Astral

Astral (アストラル Asutoraru) is a being from the Astral World in Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL that serves as the secondary protagonist of the series along with his partner and eventual friend Yuma Tsukumo. He was sent to Human World by Eliphas to destroy the Barian World in order to Rank-Up their world, but after Kazuma Tsukumo modified his programming, he was sent to Yuma instead.

Upon arriving in Yuma's world, his memories were scattered in the form of 100 "Number" cards. While originally he only retained one of the Numbers, he knew that when two or more Numbers confront in a Duel, they will battle each other to consume one another, allowing Astral to absorb vanquished Numbers and recover pieces of his memories. Since pursuing the other 99 Numbers, he and Yuma have retrieved 60 pieces of Astral's memories, while collecting 55 of the actual Numbers, with the addition of attaining three Chaos versions of the same card and Alternate form.

Due to his amnesia, he forgot his mission which was entrusted to him. Number 96 claimed that his mission is what all of the "Numbers" want - the destruction of the world, which horrified him. Related to this is his mission is to obtain a powerful card known as the Numeron Code that can shape worlds, with the intent of destroying the Barian World.

Appearance
Being an energy being of the Astral World, Astral has clear blue and transparent body with green markings and blue gems all over his body. He has blue hair that curls up in a Mohawk and pointed ears, which are pierced with dangling earrings. Astral also has heterochromic eyes, the left eye luminous gold and the right is a clear white. In the English dub, Astral's lower body is sometimes blurred off to remove nudity implications.

Personality
Although Astral has amnesia, he has a very intelligent and calm when it comes to Duels. Even in disastrous situations, he does not seem to lose his cool and can think of a strategy. Outside this, arguably because of his memory loss and sudden arrival to another world, he is curious to the point of naivety, for matters as simple as eating, going to the bathroom, or believing that TV shows are real. His naivety would go to such extent so as to ask Yuma why "he needs to be alone" when Yuma's in the bathroom, to which he replies by saying that he would "die" (in the dub, Yuma says that he would turn into a "guinea pig") otherwise, a thing that Astral took literally.

When he "discovers" things, he has an habit of saying "observation number one, two, three" and then speak the result of his analysis; the fact that he can successfully continue the counting throughout the series implies he has great memory. Astral's observations stopped after their first Duel with Kite Tenjo, which left him quiet and depressed. However, after their Duel with Fortuno, which restored his and Yuma's confidence, his observations returned. In the dub, this observation came with a "sub-observation" that he labeled #13-A. As Astral continues to learn about the human world, he showed great interest of feelings and friendship from observing Yuma and becoming more human in the process. During a Duel with Vetrix, Yuma started to eat the rice balls that Tori gave him prior to the Duel which allowed Astral, who was fused with him to feel the sensation of eating for the first time. He felt incredibly energetic and lively by the taste of the rice balls, stating he wanted to eat "two, or three" more of them, while cheerfully saying that being Yuma has been fun in a rather comedic instance.

Astral has a fear of cats, which he defended by claiming that he hadn't done any observations about them, but seems to gotten over it later on. After Dueling with Kite Tenjo for the first time, he developed a strong fear towards him, so he always tries to tell Yuma to run from Kite instead of fighting him, to the point of telling Yuma to forget his friends. He first denied that he was afraid of Kite, but later admitted. Later during the Duel with Fortuno, Astral overcame his fear and decided to actually fight. After he and Yuma thought about their previous Duels, stating they came too far to lose now, Yuma called Astral his friend, restoring his fighting spirit.

During their duels, Astral often says "The winning formula is complete" whenever he and Yuma are ready to make their comeback.

Usually stoic and cool, Astral does not smile much, but he smiled for the first time when Yuma recognized him as his comrade. Afterwards, Astral begins to smile more often at Yuma since then and even cheered him on with his friends and family when he was trying to do his 20-stack challenge. He still retain his withdrawn nature and tendency to keep his most of thoughts to himself. When observing and learning things unknown and important to him, Astral will only voiced speculations once he gather more evident proof or when a problem presents itself, such as telling Yuma about the world inside the Emperor's Key only after gaining a handful of "Numbers" cards and learning of its origins.

Later, Yuma pointed out that Astral was starting to act like him, more daring and willing to take risks, much to Astral's denial.

Abilities
Astral is a Duelist of another universe who can only been seen by Yuma Tsukumo and those connected with the Barian World; he can also be seen by people exposed to energy derived from the Astral World or Barian World, which included the Arclight Family's power of the Crest. Others cannot see or hear him, which often leads them to think Yuma is talking alone. Astral can't be touched physically, but is shown to be able to hold Duel Monster cards, though it is unknown if it's only the "Numbers" or any cards. However, Astral can be seen through photographs, although he only appears as a light blue haze. He is also capable of flight as he is always seen floating, and seems to not rely on things such as food to live. Although, Astral needs his current partner to have "Numbers" and will start dying if those Numbers are forcefully taken away or when Yuma is losing life points in a Duel with an opponent that has a "Number". Astral can only experience the sensation of taste when he and Yuma share a body in ZEXAL mode.

Even with his loss of memory it has been shown that Astral is indeed a very skilled Duelist, a fact he himself recognizes despite his amnesia, and further demonstrated in how he has advised Yuma on his play, only for him to play the opposite of what Astral dictates and end with rather disastrous results. He also has vast knowledge of the game and most of its cards, like demonstrated in by how quickly he understood Dextra's combo and found its weakness as soon as they arrived He also uses what he knows about a person to win Duels. An example is when how he used Mr. Kay's desire to win a perfect Duel to set up a situation that used his own desire against him. Astral showed good math skills during Charlie McCay's Duels being able to constantly calculate what were Charlie's chances of rolling 6 again whenever he rolled a dice.

He shares his information on the "Numbers" with Yuma and is capable of somehow manipulating the "Numbers" cards, this is seen in two ways, one is that without Astral present Yuma is unable to play any "Numbers" for they do not appear on his Extra Deck. The second is that as so far seen, Astral can pull a "Numbers" card out of a defeated opponent without direct contact, although it is unknown if this is also linked to a rather psychokinetic ability. Furthermore unlike those who use Photon Hand, Astral seems to be the only who can extract the card itself without taking a possessed Duelist's soul, however he was unable to take Trey's "Number" due to the Crest protecting him.

He can take all "Numbers" a defeated opponent has in their Deck that were presented during the Duel. However, the "Numbers" that were not in their Deck are not taken, as shown when defeating Fortuno, as Fortuno used 2 Numbers which were taken, but Fortuno's third was still left with him, kept in a box outside of his Deck.He also has some form of control over how "Numbers" behave in battle or can gain access to new "Number" cards at certain times. For example; after Yuma refuses to sacrifice him during the battle against Fortuno, Astral received a jolt of power from Emperor's Key and was able to provide Yuma with a new card, "Number C39: Utopia Ray". This also made him visible to the others only during Yuma's Duel against Fortuno, but only visible enough for Yuma's friends to believe Astral is real. For some reason, Astral couldn't absorb Alito's "Number", which is most likely due to the fact that Numbers which have numerical values higher than 100 are not part of his memory. On top of that, Astral cannot absorb a "Number" that has been upgraded to "Number C". According to Number 96, this is because Astral no longer has control over him.



It has also been shown that Astral is able to make a Duel Disk appear around his arm, coming from the blue aura around him. It was shown multiple times that Astral is able to talk with Yuma telepathically. After The Door opened for Yuma, he and Astral gained the power of ZEXAL, which causes Yuma and Astral to merge their souls, leaving Yuma with most of the body's control. With this, Yuma/Astral wears a white spandex suit with red armor plating, his right eye becomes golden like Astral's left one, his hair turns gold and he gains a golden aura. They also earned the "ZW -" cards through "Shining Draw", an ability relative to the denizens of Astral World.

Astral is shown to be able to see people's memories, as seen when he touched Hart's head to access his past memory, but this only seems to apply when he touched the person's head.

Etymology
Astral means "of the stars", referring to Astral being from another world. Astral is also used to described things relating to a nonphysical realm of existence.

Some of Yuma's friends refer to him as 'Dueling Ghost', due to his Dueling skills and invisibility, while Dr. Faker and those who are associated with him, including the Vetrix Family, refer to Astral as 'Original "Number"' (ナンバーズのオリジナル, Nanbāzu no Orijinaru) or 'Emissary from Astral World'. Likewise, Astral himself has stated that he is the embodiment of the Numbers.

