This story is a collaboration between me and a good friend of mine RenagadeRexRider. She does not have a fanfiction account so I'll be posting this here. This story is based off an rp we're doing. Its still in the works but we've made it to the Battle City arc! This story is none yaoi so there will be no yaoi pairing, sorry. Before each chapter I will you who played what parts and who did the chapter you are reading.

Okay we've gotten some rather annoying reviews...about us calling the Thief King Akefia...mostly that our story IS good but that little detail is apparently too annoying to stomach. I understand not liking fan ideas because we both acknowledge that it IS a fan name. Touzoku is another fan name for him but it's Japanese and translates to Thief. We don't use it because we'd literally just be calling him thief. As for Bakura, it's again odd an Egyptian to have a Japanese name especially since Egypt had no contact with Japan, back then. So we use Akefia since it has no known origin, we've heard it might be Egyptian but I can't confirm that. So if you don't like that, don't read this and PLEASE don't review about it. It's pointless to waste time writing a review about it because me and Renagade sure aren't going to swap the name out.

But first here is Renagade's Deviantart account: renagaderexrider . deviantart .com

Chapter: RenagadeRexRider

Renagade: Thief Bakura (Akefia) & Yami Bakura

Miss-DNL: Ryo & Yugi


Chap 1: A New Shadow

By: RenagadeRexRider & Miss-DNL

Bright sunlight gleamed down on Domino City, the skies a perfect azure and home to many a fluffy cloud and the birds who flew through them without a care in the world. People moved about their lives with family, friends and coworkers signifying a good day, a perfect day. One of many.

But for one individual, the day was dark… far darker than anyone could dare dream of. This was one of many, and many more, he was certain, to come. The individual was a white haired boy; a pale skinned teen named Ryou Bakura. Currently he was sitting in a dark corner of a room; not a material room, but a rarely accessed plain within himself that was better known as his soul room, a place where one should feel the safest… but with his knees drawn into himself in an attempt to make himself smaller, he was anything but safe.

Ryou had been sitting like this, silent for some while now. Slowly, he opened his spring green eyes and looked up to stare at a creature that for all practical reasons, was himself; It looked like him right down to his clothing, but his eyes carried a remarkably cruel glimmer that Ryou knew he'd never be able to express even if he tried. The creature had called itself "Yami", a "Dark Self", an ancient spirit residing within an item called the Millennium Ring; An item given to him as a gift for his eighth birthday from his own father… of course his father hadn't known about it.

For years after obtaining the ring, even Ryou hadn't known of his Yami's presence. But during those years however, everyone, including himself, had thought him cursed. Ryou whimpered as he dwelled on those memories, ones that had led him into a life of rejection and solitude. His father, his only remaining family, was never around due to his job to keep his son fed, and Ryou was left alone with his apparent curse.

It wasn't until his recent transfer that Ryou first became aware of the creature dwelling within him. It had responded to another item, The Millennium Puzzle and for the first time, had made itself known to him…. only to openly declare him its host, its permanent slave. A point made frighteningly real to Ryou only the day before…

Now Ryou found himself trapped within his own soul room, watching his Yami move about as if in deep thought, an irate look about his face as it moved about; its presence so imposing, Ryou knew to stay away. Despite this Ryou couldn't help but feel a little curious about the thoughtful emotions radiating around him and spoke up, "Erm… n-not that I like the idea of you causing trouble… but…. Are you…ok?" he asked slowly, unsure of how to approach the creature.

The Yami snapped his head to him, clearly angry by the break in silence, "Silence yourself mortal. I have plans to complete, and I won't have you breaking my thought process or getting in my way."

'Plans? Please… don't get more demented…' Ryou thought then winced as he gulped down the lump that he suddenly found in his throat by its glare, "Is that why you've forced me into my soul room…?" he asked uncertainly. From what Ryou could tell, the Yami did not take kindly to him attempting to remove the ring, despite him having planted the prongs into his flesh to prevent such an occurrence, "I can't really do anything here… why do you have to be here? You have your own soul room…" he offered slowly, gesturing nervously to his soul room door, "Just… saying…" he said slowly.

