Candado remained in bed, motionless, having not woken since the previous day. Midnight had come, and his breathing was barely perceptible. By his side, Hammya held his hand, a mixture of hope and fear in her gaze. Nelson, taking his pulse, watched him intently, while his parents, visibly distressed, kept their eyes fixed on their son. In a corner of the room, Mauricio leaned against the wall, nervously rubbing his thumb along his hat.
“What’s wrong with him?” Mrs. Barret asked, her voice trembling.
Nelson didn’t answer right away. He kept one hand on Candado's chest, holding a glowing cylinder in the other.
“There’s no response,” he finally said, his tone grave.
“You’ve been here for five hours, and there’s no response?” Mrs. Barret’s voice cracked with desperation as she raised it.
“Darling…”
“No! I refuse to bury another child!” she cried, stifling a sob.
Mauricio stepped forward and gently touched the back of Mrs. Barret’s neck with his staff.
“Kasit…” he murmured softly.
Mrs. Barret closed her eyes and collapsed into her husband’s arms.
“What did you do to her, Mauricio?” Mr. Barret asked, surprised and concerned.
“She’s only asleep. It’s a rest spell; it wouldn’t do for her to go into a crisis, not now.” Mauricio gestured toward Mr. Barret, who stroked his wife’s head, kissed her forehead, and carried her out of the room.
“Quite a scene you’ve stirred, Mauricio,” Nelson murmured, squinting.
“Silence, old man, do your job. My brother’s life is at stake.”
Nelson huffed and turned his attention back to Hammya.
“Girl, you’ve been here for four hours, kneeling and doing nothing but holding his hand. Go rest.”
“How could I rest? This is my fault… I thought I was helping him.”
“And you did help him.”
Hammya looked up, puzzled.
“Tínbari?”
“You managed to challenge Candado, and that’s no small feat. You’ve done more than you realize.”
“How did I help? All I did was make him hysterical. I betrayed his trust by trying to help him, and I only worsened his health.”
Mauricio tapped Hammya’s head lightly with his staff.
“You were once an emerald; now you’re an onyx. You changed your hair, but don’t change your essence,” he whispered firmly. “Yes, Candado is in this state because of something you did, but I wouldn’t say it’s your fault. It would’ve been worse if you’d kept it all to yourself, leaving him to rot from the inside out. You’re a heroine.”
Hammya, rubbing her head, averted her gaze.
“That hurts,” she muttered.
“Not as much as the way you belittle yourself,” replied Mauricio without hesitation.
Nelson, who had remained silent until then, approached Hammya, holding a photograph of Candado with his sister Gabriela and their grandfather.
“He must’ve said something hurtful to you…” he said, looking at Hammya with understanding. “We all make mistakes; I argued with my brother once and said terrible things. But he forgave me. I’m sure Candado will do the same with you.”
“Maybe…”
Nelson sighed and put the photograph back in place.
“I’m going downstairs. I’m thirsty; I wonder if there’s any chacolí.”
He left the room, leaving Hammya and Mauricio in tense silence.
“So, what now?” she asked, not daring to look up.
“Nothing, just to observe… I, for one, will wait for the right moment to act.”
“To use what?”
Mauricio gave an enigmatic smile.
“You’ll see, little one. You’ll see.”
Downstairs, Candado’s friends were gathered: Héctor, Germán, Lucía, Erika, Walsh, Lucas, Ana, Viki, Clementina, Anzor, Declan, Pio, Andersson, Kevin, Martina, Logan, Diana, Matlotsky, Joaquín, Grandma Andrea, and Hipólito. No one spoke; the tension in the air was so thick that the only sound was Nelson’s footsteps descending the stairs.
“How is he?” asked Andersson.
“No change. He’s just sleeping for now.”
“Do you know the cause?” asked Clementina, her voice heavy with disappointment.
“It could be exhaustion, stress… anything.”
Erika moved closer to Clementina and took her hand.
“He’ll wake up,” she whispered, trying to smile.
Nelson scratched his head and went to the kitchen. Just then, Héctor suddenly stood, drawing everyone’s attention, and walked out to the yard without a word. A minute later, Walsh rose and followed him, closing the door softly behind him.
