Ryou was always picked on, ever since he started school. His one wish was to gain some friends. When he obtained the Millennium ring his wish came true. He met Yugi and his friends through their love of games. But it wasn't just the games that made them friends. His Ring drew him to Yugi. The Spirit of that ring wanted the Puzzle and the power hidden within it, but Ryou never let his control slip; he hated the voice in his head and the things it would make his body do. Whenever the spirit took control of Ryou, he was barely conscious at the back of the Spirit's mind. He could see the horrid things that it made him do. He wished he could do something but he was helpless against it whenever it took control.
Ryou knew the magic of the ring and of its ties to Egypt. He knew the Spirit introduced itself to Ryou as Bakura. He knew he was nothing but a puppet to it.
But as much as he despised that spirit, he couldn't help but be a little grateful towards him. The Spirit protected him. If he were ever in trouble, Ryou knew he could call upon his spirit to protect him. The Spirit would never let Ryou be harmed; after all it needed his body as his vessel.
Ryou resented the spirit, and the Spirit took advantage of that. Walking home one evening, some muggers jumped him and beat him until he could barely move. It was only then that the spirit came out and sent their souls to the Shadow Realm.
In the inner workings of their mind, Ryou lay on the ground, weak and helpless while the spirit looked down on him.
"You need me" was all he said.