GWB06E

**START**

**51. A surprise party.**

Roy received congratulations from his teammates, some of whom were veterans, players the boy really admired. He had been able to get to know them during training. In those few days he had worked hard (or at least he gave that impression) being very willing and humble, so he made a good impression in general in that locker room that had not few egos.

-Well done, rookie. - One of color said, quite big and burly. -

In fact, he was more than two heads taller than Roy. And he was the captain and most important player. The boy immediately replied in a humble tone.

-Thank you very much, sir...

Although his interlocutor cut him off with a broad smile to reply.

-Call me Pat, like everyone around here does.

-Keep shooting baskets like that and you'll take my job. - He was encouraged by another black player, a little taller than Roy, named John, who added amused. - And then they say white people can't play this game.

-Well, I'm more of a "Play Maker" than anything else. - The alluded one smiled in a hurry. -

Another imposing-black player, a little taller than him, greeted him in turn, patting him on the back.

-Very good, Roy. - He congratulated him. - You've impressed the Master and believe me, that's not easy. Keep up the good work.

-Thank you very much, Sir Charles. - The boy smiled, feeling good with this cataract of compliments. -

And even the coach approached him, nodding at the other players' words, and adding.

-We can use someone like you, if you keep up this consistency and effort, you'll certainly get some minutes. Now that I've taken the reins of the team as head coach, I need players who can act as a catalyst. We need to improve.

-Thank you very much, sir, I promise I'll do my best. - Roy said. - I've always been a Knicks fan, my father made me a fan since I was a kid, I'll do everything I can to help.

His interlocutor smiled slightly and walked away, leaving the boy to finish dressing. At last Roy came out of the locker room, he had been in a hurry, in less than ten minutes he was out of the shower and dressed quickly enough to avoid the first reporters that were already coming in. At least he thought he did. He was on his way to find Bertie and the others, eager to celebrate his magnificent game, when several reporters still lingering outside approached him with microphones in hand and began to ask him in between congratulations.

-Congratulations on your debut, you are the player of the night.

-Thank you very much," - Roy replied with surprise and humility. - But I don't think it's that big of a deal.

-You're very modest," - another reporter assailed him, asking point-blank. - What university do you come from?

The boy smiled stupidly at the microphones. This was a new experience, although perhaps he should get used to dealing with the press.

-Golden State College, around fifty miles from New York City. - He answered somewhat curtly. -

-We are not aware of that college having a team in the first division of the state. - He was told by another journalist who insisted with another question. - How did you make a name for yourself? Did a Knicks scout come to see you?

-Well," - the interviewee explained. - I was playing in the commercial league, I had a tryout and they liked me.

- How do you feel about being the hero of the night? - An attractive blonde journalist with long legs that captured the boy's admiration for a few moments asked him. -

- I think it's a dream come true, but we must keep working to have more opportunities. - He replied with a smile of circumstance. -

- Is it true that his coach took him out at the insistence of a group of people who were friends of his? - asked another reporter in a scathing tone. -

- I hope it wasn't just for that! - Roy laughed, adding amused. - But I think there is some truth to it, ha, ha! My friends can be very persuasive when they want to be.

- Do you think you'll get a lot more minutes now that you've proven your qualities? - that beautiful blonde reporter insisted. -

-That will depend on the coach. And as I said, I still have a long way to go, and I must stay at the top of my game. - The boy responded with prudent moderation. -

- Who have you thought of for your debut? - Another reporter asked him. -

-Well. - He sighed, more serious for a few moments, to enumerate with growing emotion. - My friends, my girlfriend and especially my parents. They are no longer here, but I know they would have loved this. And I know that, somehow, they would have seen me play.

After a few minutes those journalists finally let him leave, it was about time! Nevertheless, there were Beruche and the sailors waiting for him. His smiling girlfriend came up to him and gave him a long kiss.

- Congratulations, you're the best!

-Yes, that's right. - Rei cheerfully agreed. - You've played a great game!

- You're good! - Makoto declared admiringly. -

- And so are you hot! - Minako stated humorously, looking at Bertie and adding amused. - Don't take it the wrong way, heh, heh.

-I agree with that. - She replied with a mischievous grin, keeping her nuance, - but Mina-Chan, he is all mine!

Her interlocutor nodded laughing, while crossing glances with her other companions, visibly amused as well.

- You've been very good. - Ami praised in turn, determined. - You played very cleverly. It must not have been easy to control your powers.

- No, it wasn't. In fact, it was the hardest thing for me. That's why I lost the first ball. I was there, afraid of doing something I shouldn't have. - Admitted the boy who smiled however to add. - But I think now that I've seen how to do it I'll get the hang of it soon.

