After the recent events, Candado no longer had the intention of speaking to Chandra; instead, he wanted to head to the headquarters of W.O.G.A.B. and expose what had happened so that action could be taken. The effects of the incident were immediate and had repercussions on both the Guilds and the Traffic Lights. The families of the victims demanded answers, including from those responsible. However, unfortunately, only a partial version of the truth had to be given, concealing certain details from the grieving families.
The story spread that it was a group of robbers who had escaped from the Guilds and were seeking to provoke the anger of the Traffic Lights. But nobody believed this version; the families knew or believed they knew that the real culprits were the Circuits. Despite this, Candado decided to tell the whole truth and reveal the identity of the Witnesses, hoping that not all the blame would fall on the Circuits. He laid out all the details related to the incident, but the results were not encouraging. Only a handful of people listened to and believed his version, while the majority, including those who fought that day, blamed the Circuits, despite Esteban's presence to help.
Candado found himself powerless to prove his innocence in these events, and the widespread sentiment pointed towards the Circuits. The relatives of the victims fanned the flames of misunderstanding, exacerbating hostility towards the Circuits. Unfortunately, signs of a new war in Argentina began to emerge. Esteban was unable to clear the name of the Circuits, and his superiors began to distrust his leadership in the U.F.E.T.C. Furthermore, serious consideration was given to removing him from his position, with the idea of calling for elections to choose a new Honest Marshal.
All candidates for the position firmly held Tánatos's ideas, which consisted of destroying the Guilds and avoiding any possible dialogue with their enemies. The orthodox faction of the Circuit party had a high probability of winning the elections. Esteban's favorite, Morfeo Cristopher, known as Poker, was someone Esteban deeply despised, as he couldn't stand the idea of someone with such a closed mind assuming leadership of the U.F.E.T.C.
Things did not improve as expected. In the Traffic Lights, a climate of fear gripped the population. On the day of the tragedy, the victims were people who were just beginning to discover their powers, which significantly weakened the effectiveness of the local guard. The ranks of the Red, Yellow, and Green guard were reinforced, composed of experienced and highly specialized individuals who remained on high alert twenty-four hours a day.
Rozkiewicz ensured that his comrades received intensive combat training, hoping to be prepared for a possible second attack. Joaquín, on the other hand, was forced to travel to Nepal to explain the exoneration of the investigation without consulting Julekha Chandra. Walter Dussek returned to his hometown and provided all the details of what happened, constantly repeating the word "Witnesses."
Sofía did the same and returned to her hometown, avoiding talking about the events in the Traffic Lights and focusing on her confrontation with the woman who had humiliated her, Rŭsseŭs. Johan dedicated himself to traveling the world in search of information about the individuals who had attempted to assassinate them. Finally, Cantero, an individual who refused to harm any human being, remained in Resistance, seeking solutions to prevent another possible attack.
On the other hand, Candado also faced his own problems. A day after the events, the demands of the Guilds of Argentina directed at W.O.G.A.B. began to multiply alarmingly. In just twenty-eight hours after the incident, the entire nation was clamoring for action from Candado. However, he was unaware of this growing pressure, as he lived in a small town where there were only two guilds, one of which was led by him, and the other by Tarah. Additionally, a Circuist, obviously under Esteban's command, was also present in the town.
Meanwhile, the presidents of W.O.G.A.B. were plunged into despair as they tried to find an adequate response. Candado had previously been sanctioned for his violent behavior towards a guild representative, and to prevent Yuuta, who had temporarily assumed the presidency, from becoming the target of the people's anger, the appearance was maintained that Candado was still in power, although he had actually been temporarily removed. Although letters and requests for meetings with Candado arrived at W.O.G.A.B. headquarters, nothing could be done about it. Yuuta offered no coherent explanations and only rehearsed unconvincing answers.
The situation continued unchanged for two days until Candado received a call from Jacqueline Crusoe, urging him to come immediately to prevent a confrontation. Candado accepted the invitation and, as promised, headed to the World Organization of Adjacent Guilds Bernstein that same day. The call came at 5:42 in the afternoon, and Candado hastily prepared himself, intending to identify the true perpetrators of the attack and find a solution to the problem. Adjusting his red tie, he left his house towards the guild, where he would meet with Héctor to fulfill his duties as Candado or president of the Roobóleo Guild.
