Kid was beyond stunned. He was expecting Stein to counter the kick, but he hadn't anticipated his attack. The Shinigami raised his arm to keep the blow from reaching his head, but without anything to absorb the attack on his arm, there was a damn good chance he'd need to explain away a fracture when he got home. Kid stumbled backwards, clutching his arm to his chest.

He stared as Stein took off those glasses, debating if this was giving him an advantage or a cause to worry. Kid knew better than to keep randomly striking out now. He'd need a plan. An opening. He maneuvered into a more defensive stance, feeling extraordinarily small. He couldn't help but think just how many witches had been in this same position, feeling this same utter dread, wondering what could possibly happen now.

But unlike most of those who'd been in this position, Kid knew what could possibly happen now. Avoid his hands he kept telling himself. "No one like you knows how to care about anyone. Look around you. This is no better than anything Medusa has done."