A/N: Hello! Sorry this took so long to get up, I wanted to get it up before I went on holiday three weeks ago, but my internet was down. I've had a huge amount of fun writing this chapter and it really wouldn't of happened without some insanely kind words from someone who's read my story. It really does mean a lot. Thank you, as ever, for taking the time to read my work and I hope its worthy of your time :-D

Chapter 33

Nothing happened.

Yugi's eyes snapped open in puzzlement. He took the centre piece of the puzzle out and slotted it back into place.

Again, nothing happened.

"Why…" Yugi's voice whispered. He turned the pyramid shaped pendant around in his weak feeble hands. He was muttering to himself under his breath as he examined it.

"No… no… Pharaoh… please…" Yugi's voice broke as it echoed around the silent room. He ran his fingers over the item, turning it round in his hands clumsily and desperately. It was like he was looking for a power button.

"No, no, no, no, no," His eyes were wide in absolute horror and disbelief as he repeated the word over and over again. A merciless laugh erupted, tearing the silence apart chillingly. Hina's eyes darted around to fall upon Bakura, whose expression was the cruellest she'd ever seen it. He was lounging in his throne, observing them with triumph mixed with anger. He stood up from the chair, still smirking.

"Did you really believe you could defeat me?" He snorted with laughter as he took a menacing step down from his platform.

"Did you really truly believe I ever trusted you, Marik?" He sneered taking a further step down, "That I'd ever allow you to know the location of the millennium items?"

Hina felt herself begin to shake as sickness and terror overwhelmed her system like poison. Every nerve in her body was telling her to run to get away but she was rooted the spot, too terrified to move. She couldn't even glance across at her companions to see if there was any plan in mind. She was beside herself with disbelief. How? How had he known? How had they failed? None of them would have given their plan away, so how had he known? How had he somehow foreseen the move they'd make and had planned for it? Hina had always felt awful for playing him, but in reality she'd got herself caught in his web, he'd been playing all of them all along. Somehow he had ensured no one would ever win over him. It felt so obvious now. There was no way to beat him. Bakura's sneer continued to broaden as if he was thoroughly enjoying their torment at failing.

"The millennium puzzle Yugi is holding there is also a forgery," He smirked sadistically radiating terrible power. Hina managed to glance at Yugi and saw his reaction to Bakura's words, which was heart breaking. The pyramid shook in his hands until it eventually fell out of his grip, crashing to the ground and shattering, the pieces of the jigsaw scattering across the floor.

"No," Yugi whispered, tears streaming down his cheeks as he sank to the floor. He was visibly shaking as a tremendous agony seemed to smother him. Bakura had reached the bottom of the steps that lead up to his platform. He was prowling towards them, like a predator toying with its food. Hina realised that since this had begun he hadn't once glanced her way. Not once. She wasn't sure if she should feel grateful or terrified for that. Bakura dashed forwards, lashing out at Marik, catching him off guard. He grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up off his feet, flinging Marik across the room where he hit the steps Bakura had just descended down. Hina wanted to dart forwards and try to stop him, but she was terrified, she couldn't move. Bakura moved over to Marik who was lying sprawled on the steps gasping. Bakura kicked out at him lazily and Marik cried out in pain as he rolled with the kick. Bakura slammed his foot down on top of him, his foot purposely pressing against Marik's throat, slowly crushing his windpipe. As Bakura slowly pressed against Marik's throat, he pulled out an item which had been tucked away in his pocket. Hina felt sick upon realising it was a dangerously shaped knife.

"I'm going to carve you apart, slowly and painfully," Bakura hissed, the sounds reaching every corner of the silent hall. Marik was struggling against him, his hands desperately trying to push the boot clad foot off his neck.

"Stop it! You'll kill him!" Hina cried out suddenly, not entirely sure when she'd made the decision to speak.

"That's the idea," Bakura growled, his eyes transfixed on Marik's face which was twisting in agony.

