"Power… I need more power."
The shout echoed across the cracked training ground.
Dust lifted from the floor, spiraling around Rai as chaotic gusts tore through the air. His aura flared unevenly, a dim crimson light flickering violently around his body like a flame struggling to stay alive.
Across from him stood Lee.
Calm. Still. Unmoved.
His black hair was neatly parted down the middle, sweat faintly glinting on his forehead. His arms were folded as he watched Rai's unstable energy rage without control.
"That's enough, Rai. Training ends here," Lee said firmly, his voice cutting cleanly through the roar of the aura. "Call it quits."
"Not a chance," Rai snapped through gritted teeth. "I'm not letting you win this time."
He forced more power out.
The aura surged harder but his body began to shake.
Rai launched himself forward.
He flew straight past Lee.
"What the-?" Rai stumbled, barely catching himself. "Why isn't my body listening?!"
He turned and charged again, throwing wild punches fueled by desperation. His movements were rushed, unbalanced, leaving openings everywhere.
Lee sidestepped every attack with ease.
Too easy.
He's doing it again, Lee thought. Forcing everything out. No control. Just panic. If I don't stop this now, he'll collapse… or worse.
Rai lunged forward again, faster this time, vision narrowed.
"Let's finish th-"
Lee vanished.
A sharp chop struck the side of Rai's neck.
Everything went black.
The aura disappeared instantly. The air grew heavy and still.
Lee exhaled slowly, shaking his head as he bent down and lifted Rai over his shoulder.
"Still no control," he muttered. "You're going to kill yourself at this rate."
The scene shifted to the Optimus hideout.
Rai lay stretched across a large couch in the lounge, fully healed. He groaned softly as consciousness returned, his hand instinctively reaching for his neck.
"…Why does it hurt?" he muttered.
Across the room, Lee stood in the kitchen area, placing a plate of food on the table. Meat, eggs, sliced avocado simple, filling.
"You're awake," Lee said, glancing over his shoulder. "Good. Eat."
Rai sat up and did exactly that.
After a few bites, Lee spoke again.
"The training was solid," he said. "But you still lack control."
Rai frowned. "How am I supposed to control it when you always beat me?"
Lee snorted lightly. "You don't have to beat me. It's training for a reason, dude."
Rai kept eating, chewing quietly.
Lee continued, his tone calmer now. "Don't get discouraged. You've made real progress since you were little."
Rai swallowed. "I barely fight anyone my age. Let alone someone at my level."
Lee paused, unsure how to respond.
"You pushed hard today," he finally said. "Too hard. You need to meditate, learn how to manage your emotions. Every time you get overwhelmed, you rush straight into overdrive."
He nodded toward the hallway. "Go rest. Somewhere quiet."
Rai nodded, finished his plate, and left the lounge.
As the door closed behind him, another voice spoke up.
"How's the boy?"
Zafina stood near the bar counter, her long dark hair tied back. She walked toward Lee as he leaned against the wall.
"Same result as usual," Lee said. "But there were improvements."
Zafina crossed her arms. "We don't have much time, Lee. The Juvenile Tournament is close. He's our only ticket."
Lee sighed. "I know. I'll keep pushing him. He's getting better just not fast enough."
Before she could reply, the entrance door slammed open.
"I NEED MY BEERS. NOW!"
The entire hideout shook from the shout.
Bryan stumbled in, massive and impossible to ignore. His ripped jean jacket hung loosely over his muscular frame, brown mohawk standing tall like a warning sign. His military boots thudded loudly as he marched toward the bar.
"For god's sake, Bryan," Zafina groaned. "Could you be any louder?"
"Sorry," Bryan grinned, already grabbing a bottle. "I want beer."
Zafina sighed, then looked back at Lee.
"This tournament matters," she said firmly. "The reward is too important. Make sure Rai gets the right training before it's announced."
Lee nodded slowly.
"I will."