“What’s this? Konoko’s been attacked?”
Ayane was incensed. Things like this had happened before but never on
such serious terms. Tomeishuu High was like sacred ground because so
many other gangs had tried to take it over. The Cross Blade Lancers
and the Spring Breeze Assassins had resisted every band of punks as
rogues that have attempted it. But this was so direct and so...
calculated. A bunch of yobs jumping a Spring Breeze Assassin from
behind was a standard action, but it wouldn’t result in an exchange of
power.
These ‘Kyoto New Force Strikers’ seemed to realize this. They had left
a formal challenge to Ayane. And from the codes of honour that she
held, she could not back down.
Ayane was sitting parallel to Izumi on a table in the lunchroom of
Tomeishuu High. It was Monday, two days after the leader of the KNFS,
Zanga, defeated Konoko.
“No, Ayane.” Izumi breathed. “Konoko was challenged and she lost. The
reckless fool probably took the guy on as training for you. Little did
she know that this guy ain’t no ordinary fighter.”
Ayane thought this. “Hmm... So what have you found out about them?
What are they like? What are their goals?”
“Hey, chill. I’ve been sniffing around, trying to dig up some dirt.
From what I hear, they are from Kyoto and they have only three
members. One is a girl, but I have no idea who she is. The other two
are guys, both go to Tengoku Aijin School, just north of here.”
“I know that.” Ayane confirmed. “Tengoku Aijin (oddly named) doesn’t
have that many fighters worth any attention. But what do you expect
from a school full of men.”
Izumi rolled her eyes. “That aside, the Kyoto New Force Strikers two
male members are Ranji Masami and a guy named Zanga. I hear Ranji is a
cutie, but kinda has his head in the clouds. Zanga on the other hand,
he’s pretty brutal. This is all I know. And I was only able to get
this from some of my connections in Kyoto-central.”
“That was their previous school?” Ayane asked.
“Uh huh. They were really secretive so there isn’t much stuff I could
find out. Ranji and the girl are fairly powerful fighters, but that
Zanga guy. Something doesn’t feel right about it...”
Ayane grinned. This guy sounded like a decent challenge. “Okay then.
It will be enjoyable fighting this man if he is as strong as you say.”
“Are you crazy?” Izumi dropped the fork she was holding. “It’s obvious
what they’re after. They want power over Tomeishuu High. If they do,
then it isn’t our problem. Leave it to Ikatsuji and Cross Blade
Lancers to handle. They are the ones in control, it’s their
responsibility.”
“Regardless of what they want, they still hurt one of my team mates.
Konoko has always been a power hungry fool but she is still in my
gang. I’ll have to face this Zanga anyway, he challenged me and I
won’t back down.”
Izumi sighed. Ayane was too honourable for her own good. “Well,
whatever you wish, boss. Maybe it’s best to nip this in the bud before
it gets out of hand.”
Ayane’s eyes became distant as she spoke on. “One thing, Izumi.”
“Yeah?”
“I do not want Rinako or the Cross Blade Lancers involved in this
issue. Keep as quiet about this as you possibly can, alright?”
Izumi had a confused expression on her face. “Sure, but why? I mean if
the Kyoto New Force Strikers do want Tomeishuu then it’s their problem
right? It’s the job of the ruling gang to protect the school from
outsiders.”
Ayane squirmed within herself. She still had yet to tell Izumi about
her relationship with Rinako. Which was mostly why she did not want
Rinako involved in this situation. Though the older Ikatsuji sister
was arguably the most powerful fighter in Tomeishuu, Ayane still felt
a little protective of her.
“Just do it for me, Izumi. Alright?”
Izumi nodded, taking note of Ayane’s seriousness. “Alright.”
**********
Rinako and Minato waited patiently just behind the science department
of the school. It was lunch, and neither Rinako nor Minato had any
classes until the last period. Minato was going to spend her free time
exactly the way she wanted to.
With Natsumi.
It was the best thing for Rinako. She wanted to show that there didn’t
need to be any hard feelings between herself and Natsumi. Not just
because Rinako had learned to accept her, but more for Minato’s
benefit. The older Ikatsuji girl saw that twinkle her sister would get
in her eyes anytime she spoke of Natsumi. Minato was head over heels
for the girl. There was no way Rinako could stand in the way of that.
