GWB05E

**START**

**50. Roy's game**

Early the next morning, the new NBA player woke up. Bertie woke up too, and they shared breakfast as they chatted a bit.

-Well. Today we have the last practice before the game. I guess it's going to be a shooting session and some technical talk. - The boy ventured who asked. - Tommy and Connie not up yet?

- They must be tired. - Bertie smiled to herself, remembering the evening activities those two would surely have indulged in. - I guess they had a lot to do. Hee, hee...

- You were very cruel," - her interlocutor jokingly accused her in response to those same thoughts. - You left me alone yesterday!

- I wanted to see you later. But you had already fallen asleep. - The girl said, almost sounding like an apology. -

- Don't worry - he smiled now to tell her, more surprised than excited. - You know, yesterday I dreamt about my parents.

- Did you? Tell me, what did you dream? - Bertie asked him in turn. -

Roy looked up at the ceiling as if trying to remember something. He shrugged his shoulders and was able to answer without too much certainty.

-I don't remember very well, it seems to me that now that I think about it, it was something absurd. You know, Cubito. A lot of times dreams are weird, but when you're in one it doesn't seem that way. As far as I can remember, we were playing basketball. My dad had set me up with a basket or something. And I was playing against another guy. I don't know, I think he was about my height, although I don't remember his face. And my dad was cheering me on. He was saying something like that game was very important, then that guy and I played together, but I don't remember against who. My mother was there, sitting with a shawl, on some bleachers and she was cheering for us. And I would transform into a super warrior and make a basket. It was very strange. There was a scoreboard, but it was going backwards. It wasn't adding points, it was subtracting them, and hooded guy was looking through a book. I could only think that this strange guy was the referee. And I didn't want to commit any fouls so that he wouldn't expel me from the game... - He could finish telling his girlfriend who had listened to him without making a single comment. -

- It's quite strange, yes - Beruche agreed who went on to comment. - Remember what we studied in the subject of psychology in the career. Sometimes dreams can mean things. Others are simply our brain's way of processing information. Surely you have been thinking about all that during these days.  Your parents who instilled in you your love of basketball, the battles we've fought....

- Yes, that must be it. - He smiled nonchalantly as he finished and got up. - Well, I must go now. I mustn't be late, or I'll get a bad reputation on the first day.

           His girlfriend laughed, of course she knew well what it was like to get mad at Roy because of these delays. When her boyfriend finally left, she wished him luck with a kiss. They might not see each other until the game. Tom and Cooan woke up a few minutes after he had left. They were both annoyed that they couldn't cheer him up before the big moment, but what could they do? They would cheer him on the court. The others had stayed in town with Beruche, her sister and Tom. When they met up, they spent the morning walking around and doing even more shopping. Afterwards the Justicieras decided to practice a bit to dust off their powers and their special costumes. After lunch, the boys also decided to train in the afternoon in the uninhabited places that brought back memories of fighting demons. Diamond and Nephrite fought each other and Sapphire and Ail did the same. Tom watched their progress with obvious interest. His friends were very strong. Maybe not as strong as Roy, but still, each was a powerful enough warrior to successfully face the forces of evil.

-That boy, however, was a super Saiyan. - He thought more uneasily now. - And if he couldn't do anything. But he is here, and when the time comes, he will join us. - He wanted to reflect with a greater dose of optimism. - Yes. And there are the Sailors and the girls and me. And, above all, we won't be taken by surprise now.

         In this way he was observing those evolutions of his friends, hoping, and wishing that now things would be very different from that apocalyptic future that Leval had revealed to him. After a few minutes the boys stopped. Sapphire approached him and kindly offered.

- Do you want to train with us for a while?

-No thanks," - Tom declined with a slight smile and affirmed. - I'm not at your level.

-It's getting late anyway. - Nephrite commented who, from afar, was now watching the girls who had also stopped practicing. -

-Yes. -We'll have to go shower and change to see Roy. He wouldn't forgive us if we were late. - Ail smiled. -

-It would be funny, him telling us off for being late! - Sapphire laughed, making the others imitate him. -

-Well, I wouldn't want to miss it either. I wouldn't want to miss it for anything either. - Diamond intervened, still smiling, to top it off. - So, we'll have to be on time.

              The prince of Nemesis also looked towards the women, smiled again when he saw his girlfriend resting a hand on Cooan's shoulder and chatting with the other girls. Then Tom asked him.

- How are you two doing? You and Emerald.

-We're very happy. - He replied. - She is especially very happy, although a little worried. She told me before she came that she wanted with all her heart to be accepted by the girls. She was afraid of being remembered as unfriendly and distant.

-It is true that she has changed a lot, brother. - Sapphire intervened who unveiled him. - Petz had told me that she really wanted to talk to her and see her. The truth is that the few times we have met she was pleasantly surprised. I told her that she had a similar change when she came to live on Earth.

