Chapter 8: Pasts and Present

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Remy walked next to Scott, chained around his neck and hands shackled. They had been walking for a few hours but neither had spoken yet. The Bayville Militia that guarded them had finally decided that chained and surrounded they were no longer a threat.

Remy eyed his surroundings, now with some breathing room he was able to speak. "Wha' took you so long?" Remy asked breaking the silence.

"I, I didn't think I was gone that long. At first, I couldn't find her," Scott offered, feeling bad he wasn't in more of a rush when he was out in the Bay of Alexandria. He just didn't expect the Bayville Militia to catch up so quickly and besides, he wasn't used to this sort of thing.

"Next time, mon ami, you let ol' Remy do the rescuing, eh?" he said giving Scott a charming wink.

Scott couldn't help but smile. He knew they were in the clutches of the evil Militia of Bayville and were off to their deaths but somehow he felt they still had a chance with Remy on their side. He heard the Bayville men talk of how Remy almost defeated all twenty five of the Queen's Militia. Scott wished he could have been there to see it. Perhaps another opportunity would present itself. He was about to start up a conversation with Remy but an approaching rider stopped him. It was the Queen's daughter.

As she slowed her horse to a casual trot she discarded her helmet and rode up next to them. Scott was a little concerned by her presence and kept his gaze facing forward while Remy remained calm. He was actually eyeing her like they were in a tavern and he was about to make his move. She slowed her horse's pace right next to Remy. "Remy LeBeau, Ah've heard," she said looking down at the man.

"Oui, petite. Though Remy never had the pleasure of your name," he replied with a grin.

Rogue eyed him. Normally she'd just offer her title as a response but she was going to question him so she had to be a little forth coming with some information. "Rogue," she put simply.

Remy's eyes lit up and he grinned even more. "Didn't take you for a scoundrel, but Remy, he like surprises."

Rogue shook her head. His pickup lines were cheesy but they did have a certain charm to them. "Ya' ever get tired of hearing yourself talk?" She was also intrigued by this man. He defeated all of Creed's men and used to fight with Bayville. Not to mention Creed hated him.

"Not when I'm talking about you, petite."

She rolled her eyes at him and he chuckled. "Are you the man they call Le Diable Blanc?"

Remy's grin disappeared and he turned his attention to in front of him. Rogue waited for an answer but all she got was silence. Silence from him, silence from Bayville and silence from her mother. She was starting to feel less like a Captain, less than a Militia, less than the daughter of the soon to be ruler of all the lands. What was she to Bayville?

She grabbed him by the shackles. "Answer meh!" she demanded.

He looked up at her, completely withdrawn. "Wha' is it to you? Ask your animal, Creed."

She dropped her hold of the shackles, "Ah do not seek words or advice from such a low life," Rogue said, her words addressed her distaste for the other Captain.

This perked the Militia up. "Well den. Oui, dat be a nickname."

"And ya were part of the Marauders that attacked Olean an' killed Commander Essex? Why?"

Remy took a moment to answer this question. This woman was curious of things no villain or villain's daughter should be curious of. She continued to intrigue him. "Remy have no allegiance to anyone. Essex promised me a special deal in return for my services but Remy no cold blooded murderer. Once I found out de type of people I was fighting wit' I tried to leave. Before Remy could, Essex was about to slaughter a young girl but I stopped him. Remy killed him an' any Marauder who tried to stop me. After dat I was caught by a group of Bayville troop's months later. Dey put me in de solitary prison and left me to die for my sins against de Queen an' her troops."

It was quiet for a time as Rogue let his words sink in.

Scott had been listening the whole time. He finally discovered the reason why Remy was locked in the prison in Syracuse where Scott and the others had first met him. Though Scott didn't care for Remy fighting with Bayville, he was starting to understand the man next to him. This prophecy was now starting to make sense of the people it was linking together.

"An' what of the red an' black eyes?" she asked.

The man before her had hazel eyes. Remy looked at her. "Wha, dis petite?" His eyes changed from hazel to red on black. Rogue looked on in a bit of wonder. "How?" she asked.

"A little trick Essex taught me as part of de special deal. De man was a sinister fool but he did know a bit o' magic."

St. John approached next to Rogue, "Captain, a moment." Rogue nodded and the pair rode ahead, to what Remy and Scott did not know.

"What happened with your eyes?" Scott asked.

"Curse," Remy simply said. Wanting to change the subject he gestured towards the cage that held Ororo a few horses up. "So Scott, what's wid de rat?"

Scott looked ahead to Ororo then back at Remy, "That is the Sorcerer Ororo. Queen Raven banished her to the Bay of Alexandria seventeen years ago."

"Oui, Scott. What's wid de rat?" he asked again, emphasizing the word rat.

Scott got it this time. "Raven cursed her into stone. I don't have full control over my magic to free her so I was only able to free her from her stone form."

"Remy not saying dis to put too much pressure on you mon ami, but if you truly a Sorcerer, figuring it out sooner den later be much obliged. Seeing as how we are marching to our deaths." Remy said. He gave Scott a final nod then turned his attention ahead as they walked on.

Scott still stared at Remy. He turned to look up at Ororo. Magic comes from within. He understood that but how to control it? That was something he would need to ask Ororo the first opportunity he got.

He now looked ahead as well. They were in the clutches of evil and were heading straight to Bayville. Remy was right. They were marching to their deaths.

~8~

They had marched for the rest of the day and into the next. The sun was starting to set as they arrived at their destination for the evening. At the camp they had joined forces with a larger party of Bayville Militia. There looked to be over a hundred Militia set up amongst the camp. Scott was sure there were other camps across the lands still searching for Katherine. Now that she was in the clutches of Bayville the other Militia would be returning to Bayville.

Scott heard the Militia talking. They were resting for a day. The horses needed a break and for that Scott was thankful. His feet were swollen and full of blisters. Two Militia brought them to a few tents into camp and secured them for the evening. Scott sat down and had never been so happy to before. Both he and Remy were chained to the wagon that held the cage with Ororo. They were near two small tents. The guards who were to take shelter there had left the prisoners unattended but returned not long after each with two wine skins. A few guards started a patrol around the area while their two guards started emptying the skins.