When Candado arrived at the entrance of the house, he adjusted his black vest and opened the door. Inside, he found Anzor and Lucas playing truco, so engrossed in their game that they didn't notice his arrival. Candado took a one-peso coin from his pocket and tossed it onto a nearby table to get their attention. It was then that both stood up and greeted him, crossing their arms over their chests.
"Rest easy," Candado said to them. "Do you know if Hector's here?"
"Yeah, he's in the office," Anzor replied.
"Thanks, carry on," Candado responded.
With that, he left the two players to their game of truco and headed towards Hector's office. He knocked on the door and waited.
"Come in," Hector's voice came from inside.
Candado opened the door and entered the room with his hands in his pockets. To his surprise, he found Viki lying on the ceiling, absorbed in her cell phone, while Hector read the newspaper. Despite being involved in the recent fight and witnessing the fall of many of his comrades, Hector acted as if nothing had happened. This attitude of forgetting deeply bothered Candado, but he wasn't there to argue, but to discuss an important matter.
"How's it going?" Candado greeted.
Hector lowered the newspaper and looked at Candado. "Greetings, Ernest. Nice day, isn't it?"
"Yeah, a nice day for the living," Candado replied, looking at the ceiling with irony.
Hector seemed confused by Candado's response and cleared his throat before asking, "What are you doing here so late?"
"How curious, I was about to ask the same thing," Candado retorted. "I'm here because I wanted to ask you an important question."
"Important?" Hector questioned.
"Are you going to accompany me to the Organization?" Candado asked directly.
"Oh, right. Today's the day you're heading to W.O.G.A.B., isn't it?" Hector remembered.
"Yes, exactly. So, are you coming or not?" Candado insisted.
"I'm sorry, but I'm busy," Hector replied.
"You'll have to attend the blood meeting," Viki interjected.
"I didn't know there was still blood running through your veins," Candado commented sarcastically.
"What?" Hector asked, confused.
"I mean I didn't know you were still on that regime," Candado clarified.
"Oh, it was nothing. I just needed a transfusion," explained Viki.
"But, Hector, you're my secretary and I need to take someone with me to W.O.G.A.B. Especially considering you've been there in the last few months. Why don't you come?" Candado insisted.
"Unfortunately, I'm busy," Hector reiterated.
Candado tilted his head, took off his beret, scratched his head, and looked back at Hector.
"Fine, I'll take Declan with me," he announced.
"He's busy with a mission I assigned him in Villa Ángela," Hector replied.
"The twins?" Candado asked.
"They're in Corrientes, doing something only they can do," explained Hector.
"Matlotsky," Candado continued.
"He's in the Traffic Lights, repairing the damage," Hector informed.
"Ana María?" Candado inquired.
"She went with Germán to Resistencia to help an injured friend after the assault," Hector replied.
"And those two playing truco?" Candado asked.
"I'll need them later," Hector answered.
Candado looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought.
"Viki..." he began.
"No, I'm not going to Japan," Viki replied categorically.
"Why don't you take Hammya?" Candado suggested.
Candado looked at the ground, somewhat disillusioned.
"Seriously? The kid?" he expressed incredulously.
"Come on, Candado," Hector intervened. "As far as I know, she saved your life."
"Yes, but... she's too... naive," Candado argued.
"Oh, come on, Candado," Hector insisted as he closed the newspaper and placed it on the table. "You've been depending on a secretary since Ocho betrayed us. When will be the day you choose a vice?"
Candado said nothing, simply looking at the ground, seeming still affected by the fact that Hammya had been his friend in the past.
"I won't make the same mistake twice," Candado asserted. "I don't think she has what it takes to be my vice."
"Candado, do you think giving her a position like that will corrupt her like it did with Ocho?" Hector questioned.
"Truth is, I think it's more likely to happen," Candado admitted.
"Come on, Candado," Viki urged.
"You shut up and keep playing your little games," Candado sarcastically retorted.
"Let's make a deal," Hector proposed. "Take her, don't tell her why, and then we'll see if she's really fit to take command."
"Seriously? A few days ago, you distrusted her, and now you're proposing this to me," Candado pointed out.
"I know, and I was wrong," Hector admitted. "I think you also think the same, you're just a little afraid of being wrong."
"Keep those deductions to yourself. And what do I get out of this?" Candado asked.
