—So my timitio will evolve into a nomitio?— asked Erica.

—I can't promise, but that's the idea.

—And I'll learn about magic?— asked Arturo.

—Of course.

—Can you take me to the ghosts?— Liliana inquired.

—More or less, that's a little more difficult, but I can tell you where to go to find them.

The three children looked at each other.

—Sounds too good for us— said Liliana— Where's the catch?

Tur smiled mischievously.

—The three of you must serve me during the conquest of a world of my choosing, in the not too distant future.

—No way!— exclaimed Liliana.

Her friends looked at her and crossed their arms.

—If Lili says no, neither will we— Erica stated.

Arturo snorted through his nose.

—Come on, I'll conquer worlds no matter what, it's what I do— said Tur.

—No way! We won't help you make more people suffer— Liliana complained.

—Yes, what nerve!— exclaimed Erica.

Arturo snorted through his nose again.

Tur put his fingers to his temples, tired.

—All right, all right, all right, how about defending my citizens? We're not the only empire in the web of worlds, after all.

Liliana looked at him skeptically.

—Of your citizens, not your territory. Don't try loopholes either, we'll simply void the deal. It will have to be a previously discussed mission in which all three of us agree to participate and for which you give us all relevant information before accepting.

—Gosh, how demanding!— pleaded the First— Fine, as you wish.

Liliana nodded in agreement. She stood up to shake Tur's hand, but then Director Labadie stepped in.

—Wait, wait a minute! Could we talk about this first? What are we going to do in Mother if our champions leave to train in Nudo? When will they be back?

—Oh, that's right!— Liliana lamented.

Arturo scratched his head.

—I wouldn't want to leave Mother alone either— he said.

—All of Mother's current bridges to the web of worlds pass through Noni Empire territory— indicated Tur —If we enter into a trade treaty and agree to protective service, the Empire can dispatch military companies to keep the world safe while its champions are away. These forces can consist exclusively of humans, if they think Mother's people will be uncomfortable with nonis still walking the streets.

—Really?!— exclaimed the director— This is all very sudden.

—Don't worry, director. We'll let our representatives take care of the details— said Tur— but no doubt these measures will allow the three champions to be trained in Nudo.

Director Labadie pondered for a moment.

—They will have to report at least once a month and when emergencies arise— he said— other than that... I think we're fine.

He looked at the other world leaders for any naysayers, but none of them felt they were in a position to weigh in.

—Not so fast, old man! Count me out— Erica pleaded.

Everyone looked at her, the leaders looked surprised.

—But... but Miss Sanz, this is your world!— said the director.

—A world that treated me like shit all my life— she protested— Why should I protect it?

The director turned to Liliana, asking her with his eyes to negotiate with her friend, but she refused.

—I'm not going to force Erica to do something she doesn't want to do— she said.

—Although we can't ignore the fact that we will be compensated for the work— said Arturo.

—Oh, that's right— said Erica.

—Generously!— exclaimed Director Labadie.

Erica scratched her head.

—All right, but I won't play nice just because I have a contract with the world. If anyone tries to harm me, I will destroy them, understand?

Director Labadie turned pale. He hadn't expected that answer.

—If you feel the need to kill someone, I will stop you— Liliana told her.

—And me— said Arturo— and then we will destroy the person who tries to hurt you, without killing them.

—Yes, we don't want you to kill anyone, but we don't want anything to happen to you either— assured Liliana.

—Oh, you guys!

Erica hugged Arturo, who was next to her. Labadie looked at Liliana still a little confused. He asked her if they were all right and Liliana smiled to let him know that everything was fine.

—Well, well, then... we accept your joint conditions— he said— but please, try not to kill anyone. Someone with your strength...

He couldn't finish, but it didn't matter, it was fine with Erica. Liliana extended her hand to Tur again, but then Arturo stopped her with a gesture.

—What's in it for you?— he pleaded— Surely there are plenty of people in your empire who are very capable of protecting your citizens and conquering worlds. You don't need three teenagers with little experience.

Tur laughed.

—Good point, kid. I'm really doing it for the ring Erica took from me.

—Huh? Why?— she pleaded.

—What? Did you think I only had it as a club membership?— he pleaded— My ring has great power; with it you can travel between worlds.

Everyone in the room's mouths dropped open.

—What?!—They exclaimed.

