Save Me

By Ash Kaiba

DISCLAIMER!! I don't own any of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Characters. I do own the event.

Hello all! I'm sorry that it's taking so long to update. Writer blocks are everywhere here and finals are finally coming up. Anyway, please enjoy this new chapter. Happy Holidays!!

Key:

Italics- thought

Text- Kaiba's sign language

Text- Kaiba mouthing words

Chapter 9: Learning to Trust

I know…that I am not a believer or one that prays… But, please help me. Please send me a miracle. Someone that can…

She watched his hand, which froze in time. Honey eyes looked up his face. His lips started to move. She knew what he said silently; still believing he was alone in the rain.

'Save me…'

His words echoed from the farthest part of mind. Its message fired itself across her nerves. Its meaning was clear. If he were talk about what happened, the great Seto Kaiba would want nothing that invokes pity. But, something that demanded a reaction. Her honey eye glanced at the alarm clock next to her. I might as well head over.

Her slender body rose to its knees. The short sleeved shirt exposed her pale arms. Blue jean shorts reached to mid thigh. Chop topped tennis shoes guarded her feet. The black belt slid into the belt loops, only pausing as she added her camera bag. Her fingers ran through the auburn before topping it off with a light blue baseball cap. A smile glowed on her face until she looked at the camcorder. Yesterday, he refused to have anything to do with her. Her paper for English had hit a pothole and sunk.

I'm trying anyways…, she growled as her bounced down the stairs. "Love you, Mom! Be back by dinner!"

And she was gone. Serenity Wheeler grinned. Sunlight blinded any victim it could find. The birds sang their song. The teen jumped off the porch and into the direction she'd taken thousands of times. Her eyes bounced from booth to booth, looking to see if something would fit her guest. Eventually, something did catch her eye. A baseball cap, just like hers, was unclaimed. The cerulean fabric forced him into her mind. But, the famed dragon cried out for its owner; a Blue-Eyes. Serenity immediately bought it, using money that she'd saved up for ages.

Carrying the hat in a small plastic bag, she continued towards her destination. She watched the small game shop come into view. It was too hard to miss the domed roof. Serenity peeked inside through the front window. Mr. Mutou tried to lecture Yugi and Yami. But, the two continued to race around the small shop. Seto Kaiba had his head leaning into his hand. He appeared to be in a better mood than the last couple days.

A teal button up shirt covered his bare chest. Black slacks engulfed his slender legs. The same necklace that she remembered rested in the same position. Chestnut hair fingered his pale forehead. His fogged eyes hid under his eyelids. Then, he slowly opened them.

Serenity gasped as she ducked from the window. The despair her subject felt was still there. It pleaded for someone…anyone. But, based on what she remembered from Thursday, he was reaching his end. So, she planned a surprise to help him loosen up.

The young girl puffed out her chest. Courage swept through her veins to her mind. Serenity rose back to her feet. Her usual nervous feeling struggled to crawl back into her mind. Her hand reached for the knob. Then, she pushed the panel into the building. The three males stared at her. The handicapped only lifted his head a couple inches off his hand.

"Serenity," the short star head asked.

"Serenity," Yami whispered, "why are you here?"

"Just to help someone," she answered.

The fully capable men glanced at each other. Then, back at the one they knew she was talking about. Yami retreated behind the brunette. He quietly pushed the teen towards her. Seto jumped and frantically searched to the person. Giggles escaped her lips as Yami stopped his chair in front of her. The small plastic bag crinkled as it hit his lap.

He grew curious. His long narrow fingers examined the bag. She watched his eyebrows frown as his hand stopped descending. The cap she bought slowly materialized from the dark blue plastic. The fingertips brushed blue fabric, taking extra time to trace the embroidery of white thread. She could see the tears starting to form in his eyes. The once CEO was actually at a lost of words.

"Here, let me." She volunteered, taking the cap and resting it on his head.

Kaiba allowed her to assist him. The young man traced his eyes with the side of his hand. The flesh under his eyes stretched and snapped back into its previous position. Labored breaths rushed into his lungs. He tried hard not to cry as Yugi told him it was all right. Serenity glanced at the tissue box on the counter. Her hand snatched a sheet and brushed his hand with it. The man understood her gesture and wiped his face with the tissue.

"We'll back at 4," she whispered.

