Things got tense in the Rooboleo guild after that mysterious call. Nobody wanted Candado to go to meet this Nelson, but they themselves did not dare to tell him not to go, because they were afraid that it would sound like an order, and Candado does not like orders, and much less from the people who give them, because he could get angry, and that gave a huge fear to the group. It was clear that it could be a trap, but they were talking about Candado, "The boy who feels no pain", at least that's how he was known by his enemies, and with that name it explained everything. Who would face someone who is not afraid of being hurt? It's very scary. But there was also the possibility that he could be dangerous. Previously, Candado had been in serious danger on two occasions with mercenaries and with the Circuits. So they took confidence and told him because their friend's life was in danger.
-Candado, are you sure about going there with an unknown individual? -German asked.
-Yes, I am," said Candado.
-Even if he seems to be an assassin paid by the Circuitos or any other agency? -asked Hector.
-Even more so, since it would be interesting," said Candado with an attempt at a smile.
-Even if it's dangerous? -asked Hammya.
-Of course it is," Candado reaffirmed.
-Even if they kill you and I'm left in charge of chopping you up dead so I can sell your organs and make a lot of money by selling them at a higher price to the Circuits to use as a trophy?
-Matlotsky... Shut up, because nothing intelligent ever comes out of you when you talk," said Candado, "I don't know what you're so worried about, if anything gets out of hand, I promise to call you. Don't get all wrinkled and fussed up about it.
Soon after, he left the guild and headed for his favorite restaurant to meet up with the fellow named Nelson, passing through the woods and sidewalks, looking up at the cloudless sky, and thinking that it had rained yesterday. That's how strange the weather is in the Chaco. As he was walking, Tínbari appeared to him and started asking questions.
-Does it seem right to you?
-Right what?
-To follow this path, remember that you don't know him and it is more likely that he will try to kill you. It could cause your own death or worse.
-Worse? -Double death?
-I'm serious, Candado. It might be dangerous and I would have to help you in a prominent danger.
-Prominent, you say? What can a person do to me? Nothing, absolutely nothing.
Between discussion and discussion, Candado did not realize that, the more he talked, the closer he got to the restaurant, until, in the blink of an eye, he was already at the door of the restaurant.
-How fast, I didn't even notice.
-Are you sure you want to go ahead?
-I told you, pay more attention," said Candado grumpily.
-Ha, as you wish. Good luck... boy," said Tínbari with a mocking tone as he disappeared.
-Oh, shut up and leave it to me.
When he entered the restaurant, it was empty, there were no customers. To Candado this didn't seem like something to call attention to, so he went to the table where he always sat to wait for that guy.
Waiting there was boring for him, and nobody attended him, until the waiter Luan passed by, whom Candado disliked very much because he had told him that his way of serving customers was cretinous.
-Service, please.
Luan stopped and looked at Candado.
-I'm busy, there are many customers here," said Luan in annoyance.
-Listen to me, redhead, there's nobody, I'm the only one here.
-Sorry, I'm busy.
-Who are you busy with? If there's no one.
-For you there is nobody, for me there are many people," said Luan haughtily.
-Oh, yeah? Look at you, man, so the master doesn't care about my money, but he cares about imaginary money. I didn't know that you, Luan, were a schizophrenic, is that why you dropped out of school?
Saying this, Luan got so upset that he left the restaurant with the tray in his hand and saying:
-God help you, asshole.
As Luan left, a jovial laugh could be heard coming from behind Padlock's back.
-You're a little rough with people, don't you think? -said the laughing voice behind his back.
Candado turned around.
-Excuse me? And who are you? -asked Candado.
-Me? I'm the one who called you on the phone.
-Are you Nelson?
-That's right, Candado, I'm the one who summoned you to this place," he said as he sat down at the same table as Candado.
The Nelson in front of him was an elderly man with blue eyes, a small scar on his chin, white hair with brown sideburns, a white Candado mustache, a white lab coat like the one Lucas wears, a light blue shirt with a black tie, brown pants and brown shoes. He wore a wooden cane with a diamond orb.
-Hello, boy.
-I came here to find out who killed my grandfather, not to drink coffee and talk about unimportant things. Now tell me, who did it?
-You look just like your grandfather, same clothes, same beret, but he didn't wear those white gloves, he wore brown ones.
-Wait, you knew my grandfather? -Candado asked, surprised.
-I was his best friend when I was your age, and I still am, until now.
-So, tell me, if you really are his best friend, how is it possible that I heard about you from him?
-Well, that's because Alfred always used an animal pseudonym and mentioned a "yarará" when telling you about his adventures, isn't it?
