A/N : Hey guys! Sorry for the delay! This Chapters been in the works for a while now and I've had difficulty pulling it together, so I hope its okay. The following one, after this Chapter, shouldn't take too long to get sorted as it's been written down for a while, just needs some editing here and there. Hope everyone is enjoying the festive cheer for this time of year anyway! Please, let me know what you think! Xx

Chapter 39

Once back inside the safety of the Palace walls, Hina unfurled from her position inside the carriage. She got out of the damn thing as indignantly as she could muster, followed by a grimacing Bakura. Hina expected herself to be whisked back to the confines of the Kings bedroom and was somehow okay with that. She wanted to be left alone, her pride wounded and heart aching inexplicably. As she walked across the entrance hall, Bakura called out to her, causing her to turn on her heel and glare daggers at him.

"Do you want to see him?" He asked. Hina's expression changed drastically. She felt the shock at him asking her such a thing show across her face. Never had she actually expected Bakura to allow her to visit Osamu. Hina thought about the offer for a moment before reluctantly shaking her head.

"It's not really him…" Hina replied quietly before turning away again, holding back torrents of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Hina continued walking, feeling exhausted. She wanted to sleep despite knowing she didn't actually need to.

"Where do you think you're going?" His voice radiated out around her, louder than she expected. Hina turned back around only to come face to face with him. She jumped, startled. She hadn't been aware of him approaching her.

"I want to sleep." Hina replied flatly. He grinned toothily at her. He lent closer to her, sending colour into Hina's cheeks despite her best efforts.

"Come now, don't tell me rejection has broken your spirit?" He spoke teasingly. Hina stepped determinately back from him, his words sending embarrassment and anger flooding through her at once. Hina refused to retaliate to his words. Like she really cared what he thought of her? She couldn't give a damn, not really. Then why did she feel so… pained. Hina took a moment to regain composure, closing her eyes briefly while taking a deep calming breath. When she opened them again, a ferocity burned deep within the blue depths.

"You're right. I am only trying to get my friend back. Does that really surprise you?" Hina snapped back at him. Before she gave him chance to respond, Hina continued as a fire she'd tried to contain ignited into an explosion.

"Do you regret it? Regret taking him from me?" Hina demanded stepping closer to Bakura and prodding him in the chest, forcing him to take a step backwards.

"I literally promised you everything. I promised to willingly submit myself, my everything, to you. All you damn well had to do was spare my friend. Spare the only family I have ever known. The only thing I had left on this rotten planet and yet… you couldn't even do that, could you? You are nothing but destruction, spirit. All you stand for is death, loss and despair. How could I ever look at you and see anything else. All I see is a coward who uses fear as a weapon. You're nothing." Hina felt her temper rising as she tried desperately to maintain her composure.

"If you were to die tomorrow, murdered in your sleep, I can assure you, the only person I would mourn is the poor boy whose body you stole along with the life he once had and the friends he cherished. I would cry for the life he never had because of you," Hina finished, turning away from the spirit again. Silence fell between them as Hina breathed deeply, trying to regain control of the array of emotions she'd just let loose. Her chest rose and fell dramatically as the heat of fury that had encased her body began to steadily disintegrate.

"Is that true?" His voice demanded quite suddenly, breaking the tension. Hina blinked back tears as she thought over his question. Was everything she'd just declared the truth? Hina didn't want to admit it, but she knew most of what she'd spoken was done so in spite. She didn't however want to back down. She wanted to wound Bakura in the only way she possibly could. Hina turned back to him, forcing a ferocious expression onto her face.

"Look at me. Look at what you've done to me. I shouldn't even be alive. I wish I had died. How could I feel anything other than loathing towards the person responsible for this," Hina gestured to herself and the slowly healing injuries she still supported.

"You don't deserve anything other than my hatred," Hina whispered before turning away from him again. She walked away from him, this time determined she'd get away from the monster, at least for a short while. If he shouted her back, she'd ignore him. If he wanted her to stop, he would have to force her because she wasn't doing it willingly.

