GWA44E

**START**

   **Emotive reunions and Farewells.**

Roy looked towards the horizon, in the distance he could see some of the buildings on the outskirts of the city, still smoldering. The inhabitants would certainly have a lot of work to do to rebuild everything. Surely many lives would have been lost and despite all the efforts of him, his companions, the sailors and whatever Tom and the girls had done, it would not have been possible to stop those damned demons and their minions from spreading panic among the innocent people. But that was not the fault of those who fought to destroy evil. And what counted was that, in the end, even at the cost of great suffering and pain, they had triumphed. Earth had been saved.

- Now I only hope that together we can rebuild the city. - He sighed, thinking aloud. -

- Yes, united we can do it. But now I'm anxious to see Petz again. And I'm sure you'll want to go with Bertie. - Sapphire replied, wanting to take his mind off the bittersweet taste in his friend's head. - Isn't that right, my friend?

- You're right," - his companion agreed with a smile, and all other thoughts aside. - Let's go find them, boys, they'll be stunned to see us!

Sapphire nodded eagerly and set off to fly, he was going to do the same, but Diamond, on the other hand, didn't move. He had been very quiet during this time, immersed in his own reflections, and it was Roy who gave him a strange look.

- You go on. - The prince said to them, at last coming out of his silence - I am not going to accompany you.

- Why not, friend? - Roy asked him in surprise. - Don't you wish to come with us?

- There is a person I must look for. - He answered with a thoughtful air - someone who loved me once and whom I didn't know how to love back?

- It's Emerald, isn't it, brother? - Sapphire said, to which his brother nodded slowly. - But she died - Sapphire objected with regret as he added - and according to what the wizard explained to us when we arrived in Heaven, she was plunged into the abyss of those who must purge their guilt.

There was a moment of silence, Sapphire looked dismayed and Roy himself did not know what to say. It was hard indeed, but he didn't think he could cheer his friend up. During his time in Heaven, he had heard his master Son Goku talk about hell, and even though he assured him that it was possible to get out of it. Though when it came to deeper levels, the only time Diamond inquired about it, the legendary warrior merely shrugged his shoulders and declared.

-I don't know all types of hells. I know that there are some very diverse ones. And that they depend on something to do with different dimensions. Maybe Landar can explain it better.

He remembered that now and paradoxically it was his friend the prince who commented.

- I know what Son Goku said. I asked Landar afterwards and he told me that, if there is someone willing to give love to those who suffer there, they can be saved. - Diamond said in a quiet voice, adding in a more affable tone. - You have two wonderful girls waiting for you, I had no one. Now that I know how she felt about me, I will do everything I can to rescue her from that horrible place. I owe it to her and if I succeed maybe we can start again. I don't know if I'll really love her or if it will just be intense affection. But at least I know that she did love me sincerely and that alone is worth a try. And most of all, I want to tell her that I'm sorry.

Roy smiled then, placing an affectionate hand on his partner's right shoulder.

- I understand I won the bet.

His friend smiled and had to nod slowly to confess.

-And I certainly don't like to admit it. - He admitted. -

- What bet? - Sapphire wanted to know. -

-It's a long story. God willing, I'll tell it to you when I get back, brother. - The questioned man replied. -

-We'll go with you to help you. - Roy offered, with the immediate assent of Sapphire. -

             Neither of them intended to leave their partner and brother respectively in the lurch of that difficult test. So, the Saiyajin scion added.

- Let us see the girls, tell them we're fine, and we'll go with you wherever you need to go.

- No, my friend. I know you both mean it. - Diamond smiled gratefully and yet objecting. - But this is something I must do on my own. Landar told me that too.

            And without further ado, it was he who took to the air, bidding farewell.

- See you soon and thank you for everything. When I rescue her, I'll look for you and we'll celebrate the triumph together. I promise you.

- Diamond, be careful! - his excited brother was able to say in a whisper. -

         However, the questioned one caught those words to add moments before leaving.

-I will be. - He assured him with a big smile on his face and declared. - I should have done it before, but I apologize for all my past mistakes. Sapphire... forgive me for not always being the older brother I should have been. I dragged you all into this and I'm sorry you had to pay for it because of me. Good luck and be happy with Petz. You deserve it.

- It wasn't only your fault..." - His brother rebutted him, but the prince didn't let him finish. -

- I'm very glad to have found a good friend as well as a brother. Take care of yourself too. - And before the others could try to reply, Diamond concluded in a more jovial tone. -And don't you think of having any of those parties Roy talks so much about without me and Emerald.

- Don't worry, little prince, we'll be waiting for you to try karaoke. - He assured him with a thumbs up. - And you're going to have to sing! you know that.

Diamond smiled for the last time and rose quickly through the clouds. Sapphire and Roy stood and watched as he flew away. The prince still had many adventures to go on until he returned to his friends, and they wished him the best of luck from the bottom of their hearts. After a few moments of silence, however, Roy wanted to be the one to pull his companion out of his preoccupation with his brother and his old memories and encouraged him.

- Well Sapphire, it's time for us to go too! Don't worry about that stiff. He may not look like it, but he'll manage. I think he's just running off with that excuse, so he doesn't have to sing karaoke.

           He nodded with a smile, thanking his friend for his sardonic and amusing way of cheering him up.

-That must be it, he was always too shy for that sort of thing. - Sapphire declared. -

          And he also thought that he had to be strong and maintain his new presence of mind that he had worked so hard to acquire in those long months of training. No more whining, no more complaining, and no more reproaching. If anything happened to any of them, the others would carry on, that was another of their promises. They had sworn before they set out to fight, when there was a chance that one of them might die. If this happened, the others were sure that the one who died would enjoy eternal bliss and await them all in paradise. So, if Diamond died in his attempt to rescue Emerald, the two would be reunited in years to come. If not, they would do so in less time. And the prince's own younger brother now had his own life and girl waiting for him, even if she didn't know it yet. As did Roy, so they both took flight. During the journey to the city, they exchanged few words. It was only when they reached the outskirts of the city and descended to the ground to walk like normal people that they were able to chat and inform each other of their intentions.

- Hey Roy. - Sapphire asked his companion. - Now that I've thought about it on the way down, I don't know where Petz lives.

- That's not a problem, mate. - He replied calmly. - I'll take you there.

- Before I see her, I'd like to get ready. At least spruce me up a bit. You know? I'm not very presentable.

        Sapphire confessed this, realizing that his suit was in tatters and his face, though his wounds had healed thanks to the beans, was stained with sweat and dried traces of blood and dirt in his beard. Roy watched him closely without flinching and concluded, unable to help himself, with a laugh.

- It's true, man! You're a sight for sore eyes!

His companion frowned, reproaching him in turn with humor.

- Not that you're much better!

And they held each other's gazes until they could stand it no longer, bursting into laughter. Putting one arm around the other's shoulder, they stood up, despite the laughter. Of course, the people who were still walking the streets were shocked to see them so happy. Many even thought that the two poor wretches had gone mad with horror. Finally, after a while, both mastered themselves and continued walking to Roy's flat, where he explained to Sapphire.

- In my flat, if those demon suckers haven't torn it to pieces of course, we can shower and change clothes. I can lend you something of mine, even if it's a little big, but it won't be too noticeable.

- Thanks, mate, I owe you one. – Sapphire responded with that acquired nonchalance of his friend. -

The truth is that Sapphire, her brother, Ail and Nephrite himself had learned English to perfection during their stay in the training room. Or at least Roy thought so, since they didn't really have any record of the language they had used to communicate there. But now it was clear that the Infant of Nemesis was speaking it. In fact, he once recalled that the subject came up and that it was precisely this boy who had commented to him.

-Our ancestors came largely from English-speaking countries. Others from Japan itself. And our mother spoke both languages fluently. We learned them too.

-It's good to know that I could go as a tourist to the thirtieth century and communicate with the people. - Roy responded. -

-We also had super advanced translators, to communicate with potential travelers from other planets. - Sapphire told him. - I designed some droids for that myself.

- Droids? - his perplexed interlocutor asked. - What are those?

-Androids, highly evolved robots. - His interlocutor replied. -

- And did they come in a pretty girl version? - Roy wanted to know with his usual mocking smile. -

-You would have loved them. - Sapphire nodded, smiling in return, since he knew his partner well by then: "Besides, they were totally obedient.

