[Robots and Magic] New Memories, Old Enemies

2. 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥

As the competition unfolded in the distance, Drift and Strongarm stood quietly on the sidelines, their watchful stares fixed on the training session happening before them. The dense forest canopy cast dappled shadows across the ground, the open clearing a stark contrast to the wild, overgrown woods surrounding it. In the center of the clearing, Rainbow Dash and Sideswipe were sparring with focused intensity, their movements sharp and precise.

Rainbow, in her transformed robot form, moved with lightning speed, engaging in hand-to-hand combat with her guardian. The sound of their clashing strikes reverberated through the trees as they tested one another's skills, pushing their limits with every punch and counterattack. The red mech held back just enough to challenge the girl without overwhelming her. Drift watched closely, his sharp look analyzing every motion. His arms were folded across his chassis, his expression calm but unreadable. Beside him, Strongarm stood with a more casual demeanor, though her interest in the training was clear. As a skilled fighter herself, she could appreciate the raw potential Rainbow had, even if it was still unrefined.

After several bits of silence, the samurai finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the sound of combat, "That is enough."

Instantly, both of them ceased their fighting. The flyer's electric-blue optics glowed with excitement, she stepped back and turned to Drift. She was beaming with anticipation, eager for his evaluation, "How did I do?" she asked, her usual boundless energy shining through even in her robot form.

He regarded her quietly for a second, his gaze steady and thoughtful, "You have become more flexible since our last lesson. Your fighting abilities are still in lack of balance, however, that does not mean they have not improved." he said at last, calm and measured.

"Awesome! Does that mean that I can finally-"

"But," he interrupted before she could finish, "You have yet to learn to fight without relying on your powers."

Rainbow blinked, the excitement in her expression giving way to confusion, "...Say what?" she tilted her helm slightly, as if unsure she'd heard him correctly.

He stepped ahead, his servos clasped behind his back as he began to explain, "Your agility and speed are impressive, but they are the result of your natural powers. Relying on those gifts alone will only take you so far. You must learn control, discipline, and precision. Power is only useful if it is mastered."

She furrowed her optical ridge, "But... isn't my speed what makes me... me? I mean, that's kinda my whole thing!"

"It is true that your speed defines much of your fighting style, but in battle, there will come times when you may not have your powers to rely on. You must be prepared for any situation. A warrior must be adaptable. Strength is not only in what you can do but in knowing how to win with what you don't have."

The femme glanced over at Sideswipe. The red Autobot, ever the laid-back one, simply gave her a nonchalant shrug, as if to say, 'I don't know either.' Unfazed, she turned back to Drift with a cocky smirk on her face, waving off the samurai's words with a dismissive gesture, "Pfft, I doubt it. Nothing can take my powers away from me." she boasted confidently.

Drift hummed thoughtfully and turned, walking towards another area in the forest. His words came calmly, but with authority, "Follow."

With confused expressions, the three younger robots looked at each other and followed the samurai as he led them deeper into the wilderness. The thick, towering trees closed in around them, their branches weaving together to form a natural canopy overhead. The melody of birds calling and leaves rustling filled the atmosphere. The wise warrior moved with purpose, his steps silent and deliberate as he navigated through the terrain. After several minutes of walking, he stopped abruptly in a small clearing. The natural environment was breathtaking-a wide, open space surrounded by wildflowers, the earth soft and uneven underfoot. The rest halted behind him, waiting expectantly, "As your final lesson for today," Drift began, turning to face them, his expression calm but serious, "You will participate in a running competition."