Disclaimer: I do not own the X-men or anything associated with them…

A/N: First and foremost, thanks to everyone who reviewed! You keep me inspired to continue! There isn't much action in this chapter, but some of the info is needed to further the story. Chapter 6 will make up for it, though!

CHAPTER 5: Confrontations

A roaring fire illuminated the finely decorated room casting playful shadows over the four- poster bed. Candles were arranged seductively, and each fostered a beautifully unique glow. John was covered in lavishly soft satin sheets, colored in a deeper red than the Tartarean flames, while opulent silks, plundered from oriental trading ships, hung from the ceiling and cascaded down the walls. Mesmerized by the lustrous gleam, he fancied some control over the burning fires, wishing them to dance and expand to the heavens.

A smile played across John's face as he reclined back into the comfort of his bed. His cabin aboard the Devil's Lust was his sanctuary, his retreat from the harshness of a life chosen years ago. Here, he could find solace from the haunting visions of the men he wronged and the time served in that wretched Australian penal colony. John closed his eyes and opened his senses to the warmth provided by the flames, warmth too long denied. Most men were puzzled by his obsession with fire, even fearful of him. Not many could possibly understand. For years he was deprived of warmth, left cold in the dark recesses of a prison only to feel the heat of the sun when slaving away for atonement. Now, John cherished fire, yearned for it, and even needed it. Lost in his thoughts of events a lifetime before the Devil's Lust, he failed to notice another's presence in the shadows.

A movement…the wisp of a gown across the wooden planks…

John lifted his eyes.

Wanda stepped out from the shadows with her long, crimson gown sweeping lightly across the floorboards of the cabin. John gaped at the vision before him. Wanda's long tresses caressed her face and fell lightly over her pale shoulders. She swayed her curvaceous hips lightly as she walked with a fierce determination toward the ornate bed, and her piercing eyes created a bewitching aura as they captured the light of the flickering flames. The mattress dipped as she kneeled onto the bed and locked eyes with her paramour. John stared unbelievingly at the enchanting woman as she leaned over him.

"John…" Wanda whispered.

"Wanda?" John could hardly move, stunned by his unexpected good fortune. Wanda went to close the distance between them, and as their lips were about to touch…

"MERDE!" An explosion rocked the room and John jolted out of bed.

Wanda was gone, and his room returned to its normal state. The four- poster bed previously wrapped in satin linens was now nothing more than a simple bunk. The opulent silks that hung from the ceiling were replaced with rafters and rigging. The flames and soft light were gone.

"Bloody hell, mate…" John shook his head and sighed. He looked to his ceiling and waved a threatening fist toward the captain's quarters. "That was one hellova dream!"


The night before was a blur. Remy had been intoxicated by surging emotions and the exhilaration of a successful heist. After leaving Rogue breathless on the terrace, he rushed back to his cabin on the Devil's Lust relishing the emotional high produced by the night's events. He threw himself into his massive bed and stared out into the starry sky. His cabin was directly above the officers' quarters filled with artifacts and various trinkets from lands visited and other plundered treasures. There was an embellished widow to the stern encompassing the entire wall that gave an unobstructed view of the dark sea waters below. It was absolutely hypnotic.

That is how he found himself in the morning, still dressed and sprawled out over the mattress facing the sea. Remy sat up and ran a hand through his tousled hair, while his eyes tried to adjust to the offensive morning light. He stood slowly straightening his disheveled clothes and moved to his desk. The ship's log was opened and he began to scribble an entry recounting the events of the night.

July 26, 1805

Infiltrated Rose Hall. Became reacquainted with Sekmeht Conoway, daughter

of Professor Conoway. Liberated necklace, and parleyed with Captain of the

Anna Marie. I need to meet with Captain Rasputin to discuss plan of action.

