Chapter 26 Into the Catori Forest
Priya placed the sandwiches in the small basket, along with two apples and two plums. She smiled at her five year old daughter, who was very excited to go on this 'big' adventure into the woods to 'find' the stream. This journey was hardly a mile in. Besides that, Michael had the mansion and the surrounding forest under guard, so Priya and Kelista were always safe. 10 year old Seth even promised protect Kelista and never leave her alone in the woods.
Seth smiled and thanked Mrs. Helmsley as she gave him the basket.
"Have fun, sweetie," Priya kissed her overjoyed daughter before she ran off.
It wasn't too long before Seth and Kelista came across a yellow rose bush that Priya planted years before. The children decided to take a rose each for their mums.
"I just want to do this by myself, Seth," Kelista pouted.
Of course Seth wanted to cut both roses, but the Helmsley Princess insisted her rose gift to her mummy won't be special then.
Seth sighed. "But Kels, they have thorns; you could get pricked."
Kelista remained stubborn. "I'll be fine." she said,
The future Shield affiliate watched intently as she proceeded to cut a rose.
"Ouch!" Kelista cried.
Seth sighed and took her finger, which now bored a little red dot. Of course he didn't want her to get hurt, but he did anticipate Kelista would get pricked. He had only wanted to protect her.
"Don't worry, Kels." Seth said. "Hold your thumb, the bleeding will stop soon."
Kelista's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry, Seth. I should have listened."
"Hey, it's okay," Seth said gently. "We all make mistakes, Kels."
The Little Helmsley Princess nodded and wiped her eyes.
"Now, come on!" Seth said excitedly to cheer her up. "The forest awaits!"
Kelista laughed as Seth took her hand to lead them on their big adventure.
~oOo~
"Hunter," Stephanie began as they climbed into their limo. "Why don't we visit Koda tomorrow?"
Triple H was quiet for a moment as they settled inside.
"Sweetheart?" Stephanie touched his arm as the driver closed the door.
Hunter reached out and affectionately cupped her cheek. "Sure, love."
Stephanie's eyes sparkled as leaned against his hand. "I can hardly wait."
The couple turned in surprise as the driver opened the door once again.
"Hi," Kelista smiled at them.
Hunter was confused to see his niece getting in to his and Steph's limo. She had her own for sure, and would travel with Seth. He briefly wondered if they were fighting again, but they seemed happy together at the birthday celebration...
Maybe that was just for the cameras.
"Are you and Seth okay?" Stephanie asked Kelista. "Did you have an argument with him?"
"…No," the Helmsley Princess replied just as Alison got in.
Kelista bit her lip and looked out the window. She hoped her face wasn't pink.
Stephanie and Hunter looked at one another and silently agreed to drop the subject and ask Alison later.
~oOo~
Seth sighed. Though he was happy that he and Kelista had rekindled their friendship somewhat... he wanted something more.
The Architect shook his head. That didn't make sense. Besides, Kelista can't remember him anyway. She had pulled away from him and left abruptly, after receiving a phone call.
Seth was so lost in his thoughts he didn't notice two figures approaching his locker room.
Until it was too late. Batista held him from behind in a vice grip, making him face Randy Orton. Members of Evolution, the Shield's nemesis.
"Well, well, well," the Viper cooed. "What do have here?"
"Two against one," a voice chuckled derisively. "How manly."
Randy spun around to find a man, not only of great physical stature, but one the Viper knew also had great wealth and power.
"I suggest you get moving," the stranger said. "Before word gets out that Evolution are nothing more than school ground bullies with self-esteem issues and the like."
Randy and Batista reluctantly left, but not long before they shot both Seth and the man cold, hard looks.
"Thanks, man." Seth said putting out his hand. "Seth, Seth Rollins,"
The young man smiled and genially shook the Shield affiliate's hand. "Aryan Pariwar."
"So...are you a fan of WWE?" Seth asked, trying to make conversation.
"Well, not really, no." Aryan replied, as they left the locker room. "Though I did watch it this past week,"
Seth took in the man's clothing and Rolex watch. "You have family in the company, then?"
Aryan smiled. "You could say that. In fact, I'm here to see my dulhania."
Seth chuckled. "Cool, invite me to your wedding." he joked.
Aryan laughed but stopped suddenly. The American understands Hindi, he thought. He understood when Aryan said bride.
"What's wrong?" The Architect asked.
Aryan turned at Seth. "Nothing, maybe I would invite you to the wedding and the engagement."
"Really?"
Aryan nodded. "Yes. Thanks to my parents, half the people on my side I wouldn't even know anyway," he laughed. "So at least now I'm inviting a friend."
Seth grinned. "Can I bring someone?"
Aryan's mouth curved as his phone beeped. "Sure,"
"Awesome, thanks!" The Shield affiliate beamed.
Aryan glanced briefly at his phone text. "I got to go now. Great meeting you."
"Yeah, man, you too." Seth called as Aryan left. "And thanks again for your help!"
Seth smiled as his new friend walked away. He couldn't wait to tell Kelista and invite her to accompany him to a traditional Indian wedding and engagement. Wouldn't she be surprised!
