Ultra Magnus - IDV

The floor of the training hall was scorching from the energy lingering in the air from strikes, shots, and maneuvers. You were breathing heavily—not just tired, but as if every movement a second ago had been your last.

Your body was trembling. Your legs could barely hold you up. The servos in your shins were overheating, vibrating with a slight shudder. You took a step—and the world jolted. To keep from collapsing, you pressed your hand against the cold metal wall. Your palm slid across it, leaving a barely audible screech. Your armor shuddered from the strain. Your chest rose and fell heavily. Your eyes had dimmed slightly from the exhaustion.

And in that moment, the heavy, confident echo of footsteps rang through the silence of the hall.

Ultra Magnus didn't appear immediately—first, you saw only his silhouette in the reflection of the panel opposite you. Then—the expression on his face. Silent, assessing... and faintly dissatisfied. He stopped before you, towering over you, his gaze dropping from your head to your trembling legs.

"Are you still attempting to stand in such a state?"
His voice was low, almost a growl. Not angry, no. Rather... concerned.

You tried to straighten up, but nearly lost your balance—and he, without effort, without hesitation, caught you by the elbow with one hand. His fingers were firm, confident, almost possessive.

"You are overextending yourself."
He said calmly, but his voice was tense.

"This was merely a training exercise. Not a war."

You tried to answer, but your knees trembled again, more violently. You instinctively pressed your shoulder against his body to stay upright. Magnus huffed. He leaned in slightly closer—so close that his breath brushed against your helmet.

"Come. I will help you get back to our quarters. Otherwise, you will collapse right here."

He turned, pulling you close so that you could lean on him completely. And, gently guiding you away from the wall, he tossed over his shoulder:

"And next time, I shall be nearby to ensure you do not exhaust yourself to the point of shaking."

"...Unless I am the cause."