"Master Marik!" Odion spoke, sounding panicked. The larger man dashed forwards, unable to refrain from doing so any longer. Bakura was ready for the assault. He turned at the last second, freeing Marik momentarily. Odion was on top of him within a second when Bakura moved forwards, plunging the knife deep into the larger man's stomach. The look on Bakura's expression was truly frightening as he licked his lips in relish. Odion who had stopped moving, a surprised look on his face, almost slumped on Bakura. There was a horrible sound as the knife was forcibly removed and Odion dropped to his knees, his hands clutching at the wound.

"O…Odion," Marik rasped out weakly as he rolled onto his side in time to see Odion fall to the floor, his robes quickly becoming soaked with blood. Bakura turned back to Marik, a malicious smile playing across his lips.

"Where was I?" He questioned mockingly, twirling the blood drenched knife around, "Oh yes, that's right, I was right in the middle of killing you," He mused planting his foot squarely on Marik's chest, forcing him to his back once more. There was an awful gurgling sound as Odion coughed, blood splattering across the floor. Bakura lifted his hand, the deathly blade clutched in his hand. Hina wanted to run forwards, to try and stop him, but she would never make it in time. She was about to watch her accomplices perish at the hands of a man she couldn't ever hope to understand. In a swift movement, Bakura brought the blade slicing through the air. Marik's face was twisted with absolute fear. Hina cried out as the blade slashed through the air, not wanting to see the bloodshed, already able to imagine just what the gory scene would look like once he'd finished with them. She couldn't watch this happen, how was this happening?

Marik's hand shot up. There was an unpleasant sound as Marik's hand met the knife halfway through its intended journey. The knife plunged through flesh. Hina cringed observing the scene. The knife had gone straight through Marik's palm and out the back of his hand but he didn't seem to notice the pain as his fingers reached out and clutched around Bakura's knife wielding hand. Marik had completely changed his expression now full of amusement, cruel enough to match Bakura's. Bakura's eyes seemed to widen in surprise at the face he was now staring in to. Marik's other hand snapped up, gripping onto Bakura's forearm. He grinned, flashing white teeth before he twisted his grip. A snapping sound echoed around the hall and Bakura winced, letting out a guttural growl. Marik's arms rippled as he put muscle to work. He lashed up with his feet as he swung the man over his head. Bakura crashed down to the floor behind Marik with a grunt. Bakura's hand released Marik and the knife was tossed across the floor, leaving a trail of blood behind it as it skidded. Marik released his grip on Bakura and clambered to his feet. Bakura was quick to follow suit and both men turned to glare at each other. Marik was smirking, his expression hideous. Bakura snarled incoherently at him and Marik threw his head back and let out a guttural manic laugh. Hina shuddered at the sound. It was pure malice.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it Bakura," Marik snarled, his eyes almost bulging out of his head as he smirked at Bakura, licking his lips as he did. Hina felt a chill run through her body like never before. It was with a terrible sickening feeling Hina began to grasp what was happening. Whoever that was, it wasn't the Marik she'd known.

"Hmm, I thought the Pharaoh banished you to the shadow Realm?" Bakura spoke, eyes glinting dangerously.

"That never stopped you," Marik laughed again.

Hina felt her feet come unstuck as Odion let out a muffled groan. She needed to get to him. She could try and help him. Hina dashed over to him dropping to her knees beside the man. He was laid out in an ever growing pool of crimson.

"What… What can I do?" Hina asked panicked. Odion managed to open his eyes and glanced her way. He didn't seem capable of speaking. Hina could see where most of the blood was seeping from and immediately her instincts took over. She pressed her hands against the gaping wound, trying to stem the flow of blood. Odion was very pale, his eyes could barely focus.

"You'll be okay…" Hina whispered more to comfort herself than anything. As she clutched onto him, she heard the conversation continue.

"So, what do you say Marik, join me?" Bakura snarled. Hina's eyes darted up to watch the two men squaring up to each other. Blood was dripping from Marik's pierced hand.

"I don't need you, I can claim the world for myself," Marik laughed once more. Hina felt herself gaping at them. How had Marik become another psycho wanting to claim the entire planet for himself? How had this been the outcome? Hina felt her mouth grow dry as she watched the scene unfold.

