There was a lot he wanted to say to Johnny. A lot of snide and sarcastic remarks, a directed threat if he so much as laid a finger on Toby, a retort about how much was idealistic when him and his family have been living in freedom for a good while now up until he showed up at their doorstep… But Drake was in no condition to say any of this. In fact, the moment he felt it safe enough, his wings dropped to the ground like dead weight and tiredness plagued his face and stature. Pain radiated through his muscles with every step.

It took him a moment to even notice the transition from outdoor to indoor as he fought against the urge to fall unconscious. He couldn’t let Dawn bear his weight throughout all of this and managed to speak up, only once they were a decent ways inside.

[color=#A2A2A2]“Dawn,”[/color] his voice strained even as he spoke, but he needed to say this while he still could, [color=#A2A2A2]“If the opportunity arises for everyone to make a break for it, I… I’m just gonna drag everyone down... You gotta leave me behind.”[/color]

Even as he pleaded with what little strength he had, he knew Dawn would likely fight him on this and therefore went on.

[color=#A2A2A2]“If you or anyone else couldn’t get away because of me, I wouldn’t be able to... live with myself knowing that this… This [i]dictator[/i] enslaved you all. With the state I’m in, I… I just can’t…”[/color] the boy trailed off, unable to follow up his statement with a conclusion due to his headache and severe dizziness getting in the way.

Another thought flickered in his mind though, something of vital importance. He switched gears rather suddenly, needing to get it out while he still could.

[color=#A2A2A2]”Larke, the… The prisoner upstairs… He-”[/color]

Drake stopped in his tracks as a sharp pain shot through him. One or more of his organs had suddenly shut down only to start back up again, and the result was excruciating, causing the boy to double over. He had managed to stay conscious this long, but it was only a matter of time before his body would force him under in order to make up for any lost energy.

Only an adrenaline shot could keep him awake at this point, but even that would surely kill him as his system gradually shut itself down from expending the energy he simply didn’t have. His body needed a constant supply to keep itself going, whether that be from sleeping or eating. Sheer willpower had kept him conscious for this long, the desire to not miss any more than he already had, but he was reaching his limits.

The pain he felt from his organs starting back up again, that had been familiar. It was something his body often did when coming back to life. This was concerning on a number of levels, as it likely meant he was, well… 

Dying.

Yes, Drake was on a timer. Perhaps not today, perhaps not the next few days, but soon…
Soon it would run out.

This null on his powers… It was slowly killing him.