Two months have passed since Candado's grandfather was murdered in his home, and to this day the murderer is still unknown. The police are doing nothing to catch the culprit. He thought that his grandfather's death was not like other murders that occur in the country. This time it was very different: he was killed in his house, but nothing was stolen. All the valuables were there. Whoever killed him did it for personal reasons or for some other cause.
-Well, it's strange... to die just like that, I don't think so," whispered Candado.
However, Candado tried to stop thinking about it and concentrated on the class that was about to begin. Lately, Candado was not sleeping well. He felt a discomfort on his skin, an uncomfortable sensation running through his whole body due to the uncertainty about what had happened to his grandfather. He knew that thinking about it too much wouldn't help him, so he pulled out his book and began to read.
But something caught his attention: class had already started twenty-four minutes ago and the teacher had not yet arrived. It was strange for a teacher to leave the class like that. Then, suddenly, the door to the right opened and in walked the teacher and the principal, accompanied by a striking-looking girl. The principal took the eraser from the blackboard and tapped the desk seven times, which brought all the kids in the room to silence. After the silence had fallen, the principal introduced the new student as follows:
-Boys, as of today, this girl will be your classmate. However, as it is her first day, she does not want to say her name. She prefers to introduce herself and...
-Hello everyone, I'm Hammya Saillim.
-I'm not finished.
-I'm sorry.
The girl's gaffe provoked laughter in the hall.
-SILENCE! -shouted the principal.
Then, the director looked for an available seat for the girl to sit down and finally set his eyes on Candado.
-Okay, this is where she will sit from today, so DON'T SCARE HER!
Candado paid no attention and continued reading his book. She didn't even look up to look at him or at her.
That girl was very strange. Her hair was a light green, including her eyebrows and eyes. Her clothes were also the same color and very flashy. However, Candado barely glanced sideways at her for nine seconds and then went back to concentrating on his reading. Meanwhile, the principal, having finished his homework, said goodbye to the teacher and the boys, leaving the classroom and heading for the direction.
When the girl sat down next to him, she was very nervous. It was her first day at that school, and her classmate didn't seem to be much help in relaxing. His expression wasn't very friendly, and he seemed to be someone who didn't smile much. She thought he would ask her about her hair as soon as she walked in, because of the way the others were looking at her, except for him. Although she stood out because of the way she dressed and her hair, the boy was another story. He dressed differently from the rest, more formally: refined black pants, dark blue dinner jacket with a red tie, dark formal shoes, white gloves with a strange symbol, a blue beret, brown eyes, a scar on his left eye that started from under his eyebrow and went all the way down to his lower eyelid, almost touching his cheek. In addition, he had dark brown hair and medium white skin tone. Yes, she was someone who could instill fear at a glance, even to her.
Classes continued, and the teacher was teaching a language lesson, to be more precise. However, she didn't quite know what to do. Dazed by the fear emanating from that strange boy, she stopped doing homework for a moment and began to look around. All the other students were busy doing their homework, except for the boy sitting next to her. The teacher got up from her desk and walked over to him, asking him in an irritated and angry voice:
-SIR! Why aren't you doing your homework? -the teacher asked.
He looked at her with a serious expression and answered sharply:
-I finished," he said, pulling out a sheet of paper under the table and showing it to her.
The teacher felt furious at receiving the boy's homework, although she tried to conceal it with an approving smile. Without another word, she returned to her brown desk and began correcting the assignments she had been given.
-Acihná'wemék wasetaj (Old cow)," Candado whispered as he read.
Hammya looked at him and was surprised to hear a rather complicated "tongue twister" coming from Candado.
The recess bell rang loudly, and at that moment, all the other students ran out of the classroom like runaway horses. However, the boy in the blue beret did not get up to join them. He remained seated there, concentrating on reading a book called "Capital". Then, a boy dressed entirely in white, including his cloud-white hair, approached him and put his hand on his shoulder, saying:
-I'm going to the kiosk. Do you want me to get you something?
-Yes, I want a soda," answered the boy in the blue beret as he handed him five pesos that he took out of his pocket.
The boy left the room, leaving them alone and creating an uncomfortable silence. At least, that was the case for her. Until the boy in the blue beret spoke.
-Everyone has it and no one can lose it. What is it that always accompanies you?
Hammya didn't know if he was making fun or what, she didn't understand what he was saying. Therefore, he answered her with a question.
-What?
-It's a riddle. Would you mind answering?
-I still don't understand.
-You don't need to understand. Are you going to answer yes or no?
-Ah, then, I don't know. -I don't know.
-Thank you.
The boy took a notebook out of his pocket and put his book aside to take notes. Amidst the silence of the room, the sound of writing echoed in the air. Once he finished, he put his pencil away in his notebook and it in turn in his pocket, returning to the silence and his reading.
However, when he spoke, Hammya decided to continue the conversation and asked:
-What is your name?
There was no answer.
-What is your name?
He still did not answer.
