A/N : Hello! Hope everyone had a beautiful Valentines day! So yeah, sorry this update has been delayed! Lots of stuff going down. Anyhow... please enjoy this chapter. It's been fun writing it! Constructive feedback, as ever, is always welcomed with big hugs! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Chapter 19

Hina hurried after him, the sensation in her chest already rearing its ugly head if he got too far ahead of her as they walked the palace corridors. She wanted to wonder exactly what they had to do today, but found she didn't want to know. What did the man do in his spare time? Kick puppies? To Hina, it wouldn't be a surprise if that was really what he did in his spare time for fun. Hina scowled at the back of the man's messy haired head. What she would give to smack him round the back of that stupid head with a heavy object. That little crazy stunt he'd pulled had set her nerves on edge, not for the first time. He was quite possibly crazy, and she was planning on messing with him. As she followed him like a sick lost little puppy, she was struck with a sudden horrible thought. This game she was playing, planning on betraying his trust when she achieved it, it could have one horrible outcome. Either she would die or he would die. Hina gulped, not liking the sound of that. She was so wound up in her own thoughts, she didn't see him stop. Hina walked straight into him, knocking herself backwards. She cried out as she fell backwards. Within an instant, Bakura had spun around and grabbed a hold of one of her flailing hands, holding her up inches from the ground. He pulled her up, so she was fully balanced on both feet. Hina pulled her hand free of his grasp almost defensively.

"Thanks," She muttered avoiding his gaze. He turned back round smirking and examined what had made him stop. Hina leaned around him, frowning, wondering what was the hold up. She felt the colour drain from her face at the sight. There were three guards, all sneering down at a girl with blonde hair. Hina recognised her as the girl who'd helped heal her wounds. Ayaka, she was been beaten. Hina felt a pit of anger open up inside her at herself and even more so at the bullies hurting her. She'd wanted to become friends with the girl and never had, but now she was going to make up for that. Hina made to run past the King, but he threw an arm back not allowing her passed. Hina glared at him.

"Let me go," She spoke through gritted teeth. He said nothing and just smirked at her. Hina felt her fury rising and struggled to string a sentence together.

"Then… do something!" She growled. He remained where he was smirking at her. Hina was just about ready to attack him and scratch his stupid eyes out when he rolled them. In an instant darkness sprung up around them and Hina nervously recognised the dead landscape. Clammy horrible and decaying blobs seemed to rise up from the surface and dive down onto the three guards, who had remained oblivious to the change in their surroundings. They barely had time to scream before they were consumed whole. Hina pushed past Bakura and ran to the blonde girl who was curled up into a ball, her body shivering. Hina touched the girls arm gently. Ayaka opened her eyes timidly. They went wide when she saw Hina. She sat up and stared at her as the darkness dissipated. She gazed around in time to see the three men crumple to the ground, unconscious and soulless.

"Hina, I…" She began then her eyes went passed Hina and fell upon the King. Ayaka let out a little terrified squeak. Hina couldn't resist throwing an irritated look over her shoulder at the man. Everything wrong in the world was his fault, and now Ayaka had been attacked and was afraid.

"Are you okay?" Hina asked. Ayaka glanced between Hina and Bakura with a terrified expression on her face.

"I'm… I'm fine," Ayaka whispered her eyes dropping to the floor. Hina glanced at Bakura, resisting the urge to give him a look that could kill. He was stood there watching with disinterest.

"Are you sure? Did they hurt you?" Hina asked, then immediately regretted it. Of course they'd hurt her, they'd been kicking her!

"No, no, I'm fine…" She protested timidly as her eyes moved down to Hina's stomach, taking in the five blood stained tears in the cheap rough material. Her eyes snapped back up to Hina's instantly.

"Hina, are you hurt?" Ayaka asked not even daring to look at Bakura.

"You're asking if I'm okay?" Hina asked incredulously, "Ayaka, you were just beaten up!"