For the record, the necklace is obsidian…

Remy reached into his pocket to retrieve the necklace in order to write an accurate description of the item in his log. He ran his hand into the left pocket, then the right. Nothing. Remy ran over to the bed and tore the sheets from its frame searching for any sign of the missing gemstone, but still nothing.

"MERDE!" He shouted as he kicked a stool into a glass cabinet across the room, shattering the doors and spilling the contents over the floorboards.

Remy paced around his cabin, his footfalls reverberating throughout the ship. He finally stood at the window staring out to sea and turned the events over in his mind, wondering where he had gone wrong. Suddenly, the reality of the situation hit home. He knew exactly where he went wrong…Rogue. Women! They would be the end of him! How did y' manage t' pick de pocket of a thief, chere? Remy shook his head. Don't delude y'rself LeBeau. Y' know exactly how she managed t' get dat necklace…yer a fool! With a firm determination, Remy turned on his heels and marched out of his cabin toward the Anna Marie.


Aboard the Anna Marie…

Rogue woke early and prepared herself for a busy day. The first task was to ensure that the necklace was still in her possession. She had spent over half the night expecting a certain Cajun pirate to appear in her room and reclaim the prize, but he never came. Now, she sat at her oak desk holding the small pendant in her palm and scrutinizing every detail. As she looked over the beautiful stone, her thoughts drifted back to the woman who had worn the artifact the night before. She might know more about these engravin's. Rogue thought to herself.

No… If ya go and see that woman, ya'll be tempted ta do more than talk. Who does she think she is after all? She countered and looked out to sea.

A loud knock sounded on the door, intruding on her reflections. Rogue looked to the door and then placed the pendant into the top drawer of her desk before summoning the visitor into the cabin.

"Enter," she called.

Wanda opened the door and stepped inside. "We have a few visitors, Rogue. They claim to be from the Triton's Revenge. Should I allow them in?"

"Aye, send them up… but stay close." Rogue answered. Wanda left and after a few short moments, two figures appeared in the doorway.

One of the men was tall and rangy and bobbed as he walked, while the other one was sturdy and muscular. The latter walked through the door taking a slow, almost painful gait. "Captain Darkholme." He said and gave a slight bow before continuing. "Captain Prescott would like to request your company this morning aboard his ship."

"He would, would he?" The men flinched slightly as Rogue's cold-jade eyes narrowed.

"Yes, ma'am. Captain said that he may have some information you'd find useful." The taller man paused and awaited her response.

Rogue thought over the proposition for a moment before coming to her decision. Joseph knew Port Royal as well as any man she had met and would most likely know more about the necklace and the woman who had possessed it. Rogue wasn't sure if she could trust Joseph, but then she never truly trusted anyone and wasn't about to allow information to slip through her fingers so easily. If there was a chance that he may know the secrets of the gem, she would have to take the risk. "Hmmm…Ah s'pose Ah could meet Captain Prescott this mornin'. When would he like ta see meh?" Rogue asked.

"The sooner the better, ma'am."

Rogue lifted a brow and stepped back toward her desk. "Ah'll be right along. Wait outside." The two men stepped back through the door as ordered and she took a small pouch from the top drawer. "Ah'm not gonna let you outta mah sight, Darlin'." Rogue fastened the pouch to her leather belt and patted it as she stepped out to join the men.

"Wanda, watch the ship. Ah'll be back shortly." She ordered and started to descend the gangplank.

"Where are you going, Captain?" Wanda asked.

"Triton's Revenge!" Rogue shouted over her shoulder as she continued to make her way down to the dock. "And if a Swamp Rat comes callin', send him my way!"


"I had a wonderful time last night, Piotr." Kitty said as she looked into Piotr's eyes and leaned in closer to his chest.

"Da, so did I, Katja…so did I." Piotr looked down at the beautiful angel at his side and draped his arm over her shoulders.

