I don't own X-men, the Three Musketeers, or the Man in the Iron Mask. If you haven't seen the movie, you should check it out, for a Leo flick, it ain't half bad. The story takes place in France so they are speaking French, italics indicate a different language (which only occurs in part 2, the language being Italian)

The Man in the Iron Mask

This is the stuff of legends. It has been discovered in the records of the Vault in France that one prisoner was listed as prisoner 84279000, the Man in the Iron Mask. Many have guessed as to the identity of this man, but it has been at no point confirmed. This is his story.

Deep in the Vault, two men stand talking along the canal that leads the prisoners to their new home. The first is very large; he leans up against the wall. The smaller of the two sits in a crouch.

"Uhhhhhh." A groan comes from up along the stone steps.

"Oy. It's time to feed 'im Dukes." The smaller says.

"I took him his food yesterday Toynbee, it's your turn." Dukes replied.

"Fine." Toynbee grabbed a half eaten apple core from the ground and lazily tossed it from hand to hand. He showed it to Dukes. The two chuckled as Toynbee walked up the stairs. He arrived at a door, which was marked with an X, and pounded on it a few times and open the hatch.

"Oy, you dead yet?" Toynbee asked the body lying on the ground.

The man rose, a gray plate covered his head. After years of seeing him, Toynbee still shivered involuntarily. He tossed the man the apple.

"Here. Make it last," he said as he walked away.

The man picked up the apple, breaking bits off that were small enough to shove through the mouth hole of the mask that covered his face. As he chewed he stared out the roof of his prison, straight into the moon.

Far away from the Vault, a man in his late thirties mounted his white horse. He tucked his ruby encrusted sword into its hilt and gently spurred his horse on through the streets of France. He casually rode through the stone streets until reaching the small alleyway, which led to the King's Palace. Ordinarily, it was a road that this man casually breezed through, but on this day, the poor citizens of France were rioting, fighting each other for what little they had. The man drew a slow breath, and spurred his horse into a gallop.

As the citizens saw the man coming they turned to him.

"It's Summers!" One shouted.

"Get 'im," yelled another.

The man called Summers covered his face as he rode through the alley, being pelted with rotten food. He emerged from the other end and sighed with relief as one of his men opened the gate to the palace. The other man had short-cropped blonde hair, and offered Summers a hand dismounting his horse. Summers casually brushed him off and gracefully dismounted.

"Trouble on the way over Captain Summers?"

Summers grinned wryly, "What was your first clue Sam?" He picked a tomato off of his shoulder.

Sam blushed, "Sorry Captain Summers."

Summers clapped him on the shoulder, "Scott, Sam, Scott. You're second in command of the Royal Musketeers boy, and have been my friend for a long while. You can refer to me by my given name."

Sam shook his head, "Thank you Captain, but I must decline."

Scott smiled, "And I will continue to ask. Any word from the King?"

"None yet. Only preparations for his feast this afternoon Captain."

"Ah yes, nothing like watching the rich in their natural habitat."

Sam smiled, "I suppose so Captain."

Scott nodded, "Well Sam, I must go meet with the King myself, but later today I will be bringing Robert and Warren. It should do you well to see two more of your legends here."

Sam grinned, "Very much sir."

"Robert asks about you whenever I see him actually. He is constantly badgering me as to when I'm going to allow you an excursion down to his…business. He relishes the opportunity to corrupt you."

Sam blushed again, "I'll have to disappoint him sir."

Scott laughed and began to walk towards the castle, "I'll see you later m'boy."

Farther away from the castle a man with long blonde hair in a black robe strode confidently into a Church. After navigating through the halls, he arrived at a small office. He took a seat at the desk and gripped the cross on the chain around his neck. His lips murmured in silent prayer until he heard a large bang outside. He opened an eye, annoyed, waiting for whatever had come to make its presence known.

The door to his office suddenly shot open and a younger man with messy brown hair walked in, a woman under each arm.

"Ah! Warren!" The man shouted, punching the priest in the arm.

Warren nodded and closed his eyes again, "Bobby."

Bobby turned to the two women, "Monet, Jubilation, he is having none of it." The two women let out husky moans, "But do not fret my beauties, one day he will cave, and I have heard that he is an excellent lover."

