Ariette: I know you probably don't wanna hear my excuses, but I'll say them anyways. This chapter was meant for 2 weeks ago, but sadly I got really really sick and couldn't write. I have witnesses! Then, last week, when I was FINALLY able to write, I didn't have Internet. Not many of you know that I moved to a boarding school, and there things are slightly different. There I lack of Internet for the time being. But hopefully in a couple of weeks there'll be. In short, Vector's the one to blame.

Vector: What?! Why me?!

Ariette: Because last time it was your fault. You're the one I suspect the most.

Vector: What about Black Mist? He was angry at you, wasn't he?

Black Mist: Don't you involve me in this!

((Yugioh Zexal doesn't belong to me, if it did... It'll be the end of the world and it wouldn't be so popular as it is now. XD The song mentioned in this chappie is Recovery Begins by Fireflight, so obviously it doesn't belong to me (Let's break some rules! XD). I'm happy to say that we finally are at the finish line guys. I want to give a special thanks to:

Durbe the Barian for being such a nice friend, Pandorya for being a great twin sis although we're really far away XD and of course a great fan, Hunter for being a great reader and being always nice (Thanks!), SonicAmyFangirl (You changed your name?! O.o), Don Justice-100 and thor94. And of course my lovely Breanna who makes me laugh with her comments (Your story's there, I haven't forgotten). Thank you my beautiful readers! This won't be possible if it wasn't for you... Lies! It would be. XD Nah! Thanks, really. From the bottom of my heart. Now, on with the chapter! Enjoy!))

Epilogue: Recovery Begins

It was late night. A black haired boy with red antennae-like bangs entered his room. He looked around the room, a little smile formed in his lips. He missed that room. He dropped his things at one side of the room and walked around. After glancing at his room, he looked the stairs that lead him to the attic. He got near them and used them to go to the attic.

He walked around what he considered his real room. He smiled at the sight of all those 'old' things in the attic. Every piece of furniture in that room made him feel at home. He felt secure just by being there. He touched the hammock he's so used to sleep in. He remembered when his dad put it there for him. He glanced at the photo picture that was in the table and smiled softly. He believed that one day, sooner than he expected, he will see his parents again.

He turned around when he felt the presence of his blue friend. He smiled at his friend sincerely and happily. "I had no idea how much I missed this place."

The blue being smiled back, a sincere smile. "It has many memories. I suppose it is normal."

The boy nodded. He looked around once more. He then sat in front of the little television and patted his side for his friend to sit. "Wanna see one episode of ESper Robin?"

The alien tilted his head at the sudden question, but he wouldn't say no to that request, so he sat beside the boy. (If he said no it would be the end of the world.)

Yuma chuckled. He knew his alien friend would never refuse to see an episode of ESper Robin. The boy turned on the television and, quickly, another episode of ESper Robin was seen.

As soon as the episode started, Astral was immersed in the show. His eyes were completely glued to the television. His face would make a frown everytime something unfair happened or a smile would come when everything was going right.

Yuma wasn't watching the show as Astral. Instead, the boy was looking at his friend's expressions. It was as if he was trying to memorize every detail of the alien's face. He couldn't stop a chuckle when Astral yelled 'behind you!' to the television. The alien, seeming to have heard the boy, looked at him curiously. Yuma just waved his hand up and down and told him that nothing was wrong. Astral looked skeptical at first but quickly turned his attention to the TV again.

Yuma continued staring at his friend with a little smile. Apparently, the alien sensed the stare becuase he turned again to face the boy. Yuma smiled sheepishly and waved his hand again. This time it took Astral a minute to turn away, but his eyes eventually concentrated in the show.

And yet again, Yuma stared at the alien. As a metal attracted to a magnet, his eyes never left the alien's face. Feeling the boy's stare once more made the alien turn over. He raised an 'eyebrow' confused. Yuma chuckled and waved his hand once more. The alien continued looking at his friend seeking for an answer. Yuma smiled and spoke.

"If you keep looking at me you'll lose the end of the episode." And even before he was able to finish, Astral was already watching the episode.

