His heart starts beating faster again, and there's a fluttering feeling in his stomach that makes him feel queasy, but it isn't a bad feeling. He can feel himself blushing, but something keeps him from answering right away. Yuma looks at Astral questioningly. He knows that Astral's mission depends on him holding the key and dueling in his stead. So mentally he asks his partner, Should I?

Astral is shocked that Yuma used their bond to ask. He wants to be mad that Yuma would even consider this, but he finds that he doesn't care about his mission anymore. Eliphas can make someone else to fulfill the mission. Besides, I can tell you're starting to like her. Do as you please.

Yuma doesn't miss the jealousy in Astral's voice and hugs him. There'll be enough room in my life for you too you know. There always has been, and you'll always be my number one.

Astral smiles and hugs him back, a small blush dusting his cheeks. Thank you.

Now that he has Astral's approval, Yuma needs to really consider this. He is silent for a good few minutes before asking Shing, "Will I still be able to see my friends and family?"

Shing shrugs. "Well they can move into the city if they wish."

This made Yuma's decision final. "Then if it means I can still stay with you, sure."

"You do realize that you'll be living a grand life now, right? This isn't going to be all fun, you know?"

"I know, I'm not stupid."

Astral snickers. "Oh I beg to differ on that Yuma."

Shing pops her head out from under the blanket with a knowing grin. "I'll have to agree with Astral on that Yuma."

Yuma puffs out his cheek in a pout and crosses his arms. Hey, not cool!"

Shing and Astral both giggle, but a sudden thought pops into the girl's mind making her blush. "Also do you know you have to…" She can't bring herself to say it, but she has to get it out there if she wants to be with Yuma forever. So she swallows and hides under the blanket to try again. "Do you know you have to… marry me to become king right?"

Yuma knows this very well. He knows that to be a ruler with someone, both parties have to be married. While it seems like a strange idea to get married at his age, he wants to be with her to make sure she's alright. He is already taking a liking to her, so it shouldn't be too big of an issue right? "I know." he replies, pulling the blanket back just enough to expose her head.

"I've caused you enough pain and suffering," she mumbles. "I don't want to force you into anything else."

At this, Yuma giggles at how silly she is being. "I owe you my life!" he exclaims and hugs her happily. "You won't be forcing me to do anything."

"You don't owe me anything. If I never came here, you and your friends wouldn't have suffered."

But Yuma doesn't like thinking pessimistically. As per usual, he likes to look at the bright side of things. "If you never came, I never would have met you."

"I guess…" Shing still can't look at him in the eye. How did this happen? How did she go from mentally torturing this poor boy to suggesting they get married? It seems too ridiculous. Suddenly though, she gets up with the blanket still wrapped around her body. "Hey, do you wanna take a trip?"

"Of course!" Yuma's reply is instant.

"Then go gather your friends." As Yuma hurries off to gather his friends, Shing turns to Yuri, who has been silently watching everything. "Yuri sweetheart, call home for me."

Yuri comes out from behind the trees and nods, rolling his eyes a bit. "Yes whatever you say."

As he is handling that and Yuma is gathering his friends, she waits in the trees. She can hear the conversation between Yuri and Vegeta, and she knows that the first king is clearly not happy.

Well he'll just have to deal with it. Shing figures. I'll have my precious Yuma.

Nearly an hour passes before Yuma comes back with a group of friends and of course, his remaining family members. It took quite a while to convince them about the news, and even longer to convince Kari most of all of the decision he made. But in the end, she allowed him to do as he pleased. After all, this isn't a fate worse than death.

Yuma and Astral look around the clearing, looking for the girl. Where is she? Surely this is where they left her right?

Just as the group is about to split up and look in different directions, a sleek black panther leaps down from the trees and bumps Yuma so he falls onto her back. Shocked but laughing, Yuma adjusts himself so he is secure on her. Then a portal that looks like an overlay network opens. Shing walks in and everyone else follows behind her.

On the other side are two people waiting. One of them, as the people who know about the Barians, are shocked to see is Vector. The second person is a strongly-built man with black spiky hair, intense black eyes and a brown belt wrapped around his waist. Though to Astral, he could have sworn that the belt is too fuzzy to be a belt.

"It's good to finally have you back." the strange man says.

Shing smiles at him. "Has the city fallen into pieces without me?" she jokes.

"Not at all, but the people are on edge."

"Well at least that's a comforting thought. Anyway, you'd be surprised who's here. Vector call for a world meeting."

Vector nods. "Yes my queen." Just as he is about to leave though, he is called back.

"Oh and Vector," Shing calls.

"Yes?"

"You are relieved of your duties as regent."

A look of pure relief spreads across his face. Smiling, he bows and races off to call for a world meeting. Finally the group begins to make their way to the palace. Along the way, the guests are looking around the capital city in awe. It is certainly bigger than Heartland, and there are far more interesting people than there was in Heartland. Oh there are definitely colorful characters in Heartland, but these people are certainly more interesting physically.

Bells go off as they arrive at the palace, and they go up to the balcony. Looking out over the crowd, there is more than one familiar face, but that is expected for Yuma and Astral. They know that there is going to be more than one version of themselves, so it is amusing to see their friends' faces scrunch up in confusion.

The man with the fuzzy belt holds his hands out. "There's no reason to fear or worry my people!" he announces. The queen of our fair empire has been found!"

At this the crown below cheers loudly. When Shing comes out, the cheering increases in volume.

"My people!" she calls, and the crowd silences themselves so they can hear her. "There will be a new addition to the royal family, I'm happy to announce that there will be a third king." Shing turns back to them and waves Yuma over.

As he steps out onto the balcony and looks over the masses, Yuma knows there is going to be a long road ahead of him. It is definitely going to be difficult, but he knows he will have his friends by his side to help him along the way.

Yes, this is definitely going to be great!

~.The End.~

Here's the happier ending for people who didn't like the original ending. Thanks for reading, please leave a comment if you liked this story as it means a lot to me. I shall see you all in the next story. Bye!