AN:

This chapter contains scenes from King of Thieves.

Chapter 5

The new school year began, and although they were busy with classes—whether attending them as a student or teacher—certain people still found the time to indulge in certain computer games. In fact, despite the fact that Bobby was both student and teacher, he decided to begin on a new quest of his own making; which World of Warcraft race has the sexiest women.

"Call me biased, but blood elves are definitely the sexiest," said John over Ventrillo.

"Aww, thank you, honey," said Wanda.

"Are you sure that you want to identify with a blood elf?" asked Jubilee. "They look anorexic."

"They do not," said Tabitha. "And besides, they're blood elves. Even if they were anorexic by human standards, they may not be by blood elf standards."

"They're not the sexiest anyway," Bobby said. "I mean, sure, they get the points for having the sexiest flirt emotes, but this is serious research."

Bobby waited until the laughter died down before continuing:

"I have to take everything into consideration here," he said. "Flirts, hips, boobs, voice—"

"Okay," Jubilee said. "I feel that I'm going to regret this, but just what are your findings so far, Bobby?"

"Well, right now, it looks like the draenei women are winning," Bobby replied cheerfully. "They have the sexiest voices and the hips. You should see them run, it's very hot."

"How come I'm not surprised you picked an Alliance race," John sneered.

"Hey, you can debate me after you create a draenei female and watch her butt sway from side to side," Bobby replied. "Anyway, the winner of the boobs category are the dwarf women."

"Another Alliance race," said John.

"I thought it was going to be a tough decision," Bobby went on blithely, ignoring John, "but it wasn't, not when I realised just how much the dwarves boobies bounce. I mean, most of the boobs do bounce, which I think is a nice, realistic quality that the programmers have decided to throw in there—"

"Insert snarky comment about them being hard pressed to incorporate that particular detail," said Wanda.

Kitty and Jubilee giggled.

"—but with the dwarves it's like the entire race has never heard of a bra," Bobby said. "Or they have, and universally dismissed it as a bad idea. Their boobs flop around so much I almost expect them to be hit in the face."

"Oh really?" John asked, sounding intrigued.

"John!" Wanda exclaimed.

"Oh, umm, I mean," John said hurriedly and took on a cynical tone: "Oh reeeally."

"Yep, really," Bobby said, and they could even hear his grin. "I haven't decided on sexiest dance yet."

"Well, I think that the orc males are the hottest," said Tabitha.

Kitty lifted her head to look at Tabitha at her desk in the computer room, and grinned at the sound of Wanda's laughter.

"Yeah those orc men are pretty hunky looking guys," said Wanda.

"Hey!" John objected. "What about trolls?"

"Yeah, they're not too bad."

"The draenei men make me think of Davey Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean," Kitty said. "Night elf guys have some nice muscle definition on them though."

"Oh yeah? I'll have to check them out," said Wanda.

"Oh you will, will you?" asked John.

"I want to know how they compare to trolls. Aren't trolls supposed to be descended from night elves? Or is it the other way around?"

"Any excuse."

"See what you've done, Bobby?" Kitty said. "You've got the soon-to-be-married couple fighting. For shame."

"What can I say? I decided it would be more fun to play a female character than a male one," Bobby replied with a shrug and a grin in Kitty's direction. "After all, I'm the one who has to look at it all the time."

"Heh, Bobby's a girl," Tabitha said wickedly.

"I am not," Bobby said. "I just want to play with one."

"Yeah, a girl. A Guy In Real Life," Tabitha said.

"Oh very funny."

Kitty knocked on Kurt's door and he looked up at her from his packing. In her other hand she held a small present.

"Hey," she said. "Did you need a hand?"

"No," Kurt replied and as he placed the last of the clothes he intended to pack into his suitcase. "But thank you for the offer."

"You're welcome," Kitty said. "Umm, actually we were hoping you could do us a favour? This is a wedding present for Wanda and Pyro."

"Ahh," Kurt said, nodding towards the gift Kitty held out to him. "Of course, I'd be happy to pass it on for you."

"Thanks," Kitty said as Kurt took the present. "Well, umm, I guess if there's nothing I can do to help, I'll leave you to it."

"I am just about done," said Kurt as he zipped up the bag, "but I could do with some company for a few minutes."

Kitty grinned and sat down at a spare spot on the bed. "I can do that."

"I'm a little nervous," Kurt admitted ruefully as he sat down next to her. "I've only done one wedding before."