Remy and Scott were eventually fed scrapes of food and given water. A fire was started nearby and Scott wished he was closer as the bitter winds blew through his clothes. Even before it had gotten completely dark they heard a group of Bayville Militia already drunk and singing around the camp.

From some of the talk they could make out they were celebrating the end of the long hunt for the child. The Bayville Militia had complete confidence that they would make it the rest of the way to Bayville without any problems. Something Scott felt might be true. Who was left? He had heard the last of Westchester's Militia were defeated and only a handful of Westchester Militia roamed the lands. That left the diversity of the realms to stand together against a powerful army. They stood no chance; there was no unity of the realms.

"Scott, do you still have the wand?" Ororo whispered from her cage. This was the first time any of them had spoken in quite a while. He looked over at her. "No, they took it after the Bay of Alexandria." Scott said, sounding defeated.

"No problem, mon ami. Remy saw dem stash it in de wagon," Remy said, gesturing towards the wagon.

"Remy? Is that you?" Ororo questioned, the pair had not formally met yet as far as Scott knew. "Oui, petite. Been a long time," he replied, sounding a bit sad.

"Are you now back fighting with Westchester?" she asked, bitterly.

Scott did not know the history between the two so he wasn't sure what exactly happened. He did know Remy had fought with both Westchester and Bayville. Remy must have been a Westchester Militia before Ororo was banished he concluded.

"Remy fighting for de child of de prophecy seeing as how neider Westchester nor Bayville wan' Remy on deir side," he replied just as bitterly as her.

Ororo narrowed her eyes at the Militia, granted he did have a point she would let the betrayal pass. "Scott, in the meantime, let me give you a quick lesson in magic. How much have you learned over the years?"

"Only a few tricks and readings from what I could obtain. When Raven started killing Seers my wife and I moved to Niagara to get her as far away from Raven's spells as possible."

"It does not matter how far you are, my dear boy, if your wife had used her powers no distance could keep her from Raven's magic." Ororo said plainly.

"I know that. It was silly to think that but we felt safer. Well until recent years."

Ororo nodded, understanding him perfectly. A way to feel safer in a world threatened by darkness is to move further away from the darkness, even if it was just a silly notion. "But a few tricks are something we can work with. With Sorcerer's the magic comes from within and with the wand it amplifies the power. It's about thinking of what you want to do and controlling the power within you to achieve that. Think of the energy within you, what you want to use it for and release it."

Scott closed his eyes. He felt something flow within him but he wasn't sure how to control it to even get to the releasing part. Opening his eyes he looked at Ororo. "Channel it from you core towards your hand, it will release itself," Ororo said.

He felt the energy building and collecting into a controlled burst. Slowly the energy traveled towards his hand. Scott was amazed he was able to control it so well. When he tried to release the energy he was unable to do so.

"I," he started looking up at Ororo. The rat looked at him. Her beady little eyes narrowed as she watched the Dweller's body language filled with defeat. He could control his power, he just could not release the energy, she concluded. Now it all made sense of why he was not able to progress his ability beyond simple spells. Unable to complete spells would in turn make the man insecure about his ability to conjure the magic. If he had been trained properly under a Sorcerer he would have gotten past this stage in training. Unfortunately for them that was not the case.

She knew her wand would help him. He needed the support of the wand to release his energy until he learned to handle it on his own. But her wand was not with them at the present.

"Suppress the energy, Scott," she ordered. Looking at her confused at first, he did as instructed. "You understand how to channel your powers within yourself but the next step in your training would take time, that which we do not have. If you could get ahold of the wand you will finally be able to release your magic and be one step closer to a Sorcerer," she said.

"And how do we manage to get ahold of the wand?" he asked, as if asking the question aloud would provide them with an answer. It actually did, kind of.

"Give Remy a pick or some sort of tool and I can get us loose," Remy chimed in. Scott looked around. The pair were chained far from anything of use. Scott pulled on the chains. The material and support they were chained to made sure the prisoners were secured. If they were to escape, they would need some assistance.

~8~

Inside his tent, away from the rest of the drinking Bayville Militia, Arthur Madrox paced back and forth. At the moment he was unable to calm himself and focus on contacting his original form. There was too much to inform the Queen of both excitement and concern. Excitement of the child's capture and concern of Creed's open disrespect towards the Queen's daughter. He feared what might happen in the coming days if left unattended.

Stopping his pacing he took a breath. This needed to be done and now. Closing his eyes he focused on communicating over the distance to his originator. When James connected with him he felt whole again. Like his body was not hundreds of miles away.

Opening his eyes he was back in castle Bayville. His body was in the armory; James was probably getting weapons ready as he was always prepared for an unexpected battle. Setting down the axe he had been working on he turned and made his way to the spell chamber where Raven spent her days.

Finding her reading from a spell book when he entered, her gaze shifted from the book to him. No emotions betraying her thoughts as she asked, "what news do you bring?"

He stopped and bowed. "Arthur, reporting from the Bayville camp, my Queen. The child and her allies have been captured and are en route to Bayville. The Sorcerer Ororo is with them as well, in the form of a rat," Arthur said, allowing Raven to process the news.

A smile tugged at her lips. "At last," she said softly. Turning her attention back to her messenger she motioned him to stand. Once he did so she addressed him. "Thank you, Arthur. You may go now," she dismissed about to return to her studies.

"My Queen, there is more," he said and she looked at him questionably. The silence opt him to continue.

"Captain Creed and Captain Rogue have been battling for the head commander role in this mission. They challenged each other at the Bay of Alexandria and there was a divide in loyalties. The majority of the Militia sided with Rogue but before it could escalate they found the child and the challenge went to rest. I have a feeling Captain Creed intends to get redemption on your daughter before they return to Bayville. I am not a capable enough fighter to stop him and his loyal Militia if he does so. I seek counsel from you on this matter."

