Ariette: Gomene! Gomene! Gomene! I didn't wanted to delay this much, but I had a real problem called laziness So I will directly introduce you the chapter! Enjoy!

"Talking"/Actions

"Toughts"/Mini Flashbacks, ect

Note this chapter has

Important word

Yugioh! Zexal characters do not belong to me, if they did I will probably be rich! XD

Note Seven: How can I hold…?

Astral was inside the Key. He had been there for the past 5 days. He was doing nothing, just floating in the nothingness of the Key. He had been really depressed because of Yuma's accident. He felt so useless to Yuma. He didn't even knew what to do anymore. He was afraid that if he leaved the Key something even worse could happen to Yuma.

Although, in the inside he was dying to see how Yuma was. He already missed talking to Yuma. And he was sure Yuma was probably really worried about him. Maybe he could go and see Yuma, but then again, what if Yuma is mad at him? Or maybe Yuma doesn't want to see him. He was so confused. He wanted to see Yuma but at the same time he was afraid.

"What should I do? Should I go to see Yuma or should I do not?" Astral was deep in thought deciding what would be best.

Astral stopped for a moment and looked at the Number's pillars that were in front of him. He saw the glowing Numbers that were there, but what interested him the most was Number 96's pillar. Almost 5 days ago the pillar started shining in a weird manner. He was really worried Black Mist would appear again.

Another reason why he stayed inside the Key. He wanted to make sure Black Mist didn't corrupt the other Numbers. But he found weird that the number hadn't appeared in those last 5 days. It was like if it was planning something different this time. And that worried him the most. What if Yuma is in danger this time? What if Black Mist is planning to hurt Yuma even badly?

Astral tried to remove those thoughts from his head but he couldn't. He felt so uneasy. He knew something was going to happen. He needed to see Yuma. It was enough of hiding. Yuma's safety was on risk this time and he wasn't going to forgive himself if something happened to Yuma. He decided it would be best to leave now. He was about to leave when he heard Yuma's voice in the distance.

"How can I encourage you when I'm the one who's afraid?"

He stopped. What was that? Did Yuma… Said something? That definitely sounded like one of the notes Yuma was writing. But, why did he heard that? Was he hearing Yuma's thoughts?

"Can Yuma possibly be writing again?" He thought to himself. Maybe he should wait a little before going to Yuma. He knew Yuma needed space to think alone. After all, he didn't wanted Yuma to feel uncomfortable with his presence.

But, that note. Remembering what he heard just a little ago made him feel really worried. At least he now knew Yuma was fine, physically. But that note said he wasn't fine mentally. How would humans put it? He was facing a psychological problem. Or in a more easy way: he was facing an internal problem with himself.

Astral didn't understand one thing: Why would Yuma be afraid? And, Yuma is afraid of what? Yuma didn't have a reason to be afraid. Or at least, that's what Astral thought. He stayed analyzing what that note could possibly meant. That was until he felt a sudden change in the atmosphere.

Everything was so cold suddenly. Well, the Key was usually cold but this time it was even colder. Astral felt a shiver coming down his spine. He felt his uneasiness grow even more. Something was happening. He knew it. He saw a light shine behind him. It was Number 96's pillar. It started to shine brightly enough to blind Astral.

"Definitively, something is happening. I must go to see Yuma now." Astral was about to leave the Key again but found out he couldn't. "What is this? Why can I not leave the Key?"

The only time Astral remembered he couldn't leave the Key was when Kaito stole it from Yuma. He had felt Yuma's presence had disappeared and he was worried. He tried to leave they Key but couldn't. He then learned it was because Yuma wasn't wearing the Key. Something he found oddly strange, but didn't mattered to him.

It also happened while Yuma was dueling Gilag with Rei. Yuma gave the Key to Kotori and when Astral tried to leave to help Yuma he found he couldn't leave either. And that night too. Although he was very tired he wanted to see if Yuma was fine. But the same thing happened. He couldn't leave the Key. So, every time Yuma wasn't wearing the Key it meant that Astral couldn't leave it.

"Why is Yuma not wearing the Key?" Astral thought all the possibilities that could happen for Yuma to not wear the Key, but the only ones that appeared on his head was that something bad happened to Yuma.

