Phoenix tensed as the akuma approached, and when it made a grab for him, his first instinct was to somehow get away, but whatever move he was going to make was cut short when he was unexpectedly jerked to the side. Finding himself nearly nose to nose with Tyki, with a hand firmly gripping his chin, was enough to shake Phoenix out of his stupor. He blinked, bewildered as he stared into the man’s gold eyes for a moment, but realization was fortunately quick to dawn.

Although he understood what Tyki was doing, he figured struggling to get free was an appropriate reaction. Making it look convincing would be no trouble at all. “Let go of me!” he cried, trying to shove him away.