Seven
"What the fuck was that Lebeau?" Rogue growled as the Cajun thief reset the locks to the tiny Eglise they had just exited; one hand on her hip the other pushing her white bangs away from her face, "Why the hell did Mickey get us out here only to run off in the first five minutes?"
Shaking his head Remy moved his eyes first to Rogue then her younger brother Kurt who had been strangely silent since Mickey had announced her engagement. Running a hand through his shaggy hair Remy sighed wondering just how to condense hundreds of years of Guild rivalry into something the Gothic Belle would accept as a reasonable excuse. "How much did your Momma tell you bout de Guilds chère?"
"That there's been a feud between the Thieves and Assassins for as long as most folk can remember…you're New Orleans' Hatfield's and McCoy's," she crossed her arms and shot her brother a concerned glance, "But that doesn't seem to stop ya'll from hanging' out with Mickey and Bella."
"Dat's because dey be special," Remy sighed and motioned Rogue and Kurt to follow him as he talked, "Voyons…when Remy and Bella was just des petit enfants dere pères arrange for dem to be married and unite de Guilds to end de war."
Kurt stopped walking staring open mouthed at Remy, "You're engaged?"
"Since de age of cinq." Remy shrugged his shoulders and continued with his story, "You gotta understand…dat's de way t'ings is round here. De folk born into de higher families of de Guilds rarely marry for l'amour…only de truly lucky ones do. De rest of us try to make de best of what we got. Dat Remy and Bella be friends was an extra. We'll make it work."
Rogue shook her head as if clearing away cobwebs, "That's so sad-you're too young to be just settlin'. I mean I always thought you were supposed to marry some one you loved."
"Awww," Remy clutched his heart in mock agony, "Chère, Remy din know you cared bout his happiness."
All of their earlier introspection washed away as Rogue aimed an open hand towards Remy's unprotected right arm, "Of course not Swamp Rat…I'm thinking of poor Bella having to marry an ass like you."
"So you been looking at Remy's ass?" He waggled his eyebrows licentiously while avoiding Rogue's blows.
"Will you both stop it!" Kurt burst out as Remy and Rogue began to wrestle playfully, "What does this have to do with Mickey?"
The two pulled away and stopped their bickering; Rogue crossing her arms over her chest while Remy snapped at her hair with his fingers when he didn't think she was looking. He turned and faced Kurt, "Mickey's père be de frère of de head of de Dublin assassins. Dere was some trouble when her mere died and dey sent her to Naw'leans to keep her safe and to create a bond 'tween de two cities. Part of dat deal was dat she would obey de head of de Naw'leans Guild in all t'ings dat means Marius Boudreaux can tell her exactly what to do till Mickey is twenty-one or her père's life is forfeit."
"Even marry his son?" Kurt's whole body was vibrating with anger.
Lowering his head Remy frowned knowing anger wasn't going to help get Mickey out of her engagement, "Julien Boudreaux be a nasty snake in the grass…just as mean and even more dangerous. Remy think he just a bit crazy an' so do de Elders of de Assassin Guild-so dere marring him off to Mickey hopin' dat she calm him down a bit."
"And that's a problem how?" Rogue frowned trying to but the pieces together, "That doesn't explain why he's posting guards and keeping her locked up in the house."
Remy cleared his throat trying not to laugh-Mickey's situation wasn't all that funny; "Dat's cause Mickey hates Julien 'most as much as Remy do. When de petite first came to Naw'leans he made t'ings harder with de younger Guild members…tellin' tales 'bout Mickey. It wasn't pretty hein. 'Ventually dey accepted Mickey mais she never forgave Julien."
"And that's it?" Rogue lifted one well arched brow in question, "Mickey doesn't seem to be the type to hold a grudge over something so trivial."
Mumbling under his breath Remy hoped that the others wouldn't hear him and expect an explanation; he still hadn't heard the whole tale from Bella, "Non, he 'most got Mickey killed on an assignment…"
"Vat?" Kurt's normally light accent
thickened instantly while the young man fought for control of himself, "She
almost died?"
With a typically Gallic shrug Remy sighed-apparently his wishes weren't being granted that night, "Remy don know what happened…all Bella tole him was dat Mickey got hit because Julien fucked up."
Rogue pushed at the hair that had fallen back into her face and echoed Remy's sigh, "And there ain't nothing we can do to help her with it…she's gonna have to marry him?"
"'Fraid not chère. If dere was Remy would have done it."
They walked on in silence through the not so silent streets towards the townhouse that Mystique had purchased for the duration of their stay in New Orleans. Each of the teens far too wrapped up in their own thoughts to expend excess energy with speech. Rogue's mind kept bouncing from the Brotherhood boys and hoping they all made it out alright back to Mickey's tragic engagement. Images of dispatching Julien Boudreaux from Mickey's life flitted through Kurt's busy brain while Remy was busy assessing the risks that could be in every shadowed corner between them and the Darkholme's front door.
Breaking away from her waking nightmares Rogue glared at Remy, "You don't have to walk us all the way home you know."
