**Witch Hunt**

It was early when Logan and Jesse got up.  Logan was anxious to find the sorceress and get out of this crazy situation.  Logan tied his pants on and sat on the bed lost in thought.  He reached up and fingered the tags that hung around his neck.

"You thinking about grandma?" Jesse asked.

"Kid, I'll never think of Dani as a grandma no matter how many grandkids we have," Logan said with a chuckle.

"I know you still miss her," Jesse said quietly.

"I'll never stop missing her," Logan said.  "I suppose two and a half centuries is a long time to carry a torch, Kid, but…"

"It's okay, Logan," Jesse said.  "I feel the same way about Nikki."

Logan sighed and finished getting dressed.  Jesse, always the cheerful one, started humming.  Logan was used to his chipper nature and just ignored him until he started singing.

"We're Knights of the Round Table, we dance whenever we're able; we do routines and border scenes, and footwork imp-ec-able; we dine well here in Camelot, we eat ham and jam and spamalot…"

Jesse was about to go into the second verse, but Logan had heard quite enough.

*Snikt!* "Kid, you're family and I love you," Logan growled.  "But you are really asking for it."

"Party pooper," Jesse said softly as he put his tunic on.

Logan sighed and sheathed his claws.  "Let's go find that damned wizard," he said.  "I want to get this witch hunt over with."

*****

Logan and Jesse managed to find their way back to the dining hall where a number of knights had already gathered for the morning meal.  Breakfast seemed to be informal to accommodate various schedules.  Sir Gawain noticed the pair as they entered the hall and called them over.

"Good morrow, Sir Logan," he said cordially as he rose to greet them.  "You and your squire are welcome to sit here and break your fast with us."

"Thanks," Logan said as he took the offered seat.

Jesse was annoyed at always being referred to as the nameless squire, but refrained from comment as he sat in the seat next to Logan.

"Allow me to introduce everyone," Sir Gawain said.  "I am Sir Gawain.  To your left are Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth, my brothers, and to your right are Sir Bedevere and Sir Lavaine."

Logan nodded politely to each one in turn.  When the introductions were finished, the knights looked at him expectantly.  Logan figured it must be his turn for an introduction.

"I am Sir Logan, and this is my…nephew, Sir Jesse," Logan said.

"Your nephew is very young for a knight," Sir Bedevere said.  "He doesn't appear strong enough to wield a broadsword."

"Not all battles are fought with swords," Jesse said bitterly.  "I doubt that sorceress will be using a sword."

"It was not my intention to offend," Sir Bedevere said quickly.  "We know nothing of you, save that you are knights."

"Have you battled dark forces before?" Sir Gaheris asked.

"There's always something," Logan said bitterly.

"Where do you come from?" Sir Gareth asked.

"That is enough questions, good knights," Merlin said as he strode up to the table. "These men need to be on their way."

"Yes," Logan said with a sigh of relief, "We are anxious to get started."

Logan and Jesse rose from the table and went with Merlin. When they were far enough away from the knights, Merlin addressed them.

"We have horses saddled and ready, and provisions for a week. I will return in a moment to show you to the stable," Merlin said and then left the room.

"Well, 'uncle,' I guess we're off on a real medieval quest," Jesse said.

"Humph," Logan grunted, lost in thought.

Merlin returned and the trio left the castle and headed to the stable. There were three horses saddled and waiting with their saddlebags already packed. They mounted up and headed through the gate.

"We will go speak to Nimue, the Lady of the Lake," Merlin said. "She will be able to tell us of Morgan's activities, and where we may find the sorceress."

"How far is it?" Jesse asked.

"It is a full day's ride to the Lake, but our questions will be answered there," Merlin said. "Long has the Lady been a loyal ally and the protector of our King."

The trio rode in silence following the guidance of Merlin. Jesse was in his glory as he took in all the sights and sounds of a living historical England. Despite the circumstances that brought him here, he loved every minute of it. Every boy dreams of being a knight of the round table, and here he was.

Logan was just brooding. He had a very bad feeling about this sorceress. He didn't like fighting women, though he had made some notable exceptions as an X-man, including Mystique and Bella the Butcher. But with them he had no doubts that they were evil. He was protecting innocent people. He had nothing but stories about this woman, and he was supposed to kill her. He agreed with Jesse on the subject. He didn't like it.

