Iron Resolve: Embracing Identity

It was yet another average day at the local gym, where Michael was the most active of the members. Wearing only black speedo, he worked out intensively on many machines, grunting aggresively and manly, and also sweating a lot, as his testament to his intensity of his workout routine. However, as time went by, the young blonde athlete started to feel doubts about himself. But he didn't let that bother him for now, as he was busy doing his training routine.

Later after the workout, in the locker room, Michael Schumacher looked at himself in the mirror, except he wasn't training his poses like he used to usually with self-confidence and determination.

He was self-reflecting on his career choice and thought to himself a lot about his past actions - including his debut in a local bodybuilding competition hosted by Swole House, that got him a second place and a silver medal. There he met many familiar faces, such as Adam Grayskull and John Thompson, who were the debutants and were also training strictly. Michael as he kept on looking at himself in the mirror, admiring his body partially, going on with bouncing his pectorals, he's been reflecting also on the past local competition, that gave him a gold medal for the first time - his first time getting gold medal was like a new sensation, his first achievement. And even outbesting his rival and his equal - D'arcy DeWinter, twice - once in that local competition and another time in a 1 vs 1 competition that D'arcy challenged him into.

However, his achievements weren't enough for him. Schumacher felt like, he wanted more, but was unsure about many of the questions he asked himself: "Who is he as a bodybuilder?", "Why did he choose this path?" and most importantly, "Does his career have a right to be?". Michael was unsure about himself and his own career.

"Good grief." he thought out loud to himself "Do I really have to do this?"

He decided first to talk to Reijo the Nuzleaf Pokemon - his personal trainer about his doubts.

"It's pretty normal for newbies who just earned their first achievements." Reijo explained the best he could. "I believe that it could be, you're trying to reconsider your career choices."

"Not like that, Leaf Daddy." - said Michael. - "I only wanted to improve my health and all... this bodybuilding thing came out as I went on..."

"Kickstarting your career is about making choices, my pupil." coached Reijo. "These choices build your path to the top, through which you have to go and sacrifice some things you don't need. That's why you initially signed the contract for the training of mine."

"Yes, I recall that." - agreed Michael.

"You can't just quit your career, because you are unsure of your choices." - said strictly Leaf Daddy. - "If you want to reach the top, you have to follow the path you carved yourself. However, as your personal trainer, I am here to guide you through the harsh training and guiding you through your career choices."

"Thank you, Leaf Daddy." - Michael said.

"Anytime." - responded Reijo. - "I can't however help you get out of the crisis. From my experience, I suggest, you could talk with your fellow bodybuilder companions."

"Right. On it." - said Michael. - "Thank you for everything, Leaf Daddy". With that said, Michael left the gym and went to the dormitory, where he met his fellow bodybuilder companions - D'arcy DeWinter, Theo, Karl, Adam and John.

"Karl, Theo, thank goodness I found you here." - Michael happily said. - "You guys are the ones I can rely on."

"I'm also here, mind you!" - interrupted D'arcy, who just happened to be drinking his coffee while wearing his usual purple tuxedo.

"Ah, yes, Mr. DeWinter, hello to you too." - replied Michael.

"Well, it's nice that you think of us that way" - said Theodore, who was reading a bodybuilding magazine. - "What brings you here to us?"

"You guys might think I'm crazy..." - Michael said.

"You're not crazy. We're all with you." - interrupted Theo.

"The point being, I'm beginning to think, I'm losing the sense of my career choice." - continued Michael. - "I'm not even sure who I am anymore. The pain bears me as I could say this - I have some sort of crisis."

"It's pretty normal for newbies who just achieved their first successes, but are unsure of their career." - explained orange fox bodybuilder. He finished his reading and walked to Michael to tell him an important thing, Michael would never forget. Alongside Theo, was Karl who just left the showers wearing his towel covering his bottom body, his top was still drenched in water, but didn't make much of a mess, as there was less water.

"Michael, listen. We need to talk." - said strictly Karl. - "Your bodybuilder road is still on and you're already losing it. We must give you a proper lecture on what's bodybuilding is all about."

"Yeah, as a Christian, I believe in the commandment to "love thy neighbor as yourself" and in the absolute Lord intervention in carving a path to the top."

