Ariette: Hiya guys! I know what you're probably thinking. u.u I delayed another month, I know. I apologize. *Bowns* Allow me to explain my situation. First: May was a very busy month because it was my final month of classes. You know, final exams and that. Second, due to not having Internet, how am I supposed to update? I mean, I don't have Internet in my home. T.T Third, I was suffering from an horrible illness called 'Mental's Block'. Yeah, many of you maybe have suffered too. It's simply horrible. So, as you can see, this chappie was a naughty to me. X(
Yuma: *Leans over her ear and whispers something*
Ariette: WHA?! Guys! Yuma here told me something REALLY IMPORTANT! I forgot to tell you that THIS IS THE LAST CHAPTER!
Astral: It is?
Ariette: YES! X( How come I forgot something SO IMPORTANT like this?! Where were you last chapter that you didn't told me?!
Yuma and Astral: Reading the story.
Ariette: Naughty, naughty! *Accuses them*
Yugioh Zexal does not belong to this writer. I'm happy to say that we made it guys. Thank you all for your support and everything. Special thanks to: Durbe the Barian and Keyshipping-Jenny (who's name is now Pandorya), for being there for me. I love you girls! X) Now, on with the story! Enjoy!
Note Fourteen: How can I stay strong...?
"Yuma! You're awake!"
Kotori quickly stood and hugged Yuma, letting her happiness take over. Yuma hissed at the sudden contact. Kotori noticed and pulled away.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" She apologized.
Yuma eyed her and laughed sheepishly. "It's ok, Kotori. It's just... You took me off-guard. "
Kotori nodded. She was smiling brightly, still with tears of happiness running free. "I'm so glad Yuma. I feared that you wouldn't make it. I was worried sick, you know? Everyone was!"
"Worried sick? Stop exaggerating Kotori. It wasn't that bad... Right?" Yuma asked.
"Exaggerating?! Yuma! You were unconscious for almost three weeks!"
"Three weeks?!" The boy widened his eyes with surprise. "Three weeks... That long? But it only felt like some hours..."
"I believe that must be normal for any unconscious person. It is like sleeping after all."
Yuma eyed the alien. So they could still speak telepathically? "You can hear my thoughts?"
Astral nodded. "Yes. Yuma... I wish to apologize... I should-"
"Don't worry. It wasn't your fault Astral. Please let's not talk about it for now." Yuma sighed.
"I understand..." Astral stared for a moment. "Yuma..."
Yuma looked up and smiled. "What's up, Astral?"
Astral smiled a little. "I am really glad that you are fine now."
Yuma smiled brightly. "You shouldn't have worried. I'm stronger than before, ya' know."
Kotori laughed happily. "Oh, Yuma!" She was about to hug the boy again but Yuma quickly backed away.
"It's ok Kotori! There's no need for the hug!" He said fearfully.
Kotori laughed again. "Sorry, Yuma. I keep forgetting you're hurt."
"You should be more careful now." The boy said matter-of-factly.
"Nah. You're stronger now, you said it yourself." Kotori smiled.
"Tch. You got me there."
The girl laughed happily again, completely relieved that her friend was awake. Meanwhile Astral was watching from afar, smiling genuinely for the first time in those last two months.
Two more days have passed since Yuma woke up. The news made everyone really happy. They all went to see Yuma right after they learned. But from all of them it was safe to say that Akari was the happiest one. She had tears of joy running down her eyes, she hugged her brother like never before and she then kept staring at him smiling, like an artist would to his masterpiece. All the sadness seemed to disappear completely after Yuma woke. The colors returned, the light shined brightly and even the rain stopped. It was a really joyful notice to everyone.
And even though of all that happiness there was still time for some awkward moments, especially between Astral and Yuma. Astral and Yuma barely got to talk at each other. The reason? Yuma's friends wouldn't leave Yuma alone for more than five minutes. The real reason? Astral was still feeling guilty about what happened and Yuma was ashamed. Funny, right? Both of them wouldn't talk because of thinking the other would be mad at him. But as a wise person said once: Destiny sure has mysterious paths. Want it or not, they'll have to talk someday. And casually, that day was today.
Yuma was now sitting in his bed. He was looking through the window, watching the sun set. At that moment he was completely alone, that is until Astral appeared. Of course Yuma noticed, but he didn't do anything to make the alien know he noticed. Instead, he continued watching the sunset without a word. The moment turned awkward at some point, in which neither of them could stand staying quiet anymore. (Mostly Yuma.)
"Astral.../Yuma..." Both said at the same time.
They looked at each other. For a moment neither of them talked, staring at the other. Astral smiled lightly and Yuma grinned.
"You go first Astral. Isn't like we can avoid this conversation any longer."
Astral nodded understanding. "Yuma... I still believe there are some questions that are not answered yet. I wish you could answer them."
Yuma tensed a little and looked away. He then nodded to himself and looked at the alien. "Ask anything you want. I'll answer them."
Of course, Astral noticed how Yuma tensed. He didn't want to make the boy feel bad, but he needed to know the answers. He nodded. "Yuma, why did you-"
"Agreed with Black Mist?" Yuma eyed the alien. "That's a pretty way to put it, don't you think?"
Astral noticed a strange emotion in Yuma's eyes. He could tell Yuma was feeling guilty and probably ashamed, but another emotion was mixed within. Anger? No, it was something stronger. Rage, perhaps? Close, but that's not it. Leaving that aside, Astral concentrated in Yuma's words.
"I believe you are getting 'off-topic', Yuma."
Yuma sighed. "I know..."
Astral looked expectantly at the boy, waiting for an answer. Yuma looked at the alien and sighed once again.
"The reason why I did that was… Because I was confused."
Astral tilted his head slightly. "Confused?"
