AN: I don't own any of the X-Men Characters. I do own Kelpie, however, Gerri, Aunt Erika, Kelpie's foster family, the story-line, and all animal characters she converses with, including the gang members :P. Vixen belongs to one Melody S. (an ex-friend of mine), Aquifer belongs to Rob G. (soon-to-be famous fantasy writer!), Sensherak (aka Alan) belongs to an ex-online/rpg-bf whom no longer speaks to me, Jonny LeBeau belongs to an ex-online/rpg-acquaintance. Phew! If I've missed anyone, let me know :P
If any of you have read my bio, you'll know that I'm not fluent at Gaelic at all, I only know a few words and phrases. If any of you happen to know Gaelic, and I make a mistake, please, let me know, it's the only way I'm gonna learn! There are some Gaelic words in here that I've acquired through reading and such. Tha mi diulich means I'm sorry. There's one other Gaelic phrase that Kelpie tries to get out in this chapter, but she doesn't finish it and I'm not gonna tell you what it is...it's a secret until the next chapter:P
Please review, guys, as it keeps me in good spirits and in the writing mood. At the moment, I'm merely doing this as a pastime because I'm bored outta my mind, but Monday I'll be going back to school and I'm going to need some motivation to keep posting :P
CHAPTER 13
One afternoon, Kelpie sat on the roof of a building alone in the heart of Westchester, New York. It had been a month since Wolverine and Vixen had announced their engagement. A month since peace had become a thing of the past at the mansion. There was so much commotion that even the city seemed quiet. So Kelpie found to sneak off to be alone. Everyone at the school was hustling to get this done, that done, all rushing to ready for the wedding that would take place next month.
Kurt was to marry them, despite his aversion to speeches. The sit-in-Father of the Bride was to be Xavier and the Flower Girl, a favorite student of Vixen's named Amy, whose twin had died of the Legacy Virus just two years before.
Scott, surprisingly, was to be Best Man. Wolverine was dreading Scott's speech required from such a position. However, thought Kelpie as she looked down at the busy city, the newlyweds more than likely wouldn't stay for the reception, but go straight to the Honeymoon.
Aquifer, to his everlasting dismay, was to be the Ring-bearer and Jean, the Maid of Honor. Rogue and Kelpie were to be bride's maids and the groom's men were to be Gambit and Alan, though Wolverine and Alan weren't the best of friends. Vixen had insisted, however, that since Rogue and Gambit were a couple, it only made sense that Alan would be there to match with Kelpie.
Yes, Alan and she were dating now, much to Vixen's dislike. At first, Kelpie had been reluctant to even hold hands with him, for fear of what happened between she and Jonny would happen again. But as time went by, she realized Alan was much different than Jonny. Thank God.
Kelpie sighed. She really should get back to the Mansion. But it was so peaceful on the roof, she didn't want to go back to the crowded and noisy mansion.
"Penny for your thoughts?" asked a male voice behind her.
She was immediately on her feet, a dagger in both hands and her dagger-ring unsheathed. She glared at Pyro. "What d'ye want?"
He put his hands up in surrender. "I'm not here to hurt you, Kelpie. Erika's dead, I'm not under her control anymore."
"Aye?" she sneered. "And what o' Magneto?"
"He handed me over to Erika, remember? Why would I go back to him?"
"I dunna ken. Why dunna ye tell me?"
He looked at her steadily. "I'm on my own now."
She looked into his eyes and knew he was telling the truth. She re-sheathed her daggers, but kept her thumb steady on the button of her ring, just in case.
"Why dunna ye go back tae the school, then?" she asked.
He put his arms down, shoving them in his pockets. "Because they're pro-human and I'm not. Besides, I've betrayed them. Why would they want me back?"
"I betrayed them as well," said Kelpie, "But they welcomed me back."
He smiled half-heartedly. "Yes, but you weren't in your right mind when you betrayed them. You had someone controlling you."
Kelpie smirked. "If Vixen and Wolverine were here, they'd both say I've neva been in my 'right mind'."
Pyro grinned.