"If you take her and you like her, so much that you want to appoint her as vice, then you'll do what I say," explained Hector. "But if you take her and you don't like her, I'll acknowledge my mistake and do whatever you ask, anything."
"Fine, I accept," Candado agreed.
Candado stood up, put on his beret, and shook Hector's hand.
"I accept. Now we'll see who was right," Candado concluded.
Then, he turned around and left the room, leaving Hector and Viki alone. As soon as Candado left the room, Hector lay down on the table, as if exhausted, while Viki watched him lie there, holding his head.
"What have I done?" Hector wondered aloud.
"Are you okay, Hector?" Viki asked.
"No, I made a bet with Candado, and we all know he always wins. My God, what am I going to do now?" Hector replied, visibly worried.
Viki burst into laughter.
"Don't laugh, Viki, I'm finished," Hector said as he held his head.
After Candado tried to convince Hector to accompany him to the organization and he refused, Candado had no choice but to invite Hammya to accompany him on his trip to W.O.G.A.B. He needed Hector and Clementina as companions, but Hector was unavailable and he couldn't go alone, so he decided to take a chance on Hammya, without mentioning that he had made a bet with Hector.
Candado entered his house, and as usual, his parents weren't home. Grandma had gone on a trip to Buenos Aires to visit her son Clemente, and the only ones at home were Hammya, along with Clementina, Hipólito, and little Karen, who for some reason was in Hammya's arms. For the first time, Candado held back his comments and approached Hammya to propose something. He hung his beret on the coat rack near the door and walked towards her as she played and made faces at the baby, who seemed to be enjoying Hammya's antics.
"Good afternoon," Candado greeted.
Hammya looked up at Candado and smiled.
"Good afternoon. It seems like you've started to improve your attitude."
Candado clenched his fists tightly at the comment, and the creaking of his gloves could be heard.
"Heh, yeah, seems like I've improved."
Hammya lowered her head and continued playing with the baby, but when she did, Candado began making faces, and his left eye started to twitch nervously. However, he soon calmed down, adjusted his tie, and cleared his throat.
"I would like you to come with me to the W.O.G.A.B. organization."
Hammya looked up again and looked at him.
"What? Where?"
Candado made an effort not to pinch her cheeks for not paying attention the first time.
"Well, I'll repeat it for you. Would you like to come with me to W.O.G.A.B.?"
"Eh? I don't understand," Hammya replied confusedly.
Candado relaxed his shoulders and looked at the ceiling.
"What part don't you understand?" Candado said, losing patience.
"Why are you inviting me?" Hammya asked.
Candado lowered his head, closed his eyes, and scratched his left eyebrow with the index finger of his left hand.
"Because my staff is busy. So, once again, are you going to come with me to W.O.G.A.B., yes or no?"
Hammya thought for a moment about Candado's proposal, and after a minute, she replied.
"Sure, I'd like to see that place."
Candado took a deep breath and then exhaled, displaying a sarcastic smile.
"Perfect, now get dressed."
"Well, get dressed," Candado ordered.
"What? Now?" Hammya asked, surprised.
"Yes, now," Candado replied firmly.
"Yes, but..."
At that moment, Candado changed his expression and showed his anger. His eyes lit up with a violet flame, and he covered baby Karen's eyes with his right hand.
"Go and get dressed now," he said with a chilling voice.
Hammya immediately got up, handed the baby to Candado, and rushed to her room. At that moment, Hipólito appeared, without his bowler hat, and was sweeping the floor with a broom.
"Well, what did the little 'mamboretá' do to make you take her with you?" Hipólito asked with a mischievous smile.
"Well, here I am complaining about Clementina being scrap."
"What did you want to tell me?"
"Nothing, I'll leave it to your robotic imagination," Candado replied as he sat down on the couch and put his sleeping sister in the crib beside him.
Hipólito showed a mischievous smile and continued cleaning the floor.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
"This brings back memories."
"When did you not have that gray mustache?" Candado joked.
"Hah, no, I mean when I served Alfred's parents," Hipólito explained.
"I'm surprised there were automatons like you in their time."
Actually, it was him who made me and gave me the name Hipólito, in honor of Hipólito Yrigoyen."
"It could be said that my family comes from radical descendants."