Yuma lowered his head. "Yes. Sometimes it happens. I can't stop feeling bad, alone. I try to ignore it, I try to stay strong, but this time it was just stronger than me. I wouldn't let myself show that type of weakness, I don't want to worry anyone. I tried to hide it, I really did. And then there was you..."
Astral widened his eyes. "Me?"
Yuma nodded slowly. "I didn't want to worry you. You had enough things to think about. I thought it was best to not let you know... But then I started to feel guilty. I know how hurt you were when..." Yuma closed his eyes, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.
Astral's eyes saddened. It was true. He was slightly angry at Yuma for hiding the truth, but he could see that Yuma was regretful. "Yuma..."
Yuma looked at him, with watery eyes he continued. "I thought that maybe if I hid my feelings better, then you wouldn't notice. But you were so observant that it was getting difficult. That was the moment Black Mist appeared. He offered me help, he told me that he would help me hide my feelings better. I was so confused that I simply accepted, thinking that it was for the best. At first, it worked. No one noticed how I was truly feeling. But then you discovered him..."
Astral remembered the moment. He was so hurt because of that. He thought that Yuma betrayed him. But now it was different.
Tears started falling down Yuma's eyes. "That moment I felt even worse. I didn't want to do anything, but Black Mist told me that I had to be strong. Of all the things he told me, I knew that he was right in this one. So I stood and continued hiding my feelings, acting like nothing was wrong. But I couldn't stop feeling bad, I wanted so badly to see you, to talk to you, and I couldn't. Then Black Mist told me you were mad at me. He told me so many horrible things I couldn't stand it. More than ever I felt guilty. I lost all the wanting to move, to do something. I just wanted you to forgive me; I just wanted you back..."
Astral was moved by Yuma's words. He smiled slightly at the boy. "Do not be sad. I understand your feelings, and now I understand why you did this."
Yuma smiled through his tears. "The moment I saw you, I realized everything. I understood what was happening. I understood the mistake I made when I trusted Black Mist. He was lying to me. He was trying to break us apart. Please, forgive me Astral."
Astral got near the boy and, though there was no real contact, put his hand in Yuma's shoulder. "I forgive you, Yuma."
Yuma smiled brightly, relieved that his friend already forgave him. Astral smiled back, thankful that everything ended.
Suddenly, Astral remembered something. "Yuma, you wished to tell me something, right?"
Yuma stared at the alien for a moment. "Uh... I kinda forgot..."
Astral sighed. "Oh, Yuma..."
Yuma laughed sheepishly. Then he put a hand in his head, closing his eyes tightly.
"Yuma, is something wrong?" Astral asked, alarmed.
"N-no, it's ok. I'm just... Feeling a bit dizzy." Yuma said followed by a groan.
"Then you should rest. You are still weak." Astral said worried. "Could this be Black Mist's doing? He did say he would... No, I must not think that way."
Yuma eyed the alien. "Astral, I can still hear your thoughts, you know. What did Black Mist say?" Another groan escaped his lips.
Astral shook his head. "Yuma, get some rest. You need it."
Yuma sighed defeated, the pain in his head increasing. He nodded and laid down closing his eyes, entering quickly in a deep slumber.
Astral stayed by his side all the time, watching over the boy. He was worried that maybe Black Mist would come and hurt the boy even more. But there was no sign of the monster. Yuma didn't wake up until it was the next day, which worried a little bit the doctor, saying that it was strange that a person who just woke from a coma slept so much. Still, he decided to let it pass because of Yuma's wounds, which were probably the reason why the boy felt so tired.
Yuma was to stay in observation for a whole month, just to make sure that he was fine. Yuma didn't like the idea in the least, saying that it was no fair to spend most of his holiday in the Hospital. But he had to get used to the idea, since the doctor said that it was necessary.
A couple of days had passed. Yuma was starting to feel better, but he was still angry at the fact that he had to stay a month in observation.
"Come on, Yuma! You can't stay angry all day because of that!" Kotori exclaimed.
She was the one that had been bringing the notes from school to Yuma. Akari said that if he was fine as he said then he could still do his homework. Yuma didn't like the idea but he had no other option.
"I know..." He sighed.
"Good. Now, start writing." Kotori commanded.
"Geez Kotori. Can't you let me be without homework?" Yuma pouted.
"Hmm... Let me think about it... No. You're lucky enough to don't take the exams, so be a good boy and do your homework." The girl said.
"Yes, mom." Yuma said sarcastically and started writing.
They spend a couple of hours like that. Kotori was making sure Yuma finished everything he had to do and helped him when he was stuck at something. It was night when they finished. Kotori was putting the books in her bag and Yuma was resting his eyes.
"There. Tomorrow I'll come again to bring you the books that I forgot today. That way you can finish the Japanese homework we have... Yuma, are you listening to me?" Kotori waved her hand in front of the boy's eyes. "Earth to Yuma."
Yuma was in deep thought. He snapped the moment he heard Kotori's voice. "W-what?"
"What's wrong with you? You've been really distracted." Kotori stared at the boy. "You're not starting to feel bad, aren't you?" She asked worriedly.
Yuma shook his head. "No Kotori. I'm fine." He smiled at her.
"Are you sure?"
The boy sighed. "Yes, I'm sure... I was just thinking..."
"Thinking? Thinking what?"
"It's just... I've been having this strange dream..."
"A strange dream?" The boy nodded. "What was it about?"
"Well... It was about three beautiful birds. One was green, another blue and the last one red. The three birds sang beautifully, but the red one was the one I could hear the most. It was singing so beautiful that I forgot of the other two. But then it stopped singing. And when it stopped I heard the other two singing even more beautifully than the red one. So I gave my attention to them. But the red one seemed to be furious and then turned pitch black and started attacking me... Do you think it has a meaning?"
Kotori closed her eyes, thinking. "Maybe, maybe not. I can't think of anything."
Yuma nodded. He then smiled at the girl. "Thanks Kotori. For everything."