Yuma chuckled once more at his friend's reaction. Astral eyed him from the corner of the eye, but didn't look away from the TV. When the show ended, the alien turned to see his partner. Yuma knew the alien was seeking for answers, so he simply shrugged and smiled.

"Just wanted to see your reaction at today's episode."

"What do you mean?" Astral asked confused.

"Today was a very interesting episode. You usually make faces when you see this kind of episodes." The boy explained.

"Faces?" The blue being tilted his head in confusion.

"I mean, you make different expressions with your face depending of the situation that's happening in the episode. Like for example smiling when Robin found his friends."

"Oh. Is that bad?" The alien asked concerned.

Yuma shook his head. "No, of course not. It's completely normal to make faces when watching something."

"I see... Observation number 26: Apparently, humans and astral beings alike make 'faces' when watching something." Astral mumbled to himself.

Yuma couldn't stop another chuckle. "You're so naïve Astral."

Astral looked curiously at his friend, wanting to ask what Yuma meant. But before he could speak, Yuma talked.

"There's nothing interesting right now here. Let's see if we find another channel that has something entertaining." Yuma said changing the channel.

Astral stayed still in his position and looked curiously the changing colors and voices in the television. He heard something that got his attention and told Yuma to stop. Yuma did as he was told and looked at the channel that Astral was interested in. He frowned at the channel as he never seen it before. It was one of those channels were music videos are on all day. The boy eyed the alien. He was surprised to see the being so immersed in the actual music video. It was a soft song and a blonde woman was singing it.

"What is she doing?" Astral asked not looking away from the TV.

"She's singing." Yuma answered.

The alien looked at his friend. "What is 'singing'?" He looked again at the television. "What is that sound? What are those other people doing with those objects? What are those objects?"

Yuma smiled. Usually Astral's questions would drive him mad, but this time he just found them cute in a way. Astral's naïvety was kinda cute. "Singing is what she's doing. Is using our voice to form a melody. That 'sound' is music. Is a melody but with instruments. That other people are playing the instruments which makes the music. And those 'objects' are the instruments. Every instrument makes a different sound and togheter they form a melody."

Astral took a moment to register what Yuma explained. He then said. "Observation number 27: Humans are capable of singing and form a melody. Observation 28: Also, instruments can form a melody that it is called music. Observation 29: The singing and music is nice."

Yuma grinned joyfully. "So, you like the music?"

Astral nodded. "It is something different from what I have been able to hear. But I do not understand how can a melody turn a sentence into something so different... It is as if it has... Feelings..." The alien eyed his friend hoping for an answer of an untold question.

Yuma looked at the alien and knew what he was waiting for. "Well, songs usually have feelings. Every song expresses something. Like for example care, sadness, heartbreak, love, happiness, relaxation, emptiness, loneliness, wholeness, friendship, brotherhood, sisterhood, etcetera."

The astralian nodded again understanding. "Then a 'song' is what she is 'singing' which is a melody that the 'instruments' help to play with 'music'."

Yuma opened his mouth but closed it again not knowing what to say. He then decided to just approve Astral's explanation. "Yeah, yeah. The same thing you said."

Astral gave a smile, proud of himself for the 'discovery' he just made. Yuma smiled back not wanting to ruin the alien's happiness. At that moment the boy noticed that the song had long ended and there was a new one playing in the TV. However, unlike the one before, this song got his attention.

I talk, I talk too much

I never open up

To what you need to say

My words get in the way...

Yuma eyed the TV with amusement. Somehow, those simple lines reminded him of himself. Actually, it reminded him of himself and Astral. He remembered well that at first he refused to hear Astral. In fact, he would always talk and talk and he would never hear what Astral had to say to him.

I search for stillness

But worry kills it

I need to clear my head

I'm tired, I need to rest...

This part was a little more recent. It's more or less when the whole notes situation started. He was trying to get over the betrayal he felt with Shingetsu, plus trying to not worry too much about his parents' whereabouts. But it was really hard to do. He couldn't stop feeling sad and angry at Vector nor could he stop being worried about his parents. The notes were a way to clear his head, it was a way to rest his troubled mind.

It all comes down to this

The quiet in the end

I listen for your voice

Recovery Begins...

