15 Heat of Doubt #15

Warren Worthington, also known as Angel. Kurt Wagner, also known as Nightcrawler. Robert Drake, also known as Iceman, and Kitty Pride, also known as Shadowkat, approached the imposing entrance to the Danger Room.

Today was the day they would meet their new combat instructor and experience their first lesson under his guidance. As they walked, their feelings were mixed, with excitement and skepticism about being taught by a stranger they had never met.

Other students couldn't attend to various circumstances. While others were simply disinterested due to doubts about the new combat instructor or a simple lack of desire to improve, but that's neither here nor there.

Iceman, encased in his icy form, was the first to voice his doubts, his breath visible in the cold air as he spoke. "Do we need so many combat instructors? Logan is already a bonafide badass," he remarked, his skepticism evident in his tone.

Angel raised an eyebrow and replied, "I have my doubts too, but I doubt Professor Xavier would have hired him if he wasn't qualified. We should give him a chance."

Always one to give others the benefit of the doubt, Nightcrawler turned to Shadowkat, his three-fingered hands gently resting on his tail. "You met the guy before, haven't you? What do you think about him?" he inquired, genuinely curious about her impression of their new instructor.

Shadowkat's lips curved into a playful smile as she recalled their brief encounter. "I only bumped into him on my way somewhere a few days ago," she admitted, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "All I know is his name, Evan Shepherd, and that he's pretty smooth." She chuckled, remembering how Evan had managed to charm Storm of all people and take her on a date on his first day at the mansion.

Angel gave Kitty a strange look, puzzled by her words, but he decided not to press further. Instead, he took the initiative to open the massive metal doors that guarded the entrance to the Danger Room. With a firm push, the doors groaned and slowly slid apart, revealing the simulated environment that awaited them.

"Talking about it won't do us any good," Angel stated firmly, his wings twitching slightly with anticipation. "We're here now, so we might as well go in and see for ourselves what this new instructor has prepared for us."

The rest of the X-Men nodded in agreement, their curiosity piqued by the unknown challenges ahead. As the gates fully opened, they stepped forward and were taken aback by the breathtaking scene before them.

Before their eyes, an old western town nestled in the heart of a vast desert landscape stretched as far as they could see. The realism of the simulation was stunning, every detail meticulously crafted to immerse them in the Wild West setting. The scorching heat of the desert sun bore down upon them, making Iceman's icy demeanor less comfortable.

"I don't like this guy already," Iceman muttered, rubbing his arms as he felt the heat penetrating his icy form.

Kurt Wagner, aka Nightcrawler, grinned and placed a reassuring hand on Iceman's shoulder. "Come now, my friend," he remarked cheerfully. "There's no need to judge someone before meeting them. Let's see what he has in store for us."

With Kurt's encouragement, the group stepped further into the simulated western town, their eyes darting around, taking in the sights and sounds of the virtual world. Dusty streets, wooden buildings with creaking shutters, and an eerie silence in the air created an authentic atmosphere.

"Where is he anyway?" Iceman questioned, his eyes scanning the area for signs of their new combat instructor.

Angel observed the rundown structures, their paint faded and doors half-hinged, except for one building that stood out—a well-maintained saloon, its swinging doors inviting them inside. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he pointed toward the saloon. "Maybe in there?" he suggested.

Kitty nodded in agreement, her curiosity piqued. "Yeah, you're probably right," she replied, her eyes alight with intrigue. "Let's take a look and find out what surprises he has waiting for us."

With a shared sense of anticipation, the X-Men made their way to the saloon, the creaking of their boots on the wooden floor echoing through the simulated town. As they approached the entrance, the doors swung open with a theatrical flair, revealing the dimly lit interior and a figure sitting at the bar, clad in a dark suit.

...

I raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the bar as I watched the four mutants enter the room. My eyes scanned over them, assessing their demeanor and body language. "Hmmm... I was expecting more of you to show up, but I suppose I can work with only four students," I remarked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

It's been four days since my date with Ororo, and though I spent some time with her inside the X-mansion, I didn't ask her out again. I plan to do so soon, but not at the risk of appearing too clingy. I do like Ororo, but these things take time and patience, both of which I had and was willing to invest in her.

Besides enjoying Ororo's company, I've spent most of my time relaxing inside and outside the X-mansion. I had nothing better to do anyway, and it's always good to stop and smell the flowers from time to time whenever you had the chance.

With an easygoing manner, I introduced myself, "My name is Evan Shepherd, and I'll be your combat instructor for the foreseeable future." The four mutants nodded, showing varying degrees of enthusiasm. They introduced themselves one by one. Though, I already knew their names, powers, and any other details that might be useful during their training, I still nodded.

Once the introductions were done, Iceman wasted no time voicing his doubts about me. "No offense, dude," he said, his arms crossed, "but we already have a combat instructor. Logan has been doing a pretty good job at it too."

I chuckled, understanding their loyalty to Wolverine, who was a seasoned fighter and a respected member of the X-Men. "No offense taken," I replied with a playful grin. "I'm sure Wolverine is perfectly capable of teaching you how to tear someone's face off with your bare hands, but that's not what I aim to do..."

I shook my head and added, "I'm here to teach you how to utilize your powers more efficiently and how to work as a team..."

Angel's sigh hung in the air, and I could sense the weight of recent events pressing upon him. Poor teamwork had almost cost them a team member's life during what should have been an easy mission. "Well, we have been struggling with teamwork recently," he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration.

I nodded in understanding, empathizing with their predicament. "Indeed," I agreed, my casual tone contrasting with the seriousness of the matter. "I can tell you from past experience that working with an uncoordinated team, especially one with such diverse powers like yours, could be a recipe for disaster."

With a confident smile, I continued, "But fear not, my friends. You have me now, and I'll make it my mission to smooth over your dilemmas. Teamwork and proper coordination will come as naturally as breathing, as long as you adhere to my instructions and put in the effort."

Their reactions varied, each mutant displaying their own emotions in response to my words. Shadowkat seemed amused by my confidence, a glimmer of curiosity shining in her eyes. Nightcrawler, ever the optimist, took my words at face value and appeared excited to learn from me.

On the other hand, Iceman didn't even bother to hide his skepticism, sizing me up with a critical eye. His icy demeanor made it clear that he wasn't easily impressed. Angel was harder to read as he maintained a calm demeanor, but I could sense the doubts lingering beneath the surface.

"Still, Actions speak louder than words," I acknowledged, meeting Iceman's gaze without faltering. "I'm well aware some of you might have doubts, and I'm prepared to address them.

"As there aren't many of you today, we'll forgo the lesson I'd originally planned..." I paused to think, then quickly added, "We'll perform a quick activity, which I'm sure will assuage most of, if not all, of your concerns..."

Kitty raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by what I had in mind. "What did you have in mind, Professor Shepherd?"

"Evan will do, my dear," I said with a smile, shaking my head. "I've yet to earn the right to be called professor. As for what I have in mind..." I said, purposely trailing off as I retrieved a handkerchief from my inner pocket.

I displayed the handkerchief to the four students before putting it into my jacket's front pocket and saying, "It's a simple game, a test if you will... if you win, I leave and never come back..."

"If I win, you'll have to attend all my lessons and do as I say without complaint..." I concluded.

Seemingly intrigued by my words, Iceman grinned. "Sounds interesting... what's this game? I'm guessing it has something to do with that handkerchief of yours?"

I nodded with a smile and said. "That it does... you have two hours to steal it from me, and that's your win condition..."

...

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