GWB03E

**START**

**48. The Strange Boy**

Roy and Beruche strolled through the streets of the city in the company of Ail and Ann. The future NBA player had offered to be a guide to show them the "Big Apple" to his friends. Ann was carrying her son in a stroller, with her human appearance she looked like a normal young mother. Together with Beruche, she was enjoying looking in the windows of the city's most famous stores.

-This one is amazing. - Bertie whispered to her friend. -

And led her by the hand to the window of the legendary "Tiffany". As Bertie gazed at the jewelry in admiration, Annie simply said.

-Yes, they are beautiful. That's not important to us, though.

-Well, I remember we had jewelry at Nemesis. - Her interlocutor told her, surprised in turn at her friend's lack of enthusiasm, to add. - But they were usually the energy capacitors for our droids to work. And certainly not as these. Although their minerals were so rare that they were highly valued here. In fact, we were able to start over on Earth after selling some that my sister Kalie brought back hidden in her lasso. - She smiled. -

Although that expression on her face faded right away. Ann watched her realizing it immediately and, in a kind tone, said to her.

-You think a lot of your sister, don't you?

-I can't help it. It's very hard on me, and on the others. - Bertie admitted, her eyes watering. -

-Don't worry. You don't want Roy to worry, do you? - Annie asked concerned. -

-No, of course not. - The girl said, wiping away some tears. - Come on, let's go on! There are many beautiful things to see. - She added, trying to recover her joviality. -

For their part, the boys were chatting about their things. Remembering some moments in the Corner and moving on to more current topics. Like, for example, the trip that Roy interrupted.

-I'm sorry to have bothered you. - He apologized again. -

-Not at all. On the contrary, we are grateful that you wanted to share your success with us. - Ail commented. -

-You are a friend, more than that, we are like brothers, all of us who train and fight together. - Roy declared. - And that includes your family.

-Thank you, I think so too. - Ail nodded. - So, it's a pleasure to be with you. And you've been kind enough to put us up.

-With pleasure, my friend. - His interlocutor affirmed. -

At which point the girls approached. Bertie commented to them in good spirits.

-Annie wants to get some clothes for Giaal, I'm going to take her to a cute little baby store near here.

-I think that's great, little cube. - Roy smiled. -

-Yeah, that's a great idea. Our son could use some clothes. - Ail added. -

-I'm sure they'll have clothes in his size! - Annie said with visible interest and enthusiasm as she cradled the baby in his stroller. - That way we'll make the most of our stay and go in better prepared.

-Well, the girls have already given us things for him. - Ail commented. -

-Yes, but he's growing so fast that he won't have much use for them any time soon. - Ann pointed out. -

-It's just that almost everything is still too big for him. - Her partner objected. -

-Of course, you're right, Annie. - Roy nodded quickly, pleading. - We're not very fashionable, and besides, we have no idea what kind of clothes would suit her best. But we can go look with you.

-That's not necessary. We'll take care of it. - Beruche smiled, guessing the boy's intentions. -

            So, they both headed for the store in question. In the meantime, the girls' respective boyfriends were walking along Fifth Avenue to make time while they waited for them in front of the store's window.

- Wow," - the alien was surprised. - How quick you were to agree with Annie! -

-Boy, it's a piece of advice that Master Son Goku gave me. And that I learned in the school of life and in my numerous flirtations. Sometimes, you must avoid battle at all costs.

-Well, being the enemy stronger than you, of course. But I don't know what this has to do with it. - His partner was surprised.

-Well, you were about to piss off your girl. - Roy explained. - And in that battle, we never have the upper hand.

After pausing to think about it for a moment, his friend agreed, sighing in relief.

-Tell me, Roy. - You seem to know a lot about women. Do you and Bertie live as a couple? - His companion nodded barely perceptibly, as if afraid the girls might overhear. - How are you doing? - the alien inquired.

-Well, we can't complain. - His interlocutor replied, tilting his head slightly towards his girlfriend, who along with Annie was entering the tent, to turn back to his companion. - We've been living together for a couple of months. Now with the new house we're already thinking about getting married, at least I've thought about it, but I haven't said anything to her yet....

-But I think I understand that you had already proposed to her, didn't you? - Ail wondered. -

-Yes," - his friend replied diffusely. - The thing is, I told her when we defeated the demons, but perhaps I was hasty. We're still young and it might be wiser to give us time and settle down, get to know each other better and all that. However, it's true that at first, I thought that with a house and a steady job getting married would be an immediate thing, but now I'm not so sure. - Roy confessed to him, who was quick to say. -It's not that I don't want to. On the contrary. I'm crazy about her. However, I wouldn't want everything to come together so suddenly.