Hammya patted his shoulder quickly again and again.
-Hey, what's your name?
He still got no answer. Instead, the boy turned the page in his book.
Hammya changed strategy and put her hand on his shoulder, starting to move it gently, then harder, and even shook it.
-Irritating.
Was the word that came from her lips.
-What?
The boy turned the page and continued.
-You're irritating," then he turned and looked her in the eyes, "and quite a lot.
-What's your name?
-Seriously, you give me more reason to hate you, emerald.
-What did you say to me?
Candado closed his book tightly, puffed out his chest and exclaimed:
-¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡EMERALD!!!!!!!!!!
The shout echoed throughout the school, reaching the ears of his friend Hector, who was lining up at the kiosk to buy something for him and something for Candado.
-I hope he didn't kill her," he said aloud, his hands in his pockets.
Meanwhile in the classroom.
-I hope this is enough," said Candado as he opened his book again to continue reading.
Hammya felt a shiver run through her body, but quickly recovered and asked again.
-What is your name?
-I'm not interested in establishing a friendship with you. I already have enough useless people by my side, I don't want one more, especially someone who wears a violet rose on his head.
-It was a gift, don't be cruel.
-Useless.
-Useless?
Candado turned around and was about to close his book.
-No, no, no, no, I get it, I get it.
-I'm glad. So, if you want to survive, don't take me out of my mind," he went back to his reading.
-But tell me your name.
Candado closed the book, brought his index and ring fingers to his eyes, he was already tired.
-If I tell you my name, will you shut up for once? I want to read.
-Yes.
The boy settled back, inhaled and exhaled, then turned and looked her straight in the eyes, with a serious, cold and indifferent expression.
-I am Candado Ernest Catriel Barret," then he returned to his reading.
-Is that you? -Hammya whispered in surprise.
Then she smiled.
-Did you say something?
-Nothing," then she cleared her throat and held out her hand.
-I am...
Candado shook his hand as he continued reading.
-You're Hammya Saillim, a.k.a. "Illusive pimp headache". It's disgusting to meet you," he then released her.
Hammya let out a giggle.
-I just insulted you, girl.
-I know, but it's funny," said Hammya, struggling in vain to hold back a laugh.
Candado said nothing and continued reading, plunging the room into silence again. However, she interrupted him.
-Excuse me...
-PLEASE! -Candado closed his eyes, frowned and continued, "If you speak again, I'm going to throw you out the window, chair and all.
After saying that, he relaxed and continued reading.
-But...
-¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡BY ISIDRO VELÁZQUEZ Y GAUNA!!!!
The shout resounded again throughout the school, making the principal's desk shake as he signed papers.
-That brat.
And, of course, the noise reached Hector's ears.
-Two in one day? I just hope the new student is alive, or at least in one piece.
-Next, please," said the newsagent.
-Oh, it's my turn," said Hector.
While in the classroom.
-Sorry.
-Make silence -then he put his left hand to his forehead- -My head.
-But...
-Shut up, don't ask me anything, don't comment, don't talk to me, just shut up.
With those words, Candado put an end to the conversation and returned to silence. However, something arose inside Hammya that made her uncomfortable; something unwelcome. She felt like going to the bathroom. She couldn't hold it much longer, she wanted to go, but she didn't have the slightest idea where she was. She wanted to ask Candado, but she was afraid because of the abrupt conversation they had had, but not enough, as finally, she decided to ask him. She put her hand on Candado's shoulder and held it there. Candado looked at her angrily; those eyes were terrifying. Hammya released him and Candado went back to his reading. Not a minute passed before she interrupted him again.
-Excuse me.
-AH! Ahoh ele! (Demon parrot) What do you want now?
-Could you tell me where the bathroom is?
Candado raised his left eyebrow and looked at him with a serious expression.
-Yes, of course. It's outside, where it's always been.
-Thank you, and one more thing.
-What? I hope it's important.
-Will you come with me?
-Why should I? -he asked irritably.
-Please.
Candado put his hand on his forehead and held it there for a while before giving an answer.
-No.
-Come on.
-NO! I TOLD YOU NO! -Candado closed his book tightly- -I DON'T KNOW YOU, LET ME BREATHE THE FUCKING FUCKING TIME! THERE IS NOTHING MORE BURDENING THAN TO INTERRUPT MY READING, ESPECIALLY IF THAT PERSON IS A TALKING TREE!
-But...
-If you say "but" again, you'll wish you hadn't even been a fetus.
Then he picked up his book, inhaled and exhaled repeatedly until he regularized his breathing.
-Have you calmed down?
-Yes," he answered calmly.
-Well, can you come with me now?
Candado leaned his head on the desk.
-Okay, I will, but please stop harassing me.
Candado stood up with his book under his arm and went to the classroom door.
-Come, please," he said as he massaged his head.
Hammya got up and followed him walking behind him.
-There it is," he said as he pointed his finger at the door, which was at the front of the classroom.
-Okay, thank you.
