(2/2)

- Yes, that's right. Yes. Good.

A man hangs up the phone and turns to the woman, who squints.

- A job?

- You'll be surprised, but someone wants us to look after a teenager called... 'Maruno Uffite'.

The woman squints, removes her cigarette from her mouth and doesn't hide her almost disgust.

- Such a ridiculous job...?

- Apparently, he's very good friends with Deshya Oveja. You know, the girl who's starting to make a name for herself in Tetazo.

The woman shrugs and throws her cigarette through the car window.

- I have no idea and I don't care. You turned down the offer, I hope?

- We're very well paid, though," admits the blue-eyed man. He asks us just to keep an eye on the cameras hidden everywhere and make sure he's not trying to warn anyone. We'll get more information and the job only lasts a whole week.

The woman isn't entirely unconvinced, arms crossed, but she finally sighs.

- How much do we earn for this crap?

- A total of 15K gross each.

-15,000 euros???

- Yeah.

- It's enormous.

- Our customer admits that he has enough money to afford it and doesn't really care if he lives or dies after this, so money is of little importance to him.

The woman still hesitates, but now that she knows the ridiculous amount for such a simple job, she smiles and takes her lipstick out of her bag. She puts some on her mouth, looking at herself in the mirror, and then turns her face towards her companion.

- I want more information about the job. When do we start?

The man gives a quick nod.

- If all goes well, we start in three days.

The man grabs his phone and smiles.

- Starting Saturday September 17.

Maruno is restrained in his living room, having no choice but to obey the person's orders. He ponders his situation, but there's nothing he can do on his own.

- So it's the whole family that's under threat... But why are they being targeted by this person? And why…

He wonders why he's the one who has to get rid of Aya: wouldn't it be better to do it himself? Would it be simple for this person to do it themself? Nevertheless, as he pondered this point, a ringing sound woke him from his thoughts. The person who had been standing next to him suddenly stood up, hurrying out of the room. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Maruno observes the departing person attentively.

- A bulge in their clothes, in their back barely higher than their pelvis. Something is in the back pocket of their pants and sticks out enough to form this bulge. If it's an object in their pants, it must be a gun. Another gun when this person has another gun for me to use as a murder weapon?

Maruno thinks quickly before turning his gaze to the pistol still in his hands.

- This type of pistol is an 'FNP-9' model with a silencer added. Since 2002, it has been the model used by the police in Tetazo, Shiru and most towns in the south, as opposed to the Glock 17 in towns to the north and the HK 9mm, which is mainly used by Bexel and one or other of the surrounding towns.

Maruno squints and wants to smile:

- This person keeps a pistol on his person, which must be of the same type as the one in my hand. Even if this is not the case, getting hold of an FNP-9 legally is impossible, and it's unlikely to be bought illegally, since they're hardly to be found on the market here. Even if for some reason this person did manage to get hold of such a gun, there are easier and cheaper ones to buy. In brief—

The person returns to the living room, their robotic voice activated again.

- I have to take care of some business, so I have to go. You're under constant surveillance, so don't do anything stupid. If you have to go to the bathroom, you go now while I'm here, otherwise you wait until I come back, period. If you dare to do anything—

- I know.

Maruno puts both feet up on the table and sighs.

- I don't need to go to the bathroom, I'll wait, but I won't piss on myself if you don't come back soon.

- Tsk. Talking like that when you're almost like a hostage... I don't have time for this.

The person doesn't hide their displeasure before walking away, leaving Maruno all alone in the living room. The boy quickly turns on the TV and selects the channel which is almost always live or police and detective cases are broadcast throughout Belium.

- ... north of Tetazo, drug dealers were haggling when a local man spotted them from the window of his apartment. The police are already on their way to catch the dealers, who seem to have fled a short time ago!

A man speaks into his microphone, comfortably seated in his studio, but he's not visible: the images are those captured on a police helicopter, showing the streets of northern Tetazo, not far from where Maruno is. The boy looks at the TV without showing the slightest emotion, but inwardly, it's a toothy grin he's making.

- I was right.

Maruno squints.

- A police officer.

It was easy to guess — almost too easy. If this person worked somewhere else, it would have been much more complicated to guess.

- Given his build, he must be a man. Most of his form is hidden behind his clothes, but he must be over 1m80 tall, which is quite rare for a woman. What's more, even though his voice prevents me from guessing his gender, it sounds more like a man's way of talking. Finally, from what little I can observe, his hips and pelvis don't resemble those of a woman... Even without that, from the shoulders, I can be more or less convinced it's a man.

He'd like to find out even more about this man, but without being able to move from his living room or even his house, he can't do anything. He plans to watch TV and try to catch a glimpse of the policemen about to show up, but he's afraid that even with that, he'll never be able to discover the man's identity. Even if he did, what would be the point? What could he do? Warn Deshya so she can tell her father? If they act too quickly, both his mothers will probably die... Besides, there are two other people watching him, so arresting the person holding him wouldn't be enough.

- Whatever happens, I've got plenty of time before Saturday: they're acting far too early. However, they seem to be watching me from all sides... It's quite possible that even the school has cameras installed. If it's a police officer and the people watching me are in the spy business, I've got little chance of fooling them. Warning Deshya or Tessa with a code is going to be complicated if I get listened to h24 and if I'm being physically watched at school, whispering won't help, nor will writing a letter to warn them of my situation. I could write one in class and slip it into Deshya or Tessa's school bag without being seen, but first I'll check whether I'm being watched that much or not: safety is very important to me.

And Maruno knows it. He doesn't want to underestimate his opponents, and if they understand his masquerade, then he's certain his parents are going to be killed outright. Unfortunately, he's not in a game, so he can't risk anything by telling himself it's going to be alright... That's just not an option for him. He has to save Aya, her parents and his own two mothers from death. This can't be done on his own, so tomorrow he must find a way to warn Deshya or Tessa - preferably her friend in the fox outfits, since her father is a policeman and she has police connections. The sooner he can warn her, the more time they'll have to find a solution and stop this assassination plot. So he has to think of a way to warn Deshya, even Tessa if necessary, without being seen, noticed or heard by the people watching him…

It's a matter of life and death for Maruno.

The next day, the end of an unhappy weekend and the return of classes. Monday opens its arms to Maruno with its radiant sunshine, but it's far from enough to comfort him. He has an idea of the profession of the person holding him, as well as his gender, including that he's been called in on the drug case, but learning more on his own is going to be very complex. Students enter the playground around Maruno, himself heading over there, but he pays no attention to anyone. He's managed to sleep tonight, but all he's done is dream about his girlfriend's death and his total defeat. Even if killing Aya seems to be the only way to save his parents, Maruno has no faith in the hooded man's words. Even if he succeeds in the plan, there's no guarantee that his two mothers won't die at the same time as the man flees, leaving no trace behind. Since he never lets go of his gloves and avoids touching anything in Maruno's house, it's going to be next to impossible to discover any leads there. Even if the police are looking everywhere, Maruno doesn't believe the cameras will be left there... Killing Aya isn't a solution for him anyway: he wouldn't dare put a bullet through her heart, since he only wants to do that with his own love. With these thoughts in mind, he continues on his way to the playground. He notices that on the bench 'special for the Incorporated Foxes', Tessa is already sitting, looking at her phone. As he does almost every morning, Maruno walks over, holding his bag, the other hand in his pocket. As he moves towards it, he casts a quick glance behind him, scanning his surroundings. At the same time, he sees—

- …

— flicker. Rays reflecting off a glass surface or a surface that can reflect. Maruno squints and continues on to the bench.

- It's on a roof... Binoculars? There are two of them watching me, so it's possible that one is checking from outside and another is much closer to me. The one on the roof must be listening in on my conversations thanks to the microphones they've placed on me, while the other must surely be closer to check that I'm not giving anything strange to anyone. As long as I can't know where I'm being watched from, I can't allow myself to give Deshya any paper, or write any," Maruno thinks.

Before reaching the bench, he looks at his clothes.

- I've got two microphones on me in case one of them stops working... If I break one of them and pretend I didn't do it on purpose, I'm convinced the man holding me back will see it straight away as me trying to find a way to get rid of the microphones so I can warn Deshya in a whisper, since she has super hearing... I can't do anything that won't get me a 'GAME OVER' instantly, so it's better that I play it safe than risk anything to warn Deshya or even Tessa.

He sits on the bench next to his friend... who just doesn't react.

- Hey, Tessa.

He finally greets her and she waves her hand at him, chewing what is probably chewing gum. Maruno blinks before smiling.

- Too focused on your phone to talk to me?

She nods and Maruno sighs.

- Probably looking at pictures of naked girls, huh…

- Huuuuuh?

Slowly and menacingly, Tessa turns her head towards Maruno, eyebrows furrowed. Maruno sticks out his tongue, but this doesn't greatly amuse the girl, who switches off her phone.

- I was just watching the news, why would I look at pictures of naked girls, eh?" she blurts out in a rather aggressive tone.

Maruno opens his eyes a little wider, but keeps a rather similar expression. The reason for this—

— An opportunity has arisen.

- The news? Are they talking about the drug deal in north Tetazo?" he asks.

Tessa puts her phone away and crosses her arms.

- Ah, I heard about it yesterday, but I wasn't watching it, no.

- I quickly saw it on TV, but it didn't really interest me, so I changed channels," Maruno admits. Did it go well in the end?

- All I saw was that the culprits were arrested by the police, not far from where they were dealing. What a bunch of assholes, being seen by a civilian.

Tessa shakes her head, as if disappointed that they're incompetents.

- Shouldn't you be happy...?" wonders Maruno, hesitating to laugh.

He'd like to know more about the case, ask which police officers caught the culprits and anything else he can think of, but he's afraid that if he insists on this too long, the people listening to him — probably including the policeman holding him back — will come to understand that Maruno knows too much. The boy decides to change the subject by talking about the amusement park that's closing in the south of the country, not wanting to discuss the "FEDER" hotel. Tessa admits she doesn't give a damn and Maruno sighs with annoyance.

- I know she's like that, but I want to hit her sometimes..." thinks Maruno.

He wonders just how a girl as cute, friendly and sometimes excitable as Deshya can love a girl so... 'dontcareaboutanything'. Sure, she's cool and Maruno knows very well that she's a beautiful girl with a tomboyish side, but he doesn't quite understand Deshya. Nevertheless, it's not for him to judge his friend's feelings. Besides, since Tessa is much 'gentler' with Deshya, he can understand her feeling such emotions. While he's deep in thought, a faint smile on his face, a tree leaf flies to his feet. Maruno catches it before observing it attentively, his gaze fixed on it. He remembers the times he spent with his parents in the forest near his home, the time he went on a date with Aya in Teuhl Nature Park or even the time he visited southern Inakunia. So many good memories that he wants to keep with him forever... If he loses his parents, or even Aya, then how will he be able to smile when he thinks back on it all? How can he live happily with such a weight on his heart?

- How are you?

Tessa squints at the question, noticing his gaze fixed on the tree leaf. Maruno nods and lets the leaf fall to the ground.

- I was just thinking about my girlfriend," he confesses.

- You saw each other over the weekend, right?

- Friday and Saturday, yup.

Maruno's smile is tired, but it's real. Tessa stares at him blankly, wanting to ask if he's really all right, but Maruno starts humming a tune as he stares ahead, his eyes lost in the horizon. Tessa listens with a faintly open mouth, but she herself remains silent. Maruno finally stops and turns to his friend.

- A-Ah sorry, it's just—

- Nah, don't worry.

Tessa shrugs and at the same time, Deshya comes towards them both.

After their discussion, the class bell rang and they all headed for their classrooms, Deshya and Tessa together, Maruno going the other way.

- Hey, Deshya.

Without turning her head, still looking ahead, Tessa addresses her friend. Deshya nods, watching her.

- After class, we need to have a quick talk, just the two of us. The abandoned bus stop near the school. Without anyone knowing. No one at all.

Deshya's face shows confusion and Deshya has no idea how to interpret this request, but she doesn't reply. She doesn't ask for more information and simply gives an acquiescence, which pleases Tessa, who shows it with a smile.

And, as expected, Deshya joins Tessa discreetly, not having confessed to anyone about the meeting between them. Tessa sits on the rusty metal seat, which won't support more than one person on it. She turns her gaze to her fox friend, who must have reluctantly refused to accompany Amora.

- What do you want to talk about?" asks Deshya.

The place where they meet is dilapidated. The glass where advertisements normally show is shattered, slashes of graffiti still visible on the pieces that survived. The roof has been painted over so much that it looks like a sick rainbow has thrown up on it, while the two seats are in such bad shape that they're not even visible. Deshya wouldn't dare sit on it, unlike her friend who isn't afraid of it collapsing under her weight. Admittedly, it's far from heavy, but the rest of the seat looks neither comfortable nor capable of holding even a simple baseball bag.

- It's about Maruno," says Tessa.

- Oh? What, about his illness? Tessa squints.

- Do you really think he's sick, our little genius?

Tessa's words pierce Deshya's body at once. She squints in turn and Tessa rises from the metal seat, which has lost its yellow color.