Otherwise she would be replicating the same act as her father did.
Rinako still had trouble believing that. Rinako’s own father had been
the direct cause of the two-year rift between her and Ayane. Well,
whatever his mistakes, Rinako was not going to do the same thing to
Minato.
“I wonder where she is.” Minato said. “It’s already 1.55.”
Rinako looked around for the Yakume-girl. “She’ll be here. I know she
will.”
Just as that was said, a familiar face peered from around the corner
of the building. It was Natsumi. Minato’s heart swelled with joy to
see her love. The force of her affection had been growing ever since
she met Natsumi. After being without her for 6 days, that attraction
was hard to miss.
The two just stared at each other of a few seconds, unwilling to say
anything, with Rinako watching from the side. She could feel her
younger sister’s indecision. But it was okay.
Rinako rested a hand on Minato’s shoulder and smiled. “Go to her,
Minato.”
The blonde girl smiled at her sister. Rinako was okay about this.
Minato chuckled happily and ran towards her love, Natsumi. The miko
was stumbled back with a happy smile as Minato ran into her arms. They
were together again.
Minato nuzzled herself into Natsumi’s embrace. “I missed you, Natsumi.
I missed you so much...”
Natsumi brought a hand to Minato’s head, running her fingers through
the blue-eyed girl’s locks of long blonde hair. “I missed you too,
Mina-chan. But its okay now, sweetie. We’re together.”
Rinako smiled at the two. They really were good for each other. There
was no way she could obstruct that. Natsumi lifted her head up slowly
to sneak a peek at Rinako. She mouthed a quick ‘thank you’ to the CBL
leader. She knew full well that Rinako did this for Minato, not her,
but all the same, Natsumi was grateful.
Rinako just nodded in acceptance. As long as those two were happy
together, that was all that mattered.
**********
“You think I did the right thing?”
It was night, a cool, breezy night, familiar of Tokyo. Rinako was on
the roof of the northern block in Tomeishuu High, with her lover
Ayane’s arms wrapped tenderly around her from behind her. They were
over looking the large grassy courtyard and from that she remembered
seeing Natsumi take Minato out to talk things through.
Ayane questioned Rinako, tightening her grip a little. “With what?”
“With Minato and Natsumi.” Rinako said quietly. “I mean I know she can
look out for herself and everything, but I’m still worried about her.
She’s changing so fast. Up until a few days ago I didn’t even know
that Minato was into girls. I’m just wondering... will she be okay? I
know how confused I felt when I was falling in love with you, so...”
Ayane understood that. Discovering your true sexuality was never an
easy thing. It was easier for Ayane because she disliked men in
general, but for people like Minato and Rinako, things were a little
different.
“She has a good head on her shoulders, Rinako. I do not know if you
have noticed this, but not once have I heard a shred of doubt about
their feelings for each other. Your sister probably understands
herself better than you think.”
Rinako nodded. “Yeah. It was different for us back then, I suppose. We
were friends and rivals at the same time. It was kinda mystifying to
find out how I felt about you. If I could go back in time... there are
so many things I would do differently...”
Ayane was playfully curious. “Like what?”
“Well...” Rinako got a devious glint in her eye. “I would have taken
it a little easier on you during sparring sessions if knew that you
had a thing for me. But, every time you lost, you’d do that cute
little pouting cheek thing that you do.”
Ayane’s cheeks pouted inadvertently as Rinako said that. “What are you
talking about?”
Rinako turned her head around enough to see Ayane’s face. Sure enough,
she was pouting. “You see! There it is again. You have this accidental
sexiness that drives me wild, you know.”
“Rinako... you take great pleasure in embarrassing me don’t you?”
A playful giggle escaped her lips. “So you noticed? Heh! Oh come on,
you mean to tell me that you never checked me out while we were
training? Not even a quick peek...?”
Ayane’s blush deepened, and she mumbled something as she looked away.
“...Yes, a couple of times...”
“Like...?” Rinako prodded.
Ayane surrendered in defeat. Rinako would never leave her alone about
this until she knew, so... “There were occasions where we used to
spar, when I would,” Ayane coughed. “I would... *accidentally* not
look away when the front of your Gi would open up from the wind
resistance...”
