The following Monday, after work, Ishizu pulled Marik aside.

"Marik, I know you like to be informed of the happenings in the museum," said Ishizu. "So I thought I'd update you on our progress with the Millennium Items."

"Yes, I'd be interested to know that," Marik said, smiling.

"Yugi arrived this weekend, and yesterday, he found the Puzzle for us," said Ishizu. "And we'll be searching for the Ring next. The officials plan to contact Ryou Bakura tomorrow and ask if he'd oblige us."

Marik's mind locked up, and he felt the first tendrils of panic seeping in. First, his thoughts flashed to the fact that Yugi had already arrived, and had already found the Puzzle. Then his mind latched onto the real problem. The Ring. Ryou. Ryou looking for the Ring. If Ryou told them it was missing- worse, if he lead them to where the Ring really was-

"Marik?" asked Ishizu. "Marik, are you alright?"

Great. He was already looking suspicious. He tried to compose himself. "I'm fine. It's just been a long day. That's all."

"I know this job frustrates you, but keep working hard," said Ishizu. "As I've told you, I believe you'll be moving up soon, if you continue to do good work."

"Thank you. I will, Sister," Marik said. "And thank you for the information. I appreciate it."

Ishizu nodded. "Well, I won't keep you any longer. Go home and rest."

"Yes, I think I will."

As Marik rushed back to the apartment on his motorcycle, he tried to think. What could he do? What could they do?

There was one answer, but he kept pushing it away. He couldn't take the Ring away from Bakura and put it back at the dig site. It wasn't fair to Bakura. And he knew Bakura would never give it up willingly, not now. But he couldn't think of any other possible solution, and his mind was now whirring in near hysteria.

When Marik reached the apartment, he ran in, slamming the door behind him. Bakura was sitting at the kitchen table, and he looked up, startled. Marik wasted no time, wanting to get it over with, to ask of Bakura what he really didn't want to ask, but had to ask, because it was the only way he could see to solve this.

"Bakura, you have to give me the Ring back."

Bakura's eyes widened. "What?"

"They're going to be looking for the Ring next, at the dig site, and it won't be there, and, so-"

Marik knew he was talking too fast, he was panicking, but he couldn't stop himself. "You have to give it back to me so I can put it back there and it can be found."

"Over my dead body. Literally."

"Bakura, you have to!" He couldn't seem to come up with a better argument.

"You're not taking the Ring from me. I won't give it up again."

"Bakura...Bakura, you don't understand. They're calling Ryou in to look for it. Ryou! How will it look for me- for us- when he tells them it's not there? What if he can sense where it is and leads them right to the apartment? What if-"

"Marik," said Bakura, his voice steady. "Marik, calm down."

"Calm down? You want me to calm down? Did you hear what I said?"

"I heard," said Bakura. "It's not a crisis. We'll just call Ryou and tell him to stay away."

Marik stared at Bakura incredulously. He couldn't even think of how to begin listing all the problems he saw with that scenario. In the end, he started with the least of them. "I thought you didn't want Ryou to know you were back."

"I didn't want to bother him if it wasn't necessary. But it seems that it's necessary."

Marik looked at Bakura like he might have gone crazy. "And what, exactly, do you plan to say to him? Oh, hi, Ryou, it's the vengeful spirit who used to possess you. Mind doing me a favor?"

Bakura laughed a little, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms behind his head. "Pretty much."

Marik squeezed his eyes shut in frustration and put his thumb and forefinger on the bridge of his nose. "Tell me you're not serious."

"You never knew Ryou. He's a good kid. Always trying to do the right thing. Always trying to help people. I mean, not like you are- with him, it's genuine. Not an act he puts on for some stupid popularity contest." Marik shot Bakura a glare, but Bakura ignored it and continued. "Remember what I told you when we first met? About how Ryou is easy to manipulate? That's what I'm getting at."

"So you'd use him again? After everything he's already been through?" Marik asked. "And here I thought you hadn't told him you were back because you didn't want to cause him any trouble."

"You act like I want to hurt him or something," said Bakura, a little less calm now, drumming his fingers on the table. "I have no desire to hurt Ryou. Never did. I never treated him any worse than was necessary for my purposes. And now, I'm only going to ask him to stay away. It's not like that will be some huge sacrifice for him."

