Syns: Hey guys!

Dairey: We are finally back. Soooooo sorry for the long waiting O~o

Syns: We had some problem with the making of the chapter. Seems we couldn't find the wright way to write down. And some point we weren't happy the way it was going and such.

Dairey: Call it one of those annoying 'wrinting block

Syns: After a while were finally got it right and here is the result.

Dairey: ENJOY! :)

The sun was slowly starting to descent above the great city, signaling everyone that the night was close at hand.

Sitting inside his room Astral turned over the page of his book. It was one of the books he read when he didn't need sleep or had no administrative work to do. Reading books was one of Astral favorite activities. If it wasn't for his royal duties he would spend hours and hours reading books on information and facts.

Unfortunately this time he couldn't quite enjoy it as usual.

Once and awhile Astral looked up from his book. His mismatched eyes carefully watched the sleeping silhouette lying on his dark blue king size bed before they returned back to the page of the book.

It have been a week since Prince Black Mist had tried to sexually assault poor Yuma. And just like Queen Yasseya had said King Zuntrhal wasn't about to let Black Mist go off this easily.

At first Astral thought his father was going to ground Black Mist to the palace. Meaning he couldn't leave his room only for royal duties. Even with dinner he had to remain within his room. But Zuntrhal had another idea in mind. He found grounding his son to his room was not much of a punishment since Black Mist spend most of his time in his room. To Black Mist it wouldn't change a thing.

So instead of grounding his son he came up with a better punishment.

He decided to send Black Mist on trade missions.

Of course most were very surprised when they heard Zuntrhal's decision. Some didn't see how this could be a punishment. But what most of them didn't know that Zuntrhal knew more then anyone how much Black Mist hated trade missions.

And they weren't small errands across or near the capital. No, Zuntrhal was sending him to far away and different destinations. So far away it would take months before Black Mist would return. And to make sure Black Mist didn't tried to ran off and did what he has been told Zuntrhal formed a small delegation with council Argo and some of his most loyal soldiers to join the Prince on his journey.

The King was hopping that sending Black Mist on this journey may not only help him realizing what he had done but also may change his attitude for the best.

He also thought with Black Mist away for a while it would put some ease on Yuma.

And so after 3 days after the assault Black Mist left the palace for his punishment mission. Astral and Carissca wanted to see Black Mist's departure and luckily the balcony above the courtyard had offered them the perfect view without facing Black Mist face to face. Both saw how King Zuntrhal said some last words to Argo before they climbed on their horse and started to ride out of the courtyard.

Queen Yasseya had decided not to come down to say goodbye. Despite what Black Mist had done; he still was and remained her son. So of course she was deeply sadden that he had to leave the palace for such a long time.

Carisca on the other hand had a small yet noticeable smirk on her lips when her eyes felt on the disdained look on the black Prince's face before they ride out of the palace courtyard.

Astral also felt pleased by his twin brothers departure despite that he knew his brother would be back one day. But at least for now he was satisfied that Black Mist couldn't get any near Yuma. Or that Yuma didn't had to be afraid of accidentally bumping into him.

Astral's ears twitched when they caught a soft whimpering sound. His eyes immediately tore away from the page to the source of the sound. It felt on the silhouette on his bed. The sheets lying over the body moved up and down as the figure tossed and turned while the whimpers changed into desperate cries and pleads.

"N-no...don't."

Astral quickly lay the book down on the desk before standing up and quickly headed towards the bed. A sad sigh escaped his lips when he was greeted with a familiar yet sorely sight.

In his bed lay Yuma trapped in what seems to be a horrible nightmare. His forehead wet from the sweat while his body turned and trembled.

"No...no..stop." Yuma sobbed.

Astral sat down next to the boy placing his hands on the boy's shoulders. "Yuma? Yuma." Astral said softly, gently shaking Yuma shoulders in an effort to wake him up. Sadly Astral's effort wasn't good enough as Yuma remained within his horrible dream. Meanwhile the boy's pleads became louder and more desperate.

"No! Please don't!" Yuma cried, tears falling from his tight shut eyes. "P-please stop! Don't..Black Mi-ist!"

"Yuma. Please wake up. It's just a nightmare." Astral soothed,shaking Yuma's shoulder a little bit rougher. "It's not real."

"No! No..don't! No! No! No!"

Desperately Astral tried to shook Yuma one more time while saying loudly: "Yuma, wake up!"

"NOOOOO!"

With a agonizing yell Yuma shot up from the bed; sweat ran down his face while he breath heavily short breaths. His red eyes wide open were glassy and blurry but Astral was still able to see them filled terror and fear.

After several seconds sitting there completely frozen Yuma finally realize someone was holding him. With the nightmare still fresh in his mind Yuma tried to push the hands away. "No... L-leave me alone." Yuma sobbed.

