grandfather used to say, "You can never have all the answers and solutions at your disposal. You will always have to trust others, especially your friends." His grandfather was a very wise man, and Candado always tried to listen to others. So Candado looked at Hector differently; in his eyes, there was a bit of compassion.

"You're right, I don't want to make mistakes. Now I understand why he gave me thirteen days; it was for me to start being more tolerant. We're all supposed to be brothers in the W.O.G.A.B., seeking the best for our families. I made a mistake by hitting that boy. I had a bad day, and I guess I wanted to take it out on him. When I return, I'll apologize to him. We're all supposed to be the heralds of Harambee."

Hector was fascinated by what Candado said. It was the first and only time Candado made a mistake and acknowledged it, so much so that he unconsciously started applauding.

"Bravo, that's a very big step."

"About what?"

"About your attitude. Keep it up."

"Ah, sure, I'll be sure not to let it go to my head."

"Heh, well, it's time for me to go. I have to help Lucas back there with his experiments."

After saying that, Hector left and left Candado alone in the room. He had been lately very thoughtful, about his health and what Rucciménkagri told him yesterday. So he grabbed a blank sheet, a pen, and wrote about the situation that the W.O.G.A.B. was going through. Slowly, the guilds and the Circuits walked on a tightrope. It was necessary to stop the war at all costs. Candado took notes on the matter, wrote down the most important points: the organization of the Witnesses, the attacks, the murders of guilds and Circuits alike, etc. If the path is conflict, then it must be stopped. We shouldn't be dragged into a war. The world shouldn't see war again.

Once he finished writing, Candado opened the door and called Clementina. She immediately went to him. Candado handed the letter to her and said, "I want you to take this letter to the post office, please."

With those simple words, Clementina ran off to deliver that letter. Candado, even if it didn't show, was under a lot of stress. His perspiration started to become dry, his heart was beating rapidly. All of this caused Candado to lose balance and fall to the floor. His friends, seeing him on the ground, rushed to assist him. Hector and María helped him stand up.

"Are you okay, Boss?" asked Ana María.

"FOR SOME REASON, I FELL!"

"I'll call the doctor..."

"No, you're not calling anyone without my authorization."

"But you fell, that's not..."

"I repeat, you're not calling anyone without my authorization."

Hector and Ana María took him to the rest room and sat him in an armchair, but when everything seemed to be improving, Candado started coughing. Hammya, who was nearby and knew what would come after the cough, took a handkerchief from his pocket, covered Candado's mouth, and patted him on the back. Candado had spat up blood again, but this time, his friends hadn't noticed. So, to distract his friends from the blood on the handkerchief, Hammya asked for water, and as soon as they took their eyes off him, Candado wrapped the handkerchief and hid it in his pocket. Hammya handed him a glass of water, and everything remained a secret again.

"Alright, what happened to you?" asked Germán.

"Nothing, it was just exhaustion, that's all. I just need to rest."

"True, you've worked a lot this past month. I think you should hand over control to Hector for a week," said Declan.

"No, the craphead is messing things up, and with everything that's happened, I can't afford to take a break. I'm the president of the Oilthief Brotherhood, and my responsibilities come first."

"Yes, everything you said is true, but if you don't take care of yourself, it's all going to be worthless because you're going to die. Take a week off and don't be stubborn. That's all we ask of you. It's not a month, not a year, not a century, just a week. After resting, you can go back to being the same cold, bossy, and arrogant guy you always are."

"Arrogant? Seriously?"

"What Matlotsky means is that you need to take a break. You need it, after all..."

"Lucas, I've rested for two days. I'm fine. I don't need anything."

"

What if we vote?" Anzor suggested.

"You wouldn't dare, considering I haven't given any authorization," Candado replied.

"Sorry, Candado. You yourself said this is a democracy. It's in Article 5-K of our little law: 'In case the board members disagree with the president, a vote shall proceed.'"

"Damn it, Ana María, shut up!" Candado interrupted. "See, that's all you're good for."

"Good idea, Mari. Let's vote. Those in favor of Candado taking a break, raise your hand."

Héctor and everyone else, including Hammya, raised their hands.

"Wait, we're missing Clementina," Candado said.

At that moment, the phone rang, and Héctor went to answer it.

"Hello... ah... wait, let me put you on speaker."

"I, Clementina V02, vote in favor of Candado taking a break."