Candado nodded and was about to return to his seat, but Hammya stopped him by putting her hand on his shoulder again.
-What do you want now?
-Will you come with me, please?
-I want to die," Candado whispered to himself, "I don't know if you've noticed, but that's the women's bathroom," he said without turning around.
-I don't want you to go into the bathroom, I just want you to wait for me outside.
-Why the hell would I have to do that?
-Come on, please.
-You know, Hammya? I think I'm going to get neurasthenia because of you.
-Come on, just come with me, that's all, just for today, and I won't bother you anymore.
-I like your attitude, girl. You win, I'll go with you," she walked to the door, only to turn around and put her index finger on her forehead, "BUT! Just this once.
They both left the classroom. There were kids playing, running around and laughing, but that all changed when Candado came out of the classroom reading his book. All the kids stopped as if time had stopped. Whispers could be heard from the other boys like "What's going on in there?" "Is she out for recess?" "Is that woman going to be powerful?".
Before entering the bathroom, Hammya asked for Candado to wait for her outside. Then, she entered the bathroom.
Candado was leaning against the wall at the entrance waiting for Hammya to come out of the bathroom. To kill time, she started reading her book. However, the annoying stares of his companions were infuriating him more and more. Those eyes on him were equivalent to tons and tons of bricks being loaded on his back. One look from him was enough for everyone to resume their activities, and Candado, of course, remained focused on his reading.
The bell rang, signaling the end of recess, and in the blink of an eye, everyone had disappeared from the playground. Just in time, as Hammya came out of the bathroom wiping her hands on her clothes. Candado was looking at her with disgust, so he gave her a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe her hands properly.
-Don't be dirty," said Candado as he handed her a red handkerchief.
She took the handkerchief and began to dry her hands slowly. When she finished, she wanted to give it back to him, but he said she could keep it.
The two entered the living room, and as Candado was about to sit down, Lucas motioned with his hands for her to come closer. Reluctantly, Candado put the chair away under the table and walked over to Lucas.
-I heard you went out for recess.
-Wow, how rumors spread.
-No, not Candado, you really went out to recess, I saw you.
-Yeah, so what if I went out to recess? -Are they going to drag me over a rock or am I going to write a telegram?
-You haven't been out to recess for over two years, and this is the first time you've been out to recess.
-Fuck, it's only one recess that I go out, and it's already raising controversy all over the school, and I'm sure in the whole town too. It's just a break, Lucas, don't come to puff up my balls about it.
-You haven't been out since she left, I don't mean to imply that it's bad, just weird. That's why I'm surprised you went out today.
Her words made him very angry. He felt like hitting Lucas, but he restrained himself and simply walked away. Before he left, however, he turned and said:
-Tell the others that there will be a meeting at the House.
-What time?
Candado looked out the window and saw that it was beginning to rain heavily.
-Tell them to meet when the rain stops.
As he was about to return to his seat, his friend Hector signaled from his bench to hand him the soda he had asked for. Although it was on the other side of the classroom, Candado put aside his laziness and went to pick it up.
When he received his coke, he took the cap off and began drinking it immediately. Hector watched him as he drank the soda wildly, as if he had been in the Sahara desert.
-Easy, don't drown," said Hector.
-Sorry, I couldn't resist. I was thirsty.
-What's the matter? You seem to have caught a sunstroke.
-No, nothing like that. I got a little shiver (actually, I was quite stressed from the conversation with Hammya and Lucas), nothing more than that," he said as he patted the back of his head.
-Well, if you say so.
After that brief chat with his friend, Candado returned to his seat.
Classes continued and everyone went on with their homework, except for Candado, who used to finish his homework in just twelve minutes after the class started, so he spent more time reading than doing anything else. It was a hidden talent one could call it.
The bell rang at half past twelve, marking the end of classes. The boys in the classroom ran out of the school in the pouring rain, which Candado didn't quite understand. He said goodbye to Hector, who had an umbrella, while he waited for the rain to let up. As he waited, someone bumped into him. When he turned, he saw Hammya running very fast. Although he was intrigued he was glad to know that he wouldn't have to deal with her anymore, he just thought he would go home and....
-Hey Candado, come here, it's important! -Lucas shouted.
He stopped in the middle of the rain.
-Damn," he muttered.
So he went angrily and wetly back to the living room to look for Lucas. He opened both doors angrily.
-WHAT! -he shouted.
However, the room was empty, there were only tables and chairs.
-I'm in the other room," Lucas shouted.
Carefully, he closed the doors and went to the next room to repeat the same action.
-WHAT! -he shouted.
But again, there was no one there.
-OH GOD! I HAVE THINGS TO DO! WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?! -shouted Candado, more and more enraged.
-I'm in room 5°E.
That was the room in front, and as there was no roofed passage to get there, he knew he would get wet in the rain. Nor could he run without the risk of slipping.