'Why won't you leave?' he thought weakly as the Yami simply huffed at his observation without saying a word and proceeded to pace, making Ryou's hopes it would leave him alone at least here vanish, "Okay then…." He managed weakly as he played with his fingers trying to distract his mind from the twisted entity before him.

Hours drifted by, and Ryou remained silently where he was when the Yami growled, "I can't focus in this pathetic portion of your soul!" he snarled suddenly before glaring at Ryou, "Keep it."

Ryou blinked and then drew a sigh of profound relief when the spirit then made its leave, 'If that was so, why were you in here in the first place?' he wondered to himself as he slowly stood and looked up. It was then that Ryou realized something and felt a wave of worry, "what's my body doing if I'm not controlling it?"

It was at that moment that Ryou felt an odd sensation; like he felt movement, but far away and he himself felt… bound. It took Ryou only a moment to realize that the Yami had not retreated to its soul as he had thought, but had taken full command of his body instead.

"Much better. Now…What to do?" Yami Bakura inquired aloud. From within the confines of his own soul, Ryou heard the spirit clearly. To his surprise an opening appeared before him. Curious, Ryou stood and walked over to it; stretching out a hand, he made contact with the opening and realized it was more like a window… a glimpse to the outside. Ryou sighed; it was like being in a cage.

Looking out Ryou saw his room, nothing out of place that he could tell. He smiled slightly until he saw a pile of makeup work that had accumulated over the past few weeks, 'How about going to school?' he thought wishfully, 'I'm drowning in homework enough as it is!'

Yami Bakura blinked and looked down at the Ring, an uncaring look on his face as he heard Ryou's voice echo in his head, his thoughts not being well suppressed. Yami Bakura had no real care over the trivial life his host led; his presence was little more than a bearable thorn in his existence… for the moment. For now, however, he'd allow his host to exist, let him hope, let him amuse him for a while longer as he toyed with his life. The Yami smirked; despite his blatant disregard for his host's wish, it was one he was willing to act on…. After all, he had business there.

The Yami dressed himself accordingly, much to Ryou's fleeting relief in the light it was not for his own benefit, and soon found himself striding up to the school called Domino High, for once quite early.

Entering the school grounds, Yami Bakura flicked his eyes about the crowds of teens grouped here and there. Each group to its own nonsense, he wouldn't even give a passing thought; his only thought was pinned on only one student amongst the whole, 'Where are you Yugi…?' he thought maliciously, a grin tugging his lips as he turned towards a much less crowded area. A cruel cat like grin snaked its way onto Ryou's normally friendly face as he located his target; a short young boy sporting a wild mess of dark purple hued hair with long, spiky blonde bangs. Immediately Yami Bakura made his way towards Yugi, his cruel cunning look melting away, "Yugi!" he called, waving to the boy in an eager and happy manner, a perfect mimic of Ryou Bakura himself.

Ryou winced as his Yami approached him; Yugi was one of his new friends! What was he going to do him?!

To Ryou's surprise and distress, Yugi turned and smiled brightly as he registered who had hailed him, "Oh hi Bakura!" he said in his normal happy chipper tone, "I was wondering where you were! You haven't' been to school in a while…" his face shifted to one of concern, "Is everything okay?"
Ryou winced in dismay as his shoulders slumped, "How could he fall for that?!... Why does he have to be such a good actor?"

Yami Bakura smiled and continued his rouse, "Oh that? I'm fine… Wasn't feeling myself was all." He replied with a reassuring smile, "Tell me, How have you been?"

'Of course he has to use irony…' Ryou huffed to himself. He stopped as he noted a fleeting look in Yugi's eyes as his Yami spoke. Did he notice something, Ryou thought hopefully.

"Oh… I've been fine." Yugi replied as he looked off to the side; To Ryou, he seemed unsure.

