"Of course I'm not!!" I shouted in a recorded video, taken on the day I lost control because of my anxiety attacks. One of my friends at university, Steven, was watching the video and said:
"Hold on a second—pause it there, Darwin.
It looks like Indigo is turning into some out-of-control version of himself, unleashing those anxiety attacks…
He almost killed one of our classmates with two freaking fans—he needs to be stopped at all costs!!"
Steven pointed at the screen, furious. Darwin, who had paused the recording at the moment I was about to attack Julian, questioned Steven's attitude and replied:
"Don't you think you're overreacting a bit? Jolie calmed Indigo down just in time with her words before anything worse happened. She's the reason he's not as annoying anymore—and he doesn't blow up your phone with messages like before. Plus, don't forget he took down a dictatorship in the neighboring country, defeating Daniel Ortega. It cost him a lot, but he did it."
As Darwin said that, an image of my battle against Ortega flashed through his mind. Steven, still bitter, responded:
"I don't give a damn about his relationship with that almost-tsundere Mexican girl! I'm sick of hearing about their little adventures and these so-called 'threads of fate' connecting two lovers!"
"He's got this gorgeous girl by his side, and I've got nothing! And it's all because of his dumb messages—he ruined my chances with other women!"
Steven clenched his fists in rage. Darwin tried to reason with him:
"Dude, calm down. Just because Indigo shares his stories doesn't mean you need to blow up. He's on a journey to find those threads before Putin tips this cruel world even more off balance."
"Maybe he's a bit clingy with the constant texts, but that's just who he is. You've got to respect that."
Steven interrupted him, scowling:
"Respect him? No way. Indigo is a danger to the world—he should never have been born. My ancestor Alder was right the day he killed one of Indigo's ancestors. The Pereira family is a curse on this Earth.
To avoid further damage, I'm turning our friendship into a strictly professional relationship from now on. I won't let him affect me or anyone else."
As Steven spoke, he stared at the paused video of me in that outburst, mentioning his ancestor like it somehow justified his grudge against me.
A week later, I showed up to my second-to-last programming class and noticed Steven acting distant—he had clearly found out what happened at the "Marco Picado" lab, where I almost attacked Julian. The next day, he sent me a message saying we'd now only be "professional friends," that he couldn't give me the support I needed, and that—according to his weak excuse—I had mistreated him and was a threat in my role as the Techno-Autist.
But things got worse.
I had to deal with annoying journalists harassing me in my technopath suit, bombarding me with questions. Then, during the following week at university, I failed two classes.
One of them was because the professor challenged me to a combat trial to pass—he had some Chi abilities too—and my program didn't solve the final task. Despite trying to fight him using all I'd learned, I lost.
To top it off, my own mother hit me with this speech while I was on my laptop, relaxing, while Jolie was at a salon changing her hairstyle to "start a new chapter," as she put it:
"You have no idea how much I invested in these courses, and now you're failing them like it's nothing! Even if your Mexican friend helped pay for a part of them, it's not enough, Indigo!
You need to start thinking about your future. I know your mission to find the threads and stop Putin is important…
But you've also got responsibilities! Just like you save people, you need to save yourself too.
I may be strict and grouchy sometimes, but I want the best for you. You've changed, and I'm proud of that, but please don't fall behind—fight for a good future, son."
I felt crushed. I looked at her and said:
"Yeah… I'll do it, Mom. Even if you don't believe it, even if I lost two classes and still feel down from saving those dissidents from being executed by Ortega two and a half months ago…"
I clenched my fist and held it to my shoulder.
Before leaving, my mom added:
"I just hope you make the right choices, Indigo. Don't go getting yourself half-killed again like when you defeated Ortega in Nicaragua—you had injuries that took a whole week to recover.
Anyway, I'm leaving. When your friend comes back from Natasha's with her new hairstyle, you two can take a photo together—as a future couple maybe?"
She smiled with a mischievous look in her eyes. I stammered:
"Yeah… maybe. But Jolie and I aren't a couple, Mom. We're just… close friends. Still, we'll take the photo."
After she left, I finished watching episode 1 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.
Right then, Jolie showed up at the gate. I let her in, and she said:
"Jeez, you took forever to open the door, Indigo. What were you doing?
