Johnny gasps and staggers to his knees, startled by the sudden imbalance. Zagreus is gone. Someone has cut him free -- a presence he doesn't recognize, strong enough to block off a whole part of his psyche. He turns sharply, coiled back, afraid it's something worse, and sees a young man he doesn't recognize. Almost immediately he feels himself soften. He feels comforted somehow, washing over his panicky instincts.

"Hi," he says hesitantly. He sits back, still looking up at the new guy, a little embarrassed now that he's been caught with his proverbial pants down. "Uh. Thanks."