Though now he was grateful to his masters in the Afterlife, that they had trained him in that as well. Son Goku himself used to train with him without drawing on even a tiny part of the power he had.

- Thank goodness he did, or he would never have been able to see him move! - The boy said to himself, between grateful, nostalgic, and relieved. -

- You were great! Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra, Roy, Roy, and nobody else! - Usagi then exclaimed, raising both arms in the air to produce the laughter of the questioned and the blushes of the others who were looking at the ground. - You are the best!

- Thank you. - He replied with patent good humor. - I really appreciate it to you and the rest.

-Congratulations," - Mamoru said more soberly, especially when he added. -  We wanted to greet you and congratulate you, but we must go now.

-Well, can't you stay? What a pity, I wanted to celebrate with everyone. - His interlocutor lamented who looked around wondering. - But where are the others?

-You see, they've left too,"- Beruche told him with apparent indifference. - They were in a hurry, but they would have liked to stay, ah! they told me they loved you.

-To tell you the truth, I didn't think they were in such a hurry," - the boy replied with a disappointed gesture. - I wanted to celebrate all together.

-Well, you still have me," - his girlfriend smiled, stroking his chin, and adding in a suggestive tone. - Can't you think of a way we could celebrate it just the two of us?

- Oops, oops, oops! - Usagi grinned mischievously. - I think it's time to leave now, girls. Let's let the air flow around here....

-Look, just this once, I couldn't agree with you more. - An amused Rei declared. -

           They all nodded with laughter and transformed into sailors, taking advantage of the fact that the exit was deserted. Holding each other's hands, they surrounded Mamoru while smiling at each other.

- Bye! See you later! - all the girls chorused teleporting. -

They reappeared in a secluded area of the small forest surrounding the Hikawa shrine. The girls let go of each other's hands and talked animatedly among themselves.

-I really enjoyed the game. - Rei commented. -

-Yes, Roy was great, he was finally able to fulfill his dream. - Makoto said. -

-I've always wanted to become a professional. Bertie has told me about it many times. - Ami said. - He was very happy now. You could see it in his eyes. I'm sure he'll succeed. And she was very happy too.

- Well, it wouldn't hurt for Roy to become famous. It would help me make the leap to America when I become an idol over here. - Minako declared with both hands clasped together at her chin. - A few pictures with him and what a publicity stunt!

-You're always so altruistic. - Makoto intervened to make her partner blush. -

They all burst out laughing. However, despite the laughter of the other sailors, Usagi did not join them. Her joviality and wild merriment of just a few moments ago had disappeared. She seemed to be a totally different person when, together with Mamoru, she addressed her fellow sailors.

- Sailor warriors! - She exclaimed with such a serious and resounding tone that the rest of them fell silent and immediately turned their attention to her, with even more surprised faces when she ordered them. - Listen up!

- What's going on? - Ami wanted to know, noticing the serious look on her friend and Mamoru's faces. -

-We wanted to respect the celebration of Roy's game. However, now we must inform you of something, something very serious..."- the boy who then adopted the appearance of King Endimion told them. -

-Another battle is coming. And we are in even greater danger than in the previous one against the demons. - Usagi completed transforming herself into Queen Serenity. -

- No, not again! - Minako sighed lowering her head. -

- What is it? Did you have premonitory dreams again? - Rei wanted to know. -

      The questioner nodded to order the priestess.

- Use your gifts and scrutinize the sacred flames. I hope you will be able to see for yourself. But I warn you, it's not pretty. - She finished with evident consternation. - Be careful not to look too closely...

The others fell into a thick silence. They couldn't believe it! They had just finished with this terrible threat to the world. And more importantly, what could be even worse than that? They waited until Rei exchanged her sailor uniform for her priestess robes and consulted in holy fire. Prudently they kept their distance. After a few moments her friend came out of the temple. She was pale and her face was unhinged...even tears were falling down her face. She could only mumble with a glazed look, addressing her sovereigns.

- What can we do... it's terrible! ...it is even worse than the threat of silence. This time we are lost. We and the whole Earth.

-But what did you see, Rei? - A stunned Makoto asked. -

-Yes, please tell us! - The also perplexed Minako added. -

-Hell on Earth itself. - She mused. - The end of humanity...and of hope.

-Not yet. - Endimion intervened, who told them. - There is a possibility.

- What is it? - Ami wanted to know, looking at her companion Mars and her kings with the same concern as the rest. -

-He is in America now. Let's hope everything goes well. - Serenity answered, giving a long sigh, to add. - We must prepare ourselves immediately. The others must be summoned. The defense of the planet starts from now on...