"No, Don't worry about me, I'm fine!" She exclaimed pushing herself up off the floor. Hina frowned. She didn't look okay. She was bruised and had a sizeable bump coming up on her cheek. Hina stood too, watching and waiting as the girl swayed unsteadily on her feet.

"Girl," Bakura barked, finally fed up of the exchange. The sound of him made both girls jump.

"Yes, master?" Ayaka spoke instantly, without hesitation whereas Hina just glared daggers at him, trying not to outwardly cringe at hearing him been addressed as Master.

"Take her," He gestured towards Hina, "To get new clothes. I don't care what, just not slaves clothes." He made to turn away. His exchange had managed to infuriate Hina, but she had to bite back a rant. He had just stabbed a bed to death over nothing so Hina was weary of what may or may not send him flying of the handle.

"Why not slaves? Am I not a slave?" Hina asked almost scathingly. Being around him made her unable to rein her emotions in. She saw him stop mid stride and wondered if she'd just unleashed his anger, not that it would be anything she couldn't handle, but even so the very thought struck fear in to her. When he turned around, he was smirking his signature grin, eyes glinting cruelly as always. He strode back towards her and Hina felt Ayaka recoil away as he drew close, but all his attention was focussed upon her. He reached her and grabbed her by the scruff of her clothes, threatening to almost rip the fabric. Hina made a mental note that if he did, she'd make him regret it, among all the other things she planned to make him regret. He dragged her closer to him, still grinning like a maniac. Hina put on a strong face, hiding the fact she wanted to nut him.

"You are still my slave, girl, so what I say goes, without question," He snarled. Hina gritted her teeth.

"Fine." Hina growled back almost as menacingly. He chuckled and threw her back, not hard enough to fall over, but enough to unbalance her. Without another word, he walked away smugly.

"I hate him." Hina muttered when he was out of ear shot and the strange writhing sensation began inside her chest. There was a small terrified squeak next to her and Hina turned to see Ayaka looking petrified with tears streaking down her face. Hina smiled comfortingly at her.

"Hey, don't worry, it's okay," Hina smiled.

"I thought he was going to… to kill you!" She muttered.

"No, I don't think he would…" Hina replied distractedly as she stared down the corridor he'd just disappeared down. She wasn't aware she'd drifted off until she felt Ayaka shake her arm.

"Oh… erm…" Hina spoke getting her bearings.

"Come on, let's get you dressed," Ayaka muttered.

Hina stood in her 'new wardrobe' almost an hour later. She'd been surprised to see a rather strange assortment of clothes, mostly men's, in the room she'd been led to. At first, she was surprised she hadn't known where the room was, but then she remembered most of her time here had been spent locked up in the tiny cell. She'd looked through all the clothes with nothing interesting her. What did it really matter what she wore? She would still be trapped here inside the walls chained in her invisible shackles. It was as she went through the final rail a simple piece of black cloth caught her eye tucked away in the corner. She pulled it out and examined it. It was almost identical to the one she'd worn when she'd played superhero. The only difference was this one had a blue belt round the middle, giving the baggy item some shape. Once dressed she felt a sense of ease settle over her. It reminded her of easier times; it reminded her of the only home she'd known, with Osamu and the others. She didn't want to admit it, but it felt good getting out of the grubby slaves dress she'd become accustom to. She made a mental note then to never allow Bakura to take this away from her. It was the second true possession she now owned, the first been the crumpled trading card Osamu had stolen for her way back when. It seemed such a long time ago now. She couldn't really remember been a child anymore. You had to grow up fast in a world of pain if you were to ever survive.

Hina was dragged out of her nostalgic daydream by a knock on the door. She started, completely surprised she'd zoned out. Hina walked to the door and opened it. Ayaka was stood there, looking nervous. Hina supposed she had every right to be. She'd just witnessed Hina talk back to the 'King' as if it was an everyday occurrence, which Hina had to remind herself, it was becoming. Ayaka probably expected to see Hina get beaten half to death for the retort, but instead he'd not really done anything other than to order her to get new clothes. He'd shown someone a small shred of kindness.