"IS THIS SERIOUS!? HOW THE HELL DID YOU KNOW WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT!?"

"Remember, sir, that the house and I are one. Now I bid farewell. I'll see you at home. Bye!"

"Let's not talk about it anymore. Ernest will have a well-deserved vacation," Héctor said.

"Who is Ernest?" asked Hammya.

"That's my name, young lady. I'm called Ernest."

"I thought your name was Candado?"

"Yes, it is. Any problem?"

"No, not at all."

"The discussion is over, and the vote is in. Candado will take a break for a week," Matlotsky declared.

"OBJECTION!"

"Denied," said Héctor.

"Come on, it's just seven days; afterward, you can go back to being the boss," Ana María said.

"What's the damn difference? You always call me boss."

"It doesn't matter, please accept," Lucas said.

"All right, I accept, one week, just one week. I hope the guild doesn't catch fire while I'm away."

"Your trust in me is very touching."

"Shut up, Héctor."

"Fine, as the temporary president, I decree your break. This means you can go back home."

"Okay, I'm leaving."

Candado grabbed his backpack, exited the room, walked to the guild's exit, mounted Uzoori, and galloped home. Meanwhile, his friends stayed behind, watching their ex-boss leave.

"Shouldn't I go after him?"

"No need, Hammya. We need you here," Viki said.

"Not really," Declan said while fixing a bookshelf.

"Ignore him, he's a durubu."

"It's pronounced dúr, Viki, and that's not it."

"Whatever, you're a funny-talking idiot."

"And you're an tá tú le muc an-horrendous."

At that moment, while Viki was getting nervous about what Declan had said, as he was speaking Irish to her, Hammya's eyes sparkled, and she said.

"You're a very horrendous pig."

"Me? What? I'm defending you, and this is what I get?"

"No, it's not what you think. What he said is what it means in English."

"Oh really? So, I'm a horrendous pig, then you're a toad," he said as he left, taking Hammya by the hand.

As the two girls left, Declan began to distrust Hammya. Only Candado knew Irish; it's practically impossible for anyone else to know his language.

On the other hand, after Hammya and Viki distanced themselves from Declan, they headed to the break room. In that place, everyone was taking a break in their own way. Lucas and Héctor were playing chess, Anzor was meditating on the floor with his sword in his lap, Ana María was leaning against a wall while using her phone, the twins along with Germán and Matlotsky were playing cards. Hammya and Viki sat on the couch and started a friendly conversation.

"You did well back there. Candado was the only one who understood that language, but since when do you know Irish?"

"I have no idea, but it felt like I already knew or had heard that language."

"You're too reserved, Hammya. Now I understand why you're with us. You caught Candado's attention."

"Do you think so? Because I have no clue."

"I also had no idea why my request was accepted until one day I understood. I'm sure you'll understand it too."

"What about you? Why weren't you around these last few days?"

"Well, I suffered from a massive blood addiction. I couldn't control myself and even attacked my comrades. I bit Héctor and almost sucked all his blood. It's my fault he's anemic."

"Anemic? He doesn't seem like it."

"Believe me, he is, just not visibly."

"And what happened next?"

"I asked... I begged, pleaded with Candado to send me far away from Isla del Cerrito to avoid harming my comrades."

"So it's settled?"

"Yes, it was difficult at first, but now I'm fine, all thanks to Candado and Pio."

"Pio? Oh, yes, you mentioned her, but where is she now?"

"She's just like me, a slacker. She's at home, probably painting a picture. I forgot to get her vote."

"She must be good. What's her full name exactly?"

"Her name is Natalia Ballester Pio, but everyone, except Candado, calls her Pio."

"I'd like to meet her."

"You'll meet her, you'll see, I guarantee it."

"Candado had arrived home peacefully. He had no problems on the way, as usual. This time, everything was calm yet somewhat chaotic. At home, his parents weren't around; Hipólito was in the living room playing with baby Karen, Clementina was in the basement doing her morning check-up since the post office was nearby. Candado was in his room reading a book by Iván Crusoe titled 'The Golden Spear.' In it, he recounted all the exploits of Harambee, the heroine of O.M.G.A.B. Every time Candado read that book, he felt proud of his great-grandfather Jack Barret. Despite only showing a small smile, he felt very happy inside. Until Tínbari arrived just to annoy him.

"A bit more, and your friends would have noticed that something's wrong with you."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Your collapse in the guild. Luckily, your comrades are stupid and only believed that you were..."