-I understand you. - Ail said sympathetically. - Annie and I don't have that problem, though. We've known each other all our lives. We grew up together and we don't need that marriage ceremony.

-Man, it's not that it's necessary, but here on Earth it's a very common custom. - His companion explained, adding with a slightly complicit tone. - I'm sure Annie would look very pretty dressed as a bride. And you should see how excited almost every woman on this planet is about it. It's the same as shopping for clothes. Even if she doesn't need them right away.

-Maybe you're right. - His friend conceded, thinking about the reason for this desire to get married. - Who knows? - He added with a smile - Maybe I'll dare to ask her. Although, in any case, we already possess the most precious thing that can be obtained. We've discovered love and we have a beautiful son.

-It must be wonderful to be a father. - Roy said, looking from a distance at the two girls cuddling the baby inside the tent. - Having a child, though it's also a big responsibility.

-Yes," - Ail corroborated. - You owe it to someone who is completely dependent on you. It's so special...a very nice feeling. To hold your child in your arms and realize how helpless he or she is. So fragile and beautiful at the same time. You see, my friend - he wanted to explain trying to choose the words. - We were born from the tree, and we were not familiar with these sensations. It has been a totally new and wonderful experience.

-Well, you are doing very well. - His interlocutor affirmed, drawing a grateful smile from his companion. -

-Believe me when I tell you that I never thought we could understand the love of humans for their children. And now we understand it. The truth is that sometimes we did terrible things that affected children. When we stole energy with our cards....

He sighed remembering a certain occasion when they attacked a nursery, the children were affected, although fortunately none of them suffered serious damage. Thinking now of his little one, Ail could not help but lower his head in shame. So, he commented to his friend to finish off.

-I wouldn't know where to begin. I wouldn't even dare to look those mothers and those little ones in the face. What we did was undignified and mean. But I swear we didn't understand what it's like to be parents.

Roy patted his back affectionately and replied in a sympathetic tone.

- Stop beating yourself up about it. We all did things that we regret and that will always be there. No matter how much we do. Though we have no choice but to learn to live with it and move on by making amends to humanity. When I met them, Bertie and her sisters had a similar feeling. She has often told me that being a teacher is partly a way of making amends to the world for what they did.

-That's true. - Ail agreed, arguing. - "It's very important to feel good about yourself. Once you've managed to get rid of hatred and resentment towards something or someone, you live much better. But then there's the regret for the things we did wrong. Partner, I'm glad I was able to make it up to this planet. And in that, I think I can speak for all of us, don't you?

Roy nodded, listening to his friend's words with great interest. He felt the same way. It was one of the things the five of them had in common when they trained in the corner of Soul and time, and that worked like an indestructible mortar, bonding them almost from the beginning. A common goal, similar reasons. Thinking about it, everything fit, it was very clear that they were not chosen by chance. So, they commented, finally they let it be and both continued chatting about other topics. For their part, Beruche and Ann had rushed into the children's fashion store, attracted by some of the baby clothes displayed in the window. Bertie noticed one of the knitted sweaters hanging on small hangers on a long steel rod and measured it by eye across the shoulders. Smiling she said to her friend.

-This one is very pretty. Blue with a yellow chick embroidered here. - She pointed to the center of the garment. -

-That's true, but I want it to be a little bigger than Giaal's size, my son is growing fast! - She laughed. -

- How old is your son? - Beruche asked. -

-Let's see. - Ann pondered, rubbing her chin, and looking at the ceiling as if it would help her calculate. -According to the Earth calendar (she meditated for a few seconds and finally concluded). - He must be about fourteen months old. - She took the sweater from her friend's hands and examined it, superimposing it on the child who meekly remained still, in a curious attitude, while playing with the pacifier. - I think it will do him good. I'll keep it.

She went forward to the counter to ring up the clerk and pay. Luckily, she had some human money left over from her previous stay on Earth. But Beruche stopped her by standing in front of her as she pulled her own wallet out of her purse.

-No, I'll buy it to you as present. - She offered her. -

- No way! - Ann resisted. - It's a very expensive sweater. I can't accept it.

- Nonsense! - Bertie rebutted, remembering her sister Petz with that exclamation, though she immediately added affectionately. - "it's the least I can do. You've delayed coming home for us, and besides, you've got to buy things for the child. Let me make him a present since I haven't seen him born and will probably miss his next birthday.

- That's all right, thank you very much. Thank you very much. - Her friend smiled at her, accepting willingly, and adding with a touch of solemn promise. - When you have a son, I'll give him a present too, okay?

-For now, I don't know when that will be. - Beruche responded with deflated enthusiasm. - Roy asked me to live together and we are doing it. He also proposed we get married when we had jobs and stability, that was before we graduated. We postponed our wedding plans until the setbacks and threats were over and now, when he should be officially asking me, he doesn't seem very willing to renew his offer. Sometimes I get the impression that he hesitates, that he doesn't feel comfortable when we bring up the question.

