A/N : Happy New Year! 2016, who'd have thought. Anyway, here is the new chapter. I hope no one minds, but it is a little longer than usual, however, I feel a fair bit occurs within it. As ever, I do love to hear any thoughts you may have about it, so please, don't hesitate in letting me know.
Chapter 40
Hina woke up gradually. She sighed, enjoying the warmth of the thick cover wrapped around her. She clutched onto them and snuggled deeper into the bliss of the bed. Hina rolled over as the person lying next to her stirred slightly. She came face to face with the King. He was still sleeping, looking as peaceful as it was possible for him to look. Hina smiled gently feeling his arm draped across her, his legs tangled in hers. Part of believed she should be ashamed of herself, and a small portion of her was, but it wasn't enough to stop her. Hina had endured more than any person should ever have to. She no longer wanted to be a part of the fight, the unwinnable battle. It wasn't her burden to bear. Bakura was giving her the only thing in the world she wanted back. She would be forever and eternally grateful for that. Osamu would return to the world and she, she would do whatever the King asked of her in thanks. Hina shifted her weight on the bed, trying to find a comfortable position. Her mind wandered to what she'd promised herself she would do upon been given Osamu back. She'd tell Bakura about Marik and his plan. Hina bit her lip as she thought it over. Hina hoped against hope he would allow them to live. She couldn't bear it if he killed them. Somehow, she didn't think he would murder them all, at least she hoped that. Hina turned her face back towards the man asleep next to her. His eyes were open. Hina let out a surprised yelp. He grinned at her.
"What are you thinking about?" He demanded. Hina swallowed her thoughts. She smiled weakly back at him.
"Nothing," She lied. He raised an eyebrow at her obvious lie. Hina averted her eyes from him, not wanting him to draw the truth out of her.
"Okay… I was thinking about Osamu…" Hina admitted. She wasn't really lying about that. He had been in her thoughts. Bakura sat up, the bed sheets falling off his pale chest. Hina copied his movement and sat up too, facing him.
"He's like a brother to you?" Bakura asked, although it didn't seem like a question. He was more or less just stating the facts. Hina nodded.
"Yes. A big brother… he always looked out for me," Hina responded. Bakura turned away from Hina and sighed. Hina wasn't certain, but it sounded like a sigh of relief. He pushed the covers off him and stood up. Hina remained sat in the bed not wanting to relinquish the warmth. She watched as the man dressed, walking around the room collecting together clean clothes. Hina's thoughts immediately flickered back to Marik and the plan that would surely come in to effect soon. Hina imagined getting Osamu back and then telling Bakura of the plan. Would he be angry that she hadn't confessed to knowing sooner? Hina felt a jolt of terror spasm in her stomach at the thought. She didn't want him to be mad at her. She wanted him to accept her. What if her not telling him beforehand made him think she was trying to betray him again? Hina tried to swallow down the fear at such a thought.
"Where are you going?" Hina questioned as he pulled on a T-shirt. He turned back to her, his usual cruel smirk fixed in place.
"A ruler always has his duties," Bakura smirked back. Hina bit her lip, feeling nauseous. He walked towards her side of the bed, where she sat rigid and tense.
"It's late, I'll be back soon," He told her before kissing her gently, his fingertips pressing under her chin to tilt her face up to meet his. Hina felt the air catch in her throat at the tender contact. It was blissful and she could feel her heart swelling with impossible emotions she didn't dare begin to try and examine. He released her all too soon for Hina's liking. He examined her face, a grin spreading across his lips at the colour surge in her cheeks. He straightened back up and Hina's mind raced. She had to confess, to tell him. If she didn't and he found out later, he'd be so angry at her. Hina watched as he crossed the room, heading towards the exit. Taking a deep breath, Hina jumped to her feet, preparing herself.
"Wait!" She cried out stepping closer to him. Bakura turned around to stare at her. Hina gulped down her fear.
"I… I have to tell you something," Hina forced the words out of her lips in terror. He stood there, waiting for her to speak and Hina knew the moment had come. This was it, the final step she would take before completely switching sides. This was the final move. After this, she could completely relax in knowing she was his. Hina found her resolve as she stared into Bakura's face. He was watching her expectantly, waiting for her to speak. Hina stepped closer to him, finally prepared. She opened her mouth to speak, to confess.
A loud thundering boom ricocheted through the building. Hina cried out as the explosion caught her completely off guard. She stumbled forwards and Bakura caught hold of her easily. He steadied her before storming over to one of the large windows in the room. He glared out over the scene of the city. Hina followed him terrified. She gazed out, her eyes focusing in on a terrifying scene bellow them. There was now a gaping hole in the wall that separated the palace from the rest of the city. Debris scattered all around the area, flames flickering eerily in the darkness of the night, casting strange shadows across the devastating scene. Hina could feel the pure livid anger radiating off the man stood next to her. Hina gulped as people poured in through the damaged gates, meeting the king's guard head on. Bakura turned away from the window and stormed across the room, his aura already pulsating with the sheer ferocity of his rage.
