GWB11E

**START**

**56. New Relationships. The return to the future.**

Leval and Roy reappeared in the sky. The boy from the future was still gazing in fascination at the place, white and immense. Full of silence and peace. His father, apparently not paying much attention to all this and now in an unbeatable good mood, began to call the wizard loudly, breaking the harmony.

- Hey Landar! Old man, I need your help... Are you around?

The questioned did not take long to answer, he appeared a few meters away from him, reproaching him with an indignant voice.

- What do you mean, old man, you could be a little more polite to your mentor! - He scolded him with his arms raised and glaring at him with his eyes. -

- Don't get angry, man. - He apologized to his colleague with a stupid smile adorning his circumstantial face. - It's just a figure of speech. You see, we've come to ask for your help for...

- For the boy... I guess.

                Landar cut him off, feigning sternness and avoiding that his foolish interlocutor put his foot in his mouth.

-Yes, exactly. - Roy agreed, noticing his interlocutor's cloak. - "He needs to go back to his own time.

       The old man nodded slowly, then added to both with a much more serious tone.

- I know, I've been watching your battles and I know what's going on. The truth is that I am surprised that you come here to ask for my help and call me this way. I must tell you that you are a great warrior, but it happens to you just like your master Son Goku. Sometimes your education leaves much to be desired. - He reproachfully remarked. -

The alluded one lowered his head, rubbing his neck. In effect, his mentor in that place had infected him with that nonchalance at the time of addressing the magician. Although he didn't mean it in a bad way. It was almost a kind of joke between the two of them.

- Excuse me, sir. - Leval intervened who, oblivious to this and concerned about the old man's indignation, hoped that this would not dissuade him from helping him and tried to mediate as best he could. - I'm sure Roy didn't mean to offend you. That's just the way he is.

- Easy boy! - the wizard laughed, eliminating that pretended indignation, (although he had been somewhat annoyed on previous occasions) - I know it's a joke, of course Roy, I can't explain how you space warriors can look so much alike physically and so little intellectually. - He remarked without wanting to be more specific. -

- Huh? What do you mean by that? - the alluded one asked, pretending to be annoyed by such a comment. -

- Well, well. - The old man responded, waving his hand scornfully to put the subject aside. - Let's move on to more serious things. Follow me. - Landar opened an intricately patterned silver door that had apparently always been there, but which none of them had paid attention to, and ushered them into a sort of hall. - The problem is basically this. - He explained as he walked with his companions behind him. - Many of your friends, who did that enchantment to get you here, still don't exist. Well, that's not accurate," - he corrected carelessly. - Your cousin is alive now, but he's just a baby now, he's of no use to us. The others are at this moment living other events that we should not modify and Tom, who was the one who elaborated it, has not yet learned to do it. Anyway, you knew this before you came.

-That's right," - Leval admitted, declaring crestfallen. - There was no alternative, I resigned myself to not coming back.

The boy remembered well that afternoon sitting with that girl with long dark hair and blue eyes that he liked so much. She was one of the survivors who had learned to face those monsters. Though without powers of any kind. She was a simple human. At least in the physical realm. As for her personality and her courage, she was without a doubt, an outlier. As determined and energetic as she was attractive.

- So, you're leaving? - she asked him with a tone of regret that she could barely camouflage. -

-We have no other solution. - The young man sighed. - Only that way can we have any chance. At least prevent history from repeating itself.

-But you're not sure if that will work out. What if...?

Although here Leval cut her off by gently placing a finger on the girl's lips to state kindly.

-In such a case it would be an acceptable risk. I try to fight those Gbards and their commanders as best I can. However, I am convinced that one day I will eventually fall.

- Don't say that! - the girl asked, clinging to one of his arms. -

-It's the truth, Jane. You know it as well as I do. - He smiled faintly, affirming dismayed: - "If not even my father and his friends, or the warriors of the Moon themselves could do anything.

-You are not alone. You have your mother, your aunts, ILaya and her daughter, your cousin, and those scientists on the island where you live. And of course, me.

              He nodded looking at her with evident embarrassment, and even daring to gently caress her cheek. Finally, after sighing, he sighed and spoke.

-It's only a matter of time. If I don't try this, someday they'll find out where we are and destroy us. You know they will show no mercy. They will wipe out my mother, my aunts, uncles, cousins, and everyone I love. - The young man declared shaking his head slowly to sentence. - No, I know what I must do....

- Will you come back? - She asked him in a trembling voice. -

-I don't think it's likely. Although, who knows? Maybe in the past, when we were all together, they could help me?

Jane nodded, not wanting to continue the conversation. She just pointed to the sky and muttered.

-The evening is very pleasant, the clouds are so beautiful that, for a few moments, I forget about the horrors that exist under them.

Leval did not reply to that, he simply drew her to him and kissed her on the lips. Now he thought of those moments and longed for his own. Even though he was with his parents and aunts and uncles it was not the same. He felt like a foreign element. He wasn't supposed to be there. It was like having a misplaced piece in a puzzle, when it fit, but despite everything, it was clear that it was not there. That could mess things up. In this case, the future of his own parents. It was then that he looked at Landar, who seemed to have read his mind.

- Don't worry," - the wizard reassured him in a cordial tone. - I will send you back.

The boy opened his eyes like saucers and his mouth, revealing his surprise and his joy when he exclaimed.

- I hadn't thought of that! No one told me about you when I came, thank you very much! - Leval smiled. -

- Well," - Landar sighed, trying to think about the question that occupied him so much. - It's going to turn out that you look more like Roy than I thought. - Undeterred by the withering glances of the latter and the astonished looks of the boy, the wizard continued analyzing the problem. - Well, you must return just before the island is attacked, destroy the base of these individuals and then them.

- And wouldn't it be better to go back just before those bastards return? - Roy asked him, adding sharply - That way no one would die...

          But Landar sighed and shook his head to explain.

-That's what the boy had done when he came here. He would repeat the same thing. For that he wouldn't have to travel back in time again. What he would have to do is to resume his time continuum.

-I don't quite understand. - Roy commented. -

The old man looked at him kindly now and explained.

