Candado spent the next four hours sitting on the couch, watching television. Everything seemed quiet and peaceful in the house. Clementina moved around, performing seemingly unnecessary activities, such as meticulously cleaning each blade of grass or dusting every page of a book, among other things. The grandmother was sleeping in her room, Hipólito was playing with little Karen, and Hammya was sitting on the couch next to Candado, combing her hair and humming a chamamé melody. The atmosphere in the house was extremely calm during those four hours.
Finally, Candado turned off the TV and prepared to leave the room. However, just as he was about to leave, the white telephone started ringing, stopping him in his tracks. With a serious expression, he answered the call.
"Hello?" Candado asked.
From the other end, a female voice responded:
"I know who you are, I know your entire family. If you don't want them to get hurt, come see me in the forest where you usually meet your friend Mauricio."
Candado maintained his cold expression and replied:
"I'm sorry to tell you that you have the wrong number. Goodbye."
He hung up the phone and walked away with his hands in his pockets. However, the phone rang again. Candado returned and answered it.
"Hello?"
The voice on the other end continued:
"Do you think...?"
Without letting the person finish, Candado hung up the phone again and disconnected it. Then, he adjusted his tie and vest and left. This time, he headed to the living room and picked up a book that was on his left. He began reading, but suddenly, Clementina arrived with a broom in one hand and a cellphone in the other.
"Incoming call for the young boss."
Candado, still reading his book, took the cellphone and held it to his ear.
"Thanks, Clementina," he said while continuing to read.
"You're welcome," she replied as she continued with her tasks.
"Hello?"
The voice on the other end continued:
"Do you think I'm playing? If you don't come within an hour, you'll regret it."
"You again? Don't you have a social life or something?" Candado asked as he turned a page.
"You've already annoyed me. If you don't come within an hour, I'll kill your family."
The words angered Candado. He closed the book and responded firmly:
"Listen carefully to what I'm going to tell you. Nobody threatens me, not even a girl like you."
The voice on the phone continued laughing and defiant:
"I don't care. I hope you're very punctual."
Candado hung up decisively and, with a cold expression on his face, adjusted his beret. In the same spot, he announced:
"Hipólito, Clementina, I'm going out for a while to deal with some problems."
"Alright, but I think it would be a bad idea to leave without your companion," Hipólito commented.
"No será necesario, puedo manejarme solo (It won't be necessary; I can handle it on my own)" Candado responded.
"Hehehe, no, you'll go with a companion or I won't let you go," Hipólito asserted.
"Do you think I'm joking with you? Where I'm going, it will be very dangerous for someone who can't even defend themselves."
"That's precisely why you'll take her; she needs to learn everything she can to defend herself in the future."
"Alright, then she'll come, but I won't be responsible if something happens to her."
"That's why you'll also take Clementina; I need her to keep an eye on you."
"Hipólito, do you want me to add someone else just in case? Should I bring the mayor, the governor, the police, the army, even the one who gave birth to you?"
"Haha, that's enough for now," Hipólito said, laughing.
"I'm glad to hear it. Now, if you'll excuse me..."
"Wait, don't forget to take the ladies with you."
After this conversation with Hipólito, Candado reluctantly agreed to take Hammya and Clementina with him to the meeting with the mysterious person who had challenged him. Although Clementina understood perfectly why she was there, Hammya had no idea why she was being accompanied; she thought it was a fun day out with her friends, something she had never done before.
"What's the plan, then?" Clementina asked.
"It's very simple, I go there, give them a lesson, scare them a little, hurt them, and maybe gouge their eyes out," Candado responded with a sinister smile.
"Isn't that a bit exaggerated, Candado?" Clementina asked.
"Maybe you're right; I might as well rip out their entrails."
"That's still quite brutal. Why not try something more peaceful?"
"Yes, you're right, I don't like getting my hands dirty. Clementina, you'll rip out their entrails."
"No! I won't do that," Clementina quickly replied.
Hammya enters the conversation.
"Where are we going?"
"To hell, girl, to hell," Candado responded without looking at her.
"Don't mind him; we're just going to a meeting, nothing more," Clementina clarified for Candado.
"Oh, are they your friends?" Hammya asked for the second time.
Candado didn't answer the question and continued walking, keeping a certain distance from the two girls. Hammya thought she might have asked something inappropriate and chose to stay silent not to offend Candado. Clementina didn't say more, not because she didn't know what to say or because Candado seemed uncomfortable, but because there were no more questions she could answer at that moment.
Minutes passed in silence, only interrupted by the noise of cars and the conversations of other people. Each of them was immersed in their own thoughts. Candado focused on the mysterious person who had challenged him, Hammya tried to find a way to start a conversation without bothering Candado, and Clementina simply enjoyed the moment.
Finally, after a few minutes, they arrived at the agreed meeting place. However, there were no signs of anyone. Candado gestured with his left hand for Clementina to go ahead and explore the area for clues. Hammya, confused, stayed by Candado's side. But after a brief moment, Candado took a step forward and asked:
"Clementina, did you find anything?"
"Nothing, I don't see anyone around here."
"It's strange; this doesn't seem to be the forest where I used to meet Mauricio. Did I get the wrong place?"
Just then, the trees began to shake violently, the leaves on the ground started to fly, and the wind became fierce. These sudden changes put both of them on high alert. Candado drew his facón with his right hand and ignited his left hand, while Clementina transformed her right arm into a cannon of white energy, and Hammya took cover behind them.
"Do you feel it, Clementina?" Candado asked.
"My sensors detect the approach of two individuals," Clementina replied.
"This is not a game, Candado; we must be on high alert," Clementina added.
"Who is approaching?" a concerned Hammya asked.
"No one in particular, just assassins," Candado answered coldly.
"WHAT?!" Hammya exclaimed in fear.
"Don't worry, Miss Hammya, nothing will happen to you," Clementina tried to reassure her.