"Wait!" Hina cried out desperately. She wanted to go with him. She didn't want their unspoken agreement to end. As he pulled the door open, he turned to Hina, his expression softening ever so slightly.
"Stay here. I'll be back for you," He ordered shortly. Hina didn't even have chance to respond before he'd disappeared, the door closing with a bang behind him. Hina returned to the window to watch as fires erupted to life all across the city, the explosions shaking the palace ever so often, sending her mind into overdrive.
Bakura stormed through his home, really having to focus on keeping the sheer hatred from bursting free of him. He barked orders at the first couple of guards he'd saw.
"Position yourself outside my bedroom and don't you dare leave!" He snarled. The guards, who both seemed to be in a daze, reacted instantly. They darted past him and disappeared in an instant. Bakura reached the ground floor within minutes. He stormed out into the night, pulling all of his power towards him. Black shadows, thick and intoxicating erupted around him. He wielded them as an horrendous weapon as he marched into the midst of the violent bloodshed.
Hina paced back and forth across the room, trying desperately to drown out the sound of battle that reached up to her easily. This was Marik's doing. It had to be. There was no escaping that fact. Hina felt tears forming in her eyes as overwhelming guilt ate away at her. If she'd told him, confessed to what she'd known sooner, none of this would be happening. Bakura could have stopped it before it got to this ridiculous stage. How had she been so stupid? Hina chewed on her lower lip nervously, trying to block out the overwhelming guilt that was gnawing away at her insides. The people out there, those who fell and died in the fight, their lives were on her. She was to blame. Hina could have stopped this. As Hina paced, seconds turned into minutes. How long had it been since Bakura had left her up here? Hina was scared for him. What if he got injured? What if he got seriously injured in the fight? Hina stopped in the centre of the room, forcing herself to breath. She couldn't think like that. There was no way in hell he'd ever get hurt. He was too strong, too powerful. It wouldn't happen. Hina was about to continue pacing when she heard a noise outside the room. She froze, listening intently. It sounded like shuffling, followed by a bang and a strange wet noise, almost like a gurgling. Hina stared terrified at the large golden door that separated her from whatever it was that had caused the noise.
The door opened suddenly, carefully and slow. Hina stepped back in fear as a figure stepped into the room. It took her a few moments to recognise the large bulky man stood before her. Fear coursed through her body as her brain focused.
"R…Rokurou?" Hina choked the name out. The man stepped closer and Hina saw blood spattered across his clothing and face. His expression was ferocious. In his hand, he clutched a blood soaked sword.
"Why… what are you doing here?" Hina asked dumbfounded her whole body alert and tensed from his presence and the danger it posed.
"Should… shouldn't you be out there," Hina gestured towards the window where the flickering of fire glowed in the night. He stepped closer a crazed expression sweeping across his face.
"I had to kill them…" The man muttered, more to himself than to Hina. She stepped back again.
"Who?" Hina asked terrified. Where was Bakura? She was in serious danger. Why was she only thinking about been rescued? Hina needed to pull herself together. She had to find her fight. She couldn't rely on others to save her. Wasn't she the girl who had tried to escape across the rooftops of the city? Wasn't she the one who'd fought against the King till the very end, until she could fight no more? Hina tried desperately to find her inner fight, to find that ball of strength residing within her. Try as she might, it felt impossible. The awful truth of the matter was she was petrified of the man stood looming before her. He had tortured her, hurt her beyond anything she'd ever endured before. There were deep psychological scars that ran deeper than any of the physical ones she'd endured at his hands. She had no fighting will power against him. His sudden appearance had completely caught her off guard. It had been so sudden, unexpected. She couldn't have prepared herself for it. There was nothing she could do. it didn't seem real.
"The men, guarding you," He answered her question, a manic grin splitting his ugly face. He prowled closer to her, the light in the room glinting off his blade.
"It'll look like one of them… the rebels…" He snarled, "It'll look like they broke in to the palace and slaughtered the Kings whore!" He spat. Hina gulped down her fear.
"B…but… He's your King… why… why would you destroy his possession?" Hina asked desperately trying to keep the sob from her tone. Terror dominated over every sense in her body, right down to her bones.
"I'm about to destroy you, so I'll humour your questions…" He laughed sardonically, "The King has changed since you came along. The King used to be mighty and fearsome. Any in his presence would quiver in terror at his merciless reign. That was a King I could respect. I could follow," Rokurou spat, real hatred in his glare.
"Since you he's gone soft. If I take you out of the picture, he'll return. The great merciless King will return to us and lay waste to the idiots who inhabit the earth. All I have to do, is get rid of you," He declared. Hina backed further away and cried out as the back of her legs crashed against the bed.
"You… You're mad!" Hina exclaimed as tears leaked out of her eyes.