The young purple-haired girl sweatdropped. “Geez... I guess I should
have worn a bra or something, huh?”
“It might have helped my concentration a little, yes.”
The two young lovers burst into laughter. As soon as that laughter
died down, their lips closed in on each other for a passionate kiss.
It was so strange from an outside perspective. A week ago they would
have sooner punch each other than be talking like this. It was living
proof that any love could be salvaged if you fought hard enough for
it. And as Rinako felt that wave of elation shoot through her spine as
her lips made contact with Ayane’s...
...She knew that their love would last forever.
**********
Saturday.
One whole week after the defeat of Konoko. The time for the battle
between Zanga and Ayane had arrived. All information regarding Zanga
and the Kyoto New Force Strikers had been successfully kept from
Rinako and the Cross Blade Lancers. Whatever her attitude was like,
Izumi always kept her word.
Ayane had been training for this, but she did overexert herself. She
was pretty sure she could handle this.
With a proud determination, Ayane marched down to Mizube Ai Park for
the fight. Since this was sort of a ‘Tomeishuu pride’ thing, Ayane
came dressed in her schoolgirl uniform. Izumi was with her, but
besides her, nobody else was coming. Not even Konoko (who had kept her
mouth closed about the incident from humiliation) was allowed to come.
It was better this way, though. The less people knew about the duel,
the less chance of leaking out to Rinako.
After a short walk, Ayane and Izumi reached Mizube Ai Park. It was a
beautiful sunny day, with a small cooling gust all the same. Perfect
for fighting.
The secret area of the park was at a northern part of it. Though
Mizube Ai Park was a beautiful place, a lot of serious, territorial
fights took place there. Since this was an early Saturday morning,
there wouldn’t be any one else getting in the way.
The two Spring Breeze Assassins stepped through a bushy mesh of trees
and overhanging grass at the northern gate of the park, and before
they knew it, they were at the secret area.
The secret area was 48-metre long layer of soft stone etched into the
ground. This stone was unmarked and clear, albeit a little dust, and
was the staging ground for many important battles. Just as they had
said, Ranji and Zanga were waiting on the other side of the grounds.
Ranji (as usual) was dressed in his traditional Tengoku Aijin uniform
and Zanga was wearing normal battle outfit, the one he used in his
fight with Konoko.
Ayane eyed them over, whispering to Izumi. “Which one is Zanga?”
Izumi pointed over to the taller one. “That guy. The guy with the
spiky hair and white pants.”
So that was Zanga. Ayane searched his aura. This boy wasn’t a run of
the mill fighter. Well, she expected that. Any man who thought he had
a chance against the Spring Breeze Assassins with only 3 members to
his gang had to be important.
Ranji smiled and Zanga grinned, as Ayane and Izumi were clearly
visible from the other side of the grounds.
“Welcome, Yosukube Ayane.” Ranji said cordially. “We have been waiting
for you. I must say it is a pleasure to meet you. We have heard
stories about your great strength and power.”
Ayane motioned for Izumi to stay where she was, and the second in
command of the SBA nodded to accept that. Ayane walked out into the
stone grounds to come face to face with her enemy. Zanga saw this and
also walked on the arena, still grinning that toothy grin of his.
Before they knew it, they were at eye level. Zanga was slightly taller
than Ayane was, but this courageous young fighter was not intimidated.
The leader of the KNFS eyed over the leader of the SBA. “So you are
the one they call the ‘Frozen Dragon’. You are the counterpart to
Rinako Ikatsuji, the ‘Burning Tiger’. I must say I am honoured to meet
you.”
Ayane stared at Zanga curiously. How the hell did he know those names?
Those were the names given to Ayane and Rinako at the Ikatsuji
Fighting Institution. There was no way that he could know about that.
“How do you know me by that name?” Ayane asked defensively. “I
discarded that title a long time ago.”
Zanga crossed his arms, titling his head to one side. “I know a great
deal more about you and the Ikatsuji woman than you realize. In time I
will come to tell you of my secrets. But until then... we will
fight...”
Ayane tightened her disposition and took on a fighting stance, her
left hand forged into a fist by her side and her other hand palmed out
in front of her. This was what she came for. There was no need to
enter discussions when neither of them wanted it. Soon enough, Ayane’s
foot pushed off the ground as she leapt over at Zanga. The fight would
begin now.