"Yes, in his time, boss Jack Barret was a Yrigoyenist militant. But after what happened in Patagonia, he became disillusioned, although he continued to support him."
"Now, apparently, that branch didn't continue, since my family and I are Peronists, right?"
"Hah, yes, how things change."
At that moment, a clock in the kitchen rang.
"Oh, by my terabytes, dessert is ready," announced Hipólito as he headed to the kitchen.
Candado turned his eyes one hundred and eighty degrees and picked up a red book titled "Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes. He began to read it to pass the time. However, he hadn't even finished the first page when Hipólito returned, accompanied by Clementina, carrying pastries on a metal tray.
"Behold, humans, the exquisiteness in person," exclaimed Hipólito excitedly.
"Hipólito, do you have to do that every time you cook desserts?" Clementina asked.
"Of course, man, this is a revolution for the motherland," Hipólito replied humorously.
"Now you're speaking Galician?" Clementina questioned.
"Alright, enough fooling around, let's try them, damn it," said Hipólito as he placed the tray on the table. Then he stood up and continued, "Phew, it's hot. I'm going to take a shower, kids, in the meantime, enjoy it."
As Hipólito left the room, Candado closed his book, picked up one of the pastries with a paper towel, and took a bite.
"Oh, these are delicious, especially the sweet potato filling," commented Candado as he savored the pastry.
"I swear, Mr. Hipólito knows how to bake them."
"I remember mom used to make them for me and Gabriela," Candado said with a smile.
At that moment, Hammya arrived, wearing the same green dress she had on the first time they met. However, it was now clean and without the black stains it had after being rolled in the mud when she was beaten up by those boys. Additionally, she wore a white ribbon around her neck and a violet flower-shaped buckle.
"You look beautiful, Miss Hammya," commented Clementina.
Candado merely observed the shoes he had repaired a few days ago. He was about to make a comment, and not a particularly positive one, but he decided to keep quiet and offered a pastry to Hammya for her to try. She gladly accepted and took a bite, showing pleasure on her face as she savored the pastry.
"It's delicious, Hipólito put in a lot of effort," praised Hammya.
"Hipólito? Putting in effort? Don't make me laugh," responded Candado with a smile.
"I didn't."
"Oops, sorry, I think I made a little mistake."
"You're such a goof!" exclaimed Hammya, laughing.
Candado playfully squeezed her cheek while holding his pastry in the other hand.
"Ouch, that hurts."
"Well, don't say silly things," said Candado as he let go.
"You're aggressive, and on top of that, I'm going with you, and you're like this with me."
Candado looked up for a moment, puffed out his cheeks, and then exhaled all the air before looking at her again.
"I apologize for being like that."
Hammya was stunned by Candado's apology.
"Apology?"
"Yes, exactly, an apology," affirmed Candado as he enjoyed his pastry with closed eyes.
After that moment, no one else spoke. The three of them stayed there, eating the pastries Hipólito had made, until they were satisfied. Clementina leaned back on the couch and patted her belly.
"I'm full, I can't eat anything else."
"I hate to be insensitive, but we must catch a plane," announced Candado.
"What?" exclaimed Hammya, surprised.
"What you heard, Hammya. We have to catch a plane."
"But weren't we going to the W.O.G.A.B.?"
"And where do you think that is?" asked Candado with slight irritation.
"I don't know, is it far?"
"Hammya, I told you several days ago, where the organization is, did you forget already?"
"I'm sorry to say that I did, I forgot," she replied with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
However, Candado didn't seem to take it lightly and pinched her cheeks again.
"I hate having to repeat lengthy topics."
After saying that, he let go and began to calm down.
"Well, the organization is on a deserted island near Japan."
"Ah, now I understand, then I think it's okay."
"Good, shall we go?"
"Yes," they both responded.
Candado headed to the door, put on his beret, and left the house, leaving a note in Karen's crib to keep Hipólito informed of their absence. Although Hipólito probably already knew where they were going, Candado considered him too senile to remember, so he left the note more as a joke than as useful information.
Candado, accompanied by Clementina and Hammya, headed back to Nelson's house to request his free taxi services. That afternoon, the town was quieter than usual, with most people in their homes. When they arrived at Nelson's house, the lights were on, but they weren't the usual lights, they were a bright red color.
"I have a bad feeling about this," commented Hammya.
