In Candado''s House. Arturo sat on the couch, watching a movie while cradling Karen in his arms. Beside him, Grandma Andrea kept them company. Meanwhile, Europa stood in her room, adjusting a formal outfit in front of the mirror: a white shirt, a navy-blue V-neck pullover, a violet tie, white gloves, black pants, and polished dark shoes.


    No matter how much she tried to focus on her appearance, her attention kept drifting to the necklace around her neck. Over and over, she tried to recall its origin, but her memory failed her. Arturo always gave the same response:


    “It’s a gift from me. Have you forgotten already?”


    Europa never believed him. Whenever she closed her eyes, a recurring dream haunted her: a shadowy figure held her hand and whispered in a calm voice,


    “I will always be near.”


    For thirteen long years, the dream repeated, laden with disconcerting irony. That presence had kept its promise, never failing to say the same thing.


    “Who could you have been?” Europa whispered to herself.


    She sighed, setting aside the weight of her thoughts, and stepped out of the room. She headed to the living room, where her mother and Arturo awaited her.


    “Did you dye it red again?” Europa asked with a tinge of curiosity.


    “Yes, I did,” Andrea replied with a radiant smile.


    “You look beautiful, my love,” Arturo added, gazing at her tenderly.


    Europa closed her eyes, exhaling with a hint of superiority.


    “Of course, I am.”


    Andrea chuckled softly.


    “You bring back so many memories dressed like that. It feels like yesterday when you’d sit on my lap, watching TV with me.”


    Europa returned a nostalgic smile and was about to sit beside them when a strange tingling sensation coursed through her head, causing her to collapse to her knees.


    “What’s wrong?” Andrea cried out, alarmed.


    At the Ramírez Residence.


    Laura woke up startled, her body drenched in sweat. She glanced at her husband, peacefully sleeping beside her, and raised a trembling hand to her face.


    “She’s awakened,” she whispered with a mix of joy and fear, as she rose from the bed.


    In a Hotel on Isla del Cerrito.


    Thuy Han stepped out of the shower, still wrapped in steam, her voice a soft murmur:


    “Europa.”


    A smile curved her lips.


    “I’m coming to help you.”


    A Few Blocks from the Hotel


    Mercedes and Pablo hurried through the deserted streets.


    “Mom, I think we’re going to be late getting home,” Pablo said, worried.


    Mercedes looked intently in a specific direction, as if something was calling her.


    “Europa needs me.”


    “If she’s going, Arturo will probably be there too,” Pablo added, quickening his pace.


    Without another word, they began to run.


    In a Mechanic’s Shop.


    Terry lay under a car, adjusting the brakes, when a violet light illuminated the workshop. He rolled out from under the vehicle and looked up at the moon, now glowing purple. Smiling, he grabbed a beer can and took a sip.


    “Great timing,” he muttered sarcastically before shouting, “Felipe, close up for me!”


    At the Police Station.


    Cacho felt a prickling sensation at the back of his neck while playing solitaire. He stood up, intrigued, and looked out the window. The moon seemed to call to him.


    “The more years you made us wait, the more I forgot your face,” he said with a melancholic smile.


    He placed his hat on his head, adjusted his weapon belt, and hurried out.


    “Claudio, take over for a bit.”


    “Be careful,” Claudio replied from his desk.


    Cacho nodded, leaving him behind.


    At Perrando Hospital.


    Gutiérrez Barret locked his office and, upon stepping into the parking lot, noticed the violet moon. A calm smile crossed his lips.


    “Looks like it’s going to be a long night.”


    He stored his belongings in the car and dashed off at superhuman speed toward Europa’s house.


    “Sorry, Brenda. I won’t make it home tonight,” he said quickly over the phone before hanging up.


    In Resistencia.


    Samanta was watching TV, cuddling Edgar, when she suddenly sat upright, shouting,


    “It’s her!”


    “Who?” Edgar asked, alarmed.


    “Amabaray! I knew she would return.”


    Edgar smiled.


    “That’s good. I’m sorry I can’t go with you.”


    Samanta opened a portal in the wall and looked at him tenderly.


    “Sweetheart, say hello to her for me.”


    “Of course. Take care of the kids.”


    In the Reinhold Family.


    Kr?ma was playing with her daughter Beatriz on the rug, while Krauser read a book and Javier washed the dishes. A simultaneous chill ran down their spines.


    Kr?ma carefully placed Beatriz in her crib and rushed to her room, leaving Krauser puzzled.


    “Mom?”


    Javier, removing his rubber gloves, spoke seriously:


    “Krauser, take care of your sisters. Your mother and I have to go.”


