Road Trip: Chapter 5

The fight became visible once I turned at the intersection.

A brutish figure charged through the empty street chasing someone dressed in blue spandex, boots, and a matching visor. A classical musical note adorned his chest in black, identifying him as Baritone of the Wards. Well, that explained the noise.

The figure chasing him, in contrast, didn't look like he dressed for a photo shoot though that didn't stop me from recognizing him either. Even without the look he used to employ before he was pinched, he was fairly obvious to place. Forearms as thick as his shins, arms as big as his thighs and Two Mauls ran on all fours like a gorilla trying to catch Baritone. Ripped and shredded shirt and jeans highlighting bulging muscles.

They must have been going at it a while. Looking at the damage in this area and further down the street confirmed my thoughts.

Wards never fought alone, or at least, they weren't supposed to. I didn't see the others at the moment though. Walking over to a light pole that the duo hadn't knocked down yet, I put my back to it, folded my arms and watched.

Snarling in frustration, Two Mauls continued trying to get his massive hands on the Ward. A feat that was proving devilishly tricky as Baritone had no intention of being caught. He stayed just out of reach moving chaotically around the street, seemingly intent on something. Maneuvering him just…

Ah, I nodded. The fire hydrant. That meant Guppy was around. The hydrokinetic wasn't any more useful than a normal without large quantities of water to exploit.

Taking the bait, Two Mauls swung and shattered the hydrant sending a towering spray of water skyward. Immediately a figure leaped from the adjacent rooftop into the spray but before he could bring his power to bear, Baritone made a mistake. He paused.

Grabbing the smaller Ward, Two Mauls slung Baritone around and beat him into the ground several times before throwing him away like child done with his least favorite toy. Guppy slammed a torrent of water into the hulking figure distracting him as his teammate ragdoll rolled toward me.

Wincing at the impact caving in the front of the car next to me, I said, "Bonjour, Baritone."

My greeting was met with a racking cough and a weak, "Great, can this get any worse?"

"Not having a good night either, eh mon'ami?" I chuckled bitterly.

Pulling himself from the car, Baritone barely glanced at me before running back into the fight.

Guppy kept the pressure on until Baritone arrived by leaping onto the villain's back, grabbing at Two Mauls' neck in an attempt to choke him out. A big mistake. Two Mauls seemed to agree with me as he showed Baritone why you didn't try to manhandle him. . He quickly dropped his weight and rotated his lower body to the side and then behind the legs of the waterborne ward. A forceful push and all leverage the ward might have had evaporated as he became suspended on Two Mauls hip. The following drop kick to the ribs looked painful.

Rather than closing the distance again, Guppy floated in his jet of water. It ran from the street flying upward, en-capsuling him until splitting at his sternum running over his shoulders and down his arms. Like two great watery whips that hung over his chest, the excess water flowing into the street beneath him. The streams crossed into a mighty V shape as they stretched the distance and attempted to bludgeon the brute like a fire hose on an unruly prisoner.

Throwing himself backwards, the savage cape slammed Baritone into the building. The whole street reverberated with the crunch of stone and shattering glass from the impact. Worse, it was enough to force the blue costumed teen to let go.

Again, Two Mauls spun quickly grabbing him and using him as a club. This time into the very building they just broke further demolishing the face of it. Tired of the new game, Baritone found himself flying toward me again. This time rolling to a stop in the street and sparing some civilian's car.

"This looks like it's going well, no?" I asked easily watching Guppy go back to hosing Two Mauls down.

"Fuck you, Gambit," Baritone cursed slowly getting his feet. "If you think you can do better, get in there."

"Hmm, tempting but no," I chuckled. "You are not my type, chérie. Besides, It is illegal for unregistered independent parahumans to engage in acts of willful violence that can, will, or could cause damage to persons and property without authorization from the Protectorate or PRT. You wouldn't be asking me to break the law now, would you?"

Still on one knee, Baritone turned his head to face me as if he couldn't believe what I'd just said. I smiled at his reaction, continuing. "Exceptions for such are, of course, in the defense of one's self from bodily harm, though without a representative of said organizations to vouch for you, that falls to a judge to decide. Unless you are asking for my help and authorizing me to assist?"

Baritones mouth curled into a snarl as he ignored me; rushing back to help Guppy.

"Pity," I muttered to myself.

Noting the frustration writ all over the brute's face, I figured it wouldn't be long before Two Mauls decided to end this little dance. The Ward duo were good, but couldn't match the others savagery or willingness to cause damage. Hopefully the Protectorate showed to help them soon. Then again, who knew what else was going on in the city?

