A/N – This chapter was such a beast and so much going on that I finally bit the bullet and decided to split it into 2 chapters. I'm mostly done with the second part of this but I still have a little bit to go along with an edit through.
Also I wanted to dedicate this chapter and the next to xmenfan33. Thank you so much for your support through this story! Reviews, regardless of how many or few received provides such an unexpected and wonderful reward. Thanks again!
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Chapter 11: The Bitter…
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The sound of horse hooves pounding on the ground beat heavily as Creed continued to urge his steed on. He would not stop until they were at castle Bayville and the child was in the Queen's hands. The Westchester army included so many more recruits then he could have ever imagined. He never expected all of the realms to form together against Bayville. The Queen needed to exile the child and Bayville needed to regroup. He lost a lot of good Militia today and would not let that go without retribution.
Underneath his strong hold the child squirmed and screamed to no end. Creed did not care about the wellbeing of the child, only that he would not lose hold of her during this hard ride. The normal day and a half journey took Creed half that time at the pace he rode.
In the horizon he saw the castle and grinned. Exhausted as he, and surely his horse, was he pressed on. Once he was in sight of the castle was when he reached the flatlands. While he was exposed in plain sight of the long stretch from the hills and forest to the flatlands below he heard the guards on the castle walls calling out orders to open the gate. As he neared the castle the gate began to lower. He wasn't far now.
But before he reached the gates his horse faltered and he knew what would happen next. Bracing himself his horse toppled over from exhaustion. The ground was upon him in a hard, pounding second. Creed secured the child so he wouldn't crush the tiny being. And for a second nothing, there was nothing. No cries from the child, no movement from the horse, all he could do was focus his vision and work to slowly climb to his feet.
Standing he looked down at the horse. Creed had gone through many horses in his lifetime and had never grown attached to any of them. They served a purpose and he respected them. The stallion's eyes were wide, his nostrils flared and his breathing was short and fast. Creed knew what he needed to do. Behind him he heard a group of Bayville Militia approach. Just in time.
Creed handed the child to one of the Militia. The man took the baby in silenced confusion. Creed pulled his sword from his scabbard and did what needed to be done. "We all have an end and this, good steed, is yours," Creed said to the horse. In response the horse pawed his hoof on the ground, knowing what was coming as Creed raised his sword and offered mercy to the animal.
Pulling his sword from the now dead stallion he re-sheathed his sword. Turning toward the Militia that still held the child he reclaimed her. "Make sure you burn or bury the body. The animal earned a proper burial," he ordered to the surrounding men and with that left to bring the child to the Queen.
He walked the halls of the castle and knew exactly where the Queen would be, in her spell chamber. Entering the room he looked around. Normally the room was filled with books and items he could only conclude as being Sorcerer relevant but now inside it looked ready for a ritual. Well what he would expect a ritual room to look like. Empty except for the items needed, including hundreds of candles lit throughout the room and a sacrificial table in the middle below the skylight.
"My Queen, the child," he said, stopping in front of her and extending the child towards her.
Raven turned and looked down at Creed, then at the child. A smile crept upon her face but it didn't last very long. The smile was replaced by an angry frown. Her eyes shifted up from the child to Creed. "And where is my child?" she questioned, signaling her loyal servants to come forward.
Creed looked at her questionably. "You wanted the child of the prophecy I have brought it at the fate of an army of Bayville to Westchester," he said, pretty certain she would never know the truth of her daughter. Then again he knew she had a Seer amongst her servants as well as powers of sorcery herself. Who could possibly know what she knew?
Two figures approached from behind Raven. He noticed the first as Destiny. He didn't see the second one until the man took hold of the child. Creed looked at the man and saw it was the same whom he killed in his tent days ago. He clenched his jaw and let the man take the child. The Militia just looked at him, face withdrawn then turned to take the child to the ritual table.
"You may recognize the man, Creed, as one of the Militia amongst your army?" she said beginning to walk in a circle around him. Like a predator circling their prey. Creed just stood there waiting to see where this was going, but that didn't last very long. "And what of it?" he asked, annoyed by being toyed with.
He felt a vicious slap across his face. Expecting a lecture to follow and then a dismissal from the spell chamber he was stunned at what actually happened next. A force of energy suddenly took hold of him. He couldn't move, he couldn't breathe; all he felt was excruciating pain, like all of his senses were heightened to extreme jolts at once and the pain continued to amplify. Unable to contain a show of weakness he cried out in pain. The pain seemed to last forever and he began to wonder if she was actually going to kill him, right here and now. But as quickly as it started, the pain stopped.
He fell to the ground, his breathing labored and his body shook uncontrollably. "I know of your betrayal to my daughter and of Bayville. I should kill you for your treachery," she began and rolled him over onto his back with her foot. "But, you still hold some value to me. If you betray me again you will be begging me for death. Understood?" she threatened.
Creed, never one to submit to anyone did just that. He nodded his head rapidly. "Say it!" she demanded, energy crackled at her fingertips. A thunderous rumble he did not notice before shook the room. Lightening flashed from the skylight above the ritual table. "Yes…yes my Queen," he said, trying to form more words. "I am yours to command."
Smiling Raven waved her hand in a dismissive fashion. "Now go and see to it I am informed the moment Westchester arrives," she commanded of the man.
Creed did so like a frightened puppy with his tail between his legs. Never before had he been afraid of someone and the power they held. But what she had done to him shook him to the core. He scurried out of the room and left to do her bidding.
In the spell chamber Raven changed into her ritual robes. Looking at Destiny and James she nodded to them, "prepare the child for the ritual!" she instructed. Since Raven had not trained or had any apprentices as far as Sorcerer's, she had trained both James and Destiny the ritual preparation. Raven did not want another Sorcerer competing against her which is why she never accepted Sorcerer's in this realm or offered any training. The only person she ever would have trained would have been her daughter. But that was never meant to be.
Angered filled her and the thunder rumbled in the sky above. She stood in front of the ritual table. "Thunder and lightning, I call upon your powers to bless this table!" she commanded. As a response flashes of lightning descended from the sky and struck the table. After three flashes it was over and Raven called James over with the now prepared child. He placed her on the altar. Raven looked down at the child then at James. "Is everything prepared?" she asked and James nodded. "Good, now take guard outside the room. I am only to be disturbed when Westchester arrives."
James nodded then bowed. He left the room, closing the door behind him Raven turned her attention back to the child. "Now I shall rid you of this world," she said to the child. Raising her hands she began the ritual.
~11~
St. John wasn't sure if this was a good idea or not but Rogue was right, he had to try otherwise they might not be able to get inside the castle in time to stop the ritual. He had a few injuries from the fight with George but to help sell his story to Bayville he added some self-inflicted wounds as well. The story needed to hold true especially if he ran into Creed, he wasn't sure if the man would believe it. He would cross that bridge if he came to it.
He spurred his horse to a canter once he crossed the hills to the flatlands. Above the castle walls he saw the Militia walking guard along the wall. When they spotted him they called out orders to open the gate.