In response Astral wrapped his arms around Yuma's back and held him close. But he made sure he didn't held not to tight so that Yuma didn't feel like he was trapped. "Yuma it's me, Astral. Everything is alright now. I was nothing but a nightmare. Please calm down." Astral shushed, rubbing comforting circles on Yuma's back feeling his pajama drenched by cold sweat.

It didn't take long for Yuma to realize who was holding him. When he did Astral felt Yuma's body relax instantly in his embrace

"S-sorry about that Astral." Yuma sobbed, feeling bad for pushing Astral away like that.

"Don't worry about it Yuma. It's fine." Astral simple said still rubbing circles.

He continued doing this soothing motion until he heard Yuma's sobs slowly subdue into quit hiccups. He didn't need to ask what the nightmare was about. He already know. It was the same nightmare that had been haunting Yuma's dreams every single night since the attack.

Astral still could hear the terrified scream of Yuma the night after the attack. He and his mother had gone to his room to talk more about assault leaving Yuma to his rest when it happened. Without hesitation Astral and Queen Yasseya quickly had entered Yuma's room to find the boy sitting straight on the bed, up his back pressed against headboard hugging his legs close to his chest crying and on the verge of hyperventilating.

At that time Astral stood frozen at the door being uncertain of what he should do. So the Queen told him urgently to get some water while she headed to Yuma's bed. When he returned from his room; where he knew a can of water stood was standing on his desk; he saw his mother trying to calm down the boy by saying sweet words to him while softly stroking.

She remained holding while he apologized over and over again. Which Astral didn't understand. With all the knowledge he had he still couldn't find out the reason behinds Yuma's constant apologizing.

It was after the words 'I tried to stop him, but I couldn't' that Astral finally realize what the problem was. He whispered his suspicion into his mother's ear. Queen Yasseya's eyes widen in shock before looking back at Yuma with sad sympathy.

Astral suspected Yuma had been dreaming about the assault. Only in Yuma's dream Astral believed the ending had changed drastically for the worst.

They tried tell Yuma that he was able to escape before things got worse and what he had seen was nothing but a nightmare. Sadly enough Yuma didn't believe them.

To Yuma the nightmare felt and looked to real for him. He felt the cold clammy touches of Black Mist's clawing hands shredded his clothes. How those cold pulsing tentacles ran over his body. Slowly going lower until they...

It was all to realistic for being just a dream.

So realistic that it took Astral and Yasseya a lot of time and effort to finally convince Yuma that it truly was a horrible nightmare. And when they finally did all Yuma could do is cry out of pure relief in the arms of the Queen.

But sadly enough it didn't stay with that one time. Ever since that night Yuma was haunted by the same sort of nightmare. Even when Black Mist had left the palace the nightmares just continued. Where Astral always had to calm down and comfort Yuma like his mother did that night.

Sure now he knew how he could help Yuma after the nightmare happens. But deep down Astral wished that he was more able free Yuma from these terrible nightmares. There has even been a whole night where Yuma barely slept.

He looked down to sniffing boy sighing mentally when he saw the dark circles beneath Yuma's dead tired bloodshot eyes. The typical signs from the lack of sleep. And it was because Yuma's lack of sleep Astral started to get more and more worried about Yuma. If this continued Yuma's health could get into serious problem.

Some of Yuma's friends had asked Dextra if she couldn't compose a sleeping medicine for Yuma. But since Yuma had trouble with these nightmares Dextra strongly not recommended it. If Yuma had a nightmare they wouldn't be able to wake him until the medicine wears off. Trapping him in his worst fears for the whole night. Something even Astral didn't want put Yuma through.

Astral had even thought that by being close at Yuma when he sleep it would put some ease on Yuma's mind causing him to have lesser nightmare. That was the reason Yuma was sleeping in his bed.

To his greatest regret even this idea wasn't enough. The nightmare just returned like they always. But if all of this didn't work he didn't know what else could?

His thoughts got interrupted when he heard a soft mumbling.

"Did you say something Yuma?"

"Yeah, that I wished those nightmares will just go away." Yuma muttered sadly.

Oh, how much Astral was wishing the same thing. He even wished the whole ordeal didn't happen. Astral mostly blamed himself for this. He should have foresee this. After all he remembered how alluring his brother spoke about Yuma when he first met the boy.

He even recalled how Black Mist told him to have 'fun' with him.

The only part that did surprised him was how careless Black Mist carried out his intention. Did his brother really believed that this wasn't going to get out? Was his ego that big? Or had he planned something out to make sure Yuma wouldn't tattle.

But right now Astral had to push those pondering thoughts away and focus more on Yuma's problem.