So he walked forward in the rain. Finally he arrived at room 5°E, approached the door, completely soaked and furious as a cougar. He kicked the door hard, and it broke and fell to the floor. And there was Lucas, with an expression of astonishment on his face. Candado approached him with the intention of hitting him for the lost time.
He grabbed him by the collar of his robe with both hands and pulled him close to his face.
-Tell me, little scientist, playing with teleportation again? Speak, what was so important to make him come back? -said Candado while shaking him hard.
-Quiet, my friend, please, you're going to tear my robe," Lucas begged.
Candado stopped his action for a moment.
-It's okay, if you don't mind, I'm one of those who enjoy being on the floor," said Lucas with a nervous smile.
Candado let go and Lucas fell to the ground like a meteorite. He wondered what the hell he was wearing to fall so heavily. Maybe he was wearing armor.
Lucas is one of Candado's friends from first grade at that school. He has gray eyes, dark hair and coal-black skin. He is passionate about science and biology, always inventing something new and asking Candado to test it to verify if it is safe. He possesses powers such as fire control, teleportation and the ability to sense vibrations at distances of up to twenty-two kilometers. He dresses in a light blue shirt, white lab coat, red shirt, blue pointy tie, light brown dress pants, and dark brown lace-up shoes. He is also somewhat meticulous in his appearance, as is Candado.
-Well, what's it all about? -asked Candado. Lucas stood up, adjusting the collar of his robe.
-What's what about? -Lucas answered, dusting off his clothes.
-You called me! -He grabbed Lucas by the collar of his robe again and lifted him into the air.
-Did you really? -Lucas asked in surprise.
-You better remember and fast, because I wasted almost fifteen minutes of my valuable time talking to you," said Candado, shaking him hard.
-Oh, I remember, now please let me go," said Lucas fearfully.
-I hope this is not a joke," replied Candado as he put him down.
-Well, as you can see, it's raining hard and since your parents won't be able to come and pick you up, I made this for you," said Lucas as he handed him an umbrella.
However, Candado grabbed Lucas by the collar of his robe and lifted him up again.
-ARE YOU SERIOUS?! YOU MADE ME COME ALL THE WAY OUT HERE TO HAND ME AN UMBRELLA?! I COULD HAVE QUIETLY GONE HOME LONG AGO WHILE THE RAIN WAS LIGHT! -shouted Candado, shaking Lucas hard.
-Please stop, you're going to tear my robe, Candado" said Lucas dizzily.
Candado gently released him and fixed the collar of Lucas' robe.
-Although to tell the truth, thank you for being so thoughtful and giving me an umbrella," said Lucas accepting the gift.
-You're welcome, that's what friends do, although you could have started by being nice," he then folded his arms. I'm great, aren't I?
-And you, how are you going home?
-Don't worry, I created this," said Lucas as he pulled a device out of his pocket, two inches long and two inches wide, gray in color, with two buttons, one green in the shape of a circle and the other red in the shape of a triangle.
-What is that? -asked Candado, intrigued.
-Look, the Umbrella of the Future," said Lucas and pressed the green button.
Immediately, a closed, transparent, light blue sphere appeared, with Lucas inside.
-Fascinating, isn't it? I have created a device capable of attracting air and water molecules, which, when mixed, solidify and form this sphere of 1 meter and 30 centimeters, which acts as a shield against the outside, including rain. And the amazing thing is that, being made of air, I can't suffocate. Besides, the green button activates it and the red button deactivates it," Lucas explained excitedly.
-And why do the control buttons have such a strange shape? -asked Candado.
-For color blind people," answered Lucas proudly.
Lucas and Candado walked out of the school and, when the latter opened his umbrella, the drops falling on it resounded as if the water was hitting metal. Candado looked at Lucas, raising his left eyebrow.
-Hey, why is it making this noise, Lucas? Do you want to kill me by giving me a metal umbrella? -he asked sarcastically.
-You got me, I built an umbrella different from the ordinary ones, but it's not made of metal, no sir," said Lucas nervously.
-Oh no? Then what is it made of?
-Platinum, so you won't get struck by lightning," Lucas answered with some pride.
-Platinum? And where did you get the platinum?
-It's a secret.
Candado inhaled and then exhaled, opened his umbrella again while he saw Lucas walking inside his sphere with his hands in his pockets.
-Oh yes, be careful, Candado, that your umbrella doesn't get stolen, because it's very difficult to make a material of that caliber open and close like an umbrella.
-Yes, I'll be careful.
-What a sinister smile.
-Get out before I kill you.
-Don't say it with that smile," Lucas said before stepping forward. See you this afternoon, Candado," she said as she walked away from him into the sphere.
As the two took opposite directions, Candado began to think aloud, "Where the hell did he get platinum?".
As he walked through the streets of the town, almost no one was out due to the rain, but some shops remained open. Candado continued on his way until he reached the square, which was completely deserted. To get home faster, he opted to take a shortcut through the forest.
