Chapter 3:

What now ...?

Yuma and Astral, together holding hands, made their way to what would serve as a dining room. A place formerly suited for Yuma, since they as Astral beings had no need to eat. Or at least not something entirely physical. Contrary to humans or other races.

The corridors seemed to greet them with more joy than before, the white, blue or crystalline walls seemed to take on a glow of their own. Yuma was betting on being in a palace like in the fairy tales his sister loved so much. And next to him, Prince Charming that all princesses are supposed to dream of.

Although weighing it well. The palace in the Astral World couldn't even really compare to the true beauty it radiated on its own. The tales were blasphemy just to narrate something like where it was now.

The Prince Charming that many longed for. It came true, albeit in a somewhat literal way. His beloved Astral himself was already blue. So... Well, that made him meet the requirement, didn't it? However, given the current situation. The Astral being was no longer a prince. No, sir. He was now full-fledged a King.

If he remembered correctly, Astral was now mentioning to him everything he did in his World. Among mountains of paperwork, reviews of nearby cities as well as the main one. New rules and laws. For the old laws that's what they were. Old and obsolete at this point, therefore, they needed to be updated. And many other things that I could not recall now. But which were just as important and valuable.

Having a being like him by his side. It was so much better than his dreams. Please. The princes of fairy tales were obsolete in the face of such a marvel of a being.

And in the end. He wasn't a woman. He was not a girl waiting for Prince Charming to come along and rescue her from a life she herself could have avoided by following an independent and courageous path. No. He was a man, young by his marked age of 16. Almost 17. And at his young age he was grateful for it.

He had already almost died twice if it were not for Astral, and vice versa. He lived and triumphed. He had been through so much in such a short time, that his mind and soul had evolved almost to the level of his partner. (Though in all honesty Astral surpassed him by millennia). But back to the present. Thanks to it. He felt ready and blissful to be able to move on to the next challenge that would brighten their lives. His little boy or girl.

Yuma was smiling non-stop. The light in his eyes radiated love and hope. The servants and inhabitants of the palace noticed. And the rumors did not wait.

Maids on duty began to whisper. The guards began with bets and the occasional challenge in Duel. The King's most direct aides only gave each other complicit glances. Soon the Astral World would learn the truth. The mere sight of his majesty looking for Ana was an irremediable proof that something was going on there.

Astral in his own world hardly noticed it, and honestly, he didn't care. He was happy. Yuma likewise. There was nothing to worry about. Or maybe not now. His main focus for now was that dining room. Which around a corner began to come into view.

Maids went from here to there, each one carrying out their errands with care. Astral and Yuma met them in the corridors, and they only smiled and bowed as a sign of respect. This happened until they reached their destination, where their only obstacle was the huge white doors, which were opened for both of them by two guards, who did not hesitate to imitate the maidservants in their greeting to both monarchs.

Astral was satisfied. Yuma, on the other hand, was not used to so much respect, let alone so much attention, but seeing Astral acting normally, he assumed that everything was fine, so he decided to go ahead with his partner.

An exquisite dining room was what greeted him again. No matter how many times he came to the place, every time they opened those doors it seemed like the first time to enter.

The chandelier of the purest and finest crystal hung in the center of the dining room, giving a dim and welcoming light. The white rectangular-shaped table invited him to touch it, while the soft seats lured him to feel its comfort. Yuma loved those seats, because like a good fiction movie, they had no supports to stand on. On the contrary, the backrest and seat seemed to float on their own. Static. Ignoring gravity.

Astral smiled even more as he saw the childlike excitement in his partner, who almost ran to sit in what was already his usual place, and after a few more steps, Astral imitated him. Sitting right next to him.

They both looked at each other with excitement. Astral still because of the news and Yuma because he would now be eating "for two" So his boyfriend didn't have to limit him in the "healthy amounts" that he mentioned to him very often every time they visited the site.

And with an enviable calmness, the eldest handed a bell to the youngest. He rang it, and as it was "enchanted" it disappeared after being used. Now it was only a few minutes before the food was brought to Yuma, and in the meantime a new conversation was born between the two.

—What do you think it will be like? — Questioned the youngest.

—Mm. —The oldest seemed to think about it for a moment before answering. —Maybe, and hopefully he'll look like me.

—Why do you say that? –

—Well, you're the one who's gestates right now. So, based on that, I think it will take on more of your features. Even the nice honey color of your skin.

—Do you really think so?

—I guess. I'm not sure. But... —The oldest took Yuma's hands in his. —I'd be glad if that were the case.

Yuma smiled warmly. He loved to see his partner that way. He was usually proud and mysterious. Although those were traits he loved just as much, Astral showing his feelings openly made him feel better.

—I think, he'll be an exact copy of you Astral...

—Are you serious? —Asked the oldest amused.

—Yes, I do. —

—And how do you know that? –

—Mother instinct. —That was all he could answer.

Astral laughed softly followed by Yuma. It felt like a beautiful atmosphere, until it was broken by the opening of the doors.

Maids entered along with butlers, carrying several plates of strange looking food. They seemed to imitate the foods of the earth, but whoever saw them would say that they were made of plastic of different colors and one or the other glass or crystal.

