Steph is still in Black Mask's periphery, but with Minako keeping him occupied there's not much he can do when she rolls forward and sweeps his legs out from under him. Off-balance, Minako's blast sends him flying over Steph's head and crashing into the wall.

"Oho," he laughs, "Girlie's got a magic sword! Isn't that sweet-" Steph doesn't give him the chance to finish talking. She's only seconds behind him, hitting with an uppercut to his jaw that if nothing else, does shut him up for a moment. Her other hand grabs tight hold of her staff.

In the next moment Black Mask's hand is on her throat and Steph's is on his hand, searching for a nerve with enough flesh to dig her fingers into.

"Is this any way to treat an old friend?" he growls into her face.