History
Eons ago, Astral engaged Don Thousand and won, sealing him into the Sea of Ill Intent in the Barian World. Astral performed a Shining Draw that finally ended the battle, which seemed to destroy much of the Astral World in the process. Both Astral and Thousand screamed and were reduced to energy forms - one red and one blue. Those forms had circled around the Numeron Code before vanishing. As a result of this battle, fragments of Astral's power were scattered across the Human World and designated the location of the Numeron Code. They took the form of 50 "Numbers", among them the seven Legendary "Numbers" and the four "Gate of Numeron" monsters.

According to Jinlong, this battle brought destruction to the Earth and it must never be allowed to happen again. During the battle, a shard of Thousand's malice was embedded inside of Astral when he battled him eons ago, creating Number 96. As part of the seal, the seven Legendary Number cards were placed in ruins around Earth.

Astral was sent from the Astral World to Earth to obtain the Numeron Code - an all-powerful card that created reality and could decide fate - before the Barians do. However, Kazuma Tsukumo, who came to the Astral World, modified Astral's programmed algorithms and then sent him to Earth.

Pre-World Duel Carnival
Traveling through The Door, Astral appeared before Yuma Tsukumo and Reginald Kastle during their Duel, telling Yuma to stand up and win. When Yuma asked Astral who he was, Astral introduces himself and revealed his that he lost his memory when he arrived in this world, assuming that some kind of impact scattered his memories. Noticing the Duel, Astral tries to take over Yuma's Duel, stating that he has to win at all costs with Yuma complaining that it was his Duel. Astral tries to order Yuma around, intentionally or not, to gain the advantage against Shark. However, Yuma refuses to listen to Astral as he is taken down each turn. When Astral informs him that his own life fades as Yuma's Life Points decrease, Yuma takes Astral's advice and uses "Monster Reborn" to Special Summon "Gagaga Magician" from his Graveyard. Astral gifts Yuma with "Number 39: Utopia", an Xyz Monster, stating that "Utopia" is the power he has entrusted to Yuma and that he must use it to win the Duel. With this card, Yuma made a comeback, and manages to pull off a win using it in a combo with "Double or Nothing!". Astral then takes "Number 17: Leviathan Dragon" and finds out that, if he gathers all ninety-nine of the scattered "Numbers" cards, he will recover his memory.

Since Yuma is the only person who can see Astral, which makes everyone believe Astral is a ghost, and that he can't leave Yuma's side, Astral begins to live at Yuma's house. While watching Yuma sleep, Astral thinks about the feeling that he has a very important mission to fulfill and that he's had suppose to take over Yuma's body in order to complete that mission. Astral then think about that "Numbers" have the power to control humans, but Yuma was able to use the "Numbers" card to his fullest while he couldn't. Astral believed it was because Yuma had something and reach towards him, only to be stuck into the Emperor's Key and find the world inside of it. While in the key, Astral explores the Different Dimension Airship and learned it's construction like a puzzle, which is made up of hundreds of gears marked with numbers that react with the "Number" cards that Astral absorbs, making them move and glow. Once Astral senses that Yuma was Dueling, he went back out to see that Mr. Kay is a Number holder. During the Duel, Astral tries to instruct Yuma, but Yuma continues to disobey him. Eventually, Astral uses reverse psychology on Yuma so he can play the correct moves to win the the Duel. Once Astral gains "Number 34: Terror-Byte", he remembers that is he is from the Astral World and his world is in great crisis. Astral has also determined that the "Numbers" amplify the emotions that their vessel already had, malicious or not.

As Astral absorbs the "Numbers", bits and pieces of his memories start to return, most of them incomplete. After gaining "Number 83: Galaxy Queen", Astral remember his birth, and that he may have had a mother and also he was given the mission to protect his world, possibly meaning he was created solely for this task. Later, Astral surmises from within Emperor's Key that it might have been made intentional by someone to scatter his memories, and wonders if the airship is meant to be some sort of message and why it would be in the key. When he absorbed "Number 61: Volcasaurus" and "Number 19: Freezadon", he had a small glimpse of his world, which was apparently being bombarded by explosive energy, stunning him.

After learning about Kite Tenjo, Astral found it very suspicious that someone besides him and Yuma are looking for the Numbers. When Yuma Dueled Kite, he was surprised that Kite's Dueling skills were even superior than his. As Astral and Yuma failed to fight back, Astral was sure Yuma would lose and he would disappear, but Kite cancelled the Duel. He was left shocked at what happened next to Yuma, whose pride was severely hurt and even questioned about his "Kattobingu" spirit. This cause Astral to fall in a very depressed state, worried about Kite when he comes to them again. On an errand for Yuma's grandmother, Astral goes to the Duel Sanctuary, and met with another Number holder, Kaze. Astral was able to overcome his depression to help Yuma with the Duel, and gained "Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja" when they won.

As Yuma prepared for the World Duel Carnival, Astral was still shaken up from his Duel with Kite and has his doubts. Yuma eventually learns through a possessed Cathy Katherine that his friends are being held captive by Fortuno. Scared of losing and facing Kite again, Astral was against the Duel, but Yuma persuaded him and the two made off to face against Fortuno. Fortuno introduces himself as Kite's servant and tells him that Kite would be watching this Duel himself, scaring Astral, but not damaging Yuma's fiery spirit. During climax of the Duel, Astral and Yuma were pushed into a corner, and knowing Yuma's friends were in danger, Astral was willing to trade himself for their freedom. However, Yuma refused, telling Astral that he is his friend too, to Astral's surprised. Astral overcame his fear and decided to actually fight. After he and Yuma thought about their previous Duels, stating they came too far to lose now, the Emperor's Key started to shine and granted them a new power, the "Chaos Number", "Number C39: Utopia Ray" as well as making Astral appear and Yuma's friends able to see him for a moment. Using it, they defeat Fortuno and take the 2 "Numbers" cards, and Astral recovered "Number 11: Big Eye" and "Number 16: Shock Master. After Yuma's friends were freed, they all went to thank Astral instead of Yuma, though they're still unable to see him, and thus were shouting at nothing. Astral didn't pay much attention to it and kept his cool. Watching Yuma and his friends walk off, Astral make his 13th Observation, "As long as you have friends, you are able to hope and believe.", and smiled.

On Yuma's Visitor Day at school, Astral assisted Yuma in trying to locate the Emperor's Key after discovering it missing, and learned that the key given to Yuma by his father. Pondering a possible connection between himself and Yuma's father, Astral asked Yuma about him. He learns much about the origin of the Key and Kazuma Tsukumo, who had a vision of the Astral World being attacked and the sound of its inhabitants screaming. Returning to the house, they found the key on the hammock and goes to Heartland Academy. During gym class, Astral smiling warmly at Yuma and encouraged him to tackle the high jump of 20-stacks.

After safely recovering "Number 96: Dark Mist" from a stranger, Astral saw a disturbing vision of a planet being destroyed. When Bronk Stone knocks off the Emperor's Key from Yuma, a black Ooze comes out of Yuma's Deck Case, which grabs Yuma and starts taking control of Astral. Before Astral gets completely taken over by the Number 96, he tells Yuma to give "Utopia" to Bronk. Afterwards, he gets completely possessed and his body changes from white to pitch-black. In a mysterious space, Astral suffers as his body slowly fading away while Bronk Duels against the Number 96. Astral manages to get in contact with Yuma and told him to trick Number 96 to help Bronk win the Duel. Once Bronk defeated Number 96, Yuma regained Emperor's Key and Astral was freed, allowing him to absorb "Number 96" once again.

One night, Astral finally told Yuma about the structure and ship in the Emperor's Key, making him fall out his hammock out of shock. When Yuma questions Astral about the key, Astral tells him that the structure looks like a giant puzzle and something might happen if the Numbers are collected. Inside the Emperor's Key, Astral looks at his collected Numbers, and remembers the vision he saw when "Number 96" was defeated, wondering what it meant. When Kite manages to steal the Emperor's Key, Astral was trapped inside it and the key was then deactivated and the set "Numbers" became cards again. The cards surrounded Astral and a voice told him to obtain the "power of ZEXAL".

When Kite manages to go inside the Emperor's Key, he finds Astral, who is visible to Kite inside the key. Astral and Kite exchanges information on why the they are collecting "Numbers", and the two engaged in a Duel. In this Duel, Astral uses Yuma's deck to Duel Kite and started playing defensively, using "Gogogo Golem" but was easily countered by Kite's Reverse Buster. As Reverse Buster increased its attack making it 2000, Astral was scared as it may be the start of Galaxy-Eyes Summon. Astral summoned "Gogogo Giant" and using its effect, summon "Gogogo Golem" back. He thought of Xyz Summoning Utopia, but was afraid of Kite's facedown card and so, chose to use Double Defender. Kite then used his facedown "Photon Hurricane" to return Astral's Spell and trap Cards to his hand, making Astral realize there was no reason to be afraid. Kite then tribute Reverse Buster to summon "Photon Leo" and returned Astral's hand back to the deck and draws the same number of cards. Then he equips "Leo" with Photon Spear and inflicted Piercing damage to Astral when Kite attacked and destroyed "Giant". After "Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon" appeared, Astral become over shrouded with fear towards Kite.

