GWB02E

**START**

**47. Meeting of Old Friends**.

Ail and Ann, together with their son, little Giaal, had left for another planet. The couple decided that the time had come to settle on another world, plant their sacred tree and thus form a complete family, as far as the canons of their species were concerned. Before leaving, they went to say goodbye to their sailor friends at the Hikawa shrine. There, all gathered, taking advantage of the fact that Yuuichirou was doing some shopping, they went to wish their friends the best of luck.

-It has been a pleasure to have you here. - Rei said goodbye to them, cradling the baby a little. -

-Thank you so much, Rei, for all you've done for us. - Annie smiled. -

-Yes, we owe you so much, my friends. - Ail added. -

-You're welcome. We only hope that the three of you will be very happy. - Makoto replied. -

-Yes, Mamo-Chan sends his regards and regrets not being able to come. He had a very important exam. - Usagi declared. -

-You have already decided the course you will take. Will it be the one we mapped? - Ami wanted to know. -

-Yes, we'll base it on that star chart we drew up. That's another thing we have you and the outsiders to thank for. We certainly won't go on an adventure.  We've already learned from our last experience. - Annie declared. - This way we are confident that we can travel without having any unwanted encounters.

-That's right. Those hostile beings that killed me could still be there. In that other world we came to. -Ail said, affirming. - With my current strength I could surely defeat them, but I don't want to put my wife and child at risk.

-According to the observations that Setsuna made in her telescope, and the data that the others were able to gather, they confirm that, by that route that you have chosen, there is no apparent danger. - Ami nodded. -

-You have enough food for the trip. - Makoto was interested. -

-With the beans I was able to save, we're more than provided for. - Ail smiled. - Thank you very much.

-Although after getting used to feeding the human way, we'll miss your tasty dishes terribly. - Ann said. -

At last, they embraced their friends one by one. After concluding this ritual, Rei handed the baby to his mother who held him lovingly in her arms while Ail created a bubble of protective energy that would allow them to travel into space.

-Roy asked me to teach him this trick one day. It will be the next time we come to visit you. - The alien affirmed. -

- Hopefully very soon! - Minako wished. -

And her friends were already ascending in that bubble when the phone rang. Rei watched them drift away in the heights and answered.

- Moshi Moshi?

-Hello Rei. - Bertie's voice greeted. -

- Bertie-chan! How are you doing? - The priestess wanted to know. -

-Well, thank you very much, how are you?" - the girl wanted to know, knowing about the recent death of her friend's grandfather. -

-Well, with a lot of work and still getting used to the idea, but fine. - Rei was able to answer, adding. - Just now we said goodbye to Ail and Ann. They have gone out into space in search of a world to inhabit.

- Really? Well, Roy wanted to tell them something important. - Her interlocutor affirmed. -

- I'm so sorry! - The priestess said as she looked up at the sky and could no longer distinguish them. -

-Well, I think it can still be fixed, I'll tell her. If you will excuse me for a moment. - Beruche asked her. -

Her friend stood by, and she immediately told Roy what was going on, the boy looked at her with a pleading gesture and sentenced.

-In this case, it's an emergency, little cube.

-Go ahead. - She smiled condescendingly. -

The boy placed two fingers of his right hand on his own forehead and concentrated. Instantly he disappeared to the bewilderment of Bertie who was not used to it yet. The girl then resumed her conversation with Rei....

-Give them all my best regards. And I hope we can see each other soon....

For his part, Roy was able to lock onto his friend's energy and appear at his side. That stunned Ail and Ann.

- What are you doing here? - the alien asked him. -

-Thank goodness I caught up with you in time. - Roy smiled. -

They were so high that they were almost above the troposphere. As much as he had trained in the Corner, the conditions in that area were extremely inhospitable for the descendant of the Saiyajin, who was not wearing any kind of protective suit. Ail immediately noticed this.

-Let's go down. - He proposed. -

-It's true. Something could happen to you. - An also concerned Annie added. -

His friend nodded, grateful for the gesture.

-I'm sorry to have bothered you, especially when you were ready to leave. But I wish you wouldn't miss this. - He commented. - If you can stay a little longer.

- To miss what? - Ail wanted to know. –

            His interlocutor immediately told them what was going on, focusing mainly on his next test. His friends, very happy for him, agreed in effect to delay his departure for a while longer. He also didn't want to tell them too much about the experience he and Bertie had with the federal agents since the alien couple didn't live on Earth.

-The rest of them have been warned as well. They will come as soon as they can. - The enthusiastic host told them. -

          So it was, Diamond and Emerald were coming for their part from Paris, with the odd adventure that gave them more than a few headaches. Petz and Sapphire also wished to be present. Bertie was on the phone with her sister Petz telling her what had happened.