Bakura watched her go a dead clammy feeling clawing its way up inside his stomach. Her words had affected him more than he cared to admit out loud, but he couldn't lie to himself. Her words had hurt him. He felt the effects of them burning at his insides as a wave of hideous emotion washed over him. He clutched at his chest a low growl emitting from him as he tried to contain his repugnant fury. Without another word, Bakura turned on his heel and stormed away from the scene. Once back outside, He turned to his right and followed the pathway that led around his palace. He needed to let off steam and he knew the exact way to do it.

Hina returned to the Kings room biting on her bottom lip and holding back tears as hard as she could. She didn't want to cry, she shouldn't shed tears for the monster she'd left behind her. What right did she have to cry? She had to hold herself together. Hina heard the snap of the door behind her, the noise final and terrible as it left the room in silence. A tear broke free from the confines of her eye, followed by a second, then a third. Hina bit her lip harder, refusing to shed any more, but was only rewarded by the metallic taste of blood as the skin on her lip gave way. She broke. Hina let out a sob as she lost control over what should have been controllable. Shaking her head adamantly, as if sheer defiance could rid the existence of her tears and emotions, Hina made her way over to her bed, sinking down on to it and burying her face into her pillow.

How could she have said such awful things to him? Why had she disregarded the emotions she'd spilled to him in the carriage? How could she give up on her plan so easily? Hina moaned into the pillow, the sound muffled. Why was she such a pathetic fool? Osamu would know what to do. He'd be able to comfort her. He'd listen to her problems. Hina shook her head again, trying desperately to push her friend from her mind. She had to. There was no way in hell she'd be getting her friend back after her stupid pride caused such a scene. Why couldn't she have just admitted that her outburst wasn't true? She'd needed to hurt the spirit badly, but now she'd pay for it. Returning Osamu's soul to his body seemed more distant than ever now. It was all because of her. She'd failed her friend. Again.

"Not one of you can challenge me?" Bakura snarled as he observed the circle of guards around him, most looking nervous and glancing at their fellow comrades. Bakura barked his laughter at their fear.

"I came here for more than a warm up exercise," He added with a ferocious snarl, brandishing the blunt sword lazily.

"I'll challenge you," A timid voice spoke up from the group. Bakura watched as one of his soldiers stepped forwards. The boy was weedy looking with black hair cut short. The sword he held looked almost too heavy for him to wield effectively. Bakura snorted with disdain before licking his lips, relishing the challenge. Not that it was much of one. The boy struck first, lifting the sword with both hands and swinging it downwards towards Bakura. He laughed and defended against the blow with ease. He used his blade to block and grinned as he pushed the boy backwards. He stumbled, but regained his balance quick enough.

"If you want to die, you're certainly going the right way about it." Bakura grinned before lunging after his opponent. He attacked before the boy had chance to try and counter. Bakura kicked out, his foot planting squarely in the boy's chest. The boy cried out as he flew back crashing to the floor. Bakura stood over the child and pointed the tip of his sword above the boys throat.

"Dead." He muttered, before withdrawing.

"Is this really the best humanity has to offer me?" He snorted as the boy sat up gingerly.

"Pathetic," Bakura added scornfully. He glanced to the left of the training field and took in the half a dozen or so soldiers he'd fought before this boy. They were all looking worn out and battered, some of them bleeding. In reality, his most recent victim, the boy now getting to his feet, had had it easy. His anger was ebbing away with each strike he took. He'd very nearly killed the first opponent he'd fought against. Bakura tossed his sword to the floor, no longer interested in fighting these fools. They weren't much of a challenge so it seemed pointless.

"My King, It would be an honour to challenge you," A voice sounded from across the group. Bakura, who's eyes had drifted off back towards the palace, snapped back round to take in his new challenger. A grin split across his face as he took in the man.

"Ah, Captain Rokurou." Bakura sneered in delight. Rokurou bent down to retrieve the Kings sword from the ground. He held it out to Bakura who took it eagerly. Rokurou was the best fighter he had on his side and the thought of defeating him in combat was a thought Bakura couldn't easily dismiss. Here was a fight he would enjoy.

"Are you sure you wish to take me on, Rokurou?" Bakura snarled with a grin as he positioned himself, his feet shoulder width apart and knees bent in a strong stance. He lifted his sword up, ready to attack and defend when needed.