"Are you alright?" She asked cautiously, her eyes searching. Hina nodded not sure how else to react.

"Why did you… You talked back to the master?" Ayaka whispered.

"I'm reckless." Hina admitted almost instantly. "But, he doesn't want to hurt me, at least not a lot. It's confusing, I'm confused." Hina continued, not really focussing on what she was saying.

"I… Hina I don't understand." She whispered looking really upset, "He hurt you, really bad. You'll be scarred for life and your hair…" She let the statement hang in the air like a putrid cloud of reminder.

Hina lifted her hand up to her short hair and twirled a short piece around her finger, remembering how it used to be, let alone the horrendous scars that ran all across her back. She winced at the memory.

"I know what I'm doing," She whispered back, for the first time wondering if she really did. It was too late to go back on it though, she'd made a promise.

"How are you falling for him?" Ayaka asked suddenly, shattering Hina's thoughts. She could do nothing but stare up at her, her eyes wide with shock at such a question. Falling for him? As in falling for him? What was she saying?

"I'm… not." Hina managed to say through shock. The insinuation made her stomach twist uncomfortably.

"Hina, if he shows any kindness within the cruelty, don't be fooled by it. It's not real!" Ayaka grabbed hold of Hina's hand between her own skinny ones, her eyes staring into Hina's imploringly as if she was trying to drill it into her. Hina gazed back at her confused. What was she talking about? If she was confused before, it was nothing compared to how she felt now. Hina hated the man. She hated what he'd done to her, to the world and to Joey and Ryo. She hated him. She didn't like him. Hina forced a smile which she hoped came out more comforting than a grimace.

"Thank you for your concern, but I can honestly say it's not needed." Hina smiled, "I'm not… you know… I don't… No." Hina couldn't bring herself to say it out loud. She had no idea where all of this had come from, but Ayaka was worrying for no reason. Hina was in no hurry to forget the pain he'd inflicted upon her. Just the memory brought tears of pain to her eyes.

"I'm going to head back to my room, do you want to come?" Hina asked, needing a friend. She wanted to become good friends with this girl. Out of everyone, she'd always shown such care and concern towards her. Among the terror and sneers she received on a daily basis, it was refreshing, warm and welcoming. In fact, she felt very much the same about Joey, the man in the cell. He'd shown her kindness and stuck alone in the cell frightened like a little child, it had comforted her. These were just a few of the many people Hina knew it fell upon her to help. If her resolve wasn't enough to betray the man, the people she needed to save were.

"I can't… I have to… to get back to the kitchens," Ayaka whispered her gaze dropping to the floor.

"Maybe I can help?" Hina offered, not much wanting to be left alone. Ayaka shook her head adamantly. It was as if the idea terrified her.

"I… No, you can't." She muttered. Hina tried to place her hand on her shoulder, but the girl jumped away.

"Why not?" Hina asked confused.

"If the King found out… I don't know what he'd do! I…" her voice trailed off.

"You'll what?" Hina asked her stomach dipping at the conversation.

"I… I'm sorry, I've said too much. I spoke out of line earlier. Forgive me," She exclaimed. Hina blinked. What the hell was going on? She was about to ask but before she could string together a sentence, Ayaka had sped off as if she couldn't get away from Hina fast enough.

Hina spent the journey back to her room deep in thought. What had been Ayaka's issues all of a sudden? Why had she run off? Hina reached her door and pushed it open, stepping inside and closing it behind her, turning to do so still deep in thought. Had Bakura warned people away from her again? That seemed like the most realistic likelihood. Or was it because people didn't have a clue what was actually going on between them. Now Hina thought about it, it would seem very odd that he'd move a 'pathetic' slave girl from a cell into a decent room and now that she was no longer dressed in slave's clothes. Did people believe there was something going on? If they did, would that mean they'd think of her somewhat like… someone to be respected. If that was the case, Hina wasn't sure how she'd react to those sorts of rumours either. It would be like walking on egg shells all the time, not knowing where you stand. Hina exhaled her head hurting from trying to work out this puzzle. She turned around, planning to lean back on the door but instead her heart suddenly shot up into her throat as she let out a strangled cry of surprise. She'd believed she was alone when she entered the room. Been so caught up in her thoughts, she'd failed to notice the writhing in her stomach settle down to a contented purr. The White haired King was lounging on her bed, arms folded behind his head, looking almost bored.

