A/N - Sorry for the massive delay. This chapter took FOREVER to get done. Good news the last chapter is nearly complete and the Epilogue is complete. Enjoy!
Chapter 10: Westchester Encounter – Part II
xxxxxxx
"Oh my stars and garters," Hank said aloud as he looked out from behind the wall to the approaching Bayville army. Turning he looked below and saw Emma and Jamie anxiously awaiting his response. "Bayville!" he called out. His voice echoed across the city. Remy and Alex came running.
The pair had heard the approaching army at the same time Hank had made his exclamation. They returned to find the rest of their comrades stationed at the gate. Remy was quick to offer defensive strategies. With so many enemies that would soon be outside the city walls fighting to get inside they needed to be prepared.
"Dey have to breach de gate before dey enter. Remy set up a few surprises before dey can enter dough," Remy said. Next to him Jamie and Emma eyed him curiously.
"Pietro!" Hank called out from onto of the wall his gaze was beyond Remy and the King's personal guard at the approaching King and Sorcerer. He descended down from the wall and had taken a few strides to meet up with the others just as Pietro was within earshot.
"How close are they, Hank?" Pietro asked.
"Not far now," Hank added and turned his attention back at the gate. The gate was quite durable but would not hold against a heavy assault for long.
Pietro needed to see for himself as did Ororo. They climbed up to the wall to see the size of the army. Though it wasn't a huge army, since others were scattered across the lands in search of the child and the rest were stationed at castle Bayville, their numbers were a bit more in Bayville's favor at the moment.
"Ororo, can you stop them?" Pietro asked looking from the fast approaching army of Bayville Militia to the woman next to him. Beside him Ororo gaze was focused beyond the wall.
The Sorcerer was ready to use her magic against the approaching army, thinking she could fully tip the scales in Westchester's favor. She closed her eyes to gather her magic. After a moment her brow narrowed then her eyes shot open. Bayville was still approaching. She looked over at Pietro and shook her head no.
He gave her a surprised expression; this powerful Sorcerer could not simply stop the army or harm them in any way. "Raven put a spell of protection over them. I've never experienced such a powerful spell. No Sorcerer can use their magic against them."
"Guess we'll have to do this the old fashioned way," Pietro said unsheathing his sword.
Ororo reached out for him to stop. Pietro looked at her questionably and she shook her head for him to wait. "There are, other ways," she said softly. Her eyes looked from him to the sky above. Pietro watched on as her pale blue eyes faded, now consumed in white as she called upon the elements. The sky grew dark as thunder began to rumble above, the sound resonating across the lands.
"Hold on to something," she called out to those around her. The Militia did as instructed, knowing the Sorcerer was about to let loose her powers on the Bayville army. A heavy wind picked up and the sky flashed. A stream of lightning crashed from the sky above to the ground below. The bolt crashed in the middle of the Bayville army. Dozens of Militia cried out from the elemental assault.
As Ororo reached upwards to the sky for further onslaught she felt her powers drain. Faintness consumed her and she stumbled to a knee. Around her the wind died down instantly. Pietro looked from beyond the wall to Ororo. "Ororo!" he called out, starting to head towards her but stopped when she looked up at him. Her eyes, though fierce with rage, looked drained.
"Raven used my powers against me! The spell of protection will drain a Sorcerer's powers that use their magic against her army," Ororo said. She was frustrated more than anything. Being cursed for so long gave Raven an even greater advantage in magic trickery to add to her already incredible powers.
Ororo slowly rose. "The old fashion way it is," Ororo said and climbed down the wall towards the wagon that still contained weapons. She grabbed a spear and gave it a twirl. It had been a while since she used physical weapons. Growing up as a child on the streets and eventually training with experts was a necessity in the event she could not rely on her powers.
Pietro was now behind her ready for battle as well. Beside him his guard awaited instructions. Pietro began to lead them to the front gate when Remy called out for them to stop.
"Non, let dem enter throug' de fron' gate," Remy called out.
The guards looked back at him questionably for they did not know this man and what his intentions were. They turned to look at Hank, then Pietro. Pietro took one look at Remy and remembered that the thieving Militia was crafty. He had something up his sleeve.
Shaking his head he gestured for his guards to wait. The three Militia backed off and stood at ready, though commanded to wait they still did not fully trust the plan or rather the man.
Remy noticed this and grinned. "Jus' wait," he said confidently. The three looked from him to the wall ahead. They waited and listened as the army approached.
It wasn't long before the army was just outside the gate, the sound of horses snorting and Militia calling out orders made the King's guard anxious. They were itching to get the fight started.
A loud bang was heard amongst the gate and still Remy stood calm. The calmness did not still Pietro who drew his sword. "What game are you playing Remy?" he asked, now second guessing this scoundrel.
"One more…" Remy started and before he could finish his sentence another bang was heard on the outside of the gate. This time it was followed by a clicking sound and several men cried out. The Bayville army quickly called out orders. The loudest that was sounded was a call for 'shields'. Another clicking sound and they could hear metal hitting metal.
They waited for more, but nothing. "Find another way inside," one Bayville Militia called out.
Remy chuckled, just what he had wanted to hear. "Now be a goo' time to ge' ready," Remy said to those around him. The five Militia and Sorcerer beside him did just that. They spilt up into three groups. Pietro and Ororo stationed themselves at the front gate while Hank, Alex and Emma headed to the west side of the city, which had left Remy and Jamie standing there awkwardly. Remy paid no mind to the Militia and ventured off on his own, for that Jamie was grateful.
