Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own the characters of this story. They belong to Marvel.

Couples: ROMY, Jonda, Kiotr, Rolo… others may make an appearance

Chapter 2:

As the sun rose and welcomed in the new day, the four captains found themselves waiting once again for their mysterious host. Erik was to meet the group once more before they departed and point them in the direction of the first leg of their task.

When Rogue arrived at the agreed upon location, she saw that the others were already gathered. Kitty had left the ship earlier in the morning to share a few moments with Kurt and Piotr. She was sitting on Piotr's lap as he talked about the upcoming weather with his first mate, Kurt. She appeared to be in pure bliss as her Russian held her in his arms.

Rogue also spotted Wanda. She was dressed in her usual attire consisting of fitted black pants and shirt with a red buttoned vest and scarf belt at the waist. She was busy trying to distract John from his current obsession, namely a small bonfire on the beach.

Seeing John reminded Rogue of Remy. She scanned the dock and soon found her target. He was leaning back on a tall stack of crates smoking. Rogue took a moment to take in the sight of the man that had been so prominent in her dreams of late. He was wearing tight black pants and a form-fitting black undershirt, which closely hugged his muscular chest. Over this shirt, he wore an open jade silk shirt that gently flowed over his toned arms and shoulders. His auburn hair was loose and blew lightly in the breeze as soft wisps curled at the nape of his neck. Rogue was left breathless for a moment. How was it possible for a man to look so sinful?

Rogue was pulled from her thoughts when she saw Belladonna approach Remy. Bella must have spent some extra time this morning preparing herself, because she looked even more radiant than usual. Rogue had no doubt that she was putting on a show for her former lover. Lover- using that word to describe Remy in relation to Belladonna was repugnant.

Rogue watched as Belladonna sauntered up to Remy and started speaking softly into his ear. She watched as Remy's smile slowly faded and changed into an unreadable expression. After a few short moments, Remy pushed himself off the crates and walked past Bella leaving her alone and angry.

"Serves ya right, tramp." Rogue said quietly to herself and smiled when Remy caught her gaze and winked.

At that moment, Erik came into view and called the captains together. He was an older gentleman standing tall with flowing white hair that reached his shoulders. Dressed in a red and grey suit that spoke of money, he ushered his audience to his side.

"I'm glad to see that you have all agreed to my little adventure. I do hope that you will be successful and return the necklace to me shortly." Erik said as he glanced over the crews.

"I do have the information that you need to begin on your task. It has come to my attention that the first piece of the map may be located on San Bartolo. Where on the island, I do not know. I would suggest that you set sail soon and begin your search. There is a report of a storm rolling in which may hamper your efforts. Again, thank you and may the best man…or woman… win." With that being said, Erik departed.

Remy and Piotr exchanged looks and agreed to meet in a few minutes to discuss their plan of attack. As Rogue began walking away towards The Anna Marie, she felt a strong hand encircle her wrist. When she turned, she was met with a pair of burning red-on-black eyes.

"Good luck, mon chere." Remy said as he pressed his lips to the palm of her hand, "Until we meet again!"

Before Rogue could gather her thoughts and respond, he was gone. She, however, was not alone for long.

"It seems dat y' have begun workin' y'r way into Remy's bed. What did he have t' say t' y' dis mornin'," Bella asked, the animosity in her voice quite evident.

"Ah don' see how that is any of yer business, Bella." Rogue said as a sly smile began to form on her lips. "Ah also see that ya aren't wastin' any time. Where did ya get that dress? Whores-R-Us?"

"Laugh all ya want, salope. Y'll never know what dat man can do for a woman or how his sweat tastes after a night of pleasure! Remy's mine and I don' share!" Bella huffed as she turned and marched back to the Dark Ruby.

"Jus' remember, darlin', that ya started this and Ah'll be damned if Ah'm goin' ta lose ta the likes of ya." Rogue said softly as she boarded her ship and was greeted by Kitty and Wanda.

