The Red Banner-
Where too?-
Walking out of the station was the most liberating feeling Marie had in long time. The waves of independents washed over her boosting her confidence. When Logan asked her where was going she lied slightly. Remy always spoke of a diner a little way from the city. He said that no matter who you are you would never be judged. The place housed a million different souls finding food work and there individuality. 'Anyone who is anyone knows that place'. It gave Remy a fresh start why couldn't it give her one too?
Marie hailed a cab outside the station "Where to miss" she didn't realize how much she missed the smooth southern accents until hearing it come out of a strangers mouth.
"Have you ever heard of the Red Banner?" Marie almost crashed into the windshield from the force the driver slammed on the breaks with.
"Sorry Miss if you want to go to them there places its going to cost you extra" he looked at her from the mirror's reflection.
"I'll pay"
"How much do you know about those side of the tracks?"
"That's where you can find second chances and I don't need your permission will you drive me or not?"
"That's because they take away your first and then make you pay for your second one" he murmured to himself.
"What was that I couldn't hear you?"
"I said I will take you" he started up the car again and they were off down pass the inner city roads to the Red Banner.
"I take it you my need a place to stay?" They diver asked Marie, it was the first time either spoke since the forty minute trip took way.
"You don't have to answer me, if you don't want to. All I'm saying that if you need a place to stay there is an old time hotel two blocks east of the Banner. If you would like I can drop you there so you don't have to walk around with your bags."
There was something odd about the man Marie admitted to herself. She hadn't put mucg thought into were she would stay. "….Two blocks east?"
"Yes and the hotel is real nice too, cheap rent for foreigners…Would you like me to stop?" Marie nodded her head replying to young man all awhile she kept her head tilted up gazing out the window, as if she was royalty. Pulling up to hotel the driver got out of the car taking Marie's bag inside. They exchanged looks at the staircase entrance to wood building.
"The name is Baryon…Baryon Boudreaux." He handed her a card "If you ever need a ride or anything" his smiled dripped in sin. Marie took the card she wanted to get to The Banner sooner then later and it was starting to get dark out. Marie walked in to the antique looking hotel.
"Welcome to the Moonshine Hotel" a distance voice told her. Marie got why the cab driver said it Old time hotel. There was no elevator, there were only five floors, the whole make up was built out of wood. It did carry an old French feel, with the dark drapes and delicately crafted furniture which she liked.
"Miss would like a single or double room." the man at the counter questioned. Marie unfortunately couldn't focus on the nerdy looking man at the desk, she was being eyed down by a group of guys in the far corner.
"Miss?"
"Sorry yes a single would be fine"
"Ok we pay daily here, there is no room service or dinning hall but you are welcomed to the kitchen if the chef cooks. We don't care what you do when you do as long as it doesn't interrupt us from what we are doing got it?" Marie held a blank expression man said everything so quickly "....for today its twenty dollars rent"
Marie's eyes widen a bit a the price the diver wasn't joking it was cheap "Yeah I know its cheap, that cause we don't get many out of towners staying here and if they do, it isn't for long." She handed the money to the nerdy guy the money unable to shake the unnerving feeling the men in the corner gave her.
"I'll get Marcus to help you with your bags." Marie wondered over to the stair case waiting for him to arrive. On the walls was a photo of a tall thin blonde woman, jumping onto the back of a man. His face was covered by her falling hair on his face, they looked like they were in love. Even with his face covered it was like Marie had met that man before his stature was familiar.
"Ready?" Marie stopped playing guessing games and followed Marcus with the wolfish smile up the stairs. She walked two paces behind him so they wouldn't have to make eye contact. Marcus reminded Marie of a cocky varsity captain, that was never her style but they were always fond of her.
"Room 407" the he said, moving from the door way so Marie could get in, hearing the door close she let go of a heavy sigh.
