I realize I should probably do some prep work here.
First up, the disclaimer: I do not own anything! Code Realize belongs to her publishers, not to me.
Secondly: To be very fair, I took this and am blending it with my own ideas/concepts. I just didn't care to see Cardia paired with a certain someone, and as a result, I decided to do my own adaptation. I am going to try to stay close to the story, so if you have read the visual novel, some things should be fairly in step with what you might remember. Others are my own, complete, story ideas, thus the AU status.
That being said:
1. You can pry my tropes from my cold dead fingers.
2. I would say this has an introduction before we set down someones path, so try to stay with me for a few(a lot of) chapters as I get the scene set up.
3. It's going be a slow burn. (Lots of really cute side stories though! You just need patience to get to them.)
In simple terms: I have spoilers. It's going to be a long story. It's going to be a tease until we hit the chapters that arc off onto a set bachelor's path. You have been warned.
There are also 2 spin off stories at this time.
Silver Dribbles features rejected scenes and Summer Gifts is a one-shot for Sierra's birthday that takes place after this story.
Cover Art is By: LoliGhost on Deviant Art
Chapter 1: Amnesia
I stood in a dark room with silver moonlight filtering through the windows. Everything around me was a muted black. In the room I could just make out a table, a pair of sofas, and a few book shelves at the back of the wide room. The gas lamps were devoid of light, and the room was cold and clammy with anticipation. The old women's wheelchair in front of me creaked a bit as she positioned herself in front of a window. I thoughtlessly repositioned myself behind her. There was the faint, ever so slight, sound of footsteps in the hallway. My eyes deadpanned towards the door, in anticipation of who was on the other side. My brain was fuzzy and it was really hard to focus on even the slightest thing. It was like a thin veil had been pulled over my consciousness, preventing both feelings, and comprehension to my predicament.
I tugged gently on my wide sleeve, pulling it up to hid my hands. They were bound tightly with white bandages that almost seemed to glow in the moonlight. Sharp pricks of pain lanced up from my hand anytime I moved them, so I just dropped them down to my side once more.
I looked up from my fidgeting to see a tall, undeniably handsome, gentleman in a royal purple jacket with a brilliant white undershirt. His hair was a saintly white, with low muted teal eyes that eluded to the cunning nature of their possessor. I wanted to feel something, as he stood in the moonlight silently, but there wasn't any recognition that registered on my face. On his face, however, was a slight smile, just enough to be polite.
"Good evening ladies. My apologies for keeping you waiting." His voice was soft and smooth, and just loud enough for us both to hear clearly. The gentleman then bowed his head and knelt down before the old women in front of me.
Saint Germain peered inquisitively out of the corner of his eyes at the young women standing at the just behind his leader. His gaze missed little. From the bandages covering her hands and fingers, to the jewel encrusted net that pinned back her pure silver hair. Her eyes were a deep cobalt blue with a starburst of some other color he couldn't quite make out in the moonlight filled room. Her midnight blue, high collar, dress was fringed with white lace. The garment cut a distinct figure, but hid her arms with long wide sleeves. However, she had yet to utter a word and her eyes were devoid of any and all emotion. His leader in front of him tapped her cane on the ground with a sharp rap. The ringing sound quickly faded in the large open room.
Saint drew his gaze back to her demand. "I present to you, Sierra Arianell. We were able to retrieve her from one of Isaac's labs to the south just recently. For certain reasons, we know that Isaac has held her captive in a suspended animation for over the past five years."
There was a break in the flow of her words, as Omnibus seemed to be waiting for Sierra so say something. There was a slight sigh from the old women."The doctors believe it is due to the shock, but she has not uttered a single word since we revived her."
The old women gestured to me with her cane."We would request that you shelter her in your home for the time being. With your capabilities and experience, we believe you to be the best fit for this task."
Saint nodded in acknowledgement, he was in no position to argue with the committee's desires anyway. A small part of him grinned in anticipation, wondering how much amusement he would receive from having two females in his home.
