Chapter 12
The two canines were fast asleep, when the door to their room burst open "Up, you wimps! Up, up, up!" one of the Sakaaran soldiers shouted.
The canines jolted awake, accidentally slamming their heads against each other. "Ow!" James said, rubbing the now injured spot.
Andross walked in and Maverick asked, "Alright, Bowman, what's with the early wakeup call?"
"You two have been here for three days now" Andross began.
"And?" Maverick questioned.
"And McCloud should be all rested and recovered by now" Andross continued, "time to bring the pain."
"Yeah, you and your creepy minions already brought the pain" James chuckled.
"Oh, that'll be nothing when we get through with you" Andross pointed out.
"Who's this 'we' you're talking about?" Maverick asked, giving the monkey an unbothered look.
"Oh, you'll find out soon enough" the ape said, gesturing for the canines to follow.
A few minutes later, James and Maverick were brought into a large room that looked like a giant fighting dojo. To their surprise, Thanos was waiting in the room accompanied by four large, different shaped, yet all equally intimidating figures. Thanos was also carrying what looked to be a small, blue and purple skinned child. "Welcome, my son" Thanos spoke, "thank you for bringing the wolf and fox duo."
"Yes, Father" Andross spoke.
"Okay, now who are these freakshows?" Maverick questioned, looking at a nasty, thin, and wrinkly being.
Maverick suddenly found himself gasping for oxygen. "Enough, Maw!" Thanos commanded.
"But, Sire, this animal is very irksome" the wrinkly being stated, "are you sure he is necessary for your destiny?"
"I believe he is" Thanos confirmed, "both him and his fox friend."
"Yes, Sire" Maw said, fully releasing his grip on Maverick.
Maverick dropped to his knees taking very long and deep breaths. James knelt down, placing his paw on the wolf's back "What was that?" he asked.
"That was my brother, Ebony Maw" Andross stated, "he has telekinetic capabilities."
"So, he was mentally choking Maverick?" James asked.
"Yes, simpleton, I was choking your friend, telekinetically" Maw sighed.
"Anyway, these are my other siblings" Andross stated, gesturing toward the three other large beings.
The first to step forward looked extremely buff with multiple bumps on its arms and head. "This is my son, Cull Obsidian" Thanos explained.
"What's wrong, can't he speak for himself?" Maverick asked, still catching his breath.
Obsidian started growling, "He doesn't speak much" the female alien, with blue hair and white skin, explained.
"How come?" James asked.
"He speaks his own language and it's quite rare for others to understand what he's saying" Andross explained.
"That's understandable" James nodded.
"He's also recently lost a fight, so he's been feeling embarrassed" the female alien added.
"Who did he lose to?" James asked, out of curiosity.
"Why, that would be me, kid" the final being of the four giant figures said, stepping forward.
James looked at the thinner, pale alien that had taken ownership of beating the significantly larger alien. "Wow, you must be a very skilled fighter to have defeated someone that large" James smiled.
"Is that sarcasm I detect in your voice, fox?" the woman asked.
"No!" James insisted, "I'm genuinely impressed that someone his size was able to take down someone twice his size."
The figure James was complimenting started grinning. "I like this one" he commented, "I'd like to take the role of his trainer if that's what we're here for."
"Easy, Corvus" Andross stated, "Father wants all five of us to train them, right?"
"Andross is correct" Thanos nodded, "I want the five of you to get these young mammals to be on your level, where they could defeat each of you."
"Sire, are you sure you want them at that level?" Maw inquired.
"Absolutely!" Thanos said, "If they're going to be part of my army, they need to be feared."
"But Sire, that could take years to get them there" Maw pointed out.
"Come on, Maw" Corvus stated, "it's not like we've got anything better to do."
Maw signed, "Fine. How intense do you need us to punish them?"
"Um, please don't punish me for not being able to beat these four intimidating beings right away" James stated.
