Chapter 9: Westchester Encounter - Part I
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Creed was finally able to move after the Dweller shot him with the energy beam. He climbed to his feet nearly toppling over his dead Nasty Boys. "LeBeau," he spat exiting Rogue's tent. He found the guards that were supposed to be watching the prisoners passed out. He kicked both viciously. "Get up fools! The prisoners have escaped!" He found other nearby Militia, same thing. What had been in his favor earlier while torturing Rogue was now working against him.
"Wake up you drunken boobs! The prisoners have escaped and they've taken the Queen's daughter and the child!" Men began to scramble, wakening others it wasn't long before the entire camp was up and getting ready to track down the escaped prisoners.
Amongst the scramble St. John raced towards Rogue's tent while still dressing in his armor. His step was a bit unsteady due to the alcohol he had just passed out from. Inside her tent four of Creed's Nasty Boys on the ground dead and Rogue was nowhere to be seen.
St. John was about to head out towards his horse but took a second look at the dead Militia. 'Why are Creed's loyal troops in her tent?' he thought. There was a pair on each side of the bed. 'Something isn't right here,' he thought and left the tent towards his mount.
Once they found Rogue he would ask her. That is, if she was still alive.
~9~
Logan starting to feel that all familiar adrenaline for battle running through him. After the defeat of his army months ago he feared for the worst, his death before the defeat of Bayville and especially his brother. Ever since that day years ago he had yearned for their final battle.
Logan did not want to join Essex when he had recruited them but did so for Creed. Those years showed how different they really were. Creed had no conscious while Logan did. That girl Essex killed stirred something in Logan. When he went to stop her, her eyes were filled with fear and disgust and he did not want to be the cause of those feelings in those that were good and innocent.
And then Creed attacked her, leaving her barely alive just to get a rise out of Logan. It had worked. They might be blood related but they were not the same. When Creed and Essex left him to die he saw that, what he had been seeing as time went on, clear as day.
It took a while but he was able to stop the bleeding from his wound. As he tried to control his labored breathing he heard horses approaching. He feebly reached for his sword as someone approached. The world began to dim and sound was muffled. The man he'd come to know as Pietro asked if he was alright. Too injured he had blacked out and awoke in Westchester. At first they thought he nearly died trying to save the siblings but later came to realize that was only partially true.
A young Pietro kept watch over the mystery man and came to respect Logan and the life he lived before Essex. From that point on the two found an unlikely kinship. Pietro became like a younger brother to him and Logan trained amongst the Westchester Militia to eventually become Pietro's second in command.
His recruits, now Militia, had just met the additional recruiting parties. Logan couldn't help but grin at the numbers. Despite these people being minimally trained, as compared to those they would be fighting against, the sheer number of recruits before him would give Westchester the advantage. Logan sat in the saddle calmly as he faced the group. Next to him he nodded to one of his Generals, Brian Braddock, the quieter of his Generals. Logan always ordered Brian to give the troops the inspirational speech prior to battle.
Brian inwardly sighed, he was a leader by example, being the loud and outspoken leader was not the type of person or leader he was and Logan knew that. Logan also liked making Brian uncomfortable. Brian walked his horse next to Logan and looked out at the hundreds of Militia. It wasn't long before the words formed.
"You were brought amongst us and trained so that true evil will not rule this world. This stand is the last one Westchester and all realms will make against Bayville. We are the X-Factor in this war and the name defines us as a group," around him hundreds of men and women watched him in awe. Had they expected this speech to come from the Wolverine they did not show any disappointment. His words were hitting home. Any fear in their eyes slowly faded as he spoke. His words gave them courage and strength, what Logan wanted and what Brian hoped he would accomplish. For all of these recruits the next few days would be the strangest and scariest days of their lives, but he would do his best to crush any fear and turn it into a useful feeling. A feeling that might save many of their lives in the upcoming battle.
"Together we will see an end to this evil once and for all!" he finished and the few Militia of Westchester cheered, their cries soon carried to cheers from the recruits until a unified chant of Westchester carried across the valley and beyond. They were united; they were the X-Factor in this war. Beside him Logan chewed on his cigar, he face gave no tell of any emotion. Just a cold hardened look that was focused on the battle that lay before them.
With the army motivated Logan pulled on his horses' reins, the stallion eagerly awaited the march. The horse pranced and marched powerfully ahead. Behind him the others followed to the start of the first glorious battle.
Brian rode right behind Logan. Pulling the cigar from his mouth Logan spat out the pieces. "You know, you're getting good with those speeches. Might have to start calling you Captain something or other," Logan said mildly.
Brian couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. Shaking his head he trotted ahead of Logan. "I guess that means I'll be taking the lead," he said casually.
"Not while I'm around, bub," Logan grunted and Brian laughed.
Every battle had the possibility of their imminent death, but they had defied those odds so many times. Brian knew the Wolverine was impossible to kill and Brian himself was a talented Militia. But with one of the greatest battles in history looming around the corner all bets are off.
~9~
They traveled through the night and into the next day. Ororo taught Scott some more magic spells. One of the spells she taught him was how to cover their tracks and set the tracks going in a different direction.
They rode on in silence. Adrenaline from the escape fading Remy let Scott take the first nap while he headed to Westchester.
It didn't seem like much by the time Remy woke Scott but it did refresh him. The Dweller took over the reins for a time while the Militia slept. Ororo had woken up as well and was perched on Scott's shoulders to keep Scott company. "Do you think they know we are heading to Westchester?" Scott asked.
"At some point yes. When they'll figure it out, I cannot say. We just need to get there and try to free anyone still under Raven's curse."
Scott nodded. It was quiet for a while and Ororo thought the man had shied away from his duty to this mission. "Can you teach me how to free those cursed by Raven?" he asked, a new confidence upon him when she looked at him.
"Yes. When we wake up Remy we will try," she said. The pair rode on taking the opportunity to relax. As they neared Westchester Ororo woke up Remy. The Militia offered a few words of protest but got up none the less and took over the reins.