-It's as if everything bad we once had inside disappeared. The fear, the jealousy, the unjustified hate. - Diamond sighed. - Above all, those ridiculous cravings for power and revenge that I had.

-I understand you very well, my friend. - Nephrite affirmed solidly, declaring in a more introspective tone. - When I think of how I used to be...I can't believe it was true....

-The sailors gave us a very special gift. That of their friendship and making us see how wrong we were. - Ail said. - Then it was our teachers in Heaven and Roy who showed us that everything is possible if you put your heart into it.

-As we sang with Roy. - Let's keep the faith. - Ail affirmed. -

-Yes, our friend is a very special guy. He's had a big impact on our lives. - Tom was able to complete, thinking that his interlocutors could not even imagine the connotations of this reflection. Especially for the future. - And I'm sure he will continue to do so.

-That's why we should leave now. - Sapphire smiled, patting her brother's back. - We must encourage him in the game. We owe it to him. He's one of us.

-Of course. – Tom agreed, affirming with nonchalance. - I wouldn't miss his debut for anything.

-Yes. Let's go get the girls. - Ail told them.

           And the boys headed off to join them. For their part, the girls, as Justicieras, had been practicing their fighting and coordinated attacks. To the astonished looks of Amanda, who meanwhile was chatting with Ann, who was cradling her little one. Among the fighters Emerald had to make up for Karaberasu's absence, but she proved to integrate well with her new companions.

-Let's go, girls. Let's try to coordinate an attack. - Petz urged them. -

And while she advanced with her javelin and the Ice Lady with her sword, the Wind Lady covered them with her boomerang at close range and the Fire Lady with her fiery arrows from further away.

-This formation could be useful to us. - Bertie commented. - We parry the blows on the front line, protected by your ranged attacks.

-And meanwhile, we would be safeguarded by your position. - Cooan completed. -

-It's a good tactic. - Emerald declared. - We can protect each other.

        Then they switched to training against each other. After launching some not too powerful attacks, the girls jumped from one side to the other and dodged their respective blows. Then they tried to combine their powers as they had seen the sailors do. Although that was more complicated than it seemed. They were unable to produce a combined attack, let alone teleport. For the moment, they let it be. In the end they ended up panting tired.

- Wow, I hadn't really exercised for a long time. - Petz was able to say, trying to catch her breath. -

-That's true. - Bertie said, too. - You can tell that the quiet life has left us a little out of shape.

- No way," - Cooan said, who seemed to be more intact. - I think we are still doing very well. Especially Lady Emerald. - She said in admiration. -

             They all remembered that their former boss of the Black Moon had been more powerful than any of them. In fact, she was on a par with Rubeus. And most important to the sisters. When Emerald returned from the world of the dead, they received her well. Nevertheless, they still regarded her with a certain wariness. They did not forget the years they had spent under her command. Even if at first, she was good to them. Then everything changed and they drifted apart. But this girl was aware of that and of the respectful tone she was sometimes addressed in, almost without realizing it. And she was very categorical when she told them.

-Listen, girls. - She smiled, placing a hand on Cooan's right shoulder. - No more of that lady stuff. I'm not that woman anymore. I would like to be your friend. Just Emerald. I ask you, please. Neither Diamond nor I feel it is appropriate to have any special treatment. That ended when we started these new lives.

            There were some awkward moments of silence, it was true that many times they had to meditate before addressing the prince as your highness and even stop themselves from bowing to him. Such was the custom acquired during all the years they spent in his service. None of them dared to respond until Bertie broke the tense atmosphere with a casual tone when she declared, even amused.

- Roy certainly doesn't excuse him. The little prince thing isn't protocol at all. In fact, when I see them together, there isn't a day that goes by that they aren't throwing barbs at each other.

- Diamond is very fond of your boyfriend. - Emerald confessed to her. - Just like the rest.

- You are right. - Petz said, turning to the girl. - Our past lives no longer count here. Luckily, we now can create a much more hopeful future for all of us.

- Of course, girls. - Amanda interjected who, almost as if apologizing for it, added. - I don't know much about your former lives, but it's clear that you are great women right now. All of you.

- And we have the same teacher. - Annie said, approaching with her baby as she added. - She believed in us and gave us another chance.

- And she turned us into a group of fighting fighters! - Cooan exclaimed, extending her arm, and opening her hand. -

Bertie put her hand over her sister's and Petz and Emerald imitated her. It was Petz who said to Nephrite's girlfriend and Ail's girlfriend.

- What are you waiting for?

- I think that's your Justiciera group salute," - Ann smiled, holding her little one. -

-And we're not," - Amanda added. - Besides, that spot is reserved for your other sister.

              The girls couldn't help a wave of homesickness at the memory of Karaberasu, Emerald looked at them a bit saddened, although Bertie immediately declared hopefully.

-I'm told she's fine, so that should be enough for now. We'll probably see her again soon.

