Candado had stormed out of the house, frustrated. With every step he took, his indignation grew upon realizing that the tears had returned. What he had considered lost and forgotten had now resurfaced, and it irked him terribly. He couldn't tolerate his old self, the one he had struggled to eliminate to make way for his new self, reasserting control. Everything he had worked for seemed to be going down the drain. In the midst of the looming threat of an imminent war shaking the world, there was no room for sensitivity and fragility. This was the moment when men had to set aside their feelings and be strong and steadfast in decision-making.
He couldn't afford to awaken his former self if he wanted to protect those around him. There was a grave threat of war between two powerful entities: the OMGAB and the FUCOT. It was time to find the poison that threatened to unleash this conflict and eradicate it. Candado understood that he needed to speak to as many people as possible to avert a war with his ideological enemy. What had happened years ago was not a fond memory, and now, with the fear of its repetition, it was time to act.
The most feasible way to do so was to head to the Semaphore and seek an audience with Julekha Chandra, the leader of the Semaphores and the only person who could advance his sentence, as she had been the one to impose it.
Candado made his way to Nelson's house and knocked on the door forcefully. In the blink of an eye, the door swung open, revealing a very neat and tidy Nelson.
"Hello, how can I help you?"
"I need you to take me to the city of Resistance, please."
"This is getting interesting. Wait a moment," replied Nelson as he closed the door.
At that moment, Tinbari appeared behind Nelson with a pitcher of beer in hand.
"Long time, seems like you're in the middle of some trouble."
"Oh, Tinbari, I never thought you'd come back after that shouting match I gave you," said Candado as he checked his watch.
"I've been reflecting on what you said, and you were right. I acted without thinking, and I regret that."
"It seems like everything you told me was a lie, but I'll make the effort and believe you."
"Thank you, after all, I had nothing to worry about."
"Stop doing that. It gives me chills every time you say it like that."
"Why?"
"You're not like that, and the mere fact that you've changed a bit leaves a bad taste in my mouth, so don't try to change."
"Hey, if you say so then... Alright, I won't do it anymore, for now."
"I like that."
A few minutes later, the garage opened, and out rolled the Justicialist car, clean and shiny.
"Wow, looks like you gave it a good wash, Nelson. I almost got blinded by all that shine."
Nelson, who was inside the car, rolled down the window and stuck his head out. With a slightly arrogant tone, he replied:
"Ready to go, kid?"
"I asked for your help for a reason, mate."
Candado approached the car, placed his backpack on the back seat, and then settled into the front seat.
"Easy with the door, pal."
"Sorry, not used to traveling by car."
"How long has it been since you've done it?"
"Two years."
Nelson raised his eyebrows and gave a slight smile.
Then, he took out the keys and started the engine. Looking back, he reversed slowly and, once on the asphalt, he accelerated as if he were in a race, causing Candado to sink into the leather seat without any possibility of movement.
"Relax a little, man!"
"I can't hear you," Nelson said mockingly as he kept his foot on the accelerator.
They sped through the streets of the town at full speed, surprisingly without finding any police nearby to stop them.
"You're going to cause an accident, crazy old man," exclaimed Candado with an exalted voice but without altering his cold expression.
"Relax, nothing bad will happen."
"How do you expect me to relax? You're driving like a cheap imitation of Manuel Fangio."
"Relax, at this speed, we'll get to Resistencia faster."
Once they left the island, Nelson slowed down and continued the journey more calmly.
"A little more and you'll tear up the asphalt," Candado commented as he adjusted his tie.
Nelson chuckled.
"Tear up the asphalt? That would be an exaggeration, Chapuza. Heh."
"I hope it's just an exaggeration and not a law."
"Law? You're quite peculiar, kid."
Candado lowered the window and rested his arm on it.
"Tell me, Nelson, what were you guys doing when you were my age?"
Nelson pondered for a moment before responding.
"Well, kid, your grandfather and I were the best in Resistencia, although the headquarters has always been there."
"Is it still there?"
"Of course, but nobody gathers there anymore. The documents were just moved to where you are now. But that doesn't answer your question. Unlike you, we had more conflicts with the Circuit than with anything else. All day it was war, war, war, war, war, and more war."
"But, what was my grandfather like? There were many things he didn't tell me, like the incident of ninety-nine, and his childhood."
"Your grandfather was an extremely reserved person. He never talked about his private life and never mentioned his family. The reason for this, who knows."
"Wow, sounds like me."
"Yes, in a way, but your grandfather was never a bad person. He simply hid important information to protect his family. One reason was that he was the son of the great Jack Barret, one of the heroes of the Tibetan Mountains. That's why he moved to Chaco and kept his true identity a secret. Although that didn't last long, as you can see, everyone knows you."
"I wonder why."
"That's because of an incident with a strange guy named Pullbarey. He confronted your grandfather when he was your age. It was the first time I heard the word 'Cotorium'. I thought it was the name of some agency, but when Alfred told me the whole story, I was perplexed. I remember when he confessed it to me, I laughed, I laughed like a crazy man entering a madhouse for the first time, while your grandmother looked at a weirdo like me laughing at your grandfather."
"Well, it would be strange if you hadn't laughed."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because my grandfather probably would have thought you were the strange one in that situation, not him. Knowing him, he probably expected a different reaction, instead of the calm with which you took it."
"And why do you think that?"
"Because in my family, we don't tolerate hypocrisy. We've dealt with people like that for so many years that we've almost become hypocrite detectors. I'm sure if you had said or done something hypocritical, my grandfather would have kicked you out."
"Wow, you're quite observant."
"I'd rather say it's a hobby."
"Interesting. Also, I find it admirable how you dress. Your grandfather had a great sense of elegance, although he wasn't always up to date on the latest fashion trends. I see that you don't care much about it either."
