Description: Noriko is a wallower! ... Whatever that means. (Winner: Dr. Tran)
The wind whips by Dr. Tran, standing stock still as he considers the upcoming match. It's not that it's a particularly windy day, mind, so much as the fact that he's standing on top of a boxcar that is part of a train which is chugging along steadily, the backdrop endless waves of swaying grain. It's quite picturesque.
Well, Noriko DID want the fight to be private, after all.
The only person here besides Tran and Noriko is a light and graceful-looking Neo League cameraman. He's busy checking his camera at the moment, but when he's done, the fight can presumably begin. Tran, in the meantime, is still deep in thought, staring off into the distance with a tight-lipped expression on his face.
Fighting on a moving train... That is certainly something that Noriko had not anticipated. That does not mean she doesn't enjoy the opportunity; In actuality, as she stands in her standard embroidered white kimono with brown sash near the end of the boxcar, it is the view that interests her more then the prelude to the fight. This is the first meeting the pair have had since the... unpleasantries that ruined her first visit to a carnival. But she doesn't seem perturbed or vengeful in the slightest; Quite serene, as a matter of fact. Her own long braid of hair and sleeves billow in the steady draft of wind, hands folded before her lap with sheathed katana held within. Before the camera is officially on, she does offer a consoling statement. "I do not blame you for the incident prior. In retrospect, the trick with the ball was impressive. I wish you had focused instead on winning me that prize as you did in striking Alma, however." She seems to be very sure it was not an accident. "I merely suppose I expected better of him..." She sighs exasperated, before turning towards Tran and bowing deeply. "It is an honor to see your style now, Doctor Richard Tran. Please do not hold anything back. If I sense you are fighting with nothing but raw desire to win, I will concede. Victory is not that important to me..."
She then flows into her defensive stance, raising the katana before herself in a warding gesture. Tran has not seen her fight either, and might likely not know what to expect regardless. But Noriko has no intent to take advantage of that fact. "You may begin."
COMBATSYS: Noriko has started a fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Noriko 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Noriko takes no action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Noriko 0/-------/-------|
The fight hasn't even really started yet, and Noriko's already managed to catch Tran off-guard. He turns from the scenery and just...gapes at her. "I...uh..." He thought he was going to have to try to explain his actions, to make it up to Noriko somehow. But this? This was too easy. "So...you're not angry, anymore?" He still seems hesitant.
Shaking his head, he takes a step forward, preparing himself. For once, he doesn't really feel all that much like fighting. He had a plan, but now it's over before it even began. Still, he raises his fists. "You know, you've got a couple things wrong, again. First, I'm still not sure I'd call it a style...and second, I don't think I can do that. I don't..." He struggles for a moment, trying to think of how to put this. "I don't fight because I want to win, I fight because I'm either putting on a show, or because I'm an angry, angry person. So if neither of those work for you, now's the time to let me know."
Of note, the cameraman's got his camera worked out, and is holding it up on his shoulder. He's not filming yet, seeming to be waiting for some real action to start.
COMBATSYS: Tran has joined the fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Noriko
COMBATSYS: Tran takes no action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Noriko
There's just a sort of helpless shrug given at the first part of Tran's statement, before Noriko appears quite intrigued by the second. "So you fight as a means of getting rid of stress?" Noriko asks, as if trying to finally put her finger on the primary motivating factor within the other man. "That is a very valid reason. But you have such potential... Why restrict your passion in that way? To impress others, or to hide your emotion... An outlet to stress does not fix the stress, after all."
But then Noriko brushes out her kimono, smiling lightly to herself. "But who am I to say? I suppose I am just a romantic. I wish to see the true depths of pure inspiration behind every fighter. But I only fight to find myself... To try to find my own spirit. If this fight might help you, then I am more then happy to oblige. I know it might help me." She remains within her fluid defensive stance, seeming to have not broken her physical concentration with the commentary in the slightest. The cameraman however has begun panning between them, as if very unpleasantly surprised at just how not-exciting a battle upon a moving train is turning out to be.