-So, you've been visited by some feds. That's funny. - The older sister commented. - We had a guy come to see us who said he was a police inspector. Although he seemed to belong to the secret services. Sapphire was in the back room, and I talked to him most of the time.

- And what did he tell you? - the intrigued Bertie wanted to know. -

-Well, he very kindly offered to help us in any official or bureaucratic matters related to Otafukuya. You see we settled that a long time ago. I thanked him for his interest, and he said goodbye. He gave me a phone number so that we could reach him if there was any kind of inconvenience. But he didn't ask us to do anything. Then, as Sapphire left, he was already walking away. I didn't think anything of it then. - Petz explained - and I told him about it later.

         Beruche was nodding mechanically behind the receiver as he heard that. Maybe in Japan the authorities did things in a less direct way than the Americans.

-Well, if they want something from you, I'm sure they will let you know," - she said before saying goodbye and hanging up. -

Soon after, she called Emerald, but Emerald did not answer. The former head waitress of the Queen of Nemesis was now a model and was quite busy. Finally, she was able to answer the call.

-Hello Bertie. - She greeted her cordially. -

- Lady Emerald! - she replied without thinking. - How is everything?

-It's just fine with Emerald. - Her interlocutor answered affably. - Tell me, how are things in America?

-Well, it's going great. - Beruche answered more casually. - That's precisely why we wanted to ask you to come here....

Bertie told the girl what had happened. The model took a few moments to respond.

-Of course, we would like to come. Especially Diamond. He's a good friend of Roy's. Yes, yes! - she added with amusement. - He almost makes me jealous sometimes. He spends the day recalling anecdotes about the two of them and the rest of them when they were training.

-Yes, that must be contagious. - Bertie laughed, adding jocularly. - Don't worry, you're not the only one who suffers from it.

-Well. - Emerald commented a little more seriously now. - I said we'd love to, but I don't know if we can. At least I have a lot of commitments.

-I hope you have an opening, or Roy would be able to go there in person. - An amused Bertie said, who then added more seriously. - Really, we'd be very excited, both of us, we'd all like to get together.

-That's fine. I'll talk to my boss. - Her interlocutor replied. -

-And if you could contact Nephrite, we'd appreciate it. At least I don't have his contact adress. - Beruche commented. -

-Don't worry. Diamond will take care of that. - Emerald replied jovially. - Tell me, when would this macro meeting be for?

Bertie told her and the two agreed to call each other once more and see each other if possible. After saying goodbye to the now model, the girl also officially notified the sailors and luckily, Emerald managed to get her boyfriend to contact Nephrite. The latter came all the way from London, apparently, he had met a girl named Amanda there, a journalist with whom he had had to go through some ups and downs. But the first to arrive, of course, were Annie and Ail with Roy via teleport.  Ann was carrying her son in a bassinet. As soon as they appeared in the middle of the room, Beruche went to them with open arms.

- Ann, Ail, it's so good to see you again! - She exclaimed to look at the baby and give him a few caresses. - You must see how he has grown in such a short time; he is so cute!

- Isn't he? - Ann smiled with a mother's passion. -

Annie took him in her arms and gave him a pacifier, the little one closed his eyes, then put him back in the bassinet.

-I hope he goes to sleep. - She added with a sigh, - "He gave us a night yesterday...!

-I'm glad to see you, Bertie. - Ail smiled on his part - and you. - He turned now to Roy. - Congratulations, you're finally going to play in the pro league. That's what you wanted, isn't it?

- How do you know? - Beruche asked him with a surprised face. -

- How could I not know? - Ail laughed and jokingly remarked, "- During the training sessions at the Corner of Soul and Time, he kept pestering us about it during the breaks! And now you've told us about your transfer, thank goodness you caught up with us before you left the troposphere!

-That's right, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to breathe. - Roy admitted. -

-We're so happy for you, that was your dream, wasn't it? - Annie asked him. -

-Yes," - Roy admitted, embarrassed but amused at the same time. - The truth is that I've wanted it since I was a kid. My father was a fan and from the time I was very little he took care to buy me a ball and put a basket for me. I'll have to be careful not to use my powers, though. - He declared in a reflective tone to add in a more jovial way. - Well, enough about me! How about you, don't you feel like staying a little longer on Earth?

-The truth is that we were fine here," - Ann replied with some pity in her tone as she explained. - But we miss the Makaiju, we must make it sprout strong again and maybe that way, we will attract some congeners. Giaal will be like a grandson to him. When he's grown up, we'll certainly come back here again.

-It's a long trip," - Ail added. - We have a possible candidate planet with good conditions. But even if we cross a dimensional tunnel, which Landar offered to create for us, it will take a few months to get there. But that can wait, we wouldn't miss your debut for anything. I guess we can delay our departure for a few days.