-You see. Before Leval traveled through time to warn you, there was only that timeline in this dimension. Now that he has changed the facts, it is as if he had built a kind of partition that turned this reality into two separate and independent ones. In one you are here, alive, and with the opportunity to forge a future. In the other, however, are those he knew. In short, he belongs to a different dimension. That is why he must return at this very moment; it will be as if he had never left. Thus, he will restore his own timeline. He could use an ace up his sleeve for that. Well, my boy," - he added, turning to Leval. - I guess after all that training you've mastered the technique of instantaneous transmission.

The boy shook his head, looking at him blankly. He had certainly heard of it. Although no one had explained to him how it was done.

- This..." - Roy interjected apologetically at the wizard's stern look. - Well, I wanted to show it to him, but it slipped my mind, what with the training. Could we go into the room for a couple of hours? I think that will be enough, he's a smart boy. A month should be enough for him.

- Another month in there? - Leval asked, visibly alarmed at having to wait so long. -

- Don't worry, it will pass quickly, we'll take the opportunity to practice a little more, it won't be bad for you and it's a technique that will be very useful. I assure you. - His interlocutor replied jovially. -

- I'll need all the resources I can get. I will need all the resources I can use. - The boy agreed, focused and ready to achieve his new goal. -

Landar said no more. He looked at Roy as the boy from the future stood with his back to the white vastness and winked. Telepathically he communicated with the boy's father to tell him.

-I understand that you want to spend a little more time with him. There's no problem with that.

           Roy simply smiled broadly. He had not forgotten to teach the technique to his son, but he wanted to share a little more of his experiences. Perhaps to have that contact that the boy never had with his other self in that alternate dimension. That was a short time, in just a few months he had tried to compensate that magnificent boy for a lifetime. But it was all he had. Though he stopped smiling once Leval turned away, waiting impatiently. Then the wizard, pointing to a golden door that had appeared before them, once again unnoticed, motioned for them to enter the room.

-I don't know how he manages to make these doors appear without our knowledge. - Leval commented in a whisper. -

-I haven't been able to figure it out yet. - Roy agreed with complicity. -

-Come on, you must go in. - The old man insisted.

           The two young men did so and entered. As they did so, the door disappeared as if it had never existed. Landar then telepathically communicated with someone, reporting.

-That's it. The first of the temporal faults has been repaired.

At last, the two hours outside had passed. The two came out of the room even stronger and Leval had mastered the technique, though still not very well.

- You'll just have to practice it a little more and you're done. - Roy encouraged him. -

- Have you finished? – The wizard asked them, appearing as always from nowhere. -

- Landar, now I'm the one who must tell you something. Regarding your stellar entrances, let's see if you stop this habit. - He reproached him, startled as always by the surprise. -

- I must talk to you, Leval. - The wizard said to the boy, ignoring Roy's last comment and adding in a serious tone. - There is something you would like to know, follow me.

The two warriors went after him, but Landar stopped and said to the boy's father.

- I have only called Leval..." - he pointed to the boy. -

- I also want to know. - His companion replied, very intrigued by what the old fool had to tell the boy. -

- You can't know, so stay here waiting. - The magician ordered him. -

- But why? - Roy insisted, protesting plaintively as if he were a child. -

- Don't be a bore," Landar sighed, providing himself with patience. - Only this boy can know what the high hierarchies want to reveal to him. - And before the surprised look of the boy, the wizard smiled at him adding with affectionate cordiality. - This Leval, is a gift that you have earned for your courage and your bravery to change things in this dimension.

Then, as was his custom, the old man materialized out of nowhere a portal and indicated the boy to enter.

- Come on, fear nothing and come. - He encouraged him and he himself entered. The boy, although somewhat hesitant, went after him and the portal disappeared behind them as if it had never been there. -

Roy stood there with his arms raised and a disenchanted look on his face.

- So, he did, huh? - He raised his voice to nowhere in particular and grumbled in a comically threatening manner. - You could at least offer me something to eat. I'm starving, you're not very good hosts to say the least.

Out of nowhere two bags of potatoes and a plate appeared....

- Wow," - Roy exclaimed, astonished, and confused, mitigating his protests. - That's very nice of you, thank you, and some peanuts?

Another bag fell from nowhere. The boy stared at it and said more animatedly.

- I certainly didn't expect it, I'll try not to stain your clouds with shells. - And with a smile of not having broken a dish he dared to add. - I don't want to seem like a freeloader or to abuse your generosity, but this is just dry.... And don't you have a beer to go with it?

He didn't get an answer in words either, but a can of soda fell from above. He grabbed it on the fly, looking at it thoughtfully, and said with an amused and sympathetic expression.

- Of course, you can't drink alcohol here, I should have guessed. That's fine, thank you very much.

And without saying more, he started to drink, eat fried potatoes and peanuts while he waited...

In the meantime, Leval was with Landar. Enveloped by a zenithal glow, they were walking along a kind of long corridor until the wizard stopped and asked him kindly.

- How is it going with Roy?

-Very well," - the boy responded, who thought he had unveiled the wizard. - Besides teaching me the technique he has told me many things about him and Bertie. Well, I mean about my mother, I guess you know the whole truth, don´t you?

His interlocutor smiled, nodded, and placed a hand on the boy's right shoulder and informed him.

- Now I must leave you. What you must see will be shown to you by a higher being. I am very glad to have met you. You have been a worthy son of your father and when you return to Earth and are ready, I will send you back to your future.

- Wait. - Leval asked him to confirm something he already imagined - You already knew that Roy is my father too, didn't you?

- Yes," - the wizard nodded who told him, reflecting optimism in his countenance. - Your father and the others, once the proper time current is restored, will build a beautiful future for you and all those who will come after you, thanks to your determination. In that you are just like him, you both fight for the people you love. By the way, there is a young woman who will need your support in there. - Landar commented with a mysterious air. -

- Who is she? - The boy wanted to know with a surprised gesture. -

- You don't know her in your time, she didn't exist in your dimension, but here she will, and when the time comes, your words will help her. I can't tell you more now. Don't worry, you'll find out soon. Goodbye young warrior and good luck....

- Thank you very much for everything - the grateful boy said, but the magician had already disappeared. -

Leval was left alone in the dim light, but he did not feel lost. A soft voice spoke to him and behind it, out of nowhere, a being of light with immense energy came towards him. The boy was overwhelmed by the force that emanated from that apparition, it was the most powerful and sublime thing he had ever felt, without any comparison to anything earthly. Despite this, or perhaps precisely because of that aura so full of goodness that he perceived, he was not afraid.