"What is this feeling I get in my chest? I am very worried about Yuma, but I feel something else… I get this feeling that… Something really bad is happening…" Astral could barely stand the uneasiness he was facing. He wanted to know what was happening, he needed to know. But he couldn't. He'll have to stay until he could see what was happening.

A couple of hours passed. Astral wasn't sure how many time passed, he just knew it was a very long time. He calculated it could have been 3 to 5 hours or maybe more. He tried to leave the Key a couple of times but soon stopped because he knew it was futile. As time passed his uneasiness stopped, but he was still worried about Yuma.

He wanted to make sure Yuma was alright. It doesn't matter now if Yuma was mad at him or didn't want to see him. He was going to check out Yuma as soon as he could. Another hour passed and Astral was still trapped inside the Key. He thank whoever was in charge of Destiny for giving him the patience he needed, because he knew that a normal person would probably drive nuts trapped inside there.

Although, he must admit that it wasn't that bad. The serene atmosphere the Key had helped him to calm down. It gave him peace even in moments of chaos. Defeated, Astral decided to just calm down and clear his thoughts. Maybe that was going to entertain him until he could leave the Key. Time passed as Astral stayed there thinking to himself, he was in deep meditation. That was until a sudden change in the atmosphere interrupts him.

He felt Yuma's presence near again. If that was correct then it meant that Yuma was wearing the Key again, and that he could finally leave! He got up, he never noticed he had been sitting, and finally was able to leave the Key. When he reached Yuma's room he saw it was already late night. He noticed the bright moon that was shining through the window and all the stars that could be seen. But what caught the most his attention was the sleeping figure of his companion.

Yuma seemed to be fine, nothing was different from the last time he saw him. He saw how Yuma's chest would grow and shrink over and over again. Breathing. That was what Yuma told him when he noticed this. It was completely normal for humans to breathe, they needed it. But for some reason, he felt Yuma's breathing was a bit irregular. Like if Yuma was altered or stressed. Astral knew that when humans had strong emotions their breathing would change to one more accelerated.

But Yuma's breathing wasn't like that. In fact, he could swear Yuma was having a pretty hard time to breathe. But Astral didn't know what it meant. He had never saw something like that. He had saw Yuma's breathing increasing in their duels, what made him have a hard time to breathe too. But this was different, his breathing was calm. So calm, it looked that any moment he could stop breathing. And that scared Astral the most. He was sure that when people didn't breathe it was because they had already left this world.

He didn't wanted that for Yuma. He didn't wanted Yuma to die. Yuma was still young and had a whole future to look for. Yuma was his best friend. Astral had learned so many things with him, he had felt so many emotions with him, he had felt alive with him. He appreciates everything Yuma was making to help him, to regain his memories. Astral had one and a million reasons to say Yuma was his best friend. And because of that, Astral didn't want to lose Yuma.

Astral didn't notice the tears that were falling from his eyes. Just the thought to lose Yuma was enough to make his heart shrink. Astral tried to touch Yuma's hand but he realized he was still intangible. He wanted to be able to touch things; he wanted to be able to hold Yuma's hand, to know what human's skin felt like. But the true reason why he wanted to touch things so badly was that he wanted to be able to show Yuma his affection, his gratitude.

He had seen many humans do different things that implied touching. And every time he would ask Yuma what they were doing Yuma simply responded they were showing affection. Holding hands… That was the one that catch his attention the most. Yuma had told him that holding hands meant many things. It could be a salute, it could be showing affection, it could be comfort, it could be encourage, it could be security... Astral wanted to be able to show all of this to Yuma.

And sometimes he would ask himself: How can a simple action have such a great meaning? Astral knew it was true, he knew that action could be really important in life. Something so little could be the most immense showing of affection, and he wanted to share it with Yuma. But since he was intangible he couldn't do it. He couldn't show affection and that saddened him. Astral retreated to a corner of the room, where he could see Yuma's sleeping figure.

He cried in silence not wanting to disturb the boy. Right now, he wanted to be able to touch because he thought that way he could help Yuma. If he were able to touch he could comfort Yuma, he could stay with him and protect him. But whishing something doesn't mean it can happen. He had to deal with the pain of feeling useless; he had to deal with the pain of not being there for his friend. But he also wanted to do something more, anything he could to help Yuma.