Raven stood there, actually shocked. She knew Creed was a loose cannon and her daughter was stubborn as all hell but she didn't expect this, this treachery from Creed. She didn't need this now with the child of the prophecy in tow or a threat to her daughter. She needed Creed to return early to Bayville or send him off on another mission without drawing suspicion. The man was fickle. "Send a message to Captain Creed. Tell him Westchester Militia are heading their way and I want him and a small band of Militia to head them off."

"From which direction should they be coming from?"

"From the west. We've actually been getting rumors they are recruiting Militia in all of the realms as an attempt to battle Bayville with novice fighters."

Arthur nodded and with that left Raven to herself.

Now alone Raven stood frustrated, the sky above her rumbled as thunder erupted from the sky. In times of pure rage the weather would change to reflect her mood, one of the problems with having as much power as she did. She left to find Destiny.

~8~

Creed had put out the word for the Militia to have a celebratory evening. Not from his own mouth but suggested by his loyal men amongst the camp. This army loved the battle but loved the celebration even more. It didn't take much convincing before the whole camp was drinking and loud from the influence.

Creed would wait until the camp was well intoxicated before he made his move. He sat down in his tent and ate his dinner, savagely picking apart his meat.

Satisfied with a full stomach Creed let out a belch that nearly shook his tent. Sitting a moment he picked his teeth with his long finger nails. Manners completely lost on the man as his tongue slapped around in his mouth until he was satisfied all the remains of his dinner were gone. Sighing he slouched in his seat and leaned back. It was still too soon to exact his revenge.

He saw Rogue earlier this evening making her rounds in the camp but to his dismay she was not drinking. 'Whore,' he thought as he watched her from his tent. She had just left one camp to join another. He saw the longing eyes of some of the men follow her as she left. The girl either didn't notice or chose not to care, probably the latter. Being one of the few women amongst Militia certain attentions could not be denied, but they could be ignored.

Creed thought if she were anything like her mother she'd be pregnant by now. Raven was known to take a few lovers throughout Bayville. Creed could vouch for that. It wasn't long ago the Queen sought his affections. Creed grinned at the thought and of what Raven would say or do if he were to lay with her daughter as well.

While his mind was deep in the gutter Leech, the little Olean Reject that wasn't killed during the Massacre, entered the tent with Creed's dinner. He kept the boy as a helper after the urchin had escaped the Massacre and tracked Creed's camp. The boy survived on his own nearby the camp for a few weeks before Creed detected him. Because of this Creed held a little respect for the boy and was unable to kill him, just yet.

To pass the time and to get himself in the mood for revenge, Creed thought back to the highlights of past scores he'd settled. His favorite was still what he'd exacted on his younger brother, Logan.

They were in their late twenties when Raven first came into power. Creed and Logan had been Deserters, savages that lived off the lands calling no place home. They lived in the wilderness and had no rules to abide by. It wasn't until they met Nathaniel Essex and his recruiting party that they had any interest in the continuous war between good and evil.

The man saw potential in both and offered them a chance to train and become ruthless killers in the realms as Militia. Creed was instantly intrigued while Logan was apprehensive. The man liked the solitude their life had provided and this was not that anymore.

After a time Logan had come to enjoy learning fighting techniques and becoming a Militia. But Creed noticed the distaste his brother held for Essex and Bayville, though Logan remained loyal alongside Creed. A few years had passed and while Creed excelled as a student of Essex, Logan fought their leaders' methods at every turn.

It wasn't until one day when Creed and Logan were out scouting a small village when they came across a young woman and her brother. Creed took the chance and gutted the boy. Logan chased after the girl but not to kill her.

He caught up with her and she fell to the ground in fear. When she turned and looked up at him he stopped dead in his tracks, seemingly entranced like the girl had a calming effect on him. Logan helped her stand. She instantly turned and ran while Logan still stood there with no intent to chase after her.

Creed intervened. In one blow he severely wounded the girl and she fell in agony. Enraged by Creed's disregard for human life, Logan turned and attacked Creed. A savage fight ensued; fists and feet raged a back and forth battle which even involved teeth when an opportunity presented itself. Despite their vicious attacks neither was injuring the other enough to satisfy their rage and so they finally drew their weapons. The thunderous clash of swords countered and struck back and forth. From time to time each gave and received slashes from the other's sword.

The fight continued on until the girl tried to get up and escape. She didn't make it very far. Essex had been watching the whole scene from the woods and had finally intervened. He knocked the girl back down and she cried out in pain. Essex looked over at the brothers. Catching both of their eyes he drew his sword back and stabbed the girl in the back. Her death cry echoed amongst the woods and then she was gone.

"Noooo!" Logan hollered. With Logan's intent now focused towards Essex, Creed took the opportunity to stab Logan in the gut. The man tried to stay aloft but the wound proved too serve. Dropping to his knees Logan growled at both Essex and Creed as the pair approached him.

Essex looked down at him. "A shame to waste such a talent," he said, knocking him to the ground with his boot. He held his sword above his head ready to deliver the fatal blow but Creed stopped him.

"No, we won't waste the talent. Leave him, whether to live or die. If he lives he will prove the formidable foe one day, if he dies he will see a slow death."

Essex smiled sinisterly and looked at Creed. "A most agreeable fate for the man. You have learned well." Essex then moved his hand in a leading gesture for Creed. "Come, let us discuss further methods that offer interesting results in human anatomy," Essex began as they walked.

Creed took one last look at Logan. The hatred in the man's eyes burned through him and Creed grinned at him. He knew he would see his brother again as Logan lost consciousness.

Creed had pushed Logan far enough over the edge to have his brother hate him above all else. It had worked out even better then Creed could have imagined as Logan became Pietro's greatest Militia leader and Creed's ultimate rival. When they did finally meet on the battlefield it would be a glorious fight to the death and Creed longed for it.

Just then someone entered his tent without announcing their presence. Creed hissed and stood, knife at ready. The man stopped and held up his hands in surrender. "A moment, Captain," said the man Creed came to know as Arthur.

