the-rxgue

[the-rxgue]

“It’s kinda’ like that book Zoo by James Patterson. The animals just started gettin’ really pissed off.” Marie shrugged. “ You’d think people would learn from these incidents but no, there’s still prejudice left and right. Not to be super optimistic or anythin’ but at least the worst we seem to have to worry about in New York are the mutant problems. Other than that, the city’s generally accepting.”

Lorna let out a huff of a laugh. “I don’t really blame the animals on that one…” she trailed off, looking away before turning her eyes back to her. “But hate and ignorance makes people do awful things.”

[the-rxgue]

“Uh, yeah.” Marie spread out her hands as a way of helping her better explain herself. “So I touch ‘em and, depending on how long I touch them for, I kinda’ absorb their abilities for a period of time. I can also experience some of their experiences from their perspective. I’ve got minimal control over that last bit unless there’s something they want me to see. But not many willingly subject themselves to my abilities... it’s very drainin’.” After many years, Marie had finally grown to understand her abilities inside and out and she couldn't help but smile when she finished her explanation. “Ya’ll would probably give me the biggest migraine. I wouldn’t have much control over your power since I’m not used to it but your memories would probably make everything worst since ya’ll most likely share a lot of the same memories.” Marie pointed between herself and the girls. “ We’re never tryin’ that.”

“Well, I won’t lie, there is a certain psychological advantage to it as well,” Celeste admitted.

“What about your powers?” Irma tilted her head to one side. “Do you get any sense of people’s perspectives as well as their abilities?”

[the-rxgue]

“I always assumed y’all stuck together for a metaphoric ‘strength in numbers’ kinda’ thing, not a literal one.” She really enjoyed hearing about the girls’ powers. “ Well, at least y’all could block it out. It must be nice bein’ so connected to someone.”

“We can turn it off, mostly. It takes a bit of effort to put up the walls and keep them there,” Irma explained. “And it gets more difficult in a crowded space, or with fewer of us Cuckoos around. You might’ve noticed when we’re not on an urgent errand we’ll often pair up.”

“We can still hear each other over distances, but our powers are stronger with more of us physically present,” Celeste concluded.

[the-rxgue]

"I’m always a fan of goin’ the extra mile,” she joked. “ Well, let’s see: people are playin’ target practice on other people, the animals are risin’ up, I’m sure there’s other things but those are a few to name for right now.”

“Think it’s a bit much to say they’re losing their minds, but what are you referring to?”

[the-rxgue]

“I know my thoughts can get like that sometimes....” Marie cringed slightly, lookin’ at the girls. “ Okay, silly question, but ya’ll can turn that off, right? I-I mean....like...just not listen to people? We’re in a pretty big city, I’d be worried if y’all had to listen to everyone’s minds all the time.”

“Well, when you’re psychic that’s a bit of a relative question,” Celeste observed.

“People’s thoughts can be messy under the best circumstances,” Irma agreed.

[the-rxgue]

“I feel like i’m always sayin’ this when things get a little crazy but it seems like people are really losin’ their minds, don’t ya’ think?”

[the-rxgue]

“I’m bein’ serious!” Despite her words, Marie still had a smile on her face. “Oh, the strawberry pajamas are definitely the epitome of all things Marie. They’re cute, I’ll show ya’ sometime..” Upon considering her words Marie shook her head. “ A-A sleepover or somethin’.” That didn’t make it any better but Marie wasn’t quite sure if she wanted to make it better.  “Next weekend’s fine! I’m so excited now, this is goin’ to be so much fun.”

“Mm, I’m not buying it,” Tandy insisted, grinning at the crack in her voice. “See, now I wanna know what those things are cause you say it all vague and mysterious. You’re drawing me in, Marie. Especially with those strawberry pajamas,” she tantalized. It wasn’t a joke Marie was pulling her in, whether she meant to or not. Her breath hitched at the step closer. “I–I wouldn’t mind you getting closer, either,” she murmured, cheeks warm and eyes falling down to their feet for a moment again. Her accent was more attractive than it should be. “How about next weekend? I’d be free Saturday, if you’re good with that,” she suggested with an eager smile and bright eyes. Her enthusiasm was contagious. 