"I can't allow you to do that, Marik," Bakura growled his face twisting in fury.

"I beat you before, remember? I can do it again," Marik spoke in his un-natural guttural tone.

"I am stronger than you could ever imagine. The shadows obey me here, Marik, you can never win," Bakura smirked back at him, suddenly radiating confidence.

"We'll see," Marik barked his laughter, the sound echoing around the empty hall. Bakura snarled once more before dashing forwards, producing another larger knife from thin air. He lunged forwards the knife glinting. Marik dodged the attack easily, but Bakura wasn't finished, He curved round, lashing out again with the evil looking blade, slashing at Marik, aiming for his torso. Once more Marik managed to dodge the attack with a barbaric smile. He was enjoying the fight. He dodged back, skidding across the floor as Bakura tried to stab at him once more. Marik straightened up, observing the silver haired man with malice. Bakura glared back, his chest rising and falling as his eyes narrowed. Marik reached round his back and pulled his own weapon out from his pocket. Hina stared at the knife he was wielding. He brandished it towards Bakura with a sneer.

"Ha! Pathetic!" Marik mocked blood still dripping from his hand.

"I'm glad you're exactly as I remember, I've been missing a challenge," Bakura mused, licking his lips, relishing in the new challenge.

"But before we continue, I have a question for you, Marik," He spoke, twirling the knife casually in his hands. His posture was posed, ready for the next attack, anticipating it with relish.

"What is it?" Marik spat back, clearly irritated.

"How did it feel losing to the Pharaoh? I was delayed by him once, but, as you can see, in the end I still won," Bakura sneered. Marik's face contorted into one of disgust and anger.

"You'll pay for that," He spat angrily. He dashed forwards without another word. He attacked viciously, unlike anything Hina had ever seen before. There was a chaotic ferocity in his attacks and Bakura was barely able to counter or dodge. Hina recognised the evil pulsating cloud of swirling mist that began to seep out from Bakura. She felt sick seeing the shadows growing, but Marik barely noticed, or if he did, he didn't seem to care. His attacks were frantic, trying to cut and slash at any part of his opponent.

"Master… Mar…ik…" Odion whispered hoarsely, trying to move. Hina turned her attention back to him and pushed him down.

"Don't move, you'll lose more blood if you do," Hina told him, tears brimming in her eyes. She was scared. Hina cast her eyes over to Yugi, who hadn't moved this whole time. He was rebuilding the broken fake puzzle with a desperate expression. He didn't seem to have noticed the ferocious battle unfolding before them. When Hina turned her attention back to the scene, it was to see both men had sustained new injuries. Bakura had a cut running down his cheek, which had barely missed his eye. Marik's arm had been sliced. The scent of blood was hanging heavy in the air and Hina felt queasy at the sight of so much gore.

"Very well Marik, I seem to have underestimated you. Don't make the same mistake about me," Bakura snarled straightening up. With a flick of his hand the black mass of shadows that had been growing around him seemed to grow darker and several strands shot out, reaching out towards Marik. He dodged them with ease laughing manically as he did. He weaved in between them straight towards Bakura. He lashed out and Bakura barely escaped unscathed. He stumbled back, somehow caught unprepared for the attack. Marik took the opportunity and slammed his fist straight into Bakura's stomach, sending him flying backwards. The shadows he'd summoned dissipated as he crashed to the floor. Marik moved forwards to where Bakura lay on the floor, semi-conscious. He lifted his knife, examining the glint of it in the air.

"I'll take over from here, Fool," Marik cackled. Hina gaped. He was going to bring the knife crashing down. He was going to kill Bakura. Hina felt her body run cold. She couldn't let that happen. It wasn't fair and this wasn't how they were supposed to defeat him! What about Ryo? There was still an innocent boy trapped in there and he didn't deserve to die! Hina did the only thing she could think of. She darted forwards and grabbed a hold of Marik's arm, trying to pull it down.