**********
Rinako walked through the halls of Tomeishuu’s northern block. She
really didn’t have much to do. There wasn’t an exam until next week,
but Rinako could not study on that unless Mishizu was with her. And,
unfortunately, Mishizu was meeting up with her sister and mother in
Roppongi. Apparently there was a really lovable American themed
restaurant that they wanted to go to.
Minato was out with Natsumi on there forth date of the week, but
Rinako had never seen her sister happier. There was the option of
training, but she didn’t feel much like it. Truth be told, Rinako
wanted to go see Ayane, but she was out on some kind of business, and
besides, that option was closed to her until they could be more open
about their relationship.
It was dilemma, but Rinako just decided to go watch some TV. Maybe
there was something half-decent on. Filling herself with that new
idea, Rinako swung around and began to walk over to the common room.
But before she could, someone barged into her.
Konoko.
Rinako stopped where she was and glared at the girl. Her face was
still a bit bruised up, and Rinako was curious as to what that was
about. None the less...
“Do you have some kinda problem?” Rinako barked. “I’m not in the mood
for a battle but if you push me I won’t refuse.”
Konoko snorted. “Oh yeah, right, like I care. You Cross Blade Lancer
scum make me sick. I dunno why Yosukube doesn’t just let you fight
your own battles.”
Rinako’s honey brown eyes shot open. Something was up with Ayane.
“What the heck is that supposed to mean?”
“Hmph!” Konoko smiled, knowing that she had an edge over Rinako. “Why
should I tell you anything?”
That was it. Rinako had enough with having to tease out information
from the Spring Breeze Assassins. With a mild growl, Rinako grabbed
Konoko by the collar and thrust her up against the wall, staring down
the subordinate SBA with powerful, commanding eyes.
“Listen here, you little punk.” Rinako yelled. “If it has something to
do with Ayane then it’s my business! Tell me where she is or I swear I
will launch your sorry ass right through this wall.”
A gulp slivered down Konoko’s throat. And fear did the talking for
her. “Ayane is at the secret ground behind Mizube Ai Park. Some guy
named Zanga challenged her to a battle.”
Rinako searched her memories. She couldn’t recall the name Zanga.
“What else? Who is he?”
“He’s the leader of a gang called the Kyoto New Force Strikers. I
think they want Tomeishuu...”
That was all she needed to know. Rinako dropped Konoko’s collar, and
made a dash for the door out of the hallway. Ayane was fighting some
one, and Rinako had to be there.
{Why didn’t she tell me?} Rinako thought. {God, I hope she’s okay.}
**********
Zanga hopped to one side as Ayane’s branched out leg swung around the
cold stone floor, whipping up a wave of dust as she moved. Zanga’s
feet came to rest a few short metres from Ayane.
The Spring Breeze Assassin stood up and observed this man. He was
quite agile. Which was something that Ayane did not prepare for.
Still, there was no need to worry. His movements were quick but not
unreadable.
Zanga took on another fighting stance and waited for Ayane’s next
move. The young woman ran towards him, ignoring that arrogant smirk of
his. Soon as Ayane was in range, hopped on one leg and Zanga swung it
around in a circular motion. Ayane ducked under his roundhouse kick,
slinking closer to him now that he left an opening. Ayane pulled back
her left fist and shot out her right one in a vacuous uppercut,
grazing Zanga’s lightly tanned cheek.
It didn’t knock that stupid grin of his face but it came close. To
supplement her assault, Ayane thrust her left fist at Zanga’s other
cheek, hitting him dead on with angelic precision. The Slash Fang
warrior slid back from Ayane and rubbed his jaw.
Still, he did not attack Ayane; rather he readied himself and waited
for her next move.
{Hmm...} Ayane mused. {His style seems to be very relaxed. I know of a
fighting art that has that characteristic... but what was it called?
There was some sort of secret hidden within it but for some reason I
cannot remember what it is...}
Instead of thinking that through, Ayane ran towards Zanga once more.