St. John gave a sigh of relief, not that he should have since no one in Bayville would know of his treachery except Harpoon and George and they were both dead. Once the gate was fully dropped he entered, ordering them to close the gate behind him.
One of the Militia approached him. "General, are there any others coming?" he had asked, hopefully.
St. John gave him a regretful look and shook his head. The Militia frowned then looked to the rest of the Militia guard. "Get back to your posts! We will crush this army for their offense against Bayville," behind him guards almost growled a cheer. They were itching for a fight and it just so happened that one would soon to be on their doorstep.
St. John was about to leave them to their posts when Creed came out of nowhere and stood in front of him blocking his path. "Where is Rogue?" he asked. Both knew this was to keep up appearances amongst Bayville. St. John also knew this would help further rile up the Bayville army for the fight against Westchester.
"She is no longer amongst us, Captain," St. John said. Fortunately he perfected the art of lying at a young age. This was an easy sell to appear with answers and reactions people would expect of him if he had not already sided with his best friend.
"Oh?!" Creed said, acting just as 'sincere' as St. John.
"She changed sides when she met her father. I could not sway her. I tried bringing her back against her will but felt the sting of her betrayal in both words and fists," St. John said making sure all took note of his injuries and his rough appearance. "I was to relay a message from her to the Queen, that those who wronged her will receive no mercy. She will get the revenge she had promised."
St. John added that last part in there just for Creed. Knowing this, Creed eyed him a moment and St. John thought the man would strike him down. Instead Creed grunted then turned and made his way up to the wall. He was not a patient man but St. John noticed he was even less patient than usual. Perhaps the Queen blamed him for Rogue's betrayal. Too bad St. John wasn't a fly on the way when Creed explained that to Raven. St. John couldn't help the smile that spread across his face as he watched Creed begin to pace and bark orders to those in earshot.
Once Rogue and Westchester arrived St. John and Rogue could get their vengeance on the man. 'Not soon enough,' St. John thought as he made his way inside the castle to unlock the gate in the tunnels below. He and Rogue still had one final adventure to seek in Bayville.
~11~
The ride to Bayville was filled with conversations of two brothers who had not seen each other in years. They discussed life events until they finally arrived to the recent events that lead them to this crossing.
"I heard the rumors of you as this great Sorcerer. Are the rumors true?" Alex asked. He had his attention focused on the floor of the wagon in front of him. Alex had always looked up to his older brother as a child, but that was many years ago. Now, despite himself, he felt that boyish admiration again.
Scott frowned. He really did not like being called a great Sorcerer. Perhaps one day if he lived up to the reputation but not at this point. He couldn't even release his powers with ease. "Well not exactly. You see," he began but was interrupted by movement in his pouch.
"You see your brother is quite modest. He thinks cause he's new to this war and sorcery thing he's got to be a pro. You think legends like Charles Xavier, Ororo Monroe, Erik Lensherr and Pietro Maximoff started off knowing what they'd become? Nah man, but many saw greatness within them and pushed them harder to achieve that," Toad proclaimed.
Scott hadn't noticed when the Envoy's exactly ventured into his punch but they had done it enough times to where it didn't strike him as odd. "Well I doubt everyone learns their title on the go during the biggest battle in recent history that will be talked about for centuries," Scott defended.
"I'll give you that. But my blue friend and I were a couple of nothings until we got the chance to be Envoys. Our first mission we snuck inside a hostile Bayville camp for information for the Scarlet Witch. It was crazy and we were, well Kurt was scared."
Toad was interrupted by Kurt, "I vas so not scared! You un ze other hand couldn't contain your ribbits! All night, 'ribbit zis. Ribbit, ribbit zat.' Nonstop!"
"Hey!" Toad started loudly then his next sentence he almost whispered to Toad. "You promised me you would never tell anyone that."
"What's your point?" Scott asked. Knowing now that the two had gotten off topic the point of the story was forever lost.
"I'm sure his point is zat ze Scarlet Vitch trusted us vith a highly dangerous mission. Her trust in us made us brave und gave us courage to do something ve thought ve could never do," Kurt answered.
Scott looked at them blankly for a moment then looked at his brother. "You see. This is the sort of things they say to me," Scott said to Alex, oddly complaining as if it were a bad thing being admired and all.
"Must be tough," Alex replied dryly. Scott looked at him and realized what he had just said and he laughed. It was the first time since this mission started that he felt laugher take hold of him so much so he couldn't stop even if he wanted to. The others joined in the laughter too. Glad to finally see Scott loosening up.
In the front of the wagon the pair of Militia had been too occupied with their own company to notice. Rogue sat next to Remy during the ride to Bayville. She had to admit she enjoyed his company during this odd time in her life. Something about him just made her feel at ease, something so few offered. They talked about experiences growing up and how they ended up in this predicament. But the exchange was soon interrupted.
Suddenly Pietro rode up next to the wagon. She hadn't talked with her father since they met in the armory which seemed like a lifetime ago. "How are you doing?" he asked, a concerned look covered his face. She looked at him then down at her feet a sudden shyness she had never felt before over coming her.
"Ah'm fine," she offered.
Pietro looked from Rogue to Remy, narrowing his eyes at the man. Ororo had told him of how Remy had helped Scott and Katherine so it did build some credit to the traitor Militia. He wasn't about to trust him around his daughter.
"Remy LeBeau, it's been far too long," he said in a neutral, yet disapproving tone. During their time at Westchester he didn't have too much of a chance to chat with the lad.
"Oui," Remy replied, not allowing the underlying tone of the King of Westchester to bother him.
Pietro looked from Remy to his daughter. When she looked at him he gave her a comforting smile. "Rogue could you give Remy and myself a moment?" he asked.
Rogue looked from her father to Remy. Remy clenched his jaw as Rogue nodded. She jumped from her wagon then got into her father's, sitting next to Ororo. Pietro joined the seat next to Remy as the horses continued ahead.
"Loo', Remy sorry he betrayed Westchester. Lotta things happened from then till now. Remy have no intentions of betrayin' anyone again," Remy offered his eyes focused ahead as was Pietro's.
Without turning to look at him, Pietro replied, "that is not the reason we are having this talk." Pietro looked at Remy. Narrowing his brow in confusion Remy looked at Pietro waiting for the reason.
"I am concerned of your intentions towards my daughter," he said, in a protective, fatherly tone.
Remy nodded. He had momentarily forgotten she was his daughter in all of this recent mess. Now this little encounter made sense. Remy was getting 'the talk'. He grinned on the inside. Oh how this conversation was well overdue for him from a parent. Oddly enough this was the first time he was acting like a gentleman.
"Intentions?" Remy asked, though he was not sure if anything would happen with Rogue after the war. Granted he did want something to happen but he had never wanted this before. Remy himself was still trying to figure his feelings out.
"I see the way you look at her and how she looks at you. I may be new to this father thing but I'm not blind of what's going on between you two," Pietro said.
"Fair enoug'," Remy replied. He thought a moment of how to respond. Thoughts collected for the most part and he offered what he understood. "Remy not sure of what will happen beyond de war, but Remy, I never felt dis way abou' a woman before." It was silent for a time. "I'm not sure what dis feeling is."