Kelpie sat back down on the ledge of the roof, relaxed but alert. "Care tae join me?"
Pyro smiled again and came to sit beside her. Finding him too close for comfort--she only let Alan sit that close--she scooted over a bit. If Pyro noticed, he didn't say anything. "So what were you thinkin' about before I showed up?" he asked.
Kelpie shrugged. "Just that I should be gettin' back tae the mansion." She smiled somewhat. "But I really dunna wanna go near that storm."
"Really? Why?" he asked, interested.
She smiled broadly. "Wolverine and Vixen are gettin' married."
His face registered disbelief. "You're kiddin' me."
She shook her head.
"Wow. I thought I'd never see the day when Wolverine settled down with anyone."
She gave a small laugh. "I dunna think anyone would've thought tae see the day when he became a father either."
He laughed. "Now you're just pullin' my leg."
She shook her head, still smiling. "Vixen's pregnant. She has been since before Erika kidnapped me. We just didna ken 'til Hank let it slip after the fight. We thought the baby would die at first, but 'tis just as stubborn as its parents."
"Wow," he said, sitting back, astonished. "That's a lot of information to choke down in under a minute."
Kelpie laughed. "Tell me about it."
For another hour, they sat talking until a falcon's cry cause Kelpie to look up. She sighed and smiled apologetically. "Vixen sent Ra to fetch me, apparently. I have to get goin'. Twas nice seein' ye again."
She got up and started for the fire escape to leave the roof.
"Hey, Kelpie," he said, hurrying to catch up. "Can I see you again? Tomorrow? Same time, same place?"
She thought for a moment. It wouldn't hurt anything. "Sure."
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They met several times in the next few weeks, just to talk. At least, that's what Kelpie thought…
Until one day after she had said something witty to make him laugh, he leaned over an tried to kiss her. She dodged out of the way and shot to her feet.
He frowned, disappointed. "What's wrong?"
She swallowed visibly. "I…I got tae go. The weddin' is next week and there are so many things tae do…" She let her words trail off and turned to leave.
"Kelpie, wait," he said, getting up and hurrying to intercept her. She tried to go around him, her eyes riveted on the floor of the roof. His hands reached out and held her shoulders, stopping her. She flinched as his skin touched hers and his frown deepened. "Kelpie, what's wrong?"
She shook her head, not looking at him. "Nothin'. Please, let me go. I 'ave tae get goin'." She tried to shrug off his hands, but he held tight.
"There's something wrong," he insisted. "Tell me." His hands ran up and down her arms as if to calm her, but in reality it just made her more nervous.
"Please, Pyro," she said looking up. Her eyes locked with his and what she saw there made her shiver inside. It was the same look that had been in Jonny's eyes the night he had come to her room. "Let me go," she said steadily, though her insides were quaking.
Reluctantly, he finally did as she wished. She hurried down the fire escape and back to the mansion.
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As the music started and Vixen walked down the isle in her white wedding dress with Xavier by her side, Kelpie heard Scott mutter from his position next to Wolverine, "It's not too late to back out, you know."
Kelpie smothered a giggle as Wolverine looked at him with a glare that could curdle milk. Scott put his hands up. "It was just a suggestion."
"Ya ain't allowed to suggest anythin' until yer speech. Even then, I'd watch it, bub," Wolverine said with murder in his eyes.
Scott smirked and turned his head to smile at Jean, then looked back down the isle at the approaching bride.
Kelpie smiled as she looked out over the gym. It was beautifully decorated with exotic flowers and plants--courtesy of herself. The whole school was line up perfectly in chairs around the gym, a red carpet dividing the boys and girls while the bridal party fanned out at the front. The men were dressed in black tuxedoes, hands clasped in front of them. The Ladies Maids were dressed in light blue--Vixen had refused pink as was common in many weddings--and were holding small bouquets of light blue roses and baby's breath. Vixen held in her hands a bouquet of large dark blue roses, though she had wanted black, but Kelpie had put her foot down.
The Bride came to stand next to Wolverine, Xavier clasping her hand gently. Kurt beamed at them, dressed in the traditional white robes. "Who vishes to give dis voman to dis man?" he asked.