"What are you doing here?" Hina asked sounding more accusative than she'd intended. He raised an eyebrow at her, his lips twitching. Hina refused to move away from the door and just stared at him suspiciously.

"You never fail to impress me with your determination to be as defiant as possible," He chuckled coldly, sending shivers down Hina's spine. She glared at him before speaking.

"What are you on about?" She asked trying to remain as polite as she could. He smirked at her, flashing white teeth. His eyes drifted over her, making her feel inexplicably nervous. Then she understood. The dress she'd chosen. She'd instantly recognised its similarity to the one she'd worn when she and Osamu had done everything in their power to screw the King over. It wouldn't be hard for him to recognise it. Hell, he probably put it in there to test her. Hina bit her lip nervously.

"It… it reminds me of home," Hina muttered, staring anywhere but at him. She sensed him shift off the bed and before she knew it he was striding towards her. In one swift movement he took a fistful of the dress material in his clenched hand, causing it to become tight around Hina's neck. He dragged her close.

"This is your home." He growled. Instantly Hina felt fear flare up inside but forced it down and managed to hide he by sticking her chin out stubbornly.

"You may be powerful enough to take freedom away from me, but you'll never take the memories I've made. That's the one thing you cannot touch." Hina growled back. His smirk seemed to intensify at her words. He seemed to examine her for a few moments before releasing her.

"If that comforting thought allows you to sleep with ease at night, I'll allow you to believe that," He laughed turning away from Hina. Hina could feel her heart beating fast in her chest and tried to swallow her fear, taking a few deep breaths to calm her quaking. He had to be bluffing. There was no way he could take people's memories from them. In any case, Hina didn't want to push the subject just in case. Hina scowled at the 'Kings' back as he moved arrogantly away from her.

"What do you want?" Hina demanded when he was what she'd consider a safe distance away, not that it really mattered, if he wanted to cause her harm, it wouldn't matter how much distance there was between them. He turned to glare at her, his white hair ruffling with the movement.

"I want a great deal of things," He paused and allowed his eyes to bore purposefully into Hina's causing her to shudder uncontrollably, "right now I want to eat." He scowled.

"Erm… okay?" Hina spoke uncertainly.

"Do you want food?" he asked forcefully his expression turning almost deadly.

"I…erm…guess?" Hina replied still completely lost and tentative.

"Good." He snapped and walked past Hina and opened the door, walking out. Hina stared after him, not certain what she was expected to do. After several moments of tense silence,

"Girl!" His voice growled. Hina jumped and sprang back in to life, hurrying after him.

They walked in utter silence. It was intense it felt deafening and Hina was fully focused on not breathing too loudly for fear of breaking the quiet that had fallen between them. In reality it wasn't long till they reached their destination, but for Hina it felt like a life time. When they turned and walked into a room, Hina came to a halt, feeling suddenly very wary and suspicious. She recognised the room, although she hadn't stepped foot in there for ages. It was a dining hall which boasted grandeur, not that it needed to. The outward appearance of the palace bragged wealth and its owner's arrogance. The ceiling was tall and the place seemed to be decorated in an array of beautiful paintings and statues and other items of value, although seeing the pieces all crammed so close together cheapened them. The table stretched almost the full length of the room, not that it was necessary. The King always ate alone. Already the head of the table was set out with Golden goblets and platters of food. Hina felt her mouth water at the delicious scent and had to force herself to ignore her rumbling stomach.

"I understand you're the boss around here, but if you think I'm just going to watch on while you eat, you're mistaken." Hina spoke irritably. She crossed her arms and scowled stubbornly as Bakura glanced over his shoulder and smirked at her.

