Xion had been late to their usual sunset meeting the past three days in a row, and when she had arrived she was unusually somber. She hadn't mentioned anything to Lea, but that in itself didn't necessarily mean anything, and he was starting to get concerned. So this time, he planned to walk along with her and talk on the way, hoping the change of pace might help.

Which was how he happened upon her backed against a wall, surrounded by four older teens who were jeering and kicking at her. "Hey!", he shouted angrily that the bullies as he hurried over. "The heck do you guys think you're doing?!"

One he had their attention he came to a stop within conversation distance. "If I were you, I'd back off of her," he said, eyes narrowing. "Now. Before you end up regretting it."