While Astral manages to fight back with "Number C39: Utopia Ray" and reduce Kite's life to 1300, Kite takes the upper hand again and reduces Astral's life to 400. Believing he will lose, Astral gives up and told Yuma goodbye in his thoughts, even shedding tear. When Yuma manages to recover Emperor's Key, which takes him to "The Door" again, The Door opens again and tells Yuma to use ZEXAL, but repeats Yuma's previous warning. Astral was able to sense Yuma's presence and informed him about the Duel, as well as telling him he already "loss" the Duel. Yuma convinces Astral to not give up, and crosses the door, landing in the dimension inside the Key. Astral and Yuma receive the ZEXAL power, fusing themselves in the process. Using this new power, Astral and Yuma created a card that allowed "Utopia Ray" to defeat "Galaxy-Eyes". Kite, in a pinch for the first time, managed to end the Duel in a draw and escaped again.

The next day, a wave of energy from the Astral World and another world passed through Earth causing time to temporally stop and allow Kite to invade his memories. This caused immense pain to Astral, and figured out the Kite was invading his memories. While traveling throughout the city, Astral told Yuma that he fears that something bad might happen if they find all the "Numbers". Later, Astral and Yuma met up with Kite, who subsequently told them that they would meet again in the World Duel Carnival.

World Duel Carnival
Before the World Duel Carnival, Astral reminds Yuma that he must win since the tournament should have many Number holders. Yuma tells Astral that he doesn't plan on just winning, causing Astral to asks Yuma why he doesn't plan on fully winning since that would mean Yuma wouldn't be fulfilling the promise he made with his father. Yuma explains to Astral that he has thought to himself for a long time about what Dueling means to him. Yuma tells him that ever since he met Astral, he started to win despite losing all the time before, but when he lost against Shark and Kite, he understood that he could lose something important from losing for the first time, but he never hated Dueling despite it.Yuma tells Astral that Dueling means bonds and connection to him, and that Dueling and fighting are different. Astral doesn't want to agree to him since he would disappear if he lost, but Yuma tells Astral that he understands how he feels and will do anything to save him. However, Yuma has realized that there is something exceeding winning and losing. Astral asks Yuma what he will do about Kite, where Yuma answers that he will lose his soul if he lost, but it won't change his Dueling.Later, Astral questions to himself what is more important than winning inside the Emperor's Key.

During the first day of the WDC, Astral helped Yuma defeat his first few opponents, but none of them had any Numbers. The first Number holder Yuma and Astral Duel against in the Carnival is Charlie McCay, who uses "Number 7: Lucky Straight's" power to always roll 6 during his Duel. Astral assisted Yuma defeated Charlie, but he allows Charlie to give Number 7 to his niece, which made Astral worry if they would get it back.

During the second day of the WDC, Yuma and Astral watch Quattro use his "Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder" to defeat Bronk and Caswell. When Trey Dueled Shark, Astral watched how Shark resisted "Number 32: Shark Drake" 's influence and defeated Trey. Although he was impressed, Astral knows that he and Yuma must Duel Shark again now he has "Shark Drake" in his possession. Later, Astral discovered that Cameron Clix has "Number 25: Force Focus" and was astounded that the "Number" allowed him predict the future through photographs see the future in his photos. During the Duel with Cameron, Astral figured out the photos is not completely accurate, as the photos only show what Cameron pictures as the future and his opponents subconsciously obeyed the photos. He told Yuma to disobey the prediction, that way his predictions didn't occur and Yuma easily defeats Cameron afterwards. With Cameron's defeat, Astral now has obtained 12 Numbers.



When Yuma Duels against Nistro and Dextra, Astral tries to go help him, but is stopped by Number 96 in the Emperor's Key. Astral asked if he broke the seal, and Number 96 responded that that's what the "Numbers" wanted to begin with. Astral questioned why the other "Numbers" gave their strength to Number 96, who responded once more that it's what they wanted. It's what all "Numbers" want - the world's destruction. He claimed that Astral also wanted the same. Astral denied it, but Number 96 pointed out his very presence as proof against that. He told Astral to remember his mission and join the "Numbers". Number 96 attacks Astral using it's true form, but Utopia saves him. After sensing Yuma in trouble, Astral sends Utopia off, losing his only protection from Number 96. Meanwhile, Astral tried to out run Number 96, but was caught and was beginning to be infected. Just before he was infected entirely, but Astral's bond with Yuma suddenly resonate, and with a mysterious light hit him, freeing him from the Number 96. Astral quickly exited the key, and was temporarily viable to others besides Yuma, including Nistro and Dextra, who stated that Astral is the "Original Number". Astral deduced the current Duel before him, and helped Yuma win against Nistro and Dextra.

Later at night, Yuma, Astral, and Tori meet Kite's younger brother Hart Tenjo. After witness Hart's power, Astral learned Hart is able to communicate with him, much to his surprised. Wanting to talk to Hart, Astral asked Yuma to take Hart with them back home, and Astral formed a friendship with him. After Hart went on a search for Kite, Yuma and Astral goes to find him, who he went berserk after failing to find his brother. Astral flies to Hart and touched his head to see Hart's memories and what he wants. Astral explained to Yuma the Hart that he want to get caramel for Kite, allowing Yuma calmed Hart down with it. Then Quinton comes out of a helicopter to take Hart with him using his Crest, but Hart revealed his mission to destroy the Astral World before he left, which horrified Astral. After Hart's kidnapping, Astral reminded Yuma of his previous Duel with Kite in that he mentioned he sold his soul to a devil to save his brother. Astral thinks he is referring to Mr. Heartland and solidified his theory of the carnival being used to hunt Numbers. As he, Yuma, and Tori searched for Hart with Kite and Orbital 7, he found the location through the description Hart projected in his mind. Once they arrived, Trey and Quattro challenged Yuma and Kite to a Tag Duel.

During the Duel, Yuma and Kite are incapable to worked together, causing Astral to suffered as Yuma's Life Points to dropped, but he told Yuma it was okay. After Yuma and Kite's Tag-Team Duel ends with them defeating Trey and Quattro, Astral saw Kite failing to steal Quattro's soul and "Numbers" with his Photon Hand, but was nullified by Quattro´s Crest. Seeing this, Astral tries to absorb Trey's "Number", but is repelled by the latter's own crest and became visible to Trey at that brief moment.



When Trey challenged Yuma to a Duel, he used his Crest to erase Yuma's memories of "Kattobing", making Yuma unable to see Astral or the Emperor's Key. Astral tried to get Yuma to snapped out of it, but Trey captured Astral with his crest and then chained him to a tower, forcing him to helplessly watch Yuma get hurt. When Astral gave his last bit of strength to Yuma in order to prevent him from losing to Trey, Trey was enraged and used his power to crush Astral, making him disappear. When Yuma regained his "Kattobingu", it was shown in a flashback that Astral taught him how to Duel just in case he would ever disappear, with Yuma saying that Astral was still in his heart, and he was able to Summon "Number 39: Utopia" and destroy Trey's "Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech". When "Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis" went berserk, Trey joined his power with Yuma and with the 12 "Numbers", Astral was revived inside the Emperor's Key. He meets Kazuma Tsukumo, who tells him that his son needs him and Astral should go and help him. Astral returns to Yuma, and combined with him using ZEXAL, and drew a new monster, "ZW - Phoenix Bow" and defeat Trey. After the Duel, Trey left "Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis" and "Number 33: Chronomaly Machu Mech" for them, as well as the final Heart Piece needed to compete in the WDC finals.

WDC Finals
During the WDC party, Astral and Yuma met Vetrix in person for the first time, and Astral found out he could see him. Later, they managed to encounter Kite, who speak to Yuma, explaining that it is not him he wishes to defeat, but Astral. Astral doesn't speak to Kite, but shared a glance with him. The next day, he guided Yuma on the Duel Coaster and watched the other finalists Duel around them to learn the rules on the Duel Coaster. When Yuma was attacked by the Triad of Terror, Astral advised Yuma during the Duel, but Nistro and Anna Kaboom help them finish the Triad of Terror off. In the next stage, Astral points out that there are the four fields - so only eight Duelists total will make it to them and to Yuma and told to be careful. As Yuma blunders into Trap Points, Astral become exasperated as their Life Points goes down. When they arrived to "Jungle Field", they watched Vetrix Duel against Dextra, and was once again surprised that Vetrix can perceive him, as well seeing his Crest's powers.