- At first, I thought maybe his date with Aya didn't go so well. Maybe he'd had a fight with her, or a serious conversation had taken place between the two of them, so I didn't want to be a bitch and insist. On the other hand, I'm convinced it's something else now," she explains.

- I saw Aya yesterday and she told me things had gone really well, but he's shut himself up in his house really quickly and doesn't seem to respond to calls or most of the messages we send him," admits Deshya. I don't think he's just sick, but that's none of my business.

- I think we'll soon be in business.

- What do you mean?

Deshya is increasingly intrigued by Tessa's words. She wonders whether she's saying all this for a good reason or simply because she's worried about her friend... However, she'll soon understand why Tessa is acting this way and has called her here.

- We were having a quiet chat when he started humming a tune.

- Ah? That's normal, isn't it?

Tessa hums along to the music before opening one eye, repeating part of the chorus. Deshya opens her eyes wide.

- T-That's...

Tessa nods.

- ABBA's 'S.O.S'.

One of Deshya's father's favorite tunes, one she can recite ¾ by heart. The girl in the fox sweater lowers her head, eyes squinting and a confused expression on her face.

- When I recognized the music, I analyzed Maruno a little more and noticed a strange fold in his collar, like a little bump. It's highly likely that he has a microphone attached to him," admits Tessa.

- Speaking of which, on the way to school, I noticed something shiny on the roof across the street... Is it possible we're watching it? Wait, but why?

Deshya rubs her chin, remembering the glitter on the roof opposite the school. Is someone watching him?

- Should we go and talk to him about it?" asks Deshya, unsure of what to do.

However, Tessa refuses directly, shaking her head.

- If Maruno had to hum a tune hoping I'd understand what was going on, I think going to see him would be the worst idea. If he's not responding much by way of messages or even calls, he needs to be watched very closely. If what you saw on the roof is the reflection of light against glass, it might even look like binoculars or something," she explains.

- If he has a microphone on him, then someone listens to him constantly. Why do that?

It's a question that even Tessa doesn't know the answer to, one that only Maruno should.

- He could even have slipped me a piece of paper to try and make a Morse code, but he must assume that the slightest risky move puts him in danger," Tessa thinks.

- In short, it's impossible to communicate with him without the one that watches him understanding what we do…

Desha scratches her hair through her hood, not feeling very well. This would explain Maruno's reaction when Aya arrived and—

- Wait…

Tessa turns to Deshya as she speaks.

- Maruno told Aya that her parents wouldn't be able to make it this Saturday... Could—

- Are his parents in danger?

Deshya nods and Tessa grits her teeth.

- Both her moms are nice, too... Shit.

Tessa lowers her head in thought. They both understand that asking Maruno directly what's wrong with him isn't possible. Trying to speak in code would be too dangerous if even the boy didn't dare. Trying to slip him a piece of paper in his clothes could be very complex, although Deshya figures he mustn't be watched in the bathroom, so it's not impossible. However, even if she did this and it worked, how would she get a response from him? She could talk to Raiji, who would join him in the bathroom at some point and give them the paper afterwards, which wouldn't be a stupid plan, but what if we keep a close eye on him? What if they notice Deshya giving him a piece of paper? She might even think further and wonder what would happen if Maruno was even being watched in the bathroom, or even forbidden to go there except at home? Deshya doesn't want to act paranoid, but if even Maruno doesn't dare do anything other than hum a tune that might not be understood, then she'd rather imagine the worst. As she ponders, Tessa chuckles. Deshya blinks and asks her what's so funny.

- I have an idea, but it's a little... crazy. I don't know if it'll be accepted.

- Which one?

Tessa explains quickly and Deshya listens attentively before bowing her head in reflection, smiling in turn.

- It's not stupid... We'll have to see with her if we can do it…

- Maybe we should talk to your father about it," suggests Tessa. If he does, then—

- No, I'd rather not.

Tessa is surprised by the girl's refusal, but accepts it with a shrug.

- Even though my father must have nothing to do with it, if I explain to him what's going on before we even understand the truth, I'm afraid he'll act a little hastily or even tell the police. However, if Maruno is really being watched so effectively, it's not strange to think that someone from the police might be involved in the case, don't you think?" asks Deshya.

- Impossible to say. Shall we do what I said, then?

Deshya thinks about it a little longer, but finally agrees. Tessa suggests that the two of them meet tomorrow around 7 a.m., when school opens, so that they have time to talk it over and not be spotted by anyone. Deshya agrees and tells her that they should pretend they want to give Maruno a present to make him feel better.

- If someone is watching him so closely, it's highly likely that he'll rummage through the doughnuts thinking there's something hidden inside or written on them. When he notices that this isn't the case, he'll be reassured to see that we haven't actually understood anything, which may lower his guard," explains Deshya.

Tessa listens with ears wide open and ends up smiling.

- Hey, ya're not changing, are ya?

- What do you mean?

The confused fox-girl tilts her head, looking so cute that even Tessa can't help wanting to stroke her head. However, she restrains herself and exits the bus stop.

- Making a plan that plays on other people's psychology. Thinking outside the box... and that's why you're better than me.

Tessa keeps her smile and moves away from Deshya, waving her hand above her.

- Let's do it this way then, Deshya!

The girl in the fox sweater isn't sure she understands, but she eventually smiles back and nods.

- See you tomorrow!

And with that, Deshya took her turn, running for home.

Moments after Maruno returns home, accompanied by the person who is holding him in his bonds—

- Am I allowed to see my parents for a few moments?

- Only if you apologize for your behavior.

- … forgive me.

- There we are. That's more like it.

The person turned on his laptop and a few moments later, he turned it towards Maruno, allowing him to see the image of his two mothers who were on their side, but in the same room. Although he really wanted to see them and check on their condition, he was more interested in quickly analyzing the room they were in. Unfortunately, there are almost no clues as to where they're locked. There are no windows and the room is almost completely empty, so it could be anywhere. If there were boxes coming from one company or another, then perhaps he could have had a more precise search area, but here... They could be held in Tetazo or in the next town, or even in Bexel if need be: it's impossible to know. If he learns the person's identity, it's possible to search all the places that concern him and find this piece, but if not…

- I didn't dare do more than hum 'S.O.S' to Tessa, but I hope she'll understand. If she brings it up with Deshya, then it would be perfect, but since I was hesitating to hum the music, I don't know if it was quite clear..." thinks Maruno, losing more and more hope about this little plan he thought up on the spot.

What's more, now that he thinks about it, it's possible that Tessa will come and send him a message to see what's going on. However, if she did such a thing, the person would understand that Maruno was trying to warn her that he was in danger or in a complex situation, which would spoil everything. He has no idea if he'd get a second chance, especially if Tessa receives no response, he's sure she'll understand straight away that something serious is going on and will speak to Deshya about it and both will seek to deal with the matter. This would be horrific at the moment and would put his parents in danger, as the person will no longer agree to use Maruno for the plan. However, he wants to be the one in charge of shooting Aya, because if it's someone else, there's a good chance they won't be able to find a solution and so really come to kill the girl. If it's Maruno, he can hope to come up with a plan to save everyone... that too with the help of the other two members of the 'Incorporated Foxes'.

- It looks like it's in a cellar, but that's all I know from looking at the camera," says Maruno.

Noticing that no matter what, he won't be able to get the slightest clue as to where his two mothers are retained, he decides there's no point in staring at the screen and just resting his palm on it.

- Forgive me for being so weak, mothers…

The fact that he can't find a solution on his own while his girlfriend, his family and his own parents are in danger makes him sad, so he apologizes. He blames himself for his lack of intelligence, unlike his two friends. He wishes he were better, but that's easier said than done. Maybe he's too hard on himself, but he really means it: he's really sad about his own abilities. However, even as he tells himself this, even if he's not happy with himself, he has to give everything to keep fighting to save everyone. He has to believe in Tessa. He has to believe in himself. If he lets himself be affected too much by the situation and crumbles under the pressure, then that will be the end. He doesn't think he'll be able to find a way to save Aya or his parents, or his two mothers who are being held who knows where.

So he has to hold his head high and do his best to show that the title he's given at school isn't one without a reason.

After the snack, Deshya goes up to her room with Korone. The white-haired girl climbs onto the room's comfortable bed, but the fox-eared teenager sits down on her desk chair in front of her computer. She turns it on, enters her password and checks the messages that may have been sent to her.

- Wuuh…

She lets out a sound almost of disgust and Korone asks her what's going on. Deshya sighs, lowering her head.

- Since the Minos affair, lots of people have been following me or mentioning me... Well, nothing spectacular, but yesterday I had already replied to some and now I'm back to '99+' notifications on Twatter…

- My big sister is famous!

- I don't even have 2,000 subscribers, though..." admits Deshya.

- It’s already good! You're only going to get bigger!

Deshya doesn't doubt that Korone is right, but she's amazed all the same. It's obviously mostly Minos that people are talking about, but it's already Monday, so talk of Sleeping Little Beauty has started to dwindle. A YaTubeur who Deshya likes very much said he was planning to make a video about it and even contacted him yesterday to get some details, but Deshya will talk to him more about it this Wednesday evening, from what has been said. Even Minos agreed to talk it over with him and explain the process of arriving at the answers. Deshya answers some of the messages while her little sister plays with the big fox toy on her bed.

- Big sister, can I ask you something?

In her usual cute, childlike voice, she asks him this question. Without turning around, tapping the noisy keys on her keyboard, Deshya tells her that she can, of course.

- What's going on with Maruno?

This time, a less childish, almost mature voice is heard. Deshya sends her message before freezing in front of her computer. Two seconds pass before the girl does a half-turn in her chair, looking at the granddaughter who no longer has a smile on her face, sitting between the two hind legs of the fox sitting on the bed.

- What do you mean?" asks Deshya, squinting.

- I don't think Mr. Handsome is just sick or out of shape. Besides, Tessa doesn't seem the type to give gifts to anyone, especially for a reason like this," Korone admits.

Deshya blinks before laughing.

- Ahahah, do you really see Tessa like that?!" bantered Deshya.

- I've never met the lady that big-sister is in love with, but from what you've said about her and what I saw during the poker game, I'd say she's far from mean, but she's not so thoughtful or worried that she'd want to give a friend a present just because he's a bit ill. He's still going to school, after all. Besides, going to school around 7 a.m. just for that seems a bit much, especially since I know you don't like getting up too early.

Deshya listens silently before shaking her head.

- Not only is she smart, she's quick to understand people... Are you sure you're 8, Korone?

The granddaughter releases an amused, but also... teasing look, one that a granddaughter her age would probably never do.

- I don't know much about myself, but I do know that I'm about 8 years old, yes," Korone assures us.

- For all we know, you've got amnesia like me and you've actually taken a drug like Conan.

- Conan?

Deshya quickly explains what she's talking about before Korone laughs, promising it's not that — although in reality, she can't be so sure. However, Deshya knows that this discussion will lead nowhere and so gets up from her chair before sitting down next to her little sister.

- Put simply, Maruno is probably in danger and being watched by someone or several people, but Tessa figured out what's going on when he hummed a tune called 'S.O.S'. It's unlikely that this is just a coincidence on Maruno's part, especially as he looks really out of sorts. Tessa has a plan to try to ask him what's wrong, which is why I'm going to see her tomorrow," she finally confessed.

- Can I help?" asks Korone.

Deshya didn't think long before offering her answer:

- No, I'm sorry. I don't see how you could help and on top of all that, contacting him is impossible without putting him in even more danger. I still haven't discussed it with my father for a good reason…

- Then maybe I can find some information for you.

Deshya squints at her little sister, asking her to elaborate. She quickly explains what she can do and Deshya thinks about it, staring at the wall in front of her, wondering if it's a good idea. If Korone does it, nothing will seem strange... Deshya nods and accepts, which pleases Korone greatly.

- Then I'll have to buy a little present for Mr. Handsome," Korone admits. Besides, I've always wanted to make him one, because I like him.

- But you've only met him once..." smiled Deshya.

- Which just goes to show how cool he really is!

And Deshya can't argue with that. She laughs and tells her that there's a small jewelry store nearby, so maybe a bracelet or necklace might be nice. Korone tells her big sister that she'll ask Pera tomorrow to buy something not too expensive and give it to Maruno, which Deshya accepts.

A little later, they talk about it again, both in their pajamas, and before going to sleep, Deshya replies to one or other of the messages. Hoping for the best, they fall asleep together. And the next morning, Tuesday September 20, as planned, Deshya and Tessa meet in front of the school, which has just been opened. They talk together for a few moments and—

- Let's get Maruno's present ready, shall we?

Deshya nods with a smile.

- A gift he won't see coming, will he?" drops Deshya.

Tessa nods in agreement. Before they head inside the school, Tessa pats the bag on her back.

- I've bought doughnuts to pretend we really bought her a present," she confesses.

- He likes doughnuts, so this will please him," smiles Deshya.

