It was August 1st, 2013. Several days had passed since that incident, and time flowed normally for the Barret family, but with one notable difference: Candado. His attitude had changed drastically toward Hammya, especially in the way he spoke to her, now with warmth and understanding. This shift was due to the events that had unfolded in the neutral world. Candado had explained the reason behind his actions—actions that had nearly cost him his life. Many of his friends had apologized to him, as they felt responsible for having treated him cruelly on his birthday. They didn’t know when Candado had erased his memory, but upon realizing he was acting as if nothing had happened, they decided to go along with it.


    After clarifying everything and avoiding delving too deeply into the details of the incident to prevent lingering negative effects, life resumed relatively peacefully. Especially because that day, August 1st, marked the concert of Belén Ramírez, Héctor’s sister. As Héctor had mentioned both in writing and verbally, he would not be present that day—or for at least a week—as he was committed to supporting his sister. Nevertheless, he had left an explicit request for everyone in the guild: to film Belén’s important event. Like Candado, Héctor held his sister in high regard, treating her more like a parent than a sibling.


    As usual, Candado found himself in Belén’s room, this time accompanied by the O’P?hner brothers, Grenia and Krauser, who were also there to support her. Everything seemed to be going well—until the unexpected happened: Belén played… terribly!


    “That violin sounds like it’s suffering,” Krauser remarked.


    “Come on, Bel, you’ve got this!” Grenia cheered.


    “Stop. That’s enough,” Candado said.


    Belén obeyed and lowered her instrument, fearful that Candado might be angry with her. But in truth, he wasn’t upset.


    “First of all, needes, calm down.”


    Belén laughed. “You said ‘needes.’”


    “No, of horse not.”


    Belén laughed again.


    Krauser and Grenia opened their eyes in surprise and stared at her. Candado, returning to his usual cold expression, raised his thumb in approval. Krauser, understanding the gesture, cleared his throat and removed the violin case from his back. He glanced briefly at Candado and, with a crooked smile, prepared for what was next.


    “Well then, it’s time.”


    Krauser took out his violin, tightened the bow, and rested it on his shoulder, playing the melody Belén had tried to perform earlier. There was no need to say it—he played magnificently. Candado and Grenia watched intently, while Belén listened with deep concentration.


    When he finished, Krauser relaxed his arm and lowered the bow.


    “That’s it. That’s how it’s done,” he said with satisfaction.


    Candado and Grenia applauded, impressed by the performance, but for Belén, the sensation was different. Though she thoroughly enjoyed the performance, she couldn’t help feeling Krauser was far superior to her, which plunged her into a state of pessimism.


    “I’m terrible,” she said, her voice cracking.


    “What?” Krauser responded, surprised.


    “I’m terrible, Canda, compared to Krauser.”


    “No, no, no, no, no—you’re a great violinist,” Grenia said nervously.


    Candado sighed.


    “There’s nothing for you to worry about, dear. I’ll be here.”


    Belén took a deep breath, puffing up her cheeks, and then exhaled forcefully.


    “Alright, I have to try again.”


    “That’s the spirit,” Candado said proudly.


    Belén tried again, but the result was the same: she played completely off-key.


    Annoyed, Krauser extended his tentacles and snatched the violin from her hands abruptly.


    “Good grief,” he muttered, massaging his forehead. “She has more potential to paralyze her enemies than to play on my violin.”


    At that exact moment, the door to the room swung open, and Belén’s mother entered, carrying a tray with some snacks.


    “Working hard, huh?”


    “Aunt Laura!” Krauser and Candado greeted, tipping their hats.


    “Any progress?” she asked, placing the tray on a folding table in the room.


    “None,” Krauser replied.


    “Hmmm, I see.”


    Laura patted Belén’s head, making her smile and feel a little calmer.


    Laura Lana Lezcano, also known as Mrs. Ramírez: Laura and Europa have been close friends since childhood. She has long white hair, gray eyes, and an unpredictable wardrobe style—though at home, she often wears a white lab coat, black leggings, a red shirt, and black espadrilles. Despite her age, she has a playful personality but can become mature and serious when the situation demands it. Her sense of humor resembles Matlotsky’s, and she is deeply loving toward her family. She was Europa’s strongest support after Gabriela’s death.


    Power: Unlike her son, Laura is the strongest in the family. She wields white fire and possesses immense physical strength.


    Skill: Painful as it is to admit, she’s good at everything.


    “And? What’s the verdict?”


    “I don’t know, Mom. I don’t think I’ll do well,” Belén replied.


    Laura began patting her head more vigorously, tousling her hair.


    “You’re blind, not useless.”


    “You’re terrible at playing the role of a supportive mother, Aunt,” Krauser chimed in.


    Laura smiled and attacked Candado with a hug.


    “Genes are amazing. That sharp tongue, those sharp eyes… you really are her son.”


    “What made you think I wasn’t?”


    “Mom! Don’t do that,” Belén protested.


    Laura lifted Candado into the air and began to spin him around. Krauser and Grenia pressed their backs against the wall, visibly frightened.


    "Mom said she’s crazy when she likes something," Krauser muttered.


    "Mom! Put me down!"


    "You two, do something!" Candado shouted, flailing his arms.


    Laura eventually stopped and set him down.


    "Sorry," she apologized with no trace of remorse. "I got carried away again."


    Candado stumbled, trying to steady himself.


    "I don’t understand how Héctor survived this. Does she do this to him too?"


    "Always. Since kindergarten. Whether he made his first friend, aced his exams, achieved something, or even failed, I celebrated with him the same way."


    "So, no matter the occasion—good or bad—you spoil him regardless?"


    "Exactly."


    "And you hug everyone you like, don’t you?"


    "Absolutely."


    Candado glanced at Belén by accident and noticed her downtrodden expression. He suspected her gloom wasn’t solely because of her poor playing.


    At that moment, Krauser and Grenia attempted to sneak out of the room, but Laura’s sharp ears caught them. She grabbed them effortlessly, as though they were stuffed animals.


    "Hugs for you two as well!"


    "No, thanks! We prefer to live without them!" Krauser protested, wriggling in her grip. Meanwhile, Grenia pretended to go limp like a possum in hopes of being released.


    Taking advantage of the chaos, Candado grabbed the violin and led Belén out of the room.


    "Where are we going?" she asked.


    "The patio. I have a hunch you’ll play better there."


    Belén lowered her head but allowed herself to be guided. Once outside, Candado sat on the doorstep, studying her intently.


    "I can’t see you, but I feel like you’re glaring at me. What’s wrong?" she asked.


    "I’ve read your body language. I want to be wrong, but I know I’m not."


    "What are you talking about?"


