Just as Maria gains the slightest advantage, Ryoichi vanishes into the shadows once more.
"What's the matter?" Maria challenges, panting heavily. "Afraid to get beaten by a girl?"
There is no answer.
Maria feels a chill run down her spine. He's toying with me now, trying to psych me out. Ain't gonna work. A few deep breaths slow her breathing enough to be near-silent; the keen lynx hearing is once again attuned to her surroundings. But Ryoichi is giving nothing away; the forest is totally silent.
"Tell me how you survived," Ryoichi demands from the shadows.
"I thought of my Hanna," Maria explains; she silently curses herself for letting her secret slip out so easily.
The revelation gives Ryoichi pause. "It must hurt, knowing the one you love loves someone else."
"I get by."
"I wonder, what does the hare think of your little secret?"
"The hare already knows," Rob answers. "And has known all along."
"Really?" Maria asks, confused, yet also relieved. "You're not-"
"Course not," Rob assures. "You've done nothing wrong."
The sound of laughter echoes throughout the forest. "Love, friendship, compassion. All weaknesses. Your failure is inevitable. Surrender, and I'll make your deaths quick; resist, and Tsubaki will draw them out beyond all endurance."
"Red Scarves never surrender!" Maria cries defiantly.
"Just as I thought."
Suddenly, Maria finds herself surrounded by thick vines; before she can leap out, they close over her head, sealing her inside a botanical sarcophagus.
"You think this can hold me?" Maria challenges.
"Long enough to get you to Tsubaki," Ryoichi replies.
"Do you remember the name I used when we first met?"
"Ah yes; your 'girlfriend' called you 'Wood'."
"Ever wonder why?"
"Not in the slightest."
"Shame; would have saved you the embarrassment you're about to suffer."
Maria closes her eyes, starts spinning her nunchaku, and focusses hard; a few moments later, the vines surrounding the lynx blow apart as they are shredded into organic confetti.
"Elemental affinity," Ryoichi observes. "Didn't know you had that ability."
"I don't," Maria confirms, her voice hollow and wooden. "But all this taunting has given me time to tune into the Crystal energy Aquila has gifted you, and turn it against you."
Once again, Ryoichi laughs. "Desperation; you reek of it."
"You think you'll win. But I know you won't."
After a moment's pause, Ryoichi charges once more.
Straight into the tonfa of Xander Lykos.
