Chapter Thirty-nine

Wesley wrote another calculation down in his notebook. He wished he had a better heat source than the fireplace. He had to constantly keep turning the egg. He looked over to where Fred was busily writing more notes down in another notebook. "Don't you think we should take a break?" Wes asked her.

Fred looked up at him in surprise. "Wesley, you said it yourself -- this is a chance in a lifetime!"

"True. We'd better keep checking this out until we know everything there is to know about this raptor else he's going to start stinking."

Fred wrinkled her nose at the thought but realized aloud, "And that'll bring the others sniffing around in here."

"True." He returned his attention back to the egg and turned it again. He wondered how long it would be before the egg hatched and if the baby would be alive or stillborn. He hoped it would be alive. They could learn so much more from a live one than they could from a dead one.


Kitty walked in silence next to Wolverine, her brown eyes downcast. She could not stop thinking of how they were going to die. She was glad she would go this time, but she still did not want the others to die and did not want to lose Kurt and Wolverine. It was then that they broke into the clearing where they'd left the others.

Wolverine stared around the area in amazement. There were no more flowers. He could not believe that Elizabeth and Autolycus were attached to each other and seemed to practically be drowning in one another's mouths. Had he not told the girl to leave the man alone? What was she trying to do -- breathe life into him? It was then that Autolycus' hand moved up Elizabeth's back, and Wolverine gasped. "He's awake!" he told Kitty and rushed forward.

"What?" Kitty asked in disbelief, her eyes snapping up. She looked around in shock at the places where the flowers had been but were no longer, and then her eyes found the couple that her father was racing toward. "Autolycus! How in the world!" She ran towards them.

Autolycus had heard the approaching pair and reluctantly broke off his kiss with Elizabeth. He had been surprised and delighted when she had latched on to him. He hoped that this was just the beginning for them. He sat up and looked at the other two sleeping males. "Elizabeth, what did you do to heal me?"

Kitty reached the group just in time to hear Autolycus question Elizabeth and was barely able to keep herself from shouting at the girl to answer. Her heart roared within her chest. How could this be true! Was there some miracle cure, and if so, how had she found it? Had the Sorceresses come in such a short time, though Tom had promised her he'd protect the others, but if that was so, where were they now and why was Kurt still out cold?

"I . . . " Elizabeth knew they probably wouldn't believe her as she herself barely believed what had happened, but the only thing she could tell them was the truth. She looked up, including the lot of them in her gaze, before answering. "Two men showed up. I think they were Wizards, and they gave me this." She held up the vial. "They told me that a drop of this would awaken the others and to tell Jack to expect company for lunch." She frowned in thought. There was something else, but what was it?

Wolverine took the vial and took the lid off. He sniffed the contents. His nose picked up scents of lavender, other things he could not place, and two strange men who he did not recognize. He carried the vial over to Joxer and dropped just a taste on his lips. He then gave the vial to Kitty. He couldn't understand why his daughter was so attracted to the Priest, but he knew that she was. He was trying hard not to be prejudiced against the Demon. After all, he wasn't that much different from Cole and Lorne, and he'd always gotten along well with both of them. Maybe, he thought, it's just the fact that he's wanting my Kitty.

Kitty took the vial from Wolverine. "I hope this works. I know it woke Autolycus, but I still don't understand . . . "

"Oh! That was it!" Elizabeth suddenly exclaimed.

"What was it, Elizabeth?" Wolverine asked.

"One of the Wizards -- the bald one in the . . . in the floating wheelchair -- had a message for Kitty. He said to tell you," she continued, looking at the brunette, "that the beginning signs are only the same. What you experienced was a disease, but this was . . . well, something the flowers did."

"But what happened to the flowers?" Wolverine questioned her. "They're all gone!"

Joxer chose that moment to cough and sit up, looking like a man hung over.

Wolverine glanced down to Joxer. "Welcome back, Joxer. Don't pick everything ya see ever again. You've been out quite a while."

"I have?" Joxer asked with a dumb look on his face. "I have such a headache!"

"I'm not surprised," Wolverine commented and leaned his hand down to help Joxer up.

"Elizabeth," Kitty queried, still trying to make sense of what had happened, "what did happen to the flowers?"

"The tall Wizard with the pointed hat, robes, and the beard. He pulled out a . . . I guess it must have been a wand that he used, but whatever it was he made them vanish."

"Jack might know them," Wolverine told them. "Well, try the Priest, Kitty."

