"Alya! It is time! Go! Be safe in the human world. Find my son and help him save our world!" She yelled while grasping my cheeks.
"But Adhera, I do not wish to leave you," I shouted, tears flowing from my eyes.
"I know sweetie, I know," she hugged me. "Once you get to the human world use your energy to find your soulmate. Astral will be waiting for you." I nodded. I took a moment to look back before departing. I could barely hear the muffled sounds. The shockwaves rocked me, making my hair blow. My heart pounded as I watched, helpless to stop the attack on the people around me, my people. I realised, since I was their princess...they were counting on me to help save all of their lives. I had to go and find Astral...before it was too late to save them. Adhera smiled at me and urged me to leave. I frowned and flew to the human world.
I stopped flying, hovering above the lit up city below me. There were so many buildings below me, so many humans...I had no idea this world was so large and frightening. And to think that my Astral was mixed up in it...I wouldn't find him by randomly searching. But perhaps I could connect with him through the power of our bond. I closed my eyes and focused, picturing him in my mind's eye, and called out to him.
'Astral, can you hear me?'
I waited calmly, expecting a reply soon enough. I wanted to hear his calm and soothing voice again, reassuring me that he was alright, and waiting for me. But instead, all that greeted me was an eerie silence. I could not sense my beloved. He was not answering me. I fought down the fear that began to rise within me, deciding that perhaps he had just not heard me. I called again.
'Astral, my darling, please answer me! I am here trying to find you! I want to help you!'
I waited in silence, praying that he would answer me this time, telling me that he was sorry for not hearing me at first, and that he was happy to see me...that we'd see each other again soon. But no reply came. Could it be? Was he really...gone? Tears started to fill my eyes, clouding my vision. I shuddered, sniffling and trying not to cry as my mind raced. No, Astral could not be gone...he was too strong for that. Then why else would he not reply to my calls? He never ignored me.
Suddenly the answer came. Adhera, she told me that Astral had been separated from the numbers cards and his memories were taken. Perhaps he forgot how to call me. I sighed helplessly and stared down at the pavement. I guess I will have to search for him. Adhera did say that my energy and connection to him could possibly help find him. Maybe he was duelling with the chosen human child Yuma Tsukumo. I gasped as an enormous amount of energy surged through me.
Yes, I know where to find him now.
~Astral's POV~
"Yuma, win this," I said.
"You got it pal!" Yuma shouted. He prepared for an assault. "Get ready." I gasped. A familiar, yet distant voice was calling out to me. But…where was it coming from and how?
'Astral, can you hear me?' 'Astral, my darling, please answer me! I am here trying to find you! I want to help you!'
"Astral! Anything wrong?" Yuma asked me. That voice…is so familiar. Why can I not remember who this voice belongs to? I sighed. "Oh well, whatever it is I'm sure you'll tell me later, right? If you hadn't noticed, we're duelling right now" I smiled at him. I am sure if this is not a memory but a vision of this being finding me then I shall meet her soon. "It's my turn. I draw! The Comeback! Spell card."
"Use it Yuma and get Hope back!"
"I'm on it. First I'm activating the spell card Comeback! With this bad boy I can regain control of a monster on your field," Yuma yelled. "Hope, come back!"
~Alya's POV~
My search for Astral led me to a strange mansion. The energy from my husband, my soulmate was getting stronger. Astral, is definitely inside. Not wasting anymore time, I quickly flew inside. Flying through each room, I stumbled upon a certain room. Astral, my beloved, was duelling with Yuma Tsukumo. I wanted to yell, fly over and hug him tightly. I wanted him to hold me closely and tell me that we are finally together again. After years of being apart we are near one another. But I cannot just yet. The duel must finish. Astral must finish this with a win otherwise he will die. I wondered what would happen when Astral stares over in my direction and notices me watching.
"And now we can achieve victory! The path has been made!"
"Path? For what?"
"For this! Chaos number 39!" Astral yelled. That voice. I missed it so.
"Chaos number?"
"By combining Hope with its overlay units, Hope can further evolve itself. The time is now Yuma."
"Go Chaos exceeds evolution! Now get ready for Chaos Number 39. I give you Hope Ray!" Together they summoned Hope Ray. The sight was amazing. I am grateful to watch Astral duel again.
"Never the less, my Big Eye is more powerful," their opponent stated.
"Not when Hope Ray's special ability activates. By using an overlay unit it gains 500 attack points. Right now Hope Ray has three overlay units which are all about to be used. Go overlay charge! And for every overlay unit your monster loses 1000 attack points."