Tur shrugged his shoulders.

—How did you think I conquered worlds? Erica, you saw the palace I brought from Noradima yourself. You think I put it over a little bridge the size of a horn? Ha!

Erica looked at her hands, puzzled.

—It can't be!— she exclaimed— So now, I...?

—You have that power— Tur nodded— though it's not as easy as snapping your fingers and making a bridge appear to take you to another world. You have to have been to the place inside the world you want to go to, and if you use the power, you'll need several days to recover.

—OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh!— shouted the brika.

—Then you need that power to continue conquering— deduced Arturo.

—Yes, but Miss Party Pooper prefers something more peaceful— Tur pretended to vomit— although it has restrictions, the power of the ring can work very well for transporting large numbers. It is excellent for ambushing enemy troops or retreating if there are heavy casualties. Also, other rings have different powers. If you take away their powers like you did with me, I'll have some very powerful soldiers.

—Mmmm, I see— said Arturo— very well, I'll join in.

Liliana looked around in case someone else wanted to interrupt them. At last they all agreed, so she stretched out her hand and Tur shook it confidently.

—It's a deal!— they both exclaimed.

----------------------------------------------------

It all seemed great, getting paid for doing nothing productive. Erica was happy with the deal. However, a couple of days later, Director Labadie managed to organize an event, the first after the defeat of the nonis, to decorate the heroes who had won the victory and to assure Mother's population that from that moment on they were free.

She was taken to a room, where two women put her in an elegant dress and applied her makeup. The process of getting ready did not seem very pleasant, but she was surprised to look in the mirror and behold the prettiest version of herself she had seen so far. With the lack of a mother throughout her life, and not having much interest in the subject, she had never learned how to apply makeup properly. The few times she had tried, she had only managed to look like a tragic clown, but at that moment she felt beautiful.

Then she went to the second floor, where she met Liliana and Arturo, also dressed up in a pompous dress and a straight, elegant suit. The director had told them that in the future they would have uniforms that only the three of them would wear, distinguishing them as Mother's champions, but that for the moment they had no resources or time to make something, and they had put what little they had on hand.

When it was time, the three of them walked to the entrance of the palace and climbed onto a large stage for events. There the leaders of the world were waiting for them, with Director Labadie in the center and Tur next to him, also in formal attire. In front of them, behind security bars and a dense line of human soldiers, covering much of the gardens, stood a crowd of more than a thousand.

The bald headmaster began to speak. He gave a short speech recalling the tragic events since the invasion and ended on a cheerful note, introducing "the heroes who saved Mother." He then passed the microphone to them to introduce themselves, starting with Liliana. She gave her name and age, and the crowd erupted in cheers. She then passed the microphone to Arturo, who did the same. The audience responded in the same way. Finally it was Erica's turn, who put the microphone to her mouth. For a few seconds she was speechless, not knowing what to say. She looked at all those people smiling at her, but it didn't feel good, she disliked it.

—What...— she started— What do you think, you people? Do you think we all want the same thing here? Do you think I'm glad you're doing well?

Her words caused confusion. The director panicked and tried to take possession of the microphone, but Erica kept him away. Her friends and Tur did nothing, used to the girl's attitude.

—Lili and Arturo— she pointed at them— are the real heroes, they really wanted to rid the world of the nonis. I don't give a flying fuck about Mother. I don't care if you die or not.

Only then did she approach the microphone to the director, who stretched out his hands eagerly to take it, but at the last second Erica regretted it and brought it back to him.

—My name is Erica Sanz, I'm nineteen and I don't tolerate mistreatment.

Again she handed the microphone to the director. He made sure to take it before Erica changed her mind again. Concerned, he tried to say something to appease the girl's harsh words, but before he opened his mouth, the crowd began to applaud and praise her. Soon the shouts and screams turned into a standing ovation cheering Erica's name.

—What's wrong with them?— the brika demanded.

—I think they like your sincerity— Liliana guessed.

Tur and Arturo laughed, while the director tried to understand what was going on.

After that they gave the microphone to the First. He confirmed his decision to withdraw his military forces and mentioned that he hoped to establish trade with Mother in the future. Finally they lined the children up and gave them each a medal, in commemoration of their extreme courage and love for their world, or so the director was supposed to say. For the same reason a general chuckle was heard when they gave it to Erica.

