There are always rules, naturally, but that does go both ways; Zagreus won't cheat, can only twist words within reason and where inspiration or narrative strikes. "That's two separate things, technically," he chides, like Johnny should know better, but he'll let it slide just this once, in recognition of his efforts.

"But what if we win?" asks the chimaera, now half off its rock, like it's trying to balance on the technicality of keeping its hindquarters on its perch. What could Johnny possibly have to offer, of equal worth to getting Zagreus to leave him alone? Not like he's ever really done that, so the novelty alone makes it a very valuable term of condition. Experimentally, the thing cages the rabbit in one huge paw, digging its claws into the surrounding sand like bars, with a comfortable wriggle. I'm not touching you. Unless of course the thing decides to actually stand up.