Outside of Shannon, Eli was nearly impossible to manipulate. Whether that was a byproduct of how he was raised or something that came naturally to him via sheer stubbornness to change was unknown. Even though he was enamored with Shannon, he wasn't one to just let him walk all over him. Portions of his powers were still hidden from Shannon, not because he didn't trust him, but just because Eli likes to have a few of his own secrets, even if Shannon would end up getting upset with him in the future.

"I know that well enough, boss. You don't do anything without reason and you wouldn't pick the kid up to train if you didn't think he was something," Jasper replied easily. It was true, Shannon always had plans for everything and everyone and if Eli was his protege, then Shannon had plans for him. "It's not so much pathetic as it's him looking like a kid. You don't often see him truly serious about anything, do you? He's always upbeat and acting like a big kid instead of the adult he is."