The next few moments passed in a flurry of punches, kicks, and water before Two Mauls decided he was done. An unbelievably fast backhand sent Baritone flying away once more. Surprised, Guppy didn't react before the larger cape leaped into his water spout. Thick arms wrapping around him and squeezing making him sputter and choke.

"L-lo-look!" Guppy wheezed out, eyes looking right at me. "G-Gam-bit…"

Slowly I raised an eyebrow. That was a new low, even for Guppy who loathed me.

Two Mauls spinning around proved that a cheap trick is oftentimes a sound investment when in a pinch. Or in Guppy's case, when being held by a brute of limited intelligence and far too much muscle. Fortunately for him, said brutes eyes locked on mine seeing it wasn't quite a trick. Lips pulling back in a snarl I had no trouble understanding.

"Bonjour, Two Mauls," I greeted knowing he would easily hear me. "It has been a while, no? How have you been chérie?"

Cursing to himself, Baritone lept at him but like before was batted away without any effort. Unfortunately for Guppy, he was still being held when it happened. I lazily watched both heroes soar, disappearing into an alley.

Done with the two pests, the brute turned to me. Slamming his fists into the asphalt, Two Mauls roared a defining challenge, eyes burning in hated.

"Wash your mouth out with purple soap," I chided the villain. "Have some class, mon cher. You're making the rest of us look bad."

Ignoring my snark, the small mountain of muscle and hair ran straight for me. Leaning casually against the light pole, I waited patiently, feeling the surge of adrenaline start pumping through me. Two Mauls crossed about half the distance when movement behind him caught my attention.

Guppy, hand over his lime green costumed stomach, leaned against the alley wall. A dark satisfaction danced in his eyes.

Bibitte, I thought before focusing on the more immediate problem rushing toward me.

Keeping my relaxed posture, I waited until there was no way he could stop. Reaching above my head, grabbing the pole I flipped myself upward. My feet hit the pole just as Two Mauls crashed through the base, sheering free from the street. Kicking free I bounced off the building next to me. A half spin put me exactly where I wanted to be as I extended my body. The tip whistled through the air with just the right touch of my power and connected with the side of Two Mauls' head. It hit him just shy of the temple, snapping his head to the side before he realized I wasn't trampled under him.

The crack of my strike momentarily overrode the sound of the lamp post crashing to the ground. Two Mauls fell bonelessly to the ground.

For just a brief moment Marcus's face transposed over felled villain. I shook off the pleasurable chill that raced down my spine as I rose from my crouch.

"Today's not a good day to play with Gambit, Two Mauls," I cautioned casually. "But, if you simply must be dealt in, there is always an open seat at Gambit's table."

The only response to my remark was that of a weak groan from his prone body. I collapsed my staff and put it away inside my coat, before I turned to the two battered heroes. Both wore matching looks of disbelief on their faces.

It was always good to feel appreciated. Better when when they couldn't help it. "Well, that was stimulating, but I have other plans for the evening. I'll leave you gentlemen to your civil service."

Giving them a jaunty salute, I started walking away. I didn't get more than three steps before Baritone's voice stopped me, "You're going to have to come with us, Gambit."

"Oh," I asked keeping my back to them. "Did you also want a seat at Gambit's table?"

"If we have too," Baritone said evenly. "Director Simmons's orders."

"Really?" I paused and tapped my chin, taking the moment to look thoughtful. "I was unaware that I was wanted for any crimes."

Guppy's cough and stage whispered, "Bullshit."

After a moment where I could easily imagine Baritone glaring at his teammate, he said, "I was told that if we saw you, to bring you in. Something about Brockton Bay. People have questions."

"Alas," I sighed, turning around to face the duo. "I'm afraid I am disinclined to acquiesce to your request."

At the blank looks facing me, I slowly clarified making sure each word was clear, "Means 'no'."

"It wasn't a request," Guppy growled. "You don't get to say no."

"Funny, the slumbering brute on the ground begs to differ," I chuckled. "And unless you have something concrete, other than a desire to ask questions, I have no obligation to do anything you ask."

"We have plenty, freak," Guppy shouted.

"Enough," Baritone barked at his teammate. Red faced, Guppy continued to stare hatefully at me while Baritone said, "Don't make this a thing, Gambit. Like you said, I can hold you for parahuman assault if I have to. At the least we'll have to wait for someone from the Protectorate to arrive."