He already asked everyone he could think about. Carisca, Dextra, Yuma's friends; although some of them were rather speechless. He even asked Kaito, with who he had a good connection, but all of them couldn't provide him the necessary help. Even the ideas of his father and mother didn't help.

Suddenly a idea came to Astral. Maybe his mother didn't had the remedy but perhaps...

"Yuma?"

"Mh? Yes Astral." Yuma said sleepy.

"What did your mother do when you had a nightmare?" Astral asked.

"Mom? She usually did what you are doing right now. Trying to calm me down and tell me that it was just a dream. But then of course I didn't had a nightmare that always came back." Yuma explained.

"But what about a nightmare that scared you so much that you were to afraid to go asleep?"

Yuma blinked. He had to dig deep into his memories to answer this question. It was so that he didn't had so much of a problem with nightmares when he still had his family.

"Well, it isn't quite the same but there was a time when I was a little Kari tried to pull a prank with me as a payback. She tried to scare me by telling me a story that truly happen of a family in our house before we lived there. Turned out to be a horror story that she completely made up but I believed her. I believed it so much that I was to afraid to fall asleep that night. Mom and dad weren't happy with Kari when they found out as they tried to convince me that it wasn't real. After a while dad came with a idea. They brought us-"

"By meaning 'us' you also mean that even Kari came along?" Astral asked.

"Yeah, she did felt bad and wanted to help when she notice that her prank worked out to good. So they took us outside, wrapped us in blankets so we didn't get cold and lay on our backs to look up into the sky. There was no cloud in the sky so there was a beautiful stars sky. Then dad and mom began to show us some constellations. After while dad started to create stories with them. Meanwhile my mother hummed a soft lullaby. I was so focused on dad his stories and mum singing that I completely forgot about creepy story that I felt asleep without worries. I even didn't get any nightmare of it." Yuma said.

Astral nodded knowingly. Like Yuma said it wasn't the exact same situation but maybe this method was just what Yuma needed. Maybe this kind of 'distracting before falling asleep' could help Yuma from his nightmares problem.

Only question was: what could he use to distract Yuma.

"I loved staring at the stars with my family. It was always something I was looking forward to. All those stars shinning in the sky, making it look like a thousand diamonds in the sky. And then mom holding me; singing softly. And then dad with his amazing stories." Yuma said with a sad smile.

This is where Astral suddenly got an idea. He unwrapped his arms from Yuma, who looked at him puzzling. He first floated to his desk and then he went to one of his cabinets and took out some blankets.

"Euhm, Astral?" Yuma said confused when he saw Astral taking the blankets.

"You can keep your nightclothes on but you better put some shoes on." Astral only said.

Hearing this Yuma's confusion grew even more. "Huh, why? What are you-"

"It all will become clear soon Yuma. But for now I ask you to trust me please." Astral said.

Perplexed but having trust in Astral Yuma stepped out of Astral's bed and did what Astral instructed him. When he finished putting his shoes on Astral took one of his hands; while holding the blankets under his other arm; and started to guide Yuma to the location that was unknown to Yuma.

Surprisingly; but thankfully at the same since he was dressed in his pajama, they didn't walk into any guards while silently Astral escort Yuma through the many hallways of the palace. After walking for a while Yuma started to get curious again.

"Astral where are you taking me?" Yuma asked.

Without answering Astral just led him around one last corner to end up in an dead ending hallway. This only puzzled Yuma even of all places would Astral led him here?

Astral let go of Yuma's hand and floated closer to the wall. Yuma then saw Astral placing a hand on one of the wall bricks and held it their for several seconds before hearing a rumble noise. Then something amazing happened. Yuma yelped in surprise when the wall suddenly moved back and slide at the side to reveal a secret staircase.

"What the huh?!" Yuma exclaimed.

Astral placed a finger on lips. "Shh, you better remain silent Yuma." Astral whispered.

"But, but..."

"Like I said before it will all become clear soon. Please be patience for just a couple minutes." Astral assured him.

After a short soft whine Yuma gave in with sigh. If there was something he didn't like it was secrecy but for now he had no choice then to wait. "Fine." Yuma muttered with a pout.

Astral almost chuckled of the sight of Yuma's pout. He looked like a kid that didn't get his promised present. But he knew the wall didn't stay open long so they needed to press on. With Yuma right behind them they began to walk up the staircase while the stone wall moved back to his original place.

Yuma had no ideas where this spiral staircase was leading them but he what he did know for certain that they were going somewhere high. Somewhere among the climb Yuma had lost the count around step 80 and they where still climbing.

