A/N: Happy New Year! I realise we are halfway through January, but I think its acceptable to keep wishing people Happy New year till, at the very least, March. Anyway, I couldn't very well say it without presenting a new chapter. I hope it's okay as I've found it awkward to write this chapter. As ever, I really appreciate any feedback and constructive criticism, so don't hold back :-)

Disclaimer : I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Chapter 29

Hina buried her face into his back as she gripped on for dear life. The speed they were traveling at was terrifying and she couldn't bring herself to look. Her hands attempted to grip onto him round the middle, but the shackles she wore barely allowed it. The chains were pulled taught and she barely managed to find a hold. Hina could feel herself rising from her awkward position with each bound the horse made, each time her muscles having to strain in order just to keep herself on. She could hear the sound of the chains on her ankles clatter together with each movement. She instantly decided she really didn't like riding a horse and the jerky movements were making her queasy. What would happen if she was thrown off? Hina daren't even think it and focused solely on making sure that didn't happen. When she felt the air whizzing past her slow and the movement of the creature beneath her become steadier, Hina knew they had slowed down. She couldn't move though. She felt desperately sick and was now regretting ever refusing to sit in that damned cart thing. She buried her face into his back as they trotted onwards, focusing only on remain seated and not throwing up. Several minutes passed by, although Hina wasn't currently aware of time due to her mind been focused elsewhere. When they came to a stop, she couldn't have felt more grateful, even if she tried. She felt the body she was holding onto for dear life shift and slide out of her grasp. Eyes still tightly closed, Hina slumped forwards onto the horse. She could feel the heat emanating of the beast and the thundering of breathing as she rest her head against it.

"Are you okay?" Came a sneer filled voice. Hina couldn't pull a retort together with feeling so ill and managed nothing more than an indecipherable groan. With great effort, she managed to open her eyes and push herself back up into a sitting position, still balanced precariously on the back of the creature. Hina trying to focus her breathing stared down at the King with glazed eyes.

"Get me off this thing before I puke," She spoke, her words faint. He outstretched his arms towards her and took Hina by the waist, guiding her steadily off the horse. Hina felt her feet touch ground and exhaled with relief. She remained standing where she was, her arms still clutching on to his, which were still at her waist. Hina felt the awkwardness wash over them and tried to come up with a plan to break it. She didn't like the way he was glaring into her soul… or she liked it too much. It was a fine line and she couldn't make out exactly where she stood. Looking for a change of conversation, Hina glanced around the area they were in. Shock registered cross her expression as she realised where they were. They were outside the castle walls. They were stood among the ruins of a once brilliant and powerful city, the sun beating down upon them. The boundaries of the castle were about half a mile behind them, still imposing but far enough to give a false sense of freedom. Hina turned her gaze back to Bakura's, who's hands she noticed were still holding her waist.

"Why are we outside of the city?" Hina asked and upon another glance around them added "and with no one else?" She side stepped out of his arms, which proved quite difficult with the restraints around her ankles. Hina tried to take another step and tripped. She really should have expected as much and as she fell forwards, Bakura of course managed to catch her in time. He lowered her to the floor so she was in a sitting position and pulled a set of keys out of his pocket. He quickly unchained her feet followed by her hands. Hina rubbed her wrists, glad to be free of the heavy metal. He straightened up and gazed around the landscape as Hina stood and straightened herself out, dusting down her dress.

"Why are we here?" Hina asked again curiosity eating at her. It was strange been back among what was once familiar ground and what she'd considered home. Hina knew she should be feeling a sense of ease at been here among familiarity, but for whatever reason, the feeling of safety never washed over her. She felt uneasy and wasn't exactly certain why.

"Last night you learnt a great deal about my past. I think it's time you reciprocated." He spoke, his tone unreadable, which was strange in itself. He usually was so easy to read from his tone of voice, unless he didn't want to be.

"Remembered that, huh?" Hina asked frowning slightly at his odd request. He was right though, she had learnt a lot about him, probably more than anyone else had ever learnt about the 'great powerful almighty king' before. Even if by some miracle someone did know his backstory, Hina doubted they'd have seen the display of emotion he'd worn while telling it. He's radiated hatred and anger, despise for those who had caused him to lose everything, but Hina suspected there was more to it than just pure loathing.

