Happy New Years to everyone around the world! 2021 is approaching, and I'm hoping for it to be better than 2020! Fingers crossed that it will get better! And now, enjoy this chapter featuring our favorite Season 0 characters!

In Japan, the legend of the red string of fate existed from the beginning all the way to the end. One Japanese legend tells of an old man who lives in the moon and comes out every night to search among kin spirits to reunite them on Earth, who have something to learn from each other, and when he finds them he ties a red thread to them so they find their paths. Thus, the red strings end in someone else.

Also known as the red thread of fate, it's an invisible red string that connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place, or circumstances. Two souls destined to be together, bound and tied by a red thread. The legend still existed, spreading all around the world. Many have been lucky to find their destined soul mate, others are still waiting until they are at a certain age to search for theirs, and few are still searching.

Unfortunately, the red string of fate does not bind you to the person you wish to be with. This is something Yugi Mutou learned, when he saw his red string of fate isn't connected to his friend/crush Anzu Mazaki. Once they all reached the age of 16, the red thread would appear tied around a person's pinky. Some of his classmates had found their other halves, while the rest are still searching or waiting to find theirs.

He sniffed, sitting on his bed with his knees pulled up to his chest and arms wrapped around his legs as he gazed at his pinky with a dull look. Yugi had high hopes that he and Anzu are fated soul mates, but it turns out they weren't. Their red thread didn't connect with each other, signifying their other half is still out there, wherever they are. But for Yugi, it's another heartbreak for him.

In the past, he tried to ask her out, but was unable to due to his shyness. Plus, Anzu would be busy with her dance practice, wanting to go to New York and study dancing so she could be a professional dancer. She still took some part time jobs, mostly during the school breaks so she can still spend time with Yugi and the others.

Jonouchi was curious on who his could be, hoping his soul mate is sweet and kind like his little sister Shizuka. Honda is still weeping over the fact he and Miho were not destined to be together, and Miho is upset that her soul mate isn't Ryou, but hoping that her true soul mate is a handsome rich man who will love and spoil her with gifts.

Ryou already met his soul mate, and is planning on introducing his other half to Yugi and the rest of the gang at the Tanabata Festival, which is tomorrow. They all plan on meeting in the evening near the front gates, and have fun there while enjoying the food, games, and fireworks. Not only that, the festival will be filled with many couples who found each other, since its celebrated to commemorate the romantic story of two star-crossed lovers who are only allowed to meet each other once a year.

Everyone is excited to go to the festival, but Yugi is a little hesitant. Anzu knew why he would be upset, and decided they should discuss this over tea and cake at one of their favorite cafes. Having his favorite cake would help him calm down, and it did the trick. Talking about it was a little painful though.

"Feel better now?" Anzu asked.

"Yeah…" Yugi wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"Are you ready to talk about it?"

"I think so…"

"Yugi, it's about what happened today at school, right?"

He stiffened, and looked down at his half-eaten slice of chocolate cake. "Y-Yes…"

"Are you upset that the red thread connected us to someone else?"

Yugi remained silent, and chose to stare at his cup of green tea. He didn't want his tears to come back, not wanting to look like a crybaby to her. Clutching his pants tightly, he took a deep breath and released it as he answered her. "I-I really do like you, Anzu-chan. M-More than just a friend."

He closed his eyes and hung his head, waiting for her to reject his feelings. He scrunched his eyes shut tightly to stop the tears from escaping, not wanting to accept the reality that he and Anzu are not meant to be. Instead, they are fated to someone else depending on where they are.

"Yugi-kun, please look at me," he heard her speak in a soft, gentle tone.

Slowly lifting his head to look at her, she gave him a warm smile that made his heart flutter. "Yugi, thank you for liking me. I too like you, but only as a friend and as a brother. I'm sorry that I cannot accept your feelings for me, and it's not just because of the red thread. You're a sweet, kind, and caring boy, and I'm really lucky to have you as one of my best friends who understands and doesn't laugh at my dreams."