Kotori smiled back. "You're welcomed, Yuma. Now, get some rest. You need it."
Yuma laughed. "Yes, mom." He then lay down and covered himself with the blankets. "By the way, Kotori, who's staying with me tonight?"
Kotori turned to the boy and gasped in realization. "Oh! I forgot to tell you! Today was Michael's turn, but he called and told me that he wouldn't be able to make it today."
"So, I'm staying alone tonight?" Yuma saddened a little.
The thing was that Yuma's friends made some sort of plan to be with Yuma. Since Yuma woke up they decided to not leave the boy alone. His friends took a turn and each of them was to go the day they were assigned. Of course, it only applied to the one who wanted to. They did that to help Akari watch over Yuma, since she couldn't be every day with him.
"Look at what you're saying! Of course you're not alone! You have Astral." Kotori smiled. "Think that today was Astral's turn and problem solved!"
Yuma laughed. "Yeah, that's true."
Kotori's smile increased and she stood. "Then it's settled. Bye, Yuma. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye Kotori. See you tomorrow!" The boy waved at her. She nodded and left the room.
Yuma sighed and looked around. Quickly, the feeling of loneliness took over. He was so used to having his friends around every time that he couldn't stand being alone. He bit his lip thinking whenever he should ask Astral to come or not. He preferred to not ask him, so he simply stayed there looking at the ceiling.
"Yuma…?"
Yuma almost jump when he heard the voice. He looked over. "A-Astral! I told you to not scare me like that!"
Astral blinked for a moment. "I apologize. I shall try to not do it again."
The boy sighed. "Guess I never really had to call him…"
"Call me?" The alien tilted his head confused.
Yuma laughed sheepishly. "I keep forgetting you can hear my thoughts."
Astral smiled and nodded. "You wanted me to come?"
The boy looked at the alien and, with a smile, he nodded. "Could you… Stay with me tonight?"
The blue entity stared for a moment. "You want me to stay with you?"
Yuma nodded. "Yes, I want you to stay. At least until I fall asleep."
The entity smiled. "I will stay with you, then."
The boy smiled brightly. He then stayed looking at the blue entity. "You know Astral… I never got to say you thanks..."
Astral looked at the boy. "Why do you say that Yuma?"
"I just feel like it. I mean, it's thanks to you that I managed to be strong, and… Even though of everything that happened… You were there for me…"
Astral looked away. "I do not think that is true…"
Yuma widened his eyes. "What?"
Astral sighed. "If I stayed with you then Black Mist had never hurt you… I failed you, Yuma… I should have protected you and I did not. I should be the one who asks for forgiveness."
Yuma was at a loss of words. He never thought Astral would feel that way. He then realized he was being selfish, he never really thought of what his friends were feeling. And that made him feel bad.
"Astral… It's not your fault… The one to blame is me. I didn't realized what I was doing. I made the mistakes. Please, don't feel bad for what I've done." The boy looked at the alien's eyes. "And if it makes you feel better, I forgive you Astral. You know I won't be angry at you for too long."
The astralian looked at the boy and gave a little smile. "Thank you, Yuma."
"You're welcomed, Astral." And with that the boy fell asleep.
The next morning came with brightly sunshine. Astral was staring at the window with interest. Yuma, who just woke up, stared curiously at the alien.
"Astral, what's wrong?" The boy asked.
"There is something strange falling from the sky. It has been falling for three hours now." Astral answered still watching the window.
"Something strange? Are you sure it isn't rain?" Yuma asked confused.
The being shook his head. "Rain is liquid, transparent and it makes sound when it is falling. This is slightly solid, white and it does not make any sound when it falls."
Yuma frowned taking in what Astral said. He then gasped. "White, slightly puffy and seems really cold?"
Astral nodded. "I could say so. You know what it is?"
Yuma beamed in happiness. "Of course! That's snow Astral!"
Astral tilted his head. "Snow?"
The boy nodded excitedly. "Yes, yes! It's snow! But it's kinda weird… Usually snow starts by half December… What day was it today?"
Astral looked at a little calendar in the wall. "December 10th."
Yuma nodded. "Maybe it started sooner! Oh, I so wish I could be out there…"
The being looked at the boy. "Why?"
"Why? Astral, it's snow! Snow only happens one month in a year, luckily two. It's something that every kid is eager to see." Yuma exclaimed happily. He then added. "Right, this is your first time seeing snow, so you wouldn't understand…"
"What is its purpose?"
"What?"
"The snow's purpose, what is it?"
"Well… If I remember correctly… As with all forms of weather, the purpose of snow is to help equalize the imbalance of heat/energy throughout the world caused by the unequal receipt of energy from the sun."
"… How is snow formed?"
"You're seriously going to ask me that?"
"How is snow formed?"
"Astral!"
"Yes?"
Yuma sighed, defeated. Astral was going to keep asking until he got satisfied with his answer. Good thing he studied about snow, or otherwise he wouldn't know what to answer.
"Snow is formed when temperatures are low and there is moisture - in the form of tiny ice crystals - in the atmosphere. When these tiny ice crystals collide they stick together in clouds to become snowflakes. If enough ice crystals stick together-"
"You're seriously explaining Astral how snow is formed?"
Yuma looked at the one who talked. It was Kotori. She was wearing a green jacket to keep the cold away. Behind her were Michael, Rio and Haruto. The three of them were also wearing jackets. Michael had a red one, Rio had a blue one and Haruto had a lighter blue one. Kotori had a grin in her face, while the others were laughing lowly.
"I didn't know you knew about snow so much, Yuma. Maybe you can teach me too." Rio said, laughing a little.
Yuma blushed slightly embarrassed.
"Oh, you have no idea Rio! He gave us all a great project about snow a month ago! We were stunned." Kotori exclaimed.
"Kotori!" Yuma yelled still red from embarrassment.