          Her guardians nodded with determination and got ready to follow the instructions of their sovereigns...

-You see, this is what we will do. - Endimion told them. -

Oblivious to all that in the meantime, in the United States, at the exit of the Madison's locker room, after taking a few moments to look at the empty place that his friends had occupied just a few moments ago, Roy sighed and said to his girlfriend.

-Well, let's go home and have a nice evening, you, and me.

That wasn't a bad plan either. She nodded with a broad smile and took him by the arm, and they went to the street to hail a cab.

-Now, my famed gambler can afford it. - Bertie smiled. -

-I'm very happy, little cube. Imagine that! The heavyweights of the team have congratulated me. I've been watching these guys play since I was a kid. And now I'm sharing a locker room with them, just like one of them.

His girlfriend was nodding and looking at him with a mixture of pride and happiness. Of course, her boy's face said it all. He looked like a kid who had just opened presents on Christmas Day.

-You deserve it. - She affirmed affectionately. -

Although Roy then turned his tone more serious, as well as his expression, replying with a reflexive tone and a quiet voice.

-I don't know. On the one hand, I'm very happy. And I feel as if I have fulfilled that promise I made to my father when I was a child. My only regret is that he and Mom weren't watching me play, just like you were, in some courtside seats.

-I'm sure they saw you play. You told me yourself. They're watching you from up there. And I don't think there are better seats. - Beruche smiled at him, placing a hand on his hands. -

His companion nodded, although he was quick to add, even with a tinge of self-reproach.

-Thank you, but that's not all. Sometimes I think I'm a fraud. That I can be here because of my powers. If I were a normal person, I don't think I would have been able to play at this level ever.

- Don't talk nonsense! - Bertie rebutted him with a tone between lighthearted and emphatic, for argument's sake. - Those guys with you aren't normal either - they're huge! I never thought I'd see anyone who could dwarf Prince Diamond, or any of our droids. And if they weren't so big, they wouldn't be here either. Right?

-No, well..., probably not, but it's not the same thing. - An astonished Roy opposed. -

-Of course, it is. – Bertie responded to his boyfriend with a plea. - You think that, just as they were born with that genetic inheritance, you were born with yours. And for you it is even more difficult. They can strive to the best of their ability while you must control yourself and restrict the use of your real abilities. You could be better than any of your peers and only by your own means.

-I know," - the young man admitted, declaring with a lively desire that this should be so. - But I just want to live like everyone else, with you, to be happy like any normal couple. Without attracting attention for something that would be taken as a freak show.

               He sighed remembering many superhero and mutant comics he read in his childhood. Many times, things did not work out for them as he could imagine. Far from being admired or simply thanked for their efforts to help humanity, they were considered freaks and even persecuted. And he didn't want that at all, least of all for the woman he loved, who precisely brought him out of those disturbing thoughts with a smile and the following statement.

-We are going to be, we have earned happiness. I am sure it will be so.

              He nodded, wanting to believe that with all his might. At last, a cab arrived, they got into the vehicle and returned to the villa. This time the driver was unknown to them and remained oblivious to them, and on the way, they were able to continue talking about the match.

-You were good," - Beruche praised, who asked the same question as Mercury, also to divert the conversation to where he was interested. - Speaking of earlier, did you have a hard time controlling yourself? I'm sure it hasn't.

-The truth, as I told Ami, is that at the beginning I was a bit nervous," - he confessed. - I wanted to repress myself so much that I couldn't give a damn, but then it was easy.

-Well, relax now when we get home, you'll see we'll have a great time. - She promised him. - And you won't have to hold back at all, hee, hee, hee!

- Uhh!" - the boy grinned mischievously, exclaiming with glee as he caressed her. - "It's true, this time I don't have to play any games and I'm going to make up for yesterday, baby!

His girlfriend laughed in amusement and more than cheered up. Roy thanked her for her unconditional support and above all for believing in him. He loved her very much and he was going to prove it to her. They finally arrived home, got out of the cab and paid with a very generous tip. They walked slowly to the entrance between kisses and caresses that became more and more heated. Beruche opened the door and indicated Roy to enter, the house was dark. He embraced her and began to kiss her again, now also trying to take off her clothes. At that instant the lights came on and suddenly the astonished boy was surrounded by all his friends who began to congratulate him. To the unanimous shout of....

- Surprise!

           Yes, leaving both him and his girlfriend embarrassed at being caught in the preliminaries.