Monet leaned in to Bobby, "As are you."

"No…am I?" Bobby asked.

Jubilation nodded, "Yes."

Bobby smacked both of their backsides, "We will see what we can do later then my beauties. Back to the brothel with you." As the women walked away, Bobby drew a chair next to Warren, who had begun to pray again. He punched the other man. Warren continued to pray. Bobby did it again. Warren opened one eye, but closed it again. Bobby did it once more, but harder.

Warren opened both eyes this time, "What do you WANT?!"

"What are you doing?" Bobby asked.

Warren slowly let out a breath, "I am praying."

Bobby nodded thoughtfully, "Well that is very nice, but if you hadn't noticed, two beautiful women, who happen to be wonderful in bed, were willing to give themselves to you, if you had paid attention for a damn second."

"First of all, I am celibate as you well know, being that I am a priest. Secondly, if I were to sleep with any of those women, I would contract whatever genital diseases you currently possess. And while I love you like a brother, I don't care for you enough to share your illnesses."

Bobby shrugged, "It's just herpes. Besides, if you can name me one thing in this world more sublime than a pair of breasts, I shall leave you right now."

Warren nodded, "Penance, forgiveness."

Bobby stood and stroked his chin casually. He then suddenly drew in a breath and leaned right next to Warren's face. He then let out a huge belch. "Do you forgive me?"

Warren calmly ran a hand through his hair and then let out a roar and jumped on Bobby, "I SAID I'M TRYING TO PRAY!"

Bobby threw his weight and flipped on top of Warren, "ALL YOU EVER DO IS PRAY!"

"AND ALL YOU EVER DO IS FORNICATE WITH DISGUSTING WOMEN."

"It's nice to see that time doesn't change anything." The two combatants quickly let go of each other and turned to see Scott standing in the doorway of Warren's office. Bobby quickly jumped to his feet and drew Scott into a hug.

"One for all my old friend!"

Scott smiled in reply, "And all for one, my lazy friend."

"You wound me." Bobby said clutching his heart.

Warren shoved Bobby aside and wrung Scott's hand, "What brings you here my friend?"

"The King wishes to see you Warren. He says it's a manner of great importance."

Warren nodded gravely, "I still do not see how you serve a man so corrupt. His father was a great man, he probably stirs in his grave to know what his own son has become."

Scott hesitated before answering, "You served this King once. You both did."

"And now I do not."

"To each his own. Will you come?"

Warren nodded, "If my King commands it, so I will."

"Thank you." Scott turned to Bobby, "I wanted to see if you'd like to come along. The Queen Mother and my junior officer Guthrie both ask about you regularly. You would also have the opportunity to see the new group train."

Bobby grinned eagerly, "Young Samuel eh? When will he be coming down to the brothel? I believe it was I who introduced each of you to the women who turned you into men, why end the tradition?"

Scott smiled back, "I believe that this young man is made from stronger stuff than the four of us ever were. You will come then?"

"Of course."

"Very well then. I will see the two of you later." Scott smiled at his old friends and walked out of the office."

Bobby turned to Warren, "Look at me. Look at the two of you. You're a respected member of the Church, Scott remains captain of the Musketeers. And while I've slept with more women than either of you could dream of, I still have amounted to nothing."

Warren nodded in mock sympathy, "It's not as if it was unexpected Bobby." He clapped his friend on the shoulder and walked away from him.

Bobby shook his head after Warren, "I miss Henry."

Meanwhile, the final member of the original Musketeers, the aforementioned Henry, was tidying his humble abode. He smiled over his shoulder in amusement, as his young song Kurt fiddled with the buttons on his military uniform.

"When do you plan to ask her?" Henry asked casually.

Kurt looked up nervously, "Either on the way to the feast, or the way back. I've yet to decide."

Henry walked over to his son, "Relax. She should say yes to you on my impeccable reputation alone."

Kurt smiled weakly, "I'll keep that in mind."

"Well take this too." Henry produced a golden ring from his pocket.

Kurt looked down at the ring, "This belonged to mother. I can't…"

Henry forced the ring into Kurt's hand, "Your mother died giving you to me. Her spirit will live on in the woman you love Kurt. Take it."

