Though Derrin could push him back, he couldn't get a blow past the man's shield.  Derrin wondered if the fact that he couldn't actually throw lightning might actually cost him the battle.  No, that wasn't it.  The man's shield was just too strong.  He'd have to try and get around it.

When they got close to a newspaper dispenser Derrin kicked it at the man, distracting him long enough for the man to move his shield.  Derrin used the opening to take a swing at the man's face, but the pyro was already covering himself with a ball of fire that was forming in his left hand.  Unable to react in time, Derrin was hit in the chest with a fireball for the second time, though this one was significantly less powerful, and only knocked him off of his feet.