    "I mean, I know something’s bothering you. The way you move, stand, or gesture—it’s all in the details."


    "It’s nothing."


    "It’s definitely something," he said with a sigh. "Tell me, has your mom ever lifted you the way she does Héctor?"


    "Lifted me?"


    "(So I was right.) Allow me."


    Candado placed his hands on her waist, effortlessly lifting her and spinning her around. Afterward, he set her down gently and caught her in a steadying embrace.


    "Is that what it feels like when she does it to you?"


    "Exactly."


    "My mom never did that. I tried to get her to, but she never dared to do for me what she does for Héctor. He seemed to enjoy it, though."


    "(I’ve got an idea.) If you play well at this concert, I bet you could convince your mom to do it."


    "Really?" she asked, turning to the left.


    "I’m on your other side," he corrected.


    She turned. "Really?"


    "Of course. Now..." Candado handed her the violin. "Play your melody."


    Belén smiled and began to play.


    "You’re good with kids," she remarked mid-tune.


    "Tínbari?"


    "Moch."


    "What’s that?"


    "Hello, in the language I invented."


    Candado sighed.


    "What’s wrong?" she asked.


    "Nothing. Keep practicing." (Get lost, Demonto. I’m busy right now.)


    "I can’t leave without you. After all, you’re still on medication," came a mental reply.


    (I’m fine, Tínbari. The coughing and vomiting have stopped. I’m fine.) He adjusted Belén’s fingers slightly. "Try adjusting the first line; it sounds off-key when you play it."


    "Okay," Belén replied, oblivious to his internal conversation.


    "Listen, I know I’m interrupting, but the more you address this, the quicker you’ll improve. It’s just a moment of your time, please."


    (You’re insistent, but I appreciate your concern. That said, something else worries me…) "There, I’ve got it," Candado said aloud.


    "What’s troubling you?"


    (Any news of your brothers? I never thought they’d leave so abruptly.)


    "Bórrbari is too proud, but he’ll return for your blood. The Barret family has always been a target for the Baris, whether to study or protect them, ever since your grandfather’s time. But they’ve never dared to attack before. Some, like Amabaray, are exceptions, but others… like Hachbari…"


    (Hachbari?)


    "He’s incredibly dangerous for humans. He’s never dealt with one before and despises them, but he needs them."


    (Honestly, I hope never to meet him.)


    Belén stopped in her tracks.


    “And?”


    “Perfect.” Candado stood up and patted her on the back. “Now all you have to do is play for everyone.”


    “Don’t forget to stay with me tonight.”


    “I won’t forget.”


    “The teacher said you need to bring an instrument.”


    “What?”


    “A musical instrument, to accompany me.”


    (It would’ve been better if you’d told me earlier.) Candado sighed. “Fine, fine, I’ll bring one.”


    “Great!”


    Candado closed his eyes and smiled. “Alright, I won’t.”


    After saying that, Candado slipped a piece of paper into his pocket and proceeded to ruffle Belén’s hair.


    “Thanks.”


    “No problem.”


    At that moment, Krauser walked out, adjusting his vest, clearly ruffled from the earlier hug.


    “Belén, it’s time to eat. Take a break.”


    Suddenly, tentacles wrapped around Belén’s waist and lifted her into the air. Judging by the way she spoke, it was obvious it was Grenia.


    “See you later, Candado,” Belén said with a smile as Grenia carried her back inside.


    The door shut, leaving Krauser outside. He dusted off his clothes and approached Candado.


    “Some way to leave me hanging.”


    “Well, it was you or me.”


    “I’m not talking about Belén’s mom.”


    “Then what?”


    “You left me out when you planned to recover that Bari.”


    “Baray.”


    “Whatever. Look, I get that you tried to keep it quiet to avoid anyone getting hurt, but… seriously? Suicide?”


    “Who told you that?”


    Krauser widened his eyes.


    “Do you think an inspector like me would reveal his sources?”


    Candado sighed.


    “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking straight.”


    “Do you have any idea how worried Grenia, Joaquín, and I were?”


    “Does anyone else know?”


    “No, just us. We’re keeping it under wraps so it doesn’t get used against you in the Circuit.”


    “I see.”


    Krauser extended his left hand.


    “I’ll let it slide for now, but please… don’t pull stunts like that again, for God’s sake.”


    Candado shook his hand.


    “I’ll be careful. By the way, was that all?”


    “It took me two days to bring this up, Candado. Grenia’s waiting for her chance to kick your ass, and Joaquín’s drowning in your messes.”


    “Messes?”


    “He still hasn’t forgotten how you stood him up after he gathered intel on Hammya Saillim. Technically, he sent someone else to handle it, but even so. And now this? I assure you, if he weren’t buried in work from the recent incidents, he’d have already given you what you deserve.”


    Candado smiled.


    “Yeah, probably.”


    “By the way…” Krauser glanced around to make sure no one was listening. “Sara’s been meeting with someone called Hachipusaq.”


    “She sent me a letter a month ago, but I didn’t feel like going.”


    “You know her?”


    “Not much. I just had an audience with her once.”


    “Her?”


    “Yes, a masked woman.”


    “I see.”


    “Is something wrong?”


    “Yeah, actually. Hachipusaq proposed something rather interesting.”


    “What was it?”


    “Creating a society for monsters—or as she calls it, a society of the Re-Creators.”


    Candado raised his left eyebrow slightly.


    “Now that is interesting.”


    “My thoughts exactly. Let’s see how well it works out.”


    “Who is Hachipusaq? What an intriguing woman.”


    “Candado…”


    “…”


    “Hey, snap out of it.”


    Candado came back to himself.


    “Sorry, got lost in thought. Anyway, I need to head home for a family matter. Mind staying and guiding her a bit longer?”


    “No problem. I’ve got nothing else to do. It’s Thursday, everyone’s at school, so I’m free.”


    Candado gave him a quick hug before leaving the yard, vaulting over the wall, and disappearing into the forest.


    “Heh, that kid,” Krauser chuckled softly.


    The boy in the beret started walking through the forest, with Tínbari following closely behind him.


    "I see you have nothing better to do," Candado remarked.


    "Every day, someone dies on that planet. So it doesn’t matter. Their souls will all end up in my sphere, mwahaha," Tínbari replied with exaggerated theatricality.


    "Got it, you’re a lazy liar," Candado said with a dry tone.


    "I only go to the humans who catch my interest. These days, that’s a very rare occurrence."


    "Tell me about it." Candado suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Oh, by Isidro, I didn’t realize."


    "You didn’t realize this is Diana’s territory?" Tínbari asked mockingly.


    "Relax. She’s not coming today."


    Candado turned and spotted someone lounging on the branches of a tree.