When Walsh reached the yard, he found Héctor sitting under a tree, his head in his hands, pressing his thumbs to his forehead.
“I messed up again,” Héctor murmured without looking up.
“You didn’t mess up,” Walsh replied calmly. “You’re always too hard on yourself.”
“Walsh, you’re always kind… why do you refuse to see reality?”
Walsh sat down beside him.
“Everyone has their own perspective on reality. That’s what I learned from Candado,” he replied gently. “Héctor, you’re one of the people who knows him best; you shouldn’t punish yourself for what’s already happened.”
Héctor sighed and looked up at the sky without saying anything.
“Of course I should.”
“No, that’s not true, Héctor. None of us are experts at dealing with the death of a loved one. It was obvious we couldn’t do much; we were too young. We understood his pain, but not how to ease it. After all, a loved one is irreplaceable. No matter how many gifts we gave him, jokes we told, or adventures we offered, nothing would heal that wound. And, like you, I was afraid to act.”
“You’re lying.”
“…”
“Walsh, when she died, you were the one who spent the most time with him. You were the only one who crossed that door. You stayed until sunset every Saturday and Sunday. Instead of doing something else, you were there with him for six months.”
Walsh said nothing; his face was blank.
“If I had to say it, Walsh, you’re much better than me. Even though you sparked his anger that one time, you kept coming back.”
“That doesn’t make me better than you, Héctor. Acting in that moment doesn’t make me a better person. I just did what I thought was right, and what’s right is subjective. Remember that, Héctor.”
“Where did you learn all this?”
“From someone named Candado Ernest Catriel Barret. A young man like you and me, only he likes to think deeply. He wants to know why a rock is a rock or why people say what they say instead of what they really think.”
“And you?”
“I’m just me, testing my answers by what I see.”
Héctor laughed.
“You’re insane, Walsh.”
“Maybe, maybe.”
Walsh stood up.
“Leaving?”
“Yes, but not alone,” he extended his hand. “Let’s go together.”
Héctor took his hand and got up.
“Right, can’t disappoint the others, can I?”
“You’re the Candado while he sleeps.”
“That sounds confusing.”
“Well, you’re the president until Candado wakes up.”
“Don’t treat me like a fool,” Héctor replied with a mocking smile.
Just as they were about to enter the house, a crash came from the second floor, followed by a scream.
“What…?”
The door flew open, and Declan and Clementina were thrown out from within.
“Guys!”
Walsh reacted first.
“WATCH OUT!”
He shoved Héctor to the right, just as a spear missed him by inches.
“I missed,” said a voice from inside.
Clementina stood up, transforming her right arm into a machete—the only arm she had left.
“They’re Baris. They’ve come for Candado.”
Héctor’s eyes widened as a figure emerged through the smoky haze—a pale-skinned figure with completely dark eyes, wearing a faded black coat and an old hat. The once-white fabric was stained with black and red.
“What are you?” Héctor asked.
“Stand back, creature,” Declan snarled, getting up with fury.
The creature smiled.
“We only want the violet blood, not you. Don’t interfere.”
“You’ll take it over my dead body,” Declan declared.
“No problem.”
The creature drew a two-meter spear from its chest, sending shivers through the group—everyone except Declan, whose anger only intensified.
“I’ll say it once more: we only want the violet blood, not you.”
Then came another crash, this time from Candado’s room. The window was shattered, and amidst the debris stood Matlotsky, hammer in hand, giving a casual wave.
The creature hesitated for a moment, which Nelson took advantage of. Charging in from the kitchen, he wielded an assault rifle, firing into the creature’s back. Approaching closer, he drew a magnum and fired directly at its head until the bullets were spent.
“TAKE THE BOY!” Nelson shouted.
Mauricio and Hammya leapt through the large opening, carrying their friend.
“He’s safe,” Mauricio assured.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
“NO!” the creature screamed.
It seized Nelson by the arms, slamming him into the wall, though not enough to knock him unconscious.
Matlotsky descended from the roof, planting himself before the creature.
“I left your lover unconscious. Step back, freak.”
“YOU’RE INSANE!” Declan shouted.
The creature extended its right hand and caught him by the throat in an instant.
“You dare strike a Keplanian.”
"LET GO OF MATLOTSKY!"