"What was that all about? Bella seems to be even crazier than usual." Kitty asked as Rogue took her position at the wheel.

Rogue just smiled and watched the other three ships slowly come to life.

"Kitty, Ah noticed that ya were quite friendly with Piotr today. Ah thought ya didn't like that big Russian?" Rogue asked as she watched her friends stir the crew.

"Well, I guess I kinda changed my mind." Kitty answered as a small blushed rose in her cheeks. "He's really a great guy, and so gentle! He like…"

"Oh great! Now you got her started. We'll never hear the end of this!" Wanda exclaimed as she tried to cover her ears with her hands.

"Well, we all saw how you and John on the docks, too! Are you two ever going to commit?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Wanda honestly asked.

"Agghhh!" Kitty yelled as she gave up any hope of ever helping Wanda show any genuine emotion other than mere alcohol induced lust. "You're hopeless!"

"Speaking of showing affection, what was that I saw between you and Le Diable? Is that what got under Bella's skin?" Wanda asked as she turned her attention to Rogue who appeared to be lost deep in thought.

"Rogue?"

"Rogue!"

"Oh, yeah… did ya ask meh something, Wanda?" Rogue asked as she came to her senses.

Kitty and Wanda looked at each other and then back at Rogue and smiled.

"I think we let you off the hook too easily last night, captain! Are you sure that you don't want to tell us something?" Kitty asked a little too eagerly.

"Ah stand by what ah said last night. There is nothin' between the Swamp Rat an' meh!"

"What about that kiss this morning?" Wanda asked as Kitty's mouth dropped open in shock.

"Wait a minute! Hold it! Kitty, don' look so happy. Remy jus' kissed mah hand. He's a flirt. It meant nothin'!" Rogue explained.

"Remy….so now it's Remy?" Kitty asked smiling ear to ear.

"Gawd, ya two are awful! Ah've been talkin' ta Bella too much. It was a slip of the tongue! Leave it alone!"

"Sure," they both said as they smiled. "A slip of the tongue!" The two women quickly ran down the stairs and continued their work at a safe distance from the infuriated woman. They knew that she'd eventually unleash some hideous revenge on them both, but they also knew that she was too busy at the moment to kill.


Remy stood at the helm of one of the most magnificent ships that ever graced the waters. The Devil's Lust suited him. There were many rumors concerning the black vessel and its mysterious, handsome captain. Some said that Remy was a cursed man forced to seek redemption for past sins, while others concluded that he was the devil himself, Le Diable Blanc. In fact, the truth was much more fantastic.

From birth, Remy Etienne LeBeau knew he was different from others. Every morning when he looked upon his reflection he was reminded of that fact. In his youth, he had come to hate his unique eyes, red-on-black beacons that glowed with emotion and called to others and singled him out. It was because of his eyes he was abandoned as a child, why he was forced to live off the streets and sell whatever he could in order to survive.

It was also his eyes that saved him. One day, a man caught sight of the young Remy and was drawn into his eyes. This man took Remy in off the streets and schooled him in the arts of piracy. Jean-Luc knew that the boy would grow to become one of the most notorious of all pirates and would have little trouble earning the respect needed to captain a ship, if for no other reason than his demonic eyes. He became known as Le Diable Blanc and rumors began to spread throughout the underworld of a new captain, one raised by the great Jean-Luc, one that brought the fires of Hell with him. Remy lived up to his father's expectations.

"What y' got dere John?" Remy asked as he looked down over the shoulder of his first-mate.

"Oy, a picture of the most beautiful girl in the world, mate. Isn't she lovely?" John said as he handed the picture to his captain.

"Dis be de femme dat y' were wit at de dock, non? Her name 's Wanda?"

"Yeah, she stole my heart." John gushed as he took the photo back and carefully caressed the image. "Crickey, she's a strong willed lady, too. I'm gonna try hard to hold onto this one!"

"I'm happy f'r y', mon ami. Not every day dat y' find someone like dat. Remy knows."

