What Heat!

Diego charged at the gigantic taco-robot with determination, but the small robots emerging from the colossus's stomach intercepted him before he could get close. The mini-tacos formed an impenetrable barrier in front of him, blocking his attack with almost insulting precision.

"Damn stupid robot!" Diego growled, annoyed, as he took a step back and furrowed his brow. His frustration was evident, but he wasn't about to give up.

Meanwhile, Clara didn't waste any time. With a fluid motion, she began forming spheres of compressed air between her hands, condensing them until they shimmered like translucent crystals under the sunlight.

"WIND COMPRESS," she murmured, launching the spheres toward the small robots. On impact, the compressed air acted like solid bullets, shattering several of the metallic tacos. "I compress air and then launch it like bullets," she quickly explained to Diego, without taking her eyes off the chaos unfolding before them.

"There are too many of them!" the boy exclaimed as the mini-tacos surrounded him, cutting off any escape route. He raised his hands in an exasperated gesture. "Get out of my way! I'd love to eat them, but they're made of metal…"

And then he shouted, "ELECTRIC PULSE!" Suddenly, an intense electric pulse surged from his body, expanding outward like a shockwave. The small robots were flung in all directions, some crashing to the ground as ash after being hit by the discharge.

"Don't mess with me," Diego said with a cocky half-smile, beginning to unleash lightning bolts indiscriminately from his hands. However, one of those bolts came dangerously close to Clara's long hair, which was fluttering as she focused on battling a group of tacos surrounding her.

"Careful, kid! You almost singed my hair!" she yelled at him, shaking her mane in irritation while unleashing gusts of wind to dispose of the robots.

"Oops! Sorry," Diego replied, though there was a slight tone of remorse in his voice. He didn't want to admit it, but that had been a stupid mistake.

Clara huffed but said nothing more. Instead, she made a quick decision.

"Take care of the small ones, Diego. I'm going to try something to finish off that Giant Evil Taco once and for all," she declared, adjusting her stance with determination.

"Alright," the boy responded, refocusing on the mini-tacos that kept coming.

Clara pulled a small stick from her pocket, which began to grow and transform into an elegant, long staff. She twirled it rapidly above her head, and suddenly, two giant hands of air materialized at the tip of the staff. But these hands had no fingers; instead, they gleamed with sharp saws that buzzed with energy.

"SHARP WIND," she announced firmly, directing the air-hands toward the chest of the taco-robot. The buzzing saws dug into the metal with a high-pitched screech, and Clara exerted superhuman effort to carve open a breach in the robot's armor. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead as she gritted her teeth, pushing with all her might.

Finally, she managed to make a small incision right where the worker had indicated. She took a deep breath, feeling her energy wane after the monumental effort.

"Hey, kid! Do your thing!" Clara shouted to Diego, pointing at the opening. "If you hit it there, I promise you'll get what you want."

Diego nodded with determination, still fighting off the mini-tacos swarming around him. He surrounded himself with an electric field that repelled the nearby robots and brought both hands together in front of his chest. A powerful beam began to form between them, glowing with an intensity that illuminated the entire battlefield.

"Take this, stupid robot! I hope this overloads you for good!" Diego yelled, launching the beam directly into the breach Clara had created.

The beam struck with tremendous force, penetrating deep into the taco-robot's core. For a moment, it seemed to be working.

"It's working!" Clara exclaimed, thrilled. "But you need to give it everything you've got!"

"If that's what you want!" Diego responded, increasing the beam's power even further. His hair stood on end completely, and his eyes glowed with an almost supernatural electric intensity. With a mighty shout, he unleashed one final beam, surpassing the previous one in brightness and strength.

The impact was devastating. The taco-robot's core exploded from within, sending metal fragments flying in all directions. The robot's metallic sombrero shot into the sky, spinning like a leaf caught in the wind before falling back down and impaling itself just beneath the giant taco's body. With a deafening crash, the robot collapsed onto the sharp sombrero, splitting the taco in half.

The colossal robot shut down instantly, and the remaining mini-tacos fell lifelessly to the ground, like broken toys.

"We did it!" Clara exclaimed triumphantly as she gazed at the deactivated, split-in-half taco-robot. However, her joy faded when she noticed Diego wobbling slightly. Before she could say anything more, the boy gave a weak smile and collapsed onto the ground.