"Do you remember your family?" Hina asked daring to push the topic further. She knew it was probably dangerous territory to walk in but she wanted to know more, found herself needing the knowledge for reasons unbeknownst to her.

"I don't think so," He sneered, arrogance back in place, "It's your turn to tell me something." Hina scowled and turned to him wearing her expression of irritation at his request. It annoyed her been asked about her past. Everything there was to be known was already common knowledge for him, so why this? What she knew herself was the information he had. She couldn't remember her parents or who she'd been. All she had was her name and that was because of a name sticker she'd been wearing when she'd regained the ability to remember again. Was he doing this to hurt her? To gloat that she had nothing left from before the destruction of civilisation.

"You're aware I have no memories of my parents, or if I had siblings, grandparents, anything, right? What exactly could I tell you that you aren't already aware of?" Hina snapped hardly able to reign in her anger.

"I don't care about that," He retorted rather harshly, "I want to know about your life out here." he continued gesturing around the desolate landscape. He turned to Hina a grin on his face that almost passed as genuine. Scowling, Hina looked away, crossing her arms.

"How did you and your little makeshift family avoid me for so long?" He continued. Hina gritted her teeth, feeling her temper getting the better of her.

"Why would I tell you? You'd just use the information to help capture anyone else out here" Hina growled.

"So what if I did?" He smirked, enjoying the reaction he was getting from her. Hina turned back to him and rounded on him, her anger bubbling over the surface. She prodded her finger into his chest.

"I don't know what the hell is going on between the two of us, but regardless of that, I would never help you take away anyone else's freedom! You got it?" Hina demanded her eyes ablaze. Bakura didn't retaliate and appeared to find her sudden outburst amusing. Hina retracted her arm, but remained angrily glaring at him, her teeth gritted and body tense. It may have been the first outburst she'd had directed at him in a while. Before she hadn't dared to explode at him for the risk of spoiling the peace that had settled between them. Last night, in his room, it had changed everything and Hina knew that, knew that she had a certain amount of leeway now.

"Freedom a touchy subject?" He asked very well knowing the answer.

"Yeah, well, wouldn't it be for you if the roles were reversed?" Hina asked back huffily.

"What… You in charge of me?" He snorted with condescending laughter. Hina bit back laughter, refusing to allow this conversation to become anything but serious. She couldn't quite put her finger on why what he'd said had amused her, but something about the idea of her been in charge of him was rather funny. Shaking her head in disbelief at what she'd been thinking, Hina looked back across the expanse of the city.

"You want some back story to me then? Fine. I'll show you some places of interest." Hina spoke scornfully. She set of heading away from the city, weaving in between debris. She glanced over her shoulder when the tugging in her sensation chest stirred ever so slightly. Bakura was still stood by the horse, his gaze following her movements. Hina exaggeratedly rolled her eyes.

"Come on, what's the hold up?" She demanded, hands on her hips.

"You're disrespectful, you should fear me and respect me more than you do," He replied darkly. Hina couldn't help but grin back in response to such a pointless observation.

"I apologise, your highness," Hina spoke sarcastically before dropping down into an elaborate and extravagant curtsey.

The walk was awkward to say the least. The horse followed behind them, its hooves clicking against broken tarmac and cement, the only noise for miles around. They didn't speak while they walked other than for Hina to direct them. Soon enough, Hina found herself in very familiar territory. It must have once been a shopping destination as the remains of shops lined the wide street, clothes shops, food shops, cafés and even a cinema. It was as they walked along it that Hina came to a stop, staring at one of the smaller shops along the road, or what was left of it anyway. The whole front of the shop had once been glass, which remained broken, scattering the pavement and shop display. The outer wood and sign for this shop was flaking its brightly coloured paint. Hina remembered the disrepair and awful state of the building and a small smile crept onto her face as she remembered the significance of the place.

"This is where Osamu and I became the man and girl in the masks." Hina spoke out loud although the comment didn't seem directed at anyone.

