Disclaimer:
Me: But I do own Yu-gi-oh! I do! I do!
Therapist: (soothingly) of course you do. Oh look, it's those nice men in white coats, come to take you away.
Me: Yay!
Thug: Ma'am, we regret the straitjackets are one-size only.
Therapist: Oh that won't be a problem.
Sorry I haven't included disclaimers on the previous two chapters, I totally forgot. Thank you everyonefor the reviews! I can't be arsed to mention all your names, but I know exactly who you all are (heh heh…I know where you live…) and I really appreciate it!
Chapter Three: Mind Battle.
Ryou was racking his brains to try and think of a good excuse, when Yugi came in. "Um, Rebecca, your dad's back," he said awkwardly. "If you want to…"
"Daddy!" Rebecca ran happily out of the room. Ryou and Yugi were left standing at opposite sides of the room, avoiding each other's gaze. Finally, Yugi spoke, sitting down and staring at his feet.
"Look Ryou, I…We were wondering, is anything wrong? I mean, you seen to have been avoiding us lately, and you did miss school today and, well…" His voice trailed off into silence.
Ryou opened his mouth to say the usual "I'm fine," but no sound came out. Suddenly, he was filled with an overwhelming urge to confide in Yugi, to tell him everything: that his yami was back, controlling him, that he was more determined than ever to steal Yugi's puzzle…
……..
Feeling Ryou's strong emotions, Bakura automatically rose up to take control, to make Ryou's mouth from the words "I'm fine," but to his surprise, his host tried to fight him.
Feeling his yami's presence, Ryou unconsciously closed his eyes. (This time you won't win. This time, you won't control me.) His yami, enraged beyond words, dealt his vessel a mind blow that had Ryou's soul double up in pain, halfway between his soul room and his body. Gritting his teeth, Ryou used his still-strong will to push his yami away. The two souls in Ryou's body fought like wolves over meat, knowing only one of them would win control.
((You can't win, mortal,)) the spirit of the ring hissed venomously. ((So give up and stop trying,)) he taunted. His mind-voice, the first sound either had uttered so far in their silent battle, surprised his hikari into letting his guard down, if only for a split second even as he replied. (Never…)
Seizing his chance, Bakura slammed himself against his host's hastily erected barriers with all his might, willing them to give way. For a split second, as they both wrestled stubbornly for control, it seemed he would be repelled, then he felt his host's resistance collapse.
Ryou was thrown into his soul room; the door slamming shut behind him.
…………….
Bakura triumphantly seized control, and opened Ryou's eyes, making them appear slightly confused. When he spoke, it was in Ryou's normal voice. "Huh? Oh sorry, Yugi. I think I just zoned out for a second. What were you saying?"
Yugi regarded his friend with bemused resignation. "Oh, forget it. You obviously don't want to tell me anything." He sighed. "Look, if you do ever feel like letting it all out - I'm here, OK?"
Bakura expertly pulled Ryou's face into a small smile. He made his voice soft and quiet. "Thanks Yugi." He got up and walked towards the door. Yugi watched him go, doubt tugging at the edges of his mind.
"I should have said more," he frowned. "But what else was there to say?" He stood still for a moment, lost in thought. Then he shrugged, and went upstairs.
………….
The former Tomb Robber walked slowly down the road, a nasty smile playing about his lips. It was so tiresome, having to talk to these foolish mortals. At least it kept Yugi from getting suspicious though, AND it meant that Ra-damned Pharaoh didn't get involved, which was always a plus.
From his soul room, Ryou stirred and, as he remembered what had happened in the last few minutes, groaned. (What did you do?) he cried in anguish. (What did you say?)
Bakura didn't lower himself to reply. The forlorn cries of his hikari filled his entire twisted soul with pleasure.
……………
(A/N: This is not the end, in case you were wondering. Read on…)