The room was medium size with a cramp washroom. It was dusty and smelled like old wood. Marie went further into the room taking it all in. There was one double bed with old sheets, a wardrobe and night stand "Cozy" she said to her self. The summer sun had her sweating already, when she realized there was no air conditioning, the window was her only escape. She took off her shirt leaving on her tank top it exposed her growing belly. Marie turned with her eyes closed to the window letting the air cool her sweat. Upon opening her eyes a greedy cocky grin meet her panicked frown; the man 'Marcus' had been watching her the whole time. The door was shut and he was leaning against it with a tilted head.
"Thanks that was all I needed" she stated almost as warning for him to leave.
"Is that everything I can help you unpack…" he asked coming closer to her
"No thank you"
"Sure? Its getting late I can tuck you in or help you clean up our washrooms can be difficult" he slithered further.
"If your trying to hit on me you better stop I don't want none"
"None of what you don't even know what I'm selling" he walked toward her filling in the empty space. With her back to window there was literally no where to go.
'You're seriously going to try and pick up a pregnant chick, fucking creep' Marie thought inwardly. "What is that you are selling?" she decided to play it up, putting a lost and innocent act.
"Well it's big" (Ouh Marie would comment as he spoke)
"Strong" (Ouh) he was peering into her eyes
"As strong as these muscles" she mocked eyeing him up and down
"Even stronger and it can last all night long…" he stood with his arms locking her against the window
Marie ran her hand from his jeans up his chest to his cheek were her hand rested. Pulling him to her, he leaned in for the kill "…Promise" Marie questioned spreading apart her fingers. The man that wouldn't take no for an answer so Marie gave him answer he wouldn't soon forget. She kept her hand firm on his cheek long enough for him to blackout, but blocked his memories he was the last person she wanted rolling around in her head. She rolled his body out into the hall and locked the door behind her.
"Best time as any to find the Banner… I gotta get out of here soon"
XXXXXXXX
The Red Banner- Wanted
The Red Banner wasn't far for Marie to walk to the cab diver was correct with his description for once. It stood out of place on the left side of the street on the other side was a plaza strip covering the basics food clothing etc. Coming closer to it, it seemed liked she entered a different side of town.
'Wanted waitress' Marie had no skill as a waitress but she figured it couldn't be harder then being an X-men.
Opening the door the place didn't appear that bad, it was lose diner the kind you find in an old gangster film. There weren't a lot of people there but it wasn't empty, the waitress worked like a unitized machine it was impressive their speed and positive attitude. They wore purple skirts, black tanks tops with Red Banner writing in red as their uniforms.
Marie was walking over to the bar when yelling erupted from behind her. Two guys started to fight over a lady with a waitress was caught in the tango. The waitress tried to weave in and out avoiding the punches and screams of the women. She was almost free when one of the men flung his hand back to punch other man, hitting her head. The tray of food went flying and girl falling. Marie jumped forward catching the tray while extending a hand for the fallen waitress.
The crowd stooped to stare at the impressive moves; she had cat like grace and stability. The waitress on the floor looked up at Marie with twisted grin.
"Nice catch"
"I heard you were looking for a waitress" Marie replied coyly
"MJ" the waitress stated sticking out her hand
"Marie" she took her hand
"Follow me to the back" MJ told her.
XXXXXXXXXX
Listen Carefully-
MJ and Marie sat in the head office; Marie showcased her talent in front of the right person MJ was the boss of the diner. And what a boss they sat in the dimly lit room, MJ was studying her face trying to summarize Marie. The feeling was well recuperated by Marie, she wasn't dumb enough to crack under the pressure and reveal any personal information. Logan had thought her how to play hardball with combination of Ororo's facial control the odds were in Marie's favor.
"What's your last name?" MJ started trying to catch her off guard.
"What's the J for?"
"Jetter"
"Darkholme" Marie spoke quickly crossing her legs
"Why did you leave Mississippi?"
"Beg your pardon" she wasn't amused
"Your accent it Mississippi based but there's hints of the North? You running?" MJ was good at her tactics.
"Or coming" Marie answered like stone keeping her composer. Her sessions with Ororo showed there use.
