It might be what stops the cut from being as deep as it could be - a mix of moving out of the way, the effort that Taiki puts into concentrating, when Tidus is the one to fall back on focusing on fighting. No good at mind games, at what it requires. Also, the buckler worn on him that eats some of the damage from the swing.

But he is good at clinging onto a ride when it's offered too, jumping onto his back and wrapping his arms around his neck, pushing down on the sensation of them going airborne, the dizziness that hits behind his eyes. The world is dizzying, and he wants to say something to Taiki but doesn't know what.

Instead he'll let him fly, hoping the illusion doesn't follow them, hoping nothing will happen to the both of them wherever it is they land.