             And the rest nodded in hope. At that moment the men arrived and together they left for their respective hotels and lodgings.  After showering they all put on their best clothes (to their surprise Tom told them that it was advisable to do so when going to a game in the front row). It was getting dark when they chartered a group of cabs that took them to their destination. None other than Madison Square Garden. They got in and took their seats, their friend had gotten them very good, almost next to the dugout and they were just the right ones because he had sixteen left and they were seventeen. Thank goodness Roy himself didn't need one!

- You've got to admit, the guy had gone out of his way to get some great locations! - Ail exclaimed in recognition of that fact. - We're right next to the players.

-These are the most expensive seats. - Tom explained, still not quite believing it. - This is where movie stars and important personalities sit.

-Not to hesitate,"- Nephrite interjected jocularly when asked. - But who could be more important than us?

-Look, for once I totally agree with you," - Diamond smiled. -

- I love it," - Emerald exclaimed, looking for the cameras with her eyes. - We're sure to be on TV here, that's not bad for me to promote myself.

-Of course, you guys are great! Poor Roy there, nervous, waiting to make his debut, and you guys are just going about your business. - Petz reproached them in a relaxed tone. -

-Look, guys. - Beruche called everyone's attention, pointing to one of the entrances through which people were already entering. The bleachers were still almost empty because it was quite early. But everyone was happy to see who they were. - There's Usagi and the others! Hey, we're here," she said, honking with her hands. - Come and sit down, it's about to start.

-Yes, look. - Cooan announced. - "The players are coming out.

-Quiet," -Tom told her. - It's just the warm-up, there's still ten minutes left. Who wants popcorn?

- I! - they all said. -

Just then Usagi, Rei, Makoto, Minako, Ami and Mamoru arrived. After the usual and repetitive kisses, hugs, greetings with bows and so on. The one also known as Tuxedo commented corroborating Tom's previous words.

-This Roy was very nice of him to leave the locations in our names. He called me to warn me about it. And that bought us a lot of time. They haven't even started the warm-up.

- Warming up? - Usagi asked. -

-Yes, before the match they must stretch a bit and do some exercises beforehand. - Cooan explained to her, saying she was both amused and proud of it. - I know it perfectly well, when I was a Cheerleader at Golden, I was in many matches starts.

-Even if Roy doesn't need to. - Bertie pointed out with an amused and even mischievous smile. -

-Well, he'll just have to hide a little. - Ami pointed out cautiously. -

-Of course. - Diamond affirmed. - After the training we had at the Corner, this is nothing.

Those who had shared such an experience with him nodded approvingly and soon Tom, taking the floor, said to the group.

-Come on, Corner boys, join me for popcorn and refreshments!

-Do we all have to go? - Ail was surprised. -

-Of course, we do, do you know what to bring? - Sapphire replied. -

-That's right," - Diamond confirmed, urging the others with determination. - "Come on, let's go for it!

So, the group of boys got up while in the pavilion they could watch videos and listen to songs of artists known to them from their time in the Corner of Soul and Time. Amused, the girls, who remained in their seats, watched as the players, still in their tracksuits, evolved. Roy himself obediently followed the stretching routines and gentle running around the court as the stands filled up and the music played at a good volume...

***Passion and love and sex and money***

***Violence, religion, injustice, and death***

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

- The song is promising! - Emerald joked amidst the amused smiles of the others. –

***Girls, boys, art, pleasure***

***Girls, boys, art, pleasure***

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

-So, you say. - Amanda agreed.

The players started touching the ball, making warm-up drives to the basket, softly at first, then some were dunking. Roy, of course, was among them. Perhaps more concerned with impressing his friends than anything else?

***Food, cars, travel***

***Food, cars, travel***

***New York, New York, New York, New York, uh-uh***

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

-Look, that verse nailed it - just our case! - Minako laughed, seconded by her friends. -

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

***Armani, Armani, ah-ah-Armani, cinque***

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

-They should say, Deveraux, Deveraux, Deveraux, Deveraux, shouldn't they, Emerald? - Amanda smiled at the amused nod from the questioned girl, who still had a strange feeling when she was next to this girl.

***Armani, Armani, ah-ah-Armani, cinque***

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

***Now you've gone, I'm all alone***

***My heart is broken, and I don't wanna go home***

***You know it's all over, you're out of luck***

***You feel so low you wanna self-destruct***

***I needed you and you loved me too***

***but now I don't know what I'm gonna do***

***But life moves on, I'm talking history***

***and now I've got tofind someone who'll dance with me***

-Well, this part doesn't cheer up much. - Commented Petz listening to the lyrics. -

-Although there are some things we can relate to. - Bertie sighed who immediately cheered up the gesture and smiled watching her boyfriend do one of his dunks. - The difference is that we've moved on.

-That's true. - Cooan agreed, reminiscing about that silly, self-destructive love she had for Rubeus. And, above all, the subsequent relief and happiness she felt when she got her life back together and met Tom. - I did just that. -She smiled as she clarified. - I found someone who dances with me very well.