Just then, two figures emerged from the depths of the forest. They were two young individuals, one dressed like a gaucho and the other in dark and blue tones, similar to Candado's school uniform but inverted.
"Wow, I didn't think you'd walk right into the trap," the young woman said.
"I'm flattered. Who are you?" Candado asked.
"My name is Jane, and he's my brother Joel," the woman replied.
"It seems you have no problem coming all the way here to annoy me. Who sent you?" Candado inquired.
" What makes you think I'll tell you?" Jane replied arrogantly.
"From what I see, Candado, they're not Circuistas or Borradores. They seem to be mercenaries," Clementina whispered.
"I had already noticed," Candado whispered. Then, looking at Jane, he said, "Very well, it seems you just want to kill me. But I want you to promise me one thing."
"What thing?" Jane asked.
"If I manage to defeat you, I want you to tell me everything about your leader."
"Hahaha, you won't be able to beat us, but we accept your proposal," Jane said.
At that moment, Jane drew a Mongolian sword from her back and swiftly lunged at Candado. However, he managed to dodge her attack, while Clementina took Hammya and moved her away from the confrontation to fight against Joel. Candado was intrigued by the fight and decided to face Jane with his facón. Jane demonstrated astonishing confidence and skillfully dodged Candado's blows. However, Candado was also agile and daring, seeking opportunities to attack and reach a vital artery. Jane moved with speed and dexterity, avoiding being touched by Candado's facón.
At one point, Jane tried to end the fight by decapitating Candado, but he managed to dodge her attack, and Jane's sword got stuck in a nearby tree. Candado seized this opportunity and kicked her in the chest, making her step back and move away from her weapon. Candado decided to put aside his facón and thrust it into the same tree where Jane's sword was stuck. Then, he prepared to fight with his fists.
Hammya was terrified, watching as Clementina fired point-blank at Joel, but he skillfully dodged the bullets. Meanwhile, Candado and Jane were engaged in a hand-to-hand combat. Hammya felt powerless and could only watch, praying that no one would be hurt. The tension in the forest was palpable as Candado and Jane exchanged punches and kicks in a duel of skills and speed.
On the other hand, Clementina and Joel were facing each other differently. She was shooting directly, while Joel occasionally threw seventeen-centimeter needles. Both were dodging each other's attacks. Meanwhile, Hammya still took no action.
The fight between Jane and Candado became increasingly intense and dangerous. Despite the two wounds Jane had, one in the stomach and another in the arm, she showed no signs of fatigue and exuded great confidence. Candado, on the other hand, maintained his cold expression and had not revealed his true power.
"You're tough. It's the first time someone has confronted me like this," Jane said with a smile.
"Save your words. In a few seconds, I'll finish this, and Clementina will take care of your brother," Candado replied.
"Brother?" Candado asked in surprise.
At that moment, Jane raised her right hand.
"Rose, now!" she commanded.
"I saw it coming, but I can't do anything," Clementina whispered, concerned.
A figure emerged from the tall grass and struck Candado in the back, forcing him to kneel on the ground. Jane seized the opportunity and snapped her fingers. Chains emerged from the ground, coiling around Candado's hands, completely immobilizing him.
Meanwhile, Joel took advantage of Clementina's distraction and kicked her in the back, causing her to fall to the ground. He then tied her hands behind her back and brought her over to where Candado was.
When they placed Clementina next to Candado, Rose, the girl who had hit Candado, manifested in front of them. She was a ten-year-old girl with blonde hair dressed like a gaucho, wearing a black hat, white shirt, red scarf, dark brown vest, baggy pants, and black espadrilles.
"Wow, it's the first time I find myself in these conditions," Rose commented.
Candado sighed resignedly.
"I can't hit a little girl. I guess this is the best option."
"I'm sorry, sir, I got distracted," Clementina apologized.
Meanwhile, Hammya, who had been observing, decided to intervene. She grabbed a stone and threw it at Jane, but the latter caught it in the air without even looking.
"Rose, Joel, go and bring me that girl, please," Jane ordered.
Candado shook his head in disapproval.
"How clumsy. She did it without thinking," Clementina whispered.
At that moment, Rose and Joel brought Hammya, who struggled, and placed her in front of Candado.
"Why would Mr. Hipólito tell me to bring you with me? He knew this would happen," Candado muttered in frustration.
"What are you muttering?" Rose asked.
"I said I'm going to gouge your eyes out! I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention!" Candado exclaimed, realizing his outburst.
The shout scared Rose, who hid behind Jane, and Candado felt embarrassed.
"Listen to me, piece of trash," Jane said, placing her needles at Candado's neck. "No one yells at my sister."
"What are you going to do with those pins? Are you going to knit me a sweater or sew my boxers?" Candado responded sarcastically.
"Talk all you want, as my sister rips that filthy head of yours from your filthy body," Joel warned.
"We'll see about that," Candado replied with determination.
As Joel was about to say something more, Hammya headbutted him in the chest and delivered a kick to Jane's stomach. Rose pulled out a knife and ran to stab Hammya, but Clementina tripped her, causing Rose to lose the knife. Hammya managed to shred the ropes that bound her and engaged in a fistfight with Jane, who had no chance of defending herself. Hammya delivered kicks and punches relentlessly.
At one point, Jane managed to get back on her feet and hit Hammya in the chest, making her step back. Seizing the opportunity, Jane snapped her fingers again, and four chains emerged from the ground, binding Hammya's arms and legs. These chains stretched her cruelly as Jane sought revenge. She had never been hit like that before.
"Joel, my sword, quickly!" Jane exclaimed.
Joel pulled the sword from the tree and handed it to his sister. Jane grabbed the sword without even looking at it, her eyes sparkling with fury. Her nose was bleeding, clothes dirty, and her face covered in bruises.