    "Logan, it’s rare to see you here," Candado greeted.


    "I’m watching over this part of the forest while she’s away," Logan replied with a yawn. "Nothing to worry about. Keep walking."


    "Where is she?"


    "With the Pombero. He’s helping her deal with some crops destroyed by a fire deeper inside the woods. She’ll return when she’s done."


    "Done with what? Killing?" Tínbari asked sarcastically.


    "Farming. Killing’s just a bonus. The Pombero doesn’t take kindly to people burning the forest and killing his animals for no reason. So she doesn’t mind helping him deal with that."


    "Sounds rough. Anyone I know on her list?"


    "Checked. None."


    "Then, yeah, just rough for you."


    "Tell me about it. She doesn’t even know how to properly manage this territory," Logan grumbled.


    Candado smirked. "Yeah, that sounds about right. Take care, Logan."


    "Take care, Ernest," Logan replied with a wave of his hand.


    Candado quickened his pace, leaving Diana’s zone. Soon, he came across two people sitting in the middle of the forest—Mauricio and Yara. Yara was staring intently at a soccer ball, while Mauricio was leaning against a tree, his hat pulled down over his eyes.


    Candado approached them to see what they were up to.


    "Hey."


    Yara turned sharply, giving him the same fierce look she’d been directing at the ball. But when she saw Candado, her expression melted into a wide grin.


    She ran toward him with her arms outstretched and hugged his leg tightly.


    "Dad!" she exclaimed.


    Candado crouched down and picked her up. "What are you doing?"


    "Looking at the ball," she said.


    "Looking?"


    "Uncle said if I stared at it long enough, I’d get smarter and be able to join the garden," she explained earnestly.


    "Really?" Candado asked with a hint of irony.


    "Yes."


    "Look, a hummingbird," he said, pointing to the sky.


    "Where?" she asked, craning her neck eagerly.


    Taking advantage of the little girl''s moment of distraction, Candado delivered a swift kick to Mauricio''s shoulder, causing him to lose balance and fall over.


    "Oh, I saw it, but it’s gone. It’s so fast," Yara said, disappointed.


    "Yeah, it is," Candado replied.


    Mauricio got back on his feet with the help of his staff.


    "You? What’s your deal?"


    "Tínbari," Candado called.


    "Yes, yes, yes," Tínbari replied nonchalantly as he walked over to Yara and covered her ears with both hands.


    "Huh?" Yara exclaimed, surprised.


    Candado didn’t take his eyes off Tínbari, who maintained his carefree attitude.


    "If you really wanted her to get into kindergarten, you should’ve called me. I could help her with her studies. But if you prefer to toy with her enthusiasm and lie to her like that, knowing how excited she gets, you’re making a big mistake."


    "It was just a small, harmless joke," Mauricio defended weakly.


    Candado’s eyes slowly ignited with a violet flame. Noticing the change, Tínbari turned Yara away, fully aware of her deep trauma related to fire.


    "Listen," Candado said firmly. "You might be 200 years old, you might have raised Logan and Diana when they were kids, but if you keep raising others with lies that could crush their enthusiasm, I’ll make sure to break your bones."


    Mauricio, visibly uncomfortable with the tension, cleared his throat.


    "N-no need to worry. It won’t happen again."


    "Dad!" Yara suddenly shouted, drawing Candado’s attention.


    His eyes returned to normal as he turned to her.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Yes, sweetie?"


    "I can’t hear anything at all!"


    Candado motioned with his hand for Tínbari to remove his hands from her small ears.


    "Oh, the sound is back," Yara said with relief.


    Candado patted her head and picked her up in his arms.


    "Stop staring at the ball," he said.


    "Huh? Why?"


    "A ball is for playing, not for glaring at it like that."


    "Alright, I’ll play with it instead of staring."


    "That’s the spirit."


    Candado gently set her back on the ground.


    "I handled the paperwork a few days ago with my parents. For various reasons, they’re her guardians," he explained.


    "Didn’t expect any less from you. So, when does she start?" Mauricio asked.


    "Monday, Mauricio. Monday."


    Yara jumped with excitement, and in her enthusiasm, she bit down on Candado’s forearm.


    "Ouch!" Candado exclaimed, lifting his arm with Yara hanging from it. "So you’re entering that phase, huh?"


    "She’s been enjoying chewing things lately," Mauricio said with a resigned tone. "Yesterday, she bit my staff, my leg, and my arms."


    "Yara, would you mind letting go of Daddy?" Candado asked.


    The little girl opened her mouth and landed on the ground on her feet.


    "Sorry," she said with a sheepish tone.


    Candado glanced at his forearm, where tiny teeth marks were imprinted on his blue sweatshirt.


    "Oh, this will be interesting." He clasped his hands behind his back. "Just be careful not to bite anyone else."


    "..."


    "…"


    "…"


    "Alright," Yara finally agreed.


    "Great."


    Tínbari muttered under his breath, "No matter how you look at it, she hesitated. And that’s terrifying, Candado. Really terrifying."


    Candado sighed.


    "Well, I have to go now."


    "You''re leaving already?" Yara asked, her voice tinged with sadness.


    "Yeah, little one, but I''ll be back."


    The girl let out a disgruntled purr.


    "That hurts, Yarará. Hurts more than a bite."


    "Sorry, Uncle!"


    Candado chuckled to himself as he walked away.


    "See you later!"


    "Bye, brother."


    "See you, Dad."


    Candado continued on his way, heading home. After a few blocks, he spotted his house and the wall separating the garden from the forest.


    "Need help?" Tínbari asked.


    Candado shook his head and jumped with agility, crossing to the other side. Upon landing, he saw Hammya and Clementina waiting for him, positioned exactly as they had been that time.


    "Déjà vu," Candado murmured.


    "Hello, young master," Clementina greeted with a playful smile.


    "Hi, Candado," Hammya said.


    "I''m going to ''pause'' the moment when I shout at you, Clementina, and skip to the scene with Hammya. Okay?"


    "I''m not going anywhere."


    Candado looked at Hammya with curiosity.


    "Why aren’t you at school?"


    Hammya felt cornered, but her familiarity with the atmosphere in that house allowed her to remain calm.


    "I was sick."


    "Sick?"


    "Yeah, sick."


    Candado instantly knew she was lying, but he decided to play along. He removed his glove and placed his hand on Hammya’s forehead.


    "You don''t seem sick to me."


    Hammya felt an indescribable joy as Candado''s hand rested on her head.


    "Do you have something to tell me?"


    "Yes."


    "What?"


    "Thank you."


    "What?"


    "Thank you."


    Candado withdrew his hand, confused, and then turned to Clementina.


    "Now I’ll go with you."


