Defenders of the Creek
Chapter 4: Ready to Lead – Craig
Craig went through the motions for the rest of class before being dismissed. His mind was awash with thought on himself…and on his leadership. He had looked up on the net on how to better lead his team and was just thinking over the advice. He had other worries, namely on that cult. He had made it an effort to gather information on them.
"Craig?" Kelsey said snapping him out of his thoughts. "You've been quiet ever since I got my sword."
"Sorry, it's been a bit on my mind. I am really excited to meet Connie to get some training." Craig said with a grin.
"Well, you're going to have wait on that." Jessica said coming up. "Mom says she wants to meet the trainer."
"You told them?" Kelsey remarked.
"Come on, could you resist telling anyone around you that you met a real live superhero? He gave me his autograph! I wanted to rub in Bernard's face." Craig admitted. "And the rest just spilled out. I'm surprised they took the cult well."
"To be fair, reality has pretty much pushed into the mud." Jessica said nonchalantly. "I can't wait to show mom and dad the magic I learned. Miss Charmcaster says I might be an adept."
As they left the school building, a red hovercar pulled up on the side.
"Hey guys. I'm in a hovercar!" J.P. said with a wide grin.
Craig eyed it up whistling in appreciation before spying the girl driving staring at him. Before he could say anything, Morty was leaving the school.
"Connie, what are you doing outside of Bayview?" Morty asked rising an eyebrow.
"Long term mission." Connie said cryptically.
Craig just watched them stare at each other before they both gave a little nod.
"I'll make sure Charmcaster gets your regards." Morty said before taking off.
"Need a lift?" Connie asked as Craig and Kelsey wasted no time getting in. "A pleasure to meet you all. I'm Connie, and I'll…"
"Excuse me, my mother wishes to meet you first." Jessica said getting in the back. "So, home first? I have a schedule to keep."
"She gets cranky if she's not on time." Craig said surly.
"Will she get cranky if we're early?" Connie said slipping on a pair of aviator sunglasses.
Connie turned on the radio.
"What up, everybody? It's your favorite Gem, Tamara de Sky, here live on Bayview Radio. Shout outs to you warpers out there. Now, let's tear it up with Carpenter Brut with Turbo Killer."
[Cues: Carpenter Brut – Turbo Killer]
Connie revved the engine and speed away leaving a blue light trail that faded after a few seconds. The pumping synth music being the fuel in Connie as she sped through the streets. J.P. was bopping his head to the beat as Jessica was on her phone.
"When I'm old enough to drive, I'm getting one of these." Craig affirmed.
"Same." Kelsey said as they both high-fived.
Connie came to a stop at the Williams home to see their parents was waiting for them. Craig and Jessica got out first as Connie killed the engine and removed her glasses.
[Music Ends]
Craig had to be the one to make the introductions before Connie could actually speak. They all sat inside the house right as Bernard was last to come home.
"So to sum it up, I'm not here to make your son an instant master of combat, but at the very least combat ready. With recent developments, the KND has spread rather thin…thus they're resorting to outside help." Connie explained.
"You're working for the government?" Duane asked with raised eyebrows.
"Heaven's no. I work for an independent group, the Crystal Squadron. Long story short, my group, another independent group, the KND, and the Plumbers are in a coalition with the government in taking down the Cult of Combination." Connie explained.
"And what does all this have to do with my son being dragged into this?" Nicole asked worriedly.
"He's a main character…and a possible target for the cult. This deranged group's cool is to obtain precious items from notable people and use them to create Fusion, doppelgängers of chaos and destruction." Connie said in complete seriousness. "We know one of their members is in the area and has stolen a precious object from someone. And I believe you all saw what happened to recent discoveries on the news."
Bernard rolled his eyes only for Connie to turn his glare at him.
"Don't brush this off, this is a serious issue. Fusions were a serious bane on the world…and this cult is willing to use any notable figure to create one. There's a risk this cult can revive…an ancient evil and trust me, we don't him back." Connie mused.
"Who's him?" Craig asked as Connie got her phone to project an image of him. "Holy….he's huge."
"And powerful. I don't have the misfortune of meeting that guy, but I know people who have. Simply put, this is a preemptive effort to clip this because it gets worse. Better to form the next cream of crop for a small battle before it escalates to a war. But I'm not going to do anything unless Craig is ready to join the fight. It will not be easy to learn under me. Only if you are dedicated." Connie said sternly. "So, I ask you, Craig. Are you ready to walk the path and lead your friends into battle?"
Craig had a pensive look on his face. The weight of Connie's words falling into his lap.
"Craig, if you choose to go on ahead. We're with you." J.P. said putting a hand on Craig's shoulder. "Me and Kelsey."
"We got your back." Kelsey said.
"Craig, you know that we'll support your choice and help you each step of the way." Duane said as Craig looked at Connie.
"I'm ready." Craig said as Connie smirked.
"Well then, I will do my absolute to train you three." Connie responded.
"One question. I know I can't stay with the KND forever. Could you maybe list places I could go to for hero work?" Craig asked innocently enough.
"When you're about high school age, you could apply for a hero school in Japan. Easiest way to get yourself fast tracked to get a hero license from the HA. Or, if you're willing to transfer next year and stay in the States, go to St. Olivia's Battle Academy in the Core. You could start your own independent group…but you'd need money and supplies." Connie explained. "Take your time to plan out if you want to work for a group or run independent. You have plenty of time. But for now, focus on the training to come."
"What, are you going to teach him to fly?" Bernard snarked.
"Why yes I will. I mean why wouldn't you want to learn…you'd never have to drive anywhere and you'd save gas money that you can use to invest in your college of choice." Connie said as Bernard put down the book.
"So…do you have time to teach me?" Bernard said changing tune.
Craig could only snicker at this.
(A/N: Connie being the source of snark is always fun to do whether it's here or Multiverse of the Stars. She just bounces off so well. Regardless, the next chapter will skip ahead to actual meat of the story, which will take place on Halloween.)