[the-rxgue]

“As a demon, I’m tryin’ to give ya’ a chance to introduce yourself.” Marie grinned. “The library? So you’re a bookworm?” she asked, gesturing for Rhiannon to lead the way. She didn’t want to hold the girl back. “Are ya’ from around here or....?”

Rhiannon smirked. “Rhiannon Keyes. But as a demon, shouldn’t you already know that? You’re here to take my soul, after all.” Pushing her hair out of her face, she sighed and shook her head, annoyed with the entire situation. “Honestly, I might as well just walk. It’d be much faster than getting a ride to the library.” All she had wanted to do was study. Obviously the world did not think that was a good idea. 

[the-rxgue]

“It’s incredible, Ju.” She popped a few more fries into her mouth and slid the tray closer to Jubilee for her friend to try some.” Vogue. Ugh. You’re goin’ places, Ju.” Marie was honestly very proud of her friend. Even if i was only ‘just an advertisement’, it was still damn good. “Maybe I’ll be reportin’ on ya’ someday.” She held her hands out. “ Picture this: Mutant fashionista Jubilation Lee debuts her new spring/summer line.” Marie gave her friend a wink and stole one of her Mozzarella sticks. “Almost there, Ju, almost there.”

I'll Be There For You || Marilation

Jubilee had made it a point to save a spot for the two of them. Marie already knew her tastes and so she didn’t worry about the choices that would be made when it came to food. “You’re a goddess.” She grinned widely and made some room for Marie but not before holding her arms out to help he with the street food. Jubilee went for the Mozarella sticks and pulled at the cheese with her teeth, a smile tugging at her lips. It was nice to be out and about again and who better than to do that with Marie. “Mmm. Oh my God. That’s so good. Vogue! Ugh!.” She reached for her napkin and cleaned off the crumbs from her fingertips. “Did you see the spread? It’s just an advertisement but that’s incredible, right? That’s a good start? I’m so stoked.”

[the-rxgue]

I'll Be There For You || Marilation

She hadn’t intended on spending the day in Central Park but being with her best friend made everything seem a bit more entertaining. She had never seen the park so crowded before but she appreciated the small spot they snagged for their blanket set up. Marie had gone to a food truck to get some snacks for her and Jubilee. Were the snacks overpriced? Probably but the taste made them worth it. Marie returned to their blanket, arms filled with street food. “I didn’t know what to get so I kinda’ got a bit of things from a few trucks….” Marie sat down on the blanket and carefully place the food down. She would’ve given Jubilee the first pick but she had been inhaling Parmesan fries for the past 10 minutes so she immediately grabbed that and started popping fries into her mouth. “So Vogue?”

[the-rxgue]

[delivered to Marie's loft in a gold envelope]

[the-rxgue]

Marie did a slight curtsy. “ Marie Raven: local demon at your service.” She looked down the street to see if she could see a taxi coming but, alas, nothing yet. “They’re not goin’ to do that. That runs the risk of taxi drivers gettin’ robbed in shifty places plus no one really wants to catch a taxi in the middle Times Square and end up gettin’ caught in all that traffic. Imagine the bill for that ride?” She cringed. “ I could keep ya’ company until one decies to come this way or we could walk a few blocks over?”

“But that’s so difficult.” Rhiannon whined. “Where am I going to find a demon in this part of New York City?” Rhiannon turned her head and pouted even further, trying to come up with a better solution then having to walk even more. “It is. I think that we need to start a petition to get cabs to more underpopulated streets. So that it’s convenient for everyone.”

[the-rxgue]

"I’m not really tough!” she protested,her voice cracking under the stress of the laugh that wanted to come out of her. “ I just know how to do things in certain situations. I have pajamas with strawberries on them, I am definitely not tough. The few faded scars on her body said otherwise, though, the most prominent of them being on her forehead. But those were childhood injuries, scraping your knee was nothing compared to taking a punch.  Marie’s eyebrows went sky high and she fought the urge to make another innuendo. Marie took and step closer to Tandy. “ I’ve got no problems with gettin’ closer, sugar.” A broad smile broke out on her face, her earlier excitement returning to her. “ So! When do ya’ want to start?”

