It had been about 2 weeks since Kaley had stepped foot in the brotherhood mansion. After that last session she was not only afraid of herself, but of Pietro as well. Were things so bad that he'd tried to kill her over a guy that she wasn't even dating? That he had no proof of her being with as anything more than a good friend?
She had effectively been avoiding her friends whenever possible. She concentrated extra hard during class, had switched most of her seating, disappeared during lunch, and bolted right after cheer practice and games. She was sure Magneto was wondering where she was and why she hadn't returned to training. Generally, when she and Pietro fought it didn't have such an effect, but this was different. New sides had been brought out of both of them, and it wasn't for the better.
It was the end of cheer practice and Kaley was packing up to bolt through the door as usual, but Ally had finally caught up with her. Ally tapped Kaley on the shoulder and glared with her arms crossed.
"So, like, we're not good enough now that you and Pietro are over? Was that what you used us for? To get to him?"
"What? Ally no-
"Just kidding." Ally said, allowing a smile to creep onto her face. Kaley let out a sigh of relief, "Had to get you talking to me somehow."
"Don't do that to me, jerkoff." Kaley said while playfully shoving Ally's shoulder, "I miss you guys like crazy. But…after that last training session, I just think it's best not to be around Pietro for a little while. I like being able to breathe and all."
"Yeah, we all knocked him around after you left. That was way out of line and totally uncalled for. And this is all over Kellan?"
"No. Kellan is the straw that broke the camel's back. We've been mad at each other for a long time. At least now I know I wasn't wrong when I said he didn't love me. And to think I wasted two years waiting for him and his emotions."
"Kaley, come on. No man tries to kill his ex over another man unless he loved her."
"Yeah. Yeah. You guys keep saying things but you forget whose son he is. I'll be okay eventually, I just need a little more time. Class with him is hard enough; I always feel like I've gotta watch my back."
"That's what you've got me and Alex for. She's pissed at you by the way."
"Trust me I know. I wouldn't expect anything less. Listen, I've gotta get home, how about we make plans to hang this weekend. We'll do lunch on Saturday. My treat? My grandparents are still spoiling me since I haven't been able to visit in a while so lady Visa can treat us to anything we want. And tell Alex not to be difficult, I still love her and I didn't mean to be an ass."
"Tell her yourself. Let me give you a ride home."
"Next time. I promise. Walking gives me a chance to clear my head and think about things."
"Like Pietro?"
"Ally, don't."
"Harlem and I really think you guys should talk. Harlem said Pietro feels like crap for what he did."
"Yeah, well, he sure has a funny way of showing it." Kaley nodded in the direction behind Ally, causing her to turn around. Pietro leaned against the wall smiling flirtatiously at Mandy Cohen (One of her cheer-mates) as she handed him a notebook. She couldn't stop herself from using her powers to eavesdrop. She was giving him science notes and he was turning everything she said into an innuendo. Kaley tuned out of the conversation before she was tempted to slap them both.
"Ugh, look at her acting like she's not trying to flirt back with him. Her body language is a dead giveaway. And since when is he into black hair?"
"Yeah, you're totally over Pietro." Ally said sarcastically. Kaley shot her a look before sticking her tongue out at her and grabbing her gym bag.
"I'll see you tomorrow, okay? We can have lunch together and everything. Just…no Harlem and Pietro. All Harlem is gonna wanna do is lecture me and convince me to talk to Pete and I'm so not in the mood."
"No boys. Just girl time tomorrow. Promise."
Ally and Kaley exchanged a quick hug before Kaley left the gym, shooting pietro a nasty look when their eyes met on her way out. There were so many emotions floating in both their eyes, but the dominant one for both was rage.
It wasn't exactly a quick walk to the mansion. Actually, it took about an hour walking at normal pace. Kaley didn't mind. She could've gotten there faster if she'd wanted, but she enjoyed the time alone. No one at school trying to grab her attention, and no one at the academy to bug her or crowd her. However, it seemed as though someone was set on ruining her peace of mind tonight. A man had been following her ever since she left school. She couldn't tell if he was purposely being conspicuous or just really bad at stalking. Either way, she could more than handle herself if he tried anything.
Kaley was taking her usual cemetery shortcut, at which point she decided to finally confront the man behind her. She stopped abruptly and turned around.
"What's the deal, old man? Can't get a girl your own age?"
"I figured you would've sensed me a long time ago. I expect better from the Chosen One."
"Excuse me? Chosen for what? Some creepy fantasy of yours? I don't think so." Kaley was trying to avoid the comment he made about her sensing him. How was it so easy for everyone to point out that she was a mutant lately? She almost never used her powers outside of training.
"I've been searching for you for a long time, Kaleyna; but not for the reasons you think."
"How did you -
"I've been watching you for some time now. I had to make sure you were the one. The Chosen One. The one meant to save us all."
"Alright, I'll bite. Save us all from what?"
"From the vampires."