"This is where the defiance began?" Bakura smirked next to her, but Hina ignored him, stepping forwards and pushing the remains of the door open. A bell chimed out above her, but of course, no one would come to serve her. She gazed around the familiar fancy dress shop, remembering how Osamu had put the mask on her and talked her into becoming a real life super hero. So much good that had done, she thought bitterly. There was a lump forming in her throat from been around such memories and as soon as she'd entered the ghost shop, the sooner she'd wanted to leave. She was been forced to relive happier memories, knowing perfectly well they could never happen again.

"Why?" Came a voice from besides her and Hina turned, surprised to find Bakura standing beside her with a strong glare, scanning across the shop full of moth eaten and worn clothes.

"Why what?" Hina asked, her emotions running rampage in her mind, her eyes tearing up.

"Why did you decide to become the girl in the mask? Defy me? Why?" He asked, no hint of cruelty or sarcasm, condescension or maliciousness in his tone.

"It wasn't always just me and Osamu, you know. There was a huge group of us that thinned out over time, getting captured and taken into the city. When we were all that remained of our family… we wanted to stop it ever happening to anyone else, that sense of loss." Hina spoke. His arms grabbed a hold of her shoulders and turned her to face him. Hina stared up into his face, seeing a much softer version there.

"I'm so sorry," He whispered gently and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Hina recognised the face instantly and was shocked at Ryo's sudden unprovoked appearance. She allowed herself to be wrapped in his arms, enjoying the warmth it brought. A few seconds later and the moment had passed. He pushed her away from him roughly and turned on his heel, leaving the shop without saying another word. Hina followed after him.

The show and tell continued. Hina proceeded to show him parts of her life that she had almost forgotten about. She took him to the underground train station where, once upon a time when there had been a lot of outlaws, the markets had been held. She then proceeded to take him to one of her first 'homes' in the city of rubble. A small hole in the ground where she'd buried herself in, nearly starving to death because she had been too afraid to exit and scavenge for food. By the time Hina had showed him the last place, she felt emotionally exhausted. Reliving her life by visiting the places that had meant the most to her or had impacted on her existence had drained her, but she knew the day was not over. This was just a detour and they had the city patrol to take part in.

"We are heading back to the city," Bakura said as the sun drew dangerously close to setting. Hina nodded, hating the fact she'd have to sit on the horse that had accompanied them around all day. He reached into his pocket once more, pulling out the shackles. Hina shook her head.

"Please, I don't need them on, I'll fall off if you put them back on me," Hina pleaded.

"Girl," he responded in a warning tone.

"Put the wrist ones on but not my feet, I don't want to fall off!" She cried out indignantly. Bakura paused for a moment before sighing exasperatedly, throwing her a look of annoyance.

"You're such a fool," He half laughed shaking his head, then "I'll make you a deal,"

"What kind of deal?" Hina demanded suspiciously.

"Put them both on and I promise I won't let you fall," he replied, his eyes glinting. Hina felt her distrust but was curious into how he supposed he was going to stop her toppling off, causing pain and possible death, if she hit her head hard enough.

"Fine. But if it doesn't feel comfortable…" Hina left the empty threat hanging in the air, knowing full well there wouldn't be anything she could do. She was quickly chained back up and Bakura mounted the horse. Once in place he looked down at Hina who was left standing beside the creature, no way of getting up. He held out a hand to her and she took it in both hers. He yanked her up off the floor and onto the horse, again sat side saddle, but this time in front of him. He took a hold of the reins one arm round either side of Hina. She was essentially caged in by him, already leaning against his chest and arm. Hina frowned, feeling this was a little too intimate, but there was nothing she could do. He had kept his word and she felt more secure like this. He quickly gave a flick of the reins and off they set, back towards the city.

The ride was just as uncomfortable, if not worse as they thundered across the landscape, the city walls growing ever larger with each passing second. Hina felt like she was been bumped and tossed about as they rode onwards, but this time she didn't have the terrifying fear of falling off. Soon enough, they had re-entered the King's City and the Kings guards were waiting for them as they passed through the gate, it closing shut with a boom behind them. Hina glanced around and saw six men on horseback, now flanking the King. There was also, to Hina's distaste, the box thing she'd refused to sit in early, been carried by four strong looking men. Bakura gazed down at her, making the first eye contact since they'd began their journey back here.