"I'm going to enjoy gutting you for what you've done, idiot," Jane threatened.
Hammya, aware of her sad fate, closed her eyes, and Jane, furious, lunged at her with a deadly thrust. But to everyone's surprise, Hammya felt nothing, so she slowly opened her eyes to discover what had happened. What she saw left her astonished: Candado, bound by the chains, had stopped Jane's sword with his teeth. This event left everyone, including Jane, dumbfounded. Candado maintained the same cold expression on his face, terrifying the siblings even more when he destroyed the sword's tip with his teeth, causing Jane to recoil and fall to the ground.
"The chains are tough, the ground isn't," Candado said, spitting out pieces of the sword.
"This is impossible," Jane murmured, looking at her broken sword.
"And besides, this isn't Mauricio's forest. That's why this place felt familiar to me. This is Diana's forest."
"And why does that matter?" Joel asked.
"Because unlike Mauricio, Diana doesn't like intruders."
"I don't believe you," Jane said.
At that moment, laughter echoed like an echo, and out of nowhere, Diana appeared, armed with her scythe, fiercely attacking Jane. She could barely defend herself, and after a few minutes of fighting, Jane ordered a retreat, and they escaped from the forest, shouting that it wasn't over.
"Hahaha, and don't come back," Diana said, then looked at Candado and his companions. "I see you're okay."
"Don't be sarcastic and help me with this," Candado said.
"Right away," Diana approached and cut the chains binding Candado with her scythe. "Wow, that was quite extreme, stopping a sword with your teeth, that was amazing."
"Wait, were you watching all this time?" Candado asked.
"Yes, but since you act so arrogantly, I happily let you take care of the intruders in my forest."
"I'M NOT ARROGANT!"
"Well, pretentious."
"NOT THAT EITHER!"
"It's not that serious, just a joke. Did you lose the passion for laughter?"
"I'll laugh when something strikes me as funny, not when you decide."
"Whatever you say," Diana said as she disappeared into the tall grass.
When the eccentric Diana disappeared, Candado proceeded to untie Clementina and Hammya, who had fainted due to the intensity of the day's events.
"It seems Miss Hammya is unconscious," commented Clementina as she stood up.
"Noooooo, really? How did you notice that?" Candado said sarcastically.
"Young... I mean, sir, don't you think logic is getting to your head?"
"The only thing getting to my head is blood, so no."
"Well, I hope she doesn't die from a blood overdose in the brain."
"You... oh, forget it." Candado adjusted his tie and continued. "Take the girl back."
"I will, but what will you do?"
"I have another commitment. I never thought I would face these mercenaries. It's better if you take her. It will be very dangerous for someone as weak as her. After you've dropped her off, come to the square to see me. I still have to 'talk' to someone."
"I think you'll meet Esteban, right?" the mysterious figure asked.
Candado didn't answer, just looked at her and signaled for her to take Hammya back home. Clementina didn't want to speak to him since mentioning Esteban changed his expression from serious to angry. So, she carried Hammya like a soccer ball and walked away from the place without looking back, leaving Candado alone in the forest.
"You can show yourself now; everyone is gone."
As he said that, a strange white smoke materialized in front of him. The smoke tried to shape into a child, but it was an unusual figure: it had no hands or head; instead, there was white smoke continuously and consistently flowing. Only red eyes and a metal-toothed smile were discernible. It wore dark pants, black laceless shoes, a knee-length trench coat, and a brown scarf around its neck.
"It was expected from the excellent Candado Barret, the great-grandson of the legendary Jack Barret."
"Who are you, and what do you want?" Candado asked.
"Who am I? Well, tell me, Candado, what do you see in me?" the strange figure responded.
"I only see a stranger. Judging by the patch on your shoulder, I see that you are a Borrador from the Circuits, as you always use the face of a white wolf. From the way you stand, I can assure that you are one of the few who doesn't show superiority when facing me, but I don't know your name."
"My name is not important now. The truth is, you are very bright. Now tell me, what gave me away?"
"You don't know how to conceal your magic. I felt a restless soul nearby, so I deduce that you're not strong."
"Why not?"
"Because only the strongest individuals can hide their magic, as they have a very extensive soul, giving them the opportunity to conceal it."
"Interesting. You can do that."
"Are you going to make me talk all the time, or will you tell me why you're here?"
"I'm here because strange things have been happening in recent days, like the massacre at the Cascabel guild and the Circuit 42 massacre."
"Why are you saying all this so openly?"
"Because I know that you think someone from the shadows is playing this... chessboard."
"And so what?"
"Candado, you and I both know that getting back into a war would be a serious mistake, with the blood of my compatriots wasted. That's why Esteban sent me to investigate this matter, to prevent a conflict."
"Esteban sent you?"
"Yes, to find out if someone is disobeying or using our name in vain."
"And why were you spying on me?"
"I wasn't spying on you; I was spying on the people you were fighting, and in the process, get you to make them talk. There was no success, but you gave me a clue: 'MERCENARIES.' If that's the case, I'd like to know who sends them and why they want to start a conflict between W.O.G.A.B. and U.F.E.T.C."
"I would like to know why you don't have a face."
"It's simple, those who master the power of coal perfectly become one, that's why, my friend."
"That would make sense if your face were black and not white. Besides, I'm not your friend."
"I am white because I am pure. I never used my powers to harm others. If you'll excuse me, I have to go. I still have to investigate. I hope we meet again, Candado Barret."
Without saying anything more, the mysterious boy disappeared in the same way he had arrived. The laughter of that strange person could still be heard. He hadn't mentioned his name, but he had shown Candado his interest in keeping fights in check, something that hadn't been seen for over fifty years.
"That kid... he's just as crazy as Diana. I hope we meet again."
After saying that to himself, Candado set out on his journey to the square, where he had agreed to meet with Clementina. Fortunately, he hadn't encountered any complications getting to the square. In fact, it was the first time he had finished a fight without leaving his enemies unconscious, excluding the case of Faustino, as he could hardly move and almost passed out.