    "Okay," she replied with a smile.


    "STOP CALLING ME MASTER! I''M NOT THE MASTER OF ANYONE!"


    "Sure, of course."


    Candado sighed and put his glove back on before entering the house. Meanwhile, Hammya and Clementina shared a quiet laugh.


    "Have you told him yet?" Clementina asked.


    "No."


    "Why? That day he seemed so vulnerable... You could''ve easily won him over."


    Hammya smiled sweetly.


    "I didn’t want to take advantage of his emotional instability." She looked at her bandaged hand. "I promised myself I’d tell him when he gets back what he lost."


    Clementina approached and gave her a supportive back rub.


    "It’s okay, it’s okay. I know you’ll make the right decision."


    Hammya sighed deeply.


    "I... "


    "Do you love him?" Clementina interrupted.


    "Yes, but I''ll wait for the right moment to say it."


    "That’ll be interesting."


    "Why?"


    "Knowing him, he might reject you."


    "Ah! Are you on my side or against me?!" Hammya exclaimed indignantly.


    "Both. That’s what makes it fun, but you might actually succeed."


    "If you put it like that, I might believe you."


    "I lied. It’s certain he’ll say no."


    "Clementina!" Hammya protested.


    "Although... you’ve already gotten Candado to be nicer to you."


    "Yeah... I can’t help but be happy," Hammya confessed with a smile.


    From the window of his room, Candado watched them silently.


    "What could they be talking about?" he wondered as he fixed his gaze on them.


    His heart felt heavy, guilty. Seeing Hammya smile stirred a mix of emotions inside him. She had always smiled for him, even during the darkest moments. Even in his deepest pain.


    "Hammya... She truly is a good girl."


    The door suddenly opened, but in a completely ordinary way. Amabaray entered with a kind smile, a stark contrast to the sudden, mystical entrance of Tínbari. She had adopted human customs.


    "Ernést, it''s time for the daily check-up," she announced, ignoring the fact that Candado had slipped away from her earlier.


    Candado sighed and closed the curtains.


    "Alright."


    He turned to Amabaray as he took off his beret and placed it on the table.


    "That''s not enough," Amabaray repeated.


    Candado began to undress silently. He took off his gloves, then his tie, and finally unbuttoned his vest and shirt, laying them across the back of a chair.


    "Sit wherever you want, wherever feels most comfortable."


    Candado obeyed and sat on the floor. Amabaray shrugged in an ironic gesture and positioned herself behind him.


    "In a few days, you’ll be fully healed."


    "Yes."


    "Don’t be tense, I won’t do anything bad."


    "I’m sorry... I’m not used to... people I don’t know being behind me."


    "‘Is it her? The Baray who was with my mother when she was a little girl? She’s so nice. I’d like to ask her so many things,’ right?"


    Candado swallowed, surprised.


    "It’s... unsettling that you read my mind."


    "Scared?"


    "No, unfortunately, I’m used to it because of my grandmother, just... a little embarrassed."


    Amabaray smiled mischievously.


    "I was lying, I just guessed."


    "I see... but it’s still embarrassing."


    "It’s okay, I won’t do it again."


    Candado sighed, relieved but still uncomfortable.


    "It might be late to tell you this, but... I’m really glad I met you. And I’m sorry."


    "Why are you sorry?"


    "I didn’t want Europe to suffer again. I had already lost Eva and many of her friends. I couldn’t lose you too... I didn’t want her to cry again."


    "You don’t need to apologize."


    "Yes, I do. But I don’t regret what I did. If I hadn’t done it, you’d be dead. Still, I feel terrible about Gabi... I felt awful when I found out what happened."


    "It’s hard not to notice."


    Amabaray hugged Candado warmly.


    "Even if just for a moment, your happiness and the happiness of others justify my decision. I saved you, and Gabi lived long enough to meet you. Not only that, she had another daughter."


    Candado closed his eyes, letting those words sink deep into him.


    "When Gabi spoke about you, I always wanted to meet you. Now... I’m glad you were able to come back."


    Amabaray held him a little longer before finishing the treatment.


    "Alright, thanks again."


    "It’s nothing. I know you’ll escape again, so... it’s nothing."


    Candado began to slowly get dressed.


    "How long will this take, the procedure?"


    "Oh, not long. I’m not as powerful as my grandfather. This is the best I can do."


    "I see."


    Candado smiled, feeling more at ease.


    "Thank you, for everything."


    Before Amabaray could respond, she exited the room, closing the door behind her.


    "You''re welcome," she murmured, smiling to herself.


    Outside the room, Candado adjusted his gloves and hurried down the stairs, only to trip over something and fall on his back.


    "Damn it, Hammya! HAMMYA!"


    Quick footsteps approached.


    "What happened?" Hammya asked, alarmed.


    "Your damn pet."


    "Lentejuela!" Hammya exclaimed upon seeing her turtle. "Where have you been?"


    Candado got up, rubbing his back.


    "What was that noise?" asked Clementina, appearing.


    "Nothing important," Candado said, cracking his back. Then he looked directly at her. "By the way, Clementina..."


    "That must have hurt."


    "Listen to me when I talk to you!"


    "Yes?"


    "Have you seen my guitar?"


    Hammya looked at him in surprise.


    "Guitar?"


    "Yes, that wooden thing with strings that makes noise."


    "I know what a guitar is, sir."


    "Then don’t waste my time. Tell me where it is or if you’ve seen it."


    Clementina looked at him with doubt.


    "Are you sure? You haven’t played your instrument in three years."


    Candado placed his hands gently on Clementina’s shoulders.


    "Where is it? Speak, I didn’t ask for an analysis of my habits or when I last played it. Just tell me where it is."


    "Yes, I know its location. Are you sure you want to know where it is?"


    Then he began to shake her desperately.


    "It’s... in the basement, sir."


    Candado let go of Clementina and ran off, leaving the android dizzy. Hammya rushed over and caught her before she could fall to the ground.


    "Miss Hammya... or misses," murmured Clementina, stumbling.


    Hammya let out a little laugh and settled her on the couch. She set the turtle aside and placed both hands on Clementina''s cheeks.


    "Are you alright?"


    "Of, of, of, of... co... co, cou, cou, rse... se, se, se... se... la, lad, lad... lady."


    "No, no, no, that’s not alright at all."


    At that moment, Karen appeared, drinking something from a transparent green plastic cup. Upon seeing the situation, she placed the cup on the table and rushed toward Clementina.


    "Karen knows how to help!" she announced determinedly.


    She climbed onto the couch, grabbed the remote control, and struck Clementina''s head forcefully.


    The android’s eyes flickered and went out, like a television turning off, even emitting the characteristic power-down sound.


