Title: The Gathering Night
Author: May Chang
Genre: action, AU(fantasy)
Pairings: past Gambit x Storm
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: "X-Men" is the property of Marvel.

Chapter One
Our god may be dead and gone, but his legacy lives on.

- Henri LeBeau, Father of the Dark Guild

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Quietly making his way through the building, he couldn't help but smile to himself at the sight of gold plates and candle-holders lining the table. Opening his sack, he slipped the gold objects in, making sure that not sound came. As he closed the bag, he tilted his head up, listening for any footsteps. When no noise came, he quickly made his way down towards the main gates.

It only took him ten minutes to empty the place of all its gold, silver and jewels. Nobles should really think of not putting their valuables in the open, or at the very least have their guards be more alert. Shaking his head, Remy slipped into the shadows of the gate, waiting for the two guards to move. He didn't have to wait long.

"Alms? Alms?" came a low whine. The sound of a staff tapping the ground reached Remy's ears and he glanced towards the guards to see a beggar walking towards the guards, a small wooden bowl in his left and a staff in his right. "Alms? Alms for the poor?"

"Get out of here," one of the guards growled. The beggar stopped, raising his head to look around. The blind-fold over his eyes revealed him to be blind.

"Sir? Please?" he whined. The guard who had growled at him stepped forward, a hand reaching towards the blade by his side. Remy tensed, ready to move but the other guard stopped him. Using the distraction, he slipped up behind them.

"He's just a blind beggar," the second guard said to the first. "No need to use force."

"Yeah, yeah," the first guard growled. By then Remy had slid by them and into the shadows, waiting for them to stop talking.

"Here," the second guard said, dropping some coins into the beggar's bowl. "Now be off. It's too late out here to be begging."

"Bless you, kind sir," the beggar said. "Bless you." He slowly moved away from the guards, tapping the ground with his staff and into the shadows next to Remy. Remy quietly began to walk by the beggar, glancing back to make sure that the guards didn't notice them before he looked at his companion.

"They're not looking?" the beggar asked, his voice no longer a whine.

"Nope," Remy replied.

"Thank the Gray Lord," he muttered, straightening up and handing the bowl over to Remy. He pulled back his hood to reveal short brown hair and a boyish face. "Being hunched-over is killing my back. How was the place?"

"Rich," Remy said, grinning. "Maybe next time I should bring Alex along. The Dark God knows, these rich people are too stupid to leave such things about, Scott." The other laughed quietly in response as they continued home. Remy glanced into the bowl as they approached a temple to the Storm Goddess, seeing about five coppers in the bowl. Scott just stopped in front of the temple.

"Go ahead," Scott said. Remy gave him a sheepish look.

"It's late," Remy replied awkwardly. "Us going into the temple would make the priests all suspicious and all. Besides, Alex would be wondering about us."

"I doubt it," the other said with a smile. "Come on, Remy. Lead the way." Remy couldn't help but smile before he handed the bowl over to Scott and took his arm. They walked into the Storm Goddess's temple and Remy couldn't help but feel at peace.

Sometime he wondered about the sense of serenity he felt whenever he came here. None of the other three gods seemed to have made an impact on him, not even the Dark God, the patron of thieves. Leaving Scott by the entrance with the small sack, Remy pocketed the coins in the bowl before Scott slipped it into his tunic then made his way to the Storm Goddess's altar. He knelt down before it, bowed his head and said a prayer to her before he got up and slipped the few coins into the donation box. Scott was still there at the entrance, waiting for him.

"You know, you're the only thief in the city who worships her more than the Dark God," Scott said, sounding a bit amused. Remy just shrugged as he led Scott out of the temple. They then began to make their way home for the night.

Alex was dozing at the table when the two finally arrived. Remy shook his head as he let go of Scott's arm and placed the sack onto the table. The thud it made roused Alex who blinked sleepily at him and Scott.

"Oh, hey," he said, rubbing his eyes. "How was it?"

"Easy as hell," Remy replied. Scott just pulled off his cloak and hung it up before shuffling over to his seat. Remy couldn't help but admire the fact that Scott had the room practically memorized without ever having seen the room. He then looked back at Alex with a smile. "Next time you should come with us, little brother." Alex's face lit up in response and Remy couldn't help but reach over and ruffle his hair. Scott just sat back and grinned. Taking his own seat, Remy and Alex began pulling out the loot, separating coins, jewelry and other valuables. The three brothers quietly joked with one another, planning what items to sell to whom and what to buy with the coins they had.

Remy was the oldest of the three at the age of twenty-three. Scott was the middle child of nineteen years while Alex was sixteen, going on to seventeen in a month. Out of the three, both Remy and Scott were sorcerers, mortal humans blessed with powers from the gods. Remy had the power to blow objects up with his hands while Scott did the same with his eyes. Unfortunately for Scott, his eyes continued to destroy so he kept his eyes closed to the world. They weren't sure why.

"That's it," Alex announced when they finished separating. "Scott, you and me are going over to Porters and Missy tomorrow and Remy's heading over to Moussier."