Candado ignored this comment or warning and knocked on the door. Before he could reach the entrance, the door swung open, and a well-dressed Nelson emerged, wearing a suit and a purple tie, but still sporting his lab coat, which Candado wasn't sure if it was a lab coat or an apron, which really didn't matter. What caught the attention was Nelson's remarkable elegance, his hair slicked back, and his lemony fragrance.
"Damn, Nelson, after the few days I've known you, your style remains a mystery," commented Candado.
"Ha, ha, ha, what brings you here, you three, sorry?"
"Why are you speaking like that?"
"Ha, you see, my young Padlock, I've received a visit from an important executive who will help me rebuild the C.I.C.E.T.A. laboratories, and he said yes."
"And that's why you're speaking and dressing like that?"
"Of course, my lord, I've received the help of an important executive today."
The trio was dumbfounded by Nelson's words.
"But let's not talk about me and my success. Let's talk about you. What do you want, Candado, your girlfriend and your maid?"
"I'm not his girlfriend," clarified Hammya, blushing.
Clementina, upon seeing this, secretly laughed. However, Candado was not affected or embarrassed by Nelson's joke.
"Tell me, old man, are you free today?"
"A date? I'm too old for that, it would be a crime, they'd lock me up like Father Grassi."
"You're getting on my nerves, old man. Are you free or not?"
"If I'm free? Ha, ha, ha, ha, of course I'm free," he replied arrogantly.
"How the hell did you become friends with my grandfather? Anyway, I want you to do me another favor."
"Well, what do you want me to do for you?"
"I want you to help us go to Resistencia again."
"Resistencia? You're a magnet for trouble, kid, and I love trouble. I accept."
"What the hell are you telling me?"
At that moment, Nelson closed the door behind him without turning around and pulled a device with a green button from his pants pocket. He pressed it, and suddenly the garage door opened, and his car rolled out onto the pavement, leaving everyone surprised, except for Candado.
"You seem to have too much free time," commented Nelson. "Ha, I'm retired, I don't work anymore, so I have nothing to do."
Nelson walked towards his car and got in. Then, he opened the passenger door.
"Get in, I'll take you."
"That old man is a little crazy," whispered Clementina in Candado's ear.
"Yeah, he's nuts, but he's reliable, at least for me."
Candado moved to sit in the front seat, but Clementina beat him to it and closed the door, saying:
"Sorry, but you can't sit in the front, it's too dangerous for you, young boss."
Candado pinched Clementina's forehead and said:
"Fine, I'll sit in the back, but if you bother me again, I'll make you walk, got it?"
"Yes, of course."
As Candado turned around, Clementina said loudly:
"Just for today."
Candado stopped and rushed towards her, but Clementina closed the window and locked the door as he pounded on the glass and yelled:
"I'll gouge your eyes out!"
"Shorty, you're going to break my car! Stop it, Nazi!"
With those words, Candado stopped and got into the car, sitting in the back seat next to Hammya.
"Never again, never call me that again."
"Ha, Alfred was right, it really gets to you when you're called that, huh?"
"Yes, same as you, right? Rojas supporter."
"Never say that damn word again in this car!"
"Start the car, old crazy man, please," said Candado with a calm smile.
"Never!" shouted Nelson as he started the engine. "Never again!"
As they drove along the road, Candado observed the sunset landscape. The sun was setting, and the first stars were starting to appear. By the time the car reached the Semáforos agency, it was already night, and the half moon illuminated the night sky.
Nelson stopped the car a few meters from the agency's gate. Due to the recent assault, the walls and guards were on high alert. When the guards noticed the car, they pulled out their rifles and aimed them to prevent any conflict.
"Identify yourselves!"
"I can't believe I'm doing this," said Candado as he rolled down the window and displayed a shield-shaped badge with a white lion, surrounded by the tiny letters of the W.O.G.A.B. and laurels.
"EXCUSE US, YOUR EXCELLENCE! YOU MAY PASS!"
"I think I should change agents, that guy shouts too loud."
The gates opened, and Nelson drove in with the car, stopping in the middle of the courtyard. Candado was the first to step out of the car, followed by Nelson. Hammya and Clementina got out at the same time.
"Wow, what massive fortifications," remarked Nelson.