She sighs, and looks at the red string tied around her pinky. "I still want to become a professional dancer, but I'm nervous on whether or not my destined soulmate will support me in my dreams. If he or she doesn't, then I won't accept it. I came this far to raise enough money to go to New York, and I won't let anyone crush my dreams to go there."

"I-I support you!" Yugi exclaimed. "Anzu-chan worked hard to achieve her dreams, and she never gives up! If your soulmate won't support you, then he or she isn't the right one for you!"

Anzu is surprised at his response, and giggled while giving him a sweet smile. "Arigato, Yugi-kun. I'm really lucky to have you as my friend." Her smile soon turned. "I also apologize since I cannot accept your feelings for me. I do hope this doesn't ruin our friendship."

Yugi shook his head. "I-It won't. Thank you for being honest with me, and being kind about it to spare my feelings. You'll always be my best friend, and I'll always support you no matter what."

"Thank you so much, Yugi. I hope your soulmate treats you right, and cherishes you well."

"Me too, and I hope yours will support and respect you."

"If not, then it's their loss."

Talking about it did help, and Yugi is lucky to have a kind friend like Anzu. However, his heart is still broken that she doesn't feel the same way for him. Hopefully, her soulmate treats her well, and the same goes for Yugi, whoever his soulmate could be. Would his soulmate like games? Won't mind his height or appearance, and still be with him?

The real question is whether his soulmate is a boy or a girl. Yugi did felt attraction towards Anzu, and he remembered those videos Jonouchi and Honda would loan him whenever he needs time to make himself a man. If his soulmate is a male, then he'll hope this person is shorter than him, and with a nice appearance and heart.

Wiping his eyes with his fists, he gazed at the skylight positioned above his desk. It was already dark, and he could see the stars twinkling like diamonds. Then he looked at his clock, indicating it was time for him to sleep. Tomorrow is a school day, and he must get plenty of rest so he can prepare for that along with the festival. Glad that he already dressed himself in pajamas, he made a silent prayer to himself before getting under the covers and closing his eyes, praying that his other half will be good to him.

The day of the Tanabata festival

Yugi looked around, seeing the kimonos and yukatas his friends were wearing. Anzu wore a pink kimono with sakura patterns on them, socks, wooden sandals, and a red flower accessory on the left side of her hair. Miho wore a sky blue kimono with floral patterns on them, white socks, wooden sandals, and a flower clipped onto her ribbon while keeping her hair in a high ponytail.

Jonouchi wore a dark green yukata with a haori and other features to complete his look. Honda wore a gray yukata, and Yugi himself wore a purple yukata with star patterns on them. Now, they're waiting for the last member of their group, and he was able to arrive.

"Gomen, minna! I hope you didn't wait too long!"

Yugi waved. "You're right on time, Ryou-kun!"

Ryou, wearing a blue yukata with crescent moon patterns on them, approached them with another male. Surprisingly, he nearly resembled Bakura, except his eyes were narrow, two bangs shaped like horns were on either side of his head, and his eyes were a mixture of purple and red. He wore a black yukata with no designs on it, and kept close to Ryou.

"Everyone, this is Bakura Touzoku. He goes to a different school, and is my other half. We met at the bookstore, and found our strings tied together," Ryou showed them his red string tied around his pinky, connected with Bakura's string that was also tied around his pinky.

Miho had hearts in her eyes, clasping her hands together. "I-I am Miho! I go to Domino City High School, and-

Anzu covered her mouth, sweat-dropping as she did a short curtsy. "My name is Anzu Mazaki. Its nice to meet you, Bakura-san."

"Yo! The name's Jonouchi Katsuya!" Jonouchi greeted him.

Honda gave him a firm nod. "Honda Hiroto. Hello, Bakura."

Yugi bowed. "And I'm Yugi Mutou. I hope we get along well, Bakura-kun."

Bakura glanced at everyone with a bored expression, but his eyes were surprised at seeing Yugi, reminding him of a certain someone who also came to the festival. Shaking his head at the thought, he gave them a short nod. "Hello."