- I am a guardian angel of time," - that being introduced himself. - I have come to show you the destiny of this dimension. We want you to see what the future that you have helped to save will be like.

The boy looked up, because his interlocutor was huge, at least three meters tall and at the same time was graceful and slender. He was fully proportioned and moved with gentle gestures like the breeze. The boy could not help but stare at him in wonder as he whispered shyly.

- I'd very much like to see him, thank you.

The angel extended his arm and images gradually materialized as he said to the boy.

- Look and you will see how the life of your other self will be in this time.

Leval smiled at the wedding between Roy and Bertie, his mother-to-be looked beautiful in her wedding dress, as did Tom and Cooan, and Ail and Ann. Then the rest of the group. Almost imperceptibly the events were happening faster and faster. He saw how he was born; he grew up fast and then he would have a sister, she was very pretty. Her hair was almost the same style as her mother's, but in shades of brown. They were both becoming teenagers. He could see that not everything was beautiful and ideal in that life. He had then a very beautiful encounter, with that person whom, indeed, he had to support. That beautiful girl so like her mother, but noticeably taller and with big and intense green eyes. She was very surprised to see him. She looked sad and he wanted to cheer her up. They talked and then the girl faded away. She had to go back to her world....

- I wish I could have met you in my time! - the boy thought when the girl disappeared. - You are wonderful, and full of courage and love for your own.

               But Leval could still see many more things. In those other future complications would also arise and again they would have to struggle to maintain their happiness, but in the end it would work out. Years passed and both he and his sister in that dimension became two adults. Then he saw himself, or rather his other self, wearing a uniform he could not identify and traveling through the stars. And he was together with his friend Mazoui! And many others whom he knew.

- Jane! - He thought he recognized his beloved in some of those visions. - You'll be here too!

           However, he did not continue to see her in them. Although he was glad that his faithful cousin and sparring partner also remained by his side in this other reality. However, what caught his attention the most was to see that he was accompanied by a beautiful blonde girl whose features were familiar to him, although he had not seen her before. His dimensional alter ego seemed to be in love with her, in fact, they were married and had two children. Those children, boy and girl, were growing vertiginously joining other youngsters who accompanied them to a deep and distant place. Then the visions ceased, and the angel said to him in a solemn tone.

- From your other self and that girl will be born two children with a great spiritual strength, they will help to harmonize the Cosmos and the child will be called Asthel, like his grandfather.

Leval did not understand what he meant by that. Perhaps the angel was referring to his maternal grandfather. But he told him what his mother had never told him. The history of earlier mankind. The boy listened in amazement.

- So, all this is part of a great cosmic complexity of which both I and my counterpart in this other time are a part. I am a deviation in the life that this other Leval must have. - Thank you for allowing me to see him, I guess I shouldn't say anything. - The angel made an imperceptible movement of his head that confirmed that statement to unveil him. –

- Your existence is important too, as much as that of the Leval you have seen. Indeed, good, and evil wage a perpetual battle in all times and dimensions. But there is something much deeper still that in due time will manifest. That is what is causing the disturbances in the dimensional fabrics. When the time comes, the last great battle must be fought. But that will no longer be up to you. Fear not, there will be new heroes, those hard-working boys of your vision, along with other beings of light, will be the ones to do it.

- I do not understand anything you say. But I trust your word. - Leval was able to answer, who then wanted to know out of curiosity. - And what will my own future be like, because the one you have shown me is not properly mine, but that of the child who will be born at this time, my other self. His path and mine are separated here, aren't they?

- That's right, but it is up to you to carve your future, young Leval. - The angel smiled kindly and explained to him as well. - An ancestor of yours had a similar situation. It is the wheel of destiny that turns and repeats itself every cycle. As I have already told you, all these tribulations and struggles of many beings who have preceded you and who will succeed you in infinite dimensions are part of a much greater plan. Now, go back to your father, then return to your future world and be happy.

The angel disappeared without my even perceiving it. In fact, without any transition, he found himself back next to his father who was still eating potatoes and fiddling with peanut shells and an empty soda can. But he was interrupted by the sight of the boy's return.

- What a vice! Once you start eating, you can't stop. - Roy declared, then whispered in Leval's ear. - What did they tell you? Now that Landar is not around, you can tell me. You can tell, can't you?

- He has given me great hope, both for my future and yours. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you more. - The questioned one smiled, who nevertheless seemed very happy. -

- Don't worry about it,"- his interlocutor responded, playing it down. - Perhaps it would be better not to know. It would take away the excitement. Let's go back home, I must drink something. That soda has made me almost thirstier than peanuts and fried potatoes.

Leval was about to question him about this, but his companion did not pay much attention to him and told him to get ready. They both concentrated on transporting themselves to where the group was waiting for them. Without saying a word, Roy ran to get a bottle of lemonade, which he gulped down in two gulps. Then he returned to the others.

- Wow. - Diamond, who was the first to speak when he saw them, said. - So now you've mastered that technique too. Better, this way you'll have a much better chance.

- Yes," -Leval agreed, - "and by the way we have trained a little. I've increased my strength; I think I'm now definitely ready to beat them.

- I wish you the best of luck, my friend. – Sapphire intervened. -

- Yes, you will succeed, I'm sure of that. - Ail affirmed enthusiastically. -

His interlocutor thanked him for those words with a smile. What wonderful people! He was very sorry to have to leave them, but he consoled himself with the thought that soon he would see his people again and save them from the horror in which they were immersed. But this was no time to be sad. They all decided to say goodbye with a good meal and so they did so amid laughter and jokes. Joy took possession of the group that celebrated the victory and the salvation of the Earth. Leval was the object of all kinds of advice, compliments, and good intentions from those gathered there, although he noticed that both Roy and Bertie had been absent for a few minutes. It didn't take long for them to reappear, and she proposed to her friends.

- Why don't we take some pictures as a souvenir for Leval?