"After that little show where Guppy practically pointed him at me?" I asked, out right laughing at the hero.

Warring conflict danced across his face before Baritone nodded decisively. "I didn't hear anything like that." His facial expression made things clear.

"Ah, I see." My smile melted with his words as I stage whispered, "Do I not have the right to defend myself against those who mean me harm?"

"Then you should have run before he saw you," Guppy snarled, clearly eager for the fight we all knew was coming. "So you coming peacefully or do I get to have some fun? Resisting arrest is a crime ya'know. Please tell me you're resisting..."

So was baiting, but we all knew who would lose that argument. Narrowing my eyes at Guppy I nodded to myself. I supposed this fight was a long time coming. I'd avoided tangling with the Wards and Protectorate every chance I could; it was bad for business. But it looked like he was tired of waiting. Guppy wanted a fight, and now he had a reason to start one.

And I was under no illusions that once I was in custody, I wasn't getting out. They had too many questions and I had no willing answers. That alone was going to get me a cell indefinitely. Or at least until the Guild found a way to get me out.

And that was an horse of a completely different color. For several reasons, most I was only starting to suspect, but I know one thing as sure as I knew Guppy hated my existence as a crime against his beliefs, going with them willingly was not an option.

Well, alright then.

"Two on one?" I asked rolling my neck. "Not my style. Seriously."

As if sensing my choice, Guppy's eyes danced but Baritone's voice held steady, if with an undercurrent of caution. "Don't do this, Gambit."

"We both know who is doing what to whom, mon cher," I said flatly. "Don't pretend otherwise. It is uncouth."

"Look, we can just wait for…"

Tired of waiting, Guppy bolted for the still spraying fire hydrant. The twenty foot tower of water bowed, bending to his will the second his hand touched it. Instead of spraying upward, it coiled around him like some crazy snake before coming up behind him, over his shoulder, and flying right at me.

How fast was that going? There was a lot of pressure in one of those things, right? I mean, this was an old residential area, but that still put it pretty up there to fly upward twenty feet. And that didn't even include whatever Guppy's power was doing to it.

Baritone's held himself ready, obviously trying to anticipate which way I'd go. To the right, I thought, judging by how he was leading with his feet. It wasn't until the water had almost reached me, that I sighed and he realized I had no intention of dodging.

"No!"

This was going to hurt.

I amended that to 'hurt a lot' when the water spout actually hit me. It felt like getting hit by a truck. My feet left the ground but the only thing I was aware of was the insane pressure from Guppy's attack. It existed everywhere, all around me and the world air of gravity became mere afterthoughts. I was jerked to the right, hit something hard, downward and then lost all sense of direction until I smashed into something hard and strong enough to hold me against the pressure.

I felt something snap, other things creaked. My head hit something really hard before I was released and fell to the ground, once again subject to reality's laws.

I was still coughing water and seeing stars when something grabbed me; lifting me back into the air.

"No escaping this time, ma petite," a deep voice snarled in my face.

Fantastic, I thought bitterly struggling to breath. Of course he chose now to wake up.

"Two Mauls," I wheezed. "How was your nap? Good, no?"

My head snapped back as he pulled, then slammed the fist holding me into the wall hard enough to shatter brick.

"You talk too much, little thief," the brute snarled. "I'm going to teach you to keep it closed."

"Ah, you do love me," I chuckled weakly. "The guys were wondering but I always knew it."

"You shouldn't have refused my offer," Two Mauls hissed. "No, you don't have a choice."

"There's always a choice," I said. My voice barely audible from the pressure of him squeezing me. "But that doesn't mean we have to like them, yes?"

I smirked through the pain blazing through me, despite the fact that he had me buried half in the wall with my arms pinned. Not understanding -but definitely not appreciating- my humor; he backhanded me with his massive fist.

Stars exploded behind my black eyes, the world spun sickeningly even though I knew he was holding me steady. Head slumped forward, I couldn't help but groan. Hair dangling in wet lanks covered my face while I took a moment to just breath.

Two Mauls' disturbing chuckle told me far more than I was comfortable with about how he felt about my condition. Pressing my palms against the wall he held me against, I let my power loose.

Lifting my head I tried to focus my eyes on his, once again letting my smirk form. A trickle of blood fell from my the left side of my mouth where he split my lip.

"You should have stayed down, chérie," I whispered. "This would have been much easier on both of us if you had."