Anzu removed her hand that covered Miho's mouth. "Now that we're all here, let us go and have fun at the festival."

"Here I come, food!"

"Miho-chan! Lets go play on one of these booths!"

"Hai! Miho is interested in that cute prize!"

Everyone entered the festival, enjoying the food and games that were offered. Jonouchi wanted to try all the different varieties of food they offered, Honda is winning a prize for Miho, Anzu is browsing at the accessories they had, and Yugi is busy talking to Ryou & Bakura on how they had gotten together.

"Right now, he and I are getting to know each other first so we will feel more comfortable in this new relationship," Ryou explained, holding Bakura's hand. "His school is considered a private school, so it's a little different from our school."

"Is it a rich school?" Yugi asked.

Bakura shrugged, and munched on his candy apple. "It's a boring one. The teachers suck, and the school only wants your soul."

"Translation, the school is a little strict," Ryou smiled nervously.

Yugi smiled a little. "Either way, I'm happy for you, Ryou-kun. I hope Bakura-kun will treat you well, and he knows what will happen if he made you cry."

"Already got that threat from his old man, his pet snake, and my friend. Your threat doesn't affect me because I will never make my Ryou cry," Bakura answered.

Ryou hugged his arm, pecking his cheek. "Thank you for being considerate of my feelings."

Bakura looked away while blushing. "W-Whatever!"

Yugi gazed at the sky, as the stars came out and the full moon shone brightly. Lanterns were lit up to create light around the area so people would see better, and it looked like they were preparing to have the fireworks set up. Right now, he's at the botanical gardens, standing on a curved bridge that gave him a great view of the lake. It was close to the festival, and there were a few other people setting up their blankets to take a break or have a good view of the sky.

His friends were still exploring the festival, and Yugi told them he would be at the bridge getting some alone time. They offered to accompany him, but he told them he'll be fine and will come back to them in a little while. Seeing how he really needed it, they let him do that but will search for him if he takes too long at the gardens.

Yugi is glad to have caring friends, happy that his wish to have them has been granted. He remembered the golden box his grandpa gave him after his excavation in Egypt years ago, and said anyone who wields it shall have any wish granted. Yugi's one wish is to have friends- friends he can count on, friends he can trust, and friends who won't leave him.

Due to certain events, his wish had been granted. And now, the one thing he wants to know is who his other half could be. He gazed at his pinky, seeing the red thread tied around it and stretched for miles. His soulmate could be somewhere far away, at a different location possibly out of the country or continent. Maybe from a different time, or a different world.

"Meow."

Yugi felt something tug on his yukata, causing him to look down to find a pair of red eyes gazing at him, belonging to a black cat. "A cat?" He crouched down and pet the cat. "Are you here to see the stars as well?"

Seeing the purple flower accessory on his hair, the cat snatched it with its mouth and ran off. Yugi gasped, and ran after it. "H-Hey! Come back with it! Its not a toy, nor is it food!"

The cat darted on the pathway, leading it deep inside the woods. Yugi followed after it, not paying attention to his surroundings. Anzu got him that flower accessory as a way to cheer him up, and to Yugi, it's a precious gift because she wanted to lift his spirits and be happy. Even though it's mostly a female's hair accessory, she commented that the colors would match his yukata. Plus, Yugi thought the flower accessory is pretty.

Luckily, he didn't ran that long as he stopped in front of a gazebo dome. He would see them in fancy gardens, where people can use them to view the flowers or any of the garden decorations to make the area appear lovely. Painted in white with vines coiled around the pillars that had flowers on them, Yugi spotted the black cat sitting on the steps of the gazebo with the flower in its mouth.

Yugi carefully approached the cat, and then saw it get up so it could walk over to a different direction. As he got closer, he realized he wasn't alone. Standing next to the pillars is a boy, taller than Yugi and almost hidden within the shadows. However, he was able to get a good look at him thanks to the full moon. He had the same tricolored hair as Yugi, but in crimson, and his eyes reminded him of rubies.

