GWB07E

**START**

**52. The Revelations of Leval**.

Beruche switched on the hall lights that slightly illuminated the garden. Now, under the cover of these they could all get a good look at the boy. He was standing a scant ten feet away from Roy and was of the same height and similar hair color, perhaps a little lighter, but what was most different was his intensely blue eyes. His clothes were like the combat uniform the boys had worn in the battle against the demons. On his back he carried a backpack and on his wrist was some sort of computerized watch.

- All right! - Roy said, indicating to him sharply. - This is what you wanted, so watch Iaaaa! - He let out a scream and transformed into a super warrior, the glow flooded the place. Everyone covered their faces, recoiling from the energy waves and the golden flames that licked the Saiyajin's body. - Are you happy now, boy? ...- he asked not without displeasure. -

           Everyone was astonished by the demonstration, except the boy, who didn't seem surprised and stood firm without moving a muscle, although he smiled with satisfaction when he replied.

-It's not bad at all. It's just as I had imagined. Well, now it's my turn.

At that instant, both Roy and the group of his friends were perplexed. They could hardly look at the boy who was concentrating his energy, causing a stronger and stronger breeze to rise around him.

- Did you feel that? - Sapphire asked the rest who nodded. -

- His energy is rising in an incredible way! - Nephrite added. -

-It's true. It is that force that we perceive. - Diamond reminded them. -

- Iaaaa! - the stranger shouted. -

- It's a super saiyajin! - Ail exclaimed, astonished as the rest. -

- Incredible! - Nephrite also commented, appraising. - He might be as strong as Roy.

            And everyone was staring at the boy in amazement, except for Tom. Then Leval said emphatically.

- How could I do it if I wasn't a super warrior of your race...?

Now they both looked identical but for the color of their eyes. Beruche looked at them alternately with his mouth open. The boy, realizing this, returned her gaze and smiled, declaring in a kind voice.

- Why are you so surprised? You already knew what a super saiyajin is. - And before she could reply he added, this time turning to Roy. - Now, with your permission, I'd like to check something else.

He disappeared at high speed and reappeared attacking him, but his opponent parried the blow effortlessly. Again, the boy attacked, this time with more intensity and Roy had a hard time keeping him at bay. Diamond, Nephrite, Sapphire and Ail watched those evolutions visibly impressed, that boy was faster and surely much stronger than any of the four of them! Where had he come from! Was he one of their partner's ancestors who had come down from the sky to test him? They didn't think that was possible, but they weren't sure either. They could only wait to see what their friend would do. And he finally decided to increase his energy to the second level and hit his opponent in the stomach, leaving him doubled over on the ground. Roy then returned to his normal state and even panting from the fight he sentenced with his face still expressing his surprise.

-That's enough boy, I believe you. Your strength is real, no government agency could simulate a Super Saiyajin, what are you trying to prove with this, did you come here to train with me?

Leval stood up recovering and returned to his normal state as well. He nodded, and then nodded in admiration.

-No, not just for that. But I reckon I could use it, it's impressive, you're much stronger than I thought you were!

-But that's all right. - Diamond termed, becoming the spokesperson for the rest of the bewilderment. - Is someone going to tell us what's going on here?

-Yes, we don't understand anything of what is happening. Who are you? - Ail asked that strange boy.  -

Leval gave them a look full of sympathy and sighed, he seemed to be resigned to something and spoke.

-I didn't plan for you to know about it. But since it is something that affects you too, perhaps it is better for you to be present. Fate has already chosen for me.

- That's enough beating around the bush! - Roy shouted at him, who was losing his patience at times and demanded. - Explain yourself at once! I have already seen that you are one of mine. I'll accept that you're telling the truth, speak and we'll believe you.

-Fine," Leval nodded, taking a breath to arm himself with the determination he needed to reply. - Indeed, I am a super Saiyan.

- Are you an ancestor of Roy who has come down to Earth to train with him? - Sapphire asked him to express that general doubt. -

-I am not his ancestor, but it is true that I come from far away to learn. - The boy answered. –

- Where do you come from then? - Petz asked him. -

- Maybe you come from the lost world of my ancestors? – Roy said, explaining to everyone. - Landar told me that, that planet was lost forever in another dimension. Have you managed to find a way here? Is that it?

Leval looked at them all with a slight sweep of his head and answered firmly.

- Not quite. But it's getting closer. Hard as it may seem for you to believe, I come from a place far away and from the future, some twenty years from now.

- From the future! But... - Ail exclaimed - from what place? Are you an alien?

-Let him go on. - Ann asked him, as interested as the rest in listening to that stranger. - He'll tell us if you stop interrupting him.