Kurt gaped, trying to say something. Finally he settled on drawing his father into an embrace. Henry smiled, "I have never been as proud of anything, as I am of you. I'd never told you this, but my friends, my fellow Musketeers used to fight over who would have you. Warren wanted you to join the Church, Scott wished you to be a Musketeer, and I shudder to think where you would be if you had joined with Robert." Kurt laughed. "I had never seen them so shocked as when I told the three that you had decided to join General Cassidy in the military. But looking back, I'm glad that you have blazed a trail apart from what we've done, and as I say, I've never been prouder."

Kurt nodded, "Thank you father."

Henry laughed once more, "Now go. Win your lady."

Inside that castle, Scott and Bobby had just entered Scott's headquarters, "So what do you think of them Bobby?"

Bobby shrugged, "They don't have our old brilliance, but since there are three times as many of them, it may make up for it. I'm surprised however, that his Majesty allowed for a group of aborigines from the New World into his Royal Guard."

"Those men are excellent. Some of my most successful. They've been acclimating to France very well." Scott said.

"Most impressive. By the way, where was young Sam?"

"Ah, with my absence the King requested Sam to watch over him until I returned. With constant threats from Essex from the Netherlands, as well as the Jesuits, he doesn't feel safe without one of us around him. You never know when assassin may strike."

"Yes, well, it couldn't happen to a kinder man." Bobby deadpanned.

"Bobby!" Scott said sharply.

Before his lecture continued, there came a knock at the door. "Enter," Scott said.

A young woman timidly pushed the door open. "Yes Lorna?" Scott asked.

"The Queen was made aware of Master Drake's presence and wished an audience with him." Lorna said.

Bobby sauntered over to Lorna, "And who might you be, my lovely?"

Scott stepped between them, "This is Lorna, the Queen's handmaiden, and well off limits to you."

"Ah I have never been one for rules."

"A fact that I well remember Robert." The two men looked beyond Lorna and saw a beautiful redheaded woman in a long dress.

Bobby quickly swept passed Lorna and embraced the Queen, "Jean, my lady, it does my heart well to see you."

Scott covered his face with his hand, while Jean smiled cheekily at Bobby, "I see that formality is still lost on you."

"Well when one protects another for a full week when they have been taken prisoner, there is generally no need for formality my Queen."

"Yes, my gowns are still damp from drying your tears, and my ears still ring from your cries for rescue." Jean said with a wry smile.

Bobby quickly changed tact, "It must get awfully lonely with the only member of the old guard being Scott here. I have always maintained that he was the most boring of our group."

Jean finally turned her gaze to Scott and nodded at him. Scott quickly looked away. A faint glimmer of a smile graced Bobby's face, but he had accomplished what he wanted, and said no more.

Lorna stepped back into the door, "Milady, the feast will be starting in a short while, we must go."

Jean nodded to her, "I must go. It was good to see you again Robert," she said warmly. "Scott." She nodded to him again and walked away with Lorna.

Scott stared after her and looked back at Bobby who was smiling at him knowingly. "What?"

Bobby shook his head, "Nothing. I wonder what Warren is doing."

As they spoke, Warren stood in a courtyard, waiting for the King to summon him. As he stood, he saw the young ruler finally enter with a group of his advisors, and the young Musketeer Sam. The King had long brown hair, which had always struck Warren as odd, as the Queen's was flaming red and the old King James's had been jet black. Warren shrugged and attempted to listen to the conversation.

The King's military advisor, Warren knew him to be known as Allerdyce, was speaking, "We believe that Essex will be attacking from the west Milord, possibly within the next two weeks."

The King shook his head, "Essex is one of the smartest men alive, the west is too obvious. Tell Cassidy to bring his troops around the south end and Guthrie, ask Captain Summers to spare a few Musketeers to position at the north."

"Yes Milord," Sam nodded.

One of the Kings other advisors, Wyngarde, interrupted, "Milord, it came to my understanding that there are riots in France. A group attacked Captain Summers today."

"Is this true Sam?" The King asked.

"Yes Milord."

The King turned back to Wyngarde, "Why would my people riot, France is the most beautiful city in the world."

"They are starving sir. The military is smaller nowadays, if there would be anyway to give a portion of the food we plan to send them to the commoners, they may be assuaged."

The King shook his head, "No. Send them the emergency supplies for the military."