"How old are you?" she traced Marie's facial features
"Old enough"
"Then why you got white air"
"Genetics" Marie was quick she stayed on her toes well for someone that isn't from these parts. MJ thought
"Fare enough…." she stood up and went to the closet behind her, the new comer was good, the answers she give were perfect, to the point with no sign of personal attachment "Working here we all have nick names"
"You mean MJ isn't your real name" Marie interjected dryly trying to sound surprised
"No one uses there real name, nickname's help to draw the line of the pass and the present" She gestured to Maries belly "…Got it streaks? No one asks questions without being ready to answer some" she tossed Marie a black tank top "I take it you can supply your own skirt"
Marie bowed her head confidently "Good you can take the ten o'clock shift I suggest you go get changed"
"The ten shift like the one in seven minutes"
"What you got a date?" MJ was pushing to see how much she was willing to commit
"I don't walk with purple skirts"
"Here now you have one" The door knocked a waitressed came in
"Père is online two"
"Ok take streaks, show her the ropes" she said taking up the phone, as Marie and the red headed waitress left the room
"How's London, my husband is still breathing I hope" conversation went on.
"Hello to you too Mercy, he's breathing well I assure you. The diner remains in one piece I trust" an old sly voice rumbled on the phone
"Jean-Luc you have no faith in me do you?"
"Plenty or I wouldn't have given Henry person to make you his wife… it is and always will be the assassins I don't trust"
"Nothing along those lines only good news"
"Oh"
"I found a waitress"
"So soon that's almost laughable" he was believing Mercy
"No she's the real deal; she showed no fear in coming in defiantly not from around these parts. Her Mississippi accent is still strong…. I saw her in action she has speed balance and grace. Her emotional control is better then some of our thieves now" she spoke proudly.
"Sounds promising, I feel a but coming"
"She's pregnant" added in like it was second rate news
"And you still took her?"
"Can't abandon a woman with child guild law… trust me child or not she has game"
"You feel she is approachable for the empty position on the Guild then?"
"If I didn't I wouldn't have hired her"
"Continue with what you are doing but make no deals until I return, me and Henry are needed in France for a few days"
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Else Where- Hidden in France
Gambit sat lonely in his room. He hadn't showered in days, his stubble was growing out of control. When Remy was in France as a child and young man it always brought him joy, however lately the beautiful city has been doing nothing for him. He assured himself when he arrived that he would leave with a mended heart instead the angel continues to hunts his dreams. So he lays a wake all day in his bed staring at the scenery chugging back bourbon. The housemate Remy welcomed in was getting worried.
"Your father is coming" He told Remy who was motionless on the bed
"When"
"A couple days you going to leave?" Remy didn't even bother to turn to look at him in the door frame
"No you're the only one who knows I'm here. I want it kept that way got it homme"
"You would know this information if you turned on your phone" He twiddled with it in his hand
"Not ready to listen to him"
"Why Gamb…"
"He always lies! He sold me out" Remy busted in.
"You've become a burn out"
"I am no…."
"Gambit look around! You haven't left this room in days you don't smile or eat what has happened to you who did this to you…"
"Get out" Remy voice was gentle
"I said get out! And I know you been wearing my cloths you thief!" Remy removed a card from his pocket charging it, aiming for his cousin Theo who made a mad dash to avoid being hit.
XXXXXXXXX
Beauty-
It was Friday which meant that Marie had successful completed the four day trail. She was now considered full time staff, meaning that she couldn't make any excuse or slip ups pregnant or not there is was no more soft punches. The whole time she had been working her swollen breast became legendary with her tiny belly that was highlighted in her tight tank top. Marie couldn't change the physical from of her body but the she could change the awful nickname of streaks why was it always about her hair?
Marie sat patently in the seat huddled together with five other women waiting for her turn at the solon, as it was her turn an impatient woman jumped in to the chair in front of her. She was tall sender with long brown hair she sat comfortably, the designer was about to pick up a comb when a small knife with perfect aim pinned it to the wall
"I believe it was the freak with the white hairs turn" double time the woman came out of the seat, the designer gestured for Marie and the solon continued like a knife wasn't stuck in the wall.