*****

"Morgan, why can't I go ashore with you?" Danielle asked.

"You must stay here and rest for our coming siege on the castle," Morgan said dismissively.

Danielle felt that Morgan was just using her.  It was most upsetting that she could not remember anything before a few days ago.

"Why do I have no memories?" Danielle asked.

Morgan turned to Danielle and her eyes were cold and her face was like stone.  "Go and rest, Danielle," she said in a tone that left no room for argument. 

Danielle obeyed, for now.  She decided to learn what she could from Morgan while she was here, but she intended to leave as soon as she was able.  She didn't like Morgan at all.

*****

As the sun sank behind the distant hills, they came to a lake that was hidden in the trees. Merlin dismounted, and a mist formed across the water. Logan and Jesse dismounted and stood waiting. Out of the fog, a white boat in the shape of a swan glided gracefully towards them. Its only passenger was a woman with long blonde hair and a shimmering white gown.

"Merlin, the hour is late and Morgan's magic is bent against Camelot," Nimue said sadly.

"I have seen Morgan and a sorceress creating an army, where is this sorceress?" Merlin asked.

"The sorceress is beyond your reach," Nimue said. "Morgan keeps her on Avalon until her army is ready."

"People say they have seen her," Merlin said.

"They came ashore three days ago to find the best route for their forces," Nimue admitted.

"Where did they come ashore?" Logan asked.

"Near the old willow," Nimue said. "Merlin knows the place." Nimue looked at Logan closely. "You came to stop the sorceress?"

"Yes," Logan said.

"I think you are the only one who can," she said cryptically and her boat glided silently away from them and disappeared into the mist again.

"Well, that was interesting," Jesse said. "I wish I could follow her," he added as he looked at the water.

"No time for water games, kid," Logan said. "Where's that willow, Merlin?"

"Not far," Merlin said.

They mounted up and rode along the banks of the lake under the moonlight. They had ridden for about ten minutes when they came to the place. Logan dismounted and sniffed around. He inhaled deeply, taking in the delicate scents of the water, and the various trees, and another scent. It wasn't an animal, it was a human, and it was familiar. Logan closed his eyes and breathed in again, searching his memory for the scent. His eyes flew open in shock at the recollection and he looked up at Merlin who was still sitting on his horse.

"How do I get to this Avalon?" Logan demanded angrily.

"What is it, Logan?" Jesse asked but Logan ignored him.

"Answer me, Wizard!" Logan growled.

"Only by boat, and only if you are granted passage," Merlin said.

Logan walked over to the edge of the bank and stared at the reflection of the moon on the dark water. "What was that Lady's name?" Logan asked. 

"Nimue," Merlin said, watching him with interest.

"Nimue, I want to go to Avalon," Logan said in a commanding tone.

"You are wasting your time," Merlin said. "The Lady will not permit passage to anyone, not even me."

Logan growled. "Then I want to see the sorceress, tell the sorceress to come ashore."

"Logan," Jesse said firmly, finally getting his attention. "What did you smell?"

Logan just growled. "Is this where they'll come ashore?" he asked Merlin.

"Yes," Merlin said.

"We're camping right here," Logan ordered and started unpacking his bedroll.

*****

Lady Danielle walked along the shore that was now rough and pitted with holes from all their soldier spells. She looked at it in distaste, but continued her walk. She came to a smooth stretch of shore and looked out over the water. Avalon was beautiful, but her heart was aching. Morgan's magic was full of empty promises. She had no recollection of anything before meeting Morgan. She dreamed of fantastic things that she could not fathom and it both frightened and thrilled her. But most of all she dreamed of him, the man with fiery eyes and clawed hands. He should terrify her with those blades, but she wasn't afraid, and that fact disturbed her.

As her thoughts were filled with her dreams, a thick mist covered the water. Lady Danielle had already turned to leave when she heard the woman's voice.

"You feel lost," Nimue said.

"I am lost," Danielle admitted.  She looked at the mystical Lady in the boat with interest. "You are Morgan's rival?"