He hardly noticed his Shield brothers, Roman and Dean walking towards him.
"Hey, that's Aryan Pariwar." Roman said, mildly surprise. "His family owns Sahara India Pariwar."
"What's that?" Dean asked.
"A company, bro," Roman sighed. "That happens to own the Plaza Hotel in New York."
Seth was surprised. "Aryan's that rich, huh?"
"Anyway," Roman smiled. "You were right, Dean."
"Of course I am," The US Champion replied before asking, "Uh, about what?"
Seth turned to Roman. His Shield brother was very happy for some reason.
The Powerhouse chuckled. "I spoke with Sierra."
"And?" Dean pressed, showing typical Lunatic Fringe impatience.
Roman looked at both of his brothers smiling from ear to ear.
"We're going to the orphanage tomorrow to adopt Koda." The Powerhouse announced.
Seth was so excited he almost jumped on Roman.
"My heart is breaking," Dean said dryly as he watched the celebration. "Can we get back to the hotel now please?"
Roman and Seth laughed at him as they left to meet Sierra.
But Dean was just as happy as Seth. Never really being part of a family while growing up, Dean held his Shield friends, Sierra and Raquel in very high regard.
And now there will be a new addition to the Reigns family...
To the Shield family.
Dean smiled.
My family.
~oOo~
Helmsley Penthouse Suite
Stephanie and Hunter were surprised to find their youngest daughter still awake.
"I want Kels to read me the story," three-year old Kayla yawned.
Kelista chuckled and went to her little cousin's to read her the Disney's Sleeping Beauty fairytale. But Kels hardly got through the second page when the little princess' eyes closed as she drifted off into the land of make-believe and enchantment.
Kelista smiled. Closing the book, she gently placed it by Kayla's beside before tucking the little princess in.
"Goodnight, you little munchkin," she whispered before kissing Kayla's forehead.
"Thanks Kels," Stephanie said softly, as she stood by the doorway. "Don't forget you have marriage counseling tomorrow," she reminded gently before retiring to hers and Hunter's room.
The Helmsley Princess just shook her head as she headed to her own room.
They'll learn soon enough, Kelista thought as she opened the door. She crossed the room to drop her handbag on the couch, before turning to the round table, where the room attendants leave her parcels.
On the table was a beautiful arrangement of flowers. She usually had fresh flowers in her room every day, but given her phone call earlier, she knew who these were from. The Helmsley Princess inhaled their sweet fragrance, before turning to the next items on the table. It was white box with a note, along with the drawing and the small potted plant Seth gave her.
She quickly opened he note, surmising the gift was from her father.
For my Big Baby. With a big management job and everything.
I love you always,
Papa
Kelista chuckled at her father's use of speech before turning once again to collapse on her couch. She took out her phone to call him to thank him for the gift. She hates that's he is away most of the time. But Kelista knew how much her father loved and cared for her.
She had hardly hung up on the call when her phone beeped. Kelista smiled upon seeing Seth's name.
Hi Kelista
I had a great time today. Hope you did as well.
Thanks for the gift. It was an awesome birthday to say the least! I'm glad you were there to share it with me.
Sweet dreams, Kels.
Seth
On the topic of birthdays…
Kelista still had the birthday card kept safe. If only she knew who wrote it…
The Helmsley Princess got up and walked outside. She had more...pressing matters right now.
Like my family's estate here, she mused as she leaned against her balcony railing, staring at the green treetops. She would have enjoyed the nice cool breeze, if wasn't so lost in thought. She has been in Iowa for about three days now and everyone had been avoiding the topic of her family's estate here. She didn't get what would be so dangerous if Rizer or any other bodyguard accompanied her either. Kelista looked up at the starry night sky.
She had asked everybody she could think of (her father, HelmsleyCorp employees, historians and the mercenaries that had missions in Iowa). But all said the same thing: the estate is just another Helmsley residence property. Considering how many of those her family had in the states, let alone the world, this wasn't surprising. And now that they frequent hotels instead, residences (like the Iowa mansion) weren't needed anymore. It wasn't that this was probably the only thing she asked for that her father denied her. Kelista wrapped her arms around her, as if she was cold. There was something about that place she couldn't shake.
But some things just didn't add up. Kelista lowered her gaze to the direction of the forest. Tomorrow she'll find out.
The Helmsley Princess was pulled out of her thoughts ay the sound of her phone ringing.
It was Seth's new friend, but someone Kelista has known for years.
~oOo~
Shield hotel suite
Seth sighed as he retired to room; he was dog-tired after his match, not to mention the travelling and what not.
He was about to collapse on his bed, when he noticed a package on his pillow wrapped in blue and white paper, with the words "Happy Birthday, Seth," typed on the top left hand corner.
Seth smiled. One last surprise from his brothers? The Architect yawned as he took the package and lightly tossed it to the other side of his bed. He'd have to open it tomorrow.
Right now, he needed to sleep.
~oOo~
Next morning, Davenport Home for Children
A little girl hugged her small dirty teddy bear tight. Crouching by the corner wall, Sarah's whole body trembled as tears ran down her cheeks.