"Awe, thanks?" Marie was unsure on how to handle a treat in her favor
"Don't worry about it, I did for Marcus for whatever reason he likes you says you're a nock out"
"That's where I know you from. You're the lady on the wall" It was the lady from the picture but with straight black hair clearly dyed.
"And"
"Nothing… thanks"
"Want to thank me don't be such a bitch to my cousin next time say hi flash him a smile" She told Marie as she got into the chair
"What can I do for you?"
"Anything just different" Marie told the stylist
"I can do that… If you want to do a big change I have some pregnancy safe dye?" she asked Marie who lit up smiling as her approval.
"The name is Bella just Bella" the black hair model said behind her magazine
"Marie" she said to Bella who was taking a seat next to her
"You seem alright…for a freak don't do anything to piss me off that knife won't be in you. Alright?" Marie was taken back by her strong commanding authority like behavior it was obvious she was someone important around those parts. The solon only spoke when she did and conversation changed and dropped at her will. Bella was hiding someone thing, that Marie was out on she hated being out on things. Bella hid her lies well as well as she covered up in her natural hair color the black was obviously not her real color, it didn't suit her at all Marie thought.
"You like my hair New York black better then Midnight black right?" Bella asked turning to Marie
"Yup defiantly" and by yup she meant it looked like dirt
Marie could have responded negatively to her offering but she was in no position to pas up friends in a strange town.
XXXXXXX
Bam!-
Marie walked into the diner; her hair was cut to her jaw lines wrapped in big curls. She hair color was the same just a bit closer to red side and her white bangs were gone. She was pretty hot for local waitress
"This change's nothing your name is still streaks!" Mercy yelled from the bar when all the eyes of the diner shifted from Mercy short skirt to Marie's fresh body.
XXXXXXXX
Dinner for Two?-
"I'm so glad to be going home Père, I've missed Mercy" Henry explained to his father as they were seated at an upscale hotel owned by the Guild in France.
It was one of there houses they privately owned. Not all houses were hotels they ranged from garages to beach houses posing as a regular place but really a safe haven for thieves on their travels.
"As you should, you did well on this trip" Jean-Luc said taking up his napkin putting it in his lap
"Thanks, you're not as rusty as they say" Henry said from behind the menu
"Rusty! I could out perform you any day"
"You two still at it?" Theo came in and pulled up a seat, dressed familiarly
"Theo! Welcome" Jean-Luc was delighted to see a few home bund Guild member
"How are things?"
"Bon Bon" Theo said looking over the menu
"Didn't think that I would get a chance to see you" Henry added
"Like I would let you leave"
"When you planning on coming back Theo?"
"Soon I hope I'm nearly finished with this client here" Henry give him a disbelieving glare
"Ah, yes she was picky eh?" Jean- Luc commented "Hold one second" he pick up his phone "…excuse I must take this" soon as his father was out of sight, Henry gabbed Theo's arm pulling him to a corner
"Cut the bull I know you know where he is"
"Henry you're gasping at straws" Theo trying to get out his choke hold
"Don't give me that! We both know Remy better then anyone he would not turn himself off from the world with out having a contact close"
"Why would that be me homme?"
"Don't know…Maybe because you're wearing his duster!!!" Henry lighted up of him only to slam him harder into the wall.
"Lies!" Theo attempted to defend himself
"There is a deck of cards in every pocket" Henry demonstrates
"….that's because…." Theo's eyes roamed the room trying to explain
"Ah, Ah, Ah, what? You were always a horrible liar." Theo shuffles uncomfortably "Give him this letter for me seeing how he will not answer us." Henry let go of the Theo pressing off the creases of his suit.
"And if he doesn't take it"
"I have eyes at every house… I'll find him eventually I will not let him break the Guild more then it is" Henry said matter of factily.
XXXXXXXX
Late Night-
"Busy night today guys don't worry I will add in the double time this time" Mercy joked signaling to the other waitress off locking the door behind them. It was Maries turn to stay with her as she counted the till and restocked.