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

***You, you were my lover***

***You were my hope, you were my dreams, my life***

***my passion, my love, my sex, and my money***

***my violence, religion, injustice, and death***

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

***Paninaro, Paninaro oh oh oh***

**(Pet Shop Boys Paninaro 95, credit to author)**

At last, the girls put aside the music and that warm-up and stood talking. Bertie asked Ami.

-And the others. - Couldn't they come?

-They have things to do. They're the guardians of the Outer System and they're always busy. But they would have liked to. They send Roy all their support and wish him the best of luck. - She affirmed to the approving and grateful smile of her interlocutor. -

How about you? How's that thing you told me about going? - Bertie asked. -

-I have the exam in a few weeks. I hope I can pass it and get the necessary degree. - The girl replied. -

- You will take the TOEFL, won't you? - Cooan, who was standing next to her, asked. -

-That's right..." She replied, affirming. - With a little luck I'll pass the equivalent of the C-1 level and I'll be able to study here as an exchange student when I get to the university.

- With a little bit of luck," – Rei said, intervening from a nearby position to assert almost in a mocking tone. - "Ami, you'll get it for sure, luck will have nothing to do with it.

Her partner and friend smiled at Bertie and Cooan's nods. Of course, Beruche was quick to say jovially.

-If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask us. What's more, let's see if you'll be joining us for a few days soon. We could visit the city and other places. And if you can understand Roy when he starts with his New York slang, you will pass any test you are given.

-That's right Rei. Cheer up! Now things are quiet at last. Tom and I would love for you to come see us in Portland too. - Cooan added. -

The two women looked at each other and smiled a little hurriedly. It was the priestess who was able to declare.

- I wish I could! But I have a lot to do at the shrine. I don't have anyone to help me now.

-I was sorry to hear about your grandfather. You know that. I told you there and I'll tell you again. - Her interlocutor said, placing a hand on her friend's hands. - He was a great guy. I remember him very fondly.

-Thank you, Cooan. - Rei mused, who seemed close to being moved by that. - You are very kind.

-Yes, a trip to America wouldn't be bad, it would be very useful for me to promote myself. - Intervened Minako. -

-I would prefer to go sightseeing in London. - Makoto commented. -

               The young girl turned her attention to the boys' area, where Nephrite and Diamond seemed to be chatting animatedly about something. To which her companion Venus reciprocated with a rather meaningful glance as she replied in solidarity.

-I loved living there. It's a beautiful city. Yes, maybe we could go on vacation together sometime and I'd be your guide. Would you like Mako-chan?

-That would be great. - Her friend smiled in an unsuccessful attempt to look jovial, not taking her eyes off the Shitennou's ex. - I wish we could...

          As the players returned to the locker room after a short workout. Usagi immediately commented in astonishment.

- That's it?

-That was just the warm-up, we already told you. - Rei sighed, shaking her head. -

-They'll go out again in a while. - Makoto indicated. -

        Her friend nodded, then continued the conversation with her companions on other topics. A few seats to the right, Annie was chatting with Petz.

- Wow, this is spectacular, it's a huge venue! I haven't seen so many people together since I was in a play with the girls.

- That's right, I remember that! -Usagi laughed when she heard that. - We were a great success, even though one of your letters got in the way.

-I think that's precisely why," - Minako interjected with an amused expression. -

-I still remember those damn animal costumes as dwarves. - Makoto laughed in turn, forgetting the previous topic. - They were so uncomfortable!

- How, how? - Petz asked curiously to urge them with lively interest. - You'll have to tell me, that sounds like fun.

-Well, you'll see. - Usagi told her. - It turns out that Annie cheated with a straw to get the part of Snow-White and....

- Girls! There they go, and for real this time! - Cooan interrupted, pointing to the locker room exit excitedly. -

From the tunnel emerged the figures of the players of both teams in their respective tracksuits. His friend was in a group at the end, chatting with some teammates. He looked small compared to most of them.

-Wow," -Tom exclaimed. - Those are league stars, let's see what Roy does against those guys!

-I'm sure he can take them all on by himself. - Beruche added, clapping his hands as he exclaimed. -  "Cheer up, my champion!

-Of course," - Diamond conceded nonchalantly. - If he wanted to, it would be no problem for him to beat all those guys.

- Aren't you forgetting something? - Tom asked them, causing everyone to look at him in surprise. - There's no such thing as flying or using excessively fast speed, this isn't combat. And he would never want to do it that way.

-That's true. - Nephrite admitted. - That wouldn't be fair or sporting.

The boys looked at each other. The truth was that until now they hadn't realized that circumstance. Roy would have to disguise his powers. Maybe he wouldn't have it so easy after all. Bertie remembered how overwhelmed her boyfriend felt at the thought of that. But she trusted him.

