Clang! Clang!
The two burly Frost Guards released the chains from either side, then removed Gambit's shackles and energy-suppression armor in turn.
The Wolf Seat transport slowly rose into the air. Bucky stood nearby and gave the two guards a slight nod as a blue-black alloy staff and a deck of oddly textured cards were handed to Remy LeBeau.
"It's all your old gear. You finally got a chance to come out for some air, so don't say I never looked after you. Heh heh. Try to have fun for a while."
Wearing a black half-mask that lent him an inexplicable air of mystery and menace, Bucky finished speaking to Gambit before leading the two Frost Guards and Emma toward the private box where James was seated.
The entire arena, built to hold tens of thousands, suddenly fell silent. The oppressive atmosphere was almost tangible. On the silver-gray arena floor, only the four youngsters several hundred meters away from Gambit could barely conceal their eager excitement.
Even the usually quiet and gentle Jean Grey and the taciturn Colossus Peter were filled with an unusually fierce fighting spirit.
"Hah."
Buzz! Buzz!
Gambit casually spun his staff through a series of flourishes as a hazy dark-red glow gradually radiated from his body. The Vibranium staff brimmed with energy, crackling with tiny sparks.
A light screen above the arena displayed the names of both sides. With a piercing shriek, this special battle finally began!
Pop!
LeBeau did not react in any hurry. He merely blinked, and the two figures opposite him blurred for an instant before vanishing.
"Tch, they really exaggerated things. I'm still a big shot who gets a whole fifteenth floor to himself. I never even got serious when fighting Barnes on a normal day. Just a few little brats... Hm?