Piotr and Kitty had departed from the ball shortly after Rogue announced that she had acquired the necklace from Miss Conoway. No one dared to ask any questions, and were left speculating on the circumstances that led to the acquisition. Piotr had suggested a short walk along the beach before returning to their ships and Kitty agreed. The short walk turned into a night under the stars, and now the sunrise began to paint the sky in pale yellows and oranges. They had spent the night together sitting on the beach near the water's edge talking about the future and enjoying each other's company. Unbeknownst to their crews, Kitty and Piotr had shared several similar encounters over the past few years since their initial introduction aboard the Anna Marie. The couple was becoming very close and cherished these moments together. The long months on the sea were hard and both found some comfort in having a sympathetic shoulder to return to.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Kitty asked as she looked out over the rolling waves that were reflecting the colors of the morning sunrise.

"Da…breathtaking." Piotr breathed in a strange tone that made Kitty look at him only to realize that he wasn't looking at the horizon. He was looking at her.

"Piotr?"

"Katja…" Piotr couldn't finish his sentence. All that he could do was stare down at her. Finally, he leaned down and claimed her lips with his. Arms as strong as steel wrapped around her and caressed her in a knee-weakening embrace. When they parted, Piotr looked deep into her eyes and gave a genuine smile. "You are an amazing woman, Katja."

A blush reddened Kitty's face and she diverted her gaze to the sand. "Thank you, Piotr. You're quite a special man yourself."

Piotr stood taking Kitty by the hand and helped her to her feet. "We should be getting back to our ships. We'll be missed soon."

Kitty smiled and held tightly onto his hand as they strolled down the beach. She was certain that Wanda had already discovered her absence this morning, but she wouldn't trade this moment with her pirate for any in the world.


Sekmeht Conoway had no problem escaping from Rose Hall and her father's possessive grip. She knew where she needed to go and whom she needed to see, and nothing would stand between her and the man she sought. She was forced to suffer her father's scolding the night before on account of her less than respectable behavior, but the reward she had received for such behavior would have made enduring the wrath of the serpent-bearing furies worth while. She had waited years for her pirate to return and had dreamt of that kiss for all those lonely nights. She could still feel the heat of Remy's touch, the pressure of his lips upon hers. And what a kiss it had been! Just thinking about that moment caused another warm rush run through her body. Sek knew that she never wanted another man to hold her so intimately, unless it was her Remy.

Sekmeht walked purposely along the streets of Port Royal making her way to the docks. The form of the ship she sought was seared into her mind. The Devil's Lust was the most magnificent galleon she had ever laid eyes upon, a true match for its ravishing captain. She cast her eyes amongst the ships and smiled imaging the scenario which would play out when she reached her destination. Sek was elated this morning when she discovered the absence of her favorite jewel. In her mind, it was an obvious invitation from her thieving love to meet with him. After all, what other possible reason would Remy have to take such a small trinket? He wanted to see her, and she was not one to disappoint.

As Sekmeht continued her search, two shadows lurked in the darkness of an alley. When she passed, strong arms enclosed around her and pulled her out of the light into a small room. Before she could scream, a hand clamped down around her mouth keeping her silent. When her eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room, Sek could make out two figures standing near. A woman stood near a small doorway. She had long, blonde hair that fell over her shoulders and cold blue eyes. The coldness of those eyes, devoid of emotion, frightened Sek more than anything. The other presence was a tall man. He was holding her tightly and keeping her still.

"Y' are the daughter o' Professor Conoway. Don't try t' deny it, we know." The blonde pushed herself away from the wall and approach Sek. "We're goin' ask y' a few questions, and if y' are a good fille we may let y' go."

The man didn't release his hold, so Sek could only nod in agreement.

"Good… My friend is goin' t' remove his hand. If y' scream, I'll cut y'r throat." The man removed his hand and Sek remained quiet. "Dere was a man y' danced with last night, how do y' know him?"

"I danced with many men last night." Sek replied.

Bella pulled her dagger from her boot and pushed it softly against Sek's throat. "I don't like t' repeat m'self. Y' know de man I speak of."