-I know you'll do the right thing and know how to control yourself, honey. This means a lot to you. - She thought encouragingly. -

          The siren sounded and after a few minutes of final warm-up, the players made their way to their respective benches. The opposing team was introduced and then, with a dramatic show in which the lights were turned off and only the players were illuminated with wandering spotlights, it was the home team's turn. When Roy was introduced to the first team, everyone applauded enthusiastically. But the Knicks didn't line up their friend among the starters.

-Well, it looks like he won't be playing for now," - Rei said, unable to help her disappointment. -

-I'm sure they made a mistake," – Cooan said, - “they'll take him out right away.

- You haven't seen much basketball, have you, Connie? - the girl's boyfriend sighed resignedly. -

-I think more than you, during all last season I was cheering for the team in Golden in case you don't remember. - She replied, vindicating herself even more when she finished. - And I know how good a player Roy is.

-Yes, he's good. But this is the NBA, not a minor college league. - Her boyfriend patiently reminded her. - It's not easy to play here, let alone be a starter.

- Tom, you should have more faith in him! - she reproached him. -

-It's not a question of me having faith. You know I'm his first fan, but it's up to the coach. But don't worry. I'm sure that when he comes out, he'll prove his worth. - He replied in a conciliatory tone.

-That's if he comes out," - Sapphire objected with some trepidation. - Because if it is evenly matched, substitutes don't usually play much.

-Let's hope they take notice of him. - Makoto intervened in a more optimistic mood. -

-Yes, because if he doesn't play, after the trip we made to see him. - Usagi complained to which Rei replied by giving her a slap on the wrist. - Oh, what are you up to? - she shrieked, rubbing her head. -

- Stop it Usagi, don't be so mouthy! - her companion reprimanded her. -

For any retort her interlocutor threw the popcorn on her and Rei responded in the same way, placing the container on her hat. A pitched battle ensued until the surrounding spectators called the group to attention.

- Usagi, Rei, behave yourselves! - Mamoru hurriedly asked them, making both to blush. -

-The truth is that they are huge guys. - Intervened Emerald, who was keeping an eye on some of those giants warming up next to the Knicks' basket. - Even Diamond is short compared to most of them. Roy's going to have it bad if he can't fly.

-It's not just height that influences this game. - Ail pointedly warned the group. -There are players shorter than him, too.

-Besides, he'll play shooting guard, he's sure to shoot threes or get to the basket on counterattacks. Or maybe he'll play point guard and provide assists. - Diamond said. -

- Wow! - Nephrite said surprised. - I didn't know you understood so much about basketball.

-I've been watching some TV lately to document myself. - His interlocutor smiled. -

-I understand you," - Nephrite nodded. - I watched a lot of football in England, it's the national sport there.

- Is it like here? - Tom wanted to know. -

-No, it has nothing to do with it, here you call it soccer," - Nephrite explained. -

-Look, it's starting. - Sapphire warned them....

And so, it did. At last, the game started, the Knicks won the opening kickoff. A few minutes of give and take passed, the two teams were evenly matched, none of them dominated clearly. Halfway through the first quarter the opposing team took a slight lead. The Knicks coach brought in two fresh players, but Roy was still sitting on the bench without moving. Beruche exclaimed.

- Hey! - She turned to the bench in an impatient tone. - Why don't you get Roy out at once, he'd fix it right away.

              The dugout, which was very close by, turned entirely towards her, watching her in astonishment and amusement, except for one who was covering his face with his hands (it was easy to guess who). A very smartly dressed guy, quite bald and with a stern air, also looked towards Bertie and then, again, looked impassively at the court.

-For heaven's sake, you little cube! - Roy thought angrily - don't get on his nerves. - His trainer looked at him with a grim look on his face and he could only shrug his shoulders and put a stupid grin on his face, muttering. - She's my girlfriend, you know... she's a great girl....

The Knicks were already down by ten when the second quarter began. Soon they made more changes, but the one everyone was waiting for didn't come. Now it was the turn of Petz who, arms raised, stood up in exultation.

-My sister is right, what kind of a coach are you? Any fool can see that you have your best player sitting on the bench and you don't take him out!

- That's it! Malden, take Malden out! - Emerald added in a prize voice. -

- Of course, I do! - Makoto supported fiercely - We all know he's the best!

- Alas, alas, alas! – the guy lamented of his animosity, hiding his head, now under a towel - For God's sake, shut up already! - he muttered, between his teeth. -

The trainer was looking at him more and more viciously, Roy just smiled again, shrugging his shoulders once more.

- Shut up now! - Sapphire hurriedly asked the girls after realizing the situation. - You're going to keep the poor guy from playing all season.

-Sapphire is right," - Cooan admitted more calmly. - We must be patient.

But the minutes passed inexorably and after the second quarter it was time for halftime, Roy hadn't played a second. Mamoru said to Ail.

-Let's hope he can play now.

-I don't know why they get so nervous, after all, it's just a game. - Ail declared. -

- But how are you, Ail! - Ann reproached him while cradling her son. - Can't you see they're so excited?