"You enter my tent without consent then demand a moment of my time!? What is it fool!?" Creed demanded, sheathing his knife and approaching Arthur.

"A message came from Bayville, from the Queen. Westchester has recruited an army and is heading our way from Syracuse. She insists you take a band of men and see to it they do not interfere with the delivery of the child of the prophecy," Arthur said.

Creed eyed him. This man was not one known for receiving and delivering messages and the timing of this was rather curious. Why would Raven ask that Creed leave the child? Why not send another army from Bayville or a group of lower ranked Captains to lead a group? Creed walked towards his armor as if he were going to start suiting up then stopped. He pulled a small pick axe from the pile. He flipped it around like he was testing the weapon. The pick was a nasty little weapon, one Creed found to fit his current mood.

"Why me?" He asked simply, looking at the man who seemed to waver from the question.

Arthur stood there, thinking of a reason why the Queen would make such a request. An answer didn't come quickly but it did come. "She needs to be sure the person leading the attack against Westchester is one of trust and skill."

"Why would she not have her best men and Captain's escort the child that has so longed been pursued back to the castle?"

"She has Captain Rogue leading this group," Arthur defended.

Creed continued to flip the pick and approached Arthur. "A child guarding the child?"

Arthur knew by the man's persistent questioning of this new mission that Creed knew the Queen was aware of his intent towards Rogue and she wanted Creed out of the picture. Arthur couldn't help the fear that filled his voice. "I only bring you a message relayed from the Queen. To know her full intent, you would need to ask the Queen herself. That is, after you have completed the mission she has commanded of you," Arthur said as Creed approached him. Arthur eyed the pick that Creed continued to toy with. The man looked ready to use it.

Creed could not afford to leave the camp when he was so close to getting his revenge on the girl and this messenger seemed to know something was going on.

Creed stepped closer to Arthur and the man watched as he did so, on edge. Making a show of smelling the air Creed circled Arthur. "I smell fear and deceit," he said still circling. He stopped when he stood next to the Militia and leaned in to whisper in the man's ear, "tell me, do you fear me deceitful man?"

Arthur couldn't help as his eyes grew wide and before he could reply or react Creed stabbed him. Looking down, Arthur watched as the pick was pulled from his stomach. He dropped to his knees as he felt his life slipping and then blackness for a time.

When he opened his eyes again he was back in Bayville and in his original body. This wasn't the first time a copy had been killed and it wouldn't be the last. What was so shocking and disturbing about this death was the circumstance. Composing himself he left to find Raven to give her the latest update.

Back at the Bayville camp, Creed watched as the man slipped to his knees. Then as the man died and was about to drop to the floor he simply vanished. The only evidence of his presence ever being in Creed's tent was the pool of blood that still remained on the ground.

Looking around, Creed was at first surprised then angered. The Queen had sent someone to spy on the mission. And this was not a mission, considering his and Rogue's back and forth power battle, he wanted the Queen to know of the true on-goings.

He was also angry his plan against Rogue could be traced back to him, but there was still a way to make his plan work. He just needed to take care of the girl now.

The Queen's messenger had warned of a Westchester army approaching. With the group desperate to get the child back and new recruits amongst the ranks there was no telling how they might react. Creed could spin the tale that Rogue went on a scouting mission and didn't come back. She had done it before back at the tavern. Desperate and ruthless newly trained Militia could pose a dangerous combination of a vulnerable enemy. Oh yes, he could spin the truth and lay blame with the enemy.

Grabbing his weapons he left his tent to meet the Militia he'd chosen to help exact his revenge.

~8~

Raven had found Destiny. She was meditating in her study. Entering the room, Raven approached her.

Sensing Raven's presence, Destiny opened her eyes and looked up at the Queen. She didn't offer to stand, knowing Raven just wanted information. "Yes, my Queen?" she asked.

"My daughter, what happens?" Raven asked simply. Knowing getting an answer this way was a little unconventional. Destiny closed her eyes again and focused her powers. There was a moment of nothing then she saw it all; the betrayal, the torture, meeting her father and the final outcome. Her eyes snapped open and she had to catch her breath after all of the images flashed before her.

Raven knelt next to her, her eyes catching Destiny's trying to focus the Seer to the present. "Tell me," Raven insisted.

"It is all…" she began but interrupted when James ran into the study.

"My Queen, we have a problem!" he said.

Raven groaned then stood to face him to hear the news. "What is it?" she asked irate from the man's timing.

"It is Creed. He, he killed my copy Arthur and intends to harm your daughter," James informed, he dropped to his knees out of respect and as a nervous impulse, he had failed the Queen he regarded so much.

Raven looked from James to Destiny. Destiny sat there looking up at Raven. She nodded, he spoke the truth. "The course of her betrayal has taken place. There is nothing you can do now," Destiny said, feeling sorry for Raven. She knew how much she loved her daughter and did not want to lose her. But sometimes life was cruel, maybe even more so to some.

Raven was furious with herself that she had sent Creed to join Rogue in the first place but she was more devastated that another person had betrayed her.

Raven and her daughter did not share the same hateful dream. Rogue fought for her mother, not for her own beliefs. She had not experienced the rejection and hate the world had subjected Raven to. Queen Raven was a product of that hatred and rejection and did not fit into the old world.

She now finally realized Rogue did not fit into this world that Bayville had created. Unlike her, Rogue could live in the world that had rejected Raven.

Raven left Destiny and James without so much as a word. She needed to be alone, since that was her fate in this life.

~8~

It seemed as if once they had all arrived at the main camp the Bayville Militia took to drink to celebrate their victory. Now they just had the final stretch to Bayville and this would all be over. Rogue joined in on a few camps to spend time with her men but she accepted no alcohol. She would not celebrate until this was completely over.

By now it was late. She left her men to their enjoyment and they saluted her as she departed.

