The Brighter it Gets

Prologue

The rain started sometime in the afternoon, and had begun pouring down in heavy sheets moments later. Ryo was told to go below deck, but he didn't. He didn't want to. He might have been the nice guy (when his 'evil' side wasn't in control), but he still greatly enjoyed the thrill of the danger the massive sea storm presented.

You should obey them, a voice whispered suddenly, and Ryo stilled, fear freezing his limbs.

"What are you talking about?" he whispered back, knowing his other would hear him.

Just do it, fool. Go below deck, the ancient thief ordered harshly, appearing in a spiritual form to Ryo's right. He reached out and grabbed Ryo's shoulder, dragging him towards the steps as the wind picked up, whipping around them. Now, before-

A wave crested over the boat, and Ryo could only stare as it swept across the deck, slamming him against the railing as the winds began to howl. The albino felt a sharp pain in his heart and neck, but he didn't realize what was wrong at first. He climbed back to his feet, deciding that maybe Bakura was right. Quickly, he dashed to the steps leading down as the crew regained themselves and started running about, regaining control of the boat as they fought the storm. Ryo stumbled on the first step and one hand reached out to catch himself on the wall while the other grasped at his throat, fumbling for chilled gold.

He froze; there was nothing there. "Yami?" he whispered, terrified. Nothing. Dismayed, he found the closest bathroom and looked into the mirror. He no longer wore the Millennium Ring; all that remained was a raw, red mark around his neck, as if something were torn from it. With a whimper, Ryo realized what had happened; the wave had claimed his treasure for the sea. Yami Bakura was gone.

Ryo was no longer cursed, but somehow, he wasn't happy about it.

R&R! I hope you like!