Mutant Minds | Stray Kids x X-Men

25: Bring Out The Animal

A week had passed since Changbin's conversation with Hank, and in that time, things had started to feel more normal—at least as normal as they could be for someone with a newly enhanced, Dargonite-infused skeleton. But Changbin wasn't one to slow down, and Logan had a new challenge for him: mastering movement on all fours, like an animal.

Logan and Changbin were in a secluded part of the school grounds, away from prying eyes. The area was filled with trees and uneven terrain, perfect for the kind of training Logan had in mind.

"Alright, kid," Logan called out, standing a few feet away from Changbin. "You've got the instincts. Now we just need to hone them. Moving on all fours might seem unnecessary, but trust me, it can be a game changer when you're in tight spots. You'll be faster, quieter, and harder to hit."

Changbin nodded, crouching low to the ground. He'd been practicing this for the past few days, and it was starting to feel more natural. His body, already enhanced by his mutation, seemed to adapt quickly. "Got it. Let's do this."

Logan smirked. "Remember, you're not just running. Think like an animal. Use all your senses. Don't rely on just your eyes—trust your instincts. You've got heightened senses for a reason."

Changbin dropped to all fours, his Dargonite claws digging slightly into the dirt for traction. He took a deep breath, focusing on the world around him. He could hear the rustle of leaves in the wind, smell the earth beneath him, and sense Logan's presence even when he wasn't directly looking at him.

"Good," Logan muttered, watching Changbin carefully. "Now, let's see some speed. Pretend there's something chasing you, and you need to get out of here fast."

With a nod, Changbin took off. He moved quickly, his body low to the ground, muscles coiled and ready to spring. The speed was exhilarating, and the way his body responded felt almost primal. He weaved through the trees, leaping over roots and ducking under low branches. The movement was fluid, almost like he was born to do this.

Logan followed at a steady pace, keeping a close eye on Changbin's form. "Not bad, kid. You're getting the hang of it. But don't just rely on speed—use your environment. Climb, jump, change directions. Keep whoever's after you guessing."

Changbin nodded, taking the advice to heart. He jumped onto a fallen tree, using it as a springboard to propel himself forward, landing silently on the other side. He then ducked into a small thicket, practically disappearing from view.

Logan's grin widened. "You're getting there. But don't get cocky. You need to be able to do this under pressure, when you're tired, injured, or scared out of your mind. The enemy won't give you a break."

Changbin skidded to a halt, breathing hard but feeling more alive than he had in days. He turned to face Logan, a determined look in his eyes. "I can handle it. I need to be ready for anything."

Logan approached, nodding approvingly. "You're right, and you will be. But remember, this isn't just about being fast or strong. It's about survival. You've got instincts that most people can only dream of, and you've got to trust them, especially when things get ugly."

Changbin straightened up, still on all fours but now more relaxed. "It's weird, but this feels... natural, you know? Like, my body just knows what to do."

"That's the animal in you," Logan said, his tone serious. "You and I, we're not like everyone else. We've got something primal in us, something that's closer to the surface than it is for most people. And you've got to learn how to control that, how to use it without letting it use you."

Changbin nodded, understanding exactly what Logan meant. "I won't let it control me. I'm in charge."

"Good," Logan said, clapping a hand on Changbin's shoulder. "But don't forget, it's also a part of you. Embrace it when you need to. It's what makes you a damn good fighter."

Changbin grinned, feeling a surge of pride. "Thanks, Logan. I'm ready to keep pushing myself."

Logan's eyes glinted with approval. "We're just getting started, kid. You've got the potential to be one of the best. But that means the training's only going to get tougher from here."

Changbin chuckled, standing up fully and brushing the dirt off his hands. "Bring it on. I can take it."

"Damn right you can," Logan said with a smirk. "Now, let's get back to it. We've got a lot more ground to cover."

As they resumed their training, Changbin couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. Every day, he was getting stronger, faster, and more in tune with his abilities. And with Logan's guidance, he knew there was no limit to how far he could go.