"I don't want any of them losing limbs or other body parts" Thanos stated.
"Don't worry, Father" Andross stated, "we'll get them trained to your standards."
"Good, I'll leave you five to it" Thanos said, "I've got to go put this one down for a nap."
When Thanos had left, James asked, "Who is that small child Thanos was carrying?"
"That was our newest baby sister, Nebula" Andross answered, "she's another orphaned child he's rescued during his travels through the galaxy. She's from a race called Luphomoids."
"Enough fraternization, Andross!" Maw hissed, "We need to get started with turning these inadequate creatures into powerful warriors that Thanos would approve of."
Obsidian glanced at the woman, who said, "I know, Cull, he should lighten up a bit."
"Look, Proxima, if you want to disappoint Thanos, then be my guest" Maw stated, "let me know how that goes."
Corvus looked at Andross saying, "Bowman, you've been around this fox and wolf more than the four of us. Where would you say their skill levels are at?"
"To be completely honest, I'm not sure" Andross stated, looking at James "the two of them just finished their first year at the Cornerian Academy."
"Have you two started learning even the basics of fighting?" Proxima asked.
James looked at Maverick, who has been oddly silent, then back at the large being. "I haven't had any" James admitted.
"So, all those times you threatened to kick my ass were all empty threats?" Andross asked.
James sighed, "Yeah, that's right. But I did still manage to flip you onto that table."
Andross' face turned red from being exposed in front of his siblings. "Alright, we can work with that" Corvus smiled.
"What about you, wolf?" Proxima asked.
Maverick continued to stand there in silence. "What's wrong, Wolfie?" Andross asked, "Cat got your tongue?"
James looked at Maverick, concerned his stubbornness would get himself killed. "Mav, just answer the question" James begged.
"No, James, I'm not going to answer them" he declared.
"Why not?" James asked.
"Why should I?" Maverick questioned, "What kind of benefit do I get by telling them whether or not I know how to fight?"
"How about the fact that we can get stronger?" James suggested.
"Doesn't seem worth it to me" Maverick stated.
"Then how about because Maw will squeeze the life out of you if you don't" Andross threatened.
"Go ahead" Maverick stated, "then your 'father' will be upset with you for killing me."
"Shall we test that theory?" Maw questioned, holding out his hand towards Maverick.
"Wait!" James shouted, "Let me see if I can get him to cooperate, please!"
Andross noticed a look of desperation on James' face. "Fine, McCloud, get that boyfriend of yours to fall in line" the monkey stated.
James brought Maverick away from the group real quick. "James, there's nothing you can say that'll get me to do what those creeps demand" Maverick said, when they were no longer in earshot.
"Oh, really?" James questioned, "Not even this?"
James started whispering in the lupine's ear, causing his facial expressions to change with Andross and his siblings watching. Maverick gave James a little glare shouting, "Damn it, McCloud, you're a real pain in my ass!"
The two rejoined the group with Andross saying, "Well, Wolfie, you gunna cooperate?"
"Yes, sir" Maverick stated, "As for that other question, no I don't have any fighting training experience. I've just been abused by your new buddy, George."
"Great!" Maw sighed, "We've got a wolf with no experience and a fox who can flip our little brother on a table."
"They do look pretty strong, though" Corvus pointed out.
"They better be, with how much they were in the gym at the Academy" Andross stated.
"Well, we better start with the basics" Maw stated.
"I have a question" James stated.
"What do you want McCloud?" Andross asked.
"Not that it's going to matter for a while, but how is anyone supposed to defeat Maw when he has telekinetic abilities?" he questioned.
Andross stood there unsure of how to answer the fox. "You know what, McCloud, no one likes a smart ass" the ape said, finally replying.
Obsidian, Proxima, and Corvus all stayed silent, turning to their telekinetic brother. He started smirking "I see you are very wise for a fox."
"To be fair, most foxes are known to be clever and strategic" James smiled.
