56 Redemption?

"Murder?" Nicole blinked, her luminous eyes carrying a hint of mockery. "I think you might be mistaken, big guy."

As she spoke, she released Negasonic Teenage Warhead's shoulder, finally shifting inwards on the bench and pulling the girl next to her. Nicole's arm casually draped around Negasonic, her fingers idly playing with the girl's brooch.

This seemingly casual gesture was laden with intent. The arm resting on Negasonic's shoulder now had the girl effectively held hostage.

"All women are liars, no matter the country," Colossus grumbled. "I'm well aware of your deeds."

Aiden chimed in, "Then you should know we're dangerous. You shouldn't have brought a child here."

"Don't underestimate her. She's still an apprentice, but she has a powerful gift. She can handle anything," Colossus said, taking a large gulp of Aiden's orange juice. "Besides, you're not pure criminals. The people you've killed, the gangs you've decimated—I know what they're made of. You've just strayed from the path. If you agree to my request to meet someone, have a chat, it could change your lives."

"Not interested," Aiden shook his head.

"Oh, I think it's not up to you. You're going to come with me to see the Professor," Colossus said, his large hand gripping Aiden's arm while the other produced a pair of handcuffs.

Aiden reacted swiftly. Using the grip on his arm as leverage, he executed a simple escape technique. Despite Colossus's immense strength, Aiden's skillful manipulation freed him from the grasp.

Colossus's hand came at him again, only to be met with a fierce punch from Aiden. The gloved steel fist collided with Colossus's iron hand, resulting in a dull thud.

"Your strength is impressive, more than I expected," Colossus strained, clearly struggling against Aiden's resistance. Aiden was no match for Colossus in terms of strength, and the situation was escalating unfavorably.

Finally, Aiden's left arm was pinned across his chest. Colossus's voice remained friendly, "Friend, I know you're resistant, and I don't want to detain you, but it's for your own good. Believe me, once you meet the wise Professor, you'll find redemption."

"Oh, God, what's happening over there?"

"Is that mutant going to attack? We should help that young couple."

"Quick, call 911!"

Colossus's actions had sparked panic in the bar. His unusual appearance and massive frame had already drawn attention, and now his overpowering of Aiden amplified the unease.

"Big guy, let go," Nicole suddenly spoke up, still holding Negasonic close, her right arm firmly around the girl's shoulder, her hand gently caressing Negasonic's cheek—an affectionate gesture that carried an unmistakable threat.

Negasonic's eyes began to glow with a golden light, growing brighter by the second.

"Stop, let's find a quiet place to talk," Aiden said, averting a bloodbath.

Nicole raised an eyebrow and then relaxed her hold, her arm remaining loosely over Negasonic's shoulder.

"The alley?" Aiden suggested, glancing at the steel hand still pressing against his arm.

"No, I'm not giving you options; I'm telling you to come with us now!" Colossus's gentle words grated on Aiden's ears.

"You're overstepping," Aiden frowned, sensing that the situation couldn't end well.

"I hope you understand, no, I'm sure you will later. We might even become good friends. Do you like oil paintings? Perhaps we can find some common interests," Colossus said casually, securing Aiden's arm behind his back with a forceful twist, "Both of you, come with me!"

Suddenly, Colossus's massive body was sent flying, a powerful force propelling him through the air like a kite in the wind, crashing into tables and chairs before landing in a heap.

Aiden stood up, shaking his arm, looking at the gleaming metallic figure amidst the debris. "I obeyed orders for ten years. The moment I gained my freedom, I stopped wanting to follow anyone's commands."

The bar erupted into chaos, the patrons unable to fathom how this seemingly harmless young man could topple the steel giant. Could he also be a mutant, one of their kind?

Nicole glanced at Aiden, pondering the meaning behind his words. Ten years of obedience? A pitiable past indeed.

Colossus rose from the wreckage, striding towards Aiden, "I wanted to be gentle. I wanted to save you two, but you've forced my hand!"

"Save me?" Aiden scoffed, watching the behemoth approach, "Save me, huh..."

Moving to meet Colossus, Aiden's formidable stature seemed dwarfed, but the contrast only underscored the shock of what followed.

Colossus swung a massive fist, not to subdue Aiden this time, but to strike. Aiden dodged and delivered a kick that sent Colossus hurtling through the air, crashing through furniture and rolling across the floor, finally smashing into a barrel of wine, splashing the rich liquid in all directions.

It wasn't just Aiden's brute strength but his mutant powers at full force that had sent Colossus flying.

"Oh, you won't want to struggle, little one. Have you truly felt death?" Nicole whispered into Negasonic's ear as the girl's energy surged, ready to burst. A sharp dagger pressed against Negasonic's neck, drawing a thin line of blood—a warning more than an injury.

Negasonic's eyes widened, her rebellious spirit tamed into submission by the imminent threat of death.

"Aiden," Nicole paused, looking up as Aiden gestured for her to stop.

"Alright, I like your earrings," Nicole withdrew the threat, dabbing the girl's "blood necklace" with a napkin and patting her head before standing to leave with Aiden.

The bar was silent as they walked, the crowd parting, giving them a clear path to the exit.

"Kid! You've seen it, you're not like those criminals! You haven't truly hurt us, stop deceiving yourself!" Colossus, drenched in wine, called out as he stood, "You don't have to continue down this path."

"The world is vast; I have no desire to cross paths with your forces again. Don't bother me anymore," Aiden said without looking back, heading swiftly towards the door.

"Killing those gang members won't solve anything. We can help you! Find the real problem within you, heal it, and elevate your life!" Colossus pleaded.

But Aiden and Nicole had already vanished through the doorway.

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