-You must have faith. Their chance will come. - Mamoru added. -

-Well, at this rate, we'll have to go pray a little. - Usagi said worriedly, adding to address Rei. - Hey, couldn't you do one of your incantations or something to make her play?

- What else would I want! - The priestess sighed now, shaking her head to sentence: - "But I only exercise white magic.

The second half began, and Roy was still seated. After a few minutes his team was losing by fifteen. Now it was Diamond who shouted impatiently.

- Hey, that coach, we are getting bored!

-Come on, let's chant. - Minako encouraged, using the empty popcorn cone as a makeshift speaker. - Bring out Malden!

-Come on coach, cheer up. - Ann asked with a smile. -

-Such an elegant guy should listen to such beautiful ladies like us. - Emerald advised him with a honeyed voice. -

               The young lady also crossed her long legs, making the trainer clears his throat and look away ashamed. The same as half of the staff, who were paying more attention to that now than to what was happening on the court...

- Let's go ahead and cheer him on! - Usagi enthusiastically proposed. -

          And she did so immediately, standing up together with Minako. Each one of them with two cards with the boy's name written on them as they chanted in duet.

- Hip hip, Roy, ra, ra ra ra! Malden, Malden will win!

-This rings a bell. - Cooan mused, blushing, and turning to Makoto. -

-Yes. -Me too. - The questioned one agreed in the same way, adding with a visible blush. - And now, as if that wasn't enough, there's Mina-Chan to back her up. ....

Before the surprised faces of the other fans, the rest of the group, with a visible blush, looked away. A few seconds more, which became endless for all of them, had to pass in the middle of that speech while the rest of the warriors and their friends didn't know where to put themselves, pretending they didn't know them at all. Finally, between Ami and Makoto respectively, they were able to sit them down, before the astonished and amused looks of the rest of the audience and those of their friends whose faces were red with embarrassment.  Fortunately for them, the coach seemed to have given up. There were only a few minutes left in the third quarter. Then he turned to Roy.

-All right Malden, come on out or I'm not going to get that fan club of yours to shut up.

- Heh, heh, they're my friends, they've just come a long way. - He tried to justify himself by scratching his neck and laughing like a fool when he said. - And they're excited to see me play.

- Well, I'm looking forward to it too, and you can play well, otherwise you'll have to shine on the bench until the end of the season! - Threatened the mister with a face of few friends. - Understood?

-Yes sir," - Roy nodded with a bead of sweat on his head, as he hurriedly removed his tracksuit. - Don't worry, I won't let you down.

-You'd better come and play! - the coach commanded him. -

And at last, the boy stepped out onto the court to the cheers of his friends.

- Hey," - Diamond exclaimed in exultation. - There he is, it's about time!

- Come on, Roy, crush them! - Tom exclaimed, raising his fists. -

- Hey, Tommy, this isn't a fight," - Cooan reminded him with an amused look on her face. -

-It's just a figure of speech," - he replied, visibly embarrassed, adding with the same resolution. - Come on, my friend, show everyone what you can do!

But, out of his eagerness to please, the debutant lost the first ball he touched. Sapphire covered his face and Diamond shouted at him.

- Come on, get a move on, man! You're rusty from being on the bench so much!

-You're making me nervous. - Roy responded by standing up in the middle of the game to the astonishment of the spectators, his teammates, opponents and even the referees. - Shut up, you assholes!

-Please don't insult the public. - One of the referees reproved him, - "or I'll have to reprimand you.

-Don't worry,"- Roy smiled, leaving him speechless. - They are my friends, they have come to see me play and cheer me on, as I am making my debut today.

-Well, what a strange way they have of doing it," - the collegiate answered, shrugging his shoulders to indicate him more casually. - Go on if you want some advice, forget about the stands, and play the game.

Roy nodded and nervously glanced sideways at his coach who was keeping an eye on him and wringing out a towel. Things were getting bad; the boy knew that either he had to do something quickly or he could kiss playing for the whole season goodbye. It was now or never.

-As Master Son Goku used to say," - he thought, trying to concentrate. - Faster than light and more serene than the sky.

        Although standing still for a few moments with his eyes closed in the middle of the court attracted a lot of attention. The coach was already getting up to the bench to ask for a change and then Roy opened his eyes just when the opposing point guard was about to make a pass to one of his forwards. Thanks to his reflexes, he cut off a ball and made a basket on the counterattack. All his friends applauded, and the coach nodded in relief as he went back to his seat. The boy smiled reassuringly. It was what he needed, he began to defend with more enthusiasm, and even stole another ball that he turned into an assist for a teammate. Now the coach applauded him, encouraging him with a shout.

-Good Malden, keep it up.

         He nodded, of course he would! In fact, after several plays, he managed to make a three-pointer. Bertie and Cooan embrace each other in their seats.

-Yes, that's good, they're yours! - they both chorused. -

-I think he made it from a long way out, I think about seven meters, he must be a good shot to make that one. - Ami acknowledged, adding, true to her style. - He hit it with a parabola of at least ninety degrees.

