Guest: So this is kinda an AU where every Astral Being has a literal 'soulmate' and when they touch for the first time, their gems glow! The idea is that Astral regains a memory of this fact, and then has to tell his apparent 'mate' about it too.

Astral couldn't get the idea out of his head.

The idea that there was a significant reason that Black Mist's gems always started to glow whenever they were close. The closer they were, they brighter they beamed, glowing red and turquoise simultaneously whenever they fought within the Emperor's Key.

Speaking of the artifact, Astral was now deeply thoughtful in the dwelling, his knees up to his chest and his eyes staring at the humming cards that whispered in his ear. The whispering were inaudible sometimes, remaining gibberish until they wished to retell the tale of his memories that were shrouded in mystery. It was almost as discomforting as the doubled voice that sometimes taunted.

Astral shook his head and then held it between his knees, trying to understand why reoccurring thoughts on the gems continuously rammed into his temples. It was providing him with a headache, and he was wondering if this thought process was a memory not related to the cards.

Maybe it was related to a recent event? A word? A recent newcomer, or person? The throb only worsened, causing a steady beat to thump its way through his thin body. It was agony, a strange kind that was inexplicably physical. If only he could just-

With a start, a single, fluttering word finally stood out amongst the hot pain of his headache. It stood out, like a white eye against a black background of a sky, pulsating slightly with a glow of relief.

Soulmate.

Soulmate? He blinked twice and slowly moved to stand up, holding his head and continuing to feel dazed. For support, he let his back touch the nearest beam of the structure, eyes closing shut.

What did this mean? Was this word directly related to someone? Something? Astral recalled something between Tetsuo and Yuma about this sort of subject, this word.

Gradually, more and more words and syllables formed within the depths of the messenger's mind, forcing him to wait and stand in one spot before anything could be peacefully collected. He waited, patiently, and finally looked at a line of words that formed a cohesive sentence.

"When two astral beings come together," he muttered, "then the gems will glow, signifying they have found their loved one. A love of eternity." The words were literate, but Astral felt his thoughts leave him for a moment, the throbbing headache subsiding as he remembered the glowing, ruby gems that nearly sparkled to an obsidian shade.

"Black Mist and I...are soulmates?" He let his eyes open, a hand on his forehead even though the pain had finally dissipated.

"Mm, are we? That's a new one." The new voice from right across his shoulder made him tense up and spin around, forcing him to look at those tenacious eyes of the other, who watched him slyly. There was thought on his face, but also a twinge of interest. "Although, even if we are soulmates, this doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on you, Astral~."

As coy as ever this Number was, as he slowly bled from the wall, peeling away. Astral remained tense, causing the other to softly scoff, and even 'tsk.'

"Come ooon, with that attitude, we'll never be together," he cooed, grinning like an amused child. Astral took a slow step back, feeling a strange fear and thrill creeping into his chest.

"I thought soulmates were supposed to care for one another," he retorted. Black Mist shrugged, running a hand through his hair as he responded.

"Even if you are my soulmate, then I'm going to continue to chase you to the corners of this key, and this world. Because you are mine to claim, and only I can hear your cries. Now come here to me."