The fox grunted as he flexed one arm to show off his gains. "And thanks to the Lord, I got this strength... Like Hercules... Or Samson... Or Colossus... Whichever strongest man you believe in"

"Wow!" - Michael was amazed as he observed fox's flexed arm as it was big as a boulder and had veins showing up. Theo's biceps were bigger than it were in previous competitions.

"That's right, baby." - said Theo. "But you know how I achieved all this? Through dedication, hard work and trainings that took blood, sweat and tears."

"Almost the same way as I did." - Michael said.

"You should be happy you got as equally big as Theo. I mean look at you. Your muscles are... huge." - said Karl. - "I also had the same path as you did and I obediently followed it."

"That's right." - agreed Theo. - "The bodybuilding isn't about solely sculpting your body and showing off. It's about showcasing human physical and mental strength, confidence, pride and masculinity."

"It's also about building your character as an athlete, learning discipline, and pushing boundaries." - said Karl. - "Remember winning these competitions? The reason you won this? By competing, you're not aiming to beat everyone around you. It's about crafting the best version of yourself and improving yourself day by day."

"Challenges become opportunities for growth, and every obstacle is a chance to improve." - said Theo. - "The journey in bodybuilding shapes not only muscles but also character, instilling resilience and determination."

"I see..." - said Michael.

"Tell us, have you ever heard the legend of the strongest, most famous bodybuilder in the world?" asked Karl.

"Zil? The one I wanted to face someday?" - asked Michael out of curiosity believing, that his friend is the legend judging by his achievements.

"Well, Zil followed the training of said legendary bodybuilder, but no, it's not Zil." - corrected him Theo. - "The legend we're talking about is extraordinary."

"His tale was one of triumph over adversity, of perseverance in the face of doubt, and of the unyielding pursuit of greatness. Ever heard the legend of The Iron Warrior?" - asked Theo, thus beginning his narration of the story about the legendary bodybuilder.

"You see, he started off humbly - with a dream. Ever since he was young, he was fascinated by the world of bodybuilding, the sculpted physiques that showcased the strength and power of the men. He dreamed one day to become just like them, but as he gazed upon his own reflection in the mirror, he saw only a frail frame of a dreamer. He wasn't ripped enough. As a young stud, many of his colleagues did not believed in his dreams, mocking him. Even his family was against this idea he had, having many doubts about this. Despite this, he decided to carry on with his dream. He set out on a quest to transform his body, his own destiny and develop his character for the better. He signed up to a local gym, asking for a perfect training program for a future bodybuilder. That's where he met a personal trainer. He was willing to help him carve the path to the world of bodybuilding by offering him the strict training program, a healthy diet and packed in a pack of protein powder drinks as a bonus. The young one wasn't so sure about this, because he knew his family would be against that, as they believed these drinks are equivalent to "steroids". However, the trainer ensured him, this said protein powder was legal as it was tested by professional exercise aid scientists with the help of anti-doping verification. Without hesitation, the boy signed up a contract with the trainer, thus beginning his training right away.

With determination, he dedicated himself to the strict training, pushing his limits day by day, week by week, month by month. Every rep, every set, was a step closer to his goal - to become the greatest bodybuilder the world had ever seen. But, there were challenges right ahead. Along the way, the young man as he was growing up and going through all this, faced doubts and setbacks that threatened to derail his journey. The idea of shortcuts and easy victories tempted him to stray from the path of righteousness. Yet, deep down, he knew that true success could only be achieved through hard work and sacrifice.

The soon-to-be bodybuilder despite his doubts and setbacks, kept on pushing himself through coach guidiance of his trainer and his own dedication to blood, sweat and tears inducing exercises, all for one simple purpose - to become the bodybuilder praised and respected by the society. As he kept on pushing to the limit, his trainings had much heavier weights each day. As the man keep on following his exercise plans, the years pass by, his efforts were fruitful - his muscularity gradually grew, his physique transformed into a living testament to the power of the human spirit.

Soon as he gazed upon his own reflection again, he saw it - his ripped muscularity swelled with power, his biceps were bigger as boulders, the veins were visible, as they pumped the blood all over his body.

