GWA31E

Chapter 31. Roy's Bold Challenge

A couple of days passed and fortunately Karaberasu seemed to recover also in the spirit although she continued very muted and reflective. The once acid and provocative girl no longer joked or pricked Petz as it was her custom and that still worried the others, but they chose to wait. Surely what must have happened when she was captured would have been terrible for her. She would require patience, affection and above all, time, to return to being the same as always. On the other hand, they were all struggling to continue their normal occupations. That was the best way to move on. In addition, the final exams each day were closer. The girls and boys attended their classes now with seriousness and attention. Roy did not joke, he preferred to meditate on the events of those last days. Tom was also quite reserved, seemed to have something in mind of what he still did not feel ready to speak. At least not in front of the girls, and when he made a decision when he was returning from his class. He waited until his companion arrived in the room and revealed him a disturbing news that finally and despite his resistance to believe it, he had been able to verify.

-We're so bad, Roy! - He said impatiently to his friend - We have a problem and serious, very serious!

-And what could be worse, Tom? - He asked with a tired gesture, already fed up of all that and hoping to hear that another demon had made an appearance. - Which one do I have to destroy now?

But his friend replied without delay.

-After you told me what that demon said to you in the battle the other day, I started investigating- Through a special spell I have been able to intercept the Sect's conversations and I have learned things. It seems that a guy called the Great Sage, who is the boss, is willing to invoke a very powerful demon, and when I say that he is a mighty demon I mean not another commander but one of the great leaders of Hell.

-I've dealt with very strong demons before, - Roy said, not giving too much importance. - How can this be?

-Much stronger than the last one you've faced. - Tom replied, visibly worried. - How was it?

-It was very hard, - said his companion.  -I thought I was going to break up with me. - If it had not been for your protection spell and for Kalie's help now I would be dead, - he explained, omitting the rest of the details to his friend about the painful reaction of that unhappy girl. - I just could not have done it with him.

His partner pulled his chin and seemed hesitant to continue talking but there was no other choice, he had to be sincere and dare to continue and he did.

- The demon that you are referring to was apparently only one of his helpers. - He added, lowering his head sorrowful - and cannot be compared in power.

-What can we do? - Roy inquired, uneasy at this - I will not be able to beat a monster like that!

-There is a possibility, - replied his friend timidly. - I have studied some occult books lately, as you will know, and I have discovered that we can invoke him before the Great Sage does.

- Have you gone mad? - exclaimed his interlocutor watching him astonished by what he heard. - Why do you want to invoke him, so that he can smash everyone and thus save the work to that bastard Sage?

- No, let me explain. – Tom interrupting him by gesturing with his hands - if the Great Sage invokes him the demon will appear and if he conquers you he will destroy the Earth, he will be free to do what he wants. But if I invoke him, we shall have the right to demand of him an oath, even though he owes you to return to Hell. At least for some time, and he had to order his subordinates not to abide by any other invocation. Do you understand Roy? There would be time at least to prepare the defense or prevent them from using those damn stones. And if we get them that they cannot use them when the alignment of planets passes, they will have failed.

-But they do not need those stones. - Opposed his friend. - Now that I think about it, invoking such powerful demons they could conquer the world equally.

Tom shook his head as he moved with his chair and consulted a couple of books. Then he answered.

-They cannot do that this way. It has a kind of compact, of limiting their power. They do not can used a single demon or several for a long time. They cannot make him attack just like that. It is very difficult to invoke. Moreover, thanks to what I have read I have learned that the more powerful they are, the more energy they need to access our dimension. These stones are a kind of amplifiers that channel energy allowing a corridor to open.

-Stargate? -Asked the astonished Roy, recalling a film he had recently seen. -

-It's something similar. Yes. - Admitted his partner resuming his explanations. - What they want is to open a channel between their world and ours. The one that possessed to you Armageddon, was the unique one that, within such a powerful body could do something similar. And yet, they were behind stones. If they achieve their goal, if they succeed. Then yes, that would be the end of this world. In that case, those ceremonies would not be precise and any entity, however evil and powerful would be, could freely travel to our dimension ... including the Prince of Darkness himself ...I bet you know who I am talking about.

That made his compatriot's heart freeze. Now he saw it differently. That was a proposal to consider, if with his sacrifice Roy could defeat them definitely and save the world. (And therefore the girls). The thing would be worth it.