----------------------------------------------------

The brief event was followed by a small party, the first of many that would celebrate Mother's release. Of course, the children were guests of honor. Erica didn't want to go, but the director eventually convinced her, with the help of her friends.

It was already dark by the time it started. Tur had every intention of going in and demonstrating his title, but suddenly a tinkling sound caught his attention. When he turned around, he found nothing, but he was not at ease anyway.

The party was taking place in the great hall on the second floor. From where he stood, the First used his timitio to climb the walls and appear on the roof. From there he walked aimlessly, looking into every corner, until he came to a large balcony pointing out to sea. The noise of the waves contrasted with the music and created a fissure of ambience where he felt safe. More relaxed, the noni leaned on the railing, waiting.

Soon he heard footsteps behind him, but did not turn around. He knew who it was. His companion stood next to him and leaned on the railing in a similar manner, assuming a relaxed attitude.

—I saw your fight— the Chainer said— it wasn't bad.

Tur laughed silently.

—It was lousy. I can't believe I lost to those kids.

The Chainer laughed too, then they paused in silence. They both had a lot to think about.

—How much time do we have left?— Tur asked.

—I'm not sure— admitted the Chainer— a day, a month, a year?

—A decade?

But the Chainer shook his head.

—No, that's a lot. Maybe five years, maybe less.

Tur put his hands to his head, troubled.

—What will you do if she doesn't make it?

The Chainer gazed calmly out to sea.

—Well... there will be no more chains.

Tur put a hand to his temple.

—No one else will do?

—No. If we could, we wouldn't have done any of this. Erica is the only one fit.

The noni tapped the railing gently so it wouldn't break, frustrated.

—Did you manage to contact the others? What do they say about the plan?

—No one likes it, but they'll do it anyway.

Tur sighed, pulling himself up for more air. He stared out to sea.

—You're crazy.

The Chainer didn't answer. Instead, he stared at him.

—What?— Tur asked.

—So you left the inner circle? You're no longer one of my chained ones?— he reminded him.

Tur shrugged his shoulders.

—What did you want me to do?

The Chainer laughed again.

—I'm sorry, it's just that I find it funny... in the end it doesn't matter, I'll leave the group too.

Tur looked down, a little sad. The Chainer noticed this and tried to lighten the mood with a friendly pat on the shoulder and a smile.

—Hey, I hear there's a party around here. Didn't you like parties?

Tur shook off the sad face, at least for him.

—Are you kidding?! I love parties!

—Come on, then!

—Yeah, let's go!

The Chainer disappeared. Tur hurried to the second floor. There he noticed that everyone was dancing, even Liliana, Arturo and Erica managed to do it between the three of them. Without wasting time, the First jumped to the center of the dance floor. People made room for him at the same time the spotlight pointed at him.

—Oh, yeah!— he exclaimed, as he began to move to rhythm of the music — I'll show you why they call me the dancing noni!

----------------------------------------------------

After a few days of preparation, the three children decided it was a good idea to begin their training. They said goodbye to the families of Liliana and Arturo, and to the heads of state. Then they headed to the garden of the building where they had been staying to leave. After a few last hugs, the three of them parted from the rest with their suitcases ready.

—Have you already learned how to make bridges?— asked Arturo.

—Tur taught me how he did it, although it is similar to what I did in the fight when I pulled you guys— Erica said— let me see if it works.

Suddenly, a long animal climbed up her shoulders.

—Eeeeeeeek!— shrieked Papel.

—Hey.

Liliana stroked the back of his head.

—And where were you?

Erica took a breath of air to relax. Then she looked at the floor in front of her. Tur told her she needed to think about the world she was going to and the specific place. Then she was to call the chain of that world and make it pass where she was.

—The chain of Nudo— thought Erica— the chain of the whole world.

She had no idea how many galaxies would separate the two worlds, but she did as Tur instructed anyway. She thought of Nudo's chain. She called out to it.

—Come to me!— she exclaimed.

As soon as she said that, a long, powerful chain of gleaming gold suddenly emerged from the ground and leapt into her hand. Erica took it, bewildered at how fast it had been. She thought the process was going to take longer, that it was going to take several tries, but the chains seemed to be smarter than she had expected. Then she pulled the chain in her hand and felt something form, a tunnel, a bridge. She wasn't sure if she had actually felt the bridge forming between the two worlds, but she knew she felt something.

