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

Chapter 7: Wolverine's Den

The four ships lifted anchor late in the afternoon with the Neptune's Pearl leading the group. The sights and sounds of Port Royal were fading quickly in the distance, and it would be a two day journey to Scar Island. Aboard the Neptune's Pearl, the crew was busy with their work, singing a bawdy sea shanty while the rigging clattered and clanked overhead. Remy had informed Piotr and Kurt of the plan to rest at the small island before continuing on into the more treacherous waters to Cat Island. They would be sailing through the heart of the Devil's Triangle, a stretch of sea known for its unpredictable weather and the basis of countless seamen tales. The stop at Scar Island would give them an opportunity to restock supplies, inquire about the conditions ahead, and calm the nerves of their men.

Piotr was standing at the helm of the ship watching the crew scurry about the deck completing their various tasks. Kurt was using his talents to nimbly climb the mast with rope tied around his torso in order to repair some of the weathered riggings. Three more men sat below the mizzenmast, folding large panels of canvas, while several others scrubbed the decks. Many more, stripped to the waist and barefoot, were busily polishing capstans, hoisting sails, and cleaning the guns.

An hour passed and Kurt finished the necessary repairs, made his way back down the riggings and came up the quarterdeck.

"Is something the matter, Captain? You look troubled." Kurt said as he stepped alongside Piotr.

"Don't you make a sound when you walk, Kurt? I didn't hear you coming?"

Kurt gave a slight laugh. "The way the ship is creaking ünd cracking, I think I vould need a cowbell before you'd hear me! Vhat's on your mind?"

"It's nothing, comrade." Piotr shook his head.

"Problems shared are problems solved, mein freund."

"Ah…you know me too well. If you must know, it's Katja. We've become very close over ze past few months. She's on my mind all ze time." Piotr sighed and looked out over the railings.

"I know, Captain." Kurt said with a knowing smile. "You didn't think that you vere keeping it a secret, did you? I've seen the two of you together, and vhat kind of officer vould I be if I didn't know vhen my captain vas gone? Is that vhere you vere last night?"

"Da…We were talking, just talking."

"Always the gentleman… It's one of your more endearing qualities, mein freund. So, vhat are your plans?" Kurt asked.

Piotr looked down at his friend and placed a large hand on his shoulder. "Zat, comrade, is ze heart of my problem."


Rogue looked over her shoulder and saw the Devil's Lust and Dark Ruby only a few hundred yards behind, sailing nearly side by side. Belladonna had lifted anchor at the exact moment she had, but held back obviously enjoying the proximity to the great galleon captained by LeBeau.

"A storm's coming up, Captain! I can feel it!" Wanda yelled back to Rogue.

"Aye, secure the sails! We can't afford to lose any!" Rogue shouted back, and looked up to the sky. "Batten down!"

On the horizon, menacing clouds were rolling upon them and the winds began to howl. In a few moments, they would be along the edges of the squall, and the ship would need to be ready. Waves, pushed by the approaching storm, began to swell and break over the deck. The Neptune's Pearl was ahead of them, and Rogue could see the ship pitch, skimming over the water only to come crashing back down. "All extra hands, get below deck before ya get swept overboard, and blow out all the lanterns! We don't need a fire!"

Rogue and Wanda stayed on the quarterdeck, trying to keep on course. The crew that remained on the main deck were forced to tie strings along the ship for making their way about, and lashed down the cannons and tankards to keep them from moving around. More men manned the pumps to expel the water that crashed over the Anna Marie's prow and seeped through the floorboards, dampening the decks below.

In the midst of nature's fury, Rogue lost sight of the other ships, unable to see through the billowing waters and towering waves. A full gale raged from the southeast, and then there was a rumble and a growl deep within the Anna Marie's hold as if something struck her broadside. The majestic ship bucked for one heart-stopping moment, before righting itself. Topside, Rogue and Wanda felt the rumble and watched in disbelief as the rogue wave took the ships prow full under, only to relinquish it a few moments later. Rogue yelled down to Kitty to go below and check for damage, and was surprised when she reported none had been taken. Indeed, the Anna Marie was the queen of ships!

