Chapter 73: [73] Three-Two, You Win
"You’ve done this before," Aurora said.
Xavier pivoted smoothly, maintaining distance. "Once or twice."
His body felt lighter than expected, more responsive. This new form had good instincts—better than his original body in some ways. He caught Aurora’s wrist as she threw a hook, using her momentum to pull her slightly off-balance.
"Twice is understating it," Aurora laughed, recovering instantly. "Your footwork’s too good."
She broke his grip with a twist and dropped low, sweeping at his legs. Xavier jumped over the sweep, but Aurora had anticipated this. She rose with the motion, her fist stopping an inch from his sternum.
"Two-one," she announced. "Getting nervous yet?"
Xavier settled back into his stance. "Nah, I’ll still win."
This time, he didn’t wait for her attack. He stepped forward with a straight jab that Aurora slipped, followed by a cross she blocked with her forearm. She countered with a flurry of strikes that forced him to give ground.
She’s faster than she looks.
Aurora pressed her advantage, her crimson ponytail whipping around as she launched a spinning back kick. Xavier caught her ankle and pushed, sending her hopping backward to regain balance.
"Not bad," she said, grinning wider. "Most people can’t touch me when I get going."