The Reigns' had come to the Davenport Home for Children to adopt Koda Pahana. But Koda didn't want to leave without Sarah, who was like a big sister to him.
But she couldn't face another disappointment. The Reigns seemed like really nice people, but they wouldn't want ugly, lazy, useless Sarah.
With these thoughts, Sarah had pulled away from Koda and ran from the room. She hid in a toy room, furthest from the "reception" area.
Soon, Sarah felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry-sorry, Mrs. Harro," she choked. "I didn't mean to be r-rude and run like that."
"It's okay, sweetie," came a soft reply.
Sarah's eyes flew opened. That wasn't Mrs. Harro's voice.
The little girl slowly turned to look at the kind face of Sierra Reigns. Not too far away was Roman, also crouching down to her level.
Sarah was then asked a question she was never asked before.
"Sarah," Roman smiled. "Would you like to come home with us and be a part of our family?"
Sarah wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "H-home?"
"Yes, dear," Sierra confirmed. "We live in a place called Orlando, Florida. It's not too far from here – well, by plane."
Sarah blinked.
"You'll have a sister, called Raquel and of course, your brother, Koda," Sierra finished.
A phone rang somewhere down the hall and Mrs. Harro excused herself.
"I... can do my chores," Sarah sniffed.
Sierra shook her head. Mrs. Harro did inform her and Roman about the emotional and physical abuse poor Sarah had gone through.
"You do not have to do any chores," she said. "We have helpers, or domestic workers,"
"Then what will I have to do?"
"Well, you'll have to attend school of course," Roman replied. "And ballet, sport, baking or whatever activity you want,"
"And if you can put up with travelling now and then to see your father," Sierra winked at Roman who chuckled.
Sierra slowly put her arms around Sarah who stiffened.
Mrs. Harro walked back in.
Roman eyebrows narrowed as he noticed her expression. "What's wrong?"
"I'm so sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Reigns," Mrs. Harro swallowed. "But I'm afraid you can't adopt Koda."
~oOo~
Hotel Lobby
Kelista walked across the hall. Easily enough, she didn't have to explain where she was going to her aunt and uncle. Hunter and Stephanie easily assumed she would be with Seth (those rumors were good for something at least). Alison was a bit tougher, Kelista hated leaving her out.
But Kelista did not want to put her best friend in potential danger. That, and Alison would feel obligated to tell Kelista's father about the girls' activities, in case they got themselves into trouble.
Which she had anticipated; so the Helmsley Princess smartly prepared herself with a small handgun, Pepper Spray and, of course, checked all her speed dials on her cell phone. She may be a little daring to go into the mansion alone, but she's not foolish.
"Hey, Kelista!"
The Helmsley Princess was brought out of her reverie by a friendly familiar voice.
"Hi, Seth."
"Guess what, Kels?"
The Helmsley Princess giggled at the Architect's excitement. "What, Seth?" she asked eagerly.
"I have an invitation to a traditional Indian wedding." he announced.
"That's great." Kelista smiled. "Which you need me to help you pick out a suitable kurta to wear, right?" she asked slyly.
Seth laughed. "Yeah, that too. But you can accompany me."
"Okay, but only for one day,"
"What do you mean?" he asked, puzzled.
Kelista sighed. "Hindu weddings go on for days. There are different rituals to be performed." she explained.
"One day it is!" Seth chuckled. "All these ritual stuff make me nervous."
"Aright. See you then," Kelista smiled at him as she turned to leave. "Enjoy your day,"
"Where're you going?" Seth asked.
Kelista answered automatically, "To my family's estate,"
The Helmsley Princess shut her eyes tight and scolded herself mentally. What on earth was she telling him for?! Either Seth was her best friend in another life or he's really Obi Wan in disguise.
Seth's eyes widened. The mansion? The stable? The fire? Where her mother died?!
"What?" Was all he could say.
Kelista lowered her voice. "Promise me you won't tell anyone!" she pleaded.
Seth sighed. "That place is dangerous." was all he could think of saying. It's partially true at least, with the mansion being sort of abandoned.
Kelista almost rolled her eyes. "So I've heard. Anyway, I'm going now."
Seth deliberated on what he should do. He didn't want to sell out and betray her. But he should also look out for her.
The Shield Affiliate's jaw tightened. "Alright then, Kelista. I'll be quiet. But only under one condition."
Kelista turned around to face him and froze. Seth's eyes were intense.
"I'm coming with you," he said firmly.
~oOo~
So once again they both headed into the Catori Forest, in which the Helmsley estate was located. And the secret Algonquian village.
Where Parvati sat, once again by the stream, lost in thought. She didn't know that long ago, Hanovi ripped out her mangala sultra after the fire. Nor that she had a life before the village, in the Helmsley mansion.
Or that her real name is Priya Helmsley, and her daughter was just a few miles away.
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Response to guest reviewer Guest: I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
Response to guest reviewer Shaq Gaddy: Details add to the 'mystique.' Kels and Seth still have a big adventure ahead :)
Response to guest reviewer Kaidence: Thanks. Will try to update as soon as I can :)
Thanks to everyone who read, followed, favorited and reviewed! You guys are awesome! :D :D :D