Every movement felt heavier. Every breath burned.
The faint red glow in his eyes flickered wildly, like it could disappear at any second.
The Dragon member noticed.
"You're running out," she said coldly, stepping closer. "That little power of yours won't last."
Kai didn't reply.
He already knew.
His body was reaching its limit.
Behind him, Axel let out another weak groan.
That was it.
Kai made his decision.
We can't win this… not like this.
He stepped back slowly, keeping his eyes locked on her, waiting for the right moment.
"Giving up?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Kai smirked faintly. "Not exactly."
Then—
He moved.
Not toward her.
Toward Axel.
The woman reacted instantly. "Running away?!"
Kai ignored her. He dropped beside Axel and quickly lifted him onto his shoulder.
Axel barely responded, his body limp.
"Sorry, bro…" Kai muttered. "We're not finishing this tonight."
The Dragon member charged.
Fast.
Too fast.
Kai's eyes flashed red one more time.
"Move…" he whispered to himself.
And his body listened.
He dodged—barely—and then jumped.
Up the wall.
To the rooftop.
Pain exploded through his legs the moment he landed.
"AGH—!" he gasped, nearly collapsing.
But he didn't stop.
He ran.
Jumping from building to building, each leap weaker than the last.
The wind hit his face hard, but it didn't distract him from the pain spreading through his entire body. It felt like his muscles were tearing apart with every movement.
His power was fading.
Fast.
"Stay… awake…" he said under his breath, tightening his grip on Axel.
Axel didn't respond.
Kai's heart pounded harder.
"No, no, no… don't do this now…"
Another jump—
He almost missed it.
His foot slipped on the edge, but he forced himself forward, barely catching the next rooftop.
His vision darkened for a second.
Keep going.
He had only one place in mind.
One person.
Leo.
Minutes felt like hours as Kai pushed himself beyond his limit. His breathing became uneven, his steps slower.
The red glow in his eyes flickered…
Then disappeared.
His power was gone.
Now it was just him.
But he kept moving anyway.
Finally, he reached a familiar house.
He dropped down clumsily into the yard, nearly falling to his knees. Every part of his body screamed in pain.
"Leo…" he whispered.
With the last bit of strength he had left, Kai stumbled to the door and knocked.
Once.
Twice.
Harder the third time.
The door swung open.
There stood Leo, eyes widening instantly at the sight.
"Kai?! What the—"
Before he could finish, Kai collapsed forward, still holding onto Axel.
"They have… ability drugs…" Kai said weakly. "And a device… it stops powers…"
Leo quickly caught them, his expression turning serious.
"Get inside. Now."
Kai tried to say something else—
But his body finally gave up.
Everything went black.
For the first time since the fight began…
He let go.