Almost out of breath and wondering if they ever reach the top of stairs Yuma was happy to finally see the stairs ending at an old wooden door. Opening the door with loud squeak Astral signaled Yuma to go first. When Yuma stepped through the door he immediately got hit by the cool air from outside. Shivering slightly Yuma wrapped his arms around him. He was about to rub his arms to get warmer when he felt something soft and warm being wrapped around him.

To his surprise he saw it was one of the blankets Astral had brought with him.

When Astral notice Yuma shivering he unfolded one blanket and wrapped it around Yuma. "Now you see why I took these blankets with me. They are very useful here." Astral said.

Yuma smiled thankfully. "Yeah, good call. But where is 'here'?" Looking around all Yuma saw was a large round balcony roofed with an iron rooftop. Why would Astral bring here?

"Right now we are the highest tower of the palace." Astral answered.

"Really?"

Astral nodded, floated towards the balustrade "Come here and you will see it for yourself."

Yuma walked towards the balustrade. When he stood next to Astral his eyes widen in astonishment while a loud gasp escaped from his lips.

What he saw was just amazing for words. Astral had spoken the truth. They were indeed at the highest tower of the palace. Which gave them a wide view not only of the capital city below them but also it surroundings. The miles of countryside and open green fields. Even the Forest of Hope, the closest forest to the capital, which was a day of stepping away from the capital city was perfect visual for Yuma.

"It seems we are very lucky today. It's rare to have such perfect far wide view. Must be because of the crystal clear sky." Astral said.

Yuma was to astonished and amazed about the view before him he didn't say a word. He only stood there; mouth wide open and eyes wide as dinner plates. It was when Astral waved his hand in front of Yuma, to see if Yuma was still there, he exclaimed: "Tthis..is...just...AMAZING!"

Excited Yuma leaned over the balustrade. "Just look at the view! I can not only see the whole city from up here! But also it's surroundings! The open fields, the countryside...wow I can even see Forest of Hope! I am seeing the whole world from up here!"

"I doubt that is possible Yuma. The earth is to big for you to see it whole from up here." Astral stated out.

Yuma groaned. "It's just another matter of speaking Astral." He then turned to Astral. "But what is what you wanted to show me.

Without saying anything Astral spread down the other blanket on the balustrade, floated up a little so he was able to sit down on the balustrade. Most people would say it was dangerous to sit on a balustrade at this high. That is why this one was build broad so it was possible for persons to sit on it safely without having the fear to fall off, then he gestured for Yuma to sit next to him.

Once Yuma sat next to Astral his eyes felt on the sun that was disappearing behind the horizon. It bathed the scenery in all of kind of various colors like orange, red, purple and gold. As beautiful it was when the sun finally had set and the sky started to grow dark Yuma still wonder why Astral would bring him here just to watch that.

"This isn't what I wanted to show you" Astral suddenly said.

It was so sudden that it made Yuma jump in surprise. /What the?! I didn't even say anything yet!Grrr. How does he do that? How does he always known what thinking! /

"That is what I wanted to show you." Astral continued as he pointed towards the sky.

When Yuma looked up he gasped for the second time ever since he got up here. The sky above them was filled with twinkling shinning stars making it look like sky was a dark blue blanket set with thousand of sparkling diamonds.

"Waaaauuuuwww." Yuma blurted out. "So many stars! It got to be millions, no bizllion-trillion-shibillion stars!"

A little, but sincere smile was on Astral's lips as he gazed on Yuma's super-excited enthusiasm reaction. Although he found Yuma's reaction was a little bit over the top he couldn't help but smile. He rather found it...cute in some way.

"Didn't you have this kind of view from your home? Or that 'improved' home after you lost your family? I believed you told me it was on a high place." Astral wondered.

"Yeah, but I never had a perfect view like this. We only were able to see a part of the sky because of all th trees. And with my hideout I had to be careful to make sure the surrounding buildings who where higher then the one I was staying didn't notice me. If they had seen me they might had send me away. So I usually stay hidden inside my tent." Yuma explained.

After Yuma's explanation they both turned there attention to the stars. And just like Yuma's father did once Astral started to named and show several constellations.

Yuma listen quietly to the information and stories Astral was telling. He was impressed by how much Astral knew. Sure he couldn't make stories like his dad could. But most of the stars and constellations had a legend or a myth behind them and Astral knew them very well.

It was when Yuma thought about his father that suddenly made him realize something. It finally came aware to Yuma what Astral really was doing.

He was doing what had told about what his parents once did when Kari scared him with a creepy story. It was now clear to him that Astral was using the trick his parents as he was trying to help Yuma about his nightmares.

"Astral may I ask something?" Yuma suddenly asked.

"What then Yuma?"

"Well this place were we are now. Why was the entrance hidden?" Yuma asked curious.

"It is hidden because only members of the royal family knows about the entrance. There aren't many people who even knows there is a balcony in this tower, they think the tower was only build as a status symbol." Astral revealed.