"Okay, Serenity. Have fun." Yugi grinned as the girl escorted the man out of the door.

Instinctively, Seto squinted and held up his hand to block the sun. Serenity watched him remember his blindness as the arm left. He appeared to be ashamed. Of what? What happened to him or was embedded into his mind? She wondered.

What do you want of me, Wheeler-chan?

Serenity sensed the machine she first saw two years ago during the Battle City finals. The man froze his soul, his emotions, so no one could strike him down. But, in her first interview, she learned the reason why. The man Gozaburo Kaiba mistreated him, killing the happy child this young man once was and giving birth to a machine. Yet, the accident stripped him of that barrier.

I told you to do someone else. So, what do you want? If it's money, you're asking the wrong one.

"I'm not in it for the money," she finally answered. "I want to help."

There's nothing you can do. Nothing can do. I am a hated man. Even Mokuba hates me. How can anyone embrace this animal I have become?

"Because that's not entirely true. Mokuba must still have love in his heart for you. And the others there when you fall." Tears started to form in her eyes.

He's lost everything. He's poorer than poor. Kaiba-san, you would rather die than face this? You need someone to show you the way. I hope… No, I pray that I am the one who can.

Serenity pushed him around town. They stopped in various music stores and listened to want either CD she though he liked. Her selection was very limited. Several songs sparked memories of his childhood with his parents. Others reminded him what his stepfather did to him. Only instrumental relaxed the blind's tense body. Yet, he didn't want one.

About 2 o'clock in the Afternoon…

"Well?"

He didn't answer. The man withdrew into himself and remained quiet for two hours. The fogged irises stared through everything he looked at, bored. Serenity released a heavy sign as she stood up from the park bench. She walked around him, occasionally poking his delicate face. His skin is so soft, but his muscles are that of steel. I could try…

Her slender hands placed themselves on his shoulders. She felt the muscles tighten even more. A gulp traveled down her throat as she started to work. He didn't respond, but she expected that. Her thumbs rubbed over the stretched skin, moving what slack they could find. Serenity worked the shoulders slowly and gently, making her way to his neck. The muscles under her fingers grew relaxed with her reassurance. Serenity paused and rubbed her hands together. Her honey eyes glanced at him and widened as he looked her way over his shoulder.

"Please…continue…"

"Does it feel good?"

She received a slight nod. Serenity smiled and started again.

"My mom does this as a hobby. It used to be her first job before working at a publishing company. I learned from her when I was too stressed over school work. It made me feel better." She explained, not sure if he was paying attention. "But, she's not happy with Joey helping you. She claimed that you made my uncle broke…"

On your dad's or mom's?

"Mom's. Her maiden name is Kawai."

Mark Kawai… He was an employee for a company that relied on the military based Kaiba Corporation. When I changed it for the gaming industry, that company went bankrupt within a couple months. He came to me for a job, but all he knew was weaponry. I couldn't give it to him. And he went through that his sister just got divorced and has to take care of her daughter. He pestered me for days. Eventually, I kicked him off the property and banned him from coming back. That was last I saw of him. Kaiba answered.

Serenity stared at him. That is why Mom hates him… Uncle Mark had to live with us until he found a new job.

I didn't know that he was yours and Joey's uncle. He paused. It seems that all I do is make people hate me more. But, if they knew what happened to me, then they will only give me pity. And I can't stand that! I'm positive that you hate me now as well.

"I don't…"

She felt him straighten and turn to face her.

Why? Why do I… Suddenly, he looked away.

"Kaiba-san…"

Though I am blind, why do I faintly see a light?

Serenity cocked an eyebrow.

I'm sorry. It's nonsense. It's nothing.

"Kaiba-san, I chose you because I know what it is like to loose something. I almost lost my eye sight. But, Joey helped me pull through. And I want to help you."

Kaiba turned his head away from her. There is nothing anybody can do… It's going…

"Kaiba-san…"

Then, I will be nobody…

She stared at him. Her eyes widened with shock of the message he was implying. I have to…

"NO, YOU WON'T!!"

The young man turned to face her, but gave up and stared at the ground. Serenity sat back down on the bench, looking at the handicap sadly. Silence dominated the air around them. Especially when a small group of business men walked by. And Seto had interest.