They all nodded enthusiastically, although no one would volunteer to shoot the camera and stay out of the frame. Finally, they did something smarter. Roy pulled out a video camera and placed it in front of the group. He left the automatic on and joined in the general revelry. In this way the minutes passed until the tape ran out. After that and then, yes, a few photos of the boy with various groups of people, came the inevitable moment of goodbye, as the voice of the magician resounded in the boy's head telling him.

-It is time.

- Now friends, I must say goodbye. - Leval declared with barely contained emotion. - I don't know how to thank you, you are all wonderful.

The others gathered around him, giving him looks of affection, support, and encouragement. Little by little they made a space and Leval shook hands one by one with the boys and kissed on the cheeks all the girls who smiled warmly at him. It was a beautiful afternoon; the birds were singing among the sunlit branches. Everything was beautiful and calm. The peace that had once been denied him could be enjoyed here, if only it could last forever, but of that, he was sure Roy and the others would take care of it. Leval looked around happily, he was very happy to have contributed to save this time and to have saved himself from his own fears. Now it was his turn to end the pain that afflicted his own dimension to bring peace and happiness to his own. He was more willing than ever to do so and was confident of success. All this was going through his mind until the moment of saying goodbye arrived. It only remained for him to say goodbye to Tom, Cooan, Roy and Beruche. First, he said goodbye to Tom.

- Thank you very much for everything, my friend. - He said hugging him with great affection. -

- God be with you and may you have lots of luck and happiness, boy. You deserve it! - He wished him the one who would be destined to be his uncle in the same way. -

Cooan said goodbye to him with a kiss on the forehead and a smile that he returned. He had the most emotional moment left, he would have to control himself, now more than ever. He had spent many moments with them, and he had succeeded, but on this occasion, he would have to bring into play all his mental discipline and his fortitude. He tried to do so by approaching them both and telling them in a cordial, excited and affectionate voice.

- Bertie, Roy, thank you so much for all you have done for me, I will never forget you! - He hugged Beruche, and she once again stroked his hair trying not to burst into tears. Leval gave her a long kiss on her forehead, both of their eyes were blurred with tears. - I want to remember you like this- he told her, his voice breaking almost on the verge of tears. - As beautiful as you are now and with a beautiful future ahead of you!

Finally, it was Roy's turn, Leval approached him.

- Thank you very much for everything you have taught me and the things you told me.

He extended his hand also very affected by the feelings.

- You're welcome. It has been a pleasure for me. Now, my boy. Fight as you know how and save your world. Do it for all of us. Remember, the fire of San Telmo burns within you.

- I will do it. And I promise it will never be extinguished. Thank you for everything. - The boy was able to reply almost in a whisper. -

Roy nodded and told him.

-Listen to this other song. It's by the same group as the one that brought back such bad memories. But I know it will make you replace that bitterness with the hope you deserve.

And he turned on a CD player, connected to a speaker, so that everyone could hear it. And once again Leval was moved since so much of those lyrics seemed to be meant for him and his parents.

***This is where we are today***

***People going separate ways***

***This is the way things are now***

***In disarray***

***I read it in the papers***

***There's death on every page***

***Oh Lord, I thank the Lord above***

***My life has been saved, yea-yeah***

***Here we go***

***Tellin' lies***

***Here we go (here we go)***

***We're right back where we started from***

***People going separate ways***

***This is the way things are now***

***In disarray, hey***

***I read it in the papers***

***There's death on every page, oh***

***Oh Lord, I thank You from above***

***My life has been saved***

***Ooh, my life***

***My life has been saved***

***My life***

***My life***

***My life has been saved***

**(My life has been saved, QUEEN, credit to the artists)**

And Roy even accompanied the lyrics along with Tom, both displaying their great voices. They were all very excited, but he more than any of them. As the music ended, the boy's father had a lump in his throat, he knew he should keep quiet, but he couldn't and declared overcome with emotion. Using a line from his favorite movie.

- Everything I have, everything I have learned, my feelings, will pass to you. I know you will make my strength yours; I will see through your eyes as you see through mine. The son will become a father and the father...a son. For never will a father be so proud of a son, neither in the past nor in the present nor in the future, as I am of you and as I surely would have been had I lived then. You have proved to be much better in everything than I. God bless you, son, good luck! I love you and will love you always, in any dimension!

Leval couldn't take it anymore, he cried hugging Roy. Bertie also burst into tears completely overwhelmed by the moment and hugged them to the surprise of all the others who were left with their mouths open. Except for Tom and Cooan who were also smiling and crying with emotion. The boy declared between stammers.

- Dad, Mom, I wish you to be very happy in your new future! I will try to be happy in mine, I must start it together with my loved ones. We will give hope and a happy life back to the people with what you have taught me.

He separated from them a few meters and gave the signal to Landar to be transported back to his time. Before this happened, Roy stepped forward remembering something he almost forgot in the emotional tension and handed the videotape to the boy.

- Give this to your mother when you see her. From us.

- The recording. She'll be so excited to see it! - Leval said, smiling gratefully and still wiping away tears. -

- And my farewell. - Roy confessed with a smile full of affection. - What you said she never had.

At the boy's surprise, Beruche interjected, still sniffling back tears.

- We recorded it, Roy...- Although the girl stopped and corrected with a big smile, there was no longer any point in hiding it, so she added. - Your father and I when you came back from Heaven. We went into the next room. - She explained, still sobbing and her voice was still shaken. - I told him that I was sure that in the future I would have liked to have it. There you will always keep us all with you.

- Thank you, Mom! - the emotional boy smiled, still shedding tears, and giving her a new and strong hug. - Thank you for loving me even without having had me yet....

Then Leval noticed that something tugged at him, feeling how Landar had pronounced the incantation. Smiling he waved his hand in farewell. He began to turn, this time in the opposite direction from how he had arrived and slowly faded away.

- Farewell, brave son of the future! - The sobbing Beruche still wiped away her tears and bid him farewell - I hope you will be very happy!

- He will be. - Roy assured her, filled with pride. - He is an exceptional boy, a super warrior with his mother's courage and kindness! - And he added with great solemnity, trying to calm down. - Bertie, we have a great responsibility. To have a son and raise him well, to be like him. I wish with all my soul to be the best husband and father I can. And to begin with I want to ask you officially and before all our friends to marry me and this time without any doubts or fears.