-He must be scared. - Annie conjectured, looking at her friend sympathetically to take the heat off the matter. - That kind of thing might scare him.

- He's a super warrior. - Her interlocutor objected with a somewhat crestfallen gesture to affirm somewhat disenchanted. - He has fought against demons and even lost his life against them. I don't think he'd fear something like that.

- Don't you think so" - her friend refuted her friend to declare. - From what the sailors taught me when I met them, sometimes men are terrified of that kind of commitment. Don't be surprised if he's capable of fighting against the whole Avernus and then feels insecure when it's time to ask you to marry him. But don't worry! - She added encouragingly. - You only must look at him to realize that he has a crush on you.

Beruche let herself be comforted and smiled in relief at her interlocutor's words. She knew deep down that Annie was right. So, more cheerful, she paid for the sweater and after looking at a few more things and buying two or three other items, they both went back to meet the boys. They concluded their walk back to the New York couple's chalet. All that remained was to wait for the others. Roy had called to give them the new address. The first to arrive were Diamond and Emerald. They were very elegant and after the usual kisses and hugs they began to chat, telling each other about their respective adventures.

-Guys, it's so good to see you again. - The model declared who approached Ail and Ann's child, taking him in her arms. - How cute! Cuchi, cuchi... - She whispered to him in a sweet voice, caressing him. -

The boy laughed with his eyes wide open and attentive to follow her hand movements while the young girl continued her praises.

- He's so cute, what a sweet little boy!

-You're very good with children, Emerald. - Ann smiled approvingly, now telling her story with a light-hearted manner. -I remember when I was still fighting the sailors, I helped Mamoru and Usagi take care of a baby. I wasn't interested in anything, I just wanted to make myself pleasing to his eyes. But the child noticed it, it's amazing the sixth sense kids have! Whenever I approached him, he would cry or kick and once he even peed on me.

- I should have seen you then! - Beruche smiled in amusement when she heard that. - Although it's hard to believe looking at you know, you're a real good mom, Ann.

-It's true. Children know when there is true love. - Emerald said, gently placing Giaal in his crib and sighing. - I would like to have one myself, although it is not possible for me to be a mother right now. However, when Diamond and I get our careers established and have more time, I would love to....

-Hey, don't you count on me? - The alluded one intervened in a jovial way provoking the laughter of all. -

- Didn't you hear me? - His girlfriend said, still smiling at the comment. - Of course, I did.

- Let's give it a try! - Roy said jocularly, rekindling the laughter. -

The girls stood apart, shaking their heads in amusement and disbelief. This guy always had to jump in with one of his caustics, yet amusing comments.

-I saw you on TV the other day. - Beruche declared to continue the conversation, stating admiringly. - In a short time, you have become a very sought-after model!

-Thank you. - Emerald said with pleasure. - Although it's very hard, if you knew the ups and downs that Diamond and I have had to go through lately because of my work, well, and his too!

Everyone watched her with interest and Emerald didn't hesitate to tell them about their adventures, but the little boy began to cry when she started her promising story. She had to leave it for later, as little Giaal was now demanding everyone's attention. His mother was busy recognizing him and concluded that he needed an urgent diaper change.

-I'll do it, Annie. - Ail offered, taking the child out so that he would not disturb the conversation with Giaal´s crying. -

Everyone gave a sympathetic look to this selfless daddy and once he had walked away to the bathroom with the child, Emerald continued.

-It turns out that I intervened as a Justiciera for the first time, preventing a bank robbery.

- Well, congratulations! - Beruche smiled, adding affably. - Welcome officially to the club of Justicieras.

-Thank you very much. I was very nervous at first. I didn't want anyone to get hurt because of me. - Her interlocutor confessed to them. - But then I used my boomerang to stun and knock down a couple of muggers while I knocked out the rest. I got out of there in a hurry before the police arrived.

-It must have been very exciting. - Annie interjected. -

-It was. - Emerald admitted, adding with a touch of strangeness. - Although life is full of coincidences, I just arrived at the Deveraux house, already with my civilian identity, I surprised someone trying to steal my sketches.

- What! - Beruche exclaimed. -

-In fact, she was escaping through the window. I had to go out and transform back to chase the thief. Well, the person turned out to be a thief, a woman.

- How did you know? - Ann wanted to know with obvious interest.

-Well, even though she was wearing a balaclava and a dark suit that covered her entire body, her form was very clear. - Her interlocutor answered. - I recovered my work, but I couldn't catch her. She was agile and fought very well.