At that moment, Candado began to remember all the stories his grandfather used to tell him when he was little. The story was always repetitive with respect to the characters, they were always the same: the red lion, the turtle, the armadillo, the pigeon, the rooster, the lynx, the rhea and the yarará. They were always the heroes in Candado's grandfather's stories, and they were the same animals that fought against a malevolent hawk. For Candado, this was very strange, since only three people in the world knew that story: Candado, Gabriela (deceased) and his mother.
-How do you know that? -asked Candado, slowly and carefully taking his hand behind his back, clutching his facon.
-Because it was me who gave him that idea, although the animals he mentioned were created by him, not me.
-How do I know you are who he says you are? -asked Candado, still with his hand on his facon.
-If you don't believe me, then I'll have to give you proof. When Alfred gave you his beret, he whispered something in your ear, didn't he?
-Yes, it's true," said Candado, slowly taking his facon out of its sheath.
-He said: "Happy birthday, my violet gaucho. Then he put his beret on your head. I know because he told me himself on the phone," he said with a smile on his face.
When Candado heard that, he put away his facon and, to disguise it, took a piece of gum out of his pocket with a fake smile and raised eyebrows.
-Great, you are who you say you are, because when he told me this, we were alone.
Just then, Luan and Siro's younger sister, Susana, the waitress, came by to take their orders.
Just at that moment, Luan and Siro's younger sister, Susana, the waitress, came by to ask for their orders.
-Would you like something to drink? -Susana asked.
-Yes, I would like a chacolí, please.
-Aha, what about you, Candado? -Susana asked.
-Nothing, thank you," said Candado, lifting his beret but with a cold expression on his face.
-I'll be right back," said Susana with a smile.
Then the waitress went back to the kitchen.
-Chacoli? Are you Chilean by any chance?
-No, I'm Argentinean, but I like chacolí.
-Well, you have shown me proof that you are indeed a friend of my grandfather's, but what were you as a child?
-I was a member of the Rooboleo guild, I was vice-president when I was a kid and a member of the O.M.G.A.B. or Bernstein Organization," said Nelson as he showed his badge to Candado.
-Well, it's a little faded, but it's clear evidence. Now tell me, who murdered my grandfather?
-Your grandfather's death is related to this," said Nelson as he slid a silver hawk into Candado hands.
-Agents," he said with disgust.
-Do you know them? Then this makes it easier.
-Is it related?
-Yes, it's related, because this badge belongs to a man named Greg.
-Greg? Is he the one who killed my grandfather?
-Yes, I'm sure it was him, but he wasn't alone, there were about three other people with him, one of them was a minor.
At that moment, the waitress Susana came with Nelson's chacolí wine.
-Here you are, sir," said Susana as she uncorked the bottle and then left.
Nelson grabbed the bottle and, instead of pouring it into the glass next to him, decided to drink directly from the bottle.
-Would you mind showing a little more manners? -said an unfamiliar voice.
-Who said that? -asked Candado, looking in all directions.
-It was me, is there a problem? -said a very small girl, about the size of a baby's hand, coming out of Nelson's breast pocket.
When she said that, she began to climb with difficulty towards the table, without Nelson's help, as he was busy drinking his wine. When she arrived, Candado could see her clearly. She had long flowing blonde hair, black eyes with bright blue circles in them, was wearing black gaucho bloomers, dark brown boots, a long-sleeved white shirt, a smart black vest, a red handkerchief wrapped around her neck and a little light blue hat on her head.
-What are you supposed to be? -Candado asked, with a cold expression on his face.
-I am your worst nightmare, Goliath.
-Oh, I'd like to know, how can a gnome be as powerful as a nightmare? -asked Candado with his same cold expression.
-What did you call me? Sewer rat.
After the girl said that, Candado gently pushed her with his index finger, and she fell sitting on the floor. When she stood up, she pulled a knife from her back with tremendous hatred towards Candado, then she started to run to get to him, but he cunningly grabbed the salt shaker and put it in front of her, by the time the girl realized it, it was too late because she had slammed herself against the salt shaker, making her fall back to the ground.
-Wow, what a frantic and long fight," said Candado sarcastically.
-Ha, you're very funny.
-What is this thing?
-She? Her name is Grivna and, like Clementina, she's a robot, only mine is a smaller model and a flash drive.
-Well, that solves the mystery of her being a bit silly not to stop when she saw a salt shaker," said Candado sarcastically.
-I don't understand.
-No, what I don't understand is how you know about Clementina and, more to the point, how you knew she was a robot.
-Well, because the plans to make her were created, designed and drawn by me, but the merit is not mine, since the one who sweated when making her was Alfred.
-Really?
-Of course, Alfred was never good at making plans or drawing them, so he would throw ideas at me and I would draw as he told me.
-Well, I'm liking this and all, but the question I was going to ask you was how do you know it was Greg? -Candado challenged.
When Candado asked him this, Nelson stopped smiling and moved closer to the table with a serious and scary attitude, but not for Candado, as he never felt intimidated or scared when an adult looks at him that way.