Pietro smiled. He had to admit he wasn't expecting this answer from Remy. He had expected a line or two but what Remy said was genuine. Perhaps there was hope for this young Militia after all. "I know of what you question. It is what I felt for Ororo when I first met her years ago. I was focused on my family and my duty. I never thought I would be able to feel something like that for someone else. Hit me hard and helped me overcome Raven's love spell," Pietro said.
Remy looked at Pietro. They had never spent much time together when he was in Westchester but for the first time they were able to appreciate some similarities. Though Remy was a womanizer while Pietro was not, the similarity was that they had no intentions of finding love as they had other 'things' that occupied their time.
"Just promise me you won't break her heart. I know she can handle herself but if you do I will leave you in the traitor's cages in Syracuse and have the Wolverine babysit you to make sure no one lets you out this time," Pietro threatened.
"Such a sad fate, mon king. Perhaps Remy be more concerned of wha' Rogue do to him if dat be de case," Remy joked.
Pietro laughed then motioned for Ororo to approach. "Just so we're clear," Pietro said, giving Remy one last look before he switched wagons again.
When Rogue sat next to Remy, Remy had this overwhelming desire to take this time to spend with her just in case this was their final moments together, seeing as how that this big, final war coming up and all. As the wagon started rolling Remy looked at Rogue. "You know, chere, Remy like more den anything if dis be our final ride, we take it together," he offered.
Rogue looked at him. Her eyes widened at this statement from the man as he didn't seem to be the type to offer this sort of genuine sentiment to a woman. Once she got ahold of herself she smiled at him. "Why Monsieur LeBeau, do Ah detect a proposal in those words yah jus' spoke?" she asked, batting her eyes at him.
Remy chuckled. "Non, Remy jus' tryin' to get a little Rogue lovin' before we part," he said. Just as he started puckering his lips he received a hard slap across the cheek. He reached up as if offended, then turned to look at her. He offered his best hurt face while she frowned at him. "Chere, you promise me you never hit me no more," he said then slid a couple of scoots away from her.
She kept on frowning at him. "Keep it up, swamp rat, and Ah'll promise yah somethin' else," she replied despite her intent on keeping the frown a smile tugged at her lips.
"Ooh!" Remy began, removing his hand from his cheek, "Remy likes de dirty talk!"
Rogue laughed and then gave him a 'gentle' push. Since he was already on the edge of the seat from teasing her moments ago he faltered then dropped to the ground. Fortunately he was a nimble fella and landed like a cat.
As the wagon continued ahead Rogue turned to look back at him. "Oh mah, yah sure are a delicate Militia. Perhaps yah shoul' stay behind. Wouldn' want nothin' ta happen ta yah," she said in a sweet, patronizing tone.
Remy didn't stop to appreciate her mockery and raced after the wagon. He jumped into the back passed Scott and Alex then climbed up next to her. She looked at him, her eyes daring him to do something in return. Remy saw this as a challenge. He liked challenges.
To the right of the wagon was a river and Remy his opportunity. Perhaps this would be the last thing he would ever do but it would be worth it. He surprised her by picking her up in a single swoop and slung her over his shoulder. He was so strong and agile the moving wagon didn't slow him down. He jumped from the wagon to the ground below.
Rogue fought him the whole way. He almost dropped her a few times but determined as he was to get his revenge there was nothing that could stop him now. He made it within a few feet of the river when she climbed from his back. Grabbing him around the neck they wrestled to the ground. Remy was impressed with the move. It seemed he had finally met his match in stubbornness.
Behind them the trail of the Westchester Militia stopped their march and watched on, amused. A cheer calling for Rogue or Remy to win started but the pair didn't hear it. They were too engrossed in the battle between the other.
As they tussled neither wanting to lose face against the other, in a final attempt Remy hauled Rogue over his shoulder. While she thrashed she hollered at him. "Yah drop meh in that water, swamp rat and Ah'll," she began to threaten but Remy interrupted her.
"Easy, chere. Remy jus' dropping off a river rat," he said then flung her into the water below.
Behind them a group of Militia gasped in surprise and horror at what just happened to the new ally from Bayville. Rogue sat in the water, glaring up at Remy. Meanwhile Remy grinned down at her.
Fuming she fumbled in the water. "That tears it!" she hollered scrambling to her feet. Remy was no fool and took his leave rather quickly. As Rogue raced after Remy Pietro stepped between the two. "Now that both of you have each gotten your licks in I think it's time to get back on track," he offered. Rogue eyed behind her father at Remy who winked at her which of course caused her face to grow redder with anger.
Composing herself she took a short forceful breath. "Fine, bu' this ain't over!" she promised to Remy.
Remy chuckled as he settled in the wagon. "Remy be disappointed if it were, chere," he replied and Rogue shook her head. Pietro, glad this was over without further concerns looked for his captain.
"Logan!" Pietro called out to the man who sat in his saddle watching the entire exchange emotionless. He grunted his acknowledgement and trotted towards Peitro. "Bring Hank and Betsy. I would have words with you before we reach Bayville."
"Just us?" Logan asked, as Pietro usually held meetings with more of his Militia especially his personal guards. Pietro shook his head, no, he only wanted a small group to know this plan. He had an uneasy feeling there might be a spy in their midst. After Bayville was able to get inside the castle in a few locations and most unsettling past the Westchester defense to where Scott and Katherine were. Logan needed no further explanation as he nodded and spurred his horse to gather the requested captains.
Pietro headed back towards the wagons and stopped next to Rogue. "Rogue, I need you in my wagon for a meeting," he said, only inviting her amongst her company.
Rogue nodded but then stopped before she got down from the wagon. "Ah would request that Remy an' Scott join us," she said. This was war and she had a plan. As far as war goes, anything was possible but the most important thing was they stopped her mother from banishing the child. They needed more than a small group to know of her plan in case they failed in their separate missions.
Pietro looked from her then at the two men she insisted accompany them. Skeptical he looked back at Rogue. "I fear there is a traitor amongst us and would not risk the child of the prophecy over informing too many of this plan."
"Neither would Ah. Ah just wan' a back up plan in case Ororo an' Ah are defeated. These two have brought the child this far an' had plenty of opportunity ta allow Bayville ta take the child," Rogue said.
Pietro looked at her and then at Ororo. He did not want to think of losing the two people he cared for most in this world and especially after just getting them back in his life. Pushing his emotions aside he nodded. Behind him he heard three horses ride up. "Come," he said and turned towards the wagon Ororo waited in.
"Your daughter my King?" Betsy asked eyeing Rogue as they approached the wagon. All had heard the rumors. This was the first time many in Westchester had ever seen her. Pietro nodded as he climbed into the wagon next to Ororo. Betsy grinned at Rogue as she climbed into the wagon and in return Rogue gave her a menacing frown. The mounted captain laughed and positioned herself next to the wagon with Hank and Logan. Once Remy and Scott had climbed into the back the march started back up again.