"It was! Due to nerves. I've never been in this position before."

"Come on, I know when it's exhaustion. What you have is a powerful spell eating you from the inside."

"Shut up. I still have ten years of life."

"Yes, if you rest and avoid physical and mental overexertion. This is a symptom of what you have."

"It's a lie!"

"A lie? Candado, you've been using the violet flame a lot these past few days. You've been fighting more than necessary. It's obvious that your spirit is weak."

"Stop saying nonsense. Once I find the bastard who did this to me, I'll force him to remove this damn spell."

"There's no time. The clock of your life is ticking. You have to remove it, and fast."

"These predictions are never accurate. They're more fake than Nostradamus' prophecies."

"I'm sorry to tell you that it's not the case. You'll never be able to defeat death. It's something inescapable."

"There's always a first time, Tínbari. I don't plan on dying in a hospital connected to a respirator. I plan to live a long time. I'll live a pathetic and old life."

"It's very admirable to challenge me, but it won't help you."

"Tell me, cuckold..."

"Cuckold? I don't even have a woman."

"Not because of that... forget it."

"What do you want to tell me?"

"Nothing, I forgot."

"Well, but remember it. I have all day."

"I'm happy for you."

Candado headed to the door, opened it, then looked at Tínbari.

"Because I don't, idiot."

After closing the door forcefully, Tínbari appeared right in front of him.

"I'm not leaving."

"Oh, well, I do, so move."

Tínbari grabbed him by the waist and lifted him up.

"What will you do now, kid? It's not easy to break free from me."

Candado, amid struggles and kicks in the air, said:

"Let me go, vermin."

Tínbari began shaking him up and down like a soda can.

"I'M GOING TO RIP YOUR HORNS OFF!"

After a few minutes, Tínbari teleported to the backyard and threw him up into the tree, causing Candado to get caught among the branches.

"Now, what will you do, kid? I hope you can rip off my horns," Tínbari said with a smile.

"I swear to you... I swear that when I come down, I'm going to rip your eyes out."

"I hope so," Tínbari said as he laughed. When Candado was teetering on the branches of the tree, Clementina appeared in a short T-shirt, long dark pants, and the same shoes.

"Oh, how did he get up there, ma'am?"

"Does it matter how I got up here? I need to come down, bring me the ladder." As soon as Candado said that, the branch broke, and he began to fall. However, thanks to Clementina's reflexes and speed, she reached him before Candado hit the ground. Nevertheless, as Clementina had just completed her morning checkup a few minutes ago, she had completely forgotten to secure, meaning bolt, her arms. As a result, Candado fell into her arms. Since Clementina had no bolts, Candado's body detached her metallic arms, causing him to fall to the ground anyway. Not only did he have to endure the fall with his back against the ground, but he also had to endure the strong impact of Clementina's metallic arms, making the blow harder and more painful.

"Oops, I forgot to weld them, but I'm fine."

"Really? Look at that, miss, she's fine, we should give her an award."

"It's not a big deal, seriously."

"You know something, Clem?" Candado asked with a sly smile.

"What is it, sir?"

"I'M GOING TO SKIN YOU ALIVE WHEN I STAND UP! I BROKE MY BACK AGAIN BECAUSE OF YOU!"

"I'm sorry; I tried to help."

"I DON'T GIVE A DAMN! I TOLD YOU, I TOLD YOU TO BRING ME THE DAMN LADDER!" With all due respect, but there was no time.

"THEN YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE HELPED ME!"

"Does it hurt?" When Tínbari asked that, Candado climbed onto his back and, with great anger, began pulling with all his might at Tínbari's horns.

"YOU, RED VERMIN, IT'S YOUR FAULT TOO! AS I SAID, I'M GOING TO RIP YOUR HORNS OFF!"

"I got it, let me go, it hurts a lot." Candado pulled back with all his strength; however, Tínbari's horns were slippery, causing Candado to fall back onto the ground. But this time, he wasn't furious as he was just a moment ago; instead, he relaxed, stood up, took Clementina's arms, and reattached them.

"Sir, are you no longer angry?"

"No, I'm not angry anymore. It may sound strange, but for some strange reason, I accept both of your apologies," said Candado with the same cold expression on his face.

Candado snapped his fingers, as he always does, and the bolts flew into his hand. With his knife, he delicately screwed the loose bolts, careful not to scratch Clementina's skin. Once he finished fixing her arms, Candado stood up, took the wooden ladder beside him, leaned it against the tree, and climbed it until he reached one of its branches. Candado extended his hand and said.