When Yuma and Astral reached the "Space Field", Astral listened to Quinton, revealing the connection between Yuma's father, Dr. Faker, and Vetrix. After hearing about the sacrifice used to open a gate to another dimension, Astral compared it to Xyz Summoning. After Kite won against Quinton, Astral muses that when Vetrix and Dr. Faker began their plans, Astral entered this world. He says that must mean that the will of Yuma's father is in the Astral World, and vow to defeat the adults with Yuma. In the "Magma Field" field, they confront Vetrix again and learned about his plans to use Shark to as assassin to defeat Dr. Faker. Astral watch the Duel between Quattro and Shark, Astral was perplexed ans shocked how Shark has the power to bring out a "Choas Number". At the "Desert Field" field, Astral saw that Yuma was playing a defensive strategy, and told Yuma that he can't win this way and that he was afraid after seeing the other Duels. Astral muses that Kite and Shark are strong and have powers that can be feared, and he understands how Yuma could be scared of them. However, Astral comment how Yuma gotten over those sorts of fears before, making Yuma feel more confident now and win against Nistro.



Eventually, Yuma and Astral were looking for Yuma's lost deck and goes to Heartland Tower. In the disposal plant below Heartland, Astral sees a vision of the Astral World being attacked. Astral sees a vision of Hart and told Yuma that Hart is a floor above them, and they decided to go see him. When they went into Hart's mind, who asked Yuma and Astral to save his brother, Kite. Conversing with Yuma, Astral listen to Yuma telling him that he is unsure what to do with Hart and the "Numbers". They are then interrupted by a holograph of Dr. Faker, who told them his goal to rule the Earth and his deal with Barian World is to destroy the Astral World. When Reginald and Yuma's Duel came, Astral was surprised to see that Shark did not defend himself, and speculate that its the darkness of the "Number". They realized that Vetrix influenced Shark with his Crest, and Astral told Yuma that to dispel Vetrix's control before Shark summon his "Number". When Yuma took Shark's Number, Yuma was in a bind, to help Shark by keeping his "Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss" or help Astral, who will vanish if Yuma lose the Duel. However, Astral says there's nothing more he can do in this Duel and let Yuma make the decisions. Fortunately, Shark activated "Underwater Snow Prison" to save both Astral and Yuma, giving Yuma the victory and "Number 32: Shark Drake" to Astral.

Later, Astral and Yuma encounter Kite, who addressed Astral about the score to settle and gave his permission for them to watch the Duel close up. During the Duel, Yuma and Astral heard Hart was in trouble and left with Yuma to go and help him. After entering Heartland Tower. Astral and Yuma went into Hart's mind again to find Vetrix's dragon, who plagued Hart's memories. With the help of "Number 39: Utopia", the dragon was slain and Vetrix's psychic link with Hart was disabled and watch the rest of Kite's Duel through a screen. However, Vetrix had still managed to defeat Kite with "Number 69: Heraldry Crest" and took all his "Numbers", representing a greater threat to Yuma and Astral.



As Vetrix, Yuma, and Astral came to the WDC Finals, Dr. Faker taunted the finalists and the Duel began in the Sphere Field to gather the energy of the "Numbers". Astral and Yuma confronted Vetrix about his actions, which made wonders if a human with a heart this ugly could truly exist. When Vetrix queried Yuma did not want revenge on Faker, Yuma insisted his father would not want that, but Vetrix suggested that perhaps his father's own plans of revenge had already begun - the appearance of Astral in this world. Astral does not know what he means, but Vetrix told him that the fearsome powers residing in the "Numbers" could destroy this world - and Astral is the messenger of revenge sent here to spread them - sent by Kazuma. As the Duel begins, Astral asked Yuma if the power of the "Numbers" could really destroy the world. Yuma tells him not to think about what Vetrix was saying, but Astral says he can't help it - he has no memories, so Vetrix could indeed be right. Yuma tells him that he doesn't know why Astral was sent here, but he knows better than anyone that Astral is not an evil person. and tells Astral he'll leave the "Numbers" to him, and urges him to use them for justice. After Vetrix summoned Number 69: Heraldry Crest, Astral and Yuma performed ZEXAL to summoned ZW - Lightning Blade, but "Number 69" negated the attack.



They narrowly survived Vetrix's next attack by using "Half Unbreak", but Astral was able to come up with a winning strategy. When Yuma got hungry, Yuma brought out his rice balls to shared with Astral, letting the latter feel what eating food was like for the first time. After expressing great joy, Astral refocused and they used their power to summon "ZW - Tornado Bringer", but "Coat of Arms" negated even this effect. Astral and Yuma had no other choice, but to bring out their ace "ZW -", "ZW - Leo Arms" and equipping it to "Number C39: Utopia Ray". Negating "Number 69"'s powers, Yuma and Astral won, but realized that the Sphere Field absorbed their own "Numbers". Yuma attempts to rescue Vetrix, but Vetrix bidden "good bye" to them and fall into the Sphere Field. Yuma and Astral were then teleported to Heartland Tower in front of Faker. While trapped in the Sphere, Astral and Yuma learns of Faker's purpose of the WDC to gather "Number" cards for the Sphere Field Cannon as a power source. Following explanation, Astral realized the attacked on his home he saw in his memory from a "Number" card suddenly makes sense. As Yuma becomes exhausted by being in the Sphere Field, Astral apologized to him, saying it's all his fault since he wasn't strong enough. Yuma denies it, and says Hart needs saving more than he does right now. When power suddenly drops, Yuma feels relieved and Astral undo ZEXAL, Yuma was given "Number 39: Utopia" and "Number 32: Shark Drake", telling Yuma he's leaving "hope" and "future" to him. Astral also told Yuma to save Hart and the Astral World.



While suffering in the Sphere Field, Astral watched Yuma, Kite, Shark's Duel against Dr. Faker. Astral muttered that he'll leave this to three of them and that the future is in their hands. When Vector took control of Dr. Faker, Hart managed to free Astral from the Sphere Field Cannon. Fusing his soul with Yuma's, they equipped "Number C39: Utopia Ray" with "ZW - Ultimate Shield". With the helped of "Xyz Unity", Kite's "Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon" and Shark's "Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss", they destroyed the "Number 92: Heart-eartH Dragon" and defeated Vector. After escaping from the crumbling Heartland Tower, Yuma challenged Kite to a Duel to determine the "true" winner of WDC, which Astral readily agreed to have the "true final".

At the meeting spot, Astral learned that Tori Meadows could now see him and speculated it was due to the Duel with Vector, believing that means Kite and Shark can see him too. During the Duel, Kite was about to give up, but Astral spoke to him in private and told the he consider Kite his friend and convinced him to continue the Duel. Astral continued to take a more reserve role the Duel, Astral complimented Yuma on his moves and told him that can be on his own. However, Yuma says he can't - "Kattobingu" is made up of both of them and that they will advance together forever. Despite Yuma lost, Astral was still happy, knowing that Kite fought Yuma as a friend rather than an enemy. Once a content Yuma fell asleep, Astral declared his twenty observation: "It appears one can feel good about a loss as well".

Barian Invasion
Some time after World Duel Carnival, Astral spent most of his time inside the Emperor's Key. He pondered over the fifty Numbers they had collected from the tournament and tried to gain some guidance from them. After Yuma Tsukumo gives the Key to Tori and ran off to Duel Fender in order to protect Astral, Astral's concentration broke as the Key had closed, and sensed that a Duel had begun. At that time, Astral didn't know why Yuma was Dueling without him, but as Yuma lost Life Points, Astral was struck by red energy, causing him great pain. He realized that Yuma was having a Duel with the "Numbers" at stake.



As Astral continued to receive the damage Yuma took, he looked through the mists inside the Key and saw Tori instead of Yuma. Astral contacted her in the form of a blue fireball and told her that Yuma was Dueling agents of the Barian World to protect the "Numbers", and asked her to take him to Yuma. After Tori returned the Emperor's Key to Yuma, Astral learned of the "CXyz", Barian weapons designed to counter "Numbers", from Yuma and was intrigued by them. Quickly analyzing the situation, Astral and Yuma were able to make a comeback using "Number C39: Utopia Ray" and "Numbers Impact". Afterwards, they discussed the upcoming battle against the Barians with Kite and Shark.