"Actually, I'm not interested. People tend to focus too much on appearances rather than getting to know the person behind the clothes. I'm sure if I were black and dressed like this in the United States, people would think I've stolen something and they'd send me straight to the electric chair or something like that. It's the land of freedom without freedom and a democracy that isn't really democratic."
"Not many people think about that. It seems you enjoy engaging in quite deep topics for your age."
"You know, you're not one of those who believe in using only 5% of our brain, are you?"
"No, of course not. After all, I'm a scientist."
"So that explains the lab coat, doesn't it? You wouldn't wear it for anything else."
"Well, I'm retired now, but my brain is still functioning. I'll keep going until, as the saying goes, God says, 'Brother, here ends your journey in that world full of crap and sin, and it's time to join this other world equally full of crap and overpopulation.'"
"Your hobby is deciphering people, right? So why don't you try to decipher me?"
"No thanks, I think I'll leave you the benefit of the doubt."
Nelson burst into laughter as Candado observed him and wondered, "Is it really worth trying to understand this?" The old man was extremely charismatic, and his role as a scientist seemed to not fit at all. What had he contributed in the laboratory of C.I.C.E.T.A. or Center of Specialized Scientific Research in Advanced Technology? Candado wasn't someone who judged others without knowing them, but Nelson seemed more interested in showing his appearance than revealing his true self. Although he saw him as an older man living in the moment, Candado knew he was actually a very intelligent person. Not everyone designed a three-sided television or maintained an old justicialist car while also making spare parts for a car practically extinct and forgotten in Argentine society.
After thirty minutes of conversation about past topics, Nelson touched on the subject of the situation and the reason for Candado's visit.
"Tell me, what's your business with the Semaphores?"
"I want an audience with President Chandra to reconsider my sentence."
"Sentence? What did you do?"
"I hit a union colleague due to an ideological difference."
"Ideological? In what sense?"
Candado sighed and replied:
"For calling Perón a dictator."
"Seriously, did he say that?"
"Yes, and he deserved it. Speaking ill of General Perón, who does he think he is?"
"I understand, but unfortunately, my reaction wasn't appropriate and I was suspended. However, I argued that if they wanted me to continue on the board, they had to respect my ideals. So not only was I punished, but also the fool who messed with General Perón and Miss Eva Perón."
"Actually, I would have liked to know what happened to the kid."
"He, well, his punishment was much harsher than mine. He was sentenced to carry a stone on his back and take it to Mount Fuji."
"Did he really manage to do it?"
"Yes, but it took him two months to do it on foot."
"Wow, it seems like the punishments from the W.O.G.A.B. are pretty severe."
"But those are just the minor punishments."
Nelson smiled upon hearing the tale of the blue beret-wearing youth's cunning and tenacity, but then his expression changed, and he became serious.
"Candado, tell me something."
"What?"
"Are you aware of what's going on, right?"
"Of course, just knowing that something isn't right keeps me on edge."
"Wow, I didn't mean so much about the situation itself, but rather about the illness you're experiencing."
"Well, truth be told, it bothers me initially when they bring up my illness, especially when they imply that I'm useless."
"I didn't mean that, I was just interested in knowing about your health."
"There's nothing new to report, although I'll need more of that vial," Candado reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a half-empty vial. "Mine is running out."
Nelson took the vial and examined it closely as he drove.
"Son, I gave you this to last for two weeks, not for five days."
"Well, old man, you see, I'm not exactly someone who could be described as 'calm.' I'm quite anxious and nervous by nature."
"Alright, I'll see what I can do," Nelson handed Candado the vial and pulled out another identical one from his lab coat pocket, but this one was more full. "Here you go, this should last you longer. But be careful, don't drink it all at once, you could become too impulsive. Use it wisely and only in dangerous situations when you need extra energy to defend yourself."
"Ah, I see."
"Now, will you talk to me about this Hammya?"
"The girl, of course, I have no secrets about that."
"Wow, it seems like you're not hiding anything."
"That's right, as I said a moment ago."
"Alright, tell me, what kind of powers does she have?"
"Truthfully, I have no idea."
"How is that possible? Hasn't she shown any abilities?" the old man asked, surprised.
"To be honest, I have no idea why she has green hair or why she's stronger than me."
"Yet, she's living with you."
"And what does that matter?"
"She's a pretty girl, I'm surprised you don't feel anything for her."
"You remind me of someone I know, a real fool. No, she lives with me because Miranda's last wish was for her daughter not to end up in an orphanage."
"You're quite boring, honestly. You're a lot like your mother."
"Where are you going with this conversation?"
"Oh, nowhere in particular, I was just prolonging the conversation a bit, that's all."
After that incident, Candado and Nelson remained silent until they reached the city of Resistencia. However, they made a stop at a gas station to refuel, as Nelson had spent a lot in the town, both to demonstrate his car's power and to annoy Candado a bit. Nelson parked the car and allowed Candado to get out to stretch his legs and breathe some fresh air, as the old man had been smoking throughout the journey, something Candado detested. While Nelson went to buy some food, Candado sat on a bench and observed the street. In Resistencia, there was more traffic than in his town.
"The city is quite bustling, very different from where I live," he commented ironically.
Candado leaned back in the seat and looked up at the sky.
"Although things here remain the same," he added quietly.
Then he closed his eyes to rest a bit. He hadn't been able to sleep well lately, and whenever he had the chance, he always dreamed of her. Every memory was painful, but he felt numb, unable to shed a single tear. He felt ashamed for not shedding a single tear at his grandfather's funeral. What had he become? These were the questions that haunted him day and night. Candado was aware that he had changed, and a lot, but he had never wished to be that person. However, circumstances had led him to forge a strong and insensitive mind to protect himself from emotional hurt. The past could destroy a man if he didn't know how to deal with it, but the future was the hope to change his past and be a better person. Therefore, Candado lived in the present and focused on his goals, not thinking too much about the future, only on how to achieve his ambitions.
