Instantly, X became less sure of himself, to the point of his sword dropping all the way down to his side. "You know," he said, "borrow you, again, as soon as my life's in danger." He forgot, sometimes, that not everyone was as comfortable or familiar talking about it as he was. Knowing someone well didn't mean they knew you well.

At the last, however, X laughed, and raised his sword again. "I'll take that as a compliment," he said. "You're right, in any case. I don't have the same powers Devin does. I do have --"

He cut off, abruptly, and shook his head. "Never mind."