"Go sit in there." He ordered gesturing to the box. Hina scowled at him angrily, hoping to get the message of anger across to him, knowing full well he wouldn't care either way. Hina slipped from the horse and slid off with ease, although the landing was difficult as she stumbled forwards, but managed not to face plant the ground. Walking with as much indignant attitude she could muster while been chained and shackled like the slave she was, Hina marched over to the box thing and forced herself to climb in. Now close up and inside the thing, she could see its extravagance. It had a domed ceiling and the entrance she'd just come through was closed with a half door, then a curtain pulled across the window, blocking out all sunlight. The interior was lush, with crimson cushioned seating across the floor. Hina stretched her legs out and leant back, resting her head on a red velvet pillow. She could lay completely flat inside this thing and there was room for another person in the place too. Hina would have loved to stretch her arms out wide, but the chains wouldn't allow her this freedom. Instead, Hina rested her hands under her head and beneath the pillow. The thing suddenly tilted and Hina cried out at the sudden movement. It took her a few moments to realise the thing would have been hoisted up onto the shoulders of the carriers. She felt as they started to move and was overcome with disorientation, feeling uncomfortable with the knowledge she had no idea where they were going. She hated to admit it, but it was rather comfortable inside the box. Hina stifled a yawn, resisting the urge to close her eyes. She had to remain alert. As time moved onwards, Hina couldn't help but drift off.

Hina awoke with a start when the noise of screaming and shouting penetrated the thick curtains of her vehicle. She sat up, dazed, unable to remember falling asleep. She could hear shouting all around her and the noise of scuffling. Frowning in confusion, Hina knelt up and peered through the curtains. She was dazzled by the sudden light, but after a few moments her eyes adjusted. They were in a part of the city Hina hadn't been to before and it looked like the poorest part of the town. The buildings here were dilapidated and simple, small compared to the others, falling apart at the seams. Most of the buildings were actually crafted out of wood. The people she glanced, who were all cowering away inside the many houses, were covered in dirt and wore nothing more than rags. If Hina hadn't known otherwise, she would have thought they were in a village of outlaws from the state of the place. Hina was trying to see more when the rear right side of the thing she was in dipped violently backwards. Hina was flung back, against the back of the box, her head crashing against it sending a throbbing pain through her skull. What was happening? Before she could even right herself into a better position, the whole thing tipped again, this time at the front, causing the thing to capsize to one side. Hina let out a panicked cry once more as she tumbled against the right side of the carriage which she presumed now was lying on the ground. She tried to right herself once more, finding it difficult with her wrists and ankles in chains. She managed to get into a sort of crouched position when the curtain and opening now above her was wrenched open. A silhouette was framed perfectly in the gap, their features hidden in shadows. Hands reached in and grabbed her roughly, yanking her up and out in to the daylight. The scene that met her eyes left her stunned. Unbelievably, surreally, a fight had broken out between the Kings Guard and residents of the area. It wasn't just a fight though; the participants of either side were armed with swords. Hina turned to the man who had dragged her out of the box. She had expected to see Bakura, but she was met with a person she had never seen or met before. He was easily taller than her, with a muscular build, black hair plastered to his skull with sweat, an unkempt beard and dirt all over him. His skin was rough and leathery looking from over exposure to the sun. He too was wielding a sword which was now pointed directly at Hina.

"Who are you?" He demanded as the fighting continued all around them, the sound of death and screams of pain all too real and all too frightening. His eyes, grey desperate eyes, then trailed to her wrists and ankles. They widened seeing her chains and realising she was a prisoner. He then searched her face again.

"Turn around." He barked the order and, dazed by the sudden explosion of violence, Hina did as she was told. She felt his cracked hard fingertips graze down her back, along the contours of her scars. He forced her to turn back to him.

"You're her, aren't you?" He asked his eyes gazing all around them, making sure no one was approaching them.

"Wh…what?" Hina stuttered completely caught off guard.

"The girl who tried to escape, who defied that Bastard and continued to do so even when recaptured!" He exclaimed. Hina felt her shock increase. She wasn't sure how to respond. What was happening here was awful and even as she glanced around in terror, she saw a man get slashed across the chest and blood explode from the wound. It was the same in every direction she looked.

