A/N: Several of you commented on the chapter title of #27. 'Sleeping with the enemy' doesn't necessarily mean to do what you were all thinking…dirty minds…LOL. It can also mean teaming up and being in leagues with an enemy as well. Serenity and Max formed an unholy alignment, as you recall. So 'sleep' meant join…in a non-sexual sense. It was an attention getter and I thought quite clever.
I must warn you all-this is an intense chapter. If you haven't noticed my rating has changed, this chapter is one of the reasons. So, mature, not horrendously mature, subject matter ahead. There is violence, assault, and possible…um…angst for Serenity. So read at your own risk. You all have been warned. -Twilight
DO NOT OWN…Yu-Gi-Oh…not a hair on anyone of their heads…only my plot…my sick twisted plot…
Chapter 28
The Soul That Is DamnedSerenity hardly slept that night, wondering if this was the day that Seto would be freed from his prison. At least he had sunlight, which gave her hope. If he had sunlight, and the window, he had a chance. Mokuba was there, with a band of men, to free him and hopefully, by day's end—Seto Kaiba would be home.
The ringing of the phone startled her; quickly she ran and picked it up. Who would call before six in the morning?
"Hello?" Serenity asked, in a hushed tone.
"It's Max. How soon can you get here?"
"Why, what's going on?" She asked nervously.
"I need a diversion, and you're it. Do you want him freed or not?" Max growled into the phone.
"Fine, I'll be there in an hour."
Serenity quickly showered and dressed. Everyone in the house was still asleep. Serenity couldn't see any sense in waking them to bring her there. Seto was getting out, after all, so little if any assistance was needed. Another reason to let them slumber was Mai's condition. Yesterday she was totally freaked out, today she could prove to be more of a hindrance than help. She closed her eyes, softly, and imagined the scenario in her head.
She would go to Tristan, maybe convince him to go out with her for the day, and Max would get to work. Max would have convinced several hunters that it was better this way—freeing the rich CEO and reaping the rewards Kaiba could give them. Waiting for a possible pay off from Taylor was risky, at best. Kaiba may never divulge his secrets to help Tristan and his Dad. This way they were assured something. She would divert Tristan, and by the time Tristan dropped her off at Joey's place, Seto would be a free man. Mokuba would be out and safe. Then she would go to Seto.
Slowly she left the house, quietly so as not to wake anyone. She drove there, quickly enough to stay within her hour limit, but slow enough to calm her nerves.
The gate was open when she arrived, so she drove right in. She pulled up the long driveway and stopped in a spot not far from the front door. She was slow to get out, looking up at a house that no longer seemed inviting. A shiver raced down her spine, it was almost as if the windows had eyes and the mansion had become a living, breathing entity. Why was she suddenly so scared?
It took every ounce of strength to force herself to the front door. She rang the bell, while shifting her weight from foot to foot. She felt anxious and…wrong. The butler, as always, answered the door. She followed him in.
"Where is Tristan?" She asked casually.
"He's in the office upstairs, he wanted me to bring you up there to him. Please follow."
They slowly climbed the steps and made their way down the corridors. She had to swallow hard several times. Something was wrong—very wrong. Maybe she was reading too deeply into this, but Tristan never met her upstairs, always in the living room or library.
"You sure he said up here?" She asked, glancing around nervously. Maybe it was part of Max's plan, but then again, where was Max? He was usually at the door greeting her and Mai.
"This way Miss," the butler showed her a door. He opened it and bade her to go in. As soon as she entered—it was closed behind her. She gasped at the slam of it, and the sudden feeling of being trapped. Quickly, she turned and fumbled with the knob. She wasn't surprised to find it locked. Gulping hard, she turned to face into the room.
There, before her, was a desk. She was down a short hall that led to the room, which contained that desk. Suddenly she didn't want to advance. She didn't want the chair, which was turned towards the window, to reveal its owner. No, she wanted to run, to flee, to put as much distance between herself and this place as possible. Worst thing was, everyone was still asleep at home. Hopefully, Joey would find the note she left, and soon. Could he rescue her? Maybe she was past being rescued at this point.
"Come in child," a warm, smooth voice called out to her. "I won't bite…not yet, at least." She heard the voice chuckle and chills ran down her arms. It wasn't Max, or Tristan. Who was this? Slowly, tentatively, she walked towards the desk.