When Scott was settled in the wagon he pulled the wand out. Ororo flew back and gripped the side of the wagon, face to face with the Dweller. "Being a Sorcerer and dealing with magic is mainly about letting the power within you out. There's a reason only certain people are Sorcerer's and others can only do tricks. Magic comes from a person's energy which is why I keep telling you, you must believe in yourself. It takes a long time to understand those feelings and it is difficult to train someone who does not believe in themselves. I want you to try what we have learned on me. Once you completely believe in your powers and learn to harness it you will be able to free me from this curse."
Scott nodded now seemingly anxious to try. "Close your eyes." He did. "Hold the wand and concentrate on the power you feel within."
With the wand in his hand he felt energy flowing through him to the wand. "Focus on controlling that power," he heard her say. The energy was hard to slow down. He felt a great, unstable power and was able to guide that power towards the wand.
"Now Scott, use that focus and channel it to me to turn me human. Once you channel the power the wand will do the rest. Just focus," she instructed.
Scott looked at Ororo then ahead at Remy. They were getting closer to Westchester and he needed to release Ororo into her human form so they would stand a chance against Bayville who would soon be on their heels.
Refocusing he aimed the wand at Ororo and began to concentrate. Like before he felt internal energy shifting uncontrollably. He tried focusing on Ororo. He felt the energy shift to the wand and was about to release it when a startled cry from behind him startled him.
"No mama! Ah'm not him, Ah'm not mah father," she called out in her sleep. This was the first time she stirred since Scott put the sleeping spell on her. From the spells Raven used on her as a child Rogue could sense the magic even in her sleep.
Scott looked back at Ororo, now realizing the spell might not have been completed because he was distracted and had lost focus. But she wasn't there. Franticly he looked around but saw nothing. Movement above him caught his attention. The creature hovered in front of him, a white dove he discovered.
Scott was above to shoo the animal away but stopped when it spoke. "Don't you dare," Ororo threatened.
Startled, Scott stopped himself. "Ororo?...What happened?"
"You lost focus dear boy," she cooed.
Scott started to offer an apology but Ororo stopped him. "No need. We will wait until we get to the castle for you to try again. No more distractions."
As if on cue he could see the castle off in the horizon. He had heard tales of this place but had never seen it himself. The architecture was enormous and breath taking. He had never seen a structure of this stature before. There was the main castle and a surrounding wall of the city. The castle was so big it made the twenty foot stone wall seem miniature.
His pouch moved and Kurt poked his head out, yawning as he did so. His hair was a mess. "Have ve arrived yet?" he asked looking up at Scott. Scott nodded as he continued to stare ahead. "Wait, when did you guys get back?" he asked. He remembered they had left to give Logan and his recruits an update but he didn't recall them returning, especially so soon. "Ve got back vhile you vere sleeping. Deciding that vas a good idea, ja," Kurt answered, voice tired from the trip to and fro.
"Oh," was all Scott could say.
Kurt turned to look ahead and saw Westchester as well. He reached back in the pouch. "Hey, hey ugly vake up," he called as he shook the still sleeping Envoy. No response, only snoring. Finally he kicked Toad roughly and the snoring stopped. "Ahhhh!" Toad screamed as he awoke. He struggled to find the exit of the pouch. "Yo!" he said looking at Kurt, "did you kick me?" finally finding the exit to the pouch.
"Ja." Kurt replied with a grin.
"Yo man, you know not to kick me when I'm sleeping, blue boy."
"Ja, big rats as I recall." Kurt taunted, knowing Toad had nightmares of rats all the time and it was a sore subject.
Toad frowned, then pounced on Kurt and the two began to fight. Scott had to break them up by separating the two. He put Kurt on his shoulder, while Toad stayed in the pouch below.
The two stopped the vocal threats as the wagon rolled through the front gates of the city. Scott continued to be in awe of this place. He took in the height and beautifully crafted designs of the buildings as they passed. The city alone stretched close to a mile in front of the main castle and wrapped around the castle.
Beyond the structures he starting taking into account the atmosphere, Scott couldn't help but shiver as another eerie feeling passed through him that was all too familiar. The feeling was the same he felt while he was on the island in the Bay of Alexandria.
The city was deathly quiet and looked as though it had been suddenly abandoned. Whatever had happened here was tragic.
They entered the gate of the main castle and the wagon halted. Remy dropped to the ground and looked around. "Ororo, you know a good place to put de fille?" he asked gesturing towards the Queen's unconscious daughter.
Ororo flapped her wings and hovered towards the entrance of the castle. "Yes. Bring her and follow me."
Scott stood ideal in the wagon as Remy moved quickly to get Rogue out and safe from the soon arriving army. "Scott, come," Ororo insisted. Scott followed and tried to help Remy with Rogue. The young woman groaned in pain as she was moved but still stayed asleep. For that Scott was thankful, thinking how excruciating the pain must have been. With Rogue in Remy's arms, Scott climbed into the wagon and collected Katherine in her backpack. The baby was sound asleep.
They moved through the castle, through the main halls, up a flight of stairs, down several corridors and finally arriving in a bedroom. The room was spacious and had the basic furnishings of a bedroom.
Remy gently placed Rogue on the bed while Scott stood just outside the room. Remy checked on her facial expression and her breathing pattern. She remained breathing steady, in a deep sleep. He brushed a strand of hair from her face. His hand lingered a moment as he watched her. Somehow, someway this young woman stirred something in him. Something no one else had ever done before and he barely knew her. Remy was a ladies man, a scoundrel. Now he couldn't imagine sharing this intimate moment with another woman.
Realizing the Bayville army was on their way and he was leering a little too long, he turned and moved to leave. He stopped next to Scott at the door. "Let's head over to de armory den we get ready for battle," he said, patting Scott on the shoulder.
"No Remy. I need him here." Ororo said. Remy turned to her. She was now perched on the back of a chair. "If he can do what I think he can, you won't need to fight all of these men alone. Not again."
Remy looked at her and chuckled. "Well den, Remy be gettin' himself ready for de enemy. Be waitin' for you by de front gate," he said winking at both Scott and Ororo. With that, Remy left the room.