Yami Bakura tilted his head, also noting the disturbance in Yugi's demeanor, "Oh? You say that, and yet you seem a bit reluctant." A look of concern came to his face as he spoke, "Are you certain?"

Yugi looked to his friend and noted the look of worry about him, immediately he nodded and smiled, "Yes! Just some headaches is all…. Probably just need more water!" he said with a friendly laugh.

Yami Bakura felt his brow twitch and he suppressed a developing grin, "Headaches…? How odd."

Yugi blinked and observed Bakura for a moment, his statement seeming a bit… strange, "Not really…" he replied slowly. Yugi then shook off the thought, perhaps he was reading too much into it, "I'll be fine." He replied with a smile.

"Not really?" Yami Bakura echoed as he observed "his friend" before him, "You have them often?"

Yugi shook his head, "No. Not really, just every now and then."
Yami Bakura felt himself grin to himself broadly…. He'd have to dig just a little further to be for sure, "Ah. Well that's good. I mistrust headaches…" he said slowly looking off to the side as if in thought, "I used to get them before blacking out."

Yugi snapped to attention and blinked at him curiously, as well as just a little nervous, "Really?"

Yami Bakura nodded, "Yes. They came about a little at first... and then after a time I began forgetting small portions of time... it's so strange, and things often get frightening. You never know what could or did happen in those moments. One could get hurt..." he said as if pondering the thought.

Inside his soul room, Ryou found himself shaking in anger that went unheeded, his fists balled so tight his knuckles were white at his Yami's mentions of his personal ordeals; personal ordeals that had led him into his life of solitude… now he was using them to bait his friend. Is this how he always did it? Noting Yugi gulp, it looked to be effective…

Yugi's voice wavered slightly as he spoke. It seemed to Ryou the statement had unsettled him more than it should have, "That would be…"
"Unsettling?" Yami Bakura finished, seemingly noticing Yugi's tone as well, prompting him to continue, "Indeed. You haven't had any experiences like that though... Have you?"

For a moment, neither spoke. Yami Bakura smirking inwardly as he watched Yugi shift, obviously disturbed by the question, 'Go on…. Answer little Yugi~' he thought somewhat excitedly.

"There…. Have been a few times…" Yugi admitted at last, Yami Bakura feeling his excitement hitting a pinnacle,
"Quite the coincidence isn't it?" he said questioningly, "That the both of us having such experiences…. And both of us having these items," he said tapping to his chest, implying to Yugi that he was wearing the ring, "Such a strange thing…"

Yugi gave a small weary laugh as he shifted in place gazing down at his puzzle, "Yeah… it's kind of worrying. Everyone who dug up the puzzle died shortly after…."

Yami Bakura felt his mouth twitch, "You don't…. say?"

"Yeah. Kind of makes me wonder how my grandpa got ahold of it without anything happening." Yugi finished, lightly tugging at the puzzle's strap.
At first Ryou didn't know what to make of the peculiar wave of emotion he began to sense from the spirit. It wasn't until he focused on it that he felt himself deadpan, "I don't believe this… You're upset because he's got… an evil side?"

Yami Bakura felt himself bristle at his host's comment and hissed menacingly at him, his voice rattling Ryou's mind as it struck, 'Shut up runt!'
Ryou simply withdrew a bit and shook his head once he felt the spirit redirect his focus once more, 'For a spirit he acts like a child at times…'

A crooked smile began to develop on Yami Bakura's face as he glanced down at the puzzle like a hungry wolf, "Got the better luck?"

Yugi noted the odd look on his friend's face and withheld his question, "I… guess so…" he said slowly, unsure if he should inquire his friends increasingly odd behavior.