Declan charged toward the creature with his sword drawn, leaping at him. However, the creature threw Matlotsky into Declan, knocking them both to the ground. As it prepared to impale them with its spear, Diana appeared, her face bearing a fresh wound. Her furious expression, a twisted smile, and dilated eyes reflected an uncontrollable frenzy. Blood trickled down her temple.
"PLAY WITH ME!"
The creature turned toward her, giving Declan the chance to slash at its tendon. The creature fell to its knees, watching as Diana approached with a scythe in hand. She plunged it into its chest, and, without letting go, proceeded to bite its neck with a grin.
The creature managed to break free, stumbling back as it clutched its wound. Diana smiled, her lips dripping with blood, her gaze defiant.
“No one harms my brothers.”
“Humans really are frightening.”
“Where’s that voice coming from?” Diana asked, looking around.
“Up here.”
Everyone looked up to see another creature standing on a tree branch. A hood shadowed its face, with glowing red eyes peering out. Its armor gleamed on its knees, shoulders, hands, forearms, legs, and shins, and it wielded a massive two-meter hammer.
Diana eyed him and launched herself at him.
"STOP!"
Diana ignored the command and struck at the creature, but it was futile. He swatted her scythe away, forcing her back.
“Greetings, humans. I am the Bari of Time, Bórrbari.”
“Héctor, Hammya. Get Candado out of here,” Diana commanded.
“Understood. Don’t die,” Héctor replied.
“Am I really that unreliable, Héctor?” Declan asked, flashing a smile.
Héctor and Hammya carried Candado and hurried to leave.
Remaining on their feet — Clementina, Matlotsky, Declan, Mauricio, Diana, Nelson, and Walsh — three more creatures appeared. One of them emerged from the rubble, looking more human but with dark eyes. A black trench coat draped over him, a cross hanging from his neck.
“Are you alright, Suen?” Bórrbari asked.
“They’re all unconscious; I fed on their dreams, so yes,” Suen replied.
“They’re Baris,” Mauricio muttered.
“Quite the observation, human,” Suen responded with a sardonic grin.
“Let’s not waste any more time. We have to go after him,” Dess said impatiently.
Bórrbari raised a hand to stop him.
“Patience, Dess. They’re not going anywhere.”
“Where’s Tínbari when he’s needed?” Matlotsky murmured.
“Tínbari? Ah, right, the runaway. I never expected much from him; after all, he ceased to be a Bari long ago.”
“What?”
“It’s admirable how he defends a human more than his own family.”
Walsh knelt at hearing this.
“Surrender?” Dess asked with a smug tone.
“The Brotherhood does not surrender,” Walsh replied, smiling.
He then ran his finger over the grass.
“This is our power.”
The trio of Baris turned sharply, seeing Walsh, and behind him, all the humans Suen had put to sleep, led by Europa Barret.
“What a nightmare,” Joaquín said, adjusting his tie.
“You’re telling me,” Andersson replied.
“I won’t let you near Candado,” Logan declared.
Everyone was astonished, except Bórrbari, who stared intently at Walsh, who kept smiling.
“This is the Brotherhood; this is the guild.”
“I can’t put them back to sleep,” Suen admitted, frowning.
“I think killing them would be easier,” Dess suggested.
“It would be unwise to provoke the wrath of the Bearer. He’s the only one who can kill a Bari,” Bórrbari said.
“Listen: no one will touch Candado while we stand,” Anzor said firmly.
“There’s no other choice,” Bórrbari replied, drawing his hammer from his back. “Usually, there’s an unspoken rule of ‘no full force against humans.’ But since there’s no punishment…”
Bórrbari readied himself.
“Go after Candado; I’ll stay here.”
The other two Baris vanished before their eyes, stunning everyone.
“Well, let’s begin.”
Hammya and Héctor, carrying Candado’s body, were running through the forest, trying to get as far away as possible.
“Where are we going?” Hammya asked.
“To the guild. It’s the only place we’ll be safe.”
“How could this happen?” Hammya exclaimed, distressed. “How did they find us? This is strange… Damn it, Tínbari…”
“Do you think they’ll be alright?”
“We’re from the Roobóleo Brotherhood; we’re more prepared for war than anyone.”