"I'll sure you'll do fine," Kitty assured him.

"Danke," he said, then sighed and continued: "And I'm afraid that my motives for accepting aren't exactly selfless. I am hoping that I will get a lead on Mystique."

Kitty frowned. "Mystique? Why?"

"She's my mother."

"Oh!" Kitty's lips formed a perfectly round O.

Kurt fidgeted with his fingers. He felt a little awkward still about mentioning it to everyone. He knew that Mystique wasn't really on the X-men's favourite people list.

"My birth mother, if the person who told me was telling the truth," Kurt went on after a short silence. "I suspect that they were, though it may well have been the only truthful thing they told me. I need to meet her and find out for sure."

Kitty nodded. "You should have said something sooner. We could have put you in contact with Rogue."

"Rogue?" Kurt asked, looking at Kitty curiously. "Why Rogue?"

"She's Mystique's adopted daughter," Kitty said with a faint smile. "So I guess that makes her your sister."

Kurt blinked. "A sister."

"They're not exactly on good terms either," Kitty went on. "Apparently she abandoned her as a teenager, and then she was the one to sell Rogue out to Magneto and effectively plot to have her killed. But I also know that Rogue did absorb her during the whole Sentinel thing. Never know, she might know something that can help you."

Kurt nodded thoughtfully. He supposed Storm hadn't known that about Rogue, as he was sure she would have mentioned it to him long before now if she did.

"Danke," he said.

"Well, Rogue'll be at the wedding too. You can always ask her when you see her."

"I will."

The last thing that Kurt expected to see when the blindfold was taken off was to be in the middle of a neat and tidy residential village. The Brotherhood had picked him up from the airport where the X-men had dropped him off in the Blackbird, and then blindfolded him for the trip after checking for tracking devices.

"It's not that we don't trust you," John had said, "It's more that we don't trust the X-men."

"He is one of the X-men now," Dominic had replied.

"Oh right. Well, I guess that means we don't trust you."

Kurt had taken it in good part. In fact, he was actually a little relieved. After being in on some of the X-men meetings where the Brotherhood came up, Kurt really didn't like the idea of knowing the location of the Brotherhood's base. He didn't want to be in a position where he felt obligated to supply that information.

After the blindfold was taken off, Kurt was shown to a small guest house where he would be staying. He dropped of his bag, and then they took him to the community hall. There were a couple of large rooms; one would be used for the ceremony, and the other the reception. Over their next meal, Kurt, John, and Wanda discussed the finer details of the ceremony and made the appropriate plans.

The wedding rehearsal was held a few days later. Kurt was the first one at the hall, partly because he didn't have anything better to do, and partly because he knew that Rogue would be arriving today. He was very nervous. He spent some of his waiting time in prayer; asking that things would go well with Rogue, and the wedding too, of course. He felt much calmer afterwards.

After some time, he heard voices outside, Abruptly, the double doors opened.

"Kurt!" Rogue exclaimed, their eyes locking immediately.

Kurt was up and out of his chair just in time for Rogue to run over and wrap him up in a hug. Kurt hugged her back with just as much enthusiasm. The rest of the bridal party came in, all of whom Kurt knew, plus a man with long brown hair, and red and black eyes, who was wearing a baby sling complete with baby.

"Rogue," he greeted. "It is good to see you again."

"I'm guessing you two know each other," Dominic said.

"Duh," said John. "I told you she was there when we met."

"Hey, how have you been?" Rogue asked as she pulled away and looked up at him. "I thought you went back to Germany?"

"I did," Kurt replied with a smile. "I came back. I understand you're married now?"

"Uh huh, oh!" Rogue said, pulling away and turning so she could see both Kurt and Gambit. "Kurt, this is Remy, and this," she went on, gesturing to the bundle sleeping in the baby sling, "is our son, Olivier. Remy, this is my old friend, Kurt."

"Pleasure to meet you," said Gambit, holding out his hand.

"And you as well," Kurt replied as he shook the other man's hand. "Congratulations."

"Merci."

"Yeah, yeah," Mastermind cut in. "Can we get this rehearsal on the road already? I have things to do."

When the rehearsal came to a close, Kurt made his way over to Rogue and asked if he could talk to her in private for a moment.

"Oh, umm, I guess so," Rogue replied.

"I'll meet you at the car," Gambit said.

Gambit gave Kurt a nod, and then took off with Olivier. Soon Kurt and Rogue were the only ones left in the hall.