While Candado was lost in his thoughts, he heard crying. He slowly opened his eyes and saw a child being mistreated by a man in a food stall across the street. The child, about eight years old, was being insulted and beaten by the man, who apparently was his stepfather.
"Looks like this city has its share of heartless people," Candado muttered as he stood up.
Candado crossed the street and began to walk slowly towards the scene of the incident, with his hands in his pockets and his characteristic cold attitude. Cars swerved around him, and some drivers insulted him, but he didn't care. He knew none of those cars posed a real threat, especially when they noticed his presence.
When he finally arrived at the scene, the man, a fat and unkempt individual with a face that only a mother could love, was about to hit the child again. Candado stopped him by grabbing his wrist with two fingers, the thumb and index finger.
"A man your age raising a hand to a child is a disgrace to humanity."
The man tried to free himself by shaking his arm and then turned to Candado.
"Is this damn kid your relative? Tell him to pay me what he owes me, he has stolen from me."
Candado leaned to the left to look at the child, who was only holding a bag of bread.
"You are exaggerating more than my grandmother. I doubt this young man has stolen anything."
"If you don't know him, better stay out of it, or I'll call the police."
In whispers, Candado spoke confidentially, "Between us, if the 'cops' were to show up and see the child with bruises, I'm sure you would end up in prison instead of him."
The enraged man, with a tone full of anger, snapped, "Filthy rat, do you know who I am?!"
Candado calmly replied, "Yes, a failed experiment of your mother."
The man, now overflowing with fury, shouted, "You damn son of a bitch! I'm friends with the police, I can make you and this dirty, lazy kid shit yourselves, who only knows how to steal."
Candado inhaled and exhaled deeply, trying to keep his composure. "You are just one more of the thousands of arrogant people in this vast world, only you don't have the face to tell me that in that way."
With a determined gesture, Candado tucked his hands into his pockets and entered the premises barefoot, responding to the curious glances of those present, "I would be ashamed if my fine shoes touched that filthy and rotten floor, which you call a 'premises'."
Once inside the premises, Candado took a basket and began to browse the shelves, selecting various items, including water, soda, meat, oil, rice, sausage, apples, oranges, potatoes, cookies, and some treats for himself. Then, he exited the premises, put on his shoes, and approached the child, taking the bread from the boy and placing it in his basket. He then put the basket on the ground in front of the child and walked towards the man.
"How much is the total purchase?" he asked, maintaining his cold demeanor.
The man examined the basket and counted the items one by one before replying, "It's 864 pesos with 57 cents."
Candado took nine hundred pesos out of his pocket and handed them to the man.
"I'll also take the basket," he added.
The man pocketed the money and went into the shop. Then, he turned to the boy and asked, "Where do you live?" while maintaining his cold and impassive attitude.
"Nearby," the boy timidly replied.
Candado continued, "By the way, what's your name?"
The boy introduced himself, "My name is Thomas, Thomas Domingo."
Candado bent down to the boy's height and shook his right hand.
"Pleasure to meet you, Thomas Domingo. My name is Candado Barret."
The boy asked with curiosity, "Like the ones used to lock doors?"
Candado nodded and stood up, taking the basket full of groceries again. However, he hadn't realized that Nelson was watching him from the car while eating a pastry and muttering, "Damn, that kindness doesn't match his appearance."
Candado walked with the boy for almost ten minutes until they finally reached Thomas's house. It was a normal house, but its conditions were not good; the boy wore a worn-out shirt, had no shoes, and his pants were torn at the knees, deducing these traits. Candado could sense that he had a frustrated mother with concentration problems, perhaps because they were poor; he could tell since under the boy's shirt there was a poorly cut thread with a tiny drop of blood, so the mother must have sewn it because there were no wounds on the boy's hands. He could also notice that the boy was extremely innocent and that their poverty was recent; this was because the boy didn't run away when he was hit and had manners, such as giving his full name properly. Candado couldn't smell the child's bad odor, which meant he still bathed. The reason for the worn-out clothes, they must have been for sale to be able to eat; Candado could perceive that he had a father and two brothers, due to how the house was structured; he could notice three extra rooms.
After standing there for a moment, looking at the house and sensing its atmosphere, the boy gently tugged his hand.
"I think I should have brought more supplies."
"What?"
"Oh, nothing, just talking to myself."
Candado walked to the entrance and knocked on the door.
"I hope my family will welcome you."
Candado showed a faint smile in response and continued to look at the door. After a few seconds, it opened, and a man, very well-dressed with a suitcase and glasses, rushed out, knocking over the boy. And Candado, who wanted to show his manners, tripped him, causing him to fall face-first to the ground.
"You little piece of shit, I'm glad to know you'll be homeless very soon," the man said as he left the place.
"Heh, it's strange to see these morons here."
Then Candado put his hand behind the boy's head, and they entered the house together. Once inside, Candado could appreciate what their home was like. They had almost nothing; they had a sofa, a table, and two chairs, no television, the windows were dirty, the ceiling had mold, among many other things.
"Oh, for fuck's sake..." muttered Candado as he rushed to stop the cabinet with his back. In the position he was in, he caused certain items to fall to the ground, and more than one was about to hit the girl. However, with Candado's agility and skill, he managed to stop and, in other cases, push away the blunt objects with his left leg, while using the other to leverage and prevent the cabinet from falling.
"That was close," said Candado as he got rid of the last object, which seemed to be a ceramic jar, and set it aside. He then began to inhale and exhale normally, as he had to hold his breath to prevent the objects from falling on his head. After a while of doing the same exercises several times, the girl approached him and offered him a small box of apple juice.
