Kai stayed in Leo's house for several days, barely moving from the bed except to eat and check on Axel. The boy's condition had stabilized, but he was still weak, bruised from the fight, and coughing from the strain the ability-drug encounter had left on his body. Seeing Axel like that made Kai's chest tighten—he knew that if he hadn't carried him out in time, things would have ended very differently.
Leo moved around the house constantly, checking Kai's injuries, keeping the food coming, and setting up a small makeshift lab in one corner. He had already started analyzing the device the Dragon member had used, taking notes, examining its energy patterns, and trying to figure out a way to counteract it.
"You pushed yourself too hard, Kai," Leo said one afternoon, adjusting a panel on the device. "You need to learn to rely on more than just brute power. Strategy, timing, teamwork—that's what's going to save you next time."
Kai swallowed, wincing slightly as a pang of pain shot through his shoulder. "I know… I just… I can't stand feeling powerless. It's like I failed Axel."
"You didn't fail him," Leo said firmly. "You saved him. And that counts for something. But we need to be smarter. That Dragon member… she's dangerous. And now we know she's not alone."
Kai frowned. "You mean there are more?"
Leo nodded, seriousness etched into his features. "The Dragon is an organization. She's just one member. Those drugs and devices—they're probably standard tools for them. If we want to stop them, we can't rush in like before. We have to prepare."
Kai clenched his fists, feeling a mix of frustration and determination. "Then we train. Harder. I'll get my powers back fully… stronger than before. And this time, I won't let anything stop me."
"And you won't be alone," Leo said. "Axel will recover. I'll help. And we'll find others who can join us. This isn't just about strength. It's about numbers, strategy, and knowing your enemy."
Kai nodded, his mind already racing with ideas. He pictured their next moves: scouting the city, identifying Dragon members, testing defenses against the drugs, and finding ways to strengthen their own abilities.
For the first time since the fight, Kai felt a spark of hope. It was fragile, and his body still ached, but it was there—a reminder that he hadn't given up, and he wouldn't.
Outside, the sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and red. It reminded Kai that darkness always comes, but the light always follows. And soon, he promised himself, they would bring that light to the Dragon.
"Let's make a plan," Kai said, his voice firm. "We'll train, prepare, and next time… we hit back. Hard."
Leo smiled faintly. "That's the spirit. But first… rest. You're not going to fight anyone if you collapse from exhaustion."
Kai leaned back, letting the pain ease slightly, but his mind kept racing. The Dragon had made its move, and now it was their turn.
The city was waiting—and so was their chance for revenge.