"If you mean Captain LeBeau…yes, I know him. He rescued me from the ocean a few years back. I owe him my life." Sek sighed as Bella pulled the blade away and took a step back.

"Hmmm…," Bella shook her head slowly, "Remy was never one o' good judgment."

"How do you know Remy?" Sek asked looking over the woman who stood before her.

"Ahh…I know Captain LeBeau intimately, and dat's all y' need t' know." Bella smirked and took a seat in a nearby chair crossing her long legs. "Did he take dat necklace y' were wearing, or do y' still have it?"

"How did you…" Sek trailed off.

"How did I know 'bout de necklace? Well, let's jus' say dat I have some interest in it and y' best be answerin' my question."

"I don't have it. I lost it last night after the ball, but I don't believe Remy has it either. He would have no reason to take it. Besides, I still had the necklace after he departed." Sek watched the woman carefully hoping that she believed her lie.

"Y' mus' have it bad, fille. Y're willin' t' lie t' a woman who made it clear dat she has no qualms 'bout slittin' y'r throat. Do y' believe y're protectin' him? I can assure y' dat what I want from de man is far from unpleasant." Bella smiled. "Y' told me what I needed t' know. Now, go… before I have a change of heart an' decide t' kill y' jus' for a laugh."

Julien released Sekmeht and she rushed out of the room leaving Bella and her brother alone once again. Julien approached his sister and smirked. "I think y' had a bit too much fun scarin' dat poor fille, Bella. So, what do we do now?"

"Now, mon frère, we wait." Bella stood and threw her hair over her shoulder.

"What? Wait? Y' don't want t' go after dat necklace?" Julien arched his brow as he watched his sister walk toward the door.

"Non…We'll wait aboard de Dark Ruby. De captains can't leave dis port without me knowin' 'bout it, and we won't be able t' get dat stone from Remy. Our best option is t' wait and follow de Devil's Lust when it sets sail." Bella turned and smiled at her brother. "Besides, I wasn't lyin' when I said dat I had better plans f'r Captain LeBeau. Rogue an' I have a lil' wager on dat man, and I'll need y'r help. We have some plannin' t' do while we wait. Come on!"

Julien followed Belladonna out of the alley and they made their way back to the Dark Ruby. She convinced him to join her crew and appointed him as quartermaster. The two spent the rest of the morning discussing Bella's scheme and keeping a close eye on the other ships.


"Wanda! What de devil do y' think y'r doin'?" Remy stared down at the small sword poking into his chest. He had stormed aboard the Anna Marie only to be met by the fiery tempered woman, who stood before him now, threatening him with her sword.

"What do I think I'm doing? What do you think you're doing?" Wanda continued to poke the tip of her blade at his chest. "You come storming on board, unannounced and uninvited, and you dare ask me what I'm doing!"

Remy raised his hands in defense. "Now, chere, let's put de sword down and talk 'bout dis, d'accord?"

"What do you want, LeBeau?" Wanda asked.

"Remy jus' wants t' see Rogue. She has somethin' dat belongs t' him." Remy said as he pushed the blade of the sword to the side.

"Well, she's not here. She left earlier this morning and I don't know when she'll be coming back." Wanda replied and then caught sight of Kitty running to the ship. While she was distracted, Remy quickly pulled his own sword and disarmed Wanda with a twist of his wrist sending her weapon skidding across the deck.

"Now y'll be tellin' Remy where his chere ran off t' dis mornin'." Remy smirked at Wanda who gave him a cold glare.

"If you must know, she went to the Triton's Revenge. Captain Prescott wanted to talk with her over some matters that don't concern you." Wanda turned to Kitty who just arrived on deck. "And where have you been all morning? I should strap you to the mizzenmast for leaving me here all morning to do your work!"

"Sorry, Wanda. I lost track of time, but I'll get to work." Kitty blushed and turned to Remy. "Good Morning, Remy."

"Bonjour, petite."