So they step inside the school, both ready to meet a certain person who is necessary for Tessa's plan. Without her agreement, this simply isn't possible, and they'll have to find something else. Walking inside the buildings, past very few students and teachers, Deshya remembers what her father and her sister told her last night about Tessa and laughs softly as she thinks about it. Her crush turns her gaze to her and asks what's going on.

- Ah, sorry, it's just that I remembered what Korone told me yesterday," Deshya admits.

- What did she tell you?

- I told her about the plan since she really wanted to know and understood that we weren't seeing this morning just for a present, and she told me that you weren't the type to give presents to others for so little, ahah!

Tessa blinks and looks as best she can at the bag on her back, surprised. However, she smiles back.

- Eeeh, she's only seen me once and she can deduce something like that? Or did you tell her I was like that?" teases Tessa.

- Aaah? No, although I don't think she's wrong, I didn't tell her that!" admits Deshya.

- Well, she's not entirely wrong, but if you were to get sick again, I'm sure I could make you a present.

Tessa drops this without embarrassment, now inside the school buildings. Deshya, for her part, blushes softly, but maybe that's why she's really started to like Tessa: her almost 'different' behavior unlike the others. In fact, Deshya has always found Tessa very cool, beautiful and gives off a 'masculine' air when she wants to. She's no pushover and knows how to fight, but also how to defend her friends when necessary. Very teasing and fun, she can sometimes have a slightly violent side, often vulgar, but that doesn't make her mean or aggressive. Tessa isn't really affectionate or even 'clingy' with others... but Deshya has always received 'another favor' from her. Tessa is more protective, friendly and almost 'affective' with her. Last school year, Deshya asked her why Tessa acted this way with her unlike the others, to which the girl replied:

- Why not? You're my cute little fox.

Although Deshya can't pinpoint a specific moment when she fell in love with her, she knows that the way Tessa spoke to her currently touched her. Deshya has long known she's bisexual, but she's always preferred girls who have a more 'masculine' side to them, so Tessa is perfect. Plus, since Tessa always comes across as kind and friendly, it's helped sway her heart even more towards her side. It's been a while since she's understood his feelings for her, but she still hasn't been able to muster up the courage for him. Nevertheless, Deshya feels more and more capable of doing so, given that she managed to kiss him on the mouth after the poker game, even though she put it down to a 'bet'. Deshya suspects that Tessa already has her doubts on the subject. Deshya would have less trouble confessing to her if there wasn't a certain point to consider:

Herself.

Her fox-like attributes, to be clearer. If she goes out with Tessa, keeping the truth from her won't be possible. In fact, if they're dating, Deshya won't agree to keep the truth from her. If they sleep together, she doesn't want to have to keep her sweater on, and even if Deshya dares to lie during her relationship, then that would be rather toxic. Nevertheless, she's still afraid of what might happen then. Will she get killed to find out the truth? She's not a member of her family, unlike Korone who's their adopted little sister, so…

- After all, Korone hasn't been killed before, even though she's known the truth about my attributes since we met..." thinks Deshya.

Unfortunately, that's not enough for her, so she continues to play it safe. However, whatever happens, Deshya knows she'll have to admit her feelings to her at some point. If they manage to go out together — which Deshya doesn't really believe in, since she must not be Tessa's type — so Deshya will tell her the whole truth. For her fox attributes, what really happened during her 5-month disappearance and why she's lying to everyone except her family about her attributes. She doesn't know how Tessa will react, but if she takes it badly or is disappointed, then Deshya can only accept that it's her fault.

- Hey, Deshya.

The girl with the fox-like attributes blinks and turns to Tessa, who touches her shoulder.

- We're in front of her office. Daydreaming?

- A-Ah, sorry, I was just thinking about stuff.

- Hm.

Tessa shrugs before knocking on the office door. A female voice tells them to enter, which Tessa does directly. Deshya follows and closes the door behind her.

- Oh, Tessa and Deshya!" blurts out the blue-eyed woman, 'Kana Koweni'.

- Good morning, Director," greeted Deshya.

- I swear not to be too long, but we need your help.

Tessa doesn't beat about the bush, avoiding even asking her how she's doing, standing in front of the desk. The director questions her with her eyes, waiting to hear more.

- It's something really important," admits Tessa.

- Very important, in fact," corrects Deshya.

Tessa nods and Kana sinks into her seat, legs crossed.

- Am I listening?" she blurts out.

Tessa quickly explains what she'd like Kana to do, but at first the headmistress is far from convinced. Deshya admits that they can't really explain what's going on, but that it's really important; moreover, Deshya promises to confess the truth to the headmistress if something really goes wrong with Maruno. Kana watches them carefully, listening to their attempts to convince her, and finally decides…

- I don't mind, but if this is a joke, I promise you it won't be a little punishment for either of you.

Deshya and Tessa look at each other with a smile before thanking the manager several times. So they talk together and lean over the computer, explaining what to do, and a little later Deshya and Tessa exit the headmistress's office, thanking her one last time. Kana picks up her phone and dials the number of the teacher she needs to call, having to explain the situation to him quickly, and smiles as she sees the door close.

- These young people…

She would never have accepted if it had been anyone else. However, Deshya is a very serious student, and if Tessa shows such concern for someone, then Kana can only believe her. She's certainly a headmistress who knows that her students can make jokes that are far from funny, but she's willing to believe them, a big confidence for the three members of the Incorporated Foxes.

When Maruno is in class, he notices the hidden camera on the shelf behind him. He thinks to himself how careful the people holding him back, including the two others watching him, have been, and they don't want to give Maruno any chance of getting away with it. If they go so far as to place cameras in the school, he doesn't even want to hope that the toilets are out of their reach... If they can watch him from everywhere, then he can give up finding a way to warn Tessa and Deshya: he just has to hope that Tessa has understood his… humming. He could try it with Deshya, especially since they gave him donuts, that probably means they haven't figured out his situation yet. If Tessa hasn't understood the humming, he has to hope Deshya can... He could try humming 'Help!' by the Beatles, but he doesn't know her as well on 'S.O.S'.... His thoughts are interrupted when the teacher places a test sheet in front of him. He looks at the contents and finally smiles, confident.

- I know the answers to all the questions... A 10/10.

Because this is not a test sheet.

He assumes that all the other students have a real surprise test, but reading what's written on the sheet, Maruno understands that he's actually underestimated Tessa. Not only has she understood his 'S.O.S' message, she's also realized that he can't say anything and is being watched by someone.

Because on this sheet, which is constructed as a test sheet, there are no normal questions.

What it says on it, in place of questions, is this:

"I understood about your 'S.O.S' message and even though I don't know what's going on, Deshya noticed someone with binoculars on the roof opposite and I saw about the microphone in the top of your clothes.We don't know what's going on, but we're already assuming that your parents are in danger, and you are too. We've spoken to the headmistress, who's agreed to make a form like this just for you.As if it were a real test, write down everything you know and everything that's going on, and we'll try to help you as much as we can from our side. Also, three questions:Should we notify Deshya's father? In short, the police?Do you know who's holding you back? Or people? A group? Everything you know about it.And finally, why? As well as your parents' situation. Good luck."

If he could, he'd take the sheet and get up from the table, shouting "THANK YOU, HOLY SHIT!!!", but doing that would be the worst possible idea — not only because they'd realize something was strange, but his teacher would yell at him. So he writes down everything he can on the sheet, feeling extremely reassured, just hoping that the camera won't be able to see through his answers, which would mean the end of this operation, but also the death of his parents.

However, with his back bent over the paper as he writes, it's impossible for the camera behind him to see what he's written. He sometimes thinks out loud to make it look like he's taking a real pop quiz, stopping to pretend he's reading the questions, but he wonders if the people behind his 'capture' might suspect that he's writing on an index card that isn't actually a test. All the other students are taking a real one, and it's hard to believe that they'd suspect that this teacher would do such a thing, probably under orders from the headmistress. If that's the case, then Maruno will accept that he just can't do anything about the person holding him back. However, he won't let anyone kill his girlfriend, his family, let alone his own parents. They've been kind enough to accommodate a boy like him, so he's going to make sure they stay alive.

Maruno will do whatever it takes to protect them.

Admittedly, in his position, he has to rely on others, but is that a real problem? In fact, he sees this as a strength. Nothing forces him to act alone. He has nothing to prove to anyone, especially in a situation like this: it's not a game. On the card, he quickly explains his situation, and that he's convinced he's a man who works for the police, probably from Tetazo, who was put on the case for this Sunday's drug merchandise. He also explains that all his movements are being monitored and that their aim is to force him to murder his girlfriend, Aya Deroom, and that both his parents will also die this Saturday, September 24, the opening day of the "FEDER" hotel. Finally, he explains that it's far too risky to actively protect Aya or to hang around her, given that the person might figure out what's going on. He suspects they weren't planning to, but prefers to warn him. So he returns his form to the teacher, feeling much more reassured than he did yesterday or even this morning. Now he had to hope they'd find the culprit, and a way to stop him from killing his parents and Aya. In fact, he wrote a 'P.S.' at the end of the form, asking them to do just one thing.

Something he really wants to do with all his heart.

As Maruno drives home, two people watch him discreetly, both in a rather handsome and spacious car. They are silent, watching Maruno drive home using his keys. The little girl sits back down on the seat and turns on her phone, opening her message app, where she currently has only three people: ‘Big Sister', 'Gatito Bear' and 'Pera Beauty'. She opens the last message she received, from Deshya.

- From what big sister sent me, Maruno said that the culprit holding him is a policeman who was on the drug merchandise case," explains Korone.

- And why is that?

- It seems that he was called at the same time as the police started to deal with the merchandise. He has an 'FNP-9' pistol which he must use to kill his girlfriend, and given that the man hides another pistol in his trouser pocket or belt, he suspects he's a policeman.

Gatito remains silent, his eyes squinting. He doesn't want to take Maruno's words lightly, since he's well aware that he's far from stupid, but he doubts that a policeman could really act like this. They're busy most of the time, and what's more, they've all promised to serve justice — so holding a poor boy to force him to murder his girlfriend? Gatito prefers to believe that he's just mistaken and that it's all just a bad coincidence. However, he doesn't want to rule out this possibility and so keeps quiet, waiting to find out who the man really is — if that really is his gender — who must be at Maruno's house right now. Korone leaves her phone on the car seat before opening the door, telling Gatito that she's going to give the necklace to Maruno. The man nods, making sure that it's well hidden and can't be seen by anyone else — or at any rate, that his identity could not be discovered. So Korone gets out of the car and runs happily towards Maruno's house, scanning the surroundings with nothing but her eyes. As expected, she rings the doorbell, chats quickly with Maruno while offering her the necklace, and checks that her parents aren't home. When she's convinced, she greets Maruno and says she's going back to the car after lying that it was Pera who brought her here: if it really is a policeman holding Maruno and he's listening in on their conversation, he'd better not think it was Gatito, the police inspector, who drove her here. She gets into the car and fastens her seatbelt straight away. Gatito turns on the ignition and they drive off, not wanting to take too long. Before the inspector can ask any questions, Korone speaks.

- I noticed one person watching me from a car and another on the street, sitting on a bench," Korone says.

- Are you sure they're watching the house?" asks Gatito.

- The woman in the car spoke quickly into the folds of her clothes, so she was probably chatting with the person who must be at Maruno's house. I didn't get a good look at her because of the tinted windows. As for the man, he looked several times in Maruno's direction when I spoke to him. I quickly checked when I gave him the necklace, so if Maruno's telling the truth, then he's definitely being watched by two people who stay by his side.

They already knew there was someone in the house, but at least Korone was more or less certain that there were indeed only two other people watching him. It was possible that a third was lurking, but Korone didn't notice anyone strange, or any other eyes on her. Nevertheless, there's nothing to say that this isn't the case, so she prefers to remain on her guard. On the way, Gatito thinks out loud:

- Should we contact members of the station?

Korone answers directly, arms folded:

- Maruno wrote that it looks like the person can kill their parents in one shot, so it's possible that someone is where their parents are being held, maybe even that the room is domed.

Gatito admits that it makes sense.

- Besides, without knowing who it is, would it be wise to talk about it with members of the police?" she asks.

- Although I still find it hard to believe it's a member of the police, you're not wrong. There's no need to rush… Hey, wait!

Gatito frowns and glances sharply at his adopted daughter.

- Am I being corrected by my own adopted daughter, who is also still a child?!" he shouts.

Korone smiles.

- Children are there to correct adult mistakes, aren't they?

Gatito sighs and looks at the road ahead with tired eyes.

- I understand how Sammy felt when my daughter was kidnapped..." he says.

Korone chuckles, placing both hands in front of her mouth.

When they return home, the family sits around the dining room table.

- So it looks like our suspicions were well-founded," admits Deshya.

- So Maruno is being held by someone and watched over by people..." says Pera, saddened by this knowledge.

Deshya decided to explain the situation to his parents so that Korone could drive over to Maruno's house and check if there really were people watching him there, just in case Tessa's plan didn't work out. Fortunately, Kana Koweni, their school principal, was sympathetic enough to agree. Then she and Gatito talked it over on the phone, but Deshya confessed that she was going to send them the picture of the card by message. She decided to send it to Korone, since she was going to Maruno's with her father, but she would have no problem sending it to Gatito. Pera had also learned the truth from her daughter, by message, so they sat around the table to discuss it quickly.