"Trouble with Bella again, hey mate?" John asked noticing the change of mood in Remy's eyes.

"Non, Bella 's history. She a crazy femme. Don' know what Remy was t'inkin' gettin' messed up wit her." Remy shook his head as memories returned. "Dere 's some one though. She 's a belle femme wit beautiful green eyes. Dey call her Rogue and she 's quel canon! Y' know her?"

"Oy, I know her! She's the captain of the Anna Marie, Wanda's friend. Nice taste my friend. She's hot!" John said as he became entranced with a small flame flickering in a lantern.

"Oui, Remy t'inks dat dis little job jus' de perfect chance t' get t' know Rogue." Remy said as he caught sight of San Bartolo Island. "Maybe, dis ol' Cajun catch a break, non?"

"Be careful with this one, mate. I hear stories from Wanda. She doesn't like to be pressured and she's not to keen on makin' new friends. She might be crazier than Belladonna." John said as he started to prepare the ship for docking. Remy and Piotr had agreed to dock on opposite sides of the island and work their way inward. That way they could cover twice as much area.


Rogue saw Remy pull his ship to the east. He was planning on docking on the farther side of the island. With a few swift commands, Rogue was positioned to follow his lead. She was determined to keep the Cajun in her sights and away from Belladonna for as long as she could. She didn't trust Bella and she had a feeling that Remy would be a good ally to have if she hoped to win the money.

Rogue and her crew were only moments behind Remy. As she finished her final checks of the ship and disembarked, she saw him start into the forested area of the island. Bella and Piotr were nowhere to be seen. She smiled and told her crew to split up. Wanda took as small group with her as she started to the north, while Kitty's group went to the south. After they were out of sight, Rogue ordered the rest of her crew to remain with the ship. She went after Remy.

Remy knew that he was being followed. He was trained to notice even the smallest signs. He also knew that it was Rogue. He had caught scent of her perfume over an hour ago and smiled. –Why y' followin' Remy, chere?- He thought. –Mus' t'ink dat I'm her best shot at findin' de map. Well, if she's goin' t' tag along I might as well have some fun wit her!- Remy smirked as he spotted the perfect distraction.

Rogue had been following Remy for the past two hours. He wasn't having any luck in locating the map piece, and she was beginning to wonder why she even bothered to follow the man in the first place. Bella was no where in sight. Then, for some reason, Remy stopped and looked toward a small cascading waterfall. –What are you thinking, Swamp Rat?- She thought as he slowly walked closer to the falling water.

Before she knew what was happening, her breath hitched as Remy stripped out of his green silk shirt and boots. Rogue ducked down lower into the overgrowth to avoid being spotted as Remy reached for the hem of his tight black undershirt. Rogue could see the muscles in his abdomen react as he pulled the material over his head. She let out a small gasp when he reached down to his belt. But instead of removing the belt, he pulled out a small tube that was tucked just between it and his lower abs. Before her only a few yards away, stood the most delectably gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on. He was wild and rebellious, yet somewhat refined. He looked like a living Adonis placed on the Earth for nothing more than pure pleasure.

Rogue couldn't help but feel that she should leave the Cajun and walk back to her ship, but her mind couldn't get her body to agree. Rogue was transfixed watching Remy step under the small waterfall. Even though he still wore his tight black pants, he was breathtaking. As he stood under the water washing his long auburn hair, Rogue watched the water slowly stream down his defined chest and back, traveling lower and lower until it ran under the fabric of his pants. Remy worked the soap into his hair and then rubbed the soapy water over his defined arms and shoulders. The black pants that he wore were becoming even tighter as they clung to his wet body. His soft skin glistened as the sun hit his wet body and Rogue found herself lost in the vision.

Mah Gawd...Remy!- Rogue thought as she watched the man finish and step back onto the bank with his hair dripping wet over his face. If there was no desire before, there certainly was now. She needed Remy. She wanted to touch him, taste him, feel his arms wrapped around her.