The storm raged on and lightning streaked across the darkened sky. With every strike, a deafening roll of thunder followed. Suddenly, a burst of red fire illuminated the horizon before them like a ghastly beacon. In such a gale, one wouldn't think anything could burn, but the eerie glow grew larger. Realization finally struck, knocking the very wind out of Rogue. The fireball before them was the Neptune's Pearl!

"Wanda! Kitty! Prepare the lifelines, and watch for the rowboats! The Neptune's Pearl is goin' down!" Rogue shouted over the driving rain and sea roar.

"It's going to be difficult to spot anyone in this weather, Captain!" Wanda yelled back as she took a position along the railings. Another strong wave swept over the ship, almost washing Kitty overboard. "Hold onto the lines, Kitty!"

"I can't see anything! Oh God, please let them be alright!" Kitty pleaded as she held tightly to the lines tied near the foremast, keeping a lookout ahead of the ship's course.

Wanda was standing along the port railings, watching smoldering planks and debris being tossed in the surge, when she spotted an outline of small vessel. "Captain! Off port bow…There's a boat!"

Rogue tried her best to steer the Anna Marie safely alongside the dinghy. When the ship was within distance, Wanda shouted out to the men. "Watch out! I'll throw you a line!" With that, she threw a boarding hook and pulled them in with the help of some of the crew. Kitty kicked down a rope ladder, and the sea-battered men climbed aboard.

Twenty-three men in all were rescued from the tempest, Kurt and Piotr included. As quickly as it had begun, the storm receded. It was night, before the seas calmed completely and the other two ships were still nowhere in sight. Rogue went below deck and helped Kitty settle their new passengers into their quarters, while Wanda took the helm.

Piotr and Kurt were sitting with Kitty in the galley. Because of the ban of fire during the storm, the cook could only serve the two men some dried beef and onions, but they were thankful for the food all the same. Rogue entered the galley and was rushed by Kurt, who threw his arms around his sister hugging her in a tight embrace.

"Thank Gott, mein schwester! You saved us!" Kurt released Rogue.

"Da, Rogue," Piotr said as he stood and extended his hand, "I owe you a great deal of zanks. I would have lost more men if it wasn't for your efforts."

"No need for thanks. Y'all would've done the same for meh, but what happened?" Rogue asked, taking a seat at the table next to Kitty.

"We weathered the storm well, until the end. Lightning struck the mainsail, and splintered the mast." Grinding his teeth, Piotr cursed his luck. "When the mast came down, she set the riggings and deck ablaze. There was no way to put it out; not as fast as it traveled. We lost so many men." Defeat weighed heavily on his shoulders.

"Ja…Captain and I vaited until the last boat vas lowered, but some of the men jumped into the sea, fearing the fire. Ve don't know vhat happened to the others." Kurt hung his head.

Rogue put her arm over his shoulders and pulled him close. "They might still be alive. We were lucky ta spot y'all in the storm… maybe we'll be able ta find more survivors with the morning light. Don't give up hope."

"Yeah, some of the boats might've been picked up by Captain LeBeau or Belladonna Boudreaux." Kitty said, leaning into Piotr. "I'm just happy you made it through safely. I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost you, Piotr."

"Thank you, Katja." Piotr placed a gentle kiss on her lips. No one had ever made him feel the way she did. He wanted to tell her how much she had come to mean to him, but the words became lodged in his throat. This was not the proper time or place…but soon.

The four continued to sit in the dark galley for a few hours, talking and drinking. Only the light of a single tallow candle safely ensconced in a glass lantern provided light for the group. They agreed that Piotr and his crew would continue sailing with Rogue aboard the Anna Marie, until their current task was completed and he could procure a new vessel. Rogue's galleon was large enough to easily accommodate both crews and she could always use some extra hands.


When the morning sun rose over the horizon, Kurt climbed the mast to the crow's nest and looked for any signs of the Devil's Lust, Dark Ruby, or survivors from the loss of the Neptune's Pearl. It was a beautiful morning. The sky was clear and he could see for miles in all directions. Using the spyglass, he was able to spot a familiar outline off in the distance, a double-masted schooner. It was the Dark Ruby.

Not long after spotting the first vessel, Kurt landed on the Devil's Lust. It was a little farther behind and partially obscured by Belladonna's ship, but seemed to be making headway. He stayed aloft a while longer, but found no signs of survivors. The sea swallowed all remnants of the Neptune's Pearl and must have sent the unfortunate crew into the fathoms below.