Astral stayed there watching his friend sleep. He already knew he was still crying but he could care less. At least he knew Yuma was fine. Astral smiled sadly. Yuma is so strong, nothing can beat him down. He just hoped Yuma would tell him what was bothering his mind. He saw how Yuma twisted and turned uncomfortable in the hammock, something he found weird. Suddenly Yuma sat with his eyes wide open, his breathing accelerate.

Astral watched in silence as his friend covered his face with his hands. He heard Yuma's breathing calm down a little as the boy relaxed. Then Yuma looked up and saw the blue alien in a corner of the room.

"You're here…" That was the only thing Yuma said.

Astral just nodded, a bit afraid of what Yuma's reaction would be. He was very surprised when he saw the tears forming in his companion's eyes. Yuma started crying in silence as a little smile formed in his lips.

"You don't have idea of how much I missed you…" The boy said between sobs.

Astral got near the boy without telling a word. He was surprised. He expected every kind of reaction but he didn't expect this one. He didn't understand. Why was Yuma crying? Doesn't that mean he was sad?

"Yuma, why are your eyes wet?"

He remembered now… The question he made to Yuma…

"Is that a way for humans to express their feelings?"

And the answer Yuma gave him…

"Yes. We cry if we're sad or if we're very happy…"

So, does that mean that Yuma was happy to see him?

"I'm so happy to see you…" Astral stared at Yuma impressed. It was like if Yuma had read his mind. Yuma stared back, that was when Astral noticed Yuma's eyes were red and swollen.

It was impossible Yuma's eyes were like that just because the crying he did right now. Astral knew human's eyes would turn like that if they cried a lot, but Yuma didn't cry that much. Unless, of course, Yuma was crying before Astral came. If that was the case then it could be possible.

"Yuma…. I am sorry…" Astral lowered his head not wanting to see the reaction in his friend.

"What do you mean you're sorry? You've done nothing wrong, Astral." Yuma said. "If someone has to say sorry, then it's me…"

Astral looked up. He saw the guiltiness in Yuma's eyes. He felt bad for the boy; Yuma was being so hard on himself. Astral nodded, not wanting to start a fight with Yuma.

"Would you, at least, tell me why were you crying before?" And of course, Astral didn't forget his previews thoughts. He wanted to know why Yuma was crying.

"I was crying of happiness. I'm glad to see you're ok. I thought you were mad at me or something like that." Yuma said a bit confused.

Astral shook his head. "I know that, Yuma. I meant, why were you crying before I came?"

"Uh? Why would you think I cried before?" Yuma asked a bit nervous.

Astral pointed at Yuma's eyes. "Your eyes. They are red and swollen. Humans usually have their eyes like this when they cried too much. So I suppose you did it too before I came."

Yuma gasped and covered his face. Astral frowned at this action. Why Yuma covered his face like that? Besides, if Yuma's trying to hide his eyes he's late, Astral already saw them. Yuma sighed and stopped covering, he then looked at Astral.

"Astral… It's just… I'm… There's this thing that…" Yuma kept trailing off trying to explain the situation. Astral stayed watching attentively trying to understand what Yuma meant. Yuma sighed defeated not knowing what to say.

"Yuma… Why it is so hard to tell me what is happening? Do you not trust me?" Astral asked hurt. After all, that was what he thought. Yuma opened his eyes wide.

"Astral! No! It's not that! I trust you! I really do! But it's just…" Yuma looked away.

"Yuma, please, tell me what is happening. I am worried; I do not know what is happening. I am confused, and I have this feeling that I can do something to help you but I do not know how. How can I help you if you do not tell me what is wrong?" Astral knew the only way to make Yuma talk was speaking his language. Maybe if he said something that Yuma would say Yuma could understand.

And it looked like it worked. Astral saw realization hit Yuma's eyes. Yuma slowly opened his mouth and tried to say something but nothing came. Astral saw tears forming in Yuma's eyes. Yuma started sobbing again; he covered his mouth to try to silence his sobs. Astral watched as his companion broke in tears and sobs. Astral couldn't stop the tears that were falling from his eyes, seeing his friend so broken made him feel broken too.

He found himself sobbing, something he never made before. He covered his mouth surprised. What was that noise coming from his mouth? But although he covered his mouth the sobs continued sounding. Tears and sobs now mixed were coming from the blue alien, who didn't know what to do. The ordeal was so powerful he needed to kneel to found some balance. He continued crying not noticing the red eyes that were watching him with guilt.

