GWA44E

Chapter 44. Emotive reunions and Farewells.

Roy looked toward the horizon, in the distance there were some of the buildings on the outskirts of the city, still smoldering. Of course there would be a lot of work to rebuild everything. Surely many lives would have been lost, and in spite of all his efforts, his companions, the warriors and those that Tom and the girls had done, they could not have been prevented that those damned demons and their minions sow the panic among the innocent people. But that was not the fault of those who fought to destroy evil. And what counts is that, finally, even at the cost of great suffering and pain, they had triumphed. Earth had been saved.

- Now I just hope that we will all be able to raise the city again. - He sighed thinking aloud. -

- Yeah, we're all sure we will make it. But now I'm anxious to see Petz again. And surely you will want to go with Bertie. -Sapphire replied, wanting to remove from the head of his friend the bittersweet flavor of those reflections. - Is not that right, my friend?

-Yes, -his companion agreed with a smile, leaving aside all other thoughts. - Let's go with them boys! Surely they will be stunned to see us!

Sapphire nodded willingly and prepared to fly, he was going to do the same but on the contrary Diamond did not move. He had been very quiet for a while, absorbed in his own thoughts, and it was Roy who gave him a look of strangeness.

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

-Why not my friend? - Roy asked, surprised. - You do not want to come with us, do you?

- There is a person I should look for. - He answered with a thoughtful air - someone who loved me once and whom I did not know how to respond ...

-It's about Emerald, is not, brother? - Sapphire affirmed, to which the alluded one nodded slowly. -But she died, - his younger brother objected regretfully as he added, - and as the magician explained to us when we arrived in Heaven, she was plunged into the abyss of those who must purge their guilts.

-Landar told me that if anyone is willing to give love to those who suffer there, they can be saved.-  Diamond said in a low voice. - You have two wonderful girls waiting for you, I did not have anyone. Now that I know what she felt for me, I will do my best to rescue her from that awful place. I owe it to her and if I do, maybe we can start over. I do not know if I will really love her or it will only be an intense affection. But at least I know that she did love me sincerely and for that alone it is worth trying. And above all, I want to tell her that I'm sorry.

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

- I understand that I won the bet.

His friend smiled and had to nod slowly to confess.

-And of course I do not like to admit it.

-What bet Diamond? - Sapphire wanted to know.-

-It is a long story. God willing when I come back and I'll tell you, brother. - He replied. -

-We'll go with you to help you. -Roy offered, with the immediate assent of Sapphire. None of them thought to leave their companion and brother, respectively, in the lurch of that difficult test. - Let us see the girls and we will accompany you where it is necessary.

- No my friend. I know you both say it heartily. - Diamond smiled gratefully and yet objected. - But this is something I must do alone. - And it was only he who rose in the air saying goodbye. - See you soon and thanks for everything. When I rescue her, we will seek you and celebrate the triumph all together. I promise you.

- Diamond, be careful! - His excited brother could say with a whisper. -

However the questioner caught up to add moments before leaving.

-I will, do not worry. - He assured him, sketching a big smile and declaring. - I should have done it before, but I apologize for all my past mistakes. Sapphire ... forgive me for not always being the older brother I should have been. I dragged you all to this and I am sorry you had to pay for me. Good luck and be happy with Petz. You deserve it.

- It was not only your fault ... - His brother rebuked him even though the prince would not let him finish. -

- I'm so glad I  have found a good friend besides a brother. Take care of yourself too. - And before the others could try to reply, Diamond concluded in a more youthful tone. - And do not you dare to throw any of those parties that Roy talks about without me or Emerald.

- Dear little prince, we will be waiting for you to try the karaoke. – Roy assured him with a thumb raised. - And you will have to sing!

Diamond smiled for the last time and rose quickly through the clouds. Sapphire and Roy watched as he walked away. The prince would still have many adventures to go back to his friends and they wished him the best of luck from the bottom of their hearts. After a few moments Roy wanted to be the one who pulled his partner out of concern for his brother and his old memories and encouraged him.

-Good Sapphy ! It's time for us to go too!

The man nodded with a smile, he must be strong and maintain his new presence of mind that he struggled so hard to acquire in those long months of training. No more regrets, no more complaints and no more reproaches. If something happened to any of them the others would go on, that was another of their promises. They had sworn before they were ready to fight, when there was the possibility of someone dying. If this happened the others were sure that the one who was missing would enjoy eternity of infinite happiness and would waiting for them all in paradise. So, if Diamond died in his attempt to rescue Esmeralda, both would meet again later. If not, they would do it in less time. And the prince's own younger brother now had his own life and his own girl waiting for him, even if she did not know it yet. Like Roy, that's why they both took off. During the trip to the city they exchanged few words. Only when they reached the edge of their periphery and descended to earth to walk like normal people, when they could talk and inform each other of their intentions.

-Hey Roy, - Sapphire asked his companion. - Now that I have thought about it during the journey, I do not know where Petz lives.

- That's no problem my friend. - He replied calmly. - I'll take you.

- Before I see her I'd like to prepare. You know, changing my raged clothes and washing a little at least. I'm not very smart.

Sapphire confessed this by realizing that his fighting suit was tattered and his face, though with the wounds healed from the beans, was stained with perspiration and the dry remains of blood and dirt between his beard. Roy stared at him, undeterred, and he could not help it, with a laugh.

-It's true, man! It's too bad to see you!

His companion frowned, reproaching him with humor.

- You're not much better!

And they held their gazes until they could not stand it any longer, laughing. Passing one of his arms over the other's shoulder, they stood, despite the laughter. Of course the people who still walked the streets were left in astonishment to see them so happy. Many even thought that those two poor wretches would have gone mad due to all horror that had happened. Finally, after a while, they both calmed and kept walking to Roy's apartment, he explained to Sapphire.

- In my apartment, if those demonic suckers have not broken it, we can take a  shower and changing clothes. I can lend you something of mine, even if it's a little big, but you will not notice much.