- Congratulations, Roy! Man, that was a great match! - Diamond told him with a laughing face. -

-Yeah, hey, sorry to interrupt you, don't worry about us, you can go ahead! – Sapphire laughed, waving his arms humorously, as if he was encouraging them to continue. -

-I think the best party would be to leave them alone, I'm sure they wouldn't get bored! - Emerald added amidst everyone's laughter. -

-Don't have such a bad idea,"- Bertie scolded them, still a bit flushed and with a knowing chuckle. - After all, it was my turn to trick him.

- Hey, what do you mean, to trick on me! - Roy exclaimed in surprise while assuring them. - Well, you weren't having a little fun, you little cube, I had you all melted.

-We women know how to act very well," - she replied with a chuckle. - So don't think you're so irresistible, hee, hee, hee!

- Is that my little sister? - Petz laughed. - I didn't know you were such a sassy girl.

- Oh, stop it, stop messing with me! - Beruche said again, visibly blushing. -

The rest of those present were laughing their heads off, and it was Ail who was able to intervene and rally the others.

- Let's celebrate as it deserves! Get out the bottles of champagne we brought!

-I thought you would have left, I must admit that you have fooled me," – Roy smiled, very happy that it had turned out that way and exclaiming jocularly. - What a bunch of scoundrels!

- How could we leave you alone after this great event? - Nephrite answered him with pretended seriousness but winking at him in a jocular way. - Especially when we could have a party.

-That's for sure. - Ail added. - We're going to have a really good time! At another victory party.

-Well, it wasn't against the demons, but we won, we won anyway! - An amused Sapphire added. -

The rest of the team laughed and didn't have to be asked for anything, starting the party immediately, they were having fun uncorking bottles of champagne, drinking, and commenting on the match. Above all, about their cheers to the bench and their unrestrained requests to the poor Roy's coach. He told them with laughter.

- A little more and you would have had me thrown out before my debut!

-No way. Everything was very well calculated. - Amanda replied with a smile. -

-We knew for a fact that he couldn't resist a request made by women like us. - Emerald added with glee, raising her hair in a sexy pose. - "Why not?

-It's just that no one could resist that. - Diamond said, holding her from behind with her hands on the waist of the girl who laughed in her classic thunderous way, to the auditory pain of the rest. -

- Sorry, it just slipped out! - She reddened as she realized her slip. -

           But in such a jovial atmosphere nobody took it into account, and they continued with all kinds of jokes among themselves.

-Well, if there was no one to put up with this guy before, you'll see now! - Diamond laughed and slapped the honoree. -

-Yes, my brother is right about that. You're going to show off even more! - Sapphire said with amusement. -

- Bah, I don't think so, I was already incredible before tonight. - The alluded one laughed in turn. -

               His interlocutors were laughing with him.  Tom, on the other hand, was somewhat serious, staring persistently out of the windows, waiting for Leval to arrive. Cooan noticed that he was very reserved and approached him, making a little aside from the general hubbub.

- What's the matter, dear? You've been absent since yesterday.

-Nothing, it's been a long day, I guess, I have a lot to think about, our future and all that.

-You can't fool me, I know you. - His girlfriend replied with a tone of sweet reprobation. - There's something specific you're worried about.

-I'm expecting a visit. - He unveiled enigmatically. - Someone who has something important to tell us.

-But who is it? - The young woman wanted to know, now with a look of surprise. -

-I can't tell you that, it will be up to him to reveal it to us when he sees fit. But don't worry, he's on our side. - He affirmed, trying to appear unconcerned. -

- So, you already know him. - Cooan inferred. -

-Yes," - the boy admitted. - "Remember when we were at the campsite, and we noticed that someone was watching us? It was him, he talked to me before we left.

- Why didn't you tell me before," - she asked him, somewhat annoyed and, above all, surprised by his mysterious attitude. - What did he tell you to make you look like that?

-I couldn't, please trust me. It is something very important. - Tom asked her with a pleading look on his face. - But I can't reveal it yet.

The questioned could only nod silently. Something very serious must be going on for her boyfriend to behave like this. However, as strange as it seemed to her, she refrained from asking any further questions since Roy had meanwhile approached them. He was in high spirits, in a great mood and eager to get his secluded friends involved in the party.

- Hey, Tommy boy! What's the matter with you, buddy? Come and have fun with us. Come on Connie, you come too!

-Yes, - He could not make it out well, but he guessed it was Leval and repeated. - Okay, I'll be right there, but first I'll stop by the restroom.

-I know why you are so serious. - Roy laughed, patting him on the back and giving Cooan a knowing look. – Ha, ha, so many hot dogs have made you indigestion, huh, big eater? Ha, ha, or are you planning to go away to a more private place, Connie? You sure didn't wake this Kansas hillbilly up!

