Ruka watched in horror, unsure of what to do. She hesitantly stepped toward the fox girl, but at that same moment, Strife decided to strike. With his tail wrapped securely about the tree, he lunged out and wrapped both arms about Ruka's waist. Out of sheer impulse, Ruka closed Lira into her left hand and screamed as she was dragged up and away.<br/><br/>"Celeste!!" Ruka shouted, her entire body shaking.