The remainder of the journey to Scar Island was uneventful. The crews became accustomed to one another with ease and spent most of the day exchanging exaggerated stories of their conquests and comparing scars. Men! Rogue laughed as they continued their displays and showboating. Meanwhile, Piotr shared time with her at the helm of the Anna Marie, until they were safely docked and anchored in the bay.


It was late in the evening before the crews were able to disembark and make their way to the tavern. The Wolverine's Den was filled with smoke and more unwashed bodies than usual. The weather had caused many ships to dock and wait out the storm, and it seemed few left. Rogue spotted Logan, the tavern's owner, immediately as he hefted a huge barrel of rum over one shoulder and placed it on a rack above his head. He was built as stout as an oak and everyone who frequented the bar was familiar with his nasty temper.

Ororo was weaving her way through the bodies and tables edging closer to the bar with every twist and turn. She was a rare woman, indeed…beautiful, strong-willed, and fearless. Her intrepid spirit won her the heart of the surly Wolverine. She was the only woman who dared stand toe-to-toe with the man when he raged, and they had their share of notorious fights. Balancing her tray up on her shoulder, Ororo approached a table where two customers sat and set their tankards down before them.

"'Ro, beautiful, why don't ya leave this place and run away with me?" the youngest man at the table asked.

Ororo tucked her tray under her arm and shouted to where Logan could hear her over the din of the noisy conversations. "Logan, love, this young man means to steal me away from you. What do you think about that?"

"You'll hafta fight me for her, bub! Not too fond of breathin', are ya?" Logan growled.

Smirking, she looked back at the young man whose face was now pale. "You still want me to run away with you, ducky?"

The older man chuckled and patted his companion on the back. "That wasn't very nice, 'Ro." Then he threw back his tankard, taking a deep draught of the rum. "Danny'll be havin' nightmares for weeks!"

Ororo continued on her rounds, and waved over to Rogue and her friends as they entered. "Rogue, sweet, Have a seat! I'll be with you in a moment!"

Piotr put a possessive arm around Kitty's waist and led her to a vacant table, where Rogue, Kurt, and Wanda followed to join them. The table he chose was long and rough, but a good distance from the rowdy seamen and would give them some privacy to discuss the next leg of their journey. The five took their seats and waited for Ororo.

When Ororo returned to the table, she brought five flagons of rum and took a seat next to Wanda. "Logan has given me a break so I can join you for a spell, my friends. How goes the adventure?"

"Eventful to say the least…Piotr lost the Neptune's Pearl last night. We were lucky enough to pull him from the sea." Kitty answered, taking Piotr's hand in hers and giving it a small squeeze.

"You poor dear! Well, drinks will be on the house tonight." Ororo said.

"Vhat vill Logan have to say about that, 'Ro?" Kurt nodded his head in the bar's direction.

"You just leave Logan to me. If he says anything, I'll make sure he sleeps alone for the next month of Sundays!"

"I will, will I?" Logan appeared at the table and pulled up a chair next to Rogue. "Hey, Stripes!"

"Who's tending the bar?" Wanda asked.

"I put one of the lads to work. 'Bout time they started earnin' they're keep! Now, what's this 'bout me sleepin' alone?" Logan asked, quirking a brow at his wife.

Ororo smiled and stood, walking over behind her husband and placing a hand on each of his broad shoulders. "I told our friends their drinks would be on the house, love. Piotr lost his ship and they've had a hard time." She leaned down and caught his eye. "That's alright, isn't it darling?"

He grumbled but eventually nodded his head in agreement with the offer. "Jus' don't go drinkin' the bar dry, Stripes! At least that damn Cajun isn't here!"

As if on cue, Remy opened the tavern door followed closely by John. The two men eased their way to the table where the group was seated and pulled up two more chairs. John threw his arms up and yelled above the noise. "Sweet Morgan's spleen, mates! We thought we lost you to Davy Jones' locker!" With that, he smacked Kurt firmly on the back and threw his head back laughing.

Piotr turned to face Remy who sat beside him. "How did you know?"

Remy extended his arm and placed a hand on Piotr's shoulder. "Couldn't help but see de fire, mon ami. Dat and Remy managed t' find a few of your men bobbin' in de sea."