"I am she," Nimue said. "There is a man on yonder shore who wants to see you."

"Morgan would not permit me to leave," Danielle said.

"Are you her pupil or her prisoner?" Nimue asked sarcastically.

Danielle blushed crimson, "I …am her…"

"Think about that question, Sorceress," Nimue said.

"The man, who is he?"  Danielle asked.

"He is Merlin's champion," Nimue said. "He came to save Camelot from Morgan and her evil plan to overthrow the rightful King."

"But that king is a usurper," Danielle said confused.

"Morgan is a liar," Nimue said.

Danielle paused thoughtfully.  "I am confused," she said.

"Come to the shore with me," Nimue said.

Danielle turned back to the pavilion in the distance. Morgan would be furious. She looked at Nimue and pressed one more question.

"What does he want with me?" Danielle asked.

"I do not know what he wants, but he knows who you are," Nimue said.

"I will go with you," Danielle said. "But you must give me your word to return me here when I say."

"Agreed.  Step into the boat, it will do your bidding," Nimue said and disappeared.

Danielle stepped into the boat and was carried off into the mist. The journey from the fairy island was short, and she came within sight of the shore within a few moments, though it was near dawn. There were horses tied up by the great willow, and a small camp on the shore. The boat stopped a few feet from the bank and she stood silently, staring at the camp. There were two men sleeping, and a place where a third had been. She looked around, and finally saw him standing by a tree. It was the clawed warrior from her dreams and his eyes were burning her with their intensity.

*****

Logan saw the boat, and just watched. The woman was wearing lavender instead of white. Finally she was close enough to see her face, and he realized his memory was right. It was his Dani, but god only knows how she got here. She just stared at him, but didn't seem to know who he was. He walked toward her and stood within a few feet of her boat. He could smell her, and there was no doubt, it was Dani. The emotions that overwhelmed him were so strong; he thought he was going to cry.

"Who are you and what do you want?" she asked softly.

God, she had no idea who he was. He wanted to just scream 'I'm your husband,' but decided he should try to find out what was going on. 

"My name is Logan," he said.

"You wanted to see me?" Danielle asked.

"What is your name?" Logan asked.

"Lady Danielle, Sorceress of Avalon," she said. "Why did you tell the Lady of the Lake to summon me?"

"Because you are not who you think," Logan said.

"Then tell me, Sir Knight, who am I?" she asked sarcastically.

Logan's expression grew serious, and was filled with the pain of so many empty years without her.  "You are my wife," he said with a lump in his throat and a hitch in his voice.

"Nay, sir," she gasped in shock and violently shook her head. "Nay! You cannot be! I ... no…"

Merlin and Jesse woke up at the sound of her loud protests. "Good, Sir Logan, you have her," Merlin said brightly.

"Oh, my god it's Dani!" Jesse said loudly. Danielle looked at the other men suspiciously and her expression turned dark, and her eyes started glowing violet.

"Ignore them, Dani, and look at me!" Logan said. "Look into my eyes and tell me you don't remember." He was desperate now, she was mere feet from him, but she had never been farther away. She didn't know him, and it hurt.

She stared into his eyes and tried to remember.  "You ... in dreams, but ..." she started to say but fell silent. She looked back at Merlin and then pointed at Logan accusingly. "You are my enemy, you are with the wizard!  This is a trick, you came to kill me!"

"It's no use, Sir Logan," Merlin said. "She is under Morgan's spell, and she is wearing the necklace of forgetfulness."

"Take it off," Logan said to her. "You'll remember everything if you take off the necklace."

"It doesn't come off," Danielle said quietly.

Logan waded out to her boat, but it started moving away. He lunged for it and held on.  She started glowing white, and her hands sparked and crackled with violet energy.

"Let go of the boat, clawed warrior!" she said harshly.

Logan's head shot up to look into her eyes.  "How did you know I had claws?" he asked.

She suddenly stopped glowing and the energy in her hands disappeared. She looked at him and tried again to remember. He was so familiar. His eyes were so very familiar…

"Come on, baby, get out of the boat," Logan said softly.

"How can I know it's the truth?" she asked.

"You have to trust me," Logan said huskily. "You always used to trust me."