"Scott, we must try to heal the girl then free me from this curse. You must concentrate on what you are doing. Focus your energy on what you intend to use it for."
Scott entered the room and gently placed Katherine on the floor, who still slept. He looked at the wand, then back at the unconscious Militia on the bed. He wanted to fix her legs. 'Concentrate,' he thought closing his eyes all of this had to come together. They had the army of Bayville on their heels and the fate of a peaceful world was all riding on him now. He needed to focus and channel whatever all of these people saw in him.
At first nothing but as he cleared his mind and allowed himself to focus on what his body was telling him he started to feel something. The energy focused and flowed through him with ease. He felt right and suddenly for the first time it all started to come together. He channeled the energy to what he intended to use it for, healing. When he opened his eyes he looked at Rogue who still slept. He uncovered the bandages and touched her knees. He felt the energy go through him and to the young woman.
Rogue's body shuttered and then her eyes fluttered open. She tried to focus on her surroundings. Looking up she saw a man standing over her. She remembered her last few moments of coherent consciousness that had been filled with pain and rage. She reacted from it, leaping forward she attacked.
The man shouted something out of surprise and pain as they landed on the ground. Rogue on top of him. She punched him in the face and was about to continue an aggressive assault but felt a sharp pain in her shoulder and a voice shrieking for her to stop.
Some clarity came before her and she stopped herself from punching the man below her again. Slowly she took in her surroundings. She was in a place she did not recognize. A man she finally recognized as the Dweller they had been chasing was beneath her. A white dove flew above her and she realized it was the bird's talons clawing at her shoulder seconds before.
"Wha…" she began but the dove spoke.
"My dear, you were tortured by Creed and we saved you. Scott healed your wounds." Rogue now recognized the voice as Ororo's.
Her knees! Rogue suddenly remembered Creed's assault in her tent. She pulled her pant legs up and inspected her knees, which were in fact healed. She looked down at Scott, then over at Ororo. "How?" was all that she could ask. Ororo gestured down at Scott, whom she still sat on. Rogue looked down at him as he wiped the blood from his spit lip.
"Ah, Ah'm sorry Dweller. Ah thought yah were Creed." She looked down shamefully and moved off of him.
Scott sat up and looked at her. "It's okay. After what you went through I can't say that I blame you for any sudden outburst in a vulnerable position."
Rogue nodded at him and then looked at her surroundings. "Where are we?" she asked.
"The castle of Westchester," Ororo cooed.
"Westchester? But this place has been abandoned since we defeated the King and his army months ago," Rogue said. She now stood up testing her knees to make sure they really were fixed. Satisfied, she looked at Ororo.
"Yes, well our options were limited since you took us prisoner." Silence filled the room then Ororo proceeded to ask the elephant in the room. "My dear I have to ask, are we safe to assume you will not attack us while we are in Westchester? Or are we still at odds?"
When Scott realized the possibility that she could in fact attack them and take Katherine at any moment he suddenly made his way over to Katherine. He stood protectively in front of the child. Even though he knew if Rogue attacked him he wouldn't stand much of a chance in a fight, but he would still try.
Rogue looked at Ororo then Scott. "Ah, Ah do not know. Ah will not attack yah after wha' yah did for meh but the Queen is mah mother," Rogue offered. Right now she was confused. Even before being tortured by Creed she had questioned her mother and the path Bayville would take this world down. Now it was clear to her, her hatred of Bayville but she still loved her mother. What could she do now with this war drawing close to an end?
"Yes but do you agree with her vision for this world?" Ororo asked.
Rogue had been staring at the ground this whole time as she tried to think through the confusion. When Ororo asked what had been on her mind she looked up at the white dove. She shook her head no.
Ororo smiled at her. She understood the unfortunate situation Rogue was in. The girl fought for her mother's belief but not of her own, simply because she loved her mother. Now she was in a state of limbo, where to fit in? Looking anxious Rogue shook her head, "Ah need a moment," she said and left the room quickly.
Scott watched on a little surprised by her sudden departure. He was glad she left to think this over. He couldn't believe her predicament. He'd almost expect the enemy to be contrary to his principles, black and white, but this gray area Scott was still trying to get used to it. First with Remy and now with Rogue.
"Scott, shall we try the spell to fully release me from this curse?" Ororo asked gaining Scott's attention. He nodded in agreement and pulled the wand out. Stepping towards Ororo who was still perched on the back of the chair he aimed the wand at her. He looked at her and she him. Showing her confidence in him she smiled and closed her eyes, waiting for him to try again.
Taking a breath, Scott closed his eyes and concentrated. As usual he felt the energy flowing. He imagined freeing Ororo from the curse and transforming her into a human again. The energy gathered within him and his intent for the spell drove the energy to the wand and he felt it release. He kept his eyes closed and continued to concentrate or rather pray it had worked this time. Slowly he opened his eyes. As his vision processed to his brain his eyes opened wide in a state of surprise and wonder. Before him stood a beautiful woman. She had light chocolate skin, with white hair and stunning blue eyes. "Ororo?" he questioned.
She looked down at her attire; it was the same thing she had been wearing when Raven cursed her. Reaching up she touched her face. The only thing that had changed was her appearance. She could tell she had aged as normal as if she had been living all of those years. Looking across at Scott she smiled, finally after all of these years. "It has been so long," she said to him. Scott smiled as well, happy to have finally freed her from the curse that kept her a prisoner for so many years.
Ororo reached over and hugged Scott. He returned the gesture. Ororo began to laugh, almost giddy. Pulling herself together she stopped and pulled away from Scott and looked down at the wand. Scott had forgotten he still held it, her wand. He handed it to her and Ororo graciously took it. "Now, let us see if Raven left anyone else here to be freed from this curse."
"Ororo, you are freed from zat curse!" a voice called out. Scott and Ororo looked down to see Kurt and Todd entering the room.
"Where have you two been?" Scott asked, never noticing they left. He shook his pouch expecting to find holes the Envoys slipped out of. There were none.
"A guy's gotta eat," Kurt explained just as Toad let out a belch.