She gave a shy smile of circumstance, and her friend took it for embarrassment. Tom also smiled shyly and headed for the bathroom, Cooan looked at him with concern. Roy, deciding it was best to leave the pair to their own devices, returned to the others to continue their fun. However, his friend, arriving at the bathroom walked past him and out of the chalet, his girlfriend following him. Once outside, the boy looked in all directions for Leval. The latter's voice was heard behind him, turned into a whisper.

-Tom, I'm here, sorry for the delay.

-You'll talk to them now. - The alluded one answered him, turning to him. -

-I'd rather wait until they finish with the party, now I don't think they would pay much attention to me. - The boy prudently refuted him. - And I don't want to spoil it either. They'll have enough of that later.

Cooan listened attentively hidden between some hedges, with the reflections of the lights from the window he could see something of the boy and found him very similar to Roy, even his voice was similar. He would have even sworn it was him if he hadn't seen him inside the house joking with Diamond and Nephrite. But that boy kept on talking, he had a strained tone, he was nervous, and she didn't want to miss any of the words of that stranger.

-The problem is that no one will have to know who I really am. You are the only one I can reveal it to, because you are the only one who will survive. - Hearing that, the girl stifled an exclamation. - Between you and me, we must avoid the horrible fate that awaits this world.

-All right. - His interlocutor nodded. - I'll go back inside and ask Roy to come out for a moment. Then you can talk to him quietly, is that all right?

-Yes," Leval nodded in a grateful and more comforted tone. - That's a good idea.

Tom motioned for him to wait and went back inside. Cooan decided to stay hidden.  Her boyfriend meanwhile turned to Roy and whispered.

-Hey, I need you to come outside for a moment, there's someone who wants to talk to you.

- Who is it? Is it a fan? - he laughed with glee, perhaps the result of an intemperate dose of champagne. - Well, how quickly they come!

-It's something very important Roy, the fate of the world depends on it. - His interlocutor insisted, now with his real face of concern. -

          He could no longer control the tension that was running through him and even grabbed his companion by the arm trying to reclaim his attention that was already dispersing again towards the celebration. Roy realized that his friend was not joking. Something was seriously wrong with him because he didn't usually act that way, so, he decided to leave the banter for later and adopted a more serious expression to ask.

- What's the matter, my friend?

-Come with me and you'll see," - Tom replied sharply, heading outside. -

Roy went after him, overcome with curiosity and a growing uneasiness. Beruche, who was talking with Ann and Emerald, was surprised to see them leave.

- Where would those two go? - he wondered aloud. -

-Annie smiled, not giving it a thought, but guessing amusedly. - Another one of their jokes.

-I'm sure those two are up to something. - Emerald smiled, sharing her guess. -

Tom led his friend to the garden, once there, Roy looked, but discovered no one. He turned to his companion and said mockingly.

- So, something important for the fate of the world, eh? I rather think this is another joke of all you assholes....

-It's no joke, Roy," An unfamiliar voice behind him responded, making him turn around. -

- Who are you? I don't know you, do I? - he asked, visibly surprised. - What do you want?

-No, you don't know me," - Leval smiled, shaking his head, and declaring in a friendly tone, - "but I know you. I have something important to tell you, something very important for the future.

-Yeah, I'm sure you're from the Knicks," - Roy conjectured, smiling with relief. - Do you want to give me a longer contract? Or are you an insurance salesman?

-I'm serious. - The boy asserted now turning his initial affability for another drier tinge to unveil him. - I am like you, for I belong to your race of Saiyan.

Those words did not sound good to Roy, it was clear that this guy knew too many things and that could only be if someone had informed him, and he already had the suspicion of who they had been.

-So, you're one of those government guys, huh? - he replied visibly annoyed. - Surely you want to get information out of me, forget it, pal! - He said sharply and looked at Tom with a reproachful gesture to reproach him. - And you, I can't believe you're behind this too!

- You must believe him, Roy! - his friend asked him with a rather worried look on his face. - What he tells you is true...

- That's enough of this nonsense for today! I'm going home. - His interlocutor cut him off, annoyed by this stupid trick to try to get him out of him.

             This was a holiday, the most important one for him for a long time, and they had to spoil it this way. And on top of that, his best friend had been an accomplice to it. How could he have let himself be convinced?

-Perhaps he had been threatened in some way, yes. That must be it. - The indignant boy mumbled. -

-Please, Roy. Wait! - Tom asked in a desperate tone. - Listen to what this boy must tell you...Do it for me.

His friend paused now, staring in disbelief at his interlocutor and this strange young man. He shook his head and at last, after sighing, finally condescended.