As Candado walked peacefully through the town, he touched his teeth with his hand. It was the first time Candado had stopped a deadly blow from a sword with his mouth. As he reflected on this matter, he ran into Tínbari.
"Wow, wow, you're tougher than I thought. I'm glad I chose you as my usufructuary."
"A bit more, and you'd forget how to call me. Usufructuary? Where the hell did you hear that?"
"I was a lawyer once, and I know more words than you, my boy."
"Damn, I wish you'd help me when I'm in trouble."
"Oh, Candado, you know very well that would hurt your pride. But when your life is truly in danger, I'll come to save you."
"You're a pain in the soul for me."
"Putting that aside, how's the girl?" Tínbari asked mockingly.
"What girl?"
"You know, Hammya, the girl living under your roof."
"Oh, her. What's going on?"
"Oh, nothing. I've felt her heart beating when she's in front of you."
"Look, for someone like you, who doesn't breathe and doesn't have internal organs, it's obvious that would catch your attention, as you have no idea that if our hearts don't beat, we don't live, idiot."
"I didn't mean that... Oh, Clementina is right, you need to stop using logic every second."
"Sure. For someone who's bound to me and has no power over me, it's useless."
"Be careful, Candado. Remember, I have two university degrees."
"Yes, in janitorial work and dishwashing."
"Ugh! What I mean is that Hammya gets too nervous when she's in front of you."
"And so what? The same happened with Erika and Lucía, and even Anzor, when they saw me for the first time."
"You're too slow to understand things."
"I don't care."
After a few minutes, Candado and Tínbari had arrived at the meeting place, but Clementina wasn't there, so they decided to wait sitting under the strange tree in the town square, the same one where Candado and Lucas had been talking. They were waiting for Clementina to show up.
"Can I ask why you want Clementina to come here, Candado?"
"It's necessary, and that's it."
"You're too boring," Tínbari said with a tone of exhaustion in his voice.
"Are you tired already? You're really weak. I should be the one feeling like this."
"But you're not. Ugh... every day, I wonder if it was a good idea to let you train in my sphere."
"Whether it was good or not, I've made that decision, and here we are. Forget about that event, please."
"You were a sweet and charismatic child before that. I remember you used to call me 'Tínbi.' Those were good times."
"Yes, they were... but they aren't anymore."
At that moment, Candado began to reminisce about his past with nostalgia. He remembered his sister playing with him all the time, always cheerful like Candado, until that painful memory of his sister lying in a hospital bed, slowly dying.
In that instant, Candado shook his head from side to side, showing signs of nervousness and agitation.
"Is something wrong?" asked Tínbari.
"No, nothing... just had a momentary lapse."
"Well, sleep more," Tínbari said imposingly.
As Candado was about to reply, Clementina arrived with a dove on her head.
"I see you've arrived," said Tínbari.
"Yes, I have, for my young master."
"I'm not in the mood to scold you today, so say 'young master' until your tongue falls off. Oh, and why on earth do you have a dove on your head?"
"I can't help it; it won't come down," said Clementina as she tried to shoo the dove away with her hand.
"Well, let me help you." Candado picked up the dove with both hands and placed it on the ground.
"Well, you've done it; give this man a Martín Fierro."
"Shut up, Demonto." Candado adjusted his beret and continued. "Alright, now that you're here, I'll have to assume that Hammya is at home, right?"
"Of course, I did exactly what you asked me to."
"Great, now we can start without interruptions." Candado looked at Tínbari. "Start what?"
"Shhhh, no one has to find out about our mission, clear?"
"Yes, sir," said Clementina and Tínbari simultaneously.
"Bunch of clowns," Candado muttered and continued. "Now follow me; there's work to be done."
So, Candado and company began a new mission, although this one was a total mystery, not to mention that it was already dusk.
At first, Clementina and Tínbari didn't ask anything, but curiosity was starting to gnaw at their souls in more than one sense. Twenty minutes had passed since they had set off, and the sun was slowly setting. Tínbari, who didn't care about the situation, decided to ask.
"Well, it's been like twenty minutes, Candado, and you haven't said a single word. I think it's time you told us where we're headed."
"Don't worry, we're close to our target."
"I hope so. If we don't get there before eight, the Barret gentlemen will worry."
"Don't worry, Clementina, we'll make it on time."
At that precise moment, Candado and the others arrived at an almost impenetrable forest.
"All right, we've arrived."
"I'm glad, but where to?" Clementina asked.
"Where our 'friend' Rucciménkagri Gabriel Teacher is hiding, someone who always supports me by giving me what I need."
"What kind of name is that? It's almost a tongue twister. I'm surprised you can say it just like that," Tínbari said, amazed.
"What are we doing here?" Clementina asked.
"Looking for answers, Clementina, looking for answers," Candado said as he walked deep into the tall grass.
After a few seconds, Clementina followed, though not in the right way. She entered by cutting the grass with her arm transformed into a machete, clearing a path to follow Candado. While she did this, Candado turned around and said:
"If you continue to disrespect the forest, Rucciménkagri will come and tear you to pieces."
Upon hearing this, Clementina sheathed her machete and returned her arm to normal.
"What is this place? It's so narrow and awful, not to mention that this damn grass is cutting off any chance of me moving properly."
"Stop complaining, Tínbari. This is the Chaco. If you wanted to find a forest with pine or ficus trees, you'd have to go south."
"When are we going to get there?" Clementina asked.
"We're almost there. The tall grass protects Rucciménkagri's house from his enemies, so not just anyone comes through here."
"Now I see why."
After a few minutes, Candado and the others arrived at a kind of house made with the roots of a tree, including the walls. It had glass windows and a door made of wood and leaves, which seemed quite fragile. Candado approached and knocked on the door.
