His instinctive reaction to the stab of pain that sends through his shoulders is to grab at Yuya, trying to push him away. The vines are made of the same stuff that his wings had been, and they feel just as much a part of his body. Yuya trying to claw them off feels horrible. His super strength doesn't apply in this dream, either - it's a battle of will, plain and simple.

"Stop," he says at first, clawing at Yuya's shirt. Yet, as he does, something else rises up in him - it's Creation. The same Creation that has been riding with him this whole time, waiting for the moments he needs it most.

It's glow spreads across his body, soothing the pain. Steven's panicked struggle against Yuya relaxes, and he exhales into the water.

Yuya's claws begin to make progress tearing through that first tether.