- It seems to be so that he can murder Aya. The man seems intent on killing Aya's parents himself, but Maruno doesn't know how, even if it will be during the hotel's inauguration day " FEDER ", admits Deshya.

- It wouldn't be impossible to warn the Deroom family, but since Maruno's parents are being held somewhere still unknown, it's best to act as if we don't know anything yet," explains Gatito. It's possible that the man is from the police, and until we know his identity, I'm not going to talk about it with anyone to avoid problems. Well, we can take Sammy and Dash off the suspect list, since Sammy was with his wife on vacation and Dash hasn't left her post for the last three days, apart from late at night, and neither have most of the women.

- Not all of them?" asks Pera.

- Although Maruno seems to be convinced that he's a policeman, there's nothing to say it's not a disguise. The gun in the pocket of the person holding him could still be a weapon to defend himself or threaten Maruno in case he decides to rebel. Well, if the person has an FNP-9, I think I have to accept that he's a policeman, but for now, I'd rather take all possibilities into account.

Pera nods, understanding the situation, and Deshya speaks in turn.

- I've got my own ideas for saving Aya, but without knowing how he's going to get rid of his parents, I can't do anything about it. We've got until Friday to find out who's responsible and get on with it, since Saturday is D-Day for the culprit. I'll send an answer back to Maruno the day the tests are returned, even if Tessa has the sheet at home for the time being.

- Do you really have no idea how the culprit intends to take the lives of Aya's parents?" asks Pera.

- Probably with poison," admits Korone. That's what I wanted to ask.

The little girl turns to Gatito.

- Aren't Tetazo's police officers going to be in charge of hotel security this Saturday?

The red-haired man nods and Korone touches her chin.

- It's possible that the culprit is taking advantage of his own position to approach the Deroom family, or even the food or drink, to add poison. Killing them with a pistol in the room would be very foolish, given that he could be quickly arrested and given his actions so far, it doesn't look like he wants to be caught…

- Nothing says so," admits Deshya.

Korone looks at her older sister, who has just crossed her legs.

- Maybe after this operation, he won't care about being arrested. Maybe he's already thinking about suicide..." says Deshya. On the other hand, I agree with Korone that he's probably not going to use his pistol to shoot Aya's parents, but something quieter. No, rather, discreet, I should say.

Gatito nods and admits that it's highly likely, but that they'll have to be very careful about everything that goes on in the hotel. If they can discover the identity of the person holding Maruno, as well as the two others who have their eye on them, then keeping an eye on them won't be too complex. The red-haired man gets up from the table and heads into the small office between the kitchen and the lobby without explaining what he's going to do, but no one replies. He quickly returns with a pencil and a sheet of paper before writing on it on the counter. The next moment, he sits back in his chair and places the paper on the table, showing it to everyone. Deshya and Korone lean over and can read:

- Hanoka Atege.

- Karine Shineki.

- Gatito Oveja.

- Axel Lymenn.

- Craig Steur.

- Ash Gordie.

- Nilal Sühez.

The three of them quickly understand what this little list means, but Gatito explains it anyway.

- There were seven of us on the case — at that time, anyway. I think we can take Hanoka and Karine off the list, including myself, so it must be either Axel, Craig, Ash or Nilal.

- And who are all four of them?" asks Deshya.

- Axel and Craig are both police officers who deal mainly with drug cases or even protection. Craig is a bit newer than Axel, but they both do a good job," explains Gatito. Axel doesn't talk much about his family, but I know he has a daughter. As for Craig, he keeps his cousin at home, but since he often works, it's impossible to ask him about Craig, I think. Ash comes from the canine brigade and lives with his wife and two sons, and for Nilal, he's a police officer who works mainly with drugs and illegal goods.

- Asking for alibis would be pointless, given that the culprit can tell his family or friends that he has to work..." thinks Pera out loud.

Gatito nods and scratches his hair.

- On the other hand, if Maruno is convinced that he really is a policeman working in the area and has a muscular build, then all four of them are suspects. Nilal and Axel arrived a little earlier than Ash or Craig, but given that they both live in northern Tetazo, that's not surprising. This way, I won't be able to tell who the culprit might be.

Deshya would have liked a direct answer, but she suspected it wasn't going to be as simple as that. She went to talk, but Korone spoke first.

- What if Gatito takes care of finding the culprit, while big sister and I take care of making sure Miss so pretty and her family doesn't die?" suggests Korone.

Gatito accepts rather quickly, but then frowns.

- Who do you think you are, Korone?

The little girl sticks her little tongue out of her mouth while staring at the muscular man.

- For a little sweetie who comes from a family of geniuses. It's your fault I'm smart now!

- Even before we adopted you, you were too smart for your age..." smiled Deshya, a bead of sweat on her forehead.

Korone's words are understood by all, but even Korone tells herself that what she's just said — which is a lie that almost anyone would understand — doesn't mean much... but she just shrugs, not caring at all.

The next day, after class—

A woman screams down the street from Maruno Uffite's house.

The boy and the person holding him back both don't know what's going on, especially since the scream wasn't weak. The adult asks his colleagues what's going on.

- A woman seems to be chasing a thief... No, a thief? I couldn't say.

That's the answer the person gets. Before they can answer anything... she gets a call. They excuse herself and goes into another room to avoid being overheard by Maruno, and answers the call.

- What is it?" asks the man.

- I'm chasing a guilty man!!!" blurts the woman through the walkie-talkie. Meet me on Boar Street in northern Tetazo!!!

The man hesitates to accept, but since he's quite close, and refusing when he shouldn't be doing anything would perhaps be suspicious: his job requires him to accept. So he answers on the walkie-talkie that he's on his way and heads into the living room, activating his voice changer once again.

- I'll be away for a while.

- Hm, okay.

Maruno nods again and continues to play, taking no further interest in the person's movements. The latter then runs out of the house, but changes her clothes on the way out, also removing her balaclava.

15 minutes later, a total of 8 people were standing next to each other. Hanoka, the woman who called for help over the walkie-talkie, has since caught her breath. They are located in the dead-end of a street, the ‘Rue des Sangliers’, which is its name. Hanoka sighs.

- The culprit must be nearby!" she admits.

- Do you know anything about her looks?" asks Craig.

- It might help," admits Nilal.

- Do you know anything about the thief?” Axel asks.

- What's actually happened?" questions Ash.

Karine squints, hands on hips.

- Oi, oi, don't ask all your questions at once, you!" she shouts.

- It doesn't matter..." says Sammy with a smile.

- I guess, but I want to find that thief!" enthused Hanoka.

- Let's look for two by two," suggests Gatito.

Hanoka nods and the red-haired man steps out into the street.

- I'm going with Nilal to the houses painted blue. Karine, you go with Axel to search the large garden of the house at the far end. Hanoka and Craig, the houses to the right. Finally, Sammy and Ash, you stick around to make sure no one escapes. It's a dead end, so you should be able to find it! We're off!

- Yes, Inspector!

The eight people run or stay at their posts, focused and confident of catching the thief Hanoka has chased…

... but no results.

- Where the hell is she?" Karine asks aggressively.

She taps the ground with her right foot, arms crossed and a look of rage in her eyes. Sammy tries to calm her down, but as he'd expected, it only annoys her more. Hanoka turns to the four stragglers, squinting.

- What took you four so long, eh?!" says Hanoka, also annoyed.

The 1.84m tall man, with black hair that hasn't lost its color yet, answers first.

- I've just come from far away," admits Axel. Well, I live in the north, but I had to get dressed and get here... It's not next door either.

Then the 1.81m tall, blond-haired, blue-eyed police officer explains himself.

- I didn't think anyone would call me now, so I was in my underwear," says Craig. I also had to get dressed, sorry.

Then it's the 1.82m man from the canine brigade with chestnut hair who speaks.

- I had to take the car and it took me a while..." explains Ash.

Finally, the man who deals mainly and solely in drugs or illegal goods, the one with black hair, 1m87 and darker skin…

- I was with my family," admits Nilal. My son didn't want me to leave, so I had to calm him down.

Hanoka sighs and turns back towards the dead-end.

- Well, I don't know where she ran off to, but…

- What happened exactly?" asks Karine.

- I was a little further away when I saw that someone came running out of a house. The woman who lived there shouted after her, so I followed," explains Hanoka. She was carrying a backpack and her long black hair was swaying behind her back, especially as it was clear from her shape that she was a woman.

- Maybe we could find out more by talking to the woman?" suggests Craig.

- I'll talk to him and Gatito, and get back to you if there's any news.

They all accept and ask what they have to do. Hanoka admits that she would like Karine and Sammy stick around to make sure the thief doesn't come out of hiding, which they accept. Gatito tells the other four men that they can go home, and Hanoka apologizes for their displacement. However, they all say it's no problem, so they all go their separate ways. Gatito and Hanoka leave together, while Sammy and Karine stay behind.

All four of them... squinting.

- That's all it was... I was scared," thinks the person holding Maruno.

He doesn't like having to leave Maruno's house, since at any moment he could find a way to do something behind her back, but he assumes he's so well supervised that trying anything is far too risky. He really won't hesitate to kill his parents if she has to, so Maruno had better take him seriously. He's going back into the house when—

- Can you come to the next street? We might have found something!

The voice of 'Gatito Oveja' comes over the walkie talkie. The man about to enter Maruno's house catches it and grits his teeth, but accepts and says he's on his way. He had completely forgotten to deactivate it! If this had happened while he was in the same room as Maruno, he would have recognized Gatito's voice and probably understood that he was a Tetazo policeman... Luckily, the inspector called him before he got in. So he runs in the opposite direction from where he's just arrived, checking that nobody sees him. He even asks the two people watching Maruno if anyone is around, but they admit that apart from Gatito and the woman who was chasing the thief, no one is. This reassures the man who leaves.

However, a smile appears on a certain girl's face.

- So it was you…

A few minutes later, Gatito returns to the car and turns his face directly towards the granddaughter, who has not removed her smile. Korone, arms crossed, keeps her gaze fixed ahead.

- So, do you know who it is?" asks Gatito.

Korone nods.

- Like the Spanish motorcycle racer…

She turns her gaze to Gatito.

- It's 'Axel'.

The black-haired police officer, the one who's been on the force for some time now, is the identity of the man holding Maruno. Gatito sighs and looks down, saddened that the culprit is actually a member of the police force.

- So it's him, eh... Wait, what do you mean, 'Spanish motorcycle speed racer'?!" then shouts Gatito.

- I'm the one who told him!

Suddenly, a woman pokes her head out from the back of the car. Her smile is cute and her black hair with pink streaks sways in her excited movement.

- Ah, Mariah.

- Axel Pons, son of Alfonso Sito Pons, a rider who has been active since 2008. He doesn't have as good a track record as his father, but—

- Nah, okay, but I don't care. There are better-known Axels than that, aren't there?

- I like motorcycles," Mariah admits.

She crosses her arms and pouts that what she's saying is of little interest to Gatito, but the man just sighs and starts the engine. The reason Mariah is in the back seat is simple: she's the one who played the part of the thief Hanoka was chasing, all to lure the four culprits into the corner.

- Hanoka told Nilal that it's possible I had something to do with the drug deal the other day, so he came," Mariah says, putting on her belt. Well, it wasn't him anyway, and I'd have been surprised if it had been.

- Why?" asks Korone.

- Because if we're to believe what Maruno said and where he lives, it would be complex for Nilal to move from one place to another. Axel is much closer to here, so he can get back home pretty quickly. Besides, Nilal may be muscular, but he's not the type to talk much, and with all due respect to him, I don't think he'd even think of putting cameras around. Plus, from what I know about him, he's the type to adore the 'Lordly' company because they've built a swimming pool in the north of the country where his nephews often go.

- But that doesn't excuse the fact that it could have been him," says Gatito as he starts the car.

- Well, whatever. We know it's Axel, but I knew it was him even before we confirmed it.

The police inspector frowns.

- How could you know?" he asks.

- When I was listening to the conversations in the car with Korone, we heard him ask if Hanoka knew anything about the thief. However, Hanoka never said anything about a thief and didn't even mention the gender in the first place.

- So that proved he was around!" Korone continues to explain. He said he wasn't near here, that's why he took his time, but if that was really the case, he could never have known she was a thief. Even if we assume he suspected she was a thief or a burglar, he directly gendered her as a woman, so we understood it was him.

Mariah nods before playing with the balaclava she has used.

- Well, it was a good idea to call the suspects one by one while Korone checked the house. A minute between each call, with you calling Axel first, then Karine for Craig, Sammy for Ash and finally, Hanoka for Nilal. Your excuses were perfect, so we can be sure that Axel is the culprit," she says.

Korone claps her hands.

- It was a good plan from big sister!" she admits.

- I feel like the police are being beaten by my daughter… or even MY daughters," says Gatito.