Kaley's jaw hung open for what felt like a full five minutes. Had this man really just said what she thought he said? Was he insane? Clearly he was since he'd supposedly been stalking her for weeks for her to hunt vampires. Suddenly, Kaley couldn't control the laughter that erupted from her.
"You've got to be kidding me. You really expect me to believe that there are vampires walking around and I'm the only one that can stop them? Look at me. I'm a high school cheerleader for goodness sake."
"Yes, and also the only human or mutant strong enough and powerful enough to fight the vampires that secretly plague this city."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Kaley turned to leave, afraid of what would happen should another human discover her secret. She wasn't ready to see her mother yet.
"I'm not going to hurt you, Kaleyna. But I need your help. We all do if we're to survive what they're planning."
This guy sounded sincere enough that Kaley paused and turned back around, "Alright, let's say hypothetically that I am a mutant and that vampires are real; there are tons of powerful mutants out there. What makes me so special?"
"Mutant abilities don't work on the vampires. They're immune to them. All but the Chosen One. The heightened strength and speed that you have weren't inherited from your father as you thought. They are gifts to help you fight against the vampires."
"And why do you assume that I'm the Chosen One?"
"I have the ability to sense you. As your guide and trainer, we're connected."
"You don't look like much of a fighter to be training me."
"I can hold my own for a time against a creature or two. My main purpose is to pass along the knowledge of the creatures and help you prepare without relying on your powers."
Suddenly, Kaley felt another presence in the cemetery. She spun around to find a pasty skinned, blonde haired, blue eyed man. He was gorgeous to say the least; but Kaley could feel something unnatural about him.
"Ah, Galen, I see you brought me dinner." The man said, addressing Kaley's so called mentor.
"Isaias, it's been a long time." Galen, as he was apparently called, was slowly reaching into his jacket, preparing to arm himself.
"Galen. Here I thought we were friends; but it seems like you intend to hurt me."
"Leave her alone, Isaias."
The man smiled and Kaley could see two unnaturally long teeth hanging from his mouth. Either this was some really elaborate joke, or Galen had been telling the truth. And, from the way the conversation was going, he intended to hurt Kaley. Well, not if she had anything to say about it. Kaley turned and took a defensive stance against Isaias, who merely laughed at her.
"Is this what it's come to, Galen? Little girls defending you? What is she, your long lost daughter?"
"I wouldn't underestimate her if I were you."
"Let's see then, shall we?"
Without warning, and with an unearthly speed, Isaias rushed Kaley and had her by the throat. He was squeezing her throat, tilting her head slightly to the side. She was clawing at his hands, trying to pry them off her. This was really happening; so, she needed to get a grip and remember her training before she got herself killed.
Kaley brought her legs up and kicked hard enough that it caused Isaias to release her and stumble back. He stared at her in shock, clearly not expecting her to have escaped. Then, realization dawned on him.
"The Chosen One." He said just above a whisper. He began to back away.
"Kaley, don't let him escape."
She had no intention on it. Before he could complete his reaction, Kaley charged and knocked him onto the ground. She straddled him, struggling to keep him pressed to the floor. Galen shouted her name to get her attention before tossing her a silver stake. Instinct took over and Kaley drove the stake straight through Isaias' chest. He dissolved into a puddle of silver goop.
"Ugh!" she exclaimed while jumping up and trying to shake the gunk off herself, "Gross. Can't they just turn into dust like they do on TV? Is this stuff gonna stain?"
"You did remarkably well for your first kill; and against a vampire as experienced as Isaias. I knew you were the one."
"Let's calm down with all this 'the one' stuff. I haven't agreed to anything."
"It's not a choice, my dear, it is your destiny."
"Yeah, well, the only thing I'm destined for is doom if I don't get home before my dad starts to freak. And I have no idea how I'm getting past him looking like this."
"I'll give you a ride. My car is just at the other end of the cemetery, but we have to move quickly. You never know who Isaias could've been travelling with. He's older and has friends a lot more powerful than he. As good as you are, I don't think you're ready to take them on all at once just yet."
Kaley sighed before following Galen to the cemetery gates. Sure enough, a black old school mustang sat waiting. It was a quiet ride back to the mansion; which he definitely had no trouble locating. Kaley was definitely starting to get creeped out. Finally, they stopped at the mansion gates. Luckily, the sun had gone down so she'd have little to no trouble sneaking up the side of the building into her room.
"Wait," Galen grabbed her shoulder as she tried to exit the car, "you must not tell anyone about what happened, and do not let the vampires find out who you are. It's not safe. If the wrong person discovers you then the vampires with launch a full attack to destroy you and anyone who tries to help you before you're ready to take them on yourself."
"As if I'd tell anyone what just happened. They'd think I was nuts. I still think I'm going nuts."
"I'll give you some time to gather your thoughts. When I think you're ready I'll contact you again. Your training must begin sooner rather than later. The fate of the world depends on it.