-That it may be, - he admitted thoughtfully, and remembered more heartily. - If at least the warriors came here in time and fought on our side, they could find the lair of those bastards and destroy them in addition to those damn stones.

- So. Do you think we should? - Tom asked with much prevention, to which his interlocutor nodded, there was no choice, it was about him or all the innocent people of the Earth. - Go ahead! He exclaimed more decisively. - Come with me, I have everything prepared.

- You knew I was going to say yes. - His partner smiled faintly. - You know me well.

-This idea displeases me as much as you do, but there is no other solution. -  Tom muttered, looking at him with a heartbreak. -

-I trust you, my friend, - Roy urged, putting a hand on his shoulders to sentence. - And I made a promise when Beruche was in a coma. I will die rather than let those bastards rule this planet. So go ahead then! Do not worry, I'll think of something to get out of this one as I've done so far.

Tom smiled more relieved. His partner knew how to give him back his confidence and he would do everything in his power to help. But there was no time to lose, for he was aware that Sage would soon invoke his demon. They had to take the lead, surely that villain would not expect it. He then guided his friend to an empty room that he had set up. As Roy entered, he noticed that a five-pointed star was drawn on the floor, with the point pointing upwards. He remembered that he had seen one in the sect, but its point looked down.

-Hey, Tom, you've drew the wrong star - he warned him with some concern. -

-No, - he explained, - the point upwards is a symbol of protection, of white magic. Theirs symbolize darkness, black and demonic magic.

- Ah okay! - Roy nodded surprised - sorry, you are the one who knows about these matters, continue with the ceremony.

-Before I go on, I should warn you a few things. - Tom said with a serious, measured tone. - This is a very dangerous subject and great care must be taken when invoking one of these beings. They have enormous powers and do not play legally unless we are able to impose our conditions on them. So, to start with, no matter what that demon says. He cannot do anything, for we will only invoke him in the astral body. But, whatever happens, do not leave the star because then he would have influence on you. Remember, while you're inside it you'll be safe. Pay no attention to anything he promises you, except when he swear to Hell or his liege lord.

-Very well. - Roy agreed, wishing he could finish as soon as possible. - Let's go there.

Tom nodded and, when they were well placed inside the star, he began to recite spells in dead languages. He sprinkled the area with a substance that caused an intense fog. The atmosphere became more suffocating and two reddish eyes appeared in that thick fog. A guttural voice, powerful and resounding, echoed in the room and a huge silhouette appeared protesting...

-Who dares to summon me to this pathetic world?

That form was defined in a horrendous bull-headed demon with torn eyes. It had a muscular body and two black wings to the back, with legs finished with hooves. Looking at the presence of the humans, he fixed his eyes on them, rising almost to the ceiling of the room. Both shuddered in horror at his appearance, but above all, at the power he seems to have.

-We've summoned you. - Tom said, trying to subdue his fear and adding more severely. - I order you to tell us your name and situation.

- I am Nagashel, the one who denies God. Lord of a part of Hell and Duke of the Deep Abyss. General of the Horde of the Seventh Circle of the Hells. Who are you, miserable mortal, to dare to command me anything?

- Hey you, cow face. Do not mess with my friend. - Roy said, coming out to defend Tom. -

-Do not worry, - he said quietly. - He has no choice but to respond.

-Who are you? - The demon asked him, looking at that other human. -

-I am the Solar who has destroyed all the stupid demons who have dared to stick their noses around here, and now it will be your turn, - the alluded replayed facing that terrible look with another one loaded with audacity and challenge. -

-Poor naive, - the devil sneered. "- You cannot even imagine where my power comes from. The demons that you have destroyed and sure that with difficulty, they are not deserving nor to kiss the ground where I walk.

-That's what the idiot Karnoalk told me. - Roy smiled without taking him seriously or at least pretending not to. - And I sent him back to Hell. Tell me, did he have a good trip back?

-Karnoalk was one of my best servants! - Nagashel snapped between disbelieving and angry, adding with cold cruelty. - You will pay very dear for that miserable mortal.

- Then you will be interested in what I have to say. Won´t you? - Answered his interlocutor trying not to frighten. -

-I hear you, talk! - Said the demon, who seemed impatient. -

-What do you think of a unique fight between you and me? - He proposed to his interlocutor. - On the condition that, although you win, you must return to Hell forever and you will not be able to return to Earth.