"Please, come out. I won't get mad at you."

At that moment, a snake coiled around his arm and climbed up to his head. Once there, it transformed into a girl.

"That's... is... who is she?" asked Tínbari.

"Her name is Yara; she's Candado's 'adopted daughter.'"

"Oh, she was the same girl I saw... somewhere."

Candado descended from the ladder with Yara in his arms, and together they entered the house. Once inside, Candado sat her on his lap and began talking to her in a gentle tone, like a father to his child, or daughter in this case.

"Yara, why were you in that tree?"

"Because I was going to give you a scare."

"A scare?"

At that moment, Hipólito appeared, carrying baby Karen, just to find out what all the commotion was about.

"Mauricio says he never saw you scared; he wanted to check if that was true."

"It's 'check' and no, it's not true. I do get scared sometimes."

"So, you're not afraid?"

"Not now, I'm not afraid. But if my life or even the lives of those around me were in danger, then yes."

"Well, then you do have fear."

"Changing the subject, I have a surprise." Candado took a small bag from his pocket and handed it to Yara. "I bought it on my way back from the guild. I hope you like it. I know it's not your birthday yet, but it's a gift from me."

Yara opened it, revealing a beautiful blue flower brooch inside. Candado took it and placed it in Yara's hair.

"It looks good on you, do you like it?"

"Yes, I love it; it's very pretty. Thank you, Dad."

"You're welcome, Yara."

"Tomorrow, I want you to take me for a walk around the place. I want to learn more about where you live."

"Alright, but remember, when we walk, don't let go of my hand at any moment, and don't wander off."

"Got it, don't let go, don't wander off, I got it."

"Well, that's how I like it."

"Dad?"

"Tell me, sweetheart."

"That baby over there, is she your daughter?"

"No, she's my sister. I'm sure that when she's your age, you two will be good friends."

"Will it take long?"

"Um... about three years or so."

"Why so long?"

"She's a baby; she still needs to learn the basics to be like you."

"Well, I can wait. After all, I'm not going anywhere."

Candado started to laugh, and Yara joined in, while Clementina, Tínbari, and Hipólito were watching the heartwarming scene with joy. It was the first time the trio saw Candado so happy.

On the other hand, Hammya and Viki had left the guild more than fifteen minutes ago, strolling together through the town. Viki was showing Hammya around since she was new to the town, and as they didn't have classes that day, many schoolmates were around, some of whom greeted them. Among them was Esteeman, passing by with some new sneakers.

"Hello, Viki and Hammya, how are you doing?"

"Good, Double E, good."

Gregorio Maximiliano Esteeman had short, dark hair and black eyes. He wore blue gym clothes, including a short shirt and shorts. Despite not being part of a guild, either independently or affiliated, he always showed loyalty to guild members in general. More than once, he accidentally broke one of Candado's windows. He was Candado's friend and loved playing rugby.

Powers: He can fly and stay airborne, has very high speed, surpassing even Anzor and Declan, thanks to his physical effort. His skin is as tough as armor, and his punches can be lethal to a human without powers.

Abilities: He excels in rugby and made a promise to himself not to use his powers to win a match. Almost entirely, as he once tried to tackle someone, and, since he had steel-like skin, the tackle was like crashing into a wall, causing harm to the other player. He is also good at providing useful information to Candado; he and Héctor are the only ones who call him Ernést instead of Candado.

"Did you hear? There were no classes today due to an underground tentacle attack."

"How do you know? You weren't there."

"Viki, Viki, Viki," he said, shaking his head, "I'm an expert, and I'm very observant."

"Daria told you, didn't she?"

"Yes, but it doesn't matter. The point is, while I was looking for my ball, I saw Esteban facing off against the guy who caused it. I know because he summoned the same tentacles Daria described."

"Don't tell me."

"I swear I saw it with my own eyes. Esteban was fiercely fighting against the strange guy, a lightning bolt here, another there, until the guy covered himself in some kind of slime and fled, and Esteban followed him."

"What happened?" asked Hammya.

"I followed him a bit and saw Esteban shooting lightning wildly through the forest, but the guy dodged them. The weird thing is that Esteban wasn't alone; someone else was helping him."

"Who was it?"

"I don't know; his face was literally white smoke, like a well-dressed ghost."