    “Understood,” the boy replied, feeling bewildered.


    At the Barret House.


    Hipólito stormed into the living room, gently taking little Karen from Arturo’s arms so he could assist Andrea. Europa stifled her cries of pain, trembling, until suddenly everything stopped. A torrent of images surged through her mind, blurred memories beginning to take shape. In every one of them, she was there.


    “Cari...”


    “I remember now, Arturo,” Europa interrupted, her voice trembling with emotion.


    Arturo looked at her in surprise just as she raised her head. Her face, marked by sorrow, lit up with an unexpected smile as tears streamed down her cheeks.


    "Amabaray?" Arturo asked in a hushed voice.


    Europa nodded and, unable to hold back, embraced her husband tightly.


    "I remembered, Arturo. I remembered! I remembered Amabaray."


    Andrea, witnessing the scene, smiled with relief as Arturo stood there in astonishment.


    "I can hear her voice," Europa continued, pulling back slightly from Arturo. "She''s scared, confused, and sad."


    Determination spread across her face.


    "I have to go."


    "I''m coming with you," Arturo declared without hesitation.


    "But—"


    "Go on, don’t worry," Andrea interjected. "Hipólito and I will take care of the baby."


    Europa and Arturo exchanged grateful looks. Europa kissed her daughter''s cheek, while Arturo ruffled her hair affectionately.


    "Take care of her," Arturo said.


    "I took care of you when you were a child," Hipólito replied with a smile.


    "Just as I did," Andrea added triumphantly.


    Without another word, Arturo and Europa dashed out into the dark streets of the town. Europa led the way, guided by an inexplicable certainty, while Arturo followed, worried yet resolute. With every step, memories surged back into Europa’s mind, bringing a weight that both hurt and filled her with clarity.


    "Amabaray..."


    Europa, Age 5.


    Amabaray looked at her lovingly as she adjusted the bow on her floral dress.


    "You’re stunning. This dress matches your eyes... well, sort of. Not that red flowers are the same as your eyes."


    Europa giggled and ran to her, leaning against her chest. Amabaray embraced her tenderly.


    "You’re so beautiful."


    Europa, Age 6.


    "I’m still nervous..." Europa paced back and forth on the bed.


    Amabaray smiled, floating over to scoop her into her arms. They both lay down together on the bed.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "There’s no need to worry. I’ll be here if you need me."


    "Even so, I’m scared. Mom, Dad, Uncle Hipólito, and you have always been there for me, but..."


    "Everything good starts with a little fear, don’t you think?"


    Europa, Age 15.


    Debris rained down around them. Europa ran toward her friend, but Amabaray stopped her, holding her by the waist.


    "Let me go! I have to help her!"


    "No..."


    Europa struggled desperately, watching her friend trapped beneath the collapsing roof. The last image she saw was Amabaray smiling and mouthing words she understood without hearing: "Thank you, Mom."


    The world crumbled. Arturo and Amabaray managed to pull Europa out of the tunnel, but she resisted, clawing her way back toward the cavern, screaming at the top of her lungs:


    "Evvaaaaaa!"


    Amabaray held her tightly, tears streaming down her face. Arturo could barely contain his own emotions as he tried to keep Europa safe.


    Europa, Age 24.


    "You have no other choice, Europa. Either the baby or your life," Rodolfo said gravely.


    "I want her to be born," Europa replied firmly, her voice unwavering. "Even if it means my death."


    "We’ve already lost so many friends... I don’t want to lose you too."


    Amabaray stepped in, embracing Europa decisively.


    "Do you truly want her to live?"


    "Yes."


    "Even if it costs you your life?"


    "Yes."


    Amabaray smiled.


    "Then I’ll make sure both you and your baby survive."


    "Thank you..."


    In the Present.


    As they ran through the town, Europa felt pain and hope intertwine within her heart.


    "Even then, you never left me, Amabaray... I should have known," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes.


    Europa kept running until her steps brought her to Nelson’s house. There, waiting for her, were her old friends: Javier Reinhold, Kr?ma O’P?hner, Mercedes Gómez, Laura Ramírez, Rudolf “Rodolfo” Decarte, Pablo Barreto, Thuy Han, Terry Bacone Salazar, Quisca “Cacho” Daniel, Samanta Storni Alum, and Gutiérrez Hernán Danilo Barret.


    "What are you all doing here?" Europa asked, bewildered.


    Rodolfo smiled as he pointed toward the sky.


    Europa and Arturo looked up. The sky was bathed in a deep shade of violet.


