ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀꜱ : ᴛʜᴇ ᴜᴘʀɪꜱɪɴɢ

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• ＷＩＬＬＯＷ •

Weeks had passed since the incident in the garden, and I had thrown myself into training, determined to harness my powers. Despite my progress, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was still missing something crucial about myself. Raiden had been particularly attentive, guiding me through each session with patience and care. One afternoon, we found ourselves alone in the garden, a rare moment of quiet.

"We need to test something," he said, his voice hesitant.

I looked at him, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

"I have a theory about your abilities, but I'm not sure if it's safe," he replied, his expression serious.

"What theory?" I asked, my heart pounding with anticipation.

"I think you might be able to resist my electricity," he said. "There have been plenty of times I've lost control around you, but you never felt anything. It's impossible; you should've been hurt."

I felt a surge of determination. "We have to try. We need to know what I can do."

"But I'm worried about hurting you," Raiden hesitated, his concern evident.

"Okay, but we'll take it slow. If anything feels wrong, you have to tell me immediately."

I nodded, my resolve firm. We stood facing each other in the garden, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows. He extended his hand, electricity crackling between his fingers. He moved closer, his movements deliberate and cautious.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied, my voice steady.

He touched my arm lightly, sending a small, controlled shock. I felt a tingle, but it was nothing more than a faint tickle. "I felt that, but it didn't hurt."

Raiden looked relieved but still cautious. "Okay, let's try a bit more."

As he increased the intensity, I stepped closer, closing the distance between us. The electricity buzzed through my skin, but it didn't hurt. Instead, it felt like a gentle vibration, almost soothing. I stood closer, wanting to intensify the feeling. It was like a pull, my body needed to be closer, feel more.

"Wills, we need to be careful. I have trouble controlling myself correctly around you." I didn't listen and pressed my body against his, my arms wrapping around his waist. His breath hitched, and he hesitated.

"Willow, are you sure?" he whispered, his concern palpable. I could feel him tense and trying to pull a bit away from me.

I nodded, my voice barely a whisper. "Keep going. I can handle it."

He continued, the electricity flowing between us. I felt my strength ebbing, my muscles twitching involuntarily, but I didn't want to stop. I needed to know the limits of my power. My legs began to tremble, and Raiden tightened his hold on me.

"Willow, we need to stop," he said urgently, but I shook my head, determined.

"I can do this," I insisted, even as my body weakened. I wanted to be able to do something, I felt it in my bones.

Finally, Raiden made the decision for me. He stopped the flow of electricity and caught me as I sagged against him, my body drained. He held me gently, his concern evident in every line of his face.

"You're okay," he murmured, his voice soothing. "I've got you." He was holding my body with one arm, while his other hand was gently cupping my face. I couldn't look away from his eyes, even though I wanted to close mine.