Jamie looked from his allies, who all seemed occupied, and backed away from the group. He needed to use the distraction and parting ways to his advantage as his loyalties lay with Bayville. He needed to help them get inside the castle walls and end this war once and for all.
~10~
The Militia charge had found them at Westchester's city walls but not without a little Sorcerer magic using the elements against them. The assault had stopped barely a handful of Bayville and the rest kept charging until they reached the walls. A main group of about ten Militia approached the gate in an attempt to break down the entry to Westchester.
Creed anxiously waited while his men attempted to breach the gate. Once they were found a way inside the city he and his Nasty Boys would slip off in search of the child. The first attempt at the gate did not go accordingly as several crossbows fired off arrows at the ten Militia. They would not chance any further assault at this gate and Creed commanded they search for another way inside.
The men split up along the walls searching for a way inside. Just as Creed was about to do so as well he heard an oncoming army. He turned and saw an impossible number of horses charging towards them. From the distance he could not make out who the army was. The only thing he knew was that it was not Bayville. 'So this is the recruited Westchester army,' he thought.
A mix of excitement and alarm shot through him. He did not fear battle, rather he welcomed it. He just did not want this to be his final stand before the child was in Bayville hands and before he could seek his resolve against his brother. He needed to find that damned child.
He called out to Harpoon and George and they knew now was the time. They followed him as he spurred his horse to the left. The Bayville army continued their charge to penetrate the outer walls of the city. Creed did not plan on breaking off from the army this quickly but he wasn't going to take any risks. He'd be damned if the child slipped passed his fingers again even if the reason was because his fingers were cold and hard in death.
….
St. John watched Creed and two of his Nasty Boys head away from the army. He knew the man had intended to breach the castle walls and find the child while the rest of them distracted Westchester. St. John took this as his opportunity to find a way inside as well. He needed to find Rogue and make sure she was alright. If she was he would do what was needed afterwards but Rogue was his priority.
When the front gate seemed like an unlikely way to enter the castle the army broke off and made their way along the wall to find another way inside. St. John kept in the middle of the group. He needed to get inside but did not need any of the traps or Westchester Militia stopping him. Once inside he would slip past the battle and inside the castle in hopes of finding Rogue still alive.
~10~
Logan headed the army. The pace picked up when they were in sight of Westchester and even more so when they saw Bayville was still outside the gates. They had gotten here just in time.
Suddenly the army seemed to divide up along the walls and one Militia in particular caught his eye. It was Creed. Logan's lip curled. "CREED!" he hollered. The name echoed high above the sound of the approaching army and the pending battle at Westchester. Creed stopped his horse. The two men beside him did the same thing. It didn't take Creed long to put a name to the voice and the army that stood across from his.
The man's menacing laughter cut through the valley. "Bayville, your battle has arrived!" he called out to his army. Those in Bayville who had not already made their way to infiltrate Westchester's walls turned and headed to the approaching army. Half the Bayville made their way to breach the castle while the other half turned to face the approaching army. They had been itching for a battle for a long time. The numbers that came their way did not bring fear or hesitation but rather excitement, excitement for a challenge.
Though Logan wanted to ditch his army and head straight for Creed he knew especially with this inexperienced group of Militia he needed to lead them into battle. With what little self-control he had he did what needed to be done. "Westchester, now is your chance for a taste of battle. Charge!" he ordered unsheathing his sword and spurred his horse ahead. The army of Militia behind him were inspired by his order and did the same. A loud unified holler carried them from the valley to the castle walls.
The small Bayville group came hollering to greet them and they all collided in a loud thunderous clash. The sheer numbers of Westchester slowly carved their way through the band of Bayville that had stayed beyond the castle walls for the fight. The numbers eventually consumed the enemy and though a good number of Westchester inexperienced fighters had been lost as well the perimeter of the castle walls was now secured. It was now only a matter of time cleaning up those that had breached the walls.
~10~
The traps had been out amongst Westchester had helped keep Bayville at bay and may have worked even better but somehow several small groups of the army had found their way inside. This threw off several traps and forced the few Militia that stood defending the child behind the wall to take arms.
Pietro and Ororo fought side by side as one. Hank had Emma and Alex nearby and were picking off the incoming Militia. That left Remy to pair up with Jamie. Remy had enjoyed fighting with the Militia. The man kept up with him but did seem keen on not depending on the other. He seemed to disappear a few times, something anyone else would not have taken note of but Remy was an observant man. Perhaps rightly so but considering he was one of Pietro's personal guard maybe Remy was just too damn untrusting.
Outside the recruits for the Westchester army were fighting off those not yet inside the city walls. Once Bayville was defeated he would have to deter the Westchester Militia from venturing down towards the deadly traps set inside the city.
For now Jamie was gone and Remy was on his own as he found another group of Bayville that had slipped through the gates and passed the traps, so far. These Militia would not pose a threat to the greatest swordsman that ever lived. Remy grinned. "You wanna play with Gambit?" he taunted. At first they seemed not so sure but Bayville Militia were known for their love for battle. They stepped up to the challenge. Remy almost felt sorry for them, almost.
~10~
As soon as they had arrived to Westchester the fight began outside the castle walls and Bishop had spotted three Nasty Boys that had taken part in the Olean Massacre. Overzealous to seek his own vengeance he contained himself a moment when Logan called out to the leader.