The alien nodded apologetically. Now everyone was silent, waiting for the young man's words.

-Twenty years from now," - Leval continued, now in a more serious voice. - I will be here and only I and another warrior will be left, together with Tom, to face a terrible threat.

- You mean the rest of us will be dead in twenty years? - Roy asked, as perplexed as the rest of his friends. -

-No,"- the young man denied with a somber gesture, pointing to the boys, and adding. - "You will die within a few years. - You will die in a few months, if we don't avoid it, of course, and that's why I'm here. That must not happen. At least that's what was explained to me.

- Who explained it to you? - Diamond wanted to know. -

-I don't know the details, but my mentor told me that time and space had been manipulated too many times and that this created anomalies. And that, because of one of them, my future did not follow its natural course..." - The young man replied, trying to explain himself, not without difficulty. -

The others exchanged looks of disbelief and then also of concern. None of them was very willing to accept this story.

-But who is supposed to kill us? We have fought and defeated the most powerful demons; it is not easy to defeat us. - Diamond boasted. -

-I'm talking about enemies, very, very powerful enemies. They come from another world. - Leval replied and began to explain. - You will see, they will be here very soon...

To the astonishment and horror on everyone's faces, the boy told them the same story as Tom, but omitting details about his own identity or that of Karaberasu's son, whom he only called a good friend. As he progressed in his exposition, his gesture became more tense and his voice deeper and deeper, overcome by emotion, impotence, and rage.

- Those monsters are terrible, we had to flee, hide, and watch helplessly their atrocities and slaughter. Once in anger, I attacked them, but to no avail.

None of his listeners could think of anything to say until Roy could comment, objecting to the boy's last words with astonishment.

-But you're a super warrior. Not as strong as me, but by the strength you have shown you are stronger than Nagashel himself. I am sure about that. And I suppose you haven't fought with all your energy.

-No." - The boy admitted, lowering his head. - I haven't. I came close, though. I didn't expect you to be so strong.

-Then I find it hard to believe there's anyone powerful enough to beat you like that. At least you were able to stand up to them, and if you fight, you'll get better for the next time. - His interlocutor commented, with the assent of his companions. - And you got the beans.

Although Leval shook his head with a saddened gesture, to answer.

-If you fight them at first you defeat them, that's easy. But somehow, they capture your energy and from their base they reproduce it," - the boy explained to everyone's horror. - More appear instantly and you must keep fighting harder and harder until you are exhausted, but they maintain your maximum energy level while yours runs out. No matter how hard you try to resist and fight it's a losing battle! At least had I known where their base was. - He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth spitting helplessly. - I guess that's how they got rid of everyone, even you....

Those words left behind a sepulchral silence that none of those present dared to break. They had gone from being euphoric and enjoying a new and happy life to feeling once again in the crosshairs of terrible enemies. And worst of all, according to this boy, they wouldn't stand a chance. That was too much, although a glimmer of hope arose when again Roy intervened.

-I remember an ancestor of mine told me something similar," - he said, extending his gaze to the whole group. -He went back in time, just like you.

          He thought back to when he trained in the Corner of Soul and Time. During a break he was somewhat apart from the rest of his companions when one of those mythical warriors approached him. His hair was almost violet blue, his eyes were blue, and he was noticeably shorter than he was. Despite that, Roy greeted him with great respect and deference.

-Master Trunks. It's good to see you. Are you coming to train us?

-No, I'm not here for that today. Besides, I see you're making good progress on your own. - He smiled after returning the greeting. - You have a lot of merit. I know very well how difficult it is to train here. I was here for more than a whole year.

-I suppose it would be to defeat a powerful enemy. - Roy commented. -

-A very strong and terrible one, yes. At first it was two androids. But then there was another one of those cyborgs that was even worse. The thing is that all of them were a threat to humanity. In fact, I had to come from the future to try to change history.

- Is that possible? - the astonished boy asked him. -

-Of course, you said yourself that your girlfriend came from the thirtieth century, didn't you?

Roy had to agree to that. It was true. Bertie had told him when Valnak had exposed their old lives. However, his master told him.

-My mother built a time machine. Because the fate we had was too terrible. And besides, it shouldn't have happened.

-I don't understand. - His interlocutor objected, declaring. - How do you know if something should or shouldn't happen?

-Let's say it's a perception. Something is stirring in the inter-dimensional fabric. Perhaps some very powerful creature has done something it shouldn't have, or it could be a great threat whose secondary effects go so far as to alter the course of events. I don't really know. What I do know is that you must always be alert. You and your companions will have a very important role to play in the future of Earth.

