This time, Lloyd didn't try to dodge. Ed was right. Enough was enough. Talking wasn't working, so he had no choice. He needed to take the other boy out, hard and fast, when he was least expecting it and couldn't dodge. This was exactly that chance. Mana raced down his arms, somehow tingling less than it should, but there wasn't any time to think about what that meant. Ed's hands slapped to the ground and Lloyd lunged forward as the pillars shot up where he had been. Bringing his swords low, he slashed up to meet Ed's attack, and with the movement he shoved every bit of mana he'd gathered out. Energy erupted from his blades, a brilliant burst of ethereal light that seemed to form the shape of a snarling beast. At this range, it would be nearly impossible to miss, but even if Ed did dodge it, it would definitely hit the wall. Lloyd just hoped it would be enough to break through it. He wasn't sure he'd have it in him to do this a second time.

Dammit, Ed, just go down!