She arrived at her tent and entered. Inside General St. John stood at ready while the child Katherine cried in her backpack cradle they found her in. She was on the floor near the fire. "She cries nonstop, Captain. I do not know the cause," he offered, feeling useless.

Rogue approached him and patted St. John on the shoulder now standing next to him. This man was her only trusted companion in all of Bayville. He was transferred to her army immediately once she took command.

They were five years a part in age and when Rogue first joined the older group of Bayville men in training when she was nine he was nearly ready to join an army in the field. For some reason they were drawn to each other, but together at a young age they were reckless. Their recklessness was made all the more daring by St. John's eagerness to join an army.

St. John had started a trend when he was victorious, fire. Those that lost bets to him would receive a burn to the forearm to show how many times he'd bested them. Not many would accept his challenges as he grew older and more skilled. Though his signature burning was not a part of his life anymore, he did have a forever reminder of that point in his life.

He and Rogue nearly died in a fire nine years ago. The rash pair had somehow come up with the genius plan of tracking down three Deserters whom had eluded Bayville Militia for days.

They had tracked the Deserters down, hidden in a hay barn just outside of Bayville. They were determined to show Bayville they are and would be valuable assets as Militia. The defeat of the Deserters was easy enough. The cowardly men barely fought before they surrendered but that had been a ploy. When St. John lit the barn on fire the Deserters tried to muscle the adolescents into the fire so they could escape.

They would only succeed in burning St. John's face. The left side of his face from his cheekbone up to his hairline was singed in the fire. Rage flowed through the young man as he grabbed the nearest Deserter and hurled him into the burning barn.

Rogue reacted to the assault and the pained cry of St. John. She pulled her dagger from her belt and stabbed her prisoner once in the gut next in the heart. The third man who had helped with St. John's burning stood ideal, too shocked to do anything.

St. John touched his scorched face. Anger still radiated from him. Rogue turned to look at St. John. They caught each other's gaze and turned simultaneously towards the third man. When the Deserter saw the crazed look in the young Militia's eyes he ran. Rogue and St. John chased him down and killed him.

They dispatched the bodies into the burning hay barn and returned to the castle. It didn't take long before both were questioned separately after others had seen St. John's face. They told of their success in catching the Deserters. Rogue had taken the blame stating she had left the castle alone in search of the Deserter's and St. John had followed. If it was known their plan had put the Queen's daughters in danger the Queen would have done unfortunate things to St. John.

After remaining in the Bayville prison for a day, the pair were released. Rogue was sent off to learn military tactics while St. John was assigned to an army. It would be the last time they would see each other until this year.

"Go, join the others in the celebration. Yah've earned it General," Rogue ordered.

St. John looked at her. He knew her well enough to know she would not revel in any festivities until the ritual her mother had planned for the child was over. He felt guilty drinking while she did not but knew she expected him to enjoy the times they could, for her sake as well. As a Militia, especially for Bayville, you never knew when your last day would be. "Only the strongest cup of ale for you Captain," he said smiling at her. Rogue returned the smile.

"Better get outta here before Ah change mah mind and make yah babysit the screaming child," she mockingly threatened. He didn't hesitate and left quickly. Rogue laughed.

At her foot the child still cried but the sob seemed a little less sad once St John left. "And what to do with ya'?" she said to Katherine as she prepared herself for slumber.

~8~

As Creed moved about the camp he assessed his surroundings. Daylight was gone and the sound of snoring began to fill the camp. The slight crackle of camp fire and the snores of those passed out Bayville Militia echoed across the camp as Creed approached the designated tent.

There were four men around a camp fire but only one sat awake. Kris Anderson, aka Slab, took a wine skin from the hand the snoring Militia that slept next to him named Morph and drank. When Creed appeared, Slab tossed the wine skin back to Morph. Still asleep Morph took hold of the skin and cradled it in a protective embrace. A smile spread across his face.

Slab stood up, already impatient while he waited for this side mission to start. Creed eyed him and then gestured him to get the others. Slab entered a nearby tent and a slight commotion was heard. When Slab reappeared the rest of the Nasty Boys followed behind him; Clement Wilson (Ruckus), Michael Suggs (Hairbag) and Patrick Mahony (Ramrod). They looked around groggily but when they saw Creed they straightened up.

"It is time," Creed said.

The four men grabbed a few weapons and followed Creed as he led them to his reprisal.

~8~

"Very good, Scott. Now," Ororo began but was interrupted as the Envoys showed up. "Greetings yo!" Todd called out as he and Kurt appeared out of nowhere.

"Where have you been and how did you get here?" Scott asked, confused and happy to see them. He'd been worried Bayville had killed them back at the Bay of Alexandria.

"We had some animals give us a lift. Oh and Ororo, we stopped by and found Logan. We gave him an update on the situation. He and the recruits are heading to Bayville. They are a day's march behind us."

"How many recruits?" Remy asked, curious of their back up.

"A few hundred," Kurt answered.

"Gonna need more den dat, but it's a start," Remy said.

"Nonsense, they still haven't met up with the other recruiting parties. Have some faith, yo!" Todd scolded.

Remy grumbled and Ororo called Scott's attention, needing to hurry up with this lesson so they could escape the Bayville camp.

"The one spell that works and is simple to master is envisioning an energy beam to shoot enemies. How you create it is by envisioning the energy until it's too much to contain then it will metabolize for you to release it," she instructed as Scott listened and focused on. Before he could carry out a trial he heard the Envoys approach again.

"Yo man, I got the lock!" Todd proclaimed pulling a metal pick from the wagon.

"Give me that! You have never picked a lock before in your life," Kurt declared, grabbing the tool.

"Well yeah, I have seen it done many times. It doesn't seem so hard. Give it back!" Todd yelled, trying to grab the pick back from Kurt.

"Nein!" Kurt yelled, pulling the tool back.

"Don't speak your phony language at me! Give me back the tool, yo! I found it!"

As the two argued back and forth Scott and Remy merely watched the exchange. By now they should be used to the constant squabble between the two but every time it happened it was unexpected. They were like two kids playing nice, than all of a sudden out of nowhere they would start arguing and fighting.