The chain in her hand pulled toward its place of origin, as if asking to be released with its work done. Erica let it go, and Nudo's chain retracted back toward the place she had selected. The area on the floor began to swallow itself in a spiral.

—You did it!— Liliana celebrated— You really did it!

—Wow, I can't believe it!— exclaimed Arturo.

Erica looked at her hand with which she had grabbed the world chain. Such control, such power felt strange. She wondered what other abilities she would have as she took the next rings.

The bridge in front of her spun steadily, slowly and surely. It didn't look like it would close any time soon. With that done, the three turned one last time to the people who had come to see them off. They waved goodbye again and marched toward the bridge.

They reappeared in Primanoni, the capital of the Noni Empire and the city where Tur's castle was located. There they went and met a servant appointed to take them to their next destination. He led them to the flying ship terminal, where the three of them would say goodbye. Liliana and Arturo would take a flight to the border of the empire, where they would split to go their separate ways, while Erica would head to another country within the empire.

That was the last moment they would have together for a long time, none of the three knew how long their training would take, only that it would be at least a few months. They felt uncomfortable and sad, and although they wanted to tell each other everything at the same time, they did not know what to talk about, not even Liliana.

—Be careful— Erica asked them— just because you're outside the empire doesn't mean you won't meet bad people. I heard that mages are a bit elitist, and that in the vole empire they steal a lot.

Liliana smiled.

—It's possible, but that's what traveling is all about, isn't it? Getting to know new cultures, learning what's good and what's bad about them, dispelling stereotypes. Besides, from what I've seen, the vole are more delicate than the noni. That's always good for me.

—I didn't know mages were elitist— Arturo admitted— I hope it's not too annoying... but I'm so excited about learning magic that I don't mind too much.

The girls laughed. They both wanted to add something, but didn't dare. It was as if the words carried too much weight to simply say. A long pause formed.

—So how shall we meet again?— Arturo asked.

The girls' eyes widened. None of the three had thought of that.

—How about if the first one to finish their training goes to visit the others?— proposed Liliana.

—But who?

—I don't think we can visit you— said Arturo to Liliana.

—Ah? Why not?

—Because you're going to look for ghosts, people that even Tur doesn't know where they live. How are we supposed to find you?

Erica laughed, covering her mouth.

—Oh, it's true. I'd have to go see you guys.

Arturo assumed a meditative pose. Erica didn't need to think about it that much.

—Then let's look for an intermediate city, after Lili finds the ghosts.

Her friends were about to argue that they still had the problem of finding each other, but then two chains emerged from their chests. Erica held them carefully, pulled them towards her and caught them both in a tight embrace.

Liliana and Arturo looked at each other, surprised, and answered Erica's embrace. They had done it so many times by then that they were used to the shape of her body, but each time it felt as warm as the first.

—You are the best friends anyone could have. I feel like I don't deserve you. You don't know how much I thank you for sticking with me through my nonsense— she confessed, her voice moderately cracking— If anything happened to you, it would destroy me inside, so if you need me, just call me with all your might. I will come.

Liliana and Arturo nodded, smiling. As they parted, they noticed Erica's teary eyes, but they couldn't tease her, as they were pouting themselves.

—You're an impressive woman, Erica— Liliana told her— and you're nicer than you think, I assure you.

—We are also grateful to have you— assured Arturo.

—It's true— Liliana corroborated, then sighed— You don't know how happy I am to have met you. Now I can imagine the world through your eyes and it's so much more fun!

With that said, Liliana placed her hand on Erica's hand holding her chain.

—The next time we see each other, the three of us will be strong and kick the ass of anyone who gets in our way— said Arturo, and imitated Liliana's gesture with his hand.

Erica was about to burst into tears, but all she managed to do was nod and give a small

—Yes!

----------------------------------------------------

Liliana and Arturo left for their ship. Erica waved them off, and followed their chains with her eyes until they were out of sight. Then she sighed, at peace.

Finally she turned around. Papel ran to her, leapt up her shoulders, and wrapped around her neck like a scarf.

—Hey, there you were! You missed...

But he said no more. It didn't matter that Papel had missed the farewell, for he would see them again. Again she grasped the chains on her chest that connected her to her friends, fondly. In a way, they would always be connected.

Beware the Chains

THE END