The three had stopped when the name he was familiar with, Creed, resonated the area. When half the Bayville army turned to approach them Bishop knew this was his only chance at revenge for his sister against some of those responsible for the attack. He spurred his horse and raced after them. Behind him Bobby and Piotr were too drawn to the army to watch as their friend went on a solo revenge fight.
He charged after the Bayville men. Of the three men one in particular he knew right away, Harpoon. His sister had described the man in detail being as he was the one who had tortured her. His blood boiled at the sight of him.
"Harpoon!" he called out. The man turned upon hearing the standing invitation for a fight. He didn't care if he was disobeying orders from Creed, Harpoon never turned down a fight. He dismounted his horse. The steed stood and waited. An anxious prance sounded as his hoof dug into the ground urging his master to return.
Bishop, upon seeing Harpoon dismount, did the same thing. His horse had taken off the moment his reins were free, knowing a fight would ensue and not wanting any part of it.
A slow jog turned into a sprint and as Bishop advanced towards the man he gave out a battle cry as his sword came swinging down with the man's spear. Harpoon looked at his opponent and grinned sinisterly. Bishop continued his aggressive assault and Harpoon continued to parry.
As their weapons spark in response to their assault Bishop, for some reason, needed to confirm the identity of this man spoke, "you were part of the Olen Massacre." Their weapons were locked and they were now face to face. Harpoon chuckled as if the statement were an inside joke.
"Best day of my life," he countered then pushed Bishop back. Bishop stumbled a step and Harpoon was on him again, his spear aimed and retracted at Bishop's head. Dodging the strike, Bishop offered an upper cut with his sword to Harpoon's head.
The Militia easily evaded the strike. "You were not there boy, how are you so sure I was?" Harpoon asked, toying with the man. He wanted this man to relive the tale and provide Harpoon with a glorious flash back.
Bishop gritted his teeth as they continued on another strike attack. "My sister was and you bastards nearly killed her. I swore I'd kill all of you scum that were still alive," Bishop spat.
"Ah," Harpoon said never slowing down. Bishop's emotions distracted him as Harpoon pulled a blade from his belt and tossed it at Bishop with his left hand. Bishop dodged the weapon but left himself open for Harpoon's spear.
The spear struck Bishop in his sword wielding shoulder. The force caused Bishop to drop his sword and Harpoon pressed forward knocking Bishop to the ground.
Harpoon stood over him, right foot on Bishop's chest, preventing Bishop from moving. He looked down at the Militia waiting for his victim to look up at him. Bishop finally did.
"When we win this war, I'll find your sister and send her slowly to your arms," Harpoon taunted. He gave Bishop a moment to gather his dark promise and then pulled his spear from Bishop's shoulder. Just as Bishop cried out from the pain, Harpoon drove his spear threw Bishop's heart.
….
With the recruited Westchester after them Creed needed to leave and not get caught up in battle. There were too many of the enemy and too few of them. It was only a matter of time before the numbers cut down theirs. Creed needed to find the child of the prophecy. Creed remembered a way inside from their previous time here. Beside him Gorgeous George rode alongside him but he was now missing the other Nasty Boy.
Yards away the man, not to his surprise was engaged in battle. The one on one confrontation didn't last long as usual with Harpoon who was quite skilled. The man pulled his spear from the Militia's chest and Creed couldn't help but grin. How he envied those not in a commander role that could be less responsible in matters that needed to be attended.
"Harpoon!" Creed called from nearby before the dangerous man could find another victim of his deadly skill. Harpoon looked up at his Captain then down at his victim. An evil grin peaked one side of his face and he swung his spear removing the excess blood off. Turning he climbed onto his horses' saddle and cantered towards Creed.
Left behind Bishop lay there, death quickly taking hold of him. The last thing he thought of was that he had finally made it to Westchester.
~10~
Remy had been engaging in a fight with a Bayville troop for some time. The pair continued to trade blows with the sword. The Bayville troop technically was trying to be more offensive and his strikes were slowly building to allow Remy an opening.
As Remy predicted, the man over swung his sword and Remy tipped the blow and countered with a side step. He was about to strike the Militia down when another intervened. Remy backed up a bit and recalculated his opponents.
The two Bayville Militia turned towards Remy. Now faced with two opponents, Remy pulled the second sword from its' scabbard that was fastened on his back. He offered the two Militia a smile, a sword flip and then he advanced.
The two Militia pressed attacks hard against Remy causing him to be too involved to even think of countering a third Militia as the third Militia approached. Remy tried to work out a defensive plan. As quickly as the man approached, to Remy's surprise, he fell like a sack of potatoes just before reaching him.
Taking advantage of the situation, Remy pushed the two Militia back, one stumbled forward giving Remy the opening for the kill. With two swords in hand he advanced towards the last Militia. Remy's talent with any weapon was unmatched and in three moves he proved it. He parried, defended and then struck the Militia down.
Taking a breath, he turned to see what had caused the third Militia to go down. His eyes found an arrow, perfectly targeted threw the man's heart. Quills sticking out of the man's back. When he looked around for his savior, Rogue appeared out of nowhere, bow and arrow in hand.
Remy smiled at her. "Merci, chere," he thanked.
She offered him a nod as her eyes focused on the battle surrounding them. Without warning she took aim and another arrow was released on an approaching Militia. She finally looked at Remy as the Bayville troop cried out and fell to the ground, dead.
"Where is Creed?" she asked.
Remy was still looking down at the most recently killed Bayville troop when she asked. He turned towards her and shook his head. "Remy's been busy. Saw de fool when dey first go' through de gate but no' since."