    "You killed her!" Hammya exclaimed in alarm.


    "No, we need to wait," Karen responded calmly.


    After a few seconds, a white light emerged from Clementina’s eyes, revealing a blue background with tiny white letters. Finally, her eyes returned to normal.


    "My brother taught me to do that when the TV froze," Karen said, looking pleased with herself.


    "Clementina’s not a TV!" Hammya retorted.


    "My head... I feel like my cybernetic system shook violently," Clementina muttered.


    "Oh, there it is. Karen finished her job," said Karen as she jumped off the couch and picked up her cup again.


    "TV fixed. Karen withdraws, she’s very busy."


    "TV? I think this is the second time she’s done that to me," Clementina said, still dazed.


    "Are you okay?" Hammya asked, concerned.


    "I’m fine, I’m fine."


    "You scared me."


    "It was just... some kind of dizziness... Human? Bionic?"


    "It seemed like something else."


    Clementina let out a nervous laugh to escape the conversation.


    "Hey!"


    "The time for laughter is over, it’s time to work," Clementina said as she stood up.


    "Wait."


    Hammya grabbed her by the collar and forced her to sit back down.


    "What’s going on?"


    Meanwhile...


    Candado was in the basement, a surprisingly tidy place. It was so neat that even the cobwebs shimmered and had a pleasant scent. Everything was in its place, which made it easy for Candado to find what he was looking for: his guitar, stored in a transparent black plastic case, placed on top of a locker.


    He put a small stool to reach it and removed the case.


    "It smells like polished wood and furniture spray," he murmured as he opened it.


    He looked at the guitar for a moment. It had been a gift from his father, who used to play it when she, Gabriela, was alive.


    "Three years... Clementina," he said with a smile, taking the guitar out of the case.


    He cleaned a nearby stool and sat down. Closing his eyes, he gently stroked the strings with his thumb, letting out soft sounds. He adjusted his gloves and began playing a monotonous melody, testing how much practice he had lost.


    "From one to ten... six. But something is better than nothing."


    He remembered a melody that Belén used to play on her violin. He closed his eyes, recalling every note and every bow movement. Slowly, he memorized the sequence, adapting it to the guitar.


    The music began to flow. The melody, soft and calm at first, gradually gained rhythm. His fingers danced over the strings, and a hum escaped his lips, complementing the music.


    Outside, Clementina and Hammya watched him.


    "There you have your answer," Clementina whispered.


    "True, but are you sure he won’t discover us?" Hammya asked.


    "When Candado focuses, it’s hard to pull him out of his world."


    "Even though he’s always alert..."


    "Candado has let his guard down since he met you."


    Hammya gazed at Candado with excitement. The music seemed to resonate in her heart. Each note was wonderful, every string vibrating with a captivating sound. Without realizing it, she stepped out of her hiding spot and walked toward him.


    Clementina tried to stop her, but it was useless. Hammya reached Candado, who, absorbed in the melody, didn’t notice her presence. In the past, he would have reacted immediately, but this time he didn’t.


    Hammya hugged him from behind, abruptly stopping his playing. For nearly two minutes, silence reigned until Candado coughed once, sharply.


    "Hammya," he said calmly, "Is something going on?"


    Hammya, aware of what she had done, tried to improvise an excuse:


    "Zzz..."


    "What...? Hammya, don’t sleep on my back!"


    Clementina, hidden behind the wall, laughed silently.


    "Hammya, wake up!"


    "Zzz..."


    "If you want to sleep, do it in your bed, not on my back."


    "Zzz..."


    "Wait a second! You’re not sleeping! Your breathing and heartbeat are not those of someone asleep."


    Hammya yawned and moved away from Candado.


    "What are you doing here?" she asked, confused.


    "It’s my house. I go wherever I want," he replied calmly.


    When Candado tried to turn around, Hammya placed both hands on his cheeks, forcing him to look forward.


    "What’s going on now?" he asked, furrowing his brow.


    "Please, look there."


    Candado sighed, complied, and fixed his gaze ahead. Hammya removed her hands from his face and stayed still, saying nothing.


    "Hammya, are you embarrassed or running a fever?"


    "No! Of course not."


    "You’re lying, I know."


    Hammya looked away and thought, It’s useless. He always knows when someone’s lying, just like he’s an expert at reading people. Finally, she sighed.


    "How do you know?" she asked, trying to sound calm.


    "Well... um. There’s a mirror where I’m looking now, and I can see everything you’re doing."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    How did I not see that?! Hammya thought in panic, pointing desperately upward and shouting:


    "Ah! A UFO!"


    "Ha, how stu—"


    Before she could finish her mockery, an object resembling a plate with flashing lights and a colorful pattern crossed the sky visible from the basement window, emitting a strange sound. Candado stood frozen, shocked.


    "What?!"


    A loud bang from behind him made Candado turn around. Clementina was there, looking toward the door.


    "It’s better to leave her alone," the android advised calmly.


    "Clementina! Did you see it? Tell me you saw it!"


    "What thing, sir?"


    "The UFO!"


    "Excuse me?"


    "Yes, a UFO! Did you see it?"


    (I never imagined Candado would fall for such a silly and old joke.)


    With an air of disbelief, Clementina responded:


    "Are you alright, sir?"


    Candado, still puzzled, looked again through the skylight.


    "I have no idea, argument, credibility, or understanding of what just happened."


    "I think it would be better for you to practice in your room, sir."


    Meanwhile, Hammya ran up the stairs, passing by Europa and Arturo.


    "Hammya?" they both asked in unison.


    Without stopping, the girl reached her room, kicked the door open, entered, and hid under the blankets.


    "Mother Earth, swallow me whole!" she screamed, burying her face in her pillow.


    Meanwhile, Candado came out of the basement, rubbing his temples.


    "I''m not crazy... or am I?"


    "What are you muttering?" Clementina asked.


    "Nothing. Just talking to myself." He sighed deeply. "I’ll go to my room. I need to write something."


    "I understand."


    As he turned, he bumped into his father’s chest, Arturo.


    "Did something happen down there?" the man asked.


    Candado looked up.


    "No. Why?"


    "Hammya ran out in a panic."


    "She was just embarrassed because I figured out she was lying to me."


    "That’s only half the truth," Clementina clarified.


    Arturo sighed.


    "I was asking him."


    "Sorry, Mr. Barret," Clementina apologized.


    Arturo patted Candado''s head.


    "Don’t do anything to upset her, alright?" Then, as he walked away, he added, "Next time, watch where you''re walking, son."


    "I will."


    Candado glanced sideways at Clementina, who turned her gaze away.


    "I’ll forget you called me half a liar this time. Next time, I’ll crush you."