"Maybe, but I don't care. I want the King back!" Rokurou roared before pouncing. Hina cried out and threw herself out of the way. She lost her balance and fell to the ground landing on her bandaged arm. She felt the pain shudder through her, but had no time to react to it. Hina stumbled to her feet just as Rokurou reached out for her again. Hina tried to dodge him, but he was too quick. He grabbed her before throwing her against the wall. Hina's body collided against the solid brick and was instantly winded. Despite her pain, Hina forced herself up once more. She could nurse her injuries later, right now she had to survive. Hina ran over to the heavy golden door. She wrenched it open and was about to step out into the lit hallway when her eyes fell across the bodies of two men. They were lying in pieces at her feet, blood covering every inch of them. Hina felt sick as her eyes refused to pull away from the dismembered head, its wide lifeless eyes staring up at her. Hina had paused, in a state of shock, for too long. Hands gripped at her hard, wrenching her back into the room. Hina was lifted off her feet and pressed against the man determined to be her executioner. He threw her across the room once more. Hina went crashing onto the bed. She didn't have the chance to scramble to her feet before Rokurou's presence bore down on her. He restrained her onto the bed, the scent of death and decay radiating of the vile man. Hina tried kicking out at him but any attempt that connected didn't seem to affect him. His thick heavy hands ran over her body as his brute force pinned her in place.
"Maybe I should see what all the fuss is about," He snarled bringing his face closer to hers. Hina tried pushing against him, desperate to get him off her. She felt revolted at the feel of him touching her. Her attempts were useless, he was too strong for her.
"You've got to be good for something, for the King to keep a worthless runt like you around," He breathed, his foul smelling breath snaking over her, making Hina recoil in disgust.
"Get… off…" Hina cried out, her legs pressing into the man's stomach. With all her strength she tried to kick him off her, but it was useless.
"HELP ME! PLEASE!" Hina screamed out desperately, hoping against hope someone would hear her pleas. His hand clamped over her mouth, silencing her instantly.
"No one can hear you, princess," He laughed harshly. Hina stared into the man's face, terrified.
"Just picture it, girl. The brutish uncivilised rebels breaking in to the palace mid fight and ravaging the King's little whore, before murdering her. His resulting anger and furious rein would know no bounds. He'd be the fearsome leader he was before, if not more so. What do you reckon?" Rokurou laughed, his free hand running down Hina's trembling body once more. Hina glared at him before biting as hard as she could into his fleshy hand. He let out a growl of pain, pulling his hand away from her. Hina took the opportunity to try and scramble away.
"Bitch!" He screamed out angrily. Hina was on her hands and knees, but had barely put any space between herself and her attacker when he grabbed her ankles. Hina let out a cry of despair as he yanked her back down the bed towards him. He flipped her over, back onto her back. Hina watched terrified as he pulled a thick rough looking rope from his pocket. Hina lashed out, going into a frenzy. She kicked and punched, her limbs flailing about desperately as his body pinned her down. With one swift movement, Hina felt his hand collide against her head. Hina felt her mind numb and her body slump as she teetered on the edge of consciousness. She was left in a daze as her face burned white hot from the assault. She struggled to fight against him as her arms were pulled roughly together and the thick rope was wrapped tightly around her wrists. Hina tried desperately to fight against the darkness threatening to sweep over her. She had to stay awake. She had to fight. If she didn't, he would kill her. Hina felt fingers grip tightly onto her chin, her head was moved back to the centre where her vision swam. She tried desperately to focus on the face that loomed over her. Slowly, everything turned dark. Hina tried to fight it, but she couldn't. She blacked out.
Hina awoke with a start. She was suddenly drenched. She gasped, her throat clenching from the cold water as very little oxygen made it to her lungs. Hina tried to sit up, but there was a heaviness across her chest which prevented her from doing so. Her arms were stretched out above her head and she could feel they were bound tightly together. Hina's vision focused in as the pain in her cheek and jaw ignited with agony.
"I considered continuing with you while you were out, but where would be the fun in that," A cruel voice spoke to her. Hina blinked and the man sat upon her came into view. Rokurou. Hina understood. He'd hit her, knocking her out cold. He'd forced her awake to witness her own murder. He wanted her awake for it. Hina glanced around. She was still laid out on the bed and Rokurou had a large bucket in his hands. He tossed it aside now.
"Get off me!" Hina snarled with as much tenacity as she could muster. She was absolutely terrified, more than she had ever been in the presence of the King. This man, this cruel evil man, he was worse than Bakura could ever be. The King had a reason for been the way he was. He'd suffered and had reacted to that suffering with a need for revenge, this man, this pathetic excuse for a human being, he had no reason. He was just cold, empty and cruel. With a sudden flicker of anger, Rokurou hit her across the face again, although this time not as hard. Hina's eyes still swam and her face erupted in pain once more.
"I hold your life in my hands, you'll speak to me with respect," Rokurou snarled. He brought his face closer to Hina', madness dancing behind the hatred in his eyes. Hina spat at him, her saliva hitting him in the face.
