A/N : Hello again! I'm sorry I've been AWOL for a while. I've recently found myself struggling and feeling a bit low, which is kind of a buzz kill, especially when it comes to writing and anything creative, ever. Hopefully I'll be back on top, but whenever I can, I will try to keep updating. Chapter 30 now! No way am I going to give up! Any how, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Xx
Disclaimer : I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!
Chapter 30
Hina awoke early the next day. She'd barely been able to sleep through the night, the images from the battle playing over and over in her mind. The sound of flesh been ripped apart, blood splashing the floor, the screams of dying men. There was nothing she could do to rid the thoughts from her mind. She could see the colour red splashed over the entire scene. She would close her eyes and see poor, desperate people dressed in torn and ragged clothes, their skin blistered and wrinkled from working in every weather possible, dirt and muck smeared over their determined then pained faces as they were cut down. Some had some skills with the odd and clumsy shaped weapons. Hina found herself remembering the scene more detailed now than she had done at the time, where she'd gazed on without even seeing the true horror. Those people did not deserve to die like that. They were nothing more than desperate people, clinging to the possibility of freedom. How did a person like that deserve to get cut down with a sword and never thought about again? Hina sat up in her bed, bleary eyed. She drew her knees up to her chest with a saddened expression. Was that scene similar to the ones the spirit inhabiting Ryo's body had seen when his village was slaughtered? Was that why he seemed so unconcerned and unaffected by the violence he was playing a huge role in? Hina exhaled and rested her forehead on her knees, wrapping her arms around herself.
"It isn't over yet," She reflected to herself, a deep rooted sadness settling deep within herself. There were still those three to be executed today. Hina didn't want the man with the children to die. Whether it was because she couldn't remember her parents, or if it was the guilt Hina felt, she couldn't allow those children to grow up without their dad. Hina always made out like she couldn't give a damn about not knowing or remembering those who had brought her into this world, you couldn't miss what you never had right? Hina was lying to herself and anyone she told that story to. Shaking her head, Hina forced herself out of the bed. She couldn't allow the execution to happen and she would never forgive herself if she didn't attempt to stop it. Hina quickly dressed in what she noticed was another dress that had been left out for her and wasn't her black one. She scowled as she put it on but decided what she wore really didn't matter. Hina pulled her fingers through her hair, untangling it before marching out of her room. Not focusing on where she was going, Hina allowed the connection she had with him to guide her, knowing the piece of his soul within her would lead her to him in its desperate bid to be made whole once again.
Hina walked calmly into the dining hall, a determined expression upon her face. As she'd known he would be, the King was sat in his usual position opposite her at the head of the ridiculously long table. The room was as it ever was, crammed with artefacts and treasures collected, or rather, stolen from across the world. Hina refused to acknowledge any of it and focused solely at the man opposite her, ripping into his breakfast with ferocity. Hina reached him, but didn't speak straight away, waiting for him to finish his mouthful. He met her gaze eventually, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He cast his usual smirk and Hina dived in head first.
"You can't kill them." She stated, her expression showing she wasn't joking. He sat back, his face suddenly growing agitated and serious. Hina wondered if he'd known this conversation was coming. He knew her well enough by now to know she couldn't stand by and allow cruelty to go ahead without her trying to intervene. He'd known she wouldn't be able to resist pushing her luck. Hina had never believed it was in her nature to try and help the people of this city as she'd believed they were cowards, bowing down and allowing themselves to willingly become slaves, but something had changed. She'd seen a tiny percentage of the city and the way it worked. She knew a lot of the people were as much a prisoner as her, doing what they could to get by and protect the people they loved. Hina could at the very least respect that.
"They organised an attack on the Kings Guard. They laid a finger on my property." Bakura replied with a growl, anger flaring already. Hina slid into the seat next to him.
"They didn't touch me!" Hina exclaimed adamantly, her thoughts going back to how she'd stumbled over and had attacked the floor with her face. It hurt, but those men were as much to blame for that as Bakura was.
"So you went with them willingly?" He asked with a triumphant sneer across his pale face as he sat back, folding his arms.
"Well… no… but…" Hina struggled to come up with a valid point of argument.