Kitty had not yet moved toward Kurt, because she was still afraid that it might not work on him. She knelt beside Kurt at last and gathered him gently into her arms even as Lockheed took to the air, giving her the privacy he knew they deserved. The hood had fallen back over Kurt's face when he'd fainted, and she pushed it aside. Her hand trailed over his blue cheek, caressing his fuzzy fur, before reopening the vial and pouring a drop onto his lips. She held her breath, her heart not even daring to beat, as she waited and prayed.

Joxer accepted Wolverine's hand and was glad for the assistance to his feet. He felt very shaky but was happy to be alive. "Where's Gabrielle?" he asked.

"She went to look for herbs," Wolverine told him, "and hasn't returned yet." His eyes kept darting back to Kitty and Kurt although he did try to give them a moment of privacy. What if it didn't work on Demons? Just because it worked on the two humans didn't necessarily mean it would work on Demons. He almost held his breath, hoping that the Demon would respond, and his hope strengthened in determination as he saw tears growing in Kitty's eyes. If the Priest was to die, he knew it would kill Kitty. He found himself pulling for both of them, and the fact that Kurt was a Demon didn't matter any longer.

Autolycus sat with his arm around Elizabeth. He didn't try to get to his feet but continued watching, hoping the Priest would respond.

It was then that Kurt moved slightly. His eyes opened, and he wondered why he was on the ground. "Katzchen?" he asked.

She tried to speak, but as soon as she tried, her voice shook. Instead, she just hugged him tightly, the tears slipping from her eyes in relief. Thank Gods he lived!

Kurt reached up and wiped the tears from Kitty's face. "For me?" he asked. "Please don't cry, Katzchen. I'm okay. I can't get up and bamf right now, but I vill be able to soon. Smile for me, mein Katzchen," he pleaded with her. Her tears touched him to his heart. He wished he could press his lips to hers but felt that she would not like it.

Why did it seem every time he got near her, they ended up in a fight? At least they couldn't do that now. What would she do if he was to pull her down for a kiss? Then he jumped on his own butt. Hey! You're supposed to be a Priest! he reminded himself. But you veren't always. Once you vere a Pirate.

Could he not throw his Priesthood out the window for just a moment and become that Pirate again? The thought was in his brain only a second before his body did the reaction. His hand sneaked up and pulled Kitty's mouth down to his. If she was going to get mad, she'd have to do it after he let her go!

As Kurt's lips met Kitty's, the greatest feeling she'd ever known swept through her. His touch was gentler than Piotr's yet more passion flowed from him into her than Peter had ever managed to accumulate. For a moment, everything else ceased to exist for her as she returned his kiss in full. One arm was still holding onto him, but her other hand moved to again caress his cheek.

Kurt could not believe his good luck! Not only was Kitty not fighting him, but she was kissing him with more passion than he'd ever known in his life! It raced through his body as though he had been hit by a lightning bolt, and he deepened the kiss.

As Kurt deepened their kiss even more, Kitty knew that she wanted to taste every bit of him. Her hand ran up into his dark curls as her other hand began to caress his back. Her lips drank even more fully of his, and her tongue began to probe for permission.

It was then that Wolverine cleared his throat, realizing that Kitty did not know where she was at the moment and that if he didn't break it up, they would be treated to a far more passionate sight. Just what was it about that Priest? He certainly was not acting like any Priest he'd ever known!

Lockheed had been surprised at Wolverine clearing his throat, but the look on his face made the little dragon realize the problem. Kitty and Kurt were no longer aware of anything around them, including their audience! He began cooing loudly.


Author's Note: All following communication surrounded by is translated from Kurt's native tongue, German.


Kurt stopped kissing Kitty and just looked at her. "Unfortunately, my heart, we must wait until later."

Kitty's hand had barely been going back to her mouth in shock when Kurt whispered to her. Her eyes widened even more. "But . . . You're a Priest!"

"I am a Priest, but I am also a man. I was once a Pirate. I am giving up the Priesthood to become a Pirate again. I wish you to be my Queen."

Kitty's round eyes gazed down at Kurt in surprise, but they also shone with joy. "Kurt . . . Are . . . Are you sure?" She then spoke to him in his own language which he had taught her, "I know that it is fast and . . . and that we both are frightened, but I do not wish you to rush into anything that you will regret later."

Wolverine shook his head. If that Priest thought he was hiding from him what he was saying, he'd best think again! Wolverine knew exactly what he was saying and knew he didn't want to partake in the conversation. He only hoped that Kitty would give the right answers that they both needed to hear and not try to deny her heart.

Kurt kissed Kitty's hand before telling her, "I have known for a long time that I love you. It nearly killed me to see you with Peter, how he used you and abused you when you were so much better than him. Then when he died, I thought good riddance. It is a bad thing for a Priest to think such thoughts, and I tried to think better of him although I hated the way that he treated you so badly. I could have killed him and, if it had not been for my Priesthood, I would have. When I was a Pirate, my hands were not exactly clean. I have been in love with you for a long time, Katzchen. I tried to deny it, but I cannot refuse my heart any more. I love you."