-Thanks Bro! , I owe you one. - His companion affirmed with that friendliness vocabulary acquired from his friend. -

The truth is that both Sapphire and his brother Ail and Nephrite, had learned English perfectly during their stay in the training room. Or so Roy believed, since they had no record of the language they had used to communicate there. But now it was clear that the Infantry of Nemesis was speaking in that language. His companion smiled and patted his back slightly as they turned the corner of his house. They did not have excessive problems to enter, the portal was shattered, although fortunately, not so the building. And though the looters had passed by, they did not seem to have stopped much. Roy's apartment, a fifth, did not look like it had been raided. In fact, someone had put a pair of thick padlocks on the door, so no one in a hurry would have entertained him in forcing him.

- This will have been Tommy or the girls. - He smiled indicating Sapphire that protection and adding with feigned pity. - I'm sorry, but we'll have to unlock them.

And without any difficulty he simply broke the steel of the collars of both locks and forced the door that opened immediately due to the strength applied by the boy. This was child's play now, and though a new lock would have to be paid, it did not matter too much at that time. So they both closed behind them quickly. No one should see them, just in case they thought they were thieves. Roy told his friend where the bathroom was and searched for clothes for both of them. Sapphire took a shower, luckily there was water and electricity. Roy's building had its own emergency and generator tank, very useful for possible urban blackouts, and really effective now that the electrical fluid and pipes were broken in half a city. The owner of the house used the minutes it took for his guest to finished to walk through his rooms and recall his past experiences. Here was the last visible legacy of his parents. Between those walls and his room at the Golden, were his best and most precious memories and his life. Although this was no longer true, he also had his battle companions, Tom and the girls and especially Bertie. Roy was eager to see her again, to hold her, to kiss her, and never to separate from her again. But he wanted to be patient, that his reunion was something very special. Going step by step it suited him to know where she was. As he thought he remembered, the university would have ended the course months ago. She and the others would already be teachers and would not remain there. But where could they be? Maybe in her sisters' apartment. Possibly in another. Wish they were all safe! That was an idea that had not crossed his mind so far. What if something had happened to them? He shook his head trying to shake off that bad feeling and exhaled a long sigh, as if in that way he could expel that damn idea. Then for his immense joy and relief, a voice came to his head, he recognized it, it was Landar who was saying to him.

-Everyone is fine, and to know their whereabouts you just have to look at that table.

So Roy glanced instantly at a small wooden table near his television. He had a couple of drawers and opened them quickly, one was empty and the other, except a few pages of paper, he did not see anything that would help him, but the voice echoed again in his brain almost with mocking tint.

- Try to look on the table! You silly.

And immediately he did, it seemed a lie that he had not seen it at first! But the nerves were affecting him. On the table was a blue notebook, opened it and flicking page by page he read the neat letter of Tom and on one of the sheets it was written.

-Kindergarten, go at eight to start classes with Bertie and Connie.

And below the address, then it was there where they worked! He shook his head with a smile, of course, he had forgotten all about it! Tom certainly lived here. Roy left him his flat on those farewell notes. And now that they could no longer be in the University, they would be occupying it. Possibly Bertie and Connie lived with their sisters and let Tommy stay here. That made things clear and in the meantime urged them to hurry, any of them could come back soon. Anyway, Sapphire came out already showered and covered with a towel, to ask Roy.

-You do not have anything to shave?  A special laser or something.

-What lasers are you talking about, nerd! - Roy replied, amused, adding. - Old style, brush and brush, man!

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

-Look, I told you in the room! You have shaved there! But you did not want nor your princely brother to remove the knob or the beard.

- I did not worry about that, besides, I took it as a kind of spur to progress. - Sapphire justified. -

- The fact is that now we do not have much time, so I will take a shower and then I'll tell you what we will do.- His friend explained. - We'll have no choice but to get away from here, lest Tom or one of the girls come and find us, and we do not want to spoil the surprise. True?

His interlocutor shook his head in silence as Roy left him to get dressed after indicating a full pile of clothes that he had put on the sofa, included underwear. Luckily his friends had respected his clothes and did not get rid of them. Sapphire dressed himself as best he could with that and in passing he heard with the noise of the shower in the background the penultimate admonition of his host.

-Hey guy, you've left my bathroom full of hair!  You do not know how bad those things were for Tom, and now I understand him well!

Sapphire was going to give an apology but he thought better and just smiled. In a few minutes Roy, showered and dressed indicated the steps to follow.

- We'll leave out of here, I have money saved in a hole in the wall of my room. And now that I remember, I forgot to put it in the notes. Even better! We'll be fine to take a rented apartment, at least for a few days. Whatever it takes to focus and see.

-And we cannot go now to meet him? - His interlocutor asked with visible surprise and impatience to do it -

His companion sighed then to confess.

-I just want to see Bertie, Tommy and Connie working with the kids. I'm asking you as a favor, my friend.

The other young man shrugged and gave in with a smile, responding jovial.

-If I've waited so long to see Petz, I do not think anything bad will happen for a few more days.

Roy wore his best smile and patted his partner's shoulders. Without saying anything he went to look for the money that, fortunately, remained hidden where he left it. It was not much but enough. Once they had it both left. The door was half closed, it was not possible to make it better.

-One more thing, Sapphire, - Roy told his companion cheerfully. - Keep your beard and see if Petz is able to recognize you.

The alluded thought about that. The truth is that it was not a bad idea, maybe if She saw him as she remembered the impression could provoke her to faint or think she was hallucinating. In this way the thing would have more emotion and really the infant of Nemesis was very changed. That leafy tangle of hair next to the beard he had was the perfect complement of disguise. So he nodded with almost infantile enthusiasm. Together with his friend, after having taken most of the groceries they had found and storing them on a backpack that was to be Tom's, they rushed out into the street in search of a room.

-Let's go for a walk in the city. - Roy said cheerfully. -

-I hope they rebuild it soon. Despite all our efforts, it must have been terrible for many people. - His companion lamented. -

His friend seemed to want to say something jocular but thought better, out of respect for the victims of that. And what he did was an statement.