No human would really like to eat it. No human except for the savior of the Astral World, who, at the mere sight of the food, immediately felt delighted. His favorite dishes were there, in a different way than conceived, but they were there all the same. The Astral beings were somehow able to accomplish what would have seemed impossible, to create food through the Prana they consumed. Energy which was in the environment, in the Worlds. Flowing always in silence.

The maids quickly put everything in position while the butlers secured the heaviest loads, placing them in the center of the table. A plate and silverware were passed to the youngest, who received them with immense joy. And after another parade of servants, with the exception of two maids and a butler who stayed behind to help serve properly, the eagerly awaited feast began.

Plate after plate was consumed with care by the youngest, who barely paid attention to the eldest. Astral finally gave up and smiled and let out a sigh. This time he would let Yuma eat as much as he wanted, then would come Ana's strict diet, and maybe one or two other cravings, but that was as far as it went, and now that he was thinking it over.

Duels were definitely forbidden for the youngest. As well as the many somersaults and spins that he always did in moments of happiness and adrenaline.

Their adventures would be put on hold until further notice, and in the end, Yuma needed to stay even temporarily in the Astral World.

Mm, Yuma wouldn't like any of that. But Astral supposed he would understand because of the delicacy of his situation. And concluding that, he watched out of the corner of his eye as the fruit was now slowly disappearing and deciding to interrupt the long feast, he spoke.

—Yuma. — Astral called softly. —Don't you think it's time to talk about how we'll handle the situation?

—What? —The youngest mumbled, as he looked at his partner with little interest. At the same time what he put a new piece of cake to his mouth which looked appetizing.

Astral couldn't help but be upset for a moment, he loved his Yuma with all his heart, but there was a gulf between him and the food. If Yuma were given a choice to save his life, Yuma would be for hours thinking about who to save, and that definitely didn't suit him in any way.

However, love was much stronger so sighing with resignation, he asked his initial question again. How would they handle the situation?

Yuma, after one more quick bite, finally put aside that delicious blue chocolate cake and turned his attention back to his partner, who was looking at him with a certain seriousness to make him understand how important the situation was. Yuma felt a limbo in his stomach.

—I don't know... —Was what his mind and mouth automatically produced.

Honestly, it's not that I was blank, or anything like that, Yuma knew that all this was something spontaneous. It was the product of a fiery and beloved love affair, but also of a hidden relationship. He knew some consequences for sure, but could not guess others. What will be, was the problem. That and some reactions from some good friends and colleagues.

He could not lie to himself; this was a litmus test for everyone. Many things would be defined here and others would simply disappear, hence the answer.

—I don't know Astral... —Yuma said again, now slightly overwhelmed at being brought back to reality. Astral, noticing this immediately, quickly directed the servants to leave for a moment; which were disappointed to be dismissed from the place, but following the orders of their superior, they left as soon as possible, leaving their master with his partner.

Yuma just noticing the gesture, thanked in silence, but feeling again a little dejected, decided to take the hands of his beloved in search of comfort. Astral accepted and contributed, moving a little closer to the youngest. And after finding a comfortable position leaning on each other, they began that dreaded conversation.

—I know it is difficult Yuma. I know, I am aware of it. But you know very well that we have to take action on the matter before something bad wants to explode in the middle of the battlefield. —Astral explained as best he could to the youngest. Yuma half understood him.

—Yes, I know, Astral. And I really appreciate you thinking of everything. But I have to be honest, I don't even know where to begin! —

Yuma waved his hands and arms in an exalted manner.

—Shall I talk to my family first or shall I talk to those who cause the most trouble first? Shall we tell our friends too or hide it until further notice? What about the protection of the earth and the Astral World? What about the Varian World? Shall we tell them too? What about your reign? What about your administration? Will the Astral World accept me?... Astral! It's just... There are so many things that can go wrong! And I... Me... I don't know if I can fight them this time. —

Yuma admitted in a defeated voice.

Of course, Astral understood his partner perfectly. There were valid concerns and there was no way of knowing if everything was going to be okay, however, for him, Yuma was quickly drowning in a glass of water.

There were still undiscovered perspectives, paths to explore, and for that reason, he acted as he thought best, speaking from the language of love, letting Yuma vent freely.

Letting even the smallest doubts come to the surface; so, after at least thirty minutes, Yuma began to calm down.

—Yuma. — Astral called.

—Astral... We! —

—Yuma... —

—You don't understand! —

—Yuma... —

—Please, Astral... We must...! —

—Yuma! —

Astral shouted, finally calling the attention of the exalted youngest, who jumped with fright, at the same time that he saw his partner again.

Astral rarely raised his voice.

In fact, he could count them on his hand, and he was quite aware that when he yelled at him, he deserved it for his stubbornness, but this time he felt discomfited.

—Astral? —Yuma asked fearful of whatever his partner did or said, for his frown and his arms squeezing him lightly, told him: danger.

Yuma had to admit that he trusted Astral, but when Astral got angry, he was someone to be feared and watched out for. He was so unpredictable that that's what made him dangerous. Astral would never hurt him, but for that instant his survival instinct screamed at him.

