Chapter 5: Hikari, Go Home

"What is she planning," Hikari whispered over to me. I shrugged. She looked over to the queen, worried about what's in stored for her. To be honest, I didn't know what dear Queenie was thinking. The queen took a step closer to the girl. Instinctively, I got in front of the lost child. I've seen far worse things than the queen's blood lust, and no fear to slow me down.

"Don't worry little Hideki. I'm not going to harm your new toy." Queen Aiko stared into my eyes. I could see the thirst for blood through her eyes. I believed that she was one of those witches that I compared Izumi to. I've always felt unease around her, she seemed like she wanted to destroy me and what I stand for. King Kyo, whom is more charitable than his wife, arrived in time to stop her train of thoughts. Both of the royals have the same blood colored hair and eyes.

"My love, what are you thinking on doing to this poor child?" He wrapped his arms around her. She calmed down, to the point where her eyes were half closed. "Let the cat have his fun with her, he'll eventually get bored with her."

"Look. I'm noone's toy. I'm not playing with anyone. I just want to get home." The girl spoke with such bravery, yet if she wasn't hiding behind me she would have been banished to the afterlife.

"It was probably Yuki's fault that she's here." I pointed out. "You know he has a habit of going into the other side."

"Don't blame him for 'tis the girl's fault," the queen remarked. "She shouldn't have been so curious, and she wouldn't be here.".

"Hikari can't stay!" I knew what she was going to say next, and I couldn't let her decide the girl's fate like the others.

"I certainly can, and will." She smoothed out her dress, putting her fan away.

"Love, why don't you have the girl play for her freedom," the Red King purred into her ear. "If she wins, then she goes home."

"If she loses, she'll become my personal slave. Wonderful idea, Kyo, my love." The queen gave her husband a kiss as a reward.

"Don't I have a. . . ." I placed a hand over Hikari's mouth, so she won't dig herself deeper into trouble. She gave me a harsh look, which I returned. The two royals stared at us. Queen Aiko was staring at the girl with a strange interest.

"Instead of becoming my slave, she shall become my daughter." Her beloved king looked at her, then nodded his head in agreement. I could feel Hikari shake hers. It was decided, Hikari was to play croquet and win, or become the fostered child of the queen. She picked up her "ball," and headed out of the labyrinth. "Pick your club, child." Hikari chose the purple flamingo, and the matching hedgehog. I could tell that she's never played the game before. I must confess that I've never understood the game either. She placed the poor creature onto the ground. She took steady aim, lifted the head of the flamingo high above her head, and Kaorii, one of the citizens of this world, ran screaming behind the poor girl. She smashed into a conveniently placed tree. Hikari let out a sigh, bringing her concentration back. She swung with all her might at the little creature. It rolled past the guards.

"Nice shot" She eyed me. I knew she was in no mood for my attention, but I gave it to her none the less. About an hour passed, and Hikari and Queen Aiko were tied. If I know the queen, and I do, she would have the lost girl as her own. To be honest, I didn't want that, when Hikari putted the little thorned hog into the maze. I made sure that noone was looking, and pushed the ball where she could see it. I was perched on the bush-wall of the maze. She entered, searching for the purple animal. She grinned as she spotted it, then she noticed me.

"What are you doing here cat?" She placed the "club" over her shoulder.

"Oh, nothing." I looked around, seeming innocent of a crime I very well committed. She gave me a killer look. I beamed back at her, I admit she was cute when she was mad. She clobbered the ball, causing it to hit the pole in the ground. I could imagine Queenie's face now, beet red.

"Off with her head," could be heard from the courtyard. This wasn't good. The lost girl ran into the labyrinth, and I followed. The knights stormed into the natural maze. I had to get her out of trouble, once again. The soldiers were closing in, one almost nicked her with his sword. Let's just say he met an unpleasant end. We split up, to try to confuse the minutemen. I could smell the blood from their spotless uniforms. I didn't want to end like this, being chased by the royal guards. I smirked, as I phased through the bush to the center. Hikari bumped into me there. The centrals close behind. I could already feel the cool metallic blade run across my throat, trying to protect the girl. I gripped her hand, reassuring her that it was going to be ok. The sent of fear was pouring from her body.

"I guess this is it." She stared me in the eye. "There is no way for the two of us to get out of this, is there?" I could see a small glimmer of hope in those chocolate orbs of hers. I weakly smiled, nodding my head.

"There's always a way." I searched for something for us to escape through, and not have the royals follow. There was a mirror in our audience, the queen must really love herself to have this outside. I rushed over to it.

"What are you doing?" She looked at me in confusion.

"Getting you home." I closed my eyes, concentrating on the other side. "Picture your room, Hikari."

"What?"

"Just do it," I spat. I could picture a room. A twin bed was in the rightmost corner, a desk on the other side. I couldn't see the door, but that must be on one of the sides that doesn't face the girl's mirror. The colors were getting more vibrant. Reds, oranges, pinks, blues, all could be seen.

"Hideki, hurry." She tugged at my shirt. I know what she was warning me about, I could hear them coming closer. As soon as I could see every detail in the wonderful child's room, I pushed her into the looking-glass. The last thing I heard was her screaming. I was being dragged off to my trial. I opened my eyes with a grin plastered on me. The royals deemed that I was innocent. Even if I helped the fugitive, I could just make it so they couldn't chop my head off.

The beauty of this, is that I can still watch over Hikari. I know what her room looks like, and I can spy to make sure nothing happens to her. As soon as the trial was finished, I rushed to the nearest lone mirror. I peered into the glass to see her sleeping. She must have been exhausted after her little adventure. I'm sad to say that she has to return to us, but will she stay?