Thick darkness enveloped all around, so cold that even breath seemed to freeze. The sound of water dripping echoed steadily, each drop falling onto the damp, moldy stone floor, marking each second in a place where time no longer held meaning.

Deep within that void, a figure sat leaning against the icy wall.

Above, heavy rusted chains were wrapped tightly around the neck and hands. Each slight movement of the body caused the chains to bite deeper into flesh, leaving dark crimson streaks, the metallic, pungent stench mingling with the iron scent, thick in the air.

There was no light. Only the cold seeped into every fiber of skin.

The figure stirred slightly, then abruptly froze. His legs... no... he no longer had legs.

What had once been legs were now fused together, deformed, as if forcibly reshaped into some grotesque form. Scales protruded through the flesh, bright red like fresh blood. They intertwined with slimy, wet patches, vivid and horrifying. The toes had disappeared without a trace, replaced by a bizarre, fish-like shape—repulsive and alien.

He froze for a long time, unable to believe his own body. Then, in despair, he thrashed wildly, struggling only to sink deeper into helplessness. Everything was futile.

Just as it seemed he had given up, a small flicker of light appeared in the oppressive darkness, gradually multiplying, coalescing into the shape of a tall figure.

It was a young man. His three-toned hair stood ablaze like fire in the night, his red eyes shining with a gaze both commanding and mysterious. His familiar bronze skin was clad in an exquisitely tailored noble outfit, adorned with glimmering gold jewelry. Most striking were the golden eye etched in his forehead and the mysterious triangle on his chest—radiating an aura of incomprehensible mysticism.

The chained figure raised his head slightly, revealing red eyes that rivaled the brilliance of the figure in the light—defiant yet fierce. He struggled, but his strength was drained, every motion reduced to a tired, futile gesture.

The young man of light only smiled softly, an angelic smile full of compassion for the imprisoned being before him.

Without a word, he silently turned his back and vanished, leaving darkness to swallow everything.

A scream tore through the silent space, echoing against the cold stone walls, returning like a hollow reverberation—the scream of the chained figure, repeated until it choked the soul.

...

Yugi awoke with a start, breathing heavily, sweat pouring down as if dragged from a suffocating nightmare. His chest heaved, his heart pounding as though it might explode.

Who... was that?

Was it Atem?

But... who was the chained figure?

He held his forehead, trying to piece together the fragments of the dream. The rusted chains, the tired clinking, the fierce but exhausted gaze, the screams bouncing off the cold stone walls—all intertwined, drilling into his mind like a cruel, vague hint.

That figure... was it Bakura?

A sudden thought sent a chill down Yugi's spine. Atem... had tortured Bakura?

The thought made him choke on his own disbelief, unable to accept it, yet unable to dismiss it.

A creeping unease stirred, like a shadow clinging relentlessly. Since yesterday, it had lingered in his chest, heavy and persistent.

Was he feeling anxious?

No. This feeling was strange, yet intimate.

It was Atem's.

He was anxious. But why? Because of yesterday? Had he heard something?

What was he afraid of?

Yugi pondered, urgently reflecting on the dream.

The figure of light resembled Atem, but he wouldn't have eyes like that.

Cold and cruel.

By contrast, the chained red eyes felt eerily familiar.

This dream... was no simple vision. It must belong to a past Atem had buried deep.

Thinking of him, Yugi instinctively turned his gaze toward the forest.

Choice—two words heavy as chains. Yugi could not choose, nor did he want to. That future had not yet come, and before it could, he still had time... time to convince Anzu, time to protect Atem.

No matter who he was, or what origins he bore, what he had done for Yugi was real. Those feelings... if all were false, then what could be called truth?

Yugi closed his eyes softly. He knew his choice.

He would not abandon him.

One day, Yugi would lift the veil of mist and reveal the truth, bringing light to the fates buried in darkness. And then, all of them... could smile together.

He rose slowly. The sun had just begun to rise, the first rays spilling through the window, illuminating his violet eyes. In that gaze burned a new fire: faith, hope—and a resolve etched deeply, unshakable forever.

...

That morning, the harbor bustled with voices and the sound of hooves. The flags of various kingdoms fluttered in the early breeze, signaling the moment of farewell. Yugi was there early, seeing off each envoy as they departed.

Jounouchi, with his familiar bright smile, clasped Yugi's hand tightly.

"One day, you must come to Casineth. I'll take you everywhere, even to places not on the map."

Yugi smiled faintly, nodding firmly in agreement.

"Prince Yugi."

Little Kris ran up and hugged him. Sunny, the dog, curled around him, both showing clear signs of reluctance to part.

An elderly man approached—it was Iron Heart. He grasped Yugi's hand, his deep, warm, yet firm voice speaking:

"Thank you for hosting us, Your Highness. We've had truly wonderful days here. I've also heard about yesterday—thank you sincerely for protecting my granddaughter, Kris."

"No need to thank me. She is the one who should be thanked, for protecting her dear friend," Yugi said, patting the girl's head.

"We hope one day you will visit our land. Atlantis may not be wealthy, but it is hospitable, and we will receive you with the utmost care."

Yugi smiled, then remembered something, softly asking:

"Sir, do you know of any way, besides the Silent Prayer, to look into the past through an object?"

Iron Heart frowned, thoughtful, then shook his head:

"Regrettably, Your Highness, connecting with a soul is difficult. Aside from the prayer, we have found no other method."

Yugi said, sadly: "I understand. Thank you." Perhaps he would need a reasonable excuse to request it from the king.

"But why do you wish to look into the past?"

Yugi hesitated.

"My two closest friends are turning away from each other. Both have pasts, but their accounts are so different I don't know whom to believe. One day, I fear I'll have to choose between them—but I don't want to. Both are crucial in my life, I cannot abandon either. And above all, one of them carries a bad reputation, never speaks. I just hope I can help him, so the truth is revealed and he no longer suffers from misunderstandings. He's endured too much already."

"You clearly cherish this friend very much," Iron Heart said gently.

Yugi nodded.

"He is gentle, has helped me many times, and understands me deeply."

"Have you considered asking them?"

"Yes, but I think he wouldn't tell me."

"I believe you should share your thoughts openly. I trust they will understand you. If not, perhaps you should not pry into their past."

"Excuse me?"

"Everyone's past is sacred, sometimes too painful to revisit. I understand your good intentions, but do not cause further harm. Just express your true thoughts, and they will listen—after all, they are your friends."

Iron Heart's gaze pierced Yugi, his voice heavy, as if testing him:

"Before that, I must ask: if you knew everything, would you still consider them your friends?"

Yugi answered immediately.

"Yes."

"That is enough. Trust your feelings—they will lead you to the truth."

Iron Heart smiled, then drew something from his sleeve.

"Though it cannot solve all problems, I believe this bracelet may help in some way. Please accept it as a token of my gratitude."

Nestled in his palm was a braided bracelet, studded with translucent blue gems.

"This is the Orichalcos bracelet, capable of purifying the soul."

"Prince, take heed: when the stones turn pitch black, it indicates the soul is on the brink of collapse. At that moment, the Orichalcos trial opens, giving the soul a chance at salvation. If it fails, the stones shatter, and darkness will consume the unfortunate soul."

He looked steadily into Yugi's eyes, slowly:

"I have seen—as have the people here, and especially you—a very holy energy. I like this place for that reason. But..." He frowned slightly, "...half of your energy carries a dark hue. Yet it is not too late to change. I hope this chain of gems can soothe that suffering soul, even if only partially."

Yugi bowed in thanks, then watched each envoy gradually disappear down the road.

The Moon Convergence Festival... had officially come to a close.