A druxy is a term for something that seems perfect on the outside, but is rotten on the inside.

This is going to be a multi-chapter story. Malik is the lighter half's name. The darker one will not be in this fic. It is an alternate storyline to Battle City, in which Bakura recovered Malik's body from dark Marik. Malik eventually conceded his point with the Pharoah, but did not undergo major character change and, as such, is still manipulative and controlling. He will still have the Millennium Rod.

This is a mature piece of fiction, with strong themes of homosexuality, lustful sex, manipulation of willpower, and power-play (Dominant/Submissive relationships.) If you don't like any of those things, don't read this. If you do, welcome. I enjoy them very much. We'll get along just fine.

I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!, or any characters mentioned in this story. This is fan-fiction, and is for fun.

I have no clear end in sight for this story, but we'll see where it heads. Thank you for reading. Enjoy.

He awakened suddenly, without warning, as he always does; from a dreamless sleep and instantly alert.

Ah, it's the 24th. Time to move.

Bakura sat up. The sight that greeted him was one he knew well. Ryou's bedroom, spacious, whitewashed, filled with natural light from the large windows. The first thing he noticed was the absence of hunger; in the past, this body had always been awoken with malnutrition's effects clawing at its insides.

B-Bakura? the trepid question fleeted from the back of his mind, surprised at finding itself unable to move. You're...alive?

"Don't sound so surprised." He mumbled, fumbling for the light switch.

Well, you haven't taken over in a while...I hop-I mean, thought you might be gone... Ryou trailed off, dismayed.

Bakura snorted at the unspoken word - hope. "No such luck, I'm afraid." He stretched the body luxuriously, like a cat, and stepped out of the bed.

Where are you going?

"An excellent question, Ryou." He mused aloud, pulling a pair of jeans on, though he could have just as easily conversed through their link. "I'm glad you asked. You see, today is the 24th."

...And?

"Hm? Ah, right. You can't read my mind like I can yours. Heh." He sensed irritation through the link, and changed the topic. -always best to keep a compliant host.- "Today is a very special day, Ryou. One could say I've made an appointment, or, call it a date, if you wish. With a certain Malik Ishtar."

...I...don't... Uncertainty radiated from the corner of their mind.

"You haven't been introduced." He explained good-naturedly, waving a hand dismissively, beaming at their reflection in the mirror. He ran a hand through the white hair, messing it up.

...You seem...happy.

"Oh, but I am, hikari-mine." He paused to briefly flip through their deck, reshuffling, before pocketing it. "You should be, too."

...Why? Ryou asked warily.

"I'm glad you asked, hikari-mine." Bakura opened the door and stepped into the sunlight, slamming it behind him. "You see, I'm getting a new body today. New host mail order service, contents: not-so-fragile, ship with haste." He accented the word with delicacy.

...You...what? How?

"Oh, you'll see, Ryou." Bakura chuckled. "You'll see. I think, for now, I'll have to delay this conversation. Wouldn't want your neighbors to think you're CRAZY, would you?" His voice rose to a yell during the last few words, and he threw back their head to laugh jubilantly.

Bakura, wait! His host sounded panicked. You're not just going to-to walk up to someone and force the ring on them, are you?

Bakura snorted. "Believe me, Ryou." He dropped to a mutter. "If it were that easy, I'd have been gone years ago."

Relief flooded through their link. O-Okay. But...then how...?

Bakura frowned slightly, deciding to switch to thoughts. You see, Ryou, He addressed the teen. Ishtar has said we can create a new body, but here's where it gets...well, I need you to be in agreement during it. Stay still and all that.

He sensed surprise. I'll be...in control?

That's the idea. Bakura told him carefully.

He'd spent years cultivating his host, learning to negotiate, make small trivialities seem like victories to the boy. In the beginning, Ryou had fought him, but for the most part (after several painful incidents), the teen had accepted his fate: to be the eternal landlord for the game of three thousand years. They were not partners, but for the most part, Ryou tried to adapt. Bakura permitted this. He did not want a spineless host, after all.

...I'll be free to go? Ryou asked quietly, jarring him from his thoughts.

Bakura considered. Free from me, if that's what you want. He paused. Well? Will you do whatever Malik tells you to?

Ryou took his time to reply, and Bakura shrugged, continuing to walk. He didn't bother to investigate the pulse of thoughts from the teen's half of the mind, and so he was startled, several minutes later, at the determined response to his question.

No, Bakura.

What? He stopped walking in disbelief, sure he'd heard him wrong.

I said no.

The fuck? Bakura screamed mentally. Don't you see, this is what you want? Me out of your head?

But where will you be then? Ryou cried out in distraught.

Bakura's eyes widened. E-Excuse me?

You'll...have even more reign. Ryou explained in distress. You'll kill, and hurt people!