Yuma knew he could do nothing, and Astral knew it too. The two of them stayed there crying, the presence of the other comforting each of them. And although there was no physical contact, as Astral wanted, he felt that for once Yuma and he were being one. Not like the times they did Zexal, this time they were sharing their feelings without being really together. It was a moment where the two of them could express their feelings and comfort each other, without the need of words. The two stayed like that for a couple of minutes more until the boy finally fell asleep in the floor.

The alien watched the now sleeping figure of his companion breathing calmly. He stayed in the floor with him, not wanting to return to the Key or leave the boy's side. He sighed and looked at the window without much effort. He saw the shining moon and the shining dots named stars. He started crying again, but this time not as strong as before. What was wrong with him?! He couldn't control the tears now, but he knew that when the sun appeared he would have the same stoic face he always has. So, for this night, he let the moon and the stars be a silent witness of his tears.

Next day came; Yuma woke up a bit uncomfortable. He wasn't used to sleep in the floor, much less in the position he was. He slowly stood and looked over. He found the blue alien near the window with a stoic look in his face. Yuma sighed and went to the bathroom. Astral stayed in the room to give Yuma some privacy. When the boy leaved, Astral softened his expression a little. He was still worried about Yuma, especially after seeing the boy in such an emotional breakdown last night.

The day went completely normal. Yuma and Astral didn't talk that much but at least they were talking. Astral noticed Yuma wasn't eating that much lately. At first, he didn't thought it was something to worry about, but now he was worried. Yuma always loved to eat but now he barely ate something, he said he couldn't eat anymore. It was really strange that someone suddenly stops' eating when usually eats everything he can.

Also he noticed Yuma is getting weaker and paler. Yuma almost didn't have the energies to do all the stuff he made before. He now evaded almost every kind of challenge that included physical strength. But the most weird of all was that he made a weird excuse to skip PE class when they were about to swim, something he never made before. This worried Astral even more, if that could be possible.

What angered Astral the most was the black-haired boy under the name Akira. For some reason, every time Akira got near Yuma, Astral felt a sudden charge of dislike inside him. He didn't know why, but that boy made him feel really uneasy. It made his insides burn with dislike and jealousy, something that he controlled perfectly. Akira was acting even more annoyingly that the same Vector when he pretended to be Rei Shingetsu. Astral only passed one day with Akira and he was already tired of how 'possessive' Akira was with Yuma.

A week passed in the same conditions, nothing new happened. Only that Yuma received his grades the last Friday and they all made a celebration because of the good grades everyone shared. They made a little party in Yuma's house, where they had a lot of fun. They laughed and enjoyed their selves without much effort. Everyone was happy at the end of the day; even Astral had to admit he enjoyed himself thanks to Kotori. The only problem Astral had was Akira.

As part of Yuma's friends he was, of course, invited to the party. Something Astral didn't like, but he could do nothing. Akira happily agreed and enjoyed himself with everyone else, of course, always acting possessive when it came to Yuma. Yuma didn't mind it and never saw a problem with Akira's attitude, but Astral did. He thought Akira was hiding something and he wanted to know what it was, but since he was invisible too, he couldn't ask him personally.

When the party finished it was already night. Everyone said their goodbyes and leaved to go home. Akira stayed a couple of minutes more after the guys leaved and helped Yuma to clean up the mess. While cleaning they were talking very happily and laughing. Yuma liked very much Akira's company and it seemed like Akira liked Yuma's. After they finished cleaning Akari, Yuma's sister, offered Akira to stay for a while, which he answered with a nod.

Akira stayed a couple of hours more with Yuma, until it was really late and he had to leave. Yuma told him he could stay but Akira said he needed to get back home. Yuma let Akira leave but made him promise they would see each other the next day, which Akira agreed. Yuma was now accompanying Akira to the door to say his farewells.

"Good night Yuma. I sure had a nice day with you!" Akira said with a smile.

"Me too! Remember about tomorrow, 'kay?" Yuma smiled back.

"Of course! I hope we can have as much fun as today." Akira grinned happily.

"Yeah, I hope that too. Good night Akira…" Yuma said a bit sad.

