After a long bus ride to the city of Resistencia, Candado sighed as he got off, closely followed by German, who didn’t hesitate to complain.

“Candado, why did we have to come this way?”

“To save money.”

“I don’t like public transport,” German said with a smile, dusting off his suit.

Candado looked around, as if searching for something.

“Where’s the…?”

“There’s Ernest,” German pointed towards a red car approaching.

Candado squinted, recognizing the driver.

“Alicia? What’s she doing here?”

“She’s our driver, Ernest,” replied German.

“I was supposed to take a cab,” Candado grumbled.

“Get in; it’s free,” Hammya said, running eagerly toward the car.

“One of these days, German, mark my words: someone’s going to kidnap her for being too trusting. Come on, let’s go.”

Candado and German hurried into the car. German took the front seat, as Alicia had forbidden it to Hammya.

“Hi, Candado, and thanks again for giving me this job,” Alicia said, smiling as he closed the car door.

“You’re welcome,” replied Candado, fastening his seatbelt. He glanced at Hammya, who was pouting.

“It’s not fair; I wanted the front seat,” she complained.

Candado, with a barely concealed smile, took Hammya’s seatbelt and fastened it for her as if she were a little kid.

“Oh, thanks… wait! I could do it myself!” she exclaimed, annoyed.

“Be quiet,” he replied, then looked at Alicia. “Please, drive.”

“Got it,” Alicia said, starting the car.

A few minutes later, Alicia looked at Hammya through the rearview mirror.

“By the way, Candado, who’s the girl?”

“Oh, she’s Hammya Saillim. Hammya, this is Alicia Sánchez.”

“Nice to meet you, green-haired girl,” Alicia commented, unable to ignore the detail.

German chuckled briefly.

“Alicia has a special ability: she can sense people’s emotions.”

“Cool, tell me, what do you see?” asked Hammya, intrigued.

Candado intervened, warning her in a serious tone.

“Hammya, you made a mistake.”

“Why?”

“She’ll know all your secrets.”

“Don’t worry, Candado, I’ll control myself,” Alicia promised, though she looked at Hammya with a curious expression in her eyes.

Alicia looked at her again in the mirror.

“Hmm… your heartbeats are calm; you’re a gentle person. Your primary spirit is kind, charismatic, and a little… unsteady.”

“Nice,” Hammya responded, interested.

“I’m not done yet. Quiet, my dear.”

“You’re twenty; don’t talk like you’re thirty,” Candado joked.

“Shhh, quiet, Candado,” Hammya said, gesturing for him to stop talking.

Alicia continued.

“Your second spirit is wild, stubborn, and admirable. It’s like a sea of fire, sand, and water. You’re very determined when it comes to protecting your friends and family, but you struggle to face your own fears. Also… oh, wow.”

“What? Tell me, tell me!” Hammya insisted.

Alicia let out a small laugh.

“You’re bold but very dependent on an important figure in your life, someone who has a reserved spot in your heart.”

German looked at her through the mirror, curious.

“It’s someone you admire deeply, someone you want to see happy. There’s so much emotion for this person that I could spend an entire lifetime describing how you feel, and it wouldn’t be enough. Who is that person you feel such a range of emotions for?”

Embarrassed, Hammya rolled down the window and stuck her head out for some fresh air.

“Hey!” Candado shouted, grabbing her shoulders and pulling her back in. “Are you crazy? It’s dangerous to stick your head out with the car moving.”

He watched her carefully, noticing something strange.

“Your temperature’s off… you’re sweating a lot, and your neck and cheeks are red.”

“It’s just that… it was a tough hit, a really tough one.”

“Sorry, I think I went too far again. I shouldn’t have said so much,” Alicia apologized.

“No, it’s my fault.”

“Why don’t we talk about the weather?” suggested German, trying to steer the conversation away.

“Good idea, so… the weather today is…”

An hour of trivial conversation later, the car arrived at their destination: a grand white mansion, elegant but not excessive.