-I appreciate it guys, by the way, stay here if you want. - Roy offered enthusiastically! - Bertie and I have bought a house and will be moving in.

His partner showed a surprised expression, evidenced by her open mouth and saucer-like eyes.

-We don't want to intrude," - Annie said shyly, oblivious to her hostess's puzzled face. - You have everything here.

-It's no bother at all. - Roy hastened to say, - "Far from it, I don't want to hear you say anything, eh? You need some independence for yourselves and the child.

Ail and Ann obliged and Beruche, still stunned, let them settle in. She took Roy by the hand and led him into another room, eager to clear up the matter. Then, arms raised, she questioned him sternly and incredulously.

-Let's see, dear. Explain this to me. What is it that we have bought a house," - and she emphasized the word "we," with great emphasis -

-I'm sorry, dear, the truth is that it's a gift from the government, it's a magnificent villa in a residential area in the suburbs! They told me about the other day at a training session and I wanted it to be a surprise, but it just slipped out. - He lamented - I'm a complete fool! Forgive me, little cube. I was really going to tell you.

She pretended to be angry, but deep down she was dying to see that villa. At last, she recognized it with a smile.

-I can't wait to see it.

- Well, let's go there! - the boy encouraged her, relieved that his girlfriend was no longer angry and proposing it casually. - I'll tell Ail and Ann to come too.

Beruche nodded enthusiastically, Roy offered them both if they wanted to join them, but Annie excused herself saying they should settle in with the boy. Besides, she felt that this was a time for her friends to be intimate.

-I must breastfeed him, the poor thing is hungry. And after traveling through space, we are always very tired. - She justified by adding. - Anyway, Ail can go with you if he wants to.

-I just don't want to leave them alone. - He also apologized, adding in a conciliatory tone. - Don't take this the wrong way, Roy, but I would like to be with my wife and son.

-I understand, my friend, it would be the same for me. - He admitted sympathetically. -

-Some other day you'll show us, huh? - Ail answered him visibly grateful. -

- Sure, take it for granted! We will have many occasions. - The boy agreed, who shook his partner's hand and shook hands with Ann and the baby. Then he turned to Bertie who was waiting in the other room. - Well, little cube, you and I are leaving, we'll be there in no time.

-No," - she smiled, wagging a finger. - I've told you a thousand times. We must behave like normal people; we'll go by cab.

- But that costs a lot! - Roy objected shaking one of his hands. -

- Don't be silly," - she insisted, - "do you want us to be on the front page of all the newspapers? -she added in a mock pompous and no less mocking tone. - The flying man and his girlfriend. - And after a moment of silence, the girl added in a reasoned and more serious way.  - I have already told you countless times. If we want to have a normal life, we must do our best to behave in a normal way. Don't you think so? Or we won't be able to demand to be treated as such. - She sentenced, making the young man remember that angry conversation with the feds. -

-All right, whatever you want, honey. You're right. - He admitted that he immediately phoned for a cab, and in a few minutes, they had one waiting for them. - Come on, let's go...

They got in and the cab driver asked them where they wanted to go with a strong Mexican accent. Beruche smiled, recognizing that voice. Even though it had been a long time.

- Hey, don't you remember me? - she asked the cab driver. - A little over a year ago.

- Mande, Miss? - The driver answered to her without realizing who his client might be. -

-He picked me and my sister up and took us to Golden State College. - The girl clarified. -

-Let him think, no más - there were a few moments of silence and suddenly the man hit the steering wheel to exclaim. - Of course, the girls from college! How did they do? Have you finished studying? ¿Terminaron pues?

-Yes, and we're already teachers, both of us! - Bertie smiled with visible pride. -

- Don't tell me you know each other? - Roy interjected, letting out another exclamation in return. - What a coincidence, with all the cabs in New York!

-Yes, compadre, very nice and generous girls. They tipped me very well and you never forget that. How is your little sister doing? - The man was quite kindly interested. -

-She'll be here soon," - Bertie told him. - For the game of..." Then it dawned on her that she hadn't introduced Roy. - I'm sorry, how could I have missed it! You see, this is my boyfriend, we met at the university. He's going to play for the Knicks.

- Congratulations kid, tough on them, in the professional league you must be tough. ¡Muy duro, átese los machos! - He added in Spanish. -

To Beruche's surprise, who had not understood anything, the boy answered in the same language.

-Well, yes, me los ataré, I'll tie them well, and you'll see that I'm going to give a lot to talk about. - I laugh - I'm not bad at all.

- Do you know Spanish?" - Bertie asked, who couldn't get over her astonishment. -

-I grew up in this town. - Roy explained. -Don't forget that the Hispanic community is very large. And I had Hispanic friends growing up. We played in the streets all day long and I learned the language.