"I will never speak to you as an equal." Hina snarled as he straightened back up, wiping her spit away on the back of his hands.
"I was going to have fun with you before killing you, but you're not worth it," He snarled, "I'll just have fun after I've disposed of you, worthless bitch," He rasped. Hina was about to retort when his hands reached up to her neck. His thick fingers wrapped around her throat and began to squeeze slowly. Hina choked and rasped. She bucked her hips and slammed her bound hands against him as he agonizingly slowly squeezed the air from her. It did nothing to quell him. Hina tried desperately to breath, but couldn't. She could feel her body beginning to scream, needing the air he was so easily denying her. Hina reflected that this was it, this was how she would die. He was killing her, slowly, in the most painful and uncomfortable way she could imagine. Blackness once again threatened her vision as her brain began to shut down. Noise no longer registered with Hina as blood pounded in her ears. This time, the darkness that began to swallow her up seemed definite, final. Hina tried with every last strength her body possessed to fight him off, but he was far too strong for her. It was hopeless. Hina stared one last time into the man killing her.
Rokurou's body went suddenly rigid. His eyes widened ever so slightly. His grip loosened. Hina watched with disbelief as the man slumped sideways, a large knife sticking out of his back. Hina stared past him to the figure that had undoubtedly saved her life. Once again able to breathe, Hina inhaled a great lungful of air and coughed violently. She rolled onto her side as she coughed harshly, her breathing raspy as her oxygen starved body was kicked back in to life.
"Hina," A voice growled, almost panicked. Hands grabbed at her and Hina cried out, terrified Rokurou had come to finish her off. The hands reached up to her tightly bound wrists. Hina stopped moving and watched as Bakura's angry face swam into view. He untied her wrists and stared at the terrified girl. Once free Hina sat up and buried her face against his chest, sobs ripping from her instantly. He wrapped her in his arms, sweeping her off the surface of the bed.
"Are you okay?" He breathed as she fell apart. Her gasping breaths sounded harsh and painful. He sat her down on the table in the centre of the room. He needed to examine her injuries. She slumped there, barely strong enough to keep herself upright. Bakura took hold of her chin gently and tilted her head from side to side, examining the damage. Her neck was raw and bruising over already. Her face which had barely just recovered from her previous injuries, was now covered in fresh damage and swelling.
He'd sensed the danger she was in from the centre of the battle. He'd slain traitor after traitor down without any fear, but feeling his instincts telling him Hina was in trouble, that had terrified him above all else. He'd stormed through the palace with a hideous sense of dread burning his insides, which had only increased upon turning onto the corridor his room was located on. The crumpled dismembered bodies lying outside his door made him feel sick. Not because of the violence of their deaths, but because of the implication their deaths indicated. Walking into his room and witnessing Hina fighting helplessly for her life against one of his own men had chilled him. He'd pounced into action immediately. Stabbing the Captain of Kings guard had been easy. He was trying to harm his girl, his slave, his Hina. No one would ever walk away from that with their lives intact.
Hina struggled to breathe. Her neck hurt, her body ached. Everything was in pain. She lifted her eyes up to meet Bakura's and was overcome with relief. She'd survived. He'd saved her.
"Is… is he…?" Hina choked, her eyes flickering over to the man lying beside the bed.
"Dead?" Bakura finished her sentence with a smirk, "Very. I severed his spinal column," He finished, still grinning. Hina gulped and nodded. Bakura held his hand out to her. He still had a task that needed to be done. The war raging on outside would sure enough meet them soon if they didn't move. There were more of the foolish rebellious idiots than he had anticipated.
Hina stared at him with fearful eyes. She was terrified. She'd nearly died and not for the first time at the hands of Rokurou. Hina wiped away her tears and took Bakura's outstretched hand. He pulled her up off the table, his expression turning serious. Hina wanted to question where he intended to take them, but didn't ask. She was incredibly weak and Bakura had to support her weight as he practically dragged her out of the room.
Bakura lead Hina through the many corridors of the palace, descending each floor, a new determination rearing its head within him. Hina limped along with him, his hand never relinquishing its grip upon hers. Inside the palace was madness. There were people running around desperately, soldiers been carried inside with deathly injuries and others returning to the battle, a new blade in hand. When they reached the entrance hall, Bakura turned right and pulled Hina to the far side of the building, passing by the kitchens and the slaves quarters. Hina had the briefest moment to reflect she had never been to this part of the palace before. They stopped before an old heavy looking wooden door. Bakura pulled a key out of his pocket and pushed it into the lock. He opened the door with ease. Hina gazed into the room. There was a set of stairs. They descended downwards for as far as Hina could see, the end of them disappearing into darkness. Hina found herself desperate to not disappear into the depths of pitch black, but she wasn't given the choice. Tugging on her, Bakura pulled her forwards.
