A/N: Hello! This was so much fun to write although a long process! Please let me know what you think! Xx

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

Chapter 31

Once they arrived back at the Palace, Bakura jumped off the horse and practically yanked Hina off with him. She toppled into his arms where he promptly caught her and put her back down onto her feet. His face was one of pure anger and Hina knew now would probably not be the best time to question him about his sudden erratic and odd behaviour. Despite knowing now was not the time, she couldn't help but pry.

"Are you… okay?" She asked tentatively as they walked the few steps up and through the main entrance. Stood in the large open entrance hall, Bakura froze on the spot. Hina stopped too, slightly behind him, the chain she was still attached to dragging on the floor. When he turned back to her, Hina was shocked to see his appearance had completely changed. Everything about him now seemed so much softer and gentle. She felt her mouth drop open in shock.

"Ryo?" She asked curiously now familiar with his transformation. She really hadn't been expecting to see him like this, and this switch of control seemed so sudden, there had been very little warning. This transformation seemed to be the biggest and most noticeable to date, although Hina reflected it could be because of their surroundings.

"Hina, I'm sorry you were forced to witness that," He whispered sadly. Hina stepped closer to him.

"Are you okay?" She whispered. He looked so sad, lost and weak. He was exhausted from fighting against the spirit inhabiting his body. He looked frail despite the fact his body shape hadn't changed from its usual one when the spirit was in control.

"I never wanted any of this," He whispered gazing around him with distaste. Hina wanted to throw her arms around him. He was just as much a victim as she was if not more. Unfortunately her arms were still chained so she was unable to do so.

"I know… Please don't think any of this is your fault… okay? It's not." Hina spoke desperately. She felt such a connection to the fragile boy stood before her. She wanted to tell him everything would be alright, that she'd found Yugi and they had a plan, but she knew she couldn't risk it. She didn't know how much control the spirit still had, whether he could see her or hear her. No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't risk it. He nodded at her encouraging words and smiled sweetly.

"Let's get those chains off," He smiled closing the gap between them, pulling the keys from his pocket. He quickly unchained her and allowed the heavy metal to clatter to the ground. Hina rubbed her wrists gratefully.

"Thank you," She smiled back. They stood awkwardly facing each other, neither one knowing what to say to the other.

"Hina… I… I want you to know… I don't blame you for… for…" He allowed the unfinished sentence to hang in the air. Hina shifted uncomfortably.

"Giving up?" She finished the sentence with a feeling of shame. She had given up but he didn't know that she was back in the game. He couldn't know she was back, if she told him, there was a risk the spirit would hear. That would jeopardise the entire plan and she couldn't do that despite how desperately she wanted to.

"I don't blame you… I just want you to be safe…" His voice began to falter. Hina saw the sudden pained expression flit across his face as his shoulders slumped. She jumped forwards and grabbed a hold of his shoulders, forcing him upright.

"He's taking control back…" Ryo winced and flinched. Hina felt herself indulging in her emotions as tears sprung into her eyes.

"I'm so sorry Ryo," She whispered. He lifted his head and smiled genuinely at her.

"It's alright," He whimpered his reply, his hand lifting to clutch at his head in pain. Without warning he pulled Hina against him, cupping her cheek with his hand and gently pressed his lips against hers softly. Hina was caught off guard and stumbled into him. He kissed her slightly more urgently, but with a sweetness the spirit had never truly managed to capture. He touched her as if he believed her to be delicate and a thing to be handled with care. It was over all too quickly for Hina's liking and soon she felt the change beneath her touch as the lips caressing hers became harsh and hungry. Hands snaked around her waist holding her firmly in place as a horrible familiarity reared its head at the way she was now been handled. She pulled herself away and looked into the spirits eyes, trying to hide her annoyance at his interruption. Feeling rather flustered, Hina turned away from him, trying to hide the rising colour within her cheeks. The shard of the monster that resided within her own soul was purring contentedly and Hina had to wonder how much the damn thing had manipulated her since it had been placed within her. She had to get away from the spirit and clear her thoughts as they were all so foggy. Hina tried to take a step away from him, but a hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, not allowing her to move away. Hina turned to glare at Bakura. He was watching her cautiously, trying to analyse her. He was the spirit again, the cold harsh eyes were back in full force, but he did seem to be gentler. Not for the first time, Hina had to wonder if Ryo had truly been locked away. It seemed at times his kind heartedness and sweetness would seep out of the spirit.

