The girl took the answer in stride, "No need to worry. I've been watching my own back for months with little, if any, assistance," she replied confidently. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, her entire being tensing for a moment as a hand met her back. [I]Touching, touching, touching, touching,[/I] her brain screamed in paranoia and discomfort. It took her no more than a quick moment to realize and fix her reaction. She looked up at Jason and nodded, "Thanks - if not, I'll just have to find somebody else," She said, waving her hand in dismissal. She wasn't quite so lax as she let on, but if she showed any desire or vulnerability, it could be consequential.

Nero had kept his gaze firmly on the ground, taking a few long breaths. When he finally looked back up, his eyes looked almost normal again and his expression was nearly deadpan. Jason walked away, Suto was recovering, and he felt a hand tug him away from the two other guys. Kimi crossed her arms and looked up at him, "Get your crap together and put your game face on," Her voice was low and firm.

"I am, now leave me alone," He snapped at the small girl, causing her to physically wince and step back.

She hesitated before recollecting herself, giving him a small nod, and walking away in silence, rejoining Suto. "Ready for this?"

----

Kazaro decided to take the lead throughout the rest of the floor, though it seemed that both he and Alphard were vying for the space at the head of the party. It didn't really bother him much... At least, not that it showed. It was very subtle, but he was take just one stride a little bit longer at a time until he was rather clearly at the helm. The unconscious power struggle was of little importance, of course, as everybody split off into pairs for the fighting. Finally, they came to the door for the very top of the tower and everybody began sifting through their inventories for preparation. Kimi took a seat against a pillar near Suto, closing her eyes in relaxation, keeping one of them very slightly open, watching Suto.

Nero was double checking the durability of his equipment and Kazaro was watching everybody in the party, waiting for them all to be ready to proceed.