It took Kitty a while to realize what Kurt meant by Peter's using her, but she soon remembered how many times he'd let her do the fighting for them both and just stood idly by. Then there had been his drinking and the few times that his alcohol had gotten the better of him. "Kurt . . . I was not exactly the best wife to Peter. When I first married him, it was not really for him. It was for his ship and to get back to the life of a Piratess. Then . . . "

Her smile grew a bit wistful as she gazed down at him. "I fell for you when we first met. I could not ignore those pointed ears of yours, your tail, your fur, just . . . you. I know you think that you are ugly, but nothing could be further from the truth. You are the most unbelievable, sexiest man, I have ever met. Peter never called me on it, but I know that he caught me watching you," she blushed, "when I should not have been."

His hand went up to caress her face. "Katzchen, I never dreamed you could feel this way for me! It is more than I dared to hope for! You are the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen! I feared that my appearance repulsed you. If I had known what you really thought before, I would have given up my Priesthood then. Dare I hope that you love me and are not just lusting after me? Of course, if you are, I am definitely up for it," his fangs flashed in a mischievous grin, "but I am hoping for much more."

Wolverine decided to check out the nearby brush, hoping to spot any sign of Gabrielle. His nose picked up scents of approaching people, but he looked around and could not see any one. Who was coming? He took one more sniff, and he recognized the scent of his beloved 'Ro even though she was almost completely overmasked by a catman. He recognized the musk. He stood still, waiting for them to arrive.

Autolycus and Elizabeth looked at each other. They didn't understand what Kurt and Kitty were talking about and allowed them privacy. Joxer tried to move closer to see if he could figure out what was going on, but Autolycus pulled him down beside him. "Leave them alone! They're talking words of love!" he whispered to him. Joxer wondered if he could remember any of them so he could try them on Phoebe later.

"Kurt, I can not tell you how many times I tried to refuse my feelings. I wanted to be a good wife to Peter, but I . . . I ached for you even then. Even after his death, I could not stop thinking about you and dreaming of how your fur might feel against my skin, but . . . You're a Priest!" she reminded him. "I would never have thought you could feel the same about me. After all, those feelings aren't even permitted to you. Then, when you found out and suggested I go to a nunnery, it hurt, because I once thought seriously of becoming a nun. I believed that I should become one after Piotr, but I could not leave the Pirate world that I'd fallen in love with. Like I already told you, I did not love Peter when I married him, but you . . . What I feel for you is deeper . . . stronger than anything else I've ever felt before for any one. I do not just want you. I love you!"

Kurt sat up and then got to his feet, pulling Kitty up with him. "Mein Katzchen, I am sorry for any pain that I caused you in the past. I would have sent you to the nunnery to protect you from me and my desire. I want you to know that I not only desire you but love you with my whole being! That is why I gladly give my Priesthood up; I will not miss it for as long as I have you, I have everything!"

Kitty's smile grew even brighter. "I figured that out about the nunnery with time, but that does not matter now. It's behind us, and we have the remainder of our lives before us, just as long as you are sure . . ." It was then that she dared to call him what she had been thinking of him as for a long time though she'd tried so hard to stop herself, " . . . my Fuzzy Elf."

Kurt grinned from ear to ear. "I've been called many things, my heart, but never a Fuzzy Elf! I like that, and I've never been more sure of anything before in my life!" He then kissed her.


Though Ororo tried to keep her concentration on her powers, the sky darkened even as they flew rapidly toward the place that Tom sensed the others' minds at. He hadn't tried to read them as he did not know how well Kitty knew telepaths and did not want to risk her recognizing a scan. Tom did not notice the change in the weather.

Morph did but did not say a word. He understood Ororo's concern for he knew he'd be just as worried if it were Celina who lay dying. His fear grew when he realized that she may yet join the others. At least, however, he reminded himself, if she was to go, he would go with her.

Ororo tried to concentrate but could not keep her mind from constantly going to Logan. What would they find when they reached them? Was he already dead? Had she finally found the love of her life only to lose him to some mysterious illness? No, she tried telling herself, if it is as infectious and incurable as they say it is, help will come. Still, a gentle rain began to fall.


Logan felt the drops of rain hitting him on the head. He tried thinking to 'Ro, knowing that she more than likely could not hear what he was saying but wishing that he could ease her fears. Deep down in his heart, he'd known that she would come despite the hazards of the unknown. He knew that Hell itself would not keep him away from her. He now waited for her, wanting to hold her in his arms once more.