"That means…"
"It sure does, Hope Ray attack Big Eye! Rising Sun Chaos Slash!" It attacked and their opponent lost all of his life points. I, unlike what I thought, started cheering for them on the sidelines. As I hear Astral gasp and stare over towards me, I stopped and smiled. He could not keep his eyes off of me. He could not believe that I, another one of his kind was here in the human world. Astral stared over at his opponent and gathered the number that was taken from him. I prayed the memory he regained had something to do with me. I stared over a group of humans who were running towards Yuma and Astral.
"Hey you guys," Yuma exclaimed and ran over to them.
"He sure is amazing," the girl said. The others soon joined in and expressed their thanks to Astral, who had moved to the side.
"Hey, why are you guys all about Astral right now? What about me? Forget it, I'm going home," Yuma walked off. Astral stared towards me. I stared back and smiled. Should I…fly over? I was too shaken to move. The being with whom I have apart from and have missed was staring towards me. But there was a possibility that he did not know who I was. I now had the chance to fly over and hug him, but I do not want to frighten him. He has lost his memories. I sighed deeply and slowly flew over to him. His eyes did not leave mine. When I reached to where he was, we stayed in silence.
"W-Who are you?" he exclaimed. I smiled, knowing he did not remember me.
"D-Do you remember me? Anything about me? Even just my name?" Astral stared into my eyes as he searched his memories for the slightest information he could possibly have that included me. The human being Yuma Tsukumo walked over to us.
"Astral? Do you know her?" he said. Yuma's friends stared at us. Even though they could not see me, I felt a little un-easy. I sighed and put my head down knowing the answer was a no. I felt his hand cup my cheek as he slowly pushed my chin up.
"A-Alya? Is that you?" I gasped.
"Y-You remember me?"
"Sadly, I…only remember your name, your face and the fact that you and I…we are close. Is that correct?" I sighed.
"Yes, that is correct," I stated.
"Are you a family member of mine? Sister? A friend?" he asked. I giggled and smiled.
"I am apart of your family, but I am not technically related to you," I said. He looked dumbfounded. Maybe he does not remember anything about the love between two beings.
"During the duel, I received two what it appeared to be messages from someone. That voice was you. Did you…?"
"Yes, I did. I sent those messages in hope to find you," I said.
"In those messages, you called me your darling. In this world, the word is used in an affectionate form of address to a beloved being." I smiled.
"That is correct. I am your soulmate…and you are mine," I said smiling.
"Did she just say soulmate?!" Yuma yelled. I stared over at him.
"Yes, I did."
"Soulmate? Yuma, what's going on?" the girl exclaimed.
"I am sorry Alya, but we must continue this conversation later. Yuma, I suggest you and your friends go home. I will talk to Alya inside the key," Astral stated. He stared towards me. "Are you able to travel within the key with me?" I nodded. He took my hand. "Come inside. I would like to get to know you more."
"That's fine Astral. I'll see you tomorrow," Yuma said. "And you too Alya." I smiled. Astral squeezed my hand and dragged me inside the key.
While in the key there was a moment of silence as Astral stared at me curiously. Knowing him, he could not comprehend how I travelled here and why. I smiled at him. He gave me a warm smile.
"Knowing you, you are wondering why I am here and how." He gasped. "Well, to answer your questions, I am here to help you and as for how I just flew here. It is not that hard for us to travel."
"Alya, how did you know that I lost my memories?" he asked curiously waiting for an answer. I smiled.
"Your mother, she told me that you were separated from the numbers cards and lost your memories. That is one reason why I offered to find and help you," I stated. Astral gave me another curious stare.
"What is the other reason?" he asked me. My next reason should be obvious. I missed him. It has been so long since he left within the key around Yuma's neck.
"The other reason, is because I missed you," I gave a warm smile. He looked startled, like he did not realise that he had beings that cared for him.
"You…missed me?" I nodded.
"Yes, I did. So does everyone else back home," I replied.
"Home…as in…the Astral World?" He asked curiously.
"Yes, that is our home," I answered.
"Alya, you mentioned that we are soul mates, what does that entail?" I smiled. I have never lied to the being I love and I am not starting today. Although, something tells me that he might not believe me. From the evidence of his actions, I can honestly say that he trusts me.
"Love…is there love in this world?"
"Love? There are different kinds of love in this world. Love between a parent and a child, between families, friends, and between two people, mostly between a female and a male," he stated. In the many years that he has left, he has learnt the customs of this world. "Which kind of love are we?"
"The love between a female and a male, that is the kind we are," I said. "In a romantic way"
"Romantic?"
"Yes, well does Yuma have parents?" I asked him.
"He does, but they are not around. Are we like them?" I wondered to myself what had happened to them. Did they die? Or are they away somewhere? Well, whatever happened to them they must have loved and cared for each other as well as Yuma and the rest of their family.
"I guess. Are they in love?"
"I have never met his parents. Therefore I have never seen them interact. I cannot say whether they are in love or not," Astral said with a hint of sadness. Astral, before the mission, he was always a caring and loving being. So, it would not phase me if he and Yuma had the slightest hint of friendship.