Dieu…Remy!- Belladonna thought as she watched her former lover emerge from the water, his body gleaming from the moisture and pants hugging his body even more than before. Yes, he would be hers again. She would know his touch and kiss once more. Belladonna was certain of that, and if he wouldn't come willingly, she would find a way to make him.

Unbeknownst to Remy, his little show had more than one member in the audience. Belladonna had stumbled upon the scene moments after Remy peeled off his boots. Like Rogue, she found herself unable to tear her eyes away from him. Bella was even more determined to conquer Remy once more.

As Remy stepped back onto the bank, he picked up the clothes that he had discarded moments before and carried them in his hands as he started to make his way back to his ship. The search for the map would have to be postponed a short while since Remy could feel a strong storm blowing in. He hadn't made it too far, when Rogue decided that she would make her presence known to him.

"Hey, Swamp Rat, what have you been doing? You're all wet!" Rogue asked trying to sound surprised by his appearance.

"Jus' took a bat', chere. T'ought y' might appreciate de effort." Remy smirked.

"Ya were in need of one, sugah!" Rogue said, "Thanks for the consideration. Ya might also consider coverin' y'rself up. Don't want ya scarin' away the wildlife."

"Chere, y' de firs' femme ever tell Remy t' put clothes on." Remy smiled as he pulled his black undershirt back over his head. As Remy pulled the shirt down over his chest, Rogue couldn't help a small hint of disappointment that he had done as she asked, but being that close to a half-naked Remy would not do well for her control.

"Well, ya won't meet many femmes like meh, Swamp Rat." She said mocking him.

"Any luck wit de search?" Remy asked as he ran a hand through his wet hair. Rogue watched as a few rebellious strands fell back down across his face.

"Chere…?"

"Oh, no… no luck, yet. Maybe if some people didn' waste time, we could be off this island by now!" Rogue answered trying to conceal a small blush that crept into her cheeks.

"Hmmm, maybe y' should stop talkin' t' dis han'some Cajun den an' get back t' de search, non?" Remy replied raising an eyebrow and smirking.

Rogue was about to answer when a loud clap of thunder was heard over head and rain started pouring down on the island. The two quickly glanced around and found a small cave that could offer some protection from the storm until they could return to the ships.

"This is just great! Now ah'm stuck in here with ya of all people!" Rogue exclaimed as she started to wring the water out of her long hair.

Remy walked up close behind Rogue and wrapped one arm around her waist as pulled her hair to one side with the other. He leaned in mere centimeters away from her exposed neck and said, "Now chere, I'm sure dat dere are worse people t' be stuck wit dan ol' Remy, non?"

Rogue felt his hot breath on her neck and she flushed. She could feel his arm tighten around her waist and pull her even closer to him as his hand began to stroke her cheek and move slowly down to her neck. She had wanted this. It was something that she had dreamed of for several weeks now, but now that it was beginning to become a reality she realized that it was happening too fast. Before he could lower his lips to her neck, she managed to push herself out of his hold.

"What do ya think yer doin'!" She shouted as she turned around to face the confused man. Remy wasn't sure what to say. He had believed that she had wanted him, but now… now, he must have been wrong.

"Desole, chere. Remy though' dat y'…" Remy started but was cut off. "Well, ya were wrong! When Ah say don' touch meh, Ah mean it!" Rogue sat down in a corner of the cave with her back to a wall glaring at the Cajun.

Remy slowly found a spot along the opposite wall and leaned against it. He ran his hand through his hair and then pulled out a cigar. "Merde!"

"What?" Rogue asked lifting an eyebrow.

"M' cigars… g't wet n' de rain!" Remy explained as he threw the cigar to the ground and began to pout.


"Thanks, Piotr, for letting me wait out the rain here." Kitty said as she sat down in a tall backed chair.

"Not a problem, Katja. You are welcome on my ship anytime." Piotr replied as he took a seat opposite the small woman.

