A/N: My work is my own, I do not share. Please notify me of any plagiarism. That said, characters are inspired by Yugioh series.

italic- thought

Chapter 1

"Do not seek answers in the silence"-Anonymous

Ryou smoothed his collar and straightened his bangs as he entered the time-aged bistro on Louth and 21st Street. With his father's wealthy income and his shortcomings in the kitchen it was a miracle the boy hadn't ballooned on his exclusive takeout diet. A pillow of warmth welcomed him in, the bubbling of coffee as vigorous as the black liquid it produced amalgamated the white noise of babbling patrons. Behind the bar a tall brunette laid out his customary order, mango juice and a mascarpone danish with that exuberant smile only a espresso binge could induce. There is something creepy about being that chipper...

"He-ely-ely-oh Ryou! Whatcha been up to on this bea-U-tiful day?"

Ryou offered a shy smile. "Not much I..." Ryou's brow creased in thought for a moment. Sure the customary greeting is typically a back and forth regurgitation but something troubled him. What had he- noticing the barista staring he shrugged it off. "Nothing much." he re-emphasized, hoping that satisfied her. Obviously the girl could only carry one thought at a time before she pattered off with another regular entering the bistro.

The thought continued to pursue him as he walked onto the campus grounds. What Had he done this morning? His mind firmly blanked. Sleep?- likely, perhaps studying... Had geometry finally imploded his mind? It would come to him, he was sure. And for the time it was forgotten.

Dodging protruding feet of sleeping students and social nests that congregated in the exact middle of the hall he entered into the class room. For the most part the room was still empty. Ryou helped himself to a front row seat and diligently reviewed over his exam-prep. At least that was intended. Instead the petite young man several desks to the right obscured his attention. Yuugi Mutou, a former duel monsters competitor turned distant acquaintance was always accommodating for social chit-chat. Today the young man looked withdrawn and a little flushed in the cheeks. He smiled lightly when Yuugi caught the attention, even extended a soft-handed wave. Yuugi looked perplexed, waving back with a clear edge of sarcasm.

What's eating him? Ryou approached with a neutral smile, taking up the desk beside. "Hey Yuugi, this exam is going to be a heavy one, no?" Geometry Processing in Design was no cake walk.

Hesitating, Yuugi eyed him for a moment. "...yes...I would assume it would be."

Now it was obvious.

"Is something wrong?"

"You tell me."

Let the sound of awkwardness flood the airwaves.

Had he done something to upset the guy? The security of a stable housing arrangement and the dizzying journey of duel monsters and ancient spirits had coaxed Ryou out of reclusion. While not an avid party-animal, the acquaintances he had made fanned his self worth. Suddenly there was a smudge of clarity- Bakura. In the peace of post-Battle City Bakura had, for the most part, subsided in overthrowing Ryou's mind and taking control over their shared body. Had this morning been one of those exceptions? Ryou withheld a groan.

How much damage did you cause?

No response.

Not cool.

Tucking a hand shyly behind his head Ryou extended the olive branch. "Let me apologize in advance for whatever Bakura might have done this morning. Some days I think he's starting to settle down and then...", Ryou tossed his hand with a short-lived smile.

If you have ever tried to speak Russian to a Mexican you've likely come across a similar look to the one Ryou was staring down.

"Bakura? Why are you speaking in the third person?..and since when do we hang out?"

Ignoring the last part, which was an unfortunate truth in the wake of demanding academics, Ryou focused on the more disturbing point. Glancing in either direction Ryou dipped closer to the young man, constructing a bubble of secrecy. "What I meant is, did the spirit of the ring take use my body for... I don't know something bad this morning?

A stark pause. "Are you on acid?"

Ryou leaned back in shock. Even if the professor had been a few minutes late, which never happened, it was unlikely Ryou would have recovered enough to address Yuugi again. As it was Ryou returned to his seat baffled and inexplicably embarrassed.

...Bakura?

The professor's mono-tone droll fluctuated in and out of focus, making little impression on his foggy mind. What was Yuugi playing at? He looked completely serious, that's what worried Ryou. The spirit had yet to stir, and this small matter was proving far to distracting for exam prep to be of much good. Excusing himself by reason of the rest room, Ryou retreated to the dimly lit outdoors in search of necessary privacy.

Outside grand stone halls tunneled gravel walkways, preserving the night lamp cast offs. Shadow flickered on the brim, shying beyond the lights' pull without succumbing to the playful singe. Ryou settled in the light, peering out into the dark shadow, the foreground undistinguished from the depths. Slouching back, ear buds were settled into place and a play list dialed to the appropriate collection of songs. Should a passerby discover him, the music would justify any lacking response.

The outside world dissipated, faded music threading the two realms together. Deeper he probed, letting the tide of his conscious receded as his soul domain swelled around him. Nothing spectacular could be said for the entrance hallway. Simple walls directed him along the walkway to two unremarkable doors, Bakura's to the left and Ryou's to the right. Ryou hesitantly knocked on the left. No response. Once again he rapped, and once again there was nothing.

The spirit was a proud being, ruthless and often acting without conscience. With so little to entertain his now cramped life, the spirit would have no doubt drawn the event out by tormenting Ryou with the tale. At this time, it looked more like the spirit was hiding- nonsense you can be assured. On that ground, after letting the uneasiness gnaw a few moments longer, Ryou struck up the courage to enter without permission. What ever mood Bakura was in would further sour by Ryou's actions, but at least he'd have his peace of mind. The door didn't budge. Frustrated now Ryou shouldered his weight against the door, driving against the surface to strong-arm it open. "Bakura let me in this minute! I'm not playing here!"

Like an anchor tied about the neck a tremendous weight fell onto him, stringing Ryou in the direction of his own soul room. "..Bakura?", Ryou questioned, hushed this time. An air of uneasiness snuffed out his brimming frustration. With great tenderness Ryou slowly entered to the right.

Tall chrome columns shot up like sleek palm trees, fanning out in feather-like leaves to shelter those beneath. Running outwards white washed walls smoothly curved the outer bounds, cleanly meeting without seems. The impossible feats of architecture he hoped to replicate one day would first be erected here in his private paradise. At any other other time Ryou would relish in the grounded confides and find salvation in the protective embrace of his mind's fantasy. Instead, a doubting spark flickered off the smooth edges, partially impairing his view every few moments. Squinting his eyes Ryou cupped around his mouth, calling out again.

Finally an answer.

So fine, Ryou had to strain to hear. A distant ringing. Ryou's eyes scanned desperately. In front? Behind? ... growing, the sound encompassed him.

"BAKURA."

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