History
Early Life[]
Henri LeBeau was born into a lineage steeped in the traditions of the Thieves Guild. As the son of Jean-Luc LeBeau, the patriarch of the New Orleans Thieves Guild, and the grandson of Jacques LeBeau, Henri inherited a legacy of cunning and resourcefulness. His family tree intertwined with other prominent members of the guild, including his grandmother Rochelle LeBeau and his cousins Theoren and Etienne Marceaux. From an early age, Henri embraced his heritage and became deeply involved in the workings of the Thieves Guild. He joined the ranks of the guild in New Orleans, where he honed his skills and forged alliances within the tight-knit community of thieves and rogues.[1]
One significant bond Henri formed was with his younger adopted brother, Remy LeBeau. Henri took Remy under his wing, nurturing his talents and guiding him through the intricacies of guild life.[2] At just thirteen years old, Henri played a pivotal role in securing Remy's membership into the Thieves Guild by overseeing his tilling harvest mission as a registrar, ensuring Remy's seamless integration into the guild's ranks. As Remy grew older, Henri continued to support him, offering guidance and mentorship along the way. When Remy reached fifteen, Henri entrusted him with the responsibility of acting as registrar for Etienne Marceaux's tilling harvest mission, mirroring the role Henri had once fulfilled for Remy. This gesture underscored Henri's belief in Remy's abilities and showcased their familial bond within the guild.[3]
To assist his adopted brother Remy in gaining recognition within the Guild's upper echelons, Henri assumed the role of Remy's constant supporter within the Guild, overseeing his progress on various missions. One such mission involved seventeen-year-old Remy's task of obtaining the coveted pendant, l'Étoile du Tricherie, from Genevieve Darceneaux. Genevieve had pilfered the pendant from Canadian financier Martin Herzog. To enhance their chances of success, Henri and Remy secured an apartment together in Paris, France, where they could strategize and execute their mission more effectively.[4]
Gambit[]
Years later, Henri made his way to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters looking for Remy, now known as Gambit of the X-Men, about the looming interference of the Assassins Guild in the upcoming guild tithing ceremony. Outside the mansion, Henri patiently awaited the opportune moment to breach its security. When darkness veiled the moon, Henri sprang into action, skillfully navigating past the mansion's initial line of defense: security lasers. Pausing briefly to regain his composure and hope for smoother endeavors in the future, Henri pressed forward until he encountered Gambit, who caught him snooping around. With a kinetically-charged playing card at Henri's throat, Gambit cautioned him against any sudden movements. However, Henri countered by suggesting Gambit use the card, emphasizing Gambit's roots as a thief rather than an assassin. Recognizing Henri, Gambit abandoned his defensive stance and warmly embraced his old friend, remarking on the passage of time. Their reunion was interrupted by Wolverine, who questioned how Henri managed to bypass the mansion's security. Henri dismissed the notion of the X-Men's security measures, prompting Gambit to vouch for his friend and explain their connection from their days in New Orleans. However, Rogue raised doubts about Gambit's certainty regarding Henri's infiltration, highlighting the discrepancy between Gambit's knowledge and the lack of detection by the mansion's telepathic residents. Observing that everyone harbored secrets, Gambit ushered Henri outside for a private conversation. Curious about Henri's unexpected appearance, Gambit inquired about the reason for his visit. Henri swiftly clarified that it was time for the Thieves Guild's tithe ceremony, stressing the importance of every member's attendance, including the impulsive Gambit. As they discussed the fragile peace between the Thieves and Assassins Guilds, Henri confessed that tensions had escalated since Gambit's last visit to New Orleans. He divulged unsettling news about Julien Boudreaux, the brother of Gambit's estranged wife, Bella Donna, who was causing turmoil within the guild. Gambit was taken aback, recalling witnessing Julien's demise. However, Henri cautioned Gambit that appearances could be deceiving and urged him to return home to New Orleans, emphasizing the paramount importance of family. Before he could elaborate further, tragedy struck as a crossbow bolt pierced Henri's heart, mortally wounding him. In his dying moments, Henri revealed that the Assassins Guild was behind the attack, aiming to disrupt the tithe ceremony. With his last breaths, Henri implored Gambit to safeguard the tithe and utilize both his knowledge and his unknowns to thwart the Assassins Guild's plans. Despite Gambit's protests that his insights into the Assassins Guild died with Bella Donna, Henri reiterated that things were not always as they seemed. As Henri succumbed to his injuries, he entrusted Gambit with the solemn task of returning his body to their father in New Orleans.[2]
When the X-Men swiftly arrived at the scene, Wolverine detected the presence of two fleeing members of the Assassins Guild heading towards Salem Center. Despite the urgency of the situation, Gambit adamantly asserted his intention to pursue the Assassins alone, driven by his familial bond with Henri.Gambit eventually caught up to the Assassins and confronted them, reminding them of their role in Henri's death. He demanded answers regarding the Assassins Guild's breach of the peace that he had worked hard to maintain. Pursuing them into a dimly lit warehouse, Gambit faced off against Julien Boudreaux, who sought to continue a duel that had seemingly ended with his demise weeks earlier. Gambit launched into action, seeking justice for Henri.After the confrontation, Gambit regrouped with the X-Men and briefed them on the situation. Rogue questioned whether Henri's death and Julien's cryptic remarks about Bella Donna's survival were linked to the Thieves and Assassins Guild's tithing ceremony. Gambit acknowledged his uncertainty and expressed his intention to travel to New Orleans to investigate further. However, Rogue insisted on accompanying him, determined to support Gambit and unravel the mysteries surrounding Henri's death and the escalating tensions between the guilds.[2]
Legacy[]
After Henri's demise, his widow, Mercy LeBeau, withdrew from active involvement in the Thieves Guild, taking a sabbatical to mourn her loss. However, several months later, during an assault by the Assassins Guild on the Thieves Guild, Mercy found herself captured by the assailants. In the midst of the chaos, Bella Donna Boudreaux commented on Mercy's continued outspokenness despite her hiatus from guild affairs. Curious about Mercy's demeanor, Bella Donna questioned whether she still harbored resentment towards the Assassins Guild for their role in Henri's death.[5]See Also
- 2 appearance(s) of Henri LeBeau (Earth-616)
- 2 minor appearance(s) of Henri LeBeau (Earth-616)
- 3 mention(s) of Henri LeBeau (Earth-616)
- 1 mention(s) in handbook(s) of Henri LeBeau (Earth-616)
- 1 image(s) of Henri LeBeau (Earth-616)