    Clementina pretended to sigh in relief.


    Candado returned to his room, closed the door behind him, and leaned against it, exhausted and confused by what had just happened. He took off his beret and gloves, hanging them carelessly, and then walked over to his desk. He sat down and began to practice.


    Two hours later, the door suddenly swung open. Karen, his little sister, had used her cleverness to tie a string to the doorknob to get in. She tiptoed toward Candado, trying to sneak up on him, but the door creaked, betraying her. Candado stopped writing, set the pencil aside, and waited patiently.


    Karen, thinking herself clever, jumped to the right and shook a nearby shelf.


    "BOO!" she shouted.


    A poorly placed book fell from the shelf, ready to land on Karen’s head, but Candado caught it with quick reflexes.


    "Did I scare you?" she asked with a mischievous smile.


    Candado placed the book on the desk and grabbed a black marker from the pencil holder.


    "Yes, you scared me."


    Then, without warning, he drew a mustache on her face.


    "Don''t do that again, Karen Florencia Velázquez Barret."


    "I''m sorry."


    Despite his mild annoyance, Candado ended up turning her face into a little work of art. He then put the marker back in its place.


    "Karen wants to know if she can play with Yara again."


    "Why are you asking me that?"


    "Karen wants to know."


    "Is this blackmail or a question?"


    "Karen wants to know."


    Candado sighed.


    "We''ll talk about that later."


    The conversation between Karen and Candado felt like a dispute. A few weeks ago, Karen had manifested her powers, which was extremely strange for someone only three years old. Normally, these powers began to develop around the age of five. Sure, there were exceptions: some manifested between two and eleven years old, but there were no records of powers appearing beyond that age. It was believed to be the definitive limit.


    In Karen''s case, there was something even more unusual: she had manifested three components. It was common for a person to develop one or two components at most when their powers activated, but never three. To put it more simply, it was like mixing the three primary colors to create all the others. That’s how the components worked: they were the foundations of the powers. Most humans had a limited number of components, typically five to a hundred different abilities derived from them. However, the Barret family was the exception, with an literally uncountable number of powers.


    Karen, in particular, had manifested three components: violet flame (a unique inherited power), healing, and protection. The little girl deeply admired her brother, Candado, who, in theory, had been the one to care for her. That was why she tried to imitate his cold demeanor, though in her own way. However, every time she spoke to him, she couldn''t help but smile, just like she did with everyone who lived in the house.


    "Little one, don''t look at me like that."


    "Karen is tired. Karen wants to sleep in your bed."


    "Karen has her crib."


    "Karen has spoken."


    Candado sighed, again.


    "You need to stop watching that show. Fine, you can use it."


    "Karen wants to sleep with you."


    "I don’t dream."


    "Karen wants you to dream."


    "That''s not how it works."


    "But Karen wants."


    "Does Karen not want anything else?"


    "Karen wants many things: ice cream, mom, dad, Uncle Hipo, Hammya and..."


    "I get it, you want many things. But now, what do you want the most? Apart from sleeping in my bed with me."


    "Play with Karen."


    "Alright. This game will be perfect for you."


    "How do you play?"


    "Whoever falls asleep first wins."


    "Great! Karen is going to win. She''s good at sleeping."


    Karen ran toward her brother’s bed, climbed it with effort, and lay down. She closed her eyes tightly, ready to win.


    Candado suppressed a laugh, covering his mouth to avoid giving himself away. He looked the other way, squeezing his eyes shut to calm himself.


    It barely took six minutes for Karen to fall deeply asleep, exhausted from not being used to waking up early.


    Candado smiled softly. He wiped away the marks he had made with the marker. He gently tucked her in, kissed her forehead, and left the room. In the hallway, he crossed paths with Clementina, who was carrying a bag of carrots.


    "Feeding Uzoori?" Candado asked.


    "Of course," Clementina replied with a smile.


    They both went their separate ways. Candado descended the stairs when he heard knocks on the door. Fortunately, Europa was there to answer.


    "Hello, long time no see," Europa greeted.


    "Hello, Mrs. Barret."


    "What brings you here?"


    "I came to see Candado."


    "Of course, come in."


    "Sorry for the inconvenience."


    The visitor entered, and Europa closed the door behind him.


    "Henry Llovizna," Candado said as he descended the final steps.


    Henry was a man from Corrientes with brown eyes and brown hair. Above his head floated a white cloud, the size of a cricket ball. He wore a black polo shirt, white pants, and matching shoes, though due to the cold that day, he had on a navy blue raincoat. Henry had a changeable personality and was very good friends with Lucas.


    His power had manifested when he was five years old, when a small cloud descended from the sky and settled above his head. The cloud changed according to his mood: it was white when he was happy, black and full of thunder when he was angry, and it rained when he was sad. Additionally, Henry could control lightning, wind, ice, gas, and water, and he had the ability to travel in seconds riding his cloud.


    "Are you here for the concert?" Candado asked, extending his hand.


    "Not today, sorry," Henry replied, accepting the handshake.


    Candado put his hands in his pockets.


    "How can I help you?"


    "It''s about... uh... about..."


    Candado tried to calm him down, speaking in a calm tone.


    "You don’t have to be nervous. It''s your job."


    "Sorry."


    "Let me guess, is it about Sara?"


    "No."


    "Not?"


    "It''s about Li...l...a."


    "What?"


    "It''s about Li..."


    "Speak more clearly, please."


    "Lila has a message."


    Candado froze when he heard that name.


    "Oh... I see," he replied monotonously.


    "Sorry."


    "I understand what you''re going through. I promise I''ll make it up to you."


    "It''s fine, but I know how you, Joaquín, and Héctor get when you hear that name."


    "They''re traumatized just thinking about it. Me, on the other hand..." Candado crossed his arms and showed a sadistic smile. "I''ll endure it."


    "Candado!"


    At that moment, Clementina burst in, coming down the stairs.


    "Hello, Mr. Henry," Clementina greeted.


    "Hello, Clem."


    Candado returned to his usual expression.


    "Sir, Uzoori is a little upset."


    "I see. I''ll take him to graze this afternoon."


    "How thoughtful of you, going to see Lila, I mean," Clementina commented with a mischievous smile.


    Candado froze when he heard that word again.


    "Would you like some breakfast?" she asked.


    "No, thank you. I''m fine."


    "Would you like pastries or biscuits?"


    "No, thank you. I''ve already had breakfast."


    "Massages?" she asked, as both of her hands began to vibrate.


    "No, thank you."


    "A rest?"


    "I''m fine."


    Candado snapped back to reality.


    "Well, what does she want?" he interrupted.


    "It''s something important."


    "Does it have to be now?"