"I am sorry you had to witness that," he spoke in his usual tone, although his gaze was imploring. He wanted her to believe he was sorry. Hina smiled weakly at him.

"You spared their lives. I can't complain." Hina shrugged it off as if was no big deal. The truth was it had affected her and made her relive her own torture, but it could have been a lot worse and she had to hold onto that fact. Hina made to leave again, but he didn't release her.

"Don't," He whispered. Hina stared at him again, trying to make him out. She had always thought she'd got his cruel, nasty, spiteful character all figured out, but here he was, completely unreadable. Why? Was this all Ryo's influence on him? If so, she had a lot to thank Ryo for. He'd made her imprisonment so much easier on her. He would have made it much more possible for them to carry out their plan. They would win. Even as Hina thought this over, she couldn't deny the large pang of guilt she felt at betraying the spirit. She knew it needed to be done, they had to defeat him in order to free the world, but she was terrified of the thought of crossing him, causing his downfall. She knew it was a huge amount of rubbish she was feeling and she knew she could never react to those thoughts. Her will to help free the world was far too strong to be struck down by a sense of guilt. Hina had to keep him happy, make him believe she was solely his, just as he believed. Smiling she faced him properly.

"Is that why you were so desperate to get back? You wanted to kiss me?" She demanded suddenly, lightening the mood. He snorted in response.

She knew perfectly well the reason was the inhabitant of the body he was possessing, Bakura thought irritably to himself. It wasn't the nicest thing to regain control to, Hina kissing the boy, Ryo. It wasn't as if he could do anything about it. He couldn't punish Ryo for touching his thing's, he'd already taken everything away from him. He was irritated to feel parts of the boy's personality seeping through, making him weak. He wasn't weak. He was strong. He ruled this pathetic mortal planet and there was nothing anyone could do about it. He ruled and everyone else obeyed. The girl, Hina, would obey now.

"Let's eat." He spoke shortly before turning on his heel and practically stalking towards the dining hall. Hina frowned after him, but after a few seconds of hesitation, she decided against her better judgement to follow after him.

They sat in silence at the table, neither one wanting to break the silence. Hina toyed with the food on her plate, pushing it around with her fork. She was hungry, but didn't really have an appetite to eat. She chanced a glance up at Bakura who returned her stare with ferocity. Scowling, Hina speared a piece of meat on her plate and lifted it up to her lips. The food here really was one thing she enjoyed the most. She felt guilty for enjoying it though, thinking about the people who'd prepared it and what they'd be eating for their dinner, but she savoured each bite. Compare to the food she'd had to survive on outside of the Kings City, it was really a luxury meal. Her mind kept wandering back to Ryo. She wished she could help him. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to have your body taken over by a spirit, a five thousand year old spirit full of hate at that. She was still deep in thought when the doors burst open and a man strode purposely into the room. Hina looked up from her plate and started. It was Marik. He glanced her way and Hina responded with a huge smile. After all Bakura had caught them talking and she'd have to act friendly towards him as if they were developing a sort of friendship and not developing a plot to dethrone the King. He returned the smile curtly, but then his focus returned fully on Bakura, who'd watched their friendly exchange with annoyance.

"What is it Marik?" Bakura demanded irritably. Marik came to a stop before him, watching him warily.

"I've had the reports back from my people in the 3rd sector. There is still no sign of Kaiba." He reported promptly, not bothering to sugar coat the bad news. Bakura began to radiate his anger. He slammed his fists down on the table and stood up, making Hina jump. He grabbed Marik by the scruff of his neck.