As he walked through that quiet place, he heard voices inside the forest, indicating a fight. Apparently, three boys between the ages of nineteen and twenty were involved. Candado initially planned not to pay attention to them, since if they caused trouble, Mauricio, who was in charge of the forest, would deal with them. However, a woman's cry for help changed his decision. He closed his umbrella so he could run through the forest, using the trees as cover. He moved quickly, following the laughter and cries for help.
When he arrived at the scene and witnessed the scene, Candado was outraged to see that the three teenagers were beating Hammya, a schoolmate and seatmate.
-HEY! STOP! -he shouted with determination.
-Get out, this is not your problem, kid," said one of them, pointing a six-shooter at him.
-You're going to regret this day, especially for pointing a goddamn gun at me.
-Please, a brat like you is no problem for the three of us," said another as he pulled Hammya's hair.
-Yes, go away and we won't hurt you," added a well-dressed boy.
-Dirty.
-YOU'RE WRONG, WE'RE NOT DIRTY! -replied another of the boys.
-We just like to bother people without discriminating their sex," clarified one of them.
-Idiots," muttered Candado, raising both eyebrows with contempt.
At that moment, one of the aggressors pulled out a knife, which, although rusty, looked lethal.
-Don't mock," he warned.
Candado became worried. He had never before been in a fight where someone was in danger. He began to devise a plan to save Hammya, knowing that one false move could make the situation worse.
Hammya began to struggle to free himself, until at one point he managed to stomp his foot with all his might on the assailant's foot, making him drop his weapon. The guy was already off guard, which was precisely what Candado needed. Without hesitation, he ran towards the assailant with the gun, moving as fast as he could. When he was as close as possible, he gave him a hard blow with the umbrella in his hand, sending the gun flying away. Then, he kicked the boy in the chest, throwing him backwards and causing him to collide with his companions. Then, he took Hammya's hand and helped her to her feet.
-Are you all right? -asked Candado with concern.
-Yes, I'm fine," Hammya answered between sobs.
-Okay, stay behind me," said Candado.
Hammya stood behind Candado, adopting a defensive posture. Meanwhile, the aggressors stood up and prepared to face Candado.
-Come on, you degenerates," said Candado with a defiant smile.
The three boys rushed towards him, each of them armed with a knife. Candado was not intimidated and advanced towards them with his umbrella. One of the assailants launched his first attack with his knife, but Candado deftly dodged it and struck him in the back with the umbrella, knocking him down. The second assailant attempted to attack from behind, but Candado quickly spun around, opening his umbrella to successfully parry the knife. The aggressor was taken aback by the unexpected defense and Candado took the opportunity to kick him in the chest, leaving him kneeling in pain.
Meanwhile, the third aggressor recovered and grabbed Candado by the arm, immobilizing him. However, Candado reacted quickly, throwing off his grip and countering with a strong punch. The aggressor who had initially been knocked down tried to intervene again, but Candado subdued him with a quick and accurate punch.
Finally, the leader of the group grabbed Candado's umbrella, trying to use it as a weapon.
-You're going to pay," he threatened, playing with the umbrella.
-Wow, I didn't expect to be cornered like this. Well, it looks like I'll have to use my secret weapon," said Candado with a serious smile.
He then lit his fists with a violet flame, which scared the attackers and made them let him go.
-Let the fun begin," said Candado, preparing to face them.
Candado defeated the two attackers who had restrained him and focused his attention on the leader of the group, his violet eyes blazing with a determined smile. Before he could act, however, the leader abandoned the fight and fled in fright, losing himself in the forest.
-Is that all? How boring," commented Candado with disdain.
Candado picked up his umbrella, adjusted his beret and turned to check Hammya's condition. However, he found her passed out on the ground. He ran to her quickly to check if she was hurt, removing one of his gloves to feel her pulse.
-Thanks to Isidro," he murmured with relief.
Then he put his gloves back on and looked around. To his surprise, Mauricio, his friend and protector of the forest, was leaning against a tree, eating a banana.
-Great, you did all this in just five minutes? -asked Mauricio with a smile, as he watched the scene.
-Ah, until you showed up, Mauricio," replied Candado, lifting Hammya carefully while holding her in his arms.
Mauricio, who had become Candado's friend five years ago, was the guardian and protector of the forest. An orphan with a brother and sister, according to him, he had been raised by the pombero. He had black hair and blue eyes, and wore a black field shirt, blue field pants, polished brown boots, a long orange poncho with yellow that came down to his legs, and a light brown cowboy-style hat. He carried a staff as a weapon, and had the power of teleportation, which only worked in places where there were trees.
Powers: Mauricio possesses unique abilities and supernatural powers derived from his relationship with the forest and nature. Some of these powers include the ability to talk to the dead, the ability to breathe underwater, the use of tree leaves as sharp blades, the ability to throw fire and water from his staff, and the ability to transform his body into diamond, giving him resistant protection.
Abilities: Mauricio is able to travel between distant locations, from Chaco to Ukraine, due to the presence of trees in both places, which allows him to use his teleportation power. He has also developed a special relationship with snakes, which allows him to sleep in a viper's nest without being attacked by them.