The villains features shifted from confusion to horrified understanding about three seconds too late.

Again pain overtook all senses when the wall exploded with the force of a semi hitting it at full speed. Asphalt became concrete before the building across from where I was being held stopped my roll. Groaning I somehow found the strength to forced myself back to my feet and keep them.

Across the street Guppy was slumped unconscious or dead against a wall. I couldn't tell which at the moment. Baritone was literally tied up with a light pole. Apparently Two Mauls had gone for them first. Baritone's struggles against the twisted metal around him did nothing against his prison but making him look foolish.

Two Mauls knelt in the middle of the street not having been thrown nearly as far as I had. The hand that held me nothing more than twisted flesh and broken bones. The rest of him showing obvious signs of having been ground zero for a very bad event.

I should thank him properly for getting Guppy off me. It's only proper, after all.

I hobbled toward him, extending my staff. Two Mauls turned glazed eyes at my approach, as if he couldn't understand what was going on.

Swinging, I struck him in the side, catapulting his body across the street ending in the house. He crashed through like a wrecking ball and after a moment to consider its options, the roof fell over him.

Biting my tongue, I choked back my groan as my abused injuries let me know their state of dissatisfaction. Hopefully he got the message this time and stayed down.

Limping toward Baritone, I slowly took a knee next to him.

"You okay, Gambit?"

"Why? Gonna let Guppy attack me again if I say yes?" I scoffed weakly while searching his pockets. "Don't talk to me as if you care, hero. You never have before."

"I always cared," he replied weakly and not very convincingly to my ears.

"I am not one of your fan girls to fall for such...obvious," I grunted incompletely, shaking my head. "Ply your charms on the gullible, Baritone. Maybe one day someone will believe you."

"You know there isn't anything I can do when they give us orders. That's how things work." He argued but whatever fight he had seemed to be slowly going out of him.

"For heroes, maybe," I muttered. "The rules of how things work look very different from this side of the poverty line, Baritone."

Instead of answering, he deflated with a sigh. It was an old argument that we both knew neither of us would agree on. After a moment of silence I pulled his phone from where he stored it in his costume.

"Password?"

"Seriously?"

"Do you really expect me to use my own phone?" I asked sarcastically. "Assuming it still works after Guppy almost killed me."

My little reminder of his teammate finally killed his resistance. After getting the password, I dialed.

The voice that answered on the third ring was smooth with just the right touch of professional boredom. "PRT emergency response, how can I help you?"

"Two wards down on Baker Street just down from Twenty-third," I answered. "Baritone is tied up and I have no idea what's wrong with Guppy but he's not moving. I'd get here before Two Mauls wakes up and decides to eat them."

Placing the phone next to Baritone, I ignored the squeaking questions from the operator.

"You're just going to leave us like this?"

"And risk getting attacked again?" I scoffed. "I think I've given enough blood to you heroes today, Baritone."

"At least make sure Two Mauls is out!"

"Why should I?" I asked turning back around. "That's a hero's job. That's what you're paid to do. Besides, if I was you, I would be worried if anyone saw that little stunt of Guppy's. Think what would happen if that became public? Wouldn't that be just...tragic."

I started walking away, ignoring his frantic wiggling and the voice shouting through his phone. Stopping a few steps away smiling at the thought that ran through my head.

"Oh and Baritone?" I said sweetly keeping my back to him. "Do try to keep him locked up this time? Imagine the...embarrassment if I had to pull a hat trick and was forced to capture him, again."

It took everything I had to calmly walk down the street. Couldn't show weakness. Not to them, not to the others. Half the game was decided in moments just like this. With these thoughts in my mind, I forced one step in front of the other. Concentrating on my breathing and forcing my pain laced body to move as smoothly as it could until I was around the corner and away from prying eyes. No idea how successful I was, but by the time I did get out of sight, I was done. Half collapsed against a wall all I could think about was that I just needed to get home without anyone seeing me like this. Too hurt to walk the whole way, I figured I could at least make it back to Sam. Hopefully, he would still be there and no one would ask any awkward questions.

On the bright side, the Two Mauls question was answered. Assuming the Protectorate managed to keep him this time.

Sighing painfully, I shook my head. One problem at a time.

In my agony, the only clear thought I had was that there was no way I was going to get through dinner with Danny and Penny without them knowing something happened. Even if I managed to get back without anyone seeing me. Which meant questions.

Then again, I thought to myself. Penny's creoles and gumbo...

Worth it.