Gambling Time: Chapter 6

"That one."

Picking up the selected cup showed nothing except bare wood.

"Sorry, cher, you lose again," I said picking up the right cup to show the small cat's eye marble.

"You're not cheating, are you?" Jean asked playfully.

"I prefer honest games of chance," I answered before shuffling the cups again. "But that's me. You're right to ask. Shell games are notorious short cons."

"I still say she's cheating," Mike said goodnaturedly.

"You wouldn't be the first to say so."

Sitting at the table just a bit to my right with one hand propping her head, Jean's eyes shifted trying to track the cup that she thought hid the marble.

"Sounds like a sore spot," Jean needled.

Shrugging I said, "I've had to correct a few people that I am an honest gambler, once or twice."

"Oh, I'd like to hear one of those stories," Clarissa chuckled.

"Not sure my probation officer would approve."

The snort next to me came from Dennis and pretty much told everyone at the table what he thought of my comment.

"Maybe another time then?" I asked.

"Like when the statute of limitations is up?" Jean chuckled behind her hand.

"Sounds right," I answered knowingly and earning a half choked off cough from the closeted Ward. "Going back to what I was saying, sure, I could palm the marble so that no matter what cup you pick, you'd lose. That's actually a very common trick for these kinds of games. There are other tricks though. I could use shills to keep the mark distracted, as an example, or other such deceptions but what fun would any of that be?"

"What do you mean," Jean asked. "You wouldn't lose."

"I don't mind losing," I explained. "It's part of the game. If there isn't risk, it's not exciting and anything that isn't exciting isn't worth my time."

Mike nodded while picking up another empty cup. Shaking his head, he put the cup back letting me shuffle again. "Yeah, but I thought that was the point of the game? Taking some suckers money?"

"You are not wrong," I said, pushing the cups toward Clarissa. "But despite its well earned reputation as being a con to fleece gullible people, shell games are at their heart games of skill."

"Even if it's played straight it still seems more like a game of luck to me," Clarissa muttered, picking the middle cup and losing again.

"Luck is always a factor, sure," I agreed. "But ultimately this game is a contest of someone's flair and agility versus another's visual acuity and the science of memory. Developing these skills won't guarantee the outcome, but it helps no matter which side of the table you are on. That's why it's called gambling."

Sliding the cups around a bit slower, I tried explaining.

"Half the game is showmanship. A bit of flair and presentation makes the game more exciting and draws in the player. Also serves to distract the mark in hopes of them losing track of the right cup. Turns a dull game into something exciting and fun for the handler, the player, and the crowd."

"What does the crowd have to do with it?"

"No game is fun without spectators."

Following the slowed cups, Jean frowned slightly. "That sounds a lot harder than you're making it look."

"You're not wrong," I said half agreeing with her comment. "But that's where practice comes in and that too, is the game."

The cups slid easily over the library table as I wove them around each other. It was a tricky thing, keeping the marble from making too much noise while also shuffling the cups in a way that flowed smoothly and was entertaining to watch.

"Not easy, but that's where skill comes in," I said, bringing in all the cups before pushing them forward into a line flawlessly. "Add in some slight of hand when shuffling the cups, a few words at the right moment for distraction, and adding a personal touch of flair will often do the job better than cheating ever would."

"It is neat watching you do that. Even when it's not my turn,," Clarissa conceded earning a nod from both Mike and Jean.

"You get it," I chuckled. "That's what the game should be. Entertaining and fun for everyone. Besides, cheating is redundant when your opponent is already looking left, while you're going right. Which, if you're doing it right, is in essence the whole point of the game in the first place."

"I still think the whole point is to take some suckers money," Mike muttered, shaking his head as he guessed wrong again.

"There's a reason why it's referred to as a short-con," I pointed out. "Sure, desperate grinders can make a living doing this but it's very unlikely you're going to see a large payout. Much less be worth all the effort you put into it. It's just not viable long term unless you're using it as part of a larger play. Even then it's best used as a pinch-hit when needing to bridge one con to the next. If I wanted your money, we'd play poker. Now that's an honest trade."

The librarian very loudly, yet quietly, shushed us again. Looking to my left where Dennis was sitting next to me showed a tally of hash marks on the side of his homework page totalling twenty seven. Twenty eight now.

Dennis sighed, scratching in the latest slash. "As much as I hate to be the guy that murders fun, this is study hall. Ms. Granger's given me detention with Mr. Wilks for a lot less than talking loud."

Looking a slightly worried, Mike nodded. "Good point. I need to do that essay for Mr. Becker at some point anyway."

"Especially since it's due next Monday," Clarissa muttered. "And it's not likely we're going to get it done this weekend unless we don't go to the party."

"Yeah, that's not going to happen," Jean grumbled. "I've been looking forward to it all week. I heard there's going to be a keg and everything."

"Man, I hope so," Mike whispered while getting this books.

Doing the same, Jean asked, "You're still coming to the meeting tonight, right Renée?"

"Unless something happens again, that's the plan."

"Awesome," Jean said ignoring my comment. I did get an eye roll from Dennis though, so at least someone appreciated it even if he seemed distracted with something. "The girls are super excited about it."

"I still don't see why," I chuckled.