Meanwhile Astral was just staring from afar. He was slightly disappointed that they stopped Yuma's explanation. He really wanted to know more about snow.
"Why you're here anyways? Shouldn't you be in school?" Yuma asked crossing his arms.
"Not really. Today was free day, something about a teachers' reunion." Rio shrugged.
"Oh…"
Kotori then smiled and got near him. "So, how are you feeling today?"
"I'm good, Kotori. I told you that you shouldn't be asking that every time you see me." Yuma answered.
"Ok, ok. Geez, and I was trying to be polite." She said backing away.
"No, you were just worried, Kotori." Rio said smiling.
Kotori just crossed her arms and looked away. Michael then got near Yuma.
"I'm sorry I couldn't come yesterday. Father had an important matter we had to attend." The pink headed apologized.
"It's ok, III. Astral stayed with me yesterday, so I wasn't alone." Yuma smiled.
Michael smiled back. He then looked at the alien and muttered a soft 'thanks'. The alien just nodded. Haruto then got near Yuma.
"Good morning Yuma! Did you have breakfast?" Haruto asked with a big smile.
Yuma laughed a little. "Good morning, Haruto! And no, I haven't. Now that you mention it… I'm hungry." He said, starting to cry anime-style.
Kotori, Rio, Michael and Haruto started laughing. No matter what, Yuma would always be Yuma. As in on cue, a nurse opened the door.
"Oh my! I'm so sorry Yuma-kun! I was in a hurry and I completely forgot to bring your breakfast!" The nurse was Luka. She had a tray with food in it. She then placed it in front of Yuma.
Yuma laughed sheepishly. He grew used to Luka's sometimes childish attitude. But aside from her childish attitude, Luka was a very good nurse and was very kind, especially to Yuma.
"Oh! You have company I see! You really have sweet friends Yuma-kun." Luka smiled. The ones in the room blushed slightly at Luka's words, making her laugh. "Well, then. I'll see you later Yuma-kun. Remember to call me if you need anything, I'll come running." She said and planted a soft kiss in Yuma's forehead.
Although he was used to Luka's displays of affection, Yuma couldn't help but blush. Luka always acted like a mother when she was with Yuma; that made him wonder if she was like that to everyone. He snapped out at the smell of the food in front of him.
"Itadakimasu!" He said before he started eating. The others simply smiled or laughed at the sight in front of them.
They spend the day together, giving company to Yuma. At some point, Shark and Kaito entered the room and stayed. All of them were just glad that Yuma was fine now. They spend hours talking or playing, only with the occasional interruption of Luka to bring something. But soon everyone started leaving.
"Bye, bye Yuma! I'll see you tomorrow!" Little Haruto said waving happily before leaving.
"Bye, Haruto! And Kaito." Yuma waved back and saw his two friends leave.
Rio laughed a little. "Well, we'll be leaving too."
"Awww. You too? Why?" Yuma whined.
"Yuma, we're busy people. We still have stuff to do before going home." Rio said.
"Can't Shark stay at least?" Yuma asked.
Ryoga smiled a little and patted Yuma's back. "Not today Yuma."
Yuma nodded a bit sad. "Ok… Bye, bye Shark! Bye Shark's sis!"
"Yuma…"
"Upps! Sorry Rio." He laughed sheepishly.
"Good. We take our leave." Rio said and left the room, followed by Shark.
"I'm leaving too Yuma. Father's probably worried. I'll see you tomorrow!" Michael said, going to the door.
"Oh… Ok… See you tomorrow then!" The tanned boy waved. Michael smiled and left the room.
"I suppose I should start leaving too." Kotori said, standing.
"Wait. Kotori." Yuma took the girl's arm.
"Hmm? What is it Yuma?"
"Remember the dream I told you about?"
Kotori tilted her head. "Sure. Why you ask?"
"I think I finally know its meaning." Yuma said serious.
"You do?" The girl asked surprised.
Yuma nodded. "The three birds are a representation of my friends. The green bird is you, Kotori. The blue one is Astral and the red one is Akira"
Kotori gasped. "Are you sure?"
The boy nodded again. "After thinking about everything that happened I realized that my dream was actually a warning."
"A warning?"
"Yes. I had this dream before I ended in the Hospital. My dream was warning me that Akira was going to hurt me. The three birds were singing beautifully catching my attention; those were you, Astral and Akira. The three of you were trying to tell me something. The red bird started sighing higher and I only could hear him. Akira tricked me and I only could see what he wanted me to see. Then the red bird lost his voice and I noticed the other two. I discovered Akira's lie and decided to pay my attention to what Astral and you wanted to say. The red bird got angry, turned pitch black and attacked me. Akira got angry that I discovered the true, showed his real self and hurt me. See? It was a warning." (After Yuma woke he discovered that Astral already told his friends about Akira's real self.)
Kotori was at a loss of words. Who would have thought Yuma had such an analyzing mind? "Wow… I don't know what to say…"
"I think deep inside I knew what was going to happen, but I decided to ignore it. My mind was trying to remind me." The boy said thoughtfully.
Kotori smiled slightly. "Then you should hear your mind more often."
"Yeah, I should." He smiled back.
"Well, now I'm leaving. Today's your sister's turn. She called and said that she'll come a little later but she will definitively come." Kotori said readying to leave.
"Seriously Kotori, are you planning to be a manager in the future? You're really good at this." Yuma grinned.
"You know, I never thought of that. Who knows, maybe I will. Goodbye Yuma. I'll see you tomorrow. Oh! And because today you didn't have homework, it doesn't mean you won't have tomorrow." She warned, finally leaving the room.
Yuma sighed and at that moment Astral appeared. (If you didn't notice, my dear reader, Astral wasn't here. He probably left at some point during those hours were Yuma was with his friends.)
Yuma looked at him. "Oh, hey Astral!"