It was silent for a moment. Remy took that as an opportunity to ask, "where are Scott an' Kitty?"
"In the castle. Ah secured him in the library in the northwest wing."
Remy nodded. Another person approached but it was Jamie. Remy gestured to Rogue that the man was an ally and she lowered her weapon. Her eyes still scanned the area for a possible threat.
"Remy, we need you. Bayville has breached another barrier and there are too many of them to hold off," he said.
Rogue eyed the new man. He looked familiar but she couldn't place him. As she watched him she noticed he grinned ever so slightly as if he had just found out something very important. She narrowed her eyes, something wasn't right about the man.
"Led de way," Remy said.
Jamie led the way towards the fight. Remy began to follow him but glanced back to find that Rogue was nowhere in sight.
~10~
Jamie had to slip from the group again. He was starting to worry he might be gaining suspicion with how often he was out of sight during this battle as usually there were enough Militia around to cover his absence. Now with so few of them it was hard to be stealthy.
He had helped destroy the Westchester army by supplying Bayville with their secret plans. Jamie supposed as the realm clung to life and Bayville was on the verge of absolute control his cover being blown wouldn't be the end of the world, for Bayville.
He led Remy back to the group with Hank, Alex and Emma. It was true they needed help but could have managed on their own. Jamie had wanted Remy to be occupied here rather than off stopping Bayville that had slipped passed the traps and further into the city. Jamie hoped these men could stall long enough for Creed to find Katherine.
Behind them a group of eight Bayville approached. Jamie headed one off. The man had no clue who he was but Jamie needed to at least use the man to get out of sight.
Their swords clashed and Jamie used his momentum and drove the man away from the group. Once out of earshot he pivoted away from the struggle. The man staggered a step and turned for a further attack.
"A moment," Jamie said, catching the man's attention.
"No begging will stop me from killing you," he threatened in return. Jamie rolled his eyes. Most of the Bayville Militia were dim witted.
"No you fool! The Queen has sent me undercover to infiltrate the King's army. I need to relay a message to Captain Creed," Jamie said, hoping maybe he could get through to the man.
The man looked at him like he had grown a second head with a third head was beginning to sprout. He swung his sword at Jamie and continued the assault.
Jamie sighed, knowing he would not get be able to reason with this Militia. "Fancy words," the man managed to say while he grunted with each swing. Jamie didn't have time for this and quickly advanced, cutting the man down. Fortunately the fight had seen him stray from the group.
'The idiot did help after all,' he thought and slipped away to find Creed and the Nasty Boys to provide them with an update on the child's whereabouts.
~10~
St. John raced through the castle calling out Rogue's name, not caring who heard him. He would cut down any who got in his way. After a time he had lost track of his whereabouts and was certain he had searched most of the castle by now. As he rounded a corner another body slammed into him. His sword and his collider's sword were about to meet when both recognized the other.
"Captain!" "General!" they said in unison and embraced for a brief moment. They pulled apart and St. John seemed to be inspecting her for injuries. "What happened?" he questioned. "I saw Creed's men in your tent and then found out you were kidnapped by the prisoners."
Rogue's eyes grew dark as she recalled that early morning not so long ago. "Creed was getting his revenge. The Militia prisoner saved meh an' the Dweller healed meh."
"Healed you? From what?" St. John asked, not caring of anything else but what had happened to his friend and commander.
"Creed broke both mah knees an' was about to break my hands but the Militia stopped him an' killed his men." Rogue answered plainly. She was not happy she had been caught off-guard and tortured by those that were supposed to be her allies, her people. "Ah'm not sure why they did but they took meh with them when they escaped."
St. John clenched his jaw as he thought of the coward Creed was and the offense he took against one ranking as high as Rogue. The man had no honor, no regard for anything but his own agenda, whatever that was. "Creed will pay. We can dispose of him and carry on as if nothing happened. When we rejoin Bayville we will…" Rogue stopped him.
"Ah cannot rejoin mah mother." She paused and St. John was about to say something but Rogue finished. "Ah've met mah father, John. He means ta stop mah mother an' end this evil reign. John, we are the only ones of Bayville who do not wish for those like Creed ta rule this land. If we do no' stop them now, tha' is wha' will happen."
"Captain, we grew up as Bayville. It is who we are."
Rogue placed a hand on St. John's shoulder. "We are who are inside. Wha' we do can change. We are no' evil. We are no' Bayville."
They shared a moment looking for inspiration in the others' eyes. They had a deep connection amongst Bayville. Some may have considered them a couple but to them the bond was of siblings, of kin.
They both knew Rogue was right. They never truly fit in, which was another reason why the two had been drawn to the other and grown so close in the brief time as adolescents.
"No one can stop the two of us!" St. John mocked. They both grinned, remembering the confidence they held in their youth that still resided to this day. "Captain, Creed is in the castle. He, Harpoon and George flanked off from the army and slipped passed Westchester inside the castle. We must find them and stop them before he finds that baby."
Rogue nodded and her eyes trailed beyond St. John to the way to the library where she had left Scott, "this way." The pair raced on to stop Creed from finding Scott and the child.
~10~
Jamie heard St. John running through the halls calling out for his Captain, Rogue. He almost felt bad for the man as his loyalties were connected with the Queen's daughter like his were to the Queen's. Such a shame Rogue turned against her mother. He would need to inform the Queen of St. John's loyalty once he had the chance to connect with his original body.
Rounding a corner he heard the barreling of what almost sounded like a herd of Clydesdale horses. He knew it was the Nasty Boys searching the castle for the child of the prophecy.