Let me guess—you were watching anime again?"
She stood there with her arms crossed, knowing me too well.
"Yeah, I was… how'd you know that?
At least you didn't jump-scare me this time.
Wait… is that your new hairstyle? You look really beautiful—absolutely stunning."
I said that, blushing at her new look.
Jolie blushed too and replied:
"I'm so glad you liked it! I left my hair down, inspired by the AI art we got once—with a mini ponytail. After everything we've been through, I felt like it was time for a change.
Oh, and I knew what you were doing because your desk door was wide open, dummy."
She flicked her ponytail and pointed at the open door. I laughed.
"You ruined the moment, Jolie—but you're right. I should keep that closed at night.
Anyway, want to watch episode 2 of Vigilantes?"
She nodded enthusiastically:
"Totally! Even though I already read the manga—my Uncle Elías gave it to me for my 14th birthday.
But don't worry—I won't spoil a thing."
We walked over to my desk to keep watching.
She said that as we walked toward my desk to watch the episode. After I turned on my laptop and we finished watching, we both enjoyed it—though I still felt a little disappointed that Koichi and Pop Step didn't end up together.
Once the episode ended, we commented:
"That was a great episode, even though I got a little distracted by my phone.
I'd already been hit by a few spoilers anyway."
"What I don't get is why you started dancing like Pop Step when the opening came on, Jolie," I said, questioning her sudden burst of energy.
Sitting back in her seat, she replied:
"Hey, don't judge me.
You forgot how I questioned you when you started imitating Aku the day we watched that Samurai Jacobo episode?
Besides... yeah, I'll admit I looked a little ridiculous dancing like her.
And before I left, I noticed you were watching that anime The 100 Girlfriends, or as they call it now, 'Cancel That Show Already.'"
She admitted her behavior was a bit strange, but threw the spotlight back at me. I answered while closing the laptop:
"That was different.
I was just curious, okay?
It seemed interesting—I wasn't watching it for… anything else."
I waved my hands, trying to clarify, while Jolie stared at me with narrowed eyes:
"Oh, I see. 'Interesting,' huh?
Well, at least that show will probably finish way before Rentarou finds girlfriend number 41.
Though I've heard the author's already getting tired of writing that story."
Then her tone shifted as she noticed something in my expression.
"But let's set the weird stuff aside—what's going on with you?
You've looked way more down than usual lately, Indigo."
I wiped a tear from my eye and replied quietly:
"It's nothing…
I've just been feeling off these last few weeks.
Mostly because of university and my own personal stuff.
I still feel guilty about not saving those people on the day I fought to end that dictatorship.
And there's an old friend who now says I mistreated him—he saw a video of me when I lost control during an anxiety attack and thinks I'm a threat.
And then my mom… she was upset about the courses I failed.
She told me I should do something with my life… something beyond chasing destiny threads to stop Putin."
I lowered my head. Jolie gently placed her hand on my back and said with warmth:
"Don't keep blaming yourself for what happened to those people.
Even if we had arrived earlier in the future, Daniel Ortega still might've killed them before you ever got the chance to face him.
And you didn't mistreat anyone, Indigo.
Some people just don't know how to understand us the way we are.
Honestly… a lot of my exes treated me much worse.
One of them even crossed a line with me last year in a way I never want to relive…
So don't waste your energy on people who don't deserve it.
Also, don't let the university stuff bring you down.
You can push yourself, and you can achieve great things, no matter what others think.
I actually think you deserve a break—after everything.
Maybe this solo journey will help.
And as for the threads—we already have a fragment of one that was destroyed.
We just need to find the other."
As she ran her fingers gently through my hair, I looked at that thread and said:
"Thank you, Jolie.
You and my mom are the women I care about most in this world.
I don't know what I'd do without either of you.
I'll try hard to build a better future.
And maybe, during this journey, I'll uncover more about my ancestor's past—like that professor mentioned.
Maybe I'll even unlock a new form of my Chi."
I clenched my fist, feeling a little more hopeful. Jolie smiled with relief and added:
"That's the spirit.
And hey, if you're really curious about your ancestor, I'd suggest talking to my grandpa.
