Chapter 13: Meeting Again

Chapter 13: Meeting Again

When Mike pulled Clark and returned with some toys, the club was almost closed; only Logan and a burly man were fighting in the ring.

To be precise, it was Logan who was being beaten like a sandbag, relentlessly pummeled by the giant meatball man.

Clark covered his eyes and said, "Dad, Uncle Logan looks so miserable."

Mike nodded, speechless.

This guy was really serving as a punching bag.

The phantom on the side shouted with a wicked smile as if enjoying the spectacle, "Just let him open up his heart and vent his frustration, and he'll spill the beans for sure! Don't fight back!"

Mike's mouth twitched.

What a joke, expecting that giant meatball to open up his heart?

At this rate, this guy wouldn't be satisfied until Logan was completely pummled.

Logan wasn't one to simply take a beating, so when faced with Foyle's repeated fists, he fought back.

As Foyle attempted to headbutt Logan, he was stunned by Logan's Adamantium alloy head. Logan seized the opportunity, leaped towards Foyle, and delivered a powerful elbow strike to Foyle's head, knocking him out cold, sprawled on the ground.

The boxing ring trembled as if experiencing a mini-quake.

"Oh, brother, really? How do you expect him to spill the beans like this, and what exactly do you want him to say?"

The Phantom covered his face and shook his head.

Clearly, he didn't anticipate such a turn of events!

Mike inwardly groaned.

Logan shot him a fierce look and demanded, "Whose side are you on?"

The Phantom smiled, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.

"Uncle Logan is amazing!" Clark shouted loudly, his hands cupped around his mouth.

Logan glanced at them and saw the father and son giving him a thumbs-up. He smiled at them before turning to face Foyle, who was shaking his head. Three shiny metal claws extended from Logan's gloves as he angrily demanded, "Tell me, where is Victor?"

A few minutes later, faced with Logan's menacing claws, Foyle spilled what he knew.

Victor and Stryker were in cahoots, capturing mutants and sending them to an island for experiments. Only the prisoner who had escaped from the island knew its location.

That prisoner's name was Remy LeBeau, also known as the Gold Medalist. Those aware of his abilities called him... Gambit!

As the pieces of information came together, Logan seethed with rage.

It was all part of a conspiracy!

Stryker and the others had killed his lover, Kara, just to goad him into voluntarily undergoing the Adamantium alloy injection, all to manipulate him into seeking revenge on Victor!

Victor and Stryker were working together!

Logan's face darkened, feeling as though his insides were being scorched by fire.

"Stryker! Victor!"

Logan spat out the two names, his killing intent palpable, causing Foyle to tremble slightly in his presence.

Witnessing Logan's fury, Mike sighed inwardly.

The truth was far crueler.

He remembered the woman Logan had loved, realizing she had been part of the scheme.

Should he tell Logan?

No way. He had no evidence.

Given their current relationship, disclosing this information to the enraged Logan would only serve to irreparably damage their bond. They weren't at the point of unconditional trust.

With this in mind, Mike said, "Logan, let's go."

Logan nodded, leaped off the boxing ring, and headed towards the exit.

Watching the three depart, the Phantom's eyes flickered slightly, and he said, "I'll come along too."

...

Outside a bar.

Gazing at the flashing neon lights, the scantily clad women, and the sounds of gambling emanating from within, Michael led Clark to stand by the door and said to Logan, "Clark and I won't go in. It's not suitable for children."

Logan nodded understandingly, ruffled Clark's hair, and entered the bar with the Phantom.

"Dad?"

Clark looked longingly at the bar, eager to explore.

Mike gently flicked Clark's head and said, "Don't even think about it. You're not allowed in there."

Clark pouted and replied, "Fine, fine!"

"Haha!"

Mike took Clark's hand and walked away.

"Dad, have you been there before?"

"Nope!"

"You're lying!" Clark squinted up at Mike and said, "Remember last time when that pretty lady approached you at the bar? She said she met you before, and you didn't recognize anyone once you zipped up your pants."

Mike's mouth twitched. "You remembered it incorrectly!"

"I have a good memory." After a pause, Clark asked, "Dad, do you want to find me a mother?"

Mike sighed and rolled his eyes. "Come on, there's a circus up ahead. Let's go check it out!"

"A circus?" Clark's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"I'll take you there."

Mike quickened his pace and led Clark towards the circus.

In Las Vegas, the nightlife was vibrant, even more so than during the day.

The circus Mike and Clark entered was renowned, and they were fortunate to snag tickets for tonight's sold-out show.

The two entered the arena. Clark nibbled on a marshmallow as he perched on Mike's shoulder, surveying the crowd with curious eyes. With sharp vision, he spotted their seats and shouted in Mike's ear, "Dad, to the left!"

Mike nodded and made his way over.

However, a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes; he felt as though they were being followed.

Who could it be?

Stryker's people?

Mike held Clark close, prepared to summon his weapons at a moment's notice.

To his surprise, when he settled into his seat with Clark in his arms, the person trailing them sat down beside him.

It was a rugged-looking man.

Mike frowned, and upon noticing the man's brazen gaze and overt interest, even licking his lips, Mike felt a shiver run down his spine.

This couldn't be...

Mike shifted away, still holding onto Clark.

Seeing this, the man chuckled, his voice dripping with charm.

Mike was taken aback and asked in a low voice, "Raven?"

"Hey there!" The man winked at Mike, gazing at Mike's stunned expression with amusement. "You haven't forgotten me; I'm touched."

"You look completely different now; it's unsettling!"

Mike gritted his teeth and stared at Raven.

Raven patted her chest, revealing her yellow teeth, and cast a curious glance at Clark in Mike's arms, whispering, "Is this the kid?"

Mike nodded, and Clark also eyed the stranger beside him with curiosity, his big eyes filled with questions.

At that moment, the lights in the performance hall dimmed, focusing all attention on the central stage.

Clark became captivated, eagerly turning his gaze towards the stage. Meanwhile, Raven chuckled and reverted to her original appearance.

Mike breathed a sigh of relief.

Raven's original appearance was much more comforting.

"Why are you here?" Mike asked in a hushed tone.

Raven rolled her eyes and retorted, "I should be asking you the same question. Why are you with that mutant?"