Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Genie in a Ring ❯ Expect the unexpected! ( Chapter 1 )

Rating of this chapter: PG-13

Warning: This fanfic contains *YAOI!* (in other words… homosexuality). Bad spelling/grammar (this is not my native language *shrugs*) Consider yourself warned, please!

Disclaimer: Yugi and Co. are not mine~! No money was made and no animals hurt during writing this. ^_~

Genie in a Ring

Chapter I: Expect the unexpected!

"I'm sorry that I can't stay any longer, Ryou. I would've loved to stay longer, considering it's your birthday but work…" He gave his son an apologetic look.

Ryou shook his head and smiled. "I understand. Besides… My friends are coming over tonight to celebrate my birthday, remember? So I won't be alone!" He reassured his dad, trying to take some of the worry away.

His father nodded and patted him on the head affectionately, glad that his son was taking it so well. "Oh, that's right! Totally forgot about that! …Is Yugi coming also? It's *really* a shame I can't stay any longer." He said, a little saddened.

Ryou rolled his eyes, knowing that his father had some kind of fascination for Yugi's (-well, "weird upside down pyramid" is what he called it-) Egyptian `puzzle'. His father believed that there was something very special about it but if he, Ryou, had anything to say about it… He'd say it was a lot of superstition.

His father stood up hastily as if he'd forgotten another thing. "Ryou, wait here! I have something for you." He left the room, only to return with a medium-sized though rather flat purple package.

"I want you to have this." He placed the present in his son's hands, who looked up questioning at his father first, then back at the package, wondering what was inside.

"I found it at work and I wanted to give it to you."

"…Can I open it?" Ryou asked uncertain. He couldn't help but be curious. It didn't feel light in his hands but not too heavy either. He wondered what his father had brought him now.

"Of course you can open it *now*!"

Ryou turned his stare on his present. He couldn't deny that he wanted to know what was in it. It was his first present! And while presents were not all that important to him, Ryou loved it when he got one. Memories of the past flashed by. Memories that showed of a young Ryou ripping all the present paper off and shouting excitedly "Oh, wow!".

"I guess it can't hurt." The white-haired boy said smiling and sat down in the nearest chair, gift now in his lap and he tried his best not to just rip it open in front of his dad. Opening the package, he pushed some white paper out of the way. He gasped loudly, when he saw what was inside.

He took the item (what seemed like a sort of necklace to him) from inside the box and held it in front of him. A string that held (of which he thought that it was golden) a round choker with strange pointy things on it. It certainly seemed like something expensive. He looked back to his father, who smiled at seeing his son's shocked face. He was glad to see that his son was impressed.

"But- this is- It looks really valuable!" Ryou finally stammered after a few minutes of silence. "And you found this at work? Didn't something like this needed to be turned in?!" He said, looking at his father with a questioning expression on his face.

The older man laughed, trying not to come over too nervous because it probably would only make Ryou suspicious. Of course he had every reason to. Normally such an item retrieved would be examined and then send to museums. But when he had found this one… This beautiful piece of art that just couldn't not attract him... He had known he'd wanted to keep it. In other words, when the others were to occupied with other things, he'd slipped it in his pocket and that was that.

So, he hadn't exactly *stolen* it! More "accidentally" forgot to mention it to the other staff members.

"I'm surprised they'd let you have something valuable like this." Ryou mumbled, eyes never leaving the strange ring, being completely fascinated by it.

To avoid any embarrassing questions Ryou's dad decided to change the topic quickly. "Do you like it though?"

"Y-yes! I love it!" The white-haired teen exclaimed in earnest and jumped up to thank him. He embraced his father, holding him tight for a minute before letting go again. Together they stared at the ring briefly before turning their attention back to each other.

"I'm glad you like it. I wasn't too sure about what to give you. You're too old for toys and all…" he began. `A friend of mine suggested condoms and a pregnancy test. Of course that had been just a joke. …I think.'

"Well, I-" Ryou started but broke off his sentence when he heard his father's cell phone go off. His father gave him an apologetic look before taking the call and retreating into the kitchen. When his father came back looking not too happy, he realized that his father had to leave again.

**

After waving his father goodbye Ryou headed back inside and sat down onto the couch, examining his extraordinary gift. He wondered to himself when it had been made and by whom?

"Surely it's very old. But oh, no use wondering about it.", he muttered quietly to himself. Leaving it be he picked up the phone and dialed the number of his best friend, a small but ever so friendly boy named Yugi Motou. After a few rings the call was finally answered.

"Hello, Yugi Motou speaking!" said a kind voice from on the other line.

"Hey Yugi. It's me, Ryou."

"Oh! Hey, it's the birthday boy!" Yugi said excited, as if it was his own birthday he was talking about.

"Yes." Ryou replied somewhat embarrassed. "It's about tonight. Are Joey and Seto still coming? If so, I'd have to get me another pie. I don't think I'll have enough otherwise considering Joey's appetite."