-New Yorkers are harder than you think. They and the rest of the country and even the world, will do their best to overcome this. You will see.

His friend nodded and they both walked away. On the other hand, Tom returned to Roy's apartment in a few hours. Both, he and the girls, (already in their normal identities) had taken refuge in one of the many hostels to sleep. They spent many hours there until awakening with their recovered forces. It was after finishing the fight, to destroy the Sage and to verify that the demons were gone. Once it was over, they could hear the ringing of the bells of many churches that had resisted the attacks and thus celebrated liberation.

-It is very beautiful! - Bertie was able to sob with visible emotion. -

-Yes, it's the rebirth of hope. - Petz agreed. -

-Our fight was worth it. - Kalie agreed, hugging her older sister. -

-So it is. We have achieved it all together.- Cooan affirmed, hugging his boyfriend in turn.- The warriors and us.

-It was hard, but it was worth it. - Tom added. -

And Bertie looked up at Heaven, smiling once more ... as she remembered her lost love ...

-Honey, we made it! We have achieved it ... for you and for all who live on this wonderful planet. I know that wherever you are you will be as happy as we are ...

            Then the girl was comforted by her sisters. So filled with joy they melted into a great embrace and fell exhausted. Upon awakening, one of the kind volunteers who cared for the wounded told them that things were beginning to return to normal.

- We'll have to go home now. - Cooan said feeling rested and happy like the rest. -

-There's a lot of work to be done and it's best to get back to it soon! - Petz said with the same cheerful determination. -

- I'll stop by Roy's apartment to see if he's still standing, I have my stuff there and I think I need to take a shower. - Tom teased. -

Although the memory of his friend for a moment filled them with nostalgia, they all outdid him in moments and it was curiously Bertie who intervened by showing off the humor that her partner would surely have used in that situation.

-We all need a shower! Now we would kill more demons with our scent than with our weapons. Right, girls? We must smell even worse than them!

And the others laughed in chorus celebrating the occurrence which, by the way, was strictly true. Cooan even came to give thanks that their robes of Justicieras were endowed with this kind of washing - instant ironing, which allowed them to regenerate when the transformation was annulled and from this, reverted to their normal personalities. Luckily they had this foresight to become ordinary people when they finished with the Wiseman and Fantoui. So nobody would bother them, nor try to ask questions, or ask for autographs. Although things were not for that, it was better not to take a chance. In this way they moved to another nearby refuge. As mere citizens, in need of rest and medical attention, they could occupy some cots and sleep. Now they could finally return to their homes. Tom actually went to the floor that belonged to Roy, to discover with regret that the door had been forced, the padlocks broken and the floor smoothed. However, these alleged thieves took nothing but a few clothes, cans of preserves and their karate backpack, (he did not discover the brick hideaway because Roy had left it as it was.) Shaking his head sympathetically, it was said.

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

For their part, the girls returned to their apartment. This one was worse than their companion. The broken door, the rooms scrambled, as if a herd of buffaloes had passed by and their personal effects scattered on the floor. Although it was curious to note that things of value did not seem to be lacking. Perhaps some demons, knowing where they lived, tried to surprise them there or they were looters who could not finish their task. In any case, they could be considered fortunate because more than a third of the city had burned or was in ruins. They would only have to put order and they did it with discipline and without any complaint. That was a funny thing compared to what they had suffered and battled. And among the four did not take more than a few hours to clean their apartment. Then they dined and were able to go to bed, although they all wondered. From tomorrow on, what? ...

So the days passed quickly and soon answered the general question of the girls and the rest of the city. Fortunately, thanks to the intervention of these and the other fighters, the effect of the demonic attack was limited to New York and its surrounding areas, without leaving the State. As Roy commented to his partner the rest of the country immediately offered himself to the disposition of his compatriots and in just three days were already running light, gas, water and other services that were paramount. The people gave an example of industriousness and mutual help to carry out all that. At least, the crisis and the need made the best of the people affected. On the other hand, on the television, discussions took place with guests from here and there, authorities on theological, demonological, and other subjects of that type. Very subtly, they went from talking about an offensive by the evil one to limiting it to a powerful destructive sect linked to Mafia or international terrorists. In short, they made the population believe that all this was more or less, a plot of international terrorism allied with fans of the end of the World. Tom, the girls and let's not say Roy, Sapphire and the others were putting their hands to their heads, but everyone thought it best to leave it that way. The government had once again woven a complicated spider web that hid the truth. But, unfortunately, true or not, the multiple victims remained dead ...

And by virtue of that normality recovered after two days of those communications the girls and Tom received the call of their school. They were informed that classes were resuming. They were happy with this circumstance and returned immediately to them. Petz and Karaberasu had no difficulty (even the latter and despite their already advanced pregnancy) to find other jobs. The department stores that hired them needed personnel to replace the one they had lost in the attack and to be able to sell the first and second necessity items when they regained their foreign supply. Even Roy and Sapphire were engaged in pizza delivery jobs. At that moment nobody asked too many questions about social security and other papers. At least, until the entire computer network was repaired. And besides, these guys were the fastest in the cast, without anyone knowing how they managed to go from one end to the other in a very short time!

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

-That's right, - Sapphire smiled. However, I think it's not so bad.

-Tell me something. Did your brother and you, besides being princes, study anything? – Roy wanted to know, hurried to add with dyes even of uneasiness. - I do not say it for offending, nor is a joke. It's just that we never talked about that in the Corner.

-Do not worry, - Sapphire replied answering. - My brother and I were well instructed. Being a ruler requires knowing a lot of topics. But what he liked best when he had time was to create software. He was very good at that, and he controls technologies very advanced at this time. On the other hand, I was more interested in building things with my hands. Infrastructures, buildings ... I liked math and design. Much better than Diamond! - He smiled as he recalled the latter. - We could say that I am an engineer.

-Well, because with that curriculum I do not think you have many problems .- Your friend said .-

And while they chatted, they completed their cast. Finally, at the just week of victory, the general routine had been reinstalled and things were almost completely normal. It was then that Roy told Sapphire that the time had come. They had already laid out the plan, and Diamante's brother waited impatiently for his turn while his companion began the first phase ...