Astral looked around. "They already left?"
"Yes, they did."
"That means you are staying alone tonight too?"
"No, Astral. Today Akari's the one who's coming. But she'll come later. And besides, if you're here then I'm not alone." The boy grinned.
Astral smiled. "Yes, that is true."
"Soooo… What do you think we can do to kill time?"
"I believe we cannot kill time, Yuma. Time does not have a shape or form to be hurt."
"It was an expression Astral."
"Oh… What does it mean?"
Yuma face-palmed. "It means to spend time. To do something entertaining so the times passes faster."
"Time passes faster if you do something entertaining?"
"Well, yes. It's like with duels. Don't you notice time passes faster when we're dueling?"
"I never really thought of that…"
Yuma sighed exhausted. "You're hopeless Astral."
"I am?"
"It's another expression."
"…"
"Don't."
"Do what?"
"Don't ask its meaning."
"Oh… Fine."
"Thanks."
Silence.
"Yuma, you never finished your explanation about snow."
Yuma threw his head against the pillow.
"Yuma, are you feeling good?" Astral asked.
"Yes, Astral." Yuma's voice was muffled by the pillow.
"Then can you finish your explanation?"
Yuma groaned. "Now that I think of… No. I'm not feeling good."
"Then you should rest." Astral said worriedly.
"I will."
More silence.
"Yuma…?"
"What is it now, Astral?"
"Someone is staring at you…"
"What?" Yuma sat and looked around. He noticed a little boy staring at him from the door. The boy seemed both confused and curious. "Oh… Hey, there little guy. Are you lost?"
The little boy shook his head and kept staring at Yuma. Yuma was starting to feel uncomfortable with the boy's presence.
"Then, why are you here? You wanna come in?" Yuma asked, trying to be polite.
The boy quickly nodded and entered the room. He stood in front of Yuma, still staring.
"You can sit down here. I won't bite you." Yuma patted his side for the boy to sit.
The boy obediently sat beside Yuma. Suddenly he hugged Yuma, surprising him a lot.
"W-woah! You're really affective." Yuma exclaimed.
The boy looked up at Yuma. It seemed he was trying to tell something, but not a word came out from him.
"C'mon! Don't be shy! You can tell me anything you want." Yuma encouraged.
The boy was about to say something when suddenly someone else entered the room.
"Oh my! There you are! I was worried sick!" Luka entered the room and touched the little boy's hand. "Come with me, my boy. Your parents are going to get worried if they don't see you in your room."
The little boy looked at Luka and then at Yuma. He slowly let go of Yuma and stood, taking Luka's hand.
"Thanks for finding him, Yuma-kun. This boy can disappear at the moment less expected. He's always exploring the Hospital." Luka said thankfully. "Now let's go, Akira-kun. Let's leave Yuma-kun get some rest." She talked to the boy.
Yuma gasped at the mention of the boy's name. "Akira? Is that this boy's name?"
Luka looked at Yuma. "Well, yes. His name is Kuroko Akira."
Yuma quickly eyed the boy. Kuroko Akira was the name of Black Mist's human form. Why did this boy have the same name? Astral also stared at the little boy. Could it be possible that this boy was Black Mist's new form?
"How long has Akira been here?" Yuma asked. He needed to know.
"Hmm… Since last year. He had a car accident with his older brother. Sadly, his older brother died, and Akira was left very hurt. Poor Akira-kun was destroyed when he heard about his brother's death. Because of his wounds, Akira-kun couldn't leave the Hospital. Just a month ago was Akira-kun able to move again, ever since he's been exploring the Hospital." Luka explained.
Yuma stared at the boy. That was exactly Black Mist's story. Could it be possible? Could this boy really be Black Mist new form? But it didn't make sense. If this boy was unable to move until a month ago, how could he be Black Mist?
"L… L-Luka-san…"
All eyes turned to the little boy who just spoke.
"Akira-kun? You spoke?" Luka asked stunned.
The little boy nodded. "I… I w-want to stay w-with Y-Yuma-kun…"
Luka was at a loss of words. "Well… Fine, but only for a minute. I'll go attend someone and I'll return for you, ok?"
The boy nodded and Luka left, all the while mumbling something like 'He spoke. I can't believe it…'
Yuma then stared at the boy and so did Astral. If this was Black Mist playing a trick on them, they were going to be prepared. Young Akira looked at Yuma. He seemed to be analyzing every bit of the boy in front.
"D-do you have p-paper?" The boy spoke almost in a whisper.
Yuma was taken aback by the question. This was odd. He nodded and searched for a notebook Kotori left for him that was in a table near the bed. He handed it to the boy, who took out a pencil and started writing. After a minute he handed what he wrote to Yuma.
I noticed you're hurt. Was this that black being's fault?
Yuma opened his eyes wide. "You know Black Mist?"
The boy took the notebook and wrote again.
His name is Black Mist? He seems an alien…
Yuma laughed at the last part. "Well, you could say he's an alien."
He boy wrote again.
I noticed… It was his fault you're hurt?
Yuma frowned. Why was this boy asking that question? The boy seemed to notice and he wrote.
He told me he would hurt someone, but I didn't know who. I only knew it was a boy his age, or at least the age he appeared to be. You're the first boy his age I've seen hospitalized in this last month. And you seem to know him, so that makes me think it's you…
Yuma was surprised. So this boy really knew Black Mist. "Why did you come to see me?"
I was worried. And I wanted to apologize. I never wished for someone to get hurt.
Yuma tilted his head. "How you met Black Mist?"
I found his card near my bed. The moment I took it, he appeared. I was really startled the first time.
Yuma frowned. "There's something I don't understand. Black Mist disguised himself as a boy named just like you and you're telling me that you met him but you're not him?"
The boy sighed. He took a long moment to write something. He then handed it to Yuma.