COMBATSYS: Noriko takes no action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Noriko
Well. Dr. Tran, shrugs, as well! "I wouldn't say it's as purposeful as that...you keep giving me too much credit. My passion, as you put it..." Tran trails off here, balling up one hand into a fist. "Nevermind."
He points with his other hand toward Noriko. "I'll tell you this much, though. I started fighting as a means to an end. I think it's working, just not in the way I expected it to. I...I don't even know where I'm going with this. I'm rambling, so let's just rumble." Moving into a run, Dr. Tran simply charges Noriko head-on, twisting and crouching slightly when the distance has been closed. His body, tensed, suddenly releases, as his fists drives upward with the full force of his body behind it.
COMBATSYS: Noriko dodges Tran's Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Noriko
"If you do not get credit, then who would?" Noriko asks, somewhat curious. She listens very attentively, before Tran rushes forward and attempts a solid strike. In the absolute antithesis, Noriko moves as fluid as water to the side. It grazes the front of her kimono, but her calculation was not off. One leg strikes down, attempting to flit between Tran's ankles and ruin his center of balance. The sheathed katana would then be slammed backwards towards Tran's solar plexus, attempting to smack him into the iron ground of the train. "There is nobody here to give a show, Dr. Tran..." Noriko comments softly. "There is no reason to be angry. What else is there? Why did you try to attack me if that is all there is behind you?"
COMBATSYS: Noriko successfully hits Tran with Quick Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Noriko
After his uppercut whiffs, Tran's off-balance. With nothing there to hit, he's vulnerable - a vulnerability that gets taken advantage of. Taking the hit to the gut with a grunt, Tran goes down on his back, where he lays for a moment, looking up at Noriko. "There's the camera, you know. I don't know how many people will watch, but it's there. And...it's simpler, this way. Easier."
With that said, Tran's ready to start attacking again. Though he's on the ground, he can still lash out with one foot, trying to kick Noriko's ankles out from under her.
COMBATSYS: Tran successfully hits Noriko with Heavy Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0 Noriko
Skipping backwards, there was an attempt to leap over the oncoming swipe of Tran's feet, but Noriko doesn't manage. Clipped mid-air, she lands rather heavily upon her backside, bouncing once before sliding near the edge of the train and managing to stop herself by rolling over. The slight conclave of the roof is dangerous, really. The view is good, but that doesn't mean Noriko is very apt to fall off. "I understand." Noriko states, managing to push herself to her feet. Her chest and stomach still hurts badly from where Candy thwacked her, but it's only a dull ache.
Suddenly, Noriko maneuvers forward before striking out in a two-handed stout blow of her sheathed katana towards Tran's face, trying to stagger him. This immediately flows into two vicious slashes of the katana, bursts of chi swirling and licking over the top of the train. If it hits, Tran can at least be content with one aspect... She's using the back of the blade. Which means it will only severely hurt, as opposed to severely hurt and bleed. Instantly she's leaping backwards, attempting to avoid any reciprocating strike.
COMBATSYS: Tran reflects Midnight Ballet from Noriko with Dr. Tran Doles Out the Harshness.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Noriko
It's a dangerous location, and that's part of why Tran picked it. The people who watch this sort of thing like danger. It's exciting, it's thrilling. It's all part of Tran's plan.
Similarly, it's part of his plan to crouch in response to Noriko's attempt to smack his face. He can sense chi building in Noriko, and anticipates its use. Planting one hand flat on the roof of the train car, partially for balance, but mostly as a point to channel chi from. With a simple effort of will, steam explodes upward, a geyser that interposes itself between Noriko and Tran. While the edge of the burst is enough to catch her, it also catches her chi, taking it and bouncing it around inside for a moment and redirecting it back at her.
Taking a step or two back afterward, panting from the effort, he then focuses on keeping his balance and on Noriko, feeling as though he should say /something/, but unsure what.