“I see…”
Hammya looked at Candado’s back, noticing his increased perspiration.
“Héctor…”
“There! The guild!”
Héctor took Hammya’s hand.
“What…?”
“Close your eyes.”
Héctor quickened his pace, heading toward the door so fast that Hammya, frightened, didn’t know whether to stop, scream, or simply close her eyes. She chose the latter. Héctor kept running until they reached the door and passed through it as if it were transparent.
Hammya opened her eyes, realizing they had suddenly stopped.
“What happened?”
“We passed through the door.”
Héctor entered a room adjacent to the council hall, where a bed awaited. He gently lowered Candado onto it. Hammya entered moments later.
“How is he?”
Héctor opened Candado’s right eyelid with his thumb; his corneas were red, and the veins in his eyes pulsed with a trail of blood.
“I knew it…”
“What?”
“Domino effect.”
Then he stood up and looked at Hammya.
“Candado is suffering again, and we can’t do anything.”
Héctor’s hands trembled as he said it.
“There must be another way.”
Héctor forced a smile.
“You’re right. It’s too soon to give up. I’ll see what I can do.”
“You could start by handing the boy over to me.”
Hammya and Héctor shivered at the presence of Dessbari.
Hammya rushed to Candado’s bedside to protect him, while Héctor manifested his deck of cards.
“Leave him alone. Stop tormenting him.”
“That’s impossible,” Dess replied, striking his lance against the ground, rotting the wood where it touched.
Hammya was horrified; her face reflected desperation and fear as she held Candado close. Héctor, though terrified, didn’t let the fear overwhelm him. Determined to protect Candado and Hammya, his expression mixed defiance with the terror of risking his life.
“Step aside.”
Héctor flung a card that grazed Dess’s face.
“I’ll make sure you suffer the despair of your wounds before you die.”
Héctor lunged at Dess, wielding his cards as weapons. The Bari, feeling superior, wanted to toy with him, but he still feared the boy’s determination — a drive that propelled him toward certain death. So Dess struck with lethal thrusts without hesitation.
Héctor dodged as best he could; many of the thrusts barely grazed his clothing, but none reached his skin, as that would mean certain death. He knew piercing the lance was impossible; it was an artifact that seemed otherworldly, so he could only move side to side, searching for an opening to strike. When he thought he’d found one, Dess released the lance and grabbed him by the throat.
“You’re a slippery one.”
Dess grinned and began to strangle him.
Hammya jumped from her spot and ran toward him.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!"
Dess looked at her and kicked her, slamming her into a bookshelf that toppled over and fell on top of her.
"H-Hammya!" Hector shouted, barely able to speak.
"You should have taken the easy route."
Hector's neck began to darken, his eyes filled with blood, and foam poured from his mouth.
"Let death embrace you."
Hector's groans gradually faded, his life slipping away. Just when it seemed all was lost, a root shot up from the ground, hitting Dess, who released Hector and fell unconscious.
Dess cut the root and followed its trail with his eyes, realizing it came from beneath the bookshelf. Just as Dess planned to "inspect" the area, the bookshelf lifted, revealing Hammya, furious, her green hair and eyes glowing.
"Well then..."
Hammya hurled the bookshelf at him, making it clear she didn’t want to hear his words. Though the impact didn't harm him, Dess grabbed his spear and lunged at her. Hammya raised her palm, and the spear struck her hand as if it were made of metal; she wasn’t harmed at all.
Her face still reflected rage, and from her palm, roots emerged, completely enveloping the spear. Dess remained unfazed, breaking free from the roots and heading toward Candado's bed.
Hammya blocked his path and took the attack head-on, but suffered no harm.
"You foolish Bari, you can't hurt me."
"That voice... you’re..."
"HOW LOUD!"
Both turned.
Candado was awake, holding his facón, his right eye black.
"I see Hammya awakened her second personality."
"Keplant..."
"Keplant? I’m Candado, wild little girl."
With that, he got up from the bed and looked at Dess.
"You’re the most cowardly Bari I’ve seen, attacking me while I was unconscious and going after my friends and family. What little dignity you Bariatiacs have."
Dess stepped back and focused once more.
Candado took a few steps forward until he saw his friend, stopping immediately.
"Hé...ctor."