    "She said it’s guaranteed for a year; after that, the serious stuff will have happened."


    "How can something serious be slow?"


    "No idea."


    "I guess we''ll see that later."


    "Well, Candado, I just came to tell you that. Actually, I lied to my mom saying I was going for a walk and would be back. Sorry I can''t stay longer."


    "We''ll see each other later," Candado said, giving him a hug.


    Henry hurried out of the house, not without first saying goodbye to Clementina with a kiss on the cheek.


    "Well, with the technology nowadays, you could have sent me that information by email, but what can you do?"


    "Where are you going, young master?" asked Clementina.


    "I forgot something."


    Candado began to climb the stairs and stopped in front of Hammya''s half-open door. He stared at it carefully and reached for the doorknob, intending to close it. However, something inside him conflicted: open the door and go in, or close it and head to his room. Before he could make a decision, he realized he was already inside the room.


    "Shit!" he exclaimed.


    He quickly covered his mouth upon noticing that Hammya was asleep.


    "Heh, seems like she’s not used to mornings."


    His eyes fixed on the bandage on her hand. Unconsciously, he traced his index finger over the wrapped palm. He still couldn''t believe what he had seen. To hurt herself like that to save a life, hers. He didn’t know how else to apologize, but it wasn’t enough. She had been clear: "I don’t want you to apologize to me, I just want you to apologize to yourself."


    Candado smiled and kissed her forehead.


    "You really are strong, Hammya."


    He got up, slipped his hands into his pockets, and left the room. Before closing the door, he looked at her one last time, smiled, and closed his eyes as he walked back to his room.


    When his footsteps had completely faded, Hammya opened her eyes, smiled, and touched her forehead.


    Candado went downstairs with his guitar and collapsed onto the couch.


    "Let’s move on."


    He closed his eyes, chuckled softly, and began practicing again.


    As night fell, the concert venue resembled more of a theater, with hundreds of comfortable blue chairs decorated with yellow flowers. Although the seats weren’t full, there were enough people to create an atmosphere.


    Behind the curtain, Belén paced anxiously, wearing a sparkling white dress that matched her hair. Her dull eyes reflected her nervousness.


    "Belén, you''re going to wear yourself out if you keep walking like that," said Candado, not looking up from his book.


    "I can’t help it. What if I mess up, trip, or go out of tune?"


    "Relax, everything will be fine... or not."


    "Candado!" Belén retorted.


    "What? It could happen."


    "That doesn’t help."


    "Stop bothering her, Candado," Clementina interjected, entering the room with Hammya and Andersson.


    "Wow, how gallant," commented Hammya.


    "It’s the fifth time you’ve said that."


    "How gallant."


    "Sixth."


    "I have to admit, it’s a revolutionary outfit. Not everyone dares to combine a purple tuxedo with a red tie."


    "Why do I feel like you''re mocking me, Andersson?"


    "How do you plan to play with those gloves?" asked Clementina.


    Candado snapped his fingers and played the guitar for a minute.


    "Happy?"


    "…"


    "I’m waiting for your response."


    "It’s good. Very good."


    A lady suddenly burst into the room.


    "Get ready. You’re next."


    Then she disappeared as quickly as she had come, leaving Belén even more nervous.


    "W-w-what? N-n-no... not yet..."


    Candado placed a hand on her head.


    "You’re not alone. I’m with you."


    "Give it your best. It’s time to impress them with your violin," said Hammya, patting her shoulders.


    "Y-y-yes... No... Yes!"


    "That’s the spirit!" Hammya replied enthusiastically.


    The audience’s applause echoed.


    "It’s your turn," announced Andersson.


    Belén nodded, took Candado’s hand, and together they walked to the stage. A bright white light illuminated them, accompanied by the applause of the crowd. As they walked, Candado noticed that Belén was trembling.


    As they stopped in front of the audience, Candado bowed, also acknowledging the other gentlemen who would accompany their melody.


    "Everything will be fine," he whispered.


    Belén smiled with a noticeably nervous expression as she took her violin out of its case. Candado sighed, though what he felt inside wasn’t resignation. With a snap of his fingers, he made his guitar float from the dressing room to his hands, a trick he had already planned for the trio but always managed to surprise. He lightly strummed the first string, immediately eliciting applause from the audience. With a slight bow of his head, he closed his eyes but subtly opened his left eye to observe Belén. Although she seemed calmer, it wasn’t quite enough.


    Smiling cunningly, Candado lifted his head, looked at the audience, and without warning, shouted:


    "DECLAN, GIVE ME A CHAIR!"


    The silence that filled the room was broken when a wooden chair flew toward the stage. The audience was left speechless, including Belén and Candado’s parents, who exchanged incredulous glances. The chair landed at their feet, but Candado simply kicked it aside with his left foot before shouting again:


    "SMALLER!"


    This time, a small stool appeared flying from the same direction. Candado caught it in mid-air and placed it on the floor.


    "THANK YOU!" he exclaimed, bowing his head with a satisfied smile.


    Laura, in the midst of the audience, looked to Europa for an explanation, but she merely shook her head frantically, as confused as the rest. The entire room was on edge, wondering if someone might have gotten hurt from that display.


    And then, unexpectedly, Belén began to laugh.


    "Get ready for the show," Candado announced seriously into the microphone as he sat on the stool.


    The lights that illuminated him went out, leaving Belén in the center of the stage, still smiling.


    "Sorry for the little distraction, but now I want you to forget what you just saw and please, enjoy my… no, our song."


    The lighting dimmed over Belén as she placed the violin on her shoulder. At that moment, the chatter ceased entirely, even the murmurs disappeared. The melody began, soft and delicate, with each bow stroke producing a sound that filled the air with sweetness. Belén’s eyes seemed to stare into the void, but her hands and body moved in perfect synchronicity, as if she were conversing with the strings of the instrument.


    At first, the music was repetitive, but soon it began to transform. The melody evolved into something deeper, filled with sadness and emotion, a lament that drew sighs from the audience.


    From the shadows, Candado began to play his guitar, accompanying the violin with a rhythm that gave the piece body and structure.


    "Oh, oh, oh…" he murmured softly into the microphone, his voice blending the instruments into perfect harmony.


    The melody that emanated from Candado’s guitar strings and Belén’s violin seemed like a symphony woven by the same thread of fate, where each note transcended time and space, opening a portal to the deepest and oldest emotions of the human soul. When Belén placed her violin on her shoulder, the gesture was almost ceremonial, as if she were preparing not only to play but to invoke something sacred. Her gaze, lost in the void, seemed to look beyond this world, as if her eyes were directed to a place where only sound could reach.