When she reached the inner chamber, some 10 steps later, she looked around. Quickly, she cried out in shock. There, gagged, chained to the wall, and stripped to his waist was Seto. She cried out and started to run to him. His eyes were the same ferocious blue as always, looking more deadly than ever. She ripped the gag from his mouth; he took in a few gulps of fresh air through his lips.
"What the hell is going on?" She cried out as she tried to unclasp the chains.
"It's a trap Serenity," Kaiba offered, shaking his head. "This psycho lured you here to get to me." Kaiba's eyes narrowed on the chair.
"Ahhh, so the boy finally speaks the truth." The voice growled. "Funny, I could make dearly departed Max sing like a bird, but this…boy…will sing for no one."
Serenity closed her eyes then turned around, to face the chair.
"Who are you? Where is Max? Where is Tristan?" She asked, in bare whispers.
The chair slowly swiveled, "I would be Tristan's father, my dear." He stood, but stayed behind the desk. "Max would be there," he pointed to the opposite corner of the room.
Serenity took a hesitant glance and noticed the gnarled, sinewy remains of the rare hunter. It looked like he had been thoroughly tortured; blood still seeped from his lifeless form. She quickly doubled over, gagged and proceeded to empty the contents of her stomach.
"Too ugly for you? It shouldn't be you little spy. You caused this man's death." He spat at her, even as she wiped her mouth with her sleeve.
"Let her go you lunatic…" Seto raged, tugging against the cuffs that held him.
"Oh, Mr. Kaiba, we've been through this before. Then again, you're experiencing an aversion to my plan. See, now I have the girl, the object of your desire. Do you think you can see straight enough to turn over your plans to me now?" He approached Serenity, grabbing a fistful of her long hair, and yanking her back.
She cried out at the brutal pain he caused. Her hands quickly went to his, in a feeble attempt to free herself of his grasp. She scratched at his hands, but to no avail. He was holding her in a vise-like grip.
"She cries so prettily, and here am I, just starting her adventure to torment." Taylor sneered at the struggling CEO, who was beginning to slice into his wrists with his struggles. Kaiba's blood trickled down his arms. The scariest thing was Taylor's calm demeanor. Serial killers behaved this way—methodical, scheming and calm—deathly calm.
"Let her go…I'll give you what you want!" Kaiba demanded, sounded slightly defeated, but still mad as hell.
"My dear," he pulled back Serenity's head to see her face. "I do believe that Mr. Kaiba is afraid I'll do to you," he turned her towards the corpse that once was Max, "what I did to him."
Serenity nearly fainted, but fell short of it, partially due to the pain that was being inflicted upon her. She felt as if her hair was being ripped out by the roots; a jagged yelp escaped her lips.
"Do you know that Mr. Kaiba watched as I gained every ounce of information from Max?" He pulled her ear close to his lips, yanking her off balance. She stumbled into him, "I think he's afraid for you well being. I think it best he does worry for you. You'll be lucky to escape with flesh on your bones."
"You can have the patents…" Kaiba growled, "just keep her out of this. She has nothing to do with any of it. Let her go, get me to a computer and I'll hand it all to you on a silver platter!"
Taylor grinned, an evil grin, one that would make hot blood instantly freeze. He might be Tristan's Dad, but there was none of Tristan's goodness in him.
"Tristan would be mad…" Serenity cried out. He stopped and whipped her face around, so he could stare into her eyes. "If you hurt me…he'll be mad." She gritted her teeth and closed her eyes. Taylor threw her away from him, as if she were on fire. She stumbled to the floor, falling to her hands and knees, tears streaking down her face, her heart in her throat. She would die here, before Kaiba's eyes, without saying good-bye to her brother or friends—at the hands of this monster.
"My SON, is gone Miss. Wheeler. I sent him away. I didn't want him to know just what a little whore you really are!" He started to approach her again. This time he was in a seething frenzy.
Serenity tried to crawl and scoot away from the maniac, but slammed into the wall…this room was a large dead end.
"What's the matter Miss. Wheeler? There are windows…remember how you were going to show Mr. Kaiba your love for my son? You wanted him in a room with a window so he could see you 'romance' Tristan." He glared at her, as she tried to pull up her knees—it was a sad attempt to shield herself.
