Freeing Cinderella

Ch.11 A Turn For the Worse

Yami glared, staring Dartz down, who had a sly smirk on his face. The two stood around ten or fifteen feet away from each other, the sun just barely touching the mountains to the west as a light breeze blew in from the south, gently blowing the cape on Yami's shoulders back and his bangs in his face slightly, though it didn't hide the daggers aimed right at Dartz.

"Well I see you've made it on time." Dartz said.

Yami's glare hardened. "You know very well what I am here for, Dartz..."

"Oh, you mean that worthless boy?"

The prince suddenly growled, baring his teeth. "He's not worthless."

"Then you must be blind because that boy isn't good for anything."

"I suggest you stop talking..." Yami growled.

Dartz chuckled. "Very well then." He began to walk forward, Yami on alert. "Would you prefer to be chained up with him?"

"Excuse me?"

Suddenly, Dartz kicked Yami's feet out from under him, the prince crashing to the ground as he landed hard on his back. He let out a grunt upon impact, but before he could get up, Dartz kicked Yami in the side, causing him to gasp, but he kicked him hard enough to roll him into his front. Without warning, he stepped on Yami's back to pin him down before grabbing his wrists and pinning them behind his back, taking out a pair of metal shackles and clasping then to his wrists. Dartz removed his foot from Yami's back and yanked him to his feet, pulling him backwards and grabbing his chin as he pushed it up, straining Yami's neck.

"You backstabbing traitor!" Yami barked.

"Ah-ah, I wouldn't test my patience, unless you want to end up like that worthless little steward of yours." Dartz chuckled as Yami growled, but forced himself to bite his tongue as not to make matters worse.

Meanwhile, Téa was in her father's room. She quickly looked through drawers and cabinets, until a thought crossed her mind. Téa remembered the box on the nightstand next to his bed. She ran over to said box and use the key on top to unlock it. Once the chest was unlocked, she opened the lid to see the key inside that was to unlock that shackles binding Yugi. Téa grabbed the key and closed the lid back, locking it before taking off, but she was already too late as she peeked around the corner to see Yami bound in shackles. She gripped the key in her hand before running to her room, knowing Dartz wouldn't be looking for it since he wanted them under under lock and key...

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"Hikari, where is Yami? I wish to speak with him." The king said as he approached his daughter.

Hikari thought for a moment before turning to face her father. "Forgive me, Father, but my brother is not here at this time."

"Well then where is he?"

"He went off to visit Atlas Kingdom so that he could discuss of something with Jack and Yusei, I believe."

"Do you know when he will return?"

"No, he did not say. Shall I go and ask for Yusei so that he may deliver the message?"

"That will have to suffice..."

"Very well, I shall return shortly then." Hikari bowed her head before making her leave as she quickly headed for Atlas Kingdom.

Bloody Ra! Yami has been gone for nearly two days. I must to find him myself, for he may be in trouble. I only hope Yusei will be able to help me bring my two boys home safely... Hikari thought worriedly as she hurried over to Atlas Kingdom, asking her coach to take her.

Once arrived though, Hikari dashed inside, holding her dress up as not to trip, only to see Jack and Yusei talking with each other. "Jack! Yusei!" She called.

Kairi, Yusei's younger sister, went up to Hikari, who leaned over to try and catch her breath. "What is the matter, Hikari?" She asked, concern dawning her face.

"I need to speak with your brother immediately." She said once she could breathe normally again.

"Brother, you need to come down here quickly! Hikari is in need of your assistance!" His sister called.

Yusei told Jack to wait a moment as he walked down the steps to the two girls. "Hikari, how can I assist you?" He gave a gentle smile. "Is something the matter?"

"I need for you to help me...mmm..." Hikari paused.

"Help you to...what?" Yusei questioned slowly.

"I need for you to help me tell a small lie to my father..." She forced out.

"Excuse me?"

"Yusei, please, I would not be asking you this if it were not an emergency. My brother has left the kingdom to try and save Yugi with Téa, Dartz's stepdaughter, however, he has not returned in a couple of days. I am worried something terrible has happened, but I cannot go to see him alone... I need for you to tell my father something so that I may help Yugi and my brother... Please help me, Yusei, this is absolutely crucial we do this now, otherwise it could be too late..."

Yusei nodded. "Anything for your brother, Hikari. Come, let us hurry. Once I tell your father something, I will go to help Yami."

"If you leave, then I must accompany you as well."

"Hikari, I cannot risk you getting hurt." Yusei said.

"I do not care! He is my brother, Yusei and I care for Yugi just as much as he does!" Tears began to form in Hikari's eyes. "If something were to happen to Yugi or my brother, I could never forgive myself for not doing something when I had the opportunity to do so! I need to help Yami and Yugi to return back home!"

The tears slid down her face as Yusei quickly wrapped her up in his arms, Hikari burying her face in his shoulder. "I will bring you with me, but you have to promise me that you will be careful."

She pulled away from the male, wiping the tears from her face. "I have combat training as well as hand-to-hand; I will be able to handle myself, Yusei. You need not worry for me."

He nodded. "Come, we must hurry or we might be too late."

"Right."

Yusei then turned to the king. "Jack, forgive me, but I must leave. I will return as soon as I can, but I must help Hikari first, for it is of the most importance."

The blonde nodded. "Yes, I know. No need to ask for permission, just be careful, both of you."

The two nodded. "I will return soon, Kairi. Please stay here with Jack, alright?"

The girl nodded. "Yes, brother. Be careful, and good luck."

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"I must go on a short trip and I will be having Hikari accompany me, if that is all right, your majesty?" Yusei asked politely.

"Very well. Please look after my daughter, Yusei."

He bowed his head. "I will protect her with my very life if I must."

Hikari hugged the king. "Farewell, Father. I will return as soon as I can."

The two pulled away. "All right. Please be careful, now be off."

"Yes, sir." The two said in unison before making their leave.

"We have to hurry, who knows what has happened to my two boys..." Hikari said.

Yusei got on a horse, Hikari doing the same as they cracked the reins. The horses cried out before taking off at full speed. "I am more worried for Yugi than I am of Yami though. Your brother can handle himself, Yugi however, he has felt torment for much too long... Yes, it will still affect him greatly, but I do not know how long he will last..."

"Yugi... Brother... Please hold on, we are coming for you..."