"So what's the plan?" Scott asked, getting a little anxious, never before being in a meeting with other Militia about an upcoming battle.
"Ah sent St. John ahead ta a secret way inside the castle. Once we get there we need Pietro ta head the army. It'd be noticeable if he was missing. Ah will take Ororo to the spell chambers an' we will stop mah mother.
"Why so few going inside? What if Raven has guards posted throughout the castle?" Hank asked.
"Bayville's weakness is their confidence. They have defeated their enemies so many times an' mah mother is the most powerful Sorcerer in the lands. She will have few guards posted if any. She will want her full forces at the gates ta focused on Westchester." Those around her nodded their agreement, sounded right. "But if we take too long Ah wanted ta make sure as many of yah knew about the secret way inside."
Rogue described to the group how to get into the castle from the tunnels and also the way if they had managed to breach the wall. The group of Militia and Sorcerers' all agreed with this plan.
Not long after they noticed where they were. There were not many who had ever been to these parts. But Scott was in the minority in this group who had been. They all knew how close they were to castle Bayville.
"The moment of truth," Pietro called out to the army as they approached the flatlands.
~11~
Raven had just completed the first stage of the ritual when the doors opened. Looking up she saw both James and Creed enter. Both approached and bowed in front of her. "My Queen, Westchester arrives," Creed said actually sounding like an obedient follower for once. Raven should have shown her dominance over him years ago, then again he had never been a problem against her before.
Looking from the child to the men in front of her she marched passed them heading outside. She needed to see for herself of Rogue's betrayal.
When she finally made it outside she saw the daylight was quickly fading leading into night. She continued her march up to the wall, Creed and James on her heels. As she stood amongst her Bayville Militia she looked down at the flatlands below.
There were hundreds of Westchester Militia located across the lands waiting for battle. Raven had to admit she was surprised by the amount of recruits Westchester had enlisted. Never in all of these centuries had the realms ever forged together in battle.
"Figures they'd ban together to fight against me,' she thought, bitterly. Lightning flashed above her which caught the attention of the Militia below. There she saw him, the King of Westchester. Beside him stood her once friend, Ororo. It seemed silly that after all of these years Raven was still jealous of the couple. 'Perhaps I should have killed one of them, than left one living alone, their life in mourning,' she thought, grinning evilly. The grin faded when her eyes caught sight of Rogue who stood nearby.
The sight filled her with a deep rage and she couldn't contain those feelings any longer. Flashes of lightning were accompanied by a powerful rumble of thunder. The main force of the Westchester Militia knew Raven was watching them. It was then Pietro caught Raven's eye with his own. Despite the distance they could see the hatred burning in the others' eyes.
Stepping forward Pietro offered the first words. "Raven, give back the child! This evil has gone on long enough!" Pietro tried to reason.
Raven laughed, the sound echoed across the castle walls through the flatlands. The thunder and lightning stopped as did the echo of her laughter. "It appears the great Militia King has lost his nerve in the face of death, how disappointing. Did my old friend Ororo geld you when she was freed from my curse?" she mocked. Behind her the Bayville army chuckled.
"Mother, please listen ta reason. If this battle begins it means the end of goodness in the world. That means creatures like Creed and Essex will be in power ta destroy it," Rogue called out, knowing her mother wasn't an admirer of either men but used them to do her bidding. From where she stood she saw Creed's frown grow deeper and her mother's determined face falter, if only for a second.
"Enough! You dare to come here and challenge me?!" her voice carried across the lands. Once the echo died out there was nothing but silence. Raven cast a spell.
Across the four corners of the castle the fifteen foot tall statues of the four horsemen that stood guardians of castle Bayville came to life. The horses they were mounted upon came to life as well making them seem even larger. Each figured moved distinctly and as life crept deeper one by one the statues moved from the castle walls to the city below. The four statues stood side by side standing between the castle and the Westchester army. The figures could easily run down the army if Westchester did not think of a plan soon.
The horsemen were named for the common titles of the realm by Bayville years ago when the castle was erected; 'the Militia', 'the Sorcerer', 'the Reject' and 'the Seer'. All resembled a human but they were each crafted differently. 'The Militia' looked like an older man with a broad structure, proper armor fitted and a sword and a shield in hand. 'The Sorcerer' was an older woman, staff in hand. Breast plate covered all but her mid drift was exposed and a cape was draped down her back. 'The Reject' was a mysterious looking young man clad in leather. He held a sword in one hand with another sword still sheathed on his back. 'The Seer' was a younger woman with a pair of daggers in hand. A hood covered much of her face and a cloak covered the rest of her body.
All looked menacing with scowls on their face. As if Westchester needed any more reason to fear the unusual enemy they each took flight, as if their horses had wings and began to circle the army like hawks.
Remy looked up and in the rare moments of his life, he was stunned, "Merde," he said under his breath. He clutched the swords in his hands and tried to think of how to defeat this, this adversary. Nothing came to mind.
"Split up. We don't want to be easy targets for these creatures!" Pietro called out to the army.
Others shouted the instruction so all could hear and the voices spread across the ranks. Slowly they moved throughout the flatlands ready for battle against an enemy they had never expected.
Hank approached Pietro so only the King could hear the question he posed. "So, how do we want to handle this?" his attention was still drawn to the enemy above. He himself was trying to work out a plan.
Pietro glanced at Hank then at the hovering aerial assault. He stared on, appearance showing confidence and an eagerness to engage the enemy but inside he felt the uncertainty of the words he spoke, "Honestly, I have no idea."
~11~
Above them the horsemen maneuvered in a taunting manner. One or two would dove bomb towards the ground then would let up just short of attacking and would rejoin the other horsemen in the sky.
The Westchester leaders were trying to figure out a plan on how to defeat this abnormal enemy but at the moment they didn't have an answer.
Rogue stood next to Ororo. They on the other hand did have a plan which was to leave for the underground tunnel before a battle broke out. But when this type of enemy emerged Rogue was not sure if that plan had changed.
"Ororo we mus' make a decision ta stay an' fight or make our way inside the castle ta save the child," Rogue said, watching the horsemen approach. Her bow armed with an arrow, ready for either response.
Ororo wanted to stay to save those from death but knew the greater good was saving the child. Looking from the sky above to the Militia next to her she replied, "we must save the child."
Nodding Rogue looked to find Remy a few feet away. He caught her eye and they nodded at one another. With that she took off towards the woods, Ororo followed closely behind her.
They could not approach the castle walls in plain sight otherwise the Bayville Militia posted along the wall would stop them. Once they were in the woods Rogue ventured to her left and Ororo followed. After they had been on the move for a time Ororo was wondering how much longer it would take.
Just then Rogue stopped and looked around. Ororo watched the young Militia fascinated with her. She moved agilely like her father but had the feminine movement like her mother. She appeared to have found what she was looking for and continued forward.
The dense woods slowed their movement but Ororo kept up with Rogue. They reached a clearing and below a river. Rogue jogged along the river and shortly after they came across a drain. This must have been Bayville's water supply system.