-Wow, that's quite a surprise. - She smiled and asked the cab driver again. - How's your family? Your children are fine, I guess, and your wife?

-They are very well, thank you, and we already have one littler boy. - The cab driver answered with a very pleased tone. -

- I'm so glad! Congratulations! - Beruche declared, still thinking that this man could fill a whole class with children if he kept on like this. -

At last, they reached the outskirts, beyond the metropolitan area. The guy drove down a long, almost deserted road that was lined with gardens and villas, typical of an upscale residential area. Roy asked him to pull over and when the car stopped, and the cab driver informed him of the fare he promptly paid. Aside from the tip, he gave him a pair of tickets to the game. Fortunately, the scouts gave several to each player and he had been awarded a block of twenty which he carried with him as a sort of amulet.

-Here you go, I hope you go with your wife or a child to cheer us on.

- Sure, my friend, I've been a Knicks fan since I came to town. And from now on a fan of yours, I'm convinced we'll win the league this year!

- No doubt about it! - Roy affirmed with identical enthusiasm. - At least I'll do my best.

The man turned from his seat as the two were leaving.

-Best wishes to your little sister. - He said to Bertie, wishing her the best of luck. - You are good people. May you both be very happy!

-Thank you, sir. Muchas gracias, señor. - She was able to reply, this time in Spanish. -

Although the cab driver must not have heard her as he pulled out and got lost in the traffic. Beruche looked at the cab and smiled.

- What surprises life has in store, it's been a year since I arrived and it seems like an eternity, so much has changed! - She said holding Roy's hand and they both walked along the sidewalks that flanked the development. - Sometimes I think I've already lived many different lives.

-Yes, I understand you perfectly, little cube. - He agreed. - And now we have the best part to enjoy. You'll see!

             And with that optimism they continued their walk through that residential area. It was a high-class or even select place. The truth is that they had already visited several houses, each one more beautiful and bigger. Bertie felt a tremendous curiosity to know which one could be hers, although her boyfriend didn't say anything. Until, at last, he stopped in front of one.

- Do you like that one over there, Bertie? - the boy asked, pointing to a villa with a huge swimming pool. -

- Yes, I love it Roy, it's beautiful! - She exclaimed with a big smile. -

- Well, that's too bad because that's not it! - He laughed heartily at his girlfriend's contrite face. - What can we do!

- Oh, what a fool you can be sometimes! - She reproached him with annoyance, giving him a slap. -

- Ow! Ha, ha, ha, ¡ha! Don't be angry. - He asked her with an amused gesture, taking her by the hand to make her walk to another even bigger one with an even bigger pool. - And that one, would you like that one there?

-Yes, I like it, it's not bad," - Beruche responded dispassionately and affirmed with distrust. - But I'm not going to take the bait this time.

Roy took her in his arms and took her into the garden of the villa. Then he took out some keys and opened the door and said with a triumphant tone.

- Tata chan, well this is it, you, little cube!

- Oh, it's beautiful! - The young woman exclaimed with her face lit up with happiness, hugging the boy. Now there was no cheating and she said to him full of enthusiasm. - I love you so much!

He let himself be squeezed and when they exchanged a few more kisses, Roy said more calmly.

-Look, it's only a short drive from town. And far enough away that we don't have any noise or pollution. - The girl nodded enthusiastically, and he added jubilantly. - Well little cube, come on, let's see the whole thing! - He put her down on the floor and they walked around the villa hand in hand. - And since it's so big, we have quite a distance to cover.

That's how it was. The house was huge, it had two floors and on the second floor there was a very large attic.

-In total there are five bedrooms, a huge living room and two bathrooms, with toilets and showers in each large room. What do you think? - the boy smiled. -

- It is a marvel! - the excited girl declared. - It's almost as big as my parents' house in Nemesis.

- Almost as big? - The perplexed exclaimed Roy to inquire with humor. - Is it that you lived in a palace?

-Yes," - the girl sighed now, in a quiet and somewhat saddened voice. - A huge palace in which, however, there was hardly room for love.

Roy embraced her at once, realizing that these memories were awakening sadness in his girl's heart. He soon whispered in her ear with an affectionate and optimistic tone.

-Well, there won't be room here for as much love as we're going to store, cube.

              She smiled feeling better and Roy took her to the kitchen. Once there, he took out a bottle of champagne that he had left foresightedly hidden. In fact, he went to see the place as soon as he was told about it.

-The government guys asked me if everything was to my liking. Imagine that! - he laughed, adding amused. - The only pity is that there is still no refrigerator. - He lamented at the prospect that the drink was going to be hot. -

-Don't worry. - The girl smiled, winking mischievously as she declared. - That's what I'm here for," and she cooled the bottle, concentrating her powers in her hands as she announced with pomp and glee. - I'm the Ice Lady, remember?