"Yeah, kitchen still has some food if you guys are hungry, yo," Toad said.
Scott and Ororo shook their heads at the Envoys. The pair provided quite the comedic relief in these dark times that was for sure. "We should find Rogue," Ororo said to Scott.
Before anyone could respond Rogue entered the room. "No need," she said.
The Envoys gasped at her recovery and the fact that the enemy was free to apparently roam alone throughout the castle. "Ah will help yah figh' Creed and the approaching Bayville army. Ah have not decided on wha' ta do after that," she said.
"Say wha?! What did we miss?" Toad asked Kurt. "Apparently a lot," Kurt replied looking from Rogue to Ororo.
"Yo, did anything else happen while we were gone?" Toad asked.
"That is fair enough Rogue. We appreciate your help. Now you two," Ororo gestured at the Envoys. "Go with Scott and help him find a place to hide Katherine. Rogue, I'm not sure what you want to do but you are welcome to come with me or Scott. I will find anyone left in Westchester who might have been cursed."
"Zere are a group of cursed Militia in ze great hall," Kurt said.
"Yeah, not many though," Toad added.
"Thank you," she said looking down at the two. "Good luck, all of you," she finished, looking from the Envoys to Rogue then finally Scott. Rogue stood ideal not seeming like she would follow Ororo so she decided to leave the Militia to decide on her own what to do.
The Envoys looked to Scott for a ride. "What am I, your mule?" Scott asked looking down at the two. "Nah, you're more like a pony," Toad said adding a little clicking noise as if trying to get his attention which caused Kurt to laugh. "Ja, giddy up little pony," Kurt added and the two laughed.
"Fine, you can walk," Scott insisted, picking up Katherine in her backpack. She laughed like she understood what he had said in turn making Scott smile.
"Ahhh, man you can't take a joke!?" Toad asked hopping along as Scott walked towards the door.
"Ve vere only kidding, man," Kurt said looking up at Scott.
"And guess who's laughing now?" Scott asked. The two Envoys continued to complain but when Rogue stepped in front of Scott they piped down, afraid of the young Militia. She looked at Scott. Both were a little unsure of how to talk to one another in this awkward moment.
Rogue finally broke the silence. "So, do yah know where the armory is?" Rogue asked.
Scott blinked a few times. Apparently everyone besides these two had been to Westchester before. "Uh, no. I have never been here before," he replied.
"Well," she began, "looks like yah are goin' to help meh find it," she finished grabbing hold of his arm before he could protest.
"Yo! Hey wait for us!" Toad called out as he and Kurt quickly followed after them regretting teasing Scott a moment ago.
~9~
When Remy entered the main armory just a glimpse of the room brought a grin to his lips. When he trained here years ago he wasn't allowed in the main armory. Captain Henry McCoy was a stickler to keeping people out except those highly ranked. The rest of the Militia were only allowed in the smaller armories. This was like the master suite of all armories and Remy had always wanted to see what Henry McCoy, the weapons master, hid inside. He wasn't disappointed. Inside was supplies he had only ever dreamed about; armor, weapons, traps; an almost endless supply could be housed inside and much still remained despite the recent battles.
He walked alongside the wall of chain mail and such in search of suitable armor. He eventually helped himself to some dark body armor that fit almost perfectly. The material wasn't bulking and yet seemed to be quite durable. Now suited he needed weapons and tools for battle. Seeing a vast selection he pulled up a storage handcart and began to load it with various weapons and hand traps, crossbows, anything of use that caught his eye.
With the cart now filled he attached a few weapons to his person. He was content with a pair of swords across his back and several daggers hidden within his new armor. Satisfied for now, he headed outside to unload his first load of traps and weapons. As a teen he had roamed the streets of Westchester and learned the layout well, habit of a thief. He went to work at the front gate and the surrounding area.
Setting the cart down, he looked around. "Remy go' himself 'lotta news toys and all des room to play," he chuckled to himself as he began to set up for round two against the Bayville Militia.
~9~
Ororo made her way to the great hall. Even though it had been nearly two decades since she was here last, it felt like she was just here yesterday.
The great hall was an enormous room. The purpose of this room was to intimidate the enemy and offer shelter to many Westchester and honored guests during times of celebration. The time for neither was upon them.
It didn't take her long to find Pietro and four of his personal Militia near the seating of his royal table. It looked like they had been in the middle of a meeting and were attacked. Some were still seated while others were either fully standing or on the verge of it. All were encased in stone. Ororo knew Raven's handy work.
Ororo was a bit surprised Raven had left Pietro and four Militia alive. She was sure that Raven had a devious plan in store for them in doing so. Perhaps once Raven banished the child of the prophecy she would return and either make slaves out of them or let her Militia offer them a slow and painful death.
She didn't speculate for very long. Ororo held out the wand. She took one last look at Pietro then closed her eyes. As Ororo fought the curse Raven had bestowed upon them her magic grew stronger. A bright glow covered the room as she projected her magic. With a final force of energy Ororo felt the curse lift.
When she opened her eyes the stone was gone and everyone slowly began to move. It was then Pietro saw her. "Ororo? Is it possible?" he asked, almost to himself. Normally always quick about things he slowly walked towards Ororo. Perhaps afraid she was an illusion or a cruel joke Raven was playing.
"Pietro, it has been far too long," she said. Now standing inches apart, they stared into each other's eyes for a moment then embraced. It was a type of embrace of long lost lovers that was thought to be forever gone. As they moved in for a first kiss in so many years they were interrupted.
"Ahem," was sounded behind them and they broke apart to see who had interrupted them. It was a young woman with blonde hair. "Ororo, may I introduce Miss Emma Frost," he said eyeing the young woman's impolite manner. He turned his attention elsewhere, "You remember Hank," gesturing towards the stocky man who was years older than her. He might have aged but the only thing that looked really different were his glasses that tended to change with time.