Fortunately for him he ran into George. He and the man had been friends going back to their days training as youths. No one besides the Queen and her Seer knew of James Madrox's abilities. Perhaps Rogue knew or found out herself, he couldn't be sure. She was just a child when Raven bestowed these abilities on to him.
"James?" George had said, happy to see an ally. They shook hands as old acquaintances would when seeing each other after years of absence.
"George. I am undercover as a Westchester ally per the Queen's orders. I heard word that the child and a Dweller are hidden in the northwest wing of the castle in the library. Go now! Rogue is not far behind," Jamie informed.
George took what Jamie had said in stride, thanking the man he left quickly.
Jamie grinned. 'At least there are some in Bayville with a brain,' he thought and left to return to the Westchester Militia who he was sure were still fighting what was left of the Bayville army outside.
~10~
Hank and Remy had paired together and were heading back towards the front gate. Hank saw this as an opportunity to let the Westchester army inside so they could be of some assistance with the remaining Bayville army. As his hand reached up to work open the gate Remy called out behind him.
"Don' open de gate!" Remy yelled.
"Why not?" Hank asked looking back at Remy skeptically.
"Don' want dem loose with all de traps still set in de city," Remy replied.
Hank nodded. If this battle continued beyond Westchester they would need all able bodies they could get to stop Bayville. There was no need to risk them now.
Hank began to head further through the city and did not wait for Remy to catch up, mistake.
"Non! Don't go dat way!" Remy warned, a little too late as Hank stumbled, setting off one of Remy's traps. With his foot caught in a snare that had been meant for Bayville he glared over at Remy.
"Damnit, LeBeau!" he shouted.
Remy grinned and started towards the big man to help him out of the trap.
"Remy warned you mes ami," Remy said offering Hank a hand to stand. "See why Remy don' wan' dem Westchester runnin' around de city."
"I do even more so now," Hank joked as three Bayville were in sight. They looked at each other and Remy offered Hank the lead on this fight.
"If we must," Hank replied accepting the charge. Remy followed quickly behind him and before he could contribute to the fight Hank had cut through all three. Two sword slashes and a shoulder tackle all but took care of the enemy.
Remy finished the job on those that had not permanently fallen. "Tell me again why I don' wan' to get on your bad side," Remy said.
Hank started the trek back towards Pietro and Ororo. "You already do and too often," Hank replied, half-jokingly. It was known Remy could get under people's skin whether or not he was the enemy.
They approached Pietro and Ororo. It looked as though they had just defeated more Bayville Militia and were catching their breath. Not far from them Alex, Emma and surprisingly Jamie were moving towards them as well. The King and Sorcerer saw who approached and relaxed again.
"Ororo, can you sense anymore Bayville Militia in the city?" Hank asked.
Ororo looked at Hank and nodded. Closing her eyes she concentrated. She used her powers to seek out Raven's spell of protection amongst the castle. She felt quite a few stray Militia amongst the city. "There are still quite a few stray Militia in the city, by the marketplace and just outside the castle. They are seeking the child," she answered.
"Remy, you, Hank and Emma head to the marketplace. Ororo, Alex, Jamie and I will track the rest amongst the city," he ordered.
"What about the allies outside?" Alex asked.
Pietro was concerned of the pending traps still set throughout the city and didn't want any allies risking their lives because they did not know where their comrade's trap lay in wait. "They took care of the Militia outside the castle. Now it's our job to finish those inside the castle walls," he said simply as they all disbanded to finish off the remaining Bayville Militia.
Perhaps this would be their most difficult stand against Bayville in protecting the child of the prophecy.
~10~
Rogue panicked as they drew near to where she left Scott upon hearing the rustlings of a fight. Picking up the pace she turned the final corner and looked inside the library. Scott was dodging and defending as two Bayville troops continued to advance on him. She knew them as Harpoon and Gorgeous George.
Creed and Katherine were nowhere in sight. She entered the room and charged at Harpoon. "Harpoon!" she called out as the man was about to strike Scott. Stopping he turned. He already knew the voice that called out to him and as he turned he threw his spear.
Rogue, knowing the man had anticipated the move. She ducked and deflected the spear with her sword without missing a step. Harpoon reloaded his hand with another weapon, this time with a small axe. Her main focus was on Harpoon. She knew St. John well enough to know he'd turn his focus on George. They worked well like that. To confirm that thought she heard two swords clash behind her.
Still advancing towards Harpoon, he grinned at her. She knew he was one of the most deadly fighters amongst Creed's Nasty Boys and relished the thought of being able to fight against him as her first real test against Bayville. 'This will be a good fight', she thought. Rogue struck first as her sword clashed with his axe. She knew she had to keep him on the defense before he could get the upper hand. She continued her offensive assault, not giving him any opening to advance.
One of the things she prided herself on was her tactics. Each Bayville Militia she knew how to defeat, knowing people were prone to certain habits and skill sets. Not that she ever really expected to be in battle against them. It just made her a more versatile fighter and kept her on her toes. And right now she was thankful for that habit she picked up from her instructor Christopher Nord.
Harpoon was skilled and by keeping him on the defense it didn't allow him room to attack. She was good, but he had many years of fighting and training experience ahead of her. It also didn't allow him to capitalize on an opportunity to throw any more weapons, his specialty.
To attest to just how good a fighter Harpoon was, Rogue had made one wrong move and he had taken complete control of the fight. He knocked her to the ground and as she lie there frantically reaching for the knife in her boot she knew she only had seconds to react.