When I found Black Mist's card I was wishing for my brother back. We were really close and I missed him. Black Mist said that as a number, he could grant my most wished desire. I asked for my brother back, of course. He told me that that was beyond his power, but that he could do something about it. The next day, I found my brother in front of me, just slightly a bit younger. I was impressed and happy at the same time. Then I discovered it was Black Mist disguised. He then started talking about having a plan and using that form to make it work. He told me that he was borrowing my name for a while to use it as part of his disguise.
Day after day, Black Mist kept talking about an annoying boy. He said he was planning to hurt that boy so badly that he would probably end up in the Hospital. Some days he talked about another boy, I think he was named Astral. Black Mist said that Astral was his worst enemy and that he was planning to destroy him, but first he had to destroy the annoying boy. He said that the best way to do it was making them angry at each other. So he lied to both of them and tricked them.
A month ago he came with a grin and said that his plan was already made, and that there was nothing that could stop him now. I feared for the boy's life, so I reunited all the strength I had and decided to face Black Mist. Because I was the owner of his card he couldn't do anything against me. So he chose to disappear. When I woke the next day he was already gone and I decided to go search for the boy he injured.
Yuma took a moment to analyze what he just read. He then stared at the boy with wide eyes. Astral was staring too. This boy… Could they trust him? How do they know he's not one of 96's tricks?
"How do we know we can trust you?" Astral asked.
Yuma eyed the alien. Astral was invisible to every normal person, how do he expected for the boy to answer? Unless… Yuma then looked at the boy, waiting for his reaction.
The boy looked around, trying to find something or someone. He then laid his eyes in the blue alien. After a moment he took the notebook and wrote.
What is that blur beside you?
Yuma gasped. "You can see Astral?"
Akira frowned.
Astral? The one Black Mist mentioned?
Yuma nodded. "Yes. Can you see him?"
The little boy looked at the entity again. He then shook his head.
I heard some kind of whisper and when I looked around I noticed a blue blur beside you. But I can't see him clearly. How is he like?
Yuma smiled a little. "Astral looks a lot like Black Mist. But Astral is blue and he doesn't have the red markings in his head. Also, instead of a black eye, he has a transparent almost blue eye. The other one is golden, just like Black Mist."
Akira seemed delighted by Yuma's description.
He sounds like a cool guy. Totally different from Black Mist.
"He is!" Yuma grinned.
Akira nodded and looked at Astral again. Astral looked back.
He said something, right?
Yuma nodded. "He asked how we can know we can trust you. No offence, but you could be one of Black Mist's tricks."
The boy sighed and nodded understanding.
I understand. It must be weird for a boy to suddenly appear and say these things to you. The only thing I can do is hope that you can trust me and apologize. Even though I didn't wished for it, I feel it's my fault that you ended hurt. I apologize, Yuma-kun and Astral-san. I hope you can forgive me…
Yuma was moved by this. This boy wasn't evil. He wasn't one of 96's tricks either. There was no darkness in him. But then again, Shingetsu was just like that and he turned out to be a crazy psychopath. Still, there was something different in this boy. He was being sincere, his eyes told so.
"I believe you, Akira. I know you're being sincere. You don't have to apologize. You didn't hurt me nor did you wished for it. You're just a good boy with a very difficult life. Don't worry." Yuma said smiling. Akira smiled back.
Astral stared for a moment. He was having a hard time to decide if he could trust the boy or not. At the end, he knew the boy was sincere. Unlike Black Mist's disguise, this boy didn't give a strange feeling to Astral.
"Yuma is right. There is no need to apologize. You were not the one pulling the strings, you were just involved involuntarily." Astral spoke.
The little boy stared at Astral with a questioning look. Yuma laughed.
"Astral says the same thing as I. We're not angry at you. And if it makes you feel better, we forgive you. Though there's really nothing to forgive since it wasn't your fault."
The boy smiled again.
Thank you, Yuma-kun, Astral-san. I'm forever grateful.
"No problem!" Yuma grinned. "But… I have a question…"
Both Astral and Akira stared at Yuma.
And what would that be?
"Well… Why did you choose to write things down instead of speaking directly?"
The boy looked away.
Because I can't speak properly.
"What do you mean?" Yuma asked confused.
Akira sighed.
After the accident, I couldn't speak. Losing my brother, the most precious person to me, was really difficult. I just can't speak. It's like, the moment I lost my brother, I also lost my voice. I can't quite explain it… As you saw, I tried to speak. But the most I can do is whisper and stutter…
Yuma looked at the boy sadly. Akira was having a very unfair life. "What about your parents? Are they…?"
Akira shook his head. He then smiled.
You heard Luka-chan say that my parents would get worried if they didn't see me, right? They're safe. But they're always busy with work, so they were never home. That's how my brother and I got so close. After the accident, they changed a lot. They're always with me now. They try their best to make me feel better. And I'm glad for that. If it wasn't because of them I don't know where I would be now.
Yuma smiled too. "You have great parents, then. My parents disappeared, so I always feel alone. But you're right. I have my sister and grandma and all my friends. I shouldn't feel alone, it's just not right."
Akira nodded happily.
Yes. There's always someone who's going to be here for us. We should never forget that.
"That's right!" Yuma grinned. "Thanks Akira. For reminding me."
No. Thank you Yuma-kun. For forgiving me. I'm glad that I got to meet you and I hope you get well very soon.
"I hope the same for you. And I hope we can be good friends."
I know we will.
Both boys smiled happily.
Oh! And you too Astral –san.
Yuma then eyed Astral, who was deep in thought. Yuma laughed. "Astral, we're talking to you."
Astral looked at both boys. "Oh, I was deep in thought. I apologize."
"What were you thinking?"
"About everything that happened so far…" The alien then eyed Akira with a smile. "I hope for the same."
Yuma turned to the boy. "Astral said he hoped for the same."