Kitty turned back to Wanda raising her hand to her forehead in a false salute, then left to begin her work. Wanda's lips curved slightly when she turned back to the Cajun. "The captain did say that if a swamp rat came asking for her, I should send them her way. I guess you fit the bill. You best be on your way."

A roguish smile appeared on Remy's face. "Merci, Remy wouldn't want t' disappoint your captain." He bowed and then turned to leave. As he was descending the gangplank, Wanda shouted down to him. "And Remy, do try to behave yourself for once!" Remy looked over his shoulder and smiled. "Remy is always a perfect gentleman, chere!"

Wanda laughed and watched Remy race down the docks toward the Triton's Revenge.


The Triton's Revenge was an impressive ship, and much larger than Joseph's previous schooner. Rogue was waiting for him in a large dining hall, most likely the captain's private retreat. She sat down in one of the heavy wooden chairs and glanced around the room. The long mahogany table glistened with a high polish and was set with fine porcelain dishes decorated with pale blue meanders. Heavy thick drapes covered the windows and unlit candles were arranged around the room. It was truly a luxury to have such a room on a ship.

Rogue didn't have to wait long before Joseph joined her. He entered the room and stood in the doorway for a moment. He was wearing a fine black suit, starched white shirt, and cream waistcoat, which accentuated his white hair and stunning eyes. She had almost forgotten what a demanding presence he could make in a room. He walked up to the table and took a seat near her.

"I'm glad you decided to accept my invitation, sweet. I wasn't sure you'd come."

"Your men said you might have some information for meh. What is it?" Rogue asked keeping her eyes on the man next to her.

"Ahh…Let's not talk business just yet. Let me pour you a drink." Joseph stood and walked over to small cabinet along the wall. Taking out a dark bottle, he turned to Rogue. "You still favor Brunello, right?"

"Ya remembered." Rogue arched a brow and gave a slight smile.

"Of course, my sweet. A man does not easily forget the likes of a woman such as you." Joseph returned to the table and handed Rogue a glass of dark, red wine. She swirled the liquid and breathed in the aroma.

"A good year…Ya always had good taste in wine, sugah." Rogue lifted her glass and took a sip of the robust sweetness.

"And women…" Joseph leaned onto the table and leveled a probing stare at her. "Why did I ever let you get away?"

"As Ah recall, Ah was the one who did the leavin'." Rogue placed her glass back on the table and leaned back into the chair. "Ah found ya with the daughter of that British general. What was her name?"

"Emma." Joseph continued to hold his eyes locked on Rogue. "I told you that she didn't mean anything to me. It was just a game, nothing more than just a simple tool to help me complete a task."

Rogue shook her head and lowered her stare. "Ah don't give mah heart ta any man, especially one who can so easily play with the hearts of others."

The two sat in silence for a while drinking their wine and contemplating what had been said. Finally, Rogue lifted her eyes and looked back to Joseph. "You said that ya had information for meh…What is it?"

Joseph turned uneasily in his seat. "I believe I said that I might have some information that could be useful to you."

"What does that mean?" Rogue's expression transformed into an icy glare. "Did ya just say that ta get meh here?"

"I had hoped we could've continued our conversation from before, since we were interrupted by that contemptible Cajun." Joseph took another sip from his wine glass. "I had also hoped that we could've patched things up and start over, or maybe just have some fun before you shipped out."

Joseph's smirk faded quickly from his face when Rogue stood and gave him a glare that chilled him to the bones. Fortunately, he was saved by a loud knock at the door. "Captain Prescott, sir?"

"Aye, Jake. What is it?" Joseph answered and quickly moved toward the door away from the infuriated woman, who was shooting daggers into his retreating back.

"There's a man who insisted on comin' aboard. He says he has business with the lady." Jake moved to the side to allow Joseph a view of the deck. Remy was standing near the mainmast looking over the ship's rigging and measuring up the crew. Joseph looked back to Rogue. "Did you tell him to come here?"