"Ugh it's almost three am." Marie said cleaning off the table tops
"Craziness huh sometimes I wonder how much longer I can do this" she stated while counting money
"What do you mean?"
"I want a family Strikes, so does my husband… nothing else matters then rising your children right"
"I hear you" they spoke to each other in-between obstacles of their work
"Is that why you left?"
"There wasn't anything left for me…"
"Understood…how are you not sleepy?"
"Oh I don't sleep until six or seven these days thanks to this little guy"
"Guy it's a boy?!" Mercy face lit up with excitement
"Ahhh, I don't know" Marie's tone turned rushed and soft
"Waiting for the day huh to be surprised?"
"No I never looked" she said it quickly hoping the topic would end
"What!? How could you not look it's your child! Do you not want to see how it looks, to witness the heart beat, and see it move?" Mercy was spitting and her hand anciently knocked over the tip jar, piles of pennies and quarters hit the ground. Her sudden rise in aggression was shocking to Marie
"…." Marie was speechless
"Who's your doctor here?"
"I…. don't have one?" she was so unsure of herself, it was like she turned into Rogue for a minute
"Holy Shit! What the hell is wrong with you? You are carrying a precious gift and you act like you don't want anything to do with it!...is there a father or did you do it alone too"
"Hey I don't need this shit from you! You have no ideal where or what I've been threw! What happened to leaving the line were it's huh?" she picked up her stuff and headed for the door, hearing someone condemn Remy was last line for her.
"Streaks I'm sorry… I got a little carried away… Its hard for me is all… I can't have kids" her voice deemed at the end.
"Doesn't give you right to judge me!" Marie was fuming she left to get away from judgment
"I apologize please don't walk home alone it's late" she motioned towards Marie who already unlocked the door
"Been doing it since I got here no need for concern now" Marie crossed her arms with attitude
"…What?... the other girls let you leave? Streaks its dangerous out there we're on the border line"
"Of what?" Marie didn't get it truly she didn't understand
"Where are you staying?"
"Sliver Light Hotel"
"You can't Marie trust me it's a bad place for you and your child…"
"Oh here we go judging again you know what fuck off you can keep your job!"
"Marie wait!"
"….Thanks for caring judgmental bitch" Marie slammed the door behind her.
XXXXXXXXXXX
The nerve of woman, it had Marie overly upset. She couldn't handle any more of that place she always felt out of the picture constantly. Hank warned no stress in any form it was bad for the child and her, she needed control at all time. Finally reaching the hotel Marie was in no mood for side chatter. Stepping in she felt the attention shift directly on her. What was with these people their eyes were like vouchers. Ever time she passed the waiting area of the hotel she was stared at. Men were forever in the lobby area even though Marie could swear that there couldn't be more then three rooms filled.
"Hey" The dark gloomy voice rose from behind her
"…Hi…Marcus" her pauses were deliberate
"You ok?"
"Sleepy" short and sweet she was almost to stairs
"I'll walk you up"
"No…" she added in demandingly
"Freak your stripes are gone" 'Fucking hell!' Marie thought inwardly "Oh is Marcus walking you up how sweet of him huh?" Bella smiled at the pair, giving Marie bright wide eyes they were a warning- do what I say and you won't have me as an enemy.
"Yes he was" submission is a bitch
"I'm going out for a while I'll be back soon" Bella told the pair
"Bye Bella" Marcus waved her off and Marie was already half way up to second floor.
XXXXXXXX
407-
Marie and Marcus landed at her door, with Maries pace it was sad that Marcus couldn't catch the hint. She stuck the key in the door cracking it a bit; Marcus's harsh breathing was coarse on her back
"You look real pretty with your hair like that" she turned to face him
"Thanks I appreciate…" Marcus mounted his lips to hers in a haste
"Ahmmmsmmm" she screamed trying to push him off of her. She pushed with all her might
"Get off I said no!" He pushed her into the room the door collapsed behind him
"That wasn't so bad was it? Come on babe I promise the next round will be better"
"What the fuck is wrong with you there will be no second rounds get the fuck out!"