It was confirmed. He finally transformed into a beefcake of a man. He became the man he dreamed to be. He became... The Iron Warrior. However, he didn't stop there. He decided to kickstart his own bodybuilding career. So, he asked his trainer for his guidance, to which he happily obliged. The trainer showed him many poses, taught the future bodybuilder how to do them, how bodybuilding competitions worked, how were they graded based on conditioning, muscularity, posing, size, stage presentation, and symmetry. As many months pass by, his road to the bodybuilder career was beginning.

The Iron Warrior conquered competitions, winning multiple golden medals. But more than that, he earned the respect and admiration of his friends, who once doubted and mocked him, now looked to him as a source of inspiration in their own journeys. You can say, he became a role model for them.

Thus, the years pass by and the bodybuilder still followed his exercise plan, practiced posing routines and began posing his way through competition.

Although he had a fierce competition in the contests hosted by International Furry Bodybuilding Federation, The Iron Warrior's size was outmatching the size of other fellow bodybuilders, his physique was exceptionally perfect and that's how he won many trophies of IFBF.

But perhaps the greatest triumph of this legend's story was not his victory on the stage, but the legacy he left behind. Before retiring at the peak of his career when he was 60, he bestowed upon his pupils, including Zilch and Carlos - Zilch's personal trainer, his power, his strict and extreme training program. This program became the stuff of legends, passed down through generations of bodybuilders, a testament to The Iron Warrior's enduring legacy. Today, the legend of The Iron Warrior lives on, inspiring a new generation of bodybuilders to reach for the stars and never give up on their dreams. For in the story of The Iron Warrior, they find not just the tale of a champion and his rise to the top, but the blueprint for greatness - a blueprint built on discipline, dedication, and the unshakeable belief in oneself."

"Wow, he must've had it rough back then, but now he reached the top thanks to his self-discipline and sticking to his beliefs." - commented Michael. - "So that's how he became a legend."

"If you must know he still lives. And is the new manager of IFBF." - interjected Karl.

"How come have I never met him before?" - asked Michael.

"You were pretty young and you had your own dreams and idols back then." - said Theo.

"Now then, what do you say, me and Karl are gonna compete against each other in a local bodybuilding competition next day." - announced Theo.

"Really? You two are gonna compete against each other?" - shocked Michael asked.

"Yeah, and you are invited as a spectator." - said Karl.

"We want to show you the way." - said Theo. "The way of the true bodybuilding sportsmanship, rivalry and most importantly, the showcase of discipline, true dedication and sacrifice to get swole."

Michael happily accepted the invitation. And so did his companions. With that settled, everyone headed back to their activities, meanwhile, Theodore and Karl were preparing themselves in the gym.

Next day, the stage was set, the lights dimmed, and the crowd roared with anticipation. Amongst the audience sat Michael Schumacher, his personal trainer Reijo "the Leaf Daddy", D'arcy DeWinter, Adam Grayskull and John Thompson.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to yet another 1 vs 1 local bodybuilding competition, where today, you shall witness the magnificence of two rivaled animals - fox and wolf." started announcer.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, each on a opposing side, orange fox Theo and gray wolf Karl were oiling themselves getting ready for the competition. As they finished oiling, they were standing behind the curtain waiting for their names to be announced. As Theo was waiting for his name to be called, he joined his hands and prayed to the Lord:

"Father, I pray to You for one thing. Let this show of strength, which I am about to show not only to the audience, but also to my colleague Michael Schumacher, will help him get through the worst crisis that is harming his kickstarted bodybuilding career and give him even greater strength not only in body, but also in spirit.

I also ask You, no matter if I win or lose, to guide me through all the poses so that I can execute them well and impress not only the audience but also the judges and get a favorable score. I believe that thanks to you, everything is possible. So, give me the strength to get through this competition and give my all. Amen."

"In the right corner, we present to you, entering the stage, the bodybuilder with super human strength of Hercules, the most cunning fox of the bodybuilding federation, the audience favorite, the one, the only, THEODORE LARSON!"

As Theo's name echoed through the arena, the fox entered the stage, waving to the audience and giving Michael a wink. He flexed for the audience for a showoff once, before the real competition shall begin.

"And now, in the left corner, we present to you, also entering the stage, the wolf of the nordic areas of Finland, the giant gray viking of bodybuilding howling for competition, KARL FERGUSSON!"

