A/N : Sorry about my lack of motivation as of late. I shall hopefully keep rediscovering my love for writing and get to a suitable end of the story fit for anyone still reading this. As ever I do appreciate feedback, honestly and genuinely, so please never hesitate to review or even PM me. :-D Xx

Chapter 32

Several days had past and Hina was once again in the shadow world with the King. He was wearing a terribly horrifying expression as he surveyed her with the upmost loathing. Hina shuddered under his penetrating glare. His eyes were unwavering as he examined her like she was nothing. The expression hurt her, made Hina afraid and pained.

"You've betrayed me," He spoke calmly, stating the fact rather than speaking accusatively.

"W… what?" Hina spluttered completely caught off guard.

"Tricked me, seduced me…" He allowed the words to hang heavy in the air, like smoke that Hina was unable to avoid swallowing, it poisoning her lungs and forcing her own words to choke in her throat. Her eyes darted around like a cornered animal attempting to find an escape. It was as her gaze glanced over the surroundings that she noticed the bloody battlefield they were stood in. Mounds of flesh, puddles of blood and scattered limbs were strewn across the dusty colourless ground, turning the pallid floor red with death. The bodies closest to them, Hina recognised. The people she had known, loved or had met lay scattered, their forms twisted and eyes lifeless. Hina whimpered, somehow not losing the ability to stand.

"You did this" Bakura spoke menacingly, taking a murderous step towards her. Hina whimpered at his words.

"They are dead because of you." He snarled as he approached her, his predatory demeanour reaching out to clutch at her. Hina shook her head, refusing to accept it. He reached her where she stood unable to move. His hand gently reached out to her, his long pale fingers slowly wrapping around her throat and she could do nothing to prevent it.

"I will make you relive their pain for the rest of your existence, this is your punishment for your betrayal" He'd whispered to her softly, almost soothingly. Hina blinked back tears and as soon as she had the corpses had arisen. They now stood in a crowd around them, their gaping wounds and horrific injuries still in place.

"They will afflict onto you, what I afflicted onto them." He spoke once more, releasing his hold on her. Hina fell to her knees and watched as he backed away, quickly vanishing into the crowd of the dead. Hina cried out to him, but her pleas were soon muffled as the corpses descended upon her ready to rip at her flesh and bones.

Hina's eyes snapped open. She could barely breathe as she stared up into darkness. She knew it was a dream instantly, but that didn't stop the terror seeping into her bones, leaving her frozen with fear. Everything from her nightmare was so vivid. It felt real. She could feel the warmth as tears leaked out of her eyes silently. She stifled the sobs that were building up as her body shook. Hina wasn't sure how much time had passed, but slowly she managed to regain control of her petrified body until her limbs loosened up enough to move. She sat up, the darkness still pressing in against her from all sides. Hina brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, the sobs finally been released.

At Breakfast that morning, Hina felt herself recede into her mind, unable to shake the fear her dream had created within herself. Bakura hadn't really noticed and was too preoccupied with his food. Hina couldn't bring herself to eat. She felt sick to the stomach and delicate. As she pushed the food around her bowl absentmindedly with her spoon, Bakura looked up from his now empty plate. As usual he'd ravaged his food. He sat back, observing Hina with a quiet amusement.

"Not hungry?" He smirked, folding arms across his chest. She seemed to jump at his voice before looking at him sheepishly.

"N…no," She whispered her reply timidly.

"What's wrong with you? You seem compliant," He asked with a sneer. Hina shrugged her shoulders, dropping her gaze back down to the brightly coloured pieces of fruit in her bowl. After a few moment of silence passed by, Hina looked back up.

"Actually, I'm not feeling so well… I didn't sleep very well last night" Hina admitted quietly.

"Oh?" was all he replied with. Hina stood up shakily, ringing her hands nervously.

"I'm going to go and try to get some sleep," Hina muttered. She turned to leave but Bakura's arm shot out, grabbing her by the wrist. Hina glanced back at him, her body going rigid. He was stood up.

"You're wearing an expression of regret," He spoke suddenly. Hina felt a cold chill spread through her body and her muscles seemed to tense at his words. He moved around the table till he was stood before her. Hina watched him with terror that she tried her best to disguise. He reached out to her with a steady hand, gently cupping her face as he watched her reaction. Hina was holding her breath desperately afraid. Did he know something? Had he figured her out? She was so scared and on edge in this tiny moment that seemed to be lasting an eternity, allowing her thoughts to come apart with panic. Somehow his touch seemed cold and emotionless to her as time slowed around her. Hina managed to swallow the breath she'd been holding, allowing herself to exhale as unnoticeably as possible.