Fortunately, Clara still had enough magical energy left. With a quick gesture, she formed a soft, cloud-like bed and gently placed him on it.

When Diego woke up, he found himself floating on the same cloud Clara had created. The scenery was different now; they were in a peaceful and cozy place, surrounded by green trees and fresh air that contrasted sharply with the tension of the earlier battle.

"Well, you're awake," Clara said as she saw him open his eyes. Her voice carried a light, teasing tone, though her eyes betrayed concern.

"I'm hungry," he replied simply, placing a hand on his stomach as it growled loudly.

Clara let out a soft chuckle before turning to him. In her hand, she held a steaming plate with a perfectly prepared enchilada.

"Is that what I think it is?" Diego asked excitedly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Yes," she responded with a smile. "I promised I'd bring you to eat the enchilada."

Without a word, Diego took the plate and took a big bite. Immediately, his face turned red from the spiciness, but that didn't stop him. After a few seconds of silence, he finally spoke:

"I don't like it."

Clara looked at him, puzzled, furrowing her brow.

"What?"

"I don't like it… I love it!" he quickly corrected, devouring another bite with enthusiasm.

Clara shook her head, amused, and gestured toward an older man approaching them. He was about Diego's size and wore a white apron stained with sauce.

"So you like it, huh?" the man said with a wide smile. "It's on the house to save my daughter."

Diego blinked, confused.

"Just like that?"

"It turns out one of the workers at that company is my daughter," the man explained, nodding proudly. "I heard you wanted to eat an enchilada, so here we are—at the home of the owner of the Don Pepe chain. I'm Don Pepe himself," Clara clarified.

"Seriously… Wow, that's incredible," Diego murmured, impressed.

"Order with confidence," the man said, leaning casually against the counter. "But remember, there's not just one flavor. There are several."

"And can you make all of them for me?" the boy asked, almost unable to believe it.

"Yes, kid. I see you like spice, even though you're not from around here."

"Well, yeah, sir. I love spicy things."

"Good, that's what I like to hear, kid," the owner replied with a raspy laugh. "I'll be right back; I'll make you one of each."

As the man disappeared through the kitchen door, Diego turned to Clara with an expression of absolute happiness.

"Thanks. This is the best one I've ever had. I tried some near our base, but they weren't good. This one, though—it's spicy and delicious."

"Of course, kid. Nothing beats my enchiladas," the man called out from the kitchen, clearly having overheard the compliment.

Suddenly, Clara turned her head toward a distant sound. Explosions echoed in the air.

"I think we need to keep helping people," she said, standing up quickly. "Alright then, Mr. Pepe, make them go."

In another place, very, very far away, where the scorching heat seemed to devour everything in its path, stretched the Lut Desert. It was a vast ocean of golden dunes under an unforgiving sun, where the hot air shimmered as if it were water. There, two figures fought against a group of controlled children, moving with agility amidst the chaos.

A torrent of water, propelled by the pressure of an industrial hose, struck the controlled ones, knocking them to the ground. Within seconds, the water began to solidify, forming ice cages that trapped the small figures. However, the desert's extreme heat caused the ice to slowly start melting.

"That's it, we've taken care of this group," said a feminine voice, relaxed yet firm.

"Yes, but I'm not exactly thrilled to be here," another voice responded, panting. "I'm dying of heat, and my powers melt way too easily. Plus, if I freeze everything, the boss or Miss Adia will get mad."

The first girl, Marin Taylor, shook her head with an indulgent smile. She extended her hand, filled a glass with fresh water, and offered it.

"Here, drink some water. It'll do you good."

Lumi Lombardo, the ice girl, crossed her arms stubbornly.

"I'm not drinking water that comes from you."

"And why not?" Marin asked, pretending to be offended.

"Because… I don't know, it just gives me the creeps, Marin Taylor," Lumi replied, averting her gaze.

"So that's how it is, Lumi Lombardo?" Marin countered, raising an eyebrow. "And when you gave me ice made from your magic power, I didn't make a fuss about it."

"I… well…" Lumi stammered, trying to defend herself, when suddenly a call interrupted their argument.

"Attention," came the calm voice of Marie through the communicator. "The cure for the "controlled" has been found. Doses will be sent to you along with a cadet who will handle the situation."

"Thank heavens!" Lumi exclaimed, letting out a sigh of relief.

