Disclaimer: I do not own the Xmen….. I would be so freaking rich.. Do I look rich to you?? Huh Huh?? Huh?? I don't hear any answers!… Oh and I don't own the songs either… :p

Yay Jean Bashing!! Thanks to: Btch, Rogue4787, Black Enchantress, GreenFairyGirl88, and Ishandahalf for reviewing!! I knew you would just love the action sequence. Special thanks to: GreenFairyGirl88 for her suggestion!! Yes..I have received the answers to all my previous questions. I am PLEASED!! Cuz I really did not want to skip the Romyness. YAY ROMYNESS!! So dost thou truly enjoy my story? Now I shall do the lovely fight between our Cajun Ex-wife and our Gothic Southern Beauty.. By the way does any body else like Lacuna Coil?

Aahh.. I have but one question. Did you figure out who Aurora's lover is. I have been describing him in the previous chapters. Go ahead, try and figure it out. It's not hard.

Recap: Jean fights Aspen. Puts up a good enough fight but obviously it wasn't because she is now BEHEADED!! MUWAHAHAHA!!!!. . . Sorry the "I hate Jean Grey" kind of kicked in.. Now: On with the Story..

Chapter 27: No Choice

" Is chivalry dead?"

~RoguesHeart~

They had all been escorted back to the chamber room. No one spoke, not a sound was heard besides the murmur of Rogue's silent weeping for Jean Grey's death and Remy whispering softly to her in French. Spike merely sat staring at the wall blankly. Mercy clung to Henri with an intense curiosity as fear gripped her soul. Henri softly stroked his wife's hair in an attempt to comfort her. John sat solemnly next to the stunned Wanda. This would probably the first time in his life that he actually chose to be silent. It was only right, A Sheila had just gotten killed . He had remembered her from Mag's files, sure he didn't really know her but she didn't deserve to be beheaded. Anger pulsated in his veins, that sick bastard did that to her. He would pay for this,.

Rogue's heart ached. She hadn't meant to get any of them into this but now it was too late. Pretty soon she would have to face off against Remy's ex -lover. And by the rules of the games, it would be to the death. She remembered how the audience reacted when Jean was killed, they were ecstatic. Tears began to spill from her eyes as she thought of the pain that this was to cause. She knew from the memories that she had absorbed from Remy (back during Apocalypse's release) that he still generally cared for BellaDonna's well being. Rogue glanced up at Remy only to see him staring down at her with loving concern. How could he feel this way towards her when soon she would have to kill his ex.

" It all be alright, Chere."

Rogue shook her head defiantly and broke the gaze. It just made Remy's heart feel like breaking to see her in this condition. Taking his hand, he softly stroked the side of her face. She leaned into his touch and allowed for him to caress her lightly. Remy smirked lightly at the look of sensual pleasure that had placed itself on her face. Yet it did not last for she passed her tearful gaze to meet up with his own firey one.

" How can ya even look at me?"

Remy frowned slightly in confusion.

" Quoi?"

Rogue shifted slightly.

" Ya know ah have t' fight her.."

It took Remy a small moment to figure out who she was referring to.

" Y' mean Belle, Chere?"

" Yes."

Remy remained silent. He really didn't know what to say. Belladonna had been his first true love and they were destined to be married. In the beginning of the marriage, he truly thought that he had loved her but she changed. Before she used to be so sweet and caring. But after they got married, she began to become more cruel and harsh. She no longer cared for him or his feelings, only about power. And the femme had a killer jealous streak, even though the woman had proclaimed that she felt no feelings for him.. She couldn't stand to see him with another woman. She nearly killed the waitress at Café Moulin for asking if he would like the house "special".

He couldn't really say that he didn't care for the woman any longer because he still did. She was his first, nothing could ever change that. But now he had found someone that he truly cared for with all his soul. Though it pained him to know that his past and his future lovers where going to have to battle it out in the gladiator arena, he still had to make the decision. Who did he care for more?

Remy's gaze flickered upon the gothic beauty before him. Yes, he loved her… at first he was afraid to admit it but as their time together progressed he couldn't help but allow for his feelings for her to flourish.

