Part Four

Ryou gazed at the tiny crowded shop two weeks later with a dark smirk. Bakura and he had gone around town, subtly spreading the word of the Kame Game Shop selling video games for the latest system and here, on the first day of the shop selling its newest merchandise, the place was packed. Perfect; just as we planned. The duo decided to split up in order to accomplish their plan. Ryou was to steal from the game shop the games they wanted and whatever else Ryou desired while Bakura went to other stores to steal the other games they wanted.

Ryou eased his way inside, his fingers itching to swipe something. He smiled happily at the busy state of the shop while his eyes roved over the video games. The ones he wanted were there and when he looked at the counter, he saw the systems sitting on the shelves behind Solomon and Yugi. He fought his way to the counter and smiled brightly at them. "Hi! My, it sure is busy," he commented.

"More than I anticipated," Solomon admitted. "I could use a breather."

"Perhaps I could be of assistance," Ryou offered.

"Could you? I really just need a break from the register."

"Sure. I could do that." Ryou stepped behind the counter and in between ringing up customers, he admired the systems behind him with all its different colors. He had a good idea which one he wanted and patiently waited for his chance.

Bakura casually walked around the store, looking at a few things and adding a couple to his basket. He purposely walked to the entertainment section and browsed while noting the security measures. Hmm, no guards, cameras, or mirrors, but the games are locked up. He examined the lock, pretending to be looking at the price tags. He pulled out a bobby pin and proceeded to subtly jimmy the lock. He heard a click and he slowly and carefully opened the door and plucked the games they wanted out. He closed the door and used another pin to put the lock back in place. He tested the door: Locked and looking like nothing happened to it. He smiled as he strolled off to a secluded spot to hide his treasures on his person. Thank the gods for jackets, especially ones with inside pockets. As he headed out with the two items he did purchase, his thoughts turned to his partner. It'll take Ryou a little time to take what he wants, particularly if he follows his plan of helping Yugi and the old man with customers.

Ryou smiled as he handed the customer his change and the bag. He exhaled and saw no one left. He looked at Yugi who was also worn out. "Wow, busy day eh, Yugi?"

"I'll say. Thanks for the help."

"No problem."

Solomon then walked in from the house, beaming from the sales. "We made big numbers today, Yugi! I can hardly wait to count it."

"Sounds promising," Ryou said. "Mr. Moto, may I get a drink before I go?"

"Absolutely. Help yourself and thanks for your help."

Ryou nodded as he headed into the house to get some water. His eyes raked the inventory boxes stacked nearby and he dug quietly through them to find the games he sought. He took them, one system, and some Duel Monsters boosters before getting his water, calling good bye, and leaving through the front door. He waited until he was a good distance away before laughing manically. The plan worked perfectly! His victims never suspected a thing. Now Bakura and I have two games, two systems, and maybe some new cards for our decks.

Bakura looked up as the door opened and Ryou sauntered in, looking quite pleased with himself. "The plan worked," Bakura stated.

Ryou pulled out the stolen goods and put them on the coffee table. "It went perfectly. The fools didn't suspect a thing."

Bakura picked up the game he had wanted and smiled at it. "Oh, good job Ryou. They may realize a few things are missing, but they won't suspect you. They'll probably chalk it up to inventory mistake."

"Naturally." Ryou opened his new game system and began the setup process. He had come a long way in these past several weeks. He had started out as Bakura's distraction and that same day expressed a desire to be a thief as he had already stolen Bakura's heart. Bakura researched it that night and realized the Ring could unleash Ryou's dark side. He presented the Item to Ryou, who eagerly put it on. His dark side awoke and influenced him to be the thief he wanted to be and became. Bakura and I will be a thieving duo for the rest of our lives. Ryou, the Prince of Thieves. Yeah, it has a nice sound to it.

"Oh, Ryou. Kaiba called. He wants to see you concerning where you would like to have your game shipped."

"When?"

"Tomorrow at two. I told him I'd pass the message on and that you'll be there."

"I certainly well be. Bakura, do you think I could borrow the Ring, just for tomorrow?"

"Of course. It belongs to both of us. Hmm. I think I'll give you the combination code so you can use it whenever you want."

"Thanks, Bakura."

Ryou sat across the desk from Kaiba, the Ring hidden under his shirt. He listened to Kaiba explain how to market his game. He agreed to Kaiba's suggestion of a press conference to announce the game with Ryou there to explain about it and answer any media questions concerning it. Ryou wasn't surprised that he wasn't nervous about speaking in public; he chalked it up to being dark and very self-confident. I can't go back to being a shy, quiet, gentle guy. That guy is gone. I am the Prince of Thieves.

"I like the publicity you plan to give my game, Kaiba."

"Of course you do. Now, I'd like to know where to ship the game."

"Well, locally, I'd like to have Yugi's shop and Duke's place."

Kaiba nodded. "I would also like to sell them at Kaibaland."

"Of course."

"So you'll start locally?"

"And at Kaibaland. If it's successful in these spots, then we'll go national and maybe even globally." Ryou's face glowed at the possibility.

"Of course, we could use the Ring to influence people to buy our games."

"Yes," Ryou said with an evil smile. "With the Ring, we could do anything."

"That's right: Anything. Now, what do you say to some stealing to celebrate?"

"Let's do it." Ryou led the way out, the hidden Ring making him darker to match his boyfriend and partner.

The End