While the Barian World used brainwashed minions to make attempts on the "Numbers", Astral helped Yuma in his Duels against them , and watched Shark's Duel with a brainwashed Art Stanley. While observing Shark and his sister, Rio Kastle, Astral wondered on just what they are - Shark, who can wield a "Number" and Rio, who predicted the initial invasion from the Barian World. Once the Barian, Alito, infiltrated Heartland Academy in human form, Astral became curious of him and believed him to be another brainwashed Duelist for the Barian World, since he could sense the energy Alito gave off. When Girag appeared before him and Yuma, Astral was immediately suspicious of Girag and kept a close eye on him until he was able to slip away.



Later, Astral was inside the Emperor's Key again, musing that he has collected fifty "Number" cards, and was determined to find the other fifty. He then recalled the memories of the "Numbers" one by one and gathered his memories, oblivious to Yuma's current anxiety. After Mizar targeted Yuma with the Barian Sphere Cube and began a Duel, Astral comes out of the key and Yuma explained to him that Mizar is a Barian and learned the he could see him. Watching Yuma's Duel tactics, Astral comments how he expected Yuma to use "Overlay Barrage" instead of "Overlay Chain"- a defensive card. Yuma told Astral that he has to be cautious, which Astral was about to praise until Yuma cut him off, making him worry. Once Mizar Summoned his "Number 107: Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon", Astral was greatly shocked of a "Number" outside of his 100 memories appearing before him. When Yuma became too weak to continue Dueling, Astral looked after him as Kite took their place. Astral watched Mizar unleash his true power and was stunned when he Summoned his "Number C107: Neo Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon". Once the "Sphere Field" began to collapse, Astral was freed from the Sphere, but watched in horror as Yuma and Shark fell down a cliff.

While Yuma was hospitalized, Astral recovered inside the Emperor's Key lamenting about the Barians and Mizar's "Over Hundred Number" as well as Yuma's state of depression. During Shark and Yuma's Duel, Astral stayed inside the Key, hoping that Yuma would come to his senses and questioned what the most "essential thing" was for them. Once Yuma regained his resolve, Astral came out of the Key and assisted him with the Duel. Afterwards, Astral thanked Shark for helping Yuma, although the latter denied this, saying that his intentions were rather different. Watching Yuma trying to give Shark a hug, Astral makes his 21th Observation on how "Occasionally humans may not honestly express their feelings" and smiled when he saw Kite watching them as well. Once Yuma was out of the hospital, Astral and Yuma found out that Girag and Alito were Barians, with the latter challenging them to a Duel. During the Duel, Astral observed how much Alito and Yuma were drawn into the Duel when he sensed the "Sphere Field" affecting him and causing him pain. As the Duel continued, Astral and Yuma united with the power of ZEXAL and Xyz Summoned "Number C39: Utopia Ray", forcing it to tie in battle with Alito's "Number 105: Battlin' Boxer Star Cestus", destroying both of them, to which both Duelists activated "Xyz Stand-Up" to bring them back. They eventually won the Duel with "ZW - Eagle Claw" and defeated Alito. After Alito told him to take his "Number", Astral tried and failed to do so, much to his surprise. Wondering why he couldn't take an "Over-Hundered" card, Astral suddenly became weakened and faded again from being in the "Sphere Field".

The next day, Astral stayed in the Key to recover from the effects of "Sphere Field". When Girag issued a challenged and accused Ray Shadows for hurting Alito, Astral advised Yuma that he should have faith in his friend and they decided to Duel without Ray. However, Ray ended up joining them after all, which worried Astral as he saw Ray as a terrible Duelist. He warned Yuma that Ray would only hinder them and that they couldn't lose against Girag with the "Numbers" at stake. During the Duel, Astral was affected by the "Sphere Field" again and fell to the ground, telling Yuma that protecting Ray is too risky. Astral was forced to retreat to the Key to recover and felt the damage Yuma took in the Duel, but sensed that Yuma won the Duel in the end. Recovering inside the Key, Astral was confronted by Number 96, who told him he couldn't win against the Barians without accepting his evil side. Astral refused to believe this and sought answers from the "Numbers" when the Shadow Giant appeared before him, saying that he must be tested. Once Yuma was inside, they Dueled against it, using their "Numbers" against the Giant's "Unformed Void", and having great trouble. On the verge of losing, Number 96 reappeared before Astral to remind him of his advice, saying that something may happen to Yuma if he loses inside the Key. Fearing for Yuma's safety, Astral decided to undo the seal on "Number 96: Dark Mist" and grudgingly worked together with him to win the Duel. Afterwards, Astral and Yuma talked with The Door and was shown Astral's true memories, learning that his mission was to obtain a powerful card known as the Numeron Code that could affect destiny. They were then transported outside the Key, where Astral received another warning from Number 96 that there would be events in the future that would require him to become evil.



Later, Astral watched the Duel between Yuma and Orbital 7, although he was confused by situation. He watched the Duel between Shark and Rio, impressed by their skill. During the Heartland Academy's Fun Fair, Astral was interested in the event and asked Yuma several questions. When Anna Kaboom dragged Yuma to Duel against the pro-Duelists Mayday and Brook Walker, Astral offered advice to Yuma since he and Anna would have trouble working together. As they continued to argue with one another, Astral grew exasperated and urged Yuma to find common ground with Anna. When Yuma drew "Rank-Up-Magic Limited Barian's Force", Astral was shocked and demanded to know where Yuma got it, with Yuma fictitiously saying that he received it from the defeated Girag. Although he disapproved of using the card, Astral was amazed to see "Number C39: Utopia Ray V" for the first time, and spent the night wondering about it and grows concerned about it's power. When Vector arrived to Earth, Astral and Yuma found out that he was the Barian that possessed Dr. Faker. They then engaged a Duel against Vector, and was quickly put at a disadvantage when he stole "Limited Barian's Force" and destroyed "Utopia" with his "Number 66: Master Key Beetle". Luckily, Yuma was able to draw "V Salamander" and Summoned "Utopia Ray V" to win the Duel. Before Vector fled with a captured "Ray", he gave Astral "Master Key Beetle" and told him it will be the key to their final battle.

After Kite calmed a hysterical Yuma, Astral retreated into the Emperor's Key looked into "Master Key Beetle". He accidentally started the Different Dimension Airship inside the Key and transported it on top of Heartland Tower. Astral explained to Yuma, Kite, and Shark that they can use the ship to go into the Barian World. That night, Astral spoke to Yuma about their upcoming battle, but his partner was determined to save his friend. In the morning, Astral activated the ship and took everyone inside, appointing Yuma as the pilot. After being sucked into a portal, Astral and Yuma arrived at "Sargasso the D.D. Battlefield" and were engaged by Vector to a Duel. Astral tried to calm an infuriated Yuma during the Duel, but Yuma refused to heed his warning. "Utopia Ray V" was rendered useless with Vector's "Vain Betrayer" and Yuma's Deck was reduced to three cards. When Vector revealed himself to have been "Ray" all along and his plans to destroy Yuma, Astral was shocked that Yuma was keeping secrets from him, but was also worried about Yuma's mental state.



As Vector reduced Yuma's Deck further and "Sargasso" reduced his Life Points, Astral blamed himself for not being more cautious about "Number C39: Utopia Ray V" in the first place. When Vector commented how Yuma was keeping secrets from him and wanted to be friends with him more than with Astral, a sliver of darkness appeared on Astral's body, confusing him. As Astral is confused, they attempted to use ZEXAL, but Vector questioned if Astral can really become one with Yuma right now and if he did really trust him after keeping secrets from him. Vector said that the darkness would grow and asked Astral if he really thought he could resist the darkness inside of him in his current mental state, reminding him that "Number C39: Utopia Ray V" is of "Barian origin", while at the same time forcing them both to cancel ZEXAL. Astral, having become tainted by his own darkness as his body turned black, forcibly initiated ZEXAL with Yuma, resulting in Dark ZEXAL. With control of Dark ZEXAL, Astral dueling with him without any concern of the damage he took. Dark ZEXAL created a "Dark Zexal Weapon", "DZW - Chimera Clad" to power up "Utopia Ray V" and deal damage to Vector, who activated a Trap that initiated a loop. Meanwhile, a corrupted Astral spoke to Yuma in his subconscious. Still feeling betrayed, Astral said that he wouldn't trust Yuma and surrendered himself to the darkness. Yuma ran towards Astral and embraced him, pushed both of them out of Astral's mind and undid Dark ZEXAL in the physical world. Astral lay incapacitated on ground from the forced union while Yuma continued the Duel. Once Yuma collapsed next to him, Astral said that he still didn't trust Yuma, but added that he must and touched Yuma's palm. The two then performed a ZEXAL Morph and evolve into the second form, called ZEXAL II, signifying a new bond between them. They performed a "Shining Evolution", changing "Limited Barian's Force" into "Rank-Up-Magic Numeron Force", which evolved "Utopia" into "Number C39: Utopia Ray Victory" and defeated Vector. However, Vector warned Astral that the evil stain his heart will and corrode his bond with Yuma. Since ZEXAL II's appearance causes "Sargasso" to self-destruct, Astral and the others returned to Heartland. Astral and Yuma re-kindled their bond and declared that their battles were only beginning.