A long time ago, he met—and fell in love with—my ancestor, Teresa María Ávila Rodríguez.
It might help you piece together more than you think.
But now, we need sleep.
Tomorrow's my first day at the University of Costa Rica, and I want to be well rested."
That detail caught me off guard, but I smiled and said:
"Thanks, Jolie.
I'll definitely keep that in mind—I want to learn more about your family's past too.
And yeah… let's get to bed."
I smiled at her as I placed my hand behind my back and closed my eyes.
The next morning, after dropping Jolie off at her first day of classes at the University of Costa Rica, I returned home and grabbed my backpack, filled with everything I'd need: supplies, clothes, and some handcrafted herbal medicine Jolie had prepared for me.
After saying goodbye to my grandfather, I hopped on my upgraded antigravity motorcycle and headed to Yucatán—to visit Jolie's grandfather.
As I stepped into his home, dodging a small animal that darted across the hallway, he greeted me with a smirk while still in his meditative pose:
"Well, well... look who's here. Indigo, my boy—what brings you all the way out here?
Don't tell me... you're here to ask how big my granddaughter's boobs are?"
My face tensed in disbelief.
"Cut the creepy crap, you old perv.
I'm not that kind of guy. I came because Jolie told me you knew something about my ancestor. I don't even know his name yet."
He burst into laughter.
"Relax, I was just messing with you!
Didn't think you'd take the joke so literally.
Anyway, your ancestor's name was Blue Vicente Pereira Adame, better known as the first Autistic Technopath.
He was your country's second national hero.
I could tell you a bit about his story while we drink some good ol' hibiscus tea."
After our short chat, David brought out two glasses of chilled hibiscus tea and then disappeared briefly into the back room. When he returned, he was carrying a small ceremonial box filled with herbs, candles, and a staff carved with Mayan symbols.
"Alright, kid. If you really want to know the story of Blue, the first Technopath Autist, we're gonna need some divine help.
I'll summon someone who knew him better than anyone: my ancestor... and yours, too—Teresa María Ávila Rodríguez."
I blinked.
"Wait… you mean you can actually summon her spirit?"
"Of course I can," he grinned. "I may be old, but I still remember a few rituals from my wild days in the jungle.
Now sit down, hold your tea, and don't freak out if the wind starts howling."
He placed the candles in a circle, lit them carefully, and raised his staff.
Then, with a commanding tone, he began chanting:
"Oh Aztec gods, I call upon you from this realm!
Bring forth the spirit of Teresa María Ávila Rodríguez—
beloved wife of Blue Vicente Pereira Adame,
and ancestor of Jolie María Ávila Rodríguez!
Let her return to this world to share her story—now!"
With a loud crack of thunder, the flames on the candles flickered violently before being extinguished all at once. A gust of wind blew through the room so strong it nearly knocked me off my feet. The windows rattled. A strange blue light formed in the air above the altar.
Then, from within the swirling gust, a graceful figure descended. Her silhouette glowed with a gentle yet powerful aura. When her feet touched the ground, the wind ceased immediately.
She opened a large, decorated fan and covered her face before slowly revealing it with a poised motion.
"I am Teresa María Ávila Rodríguez.
Who dares summon me to this world from beyond?
For what purpose am I brought forth again?"
David bowed his head slightly and said:
"It was I, David Ávila, your descendant.
And I bring to you the one who carries Blue's legacy—his descendant, Indigo Vicente Pereira Adame.
He seeks the truth about your story... and his."
She turned to me, eyes shimmering with blue energy. A smile formed on her lips as she tilted her head.
"So this is Blue's descendant? Heh…
Still skinny and wide-eyed—just like him."
I couldn't help but glare a little.
"Hey, I may be his descendant, but don't mock me.
I've been working hard to improve myself.
So please, spare the jokes and tell me what you know—straight up."
She laughed softly and waved her fan again.
"There's no need to get all worked up, dear.
I'll tell you what you want to know.
But don't rush me—stories like these deserve time and care."
I lowered my head, trying to calm my nerves.
"Sorry… I've just been through a lot lately.
I'd really appreciate it if you could share your story with me… the story of you and Blue."
She nodded, now speaking more gently:
"That's the spirit, cariño. Now listen closely..."