Now, this part was the present. At the end this is what's left. The calmness, the quiet, the silence. The peace before the storm. But it was alright. It was fine because now he could hear, he could understand. Now he could finally listen to what Astral had to say to him. Recovery... That was it. It was time for a Recovery. It was time to recover the time lost. Time to recover the bond that was shattered.

The times I hear you most

Are when you bring me close

I'll follow as you guide

While darkness turns to light...

He knew that Astral only wanted to help him. He knew he had to listen to Astral. But sometimes it was really hard. He was so troubled with his own problems that he wouldn't listen. But he remembered. He remembered that everytime he was in trouble, Astral would guide him. So he was willing to let Astral guide him. Because everytime the alien did, he could feel how the darkness became light.

It all comes down to this

The quiet in the end

I'll listen for your voice

Recovery Begins...

He knew well. He knew it was time to be quiet and hear. It was time to stop struggling with something he couldn't put up with. It was time for a new start. It was time to let the Recovery Begin.

At one point during the song, Yuma closed his eyes. He was deep in thought since the song started. Astral watched him curiously, wanting to ask what was the boy thinking about. Because even though he could try and hear the boy's thoughts, he felt that it wasn't correct at the moment.

When the song ended, Yuma opened his eyes and looked at his alien friend. He gave him a smile. Then he stood and walked near the window.

"Want to go see the stars like we used to?"

The blue entity tilted his head to the side, but a smile came as he nodded. "That would be enjoyfull."

Yuma chuckled and went out of the window. He carefully slipped to the side and climbed the roof until he reached its higher point. He sat and watched as the alien floated beside him.

"You're so lucky you're able to float." Yuma mumbled to himself.

Astral eyed the boy. "Why?"

Yuma laughed sheepishly. "You heard me?" The alien nodded. "It's just that it's easier to float around than walk around. You wouldn't understand. Nevermind." He waved his hand up and down.

Astral was confused but said nothing about it. Yuma smiled softly and looked up to the sky. The night was full of beautiful stars. It seemed like a whole different world. Yuma admired them with happiness. He had no idea how much he missed to watch the stars beside his blue friend.

Meanwhile, Astral was thinking of how woderful would it be if stars were also in his home world. However, that thought made him sad. Because it was the same thought he had when he discovered Yuma's first note and when everything started.

Suddenly Yuma spoke, interrupting Astral's thoughts. "Wanna know what's funny?"

Astral eyed his friend and faked a smile. "What is it?"

Yuma returned his gaze to the stars and smiled softly. "While I was seeing all the horrible moments in my life, I just... Found my hope..." The boy looked at the alien and smiled sincerely. "You're my hope, Astral."

Astral smiled. Without noticing, Yuma made him feel better. At that moment the alien just wanted to burst into tears of happiness and hug his human friend. But he contained all his emotion to himself. "And why is that funny? I believe funny things are the ones that make you laugh."

Yuma pouted childishly. "Ow, Astral! It was rhetorical!"

Astral held back a laugh. "Then why you said it was funny?"

Yuma sighed, not catching that Astral was actually messing with him. "You definitively have to learn a few more things."

Astral chuckled and smiled. "You are my hope too, Yuma."

Yuma gasped surprised. Then he understood what happened a minute ago. He laughed at himself and smiled back brightly. He returned his gaze back at the stars and so did Astral. They stayed like that for a couple more of minutes, until Yuma decided to return to the attic.

Yuma turned off the television and threw himself in the comfort of his hammock. (Comfort for him.) He sighed happily and turned on his back to see the entering alien. The boy smiled at the alien. "Tomorrow awaits us with a great day. I can feel it."

"I am pleasantly surprised of your choice of words. But yes, I must agreed with that." The alien said.

Yuma pouted. "Are you insulting me?"

Astral tilted his head. "No. Why would I want to insult you?"

Yuma narrowed his eyes but then returned them to normal. He was Astral after all! A naive, smart and curious alien who had no ability when insulting someone. Well, at least he doesn't try to insult anyone on purpose. "Nevermind. Let's get some sleep."

"You know I do not need to sleep, Yuma."

"I was talking of myself."

"Oh." The alien nodded. "Goodnight then, Yuma."

