He thanks whatever god is listening for his ring, and his training. He was ready to jump away in case something like this happened, and while he's not quick enough and too close to dodge, he has other options. A shimmering green shield blocks the knife, and the forcefield around him glows.

The knife clatters to the floor. In the poor light it looks like one of Fatality's, and Kyle is privately amused at the parallel.

He stays where he is, unyielding, and waits.

'Sep,' he says again. 'It's me, Kyle.'