    “‘Look at the sky. When the moon turns violet, it means a Bari has awakened from their slumber. Those connected to their existence will feel it,’” Javier recited solemnly.


    “Amabaray has awakened. And it seems you''ve regained your memories,” Mercedes said.


    Europa stared at them, stunned.


    “You…?”


    “When Amabaray completed her task, she erased your memory. She knew that after what happened to Eva, you wouldn’t be able to bear losing someone else,” Rodolfo explained.


    “But we refused to forget her. We knew she would return,” Pablo added.


    “She tried to do the same to me, but I didn’t let her,” Gutiérrez chimed in.


    “We’re here to see her again,” they all said in unison.


    Arturo knocked on the door. Barely a second passed before it opened, revealing Clementine in the doorway.


    “As Lady Hammya said, here you are. And there are more of you than I expected.”


    “Hammya?” Europa asked.


    “Down to the basement, please,” Clementine said, stepping aside to point toward the entrance.


    Without hesitation, Europa and the others entered the house and headed to the basement. They descended the stairs quickly, arriving at a room with two open doors: one leading to an elevator, the other to another staircase.


    “Which way?” Laura asked.


    “The elevator,” Europa decided.


    When they reached the desired floor, Europa kicked the door open.


    On the other side were Nelson and Hammya, along with their group. A young girl stood near a portal while Nelson typed furiously on a computer.


    “Where is she?” Europa demanded.


    “Oh, Europa… I could have sworn there was a door where you''re standing,” Nelson replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.


    “Your sense of humor sucks at times like this,” Rodolfo growled.


    “Director? Mom?” Héctor asked, startled by the new arrivals.


    “Hello, darling. I see you’re still breaking the rules,” Europa said with a smile.


    “Sorry.”


    “No need to worry. It’ll be our little secret.”


    “How did you get here so fast?” Hammya asked, her disbelief evident.


    “The elevator,” Terry replied simply.


    Hammya shot Nelson a sharp look.


    “What? I have a freight elevator. Some equipment can’t be brought down the stairs or through that tiny lift,” Nelson said defensively.


    “I see,” Hammya sighed.


    “Where is Amabaray?” Europa asked firmly.


    Nelson rolled his chair until he was directly in front of her. He stood up, a faint smile playing on his lips.


    “Amabaray is outside. Unfortunately, your son went out there too… and it seems he’s lost his mind. He’s started attacking his friends.”


    Europa narrowed her eyes, her gaze shifting to Hammya and noticing the bruises on her face.


    “What happened to you, dear?”


    Hammya tried to smile, though her discomfort was evident.


    “I fell down the stairs.”


    Declan glanced at her, his expression skeptical of the excuse.


    “Now, Mr. and Mrs. Barret, I need your help to save Candado from himself. I didn’t think you’d bring so many along,” Nelson said.


    “What happened to him?” Arturo asked.


    “There’s no time for that now, but I promise, I’ll explain later.”


    Hammya extended her hand toward Europa. She took it without hesitation, and Arturo followed suit.


    The group crossed through the portal, following Hammya as she led them toward a shoreline. The sky above was shrouded in black clouds, and relentless rain poured down. Hammya pointed toward a spot in the distance where Candado and Amabaray were locked in combat with the Baris.


    “Are those…?” Arturo began.


    “Yes, Mr. Barret,” Hammya confirmed solemnly.


    “My son…”


    “Candado has been consumed by the rage—what we call Odadnac,” Hector explained.


    “What do you suggest we do?” Europa asked, her eyes fixed unwaveringly on her son.


    “You deal with Amabaray. We’ll handle Candado,” Hammya said firmly.


    “It’s risky,” Arturo murmured.


    “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Candado, it’s that everything is about risks,” Hammya countered, her tone resolute.


    Europa gave her a brusque pat on the head, a wry smile tugging at her lips.


    “You’ve changed a lot in the five months I’ve known you.”


    “Whatever you say, Mrs. Barret.”


    “You can call me ‘Mom.’”


    “We’ll discuss that later.”


    Arturo stretched, preparing himself.


    “It’s been a while,” commented Thuy Han.


    “You can say that again,” Arturo replied as Europa clapped him on the back.


    “Try not to get yourself killed.”


    He grinned at her, then turned to Hammya.


    “We’ll take care of Amabaray. I’m leaving my son in your hands.”


    “Ready, love?” Europa asked Arturo.


    “Always,” he said with determination.


    Europa launched forward with incredible speed, and the others followed close behind.


