[Maybe Natsuno doesn’t need to breathe, but taking breaths gives him something to focus on—and yes, it makes both Pal and Rita feel a hell of a lot better about the situation. He keeps his voice low as he answers Rita.]

Pain receptors are difficult. But I can try.

[As he continues to concentrate, he can feel blood sweat prickling along his hairline, and eventually a nosebleed start up. That isn’t ideal, but it also isn’t unprecedented. It also gives Palamedes an idea.]

Yuuki, would blood help? A donation, let’s say. [Half to himself, he adds] If I’m going to be losing it anyway, it may as well go to some use.