"It is finally done young Howlett. You have spirit and I respect your decision. I will warn you however, this will not be an easy path to take."
"I'm ready to learn. If it means protecting our world and stopping the monsters from the other side, I'll do whatever it takes." David nodded knowing that nothing worthwhile came easy.
Greene studied him for a long moment before finally nodding. "Very well. We will begin your training, but first watch." A vortex began to form between the pillars of stone that sealed Garth and motion pictures of the so called monsters began to be played on the vortex like a hologram projection.
'Aren't those deviants? What in the eternals name are these things doing here? That was a close call. I was planning to explore that realm in the beginning.'
"Its too bad that we could not hear them from that realm but these monsters are basically immortal if not killed directly. The ancestors have tried everything but in the end they still had to resort to sealing Garth unable to kill him." Greene spoke in reminiscent of his ancestor's past before the vortex finally vanished.
"As the guardian, you will feel the activities of the seal through the mark." Greene pointed at the diamond pattern on David's palm before continuing. "The mark will produce this shape whenever it takes an equivalent of ten years of life from you. This rarely happens so you won't have to worry about it at all. I think only the second generation Howlett was marked with two of these."
We will immediately begin you training. Rest well for tonight. The following morning, in the surrounding forest of Howlett manor.
"First, concentrate," Greene instructed, halting in a small clearing bathed in dappled sunlight. "Close your eyes, feel the ground beneath you, and let your thoughts drift away. Listen to the heartbeat of the world."
David nodded and closed his eyes, concentrating on the sounds around him. The rustle of leaves, the chirping of distant birds, and the soft hum of life all resonated within him. As he tuned in, he felt a pulse beneath the surface, a rhythmic thrum that echoed his own heartbeat. The energy flowed through him, weaving into his very essence.
"Good," Greene said, his voice steady and calm. "Now, channel that energy. Picture it coursing through your veins, filling you with strength. Let it guide you." As he did as instructed, David felt an overwhelming sense of connection, as if he were rooted to the earth itself. Suddenly, images flickered in his mind. There are visions of ancient rituals, spirits dancing in the twilight, and the powerful forces of nature being harnessed.
"Now, draw upon that connection," Greene instructed seemingly noticing David's natural affinity to shamanic wisdom and his rapid advancement. "Focus on the elements around you. The earth, air, fire, and water. Each has its own spirit, its own will. You must learn to respect them and guide them with your will, but do not dominate them. That will only weaken your sway over the elements."
A soft breeze caressed his face, and he felt the air respond to his thoughts. As he concentrated, he could sense the whispers of the wind, urging him to embrace its chaotic nature. "Breathe," Greene encouraged. "Breathe with it. Let it fill you."
David exhaled slowly, feeling the air swirl around him, growing stronger with each breath. He opened his eyes to see a whirlwind of leaves dancing in the clearing, forming intricate patterns that seemed to echo his own thoughts. It was exhilarating and terrifying, but also empowering.
"Excellent," Greene said, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "You've tapped into the spirit of air. Now, let's turn to the earth. Picture roots extending from your feet..." David felt the solidity of the earth beneath him, the strength of ancient trees, the wisdom of centuries past flowing into him. It was a grounding sensation, one that made him feel invincible.
"The spirits of the land can be your allies," Greene continued. "But you must respect them. Your ancestors forged a bond with the Cheyenne shaman, and that legacy lives on in you. With each lesson, you will learn to communicate with them, to understand their wants and needs."
Greene regarded him for a moment, and David sensed a flicker of something softer in his eyes. "Then we will continue. But remember, wisdom is as important as power. As you grow stronger, you will face trials that will test not just your abilities, but your heart."
David replied, a grin breaking through the seriousness of the moment. "I'm ready."
Over the next few days, David trained tirelessly under Greene's watchful eye. He learned to commune with the spirits, to listen to their whispers in the rustling leaves and flowing waters. He practiced bending the elements to his will, creating gusts of wind and manipulating roots and vines, harnessing nature's power for his purposes.
Each day, he felt his abilities growing, his connection to the earth deepening. David began to realize that his journey would not only involve fighting the monsters but also seeking harmony with the forces of nature and the spirits that governed them.
As they sat around a small fire one evening, Greene shared stories of his ancestors, tales of the Cheyenne shaman and the trials he faced to maintain the balance of the world. David listened intently, absorbing the wisdom that flowed from Greene's lips like the gentle trickle of a stream.
"Power must be wielded with intention," Greene said, his voice low and reflective. "It is easy to be swayed by ambition, to let it lead you astray. But true strength lies in knowing when to fight and when to find a different path." David nodded, feeling the weight of Greene's words settle in his heart.
1858 North-western Territory Howlett Mannor
A blade of wind shot forth with a whoosh and Greene dodged with a graceful spin with lightning crackling in his hands. He landed on his feet and the lightning bolted forward only to be met with a rock wall.
There was a slight pause but then the rock wall moved towards Greene like a bulldozer which he easily avoided with a small leap. When the boulder missed, it suddenly exploded into shrapnel of stones that was blocked by a barrier of his own.
"You are getting good at this." Greene commends David as he easily caught the pillar of fire that was heading toward him and redirecting it to David who quickly dodged like a fish swimming in the air and closing in for a melee. "Very good!"
Three years passed in the blink of an eye and David's training had transformed him beyond recognition, sharpening not just his abilities to a razor's edge but also his looks. He stood two meters tall with an athletic build and all the muscles in right places. He is both fast and strong.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the clearing where they trained and Greene landed before David, his expression a mix of pride and melancholy. "I have no more to teach you," he announced, his voice resonating with finality and satisfaction. "I believe you are ready, David. You have surpassed even my expectations."
David felt a swell of emotion at Mr. Greene's words. The years had not just made him stronger but it also made him understand much of the rules of this world. "Thank you, Mr. Greene. I wouldn't be where I am without your guidance."
Greene nodded, a hint of a smile breaking through his stern demeanor. "So what do you plan to do next?" He asked casually.
"Well I will head out to find opportunities in other places. I will have to leave for a little while... but I'm thinking Egypt." A glint sparkled in David's eyes.
"During which the Howlett estate will fall under your management as usual. If my brother returns and is interested then you can just let him do as he pleases provided that he will not do anything overboard that may affect the progress of our current projects... Speak of the devil and he will appear!"
"Won't you give your little brother a hug? It's been a long time..." David smiled walking slowly towards the presences he felt. James then came out of his hiding followed by Victor Creed who just gave David a savage grin and nodding to Mr. Greene.
"You're not exactly 'little' anymore." James spoke in a joking manner while marveling at David's tall figure as if asking 'What did they feed you?'.