"Alright… everything goes back to the late 19th century," Teresa began.
"Blue and I had a bond so deep that even before meeting, we somehow felt the need to find one another."
"He was an autistic boy with many struggles in life—naive but clever—who, despite always feeling like giving up, never did. He pushed forward, refusing to be ruled by his condition. They called him the Technopath Autist, thanks to his chi ability of technopathy: the power to manipulate machines and turn them into weapons or shields to protect himself. He inspired others to rise up and move forward despite adversity. He couldn't stand injustice—especially toward people who were 'different.'"
"As for me, I was a bit rough around the edges. I had a protective attitude toward my loved ones, and—well—I was beautiful enough to attract a lot of womanizers and creeps who tried to flirt with me. But I knew how to take care of myself using Northern Shaolin kung fu, which I learned from my grandfather. That, of course, caused problems with my mother. Still, like Blue, I couldn't stand injustice against others."
"One day, after finishing a theater performance, I noticed a mysterious assassin preparing to strike someone. I acted without thinking.
Unbeknownst to me, Blue had just left the Autonomous University of Nuevo León and spotted the same killer. He jumped on his steam-powered hoverbike and raced to the scene—where we met for the first time."
"The moment we locked eyes, we both felt we'd seen each other before... but neither of us trusted the other enough to cooperate.
That didn't help us at all in the fight. The assassin moved at lightning speed and could freeze the ground beneath us, making us slip constantly."
"On the verge of defeat, we finally agreed to work together. Blue built a mechanical arm using spare parts from a steam machine nearby. With it, he launched me through the air, and I smashed the assassin's mask with a spinning kick. That's when Blue recognized him—it was his old college friend from the U.S., Alder Finegan. But instead of talking, Alder fled without a trace."
"After saving the target, we introduced ourselves properly. I was Teresa María Ávila Rodríguez—actress and fashion designer.
He was Blue Vicente Pereira Adame—hero-in-training and engineering student."
"From then on, we became close. We learned from each other, improved together. Sure, we had our issues—he'd annoy me with his impulsiveness, and I'd frustrate him by being too busy to talk. But when I got serious, I wasn't afraid to give him a solid smack."
"I taught him two martial arts to defend himself better in battle and not rely solely on his technopathic abilities: Northern Shaolin and Taekwondo."
**"Three years later, he proposed to me in the Callejón del Beso, and we got married at 20."
"But that happiness came to a tragic end on October 26, 1897."
Teresa looked down, her voice trembling.
"That assassin... as I told you, was Alder Finegan. He had fallen into despair after college, eventually ending up in Ecuador, where he met a cold, calculating woman named Atiana Noboa. Rumor has it she was a Spanish princess. He told her about his plan to get revenge by killing Blue.
Atiana agreed to help—her family was known to enjoy executing people with technopathic chi just for sport. Despite their icy personalities, they fell for each other and began planning the assassination."
"They learned our location through a spy and arrived in Puntarenas that night. While Blue and I were sleeping, Atiana launched a firebomb at our house. We barely had time to put on our usual clothes before stepping outside to see them standing there, ready to strike."
"Blue tried to talk to Alder, but he wouldn't listen. He was after revenge—claiming Blue had mistreated him back at university. Then the fight began: fire and ice clashed against us. Atiana hurled powerful fireballs while Alder slid across frozen paths, attacking from a distance."
"Despite our efforts, we were overwhelmed. Blue made a choice—he accepted his fate. He sacrificed himself to protect me and atone for his past mistakes. As they launched one final combined blast of fire and ice toward the sky, Blue redirected it with his metal arm—sending the explosion back at them.
They were obliterated… but so was he."
Her voice cracked.
"I was devastated. I cried so hard I thought I'd break. But in time, I accepted his wish. A week later, I carved a stone in his honor so he'd be remembered as Costa Rica's second national hero."
She paused, letting the silence carry the weight of her story. I took a sip of my hibiscus tea and frowned.
"Well... it was a fascinating story, but a bit messy, don't you think?
Some parts could've been clearer."
She shot me a glare.
"What did you expect, Indigo? The author barely knows what to do with my backstory. Just be glad you got it at all!"
"Besides, no need to bore the readers after last chapter's drama."