"Juice?"
"No, thanks. Could you move?"
"Juice?"
"No, I already told you no. Now, could you please move aside?"
"Juice?"
"Sweetheart, could you go away, please?"
"Juice?"
"No... okay, fine! Give me a sip of that juice."
The girl lifted the juice box, and Candado leaned his head to reach the straw and drink. When he finally managed to reach it, he felt a crunch in his back and an expression of pain mixed with his cold demeanor.
"This is going to hurt tomorrow."
Candado took a sip of the girl's juice and then raised his head to look at her.
"Now, please, move aside."
The girl took six steps to the left when he said that, then looked at him and started drinking her juice. With the obstacle removed, Candado stomped heavily on the floor and applied all his strength to put the cabinet back in place.
"Oh, for God's sake..."
Candado muttered as he struggled backwards, puffing his cheeks and squinting his eyes. Finally, he managed to put the cabinet back in place. When he completed his task, he slid drawer by drawer until he reached the floor, sitting and panting exhausted. He looked at the girl with a faint smile on his face, although he still maintained his cold attitude.
"What's your name, little one?"
"My name is Verónica."
"Verónica? Nice name."
"And what's your name?" Verónica asked as she approached him.
"I'm Candado Ernést Catriel Barret."
"Wow, that's a long name!"
"It's my first and last name, although people commonly call me Candado. You can too, if you want."
"Okay, Candado."
At that moment, a strange person ran at full speed from the hallway to the living room. It was a strange girl with hair made of snakes, resembling some kind of Medusa from Greek mythology, although these snakes were red and had nine heads.
"Oh, damn, didn't think I'd see another demon," Candado said in a mocking tone.
"And who are you and what are you doing in my house?" the girl demanded.
Candado stood up, dusted off his clothes, and replied, "Relax, I'm just wandering around until the food is ready."
"Food?"
"Hey, step back a bit. I don't want your friends to bite me."
"Who do you think you are? You're not welcome here, stranger."
"Wow, what poor vocabulary."
As Candado said that, the snakes in the girl's hair began to prepare for an attack while sticking out their tongues.
"Now I see it, you inherited your mother's temper."
"My mother? What's she doing here?"
"Silly girl, it was your mother who invited me to eat here."
"You're lying."
Candado leaned in and touched his forehead to the girl's.
"Do you think I'm lying?" he asked with a cold attitude and a great intention to hit her.
In that instant, during the heated argument, one of the snakes wrapped around Candado's neck twice and showed its teeth wide open, preparing to bite his cheek. Meanwhile, the other snakes prepared to attack, showing their large, sharp fangs, dripping venom.
"Is this supposed to intimidate me?" Candado said disdainfully.
"If it doesn't, then I'll have to take you down," the girl responded with determination.
"You don't scare me. I've faced countless dangers, each one more perilous than the last. Do you still think these snakes can do anything? I'm sorry to say, but you're mistaken," Candado affirmed, maintaining his cold demeanor.
"We'll see about that."
As Candado prepared to unleash his flaming strike at her chest, Verónica, who had been observing the entire confrontation, decided to intervene. She positioned herself between the two, so small that she had gone unnoticed until that moment, and placed her hands on each of their legs.
"Stop, please, Candado is my friend."
"Candado?" the girl said in surprise.
"Yes, that's my name. Any problem?"
"Oh, my goodness, forgive me," the girl responded as she withdrew the snakes from Candado's face and neck.
"What's going on? I don't understand," Candado said, confused.
Verónica placed her left hand on her chest and raised her chin.
"Forgive me, Your Excellency. It was not my intention to treat you in that manner."
Confused, Candado decided to play along and assume the role of someone important.
"Give me your name and surname."
"Yes, sir. My name is Carolina Coatlicue, and I am part of the Tricolor agency, the Traffic Lights."
"Rank?"
"Red rank, sir."
"I see, you're a rookie. Who is your department head?"
"Cabaña Nicolás, sir."
"I see. At ease, soldier."
"Yes, sir," Carolina replied as she relaxed her arms.
"Alright, miss. What's with the hostile behavior towards me?"
"It was an accident. I thought you were someone else."
"Someone else?"
"Yes, sir. Lately, we've had Circuists lurking around my house, so I thought you were part of... you know, the Erasers."
"Alright, alright. I like people who suspect everything, as they have more chances of survival."
"I'm flattered, sir. It will be a privilege for me to have you eat with us."
"By the way, why are you in these conditions?"
"The truth is, my parents are unemployed, and a company wants to demolish our house to build a supermarket. We've tried everything, but it seems like we won't last long."
"Did you ask for help from the guild or the Traffic Lights?"
"Yes, but they couldn't do anything, as my mom signed a contract with the company when we needed money. Now they want to evict us, and we only have five days before ending up on the street."
"Debt?" Candado inquired in surprise.
"Yes, 953,993 pesos, plus interest, amounting to 3,597,202 million pesos."
"Wow, that debt is exorbitant," commented Candado.
Then, Carolina tilted her head and looked at her sister, who was hugging her leg. With tenderness, Carolina lifted her and then looked at Candado.
"We don't have money to pay those debts. It seems like we have no choice but to leave here," she began to shed tears, although she tried to contain them. "I'm sorry, I'm a Traffic Light, I'm not supposed to be in this state."
Candado, with his insensitive attitude, took a deep breath and then exhaled everything he had inside. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a wallet that seemed small at first glance, but upon opening it, revealed a stack of hundred-peso bills. He took out a roll of bills of the same value, considerably large. Then, he took Carolina's hand and handed her the money.
"Here's over twenty million pesos."