Dani looked at him searchingly, and was about to get out of the boat when it was suddenly enveloped in mist and disappeared. Logan had tried to reach for her, but it happened so fast, she was gone.

"Dani, come back!" Logan roared.  His body shook with anger and frustration and he turned and stalked back up onto the bank.

"She didn't leave you," Merlin said. "Morgan took her."

"That woman is my wife. Now, how do I get her back?" Logan growled angrily as his eyes bored into the wizard.

Merlin sighed.  Perhaps that explains why the mirror chose this man to stop her.  "The next time you meet, she will be leading an army, and she will not remember you," Merlin said sadly. "I am sorry."

"Don't worry, Logan, we'll find a way," Jesse said.

Logan was too lost in thought to answer.  She's alive!  All this time he thought she had been killed by the sentinel.  Now it made sense, why there was no body.  Morgan probably kidnapped Dani the way Merlin had kidnapped them.  What the hell did she need Dani for anyway?  Morgan was supposed to be powerful all by herself; she didn't need his wife to storm the castle.  This would almost be comical if it wasn't for Dani being stolen from him, then brainwashed, and then turned into an evil sorceress…  Wait, there's nothing comical here at all!

*****

The swan boat returned abruptly and Danielle met the full force of an angry Fairy Queen.  Morgan raised her hand, palm up, and conjured a ball of green flames.  Her face contorted in fury as she cast it at Danielle's boat.  The flames overwhelmed the small craft quickly, but Danielle had jumped out. 

"The friendship of Morgan la Fey is not easily cast aside," Morgan hissed as she came to meet the now dripping wet Danielle.  "I gave you everything, and you run to Merlin!"

"No, Morgan, not Merlin," Dani tried to explain.  "It was the warrior from my dream I wanted to see. I…"

Morgan snorted in disgust.  She knew who was responsible for planting confusion in her apprentice's head.  "Nimue, show yourself!" Morgan screamed at the water.

The shimmering white Lady of the Lake rose gracefully from the water to confront her angry sister.  "My dear Morgan," Nimue said sarcastically.  "Something vexes you?"

"You will stop interfering in my affairs," Morgan ordered.

"I will stop interfering if you release this woman from your spell," Nimue challenged.

"Never!" Morgan hissed.  "She has too much power to give up."

"Please Morgan," Danielle said.  "I do not want to fight your war.  You have your soldiers, you will win without me."

"Not against Merlin," Morgan admitted.  She reached into a hidden pocket on her dress and pulled out a small vial of orange liquid.  She smiled wickedly as she threw it on the ground at Dani's feet.  The glass shattered and Dani was enveloped in yellow smoke.  Morgan immediately repeated her spell in the fairy tongue. 

"Lady of the purple fire,

You will this night forget your ire.

Forget, forget with no regret!

Tonight you will forget! 

In my shadow you are bound, 

Obedience in my will be found.

Obey, obey Morgan la Fey!

This moment hence obey!"

Danielle coughed and choked on the smoke, and as the last words of the spell were spoken, she passed out.  Morgan called one of her mindless soldiers over to carry Danielle back to the pavilion.  As the warrior carried the unconscious sorceress away from the water, Morgan faced her sister again.

"And so I win," Morgan said.  "She will forget everything about tonight, and tomorrow I will have full control again."

"Every spell can be broken," Nimue said.  She smiled at Morgan and disappeared into the water again.

Morgan gave a dismissive snort at her sister's departing words.  Nimue was a romantic, that's why she loved Camelot so much.  Morgan would like it better with her own King on the throne, and not Merlin's.

*****

"All right, old man," Logan growled Merlin, "Use your magic and break that spell.  I want my wife back."

"I cannot use my magic to break her magic, it doesn't work that way," Merlin explained.  "But, removing the necklace would help."

"And then what?  Will she remember?" Jesse asked.

"She may not remember everything, but it will release her memory," Merlin said.

"So what do I have to do to make her remember?" Logan asked.  "Kiss her?"

"No, Logan," Jesse said.  "A kiss is for waking up sleeping princesses, or turning frogs into princes.  Get your fairy tales right."

Merlin chuckled at Jesse's quick wit.

"Shut up, kid," Logan growled.  "Well, wizard?"