" Chere, All dat matters is dat y' be okay."

Rogue eyes glistened skeptically at him.

" But what if ah…ah…kill.."

Remy held his finger up to her lips to silence her.

" Rogue if it has t' come t' dat den so be it.. "

" But.."

" It be de only way non?"

" Remy…"

Remy shook his head defiantly.

" Chere, Belladonna was Remy's past..y' be his future. Sure, Remy still have concerns for

Belle but I care more about you."

Rogue stared at Remy for a moment and collapsed into his arms. Sobs racking her body for pity that she felt for herself, Remy, and the others. She had never meant to get any of them into this but now it was too late. Too late for all of them..

He couldn't take it, his sister's previous life was just ruined. Now since that red headed woman has been killed, there is no way Rogue could go back to her old life. Her days with the Xmen were now over. Spike sighed to himself, "what were they going to do?"

Remy held tightly onto Rogue's small frame. She had managed to calm down but she refused to look at him. It hurt him deeply that he couldn't do anything for her sorrow. He could only stand and watch as her life crumbled away.

Suddenly the sound of a lock being jolted attracted everyone's attention. Snapping her head up, Rogue watched in despair as the door opened, revealing a sullen looking Cadmus.

" It is time for you to prepare for your next battle."

Rogue arose from the floor and began to head towards Cadmus but her journey was cut short by a tight grip on her wrist. Turning Rogue saw Spike staring desperately at Rogue. He didn't speak but Rogue caught the message.

Lifting her hand to Spike's face, Rogue shot him a reassuring smile.

~telepathically~

Don't worry Spike

Please Rogue…

What?

Do not hesitate…just because she be Remy's ex.

Rogue merely smiled and turned away from him. Yet once more she was stopped by Henri swooping her into a huge hug. Rogue laughed shakily at Henri. Henri stared up at Rogue, his big blue eyes sparkling with concern. (a/n: I don't know his eye color)

" Y' take care of y'self, y' hear!"

Rogue chuckled at him.

" Sure, jus' let me rub ya bald head fo' luck!"

Henri laughed heartily and allowed for her to rub his head. Everyone in the room smiled at the way Henri turned the serious situation into a happy one.

Wanda glided over to Rogue and grabbed her hand. Squeezing it gently, she stared down at Rogue.

" Keep up the warrior fighting spirit, Girl"

Rogue grinned at her and gave her the thumbs up. A clicking noise behind her alerted Rogue to John, who was gleefully playing with his lighter. He glanced up for a minute to give Rogue a psychotic grin.

" Go kick some ass, Sheila!"

" Oh, of course Johnny."

Rogue walked over to Remy, who was staring blankly at Rogue. He just couldn't find anything to say to her. He loved her so much and he couldn't stand to see her get hurt but what about Bell? He would never stop caring about her but their relationship was long gone now. Rogue was his new love and would remain that way.

Reaching out to her, Remy pulled her close to him. Resting his chin on her head, he whispered softly in her ear. He could feel the wet liquid of tears soaking into his shirt and the soft shuddering of her body.

" Sshh…Chere, Remy knows dat y' be makin it t'rough dis one."

A loud cough alerted them to Cadmus. Yet Remy refused to let her go. He couldn't lose her now, not when she just came into his life. She was his joy and if he were to lose her, he himself would die.

Two guards came up beside Remy and yanked Rogue from his arms. Remy growled low under his breath as he watched them escort Rogue from the room. The one named Cadmus turned to look at Remy and the others, his milky brown eyes glistening.

" Do not worry, you will bear witness to her fight as well."

With that, Cadmus led the reluctant Rogue from the room. Remy just stared on blankly, his mind reeling with different possibilities. It wasn't until he felt a heavy hand weighing on his shoulder, did he turn around.

Spike's equally emerald eyes shimmered with sadness. But he seemed to be confident enough to try and reassure him.

" Don' worry 'bout Rogue, homme"

Remy shook his head at Spike and slumped down to the floor.

