In the end, it was a simple move that brought Hexa down. Kai feigned an attack, then transformed mid-flight, his dragon form shrinking into a bolt of lightning. He struck her with the full force of his power, the electricity coursing through her metal body. She screamed, the sound a mix of pain and fury, before crumpling to the ground.
The room was silent, save for the sound of their heavy breathing. Annika rushed to Kai's side, her eyes searching his for some semblance of understanding. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the ringing in her ears. "I had to."
Kai's gaze fell upon the unconscious form of Hexa, the node in his hand a stark reminder of the truth. "You're not her," he murmured, his voice filled with a mix of anger and disbelief. "You never were." He turned to Annika, his expression a storm of emotions. "But you are still my friend. And I will protect you."