-Tell me, boy, what do you know about the 2000 incident?
-I know that place mysteriously caught fire, although I don't think that's what it was. I think my grandfather was hiding something else from me.
-Alfred always told me that you didn't believe what he told you. God knows how, but it's true, there wasn't a fire," he went on. It was something much worse. I remember it very well. It was during a rainy night outside. A gentleman named Greg had a great hatred for Alfred, as he had the same goal: to travel to Cotorium.
-I don't understand, are there people who know about that planet, and if so, how?
-Yes, boy, but there are not several, and answering that... Ahhhmmmmmm, do you have a Bari? -asked Nelson.
The question took Candado by surprise; he and only his friends were the only ones who knew the Bari.
-How do you know that?
-It's simple, your grandfather had one. His name was Slonbari," said Nelson smiling.
-Did you know that?
-Yes, of course. I was a friend of your grandfather's from a very young age.
-Hell, that hadn't crossed my mind. I mean, I thought they came with that meteorite," he said sarcastically.
-Now, after saying all that, would you show me your Bari? -said Nelson confidently.
Candado was totally puzzled. He had always believed that he and his family were the only ones who knew of the existence of the Bari in the world. So he began to distrust the old man who was telling him the whole story.
-What can you guarantee me that you are not up to something? -I thought that had already been cleared up. Am I still suspicious? -Forgive me, I still don't trust you, even though you told me something that only me and my grandfather knew. But whatever you are telling me is one of the biggest secrets of the Rooboleo guild.
-Well thought, we can solve all your doubts if you ask your Bari. -I will," said Candado.
He then, with his index and middle finger, touched his forehead and whispered while looking at Nelson attentively: "That which the human fears, come here, I command you". These were Candado words. As he finished his monologue, Tínbari appeared in an explosion of smoke that only he could see.
-Why did you call me? -asked Tínbari. Candado, without taking his eyes off Nelson, began to speak telepathically with Tínbari.
-I called you because this man claims to know or know the Bari. Tínbari looked the old man up and down with a smile on his face. You could almost tell that Tínbari was very interested to know how the fuck he did it.
-Don't worry, Candado, he's legit. I saw no traces of hatred, revenge or murderous intent towards you," said Tínbari.
Candado hesitated a little, but made up his mind, took off one of his white gloves and extended his hand to Nelson. Nelson put one of his fingers in Candado's palm and immediately he could see Tínbari. To Candado's surprise, Nelson was not startled or surprised, but saw him with a smile of victory, like a child at Christmas or on his birthday.
-Interesting," exclaimed Nelson.
After saying that, the old man looked at his watch.
-Well, folks, it's time to go," he said as he grabbed the still unconscious Grivna.
-What the hell, that's it, I show you my Bari and it's over? -No, nothing is over, this is just beginning, kid, keep that in mind," said Nelson as he handed Candado a card.
-And what is this? -Candado asked as he looked at the card.
-That's a contract. If you are interested, call me, and if not, don't call me, obviously," said Nelson smiling as he left the restaurant.
-Ha, that's my three minutes wasted," said Tínbari as he watched the old man walk away.
Candado stood up and walked towards the exit of the restaurant, sinking in the intrigue that card emanated. It was the first time he was in a situation like this, not knowing what decision to make, as he was more than sure it could be detrimental to him and the guild. So to think about the situation some more, he decided to go home to rest his brain. He thought it would be a good idea not to tell what happened in the restaurant to his friends, but that would be short-lived, as his friends would take action for Candado's sake, and they would be the ones to make the decision for him.
While he was thinking about all this, he had not realized that he had arrived at Diana's forest. That meant only one thing: trouble. Every time he set foot in that place, he would end up fighting with her, and he, at that moment, didn't want to talk or fight with her. So he turned around and slowly made his way back to the sidewalk from whence he had come. But since Tínbari wanted to have fun for a while and Candado had not pronounced the Roobóleo language to disappear or not to be organic, he took a twig and bent it until it broke, causing a big echo throughout the forest. Candado looked at Tínbari with colossal fury, and Tínbari just laughed and said:
-Oops, I broke it.
Then he vanished, just as a strange figure jumped out of a grove of trees and attacked Candado with a scythe, knocking him to the ground while he used his facon as a defense. The curious thing is that Candado showed no expression of fright or surprise, but had the same cold expression on his face.
-Oh, wow, I didn't think you would defend yourself so soon," said Diana.
-It's just that if I don't, you're more likely to kill me," said Candado with his cold expression.
-You weren't supposed to block it," said Diana.
-Diana, you're out of your mind if you think I'm going to let you kill me," said Candado as he stood up.
-Hey, you're in my area, so I'm attacking you, since no one comes by these days," said Diana as she polished her scythe.
