[ Where their alliance had once been air tight, it's now starting to fissure and crumble. Without Strata - without Rowen - this was going to go south fast, and Sage knows that. Instinct briefly seizes him with that knowledge, even when it seems as though his heart is going to fight him tooth and nail to accept it. That's the amount of time it takes for Rowen to rear back and release another arrow, taking advantage of the gap in their already unwilling defenses. Sage is up in a flash. Ryo won't lift his swords against Rowen. There is no right way to face down an ally, not like this. And they can't afford to lose both of them.

When the arrow collides with the Halo armor as Sage takes the hit, the air itself surrounding him seems to inhale. Sounds seem muffled by the impact. Everything shifts, and the energies gather to him tightly as they war for dominance. He buckles, and the green glow around him flickers as it contains the energy released by Strata's shockwave. It's a narrow attempt, but the light disintegrates, falling away from him. All the seams in his armor glow faintly, and smoke rises from the arrow now embedded in his armor.

Sage doesn't know if it's pierced through and hit him. It's hard to feel through the rush of adrenaline, and briefly, fear. He breathes hard, realizing the shot caused him to skid several feet back in the dirt. He steadies his hands and looks over his shoulder. ]

Don't get any closer... he's not going to hold back at all!

[ Sage readies his grip on his blade again, holding it vertical to himself. If it can just show him what's happening here... ]

Look, I don't know what you're up to, but I'm going to find out!