They nodded at Marie’s answer, taking her at her word and not prying any further. If she ever wanted to discuss it again, Tandy would listen. They blushed slightly at her comment and one eyebrow raising at them. Her smile spread a shy one on their lips. “It depends on who’s the person trying to get me on my back. Gonna try my best to be a challenge for you, though,” they bit down on their lower lip. When she poked them, their eyes fell to the floor for a few seconds, then met her gaze again. “I think you’re being modest with how tough you are.“ They poked her back. “Maybe I do. You might just have to get closer to look underneath and find out.”

[the-rxgue]

Marie shrugged. So it was just her, then? She would've felt better if she wasn't the only one who was approached. “Just askin’,” she muttered. “It seemed like the perfect opportunity to recruit...” She diffident want to look at it as Mystique recruiting her but that’s definitely what it was. And Marie was dumb enough to go along with it. “ I’m sure Erik was pleased with all the riots against the registration.”

“I think I am adorable, thank you.” He swatted her hand away before moving to sit up, rubbing at his head as he glanced at Marie, fighting the urge to pull a face at the mention of his father. “No. No-he did not.” And part of his was relieved for that. “Why do you ask?”

[the-rxgue]

Marie smiled and nodded, trying to think back on a particular moment that could be a good story. “A lot of good things happened there...but there’s also bad things that happened but that’s just life, ya’ know? That happens everywhere...” She remembered having to protect the school against invaders once or twice. She only hoped things like that didn’t happen there any more. “Well, the school was pretty fuckin’ big, let’s start there. Uh....when I had first arrived it was only about a week before my 16th birthday and I didn’t have any friends. I was a runaway so I didn’t expect any calls from home. And Ju....she had just met me, didn’t even know me all that well, and she decided to take me out to get pizza on my birthday. Little gestures like that made all the difference for me back then.” And the two were still best friends. She was super grateful for Jubilee and the other friends she made at Xavier’s. “School gave me a sense of normalcy when I needed it.” 

Piotr leaned against the wall, browsing through all the pictures. “Vow. Look at the thrree of you! A boarrding school. Tell me morre about it. I love storries.” He did. That wasn’t a lie. Piotr needed to feel normal for once and talk to Marie. In that moment, there were no thoughts of Wilson. Just a good time with  a friend. 

[the-rxgue]

My Mother, That’s Who I Mean......

Tagging: Marie Raven, Raven Darkholme, & May D'ancanto Location: Marie’s Loft Time Frame: Early Morning, 05.08.16  General Notes: What does it mean to be a mother? ‘Mama’ Prompt || I had such a hard time formatting this, it’s basically a reflection. 

If her mother hadn’t told her not to, Marie would’ve been arriving in Biloxi by now. But May, being the sensible person that she was, told Marie that it made no sense to travel all that way just for a weekend when Marie could always spend a week or two at some other time. If you didn’t want to acknowledge their looks, it was safe to say that both women had similar personalities - they were both very stubborn. After much bickering, Marie had given in and opted for sending her mother a package that should arrive some time today.  

Marie sat on her bead behind her laptop, typing away paragraph after paragraph for a story she had been working on. She wanted to give her mother some time to wake up before she called on Skype. It was nice to wake her mother up bright and early but she wanted her mom to relax today and she was hoping her father would let her do the same. Marie glanced at the time stamp on her laptop screen and sighed, growing slightly impatient. She wished she could’ve woken up bright and early to make her mother breakfast and made a cute card but instead she had to settle for sending a box of newly purchased clothes and chocolates and a card. All mailed to May D’ancanto. D’ancanto. It was a name that Marie hadn’t used in years. How did she go from Anna Marie D’ancanto to simply Marie Raven?