Whatever secret his style possessed, he would eventually reveal it
during the match. Ayane lunged in on the lithe fighter, smoothing out
her hand into a knife-edged chop. Her hand darted at the face of
Zanga, swiping fiercely at his flesh in a quick motion. Ayane’s second
hand followed the path its twin had left for it, and her silky hand
cut through the air, slicing at Zanga’s chest. Since he was topless,
that blow managed to have a more potent effect than it normally would
on someone.
Even so, Zanga continued to grin. This woman was powerful. It would be
an interesting battle to see her go down. A third attack aimed for the
KNFS leader’s face came again. Zanga darted his head to one side, and
punched Ayane firmly from this opening.
Ayane gasped as his fist connected with her jaw, but was forced to do
so again as Zanga’s other fist came at her waist. She had to act. The
white-haired girl leaned to one side, dodging the punch. She the
clamped down hard on it with her left hand. The second hand grabbed
the middle of his arm, and Ayane spun around, her back facing Zanga’s
front. She then cocked her body forwards, dragging Zanga’s arm
downwards while doing so, using her bodily position for leverage.
Before he knew it, Zanga was being pulled over Ayane’s body and was
expertly thrown into the hard ground.
Over at the side of the ground, Ranji was watching this with some
confusion, whereas Izumi was jumping for joy.
“Whoo! That’s the stuff, boss!” She yelled. “Show them what it means
to fight a Spring Breeze Assassin!”
Zanga grunted hard, while Ayane backed up a bit. That throw of hers
‘Oshitaosu’ (overpower) was designed to disable physically stronger
opponents. But this man was bringing himself to his feet *very*
quickly. She had to put this guy away before he used anymore of that
power of his. Ayane stood still for a second; tapping into her Chi.
All thoughts were on her body as the flow of her natural energies took
on a new pace. Suddenly her body began to glow with a very pale blue,
and she cupped her hands behind her.
Zanga drew up to his feet completely, and turned around to see Ayane,
burning with the flames of her own icy sapphire Chi. Then his eyes
went wide with concern as her hands were plunged forwards, her palm
splayed out and her arms separated slightly.
“Rai shou en ken no himitsu gijutsu sambyaku yo! Atsuryokuken!”
(Rai shou en ken's secret technique 300! Pressure Fist!)
In the form of a circular sphere, a blast of icy blue Chi shot out
from Ayane’s palms in Zanga’s direction. The warrior brought up his
arms to defend himself from it, but it was no use. Zanga growled with
shock as the blast knocked him off her feet and across the dusty
grounds. He crashed crudely into the stone floor and rolled along as
the propelling force from the attack.
Ayane lowered her hands and stood upright right from the leaning
position she was previously in. She didn’t usually use ‘Atsuryokuken’
(Pressure Fist) on an enemy outside of Tomeishuu, it was the trademark
move of the Rai shou en ken discipline, but this man’s skill was
demanding it. Both Izumi and Ayane thought that the battle must be
over, but to their horror, Zanga was still moving.
With that grin still painted on his face, the Slash Fang warrior was
on his feet again, with no effort. Aside from that small trail of
blood coming down his cheek, Zanga was more or less unaffected.
Ayane was in shock. {He sustained consciousness after being hit with
the Pressure Fist? Impossible!}
Zanga wiped his cheek free of blood. “So that was the flagship skill
of the Rai shou en ken school? Abysmal! The new-age students of Genzo
Ikatsuji seem to be lacking in firepower...”
Now Ayane recognised that this situation was more serious that she had
thought. And he somehow knew that Genzo had trained her. How did he
know these things? Ayane’s questions took a back seat as Zanga finally
took the initiative and charged at her. Ayane knew that she could not
let him gain any ground on her, and punched at the fighter before he
got the chance. Zanga tucked to one side, avoiding Ayane’s fist, and
quickly crouched to the ground. He leaned back, swung his right leg
out, and then brought it back around, curling it under the gold-eyed
girl’s heel.
Ayane fell backwards under the sneaky deception of the ‘Shoukyakuro’
(Incinerator) leg sweep. Zanga quickly brought his leg back and
twirled up into a standing position, smiling with a wide grin. He then
let out a fierce growl as he lifted his foot, and brought it down
quickly. Ayane sensed this and rolled to one side, narrowly avoiding
that stamping blow. Her searing gold eyes took a look at Zanga’s foot.