"Maybe because since you've started hanging out with them you helped two of them get badges, talked Triumph in to letting them tie him up, and got Assault to show up at one of their birthday parties?" Clarissa asked trying to keep her voice, and amusement, down. "Not to mention saved Dinah from being kidnapped. It's all Jessica talks about anymore."

Rolling my eyes I reminded them of a few points. "Perhaps, but I have been told quite sternly that I am not allowed to do such things anymore unless asked, much less talk about them. Hence, the probation. Ask the PRT, they'll tell you the same thing."

"Maybe," Mike chuckled. "But rumors are all over the PHO that you're a Ward now."

"Probationary Ward," I corrected before sighing. "I'm not a real Ward. How many times do I have to say it before people start believing me?"

"At least once more," Dennis half joked though his heart didn't seem to be in it.

Rolling my eyes, this time at the reference, I settled for shaking my head. "Gambit is no hero."

"If you didn't want to be a hero, why sign up?" Jean asked, not shocked but genuinely curious.

"I didn't want to go to jail," I answered. "Or spend the rest of my life on the run like I had been up to now. Community Service and probation was the compromise. I tried being neutral and ended up labeled as a villain anyway. I tried hiding who I am and look where that got me?"

"I don't think you're supposed to talk about this," Dennis warned quietly.

Nodding to his point, I continued lowering my voice. "Anyway, I'll be there tonight. Just don't expect any heroes to join me. Maybe a couple of PRT guards to make sure I don't blow up the kids, but no heroes."

"Who cares about them?" Clarissa chuckled. Thankfully letting the prior topic drop. "They weren't invited anyway."

"Right?" Jean added, swinging her pack over her shoulder. "See you tonight, Renée."

"Bye," I said, waving at the departing trio as they disappeared into the stacks, whispering to themselves. About what, I didn't need to guess. This conversation, or my tussles with Glory Girl. Maybe even both.

While word about what had happened wasn't exactly news, it still managed to do the rounds here at Arcadia. Victoria and I had taken a bit of a hit over the debacle in our own ways.

For her it was being hot headed and jumping to conclusions. Something she seemed well known for even before the cafeteria incident. That in itself didn't seem to be new so her reactions tended to be more along the lines of exasperation and teasing. Except from her sister.

As for me, it was fighting a well respected hero who happened to also be a peer. Glory Girl had her own fan base and being unmasked meant people got to know the girl under the cape. I was also technically outed but without the support that established heroine had here. Not that my old support base would have done me many favors with these types anyway.

So for me, it was a mixed bag. Clarissa and Jean were both vets of the scouts with younger sisters still in the program. After everything, that was really the only thing that allowed people like Mike to even try to get to know me. On the other side there were people like Amy Dallon who really didn't like the fact I fought with Victoria. Thankfully dirty looks and glares was all I had to deal with so far. Especially since she was giving the same looks to Victoria, though her sister's puppy dog eyes tended to end it fairly quickly. Not something I could pull off.

Neither of us really wanted other people to make a drama out of something that both of us were perfectly willing to let lie. That didn't stop the gossip though. Just stopped people from talking about it where either of us could hear them. Something I'd already been dealing with ever since my first day here and it was obviously old hat for Glory Girl.

"You know, I'm pretty sure that teaching people dirty gambling tricks doesn't count toward your community service," Dennis whispered.

"It really should," I chuckled. "Sadly, I'm pretty sure you're right. I'll have to make due with the Girl Scouts instead. That does count according to the woman they assigned to make sure I actually do any of it."

"Who drew the short straw," he asked.

"Ms...Wilson? No that's not right. Wilcox, that's it. Ms. Wilcox."

"Older woman, looks alot like a thin Ms. Piggy with an even worse attitude?"

"That's her."

"My condolences," Dennis said, patting my shoulder. "She's the one Armsmaster threatens me with when he wants me to behave myself."

"She didn't seem that bad when I talked with her this morning," I noted. "Very business like and blunt, but not bad."

"Wait a while," Dennis warned. "I've only had to deal with her a couple of times but that was enough. Recently when I pass her in the halls the look she gives me is like I'm was the devil's spawn or something."

Not saying anything, I just turned slightly to stare at him.

After a moment he chuckled. "Okay, point taken but I haven't done anything lately. Well, not to her."

Not debating it, I shrugged saying only, "We'll see."

In truth, I wasn't worried. According to a conversation I overheard a few cubicles down from where I waited for Ms. Wilcox earlier, she had recently developed a drinking problem. Most likely because her husband was supposedly having an affair. Assuming the information panned out I was sure we could come to an arrangement. I didn't particularly feel well disposed to cheating lovers and it wouldn't take much effort to either find evidence, or manufacture it, to embarrass him in a way that would put the situation in Ms. Wilcox's favor. Nothing quite salved a wounded heart, like revenge and there were a lot of options out there for a woman scorned who was willing to trade favors.

If the information I overheard turned out to be wrong though, I'd have to find something else. Everyone had a vice or a need and usually were not as good at hiding it from others as they were from themselves. Just a matter of time and effort to see which way it would go.

Breaking me from my thoughts, Dennis asked, "How many hours did Armsmaster give you for the other night?"

"Fourty."

"Ouch."

"I was told by one of the troopers this morning it could have been a lot worse but since Brandish's 'talk' with Deputy Director Renick, they could only really give me a slap on the wrist since they couldn't touch Glory Girl."