Seeing his friend with blood in his mouth and a large mark on his neck, Candado’s eyes began to dilate. Hector lay on the floor, seemingly dead.
"I see no problem," Candado murmured. "Once, Tínbari said maybe someone from your race would come someday to kill me and take my powers. Heh... it's fine with me."
Then he looked up, his gaze cold as death.
"I mean, I’m not a killer if I kill a Bari, right?"
Dess felt intimidated but didn't back down.
"Come here and..."
In the blink of an eye, Candado had disappeared and reappeared behind him, facón in hand.
"As you command."
Then he drove his facón into Dess's neck, running it down his back and bathing in his enemy's violet blood, while his face remained impassive.
Dess let out a bone-chilling scream that left Hammya temporarily deaf, though Candado felt no discomfort.
"I can’t kill you with this. After all, mortal wounds for humans are just excruciating pain for you, but you’re not at risk of dying. Tínbari told me so."
"Traitor, I knew I should have killed you myself, not him."
Candado blinked and frowned.
"Oh, that."
He punched Dess and threw him out of the house, escaping immediately.
"That which the human fears, come here; I command you."
Out of nowhere, black smoke appeared before their eyes.
"Well," Tínbari yawned, "what a drag." He looked around. "Why wasn’t I invited?"
Candado grabbed him by the horns.
"This is not a youth party, IDIOT!"
"Ow, ow, ow, let go, Candado, it hurts!"
"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING NOT IN YOUR POSITION, DAMN IT?!"
"I felt an aura like that of my brothers, and I went to investigate... OUCH! DON'T PULL!" —Candado yanked harder— "Alright, alright, please don’t pull anymore."
"You’ll be..."
Hector started coughing violently, as if trying to inhale all the air around him in desperation and pain.
Candado released Tínbari and ran to Hector’s side.
"Dammit, buddy," Candado said as he kneeled, supporting Hector's head on his arm. "What have they done to you?"
"Nothing... you know how it is, giving you the neck," Hector replied with a smile, placing a hand on his neck.
"I’m glad you’re alright."
"Where’s the idiot?"
"I scared him off."
Hector began coughing.
"Rest, friend."
Hector stood up and collapsed onto a nearby chair.
"Give me a few seconds; I’ll be fine."
"Sure, buddy."
At that moment, Hammya burst into the room, her eyes still glowing.
"Well, you’re tough."
"Who are you?"
"That’s cruel, Candado. It’s me, your Hammya."
"You’re not Hammya, not mine, or anyone’s. Who the hell are you?"
"Well, I can’t fool you. This body is both Hammya’s and mine, but..."
"Give me your name, damn it."
The figure, still appearing as Hammya, placed her hand on Candado’s shoulder.
"My name doesn’t matter. Just know that if you hurt her or make her sad, I’ll make you suffer."
Candado pinched the figure’s nose.
“Ouch, ouch, ouch... that hurts.”
“Don’t threaten me, but I’ll take care of her.”
He released her, and she began rubbing her nose.
“Apologize to her properly. Goodbye.”
Suddenly, the sparkle in Hammya’s eyes faded, her hair returned to red, and she collapsed into Candado’s arms.
“I think I owe her an apology,” Candado said, laying her down on the bed.
Tínbari made a sarcastic gesture with his hands.
“Do me a favor and die, would you?”
“I can’t die, and no matter how much you beg, I won’t.”
Héctor chuckled softly.
“Candado, I’d like to help you with this more than anyone, but right now, I’m useless.”
“Dessbari is the Bari of the heartless, the murderers, the thieves. His touch rots the skin of anyone it touches.”
“I’m surprised you survived,” Candado commented.
“Dessbari cannot corrupt those who have a pure heart and soul. People without evil are immune to his touch... though it seems he managed to do quite a bit of damage to you.”
Candado placed his hand on his chin.
“I guess I’d rot faster than Héctor.”
“Of course.”
“Hmmm... I don’t care.”
“What?”
“I’m not afraid of the Baris, and I won’t tolerate them doing as they please just because I’m unconscious.”
“Wise decision, Candado.”
“Héctor, take care of Hammya. Actually, just watch over her.”
“And if she wakes up?”
“Tell her to stay in bed and wait. I need to talk to her later.”
