Chapter 4: Destinies
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Character cross overs…
Willow: Scott Summer (Cyclops)
Meegosh: Bobby Drake (Iceman)
Madmartigan: Remy LeBeau (Gambit)
Cherlindrea: Wanda (Scarlet Witch)
Vohnkar: Piotr Rasputin (Colossus)
Burglekutt: Warren Worthington III (Angel)
Fin Raziel: Ororo Munroe (Storm)
Elora- Katherine (Kitty) Pryde (ShadowCat)
Airk: Logan (Wolverine)
Bavmorda: Raven Darkholm (Mystique)
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"Scott!" Bobby called out. The others turned to see Scott being held in a head lock. The cage that was originally thought to possess a simple pile of rags and a recent corpse turned out to be hiding a live prisoner.
"Let him go!" Piotr demanded, unsheathing his sword.
"Or da four of you can put your weapons down an' let Remy out before Remy decides to break your friend's neck." The prisoner squeezed harder, Scott yelped in response. He tried to struggle but was not in a very good position to do so.
The Dweller's did as requested, dropping their weapons to the ground.
"Now, let me out." he demanded.
Piotr began to walk over to the cage, picking up a dagger from the pile of weapons in front of him then continued closer.
Warren stopped him, grabbing his arm and whispering, "if we let him out, who's to say he won't kill us all?"
Piotr looked at Warren, over at the cage and then back at Warren, whispering in his ear, "Five against one are odds I am willing to chance."
Warren let him go, still hesitant. Piotr was cautious as he picked the lock, hoping Scott and the rest of his group would be all right with what appeared to be a Militia. The now unlocked door creaked loudly as it opened.
The Militia stepped out, a tad wobbly. Still in his grasp, Scott tried to loosen the Militia's grip.
"Are you going to let Scott go?" Bobby asked, stepping forward ready to fight this man.
"Scott?" he questioned, than looked at the Dweller he held, "oui, of course. Sorry mon ami." He let go of Scott who backed away from the Militia and closer to his friends. The Militia stretched and then shouted cheerfully. When he was done he grabbed Piotr and hugged him. Stunned, Piotr stood stiffly.
"Much obliged, homme. Da name's Remy LeBeau, mos' call me Gambit," Remy introduced, flashing a charming grin the Dweller's way.
"I am Piotr Rasputin," he then pointed to Bishop and worked his way down the line, "this here is Lucas Bishop, Bobby Drake, Warren Worthington and the man you scared half to death is Scott Summers."
"I was not scared," Scott insisted, "just, startled." He rubbed his neck where Remy had held him prisoner.
"Why, exactly Remy LeBeau, were you put into that cage?" Warren asked.
"Why, ya' don' trus' Remy, nen?" Remy asked, getting closer to Warren.
Warren took a breath, calming himself before he went on. "I think we deserve that much of an explanation for letting you out."
"Jus' be a disagreement amongst Militia," Remy dismissed.
"A disagreement? You were left in a cage to die. What sort of disagreement was it!?" Warren shouted, backing away from the group. Remy shrugged.
"Warren, settle down," Bobby said, getting annoyed by Warren's now screeching voice.
Warren looked at Bobby, "you're telling me to settle down when we just let a man loose over something others thought he should die for?" Warren cried.
"Warren! So if you are such a trusting man why did you threaten Scott's life?" Piotr asked.
Remy looked over at Scott, winked and returned his attention to Piotr. "Not too many people just willin' to let a man in a cage out dese days. Remy had to get your attention."
"So now that you're out where are you going to go?" Bobby asked, still on edge.
"Remy got business to attend, but was hopin' maybe you be generous enoug' an'let Remy stay de night, here."
Piotr thought a minute then responded. "Just for the night. Then we will go our separate ways in the morning."
"Piotr!" Warren said.
"Enough Warren! I have made my decision. Now, let us finish collecting firewood and make camp for the night."
A couple of hours had passed and the sun was completely set by now. The fire burned, the camp was set up and they had eaten. Now conversation had started between the Militia and Dweller's.
"Why you Dweller's so far from your realm?" Remy asked.
"We found this baby and Bayville sent their wolves to our village for her. We were told to bring her to Syracuse and give her to the first Militia we saw…which, would be you," Piotr exclaimed.
"We can't give her to him!" Scott demanded.
"Why not? Charles said the first Militia we encountered. I think Remy meets that qualification," Piotr said.
"Non, if you don' trust Remy, den Remy don' wanna be part of your mission," Remy said, his face offering the expression he was hurt by Scott's accusations. Scott wasn't buying it and ignored the Militia.
"Well, let us sleep on the idea and discuss it in the morning," Piotr said.
The Dweller's got settled for the night near the fire, though Warren still sat up, too afraid of what Remy might do while they slept. "Warren, go to sleep," Piotr demanded.