Nodding thoughtfully Dennis said, "True, and fourty hours isn't bad for wrecking half a block."

"C'est donné," I agreed.

Seeming to get my meaning, Dennis rolled his eyes going back to his half finished homework. "Stop teasing me with french, I really need to get this done. Not going to have time for it later."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," he answered. Something was off with him but I couldn't put my finger on it. "Have to go to work after school."

"Huh," I nodded. Wasn't that interesting. I suppose it could have been a coincidence.

But of course it wasn't.

Despite his own admonishment at my trying to distract him, Dennis wasn't writing anything. Instead, sitting at the table just holding his pencil and staring at his paper. Something he'd been doing for most of our study period while I was entertaining Clarissa, Jean, and Mike.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" He eventually muttered.

"Sure, cher."

"The other night," he began hesitantly. "It's about that thing with Glory Girl."

"Okay. What did you want to know?"

Almost as if he didn't want to ask, but seemingly couldn't help himself, Dennis eventually managed, "You set her up, didn't you?"

Ah, I thought, nodding. That's what has been bothering him today.

"Why do you ask?" I asked to buy a moment to think about how I wanted to play this.

"Look, Renée, I get you have trust issues," Dennis said not looking at me. "But I'm not asking for them. I'm asking for me."

That put a different spin on it. Reluctantly I nodded. "Yeah."

Turning quickly, he looked into my eyes. "You admit it."

"You asked for you," I said. "I might not tell you everything, Dennis, but I don't want to lie to you."

An appreciative look appeared only to vanish when he asked, "Why did you do it?"

"I had to do something," I answered honestly. "The situation between us was only going to get worse until one of us did something to deescalate it. She wasn't going to do it, so I did."

"You could have left her alone."

"She was stalking me while eavesdropping on my phone calls. I didn't push this."

"But manufacturing a crime she could catch you doing?"

"Something like that," I evaded. "She wanted something on me, I gave it to her. We spared for a while and then talked. It worked. She's pretty much left us alone all day."

Looking into his eyes, I could see the dots connecting. My explanation seemed to be the final bits he needed for whatever was bothering him. Dennis knew, or had suspected something was up. I don't know what kind of resources he had access to, but apparently he'd picked up quite enough. Whatever it was it was like pieces of a puzzle coming together, forming a picture Dennis obviously didn't like. I didn't have to wait long to find out though.

"You didn't manufacture anything," he whispered half to himself. "You were up to something. That whole thing was a distraction for something else. You're running a con and used Glory Girl as a shill."

"Oh, well done," I whispered back, unable, and unwilling, to stop the slight smile forming. People seriously underestimated Dennis. Behind the sarcasm and jokes was an quick witted intelligence that few could match. I should have known if anyone figured out what I was doing, it would have been him. "Out of curiosity, what gave me away?"

"Dammit, Renée, this is serious!"

Letting my amusement fade, I purposely lowered my voice. "I see that. What I don't see is why this is a problem."

"Your covering up something," Dennis hissed back. Thankfully quieter than a moment ago.

"Still not seeing the problem."

"The problem is that whatever it is you're covering up is probably illegal."

"Of course it is but you knew what you were getting into with me, chéri," I whispered flatly. "And if you didn't, you should have. I haven't tried to hide who I am from you Dennis. I've been very honest about it actually."

Looking as if I'd betrayed him somehow, he whispered, "Assault's defended you. Told everyone that they shouldn't judge you by what was in your file. I've defended you."

"They shouldn't trust what's in my file, it's very inaccurate. I wasn't even involved in half of what they think I was."

"And the other half?" he asked exasperated at my point.

"A girl has to eat," I answered uncaringly. "And I'm not targeting anyone that doesn't deserve or can't afford it. If anyone knew even a quarter of what went into those jobs they'd be shocked with how much work they were. Trust me when I say I earned my dinner. Besides, I'd be impressed if they could even prove it, much less seriously link me to them."

"So not the point, Renée," Dennis half growled while lowering his head into his hands. "You can't do that kind of thing here."

"Well, obviously…"

"Renée…"

Leaning back slightly at his hiss, I stopped talking. Whatever he was thinking, he kept to himself now, just staring at me like I stole something from him.

I suppose, in a way, I had.

This was always going to be a thing. I knew it even before he hit on me at the Hard Luck. We were, at our cores, on opposite sides.

Maybe I was too jaded. Maybe his rose tinted glasses were too colorful. This conversation though proved that neither of us really understood the other. At the very least, we were very different people.

He was a hero. A straight arrow for the most part with views to match. If he'd ever broken any laws before, I'd be shocked. No, he fought the bad guys. Kept them from hurting or disturbing the good people of the world. Stood against the different shades of evil that existed out there in the black and white image of the city that the PRT liked to paint.

I, on the other hand, was a thief. The kind of person he protected others from. I stole to survive but mostly because it was the quickest way to achieve means. Also, it was fun and exciting which was always a bonus. Our different experiences led us to see the same things with different eyes. Which brought us to completely different conclusions and, like now, different sides.

How'd that quote go? The ethical person knows it's never okay to do wrong, where a moral person actually wouldn't. Looking at Dennis I think that was what our current issues boiled down to. No matter the circumstances I would always try to do right, but would do what needed to be done, where as he wouldn't stray. Probably half of what I liked about him was that. Even if, like now, it made things awkward between us.