It had managed to crack the floor in small streaks. This man did not
have an average strength. Again Zanga growled, and kicked Ayane hard
in the root of her stomach, the force of his power knocked the wind
right out of her.
Izumi watched this with some horror. This guy was no joke. Zanga’s
eyes locked onto Ayane, who was struggling to get back on her feet.
The fighter tensed his fist and punched down for Ayane, but it hit
nothing but stone.
Ayane had already anticipated the attack and was repeatedly back
flipping across the arena to put some distance between herself and
Zanga. With an elegant twirl, Ayane landed on her feet, automatically
adopting a new, more urgent fighting stance.
{That man has nightmarish strength.} Ayane assessed. {If I want to
defeat him, I’ll have to strike quickly before he can reciprocate.}
Ayane steeled herself, bracing herself with her back leg and
tightening her fist. Seeing what she had to do, the Spring Breeze
Assassin ran forwards, ignoring that worried look Izumi had in the
distance. Soon her instincts kicked in, and her feet lost contact with
the ground as she leapt forwards. Ayane straightened out her leg
forwards, curling her arm to her side and folding her spare leg under
her body. Zanga stared intently as Ayane neared him with her dreaded
flying kick, ‘Shuuchaku’ (Obsession). Zanga merely sidestepped the
kick and Ayane flew past him, her feet screeching to a halt as they
back to the ground.
This did not faze Ayane however, and she came back at Zanga with a
determined vigour. She kicked at him, her lissom leg grazing the
atmosphere with its speed. Then Ayane gasped in shock. Zanga jetted
into the air, almost in a blur, outmatching the speed of Ayane’s kick.
The Slash Fang warrior span in the air, sailing over his opponent in a
flash and landing directly behind her. Instantly his strong arms were
wrapped around her waist.
“Issho ni kuru... Tengoku e! Ikioi! Roketto tsuki saigai!”
(Come with me... To heaven! (Momentum) Rocket Moon Disaster!)
Using his brutal strength, Zanga lifted Ayane off her feet, arching
his loose back to bring her over with him as he bended backwards.
Ayane let out a distressed grunt as her head and lower back were
slammed into the ground by means of an unholy backbreaker.
Zanga’s grip on Ayane slithered loose, and he rolled out from under
her, standing up proudly as he inspected the fruits of his Rocket Moon
Disaster attack. He suspected that she should at least have a
concussion from that.
Ayane groaned. It was hard to believe, but this fighter was stronger
than her. What made it worse, was that he seemed to have knowledge of
her fighting style. That was something that put him one step ahead.
But what made it worse was his strength. His overall force was
enormous in nature. And to top it all off, Zanga was strong without
having a speed disadvantage. Ayane estimated that he was very nearly
as fast as she was. She had to admit though; she felt a warrior’s
respect for this kind of power.
But she was not going to through in the towel.
Using all her strength, Ayane heaved herself into a crouching position
and then she managed to stand on her power. Then she realized that
there was only one way she could win.
The Compression Blast.
Never before had she used it in actual combat. Not once. Not even
against Rinako. Zanga was the first person she had ever needed to use
this move against.
“You’re very powerful.” Ayane said honestly. “In truth, you are the
first man to ever earn my respect on the battlefield. But I will not
be defeated this day...”
Zanga just grinned. “Is that so? Well then... why don’t you show me
what you can do, eh? Show me the power of Rai shou en ken.”
Ayane stepped back, and did her best to hold still. This had to be
done correctly; otherwise she would not be able to focus the attack
properly. The young woman spread apart her legs, and tautened her
fists as tight as she could. Her eyes slowly shut closed, and once
more she delved into that well of pure Chi that existed within her
body. Bursts of adrenalin and intent flooded through her body as raw
energy began gathering within the core of Ayane’s soul. Almost in a
zombie-like trance, Ayane’s hands came before her stomach, creating a
sort of ball shape in the gap between them. As soon as flames of her
cobalt inner flame enveloped Ayane’s body, energy started to resonate
between her hands.
Zanga stared at her, this was similar to the energy gathering she did
for her previous energy attack, but this was different somehow. Ranji
and Izumi watched quietly from the sidelines. But only Izumi knew the
effort that Ayane was making.
She was going all out.
