章 50: New Path
Leading Hank through the mansion basement and into the stark metal confines of the Danger Room, Scott went straight to the control panel as Logan leaned against te wall nearby, arms crossed and watching with his usual inscrutable expression. The walls of the room were bare with nothing but a few distinct panels on the walls, training equipment and an array of modular obstacles that could be repositioned to create different courses.
Though it was a far cry from what the Danger Room would become in the future, for now it was good enough. A good spot to begin training Hank and the future members of the X-Men to face the dangers to come.
"Alright, Hank," Scott said, pressing a few buttons on the control panel, the modular obstacles shifting and panels on the wall opening to reveal more. "This isn't just about endurance and agility. It's about mindset, situational awareness, adapting under pressure and pushing you past your limits. I know it looks simple, but every step here is designed to make you grow."
Hank swallowed, his eyes flickering over the various setups—a narrow balancing beam, hurdles positioned at irregular intervals and that was just the nonlethal obstacles. Looking at a few of them, Hank had a feeling that it wouldn't be an easy or even a painless experience.
Stepping back, Scott nodded to Hank as a signal to begin who took a steadying breath. Yet the momentary hesitation in his expression, a flicker of doubt that betrayed his unease was easy to spot. Scott knew that look well; he'd been extremely familiar with that expression as it reflected his own feelings within himself.
"Just start when you're ready, Hank," Scott urged. His tone was firm, pushing Hank without being harsh. But Scott knew that Hank's hesitation would not disappear instantly. The path from caution to confidence was never easy for those who bore doubts about their own abilities as Hank did. He also knew that the only way for Hank to grow was through challenge and exposure to his powers.
Hank's first step wavered, the doubt within him clear, but he forced himself across the beam. He traversed across it with ease yet it was slow, his own doubts and lack of confidence being the main reason for his struggle.
Logan's brow furrowed as he watched Hank continue through the obstacle course and Scott felt Logan's scrutiny on him as well. Scott understood Logan's stance; Logan's tough-love approach was something Cyclops had often clashed with but had later grown to see its purpose. Scott though, aimed to be a bridge between Logan's harsh lesson and Hank's lingering doubts.
Making his way through a few more obstacles, Hank finally started to ease up and Scott allowed himself a small nod of approval. "Remember," Scott called out, "this isn't just about getting through it. Pay attention and notice your surroundings. You never know what can happen when you're too focused on a single thing."
Hank nodded, leaping over another hurdle and sliding underneath a spinning metal pole, quickly getting to his feet and jumping over the next that swooped low. He was beginning to build momentum, clearing each one with growing confidence.
It wasn't much, especially considering Hank was already in good physical conditioning but the current issue came with Hank's mental state. He doubted himself and that meant he was holding back a great deal, limiting himself. Even without proper control of his powers, an obstacle course of this level would be easy, but Hank was struggling because he was limiting himself.
Even so, the confidence that was slowly forming was allowing some of his natural powers and ability to shine through though Scott remained composed as he felt a flicker of satisfaction. Every step Hank was taking was progress—no matter how small they were.
But even as Hank improved, Scott felt the weight of urgency joining with the weight of Cyclops' experiences. The challenges, relentless threats and constant danger were never going to disappear. He couldn't reveal these memories to anyone, he didn't know if anyone else would be able to handle the weight of them, even he struggled with it. But with this burden also came the burden of preparing for it and that was why he was determined to relentlessly push him.
Small steps for now, but once progress began he would capitalise. Hank was beginning to feel confident and that was what Scott would take advantage of for the remainder of the training session.
It was why while Hank was beginning to find his footing that Scott moved back to the controls, his voice taking on a firmer note as he began to increase the tempo of the obstacles. "Keep going. Don't think, just react."
Hank's breathing increased as the danger elevated and he stumbled slightly, catching himself just before he lost his balance. Logan let out a slight grunt, his approval as subtle and as gruff as ever. But Scott could tell—Logan was recognising that Scott had found a way to push Hank without breaking him.
After a few more obstacles, Hank finally managed to come to a stop at the other end, bracing his hands against his knees and breathing heavily. But despite the struggles, there was a glint of confidence and satisfaction in his eyes, something that Scott was pleased to see.
"Good job," Scott said though he did keep his mouth shut about Hank having struggled more than he should have, just pleased to see something other than doubt and hesitance in his eyes.
"Thanks," Hank replied.
That was when Logan came forward. "Right, kid," Logan grunted as Scott took a step back. "Time to spar."
Hank hesitated, looking from Scott to Logan with a flicker of uncertainty. "Don't hold back." That was the only advice Scott gave him, his tone calm but firm. "Logan's not going to go easy on you, and you shouldn't either."
Logan cracked his knuckles, a slight smirk on his face. "Come on, kid. Let's see what you're made of."