"I'm so sorry," she shook her head, not being able to control the sobs now. Her shoulders shook softly. "I never meant to hurt your son…I was…I was…" He grabbed her arm, jerking her to her feet. She screamed out in pain.
Kaiba felt completely helpless. The more he struggled the more cut his wrists became, doing that was of no practical use. What the hell could he do to save her?
"If you hurt her Taylor, I swear you'll get NOTHING from me!" Kaiba swore through clenched teeth.
Taylor turned to the chained CEO, dragging poor Serenity around. Her arm was going very numb, his fingers felt like daggers digging into her flesh. She tried to pry his fingers from her arm, but his hold was firm.
"Oh Kaiba…still thinking you hold a card," Taylor tormented him, by making Serenity scream, as he jerked her arm up sharply. Then he was 'tsking' a very angry, albeit chained, dragon. "You see--you will give me what I want…" Taylor smiled, "then maybe, just maybe, I won't cause her too much damage." He turned and leered at Serenity, who finally understood his meaning. She started struggling now, terrified of what damage he intended to do. She was screaming and fighting him like a rabid, feral cat.
"Little bitch!" Taylor screeched as he backhanded slapped her—sending her spiraling into the wall. She barely maintained consciousness, as she slid down the wall, and fell on the floor.
"Hmm Mr. Kaiba…would you want her if she weren't as pure as the driven snow?" He snickered. Kaiba's eyes widened with the realization of what this madman was saying.
"So help me God-I'll kill you!" Kaiba started struggling again. He noticed how dazed Serenity was…she was no match for this man.
"You had so many opportunities to just give me what I wanted. Now, I'm afraid you'll have to watch her pay for your stubbornness." He growled as he walked back to Serenity and grabbed her by her hair again. Pulling her up he slammed her on her back, on top of the desk. "Don't close your eyes Mr. Kaiba, you might miss something…" He laughed like a maniac as he ripped open Serenity's shirt—buttons flew everywhere. Seto screamed out her name—Serenity just screamed.
It all happened so fast at that point. Serenity struggled as Taylor groped her and kissed her neck. Serenity's hand, which she had been feebly using in an attempt to steady herself, came across a hard object—possibly a paperweight? Without thought, she grasped it, and then nailed him in the temple. She put ever ounce of strength she could muster behind the hit.
All Kaiba heard was her outcry. Then he watched as Taylor went limp on top of her.
"Serenity?" He cried out. He tried a few more times, with no luck. The two were still on the desk. It was then he heard her broken sobs. Taylor had to be out cold, but for how long? He had to motivate her…
"Serenity, pull it together. He's out. Push him off." He waited, no response. "Come on, push him off. Love, you have to get him off…come on Serenity."
"Seto?" She managed, despite her shock. "Help me please…" She whispered through her tears.
It tore at his heart that he couldn't come to her aid. "You have to help yourself, but as soon as you get up, you can free me and then I'll be able to help you."
Slowly, and with much effort, she pushed him off. He tumbled to the floor and hit it with a loud thunk. She yelped again. Now, she was sitting on the desk—alone. She turned slowly and looked at Seto, her eyes implored him to tell her what to do next.
"The keys are in the top right hand drawer." He instructed. If he was soft on her she could break, and then the shock would take over. "Get up Serenity, go to the drawer and get the key. Come on now—move it." He was harsh, but if she fell apart and Taylor woke up—all hope would be gone.
She slid off the desk, nearly fell because her legs felt so weak, and moved to the drawer. The key was there. With shaking hands she managed to grasp it. Taylor was still slumped on the floor, blood pouring from the wound she had inflicted. She gagged and bent, preparing to be sick again.
"You're stronger than this Serenity…don't play a martyr. Has your brother ever backed down? Even against insurmountable odds?" He had to inspire her, and if using her sibling as bait worked—so be it. "Do you want Joey to be proud, or ashamed? What would he say if his own sister couldn't use a simple key in a lock?" His eyes flamed. "Move your ass Wheeler."
Her eyes snapped up at him, he had her.