"How goes the the thief's mission?" The old women's tone was almost conversational, but a hint of concern colored it.
Saint let his gaze drift back to the younger women. "I just received word a few days ago that they were able to complete the mission successfully."
The old women motioned for him to stand up. "That is good. You have our resources at your disposal should you require them." She gestured back at Sierra standing behind her. "It is of the utmost importance that you watch, investigate, and assess both women, Saint Germain. I have the utmost confidence in your abilities, but do not let us down."
With that Saint was dismissed. He stood up and bowed, then proceeded to offer the young women his hand. "Fair lady, my name is Saint Germain. I am delighted to meet your acquaintance." Saint paused for a moment, waiting to see if Sierra would respond to his advances. Sierra looked past him with seeming disinterested eyes. Saint continued on with his greeting unperturbed. "It seems that we will be spending quite some time in each others company for the present." Saint held out his arm to escort her out. Sierra looked at his proffered arm with uncertainty. Saint gave her his a soft, encouraging, smile. It took a few seconds to register the request, but Sierra eventually stretched out her hand to him.
Saint's face did not change as he took Sierra's hand in his and lead her gracefully from the room and into the hallway. "My home is not far from here. Do you have everything you require for your trip?" Vacant blue eyes looked past him to a room on their left. Saint pushed open the door and glanced around inside. The bedroom looked tidy, in the corner there were indents in the carpet indicating there had been a trunk there not too long ago. "It appears that they have retrieved your trunk. Did you require anything else?" Sierra shook her head silently and drifted back into the hallway in a daze.
"Well then..." Saint was a little amused by Sierra's inherent wanderings. Sierra drifted from room to room, almost at random, picking up a few odd things. Mostly books, and a few papers, pens, and stuffed animals. He followed along diligently, picking up whatever she pointed to or brought to him.
It wasn't long before she wandered towards the door. He had an armful of objects by the time they made it to the car. Saint handed the objects off to a waiting attendant, who quickly packed them way in a small steamer trunk. A quick glance inside the trunk showed that there was very little in the way of worldly possessions. Saint frowned and realized he would need to take her shopping to get her outfitted properly.
Sierra looked at the car in a muted question. "Have you never seen an automobile before, my dear?" Saint asked as he opened the door and helped her into the car as she gave him a silent head shake. Saint nodded in response. "It might be a bit loud, but it is the fastest way around the city. The sound is something you will get used to. The ride wont be that long anyway." Sierra gazed at him as he set the keys into the ignition and twisted them.
The engine sparked to life with a low growl, startling me.
I stared at the man with white hair, Saint? Where was he taking me? Where was I going? Who was I? Where was I from?
It was only a few days ago I woke up in a bed, in a room, that wasn't my own. My body was covered in cuts, bruises, and sores. There had been very little interaction with the staff, and even the old lady in the wheelchair had little to do with me once they discovered I had lost my voice.
Saint drove through the gardens and onto the London streets. I watched silently as the cityscape changed.
It was about 2 am in the morning. Saint didn't attempt any conversation, but rather was focused on getting home without getting caught. Twilight had been spotted around town, and now was not the night to get caught.
As luck would have it they got back to the mansion safely. He turned to Sierra, who had fallen asleep during the short ride.
Saint was wondering what room he should put her in. He had not been expecting yet another guest, so he required a few hours to get one ready. Being the gentleman he was, Saint resolved to put his new guest up in his room until he could get a proper room ready.
Ever so carefully, he collected the sleeping women from the car. Picking her up bridal style, Saint clutched her close as he made his way into the mansion.
After he had heard of what they had found within the lab, Saint felt some responsibility, and was compelled to show her some kindness.
Silently, he carried her across the yard and into his mansion.
Author Note:
Yes, I know, slow start up and the Sierra is bit of a mess right now. But give me some time, treat it like an anime show, give it three chapters before you write it off as something that isn't worth the time/effort.
Favorite it, come back to it, or tell me what's wrong or what I do right! I would like the feedback, please!