        Now Roy reminded him of that conversation, adding with a more reflective tone.

-Deep down, I don't like that kind of girl, you know? I prefer them with character and self-confidence. Like Bertie.

-She was always shy at court, at least as far as I remember. - His interlocutor replied. - Very clever and pretty, though. Like all her sisters. And for character, really.  Petz had the edge on that one.

-Well, we're going to see them again, my friend. They'll be surprised. - Roy nodded with a tinge of encouragement. -

-I hope it's a good one surprise. - The infant of Nemesis said. -

           His companion smiled and patted him lightly on the back as they rounded the corner of his house. They didn't have too much trouble getting in, the doorway was smashed, though fortunately not the building. And although the looters had passed through, they didn't seem to stop for long. Roy's flat, a fifth floor flat, didn't look like it had been broken into. What's more, someone had put a couple of thick padlocks on the door, so no one in a hurry would have bothered to break in.

- This must have been Tommy or the girls. - He smiled, indicating the protection to Sapphire, and added with mock pity. - I'm sorry, but we'll have to open them without a key.

And without any difficulty he simply broke the steel of the collars of both padlocks and forced the door open, which opened immediately under the force applied by the boy. It was child's play now, and although he would have to pay for a new lock, it didn't matter much now. So, they both went in, locking the door behind them quickly. They didn't want anyone to see them in case they thought they were burglars. Roy showed his friend where the bathroom was and laid out clothes for the two of them. Sapphire took a shower, luckily there was water and electricity. Roy's building had its own emergency tank and generator, very useful for possible urban blackouts, and effective now that the power and plumbing was broken in half the city. The owner of the house used the minutes his guest took to go through his rooms and reminisce about his past experiences. There remained the last visible legacy of his parents. Between those walls and his room in the Golden were his best and most precious memories and his life. Although that was no longer entirely true, he also had his battle buddies, Tom, and the girls and above all Bertie. Roy was burning with the desire to see her again, to hug her, kiss her and never be separated from her again. But he wanted to be patient, he wanted the reunion to be something very special. In parts, he wanted to know where she was. As far as he could remember, the course at the university would have finished months ago. She and the others would be teachers by now and would no longer be there. But where could they be? Perhaps in her sisters' flat. Possibly in someone else's. If only they were all safe! That was an idea that hadn't crossed her mind much so far. What if something had happened to them? He shook his head, trying to shake off the bad feeling, and exhaled a long sigh, as if he could expel the accursed idea. Then, to his immense joy and relief, a voice came into his head, he recognized it, it was Landar who said in a reassuring tone.

-They are all well, and to know their whereabouts you only must look on that table.

Roy instantly looked at a small wooden table near his television. It had a couple of drawers and he opened them quickly, one was empty and in the other, except for a few sheets of paper, he saw nothing to help him either, but the voice echoed again in his brain almost mockingly.

- Try looking over the table, you fool!

And immediately he did so, it seemed unbelievable that he had not seen it at first! But in his nerves, he was overcome. On the table was a blue notebook, and he opened it, leafing through its page by page. He read Tom's neat handwriting and on one of the pages it read.

-"Nursery school, go at eight o'clock to start classes with Bertie and Connie".

And below that the address, then that's where they worked! He shook his head with a smile, of course, he'd forgotten all about it! Surely Tom lived here. Roy had left them his flat in those farewell notes. And now that they could no longer be at the University, they would be occupying it. Possibly Bertie and Connie would live with their sisters and let Tommy stay here. That cleared things up and urged them to hurry, either of them could be back soon. Anyway, Sapphire came out, already showered, and covered with a towel, to ask Roy.

- Don't you have anything to shave with?  A special laser or something.

- What laser or what the hell! - Roy replied amused, adding. - Old-fashioned razor and brush, man!

His companion looked at him puzzled, obviously he didn't know about those gadgets, of course, in the thirtieth century they would use other kinds of things. Anyway, Roy told him what he had found out and declared in conclusion with mock (or perhaps not so mock) reprobation.

- I told you in the room, you should have shaved there, but neither your princely brother felt like taking off his goatee, nor you that beard.

- I didn't worry about it, besides, I took it as a kind of incentive to progress. - Sapphire justified himself. -

- The thing is that we don't have much time now, so I'll take a shower and then I'll tell you what we'll do. - His companion explained. - We'll have no choice but to get the hell out of here, least Tom or one of the girls come back and find us, and we don't want to spoil the surprise. Right?

His interlocutor shook his head silently as Roy left him to get dressed after pointing out a whole pile of clothes that he had placed on the sofa, changes of clothes included. Luckily his friends had respected his clothes and didn't get rid of them. Sapphire dressed himself as best he could in the clothes that were a bit too long for him and listened to the sound of the shower in the background to his host's penultimate jocular admonition.

- Man, you've left my bathroom full of hair! You don't know how bad Tom used to feel about those things, and now I understand him!

Sapphire was about to apologize but thought better of it and just smiled. A few minutes later Roy, showered and dressed, was indicating the next steps.

- We'll get out of here; I have money saved in a hole in the wall of my room. And now that I remember, I forgot to put it in the notes. So much the better! It will do us a lot of good to take a rented flat, at least for a few days. If it takes for us to focus and be able to see them.

- Can't we go and meet them now? - his interlocutor asked him with visible surprise and impatience as he listened to him. -

His companion then sighed and confessed.

- It's just that I'd like to see Bertie, Tommy, and Connie, working with the children. I ask it as a favor, my friend.

          The other young man shrugged his shoulders and gave in with a jovial smile in reply.

- If I've waited this long to see Petz, I don't think anything will happen for a few more days.

Roy put on his best smiling face and patted his companion's shoulders. Without a word he went to fetch the money, which, luckily, remained hidden where he had left it. It wasn't much, but it would do. Once they had it, they both left. The door remained half closed, it was not possible to leave it better.

- One more thing, Sapphire. - Roy commented to his companion jovially. - Grow a beard and see if Petz can recognize you.

The man thought it over carefully. The truth is that it wasn't a bad idea, maybe if he saw him as he remembered him from the impression he might faint or think he was hallucinating. This way the thing would have more excitement and really the infant of Nemesis was very changed. That luxuriant tangle of hair together with the beard he had was the perfect complement to the disguise. Not to mention of course his much stronger and more muscular body. So, he nodded with almost childish enthusiasm. Together with his friend, having taken most of the still edible provisions they could find out of the fridge and stowed them in a duffel bag that must have been Tom's, they set off down the street in search of a room.

-O.K. Let's go for a little walk around town. - Roy commented animatedly. -

-I hope they rebuild it soon. It must have been terrible for a lot of people. -His companion lamented. -

His friend seemed to want to say something jocular, but thought better of it, out of respect for the victims. And what he did do was to say with a mixture of gravity and admiration.

-New Yorkers are tougher than you think. They, and the rest of the country and even the world, will do their best to get through this. You'll see.

And as he passed by a street where construction work was in progress, he couldn't help but notice an American flag on the ground. Surely there had not yet been time to repair the roof from which it had fallen off. He didn't think twice, like a good patriot he picked it up, hoisted it up and, after a considerable leap, placed it on the highest part of the roof.

-I always wanted to do this. - He said to himself with satisfaction. -

Fortunately for him, though, there were no people in the area, and they didn't see him climb up in that unorthodox way. Sapphire watched him from the ground and after smiling in amusement, shook his head.

-I'm sorry. That wasn't very wise. - The young man admitted. -

His friend nodded and after Roy descended in a more humane way, holding on to the ledge and windows of that house, they both walked away. Tom, on the other hand, returned to his friend's flat a few hours later. Both he and the girls, (now in their normal identities), had taken refuge in one of the many sleeping shelters. They stayed there for many hours until they awoke with their strength restored. It was after they had finished the fight, destroyed the Wiseman, and found that the demons were gone. Once it was all over, they could hear the ringing of the bells of many churches that had withstood the attacks and thus celebrated the liberation.

- It's beautiful! - Bertie could sob with visible emotion. -

-Yes, it is the rebirth of hope. - Petz agreed in the same way. -

-Our struggle has been worth it. - Kalie agreed, hugging her older sister. -

-That's right. We all did it together. - Cooan affirmed, hugging her boyfriend in return. - The warriors and us.