Rogue skipped through the thigh high water and Ororo followed. The drain was not locked so Rogue was able to open the grate and they entered. It was dark inside the tunnel and they continued to wade through the water. Ororo walked inches behind Rogue since the young woman knew the way. They walked in silence not wanting to chance anyone hearing but were also too focused on this mission for any small talk.
It was almost a mile before the tunnel expanded into a larger room and another grate blocked their way. This one looked more like it was usually locked and beyond the grate there was a brick walkway on the left side of the water. Rogue felt to make sure the grate was unlocked then pulled the grate open. She waited for Ororo to pass before she closed it behind them. Rogue pulled herself up onto the walkway and helped Ororo up.
"Thank you," Ororo said. Rogue nodded and they continued down the walkway. When they reached another tunnel to their left Rogue walked on. This took them away from the water and Ororo could tell they were now underneath the city walls.
Rogue slowed her pace and Ororo had noticed that ever since they reached the second grate she seemed concerned. "What is it?" Ororo asked looking at Rogue, they were walking side by side since entering the second tunnel.
Rogue almost stopped, her feet were as unsure as her mind. "Nothin', it's jus' that St. John should have met us here." She shrugged and then picked up her pace to a normal speed.
Ororo followed next to her, her gaze focused ahead. "Perhaps he needed to make an appearance elsewhere," Ororo offered, hoping to get Rogue's mind off of things that, at this point, were beyond her control. It seemed heartless but they couldn't afford to worry about anyone besides the child of the prophecy.
"Ah hope so," Rogue said and they climbed the stairs into the castle. Once they saved the child, she vowed to find St. John no matter the cost.
~11~
Scott stood amongst the ranks with his spear and shield in hand. He was hoping he would be able to offer some sort of aid in this battle but these horsemen were something new altogether. The army scrambled to avoid the dive bomb attacks that maliciously swooped down from time to time.
When the horsemen did land it shook the lands. If anyone was unprepared the rumble would knock them to the ground.
Scott heard the taunts from the Bayville Militia who were safe behind their castle wall and felt a streak of rage boil through him. He remembered the spell Ororo taught him about the energy blast and he took aim. As he was about to unleash the spell he looked up. Above him a horseman was about to strike and he dodged just in time as 'the Militia' just missed him. With the statue now hovering in the air he was brought back to his surroundings when he heard someone moaning in pain. He turned and saw Alex on the ground, leg broken he was unable to get completely out of harm's way.
Scott raced over to Alex and knelt next to his brother, holding him in his arms. "I am alright Scott. I just need to set it," Alex said, reaching down to his left leg. Scott thought of Rogue and what he had done for her in Westchester. 'Of course,' he thought. He tried focusing his powers on healing. Suddenly Alex began to panic.
"Scott, we have to move!" he said looking up at the sky. Opening his eyes looked up as well to see two horsemen hovering above them like hawks in the sky zeroing in on their prey. "Scott!" Alex said trying to get his attention and trying to stand. Unable to do so Alex turned and shook Scott out of his trance. "Scott, go! Leave me!" he insisted.
Scott couldn't lose his brother, not again. "No!" Scott yelled and began to help his brother up. Movement above him caught his attention. One horseman was closer and appeared ready to attack. "Scott go!" his brother ordered, pushing him away. Not expecting the gesture Scott stumbled backwards from his brother as Alex crawled further away trying to draw the horseman away from Scott.
With short and frantic breaths Scott watched on in horror as the horse snorted aggressively and began to dive at Alex. Scott could not get there in time. "Noooo!" he yelled and threw the spear he had still been holding onto. Before it released from his hand he felt energy inside him transfer from his hand to the spear. The weapon soared at lightning speed glowing red into the horseman. 'The Militia' shattered with the impact and a loud boom resonate the area.
Alex looked up in awe and when he turned to look at his brother, Scott held the same expression. Just then 'the Seer' came swooping down upon him. Scott held up his hands in defense. Again the energy flowed through him and projected out of his hands up at the horseman. Another boom and shattered figure. Two down, two to go.
Looking around frantically to find out what the other two horsemen were up to. 'The Sorcerer' was still hovering in the sky looking for her next victim while 'the Reject' was circling a group of Westchester Militia. Scott looked up at 'the Sorcerer' who caught his eye and then looked over at 'the Reject'. Seeing as 'the Reject' was about to attack the Militia she dove at Scott in a flash, expecting him to choose between stopping her and saving the others.
Scott had seconds to act as she was nearly upon him. He wanted, no needed to stop both horsemen. Out of instinct he reached one hand up to protect himself while the other was seemingly possessed took aim at the other horseman. He let out a holler, desperate and in need to control his powers he felt an incredible energy release deep from within. A feeling and a control he had not felt before. An enormous boom shook the land. Then came silence.
He hadn't realized he had closed his eyes. Slowly he opened them. Looking around there were no more horsemen. Everyone was safe, for now. Before he could react to anything else Pietro had grabbed him by the shoulder. A look of hope was on his face. "Scott if you are able to use your powers go inside the castle and help Ororo and Rogue," Pietro ordered. With the horsemen now destroyed, Westchester would only have to deal with the Bayville Militia on their own.
"What!? Don't you need help out here?" Scott asked.
"We need all the sorcery help we can get against Raven. The Militia can handle this. The most important thing is to save Katherine. Now go!" he ordered and gave Scott a push towards the woods where Rogue and Ororo disappeared to. He remembered Rogue's description of how to enter the castle from the tunnel outside of the walls.
Scott looked at Pietro then over to his brother who gave him an encouraged nod. Scott nodded back, then looked at Pietro. He turned and headed towards the tunnel.
"And Scott," Pietro called out from behind him.
Turning Scott looked at Pietro.
"Thank you," the Militia King said. The man was a natural leader and Scott felt very humbled to have been thanked by him.
Scott smiled and headed towards the woods. He was amazed by the type of allies and friends he was making on this journey. These were people he had only heard stories about. Now he was one of the important pieces of this prophecy whether he liked it or not. He would help stop Raven and return goodness to this world for his family and for the land of kroYweN.
~11~
Creed watched on in disbelief seeing the Dweller take out all four horsemen. He was sure the statues would defeat all of the Westchester army. The damn man had potential as a Sorcerer, something he did not know. Well he would take care of this.
With the horsemen defeated Westchester could mount an attack against Bayville. He couldn't risk any of them getting inside or stopping the ritual he reasoned with himself. Of course the real reason was he and his men had been itching for a good battle and here it was.
"Prepare the army, we attack now!" he ordered to all. The order was repeated down the wall and the Bayville Militia began to mount up or get in formation below in front of the gate.
A more patient man would have stayed behind the walls in wait but Creed was not that man, nor was Bayville that type of army. They never had to instruct patience into their plan of attack with how much they dominated the other realms.
"Is it wise to leave these walls while the Queen continues the ritual?" an older Militia asked behind him. It wasn't a question out of fear for the enemy but rather a tactical one.
Creed snarled and looked at the man. "I would not have these Westchester fools running about with two Sorcerers while the Queen is occupied. We will crush this pathetic excuse of an army and when the Queen banishes the child we will have all of kroYweN in our control!" he replied.