"Girl, I expect you to eat." He replied as if this was obvious. Hina shook her head. What was he doing?

"I… what? Why?" Hina asked still standing still.

"A master has to feed his pets." He chuckled.

"Hey! I am not your pet!" Hina almost shouted indignantly, stomping after him. She could hear him laughing and resisted the urge to try and knock his teeth out.

Sitting down at the table felt strange, No, this whole arrangement felt strange! Hina was sat next to him, on a chair, although thankfully not as pretentious as his throne like one, with cutlery set out before her along with a goblet and plate. The food before her looked delicious and she felt guilty for been allowed to eat it. She knew what bare scraps the people who prepared this would be getting for supper tonight. Hina chanced a quick glance over at the man sat next to her. He stared right back at her. Hina quickly turned around again, unnerved. She had no idea how he was able to do that.

"What's all this stuff?" Hina asked casually, gesturing around at all the objects in the room, needing to break the silence.

"My things," He replied shortly. Hina rolled her eyes.

"Of course, you own the world, therefor anything in it," She spoke with just a hint of sarcasm leaning forwards and resting her elbow on the table, perching her chin in her palm and glancing at Bakura. When he didn't respond, Hina tried again to make conversation.

"Do you collect things in your spare time, you know, when you're not torturing or killing people?" Hina asked leaning back in her chair and sighing.

"Eat." He ordered. Hina scowled and stared at the food, most of which she'd never really seen before. Living under the radar of the King had left food supplies limited when she was younger. There was a big lump of meat, with bones sticking out of it, from the little knowledge she did have and had gained working in the kitchens that had prepared this, she guessed it was a bird, chicken or Turkey, but she'd never seen it full on the bone before. Again, she'd only ever get the scraps.

"Erm… you go first," Hina smiled politely, not wanting to try and do it wrong. With what sounded like a grumble, Bakura lent forwards. He took a hold of the leg and wrenched it away from the rest of the body in a ruthless movement. He then dropped the leg onto Hina's plate and proceeded to pull the other leg off in the same careless way. He sat back and ripped into the meat with his teeth, tearing it away from the bone. Hina had to force herself to look away. She wasn't sure if she should laugh or feel disgusted. To distract herself from the beastly eating session going on besides her, Hina picked up her chicken leg in one hand and the knife in the other. She began to cut the meat away from the bone, trying not to feel put off. By the time Hina had cut the meat off and had begun to eat, Bakura had finished the leg and had begun to cut pieces off the rest of the poor animal.

By the time they had finished, Hina was glad. There was only so much 'seeing someone acting like a carnivorous beast and ripping into food like said beast' she could take. Bakura had clearly enjoyed himself as he sat back with what Hina was almost convinced was a contented sigh.

"So… Can I ask some questions? And you don't get mad, if you don't want to answer then just don't. Don't like, over react or anything," Hina spoke hurriedly. From the mornings events, she'd had a few questions brewing and burning away. She hoped he'd be more approachable on a full stomach. He grinned at her in what could have been seen as almost un-menacing, but Hina knew better.

"Amuse me," He replied his lips twitching. Hina took a deep breath after deciding that was some sort of permission. She sat back in her chair ringing her hands nervously.

"Who are you?" She asked suddenly. She hadn't really made a fully conscious decision to dive in head first with such a direct question. It was too late now. She watched his reaction tentatively. His lips had definitely turned up at the corners more. He was amused by her question? Feeling she had to elaborate, Hina pulled together a hurried explanation.

"What I mean is, you know I've met Ryo, but he's you. Isn't he? I mean, you look similar, share the same body, but you're different." Hina felt her words drifting off as she thought back to the other boy she'd met. He was quite the opposite of the Bakura she was sat with now. So, in that case, was it split personality or something else?

"You want to know who I am?" He asked grinning and standing up. Instantly Hina felt herself become alert. She should have known better than to ask him not to get mad. Hina promptly sprung to her feet, backing away from him as he advanced towards her like a predator stalking its prey.