"But, what if he slits our throats while we're asleep?" Warren asked, pulling his blanket closer to his chest.
"No' to worry, mon ami, Remy hasn't done dat in years," Remy joked, a carefree grin on his face as he settled next to the fire.
"Warren, I will stay awake the night," Piotr reassured.
A moment had passed and Warren must have been comfortable with the arrangement, he started snoring minutes later.
Piotr turned to face Remy. "I saw the tracks on the road, a large group of horses passed by a day ago. Who were they?" Piotr asked.
Remy sat up, "Dey was de army of Westchester, well wha's left of dem."
"What do you mean?"
"Raven sen' Creed to lead an attack against Westchester when Pietro sen' his two best squads out ahead of him to lead an attack on Bayville. De Wolverine lead one an' Psylocke lead de other. While dey outnumbered dose dat weren' killed were cursed by Raven. Bayville hunt down de other armies. Dose dat left de Scarlet Witch told dem to retreat and gather recruits. Something about a child being born dat would defeat Raven an' her army."
'The child,' Piotr thought and looked at the sleeping baby. "Do you know the Wolverine?"
"Oui."
"How?"
"Dat's a long story and a long time ago. Be willin' to tell you another time, mon ami." Remy got settled again and closed his eyes. Piotr chose not to pry any further so he let Remy sleep.
Across the fire Scott tossed and turned in his sleep as something magical was weaving into his dream.
~4~
He was alone and somewhere he had never been, yet it felt inviting and safe. "Where am I?" he asked aloud.
For a time there was no answer, than a bright light filled the dark surroundings and Scott was covered in brightness. He shielded his eyes from the piercing light.
"Hello?" he asked.
"Scott Summers," a feminine voice answered.
"How do you know my name?" he asked.
"Katherine Pryde told me," she answered.
"Who's Katherine Pryde?" Scott asked.
"The child in your possession, but I'm sure you know she's more than a mere child."
"How did you…" he began. Through the light a woman in her late thirties stepped forward. She was tall and beautiful with red hair and blue eyes.
"I am the Scarlet Witch and what you have begun is something more important then you could have ever imagined. This is a journey Katherine Pryde must succeed, but she cannot do it alone. She has asked me to relay this message. Scott, you must take her to Westchester where she and the Militia there can help her defeat the evil Queen and her army."
"Why me?" he asked, suddenly feeling completely out of place.
"Because Scott, you are the only one who can make this journey. Let your instincts guide you and you shall help defeat Raven. Take this," she handed him a wand.
"I don't know how to use it," Scott said, looking the wand over.
"No, this is not for you. Take this to the Sorcerer Ororo Munroe on the Bay of Alexandria. She will know what to do. Remember this Scott, as handled by the guardians of the child no harm can be made against the child with this wand."
"What happens if someone tries to use the wand against the child?" Scott had asked, looking at the wand.
"The magic will recoil that power to the originator," the Scarlet Witch said, looking at the wand then back at Scott. "I shall send two Envoys to help you find the way. Good luck Scott."
The Scarlet Witch began to fade as did the light. "Wait," Scott said. "You need a Militia or…a, a Sorcerer, I'm neither. I cannot make this journey."
A heavy wind began to pick up and the Scarlet Witch's voice surrounded him on all sides. "Quests such as these are not given to fools. You were chosen for a reason. You must find yourself. It lies deep down clouded by self-doubt. You must overcome the shadows and be victorious in this journey. Otherwise the fate of the world will be darkened by Raven's wrath. Every living thing you have come to know will die. Find yourself, Scott. The good of this world relies on that. There are no accidents in life, only destiny. Fore fill your destiny and aid Katherine in hers."
The winds died down and he was surrounded in darkness, alone to his thoughts.
~4~
The dream was gone and Scott awoke with a start. To his astonishment, the wand he was given lay in his hand. He looked around to the peeking sun off in the horizon and his sleeping friends. Even Piotr, who was supposed to be on watch during the night was sound asleep.
"Piotr," Scott said, shaking the man.
Piotr woke. "What is it Scott?" he asked.
"I thought you were supposed to be keeping watch."
Confused, Piotr looked around to the empty spot where Remy had slept. "I…I must have dosed off." He rubbed his head.
Scott went to wake the others. "Strange," Piotr began.
"What?"
"I had a dream we were to head back to Niagara."
"I had a dream as well. I am to take the child to Westchester."
"Alone?" Piotr asked, getting up. Scott nodded. "How will you get to Westchester alone? There are many dangers that await any willing to go to Westchester."
"I must, Piotr. The Scarlet Witch said I am to journey alone."
"The Scarlet Witch spoke with you?" There was a moment the two Dwellers stood in silence. "If she has chosen you to take on this mission alone, I am not the person to question the protector of the realms. We shall depart after breakfast."