"Mebbe Remy wants to chère." The Cajun thief shot back doing his level best to ignore the angry look she was giving him-Remy wondered where the quiet moment they had shared at the Eglise had gone. Sure the witty banter was fun, but to his eyes Rogue was more beautiful when she wasn't scowling-his very own Gothic Angel.
The Goth opened her mouth to shoot back another smart assed comment when the front door to the townhouse swung open and Mystique stormed out in a blaze of fury, "Get inside now both of you…"
Under his fur and hologram Kurt paled; it was rare that Mystique showed so much anger-or any other emotion-they were more Rogue's domain. Deciding it was the better part of valour Kurt let Rogue respond, "Why Momma?"
Mystique's eyes narrowed but her shoulders slumped ever so slightly, "I just got off the telephone with Lance-they captured Freddy and Alison not to mention a healthy section of the X-Men."
The silence dropped between them like a ton of bricks, once more it was Rogue who recovered first, "When are we gonna break them out?"
"As soon as possible," Mystique allowed a small smile to lift her lips-it could never be said her daughter tried to avoid fighting the good fight, "We might have to join forces with Xavier's people-but that's a necessary evil."
Nodding Rogue and Kurt started up the steps to begin packing for the mission; the few times they had been allowed what could be considered the lives of normal teenagers had been amongst the members of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants-though 'evil' was a relative term. Neither was willing to allow their friends or any other mutant to remain in captivity longer than required, Magneto's horror stories of the Holocaust had ensured that fact. Suddenly Rogue felt her arm jerked back; she had forgotten all about Remy in her hurry to save her friends, "What you want Swamp Rat?"
"You goin' to break inta a high security military base chère," he smiled disarmingly at both Rogue and Mystique, "You gonna need de best t'eif in Naw'leans if you want to get your friends."
Wasting no time Mystique waved him forward-he had a valid point, "Fine. Collect your things and be back here to leave in twenty minutes."
Remy didn't move and brought his red and black eyes to meet Mystique's, "You gonna need Mickey aussi."
"We don't need an Assassin." Mystique frowned not wanting to waste any more time.
Even though he knew it would infuriate Mystique Remy shrugged, "Mais de petite be more dan dat…de Fantôme is a mutant aussi…and she 'most as good as Remy at breaking inta places hein."
"Fine," Mystique conceded; she had heard enough about the Ghost-the young assassin that never left a trace-to know her assistance would be useful and it wouldn't hurt to have the numbers advantage over the moral superiority of the X-Men, "If she can be here in twenty minutes she can help."
Smoothly Remy smiled and pulled out his cell phone dialling the number from memory.
*******************************
If the night had taught Mickey only one thing it was that she truly hated wearing high heels. If she actually ended up marrying Julien she'd make sure to wear sneakers under her wedding dress-she'd at least be comfortable marrying someone she hated. A hand slid along her waist to pull her into a half hug; the smell of brandy and cigars told her it was her protector and soon to be father in law, "Chère vous avez la plus belle fille dans la ville."
"And you are exaggerating as always," Mickey leaned closely to Marius Boudreaux so that her comment would go unheard by the population milling about the room.
He laughed and pulled away from the young woman but it didn't brighten his icy blue eyes one ounce-Julien really was a younger version of his father-the only difference being that the older Boudreaux had a good dose of the charm his son lacked, "I'll never understand why you feel so uneasy taking compliments my dear. I must say it has been a pleasure to see you smiling tonight-it's more becoming of the blushing bride than a scowl."
"I aim to please." Mickey drawled and lifted her wine glass to her lips with a smile-they both knew it was a bold faced lie; Marius Boudreaux had had to deal with Mickey's rebellious streak for more years than either of them preferred to think of.
Marius smiled and clinked his glass against Mickey's, "I'm pleased to hear that. Julien was afraid you'd run off earlier this evening."
It never failed to surprise Mickey how easy it was for her to lie. After years of practice it came as naturally as breathing-her father would be so proud, "He was overreacting…I simply didn't want anyone to see me practicing walking in these shoes."
"Yes," Marius took a careful sip of his wine; the look in his eyes told Mickey he knew she was lying but that he didn't care-all that mattered to him was that she had made her appearance for formalities sake. "The boy is just a little high strung; it comes from his mother's side of the family you know."
"Indeed," Mickey was cut off by the vibrating of her cell phone in the tiny sack Bella had referred to as a 'handbag'; "Excuse me."
He waved her away and moved on to talk to another party guest while Mickey fished her phone out of the ridiculous scrap of fabric. Finally finding it Mickey jabbed the button-the call display told her it was Remy, "Is something wrong?"
"Oui," his voice was thin over the connection, "Some of de Rogue's amis are in trouble…J'ai besoin de l'Fantôme."
Looking around
Mickey began silently marking her exits and listing the equipment they might
need, "How long?"
"Rue St. Germain en vent minutes." Remy disconnected.
Putting the phone away Mickey found Bella and smiled wearily at her friend, "Belle I've got a nasty headache I'm going to bed."
"Sure Mick." The blonde smiled at her friend encouragingly, "You did well tonight."
"Thanks." Mickey threw the words over her shoulder as she kicked off her shoes and began climbing the stairs-this was going to be a long night.