Piotr, shocked temporarily, couldn't find any words and upon overhearing the exchange, Kurt turned to Remy with his mouth agape. "Zere were other survivors?"

"Oui…eight hommes."

"That makes thirty-one in all." Kurt frowned. "Mein Gott, ve lost so many."

"Y' jus' lucky any of y' made it off dat ship, mon ami. Y' did what y' could." Remy said as he watched the man's face fall. "Did mon chere save y'?" Remy asked turning to acknowledge Rogue and flashing a disarming smile.

"Watch it, bub!" Logan growled. "Ya jus' say the word, Stripes, and I'll handle Gumbo for ya."

"Naw, sugah… Ah'd enjoy handlin' the Swamp Rat myself. 'Sides, Ah'd hate ta see ya bloody up such a nice shirt!" Rogue said, a light of mischief glinting in her eyes.

"Ah, chere, mais oui! Remy would love y' t' handle him aussi!" Remy's grin turned devilish, but before Rogue could counter his statement, he turned to Ororo who was walking by and took her hand in his. "Stormy, belle, Y' miss Remy?"

"Of course, love, but don't call me that!" She smiled and gently ruffled his hair.

Ororo had always been fond of the young Cajun. She'd met Remy when he was still sailing with his adoptive father Jean-Luc, and had often treated the young man as her own son. Before she met Logan, Ororo had worked as a cook aboard the Devil's Lust, going from one end of the earth to another. Her time with the pirates opened her youthful eyes, showing her that all men were not as they seemed, and led to her initial meeting with her future husband. As a young boy, Remy took to calling her by that atrocious nickname. During a strong storm, Ororo had stayed with Remy below deck, comforting the boy until it passed. Ever since that day, she became his 'Stormy'.

"Oui, Stormy!" Remy smirked.

"Keep yer eyes off my wife, Cajun! I'll never understand the two of ya!" Logan shook his head, and Ororo's cheeks darkened. A loud crash from the bar drew his attention though, and he jumped up from the table. "Kid! I'll have yer hide if ya busted that barrel!" Logan left the group to try and salvage what was left of the rum as the boy behind the bar watched his approach with wide eyes.

"So, you mind fillin' us in on the plan, mates?" John asked, grabbing Wanda's flagon and tossing it back.

"Hey, Johnny-boy! That was mine!" Wanda elbowed him firmly in the ribs, resulting in Kurt being showered with the dark rum.

"Ack!" Kurt yelled and jumped back wiping the alcohol from his clothes.

"Crickey, sheila! You nearly choked me!" John gagged and coughed.

"Serves you right, handsome!" Wanda yanked her flagon away from John's grasp and threw her other arm over his shoulder. "Sorry, Kurt."

The group laughed as Kurt attempted to clean up. When the laughter died, they told Remy about Piotr's plan to remain aboard the Anna Marie and he agreed to take a few of the extra men into his crew until Piotr could purchase a new ship. Kurt retold the story of their tragedy and rescue, while Kitty and Piotr lost themselves in private conversation. John flirted mercilessly with Wanda, while Rogue entered into a battle of words with Remy. None of the group noticed when Belladonna and her brother entered the tavern and stole away to one of the back tables.


Julien and Belladonna sat in a darkened corner of the tavern, trying to avoid the eyes of the other captains. The Dark Ruby had made it through the storm with little damage. Before they could set sail, though, they would need to repair two of the sails that were ripped by the strong winds.

The unfortunate fate of the Neptune's Pearl was known to the pair. They had also seen the fire and had even spotted a few of the crewmembers caught in the storm surge. Unlike the other captains, Belladonna refused to endanger her own vessel to save a few sea dogs, leaving them to Poseidon's fury…a detail she would be sure to keep hidden from Captain Rasputin. When they had docked alongside the Devil's Lust, she had overheard a few of Remy's men whispering about the next leg of the trip. Now, she knew they were headed for Cat Island and through the Devil's Triangle. The Triangle didn't bother Belladonna in the least, and she couldn't be more pleased about the upcoming destination. She knew Cat Island well, and it would be the perfect opportunity to enact the scheme she'd been hatching with her brother. Remy would never see it coming.

"Y' still want t' go t'rough wit dis, Bella?" Julien asked as he watched his sister deep in her thoughts.

