(Sorry for the late update guys…things have been difficult lately…I haven't been able to will myself to write anything of my own lately. Hope things change for the better and I'm still trying to work on plans then hopefully eventually my book. Hope you all enjoy this update.)
Death Fury: Thanks.
Noble Six: Thanks.
Chapter 25: Detail and Demonstration
(New York City, unknown location, a few days later)
After Connell and his friends kept their promise to the Morlocks, he set up arrangements for Convict to be the ambassador between the two groups. She had made an impression on them during the fight with S.H.I.E.L.D and that she told them she was a mutant while she and Absolute Zero got them away from the fight. For now, Connell was hearing reports from some of the members.
"I've been using certain resources to make advanced tech for defensive and offensive manners for certain members. I've also been setting up more of the communication tech I gave you and your team. It's just sometimes difficult to keep this out of the public's eye, let alone my company's board," Gigi said.
"Thank you, I'm sorry that it's causing a strain," Connell replied.
"It's well worth it. Besides, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s been harassing me for such means for a while now. I've kept them away from my company's products and inventions. I'm just working on covering my tracks," Gigi added.
"If you need any help with that, we might be able to come up with something. But I hope there won't be any need for any of that," Connell said.
"Agreed," Gigi stated.
"Convict?" Connell said.
"The Morlocks are doing ok. They've moved from their last location, somewhere where Over Watch said S.H.I.E.L.D.'s scanners aren't as strong," Convict informed.
"Good. We need to keep up with them, make sure we can help them however we can while giving them their space," Connell replied.
Convict nodded.
"Absolute Zero?" Connell said.
"I've been talking with some of the members, most of them haven't ever been in a fight let alone a battle against S.H.I.E.L.D. and I believe there needs to be a training regiment in place," Absolute Zero suggested.
"Agreed, we'll see to that soon," Connell replied.
'Hmm, from student to teacher? This is an important part of your journey, young man,' Master Long said.
'Despite starting the fight, there's still more for me to learn. That's why I still train with you all when I can,' Connell replied.
Master Long didn't say anything, but Connell sensed his approval and the approval of the other spirits.
"Is there anything else?" Connell asked.
"I was about to tell you that some of the people are just sitting around and not doing shit. I guess you have your answer to that," Eren said, arms crossed.
"I guess I do. Get everyone together," Connell said.
"You got it," Eren said then left.
Connell saw the look of the couple, they held expressions that Connell found himself wondering about.
"What is it?" Connell asked.
"Some of us don't really need training," Richard said.
"Oh?" Connell said.
'A bit prideful this one,' Spartacus scoffed.
Lona smirked as she placed her hands on her hips.
"For some of us, it just comes natural," she chuckled.
'Or perhaps confident,' Mary Read chuckled.
Connell chuckled. He found himself wondering about Lona and Richard. After the team returned from helping the Morlocks, he heard no complaints with their leadership while he was gone. Of course he knew he wasn't gone all that long, but like Fatale he found himself sensing something about them that he couldn't quite put his finger on.
"Ok, I trust you. But I would still like you present there," Connell said, though he couldn't help some hesitance in his reply.
"Fair enough," Lona said.
Richard nodded in agreement. Connell nodded. After several minutes Connell and Absolute Zero stood before the rest of the resistance.
"How many of you been in a fight?" Connell asked.
A few hands were raised, more than Connell expected, but he was glad to see that.
"How many have you been trained to a certain extent in any form of combat?" Connell asked.
Very few raised their hands. Most were held up by the group standing by Lona and Richard. They all held similar energies to the couple, but Connell focused upon the entirety of the group again.
"As I don't have any powers, Absolute Zero will be the most influential instructor. I will oversee and train myself if the need arises for it. But for now, we have agreed to spar as a way for you to learn by watching. In time you all will get more hands on experience in training," Connell explained.
Connell and Absolute Zero walked to before one another, about 15 feet away from each other. Connell bowed then took a fighting stance. Absolute Zero nodded and took his own fighting stance. Absolute Zero made the first move. He threw two ice daggers at Connell. Connell ducked under the projectiles and raced forward. Absolute Zero continued to throw ice daggers, but Connell kept dodging them. Connell lunged with a kick, but Absolute Zero side stepped the attack. He formed an ice bat and swung it. Connell caught it then broke it with a swipe from his other hand. Absolute Zero swung a haymaker, but Connell caught him by the wrist. Absolute Zero then responded quickly by freezing his hand with hardened ice and threw a punch. Connell ducked under the strike by spreading his legs out to either side of him. He then retaliated with his own punch. Absolute Zero's torso was quickly covered by a sheet of ice which broke from Connell's strike. Connell then struck out with a Dragon Sweeps Its Tail technique, which Absolute Zero barely managed to dodge. But he started to slip and fall back. Connell grabbed his wrist and pulled him up. Connell released his grip.
"I think that's enough for the demonstration," Connell said.
Absolute Zero nodded and Connell nodded back. They both turned to face the crowd, whom looked back with various expressions but all had paid attention.
"In time each of you shall hone your powers and mold it with your skills. The team I have already fought with has shown their prowess and capability. But all of us will continue to train. The Sentinels and agents are one things, but the Thor clones will be an even greater opponent to face. For that we must learn with one another, build one another up, and stand together as one!" Connell proclaimed, raising one fist in the air.
The crowd cheered in agreement and approval.
'Strengthen the body, sharpen the mind, and support the spirit. Well done, young man. This will take time, but like water, in time, it can over come rock with patience and persistence,' Mari said.
'Then, let droplets with patience and persistence, become a tidal wave of change,' Connell replied.
To be continued…
(Again, sorry for the late update y'all. Hope you enjoyed this.)