The city was still reeling from the destruction wrought by Shadowsteel. Debris was everywhere, but the relief of Sakura Eclipse and Lunar Bloom's victory was temporary. The danger was not over.
Atop an abandoned building, a hooded figure watched the scene. His eyes glowed like two purple slits in the darkness.
"Obsidian failed... how predictable," the figure muttered, with a mocking smile.
He slid to the edge of the building and raised one of his slender hands. Shadows began to stir around him, taking shape.
"It's time for me to play a little..."
The darkness gathered before him, shaping itself into a new monster. The creature had the body of a panther, but its skin was made of pulsating shadows. Its eyes glowed a menacing violet, and sharp claws extended from its paws.
"Phantom Lynx... go hunt." The dark panther roared and disappeared into the night like a living shadow, ready to wreak havoc.
---
At school the next day, Hana Tsukishiro was sitting in the courtyard, watching the sky. She still felt tired from the battle against Shadowsteel, but she couldn't show it in front of the other students.
Rina Aoyagi approached with a discreet smile.
"It's hard to sleep after all that, huh?"
Hana forced a smile.
"Don't even tell me..."
Rina sighed, crossing her arms.
"If the enemy sent that monster, they'll definitely send another one. We need to be prepared."
Hana nodded, but before she could answer, she heard a strange noise coming from the street.
GRRRRRRRR...
A deep growl echoed between the buildings.
The students began to murmur, looking around in confusion.
"What was that?"
"Is there a dog around here?" But Hana and Rina knew it wasn't a dog.
Hana looked at Rina and whispered,
"That's their thing..."
Rina nodded.
— We need to act quickly.
They both ran to a hidden alley behind the school. As soon as they were out of sight, Hana held her brooch tightly.
— Light of the Flower, awaken!
A bright light enveloped her, and in an instant, Sakura Eclipse appeared in her place.
Rina did the same, raising her lunar necklace.
— Lunar Reflection, shine!
The silver light danced around her, transforming her into Lunar Bloom.
The two warriors jumped to the top of a building, observing the city below.
That was when they saw it.
A black figure ran through the streets, moving like a living shadow. Its claws tore through the concrete, leaving deep marks wherever it touched.
— That monster... it moves like a ghost! — Lunar Bloom muttered.
Sakura Eclipse narrowed her eyes.
— We have to stop it before it hurts someone!
They jumped into the street, blocking the creature's path.
Phantom Lynx stopped, staring at the two warriors with his glowing eyes. A low growl escaped his throat, and then, he moved.
He was fast. Too fast.
Before Sakura Eclipse could react, the monster was already behind her, attacking with its claws.
"Ahh!"
She barely managed to dodge, feeling the cutting wind pass close to her face.
Lunar Bloom tried to counterattack.
"Lunar Mirage!"
The silver mist filled the place, creating illusions to confuse the enemy.
But Phantom Lynx just laughed.
"How useless..." said a voice coming from the shadows.
Sakura Eclipse's eyes widened.
"Who said that?!"
Suddenly, the mist disappeared as if it had never existed.
A figure appeared behind the monster.
— You must be smarter than that...
It was Shade.
He stepped forward, smirking.
— You fought well against Obsidian, but it's a different story with me.
Sakura Eclipse clenched her fists.
— It doesn't matter who you send. We'll defeat them!
Shade laughed.
— We'll see.
He snapped his fingers, and Phantom Lynx moved once more, disappearing in a blur.
Suddenly, Sakura Eclipse felt something cold against her neck.
Phantom Lynx was behind her again.
— What?!
Shade grinned.
— That's my monster's power. He's not just fast... he exists between reality and illusion.
Lunar Bloom gritted her teeth.
— So he can attack from anywhere?!
— Exactly.
Shade raised his hand.
— Finish them off, Phantom Lynx.
The dark panther raised its paw, ready to deliver the final blow.
But then...
— Eclipse Blossom Strike!
Sakura Eclipse used her technique, firing glowing petals straight at the monster's eyes.
Phantom Lynx roared, retreating for a moment.
This was their chance.
Lunar Bloom crossed her arms and called forth her attack.
— Lunar Crescent Slash!
The silver blade sliced through the air, hitting the monster square in the chest.
Phantom Lynx fell to the ground, letting out a low grunt before dissolving into shadows.
Shade sighed, shaking his head.
— Damn... how annoying.
He looked at the warriors one last time before disappearing into the darkness.
Sakura Eclipse and Lunar Bloom took a deep breath, feeling the relief of victory.
But they knew that this fight was far from over.