-It was hard, but it was worth it. - Tom finished with the same emotion. -

And coinciding with that jubilation, the sound of a song came to them from one of the nearby buildings. And Beruche listened to it, astonished, melancholic, and happy at the same time. Remembering her lost love.

***(Stay now)***

***Baby if you've got to go away***

***Don't think I could take the pain (Stay now)***

***Won't you stay another day? (Stay now)***

***Oh, don't leave me alone like this***

***Don't you say it's the final kiss (Stay now)***

And Bertie looked up to Heaven smiling again...as she remembered her lost love....

-Roy darling, we did it! We did it...for you and for all who live on this wonderful planet. I know wherever you are you'll be as happy as we are...but I miss you terribly.

And that song underlined that sentiment when heard in the next verse.

***Won't you stay another day? (Stay now)***

***Don't you know we've come too far now?***

***Just to go and try to throw it all away***

***Thought I heard you say you love me***

***That your love was gonna be here to stay***

***I've only just begun to know you***

***All I can say is won't you stay just one more day?***

***(Stay now)***

***Baby if you've got to go away***

***Don't think I could take the pain***

***Won't you stay another day? (Stay now)***

***Oh, don't leave me alone like this***

***Don't you say it's the final kiss (Stay now)***

***Won't you stay another day? (Stay now)***

***I touch your face while you are sleeping***

***And hold your hand, don't understand what's going on***

***Good times we had return to haunt me***

***Though it's for you, all that I do seems to be wrong***

***(Stay now, stay now)***

***Baby if you've got to go away***

***Don't think I could take the pain***

***Won't you stay another day? (Stay now)***

            And the sound of those wonderful bells ringing, as people cheered in the streets and hugged each other in joy, made Bertie weep with happiness and longing at the same time. She wished with all her soul that she could have had him there with her to enjoy that moment of victory and joy. As the song ended with a repetition of that refrain.

***Oh, don't leave me alone like this***

***Don't you say it's the final kiss (Stay now)***

***Won't you stay another day? (Stay now)***

***Baby if you've got to go away***

***Don't think I could take the pain***

***Won't you stay another day? (Stay now)***

***Oh don't leave me alone like this***

***Don't you say it's the final kiss (Stay now)***

***Won't you stay another day? (Stay now)***

             The others could take in the storm of mixed feelings the girl was enduring and simply gave her space. Watching her with a mixture of pity for her situation and excitement and joy at the celebration of triumph.

***(Stay) Baby if you've got to go away***

***Don't think I could take the pain (Stay)***

***Won't you stay another day? (Stay now)***

***(Stay) Oh don't leave me alone like this***

***Don't you say it's the final kiss (Stay now)***

***Won't you stay another day? (Stay now)***

**(Stay another day, East 17). (Credit to the artist)**

At last Bertie was comforted by her sisters.

-He would be so proud of us. I know he would. - Tom wanted to encourage her in turn. - Especially of you.

-Our struggle has given meaning to his sacrifice. - Bertie sobbed, smiling faintly. -

               Thus, filled with joy and melancholy at the same time, for the memory of their friend, they all melted into a big hug and fell down in surrender. When they awoke, one of the kindly volunteers caring for the wounded told them that things were beginning to return to normal.

- Now we will have to go home. - Cooan said, feeling as rested and happy as the rest. -

-There's a lot of work to do and we'd better get back to it soon! - Petz assured with the same cheerful determination. -

- I'll pop over to Roy's flat to see if he's still standing, I've got my stuff there and I think I need a shower. - Tom joked. -

Although the memory of their friend for a moment filled them with nostalgia once again, they all got over it in just a few moments. It was oddly Bertie who intervened, displaying the humor that her late companion would surely have employed in such a situation.

- We all need it! Now we'd kill more demons with our scent than with our weapons, wouldn't we girls, we must smell even worse than they do!

And the others laughed in chorus, celebrating the witticism, which, by the way, was true. Cooan was even thankful that their Justicieras outfits were equipped with that sort of instant wash-iron, which allowed them to regenerate when the transformation was cancelled, and they reverted to their normal personalities. Luckily, they had the foresight to become ordinary people when they finished with the Wiseman and Fantoui. Then no one would bother them, no one would try to ask them questions, no one would ask for their autographs. Even if things were not in the mood for it, it was better not to risk it. So, they moved to another shelter nearby. As mere citizens, in need of rest and medical attention, they were able to occupy some beds and sleep. Now at last they could return home. Tom, in fact, went to the flat that belonged to Roy to find to his regret that the door had been forced open, the locks broken and the flat broken into. However, these would-be thieves had taken no more than a few clothes, tins of tinned food and his karate bag, (he did not discover the hiding place of the brick because Roy had left it as it was.) Shaking his head in sympathy, he said to himself.

-Whoever he was. The poor guy was just looking for some clothes and food.

For their part, the girls went back to their flat. This one was a bit worse than their companion's. The door was broken, the rooms were a mess, as if a herd of buffalo had passed through, and their personal belongings were scattered all over the floor. Although it was curious to note that no valuables seemed to be missing. Perhaps some demons, knowing where they lived, tried to surprise them there, or else they were looters who could not finish their task. Either way, they could consider themselves lucky, for more than a third of the city had burned or lay in ruins. They would only have to tidy up and they did so with discipline and without complaint. That was fun compared to what they had suffered and struggled through. And it took the four of them no more than a few hours to tidy up their flat. Then they had supper and were able to go to bed, but they all wondered, "What about tomorrow?

-I hope that little by little, normality will return to the city. - Cooan wished as she lay down on her bed, feeling very happy. - Everything went well.

Although she immediately censured herself. Remembering Roy and so many others, victims of those monsters.

-I have no right to feel so happy. - She said to herself with regret. - My sisters have suffered a great deal, and I am very fortunate. But I will do what I can to comfort them. They deserve it.

Bertie, meanwhile, wanted to sleep, but could not. Many things assailed her mind.

-Darling, I wish you were here to enjoy our triumph, which is also yours! I don't want to be sad, though. You wouldn't like it, but it's difficult..." - She sighed, adding. - At least I will be able to dream of you again...

Karaberasu couldn't sleep either. She couldn't stop thinking about her baby. For better or worse, she was determined to have it.

-I don't know what it will be like. I hope that with God's help he can be born and grow up as a normal child....

And Petz slept dreaming of her mother. Her mother's face would appear to her, smiling warmly and saying.

-I'm so proud of you. Darling. You kept your word. You protected your sisters. I'm sure life will reward you.

-I'd like that very much, Mama. But neither you nor Papa are here with me. Nor is the only man I ever loved. - She lamented, mumbling as she slept. -

In another part of the country, a car pulled into a car park. Hank got out towards the entrance of a motel. His companion watched him drive away. The last thing that boy said to her was.

-We'll stay here. We'll pass for a married couple and their daughter who are running from what happened. It'll be the perfect cover.

-Of course. -She nodded, giving him a charming smile. -

The boy returned it, heading towards the motel. The one who now called herself Paige thought with glee.

- You idiot! All men are just as manipulable and just as stupid. Remember that my child. - She whispered to the sleeping Marla. -  "Never forget the lesson your mother must have learned at the cost of so much suffering. Use the men, don't get attached to any of them. They will only want to use you, so get ready!

And without a second's hesitation, she shifted into the driver's seat, carefully deposited the baby in the passenger seat and drove off. That jerk had left the key in the ignition. Of course, he wouldn't have suspected that. So, before he could notice anything, the young girl was driving off down the road. Hank, meanwhile, was talking to the owner of that motel about renting a room. Oblivious to what had happened. He thought the girl had smiled gratefully at him.

- Why not? We could be together and take care of her daughter. Or whatever that brat is. Fantoui told me that even acolytes and maybe even some of the she-devils took it upon themselves to nurse and care for her when her mother was away. That certainly can't be normal. So, this child could be someone very important. I'll take advantage of that. And even though April's not right in the head, she's still very hot. And I'm all she's got. Maybe, in time...

He was already imagining how he was going to enjoy a night of passion with this girl. So, once the booking was arranged, he went out to tell her. He was astonished when he didn't see the car. In vain he shouted, calling out to her.

- Damn it! - he exclaimed, holding his hands to his head. - Where has that bitch gone?