Yami Bakura continued to stare as if he were in a staring contest with the puzzle itself for several moments, 'He's mocking me…' he thought angrily.
Ryou couldn't help but huff at the poorly guarded thought, 'I really doubt that….' he muttered softly to himself,

'How dare he think he can steal any portion of my powers… and get away with it?' Yami Bakura thought venomously, ensuring his thoughts to be private. For a few uncomfortable moments, Yami Bakura simply stood staring at the puzzle as if transfixed; longing greatly to simply tear the boy apart and take the puzzle right then and there. But the rules were there…. And currently he could do nothing about that….. Currently. Yami Bakura cleared his throat and shifted, perhaps he could get a bit more information from this trusting little mortal, "Oh well….. not that anything bad has happened since then."

Ryou felt the venomous emotions radiating about him as the spirit seemed to get increasingly agitated, fearing for his friend Ryou spoke up in an attempt to calm it down, "Perhaps you're just being… paranoid? He's not trying to upstage you or anything!"

Yugi gave a weak smile, "Well…." He began not sure if he should continue, but found himself opening up to his friend, "It seems that bad things do happen… occasionally. And they happen to people who hurt me or my friends…"

Yami Bakura felt his mouth twist into a confused frown, "Excuse me?"

Yugi looked at his friend for a few moments, once more unsure if he should continue… after all… he hadn't even spoken to his own Best friend Jono about this yet. Carefully he looked at his friend's face who looked curious as well as concerned before looking around to see if anyone might be eaves dropping and whispered slightly for extra measure, "I haven't told anyone this before…..Promise you won't tell anyone?" he asked carefully.

Ryou blinked and leaned towards his "window" in curiosity as well as shock, 'Yugi is actually keeping secrets from his friends?!' Ryou felt the spirit's curiosity spike as well.

Yami Bakura blinked and looked back at Yugi evenly, "I can keep a secret. You can trust me Yugi." he offered in a friendly and whispering voice after glancing around.

Yugi nodded and then proceeded to tell Bakura his troubles, starting with the first incident with their old Hall Monitor who had turned out to be a vicious bully; He had ended up in a mental hospital not long after his final act of bullying both him and his friends Jonochi and Honda. Another instance involved a cruel TV producer who had Yugi beaten up for his show, and then proceeded to threaten Jono when he moved to stand up for him; his fate ended up with him being incapable of sight, claiming he could only see distorted images as if the world was censored. Many other instances ended very grimly, anyone who had bullied Yugi or his friends ended up unconscious, others burned and others even electrocuted. All had taken place before Bakura's arrival at school, and all of them had Ryou pale and dumbfounded, "That's…. Quite a list…." He managed nervously. A surge of irritation swept through Ryou, stunning him, "Wow… you're shocked!"

Yami Bakura stood staring at Yugi, refraining from the impending burst of anger trying to claw its way up, "….Are you….serious?" he managed rigidly. Yugi nodded slowly, interpreting Bakura's expression as simple shock… inwardly he feared he would turn and leave him… would he tell everyone?

"Yeah… Please don't tell anyone Bakura!" he pleaded.
Yami Bakura stood rigidly staring at the puzzle in fury; HE was using HIS powers… for JUSTICE? "I… wouldn't… Dream of it…" he managed.

Yugi seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and attempted to change the subject, "Oh, Some shop keeper got stung by his pet scorpion."

Whether the comment had been related to the list of occurrences or not, Ryou had no idea and from the sudden wave of pure rage that assaulted him, he figured his Yami had chosen the former, "I KNOW you're in there! And you're MOCKING me aren't you?! You think you have the RIGHT?! Wait until I get ahold of you AND all your little friends!" he shouted, his wrath no longer held back.

Ryou felt his heart fall as Yugi winced and drew back in a mix of shock, confusion and fear, "Oh boy…here we go…." He said shallowly. If he had a friend before, he was gone to him now.

"B-Bakura… What are you talking about?!" Yugi gasped taking a step back as if afraid he'd be struck.

Yami Bakura felt himself wince at his lack of self-control and growled to himself, "I-…. I mean….",
'SHIT!' he snarled angrily, 'How unbecoming… of me…'

Ryou felt himself jerk and felt himself being dragged, the suddenness stunning him, "Correction…" his Yami hissed, voice still laced with anger, "Here YOU go."