"Where are we going?" Hina asked desperately after a few minutes of silence passed them by, nothing but the echoing sound of their footsteps pressing against Hina's ears. The sounds of battle had long since left them as they descended deeper and deeper into the pits of hell. Hina felt tears burning her eyes once more as they continued onwards. She wanted to rest, needed to rest. She'd very nearly been killed. Hina tugged on his hand gently.
"Please… I… I need to rest…" Hina begged, her body screaming at her. She was on edge and could somehow sense where they were going was somewhere she wanted to avoid. He didn't respond other than to yank her closer to him. Hina stumbled against him, forced onwards. They reached the end of the steps. Hina breathed deeply, her breath still sounding raspy. She was exhausted. Hina stared out into the darkness desperately. Bakura's hand released her, leaving her standing alone in pitch black. Hina wanted to find him again. She reached out into the darkness, her hands searching for him.
"Don't fight me," His voice spoke suddenly, echoing all around Hina. She span on the spot searching for him. Where was he? What was he doing? Why was he trying to scare her? His hand shot out and wrapped around her wrist, making Hina yelp in surprise. Light erupted to life, forcing the darkness back. Hina blinked. Bakura stood facing her. The light was coming from the ring around his neck. The golden object had lit up, the five prongs on the object erect, pointing down the corridor they were stood in. Hina gulped, seeing the fury in the man's face. With a tug, he dragged her down the way the millennium ring was directing them in. His grip only tightened as the corridor deformed and twisted around them with each step they took. Hina examined her surroundings in the dim light as she was dragged further into what felt like the bowels of hell. The corridor became steadily unclean and misshapen, as if it had been carved carelessly into the rock.
"Where are we going?" Hina cried out as he stormed down the hall, Hina flailing around behind him weakly.
"STOP!" Hina tried to command as tears freed themselves, but of course, he didn't listen. Hina whimpered as his grip tightened even more, turning vice like. She tried to pull away again but stopped, her mouth falling open. The passage way had opened up. They were stood at the edge of a vast incredible cavernous cave. Hina could barely believe this was hidden somewhere beneath the vast dilapidated city. Hina gazed upwards and couldn't make out the ceiling, and then she gazed down. Her heart leapt in her chest. There was no floor. No visible floor, anyway. Bellow them was a hideous swirling purple and black mass of pulsating shadows. Hina felt her body begin to quake, every nerve and sense in her body had been overwhelmed and now she felt too close to a meltdown. There was a small tiny pathway carved into the cavern, crossing above the shadows. It was a thin walkway, barely three feet wide. One wrong foot and Hina would go tumbling down into the depths of the darkness. In her current, weakened state, there was no way Hina could make it.
"I… I… can't…" She whimpered, her knee's buckling. She would have fallen to the dusty floor, if not for Bakura's hold on her. He glanced her way irritably before pulling her onto his back. He didn't even need to bark the orders at Hina for her to understand. She draped her arms around his neck as he clutched onto her legs. Collapsed against his back, Hina felt somehow safer. He stepped forwards, onto the thin winding pathway. Hina could see from over his shoulder and watched with trepidation as he entered the ginormous cavern. As they proceeded, Hina watched with terrified awe as a structure appeared out of the overwhelming darkness. A building she couldn't quite believe she was seeing. A pyramid made of gold stood proudly in the centre of the cavern, but it had no means to be there. It had no support. It was just floating there, in the centre of the cave, nothing apart from the path they were now on touching it. It was impossible. Hina wanted to exclaim her dismay, but found she couldn't bring herself to. The place was incredible and awesome, but it had a negative feel to it. She didn't like it. There was something very wrong about it. Hina gritted her teeth as they approached the mass of gold.
They passed through the open doorway and light sprung to life within the belly of the pyramid. Torches lined the four slanting walls, the flickering fire reflected in the gold of the walls. Bakura knelt down and Hina slid from his back, her legs still weak. She gazed around the room in surprise. Hina wasn't sure what she'd expected to see here, but it wasn't what she'd actually found. There was a large strangely shaped slab in the centre of the room. To its left was what appeared to be a pool of water. Hina frowned perplexed.
"What are we doing here?" Hina asked in a hushed tone, her voice echoing around the room eerily. Bakura turned his ferocious glare onto her, causing the air to choke in her throat. She deduced that whatever the reasoning, it wasn't good. Hina was instantly overcome with the urge to flee. Whatever this place was, it was bad, evil. She didn't want to be here. She could sense the malicious, evil energy pressing in on her on all sides, as if trying to diminish the only light in darkness. It felt like she was been choked all over again. She wanted to get away. The need to escape this place was so overwhelming; Hina took a shaky, hesitant step towards the doorway they'd only just entered through. Bakura's eyes followed her and turned ferocious at her step.
"Don't run" He ordered. After several moments of fighting against her instincts, Hina decided to obey him and nodded ever so slightly. He smiled, satisfied. Bakura approached the slab in the centre of the room, pulling the millennium ring off over his head as he did. Hina approached it too, curiosity winning over her. Her breathing hitched as she reached its side. It was in the shape of a person, strange symbols and detailing carved all over it. There among the sand coloured stone shone pieces of gold. Hina recognised them at once. These were the millennium items, the real ones this time. Hina's eyes glazed over it in awe. In the centre of the stone was a hole, the perfect shape of the ring Bakura now held in his hands.