"Absolutely sir," Rokurou nodded, his own eyes gleaming with excitement. It seemed he was just as eager to fight in this battle.

The fight started. Rokurou moved first, striking at the King with expert strength and precision. Bakura twisted to avoid the blow, countering with his own attack, his blade aiming for the man's throat. Rokurou ducked at the last second, the swing missing him and going over his head. Rokurou lunged, the point of his sword thrust forwards, intended to stab Bakura in the chest. Bakura had expected as much and side stepped easily to avoid it. Rokurou had clumsily mistaken his move and his body was propelled forwards by his attempted attack. Bakura took his moment of weakness to attack. He brought his booted foot up and kicked the man in the stomach. Rokurou felt the boot connect and he was tossed over where he thudded against the floor on his back. He wasn't down long though. Rokurou had seen many battles and had learnt how to recover within seconds. It was because of this he'd survived so long throughout the Kings reign. He returned to his feet and faced the King. He spat excess saliva to the floor before wiping his mouth and fixing his grin back in place. If was pained from the Kings attack, he didn't show it. In fact, Bakura's attack seemed to have caused him to become more eager to continue.

"My King, you fight well," Rokurou spoke, nodding curtly.

"I would be disappointed if you thought otherwise," Bakura responded, re taking his position sideways on, his sword pointing directly towards his opponent's chest.

"Shall we make this more interesting?" Rokurou suggested

"What do you want?" Bakura snarled, impatience getting the best of him.

"I want a slave," Rokurou spoke licking his lips in relish. Bakura laughed coldly at his odd request.

"Very well, defeat me here and you shall have a slave," He replied, amused.

"My pick of any?" The man asked. Bakura felt his temper flare as rage white hot erupted to life. Was the fool really testing him? Seeing if he would relinquish his ownership on the girl? Even Rokurou wasn't that damn foolish. He wanted to snarl at the man, to growl and to run his blade through the idiots heart at such a suggestion. Bakura tried to pull himself back together enough to respond, but found his mind refused to work. He kept seeing the image of the girl, in the cold dark cell, covered in her own blood, arm stuck out at an odd angle and her skin almost as cold as the stone she'd been tortured against. Rokurou had done that to her and he hated him for it. She'd very nearly died because of him. Fool. And here he was, taunting him about it. Bakura would never lose to him in a battle such as this. No, he would tear the man apart, limb from limb.

"Within reason," Bakura growled back, his eyes flashing dangerously. He didn't give the man a chance to retaliate before he stepped forwards in a flash, his sword swinging to slash at his torso. Rokurou blocked with his own blade. Bakura didn't give him a chance to counter attack before he rained down on him with an onslaught of near fatal attacks. He was forcing the largely built man to step backwards, only capable of blocking. The sound of metal colliding with metal filled the air as Bakura fought to kill.

Rokurou dodged each blow barely. Bakura changed his attacking method quite suddenly and instead of slashing for the man's chest, he thrust his blade forwards, aiming to skewer him. Rokurou threw himself backwards, avoiding the sword intended to plunge deep into his ribcage. Rokurou used the moment to launch his own attack, but it was clumsy. Bakura saw through it in an instant. Rokurou went to swing his sword from the right, but he would change his attack at the last possible moment, the deathly blow coming from the left instead. Snorting, Bakura kicked the man's legs out from beneath him before he ever had chance to try. Rokurou crashed to the floor on his front. Bakura slammed his foot down on Rokurou's back, keeping him from getting to his feet. Bakura lifted his sword, the point hovered over Rokurou's head. He wanted so much in that moment to bring it crashing down and smashing through the man's pathetic skull. He was breathing heavily as he contemplated doing just that. It would be so easy, to end the man, to kill him and make sure he never harmed Hina again.

Reality slowly came sinking back as Bakura regained control of his breathing. He removed his foot from the man. It was his orders Rokurou had acted on. No one else's. He'd told him what to do, and Rokurou had delivered. Bakura took a step away from Rokurou and watched as he got gingerly to his feet. He turned and faced Bakura, a smile across his cruel face.

