Fallen Rose

Elevated Electricity

Michael's breath heaved as he stare ahead at the monstrous red figure. He trembled as Madiha lay weakly in his grip, groaning with pain as her eyes rest half-lidded. Michael focused on the new enemy, as well as the unconscious Katsumi, much to his dismay. He was certainly on his own for this, on top of the fact he had to protect his companions. He glanced over near the side of the hotel, catching sight of yet another alleyway. Trash cans lined the walls, not much to his surprise, but he did attempt to form an idea. He shuffled to the side as Fonata shook her head with a chuckle.

"Are you stuck, boy? Never had to go it alone, have you?" She placed her hands on her hips, waltzing to the escaping pair. She planted a foot proudly on Katsumi's reposed back with a chuckle. Michael scampered around, eyeing her nervously while keeping a tight grasp on Madiha. What was going on?! Shouldn't she be dead by now? The explosion delivered to herself was too strong for her to live through!

He analyzed the area, spotting at least two phone booths in his vicinity to his dismay. As long as they stay away from them, they should be alright, shouldn't they? Worries ran through his mind as he backed up to an alleyway, trying to figure out a good spot for his wounded allies to rest. He slipped behind a trash can, placing Madiha down in attempts to hide them both. He could hear the opponent chuckle, hardly making much effort to approach them.

"Are you going for a game of hide and seek? How pitiful... We must both be middle-aged-" Fonata crept forward, mockery in her voice. "Come on, Mr. Marfil, we're both respectable, hard-working adults- We both know you can't hide f-"

Clank

Michael jumped out as she stray closer, smirking. A trashcan has knocked her to the ground, leaving Michael to brush his hands with satisfaction.

"Come on, Ms... What was it? Ascoltando? We both know your capabilities are only so limited." Michael tapped his chin as the agitated woman sat up. She laughed once more at his confident assumptions.

"Oh really now? What are you, blind?" She pointed with scrutiny, spinning her rotary eyes. "This is simply child's play! Let me show you what a real fight is."

Michael stood perplexed as she picked herself up, along with the trashcan from earlier. She balanced herself, swaying idly as she gripped the weapon intently. Her opponent shook his head, crossing his arms.

"You know you can't get me with a phone, right?" He squinted as his hair began to frizz, "I know all your tricks! We both do! What are you h-"

CLUZAAPANG

"GUURHUUUGGHHHYUGHUUAH!"

The trash can crashed into Michael, sending him flying as electricity ran through his veins. He landed by the hotel, hearing Madiha groaning in agony and concern. He caught a troubled glimpse of the woman, wriggling around in pain as her skin became greyer, horns more prevalent. He gasped as hair became frail, falling off at a simple touch. She was skinnier now, bones defined all throughout her body. Michael gulped, full focus on defeating Fonata with the corpse-like woman now burned into his mind. He analyzed his body as he stood up, noting new lightning-shaped scars patterned all around.

"It's easy to avoid you once you learn all the tricks, Fonata!" He spat, summoning Little Dark Age. He climbed into its arms, making a last effort attempt with its familiar hums Fonata plugged her ears with ease, grinning maliciously as blood dripped from her fingers.

"That's what you believe, isn't it?" She looked up to the skies, nodding abruptly, "Boy, are you in for a world of pain."

"Can you be so sure?"

"Absolutely." She smiled, clicking her tongue with an okay sign. Michael rolled his eyes before feeling a sudden pressure filling the air, his ears now ringing wildly.