- You have the right to demand a pact since you have invoked me, - agreed the demon that he qualified. - But it will definitely not be as easy. The term you must earn, and since you destroyed my servant Karnoalk, a difficult feat for a mortal, I will be generous. For every five minutes you resist me, I will remain in Hell for a whole month of your time. Do you agree with that human?

Roy seemed to hesitate and Tom was not overconfident but Nagashel grew more impatient and insisted adding.

- I will not give you more time than that. And it's a generous offer, do not hesitate.

-Cannot we force him more? - Roy asked his companion in a whisper. -

- I'm afraid not. - He said in a low voice. -

The boy nodded slowly and declared.

- Yes, I agree. I think it's reasonable. For every five minutes a month. Although I hope I can beat you.

The demon smiled, letting out an evil laugh that chilled the blood by just listening to it and replying.

-Very well, agreed then, mortals. We'll see each other in combat.

And he exhibited terrible fangs in the form of a smile, which left Roy and Tom petrified. The latter nevertheless reacted sufficiently to refute it firmly.

- Not so fast. That pact is worthless until you swear it.

-We've agreed! - The demon visibly irritated. - Is not my word enough for you?

-Not at all! - Tom answered energetically without being fooled and demanding in a row. - Swear to me for your master and liege Lord, and we shall know that it is true! Otherwise you can violate the covenant whenever you fancy. So, do not take us for stupid.

The demon smiled again, this time he answered in a calmer tone and recognized Tom's intelligence.

-You are astute human, and skilled, you know the laws of Hell. You will have what you ask for. I swear to you in the name of my Lord Satan.

-Are you sure you will keep your oath? - Roy asked, still distrustful. -

-You know well that I am obliged to keep my word, - replied the truly irritated demon on this occasion. - Now tell me where and when!

- In a secluded place, a moor near here. - His opponent decided that he had hardly even thought of that. But luckily he was able to give the appropriate instructions to the devil, alluding to the place where he trained himself. - In two days, when dawn. Wait a minute. It's better at nine o'clock, I do not like to get up early. - The boy smiled, rectifying his previous statement in a sneer. -

-You have a great sense of humor. - Laughed Nagashel thundering the room with his terrible laughter. - You're going to need it. All right, so be it. Enjoy your last two days of life.

-One more thing. - Roy said, remembering something that was really important - you must swear not to attack or harm anyone but me. And swear it for your master.

-In the name of my master and Lord Satan, I swear to you, - the devil replied reluctantly. - Anything else or can I leave? - He added sarcastically. -

-No, that's all, - His interlocutor concluded, wondering if he might forget something. -

-You are a brave man, or a madman, I do not know, - said Nagashel. - But I will not have any pity on you. I see you soon dead. We'll see each other in the fight, - he said, disappearing, leaving behind nothing but an insufferable smell of sulfur. -

Tom made sure that nightmare being was gone and when he did he told his friend they could get out of the star. But this one was nailed, as soon as the demon vanished, he lost control of himself and his face paled.

-He has an immense strength! I have never felt anything like it in my life, what he has told me is true. The other demons compared to him were harmless. I will not be able to beat him, even if I trained for months. And I only have two days! - He said uneasily. -

-Cheer up, there would be something we can do. - His companion said cheerfully. -

- Just one thing. Not a word of this to the girls. I do not want that they suffer more, at least in these days. Do you promise me Tom? - He asked almost desperately. -

-Yes, I promise you. - He nodded, equally as dejected as his friend. -

And that afternoon they did not do anything else. They also did not call the girls since they both wanted to stay in their meditations. Roy now struggled not to repent and fear would not dominate him. And his friend stood beside him, encouraging him without words. They slept little and the next day in class the girls told them that they had called the warriors, which was a ray of hope. These, for their part, confirmed that they would arrive as soon as possible...

In Japan, Ami soon called Bertie to give her an affirmative answer. Just as the sailor thought her friend was very happy. Once they said goodbye, she informed her fellow warriors.

-The time has come, then, - Usagi said, asserting to her friends' surprise. - Maybe I'll behave strangely. But it must be so. Act naturally in front of our friends. Give them encouragement. And above all remember, we know only what they tell us.