Around him the Bayville army cheered and the sound carried through Bayville and over the wall. "Bayville! Bayville! Bayville! Bayville! Bayville! Bayville!" The cheer became louder and more unison as the gate opened and they marched out to meet the so called Westchester army.
Creed grinned as he rode in front of the army, anxious for this moment. 'Finally!' he thought and spurred his new horse into battle. The Bayville army right on his heels.
~11~
Scott had found the tunnel amongst the woods and had entered the castle from below. As he climbed the stairs he suddenly thought of Kurt and Toad and their uncanny timely for starting a fight with one another. He heard nothing. Come to think of it he had not heard from Kurt and Toad for some time. He stopped and leaned against the stone way at the top of the stairs. Light pierced through the wooden door in front of him allowing him light to see.
"Kurt, Toad," he whispered. No answer. He combed through his pack expecting them to be sleeping. They were not there.
"Where the hell did they go?" he said aloud.
…..
"Yo man, are you sure this is a good idea?" Toad asked following Kurt. They had cut ties with their pony when Scott started climbing the stairs. They would be more helpful to the Militia as opposed to Scott, Ororo and Rogue. They just needed to get beyond Bayville's walls first.
"Ja, you zink hiding in Scott's pouch is better?" Kurt asked as they rounded a corner. Toad hurried to catch up.
"Well no but this is suicide," Toad insisted.
Kurt stopped and looked at Toad. "Zat is unly if ve get caught, slim ball," Kurt replied then raced down the hall not wanting to be seen by the enemy. Behind him he heard Toad mumble something then hopped along just as quickly to meet up with him.
"Vhat vas that?" Kurt asked. Toad looked at him a frown on his face, than his eyes narrowed.
"Nothing," Toad replied. "Now let's go bash some bad guys!"
Kurt grinned at him and they made their way to the army. Their mischievous nature beckoned them towards the army. Surely there were plenty of opportunities for them inside the castle walls to satisfy that habit.
~11~
Remy stood next to Pietro. Somehow the fight had brought them side by side and Remy grinned at him, swords in hand. Pietro nodded and turned his attention to the castle. The franticness from the enemy earlier had died down with the Horsemen and now they all waited anxiously for Bayville's next move.
He eyed the castle and listened. With it being quieted down in the flatlands he heard the enemy barking orders from behind the walls and knew something was up. They were too far out of range for Bayville to attack using arrows or catapults. After the Horsemen were defeated he had almost expected Raven to have another magical attack. Instead the unexpected happened, the gates of the castle lowered. Rogue was right, they were overconfident. All Bayville needed to do was defend the castle from breach and the child of the prophecy would be banished and Bayville would rule the lands.
He heard the army behind him start to grow uncomfortable. He needed them to focus and ready themselves. Bayville would slaughter them if half turned and ran now. "Stand your ground!" Pietro ordered to the Militia. The order repeated throughout the flatlands even as the approaching Bayville army began to advance.
Pietro readied himself, he'd be damned if he were to fall outside the enemies castle and without yet saving the child of the prophecy. "Westchester, remember why you are here and what you are fighting for!" He gritted his teeth as the first wave of horses swept past them. Pietro had blocked the attacks and once the wave had passed he turned just in time to catch the last Militia. The man fell from his horse. The advantage of riding a horse in battle was height and power. Being on the ground gave the advantage of maneuverability.
The attack from Bayville did take its' toll on Westchester. When he turned to ready himself for a second attack he heard movement behind him. Beyond the gates Pietro saw more Bayville troops grouping together making their way outside to the flatlands. Now surrounded he worried if the growing adversity would cause the inexperienced Militia to falter. He would find out soon enough.
~11~
"Hey, lookie what I see," Toad said, eyes looking passed Kurt above the Envoy. A grin tugging his lips Kurt turned to look. Above them up on the wall was a barrel of oil positioned, at the moment, in range of a large group of Bayville Militia waiting to exit the gate.
The boiling barrel of oil appeared ready for use and with no one attending it. Kurt smiled and turned to face Toad. "Mein Gott! It's like it is calling us," Kurt replied.
Toad laughed. "Hate to be a Bayville duckie right now," he said, starting to skip off. Beside him Kurt stopped and looked at him.
"Duckie?" Kurt asked staring in confusion at his partner in crime.
"Duckie, like sitting ducks. Come on blue boy work with me! Don't tell me you haven't heard that phrase before," Toad countered.
Kurt looked at him for a moment then the realization hit him, "ohhh!"
Toad rolled his eyes. "Enough of the delay, time for us to play!" he said, evilly rubbing his hands together.
They quickly made their way to the wall and up to the barrel. Toad began looking for a way to tip the contents over. Below a group of Bayville Militia was quickly approaching. "Damnit, I'd give anything to be normal size right now," Toad said, frustrated by not being able to find a rope to cut. "Nah, I'd still rather be zis big," Kurt countered. When Toad looked over at him Kurt was holding onto a lever, smiling. Toad's eyes got big and he hopped over to the edge to watch and instruct the best time for Kurt to pull the lever.
"Ready?" Kurt asked eager to pull the lever.
"Not yet," Toad said. He held his right hand up in the pre signal gesture to let Kurt know when to pull the lever. Another moment passed and the time was right. "Now!" he called out, arm signally. In that instant Kurt pulled with all of his might and slowly the barrel tipped over. Kurt rushed over to stand next to Toad so he could watch as well.
The boiling oil poured down on the unsuspecting Militia. Instantly they all cried out. While some fell to the ground, scorched so bad, others ran from the boiling oil. Up on the wall Kurt and Toad laughed, Toad pointing at the Bayville Militia while they did so. A high five was collected but before they could enjoy the victory any longer a Militia approached behind them. Gulping they looked up to see it was indeed a Bayville Militia. He frowned at the Envoy's in disgust.
Raising his sword he was about to bring to weapon down on the Envoy's when one of the Bayville Militia bumped into him causing the bulking brute to stumble. He gave the man a glare allowing the two Envoy's time to make a hasty getaway. They were able to scramble down the wall so quickly that by the time the Bayville Militia turned back they were gone.
Below he heard them taunting. As his face peered over the wall to the ground below it caused Kurt and Toad to send louder harassments the Militia's way. From up on the wall the Militia grunted and shouted at them. All the while Kurt and Toad mocked him. Sticking their tongues out and giving him a few insulting gestures they then scampered off to find other ways to help Westchester. Though mischief was fun, being normal size during battles would have been more preferable.
~11~
In the spell chamber the ritual had completed a few more stages. As they prepared for the fifth stage Destiny faltered. Raven and James looked to the woman unsure of the reason, until she closed her eyes. A second later she cried out as a vision was suddenly upon her.
When the vision was over her eyes remained closed and she tried to compose herself. The vision gave her a bit of jolt since it was a real time premonition. "Destiny, are you alright?" Raven asked, reaching out to caress the Seer's cheek.