Remy frowned as the argument started getting louder. He crouched as low as he could get and flicked the two. Both fell backward and dropped the said tool. Reaching for the tool with his fingers he was able to get a hold of it. He picked it up and went to work at picking the lock that held his wrists.

Kurt and Todd stood and were now focused on Remy. "That vas rude," Kurt said in a quiet, angered tone. But Todd wasn't one to let a situation go so quietly. "Was that necessary?!" he demanded.

Remy looked down at them while he still worked the lock. "Yes," he answered simply. Just then the lock to the shackles clicked on his left hand. Seconds later the shackle clicked on his right hand. Once he was completely freed he felt the eyes of both Envoys still burning through him.

"Do we have a problem?" he asked in a threatening tone.

The pair jumped in surprise and fright. "No!" they said in unison. They hugged each other as they shook out of fear of what the Militia might do to them.

When Remy looked away from the Envoys he grinned. With Scott now unchained Remy went to the wagon and collected their belongings as Scott freed Ororo. Ororo scampered onto Scott's shoulder as Remy handed Scott his pouch. Scott put Ororo in the pouch and was then handed the wand.

Holding the wand he could now truly feel the power of it. He thought of the spell of the beam of energy and felt that energy within him seeking to try the spell out. Before he realized the energy had metabolized into a red glow from his hand and through the wand and hit the area where he and Remy had just been held prisoners. A small boom resonated through the area. Fortunately he didn't project a powerful blast.

Scott and Remy hit the ground in an attempt to hide from anyone looking their way and, even though it was pointless, Kurt and Todd did the same thing. After a moment Scott and Remy looked around. They kept expecting a Bayville troop to come but no one ever did.

Remy stood and brushed himself off. "Next time, you wait till you have someone to blow up, eh?" Remy said.

Embarrassed, Scott stood as well. "Yeah, sorry about that." Scott picked up Kurt and Todd and put them into his pouch.

Remy slapped him on the shoulder and looked him in the eye. "Dere be plenty of Bayville and soon. Jus' be ready." Remy looked around. "Where do you tink dey be keeping de baby?" he asked.

Ororo poked her head out from the pouch. "I overheard the child was being kept in Rogue's tent," she offered.

"How you manage we find which tent dat is? Stick our heads inside an' take a peak?" Remy asked.

She frowned and when Remy looked at her he was not expecting to see a frowning rat face. "Well, yes. That is one way to go about it," she said causing Remy to chuckle. "No, just some practical judgment. She is a Captain and the highly ranked Militia have large tents amongst the camps. We 'take a peak' in those tents."

Remy looked ahead to find the tents she was referring to. That cut down on the options considerably. "Well den, shall we go play peeping tom?" Remy asked Scott, who sighed but nodded as they made their way to the first tent.

~8~

Both Rogue and the child slept. Rogue had wanted to be well rested for the next coming days. Creed and his men moved deathly quiet into her tent. Neither female stirred in their sleep as they did so. The four Nasty Boys surrounded Rogue and Creed nodded. Just as they started to grab hold of Rogue she awoke. Sensing danger she pulled her knife from underneath her pillow. She cut Ramrod in the arm and lashed out at Hairbag. It took all of them but they eventually overpowered her. They pinned her to the bed as Creed approached.

"Ah would hope yah'd find it a little disappointin' to know yah couldn't do whatever it is yah have planned alone," Rogue spat, knowing calling out for help would do no good since everyone was celebrating these might be the few Militia sober in the camp.

Creed punched her square in the face. Rogue's head slammed against her bed, she instantly felt pain and blood. The men continued to hold her so she wouldn't retaliate.

"I've had enough of your mouth you stupid bitch! Now, it is my turn," he said, pulling a war hammer from outside the tent. Rogue eyed Creed, the weapon and then fought her captives to no avail.

"I used to fight with a Commander, you may have heard of him, Essex?" he stopped to look at her. She glared at him with much distain yet fear crept beneath the surface. "Essex, I was his star pupil. He was a great mentor. More into experimenting with what limits the human body could endure. He taught me ways, sinister ways to break your enemies." Creed walked, ever so slowly, closer to her.

She fought with all of her might but with four men holding her down it was a futile battle. "One thing I did learn that I found rather interesting is that fighters who can't fight break quickly," he said and raised the hammer above his head. Rogue cried out as the hammer came crashing down on her right knee, shattering it. She felt pain radiating throughout her whole body and she stopped fighting. She closed her eyes. Her body shook uncontrollably from the pain.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and stared at Creed. Her glare offered retribution. Creed continued, "Still defiant I see," he said in a tsking tone. He raised the hammer again, this time Rogue stared at him even as the hammer connected with her left knee, same result. Her breathing was harsh and unsteady but she continued to stare at the man before her. Creed laughed. "Looks like your defiance will suffer more than I ever hoped for." He nodded to Slab and he stretched her right arm out. Too weak Rogue offered little resistance. Creed raised his hammer slowly, savoring the dominant feeling he held over her.

~8~

The sound of metal hitting flesh and bone sent a chill down Remy's spine. He and Scott knelt outside the tent that held Katherine. Remy peaked inside needing to know what was going on. What he saw both appalled and infuriated him. Four Bayville Militia held Rogue down as Creed raised his war hammer from her leg.

Remy could see both of her knees were shattered from the torture. He couldn't help himself, even though she was the daughter of the evil Queen, from his conversation with her he knew she wasn't like the rest of Bayville. She seemed more like him, caught between two worlds trying to find an identity. This torture just proved she did not belong on the side of evil.

Remy was originally from the realm of Olean but had traveled to Westchester as a young man. He longed to be part of the Westchester Militia but, from a young age, was trained as a thief. In all of kroYweN thieves were frowned upon by all titles. But living in Olean you did what you had to thrive and his family was one of survivors.

Remy arrived in Westchester when he was twelve years old. He was approached by Militia legend Logan who saw potential in the young Reject and took it upon himself to train him. Logan was very hard on Remy but taught him well. Four years later while on a training exercise Remy was cursed by a Sorcerer while in Westchester because of his past.