-Well, my friend,- he said cheerfully. - I'll go to her now. I'll call you later. Although before I have to ask someone a small favor. - He smiled looking at the Sky.-

-Good luck. - His companion wished him, shaking his hand.

Roy shook it and he went away. He figured Bertie and Connie would be teaching. These, repairs of buildings and separate classrooms, were already completely normal. The school had weathered the attacks well and the girls went to work as if nothing had happened. What amazed most other teachers and students was Tom's recovery, but as he had not given much detail of his paralysis, it was thought he might have been operated on. No one really saw him, hidden as were the other teachers with some parents and most of the children in the shelter, when he came to help the Justicieras to the school. And of course, from what the children who were rescued and protected by him and the Justicieras, despite what happened, adults did not trust too much. In spite of this, the young continued with his special group and Beruche and Cooan with their classes. The girls were now in different classrooms. Before starting the little Sharon ran to embrace them and exclaimed full of joy ...

-You're back!

-Sure, - Cooan said warmly. - We promised.

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

-I know, - the girl whispered. - I will not tell my uncles or the other children anything. They do not know who you are ...

And so, the two teachers went to their respective classrooms. Bertie took Sharon's hand going to the younger ones. There she began to explain a math lesson, though her thinking was elsewhere. In her mind she was still flying toward Roy, but she had to land on the harsh reality and try to live without him. She always tried not to show it in front of her sisters or the children, but she felt very sad. Those memories were hard and she had to get up with tears in the eyes every day, perhaps a product of some bad dream forgotten when waking. Many times she even thought she could listen to him. In her mind, the boy would spend some of his jokes or make some irreverent comments of those he loved so much. Above all, because Bertie was always angry, or pretended to do so, since on most occasions they both knew it was not so. The two of them played that and had fun. How much she missed those little things! How she suffered inside when Tom and Cooan hugged and kissed each other at the end of class, and many times, the two of them went away! But Bertie never wanted to make them to notice. She had no right to embitter the happiness of her sister or her friend. She had Petz and Karaberasu and among the three they could support themselves. As they always did, in good and bad times. And at least one of the four had managed to find love. That was a comfort, not too big now, but as the saying goes, time heals everything. Although Beruche knew that this memory of the man she loved, whom she had always loved in any other place she now ignored, would never leave her side.

-Miss Bertie, - one of the little boys asked, pulling her off the thought wheel. - Can you repeat the table of seven, please?

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

It was just when she turned and began to write when that melody was heard. They were guitar sounds and they came from outside. She did not care and continued to write, "seven x one = seven", "seven x two = fourteen" .... but then she heard a very familiar voice that sang a melody well known to her. Her heart skipped a beat. Her breathing quickened and the chalk fell to the ground. Beruche remained there, nailed and not daring to breathe. The children also said nothing because they too could hear it clearly. And at that moment a flash of intuition crossed the girl's mind. It was irrational, ridiculous! But still, it overcame her decided sense of reason and that made her run out of class to the surprise of her students. The children looked at each other without knowing what to do and were seated. Her teacher, on the run, breathing hard and struggling to get out of the yard as soon as possible, then she met her sister who came out of her other class without seeming to have heard anything, perhaps because this classroom was located more inside the building and their windows were on the opposite side, or maybe it was not just for that ...

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

-Please, stay with the children, I have to go out to check something! -Her sister asked rather agitated.

-Is it because of that music, isn´t it? - Inquired her sister who now began to listen also. -

Beruche looked into her eyes and nodded. Cooan realized that the poor girl harbored much hope in her gaze, surely the vain hope of one who clings to an illusion. She nodded piously and went to the class. Bertie finally went outside, the music was ending. She looked desperately from side to side but saw no one. Already yielding to the evidence, she sighed. She could swear she had heard Roy's voice, she was sure. But, it could not be! Her imagination was playing tricks on her like so many times in her sleep or in her dreams and she was not to be influenced any more. She turned to enter the room and to continue her classes when a hand settled on her shoulder leaving her paralyzed by emotion. Her heart was pounding and she did not want to turn around. On the one hand she was afraid of suffering a huge disappointment but, on the other, the desire that, perhaps this time ...

-What's happening to you? - She heard Cooan's uneasy voice, which finally turned her spirits off. -You've just jumped out of class, just ignored me.

In fact, she knew exactly what was happening. She only went to her sister's class to tell the children that her teacher would be back soon. That while, they must to review the multiplications that they had. She hurried to follow. In spite of Beruche's efforts to conceal it, pretending to be happy for victory and their new life, both Cooan and Tom were no stranger to the sadness that besieged the girl on many occasions. After the battle and when the mind and heart were free, her feelings had taken control of the desolate girl. Her poor sister was suffering a lot and she needed someone with whom she could relieve her pain! Cooan wanted to say some word that would serve her but she could not think of anything. What could she say? But it was Bertie who came forward with an apology tinged with resignation and melancholy.

-Forgive me, for just a moment I thought! - The young woman sighed longingly at the sympathetic look of her sister and hurried to add, fighting against her emotions in order to appear calm. - Is nothing. My mind I guess. Please go and take care of the children, I'll come in right away. I need a few minutes alone. Nothing more than a single moment, - she whispered, dejected. -

-Of course, - Cooan smiled, clasping her hands in hers and adding with her best tone of joviality. - Do not take too long, huh? Mathematics is not my best subject.

-No, I'll go right away, - Beruche said with a faint smile. Her sister nodded and walked away.-

Taking a deep breath in the little garden with playground swings, Bertie tried to control her feelings. She could not go into class like this, the children could not have a melancholy and taciturn teacher, whose head flew more than theirs during class. That's why she forced herself to think objectively. The warm breeze of that sunny morning caressed her hair and face as she tried to calm herself. But she could not do it, her mind revolted uncontrollably, and a soft voice called out her name. The girl caught her breath, it was Roy's voice with that mocking, sweet tone he'd put her so often when he wanted to bother her.