"Ja, any freundin of mein schwester's is a freundin of mein!" Kurt added as he placed a cup of hot tea on the table in front of Kitty.

"You guys are the greatest! Thanks!" Kitty continued as she took a sip of her tea. "Hey, where do you think Rogue is? I hope she managed to make it back to the ship."

"I vouldn't vorry about mein schwester. She is quite resourceful."

"Oy, don't worry your pretty little head, Sheila. My captain is out there somewhere too. I'm sure they're fine, right mates!" John said as he came bursting back into the room after raiding the kitchen for some food.

"Da, the storm is going to let up soon. I'm sure zat zey are fine." Piotr reaffirmed.

"I wonder if they managed to get caught somewhere together. OH, that would be so romantic! Trapped out in the wild, together, in the rain…" Kitty started to gleam with her romantic notions as various scenarios played out in her head.

"Nein! That vould not be gűt. I don't vant that man near her! If he so much as looks at mein schwester, I'll kill him!" Kurt began to stomp back and forth growing angrier by the second.

"Not to worry, little man. Rogue is able to take care of her self. If by chance they did end up trapped together, I'm sure she'd set him in his place….right under her!" Wanda smiled as she watched Kurt gape at her with a look of utter shock.

"Oh, don't listen to her. Gosh, Wanda, do you have to be so mean! She's just trying to get under your skin, Kurt." Kitty went to Kurt and patted him on the back trying to comfort him.

John began eating the various spoils he managed to liberate from the kitchen when he noticed several candles slowly burning in the center of the table. As John cautiously reached out towards the beautiful flames, his hand was seized by a very strong and forceful grip.

"John, I believe zat ze last time you played with fire in a mess hall, you managed to scortch ze walls on the Devil's Lust, correct? I would appreciate zat occurrence not be repeated on my ship."

"Oh mate, ya spoil all my fun! I was jus' gonna feed the flame a bit." John pouted as he leaned further back into his chair and started to build a small potato castle on his plate.

Kurt, Kitty, and Wanda looked at each other blankly for a few seconds before continuing their tea.


"Would ya please stop that!" Rogue yelled. "If ya shuffle them cards one more time, Ah swear Ah'll knock ya inta next week!"

"Remy jus bor'd, chere. Wan' Remy do somet'ing else wit his hands?" Remy smiled and placed his cards back into his pocket. He started to walk towards her.

"Ah said stay away from meh, Swamp Rat!" Rogue warned, but her body betrayed her with a small shiver.

"Cold, chere?" Remy asked as he walked over to where Rogue was sitting and sat down close beside her.

"No! Stay back!" Rogue tried to move away, but Remy caught her shoulders and wrapped his arms around her while draping his other shirt over her back. "Sorry, chere, lef' my coat on de ship."

Despite herself, Rogue found that she liked being held in his arms. The heat from his body warmed her and she leaned into his chest. Remy kept his arms around her while she pulled herself closer to him, absorbing the heat produced by their bodies. Rogue took a deep breath and breathed in Remy's scent. He smelled of spices, tobacco, and musk. These scents mixed with his masculine presence made for an alluring combination. Gawd, he smells so good… Rogue thought as she sat there in his arms.

At the same time, Remy was taking advantage of her closeness. He ran one of his hands through her silky hair and pulled a strand close to his face and took a deep breath. She smelled of magnolias and honeysuckle. The scent reminded him of those summer days he spent as a child in the south running along a river bank. He continued to stroke his fingers through her hair and tightened his embrace slightly. She noticed the small action and smiled to herself, ever so slightly.

"Better, mon chere?" He asked huskily.

"Mmmm.." This as the only response she could muster at the moment.

They both sat there for a few moments, content, when someone came running into the cave out of the rain.


A/N: I must admit that Wanda is the character that I know the least about and I have depicted her OCC. I am going to try my best to correct this and do her character justice in the future chapters, so if you notice a slight change in her from this point on please understand! Sorry! Please, review and let me know how I can improve and what you think. Thanks!