"You mean to tell me you and your people are failing me!" he snarled. Despite his predicament, Marik seemed completely unfazed. He stared back with almost as much ferocity.

"We've searched every inch of the planet for him. He is nowhere to be found." Marik snarled back. Bakura shoved him away releasing him. He straightened out his clothes disgruntled.

"Look harder." Bakura barked the order with a growl.

"Is it possible that he was killed when your… take over began?" Marik suggested coolly.

"I want to know he's dead. If you can't find him, find me evidence of his demise," he grinned maliciously.

"There is absolutely no trace of him." Marik retorted.

"Is it possible that some of your men aren't as loyal as you believe? What if they have found him and have decided to switch sides?" Bakura growled turning on Marik once more with a look that seemed murderous. Hina snorted with laughter, interrupting their conversation. They both turned their eyes upon her and Hina looked up.

"What do you find so amusing?" Bakura demanded folding his arms arrogantly.

"You really think anyone already on your side would switch to oppose you? It would be suicide," Hina frowned.

"I mean, switching to your side would be more likely. Why would anyone already in your good books risk it all, their life, and their family's lives to join a hopeless cause?" Hina continued, also standing up to be on their same level.

"Look at me, I was the disobedient slave girl, always fighting against you, but I knew it would be suicide to continue. Now, I'm yours, completely. Marik would have to know some pretty dumb ass people if that was the case." Hina finished her bluff matter of factly, choosing her words purposely. She remained the centre of both their attentions for several moments before they turned back to each other.

"The girl has it right. I don't employ anyone stupid enough to oppose you," Marik spoke rather smugly. Bakura growled.

"I want him found. Or I start getting nasty." He spoke in a deadly tone. Hina threw him a disgruntled look, one he forced himself to avoid as his malicious glare bore into Marik.

"We won't find anything," Marik replied through gritted teeth.

"Marik! I want every damn inch of this pathetic mortal world explored! Next time you come to me without progress, I will take it out on someone close to you! Do you understand?" Bakura roared. Marik's expression turned stony and pale. He seemed to lose some of the confidence he'd previously displayed.

"Fine. We'll search again." Marik replied shortly before turning on his heel and marching out of the room. Hina glanced towards Bakura who was breathing heavily, his anger evident. One thing that scared Hina above all was the fact Bakura seemed to have something over Marik, some sort of power that would make Marik submit like that. It unnerved her. After several moments, Bakura retook his seat at the table and Hina followed suit.

"You know, if this Kaiba is even still alive, he's going to be hard to find." Hina started conversationally.

"What makes you say that?" Bakura asked with a snort.

"Well, if he's even alive, he's had ten years of practice evading you. He won't be captured easily," Hina replied. There was a moments silence before Bakura spoke again.

"I caught you, didn't I?" He said with an arrogant smirk.

"Are… are you sure I can… I can really take all of these?" Hina asked balancing the tower of books in her hands. She'd been requested to visit the King in his room and she'd obliged with trepidation. Upon arrival, Bakura had been laid out across his bed shirtless. Hina had diverted her eyes embarrassedly and he'd picked up on it instantly. His smirk had intensified as he swung his legs off the bed and stood up. Hina had felt the awkwardness inside her grow as inexplicable fear and anticipation grew wild within her. He'd walked towards a shelf and collected together a collection of old worn books before continuing on towards Hina, stopping before her. He'd thrust the books into her hands and Hina found herself eager to begin reading them.

"Yes, I have no need for them," Bakura spoke gruffly. Hina glanced at the stack before returning her gaze to his.

"Why are you been so nice to me?" Hina asked suspiciously. She had no idea what his plan was, but she couldn't deny her suspicion.

"I care about your wellbeing," He responded quickly in a gruff tone.