"I see, well while I am here you will remember our lives together as well as our families. I will help you. Do not worry," I smiled.
"Thank you. I really hope so. I would like to remember my family, friends and you of course," he smiled. He floated closer. My heart raced as his hand touched my cheek. "Please, tell me more about our lives." My eyes sunk as I gave him a warm smile.
"What exactly would you like to know?" He stroked my cheek before letting his hand slide off my face.
"Are you the only one who came to the human world besides me?" he first asked me.
"Yes, I am the only one who came to help you. Your mother must stay to help everyone we know," I smiled. "She is the Queen after all."
"My mother is the Queen?" I nodded.
"Yes, she is the Queen of our world and that makes us, the Prince and Princess of our world," I replied. It saddens me that he does not remember his mother. Adhera would be saddened. "Do you remember her name at all?" He shook his head lightly.
"I do not. During an earlier memory I regained I heard a woman's voice. She was there during my birth," he frowned.
"That would have been her. Her name is Adhera. She is a very kind being and a great leader," I smiled thinking of Adhera and the way she is. She loved me from the moment Astral and I met. I still remember that day. I noticed Astral stare deep into my eyes. He saw the glint of happiness that was flowing through my mind. If only I could show him my memories. But, there is no way. He will have to regain them himself. I can only tell him of our time together.
"Alya, do you know the mission I have been given?" I gasped slightly. He does not remember it? I sighed. I can only tell him what I know.
"How many numbers have you regained?"
"Nine, as of today," he answered, "Alya, please answer me. I must know. All I know that this mission is of the utmost importance. The sooner I recall the information, I can act upon it. Please, tell me." I stared into his eyes. He was lost. All he wants is to remember everything he lost. He had so much worry, so much anguish, he was afraid he will not save our world. If only I knew what the mission exactly was.
"Unfortunately, I do not know much about the mission. Your mother was the one who told you what you had to do," I smiled giving him some reassurance. He saddened. "But, you are on the right track. All I know is that you must work with Yuma Tsukumo to save our world from the evil that has been attacking our world. As long as you collect those numbers and build up your friendship with Yuma, you will be fine." I placed my hand on his cheek. "Do not worry darling." I leaned in and kissed his lips. He was startled but gently kissed me back. His lips were just as warm and inviting as I remembered. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to me. He rested his hands on my waist. I broke the kiss. He stared at me with confusion.
"W-What exactly was that? It was as if my stress went away for just a few seconds" he stuttered. I let out a giggle.
"That was a kiss darling. It is a form of expression of love. Have you seen human's kiss?" I asked.
"Only in the distance, have we…done that before?"
"Yes, we have. Many times," I answered. I noticed he was feeling a bit uncomfortable with my arms still around him. I let go of him and blushed. "Sorry if that was uncomfortable for you." He brushed away a strand of hair behind my ear and held my cheek in his hand. I stared into his eyes wondering what he was doing. He leaned in and kissed me. This time I was confused, but I did not let that phase me. I kissed him back. I let him know how much I missed him. By that one simple kiss we shared, he trusted me. He knew that we were in love in the Astral World. Judging by the kiss, he is also determined to regain the love he had for me in the human world during this mission. He broke the kiss. I stared into his eyes smiling. He did not know how much I missed being like this with him. It has been so long. He gave me a warm smile.
"Strangely, I do not feel so alone anymore. Thank you for coming to help and keep me company, Alya. You have only been here in this world for a few hours and you have earned my trust. I know now that I am loved and I have others waiting for my safe return home," he stated. I smiled.
"Of course you do," I replied with a smile. I leaned in one last time and kissed him again. He kissed back. It feels amazing to be able to be with Astral like this again. "So, you have got to tell me. What is Yuma like?" I floated back a little. Astral and I were about a metre apart now.
"Well, he is my Numbers hunter. From my observations, he is weird, an idiot, has tactics that are far inferior to my own in duelling, and does not understand the females of his species," he commented. I missed his observations.
"I really have missed your observations," I said. Since we met Astral has always used observations as a way of remembering. In our world, I believe he was at 278. "Did you continue counting or start up a new observation report?"
"What do you mean?"
"Back home, the last I remember was your 278th observation. Did you continue or start from one again?" I asked. "Knowing you, you started form the beginning again. Since this is a new world, with different observations."
"You are correct," he smiled. "You know so much about me, but I do not know much about you. Since I lost my memories, I cannot remember much. Could you tell me more about yourself and our lives?"
"I guess I could," I answered. "What would you like to know?"
"First thing, how did we meet?" He asked me. I smiled at the memory. Astral and I were both young at the time.
"We were very young. Six years old actually," I explained.