As they squared off, Scott watched carefully, noting Hanl's sloppy, defensive stance full of holes. It was a sign of his inexperience with fighting, but it was far better than it would have been considering before his earlier confidence booster the possibility of him even deciding to spar would have been slim to none.
Then the sparring began with Logan rushing Hank.
He was relentless and merciless, throwing powerful, heavily choreographed haymakers pushing Hank to react with his quicker reflexes. Hank's hesitation was clear as Logan had left himself purposefully open for Hank to retaliate with on purpose.
Logan was trying to get Hank to fight back.
But Hank was still hesitant and so, Logan picked up the tempo with a powerful blow to the sternum that sent Hank stumbling back gasping for air. Logan at least had the sense to wait for Hank to recover before coming at him again, but once again Hank didn't take advantage of the opening and like before, Logan eventually landed another blow.
It was a simple means of getting Hank to fight back.
Anger him.
Scott kept quiet as he watched it unfold, knowing that from Cyclops' memories that the best way to work with Logan in these situations was to let the other have control over a certain aspect of training. Scott would oversee the entirety of the training schedule and in return, Logan would oversee the sparring.
Neither would interfere with the other leading to a lack of clashing heads.
It was a brutish means of training, but when Hank eventually got riled up enough to finally land a punch that sent Logan crashing to the floor, Scott could acknowledge the simple effectiveness of it. He could see the spark of excitement in Hank's eyes. It was fleeting, but it was there—a sign of the kind of growth Scott wanted to see and what Hank would need for the future.
Spitting out some blood, Logan pushed himself to his feet, rolling his jaw and Scott allowed himself a small smirk, there was something satisfying about the sight of Logan like he was. Well, it wasn't really a mystery as to why seeing Logan like this was satisfying.
"Nice one, Hank," Scott praised. "Don't be afraid to let loose with your powers. One of Logan's mutant abilities is a healing factor. If you want to understand and actually control your powers when push comes to shove, having a human punching bag is the best way to go about it."
Scott pointedly ignored the look sent his way by Logan, even more so considering hiding his smile was impossible especially when Hank let out a short, quiet chuckle.
"Go again." Scott encouraged and though still hesitant, there was a shift in his stance, a little more confident and a little more willing to fight.
-X-
Walking up to Hank who was sat down at the edge of the Danger Room looking entirely exhausted with his first day of training. It was a different kind of training than what he was used to, both physically and mentally which was why it had taken a lot out of him.
"You did well, Hank," Scott praised extending a bottle of water out to Hank who took it gratefully. "But you hesitate far too much. Just remember—you have the powers and you have the right mindset to control your abilities. You just have to trust yourself."
Hank looked at him, his gaze steady. "I'm trying, Scott. It's...it's just hard sometimes."
Scott nodded his head, sitting down beside Hank. "It's never easy. I'm still not fully in control of my powers. I have to regularly let out blasts otherwise the buildup of energy will get too big. But trust me—if you keep pushing yourself, you'll reach a point where it becomes natural."
Nodding his head, Hank rose to his feet, pausing momentarily. "Thanks, Scott," he said before leaving to go shower. Scott himself got to his feet only for his phone to buzz in his pocket.
Glancing down, Scott smiled as he saw Warren's name flash on the screen. "Hey, Warren. Everything alright?"
There was a pause on the other end before Warren spoke, his usual confidence muted. "I've been thinking a lot since we last talked, Scott. About… everything."
Scott leaned against the wall, sensing the weight in Warren's tone. "Go on."
"In New York, I thought I had it all figured out," Warren continued, his voice rough around the edges. "I wanted to help, to be part of something bigger. But now… I can't shake the feeling that I'm just… skating on the surface. I need a purpose. Real training. So, is the offer still open?"
Scott felt a surge of respect for Warren's honesty. Warren had always carried himself with a blend of confidence and charm, but this was different. This was vulnerability, a willingness to step into the unknown to become something more.
"It is," Scott replied, his voice steady. "But understand this, Warren: this isn't just about skills. Being here means pushing past your limits every single day. You're sure you're ready?"
Another pause, and then Warren's voice grew firm. "I am. I need this. Just… keep that door open for me, Scott. I'll see you soon."
Scott nodded, though Warren couldn't see him. "Alright. Just let me know when you're ready to make the move."
The line clicked off, leaving Scott alone in the quiet of the Danger Room. He pocketed his phone, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. One by one, they were finding their paths, stepping into roles they'd once only imagined. Warren, Hank, and even himself—they were each carving out their place, driven by purpose, uncertainty, and a relentless will to grow.
As Scott left the Danger Room, he realized he wasn't just training them. They were all building something together, piece by piece. And whatever lay ahead, he knew they'd face it together.
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