- Maaaw, don't say that! Korone is just an 8-year-old girl, so she can be as smart as she wants, she can't do the job of a policewoman. Deshya has more experience and all that, but I don't think she's ready for such a job. Well, give her time and maybe she'll even make it into the Top 10 smartest detectives in the world~?

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

- Ah, I don't believe that. She's smart, yeah, but she's not in the same league as Minos, Ayumi or even Kira, right? Yeah, no.

Mariah isn't necessarily surprised that Gatito knows so many detective names, but she giggles anyway. Gatito blushes and sighs.

- What do we do now? Stopping it cold is risky, I suppose..." he said.

Mariah nods.

- As Maruno and Korone have said, there are two people watching him, and I was able to confirm this during my run and when I discreetly escaped without being noticed. Well, I didn't think to check who was coming out of Maruno's house and I could have directly confirmed the identity of the person inside, but I didn't want to risk being seen. The thing is, there's nothing to say that the other two people watching Maruno can't get rid of his parents themselves or carry on with the plan as planned. As Maruno said, if they're going to look for someone else to murder Aya and her family, it's going to be more complex to know what they plan to do and when.

- It's true that now we know when they plan to do it and even how... A bullet in the heart, eh?

Gatito frowns, annoyed: why would Axel want to do such a thing? What's his goal? And above all, why use Maruno to carry out such a... horrible plan?

- Unfortunately, there's nothing to say that there aren't other people involved in this murder, and I think there must be someone watching Maruno's parents to give them something to eat and drink, so acting too quickly is dangerous. If we can rescue her parents, then we can act," Mariah admits.

- So what do you suggest?

- We catch them on Saturday, the same day they're supposed to be killed. Besides, you did see what Maruno asked for in 'P.S.' on his sheet, didn't you?

Gatito can't forget this... However, he wonders if it's too dangerous. Looking at the road ahead, he squints, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter in his hands. As he drives along, Korone pulls out her own phone and starts reading what Deshya has sent her: her 'plan'. Gatito listens attentively, and when Korone has finished reciting it, he sighs heavily. Mariah admits that she's reassured that all will be well, then, but that's not the case for Gatito.

- …

He feels... a bad ‘feeling’. He doesn't know exactly what it is, but he doesn't like it.

- Mariah!

- Yes, Korone?

- You're pretty good at running away, aren't you!

- Hehe, that's my specialty!

Mariah strikes a proud pose, and the two girls start to laugh, but Gatito remains focused on the road, his eyes frowning... all the while thinking about this bad premonition. As if…

As if Aya was in grave danger. That in the end... this story was going to end badly.

Maruno is now in class, on the last day of school before a well-earned weekend, unable to concentrate on what the teacher is saying. He's far too deep in thought, wondering how tomorrow evening will go: even with everything he said in the sheet he handed back to the teacher, which was inevitably sent to Deshya and Tessa right afterwards, he doesn't know how to stop Aya from being killed. Even if they can find out where his parents are being held…

- Here are the results of the tests you took on Tuesday.

The teacher snapped Maruno out of his thoughts, then placed the 'test sheet' in front of the boy. He looks at it without further ado, opening his eyes wide…

Because he received a reply from Deshya and Tessa.

They quickly explain to them what they have done, and that they have discovered the identity of the person holding him. In addition, they were able to confirm that there are two other people keeping a close eye on him and other things, and that they will respect what he wrote in the 'P.S.'. Maruno reads everything that's been said and smiles, telling himself that he has nothing more to fear. That he can be completely reassured and smile.

That he has incredible friends.

The girl on the next bench asks him what point he got after giving hers. Maruno congratulates her on her result and taps his own sheet, telling her with a smile:

- A 10/10 thanks to some great friends.

Seeing the questioning and confusion on the girl's face, he finds an excuse to explain what he meant, but the truth of his words must remain in his thoughts, since he's being closely watched. Besides, she'll never understand what he means.

- This survey is a 10/10 thanks to you, Tessa, Deshya…

Maruno can't help but smile. He can breathe, but he still has to be on his guard. Sure, they found out who did it, and with everything they said right afterwards, he's not afraid of what's going to happen, but there's no guarantee that it will go perfectly... nothing says that this person doesn't have a backup plan. Besides…

He's still afraid for Aya.

After refusing to sleep at Amora's, Deshya continues on her way home... but in reality, she takes a turn that doesn't lead to her house. Amora notices this, but just shrugs her shoulders. Deshya continues to walk quietly, the bag on her back, and eventually she comes upon—

- I'm here," smiles Deshya.

The girl sits on a low wall, arms crossed, smiling as she turns her face to her friend.

- Ready for a little detour?" asks Tessa.

Deshya stops in front of her and nods. Tessa rises from her low wall and the two of them walk side by side, heading over there.

For his part, Gatito talks to some trusted policemen, including Hanoka, Karine and even Mariah, about coming to the hotel tomorrow to look after and catch a dangerous man: 'Axel Lymenn'. He explains the situation and what has been said with Deshya and others, including that he has Farhoü Deroom's agreement to invite them.

- Obviously, don't tell anyone else," says Gatito. Absolutely no one, really.

They all nod and Mariah smiles, arms folded. Hanoka drops a quick glance at Karine, but she says nothing. Then she looks at Gatito and frowns.

- …

She notices his expression. While the plan offered seems to be effective and without too many flaws, Gatito doesn't seem... at ease. It's not that he's not convinced, rather…

- I still feel this stress..." he thinks, almost about to bite his thumb.

The more he thinks about it, the more he wonders if he shouldn't do something on his own... Even talk it over with Deshya if necessary. If he doesn't listen to his own instincts and concerns, he's afraid something terrible might happen tomorrow. He may not be very close to Aya, but they are good friends of his parents and whatever happens, she remains a friend of Deshya's. The girlfriend of a close friend of his own daughter. A life no matter what.

- No, calm down.

Gatito takes a deep breath before rising from his chair. The policemen leave one by one, but Hanoka gives the inspector one last look before going off to Mariah's side, who grabs him by the shoulder with a smile.

- Let's quickly review the plan.

Maruno sits on his sofa, legs up on the small table in front, and turns his face towards the person who has just spoken, who is therefore 'Axel Lymenn', a police officer from Tetazo station.

- You take the gun with you, which has a very effective silencer on it, and hide it in your pants. I've already confirmed that they won't search people except for certain bags, so they won't catch you," explains the person.

- He probably got this confirmation by talking to the staff, using his status as a policeman to his advantage," thinks Maruno.

- It's already loaded and you already know how to use a pistol, so I don't think I need to go into that detail again. When I'm sure there's nobody in the men's room on the right-hand side of the top floor, you take your girlfriend there, just after Farhoü Deroom's speech, and shoot her a bullet in the heart. You have several bullets, so even if you miss once, you'll succeed afterwards. Even if it's because of stress, if you don't manage to kill her or just wound her, I'll consider it a failure on purpose and get rid of your parents. Well, since you've been so good and nobody seems to know about your situation, I think you'll be fine, genius.

In a few hours, Maruno will have to shoot his girlfriend in the heart. Even with the plans he received from Deshya…

Shooting Aya is inevitable.

- ...let's get it over with.

The person squints and Maruno stares at him with intense rage.

- I know exactly what I have to do. You'll free my parents and we'll never cross paths again from now on. So let's get this over with as quickly as possible.

His expression and tone are aggressive and far from respectful, but the man nods with a smile.

- Yeah, as you say, Maruno.

A few hours later, Deshya arrives at the "FEDER" hotel with her family. She can't help but marvel at the beauty and grandeur of the building: 55 floors, it's immense! Despite what's about to happen today, she can't wait to see the top floor and be allowed to see a little more of the hotel. To be invited to such a place is a real honor: she'll have to thank Aya and her family again for allowing them to be here. She quickly notices that there are several policemen already here... including 'Axel Lymenn', the culprit they're going to catch today. She'd like to go up to him and insult him, but doing such a thing would be a terrible mistake on her part, so she stays pretty calm and enjoys herself as if nothing had happened. She then meets Aya, who comes over to talk to her, offering to show her around the hotel with Korone. Naturally, both girls accept and follow Maruno's girlfriend. At about the same time, Gatito receives a call and apologizes. He moves away from the guests and his wife before picking up the phone.

- What is it, Mariah?" he asks, making sure no one can hear him.

- It's okay here, Gatito.

Gatito smiles and turns back to the group still on the first floor, but stares mainly at Axel, the police officer.

- Perfect. Thank you for your time.

And he hangs up directly before putting his phone away.

A little later, Maruno arrived in front of the hotel, all alone, his VIP ticket in his hand. He swallows loudly before entering the huge building. He looks back down at the pistol hidden under his clothes. He's made sure it can't be seen, but in any case, since the police already know what's going to happen today, he won't have a problem no matter what. Despite the preparations, despite everything that's been said and done…

Maruno is always afraid. Afraid for his girlfriend.

However, he swallows this fear and enters the building, showing his ticket to the woman in the lobby. He takes the elevator, noticing that he's sweating, so he wipes his forehead with his hand. He begins to regret his decision a little, but at the same time... He shakes his head and takes a long breath, trying to regain his composure, but it's harder than he thought.

And just a few minutes later, he shot her. A bullet to the heart.

He fled the scene, crying, and put away the pistol in his pants, returning to the large room as requested. Axel has confirmation that Aya has indeed been shot — and thus perished — which makes him very happy... but now Aya's parents must perish. They both see their drink... before Farhoü's glass shatters against the floor. Deshya opens his eyes wide and the police begin to stir, Axel smiling impossibly.

His plan had worked…

And the director of "Lordly" falls to his knees on the ground, a look of pain on his face.

- At last!

Axel hadn't been confident about his plan at first, but he'd managed to stay positive and brave. He'd spent weeks preparing cameras and screens so that Maruno could be monitored and prevented from doing anything stupid. He'd paid dearly for two people to follow his orders — quality spies. Axel had succeeded in his revenge... The guests all start to get agitated, unable to understand what's going on, as well as hundreds — no, thousands — of people on the internet watching the streams broadcast on the internet who don't understand what's going on. The guests will start to flee

- CAAAAALM!!!

— but all of a sudden, the deep, almost aggressive voice of a man sounds in the place. The guests almost all freeze and Gatito climbs onto the stage with his daughter before she stops in front of the bodies of Farhoü and Minerva. Axel takes a step back, but is still smiling ear to ear.

- They'll check out how he died, figure out that there's poison in the drinks and look for the culprit, at which point—

- You're going to look like everyone else, aren't you?

Axel blinks and turns his face towards a smiling little white-haired girl. The policeman asks her what she's just said, and Korone points to the scene, from where—

- That's what you'd like, isn't it…

And Farhoü stands up, smiling.

- — Axel Lymenn?

The policeman freezes in place, his eyes wide, his smile just gone. Immediately afterwards, his wife stands up, sighing.

- You could have been more careful with your glass, darling!" she said.

Farhoü scratches his hair.

- A-Ahah, sorry... but I really wanted to play the game all the way. You know, that everyone believes in it!

Not only on Axel's face, but on that of all the guests, confusion is visible — palpable, even. The muscular man has no idea what's going on, and Gatito rubs his eyes.

- Go ahead.

And Axel is surrounded by policemen, all aiming pistols at him.

- DROP YOUR GUN!!!" they shout.

Axel quickly complies, not understanding what's going on, and Korone picks him up, thanking him as he runs off, offering him to Annie who strokes his hair. Axel looks around in confusion, bewildered by what's happening. Minerva approaches her husband, tying her tie again. Axel scans the surroundings and stops, noticing that not only is the woman who works with him arrested, but so is the man.

- W-What is—

- Ahahah!!

Feminine laughter rings out in the large room and a woman jumps onto one of the tables before the lights hit her. She waves her black and pink hair and smiles, pointing at Gatito.

- As I promised, as I told you, we've also arrested the two people who work for him, ahha!" drops Mariah, a teasing look on her face.

- No need to make a scene, I thought you..." sighs Gatito.

- Hm. There are still live streams, you know? I can't miss this chance to shine~!

She again waves her hair in a sexy way as she jumps off the table. Axel takes a step back, but the policemen hold their pistols even tighter, making it clear that another gesture could mean great danger for him.

- W-What's going on...?" asks Axel.

Farhoü passes the microphone to the girl next to him, who steps onto the stage.

- What's going on is that you're an idiot.

Axel opens his eyes wide again and turns to the stage where Farhoü and Minerva should have died... but are all up and about. The red-haired girl in the fox dress jumps up on a table with her microphone and squints at Axel.

- You thought everything was going well for you, but since Monday, we've known that Maruno was in danger. It wasn't until Tuesday that we understood everything, and by Wednesday we already knew who was behind the hooded man. Well, Maruno already knew that it was a police officer who was involved in the drug trade as early as Sunday," explains Deshya.

