[He's surprised by her comment, for the subject - and the question - that she chose; he'd debated whether or not to go with the story, and had done it only because he thought it might help to demonstrate why he understands. So often turning the subject away from her was an invitation she would jump on, and he'd been half-ready to figure out a way to twist things back on her. That it wasn't necessary catches him off guard, but he's relieved by it, too, that she's able to open up rather than guard herself like usual. He hopes that he can avoid screwing this up, lest she thinks her trust in him to be misplaced.

Her question, at least, requires no long thought on his part.]

I will. [His tone is calm and resolute, with no doubt or hesitation. Of course he will.] But not because you're a crystal, or because of your power. I'd do it even if you were a regular human.

[With most people, he'd end it there, would leave it at that because those who know him should know his meaning, wouldn't require him to spell it out for them. They'd understand that his care isn't conditional on what they can offer him in return. Most of the time his friends had already given much, much more to him already, and it's long past the point of what they may or may not deserve. Or... to be more on point, whether or not they're worthy of his power being used to defend them.

He almost doesn't continue, pauses a moment for the internal debate. With Pyra... maybe he needs to say it. Maybe she needs to hear it. She probably doesn't hear it enough. And so, finally:]

I'll protect you because you're my friend.