-I'm busy, if you want something come another time," said Candado while holding Hammya in his arms.
-No, for now I don't need anything from you, I just came to help," said Mauricio as he opened the umbrella over Candado's head to prevent him from getting wet.
-Well, if you want to help me, carry Hammya for a moment," said Candado as he placed the girl in Mauricio's arms.
-What are you going to do, Candado? -asked Mauricio nervously.
-Okay, just put Hammya on my back, so it's easier to carry her," said Candado.
Mauricio stood behind Candado and carefully put Hammya on his back.
-Where do you plan to take this "fairy", comrade? -said Mauricio with a smile.
-I plan to take her to the village police station. Damn, how I'd like to leave her lying there, but I can't.
-Well, be careful, buddy," said Mauricio as he disappeared in front of Candado's eyes using his teleportation power.
Candado raised his umbrella high, placed it over him and Hammya, and started walking east to get out of the forest and to the police station. It took him four minutes to get out of the bush. Candado had a hard time carrying Hammya; he didn't know why he was so heavy. It seemed as if she was carrying a backpack full of rocks. Was it because she didn't exercise? Or because she had put on weight? I really didn't know.
After a long walk through town, she finally arrived at the police station. Since he had his hands full holding Hammya, he decided to give the door a little kick so they would hear him. Fortunately, one of the policemen answered and opened the door for him.
-Excuse me," said Candado as he entered the police station.
-What happened to that girl, Candado? -asked Cacho, one of Candado's father's friends, as he took the umbrella from him.
-Don't worry, her life is not in danger, she only has some serious blows and injuries.
-Who were they? -Cacho asked as he placed Hammya carefully on his bed.
-Some teenagers from a private school," answered Candado while massaging the back of his neck.
-You didn't kill them, did you, Candado? -asked Cacho as he began to bandage Hammya's wounds.
-No, no one died. And why are you asking that question in the first place? Have I ever killed anyone?
-... Thank goodness.
-Cacho... Well, whatever. I've got to go.
-Where...? -Where...?
-I'm going to the guild, since the rain has stopped," said Candado as he closed the door behind him.
Candado left the police station without his umbrella, as the rain had stopped. He was on his way to the cabin, but at that moment he felt hungry, so he decided to go to eat at José's restaurant.
As he peeked through one of the store's windows, Candado saw that there were very few people inside, only five people to be more precise.
-I'm in luck," Candado muttered under his breath.
He entered the restaurant, wiped his feet with a piece of cardboard that was at the entrance and then went to the table next to the window that overlooked the street. Siro, one of José's sons, approached to take his order.
-I want a milanesa, nothing else.
-Well, what about a drink? -Siro asked as he wrote down.
-Yes, a cola soda.
-We'll bring it to you right away," said Siro as he left.
As he waited, Candado looked out the window, although he wasn't really looking at anything in particular. He always saw the same view, but he wasn't complaining. After all, living in a town where everyone gets along is a pretty nice thing to do.
While Candado waited for his food in the restaurant, Hammya opened his eyes. It had been an hour since she had woken up in a strange place, at least strange to her. She looked around in confusion. The room was almost deserted, with only a fan on the ceiling spinning slowly. She looked at herself in a mirror beside her and examined herself carefully. He had bandages on his forehead and elsewhere. He got out of bed and cautiously approached a metal door. He opened it and looked around. A dark corridor stretched out in front of her, with open doors and a light coming from one of them. Hammya walked towards the lighted door and entered. Inside she saw a few things: a dog lying under a chair, a TV on, and an old man playing dice.
Hammya approached the old man and gently tugged on his arm sleeve.
-Excuse me.
After a while, the old man threw the dice, which stopped on the table, showing four sixes.
-AHA! -exclaimed the old man as he banged the table. See, Yoya, twenty-four. I'm really lucky today.
-Excuse me, where am I? -Hammya asked.
-You are at the village police station," replied the old man with a smile.
-How did I get here?
-Commander brought you here. I was about to call your parents, but I got distracted by this, sorry.
Hammya did not pay attention to the last part of his answer and repeated his question.
-Who brought me here? Sorry.
-Well, it was Candado.
-How? -I don't remember.
-Of course, you were unconscious, baby.
-What happened to me, sir? -Hammya asked while touching the bandage on her head.
-Oh, just some scratches you had. You should thank that boy who saved you by the skin of your teeth," said the old man as he stroked her head.
As the old man stroked Hammya, he looked into a corner by the exit door and saw an umbrella, the same one that Candado had used when he helped her in the forest.
-Is that...? -Hammya asked, pointing to the umbrella with her hand.
-Yes, it belongs to that boy.
-Did he forget? -Hammya whispered.
-That boy has a habit of leaving his things here, as if it were his home," said the old man, rubbing his eyes with his thumb and forefinger.
-Where did he go?