"C'mon, Yuma. Don't give me that face. We're going to see tomorrow, aren't we? So stop being sad. Can you do that for me?" Akira said looking Yuma directly at his eyes.

"'Kay… I'll try…" Yuma whispered.

Astral was watching from afar. He hadn't told anything about Akira to Yuma because he knew Yuma wouldn't like it. He just hoped his suspicions about Akira were wrong, for the sake of Yuma. Akira finally leaved and Yuma went to his room, not before telling his sister and grandma his good nights. Yuma changed his clothes to his pajama before sitting in front of the little desk that was in front of the window of the attic.

Yuma took the picture he had from his parents and gave it a little kiss and whispered a good night. Astral has seen this before, since Yuma's emotional breakdown, and he felt really sorry for Yuma. He now knew the reason of Yuma's emotional breakdown; it was because of the stress of not knowing the whereabouts of his parents. Yuma really missed them; after all he was just a kid. Even looking strong as he was, Yuma was broken inside.

Yuma once told Astral that Mirai, Yuma's mother, would usually sing a song for him when he couldn't sleep. She would sit in front of his bed and take his hand and sing a beautiful song for him to sleep. He said that what he liked the most was when his mother stroked his hand in an attempt to comfort him. He also said his mother's hand was really soft and that every time she touched him he felt secure and warm.

Yuma admitted he missed his mother even more than his father, because at least he knew about his father but he didn't knew of his mother. And also, because he regretted not passing much time with his mother. Yuma said that if he knew what was going to happen then he would have passed more time with her. His words were always so filled with care and love, that Astral knew they were true.

Astral watched as Yuma silently started crying. He took the photo and hugged it while whispered how much he missed them. Astral heard Yuma say so many lovely things to his mother and tell his father he wanted to become like him, strong and decided. He saw how Yuma would tell them how went his day and everything he did. Then he would see Yuma cry again, because he wanted them to be there.

This scene always broke Astral, he found himself crying silently with Yuma. Although he didn't knew how Yuma felt he knew he shared his feelings. When Yuma was sad Astral would be sad too, and when Yuma was happy Astral would be happy. And feeling his companion so broken broke him too. He wanted so badly to be able to comfort him, the same way his mother did when he was little. But he could do nothing; he just could stay there and watch in silence, hoping Yuma could get over it.

Astral saw the boy cry until he couldn't cry anymore and went to sleep. He saw the now sleeping figure of his friend. Astral saw Yuma mumble something in his sleep as a tear fell down. He felt so bad for the boy and at the same time he was impressed. How could Yuma be someone in the day but be completely different in the nigh? He didn't know, and he didn't want to ask neither. Everything was 'fine' as it was; he didn't need to add something more.

Astral got near the window where he saw the picture in the little desk below Yuma. He found another note, which he read mentally:

How can I hold your hand when I can't even see you anymore?

Astral sighed and looked at Yuma. He wanted to help him, but he needed to wait until he could. "Even if it takes a lifetime Yuma, I swear I will help you…"

Ariette: Again, GOMENE! *Bows* Well, now that that's settle...

To the reviewers:

SYF: .-. Weird... Astral's here! Because I can! :P Hope you enjoy~

Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye: Another long name! Mind if I call you LRH? I update! Yay!

Thor94: Muahahaha, you'll know soon, you'll know! Nope, I really thought you guys would know, well I suppose you'll had to wait XD

Keyshipping-Jenny: u.u Yeah, poor Yuma... Don't worry! Astral's here! XD I knew you were going to fell for Akira's story! I'm fine, now glad that my family is ok and that I got a 100% in my Science project :D

Briana: Guest #1: I already know when you review! XD Now you know where Astral was! You'll know, you'll know! Thank you! I'm flattered! XD

That's it for the reviewers! I hope you all like this chapter and thanks to everyone who reads!

PS: No one wanted a cookie... ToT

PS2: I changed the photo! What do you think?

PS3: Since I love you guys I decided to do a mini challenge. The winner gets a One-Shot from me with the topic they want and everything. To participate you just have to answer a simple question in your review. In next chapter I will say the winner and the conditions the One-Shot has, so please participate! The question is:

What you think is going to happen in next chapter?

The one who gets it right wins. There can be more than one winner. If no one says the correct answer I will choose the one who said the closest answer. I'll give you two weeks to participate. And I promise next chapter is going to be longer!

See you there!