I couldn't help but smirk.
"Still... Blue was impressive. Maybe I'll visit Puntarenas sometime and leave some flowers at the monument you mentioned."
Tears welled in her eyes again.
"That would mean a lot. For some reason, your family forgets Blue was the Pereira ancestor.
But I could go with you… just in case something dangerous happens. I still have a few hours left before I return to the beyond."
I nearly choked on my tea.
"Are you out of your mind?! Why would I take a ghost on a road trip?"
David chimed in with a chuckle.
"Come on, kid. Let her go. After losing Blue, she became a shell of herself—died heartbroken and alone at 40.
She deserves this little journey."
I sighed, reluctantly.
"Alright… I'll let her come.
But only if she promises not to pull any weird stunts—because if she does, I'm sending her back to the spirit world with a single punch."
I offered her my hand. She took it with a sly smile.
"Glad you agreed. You're acting just like Jolie now. I promise—no creepy ghost business."
She winked.
We left David's home, me and Teresa riding my upgraded hoverbike toward Puntarenas—the place where my ancestor died a hero.
As we walked along the shore, we shared a quiet, strange, but heartfelt conversation…
"I'm not used to going to beaches," I said while walking along the shore.
"But I had to come here the day Rosario Murillo sent me and Jolie to the past."
I checked the tracker on my wrist, looking for my ancestor's memorial stone.
"Also… the name Alder Finegan? Pretty sure he's the ancestor of my ex-friend Steven—the same guy who whined that I 'mistreated' him. Real sensitive, that one."
Teresa floated beside me, hands behind her back.
"You were sent to the past? That must have been quite the adventure."
"And Alder had descendants? Interesting… Though Blue killed him that day, maybe it was one of his siblings who carried on the bloodline."
I nodded, thinking back.
"Yeah, it was interesting. I protected Jolie from Juan Mora Porras and convinced him to let her fight with her Aztec goddess chi—something I wouldn't have done for just any friend."
"Still, what I'll never forget from that day was when Jolie hit me on the foot for asking if we were a couple."
"She at least thanked me later—with a kiss on the cheek after I defeated Ortega."
Teresa chuckled, a bit nostalgic.
"That must've hurt. But it sounds like she cares about you, Indigo. You may not be used to it, but you have a real chance with someone after all the heartbreak you've faced."
"And wow, Jolie awakened an amazing chi. I never reached that level in life, but I could hold my own with what I had."
I stopped walking, spotting a large stone in the distance.
"Yeah, she brags about it—says she's stronger than Omni-Man. Honestly, we're pretty evenly matched."
"Anyway… I think we found the memorial stone. But, uh… why the hell is there a dude over there who looks like a Tico version of Nicolás Maputo—I mean, Maduro?"
Teresa blinked.
"Who the heck is Nicolás Maduro?"
I sighed.
"A dictator. A scammer. Not exactly a genius.
Apparently, he got chi powers similar to Superman's and supposedly spent a fourth of Venezuela's budget cloning himself."
Suddenly, the man near the stone turned to us.
"Bravo, bravo, little boy. You found me."
"I was sent by my general, Maduro, to destroy this stone once we discovered you were the descendant of that autist named Blue."
"He also created multiple clones to search for the South American Thread of Love and Destiny, reportedly located in Peru. With it, we'll crush anyone who dares challenge our leader!"
He posed like some budget superhero, images of clones and a map of Peru flashing in his mind.
I cracked my knuckles.
"You're not stopping anyone. And there's no way I'm letting you destroy this national treasure, you ridiculous mustache freak!"
I dropped into a fighting stance, Mortal Kombat-style.
"Let's throw down."
The battle began.
I summoned a sword inspired by Cloud's from Final Fantasy, with multiple spinning blades. He countered with a punch to my face, breaking the right side of my mask and sending me flying into the sand. I managed to summon a shield to cushion my fall, but it shattered on impact.
Regaining my footing, I crafted tech fists and rushed in, landing multiple hits.
But he suddenly vanished—super speed. He appeared behind me and sent me crashing into a rock.
Taking advantage of my injuries, he absorbed part of my chi and grew a cybernetic arm. He then hurled me against the memorial stone with brutal force.
