[color=0072bc][b]"Strike back."[/b][/color]

Bruce's tune seemed to have changed. The melody intensified, chords struck deeper and higher and more rapidly. 

[color=0072bc][i]'Gaian Guardian.'[/i][/color]

The technique name, admittedly more in homage to Ross than technical accuracy, passed through Bruce's mind. 

Recognition of Zelriane's shift in offensive style clicked in his mind, still orbiting a median of his psyche. Reactionary rather than brute force. 

Bruce's very skin, composed still of stone, moved. Material moved so fast it gave the impression of a phantom that moved a half-step, then a full step ahead of his true body. The skin-deep composition moved in tandem with Bruce's real body.

In the phantom's right hand his mace took form, swinging forward to strike. A step behind, Bruce thrust forward with his right handed sword, the blade elongating to pass through the Earthborn phantom while the mace aimed for Zelriane's head. 

Bruce's left blade rose with his left forearm at crosswise with his torso.

The clones still behind Bruce tightened their formation around him.