    Amabaray turned just in time to see Europa charging toward her. A cold smile spread across her face as she leaped to intercept, placing herself between the Baris and the incoming group.


    “Pres’ kat niata, pres’ kat niata,” she intoned, her voice chilling.


    “That language…” murmured Bórrbari in surprise.


    He immediately gave the order for Tiebari to retreat. He recognized the words—it was the language of Roobóleo, and the phrase meant “my struggle.”


    Europa continued her charge and, upon reaching Amabaray, grabbed her firmly by both shoulders.


    “Amabaray! It’s me, J?n!”


    But Amabaray didn’t respond. She shoved Europa away forcefully, a blade emerging from her wrist and slashing toward Europa’s chest. Arturo intercepted the attack with a well-placed heel kick, redirecting the weapon into the ground. Rodolfo froze Amabaray’s feet, and Thuy Han struck her head with his Vietnamese hat.


    Undeterred, Amabaray extended her arm, a sharp blade emerging from her palm. Terry restrained her with a chain, giving Laura and Mercedes a chance to tear the weapons embedded in her ribs away.


    Before they could finish, Amabaray broke free violently, delivering blows aimed at their heads. Pablo and Arturo countered her strikes with precision, blocking her attacks with their legs.


    “Hurry!” Pablo urged.


    Amabaray freed her feet and prepared another strike, but Kr?ma wrapped her torso with his tentacles. Meanwhile, Javier, Samanta, and Gutiérrez analyzed her movements.


    “To the left,” Javier instructed.


    Kr?ma responded by extending a tentacle to trap one of Amabaray’s legs. Samanta created a portal to confine her, but Amabaray roared furiously, breaking free to continue her assault.


    Laura inhaled deeply, releasing a green gas from her mouth.


    “TAKE COVER!”


    Terry exhaled flaming saliva, which ignited in the air. Despite their efforts, Amabaray grew stronger and more dangerous with each passing moment.


    Cacho drew his weapon, firing at Amabaray’s legs to divert her attention. Then, holstering his pistol, he charged at her and restrained her with his superhuman strength. His eyes glowed a fiery orange, and three iron horns emerged from his head.


    “Gutiérrez, help me!”


    Gutiérrez sped to his side, securing the bindings. But once again, Amabaray broke free, forcing the group to retreat.


    “I’ll handle her attacks; you try to reach her!” Laura commanded. “I don’t want to hurt her!”


    Europa made another attempt. This time, Amabaray drew a second dagger, but Arturo deflected it. Europa grabbed Amabaray by the waist, pulling her away from Odadnac to prevent further harm to the others.


    Amabaray broke free and struck Europa’s back—a blow that wasn’t enough to take her down. Europa latched onto her shoulders, speaking desperately.


    “Do you remember when you hugged me after what happened to Eva?”


    Amabaray’s response was a brutal headbutt, sending Europa to the ground, blood streaming from her nose. Still, she didn’t give up.


    Amabaray raised her foot to stomp on Europa, but Kr?ma pulled her back with his tentacles while Pablo and Arturo delivered a joint strike to her chest.


    “Be more careful,” Arturo said, helping Europa to her feet.


    She nodded, rushing back toward Amabaray and embracing her tightly.


    “Do you remember when I hurt my legs, and you carried me home?”


    Amabaray struck her repeatedly, but Europa didn’t let go. The others scrambled to block the onslaught of punches raining down on her.


    “Do you remember when I was angry, and you gave me that silly apple?”


    With tears in her eyes, Europa rested her head on Amabaray’s chest, smiling softly.


    “Do you remember when I told you I’d fallen in love with Arturo, and you promised to help me?”


    Amabaray screamed in rage, majestic crystal wings unfolding from her back. With Europa still clinging to her, she soared into the sky with breathtaking speed.


    “EUROPAAA!” everyone shouted from the ground below.


    Once in the sky, Amabaray roared with fury. Her eyes glowed like fiery embers, and her metallic fists began to pound against Europa.


    “Do you remember when I was consumed by my anger, seeing only darkness, but you stood by me?”


    Her strikes intensified, ringing out like thunder.


    “Do you remember when I was pregnant with Gabriela, and you would rest your head on my belly to listen to her?”


    Amabaray faltered. Her movements became erratic, and her glowing eyes flickered like a faulty light.


    “I WILL DESTROY EVERYTHING!” she screamed, her voice shaking the heavens.


    With her last ounce of strength, Europa pressed her head against Amabaray''s chest and began to hum softly. Slowly, the hum turned into a gentle, familiar melody, the kind they used to share.


    “I’ll never let you go; I’ll always stay near.