Harpoon was unlike any other Militia whom might be gloating at this point at Rogue's predicament. Instead he saw an opening and threw the small axe he had been fighting Rogue with. The blade hurled at incredible speed towards her head.
At the last second she managed to get ahold of her knife and deflect the oncoming weapon away but not without the blade catching part of her left hand. But she was too focused on the fight to notice. Using the momentum from the deflection she threw her knife with a backhand at Harpoon who was seconds away from throwing his second weapon at St. John while he was too distracted in battle with George to notice.
Rogue looked ahead at her knife that had struck Harpoon in the neck. She stood, already prepared for another attack with her sword in hand that she had managed to grab seconds ago.
Harpoon slowly turned to face her, blood spilling from his wound. He looked at her then down at his own weapon. His knife dropped from his grasp and he reached up towards the wound. Rogue saw the hilt of blade almost reached all the way to the skin. She was surprised how sharp the knife was to do that sort of damage with a single throw.
Harpoon dropped to his knees and Rogue watched as she tried catching her breath from a rather brief but still the most challenging fight of her life.
He looked up at her, catching her eye he gave her a respectful grin and then he was gone. His lifeless body fell forward and before he hit the ground Rogue was off to aid St. John.
St. John had the upper hand in the fight but they needed to find Creed and Katherine. She punched an unsuspecting George in the cheek which offered St. John the opportunity to end the fight. Now all but one of the Nasty Boys were now dead, Creed.
Rogue took in the room and saw who she had been looking for on the ground twenty feet away. She rushed over to Scott's side who was crouched down on his knees and wasn't quite with it. He had blood running down his face from a cut above his eye that look pretty deep but other than that he didn't appear to have any other wounds.
Rogue touched him on the shoulder and he flinched. His breathing was frantic as he looked over at her, eyes wide in fear. Realizing it was Rogue he seemed to relax quite a bit. "Where is Katherine?" she asked.
Scott looked around then tried to compose himself. Closing his eyes he recalled the attack that happened not so long ago.
He heard them approaching and hid. They were across the hall tearing the room apart looking for Katherine. Scott frantically looked for a way out but already knew there was only one exit. He had tried finding another one earlier after Rogue left him. A Militia was blocking the doorway.
Scott's blood ran cold when he heard them enter the library. Knowing he was trapped he tried to make the most of the situation and make a defensive stand. He told Kurt and Toad to get help and the Envoys snuck out of the room to find someone to alert that Bayville had breached the castle walls and were about to abduct the child.
One Militia approached his way. With Katherine safe in her cradle backpack tucked away amongst the shelves against the wall Scott leaned against the book shelf standing across the room. It wasn't the biggest book shelf but it would have been the only one he could have knocked over without giving the Bayville Militia too much of a warning.
Scott pushed the shelf over onto the approaching Militia who hollered out of surprise and then grunted as the books and shelf landed on top of him. Now exposed, Scott looked up in time to see the other two Militia start to chase after him and so he ran.
As the two chased after him he turned to see where they were. Just as he did a knife skimmed his brow, catching him pretty good above the eye. Fortunately he had turned when he did otherwise the knife would have struck him squarely in the back of the head. The momentum of the blow caused him to stumble and then the other Militia was on top of him about to strike.
Scott did what Rogue told him to do, block and defend. She was right, it was all he could do with the skill these men possessed. He wasn't sure when the big Militia escaped from beneath the book shelf but he did and was closing in on Katherine's location. Scott wanted to call out for him to stop or go after him but with two highly skilled Militia trying to kill him he couldn't do anything else but avoid death.
He saw the other Militia leave with Katherine, barking out commands Scott was unable to make out as he did so. Scott was so distraught by Katherine's capture he barely recalled Rogue coming to his rescue or anything else until she had asked him about Katherine.
He looked passed her at the doorway. "They took her. She's gone," he almost whispered. He began to panic but Rogue took hold of him. Her hands secured on both sides of his shoulders.
"Hey, listen to meh Scott!" Scott looked over at her. His eyes finally focusing as her voice caught his attention. "We're gonna ge' her back. Tha' Ah promise yah," she said. Her voice was so strong and confident Scott couldn't help but believe her despite the odds.
Nodding, he closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. Rogue helped him stand.
"General," Rogue called out to St. John. St. John approached, the whole time he had been at the door making sure no other Bayville Militia tried to attack. "Yes Captain?" he said.
Rogue looked from Scott to St. John. Scott barely took note of the man and listened as Rogue gave him instructions. "Ge' on a horse an' ge' back ta Bayville. Yah ain't gonna catch Creed, he's too strong of a rider an' already has a head start. When yah get ta Bayville act like yah barely got out of here alive or we fought, whateve' yah have ta do ta make 'em believe ya fleeing Westchester was necessary. Once we ge' ta Bayville we will need a way inside the castle. Remember the tunnels we used as kids?"
St. John nodded, remembering the tunnels well. They had discovered it as kids and used it to escape the castle walls at night for their 'adventures'. It was how they got out and tracked down the Deserters.
"Make sure the door is unlocked," she finished. St. John looked at her. He was not sure if this would be the last time he would see his friend, his kindred spirit.
"Rogue, if we," he began but Rogue stopped him. She had had enough of the recent sappiness going around. "St. John we can't dwell on anything. If somethin' happens to either of us we'll mourn and honor the other. But in the meantime let's end this," she said. St. John grinned. "Now go," she insisted. They embraced briefly and then St. John left.