-Will we use the sailor teleport? - Makoto wanted to know. -

-Yes, -Her friend replayed. - As soon as we're ready, we'll leave...

The others nodded and smiled with relief. They already wanted to go and support their friends. Even if they did not quite understand that last assert of Usagi. Surely it was something only she and Mamoru knew. But now was not the time to think about it.

-Mamoru put in the center with Luna and Artemis. - Rei asked them -

 The boy did so with the felines. Finally the girls were ready. After waiting at the agreed time and place they teleported. Their friends were waiting in a field on the outskirts of town. Cooan was the first to point out to her sisters.

-They are there!

And this time certainly the whole team was there, Usagi, Rei, Makoto, Minako, and Ami, also the two cats, next to Mamoru. Everyone hugged each other in joy.

-Well, we're here! - Usagi laughed- as we promised. - And very graphically imitated the gestures of a boxer throwing her fists. - After passing our exams, I feel in top form. Let's see! Where are those demons to be defeated?

-Usagi, it seems you were not aware of the danger we must face here - Ami shook her head resignedly. -

But Mamoru made a gesture, and Mercury understood. Keeping silent. Luckily for her, that went unnoticed to her friends.

-They're very powerful. - Cooan agreed, agreeing with her friend, and mean evil beings. His cruelty is immense. Do not stop at anything, we must go very carefully.

-Yes, that's true. - Petz confirmed. - But now that you are here and fighting on our side, we have more hope.

-And we also have Roy, - Beruche smiled, thinking she would reveal them. – Do you know? He is the Golden Warrior and he has tremendous power!

- We already know. - Ami smiled at her. -

And to the astonished face of the girl and her sisters, Ami told them what happened during the fight against Valnak.

-So he ... did that ... for me? - Bertie was surprised as she placed one of her hands on her chest to emphasize that. -He was transformed because of me!

-He loves you so much that when he thinks he had lost you, he pulled all the power that was hidden inside him. - Usagi said tenderly smiling at her friend. -

That was a beautiful moment, Beruche was as moved as her sisters. Although Petz was the one who commented with concern.

And yet the last demon he faced almost defeated him. He was tremendously strong.

-Are they even more powerful than a Daimon or a Devilster, or one of your droids? - Makoto asked her friend. -

- Much more ... - the respondent must to admit to her regret. -

- And more than the Phantom of Death or Pharaoh Ninety or Neherenia? Even Galaxia itself? Minako inquired in turn. -

-Well, - Ami replied reflexively, making a rough estimate. - Based on these latest data may be there. They could compare with Galaxia and overcome our other enemies in power.

-As Petz said. The last demon that Roy defeated was much stronger than the one you saw. Bertie informed them uneasily. - Had it not been for my sister Karaberasu, he would have lost.

-How? – Rei cried, looking at her in disbelief. - I still cannot believe it. With the power we saw Roy deploy and you say he would have lost! What was that demon like?

- I hope no stronger than our last enemies. - Usagi sighed with a droplet of sweat on her head and waving her hand, making it look like this was not going to be precisely a picnic –

- This is no game. - Karaberasu intervened in a voice that corroborates that impression - think it well, not even in the Black Moon I saw such cruelty...

-It makes me very difficult to believe that even Roy is not dominant against those monsters. - Ami whispered with obvious concern. -

-Uh, uh, uh! - Usagi muttered as she began to look really frightened now. - What are we going to be able to do then?

She looked at her friends as if they had a shared secret that they could not reveal but that was a serious stumbling block, but none of the others said anything.

- The union is strong, do not despair, you are Sailor Moon. - Mamoru encouraged her then. -Besides, with that Roy of yours I sure we can with them. -

-Yes, and we have full confidence in you. You always know how to get away with any situation. -Sentenced Cooan with the assent of her sisters. -

-We must prepare a strategy - Luna interjected. - An action plan for combat, which, from what I've heard, is not going to be a walk in the park.

- Besides, there is that sect and its acolytes, right? – Artemis added weighing all the information that remembered. - They're another threat.

-You do not have to worry about those. - Cooan replied more calmly. -  When it comes to them and demons of little graduation, we will be able to conquer them without problems.

-Leave that to us. - Mamoru said - We will relieve you.  Then together we will fight against the greater demons.

-Maybe we should call the other warriors. - Minako said. - They are more powerful than us.