Axel can't say anything, the shock too strong for him to dare speak. Maruno's head is still down, tears in her eyes, but they've stopped flowing

- You probably didn't notice, but Maruno hummed ABBA's 'S.O.S' when we were on the bench on Monday, which made Tessa Merossa realize that he was in danger. Then, the next day, we asked our director to prepare a special sheet with questions to make Maruno understand that we knew he needed help, so she made up the story of a surprise test so it wouldn't seem strange. Well, Maruno will have to take another surprise test to make up for the fact that he didn't do it like everyone else, but given his situation, that makes sense," continues Deshya.

Kana Koweni, the director she's talking about, looks at one of the streams and smiles.

- I guess I was right to believe them..." she thinks.

Tessa also watches one of the live streams with her parents and lets out a smile.

- Calling me by my last name so people know it's me… Thanks, eh," she thought.

Deshya frowns.

- We were able to retrieve his test sheet with everything he'd told us, so we could research all the potential suspects.

- T-Then, the thief…

- It was me~!

Mariah takes to the stage with Hanoka, who is grabbed by the two hands of her detective friend.

- We just lured out the four potential suspects and then called you back one by one while Gatito was staking out Maruno's house~!" explains Mariah with a smile.

- That was Deshya's plan, though," admits Hanoka.

- Give us some credit, roh!

Hanoka starts laughing, while Mariah pouts, but Gatito sighs that this really isn't a time for laughter. However, seeing that no one is listening to him — not even Farhoü and Minerva — he prefers to give up.

- Oh, also.

He asks Deshya to take the microphone, which she happily accepts. She tosses it to him before he taps it and speaks.

- We've already rescued Maruno's parents, so there's no point in trying to push the button for them ; no need to detonate the bombs, Axel," he said.

- A-Ah?!!

Axel screams, widening his eyes.

- Karine's team was on the case, and even though we didn't have many clues, Sammy worked all Wednesday and Thursday to try and figure out where you might have kept them. Well, he worked so hard that he pulled an all-nighter on Wednesday, so we owe him a lot of credit.

Hanoka had explained to Deshya that Sammy had gone to ask hundreds of people in Tetazo and the surrounding towns if they'd seen Axel, while asking them not to say anything. He deserves his rest, because thanks to him, there's no longer any risk.

- Well, Karine and the others have already picked up Maruno's parents, who are currently in hospital to check they're all right, and the bombs have been deactivated. If you don't believe us, there's still a team out there so we can get your fingerprints off the bombs, so we have evidence against you," finishes Gatito, tossing the microphone back to his daughter.

Axel is so shocked that his body doesn't even tremble. Silence returns to the great hall, hundreds and hundreds of messages are sent per second on the live streams as Korone rejoins her big sister.

And then a laugh can be heard.

All eyes turn to the boy who has just dried his eyes and approaches Axel, passing between two policemen who form a circle around the dark-haired officer.

- I'd understood by Sunday that you were a policeman, a man, and that you were on the drug case... You'd lose from then on... Even before, really.

Maruno looks up at him, her cheeks still wet, but an almost naughty smile on her face. Axel clenches his fists and grits his teeth.

- How... How Farhoü and Minerva are still alive ?!!!" yells Axel.

He hesitates to take a step forward in his anger, but holds back.

- I didn't even say how I was going to kill them!!!" he rants.

- No need.

Deshya's voice came over the loudspeakers again. Axel stares at her with wide eyes.

- As soon as we knew who the person behind the attempted assassination of the Deroom family was, and that the two people with her, so you, were disguised as Teuhl policemen, all we had to do was check their movements. When my little sister noticed that one of them, the woman to be more exact, discreetly left the room, we followed her, pretending we were going to the toilet.

Korone jumps on the table and grabs Deshya's microphone.

- When we saw that Miss had gone into the kitchen, we just made sure to talk to the cooks afterwards and threw away the poisoned drinks!" admits Korone.

- Instead, we've put them aside and they're being monitored for analysis, but we already know there's poison in them," admits Deshya.

Korone nods and Hanoka asks for the microphone. Deshya passes it to her and begins to speak in turn.

- Well, I had my eye on all three of you, and since we already knew you were planning to kill them, we'd never have let Farhoü or Minerva drink or eat anything that didn't present a risk," she admits. Deshya and Korone were quicker, but I would have taken care of it myself, otherwise. Ah, also.

She turns to the Deroom family, who greet Axel.

- I'm the one who asked them to put on an act so you'd think you'd made it. I mean, I asked because—

- I DON'T… I DON'T CARE!!!

Axel screams, shaking his head, before flashing a monstrous, sharp-toothed grin.

- You talk, you talk, but I STILL... I STILL SUCCEED A PART OF THE PLAN, AHAHAHAH!!!!

The policemen frown, as do Farhoü and Deroom. Axel continues to laugh, shaking his head, before pointing at Maruno with a mischievous grin.

- HE KILLED HIS OWN GIRLFRIEND!!! YOUR DAUGHTER IS DEAD!!! SHOT THROUGH THE HEART!!! IT'S CERTAIN, AHAHAH, IT'S CERTAIN!!! HE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CHANGE THE BULLETS IN TIME AND WE WERE LOOKING THROUGH THE CAMERA!!! THE CAMERA HAS NEVER BEEN CHANGED AND AHAHAHAH, AHAHAHAH I'M SURE SHE'S DEAD!!!! AYA IS STILL DEAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!

Axel laughs so hard that tears well up in his eyes. The whole crowd of guests looks at him, and the silence is broken only by his horrible laughter. Maruno stares at him with sad eyes, while Korone frowns at him. Finally, Maruno gently opens his mouth—

- Are you stupid or what?

— and drops these words, tilting his head.

Axel blinks and lets a 'Huh...?' come out of his mouth before someone sighs.

- I thought it would stain the teddy bear…

Aya arrives at Maruno's side, observing the cuddly toy in her hands.

Axel's eyes are wide open and his expression is one of shock and incomprehension. Amazement, even terror in his gaze, he stares at Aya Deroom without being able to move a muscle. Her clothes are indeed bloody where Maruno fired, after all.

- Y…

Axel finally shakes his head.

- BUT WE SEE YOU DIE... THROUGH THE CAMERA?!" screams Axel. IT WASN'T TAMPERED WITH, I'M SURE!

- No need to go that far.

Axel turns his face sharply towards the stage, but it's the girl still on the table who's speaking. She steps down from the table to join her father and the two police detectives, Korone following right behind.

- Yesterday after school, this Friday, I joined Tessa to go to Aya's house and have a quick word with her," Deshya confesses. If the police came to protect her, or even people like me, it would have been suspicious, so we did something much simpler.

Deshya comes to the front of the stage and smiles.

- With my father's approval, we just made her wear a bullet-proof vest!

Axel is motionless, frozen by his own emotions. Maruno asks Aya if she's feeling better and confesses that the bulletproof vest had been heavy, which had bothered him.

- Obviously, we made sure that Maruno could shoot without risking actually killing or injuring her," Deshya said, nodding blankly.

- Y-You've got to be kidding me…

These are the only words Axel can pronounce.

- Since shooting the bag directly would have splatter fake blood everywhere, it wouldn't have looked like real death, so my darling little sister here stayed outside the toilet, waited for Maruno to shoot and then pressed a little button that gently popped the blood bag that was a little lower than where Maruno shot. Then Aya touched her chest to show that she had blood on her hands, which was obviously fake, and to make it look as if she was dead. Of course, in case you were still looking at the camera, we asked Aya to stay down until Dash and Annie could see her, get rid of the vest, check that she was okay, both psychologically and physically, and then come back here.

As she speaks, Deshya gently strokes her little sister's hair and, as she finishes her sentence, she lets out a quick glance towards 'Bibi Derumi', the Tetazo police psychologist, who greets her from across the room, right next to Annie Terru. Axel turns his face slowly, almost robotically, towards Maruno.

- B-But then... W-Why was he crying?" he asked. I-it was far too real for it to be... fake, n-no...?

Talking was now difficult for him. Everything he had prepared was crumbling before his eyes. Everyone was watching him, he was surrounded by policemen pointing guns at him, and people all over the world could even see what was going on because of the live streams.

He can't even hope to hide.

- You wouldn't understand," replies Maruno, crossing his arms.

Standing right next to his girlfriend, he blurts out these words with contempt in his eyes. Axel grits his teeth, barking and insisting that he wants to know why he cried like that. He asks Deshya if Maruno didn't know about this plan and that he really thought he was going to have to kill Aya, but before Deshya can reply, Maruno speaks up.

- Nah, it was written in the paper Deshya and Tessa gave me.

- THEN—

- Someone like you wouldn't understand.

- A-Ah...?

Maruno uncrosses his arms and pulls Aya close to him with one hand, staring at Axel with intense anger.

- I wasn't crying because I was sad about killing her. In fact, I wasn't even crying from sadness.

Axel opens his eyes wide again, his legs trembling.

- I cried with joy because I didn't expect to get such a cute gift from her. I cried tears of joy because I have the best girlfriend in the whole world. I cried tears of joy because I thanked life for making me cross paths with my sweetie.

He then makes no secret of the contempt and disgust he feels for Axel, clearly showing it on his face.

- A man like you can't understand such feelings.

Axel is stunned, his mouth gaping and impossible to close. He stares at Maruno, oblivious to the rest around him. Deshya lowers the microphone in his hand and passes it to Hanoka before approaching Aya and the others, apologizing to the confused guests in the crowd.

- B-But…

Axel trembled even more than before. He shakes his head gently, still staring at Maruno, but he doesn't even dare look her straight in the eye any more.

- If you even knew... where your parents were... why did you go there?" he asks. If…

- If we could have rescued them by Thursday, or even Friday, we could have taken care of you then, right?

Maruno cuts him off as he finishes his sentence, asking if that's what it is. Alex nods with difficulty, as if the roles have now been reversed. In reality, it's not even that: it's worse.

Because never before had Maruno felt such a strong sense of despair.

- It's because of what I wrote in my 'P.S.' in the card I returned to Deshya and Tessa on Tuesday," he confesses.

- H-How did...?

Axel looks like he could collapse at any moment. The police remain on guard and continue to aim their pistols at him, although they should only fire if he dares to draw another weapon, which seems unlikely. Maruno strokes his girlfriend's hair in silence, but eventually…

He smiled broadly. A mischievous expression on his face.

- I wanted you to think you were victorious all the way.

- That you thought everything had gone according to plan, as if you'd succeeded in everything you'd set out to do.

- That you come to smile thinking you were above the summit of victory, like this....

- I could send you deeper into the darkness. Into the deepest abyss possible.

- And that before sending you to prison…

- Send you to hell.Maruno makes an 'L' with his right thumb and forefinger and then aims at the man's chest with a smile.

- You asked me to put a bullet in my girlfriend's heart, so I decided to change targets.

And he raises his hand, as if he had just shot the man.

- In the heart, a bullet of utter disappointment.

And with that, Axel drops to his knees, eyes as wide open as ever, mouth gaping but not yet shut. Aya claps her hands and blushes, telling her boyfriend she thinks he's so cool and stylish. Maruno scratches her hair and Deshya comes up beside the couple, but she says nothing to them.

- Say…

Deshya passes by them and approaches Axel, but not close enough for him to reach him.

- Why all this?" asks Deshya.

- I have to admit that holding back on Saturday gave me too much time to prepare. It was stupid," admits Maruno.

- What I really wanted to know was why you forced Maruno to kill Aya…

Deshya smiles faintly as she looks at Maruno, but turns her attention back to Axel. Farhoü grabs the microphone, but says nothing for the moment. Time passes in silence, while other people are filming or streaming what's happening in the hotel. Axel looks up slowly at Aya before smiling.

- Because I couldn't kill her myself..." he confesses. She reminds me too much of my own daughter... She was the same age, too.

- It's true that my father told me he had a daughter," says Deshya.

- But why me, eh?" let out Maruno, feeling his anger rising up inside him.

- …

He waits for an answer and honestly hopes to receive one, but noticing the silence that continues without showing any sign of stopping, he sighs and shrugs. However—

- I wanted Aya's boyfriend to kill her... because that's what happened to my own daughter.

Deshya, Maruno and Aya squinted, but some of the people too. The culprit doesn't speak loudly and not everyone can hear him, but some guests in the crowd get close with their phones to film or stream what's being said.

- What do you mean?" asks Aya, confused.

Axel is still on the floor, sighing. No matter what he says, Maruno will never forgive him. Whatever the reason, he'll always be a man he's happy to have sent to hell and hopes with all his heart that he'll rot in jail. No mercy for someone like him.

- Before I became a police officer, I worked for a small company that went completely under when 'Lordly' cut it off... I became a policeman after a while, but I hardly had any money left for my daughter, let alone myself. What's more, since I was no longer working for 'Lordly', my daughter's boyfriend, whose parents and himself both work for the company, left her for that reason, sending her into a spiral of despair... before she committed suicide in her bedroom, just a few days after I became a policeman," explains Axel.

Everyone around him is listening to his story, the policemen looking at each other, waiting for the order to grab him and put him in handcuffs. True, he may no longer have a weapon on him and the bombs are deactivated, but that doesn't mean he can't try something dangerous.