Pale skin that reminded him of the moon, and he wore a black yukata with white floral patterns to match his appearance, along with white socks and wooden sandals. The boy looked like he could be his twin brother, or a close relative. He's like the cooler, mature version of Yugi, nearly making him pout.

The black cat trotted over to his look-alike, presenting its finding. Glancing down, he crouched and took the flower from the cat's mouth, inspecting it as he stood back up. "Shadow, where did you get this?"

"Meow."

"A-Ano…" Yugi stuttered, as he took a small step forward. "I-Is that your cat?"

The boy glanced down at the cat, and then at Yugi, eyes widening in surprise, amazement, and want. He didn't say anything, as he continued to stare at Yugi. Yugi noticed his stare, causing him to gulp as he spoke again. "Y-Your cat took my flower. M-May I please have it back?"

He didn't say anything, and Yugi was getting a little nervous. Why won't the boy say anything? Why is he still staring at him? Sure, they do look similar, but their features are a little different. Yugi has purple in his hair and eyes, while the boy has red in his hair and eyes. Yugi is short, while the boy is tall. He's wearing purple, and the boy is wearing black.

"Come closer…"

Yugi stiffened, almost missing his whisper. "N-Nani?"

The boy held the flower out. "Come closer, and I will hand you back your flower."

"Meow."

Yugi felt his nerves kicking, realizing the boy wanted him to get closer to him. On one hand, it could be a trap. On the other hand, the boy just wanted to return back to him his flower accessory. It didn't seem like he had any bad intentions, and there was no deceit in his eyes. The black cat, known as Shadow, meowed at him, wagging his tail lazily while staring at him. The cat isn't afraid of the boy, and obviously belongs to him.

Remembering Jonouchi's words on not letting fear get to you, he began to approach the boy and his cat. His steps were slow, but he had gotten closer and closer until he stood in the center of the gazebo. He reached out to take his flower with his left hand, but his wrist was grabbed and pulled towards the boy.

Crashing onto his chest, Yugi lifted his head up, and opened his mouth to say something until he felt his flower accessory placed back in his hair. Did he actually wanted to put it back on Yugi's hair instead of giving it to him? He could've just asked.

Yugi tried to get out of his grip, but his left wrist wouldn't budge. "Y-You can let go now."

"Red thread…"

"H-Huh?"

Yugi saw his red thread, and a loud gasp escaped his lips. Connected to his red thread is another red thread tied around the boy's pinky. The thread glowed brightly in red, indicating they had found each other. This meant that two soulmates have united, and are meant to be together.

The boy looked at his red thread connected with Yugi's. "I have finally found you…" He used his other hand to gently cup Yugi's cheek, gazing into his amethyst eyes. "My aibou…"

"A-Aibou?"

"That's right. And I am your mou hitori no boku."

"T-The other me?"

"The shadow to your light."

Yugi couldn't believe it- his other half; his destined soulmate is this boy. This boy who strangely resembles him, and he didn't reject Yugi. Instead, he accepted him for who he is, and Yugi felt his heart flutter when he called him 'aibou'.

Yugi felt the grip on his wrist loosen, letting him gently place a hand on the boy's cheek. "A-Are you real?"

The boy gave him a gentle smile, and placed his hand over his. "I am, little hikari. This is all real."

"N-Not a dream?"

"Not a dream."

Yugi touched his hair, his face, his shoulder, and then his chest. "You're real…" He glanced back to stare at the boy's crimson eyes. "A-Are you an angel? I-I can't see your wings…"

The boy blinked, and softly chuckled as he shook his head. "I'm no angel, little one. The only angel I see is right in front of me."

He then leaned in close, stroking Yugi's bang. "My name is Yami, little hikari. What is your name?"

"Y-Yugi," Yugi blushed, remembering the angel comment.

"Game huh? I love games."

Feeling his hot breath fan against him, Yugi did the most possible thing he could think of – he fainted, right into Yami's arms. While that happened, Shadow the cat had been busy licking his paws, ignoring what's in front of him.

Hope you all like it! I will add a part 2 of it soon! Please review and comment!