-What other warriors? - Petz asked without understanding. -Are there more? - Rei nodded at what her fellow student added with surprise. - We only knew you!

-You see, in the last years four new warriors have appeared. – Makoto said, telling the sisters what had happened since that time. -

-Yes, I'll call them, I'll take care of them so they can come as soon as possible. If they are free there. - Sailor Moon said. -

Everyone else agreed. The girls settled in a few hours and Usagi contacted the others. Apparently they were completing some inquiries about the other issue that worried the sailors. They would come, although they would still be late. Beruche, meanwhile, called Roy and informed him that their friends had come at last. He was very encouraged to know this. He told Tom that, for his part, he had discovered the secret lair of the Sect by intercepting more conversations. With these new data the whole group gathered to prepare the attack. Roy told them that he was going to face a powerful demon but they should not worry. Later he stayed with Beruche. He had said he had a surprise. Tom and Cooan were also going to go out together and arranged to go all four.

-Hello baby! - Roy said to his partner with a wide smile. - Let's go to the university, a song contest is held in karaoke...

-Was that the surprise? - Bertie asked him questioningly. -

- That's right, I'm going to participate, and do you fancy to join me, Tom? - He offered to his friend. -

-No thanks, - he said, declining the invitation, asserting with a faint smile. - Surely you're going to win.

And his partner thanked him for the detail. Other than that Tom did not get too keen to sing. But he did accompany him to the piano, which he played very well. He knew his friend was going to do that with a very special purpose, as it was. Roy participated with a song from his most admired singer. It was very romantic, too much for what he used to, even tinged with sadness.

You had to finish the conversation

You always had the last word

I was caught in love and treading the sand

You had to go and ruin all our plans

You made your bags and you're leaving the house

You took a one way ticket and you have everything ready to go

But we still have one more day together so...

Love me like there is not tomorrow

Take me in your arms tell me what it means to you

This is our last goodbye and soon everything is

I will finish but today just love me like there is no tomorrow

I guess we'll go our separate ways

I do not have all that way to go God knows that

I learned to live like a lonely man but I never

I had felt so deep in my life, we were born to

Be a failure so I guess there is a limit

About how far we can get but only us

One more day together so...

Love me as if there were no tomorrow take me in your

Arms, tell me what it means to you this is our

Last goodbye and soon everything will be over but today so

Just love me as if it did not exist tomorrow

Tomorrow ... God only knows where I'll be...

Tomorrow who knows what awaits me, any

Thing can happen but we only have one more day

Together if

Just one more day forever ... so...

Love me like there is no tomorrow

Take me in your arms tell me what it means to you

This is our last goodbye and soon everything

I will finish but today just love me as if I did not exist

So ... love me like there is not tomorrow

Take me in your arms tell me what it means to you

This is our last goodbye and soon everything

I will finish but today just love me like there is no tomorrow

(Love me like there is no Tomorrow, Freddie Mercury, credit to the author)

Everyone was thrilled, surprised by that change of style. He dedicated it to Bertie, who even shed some tears as she smiled. The others congratulated him, including Melanie and Malcolm who had attended the recital.

-Of course Malden. I must admit that you're an artist, - said the rude American football player. - A little more and you make me cry as well.

-Thank you, Roberts. - He smiled at him.

-It was a very beautiful song. It is plain to see that you love Bertie with all your heart. - Melanie said, touched an excited with a smile. - I'm glad for you.

His friend nodded, though the cheerleader seemed to sense something odd about him. He was sad, at least she thought so. She could not ask for it anyway. She and her boyfriend said goodbye to the boy. The others were approaching.

-I do not know, Malcolm. Something is not right ... - She confided to his boyfriend. -

-You mean Malden? I see him as usual. - The boy replied with a shrug. -

-He has that kind of look in his eyes. The same one he had when he lost her parents ... - The chief cheerleader muttered, watching the boy from afar. - And I believe, he is trying to hide something...

But she could not see him anymore. She turned a corner with Roberts, and the two got lost in another corridor. Roy in turn had stared at Melanie, suspecting she sensed something. But he could not meditate much on that, before it was the contest organizer who approached him.

-You are the undisputed champ, lad. I hope you'll be happy to repeat it next week.

-Who knows? - He could reply. "I really would like... if I had the chance.

Tom was now at his side, after leaving the piano. Then, before he said anything, his friend whispered.

