[ He could've done without the elbow jab. He grits his teeth and exhales, letting the discomfort pass, pain dispersing through his muscles, knowing she's operating on reflex. He's seen and felt it before -- triggers that spawn a retroflex of memory. Like Heaven's War, over but never gone, coming alive with the rotting mephitis in the air. ]
[ He loosens his hold on her -- by slow degrees. Steps back, his free hand lifting to remove his mask. The face underneath is hard and focused, gaze unwavering, ]
All right?
[ He's not asking if she's hurt. He's asking if she's still present. ]
Action;
[ He loosens his hold on her -- by slow degrees. Steps back, his free hand lifting to remove his mask. The face underneath is hard and focused, gaze unwavering, ]
All right?
[ He's not asking if she's hurt. He's asking if she's still present. ]