-I thought you didn't have powers without becoming a Justiciera. - Roy told her with a surprised gesture. -

- Not too many, but I have enough for this and that. - She affirmed maliciously. -

          And without warning she slipped her hand into the boy's pants pocket, laughing mischievously. She was reminiscing about that naughty and playful past she had in her time as a servant of the Black Moon. That was her small revenge for the uncertainty that fool had subjected her to. The boy jumped as he pulled his girlfriend's hand away.

- Don't do that to me, you'll freeze the most precious thing I have!

- Frozen icicle," - Bertie laughed. -

He joined in the laughter, promising that the girl would find out as soon as it thawed. So, they laughed heartily again and drank the champagne. After a while and on a mat, they had in one of the rooms, Roy carried out that threat and the girl found out! After resting for a while in each other's arms, they decided to go back to the apartment. He assured her that they could move in that same day and her partner nodded happily. To the amused faces of Ail and Ann who watched their friends as they frantically packed things and looked for what they needed most urgently.

- Can we give you a hand? - Annie offered who was rocking a somewhat tearful Giaal. -

-No, don't worry. We don't have too many things," - Bertie replied with patent good humor. -

-Compared to what we had to do in the Corner, this is nothing, right, buddy? - Roy laughed and winked at the alien with a knowing wink. -

-Of course. - He conceded with a smile. - I still remember when we had to repaint Kaio-sama's house.

- He had some nerve," - his friend smiled. -  "Besides making the worst jokes I've ever heard. Worse even than Diamond's.

Ail nodded with a chuckle. Of course, he was like that.

-You have a lot of experiences from there, it seems. - Bertie, who was carrying a cardboard box in both hands, said. -

-Someday we'll tell them. Won't we, partner? - An animated Roy commented. -

-Yes, when we don't get together. It will be fun. - The questioned boy affirmed. -

             So, they packed the most necessary things. Once they finished and without wasting a minute, they called a moving truck. However, when they arrived back at the villa, they found that someone had furnished the house with what they were missing. Beruche discovered that, above the lintel of the front door was a note that read. "With the compliments of the Mayor of New York."

-That's wonderful! - Bertie exclaimed. -

And the furniture was of exquisite taste and made of high-quality hardwoods. After looking around and enjoying the view, the two sat down on a comfortable sofa that dominated the living room.

- Wow, when I tell that to the redneck from Kansas, he will die of envy. - Roy commented with glee. -

-I imagine there will be something similar for them. - Beruche conjectured, now more seriously. -

-The truth is that I have heard something. - The boy smiled mischievously. - But that's all I'm telling you. - He said with an amused gesture. -

- Tell me about it! - She asked him, but he shook his head and smiled mischievously.  - Come on, tell me! - The girl insisted with a honeyed voice. -

-Roy replied and caressed the girl's neck a little bit while she did the same with him, a little bit lower. - Well, if you ask me like this, maybe I'll tell you a little bit - the boy rectified while Beruche made him bend down so she could kiss him. - Or maybe I'll tell you all about it...

For their part, Ail and Ann laughed as their two friends ran off to their new home.

-I'm so happy for them. - The girl said who finally managed to put her son to sleep. -

-They're very nice people. I hope they will be very happy together.

-Yes, on the one hand, I'm sorry we must go, leaving behind so many friends, the warriors. - Annie sighed with a hint of sadness. - But on the other I know that our place is in another world with the sacred tree and that our child must grow up near it.

-That doesn't mean we can't come back for a visit sometime. - Ail told her, trying to cheer her up. - Now that we have so many friends here.

Her companion nodded. She hoped so. She had become good friends with the sisters, especially Bertie. Petz was also very fond of her since Sapphire and Ail were very good friends in turn. Cooan was also on wonderful terms with her. Annie was saddened to hear what happened to Karaberasu. But she was confident that girl would come back sooner or later. And then there was Emerald who didn't seem like a bad girl. Although she had known her less than the rest. Almost guided by a hunch she took out her deck of cards. Her companion looked at her quizzically and wanted to know.

- Why are you taking out the deck of cards now...?

-I want to read the arcana a little bit. - The girl commented casually, - "To see what the future has in store for all of us.

Ail shrugged her shoulders, possibly Annie had been longing to know what the future held for them and their friends for some time. The girl concentrated and was laying out the cards. Not much time had passed when she looked in surprise at the deck and those laid out on a nearby table.

- How strange! - she said in a reflective tone. -

- What is it? Have you seen anything? - Her interlocutor asked her, with some concern. - Maybe something bad?