"Don't regret me, Hina," He spoke soothingly. Hina felt herself come undone with relief at his words as tears sprung into her eyes. He wiped them away as soon as they shed.

"I… I won't," Hina sniffled. His softer side seemed to make itself present as he watched her cry. He lent forwards and pressed his lips against her forehead.

"I have a few things to do today. Come with me and I will look after you," He whispered against her skin. Despite her best efforts, Hina felt colour flood to her cheeks at his hold. How could she refuse him when he held her like this? Once more, knowing she would regret it, Hina allowed herself to indulge in ridiculous and idiotic emotions.

"Okay," She whispered her reply.

It was the first time Hina had sat in the throne room to witness the weekly reports. From what she could gather from her observations, high ranking guards were designated an area of the city to warden. Each week they would give a report of any incidents that had occurred and if further action would be needed, the King would decide. Hina was sat on a cushion besides the throne which was positioned upon a platform so the King would sit higher than anyone else. Bakura sat there, his presence radiating power. He was still menacingly frightening, even when Hina wasn't on the receiving end of it. Hina's mind had begun to wander, her boredom of the situation evident, when the doors to the room were flung open. The loud bang sent Hina's mind reeling back into the present situation with a start. She glanced over and saw two people moving purposefully through the crowds until they stood before Bakura, a half smirk across their lips. Hina sat up her intrigue forcing her attention onto the man. She recognised him instantly. It was Marik. Besides her, Bakura let out a growl and stood up. Hina smiled at Marik, knowing with a deep seated terror that the time she was spending with Bakura would soon be coming to a close. It hurt her to know that, but it had been inevitable. Marik returned her smile, his eyes speaking a thousand words, confirming her fears.

"Marik," Bakura snarled his name, irritated at his rude arrival.

"I got what you asked for. We found proof. Proof that Seto Kaiba is dead." Marik stated loudly so that everyone in the room could hear his statement. The room fell silent as Bakura surveyed Marik with scrutiny.

"Where is this proof?" He demanded. Marik turned to Odion who held out a piece of scrappy torn fabric. Marik took it and threw it towards Bakura where it landed at his feet. He grumbled as he stooped to pick the item up. He shook it out before his eyes, examining it.

"It's Kaiba's coat. The Kaiba Corp logo is still visible." Marik stated. Bakura examined the tatty item for a couple more seconds before throwing the item back to Marik with a snort.

"This is no proof. A mangled coat? Marik, you better have something better for me than rags…" Bakura scoffed irritably as he re took his seat upon the throne.

"I wouldn't want you to mistrust me, Bakura. I also found something else." Marik smirked before lifting his hand in the air and clicking his fingers. Upon his action, the door to the impressive throne room were flung open once again and four of Marik's Guards marched into the room, two smaller figures between them, bound in ropes and looking almost as ragged as the coat. They made their way forwards, the guards pushing the two prisoners to their knees before Bakura. Hina examined them and saw the two people were a boy and a girl. Bakura, now wearing an expression of pure delight, stood up once more and descended the few steps until he was stood before the new prisoners.

"Do you know Kaiba's whereabouts?" Bakura asked amused. The boy seemed to shake and Hina was soon aware it wasn't with fear. The boy lifted his head showing defiant grey eyes and a mature handsome face. Hina knew then the boy wasn't actually a boy. He was older than her, maybe early to mid-twenties.

"YOU! YOU KILLED HIM! MY BIG BROTHER IS DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU!" The man screamed. He made to lunge forwards but was stopped by the guard behind him. Bakura let out a cruel laugh and almost lazily kicked out at the man, his foot connecting with his stomach. The black haired man groaned and doubled over.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it, Mokuba?" Bakura laughed. The man, called Mokuba didn't respond.

"Ah, and I see you've brought your girlfriend with you too," He sneered teasingly. Hina felt her insides twist at his callous behaviour. She hated him when he was like this. It wasn't right.

"You leave her out of this," Mokuba breathed through clenched teeth. Bakura ignored him and strolled over to the blonde girl. He grabbed her hair and yanked her head backwards.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure of been introduced," He laughed. The girl seemed more fearful than Mokuba, her eyes were wide and teary as she was forced to look up into the face of evil.

"I'm Rebecca," The girl spoke fiercely, her fear apparently draining away, "Rebecca Hawkins, if you must know." She said sticking her chin out. Bakura roughly let go of her and laughed.

