I bolted toward the western platform, where Hikari was getting mobbed by four Phantoms who'd apparently decided teamwork was a valid strategy. Diego had her in a headlock while Kira circled with those shadow tendrils of hers looking for an opening. Two others I didn't recognize were trying to wrestle her flail away.
Trying being the operative word.
Hikari was grinning like a psychopath.
"This is fun!" she shouted, headbutting Diego hard enough that I heard the crack from twenty yards away.
Diego stumbled back, blood streaming from his nose. "What the hell are you made of?"
"Protein and fighting spirit!" Hikari answered cheerfully, then swung her flail in a wide arc that sent one of the unnamed Phantoms flying.
I reached the platform just as Julian appeared from the other side, his golden armor gleaming in the afternoon sun. Of course the pretty boy would time his entrance for maximum dramatic effect.
Our eyes locked.