Legendary Number War
Later, inside the Different Dimension Airship, Astral remembered an unclear memory of him facing Don Thousand and discovered the message Kazuma Tsukumo left for him and Yuma. He called Yuma, Tori, Shark, and Rio to the ship and informed them of their new task: To obtain the seven legendary "Numbers" cards before the Barian World did. As they headed to their first location, Astral answered Yuma's question about the Astral World, where the "Rank-Up souls" can go. They were interrupted when Dumon crashed into them and the ship landed in a jungle. He assisted Yuma in defending an injured Dumon from a bear, but since Astral didn't recognize Dumon in human form, he warned Yuma not to trust the boy "Nasch" so easily. The discussion was cut off when they heard Tori's scream and ran to a temple, where Astral deduced that it might be where one of the "Numbers" are. After the group was separated, Astral and the others arrived in the legendary "Number"'s chamber and met Mach, the guardian protecting the card. Mach challenged Astral and Yuma to see if they were worthy to hold the sacred "Number", along with Shark and Nasch's lives on the line. As the Duel continued, Astral figured out from Mach's riddle that the two groups can help each other win the Duel. He told Shark and Nasch to read the passage of the hero and Pegasus to provide a clue to Mach's tactics. After Nasch revealed himself to be Dumon, Astral decided to let Yuma choose whose advice he will follow - Dumon, who told them to protect "Utopia", or Shark, who said to allow the destruction of "Utopia". Ultimately, Yuma chose to listen to Dumon, allowing them to find a loophole and win the Duel. Astral asked Mach if the legend was about him, with the latter confirming that he was the Pegasus from the legend, before disappearing and giving "Number 44: Sky Pegasus" to Yuma. Hearing Yuma's decision to trust others, Astral thought to himself that he won't comment on his choice, even if Yuma was supposed take a different path with him from now on.



Going to South America, Astral and the others arrived at an abandoned castle, and listen to Rio speak of legend about a ruthless prince. After Yuma accidentally triggered some traps, Astral and everyone ended up inside the cages of the central colosseum. They were greeted by Vector and Number 96, who wish to Duel Astral for control of his body. To set Yuma and his friends free, Astral agreed and quickly summons "Utopia" on his turn. After landing an attack on Number 96, Astral was then pushed in a corner when Number 96 unveiled his strategy; whenever Number 96 would take damage, deadly traps would be aimed at Yuma, which could kill him. Astral tried to Duel on the defensive, but Number 96 prevented him from not attacking. Unwilling to hurt Yuma, Astral tried to solidify his defenses and work around Number 96's traps. Number 96 commented how Astral was "tainted" by human's weakness and therefore couldn't fulfill his mission the way he is now. Astral questioned Number 96 on what he meant; the former told the latter that since he didn't have his power, Astral can't collect "Chaos Numbers". He also said that Astral will never collect all of the "Numbers" without him and that he didn't have what it took to possess the Numeron Code. When Yuma was blaming himself for Astral's situation, Astral told Yuma that he figured what he can do right now, but won't elaborate any further than that. Once Yuma figured out what Astral meant and move to safety, Astral was able to fight without hesitation. Astral summoned "Number C39: Utopia Ray", but Number 96 used "Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force" to upgrade "Number 96: Dark Mist" to "Number C96: Dark Storm and used its abilities to force the match into a draw. Vector triggered a trap that caused the ruins' destruction and fled with Number 96. Astral and the others were able to escape with the assistance of Kite.

The group then head to Spartan City, Astral came outside the Emperor's Key after Nistro and Dextra told Yuma and his friends that the "Number" ruins were under a lake. At night, Astral woke Yuma up after an explosion occurred at the lake and the gang rushed over there. Once Yuma and Dextra Dueled against Alito and a brainwashed Nistro, Astral urged Yuma to calm down, who was enraged by Alito's change in personality. He was quite surprised when he witnessed the kamikaze-like effect of "Number 54: Lion Heart", calling it a reckless strategy. After the Duel ended, Astral and the others returned to the airship the next day and went over Yuma, who was away from the group. Astral knew Yuma was thinking about Alito and told him that he should understand from the Duel yesterday - Alito was still a Barian and they can't be friends with him, but Yuma didn't respond to him.



While alone in the ship, Astral was looking over the memories contained in "Lion Heart" and "Sky Pegasus". He was shocked see that the cards contained the memories of people of the ruins' legends, and that Dumon and Alito were the figures mentioned in the legends. Once Astral and the group arrived at the next ruins, Astral asked Jinlong about the person he spoke about who was similar to Kite, asking if the person was named "Mizar". With Jinlong confirming his theory, Astral explained to the group that the "Numbers" revealed to him that the Barians were once humans and the legends are about them. Astral then watched Kite Duel Jinlong along with Yuma and Shark. After Kite won the Duel, Astral and the others listened to Jinlong's tale about Mizar and how he died. When Mizar arrived at the ruins and clashed with Kite's dragon aura, the group ended up on a mountain peak after the Number ruins vanished. They listened to Jinlong explaining when people searching for "Numbers" come to the ruins, huge changes will occur in the world. When Jinlong also mentioned about the "two lights" battling in the sky and were mutually destroyed long ago, Astral noticed that it also described the memory of his battle with Don Thousand. Later in front of the "Numbers" gears, Astral finally remembered his mission was to annihilate the Barian World.

Returning to Heartland City, Astral and Yuma saw watched a news report about a stone statue of a commander named "Kiraku Souhachi" from the Warring States period discovered at Roku's Duel Lodge. They notice that the statue bears a striking resemblance to Girag and Astral confirmed that the Duel Lodge is one of the Number ruins. Travling to the Duel Lodge, Astral and Yuma met Ponta, who was possession of Girag's body and the "Number" as well. As Yuma Duel the tanuki, Astral was baffled when Ponta switched bodies with Yuma and was unable to stop him from wasting Yuma's hand. Despite the handicapped, Yuma was able to win the Duel and Astral received "Number 64: Ronin Raccoon Sandayu" from Ponta as an apology.



As the airship headed to the final two Number ruins in the ocean, Astral conversed with Yuma on the deck about the Barians being humans and was asked if he used to be a human as well. Astral responded that it was possible, since the Barian World and Astral World are fairly similar. They debated on what caused their enemies to be reincarnated as Barians, but were interrupted by Shark, who warned them that they should not over think the situation. In the midst of storm, Abyss possessed Rio and caused her to go overboard into the ocean, Astral and Yuma followed Shark when he went after her. They entered the ruins, but they were separated from Shark when walls between them generated. While trying to find Shark, they encountered Dumon instead. As Astral listened to Dumon and Yuma argued about why the Barian and Astral worlds had to fight, he revealed his mission to obliterate the Barian World to Yuma. He asked Dumon why the final two Barian Emperors had not shown up themselves and learned that Nasch and Merag had disappeared long ago. After Dumon left to watch Shark Duel Abyss, Astral noticed the water flow and told Yuma to place "Needle Swordsman" on the water so that they could escape the maze. When they arrived at the center of the maze, Astral began to view the memories of Shark's past life. Seeing the events unfold, Astral began to speculate that Shark and Rio were the missing Barian Emperors. After Shark won his Duel and retrieved the "Numbers", the group was transported back to the airship.



Back home, Astral pondered about everything he learned about the Barians and the Kastle twins when he sensed the Astral World in danger. He quickly informed Yuma and they rushed to the living room to find Kari Tsukumo watching the news about abnormal phenomenons occurring all across the globe. Astral deduced strange activities were happening to Earth and the Astral World because they are connected to one another. When Yuma and Tori mentioned the Kastle twins, Astral told Yuma that he needed to have a serious discussion with Shark sooner or later. Sometime later, ashes began to fall from the sky, and the group was transported by Number 96 to another location, alongside Shark, Kite and Orbital 7. Astral confronted Number 96 about his goal to destroy not only Earth and the Astral World, but the Barian World as well. With three worlds and their "Numbers" on the line, Astral and Yuma began their Duel with Number 96 inside a Sphere Field, which caused real damage to them. When Yuma got too injured by the "Chaos Field", Astral took his place in the Duel for a short while before transforming into ZEXAL II together and they defeated Number 96. However, Number 96 tried to kill Yuma and take Astral's body by force, but Astral was able to cancel ZEXAL to save Yuma's life. Overcoming Number 96's influence, Astral obliterated Number 96 in an explosion, finally ending his threat once and for all. Severely drained by that action, Astral was forced to back to the Astral World and took the Emperor's Key with him. Before disappearing, Astral said farewell and thanked Yuma for everything he done and entrusted the "Numbers" they had collected through their journey together to him.