"Yes?" Rogue asked.

"I'm not... I'm not really sure how to say this," Kurt said cautiously. "It... I... I recently learned the name of my birth mother."

"Okay..." Rogue said slowly.

"We... it turns out we have something in common," Kurt said. "My mother is Mystique."

Rogue was rendered silent for a long moment and Kurt looked at her anxiously for her reaction.

"So," she said when she finally found her voice, "she abandoned you too, huh?"

"It would seem so," Kurt replied gently. "I hope one day I have a chance to ask her why."

"Every word that woman says is a lie," Rogue snapped.

"Perhaps," Kurt said, a little taken aback at her attitude, but remembering what Kitty had told him, "but I still wish I had the chance to get to know her, as you did."

Rogue sighed.

"I guess I can understand that," she said reluctantly. "I never got to know my birth parents. They died when I was four."

Kurt nodded. "And—regardless of how things go with Mystique—may I consider you my sister?"

He was immediately heartened by the slow smile that appeared on Rogue's lips.

"Sure," she said, "just so long as I can consider you my brother."

"I'd like that."

He followed her outside where she and Gambit had parked. One of the back doors was open and Gambit was half inside with his butt sticking out, playing with Olivier who was now wide awake.

"Hey sugah," Rogue said.

Gambit pulled himself out from the car and turned to look at them. "Hey. Ready to go?"

"Just about," Rogue said and shifted from one foot to the other. "So, umm, it turns out I have a brother. Kurt's Mystique's son."

Kurt felt a little awkward as Gambit glanced at him.

"I can see the resemblance," Gambit said slyly, then cocked his head to the side and asked: "Wait, aren't you a priest?"

"Yes," Kurt replied.

"I bet mama's so proud of you," Gambit said, and Kurt wasn't entirely sure if Gambit was being serious or mocking him.

"I wouldn't know," Kurt said, spreading his hands. "I was adopted as a baby. I only recently found out she was my mother."

"Ahh," Gambit said with a sage nod. "I was adopted as a baby too after I was abandoned at the hospital. I have no idea who my birth parents are."

"Never wanted to find out?"

Gambit shrugged. "If I have the opportunity, I suppose I'd take it, but it's not going to be on my list of regrets when I'm on my death bed."

"I have often wondered about mine, but I didn't think I'd get the chance to find out," Kurt said, and glanced towards Rogue. "I'm hoping to find Mystique and get some answers."

Rogue shook her head. "Sorry, sugah, I can't help you. I'm not in contact with her, and the only things I've absorbed from her are...not relevant to your interests. Or mine either."

She gave a little shudder. Kurt cleared his throat and gestured towards Olivier. "How old is he?"

"Six months," Rogue said, her eyes lighting up as if Kurt had just asked her about her favourite subject. Perhaps he had. "He looks just like his Papa too."

Finally, the day of the wedding arrived. Kurt was one of the first in the hall, which soon filled with the male half of the bridal party and the guests. Kurt couldn't help but feel that John looked just as nervous as he felt, and somehow the knowledge that he wasn't the only one who was nervous made Kurt feel a whole lot better. With John were Dominic (his best man) and Pietro (his soon-to-be brother-in-law).

The hall filled up, and Kurt waited expectantly for the music to start. Everyone was chatting or otherwise looking down the other end of the hall, waiting. Then two figures appeared in the doorway: Magneto and Mystique. Kurt felt his face light up as his eyes fell on his mother, and for a moment she even met his eyes. Then she turned away and sat down next to Magneto near the front. A couple of the other guests quickly scooted away to make room for them there.

The music began. Rogue was the first down the aisle, then Mastermind, and finally Wanda. Kurt pretended not to notice that Rogue and Wanda were visibly unimpressed with the presence of Magneto and Mystique, and began the ceremony. His heart was pounding, but he was pleased that he managed to make it through the ceremony without stumbling over his words or something.

When the ceremony was over, everyone went outside for photos. Since his part in the wedding was now over, Kurt sought out Mystique, nervous, but determined to have a word with her. It was easily enough to find her; even amongst mutants blue skin did tend to stand out.

"Mystique?" he inquired tentatively.

Mystique turned and looked at him.

"I was... ahem... it's good to see you again," he said, wondering how on earth he was supposed to ask her if she was his mother, especially in this crowd.

"If you say so," Mystique replied distractedly, glancing towards Gambit and Olivier.