With Karl's name being called out, Karl heads onto the stage with self-confidence, also waving to the audience, giving also one of the poses as the teaser of what's everyone about to witness.

The crowd was anticipating as the titans took their positions and were preparing themselves for the posedown.

"Ladies and gentlemen, LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!" with that said, the competition has begun.

In a display of raw power and unmatched athleticism, Theodore and Karl engaged in a fierce battle of muscle and will. Every pose, every flex, was a testament to their dedication and determination. The audience watched in awe as the two competitors pushed themselves to their limits, each vying for supremacy on the stage. The judges graded their bodies according to the rules of bodybuilding.

Both Theodore and Karl gave out their best, impressing not only the audience, but also judges alike.

Through every pose they executed, they showcased their might, power, strength and their hot-blooded passion. It felt like watching two gladiators on the arena duking it out to show who's the strongest.

As the competition was coming to an end, it was time to announce the winner. Though they gave out the best show there was, though they both were equally matched, the winner could be only one.

So, the results came in... The results were verified and not rigged, as they were based on the points noted and not by bias. The points were fair.

Although it would seem to some from the audience, that Karl already had this at his fingertips, the results were surprising to them. The winner of the competition was...

THEODORE LARSON!

The crowd goes wild after hearing the results. They cheered for both Theo and Karl as they are proudly standing. Theo after hearing the results gave out one more pose for the audience as the gratitude for them enjoying the show. Karl on the other hand, had crossed his arms, but wasn't disappointed, in fact, he smirked confidently as he did his best as well although he was close to the winning according to the results given by the judges. He was close by one point.

Michael found himself filled with a sense of awe and admiration. Watching Theodore and Karl give their all on the stage, he finally understood the true meaning of bodybuilding - it wasn't about just showing off, not about winning or losing, not about solely building the physique, but about pushing oneself to be the best version of who you could be.

After the show, with a newfound sense of purpose, Michael approached Theodore and Karl behind the scenes.

"How can I ever thank you, guys! You were awesome out there!" - exclaimed Michael.

"Glad you enjoyed the show, buddy." - said Theo. - "I hope you learned something today."

"Yeah, you showed me the way through the storm of doubt and uncertainty, all right." - said Michael. - "The true strength isn't about the size of muscles that you have, it's all in the strength of your character."

"Hmph. Congratulations, brother." - Karl handshaked with Theo. - "You were the best out there."

"Same to you, brother." - answered Theo.

"Yeah, about that..." - interjected Michael. - "I know it might be a bit too early for me to say that, but... when I joined you guys, I wasn't at first so sure if I made the right choice... But as time went on, you guys showed me what matters the most to be the best bodybuilder ever in existence. But, as far as I'm aware, this career choice is the best one I ever made and it's all thanks to you both. I don't care whether it's Theo who's the winner or Karl, all I know is that you gave out your best. And that's what matters the most. But the most important thing is, ever since I met you, I became a completely changed man. I'm not the same Michael Schumacher as I used to be - young, naive, but with a dream. I'm now a grown up man - much more mature, still with a dream and willing to follow it and prevail, no matter the cost. And I want to thank you both. I love you." - both Theodore and Karl were surprised by Schumacher's confession. - "I love you a lot. You are like brothers to me."

As they heard what Michael had to say, they embraced him in a group hug. Michael blushed, as he felt both muscular animals embracing him in a hug. Theo's eyes suddenly leaked tears, and so did Karl's.

"Thank you, Michael." - said the fox.

"We love you too." - said the wolf.

As they finish their hug, as the gesture of brotherhood, Theodore and Karl flexed their muscles one last time for Michael as a symbol of their bond forged in iron. Together, they stood as warriors, united in their passion for bodybuilding and their unwavering belief in each other.

As time goes by, everything goes on as normal.

As Michael looked around at the gym, he knew that he had found his home. Here, amongst friends and fellow bodybuilders he met, through competing and facing them in rival 1v1 competitions, he had discovered not only his true identity as a bodybuilder, but also the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead. One thing for sure, Michael relished the challenge, to forge himself to become a legend, like The Iron Warrior himself. The legend of The Iron Warrior was in his heart and he was fully ready to carry it on.