- Oh! at last - she exclaimed, getting excited again. - If you only knew how long I've waited for you to ask me!

- Well, let's go tell everyone - the boy proposed, taking her by the hand. -

         The girl nodded adding then with a certain complicity.

- I hope the other camera has recorded everything as well. For nothing in the world, I would miss to keep this memory on video.

- Don't worry about that. - He smiled. - I rigged it in such a way that it captured this whole part. It was lucky you were able to buy it while we were back in Heaven.

- Who knows? - Bertie smiled now with a tone full of hopeful anticipation. - Maybe someday we'll be able to broadcast this to our son!

              Roy nodded with the same joy and they both ran to meet the group that had remained secluded in the other part of the garden, leaving privacy to the couple, and commenting on the incredible news that Leval was Roy and Beruche's son. Of course, with the interventions of Nephrite and Diamond who pouted at each other saying that each had suspected it all along. When their friends met them at last and gave them the news of their liaison, they all applauded. Tom and Cooan also communicated their desire to marry, there was more cheering, and they decided to have a double wedding. And encouraged by the moment, the alien proposed to his companion once again, as he did before leave for battle. She gladly accepted and Ann and Ail then joined them. Thus, a triple ceremony was organized. To the general merriment, especially of the remaining girls who were already corralling their respective partners eager for them to imitate their friends. Annie for her part wanted to dress up as a bride to indulge Ail's wish. Cooan and Bertie smiled radiantly hugging their fiancés. And in this hopeful way, a new stage in life would open for the group, in a new future without immediate worries. But what happened to Leval in the meantime? Since none of them could notice that mysterious dark figure, levitating a few meters above them and opening that big book by turning some of the pages...

EPILOGUE

The trip back to the future was like the outward journey, Leval could not get used to those strange sensations that accompanied the time travel. When the tinkling sound that accompanied him as he slowed down subsided, he reappeared in his own time. At least he hoped so. But to his surprise he did not do so on the island where he lived and from which he had departed, but in a cold and snowy place. Then it dawned on him, it was Alaska, no doubt close to the base of those androids.

- Landar sent me to the right place. To their main base. - He thought gratefully - now I will have it easier.

Indeed, he took out of his jacket the detector and the disruptor he had been given and put them to work. In the distance an energy field could be detected. He approached stealthily and discovered the base of those beings. It was time to proceed with caution, they did not know he was there, and, on this occasion, he had all the advantages on his side. He resorted to instantaneous translation. He remembered some things that Sapphire told him when he destroyed one of the bases. Concentrating on the energy emanating from his enemies' base, which came from a mysterious black crystal inside a cylinder and connected to quite a few wires, he transported himself inside. In fact, this ability went far beyond what his father had taught him.

-They must have given me this ability somehow. Roy told me that this technique only worked with the energy of people or living beings. - He pondered in puzzlement. - Or maybe that dark energy is so evil that it belongs to some definite entity. That's why I could feel it clearly enough to transport me.

Whatever it was, that was a huge advantage for him, since by appearing there instantly the androids couldn't even react. Inside their base they were unable to fire for risk of damaging their power source irreparably. Leval knew this and once inside, without giving them time to make any other plan, he concentrated his forces to the maximum and unleashed them, destroying the enemy base, blowing it up. He was unharmed, certainly his progress had been amazing, but it was not the time to celebrate yet.

- There is no time to lose. - He said to himself trying to detect the vital energy of his friends. -

             However, he remembered that they had locked themselves in the bunker, precisely in order not to be tracked by the robots. Besides, they were too far away and their mastery of the technique, despite everything, did not allow for such a degree of precision. The androids that were heading that way did not emit a signal that would allow him to appear next to them. Only with the tracker he was also carrying was he able to follow the direction. He hurriedly flew towards New York. Then something surprised him. He always used to hide near the ruins of a scientific complex. That was the laboratory of ILaya's late husband. At least that's what her daughter told him. He remembered it well. One afternoon, shortly before traveling to the past and after recovering from another defeat at the hands of those damned cyborgs, Leval sat dejectedly on a stone, looking at the ocean that rolled around the island where they lived. That brunette girl with big, beautiful green eyes approached him.

-I'm glad you are well. - She told him kindly. -

-At least I live to be beaten another day. - He sighed with disenchantment and bitter irony. -

-It's more than my poor father ever got. - She affirmed with sadness in her tone. -

-I'm very sorry. - He hastened to reply, looking at her with regret and regretting his words. - I have no right to be sorry.

-Of course, you have. But it leads to nothing. - His interlocutor replied, pleading. - My father knew that his sacrifice would give us a chance to survive for a while longer. He pretended to work for those guys to lure them into a trap and save my mother and me. And who knows? Maybe, with that, he gave us the chance to find something with which to defeat them at last.

Leval nodded, that girl was very brave and full of courage, as well as being very intelligent and beautiful. Of course, if he had not been in love with Jane, she would have been a girl to consider. And at that moment she looked at him smiling to affirm almost between amused and resigned.

-You never know. Things can change. The question is whether for better or worse. Although I don't think the Earth could be worse than it is now.

-I know Uncle Tom and Mazoui, they're working on something. They have an idea to try to take these bastards down. And I think I'm a big part of it.

-My mother told me something like that. I don't know what she meant, though. - The young woman replied. -

And two days later she knew. That plan to send him back the past, combining the knowledge and powers of his uncle, his cousin Mazoui and ILaya among others. So, he was surprised to see that the scientific complex of the father of that brave girl was still standing.

-I will try to feel the energy of..." - He said to himself, concentrating again. -

He disappeared, reappearing inside a laboratory. Immediately he saw a badly wounded man....

-Calm down. - He smiled and said confidently. - This time history will not repeat itself.

-But... Who are you? – That man, with dark brown hair and wearing a lab coat, was able to say . -

-A friend. - He replied laconically. -

And concentrating once again after taking the man in his arms, Leval disappeared. He appeared in the devastated remains of the city. There, after taking out a bean and giving it to the man, he asked him.

-Wait for me here, do not leave or move until I tell you. I assure you that everything will be all right.

And his interlocutor, already recovered after eating that bean, nodded muttering.

-Thank you...