Nodding Destiny graciously accepted Raven's touch. "Yes. It is Rogue. She is inside the castle with Ororo," she said. Finally able to focus again.
A scowl covered Raven's face and she turned to James. "Bring Rogue's friend, St. John, to the spell chamber at once," she ordered.
"Yes," James said and left to find the man.
'If my daughter wishes to betray me, she will learn what happens to those that do so,' she thought. She returned her focus to the ritual. She needed more time to complete the banishment of this child but if Raven needed to she would take part in this battle. Even if one of the incoming enemies was her daughter and the other used to be her best friend. She would not let anyone stop her evil reign this day.
~11~
The fight spilled out through the flatlands. At this point it seemed relatively even. No side getting the upper hand. By Logan's observation for every one Bayville Militia that went down two Westchester Militia were defeated.
Logan caught sight of Creed and he growled. Slashing the man in front of him he advanced towards his brother. "Victor!" he called out catching Creed's attention. Only one person called him that. Creed looked up at the fast approaching Logan and grinned, kicking away an opponent. The two advanced towards the other and when they finally collided their swords clashed together with such a force it nearly knocked both men over.
"Ah brother, you are alive. Tickles me on the insides," Creed chided, stepping in for another strike with his sword.
Logan parried and pushed Creed away, taking a swing at his brother. "Just wait for my sword to tickle your insides," Logan shot back, taking a full swing at Creed who easily parried it. They were merely letting out years of aggression they had been bottling up towards each other and now they were about to fully unleash it.
The Wolverine and Sabretooth, legends for opposing sides, headed a physical fight. This was not a typical Militia style fight, more of a couple of savage brawlers with swords. The epic battle could have gone on forever as still neither of them could get the upper hand.
"You know what I always wondered?" Creed pondered aloud as they continued to fight. In response Logan attacked harder but Creed continued to block each advance.
"What it must feel like to let all of those Militia you were supposed to protect die," Creed taunted, referring to Logan's armies of Westchester that had been defeated by Bayville. He knew this was a very sore spot for Logan considering Creed headed an ambush against them and retreated when all but a handful were dead.
Logan growled, "you're gonna pay for all of those people you killed you gutless puke!"
Creed snickered. "Ooh the runt has feelings," he said and advanced again.
Logan heavily defended the attack and forced his own. They now stood face to face, swords pressed together, "you always liked pushing around people smaller then you. Well I'm smaller, try pushing me!" Logan hollered and pushed Creed back with such a force it knocked the bigger man backwards but Creed regained his footing in an instant. Creed charged again.
Logan blocked Creed's advancement and delivered an upper cut to Creed's gut causing him to lose his breath and drop to his knees. Logan waited for Creed to gain his breathing before Logan stopped it for good. "You always were second best. And in this business, bub, second best don't cut it," Logan said as he went to advance he stopped in his tracks. Creed frowned at the reaction then saw the point of a sword sticking out from his chest. Logan frowned at Creed, then down at the wound and finally turned his head to see Jamie behind him, sword in bloodied hand. Logan coughed up blood as he tried to speak. He was confused since this man was part of Pietro's personal guard, but Pietro did mention the possible mole. Damn him for being right and damn this coward, he thought angrily.
"Apologies Wolverine but I cannot allow Westchester any more leverage," he said. Despite his cowardly attack his voice implied his distaste for his action. Logan tried to turn towards the man to at least kill him but Jamie saw what Logan intended and pushed his sword all the way to the hilt. Logan grimaced in pain.
From nearby Piotr saw the scene unfold in dismay. Logan dropped to the ground when Jamie pulled is sword from Logan's back. "NOOOO!" Piotr cried out and came running to Logan's aid. Before Jamie could react and defend the oncoming strike, Piotr struck the man in the back, the exact same thing he did to Logan.
Piotr stood next to Jamie, his lips next to his ear. "A coward's death for a coward, da?" Piotr said, then twisted his sword and Jamie cried out in pain. Piotr pulled his sword from Jamie's back and pushed Jamie to the ground. Jamie disappeared just as Arthur did in Creed's tent but Piotr and Creed were too engrossed with one another to notice.
Piotr looked ahead and saw Creed. He pointed his bloody sword at the man. "You seek a fight with a man. Come," Piotr challenged.
Creed had recovered from the scene that actually shocked and further enraged him. His brother's death was his to give. All of these years waiting for this moment and it had been taken away from him! Without a reply Creed growled and charged at Piotr.
Their swords clashed and Creed was amazed by the Militia's strength. Piotr pushed Creed back and circled the man. He watched Creed to study his movements while Creed grew inpatient from this technical standpoint. He wanted blood. "Fight me!" he demanded charging at Piotr again who dodged this time pulling out a knife in his left hand.
Creed turned and growled charging again. Piotr again dodged but was able to slash him in the abdomen with his knife as Creed was too focused an opening he saw on Piotr's right side. The man was too enraged and focused on blood to notice the wound and kept up on the advancements. Piotr took advantage of the man's rage and continued chipping away at the openings presented. After this had gone on several times Creed finally noticed the wounds on his body and looked at Piotr in disgust.
"You fight like a common woman boy," he said, venom filled his words as he began to stumble from the blood loose.
Piotr stood his ground and his choice in fighting. "You charge like a raging bull. I take you down as I would that bull, piece by piece," he countered, a grin tugging his lips.
Creed laughed at the insult. The boy had a point and had taken advantage of Creed's aggressive state. Something he would have expected of his brother. "One last clash then," he said and came at Piotr.
Piotr held his sword and knife out. When Creed came at him almost expecting to meet swords Piotr did the opposite and his knife clashed with Creed's sword. Piotr had the opening he was waiting for. He slashed his sword, an upper cut from Creed's hip to his shoulder. With Piotr's strength the wound was deep.
Creed dropped to his knees in front of Piotr. "Who are you?" Creed asked looking up at the Militia who had finally bested him.
Piotr looked at down at Creed, a new confidence filled him. "I am Colossus," he said then watched as Creed departed this world.
The sounds around him brought him back to his current state. He saw the fight dwindling down and rushed towards Logan. Dropping to his knees he checked the wound. It was deep and bleeding profusely. To his surprise Logan was still alive.
"Hey Petey," Logan coughed, blood flowing from his mouth as he spoke.
Piotr smiled at him, trying to be positive for Logan's sake. "Do not call me that," he insisted dryly.
Logan chuckled which caused him to cough up more blood. "So I was thinking, in the mean time you could be the guardian of the child of the prophecy,"
"What is guardian?" Piotr asked, curious and wanting to keep Logan's mind occupied from the pain.
"It's someone who keeps someone else safe. Seeing as how this kid has a long time before she can defend herself, who better trusted than you? Besides it pays better than just being a Militia." It took Logan a while to get those words out but he was a strong, stubborn man.
"Logan, I," Piotr began but stopped when Logan interrupted him, still strong in the end.
"Just tell Pietro I insisted," Logan said. This time he had to sit up as so he coughed up so much blood he couldn't get it all out. Piotr leaned him to the side. When the blood seemed to let up he leaned Logan onto his back.