"That food is spoiled sir," Wyngarde said.

The King smiled, "Then I suggest you send it soon, or it will get worse."

Sam frowned behind the King and turned away to see Warren standing to the side. He offered Warren a wave and then turned back to the King, "Milord, Father Worthington awaits an audience with you."

The King turned and smiled broadly at Warren. He beckoned the older man over, "Warren, old friend of my father."

"Hello Milord, how are you?"

"Fine, fine. The perils of being the most powerful man in the world weighing me down I suppose."

Warren forced a smile, "Of course Milord." There was a pause. "Captain Summers said you had a job for me?"

"Yes, yes. As you may know, we have been having problems with the Jesuits." The King said.

"Yes, I am well aware."

The King continued, "The Jesuits are a powerful group. They unnecessarily blame me for the suffering of the common people. It is not my fault that they gamble all of their money away or else spend it at our old friend Robert's own, house of worship as it were." The King gave a smile, which once again Warren had to force to return.

"My task for you is this. You may be a priest now, but you once served both myself and my father as a Musketeer. I wish for you to find the leader of the Jesuits, and to kill him."

Warren's eyes widened, "Kill him?"

The King nodded, "I know this is a terrible task to ask of a priest. But I am King by the Lord's decree, so my desire is the desire of your master as well. Will you accept this task?"

Warren hesitated, "I will find the leader of the Jesuits, and I will kill him."

"Once a Musketeer always a Musketeer eh Warren?" The King asked.

"Yes Milord."

"Now Warren, you are very welcome to stay for my feast. Both Captain Summers and Robert are attending."

Warren shook his head and began to walk away. "If I am to undertake this mission, I have much to do. Sam, Milord, good day." With that, he left. The King frowned after him. Just then, Wyngarde and Allerdyce approached him.

"Milord," Wyngarde said, "your guests are arriving."

The King nodded and the three men moved to the courtyard where a large group of men and women began to enter. Among them was Kurt, who was walking with a beautiful woman.

"Look at these dresses." The woman said gesturing to the other women.

Kurt smiled, "They pale in comparison to your beauty."

The woman smiled back. At that moment, the couple caught the King's eye.

"Who is that?" The King asked.

"That is Kurt McCoy sir. Son of former Musketeer Henry, he served in the military as well." Allerdyce said.

"Young soldiers may catch your attention Allerdyce," Wyngarde laughed, "but I was referring to the young maiden with him."

"Her name is Wanda," Wyngarde said, "her father Erik and brother Pietro both served in our military. Both were killed in combat."

"She's very beautiful." The King said quietly. He sighed, "Well, time to walk among the commoners."

He gestured and a trumpet began to play. All of the guests parted, and the King walked down a set of stairs into the grassy area of the courtyard. He made of point of stopping in front of Kurt and Wanda, and staring pointedly at the young woman. Kurt frowned as the King moved on.

As the guests dispersed, the King walked among a smaller group, when Captain Summers approached him.

"Ah Scott! Frowning as usual. Assassins falling from the sky are they?"

"Stryfe, you did not clear with me this pig hunt."

"You address me by my given name and lecture me for my plans for my party? Scott, this may be considered treason." The King smiled.

Scott smiled gently, "Please Milord, I worry for your safety."

The King shook his head, "Let us play a game Scott. Let us pretend that I am the King and you are the captain of my Musketeers. Let us pretend my wish is law, and my wish is to enjoy this party. And my wish is also for you to do the same. Look at Robert, he has no shortage of happiness." The King gestured to Bobby who was telling Sam a joke, at which the younger man was laughing politely.

"Yes well, Robert sometimes has too much fun." Scott said.

"Well on this day, maybe you should do the same." The King smiled and walked away.

As the King walked away, Kurt and Wanda approached Scott, "Captain Summers!"

Scott smiled at the couple, "It is Scott, Kurt, I've known you since your birth."

Kurt smiled, "Wanda, this is Scott Summers, my father's best friend and captain of the Musketeers. Scott, this is Wanda Lensherr."

Scott smiled and kissed Wanda's hand, "It is wonderful to meet you, I knew your father well. He was a great to friend to both myself and the King."

Wanda nodded, "The pleasure is mine."