At that moment, three people appeared, each with a differently colored ribbon wrapped around their arm. One of them was Rozkiewicz, with a green band on his left arm. The second was Nicolás Cabaña Ragnarok, with the red band on his right arm, and the third was Maidana Leandro Wolfgang, with the yellow band on his right arm.
"CERROJO! How's it going, mate?"
"Good to see you too, Ruso."
"Oh, thanks."
"What are you doing here?" asked Nicolás.
"I'm here to catch a plane. Are they available?"
"Available? Joaquín had to increase their pay to keep them running."
"Alright, I want to catch one headed to the W.O.G.A.B."
"Ticket?" asked Maidana.
"Of course, four please."
Maidana pulled out four tickets from his pocket and handed them over to each.
"Alright, you can board one now. Get in."
"Traveling back to the W.O.G.A.B. again? It's been so long since I was there. I wonder if they've removed those annoying orange curtains with green polka dots?"
"Better go there to find out, old man. LET'S GO!"
Candado, Hammya, Clementina y Nelson boarded one of the planes. These planes were very different from common ones; they had only two wheels and were propelled like rockets, faster and less dangerous. Inside, they seemed more luxurious, akin to those of a successful businessman. You only had to request a ticket and show your identification. However, as Candado was the president of the organization, he had certain rights that allowed him to protect himself.
Once everyone was on board, Nelson, who detested others touching his car, decided to get off the plane and park it himself. Candado watched him impatiently, though it was barely noticeable on his cold face. It was evident that Nelson would take forever to move his car due to the uncut and damp grass. Just a few days ago, there had been an assault, so the agency's gardeners hadn't had time to work, and they had taken a leave until the place was safe, for three months. The grass and moisture were high enough to trap the car's thin wheels.
The car didn't budge; only the engine's painful howl could be heard, and the exhaust pipe began to emit smoke into the faces of those present. After two minutes of agony, Nelson stuck his head out of the window and looked at Candado.
"WAIT FOR ME, MY BOY! I'M JUST PARKING THE CAR AND I'LL BE RIGHT THERE!"
"Fine, but hurry up," said Candado as he glanced at his watch and whispered, "When we're nine thousand meters high, I'll make sure your fall is quick and painless."
It took eight minutes before the car could finally move with the help of some guards. Nelson finally managed to park it near the plane's door, and after two minutes of running, he boarded the plane. He sat in one of the seats and began fanning himself with the safety protocol, while Candado raised an eyebrow and impatiently checked his watch.
"I'm the laughingstock of the Record Ginnes, how ironic, LET'S GO!"
With those words, the plane's doors closed, and Candado took his seat, choosing the one farthest from the others, close to the window and the restroom, in case of an emergency. Hammya and Clementina, noticing that Candado was sitting alone, decided to keep him company, excluding Nelson, who was too tired after getting up from his comfortable chair.
As they approached Candado, they saw him engrossed in reading a magazine promoting the W.O.G.A.B. His face was hidden behind the magazine, which was the size of a color newspaper. On the back cover of the magazine, there was a photo of Candado raising his fist to his left cheek with the phrase in large white letters in quotes: "I serve Harambee. Do you?"
"It's funny, this should be outside and not inside the agency. What's the point of this promotion among affiliates? It's... stupid."
Then, Candado closed the magazine and saw Hammya and Clementina sitting in front of him.
"Hey, the plane is quite big, isn't it?"
"Of course, it's obvious, sir."
"Why on earth are you here?"
"Because it's fun, it's close to the bathroom, and it's ideal for us."
"Bathroom? Clementina, you don't have a bladder."
"Of course, I do, sir. You installed it for me."
"When?"
"A long time ago."
"Ha, very funny."
Then he lifted the magazine to his face.
"Ignore them, Candado. The less attention you give them, the quicker they'll leave," whispered Candado.
While reading the magazine, Candado listened to the two chatting about inconsequential matters. However, mysteriously, he stopped hearing them. Candado lowered his magazine and saw that the seats were empty.
"That's better," said Candado as he resumed his reading. He continued until his watch struck 8:00 p.m. Candado closed the magazine and placed it next to the companion seat, then yawned and covered his mouth with his right hand. He then unfastened his seatbelt and got up from his seat to walk down the plane aisle. He passed Nelson's seat, who was playing a crossword puzzle with Grivna.
"I don't remember including her in the trip," Candado said to himself.
