Disclaimer: Marvel Entertainment owns everything, with the exception of Cat who is my own creation. This is a work of fanfic, no copyright infringement intended.

Author's note. This story takes place in the altered reality ruled by Magneto and the HOUSE OF M, created by the reality-warping powers of the Scarlet Witch. As such, the histories and affiliations of some characters may have changed significantly. The Red Guard and it's make up are seen in House of M#3. The group's history is given in Wolverine (3rd series) 33-35, along with Fury's supposed death. It is never formally confirmed that he is dead, just that he is believed so by most people. In summary, Nightcrawler was never abandoned by Mystique. She chose to remain with him in hiding until the war was over when she joined SHIELD. Up to that point Mystique history proceeds much as in our own. Spiderwoman (jess Drew) was found by Fury and was never a Hydra agent. Toad fought for Magneto in the Mutant Human war, and has written a book about his experiences. Rogue's parents were killed early in the mutant Human war and she remained in an orphanage until her powers were discovered and she was taken into SHIELD and adopted by Mystique. If anyone feels I missed anything, please let me know.

Author Note 2. I suffer from dyslexia and lack a beta reader. So if my spelling/ grammar really offend anyone would they like to volunteer?

Major thanks to CaptMacKenzie, who has kept me going. Virtual cookie to you.

Chapter 6 Wolverine

Fury's ring was about a mile from the main SHIELD training facility. It was there, a young agent, easily impressed by Shaw's orders, told them they would find the Red Guard.

The first impression of the ring was of wooden grave stones, standing in the midst of a sea of red earth. The Red Guard agents were mainly stood or perched around the edge. They all were wearing the standard training uniform of green combat trousers and black or grey vest tops. If anything this made them more intimidating especially were they spotted the detectives.

"This area's off limits." The team sole Sapien member, Spider-Woman told them, walking over.

"Detective Bishop and Rush" Bishop said, holding out his badge for inspection.

"Still off limits!" spider woman repeated. Her partner, Toad had noticed the exchange and waddled over to join them. Lily regarded him nervously. She had read both his account of the Mutant Human War, and his SHIELD profile and knew him to be a dangerous opponent.

"We have permission," she said holding out Shaw's instructions, "to speak with Captain Howlett, Codename Wolverine."

"Hate to tell you this sugar, but you're in for a wait." The team's youngest member, Rogue had made her way over. She still wore the black gloves of her SHIELD uniform, which she kept tugging at. This made lily nervous. Toad leant in and examined the instructions more carefully. Apparently satisfied that they were genuine, he moved back to his previous position. The others followed suit. Lily and Bishop moved a little closer to the ring and stood in silence.

In the centre of the ring were two combatants. They did not appear to be aware of their audience, fighting as though they were performing some ancient dance. They slide and twisted and jumped around each other, claws slicing though air and flesh, making the blue skinned mutant at the edge of the ring wince.

"Why Fury's ring?" Lily asked, seeking something other than the yell and grunts of the combatants to listen to. Most of the Red Guard appeared to ignore her question, but the blue skinned woman answered.

"when SHIELD was reformed after the Mutant Human war, it's former director, Nick Fury, was given the task of training the original red guard."

"Interesting bunch," Toad observed to no one in particular. "2 mutant SHIELD agents who survived the war, only 10 with any real military experience, the rest those who fought faithfully for magneto."

Spider woman nodded. "I completed basic training about 3 months after Fury's death. There were less than half of those who trained with Fury still there and more left within the year."

"He would not tolerate dissension in the ranks." The blue skinned woman continued, her yellow, pupil less eyes never leaving the ring. "Anyone who had a problem with anyone in the team had to fight it out here."

"Is that what...?" Bishop began nervously as the combatants separated for a moment and he recognised one of them as Cat.

"Don't flatter yourself." The blue demon looking mutant Nightcrawler said.

"You've stirred up a hornet's nest," Rogue added. "But he ain't mad bout that."

"So what's this about then?" Lily asked confused.

"Letting off steam." Nightcrawler said, his tail swishing from side to side as he sat on top of the tombstone.

"They know they've got an audience." Spiderwoman added, with a smile. "So they're showing off."

Suddenly with no warning it was over. There was no clear winner, the two merely separated. They stood for a moment, claws drawn, breathing heavily. Then they sheaved them. Wolverine leant over and placed his hand on Cat's shoulder. What he said none of the others could hear, but clearly cat drew comfort from it, as she nodded and left the circle.

"Elf. Rogue." Wolverine said his voice calm and furious at the same time. "Get everyone back. And don't argue Myst." He added as the blue skinned woman opened her mouth. "That's an order."

Nightcrawler nodded, taking his mother's hand. Rogue removed her gloves to "borrow" some of Nightcrawler's powers. The other's gathered around the two, cat sending wolverine a nervous glance. Then in a puff of smoke, a whip-like crack and a stench of brimstone they were gone.

The air was still for moment. Then wolverine stepped back inside the circle. The detectives followed him, nervously.

"Talk." He snarled.

"Excuse me?"

"Cat said you ain't interested in Eaton's death. Barely mentioned it. Shutterbug agrees with her. Why?"

Something in those striking blue eyes made Lily decide to tell the truth. She held out the dog tag.

"Scot Eaton was clutching this when he died." She said. Wolverine made no reply.

"We've matched it to our files. Only similar ones come from the guards at Weapon X."

"So you figure Eaton was killed by a survivor?" Wolverine said. He shrugged. "It's possible."

"What do you remember about that place?" Lily asked, for some reason afraid.

Wolverine shrugged. "Impressions mainly. Pain, blood, anger. Sometimes I dream of a bald guy with glasses and a Japanese woman. Sometimes it's a medieval torturer with a surgical mask for a hood, surrounded by angels of death. But what's real and what's not, I don't know."

"Forgive me." Bishop said, "But why are you been so forward with us?"

"I want you gone." There was passion in the voice. "Weapon X was bad news then and it's worse now. We've just started healing those wounds. We don't need them opened again." He looked ait Lily for a few moments before adding, "But you ain't going to quit."

It was not a question.

Lily nodded. "Can you think of anyone who might tell us more?"

Wolverine shrugged. "Outside of shield, just maggot."

"Maggot?!" Bishop said, but Lily ignored him.

"He's head of security to Queen Ororo, but back then he was just one of the thousands of kids they picked up. One of the few who made it to the end."

Lily made a note. "Thank you." She said gently.

Wolverine nodded. "Just remember," he said, "the guards weren't the only ones who wore dog tags. And some of the scientists were worse than them."

"How did you get out then?" asked Bishop.

There was a pause before Wolverine replied. "They were so intent on making me an animal they forgot I had a brain. So I got out." Both detectives were sure he was lying

author's note. sorry to repost this, but about half of it was cut off last time. hopefully better luck this time.