"What… what is this?" Hina asked her tone barely audible as her eyes landed on the pyramid shaped puzzle. The one she'd been tasked with helping Yugi complete. That time felt like years ago.
"This is the millennium stone. When all the pieces are gathered together in this stone, I can control the ultimate power," Bakura replied in something close to a whisper. Hina shuddered.
"What are you going to do? Why are we here?" Hina demanded, tearing her eyes from the items and back up to Bakura's face.
"I am going to release Zorc. I will defeat the fools who try to oppose me, who are trying to beat me. They'll never survive Zorc's power," He cackled as he held his millennium ring out, readying himself to press it into the rock.
"What? No… you can't!" Hina stuttered. She remembered talks of a beast so ferocious and terrifying. She had heard people speak of it and how it had conquered the land, standing as tall as a skyscraper. It was the reason the earth fell so easily at Bakura's feet. It was cruel and evil, a being of absolute destruction. It would bring with it nothing but death and terror. Hina couldn't let him release such a creature.
"Please… lots of people will die. Your people!" Hina tried to plead and reason with him. He laughed manically, the noise echoing around the room.
"And you think I care?" He barked.
"Everyone will die if you release that… that thing! You can't! What about everything you've built? This kingdom? It's… it's all yours! You'd have to start all over again!" Hina cried out fearfully. Bakura moved around the table to face her.
"Do you really think I care about any of the pitiful idiots that roam my city, my world?" he spat savagely.
"You really believe I will let the fools attempting to destroy me and my revenge, walk free without punishment?" He continued. Hina felt sick to her stomach and she was starting to trembled under his ferocious words.
"You… you've had your revenge…spirit, isn't it enough yet?" Hina whispered approaching him and swallowing down her fear. She reached out and gently touched the scar that marked his face. He flinched under her fingertips, but did nothing further to dispel her contact. His eyes softened ever so slightly.
"I'll wipe this place off the face of my earth. I can start again, with you. You can stay by my side, Hina…" He spoke gently, his words almost moving as he stared into what Hina was convinced was her soul. She wasn't sure how to respond. Emotions she'd forced herself to keep locked away roared to life as they broke free. Tears formed in her eyes as he approached her. He bent his head and kissed her gently. Hina refused to get pulled in. She refused to kiss him back. When he straightened up, his mind was made up. He returned to the rock, holding the ring out above it. He lowered the golden object steadily. Hina blinked back tears and leapt forwards. She didn't go for the ring. Instead her fingers latched around the millennium puzzle, wrenching it free from the rock. There was a rumbling sound and the pyramid shook violently as Hina stumbled backwards, clutching the completed puzzle to her chest. Bakura was glaring daggers at her as if he might leap forwards and tear her apart bare handed.
"Girl," His voice growled as he stepped around the rock. Hina backed away, closer to the exit.
"Give it back," He snarled. The whole room seemed to be shaking as if the floating pyramid had become unstable. Hina shook her head as she held the puzzle to her chest tightly.
"Please… please, don't do this," Hina begged, choking out the words. She didn't want this. She wanted to give in to him. She couldn't deny it. What he was offering her sounded nice, blissful, but she couldn't live with mass genocide on her hands. He may not see it as such, but there was no escaping it in Hina's mind. She had to stop him.
"If… If I'm really so important to you… you won't do this… We could just leave, right now. Take your ring, but leave the rest… we can go anywhere, anywhere in the entire world… just don't do this." Hina pleaded desperately. Her heart was breaking with each passing moment. She'd wanted to be his. She could stand by him through his cruelty and sadistic rule. Despite herself, that she could handle. The mass murder of so many people, people who had agreed to follow him and obey him, that was something she couldn't handle.
"Give. It. Back." He ordered his voice scarier than Hina had ever heard it before. He was too consumed in his need for blood, his desire for revenge. He hadn't heard her pleas or if he had, he didn't care, either way the outcome was the same. He wanted his revenge, his power, more than he wanted her. Hina should have known this all along. Should have seen it and not allowed herself to fall into thick deep emotions for him. He was at heart, a cold blooded monster and no matter how much she loved him or cared for him, it would never change that.
"I… I can't… I'm sorry…" Hina responded shakily, still backing away, preparing herself to flee. If Kaiba and Marik had begun an assault on the city, Yugi might be with them and he needed the item she clutched at, didn't he? It would help to defeat the man now prowling towards her like a vicious animal.
"I will not forgive this betrayal, girl," He raged breaking Hina's desperate thoughts. Hina gulped. She hated herself for doing this to him once more. She was betraying him again and he would never forgive her for it. She wanted to tell him how sorry she was, how she loathed herself for doing it, but words would do nothing. He wouldn't care.