It was then that he heard voices and recognized one as being Jack's. He'd also known Jack would come. Who was with Jack? He sniffed. Brendan and Will, of course, his other son and Jack's lover who was beginning to feel like one of his own sons. He did not know how many others were coming, but he expected Xena. He continued sniffing and then caught her scent and both of the catwomen's. Then he smelled another scent, and it took him a moment to recognize the freshness of snow as he was a stranger to it. Crys. He waited expectantly to see who would arrive first.


Slow down, Ororo, Tom thought to the Weather Witch. I sense them. As she slowed them to a hover in the air, Tom was able to place their signatures. He pointed the area out to 'Ro. "The clearing straight down to the left." Ororo nodded, and they began to lower even as she spoke a silent prayer to the Goddess.


The minute 'Ro landed, Wolverine was beside her, pulling her into his arms. "We are saved, darlin'! None o' us are dyin'." He held her close to his heart.

"Thank Goddess! But . . . Are you sure? What happened?"

"Two Wizards appeared. I didn't see them or smell them, which is very unusual. They appeared to Elizabeth and gave her a vial. She said one of them was in a flying wheelchair an' the other one was wearing long, flowing robes an' had a beard and a pointed hat. Do they sound like any one you know?"

Thoughtful hope shone in Ororo's blue eyes as she looked from Logan over to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth," she called, "could you tell me about the Wizard in the wheelchair?"

The blonde nodded, and as she began to speak, each new bit of description brought a bigger smile to Ororo's face. "He was bald, but he had these intense blue eyes. They . . . They made him look so wise. And then there was the wheelchair! It was actually flying, and it had some kind of strange inscription on it!"

"Ya do know 'em?" he asked 'Ro, feeling sure that from the smile on her face she knew at least one of them.

"Wolverine," she replied, grinning from ear to ear but hating to have to call him by his nickname though she knew she had no other choice, "do you recall the gentleman I told you I was certain would be able to help Brendan? Professor Charles Xavier?"

"Yes, I do, little darlin'. Was that him?"

Ororo nodded. "He promised me he'd be there for me whenever I most needed him." She stroked the side of Logan's face. "No wonder he came to heal you, my love."

"I would like ta be able ta thank him, but he's disappeared," Wolverine told her. "Elizabeth said somethin' about them returnin' for lunch. They're wantin' ta see Jack about somethin'."

"Whatever it is, I'm sure you needn't be concerned, my dear."

"Figures!" Jack exclaimed as he came into the clearing. "Ya didn't lie! Ya didn't come behind me, but ya did get here ahead of me! Good to see ya up and around, old man," he greeted Wolverine. "Expected to find you stretched out and dead. Thank the Gods you aren't!" He reached out, grasped Wolverine's shoulder, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "The rest of them?"

"Alive and kicking!" Autolycus called to Jack.

"Present and accounted for," Joxer told him with a sheepish grin. "Not sure what's going on, though."

"That is wonderful!" Jack told them. "We need to be getting back to the house as some of us will need to go after Delvira's group. Jareth has been taken Prisoner." He was so happy and relieved that they were well that he smiled. "I don't know what cured you, but I'm thankful for it. Did you pull this off?" he asked, looking at 'Ro.

"No," she told him, "and I did not want to disobey you, Jack, but I had to be here for Wolverine. Orders are meant to be followed, but family always comes first. As for who cured them . . . " She smiled. "He's an old friend, and he and another friend were responsible and, evidently, will be coming to pay you a visit."

"Wonder what I've done to merit an audience with such an illustrious personage. I'm looking forward to it. When will they be returning?"

Elizabeth spoke up. "They said they'd return for lunch."

"Hopefully, we'll be back home by lunch. The way this day is going, I wouldn't count on it, but hopefully."

"Believe me, Jack," Ororo assured him, "if we are not, they will still find you."

Wolverine looked at Xena. "Gabrielle's still missing. She went to look for herbs, an' I haven't been able to find any trace o' her. 'Ro, perhaps ya could look from the sky an' see if you see her?"

"I could try, but the forest is rather dense. I may or may not be able to. The telepaths should be able to sense her. Tom," she asked, turning to the orange catman, "if you could accompany me again?"

He nodded, and her winds lifted them towards the sky that was now spotlessly blue again. They had barely disappeared when Celina gasped and her blue eyes shot wide. Morph was at his wife's side in an instant. "What is it, love?"

"They're . . . surprised." She closed her eyes for a moment, and her heart nearly stopped as she looked through Tom's eyes. "Oh Bast!"

To Be Continued . . .