"Sounds good," Scott said with a yawn. "Gods, I'm tired."

"Go to bed then," Remy said. He looked at Alex. "You too. I'll put the stuff away." Alex looked like he wanted to protest, but he nodded. Scott got up and shuffled out of the room, Alex behind him. Remy took the opportunity to hide the loot in their hiding place before checking the locks on the door and windows.

Honor among thieves didn't extend to not stealing other's hard-earned loot.

They walked together through the market, hoods up to hide their faces. The shorter of the two glanced warily about, as though he was expecting to be attacked at any given time. The other just strode forward with an aura of confidence, leading her companion to the bar. Stepping into the bar, she looked around before she focused onto a lone figure sitting in a corner. Smiling she walked towards him, followed by the other and stopped by the figure who looked up from his tankard.

"Been a long time, Erik," she began, pulling the hood back. She gave the man a good-natured smile as she flicked a strand of red hair away from her face.

"That it has, Raven," Erik replied, gesturing to the empty seats. She took a seat and her companion took the other, pulling his hood off as well. "And how are you, Logan?"

"Fine," the man replied. A waitress approached them and both Raven and Logan gave their orders to her before she scurried off. Logan leaned back, eyeing Erik with something akin to suspicion. "What are we doin' here?"

"I need information," Erik replied. "Something's going on in the west and Charles is a bit concerned with it."

"The west?" Raven asked, raising an eyebrow. The waitress arrived at the moment with two more tankards, placing them both before Raven and Logan.

"Two each," she said. Erik handed over six pieces of copper to the waitress who pocketed two of the coppers and left.

"Zealots," Erik said, a look of annoyance crossing his face. "Apparently some new prophet of the Phoenix Queen has come to preach about conquest and her coming."

"Again?" Raven groaned. Logan just snorted and picked up his tankard.

"Again," Erik said with a sigh, rubbing his forehead in a sign of aggravation. "I don't know why they keep doing this, but pretty soon they will have a war on their hands."

"Chuck won't fight," Logan said.

"No he won't," Erik agreed, "but Emma and I will."

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Sorcerers were almost as funny as humans, Erik mused as he left the bar after Raven and Wolverine. While they had powers beyond humans, they still had the same weaknesses as humans: feelings. This weakness was probably the reason that drew Ororo to all mortals with a sense of compassion.

This weakness was also probably the reason that drew Magnus towards the mortal realm in the guise of Erik. Ororo had been quite amused when she found out.

Walking through the marketplace, Magnus took in the sound of life, his eyes looking about at the busy humans. There weren't many sorcerers in this world ever since the Cleansing and, while he had been sore about it, Magnus knew the whole situation had been entirely his fault.

And he thought the sin of pride was only a human trait.

Still, as he walked through the people, he could sense which of them had that spark that marked them as different. Many of them would never awaken that power and Magnus felt a surge of bitterness at that.

Something caught his eyes, causing Magnus to stop and turn to find three young men walking out of a pawn shop. The first was a blond and Magnus could see the blue spark within him. The blue flame seemed to burn brighter and Magnus felt a little joyful at the thought of another sorcerer about to come into the world. Behind him came a brunet with a blindfold and a bright red fire that let Magnus know that that one's powers had awakened. The blindfold puzzled Magnus for a moment, unsure if that awakened power had anything to do with the young man's blindness. It was then a red-head appeared and everything seemed to stop for Magnus.

Obviously the oldest of the three, he had a handsome face with strange eyes - red upon black - and he walked with a confidence that reminded Magnus of Emma and Charles. The power the man had though was powerful, a purple fire that burned within. It was the blackness that would appear at times within the flames that caught Magnus's interest.

Sorcerers and would-be sorcerers usually had colorful sparks and fire that showed their powers. Raven had a dark-blue fire, Logan was yellow and both Charles and Emma's were white. Black flames were practically unheard of in sorcerers and, to be honest, Magnus hadn't seen that darkness in a long time. Curious Magnus decided to follow the three. Perhaps he would be able to use them in the future.

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"Someone's following us," Scott said quietly. "I can hear their footsteps."

"And people think blind people can't do anything," Alex muttered. "Alley coming up to the right."

"You know what to do," Scott said. There was wordless agreement from the other two and the three turned into the alley. Remy bent down and picked up a few stones along the way before they all stopped and turned to see. Three huge thugs stopped before them and Remy groaned. Alex moved to get before Scott, a small knife drawn as he warily looked at them.

"I hear you just got paid for your job," one of the thugs said. "You know the drill, ten golds for a job."

"Bull shit!" Alex cursed at them. "Just because you guys couldn't get into that nobles place doesn't mean you can scare us!" All three thugs started towards them menacingly.

Magnus stood on top of the building, looking down at the group. He watched in amusement as the blond ducked and a flash of red light came from the brunet to throw one of the thugs back.