Shortly after the curse he left Westchester and was recruited by Essex. In exchange, Essex would teach him how to use magic to undo the curse and train him further as a Militia. It wasn't until the Massacre in Olean that he truly realized he was not part of Bayville.

He turned to face Scott who knelt right next to him. The man had an appalled look on his face. "Scott, be ready to back me up," he whispered. He crept into the tent, only years of training in self-control stopped him from charging in and attacking the Bayville Militia. He eased around the tent and found Rogue's weapons.

Rogue's face was pale, her eyes could barely stay open. "Creed, yah better, kill me. Ah promise, more painful, then wha you've done, ya coward," Rogue tried to threaten, her words mildly coherent and voice weak from the physical endurance but her hatred and defiance clung to every word she could muster.

Creed grinned, "I welcome the challenge, child." He gestured to Slab who held out her right arm. Just as Creed was about to strike, war hammer above his head, he stopped. Slab and Hairbag were cut down. By the time Ruckus and Ramrod reacted they fell to the ground as well. All four were dead.

Now free, Rogue started to drag herself away from Creed and towards an exit from this torture.

"LeBeau!" he exclaimed, his hammer still raised as he glared at Remy who stood on the other side of Rogue's bed. He had a grin on his lips and a bloody sword and knife in each hand.

"Au revoir Creed! Scott, now!" Remy called out.

Scott entered the tent and aimed the wand at Creed. A red line of energy shot from the wand into Creed's chest. He fell onto his back, dazed.

"Grab Kitty," Remy ordered as he moved towards Rogue, who was still weakly trying to escape. As Remy approached her she lashed out with what little fight she had left. "Easy, chere, Remy only tryin' to help." He looked at her shattered knees and was filled with a new level of hatred. "Remy promise you revenge, but first we need to go." He started to pick her up and she cried out in pain. Remy did his best not to move her legs. He put her arm around his neck and supported her back with his other arm.

Too weak to fight, her head slumped against his chest. "Better keep," she started to threaten but her voice faded. Her breathing was labored and all she could do now was concentrate on the normally simple task. Her body refused to give her the peaceful bliss of unconsciousness.

Remy looked behind him and saw Scott picking up Kitty. The baby quieted down as Scott strapped on the backpack that held the child. "Dis way," he said and moved from the tent. Remy wanted to deal with Creed once and for all but he knew they had priorities before the rest of Militia were alerted to their escape. Though most of the Militia were passed out from drinking.

Remy's eyes searched the quiet campsite. He found a pair of horses still attached to a wagon. One of the Bayville Militia decided to start celebrating before he finished his responsibilities to which Remy was thankful for. Remy looked over at Scott and caught the Dweller's attention gesturing to the wagon.

Seconds passed and Scott climbed into the wagon. He secured Katherine and her cradle near the front and looked back at Remy who was trying not to jolt Rogue around too much as he set her down towards the back of the wagon.

Scott had never been around war or real fighting before. What he saw tonight sickened him more than he could have ever imagined. His resolve of helping to end this war and defeat Bayville intensified. Being on the farm you weren't exposed to these horrors and he didn't fully understand what went on behind the wars. Now he was starting to see and truly understand what was at stake if they failed to save Katherine and stop Bayville from complete control over the lands.

Ororo poked her head from Scott's pouch. "Scott," she said, drawing his attention.

"Yes," he replied still watching as Remy prepared Rogue for the journey.

"There is a spell to heal but you must believe in yourself to channel it. I have a simpler spell to sedate the girl," Ororo said.

Scott looked down at her then back at Rogue whose pained expression struck Scott. "What do I need to do?" he asked pulling the wand out. Ororo explained the simple spell and he approached Rogue's prone form. He touched her forehead with his left palm and held the wand in the other hand. Rogue looked up at him; her vision was blurred and fading.

"Concentrate Scott," Ororo whispered. He closed his eyes and focused on his inner energy and transferred it to sedate Rogue. Suddenly he felt inner strength and control. Magic flowed from his core to his left hand that touched Rogue's forehead.

When he opened his eyes he saw a glowing light. It disappeared quickly and Rogue's eyes closed. Her breathing was now finally steady as she sank into blissful slumber. He looked down at Ororo, Kurt and Todd, who also popped their heads out from the pouch. All three looked up at Scott.

Ororo nodded her approval and Kurt and Todd both grinned. "I alvays knew you had it in you," Kurt said.

Todd frowned, "man, even your compliments are lame." Scott was too in awe to pay them any further attention as they began to argue back and forth.

"You hold more power then you give yourself credit for Scott. Surely you can see that," she said smiling up at him. Scott smiled too finally noticing the wagon was moving. Thankfully the Militia were too drunk to notice the fleeing prisoners.

Ororo looked at Kurt and Todd. "Can you deliver a message to Logan and his army?" she asked.

Nodding yes, they moved closer to Ororo and awaited instructions. "Tell Logan to change course and head to the castle of Westchester." She instructed.

"Ja. Ve will move quickly," Kurt said as he and Todd exited the wagon, now in search of any nearby animals that could offer them a ride.

Ororo scampered towards Remy who helmed the reins. "Remy take us southwest to the castle of Westchester."

Remy looked down at the white rat. "De abandoned castle?" he asked.

"If there are any who would still stand up against Bayville they would be there. Besides, what's your plan, run?" she stated looking at the Militia man known as a traitor to both sides of this war.

"Short term plan till a better one come to mind," he said knowing she was right. Once they were beyond the camp he urged the horses to a canter turning southwest towards Westchester.

"How's Raven's daughter," he asked.

"Scott used a spell to calm her. She is sleeping now. Once we get a chance I will have Scott try a healing spell."

They looked back to see Scott bandaging and splinting Rogue's legs with what material was available on the wagon. "Perhaps he is finally ready to free us from Raven's curse," Ororo said, to no one in particular.