"I should have allowed Rokurou to finish you off," He spat savagely, his eyes flashing red as rage poured out of him. Hina felt herself visibly shaking in terror. Her whole being was quivering.
"I should have allowed him to do whatever he wanted to you. You deserve it." He snarled prowling forwards. Hina still clutched the item to her chest but faltered at his savage words. Did he really mean it? Did he know what Rokurou was planning to do to her? Hina felt her insides crumbling away in despair with each sentence spoken to her. He was destroying her.
"Last chance. Give me the puzzle," He demanded, holding his hand out expectantly. Hina gazed down at the pyramid shaped puzzle, gulping. She lifted the puzzle up in her hand and contemplated it. She could give it across and maybe he'd forgive her, spare her. Maybe they'd be happy.
"Girl," He snarled. Hina faltered. She'd very nearly lost composure and handed it over, but his cold tone snapped her out of it. Girl. He'd called her girl. If he'd used her name, Hina would have handed it over, she knew she'd have lost her internal battle. Calling her by such a cold nickname instilled her determination. She couldn't do it.
"I'm… I'm so sorry," She sobbed. Hina took a step back closer to the exit once more.
"I will paint my new kingdom in your blood," He snarled. Hina was about to run when he stumbled backwards, clutching at his head. Hina watched nervously. The man was thrashing about in clear pain, his whimpering hurriedly becoming screams of anger and agony. When his eyes lifted and met with Hina's once again, they were soft.
"Ryo!" Hina cried out, making to run to the heavily panting boy. He was almost doubled over in pain, leaning on the stone for support.
"No," He yelled out, stopping Hina in her tracks. "I can… give you a…. a head start…." He struggled to speak in a voice that was very clearly pained. He was paler than usual.
"Ryo…" Hina began, not really knowing what to say.
"I'll be okay… I… I can't hold him off much longer… Go… find… Yu…gi…. Give him… the puzzle… then…. Then this… it can all…all be over… Please…" He could barely string his words together as he used every ounce of strength left to hold the spirit off.
"GO!" He shouted at her as Hina hesitated just a second longer. Hina nodded and jumped into life. She turned on her heel and ran.
She darted as fast as she could across the cavernous pit of swirling darkness. Tendrils seemed to reach out towards her, never truly making it before she'd ran on. Hina reached the edge and couldn't resist glancing back at the horrendous golden tomb floating in the centre of darkness. Without letting another moment pass her by, Hina turned back to the path and began to run faster than she ever had before.
"What have you done!" Bakura screamed at his host. Ryo felt the words leave his lips but knew they were not his. He was steadily losing the grip on his body. It was slowly been stolen from him once again. He wished, if not for his sakes, but for Hina's, that he was stronger. He wished he could hold the evil that inhabited his body off longer so the girl he'd fallen for had more of a head start. He wished he could be strong, like her. He wondered if he'd ever get the chance to tell Hina how much he admired her. That would be nice, he thought to himself as his feet began to move without permission. Without his permission. Despite it being a losing battle, Ryo still clung on to the little control he had left. He tried to stop his movement, tried to anchor himself down. His vision began to blur at the edges as control was pried from his hands. Hands… Ryo looked down at the ring he still held on to.
"Don't even try it…" A sinister voice commanded of him. Ryo grimaced before trying desperately to through the ring away from himself, wondering if it would delay the spirit. He made the arm movement, but his fingers never released the golden object. He groaned, but it only occurred inwardly. He fought so hard to regain control, screaming unintelligible words of defeat as he knew he'd lost. He'd lost this fight like every other time he'd took the spirit on. As his mind slipped into the blackness he'd become so acquainted with, his final thoughts were that of the girl the fate of everything now rested upon.
Hina heard the roar of pure rage echoing out after her as she pelted head long up the corridor, the item cradled in her arms glowing strongly, lighting the way for her. She hadn't noticed just how long the corridors were when Bakura had dragged her down here, but now, needing desperately to escape and reach the exit it seemed to go on forever. Tears streamed down Hina's face as each bound sent pain ricocheting through her aching body. Her body was still in recovery from the beatings she'd taken from Rokurou. Her limbs still hurt a lot and old wounds hadn't fully healed. The new ones hurt even worse. Despite the pain, Hina forced herself onwards as she clutched at the puzzle. Warmth spread through her fingertips from where she touched the item. The warmth spread like hot butter through her being, somehow leaking into her with more strength. She couldn't be sure, but Hina felt that whatever magic it was that inhabited the pyramid shaped pendant wanted her to win.
"HINA!" A voice reverberated around the corridor almost deafeningly loud. Bakura had entered the long winding and twisting corridor, Hina knew without a doubt.
"Okay…. Help…. Me…. Puzzle…" Hina whimpered between great lungful's of air. She could sense the darkness reaching out behind her. She somehow knew the dark magic the man pursuing her would be using to try and recapture her. Ryo had lost his battle, but the man had given Hina enough time. She was a head of him and she had the puzzle. Nothing else mattered. She'd stolen one of the most important relics from the great Thief. Hina grinned despite the pain this chase was causing her. She would win here or die trying. There would be no other outcome, not this time.