"How is it possible that I've never known about this?" Tínbari asked.
"Because it's the first time you've come. It's pure logic," Candado replied.
"And there we go again, Candado using his logic," Clementina said.
This annoyed Candado, but before he could respond, the door opened, and from inside came a rather strange, dark-skinned girl. Her hair was made of green leaves, her arms and legs were made of wood, and her eyes were as blue as the sea. Her clothes were made of vines and leaves, partially covering her body. Personally, she resembled a tree more than Hammya.
"I see it's you, Yara is with me."
"Wait, Rucciménkagri is a woman?" Clementina asked.
"Oh, yes? I guess I forgot to mention that."
"I see you brought guests. Come in, Candado's friends are also my friends," Rucciménkagri said, stepping aside.
Candado entered, taking off his beret as a gentlemanly gesture. Tínbari and Clementina followed him. Once inside, Rucciménkagri delicately closed the door behind them.
"Please, come in," Rucciménkagri said, inviting them to sit.
The house was filled with flowers, the floor was made of stones, and it was quite spacious. It had no electric light, and instead, they used a kind of lantern with fire. There were several rooms without doors.
Everyone sat on a sand-made sofa, quite comfortable for the kids. When Candado was about to sit down, Yara ran to him and hugged him, causing Candado to lose his balance and sit forcibly on the stone couch to the left.
"Sorry, Candado, that girl saw me, and she's not afraid of me," Tínbari said.
"That's because..."
"Because I'm not human," Rucciménkagri concluded.
"What she said," Candado said as he placed Yara on his lap.
"Got it."
"Well, this is unusual, but I brought them. I hope it doesn't bother you?" Candado said.
"Oh no, not at all, just let me know a bit earlier next time so I can prepare more food," Rucciménkagri replied.
Clementina cleared her throat and addressed Rucciménkagri.
"Hello, I'm Clementina V02."
"Nice to meet you, Clementina. My name is Rucciménkagri, but if my name is a mouthful, you can call me 'Rucci.'"
Clementina nodded.
Then, Rucciménkagri looked at the demon next to Clementina.
"And who are you?"
"I am death incarnate, I am what man fears the most, I am the god of human souls, I am..."
"Cut the monologue and introduce yourself already," Candado interrupted.
"I am Tínbari, the god of death and the owner of all human souls."
"Oh, quite the title. I'm just a gardener, but alright."
"Are you mocking me?" Tínbari asked.
"Well, enough, I didn't bring you here to fight," Candado intervened.
"What's going on, Candado? How can I help you?" Rucciménkagri asked.
"I want to know this," Candado said as he pulled out a kind of medal shaped like an eye with red pupils and a symbol of a triangle with a sword inside, both in yellow, and handed it to Rucciménkagri.
She examined it carefully.
"It's a badge worn by the assassins of the Circuit. They are the outcasts of the U.F.E.T.C., in other words, people who were expelled from the Circuit. Where did you get this?"
"I stole it from a girl I had a fight with a few hours ago. Why?"
"It's not normal for this to exist. I thought they had hunted them all down."
"Wait, who are they?" Clementina asked.
"They call themselves the Witnesses, although they claim to be the will of peace and order, in reality, they are indiscriminate killers. It doesn't matter if they are impure or pure, if they are humans or specials, they kill in the name of Thanatos."
"How do you know all this?" Tínbari asked.
Candado intervened before Rucciménkagri could respond.
"Let this stay between us. Rucciménkagri was once part of the Circuits, but from the upper classes. They have hunted her as much as the U.F.E.T.C. and the W.O.G.A.B."
"Excuse me, Candado, but being an accomplice to a mercenary warrants being ousted forever or, worse yet, death."
"As long as no one finds out, nothing will happen. Besides, no one knows her anymore."
"Is that why you wanted me to take Hammya to the house?" Clementina asked.
"Yes, she's new, and I don't fully trust her, but I trust both of you."
"And your friends?" Tínbari asked.
"In them too, but I'm waiting for the ideal moment to introduce her, although I think they won't like it."
"I can wait. I have all the time, after all, I'm over a hundred years old," Rucciménkagri said.
"What?" Tínbari and Clementina exclaimed, surprised.
"Yes, another day, I'll gladly tell you about my life."
"Damn, yes," they both said again.
"As I said, I have all the time in the world." Rucciménkagri smiled, showing her patience in matters that required time and explanation.
"Forgive me, I don't want to be rude or anything, but how did you meet Rucci?" Clementina asked.
"Well, I've known her for over a year. At first, I thought she came to Isla del Cerrito to cause trouble, but I was wrong. So we became friends, and I brought her here, where no one can bother her or find her. Not only that, we exchanged information. She wanted to know about the guild and the W.O.G.A.B. and I wanted to know about the Circuit and the U.F.E.T.C."
"What a story, but how do you protect her?" Tínbari asked.
"Not necessarily do I have to be by her side all day to protect her. In fact, Mauricio, Logan, and Diana protect her, roaming the forests day and night, making sure no one harms her or the forest."
"A sweet deal, huh?" Yara said.
"Yes, something like that," Candado said, smiling, but then he changed his demeanor and continued, "Well, who was hunting the Witnesses?"
"The Circuits and the Guilds. I thought they would have gone extinct by now. They're easy to recognize. Those who become Witnesses abandon their entire soul and adopt a new one, causing their bodies to change, leaving a mark on them that the Circuit calls 'Spiritual Poison.' It makes them three times stronger than they were before."
"What is spiritual poison exactly?" Clementina asked.
"It's a spell that replaces the soul with another, destroying the old one so the new one can take its place. It's one of the seven forbidden spells in history. We don't know who or what has such power to extract something so essential from the human body."
"Does this make them slaves to that person?" Candado asked.