In the meantime, Melanie finally managed to inform the police. The officers sent a patrol car to the Sinclairs' house. Fortunately, when they found the basement door locked and knocked, they heard April's parents screaming for help. Their daughter had locked them in, but since they also had food and water there, as they intended to use it as a shelter, they were able to hold out for the couple of days it took for them to be discovered there. After they had recovered a little, Melanie and Malcolm went to see them.

-Our daughter is very ill. She must have tricked us and didn't take her pills. - The young girl's distraught father told them. -

- Don't you know where they might have gone? – April´s distraught and dismayed mother asked. -

-I'm sorry, they were going in the direction of New Hampshire," - Melanie replied, adding. - We don't know which way they might have gone next, though.

-Of course. Don't worry. You saved our lives. - April's father sighed. -  "We'll find her. We'll find her. When she's not in these paranoid schizophrenic episodes, she's a good girl. Maybe she'll be the one to come back. We'll give her time, yeah, that's it....

The two young people listened with regret, not daring to say anything. They wished Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair the best of luck and promised to keep an eye on them and to call from time to time in case they had any news. As they left, and returned to their original destination, Melanie's mother's house, Melanie sighed as she drove.

-I don't know, Malcolm. I don't think April's coming back. It's a feeling.

-We did all we could, don't torture yourself anymore. - Her boyfriend asked. -

-She's my friend and we've been roommates for three years. -It's hard. I feel guilty. - The girl sobbed. - I never saw it coming. Even when she missed so much last year. I believed everything she told me. Although the truth is, I hardly paid any attention to her. I was more occupied with my stupid flirtations with Roy than watching my friend suffer.

-It wasn't your fault, honey. None of us noticed anything. And there's not much we can do about it now. The only thing left to do is to take a break. You need to see your mother and calm down. - The boy said, sententiously. - We both need a break. Later, when everything is calmer. Maybe we'll be able to go to the Golden and do some research. In case she came back that way.

           Melanie nodded, of course they had to recover from so many emotions. And in New York, the days passed quickly, and it didn't take long for the general question of the girls and the rest of the city to be answered. Fortunately, thanks to the intervention of the girls and the other fighters, the effect of the demonic attack was limited to the "Big Apple" and its surrounding areas, without leaving the state. As Roy told his colleague, the rest of the country immediately offered itself to the help of its affected compatriots, and in only three days, electricity, gas, water, and other essential services were up and running. The people set an example of hard work and mutual help to get things going. At least the crisis and necessity brought out the best in most of the people affected. On the other hand, on TV, there were debates with guests from here and there, authorities on theological, demonological, and other such matters. In a very subtle way, they went from talking about an offensive by something evil to limiting it to a powerful destructive sect linked to international mafiosi or terrorists. In short, the public was led to believe that the whole thing was a plot by international terrorism allied with doomsday fanatics. Fortunately, the alleged atomic bomb was reduced to a gas pipe explosion. Tom, the girls, not to mention Roy, Sapphire and the others were holding their hands over their heads, but everyone thought it best to leave it at that. The government had once again woven a complicated web to hide the truth. But, unfortunately, whether true or not, the multiple victims remained dead...

-Well, it's much better this way. - Cooan sighed resignedly as she ate breakfast with her sisters. - People are not ready to know the truth.

-That's very sad. - Bertie said. - I understand our friends now. All these years fighting selflessly to save this planet and not getting the slightest thanks.

-Well, sailors are famous in Japan. – Petz said. - And on the other hand, I think it's better to remain anonymous.

-That's right. - Karaberasu agreed thoughtfully. -"The last thing we need is that kind of publicity.

They all agreed. The anonymous regularity of the everyday was what they wanted most now. And it was precisely by virtue of this regained normality that, within two days of these announcements, the girls and Tom received a call from their school. They were informed that classes were back in session. They were happy to return to school immediately. Petz and Karaberasu had no difficulty (even the latter, despite her advanced pregnancy) in finding other jobs. The department stores that hired them needed staff to replace those they had lost in the attack, and to be able to sell the basic and secondary necessities they received when they regained outside supplies. Even Roy and Sapphire took jobs as pizza delivery boys. At the time, no one was asking too many questions about social security and other paperwork. At least not until the entire computer network was repaired, and besides, these guys were the fastest delivery boys, and no one knew how they managed to get from one end of town to the other in no time at all!

-It's not my ideal job. But it'll do for now. - Roy commented to his friend. -

-Same to me. - Sapphire smiled. - It's not so bad, though.

-Tell me something. Did you and your brother study for a degree as well as being princes? - his interlocutor wanted to know, and he hastened to add with a touch of uneasiness. - I don't mean to offend, and I'm not joking. It's just that we never talk about it in the Corner.

-Don't worry. - Sapphire answered. - My brother and I were very well educated. Being a ruler requires knowledge of quite a few subjects. But what he liked best when he had the time was creating computer programs. He was very good at it, and he controlled technologies that were way ahead of their time. I, on the other hand, was more interested in building things with my hands. Infrastructure, buildings... I was good at mathematics and design, much better than Diamond! - He smiled at the memory of the latter and added. - You could say I'm an engineer.

-Well, with that CV, I don't think you'll have many problems. - His friend affirmed. -

-I don't know if our studies will be recognized in this century and in this country. - His interlocutor smiled slightly. -

-I think that, if you demonstrate your talent, you won't need to present diplomas. - Roy declared. –

              And as they chatted, they completed their delivery. At last, just a week after the victory, the general routine had settled down and things were almost completely normal. It was then that Roy told Sapphire that the time had come. The plan was laid out and the Diamond's brother waited impatiently for his turn as his partner began the first phase...

-Good friend. - Roy commented in an animated tone. - I'm going to look for her now. I'll call you later. But first I must ask someone for a small favor. - He smiled looking up at the sky. -

-Good luck. - His companion wished him good luck by shaking his hand. -

            Roy shook it and set off. He figured that Bertie and Connie would be teaching. These, apart from repairs to buildings and classrooms, were already going on as normal. The school had withstood the attacks on most of its infrastructure well and the girls went about their work as if nothing had happened. What amazed other teachers and students most was Tom's recovery. But as he had not given many details of his paralysis either, it was thought that he might have been operated on. No one really saw him, hidden as the other teachers were with some parents and most of the children in the shelter, when he came to help the Justicieras at school. And of course, from the stories of the children who were rescued and protected by him and the Justicieras, despite what had happened, the adults did not trust them very much. Nevertheless, the young man continued with his group, encouraging children with reduced mobility to pursue their goals, and Beruche and Cooan with their classes for the younger children. The girls were now in separate classrooms. Before they started, little Sharon ran to embrace them and exclaimed with joy....

- You're back!

-Of course. - Cooan said warmly. - We promised you.

-And we like to keep our word. - Bertie added, winking at the child. -

-I know that" - the girl whispered, adding knowingly. - I won't tell my aunt and uncle or the other children. They don't know who you are... It will be our secret.

            And so, after kissing the child, the two teachers went off to their respective classrooms. Bertie led Sharon by the hand to the younger children's classroom. There she began to explain a math’s lesson, although her thoughts were elsewhere. She was still flying towards Roy, but she had to ground herself in the harsh reality and try to live without him for good. She always tried hard not to show it in front of her sisters or the children, but she felt very sad. Those memories made it hard for her to wake up with tears in her eyes every day, perhaps the result of some bad dream she had forgotten when she woke up. Many times, she even though she heard him. In her mind, the boy would play one of his jokes on her or make some irreverent comment of the kind she loved so much. Mostly because Bertie always got angry, or pretended to, since most of the time they both knew better. How she missed those little things, how she ached inwardly when Tom and Cooan would embrace each other with long kisses at the end of lessons, and often go off alone together! But Bertie would never let her know it. She had no right to spoil her sister's happiness or that of her friend. She had Petz and Karaberasu and between the three of them they could support each other. As they always did, in good times and bad. And at least one of the four had managed to find love. That was a consolation, not much of one now, but as the saying went, time heals all. Although Beruche knew that the memory of the man she loved, the one she had always loved in some other place she didn't know, would never leave her side.

- Miss Bertie. - One of the little ones asked, pulling her out of her wheel of thought. - Can you repeat the seven times table, please?

- Sure Johnny! - She smiled tenderly and was glad to have the children as another of her supports. - I'll write it on the board, and you'll all see it.