"You're almost there" A strong voice echoed around Hina quite suddenly, startling her. Hina forced her legs to keep propelling her further. Up ahead, Hina could see the stairs she'd first descended when coming down here. Hina didn't stop to examine them, knowing stopping in her path right now would end her. She was convinced stopping to even catch her breath would result in her demise. She wouldn't be able to start moving again if she stopped even for just one second. Hina took the stairs two at a time, her legs crying and screaming out in protest as she propelled herself up the stone steps. She reached the landing quite suddenly and went crashing through the wooden door. Hina gasped as she faltered. She was back in familiar surroundings. She was back in the palace. Hina's pace slowed as she launched herself down the corridor now appreciating the well-lit place more than she ever had before. As she moved through the vast palace, Hina realised it was practically empty. No one crossed her path, no one tried to stop her. As she moved closer to the entrance of the palace, the sounds of battle began to reach her. Cries of pain, shrieks of pain and explosions met her, reaching out to her and wrapping around her body, wrenching her closer towards the madness that had taken its hold upon the Kings city. Hina slowed down unconsciously to a hobble as she reached the entrance hall. The doors were wide open, the darkness of night reaching in to her. Hina walked the short distance and faced out into the night.
The City was alight with battle. Fires burned in buildings and shadows of fighting were cast across the scene. Fighting had easily reached the palace and surrounded her almost instantly. The gate had been blasted open and its remains lay smouldering all around. Hina watched with wide grateful eyes as three figures marched through the blasted open gate. The flickering of flames gave two of their identities away. Blonde, almost white hair was easily distinguishable upon the man walking up towards the palace with a burning purpose glowing in his lilac eyes. The second man was shorter, his hair in the shape of a star, his body radiating a power and strength it never had before. The third man, Hina didn't recognise, but she somehow knew who it was without needing to be told. A tall man with brown hair and serious blue eyes etched onto an even sterner expression. This man was obviously Kaiba. Hina smiled with relief as she took the few steps down the entrance, heading straight towards them. She dared not believe it, but this could all be over soon. Very soon. Hina lifted her arms, showing them what she held in her weak hands. She was about to shout out in glee to them when she felt it. Hina wanted to cry and scream and curse in that very single moment more than she ever had before. Tendrils of darkness wrapped tightly around her torso its intent nothing short of evil. Hina managed to release her hold on the millennium puzzle, sending it across the court yard, just as she was yanked backwards. She cried out at the pressure across her stomach until she crashed against someone. Hina opened her eyes fearfully as a hand clutched around her already bruised throat. Bakura forced her backwards, slamming her against the outside wall of the palace. Hina lifted her hands instinctively to pry the man's hand away from her as air failed to make its way to her lungs. Hina tried to choke out words, but before she even had the chance to, Hina saw his other arm make a sudden movement, one she'd barely been able to see. His grasp on her throat released her and Hina gazed down. His fisted hand was at her stomach. She felt puzzlement wash over her. She hadn't felt him punch her, so what had happened? Then, he pulled away. In his hand clutched a knife, its edge slowly been pulled from her stomach, blood tainting the silver of the blade.
The pain didn't register. Hina's eyes darted back up into a face of pure loathing. She wanted to speak, but couldn't. Words wouldn't come to her as the realisation of what he'd just done washed over her. He lifted his hand again, fingertips now crimson from the wound he'd already inflicted onto her. He was going to stab her again? Hina couldn't believe it. He'd stabbed her. He'd really stabbed her? He was going to do it again? Adrenalin spiked through her system as the need to survive kicked in. Hina thrashed about quite suddenly. Her sudden movements caught Bakura off guard. He stumbled backwards, his eyes casting over the scene and that was when he saw the item. He leapt forwards, no longer caring about Hina. He needed to get to the puzzle. He needed to stop the Pharaoh from been released. He refused to lose. Hina clutched at her stomach as she tried desperately to understand what had just happened. She couldn't quite understand what the sticky wetness was that was hurriedly drenching the cream fabric of her dress. Hina felt her legs shake as more and more of her body leant against the wall she'd been stabbed against. Her legs were weak as the numbness slowly began to fade.
Yugi reached the puzzle and stooped down, scooping the puzzle up into his arms just before Bakura could reach him. The millennium puzzle erupted almost immediately at Yugi's touch. Light as bright as the sun exploded out of it, smothering the area in brightness, swallowing Yugi completely. The fighting stopped as those participating were forced to cover their eyes from the blaze. Hina strained her neck to see as a dull aching began to infect her. She watched as the light died down, as if it was been sucked back down into the puzzle. Yugi remained standing there, but he looked different. He was different. Bakura growled incoherently as he surveyed the man stood before him.
"Pharaoh," He snarled viciously.