Noctisardor Bypass Karma Police

If Anselm had ever been in high school, he might draw the allegory of dodgeball -- and how Suzu made a delightfully round target. He could imagine she was better than dodging than she let on, but as the pair walked through the towering lodgepole pines, Anselm's mood was far from cheery.

If anything happens, tell Sapphique, Suzu imparted. As was becoming a habit of his as of late, Anselm's lips twitched nervously. I von't let that happen. He grumbled, his voice trailing off as a muffled sound from behind caught his attention.

Anselm whirled in time to see Glaukos -- fucking hell, he was big. How had something so monstrous managed to get the jump-start on them? He balked, but held his ground alongside Suzu. While she was perfectly capable of introducing herself, a defiant streak in Anselm sparked -- mostly because his masculinity had been called into question by Glaukos' rough handling of him. This is Etienne's sister. You know, the healer you decided to hurt. She vould like a vord vith you.