"But why?"

"It was created so that anyone of the royal family had a place to go if they needed a place to be at peace." Astral explained.

"Oh, so you mean if they needed a break they could come here to were nobody could disturb them but also where they could be safe from assassins. I mean if they were alone nobody could help them if they got attacked. I guess that is also the reason why almost nobody knows about it." Yuma said.

"Correct Yuma. Also very observant of you about the part of assassins." Astral said causing the Yuma to chuckle proudly.

"B-but Astral if that is true why did you...showed it to me?" Yuma asked.

"Well I knew the only place were we could have a perfect view to the sky like this was this one. And the other reason is the same why I told you all about the meeting on the first day you became my servant. I trust you." Astral answered.

"You...trust me?" Yuma slowly said.

Astral just simple nodded before he continuing on his telling. While Astral kept on talking he didn't notice Yuma was only listening half to him. His other half was in a deep though, wondering about something. Bitting on lips Yuma came to conclusion he needed to straight something out with Astral.

"A-Astral." Yuma said quietly but Astral did hear it.

"What is it Yuma? Why are speaking so quiet?" Astral asked.

"I..I have not being completely honest with you." Yuma said sightly nervous.

The news surprised Astral immensely. He blinked rapidly completely taken aback by the thought of Yuma lying to him. "What do you mean?"

"About the nightmare. I haven't told you...everything." Yuma said timidly.

This puzzled Astral even more. What and why did Yuma hold something from him? It didn't made any sense to him.

As seeing Astral's confused face Yuma decided not to linger any longer. "Don't understand me wrong I didn't hold anything back from the part when Black Mist..well you know." Yuma shivered for a second. "It was what happens at the very end I didn't tell."

"Then what happens at the end?" Astral asked.

"Someone else appears in front of us." Yuma answered.

This was new."Who appeared?" Astral asked.

For a couple seconds Yuma remained silent before he whispering one word: "You."

"M-me!" Astral gasped with wide eyes. "I appeared in your nightmare." It all didn't make sense to him. Why one earth would he appear in Yuma's nightmare of his brother molesting him?

"Y-yes you did. I reached out to you ready to ask your help but..."

"But what?" Astral urgent when he felt Yuma hesitating.

"But..when my eyes felt on your face I felt my voice die away. Y-you were looking at me with such disdained look I-I...but it was you said afterwards that really shattered all my hope. 'You disgust me. I never want to see you again. Why on earth would I keep a dirty servant as you.' And then you turn around and float away. I scream not to..b-but you just leave anyway." Yuma said, his voice cracking while he tried his utter best to prevent from breaking into tears.

/No! No..don't! No! No! No! NOOOOO!/

Now hearing this revelation Astral finally understand the meaning behind those words. Yuma always woke up shouting those exact same words while everything before it always altered. Astral had always thought that was that it ended with Black Mist succeeding in his act.

"But, Yuma why?." Astral said. "Why did you never told me? Why did you kept it a secret for me?"

"Because I was...afraid." Yuma answered.

"Afraid? Afraid of what?"

"Afraid that you would do what you did in the nightmare." Yuma added.

For a second Astral froze, staring at Yuma with a expression Yuma couldn't make out. Was is it disbelief or shock? Or was it hurt? Yuma didn't know because without saying a word Astral stared down.

Believing Astral was in fact agitated by his words Yuma buried his head in his hands and started to sob loud. "I know! I know! It all sounds stupid when you hear it right now! B-but still I was too afraid to tell you! I am sorry, I am so so SO sorry!" Yuma wailed in utter grief.

Without thinking Astral responded immediately when he saw Yuma was having a mental breakdown. He pulled Yuma close to him and wrapped his arms around Yuma shaking shoulders.

"Shhhh." Astral hushed. "It's okay Yuma. Please calm down."

"How could it be okay?! I dreamed you would send me away! Even after all what you have done! Especially after the assault! You did nothing but caring and supporting me! Even now you still trying to make me feel better. And all I could think about was-"

"I don't blame you for thinking I would." Astral suddenly interrupted.

Yuma's sobs stopped instantly. Removing his hands of his face Yuma stared at Astral. /Did I just hear it wrong or did Astral just said he didn't 'blame' me for thinking he would?/

"Don't understand me wrong Yuma I don't mean that I would have done it. But I understand why you thought I would." Astral then let out a sad sigh. "I guess they are right after all."

"'They are right'? Who is 'they'? And right about what" Yuma asked puzzled.

"I am talking about how everyone in the kingdom sees me." Astral answered as he remembered Drake's words on the night of the attack.

"How they see you?"