-Well, to be able to hold a fight against you, she must have been good. - Ann agreed. -

- Ours was much less exciting. - Beruche, however, sighed and spoke. - "I prefer it that way. - And I prefer it that way. We've already had many adventures. I think enough for the rest of our lives.

- Never rule out adventure. - Emerald affirmed with an almost prophetic tone. - There's no telling when it will present itself.

- That's true, although right now ours don't make it past the bedroom! - Roy laughed. -

Diamond laughed with him and Bertie, red in the face, just pretended to give him a good slap.

- Well, it's all right for us anywhere, isn't it, dear? - Emerald commented, still trying to keep from laughing. -

              Now it was her boyfriend who cleared his throat and the others burst out laughing. Ail arrived cradling little Giaal. Although he started to cry with that outrageous hilarity and the alien excused himself by walking away again with the baby to try to calm him down. After everyone's smiles at the sight of the rushed dad it was Roy who, turning to the prince, asked him.

-Come on, Diamond, you might be interested in looking at the wine cellar we have in the villa, you who understand wine might be able to advise me.

-I am always interested in that, yes. - The questioned one corroborated, following his friend to another room.

The two of them said goodbye to the girls for a moment. Once they were alone, they asked each other more intimate questions and Emerald opened the fire.

- How about you? - She looked alternately at her interlocutors. - How are your relationships going?

-Great," - Ann replied. - Especially once we listened to the sailors and discovered "human" love. Ha, ha, we've enjoyed it a lot since then.

For her part, Beruche smiled in return. Albeit in a vaguer way.

-Roy and I are fine, but..." - She became more serious, eliminating the comedy in her tone of voice, and they both detected it. -

- Is something wrong? - Emerald asked, showing concern. - Is it that you don't do it often?

-No, it's not that. - Bertie replied and confided to her friend what she had already discussed with Ann. -

The model encouraged her with carefree reassurance.

-It's normal, you're still young and you have plenty of time. It's better not to put pressure on yourselves with this idea of marriage, listen to me! I had a hard time in Nemesis when I thought Diamond was unattainable for me and you've seen the years and even the lives, I needed to get us together. You already have Roy.

- But aren't you and Diamond still thinking of getting married? - Bertie asked, feeling surprised. -

- Not by a long shot! - Emerald replied jocularly, and seeing the astonished faces of her interlocutors, she hurried to be more serious. - It has nothing to do with the fact that we love each other, it's the same as with children. We just thought we'd give ourselves time. We have a lot of catching up to do and a lot of living to do before we burden ourselves with other responsibilities. Trust what I'm telling you and don't worry yet, woman.

-That's good advice. - Ann agreed. - Don't suffer for it. I've already told you. He's crazy about you.

Beruche smiled, feeling better. Perhaps she had been alarmed for no reason. Her friends were right. She wasn't in such a hurry, but it seemed like an eternity to her (And it really was if she considered her previous lives). Since she got engaged to Roy. But it was also true that both reincarnations were different in their circumstances and their outcome. The lives were totally different, and she could tell that they were not the same people they were. It was a whole new future to be made. Besides, there was now a time of peace that they could enjoy together. There would be time to get married...

-You are right. Thank you very much, girls. - She replied visibly more cheerful. -

The boys were in the basement of the house, Roy showed his friend the large wooden enclosure where he stacked the bottles of wine and other beverages. He was not overly lavish, but it never hurt to have a few good wines for solemn occasions. Diamond looked at everything with approval and spoke.

-At Nemesis I had a good wine cellar, it was one of the things I liked, tasting good wine, and collecting it. Of the few distractions I had there.

-Tom warned me that these hobbies cost an arm and a leg. - Roy said, "And he was right! I wanted to buy a couple of good bottles to give it cachet and you can't beat the price. The truth is that I'll have to wait because, despite everything, our economy is not as buoyant as it should be.

-I'll give you some good brands. - Diamond smiled at him. -

-Thank you, but that's the least of my worries. - Roy told him more seriously now. -

- Something is bothering you, isn't it? - His interlocutor probed him with perspicacity, offering him immediately. - Here I am, partner. Tell me what is troubling you. If I can do anything to help you...

His friend nodded and after a few seconds of silence confessed bluntly.

-I don't know if I can give Bertie the life she deserves.

-It's obvious that she loves you. - Diamond encouraged him. -

-But that's not enough for a life together. - His interlocutor denied confiding in his friend. - You see, I'm now trying to make a place for myself in the league and it's not easy. It's always been my biggest dream, before all this happened. You know, finding out who I really am and whatnot. - His partner understood the allusion to the battles against the demons and in the meantime, Roy continued with a tone between reflective and worried. -And the thing is that right now I'm in a mess. I don't know what the future holds for me. If I will be able to succeed or not. I can't abuse my powers either, it wouldn't be honest with me or with others. At least you and Emerald have professions in which you have both succeeded without the help of special abilities.

