"...So you're saying going back to Den Tech means death?" Saito inquired with an eyebrow raised. Setting their bags by the door, the four boys had taken a seat in the front room, the man claiming to be an older Kaiton sitting across from them.

"Not... exactly," The older teen answered, crossing his arms. He looked simalar to Kaiton, yes, but the inner person had long since changed. He seemed too mature for his age, and the child-like innocence that gleamed in most children had faded from his eyes.

"... Going back wasn't the main problem. It was the relationships..... If I recall this time correctly, I'm guessing Saito and Enzan had their fight.... correct?"

The say two were taken off gaurd by the last statement, but all nodded, causing the man to sigh. "That was the start. Sadly, it only got worse from there. Netto had thought going to his home town would help, but..."

Netto's shoulders dropped ever so slightly, and it was barely noticable as a wave of sorrow passed by his eyes. "... The group split, didn't it?"

Kaiton's older self bowed his head, looking grim. "...Yes. The fights became too terrible, and our only option was to break apart... By the time we had become a team again, Aaron's armies were spread out world wide... We were helpless against them, and one by one... every single human and reploid was killed..... Mavericks are all that's left. I truly believe it was the stress of being in that city, where Aaron, Protoman, and Roll were."

After he finished, the room became completely silent. The thoughts of such a future terrified them, and they had no ideas of how to stop it. However, Enzan somehow was able to find something to say.

"How..... can we prevent this?"

"..... One way is to not go to Den Tech... not until this mess between Saito and Enzan clears up." The young man stated, staring at then intently. "I can still see it in both of your eyes... that despair and hatred. We hadn't realized it before, but they had never apologized to one another... and left things uneven."

Netto stood slowly, frowning. "I'll make sure we do that. However, until this is cleared, it'd be best if we figured out a nickname for either you or Kaiton... since you two share a name." He pointed out, shrugging.

Saito snapped his fingers. "I know! The grown up Kaiton can still be Kaiton, and out Kaiton can be called Kai!!"

The younger Kaiton nearly choked. "Why is my name being changed, when he's the guest?"

The older Kaiton chuckled. "There's no need for that.... Yes, I was called Kaiton by you three in my era, but... to the others, I was Riku."

They all blinked before each slowly nodded in acceptance of it. Kaiton was next to ask a question.

"Um.... may I ask.... how you-... Well... 'I' survived?"

Riku sighed. "I had been in a prison as the final few people were killed. Thankfully, I escaped by... drastic measures...."

Netto shook his head. "Well, that's a nice cheery, little future. How far away is this?"

"Four years..... The time warp aged me by a year or two, but the time the tragedy occurs is still the same."

"I see..... One more question." Saito stated, taring at Riku intently.

Riku, feeling a bit uncomfortable under the gaze, coughed slightly. "Yes...?"

Before Riku could say anything else, Saito had jumped onto him. The 13 year old was soon poking at his arms and legs, going into a semi-pout. Netto and Enzan just stared blankly, while Kaiton seemed almost a bit... scared.

Saito crossed his arms and turned away. "It's not fair! He has these gigantic muscles and he's tall! Not fair, I say!!!"

Netto nearly face faulted. "He's at least 5 or 6 years older than you... of course he be taller and more powerful....."

Saito glared at him. "So?! It's still not fair!"

Riku, who had been silent with surprise this entire time, caused everyone to grow silent once he started laughing. He slowly picked Saito up and set him on the floor, giving a smile.

"It's been a while since I've seen something like this... I almost forgot that everyone used to be so lively..... Ah, I almost forgot!" He looked towards Kaiton. ".... I know what you're thinking, about the team and you.... don't think those thoughts. Trust me... if you don't, you'll be a lot happier."

Kaiton flinched. "A-ah..... R-right.... thank you for the advice...." He replied, looking away.

Riku blinked. "Huh......" He began to look Kaiton over, placing a hand on his chin. "... I can't believe I was this shy...."

"Wh-what....?" Kaiton turned a bit red, refusing to make eye contact. "I-... I'm not shy..."

Riku smirked. "Really.... Anyways... I've concluded my warning. Whether you listen or not is your choice.... Choose wisely." He concluded, standing up. "I better go..."

Enzan frowned. "I thought you were going to make sure we followed your orders by staying here..."

Riku froze right at the doorway. "... I'll still be watching you.... I just won't live here."

Netto crossed his arms. "Why not?"

Riku closed his eyes. "....It's painful... that's all I'll say."

He was gone in an instant, leaving the group alone.

"Well....?" Netto stated, crossing his arms.

Saito sighed, looking off to the side. "...... Sorry Enzan."

Enzan grinned, punching his shoulder. "Likewise..... Hmmph... this mood is terrible. Why don't we fix it be taking a tour around town?"

"Agreed!!" They all choursed.

Riku groaned as he awoke from his slumber, and to his surprise... he was on a bed. Sitting up instantly, he found himself in his room.... His eyes widened trememdously. "They... did it...?"

"No, Kaiton... you did."

The young man spun around, only to see Saito, Enzan, and Netto- from his era- behind him. Netto grinned at Kaiton's eyes welled with tears, causing him to laugh.

"You saved the present, Kaiton...

Thank you."

A/N: Alright, it's done! Unfortunately, I have some bad news... This story... has around 3-4 chapters left 'till the end. (You probably knew this.) Enjoy the final chapters!