"I do," said Xavier, smiling as he handed Vixen's hand over to Wolverine who clasped it firmly but tenderly in his own as he smiled at Vixen with love.
The rest of the wedding went by so quickly, it was a blur in Kelpie's mind. That is, until Aquifer came forward with the rings. He came closer than was needed and whispered, "It's not too late to back out."
Vixen scowled and elbowed him in the ribs. He almost doubled over, giving a small grunt. "Or not," he gasped. Kelpie held back a giggle as he went back to standing off to the side, holding his side in obvious pain.
The vows were exchanged and Kurt finally announced cheerfully, "I now pronounce you, man and vife."
At that very moment, she happened to glance toward the groom's men to find Sensherak watching her, a small smile on his face. He winked and at her blush, his grin grew wider. A fleeting thought went through her mind as she stared into his eyes. She had to stop meeting Pyro before things got out of hand.
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"…and so I propose a toast," said Scott as he smiled at the still blushing Vixen. "To Vixen and Wolverine. Marriage has many ups and downs. May all your up moments be between the sheets!"
The cafeteria erupted into laughter as they toasted to the newlyweds and Vixen shot Scott another hate-filled glance. Chuckling as he set his glass down after toasting, he said, "Go one, you two, get outta here. We all know how anxious you are."
Grinning, Wolverine shot to his feet, grabbing Vixen's hand and trying to pull her out of her seat. Blushing as red as a beet as everyone in the dining hall laughed again, she tugged him back into his seat. "God, you people make us sound like friggin' rabbits," she said as the laughter died back down.
Kelpie smiled, taking another drink of the champagne. It was the only alcohol any student was allowed to drink besides wine, and only on special occasions. She set the glass back down, screwing up her nose in distaste as she surveyed the cafeteria. She hated champagne and hated wine even more. Alas, those were the only alcoholic drinks and Kelpie wanted to take the only chance she could, knowing she may never be able to drink again. At least not while living here.
The cafeteria was neatly arranged--due to many of the students. All tables were synchronized from north to south, except for one, the bridal table, which was situated from west to east.
Vixen and Wolverine were placed next to each other in the middle of the table. To Vixen's left were Jean Grey, Rogue and finally Kelpie. To Wolverine's right were Scott, Gambit and Alan.
Without Kelpie realizing it, Vixen and Wolverine had made their way to the large empty space off to the side of the cafeteria that served as the dance floor. Slow music started--both had wanted Metal, but the others had put their foot down on that--and the two began to dance, oblivious to those around them.
All eyes were riveted to the newly hitched couple. Taking her chance as the dance finished with Wolverine dipping Vixen low to the ground, she snuck out of the cafeteria as the others made their way onto the dance floor with their chosen.
Alan watched her leave with a slight frown on his face.
Vixen was at his side suddenly, also scowling. "Follow her," she stated, not taking her eyes from the door where Kelpie had exited. "I would send Ra after her, but the bird refuses to spy on her friend."
Alan smirked. "And you have no such scruples?"
Vixen looked at him seriously. "I'm only looking out for her well-bein'. She's been disappearin' a lot lately, and I wanna know what's goin' on. Remember what happened last time."
Alan nodded, his face suddenly solemn and his gaze went back to the door. After a few seconds he looked back to her, a smile in place once again "Congratulations, Vixen."
Vixen gave a small smile in return. "Thank you."
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Please, Ra, Kelpie begged. Just this once. Tis the last time, I promise ye.
The falcon managed the closest to a sigh a bird could get. I suppose. But keep in mind that I am not a carrier pigeon.
Kelpie smiled. I will, tapadh leat, Ra. She handed the note to the bird and Ra took it in her talons, screeching as she took off from her perch. You owe me, she called down to Kelpie.
Kelpie turned from the falcon and paced the small glade in the forest, wringing her hands in front of her. She was still attired in her bride's maids dress. As soon as she had talked to Pyro, she would have to get back to the reception before someone noticed her missing.
She strode back and forth, trying to think up exactly what she was going to say to him.