Kurt cleared his throat and mentally coaxed himself to say it. Crowd or not, he may not get another chance.

"Do you know someone named Azazel?" he asked.

Mystique stiffened, and she looked back at Kurt with complete attention. "How do you know that name?"

"I met him, kind of, in Germany," Kurt replied. "I never actually saw his face but... He told me you were my mother."

"And you believed him?" Mystique asked, sounding a little strained.

"He said many things to me," Kurt said, "but that was the only thing that had the ring of truth to it. Even so, if you tell me you're not, I will believe you."

Mystique didn't reply straight away, rather she looked towards Rogue, then Gambit and Olivier, and finally back at Kurt.

"It's true," she said, and then barrelled on quickly before Kurt could get another word in: "Azazel. Was he still harping on about being the devil?"

"Yes, actually," Kurt replied. "He said I was a demon too, but I have long dismissed such ideas."

"Good for you," Mystique said. "He is a mutant, but people have been calling him a devil all his life. I think he actually believes it. You say you never saw his face?"

"No," Kurt said, shaking his head. "And he would always disappear whenever anyone else showed up."

"Did he mention who your father was?"

"No, but he did say he saved my life once," Kurt said. "He said I nearly died when I was a baby, but he saved me and gave me to Margali—the woman who raised me. I did not know if I should believe that though."

Mystique swallowed hard.

"Well, Margali did a good job," she said and turned away. "If you see Azazel again, you should try to get a good look at him. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Kurt wanted to follow, but didn't. He had a feeling he had gotten everything from her that he was going to get right now. Hopefully they'd have a chance to talk more in private sometime.

After the photos, everyone headed to the reception. Kurt tried not to be too obvious about it, but he couldn't seem to take his eyes from Mystique. He still had so many questions for her. And it seemed that she had a great deal of interest in Rogue and Olivier, for Mystique lost little time in approaching them. Even if Kurt hadn't been watching Mystique, it would have been hard for him to miss their confrontation: Rogue was not shy about raising her voice.

"He ain't your grandson," Rogue said, glaring at Mystique as she moved in between her and Olivier. "You lost the chance to claim any children of mine as your grandchildren the day you abandoned me, and you nailed the coffin shut when you sold me out to Magneto and conspired to kill me."

"It's not that simple... Rogue," Mystique replied tersely.

"I'd say it is that simple, Mystique," Gambit said. "Perhaps you should move along."

"Irene was a precog—" Mystique began.

"No, really?" Rogue asked sarcastically. "I was young, not stupid."

"She said we had to leave, that your life—"

"I don't want to hear your excuses," Rogue snapped. "Go away and don't come near me or my family again."

"Now my dear," said Magneto, practically sneaking up on them from behind, "let's not make a scene. It's Wanda's wedding."

"Ha!" Mystique said scornfully as Pietro and Wanda joined them as well. "You're no more happy with your daughter's choice of husband than I am with mine."

"Nevertheless, it is her decision," Magneto replied.

"I'm surprised you even respect that," Wanda said glaring at him, her arms folded across her chest. "What the hell are you doing here? You weren't invited."

"I know," Magneto replied calmly. "I assumed it was because you had nowhere to send the invitation. Ahh... so this is the new LeBeau."

Gambit looked at Magneto and then back at Rogue as Magneto peered over his shoulder to look at Olivier, who was quite contently drinking from his bottle.

"How fortunate you are to have a sign of his mutation so early," Magneto went on. "You'd be surprised at just how often two mutant parents can produce a... human... child."

Magneto said the word 'human' like it was something revolting he had to pick up and was trying to keep it as far away from his person as he could. Mystique pursed her lips.

"You know what?" said Pietro tersely. "I'm going to go."

He zipped off before anyone could say a word to stop him. Wanda's glare deepened.

"You are such a bastard," she said, glowering at Magneto. "That was completely unnecessary."

"That doesn't stop it from being true, my dear," Magneto replied. "Come Mystique, I believe we have worn out our welcome. Congratulations... to all of you."

Storm saw the car pull up at the gates to the school while she was out gardening, and curiosity sent her flying in their direction. They weren't expecting anyone.

The driver of the car evidentially spotted her on her way, for he got out of the car. Storm caught her breath as she landed on the other side of the gate and stared at the man in the red quartz glasses standing before her like she'd seen a ghost.

"Hi Ororo," he said.

Storm shook her head, having trouble believing this was even real. "Scott?"