Quickly, silently, she padded over to him, key in hand. She noticed the blood dripping down his arms, the cuts around his wrists and the various bruises all over his torso. He had been beaten before she had arrived, that was why his shirt was off. Her eyes sprung fresh tears, his eyes narrowed.
"Cry later, free me now…" his voice was raspy and a bit hoarse.
She slid in the key and turned it…it was the beginning of his freedom. He took the key with his free hand and unlocked the other chain. He grabbed her in his arms before she fell. He held her close, cradling her to his chest. Kaiba's blood started staining Serenity's ruined shirt.
Suddenly the door burst open. Kaiba quickly turned. He placed Serenity in the chair and stood before her, ready for a fight. He'd be damned before he'd be locked up again, and he'd rather die than let anyone touch Serenity.
Three rare hunters stormed in.
Seto had nothing to fight with, no way to hold them off.
"It figures!" The leader shouted out. He pulled his hood back, to reveal violet/gray eyes. "I bring the Calvary and you're free…" There was disappointment in the familiar voice.
"Mokuba!" Kaiba shouted.
Mokuba noticed the blood, bruises and the crumpled bodies. "What did I miss?" He asked, moving towards the couple. Mokuba pulled off his robe and tossed it to Kaiba, who pulled it on.
Kaiba knelt in front of Serenity. "Are you alright?" He asked, his concern reflected in his eyes. She had a death grip on her shirt, holding it closed before her. She could still feel Taylor's hands on her. She fought the urge to cry.
She shook her head yes, attempting to be strong for Seto's benefit.
"Mokuba, stay with her," Kaiba grabbed another robe off another hunter and tossed it to Mokuba for Serenity. Seto Kaiba ran off with one of the guards, leaving the other with Mokuba and Serenity.
"I don't see why we have to stay at Kaiba's mansion," Joey griped in the limousine. "I mean, if he's free and all, why can't life just go back to normal again?"
Mokuba sighed heavily. "Tristan is still on the loose. Until we're sure he posses no threat we want you all under guard. You did so much to save my brother—it's the least we could do to repay you all." Mokuba smiled at Mai, she smiled back.
It felt like a major weight had been lifted from her shoulders when she heard that Max was dead. The full-scale investigation was annoying, but Taylor Senior was now in jail. He would be there for a long time. Murder, attempted rape, countless attempted murders, false imprisonment, and the list ran on and on. Serenity was fine, which was good. Mokuba didn't tell them much, only that Serenity had played a pivotal role in Kaiba's freedom. They would have to wait to see her. He wouldn't betray Serenity's privacy.
"Thank you for the help Miss. Wheeler." The detective tried to smile at her.
Serenity felt at a loss. Everything had happened so fast. They had scraped under her nails, photographed her bruises, and took down her account of events several times. Her shirt had been gathered in an evidence bag, Kaiba had loaned her one of his.
The police tried to make her feel like a heroine. She wasn't one, if Seto hadn't commanded her—they could still be there.
She looked down at her fingernails, still caked with dry blood and suppressed a gag. She had hit Taylor with such force—she could have killed him.
"Are you going to be okay?" Kaiba asked from the doorway. The urge to hold her and comfort her was almost overwhelming, but he was afraid of her believing it was out of gratitude.
"Fine," she whispered meekly. "I'll be fine, I'd like to shower. I need to get the stench and feel of him off me." She shivered.
"I'll leave you to your privacy." Kaiba turned and shut the door behind him. He wanted to stay, needed to stay, but placed her before him—and left.
She wanted to cry out to him, she needed him, now more than ever. He seemed preoccupied and distant.
She looked around his room, it felt like him here, and it comforted her a bit. She took the longest shower she had ever taken, washing and rewashing everywhere that man touched. Her head hurt, from the hair pulling and bruises were beginning to appear more blackish and red now. The one on her face was the worst, her left eye looked a bit bloodshot as well. She had never earned a black eye before. Gingerly she touched it and then winced, it hurt worse than the others. Even the one on her arm wasn't this bad.
She dressed in Kaiba's shirt again and pulled on the sweatpants one of his maids had leant her. All of her clothing was being washed. Slowly, she made her way into the room. Kaiba was sitting on one of the couches, waiting for her—it seemed. She swallowed hard and approached him.