-This had better be something quick and not put me in a worse mood, friend...spill whatever it is....

-All right but trust me. You won't like it...but it's the truth. - That boy responded. -

Meanwhile Diamond and the others looked out the window and discovered the three of them chatting, it seemed strange to them, what if they were preparing some prank?

- Hey, let's go outside! - Sapphire suggested in response to this suspicion. - Surely, they are up to something.

- Yes, come on! - Ail agreed - knowing Tom and Roy, they'll want to play a prank on us.

- What I don't know is who that guy is. - Nephrite commented, pointing to Leval. - He doesn't ring a bell.

- One of his friends from the team, maybe. - Diamond conjectured, pointing to the others. - Let's find out before they get ahead of us and prepare one of theirs.

-Yes," - the alien affirmed. - We will beat them by hand.

The four of them left and the girls, noticing the mass exodus, followed them with curiosity. They all arrived while Leval said with a serious expression.

-You leave me no choice but to prove to you what I say. I know you can become a super warrior, do it! - He said to him, leaving aside the delicacy. -

- Are you going to force me? - Roy spat with a face of few friends, adding with determined indignation: "If you want to experiment with me, you're going to have to do it personally, my friend.

The boy didn't reply to that, he didn't seem to know what to say. The others looked questioningly at each other without understanding what was going on there. From the faces and tones of voice of his friends and the boy, it didn't seem to be a joke, but since they didn't fully trust each other, they opted to stay out of it. Anyway, Roy crossed his arms adding with no kindness.

-I suggest you leave. I don't need to transform into a super warrior to beat you up.

Then that boy gave a surprising smile, perhaps it was a challenge, although it was stranger when he simply said.

-I wish it were so. It would say a lot in your favor. However, I don't think you could beat me unless you used all your strength.

They all looked at him as if he were mad, Roy himself stared at him in bewilderment. What kind of madman was he? And, above all, how had he managed to get Tom to help him! He thought again that maybe they had forced his friend under threat. Of course! Now the pieces fit together. Roy turned his eyes toward the latter as if he intended to receive some silent confirmation, but far from it, his companion urged him on, pleading almost in desperate tones.

-Please do as he asks. I assure you it is nothing of the sort. It is a very important matter.

-Tell me. Did this guy threaten you or Connie? I'll break his face in a second if he's dared to do that. - He sentenced with a tone of few friends. -

             But before the questioned could reply Cooan came out of the hedges and to the astonishment of the others, joined his boyfriend's request.

-Yes Roy, do it, please... it's very important.

- What's going on here? - Bertie interjected, questioning her sister with her eyes, but she just kept hers on Roy. -

-This is most unusual. - Emerald commented quietly to Petz. -

           She nodded in equal surprise and then wondered aloud.

-I don't understand anything. Who is that boy?

At that moment Annie turned pale. She looked at the boy and remembered the card trick she had done. Now she was unable to speak. In front of her she could see him clearly. As if, in effect, two possible paths to different futures had opened.

- Are you all right, darling? - Ail wanted to know and placed both hands on the young woman's shoulders. -

-Roy, listen to him. -The girl was able to say then. - I beg you...it is of vital importance for everyone.

Diamond looked alternately at the group of that strange boy, Tom, and Roy, and at the restless Annie. She also asked with a gesture of astonishment.

- But what's going on here?

-Well. - Nephrite said in a conciliatory mood, calmer than his friends. - I think we'll find out soon.

The truth is that everyone wanted to know what was going on there. Whatever it was, it must be of some importance.

-That's all right. If you'll leave me alone. - Roy finally gave in, as intrigued as the others by the purpose of this stranger. - Get out of the way!

            And after giving that order, he concentrated his energy, raising it more and more before the expectant faces of the rest of his friends and of that mysterious boy who was watching him with a tremendous interest.

-Now I will be able to gauge your true power. - The boy thought. -

             For their part, Usagi and Mamoru did not take long to ask for advice from the higher-ups. First, they called the sailors from outer space. Through the communicator it was Haruka who answered the call.

-Hello. What's up, pretty face? - She smiled when she saw her. -

However, that smile quickly disappeared from her face when she saw the face of her interlocutor.

- What's up? - Sailor Uranus asked seriously.

-You must put yourselves in a state of maximum alert. - Usagi ordered them. - I suppose that Setsuna would inform you about what happened in the space-time portal...

-She has told us something about alterations of the space-time fabric. - Her surprised companion responded. - But...

-Those scouts, if there is anything left of them or their ships, we need it analyzed. Anything you find, send it to the Masters Corporation division. - Mamoru intervened. -

-That will be done. - The sailor nodded with a more serious tone. -

-And Haruka. - Usagi asked her before cutting off, smiling now, though faintly. - Give my regards to the others...