Rogue gave him a puzzled look and moved to one of the windows overlooking the main deck. She saw Remy standing with his back to her, but she could tell it was him. He was still dressed in the clothes he had worn the night before and his hair was tied back into a queue. Rogue sighed and looked over to Joseph. "You should call him in here. You know as well as Ah do that he won't leave until he sees meh."

"Bring him on in, Jake." Joseph turned and walked back into the room.

Jake led Remy into the dining hall and then left. Remy walked over to Rogue and took her by the hand placing a small kiss on her knuckles and then smiled. "Bonjour, mon chere. Did y' miss Remy?"

Joseph cleared his throat. "LeBeau."

Remy turned and reluctantly extended his hand. "Prescott."

Joseph smirked and took Remy's hand firmly in his own. "How do you like the ship? Beautiful, isn't she? I would even say she outshines the Devil's Lust, wouldn't you?"

"Dat would be up t' debate." Remy said, his voice deep and strong as he battled the urge to rip the man's eyes out.

Joseph laughed and moved closer to Rogue, who was cautiously watching the exchange. She was looking forward to her unavoidable confrontation with the Cajun, but she didn't want a repeat of events in the tavern. She knew this was a delicate situation. Joseph and Remy had never been on good terms for reasons unknown to her, but she knew that it wouldn't take much to ignite a fire between the two.

"Mind tellin' Remy why y' invited him here, chere. Y' have somethin' dat Remy wants, but he'd much rather retrieve it in private." Remy leaned back against the support beam next to the window so that he could watch her. Trying to ignore how nice he looked there, Rogue forced her gaze to remain on the table.

"Ah didn't invite ya here, Cajun. Ya came here on your own." She placed a hand on her hip and chanced a look at Remy. Even in disheveled clothes, the man was still undeniably handsome.

Remy smirked. "Mais, chere, y' told Wanda t' send Remy here, non?"

"No…And Ah don't have anything that Ah'm willin' ta give ya here or anywhere else, Swamp Rat."

"It sounds to me as if the lady wants you to leave, LeBeau." Joseph said as he placed a possessive arm over Rogue's shoulders much to her surprise.

Remy's eyes narrowed and he stepped closer to the pair. "O, beware, my lord of jealousy. It is de green-ey'd monster which doth mock de meat it feeds on."

Rogue's eye's widened as she recognized the reference. "Ya're full of surprises, Darlin'. Ah never would have taken ya ta be one who would quote Shakespeare."

Remy's smile returned and he shifted his gaze back to Rogue. "De devil can cite Scripture for his purpose, chere."

"If you're done showing off your ability to recall pointless dribble, LeBeau, I would like you to leave my ship immediately, unless you feel an urge to finish what we started the night before. Rogue and I have some business to conclude. Don't we, sweet?" Joseph looked down into Rogue's eyes and was startled to find a hardened glare.

"Ah actually believe we're done here, sugah. Ah need ta get back and finish mah work on the Anna Marie, and Ah think Ah've already given mah answer ta your proposition." Rogue's glare softened when she turned to Remy. "And since Ah'm sure that Ah'll be seein' ya later, Ah'm not goin' ta bother sayin' good-bye." With that being said, Rogue turned and marched out the door and left the ship leaving the two men alone.

"You stay away from that woman, LeBeau. She's not for the likes of you." Joseph hissed.

"Remy thinks dat's up to Rogue, non? And until she tells him otherwise, Remy will do as he pleases." He walked closer to the door and then turned back to Joseph. "'Sides, Remy thinks mon chere prefers his comp'ny."

"That's only because she doesn't know you like I do. She'll see the light soon enough and I'll be there when she does. This isn't over, LeBeau. Watch your back!"

"Remy always does, mon ami." He turned and left Joseph standing alone in his dining hall.


A/N: Thanks for reading! For those wondering about Logan and Ororo, they will be returning in the next chapter!