"I brought you some tea and something to eat." He wanted to ask if she was still sick to her stomach, he ached to take her in his arms, but was too afraid—he didn't want to add to her trauma.
She slid into the lone armchair and pulled her knees up, resting her chin on them, her arms wrapped around her legs. "Thank you, but I'm not really hungry." She shrugged softly.
This woman had shown Kaiba what courage was all about. She had, in effect, rescued him with the help of Mokuba. Sure, if she hadn't interfered Mokuba would have managed, but she put herself, family, and friends in jeopardy because of him. No one had ever gone out on a limb like that for him. He moved closer to the chair she selected, then sat on the coffee table in front of her.
He lifted her chin with his fingers and turned her face. He remembered seeing her get hit and winced. "Does it hurt?" He whispered, trying to be gentle. It was nearly impossible for him, he wasn't gentle—he was Seto Kaiba.
"Not overly much," she offered, not wanting him to be concerned. She wanted to hear him say the words, the words she had told him days ago…that he loved her.
"Is there anything that I can do to make you feel better?" He asked, wanting to tell her he had fallen, but knowing this was the most inappropriate time. He didn't want her to think it was heat of the moment, or some compelled payback. He would wait until she was out of shock and would accept his words as truth.
"It feels weird to be with you and not be scared," she turned away from his intense gaze.
"I have guards everywhere, no one will harm you." He offered. He had failed her earlier and refused to do it again.
Tentatively, she lowered her legs and leaned forward. Slowly she took his hand and traced the bandages on his wrist.
"Are you okay?" She asked, concern evident in her eyes.
"It's just scratches," he said. She didn't believe him, had seen the blood run down his arms in rivers.
"You're my concern." He said, with seriousness.
"Why did you leave me?" She mustered the courage to ask. "Back in that room, with Mokuba? Why didn't you stay with me?" It was a thought that was haunting her. Was something else more important than her? Did he have better things to do? Something he felt deserved his attention more?
He wanted to tell her that if he had stayed he would have killed Taylor with his bare hands. That the thought of that man taking another breath drove him insane. He would have ripped Taylor's heart out if Serenity hadn't been there. Her presence was Taylor's shield. She had prevented the man's violent demise. He had to leave, or he would have been a murderer. It wouldn't have been for what Taylor had done to him, Seto was use to being the object of strange plots. It was what he did to Serenity, also what he tried to do, that nearly cost him his life.
"I had to make sure the perimeter was secure." His eyes frosted over. He couldn't let her see or know the truth; he didn't want her to fear him.
"Oh," she whispered. She wasn't as important as the perimeter. She fought the tears that threatened to fall. Gently she released his hands and curled back up on the chair, shutting herself off from him.
"I knew you were in capable hands." He tried, but even he thought it sounded lame.
"Does my brother know what happened?" She asked, changing the subject.
"Not the whole story, just that you're safe. He's on his way here. Mokuba picked them all up. Until we know where Tristan is we can't take the risk of retribution."
Her heart sank; she wasn't here because he wanted her here, only because Tristan could hurt her. He didn't love, or want her; he was just repaying the debt he probably felt he owed her. She swallowed hard. This is not what she had imagined. She had imagined warm embraces, long kisses, sweet words and warmth. What she was getting was a chilly reception from a man she thought loved her. From a man she had nearly given the ultimate gift, she risked her life—and Mai's, and all she received was a cup of tea and a sandwich. It was just wrong.
"Is there anything that I can do to help you…Serenity?" He wanted her to say 'hold me' or 'love me', and he would have—gladly. He just couldn't initiate and scare the hell out of her. She had been through so much, his confessions, desires and love were not what she needed now. She needed rest and comfort.
"Nothing," she managed, lowering her eyes. "Can I be alone?" She choked out. The tears were close to the surface now. "I just need to sleep." He rose and left her to her silence.
"If you need anything, just press the intercom and ask." He explained before closing the door behind him.
"I need you," she whispered once the door clicked shut.
A/N: So, what did you all think? He is free now…however, I think I have just thrown in an interesting twist…did I not? He thinks she needs his absence…she needs his presence…ahhh the communications problems…poor couple. Am I just evil or what? Read, review and let me know…Thanks for all the wonderful reviews! You guys are the greatest!