"Henry! I have missed you so much," she said reaching out to the man. He had helped train Pietro and was a young man in King Erik's Militia. Henry was very intelligent and since anyone could remember he had been crafting weapons as well as invented new types of weapons. Besides being Pietro's advisor, he was also the master of weapons and a valuable asset to Westchester. Ororo saw him often when she came to Westchester to visit Pietro. They even fought together once she moved back to Westchester after training in Plattsburgh. Not long after that Raven had cursed Ororo. Never to be seen again, until now.
Ororo looked at the other three, none of whom she recognized. Granted Ororo was still relatively young they were even younger. All were in their twenties.
"These are my personal Militia. Emma was a Seer but we trained her as a Militia. She climbed the ranks so quickly she even impressed Logan, which is why I recruited to work closely with me. Jamie, who is far too intelligent to just let roam as a regular Militia. He also aides Hank in military tactics. And finally Alex who came to us a young lad from Syracuse. He shows promise as a Captain of his own army one day soon."
"It is very nice to meet you all but I must insist we take time later for better introductions. The Bayville army is on their way for the child of the prophecy."
"You have her?" Emma asked, her voice full of relief.
Ororo smiled, thankful in this time of war they had a silver lining. "Yes but if Bayville breaches the castle and defeats us we will not."
"Hank, lead the four of you down to the armory and get suited up. Then prepare the city for battle." Pietro instructed.
"Of course. But what of you? Will you join us?" Hank asked, taking a moment to be nosey as they needed all able bodies they could get with an army of Bayville on their way.
Ororo answered. "We will join you shortly. Oh and we have an ally down in the armory and perhaps now in the streets setting up defenses for Bayville, Remy LeBeau. In the meantime, there is something Pietro must know about before we join you."
The four looked at her then their King. Knowing they would eventually find out what she was referring to. They headed out feeling the sudden urgency to prepare for battle that would take place at any time and quickly headed to the armory.
"What is it that I must know right this moment?" he asked curiously and eager. Pietro was not known for his patience.
Ororo looked at him and smiled. She knew she had to tell him of the recent, although temporary, addition to their group now before any fighting began. "It's Rogue," she began. Pietro's eyes grew wide and he stepped closer to her prompting her for further explanation. "She is among us. We saved her from being tortured by Captain Creed. It appears she is one of us for now. I was hoping you could talk to her. She is lost between loyalties to her mother and doing what is right. Pietro, she is like you. She is not evil like the rest of Bayville," Ororo finished. A happy smile spread across her face.
Pietro stopped breathing, he was so happy and surprised he was unable to function at the moment. "You are serious, Rogue she is here with us? And not of Bayville?" Ororo nodded. Pietro jumped and laughed. The happy sound filled the great hall. He then picked up Ororo and spun her in circles. Now that she was dizzy he put her down and hugged her. "We must go. We must find her. I, I have to see her!" he insisted.
"Of course," Ororo said and they walked towards the armory. Ororo used her magic to locate Scott and Rogue who just arrived in the armory.
As they walked the situation hit both of them again. "I have missed you, dearly," Pietro said. Ororo smiled and took his hand in hers. They continued to walk.
"I missed you too my love. Being in stone for so long you were what kept me going all that time. I wouldn't have survived without you," she said.
They embraced in a somewhat brief, loving kiss. When they parted they continued again towards the armory. As they walked Ororo finally asked one of the questions that had been nagging her for some time. "Pietro, did you know Raven was pregnant? Before she banished me," Ororo asked.
Pietro looked at Ororo, his eyes hardened. "No, she never told me she was pregnant. I didn't know about Rogue for a very long time." They continued to walk to the armory as he began to tell her of how he found out about his and Raven's love child. "Nine years after you were banished I had tracked Essex and a small band of his men to the outskirts of Westchester. My men and I defeated them and as I was about to kill Essex, that's when he told me of Rogue.
I was too stunned to strike just as he expected. He took that opportunity and called in his reinforcements. They lay hidden even as we killed a dozen of their Bayville kin. Essex wanted to lure me into an ambush and to be the one who told me of Rogue. He wanted me to suffer since I was powerless to ever see her. The reinforcements were upon us soon after. There were too many of them, we had to retreat. I lost twenty good men and women in a trap and discovered news that emotionally shattered me. Raven had our child and was raising her as her own.
After that I had spent years trying to reach Rogue. I tried defeating Raven in many hasty battles and lost many Militia. One day I realized what I had become, reckless and had gotten a lot of Militia killed. A few years ago I got my act together and started recruiting and training another army.
Last year Westchester was looking ready to defeat Bayville. I sent Logan and his army ahead. We were going to box Bayville into their own realm but Raven somehow knew of our plan. After Logan left, Bayville attacked Westchester. She cursed us to stone and all we could do was listen to the cries of our fellow Westchester folk as Bayville butchered them. I swore once I was freed I would win this war and get my daughter back."
Ororo and Pietro continued to walk the castle. It was silent as Ororo took all of this information in. Now that she was speaking with Pietro it suddenly became very strange that Rogue was Pietro's daughter. Once this war was all over and if they all managed to survive what would it be like to finally marry the man she loved and have an adult daughter amongst them who was raised to see them as the enemy? How would Rogue react? Those questions would need to wait until later to be answered.
"Today is the day one of those promises comes true," Ororo offered.
Pietro smiled and put an arm around her neck he then pulled her close. Soon Pietro would finally meet his daughter.
~9~
Rogue had insisted Scott and the baby Katherine help her find the armory. Though Scott explained he would not be much help as a fighter, Rogue didn't want to risk being separated from the child of the prophecy with Creed on his way.
It took a little while but they found the armory. Scott was somewhat surprised Remy was no longer there but figured he was in a hurry preparing amongst the city for the incoming Bayville army. Rogue grabbed some armor and helped Scott suit up. He had put Katherine down in the cradle backpack. The child watched on curiously.
With Scott covered, she grabbed a spear and a knife along with a shield for him. "Hide this," she insisted, handing him the knife. He slid the weapon into his boot. "Block with this," handing him the small, maneuverable shield. "And strike with this," she finished handing him the spear.