-Don't fool yourself. - His friend contradicted him in a gesture of modesty that honored him. - I have the knowledge of the thirtieth century. Today's programs are child's play for me. That's not fair either.

-But you help the world to progress. - Roy argued. - You're still working for something. I'm an athlete and to think that I have such superior abilities to others seems almost illegal to me. As if I'm doping!

-Try not to use them too much. - Diamond advised him. -

-That's the hard part. I often think about it. And especially since the compromise we agreed with the government. You know what I mean, don't you?

The prince of Nemesis nodded slowly and slowly and replied in a reassuring tone.

-Yes, in France, the secret services summoned Emerald and me one day and explained the same thing to us as they did to you. Apparently, they will only call on us in case of a serious threat, you must not worry, otherwise we will have a normal life.

-Yes, and full of advantages, I recognize that this house has been a great help. A good reward for saving the world. But, despite everything, I feel like a mercenary. And let them think that these gifts give them the right to think that they can recruit me whenever and for whatever they want. And nothing could be further from my wishes. I would like to forget all that, that I was once a warrior and fought. My biggest dream is to have a normal home and family and to be a good basketball player. Believe me, I have no other ambition. That's why until I clear my head of doubts and see the future clearly, I don't dare ask her to marry me.

- Have you discussed this with her? - his friend asked Roy. -

-Yes, several times, but Bertie says she doesn't care. She always says we'll be happy. I know she doesn't want me to worry. But she's having a hard time, too, and she must be thinking why on earth I don't make up my mind now that peace has returned. And I don't want her to think I care any less than I did before.

-Take it easy, really! You're young! Wait until you get on the team, and those government guys forget about you guys a little bit. Beruche will understand. And, above all, don't underestimate her. We Nemesis guys know how to be patient; I can assure you.

The boy smiled gratefully after those words patting his interlocutor's back and guided him upstairs, at that instant the phone rang, and Roy picked it up in the kitchen. It was Usagi, after chatting a few moments with her and giving her my regards, (the conference was too expensive to pass the handset to the others), he hung up and went with Diamond to the room where the girls were. Ail met them on their way in and Roy filled them all in on the call.

- Guys. -Ail said, "- Usagi told me that Nephrite, Sapphire and Petz will be arriving with them tomorrow. So, we'll all get together, God willing.

- How nice! - Emerald exclaimed. - With how long it's been since I've seen them, we'll have a lot to talk about.

- We haven't heard from them since almost after the fight against the demons! We've seen Nephrite once in Tokyo since we parted ways and my brother only a couple of times. By the looks of it, they have also been very busy. - Diamond added with the same enthusiasm as the others at the idea of the reunion. -

-Well," - Roy sighed. - Well, only Tommy and Connie are still to come. I guess it won't be long before they come back.

The others welcomed this comment with the wish that they would, but little did they know that at that very moment their friend was listening to this mysterious boy. Before he could begin to tell him anymore, Tom added suspiciously.

- This isn't a joke, is it?

-I can assure you it's not. - The boy replied without losing his grim countenance. - I wish it were. -He wished in a resigned voice, to continue asking his companion emphatically. - Now listen to me very carefully and don't interrupt me! I will answer later to the questions you want to ask me, although I cannot tell you anything about myself. Just know that in a very short time, a terrible evil will come upon the Earth. It is something much worse than your battle against the demons.

His interlocutor made a gesture of surprise.

-But how do you know that we? - The boy raised a hand in a clear gesture to silence him. -

- Please, I asked you not to interrupt me! - He reminded him, raising his tone, although very politely, and continued. - It has to do with meteorites falling.

Tom again broke the rule by stating without concern.

-That's not a problem. My friends can..." - He kept quiet so as not to betray the special gifts of his companions despite what this boy had given him to understand that he knew, but it could be a trick of some espionage agency, so he rectified. - The government has the means to destroy them.

-If it were as simple as that, yes. - The boy rebutted, unveiling him. - The bad thing is not the meteorites themselves, but what they carry.

- Are they carrying some deadly disease, some unknown bacteria that will cause a plague? - Tom conjectured, now more worried. -

-No, it's not that either. - His interlocutor denied once again, resuming his explanation. - At first, they will only look like a harmless shower of stars, but they harbor extraterrestrial devices carrying hellish creatures. The elite spawn of a ruthless galactic conqueror who covets this planet. They are his stormtroopers! A kind of androids that will invade the world. - The boy described to the utter bewilderment of his listener. - All your companions and even you yourself will face them, but you will be defeated and most of you annihilated. - He sentenced to leave him completely astonished. -

-Wait a minute. - Tom tried to intervene, - "Are you telling me that we will be defeated? Are you talking about an event that hasn't happened as if you knew it beforehand? - He asked incredulously, adding with increasing skepticism. - I thought that those asteroids or whatever they are, was something that had been seen by telescopes.