Out of courtesy, Candado said nothing and left the aisle, finding himself in another narrower one with some doors. Candado opened one of the doors and saw Hammya and Clementina playing with pillows, jumping on the bed, shouting, and laughing. Clementina seemed more human than she had years ago.
Candado closed the door without Hammya and Clementina noticing his presence. Then, he headed to the next room and pushed the door with his hand, as it was open, probably due to the two girls while exploring the plane. Upon turning on the lights, the room brightened up and looked like a hotel, with beds, a bathroom, a TV, and a total of ten rooms. In the room he was in, there were two beds. Candado took off his vest and hung it on a coat rack, then removed his beret and tie and placed them on a nightstand. He turned off the light and headed towards one of the beds.
When he was about to lie down, he saw Tínbari sitting on the plane's wing eating a hamburger and waving at him. Candado showed no surprise and closed the curtains. Then he lay on the bed face up. Due to the hallway light, the room was slightly illuminated. Candado reached into his collar and pulled out his necklace. He stroked the sun pendant with his thumb several times, his face showing a slight sadness but no tears.
"Gabriela..."
Candado clenched his fists and placed the necklace on his chest. Every time he held that chain, he could feel his sister's spirit by his side, which didn't make him happy but relaxed him knowing that she was there, helping him, encouraging him, and above all, protecting him. Now, his grandfather was also with her, and they both watched over him. Slowly, Candado began to close his eyes until he fell deeply asleep, still holding his necklace. However, he was far from sleeping well; the nightmares had returned, especially the one involving the symbol Hammya had shown him and the truth about his sister's death. This caused recurrent nightmares and a deep hatred towards the person who had killed her.
His nightmares continued to disturb his sleep, and Candado couldn't rest well. When he woke up, he realized that the dark circles had returned, but he hid them using his mother's makeup. Only twenty minutes had passed since he fell asleep, and he was already sweating and panting. On more than one occasion, he ignited his hands with the violet flame, but this time it didn't affect the sheets. His brow furrowed more and more as the nightmare intensified.
In his nightmare, Candado found himself in a dead and desolate wasteland, battling against himself, but this version of him was dressed in black and had red eyes. Despite his efforts, Candado couldn't harm his other self, who mimicked the voices of his sister, his grandfather, and his friends while laughing. Candado grew angrier and spent all his energy in the fight, but his other self had the same defensive skills as him, so his efforts were futile.
At the end of the struggle, the ground vanished beneath his feet, and Candado fell into a place filled with skeletons carrying flags from all countries around the world. He looked around and saw kilometers and kilometers of human bones. Desperately, he searched for his other self and took a step forward, but stepped on something organic. He lowered his gaze and saw Yara dead, with open eyes, a dirty dress, and coagulated blood on her face. Candado picked her up in his arms, but before he could lift her, her body turned into dust and vanished with the wind.
Then, he saw his enemy, now unrecognizable, completely dark with red eyes, waving the W.O.G.A.B. flag back and forth. Candado ran towards him with the intention of killing him, but the skeletons rose and trapped him. The skeletons began to regain their flesh, and Candado was horrified to see the faces of his family and friends on them. Just behind him, his enemy appeared with a scythe and swung it down with all his might towards his neck.
Before the blow reached him, Candado abruptly woke up and returned to reality. He was drenched in sweat, but he regained his composure and got up. It was evident that his nightmares persisted. He took out his pocket watch and saw that it was 1:00 a.m., Argentine time. He calculated that they would reach their destination in about thirty-five minutes due to the speed of the plane. Candado put on his vest, tied his tie, and wore his beret. Then, he walked to the door and opened it. The hallway was almost illuminated by the sunlight from outside, indicating they were close to their destination.
Candado headed to the neighboring door and opened it, but found no one there, just a beautiful mess. He closed it and walked down the hallway, where he met Nelson, who was alone looking out the window. Candado sat next to him and cleared his throat to start a conversation.
"Hello, kid."
"Hello, Nelson. Where's your little companion?"
"She's with the others. Why...?"
"No, never mind," then Candado inhaled and exhaled deeply. "Nelson, I have a question."
"What is it?"
"Why did my grandfather leave the town? Why did he go to live far away from us?"
Nelson leaned back in his seat and looked at Candado.
"Boy, your grandfather loved you very much. He did it to protect you."