"I'm… sorry…please…if you don't want to answer…just don't," Hina stuttered holding her hands up in front of her as a gesture of surrender. He just let out a laugh which echoed all around the room. Hina felt herself knock into something and jumped. Glancing over her shoulder, she realised she'd backed herself against the wall. Bakura lunged forwards, pinning her in place. Hina let out a muffled squeak of fear. His hands were pressed either side of her head, caging her between them.

"My name is Bakura, and I am ruler of this pathetic planet. I am the shadows. I am a stealer of souls. I am the thief king." He spoke his eyes gleaming with excitement at the words he spoke, loving the fact he knew them to be true.

"I don't mean like that, I mean who are you?" Hina spoke, realising she would probably regret those words. His smirk increased.

"They used to call me the spirit of the millennium ring. Not that it matters now. I am ruler and your master," He laughed manically.

"Wait. What? You're a ghost?" Hina exclaimed nervously, not sure she could believe that.

"I am." He stood up straight, folding his arms with a smug expression on his face. Hina stared at him not certain she trusted him enough to believe him. She didn't trust him at all. He laughed recognising the doubt in her eyes. She really did amuse him.

"What do I have to gain from lying to you?" He grinned, flashing white teeth.

"Erm… a ghost right? Okay then…" Hina whispered uncertainly. Bakura lent forwards again, trapping her with his arms.

"I sealed my soul away in the millennium ring over five thousand years ago." He whispered to her. Hina let the words sink in. Five thousand years. He was over five thousand years old! She didn't know a lot about history, but she knew that was old, real old.

"And you… you steal souls?" Hina asked, part of her already realising that made perfect sense. She'd seen him do it.

"And… other things," He spoke, his terrifying eyes boring into hers. For some inexplicable reason, those words made her gulp as something fluttered alive inside her chest. Her legs felt suddenly very weak and she could tell her hands were shaking. What was wrong with her? She swallowed a couple more times, not sure she could find her voice.

"Like what?" She asked, her voice stupidly quiet. Hina felt like screaming at herself to stop. She knew what she was doing. She knew what would happen if she continued on with asking stupid questions. She knew just what the man stole! She didn't need to ask! He half smiled, his eyes never leaving hers. Hina could feel her heart accelerate. His hand moved from the wall and Hina flinched, but it came to rest on the side of her face. She wanted to break his stare in the hopes of breaking this spell that had come over her. She tried, but found she couldn't, she didn't want to. She inhaled an unsteady breath. He moved closer to her. She lifted a hand up feebly and felt his chest press against her palm. She could hear her uneven breathing as what she could only think of as panic set in. Hina refused to acknowledge the feeling as anything else. She could feel his heartbeat. She exhaled trying to keep calm. His heart was steadier than hers, but it had increased in its speed. Her fingers were trembling over his heart. His eyes held hers and they had changed. She wasn't sure what had changed, but something was different. Were they softer? They were definitely less frightening. Unable to fight against it, Hina surrendered to him. She couldn't fight. He brought his face closer to hers and Hina felt as if her chest might explode. He brought his lips to hers and they connected. Hina remained where she was frozen in the moment, not sure how to react. He was kissing her again! And she could do nothing to stop it! How could she stop it! Hina found herself enjoying the softness of his skin, the warmth of his mouth upon hers was oddly comforting. Her eyes slowly began to close as she allowed herself to almost enjoy the moment. His hand had moved from her cheek to her waist and Hina felt her cheeks beginning to burn.

"Bakura," A voice broke the silence suddenly, making Hina jump. Bakura however wasn't perturbed. He broke his lips away from Hina's but didn't let go of her. Hina glanced over to the door, her heart still unable to control what felt oddly like elation. A man was stood there, looking indifferent to the situation he'd just walked in on. He was tanned and had white blonde hair. Hina didn't recognise him, but on closer inspection to Bakura's face, she could tell he obviously did.

"What do you want, Marik?"