"What!?" exclaimed Carolina in surprise.
"You see, for me, money is nothing more than a simple piece of paper that serves a purpose and nothing more. This time, I've used it to help you."
"But..."
"Don't say anything, the money is yours and your family's. Pay off your debts, buy furniture, and..." Candado looked at her intently and continued, "...and also some decent clothes."
"I can't find the right words for this."
"Don't say anything, and that's final."
"But I know what I want. I'm going to defend your name in the OMGAB and in the Traffic Lights."
"Alright, thank you. After what Joaquín told me, it would be nice to have more allies in the Traffic Lights, so I'll accept your help."
"It will be an honor to follow you."
"Speaking of which, I'm hungry. I wonder if the food is ready?" Candado remarked.
"I didn't know Mom was cooking, well, not at this exact moment. Shall we?" Carolina replied.
"Yes, let's go," Candado said, then looked at little Verónica and continued, "Are you coming too, little one?"
"Yes, of course."
Candado, Carolina, and Verónica descended to the kitchen, only to behold the masterpiece their mother had created: a rice stew. Judging by everyone's reactions, it seemed like it had been a long time since they had eaten in such a manner; even the cook was surprised by her own culinary art. But they were even more astonished when they tasted the stew; everyone expressed their joy through their taste buds. Everyone, except Candado, who always wore the same expression on his face, making it difficult for others to guess his mood. Despite that, Candado was very grateful, praising the food and the cook several times. As he sat at the table, watching Carolina, Verónica, and Thomas sitting with their parents, he felt a twinge of envy for the unity of that family, despite not having money and being on the brink of total bankruptcy. However, they remained united both at the table and in the family. Candado watched the reunited family eating together, something he hadn't experienced in years in his own home.
"Is something wrong?" the man asked.
"Why do you ask?" Candado replied.
"You've been like that for a long time and barely touched your food."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Candado bowed his head, looked at his plate, and began to eat. "Just seeing you all brought back memories."
"Memories?" Carolina asked.
"Yes, painful and beautiful... memories."
After those words, Candado continued eating and said nothing more. He didn't praise or comment further. Not because he didn't know what to say, but because he didn't want to show his sentimental side, as it seemed to deeply affect him.
When they finished their meal, Candado stood up, thanked the family for inviting him to their table, and headed towards the door. However, everyone got up and accompanied him. Upon hearing that everyone was behind him, Candado turned around and looked at them attentively, then showed a smile, this time with a little more enthusiasm.
"Thank you very much for the meal."
"Come back whenever you want," said the woman.
"You will always be welcome in this house," added the man.
"I hope we meet again," concluded the three siblings.
Candado waved goodbye and left the house. He didn't leave alone with his usual coldness, but accompanied by joy and excitement. Knowing that he had helped a family gave him hope of repairing his own.
When he stepped outside, he noticed Nelson waiting for him in front of the car. Candado made a grimace and walked towards him, hands in his pockets, feeling the afternoon breeze caressing his bangs and body. As he approached the car, he showed a slight smile because he felt a great satisfaction in his heart. Candado got into the car with a smile on his face.
"Are you alright?" Nelson asked, surprised.
"I think so. I don't know how to explain it, but somehow I feel happy."
Nelson blinked repeatedly in amazement, raised his eyebrows, and looked at the steering wheel.
"You're scary, kid," Nelson said as he started the car.
From that moment on, Nelson knew which path Candado had chosen, and all that was left to do was to watch.
After helping the family in Resistencia, Candado headed back to the Tricolor agency, the Traffic Lights. The goal was clear: to secure an audience with Chandra and obtain her forgiveness in order to enter the OMGAB and report the situation that was unfolding. Candado believed he could reach an agreement with her, as Chandra was an easy person to talk to.
They continued by car for another fifteen minutes until they reached the Traffic Lights headquarters.
"Wow, they've renovated this place, it looks new," observed Nelson as he got out of the car.
"That's how they are," commented Candado as he closed the car door.
The agency was located in an almost desolate place, with no houses around, just a few trees. It was like a fortress, with concrete walls between nine and eleven meters high surrounding almost five blocks of land. There was only one metal door as an entrance. On the outskirts of the agency, security cameras could be seen all over the place, and at the entrance, two guards: one adult and one teenager, the latter seeming to be on his first day of work. Since the wall was very high, the structure of the building could barely be seen, except for some towers and the roof.
Candado and Nelson got out of the car and approached the entrance, where they were stopped by a veteran police officer, an older, burly, bearded man wearing glasses.
"Who are you guys?" the guard asked.
"I am Candado Barret, and this gentleman beside me is Nelson Torres. We want to have an audience with the representatives here."
"I'm sorry to say the president is not present."
"But is his vice president?"
"Yes, but..."
"Alright. Will you let us in?" Candado interrupted.
"Alright, after all, you're a representative of Argentina in the Bernstein Organization, so please come in."
The guard entered a booth, pressed some buttons, and the door opened slowly with an annoying noise. Candado's hands could be seen trembling behind his back due to the irritating noise, while Nelson covered his ears. When the door opened fully, Candado raised his beret in a greeting gesture to the guards and entered the compound, accompanied by his friend Nelson.
Inside the building, everything was impressive. There were many people, mainly children and teenagers. There was an area that looked like an airport and a rest area with a white statue of Harambee holding hands with Alfonsín Dáydalo, the creator of the Traffic Lights. It was said that Dáydalo, being a very poor boy, had reached the top of the guilds due to his desire to help others. One of the deadly problems he noticed was the lack of a patrol for guild maintenance activities. They needed someone to report, draft, and solve problems that might arise in other sister guilds. If corruption and mismanagement in a guild increased, it could become a serious problem for the Circuits. Thus, the Traffic Lights were born, an entity that served as the eyes and ears of the W.O.G.A.B., ensuring that the work of the guilds was carried out correctly. They also acted as reinforcements for their siblings in case of attacks. Today, this agency had a presence worldwide.