Although Drake was the first person who openly said to him about the people murmur and whispering about him Astral was no fool. "I know how the whole kingdom sees me as the emotionless prince that doesn't understand about the matter of the heart. I have heard the gossips and talking behind my back. They may think I am oblivious to it but I assure you I know all about them for years." Astral

Was Yuma now imagining things or did he saw a glimmer of hurt in Astral's eyes when he mention the gossips?

"That is probably the reason you thought I would send you away."

"W-what? Now hold-"

"Like I said I don't blame you."

"No, w-wait-"

"I see now. I'm afraid I am partly to blame for this. I should have know there was more to it then my brother's assault. After all your nightmares continued even after he left. I knew it was fear that caused your nightmares but I never lay the link then beside my brother. I was thinking to logical." Astral said. " If I wasn't this...emotionless you wouldn't have suffer so much."

"STOP IT!" Yuma shouted, pulling himself away from the hug.

Jumped by Yuma's sudden harsh movement Astral stared astonishingly at Yuma with his arms still up. Tears were still running over Yuma's cheeks but his expression had change from sadness and grief to determination.

"Y-Yuma?"

"Just stop! Stop saying those stupid things!" Yuma retorted.

He then began to poke Astral's chest. "Now you listen to me. You're NOT emotionless! And you are certainly not heartless!" Yuma snapped. " I don't care what they say about you and neither should you."

Astral shook his head, trying to regain his composure. "But..they are right. I am not the wisest when it comes to expressing or understanding emotions." Astral said.

Yuma let our a groan. "Astral if you really were heartless then answer me this: why would you save me? Why would you give me home? Why would you try to make me feel better after what Black Mist? If you truly are that cold as they say you are then explain to me why you would you do all of this? You got a logical, non-emotion explanation for that? Mhhh?"

Astral opened his mouth about to give Yuma his answer. Until all a sudden he realize that he didn't had as Yuma put it a logical, non-emotion explanation for it. Without saying a word Astral closed his mouth.

"Not finding one, huh. Then allow me. It means you do have a heart. With emotions and everything with it. You do care Astral. You just have a trouble of showing it. That's all." Yuma said.

"But why did you thought I would send you away?" Astral demanded.

"It wasn't because I thought you were heartless it was because... I thought I didn't deserve to be your servant anymore." Yuma mumbled sadly.

A deadly silent felt between them. All Astral did was staring at Yuma while Yuma did his best to avoid the intense stare.

"Yuma." Astral finally said. "Please correct me if I am wrong. But do you mean because you felt stressed for not being worthy to be my servant anymore your nightmares evoke a visual from of me sending away?"

"I guess that is the best way to explain it." Yuma mumbled, scratching the back of his head.

"And I assume that you still feel ashamed what happened is the reason you didn't talk to me about it?" Astral pointed out, earning him a nod from Yuma.

Astral sighed but with smile as he pulled Yuma back into a hug."Yuma, I can assure you whatever happened a week ago hasn't change my thought about you one second. In fact I am very impressed of you."

"Impressed? Of me?" Yuma gasped.

"Yes, Yuma. Despite of the nightmares I find you remaining very strong about this. Despite the whole ordeal you don't complain, you don't wallow in self-pity. You keep your head ans spirit high and continuing to go with your live the way you want. I find that very admiring." Astral admitted.

A small blush appeared on his cheeks when Yuma heard Astral's compliment . Grinning awkwardly and fidgeting his blanket Yuma thankfully said: "Really?Gee, thanks Astral."

"I should say thank you aswell Yuma." Astral said. "For not be like the others I mean. It pleases me to hear you don't see me like they do."

Smilling warmly to Astral Yuma leaned closer to him so he could nuzzle his head into the crook of Astral's neck and wrap his arms around Astral slim waist. "Well I am happy you are feeling better about yourself." Yuma said before closing his eyes. Not a minute later he snickered softly.

"What is so amusing?" Astral asked curious.

"I have just found another proof you aren't heartless."Yuma answered, pulling Astral closer to him pressing his ear deeper into Astral's chect. "You have heart...I hear it beating right now."

The moment Yuma pushed himself closer to Astral the young prince felt that tingling sensation spreading from his chest to every inch of his body again. Not only was Yuma was so close to him but the boy also felt so warm and soft against his own cool blue skin.

But when Yuma mention about his heart beating Astral felt something anew. This time Astral felt it right in the middle of his chest. It was right where his heart was. He felt its beating increasing from it's normal rythem as it skipped a beat or two.

"Astral is everything alright? You're heart is acting very funny all of a sudden." Yuma asked in worry.

To Astral it never happened long as he remembered he always have been able to keep his heartbeats steady and at the same rythme.