       Leval smiled confidently and disappeared again. He materialized a few meters away from a reddish-haired woman showing two long, thin fangs. He recognized her as ILaya, but she was not alone. Cornered and badly wounded, she was trying to defend herself from two guys dressed in strange white dungarees. One of them, of alien appearance, sneered.

- Ha, ha! - Don't worry, we'll be right back to reunite you with your hubby. The jerk must have taken out one of our guys by blowing up his lab. Even if it didn't do him any good. At least it's fun.

-Yeah, come on, do us a favor, gorgeous. Smile at us with those cute little fangs of yours.

- Damn you! - She hissed, throwing a bolt of energy at them. - I'll never forgive you...

However, those guys pushed the beam away with a single swipe, causing it to discharge its force against a wall, which it reduced to rubble. ILaya gasped in exhaustion. More when one of her enemies hit her, knocking her to the ground.

- And that's it? - the man laughed, sneering. - And you were a powerful she-devil? Don't make me laugh!

The poor woman was crawling around trying to get up and glaring at her enemies with a look full of hatred and helplessness. The other one, a chubby guy with a bluish hue, was about to finish her off with a bolt of lightning when suddenly she simply stopped being there....

-What happened? - One of those aliens asked, looking around him. -

- Who was it? - the other wanted to know. - Where is she?

It was then that Leval appeared before them, holding a lifeless ILaya in his arms. She could barely whisper.

-You must run away. They are very strong...

The boy didn't answer right away, he simply placed her carefully against a piece of wall and after taking out a cloth bag, he took out a bean, saying to his interlocutor with kindness.

-Eat it. You will feel better.

The she-devil accepted, chewing with difficulty, although in just a few moments she felt completely recovered. She could barely say as she stood up.

- This is incredible! This is faster than my regenerative power...

However, those two aliens were not willing to be ignored any longer. One of them pointed a sort of hand ending in a long finger at Leval urging him to respond quickly.

- Who are you, human?

-The one who is going to finish you all off. Filthy scum. - The young man smiled nonchalantly. -

- Ha, ha, ha! - the bluish-haired one laughed. - I'm going to have a laughing fit. Let's see. - He said extracting a kind of visor from his breastplate and after placing it on one of his temples. Scanning the boy with it. - Combat strength of three thousand units... You're even more pathetic than that bitch from hell.

ILaya bared her fangs menacingly but dared nothing more. Telepathically she then informed Leval.

-My daughter went to warn you. My poor husband gave us time to escape by distracting the Gbards and pretending to collaborate with his masters. But they have discovered the location of the island. It's only a matter of time before they attack...

-Then let's not lose it with this garbage. - Leval declared, smiling once again. -

Of course, those words displeased his adversaries. One of them, the tallest one with a bulbous pear-shaped head, blurted out.

- I'll take away your laughs, you scum!

Then he attacked the young man at high speed. The perplexed ILaya did not even see him approach. It was clear that they had only been playing against her. However, what stunned her the most was that the young man dodged again and again the attempts of this guy to hit him.  After a few seconds it was the boy who counterattacked, sinking his fist into the belly of his rival, who buckled under the impact...

-See you later. - Leval said with mockery. -

             He then emitted a powerful beam that pierced the alien, opening a large hole in his stomach and back. Even before he fell to the ground, the boy gave him a kick that launched him into the clouds, exclaiming....

- Here's a free ride home!

- Damn you! - the other one exclaimed, attacking him and the she-devil with a powerful ball of energy.

However, the boy simply rejected it with the same reluctance that those beings had shown in repelling ILaya's attack. He threw that sphere of energy into the sky, causing it to explode. A great glow illuminated the surroundings for a long time. Finally, Leval pointed at the guy with his arm outstretched with his palm facing him. Instantly a powerful energy beam disintegrated his rival who could not even scream at the speed of the attack....

- That was incredible! - The she-devil was able to say. -

-Now I must go. Try to stay safe until all this is over. - He asked her kindly who however added. - But before that, give me your hand.

ILaya nodded, now returning to her human appearance of a woman with half brown hair and green eyes.  Smiling slightly, she replied.

-I remember the legend of the Sun warrior. You are even stronger than I was told. But, even so, you must be careful....

-Don't be afraid. I have destroyed their base. From now on we can eliminate them, and they won't come back. - The boy smiled broadly, placing his hands on the shoulders of his interlocutor to add. - Let's go. Hold on.

And his interlocutor obeyed, holding on to the young man's hand. The two disappeared, reappearing among the rubble of a nearby place. There, the she-devil commented in surprise.

- But why have you brought me here?

-There is someone who wanted to see you. - The boy smiled, pointing to her back. -

His companion turned around and as she did so, her face lit up with a big, excited smile. She could barely exclaim with a voice full of surprise and joy.

- Robert! Is that you? But you had...

-Yes, darling, it's me. - The man answered with the same emotion, trying to explain himself. - It was that boy who saved me....

The she-devil ran to her husband and embraced him between sobs. She could barely glance at Leval before smiling and mumbling.

-Thank you... Thank you very much!

- You're welcome. I must go now. - He replied kindly, to finish it off. - Be careful and hide until this is over...

               And without waiting for a reply, he quickly took to the air. Immediately he stopped looking at the couple. He had no time to lose, he was heading towards the island. With his increased speed he hoped to arrive before the enemy, who, without a base, would have no chance of regeneration. So, he set off for home.

-I must catch up with them before they arrive. - He said to himself anxiously. –

             Those were some very tense minutes, the boy was forcing the march and despite his enormous speed, he did not have it all his own way. However, he soon managed to catch sight of the island and overtook it, heading towards the robots that were heading there. Then he saw them coming over the horizon. With a battle cry that echoed through the sky, he increased his strength to the limit and attacked them in a devastating way. Without the possibility of being reconfigured and renewed the androids succumbed with great ease. Leval settled all his outstanding accounts with them. His adversaries tried uselessly to scan him to reproduce, but it was in vain, as they did not get any response to his signal. And there was something else, or rather, someone. A certain Gralas hitman who had made him suffer. He did not want to tell anything about it since he had that thorn in his side and he was a living being, not an android. As evil as he was, perhaps his parents and the friends he had left in the past did not understand his desire for revenge. But now it didn't matter since this one came flying in now, surely confident, after his robot outpost. It was a dark-haired fellow who flew in a kind of gliding vehicle and who, finding Leval hovering in the air, did not seem frightened. For he said smugly to him.