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Sensherak stopped and watched her pace back and forth. What was going on? He thought back to the wedding and remembered the intent staring he had done while Vixen and Wolverine had exchanged vows. For a moment he wished he had had Xavier's powers when she had looked up and blushed. What had she been thinking? Was she still thinking about it and that was why she paced so worriedly? Was she having second thoughts about them?
A movement behind her caught his eye and he crouched, ready to spring. The fact that she turned toward him with a smile stopped him dead. Something in his gut clenched. Why was she meeting someone in the forest all alone?
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"What's wrong?" Pyro asked as he came to stand beside her.
"Nothin'. I just needed tae talk tae ye."
He smirked. "Apparently, but why? The note Ra all but threw at me sounded urgent."
"Not exactly urgent. I just needed tae talk with ye."
He kept his smile. Had she come around? Had his advances finally sunk in? "And?" he asked eagerly.
She took a deep breath. "I canna see ye anymore, Pyro."
That wiped the smile right off his face and his stomach drop. "What?"
"Well," she said taking another deep breath. "Ye want somethin' I dunna. Ye wanna be more than friends, I ken that. But I dunna wanna--"
"Let's hope you don't," came a voice.
Kelpie whirled and Pyro looked over her shoulder. Sensherak stood on the edge of the clearing, very clearly unhappy.
Kelpie frowned, "Alan, what are ye doin' 'ere?"
He didn't look at her, instead fixing Pyro with a cold stare. "I should be asking you the same."
Pyro looked from the man to Kelpie and back again. He smiled sadly, the truth finally donning on him. "It's not what it looks like, Alan--"
"It's Sensherak to you," he said firmly.
"Sensherak, then, sorry. Kelpie just came to say goodbye. We're just friends, have no fear," he said smirking.
Sensherak's passive face didn't change as he stared at Pyro with unblinking frigid eyes. Pyro cleared his throat and looked down at Kelpie, taking her hand and kissing the back of it, he said, "Goodbye." Then he turned to go.
A million things raced through his mind as he turned from her and Sensherak. But one began to take the forefront. He couldn't just walk away. She had rejected him. It was a disgrace that he had just walked away without a fight. He thought of burning the bastard before walking away into the trees, but no, it would take too long and there was no guarantee of death. And that was what Pyro wanted. Death.
Then he remembered the pistol that he had begun carrying around with him in the belt under his shirt…
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Kelpie heard metal scraping against leather as Pyro drew a gun and whirled, pointing the barrel straight at Alan's chest.
"Nae!" she screamed.The sound of the gun going off ricocheted throughout the clearing as her hands touched Alan's shoulders, hoping to push him out of the way…
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Pyro's eyes widened in horror as a red flower blossomed across Kelpie's back. The clearing was suddenly silent as she sagged against the man she had been protecting. Sensherak caught her as she sagged against him and knelt with her to rest her against his knees, her eyes staring wide with fear up at him.
"Kelpie!?" Pyro asked frantically rushing to her side. "Oh, god, Kelpie…I didn't…I didn't mean to--"
Sensherak looked up at Pyro with abhorrence, the area around them suddenly darkening to resemble midnight. The only color was the yellow light shining predatorily from Sensherak's eyes as he glared at Pyro. "Get out of here before I tear you in two," he whispered vehemently.
Pyro looked up at Sensherak, his eyes wide with fear. "I didn't mean--"
"Go!"
Taking one more reluctant glance at Kelpie, he got to his feet and fled into the forest.
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The area lightened once again as Sensherak looked down at Kelpie and his features softened to worry. He didn't yell for help, knowing that since they weren't far from the mansion, Vixen or Wolverine would have heard the gunshots. He grasped Kelpie's hand, squeezing. "Kelpie? Kelpie, stay with me, sweetheart."
Her eyes fluttered open and she winced with every breath. "Alan…" she whispered then grimaced in pain. "Alan, I--"
"Shh," he said, kissing her hand. "It's going to be alright. Help is on the way. Just hold on to me, okay?"