Alfonsín was president of the Traffic Lights for three years, fighting off Circuit attacks, until he died in battle at the age of fifteen. His younger brother, Ricardo Dáydalo, honored him every day, becoming a legendary figure for both the guilds and the Circuits. For the guilds, he was a loyal and brave warrior, while for the Circuits, he was a lying tyrant and a source of trouble. However, for the tricolor agency, he remained the father of the ideals of equality, fraternity, and freedom.
Since then, the Traffic Lights had been dedicated to helping and defending all guilds. They had a completely independent justice administration system from the W.O.G.A.B. to ensure that fair decisions were always made in cases of impunity, punishment, and expulsion. Candado Barret, Arce Catherine Lourdes, and Cesar Chrome were the only three people capable of administering punishment to the accused, leaving them completely defenseless in their daily lives. This system had been established by Alfonsín himself to administer justice, as it had previously been carried out by a Bailak who had passed on his knowledge to these three individuals.
Candado strolled through the agency's gardens to pass the time, as he hadn't visited the place in a long time. Meanwhile, Nelson was completely fascinated by what he was seeing; he had never witnessed so many changes in the agency before.
"Would you mind if I take a look around?" Nelson asked.
"Not at all, feel free to go," Candado replied.
Nelson parted ways with Candado and disappeared around the corner of the building, where there were many people. Candado walked to the plaza where everyone gathered, each wearing a band on their left arm of different colors to indicate their rank, such as white (Student), red (Corporal), yellow (Infantry or Captain), and green (The highest rank of the Semaphores and the most difficult to achieve). On his way, he encountered familiar faces and greeted them, sometimes with nods and other times with a handshake, until he decided to rest on a bench nearby. As he sat, he observed everyone bustling around; some were chatting, while others remained still.
At that moment, a familiar voice surprised him.
"I never thought you'd come today."
Candado turned and saw a familiar figure, Reinhold Krauser.
Krauser was a peculiar figure, with no eyes, ears, nose, or mouth visible at first glance. His appearance resembled that of a white mannequin, half-human and half-monster. He dressed elegantly, wearing brown trousers with white stripes, shiny black shoes, a light blue long-sleeved shirt, a matching vest and pants, a black tie, and a hat to complement his ensemble, all without white lines. Though he seemed calm, he could be sarcastic and mocking at times, though mostly reserved. Despite his strange appearance, he had the ability to see, hear, and eat through a mouth that opened in its original place. Sometimes, he used his terrifying appearance to intimidate his enemies by unfolding his mouth and covering his head, revealing a long, rough black tongue and sharp white teeth. On other occasions, he used his mouth to communicate, as it was all he had. Krauser sometimes wore a sturdy brown or red trench coat, a black scarf around his neck, black pants with black leather boots, and dark brown leather gloves, along with his characteristic green band on his left arm.
As for his abilities, Krauser possessed a violin with which he could immobilize his enemies if he were to play out of tune, but he could also manipulate both friends and enemies like puppets when he played a melody. Additionally, he had the ability to create tentacles from his back and control them as if they were additional arms. His powerful jaw allowed him to devour large objects like cars or tanks, and he had the ability to regenerate lost limbs. He was also surprisingly skilled in cooking and cleaning.
"Krauser, the walking mannequin, how's life treating you?" Candado joked.
"Very funny, Candado. Truth be told, life treats me much better than it does you," Krauser retorted.
"I figured as much."
"Mind if I sit?" Krauser asked.
"Not at all, please do," Candado replied.
"Thanks," Krauser responded before sitting down next to Candado.
"Tell me, how was the inspection?" asked Candado.
"Well, it went very well, truth be told. I never thought it would finish so quickly."
"Well, Joaquín holds you in high regard, wouldn't surprise me if he expedited it."
"You think so?"
"Of course, after all, he's your friend, isn't he?"
"Well, I suppose so, but he's too soft. By the way, do you know that mute girl who's with Joaquín? She reminds me of Clementina."
"Ruth? Well, I haven't spoken much with her, but I think she's a good person."
"And Moneda?"
"He's a wild card, a war lunatic, but his madness seems to be his strength, as he fears nothing, and that's quite useful to us, truth be told."
"Have you heard if Joaquín has arrived?"
"No, he hasn't returned yet, but Rozkiewicz is here."
Candado covered his face and said, "Honestly, I don't want to talk to him. He's too loud, and that kind of people makes me nervous."
"Well, truth be told, he loves doing that, but don't worry, he'll get you everything you need."
"If you put it like that, then..."
"Then what?"
"Well, I've decided, I'm going to see Rozkiewicz."
"Pray he doesn't yell."
"And you'll come with me."
"Oh no sir, I have no intentions of going."
"What if I give you a cookie?"
"Two."
"Deal, now come."
Candado and Krauser stood up from their seats and headed towards the building, walking side by side like comrades, although Krauser only decided to go out of convenience. When they entered, the atmosphere was very clean, and the air had a fresh fragrance. They had air conditioning, and there were receptionists at the entrance with a sign of the Semáforos logo, which was a medieval-style shield with the three colors. Fortunately, they were too distracted to notice both of their presence. Candado and Krauser took the elevator and went up to the top floor of the building. Though it formally had twelve floors, they got out of the elevator and took the only straight path on that floor. A very large door awaited them, and Candado didn't touch it delicately, but punched it so that his call could be heard.
"Easy, Candado, you're going to break the door," Krauser said with concern.
