[Lloyd jumps back with a yelp, alerted by Kratos's rush toward him; that keeps him from tripping, but the sand slides nevertheless. Kratos's sword slices through the empty space left by Yuan's retreat, twists to come at him again.

[This time Yuan blocks and it's more jarring than it should have been. Kratos's shield comes up to block that lightning -- too slow. Just the faintest edge too slow on a weary arm. Kratos staggers, his breath catching, and Lloyd lunges with a cry.]