But for once he didn't care. He didn't care it wasn't like him. He didn't care why he did it. He just didn't care. Even with this whole new unfamiliar feeling he didn't care because it felt right. It even felt so right that it caused Astral to smile broadly. Not a small smirk he usually show but a broad genuine smile.

"I am fine Yuma. I just think I am, as you would say it: happy. Very,very happy." /I am not able to recal the last time I felt like this feeling before. But it almost feels like it has been ages. I had almost forgot how...wonderfull it felt/

Curious to see if that was true Yuma's eyes peeked up so he didn't had to pull away from Astral's embrace. Seeing this made his heart soar. Ever since he arrived here this was the first time he saw Astral showing a real emotion.

Maybe the Queen was right after all. Maybe he is able to bring down the walls that surrounded Astral emotions.

Not wanting to destroy this moment with unnecessary questions Yuma decided to continue what they were doing."Hey, before I interupted what were you telling about that star, euhm, what was his name again?"

"Utopia. It is one of the brighest stars of galaxy. But unlike the others this one only appears on special moments. Some say it only appears before persons when there hearts are filled with hope and light." Astral explained.

Yuma looked up at the bright shinnig star. "I think that star is going to be my favourite from now on."

"I believe it became mine aswell."

"It seems that your idea to invite Lady Galaxya to the palace so she and Prince Astral spend more time together so that they eventually become a couple doesn't work out as good as you hoped for Raphael." Jadine said with smirk.

"Indeed. The prince has more interest in his human servant then in the girl." Arthur chuckled.

Raphael slammed his fist on the table. "Yes, I am fully aware of that Council Jadine and Arthur! Thank you!" Raphael snapped.

Raphael, Jadine, Arthur and Clara were sitting within the meeting room.

In the early morning they were summoned urgently by King Zuntrhal for an emergency meeting. But when the councils, in exception of council Argo of course, arrived at the palace everyone was in uproar.

When Raphael questioned King Zuntrhal about this he simple answered: Prince Astral and his servant were missing.

Shocked the councils asked if this was the reason they were summoned but the King quickly assured them that wasn't the reason. They didn't knew about the two absence but until a hour ago when he had sent a servant to inform Astral about the meeting. 15 minutes later the servant returned all out of breath and in a disarray gasping he couldn't find them and there was no sign of where they could be.

In respond King Zuntrhal ordered the guards and even the servants who were available to start searching through the entire palace.

Kaito immediately left with Caricsa, who quickly had arrived at the palace once she heard about her friends disappearing, to help looking for the Prince while the other councils stayed with the royal couple. The two women and the old man did there best to comfort the distressed Queen while the Raphael continued asking questions.

People were starting to think the worse when all of a sudden a confused voice asked what was happing here.

When they turned their head a big wave of relief washed over them when they saw no one else but Astral standing behind them with Yuma in his arms, wrapped in a blanket deep asleep.

Out of pure happiness Queen Yasseya rushed over to Astral to pull him a tight embrace while crying. The reaction of his mother confused Astral even more. It was when his father asked if he they were alright and what had happened Astral started to understand the situation.

He then began to explain how after on of Yuma's usual nightmares he had found out about the trick Yuma's parents used to distract him. So he had taken Yuma to 'that place' to use the same trick in a hope to help Yuma with his problem.

With a frown King Zuntrhal asked Astral why he simply didn't left a note or warning he had gone to 'that place'. Now they had panicked over nothing.

But then Astral answered he had left an note. It supposed to lay on his desk written in a code that he and his parents had agreed years ago so they knew exactly where they were. He then suspected the note must have fallen from his desk. There was a fair wind blowing yesterday. It probably had knocked the note of the desk and felt somewhere hidden so it was unnoticed by the servant.

King Zuntrhal sighed deeply. How could it be that a small wind of air could cause such a disrupting uproar? Still he was very relieved to say that the two boys were safe and sound.

It was then when Queen Yasseya made a notion of how surprised she was that Yuma was still in a deep sleep. Even her cries had not waken the boy.

Astral then stated Yuma had been asleep without having any nightmares ever since he had heard the tower bell ring around 10 P.M. What he didn't mention it could have been sooner since the boy had lay in his arms since the last conversation and he had been looking at the stars while talking about them. It was at that time he heard Yuma snore for a second he became aware that Yuma had fallen asleep.

Hearing Yuma didn't had any nightmares during that night came as a pleasant surprise to the royal couple.

When Queen Yasseya hoped it would remained like this Astral assured her they wouldn't return any time soon. When Jadine questioned Astral about that he just gave an mysterious answer.

"Because I know they won't."

After saying that Astral said he was going to bring Yuma to his room and then return as quickly as possible so they could start with the meeting.

It was then when King Zuntrhal asked Astral when he returns back here if he could bring Kaito with him and order Carrisca to let the guards know that he was found so he could bring Queen Yasseya back to her room so she was able to get some rest after this ordeal.