"Take them away," He snapped with a wave of his hand. Instantly the guards jumped to life, pulling the two people, Mokuba and Rebecca, away and out of the room.

Marik, who had stepped aside to allow the prisoners entrance, now moved back into position before the King. His expression was calm, collected, but Hina could tell there was also desperation behind the cool demeanour. Odion also seemed to be wearing the same expression. Hina watched with curiosity, unsure why they were on edge.

"Our agreement?" Marik asked sternly, his eyes hard. Bakura folded his arms over his chest and glared at Marik, his lips twitching as he sat once more in his chair.

"Alright Marik, I'm convinced." Bakura spoke swinging one leg over the arm of his throne and lounging in it lazily. Hina glanced at him with a frown.

"However, I am confused as to why you were only just able to capture those two and discover that blood soaked coat?" Bakura continued. Marik stepped closer, anger flashing across his expression.

"They had the coat on them. They were obviously moving constantly so we never found them. It's not entirely impossible to go undetected," Marik growled, his eyes flicking to Hina at his last sentence. Bakura exhaled and swung his legs back around placing them firmly on the ground. He stood up.

"Where is she?" Marik demanded, his emotions now showing. Hina stared on with disbelief. She'd suspected as much. She had thought Bakura had something on Marik, something to keep him in line. Who was the girl Marik was referring to?

"She's safe. I can get someone to show you to her, if you'd like?" Bakura spoke.

"No. You… you need to free her… that was the deal. I help with Kaiba's demise or find proof of it and you let my sister go!" Marik exclaimed, clearly shaken with the topic of conversation. Hina felt her stomach dip as if she'd missed a step going down stairs. She was shocked to hear it, but at the same knew she should have expected as much. Hina's eyes automatically darted towards Bakura. She was surprised to see him glancing back at her, a grin upon his lips.

"Come here, girl." He barked the order. Frowning at once more been referred to as 'girl', Hina stood up and made her way over to him nervously. When she reached his side, he wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her close into his torso. Hina wanted to squirm to get away from him, but forced herself not to. She hated this side of him.

"What do you think? Do you think I should give his sister back to him?" Bakura asked with a devilish grin. Hina froze. Why was he asking her opinion? Surely he would know her answer already.

"He… he did what you asked?" Hina muttered, "It's his sister,"

"And my only bargaining chip," Bakura whispered into her ear, letting go of her. Hina stepped back shaken. Why was he asking her opinion? Surely he knew straight away what her answer would be.

"My King, we have served you for many years, we ask nothing more than for our sister, we require nothing apart from her safety," A deep voice spoke. Odion had stepped forwards and was knelt before Bakura, his head bowed. Hina couldn't help but gape at them. It was Odion's sister too? That would mean Marik and Odion were brothers? Hina had never even guessed they were related!

"For now, I will allow visiting privileges, nothing more." Bakura finished.

"But…" Hina began, forgetting her 'place' as she so very often did. Bakura glared at her, his expression livid. Hina scowled back at him.

"Very well, thank you for that. May we see her now?" Marik asked his expression returning to normal. Bakura nodded and waved a guard over. He instructed them to take Marik and Odion to see their sister. Bakura returned to his obnoxious throne ready to resume the meeting. Hina remained standing, her jaw clenched as she tried to hold back a torrent of abuse.

"Girl," He barked at her once more and Hina turned on the spot to face him, her own expression furious.

"May I be excused," Hina spoke through gritted teeth, knowing well enough not to pick a fight here in front of all the Kings Guard.

"Return to your seat." Bakura ordered. Hina remained standing. She couldn't stand him. She needed to get away from the cold hearted bastard.

"He found what you wanted. He did what you asked, so why in god's name wouldn't you allow them both to have their sister back?" Hina demanded, losing her temper as she so often did when around this man. Bakura stood up.

"Leave us." He demanded of the room and there was no hesitation as the spectators obeyed, filing out as fast as they could. Hina remained scowling at him and ignored the small crowd exiting until the door shut with a snap, indicating they were alone.

"Why do you insist on challenging me before my subjects? Do you enjoy getting hurt or are you just that foolish?" He demanded.

"Why are you so cold hearted? Does friendship or family really mean so little to you, spirit? Why wouldn't you let them have their sister?" Hina demanded.

"I have no use or time for friendship or family, it is of no importance to me." He snarled marching forwards. Hina stood her ground.

"I don't believe you. Isn't that what this whole damn thing has been about? You, taking revenge for the friends and family that was taken from you?" Hina retorted. Bakura reacted instantly, raising his hand preparing to hit her. Hina glared at him, her eyes daring him to do it. After several tense moments passed by, he retracted his hand and turned away from her.