"Okay," Piotr replied when Logan did not say anything, his face pale and starting to stare off into the sky above Piotr swallowed a sob. "And Logan, spasibo, for everything," Piotr said (thank you). With a final weak grin Logan's eyes glaze over and Piotr knew he was dead.
"Do svidaniya," Piotr said (goodbye), laying the man down he found Logan's sword and placed it on the fallen Militia's chest. Piotr then put his hands over the hilt.
Looking up as he picked up his sword he saw there was still some Bayville Militia to defeat. The battle was not yet over.
~11~
Rogue lead Ororo through the castle. Since Ororo had never been here before she was grateful for the guide. She didn't want to use her magic inside the castle until Raven knew they had entered the castle walls, it'd defeat the purpose of the surprise attack.
As Rogue strolled in the lead she grew even more concerned that St. John had not met her below the castle walls. She took a bit of comfort in the fact that the gate was still unlocked. She concluded he must have needed to be somewhere else now. She would find him later.
They climbed a final flight of stairs and were about to round a hall when Rogue stopped Ororo. Slowly the younger woman peaked her head around the hall checking to see if there were any guards. Her head quickly returned and Ororo looked at her for a reply.
Catching her breath Rogue looked up at Ororo. "One guard outside the spell chamber," she said, loading her bow. Ororo nodded then gave the young Militia space and time to make her move.
Rogue was such a talented archer she only needed that couple of seconds to know where she needed to aim her arrow from the other side of the wall. In a second from her cocked arrow and moving from the wall she let lose the arrow. It hit the Militia in the chest and he went down to his knees. Rogue took three strides towards him, another arrow already latched. The Militia she now recognized was James Madrox, one of her mother's more favorable Militia.
He looked up at her. "You will never stop your mother, child," he began. Any further threats died when Rogue unleashed her second arrow.
Rogue called out to Ororo who rounded the corner and now stood next to Rogue outside the spell chamber. They could hear Raven reciting words of the ritual. Lightening flashed through the crack of the door. Rogue took off her bow and arrows and set them down on the ground, knowing this fight she would not have the opportunity to use the weapon in such close quarters.
She looked at Ororo who watched her, curious. "Yah ready?" Rogue asked, eager to get inside and this fight started. Ororo took hold of her forearm with her right hand, stopping her from advancing.
"My dear, if either of us falls, know that I would have liked to have had the opportunity to get to know you better and perhaps become a family together," Ororo said.
Rogue looked from her forearm to the older woman's eyes. In them showed a strong yet kind woman. Eyes she had often wished upon her own mother's. She had been raised to hate Ororo and her father but now she began to care for Ororo almost like a second mother. She was amazed at how quickly and easily those feelings developed.
Nodding Rogue took a breath. "Ah reckon Ah'll agree on that," she said and the two women nodded at each other. Rogue opened the door and they entered. Rogue almost expected to have a few Militia standing guard inside but there were saw three. Raven, Destiny and the child.
Raven looked up from the table at the pair that interrupted her ritual. She looked drained. The spell of banishment had taken its' toll on her more so than Raven expected. But she was still the most powerful Sorcerer in the lands. No one could stop her even now.
"Ororo," she said, spitefully, intentionally ignoring Rogue.
"Mother!" Rogue exclaimed stepping forward. Now face to face with her mother she wasn't sure if she could go through with this, but the fate of the lands relied on her to stop her mother from banishing the child. Perhaps she could try to reason with her again.
Raven looked from Ororo and gave Rogue a heinous glare. "And you, you traitor child. I have a little surprise in store for you," she said, nodding to Destiny. From the shadows the Seer pulled on a chain. To Rogue's horror at the end of the chain was St. John, shackled. His looked like he had been tortured and could barely stand.
"What are yah doin?! He is a Bayville Militia!" Rogue tried to reason slowly stepping forward.
"He was, just like you. And now a traitor amongst us," Raven said. Slowly she picked up a knife from the table and when Rogue saw this she started running towards Raven. "Ah!" Raven ordered, raising her left hand she cast a spell over Rogue and Ororo. They were unable to move. Ororo worked to undo the spell as Raven approached St. John but Raven proved yet again to be too powerful.
"Mother, no!" Rogue called out, desperately trying to move but the spell kept her entranced, she was only able to watch the events in front of her unfold. Raven took one step towards St. John then took his life quickly. She stabbed him deep and upward in the back. With his last moment of life he caught Rogue's eye. She watched on in horror and sadness but kept her gaze with his as he dropped to the ground. Rogue was not sure if she could have moved even without the spell Raven cast upon her. She was numb and once she was able to feel anything again the rage within her would consume her.
Slowly her eyes lifted towards Raven and then they connected. Rogue narrowed her eyes at her mother, someone she loved, that she still loved but hated all at the same time. Raven knew that look.
"What you are feeling now, is only a fraction of how I feel seeing you betray me," Raven said, stepping over St. John's body and towards her daughter.
"Ah didn't wan' to betray you, mama. Ah couldn't le' evil rule. Animals like Creed an' Essex should no' be ruling this world. It's no' too late to give up this fight an' no' live in a world of darkness." Despite all that had just happened and what would eventually happen with Raven ruling the lands Rogue still could not try to save her mother.
"This is what I am my darling daughter." Raven gave Rogue a look of regret. She had hoped killing Rogue's friend would break the connection between the two. But blood runs thicker than water.
Rogue continued to fight the spell Raven cast upon her and it finally paid off. Her body was back in her control. In a flash she pulled a knife from her boot and threw it at Destiny. Raven was too surprised by the move to make any attempt at deflecting the weapon.
Being a Seer and seeing different pathways in life this was one, ironically, Destiny had not seen coming. The momentum of the knife had knocked her onto her back. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked up at Raven. She smiled giving the woman she held deep feelings for some comfort. This was her end.
Turning her gaze from Destiny to Rogue, Raven looked at Rogue causing her daughter to stop any further assaults. This might be her daughter but they were in a war against each other now. Raven refused to lose. "I fear you will not see the end of this journey." A flick of her wrist brought forth a rumble in the sky. Rogue and Ororo looked up at the sky that shown through the ceiling of the room. A bright light flashed and suddenly Raven was in control of the lightning. She directed it Rogue's way before she and Ororo realized it, it was too late to do anything. The lightning bolt struck the young Militia and her body went limp to the floor.
Ororo was finally able to release herself from Raven's spell, but unable to check the girl's pulse. She knew the odds of Rogue having survived the attack were very slim.
"Raven, you have finally crossed the line! To kill your own child and now this child," she said pointing towards Katherine who cried as rain poured down on her from the ceiling.
"We are who we are. I've tried to fit in. I've tried to join the side of good but was never accepted, not really. I cannot let my own child live in such a world if she is not a part of Bayville, a part of me."
Silence filled the room. The sky rumbled outside along with the clash of swords in the Militia battle below but the two Sorcerer's stood silent, for the moment. The once best friends stared at each other, years of emotions running through them.
"Then let us bring an end to this," Ororo said, as her wand began to glow.
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