Astral nodded and apologized to his mother for all the trouble he caused. With a smile she said he didn't need to worry. She said he couldn't know the note had been blow away. Al least she was happy that it all turned out to a misunderstanding and that Yuma was feeling better now.

Smiling at his mother Astral left with Yuma. After King Zunthral departed with Queen Yasseya it was then when the remaining councils began to taunt Raphael with their remarks.

Although Raphael never told them they all knew he was the one who had advised the King to invite Galaxya's family after the assault damaged their house. They all knew it was one of Raphael desperate plans to couple the Prince with the rich girl.

"Yuma this! Yuma that! It's like the Prince can't think of anything else!" Raphael hissed.

"There, there Raphael. As being his personal servant Prince Astral is responsible for Yuma's well being. And after what happened at the ball and what Prince Black Mist tried to do it is very normal Prince Astral is worried about the boy." Arthur said calmly.

Jadine smiled. "I think it is lovely how the Prince care about Yuma like that. It's showing a completely other side of the Prince. A side that nobody thought existed anymore."

Carla nodded. "Absolutely. Did you see the worried look in his eyes when he realize the torment he putted on his mother. Or that smile when the Queen told him she was happy they both were alright. If this continues like this Prince Astral would become a very open person again. I think the people would very much like the idea since Prince Astral is the next in line to become king."

"I agree. So give the boy some slack Raphael" Arthur said.

Raphael only snorted. "I just don't understand why the Prince is wasting his precious time on a lowly human servant that has fear issues instead of focusing his attention on what is truly important."

"Be careful what you say there Council Head Raphael. You don't want the King to hear you speak so disrespectful about the boy that risked his life to save his son." Jadine said with a smirk.

"Again." Clara added.

Raphael flinched for a second. He knew what Jadine and Clara was talking about.

When they were still looking for the Prince and the boy he had mention to the King that this was probably all the boy's doing.

King Zunthral asked what he was referring to Rapheal opinionated stated he believed Yuma had kidnapped Prince Astral. He was about to say that boy was finally showing is true colors when he was silence by the angry glare King Zuntrhal.

King Zuntrhal asked in a low voice if Raphael had any proof to support his theory. With a stuttering voice Raphael said he hadn't.

"I believe the King said about 'finding more enviable proof before throwing around accusations about Yuma that makes no sense.' In other words Raphael first think, then talk." Jadine mocked.

It all didn't made any sense to Raphael. Why did everybody seems to care so much about that human boy like that? What was so great, so special about that homeless boy without a family? But what trouble and angered him the most how the boy was able to pull the Prince's attention.

"You know, when we weren't surprised you advised the King to invite the Noble family as long their mansion is getting fixed. But why do you want Galaxya to be Astral's wife so badly?" Arthur asked suspicious.

"For many reasons. Galaxya is beautiful, wealthy, very much loved and respected by the people and we are all aware about her specialty." Raphael mentioned.

Jadine's eyes widen. "Are you talking about her secret power?"

"Wouldn't it be marvelous if the next offspring of the throne inherit this ability . No single person would be foolish enough to attack the royal family ever again." Raphael explained.

"If the person is like Prince Astral; yes. But what if the person is like Prince Black Mist?" Clara asked. She shivered at the idea before saying: "Then I rather fear the royal family then liking them."

"Prince Black Mist is an exception." Raphael snapped.

"And it may be not the last one. Beside how are you sure that Lady Galaxya would love the Prince. Perhaps she just like the Prince as a friend. What if she falls in love with someone else. Who know maybe she already has?" Arthur pointed out.

Raphael let out a laugh. "Who wouldn't be the lover of someone who is going to be the next King?"

"Not every rich girl wants to be the next Queen Raphael." Jadine sighed with rolling eyes. "And I am with Arthur. Even I believe Lady Galaxya sees the Prince nothing more but a mere friend. The girl herself never made a move by herself. If she really liked the Prince won't she had tried to spend some time with Prince Astral. I even believed she haven't approached the Prince yet."

"Maybe she is just shy." Raphael said.

"Lady Galaxya?! I doubt it." Jadine laughed. "If she likes someone she would defiantly go to this person."

While Rapheal snorted a comeback comment they were unaware that a mysterious person was watching the whole conversation by peeking through the door

The person sighed. /Council Jadine you have no idea how much truth there is in your words./

Dairey: and that was it for this time again guys.

Syns: I hope you like the 'moment' between Yuma and Astral.

Dairey: I hope it wasn't to sassy.

Syns: Please don't forget to review and (hopefully to a more quickly) next time

Next chapter: the reason of the emergency meeting and a dark event accors.