Sakura :YGO!Zexal: :chapter 7:

Yuma felt the soft and weak waves that soaked his clothes. A light caress of the river's waters that was so deep and full of mysteries, the river that once divided the northern and southern lands.

It was exactly five years since the incident that had occurred in the huge, luxurious Black Mist's mansion.

People heard through rumors that the feared leader of the northern part had died and was buried under a huge cherry tree, however, some villagers believed that, in fact, 96 was still alive. He had only feigned his own death to escape a possible civil war that had been brewing over the years, the result of his own actions and the hatred that he had implanted in people's hearts. Nothing was more than rumors, but the gossips served to create various legends surrounding the mysterious death of Black Mist.

It was five long, extensive and difficult years that Astral had been called to the complicated task of unifying the realms, as once it was in the past.

They were extremely different cultures and Astral knew the reintegration process would be long and tiresome, after all, the persons of his land were rural, while the people of the north was more concerned about having than being. However, he was sure that one day people could mingle and form a single society and the peace would rein on his land.

Yuma stood slowly, staring at the blue, almost black, river's waters. He knew that somewhere among the rocks, sand and plants were the memories of his parents.

The boy smiled slightly before bowing in a sign of respect, saying goodbye to those who had given him life. He watched the branch of cherry blossoms that sailed through the waters, spreading pink petals on the surface of the lake. His mother loved flowers.

Yuma then stared at Astral, which showed a gentle smile, raising his hand toward the boy.

The sun was shining in a gentle manner, touching the Tsukumo's tanned skin, warming that soft spring day.

Yuma laced his fingers with Astral, heading for the city.

The boy still suffered the death of his parents, however he could not help but feel his heart warm and beating faster every time he looked at Astral. He was his savior. His friend. His love.

Yuma smiled before moving away from the guy - "I bet I get there first!" - he shouted as he ran across the grass, laughing loudly.

In heaven, he could feel, his parents laughed back.