Diana: She is Mauricio's sister and also claims to be the pombero's daughter. She is extreme in matters of fighting, going so far as to kill her opponent, which makes her have few rivals and practice partners. She is cheerful, mocking, sadistic and psychopathic. She wears dark panties with yellow leather boots, an orange and light blue poncho identical to Mauricio's, a red glove on one hand and a white hat. He has long blond hair, with the ends dyed black, and green eyes that glow in the dark. He also has pointed ears. He plays and trains with Candado and loves to prepare new meals for his friends, especially Logan and Mauricio. Unlike the latter, instead of a staff, he uses a scythe and can make it grow to a very large size.
Power: She has powers similar to Mauricio's, except those emanating from her staff. She is so fast that she can stop time, take the form of several animals (cat, dog, owl, frog and hamster), transform into sand and stretch her limbs up to a thousand meters high.
Abilities: Uses his laugh as an intimidating weapon, has a very venomous pet scorpion that he can grow to the size of a dog, and can bite someone to paralyze them.
-And how's that going?
-What is it?
-You know, the Viki thing, has she learned to control her thirst yet? -Diana asked disinterestedly.
-No, and the worst thing is that I received a summons from the Rechép guild, from La Pampa, saying that my "guest" has been killing the cattle of the farmers," said Candado looking up with concern.
-And what will you do?
-Nothing, and I am not going to transfer her to another province, as it is a huge cost for my family and me.
-I hope your decision will cause problems for the people of the Pampa.
-Ja, nothing is going to happen. You didn't steal the bite from the humble peasants, you took ONE COW from those shitty ranchers. They will be able to recover that and more of that "Ferrari cow in danger of extinction" at a poronga price.
-Well, if I knew you were so hysterical, I wouldn't have commented," said Diana as she pulled her scythe out of the ground.
-It's just stupid, they just want to get money out of me, these "overthrowing governments"," said Candado more annoyed.
-Oh, yes that's interesting, but I would also denounce you or kill you directly if you stole, or rather killed something of my property," said Diana as she walked with Candado in the forest.
-That's the point, Viki kills and eats a cow to, obviously, feed himself, but it's only one and for that cow they want me to pay thirty five million pesos, they are crazy.
-Well, it's not that much for someone who has four million pesos minute by minute.
-Yes, that's true, but that doesn't mean I throw away thirty-five million pesos. -Ha, yes you can, because you can get twice as much back in just six seconds," said Diana as she played with Candado's beret.
-You are unbearable Diana, I don't understand how Logan and Mauricio put up with you," said Candado taking off his beret.
-Well, in fact I am superficial when it comes to talk to them.
-I'm sick and tired of listening to your "well," improvise," replied Candado.
-No, because I speak the way I want, if I want to put a "well" to the sentence I put it and that's it. -Well, do what you want.
So they were arguing about useless topics for more than thirty minutes, until they finally arrived at his house. Well, almost, since they had reached the back garden (since he has two, plus one on the roof and one in the front).
-Well, that's as far as we got.
Candado said nothing, just nodded his head. But when he was about to enter the garden, Diana, who was already moving away, turned around and attacked Candado with her scythe. However, Candado, without turning around, parried the blow with his facon.
-Seriously, you should stop attacking everyone," advised Candado. -I'll try," said Diana, withdrawing her scythe with a smile.
When the psychopath moved a considerable distance away, Candado headed for the six-meter garden wall and jumped to cross to the other side, using his powers, since an ordinary child could not jump that high. When he reached the courtyard, Clementina and Hammya were waiting for him with their arms crossed and angry, and Candado didn't understand why they were upset, but he did know that it would make his day.
-Well, I don't want to know what happened, but something deep in my "curious nature" pushes me to know why they are looking at me with those bulldog faces.
-You seem to be in a good mood this afternoon," said Clementina angrily.
-Oh no, it's not late yet, it's 11:36 am.
-Well, now, stop joking around," replied Clementina.
-What?
-You called Hammya an "ally" in that meeting? And you abandoned your post to meet with a stranger, knowing that your life could be in danger?
-Well, regarding Hammya, it is true that you are not human, since the structure of your organs is different from that of a human, your cells are different, not to mention that you have a heart rate of 180 to 200," he continued with, "And to answer your question, Clementina, it is because I don't give a damn what could happen to me, I am used to my life being in danger.
After answering the questions in his own way, Candado went to the door that connected the garden with the house, regardless of the fact that Clementina was not very satisfied with the answer. But Candado didn't care, because Clementina was not programmed to give orders to him. However, that didn't stop her from using tricks of her operating system to get him under her control, because, even though she was a robot, she knew what it was like to be angry.
-Well, I wonder what you're going to do with the O.M.G.A.B. subpoena," said Clementina, smiling.