- Wow, I must admit, you've got a lot of nerve showing up here.

- I don't need courage to settle accounts with vermin like you!  - the boy said. -

-We'll see about that. - The guy smiled who, pressing a couple of buttons, waited a second. - Right now...

Normally, a couple of androids would have materialized, but that didn't happen. Visibly uneasy, the man repeated the operation. Now it was the boy who was smiling and looking at him with amusement as he asked with feigned kindness.

-Well, what's the matter? Has your machine broken down? They don't make them like they used to, do they?

             The face of that guy was a poem, at last an android came flying, he must have been one of the last ones that had left the base. That guy pointed at Leval and ordered the wit sharply,.

-Finish him off. Let's go!

           And that robot attacked the boy who, without any effort, dodged a barrage of rays to counterattack with a powerful punch that tore the android to shreds. That guy was with his mouth open and more and more scared. Even more so when he saw that no other robot materialized as usual to cover the loss of his companion.

-I think that due to technical deficiencies your androids won't be able to appear again. It's a pity! - Leval declared with mockery to sentence without hiding his hatred. - Get ready, now it's your turn.

-No, wait a minute! - He was able to plead that guy with real panic in his eyes and in his voice. - I was only following orders. It was my duty.

-Oh, really? Then consider yourself retired, you bastard! - Leval spat, destroying with one blow that ship that supported him in the sky. -

- Nooooo! - that guy howled falling plummeting to the ground. -

           Leval allowed him to descend a few seconds more, and then with his instantaneous translation reappeared holding him just before he fell to the ground. To tell him with visible contempt.

-As much of a traitor to humanity as you are I will not stoop to be like you. I would not be worthy of my parents if I killed a helpless human being. I won't have that problem with your boss, though. You just stay here and get along as best you can. I'll take care of that wretched invader. Besides, I think I know where he is. - And with that said he left that guy in the middle of an island and beamed over, he had detected another energy source. - So long...

           The boy smiled with satisfaction and an expression of triumph surfaced on his face. Especially when he reappeared and saw an unpleasantly familiar face. It was one of those Gralas warlords who ran the machines. A tall alien with a bluish complexion, devoid of nose and ears, who, at first sight of the boy, smiled in amusement at what he thought was a sterile and suicidal attack. But when he saw how his robots were destroyed, or rather torn to pieces with fury, he turned his rictus of superiority and rejoicing into one of terror. He was no match for the enormous force that this boy was displaying and Leval, once he had destroyed the last of the Gbards, headed towards him.

- Now you are lost, you cursed ones, you are going to pay for all that you have made the inhabitants of this world suffer. And you will be the first to do so. - He shouted with an expression full of certainty and hatred towards that alien. -

The latter could not even answer, he tried to escape, but the boy cut him off almost instantly. Such was now his speed that he didn't even need his translation technique.

- I don't understand what's going on, but as soon as my androids reappear, you'll regret your audacity, you wretch!  - The alien spat, trying to maintain his position of apparent superiority and gain some time. - This time you will die...

But Leval slowly shook his head and now it was he who wore a smile of glee as he sentenced.

- Your base is destroyed. Try to communicate with them if you can. And say goodbye, for the time has come for you to pay for all the crimes you have committed, just as it will be the turn of your comrades and then of that damned tyrant Gralas. I swear it!

The skeptical adversary didn't want to take any of this seriously at first, but when he did try to communicate with his base, he received no signal. Then a wave of panic shook him, but Leval would not even allow him to beg for mercy. His opponent was not a weak, helpless human. He was a murderer whom he had seen order and commit all kinds of abominable crimes. Without further ado he disintegrated him with a powerful energy beam. He did not even want to waste time hitting him because, despite all his accumulated hatred, his desire to embrace his loved ones again was greater. In this way, nervous and very excited, he walked the distance that separated him from home. He easily passed through the armored doors that were sealed to await the attack and entered the same chamber from which he had left for the past. He smashed through the door with a bolt of lightning and then another energy discharge came against him, but he withstood it with no problems. It had been Mazoui thinking it was the androids as the boy shouted with a tinge of rage.

- Damn you, you will not kill me without a fight!

           But the dreaded robots did not appear, instead a radiant figure glowing with a formidable golden glow entered the chamber. Startled to see his friend unharmed after the attack, Mazoui, a boy with brown hair and eyes that had turned reddish and from whose mouth two fangs had emerged from tension and fury, went from being on guard to perplexed. Then Leval shouted to him euphorically.

- It's me, my friend, we've done it! I've come back from the past and destroyed all those evil androids forever.

- You? - Mazoui pointed out still in disbelief as he slowly returned to his normal appearance. - But how? I don't believe it, but I just sent you! - Nevertheless, Leval nodded smiling with great glee and the same feeling rubbed off on his cousin as he exclaimed in his deep tone of voice, barely uttering in a stammer. - We are saved! My God, praise the Lord! And mind you, I say this because I am half demon!

Both embraced each other with great emotion. Tears flowed again and Leval, now calmer, promised to explain everything that had happened. Now he was burning with the desire to be reunited with his mother and the others. Mazoui agreed, but they should be cautious. They went into all the chambers until they found them. At first, they thought they were the androids and despair set in, some people had unfortunately even preferred to commit suicide rather than be captured or massacred. Fortunately, it was not the case of the relatives of both boys, who, being fighters, also preferred to go down fighting to the end. And when they saw them, sighs of relief and shouts of joy spread everywhere as the boys gave them the magnificent news. Beruche's face, marked by misfortunes and years, lit up when he heard her son.

- My son! - he sobbed. - Praise God, you've made it, how proud I am of you!

- I have met him, mother. - Leval stammered, embracing her emotionally. - He's a great man, as strong and brave as you told me! And you! You were so young and full of life, as loving and sweet as I always remembered you as a child! You'll see! Now you'll be happy again as you were then! - He assured radiantly, immediately giving her the videotape he had protected during the fight against the robots and his cousin's unintentional attack. -

-What is this, son? - Bertie asked in surprise as the others came to them once they were made aware of what had happened by Mazoui. -

- It's a message for you," - Leval replied, his voice trembling with joy. - It was given to me before I came back. Give me just a moment. - He asked her. -

And he went to his cousin, explaining quickly what he intended.