The car stopped in front of the entrance.

“We’re here,” Candado murmured, looking out the window.

“Great observation,” Hammya quipped, teasing him.

Without saying a word, Candado gently pinched her cheek with his left hand, not taking his eyes off the window.

“I see you’ve become more cheeky,” he commented, smiling as he kept her face trapped in his hand.

Hammya squirmed and tried to break free while German and Alicia watched the scene with amusement.

“Thank you for bringing us,” said German, grateful.

“It’s the least I can do,” Alicia replied warmly. “I still have a lot to thank you for.”

“You’re exaggerating,” Candado replied, still pinching Hammya’s cheeks.

“Let go, boor!” she complained, rubbing her cheeks.

“Of course.” Candado stretched her cheeks once more, then released her.

Candado got out of the car and walked toward the entrance of the house. Hammya followed, still touching her face where he’d pressed with his fingers.

“Sorry…” Hammya said quietly.

He looked at her in silence, then removed the glove from his right hand, showing his palm. He lifted his hand to his chin and pressed his fingers against his skin firmly.

“Candado…”

He raised his left hand, signaling her not to continue. Then he removed his hand from his chin, revealing several marks. Just then, German got out of the car and was about to join them when Alicia stopped him.

“Hey, the person she holds in her heart… is it him?” she asked with a smile.

“Who knows?” German replied, also smiling.

“Well, I bet it is, then.”

“Interesting bet. See you later.”

“I’ll take a few spins around the area. Call me when you’re done.”

“I will.”

“Bye.”

Alicia rolled up the window and drove away.

At that moment, the house door opened, and a bald man with a mustache and glasses appeared. Seeing Candado, he looked surprised.

“Well, Candado, what a surprise,” then noticed the bruises on his face. “What happened to you?”

“I got hurt.”

“Oh, my goodness, come in,” he then looked at Hammya and German. “You two as well, come in.”

Once inside, the man took Candado by the hand and led him to the kitchen.

“I’ll give you something to reduce the swelling.”

“Oh? Okay.”

Meanwhile, German approached Hammya and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Come with me.”

German led her to the living room, a large space decorated with great luxury.

“Have you been here before?” Hammya asked.

“Yes, I don’t like it, but yes.”

“I’m surprised to hear you say that.”

“Having a bad attitude makes things more complicated for everyone; it leads us to make bad decisions, and consequently, unpleasant choices.”

“But…”

“Yes?”

“You never stop smiling. Why?”

“Who knows? Smiling is what’s given me strength.”

“Strength?”

“Or maybe laziness, I don’t know. I don’t have a tragic story,” German said, picking up a newspaper that was on the table.

Hammya noticed a scar on his face and was about to ask about it but held back, always wondering why it looked so much like a four.

“Hey, sorry, but I overheard you arguing with Candado’s father.”

“Oh, you have a good ear, especially since I did it in a place where our voices shouldn’t have been heard from the kitchen.”

“Well, my mom… Mrs. Barret, told me to wash my hands before eating, but when I came back from the bathroom, I heard your conversation. I thought you were going to argue with him because of the way you addressed him.”

“A striking mistake, but I wanted to, really. I wanted to give him a lecture, but I held back because Candado was happy; it would’ve been annoying and impractical.”

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Happy? He had the same serious expression as always at the table.”

“His voice wasn’t harsh or hard as it usually is. It was soft and calm, and he even smiled during the conversation.”

“So?”

“If Candado is happy, there’s no need to make a fuss… for now.”

“What?”

“I still want to give Europa a lecture. I’ll wait for the right moment.”

“To do what?” Candado interrupted, entering with a few small bandages.

“Nothing, it’s personal.”

“All right, let’s go. Hammya, don’t stray from me.”

“Where’s the lady of the house?” German asked.

“In the garden, watering.”

“The plants?” Hammya asked, innocently.

Candado shut his eyes tightly.

(Control yourself, pretend she didn’t say that.)