"Thank you for understanding, old friend," Scott said as they woke the other three.
~4~
Breakfast was quiet. No one spoke more of their dreams after they had originally told the others of it. Piotr, Bobby, Bishop and Warren, coincidently, were all told in their dream to return to Niagara.
After breakfast, Warren, Bishop and Piotr began packing as Scott and Bobby spoke, collecting water.
"Scott, I don't like this. This quest is far too dangerous for anyone, especially one going alone," Bobby said.
"It'll be fine, Bobby, I assure you. Promise me something. When you return to Niagara, promise me you'll look after Jean and my children. God knows she'll be worried enough when I do not return with you."
"As long as you promise me that you'll return safe and sound, it's a deal."
"I promise."
The two returned to find everything had been packed and the three Dwellers were ready to go. Piotr came over to the lone man to say goodbye. He approached Scott, hugging him and whispering in his ear, "if any man in Niagara was to be chosen for this quest, it was you. Be sure of that, friend."
"I will and take care," Scott said, patting him on the shoulder.
"Good journey Scott," Bishop said, saluting him.
Warren simply looked at Scott, nodding. Scott returned the gesture and picked up his supplies and the cradle backpack that held Katherine and was on his way to Westchester, alone.
~4~
Piotr led the group as he climbed the path and continued home to Niagara. He didn't like how they had left Scott behind but the man been chosen to go. The Sorcerer Charles had given him specific instructions on delivering the child to the first Militia they came across. They did or at least tried to before Remy had disappeared in the night. Their part was over. The rest of the men journeyed with him seemed glum and quiet expect for Warren who was all too happy to get back home.
The trip was a quiet one which was why the approach of horses startled him. They all turned to see ten riders approaching. They looked like Deserters and thankfully not Bayville troops.
Piotr readied his weapon as did Bishop. The group of men stopped in front of them.
A gruff looking man seemed to be the one in charge. He was clad in armor and looked to be an impressive Militia man, which gave Piotr pause as to why this man was either not part of Bayville or fighting Bayville troops.
"What is your business?" he asked, gruffly.
Piotr looked at all the riders. "What is yours? Thieving or killing? I expect nothing less of Deserters," Piotr countered.
The lead man snorted. "Ain't no Deserters amongst us. Are you Dwellers?"
"Yes," Piotr answered, his hand still lingering on his sword hilt.
The leader eyed them all. "The name's Logan. This here is part of what's left of the Westchester army. I am recruiting those who seek to aid in the defeat of Bayville."
"You can't be serious!?" Warren exclaimed. "We are just Dwellers, what could we offer?"
"A body, which could tip the scales in battle, bub. Looks like two of you would suit our needs just fine," he said, looking at both Piotr and Bishop.
"How many of you are there?" Piotr asked.
"Too few. We have a few groups across the lands recruiting. The child of prophecy was born and we have one final chance to stop Raven. Are you Dwellers in or out?"
Silence, then Piotr stepped forward. "I am in," he offered.
"Me too," Bishop said stepping next to Piotr.
"You know this isn't guarding the realm. This is going up against the most skilled Militia in all of the lands!" Warren tried to reason, to a cowardly crowd.
"And me," Bobby said not waiting to hear any further cries from Warren.
"This is madness," Warren continued.
Logan's horse pranced impatiently. "Your call, bub." He turned to face those that stood as recruits. "What are your names?"
The three Dwellers offered their names. All turned to Warren. Bobby addressed him, "and this is Niagara's own windbag, Warren." Warren seemed about to offer a form of witty retort but Logan cut him off. Grinning he spoke, "We have a camp ten miles up. We'll have horses, armor and weapons for everyone. Supplies villages have offered us during our recruitments. You'll be fitted and ready to pledge to the Militia in no time."
The Dwellers followed the mounted Militia towards camp, leaving Warren behind.
Warren stood there a moment. He looked to his fellow Dwellers who were leaving him behind to fight this war. He glanced to his left towards home. If he returned alone he would forever be branded a coward. Either choice he made, he would not win. A man forever mocked amongst his people as a coward or a man, perhaps slain, in the most memorable battle for years to come. "Wait!" he called out. The mounted men and Dwellers turned towards him. Warren ran to catch up.
Logan eyed him questionably. "Perhaps I should pledge. I would be of more use to you than those Dwellers not brave enough to serve Westchester's mighty Militia."
Bobby snickered while Piotr and Bishop shook their heads. Logan just continued to eye Warren then abruptly turned his horse and continued towards camp. Warren waited for a response but never got one. Everyone else started towards camp, Warren's shoulders dropped and he followed. Kicking the dirt up as he did.
'Stupid prophecy,' he thought.
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