-I don't know... it's very strange. - I don't understand, I have one card that indicates change, but two others that divide its meaning, as if there were two paths to follow at the same time. But that's not possible...

- You didn't throw them wrong? - the boy conjectured. -

-I did it right. I'm sure I did. - She affirmed, adding in a quiet voice. - This is very strange... nothing like this has ever happened to me before.

-Let it go... we are tired, the child has been crying a lot. The trip that we have suspended when we were on the road has caused us stress and exhaustion. It has been a very busy day. We'd better get some rest. You'll read them when you're fresher.

-Yes. Maybe. - She agreed, picking up the deck and putting it back in a bag she had. –

           The couple decided to rest in the room that their friends had prepared for them. Exhausted, they soon fell asleep, fortunately little Giaal let them do so without any problems. Their friends Bertie and Roy also rested in their new home. Meanwhile, at the campsite, Tom and Cooan were finally able to have some privacy. Fortunately, without further intrusions from the guard. The two days were over, and they were about to return home. The truth was that they remembered how before that excursion they had gone to Portland to see the surroundings. Considering that they would be working there, they had to find a house to live in. They thought about renting, although the boy was looking forward to having a home of his own, something that could be his. Like his own parents who owned a farm where he grew up. His girlfriend was thrilled with the idea. The truth is that, together with Tommy, she had gone to visit Mr. and Mrs. Rodney's house and after being received by them in a very kind way she was able to walk hand in hand with the boy through those large fields of wheat and barley that glowed golden at sunset.

- It's just like the song! Just like you told me. - She sighed as they walked through some open stretches between plots. - Tommy, it's a beautiful place.

-It is, and even more so now that you're here. - The young man smiled -

Cooan blushed, looking at him with delight. In fact, she could read in the boy's eyes all the love he felt for her, and she thought it was wonderful. How different that look was from the cold and distant one her former boss had! Sometimes she could not believe how naive and foolish she was not to realize something so obvious.  Now, however, it was very different. To the thread of those reflections she commented, with a hopeful tinge.

-This is like a dream. Free at last from the forces of darkness. Living in peace and love. And surrounded by our family and friends.

-That's what I think. - He agreed with a big smile and then added in a more introspective tone. - You know Connie? That's what I want our life to be like. Quiet and peaceful. That we can build something of our own and one day have children that we love and that love us like my brother, and I love our parents. Or you to your sisters.

- I wish the same - she smiled at him and said with conviction. - And now that everything is finally over, we can do it.

        The boy, with an illusionary gesture, nodded passing an arm around her shoulders as they returned to the house. There Sarah, Tom's mother, was waiting for them, sitting in a rocking chair on the porch. The sun was already beginning to set, and it was getting cooler.

- Did you like the country? Connie," Mrs. - Rodney asked the girl, who nodded enthusiastically. -

- It's a wonderful place. - She replied, adding - That's what Tom and I were talking about. We'd like to find a place like this to raise our children someday.

The man nodded in agreement.

- Yes, for now we must travel to Oregon to study the possibilities, we've had good job offers, Connie to teach and I'd like to start a business.

- Whatever you need, don't hesitate to let us know. - William Rodney who had just come out of the house to listen to his son intervened. - We'll do what we can.

- Thanks, Dad. But we'd like to make our own way. You've always told us that the good things come from the effort we make to get them. - The young man answered. -

- And that's true," - his father smiled, stroking his thick mustache to add. - But I never told you that you can't ask for help in the beginning, that's always difficult, son.  Your grandparents also helped your mother and me when we were starting out.

- Your father is right. - Will's wife agreed, getting up from her rocking chair. - There's no shame in turning to family in these cases.

- We're very grateful, ma'am. - Cooan declared. -

- Constance. I have already told you to call me Sarah, you are already like our daughter to us. - the good woman said who now told them all. - We'd better go inside. It's going to be dark here and we must have dinner. I hope Daniel will be back soon.

- Yes," - William sighed patiently. - He's at the Arnolds' farm, the eldest son is a good friend of his. They spend all day on those computer things. Your brother even wants us to buy him one.

- Well, he always liked all that stuff. - Tom commented. - He's not bad at it.

- Sometimes I think he's too good at it, the rascal,"- his father grumbled, who nevertheless added. - I've already told him, if he works hard and earns it, he'll get the computer he wants....

            Tom nodded. His father had always been very strict in those things. As he had reminded him earlier. And now the boy appreciated it. However, his younger brother, though a good boy, had always been more distracted and withdrawn into his own inner world. If only Dany would start going out into the outside world and mature a bit...Finally the youngest Rodney arrived and after greeting them joined the family at dinner. After saying thanks to the Lord as Will always did, they spent the evening chatting mostly about the couple's immediate plans. Now Tom was saying to Cooan as the girl reminisced.