-He told me he was going to the cabin," said the old man as he looked at the ceiling.
-Where is that cabin?
-Of course, I forgot you're new here. It's in the forest, it's not far from here. I'm sure you'll find it.
-Thank you, sir...
-My name is Adolfo Lopez, but everyone calls me Cacho," said the old man as he walked Hammya to the door.
-Well, see you later, Adolfo.
-It would be better if you call me Cacho," he said with a smile as he opened the door.
Hammya tried to follow Candado and find the cabin, but the task would not be easy, as he did not know the town well. He walked through the deserted streets of the place, looking for the house, until he passed in front of the restaurant window and thought he saw Candado. He took a few steps back and confirmed that it was him. She stared at him for a while, but when he turned around, Hammya quickly ducked out of sight, not knowing exactly why she did so. However, it seemed like a timely decision after he looked toward the window. She continued to watch him as he ate, switching from looking for him to return the umbrella to spying on him, an idea she found curious.
When Candado finished eating and looked at his watch, he noticed the time.
-Damn, it's 14:38, it's already very late.
Candado jumped up and ran to the counter, shouting, "The check!
-THE BILL! THE BILL! THE BILL! THE BILL, DAMMIT!
A black-haired man came out of a doorway and approached the counter to serve him. Hammya did not understand the words they were exchanging, but he could sense that Candado was annoyed.
-YOU'RE KIDDING ME! IT'S A BIG ROBBERY! -exclaimed Candado.
Then, Candado took out two hundred pesos from his wallet and paid the man. He then hurried out of the restaurant. Hammya decided to follow him discreetly. He ran after him through the empty streets of the town until Candado stopped on a street where a truck was unloading goods for a greengrocer. Hammya hid behind a billboard while Candado watched the truck, blocking his vision.
-Goddamn it, today was supposed to be Friday, for fuck's sake," exclaimed Candado. Then he looked at the street corner. I know.
Candado turned left and began to run with determination. Hammya followed him closely, until they entered the forest. He followed Candado for a few minutes until they finally came to a log cabin, similar in size to a family home, painted a soft shade of light blue.
Candado reached the front door of the cabin and stopped in front of it.
-Oh, where are my keys?
For his part, Hammya walked around the house and reached the back door. He tried to open it, but it was locked. Then she noticed an open window with red curtains to her right. With a leap, he managed to reach the window and held onto the frame to enter. He succeeded and entered the house. It looked like he had entered a meeting room, as there was a long table covered with a black tablecloth and thirteen chairs around it. As he scanned the room, he heard voices on the other side of the only door in the room. He crept over and peeked through the keyhole. He saw Candado conversing with some boys. He heard snatches of their conversation.
-Finally, we thought you weren't coming.
-There were some setbacks," said Candado.
-Thank goodness, because me and my sister were about to leave.
-Well, let's get started," interrupted Candado.
The boys headed for the door where Hammya stood. Quickly, he hid under the table. The boys' voices were getting closer and closer, and Hammya slowly backed away. However, she bumped into someone and, turning around, found a blonde girl sitting cross-legged with a smile on her face. Hammya was startled and was about to scream, but the girl covered her mouth with her right hand and, with her left hand, brought a finger to her lips, instructing her to keep quiet.
-Shhhh, don't make noise," whispered Ana Maria.
Hammya pulled her hands away from her mouth.
-Who are you? -she asked, confused.
-I am Ana Maria Pucheta," she answered, squeezing Hammya's hand tightly.
It was strange to meet her in this situation, but as the saying goes, "you never know what will happen in your life".
-Look, if you're planning to hide under the table, it's not a good idea.
Saying that, Ana Maria took Hammya's hand and lifted it up, depositing it inside a cabinet that was next to the table.
-Don't worry, it has holes in it so you can breathe and see outside. So goodbye for now," he said as he closed the closet door with Hammya inside.
Just then, Candado and his friends entered the room.
-As I was saying, you can't but.... -Candado started, but stopped when he noticed Ana Maria there. Ah, Ana, you were already here?
-Of course, you know me, I'm always on time," said Ana Maria with a smile and pointing to her chest with her thumb.
-I don't know why you're bragging. In case you haven't noticed, you're the one who's the most late," said Candado as he looked for his seat at the end of the table.
-Of course, I forgot," replied Ana María, leaning her head forward with a sad tone.
-Well, since we are all present, I am going to talk about a topic.....
-Viki is missing, Candado," interrupted another boy raising his hand.
Candado took a green rubber ball out of his pocket and threw it hard at the boy. The boy ducked quickly, and the ball flew out the window behind him.
-Aha, you missed. Suck on that tangerine," the boy mocked with a laugh.
-I think you're going to eat that tangerine, my friend," replied Candado while holding a control with a lever in his hand.
Candado moved the lever back carefully, and mysteriously the ball that had gone out of the window came back hitting the boy in the back of the head and making him fall towards the table.
-That hurt," whispered Hammya.
-It hurt.