- Seeing as 'Lordly' had cut ties with the company where I worked for no reason, I... I wanted revenge. Give them all my rage and sadness and make them suffer a similar fate.

Deshya grits his teeth and clenches his fists, a reaction similar to Maruno's. He wants to shout at her that this isn't a valid reason, but before he can even let out a word, Aya moves towards Axel, although she makes Deshya stop her from getting too close.

- You came from the 'Murzet' company, the ones that went bankrupt and were in the business of creating milkshakes, isn't it?" asks Aya.

Axel blinks and looks up at the girl before nodding gently.

- My father decided to cut ties with them because of their lack of respect for their workers. They weren't paid enough or treated well. If you tell us who your daughter's boyfriend was, I'm sure my parents would even agree to fire him if he didn't have a valid excuse.

Aya keeps a kind, cute and sweet look on her face, talking with a man who manipulated her boyfriend and even wanted to kill her parents, as well. than herself. Although she felt anger for him and she'd felt sad for Maruno, she'd rather not get excited or angry when he's caught.

- What you're doing doesn't have to make your daughter happy.

Axel watches him with wide eyes, tears appearing in them, Aya's reflection clearly visible in his irises. Deshya stays by her friend's side just in case, but from the guilty man's expression, she assumes he'll just cry and accept that everything he's done has been nonsense.

But Axel grits his teeth and gets angry.

- YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND ME, DEMON!!!

He shouted angrily and Maruno forced Aya back, Deshya also moving away from the circle. The policemen don't wait for orders and go to grab Axel, but at the same time, the latter presses something in his pocket before he is overpowered by the policemen.

An explosion sounded, followed directly by a power failure.

- Wha... What's going on?!" a man shouts.

- A power cut?!" says one woman.

- I-it was an explosion we heard, wasn't it...?" says another guest, feeling uncomfortable.

Axel starts laughing like a maniac as the cops yell at him to shut up, placing him in handcuffs, and the two people who've been hired by Axel turn their gazes all around.

- What's going on?" shouts the woman.

Even the man, her colleague, doesn't understand.

At the same time, new sounds of explosions resound.

This time, however, a violent tremor hits the hotel. Some guests even lose their balance, catching themselves on other people or simply falling to the floor. Gatito raises Korone with a frown: the police already know what's going on.

- Call rescue helicopters immediately!!!" he yells. Not just one, but as many as possible!!!!

At the same time as his orders, explosions sounded again and the hotel shook with a shudder, even more violently, going so far as to knock plates off numerous tables. Maruno catches up with Aya and Deshya keeps her balance, staring fiercely at Axel.

- Don't tell me he had a backup plan just in case...?!!!" she screams inwardly.

Without giving anyone time to come to their senses, new bombs explode on the floors below, and from outside, fire engulfs certain floors, the furious flames showing themselves to the entire city. Windows explode and shards of glass are dropped by gravity, crashing to the ground with an infernal crash. Some people in their cars stop and passers-by all back away, fear in their eyes. Inside the hotel, on the top floor, guests start screaming, shouting and crying. Some children do the same, frightened, and Farhoü grabs the microphone that has fallen before speaking into it:

- ALL ON THE ROOF!!!" he shouts.

It seems the only solution: the elevators are far too risky and everyone understands that it's the floors below that have just exploded. Gatito takes the microphone in turn and repeats Farhoü's words, adding that they have no time to think and that helicopters are coming to get them. Since the Tetazo and Teuhl police stations aren't far away, they shouldn't take too long to arrive, even if they don't have many helicopters. There are around 120 VIP guests at this party, and most of Belium's police helicopters can only accommodate between 10 and 12 people. With children, it could be 15 or even 16. If the hotel can hold out long enough, then all should be well. On the internet, people who are still on the streams are asking what's going on, not all sure whether this is another prank or the truth. However, given the general panic and the people crying and screaming, some shouting for help, few think it's a joke. Guests scramble upstairs, some thinking only of their own survival, and Deshya grabs Korone in the process. Another row of bombs explodes, causing the hotel to shake even harder, a shiver of horror running through its structure. Grabbed by two policemen who force him forward, already handcuffed, Axel continues to laugh as he cries.

- I knew that maybe everything was going to go wrong, ahahah!!! There are bombs on several floors, ahahah!! The 4th, the 7th, the 10th, the 15th, the 16th, the 18th, the 20th!!! Ahahah, ahahahah!!!

- SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!

Maruno runs down the stairs and yells at him, wanting to hit him with his fist, but to avoid creating even more trouble, he flees like everyone else, avoiding being pushed or jostled by anyone. Aya is not so lucky, being in a crowd of guests in total panic, and even gets shaken so hard that she drops Maruno's stuffed toy; it slipped from her hands and rolled around the room. Aya catches it quickly, but just as she does, another series of bombs goes off, shaking the hotel even more violently, this time even tilting it gently. Aya holds her stuffed toy firmly in her arms, but guests fall towards her and push her unintentionally, sending her tumbling against a table where she loses consciousness. However, her cuddly toy remains in her arms and Aya slips a little further away, forgotten by all in the concussion.

Everyone is now on the roof. Children with their parents or families are picked up first by the helicopters, which always manage to stay low to the roof, unable to risk landing on the hotel, which is now leaning to the east. Fortunately, there are enough helicopters to rescue a good majority of the guests, the last arriving to collect members of the police and more important people. Gatito requested that Deshya and Korone go in helicopters as soon as possible, but like Maruno, they refused and said they'd go last with Gatito. As one of the helicopters takes off, more bombs ring out in the lower part of the hotel and Gatito almost falls on his butt. He turns to Axel with an enraged look on his face.

- How many fucking bombs are left?!" he shouts.

However, Axel doesn't respond and looks at the ground with a smile, but there's no life left in his eyes. Gatito clicks his tongue and asks on his walkie-talkie how much time is left before the next helicopters arrive, but they can already see them coming. The last guests are rescued, leaving only the Deroom family, Maruno, the policemen including Deshya and Korone. Farhoü and Minerva go up first with their daughter's boyfriend, accompanied by Hanoka, Mariah, Annie and other policemen. Finally, for the last helicopter, Deshya climbs in with Korone in her arms, her father right beside her. The girl with the fox-like attributes holds back her hood so it doesn't fall off and sighs with relief, even though she feels dreadful shivers run through her. Wondering how Maruno is doing, she turns her face towards the other helicopter as it flies away…

Seeing a screaming Maruno trying to get out a policeman holding him back.

Even Aya's parents look frightened. Deshya frowns and quickly turns her face to Gatito as their helicopter prepares to take off.

- Aya did get into a helicopter, didn't she?!" shouts Deshya.

The noise of the propellers prevents Gatito from hearing properly, but he manages to find out what his daughter has just told him.

- I didn't see it, but I guess with the kids at first?!" her father yells back.

Deshya feels her heart miss a beat. She turns back to Maruno, who is reaching out towards the hotel and trying to read her lips—

"SHE'S STILL OUT THERE!!!"

— is what Deshya can understand.

- !!!!!!

Deshya opens her eyes even wider. She feels her heart stop even more. Is it possible that Aya has been jostled into concussion and panic? Perhaps she fell when one of the bombs exploded? Whatever happens, if Maruno yells such a thing, if he dares to show such an expression—

— then he's telling the truth.

And Deshya jumps out of the helicopter in mid-air.

- D-Deshya?!!!

Her father yells at her, but Deshya doesn't hear him. She rolls to the ground, puts her hood back on and runs at full speed across the hotel, which is leaning further and further over, her heart beating wildly.

- Aya!!!

She can only think of her. She violently knocks on the door leading to the top floor and fans down the stairs as fast as she can. She finally arrives in the large room—

— where she finds an unconscious Aya.

Deshya opens her eyes wide and screams her name as she races towards her. She brakes in front of her and forces her to wake up, calling and shaking her. A few seconds pass before Aya finally opens her eyes with a grunt, but she notices Deshya and asks what's going on. Deshya sighs with relief, but when the hotel lets out a pained moan as she leans over further, Deshya shakes her head and yells at her that they don't have time to argue!!! Aya opens her eyes wide in turn: she remembers that she was knocked unconscious when she fell over the edge of a table!

- A-Ah!! We've gotta get up there fast!!!" shouts Aya.

However, Deshya grits her teeth: with the building leaning the way it is, threatening to collapse at any moment, the chances of a helicopter recovering them are almost nil. Taking an elevator is impossible, and going downstairs by staircase would be pointless, given that not only did she not have such good weather ahead of her, she had also seen fire escaping from the floors below. Deshya rushed to save Aya, but... But…

- S-Sorry…

Deshya blinks and turns to the crying girl. She tightly embraces the stuffed toy she's made herself, whimpering, eyes closed and sadness on her face.

- If I hadn't... If I were stronger... Sorry…

She apologizes, understanding the situation they both find themselves in. She cries that she wished it hadn't ended this way, but Deshya grits her teeth and forces Aya to her feet with an enraged expression.

- NEVER!!!

- E-Eh?

Aya blinks, her eyes glistening with salty tears. Deshya lets go of Aya and shakes her head violently.

- I will never let you die! You are far too important to me! You're way too important to Maruno!!! You care about him too, so don't give up and go celebrate your 5 months together!!!

Aya is immobilized, the sound of shattering glass failing even to startle her. She stares at Deshya, who grabs Aya's wrist and frowns, a fiery determination emanating from her body.

- If you die here, if you die at all, Maruno is going to be sad!!! He'll go back to the way he was, he'll be depressed, so we'll survive!!!

Aya opens her eyes wide and finally nods, determination in her eyes in turn. She looks at her stuffed toy and smiles.

- I've still got too much to live to die!" cries Aya.

Deshya smiles too and tells her that's what we have to tell ourselves, but right now she's wondering how to get out of this. Is going back to the roof and hoping they'll be rescued the best idea? Maybe they can—

- Big sister!!!

Deshya snaps out of her thoughts when she hears a girl screaming as she runs towards her: it's Korone. What's more, she's carrying some kind of bag on her back, holding both straps as she sweats.

- Korone?! What are you—

- There's no time!" shouts Korone.

Her voice is so authoritative that Deshya can't even reply. She pulls the bag off her back and throws it at her older sister, who knows exactly what it is.

- A…

- You forgot to bring a parachute, so I'm bringing it to you!" shouts Korone.

However, even with that, it's not clear how to escape from here... Jumping from a window using the parachute is far too risky, and there are three of them for one parachute... What's more, with the hotel about to collapse, they can't just strap themselves to each other, go to the roof and jump off, hoping it'll work... They have to get away from the building before they can use the parachute, and what's more, the three of them have to be together. If Deshya had thought of it and caught it, she could have passed it on to Aya in the hope that she'd manage on her own, while she looked for a way out on her own, but with Korone added... Given her size and build, it's only natural that she couldn't pick up more than one. Deshya scans the surroundings quickly, not having a second to lose, when she sees the thing emerging from the stage curtains:

- The bike!

Deshya runs towards her, placing the parachute on her back and tying her down. The hotel begins to tilt even more to the east, but Aya catches Korone before she falls. Tables and furniture all slide away, and the infernal sound of the hotel's death echoes through the room.

- Aya, Korone! Find a rope or anything that can tie you up with resistance!!!" shouts Deshya as she leaps onto the stage.

The two girls nod and run in opposite directions. Korone approaches her older sister to see if she can use the rope that is used to open the curtains while Deshya analyzes the bike. She blinks and turns to Korone.

- How did you manage to land so safely?! You jumped after me!" cries Deshya.

- I landed on the parachute I had put over me, but I admit it hurt," explains Korone.

Deshya shrugged, thinking that it made sense, but she couldn't waste time arguing anyway: they had to get out quickly. If the hotel collapses before they can escape, all three of them will probably die... The parachute will never work if they're still in the room, or if the hotel falls on them. Aya returns with a long rope she found in a toolbox further on, and Deshya smiles: this is their one and only chance.

- I'm live in front of the "FEDER" hotel, which is about to collapse. We still don't know what happened!

A helicopter flies slowly around the huge building, which is threatening to collapse at any moment. The last bombs have just exploded on the 20th floor, and the police have already asked the surrounding area to flee as quickly as possible.

- The damage this fall will cause is unimaginable!" cries the journalist.

The TV station's helicopter continues to circle the building, making sure not to get too close so as not to risk their own lives. And inside the same building—

- I don't want to die!" cries Aya, tears welling up in her eyes.

- We're not going to die, I promise!" replies Deshya.

Deshya attaches herself firmly to Aya with the rope, even hurting her stomach, and makes sure Korone is securely fastened too. Korone is tied to Aya herself at the front of the bike. Deshya has room to reach the handlebars with her hands, but she's not in the best position to drive. However, she owns the parachute and although she could have placed it on Aya, they were running out of time and Deshya was afraid that Aya would be too frightened to activate it.

- Let's get out of here!" shouts Deshya.

