With a triumphant grin stretching across his blackened features, U swung the curved iron with all his might onto Mikasa's trembling stomach, impaling her as she screamed herself hoarse. The searing heat of the brand seared into her flesh like a living thing, an agony that seemed to reach every nerve ending until she could feel it in her very womb. *"Aaaahhhh! No... stop! It hurts so much! Please, mercy!"

As the initial shock wore off, Mikasa let out another long, shuddering breath, her body tensing instinctively against the cruel brand that now marred her skin. Her eyes squeezed shut tightly, fighting back tears of pain as hot blood trickled down her abdomen. Her voice came out hoarse and strained from all her screaming. She didn't know how much more of this she could take before she passed out from the agony.

"M-Mihasa (Mikasa), I'm sorry..." Azula whisper as she watches her lover being branded.