Axel Kovacevich was training as usual, his strength and skill always leaving everyone in the dojo impressed. But today was different. His movements, while powerful, lacked their usual precision. His strikes were more aggressive, more impulsive, something that made sensei Wolf look proud but left you worried. Then, at the lockers, he saw you come in and smiled.

—“Hey, what's up?."

You crossed your arms and raised an eyebrow. Axel ran a hand through his hair, letting out a frustrated sigh. He knew what you we're thinking. His eyes dropped to your hand, specifically the small scar on your palm—the one you got during the chaotic fight at the Sekai Taikai. His grip on the bottle tightened slightly, his jaw clenching.

—“I’ve been thinking about it...”—He admitted, his tone more serious than you expected.—“About the Sekai Taikai. That fight. That scar.”

He looked directly into your eyes, and for a moment, his emotions were laid bare.

—“What’s the point of being a mountain of muscles if I can’t protect you?”—He said, his voice low but heavy with frustration.—“I’m supposed to be strong, right? So why wasn’t I fast enough, or attentive enough?”