Lumi was a girl who exuded an aura as cold as winter. Her curly teal hair fell over her shoulders in delicate ringlets, while her crystalline green eyes sparkled with the same transparency as the ice she conjured. She wore a short light blue dress, resembling a princess's attire, though her attitude was far from regal. On the other hand, Marin had a more reserved but equally imposing presence. Her dark blue hair, adorned with subtle teal highlights at the tips, contrasted with her deep blue eyes. She wore a maroon blouse and navy pants, a practical combination for someone accustomed to facing danger. Both were fifteen years old and standout agents: Lumi, known as Agent A-9, mastered ice magic, while Marin, Agent A-2, wielded water with unparalleled skill.

"Come on, drink some water," Marin insisted again, offering her a glass filled with cool liquid. "You're going to dehydrate in this infernal heat."

Lumi shook her head firmly, crossing her arms.

"No, I won't. It just… grosses me out a little. I'd rather wait until the next settlement."

Marin let out an exasperated sigh as both of them began walking under the scorching sun of the Lut Desert. The heat felt almost tangible, like a heavy blanket trying to smother them. Behind them, the controlled children remained trapped in ice cages that were slowly melting, dripping water that evaporated upon contact with the scorching ground.

"Drink some water," Marin said again, extending the glass toward her companion.

"No!" Lumi repeated stubbornly. "I have already told you, I'll wait until the next settlement."

"Remember, the next one is very, very, very far away," Marin replied, emphasizing each word with a teasing smile.

At that moment, the roar of a ship echoed in the distance. Both girls looked up, squinting against the blinding glare of the sun. They waved their hands, and soon the ship descended in front of them. A group of recruits quickly disembarked, carrying syringes with the necessary vaccine to cure the controlled children.

"Thank goodness they saw us," Lumi said, relieved. "Do you have water?"

One of the recruits nodded and handed her a sealed bottle.

"Yes, here you go."

"Finally!" Lumi exclaimed, grabbing the bottle enthusiastically. She was about to open it when the recruits began administering the cure to the controlled children, securing them to take them to a safe location.

However, before she could take a sip, the ship the recruits had arrived on began to transform. Its metallic parts reconfigured rapidly, turning it into a giant robot armed to the teeth. On one of its shoulders was a missile launcher, while on the other arm spun a propeller that generated gusts of wind, sweeping across the area. Lumi's water bottle flew out of her hands, smashing against the ground and spilling its contents.

"Ow! No, my water!" Lumi protested, watching with frustration as the puddle evaporated quickly under the heat. "And now what am I supposed to drink?"

Marin looked at her with a mix of amusement and reproach.

"I told you I could've given you some. I could've even conjured it if you'd wanted, instead of taking it from my body."

"You didn't tell me that!" Lumi shot back, indignant. "Besides, where does that water even come from? That's a good question… Just like you don't know where my ice comes from."

"This isn't the time for trivialities, ladies," one of the cadets interjected, crouching quickly. "That thing is attacking us and is about to launch the missiles on its shoulder! Watch out!"

The heat was already unbearable, and now they had to face a giant robot in the middle of the desert. Marin frowned, deep in thought.

"On top of the heat, do we really have to deal with this thing? It must be one of those nerds' inventions from Team D," she muttered, annoyed.

"I don't think so," Lumi responded, observing the robot cautiously. "I don't think they'd just kill us like this out of nowhere. If it's a joke, it's a really bad one."

Suddenly, a motorcycle appeared at full speed from the horizon. On it was a boy who, without stopping, fired at the robot, causing an explosion that momentarily lit up the sky.

"Hey! Why didn't you warn us?!" Marin shouted, forming a water shield to protect everyone from the impact.

The motorcyclist stopped in front of them, removing his dark glasses. His light brown hair, styled upward with gel, gleamed under the sun, and his eyes were a crystalline light blue, as clear as the sea. When he got off the motorcycle, the girls were left speechless by his appearance.

"A thousand apologies, ladies," he said with a confident smile. "When I saw you fighting, I figured you wouldn't mind a little show."

"Mr. De Leon!" one of the cadets interrupted. "It's Marcus De León to you, cadet. Or better yet, Agent D-5."

Lumi and Marin exchanged an impressed glance.

"Who does this guy think he is?" they murmured in unison, eyeing his biker outfit and arrogant demeanor.

Marcus removed his glasses completely, further revealing his striking features. The girls couldn't help but blush slightly.