When she said that, Candado stiffened for a brief moment, in "astonishment", so to speak. Candado lately had not had time to comply with subpoenas. In the past, he had brutally beaten a boy representing the United States because the boy had insulted his family, and Peron, which resulted in a grave error in messing with the Barret family icon. This incident infuriated Candado and, in his anger, he attacked the boy. This made a fool of the O.M.G.A.B., as it implied that the guild could not think differently. This led the other member nations to call for the expulsion of Candado from the organization. However, since he was the representative of Argentina, one of the pioneer countries in the founding of the O.M.G.A.B. and a valuable member for the other eight countries (China, Kenya, Japan, Paraguay, France, Iran, Germany, Venezuela and Cuba), they did everything possible to avoid his expulsion. They advised Candado not to return to the organization for a while and that in order to resolve his aggression towards the fussy boy he would have to perform "special service" every time he received one of the summonses. This incident became known as Candado first mistake in life, which is why every time he is reminded of it, he gets upset.
-And will you do something about it? -asked Clementina mockingly and taking out a red letter with a white lion seal.
-Girl, one of these days I'm going to format your memory," said Candado with a fake laugh as he took the letter.
Hammya broke in.
-Wait, tell me how you know all that information about me, that I'm an alien and stuff.
-I see it's not the first time you've been told that.
-Actually, no," Hammya said, remembering what Tynbari had told him.
-It's simple, I studied you while you were sleeping. If you don't believe me, look at your stomach," said Candado as he turned over.
Hammya, upon hearing this, lifted up her nightgown exposing her abdomen. To her surprise, on it was a tiny line made with a black marker, as if it was a pre-incision.
-Why did you do this to me? -Hammya asked, overwhelmed and terrified at the sight of her abdomen.
-You don't think someone as suspicious as me would let someone sleep under my roof without having studied her first.
-There was no reason to cut open my abdomen with a knife.
-Don't worry about the incision. I made sure to disinfect the utensils," he said, still without turning around.
-WHY? -Hammya shouted.
-Because I am diabolical," said Candado turning around with a cold expression on his face.
Saying this, Hammya, already annoyed, was about to punch him in the face, but Candado stopped the blow with his counter palm, keeping his expression empty.
-Girl, it was a joke. Of course I didn't open your abdomen with a knife. But I used tools that you can get in any drugstore, such as X-rays, microscope, alcohol, cardiac monitor and defibrillators.
-Defibrillators? Cardiac monitor? What kind of pharmacy sells that? -Hammya asked in amazement.
-I only got them if something unforeseen happened.
-What made you think I'm not human with just those gadgets? -Hammya asked, now reassured.
-Ah, the rest is a secret, no, actually it's not, because no matter how much I explain it to you, you won't understand it even with a first grader's drawings.
-Don't make fun of me," Hammya reproached.
Candado did not say anything else, he just turned around and entered the house while he opened the envelope with his facon, since it was more important for him to know what was written in the letter than what Hammya was telling him. It seemed that he was only looking to get out of that discussion with that girl, since talking about "the operation" that Candado did to her was desperate. However, for Clementina it was confusing to see Candado withdraw without arguing, but for Hammya it meant nothing, rather it was inner anger at his teasing.
Candado took a seat in his favorite armchair to read the letter the organization had sent him.
-Just one more and I'll be done with my punishment," Candado celebrated.
-I'm happy for you," said Clementina as she sat across from him.
-I know it's not a compliment, but thank you," said Candado as he read the letter.
After almost three minutes, Candado folded the letter and put it on the bookcase next to him and sat still in his seat with his arms crossed for ten minutes.
-What is it now? You're not going to tell me that the mission is to sit around and do nothing.
-Actually, the mission I've been given is a joke in very bad taste, so much so that I'm not going to go and fulfill it and instead, I'm going to think about what to say to them.
-And what is the mission that left you in such a bad mood?
-To get a damn picture of Esteban making out with Tarah, to expose the leader of the Circuits as much as to lower the morale of his boss making out with a woman from the O.N.I.G.A. guild (Organization for the Rising Equality of the Tile Guild).
-It seems you have no choice, since this is your last mission to get out of your punishment, after all, what does it cost you to take a picture of them kissing? They always go around kissing all day long in the square.
-I won't do it, we may be mortal enemies, but I don't like to be attacked, I have principles. -said Candado proudly.
-Ja, the last six months you have been fulfilling difficult missions, you never had a very easy one like this, so I advise you to do it, if you want to return to the Bernstein Organization.
-Since when do you give me bad advice?
-Advice is neither bad nor good, it's just an opinion, the advised decides whether to follow it or not.
-I don't remember that you have a deep concept about advice.
At that moment, Hippolytus interrupted.
-Why so aggressive with the young lady, Mr. Barret? -To be honest, I couldn't sleep well today because of some jetons.
-Well, that's over now, you know what they say, let bygones be bygones," said Hipolito with a smile.
