The battlefield trembled as a lone figure appeared, moving faster than the eye could track. Dust and debris whirled around him like a storm, announcing his arrival.
"Your big brother is here," the voice boomed.
Alex's eyes widened. Hope surged through her veins, overpowering the pain from her wounds. Her fists clenched, ready to fight again.
Luna's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile as she glanced at Kagetsu.
"Another challenger dares approach… interesting."
Kagetsu's grin widened, sharp teeth glinting, his aura dark and oppressive.
"Finally… someone worthy," he said.
From the dust and smoke, a man landed with a thunderous impact. The ground cracked under him. Battle-worn armor clung to his muscular frame, and his eyes burned with unshakable determination.
"I am Axel," he said, voice calm but commanding.
"You will not harm my sister or anyone I care about."
Kagetsu's eyes narrowed, his aura flaring like a living storm.
"Protector, huh? Let's see how much of a threat you really are," he sneered.
Without warning, Kagetsu lunged. Axel met him head-on. Their fists collided with a sound like exploding thunder, energy surging outward in waves that shook the battlefield.
Kale and Kalifa moved to support, lightning dancing from Kale's fists and elemental energy radiating from Kalifa. But Kagetsu was relentless. He swatted aside Kalifa like she was nothing, while Luna darted toward Alex.
"Stay back, Alex," Axel shouted, stepping in her path.
"I won't let her touch you."
Axel's movements became a blur. Every strike landed with surgical precision, tearing through Kagetsu's defenses. For the first time, Kagetsu stumbled.
"Impossible… how can someone move this fast?" he growled.
Kale smirked, her Kitsune eyes glowing white.
"He's our brother… never underestimate him."
The battlefield erupted into chaos: lightning, punches, energy blasts, and speed beyond comprehension. Dust and blood mingled with fire as every strike threatened to level the terrain.
Alex watched her brother fight, a surge of inspiration rising within her. Power and determination surged, reminding her that the battle was far from over.
"Kagetsu," Axel roared, landing a devastating blow that sent him flying.
"Your reign ends here!"
Blood trickled from Kagetsu's mouth as he rose, fury blazing. Luna crackled with lethal energy, ready to strike Alex again but Axel was faster, stronger, unyielding.
"Stay back, Alex," he said firmly.
"Not today."
Every fighter on the battlefield knew one thing: the fate of everyone hung in the balance.
And in the wind, carried like a whisper:
"This… is just the beginning."