-Hey, what's wrong with you? Why are not you with the kids? Is it now that you are the teacher you are jumping the class? ... that is not a good example ...

The bewildered Beruche looked in all directions but saw no one! Nobody! Was she losing her mind?

-Is it you? - She stammered in emotion. - Is not true! This is my imagination, - she said aloud with a supreme effort to get back to reality. - I must be going crazy!

- You are not, my little cube, - she heard the answer now much closer. – Believe me. You are not ...

And then that electric guitar music rang once again and that voice sang to him in that unmatched way he had, just as he did it in the pit, using another tune from his favorite band.

You and me, we are destined,

You will agree,

To spend the rest of our lives together.

The rest of our days,

As two lovers,

Forever,

Yes forever.

My Bijou ".

(Bijou, Queen, author credit)

Tears rolled down the cheeks of the girl who could not contain herself anymore and could barely sob as she shook her head.

-I wish I were with you, but I cannot go where you are. Not yet!

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

- I'm much closer to you than you think. You just have to know how to search for me and you will find me.

Beruche did not want to surrender, she could not surrender now! She looked to the right, to the left and finally, in a reflex act, guided by a warm breeze, she looked up. She had to hold back an exclamation, she thought her heart would stop! There, floating a few feet above her was Roy! He was just as she remembered it, shining with a wonderful golden glow. His hair was the same color and he wore normal clothes, jeans and a white shirt. He watched her with a loving gesture and smiled. That vision, or whatever, was slowly coming down to a few feet from her. Bertie was shaking her head, now in disbelief, biting her lips, letting more tears to escape her through her face. And then he broke all the schemes of the poor girl and just laughed, with that frank and transparent laugh of his, exclaiming amused.

-Even if you're a little ice cube, I do not know. I was expecting a more effusive reception!

She stepped forward, timidly. She seemed afraid that a sudden movement would make him disappear forever. Roy seemed to guess it when he declared with infinite sweetness opening his arms to almost look like a crucified.

- Bertie I'm real, you can touch me. You can hug me if you want.

The girl no longer thought about it, she ran towards him with an unspeakable sense of fear and happiness. Joy because he was there and it certainly seemed so real! Fear, for she feared that when she reached his side and was about to touch him, he would disappear by plunging her into the void. But she could not stop. No longer !, There were only two options and when she wanted to realize she knew what the truly was. Her small figure hit his body so huge and strong and she, bouncing, almost fell. But now she had not met the careless boy who made her fell in that corridor so long ago that it seemed like a real eternity. This time it was his beloved being who had returned to her. And Roy held her in his arms, wrapping  her around them, still shining, and they both stayed that way for a long time, without speaking. There was nothing they could say that was best. Beruche could only cry but with immense happiness. And it took her a long time to babble.

-How can this be?  I must be dreaming and I do not want to wake up! My God, do not let me ever to wake up!

- He will not allow it, little cube. Because I'm here, it's true! It's a long story to tell, - Roy whispered kissing her forehead with all his love and  adding with joy. - But now we will have the whole life so that I can explain it to you!

She began to separate and could see well in that face, the same face, the same intense green eyes, that golden hair. It was not a hoax, it was him! But she could hardly believe it when the boy rubbed her tears gently, running her cheeks with his both thumbs ...

Inside the school Cooan began to worry, her sister was taking too long, so she went out to check that she was well. Then she heard her exclamations and ran scared, but when she came out and saw them she was petrified with emotion. She would never forget that image in the rest of my life! The same as Beruche before. She laughed and cried at once and ran to hug both of them. They saw her coming, receiving her with joy. Cooan was so disturbed by the euphoria that she just kept repeating.

-I have to go get Tom here! He has to see you, he has to see you!

Roy nodded slowly as he surrounded Bertie with one of his arms. None of the sisters could stop crying from pure happiness. And at last Cooan was separated from them, she had been reluctant to do so because it happened to her same as Beruche. What if that was a hallucination and faded away? Fortunately It was not the case. Her sister and Roy were still there and she ran for Tom. The boy was giving his class away from everything and when Connie, with tears in her eyes, entered his classroom and literally dragged him out, her boyfriend was so baffled that he could not even ask what was happening to her. But her smile. The most beautiful and ample he ever saw on her, told him that it could not be anything bad, but something really wonderful. As if that were not enough, the children had left the classroom following their young miss and gazed in admiration at the superhero in front of them. Only Sharon dared to approach and speak, looking at Roy with wide eyes.

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

-Yes, beautiful lady, I'm her boyfriend, - the man admitted while he was still embracing the girl. Bertie was still crying and smiling non-stop, trying to wipe away her tears, while Roy asked affectionately to that child who kept an inquisitive expression. - What do you want to know?

The girl gestured to Roy to approach, he let go of Beruche and surprised kneeling next to her to be at her height. With her nose twisted and frowning, the girl reproached him for imitating the mode of elders perfectly.

-Why did you leave Miss Bertie alone? She has been very sad because of you! That is not right! May it be the last time! understood?

-You're right! I'm sorry! - Roy admitted softly stroking the girl's hair, but he could not help but smile visibly excited when he justified himself with affectionate tone. - But I had to leave to fight the bad guys. I promise I will never leave her again.

-For real? - Insisted the girl, very happy. -

- Word of Golden warrior. - He assured, raising the palm of his right hand and declaring with solemnity. - I cannot lie, because I come from Heaven. And there people never lie.

Well almost never, but it was not a matter of fussing the child. Although she was the one who baffled him.

-Did you see my parents there? - Sharon asked hopefully. - They also went to Heaven, but they have not yet returned.

-They were attacked by the acolytes when the sect began to sow chaos – Bertie explained, when she gathered enough serenity to intervene. - It was after you ...

Roy was thoughtful and interrupted Bertie´s explanations gently, placing his hands on the girl's shoulders and giving her to understand that he had an idea and hoped it would be possible to put into practice.