" Can't help but worry, Spike."

Spike sighed and joined him upon the floor.

" Ah know, but y' just got t' trust dat she knows what she be doin'."

Remy glanced at Spike. They were two of the same. Both of them cared for Rogue and would do anything to protect her. Yet, somehow, they were both helpless all the same. Remy sighed deeply to himself.

" Let jus' have faith dat de Chere gon' kick some ass."

Spike laughed aloud.

" If y' ex pisses her off den y' better believe it."

**************************************************************************************************************

Cadmus led Rogue into what looked like a training room. It had several obstacle courses, punching bags, weight areas, and a turnbuckle (a/n: mostly used for weaponry). Cadmus directed her to an armory.

" Y' shall pick out your armor and weapons for your match, then you are allowed an hours worth

of training. Then you shall participate in the Games of Jove."

Rogue nodded and watched him as he left her in the room. Rogue turned to the armory and began to suit up. Underneath her uniform she wore an armored breast plate. She put on specially made gloves, with hard metal knuckles and open fingers. Stripping off her boots she grabbed the combat boots with the steel toed heel and tip. Grabbing a utility belt, Rogue strapped it around her waist. Then she walked over to the weapon treasury. Carefully, Rogue examined her choices, they were limited of course. She would have to wait until the second portion of the battle in order to use the good weapons. She only had the choice of: two small daggers, a switchblade, or jack knife. Poor choices really, but not to one who could turn a twig from a tree into a weapon. Rogue picked up the two daggers and twirled them in her fingers. At least the metal was made from adamantium.

Rogue walked over to the turnbuckle and began to strike the hard wood. A small ringing noise echoed through the room as she continued to strike the turnbuckle. After a small moment, Rogue began to tire of the turnbuckle. Walking over to the mat, she began to practice her defensive arts. Kicking her feet high into the air, she constructed a perfect roundhouse kick. The second time she did it, she had unsheathed her daggers and began to flip them simultaneously. Exhiliration passed through her as continued to train. Even though she didn't take joy in the fact that she would have to kill Remy's ex lover, she did have to feel excitement building up inside her. She always loved a good fight, even when she was sparring off against her own partners she had always felt the need to win.

Walking over to the punching bag, she began to practice her jabs. From what she remembered from her days back when she used to work for the T.M.A., Guild Assassins favored up close attacks so she would need to be able to parry well.

In all honesty, Rogue had no intentions of losing. Though she cared for Remy with all her soul and would never wish any pain on him, she would not be killed. Not by anyone that was beneath her in ranks and status. If that sounded vain, so be it. She was a child of Fury and she would not disappoint. Rogue did not mean to have anyone, especially Jean, get involved in this. It was her fault that Jean was killed. She would get revenge for her, annoying as she was…she was innocent of any crime. She wouldn't take this, no not just Rogue…Fate Striker wouldn't stand for any unjustifiable death.

She began to punch the bag harder as she thought of how many things that went unwarranted through the T.M.A. agency. Of all the places that needed cleaning, this was the worse. They were the most corrupt, especially the leader. He would have to be punished.

Punished…..Punished…..Punished……Punished…..Punish him…..Punish….him…..Punish…Punish him…..

Rogue sat down on the mat. She didn't feel like trying out the obstacle course. There was no point in exhausting herself before the big fight.

Glancing up, Rogue caught sight of the clock on the wall. It was amazing how fast time flied, she had about ten minutes before her match would begin. Could she really go through with killing that woman? What had she done to deserve death?

A small voice in the back of her mind kept intruding on her thoughts. Rogue shook her head in attempt to shake it away. But it merely got louder.

Let us judge her….She shall be tried…..Let us….Let us….

" Shut up!" whispered Rogue harshly.

We will not be silenced….you shall judge her…..she needs to be tried….

" Who are ya to tell me what to do?"

We are you…..you…look deep…

Rogue stood up abruptly.

" Ah do not have to listen to ya."

Yes you do….yes….you will…..

" And why is that?"

Because we are you….. We control you…..