Scott looked at his attire, feeling quite uncomfortable. "A spear is ideal for an inexperienced fighter. Yah can use it mainly for defendin' an' it's easier to maneuver than a sword. Strike when yah find an opening. Just don't let them hit yah." Rogue instructed and left him to go collect weapons of her own.
Scott strapped the shield to his back and picked up Katherine. He secured the backpack in front of him and Katherine looked ahead at Rogue. When Scott looked up, Rogue was clad in armor. He quickly took in the rest of her attire and realized how fast she was at getting ready. She had a bow and arrow quiver secured on her back, a sword secured at her side and was just sheathing a knife in her boot.
"Rogue?" a voice called out behind them. Both were a bit on edge and turned in a defensive stance at the unknown voice. Behind them Ororo approached. Beside her was the man who had called out Rogue's name, with blue eyes and white hair. He was in his late thirties.
Rogue couldn't help but stare at the man. She had never seen him before but knew from their similar characteristics that he was her father. She now understood how everyone was able to tell who both of her parents were.
She was hesitate to approach, not sure of the type of man that stood before her. "Father?" she questioned.
Pietro looked at her, his daughter. He was struck with all sorts of emotions at once and his eyes started to tear up. Before him was the daughter he had never seen her before. The daughter he wanted to raise and love but had been denied all of that by Raven. With his emotions taking complete control, he approached her frantically and embraced her in a crushing yet loving hug.
At first Rogue stood there, unsure and unable to react. Then felt the love and warmth from this man in the embrace, she hugged him in return. She heard him sob. The man did not care of hiding his emotions, emotions that had been bottled up for years.
"I have spent so many years trying to see you. Raven never told me she was pregnant."
There was a pause, then Rogue's hold increased. "She told me yah didn't want meh," Rogue said, still holding him and not wanting to let go.
Pietro squeezed her then pushed back from the hug. His hands holding onto her shoulders, Pietro looked at her. His expression genuine, something Rogue rarely saw. "How could I not want someone I love so much? You are my daughter, the greatest thing in my life."
For the first time in her life Rogue cried. She hugged her father. A feeling of belonging and love filled her. Raven loved Rogue and Rogue loved her mother but Raven was never really affectionate towards the girl.
Suddenly Rogue became aware of their surroundings and the other two people in the room. She pulled away from the embrace, now embarrassed and quickly wiped the tears that had spilled down her cheeks. "We need ta prepare for Bayville. They will be here soon," Rogue said quickly then grabbed Scott by the arm and pulled him with her out of the room.
Just before they left the room Kurt and Todd arrived, huffing and puffing from their exhausting trek after Scott and Rogue. Scott actually felt bad this time. "Fine," he said and picked up the two Envoys. Both smiled happily as he put them in his pouch and neither said another word as Rogue continued to lead Scott away.
Pietro and Ororo stood there alone. "Looks like we have a child to defend," he said. They smiled at each other and left to join Remy and Pietro's guard outside against Creed.
~9~
Remy was surprised by the lack of carnage and destruction left in the wake of the battle with Bayville. It was like the Queen swept the mess from the city so everything except for the structures was erased from existence.
He pulled the cart filled with weapons and various items for traps beyond the castle into the city below. Quickly he set himself to work again in preparation for his second solo battle with the Bayville Militia. This time the enemy, location and accessories all were a higher quality.
Remy barricaded roads to anywhere beyond the main road to the castle. He didn't want the Bayville Militia running about. Along the main road he set up snares, crossbow assaults and what other tricks he could find time for. Remy had just finished setting up a catapult he found when he heard movement behind him.
Cautious, he drew his weapon and hid amongst his surroundings. There were four of them and he watched as they approached. Still in the shadows he calmed once he recognized Hank. Deciding to have a little fun he crept behind them.
"Lookin' for someone?" he asked in a low voice. All but Hank jumped. Remy had pulled that trick on Hank so often he was sure the man was immune to any surprises up Remy's sleeve.
Hank narrowed his eyes and turned. He then did the unexpected. He threw a powerful right hook catching Remy completely by surprise. Remy stumbled but caught himself quickly. He wiped his mouth, a handful of blood accompanying it. "Hank," he began but Hank attacked again. Remy was able to block the first punch but was unable to avoid the assault when Hank used his shoulder and tackled Remy, knocking the Militia to the ground. "The punch is for Westchester, that was for joining Bayville and this," he started, then he kicked Remy in the gut, "is for Olean."
Remy coughed, catching his breath and composing himself. 'Yup, I deserved that,' he thought. "You done?" Remy asked as he looked up at Hank. He didn't want to fight the man he actually respected and the outburst was only fair coming from Hank.
"For now," Hank said simply. The other three watched on all shocked. No one had ever seen Hank loose his cool the way he just did. Hank was a loveable, laidback man, not someone to lash out like this.
Remy winced as he stood, never realizing how strong Hank was before. "Guess killin' Essex means nothing here?" he asked.
"You betrayed us and those people Remy. I am not one to forgive such a treachery so quickly, but since you are here now I will consider a truce," Hank said, turning his attention back to the witnesses he finally introduced Remy to the Militia. "This is Remy LeBeau. He used to be one of us until he decided to fight with Bayville. He helped with the Olean Massacre and then killed Commander Essex. Since then no one knows what happened to him."
"Is that true?" Alex managed to ask, never hearing this story before.
"Dat's an angry way of tellin' de story but, oui, dat be abou' righ'," Remy replied.
Silence.
"Who are de rest of you?" Remy asked since no one else stepped up to introduce anyone.
"This is Jamie Madrox," Alex began introducing the man beside him. Jamie stood about the same height but with brown hair instead of blonde. They were about the same age, though Alex looked to be a little bit younger by appearance and a little familiar. "Emma Frost," he said, pointing to the woman with elegant features. Her blonde hair complimented her blue eyes. Remy was almost surprised she was garbed in Militia armor. The man doing the introductions finally offered his name. "I am Alex Summers."
Remy took all the names in but the last man's name caught his attention. "Summers? Like Scott?" he asked.
Alex eyed him skeptically. "Why?" he asked.
Remy shook his head and in a pacifying tone replied, "Mean nothin' by it homme. Just been traveling with him de last few months."