Raven. In retrospect, was it really a total shocker that she had gotten involved with Mystique again? She legally changed her name to reflect the time she spent with Mystique, the person she became while with Mystique. Who was Marie, really? Was she a D’ancanto by blood or a Darkholme by association? The person who Marie currently is, is she a product of May or Raven? Or both? 

They say your teenage years really help shape who you are. May hadn’t even gotten the chance to be thee for Marie during that time. Marie had robbed her birth mother of that opportunity and gave it to her...her other mother. But was Mystique really her mother in a sense? Yes, she took Marie in and she did have good moments but could she really be considered a mother figure with all they had been through? With the blood that was on Marie’s hands because of her “guidance”? What makes a mother? Did blood really matter or could it be action based?

May raised Marie for the first part of her life. May raised Anna, the girl before the mutation. Even though there was a time in Marie’s life when she didn’t love herself, there was never a doubt in Marie’s mind that her mother had stopped loving her. The kinder parts of Marie certainly come from May. She honestly loved her mother with her whole heart, that’s why she had to leave...she couldn’t risk hurting either of her parents like she had hurt Daniel. Her favorite thing about her mother was her laugh. Her mother’s smile had a way of lighting up her whole face and making everything just seem better somehow. The years spent running straight to mom with tears in her eyes after scraping her knees or elbows, the years spent dressing up in her mother’s clothing and pretending the be her, the years of advice about school and all the love and happiness May had supplied to Marie came flooding to the young girl’s mind. May was her mother in every sense of the word. 

But where does that leave Mystique? Mystique found Marie at a hard time in Marie’s life and somehow fixed what was wrong with her. Mystique taught Marie that there was nothing really wrong with her other than her attitude toward the situation. Mutant and Proud. That’s how she taught Marie to be. Marie knew how the world viewed Mystique: merciless, a criminal, a menace to society. But Marie possibly owed her life to Mystique. Who knows what could’ve happened to her if she kept roaming the streets on her own? A 13 year old with barely $10 to her name? Mystique took her in and gave her a home....and everything Marie did for her was just a way of paying her back for her generosity. If it weren’t for Mystique, Marie wouldn’t have Pietro and Wanda in her life. Marie wouldn’t really have any of the people she loved right now if it weren’t for her time with Mystique. After hearing about Xavier’s and the X-Men while with The Brotherhood, Marie decided to go to the school to figure herself out. How long would that have taken if she hadn’t met Mystique? What if she never really got the chance to hear about Xavier’s before it was too late for her? She had to credit Mystique for that. But there was certainly a difference between Mystique the criminal and Mystique - or Raven, rather- the one who saved her. If there was ever a time in her life Marie needed a strong woman, it was in the time she met Mystique and Mystique certainly delivered. Mystique made Marie stronger. Yes, she was tough, but Marie knew that Mystique did care about her to some degree. It may not be the same love that May had for Marie but there was still something there. Maybe Marie just had a slight case of Stockholm Syndrome. 

Two completely different forms of parenting. Two completely different impacts on Marie’s life. Despite all the pain, the moments of doubt, the years of separation, the struggling, the strife, Marie wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for these two women. One that manages to be outspoken and mild mannered at the same time and another who manages to be merciless and loving in one breath. Maybe it’s not a matter of which woman is really her mother because Marie is a daughter to both of them.If a mother’s job is to impact her children and help them succeed in life, both women managed to do that for Marie; she carries pieces of them with her. 

Marie jumped slightly at the sound of an incoming skype call; she hadn’t realized how lost in thought she was. She quickly accepted and adjusted her headphones, smiling at the sight of her mother still in bed. “Hey, Ma, happy mother’s day.....”

[the-rxgue]

“You may possibly have to sell your soul and move to a more populated street.” Despite the girl’s grumpy demeanor, Marie held a smile. “People don’t really tell ya’ that cabs kinda’ have designated routes they take when they’re not occupied. They don’t go on certain streets for some unknown reason - it’s really inconvenient.”

“What’s a girl gotta do to get a cab around here?” Rhiannon pouted, crossing her arms over her chest grumpily. She had been waiting for more than ten minutes for the sight of those stupid yellow cars, and she hadn’t been lucky so far.