Chapter 2

A pirate.

I would have never imagined myself meeting one, or if at one point I had entertained the thought, I would have imagined I would have steered clear from one. But Remy LeBeau? He was dangerous yes, he had made that perfectly clear, but why hadn't I run away?

I contemplated that for hours, even after sneaking back into my room that night. I tossed and turned, lay on my back and stared up at the ceiling in thought. A real pirate…one with a nickname and all, and a mutant one at that, and still I wondered. What is a mutant. He had said it wasn't a disease, that it was in our blood…did that mean we didn't contract it, that it had been there all along waiting to come out?

I fingered the hem of my satin night dress and my thoughts drifted to less pressing memories of him, away from what he had said about our 'mutations' and more along the lines of his touch, his kiss, me trying to slap him and how swiftly he moved. It was like dancing, a choreographed movement he had displayed. The kiss was the same, expertly executed and swift. Almost…practiced.

I sighed, closing my eyes. He probably kissed a dozen other women that night, using that same charming smile, the same suave movements, the same smooth speech. 'He's a scoundrel and a pirate, and nothing more', I tried to convince myself. He acted on his nature and impulse, not out of duty or etiquette like any well natured man…but then…

There was Kyle. He was noble by birth but the word never suited him, and yet between the two, I was surprised to find Gambit the lesser of the two evils. MUCH lesser in fact! I would much rather have Gambits company than Kyles, and then it occurred to just as quickly. That's precisely why I didn't flee the moment I had determined his personality. Gambit acted on his impulses, as did Kyle, and yet, Gambit's impulses told him to fetch me water when the smoke parched me, while Kyle would have let me sit in discomfort for the sheer pleasure of it.

It proved to me stature is no sure way to determine ones heart.

Even after I had put my thoughts to rest for the night I still closed my eyes to see red on black ones looking back at me. It made for a restless nights sleep.

The next morning at breakfast, after squeezing myself into my corset and slipping on the new dress father petitioned me to wear, I went into the dining room to find father sipping his morning tea, the comical curly white haired wig sitting on top of his head, and you could tell he wore it proudly. He liked to wear it when he exercised his authority over his household. I also noted his attire, particularly clean and well pressed. He was planning on an outing of sorts I suspected.

I sat down quietly as usual, my head bowed in silent prayer as Marian, a servant in our household, served me a plate of toast, fresh fruit, and a small side of eggs and cheese in small portions. It was another wish of my father. He didn't want 'a daughter who paraded around with ridiculous girth'.

I offered Marian a smile, thanking her for her services, and as always, she curtsied and said it was her pleasure. I watched her walk away, my heart aching. When I was younger, I used to sneak into the servants quarters to associate with her and play with my toys with her. That was until I was found out, and my mother, may she rest in peace, took me aside and explained to me what father might do if he were to know. Neither Marian nor I wished to have to bear my fathers discipline, so we agreed we would never meet again, but always be friends. Even now I find little notes that she writes me in my room after she cleans it, and I always make sure to write back and replace it there so she can find it next time she's there. It's my only real friendship in this world.

"Did you enjoy your adventure outdoors last night?"

My fathers voice was cold as the steel sword strapped to his waist, a tone that made me freeze from chewing a strawberry, to trembling like a mouse cornered by a tiger.

I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing. He wasn't going to let me get away with a stunt like that one, and the lecture was imminent, as was the inevitable punishment.

"Answer me young lady!" He shouted, his furious brown eyes staring at me from where he sat at the head of the table.

I knew I had to answer and risk letting my answer infuriate him further. My only hope was to leave out the details of the tavern and pray he saw me sneaking out, and nothing more. If he were to know of the Pirate I had met he would…

"I was merely trying to get some air…I have been in the house for so long with rare visits outside…I need to get out…please forgive my conduct…" My voice was so shaky I was surprised I was able to speak what I did. "It was not my intention to anger you."

His voice grew ever colder, and all the more daunting. "Then why go about it in secret? And at night of all times?"

I sat still and silent for a moment before I answered him. "Because I knew even if I had asked you would not allow it."

His eyes blazed and lower jaw jutted forward. "So it was delibrate insubordination!" I jumped, cringing as my father slammed down his teacup, undoubtedly cracking the precious heirloom.

"YOU Celeste, have been warned countless times to obey me! This little stunt of yours, should it be found out, would make me the topic of terrible gossip, and I'll not have that on my reputation just because you needed air! Does getting air really involve going into a trashy tavern and showing yourself loosely, as some sort of prostitute!" The words were loud and stinging, "You still wreak of that place! You probably defiled yourself there as well!"

I saw Marian, huddled behind a door with the teapot. She had been on her way undoubtedly to pour father more tea when his voice rose. It was normal in this house. Everyone hid when he lectured me, but this time, I began to fear that a lecture wouldn't be the end of it.

My father stood, and I my eyes widened as John walked in. John was Marians father, another servant of our family. He mostly tended the stables and other outdoor duties while his wife and daughter cleaned and serviced the house. He however was a big man, unlike the others. He was six feet tall at least with sun bleached hair and kind blue eyes that today, looked down at me with great concern.

