Ethan descended from above, landing with a solid thump on the crown of Blackie's massive head. The impact rippled faintly through the beast's dark scales, but Ethan was already moving, his Combat Mech retracting in a smooth cascade of segmented metal that folded back into a sleek wrist-mounted unit, no more conspicuous than an advanced watch.
"Make yourself smaller," he said, his voice tight with irritation.
Blackie hesitated just a fraction too long. Ethan responded by stomping down sharply, channeling a pulse of that new, nameless energy through his foot.
CLANG!
The sound rang out like a hammer striking an anvil, far louder and heavier than when Ethan had once smacked Blackie with a steel beam. The force carried a sting that went straight through bone and pride alike.