"But I already do that!" Bakura yelled in frustration, tearing at their hair. "Don't you get it, you selfish prick? This is better for both of-" He froze, realizing everyone around him had turned to stare. Slowly, he raised his hand to his ear, and nodded as if he were listening to a Bluetooth. Most of the suspicious gazes dispersed.

...No. Ryou's voice was firm. I won't stand by this time.

"Too late, Bakura Ryou." He hissed, ignoring the curious glances. "You don't have much of a choice."

W-What? Ryou faltered. You...said it had to be my choice!

Malik holds the Millennium Rod, he informed his host. In case you were unconcious during that time-

And whose fault was that?

-it gives him the power to control minds. And I don't think that's all he'll use. He smirked.

What-What do you-?

He lusts for this body, Bakura Ryou. Bakura hissed maliciously through their link. I've seen it in his eyes. He wants you in his bed, begging for him, pleasuring him-

Stop it-

And if you don't go through with this, I'll let him do what he wants to you. Bakura threatened. I'll tell him he can do whatever it takes to change your mind.

Bakura-

"Here we are." They stood in front of a faded door, chipping paint marked 321. Bakura knocked - one, two, three - and control was promptly surrendered to Ryou. The teen, startled at being shoved back into his body, stumbled. He turned to run-

The door opened, and Ryou's mouth fell open in soft surprise at a beaming face. The man was blond and deeply tanned, with large, inviting eyes.

"Ah, Bakura Ryou, I presume?" He began in almost perfect Japanese. Ryou swallowed.

"I-uh-well-" He flushed at his stutter, but he couldn't quite compromise the spirit's filthy words with the friendly face before him. "You're...Malik Ishtar." He settled.

The man - no, teen, he's not much older than I am, ha-ha - nodded, the damned smile never fading; growing, if anything. "That I am." He nodded again. "Come on in."

"...There's been a mistake. I shouldn't be here." Ryou began uncertaintly. Malik's violet eyes regarded him knowingly.

"Shouldn't, or don't want to, Bakura Ryou?" He laughed lightheartedly. "Come inside, I insist. I believe we've never been properly introduced." His words have something behind them...a hint of force. Malik's hand jerked toward his belt, and Ryou's eyes followed the movement.

That'll be the Millennium Rod, The spirit piped up knowingly.

How do you-

"Of course." He felt his mouth say, and his legs moved him inside, past Malik, without his control. The door shut, and control was again returned to him.

Bakura! You-

As much as your flirting amuses me, I want my own body, and I won't let you be controlled by anyone else. Bakura's voice was eager. Do what he says, or I'll make this body turn and pleasure him.

Ryou's eyes widened in horror. You wouldn't!

Don't test me.

"Ryou?" Ryou turned, startled. Malik smiled reassuringly, those damn eyes that knew too much sparkling. "Come on." His hand wrapped around Ryou's wrist in a vicelike grip, and he pulled the teen deeper into the house.

"You...you knew I was coming." Ryou stated quietly.

Malik half turned back to beam at him. "Of course. Did you know you were coming?" his voice was intense, urging.

"I..." he began, but then he froze, and his mouth moved of its own accord again.

"Cut the crap, Ishtar." His own voice was deeper. Ryou imagined he must look a sight - his mouth twisted into a smirk, his eyes pleading for rescue - but Malik appears unruffled. "He knows why he's here."

Malik nodded, his eyes searching Ryou's face. "Does your host agree to the terms?"

"That depends." Bakura yanked his arm free. His hands folded over his chest, and he leaned against the wall confidently. "Repeat them for my host, would you?"

Malik's eyebrows shot up. "Ah-he can hear you..in there?"

"Clear as day." Bakura laughed, a harsh noise.

"Very well." Malik hesitated, and continued in a smooth, businesslike voice. "I want updates on whatever it is you're doing with your new body, for starters."

Bakura considered, and nodded. "Done. Is that all?" His eye twitched. "You'd think you'd just -owe- me, considering I defeated your dark side, and didn't get any millennium item for my trouble."

Bakura? Ryou's voice piped up, sounding small.

What?

He...Malik...had a spirit in his item?

Not quite.

Then...what...?

Bakura shoved a collection of memories from that duel into Ryou's consciousness impatiently.

"The Pharoah asked me to keep it." Malik shrugged. "It'd look suspicious."

"You haven't really changed, have you?" Bakura sneered, a hint of disgust tinging his voice. "You may be able to fool my host, but I know what you're really like."

"That may be true, but it's easier to stay in this country if everyone considers you harmless." Malik shook his head. "Besides, I'm interested in what you might have to offer me."

Bakura growled. "How much?" It wasn't not too much of a problem to steal, he supposed, but he'd rather not have to.

Malik paused thoughtfully, eyeing him speculatively, like Bakura hadn't understood. "...Let's say, 50,000. In US currency."

"What?" Bakura spat in disbelief.

Malik shrugged again.

"I'm not paying that." Bakura hissed. "You're insane."

"Then no ritual." Malik intoned, then he smirked dangerously. "Although, I may be willing to negotiate."