"Hmm, that's curious. It's exactly the person Candado encountered yesterday."

"It doesn't seem curious to me, Hammya. Candado said he was a Draft and Drafts not only do their job but also protect their leader."

"I see, then forget it."

"Ahem, never mind, the point is that the confrontation ended in a draw, no one won; it was very strange."

"What happened next?" Hammya asked.

"The guy fled, and Esteban and his accomplices went after him. What I'm getting at is, keep your eyes wide open. You never know what the hell might happen. And I say this so that you take care of Candado."

"Why take care of him? He's fine without..."

"Thanks, Maxi, for the advice. We'll take good care of Candado."

"Alright, I'm leaving because I'm running late. See you tomorrow, girls."

After Maxi bid farewell to them, the two continued their stroll. But after a few minutes, Hammya looked at Viki strangely and asked.

"Why did you interrupt me?"

"Hammya, we're friends of Candado, and it's our duty to help him. He might be grumpy, stubborn, bossy, and cold, but he's actually wounded. He had to endure the death of his sister two years ago, and now he had to go through the same thing two months ago."

"It's not an excuse to treat me like trash."

"He has never done that; since I arrived, I haven't seen him treat you that way."

"Hasn't he? He hit me with a book this morning."

"What were you talking about?"

"Uh, we talked about what the guild was, what the circuit was, those things."

"Well, you must have said something stupid for him to hit you."

"Yeah, he's a jerk, couldn't take a joke."

"Well, maybe you shouldn't have made that joke, especially if it's an important topic."

"Still, I think he should tone down that attitude of his."

"Calm down, Candado isn't bad, he's just like that."

"Changing the subject, where are we going?"

"Well, you told me you wanted to meet Pio, that's where we're heading."

"Oh, great, I'd like to meet her."

"You'll like her, she's a good girl, a bit stubborn but good."

"No worries. Is she part of the guild?"

"Yes, of course. She, along with Héctor, Lucas, and Erika, are the intellectual force of the guild."

"What does that mean?"

"Didn't Candado tell you? All guilds have their own strengths: strength, intelligence, cunning, saboteurs, thieves, infantry, cavalry, etc. We have two strengths: intelligence and cavalry."

"Can you have more than two?"

"Sure, but we don't have much personnel."

"Why is that?"

"Because Candado decides who enters and who doesn't. In fact, only people who catch his attention can join the guild."

"What catches his attention?"

"Yes, for example, I joined because the first time I saw him, I tried to kill him. However, during the last minutes of the fight, Candado let me hit him, and he even wanted me to deliver the finishing blow."

"And what did you do?"

"I didn't do it, I don't know why. I just knelt down and started crying. At that moment, I realized I was about to take a human life for food, as my parents didn't have money."

"But... you're a vampire."

"Yes, I am, but not my parents. They do need to feed. Anyway, when I stopped the fight, Candado reached out to me, even though I had tried to kill him a few seconds ago. He helped me up and asked, 'Why are you doing this if you don't like it?'"

"What did you answer?"

"I told him about my problems, that we were poor, and I told him that the Circuit promised to pay me if I assassinated him. When I finished telling him everything, Candado took fifty thousand pesos in one-hundred-peso bills from his pocket and told me that my family and I should move to this town."

"What happened next?"

"After that, I moved. My father got a job with Héctor's father, and I was officially accepted into the Roobóleo guild."

"How did Declan take it?"

"He wasn't there yet. Only the Russian was."

"Well, from everything you've told me, what's the conclusion of why you ended up in the guild?"

"Candado was intrigued that someone like me didn't dare to kill him when I had the chance, even though he gave me a significant advantage."

At that moment, Hammya began to remember what Candado said when he accepted her into the guild: "I accepted her because she's not human." Those were Candado's words. Lately, she hadn't thought much about it, but just as she was about to, Viki interrupted her.

"Look, Hammya, here's Pio's house."

The house was nice, resembling a medium-sized chalet but built with concrete. Viki approached and knocked on the door.

"Pio, it's me."

From the other side of the door, Pio replied, "I don't know any 'me.'"

"It's me, Victoria."

"I don't know any Victoria."

"Don't be like Candado and open up."

After a few seconds, the door opened, and Pio came out to welcome them.

Pio had long, black hair and dark eyes. She was dressed quite uniquely, resembling a bartender without an apron; the only giveaway that she was a woman was her long hair.