"I wanted to thank you for accepting my proposal to join the Musketeers Scott." Kurt said.

"Yes well, between your father's reputation and the recommendation I received from General Cassidy, how could I not? I brag to Warren and Robert everyday that I got you first." Scott said.

Kurt nodded and clasped Wanda's hands, "I wanted something a little closer to home.

Scott smiled, "Well I shall leave you two alone then."

Almost on cue, Bobby walked over with a bottle of wine in one hand, and his other arm wrapped around Sam's shoulder, "Kurt my friend! I was just telling young Sam the tale of first venture into manhood." Sam smiled with embarrassment.

Kurt smiled, "Maybe another time Bobby."

"What? But it's a wonderful story."

"Come along Bobby." Scott grabbed Bobby's other arm and he and Sam dragged him off.

Kurt took Wanda's arm and led her over to a fountain, "You know I love you very much."

Wanda blushed, "I love you as well."

"I will never have a lot of money, but you will always have my love." Kurt said.

"Then I have more than the King." Wanda smiled.

Kurt reached into his pocket, "I have something for you, it belonged to my mo-"

"Attention, attention." The pair turned to see the King standing in front of the other guests, holding a pig. "Behold, our wild beast. Anyone who can catch this animal, will win its prize." He took out a golden chain, which held a scarlet gem. He tied it around the pigs neck and let it loose, "Let the chase begin!"

As the pig shot off Kurt turned to Wanda, "That gem will be yours." Kurt led the pack that chased after the pig. Bobby began to chase as well but Scott and Sam pulled him back and finally took the bottle of wine from him.

The King smiled hungrily as he saw Wanda trail the pack. He quickly turned on a fountain, blocking her path. She hesitated, but then began to move towards the castle, and he quickly moved after her.

As Wanda peered into the castle, the King moved to her, "I didn't think it would be possible, but excitement has made you more beautiful."

Wanda turned around startled, "Milord, I'm sorry…"

"Sorry for looking beautiful for your King?"

"Yes, I mean…no. I'm sorry Milord…"

"Stryfe, call me Stryfe."

"I couldn't possibly…" Wanda began.

"You will." The King said firmly. There was a pause. "You are very beautiful you know."

"Than you…Stryfe. But I am engaged to Kurt. Or will be…if he ever asks." Wanda said.

Scott approached from around a corner. He heard what was being said and sighed. These were the times when he did not care for the King's actions. He felt a presence behind him, he turned and saw the pig near his feet. He smiled, and picked up the small animal.

The King began to lean in, "You would choose a soldier over a King?" Right when their lips almost met, Scott released the pig. As the pig ran, Scott saw a glint of silver.

The pig ran out towards the couple. Wanda smiled and moved towards it but the King grabbed her arm, "Wanda…"

Suddenly a man jumped out from behind a corner, brandishing a sword. Scott quickly whipped out his own and threw it at the man. It caught him in the shoulder, pinning him to the wall. The King and Wanda began to back away quickly, when three other men moved towards them from various areas.

"Captain! Watch out!" Scott turned to see Sam charging the men, with Bobby running behind him. Sam quickly drew his sword stabbing one through the chest and then turned and swept the legs out from under one of the others. Bobby walked up to the downed man, and hit him over the head with his wine bottle, causing it to shatter. Scott spun and punched the man he already stabbed, and then ripped his sword out of the man's shoulder. He turned once more and ran his sword through their final enemy.

As the last man died, he looked at the King, "Essex sends his greetin'."

The King roared and grabbed a dagger from the falling man and drove it into his heart. At this moment Kurt joined the group.

"Wanda!"

"Kurt!" Wanda threw herself at him and the pair walked away. The King spared them a glance and then turned back to Scott.

"Who are these men?!"

Scott looked them over, "I believe they are called Baer, Noatak, Greycrow, and Quested. They're Essex's men."

"Get them out of here Captain." Scott nodded and looked to Bobby for help. The other man nodded and carried the four men out.

"That was fun." Bobby said.

"Maybe you should rejoin."

Bobby shook his head, "Not as fun as sex."

The King looked once more in the direction that Kurt and Wanda went. He turned to Sam, "Get me General Cassidy."

Deep inside the Vault the man in the mask rattled his helmet against the bars of his cell. Back and forth, back and forth.