- If I could not come, I left you in charge of singing for me. Do you promise?

-But Roy, do not be foolish, of course you will return. - He encouraged his companion with more desire than reality. -

-Why should not you come? - Beruche said to him as she approached and forcing a somewhat uneasy smile when catching this last one. -

The man winked and whispered in her ear.

-So Tom can sing again! - Don´t be fool little cube, he needs a push to be the one he was before.

Bertie smiled, it was a very nice idea, so she and Roy said farewell to Cooan and Tom, because the latter expressed the desire to spend the evening with the girl. In fact he also wanted his partner to have that night to dedicate it to the sister of Cooan. So these two left, leaving Bertie and Roy who also left, walking together with their arms wrapped around their waists, under a quiet, starry night. The boy looked up at the sky and sighed. Beruche, who happened to be holding one of his arms, told him sweetly as her long platinum hair, now loose, waved in the night breeze.

-What are you thinking about? I can see you very seriously tonight.

- So much struggle, so many battles. I wish they are finished and that we can live calm and happy. - He replied in a reflective voice. -

- You will defeat that devil and if God wants it will be finished at last. - She encouraged him. -

-I hope so. - Roy wanted to look into her eyes, an expression that surprised Beruche, pleading for something indescribable that was very familiar but could not locate in her memories. - Please come with me tonight, - he said. -

The girl returned her surprised look. She'd thought Roy would ask for something like that, she doubted whether or not she was prepared, but when he saw his face she accepted. He took her to his apartment. He hold her in his arms and they both began to kiss. The boy sucked in the scent of her hair and kissed her neck and lips gently. He wanted to get lost in those caresses that the young woman, in turn, lavished on him, as if there really was no tomorrow. In turn Beruche was taking off her clothes and the boy also began to undress but suddenly he was not able to continue. A sense of anguish gripped him not only because of his forthcoming confrontation with the devil. There was something else he could not understand. As if he carried him inside, in the depths of his soul. And noticing this strange behavior she gave him a look of strangeness.

-Am I not doing well? - She asked with concern. - What's the matter, Roy? I find you very distant tonight.

-No, - he smiled, confessing without hindrance. - It's just that I love you like I've never loved anyone and I do not want it to happen this way, not with you.

-Do you want me to leave?" – His partner shocked and affected asked, of course that something happened to Roy. - But what happens to you?

- No, please stay, sleep with me tonight. I need to feel you by my side. - He said something to the emotion. - I only know that I want to be with you.

Bertie came up to him, stroking his cheek, and they kissed for a long time, then lay on the bed. She curled up next to Roy's chest and whispered in his ear.

-Remember? It is the same as when we were in the moat.

- Yes, and if I tell you the truth, I would have been able to get you out. I could fly then, but I wanted to be with you. I had fallen in love with you. I'm sorry ... I'm sorry you had to put up with that night, with that sprain, that was my fault.

-I do not sorry at all. - She smiled. - I'm so glad we were together that night. I think that was when I fell in love with you. - Beruche confessed. - But you've attracted me before. Although I did not want to recognize it, not even to myself, you were so silly sometimes! Ha, ha, ha - She smiled with that fresh musicality, a mixture of innocence and mischief that he liked so much. -

- I think I realized what I really felt when we played in the snow.  -The boy sighed, letting her head rest on his chest, as he asserted. - I've never seen a prettier girl. Maybe only in my dreams. When as a child I dreamed of fairies and beautiful princesses. Especially with a...

-With Kelly? - Her interlocutor guessed. -

-No, it was long before I met Kelly. -He confessed, now paradoxically remembering things from his childhood. - She was such a beautiful and sweet girl ... eyes intensely blue and with long hair and the same color as yours. As a child I saw her clearly, in a beautiful white dress. Then I forgot ... at least until I met you. The Queen of the Snows, the Lady of the winter. - He sighed.-

-That certainly seemed to me - said the young woman. -

-Yes. Although I do not remember dreaming of being scolded by her. - He smiled now. -

Bertie smiled at the occurrence and leaning back a little on the boy's chest gave him a kiss, he gave it back. They began to dedicate themselves some more passionate. Even to caresses and games before making love. But Roy was not able to get past that point. That had never happened to him. At the expression of surprise of the girl he could only declare.