"It would depend on the spell, but the kiss of true love has a powerful magic of its own," Merlin said.  "It wouldn't hurt to try it."

"Yeah, if Dani doesn't fry you first," Jesse said.

"I don't want to fight her," Logan said quickly.

"You will probably have to, at least at first," Jesse said.  "But remember, she will heal."

"That ain't the point, Jesse," Logan said sadly.  "I don't think I can beat her without really hurting her.  That's why we never trained against each other.  If either of us really tried to win, it would get ugly."

"You must find a way, Sir Logan," Merlin said.  "If the sorceress reaches Camelot, everyone within the keep will be in grave danger."

This whole mess was going to rip his heart out, he just knew it.  Logan didn't know how he could get close enough to get the necklace off if she used her energy on him.  That purple electricity would burn like fire from the inside out, but he had to win, he just had to.

"I'll find a way," Logan said firmly.  "Jesse and I will stay here and wait for them.  You better go warn your King and prepare for a possible siege, just in case."

"Very well," Merlin said.  "But be prepared for Morgan as well, it is, after all, her war."  Merlin mounted his horse and turned to leave.  "Good luck with the lady, Sir Logan."

"Yeah," Logan muttered as Merlin rode away.  He just had to subdue an angry power house without getting fried…no problem.

*****

The sun broke into her fitful sleep and burned her eyes right through her eyelids.  Lady Danielle moaned with pain as her head throbbed in protest to the invasion of light.  She held up a hand to shield her eyes from the sun and then slowly opened them.

"Good morning, sorceress," Morgan said brightly.  Are you ready for our siege on Camelot, my dear?"

"Sorceress?" Dani asked.

"Yes, my apprentice sorceress," Morgan said with mock sweetness.  "We are restoring the true bloodline to the throne in Camelot.  We will lead the army across the lake at moonrise."

Danielle tried to sit up, but her head refused to be moved without pain.  "My head hurts," Dani said.

"I'll whip up a little potion to make that feel better," Morgan said.  "I'll send an elf in with your breakfast.  You must keep your strength up.  Storming castles is tiring work."

Dani nodded, but regretted it.  She squeezed her eyes shut and just tried to relax.  Morgan talked to her like she knew what was going on, but Dani couldn't remember a thing.  Why would she care about storming some castle?  

*****

It was late evening, and Logan and Jesse were lying on their blankets looking up at the stars.  Neither one really wanted to talk about a plan, so they just stared in silence at the sky.  The moon was rising, and the reflection on the water was almost mesmerizing.  Jesse finally grew tired of the awkward silence and spoke.

"Logan," Jesse asked.  "How are they going to move an entire army ashore?"

"I don't know," Logan said.  "Probably some kind of magic will be involved.  God knows they can't do shit around here without their damned magic."

"Now, now, sour grapes," Jesse smirked.  "Magic probably saved Dani's life."

"Alive or dead, she was gone for two hundred and fifty years," Logan said.  "I ain't thankin magic for that."

"You're right," Jesse said quietly.  "I'm sorry."

"Forget it," Logan grunted.

It was at that moment, with the moon climbing high in the sky, that a mist covered the water of the lake.  Logan and Jesse sat up to see what was going to happen.  They felt a slight tremor in the ground, and heard the water bubbling up from the depths of the lake.

Logan shot to his feet, and Jesse followed suit.  The mist started to clear, and they could see that large boulders had sprung up from the lake bed forming a kind of bridge.  A swan boat floated gracefully beside the newly formed bridge carrying Danielle and Morgan.  Their purpose was obvious; they were here to secure the shore before advancing their troops.

Logan whispered, "Jesse, do you think you can make Morgan go for a little swim, without dunking Dani?"

Jesse just smiled at the plan. "Is water wet?" Jesse asked sarcastically.  "Oh, yeah, I'll keep her busy for you."

"Good," Logan said.  "Get under cover and go for it!"

Jesse took refuge in the brush by the trees. He formed a column of water near the boat and then shot it right at Morgan, knocking her out of the boat and into the water.  The boat didn't as much as twitch.  Dani stood wide eyed at the strange magic that took her master from the boat.  She watched in horror as Morgan struggled to keep her head above water, but kept getting swept under in an unpredictable mesh of torrential currents.  Dani looked back at the figure on shore and started glowing.