"Yes, I think they'll be coming after all. You know how it goes with Joey and Kaiba. One minute they're fighting, next they're making out- ah, *up*! I mean… well, probably both." Yugi said a bit embarrassed but laughing anyway. The two were both such knuckleheads…

"Good. Well, that's all I needed to know. I've got to go now and… I'll see you guys later. Bye."

He hung up and smiled, a feeling of happiness rushing through him. Everyone who he was befriended with was coming to his birthday party! He no longer needed to spend his birthdays alone. For so long he'd spend his birthday alone but not anymore. Not caring to hide his excitement he jumped up and walked his way towards the bathroom, humming a random song.

`Just a quick shower, then I'll check my list to see if there's anything else I need aside from another extra pie.'

Ryou scanned the room, searching for a proper place to put his newly-acquired gift. Finally he decided to hide the ring from potential robbers (though he doubted any would dare to break in during broad daylight) underneath his pillow. Maybe not the most perfect spot but he couldn't find anything else, so it just had to do for the moment. It was hidden from sight and that was all that mattered.

Still humming, he undressed and folded his clothes neatly on a chair. Grabbing a clean white towel he stepped into the bathroom. While Ryou was cheerfully singing his heart out… he had no idea that his ring had begun to glow.

***

Bakura felt dizzy. He hadn't been outside the Ring for… Oh, hell, he'd lost count a long time ago. It seemed like forever though. But now that he was out once more, well, one could say that it took some getting used to.

After a few minutes, when the dizziness had disappeared, he opened his eyes and noted, much to his chagrin, that something was on top of his head. Growling slightly he sat up, throwing something white aside. Bad idea that turned out to be. It brought him only headache and Bakura clutched his head painfully.

When the feeling had numbed he opened his eyes again and peered around. It seemed like a bedroom to him, albeit a rather strange, empty one.

…Where exactly was he? He rose from the bed, unaware- or maybe he just didn't care- of his naked form.

He started walking slowly towards the door he heard singing coming from. He held a knife (which had appeared out of the blue) in his right hand. He didn't know what to expect so he figured it was best to be on guard.

He touched the doorknob, and with little trouble, turned it slightly…

***

Ryou abruptly stopped toweling himself dry. He stood frozen, no longer singing, eye glued to the doorknob which turned slightly. His heart started to beat a little faster.

`Someone's in here? Dad? Did he forget something? …No. Else he would've given me a shout or something!'

He gulped and took a step backwards, eyes looking desperately for something to defend himself with. But the only thing he saw was a mob. Ryou grabbed the mob quickly with one hand, using the other to keep his towel in one place.

If he hadn't been scared he would've laughed at his behavior. There could be a thief, standing just outside his door, ready to knock him out or worse… Take all his possessions, leave him to die… and *he* was worrying about insignificant little things like if he looked decent!?

Never breaking eye contact with the doorknob, he saw the door open slowly and then… nothing! Brown eyes widened in confusion. `I could've sworn-'

Step by step he inched closer to the door, poked his head out and glanced around.

No one in sight…

`…Maybe it was just the wind or worse… I'm finally starting to show signs of paranoia.'

Ryou nodded to himself and heaved a sigh of relief. That had to be it. He'd imagined it all. There was absolutely nothing out there.

Letting go of the mob he walked into his room, towards his bed and gasped.

`There *had* been some one inside of the house!', he thought when he found his pillow no longer on his bed but in another corner of his room. And further more, the ring was gone too!

"Looking for something?" a voice from behind asked him.

Ryou's eyes widened in fear. The voice had send shivers down his spine.

`Oh no…'

Gathering his courage, he turned around and got the shock of his life. He just couldn't believe it. The person standing in front of him was a rough copy of himself!

Although the hair was a bit different, although the eyes held a slightly insane look and his mouth was twisted into a sneer… the resemblance was there.

Taller, more shoulders, more muscles…

As his gaze traveled downwards he noticed that even down *there* the other boy had more and he couldn't help but pout subconsciously, feeling rather envious.

But it didn't last long. Snapping out of his trance he realized what he'd just been doing and turned pink.

He had been just eyeing somebody's *private parts*! Not only that, but said (naked) person had a very sharp knife in his hand *and* wore *his* ring around his neck!

"Hey! That's mine!" he shouted, regretting it instantly as he received a glare that would've turned him into a pile of ash, had looks been able to kill.

"Really now?" the other boy asked, playing with his knife as he took in the smaller boy's form.

It was almost scary how much they resembled. Coincidence? Who knew?

The smaller boy watched every step, every movement he made carefully and he could practically smell the fear. Even though he tried his best not to show it.

Bakura smiled in delight when he found out that he hadn't lost his touch. People still seemed to be afraid of him. Wonderful.

"And who the hell are you?" Truth was he wasn't particularly interested.

"R-ryou."

`Idiot!' Ryou thought quietly. That had come out so pathetic. Now the thief would know for sure that he was scared! The frightened teen forced himself to calm down, his fists clenching. He took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to ask the thief a question.