"He's my brother," Alex said. Remy had expected him to be related but not that close in the gene pool.
"Scott is with us?" Hank asked.
"Oui," Remy answered.
Hank's eyes widened at the reply. "You know de man?" Remy asked.
Hank seemed shaken up a bit. "Well yes. I knew the family years ago. Young Alex came to Westchester to train as a Militia because of me. I just, with Scott we expected something more out of him."
"Looks like you abou' to get dat soon, mon ami," Remy said.
"Alright, enough of the small talk. Are we going to finish setting up a defense inside the city walls before Bayville gets here? Or are just going to invite them in for a cup of tea?" Emma asked.
Remy and Hank looked at her. "Yes, of course. Now Remy, what were you working on?" Hank asked. Knowing the man had more than enough tricks up his sleeve.
Remy grinned, explaining the traps he had set up and what he had been planning. With the extra set of hands and heads they could set up a really good defense against Bayville. Hank had separated the five into two groups so they could get more work done. Alex and Remy were paired together, while Hank and the other two followed him.
Remy walked alongside Alex as they headed back towards the armory for more supplies. Turning to face the young man beside him he found himself curious of the Summers' family. "So, Alex you an' Scott close growing up?" he asked.
Alex didn't seem interested in small talk, let alone talking to this turncoat about his family. "As close as brother's can be. Look, we might be working together but you're going to have to earn my trust before we talk about my background and my brother," Alex said as he continued to walk, never once looking at Remy.
Nodding his head, "fair enoug'," Remy said. They worked the rest of the time in silence.
~9~
Logan and the newly recruited Westchester army reached the crossroads. It was the intersection between Bayville and Westchester. He slowed his horse at the sight of fresh tracks. The tracks were from the Bayville Militia and were heading in the same direction as they were, to Westchester. There looked to be a bit over a hundred horses, nothing major but with nearly a thousand recently recruited Militia this would be a good test to see how well these recruits would handle once they got to Bayville.
Logan rode ahead of the march and turned to face the advancing Militia. They all stopped, awaiting instructions. He eyed the mass of bodies, inwardly grinning at the second chance Westchester was getting in this war. "Bayville is only a few hours ahead of us. We will ride hard and strike quickly. Our advantage is the element of surprise. If the child of the prophecy is inside the walls of Westchester those with her should be able to defend the child until we come to their aid. Remember your training and many of you will walk away from this ready for the real battle with Bayville."
Amongst the other riders, Bobby, Bishop and Piotr rode side by side. They tapped each other out of encouragement, eager to come to Scott's defense. "Won't Scott be surprised when he sees us?" Bobby joked.
Bishop and Piotr laughed as Logan turned and the X-Factor army rode ahead towards the first of the final battle between good and evil.
~9~
Creed headed the Bayville army. They had been trying to track the prisoners for a day before it was discovered they were heading to Westchester. He had to admit, he hadn't expected them to go there. With what Bayville had done there a few months ago it didn't seem appealing as a sanctuary but then again they were on the run and were limited on where they could take refuge somewhat safely from Bayville.
With the destination identified he had drove his army hard to reach the castle before they could make any plans or any back up could arrive. They had left everything in the camp except for their armor, weapons and food. The campsite still stood but that would be something they would worry about later, if ever.
Beside him Kodiak Noatak, nicknamed Harpoon because of his deadly skill with the weapon, and Gorgeous George Blair rode. He directed them to ride nearby so they prepare an underhand strategy before they got to Westchester. These were the last remaining Militia from his Nasty Boys.
"When we get there, we get inside undetected. We need to find out where the child is and not engage in any fights. I want that child and to get it to Bayville before anything else goes wrong. Got it?" he instructed.
He eyed them both. Harpoon in particular looked unimpressed by the plan which did not include attacking and killing the enemy. George merely nodded. "I don't like it any better than you do but seeing as how we had the child stolen from us, I'm hell bent on getting it back. If there is an army of Westchester Militia on their way, they will come to Bayville and we will have ourselves a real battle." He offered, annoyed with this plan as well.
What all three of them knew was this plan also included the possibility of leaving the rest of the army out to slaughter. But as long as they served a purpose their deaths would be worth the sacrifice.
If only he had waited to get his revenge on Rogue later or even earlier. Then he would have caught the fleeing prisoners and they would still be on their way to Bayville.
'LeBeau,' he thought his lip turning into a snarl. Before this war was over he would make the man pay for everything he had done against Bayville this past year.
They were close to Westchester, he could sense it. He spurred his horse and hollered as he rode faster to the castle. Behind him, his army kept up with the final push to Westchester.
~9~
Warren wasn't an optimistic man, he was a realist. Therefore, when they first joined Logan and the recruiting party he thought this was a suicide mission. There were barely a few hundred men amongst them. Warren knew many were green Militia with nowhere near the talent and experience of the Bayville Militia. But when they arrived on the outskirts of Syracuse and met up with the other groups of recruits he started feeling optimistic.
The sheer numbers they now possessed could tip the scales in their favor. Now it was only up to the so-called Sorcerer Scott apparently freed from the Queen's curse to cancel out Raven's powers once they made it to Bayville.
As they traveled to Westchester he couldn't help the need to find the mysterious woman he had been pining over for the past week. Deciding now was a good a time as any he pressed his horse ahead. Amongst the long line of horses he moved through the ranks to find her.
As Warren rode passed Bobby, he heard him making kissy noises. When he looked at him, Bobby batted his eyes at Warren. Warren narrowed his eyes at his mocker and continued ahead. Bobby had found out about Warren's mystery woman and had been teasing him nonstop.
It took some time but he did find her towards the front of the march. She was talking to someone, it was the General that had given the speech when all of the Westchester parties met up. He felt an incredible surge of jealousy rush through him but he composed himself. For the first time in his life he controlled his selfish desire. She saw him as a better man.
He strolled up next to her and she sensed him there. Signaling to whomever she was talking to away. The Militia smirked at her and rode ahead. "Nice day for a stroll?" he asked casually but already regretting the cheesy line.
