Cerulean Eyes
Disclaimer- We don't own Yugioh. Full stop.
Amnesia
He woke up, breathing heavily with shock and surprise. What had happened last night? After a hurried glance outside for any dragons invading the sky, he dressed in his normal suit and shoes, preparing for another hard day at work.
Last night's storm had wiped out all the data he had downloaded and he was impatient to make up for the lost hours. It was then a maid rushed into his room, bowing as if he were royalty-which he probably was in the household.
"Sir!" She cried in a high pitched voice, "She-she's unconscious!"
It was then he remembered her. He growled in anger at the prospect of a successful business day being turned into a full day of home care for some weakling who had no home anyway.
"Well spit it out!" He snapped coldly.
"She-she was slumped near the window when I found her," The maid stammered, "I don't know what's wrong. Her pulse is fine though. Mister Mokuba is with her."
"Whatever," He shot at her, striding downstairs to briefly check in on her and his brother.
000
He gazed at her unconscious face, indigo eyes filled with worry. She lay, covered in white sheets, on the bed.
In good light, he could see her clearly. Her pale skin practically shone in the morning light and her blonde hair billowed out from the pillow like a fan. She was breathing evenly as though she had simply fallen asleep.
The door opened and his disgruntled older brother strode in.
"Is she okay?" The elder Kaiba asked briefly, no emotion on his face.
Mokuba moved aside for his brother to see. For a second, the older boy was rigid, staring at her closed eyes and peaceful face.
Emotions betrayed Seto's voice as he said, "Mokuba…please go check the holograms."
He nodded in secret delight and scampered from the room.
000
Of all the faces, he did not expect to see this. She looked so peaceful, lying there. Almost…beautiful. Sunlight danced off her face, illuminating her soft cheekbones and long, dark eyelashes.
He could just stare at her for days on the end…days…
But something stirred within him, as if he had seen that face before. Where…
000
Consciousness wavered in front of her as she struggled to grasp it. She stood unsteadily in the darkness. Reaching out again, she groaned as the flickering light hovered just out of her reach.
She had to wake! She had to…
But why? A new voice whispered, soft and entrancing Why wake up? Your life is a mess dear. Wouldn't it be so wonderful to just forget all your worries and enjoy the bliss?
She paused, as a single drop of doubt entered her, confronting her with a new question. She shook her head, feeling a thin haze of confusion cloud her senses. She had to wake up…
000
He watched her toss and turn as if in a bad dream. She probably was. Without knowing what he was doing, he reached out and stroked her face. It felt so soft and smooth…
He was barely aware of his hand caressing her face in such gentle motions. A lock of her long, pale blonde hair fell across her face, making the slight imperfection seem so perfect.
So he was shocked when those closed eyelids flew open and those cerulean eyes stared at him in shock. She looked panicked for a second before focusing her gaze onto him.
000
She stared at the hand, which, moments ago, had been caressing her cheek so gently and tenderly. She felt deep shock settle within her, feeling very disoriented and confused at the implications of his actions.
She tried to speak. But her voice was hoarse and she could hardly catch her breath from her struggle with darkness. She struggled to sit up. The effort sent her into a coughing fit and she doubled over in the fierce velocity of the breath of air.
000
He saw her wake up. Quickly withdrawing his hand, he felt shock settling within himself and the new question began plaguing his mind.
What was he just doing?
He did not realize it. He was not aware of it. But he had shown tenderness and warmth. He knew it. He just hoped she didn't. It was not common for him to display any kind of emotion with the exception of his brother.
And yet, here he was, gently eyeing her. He didn't even know her. But his actions had shown something otherwise. Briefly, he recalled the deep feeling he had gotten when he had laid eyes on her.
He pushed those thoughts back as a loud cough interrupted his thoughts. She was coughing violently, her frail body doubling over in pain.
Part of him struggled to help her. He could not explain it. It had compelled him to do strange things before like handing Yugi Field Sanctuary in order to beat Ra. It had made him help people like Gardner when she was 'possessed' by Marik at the dock by throwing a card to injure the Rare Hunters. And now it was telling him again.
But another part of him-the part he was used to and trained to face, forced him to stop. It was his will that held him back. Without it, he might as well have joined Yugi's gang of weirdos who all believed in the 'Heart of the cards' rubbish and 'Friendship'.
So he stood, watching her cough and tremble violently, his eyes hardening until it was the shade of steel blue that he had been born with. So he watched her.
000
Desperation overwhelmed her as she clutched her chest, feeling it shoot pain signals up to her brain. She squeezed her eyes shut in an attempt to block out the pain. Desperation also settled in her stomach.
He didn't want to help her. She could see now that he merely thought of her as an object, ready to be thrown away. So she waited for him to send her away. But he didn't. She dared to peer up. He was just standing rigidly there, looking unfathomable.
She felt tears well up inside her at his coldness.
000
He thought she was weak and foolish. But he couldn't help being interested in knowing more about her. She seemed so frail but he was very intrigued by her behaviour. So he decided to take a day off work to question her.
Leaving her where she was, he strode into his office and called Roland. He could sense his secretary's surprise when he said he'd have a day off but paid no heed to it.
Then, he ordered for her to come.
