The unexpected counterattack caught Rikk off guard, and his sneer was quickly replaced by a scowl of pain. Ashton didn't waste a moment and got back to his feet.
Ashton's defiant grin remained, despite the blood oozing from his wounds. He knew he could always recover his lost blood later, but Ashton couldn't the opportunity to smile at the Xyran, knowing his smile was like poison to the member of the 'superior' species.
Quick as lightning, Ashton lunged forward, his fists a blur as he delivered a series of punches aimed at Rikk's midsection. Rikk's defensive manoeuvres were less refined now, his movements hampered by the injury to his leg. But even then, he persevered, trading blow for blow.
"Should I say we are on equal 'footing' now?" Ashton smirked as another one of his punches landed on Rikk's face.