Serena was confused.'Why was he trying so hard to help her? He didn't even know her' she thought. She crumbled on the base of the stairs. She felt like she was going to explode! She took deep breaths as she tried to relax herself. She was tired. She had held on to her secret for so long, pretending like everything in her life was picture perfect. She couldn't do it anymore!
Seto quietly took a seat next to her. Serena didn't know what came over her as she buried her head in Seto's arms and began to cry. He comforted the young girl as he brought her in closer. For the first time since leaving Domino city, she felt safe as if nothing could hurt her. Seto stroked her long hair as she melted into the fabric of his soft shirt. After shedding every last tear, Kaiba cleaned her face and wiped away her tears. " Don't worry, you're going to be okay. I'm here" he said softly looking into Serena's red-rimmed eyes.
For the next three hours, the two talked. Though she was quiet at first, Serena began to open up to the young CEO. They didn't talk about her past or the actions that had brought them together but simply enjoyed each other's company. Kaiba knew not to broach on the subject. These things took time.
When the clock struck six, Serena began to gather her things. As he walked her out to the waiting car, Kaiba reached out and grasped Serena's small hands. "Serena" he said seriously " whenever you feel...those feelings or lonely promise you'll call me first." Her crystal blue eyes matched his cobalt eyes as she nodded silently.
For the first time in her life, she felt safe and she knew someone would protect her from the perpetual solitude that had taken over her life for the past 11 years. She was content and before she knew it, Serena placed a small kiss on his cheek. "Thank you" she whispered before running towards the car.
Seto touched his cheek. She was the first girl he had ever allowed to be this close to him. Except for his brother, Serena was the only one he had felt the need to protect. He chuckled at the girl's small gesture and went inside.
When she arrived at her house, Serena rushed into her bedroom and jumped onto her bed, drowning herself in the silk sheets. She blushed thinking about her spontaneous actions. Her heart raced as she bit her lip remembering his surprise as she kissed him. Her father would be home in a few hours after finishing some work at the office so she slowly drifted off into a deep slumber...
Serena found herself walking through an unfamiliar bazaar. Where was she? The town seemed to be deserted. "Hello? hello? Is anybody here?" The dusty roads seemed archaic and foreign. She searched the square for someone. As she glanced around, she noticed a shadow swiftly turning around the corner. "Hey! wait up!" she shouted as she ran towards the departing figure. She saw a glow of silver white hair as she tried to catch up to the mysterious person. "Please wait. I only want to know where I am."
The shadow stopped and turned quickly surprising Serena. " Keeper of Serenity. You are in ancient Egypt as I have called upon you to help us in our time of need." Egypt? What was she doing in -did she just say ancient?
"How...what do you mean you called upon me?" The white haired girl pointed to the Serena's necklace.
"You are the keeper of Serenity, Serena. That necklace holds great power. It heard our pleas and has sent you to help us. My name is Kisara."
"I don't think I understand you. The necklace was a gift from my father, it can't hear anything. I'm sorry, but you must have me confused with someone else" she turned to leave when Kisara grabbed her arm.
"Please. I can't let them have me and if it stays here, we will all surely perish" The girl looked so frightened and Serena knew she had to stay. She was uncertain, how could she help this girl.
"O-okay. What can I do?" she stammered.
"Our kingdom is in trouble and while our rulers hold the spirits of the Egyptian gods which will help vanquish our enemies, some of us hold the power of the strongest beasts within us. We can not allow our enemies to capture these monsters and use them against us." Serena didn't understand what Kisara was saying. Beasts within people? The girl wasn't making any sense at all. Kisara noticed Serena's look of confusion.
"Duel monsters is not just a game" she said knowingly "they were real during our time and I house the beast known as the Blue Eyes White Dragon. I beg you to take the heart and soul of this monster as it is unsafe for me to hold him during this time."
"I don't know what you mean. How can you …?"
"Please Serena, there is not enough time. I will show you, but for now you must take its soul to a safe place." Take its soul? Before Serena could react, Kisara placed both of her palms in her hands and began to chant in a foreign language.
"Hey what are you doing!?" Serena shouted alarmed. Suddenly, she saw the Blue Eyes White Dragon. The ferocity scared her and she tried to run but found she was immobile. The creature stared at her and rushed at her with great speed. Serena braced herself for the impact, but it never came. Her eyes began to shine as it took on the color of the White Dragon. What was happening?
Serena felt a soft touch as her eyes began to open. "D-daddy?" she said softly when she saw her father leaning over her.
"Hello Serena. You were out for quite some time. Is everything okay."
"uh...yeah I'm fine. Just a little tired" she replied "shall we go." Dinner was a pleasant affair as Serena and her father discussed school and new dueling cards.
"My dear, you must let me enter you in the Destiny Champions League. It'd be the perfect way to introduce you to the world." Serena smiled uncertainly. She didn't want to disappoint her father, but she had lost all interest in dueling after retirement.