    The first note that came from the violin was soft, almost ethereal, like a whisper of wind caressing the skin. It was the very purity of sound, a fleeting glimpse of a beauty so pure that anyone who heard it felt time stop. Each movement of the bow was a gesture charged with almost mystical concentration, as if Belén were merging her own being with the violin, conversing with it in an ancient language that the listeners couldn’t comprehend, but could feel deep within their souls. The music slid slowly, like a serene river flowing through a tranquil landscape, but within its course, something was being forged within the heart of the melody.


    As the piece progressed, the music began to transform. The notes started to carry a latent sadness, like a distant echo of something lost, something that could never return. The violin, which had once sung sweetly, now became a lament, a cry of the soul that resonated in the walls of every spectator’s heart. The violin strings didn’t just produce sound; their vibrations seemed to reach into the deepest core of human existence, awakening forgotten emotions, those hidden in the darkest corner of memory. Each new musical phrase was like a sigh from the past, an echo of a truth that could never be verbalized, but that everyone felt deeply in their chest.


    At that moment, from the shadows, Candado began to play. His guitar, initially shy, joined the melody with a gentleness that seemed to embrace the violin, as if both instruments shared a common secret. The guitar, its strings vibrating with each strum, provided a solid foundation, yet remained light, like the breath of a being aware of its fleeting nature. Its rhythm followed the pulse of the violin, but not merely as an accompaniment. Candado’s guitar didn’t just complement the music; it nourished it, strengthened it, adding a deeper hue to the already expanding palette of sounds that began to touch the limits of the human experience.


    Each note from the guitar and every stroke of the violin seemed to merge into a harmonious dance that wasn’t just music, but a wordless communication, an exchange of emotions that transcended the barriers of language and logic. Candado''s guitar, with its warm and deep tone, and Belén’s violin, with its soft, continuous lament, intertwined like two beings who understood each other beyond reason. Each carried an emotional weight that they shared, multiplying it, until the room became a suspended space in time, where only the music and the emotions it stirred existed.


    The listeners were not simply receiving a melody; they were being absorbed by it, as if each string played by Candado and Belén were drawing out the deepest parts of their being. The room filled with a reverent silence, not just from the stillness of the music, but from the intensity of the emotional connection that had been forged. The melody flowed like a powerful river, but its current did not pull; it caressed, enveloped, making one feel that the weight of the world could be released with a few simple notes. Everyone in the room felt that by listening to this music, they were being touched by something greater than themselves: a universal truth, a divine comfort, a hug that needed no words.


    Thus, the melody from Candado’s guitar and Belén’s violin was not just music; it was a primitive, ancient language that reached deep into the souls, revealing feelings that seemed to have been asleep for centuries. In the end, the echo of that harmony still lingered in the air, suspended, like an unspoken truth, but understood by all.


    After the performance ended, the lights dimmed and the audience erupted into enthusiastic applause and whistles. Candado walked over to Belén and leaned toward her ear.


    “You did it, it wasn’t so bad, was it?”


    Then, he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her, just as the lights returned to the room. Candado didn’t bother greeting the audience—not because he was rude, but because he was busy holding Belén and guiding her to the right spot for her to greet them. Even so, he took a moment to nod in gratitude a couple of times.


    When everything was over, Candado and Belén headed to the dressing rooms, where their families and friends were waiting.


    “Hello everyone, I hope…”


    Before she could finish, Laura rushed to her daughter, lifting her into the air and spinning her around. Belén, a little flustered, couldn’t help but smile. Candado, on the other hand, was left with words caught in his throat.


    “Congratulations, sir!” Declan applauded.


    “That was sensational!” the sisters praised.


    “Incredible!” Anzor summed up.


    “Original!” Matlotsky said with enthusiasm.


    “Romantic!” Hammya exclaimed with excitement.


    “What?” Candado asked, confused.


    “Nothing,” Hammya replied evasively.


    “‘Romantic,’” Clementina repeated in Hammya’s voice.


    “Clementina!” Hammya shouted, angry.


    Everyone began to laugh, except for Candado, who raised an eyebrow while displaying a crooked smile.


    “That was sensational!” Europa said as she embraced her son.


    “You really put in a lot of effort back there,” Arturo continued, smiling.


    Candado smiled and nodded.


    “Of course, I’m the wonderful guitarist of the Catriel family,” he said with a playful grin.


    A voice from a corner interrupted the conversation.


    “When I heard you were going to play the guitar again, I didn’t believe it for a second. But when Clementina sent me the photo, I made sure to sit in the front row.”


    Candado turned toward the voice.


    “No way... ícaro?”


    Everyone turned to look at him.


    “Norberto!” Matlotsky greeted, recognizing the visitor.


    “Don’t call me by my second name, builder,” ícaro replied, glancing at Matlotsky with some disdain.


    ícaro detached his back from the wall and walked toward Candado, who extended his hand. Candado smiled and accepted the handshake.


    “Hello, cousin,” ícaro greeted in a relaxed tone.


    ícaro was a man with black hair and gray eyes, his skin pale as the moon. He was dressed entirely in black: a cowboy hat, trench coat, gloves, formal pants, and riding boots. He had an extremely extroverted personality, sometimes more than those around him could handle. He was the only person who had defeated Candado three times in a row in a fight, and thanks to him, Candado discovered his passion for video games.


    Powers: Demon.


    Skill: He’s very good at drawing.


    “I can’t believe it, you here?” Candado said, incredulous.


    “Yeah, well, when I found out you were going to play, I couldn’t miss it,” ícaro said, smiling widely, his gaze locking with Candado’s.


    “I see Nelson has the bad habit of spying on people, you degenerate old man,” Candado commented with some disdain.


    ícaro laughed and moved closer to him.


    “And to think you have a beautiful voice, just like me.”


    “What the hell?” Anzor asked, confused.


    “Relax, relax,” ícaro replied with a playful smile.


    Declan, noticing ícaro’s proximity, put a hand on his shoulder, clearly uncomfortable with the young man’s presence.


    “Relax, Kennedy. I’m not going to bother him for now,” ícaro said, looking at Declan with an expression of indifference.


    “Aren’t you going to say hello?” a voice asked.


    ícaro turned and saw Europa.


    “Hellooo, Aunt!” he exclaimed before releasing Candado and enthusiastically hugging Europa.


    “How’s your mom?” she asked, smiling.


    “She’s fine, you know, she’s supposed to arrive in three hours, but since I’m so smart, I decided to fly here faster.”


    “You’re definitely in for a nice punishment,” Europa said, smiling mischievously.


    “Let’s go party, Candado,” ícaro said, not giving him a break.


    “What?” Candado asked, surprised.


    “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”


    “Don’t pull me, ícaro!”