“Anyway, it’s time. I’d like to finish up so we can return home as soon as possible,” Candado said, looking at his watch.

“Sure, whatever you say,” German replied.

Candado gave a signal with his cap, and German, understanding immediately, nodded. Hammya, however, didn’t understand the gesture but went along with the atmosphere.

The trio climbed up to the second floor, arriving at Holy’s room. The door was finely crafted from soft salmon-colored wood.

"Get ready, Emerald," German whispered to Hammya.

Candado knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

The door opened on its own, granting them entry.

The room was large, resembling a living room more than a bedroom. It had only one window, a massive one covered with a white curtain spanning its entire length. There was also a glass door leading out to the balcony. The decor was childlike, filled with stuffed animals, toys, and pink wallpaper featuring a large red heart in the center. In the midst of it all, seated in a wheelchair, was Sara de Holy Truth—a young woman with black hair, red eyes, and dressed in a white nightgown.

“Good morning, Candado, German, and Hammya. I’ve been expecting you.”

Candado placed a hand on Hammya’s shoulder, holding her back a little.

“You’re persistent, Sara. On a day like today…”

“I’m sorry to disturb your rest, but I couldn’t wait.”

“You’re quite spoiled, Miss Sara,” German said, stepping forward.

“German, as arrogant as ever.”

“Enough with the bickering,” Candado interrupted. “I’m here, Sara. What exactly do you want?”

“I just wanted to see her.”

“Told you…” German whispered to Candado.

“Why?”

“I only wanted to greet someone like her.”

Candado raised an eyebrow.

“How do you know that?” German asked, a faint smile forming.

“First, show us your true form,” Candado ordered.

Sara raised an eyebrow, reclining in her wheelchair with a slight smile.

“If Candado asks, then I’ll comply.”

Instantly, Sara’s skin began to turn blue, and two small horns, like those of an elk, emerged from her head. Her teeth transformed into sharp fangs like a shark’s, while her eyelids and parts of her temples turned white. A black eclipsed sun appeared on her forehead, and a pointed tail, resembling a lizard’s, sprouted from her lower back.

“It feels good to show myself to you all. Pretending for so long is exhausting,” Sara said, relaxing.

Hammya looked at her, wide-eyed in a mix of awe and horror.

“What are you?”

“I’m like you… a monster.”

“Hammya isn’t like that, Sara,” German interjected.

“Oh, yes she is, German. She’s just like me.”

“Sara!” Candado shouted angrily.

Hammya gently placed her hand on his shoulder, calming him down. Candado took a deep breath, composed himself, and cleared his throat before continuing.

“Don’t call her that.”

“I’m not the one calling her that,” Sara retorted. “You humans call us that: me, Krauser, the nameless one, Luis, Grenia… and who knows how many more.”

“I am not them, don’t get confused. I’m neither society nor humanity; I speak only for myself. I’ve never used that word with you or anyone else.”

Sara looked at him, impressed.

“You’ve always been someone interesting, Candado, but the conversation is with her.”

“Don’t provoke me, Miss Truth,” German said, stepping forward with an ironic smile. “Only someone reckless would dare speak to Candado like that in my presence.”

Sara smiled coolly.

“That was clear the first time we met, seventh monster.”

German’s smile faded, replaced by a serious expression.

“Don’t provoke me.”

Hammya took a step forward.

“Please, I don’t want you to fight.”

Sara tilted her head, observing her intently.

“Where did you find her, Candado?” she asked curiously.

Hammya continued walking toward her.

“Do you know who I am?” Hammya asked.

“Of course, but as I said, the conversation is with you. For that reason, I’d ask the gentlemen to leave.”

“Not a chance,” Candado responded, crossing his arms.

Hammya turned and looked directly into his eyes.

“Please, Candado… I want to know. Go,” she asked with a calm smile. “I’ll be fine.”

Candado relaxed his expression and cast a warning glance at Sara.

“Don’t worry; she’ll be fine,” Tínbari’s voice whispered in his mind.