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

-I do not understand you,- Beruche replied timidly, intrigued by knowing something more concrete. - What do you mean?

- Wait here. I'll be right back, it'll only take a minute! - He exclaimed. -

And leaving them all with their mouths open he concentrated putting two fingers on his forehead and disappeared.

-Hey! Where has he gone? – Some children cried with astonishment. -

Bertie was surprised and afraid that it would all have been her imagination. But fortunately she had the boys there, even her sister who had gone to find Tom, to testify that it was true. Although along the way the boy had stopped Cooan and tried to get an explanation, but she only said between laughs and tears.

-You'll know soon enough! Coming Soon! Come on, Tom!

And he submissively followed her, but this time they were going fast, not running. They still had a couple of corridors before they went outside and they had to go around the building. It did not take much time for the boy. For the radiant girl were centuries ...

Meanwhile, Roy appeared in Heaven, looked for the magician but this soon appeared.

-What do you want, boy? - He inquired with feigned surprise to see it, since he had witnessed all that happened, although he wanted to play with him a bit and added looking disconcerted. - I thought you'd be happy to be back.

-Thank you so much for the music. Please, thank Freddie on my behalf. But I have to ask you another favor. Can you call the Dragon again? It's very important. - Roy said in response. - Do not be angry…

The wizard hesitated, but the boy insisted with an expression of supplication and Landar, holding a smile, agreed to invoke him. That gigantic being appeared not long after and declared solemn.

- There are no more desires, but as you have saved the world and I like you, despite your comments. - Roy cleared his throat with an apologetic shrug. This dragon had a fine ear and was also a good type, or reptile or whatever, when he added in a very cordial smile with visible ease, reflected in his great jaws - I'll granted an special wish for you! Say what you want!

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

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

- You have been very intelligent Roy, you have formulated several desires included in one - the magician laughed. -

- That's easy and I'll do even more. -The dragon said, twinkling his eyes with that powerful garnet of his own to assert moments later. – So here they are.

At once two people, a young man and woman dressed in immaculate white robes, who changed into a suit and tie and a light blue dress, appeared before Roy and Landar. They were surprised and seemed very baffled. The dragon then declared, with the ringing of his bronze voice.

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

So he faded slowly as he concluded the sentence by winking at one of his large eyes.

-Thank you for everything, Shenron, my friend. - The boy smiled when he saw how he vanished. -

-What's going on here? - That woman with short blond hair, asked visibly surprised, still looking in all directions - ... Where are we?

-It's a long story. - Roy answered kindly, summing up. - But I'll just tell you the part that you both play. - And after having informed both of them  the boy affirmed. - I'll take you with your daughter.

-Yes, thank you very much! - The brown-haired man excitedly explained. - My wife and I could not go to Eternity. It hurt our soul to think that we had left our daughter alone.

-If you had transcended, -the wizard said - not even the Celestial Holy Dragon could do anything to bring you back.

-Landar, please, - Roy asked humbly. - Now you'll tell me the whole story. I want to know what those visions I had and what I said when I fought Nagashel mean. - And he added thoughtfully as he remembered. - That sword, I called her unconsciously and at the end of the fight disappeared, why?

The magician simply shook his head and gave him a look like the one he would put before an impatient child. At last he answered him.

- There is little time left for you to know. I will visit you in no time and you will know it. You still have things to do, - so he pointed to Sharon's parents who were waiting anxiously to return to their daughter and then, the wizard assured Roy. - Enjoy your reunion now! Give time for all you can meet and when you are all together, I will tell you!

-All right, that's enough for me. - The boy replied, willingly, though in a hint of intuition, he smiled confidentially. - You knew what I was going to ask you before I did, right?

Landar nodded, responding with sincere kindness.

- There was still one last wish, but it had to be reserved for something very important and only a real chosen by his destiny could ask for it. Thanks to that, things will almost be what they had been for the people of Earth. Except for a few who must never forget what has happened, as they will be in charge of protecting this world in the future.

-You mean us don´t you? - Roy wanted to know. -

But the wizard only smiled, pointing to the girl's parents again. And the boy knew that Landar would not tell him anymore, at least until he decided it was time to do it. So he addressed these two people.

 - Give me your hand please. – He asked them, they did and he was transported with them again, reappearing before the astonished eyes of Beruche and the children.-

Sharon was silent, standing on the floor. She reacted as soon as her mother knelt down and stretched out her arms.

-Come on honey, give me a little hug ...

            The baby ran to her, she wept and laughed. The father joined the two and muttered a "thank you" filled with joy to Roy who hugged Bertie. Both smiled very happy and with tears watching that moving scene. And at last, running toward them like a possessed man, just out and seeing them, Tom came in, and he could not believe it when he saw his friend standing there. The boy was no less than the girls and he cried in an uncontainable joy. The friends hugged each other while the newcomer told him that he was totally overcome by emotion.

-I know it was you who made me walk again! I will always be in your debt, all of us!

- No Tommy. I watched you from Heaven and I know what you have fought and suffered for me and for everyone. I am the one who owes you, all of you.

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

And his interlocutor smiled with that mischievous and funny expression of his when he answered his friend.

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

The boy's face shifted from surprise to amazement, through disbelief and into euphoria when he exclaimed.

-It was you!

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

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

They did not know for sure the time that passed between the laughter, the jokes and the indescribable joy of the four until they decided to return home. The classes of course were terminated that day. Roy passed by his apartment, this time with Tom !, to adjust and change his clothes. He did not talk about Sapphire and simply asking the girls not to Revealed nothing to Petz and Kalie of his own return. They agreed. They all remained in the house of the sisters, who, making a supreme effort, delayed as if they arrived at the usual time and did not say anything hiding that immense joy. What they did tell the others was that Tom and another friend of the University would go to dinner. Petz did not suspect anything strange, but merely reprimanded them for so short a time, and if Kalie, who watched them thoughtfully, came to think of something out of the ordinary, she certainly took care of it and remained in silence. The time was set and when Roy appeared, dressed in an elegant suit, the older sisters of Beruche and Cooan were also moved. First the initial surprise and disbelief, then tears, hugs, kisses and conversation. The boy could not help but notice the condition of Karaberasu and with a tone of great encouragement and sincerity he commented with the approval of all.