Power: She has the ability to levitate things, can fly, can dematerialize anything made of water, has immense strength, and, like Lucas and Candado, can control fire, which, in her case, is light blue.

Ability: She is an expert at getting on anyone's nerves, even Candado's. She enjoys painting and solving puzzles, is very bossy when in trouble, and is very cautious in combat.

"Hello, Viki, I didn't know it was you."

"Heh, don't pretend; I know very well that you did it on purpose."

"It's not true."

"It is, and don't deny it."

"Okay, I won't deny it, but it's a lie."

Viki made a face and looked up.

"Doesn't matter," she stepped aside and introduced her friend, "The one next to me is Hammya Sandia."

"Saillim," Hammya corrected.

"I'm sorry, I was mistaken."

"Greetings, Hammya Saillim," Pio approached and shook her hand. "I'm Pio Ballester, delighted to meet you."

Hammya nodded. Then, Pio invited them inside, and once there, Hammya and Viki took seats on the sofas, while Pio sat, quite literally, in the air. For Viki, it was normal, but for Hammya, it was something extraordinary.

"Well, I don't want to be rude, but what exactly are you doing here?"

"Well, Viki spoke about you, and I asked if I could meet you."

"Well, thanks. Where are you from that you have that hair color?"

"I'm from Entre Ríos."

"Does the color of your hair have anything to do with your power, or do you just dye it that way?"

"No, it's my natural color, and that's it. As for my power, I'm not clear on how it works. Once, when I was five years old, I tripped and fell, but before hitting the ground, a tree root stopped me, and to this day, I don't know what happened or why."

"Wow, but have you done it again?"

"A few days ago, I hurt Candado with my power," Hammya said, looking very embarrassed.

Viki and Pio were left open-mouthed when they heard that someone as submissive as her had hurt Candado.

"Are you joking, right?" Viki asked.

"I wish it were true."

"Impossible, it's practically impossible."

"I'm sorry, Pio, but unfortunately, it's true."

"Damn, it's unbelievable, I basically can't believe it."

"It wasn't my intention; he wanted me to give him a sample of my power, but I never thought it would be so disastrous."

"Well, at least it wasn't serious," Viki said.

"Actually, I found it strange that Candado didn't get upset with me for what happened."

"No, it's not strange. Candado is a very respectful person. If he asked you to use your powers, then Candado knows very well the consequences."

"How profound, Viki, how profound."

"Shut up, Pio."

"Anyway, tell me something about your life."

Just as Hammya was about to respond, someone knocked on the door.

"Oh my God, now who could it be?" Pio complained.

She approached the door and asked, "Who is it?"

And from the other side of the door came the response, "Is this, by any chance, the house where Miss Natalia Ballester lives?"

"Who are you?"

"We are her friends."

"Oh, really? I'm her sister. How do you know her?"

"We know her from the guild. I'm Germán, Lucas, and Candado."

Pio smiled and said, "Get out, you lying trio. I'm not interested in anything if you want to see me."

When Pio said that, a hand punched through the door and opened the door latch. Two guys and two teenagers with porcelain masks, each with the face of an animal, entered behind it. Pio stepped back and kicked the first one who entered, then ran to the living room to warn Viki and Hammya. But as she was about to tell them, one of the guys pulled her hair and pulled out a machete. Pio reacted quickly and grabbed his arm, but as she was in a bad position, it was harder for her to stop the machete that was slowly approaching her neck. When all seemed lost, Viki jumped out of nowhere and kicked him in the face, making him drop the machete. At that moment, the others entered. The teenagers had weapons and started shooting. This made Pio and Viki hide in the living room. Hammya was completely scared and couldn't move from the couch. Viki kept the door closed with her body, also blocking the bullets, as she was immortal being a vampire.

"PIO, CALL THE GUILD, WE NEED THEIR HELP URGENTLY!"

"RIGHT AWAY!"

So Pio quickly ran to the kitchen and dialed the number. Hammya stayed crouched, covering her head.

"If Candado gave me permission, they would already be dead," Viki whispered as she bared her fangs.

Unfortunately, after the gunfire ceased, the door broke, and Viki was sent flying through the air with her chicken Sío. Then the four intruders entered and began attacking Hammya, but Viki leaped off the bookshelf and hit one in the face. She then looked at the ones with weapons and, with a smile, started growing her nails in a terrifying manner. They, unafraid, began shooting, but the bullets did nothing to her. When she reached them, she cut the weapons into three parts as if they were butter. However, the two of them grabbed her arms and threw her against the wall. In a synchronized manner, they started beating her.