"Damn fool." He hissed.

"Infuriating bastard," Hina muttered before turning away from him. She marched down the stairs of the platform and across the hall. She didn't look behind her as she exited the room.

Hina returned to her room. She lounged out across the bed, staring at the ceiling. Marik was right. He'd always been right. Bakura had to be stopped, there was no way around it. He needed to be brought to justice and she would play a small part in doing so. She had the puzzle piece and Marik had Yugi. He would do what needed to be done. Hina could mourn the man when he was gone, but he could not be permitted to stay. Hina knew that, had always known that, but he'd proved it to her just moments earlier with his awful behaviour. A knock on the door brought Hina's thoughts crashing back to the now. She sat up and stared at the door.

"Yes?" She asked and watched as it swung open. She'd half expected to see Bakura stood there, but she was surprised to see Odion instead. He hurriedly snapped the door shut behind him.

"Master Marik sent me." He explained.

"Is your sister alright?" Hina asked.

"Yes, she hasn't been harmed. Master Marik has told me to inform you tonight he will be collecting the puzzle piece. We can't do it any sooner as we need to ensure Ishizu's safety first." He spoke. Hina nodded, not sure she was really taking everything in. Tonight it was going to happen. She hadn't really expected it to be so quick. She needed time to prepare herself for it.

"I… I understand," Was all she could respond with. Her heart was racing and a feeling of anxiety washed over her, making her clutch at her stomach. She was scared. Odion hurriedly left, leaving Hina alone with her horrified thoughts. She was completely terrified. Tonight she was losing someone she shouldn't care for, should never have cared for, but still did.

Night drew in faster than Hina would have liked. She could almost sense the cool darkness of night wrapping around the palace like a sheet. It was smothering her. She was so afraid and hadn't left her room all day. She couldn't bare the anticipation, couldn't handle the idea of what was about to happen. She was pacing around her room nervously, the golden puzzle piece hidden under a fabric belt she was wearing. She could feel it almost burning her as her mind could think of little else. There was a sharp knock at her door, which made Hina start. She dashed forwards and wrenched the door open. Bakura was stood there.

"Since when do you knock?" Hina asked before she could stop herself. He flashed her a mischievous grin in response.

"I'm letting them have their sister back." He stated. Hina stared at him. She felt her mouth drop open in surprise. She wasn't sure what to say. Why'd he have to go and change his mind and become all decent now? Hina wanted to cry or laugh. She wasn't sure which. She stepped forwards and threw her arms around him, her mind telling her this might be the last time she did so. He seemed a little taken a back at first, but then relaxed, his hands holding her waist. When Hina pulled back, tears had escaped her eyes. She brushed them away hurriedly.

"Are you hungry" He asked. Hina nodded. Without another word, he took her by the hand and led her towards the dining hall. When Hina walked in she could already smell the delicious food that had been prepared for them. She took her seat hurriedly. This was probably to be their last meal together she thought to herself. Hina hurriedly tucked into the deliciously prepared food, aware that time was passing them by. Despite her best efforts, she allowed her emotions to escape throughout, suddenly finding it incredibly easy to be in his presence. Once their plates had been emptied and cleared away, Hina sat back her stomach twisting with anxiety. Her chest hurt and for once it had nothing to do with the part of his soul trapped within hers.

"Why did you release their sister?" Hina asked curiously. Bakura sat back too, a smile spreading across his lips.

"I didn't like displeasing you," He replied with a glint in his eyes. Hina felt her jaw drop once more. Was he serious? Had she really been the reason?

"Why? I'm nothing…" Hina whispered in confusion.

"Girl, you should know by now you are anything but nothing. Do you really think I'd have let anyone else get away with the stuff you get away with?" He grinned. Hina wasn't sure she knew what to say. She was shocked at his words, perplexed by them.

"Hmm, that's what you call getting away with?" Hina joked half-heartedly. He returned her words with his usual arrogant smirk.

"I have some last minute issues to attend to for the evening." He said suddenly, standing up. Without even asking he gestured at Hina to stand do, which she did before she realised it.

"My guess is you want me to attend too?" Hina scowled. He returned her expression with his usual arrogance. He turned and started walking towards the door. Hina followed after him, trying not to examine the heaviness twisting painfully in her stomach.