In the end, I guess the result of 'us' was always going to be the same. Well, if it was going to go this way, might as well do it right.

"Renée…"

"Non," I interrupted him. "I get it. When are you supposed to be at work?"

"That's not…" Dennis seemed to wilt at my raised eyebrow. Even he could see where this was going now. "...five. I only have to be there for a few hours. It's a training day."

That matched up.

"Look, I'm just trying to understand," he tried again. "They already suspect you of a ton of stuff. What happens when you finally get caught?"

"Why do you think I took the plea deal?"

"Renée, that doesn't protect you if you keep doing stuff!" Dennis said louder than he probably intended. Wincing at the Librarian shushing us again, he continued much lower. I debated adding to the tally before deciding now wasn't the time. "You said things were different for you now, better. Why would you do something like this?"

"Are you really sure you want to know?" I asked quietly. Shaking my head I continued before he could say anything. "Doesn't matter. What does matter is that we have a choice to make."

"I'm not going to say anything about this."

"I wouldn't put you in that position Dennis. You can tell them whatever you want to. That's not what I'm talking about."

"Then what choice is there to make?"

"I am who I am," I said. Picking up my pack, I slung it over my shoulder. A look at the school clock showed the last period was only a minute from being over. "Just like you are who you are. I don't expect you to change for me, but have no doubt, mon'ami, I'm not going to change for you. So the question is, can we handle this, or can't we?"

"Hey, where are you going?" he whispered loudly as I started walking away.

"Schools out," I answered just as the bell rang. "And so am I."

XxX Gambit XxX

Keeping my muscles relaxed wasn't easy after talking to Dennis. Even a couple of hours later. Not easy, but doable, I thought as I sat with the soles of my feet touching each other. Moving one leg, then the other, I slowly moved until I was resting with legs pointed in opposite directions before twisting myself one way, and then the other. I was going to need to be well limbered if the next half hour went the way I figured it was going to.

Spandex wasn't at the top of my fashion choices for working out but it was what was available when I arrived. However, I decided that while I could live with the bright pink leggings, there wasn't any way in hell I was putting on the top. Instead, I wore only my sports bra. I wasn't Glory Girl afterall. I didn't need to worry about wardrobe malfunctions from being too top heavy. Just the opposite, I was built to move.

The surprised grunt behind me as I leaned over my leg with my foot resting against the left side of my head told me I had an audience. It was quickly followed by a surprise, yet oddly happy feminine squeal when I moved my hair out of my eyes.

Taking a good look at just who was watching showed Vista and Gallant standing at the door. While Vista looked happy to see me, Gallant just looked stunned. Probably didn't understand how I managed to move my hair with my hand, considering my current position.

That and like Dennis, he wasn't expecting me to be here.

"Gambit!"

"Bonjour, Vista."

"The rumors true? You're a Ward now?" She asked quickly making her way to me. "You're training with us too?"

"Something like that," I answered.

Like Gallant, she was wearing what I could only think was the Protectorates answer to a training mask. It looked similar to what I normally wore, but instead of leaving the face exposed, it covered the upper part with white opaque lenses over the eyes. Snug enough that it shouldn't shift with quick movements and colored in their unique color scheme. In Vista's case, green and white complete with wavy lines matching the rest of their spandex outfits.

There wasn't a mask waiting for me when I got my stuff, though that didn't surprise me. Just confirmed what today was going to be like.

"That's so cool," Vista muttered as I untwisted myself into a more human shape. "I wish I was that limber without using my powers."

"Anyone can do it," I answered, smiling while slowly moving my ankle to the back of my head. Something that seemed to do funny things to Gallants breathing, by the sound of it "Just takes patience and practice to get your muscles used to it. The key is to relax and not overdo it. Pulling muscles you didn't even know you had, isn't any fun."

"Can you teach me?"

"Sure, mon'amie," I answered the hopeful girl. "I'll run you through a few things before Armsmaster gets here."

I'd just finished teaching Vista basic calisthenics when the hero showed up with the rest of the Wards. Clock seemed to tense up when he noticed me but other than that, made no indication he was surprised to see me. He also didn't say anything either, but I figured it would go this way earlier. The others didn't seem to care one way or another aside from being curious about the new girl.

Unsurprising, they were all in training masks and no one other than me got a hot pink color scheme. Which was fine. Gambit could work with anything and judging by the head shifts my way from the guys, I made this look good. As everyone's attention, for the most part, turned to Armsmaster I followed suit ignoring Clock as much as he was ignoring me.

"Training," the power armored hero stated. I guess I shouldn't be surprised he was in his, but I kind of was. Now that I thought about it, I couldn't recall ever even hearing a story about him without it."Vista, Shadow Stalker, and Kid Win; proceed with you're normal routines. Aegis, Clockblocker, Gallant, Browbeat, and Gambit; with me."

A flash of anger was quickly overridden by disappointment from the youngest ward. The guy I assumed was Kid Win shrugged before moving over to the speed bag. Shadow Stalker though snarled looking disgusted before stomping over to the weights.

Giving the downhearted girl a pat on the shoulder, I moved over to the others. Armsmaster led our group over to one of the large mats before turning around crossing his arms with his halberd in front of him.

Yeah, that wasn't intimidating. Especially since I didn't have many weapons on me.