Lying in the sand, broken and battered, I muttered:
"He's too strong, Teresa… I feel like I'm heading to San Pedro already… Maybe I'm not cut out for this."
Teresa hovered over me, placing her hand above my chest.
"Don't give up, Indigo. You have to remember everything you've done to get here.
I've kept this for over 100 years—just for this moment."
She merged with my body, unlocking something deep within.
My form began to change. Metallic plates enveloped my skin. Jet thrusters flared up on my boots. I stood, transformed.
"Wait… what did you just do to me?"
"This is… insane. I look like a mix of Ultraman, the Iron Giant, and Optimus Prime!"
Teresa smiled.
"This is your chi's hidden form—only someone with Blue's DNA could awaken it.
But it needed a final spark… my spirit. The woman he loved since the moment they met."
"Now go. Show him what you're made of."
I clenched my fists.
"Let's do this. Time to humiliate this idiot in style."
I flew back into the fight.
The clone forged a sword similar to the one in Xenoblade Chronicles using my stolen chi, but I countered by generating a techno-blade like the one from Generator Rex, instantly breaking his weapon.
He landed several powerful punches, managing to crack my armor. One final blow nearly shattered my chest core.
In that moment, I remembered everything—my failures, my regrets, my triumphs. I wasn't who people said I was.
I summoned a cybernetic fist laced with electric discs, paralyzing him and sending him flying across the beach.
I powered down, panting.
"Damn… that fight really pushed me. Feels like the start of a new arc already.
But at least I won."
Teresa reappeared, applauding faintly.
**"You did well. The spirit of my beloved still burns within you."
"But… I think my time in this world is coming to an end."
I caught her as she began to fade.
"That's not fair—you didn't even tell me where the other fragment of the thread is!"
She chuckled softly.
**"Don't worry… it's buried somewhere in the Callejón del Beso in Guanajuato. Don't ask me how I know."
"And when the time is right… tell Jolie María Ávila Rodríguez that you love her. With all your heart.
Also, take this. I couldn't give it to Blue before he died. It's yours now… to honor your promise."
Before she vanished completely, she gave me a passionate kiss.
I staggered back, stunned.
"…Okay. That felt kinda necrophilic and weird.
But I promise you, Teresa… I'll tell her someday. Maybe not too far from now."
I looked at the fragment of the Aztec Thread, still glowing in my hand.
I turned in the clone of Maduro to the police in Puntarenas.
Then I flew home on my hoverbike, thinking of what Teresa said… and what that clone had revealed.
When I got home, Jolie was waiting with a cup of coffee.
"Hey, Indigo. How'd it go? Did you manage to work through some of that emotional baggage?"
I sat down with a tired grin.
**"Sort of. Your grandpa summoned your ancestor's ghost, and she gave me a crash course on her husband's life and death—kind of like when Vegeta blew himself up to stop Majin Buu."
"Also, I fought and defeated a clone of Nicolás Mad-dumb thanks to a new chi form she unlocked in me.
Oh, and apparently one of the Threads is in Peru. Anyway, how was your first day at UCR? From those pics you sent me, you looked like you had fun."
She sipped her coffee.
**"Yeah, it was alright. Though I did run into some addicts trying to sell me stuff."
"And I had to fight that gringo friend of yours. I tried reasoning with him—told him you didn't do anything—but he didn't listen.
Still, I stopped him without getting too hurt.
But wow… my ancestor really gave you a power-up and told you all that?"
I nodded.
**"Yeah. Oh—and it's not just the Peru thread. She also told me another fragment is buried somewhere in the Callejón del Beso."
"And, um… she kissed me on the lips before fading away. I won't go into details.
Still, maybe we should call Genesis to help us with this next part of the adventure. We haven't seen her since Cartago."
Jolie looked at the lipstick mark on my face and sighed.
"Seriously? My ancestor kissed you?
Okay, first: she's definitely a creep. Second: you reek—go take a shower. Third: yeah, let's contact Genesis and plan for Peru next Saturday. It's our key to all this."
I stood up, blushing.
"Right… I'll go shower. It's been a long day."
But from a distance… I saw Steven, glaring at me with envy.
He turned and walked away—fast—furious at the sight of someone like me… having someone like her.