-I will try not to forget that. - Roy affirmed. -

-And another thing. It is not good to try to manipulate time too much. We learned that at the cost of many sacrifices and hardships. Serenity and her kind know that too.

- Serenity? - Roy repeated.

-You know her as Usagi, or Sailor Moon. One of her warriors, Pluto, oversaw guarding the space and time gate of this dimension. If you ever meet her, ask her about the taboo.

After those words Trunks smiled and walked away. His astonished descendant meditated on those words. Although later, as he continued with his training and focused on his mission to defeat Nagashel and end the evil on Earth, he forgot them. Now, remembering, he began to understand their meaning.

-Yes, it is something like what he told me. - Roy added, after coming back from his thoughts, focusing now on the boy to shake his head and affirm. - This must be a joke of fate. Or maybe it must be repeating itself. But he told me that his enemies were from Earth. Who are these you speak of? Where do they come from?

- And the Warriors of Justice? - Cooan then asked, his voice cracking. - Couldn't they do anything? Well, won´t they," - she rectified, confused. -

-They all died, or so I think," - Leval mused regretfully. - "They were wiped out at the same time as you! I wasn't born then, but they told me they didn't stand a chance. I don't know if they escaped with their lives or not. The fact is that their attacks, even in the Eternal phase, did not affect those things. And unfortunately, yours apparently didn't either. And now that I know how much energy you have - he added looking at Roy with concern - I am even more horrified to think that they finished you. I thought I had the same strength as you and that by overcoming it I could defeat them, that there would be a limit to their power, but I was wrong. If you together could not defeat them, I am no match for those machines and the monsters that accompany them.

Everyone tried to find something to say, something to oppose this terrible fate. This time it was Nephrite who made use of his acquired British phlegm, also trying to ease the tense situation.

-So, that means that by destroying their lair they would be easy to eliminate. - He concluded, giving rise to hope. -

-Exactly," - Leval conceded, elaborating. - After years of suffering and defeats at least we found this out. To regenerate they need to calibrate the power used against them, send the information to their base and have it return the energy boost by materializing another android with your maximum strength, but by then we are already tired. We will always lose, no matter how strong we are.

-But what about the magic beans? - Tom objected. -  "That'll get us back on our feet.

-It would only serve to delay defeat," - the boy opposed. - In the end they are finished, besides, you didn't know that. When you went to see what was going on, you didn't have any beans with you. You considered that the attack of these beings was not too serious, and you were overconfident. Tom, you went to get them, but by the time you got back it was too late, none of you survived.

-But now it will be different. - Emerald said hopefully. - We'll be waiting for them, and we'll surely be able to defeat them if we find their base.

-And we won't trust them anymore. - Diamond assured, taking his girlfriend by the hand. -

-That's why we must be very attentive to everything that falls from the sky," - Leval answered. - As soon as the meteors arrive, we must go to destroy them. We must not even give them a chance to crash on this planet.

-It will be enough to follow them in some astronomical observatory. - Sapphire said. -

-We'll call the government," - Tom proposed. - "We'll inform them, they'll take care of orienting their telescopes, then it'll be easy for us.

-We should also tell the warriors. - Beruche proposed. -

-Yes," - the boy agreed with a much more animated tone. - It will be much easier for all of us, and we should not take any risks. Those bastards of Gralas and his commanders won't manage to catch us by treachery this time.

- I beg your pardon. - Ail asked with a look of surprise. -

-I said they won't be able to take us by surprise. Now that you know that. - Leval repeated. -

-No, I mean the name of that guy you mentioned. - The alien clarified with visible interest, making everyone pay close attention as well. Apparently, it sounded familiar to his friend. - What was his name?

His interlocutor frowned and spat with contempt.

- Gralas, the tyrant of the Galaxy. He's a damned power-hungry alien who enjoys destroying and enslaving the civilizations of as many worlds as he can find in his path. In my time he sent some of his commanders to Earth and they were as cruel and despicable as he was. As well as powerful. They annihilated most of the population of this world and used the rest as slaves, whether they were men, women, children, or old people.

Leval could reluctantly recall many sad and terrible scenes he witnessed in his time. Despite trying to free as many as he could, most were not so lucky and were exploited to death by those merciless machines and the evil beings that controlled them. Some, and to the misfortune of humans, were individuals who were traitors to their own race and preferred to thrive as slave taskmasters. Ail snapped him out of those bitter memories by giving an exclamation, raising a hand to his head to assert.

- Of course! That was the boss of the guys who killed me, I remember now! They claimed to serve a certain Gralas. They weren't demons like the ones we're up against here.