"I-I don't know if that's such a good idea. I retired."
"But, darling it'll be perfect" he said swirling his wine " You can announce that you've changed your mind and take your place as the top duelist."
"Daddy, I don't think I want to" she explained.
"Nonsense, I'll even lend you my toon card series. You'll be the bell of the ball. Now darling, I've got to go."
"Where? where are you going?" she asked standing from her seat.
"Business my pet. I'll only be gone a few weeks- 20 days to be exact. Now, when I return, I expect to see you at the opening party. Go ahead and buy something pretty- I want my gem to sparkle." Pegasus left the table leaving her behind once again.
Serena didn't want him to leave. She wanted him to stay. She wanted to know her father. Serena sighed loudly. She understood he had business obligations, but she couldn't help but feel disappointed. She looked down at the invitation her father had left behind. The Destiny Champions League would start at the end of the month and she had no idea how she was going to get out of it.
The doorbell rang at seven on Saturday morning. Seto looked up from his work. Though he started everyday promptly at six, the company didn't operate on the weekends. Seto went down the stairs quietly as Mokuba was still asleep. His little brother liked his sleep on the weekends. He opened the door. "Serena" he said pleasantly surprised by her appearance.
"Hi" she breathed as she slipped through the door. Kaiba led her up the staircase. The staff would be arriving soon and he wanted to hide her away from prying eyes. Serena's eyes widened when she saw she was in his bedroom. She had never seen a boy's room before and began to blush slightly. The room was expansive with a large window overlooking the garden outside. She looked over at the desk and smiled at the stack of papers and laptop.
"My, my Mr. Kaiba. I'm shocked!" she said playfully. Seto smirked but kept up with her theme.
"Well, Miss. Serena. May I ask to what you are referring to. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused you." She nodded towards his messy desk. "Ah, well the early bird catches the worm."
Serena plopped herself comfortably on the couch near the window and tucked her slim legs under her body. She sighed and stared out the window as a look of sorrow took over her face. Seto sensed that she wanted to talk and sat next to her. He caressed her face. "No more tears now. Think of happy times."
Serena warmed at his touch. Much had happened since the previous day and there were so many things she wanted to tell him. Kaiba took her hands lightly and quickly glanced them over. He relaxed, the wounds were beginning to heal and there were no signs of new scars.
"My father's hosting a new competition" she explained.
"The Destiny Champions League" he answered knowingly.
"You know?" she questioned.
"Yes, your father dropped this off late last night" he said holding a brightly colored invitation.
"H-he wants me to duel in the tournament…" Kaiba stiffened knowing how difficult this situation was for her. He squeezed her hand lightly to show her that he would stand behind her.
"Serena, you don't need to do anything you don't want to do. If you want to duel, you can. But, if you don't, you don't have to." Serena looked up gratefully. She was glad to have someone standing behind her. She had been alone for so long that it felt nice to have someone who understood her and supported her decisions. "So, have you eaten today? Why don't we go down and see if we can get something warm."
As they descended down the staircase, Serena noticed a small shadow running into the kitchen. "What was that" she asked aloud remembering her dream from the night before.
"Oh," Seto said thinking it was Mokuba "I'd actually like you to meet somebody." She stared at him confused. Who could he be talking about. As they entered the kitchen, she noticed a small raven haired boy happily munching on a bowl of sugary cereal while watching cartoons on the large plasma screen.
"Hi big brother" he chirped without looking up.
"Mokuba, I'd like you to meet somebody." The small boy turned his head to see Serena. "This is my...Serena."
"Hi" he said shyly. Serena gave him a warm smile and said hello. Seto marveled how well the two got along as she enchanted his little brother and played his favorite games. As Mokuba ran upstairs to get dressed, Seto handed her a cup of tea.
"He really likes you. I've never seen him share his ax warrior action figure with anyone before." Serena laughed.
"What can I say? I have mesmerizing qualities" she said musically. Seto was glad that she was happy. She seemed lighter and more free after their talks and he hoped that the dark times would never come again.
"So, if your done seducing my younger brother," Seto smirked " how would you like to join us for a trip. We were going to stay at our house near Crystal Lake since Monday's a holiday" Serena looked at him uncertainly. Going to boy's house and staying the night was a big step. Seto noticed her anxious expression. "You don't have to. I understand if you don't want to come. It's completely your choice" he said quickly.
Serena bit her lip and decided to take the plunge. She felt safe with him "I'll go. The mountain air will be good for me. After all, no one's at home. Let me call nanny and she'll send over some of my things for the trip."
"Are you sure Serena, I don't want you to feel like I'm pressuring you…"
"You're not. I want to go with you" she said leaning in. Their faces were only centimeters apart before she came closer and had her first kiss.