"The three I captured are the three leaders of the pathetic rebellion you witnessed yesterday. They are to be made an example of. Anyone who opposes me dies. It's that simple." He said.
"I'm not saying they shouldn't be punished for their actions, I'm just saying don't kill them! Wasn't it your words that once promised me I would think of Death as a privilege?" Hina retaliated.
"They pose a threat and must be eliminated. And you… you were a… a special case. Besides they hurt you and you are my property. I don't like people touching my stuff." He smirked
"But they… they never hurt me!" Hina continued, fighting what she was quickly coming to realise would more than likely be a losing battle.
"It's not just about you. Anyhow, if they didn't hurt you, how do you explain your nose?" He exhaled.
"The damn restraints you made me wear!" Hina snapped back with a growl. They fell into silence, each trying to stare the other one down.
"They die at 11." He spoke after several moments of silence. Hina shook her head.
"You can't!" She exclaimed desperately. He snorted with laughter at her words.
"I think you'll find I can and the pathetic words of a slave girl won't change my mind," He snarled. Hina bit back tears of anger. She knew she was reaching the limit of cheekiness and talking back he could allow her to get away with. Even so… Hina wasn't prepared to let the subject drop. She had no idea how to get through to him.
"One of them, the one who took me, he has children, a family!" Hina pleaded, wondering if she could get through to him on a more sentimental level.
"I am through discussing this!" He growled back warningly. Hina fell into silence. She dropped her gaze from him and stared at her feet, trying to come up with something else to throw at him, anything that could make him spare the men. She imagined their families coming to see their execution, watching the people they loved most in the world have their lives ended in front of them, knowing there was nothing they could do. Hina imagined what it would be like to see Osamu executed before her, the only person left in the world she considered family. The thought made her sick to the stomach and her insides writhed about painfully. It wasn't worth thinking about, she couldn't cope with the pain of just imagining the situation.
"Did you see your family die, spirit?" Hina asked suddenly, the words spilling out of her mouth before she'd even made a conscious decision to form them.
"GIRL!" He roared in response, scolding her. She'd crossed the line now. Hina jumped at the sudden loud noise and stood up. She gazed down at the man, blinking back tears. Nothing had changed. She was still the pathetic little slave girl constantly toeing the line and he was the same ruthless cruel man she had known before all this madness.
"I don't care what you say, we both know I'm more than just a pathetic slave girl to you, whatever that might be." Hina choked angrily then, without saying another word, she turned from him and walked quietly out of the room, consumed by her failure.
Hina stayed inside her room for the rest of the morning, refusing to leave even when the familiar pang of hunger stirred within her stomach. She could do nothing to calm her restlessness and spent the time pacing back and forth across the floor, thinking about nothing but the men who would soon be put to death. She didn't want to see it happen, but knew for it to be a public ordeal it would be held out in the city somewhere. Hina knew she would have to go and dreaded it. As if it wasn't bad enough seeing all the death yesterday had brought, but now she would be forced to witness the execution of three defenceless men, who would not even be allowed to try and fight for their life. Hina felt sick to the stomach, wondering morbidly in what manner the men were to die. Would they be hung? Would they have their throats slit or heads chopped off? The more Hina thought about it, the sicker she felt. When the dreaded knock at her door came, Hina knew it was time and felt her body begin to quiver with terror at what she was to witness. Hina had not had a peaceful existence in the world and had seen and been a part of a lot of suffering, but what she was about to bear witness to was something she wasn't prepared for. When she didn't respond, the door was opened and one of the Kings Guard stepped into her room. It was someone she didn't recognise. They were well built, with dark skin and wide brown eyes. They didn't look cruel, nor did they look kind. Indifferent was the best word to describe the man as he seemed to just be doing whatever he had to, to get by.