Bakura could tell by the look on Marik's face that he wasn't really satisfied with the answer he'd been given. Bakura sighed. "Look, Marik, I can't really explain to you how things were between me and Ryou. It was complicated. We basically shared a mind, so he knew how things were with me, and he sympathized. But he didn't want me to hurt his friends. He was kind of torn up about it. Sometimes he helped me, and sometimes he helped them." Bakura paused, deciding whether or not to go on. Finally, he did. "And I did what I could to protect him."

"So, what are saying? That you actually gave a damn about him?"

"I didn't say that," said Bakura, which wasn't a denial. "I'm just saying you shouldn't make assumptions about something you really know nothing about. So let me handle it."

When Marik only stood there with his arms crossed over his chest, not responding, Bakura spoke again. "What's the alternative? To do nothing and let this situation screw both of us? You clearly don't have any better ideas. And taking the Ring from me is not a better idea. It's not even an option."

At that, Marik threw his hands up in surrender. "Fine, you're right. Do what you want."

"Well, that's what I was going to do regardless," said Bakura, and Marik gave him another look of irritation, which Bakura ignored again. "I don't know why you're so concerned about Ryou's fragile little feelings anyway. You've never even spoken to him."

"Actually, I have," said Marik. "After- after you died, he got in touch with me. Over the internet. We talked a couple times. He was the only one of that damn group who bothered to check up on me and see if I was doing alright, after everything that happened."

"Like I said, he's a good kid."

"Yeah," said Marik.

Bakura's eyes suddenly brightened. "So, does that mean you have his contact information?"

"Well, like I said, we only talked a couple times, and it was years ago, right after- right after I completed my duties. But I don't think I ever bothered to delete him from my Skype contacts, so...yeah."

"That makes things much easier," said Bakura. "Let's get this over with now. See if he's online."

"Fine," said Marik, resigned now.

Marik headed over to his computer and started up Skype. The two stared at the screen, waiting. And there it was. Ryou was online.

"We should probably make it a video call," Bakura said. "He might not believe I'm back if he doesn't see it for himself."

"Alright, but stay out of view for a minute, would you?" Marik said. "Let's try not to give him the shock of his life. Let me talk to him for a little bit first."

Bakura nodded and stepped away.

A few moments later, Ryou's image popped up on the screen.

"Hi, Ryou."

"Marik! I haven't heard from you in a long time. What can I do for you?"

"Well..." Marik said, hesitating. Finally, he decided to get right to the point. Ryou had asked, after all. "Actually, to be honest, there is something you can do for me. I'm kind of calling to ask you a favor."

"Of course. What do you need?"

"Um." Marik didn't quite know how to start. Eventually, he decided to start at the beginning. "Did you know that the Luxor museum has been digging up the Millennium items? They want them for an exhibit."

"No, I didn't know that." A cloud seemed to briefly pass over Ryou's face, but it was gone in an instant. "Well, I suppose that will be an interesting exhibit."

"Yes, that's what they're thinking," said Marik. He paused again, unsure how to continue. This time, he waited so long to speak that Bakura got impatient, shoving him aside and putting his face in front of the screen.

"Hi, Ryou. I'm back."

Ryou almost fell out of his chair. "What- I- how?"

"That doesn't matter right now," Bakura said, waving away the question. "And don't worry- I don't intend to bother you. I don't intend to bother anyone. No reason to anymore."

"Then- why?"

Bakura understood what he was asking. "Well, here's why we're calling. Turns out, each item can only be found by a person who had a strong connection with it. So Ishizu found the Necklace, they called Kaiba in to find the Rod, they called Yugi in to find the Puzzle..."

"And they're going to call me in to find the Ring," Ryou finished for him.

"Exactly," said Bakura, pointing at the screen. "Now, if you get here and tell them that you don't sense the Ring, that it's gone from the dig site...or worse, if you sensed where the Ring is and led them right here, to me...well, that would cause serious problems for me. And for Marik. And I'm sure you wouldn't want that."

Ryou shook his head in confusion, trying to process all the new information suddenly being dropped on him. "Why would it cause problems for Marik?"

"Marik found the Ring a few months ago," Bakura said. "He stole it and brought me back, and now he's hiding me out here. But they don't know any of that. And obviously, we need to keep it that way, or we'd both be in serious trouble. If you come here and tell them the Ring is missing from the dig site...well, there would be suspicions. It would be bad for us."

