Diego slowly came to consciousness, his head pounding and his body sore. He blinked his eyes open, finding himself in the middle of a dense, mysterious jungle. The sounds of exotic birds and rustling leaves filled the air, creating an eerie atmosphere.
As he struggled to sit up, a voice broke the silence.
Dabao: Looks like you're awake.
Diego turned toward the voice and saw Dabao standing nearby, still wearing his mask. Anger and confusion filled Diego's eyes as he pushed himself to his feet.
Diego: (angrily) Why did you do this? Where am I?
Dabao stepped closer, his posture calm but authoritative.
Dabao: You're in a place where you can learn to control your abilities without causing harm. You were out of control back at the mansion, Diego. I had to do something to help you.
Diego's eyes narrowed, a mixture of fear and rage in his expression.
Diego: (shouting) Help me? By kidnapping me and dragging me to a jungle?
Dabao remained calm, his voice steady.
Dabao: Yes, help you. Your powers are dangerous, Diego. You need to learn how to control them, and I can teach you. But you have to trust me.
Diego looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. He felt a surge of panic but tried to mask it with defiance.
Diego: And why should I trust you? You just attacked me and dragged me here against my will.
Dabao sighed, lowering his voice.
Dabao: Because I've been where you are. I know what it's like to feel out of control, to feel like a danger to everyone around you. But I learned to control my abilities, and you can too.
Diego's expression softened slightly as he listened. He could sense the sincerity in Dabao's words, even if he didn't fully trust him yet.
Diego: So, what now?
Dabao: Now, we start your training. You need to understand your limits and how to push them safely. This place is isolated, away from people you could accidentally hurt. It's the best environment for you to learn in.
Diego looked down at his hands, the memories of his uncontrollable rage and the destruction it caused flashing through his mind. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
Diego: Fine. But if you try anything, I won't hesitate to fight back.
Dabao nodded, a faint smile behind his mask.
Dabao: That's the spirit. Let's get started. The sooner you learn control, the sooner you can go back to your family.
Diego, still reeling from the surreal turn of events, turned to Dabao, his eyes full of uncertainty.
Diego: (hesitantly) What's the first lesson?
Dabao crossed his arms, his masked face unreadable.
Dabao: I'll be in the middle of the jungle. You have to reach me.
Diego's eyes widened in alarm.
Diego: (nervously) Are you planning to kill me? There are a lot of wild animals out here that can kill me.
Dabao shook his head, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Dabao: And you're a predator with royal blood. Do you think you can be killed that easily?
Diego was taken aback by Dabao's statement. His confusion grew, mingling with a spark of curiosity.
Diego: (confused) What do you mean by that?
Dabao took a step back, preparing to disappear into the dense foliage.
Dabao: Complete your training, and I'll answer your questions.
With that, Dabao vanished into the jungle, leaving Diego alone in the clearing. Diego looked around, taking in the towering trees and thick underbrush. The sounds of the jungle seemed to grow louder, the rustling leaves and distant animal calls filling his ears.
Diego: (to himself) A predator with royal blood... What did he mean by that?
He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He knew that standing still wouldn't get him any answers. He had to move, had to find Dabao and complete this first lesson.
Diego: (determined) Alright, let's see what this jungle has to offer.
With a newfound resolve, Diego began to navigate the dense jungle. He moved cautiously, every sense on high alert. He could hear the distant growls of wild animals, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional snap of a twig.