Prolog: This fanfic is based on a future world Yami Bakura, after the destruction of Zorc in the series. He lives on a more intellectual level, still a dangerous force, but, far more cunning in his approaches to modern society. This is the first writings I've done thus far, more or less an introduction to his new perspectives on life. He is also based on the type of "Bakura" I enjoy Rping. Please don't hesitate to let me know what you think. I may continue writing on this story base, depending on my time constraints in real life.

The silver-haired male walked slowly along the sidewalk among the hustle and bustle of people. He had his head low with his hands shoved deep in his pockets, lost in thought. This wasn't the first time he found himself in this frame of mind, being around for thousands of years, there was always things to ponder. Silently, he chuckled to himself, oh, if only his thoughts had been recorded over the years...people who thought they knew him, would die of shock alone.

The smell of food drifted through the air as he paused at a restaurant window and looked in. His stomach growled mercilessly. He couldn't remember the last time he feasted since he was busy with so many other matters. He shrugged and walked in, finding a seat at the back of the place where it was darkest. The waitress approached, inquiring as to what he wanted. What he wanted, he laughed quietly, she wouldn't like his response if answered truthfully. He had been around this modern world long enough now to know that there was a time and place for bringing forth certain thoughts. That going around being ruthless and nasty only drew attention he did not wish to have.

The waitress asked again and he snapped back to reality. He looked at her with a silent charm, smiled and placed his order. She smiled back and left. Ugh, he hated being "nice", but, it worked well in swaying the trust of these simple mortals. Many had fallen to his "charming" ways, he smirked. Yes, these pathetic creatures were far too easy to manipulate when it came to the game of emotions. Cleverly, he had learned to use these new ways of manipulation in order to gain an upper hand when dealing with them.

The woman returned and placed the dish of food before him. Great, he thought as he looked at the mixture of edibles. Not exactly what he preferred, but, sustenance none the less. He nodded to her and she left again. He picked up the fork and toyed with the vegetables, his mind wandering again. Why was it that these mortals relied so heavily on emotions? If they were more hardened as he was, they could go much further in their damned lives. And if they embraced a little more of the darkness within their hearts, they would have a much better system of dealing with utter nonsense. He half shrugged, he didn't really care that much anyway.

Sighing, he ate some of what was on the plate. Then drank some water and looked around at the people who were seated at their tables. Some sat alone, some with families. He grunted disgustedly. Simpletons he thought to himself, all caught up in their busy little lives and not realizing their blatant disregard for what goes on around them. I could kill them all and they wouldn't have the first sense of impending danger that struck them down. Hehe, such fools, he grinned. He ate some more on the plate, then pushed it away feeling satisfied.

The waitress returned with the food bill and cleared away the table. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a billfold, then passing her a few bills. When she handed him the change, he held up his hand and shook his head, leaving her a sizable tip. Then he took her hand as he stood up, kissing it softly before leaving. He chuckled to himself as she stood watching him leave, a look of bliss upon her face. Hmph, so easy to please are these mortals, so easy to mislead as well.

He left the restaurant and continued walking along the busy sidewalk, not knowing really where he was going, just knowing he was out for a stroll. A large man slammed into him, obviously in a hurry and not watching where he treaded. He scowled at the man viciously while locking his eyes upon him, anger dancing in his dark eyes. The man suddenly weakened his glare, apologized and walked off in a rush. Hmm, though some are large and others meek, the power of ones' thoughts projected through ones' eye can be even more powerful than words themselves, he chuckled.

Yes, he had learned the ways of emotional manipulations very well over time. Having been manipulated himself on many an occasion, he now utilized this ability in his favor. He continued walking and came to a small park. Once in this peaceful area, he sat at a bench and let his mind wander yet again as he watched the people come and go. He didn't have a Hikari any longer, having separated from him long ago, so learning to be "nice" was his most difficult task. Using the "good" emotions was what he began to understand, using the "bad" emotions just came naturally. By having a happy temperament, he thought, that led people into a falsehood when around him. He approved, for being in a state of hatred only cast them away making his tasks that much more difficult to pursue. Like the mighty hunter, he sat and watched, carefully studying his prey.

Instinctively, he watched peoples' facial expressions or how one would hold their stance. He listened carefully to their spoken words which was always a clear indication to their frame of mind. Ah, yes, things made perfect sense now...too bad he hadn't thought of using such means sooner. His long ago partner, Marik, was on to something when he used the Sennen Rod to control the minds of some people. He sighs, then grins. Hehe, those were good times, yet poorly thought out.

He got up, looking around a little before continuing his walk. He still had his Ring since it was the only thing he chose to salvage after Zorc's destruction. Yet he wondered to himself if any of the other artifacts had ever been recovered. He didn't care if they had since the Ring could find them anyway, but, he'd given up bothering to collect them any longer. No, he preferred to just carry on with killing and capturing souls, the lust for blood and death burning within his being. With his hands in his pockets, he thumbed over his old duel deck, smirking. It had been a long time since using them in an actual duel. Now they only served as creatures to be called upon when needed. Pondering further, he wondered what ever happened to those he knew during the "dueling" years...particularly Marik...for he was the only one he had trusted to a certain degree. Someone who knew what hell really meant and about the darkness whence his alter-ego came. He shrugged and walked on, perhaps someday they might cross paths again...