"So what is it you want me to do?" asked Ryou.

"It's not much I'm asking. Nothing at all, really," said Bakura. "I just want you to stay away. When they call and ask you to come find the Ring, make up some excuse for why you can't make it. They can't force you to do it, after all."

Ryou didn't hesitate. "Sure, Bakura. I'll stay away."

"Great!" Bakura flashed Marik an I-told-you-so look.

Bakura looked back at the screen, and Ryou lifted his eyes. "Bakura?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad you're alright."

"Sure," said Bakura. "So, thanks for the favor." Then he stepped out of Ryou's view.

"Yeah, thanks," Marik added. "I- we- really appreciate it."

"It's no problem," said Ryou. "Bakura was right. It's really nothing."

See? Bakura mouthed to Marik. Marik ignored him.

"So, Ryou," Marik said, fidgeting a little, feeling he had to say something. "How have you been?"

"I've been well. And you?"

"I've been alright."

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Are you seriously going to sit there and chat?"

"Shut up," hissed Marik. "No, not you, Ryou. So...what have you been up to?"

"Not too much," answered Ryou. "I started college about a year ago. I don't really see the old gang anymore, but I've made a lot of new friends in college."

"That's good," Marik said. "I'm going to college, too. But just online courses. Mostly I work at the museum."

"That sounds fun."

Marik smiled ruefully. "Not really," he admitted. "I just work in the gift shop."

"Well, you have to work your way up, I suppose," said Ryou brightly.

Marik tried to force a genuine-looking smile. "Right."

There was an awkward silence. Marik still felt like he should talk to Ryou, that he shouldn't just rush off right after asking him a favor, but he really didn't know what else to say. He didn't really know Ryou. He squirmed a little, feeling uncomfortable.

Ryou sensed it, and gave Marik an out. "Well, I ought to be going."

"Oh! Yes, sorry to keep you."

Just before he was about to sign off, he noticed a curious look on Ryou's face. "Ryou...are you alright?"

"Yes, of course. I mean- it's nothing."

Marik was worried that maybe Ryou wasn't truly alright with doing this favor. Or that he'd been traumatized by suddenly learning that Bakura was back. So he pushed a little. "It's alright, Ryou. You can tell me."

"Well, it's just..." Ryou paused, cocking his head. "It's just, you don't sound like yourself. I don't mean to be rude, but is there a particular reason you're using that false voice you always used when you pretended to be Namu?"

Marik slapped his forehead just as Bakura burst out laughing.

Marik slept fitfully that night, and he dragged himself through the next day at work. He should have felt relieved, but he was still shaken up over the events of the previous day. In retrospect, he couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it before. Of course they would eventually search for the Ring. Of course they would look to Ryou to do it. But it hadn't occurred to him. It pained him to admit it, but maybe Bakura was right when he said that Marik never thought beyond the present moment.

The news had really taken him off guard. And it had thrown the fact of his double life right in his face. Here he was, trying to be responsible and work hard and help out the museum, yet he was the one who had stolen the Ring and willingly turned it over to a thief. If anyone ever found out- if anyone even suspected- well, it was absolutely unthinkable. That was why he'd completely lost his head. He couldn't stand the thought of his reputation being ruined now, when he was so close. But it would all be over soon. He would win the tournament, Bakura would leave, and he wouldn't have anything to hide anymore.

Marik drifted through his work day like a zombie, and he was happy when he was finally able to clock out. But then Ishizu pulled him aside again, and he immediately felt a sense of dread. It seemed Ishizu never had anything good to tell him lately.

"Marik, I have good news," Ishizu said. "I know you've been wanting to have more responsibility here. You'll soon get your wish."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, as I told you they would, the museum contacted Ryou Bakura today, and asked him to come here and search for the Ring," said Ishizu. "However, he said he was unable to do it. He said it would be too painful for him, and that he would prefer to leave the past behind him. It's understandable. The poor child. Having had to live with that evil spirit tormenting him...no one blames him for not wanting to be reminded of it."

"Yes, it's understandable," Marik nodded, trying to keep his expression neutral. If only they knew. "But, how does that lead to more responsibility for me?"

"Well, Marik, as I'm sure you know, you had a connection with the Ring," said Ishizu. "The museum officials know that your soul was housed inside Ryou Bakura's body during a time when he wore the Ring, and that you later owned the Ring yourself, and gave it to Yugi for the good of us all."