"NO! Marik!" Hina cried out, desperately. He threw her away from him with ease. Hina crashed to the floor painfully, but she didn't have time to acknowledge the pain. She scrambled to her feet again and rushed around Marik this time, dropping to the floor before Bakura, her arms thrown out protectively. She glared up into the face of Marik and was scared to see a face she didn't recognise. She knew it still had to be him, but he looked nothing like she remembered.

"Please, Marik…" She started, "You… you can't… don't kill him… Ryo's still in there…" Hina pleaded. In reality, she knew that if he killed Bakura, then the suffering would be over, but she could shrug the feeling of dread at the idea. Ryo would die and she didn't want that to happen. She couldn't let that happen, despite herself. She'd made a promise to Ryo and she couldn't go back on it now.

"If you don't move I'll kill you too," Marik snarled at her, eyes bulging, his tongue poking out of his mouth to lick his lips. Hina shook her head refusing to budge.

"You chose your fate," He laughed harshly before lifting the knife. Hina scrunched her eyes closed, unsure how she'd got herself into this predicament.

"NO! Master… Marik!" A pained voice cried out. Hina's eyes shot open to see Odion stood. He was leaning against a pillar for support, his hands clenched over his wound, trying to keep it closed. Marik turned on the spot to glare at the man.

"You can't… Master Marik, save the girl… save Yugi… This… this isn't you," Odion struggled to speak as he coughed and blood splattered the floor. He stumbled forwards before collapsing once again to the floor. Marik seemed to stare at the body for several moments, before he dropped the knife. He clutched at his head and began to scream. Hina shuddered at the sound.

"No!" He screamed out as a pain indescribable seemed to shoot through Marik's core. He stumbled backwards, still clutching at his face. He dropped to his knees, his whole body shaking uncontrollably. Hina watched as his hands dropped from his face to hang limply at his side. He remained frozen for several tense moments breathing heavily.

"Odion…" Marik breathed. Hina watched as the man got shakily to his feet. When he lifted his head Hina was relieved to see the Marik she knew was back. Marik turned away from her and rushed over to Odion, who was laid face down on the floor, eyes closed.

"Odion!" Marik breathed, rolling the larger man onto his back. Hina walked over to them, dropping to her knees besides them. Odion looked dead. He barely had any strength left in him. His eyes opened heavily. He gazed at his brother and despite the immense pain he must have been in, he managed a small smile.

"Mas…ter… Mar…ik," he spoke, his voice hoarse.

"No, Odion! Can you walk; we need to get out of here!" Marik spoke hurriedly. Hina glanced over her shoulder at the man still lying on the floor. How long would Bakura remain down?

"Go! Master Marik… Leave…. Now!" Odion spluttered, his lips flecked with blood. He was close to death, Hina could tell.

"No, Odion, I'm not leaving you," Marik spoke determinedly. He reached forwards trying to grab at Odion's arm, ready to pull him to his feet. Odion batted his attempts away.

"Mas…ter Ma…rik! If you… don't take Yugi and go now… these past ten years… will… will have been… for nothing! Go!" Odion coughed his brow furrowed. Hina lanced back at Bakura and saw him moving.

"Please! Marik, you have to take Yugi and Go!" Hina begged grabbing onto his arm desperately. Marik wiped his eyes on his sleeve.

"Odion… I…." He began his voice wavering.

"Go!" Odion ordered. Marik nodded and stood up. Hina stood too. Marik seemed to swallow any emotion he had as his eyes turned hard and determined. He turned and dashed towards Yugi. Yugi was still sat on the floor trying to put the pieces back together.

"Yugi, we need to go," Marik spoke urgently. He didn't wait for the boy to respond before grabbing him under the arm and dragging him to his feet. Bakura had started moving on the ground. He was quickly gaining consciousness. Hina grabbed onto Yugi's other arm. Between them they stumbled towards the exit of the hall as fast as they could. Hina chanced a glance behind them as they reached the exit. Bakura was getting to his feet. Hina felt her heart beat increase in panic.