    I’ll fight to save you, but I need you to hear.


    This isn’t your place, not where you belong.


    Please remember me, and who you are inside.


    Come back to us, return home.


    I’ll never abandon you, never leave you alone.”


    Amabaray screamed in frustration, struggling to break free from Europa’s embrace. Below, everyone watched with bated breath. The height was perilously high, and whispers of prayer for Europa’s safety filled the air.


    Europa’s voice grew stronger:


    “I’ve waited for you, with hope in my heart.


    Even when my mind told me we were apart.


    In my dreams, you’ve always been near,


    guiding me, holding me, whispering here.


    Now, after all these years,


    you’re still the one who wipes away my tears.”


    The melody carried across the air, but Amabaray’s mind was a storm. Fragmented memories and distorted voices swirled inside her. That woman—this human holding her so tightly—was she truly an enemy? Her instincts screamed yes, urging her to obliterate this fragile being. After all, humans had stolen Keplant’s power. They deserved to be sacrificed for the sake of this unrelenting war.


    But... why does it hurt?


    Each strike felt like a piece of her heart breaking. Her mind, torn between rage and longing, betrayed her. Who was J?n? Why did she feel as if she had been waiting for her all along?


    Suddenly, a guttural cry erupted from her soul:


    “I HATE HUMANKIND!”


    Europa, still clinging to her, replied softly:


    “That’s not true; it’s not who you are.


    Hatred doesn’t fit; it leaves a scar.


    Thinking of hate only brings you pain,


    because love, not anger, flows in your veins.”


    Amabaray roared again, tears streaming down her face.


    “I NEVER KNEW YOU!”


    Europa’s voice trembled but didn’t falter.


    “I’m sorry I’m late. I’m sorry I forgot.


    Please, forgive me—it was never my thought.


    Don’t let this end; don’t let it break.


    I can’t lose you—my heart would ache.”


    Amabaray’s metallic fists stilled. Each word cut through her, piercing her armor.


    “You’re scared and lost, unsure and alone.


    But I won’t leave you—I’ll guide you home.


    Please, wake up. Open your eyes.


    I need to see that smile, the one that shone so bright.


    So please, wake up—don’t give up the fight.”


    Amabaray trembled. Her strikes, once fueled by rage, now faltered, weak and uncertain.


    “You’re scared and lost, but I won’t let you fall.


    Take my hand—you can conquer it all.


    Please, wake up, find your way back.


    The light in your smile is the warmth that we lack.”


    Europa’s strength gave way as her body collapsed against Amabaray, bruised and battered. Then, something shifted. The furious glow in Amabaray’s eyes dimmed, returning to their natural hue. Memories rushed back like a flood, overwhelming her.


    “J?N!”


    Amabaray’s scream was raw and full of anguish. She dove after Europa’s falling body, wings of crystalline light spreading wide to soften their descent.


    On the ground, the group rushed to meet them. Amabaray folded her wings and held Europa close, tears streaming freely down her face. Europa’s eyelids fluttered open, and she smiled weakly at the sight of her old friend.


    “J?n, J?n, J?n...” Amabaray whispered brokenly, repeating her name like a lifeline.


    Europa chuckled softly, her voice a faint whisper. “I heard you the first time.”


    Amabaray hugged her tightly, as though she feared losing her again. For the first time in thirteen years, she felt whole.


    “Is this real?” Amabaray murmured, her voice trembling with doubt.


    “No, Amab. It’s not a dream,” Europa replied with tender certainty.


    As their reunion unfolded, the others—Arturo, Pablo, Mercedes, Kr?ma, Javier, Terry, Thuy Han, Laura, and Rodolfo—joined the embrace. Tears flowed freely as joy and relief filled the air.


    But the moment was shattered by a distant rumble. The group turned toward the source, where Odadnac’s ominous figure loomed, growing ever more menacing.


    The atmosphere shifted. Hammya raised her hand, signaling the group to rally. Her focus remained unwavering.


    “Now that we have what we need, it’s time to make use of it,” she declared, her tone cold and resolute.


    “Don’t you think you’re being a bit harsh?” Héctor interjected, his gaze firm.


    Hammya’s sharp eyes met his. “We need to save Candado. Celebrations can wait.”


    Arturo stepped forward, his expression stern. “What’s the plan?”


    Hammya took a deep breath, her voice steady.


    “This is where Amabaray and I come in. We’re going to drive Odadnac out of Candado’s body.”


    A tense silence followed. The mission ahead was perilous, but Hammya’s determination was unshakable. Everyone understood: time was of the essence.