Before he exited the room he called out to her. "Get that hand bandaged you stubborn sheila before you can't use it in battle." Then he was gone.
Rogue looked down at her left hand and saw the blood that oozed down from the lower part of her palm. She concluded it wasn't bad enough at the present to slow them down. They needed to make sure Bayville was defeated here before anything else. Once that was confirmed she could dress her wound.
Scott who stood waiting for Rogue felt her pull him towards the door. "Come on, Scott. Let's see if Westchester needs any help," she offered pulling him towards the dying battle in the city below. Without Katherine to protect and a somewhat of a plan in place he followed her hoping he would be of more use, especially if he could figure out his magic without Ororo's wand.
~10~
The battle had ended and Westchester stood victorious but as they walked amongst the fallen they realized the battle had come with a cost. The Militia had spread out to assess the damage which was when Bobby had found Bishop.
"Bishop!" he called out running over to the fallen man. Dropping his weapon and taking off his helmet, he knelt next to the man he had come to call a friend even more so after this journey. Checking his pulse he found none. "No," he almost whispered.
He looked down at Bishop, whose eyes were still open in death. Holding back a sob he reached down and closed Bishop's eyes. His hand still rested on the man's face. Behind him he heard someone approach. It was Warren. "Bishop? Bobby is he dead?" he asked, his usually selfish tone gone, he sounded genuinely concerned.
The tension between the two seemed to fade in that moment. Bobby nodded and turned to face Warren. "Yeah," Bobby answered looking at the man he'd grown to hate over the years. Warren looked from Bobby then at Bishop. His eyes were filled with a sadness Bobby had never seen before. Warren approached and knelt beside Bobby and Bishop's lifeless body.
"We will make this right. We will see this war to an end. Just as Bishop fought for," Warren said, comforting his fellow town-folk.
Bobby looked at Warren with a new appreciation. He had never heard the man encourage anyone before. Warren's words and actions comforted Bobby on so many levels. Bobby nodded looking from Bishop to Warren. "He said his last wish was to get to Westchester. A price we pay for getting what we want in this world," Bobby said.
Behind them Piotr approached. Warren reached out and put a hand on Bobby's shoulder. "A price for what we want is always worth the cost," Warren said and then got up and left Bobby and Piotr to grieve for their fallen friend in peace.
As Warren walked away his mystery woman appeared out of nowhere and followed silently beside him. "What you did for him, was a good thing," she offered, knowing this feeling must be new for him. They continued to walk in silence. Finally Warren stopped and looked at her and she him. No words were needed as their gaze lasted a long moment before they met in a passionate kiss. Sometime later they separated, gasping for breath.
"How do you stand to live in a world like this? Losing lives of those you know, you care about?" he asked, his eyes still closed.
She smiled. "It is not a choice. It is how we survive. Now that you are no longer hiding from the inevitable war that's been brewing for years you will learn how to deal with it," she replied. She gave him one last kiss then hurried off, to what he did not know. He was grateful for her comfort, though brief.
Smiling as he watched her go, he wondered if running off was her way of getting out of answering his next question. 'What name does such a woman have?' he thought. When she disappeared from sight he continued off to find something to keep himself occupied and mind off the devil woman.
~10~
Kurt and Toad had just made it outside and saw the battle had ended. Westchester stood the victors with the castle walls defending them and reinforcements having arrived.
They saw Ororo and raced towards her but before they could draw attention Rogue approached behind them helping Scott walk. They saw the missing child and knew they were too late. Too small for anyone to notice them they stood amongst the army and waited for the explanation.
Rogue had helped Scott through the castle to the city below. By the time the pair made it outside Scott was able to walk on his own.
They found Pietro and Ororo talking to a group of Westchester Militia as they approached. Ororo smiled at them as they drew near but when she saw the child was missing and the distraught look on Scott's face she knew what had happened. She reached out to Pietro gaining the man's attention. He looked from Ororo to Rogue and Scott. It took him a second but he soon realized the situation as well.
They rushed to the pair, Pietro reached out to his daughter and Ororo to Scott. "What happened?" Pietro asked.
Rogue took the opportunity to answer, thinking Scott might not be up to it. "Creed an' his Nasty Boys attacked Scott. St. John an' Ah were able ta stop the minions but did not ge' there in time ta stop Creed. Ah sent St. John after Creed. He will get us inside the castle once we arrive," Rogue said. At least she had something positive to add to the situation. More and more Scott was thankful for her new allegiance. If not for her he surely would be dead and Westchester would not have any chance to infiltrate castle Bayville in time to save Katherine.
"Logan, Betsy, Hank! Gather the Militia. I would have a word with everyone now," he ordered and the three Captains left to do his bidding. The others waited and watched on as the city filled with Westchester Militia.
As the city square filled with Militia Pietro waited until the movement died down. "I am Pietro Maximoff, the King of Westchester. I thank you all for your aid. Without you we would not have a chance against Bayville. But we must act now, Bayville has taken the child of the prophecy, Katherine Pryde and we need to save her before it is too late. Gather your horses and we will march to Bayville to finally end this war once and for all!" he said.
All cheered in their support then began to gather their belongings and horses for yet another march. They were all tired from the nonstop travel but knew the stakes of this war.
Logan approached Pietro. "Do you have any horses?" he asked, knowing the answer but wanted a confirmation.
"No. Nor does anyone else here. How many wagons do you have with room?" Pietro asked.
"With room, a few dozen. How many do you need?" Logan asked.