"I'll… slow him… down. Just Go!" Odion cried out. Hina watched incredulously as Odion summoned the last of his strength and stood. He swayed drastically but squared up as Bakura sat up growling. Hina turned back around and sped up, practically dragging Yugi away. They rushed along the hallway until they reached the entrance hall.

Marik pulled them outside and round the side of the vast building. It was dark out and Hina was glad, appreciating the slight cover it gave them. Yugi seemed to be more alert now, walking with them as fast as his feeble weak body would allow. They turned down the corner of the Palace and dashed on, Hina all the while glancing over her shoulder and straining her ears trying desperately to make sure Bakura wasn't following them. When they had been moving for what felt like forever, Marik halted. Hina blinked, looking up at the tattered looking thing before them.

"What… is this?" Hina asked dazed. A giant odd shaped balloon stood before them, a sort of carriage attached to its underneath its doors open and a ramp leading up into it. Marik ignored her and pulled Yugi towards it.

"Marik," A feminine voice spoke urgently. Hina stared towards the door as a woman appeared there. She was dressed in tatty looking clothes and had long black hair. Her face was contorted with panic.

"Where's Odion?" She asked moving down the ramp to help him with getting Yugi onto the thing. Hina really didn't need to be told who this woman was. It was somehow obvious. This was Marik and Odion's sister.

"He… he's buying us time," Marik spoke for the first time since leaving Odion behind. There was a meaning in his tone which the woman understood instantly.

"Odion…" She whispered desperately.

"You, you need to go!" Hina cried out feeling a horrible tugging sensation in her chest. She wasn't sure how, but she knew it meant he was getting closer. Yugi had been bundled away inside the thing and the woman had disappeared inside too. Marik stood at the entrance looking back at her.

"Get on." He barked the order. Hina felt a lump form in her throat and knew she couldn't. Besides the pain it would cause her, if she went Bakura would without a doubt be able to track them down. The piece of his soul within hers would make sure of that.

"I can't, but you need to go. Get Yugi to safety. I'll find the puzzle, the real one this time." Hina made the promise without knowing if she'd even survive to have the chance. She was horribly aware she may very well be killed tomorrow if not that evening. She was scared, her whole body felt like jelly and felt as if she would fall apart at any moment. She somehow knew she needed to keep herself together enough to allow Marik's escape.

"Hina, I promise we will return. This isn't the end of it, we will win the earth back," Marik spoke his expression unreadable just as the engine of the strange vehicle started up. Hina watched in amazement as the thing lifted up from the floor into the air.

"I…" Hina began but choked up, not sure what she had to say, what she could possibly say in the moment. Before she could even string any words together the balloon was floating away across the sky getting further and further away. Tears leaked out of Hina's eyes as she watched them go. That's when the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She could sense the darkness before she saw it. Ribbons of blackness shot out from behind her, reaching out after the balloon. Hina span on the spot to see Bakura stood behind her, his face smeared with blood, his expression livid. Hina ran over to him, but he didn't notice her. If she didn't do something right now he would capture them and they would be back to square one. Hina did the first thing that came to mind and flung herself at Bakura. She knocked him off balance and they went tumbling to the floor. Hina forced her lips against his in desperation to break his concentration. She felt the vines of shadows dissipate almost instantly. She rolled off him and gazed up into the sky to see the balloon thing disappearing into the distance. She was convinced it was too far away for him to attack now. She wanted to look at him, to work out how much trouble she was in, but couldn't bring herself too. She had just aided in Yugi's escape. She had plotted against him. She knew there was no going back now. She sensed Bakura next to her. He stood up. She wanted to say something, defend her actions, but the words wouldn't come.

"Is he…" Hina whispered thinking of Odion.

"Dead? Very." Bakura snarled back in clear understanding of what she wanted to know. Without another word, Bakura grabbed a hold of her and yanked her to her feet. Hina didn't try and stop him. She knew whatever was going to happen was inevitable. There was no use wasting precious energy trying to fight it, she'd need all the strength she could muster to survive it. She didn't complain as he dragged her along behind him, all the while his anger practically scolding Hina's skin. She could almost feel it. She didn't focus on where he was leading her. It didn't matter.