Akira smiled brightly. At that moment, Luka entered the room.
"Oh my! I'm so sorry for delaying so much! I kept doing this and that and I forgot about Akira-kun!" Luka exclaimed apologetic.
The boys laughed.
Luka-san doesn't leave her head because it's glued to her neck.
Yuma laughed hard when he saw what Akira wrote. Luka gave a confused look and got near the boys. She noticed the notebook in Akira's hands and gave a glance of what he wrote. She then laughed sheepishly.
"Maybe that's true. Anyways, I'm here to take Akira-kun back and to take Yuma-kun to the doctor's office." She smiled.
"The doctor's office? Why?" Yuma asked confused.
"Dr. Takede insisted to make another checking. To see how you've been improving."
Yuma nodded. He was starting to get used to all the checking.
"Then I'll come for you in a minute." Luka said. She then took Akira's hand. "Let's go now Akira-kun. Your parents will come any minute now."
Akira nodded and, with a last smile directed to Yuma, he left the room with Luka.
Yuma smiled happily. "Akira's a good boy. Don't you think Astral?"
Astral nodded. "Yes, he is. Though it is sad that a boy like him had to pass through so much pain. It is unfair. For people to suffer like that."
Yuma laughed half-heartily. "Life's never fair, Astral. Not in this world. But good thing is that there's always people with us to help us overcome all pain. There's always people who will give us a reason to stand and walk, who will stay by our side when we must need it. People who's going to give us hope, who's going to be our hope."
Astral stared Yuma. He thought about Yuma's words. A minute passed and, just like Luka said, she came and took Yuma to the doctor's office. The doctor did a checking in Yuma. He then said they had to wait until tomorrow to know the results, but from what he saw there was nothing to worry about. Yuma returned to his room and waited for Akari to come. She came a bit late but came after all. They talked for a while until Yuma fell asleep and soon Akari did too.
Next morning came with yet more snow. It was really a beautiful morning to just step outside and have fun. Sadly for Yuma he couldn't, at least not for now. When Yuma woke up, Akari had already left the room. She left a note saying that she had to go to work and that she didn't wake him to let him rest some more. Yuma was starting to feel alone until Astral appeared. The alien was still interested in the snow, and he insisted Yuma to explain it to him. Yuma, having nothing else to do, agreed. They spent the morning talking this and that, choosing to simply enjoy the presence of each other.
They were mostly alone in the room, with the occasional interruption of Luka once in a while; but nothing else. Kotori and the others were probably at school, so they would come in the afternoon. And to those who didn't study, they probably were busy doing whatever keeps them busy. If it wasn't for Astral presence, Yuma would probably be feeling alone and sad at that very moment. Thankfully, the alien was going to be always with him.
"… And that's everything I know." Yuma said. He was telling Astral about his discoveries during the Science project Miss Lucca made.
"Very interesting indeed." Astral was in a 'thoughtful' position, as Yuma likes to call it. He was floating like he was sitting with his legs crossed and a hand under his chin.
"Yeah…" Yuma always found interesting how Astral was able to do such sort of things with his ability to float. It made him wonder how floating must feel like. "Since I answered your questions, you should answer mine too, don't you think?"
"I believe that is fair. Ask away." The alien looked at his partner with his expressionless eyes.
"Hmm… How does it feel like floating? I mean, I've always been curious." Yuma asked, slightly excited.
"How does it feel…? I cannot quite point an emotion to it, but… Maybe the right word to describe it would be… Free." Astral answered thoughtfully.
"Wow! How you even can float? I mean, isn't weird to be always floating around? Do you even know how to walk with your own feet?" Yuma asked again.
"Hmm… The reason why we astral beings can float is because we lack of a center of gravity, unlike humans. Humans' center of gravity is on Earth, but also humans possess a slightly magnetism inside them. As with a magnet, the positive magnetism attracts the negative magnetism; but if there are two positives or two negatives there is no attraction, on the contrary, they repel. Usually any being would end up attracted to the powerful magnetism of Earth, as a positive and negative magnetism would do. But we astral beings do not have that kind of magnetism. To put it in a simple way, our magnetism is the same as the Earth's magnetism, so instead of being attracted, we are being repelled and thus we are able to float. And to answer your other questions: No, it is not. And yes, though we have no practice."
Yuma delayed a couple of minutes to process everything Astra said. After a moment, he just exclaimed. "Awesome!"
Astral gave a sincere smile. It seemed like things were getting better now. That made him happy. Finally, everything was going to be back to normal.
"Hm… Astral… There's another question I have…" Yuma said. Astral nodded to make him continue. "The other day… You thought something about Black Mist's doing. I was wondering what you meant…"
Astral was taken aback by the question. He chose to explain the truth to Yuma. After all, it was his life that was in danger.
"The day we saw Black Mist last, he warned that whatever we did could mean your death… I am afraid that, if Black Mist comes back… He could hurt you... Even more badly than what he has done now…" Yuma lowered his head. He bit his lip strongly. Astral noticed the boy's body trembling. "Yuma…?"
"I'm such an idiot! I'm so stupid, so stupid! I knew I shouldn't have trust him, yet I did. I put my life in risk. I put everyone's lives in risk! What was I thinking!"
It was there again. The strange emotion in Yuma's eyes... What could that emotion be? But more importantly, why was that emotion in Yuma's eyes? Astral tried to said something but was really startled when Yuma hit the little table beside him.
"Yuma…" The alien whispered.
Tears slowly fell from the boy's eyes. "A-all of this… Just because I was scared! I-if something happened to you, or to anyone! I… I would never been able to forgive myself." The boy eyed the alien with sadness. "You're really important to me… I don't want to lose you. I don't want to be separated again from you!"
The alien widened his eyes. He never expected for the boy to feel that way. But being sincere, he felt the same way. He didn't want to lose Yuma, the boy was really important to him. But at the end they'll have to be apart, they knew that since the beginning.