"Release the Fairy Queen from your magic," she ordered as her boat glided closer to shore.

Logan waited for her to get a little closer, and then said with a smile, "Come here and make me, little sorceress."

Dani threw a burst of Violet energy at him, knocking him back a few feet, and leapt from the boat onto the shore.  Logan was on the ground on his hands and knees, reeling from the blow.  Dani started to circle him as she waited for him to stand and face her. 

"Get up, water wizard," Dani said.  "You attacked us first.  Now you must pay the price."

Logan watched her circling him arrogantly, and waited for her to get to just the right place.  She took the fateful step that put her within his reach, and he lunged at her so fast she didn't have time to react.  He tackled her and they rolled until he had her pinned beneath him on the bank.  *Snikt!* He popped out his claws to cut the evil necklace from her, but Dani just shrieked.

"Kill me quickly, water wizard," she panted as she squirmed beneath him.

He felt horrible for scaring her no matter what frame of mind she was in.  He grabbed the necklace with one hand, and carefully slipped a claw between the necklace and her throat.

"Keep still," Logan said softly.  "I won't hurt you."  He carefully cut the necklace and threw it away.

Danielle gasped, as the broken necklace went up in green flames and scorched the ground where it landed.  Her surprise quickly wore off, and she shocked him with a burst of violet electricity.  Logan tried to hold on to her, but the pain was too much, and he backed away and released her.  They sat on the ground a few feet apart, staring at each other as they caught their breath.

"Who are you, water wizard?" Dani asked.

"I thought I was the clawed warrior," Logan said.

Dani looked at him curiously for a moment.  Clawed Warrior?  That was strangely familiar.  He was familiar.  "What do you want from me?" Dani asked.

Logan slowly moved closer, but she raised her hands and started glowing, so he stopped.  "My name is Logan," he said.  "Sometimes they call me Wolverine."

Dani's eyes got big, but her memory was still foggy.  Logan tried to move closer again, but she kicked him away and stood up.  He'd forgotten she could fight.  Great, she was going to make him do this the hard way.  He sheathed his claws again and attacked.  He was trying to wrestle her to the ground again, but she was ready for that and countered with a punch to the kidney.  She wasn't strong enough to do too much damage, but she let a burst of energy go with every blow she dealt.  He tried again and again to catch her without actually hitting her, but she used her energy to shock him and get away.  Logan was getting tired.

"Hurry, Logan," Jesse said.  "I can't keep Morgan busy like this all night, just hit her, she'll thank you for it when she realizes who you are."

Damn, the kid's right.  He had to do it.  Dani gave him a generous dose of her violet energy, and Logan made his move.  He hit her square in the chin, knocking her back.  She stopped glowing and fell to her knees.  He quickly knelt beside her, and held her face in his hands.

"God, baby, I'm sorry!" he said, and kissed her.

What is he doing? Dani thought.  She tried to push him away, but he just wrapped his arms around her and held her fast.  Dani slowly stopped struggling as a flood of memories washed over her.  She suddenly remembered friends…no, family, a daughter and …a husband?  Oh, God, Logan!

She finally managed to push him away, and stared into his eyes in confusion.  "What…what happened?" she asked breathlessly.  "How did I get here, Logan?"

Logan grabbed her and crushed her in a hug.  "Oh God, Dani, I've missed you!"  He thought she was dead, that he'd never see her again, and yet here she was in his arms.  He was never letting her out of his sight again.

"Did we get the sentinels?" she asked.

Logan laughed.  "Yeah, baby, we got 'em."

"Uh, Logan?" Jesse said shakily.  "I hate to break this up, but Morgan…"

Logan and Dani turned back to the lake to see a very drenched looking Fairy Queen staring at them.  She was furious, and was going to finish them once and for all.

"You disappoint me Danielle," Morgan said.  "Time to pay."

Morgan started to change right before them.  She grew and changed form until she was a fifty foot tall green sea dragon.  She roared at the pair on the shore, and blew hot steam from her nostrils.

"Aw, hell," Logan said sarcastically.  "It figures…"