"I don't understand."
Nelson put his hand on Candado's head and continued.
"When the C.I.C.E.T.A. incident happened, your grandfather took refuge on Cerrito Island with his entire family. But he knew that Greg would come, not only for him but for his whole family. When his granddaughter Gabriela died, he immediately knew it wasn't from an illness but that she was killed."
"Did you know?"
"Yes, but I didn't want you to know," Nelson said, very saddened, then continued. "He knew his family wouldn't be safe if he stayed there. That's when he decided to distance himself from his daughter and grandson, intending to protect them. He knew they would come for his life, but the love he felt for his family wouldn't let him stay away. That's when he asked me to get him a house in Villa Ángela. From there, he began to talk on the phone with his family, including you, so they would never know where his family was. That's why he rejected all your invitations, not because he hated you, but because he wanted to protect you."
Then, Nelson looked at Candado, but this time, Candado began to shed tears, while maintaining his composure.
"I'm stupid, for two years I thought my grandfather distanced himself from me because he didn't love me anymore," Candado said with a trembling voice.
Unlike previous times when he only wiped his eyes and moved on, this time Candado couldn't stop the tears. The tears flowed more and more intensely, and despite trying to use a handkerchief or his hands, he couldn't contain them. Finally, in a moment of despair, he covered his eyes with both hands and began to cry. The pain he hadn't experienced when his grandfather died at the funeral had appeared, and he could no longer hide it. Nelson embraced the boy who was suffering so much, and Candado accepted his embrace without resistance. Although he continued to cover his eyes, his sadness and pain were palpable and had surfaced.
At that precise moment, Hammya and Clementina returned from a room that housed the entertainment area. When they saw Candado being hugged by Nelson while crying, Clementina covered Hammya's mouth, and they hid behind some chairs nearby. Then, Clementina peeked out and saw Candado, this time, embracing Nelson.
"Poor my lord."
Then, Clementina felt Hammya kicking. Her hand was covering her mouth and, at the same time, her nose, she was suffocating her. Clementina, upon seeing her, let go, and Hammya began to inhale air wildly.
"What the heck is wrong with you? You almost killed me," said Hammya as she breathed in and out wildly.
"I'm sorry," then Clementina took Hammya's arm and pulled her closer to her. "Look there, it's Mr. Candado," whispered Clementina.
"Is he crying? Yes, he's crying, but why?"
"I have no idea, but it's better that Nelson takes care of this matter."
After saying that, Hammya and Clementina watched the touching scene. Hammya patted Candado on the head and back as he shed all the tears he had held back for two months. But after a few long minutes, Candado broke away from Nelson and wiped the remaining tears from his eyes with his hands. The fabric of his glove was a better option since he had run out of handkerchiefs.
"Feeling better now?"
"Yes, sorry for making a scene."
"No, it's okay. Crying is a common thing in a man's life," said Hammya.
Candado quickly turned around, and Hammya was behind him, just inches away. Candado looked at her, but his expression wasn't as hostile as it used to be. Instead, his demeanor softened, and instead of responding aggressively, he said:
"Well, obviously, but I almost forgot what it felt like to feel sad."
Candado's response surprised Hammya. She expected a more negative reaction from him, but instead, he seemed to be reflecting on his emotional state.
Candado got up from his seat and approached Clementina.
"Yes? Do you need something?" she asked.
"Do you have Grivna with you?" Candado asked.
"Yes, of course," Clementina reached into the pocket of her vest and took out the tiny Grivna, then placed it in Candado's hands.
"Oh, it's Goliat. How's my great enemy?" Candado asked, with a somewhat sarcastic tone.
"I'm not your enemy. I just want you to tell me one thing, just that," said Candado.
"Well, I don't think it'll hurt. After all, it's just a question."
"Then tell me. How much longer until this plane lands?" Hammya asked.
"What bad luck," Candado replied.
"Why?" Hammya asked.
"I was planning on throwing you out of the plane," Candado said, completely calmly.
Candado's response left Hammya horrified.
"What!?"
"It's your lucky day. What a nuisance," Candado said as he placed Grivna back into Clementina's hand.
"Was that a joke, right?" asked a concerned Hammya.
Candado completely ignored the question and instead turned around and said while clapping:
"All right, ladies and gentlemen, get ready to land."