"After going over the data from our last encounter with the Undersiders I noticed an area that several are lacking in. While it is safe to assume Grue can see through his own power, our conclusion is that the others cannot. We believe that this is why there are areas inside his power that he doesn't cover. This means close combat will be key to taking one, or all of them down. To this end, today you're going to work on that."

"I want to see a marked improvement from all of you. To help with this, Gambit will be assisting by being your opponent. Questions?"

"Why Gambit?" Gallant asked.

Careful, cher, I couldn't help thinking. Someone's going to think you might actually like me.

"Gambit has spent the last two years dealing with persons of, lets say, a questionable nature," Armsmaster answered. "She has experience dealing with that environment and the type of fighting you will most likely face from opponents such as the Undersiders."

A nice way to say I fight dirty and for keeps. Seeing Gallant nod unquestionably though ended any thoughts he might have about hitting a girl. Or maybe it was just me. Hard to tell and I didn't really care that much to be honest. It's not like I didn't see this coming and from his perspective, I kinda deserved it.

"Uh, really?" the guy with a dark blue color scheme half asked, half mumbled.

"Is there a problem, Browbeat?"

"It's just," he started to say before trailing off just looking back and forth between Armsmaster to me.

"It's fine," I said drawing attention to me. At least there was one gentleman in the group. Like Gallant, Aegis didn't seem to mind sparring. Even seemed a bit excited about it. Clock, however, didn't look happy, but he hadn't voiced against it either which left Browbeat the odd man out. "Who goes first?"

"Clo…"

"I will," Gallant interrupted, walking toward the large mat Armsmaster was standing in front of.

For just a moment, Clockblocker looked like he was going to say something. One look from Armsmaster though silenced him.

"Fine by me," I said, Stepping on the same mat with the silver spandex hero. "Powers or no?"

He seemed to take in my appearance for a second before a barely there smirk appeared momentarily before vanishing. "This is a cape fight."

"So it is."

"Rules," Armsmaster barked. "Stay on the mat. Responsible use of powers. The fight will continue until one participant forfeits, is knocked down, touches the outer boundary, injury, or the two minute time limit expires. Each match will have three rounds."

Ignoring the weights, Shadow Stalker instead sat on the bench watching a little too intently. Vista was wringing an unused jump rope in her hands while Kid Win also ignored his workout in favor of watching worryingly. If that was for me, or Gallant, I couldn't tell.

Aegis, Clock, and Browbeat also watched, but with a different mix of emotions as one of them was going next. Though unless I was misreading things, Clock didn't look very enthusiastic about it. If the truth was told, even if it was only to myself, neither was I. It wasn't a fair fight by any means.

"Begin."

Starting off first, Gallant leaned back to through a blob of something at my face. His second attack was a thrust of his other hand sending a tight beam of light at me.

Before the second attack even started I was already moving under the cannon ball of light. Letting it sail over me, I quickly twisted away from the beam. My following legsweep sent the surprised Ward onto his back.

"Point; Gambit." Armsmaster stated emotionlessly.

Straightening up, I waited silently for Gallant to get to his feet. The next round went just as quickly, and ended the same. Surprisingly, instead of calling the match, we kicked off the third round.

"Begin."

The teen was fuming as we started and his temper wasn't doing him any favors. Unlike prior rounds he didn't start off with powers. He charged.

A high kick showed he wasn't channeling his girlfriend though. A forearm block put him inside what would normally be my guard. A low kick of his own aimed at my leg missed when I twisted in mid air, bringing back my left foot before striking with my right.

My aim was slightly off hitting him in the shoulder instead of the chin. It was still enough to steal his balance and almost send him onto his back. In contrast, I easily landed back on my feet.

Weary, the teen hero tried closing again. Despite my two quick successes Gallant's skill was visible. It showed he was training, but not very constantly or hard. I'd easily put him on par with hired muscle I used to contract when I needed such things. Which wasn't a joke. However he was dealing with a handicap he didn't realize he had.

He was used to fighting in power armor and it was clear to see that fact was messing with him. Had he been wearing his armor, my tactics wouldn't have been nearly as effective requiring my staff at the least to counter, or put him down. He seemed to expect to be able to handle hits, but then found he couldn't. I'd seen similar mistakes in capes back in New Orleans and like then, I didn't let that bother me as we circled each other.

He'd either figure it out, or he wouldn't. Neither was my concern.

This time Gallant came at me with a series of punches meant to push me backward. A tactic that I bet worked for him in the past, but even with how strong he was naturally, it wasn't enough to push me very far.

Instead I let him swing, alternating deflecting them with my own forearms and feet. Thinking he had me on the ropes, He send a couple more powered cannon balls at me before suddenly lunging forward.

A backward lean to avoid one turned into a twist that reset my stance to avoid the other. Like before, the concussive blasts backwashed toward me from the edge of our arena. Not being close enough to do more than reinforce how close the shielded boundary was.

Not really feeling like wrestling today, I easily dodged out of his path before he even realized his target was gone. A quick strike to the back of his knee sent him to the ground letting him know that fact.

Managing to catch himself on his knee before he ended up on his face saved him the match, but wasn't quick enough to stop my next move, which cost him.

Straddling his back, I grabbed his head with my left hand before putting one of my cards to his throat. His color paled almost as quickly as my card flared to life.