"Please, that is…"

Mokuba…

"Wait," she whispered, but it appeared that he didn't hear her.

He rolled the wheelchair to them, stopping at one that had tied back black hair. And his voice sounded familiar. Serenity gasped as the men turned on him and threatened him to get lost. Seto struggled to hold his ground, but Serenity wasn't sure how long he'll last. She rose to her feet and dashed to the scene…just as the young teenager turned against him.

She watched his head snap to the left as a hand make remained evident. She glanced at the teen responsible and wished her light bulb didn't turn on. It was Mokuba Kaiba.

"Mokuba!"

The boy glanced at her, but returned his attention to the business men. Serenity kneeled in front of Seto, looking at the slap. Tears were forming in his eyes as his lips quivered. His hands kept calling for him.

"Mokuba!" She cried out even louder.

"WHAT!?" The boy turned violently. His glare could have killed them both.

"Why? Why did you hit him?"

The Kaiba remained silent and walked away. His older brother reached out for him, but he was already gone. The brown mop fell in a silent cry of sadness. Both hands gripped his locket so tight that his knuckles paled. Serenity allowed the woman instinct to take over and embraced him as a mother would for her child. Startled, she stiffened as it felt like the blind teen was burrowing into her. But, relaxed as she realized what he was seeking. Her fingers slid over his skin as she tried to silence him. When she moved, his grip tightened.

"All right. I won't go anywhere." She whispered in his ear.

Kaiba slowly calmed down, allowing Serenity to rub his despair away. Upon realizing that he held her, he pushed her away. Panic wrote itself all over his skin.

"Feeling better?"

A little…

"What happened between you two?"

The stress was too much. Mokuba…just snapped. That's why I live with Yugi. He paused. I just want to hold him. To tell him that I love him. But, all the times I could, I didn't. And then the accident, it made me feel what I was doing to him. I'm a terrible brother…

"I don't think so. You still love him and I'm sure he knows it." She paused. "Wait here. I'll get us a treat."

Kaiba blinked, but didn't complain. She slowly placed some distance on him before sprinting to the vendor nearby. The man glanced at her with his brown eyes. A light blue suit covered his body.

"How can I help you?"

"Two ice cream cones; one vanilla and one strawberry."

Serenity pulled out the necessary cash as the man prepared the cones. They issued the trade and left happy. The girl returned to her subject's side, whispering of the surprise in his ear. His hands followed her directions and curled around the waffle cone. She watched him bring the treat to his lips as if he was investigating it. As she watched, her tongue licked hers. The sweet taste of strawberry flooded her senses.

Ah…

She glanced at the brunette. The ice cream was still in his left hand; a good chuck missing. The teen held his head as if he was suffering from a headache.

"Don't bite it, lick it. Or you'll get brain freeze." She sighed. "Did you ever have ice cream?"

Mokuba ate it all before I could try a bite.

Later…

"See you guys Monday!"

"Bye!"

Yami stepped back in. His rival blankly stared at him.

"Did you have fun, Kaiba?"

Yes… In fact…

Yami gasped as Seto finished. I'll help her with her project.

Wheeler House…

Kaede Wheeler stood at the sink. Her curly auburn hair dimly glowed in the light. The brown eyes stored away the wisdom of her age. Her son was heard from the garage, working with the family car. Her treasure, Serenity, stepped into the house a couple minutes ago.

"Serenity…"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Your paper, how are coming with it?"

"Kaiba-san and I are starting back up on Monday."

Her blood froze. "I thought he canceled it."

"He did, but…he was depressed a couple days ago. I wanted to cheer him up."

"Serenity, that man will only use you. He is a businessman." Kaede hissed.

"He's changed, Mom. You should meet him." Serenity challenged. "He's now like how I was! He's slowing losing what sense he has left! The mighty shell that we both heard from Joey barely exists anymore! He's just a lost child!"

At that, Serenity ran up into her room. Joey opened the door. An oil stained shirt covered his chest as dirt reached for his elbows. His brown eyes stared at her with questions written all over them.

"I'm sorry, Ma. But, Ren's right."

Please review. That is all I have to say. And not sure when Chapter 10 will be up. But, now you know the title of Serenity's paper. Seto says it in the beginning of this chapter. If that doesn't work, look at the title of this fic. Happy Holidays again from me! And for those heading home, be careful!!