"The King has asked for your presence." He spoke in a monotone voice. Hina contemplated refusing, like she had done previously, but she knew it would be no use. She had to go. She still had her mission to do. Marik had told her she had to do whatever she could to remain in Bakura's good books. Hina nodded curtly at the man and walked forwards, willing to follow him. He led the way without another word. Stepping out the doors and into the sunlight, Hina felt the emotions well up inside her once more. She wasn't strong enough to handle this. Bakura was out already, sat upon his horse, preparing to ride. Hina wondered momentarily what mode of transportation she would be required to use today. She was glancing around the court yard curiously, taking in the large number of guard on horseback when the cart caught her attention. A hideous monstrosity of a vehicle was been pulled towards them, an iron spikey cage fixed upon a wooden cart with four huge wooden wheels. It was pulled by two horses, fastened to the thing side by side. Hina could see the three figures knelt down inside the cage and knew instantly who they were. The cart was already been flanked by guards, walking by it, swords in their sheaves at the owners hip, glinting menacingly in the sunlight. The guard who'd brought Hina down had disappeared and another one, the captain named Rokurou who, Hina reflected, she hadn't seen for a while. He seemed to be insanely bitter that she was still alive and was, somewhat, on his bosses good side. Hina mustered her brightest smile upon seeing him approach her.
"Hello!" She managed to great him brightly, "Long time no see!" she added with a beam. He did nothing but glowered at her, the look of pure loathing spread across his face slightly disconcerting.
"Hands." He barked with a look that he wished could kill. Hina obliged with a false airy smile.
"I've missed you too," She smiled at him, recalling how much of a cold hearted bastard this man was. Some of the guard had chosen to join out of fear, a need to survive the world in its dire situation, this man was different however. Captain Rokurou had joined because he liked to inflict pain on those weaker than himself. He still feared the King, naturally, but any opportunity to inflict agony was one he took willingly and with a sadistic smile. He wanted to see Hina dead, wanted to do the deed, but Bakura wanted her alive for now. Hina was sure if he grew tired of her or decided she wasn't worth his effort anymore, Rokurou would be first in line to help in her demise. For now however, all he could do was obey orders and keep her alive. He shackled her wrists roughly, hoping to cause as much discomfort as he could with the movements. Hina was waiting for him to do the same to her ankles, but it never happened. Once he'd done, he snarled at her indecipherable words before stalking away. Hina waited where she was, not sure what she was required to do. Soon enough she was approached again and a chain was attached to her wrists which she was then lead forwards by. This chain was then attached to the saddle of the Kings horse. Upon seeing this, Hina couldn't hold back a snort of disgust. She saw Bakura glance sideways at her before returning his stare to the front.
"A lead? Seriously?" Hina muttered under her breath, making sure to say it loud enough for him to hear. She noted how the dress she'd been provided to wear today also had the back cut out, once again exposing her hideous scars. It was all part of his plan, Hina now realised with disgust. He was a manipulative ass and Hina felt a surge of anger towards her captor. He'd had her fooled with the kindness he'd been showing her, but she couldn't forget what he was really like. He was a man who would kill without remorse or regret. He sickened her. There was an onwards shout and the parade of death began to move towards the opening gate of the palace walls. Hina tried to dig her heels in, but there was no hope of her winning against the power and strength of the large bulky animal she was attached to. She had to walk on behind it at a steady pace. It was a fairly large group Hina reflected, glancing around her. There were more than two dozen Guards on horseback, with another dozen or so on foot. They were taking no chances in escorting the prisoners to their death. Hina realised they thought there would be every possibility of an attempt to free the rebel leaders. Having this many of the Kings Guard marching through the city would be enough to demonstrate the Kings power and deter any possible attack. Hina pulled at the chain, making it go taught, wondering if there would be anyway to free herself. She had the sudden crazy idea of attempting to free the men herself, just like in the good old days. With a stern glance from Bakura, one that told her he knew exactly what she was thinking, Hina scowled and released the chain from her hands. She would have no luck with that, besides, even if she could somehow get free and past all the guards around her and the cart, she didn't have her trusty lock pick to free them from their iron cage.
They walked through the gate and Hina now found them going down the main street in the City. It seemed to stretch on for miles. The floor was uneven and she had to focus on her footing unless she wanted more injuries to match her slightly bruised nose. The people of the city were out in very small numbers. Hina imagined it to be busier than this, but then she realised most would be gathered where the execution was to take place. The few people that were out seemed to cower away from them, hiding in tiny shop doorways or anything they could to conceal themselves. Hina watched as a small boy dashed down an alley way in terror upon seeing them. The parade walked in utter silence, the noise coming from nothing but the sounds of hooves feet and wheels turning across the ground. Hina sighed and glanced over her shoulder at the cart. She couldn't see the men inside, but knew they were there. She wanted to know their names. Hina jogged a little and caught up with Bakura, falling into pace next to him and his horse.