-Ha, I have a nice saying too," said Candado.
Shortly after, he got up from the armchair, took off his raincoat and put it on the back of the armchair, and went to the exit door without saying anything else. Then he closed the door behind him. When Candado did that, Clementina and Hammya stood up, intending to follow him, but at that moment, Hippolytus put his hands on the girls' shoulders.
-Let's leave Candado alone for a while, he will need to clear his mind," Hippolytus advised.
The girls looked at Hippolytus with confusion. What exactly did he mean? And why? Perhaps Candado was worried about the "strange" mission of the guild. If he accomplished this mission, he could return to the Bernstein Organization. But would it be worth it? Candado had issues with some of the vocals, but not with the leaders who saved him, since they, for life's sake, had always been in favor of the Barret family, including his great-grandfather Jack Barret, his grandfather Alfred Barret and his mother Europa Barret. But Candado knew that with the help of those countries it would not serve him in the future, since he was seen in a bad light by most of the other nations that made up the Bernstein Organization, because they still did not forgive him for the simple fact that his mother, when she was leader of the Rooboleo brotherhood, had fraternized with the Circuits. For that reason, Candado has been branded as a traitor to the principles of Harambee and the Bernstein Organization. However, to him, the F.U.C.C.O.T. were formidable allies, as they had helped the Roobolean Brotherhood when no one else would. Therefore, Candado wondered if it would be right to sully his morals with those who had helped him in the past to make nice with the O.M.G.A.B. Was it worth it? The hatred between the Guilds and the Circuits is genuine, as they had ruled the world for almost three whole years with terror and violence, not to mention that they had orphaned a third of the world's population and they sought revenge on those who had taken everything from them. But that was almost 100 years ago, and the people who suffered from it died years ago. Moreover, the terror rule of the Circuits has never been repeated since Thanatos was locked in the chest of gold. Today, both the Circuits and the Guilds hardly fight each other directly, but the essence of a cold war between these two great organizations still remains, and again he had a difficult position. His decision could be fatal.
As Candado strolled through the streets of the town, thinking about what decision to make, he decided to go to the square with the illusion of clearing his mind a little more. He lay down under a tree that strangely had leaves as red as blood, apparently this tree was also affected by the meteorite of 1912. As Candado approached the square, he stopped, apparently someone was following him. He looked back, but only saw people walking through the streets. Without wasting any more time, he continued walking until he reached his goal. When he arrived, he saw Lucas sitting in the lotus position with his eyes closed and flames in his hands. Candado approached and leaned against the other end of the tree so as not to disturb Lucas in his concentration. However, when he began to relax....
-I know very well that you are there, Candado," said Lucas without opening his eyes.
Candado, instead of answering, began to whistle to imitate a little bird.
-That doesn't work with me, Candado, with Matlotsky maybe, but not for me.
-Well, I didn't want to talk, but it doesn't seem to have worked.
-Don't worry, Hector was in charge of reassuring the others when you left.
-Well, thank him for me.
-Well," he continued, "Candado, you don't have to hide it, do you?
-No, not at all.
-Boss, don't lie.
-How do you know I'm worried, anyway?
-Because you always come to the same square, to the same tree when you have a problem, to talk only about your troubles and problems, and bam, magically, you already have the clearest answer. You are very predictable.
Candado, upon hearing the word "predictable," gently tapped the tree, and a pineapple fell on Lucas' head.
-Was that predictable? -asked Candado with a mocking tone.
-Well, sorry," continued Lucas. And besides, who do you talk to when you're here? -asked Lucas.
Candado's face changed in an instant, he went from being somewhat happy to depressed.
-With my sister.
-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked," Lucas apologized.
-It's okay, she's always with me when I need her.
-You say that as if you were to blame for her death.
-I know what you're going to say, "It wasn't your fault." You know, I'm getting sick of hearing that.
-Well, if you say so, fine.
Candado didn't say anything else, he remained silent, leaning back, looking at the red leaves of the exceptional tree. Strangely, one of the leaves of the tree broke off from one of its twigs and began to fall slowly on the place where Candado was. He raised his left hand with an open palm, and the leaf slowly landed on it. He watched it intently, twisting and turning the little leaf. After a while, Candado let go of it, and it began to move away from him due to the wind. He smiled as he watched the leaf dance back and forth aimlessly and aimlessly, until he could no longer see it. After that, Candado leaned back against the tree and closed his eyes. He was happy for some reason to see such a scene, such was his happiness that he relaxed and ended up falling asleep.
Lucas, on the other hand, had not noticed that Candado had fallen asleep and, without realizing it, started talking about unimportant things to pass the time. Until a little girl named Tarah greeted him.
-Good afternoon, Lucas.