"No, they are free and independent. They know very well the harm they do, but without their previous soul, they have lost their conscience about right and wrong. They feel no remorse or pity. For them, it is necessary to murder anything that does not align with Tanatos's ideology."
"It's strange."
"What's strange, Candado?" Tínbari asked.
"The person I stole this from seemed to be aware of what they were doing, and even their sister was scared of me when I raised my voice."
"No, it's not strange."
"Why isn't it strange, Rucciménkagri?"
"Because those people still have their soul inside, sharing with the one implanted. In other words, they are hybrids. And I think I forgot to mention that not just anyone has the right to have their soul changed."
"Wait, wait, not just anyone?"
"Exactly, Clementina. Not just anyone has that right. Those who do are elite warriors. They cover their faces so they can't be identified with a dark cloak."
"Hide? What are they hiding?" Yara asked.
"They hide the tattoo of the spell."
"Do you know who is or was their leader?" Candado asked.
"No, no one knows. Only the members of the Witnesses can know. If you want to find out, try kidnapping one."
"That will be difficult, but I'll achieve it."
"Wow, you really have an excess of confidence in yourself, Candado. You're not the kind of person who says 'I'll try.' How arrogant!"
"LISTEN TO ME, PIECE OF SHIT WITH HORNS, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS! I'M SICK OF YOU CALLING ME ARROGANT WHEN THERE'S NO ONE, NO ATTEMPT AT A PERSON MORE ARROGANT THAN YOU. ENGRAVE IT IN YOUR HEAD, YOU'RE THE MOST DAMN ARROGANT PIECE OF SHIT WITH MARBLE EYES I'VE EVER MET IN MY DAMN LIFE, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!"
The house resonated and shook with Candado's screams. Clementina covered her ears, Rucciménkagri simply watched as he challenged Tínbari, who was quite heavy that day, and Yara just stayed still, playing with the stuffed animal she had taken from her father's house. On the other hand, Tínbari remained silent, doing nothing, just showing a smile on that terrifying face. It amused him that a human like Candado would raise his tone that way without being afraid.
When everything was over, Candado removed his hands from Yara's ears and inhaled and exhaled repeatedly to calm himself down. After he calmed down, he looked at Rucciménkagri.
"I apologize for shouting in your house; I had a lot of pent-up nerves in my head that I needed to release immediately."
"There's no need to worry or apologize; sometimes, I do that too."
"Well, there's no kinder person than you," said Candado, bowing his head.
"Oh, thank you."
"Well, it's time for me to go home. Thanks for telling me everything I needed to know."
"No problem; you and your friends are welcome anytime."
"Thank you; you're very kind, and I appreciate it."
When he said that, Candado picked up Yara and sat her on the couch, petted her head, and said goodbye, telling her they would see each other again tomorrow. Then he headed to the door with Tínbari and Clementina following. Rucciménkagri opened the door, shook hands with each of them, and closed the door.
Candado and the others went back the same way, only this time it was easier for them because Rucciménkagri cleared a path, making the tall grass part, akin to Moses parting the seas for the Jews to escape the Egyptians. Candado tipped his beret as a gesture of gratitude and walked through with the others following. By the time they had exited, the grass returned to its original position.
"That... was chilling," said Clementina.
"You? Scared?" Candado teased.
"Don't... say it," Clementina replied, attempting not to get angry.
"Let's go home, Clementina. I need to shower, eat, and go to sleep."
"Haha, whatever you say, young master."
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"
When Candado shouted, he quickened his pace to get home as soon as possible, with Clementina and Tínbari following, laughing behind him.
It was completely dark when they returned to the village, with almost no movement or cars on the move. Strangely, lights turned on as Candado moved in the direction of his house, causing amusement for the few people present. Tínbari, who was invisible to human eyes, took advantage of the situation and started playing pranks, like taking glasses off some people, tripping up a couple of chatting policemen, and messing with a guy parked in a spot for disabled persons, among other things.
When Candado arrived home, his grandmother was cooking Candado's favorite dish, noodle stew. So, he walked in.
"Hello, Grandma."
"Hello, dear. I see you were outside the whole time."
"Yes, needed some fresh air."
"Well, you don't need to tell me where you were; I already know what you were up to."
"I guess it's impossible to hide anything from you."
"Yes, it is."
"Well, I think I'll let you handle the cooking."
Grandma nodded and continued cooking. Meanwhile, Candado walked away from the kitchen to go to his room to shower and rest.
But when he entered his room, he saw that Hammya was snooping through his things, looking at pictures from his childhood and books he reads.
"What the hell are you doing in my room?"
"Well, you were very cute when you were little."
"Your head's going to be the cute little thing if you don't get out of my room right now."
"Sorry, I was just curious."
"Look," Candado approached, snatched the photos from her hand, and continued, "If we're going to live together from now on, I'd appreciate it if you kept your damn nosiness out of my private life. I've already told you about my living situation, what more do you want? Huh? Let me make it clear: if you get in my way, I'll run you over."
"I just wanted to know about your attitude towards me and others."
"It's none of your business, you hear me? None of your business. I want you away from my things. If possible, away from me too. I'm already fed up with the people I deal with day in and day out. Here's a damn piece of advice, engrave it in that coconut you call a head: we're not siblings, we're not family. Don't interfere in my life."
"Okay, I won't do it anymore."
Then, Hammya stood up and headed towards the door. When she was about to leave, she stopped and, without turning around, said:
"I wanted to thank you for saving me for the second time."
"Don't thank me, I don't need it. If you want to survive, get stronger, girl."
With that, Hammya left and closed the door gently, while Candado prepared his clothes to take a shower.
When Hammya left Candado's room, she went to the living room to watch TV. She went down the stairs and sat on the couch next to Clementina, who wasn't even watching TV; she was just reading a book by Hugo Mitori.
"Did you fight with Candado again?"
"How do you know?"
"Your heart is sad, so I deduce that you were the one who started it."