- Cut the mathematical crap! Can't you stop studying even here? - Rei admonished her between amused and astonished, making her companion blush a little. -

- Theif haf winf alreafdy," Usagi asked her boyfriend as she chewed a hot dog enthusiastically, holding two others in both hands. - Has the match finished?

-Not yet. - Mamoru patiently replied, shaking his head as he watched his future queen's ketchup-stained mouth. - Look at the scoreboard, they're six points down. And there are still quite a few minutes left.

- Well, that's not much. - Makoto said. - It should give them time to come back.

- Of course, they should! Surely, in the name of love, and sporting justice, Roy will win. - Minako harangued, looking at Bertie, who blushed. -

Fortunately, the girls seemed to be right. Her friend's role in the match went from strength to strength. He was able to defend two opposing attacks well and recover those balls by assisting his teammates. Thus, in the last quarter of the game, the gap between the two sides was reduced to just three points. The field came crashing down when the Knicks' new player stole one more ball and hit another three-pointer to tie it up.

- Good!" - Sapphire and Ail jumped, tossing popcorn in the air, and hugging each other in glee. -

-Well, thank goodness Ail said it was just a game. - Petz smiled to Ann, who was also laughing at her partner's almost childish enthusiasm. - He's as excited as my boyfriend!

-It's an exciting game, no doubt about it. - Nephrite affirmed reflexively without losing his gentlemanly composure. - Now the game is hotly contested, and anyone could win. I'd bet some money if I had the chance.

            And so it was, after an exchange of baskets the Knicks managed to take the lead, with a couple of deserving rebounds by Roy on offense. His opponents could not explain how he had been able to win the position in the jump, being, moreover, of such a short height compared to the rival centers. Not satisfied just with that, fortune smiled on him, and he caught two more rejections that came out long in defense and his was the assist that allowed his team to reach the hundred points. With one minute left, he stole another ball and ran to the opponent's basket with a dunk that raised the applause of the crowd. The opposing team called a timeout and when the players gathered in a huddle to listen to the instructions, the boy's group cheered.

-All right, Roy, you're the best! See, Coach? We told you so. - Minako shouted to him, passionate about the game. - Next time listen to us first.

- That's great, honey! - a beaming Beruche clapped her hands, feeling very proud. -

- You'll see how she rewards you tonight at home! - Usagi laughed. - Hey, Roy, tonight you must be good and make a basket with Bertie!

             Although those words had the effect of making all his teammates, Roy, the other members of the Knicks staff and even his own coach blush. Raising a few laughs in the audience.

- Usagi - Chan, please!" - Beruche whispered visibly embarrassed, even though she was covering her face with both hands. -

-I'm sorry. Heh, heh. I slipped it out! - She apologized, putting a hand to the back of her head. -

- You have a big mouth bigger than the New York subway tunnel. - Rei admonished her, not without mockery. - And what a thing to say...

- You just had to jump in the middle, "Lady, I'm meddling in my own business!" - Usagi replied in turn. -

            Rei of course stuck her tongue out at her, her interlocutor did the same. Good thing that between Minako and Ami they made a space between their companions since another popcorn war was again imminent....

-Do yourselves a favor. Stay tuned for the match. It's almost over. - Makoto hurriedly asked them, trying to prevent Rei from smashing another popcorn cone, this time full, into her antagonist's face. -

-That's right, girls. - Minako agreed with the same embarrassed gesture, holding Usagi so that she wouldn't hit her polemicist with her glass of drink. - Time-out is over...

Ami was smirking at the spectacle of her companions. She tried her best to ignore them as she calculated the chances of scoring points in the remaining minutes of the game. Indeed, and fortunately for peace, the time was up, the girls calmed down and the players returned to the court. Roy still had a chance to make another basket and a couple of free throws. With only fifty seconds left, his coach sat him down so that the entire crowd could give him a standing ovation in recognition of his work.

- But why take him off if he's playing so well? - Cooan asked, astonished and somewhat indignant. -

-For the public to applaud him, now that the match is decided, Connie," -Tom smiled. - It's a gesture of deference.

-That's true. - Sapphire clapped and listened along with the others. - She's earned it.

          And so, it was. The whole audience was cheering for this promising young man. They had really liked Roy's performance, and those closest even to the court had liked him as they heard his "fans" ask to let him play. Diamond and even Nephrite who were near the position of the commentators, could hear a bearded guy with a somewhat gangly voice say.

-This boy, Roy Malden, is lightning fast. He steals balls tremendously. Some of his opponents didn't even notice until he had taken the ball away from them and was running to the other basket. He seems to come out of nowhere, like the Invisible Man.

And another foreign commentator, bald and with a bow tie, made strange gestures and said in a language unknown to most.

-Yessssss! What a player! Malden. What a "Funky Man" he is, Too funky for meee! and with his own fan club, the guy. What a club though!  The club of the female gamers. Those chicks! Hey Daimi...? I am the invisible man...see right through me! Ha, ha! He doesn't get caught... He doesn't!