Everyone applauded Candado for this incredible feat.
-Well, I knew this useless "made in Lucas" invention would work for me," said Candado as he put the ball and the controller in a drawer in the corner cabinet.
-Hey, more respect for my inventions.
-Well, now that Matlotsky's interruption is over, I'll continue. I called you today because I have information to give you. Esteban and his comrades are planning....
-Oh come on, that's boring, Canda.
The voice belonged to an adult and came from a place Hammya could not see. He tried to move a little to get a better view, but only managed to see the legs crossed and raised on the table.
-For God's sake, first Matlotsky and now you, don't fuck around, Tínbari! -exclaimed Candado angrily.
-It's no big deal, Candado. After all, we have an unexpected visitor," said the strange man in a calm and serene voice.
-What kind of visitor? -asked a boy with an Irish accent.
-The "I have no idea" kind of visitor, but she's here right now, hiding," replied the man in the same calm tone.
Hammya was frightened, and huddled in the back of the closet with both hands over her mouth to avoid being seen or heard. However, her curiosity led her to look again, and she noticed that everyone in the room was drawing weapons except Candado.
-Impossible, I don't sense any magical souls in this house," said Candado.
-Well, why don't we ask her? -proposed the strange voice.
-Her? -asked Hector.
-Yes, her. Come on, don't be shy," replied the mysterious voice.
Suddenly, an invisible force pulled Hammya out of the cabinet and made her fall in the middle of the table. The impact caused pain in her head, so she rubbed her temple. In the blink of an eye, she found herself with two swords pointed at her neck, a nail gun on her forehead, a fireball near her abdomen and a claw on her right hip.
-Who are you and what do you want? -asked the people pointing the guns at her.
-Well, I... I just happened to be passing by.... -Hammya began to say nervously.
She was in trouble, Hammya knew that if she didn't give a convincing answer, she could be in danger. She could feel the tension in the air, and the look in the eyes of those around her.
-That's enough, she's not an enemy, she's just a fool who decided to butt in where she's not wanted," Candado interjected without hesitation.
-Yes, leave her alone. She is Hammya," added Ana Maria.
The five people who had her surrounded put away their weapons once they knew her name. Hammya turned to look at the man who seemed to know of her presence, but found only an empty chair.
-Why are you here? -asked Candado as he approached her with his hands in his pockets and a look full of fury, suspicion and darkness. It was a look she had never seen before, as if his eyes were weapons in themselves. As he approached, his companions stepped aside to make way for him.
-I'm going to ask you again. What are you doing here? -insisted Candado.
Hammya tried to answer his question, but to be honest, she had completely forgotten why she was there in the first place. So she simply answered:
-I don't know.
Candado did not seem satisfied with that answer, and Hammya feared that he might start yelling at her at any moment.
-I've never seen anyone as dumb as Matlotsky...", Candado began to say. -Hammya started to say, but Hammya stopped paying attention.
While Candado was lecturing her, Ana Maria, the same girl who had put her in the closet, was beckoning from behind everyone. Hammya remembered why she was there and decided to interrupt Candado's boring lecture.
-Wait, I know why I'm here," Hammya announced.
-Well, I'm listening," replied Candado, arching an eyebrow.
Hammya ran over to Ana Maria and handed her the umbrella.
-I came here to return your umbrella," she said as she handed it to him.
Candado, upon receiving it, began to get nervous, and his nervousness increased when Lucas came up behind him.
-Hey, isn't that the umbrella I lent you? -Lucas asked, extending his hand.
-I'm Lucas, Benjamin Lucas. Thanks for returning the umbrella," he added as he accepted the umbrella from Hammya.
-Yes, no problem," Hammya replied, relieved to have clarified the situation.
Lucas then turned and turned his gaze to Candado.
-"Well, there are definitely two types of people in this world: those who are good and give things back, and those who receive expensive and difficult to make inventions only to abandon them somewhere else.
-Yes, isn't it? Who could it be? Could it have been you, Matlotsky? -said Candado, resting his right hand on his chin.
Matlotsky looked at Candado and exclaimed:
-HEY, I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!
Then Lucas brought his forehead close to Candado's and exclaimed in an exasperated tone:
-I WAS TALKING ABOUT YOU!
-Me? But I didn't leave him lying around. He was at the police station, the "safest place there is" -Candado answered, making quotation marks in the air with his fingers.
-You know very well what I mean," said Lucas as he pointed his index finger at Candado's chest.
Candado pushed Lucas' hand away from his chest and turned to Hammya.
-Well, now that everything is clear, you can leave," said Candado.
-WAIT! -Since she is here, why don't we introduce ourselves?
Candado sighed and, crossing his arms, replied with a nod:
-All right, you may introduce yourselves.
The people in the room settled down a bit and began to introduce themselves one by one. Hammya listened intently as each shared their name and a few words about themselves. As she listened to them, she began to understand that she had entered a strange and unfamiliar situation, surrounded by a diverse group of individuals.