Fighting the Sycrax

Without warning, the Sycrax raised one of its massive claws, each talon resembling a gleaming, axe-like blade. The deadly appendage descended in a brutal arc toward Miley, a whistling sound cutting through the tension-laden air like a herald of doom.

SLASH!

Just as the claws were about to cleave through Miley, a sphere of raw black energy erupted from nowhere, intercepting the blow with a thunderous impact. The resulting shockwave rippled outward, kicking up dust and debris.

The sound snapped Miley out of her daze. She turned her head, eyes wide with disbelief, and saw Barry standing a few feet away. His body was battered, bruises and cuts marring his skin from the earlier explosion. Blood trickled down his temple, yet he stood firm, defiance burning in his eyes.