Seeing that Taiki wasn't going to reach back out to them, Lea shifted to take his nearer hand himself, giving it a hopefully reassuring squeeze. "We've got you, Taiki," he said. "And we're all here for you, no matter what. Just hold onto us, and we'll get you back safe."

He knew Taiki didn't want to go. And frankly he couldn't blame him. But needs must. "This isn't running away. This is just regrouping so you can come back properly later." And hopefully give Asen exactly what was coming to him.