"As strong as ever, your majesty." He spoke, his voice barely showing any traces of the discomfort his body was clearly in.

"You're getting lax, Rokurou," Bakura forced himself to grin back at him. He dropped his sword again and folded his arms across his chest.

"Sorry, sir," Rokurou responded as Bakura turned away from them. He'd worked his anger out enough for today. He was bored. No one could challenge him like he wanted. There was no enjoyment to be had here. Without another word he walked away from the training field and back towards the palace entrance. He'd tried it his way and now, now he would see what advice his host had for him.

"Ok, my dear sweet host," Bakura muttered aloud to himself scornfully as he glared daggers at his reflection. He was stood in a bathroom down the hall from his bedroom. He'd squared himself up in front of the ornate mirror, preparing himself for something he'd not tried for years. He was going to talk to his host, he would pick his pathetic brains and ask, essentially, for help.

"Come on, you fool, speak to me," He growled as he lent on the edge of the sink positioned before the big wall mounted mirror, his fingers clasped over the sides and his knuckles growing whiter by the second as his temper flared.

"Boy!" Bakura barked as he glared at his reflection adamantly, feeling frustrated and foolish for attempting such a thing. Why did it even matter to him anyway? He shouldn't give a damn whether or not the girl liked him. Even as he thought the words adamantly, he knew he wanted to possess her entire being and become all she could think about. He wanted to consume her mind until she was entirely his. He wasn't sure whether it was her defiance or her stubbornness that made such an idea so attractive to him, but there was no denying this desperation, this need he had to overcome her and control her. It was more than he could stand to admit out loud, but he wanted her to be his, willingly. That was why he'd decided to try this. He would ask for Ryo's help. He'd swallow his pride if he was to achieve what he wanted. He needed to own her completely.

"Oh, come on now, my dear sweet host," He spoke scornfully, a smirk pulled across his lips in amusement. Ryo was indeed weak because of his influence, but surely he wasn't trying to purposely give him the silent treatment. The idea was amusing to say the least.

"S…spirit?" A timid weak voice spoke suddenly, echoing from the back of Bakura's mind. His smirk intensified, hearing the shock, terror and wonderment in his hosts pathetic voice.

"I thought you were ignoring me?" He laughed at his weaker host with malice.

"No…I… What?" The boy asked dumbfounded. He genuinely sounded scared and fearful that Bakura was talking to him. Laughable. His shock was amusing.

"It may come as surprise to you, sweet host, however, I need your help," He glared at his reflection as if he could see into the boy's eyes the harder he stared.

"My… Help?" Ryo asked so timidly his voice was barely audible. Bakura folded his arms across his chest with a determination he wasn't sure where it had come from. All he knew was he refused to allow his host to refuse. He would help him.

"The girl. I need her to belong to me and you will help me achieve that." Bakura stated quite suddenly, his voice echoing around the room he stood in. There was a moments silence as Ryo contemplated what the spirit had declared. He thought over the possibility of it before laughing, chuckling weakly to himself. Bakura growled, hearing the sound. What position was the boy in to mock him? He had taken everything away from the boy, stripped him of his identity and he dared laugh at him? In an instant a searing pain split through Bakura as Ryo fought against him desperately. Bakura let out a growl as he staggered sideways, his fingers still clutching onto the sink for support. Ryo fought against him as hard as he possibly could, desperate to reach the surface of the darkness that had become his almost permanent home for too long. He wanted to see the world again. He wanted to see his own reflection, to see Hina. He couldn't give the spirit the satisfaction of hurting her, of beating her or trying to own her. Ryo saw the light as he surfaced and retook control of his own body once more. It hurt him to do so, it was incredibly painful to push the spirit back down into the depths of his soul and he wouldn't be able to keep a hold on himself for much longer. Ryo gazed at his reflection and saw wide terrified brown eyes staring back at him. One of his arms was clamped around his middle as he winced against the pain such a feat took. It hurt and he had to fight it. Despite the agony, Ryo gazed at his reflection in awe. It was the first time he'd truly seen his image in years. He looked tired and pained. There was a scar running down one of his pale cheeks, but other than that, he looked relatively the same.