"By the way you were eyeing me earlier I bet you didn't think I had any on me when you said this was a cape fight, did you?"

"Where the hell did you pull that from?"

"Somewhere you're not allowed to touch, mon cher," I whispered into his ear like a lover. "Even if you didn't already have a girlfriend."

"Point; Gambit," Armsmaster emotionlessly barked.

Letting him go, I let my card slightly tickle his jugular before casually tossing it away from where anyone was standing. It softly exploded in a puff of confettied cardboard.

Retaking my starting point, I looked preditorily at the remaining Wards seeing my unsaid message was received.

"Next," I said not hiding my smirk while Gallant rejoined his teammates.

"I'll go," the rust colored Ward said clearly before stepping into the ring.

"Very well, Aegis. Proceed."

"Powers?" I lazily asked.

"No projectiles and I'll stay on the ground," Aegis answered as if we were discussing the weather. "If that's alright."

His confidence was clear to see, as was why he was considered the favorite of the team on the PHO. He had that little extra something that I bet a lot of people responded to. Then again, it was hard not to appreciate a confident opponent and if his rep was to be believed, he earned a bit of confidence.

"Fair enough," I smiled, showing my appreciation for his tease about my fight with Glory Girl.

"Begin." Armsmaster barked.

Learning from Gallant's unfortunate showing, Aegis approached cautiously. Obviously taking my reflexes and speed into account as we circled each other. Stance wide, but balanced. Arms up but not overtly aggressive. Like Gallant he was slightly trained.

As I knew he would, he struck first. A feint with his foot I didn't fall for before starting a series of punches that left my arms tingling from how hard he hit.

Realizing I couldn't take that kind of abuse, I started dodging his attacks. When I couldn't, I struck his arms or legs in a way that adjusted his strikes so I could. Perceiving a weakness, he pressed his attacks. Coming at me faster and hitting slightly harder.

While he had reach and shear power behind him, I had speed and that was the only thing keeping me in the fight. I had to quickly give up on deflecting his attacks after one almost knocked me down. In contrast, my own attacks barely seemed to affect him which unfortunately put me entirely on the defensive. He was also maneuvering me into one of the corners. As the space I could move became more restricted, he pressed even harder trying to ring me out. When my heel was only inches away, he moved to finish me.

Boxed in, I did what I could to avoid the lighting fast jabs but knew it was only a matter of time before Armsmaster called me out. Which he did quickly after Aegis started his last attack.

"Ring out. Point; Aegis."

Smiling, the dusky skinned teen nodded to me. "You're tougher than you look. I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"Of course not," I answered retying the hair that had escaped its prison. Aegis winced at the bruises forming on my arms as they moved. "Just out of curiosity, just how tough are you? My attacks didn't seem to do much."

Nodding, the Wards leader chuckled self consciously as he got back into position. "Yeah, pretty tough. Sorry about the bruises. I was trying to hold back."

"So was I," I returned before setting myself up for the next round. "Again?"

Nodding easily, Aegis did the same.

"Begin."

Having a feel for my fighting style now, Aegis dispensed with the circling, and came straight at me.

Having figured that was the style he was most comfortable with, I let him waiting until the last moment before evading his attack. I moved just enough to the side for him to miss before beginning my own series of attacks. This time, letting myself go all out in a short burst.

A knee to the groin was followed by a head butt that left me feeling like it hurt me more than him. It did however buy me just enough space to put a kick into his side hard enough to cost his ballance. Taking advantage of my vicious counter and knowing this advantage wouldn't last long, I pulled back my foot while twisting freely in the air. My built up momentum added to the kick to his chin which sent the Ward flying out of the ring. Landing on my hand I easily bleed off momentum stopping in a crouch.

"Hold!" Armsmaster barked unnecessarily. "Aegis, are you injured?"

Unlike my landing, Aegis's wasn't smooth, though he was up instantly. A sickening crack put his jaw back into place while he casually walked back to the ring.

"I'm fine," he answered finally.

Reactions among the Wards varied. Of those who were not going to face me, Shadow Stalker was smirking having clearly enjoyed seeing Aegis put down hard. Kid Win looked shocked and a little green. Vista however seemed absolutely stunned.

Gallant's mouth was a thin line, while his lenses looked at Clock as if to say, 'I told you so'. Clockblocker however wasn't looking noticing, he was looking back and forth between me and Armsmaster. Browbeat I knew the least about, aside from the stuff on the PHO which said he was kind of like Aegis, power wise except he couldn't fly. He seemed more thoughtful than bothered as he watched.

Aegis though had them all beat. He was smiling at me while retaking his place on the mat.

"Does you're power make you that fast?"

"Non," I answered honestly. "At least I don't think so. I've always been a natural athlete."

"Well, it's impressive," Aegis stated. "You also hit me harder this time than you did in the first round."

"You can take it," I said. "Most can't. Wasn't sure you could though until our first spar. But don't be fooled, chéri, I'm not a brute by any means. Just skilled."

"You kicked me hard enough to dislocate my jaw. That's pretty strong."

Shaking my head, I corrected him. "That's a difference between style and powered strength. I've dabbled a bit in both savate and bo-jutsu which makes moves like that easy for me. But really, anyone can do what I do, if they trained for it and put in the effort. If you looked you could see non powered people do incredible stuff all the time on the net. It's not always about powers and mine are pretty straight forward, which is why I don't rely on them."

