A/N - Did I mention that this is an AU? It takes place after X2, though not immediately. Umm, oh yes, the chapter titles in the little pull tab are lyrics by Loreena McKennitt and the song is Marrakesh Night Market. They do not belong to me, I am simply using them.

Sorry it took so long to get another chappy out. Oh, I am also taking away such elements as the whole Amanda factor from the comics. It will become apparent why though not necessarily important. And, for those of you who don't know who Amanda is, don't worry your little heads about it.
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Two


Well, doctor? Alexandréa asked, looking up at a man in a white lab coat. She was sitting on an examination table, her wings no longer visible, with only a towel draped over her lap. Her ebony hair was draped over her breasts, though not purposely, hiding them from the doctor's view. The man in his later thirties looked back at the mutant, completely unphased by her state of undress.

Despite the cuts and bruises, you are as healthy as I have ever seen you, Lady, he said, turning completely around. He set his clipboard on the counter and a pen in his pocket. Looking at her over the rim of his glasses, he smiled slightly. I don't know how you do it. Are you hiding a mutation from us, Lady?

The scientists would know every and all mutations I have with all of the tests they run on me. You'd think that know enough about me by now. Alexandréa scowled and played with the corner of the towel. They certainly test me enough.

I think you've made that point, Lady.

On the contrary, Doctor, I don't think I have. The scientists don't realize that they've done enough and that they know enough. Alexandréa huffed, crossing her arms over her bare breasts.

When they do know enough then they will stop, Lady. The doctor struck a pose very similar to Alexandréa's as he leaned against the counter top. Believe me, I think they run enough tests, but they are in charge here. Not you and certainly not me.

You'd think they would go out of their way not to distress their favorite, Alexandréa said under her breath.

You are far from distressed. The doctor rose his brow and shook his head slightly. This woman in front of him had an ego about her, that was certainly clear. It wasn't like this when she was younger, back before she had risen to the top. When she was younger, she had been hesitant about her powers and the skills she had developed, but not now. Now it almost seemed as if she enjoyed the fights and the ritual killings. The doctor sighed and turned around to jot something down on his clipboard.

Am I done here, Doctor?

Oh, yes, you may go, he said, looking up. He motioned to the clothes Alexandréa had deposited on a chair and went back to writing down his notes.

Standing up, Alexandréa dropped the towel and quickly pulled on her leather skirt and halter top from the fight. She had come directly here afterwards and was dismayed that the leather was still soaking wet. The water mutant, Ariel, had really been a bother. She had tried to force water into Alexandréa lungs to drown her, but it had not worked, which was obvious seeing as Alexandréa was still alive and the other mutant was dead.

The other woman had been hard to kill, because she had been fast, but Alexandréa had succeeded in the end. The woman could produce water, but she could still drown in it, as Alexandréa had found out near the end of the battle and that had been Ariel's downfall.

A small smile spread across Alexandréa's lips as she left the examination room. Another fight down, another day to live. There had only been one fight scheduled for that day and for that Alexandréa was glad. She enjoyed fighting, and she enjoyed the roar of the crowd, but she did not feel like exerting anymore mental energy today, at least not the amount that it took to fight.

The halls grew steadily worse as she went back to her quarters. Guards shadowed her from the moment she had left the medical area and that is where they stayed until Alexandréa was back in her room. She smiled at the two of them, teasing the two men, before slipping into her room. There, she found her personal aide, Kirsten.

she started, her brow furrowed. What are you doing here?

I was simply straightening up, Lady, when I decided to meditate for a moment, the older woman explained as she stood up. Brushing off the front of her dress, Kirsten crossed the room to her mistress. Oh dear, you are soaked to the bone, Lady.

Alexandréa nodded as she stared absently out the window. Shaking her head, she turned a smile on the shorter woman and nodded. Did you see the fight? No, of course you didn't. Well, the woman I fought against was a water element, or I guess you could call her that. She could both produce and manipulate water.

I see.

She tried to drown me on several occasions, but that is what eventually did her in.

What did, Lady?

I drowned her, Alexandréa said, no remorse in her voice. In fact, it sounded as if she really didn't care that she had just killed another living being.

Well, let's get you dried up, Lady. Kirsten put a hand on Alexandréa's bare back, pushing her slightly toward the bathroom. Picking at Alexandréa's drying raven hair, Kirsten shook her head slightly.