-From you. - She was able to smile the questioned one now, cutting the communication. -

- And now? - Mamoru asked her -

-We must talk to someone. - His interlocutor looked up. -

The young man nodded. Soon they both went to Heaven to visit Landar. He listened to what they told him, and his expression became serious as he declared.

-A spatial-temporal alteration has occurred. This should not be so.

-We were informed by our outer warriors. - Mamoru explained, wanting to know in turn. - Is there anything you can tell us...?

-It would be interesting if you could talk to Son Goku and his people. They could tell you more. - The magician answered. -

-I'll talk to them. - Usagi agreed. -

-As you wish. - Landar conceded, making a golden-framed door appear before the couple. - And Serenity..." - The wizard added with a concerned tone. - There is something else.

- What is it? - the questioner wanted to know, with a mixture of strangeness and uneasiness. - What could be worse than this?

-Some things are not happening as they should. The spatial-temporal fabric has been greatly altered, and what is happening now is just one more anomaly.  I don't know if it's the most serious, but it's certainly the most urgent.

-In that case, you'll tell us about the rest when we deal with this one. - Mamoru declared. -

His interlocutor nodded. In fact, Landar did not know whether to be more concerned about this new crisis or something else he had sensed. As if the essence of an evil he had thought defeated and eradicated long ago was once again manifesting itself. However, in a subdued way.

-I shouldn't be here. Nor should this be happening. - He thought. -

However, he no longer wanted to distract Serenity and Endimion from what required more haste. They bowed their heads slightly in farewell and went through that door.

- Do you think Son- Kun will be able to help us? - Serenity asked her future husband. -

-Let's hope so. I have no idea what we must face. - Her interlocutor admitted. -

In the meantime, the sailors from outer space had gathered. Haruka was easily able to contact Michiru, her companion was nearby, in fact, doing some shopping. Returning to the apartment where they were staying, she even left some bags on the sofa, commenting relaxedly.

-Look what I bought.  It's a spring collection from Deveraux Fashions. Our friend Alex has outdone herself. And I even brought something for you and the others, so you can't say I'm forgetting about you!

But her partner's gesture immediately made her realize that something was up. It didn't take her long to ask her in a more serious tone.

- Is everything all right?

-We must warn the others. Orders from the sovereigns. - Haruka replied laconically. -

- What's the matter? -Michiru asked with concern. -

-I don't know exactly, but Queen Serenity's tone was unmistakable. - Her interlocutor answered her. -

And the fact that she said Queen Serenity and not Usagi was quite revealing. Michiru nodded and immediately contacted Setsuna. Though to her surprise her companion was already a few meters away from the house.

-I came as soon as I could. – Sailor Pluto affirmed, declaring with visible concern. - Something very serious has happened. The space-time fabric has been crossed and a very serious temporal paradox could have been produced.

-You already told us that. - Michiru commented. -

-But I have perceived that it is increasing. As if a great flaw in the structure was opening. - Setsuna added more and more worried. -

Haruka then told them the instructions she had received from her sovereigns.

-We must warn Hotaru. - Michiru said. -

-There is no time. - Setsuna asserted. - We must leave immediately for Hokkaido.

To her companions it sounded paradoxical that it was precisely her who said that. The guardian of the time commenting on the lack of time to give haste to her action.

-We will go by helicopter. They have left us one for this type of emergency. You know that kind. - the warrior of Uranus said. -

         The three of them hurried to leave, Haruka took care of driving their yellow sports car at high speed to the heliport they had been assigned. When they arrived, they climbed in without wasting a second and the dexterous Uranus pilot took off immediately.

- And what are we supposed to be looking for? - Setsuna wanted to know. -

-I have no idea. - Haruka confessed. -But I guess we'll find out when we see it.

            For their part, Serenity and Endimion walked across a vast immaculate plain. There they could see their friends training as usual. They remained for a few moments observing their evolutions, although they could not distinguish more than a couple of spots moving at an incredible speed. At last, and suddenly two familiar individuals appeared at their side. One of them, with brunette, frizzy hair, only slightly taller than Usagi herself, greeted them dryly.

- Well, what do you look like around here? I thought you were in your dimension.

-I'm glad to see you, Vegeta-San. - Usagi smiled slightly and added imperturbably. - Say hello to your wife.

-Hello," - the other guy saluted, on the other hand, with a much more jovial tone. -

- How are you, Son Goku-San? - Mamoru smiled. -

-Well, we were just killing some time, weren't we, Vegeta? Since we can't kill anything else.