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Translations
Voyons – Look
des petit enfants – little kids
père - Father
cinq – Five
l'amour – love
aussi – also
Chère vous avez la plus belle fille dans la ville – Dear you are the most beautiful girl in the city.
J'ai besoin de l'Fantôme- I need the Fantôme or Ghost
Rue St. Germain en vent minutes – St. Germain street in twenty minutes
Alright boys and ghouls, thanks a lot for all your patience when it comes to this. I've been having some writer's block issues…but I'm trying. I've started a blog for anyone interested to keep ya'll updated on things and to give out teasers…mostly because I think everyone deserves a bit of advance info on each chapter and I may have finally found this story's plot. But (and I know this sounds shameless) if you're still needing a krac fix while I slave away at this feel free to read any of my other Evo fic…it's Ishandahalf approved…black stars for evil and all.
Here's the URL
And on with the responses.
Star of Chaos – In this one Kurt hasn't developed his fencing skills but he does want to vanquish Julien…maybe we'll let him. Yeah, Ishy really likes twitching.
Frozen Fire – Holy novel flying rodent man! I know I can be unpredictable…just look at what I've done to poor Piotr in the Cypher arc…but I promise to be sort of good with this one. *tear* I'm glad you like my vision of Remy…the man behind the walking hard on…and the 'Great wall of Belladonna' made me giggle too. Yeah I noticed some errors when I went through this later…I was in a real hurry to post it…thanks for letting me know.
Pixie Flyer – there's no story without a villain…he can't die yet I have evil plans for him.
Ignatia – Yay you like Mickey you really really like her.
Peace215 – Come on you expect surprises from me. I haven't made it to school…the kids are gonna be skipping a few classes…high ho high ho of to the top secret military installation we go.
Yumiko – Stop poking me! I'm writing as fast as I can. I gave you some more bonding.
UndyingImmortal – Thanks.
Ish – I made you squeal…Teehee! This is getting to be a record for me…two updates in the space of a week. Yeah I like the scarred hands thing to…it makes Remy seem a bit more human and less…Super Remy. Why would Mickey help when Remy is available? Besides…she and Bella have to pick out china patterns. I gave you more glimpses of Romy…will that hold you over til the UBERFLUFF I promised in the Cypher Arc? You know I wanted to refer to Julien as "vile bastard creature from the depths of Hell" but it took to long to type. Yes he insulted your man…and this chapter didn't go where I wanted it so your cameo needs to wait a bit longer…sorry…but look I updated! The whole Julien/Bella scene was creepy…but it's less creepy than his usual 'interest' in his little sister…EWWWW.
Karakin – Here you go…a big helping heaping (Love the illiteration?) of X-men are coming your way.
Chronicles Bailey – I'm working on
killing Julien off no worries…but whether Kurt and Mickey end up together is
still up in the air…there are all the Brotherhood boys coming in who would
probably like her…and maybe he could like Kitty? *evil laughter* As for the ROMY…it's
coming…but I don't like rushing these things all in time my grasshopper.
LoneWolf – Yeah, I've kind of modeled Julien on an abusive guy I knew…he could be really charming but most of the time he was just scary…I think it's scarier for me because I've met the real person. Hey Mickey's a big girl…she can take care of herself.
SickmindedSucker – Teehee…You really want to see Julien die don't you? All in good time my friend all in good time…you can't rush these things…I've been toying with who Bella could fall for any suggestions? Emil is taken…Ish will kill you if you suggest her man.
WriterChik1 – You know I'm surprised about the way people reacted to the Julien/Bella scene…I mean he was worse with Mickey in the second(?) chapter. In case you haven't guessed I like keeping up the suspense to drive my characters apart…it's this evil habit of mine…simply to keep Ish twitchy.
Jaquelle - here you go.
Angyl-Devyl – Your poor lint covered tongue. "Fantasticallyriffic" and "splendifiouruslymazing"…however will I top that…maybe I should stop now. Did your email like it's treat…did you give it chocolate? I hope I explained the whole leaving without discussing anything better…I wasn't so happy with that chapter…but it would have gone on forever if I hadn't cut it. And Julien would have been really mad if Mickey missed the party. Are my feet high enough now?? *More happy dancing*
The Rogue Cajun – Again…here…
Epona – Thanks…*blushes* St Paddy's was a long time ago…I feel bad about my lackadaisical updating…Ireland…land of my grandparents…I hope to visit soon…but that would mean a halt in writing while I trot the globe.
Eileen Blazer - *WOW* the great Eileen Blazer has reviewed my story…*I'm not worthy!* I hope you got the time to finish reading this one…and that you enjoyed it. Chemistry yay! (Forgive my lack of coherence.)
Truly Rogue - Roguey! It's never late with you…its right when you send it.
Girl Number 1 – I hope you'll stay tuned for the next chappy…then I can work on the relationships between the BHood and X-men with Rogue and Kurt…I'm going with the idea that Wanda has been in the mental hospital all this time…so she and Rogue wouldn't have met yet…but she, Rogue and Mickey should make and interesting group.
Shal - Thank you. *takes a bow*
Sprectra2 – Yay…thanks…thanks thanks.