The extending blades hit the shield hard, nearly knocking the ace to the ground again. But Sprite was ready this time, bracing her foot behind her and leaning forward into the blow. Time appeared to slow down for Sprite.

Scotty was yelling, spittle flying from his gaping mouth. A drop of sweat ran into his left eye. He didn’t notice.

The tentacles started to force their way through the thin shield, first one, then the next, now twelve deadly points pushed their way through the barrier toward Sprite. One blade had yet to break through.

Scotty screamed.

The blades approached.