Suiko eluded another charge from Rhino Wrestler, coming to a stop as her feet dug into the lawn.
We have to end this now before his two partners arrive.
"Your pitiful attacks mean nothing." Rhino Wrestler brought up his fists. "I'll even combine your next three scores into one. So, stop running and come fight me."
The time had arrived for Suiko, Yuta, and Fubuki to enact their plan they had devised on their way to S-City.
Suiko nodded first toward Fubuki, who stood off to her left with the rest of the Blizzard Group members and then to Yuta standing straight ahead of her. Between the two was uninjured Rhino Wrestler.
"We accept your request." Yuta's voice marked the beginning of the end.
Fubuki's hands shot up. "'Psychic Binding!'" Her psychic aura enveloped Rhino Wrestler, however he started struggling. "Hurry! I don't know how long I can hold him in place!"
Yuta raised her blades in a graceful arch above her head and said, "Witness the fruits of my training… 'Brilliant Crescent Slash.'"
She descended into a spinning, low-to-high, arcing combo of sword swings — each strike carrying into the next like a dancer under the moonlight. Her movements blurred into silver trails of light as she built up speed, arriving in front of Rhino Wrestler akin to when the clouds gave way to the full moon. The silvery light culminated in a brilliant display when she landed a synchronized double slash that formed into the shape of a crescent moon across his chest.
Rhino Wrestler roared as blood sprayed out of his chest, making him thrash about, almost breaking free.
"Blizzard Group go!"
Eyelashes, Mountain Ape, Lily and rest's hands sprung up in unison. "'Psychic Binding!'" The psychic aura enveloping Rhino Wrestler thickened, causing his thrashing movements to lessen.
I won't let the insights I gained from your teaching go to waste, Mr. Bang. I can protect those I care about!
Suiko bolted forward. Just before reaching Rhino Wrestler, she leapt. "'Void Fang Piercing Cyclone!'" Her body spun sideways through the air, legs tucked tight. Before she rotated like a precision drill, then lashed one leg out, unleashing a rapid barrage of snap kicks into the crescent-shaped wound.
Every strike pierced the wound from new angles, driving deeper with each impact. Her body streamed in perfect rhythm, spinning faster with every kick until she became a bronze-toned blur. Wind coiled around her from the sheer force, and with every connection, her kicks tore away chunks of his armor-like flesh.
"Rhah!" Rhino Wrestler desperately tried to free himself.
Suiko denied him any chance. She channeled her full momentum into a final spear-thrust kick that punched clean through his torso, leaving a gaping hole where his chest had been.
She landed on the lawn, her breath heavy as she looked up at the frozen monster.
"Damn you… Gyoro Gyoro. You…" Rhino Wrestler's eyes dulled as he fell backward. "100…"
A warm surprise enveloped Suiko moments later.
"Excellent work." Fubuki's breath tickled Suiko's ear as she embraced her from behind.
Yuta made her way over and said, "Yes. You did good."
From further back, praises rang out from the rest of the Blizzard Group.
Suiko smirked. "We all did great. Hey, Fubuki, now's not the time for this sort of thing…"
Fubuki took a quick step back, clearing her throat. "That was simply... professional recognition. Your first successful monster extermination as a Blizzard Group member deserves acknowledgement."
Turning around, Suiko viewed the red-faced Fubuki head toward a confused Yuta.
"Alright, it's your turn."
Yuta stepped back. "I do not wish to be hugged at this time."
"I'm the leader. Refuse this hug, and you undermine my authority."
"Halt your step!"
"Come here!" Fubuki gave chase.
Happiness showered over Suiko. In such a short time, she'd gained not just the love of her life, but also a loyal circle of new family and friends.
She pulled out her phone. "Finally called me back, brother… You were probably bored."
A hint of worry crossed her mind. Suiryu was in C-City. But remembering today's plan, her concerns mellowed. She trusted the preparations in place.
That brother of mine will be surprised as hell when he sees how strong I've become. Though I have no clue how he'll react to my situation... Suiko pocketed her phone and hurried after the Blizzard Group, trailing Fubuki and Yuta.
¤ ¤ ¤
Genos pried his upper body out of the crater Gouketsu had crushed him into. His gaze fell on Mosquito Girl, who stood with her hands tucked inside her 'Oppai Hoodie's' pocket, watching Gouketsu with an indifferent expression.
"You can still move Demon Cyborg?" Gouketsu's four vertical bloodshot eyes swiveled to Mosquito Girl. "You're not fodder. But you, a monster, are actually protecting a hero? The state of the world has grown dire than I assumed."
"Leave now! You can't beat him alone. Only if we gather master and everyone else might we stand a chance."
"Demon Cyborg is correct about one thing. An insect like you can't beat me."
Mosquito Girl untucked her hands from the hoodie's pocket and said, "Genos, Genos, how little do you believe in Caspian? Aren't you his disciple? His strength… I can sense it, smell it. I'm proud to say that his strength is beyond comprehension or equal."
Genos frowned. Could my assessment of Master's strength truly have been off by so much?
"I had thought of recruiting you to join the Monster Association, but little insect lady, your words reveal a mind too broken to salvage. No wonder you sided with the heroes. Once I finish my task here, I'll track down this Caspian and obliterate him."
Rage erupted within Genos, but not only him.
Mosquito Girl exploded skyward, the pavement shattering beneath her launch.
From the ground, Genos caught the moment Gouketsu drove a high side kick into Mosquito Girl's midair frame. The edge of his foot crashed into her with a resonant boom. Its power sent her shooting upward before clouds swallowed her form.
Building windows exploded from the shockwave of Gouketsu's attack while car-sized fissures spread out beneath his other foot.
After everything... I am too weak once more. Forgive me, Master. I failed to protect her.