Alexandréa continued on her way to the bathroom even after Kirsten left her to grab some clean clothing.

What would I do without you, Kirsten? Alexandréa asked once the woman entered the bathroom behind her.

I don't know, Lady.

I don't know if I could survive on my own, not with the fits or with everything else. You are another constant in my life, Alexandréa smiled slightly as she stepped out of her wet leathers to slip into something dry and warm. The outfit Kirsten had picked out for her consisted of a pair of short silk shorts and a lowbacked tanktop of the same fabric and dark green colour.

When dried and dressed, Alexandréa walked slowly from the bathroom and went directly to her large bed to curl up under the thick blankets and against the large pillows.



Yes, miLady?

Tell me of Nikoli. Tell me of my son. Alexandréa opened up one of her large eyes and then the other to look at her aide.

Your son, Lady?

Yes, you heard what I said.

You know I am not to talk about him, the scientists said so, Kirsten said softly as she settled on the edge of the bed.

I don't care what the scientists said. If you get in trouble, tell them I made you tell me, besides, how are they going to find out? This room is not bugged, as I check everyday. Please, Kirsten, tell me about my son. I have only laid eyes on him once or twice and that was just before he was taken away from me. Alexandréa pushed some of the blankets away and sat up. Her eyes of ice pleaded with Kirsten. Please, just a little bit?

Okay, Lady, if you insist.

Yes I do insist. Thank you, Kirsten.

The older woman pulled her legs onto the bed and sat cross-legged, facing Alexandréa who had settled back against her pillows.

Your son, Lady, is still quite young—

Yes, he is two years and his third birthday is in two weeks. Tell me something I don't know.

Hmm, okay. As I am sure you already know, he is not an experiment, his mutations will be natural.

But he has not developed them yet?

Not until he is older, Lady, you know that.

Do not tell me what I know.

Of course, Lady. Kirsten bowed her head in apology before continuing. Young Nikoli has already shown great strength and mental ability, even at such a young age. He's talking and has already started learning German, as you did when you were his age.

Tell me what he looks like, Kirsten.

But don't you—

Please, knowing how beautiful he is never grows old.

The older woman sighed as she tried to fight the irritation growing in her. She could not let it grow too much for Alexandréa would be able to sense it if it did. As it was, Alexandréa looked up at Kirsten, her brow furrowed slightly.

He has hair of raven, like yours, Lady, and bright, curious green eyes that see everything. His skin is of an olive tone

Which I can thank his father for, Alexandréa muttered under her breath. She was hugging a pillow and seemed to be mesmerised by Kirsten's words. The older woman found this interesting, especially the amount of love Alexandréa had for a son she did not know.

like those of the Mediterranean region. Kirsten continued, not skipping a beat. He is even tall for his age and promises great height in the future. The scientists have even started speculating what his mutation might be.

What do they think?

They believe that he will be a shapeshifter, Lady. It's in his eyes and the way that he moves. He has a fluidity that is not common among the human species, but among animal kingdom. A wolf or a big cat is what they believe he will eventually be able to morph into.

But that is not all in the way that he moves, is it, Kirsten?

I do not understand, Lady. Kirsten furrowed her brow.

Leaning forward and sitting up, Alexandréa's eyes went out of focus. She was looking directly at Kirsten, but that was not where her eyes were focused. They were focused on some image that was in her mind.

His father, the late gladiator Nicholas Giancana, or Onca to most, was a shapeshifter. He came from Italy—olive-toned skin, sharp green eyes, black hair—and could morph into a great black jaguar. He was strong, tall, beautiful, just like my son, but he was not strong enough. I cried as I delivered the killing blow. Great tears streamed down my cheeks as I broke his neck. I loved Nicholas, but the scientists did not know. How could a killing machine like myself have the ability to love? How could a monster have a heart big enough to care about killing her lover and losing her son? Alexandréa finished at no louder than a whisper. Her eyes were still unfocused and tears started to stream from them. How could a monster be able to do such a thing? Monsters kill, hate, and are feared. They are not civilized enough to know such things as love. But I did. I loved that man and I love my son, but I can have neither of them, because monsters kill. We don't love. Just





Upstate New York; Xavier's School for Gifted Youth

 It had not taken Kurt Wagner long to explore the entire mansion. In fact, it had taken only a day or two. So, in that case, he was often found hanging from some random beam or doing acrobatics across the landing.