The questioned one didn't respond to this witticism, he just folded his arms and looked at the newcomers with a stern look.

-Tell us at once what is being offered to you. Of course, you wouldn't come here unless there was some serious matter. - The Prince of the Saiyajin asked, then went on to ask. - Is it something related to our lineage? About what the magician told us about?

-It's not what you think. At least, not yet. But you're right, it's something serious. - Serenity replied, no longer giving way to joviality as she added. - You see, I've had some premonitory dreams, and they haven't exactly been pleasant.

- Like last time? - Son Goku asked, looking more concerned now. -

-Worse. Much, much worse.  - His companion sighed. -

It didn't take her long to tell her listeners that. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence and husband, it was Vegeta who took the floor to sentence.

-I can only tell you one thing. Talk to my son Trunks.

-Yes," - Son Goku agreed. - He had to face something similar. In fact, he came to warn us.

-So, we will do it. - Usagi responded who smiling again added. - Say hello to your families.

-Yes, on your behalf. - Vegeta who was already starting to get impatient, eager to continue with his training, mumbled. -

-And you, Son-kun... let's see if you invite me to one of those cakes, you still owe me..." Usagi added trying to sound more casual, but with little success. -

The alluded one took one of his hands to his the back of his neck and laughed affirming something embarrassed....

-Yes, it's true, I forgot... but what's promised is due, come by when everything is resolved.

-Hopefully we'll be able to figure it out. - Mamoru sighed now. -

-I trust you and your friends. - Asserted Son Goku, exclaiming with more joviality. - Come on Usa-Chan! You never give up. Neither do you, Mamoru. I'm sure you'll prove yourselves once again.

Those kind and sincere words lifted their spirits. This guy was admirable; he always remained optimistic and rose to the challenges, no matter how difficult and momentous they were. And he was also an open book, being as frank in his comments as he was courageous in the face of adversity. In fact, he had saved his world in his time on several occasions. It was even rumored that he helped preserve his entire universe, even fighting against some beings considered gods. Usagi and Mamoru weren't quite aware of that. Maybe they would ask him another time.

-Thank you very much, my friend. - The questioned woman nodded. -

- Will you intervene this time or will you just watch until it gets interesting? - The prince of the saiyajin said. -

That tone sounded somewhat insolent, but knowing this arrogant individual, they didn't want to make a big deal out of it. On the contrary, they were aware that, for the Saiyajin prince's scale of social communication, it had even been a friendly question.

-We will participate from the very first moment. - Usagi assured him and added more seriously. - If you'll excuse us, thank you for everything, we must look for your son. Thank you for your help, Vegeta-San, Son-Kun.

Their interlocutors nodded, disappearing from there to return to their training. The couple walked further ahead and finally found a purple-haired boy, dressed in a denim jacket waiting for them... It was Mamoru who, with a hesitant tone, asked him...

- Trunks-San? Is that you?

The young man smiled and nodded, to qualify.

-Yes, at least the Trunks you were looking for. Landar telepathically communicated your problem to me. I'll tell you everything you want to know. I trust that will help you.

-Thank you very much. - Usagi affirmed now with a wider smile, to declare. - We are listening to you...

             And so it was, that boy told them his own experience and gave them as much detail as possible. It was certainly a frightening account at many points, but extremely useful. When he concluded, the boy gave them one last piece of advice.

-Don't be overconfident, things could change. If someone comes from the future to try to prevent it, they will trigger paradoxes and disturbances by their mere presence. It happened to me.

-We'll take it into account. We appreciate it. - Mamoru declared. -

For his part, Landar was holding on to a long wooden stick. He seemed to be meditating and communicating with someone who was not there, for he was mumbling with his eyes closed.

- Have you decided to vary things once again? Good. That will give more stability to the course of events. If everything goes as it should... They will do what they must. You know that as well as I do. But we must be careful. The balance could be upset... I suppose you know what you are doing... Very well...

So, he left that strange conversation with whoever it was to say goodbye to Serenity and Endymion. The young woman, before leaving, wanted to ask him one more time.

- What was that other thing you were so worried about?

-I think it will be better for you to know when you have overcome this new threat. - The wizard declared. - It would not be wise to disperse your attention. For now, it is no problem.

-Very well. - Endimion agreed. - We trust you, Landar.

           And with that said both the rulers of the future disappeared. The White Magician stood there, still and clinging to his staff, as he sighed.

-It will be a very hard test. And I will have to intervene once again to level the course of events, he is already doing it too much.

                At the same time, on Earth, the other boy from the future was trying to convince the astonished members of Roy's group that he was still accumulating energy...

**START**