" Nonsense, ah control myself." spoke Rogue

It is not nonsense….Without us, you wouldn't even be here now….

Rogue shook her head calmly.

" That may be, but ah don't need ya now."

You need us….you need us….

" Nope, so ah'd suggest ya stop talking."

With that, Rogue pulled up a block in her mind. The voice, as strained as it sounded, began to die away behind the dark wall. After a few minutes, Rogue managed to close off the voice all together.

" Ahem.."

Nearly jumping at the noise, Rogue whipped around, daggers in hand. Before she lunged to strike, Cadmus leapt to the side and pinned her to the floor gently.

" Whoa … Calm down Rogue..It's just me."

Rogue frowned and kicked him off her. Cadmus smirked when she saw the disgruntled look on her face. Reaching down, he grabbed her hand and helped her back onto her feet.

Rogue brushed herself off and looked at Cadmus.

" So?…."

Cadmus's face went stern and he directed her out the door.

" Your battle is to begin now."

Rogue followed him down to the arena. Stopping in front of a huge wooden door, Cadmus turned to face her.

" Now y' know that I am unable t' take sides right?.."

Rogue nodded her head.

" Yes…"

Cadmus leaned into her and whispered softly. But loud enough for only Rogue to hear.

" Kick her ass."

Rogue grinned and turned away from him. Cadmus walked over to the door and pushed it open. As Rogue walked through the door, she was greeted by the sounds of men's voices. Looking around, Rogue saw various men training beside her. Some were fighting each other and brawling. A couple of them she recognized, some she didn't. It was the song of life. As they neared the other side of the area, she could hear the roaring noise of the crowd. They were chanting loudly as Essex was addressing them.

Rogue's heart began to quicken and her blood began to pump rapidly. She was beginning to get nervous. Behind her, the men were staring curiously at the young woman with the auburn hair and white stripes. Cadmus placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently.

" Good Luck Kid."

A loud bellowing voice began to ring throughout the entire arena, nearly deafening half of the men in the room.

" In the left corner…from the Assassins Guild, Belladonna Bordreaux!!"

Loud cheering erupted through the arena. Some booing was heard from various places. Rogue began to crack her knuckles out of nervousness. Out of the corner of her eye, Rogue saw Cadmus backing away from the doorway.

" And in the right corner….from the T.M.A. syndicate and one of our own special agents…"

The door in front of her swung open violently, sending a huge stream of light at her, nearly blinding her. As her vision returned, she saw a huge sprong of people staring down at her. Desperately searching the audience, she managed to catch a small glimpse of where Spike and the others were sitting. They were at the same area where they had sat last.

" ….ROGUE STAR!!!…."

Rogue looked at her opponent. She stood about an inch taller than her. Her eyes glowing a dangerous blue and her posture rather defensive. Long curly blonde locks cascaded a little bit past her shoulders, her oval face was the definition of beauty. She wore a skin tight blue suit, with Assassin guild insignias on the sides. In her hands she held two daggers, similar to her own.

" Let the fight began!!"

Yo!!! Another Chapter up and finished. I know ya loved this.. . Oh yeah, you did. Sure, I didn't put the fight between Belladonna and Rogue yet. . . But hey, all I shall say is that if you thought the fight between Aspen and Jean was good, well then it' s nothing compared to this one. I have broke the block that is called Writer's Block!

Hint of fight to come: Their breathing became more and more ragged as they lifted their exhausted bodies to try and strike each other once more. They were tired, the fight would be decided by the first one to fall. Rogue flipped up her axes and dove towards Belle's head. Twisting it expertly she swung it at her… She was losing…no way in hell would she be able to lose to that woman… who the hell did she think she was….

Her body shuddered as the small bits of life began to drain from her body. She could feel the pool of blood floating around her now prone body. As her vision blurred, the last thing she saw was that woman standing over her.. Weeping. She would get her revenge…but now she was soo tired. She needed to rest first…yes rest had to come first.

How was that for a preview!!! And FYI, this is not what the end of the fight shall be. . . Or is it? Hope you like this chapter!! Review for me please!!

~RoguesHeart~