-You are the most important thing in my life. I've never loved anyone like this. Not even Kelly, not even my parents. God forgive me for saying this ... But you're so wonderful, little cube. Many times I think you deserve someone much better than a fool like me. And if ... and if something bad happened...

The girl covered his lips with one hand, she did not want to hear that. Of course Roy was weird. Maybe worried. But she did not want to spoil that evening with questions. The girl just gave him a warm kiss and said with a jovial tone.

-There was a time when I thought love was a useless feeling. And when my sister and the sailors convinced me to live, they come to me. Then I asked myself if I could ever feel that kind of love. Now I see that I can feel it and that is the most powerful sentiment of all. And there can be no one better than you for me...

The young man smiled gratefully, decided to let go of his fears. So they talked for a while more remembering all the moments they had shared, at last they overcame the dream and fell asleep in arms. Roy dreamed, but it was not with something nice. He was enveloped in a clatter of steel and shouts of men, howls of beasts and explosions of energy beams. He himself was fighting, he could not look good, but he felt different and knew that in that battle he was doomed to lose dramatically. A figure in black armor shouted something that could not understand and attacked him and only saw from an aerial perspective his own body lying between a sea of ​​corpses and broken banners. Startled, he woke before dawn. He calmed as he got up, the dream evaporated from his memory. From the floor terrace had a wonderful view of the Brooklyn Bridge. The morning was cool and it looked clean with clouds. In his cd device he put a CD of Queen, his favorite group, and of his favorite song, "Who wants to Live Forever".

There is no time for us.

There is no place for us.

What is this that builds our dreams?

And still escapes us?

Who wants to live forever?

Who wants to live forever?

There is no chance for us.

Everything is decided for us.

This world has only a sweet, separate moment for us.

Who wants to live forever?

Who wants to live forever?

Who dares live forever?

When love must die?

But touch my tears with your lips.

Touch my world with the tips of your fingers.

And we can have it forever.

And we can always love.

Forever is our present.

Who wants to live forever?

Who wants to live forever?

Forever is our present.

Anyway, who waits forever?

(Who wants to live forever?

Roy listened to that melody, sometimes singing quietly, and he felt deeply that the lyrics of that song would come true for him. He cried, unable to help it, staining his voice of anguish and regret. He wiped his tears away so that Bertie would not notice, so giving her a glance of love and resignation. Then she woke up, surprised at the beginning to be there, but then she remembered what happened last night and got up without say anything hugging him from behind. The boy released himself softly and put one of his arms around her shoulders to keep her from the morning rush, whispering her with longing.

- A new day will come and dawn. That fills me with melancholy, events that I cannot remember, is a sensation that I cannot explain. It seems to me to have lived another time, another time and a distant place, but I know that I lived with you, of that I am convinced.

-I feel the same, too - she muttered, nodding resolutely. - And I know we'll find out, I'm sure.

- We will have the rest of our lives to do it. - He dared to say in a trembling voice to declare himself. -  Bertie, when this is all over, I want to make you my wife, if you'll accept me. - Roy smiled, gently caressing her chin. - I want to be with you forever.

The girl was surprised and excited, her eyes gleamed with joy, holding water and wanting to weep with happiness. She did not know what to say, or do, ever since ... She hugged the boy, then looked at him smiling and nodded. She was finally able to respond.

- But first we must finish our studies, then I will accept. - It was her only condition. -

-I promise, I'll graduate with you, and then we'll get married. We will be together until the end. - Roy agreed to return a smile full of joy. - Until the end of everything. - He mused.-

So to him at least that beautiful and impossible promise would suffice. He would have something he could always carry with him wherever he went after that day. Beruche hugged him tightly. Roy kept smiling as she looked at him, but when he stopped doing it, his expression changed. His face showed great sadness. He was staring at the girl he loved, he delighted in stroking her hair and hugged her tightly, kissing her on the forehead. He did not want time to pass. He knew that when he let her go he could never have her by his side and the hardest thing for him would be to lose her. The sun was already rising through the eastern horizon and began to warm them, bathing them slowly and progressively with his light. They both contemplated the birth of that beautiful morning that seemed to signify the beginning of something new and at once familiar to both of them. To the chords of that song. But everything was already determined. Bertie had to go with the girls to finish the details of the plan and Roy would have to face his terrible destiny alone.

                      previous                                            next