[ buying the would-be victim more time is definitely what thoma succeeds in getting, if only because kaeya's focus has shifted. fire and ice have always made for an interesting combo, and while kaeya himself would like to say otherwise, their tug-and-pull interaction with one another is exactly what makes them so evenly matched. the armor protecting thoma does the trick: no matter what burst of cryo comes from kaeya, it thaws and melts upon immediate contact.

even if he were to summon his icicles now, he knows all it would do is chip away at the shield without doing any lasting damage. frustrated, all he can do is block the blunt end of the spear from coming for his ribs, locking his sword against it in an effort to push the man back while he speaks. ]

So what? We've also gained new tricks.

[ as if to prove his point, he summons a small ball of water to float besides them. it lingers for a while before he makes it go away. ]

The fact that we've lost our Visions and yet we're still able to use our powers could also there's something else at play here. Try again.

[ really, what he wouldn't do to believe in everything that thoma is saying here. it's just unfortunate the kenoma makes it that much more difficult, because it's easier to think that everything is gone than banking on the perilous concept of hope.

he pushes back at the other with all his might, hoping to dislodge their weapons. once there's enough distance, he coalesces the frost in the air, summoning icicles to revolve around his person. he knows that if thoma's shield is still up, this isn't going to do much, but that's why he combines it with a flurry of attacks with his blade, leaving little to no room for counters. there's no doubt that thoma would be able to keep up with him easily, and that's fine.

if he can disarm the man, then... that'll be enough. ]