Apparently you can take the man out of the circus but not the circus out of the man, Bobbie Drake commented as he watched the older mutant do flips and such. Doesn't he ever get tired?

I would say no, Rogue answered, her own eyes watching the incredible display. The two were standing in the front hall, along with several other students, on a late friday evening. There were many other things the students could—and should—be doing, but there was nothing quite as amusing as watching the newest mutant in the mansion.

I wonder if he ever falls, Kitty Pryde mused, her eyes following Kurt as well. Interestingly enough, just as she said this, Kurt lost his balance and went toppling to the ground. All of the students gasped before thinking about what the man might do. In a puff of blue smoke, Kurt had disappeared and, with another, he was safely on his feet, bowing for the small crowd.

Thank you, thank you, he said, his accent heavy, as the students clapped. I will be here all week.

At that, a grunt came from the top of the stairs and everyone looked up.

Is the Elf distracting you kids again?

Ah, c'mon, Logan, Rogue drawled. It's friday night and the last thing I want to do is study.

Yes, let the kids have their fun, Kurt said, cocking his head.

Kids' ? You aren't much more than a kid yourself, Kurt, so I wouldn't be calling these pip-squeaks kids.

I am not a pip-squeak, Kitty growled softly.

At the same time, Bobbie turned to Kurt, his brow furrowed. How old are you?

Kurt just waved his hand and looked out a nearby window. I am not sure.

You don't even know an approximation?

Younger twenties, maybe? Kurt said, shrugging as he looked back at the boy.

You certainly don't look that young. Bobbie rose his brow and looked over the blue man in front of him.

Yeah, looks can be quite deceiving.

Hey, Elf, Logan called, leaning over the railing. Don't you have something to do?

Something to do?' Mein Gott! Yes, yes I do. With that, Kurt disappeared with another puff of smoke and a distinctive brimstone smell that left Bobbie coughing. Once over the fit, Bobbie looked from where Kurt had disappeared and then back at Logan. Shaking his head, he decided that he didn't understand adults and their half spoken conversations.

And you kids all have stuff to look after as well, if I am not mistaken, Logan said, eyeing the small group.

Yes, sir, they grumbled in unison as they walked off to their respective areas. Nodding once, Logan disappeared back the direction he had come.





An instant after he had disappeared from the front hall, Kurt appeared in the main hanger located under the basketball court. Lights started to blink on around him. Straightening from all fours, Kurt slowly walked toward the large jet that took up most of the underground hanger. His tail swooshed around behind him, checking his balance, as he once again crouched down, his three-fingered hands touching the cool floor.

he called softly. When no answer came, he tried a bit louder.

As a response, he got the sound of tumbling tools, muttered curses and finally a head of white hair being lowered from a compartment next to the engines. Next a hand came down to rub against an obvious sore spot. Kurt winced slightly.

Sorry about spooking you—

t worry about it, Storm said, flipping around and lowering herself to the floor. It certainly happens enough when I'm working in dark places such as these blasted compartments. Wiping her greasy hands on an equally greasy rag, Storm cocked her head in question. Is it time?

Kurt nodded, straightening up. I think the professor is going back in that machine of his.



Yes, that is it. Anyway, I think he is going back to make sure the mutant hasn't moved. He says she's been stationary, but there is always that chance that she decides to go somewhere else.

Yes, I guess that is true, Storm nodded, turning around and approaching the ship once again. I just hope this ship is going to get off the ground. She hasn't been working very well since Jean's Well, since Alkali Lake.

Yes. She has become a bucket of bolts, eh? Kurt cocked his head and a small grin spread across his lips. Storm looked back at him before shaking her head.

You really have to lay off the movies, Kurt, she laughed.

But they are all so fascinating! Back in the Munich Circus, I never had time to watch movies. Nobody did. Even if I wanted too, as a circus freak' I couldn't just wander away from those who knew me without getting chased down and accused of being some demon sent by Satan himself. It really is a hard life being blue and fuzzy. Kurt scratched at his cheek with one, large fingernail. Nobody really takes you seriously.

I don't know how that feels, sorry, Storm shrugged.