-Well, the trip to Oregon wasn't bad.

- I hope we'll soon be able to move there. - His girlfriend said with gratitude. - And your parents were kind enough to offer their help. Although we still have a lot to weigh before we decide.

- Yes, and that leads me to think that, as soon as we pass near Portland again, we'll have to take an interest in that house. - The boy affirmed. -

Now it was he who remembered. A few days after visiting his parents in Kansas and returning to New York, they traveled to the state of Oregon. They arrived by plane. There they rented a car. A few minutes later Connie, who had just gotten her driver's license in the United States, started the car and the vehicle was on the road, leaving the airport behind and heading out of the city. Crossing a bridge over the Columbia River, he continued to the outskirts of Woodburn.

-Honey,"- the girl asked her boyfriend. - It was this road, wasn't it?

-Yes, Connie," - he commented, glancing at a map. - It shouldn't be very far.

         They passed through some quite beautiful, wooded areas following the address that had been sent to them as soon as they were interested in a residential area that they had seen in one of the sales brochures. The place was certainly far from the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Portland. The natural surroundings were beautiful, and it had good road communications. The downside would be the price. The area must have been expensive. When Tom phoned the developer of that plot of land, on paper the place looked great and so he and Connie decided to go and see it in person. The guy told them that, although they were still finishing some phase of housing, their prices would certainly be high. The poor guy did some math and realized that even with two salaries they couldn't afford it. Perhaps they could ask the bank for a mortgage. Of course, his parents would guarantee it. But the most curious thing is that, once he gave his name to arrange an interview with one of the sales agents, the tone of his interlocutor became much more cordial and assured him that they could surely reach a good agreement. So, as his girlfriend headed around the bend into the area, the boy kept an eye on the surroundings.

-I guess this is it. - She parked near a villa surrounded by a large garden. -

-Let's find out - the boy smiled also with visible hope. - I can hardly wait.

              When Cooan agreed with the same enthusiasm, they both got out of the car. There, indeed, a guy in a suit and tie, with a briefcase under his arm, was waiting for them. After shaking their hands and introducing himself as the real estate agent they had contacted, he showed them around. The young couple loved the inside of the house, four spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms and a toilet. A good kitchen, a large living room and a well-designed hall, all on one floor. Apart from the terrace with direct access to the garden that surrounded them.

-It's all on one floor, nothing else? - Cooan asked. -

-It's much better than having it on two. - The guy explained, affirming. - You'll save a lot on heating by having less height, the winters are usually cold around here.

              That was a good point. After asking a few more questions about the qualities and the surroundings, the most dreaded moment came.

- How much are they asking for it? - Tom asked. -

-Well. Given the location, the size of the house and so on. It would be a total of four hundred thousand dollars. - The guy informed them. -

               The boys looked at each other with eyes like saucers. That was a fortune! They felt sorry. That was a dream of home. Sighing resignedly, it was Cooan who said regretfully.

-Well, it's... a pity. We can't afford to pay that much.

            Although, to their surprise, that agent smiled encouragingly at them to declare.

-Well, I said it would be... I meant under normal circumstances, but my boss has given me authorization to give you a discount.

-That's very kind of you," - Tom responded who, full of interest, couldn't help but ask right away. - And how much would that discount be?

-I have been instructed to reduce the price by fifty percent. -  The guy responded with a smiling gesture and even genuinely surprised. - And believe me, he's not usually so benevolent. He must have liked you very much.

             Again, they both rolled their eyes and opened their mouths. That was too good to be true! Besides. They had never seen the owner of that in their lives. How could he have liked them?

-Are, are you for real? - Cooan exclaimed, putting her hands to her mouth. -

-Believe me when I tell you that never in my entire career as a sales agent have, I ever made an offer as good as yours. And I've been in the profession for over twenty years. - The man, who must have been close to fifty years of age, remarked. - It's a golden opportunity. I assure you.

-Thank you very much, my friend. But we should still think about it and make some calls. - Tom commented, and then added. - But we'd be interested in the beginning, wouldn't we, honey? - he asked, turning to his girlfriend. -

-Yes, of course. Very interested! - She smiled with a radiant expression. -

-Don't worry, take your time. - The man answered them with kindness and then proposed. - If it's all right with you, in a week's time, if you have had a chance to complete your formalities, give me a call. Until then I can promise you that I will not show this house to anyone else.

-We will, rest assured. - Tom affirmed with an excited nod from his partner. - Thank you very much!