And that is the reason of his blindness, Magnus though, shaking his head in pity. The redhead then threw some rocks at the other two thugs and each of the stones exploded in a loud explosion, causing the goons to stumble back. It gave the brunet the opportunity to blast another one of them away. The leader growled and charged towards them. Both Remy and Alex dodged the charge, but Scott wasn't as fortunate, getting plowed into the wall behind him.

"Scott!" Remy cried out before a fist hit him in the stomach. "Fuck!"

"Remy!" Alex cried out and Magnus's eyes widened at the blue spark within the blond suddenly brightened, and the leader and the walls of the building were destroyed. Remy turned to see the destruction, surprise on his face while Scott slowly got up.

"Oh shit," Alex mumbled, staring with wide-eyes at the destruction before him. "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit."

"No time for that now, Alex," Scott said as he slowly walked forward. Remy moved to him and took his hand. "We have to get out of here before the guards come."

"Demons and sin, I didn't think we'd all be sorcerers," Alex said as he helped Remy with Scott.

"Neither did I," Scott said as they walked out of the alley. "Let's get out of here."

Magnus watched as the three stumbled away, a thoughtful look on his face. They were powerful, he was sure of that. Now even more curious Magnus followed them.

Remy was thankful that no one saw them when they escaped. He wasn't sure if the thug Alex had blasted was dead or alive. What he was sure about was that the other two thugs would probably be pointing the guards in their direction.

"We need to get out of the city," Remy said as he opened the door and let Scott and Alex in first. He glanced about before stepping in and bolting the door behind him. "Those thugs will be pointing the guards right at us."

"I know," Scott said. "Damn it, I didn't expect this to happen."

"Well, sorry!" Alex burst out. "I didn't mean to suddenly blow up a building!"

"Don't worry about that," Scott said. "Right now, we just need to get our stuff and get the hell out of here."

"Maybe they won't tell?" Alex asked, his voice hopeful. Remy snorted as he moved into their room, pulled out a bag and began to stuff clothes in. There was a knock on the door and all three of them froze. Remy moved to the doorway and look at the other two, watching as Scott got up and shuffled over to the door.

"Who's there?" he asked.

"Someone who can help you," was the reply.

"Help us? With what?" Scott asked tightly.

"With getting away from the guards," the other said. "Who, I might add, have just been informed by one of those goons about you three."

"Demons and sin!" Alex swore. Remy couldn't help but glance back into the room, wondering just how much stuff they could bring with them and how much time before the guards arrived.

"Are you going to let me in or not?" the stranger asked, bringing his attention back to Scott and Alex. "People might start to question as to why I'm talking to you from out here." Scott's lips tightened, thinking for a second before he unbolted the door and opened it. An older man stepped in, silver hair that stopped a couple of inches above his shoulders. He wore fine clothing that showed that he was well off, and had an aura that spoke of some noble heritage.

"Who are you?" Remy asked, fingering his knives. He could see Alex's hand on the hilt of his blade.

"I am Erik Maximoff," the man replied, "and I've come to offer you my help."

"Why?" Scott asked, taking two steps back. Erik looked at him before glancing at the others.

"Because I believe in protecting other sorcerers from humans," he replied.

"We're not sorcerers," Alex said. Erik gave him an amused look.

"I just watched you blast a building into pieces," Erik said. "I've also seen this one shoot red flames from his eyes and the others blow up rocks. I'm pretty sure that you three are all sorcerers and it's my job to protect all sorcerers."

"You're a follower of the Gray Lord," Remy said. "I'm not following anyone who follows him." Alex gave Remy a surprised look while Erik just frowned.

"Who cares about that right now," Scott said. "What's the catch?"

"I'm sorry?" Erik asked.

"The catch. There's no way you'd help us three for free."

"All I ask is that you help two of my friends," Erik said. "Of course, that would mean that you all will have to be separated."

"No way," Alex replied, shaking his head. "No way am I leaving my brothers."

"Then you'll all be caught," Erik said.

"He's right," Remy added. Scott was frowning and Remy could tell that he was thinking. Alex just shook his head and Remy wanted to sigh.

"What's your offer?" Scott asked quietly.

"You claim sanctuary under Lord Xavier and Lady Frost," Erik said easily.

"Nobles," Alex muttered under his breath, "and most likely Gray Lord followers."

"Actually Lord Xavier follows the Storm Goddess," Erik replied.

"I won't go," Remy suddenly said.

"What?" Alex and Scott chorused together while Erik raised an eyebrow.

"That'd be too suspicious, all three of us claiming sanctuary," Remy said. "Call me paranoid, but I won't risk Scott and Alex."

"And what are you going to do?" Erik asked.

"What I do best: procuring items," Remy said airily. Scott snorted in response while Alex rolled his eyes. Erik just looked amused. "Look, I'm the only one here who really has a chance out there and you know it."

"I know," Scott replied quietly. He was silent for a moment before he spoke again. "We better get going then, Erik, if we want to beat the guards."

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Life is a strange thing, my son. Sometimes it is easy to see where to go and what to do. Most of the time though, you have to walk down an unknown path because usually that one path may be the way to destiny.

- Magnus Lehnsherr, "The Wanderer"