"I think I shouldn't have touched his things."
"You should never have. He's very strict; not even I can touch his belongings."
"I just wanted to know what his life was like before he became like this."
"I've already told you."
"Hey, when I was looking for pictures of Candado smiling, I found this," said Hammya as she showed a photograph.
Clementina saw it and quickly took it from her hand. In the photo, there was a white-faced Clementina sitting under a tree next to Candado, both smiling.
"It's very personal; that face made me so embarrassed that I didn't leave the house for over a year."
"Well, if you say so."
"Truth be told, I thought I had thrown away this photo years ago, as this was the last time he showed that smile."
"Why would he throw away this photo?"
"Because he thought people would mock him for smiling like that."
"I thought he was one of those people who didn't care what others thought."
"Not at that time, but now, as you see him, he's someone tough and stubborn."
With that, Clementina took a glass of soda and drank it elegantly, then placed it back in the same spot. For anyone else, that would be normal, but for a robot like her, it's quite strange, so much so that it left Hammya gaping.
"Hey, do you have a heart or a stomach?"
"No, 100% machine, although I drink and have computerized organs to digest food and provide me with certain abilities. Unfortunately, none of that gives me energy, so I depend on a special battery that only Candado can make."
"Then, do you have a stomach?"
"Of course, what good would it do me to drink from this glass of soda?"
"Fair point, I suppose."
"You'll get used to this environment, of course, if your mind can handle it."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, nothing at all, but cybernetically speaking, I think you'll adapt faster than most."
"Hey, changing the subject, Candado mentioned in the forest something about 'drafts.' What are they?"
"Drafts are like a kind of police for the Circuits. They stand out from the others with their white and red attire, responsible for enforcing F.U.C.O.T. laws. Those who violate these laws are severely punished, nothing more than that."
"Do you have something like that?"
"Yes, they're called Semaphores, but there was an attempt to change it. In 1960, Alfred Barret wanted to create a kind of robot police for the Semaphores. These would be manufactured with the help of a young genius named Bernard Howard."
"What happened?"
"It went on for ten years. Howard had built 208 robots, but there was a fire and everything was lost. When they were about to resume the project, Mr. Howard was threatened with death, I don't know why, but he asked Alfred for help to hide him and his parents."
"Where is he?"
"I don't know, only Candado knows."
"Does Candado have a connection with that family?"
"Yes, especially with Howard's son, Woltra Howard. He and Candado have a rivalry of intellect and science."
"Does that Howard guy still live?"
"Bernard? Of course, he's alive, but his location is unknown. Candado even had an encounter with him four days ago."
"Wow, Candado really acts like an adult."
"And what did you expect, girl?" said Candado as he descended the stairs with Karen in his arms.
Clementina and Hammya, upon hearing his voice, quickly turned around.
"Being the leader of a guild and a minister of W.O.G.A.B. requires a very large responsibility. That's why not many become representatives of the Bernstein Organization."
"So you're like a president of a country," said Hammya.
"Something like that, but this is more complex: going from place to place to negotiate peace, making sure they are respected as they should be, a bunch of papers I have to sign, many things," said Candado.
"By the way, young..."
"No! Don't say it, Clementina."
"Well, Candado, why are you carrying your sister in your arms?"
"I'm going to feed her; my parents are too busy to feed their daughter," Candado said sarcastically.
"Grandma is almost done cooking, so don't give her anything yet."
"I hope she hurries; I don't want Karen to cry."
"Don't worry, that won't happen as long as you're holding her."
"I hope so; it breaks my heart to see my little sister cry."
"That was something very unusual coming from you, of course," Clementina said in a mocking tone.
"Do you want me to rip off your circuit board, you bucket of nuts?"
"No, not for anything in the world."
"Then shut your mouth and don't bother; I'm quite tired of your teasing."
"I'll try, no promises."
"You're unbearable; I don't understand why I put up with you so much."
"Because..."
"Don't say it; I don't want to know."
At that moment, the grandmother appeared with an apron and a wooden spoon, saying that dinner was served. Everyone headed to the kitchen, and Candado also went there with his sister in his arms, acting like a father.
The grandmother served the food, a rice stew, to each person. However, Candado, who had Karen in his arms, carefully seated her in her chair, and the grandmother placed a small plate of rice stew on the chair's tray. From there, Candado began to feed her with a small spoon. As she was a baby, she couldn't stay still and did her best to get her mouth open until, at a certain point, she began to calm down. When the spoon with food approached her, she started opening her mouth, and Candado gave her the food. The grandmother and Hammya were the only ones watching as Candado let out a smile here and there while feeding Karen. It was incredible. Candado decided to feed his sister first before touching his own food.
Hammya nudged Clementina to watch Candado for a while; he was smiling at his sister. Taking advantage of the situation, she took a photo with her eyes, just as she had done at Nelson's house. While she did all that, Candado remained unaware that he was being watched because he was quite busy feeding Karen. When the plate was empty, Candado grabbed a napkin and gently wiped her mouth. Then he took away the plate and gave her a bottle for her milk. It was only then that Candado realized his grandmother, Clementina, and Hammya had been watching everything.
"Wow, I thought I wouldn't see that smile on that cold face of yours again," the grandmother said.
"Me neither, incredible," said Clementina and Hammya simultaneously.
Candado responded by igniting his utensils with his violet flame, all the while shielding his sister's eyes.
"Anything else you'd like to add?" Candado asked with his serious and terrifying expression.
They said nothing, only shook their heads. That was enough for Candado to stop the fire on his utensils. To his surprise, they weren't hot or melted.
