AN: So yea, first chapter may be kinda short/slow xwx This is just my version of Ryou and Bakura's first interaction after receiving the ring. In later chapters though, Bakura will appear as he is in most of the original series, I started off this way merely because he was just introducing himself, and to help reference back to my one-shot. Anyway, hope you guys can enjoy~

I've known him since I was 8 years old.

From what I thought, it had been the first day we met.

The playground was empty with the exception of one small white haired boy who sat by himself on a creeky swing. Fortunately for him it was desolate since he desperately wanted to be alone. Not even an hour ago had he received news that his mother and beloved sister, Amane, had died in a traffic incident. Head lowered as he clenched onto the chains of the swing, he choked on his tears. It wasn't fair; neither of them deserved it. Ryou Bakura sniffled and attempted to wipe away his tears using his sleeve. He would eventually have to stop crying, but his heart was aching so badly - that wasn't something that could be easily fixed.

Sighing shakily, he made a move to remove his necklace, The Millenium Ring. Once in his hands, he eyed it and held it securely. Oddly enough, it seemed to provide him comfort whenever he needed it ever since he father gave it to him. He assumed it was just that: because his father who was never home often had given it to him, it was something that was a sign of love in his absense.

"Excuse me?"

Ryou jumped, startled by the sudden presence, which caused him to drop the ring. He bent over to pick it up, but before he could, the other person snatched it. The young boy gulped and gazed up slowly to see a suspicious looking man standing before him. He was tall, tan and muscular. His outfit made Ryou think he wasn't from anywhere near his town. He, like Ryou, had white hair but shorter and unkept. His crimson eyes were carefully scanning over the entire surface area of the Millenium Ring.

"Not in bad condition..." he muttered under his breath. He then placed it back around the boy's neck, making him shiver. "You're Ryou."

Ryou froze. "H-how do you know my name?" he stuttered. For what he could remember, he'd never met the man. Could it be he was a friend of his father's from another country, seeing as how he didn't appear Japanese at all?

The man knelt before him, giving a warm smile that softened his rough features and distracted Ryou from the scar beneath his left eye. He felt trapped. He was beyond the point of 'not talking to strangers', and now, he wouldn't be able to getaway. Not only that, but no one was around to witness if something happened to him.

"I am your best friend," the man responded matter-of-factly. The younger stared at him as if he had three heads. How was it possible to be best friends with someone he never even met? Besides, he didn't have any friends to begin with.

"But...that can't be right..you're just a stranger," Ryou said meekly. The man frowned slightly. I should've known he wouldn't remember me, he thought to himself. He shook his head before pointing to the ring.

"That necklace you have on," he stated, "it's mine, too." Taking a glance down at the Millenium Ring, Ryou returned his gaze to the man more wearily than previous.

"My daddy...gave this to me," he tried to tell him.

"He got it in Egypt, didn't he?"

The small boy blinked. "How'd you know?" The odd man half-smirked.

"Allow me to explain." Before continuing, he turned his head to make sure there was no one else in earshot. "Do you believe in ghosts?" he then questioned in a low voice. Ryou's eyes widened a bit. When he didn't answer, the foreigner went on, "Well, I'm a spirit from ancient Egypt; my name is Akefia Bakura - no relation, by the way." More like fate, he noted to himself. "Don't believe me? Touch me and see what happens."

After a minute of hesitation, Ryou cautiously reached out to feel Akefia's tousled hair only to find he couldn't; his hand had phased right through! Pulling back fearfully, he nearly fell off the swing. "What do you want from me?" he squeaked, "What do I or the Millenium Ring have to do with you?"

Once seeing his reaction, Bakura decided to choose his next words carefully. "You see..you and I were friends, in the past..when you were a prince. I had given you the ring back then because you were my prince."

And I was your Thief King.

"When I died, my spirit became attached to it. That is why I am here now," he finished. He could've sworn he saw a twinkle in the boy's eyes. True, his father had told him about it's royal owner, but he never would've imagined he was it. It also didn't take Ryou long to realize that if the spirit resided inside the ring, that'd mean he'd be haunted.

"Would you like it back?" he offered, wondering if the object would bring him harm. Akefia chuckled and shook his head.

"On the contrary, keep it; I've been waiting for you to get it back. All I ask is that you aid me in a quest," said the spirit.

Ryou tilted his head. "What is your quest?" Akefia smirked inwardly.

"There are 6 other items like the one you have in your possession. If you can help me get them, in return, I shall give you all the friends you ever desired," he explained. The boy perked up.

"You...you can really do that?" he wondered aloud.

"Of course." The spirit nodded and held out it's hand. Ryou blinked at it before going to grab it. Instead of phasing through, remarkably, he was able to hold it. The boy grinned, as did the spirit.

"Allow me the honor of being your first friend, Ryou. Starting this day, our journey begins."