The next morning, the Queen was stooped in front of a coffin inside of the palace. The coffin was the dominating figure in the room, bearing an enormous golden cross. The coffin itself was inscribed with the name King James Howlett. However, the Queen was not looking at the coffin, but knelt in front of a footstool which bore a single rose and the initials N.H. When she finally rose she turned to Lorna who was waiting outside of the room.

"Take me to Captain Summer's office."

The pair walked through the halls and finally arrived at the office, where Scott was hunched over a list, which he was reading intently. Lorna cleared her throat and Scott looked up.

"Yes Lorna?"

"The Queen wishes an audience with you." Lorna said.

Scott nodded, "Of course."

The Queen strode into the office without making eye contact with him. He still smiled at her, "Yes my Queen?"

"I was informed that you saved my son's life yesterday."

"Yes milady, though Bobby and Sam helped a great deal."

"I give you my thanks. You are…unhurt?" She asked.

Scott smiled, "Yes."

Jean finally met his eyes, "That is good." With that, she left the room, Lorna briskly followed.

As she left, Sam quickly walked into the room, "Captain Summers?"

"Yes Sam?" Scott replied, still watching the Queen move down the hallway.

"I have something for you sir." He handed Scott a piece of paper, "Kurt McCoy has withdrawn his request to become a Musketeer."

Scott turned to him, "What?" Scott quickly read through the paper, frowning more and more as he read. He looked up at Sam, "I must see Henry, you will be in charge of the training today Sam." Scott quickly grabbed his hat and walked from the room.

When he arrived at Henry's house several minutes later he was greeted with an awful noise. When he entered the house he saw that Henry was practicing his violin. Henry stopped and turned when the door closed.

"Scott!" He moved across the room and embraced his old friend.

Scott smiled, "You are…improving…"

Henry grinned back, "Well I could not get worse."

"This is very true."

"What are you doing here my friend?" Henry asked.

Scott's smiled wavered, "I have not seen you in a long while my friend and I just was with Bobby and Warren yesterday. We missed your company."

"Well when the great Scott Summers, Captain of the Musketeers, enters my home he must be offered the best wine." Henry said with a smile.

"Well when the great Henry McCoy offers, the great Scott Summers has no choice but to accept!"

As Henry got the wine, Scott sat at his table, "How are you my friend? Truly?"

Henry smiled, "I am fine my friend. I lead a quiet lifestyle, with no more bloodshed. I have a wonderful son who is about to be engaged to a beautiful woman…" At this moment Kurt walked in, red eyed, "Here he is now! Out all night celebrating your engagement I presume. Look who it is Kurt, Captain Summers!"

Kurt looked at Scott, and neither said anything. Henry looked from one to the other, "What is wrong?"

Kurt handed Henry an envelope, "I cannot make her a widow. I've been recalled to the military."

Henry read through the letter, "This makes no sense! You've already fulfilled your commitment…has everyone been recalled?"

"I do not know. But I believe the King's eye has fallen on Wanda."

Scott quickly interrupted, "It is true the King has noticed her but Kurt, please, he would not send you to war just for this young woman."

"Yes he would," Henry began, "the king is a scoundrel and a coward."

"But I am neither." Kurt said, "So I will go." He marched to his room and closed the door.

Henry rounded on Scott, "You knew!"

Scott held up his hands in defense, "I only suspected."

"Tell me Scott does the King have trouble filling his bed? Does he desire sex so much that he is willing to put my son in harms way? I fought for his father! Until I retired I fought for him! And now he sentences my only child to death."

Scott closed his eyes, "The King is rash…"

"Rash?! This is my son's life! You do not have a son Scott. You don't know what it's like to hold him as a baby, feel his breath, watch him grow."

Scott looked away, "No…I do not. But I promise you this: you are my oldest, dearest friend. I will speak to the King and will do what I can to bring your son back safely."

Henry nodded, "You are my oldest and dearest friend as well, but I must warn you with this: my son is all I have, if he is killed this King will become my enemy…as will all who stand with him. Friend or not."

"Then I will do all in my power to make sure this does not come to pass." Scott said, and left the house.

Scott sighed as he mounted his horse and rode back to the castle. Almost immediately upon approaching, Sam rushed to him, "Captain, the citizens are rioting out the back gate. They've already captured DaCosta and Madrox."