"G'night Astral." Yuma said and closed his eyes.

The alien, thinking that the boy was asleep, got near the window again and watched the stars through it just to spend some time. He was a bit startled when he heard the boy's voice.

"Huh. Astral..." The alien turned and saw Yuma was still awake. "Hm... I promise that we'll find more Numbers so you can recuperate your memory."

Astral widened his eyes a little. Why Yuma said that?

"And also..." The alien looked at his partner. "Thanks for being such a great friend."

Astral smiled warmly. "Thanks to you, Yuma. For accepting me and showing me how to feel alive."

Yuma smiled back and fell asleep with happy thoughts.

-Sometimes our bonds may shatter, but there's always a time for its recovery. We just need to let the Recovery Begin.-

Ariette: *With tears* I'm so proud of my work.

Black Mist: You're exaggerating.

Ariette: Shut up!

Black Mist: *Roll eyes*

To the reviewers:

Catloverx33: You like cats, right? XD Sadly yes. But it's worth it. And thanks. :)

Pandorya: Thanks, My Princess. :) And you're always welcomed. Love you! :-*

Hunter: I have a question... You're a girl, right? Thanks! :) I couldn't write it soon, sorry! X(

SYF: WHY? Why did you change your name?! I'll still call you SYF and I don't care if youchange it again! XD Gracias amiga! :)

Burbe-nee XD: Sorry, the keyboard wrote your name wrong, I didn't. XD Yay! *Holds a medal with Link's pose and the background sound* XD Haha! Well, thank you Mr. Chivalrous! XD *Wakes(which doesn't make sense because she was already awake to be able to write this XD)* Please, call me Ari-neechan again! *o*

AnimangaLoverFE: I'm glad you did. It's always a pleasure to write stories for the liking of the reader. :)

Don Justice-100: Well, yeah. I think that was the purpose. XD *Laughs* Sorry, but eventually had to come to an end.

Meiyami: Thank you so much! :) And it was a pleasure.

MoonzerratLhea-14: Well thank you! :D And you speak Spanish too? *o* Yay!

Ariette: I really love you all guys. :') You all make me happy.

Vector and Black Mist: Just go on!

Ariette: *Sighs* Now as my usual trivia! The Q&A! Yay! I got 3 questions, two from Hunter and one from Durbe-nee. Please, Black Mist, help me with this.

Black Mist: Why should I?

Ariette: *Glares*

Black Mist: *Shivers* Alright. *Whispers* I can't believe she's so scary even though she's short and infant looking...

Ariette: What did you say?!

Black Mist: The first question is from Hunter! "Will you be making another story after this one and if you do will Yuma and Astral be the main focus or will you focus on the other characters instead?"

Ariette: *Narrows eyes at BM but answers the question* Well, I'm starting a new boarding school that it's totally different from all the schools I've been to. It really depends on my free time. But yes, I'm planing another story were Yuma and Astral are going to be the main focus. But of course, I'll make short stories from time to time of the other characters. :) Next!

Black Mist: *Bored* Again, from Hunter. "If you had to choose, which zexal boy would-?" Ew! Gross! I'm not going to finish that one!

Ariette: Finish it.

Black Mist: No way! *Gives the paper to Astral* You do it. I'm out of here! *Leaves*

Astral: *Tilts head confused and reads the paper* "If you had to choose, which zexal boy would you kiss?"

Ariette: *Blushes* That's... a rather difficult one. I have a loooong list. Believe me. But... *Whispers* I would choose either Astral, Black Mist, Michael/III, Vector or Fuya. XD

Astral: *Doesn't hear what she said and keeps reading* The last one is from Durbe the Barian. "Will little Akira be appearing in the epilogue?"

Ariette: Sadly, as you could see, no. But don't worry! I have plans for little Akira! :D

Astral: Those are all the questions. Now if you excuse me. "Floats away*

Ariette: Well, this is the end! Thanks to everyone who reads, leaves a review or at least tried to read. It's thanks to you that this story was continued. Thank you! And I hope I'll get to see you in my other works!

PS: The stories I own, like the one for Breana and Durbe-nee, will be made. Just have patience with me, I'm a busy woman. But they'll come eventually.