Bakura raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"Is Bakura Ryou still listening?"

Bakura checked. His host was still reviewing the memories forced upon him. "No."

Malik looked at Bakura intensely, his face unreadable, his eyes trying to send him a message. "He's cute."

Bakura caught on easily. "And so, so innocent, right?" The spirit leered. "He must seem like an easy target."

"I must admit, the thought crossed my mind."

Bakura narrowed his eyes. "You want him?"

Marik smiled. "I won't lie. I don't really care for money - I'm hoping you'll give me let's say, something...else."

Bakura eyed him. "If you give me my own body, you can have my host."

Malik studied the spirit. "Is that so?" he murmured.

"Of course." Bakura purred calming his face to resemble his host, as he has so many times before to fool Ryou's friends. "His body, mind, whatever you want. Though I must warn you, I've raised him from childhood to have a spine."

Malik gnawed his lip in contemplation, ignoring the last part. "...Don't you think that's a poor way to repay him after years of hosting you?"

Bakura shook his hair from his face, a slight flicker of regret going through him. "I'll admit, I'm a little attached. How could I not be, after so many years?" He opened his hands dramatically, Malik nodding. "But I care about getting a body, even if that means he gets the short end of the stick. Besides, he used to get teased a lot, you know?" He told Malik suddenly, the reason he's found making him feel better. "If I'm not in his body to protect him, well, it'll be good for him to have someone around."

Malik pursed his lip. "I see," he said carefully. "...You realize I will use the Rod on him, then?"

Bakura shrugged. "You're a controlling person, Marik." He pointed out. "I can guess what you'll do. Keep him around, make him clean, sleep with him, but I don't care. Just get me a body."

After a moment, Malik smirked. "Very well. I agree to your terms, ring spirit."

"Then we have a deal." Bakura looked at him darkly. "I expect him to have a bit of himself left." he warned.

Malik considered. "Fine."

Bakura tugged on the collar of their shirt. "By the way, he doesn't want to go through with this ritual."

Malik raised his eyebrow. "Is that so?" he murmured softly.

"Go ahead." Bakura permitted. "I don't care. Get your first taste. Let him think you're great." With that, he shoved Ryou back in control.

"M-Malik?"

The egyptian smiled gently. "Come on, Ryou. Let's go upstairs." His arm wrapped around Ryou's shoulders comfortingly. He felt too tired to protest, exhausted from the barrage of memory.

He...created his own darkness… Ryou realized, unsettled. It took over him...so this one must be good, right?

I'm afraid it's not that simple. Bakura pitched in.

"Here." Ryou blinked at Malik's voice, then again at the room. Three circles are drawn on the floor in chalk - two large (body-shaped, he realized with a sinking feeling) and one small.

"M-Malik, I don't think you realize...uh..." Ryou cleared his throat awkwardly. "I have to go now." He tried to step backwards, before realizing with horror that his legs do not respond.

Ah, that'll be the Millennium Rod.

B-Bakura? You're not doing this?

Sorry, Ryou. It's been real.

Bakura!

You were a great host. He'll be gentle, okay? I'll check back on you. I promise. The spirit began to ramble. If he's abusing you in any way, I'll step in. Remember that. Okay? I'll be in my soul room. See you soon.

Bakura? What are you talking about? Help me! Bakura!

His blood ran cold as hot lips pressed to his neck.

"Now, pet," Malik breathed, his tongue flicking out to taste the teen's throat. "Where were we? Ah, yes..."

Malik walked around to face Ryou, holding an object he recognized, with a sense of dread, to be a millennium item. Two slender fingers slipped under his chin and pried his head up gently. He met the half-lidded violet gaze with a shudder, praying to whatever god was listening, egyptian or otherwise, the betrayal he's feeling showed on his face.

"You were stripping for me."

Ryou opened his mouth to protest, but snapped it shut as he realized in horror his hands have moved to pull off his shirt, caressing his abdomen teasingly.

"P-Please, Malik." He begged, his throat swelling painfully. He...he was so nice, a moment ago...how-? "I don't understand."

"You don't need to, Ryou." The egyptian flashed him another dazzling smile. Ryou realized the emotion he'd been seeing veiled in the other's eyes wasn't friendliness - it was barely disguised lust. This man standing in front of him, he was a sexual creature, the kind who got off on controlling another, and the spirit wasn't stepping in to help this time. What was it he had said? /He wants you in his bed, begging for him, pleasuring him.../ Ryou shivered.

"Just like that, pet." Malik crooned as the shirt dropped to the floor. "You're doing so well for me. I'll have to reward you, won't I?"

Hot fury surged through him. "Fuck you, Malik Ishtar." He hissed as his hands moved to his zipper.

"Trust me, pet." Malik murmured sensually. His eyes dropped to Ryou's pants, and Ryou couldn't help but notice - and stare at - the large bulge in the egyptian's groin.

"I intend to."