"Young? I do not recall myself as a young child," he said.
"You will eventually," I reassured. I explained that in our world, we are bound by our soul mates. We do not have any other choice but to be with them. I told him that when I was young, he did not believe in our customs. I believed that it would have been easier to find love differently and by ourselves. "I remember you finding me and taking me back to your mother saying that you found your soulmate. You released your grip and I ran away to a place where no one could find me. Except one being"
"Who found you?" he asked me curiously. I smiled.
"You," I said. He lightly gasped. "You took my hand, sat with me and told me that you did not believe any of this either. But you were willing to try. You politely asked me to trust you, that you would not pressure me or hurt me. You told me that if we were truly meant to be that love would just take its course. I agreed. After that, you picked me up in your arms and took me home."
"Interesting," he commented. "I have not regained a memory of my childhood as of yet." I sighed sadly as he tried to remember any memory of his childhood.
"I am sorry sweetie. Are there any other questions?" I asked. He nodded. "Ask away."
"You mention my mother, but not of my father. What is he like?" he asked me. I did not know how to tell him that his father died during another war protecting him. I sighed and looked away. "Alya? What is wrong?"
"I am sorry. Do you remember anything about him? His face or name?" He took a moment to search his remaining memories. After a minute of thinking, he shook his head. "Your father he…he died during a previous war. It was the first war that you joined him on. He was so afraid of losing you, that when you were almost attacked, he flew in front of you in an attempt to protect you. In return, he died saving you." Astral's eyes sunk. I floated closer and put one hand on his cheek. He glanced up. "Do not worry. Your father was a brilliant being and leader. He will be remembered for all eternity." As many times as I have said not to worry, I cannot feel worried myself. If Astral regained that memory, or if I have no choice but to tell him, I will be afraid. After all, I feel partially responsibly for King Atlas' death. Astral wanted to badly to help his father during a war. He said he was ready to serve, fight and protect our world. I thought I'd talk to his father about letting him join him. After a few days of talking and Atlas protesting, I finally convinced him to let Astral join him. Although, if Astral did not go, his father would still be alive and back home waiting for Astral's safe return.
"What was his name?" he asked.
"Atlas, King Atlas," I answered. He smiled lightly. I took a moment to stare around the atmosphere of the Emperor's Key. The key may be a small artefact but it holds an enormous place filled with a blue background of all shades and bright moving lights. In the centre, there was a structured that looks similar to a spaceship. I floated over to the structure. "Even though I have not been here for long, this place reminds me of our home. A beautiful and peaceful place" I felt Astral float beside me.
"Alya, would you know of this structure? What it does? And what I am meant to do with it?" I felt his eyes stare at me.
"I do not know Astral. As I have said before, anything about this mission was privately exchanged between you and your mother," I explained. Astral took my hand. I blushed lightly.
"That is fine Alya. Now, would you like to be properly introduced to Yuma?" I smiled and gripped Astral's hand. I nodded. "Come on" He dragged me out of the key. What wonders and adventures will await me in this world. I am sure Yuma and Astral will be my guide. Once we were out of the key, Yuma was asleep within his hammock. Astral glanced at the clock on the wall. "Yuma! Yuma!" Yuma screamed and sat up.
"I STOLE NOTHING," he yelled. His yelling scaring me a little, I grabbed Astral's arm. Yuma stared over at us. "Oh, it's just you two."
"Yuma, I would like to formally introduce you to Alya. As she said yesterday, she is my soulmate. She has come to help me with this mission," Astral said holding on to my waist.
"It is very nice to finally meet you Yuma," I smiled. "I have heard so much about you." Yuma jumped up and just like that I was bombarded with questions.
"What did Astral tell you? Did he say I was a bad duellist? Did he?" he said. I turned to Astral.
"Is he always like this?" I asked him. He simply nodded.
"Hey! Don't ignore me," he yelled at me.
"Yuma! That is no way to speak to Alya. She is here to help me. Apologise, now," Astral demanded. Yuma sighed.
"You're right," he said and stared back at me. "I'm sorry Alya. I get cranky when I wake up."
"It is no problem Yuma," I smiled. Yuma smiled back and then turned his attention to the same clock on the wall. He shrieked.
"Ah! I'm late! Again," he yelled.
"Late for what?" I asked curiously. Yuma ran into another room and came out in different clothes.
"He goes to school Alya. Yuma goes there five days a week and is taught about certain subjects. Well, he does not listen in class. He usually sleeps," Astral commented. Yuma glared at Astral before running off to school. As Astral and I followed Yuma to school, Yuma asked us if we could give his privacy during his lessons. I pouted. I wanted to see what exactly human's learn during school. 'Another time' Yuma said. I guess I will have to wait. In the mean time, it will give me more time to spend with the one I have been missing, Astral.