"Are… are you so foolish… spirit?" Ryo whispered the words, watching his lips form them with a very brief happiness.

"You… You can't own her… not really… She… she won't ever… ever be yours…" He winced once more, his words sounding weaker with every second that passed them by. He hugged his torso now, trying to push back the pain as much as his feeble body could.

"I won't allow you… to… to manipulate her," He cried out scrunching his eyes closed from the agony splitting through him, seeping into his bones sickeningly.

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice." The words reverberated around Ryo's mind deafeningly as he still clutched on, desperate to maintain control of his body for as long as possible.

"You… you want to… to win her…over…" Ryo breathed as his weak legs gave way and he sank to the floor pathetically.

"Give… her… her…friend… back…" Ryo's voice faded away as he tried desperately to keep in control, but it was a lost cause, it was always a lost cause. He could never win against him. He was always too strong for him. He felt himself get pummelled down into the darkness once more and he didn't even have time to reflect on this strange turn of events. The dark hurried up to meet him faster than ever before.

Bakura climbed to his feet a scowl across his face. That had been a monumental waste of his time. No good had come out of his foolish decision to consult his host. He smashed his fist into the mirror angrily. It smashed into a thousand pieces on impact. Bakura turned away from the carnage, not caring anymore. He would just have to win the girl over on his own. He didn't need anyone's help. He could do it himself and, of course, he would win.

Hina heard the bedroom door open and watched the figure enter the room. Her tear stained eyes met his and Hina rolled over, turning her back on him. She couldn't bear to look at him. He ignited within her a multitude of difficult and conflicting emotions. She had hopped most would have died the moment he'd stolen Osamu, but for whatever reason, they were still there, hiding beneath the surface. She felt sick at the thought. She was betraying everything if she allowed these stupid, fool hearted emotions to continue. What was wrong with her? Hina heard the King walking around the room and tried to ignore him. She didn't need him to be around her. She couldn't have him near her. His very presence was driving her insane. There was no way Hina was coming out of this unscathed. She was frustrated and helpless beyond belief. She had no idea what she needed to do anymore.

"I'll give him back to you," His voice spoke suddenly from somewhere behind Hina. Hina wanted to start, to react to those words in an instant, but forced herself not to. She couldn't believe him, she didn't have the energy to believe and then be let down. He was toying with her and she hated how easy she made it for him to do just that.

"Don't play with me… please…" Hina whispered, her voice muffled from burying her face into her pillow.

"I'm not. Tomorrow, I'll restore his soul to his body," He spoke almost gently. Hina shook her head as tears threatened to leak out of her eyes again. She hated how much she cried. Since meeting the King she'd shed more tears than she ever had before. It was pathetic.

"Stop. Please… I'm begging you… just…stop," Hina wouldn't get drawn in; she wouldn't allow him to toy with her emotions, yet again. She was better than that. How dare he even try?

"Girl," His voice growled warningly. Hina sat up and swivelled round to face him. That was when she saw it, in his expression. The earnestness spread over what was usually a cruel or malicious expression. He was been deadly serious. He was honestly going to give her, her friend back. Hina felt sick at the prospect. He was been serious.

"What… why? Really?" Words tumbled from her lips suspiciously. She was terrified he was going to be lying to her, that this was all some cold prank or a rouse. Why would he give Osamu back to her after what she'd said to him? There was no way he would have listened to her words, would have understood the gravity of what he'd done and put her through. How?

"I do, however, have one condition," He sneered, folding his arms across his chest. Hina felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. There was never going to be any give with this monster unless he got something back in return. He wouldn't do anything out of good will. He truly was dark whereas Ryo, Ryo symbolised light. Hina wanted to snort at herself for not realising he'd want something in return.

"Go on," Hina spoke in a monotone voice, resigned to hear his request.

"You," He responded without hesitation. Hina frowned at him.

"Me?" She repeated eyebrow raised slightly. What did he mean by that? Hina puzzled over it for a moment when the idea struck. Did he want her to trade places with Osamu? Did he want her soul trapped in the shadows? Hina turned pale at the prospect as a cavern opened up in her stomach making her queasy with unease.