"What do you want?! I'll give you anything you want. Just… give me back my ring! I got it from my father as a present for my birthday! Ryou knew it sounded lame and he certainly didn't expect the robber to give him the ring back and say `Well, since it's your birthday, I'll cut you some slack.' But a small part of him couldn't help but hope… Even when things looked as bad as they did now…

Bakura looked at the Millenium Ring, the ring where he'd been trapped in for so long and smirked.

The foolish mortal seemed to be under the impression that he would leave if he got money…

Little did the other in the room know that no money in the world could give Bakura what he wanted. That fucking pharaoh had made sure of that.

"Oh no, Ryou.." he half-growled and narrowed his eyes. "It's not money I want. And if you think I'm leaving… You're wrong. I'm not going anywhere."

Ryou's eyes widened from shock. `He isn't going to leave! Okay… Now is a really good time to start panicking!', he thought silently. Was he going to get killed?

Ryou slowly started walking backwards when he saw the "Evil Ryou Clone" advancing on him, until he hit the back of the wall behind him. He quickly glanced at the door. That was the only way to escape but it was too far away and the boy was already too close…

He closed his eyes and whimpered in fear. He heard an amused snort very close by and his breath hitched. One hand gripped his shoulder harshly, keeping him from escaping. (Not that he was foolish enough to try any stunts now…)

"You know…" the other boy started and Ryou felt cold steel against his throat, cutting his skin. Ryou didn't dare to move, breathe, to do anything! If he wasn't careful enough he'd end up very much dead.

"What I'd love to do…" Bakura stopped his sentence and lapped up the little bit of blood that was trickling down the other boy's throat. "…is to slice your pretty little throat open and get the hell out of here."

"But as it is… I-" He grit his teeth, angered that he once again was stuck, serving some *imbecile* who'd never use the full power of the ring and probably would wish for stupid little things like wealth.

"I'm not going to." He released the boy from his grip and sat back on the bed.

Ryou carefully cracked one eye open, feeling no longer rough hands on his body.

`What is that guy up to? I thought for sure I was a dead man.'

Bakura could clearly see the relieved expression on Ryou's face, glad that he hadn't been killed. He hadn't not killed the boy because he was "merciful" (cause he didn't believe in that). The simple truth was that he *couldn't* kill, even if he had wanted to.

The only thing he could do…. Was fulfilling three wishes by choice.

Three wishes, wishes made by his "masters".

Those who stumbled upon the Millenium Ring were very lucky. They could get anything their hearts desired.

Of course Bakura couldn't do just *anything*. He was bound to certain rules. The top rule, which he really hated, was that he could kill no one. (A bummer indeed!) Nor could he revive the dead. And the last rule… which he was very, *very* grateful off. He could *not* make a person fall in love with another person. It was out of the question thankfully. His already unbearable "life" would've been much more unbearable if he had been forced to play matchmaker.

Again, this all, thanks to the `oh-so wonderful' pharaoh. The bastard certainly had made sure how to bring all the fun out of his life. Bakura sighed. He would've surely enjoyed poking a few eyes out.

"One could almost say you're very lucky.", he said to Ryou who merely looked at him, slightly puzzled.

"Wouldn't it be great if I could make all your wishes come true…?"

The boy remained silent.

"I can, you know. I can grant people three wishes. I've done it before and made some people very happy. But… most people were ungrateful, gave me nothing in return. And to tell you the truth… I'm fucking sick of that!" He snapped angrily. "While stuck in that stuffy, old ring I've been thinking a lot and I came up with a nice solution. So, Ryou… if you want to get rid of me, all you have to say is the magic word three times. Simple, right?" He laughed quite frighteningly.

"Oh, but what's that? You don't know the magic word? Well, that's too bad, then." He said, not feeling sorry for the boy in the least. "Guess I'll be sticking around here till you do, hm?"

Ryou could not help but stare at the other boy present in the room as if he was crazy.

`Grant me three wishes? As in… Alladin?' Except of course that genie had been a nice one and hadn't threatened him with a knife.

"Uhm-" he said dumbly. This was all too much to believe. Too much for him to take. "…Okay."

It was obvious to him that the boy in front of him was a complete psychopath who, first of all, belonged in a mental ward and not to forget, a straightjacket and second, needed to be treated *very* careful, if he wanted to live to see another day.

"I-" Ryou was cut off by a knife being thrown at his head, which barely missed. The white-haired boy's eyes widened the size of saucercups and gulped, deciding there was only so much a person could take and did what any other would've done…

…Faint.

~*(^_^)*~ TBC ~*(^_^)*~

A/N: First some things…

Yes, you are correct, I shamelessly "borrowed" some (or perhaps all ^.^') of the rules from Alladin. (What a big inspiration that was, seriously! O.O)

This is *not* Alladin, despite the whole genie-wishes-stuff, nor is it a parody. I just borrowed a small part of it. So no prince Ryou and street thug Bakura and no monkey Malik… Though it would be cute though, of course! ^_~

Big chance that the characters in this story are out of character. Sorry if that bothers you. :) As for me… *shrugs* strangely enough I can't seem to care.

Well, that's all. Thank you for taking the time to read~!