To tell the truth, that boy had almost convinced him because of the serious tone of his words, but now he was going to go off the hook with this.

-You must let me continue and not assault me with doubts at every sentence I say. - The boy reminded him, hardening his gaze. -

-All right, finish now and then I'll ask you a few questions. - Tom conceded, who was beginning to think he was wasting his time with a madman. -

-Those beings. - The boy explained. - They analyze the force used against them. And the bad thing is that they can reproduce it. It took us years to discover that they send it to their base and from there they receive power supplements to do it. We don't know how they manage to emulate the force we have or where they get the energy from. But they do. The thing is, once you reach your limit, they continue with your strength intact and to the highest degree you could have reached, but you are weakened, and they finish you off! They defeat their enemies simply by exhaustion.

-Then destroy that base and that's it. - Tom replied calmly. -

-It's not that simple. - The boy rebutted who seemed to lose his poise at times. - If it were that easy, don't you think we would have done it a long time ago? We didn't know where it was. We still don't know. We think, to the north, but it's not a sure thing. Besides, everyone is dead, only my cousin and I are left. But we can't get through their lines. Those bastards are too powerful! - He lamented bitterly, clenching his fists. -

- Your cousin? - Tom was surprised, -Who is he?

-Karaberasu's son, his name is Mazoui, he's half demon, but he's on our side. - The boy told him, leaving him astonished. - For me he is more like a brother than a cousin, he sent me here when there was no more hope left.

- Karaberasu's son? What does she have to do with this? Do you even know where she is? Did Send you from where? I don't understand anything of what you are telling me, boy. - Tom replied, very disoriented by the allusion to his girlfriend's sister and the nature of her pregnancy and its outcome, which, far from convincing him, made him more suspicious. - What do you intend to do?

His conversation partner raised his face to the sky in frustration, he was trying to make himself understood, but it seemed as if they were speaking different languages. It would not be easy; he knew that beforehand. He had been warned, but he thought that after making contact everything would be fine. He had been very naive; this Tom was not like the one he had known. Now he was a boy who was in the prime of his youth and knew nothing. He had no choice, so he steeled his patience and told him.

-We landed on an island, along with our mothers and aunts. But in the end, they found us, those murderers attacked us! And it was my fault, damn it! And the worst thing is that there was nothing we could do. That's why and as a last resort I came here, to try to change that hell. - The boy concluded with a tense gesture, making real efforts to control his agitation. -

- But what island? Where did you come from? - Tom wanted to know, who was more concerned about the boy's mental instability than about that disjointed story. - I don't understand anything.

The boy snorted, seemed to struggle with himself and finally gave up revealing.

-I come from the future...

Tom was just perplexed, that boy was crazy, it would be better to call the shrinks. But he kept talking and didn't dare to cut him off.

-If you had seen what they have done, or what they will do, I don't know how I should put it. - The boy sighed, on the verge of sobbing with anguish. - Cities razed to the ground, millions dead everywhere! All civilization destroyed. The despair of the few of us who survived and the horror. And we can only run and hide from them. They hunt every human being they see like vermin, whether they are men, women, or children. Damn them! - He clenched his fists again with a gesture of rage contained with great difficulty. - That's why, please, you must help me, tell Roy all this and the others as well. You must destroy them now that they are in space, before they arrive, or all will be lost!

His listener sighed at length, looking at the boy with a mixture of pity and weariness.

-Very well, I have listened to you as I promised. You can't say I haven't been patient. - He smiled now with slight sarcasm and added reprovingly. - As a plot for a movie it's very good. Now tell me who you are and what you really want, to take advantage of Roy! Or is this just a joke he has projected?

-I had foreseen it. - The boy replied with resigned calmness. - It was more than possible that you didn't believe me, but I can't reproach you. - He put a hand between his clothes and Tom feigned a defensive gesture, but the boy just pulled out a hand-held photograph to tell him with more vehemence. - Look and be convinced! Here I am with my mother, we took it a little before I left for this time.

Tom looked at the photo, there was that boy and the woman posing with him looked rather like Connie's sister, but she was older, and her face was haggard with suffering.

-I hope you don't show it to Bertie, or she'll kill you. - Tom grinned with renewed sarcasm and then spat. - Come off it, lad! Are you saying she's your mother? And who's your father, Roy? - He scoffed in utter disbelief. -

-Yes, that's right. - The boy confessed with a supreme effort to maintain his patience. - I'll tell you everything, I shouldn't have to, but it's the only solution. Roy is my father.