"Yuma… We know that-"
"No Astral! I don't want to! I don't want you to go! Because Astral…" The boy looked at the entity's eyes with sadness.
"How can I stay strong when I know you're leaving someday?"
The entity stared at the boy. Finally, he understood one thing:
This was Yuma's true feelings.
Yuma was finally exiting the Hospital doors. He was wearing comfortable yet warm clothing due to the snow that kept falling from the sky. He took a look at the Hospital's entrance with a small smile. Not just his external wounds were healed in that Hospital, but also the internal ones. The ones that are deep in our souls and that can only be healed when you bare your heart.
"We'll miss you so much, Yuma-kun!" That was Luka. She hugged tightly the boy with tears of happiness in her eyes. "Remember to follow the doctor orders this time, ok?" She smiled.
Yuma laughed. "I will, Luka-chan."
He was definitively going to miss her childish and affectionate personality.
"P-please, come visit sometimes, Yuma-kun." That one was little Akira. After his meeting with Yuma, the boy was trying his best to recuperate his voice. With all his effort, Akira was able to speak almost fluently.
Yuma smiled at the boy and ruffled his hair. "I will, Akira. Be a good boy and don't make Luka-chan worry too much." The boy nodded and smiled brightly.
He was going to miss Akira's company, the boy always found a way to entertain him.
"You should follow the orders and everything will be fine. Though we liked your presence, try to not get hurt again." That one was Dr. Takede. In that time in the Hospital, he had grown close to Yuma in some sort.
"I will, Doc. And I don't promise anything. I'll never know what could happen." Yuma said with a smile.
After that was told, Yuma turned away and directed to Akari, who was waiting for him to take him home. As he started walking, Astral appeared beside him with crossed arms. Yuma quickly noticed this.
"Are you ready to return home, Astral?" Yuma asked with a smile.
The alien smiled a little. "Yes. I am happy we are finally returning home."
Yuma grinned and started racing to Akari, not caring how difficult it was with all the snow in the ground. He jumped in the air and said his all well-known cataphrase.
"KATTOBINGU DA ORE!"
-Maybe our future is already made. Maybe we can make our own future. Either ways, there's always someone there to be with us. And even if that person someday leaves, he/she is going to stay in our hearts forever.-
Ariette: And this is how it ends! Everyone is back to normal! Yay! :D
Zexal cast: *Clapping hands*
Ariette: *With tears* I'm so proud of myself. This is my first multiple-chapters story that is complete. :')
To the reviewers:
Hunter: I'm glad you liked it! :) I try to fill my stories with feels. XD Finally things are fine for everyone! :D Yay! And thank you!
Ao: (because I'm lazy to write your whole name XD) YES, YOU ARE EVIL! XD As Rinko said: Tch. XD You came almost at the end of the story. Consider yourself lucky that you didn't have to wait a LOT to see an update from me. XD
Key-Jey(Pandorya): O.O I almost have a heart attack! You scared me for a minute! XD Yay! I'm glad you liked it! :D You have your answers! *Answers, answers everywhere* Thanks. *u*
Breana: I'm glad you're glad. XD Well, I needed something to make him mad. XD I came up with coward, that's why! Thanks. *u* Hmm... I'm sure he understood. *Black Mist in the distance screams "Come at me!"* Yes, they are. :) Finally it's over. About the One-shot: I already started it. I'm just having a bit of problems due to the lack of time (yes, time's always guilty). I'll post it as soon as I finish. It's tittle it's going to be "Yami & Hikari".
Thor94: Yeah... I'm just evil. Here you know both things. But I'll give quick explanation in case people didn't understand.
Durbe-nee: YES! X) You're brother got killed by Vec, I'll admit that. But that still doesn't explain why you don't like Black Mist! Thanks Antares, someone understands me! Oh, well~ It's good to know you forgive Vec, Durbe-nee. :) Yay! 'm forgiven for hurting Yuma so much! XD *o* You called me 'Ari-neechan'~ Best day ever! *Faints*
SYF: YES! HE'S AWAKE! X) ¡Ay, gracias! Me encanta ser malvada. :3
Don Justice-100: YAY! :) I love to make many feels. X)
Merry Moca: Thank you! *u* I'm glad you liked it.
Ariette: Well, Thor94 asked me a very interesting question. Why Black Mist attacked Yuma and why Yuma approached the Number and made a deal with him? Well, as a quick explanation to that, I'll answer. (In case you didn't got it with the story).
1. Black Mist attacked Yuma as a last resort. While Yuma thinks it's because he discovered the truth, in fact the Number did it to 'prove' he could control Yuma as a manipulating act.
2. Yuma approached the Number because he was depressed at the absence of his parents. Yuma is always seen as a boy full of hope and energetic, but actually deep inside he fears to be alone. Trying to hide his feelings to not 'worry' or 'bother' the others, Yuma thought it was a good idea accept the help from the 'only one' who understood him. He was just confused and sad.
Yuma: I'm not like that!
Ariette: Yes, you are. u.u
Yuma: *Pouts*
Ariette: I have good news for everyone! :D Since I was so forgetful enough to tell you that this was the last chapter, I decided to make it up for you! I'll make one last chapter as a Epilogue. :)
Astral: You came up with this just now, right?
Ariette: Yup. :) And as our usual trivia!
This time I'm going to do an Questions&Answers (Or Q&A) for trivia! Instead of me asking, I'll allow you to ask me! :D I'll answer the questions next chapter. You can ask about anything of this story! How I came up with the idea, what inspired me, if it was planned or not, etc., etc., etc. Feel free to ask as much as you like! :D
Ariette: That is all for this amazing story! You are now allowed to kill/complot against Black Mist! Just make sure to keep him alive in case I need him later!
Yuma: But you just said 'kill'.
Ariette: Exactly! XD