-They must have been his outpost, probably on their way to Earth. - Nephrite completed. -

-Now it all makes sense. - Roy affirmed. - So, you and Annie ran into them. They probably eliminated you in case you could warn of their presence.

-I think they did it simply because they enjoyed it. - Ail sighed. -

They all gave each other worried looks. So, they were up against a very well concerted complex of destruction. They alone might not be enough to defeat such adversaries. So, they would have to gather more allies. Each one thought of someone and then Sapphire proposed, first addressing his brother, and then extending it to the rest.

The man who hired me owns many high-tech companies. If this boy could give him some pointers.

-I don't think it would be bad. - Diamond agreed, who despite everything, didn't like the guy, but this was a force majeure. - At least that's what he'll be good for.

- Decided! - Sapphire said. - I'll take care of helping their experts in whatever is needed in addition to training.

-We must resort to anything that can help us. - Tom added. -

The faces of the group were in general agreement at that. Meanwhile Beruche kept glancing furtively at the boy and his boyfriend. He couldn't help but be curious and asked Leval.

-You look a lot like Roy. Are you two related?

-I've already told you. I belong to the same race. - The boy answered, apparently uncomfortable with the question. -

-Yes, but apart from that, are you related? - Bertie wanted to know, getting dangerously close to the truth. -

-Let's say I'm sent to save you from people in your family whom I know, but I can't tell you more. I am sorry. - Leval added abruptly, anxious to put the matter to rest. -

Just like the others. Beruche sensed the boy's discomfort with these questions and did not insist.

- What is your name? - Petz asked, thinking that there would be no problem. -

-I can't say either. - The questioned man apologized apologetically. - That would create complications for me.

-I don't think so. - Tom rebutted, adding instead with a respectful and conciliatory tone. - But if that is your wish.

-If the boy won't or can't tell us, leave him alone,"- Ann asked sympathetically. - He's done enough to come and warn us about this.

- Where do you live? - Cooan asked her with gentle caution, especially when she added. - Can't you tell us that either?

-On an island," - Leval replied, relieved to be able to say something. - Owned by a very rich man.

-That sounds familiar. - Diamond said, looking at his girlfriend who nodded immediately. - Isn't he a Masters, the same heavy who has been sending me offers to work for his company? I think he owns a big island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. - He asked the boy, squinting his eyes sharply. -

-I can't answer you either, I'm sorry. - Leval mumbled, lowering his head. -

A tense silence ensued. Leval then sighed, adding.

-I'm sorry, I must be very careful about anything that modifies my own existence. Though perhaps, if I think about it coldly, given what awaits us, it would be better simply not to exist at all.

That left his listeners perplexed, it was Emerald who took the floor with a surprised voice to assure them with conviction.

-But boy, how horrible is this future of yours? It can't be worse than a world dominated by demons.

Everyone was stunned when tears began to fall from the boy's face, which he tried uselessly to avoid.

- It's worse, much, much worse! Demons were evil, but at least they had a kind of soul, they destroyed or not guided by their desires, they feared sacred symbols. They even had human-like weaknesses. In my time there were even hybrid beings, children of demons and humans, who fought on our side. Moved at least by the desire for survival. Even a she-devil helped us.

The boy remembered that woman and her daughter. They were powerful, but as helpless or even more helpless than he was when it came to standing up to those monsters. At least, together with some brave fighters, including that other girl he was in love with, they could barely resist trying to save as many men, women, and children as they could. However, he also remembered now the thousands of dead and the horror of the victims and could not help crying, as he added in a broken voice.

-Those damned invaders have no soul, no desires, no fear of anything! Nothing mattered to them, they respected nothing and no one. They couldn't be frightened or moved I've seen such horrible things that I almost went mad! As much as I fought and tried to save those poor people, I could do nothing, not even for the children. I still hear the screams of the children sometimes. - He concluded with a broken voice, bringing both hands to his face as if he could eliminate his terrible memories. -

Everyone gave her looks of astonishment and even horror. Beruche moved closer and gave the boy a handkerchief, something inside her made her feel a great pity for him and awakened her protective instinct.

-Calm down, you are safe now. - She whispered to him in a soft, sweet, and encouraging voice. - Surely all that terrible stuff will never happen again.

Leval felt comforted, as he always did when he turned to his mother in times of despair, when he deeply wished to leave everything behind and escape to any remote place that might exist. But she encouraged him and always managed to pull him out of that sea of pain and suffering. The same as now. years before he was born! He couldn't answer that charming young woman who was unaware of his identity, he just nodded more calmly.

-At least tell us if you know some of the people here. - Ail then intervened. -

-I know Tom and the girls. - He replied, surprising everyone. "- They told me.