She suddenly turns on the motorcycle, which makes a hell of a noise. Deshya knows it's risky, and she's only ridden a motorcycle with her father once, but this is their only chance. What's more, Deshya has confidence in herself. So she starts riding as fast as she can out of the room, the hotel's wailing getting more and more horrible and shrill. With the bike, she rolls down the corridor to the top floor and down the stairs beyond, making sure she doesn't fall and keeping as much speed as possible. Although Deshya would have loved to carry out her plan on the top floor, because of the walls between the main room and the narrow corridors that surround them, as well as the need to enter one of the many glassed-in rooms to get out, she would never have been able to gain enough speed. Doing it on the roof is just as complex, given that she would have had to mount the motorcycle and there's no guarantee that they would have had enough momentum. Deshya smashes through the door separating the corridor from the stairwell, rolling into it, and starts to run down the corridor towards where the hotel falls. However, she's not that stupid and turns left before going through the glass, continuing to drive while maintaining a certain speed. She goes as fast as she can and the hotel shakes, telling the three girls that it will collapse in a few seconds at most and Deshya frowns, teeth gritting.

- Just a little longer, my FEDER!!!" she shouts in her own thoughts.

She turns left again, this time heading for the opposite side from where the hotel intends to fall. The glass in front of them is still whole, but Deshya continues to charge forward as fast as she can and yells at Aya and Korone to protect themselves as best they can, which they do. Deshya screams with courage and lets go—

- HERE WE GO!!!

— before exploding the motorcycle window.

The helicopter notices what has just happened and points the camera directly at the motorcycle that has just left the hotel.

- THERE ARE PEOPLE THERE?!!!" screams the woman.

The bike continues to fly forward, but soon gravity catches it in its bonds. Aya starts to cry and Korone grits her teeth, avoiding biting his own tongue, and Deshya shakes her head.

- One!!

Spectators watching the live feed from home are all shocked by what they see; some even get up from their seats.

- Two!!!

Deshya couldn't care less that her hood is no longer in place: it's a matter of life and death for them.

- Three!!!!!!

And with that, she let go of the bike, kicked it with both feet and let herself fall a few meters before activating the parachute.

The helicopters that are still there — including those carrying Maruno, Gatito and the journalists — can all see the scene. All eyes are stunned and filled with almost indescribable feelings. The hotel lets out a final sigh before collapsing with a horrific crash, all its glass panes exploding one after the other, its structures decomposing and cabling separating with electrical noise. The hotel falls towards the city, crushing the houses like the fall of a giant. Deshya tries to control the parachute as best she can, but the hotel's fall and the fact that there are three of them send her reeling, unable to steer exactly where they're going. Aya continues to cry, holding Korone tightly, the black-haired girl holding Maruno's stuffed toy in her hands, the one made by herself, and all three continue to fall towards the ground, but without any risk. The live cameras film both the three girls parachuting and the hotel that has just collapsed and died on the ground in Teuhl, creating a disaster never seen before in this town — one of the worst in the whole country, in fact.

- A-Aaaaah!

Deshya screams as they are about to land and falls straight into the parking fountain. She immediately undoes the parachute and the rope by sticking her head out of the water, fanning her lungs and dilated pupils. Deshya asks directly how Aya and Korone are doing, but the only answer she receives from them is—

A hug as she jumped on him, making her fall back into the fountain.

The parachute flies off a little further, leaving the cameras to film the scene. Most of the rescue helicopters land in the parking lot, on the west side, to avoid any problems.

- Deshyaaaa!!!" cries Aya, shaking her friend in her hug.

- I was scared too!!!" cries Korone, having just started to cry.

Deshya puts her hood back on properly, tears in her eyes and now stroking the two girls' heads.

- Ahah, I was scared too..." admits Deshya, never wanting to feel such a thing again in her entire life.

The uncertainty of being able to survive and protect people important to her: a horrible feeling. What's more, at any moment, the hotel would collapse too soon. The parachute wasn't working. Maybe their plan with the motorcycle turned out to be useless. However, all three are still alive, so she can weep with relief. Weep with joy, knowing that neither Aya nor Korone are alive or mortally wounded. She stands up with them, talking to them, and just as she does, someone starts running towards the three girls. The boy jumps on Deshya in turn, knocking her back into the fountain. Aya protects Korone from the splash and they both blink to see Maruno cuddling Deshya and crying.

- Thank you!!! Thank you with all my heart, Deshya!!!" he lets out.

Deshya pokes her head out of the water and laughs, hesitating to say 'You're welcome'.

- I wanted to rescue Aya too, when I noticed she was still there, but they wouldn't let me!" he explains.

- How did you know I was still in the hotel?” Aya asks, surprised.

Maruno continues to embrace Deshya before agreeing to let her go, turning to his girlfriend.

- When your parents asked where you were, someone in the helicopter asked if they were talking about the dark-skinned girl with light blue eyes. She confessed to them that she saw you knocked out in the room, but she was too afraid for her own life to come looking for you. I almost hit her!" explains Maruno, before taking her in his arms.

Deshya shakes her head and Korone approaches her, smiling. Both watch as the two lovers embrace, both in tears.

- Sorry for being so lame... so useless, so... so…

However, Aya pats his chest with a blush, shaking her head.

- You're the best of all boyfriends. Don't say that.

Korone discreetly returns the stuffed toy to her, even though it's wet from the fountain water, and Aya hands it to Maruno.

- So happy 5 months, my love!" she says with a smile.

Maruno grabs the stuffed toy and looks at it from all sides, still crying, happy as he's never been before. He thanks her several times before telling her that her present will arrive tomorrow, which pleases Aya greatly. Maruno finally grabs Aya's cheeks—

— and kisses her on the mouth, closing her eyes.

Aya closes them in turn and drops into the fountain with him.

- Ouhlala!" lets out Korone, placing both hands in front of his own mouth, blushing. The lovies are smooching!

Deshya laughs at Korone's remark before noticing that someone else is approaching her—

— before tackling her, knocking her into the fountain once more.

Korone closes one eye and gets splashed even more. She turns around and notices that Deshya has just fallen into the water.

- Dad!!!" she cries, her eyes scrunching up.

He grabs her by the dress, making sure the hood doesn't fall off, and stares at her with intense rage.

- I notice my daughter has, I don't know... SUICIDAL TENDENCIES?!!" he yells.

Deshya closes both eyes, from the pain caused by her scream, and fidgets in her hand.

- But sorry, I wasn't going to let Aya die!!!" she defends herself.

- Tsk. Suicidal no matter what. What would you have done if Korone, who is also suicidal it seems, hadn't brought a parachute, eh?!

Deshya opens her eyes and looks at her little sister, who has since dried her tears, big eyes watching the scene. She smiles, amused by their family argument, but Deshya ends up smiling back, albeit provoked by different emotions.

- You saved us, it's true. Thank you, Korone. Hey, no, little sister.

- I won't let Deshya, I mean, big sister, die!

Korone gives her a kiss on the forehead, giggling, which amuses Deshya. Gatito sighs and lets his red-haired daughter land on the ground…

Before taking her in his arms.

- I know you saved her because she's important to you and Maruno, but you're important to me, you know," says Gatito. You're going to kill me if this goes on.

Deshya blinks and takes her father in her arms in turn, apologizing.

- I don't want to let anyone die... but I promise I'll always come back alive, no matter what.

It's not an answer that pleases Gatito perfectly, but he accepts it gladly. He rubs his eyes before turning away, sighing with relief.

- You're really my daughter: a weirdo.

- Hehehe.

Deshya scratches the back of her head and notices that Aya and Maruno have emerged from the fountain, chatting together. However, their conversation quickly comes to a halt when Farhoü and Minerva embrace their daughter and her boyfriend. Deshya smiles as she watches them, telling herself that this is the best possible ending. Nevertheless, thinking about it, she turns back to Gatito and asks if everyone really is safe.

- I've received five reports of injuries, but no fatalities. There's nothing to say that no one was visiting the hotel or didn't manage to escape in time, but I'd be surprised," admits Gatito. We'll have a more precise answer in the coming days.

- I really hope it stays at 5 wounded..." says Deshya.

His father nods in agreement, and in turn observes the Deroom family and Maruno. The latter lets his girlfriend cry with his parents and approaches Deshya.

- I'll have to thank Tessa for everything she's done," says Maruno. I'm glad she understood my call for help…

- Hey, she's strong, our Tessa," smiled Deshya.

Maruno nods before turning to Gatito and bowing to him.

- Thanks also to the police. Without all of you—

- I didn't do much. It was mostly Deshya's crush, her little sister and herself who did everything. Well, you should also congratulate Sammy, who managed to find out where your parents were being held. Otherwise, we might have had to be more violent with Axel…

Gatito looks back at the destroyed building behind them, where the many jets of water from the firefighters' hoses are trying to extinguish the raging fire.

- Well, considering what happened, the police were completely useless. They should have put him in handcuffs straight away, so the explosives wouldn't have—

- It's not your fault.

Gatito turns to Hanoka, who approaches them.

- Even though he activated them with a button, the bombs were programmed to go off at a certain time — 9:30 p.m. to be precise.

- So whatever happens—

- Axel agreed to talk, mocking us, saying he might have deactivated the bombs if all had gone well, but I don't think we should trust him. Even though the police and 'Lordly' will surely be insulted by everyone on the internet and in the media, he was perfectly prepared. However, that doesn't change the fact that we should have seen this possibility, but he had already hidden them months ago.

- Such a high level of preparation to hold Maruno back a week too soon…

Mariah approaches them all in turn and sighs.

- He probably took the trust too far. If he'd held Maruno back much later, he wouldn't have had time to warn anyone, or let the police find out who the real culprit was.

- Well, I would have found it anyway.

All the adults, including Deshya and Korone, turn to Maruno, who places both hands behind his head.

- I'll have found a way to get by no matter what. Because me too…

Maruno smiled.

- I'm a genius.

Mariah starts laughing and strokes his head, telling him that in any case, it didn't happen. Maruno admits he prefers it that way and then turns to Gatito.

- For my parents…

- They're in Tetazo hospital, the ‘Marc Déporet’ hospital. They're both fine, according to the message they sent me, but they'd prefer to keep them in until tomorrow.

- I can see that. I'll go and see them tomorrow or Monday, then. I'll stay at Aya's so we can rest a bit, because... Rah, what a shitty week.

Maruno sighs and shakes his head, turning to Deshya.

- When it's not you in a case, it's me. You gave me your disease!" shouts Maruno.

- Ah. Ah. Ah.

Deshya makes no secret of the fact that this doesn't make her laugh, and Maruno apologizes with a chuckle, promising her that he's not serious and just wants to think about something else. He returns to his girlfriend, thanking them and hugging the stuffed toy he loves so much — even though he'll have to dry it off now. The two police detectives walk away, saying they'll see how everything's going, but as they walk, they glance sharply at Deshya with a smile, thinking exactly the same thing:

- The fox-eared detective, eh...~?

Gatito sighs again and admits that Pera has called him a good thirty times, so he's going to answer. Deshya nods and Korone tugs at the sleeve of her older sister's dress.

- Say, say, look! Look what's in the fountain, big sister!

Deshya blinks and leans in…

When Korone jumps on her, forcing her into the water AGAIN.

- Why?!" cries Deshya.

- Because you're stupid!

- S-Stupid?

Korone nods.

- We almost saw your fox ears during the fall!" admits Korone.

- Eh. I was careful to keep my hood up, although I admit I was more focused on my own life and yours…

- Hihi, don't worry, you deserve to be in the water!

Deshya sighs and shrugs, admitting it's true, which amuses Korone who's wading into the fountain. Deshya asks her to stop, as it's splashing her, but Korone continues, so she grumbles and starts chasing her. The granddaughter laughs as she runs away.

For her part, Tessa turns off the TV while eating a bowl of cereal, chewing the chocolate chips with glee.

- So... cool.

Tessa can't believe what she saw: Deshya flying out of the hotel on a motorcycle that was falling over. Of course, she suspects that this was a matter of life and death and not just fun, but Tessa found it… INCREDIBLE. Despite this, she felt something that had never happened before.

— her heart had stopped. A real fear for someone.

- …

However, Tessa shrugs and tells herself that deep down, it doesn't matter to her, so she continues to eat her cereal while turning on her phone and then plays a game of 2048.

Deshya returns home to her mother's cries, hugging her two daughters and shouting that she'd been scared. Gatito rests in his chair, noticing that everyone is talking about the hotel incident, but also about what happened with Deshya in the end. It's all the rage on social networks, and a man who smokes is squinting at the news.

- Our adorable fox is at it again, isn't he?

This man—

'Dem'.

He puts down his phone and sighs, looking out of his bedroom window, eyebrows furrowed.

- If she goes on like this... If people notice that she really is a girl with fox-like attributes....

Dem' throws his cigarette from his thumb, sending it into the ashtray without even returning his gaze to it. He knows his boss likes Deshya to become more popular, but even she has to understand the risks.

- Deshya... Oveja.

While Deshya sleeps, all the internet chatter is about her and the "FEDER" hotel over and over again, non-stop. Deshya still doesn't know it, but this affair she's been part of—

— will bring her face to face with a terrible person.