“Oh, well.”
Candado gestured with his beret and left the room, accompanied by Tínbari.
“Well, where are your brothers?”
Tínbari stepped forward, answering his question.
“Alright,” Candado smiled, “lead me to them.”
As they moved toward their destination, Suenbari, hidden in the shadows of the house, emerged from his hiding place and looked at Candado’s back with a proud expression.
“Forgive me, brothers, but I can’t attack someone chosen by Keplant.”
“We’re close.”
“I feel like... no, we must hurry.”
Candado snapped his fingers.
“Asinóh.”
Out of nowhere, a giant dog wrapped in flames appeared, which Candado mounted.
“Uzoori would be jealous if he saw you like this,” Tínbari joked.
Candado didn’t reply; his eyes, especially his left one, reflected intense worry.
Upon arrival, they found a heartbreaking scene: in the garden, all of their friends and family had turned into diamonds. His mother was raising her fist, his father was protecting Lucas and Liv, Nelson had his right arm outstretched with a gun ready to fire, Diana was on the ground with her scythe prepared for an attack, and Mauricio and Logan were standing in defensive positions. They had all been petrified in the middle of the confrontation.
“What is this?” Candado murmured, kneeling as anguish flooded his face. His pain was so intense that he couldn’t control his dog, which eventually faded away.
“It was Bórr’s doing,” Tínbari whispered.
Candado looked up toward a hooded figure floating in the air, tapping its mace against the ground while humming. The moonlight and the stars illuminated the figure.
“I expected this from Hach, but from you, no.”
The humming and tapping stopped.
“Tínbari, after all this time, the coward shows his face.”
Candado quickly stood up, full of rage, and charged at Bórrbari, but Tínbari stopped him, holding him firmly by the right arm and chest.
“You son of a bitch…”
Bórrbari descended to the ground and approached, stopping five meters away.
“I can feel your thirst for revenge, but relax, killing humans isn’t my style.”
Candado was far from calming down; the fury still burned inside him.
“I’ll leave for today, but next time I’ll come for the violet blood... and for you, traitor,” Bórrbari said.
Tínbari reacted to the remark and quickly put Candado to sleep by placing his demonic hand on his head. The young man lost strength and collapsed into Tínbari’s lap.
“I see he doesn’t know,” Bórrbari commented.
“I’ll never tell him.”
Bórrbari let out a sigh.
“I’m not one to give you lessons, but... I haven’t forgotten what you did for me. However, the situation you’re in forces us to act. Lingari is our leader, and whether we like it or not, we must follow his orders. I wish I had your courage, Tínbari... you don’t know how much I envy you.”
Bórrbari lightly tapped his mace against the ground, and with a magical gesture, everyone who had been petrified returned to their normal state.
“Is that all?” Tínbari asked, glancing around.
“Yes. We just wanted to know how strong the human was. Now, seven of us, along with your allies, know where Candado lives and what he represents.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Tínbari asked.
“You saved my life once, and... I’m grateful. ” Bórrbari flashed a faint smile and began to fade away. “See you, brother.”
“I’ll never regret my actions,” Tínbari whispered, looking at Candado. “I have nothing to regret, nothing.”
Tínbari carried Candado in his arms and looked around. The people who had been petrified began to move and return to their original forms.
“My God, I thought I wasn’t going to make it out of this,” Matlotsky said, with a sigh of relief.
Europa, who still felt the pain from the experience, knelt down and then stood with effort. Her gaze scanned the area until it landed on Tínbari, who was holding her unconscious son in his arms. At the sight of Tínbari, some, like Kevin, tried to attack, but Walsh stopped them.
Mrs. Barret ran to her son, tears of anguish and relief in her eyes. When she reached Tínbari, he handed Candado to her.
“He’s alive, Europa,” he said, trying to comfort her.
She knelt, holding her son against her chest, while an inconsolable cry escaped her. All the fear she had experienced with her daughter Gabriela was now repeating itself with Candado.
Except for Arturo Barret, no one dared move; everyone watched Tínbari with concern. And the demon, known for his charisma and mocking attitude, didn’t have the courage to look them in the eye. He only stared at Candado, his face filled with rage and pain, aware that time was running out for him, inexorably.