- Come on, that's the worst joke that creep ever tried to play on me. - Tom laughed, shaking his head, and wearing a sardonic smile, adding. - Tell him I've seen Terminator too.

-My name is Leval Malden. - The boy continued, ignoring that comment. - I am the son of Roy and Beruche. I never knew my father, he died fighting the invaders before I was born. I grew up with Karaberasu's son and you, the only survivor of my father's group, were our teacher. You taught us to fight and my cousin everything you knew about esotericism. What more proof do you want me to give you that I am not lying? - The boy asked him with a tone full of desperation. -

- And you expect me to believe it? - His interlocutor responded, insensitive to these pleas to refute without regard. - That photo can be forged anywhere. And the things you know Roy could have told you. Tell him for me that this time he's been too clever and that if it weren't for....

- That's enough, shut up! - the visibly enraged boy thundered.

               He was breathing violently and agitated and gave Tom a look worthy of a psychopath. Tom was frightened, not surprisingly, because now he was beginning to think that his friend had nothing to do with this madman. But then, where did he get this information from, one of those government guys?

-Look, calm down. - He asked him with a more moderate tone, maybe he shouldn't have made fun of him, but he thought he was answering Roy's joke with another one, so he added conciliatorily. - I'll talk to my friend, and we'll see what we can do to put an end to these invaders, eh?

-Don't try so hard to lie to me! - the boy reproached him harshly. - I know you don't believe me, you're laughing at me, and to think that I had placed all my hopes in you.

Those words paralyzed Tom with astonishment, either that boy was a very good actor, or he really believed what he was saying.

-I have no choice but to convince you one way or another. - He now sentenced with a threatening tone. - If it couldn't be by the nice way, it will be by the hard way.

He had not finished pronouncing those words when Tom felt a tremendous wave of energy run through the place, immediately a very strong wind arose, apparently coming from the boy. The earth around him began to tremble.

- Iaaaa!

      He shouted, raising his arms to the sky, and literally igniting to begin to glow a golden color moments later. His hair was now of this hue and his blue eyes were gleaming at his frightened interlocutor, while countless pieces of rocks rose into the air around him.

- A super Saiyan! - Tom was able to stammer, changing his worried expression to a truly astonished and terrified one. - You're a saiyajin!

- How many others do you know besides Roy who are capable of being one, huh? - The boy challenged him- Damn it! Now do you believe me, or would you rather I destroy half the city? What's more, I swear I'll kill everyone rather than let them fall under the yoke of Gralas' androids. If I cannot prevent that, I will at least prevent the suffering of the innocent. Then their end will be swift.

Tom was completely paralyzed by terror, what he had in front of him was undeniable, that boy was a super warrior, as powerful as his friend, maybe more!  He didn't believe that there could be any way to trick him. And now with that look of desperation he was wearing, he seemed determined to carry out his threat. But far from it, he was now crying inconsolably as he remitted his power to become a normal person again. He even fell to his knees on the ground retracted in on himself and could only sob in torment.

- I can't do it! But if I don't do it, they will. So many deaths, so much pain and for what? Lord, help me! If I fail, what's left? At least I'll die here, fighting those damned monsters by your side.

           His companion could not reply, he just looked at him in silence with his eyes wide open.

- My God! - he admitted in horror. - Tell me please! What will become of me and Connie in your future?

Leval could hardly answer, he was crying, on this occasion thrilled that, at last, he had succeeded in convincing the one he was. Or, rather, he was destined to be her uncle. He was able to pull himself together enough to stand up and answer.

-You will live and have two children. I can tell you no more, I'm sorry. But that doesn't matter now. Our only hope for the future is to destroy them before they settle down. Your son Alan calculated that from now until the invasion it should be three months. The sooner everyone knows the better.

His interlocutor was shocked to hear that. That was the name he had always wanted for when he had a child, if it was a boy. It was his own middle name. The one he never used, but he liked it. He didn't even remember mentioning it to Connie or Roy... and speaking of his friend...

-Roy... Your father," - Tom gently rectified. - He's making his NBA debut tomorrow. We were going to see him play. You can come with us...

         Leval shook his head, wiping away his tears to ask him almost pleadingly.

-That was his dream, my mother always told me so. My father always wanted to play professionally.

- God, this is crazy! - Tom gasped, holding his hands to his head. - "Not again! We've had enough... damn it!

          The situation was completely beyond him. He didn't know where to look or what to say. Why did this have to happen to him? Did he have the fate of the whole world in his hands?

-In two days, I will go to my parents' house. - Leval revealed to him with a calmer voice. -I have the address, it's on the outskirts.

-That's where you're wrong. - His interlocutor now dared to refute him, although this time in the spirit of informing him. - They live in an apartment in the center of the city.

-No, they moved. - The boy denied him in turn. - My mother told me. It was a few days before my father's debut in the professional league. She remembered it well.