Looking thoughtful, Aegis nodded after a moment. "Good point."

"Are you fit to continue, Aegis?" Armsmaster asked.

"Yeah, I'm good."

"Very well. Deciding round. Begin."

Returning to a winning tactic, Aegis slowly advanced. Like the first time, he carefully countered me keeping his eyes on both my hands and feet while keeping just enough distance that I couldn't close and blitz him again. After a particularly painful block I had to switch to evading everything he threw at me. He was hitting slightly harder than before. That let him dictate the pace and our movements while once again pushing me slowly into a corner.

Moving out of the way from a particularly nasty combination I knew I couldn't take, I managed to slip free of the corner this time. Knowing my limitations though meant Aegis just maneuvered me into another one. This time when I slipped free he immediately tried again. He was too strong for me to take a hit from him while at the same time, I was too fast for him to land that hit. This fight was a war of attrition now. With his seemingly endless stamina, this was a fight I knew I was going to lose in the end. He wasn't even breathing hard while I felt like my lungs were starting to burn.

It was obvious and everyone watching knew it was only a matter of time now before exhaustion caused me to slip, and then he'd have me. I could already feel the fatigue from everything I was doing starting to set in. However, I didn't want to do to him what I did to Two Mauls to end this dance. Even if it wouldn't get me arrested on the spot, Aegis wasn't an enemy to put down like that and I did have to work with these people for the next few years.

However, thinking about that fight gave me an idea. Afterall, like Jess was always telling me, if you're not cheating, you're doing it wrong. The question was, would he fall for it?

One way to find out.

Letting Aegis chase me around the ring wasn't hard to do, that was his plan. Several times I pretended to blitz strikes only to let him rebuff me and quickly reassert control of the fight. With each corner I escaped from I slowed myself down just a bit making it easier for him to trap me again, but never enough to fully own me. I started breathing a little harder with each pass until I was practically panting. Eyes darting to the clock showed us entering the last ten seconds of the two minute mark and by this time I was barely staying ahead of any of his strikes. With time about to be called, I made my move just as he put me back in another corner.

I stumbled. Just a quick, unsteady wobble of my left knee. A slight widening of my eyes as if I didn't expect it. A momentary stall in my movements. That was all it took and like a gator smelling blood in the water, Aegis took the offered bait looking to finish me before time was called.

Arms out to grapple me, Aegis never saw my quick hop under and inside his guard until I was the only thing he could see. Moving between his arms I rose high enough in the air for me to grab the top of his head. Quickly wrapping it between my legs I threw my weight backward. With him still in the process of lunging he never stood a chance. His feet left the ground as I flipped us faster than he could realize just what I was doing.

And just that quickly my opponent found himself slamming into the mat on his back.

"Point; Gambit."

Smirking at the dazed and blushing face trapped between my thighs, I unclenched, releasing him. Easily standing while not showing any of the fatigue I had moments ago as I walked away.

Unlike the other time I'd knocked him down, Aegis didn't immediately spring to his feet. Instead laying there for several moments with his face blushing almost as much as Vista's currently was.

Not exactly a PG win, but I'd take it. Besides, I owed him for the jaw thing.

Taking a moment to drink from the bottle of water I opened earlier, I looked around the silent room. Aside from Armsmaster, no one else seemed to know what just happened. Even Shadow Stalker looked stunned at the upset.

Rolling the water around in my mouth a moment before swallowing, I smirked. I loved doing that to people. Best part of being a cape. Maybe this hero thing wouldn't be so bad after all.

An awkward chuckle behind me brought my attention back to Aegis. He was on his feet now, but his blush was in no way diminished as he half faced me refusing to meet my eyes.

"Okay, that was slick," he complimented me while rubbing his throat.

Unable to resist, I corrected him. "It takes more than a hard body and a bit of foreplay to excite Gambit."

"Enough," Armsmaster immediately interrupted.

Rolling my eyes at his tone, I took another drink.

"Browbeat, you're next."

"I have a long way to go before I can match her skill," the dark blue themed cape muttered. "I'll pass."

"Pick a style that suits you," I offered to the cape. Rumor was he was a new blood but a smart one. "Or several and blend them into your own. It's what I did."

Nodding at the advice he seemed to stand a bit straighter.

"Very well. Clockblocker."

Looking at the time I shook my head. Barely half and hour had actually passed but I was done. "Maybe another time."

"Gambit, you will do as instructed."

Instead of going back into the ring, I headed over and grabbed my towel. I didn't even bother to turn around when I answered him. "Never was very good at following orders. Ask Rat King. He used to try and tell me what to do too."

"The terms of you're probation require you to put in one hour a day training, minimum."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I have to do it being a punching bag."

"This is training…"

Cutting off his rant I casually turned around holding the towel behind my neck. "This is about putting me in my place and you trying to figure out my fighting style."

My accusation was met with dead silence from the hero, but not a denial. Other reactions were once again mixed. Unsurprisingly Gallant scoffed while Aegis looked shocked I would even think Armsmaster would do something like that. I couldn't see Kid Win or Vista, but Shadow Stalker didn't look surprised. Amused I would call him on it, but not surprised. As the only other probationary ward on the team, the same thing probably happened to her. Browbeat's head just followed along like the drama in front of him was some kind of puzzle to be solved.