Tarah, a young girl with short ash-white hair and brown eyes, was wearing a light green sweater with a cockade in the shape of a small bow on the side of the heart. She completed her attire with long white pants with a belt and walked barefoot. She wore a necklace in the shape of a distorted blue cross. Like Candado, Tarah was a leader of the O.N.I.G.A. guild, known as Los Azulejos. She was a kind and intelligent person, but did not get along well with Lucía or Viki. In addition, she was the girlfriend of Esteban, the leader of the Circuitos, and daughter of the town's mayor. She was considered responsible for keeping the town clean and had a passion for reading and painting.
Tarah possessed a power considered weak: she could create portals. In addition, she had abilities that allowed her to climb trees, walk on the roofs of houses without falling or cutting herself, disassemble a car and could perfectly imitate other people's signatures.
-Good afternoon? It's still ten minutes to twelve.
-All right, good morning," said Tarah in confusion.
-Well, Miss Tarah, why has the leader of the Tiles and daughter of the mayor come to this square?
-I just came for a walk, since daddy is busy managing the town.
-Alone? What happened to Xendí? -Lucas asked.
-Ah, he's shopping, he'll be back soon.
-Ha, he's always busy, isn't he? -continued Lucas. Hey, what's Candado doing?
-Ah, nothing, he's just ignoring me.
She walked over to where Candado was.
-It looks like he's sleeping to me.
-What? -asked Lucas, surprised, as he stood up and walked towards Tarah.
-See? I told you," said Tarah.
-It's true, he's sleeping.
Tarah approached him and began to tap him on the cheek with the intention of waking him up. But he did not wake up, apparently he was very tired since he had not slept, so Lucas slapped him so hard that the noise made the pigeons that were nearby flee flapping. He had managed to wake Candado up, but as a consequence of this, it made him angry, since even before the simple fact of waking him up bothered him, and even more if he was hit to do it. So, as soon as he woke up, he showed his flaming violet eyes, grabbed Lucas by his robe and pulled him violently towards him until their foreheads were joined.
-You have ten seconds to come up with an excuse I believe, before I break your neck.
-Akflskffhsdflidskfhieoshfloisd.gusadgfas.dhgawñd.ashufesigfsdflhjdsgfyegsfligsd.
-SHUT UP! -shouted Candado and continued with, "I didn't understand a damn thing.
Lucas somehow managed to get loose and started to run, saying, "I'm sorry, it wasn't my fault:
-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to -he shouted while running to avoid being "killed" by Candado.
-You fought countless times with our enemies and countless times you put your life in danger, and now you are running! -Candado replied.
-Well, I didn't want to make you angry, but what can you do," commented Tarah.
-Ah, it's you, Lady Tile," said Candado while adjusting his beret.
-Same to you, Lord Beret," said Tarah in the form of a bow.
-What are you doing here?
-Nothing, just strolling.
-Ah, well, go on with your walk," said Candado as he walked away.
-That's it? You're not going to argue or anything? -I'm a very busy guy, so I'll see you around.
Then, he left the place, leaving Tarah very confused. Coincidentally, Candado always argues with her, just because, but today he did not. "Who knows why," was what she thought.
While Tarah was thinking about all this, Candado, without even clearing his mind because of Lucas and Tarah, decided to go to the guild without any other choice. He thought that there he would find a clearer answer. But when he was returning, someone began to ask for help. Candado, hearing this, ran guided by the cries for help until he reached a supermarket. Apparently, they were from the Circuitos doing their thing again in the town. Candado looked out and saw the scene: an elderly man was tied up in a chair and three children were causing havoc.
-Damn, and I thought there was no more trouble," he muttered in disappointment.
When Candado was about to enter, it was heard that someone or something had opened the emergency exit door violently, in it Candado could see Esteban.
Esteban: He has blond hair, with a vertical white line, has blue eyes, wears a white shirt with long sleeves, dark brown gala gloves with a blue tie, red gala vest, dark refined pants, and wears light brown shoes triangular at the toe with laces. His personality is similar to that of Candado. It annoys him outright when someone does not listen to his ideology. He is Tarah's boyfriend, likes to solve mysteries, and has a feud with Candado (no one knows why; the most accurate theory is ideological, but it is a rumor). He has an obsession with defeating Candado, although neither of them has won.
Power: He can handle electricity or absorb it at his convenience, as well as create it. He can also use his blood to heal wounds and diseases.
Ability: He can speak every language in the world, is the only one who can appease the powers of others (with the exception of Candado) and is very good at school.
Esteban ran to where they were and hit one of them. The other two, with their respective powers, attacked him from behind, but he turned around and hit them both. The first one he had hit stood up and grabbed him by the arm, but Esteban reacted quickly and threw him through the metal door. Then the two remaining ones jumped at him. Esteban threw a lightning bolt at one and sent him crashing into a wall, while the other one, he dodged it. However, the latter reacted quickly and tried to hit Esteban in the chest with his hand turned into metal, but he stopped him with his hand and even pulled him towards him and hit him in the face, knocking him out.