                 They said goodbye to the man with two effusive handshakes.  Cooan had to go to the school where she had been offered a job. After getting to know the place, she decided she liked it and accepted the conditions, which, by the way, were quite advantageous. That guy they saved during the fight against the demons had taken care of finding him a position in a reputable place in the area, with a very good salary and enviable conditions in terms of health insurance and other important matters. Tom, for his part, found a very well-paid job as an instructor at a rather important martial arts gym in the city. That would certainly set him back in his aspirations. For the time being, however, it would be better for him to earn money to pay for the house. He would have time later to invest in his own dojo. So, after learning about their jobs in Portland and signing the contracts, they returned to New York to finish some paperwork. They called the boy's parents and told them how things were going. They were very happy and reaffirmed their promise to lend them a hand. The young couple was happy and as they had a few days off before starting all that, they decided to go to the campsite to meditate on their more than promising future and to disconnect a little before starting that new life. That's how the boy remembered it. Now he was on his knees dismantling the tent, they were about to return. First, they were going to visit Roy and Bertie. Perhaps the pieces were beginning to fit together for Tom. Maybe it was those government guys, apart from their benefactor, who had been helping them. And surely, they were also the ones who had been watching them. Although everything seemed to be calm since they were the only ones left to leave. But that did not explain the strange sensation he had been having for quite some time. He felt as if someone was watching him. He stood up looking up at the nearby trees, only the wind was swaying them and the only noise he heard was the rustling of the branches. Cooan, who had been gathering some things, approached him, and asked as he looked around.

- What's the matter, Tom?

-I don't know. It's a funny feeling. Like I'm being watched. - The boy whispered to her. -

-I've had the same impression. - His partner confessed, although she immediately rectified her uneasy countenance for a more relaxed one when she added. - Maybe we're just a little paranoid, after all we've been through, I'm not surprised. Anyway, I haven't seen anyone around here.

-You're right. - Her interlocutor admitted more relaxed as he put an arm around her. - Yeah, I sound like one of those Vietnam vets I used to hear my dad talk about when I was a kid, I'd better finish taking this thing apart and let's go.

-Okay, I'll get the clothes. - Cooan told him more calmly, leaving him after kissing him. -

Tom bent down to finish putting away the last of the nails. When he finished, he noticed someone's presence again, he turned quickly and this time he did indeed encounter a visitor. It was a boy; his description matched the one the guard had given him. He certainly looked a lot like Roy. Although his eyes were dark blue. Like Beruche's, he thought. So, he stood up and addressed the boy in an ungracious tone.

-So, you're the one who's been spying on us, it wasn't imagination. May I know what it is you want, boy?

The boy looked at him intently, as if he were analyzing him somehow. He looked surprised but said nothing. He was dressed casually, denim jacket and sweatpants, it seemed to Tom that these were stained with blood. He asked again, losing his patience with such an unsettling individual.

-Talk, are you deaf? Answer me, look, I have no money and what little there is here, I won't give it to you for nothing. - He asserted, getting into a combat position. -

However, his interlocutor just smiled and finally spoke in a soft and clear voice, leaving his interlocutor surprised.

-Don't be afraid, I don't want to rob you or do you or Connie any harm. That's how you call her, isn't it?

- How do you know my girlfriend's name? - Tom asked. -

-Just like I know yours. You're Thomas Alan Rodney, aren't you?

- Who are you? - His interlocutor wanted to know, increasingly surprised, and confused. - What do you want from us?

The boy ignored the question and said again.

-You're Roy Malden's best friend, I'm not mistaken, am I?

-Just a moment, boy. - His companion replied more cautiously. - I won't say anything unless you tell me first who you are and what you want from me, Connie, or Roy.

There was a silence as tense as it was light. That boy took the floor without smiling and affirming with greater gravity.

-It's hard to believe, but I want to save you all, and for that I need your help. The situation is very serious.

- Are you from the government? - Tom wanted to know, now more worried. - Has a new emergency been declared? - he asked, remembering Roy's warning on the phone. -

-No, I'm not with the government. Unfortunately, I'm afraid this is something much more important. - The boy replied in a concerned tone. - But you must promise me that you won't tell anyone what I tell you. Not even your girlfriend.

- What, what's going on? - His interlocutor urged him, more than intrigued. -

-Give me your word first. - The boy asked him with a very serious expression. - I know you will respect it and it is of vital importance that no one else knows anything, at least for now.

-All right, I promise," - he agreed, although not very sure about it, he affirmed. - You can trust me. Although I am surprised that you are so sure without knowing me.

Again, there was an uncomfortable silence. The boy seemed to be searching for the right words and finally declared.

-I know quite a few things about you, and that you have integrity and are a good person is one of them. Now, please listen to me very carefully. You must let me finish no matter how hard it is for you to believe and trust everything I tell you.

-I'll try," -Tom answered, very impatient to hear what it was all about. - But tell me at once!

The boy nodded and after looking around and making sure that there was no one around, he decided to tell his interlocutor his incredible story.

**START**