The dinner continued peacefully for a few more minutes, discussing things of little or no interest to Candado. He ate his food without paying attention to the conversation, not because it was boring, but because the food was delicious, and he focused on emptying his plate of that exquisite rice stew. When he finished, he levitated the plate to the dishwasher and cleaned it without even getting up. For Clementina and the grandmother, it was no big deal; they didn't bother paying attention to what Candado was doing; they just chatted with each other. However, Hammya was completely surprised to witness such a thing. As soon as he finished cleaning his plate, he stood up, thanked for the meal, took his sister, and went upstairs.
While everyone continued eating, Candado took his sister to his room and carefully placed her in her crib. As he was about to leave, Karen grabbed Candado's thumb while laughing. Like any baby, this somehow touched Candado's cold heart. It wasn't the first time it happened, but when little Karen did that, Candado approached the crib and sang her a lullaby to help her fall asleep. To not frighten her, he displayed a smile on that cold face of his.
"You will go with the stars, breaking the world in two.
You will come with the storm on loveless nights.
You will come with the storm on loveless nights.
You will tread on a dream without the kisses of a goodbye.
The moon's sign serves as a cradle for the song.
The moon's sign serves as a cradle for the song.
Today, I feel that life is giving you a day
From the heart, seeds to plant your wound.
Nevertheless, you are a sun, you are life in a flower,
You are a new day, free, that you bring for both of us.
You are a new day, free, that you bring for both of us.
You will always run to the door that knocks without reason,
The miracle bell has turned into a prayer.
The miracle bell has turned into a prayer.
You are a seed of this poor heart
That one day saw up close all that bled,
That one day saw up close all that bled."
When he finished singing, Karen was completely asleep, so Candado tucked her in, kissed her on the forehead, and left the room. Unfortunately for him, Clementina and Hammya were waiting for him outside.
"Well, after all, you do have a heart," Clementina said mockingly.
When she said that, Candado got annoyed, approached, and placed his thumb on Clementina's forehead, and out of nowhere, she fainted. Then he looked at Hammya with total nonchalance and asked her.
"Anything you'd like to add?"
"No, not at all," Hammya quickly denied.
After saying that, Candado entered his room, leaving Clementina on the floor.
"Wait, are you going to leave Clementina like this?" Hammya asked, pounding on the door.
Candado opened the door and said.
"Don't worry, she'll wake up in five minutes," he continued while closing the door. "NOW GET LOST!"
"Oh God, he's so harsh," she whispered as she lifted Clementina onto her shoulders.
When Candado couldn't hear them anymore, he turned around, and to his surprise, Hector was sitting on Candado's bed, reading a red book.
"Did you lose something?" Candado asked sarcastically.
"No, I just came to confirm my suspicions."
"Suspicions? How did you get in here?"
"I came through the window; after all, you never lock it."
"I'll lock onto your coffin. What the heck are you doing in my room?"
"Calm down. You spat blood this morning, rushed out of the place, and didn't call to tell us why you did that."
"You know me well; you know I do what I want. You also know that if I do that, there's a reason."
"I understand that very well, Candado, but what I don't understand is why run away from us. Are you hiding something from the guild?"
"Mind your own business, Hector. What I did is my business and no one else's."
"But it's quite strange. As soon as you ran off, Hammya followed you. But when we were about to follow you, Clementina got in our way. It's like... she wants to prevent us from seeing or finding out something."
"What Hammya and Clementina did is their problem. If you want to know something, talk to them, not me. Hector, I remind you that this isn't the first time you've disobeyed my orders. You questioned my decision yesterday to burn the guild's research, you told Lucia to follow me when I met Nelson, and now you're in my room at this hour of the night telling me all this. I'm starting to think that you're questioning my leadership."
"No, it's not true. Why do you take everything as if we're against you?" Hector stood up and pointed his index finger at Candado's chest. "Candado, I and everyone in the guild have been loyal to you, even when the Bernstein Organization sanctioned you, we were always on your side."
"Don't touch me; you always care. Again and again, you've been stepping into my territory to know or try to find out what my problem is. I'm fed up, fed up with them meddling in my life, fed up with them following me, fed up with everything."
"We are your friends..."
"Yes, they are, but they are more like my lackeys than friends. Now get out of my room."
Hector closed his eyes, inhaled slowly, and exhaled.
"As you wish." Hector opened the window and left. As he was about to leave, he turned around and continued, "Candado, I don't know what's happening, but I know you're not telling us anything to protect us. No matter what you say, we'll always be by your side."
"Go away, or I'll push you."
Hector said nothing more, just showed a smile and left. As soon as he was gone, Candado locked the window and closed the curtains.
"Don't you think you were too harsh on the albino?" Tinbari asked from behind.
"You're a terrible headache."
"I think you should tell the guild about your condition."
"You think? Since when do you use your brain?"
"I'm serious. Don't you think you should tell your group of friends? You could end that horrible curse you have if you let them find the person who poisoned you."
"And send them to certain death? No, that's definitely not happening."
"After all, you do care about them."
"Of course, unlike you, I do care about all my family and friends. That's why I have to be tough so they don't get into dangerous territory. At least that way, the one who's going to die will be me and not them."
"Well, you are very..."
As Tínbari was about to finish the sentence, Candado threw his dagger at his face, but Tínbari turned into smoke to avoid getting hit by the knife.
"Don't say that stupid word."
"That was close. One more second, and I would have another scar on my face."
"If you had stayed still, it surely wouldn't make you attractive, but it would make you less ugly than you are now."
"Heh, probably, but not by much. Well, I'll go; I have to patrol the area to prevent someone from assassinating you while you sleep."
After saying that, Tínbari disappeared in the same way he always did, leaving Candado alone in his room.
Candado took off his beret and placed it on his coat rack. Then, he removed the glove from his left hand, snapped his fingers, and his clothes neatly flew into his wardrobe. From one of the drawers in the wardrobe, he took out his sleepwear, turned off the light, lay down on his bed, and fell asleep.
Many things had happened that day outside the place: fights with strangers, a cryptic faceless child... all sorts of things occurred.