She nodded and grimaced at the movement once again. She felt something trickle near her mouth and she reached up slowly, wiping it away. Blood covered her fingertips. She looked up at Alan with fear in her eyes, but he just shook his head, denying the blood that was quickly pooling beneath her and around his arm. "Shh," he said. "It's going to be alright."
Kelpie felt as if ice had been dripped down her spine and she shivered, her teeth chattering. "I'm…cold…Alan," she whispered.
Sensherak shifted her as little as he could as he removed his groom's man jacket to cover her. "It'll be okay, just stay with me."
"Alan," she whispered. She had to make him understand about Pyro.
"Shh."
"Nae, I…I had to…meet Pyro and…make him--"
"Don't speak," he said, tears choking his voice. God, he didn't care why she had come to the clearing. He just wanted her to live!
Her body shuddered and her eyes closed.
"Kelpie!" he slapped her cheek. "Kelpie, stay with me!"
She took a breath and opened her eyes again. He noticed that they had settled on one color, deep cerulean blue, filled with pain and something else that tugged at something inside him.
She took another breath and tried to speak again. "Is…tú…" Her body seized suddenly, her eyes widening and Sensherak held her tight as she convulsed. Then she exhaled and went still, the color fading to a blue so pale it seemed iridescent.
"Kelpie!" he shook her, slapping her cheeks, but her eyes didn't register.
Above him, he heard a scream of a falcon in pain. Ra suddenly tumbled from the sky to land with a solid thud next to the limp body of her friend. The falcon didn't move, didn't breathe and then he knew. They were dead.
Vines began to advance slowly on Kelpie's body and Sensherak bent over her limp form, tears falling like crystals against the thick green vines.
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School began again with the autumn and winter came swiftly after. But Sensherak couldn't bring himself to sit next to Kelpie's empty one day in and day out. At first, they had held a hope that the vines had taken over for her once again, but Hank's machines could detect no life under the vines. They had been left with the only the conclusion that the vines had thought it fitting to bury her thus.
Sensherak stood before what had become her grave, a bouquet of roses clasped in his hands. His head was bowed, his long black hair blowing around him with the wind. Slowly he knelt next to the snow pile and brushed the white flakes away. Underneath were the green vines that covered her body. No one understood why the vines hadn't died after the first frost.
Gently, he placed the roses in between the small cracks in the vines so they stood upright. There was no room at the moment to lay them beside to tombstone. He tenderly traced the Gaelic words that Hank had translated and Vixen had carved into the tombstone. "Go síoraí inár gcroíthe, cuimhnítear inár ngáire agus inár ndeoraí." Forever in our hearts, remembered in our laughter and our tears.
His eyes closed, he breathed deep, trying to ignore the prickling sensation behind them and the pain that filled his chest. Opening them, he studied the flowers around the grave. Over the months, the bouquets of flowers and wreaths had slowly trickled away, only appearing once a month. But not his. He brought new flowers everyday. At first, when they had thought the vines might be rejuvenating her, he had not left her side, going so far as to even sleep beside her.
The others had understood, but when they had come to realize that the grave was just that, her eternal resting place, they had merely tolerated it. Then, when school had started, Vixen had put her foot down. She said that if he didn't stop it, she would personally kick hiss ass, pregnant or not. She had said that Kelpie's death was depressing enough without him adding to it.
So he no longer spent his nights next to the grave. But he still visited every day, sometimes staying for several hours. Each time he knelt next to her burial place, he felt the familiar pain in his chest and the sting in his eyes. Each time he vowed that if that bastard son of a two-pence whore ever showed his face again, one of them would die. And it wouldn't be Sensherak.
He wiped the back of his hand against his eyes and got to his feet. When Hank's skill in Gaelic had become more apparent, Sensherak had asked him to translate for him what Kelpie had been trying to say when she died, but to no avail. Hank wasn't sure. "Ish mo" wasn't enough to go on. It could have been the start of a hundred different phrases.
With one last look at the snow-covered vines, he turned his back and walked away, his hands shoved in his pockets. As he walked away, he didn't see how the rose's seemed to fuse to the vines. Or how the un-budded roses began to bloom large as they flourished.