In the depths of the secret basement in Munich, one of the massive old experimental halls had been converted into a training ground. The air was so cold that breath came out as mist, but Ari was breaking a sweat, clad in a tight black combat suit, struggling to direct the energy coursing through her veins toward metallic targets set up by Fang.
(Ari Internally, panting heavily: Damn it! This isn't as easy as the first time. That time was driven by fear for him, but now.. the energy feels like wild horses refusing to obey me. Look at Lu Ming.. standing there like a marble statue, watching my every move with hawk-like eyes. Is he impressed by my skill? Or is he planning to kill me if I fail?)
Lu Ming stepped forward slowly, wearing a light training vest that accentuated his restless muscles. He stood directly behind Ari, and she felt the heat of his body piercing through the hall's chill.
"You're trying to push the energy with your heart, and that's a mistake," he said in a low, deep voice near her ear. "The electromagnetic energy in the Li family's veins stems from the nerves, not emotion. Focus.. stop thinking about saving me, and think about destroying the target."
(Ari Internally, her heart beating like war drums: Stop thinking about saving you? How can I do that when you're standing right behind me, breathing hot air on my neck? The scent of forest wood and leather here is making my nerves burn, but not in the way you want!)
Suddenly, Lu Ming grabbed her hands from behind, wrapping his powerful arms around her to guide her wrists toward the target. His touch was firm yet carried a strange kind of caution. At that moment, Ari felt a real spark—not from her powers, but from his overwhelming proximity.
"Close your eyes," Lu Ming whispered in a raspy tone. "Feel the spark? Direct it now."
(Ari Internally, closing her eyes and surrendering to his touch: Yes, I feel the spark! It's burning me from the inside! Look at his long fingers wrapped around my hand.. My God, how can a monster have hands this gentle? Okay.. focus, Ari. For Lu Ming.. and for the truth.)
As soon as Ari focused, a concentrated blue lightning bolt erupted from her hands, but it wasn't chaotic this time. It pierced the metallic target and melted it in seconds. Ari recoiled from the force, falling directly into Lu Ming's chest as he held her firmly to prevent her from falling.
A long silence fell. Lu Ming looked at the melted target, then lowered his gaze to Ari, who was still in his arms, looking at him with radiant blue eyes.
"You did it," Lu Ming said, his voice trembling slightly. "But your powers.. they react with my genes in a terrifying way. When you release energy, I feel the curse in my blood calm down.. as if you're pulling the pain out of me."
(Ari Internally, not wanting to leave his chest: Pulling the pain out of you? So I really am your cure. If the price is burning myself to calm your soul, I'd do it over and over. Look at his gaze.. the sadness in it is disappearing, replaced by something else.. something like "desire"? Crap, Fang is coming again!)
Fang entered the hall, carrying a new intelligence report.
"Master, the training yielded amazing results, but we have a problem. The 'Seven Shadows' have reached the German border, and they have a new weapon: 'The Stormbreaker'. It's a device designed to absorb electrical energy and convert it into thermal waves that burn the source."
Lu Ming clenched his fist, putting his arm around Ari's shoulder. "Then the game has changed. We won't rely on thunder alone. Fang, prepare the experimental serum Ari's father left behind. If I have to fully transform to protect her, I will."
"No!" Ari said defiantly, gripping his shirt. "You won't transform because of me again. If they want a storm.. I'll give them a hurricane their devices can't handle. They won't touch a hair on your head, Lu Ming, I promise you."
Lu Ming smiled for the first time—a real smile that made Ari's heart stop. "Then let us prepare, my little storm. Tomorrow.. we will show them why they shouldn't mess with a monster who has found a reason to live."(ᗒᗩᗕ)