"Elbows in. Balance your stance. Better, but still off. Focus is everything."
Watches intently Good. Keep your center of gravity low. You're getting the hang of it. Now, try shifting your weight to the balls of your feet.
trying to master it, he accidentally drops his towel as he shifts his weight, revealing himself naked
Raises an eyebrow, trying to hide a smirk Well, aren't we getting bold today?
Blushes and hurriedly picks up the towel Uh...I-it was an accident!
Laughs Accidents happen, Douglas. Don't worry about it. Just focus on your training. We'll get you sorted out later.
Nods, blushing furiously Alright, alright. Back to training. Where were we?
puts on an intense expression We were working on your footwork. Let's continue. Remember to stay light on your feet and move quickly. Ready? Go!
feeling self-conscious after the accidental exposure, struggles to concentrate Right...footwork...got it. attempts to follow Scott's instructions
Takes a step back, observing Douglas's movements Not bad, Douglas. Your technique is improving.
Shifting uncomfortably under Scott's gaze Thanks, Coach. I'm...uh...getting better, right?
smiles encouragingly Absolutely, Douglas. You're making progress, and that's what matters.
Ughhh....this sucks! Why do I have these damn powers?!
walks over to Douglas, placing a hand on his shoulder I know it can be tough, Douglas. Having powers doesn't make life any easier.
My mutant power is to manipulate pheromones, which means I'm an outcast at school even before I start learning how to use them responsibly...
<As Douglas struggles with his mutant power and feels like an outcast, he becomes increasingly withdrawn and isolated, struggling with depression.>
I need help with my power...where do I even start?
Pauses, thinking for a moment Alright, Douglas. I understand that you're feeling overwhelmed right now, but we can't let that stop us.
Nods Okay, okay. So where do we start?
Gently removes his hand from Douglas's shoulder and takes a step back First, we need to establish a solid foundation.
Swallowing hard Establish a...foundation? How do we do that?
Grabs a marker and draws a circle on the floor Think of this circle as your personal space, Douglas. Your power operates on a chemical level, so we need to train you to control those chemicals within your own sphere. Steps back Now, I want you to focus on visualizing yourself manipulating those pheromones. Picture it, feel it, and make it happen. Can you do that for me, Douglas?
Visibly tense, hesitates before nodding Okay...I'll try.
Smiles reassuringly That's the spirit, Douglas. Remember, controlling your power takes time and practice.
Concentrates hard, biting his lip Alright, I'm picturing it now...controlling the pheromones. Got it...
Nods approvingly Good job, Douglas. Keep holding onto that visualization. Now, let's take it a step further.
Struggling to maintain focus Okay...I'm...I'm trying.
Slides a small vial filled with a clear liquid into Douglas's hand This is a potion that will enhance your senses and allow you to better connect with your power. Drink it slowly, savoring every drop. Feel the energy coursing through your veins.
Swallows the potion in one gulp, grimacing slightly Ughh...that tastes awful...
Chuckling softly Yes, it's not the most pleasant taste, but trust me, it's worth it. Now, let's begin the next part of the training.
Glancing down at his now trembling hands What...what's next?
Steps closer to Douglas, placing a reassuring hand on his trembling shoulder Next, we're going to work on channeling your power into physical actions.
Swallowing hard Physical actions? Like what?
Leads Douglas to a large punchbag hanging from the ceiling We're going to start with something simple, like punching.
His face pales I...I don't know if I can do this...
<As Douglas punches the bag, he loses control of his pheromone manipulation and accidentally knocks himself out cold.>
Rushes to Douglas's side, concern etched on his face Douglas, can you hear me? Come on, wake up! Gently shakes Douglas's shoulder