CLANG!
The impact blasted a shockwave across the ruined capitol entrance.
Lightning burst outward from Aris's talons at the exact same moment Francis's claw slammed into the crossed blades from the side.
For the first time, the masked agent's footing shifted.
His boots carved through the ground as pressure exploded beneath him.
Aris's eyes flickered slightly.
Francis timed it perfectly.
Not too early.
Not too late.
The moment lightning surged across her talons; he twisted around the outer edge of the current without even looking at her. He moved through the smallest gap.
CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!
But Francis did not stop there.
The instant the block connected, he disappeared from Aris's side.
A blur.
No hesitation.
Aris's eyes widened slightly.
Fast.
Far faster than before.
Francis reappeared low on the agent's right side, claws ripping upward toward the gaps beneath the arm plating.
The masked fighter reacted immediately.