“Let’s go, German. We’re leaving,” Candado said with resignation.

They both headed to the door. Candado opened it, let German pass, and gave one last look at Hammya, who returned his gaze with confidence.

“Don’t worry,” she whispered. “I’ll be fine.”

“Don’t worry; leave now,” Tínbari whispered again.

Candado closed the door behind him.

“Well then,” Hammya asked, turning to Sara with determination, “who am I?”

Sara smiled.

Meanwhile, outside the room.

Candado and German waited in silence, watching the door.

“So, now what, Ernest?” German asked.

“Let’s go outside for a bit. I need some air.”

Candado shoved his hands into his pockets and started down the stairs, German following. Once outside, they sat on the edge of the curb.

“What do you think they’re talking about?” German asked, closing his eyes with a smile.

“I’m not sure. Maybe she’s telling her about her true nature, why she’s different from others.”

“Really? I thought Hammya already had a sense of self-worth.”

“Just because she values herself doesn’t mean she isn’t curious about who she is and why.”

“Makes sense. Maybe it’s something new about her.”

Candado smirked slightly.

“The other day, she told me her body changes with the seasons. In summer, her hair is a bright green; in fall and winter, it turns reddish, the same with her eyebrows and eyelids. In spring, her hair returns to its natural color.”

German chuckled, looking up at the sky.

“Curious girl. That’s quite a novelty.”

“Indeed.”

“It’s funny that her hair color remains the same, even though it was different when we first met her.”

“She says it depends on the climate. Lucas ran a blood test at her request, concerned like a woman worried about her cycle.”

“Good grief.”

“It turns out she has antibodies similar to ivy, so she’s a bit more resistant to autumn and the cold.”

“I see, but why now?”

“Apparently, recent stress has caused her hair to lose chlorophyll. Unlike us, who lose hair or go gray under stress, her hair fades faster, in a matter of hours or days if the stress is severe or persistent.”

“I understand, but I don’t see much of a difference.”

“She’s dyed it, wears contact lenses, and uses eyebrow highlighter. She’s embarrassed to be seen like this. Last week, her hair started fading and turned red; it looked like a ruby, just like her eyes.”

“She’s more like a tree than anything else.”

“I’ve noticed that. Her powers weaken in winter, and she drinks lots of water and takes long showers. She’s likely very vulnerable to the cold.”

“She has it rough.”

“No, she loves hot baths. The water bill has doubled, but it’s nothing we can’t manage. She’s lucky we can afford those expenses.”

“Good thing you’re disgustingly rich. I often wonder why you still live here.”

“Money doesn’t matter; we barely use it. The clothes we wear are handmade by my mother, father, Hipólito, my grandparents, and Clementina, using fabric from our own fields. Our food comes from family estates. We only use money to pay employees. Profits are split equally between the company and the workers. Fuel isn’t an issue since we only use it for my parents’ car. Our workers use their powers for the harvest, so we don’t rely on it.”

“That was more information than I needed.”

“I know.”

“Oh, you wanted to show off.”

“Maybe.”

“So?”

“Just for fun.”

German laughed.

“You know something?”

“What?”

“Joaquín got information about the girl. Why didn’t you meet with him?”

“I thought it would be better if she told me about her past.”

“Did you know he’s annoyed?”

“I gave him a box of chocolates.”

“He doesn’t like chocolates.”

“That’s why I gave them to him.”

Candado and German shared a laugh.

“I hope nothing bad happens to her,” Candado said, checking his watch.

Just as German was about to say something else, a ball flew toward them. Without taking his eyes off his watch, Candado caught it midair.

“It’s barely 10:00 a.m.”

He lowered the ball.

"Nice reflexes, Ernest."

"Thanks."

From a distance, a young boy with dark skin, dressed in a school uniform and with black hair, came running up.

"Sorry! That was an accident."

Candado and German stood up.

"Hey, Candado."

"Do we know each other?"

"Oh, sorry." The boy took the ball from Candado's hands and shook his hand. "I'm Erick Gomez. I passed by here the other day. A few blocks from here, you defended a kid."