"What's happening?" Hina gasped, looking around at the blood spattered street. More and more of the dirty, rag clothed people were emerging from all over the street, swords at the ready to attack the King and his Guard. As Hina glared around, she could see the Silver hair of the King moving skilfully through the mob, cutting down his enemies.

"The people who run this godforsaken city was inspired by your defiance, we've been enslaved and forced to keep this damn place running with electricity, water, food and buildings for ten years, we've been restless and angry for so very long." He began, grabbing Hina by the upper arm and pulling her further down the street and away from the fight. Hina could do nothing but follow after him, lost in a daze.

"We hate our existence in this place. Doing all the damn work and getting no credit for it, getting shoved in this piss poor shanty town, that's all the thanks we get." He spat.

"Then you, you tried to escape and we heard of how you'd ran across the roof tops, out manoeuvred the King and his Guard, how you'd defied them right up until capture and even then, you refused to serve him. Refused to give in. I saw you getting whipped." He spoke excitedly. Hina felt her mouth go very dry. They were making her sound like something she wasn't. She had given up, she'd decided fighting was enough and even now that she was back in the game, what was happening here was blood shed that shouldn't have happened. They'd taken her selfish decision to escape and made it out as heroic. She hadn't cared about a single person when she'd attempted to run away, she'd looked down and spat upon the residents of this city.

"Listen, you need to stop this… you will all die if this continues," Hina spoke pleadingly, unable to ignore the blood curdling screams.

"No… This is it, this is the revolution!" He exclaimed, "We'll kill the king and regain humanities freedom!" Hina shook her head feeling sick to the stomach as the metallic sickly scent of blood reached her nostrils.

"You will die. He will kill you all." Hina pleaded with the man.

"You saved my wife, my daughter and my unborn son." The man smiled brightly, not listening to a word Hina was saying.

"What?" Hina asked confused, not sure what he was talking about.

"She told me, she was out and the sirens went off and the head of the Kings guard took my Daughter off her, saying she was now property of the King. You… you revealed yourself and got the baby back for us… I will forever be grateful for that," The man was practically sobbing before Hina. Panic washed over Hina as she remembered the incident as she tried to escape the city. It felt like such a long time ago now.

"For the sake of your wife and children, please call this off. Don't die for no cause," Hina begged him.

"It is for them I do this. I want to bring my children up in a world free of the cruelty we're enduring. I thought you'd be happy… you of all people…"

Hina shook her head. She was nothing but sickened at the deaths that were occurring because of this poorly thought out plan. They would never win in a fight like this, untrained and angry slaves fighting the Kings Guard who were trained and knew how to expertly kill.

"I am nothing more than a slave. I have accepted my fate and so should you." Hina spoke the words as coldly as she could muster before turning her back on the man and walking back towards the fallen cart. The man hadn't finished with her yet though. He dashed forwards and grabbed her fore arm tightly, fingertips digging into her flesh. He wrenched her back around to face him.

"No! I refuse to accept that!" He roared. Hina tried to pull her arm out of his grasps but knew she was too weak to do so.

"Do you think my torture stopped at what you saw in the street? Ten lashes and a new hair cut? No, I paid for my disobedience and now I will do whatever my King asks of me." Hina spat. The man loosened his grip on her and Hina pulled her arm free.

"If you want to know your children, I suggest you leave here now." Hina added coolly, hoping he would take notice of her warnings. Bodies lined the street now, each seeping blood. Despite that, even more of the rebel army spewed onto the street greeting death almost instantly.

"You were travelling in the royal carriage," The man spat out from behind her Hina continued walking, a nasty feeling coming over her.

"What you're wearing, that isn't the slave dress," He continued. Hina turned back to face him, struggling to conceal her fear.

"You're clean, groomed… You are no slave!" He snarled, real anger flashing in his eyes now.

"Get out of here." Hina demanded in the most authoritarian voice she could muster. He closed the gap between them in seconds.

"Kings Whore!" He sneered in disgust. Hina flinched at the name but looked him in the eyes. She glowered at him.