000
He stood nervously outside his brother's office, heart pounding. It was not everyday his brother chose to stay at home. It could only mean one thing. The girl. He hesitantly opened the door and peered in.
"Hey Seto?"
"What Mokuba?" Was the vaguely annoyed answer, "Shouldn't you be at school?"
"It's still only eight."
"Well get there earlier," The elder Kaiba snapped.
He backed from the room and reluctantly walked to school. He felt sorry for the girl. Being with his annoyed brother was like being trapped in a cage with a lion with a thorn in its paw.
000
She waited outside nervously. Taking a strand of her long, golden white hair, she bit her lip as a woman peeked out from the door.
"Ah yes," The woman said, looking positively terrified, "Come in Miss."
The room was magnificent. A heavy oak desk stood in the centre, backed by a high chair with velvet backing. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling.
A huge fireplace was at the side of the room, looking disused and abandoned. Two more chairs, of the same quality, stood before the desk. Two huge pot plants were placed either side of the elegant wooden door. Never had she seen more finery.
He sat on the chair, a frown apparent on his face. Papers and pens were scattered around the table and a laptop was flickering beside him. She walked to the table, still nervously playing with her hair.
"Well?" He asked in a disbelieving tone, "Do I have to tell you to sit down as well?"
She sat quickly on one of the chairs and heard him mutter something like, "Ignorant people."
"So," He said in a more business-like tone, "What's your name?"
What's my name?
That simple question caused her to ponder for a long time. What was her name? She frowned, brain trying to receive the most simple of information.
"It's-" She began, feeling her voice vibrating through the silent room.
She swallowed and began again, "It's…Kiera."
"Kiera?" He repeated in a bored tone, "Right…"
He asked again.
"How old are you?"
Again, she had to dig deep within her. But this time, nothing came to her.
"I-I…don't know," She replied in barely a whisper.
"You don't know?" His tone was incredulous. There was an awkward pause and then, he seemed to recall something. He stared at her for about five minutes before averting his gaze to the laptop.
She watched him type on his laptop and then turn to her again.
"Where are you from?"
"I-I don't know…"
It was the only truthful answer she could give.
"When is your birthday?"
"I-I can't remember…"
000
He sighed. He knew what was going on. Putting his mobile to his ear, he made a quick call to the hospital. Then, he roughly stuffed some papers into his briefcase and stood up.
"Come on," He said in his normal tone, "You're going to the hospital."
000
"Definitely amnesia," The doctor, wearing black framed glasses said after a close examination, "Perhaps even permanent memory loss. The cold had numbed many of her nerves but with some care, she'll be alright."
"But what about her memory?" He demanded impatiently.
"She'll definitely need some time," The doctor said with a calm tone although his voice was grave, "But she may not ever be able to recover her full memory. You say her name is Kiera?"
"That's what she said," He snapped, "She pronounced it Kye-ra so I suppose that's her name for now."
"Very well sir," The doctor said, glancing at Kiera, "She really is a sight to see."
The man was right. Kiera had been given a new hospital dress that seemed to blend in perfectly with her pale skin. Her hair had been combed and straightened so now, it gleamed. Her dark navy-azure eyes were open and wide.
"Whatever," The CEO said carelessly, "Are you willing to take her?"
Just then, a nurse walked to the doctor and muttered something. The doctor, himself, nodded and the CEO of Kaiba Corp.
"I'm afraid all our rooms are booked. You'll have to take care of her until we have a vacancy here."
He frowned and then scowled. He'd have to put up with her for another few days.
"How long until a vacancy?" He asked briskly.
"I imagine in about two weeks."
He groaned inwardly.
"Fine. I'll go now."
The nurse nodded and walked into Kiera's room. A few minute's later, Kiera walked out timidly with the nurse.
"Come on," He said aggressively and then walked away.
000
Kiera watched him go and sighed. She still could recall what the doctor had said earlier…
"I'm afraid you have suffered memory loss," He had said gravely, eyes solemn, "You may never be able to fully recover your memories."
"I don't know where I came from," She had responded, "All I know is my name."
The kind doctor had nodded encouragingly, "That's a good start. I will inform Mr. Kaiba of your condition and we'll see what we can do."
So she had waited until the older Kaiba had walked in and talked to the doctor. And she had learned she would have to stay with him.
Sighing despondently again, she trailed after him miserably.
Author's NoteAnyway, how was this? We slipped a hint on how to pronounce Kiera's name. It's not Ki-E-Ra. It's Kye-ra. Got it? Got it? Lol. Obviously, this is not love and first sight. Kaiba himself did not know what he was doing! Got it? Good!
Big thank you to reviewers as usual!
SerenityMeowth- Thanks for your review!
Rikki K- Glad you liked it. We're hoping by the end, Kaiba will believe. Smiles We'll just have to see won't we?
Samurai Light- Lol Via. How do you know it was blue eyes hmm? I suppose it's a bit obvious though.
OOC stands for 'out of character'. So Kaiba would be ooc if we made him kind and gentle towards everyone. Most people don't like characters being ooc so we're trying to keep it as close to Kaiba's character as possible.
CEO stands for Chief Executive Officer- or the highest ranking executive officer. Kaiba is CEO of Kaiba Corp since Gozaburo died.
Anyway, hope ya don't die. Breathing exercises!
See you all next chapter!
Gardevoir Mages