"What are their names?" Hina asked quietly. She couldn't understand the burning desire to know and knew it would do her no good knowing. Putting names to them would make them seem more human, relatable and personal. It would make their deaths all the more upsetting and real. Bakura glanced at her coldly but didn't answer.
"You don't know, do you?" Hina said. It wasn't a questions, she knew he hadn't bothered to ask.
"You intend to send three men to their deaths without even knowing their names. It's disgusting." Hina spat angrily. Bakura turned to her properly now, his face livid.
"Get back in place before I beat you. Do you remember what happened the last time you were out in public and disobeyed me?" He snarled, letting the threat hang in the air as an ugly reminder.
"Yes, I do remember. And I also remember you sincerely regretting that action among many others inflicted upon me. Not that that's stopped you using my scars to your own advantage," Hina replied coolly before dropping back behind him. She resisted the urge to smirk with satisfaction as she recognised the rage she'd incited in him. She didn't doubt she was playing with fire, antagonising him like this, but the thought of harming her wasn't one he entertained these days, he was too afraid of Ryo coming out and spilling all his dirty little secrets, or of Ryo touching the spirits 'property'. It didn't take them long to reach their destination. The street seemed to open up into a huge square area that was full of people, all talking in hushed whispers as they arrived. Hina saw a few people point in her direction, but most people averted their gaze. There was a large wooden podium that had been erected to the right of the square and this was where they turned towards. The podium would look down upon a clearing that was also upon a raised platform. The thing looked dirty and worn with time and as they passed it, Hina saw enough of it to figure out it was dirty with dried blood. Her stomach churned uncomfortably. They continued on to the opposite side of the square where steps led up to what Hina didn't doubt was the Kings podium. Sure enough, as Hina glanced up towards it, there was a throne visible through the huge cut out window. The rest of it was covered by thick rich coloured material which would protect from the glare of the sun or other weather related elements. They came to a stop by the steps leading upwards and Bakura dismounted his horse. Hina stood there glaring at him. He glanced her way once more before unfastening her chain from his horse and yanking on it, forcing her to follow him up the wooden steps. Hina did so as indignantly as possible, meaning to overtake him and go into the box first, but she stumbled before she had the chance and he entered first. Grumbling under her breath a multitude of profanities, Hina followed him. It was simple inside the box, although it wouldn't seem that way to the residents of the city. The throne like chair was cushioned and the floor of the whole thing was covered in a thick rug. The king's seat was raised slightly so he would appear higher than the others who would sit by him. Hina suspected a few of the high ranking officers would get the remaining four seats. Bakura took his seat and glared down into the square, watching furiously. Hina remained standing where she was, showing her disobedience to the crowds once more and again unintentionally.
"Sit," He hissed at her. Hina glowered at him and crouched down on the floor, turning away from the opening in the wall, unable to look. Bakura was getting very agitated with her, but he couldn't risk hurting her and releasing Ryo in front of all these people.
"I won't watch." Hina mouthed to him. He glared daggers at her and Hina felt a familiar spike of fear prickle over her. It had been a long time since just a look from him had incited that feeling in her. Hina exhaled, pursing her lips to hold back her emotion. She turned and sat by his side on the floor, gazing out into the crowds of silent onlookers. The cart had come to a stop now to the left of where Hina sat, all three men stood up and were reaching through the bars out to their families. Focusing in, Hina could see people in the crowd were crying hysterically, clearly fighting the urge to run over to the men. Hina felt a lump form in her throat. She wanted to curl up and cry. The other four seats inside the box were quickly filled and Hina was surprised to find none of the Kings Guard was sat among them. Glancing either side, Hina saw the people were draped in ridiculous and extravagant clothes, brightly coloured and rich fabrics, decorated with jewels and intricate embroidery. Their clothing boasted richness and Hina wondered if these were the head of the families that were granted power, like the ones Osamu worked for. Hina glanced again at Bakura. He was the most powerful and richest person in the world, yet he didn't feel the need to wear clothes like the rest of these selfish idiots. His clothing, although ridiculously clean and nice, were not encrusted with diamonds, emeralds and rubies. He didn't seem to feel the need to wear his wealth. Hina was glad for this or she'd have insulted him for it long, long ago. The guards had taken their position all around the square now and it seemed the execution was ready to begin. Hina gulped, desperate not to look, but unable to look away. Hina threw one desperate look towards Bakura, one he did not retaliate to. The three men were dragged out of the cage roughly and were thrown onto the platform before the Kings podium, each pushed to his knees, arms chained behind their backs, their ankles chained together. They didn't seem to have the capability to lift their heads and as Hina watched, she saw the man she had spoken to was shaking and water dripped off his face onto the surface of the blood stained wood bellow. Hina wasn't sure if he was crying or sweating. Bakura stood up, all focus now upon him and the cruel power he radiated. He began his speech and he didn't sugar coat it. No one would believe he cared for them even if he had tried to, so why bother.