- You know us? From what? - Petz asked him astonished. -

-I can't say either. - Leval shook his head and really felt it in his soul, I wish I could! -

-Boy, you're a drawer full of secrets," - Nephrite declared, not bothering to hide his nervous tone, "and I don't like having so many secrets kept from me.

-Neither do I. - Amanda added, although more casually, trying to calm Nephrite at the same time. - I'm a journalist, so imagine!

-I'm sorry I can't tell you more. " - Leval apologized with a hint of bitterness, adding with growing anxiety. - Believe me, I would like to, but it is for your own good, and for mine. And for mine. Please trust me!

-You should trust us too. - Diamond replied, crossing his arms in an admonishing tone, adding with an argumentation that was truly irreproachable. - You must understand our point of view. It is not every day that someone who claims to come from the future tells us that we are going to die and gives no further explanation. And certainly, believe me when I tell you that I know what it is like to try to change history. Even if it was for less honorable reasons. In any case, it is no easy task.

-That's enough, fellas. - Tom said to calm things down. - Don't harass him anymore, the boy has good reasons to act like this, I'm sure, I trust him.

- Sure, man! - Ail said with indignant derision. - It's easy for you to talk like that, you know you'll survive!

            Tom turned to him visibly irritated and replied harshly.

-Hey, do you think this is funny to me? I've been carrying it around for days.

The others were again stunned, they could now understand the cause of their friend's apparent depressed state during that time. Still, they all agreed with Ail that at least, he would tell. Again, there were voices asking for some more information, however banal it might be, as opposed to others who advocated dropping the subject and focusing on what really mattered, destroying those machines, and aborting that future invasion. The words were getting dangerously loud, and then the boy intervened in a hurry, and in a pleading, tone asked them.

- Please! You must not argue among yourselves, I beg you! Now is the time when you must be more united than ever. Otherwise, I will have failed in my mission before I have even begun.

-The boy is right," – Roy said, who had been on the sidelines, silencing any other possible reply, especially when he said. - " I believe him and that's enough for me. Don't worry, together we will change this horrible future. While that meteor arrives, we will train. Surely, the stronger we do it, the fitter we will be, the more we will be able to endure, and maybe we can think of something while we do it.

-Destroy their base." - Sapphire declined, refocusing on the subject. - Those bastards are supposed to kill us because they'll catch us by surprise, right? But like we said, it's going to be different now.

-Hey boy - Petz who couldn't avoid the question even at the risk of triggering a new controversy, asked him. - Do you know what will become of our sister Karaberasu? Please, if you can't tell us, at least tell us if she will be all right!

-Of course. I can tell you that. - Finally, Leval smiled with satisfaction when he was able to answer. - She will be fine; she was able to take refuge and fight in hiding. Then she joined you, along with her son. I assure you that you will see her again. I have every confidence in that.

- With her son? - Cooan exclaimed, looking at her husband. -

Now it dawned on him why Tom had been so sure that Kalie was going to have a boy. That boy had to tell her when she saw him. Although she would have to be upset, she thought that, given the circumstances, her poor boyfriend would have had a very difficult few days, she smiled at him and shook his hand. That certainly comforted Tom who returned a grateful smile.

-Thank you very much. It means a lot to us." - Petz smiled, feeling as moved as the rest of the sisters. -

-Now that we know that we have more hope for the future. - Beruche declared with renewed optimism. -

-Well, we'll have to train ourselves, we've been slacking lately. - Ail intervened, going on to recall that crucial issue by admitting unequivocally. - Peacetime has made us rusty and exercise has been very scarce.

-Yes, that's true. I haven't really gotten back to serious training either. But it will be very different now. - Roy added resolutely. -

-But what about your team? - Cooan asked. - You can't stop playing now.

-That's true, with all the trouble you've gone through to get it. - Bertie said, looking at him with concern. –

-It's not a problem. - He answered without giving it any importance. - This is much more important and, besides, I will train at night or in the corner of Soul and Time. There, one day outside is equivalent to a whole year inside and my team's training sessions are nothing in comparison, I can do them just to warm up.

Leval was stunned to hear this, that name rang a bell. Perhaps from some old story he was told as a child. Oblivious to that, Roy smilingly commented.

-First, we will train here. Then you will come with us to this place, and you will see.

-Let's go by parts, let's call the warriors and coordinate our efforts. - Nephrite declared. -

-We'll take care of that. - Cooan said, who harangued them. - You, from now on, let's train!

-Then I will call Masters immediately and bring him up to speed as I told you. With his resources and technology, he will be very useful to us, and he is eager to score points with you, brother. - Sapphire intervened who looked at Diamond. -

Although the latter did not seem very happy with the idea, he nodded with renewed approval to what was said before. However, he allowed himself a half-joking, half-serious comment when he said.

