(Rolls use a 30 point bonus)
The smirk on Xaviers face grew into a wide grin as he felt his Dreadful Lightning sink into his target. While it appeared she had managed to avoid the fatal shock he had been looking to administer. In truth, Xavier was having difficulties deciding whether that was a good thing or not. She had yet to fail to surprise him at any opportunity. 

"[color=ed1c24]Tricks are for kids![/color]" Xavier yelled in response as she threw out her hand. The fluctuation of energy that emanated from her hand was small, leading Xavier into over confidence. 

Making no effort to move out of the line of firenn Xavier charged forward once again; looking to take the brunt of the attack and counter immediately. 

(Total Xavier Energy Weakness Roll = additional 56%)

In the charge Xavier had taken care to position his upper right chest into the direct line of fire. What Xavier had not been expecting was an energy finely tuned to combat the Chaos Energy which was the foundation of his Dread Energy. 

The impact of the bolt of energy seemed to stop Xavier I'm his tracks for just a moment before sending him reeling backwards. Upon his skin a ripple of [color=a187be]C[/color][color=2e3192]h[/color][color=630460]a[/color][color=ed1c24]o[/color][color=92278f]t[/color][color=1b1464]i[/color][color=92278f]c[/color] Energy cascading from the impact point. It was for only an instant, but it had felt as though it had burned into what was left of his soul. The rippling was halted and repaired almost as quickly as it had appeared but the shock of it could still be read on Xavier face.

Xavier managed to catch his footing after stumbling twice and brought his left hand up to grope at the impact zone. Where a circular singe as big as a dollar coin now rested. 

"[color=ed1c24]Well then..[/color]" he spoke quietly; both to himself and to the woman. The look of shock on Xaviers melted away and allowed his familiar, entertained smirk to return to his lips. "[color=ed1c24]Let's see what other surprises you have in store.[/color]"

As he spoke Xavier moved his hands and arms infront of his body; mocking the position of holding a sword at waist height and aiming the tip at the woman. It could even be seem as a ride gesture, as Xavier was still in the process of gathering the resources to create his weapon.

[Hr]

The hounds were wild but not stupid; they could tell the guard has gathered themselves and it would take someone detail work to get passed. A loud but deep howl pierced through the skies once again, beckoning the hounds to amass their forces outside a single guard outpost.