Before Candado could reply, the door opened, revealing a large room with five people. Two of them were women, one was sitting at the front in a white armchair, well-dressed and with dark sunglasses. The other four were sitting, but they all looked towards Candado, suggesting they were in an important meeting.
"CANDADO! How are you?" exclaimed Rozkiewicz as he removed his dark sunglasses.
"Good morning, Mr. President."
"MANNEQUIN! Welcome."
"Am I interrupting something?"
"Uh, no, actually, we were just talking about you."
Candado walked towards the front to see the faces of the people Rozkiewicz was speaking with.
"Let me introduce you, he's Candado Barret, representative of the W.O.G.A.B. and our champion in all the... ARGENTINA DAMMIT!" exclaimed Rozkiewicz as he leaned on Candado's shoulder.
"Greetings," they all responded simultaneously.
Candado decided to start with the first seat, a young woman with a staff in her hand, a bird on her head, and dressed in green and red robes.
"Hello, I'm Sofía Ibarra Zapirón, pleased to meet you."
"Well, I've heard of you, the dryad from Argentina, one of the best in nature control."
"I prefer to call it mutual cooperation."
Candado took Sofía's hand and kissed the back of it.
"My respects to your people, you're the only ones who have always helped us, the guilds."
"Don't mention it."
Then Candado released Sofía's hand and turned to the one next to her, a young boy in jeans, a black leather jacket, and strange shoulder pads with sharp spikes. On his chest, he wore a badge of a red cactus.
"Good afternoon, sir, my name is Walter Dussek."
"Well, Walter, the boy who controls cacti at will. He's very famous in the north due to his powers with sand and Rekla'darica magic. It's an honor for me to have you in the Semáforos."
"Heh, yes, although it's the first time. The credit is not only mine."
Candado shook Walter Dussek's hand.
"Welcome to Chaco."
"Thanks. Cactus?"
"Uh, no."
He then continued and met the third seat, where there was a man with a stylish and very pale appearance. It seemed like his first time in a place like Chaco. He was dressed in white from head to toe, had a light blue handkerchief wrapped around his neck, and medals partially covering his chest. He wore a hat with a red feather on it.
"Greetings, Mr. Candado, my name is Johan M. You must be flattered by my presence."
"And who is this jerk?" asked Candado as he looked around.
"Mr. Johan is a bounty hunter, he's neutral," explained Rozkiewicz.
"I'm too valuable to get my hands dirty with crumbs. It's just the fact of being here that gives brightness to this dump."
Candado was having a severe nervous twitch in his right eye. He had never seen such egocentrism in one person before, to the point that just listening to his words caused him terrible ear pain. He couldn't believe he was about to punch an important guest. Not even that, Candado couldn't say the words "important guest." He would sooner die than say that. However, Candado showed a fake expression of pleasure and respectfully shook his hand.
"It's a—" Candado closed his left eye and looked up, as if he were thinking about what to say, then continued, "pleasure to have you here."
"Pleasure? No, I give more than that, I give prestige to this shabby establishment."
Candado squeezed Johan's hand hard enough to cause him pain.
"Same here."
"It didn't hurt me, I exercise."
Candado closed his eyes, held his breath, and then exhaled deeply.
He then moved to the last seat, where there was a quite formal girl, with a noble attitude, dressed in celestial, red, and yellow clothes in a design that Candado had never seen before. She wore a tiara with a green diamond ornament in the center of her head, had short hair and white gloves, and her face reflected the innocence of a noble child.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Candado, my name is Cantero Amana Agostina."
"Well, forgive me, but I don't know you."
"No problem, it's very common for that to happen. Truth is, I don't care to be famous."
"What's that humility?"
"Actually, I'm not humble, I'm just a regular person doing my job to help others. Isn't that what guilds do?"
Candado was utterly bewildered by what he had just heard. He couldn't believe that someone like her didn't consider herself humble, but simply a normal guild worker dedicated to helping others.
"Well, I think two things, either you're naive or you're truly a humanitarian."
"No, not at all. It's true, I just dedicate myself to helping others on behalf of Harambee and the guilds."
"I'll take the initiative to be a kind being." Candado shook her hand and continued, "Pleased to meet you, I hope we get along well."
"Just so you know, Candado, she belongs to the oligarchy of Buenos Aires and is a friend of a friend of yours."
"Who?"
"Sara from Holy Truth."
"I can't believe it, it seems you've made a friend after all. To top it off, she's the daughter of a high-class family with a heart of gold, or should I say, platinum."
Johan raised his hand and interrupted the conversation.
"Excuse me, but I'm also humble."
"You?" Candado asked disgustedly.
"Yes, I'm the humblest in the entire universe. I'm the best at being humble."
"You must be incredible at being good at helping others, right?" Cantero asked.
"Hah, you recognize my greatness, little one. Those who follow me are always rewarded."
"This is getting off track," Walter said.
"ORDER! Please, we need to talk about these issues, so please listen to me. I've called you because there's a war looming with the Circuits."
"War? With the Circuits?"
"Exactly, Miss Sofia, a war is coming, and it's our duty to stop it, so..."
Candado slammed his fist on the table.
"NO!"
"What's gotten into you?" Johan asked.
"You don't understand, the Circuits are innocent, they have nothing to do with this."
"That's funny, the Circuits innocent? Impossible," Rozkiewicz said.
"Wait a moment, it's always good to hear others' opinions."
"Sofia is right, we should listen to him," Cantero recommended.
"Explain yourself, please," Krauser said as he placed his hand on Candado's shoulder.
"Well, this is what I know."
Candado began recounting everything that had happened in the past few days. He told them about the Witnesses and the people who had attacked him, mentioning their names: Guz, Jane, Joel, and Rose. He also explained the purpose of their existence and their possible tactic to trigger a war between the guilds and the Circuits. He spoke of the mission to bring back their leader, Thanatos, to Earth. He detailed every step and every relevant piece of information. The others listened attentively to every word that came out of his mouth.