"You stand trial for treason." Bakura spat harshly, his disgust and sneer evident in his tone.
"You destroyed my property and touched my possessions," He continued in the same arrogant tone. Hina could see from the corners of her eyes the people she sat among nodding their heads in agree and she held back a snort of disdain.
"I had planned to execute you for your crimes," Hina's head snapped up as the rest of her seemed to freeze in disbelief.
"But then someone pointed out to me that would be far too merciful…" Bakura let each sentence hang in the air, its menacing content seeping into each person watching on. The three men bellow had looked up at the Kings words, but Hina wasn't sure what emotion it was that played across each of their faces. Terror? Relief? Anxiety? Hina couldn't tell.
"You may see this as weakness on my part, so allow me to correct you. Death is simple, quick. I am not merciful and for your crimes I want your suffering to be prolonged so you know never to cross me again. You will endure whatever I can think of as punishment for the rest of each of your pathetic little lives. You will be taken from your families and put to work somewhere else in the city. The moment you disobey or complain about this punishment, is the moment you will finally be granted the peace of death."
The square was silent, listening to the terror inducing words of the king. Everyone seemed to be hanging on to his every word in fear and uncertainty. A lot of them would be confused as to why he'd spared their lives and despite his cold frightening words; they would see it as a sort of kindness. Bakura would have to ensure he stuck to his word and made them suffer. Hina dared not believe what she was hearing. He really was sparing them? He wasn't killing them? Why not? He had seemed so dead set upon it, so determined to make an example of them by having them killed.
"Today, each of you will receive 25 lashes. For the following week, each day you shall receive 25 more. You'll be kept imprisoned till I decide to release you." He smirked. Hina saw each of them exhale with relief, probably with gladness their families wouldn't be harmed. None of them seemed deterred by the promise of the lashings. Hina felt sick at their punishment and wondered if they would be happy with that prospect over death. Despite the sick twisted punishment they were receiving instead of been brutally murdered before their families, Hina couldn't avoid the overwhelming sense of relief she felt. He'd decided not to kill them. She'd fought so hard for this outcome and he'd listened to her.
Bakura sat back down and gestured to the side towards a guard. Hina saw sickeningly the person step forwards with a whip she recognised all too well. She also recognised the guard, Captain Rokurou and knew he wouldn't hold back. If anything was to be said about the Kings Guard, they were quick setting things up. A post was put up in the centre of the platform and the first man was tied to it, his arms stretched out above his head. He was quickly stripped of the material covering his torso and Rokurou took his position, eyes glinting maliciously. Hina looked away as it began. She couldn't watch. It was an awful reminder of the pain and she felt even worse to be the one inflicting this pain. She was glad they got to live, but even so. There was a deep feeling of guilt that she couldn't shake. Despite how hard she tried to block it out, the sounds still reached her, the leather slicing through the air, cutting the world in half before splitting apart flesh. Hina turned to Bakura, unable to drown out the sounds, each slash making her flinch and shudder. It was making her increasingly queasy.
"You… you didn't kill them," Hina whispered low enough for no one but him to hear.
"Where would be the fun in that?" He sneered. Lounging back in his chair, eyes fixated on the gruesome scene below.