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

- Hopefully it will be like that. - The girl could said with visible emotion. - I would like to believe you with all my soul.

-Hey, Kalie, remember where I came from. I have insider information. - The boy grinned. - My source is the best ...

Karaberasu hugged him gratefully and let herself be comforted. As she had stated she wanted to believe him, she really needed it and something inside her told her that the boy did not lie. So they all went to dinner to celebrate. But one guest was missing. Although neither Petz nor Kalie knew it yet, of course. The table was set and everyone was seated ready to start when the doorbell rang. Roy offered to open it. He turned toward the girls.

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

He stated with well-studied indifference, addressing more specifically Petz who was returning to the table with some plates.

-Which may it be? We have recently moved. I barely know anyone. - She asked in surprise. Roy, impatient, almost pushed her to the door without giving her time to leave what was in her hands. - I do not understand, I do not have the faintest idea. - Insisted the bewildered girl. -

The boy accompanied her with a shrug and covering her vision. At the appropriate time, he moved away. There, standing in front of Petz, a dark-haired, long-haired man in a ponytail waited, wearing a beard. At first the girl did not know who he could be until her eyes stuck in his ... The plates she carried fell to the ground and trembling, she fought to recover the speech.

- Hello Petz. - The boy said with a big smile, adding relaxed, with his emotions well controlled despite how difficult it was for him. - I come for my jacket, I left it until I returned. Do you remember?

-Sapphire, - she whispered, dropping her tears and shaking her head. - Sapphire! - She exclaimed hugging him and bursting into tears.- I cannot believe it, you were dead, this is a miracle!

-It is indeed, - he agreed, stroking her hair as he pressed her to his chest. - Thank Heaven and Roy I was able to fight to help to save this world. And no one will ever separate us again.

-Yes, - His friend said, gripping the emotion and trying to sound amused when he declared. - It seems that in Heaven lately they admit to anyone.

Although Petz barely heard that, her legs failed her, she felt her eyes cloud. The impression had been too strong, it was as if her heart wanted to slip out of her chest and she gasped for breath. That got to worry both boys. Fortunately, Sapphire tightened her grip on her arms, preventing her from falling, and finally the girl recovered.

She had almost fainted. Roy chose to leave them a few moments alone as he returned to the dining room pretending nothing was happening. He even went so far as to say to the others with a mad gesture.

-I threw the dishes at Petz without meaning to! - That caused the laughter and head-movements of the other diners, who were distracted by his friend, nor suspected the scene that was taking place a few meters away, except for Kalie who simply smiled as Roy added. - I hope you also have plastic ones!

And at that very moment the elder sister stroked the face of her beloved, she still could not believe what she was seeing. However, she forced herself to do so since he was there, with a shirt very similar to when she saw him for the last time and certainly much stronger. And most importantly with the same look and smile that she remembered and that boy did not stop to give her.

-OMG! - Petz sobbed as soon as she had recovered her voice. She could even begin to admonish him with affection and euphoria, caressing the boy's face again and smiling. – How weird you are! What a beard you have left to grow ! And that long hair! Was there no razors or scissors in Heaven?

- I figured you would not like my new look - he smiled, adding fun. - But I made the promise not to shave or cut my hair until I defeated the enemy and be back with you. Besides, - He laughs asserting. - I wanted to know if you would recognize me. A lot of time has passed.

-I will always recognize the look in your eyes!  This is how you have lived in my heart ever since! -She can babble without being able to stop crying.-

An excited Sapphire hugged her again and she grabbed him as she was afraid to lose him again when she let him go. A good while longer they were like this. Meanwhile in the dining room, the sisters and Tom began to wonder, they would swear they had heard Petz speak to someone, and she even seemed to sob. Bertie wanted to get up to go and see him, but Roy stopped her in a friendly tone.

-Do not worry, little cube. You see, that neighbor is a very special guy. Your sister has to ask him a few things. Give them a little time.

The girl nodded even though she was baffled, the same thing could apply to Cooan who did not understand anything either. However, Karaberasu seemed to illuminate her face, as if confirming some suspicion and smiled in a way she had not done in a long time. Roy noticed and looking into her eyes, he nodded with another smile, without the rest noticing. Finally, after a few moments,  Petz returned even with tears on her cheeks but with a great smile illuminating her countenance, she could say to her astonished sisters with great efforts to contain the emotion.

-I have to put one more dish. We have another guest.

The others nodded, though they had no idea, (except Karaberasu) of who it might be. And when that man with long hair and leafy beard came in saying good afternoon for a few moments they still did not know. Until in a flash of understanding they saw her older sister holding his hand and sitting next to him. Both Bertie and Cooan rose from the table like springs, also throwing some plates and glasses as they moved the tablecloth, opening their mouth with a gesture of surprise and excitement. They all seemed to be frozen in time. It was then that Karaberasu broke that kind of spell, saying with a sweet tone and full of tenderness.

-Welcome home, Sapphire.

The girls also cried again. Roy, excited as the rest, looked at an equally stunned Tom. He knew who the newcomer was since Cooan had told him his and Petz's story again and again. Then, and to subtract the tension of the atmosphere, Roy intervened in a relaxed tone.

-Sapphire, pal! Look at the mess you have provoke, you have destroyed the remaining dishes, let's see how we dine now!

Everyone burst out laughing as the newcomer just smiled. Petz laughed through tears as she hugged him. That was worth a thousand china! And about dishes they had plenty to spare. But she had recovered half of her soul, of her life, which she lacked! She could not think, nor knew what to say. It was best to continue the celebration and wanted to go for dinner. But both Cooan and Beruche stopped her. They would take care of everything while Petz would sit next to her boy. At last the two little sisters served and joined them for dinner. The girls barely had an appetite for excitement. The same thing happened to the still perplexed Tom. But the same could not be said of Roy and Sapphire who devoured in an incredible way everything that was ahead. They only asked to repeat over and over again before the astonished faces of the others.