"Call me what you will. I don't give a damn. Call your people off or else you will all die. He won't only kill you, he will kill your family, friends any one he believes you love. And, he'll make you watch as each one dies a painful death. In fact, he might even allow you to live, so you can reflect on how all those people that relied on you, died because of your actions. Unless you want that fate, I suggest you back off and leave here while you can." Hina growled angrily, knowing there was an awful amount of truth to her words. He was cruel and had once made her the promise he would make death seem like a privilege. He had delivered. Hina hoped her experience of such torment showed in her expression. She didn't want someone who had children, had a family, to suffer.

"What if we did that to him first?" The man sneered, his whole demeanour different now, cruel and desperate. He wanted to lash out at the King in any way possible and he thought he'd found a way.

"You think he cares for anyone but himself?" Hina scoffed, pummelling the nerves and sense of dread deep down in her stomach.

"You're dressed nice, allowed to travel in the royal carriage, have been brought out on his patrol… there's no way you're not just a slave to him." The man laughed in response, the sound cold and triumphant. Without warning he leapt forwards, grabbing Hina by the waist, turning her round and clamping his other hand over her mouth to stop her screaming as his sword wielding one held the blade against her throat. Hina tried to fight against him, but he was too strong and the fear of the sword made her weak. He began dragging her backwards and Hina could do nothing but allow it. He dragged her away from the battle and down another few streets until they were far away from the fight and the sounds of death had long since been drowned out by the rest of the City. More people had joined them as they walked, sneering and snarling in Hina's direction, each armed with a threatening sword. Hina wondered where they'd got them. Had they been made here in the city by these people? When they came to a stop, Hina was released. She was shoved forwards and stumbled falling to the ground. She was somehow unable to fully catch her fall and her face took part of the impact. Her eyes swam as pain rushed through her system. She pushed herself back up and felt hot liquid beginning to trickle down around and over lips, dripping off her chin. She lifted her hand and dabbed her nose gingerly. It hurt, but she was certain her hands had managed to take enough of the impact that it hadn't broken. She could feel a stinging sensation on her palms and legs from scraping against the uneven floor. Angered by her injuries, Hina span round to face her attackers. She span on the spot and realised the group was larger than she'd first anticipated and they now stood in a circle around her.

"What do you want?" Hina asked, her voice breaking with fear as she wiped the streaming blood away from her mouth. With Bakura, when he'd beat her, tortured her, she hadn't had to fear death. She'd known he would never kill his little play thing as it would take away from his entertainment. In the end, she'd dreamt of dying and never waking up to the pain again. This time was very different. Hina no longer wanted to die. She'd got a task she had to complete. These people with their desperation, anger and pain, Hina had no idea if she would come out alive. They had no reason to keep her alive and they thought her death would cause Bakura pain. They were probably right and Hina had no idea whether it would free him of whatever it was between them or if it would actually upset him to lose her. She wondered if he really did feel something towards her, or if it was all for the sake of manipulation. Could he actually feel anything but negativity? Despite her situation, Hina began to ponder these questions and more.

"Should we just kill her?" One of the people in the circle asked, zoning Hina's attention back onto the situation.

"Or chop bits off one piece at a time and send it to the Bastard!" Another person yelled. Hina scowled.

"What the hell is wrong with you idiots?" Hina growled spinning on the spot, looking for any sign of escape. The whole road was deserted and any normal person around seemed to have scurried off or were hiding away indoors. Hina couldn't blame them. What was happening would be likely to bring the King and all of his men running to the spot.

"Do you really think he'd care if I died? No. You want to know why I'm dressed in these stupid clothes. He wanted to demonstrate to the city that even an insolent little brat like me can be tamed into obeying. Show you idiots that the girl who ran across roof tops and evaded capture till the very last minute can be broken. Do you really think he'd care if I died? No, you'd just be doing him a favour. The only reason I'm still alive is because I can be used as a tool to deter something like this from happening!" Hina cried out, her temper flaring, covering her terror. Before anyone could even speak, the atmosphere changed and something pulsated in the air. Hina knew what was coming before she even saw it. Black vivacious shadows leapt forwards from behind Hina, smothering those around her without touching her. It dashed across the clearing, devouring everything in its path apart from her. Hina knew there was nothing she could do but watch as each person swallowed up let out a blood curdling scream which would barely leave their lungs before they were smothered. Each person was swallowed by the shadows, ones Hina was all too familiar with, and the throbbing mass left only three persons free from its clutches. The three people opposite her were spared from the blackness but Hina was sure they would be dealt a fate worse. One of these men included the one she had spoken to first, the man who had children but she didn't know his name. The two people, one either side of him were spared too. They were each of similar build and appearance, covered in dirt and their skin tough from exposure to the sun. They were well built, with muscles and strength. Even with their build and strength, they cowered away fearfully. As the darkness of the shadows died down, each person's soulless body, now no longer held in the clutches of nightmares, fell to the ground. Hina remained frozen where she was, terrified for the men. She wished they'd listened to her. Hina felt the presence closing in on them before she even heard his voice.

