The SUV rolled forward, engine a low confident hum.
Kai leaned back, smirk lazy.
"Not bad behind the wheel."
Alva kept her eyes ahead.
"Keep talking, and you might live to see the next block."
She flicked the turn and drove down a cracked lane — then slowed.
Three people were blocking the road — two girls, one guy — standing like they'd built this broken city themselves.
Kai muttered under his breath.
"…Scavengers."
Alva braked fully.
The one with the pipe smirked.
"Nice car. Toll fee to pass."
Kai leaned the slightest forward.
"We don't do tolls."
they took a step closer.
The short girl eyed Alva.
"You don't decide that."
Alva stepped out of the SUV — calm as stone.
"You're not taking this vehicle."
Machete–guy scoffed.
"And who's stopping us?"
Kai got out slow — hands in pockets — like this was boring paperwork.
His pupils glitched — flicker — a small flash — like electricity under skin.
Voice low: "Back. Away."
they FELT it.
they didn't understand it — but they felt something that could break them.
"…not worth it," machete–guy muttered.
they backed away.
not defeated — but survival–smart.
Alva got back in. Kai followed. Doors shut.
As Alva pulled off, Kai stared at his palm — fingers faintly trembling.
"That was inside me," he whispered.
Alva didn't soften it.
"You're awakening."
Kai almost laughed — shaky, but real.
"finally."
The SUV sped up again.
They turned a corner — then Alva hit the brake hard.
Ahead:
a massive metal gate
half–open
logo half–scratched:
AEX — STORAGE WING 3
Kai leaned forward, voice going low with recognition.
"…this is connected to the test grounds."
Alva's pulse spiked.
"This could be another stockpile."
Kai nodded once — serious for once.
Alva put the SUV in the park.
No words needed.
they stepped out — side by side — heading straight into that half–open gate
like it was waiting specifically for them.