-Perhaps we are overestimating him too much. I don't see how that millionaire could help us if he needs us so badly, I don't think his technology is a match for those machines. Apparently, he only cares about buying Emerald's designs and surely, he is more concerned about having a date with her.

-Come on, honey," - the alluded woman whispered following his joke. - You're not jealous?

- Me? What nonsense," - he hastened to answer with some haste, amidst the smiles of the others. - Call him if you want, but for the record, I don't trust that guy's ability!

-Thank you all - Leval said - now I have regained hope. The sacrifice of those who remained in my future will not be in vain!

- Of those who are left? - Nephrite asked who, immediately corrected himself with the typical phlegmatic sarcasm he treasured. - No, let me guess! You can't tell us.

-Well, let's get going then. - Roy urged them, turning next to the boy. - Boy, you stay with us while we train, and Tom, you, and Connie too, please.

-Agreed," - his friend conceded. - We can postpone going west for a few weeks. I'll call the sales agent and explain that some things have come up for us here, won't you, honey? - She nodded with a smile as he slipped an arm around her shoulders. - I'm sure she'll understand.

The others didn't want to ask them what they meant, that sounded like something private to the couple. Anyway, that was irrelevant now. They had to focus on this new mission. And so, they all separated to get down to work on their respective tasks. With their effort and determination, in a race against the clock, to save the World again.

-At least now I have some hope. - Leval thought. -

He recalled how he got out of there when the enemy was on his heels. Those machines had finally located the island where they were hiding. Amidst the cries of alert and call for defense from those present, the words of his uncle Tom resounded.

- Let's go! They'll be here in a matter of minutes. There's no time left, Leval. You must go.

They were in a large room, with a strange, armored chamber into which he, his uncle and Mazoui were about to enter. Only Tom knew that strange spell, and only his cousin's power would be enough to provide the energy needed. The boy nodded, hugging his tearful mother, who nevertheless gave him the best of smiles on her age-worn, worried face.

-Have faith, honey. You can do it.

-Yes, please wait if everything goes well, this will never have happened. - The boy asked. - Or in any case, he might come back with reinforcements.

-I'm sure he will, my love. - Beruche sighed. -

Another young girl waiting to say goodbye was that attractive girl with long brunette hair and green eyes who hugged him in return.

-I will take care of your mother. - She promised him. - Mine and I will protect her and the rest. At the very least, we'll give you all the time we can.

-I know, thank you very much. - He replied acknowledging. -

Although another beautiful young woman, also with long brunette hair, gathered in a more functional braid and steely blue eyes, waited. When it was her turn, the two embraced, kissing with passion. Leval looked at her with astonishment and excitement.

-Well, now I can really express what I feel. Maybe I won't have any more chances. - She smiled, caressing his cheek. -

-I love you, Jane. - He whispered. -

-And I love you, Leval. But this is much more important than the two of us. Who knows? - the girl added in a hopeful tone. - Maybe, in another, better future, we will also be able to be together.

           At last, she pulled away, trying not to cry, Jane was a strong and weathered woman. She proved it when he met her as one of the leaders of the resistance. Leval had convinced her to come with him to that island, to use it as a base of operations. Now the young woman looked at him with a mixture of pride, love, and hope, like the rest. The others were also secluded. It was his cousin Mazoui who, in a serene tone, indicated to him.

-Come on, we don't have much time.

-It's ironic. - He was able to smile sardonically to add in a quiet voice. - That's the key. If this goes well, we'll have all the time we want.

-I'll try to get you to the right time and place, but that takes concentration. - Tom interjected. -

The three of them went into that armored chamber. It was designed to withstand at least a few enemy attacks. But that was not its function. Possibly, initiating the spell to travel through time would release an enormous amount of energy. Both Leval's cousin and uncle would be in a continuous enclosure constructed of special armored glass.

-Professor Tomoe was a genius when he designed this. - Tom commented, turning to Mazoui. - He allows you to use your power to propel the spell while protecting you from it.

-Yes, between Professor Tomoe, his wife Kaori, his daughter Keiko, Satory, and Dr. Wallance, they have done a lot for us. At least they have allowed us to live here with food and water supplies that those scoundrels have not been able to track down. -His interlocutor agreed. -

-Sometimes I've felt like a privileged man, and my conscience hits me. I have lived here, with luxuries that the rest of the people on Earth have not been able to enjoy. - Leval sighed. -

-We brought as many as we could, and we collaborated with the resistance groups whenever possible. - His cousin wanted to encourage him. -

-Fortunately, those disruptors that Professor Tomoe designed, in collaboration with other scientists, allowed us to bypass their detectors. At least so far. - Leval affirmed. -

Outside the alarms had begun to sound, the enemy was approaching. Tom signaled them to be ready, declaring....

