Yugi woke up in a dim cave.

His body was limp, numb as if all his strength had been drained. A fleeting moment of confusion passed—he vaguely remembered the melting, the sliminess, the chaos—had... had he turned into that mess?

"You're awake."

A voice echoed, deep and quiet.

Yugi forced himself to sit up. He was still himself, still whole. Surrounding him was a gentle red glow, like a protective layer—perhaps it was thanks to that he could still breathe after the shell had broken.

He turned. The figure sat nearby, flickering light reflecting on a cold face. One hand held a scroll, the other was swiftly writing something down in ancient, rune-like script.

"...It worked?" Yugi asked softly.

He looked at Yugi, his gaze unreadable—perhaps approving, perhaps scrutinizing.

"Not bad."

Then he stood up, rolled the scroll, and tossed it into a magical space.

"If you're awake, then get ready. I'm going up with you. Dawn hasn't fully broken yet."

"Wait..." Yugi panicked, still not understanding what was going on.

"Then find me a quiet and secluded place. After that, you're free. I'll call you when I need you."

"Wait!" Yugi stood up abruptly, still dizzy from everything that had happened. "What's going on? Are you... are you just going to go up like this?"

He tilted his head, lips curling into a mocking smile.

"What? Regretting it already?"

"N–No... It's just... are you going up there in that... form?"

"I thought you liked it," he shrugged. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Yugi's face flushed red. He awkwardly avoided that gaze.

"Once I get there, I'll manage on my own," he added casually.

"Now go."

"...O–Okay," Yugi replied softly, then as if suddenly remembering something, he looked up. "Uh... may I know your name?"

He paused. A moment of silence passed.

"I... am Atem."

His voice was hoarse, very faint...

"Alright, Atem," Yugi smiled gently. "Then let's go."

He started heading toward the cave's exit. The red light followed him, wrapping around like an automatic cloak, keeping him safe in the darkness.

Atem stopped right at the cave entrance. He stood still for a long while.

Yugi sensed something was off. He turned around.

"Atem? Why aren't you coming?"

Atem didn't respond. He just stood there, silent.

His head lowered, no one knew what he was thinking. After a moment, he slowly began to crawl forward, each movement as if testing reality.

"Atem?" Yugi called softly.

No reply. But suddenly, Atem sprang from the water. One arm reached out, gripping Yugi's hand tightly.

"Hold on."

Then, without hesitation, he pulled Yugi straight up, through the water, through the final darkness.

A sharp slash rang out, like the sound of wind breaking. The water split open, and dawn was rising, the first rays of light softly blooming along the horizon.

For the first time in many years, Atem saw the light again.

...

Yugi arranged for Atem to stay in a small wooden house deep in the forest behind the castle. It was a place he used to frequent as a child—a secret base, where he could escape the scrutinizing eyes of others.

It held the loneliest memories of Yugi's childhood, the quiet days spent with games, plants, and silence.

Atem was the first person to ever set foot there—besides him.

In terms of appearance, Atem now looked completely human. He had transformed his serpent tail into legs. Though, if looked at closely, one might still see faint iridescent scales shimmering beneath the skin, but overall, Atem passed the basic standard.

What surprised Yugi was how he walked—so naturally, so skillfully, as if he had been born with those legs. Yugi was a bit curious, but he figured he already knew enough. Knowing more would only get him killed faster.

...

After a few days, Anzu finally recovered. Her voice had returned.

Something felt wrong.

Without waiting to rest, she rushed ashore, searching for her dear friend.

When she saw Anzu's figure in the distance, Yugi's face almost lit up completely. He ran toward her, unable to hide his joy and relief. After all the hardships, he had only been waiting for this moment.

"Anzu!"

She froze too. When she saw Yugi, still intact, standing there with his familiar eyes and unharmed body, she exhaled in relief.

"You're... really okay?"

"I'm fine. Still healthy." Yugi nodded, smiling gently. "I'm glad to see you. Everyone's worried, we should go say hello."

Then he pulled her hand, but Anzu couldn't let this go.

"Yugi... what exactly happened?" she asked, her voice quiet but firm. "I know... all of this has something to do with you."

Yugi hesitated for a moment, but then he began recounting the past days. He didn't hide the fact that he had made a pact. But as for Seto and the process of that deal, he chose to keep it to himself—Anzu would be too worried.

"I found a black shell on the beach," he said, eyes gazing into the distance. "At that moment... I just wished to save you. I didn't think of anything else. Then..."

Anzu frowned. She wasn't easily convinced.

"And you think I'll believe it was that simple?" — she almost snapped, eyes filled with worry. "Do you really think he would help you that easily? That thing is a monster, Yugi. A monster."

Yugi lowered his head in silence.

Anzu clenched her fists.

"He's cruel and heartless—who knows how many lives have ended there. If something had happened to you because of me, Yugi... You worry about me, but I worry about you too. If something ever—"

Yugi smiled gently, quickly trying to reassure his friend, who was on the verge of tears.

"It's nothing. I'm fine, you see?"

He looked up, his eyes calm as always.

"He... didn't do anything. Really. He just wants a quiet place to stay. As for food... three meals a day is fine."

Anzu stared at him for a long time, as if trying to find a clue in his eyes.

But all she saw... was the same gentleness and calm as always.

Anzu was still uneasy, but Yugi's sincere gaze made it impossible for her to scold him any further.

"If anything happens, you have to tell me right away," Anzu said seriously, her eyes still fixed on Yugi. "You're a really kind person, Yugi... but no matter how kind, never trust him. You understand me?"

"Got it, got it," Yugi smiled, raising both hands like surrendering. "How could I be like that?"

Anzu kept looking at him for a moment, then finally smiled. Yugi quickly said:

"Alright, let's go! Everyone's waiting to see you. Miss Sena is really worried about you."

"Oh no... My dance lessons..." Anzu gasped.

"Haha, hurry up, Anzu! Let's give everyone a surprise!" he teased.

Anzu gave him a mock glare but couldn't hide her radiant smile. She burst out laughing.

"Later, I'll show off my singing talent just for you, Yugi," Anzu tilted her head playfully. "Best friend privilege."

Yugi laughed, tilting his head too, winking mischievously.
"You promised! I'll be waiting."

"Deal!" Anzu grinned, sunlight filtering through the leaves shining into her sparkling eyes.

No more words were needed, the two of them ran down the little path, laughter echoing across the quiet shore.

They were themselves again, best friends, carefree as ever — though something had changed.