In the Astral World, Astral was placed into a deep slumber by Eliphas because he was stained by Chaos and encased in crystal, with the black stain visible on Astral's chest. Having deemed that his meeting with Yuma was a mistake, Eliphas planned to erase Astral's memories of Yuma to turn him back into his soldier and destroy the Barian World.



After Yuma expressed his resolve not to lose against Eliphas, Astral resonated with Yuma from his crystal and lent him the power to use "Shining Draw" without the use of ZEXAL, granting Yuma "Rank-Down-Magic Numeron Fall" and "Number 39: Utopia Roots". Using both cards, Yuma won the Duel. Afterwards, Ena and the denizens of the Astral World purified Astral of his corruption and awakened him from his stasis. He shared a touching reunion with Yuma and embraced him with a heartfelt smile. When they sensed Don Thousand's power affecting the human world, Eliphas said they must return right away and told Astral that his mission was to stop the Barian World. After Eliphas gave him a card, Astral promised that he and Yuma will find way to end the Barian menace and began their journey back to the Human World. They eventually return to Earth just after Kite became too injured to continue his Duel with Mr. Heartland. Astral and Yuma took Kite's place in the Duel along with his remaining life Points. With Mr. Heartland drained Yuma's Life Points and the pain of the Barian field, Yuma and Astral initiated ZEXAL III. Using the power of "Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon" and "ZS - Banish Sage", they defeated Mr. Heartland. As Mr. Heartland's Fake Numbers caused Heartland to be incinerated by flames because he failed in his mission, Astral realized that the flames took a form that resembled Don Thousand's. Although Astral and Yuma enjoyed their reunion with their friends, their situation turned more dire as they saw the large pillar of energy glowing even brighter.

Barian Emperor Onslaught
Astral was stunned when the Seven Barian Emperors appeared before them, along with Shark and Rio as Nasch and Merag. As his suspicions were confirmed true, Astral told Yuma about visions he saw of Shark's past life as a king and readily accepted that Nasch was now their enemy. After the Emperor's Key and Nasch's Barian Emblem reacted and knocked Yuma unconscious, Astral and the group fled with help from Roku and Kaze. Riding in Quinton's armored car, Astral commented how the bonds that Yuma made with his friends - Roku, Kaze, Anna, Nelson, Nistro, Dextra, Bronk and Quattro - had united them to protect Yuma and stalled for time by Dueling the Emperors. As the Emperors' Barian's Chaos Draw produced pillars of light, Astral was surprised by the overwhelming force they gave off.

Once Yuma regain full consciousness, Astral explained what happened after he fainted and his friends' deaths, which devastated him. Astral then listen to Yuma and Kite arguing about avoiding Dueling against Shark and the other Barians, Astral chimed in the discussion, saying there a way - defeating Don Thousand directly. Judging everything that's going on, he figured that Don Thousand was recovering his power and are using the Barians as pawns, but everything should back to normal if they defeat him. In agreement, Astral materialized the Different Dimension Airship for him and Yuma to journey to the Barian World, with Tori accompanying the duo. On the ship, Astral comforted Yuma over his fight with Trey and Quinton. He told Yuma that even though he disagreed with them, they were just following that path they believed was right for them, which Yuma agreed with. When a screen materialized on the deck, Astral was shocked to see the Arclight brothers Dueling Mizar. He listened as Quinton explained that Kite was going to moon to investigate the Legend of the Dragons of Light and Time, which was connected to the Numeron Code. After Yuma broke down after watching the brothers' defeat, Astral encouraged him stand up because everyone placed their trust in him.

Immediately after this, Alito attacked the airship with "Number C105: Battlin' Boxer Comet Cestus", knocking Astral, Yuma and Tori from it. While Dueling with Alito, Astral could sense Don Thousand's aura emanating from him. After Astral finally realized that Thousand created "The Seventh One", the Barian god appeared before Astral and Yuma. He revealed that their pursuit of the Legendary Numbers had contributed to his release and blamed the Astral World for starting the war with Barians in the first place. Thousand then taunted Astral and Yuma, urging them to try and stop him before disappearing. Astral continued to study "Number C105: Battlin' Boxer Comet Cestus" during the Duel and figured out that Don Thousand's power made the "Number" stronger. Astral suggested to Yuma that the only way break Don Thousand's curse on Alito was to use "Number 54: Lion Heart", which holds Alito's true memories. They discussed that Kazuma must have predicted they would have to fight the Emperors and that the Legendary Numbers are the key to Don Thousand’s curse. Using "Lion Heart", they were able to free Alito from Don Thousand's influence, but his hatred for his past remained. Astral believed that Barians' souls should have gone to Astral World initially, but Don Thousand caused them to became Barians instead from artificial hatred. Astral told Yuma to destroy "Comet Cestus" with "Lion Heart", hoping to learn something from the battle. Using "Champion's Sacred Cloak to bypass Number 80: Rhapsody in Berserk effects, they destroyed "Comet Cestsu" and won the Duel, allowing Alito to see his true memories. Afterwards, Alito agreed to cooperated with them to defeat Don Thousand, who was inside of Vector. Back on the ship, they group continued to traveled to the Barian until they were attacked by Girag and his "Number 106: Giant Hand".

They attempted to reason with Girag, but they could not get through Thousand's control. Astral determined they'll have to break Don Thousand's curse the same way Yuma did with Alito and Duel Girag. However, Alito insisted that he'll be the one to Duel Girag instead of them, which they relented. Astral quietly watched as Alito managed to free Girag from Don Thousand's curse at the cost of his own life. When Vector appeared before them, Astral was shocked to find all what happened to the other Barians as Vector adsorbed Girag's, Alito's, and Ponta's souls. Vector proclaimed that he will defeat Astral and Yuma to get the Numeron Code before flying off. Back on the airship, Astral silently watched as Yuma cried in despair from all the lost lives when a screen appeared on deck. Astral told Yuma to stand up, saying still others searching for a new light - such as Kite, who was Dueling Mizar on the moon for the key to the Numeron Code. As Kite was at a disadvantage, Astral and Yuma explained to Mizar that he doesn't have to fight them because Don Thousand tempered with his memories. They also informed him that all his allies were betrayed by Vector and their souls was absorbed. However, Mizar refused to listen to them as Kite told them to stay out of his way. At the end of the Duel, Astral witnessed Kite beat Mizar, but became too weak to move. Astral then sadly watched as Kite bid farewell before the screen the screen blurred out from Orbital 7's shutdown.



Astral and the others finally arrived to Barian World to find Nasch Dueling against Vector. As he watched the Duel, Astral was able to see Vector's true memories and was surprised that he was manipulated by Don Thousand as well. He quietly witnessed the rest of the Duel and stared on in shocked as Nasch claimed victory after a series of trials. When Vector goes berserk with his power, Astral was surprised when Don Thousand appeared before them to absorbed Vector. Mizar then arrived to give him and Yuma "Number 100: Numeron Dragon" and confirmed Kite's demise. Following Mizar's death, Don Thousand shown himself before Astral and the group in his new form, promising to take their souls and obtain their power to become a true God. Don Thousand challenged Astral, Yuma, and Nasch to a Duel, which they accepted as 2-on-1 Duel. During the Duel, Astral realized that Thousand was using the power of the Numeron Code to gained an overwhelming advantaged over them. Initially baffled since no one had all the "Numbers" yet, Astral figured out that the Numeron Code was hidden somewhere on Earth and Thousand made the Earth part of the Barian World to obtained the Code's power in the process. Thousand confirmed this and taunted them by revealing he can directly attack the Astral World whenever Yuma and Nasch take damage.



Since Yuma and Shark were taking massive damage from Don Thousand's "Numeron" monsters and was being overpowered by the "Numeron Network", Astral realized they can't win without destroy the "Numeron Network" first and goes off to find it. Traveling through the network, he managed to find the source in a red-black energy sphere at the very heart of the chaos channels. However, Don Thousand warned him if the card is destroyed, the massive amount of energy stored in it will destroy the Earth. Astral resolved to take the card to save the Earth and absorb the network's energy at the cost of his life. Although Yuma begged him not to it, but Astral only told him goodbye and that he'll leave the "Numbers" to him. Suddenly, Eliphas appeared and took Astral's place, saying that Astral cannot die yet. Eliphas told Astral that he entrusted the future to him and Yuma, and gifted him with a card. As the sphere exploded, Astral was transported back to Yuma's side, holding back his tears for Eliphas. Astral informed Yuma what Eliphas had said to him and that they mustn't cry. As Nasch used "Number C101: Silent Honor DARK" effect to their Life Points was restored to 3300, Astral and Yuma strengthen their resolve to win.