"So, you think you can touch my property," A familiar voice snarled with disgust. Hina forced herself to breathe before turning to see Bakura marching towards them. As she met his eyes, she saw his gaze flicker down to her blood stained face and the livid fury emanating from him seemed to suddenly spike and grow stronger. Hina wanted to explain it was her own fault, she'd been clumsy and had fallen, but knew there would be no point. He continued on past her and towards the three men who were now surrounded by the Kings Guard.

"You cause my possession to bleed," He spat, the anger streaming from him now in the form of black shadows. The men were reduced to quivering messes in the presence of the Kings terrifying rage.

"Take them to the dungeons, tomorrow they shall receive their public execution." The King announced. Three of the Guard on horseback stepped forwards and the men were soon bound in thick heavy rope and were dragged off back towards the palace. Hina stared after them, tears in her gaze. They would be executed, publicly. Hina thought back to the pregnant woman and her two children. Those children would grow up without a father. When they were out of sight, Bakura turned back to her and approached her. He took Hina's face between his hands and examined her face.

"Are you alright?" He asked. Hina nodded, feeling rather dazed. His whole persona had changed from the one he'd worn seconds before. Hina had never for one second entertained the thought that he would be the one to rescue her like this. It was oddly surreal and she had to reminder herself this was real.

"I'm okay… they didn't hurt me…" Hina whispered, wiping her nose again. The bleeding had finished and was drying on her face now, probably making it look worse than what it was. Bakura released his hold on her face and turned back down the street, pulling Hina with him as he went. As Hina focused her gaze back onto him, she could see he was flecked with drying blood and was overcome with a panic she couldn't quite explain.

"Are you okay?" She demanded her eyes glancing over him for any sign of an injury. He glanced back at her and grinned, his arrogance firmly back in place. There was blood splattered across his face.

"I'm great," He laughed to himself as if he'd have the time of his life. Hina realised then the blood didn't belong to him. It belonged to the people he'd killed in the battle. Without another word, Hina was bundled back into the Carriage which had now been righted and picked up once more. This time was different however as Bakura followed behind her, sitting opposite her. Hina refused to look at him and instead glanced out the window which hadn't been fully covered by the curtain this time. She couldn't face him, the blood staining him repulsed her, made her feel sick, thinking about all those people who had been killed, fighting for their freedom. She couldn't blame them for fighting, wasn't that exactly what she'd done. She had always fought for her freedom, but she'd never died for it. The ill executed plan had been feeble, foolish and weak, but she couldn't exactly blame them. If anything she respected them for trying. That meant there were some people left in this damn city who were still willing to fight for their freedom.

When they arrived back at the Palace, Hina was freed of her shackles and headed straight for her room without saying a word. She shut the door firmly behind her and headed over to the bathroom. Once inside, Hina examined her reflection. A pale, blood stained face gazed back at her. The blood steaks were smeared across the whole bottom half of her face making the injury look worse than what it was. There was a slight redness, swelling and bruising to her nose, but it was nothing compared to injuries she'd sustained before. Hina switched the shower on and allowed the room to fill with steam before stripping bare and stepping in. The heat swallowed her up instantly and melted away the shell she'd cocooned herself in. Tears were suddenly let free as the emotion of the day suddenly burst free from her. She'd witnessed horror and fear before, but never the blood shed she'd witnessed today. Hina sank down to the floor and curled up, hiding her face from the world and allowed all the pent up emotion to flood out of her.