"Today Celeste, you will learn your place in this world!" Father nodded to John and he began to walk towards the door. Father took my hair in his fist as he walked by and twisted it in his hand, pulling me up from my chair with a frightened cry. I didn't fight him, knowing whatever punishment awaited me would be worse should I try, but as they led me outside and to the barn, my stomach knotted up at the sight of the rope and horsewhip draped over a nail at the door..

"Slip off your dress at once Celeste." I was commanded once I was pushed inside.

Stumbling forward, I obeyed, the tears suddenly springing to my eyes as I realized what he was going to do. My fingers fumbled with the laced tie that went up the front of my dress, and as I pushed it down, Johns wife Marie, began to unlace the back of my Corset, tears in her ageing blue eyes.

"Forgive us Miss Celeste…" She whispered, her voice soft and low as my dress and other clothing pooled around my ankles, leaving me in the slip dress that was worn beneath my cloths. John walked forward then as well.

"You do what you must, I hold no ill will," I reassured her, with my kindest voice and softest smile, though it wavered nervously. John began to tie my hands together pull me towards the gate where the horses were kept in, and tied me there. He regarded me with much the same look his wife did. "My love for you does not change because of this…I promise."

"Oh sweet child…" Marian swept my long hair over my shoulder and off my back, before she left me there, weeping softly.

John nodded grimly, stepping back as father handed him the horsewhip.

"Kneel you filthy whore, and remember why you're receiving this." My father smugly raised his nose as he stood to the side to watch. "She gets 30 lashes, and you must count down thirty between each one. And don't hold back or it's you that's on the line. She must learn her lesson."

Kneeling in the dirt and straw in nothing but my slip dress, I closed my eyes, bracing myself as the tears fell quickly, soaking my neck and chest.

That's when the first strike came, and the sharp crack of the whip echoed in the air as the leather lashed brutally at my exposed back. The force of the impact pushed me forward into the wood, splinters forcing their way into my knuckles as I leaned against the gate. Pain throbbed, in a vertical strip across my back, and after my initial cry, I whimpered, my chest shuddering with sobs. Thirty lashes with thirty seconds in between each…Fifteen minutes of agony awaited…

I felt hands under me, lifting me up. After that registered in my brain, there was only pain.

"Will she be alright John?"

A voice? Marie?

"She should, but we should clean up the abrasions on her back before they get infected."

A deep voice. John…That was definitely John.

"Ooohhh…" I moaned in discomfort, then, as I felt something soft and comfortable beneath me, and recognizing the smell, I realized I was on my bed. I let myself sink into it without a second thought. The pain was just too excruciating.

"Shhh, it's okay Miss Celeste, I will clean your wounds for you at once and give you some herbs to lessen the pain." Marie stroked my hair comfortingly, and for a few moments, I even let myself imagine it was my mother sitting there beside me. It was a happy illusion…

I heard heavy footsteps and cringed, but relaxed as Marie began talking to John again. He must have left and come back with the things Marie had mentioned, because then I felt the relief of a cool rag on my back. I didn't mind the minor irritation it caused my throbbing open wounds. The cold water was so soothing that it was a small price to pay.

"Oh my lady… You did not deserve such a beating."

I smiled softly, finally opening my eyes to realize that my slip dress was ripped and bloody from the impacts of the whips. I tried to cover myself but Marie quickly objected and shooed John out of the room.

"I owe you a great deal for your kindness Marie…thank you." I trembled, thankful that the pain was changing into a dull throb. It was easier to bear.

"Just rest Miss Celeste, You are in need."

The suggestion was already under way. I was tired. Exhausted in fact…and sleep was a sure fire way to escape the pain…

As I slept, she dressed my wounds and helped me into a fresh slip dress to sleep in. I don't know how long it took or how long I was asleep, but by the time I opened my eyes, it was well past sunset and dark outside.

I lay in bed for quite a while, reflecting on the beating, Marie and Johns kindness, and my fathers brutality. The whips were so strong they broke skin, and I swear, a few times I felt something sharp ripping deep into my back. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised. Father would enjoy the sight of my blood as much as the sight of my pain. He hated and resented me, and he delighted in the acts of tormenting me. You see, he had wanted a son.

Either way, I was grateful for the sleep. I brought the pain to an end and brought me to a more peaceful place. As I've said before, the escape from reality brought me hope. It still brings me a sense of tranquility.

Red eyes. He curled tighter. No, he wasn't allowed here, Gambit was not allowed in this place! It was private, too personal! My minds eye still revealed him to me, and ever more I saw more than those all seeing eyes of his, and saw him as a person. I saw his white shirt open, hanging on his muscular body, the body of a natural athlete. I saw the sword hanging at his hip, saw how his auburn hair danced in front of his eyes, coaxing me closer.

He didn't make a move towards me, he didn't try to follow me when I turned to flea…he just, smiled.

I looked behind myself at him, and he reached out his hand, offering it to me.

"Let Gambit take you away chere…let him take you away from this place dat hurts you so…"

I turned, tears in my eyes.