"There are nine of us so three wagons," Pietro answered.
Nodding Logan replied, "I'll have them on the outside of the main gate. Inform those that need to know." With that Logan was off to ready himself for travel.
Ororo turned to face Pietro. "We brought a wagon here as well," she informed.
Pietro nodded. "I will tell my Militia, can you find your friends and inform them?" Ororo agreed and they split up to find those in need of transportation. Ororo spoke with both Remy and Scott. Remy had been a little insistent he the one who would tell Rogue.
"Thank you Remy but don't ask for trouble with this girl. She is special, to a lot of us," Ororo warned. Remy nodded.
"Course, Stormy," he said.
"And do not call me that!" she insisted before she left to find Pietro causing Remy to chuckle as he started towards Rogue.
Scott stood waiting for Remy to get Rogue when Alex came out of nowhere drawing Scott out of his stupor. "Alex?" he said, surprised to see his younger brother after so many years of not knowing what had happened to him.
Alex looked at him than smiled. "Scott," he said and walked towards him hugging his older brother. "It has been too long, brother," he said. Scott pulled away looking at the man he hadn't seen in years.
"Alex, where did you go? One night you just vanished without a goodbye."
"I had to seek my title Scott, just like you and Jean tried to. We were all different. It was only a matter of time before we departed in search of training." Never thinking his decision was that surprising to any.
Alex hadn't seen or talked to his brother since that night. With the siblings holding a different title the expectation of seeing the other ever again was seldom. Alex didn't want a long, sad goodbye but after seeing Scott's reaction to how he left he supposed he should have given his brother that opportunity. "It doesn't matter. I'm just glad we are finally getting this chance before this final battle," Scott said.
Alex nodded. Movement caught his gaze and he saw Remy standing not far away looking at him. Remy nodded at Alex and Alex at him. Perhaps he and his brother could have a relationship after all of these years.
Remy was happy for Alex. The Militia seemed a little down after he brought up the topic of his brother and seeing them together, Remy was glad they got this chance to reconcile before the upcoming battle. Ahead of him he saw Rogue wrapping a bandage over her left hand. He took the opportunity to finally talk to her with no ongoing fight conflicting.
"Bonjour, chere," he greeted nodding at her. She hadn't seen him approach, distracted by dressing her hand. Turning she looked at the stealthy man. "Glad to see you doin' better," he said.
She continued to look at him. When she had run into him during the battle she was completely focused on finding Creed she had barely noticed him. For the first time she saw the concerned look on his attractive face that he tried to hide. She was taken aback by a sudden connection she felt to the man. She didn't feel this way the first time she saw him, he was just a face, though it was a handsome one at that. His chiseled features made her want to run her fingers over his cheekbones and…she shook her head, she was being silly. Now was not a time to be distracted by such thoughts.
Focusing on getting those thoughts out of her head she suddenly remembered flashes of what happened that night in her tent. He had saved her and brought her to Westchester.
In Bayville she grew up around a lot of men. There were very few women amongst Bayville since the realm included those evil and those born to the realm.
Amongst all of those people there was only a handful she knew that would sacrifice their life for someone else. He was the only one she knew who would do that for someone they barely knew.
"Thanks ta yah," she said, smiling at him.
"Anytime, chere," he said with a charming grin.
Their eyes caught and his grin faltered. They both realized this at the same time and Rogue cleared her throat. "We shoul' get goin'," she said trying to get her bearings straight. She started to follow the other Militia in preparation for their departure. It was then she realized she needed a horse since who knew what happened to hers when Bayville left camp.
"Dey preppin' a wagon for us outside the fron' gates. You wanna take a ride with moi?" (me) Remy suggested, since neither at the moment had their own horse.
Rogue looked back at Remy not sure what he meant at first. "Do wha', swamp rat?" she inquired. He eyed her, he'd never been called that before! Chuckling he walked to catch up with her.
Rogue heard him approach then stopped. Remy did as well. "Yah know, Ah should thank yah properly for savin' meh."
Remy was in the midst of shrugging the compliment off when she grabbed him by the chest plate and pulled him into a passionate kiss. At first he was stunned but it didn't take him long to recover. He kissed her back with as much passion and when it ended Rogue pulled away.
Remy stood there looking at her, intent on gaining further thank you's. "While you're thankin' me, you shoul' know how difficult it was to save you," he began but Rogue interrupted him. "Shut up, swamp rat," she said, lips crashing down on his again.
This time when they parted Rogue pushed him away more roughly causing him to stumble but leaving him all the more smitten. "Where's tha' wagon yah were talkin' about?" she asked looking around, trying to find a reason not to look at the man in front of her.
If they were not in the middle of a war with the child of the prophecy in enemy hands Remy would have pursued this romantic situation further but he controlled himself. "Use me den throw me away, huh chere? C'est pas mal. Dis way," (it's okay) he said, gesturing to his right. "Après que vous, chere." (after you).
Rogue narrowed her eyes at him, knowing there was a particular reason he'd want her to walk in front of him. Instead she looped her arm in his and pulled him along. As they began walking together Remy chuckled. "Didn't take you for needin' an escort," he said.
Rogue snorted. "Ah don't. Just don' want yah walking behind meh, staring at my ass the whole way, sugah," she said sweetly. Remy laughed and they walked towards Alex and Scott.
"Need a ride as well?" Remy asked. The brothers looked at each other then nodded and followed the odd couple. Thinking perhaps the ride to Bayville might provide good entertainment with the back and forth banter.
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