"Oui," Bella looked over to Remy and licked her rouged lips, "more dan anything!"

"It's not goin' t' be easy. LeBeau 's a clever salaud. We'll have t' be quick." Julien paused. "What do y' see in dat connard?"

"Ah…Julien, y' simple fool. Dat man can show a woman delights dat y', dear frère, have never 'fore conceived." Bella laughed, looking at Julien's shocked expression. "And whether or not she'd admit it, Rogue wants 'im. Dat sweetens de pot!"

Julien finished off his tankard with one last swig, and responded. "If y're right and Rogue wants 'im, dat's gonna make our task harder, eh? I don't t'ink she'll stand by while we walk off wit her man."

"Let me worry 'bout her," Bella said, quirking a smile. "Now, mon frère, let's…"

She was going to continue when loud singing interrupted her thoughts. Bella and Julien turned to look in the direction of the ruckus, and were surprised to see the Australian and Kurt dancing and singing on a table top. Each were holding flagons high in the air and stepping along to a lively beat. The words to their drinking song rang loudly over the crowded room.

Beer, beer, jolly good beer,

Oh pour it for my men!

Both far and near, we'll sing of beer,

And drink at the Wolverine's Den!

Rum, rum, jolly good rum,

Oh pour it for my men!

Lift your mug and open the drum,

And drink at the Wolverine's Den!

Both men downed a full flagon, and were rewarded with the loud applause of the patrons. Logan's laughter boomed out, and he sent the pair another round. John and Kurt stepped down from the table and collapsed into their seats. Both had obviously had a few too many, but the mood of the group was markedly lighter thanks to their lively display.

Wanda wrapped her arms around John and planted a small kiss on his lips, and as the musicians began to play, she pulled him from the table and led him in a dance. Meanwhile, Kurt was being bombarded with the attentions of several bar maids, who were smitten with the young man.

Kitty and Piotr had disappeared shortly after the drunken display began, and no one was quite sure where they had gone.

Ororo, watching Wanda and John dance, smiled and threw her serving tray behind the bar, nearly missing Logan's head. Grabbing her husband firmly by the arm, she pulled the grumbling man out from behind his station. "Come now, love! Dance with me!" The men, who were sitting at the bar, gaped as the fierce Wolverine danced with his wife, missing a few steps here and there, and snapping at a poor man who dared bump against 'Ro.

Rogue was still sitting at the table watching her friends enjoy themselves, and finishing off her second pint of ale. When she placed the flagon down, she reached her hand up and rubbed the back of her neck. Without comment, Remy took a step forward and gently placed his hands on the tops of her shoulders. With a tenderness that astounded her, he massaged her cramped muscles.

Rogue closed her eyes against the pleasure of his touch. His hands worked like magic, unlocking the tension and relaxing her.

"Better?" he asked.

"Hmmm," she breathed, enjoying his expert touch too much to say anything more. No doubt, the alcohol was working against her, making her more willing to let her defenses down.

Remy delighted in the softness of Rogue's skin as he rubbed the stiffness from her neck. His focus fell on the small white buttons down the front of her shirt and vest. Buttons he could imagine opening with his fingers as he bared more of her flesh to his touch.

"Tell Remy, chere," he whispered in her ear. "Have y' ever had a man kiss y' here?" He touched the tender part of her neck just below her ear.

Rogue stiffened and regained some of her composure. "That's very forward of ya, sugah!"

Remy's fingers stroked her skin, sending a slow burn through her body. "Oui…Have y'?"

Against her better judgment, she answered honestly. "No."

"Dat's a pity. May Remy?" He leaned in closer and she could feel his heated breath on her exposed neck.

"Get away from meh, Swamp Rat! Ah'm warnin' ya!" Rogue pushed herself up and away from Remy's hold.

Remy smirked and began to walk away, but turned after a few steps. "One day, chere, y'll beg Remy t' kiss y' dere!" With that, he turned and walked toward the door.

"The world will end before that day!" Rogue shouted out over the noise. Frustrated, she flung her arm out over the table, sending her flagon crashing to the floor. "Arghhh! That man!"


A/N: Okay, there you go! Two chapters in one week… Chapter 8 will be up by Sunday, and Bella's plan should finally be revealed!