-Donf-t loof at ufs like thatf- Roy managed to mumble as he chewed, swallowed, and was able to add more intelligibly. - Now that I know that I belong to the saiyajin people, I understand why I am so hungry.

-Yes, - Sapphire said in better ways, explaining with ease. - Besides, after being dead, you do not know how hungry you are when you resuscitate and fight.

The others listened curious as the two boys told them some of their adventures in Heaven. Tom and the girls did the same with their own adventures. The only one who did not speak was Karaberasu. Sapphire also noticed her advanced condition, in a moment after the dinner and alone with Petz, he commented to her.

- I did not know that Karaberasu was pregnant. Who is the father? Is she married? - Sapphire was surprised because the face of Petz was now sad, she explained to him what had happened.- - Rats! - the boy was enraged adding with indignation. - If I could have caught the one who did it!

- She was the one who killed her rapist. But even though she tries to hide it, now she's scared and lost, please! , Do not tell her anything. Kalie does not want to overshadow our reunions. I know, and if we focus on her situation, she will feel very bad. -His partner asked with a distressed gesture. -

-Very well,- The young man agreed, relaxing his countenance. – Don´t worry.

And they returned with the rest. It got late while they talked about so many things that had to be told. Late at night Roy along with Sapphire and Tom left until the next day, eager to rest. The girls said goodbye to them and stayed to order everything. However, they were tired and decided to go to bed without washing dishes. Karaberasu said she was not sleepy and offered to do so.

-Are you all right, Kalie? - Petz asked, even without going to sleep as Bertie and Cooan had done a few minutes ago, exhausted by so many emotions. - Is something wrong?

            The reason was that she saw Karaberasu go to the kitchen and worried followed her, because she saw great sadness in her face, after the first moments of happiness. In addition to having seen her very quiet during dinner.

-Do not worry, - she smiled at her, trying hard to make a joke. - It is not so strange that I want to brush, Petz. So you can´t be able to say that I am lazy. Go to sleep! I will not do anything foolish, just scrub the dishes and maybe break some more of them to finish your nice job.

-Very well. - Her quietest interlocutor added, even encouraged by that friendly jibe. -

And the eldest of the Malinde sisters was of an unbeatable good humor and after what happened that day anything made her smile. So she walked obediently to her room after wishing her sister goodnight with a loving kiss on the forehead and an wish ...

- See you tomorrow!

- Farewell, my dear older sister. - Karaberasu could mutter with a vision clouded by tears, so that Petz could not hear it. - Goodbye, be very happy, always.

Petz, oblivious to that, went to sleep same as the others. Karaberasu had meditated a lot over these days, and the last doubts she could harbor faded with the miraculous return of Roy and Sapphire. She even thought of something else as she washed the dishes. She had been thinking about it for some time. Despite what Roy said, those cruel words of the Sage never ceased tormenting her. What if her child was born well but later became one of them? What if he attacked Kalie´s sisters? Besides, what was she doing there now? The others had their men back with them. At least Kalie might have stayed with Petz or Bertie for mutual encouragement. Now that made no sense. Her sisters had every right to begin a new life and to forget about the terrible past events, she was anything but a painful reminder for all. Apart from a responsibility. Karaberasu knew well that the others would not abandon her, but the last thing she wanted was to be pitied. Anyway, during dinner, there was an instant in which she crossed a furtive look with Roy, the boy then suspected what she thought and his face saddened. But that lasted only a few tenths of a second, and he returned to his cheerful countenance most of all so that the rest would not notice. Kalie thanked him. That boy had matured and changed a lot in Heaven. No doubt he also learned to see many things and understood. Now she had some suitcases ready, (in fact, she prepared them long ago when her sisters weren´t at home) and after finishing in the kitchen, she took a paper and a pen. Struggling unsuccessfully for not crying and keeping her hand without tremors, she wrote a farewell note from the bottom of her heart and with all her love that said ...

"My dear sisters, I have decided to go and seek my own happiness, as you have already found yours, I do not wish to be a burden to anybody, I am displaced here, it is not your fault, but I know I should not interfere in your Lives, now that you have a new opportunity to live them, I will have my son, do not fear and I will face life with him, I will go forward, because I am part of a family of fighters, do not look for me, please! I will find you, be very happy and take good care of yourself, and do not forget me, as I can never forget you. I love you, with all my soul. Your sister. "

Kalie.

She signed, trying to keep the tears from falling on the sheet and left, leaving the note in a visible place. Before leaving, she still wanted to say a final farewell to the youngest ones. With a great deal of secrecy, she slowly opened the doors of the Beruche and Cooan rooms standing in the dim light of the corridor. She finally did the same thing with Petz. The three of them slept with a countenance so illuminated by joy! Surely they were comforted by beautiful Dreams. That way she would always remember them like that in her heart. It took a superhuman effort for her not to kiss them all, but she was afraid of being able to wake them up. Sobbing, she left the apartment and called the elevator.

-Goodbye, goodbye ... girls ... I will always love you ... Wherever I go you will be in my heart. Be happy. You deserve it. - She mutter with a trembling thread of voice .-

In the street,  she reached a cabin and phoned asking for a taxi. After some minutes, when the vehicle came, she rode away with two streams of tears in her eyes but ready to face a new life with determination. In the morning she was already far, far away, towards a new destination. Her sisters woke up with this news. At first, between the bewilderment and their worried cries they tried desperately to think where Kalie could have gone. After , with being calmer, they ruled out any possible suicide hypothesis and for the moment they decided to respect their sister´s will. Perhaps it was a relapse in her depression because of seeing the others so happy. That could have caused her departure and surely she will come back in a few days. But Petz better than the others knew in the depths of her soul that, despite her apparent frivolity of character, her sister did not make an important decision lightly, much less revoked it easily. Anyway, she, Bertie and Cooan hoped to see Kalie again soon. In the meantime, they would always carry their memory and love inside their hearts.

                              previous                                                      next