She let him suffer a moment before replying. "Does that line warrant a reply?" she asked finally looking at him. He could have died then and there and would have been happy. "I suppose that depends on the person that asked it," he said, gaining some confidence.
She laughed. "You know, you kept me waiting so long for you to I was about to replace you," she teased, adjusting her seating in the saddle so she could face him a little more.
"Oh, did you just dismiss a potential suitor?" he asked, glancing around as if he was looking for the Militia she was talking to before him.
"No. That was my brother," she said, as if he should have known that.
Warren offered the 'OH!' look and kept up with the charade. "And when do you plan on introducing me? I'd like to meet the in-laws."
"Confident. You'll need that," she offered, unable to hide her grin that grew even wider.
"What's your name?" he asked, wanting to know more about this woman who captivated him so much.
"I still don't think you are man enough to know that yet."
"I could ask around. Surely someone could give me the answer."
"And where's the fun in that?" she asked catching his eye, she spurred her horse and trotted ahead leaving him to muse with his thoughts.
Warren shook his head, 'Devil woman,' he thought. Though he was a little frustrated, he had to admit he did enjoy this little game they played. It gave her quite a bit of mystery.
He heard someone ride up next to him and was almost surprised when he saw it was Bobby. "She's hot!" he insisted. Warren looked at him. Bobby had never been in a long term relationship, not that Warren really had either, but his juvenile reply gave a pretty good reason for that. "I am well aware of that," Warren said, still thinking of his mystery woman.
"Well when you said she approached you I was expecting a homely woman or at least a wart somewhere on her face. But I have to say, congratulations. I'm not sure what she sees in you but it has to be something amazing or there is something wrong with her."
"I doubt that," Warren said trying to ignore Bobby.
"Ah, you're right. Mysterious women always end up in happily ever after relationships," he said and left Warren's side. With his fun over he rejoined Bishop and Piotr. Warren was left alone to ponder what Bobby had just said.
Sighing Warren couldn't help but wonder about this woman and what she was really like. Damn Bobby had ruined his happy thoughts for the moment. 'Asshole,' he thought as he continued to follow the rest of the recruited army.
~9~
Scott had to keep his feet moving as Rogue dragged him at a fast pace out of the armory and down the corridor. After the whole scene that had just transpired, he himself was still in shock and he couldn't imagine how both Pietro and Rogue felt. It was odd he had just met this girl and had already witnessed two drastic moments in her life, first the torture and now this. He suddenly felt a fatherly protectiveness over her.
They continued to walk, to where he wasn't sure. He looked over at Rogue, her face was set and determined at the task at hand. "Don't' look at meh like that," Rogue insisted, eyes never catching his.
"Like what?" Scott questioned. Rogue stopped walking since she still had a grip on Scott's arm he stopped as well.
"Like Ah need a father."
Scott was surprised she had picked up on that. Before he could respond she added, "Ah can take care of mahself." With that she grabbed him again and they were off. Scott smiled. He was glad Rogue was now, seemingly, on their side. He was starting to like her.
Just then Kurt decided to pop his head out of the pouch, despite Todd pulling on him back down inside the pouch. Toad didn't not want to risk losing their ride again. "You know, princess, it is okay to need someone to take care of you," Kurt said in a soothing voice. Rogue shot him a death glare. "Ughhh!" Kurt exclaimed and ducked down into the pouch. Toad scolded him when they were hidden from sight.
Scott laughed at the exchange, glad someone was able to finally shut the Envoy's up. It was silent a moment as they continued to walk down the corridors. Scott became curious of the plan. "So, where are you taking me?" he asked.
Rogue gave him a glance but did not slow her pace. "The highest most secure point in the castle. If these walls are breached and Bayville defeats us it will take a while for them ta find yah and the baby up here. Tha' should give Logan and whatever army he has wit' enough time for him ta save yah and the child."
Scott followed her, reassured more of her seemingly impulsive plan. Though he was uneasy he'd be up here while others possibly died defending him and Katherine. Perhaps they would have good fortune like Remy did at the Bay of Alexandria and Logan would get here sooner than expected.
After what seemed like forever of endless corridors and stairs Rogue found a location she was pleased with. The room was a vast library and offered cover from any pursuing Bayville Militia. Rogue ushered Scott inside then left him to scout the surrounding location.
Scott took a moment to marvel at the endless shelves of books. Along the far wall a fireplace. The surrounding chairs and tables seemed inviting. A large window was to the right of the fireplace. Too high to see out without a chair, it offered the light that illuminated the room.
Scott gently placed the sleeping baby down on one of the cushioned chairs. She was still bundled in her cradle backpack. He placed the spear down on a nearby table and walked towards one of the book shelves. He scanned the many titles and reached out to touch one of the books just as Rogue entered catching him off guard.
"Ah doubt any book is going ta be more entertainin' than the events about ta take place."
Scott jumped and Rogue grinned. "There are stairs ta the left and a corridor ta the right. If yah need ta escape chances are Bayville will enter from the left. Defend yourself an' only strike if yah are certain. Yah are no Militia an' these troops won't take long ta remind yah of that. If they come, try an' hide. If not run an' hide. No use fightin'." Rogue approached Scott and stuck her hand out in offering of a hand shake. Scott looked down than clasped his hand in hers.
"Thank you Scott for healin' meh. Ah won't forget it," she was about to turn and leave but Scott didn't let go of her hand. She looked down then back up at his face. Just as she caught his eye Scott pulled her in for a hug, something contagious going around today she mused. Rogue finally relaxed into the hug and Scott pulled away.
"You don't have to thank me. Just be safe." He said.
Rogue looked at him questionably for a moment then turned and left Scott alone.
In the now silent room he heard a thunderous pounding outside. It sounded like an army of horses galloping towards the castle.
"Is it safe to come out yet?" Todd asked from the pouch, his voice muffled.
Scott stood there a moment before he answered. "I'm not sure," he said. Scott hoped the arriving army was Logan but when he heard Remy and a few others yell out defensive instructions, he knew Bayville was here.
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