"Thanks," Hina whispered her gratitude a feeling of guilt settling deep within her stomach. He was been so nice to her and yet she intended to betray him, dethrone him and destroy him. There would have to be something very wrong with her for her not to feel guilt. Despite that, Hina struggled to keep the sense of dread from showing in her expression. She managed to pull her face into a sort of soft smile, all the while struggling.

"Whatever," Bakura brushed her gratitude aside, although his expression remained kind and Hina had to wonder if in that moment, Ryo's soul hadn't shined through. He allowed her a rare smile that was barely there for a second. Even so, Hina found it made her breath catch in her throat. They remained silent for several tense moments. Thoughts whirred around Hina's mind so energetically it almost was painful. Despite every inch of her rational thought process screaming at her to stop this and leave right away, Hina found herself incapable of ungluing her gaze from his. Hina opened her mouth to speak, possibly to say she was going to leave now, anything to break the awkward silence, but before she could Bakura closed the distance between them in a flash. He slammed his lips against hers. Hina gasped against his abrupt contact as the pile of books she'd been holding onto slipped out of her hands and fell to the floor. She knew she needed to resist but soon found herself becoming lost in the sensation as he gripped onto her. His arm wrapped tightly around her waist and she found her own hands instantly clutching onto his bare forearms with haste. Hina knew this was a dangerous path to be traveling down once more, but found her body was acting on impulse. She was kissing him back, the warmth of his lips enticing her, clutching onto him as if nothing else in the world mattered even though Hina knew that wasn't the truth. She needed to come to her senses, but she couldn't seem to regain control of her body. Their kissing was becoming more heated, more desperate. Hina felt an undeniable thrill when he began to push her backwards. She felt her back slam against the wall hard, but not hard enough to cause pain. She let out a small gasp of surprise and felt Bakura grin against her lips. He removed his hands from her and pulled away from her. Hina stared up at him wide eyed, electricity coursing through her veins at the sudden direction their meeting had gone.

"We… I…" Hina began breathlessly, trying to regain control of the situation. She needed to push him away, to stop this escalating further, but found although she needed to stop it, she didn't actually want to.

"What? What do you want?" He demanded, his usual smirk playing across his lips. Hina felt her heart beating frantically inside her chest and was sure he could hear it as it was so loud. His words sent a tingling sensation through her entire body. She was more a slave to those unfamiliar sensations within her than she was to Bakura, yet he was the one who caused such feelings. Hina was feeling increasingly flustered and hot as he had her cornered against the wall. She had no way to escape. Hina's mind was quickly becoming void of rationality and she was entirely enslaved by the confines of her eager body. No longer able to stop her instincts, she reached up around his neck, forcing his face towards hers. She pressed her lips back against his, unable to stop herself any longer.

Hina woke from a deep sleep gradually. When she'd fully awoken it was to find the room she was in shrouded in darkness. Hina yawned and sat up, feeling something that had been laid across her chest tumble into her lap. Hina fumbled around in the dark trying to find the item. She quickly found it and it didn't take her long to work out it was a book. Hina closed it and dropped it off the edge of the bed. She yawned again before lying back down. It was then she felt the arm draped lazily across her stomach. Hina silently cursed herself for not noticing it before. She rolled onto her side and gazed through the darkness, just about making out the outline of Bakura. Of course, she'd fallen asleep in his room reading, after she'd allowed herself to be weak again. Hina exhaled in frustration. She really wasn't making this easy on herself. The closer she got to him, the guiltier she felt. When it came to actually acting upon her promised betrayal, Hina knew she would find the decision heart wrenchingly difficult. She had grown used to the fact that she had ridiculous feelings towards the man lying asleep next to her. She wasn't sure if these emotions were attached Ryo or the spirit, but it didn't matter. They were there and would no doubt be a hindrance. An idea suddenly struck Hina. She glanced next to her and focused in on the gentle breathing and rise and fall of the silhouette's chest.