"Honestly, I didn’t pay attention to those around me."

"Don’t worry."

Candado looked him up and down.

"So, Gomez... good to know."

Erick laughed, slightly nervous.

"I see."

"No need to be nervous, kid. Candado doesn’t bite." German gave Candado a look. "Yet."

"Says the dog."

"Werewolf."

"Same thing."

"Excuse me."

"Oh, what is it, Erick?"

"Do you happen to know Sara?"

Candado glanced over his shoulder.

"Oh." He turned back to the boy. "Why do you ask?"

"It’s just... it’s unusual for Sara to talk to people. She only has two friends: me and Cantero."

"The dawn witch."

"She’s not a witch, German. She’s just... a humanitarian spirit."

"Oh, fantastic, another Samaritan," he said with a sarcastic grin.

"Anyway, what if I am friends with Sara?"

"Please, be kind to her, Candado."

"This kid has the wrong idea about her personality."

"It’s fine; I don’t plan on being rude to her."

"Bravo, sir, bravo," German praised with obvious insincerity.

"Cut it out."

At that moment, the door opened, and Hammya stepped out with a smile.

"You guys are here?"

"(Ignore his idiocy, ignore his idiocy)" thought Candado.

"Of course. Can’t you see us here, miss?" German asked in a teasing tone.

"Oh, right. Silly me."

"More than that," he continued with, "Is everything fine in there?"

"Yeah."

"I have to head home, sorry," Erick interrupted.

"Oh, alright." Candado shook his hand. "See you later."

"Goodbye, sir. It’s been a pleasure."

Erick said his goodbyes to Hammya and German politely, then ran off with his ball.

"Nice kid," Hammya commented.

"Yeah, he is—such an idealist," German remarked, watching the boy walk away before turning back to Hammya. "So? What did she say?"

"It's a secret."

"Wow, no surprise there, huh?"

Candado smirked at German’s remark.

"Might be an interesting secret. Bet I know the answer."

Hammya looked slightly surprised.

"Should’ve guessed."

Candado yawned.

"Should’ve guessed," Hammya whispered.

Thirty minutes earlier.

"Who am I?"

"Honestly, it’s incredible; your organism, your cells, everything is very different from me and other humans."

"How do you know that?"

"It’s in my nature. But putting that aside, let’s address what you want to know."

Hammya nodded.

"The scent you give off isn’t common around here. You probably smelled stronger before. Must be from being surrounded by humans."

"What?"

"Hammya."

"Yes?"

"Do you really want to know?"

"Yes."

"You’re not human, nor are you from this planet. You’re from Coleriam."

Hammya sighed, relieved, though unconsciously.

"You don’t seem very shocked, do you?"

"Oh, about that, I already knew."

Sara smiled.

"Well, looks like I didn’t get the reaction I wanted."

Hammya laughed softly.

"Well, since there’s nothing else, I’ll be going."

Hammya turned and started toward the door.

"How long do you plan on fooling Candado?"

Hammya's hand froze just before reaching the doorknob, and a light sweat appeared on her forehead.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"I’ll just warn you of one thing: the lie you’re carrying is very good, but also very fragile. Keep that in mind, Miss Hammya."

Back to the present.

"Emerald."

"What?" Hammya asked, startled.

"Lost in thought again?"

"Sorry, Candado."

"Whatever. Do you want it or not?"

"Want what?"

"Food. What else would I be talking about?"

"Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention."

Candado made a face; he was annoyed, but then he calmed himself. He’d noticed something about her, something that left him both concerned and astonished. He pulled his hands out of his pockets and walked up to her.

"What’s wrong?" He then took a step back. "What is it?"

Candado raised his left hand and moved closer to Hammya’s face, making her close her eyes.

"Sorry for not paying attention," she apologized, terrified.

But, unexpectedly for her, she felt Candado’s hand on her cheek.

Hammya opened her eyes and saw Candado studying her intently.