~8~

For the first time in a long time Rogue dreamed. She usually did not recall her dreams but after the Dweller put a tranquillizing spell on her, her body shut down, finally. The dream was a memory from when she was nine, shortly after the fire incident with St. John.

Rogue was amongst young Militia that showed promise of becoming leaders and older Militia men who were continuing to work to improve their skills. She was by far the youngest Militia in the room.

As the lesson went on Commander Nathanial Essex entered the room. All stood out of respect for the well-known commander of Bayville. Rogue stood as well as the others had just so she wouldn't stand out as a trouble maker. She did not know this man first hand but had heard horrific tales of what he did to people in his experiments. She despised the man.

Essex went straight to one of the instructors without giving anyone a glance. He whispered commands in the man's ear and when the one sided conversation was over the instructor, Christopher Nord, nodded to his assistants. Without exchanging words the pair understood whatever Christopher needed them to do. With that he left the room. Essex finally looked at the class of students that watched on trying not to show a nosey trait as it was unappealing.

The commander was about to leave but something caught his eye. He looked at the remaining two instructors and asked, "why is there a child among you?"

"Commander, the Queen demanded it. The child was to be instructed in the art of warfare," offered John Wraith.

Essex looked at John inquisitively, then back at Rogue. She just stood there as if they were talking about someone else, though she listened intently. "Girl, step forward," he commanded.

Rogue stood still, feeling uneasy of the situation and the man before her. "Why?" she questioned not offering any sort of reaction to Bayville's most famous commander. Essex grinned. The grin was a chilling expression. The man made Rogue's skin crawl, something she'd never experienced before.

"A child not afraid to question the likes of me, how very interesting." He extended his hand as a welcoming offer and a commanding gesture for her to approach. "Come, I am merely curious of your heritage."

Rogue still stood ideal. Essex finally frowned at her defiance and stepped towards her. The other Militia stepped back and made a path for him. Rogue finally eyed him as he approached. Essex stopped in front of her. It was silent and he examined her appearance for a moment then put his hand under her chin raising her face to stare directly into his. He was a tall and intimidating man in any respect but to her he was even more so since he stood over six feet tall while she was barely close to five feet in height. His eyes were a cruel dark color and his skin was a pale white which was odd considering he spent most of his time outdoors. His dark hair looked to be meticulously groomed. Nothing about him seemed right.

"So the rumors are true," he said. Removing his hand from under her chin he turned and began to leave.

Rogue was stunned and wanted to know what he had meant so followed him. "What rumors?" she asked. Essex turned and looked back at her.

"Raven and Pietro's love child," he replied.

Rogue frowned at him. "The King of Westchester, Pietro?" she asked growing more curious and not caring who the source of the information was.

"The one and only," and with that he left the room.

Rogue stood there, shocked. Her mother never spoke of her father and 'lovechild'? What had happened between her mother and Pietro that her father had not sought after his own daughter? Did he know? Did he care? Rogue raced out of the room as the two instructors began the lessons again. She ran straight to her mother.

She found her in her spell chambers. Rogue entered with no regard for manners and demanding of answers. "Who is mah father?" gaining her mother's attention.

Raven looked up from her spell book. Still seated at her desk, "excuse me?"

Rogue walked closer, "Ah was told he is Pietro, King of Westchester, our greatest enemy. Is this true?" she asked.

"Who told you this?" Raven asked still trying to recover from the one question she never wanted to answer.

Raven had never told Rogue about her father. She did not want anyone knowing Rogue was Pietro's daughter but as the girl grew older and her appearance told the realms, unmistakably, who both of her parents were it was hard to conceal the truth any longer. The rumors of Raven's love affair with Pietro were known across the lands, it was only a matter of time before everyone put two and two together.

"Yes. He is your father."

Rogue looked at Raven wide eyed. "Buuu…why did yah never tell meh?" Rogue asked, sounding very much like a child, which was strange for this independent, strong youth. Raven's heart strings tugged at her daughter's question. The pair had a rather unusual relationship compared to an average family but they loved each other.

The truth of why Raven never told Rogue was because she couldn't bear to have her daughter hate her or not want to be a part of Bayville. And so she lied. "When I was younger I trained with the Sorcerer Charles Xavier until I was seventeen. I met your father and along with my childhood friend, Ororo Monroe, we had a crush on him. He and Ororo started falling for each other and I grew jealous, jealous of Ororo always getting what she wanted and myself always being an outcast. I slipped up and used my magic to seduce Pietro.

It was the best month of my life. I had never felt so loved, so part of something in my whole life. But Pietro outgrew the spell. He was furious and when I told him I was pregnant with his child he banished me. I was at a low point in my life but I had an epiphany. I would create a realm for those like me, for us to fight back against those that wronged us. So I trained with En Sabah Nur for a year. Then I formed an army and created the realm Bayville. With me ruling we began to fight for control. Why should Pietro and Ororo be rulers in the greatest realm? I wanted power. I wanted no one to cast me aside. A place for myself, where I could raise a child without worry she would have to go through what I did growing up."

By now, Raven had walked over to Rogue and was soothing her shoulders as she told the tale. Only part of the story was untrue. She had never told Pietro of his daughter. Raven did not want to share her daughter, nor risk Rogue choosing her father over her mother. Rogue's parents were in a war against each other. Raven made the decision for her daughter.

Raven abruptly embraced Rogue in a loving hug. Tears spilled down the Queen's cheeks but Raven did not sob. She did not want to show a sign of weakness.

"He didn't want me?" Rogue asked, hurt. Raven's tears spilled harder. She shook her head 'no' as she collected her voice. "No," she answered, another lie.

Rogue's arms encircled around her mother and she hugged her with all of her might. Though upset, she did not cry. She never cried.

'Why did her father not want her?' she wondered. Now it was clear, she would become a great Militia leader and take control over kroYweN. She owed her mother at least that much. Her father would rue the day he banished her mother and disowned her.

Rogue stirred only slightly in her sleep as the memory passed and darkness consumed her mind.

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