"Bakura?" Hina whispered. She waited with baited breath, but there was no response. Hina pulled the bedcovers off her and gently lifted the slack arm that was across her, up. She lowered his arm back down onto the mattress beside him. Breathing as deeply as Hina dared, she gently shifted her wait, lifting herself up from the mattress with an air of caution. Stood still in the darkness beside the bed, Hina listened intently to see if there was a change in his breathing to indicate she'd disturbed him. After a tense moment of silence, Hina proceeded cautiously, tiptoeing across the room until she found the door. This would be the trickiest part, she reflected, her hands pressed against the cool metal. It was only now Hina noticed the unfamiliarity of the clothes she was dressed in. She was now wearing baggy trousers and a baggy t-shirt, both made of a light weight material. Hina frowned remembering how he'd given her these as night clothes. She felt the stab of guilt pierce her stomach at the hours old memory. Gritting her teeth, Hina forced herself to steadily open the door. She was momentarily blinded by the bright lights of the corridor, but soon recovered. She threw one last look over her shoulder towards Bakura who she could now see more clearly from the light streaming in through the slightly opened door. His hair was sprawled all around him, his mouth half open as he slept. Hina smiled slightly, forcing herself out of the room, closing the door gently behind her.

Now away from his presence, Hina breathed properly. She realised she was getting too close to him and now was the perfect time to act. She had to swap the puzzle piece over tonight. It was well into the very early hours of the morning and the security in the castle would be slack. Hina could make it to the right room and swap the pieces over without anyone been ever the wiser. Forcing herself to make the decision she dreaded, Hina almost ran to her room to retrieve the replica piece. Once there she marched across the room, ignoring all other furniture in the room, making towards her bed. Hina's hand shot beneath the mattress and quickly found the pouch the gold puzzle piece was hidden in. She hurriedly tied it around her waist, hiding it beneath the waistband of her trousers. Hina exited the room determinedly and made her way to the part of the castle Marik had instructed her to. It was as Hina reached the third floor she realised she had no idea which room it was in. Hina didn't need to worry. As she walked down the left corridor a large set of double doors caught her eye. She approached them and gazed up at them. They were beautiful, strange symbols carved and painted gold embellished across its dark surface. Taking a deep breath, Hina pushed open one of the doors, her heart hammering hard against her rib cage. Hina slipped in through the door and glanced around the room. It was very plain and rather dark except for the lit candles supported in candelabra's across the room, sending an eerie flicker of light across the room. Hina proceeded forwards towards a stone slab positioned at the centre of the room. Her eyes widened upon seeing the items displayed across its surface. There were a set of intricate golden scales, a golden necklace, a gold sphere with an eye embellishment upon it, a sceptre, a strange looking key and a selection of strangely shaped tiny pieces. Hina gazed at the items in wonderment. She could somehow sense the importance and the power of these items, it took her breath away.

"The spirits people died to create these?" Hina whispered to herself. She couldn't help but wonder how such beautiful and strange items were created from such evil. What kind of slaughter would that have been? Why did Marik want to help the person responsible for this? Hina shook her head, trying to stop herself thinking such foolish thoughts. She was sowing seeds of doubts into her own mind which wouldn't help her in the slightest. With quaking fingers, Hina fumbled to pull the fake piece of the puzzle out of its bag. Once out, she rested the cool piece of gold in her palm. She examined the part before scanning her eyes across the table, searching for the right piece. Once she'd found it, she picked up the real one, examining it one last time to ensure it was the right item. Once convinced, she concealed the real one back within the tiny bag, meanwhile replacing it with the replica. She hid the pouch back under her trousers.

"What are you doing here?" An aggressive voice demanded suddenly, making Hina jump. She span around to see Bakura stood in the doorway, his hair messy from sleep but a serious expression across his face. Hina thought she was going to black out with panic but somehow managed to keep herself calm enough to sound level headed.