"Which I get," I continued. "You need to establish dominance and I'm a well known malcontent. The difference between us though, Armsmaster, is I put in my own work."

"Just how conceited are you to think Armsmaster would go through all this trouble just for you?" Gallant asked cooly.

"Oh make no mistake, I think highly of myself," I answered with a smirk. "But let's look at the facts."

Holding up my hand I started counting them off. "One; my color scheme is brown, black, and purple. That hasn't changed since my debut. You all have training gear in your colors, but mine is hot pink. Which doesn't bother me as much as you thought it might. I can rock pink."

"That seems far fetched and a little petty to bring up, Gambit," Aegis noted neutrally.

"True, but that doesn't change the fact it's a nice little psychological ploy. Next, you all have masks. I don't."

Browbeat attempted to counter this one. Like Aegis though, his tone was neutral not hinting whichever way this own thought process was at. "Ah, but aren't you outed? A public cape, like New Wave?"

"Again, seems petty to bring up, no?" I asked in return. "The rest of the team is dressed one way, I'm in another. Reinforces that I'm an outsider. Which, again, is fine. Gambit is used to living on the edges of society. However, the real kicker here is this training plan you concocted. You know very little about me, much less what I'm capable of yet you pit me against them? When added with everything else, it really brings home what this is all about."

Sounding just as condescending as his body posture looked, Gallant pointed out, "We do this all the time. This is how we train."

"Oh, each of you have had to face the others in a string of matches then?"

Leaning back at my comment, Gallant didn't' reply, though looked thoughtful.

"It was the line up that gave it away," I continued into the silence. "Aegis and Browbeat? Two brutes who can take hard hits. Okay, I can buy that, rumors about me say I can hit hard. Makes since but Gallant? We shouldn't have fought because he really doesn't like me. Understandable since I wrecked his car."

Almost despite himself, Clock snorted. Gallant just looked tired while sighing at the reminder.

"It was including Clockblocker that tipped me off though. You wanted us to fight. He was who you wanted to start things off before Gallant volunteered. I bet you wanted to see which of us would bow out first, him or me. Also probably to test that rumor about me that I can mess with touch based strikers."

"What," Clock blurted surprised. "Can you?"

"Usually," I answered evenly. "Not something I try and advertise, and not always, but yeah. Sometimes. At first I assumed this was Armsmaster's way of giving you guys experience and insight into how I fight, just in case you had to for keeps."

"That's harsh," Clockblocker half heartedly noted. "Why would you think that?"

"Why wouldn't I?" I returned with a shrug. "But after the first round with Gallant I changed my thoughts. With the change up, he didn't seem to really care much about the matches themselves. If it was for you guys, he would have been pointing out what went right and what went wrong. That had me remembering something I'd read a while ago."

"As I said, I put in my own work when doing research," I said returning my eyes to the still quiet Armsmaster. "And I did my share on you. You've been around a while and there's a lot out there. PHO, cape websites and several fansites. Even a few that I had to subscribe to like Halberds and Steal Horses. Personally think that guys stalking you but it was worth it to see all the videos he's collected of your fights. Remembering what I found there is when I figured it out."

"And what, exactly, do you think you figured out, Gambit," Armsmaster asked emotionlessly.

"Your tell," I answered with a smirk. "The first time you face a new cape, you struggle a bit. Tend to rely on your teammates for a while. If the fight lasts long enough though, you get more aggressive. Eventually you take the lead and they're trying to keep up with you. But the next time you fight that cape?"

"It's night and day," I said shaking my head. "You're a tinker, so it makes since you prep your gear for it and come prepared. But that's not how it works exactly, is it? I watched the fights and you use very little tinker gear outside your weapon and armor. They might cosmetically change a bit now and then, but not much. Add to that you're well known for stuffing an incredible amount of tinker tech into that halberd. I bet there's just as much, if not more, in that helmet and armor. It fits the pattern. How when villains surprise you the second time you fight them they rarely get past the third fight. By then they're out of tricks and you usually win."

"That's what you've been doing here. Studying me without actually fighting me. Which we know you can't since I'm a minor and we both know I barely put in any effort during my powers assessment. This way if I did decide to jump ship, I wouldn't get far and you could bring me in with little effort. It also gives me the chance to hurt one of them which would violate my probation and give you an excuse to lock me up. Win Win for you as I see it."

"That is a very long, convoluted conspiracy theory," Armsmaster state evenly. "Even for you."

"I haven't seen anything yet that disproves it," I returned with a shrug. "None of this is a big deal though. This is about what I expected was going to happen when I decided to join. Thought I would point it out. Just saying that next time you might want to try to be a bit more subtle about it, Boss."

"Which is nothing against you guys," I said turning to the other Wards. "I actually like most of you. Even you, Gallant."

"Now," I said winding down and ignoring his shocked face. "According to my contract, the worst you can do to me for walking out on training is sanction my grant, pay, or give me more hours later since we both know I'm never going to be allowed on patrol and only an idiot would put me on console. Let's be honest, I'm way too irresponsible to be trusted with something like that. So, since I'm done for the day, sanction away."

Deciding that I said all that I needed. People moved not bothering to stop me. That made it easier to slip a card into Clocks hand as I passed without being caught.

Whether he showed or not would tell me all I needed to know.