Hina was once more besides the King at his throne. She had to watch on as he went about his dictatorship duties. Orders, shouts, insults, punishments and threats. It was all he seemed capable of when he was in this frame of mind. Hina tried to focus on the commotion but found it near impossible. She couldn't distract herself. She felt sick to the stomach, waiting. When the final guard had exited the room, dragging with him a lower level soldier who'd just been charged with treason, Bakura exhaled irritably.

"Fools," He snarled under his breath. Hina remained silent, her arms folded behind her back. Bakura stood up from his throne and closed the distance between them in one stride. Hina met his eyes and felt a jolt in her stomach.

"You're oddly quiet," He mused. Hina shrugged.

"I thought you wanted me to be quiet." She responded absently.

"Never." He responded stepping closer. Despite herself, Hina felt her heart rate increase. It beat almost painfully inside its bone enclosure. She wished it wouldn't. Her heart would make this all the more difficult. He was leaning in closer to her and instinctively, Hina closed her eyes, desperately wanting their lips to meet for one final moment. One she would unwittingly cherish for a long, long time. She felt like she was suspended in time, waiting for the moment, when footsteps began to echo around them. Hina opened her eyes and saw Bakura staring back at her, barely a centimetre apart from her, a look of irritation washing over his face. He straightened back up and turned around to survey the rest of the room.

"Marik," Bakura growled terrifyingly just as the blonde walked into the room. Hina felt her stomach drop as she watched the man stride into the room, followed by two more people. Hina recognised them with terror. It was Odion and Yugi. She resisted the urge to gape at the man. He still appeared dishevelled and starved, but there was almost a look of strength in his expression now as he was heled into the room by Odion.

"What do you think you're doing?" Bakura roared upon seeing the man he'd subjected to hideous torture.

"Bakura." Marik addressed Bakura with contempt rather than its usual indifference. It was time, Hina realised with a sickening feeling in her stomach. Everything these last few days had been was about to come to a close. Bakura would learn of her betrayal. Emotions Hina really didn't want to examine reared their heads inside of her stronger than ever and she had to force the anxiety down as it caused her to feel physically sick. In Yugi's arms he cradled a golden object, with the centre piece missing, showing the dark hollow inside.

"What do you think you're doing, Marik?" Bakura demanded again with a growl, his fuming temper already reaching its boiling point.

"I'm helping to restore the Pharaoh so he can over throw you." He responded coldly.

"Marik, I swear you will pay for this," Bakura snarled hideously.

"We've been replacing the pieces of the puzzle with fake ones and collecting them together so Yugi can complete it once more. The Pharaoh will beat you and restore this place to the way it should be." Marik continued, his anger evident in his expression.

"You seem to be missing a piece, and how do you suppose you'll get that? Do you really think I'm going to allow you to go and get it? Your plan won't work, I'm warning you," Bakura responded, sitting himself back in his chair, smirking at the three people stood before him. Marik's eyes flickered sideways, meeting Hina's gaze. Hina gulped, knowing this was the moment everything had been leading up to. Even as she tried to take a step forwards and away from Bakura, she struggled, hesitating. She was betraying him. Even though she knew he needed to be stopped, that the entire world would be better off trying to rebuild civilisation, she couldn't stop herself wavering. She couldn't deny the emotional ties she'd unknowingly created between herself and the spirit. She felt things she shouldn't feel towards him. Now she had to betray her emotions, irrational and foolish emotions, to stop him. He needed stopping. Trying to force back tears and holding her doubts back, Hina forced herself forwards, unable to look at Bakura. As she walked forwards, she pulled the pouch from beneath her belt where the final piece of the puzzle was hidden. As she reached Marik's side she passed it him, who then passed it to Yugi who was still been supported by Odion.

Girl," The ferocious lividness was easily readable in that single word. Hina turned to him and his expression was as scary as it had been when she'd first met him. He didn't look entirely human as a person shouldn't be capable of that kind of hatred and fury. Hina felt the tears building in her eyes but forced them back. She had chosen her path and she wouldn't show regret or weakness at her choice. There was many reasons why she'd decided to betray him and she wasn't about to regret the decision. She was sorry she had to betray him like this and wanted him to know that what she felt for him wasn't a lie, but she knew to tell him this would be pointless. Whether he believed her or not, it wouldn't matter, he would only see her treachery.

"I'm sorry," Was all she managed to say. All eyes then turned to Yugi as he held the final piece in bony fingers. His finger tips grazed over the golden surface and a peaceful look of tranquillity seemed to wash over his face, hiding the expression of pain that been practically starved and neglected the years had caused him.

"Pharaoh," he whispered barely audible. He pressed the piece into place, closing his eyes as he did. The room was silent as the final piece clicked into place.