Tom didn't know what to reply, at that instant Cooan's voice came to them from the distance. Leval looked in that direction and concluded in a more relaxed and grateful tone of voice.

-Aunt Connie is calling you. I must go, it is not convenient for me to be seen by more people from this time. At least not yet. Remember, until two days from now. It's all in your hands now, Uncle Tom. And please don't tell anyone about me, at least not yet.

The latter did not take his lips off. The boy had taken to the air and was flying away at breakneck speed. When he wanted to realize it, he could no longer see him. At that moment Cooan approached, carrying various items of clothing that she was holding in her hands.

-Tom, I was calling you! A tremendous gale blew up and our clothes blew away. Besides, I had to go all the way to the other end of the campsite to hang them up. - She complained in an annoyed tone as she said. - We should have thought about it when we were camping.

But he kept looking at the sky without answering.

- What are you looking at, is something wrong? - His girlfriend wanted to know, looking at him with an inquisitive gesture. -

-No, nothing," - he replied softly, turning his eyes towards the girl, and adding in a more relaxed tone. - Sorry, I was lost in thought, and I was saying goodbye to the scenery.

-Well, just say goodbye now, we'll be late. - She asked him with a smile. –

           He hugged her tightly and that surprised Cooan, but she interpreted it as one more endearment to make himself forgive her for leaving her to her fate with the clothes. It was no big deal, though, but if Tom wanted to be affectionate, she wouldn't be the one to restrain him. So, when they parted after a few kisses he smiled comfortingly and said.

-I'm going to load everything into the car.

And he walked away to organize the material, loaded it and they both left to go back to the city. Tom counted the moments until he could talk to his friend. He wanted to tell him everything the boy had explained, but he couldn't give away his secret. Now he clutched the paper with those signs to the new house that Leval had given him and crumpled them impatiently. That would be another test, and if the boy was right, how should he act? He'd better wait for the boy to arrive. Two days, forty-eight hours were going to take forever! But he could not allow his countenance or his actions to convey worry and he laughed and even joked with Cooan during the trip, talking about his friends.

-I'm sure they've already thrown a party without waiting for us. - He commented as jovially as he could. -

           The others, oblivious to all this future drama, were having fun at their hosts' house. Although in the middle of a relaxed conversation, suddenly, Ail, Diamond and Roy himself looked at each other strangely.

- Did you feel that? - the prince of Nemesis asked to his friends, to the surprised looks of the girls. - That power...

- Feel what? What power do you mean? - Emerald wanted to know, looking at her boyfriend strangely. -

-Yes. An enormous power. - Ail affirmed in response. - I felt it.

-It's true, it was only for a moment. - Roy agreed. - But it emitted a great power.

- What is this, one of your jokes? - Bertie, who was already shaking his head, smiled -

-No, little cube. - Her boyfriend replied with a reflexive tone, then affirming. - I don't know. Now I don't perceive anything abnormal...

-The thing is that this force reminded me a lot of... I'm not sure, but it was familiar to me. - Diamond was able to interject, putting his hand to his chin. -

-It could be government test. - Roy conjectured, adding. - I don't know. Maybe we should investigate it.

- Come on, Roy! - his girlfriend interjected disapprovingly. - Stop with the conspiracy theories. Now that we're all gathered, and the others are coming. Don't ruin the meeting with that stuff.

-Yes," -Annie, who was now cradling the baby, supported her. - I don't think it'll be anything serious. And Bertie's right. You've got to stop worrying about the fight or the force every moment.

-Okay, honey. I didn't say anything. - The boy sighed with a shrug as he looked at his companions. - Let's leave it at that.

-After all that has happened, we deserve some peace. - Diamond was able to add with a smiling nod from his own partner. -

-And if no one from the government has called you, I'm sure nothing will happen. - Emerald was able to say. - They would be asking for your help right away.

-I guess you're right. - Roy wanted to agree. -

Although to him, that flash of energy had been very peculiar. As if his mentor Son Goku had accumulated power to become a super saiyajin. Albeit of a very low level.

-I'll have to ask Landar as soon as I can. - He thought. -

             But watching Beruche out of the corner of his eye, he decided to leave it for another time. He didn't want to upset her, especially not under these circumstances, when everyone was supposed to be gathered to celebrate his upcoming NBA debut. The truth is that neither she nor the rest of the women didn't feel like having their boyfriends go off to inquire about who knows what. The guys gave in on that and since they didn't feel anything strange again, they ended up dropping it. Ail wanted to be with his wife and son in that nice, relaxed atmosphere. Diamond wasn't too keen on chasing ghosts or false alarms and Roy just wanted to focus his thoughts on two things, becoming a good professional player and making Bertie happy.

**START**