Wasn't this what I had wanted all along? To be taken away?

His hand still held out to me, palm open, ready to take my hand should I surrender it

"Trust me…" He pleaded,

"I can't…" I whispered, shyly down casting my violet eyes. "…you're a pirate…"

He seemed to slip away into the recesses of my mind again, and secretly, I wished for his return. He looked forlorn as he shrunk into the darkness, leaving me in my tiny pasture of light to await the return of concousness.

I almost couldn't take it. Having someone there, someone I could recognize…someone in this place that might keep me company.

"Don't go…" I called, but my voice choked in my throat. I couldn't cry out, I couldn't call him back.

I realized I was sitting up as the line between asleep and awake was broken.

All was silent in my room, and the sun had gone down apparently, accounting for the darkness around me. The shadows seemed to move as the curtains of my window billowed inward with a breeze.

My window was left open?

Then, before my eyes, the shadow on my wall moved, and crawled into my view.

My eyes widened, and as moonlight yellow eyes opened and looked at me, I opened my mouth to scream only to find it instantly muffled by a leather-gloved hand. My heart tripled in speed, and again I made an attempt to cry for help, tossing my head to shake off the hand that silenced me.

"Aww come now, chere… dun fight." Spoke a familiar voice, soft and gruff and laced with a french accent. Gambit! I froze in place, my chest rising and falling with each breath, feeling the warmth of another human directly behind me, smelling the musk of tobacco and whisky that I remembered, and even the scrapping of his stubble dusted jaw against my neck as he leaned in to whisper, "Didn' you miss Gambit?"

I shivered helplessly , and goose bumps rose on my skin as his arm surrounded my waist and pulled me back, flush against his chest.

I swallowed, the shadow on the wall catching my eyes as it took the definite form of a man and jumped down, an arrow tipped tail wagging behind him. He wore a white shirt, one that laced up slightly, but the cords hung loose and unused. I also made out old faded dress pants that were cut into capris and tucked into his cummerbund, was a pirates cutlace. I squirmed in Gambits grasp as the yellow eyed mutant approached, twitching his elf like ears. He jumped onto the foot of my bed with the agility of a feline, his strange feet making it possible for him to clutch it and balance there perfectly.

I whimpered and bowed my head, feeling a tremble setting into my limbs.

"Stop playing mien freund, ve need to get her to ze ship before ze Captain leaves vit'out us!"

His voice was German, a stark contrast to Gambits French. They had to be comrades on the same ship. I wriggled once more finding that my wrists had been tied behind my back. I felt foolish, hating my ability to sleep through anything.

"Calm down Kurt, The Captain can't leave without his bargaining chip, non?" He pulled me from the bed and to my feet, and I was thankful that Marie had thought to lace my dress back up for me before she departed.

The other mutant approached and looked down at me with eyes that I found surprisingly gentle for such a devilish appearance.

"Forgive us Miss, y'vill be home again soon." I made out two pointy fangs as he spoke, and I nearly had it, my knees buckling. It was both bizarre and surreal, and my wits were nearing their end. He took both Gambit and I by the shoulder, reaching past me to my mutant betrayer and suddenly, I was surrounded by smoke and a loud resounding, BAMF noise. I coughed, trying to clear my throat of it, when I felt a wind brush past me and there, I stared with open eyes at the harbor

. The lamp-lit docks were being flooded by guards, and many of them were on their backs, bleeding, or unconscious. I heard gunfire, the crossing of swords, and many other undeterminable sounds. I even thought I saw a man made completely of metal hurling two guards into the water. I was dumbfounded, and my only line of reasoning was this. They had to be mutants.

"Come on petit, de party's already started!" I felt Gambits arm around my waist as he hoisted me over his shoulder, and feeling his hand away from my mouth, I screamed with all my voice for help.

"Unhand me! Stop! You…YOU BARBARIAN!" I had every intention of making this as difficult for him as I possibly could, but he seemed not to notice my efforts as he ran my up a ramp onto what must have been the pirate ship. "Captain, one commodores daughter, as requested!" I would have verbally reprimanded him out for that as well, had I not at that moment been thrown onto my backside. And then, I could not have found the words if I had the mind to form them.

The Captain as he was called stood over me, his dark hair combed into an awkward hairstyle, almost like two horns emerging on the back of his head, and cold eyes stared down at me. His bearded jaw was set in a firm line, no trace of a grin or smile. He wore no hat, like I thought a captain of a ship would wear, but an amazingly crafted sword hung at his hip, the gold glinting in the dim light.

However, it wasn't the sword that caught my eye, but his hands. Three blades protruded from the skin of his knuckles, the length of good sized daggers, and twice as sharp.

His eyes shifted from me, to Gambit. I was stunned silent.

"Get her below decks and into the brig, I'll deal with her shortly."

Okay, to clear a few things up, Celeste is my original character. I guess there was a little confusion. I the next chapter had much more Wolverine and Gambit action in it, and a little bit of kurt and the others And the ships name is the Black Bird. Razorblades, thank you so much for your loyal comments, it made it worth while to post this chapter!