He flung her to the floor as they reached the entrance hall. Hina fell without a fight. She turned to face him from where she was sprawled. A blood drenched knife was back in his hand.

"Do you really think I'm going to hesitate in cutting you down after what you've done?" He spat viciously.

"Do it then," Hina dared him with as much spite as she could muster poisoning her words. He let out a ferocious noise as he darted forwards. His hands wrapped around Hina's throat and he lifted her up, forcing her backwards until her head connected with the wall as he slammed her against it. His knife was by her throat within a second, the blade pressing against flesh.

"Do not push your luck!" He yelled. Hina shuddered at the hate in his voice. Shadows were escaping from him, pulsating threateningly. Hina scowled at him, mustering all her hatred she had for him.

"There's no such thing as luck with you!" She snapped back, displaying her defiance to the fullest. He growled at her and the knife pressed slightly harder against her neck. Her skin gave way and was sliced open by the blade. Blood immediately began to seep from the shallow wound. Hina held back a whimper at the sharp stinging sensation.

"You deceitful fool. I will watch you rot away for the rest of your pathetic mortal days for this." He whispered dangerously, bringing his face closer to hers. There was nothing left in his face of the man she'd known previously, the one who'd appeared to care for her. Her betrayal had unleashed the monster the spirit truly was.

"You can't hurt me, Ryo's stronger than you give him credit for," Hina spoke strongly.

"You think that boy can overcome my anger? No, even I can't control the hatred I have for you, girl." He spoke. He grabbed her by the throat again, removing the blade from her neck, only to pull her away from the wall and slam her back against it. Hina cried out through gritted teeth. Her vision swam and her bones seemed to rattle.

"You will pay for their escape. You will pay for all their crimes. You should have thought of the consequences before allowing them to escape," Bakura spat once more, his absolute loathing evident.

"I was always prepared for the consequences," Hina retorted. She seemed so much more confident than she should, Bakura reflected internally. He wanted to laugh coldly at her. She was still under the impression his emotions towards her would save her. How wrong she was. He may be unable to inflict the punishment she deserved, however that wouldn't stop it from happening.

"I knew… I always knew what your plan was," He snarled at her wanting to see the terror in her eyes.

"I knew and I gave you every opportunity to back down, to tell me of the plan. I would have forgotten your betray had you confessed and not gone through with it! I played you, I made you believe I cared to see if you would give up…" Bakura hissed his face close to hers. He watched with satisfaction as her blue eyes widened. It was the reaction he'd wanted.

"It seems I've found a fool as cold hearted as me," He spat, slamming her against the wall again.

Hina wasn't sure she could understand what he was saying. Everything… it had been an act on his part? She knew she'd been putting on a show of emotion, but she couldn't deny hers were partly true at the very least. He'd given her books, showed kindness and had even kissed her? It was all a game to him. Hina couldn't quite explain the lump forming in her throat. She shouldn't feel sad at his words, she shouldn't give a damn, but part of her did.

"I… I never pretended…" Hina spoke quietly, her eyes dropping to the floor. Bakura sneered in response to her words before throwing her aside. Hina crashed to the floor. She didn't move as she battled with her emotions.

"I may not be able to inflict the pain upon you that I want, but I know someone who can," Bakura spat violently. Hina buried her face into her arms. She knew exactly who he was referring to way before the answer made itself verbally known.

"Rokurou, do whatever you see fit to this impertinent fool," Bakura's voice snarled.

"Of course, you're highness," A slimy horrible voice spoke as a hand gripped her upper arm, biting into her flesh painfully. Hina knew who it was without looking. Captain Rokurou had been looking forwards to this moment for months and the gloating excitement radiated off him. Hina was certain she was going to experience something more painful than what had been inflicted onto her before. Even so, she refused to struggle as she was dragged away from the King. Her eyes met his before he turned away from her. He couldn't inflict the pain upon her himself.

"Coward," Hina whispered as tears leaked out her eyes once more.