-Come on Mazoui, get in here, you Leval stay perfectly still and close your eyes if you want to. I'm going to recite the spell....

And the boy nodded, now, a familiar, but at the same time strange, female voice asked him in a whisper.

- Are you all, right?

The young man opened his eyes, coming out of those memories. Before him stood his future mother, that kind and attractive young woman, smiling at him, but giving him an uneasy look.

-Yes, thank you. I guess I'm a little tired from the trip. It's kind of like jet lag.

-Yes, I know that feeling. - She agreed in an affable tone. - Come on, come inside, you can settle down in one of the rooms and rest.

-I wouldn't want to be a bother. - He hurried to say hurriedly. -

-Not at all, we've just moved in, and we have plenty of room. - His interlocutor replied. -

Roy watched them go up the stairs, although he didn't say anything about it. He did, however, make an aside with Tom and asked him, while Cooan telephoned Japan to contact her sailor friends.

-Tell me something, my friend. Did he tell you anything else?

-He only told me a couple of things when I first saw him. - He replied, not wanting to lie completely, he added. - Now I've found out the rest, just like you.

                    His interlocutor nodded, satisfied with that. Beruche, for her part, left a large empty room for the boy, apologizing in haste, she commented.

-I'm sorry there's no bed or furniture yet. We must decorate and furnish it. We had started with the living room, the bathrooms, our bedroom, and a guest room to be occupied by Tom and my sister Cooan. We didn't expect to have so many guests so soon. I'll have Roy get you a mattress. I'll get some sheets.

To her surprise, though, the boy gave her a warm, knowing smile, declaring kindly.

-This is a hell of a lot better than most of the places I've had to sleep. And I'm a Saiyajin. For our race this is a luxury.

His companion smiled affably at him return and left him for a few moments. Bertie came down the stairs, looking at Cooan.

-I was going to call the girls. - Her younger sister commented. -

-Let's do it together. - Bertie suggested, to which Cooan nodded. -

            In Japan, it didn't take long for Cooan's call to come in. Ami took the call and pretended not to know about it. Then it was Bertie who picked up another portable device to join the conversation. Her sailor friend, Ami, let them brief her.

- Are you sure? - Ami wanted to know. -

-We can trust that boy. - Bertie assured her. -

-In that case, I'll let the others know and bring them up to speed. Has he told you how much time we have? - The sailor wanted to know. -

-Not exactly," - Cooan replied. – But I think that I heard him to speak of months.

-Thank you. I'll call the others and we'll see what we can start doing. - Ami said goodbye. -

               Soon after she hung up, she did indeed call the others and they held an emergency meeting in the sanctuary.

-Good. - Mercury commented to her companions. - They already know that mysterious boy of the future has informed them. He has given them proof that he is a super Saiyajin, almost as powerful as Roy.

-Yes, that's right. I have consulted the matter and they have told me that this boy is telling the truth. But he shouldn't be here. - Mamoru confirmed. -

-The warriors from outer space have also kept us informed. – Luna, who had come with Artemis, said. - From the far reaches of our system they have detected a series of objects heading towards Earth, on a collision course. It all fits.

-But are they sure that what is approaching is an enemy object? - Makoto asked. -

-It could be some of the millions of asteroids or rock and ice fragments orbiting in the Oort cloud. They are still too far away for us to confirm. - Artemis termed. -

-I remember what happened when we were still fighting those demons. Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto had to face a scout. Or so they told us that he said he was. - Minako mentioned with a reflexive gesture. -

-Possibly it's related. It could well be an advance party to test our defenses. - Rei commented now, affirming unequivocally. - But what is certain is that the threat is very dangerous. I saw it myself when you asked me to consult the sacred fire. - She remarked with visible concern, turning to Usagi who nodded. - We cannot take it lightly.

-No, indeed, the outside ones have notified me something of that. - Usagi then told them, explaining to the others. - Among the wreckage of the ship in which that scout they confronted arrived, they have located some sort of black box. Possibly it had been sending a signal to space to report its position since they finished with its crewman.

In fact, when they arrived in Hokkaido and scoured the area, the girls were shocked. Hardly any debris was left there when the Japanese government research team and Masters Corporation companies combed the area. Inexplicably, though, they didn't find that kind of box.

