My right hand comes up against my chest and I wrap my left hand around my forearm in an instinctive protective gesture, not bothering to hide it. I can still remember what it was like, the shock of screaming adrenaline-fueled terror that had shot through the entirety of Ankh's body in an instant, Hina's hand bruisingly tight on mine with the last red Core pressed between them, and the sick, awful dragging sensation as Ankh was torn away from me, piece by shining piece before he finally collapsed. It's one of the few nightmares I have anymore that's really truly mine, and thinking about it makes my heart pound for a few moments before I can make myself let go of my wrist. Ankh isn't that fragile anymore, and this other Ankh probably isn't dangerous, and there's nothing to be worried about.

Ankh won't be taken away again.

"Sorry. We weren't exactly on great terms the last time we met," I say, mostly steadily, pushing my hands firmly into my pockets. "How does he feel about Ankh being around?"