Claws of Fate

Team X

Lagos, 1977

We'd been working together for two years now, familiar with each other's quirks and strengths. The missions were tough, but we had become an effective unit. Lagos was another assignment, one of many.

James only agreed to become part of Stryker's team because he knew it was the safest way out, and I understood that too. But I couldn't help but be angry at my brother for offering us up to fight again, it sucked to say it but I rather would've wanted to be left back in Vietnam.

Victor only complied because he would use this as a way for his killing sprees without any repercussions and we all knew that. And that's exactly how we found ourselves on a plane to Lagos, along with the other members of "Team X".

I sat alongside my brothers, feeling the familiar tension in the air. James was uneasy from the height, gripping his seat tightly, he was never one for flights. Victor, on the other hand, seemed more at ease, his usual bloodlust evident in his eyes.

Wade, sitting across from us, was cleaning his sword and trying to strike up a conversation with Victor. "You know, I love this sword more than anything, wanna know why?" he said, his tone casual.

Victor glanced at him, his expression cold. "You're funny Wade, You must confuse me with someone who gives a shit."

Wade chuckled, undeterred. "I know my sword isn't as proficient as, their bone claws, and your nails, but Vic I gotta be honest they remind me of the nails of a bag lady."

Victor's eyes narrowed, and he extended his claws while chuckling at the man. The interaction drew the attention of everyone on the plane. Wade pulled out a pocket knife while keeping a grip on his sword, "Want me to give you a manicure?" He offered with a grin.

Victor's sickly smile sent a shiver down my spine. James, sensing the brewing conflict, intervened. "Cut it out, both of you."

Wade, sensing the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, did you guys see Fred's new tattoo? It's of a woman."

I couldn't help but smirk. "Really, Fred? After one night?"

Fred, a massive man with a gentle demeanor, nodded earnestly. "I love her."

Stryker, clearly annoyed by us, snapped at Bradley. "Start lowering the plane. We're close to our destination."

As the plane began its descent, I glanced at my brothers. James was focused, his eyes scanning across the plan, while Victor seemed almost excited. My anger at James was still there, simmering beneath the surface, but I knew we had to stick together. No matter what.

The plane landed with a jolt, and the hatch opened, letting in the humid air of Lagos. We made our way over to a heavily guarded building, assuming this was where our mission was taking place.

As we walked closer I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Stryker wasn't a man of many words, but his briefings had never been this vague. This mission felt different, more sinister, and I couldn't help but wonder what his true motives were.

James, always attuned to my thoughts, seemed to sense my unease. He glanced at me, then turned his attention to Stryker, who stood near the cockpit, his expression unreadable.

"Why are we here, Stryker?" James asked, his voice steady but demanding.

Stryker looked at him, a faint smile playing on his lips. "All in good time, Howlett." His gaze shifted to me, and I caught a dangerous, mischievous glint in his eyes that made my skin crawl. "You'll see soon enough."

3 days later

We found ourselves in a small village far inland. The oppressive heat was matched only by the tension in the air. Stryker stood before a terrified villager, yelling in his face about some rock. My anger simmered just beneath the surface. Had we really come all this way for some stupid fucking rock.