-We were able to locate it because we detected a disturbance due to the signals it was sending into space. - Setsuna told them and speculated. - It may have been activated recently. Like an emergency signal with a timer, in case a certain period passed without news from that explorer.

-That's the most coherent thing we've thought must have happened. - Haruka added. - Since these guys' travels must take a long time, perhaps they have time frames of weeks or even months and years, so that those signals are automatically activated if their owner doesn't report their whereabouts.

-In any case, what do you want us to do? - Michiru asked her in turn. - Do we destroy that box or allow it to broadcast to locate the signal?

-For now, let it emit and follow the course of that signal to see if it does indeed attract someone. - Usagi indicated to them after weighing for a few moments what to answer. -

- Wouldn't it be better to eliminate it? - Haruka suggested. - We can't risk revealing Earth's position to potentially hostile forces. -

-I'm afraid that by now those forces already know where we are. But we are the ones who don't know where they are coming from. - Setsuna replied. - Perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea to let it continue broadcasting to find out who is receiving the transmission.

That reminded Sailor Moon and when she came out of her thoughts she commented to the rest.

-As I told you, this time we will join the fight from the beginning. And we will do it with everything we have. Unfortunately, the efforts that both Mamoru and I have been making, as well as those that Chibiusa is trying to carry out in the future, will not be ready in time to face this threat.

-Still, there is hope. - Ami reasoned, smiling in relief despite everything. - Think about this. If Chibiusa is in the future carrying out what you say, it means that we have a future. That we will defeat these new enemies as well.

However, the faces of her friend and Mamoru darkened, more so when he declared in a serious tone.

-That's the problem. We haven't been able to communicate with our daughter for some time. This was not supposed to happen. By some strange alteration of the space-time fabric, it is as if events from another parallel dimension were invading the one, we are in and apparently preventing inter-temporal communication.

It was so complicated that even Ami herself did not know what to say. It was Makoto who, more direct and truer to her style, affirmed raising a fist.

-Whatever the threat is, it's there, and it's coming. Our duty is to protect the planet and neutralize it. And we have many powerful friends and allies now.  So, rest assured. As usual, we will give a good spanking to anyone who dares to endanger the Earth.

- That's the spirit! - Rei agreed, smiling again. -

-Go ahead then, we don't have a minute to lose. -Usagi harangued them. -

Meanwhile, three of the outer warriors, recently returned from Hokkaido, received a call from Mamoru. Pluto answered the phone and Endimion gave a summary of what he and the other sailors had discussed.

-Things are looking bad. - Setsuna sighed as she hung up, nodding with visible concern. - A new threat is looming over Earth. And it seems to be very serious.

She explained to her companions what her sovereign had told her and added with an air of concern.

-It is the taboo, once again it has been broken.

- Again? -  the astonished Michiru exclaimed, asking. - But how?

-We had eliminated all risk when we were in the past. At least we thought so. - Haruka affirmed. -

-No matter how small the dimensional rifts are, sometimes they are enough to trigger a domino effect. - Her fellow space-time guardian told them. - And we're not sure where some of them might have been. Many of those corridors opened without any explanation. At least right now we don't have one. So, they could have been made from the future and traveled the reverse path to us and the past.

-In that case we will have to return once more. - Michiru sighed. - But when and where?

-We will be methodical. And we'll be patient, first let's face this crisis. Then we'll see. - Haruka said. -

-As for that damn black box, do you think we've done the right thing? - A doubtful Neptune asked. -

-It was the orders we were given. - Her partner responded with a touch of sharpness as she added. - I suppose the queen will have her reasons. In addition to the ones Setsuna stated.

-About that, I don't know if Serenity will have more data than us or not. But as for what we talked about before, I will inform the kings once, I am sure. - Setsuna said, indicating to the others. - But, for now, it must be kept the secret from the others, including Hotaru.

-By the way. We must meet with her. We will need her. - Michiru commented. -

-Very well. Now she was spending a few days with her father. - Haruka said. - But Tomoe is going to have her work cut out for her when all this starts.

-And, above all, Saturn's strength is essential if we want to face whoever those guys are. - Setsuna added. - Judging by what that boy has told you, they are beings of a power that goes beyond that of the super saiyajin.

- What do you mean? - Haruka exclaimed, her eyes widening with a mixture of astonishment and alarm. - Even stronger than Roy?

-It seems so. - Sailor Pluto commented. - That's why we don't have a moment to lose. First, we'll take care of this, and if we come out of it safely, I'll take care of investigating that matter of the time gaps.

-Then, let's get to work. - Michiru harangued them. -

Her companions nodded and separated, ready to fulfill their tasks, just like their companions from the inner solar system. The first phase of the planet's defense was underway.

**START**