-Of course, take it for granted. - He smiled. -

          And once prepared, Leval concentrated on the energy of the she-devil, transporting herself to his side. The latter, recovered from her astonishment, and together with her husband, they were happy. More so when they saw him smile.

-Give me your hand, I will take you to your daughter and the others. - He offered. -

Of course, they accepted. So, they reappeared on the island, together with Mazoui. The young man had served as a reference for the instantaneous translation.

-Now Robert, hide. - His wife asked him with a broad smile. –

              Her husband did so, and in the meantime, Leval went in search of that tall, and beautiful brunette girl with big green eyes. When he brought her to her mother, they both wept with joy. The she-devil embraced her. And the young girl was able to say with a voice tinged with emotion.

- I thought they would have killed you!

-No, honey, I'm fine, thanks to Leval. - Her mother responded and added. - And there is someone else to thank this young man for his courage.

And that's when Robert came out from behind a nearby building and hugged his astonished and excited daughter. The girl couldn't stop crying with happiness. At last, after thanking her parents' savior, she added, her tone still overcome with emotion.

-Jane is waiting for you.  When Mazoui came looking for me, we were together protecting some children. I don't know if he mentioned your return. She's probably still in the bunker taking care of the kids.

-I'll join her soon. Give her the news of my return. But first, I want to see my mother about something. - He replied cordially. -

              And the young man returned to Bertie's side. She had been waiting for those minutes with growing impatience, then, full of curiosity and excitement. The poor woman had suffered much when her son left. Though she consoled herself with the thought that if she could at least go back in time and save the past, it would all make sense. Now, after Leval's return her happiness was complete. So, once they were in a room in the command center, he plugged in an old VCR with shaking hands. All the arrivals gathered around him. The images from twenty years ago showed Roy and Beruche, just as they remembered them all those years ago. Her young boyfriend at the time turned to the camera with a big smile.

- Hi Cubito! Our son, well, the son of my other me and yours of your future, is a wonderful boy, a brave warrior, and a magnificent boy. I am sure he will bring you back to peace. I'm sorry I can't be there with you in that future. But I know you will succeed in rebuilding it again. I love you, now and always, as my other self would love you wherever I am. Re-create your lives and be happy, someday we will see each other in Heaven. Well, maybe you'll see my other self, I'm sure I can speak for him. We would think alike so I have allowed myself to record this for you. Now, there is someone who must tell you something - and he made way for his then fiancée who added visibly excited. -

-My friend, my other future self, thank you for raising such a wonderful son, for being such a good mother and for keeping the memory of your husband. - She smiled, and the other Bertie smiled with tears rolling down her cheeks. But the young woman added in an amused tone of voice as she tried to overcome her tears. - You have made it very difficult for me, being such a wonderful mother like you is a great challenge. You have set the bar so high. I will try to follow your example as best I can, you are a unique woman!

- You sure are... You're a real pain in the ass, you little cube! You didn't have a grandmother in Nemesis, did you? - Roy laughed, pinching her butt to de-dramatize. -

- Oh, you beast! Don't be silly!  - she shrieked, giving him a smack that he hurt by rubbing the crown of his head. -

- Ow! It hurts! - he protested jocularly. -

          That made everyone laugh. They remembered those good old days with so much nostalgia and sadness that they had not smiled again for a long time.

- Well - Beruche added more serenely, hugging Roy. - Be very happy and keep us always in your heart, just as we will keep you in ours. We will never forget your sorrows and your sacrifice to build a happier and fairer world for all. You have our word that this will be our guiding priority.

The camera then panned to the group of the others who were joking and chatting casually among themselves and with Leval. Emerald, and Petz were thrilled to see themselves so young and next to their then boyfriends whom they never forgot, Diamond and Sapphire. And in the background, they heard Bertie's voice riveting.

-We promise you that we will all be very happy for you and ourselves. Farewell friends. Live in peace. - She waved goodbye and so did Roy, still hugging and smiling. -

Leval's mother wept with joy and longing, as did the other women.

- My son, I am so happy! - She sobbed, hugging her son. -

- We will suffer no more," - he declared resolutely, - "No more! - And he looked up to the sky gratefully to mumble. - Thank you, Dad, thank you, Mom, thank you all for being such good and brave friends, in all dimensions, in the past, in the present and in the future.

      He also told Tom and Cooan and his son Alan, a tall, dark-haired boy with intelligent blue eyes like his father, what he could see of them in the past, as well as the others who asked him about their own "other selves"

-That's great. - Cooan sighed with her graying hair, hugging her daughter. - They will have another chance. And our children will be able to enjoy a better life.

-I hope so. - Petz agreed. -

-Now, once our oppressors are destroyed, we will be able to go about fixing the world. - A blond girl, wearing round glasses, intervened. -

-Yes, daughter. – A woman very similar to her, with brown hair and wearing glasses smiled. -

-This can't be paid for even with all the money I had. - A man with glasses and light brown hair added. - Thank you, my boy. - He said excitedly to Leval. -

-The credit is not only mine, Ian. - He declared modestly the questioned one, to sentence. - We will still have to work hard and take care of finishing with all the remaining Gbards on the planet.

-And rebuild the cities. - Mazoui added, looking smilingly at the young blonde girl with the glasses, who blushed when the boy added. - To also repopulate them.

Then Jane approached. Her face was streaked with tears, though they were of happiness. She hugged Leval, barely able to moan.

- I thought I would never see you again!

-But now nothing will stop us from being together. - The boy caressed her hair. - And I want to share my life with you and the rest of our loved ones. We will rebuild the world and as Aunt Connie said, one day our children will be happy living in it.

The young woman nodded after separating from the embrace. They kissed each other to the applause of the rest. And so, it was. Leval and the others had a hard and arduous job ahead of them, gradually eliminating the rest of the androids and their henchmen left on Earth and then, together, they got down to work with renewed determination and optimism in their hearts. They rebuilt their lives ready to start a better future for all and lived their own adventures and challenges to finally create a free and happy world. But, as interesting as it was, that story no longer belongs in this story. Because in this dimension, life and adventures continued.

**START**