Ryou blinked and twitched as he realized he was once more in control, Yugi staring at him mouth agape and confused. Ryou opened his own mouth to speak, but found himself at a loss for words. Flushed with embarrassment and being shaken he looked for a way out, "Uh…I… Gotta go….," he managed at last voice shaky, "I… I forgot my backpack, eheheheh….." he said backing away, "Let's just forget about this okay? I don't know 'what' came over me…." With that he spun on his heel with a brief wave and briskly left the school grounds to return home, avoiding the piercing gazes he knew he was receiving, Yugi staring after him more confused than ever.

Ryou sprinted back home as soon as he found himself out of sight; anger, anxiety and sadness twisting in a whirlwind inside of him as he neared home…

"So I'm a 'What' Now?" a voice echoed in his skull; Ryou flinched and rushed even faster,

'Be Quiet!' he shouted back, not currently caring about the Yami's consequences, 'It's bad enough people think I'm cursed, now they're going to think I'm crazy!"

The Yami chuckled, as if amused by Ryou's turmoil, almost as if it enjoyed it, "No skin off my nose~" he mocked as Ryou slowed down at last, out of breath from his run.

'I don't know why you had to get so upset….So there's another evil spirit out there, So what?' he groaned as he continued home solemnly, 'At least He's not bullying HIS host…' Ryou thought to himself sadly, 'I wish I could somehow switch with Yugi….' He stopped and shook out the thought as he felt the prongs tug at his chest. No… he couldn't do that to his friend.

The Yami huffed, his anger momentarily flaring, "I won't have him using that power in THAT manner." He hissed as Ryou walked up to his apartment.
With a despondent sigh, Ryou entered the building, 'I don't even know what you're talking about…' he said stiffly, his voice strained, 'I just…. Want to be normal.'

The comment made his Yami laugh, "Not a chance, Landlord. Not at this point… Now stop your bellyaching."

Ryou closed and locked his door and proceeded into his room and took up some of his make-up work having nothing else to do, considering he doubted he'd return to school…. Again... 'I have every right to complain about being used…' he shot back.

The Yami glared at Ryou from within the darkness of the Ring and scowled, "Perhaps. But keep in mind, Landlord, that I do have a short temper. You'd do well to tread carefully." he hissed.

"Hahah! I have to agree on that temper…That kid was literally not even trying and he pissed you the fuck off!" A voice suddenly piped.

Ryou twitched at the sudden and unfamiliar voice, his eyes widening as he realized the voice had come from within the ring as well, "Are there TWO of you?!" He gasped and then felt his spirits take yet another nose dive as he plopped down and buried his face in his hands, "You have got to be kidding me…." he whimpered.

Ryou blinked and looked up as he felt his Yami's emotions. He too seemed just as confused and then just as quickly angry, "You aren't allowed to speak! Shut up and get back where you came from!" he commanded forcefully.

Ryou blinked as the new spirit didn't even pause at the threat and ignored the comment and directed his attention to Ryou, "'Fraid not. I'm the original bearer of the Ring. And let me tell you, I really wish he'd be quiet as well."

The Yami's anger flared at being ignored, "SHUT UP I SAID!" he roared.
At first Ryou cringed at the flare in rage, but sensing the new spirit seemed undaunted, he carefully turned to him, "Exactly who are you? And why is he telling you to "go back where you came from?"

The new spirit grinned broadly, even though he could not be seen by the boy, "My name is Akefia." He announced pridefully, "King of Thieves~"


These chapters will not be too long to avoid loading up work on each other so they will not be the usual length I post.

I hope you enjoy this story as much as we have rping it~

First chapter you will note that there is two spirits in the Ring~

that and Yugi got freaked out XDDDD

Please Follow, Favorite and Review~! It helps motivate us a lot ^^