At that moment, Pio arrived and tried to save her, but the two kids got in the way: one armed with a machete and the other with lava hands that dripped onto the floor, leaving a hole in it. Pio, showing a smile, quickly launched herself at them. The guy with the machete began swinging it through the air with the intent to kill her, but she was very fast and easily dodged it. The other one shot lava from his hands, and Pio landed punches and dodged them.

Meanwhile, Viki fought against the other two. Fed up with being beaten, she lifted her feet and kicked them in the stomach, making them release her. Once she was free, she plunged back into the fight. She embedded her nails in the chest of one and threw him out of the window, which was open for some reason. She pummeled the other with punches and kicks all over his body, leaving him very weakened. Once he was in that condition, Viki took a leap and kicked him in the chest, sending him flying out of the window, which broke this time.

Once Viki finished with those two, she went to help Pio with the other two. However, these two were more skilled than the teenagers, faster, stronger, and smarter. They were challenging to attack as they dodged the blows from Viki and Pio. In contrast, they managed to land blows, many of them lethal. However, since Viki was a vampire, they didn't harm her at all. She fought alongside her companion Pio, and they had something the intruders lacked: teamwork and synchronization in combat. They had learned these elements from Candado. While Viki blocked all the hits, Pio attacked them in vulnerable areas.

However, at one point, the machete-wielding kid struck Pio in the abdomen, leaving her on the ground. Viki tried to assist her, but she couldn't since every time she approached Pio, she was attacked by the boy with the lava. Meanwhile, the machete guy slowly approached, dragging his weapon on the floor. When he reached Pio, he raised his machete in the air.

At that moment, when all seemed lost, Hammya emerged from her hiding spot and threw a glass at his face. The guy bent down and rushed toward Hammya with his machete to kill her, but she barely dodged as she had left a wound on his arm, causing the weapon to get stuck in the kitchen shelf. When he managed to free his machete, he approached her again, and Hammya, terrified, was paralyzed and closed her eyes.

At that moment, Candado entered through the kitchen window, brandishing his facón, and began to duel with the intruder. In this fight, Candado managed to disarm the guy and began to attack him with all he had. The intruder, desperate, tried to fight back, but his efforts were entirely futile. In a desperate attempt, he threw a punch at Candado, but he stopped it with his counterpalm, and cleverly, Candado grabbed him with the same hand he used to block the punch. Then he threw him toward himself, to the point of dislocating his shoulder. He struck him three times in the ribs. When he finished, Candado lifted him and knocked him out with a headbutt to the face, but it didn't do much good as he escaped through the window, the same way Candado had entered. Afterward, he approached Hammya, slapped her, and said:

"Don't be stupid, girl. Never hesitate or close your eyes again when you're in a fight like the one you just witnessed."

Hammya, with her hand on her cheek, looked at Candado and nodded. Once Candado saved her, he walked calmly to the living room. There, he saw Héctor and Viki sitting on a couch, he was trying to treat some gunshot wounds with bandages and wiping the bruises from his face with a handkerchief. He also saw the assailant lying on the floor being stepped on the head by Declan while polishing his sword and Pio, who was tying up the guy.

"Good job, team."

"What are you doing here, Candado?

"Well, if you haven't noticed, Héctor, Pio was the one who called me, and I was the one who passed the call to the guild.

"True that Pio doesn't know about your break.

"What? You on a break? That's new.

"Shut up, Pio.

"That means Héctor is in charge.

"Don't let it go to your head. I'll be back in a week.

"Alright, that's enough, Candado. Have you taken care of the other one?

"No, he slipped away. At that moment, Clementina appeared, carrying a bag of money.

"Clementina, well, I didn't see you come in. And what's with the bag? "said Declan.

"It's obvious why I came in through the window. As for the money, it's for the repairs.

"I told you to stay and take care of Yara.

"And I am taking care of her. Right now she is talking to Miss Hammya. If I were you, I would go and see the lady. She's been a little scared, after all, she was almost killed.

"Did you bring her here? "exclaimed Candado as he was leaving.

"Sir, what do we do with them? Candado paused for a moment and then looked at the two guys.

"Send them directly to the northern stadium. There they will be sentenced. As soon as he said that, Candado entered the kitchen and there he saw Hammya sitting on the floor very excited, breathing wildly, while Yara was next to her fanning her with a piece of cardboard.