"You… you want me… to trade places… my soul in the… the shadows?" Hina asked her mouth becoming very dry. Bakura watched the terror in her face as he contemplated the idea. He very much liked the idea of his little slave girl locked away in the shadow realm, for him to play with whenever he saw fit. It amused him and he couldn't contain the grin that the idea brought with it.

"As fun as that sounds, it's not what I mean," He spoke watching Hina carefully.

"Then… what?" Hina responded.

"You'll belong to me. Permanently. Just like before. Before Marik, before Captain Rokurou. It goes back to the way it was. The very way you promised me it would be if I spared your friend. I'm returning him to you and I swear he will live a happy long life in exchange." Bakura stated his conditions with the faintest smile across his lips.

Hina glared at him, desperately trying to hide the swirling whirlwind of emotions exploding inside her all at once. On one, very large, side, Hina was elated. It was everything she'd promised, everything she'd been willing to give in order for Osamu to live and, although it was delayed, now it could become reality. On the other hand, Hina was fuming, was furious that he'd contemplated her proposal far too late after far too much suffering. How dare he? Hina didn't really have to examine her feelings though, to know what her answer would be. Of course, she would do anything to give Osamu his life back.

"And you give him back, tomorrow, that soon?" Hina gulped, unsure if she should really be buying into this, but knowing there was no way she could risk passing the opportunity by.

"Yes. Tomorrow." He confirmed with a curt nod. Hina stood up and faced him, hardly daring to believe it.

"Do you promise? You'll stick to your word?" Hina asked squaring up to him and glaring into his eyes. He nodded once. Hina closed her eyes and exhaled. Relief she had no right to feel washed over her, flooding through her system making her feel weak. It was beyond belief, beyond anything. She could barely bring herself to believe it. The thoughts of Marik and the army threatening to overcome the city were a long, long way away as she enjoyed the moment with glee.

"Okay," Hina whispered as she snapped her eyes open to stare adamantly at him. She smiled and for once, it felt real.

"I will do it. Thank you," Hina whispered before adding, "And I'm sorry, for what I said earlier. I know you probably won't believe me, but it's true. No matter what, I can't force myself to hate you, not really." Hina smiled again. Osamu would be okay and in return, she would be okay. She could live with her wounds, her pain and broken bones, but the prospect of living without Osamu was the cause of so much agony, agony he was willing to free her from.

Bakura stood still as he gazed on at the expression spreading across the girls face. She was happy, happier than he'd seen her before. He had taken something from his talk with his host after all. If all it took was to free her friend, she was simpler than he imagined, but he couldn't complain. It had worked out for him perfectly. The very admittance from her that she didn't actually hate him caused a strange sensation to spread within him. He had been foolish before, to take her friend away in the first place. She had promised everything to him, anything and everything she could and he'd dismissed it without a second thought, his anger making him rash, but now, he could repair the damage he'd done. She would be his and the thought pleased him. She was his.

Hina knew she was being weak. She was so ashamed of herself for giving in so easily, but what could she do? It would be a lie to pretend she wasn't damaged, beyond repair in many aspects. Wasn't she allowed to be weak? She was only human and she wasn't sure she really could keep up this fight anymore. Every inch of her, every molecule and nerve was in pain. Hina knew it was the right decision to make. Osamu deserved nothing less than an attempt at life. He'd tried to give his life to save Hina's. Hina refused to do anything less for him. The smile spreading across her face, although watery, was genuine. Happiness swelled in her chest as she found some sort of solace in this crazy out of control world. Hina made a decision then and there. When he returned Osamu to her, she would tell him about Marik's plan to infiltrate the city. She would use that piece of information to rebuild the trust she'd lost. She hated herself for making the decision but she really wasn't strong enough to struggle on any more. She'd fought against him for so long. Now, she could find a sliver of peace. She just wanted to rest. Hina stepped forwards and buried her face against his chest, her good arm wrapping around him. Bakura hesitated for a moment before holding her close. Warmth spread throughout his chest and he exhaled slowly. His Host really did have a lot to answer for, he thought begrudgingly.