The air around the park suddenly grew colder as more of Ayane’s inner
Chi summoned raw energy amid her hands. Suddenly a strong wind broke
out from the tension in the air, Zanga forced himself to cover his
eyes as the wind flashed the dust around and about the place. A twinge
was felt inside Ayane, and from that she knew that the attack was
ready.
“Watashi no youshiki kanojo no chou gijutsu yo! Compression Buster!”
{My style... her ultimate technique! Compression Buster!}
Ayane pushed both arms forwards, emitting a huge wave of sapphire blue
energy. Zanga stared wide-eyed at this surge of icy power, it was a
little more than he had expected. He quickly brought his hands back
and gathered up his own energy as quickly as he could. As the
gargantuan discharge neared him, he grinned deeply, projecting his
hands forward.
"Ore wa okotte imasu! Ore no kobushi wa tachiageru! Lust Breaker!"
{Now I'm mad! My fist rises! Lust Breaker!}
Zanga unleashed a ferocious shot of crystal-glowing emerald energy, so
powerful, yet so condensed. The two blasts of spirit power collided,
filling the whole arena with a flash of blinding blue and green light.
Even Ranji and Izumi covered their eyes as colossal rocked the stone
ground, which was creaking in thin streaks from the point of impact.
Though standoff seemed to indicate to Ayane that her Compression Blast
to be holding firm, Zanga knew differently. Although the Lust Breaker
was a much smaller attack, its power was concentrated into such a
degree that it was actually cutting though the Compression Blast’s
crystalline energy. The Lust Breaker ripped through Ayane’s wave in a
haze of green light and stormed over to the white-haired girl.
That effort her tired her, but she had to move otherwise the Lust
Breaker would knock her out. Ayane dived to the side, and rolled over
as it exploded on contact with a set of trees over on the edge of the
stone grounds.
{What a fearsome power.} Ayane thought. {And I’ve used up all my
energy to pull off that Compression Blast... now what can I do?}
The blood red eyes of Zanga inspected Ayane. It was obvious that she
had used up all her energy. With a victorious bellow, Zanga ran over
to her. It was time to put the girl away.
Ayane just found herself standing up, but without warning, Zanga came
for her. The Spring Breeze Assassin could only yelp as he unleashed
powerful chains of blows on her. A fist rammed into her stomach. A
kick administered a blow to the head. Zanga continued his relentless
assault to the shock of Izumi.
Izumi struggled to maintain herself, but she couldn’t just stand
around and watch her friend get pummelled like that. However before
she could even set foot on the stone floor, Ranji appeared next to
her.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” He said quietly. “This is their
fight. If you interfere that means I will have to step in as well. It
would be best for them to finish their duel in the way they want.”
Izumi scowled. “You mean I should just stand here and let your jerk of
a leader kick the crap out of my friend? You really think that I’m
stupid enough to listen to you?”
Zanga was uncaring of whatever Izumi and Ranji were talking about. He
continued to hammer away at a now weakening Ayane, her body becoming
limp with lack of energy. After one final, searing punch to Ayane’s
jaw, the SBA leader toppled to the ground in a motionless heap, unable
to fight back. Zanga had won. But he was not finished just yet.
Yelling out again, he hoisted his foot in the air to stamp down on an
unconscious Ayane. Until...
“Stop it!”
Zanga, Ranji and Izumi all looked over to the entrance to the secret
area where that voice came from. It was Rinako. Tears were trailing
down her eyes as she saw her only love in a mangled, comatose state.
All thanks to that animal...
But rather than worry about Zanga, Rinako leapt onto the stone field
and crouched down by her Ayane’s side. Zanga just watched the two with
an amused smirk, and motioned for Ranji to follow him. Ranji nodded
and Zanga began to walk away, satiated with the defeat of Ayane
Yosukube.
But before her could leave, Rinako screamed out to him, her soft tears
spilling onto the cold stone ground. “Zanga!”
Zanga looked back. “Yes?”
“I swear...” Rinako was seething; her fists were clenched so tightly
that her knuckles were turning a pallid white. “I will kill you for
this... I’ll kill you!”
Zanga just chuckled at Rinako. “Ha, ha, ha! Don’t worry, Ikatsuji.
You’re next...”
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