           It was just as she turned and began to write that the melody was heard. They were guitar sounds and they were coming from outside. She thought nothing of it and continued writing, "seven x one = seven", "seven x two = fourteen" ...but then she heard a very familiar voice singing a tune very familiar to her. Her heart skipped a beat. Her breathing quickened and the chalk fell broken on the floor. Beruche stood there, stuck, not even daring to breathe. The children didn't say anything either because they too could hear it clearly. And at that moment a flash of intuition flashed through the girl's mind. It was irrational, ridiculous! But even so, it overcame her determined sense of reason and sent her running out of the classroom to the surprise of her pupils. The children looked at each other, not knowing what to do, and remained seated. Their teacher, on the run, with bated breath and struggling to get out to the playground as quickly as possible, passed her sister coming out of her other classroom without seeming to have heard anything, perhaps because this classroom was located further inside the building and its windows were on the opposite side, or perhaps it was not just that....

- Bertie, where are you going? What's the matter with you," - Cooan asked in surprise? -

- Please stay with the children, I must go out to check something! - the rather agitated Bertie asked her. -

- Is it because of that music? - her sister wanted to know, who was now beginning to listen to it as well. -

Beruche looked her in the eyes and nodded. Cooan realized that the poor girl had a lot of hope in her eyes, surely the hope of one who clings to an illusion. She nodded piously and walked towards the classroom. Bertie finally came out; the music was ending. She looked desperately this way and that but saw no one. Surrendering to the evidence, she sighed. She could have sworn she heard Roy's voice; she was sure of it. But it couldn't be! Her imagination was playing tricks on her as it had done so many times before in her sleep or in her dreams, and she must not let herself be influenced any further. She turned to enter the room and continue her lessons when a hand rested on her shoulder, leaving her paralyzed with emotion. Her heart was pounding, and she did not want to turn around. On the one hand, she was afraid of a huge disappointment, but on the other hand, the desire that maybe this time....

- What's the matter with you? - She heard Cooan's worried voice ask, which dampened her spirits for good. - You've stormed out of class, barely paying any attention to me.

Cooan knew perfectly well what was going on. She only went to her sister's class to tell the children that their teacher would be back soon. In the meantime, they should go over any multiplications they had. She hurried to follow her. Despite Beruche's efforts to hide it, pretending to be happy about the victory and her new life, both Cooan and Tom were not oblivious to the sadness that often overwhelmed the girl. After the battle was over and her mind and heart were free, her feelings had taken control of the desolate girl, her poor sister was suffering so much and needed someone to take her pain out on! Cooan wanted to say something that would help but could think of nothing. What could she say? It was Bertie, however, who stepped forward with an apology tinged with resignation and melancholy.

- Forgive me, for a moment I thought! - she sighed a long sigh at her sister's compassionate look, and hastened to add, struggling against her emotions to appear calm. - It's nothing. My mind I suppose. Please go and look after the children, I'll be in in a moment. I need a few minutes alone. Just for a moment. - She whispered dejectedly. -

- Of course," - Cooan smiled, clasping her hands in hers and adding in her best jovial tone. - Don't take too long, eh? Math’s is not my forte.

- Don't worry, I'll be right there. - She assured her interlocutor with a faint flicker of a smile. Her sister nodded and walked away. -

Taking a deep breath in the little garden with the playground swings, Bertie tried to control her feelings. She couldn't go into class like that, the children couldn't have a gloomy, morose teacher whose head flew around more than their own during class. So, she forced herself to think objectively. The warm breeze of that sunny morning caressed her hair and face as she tried to calm herself. But she couldn't, her mind was rebelling uncontrollably, and a soft voice called her name. The girl held her breath, it was Roy's voice with that tone between mocking and sweet that he so often used to give her when he wanted to bother her.

- Hey, what's the matter, little cube? Why aren't you with the children? Now that you're the teacher, are you playing truant? That's not a good example?

The bewildered Beruche looked in all directions, but saw no one, no one! was she losing her mind?

- Roy, is that you? - she stammered, overcome with emotion. - It's not true! It's all in my imagination," - she said aloud to herself with a supreme effort to come back to reality. - I must be going crazy!

- No little cube," - she heard the answer now much closer. - "You're not....

            And then that electric guitar music played once more and that voice sang to her in that matchless way he had, just as it did in the pit, using another of his favorite band's tunes.

***You and me***

***We are destined***

***You'll agree***

***To spend the rest of our lives with each other***

***The rest of our days like two lovers***

***For ever***

***Yeah***

***For ever***

***My Bijou***

**(Bijou. Queen, credit to the author)**

      Tears rolled down the girl's cheeks, and she could no longer restrain herself, and could scarcely sob as she shook her head.

-I would like to be with you, but I can't go where you are. Not yet!

And the warm voice answered her, full of tenderness....

- I am much closer to you than you think. You just must know how to look for me and you will find me.

Beruche didn't want to give up, she couldn't give up now! She looked to the right, to the left and finally, in a reflex action, guided by a warm breeze, she looked up. She had to hold back an exclamation; she thought her heart would stop! There, floating a few feet above her, it was Roy! He looked just as she remembered him, shining with a wonderful golden glow. His hair was the same color and he was wearing normal clothes, jeans and a white shirt. He looked at her with a loving gesture and smiled. The vision, or whatever it was, slowly drifted down until it landed a few feet away from her. Bertie was shaking her head, now in disbelief, biting her lips, more tears streaming down her face. And then he broke all the poor girl's schemes again, and only laughed, with that frank, transparent laugh of his, exclaiming in amusement.

-Even if you are an ice cube, I don't know, I expected a more effusive reception!

She approached him step by step, timidly. She seemed to be afraid that too sudden a movement would make him disappear forever. Roy seemed to guess it when he declared with infinite gentleness, opening his arms until he almost looked like a crucified man.

- Bertie, I am real, you can touch me. You can hug me if you want to.

The girl didn't even think about it, she ran towards him with an unspeakable feeling of fear and happiness. Joy because he was there, and he certainly looked so real! Fear, because she was afraid that when she reached his side and was about to touch him, he would disappear and plunge her into the void. But she couldn't stop, there were only two options and when she wanted to realize, she knew which one was the real one. Her small figure collided with that huge and strong body and she, bouncing, almost fell. But now she didn't have before her the careless boy who had run her over so long ago, so long that it seemed like an eternity. This time it was her loved one who had returned to her. And Roy held her close in his arms, wrapping them around her, still glowing, and they both stayed like that for a long time, without speaking. There was nothing they could say that could surpass that moment. Beruche could only cry, but of immense happiness. And it took him a long time to say in a stammer.

- It's you. How is this possible?  I must be dreaming and I don't want to wake up! My God don't ever let me wake up!

- He won't allow it, Cubito. Because I'm here, it's true! It's a long thing to tell," – Roy whispered, kissing her on the forehead with all his affection and sentencing him full of joy. - But now we'll have a lifetime for me to explain it to you!

She began to pull away and she could see the same face, the same intense green eyes, the same golden hair. It wasn't a deception, it was him! But she could hardly believe it yet as the boy gently wiped away her tears, running both thumbs down Bertie's cheeks....

             Cooan began to worry, her sister was taking too long, so she went out to check that she was all right. Then she heard her exclamations and ran in fright, but when she came out, she was petrified with emotion. She would never forget that image for the rest of her life! The same as Beruche before. She laughed and cried at the same time and ran to hug them both. They saw her coming, welcoming her. Cooan was so overcome with euphoria that she just kept repeating.

- I've got to get Tom! He's got to see you; he's got to see you!

                 Roy nodded slowly as he wrapped one arm around Bertie. Neither of the sisters could stop crying from sheer joy. And at last, Cooan broke away from them, she had been reluctant to do so as it happened to her as it did to Beruche. What if that was a hallucination and she faded away when she walked away? It didn't. Her sister and Roy were still there, and she ran in search of Tom. The boy was teaching his class oblivious to everything and when Connie, with tears in her eyes, came into his classroom and literally dragged him out, her boyfriend was so bewildered that he couldn't even ask what was wrong. But the smile on her face. The most beautiful and wide smile he had ever seen, told him that it couldn't be something bad, but something wonderful. And, as if that wasn't enough, the children had left the classroom, followed their young lady, and stared in admiration at the superhero in front of them. Only Sharon dared to approach and speak, looking at Roy with wide eyes.

