[3]
I had to zoom all the way in to properly grasp what’s happening here but Fai blasts Ashura into what’s almost a T-pose so he can grab Sakura and pull her safely out of harm’s way.
Which is GREAT because in all honesty I’d forgotten Sakura was in this scene after what had happened to Kurogane. Even as he’s still in the grip of his grief of watching Kurogane fall to ground he still has the presence of mind to prioritise Sakura’s safety over killing Ashura right there and then. And Fai’s ability to keep track of each of his family members throughout this magic fight is honestly a skill in itself and really shows just how good and amazing he truly is, even now, during the worst possible scenario playing out around him.
FAI IS A GEM UNTO THIS WORLD. WE DONT DESEVE HIM.
Oh no now they’re making me cry and it’s all their fault.
Even as Fai tries to keep them safe and get them both out of here Lava Lamp desperately tries to stop him from doing what he’s about to do.
Because we can all guess what Fai is going to do. He’s planning to either take down Ashura or die trying. He can’t guarantee that they’ll be safe if he loses, so he wants them to leave.
And when Lava Lamp asks him not to and the surprise on Fai’s face is open and undisguised.
Because technically if Lava Lamp was prioritising Sakura’s safety over everything thing he would agree; he would get Sakura out of the line of fire first and foremost before worrying about anything else. But he doesn’t do that; instead he grabs Fai’s sleeve.
AND THE EMOTION IN HIS FACE IN THE NEXT PANEL
It tears my heart in half because Fai was so certain that the truth about his backstory would turn his family against him and here they are, for HIM, fighting through pain and whatever magic is on him to try and keep Fai alive too.
But Fai resigns himself to his resolve and gently takes his hand away.
And excuse me I’m going to be crying under the table.