          He added with a bombastic tone, turning to a colleague of his who was more focused on the details of the match and who replied with a more serious and analytical tone of voice.

- It looks like Malden comes from a small college, right here in New York State. He's a young, undrafted point guard. I think he played in a minor league. He looks like a personal bet by the coach. He defends well, shoots well and is very quick in transition.

- Yes, he is. - That flamboyant guy completed to return to his previous topic, as if he had not heard anything of what his colleague said. - It seems to me that one of those is a model. I don't remember her name now, but she's in the magazines, isn't she? Daimi. We were right to come here for the season opener. Hey! Yes, or no? Take it from me, this kid from the commercial league is going to stand out. The Knicks have found a real player! Gallery of glory picks. He's The invisible man, man. But where does he come from to steal those balls? Where does he come from that I don't see him? What a man! He is the boooss!

Roy was able to catch some of this and as it was in Spanish, he understood it and was quite flattered. But it was even better when his teammates, some of them very famous and prominent players he himself admired, congratulated him. Even his coach approached him to tell him, now in a much kinder tone.

- Well done, Malden, it looks like your friends weren't wrong, keep it up and you won't need to be recruited to play.

-Thank you very much, sir. - He smiled happily and looked at his friends with a wink, much to their delight. - I'll try...

The game ended one hundred and twelve to one hundred and three, favorable to the Knicks, the court was vacated, and everyone went outside to wait for Roy as it would take him a while to take a shower. Then he might have to attend to some reporters who were already starting to circle the exit. Some were even heading for the locker room where they could enter ten minutes after the players themselves.

- Let's go to his house and prepare a little surprise party for him! - Diamond proposed. - What do you think?

Everyone agreed with visible excitement.

-I'll stay here," - Beruche said. - "My poor boy, he played so well, I'm not going to let him come back alone.

-Okay," - Tom nodded, "then take him to us, but don't say anything to him. Give us time.

-We'll wait for a moment to greet him,"- Usagi interjected. -

-We'd like to stay, but we must go back to study. - Ami added to the dismay of her classmates. -

-Later, when there is no one around here, we should leave with the teleportation. - Rei added confidentially. -

- And can't you stay? Even for a little while. - Cooan lamented. -

-That's true. - Minako protested, eager to get a closer look at all that post-game glamour. - What difference does a day make?

-We should start studying without further delay. - Ami insisted, amidst the overwhelmed faces of the rest of her classmates as she reminded them. - "Keep in mind that there are many hours difference in Tokyo compared to here. We'll be a mess when we get back and we'll feel the sudden change. You know what happens, it's like instant jet lag. So, we must rest. Besides, exams start in a few days.

- I can't wait to study! - Usagi exclaimed theatrically, although everyone knew she meant it with irony. -

The sailors sighed with resignation, even Ami herself would have preferred to stay on this occasion, but unfortunately it was not possible. So, they bid a fond farewell to all the others who were leaving to prepare the celebration....

-Well, we'll see you at home. - Bertie agreed with the rest, waiting for her boyfriend in the company of the sailors and Mamoru. -

The others agreed and left. Ready to begin preparations for the celebration. That night Roy and his friends would have more than one surprise waiting for them...

-It was a great game. - Makoto commented. -

-That's true. It was very interesting; I'm going to become a fan of this sport. Although I still prefer volleyball. - Minako added. -

-And Roy was great. I'm happy for him. - Ami affirmed. -

-Thank you, my friends. - Bertie smiled. –

            And just a few meters above, flying over them, Leval smiled. At least that had been nice to see. He was able to sneak into the pavilion using his skills to avoid detection by security. That way he had the immense fortune of seeing his father play live. And everything was just as he remembered it. Even when through the closed-circuit television and the giant scoreboards, they showed some shots of the warriors shouting or Roy's friends insisting that the coach take him out. Ever since he was a little boy, he had always found that funny. And he remembered his poor mother, who always sighed when, together, they had watched that match. She often wiped away a tear or two, but always tried to smile. His mother thought he didn't realize it, but Leval could feel how much she suffered remembering those good old times. And those beautiful moments of the past that he was only able to see so long ago were now the present for him.

-I must do everything in my power to make sure that things are not as I remember them. May my parents and the others, along with the rest of the people of this time, can live a future in which they will be happy.

                However, he realized that, if he succeeded, the time paradox would mean that he would never have existed. At least as a product of that future horror. Perhaps he would be born a totally different person who had never lived through it. Therefore, he would never travel back in time to alter anything.

-Uncle Tom explained it to me and Mazoui, but the more I thought about it, the more it puzzled me.

            And he certainly felt that way, very puzzled. What's more, it was enough to drive him crazy! The boy reflected on all this after leaving the pavilion and returning discreetly to the house of his future parents. There, still at a safe distance, he would hide and wait until he could introduce himself to that group.

**START**