- Are you the Golden Warrior? - she asked shyly, to which he nodded and smiled. - And Miss Bertie's boyfriend?

- That's right precious, I am her boyfriend. - The man who was still hugging the girl admitted. Bertie was still crying and smiling non-stop, trying to wipe away her tears, while he affectionately asked the girl, who kept an inquisitive expression. - What do you want to know?

The girl gestured for Roy to come closer, he let go of Beruche and, surprised, knelt beside her to be at her level. With a crooked face and a frown, the little girl reproached him, perfectly imitating the way of the adults.

- Why did you leave Miss Bertie so lonely? She's been so sad because of you! It's not right! Let it be the last time! Right?

- You're right, little one, I'm sorry! - Roy admitted, gently stroking the girl's hair, and smiling with a visibly excited smile as he justified himself in an affectionate tone. - But I had to leave to fight the bad guys. I promise I'll never leave her again.

- Really? - the girl insisted happily. -

- Word of the Golden Warrior. - He assured her, raising the palm of his right hand, and solemnly reaffirmed. - I cannot lie because I come from Heaven. And there they never tell lies.

Well, almost none, but it wasn't a question of messing with the child. But it was she who puzzled him.

- Did you see my parents there? - Sharon asked hopefully. - They went to Heaven too, but they haven't come back yet.

- They were attacked by the acolytes when the cult was beginning to wreak havoc," -Bertie, who had gathered enough composure to intervene, explained. - It was after you...

           Roy was thoughtful and interrupted the girl gently, placing his hands on her shoulders and letting her know that he had an idea and that he hoped it could be put into practice.

- I understand, well, we'll see what can be done.

- I don't understand you," - Beruche replied shyly, intrigued to know something more concrete. - What do you mean?

               And looking up to the heavens, the boy exclaimed at the top of his lungs, startling everyone at first and then astonishing them all.

-Kyrie Eleison…Kyrie Eleison…kyriiiieeee!

And within seconds he smiled, as if he had received an answer that no one else could hear.

- Wait for me here. I'll be right back, I'll only be a minute," - he told Bertie. -

             And leaving them all open-mouthed, he concentrated, put two fingers on his forehead and disappeared.

- Where did he go? -  Some of the children exclaimed in astonishment.

Bertie was surprised and fearful that it had all been a figment of her imagination. But fortunately, she had the boys there, including her sister who had gone to fetch Tom, to testify that it was true. On the way, though, the boy had stopped Cooan and tried to get an explanation out of her, but she only said to him in laughter and tears.

- You'll find out soon enough! Very soon! Come on, Tom!

And he submissively followed her, but this time they went at a fast pace, without running. They still had a couple of corridors to go before they left, and they had to go round the building. For the boy it didn't take long. For the radiant girl, it was centuries...

In the meantime, Roy appeared in Heaven, looking for the wizard, and the wizard soon appeared.

- What do you want, boy? - He asked him with feigned surprise at seeing him, for he had witnessed everything that had happened, although he wanted to play with it a little and added, appearing to be puzzled.  - I thought you'd be happy to be back.

-I thank you very much for the music and thank Freddie for me. But I have another favor to ask, can you call the Dragon again? It's very important," - Roy asked in reply. - Don't be angry... I assure you it's serious.

The wizard hesitated, but the boy insisted with a pleading expression and Landar, holding back a smile, agreed to summon him. The gigantic being appeared before long and declared solemnly.

- There are no more wishes left, but as you have saved the world and I like you, despite your comments. - Roy cleared his throat with an apologetic shrug. That dragon had a fine ear, and he was a nice guy, or reptile or whatever, when he added in a very cordial way, smiling with a visible nonchalance, which was reflected in his big jaws - I'll grant you a special one! Say what you wish!

And the boy did not hesitate, he had been thinking about how to do it in the best possible way to get the most benefit. His request was ready, and he formulated it like this.

- Could you bring back to life in perfect condition all the innocent and good-hearted people who have died because of the demons, sending them back to their respective homes and bringing Sharon's parents here to our side, when you do it?

- Very clever, Roy, you have formulated several wishes rolled into one," - the wizard praised him. -

- That's easy and I'll do something else. - The dragon declared, his eyes flashing with that powerful maroon glow of his, and then he asserted a few moments later. - Here they are.

             On the spot, two people, a young man and a young woman in immaculate white robes, which changed into a suit and tie and a light blue dress, appeared before Roy and Landar. They were surprised and looked very puzzled. The dragon then sentenced, with the twang of his bronze voice.

- I have already fulfilled your wish, may you be happy on Earth, I the Sacred Celestial Dragon, last gift of the gods, must go. My time is up! Farewell!

           He slowly faded away as he concluded the sentence by winking one of his big eyes.

-Thank you for everything, Shenron. My friend. - The boy smiled as he watched him evaporate. -

- What's going on here? - The woman with the short blonde hair asked visibly surprised, without stopping looking in all directions -... Where are we?

- It's a long story," - Roy replied kindly and summarized. - But I'll only tell you the part that concerns you two. - And after having put them both on the record, he said. -  "I'll take you to your daughter.

- Really, thank you very much! - the brown-haired man exclaimed who excitedly explained. - My wife and I could not pass into Eternity. It weighed heavily on our souls to think that we had left our daughter alone.

- Had you transcended. - the wizard interjected - not even the Sacred Celestial Dragon could have done anything to bring you back.

- Landar, please. - Roy asked humbly. - Now you will tell me the whole story. I want to know what those visions I had and those things I said when I fought Nagashel mean. - And he added thoughtfully as he remembered. - That sword, I called it unconsciously and when the fight was over it disappeared, why?

The wizard just shook his head slowly and gave him a look like the one he would give to an impatient child. Finally, he answered.

- There's not much time left, I'll visit you in a little while and you'll know. You still have things to do," - he pointed to Sharon's parents who were waiting eager to return with their daughter and assured Roy. - Enjoy your reunion now, give everyone time to get together and when you do, I'll tell you about it!

- All right, that's good enough for me. - The boy replied readily, though in a hint of intuition, he smiled, adding confidentially. - You knew what I was going to ask before I did, didn't you?

Landar nodded, responding with sincere affability.

- Actually, there was still one last wish, but it was to be reserved for something very important and only a true chosen one by his destiny could make it. Thanks to that, things would almost be what they had been for the people of Earth. Except for a few who must never forget what has happened, for they will be the ones to protect this world in the future.

- You mean us? - Roy wanted to know. -

           But the wizard just smiled and pointed to the girl's parents. And the boy knew that Landar would tell him no more, at least not until he judged it appropriate. So, the boy turned to the two people.

- Please, give me your hand. - He asked them, they did, and he transported himself with them again, reappearing before the astonished eyes of Beruche and the children. -

Sharon was speechless, standing on the floor. She reacted as soon as her mother knelt and held out her arms.

-Come, darling, give me a big hug....

The baby ran to her, crying and laughing. The father joined the two and mumbled a "thank you" filling Roy with joy as he hugged Bertie. They both smiled happily and tearfully as they watched the touching scene. And finally, running towards them like a madman as soon as he came out and saw them, Tom arrived and couldn't believe his eyes as soon as he saw his friend standing there. The boy was no less than the girls and wept with uncontrollable joy. The friends hugged each other as the newcomer said to him, overcome with emotion.

- I know it was you who made me walk again! I will always be indebted to you, all of us!

- No Tommy, I was watching you from Heaven and I know what you have fought and suffered for me and for all of us. It is I who am indebted to you, to all of you. - His interlocutor replied, also very moved. -

- I can never repay you! - His friend insisted between stammering’s, while both sisters embraced each other. -

And his interlocutor smiled with that mischievous and amused expression of his as he answered his friend.

- One thing you can do. At least give me the keys to the locks so I don't have to break the door again when I want to get into my ex-apartment.

The boy's face changed from surprise to astonishment, through disbelief to euphoria as he exclaimed.

- It was you!