Scott sighed, "This has been a very long day. Assemble the others and meet me at the gate." Scott dismounted his horse and ran to the back gate where in fact the citizens of France had two Musketeers, Roberto DaCosta, one of the aboriginal recruits, as well as young James Madrox, in their grasp. As the rest of the Musketeers arrived with Sam, they each took out their pistols.

"No!" Scott said sharply. "I will speak to them. Close the gate after me. Do not shoot, do you here me? Do NOT shoot."

As Scott exited the gate on his horse once more the rioters seemed to freeze. Scott heard his name murmured among the crowd.

"People of France I am one of you. I was not born to royalty, we are of the same origin. This is not the way to accomplish what you want, you must tell me the problem."

"The problem is that we're starvin'!" One yelled.

"You sit up in the palace with the King eatin' his food and we've got nothin'!" Another yelled.

A particularly brave peasant took an apple off the ground and threw it at Scott as another threw a tomato. Scott quickly brandished his sword, cut the apple in half and skewered the tomato on his weapon's tip. The rioters froze once more as he stared at the men who threw them. He then leaned in and took a bite of the tomato. As he chewed he made a face and spat it on the ground.

Scott nodded, "You are right, it is rotten. I will speak to the King." There was a murmur of thanks throughout the crowd, "You will release these men. They serve France. They serve you." The rioters quickly let Madrox and DaCosta go, who limped back toward the gate with Scott.

Many hours later, after a romp with a beautiful woman called Selene, the King walked towards Scott's office. He strode in and turned to the Captain of his Musketeers.

"Wyngarde said you wished to see me?"

Scott nodded, "Yes milord." The King nodded and sat. Scott smiled at him,

"You have been with many women milord. Do you love any of them?"

The King grinned, "Quite often."

Scott chuckled, "And do they love you?"

"Why do you ask these questions?" The King asked.

"Because I believe that it is possible for one man to love one woman for his entire life and be the better for it."

The King nodded, "Perhaps I have not found such a woman yet…until recently."

"Wanda?"

The King laughed, "I fear you may need a hobby Scott, you watch me TOO closely."

Scott did not laugh at this, "Long have I served you Stryfe. I have watched you grow and had a hand in raising you and at this moment I hope with every bone in my body that you do not send my best friend's son to war so you may bed his fiancé."

Stryfe stood, "Do you question my integrity?!"

"Of course not. It is you I care about, but I worry for Kurt."

Stryfe nodded, "Kurt will return home soon."

"Thank you milord."

"Is there anything else?"

Scott nodded, "You're people wish to love you sire, but you give them rotten food when they are starving."

"Rotten food? I was unaware of this. I will deal with it immediately."

Scott smiled, "Thank you milord, now that is all." Scott began to leave the office.

"Scott?"

"Yes milord?"

Stryfe met his gaze, "I may be a young King, but I am still King."

Scott nodded, "Then be a GOOD King."

Stryfe frowned and followed Scott out of the office where he found Wyngarde and Allerdyce. He moved towards them and ripped a badge off of Wyngarde and gave it to Allerdyce, "Allerdyce you're now the chief advisor. Execute Wyngarde for giving the people rotten food." He walked away. Wyngarde's eyes widened bewildered, and Allerdyce patted him sympathetically on the shoulder.

Late the next day, in the trenches of war in the Netherlands, General Cassidy led Kurt to his post.

"You'll be leadin' the charge boyo…couldn't think o' anyone better." Cassidy said.

Kurt nodded and pulled something out of his pocket, "Please General, have this brought to the palace. In case…" He handed the letter to Cassidy.

Cassidy nodded sadly, "Ay."

Kurt turned to his regimen and raised his sword, the group of men stood and charged the oncoming onslaught, "FOR WANDA!" He screamed. As he rushed at the beginning of the assault, he heard the boom of a cannon and felt pain in his chest. Kurt McCoy was no more.

The next day a messenger came to the Lensherr residence and handed Wanda a letter, she sunk to the ground, screaming in grief.

Only a short while away, Henry McCoy stood in front of his fire, a similar letter on the floor near him. He removed his sword from above the mantle and polished it with his cloak, "So it begins."