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In a dim back alley of Las Vegas, Leo and his companions reappeared, having escaped Magneto's grip through teleportation.
"Remy LeBeau, don't even think about running this time," Logan growled, one of his adamantium claws pressing lightly against Gambit's throat. "Or I can't promise your head will stay attached to your shoulders."
"Hey, hey, relax, mon ami!" Gambit forced a crooked grin, his long fingers casually spinning a playing card between them.
But before he could channel kinetic energy into it, Leo's hand clamped down hard on the card, and in a smooth motion, he twisted both of Gambit's wrists behind his back.
"Whoa, easy there! I broke out 'cause I don't plan on going back in. How about you cut me some slack, huh?" Gambit pleaded, his swagger melting into something softer. He figured neither of these men was a bloodthirsty killer play submissive enough, maybe they'd let him walk.
"You've got it all wrong," Leo corrected coolly. "We're not dragging you in. We just want you to lead us there."
"Ohhh, well, why didn't you say so?" Gambit's smirk returned instantly, the rogue charm back in his tone.
Logan gave Leo a small nod his heightened senses confirming Gambit's sincerity. With a metallic snikt, his claws retracted.
"Alright then," Gambit said, rubbing his wrists. "I'll get you patched up, and before dawn, I'll take you to find that bastard Stryker." At the mention of Stryker, a flicker of fear flashed across his face. His past under the man's experiments was still fresh and raw.
---
Following Gambit, they arrived at his hideout a far cry from the dingy safehouse Leo expected. Instead, it was a lavish villa, complete with a private jet tucked away on the grounds.
"Not bad," Leo muttered, impressed.
"Hah! Lady Luck's always on my side. Won it all fair and square," Gambit said with a cocky grin, confidence radiating in his gambling skills.
Once inside, Logan wasted no time. "Tell me about Magneto. Who the hell is he?"
"I only found out recently myself," Gambit admitted, shuffling cards idly as he leaned back on the sofa. "You've seen what he can do he doesn't just throw metal around. He controls magnetism. Level Four mutant. Powerful, dangerous, and with one hell of a grudge against humanity. To humans, he's a terrorist. To mutants, he's a revolutionary willing to sacrifice anything for our kind. Word is, he's recruiting heavy hitters. That's probably why he came looking for us."
"Then why not join him?" Leo asked.
"Please. Just because I'm a mutant doesn't mean I gotta sign up for every cause. Besides, someone else asked first."
Leo frowned. "Another extremist?"
"Not at all," Gambit shook his head. "Charles Xavier. Professor X. He believes in peace mutants and humans coexisting. Good man. Strong too." His tone carried genuine respect.
"Enough small talk," Gambit said and pocketed his cards. "I've got gear to prep if we're heading to that island. You boys rest up pick any room you like. Just not the last one upstairs, that one's mine." With a wink, he sauntered off.
Left alone, Leo turned to Logan. "I'm gonna crash for a bit."
"Fine," Logan grunted.
But instead of heading to bed, Leo teleported out into the city streets. His system had assigned him another daily mission, and he doubted he'd get another shot once they reached Stryker's base.
---
"Let the girl go!" Leo shouted, spotting a junkie holding a knife to a young woman.
The man, lost in a drug-fueled haze, sneered and drove the blade downward.
"Damn it!" Leo cursed, locking onto the weapon. At the last second, the knife vanished mid-plunge reappearing in his own hand. The attacker's fist landed clumsily on the girl's chest instead of piercing her. In shock, he froze long enough for Leo to kick him across the alley and into unconsciousness.
"Run!" Leo barked at the terrified girl.
She blinked at the empty space where he had been, then, finding herself unharmed, whispered a frantic, "Thank God…" before sprinting home.
Back in his room, Leo stared at the knife in awe. "My powers… evolved?" he whispered. Testing further, he teleported his pillow directly into his hands.
A wide grin spread across his face. "I can teleport objects now. Under ten kilos, about half a cubic meter. This changes everything."
Just then, Logan's impatient voice came through the door. "Leo, let's go!"
Leo tossed the knife aside, his mind racing with possibilities.
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