- I had to put some clothes on. - Roy jocularly defended himself. -

- Of course, I'll give you the keys! The flat is yours, you idiot! - His friend laughed, infecting the others. –

             They did not know for certain how much time passed amidst the laughter, the jokes, and the indescribable joy of the four of them until they decided to go home. School was, of course, over for the day. Roy stopped by his flat, this time with Tom, to freshen up and change his clothes. He didn't talk about Sapphire, merely asking the girls not to reveal anything to Petz and Kalie about his own return. They agreed. They were all left at the sisters' house who, making a supreme effort, lingered as if they were arriving at the usual time and said nothing, barely concealing their immense joy. What they did tell the others was that Tom and another friend from the University were coming to dinner. Petz suspected nothing unusual, merely reprimanding them for giving them such short notice, and if Kalie, who watched them reflectively, thought anything out of the ordinary, she was certainly careful not to comment on it. The appointed time arrived and when Roy appeared, dressed in a smart suit, the older Beruche and Cooan sisters were thrilled too. First the initial surprise and disbelief, then tears, hugs, kisses, and conversation. The boy couldn't help but notice Karaberasu's condition and with a tone of great encouragement and sincerity commented to everyone's approval.

- Something tells me that your son will have a very important role to play in this world, believe me. He will be one of us and we will count on him to help us in the future.

- I hope so! - the girl was able to remark with visible emotion. - I'd like to believe you with all my heart.

- Hey, Kalie, remember where I come from. I have inside information. - The boy smiled broadly at her. - My source is the best...

Karaberasu hugged him gratefully and allowed herself to be comforted. As he had said, she wanted to believe him, she really needed to, and something inside her told her that the boy was not lying, or at least that he firmly believed in what he was assuring her. So, they all set out for dinner to celebrate. But one guest was missing. Though none of the sisters knew it yet, of course. The table was set, and everyone was seated and ready to begin when the doorbell rang. Roy offered to open the door. He turned back to the girls.

- It's a neighbor who says you have something that belongs to him. He forgot it a long time ago.

             And the young man stated this with a well-studied indifference, addressing himself more specifically to Petz who was returning to the table with some dishes.

- Who could it be and what does he mean? We've only recently moved in. I hardly know anyone. - she asked in surprise.

             Roy, impatient, almost pushed her out the door without giving her time to put down what she was carrying while he said with a jovial tone.

-Come on, Petz, he's been insisting on seeing you so you can give it back to him.

- I don't understand, I can't figure out what he wants back. -The bewildered girl insisted. -

          The boy accompanied her, shrugging his shoulders, and deliberately blocking her vision. When the time came, he conveniently stepped aside. There, standing in front of Petz, was a man with long, dark blue-black hair in a ponytail, sporting a bushy beard. At first the girl didn't know who it could be until her eyes met his... The plates she was carrying fell to the floor and, trembling, she struggled to regain her speech.

- Hello Petz. - The boy greeted with a big smile, adding relaxed, his emotions well in check despite how difficult he was finding it. - I've come to get my jacket, I left it with you until I got back, do you remember?

-Sapphire," - she mused, dropping her tears, and shaking her head, - "Sapphire! - she exclaimed, hugging him and bursting into tears. - I can't believe it, you were dead, this is a miracle!

-It really is," - he agreed, stroking her hair as he held her close to his chest. - Thanks to Heaven and Roy I was able to fight to help save this world. And there will be no one to separate us ever again.

- Yes, it's such a miracle. - His friend said, barely controlling his emotion and trying to sound amused when he declared. -It seems that in Heaven they'll take anyone these days.

Although Petz barely heard that, her legs were giving out, her eyesight was blurring. The shock had been too strong, it was as if her heart wanted to burst out of her chest and she gasped for breath. It worried both boys. Luckily Sapphire held her tightly in his arms and kept her from falling and finally the girl recovered. She had been on the verge of fainting. Roy opted to leave them alone for a few moments while he went back to the dining room pretending that nothing was wrong. He even went so far as to say to the others with a wild gesture as in the old days.

- I accidentally knocked Petz's dishes over! - This provoked laughter and head shaking from the other diners, who, distracted by their friend, didn't even suspect the scene a few yards away, except for Kalie who simply smiled as Roy added. - I hope you have plastic dishes too, or we're not having dinner!

          And at that very moment the eldest of the sisters was caressing her beloved's face, still unable to believe her eyes. However, she forced herself to do so since he was there, wearing a shirt very similar to when she had last seen him and certainly a lot stronger. And most importantly, with the same look and smile that she remembered, and that the boy kept giving him.

- My God! - Petz sobbed as soon as her voice had recovered a little. She could even begin to admonish him with affection and euphoria, caressing the boy's face again and smiling. - How are you! What a beard you've grown, and such long hair! Were there no razors or scissors in Heaven?

- I figured you wouldn't like my new look," - he smiled, adding amused. - But I made a promise to myself not to shave or cut my hair until I had defeated the enemy and was back together with you. Besides," - he laughingly remarked, - "I wanted to know if you'd recognize me. It's been a long time.

- I'll always recognize the look in your eyes! That's how you've lived in my heart ever since! - I can stammer it without being able to stop crying. -

              An emotional Sapphire hugged her again as if he was afraid of losing her when he let her go. They stayed like that for a while longer. Meanwhile, in the dining room, the sisters and Tom were beginning to look strange, they could have sworn they heard Petz talking to someone, and she even seemed to be sobbing. Bertie wanted to get up to go and see what was going on, but Roy stopped her by saying in a kindly tone.

-Don't worry, cubby. It's just that this neighbor is a very special guy. Your sister needs to ask him a few questions. Give them a little time.

              The girl nodded, although she was puzzled, the same could apply to Cooan who didn't understand anything either. Karaberasu's face seemed to light up, however, as if confirming some suspicion, and she smiled in a way she hadn't in a long time. Roy noticed and, looking into her eyes, nodded with another smile, unnoticed by the rest. Finally, after a few moments, a returning Petz, still with tears streaming down her cheeks, but with a big smile lighting up her face, was able to say to her stunned sisters with great effort to contain her emotion.

-I must set one more dish. We have another guest.

            The others nodded, though they had no idea (except for Karaberasu) who it might be. And when the long-haired, bushy-bearded man came in and said good evening for a few moments, they remained clueless. Until in a flash of realization they saw her older sister shake his hand and sit down beside him. Both Bertie and Cooan sprung up from the table, knocking over a few plates and glasses as the tablecloth shifted, their mouths gaping open in surprise and excitement. Everyone seemed frozen in time. It was then Karaberasu who broke the spell, saying in a sweet and tender tone.

-Welcome home, Sapphire.

             The girls also cried again. Roy, excited like the rest, looked at an equally astonished Tom, who knew who the newcomer was since Cooan had told him Sapphire and Petz's story a few times before. Then, to take the tension out of the atmosphere, Roy interjected in a relaxed tone.

- Sapphire, man, look what you've done, you've ruined the remaining dishes, let's see how we'll have dinner now!

Everyone burst out laughing as the newcomer just smiled. Petz laughed through her tears as she hugged him, that was worth a thousand crockery plates! And they had plenty of dishes, but she had regained half of her soul, her life, which was missing! She couldn't think, she didn't know what to say. The best thing to do was to continue the celebration and she wanted to go for dinner. But both Cooan and Beruche stopped her. They would take care of everything while Petz sat next to her boy.  At last, the two little sisters served and joined them for dinner. The girls had hardly any appetite for excitement. The same was true of the still perplexed Tom. But the same could not be said for Roy and Sapphire who devoured everything that was put in front of them in an unbelievable way. They only asked to repeat repeatedly to the astonished faces of the others.

-Dofn´T lookf af us thif wayf. - Roy managed to mumble as he chewed, swallowed and was able to add more intelligibly. - Now that I know I belong to the Saiyajin race, I understand why I am so hungry.

-Yes," - Sapphire seconded with better manners, explaining calmly. - Besides, after being dead, you can't imagine how hungry it is to be resurrected and fight.

           The others listened curiously as the two boys told them of their adventures in Heaven. Tom and the girls followed suit with their adventures. The only one who did not speak was Karaberasu. Sapphire also became aware of his advanced pregnancy, and at one point after dinner, alone with Petz, she told him about it.

- I didn't know that Karaberasu was pregnant. Who is the father? Is she married? - Sapphire was surprised as Petz's face was now sad, she explained what had happened. - Damn scoundrels! - the boy raged, adding indignantly. - If only I could have caught the one, who did it!