Marik froze. Panic started to set in for the second time in as many days. They couldn't- couldn't- ask him to find the Ring. What would he do? What would he tell them? Then, his mind grabbed onto something.

"Yugi," he said. "Why can't Yugi just find all the items? He owned them all, in the end."

But Ishizu shook her head. "We tried that. But only someone with a true connection to an item can find it. Yugi never had a true emotional connection to any item but the Puzzle. Because he owned them, he can sense the existence of the other items- he says he knows they're all nearby- but he can find nothing but the Puzzle himself."

So Yugi knew all the items were nearby. The news kept getting worse and worse. That meant that a lie- a lie told either by Ryou, or himself, a lie claiming that the Ring simply wasn't there- would be completely unbelievable. Yugi knew the Ring hadn't gone far.

"So you see, Marik, you're the only option," Ishizu said. "Aside from Ryou, no other living person has a connection to the Ring. So they'll be asking for your help soon."

Marik just stood there in shock, unable to respond. What was he going to do?

Ishizu noticed his distress, but misinterpreted it. "I do not mean to say that they only ask because you're the last option. As I told you before, the officials were impressed by your insight about the items, and they are starting to trust you. They wouldn't ask at all if they still considered you completely untrustworthy."

Once, being asked to help find an item would have filled Marik with joy. Now, it was a disaster that filled him with dread. But he had to get a hold of himself. He forced a smile. "That's wonderful," he said. "Thank you for letting me know in advance. It will give me time to think of the proper grateful reaction. When do you think they'll contact me?"

"I believe it will be tomorrow," said Ishizu.

Marik nodded. "Thank you, Sister. But I should be heading home. I have a lot to think about." The last part wasn't even a lie.

Ishizu returned his nod, and Marik departed.

When Marik got back to the apartment, he didn't see Bakura. He wasn't sure if he was out, or simply in another room. At the moment, he was too upset to try to find out. All he could think of was calling Ryou. He wasn't sure if that really made sense. What could Ryou do? But Ryou was the reason for this...because Ryou had refused the job, Marik would be asked to do it in his place. He threw himself down in front of his computer and clicked the button to call Ryou.

"Marik? Are you alright?" Ryou's concerned face stared back at him from his screen.

"No! No, I'm-" Marik shook his head.

"What's wrong? I did what you asked."

"I know! I know. It's not your fault. But-" Marik heard a door open. Bakura stepped out into the living room, apparently having heard his voice from the other room.

"Marik?" asked Bakura. "What is it?"

Marik looked back and forth between Bakura and the image of Ryou on the screen. "The museum officials- after Ryou- after you said you wouldn't do it- well, they say I'm the only other living person with a connection to the Ring- so they want me to- but I can't, I can't find it, and I don't know what to do-"

"What?" said Bakura. "They want you to find it?"

Marik nodded numbly.

Bakura looked at him, dumbfounded.

"Well, isn't that ironic," Bakura finally said. But he looked worried for the first time since this whole incident started.

Marik turned towards Bakura. "What am I supposed to tell them?"

Bakura didn't seem to have an answer.

"I'm coming out there," said Ryou calmly.

"What?" asked Marik and Bakura in unison, both turning their attention back to the computer screen.

"No, you don't have to-" Marik started.

"Marik, you're practically hysterical. And I don't think either of you have any idea what to do. I'm coming out there. I'll take care of it."

Marik was momentarily stunned out of his panic. "But- but what will you do?"

"I'll think of something," Ryou said. "Please don't underestimate me, Marik. You know, I stole the Ring before you ever did."

Marik looked momentarily abashed.

Ryou went on. "I'm going to call the museum officials right now and tell them I've changed my mind. That I'll help them find the Ring. And then I'll come to Egypt and fix this."

"Ryou, do you even have a plan?" Bakura broke in.

"No," said Ryou. "But I will."

With that, Ryou ended the call.

Marik looked at Bakura. "What are we supposed to do now?"

"We wait," said Bakura.

Marik looked distressed. Finally, he said, "Why would he come all the way out here just to try to help us?"

"I told you," said Bakura, "he's a good kid."

AN: Thanks to everyone who's still following this story! Please review and let us know what you thought of this chapter!