"If you're so smart, I'm sure you'll figure out a strategy" Andross stated.
"Okay, boys" Proxima spoke up, "we need to get busy with training these children. Since they need basic training, we need to have the two of them do some sparring to see what we have to work with."
Andross spoke up saying, "I've got an idea."
"What are you thinking, Bowman?" Corvus questioned.
"I was thinking that you, Corvus, should spar with James for two reasons. One, we can see the skill level that James has, and two, James and Corvus are a bit more of the same body type so James might learn best from Corvus" Andross suggested.
James and Corvus looked at each other, smiling. "That works for me" Corvus nodded.
"Who's going to spar with Maverick?" James asked.
"I could fight him" Proxima volunteered, "What? I like fighting."
"Actually" Andross replied, "I kinda want to fight him."
"Fine" she sighed, "I'll fight him next time."
Corvus and James got settled in for their sparring match. "You ready, James?" Corvus asked.
"Sure am" James stated, "give me all you got."
"Are you sure about that?" Andross questioned, "These guys are all trained to kill."
James smiled, "Okay then, how about half the effort?"
"You got it!" Corvus chuckled, "Though you actually do need to give me all you got."
"I'll do my best" James shrugged.
"You got this, James!" Maverick chimed in.
The others glanced at the wolf with knowing looks. When the sparring match began, Corvus started off by charging toward James. James, surprisingly enough, spun out of the way of his opponent. "Impressive" Corvus said, smiling "you're quick and agile."
"I had been working on my leg strength and speed long before the Academy" James gloated.
"I see" Corvus nodded, "well, it's going to take more than speed and leg strength to beat me and my siblings."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from a child of Thanos" James said, looking at his pale skinned opponent.
A few minutes had passed and the sparring match between James and Corvus was still taking place. James had managed to get a few hits to Corvus' body and showed he can avoid attacks, even when fatigued. Proxima held up her hand saying, "Okay, I think we've seen enough to evaluate James' skill level."
The two males were bent over, breathing hard and sweating. Corvus reached out his hand to James saying, "Are you sure you've never had any fight training?"
"Not that I remember" James replied, catching his breath.
"Well, you've really impressed me" Corvus admitted, "depending on how your wolf friend does, it might not take as long to train you as we thought."
"Mav and I have been training with each other all year" James stated, "but I've never seen any of his fighting skills."
"Well, I guess you'll get to see them real soon" Corvus stated.
While these two were talking, Andross and Maverick got into place to start their match. James turned his attention from Corvus to Maverick. "Good luck, Mav!" James exclaimed.
The group watched with so much focus as the new sparring match took place. Andross and Maverick were swapping blows with each other, with some blocks occurring. The two didn't even seem to be attempting to avoid each other. "Wow!" Corvus whispered, leaning over to James "Those two seem to be evenly matched."
"Really?" James questioned, "Are you sure Andross isn't going at half intensity?"
"It doesn't look like it to me" Corvus said, crossing his arms.
"So, in your opinion how much training do you think we'll have to go through?" James asked.
"Well, I would consider Andross to be the least threatening of us five" Corvus stated, "and seeing how Maverick seems to be an even match for Andross, I think you guys should be at our level in a few months."
"Really?" James asked, snapping his head towards Corvus.
"Oh, for sure" he said, reassuring the fox "you two seem to have a surprisingly natural talent with physical combat. I look forward to seeing the progress you both have."
James and Corvus turned their attention back to the fight in time for them to see Maverick flip Andross on his back and pin him. "I think we've seen enough from these two" Maw stated, "based on the data we've gathered, we should be able to assess how long it'll take to train them."
"In my opinion, it shouldn't take much longer than six months for them to be able to match our skill level" Corvus stated, "Maverick held his own against Andross and it was clear to me that Andross wasn't holding back."
The group looked at Andross, as if they were expecting him to deny Corvus' theory. "Okay, yes I was going at full force and lost!" Andross exploded, "That wolf was determined."