-You are a disgrace to the Circuit," said Esteban, looking at them all.
Then, he approached the gentleman, untied him and helped him stand up. Then, he approached the three of them with the same rope they had used with the store owner, tied each one of them and told the owner:
-The situation is under control. Now you can call the police, I will see to it that this never happens to you or anyone else again.
The man thanked him and gave him some sodas. Esteban humbly accepted the gift and left the store through the same door he had entered. Candado, who was watching everything, smiled and murmured.
-It looks like it wasn't as bad as I thought. I am glad to be able to witness this event.
Afterwards, Candado left the place with a crooked smile of satisfaction. It was as if he had won the betting pool. But then he began to smile, smile and smile (a sour smile). He always knew that in that hard, stale shell there was kindness with a huge heart. As he was walking away from the shop, a strong wind came up, so strong that his beret flew off where he came from. Quickly, he went back and managed to grab his cherished cap. But as he was shaking it off, he saw the leaf from the tree stuck to the sign of the store that Esteban had saved. It was the same leaf that Candado had grabbed in the park. This fact took him from smiling to showing his cold smile.
-I understood what you wanted to tell me," said Candado, looking at the leaf stuck to the sign.
And then Candado left, but this time he was on his way home. He no longer needed to go to the guild to clear his mind; he already had a decision, he only needed one thing.
Candado arrived home without any problem, entered and, hiding his smile, found the others in the living room, or, in other words, the living room. There were Hippolyte, Clementine, Hammya and his grandmother. Although the latter was going to find out anyway, since she could read minds, but that didn't matter to Candado at all. He arrived and asked Clementina:
-Where is the phone? I have to make a call.
Clementina pulled out a cell phone from her chest and handed it to him.
-Thank you," said Camdadp taking the cell phone.
He dialed and called the O.M.G.A.B. He already had a firm and irrevocable decision. When someone picked up the phone, Candado introduced himself, gave his data and said:
-I have made a decision. I do not intend to fulfill his mission, even though this is the last one. I won't do it, it's not my job to dirty people. Thank you and have a good day, sorry, have a good night.
Then he hung up.
But behind the line, there were the nine child leaders of the O.M.G.A.B., listening to Candado phone conversation. They were Jacqueline Crusoe (France), Yuuta Aikawa (Japan), Raul Rojas (Paraguay), Banu Fereshteh (Iran), Shen Shaoran (China), Kirinyaga Harambee (Kenya), Armando Castro (Cuba), Aurora Solari (Venezuela) and Alejandra Bernstein (Germany). They were in conversation with each other.
-Well, it looks like I won the bet," said Jacqueline.
-You won, but I'm not going to pay you," said Shen.
-It seems that the Argentinean has morals and principles after all," said Alejandra.
-Well, gentlemen? I won. Now I want you to reinstate Candado to the guild," said Jacqueline.
-That's right, Candado has already fulfilled all his orders and, besides, he passed Shen's test, so, keep your word now," ordered Kirinyaga.
-That's right, do it," said Raul.
-Ha, I hope he comes back. I miss Candado's big mouth," said Aurora.
-The leader is back, great," celebrated Armando.
-I hope they keep their word," said Jacqueline.
-I have lost and I accept it. As a warrior, I will keep my word," said Yuuta.
-Good, Candado is coming back. I'm glad," said Banu.
Yuuta sat down at his desk, took a wooden gavel, like a movie judge, and said:
-I decree that now Mr. Candado Barret, better known as "El Gaucho", has been exonerated from his sanction for compliance with the orders he has been asked to carry out for the past thirteen months, and that in approximately thirteen days he may return to the World Organization of Bernstein Deputy Guilds. I said.
Yuuta banged the table three times with the gavel and left. Meanwhile, 92% of the boardroom stood up and applauded. Not only was there applause from the leaders of the organization, but most of the vocalists also clapped and whistled. While the children of the 8% representing the other countries felt disgust, indignation and hatred for what was decreed.
Candado, on the other hand, had not yet heard what Yuuta had decreed. Therefore, as soon as he hung up, he told everyone in the room that he was going to make another call in his room. So Candado went to his room, took out the card he had in his pocket and dialed again.
-Hello? It's me, Candado, and I accept the contract," said a smiling Candado.
-I knew you would," said Nelson.
Now Candado was about to directly confront those who had killed his grandfather. For him, revenge was within his reach and he would not fear anything or anyone. Nothing was going to stop him. At last he could have his revenge. For two months, the police had found nothing, and now his grandfather's childhood friend appeared with a clue he had blindly followed and believed in. Greg, the murderer, was going to pay dearly for having dared to take Alfred Barret's life. The eye for an eye and blood for blood operation began, of course.