People scrambled for cover as the shockwaves from Michael and Mira's clash continued to shake the estate. Soldiers and guards struggled to keep the situation under control while making sure nobody got caught in the twins' fight. With the force behind their attacks, the property was no longer safe for civilians. Realizing this, the guards and soldiers began working together to evacuate everyone from the estate as quickly as possible. The elders, reporters, and journalists were led away through a designated safe path. They guided everyone toward the outer gates, keeping them away from the damaged buildings and the courtyard where Michael and Mira continued exchanging blows. Adrian, meanwhile, turned his attention away from Michael and Mira. He remembered Barry collapsing after losing his upgraded eye, and he immediately began searching for him. As he limped toward the entrance of the hall, he spotted Barry lying motionless near the doorway. Adrian hurried over, dropped to his knees

Michael flexed his hand, looking at it with a mixture of surprise and satisfaction. He hadn't expected to break through Mira's crimson barrier, especially after losing access to two of his abilities. He curled his fingers into a fist and watched the blue energy flicker around them. "This kind of makes up it… Damn." He raised his head to look at Mira, who was still standing on the balcony. "You're right about me not having some of my abilities anymore." He called out, "But I'll have you know that I didn't lose them." Mira raised an eyebrow. "I had them blocked off on purpose." Michael finished. Mira stared at him for a moment before scoffing. She began walking along the balcony, keeping her eyes on him as she tried to make sense of his words. "So, what you're telling me is that you dumbed down your abilities on purpose, just so this would feel like a fair fight?" Michael shrugged, the smile on his face becoming more taunting. "Something like that." The answer struck a nerve. M

Sunset City Hospital. A VIP room. Even before Michael opened his eyes, he could hear the television mounted on the wall. A presenter was reporting the latest news, her voice carrying through the quiet room as she announced the death of Mira Scofield. The report continued, discussing the final battle and the destruction left behind at the Scofield estate. Michael's eyelids slowly lifted. His vision was blurry at first, and he needed a few moments to understand where he was. He tried to move, but the pain throughout his body made him stop. Then he noticed someone sitting at the edge of his bed. It was his mother, Cristy. Her back was turned toward him as she watched the television. Her shoulders jerked up and down, and the quiet sound of her crying reached him. She hadn't noticed that he was awake. Michael watched her for a moment, his chest tightening as he realized how much pain she was carrying. He tried to sit up, but his body refused to cooperate. A sharp ache spread throu

A week later, Michael's condition had improved significantly. His wounds had healed enough for the doctors to approve his discharge, and after spending that much time in the hospital, he was more than ready to leave. While Barry handled the paperwork, Michael gathered his belongings and prepared to go. He had just finished checking that he had not left anything behind when the door opened. Adrian stepped into the room. It was the first time Michael had seen him since the battle with Mira. Adrian seemed fine on the outside, at least. The compound had given his body an extra boost during recovery, helping him recover from his injuries faster than expected. "Adrian..." Michael called softly. Adrian looked at him and smiled. Michael knew about the complicated situation between Adrian and Mira. He couldn't deny that if Adrian had chosen to fight alongside her, he would have felt deeply betrayed. Still, he believed everyone had the right to make their own choices. That was why he h