"I would say thank you but…" Hina began and flinched at the sickening sound of flesh been broken and the groan of the man enduring the torture. Bakura turned to her properly this time. He watched her for a few moments, noticing how with each slice through the air she would wince and get pale, looking increasingly sick. It wasn't difficult for him to understand the reasoning behind her reaction. The noises alone brought back way too many painful memories for him and her gaze never fixed on the scene where the sounds emanated from. Her eyes were darting around anywhere but the stage.
"I couldn't let them off lightly. They touched you. I told you once you belong to no one but me. You are mine to own, to possess and I don't like people touching my stuff," He growled under his breath. Hina nodded.
"I know… I just… I'm grateful… but…" Hina managed to say before wincing again. It was really getting to her, the noise, the smell, the sound… everything was making her feel ill. She remembered the pain as her flesh was slashed apart, the stinging and pure pain that had consumed her whole body. The scent of her blood had reached up and smothered her as she shouted out angry words which had quickly become sobs and pleas. It wasn't her finest memory. She'd had only ten lashings. These people were to endure twenty five. It was awful sat there listening to the sounds. Soon enough the faint smell of blood reached them and that combined with the sounds were horrible enough that Hina felt her stomach churn.
Bakura tried his best to keep his eyes on the scene before him, tried to relish and enjoy the punishment those fools were enduring. They deserved worse than what they were been dealt, but the little slave girl sat quivering beside him had managed to save their pathetic existence. He couldn't understand why. He'd wanted to see them die. He wanted them dead. They had touched Hina, dragged her away and allowed her to fall and hurt herself. That enraged him more than he could explain. He wasn't even sure why he was so attached to the girl. She was nothing more than one of the many fools he reined over, but somehow, she had become important to him. Again, he had to wonder if Ryo hadn't had some influence in that. It didn't matter now. The only person who actually mattered to him was the girl. The rest of the world could die for all he cared, as long as she was alright and by his side. Somehow, her wellbeing mattered to him. It was ridiculous and foolish but no matter how many times he told himself that, it wouldn't change how he felt. He couldn't keep his gaze from her as he felt her cower next to him as the punishment upon the rebels was carried out. Rokurou had been chosen for the task specifically for the fact he wouldn't hold back. He would inflict as much suffering as he could. Despite everything, Bakura found himself wanting to comfort Hina. He couldn't afford to show such weakness in front of his kingdom, his world. They would surely see it as a weakness and that was not something he could allow anyone of his idiot people to indulge in. He did the only thing he could and continued to watch the punishment been dealt with a sick twisted grin of enjoyment spread across his face.
When it was over and each of the men had received their twenty five lashings, Bakura remained sat where he was as the rest of the higher class family heads stood and left the enclosure, their clothing sparkling and shimmering as they went. Hina was sat on the floor beside him sobbing gently. Bakura stood up, awfully aware of how the residents of his city would still be watching him. He could never show her any sort of emotion while in public. He wanted desperately to apologize for forcing her to witness this. Even as all these out of character thoughts buzzed around his head, he felt the familiar feeling at the edge of his mind. It was like light breaking out against the darkness, slowly infiltrating his mind. He knew it was Ryo and knew he could never allow him to come out now, in public. He gritted his teeth against the force, trying to pummel the boy back down into the depths. He yanked on the chain Hina was attached to.
"Move." He hissed the order in a warning tone. Hina stood up obediently, wiping her eyes as she went. He yanked on the chains once more and hurriedly led her out of the box. He walked down the few steps purposely and quickly mounted his horse. Hina fully expected to find herself walking back behind him, the scorching heat battering her. She remained where she was waiting for them to begin their journey. Bakura turned to her, a furious expression across his face. She frowned in response to this, wondering what had him so agitated?
"Come here." He barked the order harshly. Glancing around at all the innocent citizens watching fearfully, Hina decided it would probably be in her best interests to obey and play the part of willing little slave girl, while in public at least. She walked to his side and gazed up at him. He looked furious, but it wasn't just anger. He seemed to have a sense of dread in his vicious gaze. Hina thought she understood. Without another word, Bakura dragged her up onto the horse to sit like she had done before. She perched on the animal side saddle, her body caught between his arms as he held tightly onto the reins. He didn't wait for her to get comfortable before flicking the reins and setting them off into a gallop back towards the King's palace.