Candado walked over, knelt down and put both his hands on her cheek.

"Hey, hey, take it easy, it's all over now," he said coolly.

Hammya was still excited, so Candado had no better idea than to slap her again.

"That's it? Are you all right now? "he asked again, still with his expression. Hammya calmed down, looked at Candado and gave him a hug. This made Candado lose his balance and fall down sitting up.

"Hammya, don't exaggerate, please let me go," said Candado while trying to free himself. But after a while, Hammya started to cry on Candado's shoulder.

"Wait, don't, if this is because I hit you, I'm sorry for hitting you," he said while trying to get her off him.

"No, you are right for hitting me. Thank you for saving my life. Thank you.

"Well, please let me go," he said wearily. However, Hammya was still clinging to him and would not let go for anything in the world.

Somehow, Yara was not very comfortable to see him being hugged by someone else who was not her, as well as confused to see him. But after a while, Yara also decided to hug Candado for no apparent reason, leaving him totally immobile.

"Now you too? Candado had remained inert for a few minutes, until Hammya and Yara released him.

Candado didn't know why they had hugged him like that, but he did know about Yara, since she is a girl and emotes everyone, but not Hammya, even though she slapped him twice.

"Well, I don't want to know about the hug. Now I want you to go home, is that clear, Hammya?

"Yes, all right.

"As for you, young lady, go home. I'll be back as soon as I finish my work. "No, sir, you're on vacation. Yara's not going anywhere.

"Of course you are.

"I'm not.

"Yes.

"No.

"Yes.

"No.

"Yes, it is.

"Yes.

"No.

"Well, you said it. He goes back to the house.

"Hey, you cheated, that's not fair, that's not fair.

"I'm sorry, life isn't fair. "I'm sorry, life isn't fair. Now go back home.

"I refuse to go back.

"You don't say "Russian", you say "I refuse".

"Well, that, I don't want to go back, I want to be with you. -Well, that, I don't want to go back, I want to be with you.

"We'll talk later, We'll talk later. Go back home.

"I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK!

"I'll charge you with the lord of terror if you disobey me. At that instant, Yara began to tremble and wag her tail wildly.

"I'm not afraid, really, I'm not afraid, let him come, I'm going to punch him.

"It's called "trompada". Are you going back home?

"NO! Candado, already out of options and without any patience, with a grimace and a stomp, let Yara stay with him, since he was tired of arguing with a five year old girl.

At that age, that's when a child is as stubborn as a mule. So Candado lifted Yara up and said.

"Okay, you win, but next time you will listen to me.

Candado went over to Hammya and helped her to her feet, then took her by the hand and led her to the living room where the others were. Once there, Candado began to talk to his companions.

"Have you seen it? It's totally out of the ordinary that they tried to kill Pio.

"You are absolutely right, Candado. I can't believe the Circuit tried to kill our friend," said Viki.

"Where are Declan and Pio? "asked Candado.

"They went to take the culprits to the north side.

"Did you see the faces behind the masks?

"Yes, but I don't know them. Declan seemed to know them and even gave their names. -What were their names?

"Fernandez Trillozo, disciple of Desza Blastimania, and Colman Cervantes," said Hector.

"It's impossible. I thought I was wrong.

"What's wrong? "Clementina asked.

"Fernandez was once part of the Guild, but he was expelled because he was a psychotic madman.

"What does that mean? "asked Viki.

"I was wrong. Not only do the Witnesses recruit opponents of the Circuit, but also outlaws of the O.M.G.A.B.

"What does that mean, Candado?

"It seems that our enemy wants to learn from us in order to destroy us.

"It's quite strange. Why gather these people together to destroy us?

"Don't be like that, Viki. Remember that you need to calm down.

"Our enemies want to meet us?

The truth had become quite strange. It was not possible to think that there were guild members who had been dismissed for aggressive and treasonous behavior. The Witnesses were becoming quite strange, going against their ideologies to wipe out the guilds. They wanted to go to great lengths to destroy their enemies. The explanation was far away for everyone, but for Candado, the answer didn't matter. If these madmen wanted to wipe them out, then he would be the one to destroy them first. The world had already seen one war, a dark war. Harambee fought and defended the freedom that many people died for. The guilds represented the guarantee of that peace, and they had to demonstrate that responsibility that was given to them.