Non-canon appearances
In the non-canon episode, Aim For Number 1 in the World!, Astral joined Yuma when he was forced by Tori to visit her friend Summer at a Gymnastic building, and later watched Yuma Duel with Taiki.

Yuma Tsukumo
In the beginning, Astral has ambiguous thoughts regarding Yuma Tsukumo; for the most part he thinks of him and his Dueling skills as unrefined and unskilled, which causes the two to clash and fight a lot. However, when Yuma uses an unthinkable, but effective strategy, such as in his Duel with Reginald Kastle, his thoughts change to think of Yuma as an interesting Duelist. Astral even learns to use Yuma's lack of skill and obedience, as seen in Yuma's Duel with Mr. Kay when he tells Yuma what to do the opposite of what he should do so that Yuma disobeys him and makes the correct moves.

After the Duel with Kite Tenjo, the two realized that they needed the other's skill, and they grow closer to one another during the Duel with Fortuno, when Yuma admits to Astral that he considered him as his friend and unlocked Number C39: Utopia Ray and eventually gained the ability to overlay their souls together using the power of ZEXAL.

At times, Yuma doesn't openly admit that he was worries or cares about Astral, usually feigning anger and yelling at him, which only makes Astral smile because he can tell Yuma's true feelings. In dire situations, Yuma openly shows concerns and proclaimed he will do anything to protect him from danger. It shown that Yuma deeply cares for Astral as he couldn't believe Astral would leave and as he cried for his death. Astral has shown many times how much he cares about Yuma, willing to give up his life for Yuma's safety. Astral has also been seen smiling more since Yuma told him that he is his friend, and encourages Yuma to never give up. Later, it was revealed that Astral has been teaching Yuma how to Duel, since one day he'll disappear and Yuma will have to fight alone. He also said that when he disappears, he would want to leave proof that he exists in Yuma's memory and heart. After Astral was revived, Yuma was greatly relieved as he cried tears of joy.

Nearing to the WDC finals, Yuma and Astral converse on what to do with the "Numbers" and their situation with Hart Tenjo. Yuma is torn between helping Astral or healing Hart, but Astral assured Yuma that he will follow whatever path Yuma chooses as his partner. During Yuma and Shark's Duel, Yuma was to make a choice between saving him or Shark, but Astral tells Yuma that he will let him make the decisions. During this, Yuma told Astral that he is a very important friend to him. When Vetrix told them that the "Numbers" could destroy the world, Astral questioned Yuma about it. Yuma denied this claim, saying he trusts Astral and would let Astral use the "Numbers" for good. During the Duel, Astral told Yuma that he can rely on him to defeat Vetrix and Yuma says he couldn't do it without him.

After Yuma dreams about being warned by The Door that someone is planning to take something most important thing to him, he feared that he will lose "[his] Astral". Not willing to put Astral in danger and be taken away from him, Yuma left his key to Tori in order to protect him and goes to Duel with a Barian-brainwashed Fender by himself. During the Duel, Yuma thinks that he the only one that can protect him and reflected how Astral is always the one protecting him. In the key, Astral can receive the damage Yuma takes and knows Yuma is Dueling alone, which disappointed him since they are "partners". Once Astral got to Yuma, Yuma confined to Astral about his dream and states how he couldn't protect him. However, Astral told Yuma that he was proud of him and that he's a true friend, and will not forgive anyone who hurts him. After nearly losing to Mizar and becoming shaken, Astral and Yuma grew even closer as they reaffirmed their desires to Duel together.

Vector reveals he was Ray and Yuma hid this knowledge from Astral in an effort to destroy Astral's trust in Yuma. He picked away at Astral's darkness and feelings of betrayal, resulting in their inability to turn into ZEXAL and Astral's darkness, bringing about Dark ZEXAL; this is due that Yuma's lies which made Astral vulnerable to darkness. They eventually reconciled and reformed their bond, resulting in ZEXAL II.

When Number 96 attacked Zexal II, Astral immediately ended the fusion and saved Yuma's life. As Astral was forced returned to the Astral World, the pair shared a sad goodbye and Astral thanked Yuma for everything he done, leaving Yuma heartbroken. Afterwards, Yuma spent many sorrowful days locked inside his attic and crying. Despite this, Yuma was still willing to protect the "Numbers" that Astral entrusted to him and fight on. While Yuma realized that he can't stay depressed forever, he made many Freudian slips whilst trying to maintained an outward happy demeanor, repeatedly thinking of Astral and accidentally calling out to him. This caused many to worried about him and was eventually pushed by his friends to accept that his partner was dead, but Yuma refused to believe that and was willing to face danger and an eternity searching for his beloved friend.

While Dueling Eliphas, Yuma repentantly reflected how arrogant and capricious Astral was when they first met, and how he changed over time and become someone with emotions and cares for others. On the brink of losing, Yuma realized how Astral played an important role in his life and became his "everything". When they finally reunited, they embraced each other and Yuma said that he would not let Astral go again and asked him not to leave him again, which made Astral smile. With the happiness of being with together again, Yuma's and Astral's bond had grown even stronger and upgraded to ZEXAL III.

Kite Tenjo
During Astral's first Duel against Kite Tenjo with Yuma, he developed a great fear toward him after seeing he Dueling skills surpassing his own and nearly beat him and Yuma. This left Astral severely depressed for some time and was reluctant to face him again. However, Astral eventually overcame his fears towards Kite as his bond Yuma grew stronger.

They officially meet each other when Kite stole the Emperor's Key and was able to entered it, making Kite capable to see him. Astral voiced his respect to Kite and told him that he wish to know about him, but Kite rebuffed all his attempts. After learning about Astral, Kite saw him as his real rival instead of Yuma since Astral advised Yuma during his Duels. Throughout the World Duel Carnival, Astral and Kite showed silent, mutual respect for each other, but couldn't converse since Kite couldn't see or hear him.

At the end of WDC, Astral told Kite, who could now see and hear him, that he considered him as a friend when encouraging to continue his rematch against Yuma.

Reginald Kastle
Although Astral had little interaction with Shark, he repeatedly mentioned his respect of Shark's Dueling skills and the impact he has on Yuma. Conversely, Astral also acknowledged the Duels he and Yuma must face with Shark if he had a "Number" card in his possession and the dark influence they must save him from.

Knowing Shark is trustworthy and strong-willed, Astral has no problems letting him keep "Number 32: Shark Drake" card in his possession. After the Duel with Vector, Shark can now see and hear Astral, but they still have little contact with each other.

Once Astral's theories about Shark and Rio being Nasch and Merag were confirmed true, he readily accepted that Shark was his enemy when he saw him with the Barians.

Numbers
The Numbers are Astral's memories and his source of finding out why he has been sent to Earth to be with Yuma. In the Emperor's Key, Astral usually spends his time trying to understand what his memories mean and gain guidance from them. Astral has stated that he is the embodiment of the Numbers.

Although the cards are a part of him, Astral acknowledged the fact they are also sentient beings with minds of their own, such as Number 96, who actively rebelled against him. The other "Numbers" take on a more passive role, but did not hesitate to take Number 96's side. The only "Number" that is loyal to Astral is Number 39: Utopia, who is based off Yuma's wishes and desires.

Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL
Astral uses Yuma's Deck, but Yuma uses his Deck with an offensive strategy, while Astral uses a more defensive strategy using "Gogogo" monsters. However, like Yuma, he utilizes various Spell Card and Trap Cards and focuses on Summoning "Utopia", and eventually its upgraded version.

Manga
Just like in the anime, while Dueling in the manga, Astral uses Yuma's Deck but focusing on defensive strategies, and uses card effects to Swarm monsters to his field and Summon Xyz Monsters.

Utopia Evolved Forms
Unlike other Numbers, which were formed from Astral's memories when he crossed into Yuma's world, these later-formed "Numbers" are upgraded versions of "Number 39: Utopia", and are not considered part of the original 100 "Numbers". He currently has five different versions of "Utopia", including three "Number C" cards, one ranked down card, and one Double-ranked up card in his possession.


 * "Number C39: Utopia Ray" (episode 18)
 * "Number C39: Utopia Ray V" (episode 88)
 * "Number C39: Utopia Ray Victory" (episode 98)
 * "Number 39: Utopia Roots" (episode 121)
 * "Number 39: Beyond the Hope" (episode 142)