No, you don't have to sympathise, I've become numb to it, Kurt nodded to himself as he followed Storm onto the ship. Storm looked back at him and opened her mouth to say something, but decided against it. Instead, she wiped one hand across her cheek, smearing a long black streak of grease across it, and sat down at the controls.

So, Kurt, why are you coming along on this mission?

The other mutant shrugged and walked up to look over Storm's shoulder. I don't know. The professor asked me to go along with you and Logan. It might be to test me, it might be because Scott is grieving, or maybe it's simply because he thinks I might be useful wherever you are going. And on that thought, where exactly are we going and why?

It's a facility in Europe called Mutant and Animal Testing Laboratories and Facilities, MATLAF for short, Storm explained, bringing up a map on the computer in front of her. At least that is what it is in english. The facility is in Poland, on the Polish-German boarder. Why we are going? Because there is a very strong mutant presence within the facility. The professor wants to get to her before Magneto or the Brotherhood can convince her to join them in the active fight against humans.

The other mutant nodded and was just about to respond when another thought struck him.

Kurt said, looking around. Is this thing on?

No. I can bring up parts of the computer system without starting up the entire jet.

Ah, that's handy.

Yes, yes it is. Anyway, we should be leaving any day now, as soon as the professor gives us the thumbs up. Storm shut down the computer and stood up. Personally, I was hoping we'd be in the air by now.

And what exactly will we do with this new mutant? What if she doesn't want to come?

We aren't going to force her to come, Kurt, just try to pursuade her to. If she ultimately chooses to stay living her life, than that is her choice, Storm said as she walked past Kurt and down the ramp. Besides, she is obviously not the only mutant there, just the one with the most prominent life force and light on Cerebro at the moment. The professor is convinced she will help us in some way and that is another reason why he wants to bring her here.

He sure seems to be putting a lot of faith into someone he doesn't know or has even ever seen, Kurt said, following Storm down the ramp.

You said something about faith once. Storm paused at the bottom of the ramp and looked back at Kurt.

Yes, that is true.

So are you saying that the professor's faith is wrong?

No, it's just different.



Kurt walked forward for several paces before turning back to Storm. He then crouched down on his haunches and started to think. My faith is of the divine sort, his is of the sort that is harder to describe. He feels that if we bring this new mutant to his school than she will help us, but in what way? Will her help bring destruction upon us? Will she make us all realize that what we fight for is futile, that there is no way to win against the humans? Help is not always a good thing, you know.

Yes, but he has faith in her and wishes to learn from her. Storm dropped her gaze to look Kurt in the eye. Do you doubt the professor?

No, I'm just saying that we should be careful.

We are always careful.

Kurt rose his brow and cocked his head slightly as if questioning the truth behind Storm's last statement. Whatever you say.

Storm simply rose one brow before turning around and disappearing back into the compartment next to the engine. Kurt watched the space where she had disappeared for a moment longer before straightening up and leaving the hanger. From there, he went directly back to his room and sat crouched on his bed. Looking up at the large window across from him, he climbed off the bed and quickly found himself sitting on the windowsill, a breeze playing across his hair and skin. Sighing, Kurt stood and climbed to the top of the mansion, making sure to avoid climbing over other windows on his way up. Once on the top, Kurt crouched, one hand supporting much of his weight, the other curled against his abdomen.

There is something odd about this facility, he muttered to himself in German. There is something odd about this entire mission. The professor knows more than he is letting on.

Sighing heavily, Kurt just gazed out over the land before him, the lights of New York City brightening the horizon and the night sky.

Mein Gott, he muttered, shaking his head and looking at the roof shingles.

After another hour on the roof top, Kurt eventually made his way back down to his room, the cold of the night starting to effect him. Once there, he did not sleep. He simply sat crouched on his bed and thought. Every once and awhile he would get up to stretch his muscles, maybe do a handstand or two, but then he would go back to his crouching and thinking. His mind jumped all over the place, not staying in one definite spot. However, one thing that kept reappearing was the fact that he was going back to Europe. Granted, it was not Munich—not that he really wanted to return there anyway—but he was going back to a place that would be somewhat familiar, a place he knew.

With this thought in mind, Kurt was finally able to fall asleep. It was very late indeed and, though he did not feel particularly tired, the mutant fell asleep almost the instant his head settled down.