His shield was out as soon as Garland’s hand rose, but it was not enough to block the force of the attack, and the Warrior of Light was sent skidding backwards as well, going into a crouch for a moment to avoid falling. This man wasn’t Garland, not the Garland he knew, and it had thrown him off. He had expected his enemy, the man he had faced time and time again. Instead, they were faced with a stranger.

Still, this man was an enemy, one that needed to be dealt with. The Warrior rose to his feet as he saw Genesis fly toward Garland, and heard Firion’s shout. “There is no other way but to fight! Come!” He shouted to the others, advancing upon Garland himself with his blade raised.