- It was she herself who finished her rapist off. But though she tries to conceal it, she is now frightened and lost, so please don't tell her anything. Kalie does not wish to overshadow our reunions. I know, and if we focus on her, she'll have a very bad time. - Her interlocutor asked him with a sorrowful gesture. -

- Very well," - The young man agreed, relaxing his countenance, - "don't worry.

And they returned with the rest. It was getting late while they were chatting about so many things that had to be told. One of them was the remembrance of the parents of those present.

-Mine died sacrificing themselves for me. - Roy lamented but smiled and was happy. - But I was able to meet them up there. They told me how much they loved me, and I was able to respond in kind.

-They will be so proud of you. - Bertie hugged him, adding in return. - And we got to see our dear mother again.

-That's true. - We have no idea how she did it, but she managed to get a message to us through the Wiseman's ball.

- That was very clever! - Sapphire praised, who, given his engineering knowledge, was quick to explain. - She must have injected a hologram of her somehow.

-Something like that, she told us. - Karaberasu agreed. - But we couldn't understand it.

-Basically, it's very simple. - His interlocutor explained - Your mother must have thrown an energy beam at the ball. Surely the Wiseman took it for a failed attack. But in that beam of light would be encoded all the information. It had time to charge so that it could be reproduced once it was released.

-However, there is something I don't understand. - Cooan said, and then commented strangely. - The Wiseman of this time was not the same as the Wiseman of the future. Our enemy here referred to the other as his brother.

-Good point. - Tom added, wondering reflexively. - So, if they were two different beings, how is it possible that your mother's hologram was in this one's ball?

-Unless they were communicating by exchanging information somehow. - Bertie observed sharply. -

-It could be. - Petz affirmed. - In fact, he knew all about us. At least as far as our old lives were concerned....

-Which means that someone or something must have given him that information, travelled back in time somehow. Just like we did. - Sapphire concluded. -

They all fell into a thoughtful silence then. This question was more complex than it seemed. Perhaps they could ask someone.

-Maybe Landar knows. - Roy conjectured. -

-Or our sailor friends. - Karaberasu pointed out, adding sharply. - I have a feeling they know a lot more than they've been telling us.

-That could be, we'll ask them when we meet again. - Petz replied nonchalantly, which surprised her other sisters. The eldest looked at them and, smiling, hugged Sapphire and spoke. - "We've already grieved and thought and fought. - We've done more than enough thinking and fighting. Now it's our turn to rest. And how our mother managed to get her last words to us is not what counts. The important thing is that she was able to do it. Don't you think so, girls?

The others acknowledged this with slight nods. They dropped the subject and moved on to other conversations. Anecdotes from the Soul and Time Corner included.

- That Prince Diamond started peeling potatoes? - The perplexed and amused Cooan exclaimed when she heard that from Roy's lips. - I wish we could have seen it!

-Yes, that's true. - Bertie agreed, with a chuckle. - In fact, I would have paid to see him!

-Well, he turned out to be quite a cook in the end. - Roy laughed, dragging those present to imitate him. - I taught him well, ha, ha, ha, ha.

-And then my brother went to try to rescue what I believe was his true love. - Sapphire told them in a more serious tone, leaving them stunned. -

- Queen Serenity? - Karaberasu was surprised, trying to object: - "But she is now....

However, when she looked at her companion, she stopped and immediately nodded, understanding him quickly. The same could have applied to the rest, Petz being the one to make it public.

-I wish him the best of luck, may he succeed and may he and Lady Emerald be happy together!

       And after general agreement on this, the conversation continued late into the night. In the early hours of the morning, Roy, together with Sapphire and Tom, left for the next day, eager to rest. The girls dismissed them and stayed to tidy up, tired and decided to go to bed without doing the dishes. Karaberasu said she wasn't sleepy and volunteered to do it.

- Are you all right, Kalie? - asked Petz, still not going to sleep as Bertie and Cooan had done a few minutes ago, exhausted by so many emotions. - Is something that troubles you?

           The reason was that she saw Karaberasu going to the kitchen and worriedly followed her, as she noticed a great sadness in her countenance, after the first moments of happiness. Besides having seen her very quiet during dinner.

- Don't worry," - she smiled, trying hard to make a joke. - It's not so strange that I want to scrub, Petz. Go to sleep, I won't do anything stupid, just wash the dishes and maybe break some more to finish your work.

- Very well,"- her interlocutor added calmer, even encouraged by this friendly teasing. -

           The eldest of the Malinde sisters was in an unbeatably good mood, and after what had happened, anything could make her smile. She obediently walked away to her room after wishing her sister goodnight with an affectionate kiss on the forehead and an excited....

- See you tomorrow!

- Farewell, dear elder sister. - Karaberasu was able to mumble with her vision blurred by tears, so that Petz could not hear him. - Goodbye, I sincerely wish you all the best.

Petz, oblivious to this, went to sleep along with the others. Karaberasu had thought long and hard over the past few days, and any last doubts she might have harbored vanished with the miraculous return of Roy and Sapphire. She thought some more as she washed the dishes. The idea had been on her mind for a long time. Despite what Roy had said, those cruel words of the Wiseman's kept tormenting her. What if her son was born well but later became one of them? What if he attacked her sisters? Besides, what was her place there now? The others had their men back with them. At least before, Kalie could have stayed with Petz or Bertie to encourage each other. Now that made no sense. Her sisters had every right to start a new life and forget the terrible events of the past. She was nothing but a painful reminder to them all. As well as a responsibility. Karaberasu knew well that the others would not abandon her, but the last thing she wanted was to be cared for out of pity. Anyway, during dinner, there was a moment when she exchanged a furtive glance with Roy, the boy then suspected what she was thinking and his face saddened. But that lasted only a few tenths of a second and he returned to his cheerful countenance, mostly so the others wouldn't notice. Kalie was grateful. That boy had matured and changed a lot in Heaven. No doubt he had also learned to see many things and he understood. More after a conversation they had when he was leaving. Unbeknownst to the others. Karaberasu asked him for a favor and he promised to do it for her. Now she had some bags packed, (truth be told, she had packed them a long time ago behind her sisters' backs) and after finishing in the kitchen, she got herself a paper and a pen. Struggling unsuccessfully not to cry and to keep her hand from trembling, she wrote a farewell note from the bottom of her heart and with all her love, which read...

*"My dear sisters, I have decided to go away to seek my own happiness. As you have already found it, I do not wish to be a burden to anyone. I feel displaced here, and it is not your fault! But I know I must not interfere in your lives now that you have a new chance to live them. I will give birth to my son, don't be afraid and I will face life with him! I will get ahead! because I am part of a family of fighters. Don't look for me, please! Respect this wish. At least until I am ready. When that happens, hopefully soon, I will find you. Be very happy and take good care of yourselves! And don't forget me as I can never forget you. I love you as I always did, with all my soul, your sister".*

*Kalie.*

She signed, trying to keep the tears from falling on the page, and left, leaving the note in a visible place. Before leaving, she wanted to say one last goodbye to the little ones. With great stealth she slowly opened the doors to Beruche's and Cooan's rooms, soaking in the dim light of the corridor. Finally, she did the same with Petz, all three of them sleeping with a countenance so brightened by bliss, surely comforted by beautiful dreams. That was how she would always remember them in her heart. It took her a superhuman effort not to kiss them all, but she was afraid she might wake them. Sobbing, she left the floor and entered the lift.

-Goodbye, goodbye... girls... I will always love you... Wherever I go you will be in my heart. Be happy. You deserve it. - She said to herself in a trembling voice. -

Once on the street, she reached a booth and phoned a taxi. When it came, she rode away with two streams of tears in her eyes, but ready to face a new life with determination. In the morning she was already far, far away, on her way to a new destination. Her sisters woke up to the news. At first, amidst their bewilderment and worried cries, they tried desperately to think where she might have gone. Calming down, they discarded any possible hypothesis of suicide and for the moment decided to respect their sister's will. Perhaps it was a relapse in her depression due to seeing the others so happy that caused her to leave and a few days later she returned. But Petz, better than the others, knew in her heart that, despite her apparent frivolity of character, her sister did not take an important decision lightly, let alone reverse it easily. In any case, she, Bertie and Cooan were hopeful that they would see Kalie again soon. In the meantime, they would always carry her beloving memory in their hearts.

**START**