Kratos raised an eyebrow at Rita. "I haven't removed my Cruxis Crystal since it was first implanted. I have no idea what the results would be were it to be accidentally removed or damaged." He sighed. "That was also partly out of...reflex." A small glare indicated that he wasn't about to share how that habit had developed.

Eager for a change in subject, Kratos turned again to Raine. "Is that so." He frowned. "If that's your intent, I don't see why simply moving nearer to me over there" - he pointed to his forlorn tray still waiting for him - "would have worked as well."