"It's okay, Andross" Proxima stated, "no one here was judging you."
"I wouldn't say no one" James smirked.
"Shut it, McCloud!" Andross snapped, "It's not like you beat Corvus."
"You're right, Bowman, I didn't" James rebutted, "but Corvus wasn't fighting at max effort either."
Andross started growling as he walked toward the fox. "You want to go right now, McCloud?"
Cull Obsidian grabbed the ape before he could do any more damage. Ebony Maw started rubbing his head in frustration, "Andross, you are so pathetic to let someone get under your skin that easily."
"Alright boys, that's enough" Proxima stated, turning to Corvus "so, you really think they'll be able to meet the expectations of Thanos in six months?"
"I don't see why not" Corvus replied, "both of these young canines should be around very similar skill levels, seeing how they trained together all year."
"I'm honestly not sure if I'm at the same skill level as Maverick" James stated.
"Come on, James" Maverick stated, rolling his eyes. "We're like two sides of the same coin. I know for a fact that you're a badass."
"Nevertheless, I agree with Corvus" Maw stated, "I too believe these two should be able to be quickly trained."
"I look forward to seeing the results" came the deep, terrifying voice of Thanos.
The seven of them spun around to see the purple giant. "Sire, what are you doing in here?" Maw questioned.
"I wanted to check in on how you were doing, my children" Thanos stated.
"How much did you see?" Corvus asked.
"I walked in just in time to see Andross get pinned" he stated, eyeing the ape.
Andross tried to keep his gaze from meeting the large figure. "Father, it's not what you think" he stated.
Thanos held up one of his hands, silencing the ape. "I said I wanted these two to be capable of defeating you five" he smiled, "the wolf is clearly raw and will be a formidable opponent."
"I was wondering something" James stated.
"What's that, James?" Corvus questioned.
"Well, I've never been to a planet outside of the Lylat System" James began, "I was wondering if, while we're on this planet, we can explore some of the area."
Thanos had all eyes turn toward him, eager to hear his response. The purple giant smiled, turning his focus on James. "I don't see why not, my son" he commented, "just as long as you're accompanied by one of the Black Order."
"Who?" Maverick questioned.
"That's the name some other parts of the galaxy have given us" Proxima stated.
"Oh, that's a great group name" James commented, "Will Maverick and I be part of that?"
"I'm not even part of the Black Order" Andross scoffed, "so unless you become as deadly as these four, you'll never be members of the Order."
"Well, I think you two have had enough training for today" Thanos stated, "you better head to bed so you're well rested before the intense training begins."
The two canines were escorted back to their room by Corvus. Before James could enter the room, Corvus stated, "Good job today, James."
"Thank you, Corvus" James replied, "it was surprisingly fun to spar with you."
"I thought so too" Corvus smiled, "I look forward to being part of your fighting growth."
"Good night, Corvus" James said, holding out his paw.
The pale alien looked at the fox's paw and shook it. Then, without warning, he pulled the fox in with a firm embrace. James was caught off guard from the hug, initially, but wrapped his arms around the pale alien.
The two finished their hug, both feeling awkward. Corvus cleared his throat saying, "Night, kid."
James closed the door when Corvus walked away.
"What was that?" Maverick asked, sitting on the bed.
"I don't know what you're talking about" James denied, walking toward the bed.
"You were just hugging Corvus" Maverick stated, "Don't you realize that he's an enemy?"
"Of course, I do!" James declared, "I know what I'm doing, Mav."
"You better" Maverick exclaimed, standing up "because you told me earlier that me doing what Andross and his siblings want will get me back to my family, so I'm trusting that the plan you come up with will be enough to not kill us."
"I'm sure once we're trained enough for their liking, we can escape no problem" James explained, "in the meantime, I don't see a problem with befriending some of them."
"Just don't get too close to them" Maverick smirked.