"Don’t move."

Then Candado closed his eyes for a moment and reopened them, his gaze now entirely violet.

"Something wrong?" German asked.

Candado’s eyes returned to normal.

"Let’s go home."

"What? Why?"

"You’re sick, Hammya. If we don’t get home right now, you’ll get worse."

"The eyes of terror, right?"

"Of course not, German. It’s one of the few abilities I’ve gained."

"Alright, I’ll call Alicia," German said, pulling out his phone.

"Candado, I’m fine."

"You won’t be saying that in fifteen seconds."

"But—"

"Don’t argue with me. Your immune system is weak in the cold."

"That’s not true."

At that precise moment, Hammya’s hair turned black.

"[…] Oh, and make it quick."

"I told you."

"No way, my hair!"

German pocketed his phone and walked over to them.

"Well, well. You’re acting like a tree, but you never mentioned it was red."

"I’m wondering about that too."

"You told him?"

"Of course."

Hammya covered her face, embarrassed.

"My hair."

"You said before that no matter what dye you used, it always turned green."

"That's true."

"That… shouldn’t change just because it's winter, right? It’s the same situation."

"…"

"I suppose this is the first time you've tried this method, not realizing the result would be the same."

"…" Hammya averted her gaze.

"Fool."

"You took the words right out of my mouth, German."

"ENOUGH! Stop making fun of me. I forgot about that detail. I thought it would be different this time, but it lasted long enough."

"Five hours."

"That’s a lot."

"How long did it last before?"

"An hour."

"I guess when it’s cold, your color change is slower than it is in summer," German speculated.

Hammya began to cough.

"And now you’re going to keel over because you probably used all your energy to get back to your natural color," Candado pronounced.

Hammya took a deep breath and exhaled.

"I'm fine."

"Your face is red."

"It’s nothing serious."

"Oh, here comes Alicia," German interrupted, then waved his right arm in the air, shouting, "ALICIAAAA!"

The car stopped in front of them, the door opened, and Alicia honked the horn.

"Alicia Corporation Taxi Service," she continued, singing, "Ra, ra, ra, ra, Germ-an, man, man, man, ra, ra, man, man, man, ra, man, man, ra, ra, ger, ger, ger, man, man…"

German joined in.

"[…] Ra, ra, ra, ger, ger, ger, man, ra, ra, ra, man, man, ger, ger, man, man…"

"Get in the damn car, German."

"Sorry, Ernést," he apologized as he obeyed, still smiling.

Hammya laughed at the scene but soon began to cough again.

"Oh, what happened to your hair?"

"It faded."

Alicia let out a whistle.

"Get in."

Candado took her hand and helped her into the car.

"Take us home, please."

"Your wish is my command, ra, ra, ra, ger, ger, ger, […]."

German joined in again.

"Ra, ra, ra, ger, ger, ger, man, man, ra, ger, man, ra, ra, ra, ger, ger, man, ger, ger, man, ger, ger, man, […]."

"This is going to be hell," Candado muttered, resting his head as he gazed out the window.

Hammya began clapping along to the beat of their improvised song, smiling. Candado glanced over, catching her at the moment she started clapping, and couldn’t help but smile.

Noticing him watching her, Hammya decided to ask.

"What's up?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

Hammya started coughing again.

"Exactly, little onyx."

German and Alicia burst out laughing.

"What? What’s an onyx?"

"Why not a carbonado?" German asked, laughing harder. "A black diamond from Brazil."

"Don’t be mean."

"Sorry, Miss Onyx," Alicia teased.

German exploded in laughter.

"Hey! Don’t be like that."

Candado started laughing too. His laughter made them all stop and look at him, stunned, as he continued laughing. Alicia was surprised, German glanced at his friend for a moment before relaxing in his seat with his usual smile. As for Hammya, seeing Candado’s joy made her feel happy, so much that she laughed along with him, sharing in that joy. German and Alicia exchanged a knowing look.

"Victory," they whispered together.