"Relax, ladies," another cadet commented with a chuckle. "Don't let his height or attitude fool you. He's thirteen."

"Thirteen? A kid? But he's cute…" they whispered, unaware they were speaking aloud.

"Ladies! Are you alright?" one of the cadets asked, noticing their distraction.

Both quickly turned away, trying to hide their embarrassment.

"Nothing! It's nothing!" they responded in unison, avoiding eye contact.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Marcus explained that he had arrived in the area after spotting the ship passing by. He also mentioned that along the way, he'd observed other machines transforming into robots in the nearest town.

"And now how are we supposed to get there if you destroyed the only means of transportation?" one of the cadets asked, annoyed.

Everyone looked at him with an expression that clearly said, "You should probably shut up." The cadet lowered his head, embarrassed.

"I'll just stay quiet," he muttered, retreating with the others who were still administering the cure to the controlled. All the cadets wore helmets that concealed their faces.

"Well, that recruit has a bit of a point," Marin admitted with a sigh, looking at the wreckage of the destroyed ship. "But how are we going to reach the next location without a vehicle?"

Marcus, still maintaining his confident stance, smiled faintly.

"You want a vehicle? I'll give you one."

Lumi looked at him skeptically, crossing her arms.

"Oh really? And how?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Marin interjected, explaining patiently:

"Well, remember they're tech-wizards. They can communicate with machines and rebuild things."

Marcus nodded but then shook his head.

"Yes, in theory. But these machines aren't responding to my calls. However… I can create one. It'll just take a bit of time."

Without waiting for a response, Marcus extended his arms forward. Metal rods began to emerge from between his hands, shiny and polished, as if they were solid threads materializing out of thin air.

"If we don't have materials, we create them," he said with a mischievous smile. "Well, almost everyone in my unit can do that… except for those two," he added quietly, thinking of Akira and Becky.

Lumi and Marin exchanged an incredulous look.

"But they're just metal rods," Lumi said. "What are you going to do? There are no forges around here, and no one to make fire to weld them."

Marcus grinned even wider, clearly anticipating that question.

"Well, I figured you'd say that," he replied triumphantly. "That's why I always come prepared—with my nano-weaving."

Suddenly, the gloves on his hands began to unravel. The fibers from the gloves blended with the metals he had created, forming a complex structure that quickly took the shape of a sturdy truck. The back had an extension designed to transport the controlled children, who were now unconscious after receiving the cure.

"Alright, guys, load everything up," Marcus instructed as he finished adjusting some final details. "We should stay alert and help the people in this area."

Lumi still felt the scorching heat of the desert clinging to her skin. She raised a hand to her forehead, wiping away a bead of sweat that was slowly trickling down.

"I'm still feeling the heat…" she murmured in frustration.

Without a word, Marcus pulled out a fresh bottle of water and offered it to her. Lumi grabbed it immediately, drinking eagerly.

"Thanks," she said, glancing at him briefly before looking away.

"You're welcome," he replied with a gentle smile, though there was a hint of arrogance in his tone.

Once everything was ready, Marcus climbed into the driver's seat.

"Alright, let's get moving!" he announced enthusiastically.

Lumi and Marin looked at him incredulously.

"Hey, but you're just a kid. How are you going to drive?" they asked in unison.

Marcus let out a light laugh, shrugging.

"Easy. Nano-technology does it for me. I just pretend to drive."

He flashed them a flirtatious grin before starting the engine. The girls exchanged glances, slightly blushing but deciding not to press the matter further.

"Fine," they muttered, resigned.

The nosy cadet was about to say something else, but his companion quickly silenced him with a discreet elbow nudge.

The vehicle sped through the desert, kicking up golden clouds of sand that slowly dissipated behind them. Finally, they arrived at the next town, where chaos reigned. Armed people were trying to defend themselves by shooting at motorcycle-shaped robots, but these were far more agile and easily overwhelmed their opponents.

"It's time to step into action," Marin declared with determination, preparing to use her water magic.

Marcus nodded, putting his dark glasses back on.

"Okay. I'm ready."

Lumi looked at both of them with frustration, feeling useless. The desert heat had weakened her powers, and she couldn't use her ice magic without risking collapse—or worse, freezing the entire desert, which was her greatest fear.

"No choice," she muttered to herself, clenching her fists. "At least I'm no longer thirsty from the heat…"