"Haha that's what you think" he advanced towards her, she kicked bit and screamed. Marie dug her nails deep into his skin. Her powers were not working, her facial expression was stunned. Scratching the side of his face was her only defense. Marcus gave her a punch harder then he would hit some men. Marie dropped back on the bed; the room was spinning and her eye lids felt heavy.
"Didn't think we knew that you were a mutant did you, we're not stupid you know… I was out for hours when you left" He shuffled atop of her pinning her hands to the bed. "That is why I injected with the cure when we're climbing the stairs" he pulled the skirt off reveling her panties Marie cried out "For the love of God I'm pregnant!!"
Coning her hands together with is one hand Marcus traced his other hand over her tiny hump down the rest of her body to her panties "I always thought that a pregnant women was one of the sexiest things a man could wish for I guess I got my wish" Marie continued to scream as he mingled her breast. "I told you it was hard and strong and now you get to experience it all night… don't worry I don't tire easy" he pulled off her underwear completely.
A candle holder flew from the window hitting the Marcus in the head just as he was reaching for his belt buckle. He let go of Marie charging after the night figure by the window. Marie made a mad break for the door but it was locked her shaking hands couldn't open it. She pounded and twisted the door until her fingers burned and blood started to run. Two large crashes and a yeap were heard behind her, it was the single most terrifying moment in her life.
"Streaks" Never had Marie been so glad to hear that ridiculous nick name "Its ok no don't" she spoke to the man next to her putting out her hand to stop his moving to Marie "We wont come any closer then we are… we will not hurt you this Etienne my cousin" They had Marie at strikes. She bolted to them Etienne picked up the blanket off the bed wrapping it around her. She couldn't hold back any longer Marie busted out in tears; Mercy held her close to her chest rocked her gently. Etienne went to window signaling the other men outside below the window. The front door could be heard opening loud screams, chatter and violence followed.
"Stay behind me I'll get you out safe Marie" Etienne said opening the door
"He gave me the cure" she looked down at Marcus lifeless body like a tortured child shaking out of fear. Marcus's neck had been snapped
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Remy was seated in the big arm chair in his room over looking the country view. Theo bragged in stomping his feet as he did it, he marched over to Remy blockeding his few.
"Here" Theo handed Remy an envelope
"What the sour face for homme" Remy took the envelope looking up at his cousin
"We should go home now…today Remy how long do u plan to hide out"
"If you feel you the need to leave then go"
"The Guild doesn't need me Remy they need you… its time to reclaim what is rightfully yours" Remy couldn't stand it anymore he got up from his chair to leave like he's been doing.
"It's mine now is it? But when I tried to help to make a difference they didn't want to hear me out..."
"That was then Remy"
"Does it make stabbing me in the back any less painful" They argued on
"Read the damn note Remy and listen for once… Where are you going to go the Guild is your home…"
"What difference will it make I'm not going back Theo"
"It's worst then ever there Remy if you called or answered you would know that." Remy tuned away from his cousin not wanting to listen to news Theo called after him as he walked away.
"Remy the Assassins tried to assault a woman today; she was pregnant…now they want Revenge for their own"
Remy stomach flipped on its self he felt sick physically ill at the thought of someone doing that to poor defenseless women. Both Guilds seemed to losing their sense of honor to Remy things weren't meant to turn out that way. His first thoughts went of Marie his Marie what if some had tried to harm her and her child in such a manner. He might not be able to protect her the way he wanted too. She would want him to do the right thing and make a change, after all that's what he preached to her.
A couple of hours later Remy emerged from his thoughts for the first time her was in different room of the house. He sat in the living room reviewing the letter "Theo!" he yelled searching the house.
"…Remy are you lost your not in your room" He joked entering the room "What the matter"
"Call my father tell him we will be needing transportation" Theo jumped up in excitement to hear Remy voice; it was his old careless fun loving tone he remembered. The news that Remy was willing to listen to his father, the part about going back to Bayou was the frosting on his cake.
"Don't look so happy homme…I have a few terms of my own."