"I… I couldn't sleep," Hina whispered, "So I… I remembered out of nowhere what you told me, about your people and why they were killed… It may sound strange but… but I… I wanted to… pay my respects, I guess…" Hina blurted out the explanation as it was the first thing to come to mind. It wasn't too farfetched as it had crossed her mind when she'd seen the items. Everyone the spirit had known in life had been taken from him to create these items. Hina forced a sad smile to cross over her face before she turned back to gaze at the items. She couldn't imagine why anyone would take the lives of so many people to create items with too much power.

"I… I don't understand why anyone would do this…" Hina whispered out loud, wrapping her arms around her torso, shuddering. She wanted to get out of the room as soon as possible, for many reasons. She turned on the spot and walked towards the exit, walking past Bakura and out of the room.

"Sorry for waking you," Hina whispered to him as she left. He'd been watching her with highly suspicious eyes as she left the room. When she'd left, his eyes flickered back into the room curiously. He entered the room, allowing the door to shut with a snap behind him as he examined the items with severe scrutiny.

Hina walked as fast as she dared back to her room, unable to stop glancing over her shoulder as she went. He'd caught her in the room, stood before the items. How much had he seen? Did he see her examining the items? Hina felt hot and cold with dread all at once. Her legs were shaking and her hands trembling. She could have blown the whole thing with her carelessness. Hina quickly made it back to her room and hid the item back under her mattress, exhaling with relief once it was hidden. Taking several deep breaths, Hina laid down across her bed, still unable to control her shaking. Her anxiety was sky high and there was nothing she could do about it. She would have to wait it out. Hina closed her eyes, trying to calm her nerves, but it was no use. She couldn't relax. She was on edge. Hina wasn't sure how much time had passed, but her hectic thoughts were suddenly put on hold as a knock on her door shattered her uncomfortable silence. Hina sat up and stared at the door through the darkness. It swung open and someone stepped into the room. Hina watched the person move towards her through the dark. They stopped besides her bed and Hina gazed up into the face of Bakura. He was giving nothing away and Hina found it difficult to control her body's natural reaction to panic.

"You forgot these," He spoke sternly. Hina glanced down and saw to her surprise the pile of books he'd given her.

"Oh," Was all she could manage to respond with. He moved and dropped the books on the sofa. Hina expected him to leave afterwards, but he didn't. He moved round the bed and lay upon it next to her. Hina lay back down and glanced at him. Why was he staying here? Hina felt the tension within her chest rise up once again.

"Erm… Bakura…" Hina began, not sure what she wanted to actually ask him. He rolled over and glared at her.

"Why… why are you in my room?" She asked nervously. His very presence was terrifying her on a completely different level. She was so scared of hurting him, of him hurting her, she was fearful of betraying him and of him discovering her treachery before it was complete. Hina found herself longing not to betray him. She found it hard not to admit, but she liked him. She enjoyed been in his presence. It was horror that she realised kissing him like she had once more had broken a massive chunk from her resolve. She couldn't keep doing this to herself. She had to focus on her task.

"Because you like been near me," He answered arrogantly. Hina frowned, disguising the smile that so desperately wanted to break free at his words.

"You're not mad at me for going to that room?" Hina asked quietly, shifting uncomfortably, knowing she had to ask that question for her own piece of mind. The very thought at him been mad at her somehow had her feeling sad. Several tense moments of silence passed between them before Bakura spoke. He reached out and wrapped an arm around her, under her neck, pulling her close to him where she happily rested her head against his chest, her own arms holding onto him.

"No, I'm not mad. I appreciate the respect you showed my people," He whispered. Hina exhaled her throat tightening with unimaginable sadness. For the moment, Hina was satisfied to lie next to him, his presence making her feel protected and content, all the while forcing the task she had to do from her mind. She allowed herself to feel this brief moment of happiness lying next to the man she somehow found herself adoring. She knew the moment wouldn't last forever and she had to accept that. For now, Hina rested against him, feeling the rise and fall of his chest beneath her touch.