Astral on the other hand let out all his frustration in his sigh, and looked seriously at his partner. He was looking at him as if he was going to bite him, which maybe he wanted to do, but he would leave that for later. For now, he had to clear things up and put other things in order.

—Yuma, please listen to me. —Astral asked in a soft voice, lightly taking his beloved's shoulders, placing him in front of him. —Let's not worry about things that don't happen yet and maybe won't happen, please don't take fictitious scenarios for granted. It's just your fear talking...

Yuma blinked for a moment, before continuing to look deeply at him.

—I know how difficult this will be. But... —Astral smiled at him. —No one said it was going to be easy, did they? —

Yuma couldn't refuse the beautiful smile full of hope and affection, so recognizing those beautiful words. He nodded calmly.

—Well... That's true... —He admitted, looking at his beloved with full confidence.

—Let's start small. With the first thing and with what we should have done before... The first ones will be the ones who should have known from the beginning. Your parents Yuma. I know and I am sure they will be fine with this, we will have difficulties, of course like everything in this life! But I know that you will be with me, and I swear to be with you. That will allow us to continue with the others. —Astral sounded so convincing that Yuma believed him.

—Do you really believe it? Do you think they...? —

A crazy idea, but feasible at the end of the day. That was what Yuma felt, plus the fact that Astral, his conspiracy fanatic Astral paranoic, said it was something simple to carry out despite having things to lose, led him to be sure that it was going to be just like that.

—I'm sure of it. —

Astral hugged him again, assuring him of his words, and as they parted, he continued.

—After your parents find out and have already accepted the situation, the others will find out little by little, and as you feel comfortable. —Yuma smiled. —Vector's world and his companions. They will be the last... Preferably I wish they would never find out... —

Astral averted his gaze full of suspicion and mockery. Yuma let out a laugh, relieving the serious atmosphere of moments ago.

—Hahaha, not Astral. —

Yuma knew how distrustful Astral still felt, so he chose to keep quiet. He knew that the distrust would die out slowly and eventually, but for now he was fine.

The oldest just looked at him again with a smile full of affection.

—It's all right. They will find out... But let them be the last. —He asked, clasping his hands together playfully in prayer, winking softly so that Yuma laughed again, this time in embarrassment.

—Well Mr. King, your request will be fulfilled. —

—Perfect, I have full confidence in your person and your word Yuma-san. —Astral followed the little game.

—And I solemnly promise it. —Said Yuma raising his hand in oath.

—So be it... —Astral could not help laughing, but soon calmed down, he continued. —And as for the Astral World. Well, it's a good thing you're clueless. —Yuma pretended to be offended.

—Hey! —

—But the Astral World has already accepted you completely. And with the defenses don't worry, I'll take care of it with some colleagues... Have you heard the rumors? —

—Rumors? —Yuma settled himself better in that seat he liked so much.

—Yes, rumors. —

—Well... No, not really. —

—See, that's why I say you should pay more attention to your surroundings. —Yuma pouted, to which Astral couldn't resist pinching one of her cheeks.

—It's okay, I get it. —The youngest took his hand away from his partner, and looked at him asking him to continue.

—Good. The inhabitants of the Astral World hope that you will soon be the "Queen" of the place. They already know about us and hope to soon have an heir to care for, adore and pamper. They will be happy with the news. What's more. —Astral turned for a moment to the door before returning to his original position. —I bet they already know. —

—What?! How?! When was that decided?! —Yuma asked, clearly exalted, and completely blushing. Him? Queen? Please! He was a boy! A boy for God's sake!

—Yes. Just as you hear it. Hahaha don't worry, being "Queen" is just a title, it's not like they really want to make you into something more, you're their savior, so I think it's okay. —

The oldest one finished explaining, in a teasing and playful tone, before changing to a grimace that only Yuma saw in moments full of passion and intimacy.

—Besides... —

He got dangerously close to the youngest.

—I think it's going very well with my partner at my side, don't you think so? —

Yuma looked like the vegetable he hated, the red color of his face stood out naturally from the place, and Astral's playful smile brought out his aggressive side.

—Astral please! —

He gave him a push, which caused the seat to move away with all its owner.

Astral's laughter was what was heard next, but with that he sensed everything. He would be safe and so would his baby, the future no longer looked distant or bad, on the contrary. A great weight seemed to be lifted off his shoulders. His laughter turned into laughter, infecting his partner, which caught the attention of the servants waiting outside.

—My lords, did something happen? —Asked the butler, who was just peeking out of the door.

Yuma looked at Astral, and vice versa. And the oldest understood.

—Nothing bad, Inma, but may I ask you a big favor. To you and to your companions who listen to us in secret. —

Female laughter was suddenly heard. They were easily caught, although it was to be expected from the King.

—Of course, your Majesty. We are here to serve you. —A bow of respect and he looked back at his King.

—Good. In that case. —He looked back at Yuma, who took his hand in the process, with a slight blush. —Begin preparations for an announcement to the Astral World. —

The servants, seeing such a gesture, became excited, and with a beaming smile, responded.

—At once! —

The gears of destiny began to move!