When Candado finished his explanation, everyone began to reflect on what he had recounted. However, it wasn't enough to convince some of them.
"It's madness," Rozkiewicz worried.
"I can't believe it," Cantero exclaimed.
"I think they'd be the highest bidder," Johan expressed disinterestedly.
"There must be a mistake, it can't be..."
"No mistake."
Said a mysterious voice, and everyone turned to see who was speaking. It was Joaquín, accompanied by Moneda, Ruth, Clementina, Hammya, and Héctor.
"BARRETO! HOW'S IT GOING?" Rozkiewicz shouted.
"What mental retardation, my God," Johan said.
"What are you three doing here?"
"We came to make sure you wouldn't get into trouble, Ernést," Héctor said.
"Ernést? Oh, I see, you got demoted, didn't you?" Joaquín mocked.
"No, he's just on vacation, he'll be back in a few days," Clementina clarified.
"Well, well, putting that aside, how do you know what Candado is saying is true?"
"My dear friend, I have the evidence with me, Ruth, would you do me the honor?"
Joaquín extended his right hand, and Ruth handed him some documents.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen."
"Here is the evidence," said Joaquín as he took out a few papers from the folder and slid them across the table.
"Who are they?" Sofía asked.
"Good question, my lady. They are the Witnesses."
"Jørgen Czacki, Rŭsseŭs Andrea, Guz, Joel la Valle, Rose la Valle, Jane la Valle, Amasai Chesulloth, Azricam Betah, Dockly Fernando, and Isabel Castillo, who the hell are these? They're strangers," Rozkiewicz said.
"Those are the ones currently making up the Witnesses."
"How did you get this?" Candado asked as he held one of the pages.
"It was thanks to William."
"I should've guessed. Where is he now? That scoundrel owes me money."
"I regret to inform you, Candado, that he's in the south now, and won't be coming for a few days."
"This place is amazing," Hammya said.
"Why is she here? She'll only cause trouble," Candado said, but no one listened.
"Wow, what beautiful hair," Cantero said.
"Do you cooperate with nature?" Sofía asked.
"Wow, she looks like a cactus," Walter remarked.
"She's beautiful," Johan said.
"Well, I..."
"Can we focus?"
"Listen to Candado, then you can talk to the newcomer."
Everyone agreed with Krauser's proposal and paid attention.
"All right, is that all, Joaquín?"
"No, we still need to find out who their leader is, I haven't succeeded, but I know they call their leader the desecrator."
"Does anyone else have this information?" Rozkiewicz asked.
"Yes, actually, Maldonado stole my reports."
"WHAT!?" they all exclaimed.
"What you heard, Maldonado stole my reports."
"Are you stupid or what? How could you leave these documents unprotected?"
"Héctor Ramírez Bonamico Mateo, a genius in everything related to computers and mathematics. I know what I did and I'm aware of the situation, but this was necessary for the cause."
"Why give that information to our enemies?" Héctor asked.
At that moment, Johan raised his legs on the table and interrupted.
"What he did is smart."
"What are you talking about?"
"I suppose he left the writings alone on a table and in a locked office, so they would be stolen the next day."
"Did you do it knowingly?" asked Moneda.
"Of course I did, it was my plan after all."
"I don't understand, why did you do it?"
Candado remained pensive from the moment he admitted to knowingly neglecting his duty, but after much thought, he found a precise answer to his friend's actions and the situation at hand.
"Did you indirectly share information with the Circuits?" asked Candado.
"What?" everyone exclaimed at once, except Johan.
"Oh, Candado has figured it out. You're good, though not as much as me," remarked Johan.
"Shut up, Johan," said Sofía.
"Why would you do that? You know very well they are our age-old enemies," demanded Rozkiewicz.
"Think for a moment, what good does it do us to hide information from those who are enemies of our enemies? I believe it's time to share information about the Witnesses if we want to defeat them, or else we'll be divided and all perish."
"That was very clever of you, Joaquín."
"The credit isn't mine, Miss Cantero, the idea was indirectly given to me by Sofía."
"How?"
"In one of her speeches, you said, 'The pain of those who are immortal has brought war and death to countless innocents, to justify the unjustifiable, the Circuits ruled for three whole years because we couldn't stay united.'"
"That's the speech I gave on Remembrance Day, over a year ago."
"Exactly, that speech taught me something important. In times of war, we must stand united, and in this case, our enemies are the Witnesses, not the Circuits."
"But what you did is illegal."
"I know, Rozkiewicz, that's why this will stay between us."
"What makes you think I'll keep quiet?" Johan questioned.
At that moment, everyone, except Cantero, drew their weapons and aimed them at Johan's neck.
"Alright, I'll keep my mouth shut."
"Good, that settles this matter," said Clementina.
Everyone laughed, except Candado, who remained silent as he gazed out of the large window in the room. Joaquín followed behind him and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Tell me, what do you need? When I arrived here, the guards told me you were looking for me."
"I need you to do me a favor."
"Another one? Alright."
"I need you to arrange an interview with Chandra."
"The president? And what do you want with her?"
"It's about my situation."
"That'll be tough, but I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you, Joaquín, you're a friend."
After saying that, Joaquín noticed something outside the window.
"Look at that blond boy over there, where have I seen him? It looks like he's coming this way."
From the window, Candado tried to place him. He was a boy of about fourteen walking with his hands behind his back, dressed in black, and slowly approaching the walls' gate.
"He's... I think he is..." Joaquín slowly widened his eyes in amazement, as if he had seen a ghost.
Candado frowned and opened his mouth. It was clear he was very surprised.
"He's... DESZA!"