This is indeed unexpected! Poor Noriko isn't sure what is happening until she impacts the edge of the train, having to unsheath her sword and sink the tip into the hard iron to keep from toppling over. Her hair is flayed this way and that, but her clothing seems unusually cleaner. Hotaru did a similar trick, but it wasn't nearly as painful. Grunting, Noriko manages to again yank herself to her feet, sheathing the katana and being careful with her footing on the newly slick train roof. "That was impressive. You are obviously a very aware man. I wish I could say I have to try harder..." Apparently she can't. But she can be more careful. Hovering low to the ground, positioning her katana for a draw, she then waits with endless patience for Dr. Tran to make the next move.
COMBATSYS: Noriko focuses on her next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Noriko
Dr. Tran smiles. It's borderline grin, honestly. "You're too complimentary. How are you supposed to fight if you're too busy thinking about awesome your opponent is? You say you wish you could try harder...but maybe you're not trying hard enough to try to fight harder." A sort of weird thought, to be sure.
His piece said, Dr. Tran doesn't move forward, but he does go on the offensive again. Bringing one arm far to his side, Dr. Tran proceeds to snap it around his chest, forming a wide arc with the hand. Chi is expelled from his hand, a long, thin crescent created in the air from nothing. It flies forward, slashing through the air toward Noriko.
COMBATSYS: Noriko interrupts American Hero Cutter from Tran with Crimson Sunset.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/-======|=======\-------\0 Noriko
"If I didn't know better, Dr. Tran, I would think you cared about my state of mind in this conflict. That is not befitting someone who only fights for his own ends." As for whether or not Noriko is trying? Well, she wasn't lying. At least one strike Tran has managed was entirely due to his own luck, as opposed to Noriko's lack of tactics. But the sudden crescent of energy is swung at a fighter who is already bridging the gap. Noriko's sword unsheathes, cutting the projectile in half before striking Tran in the stomach. Hard enough to poleaxe him over the sword, most likely, and mayhaps inflict a grevious injury were it the edge. "I am a big girl. Do not worry about me." is whispered into his ear, as a climatic swirl of wind orbits the pair. And then Tran is sent flying backwards in a focused detonation, the built-up chi used to amplify the strike allowed loose in a very painful and disorienting manner. But she's sending Tran further back on the train, as opposed to over the edge. That would be inappropriate, if he didn't manage to remain on.
It's somewhat amusing that the wind is knocked out of Tran right before a burst of wind knocks him over. Sent flying backwards by the secondary blast, he tumbles out of control, coming to a rest in what is best described as a heap. He doesn't stay that way for long, however, stretching out and pushing himself up slightly with one hand. He's really grinning, now.
"Guilty as charged, I suppose. You should feel sorry, for having been such a negative influence on me." Tran lets his joke stand as he stands, himself, shaking his head to clear it a bit. And then he stands there, breathing in and out, trying to get over the pain that comes from being smacked around like he just was.
COMBATSYS: Tran gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\0 Noriko
"I try to be a temptress..." Noriko says in a suitably neutral manner, sheathing her katana and then shifting her stance forward a couple inches. That seems to be the extent of her innuendo for the moment, as her face is hard and concentrated. After another inch forward, she breaks into a run and charges Tran headlong. Leaping at the last moment, she whirls around once before unleashing a devestating downwards strike, attempting to hit Tran right between the eyes with the back of the sword. A cyclone of wind is summoned, before two more sweeping motions at Tran's head follow with the flat of the blade. A final upwards slash finishes the combination onslaught, sword sheathed and Noriko once more leaping backwards.
COMBATSYS: Tran blocks Noriko's Moonlight Waltz.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/-======|=======\-------\0 Noriko
For his part, Tran just keeps grinning as Noriko comes at him. It makes for an interesting contrast with her determined look. "You terrible woman."
He doesn't have time to add more, because at that point Noriko's already upon him. First crossing his arms over his head to protect from the initial stroke, the burst of wind afterward is weathered by a slight shift, forming a more complete shield over Tran. The next two strikes are dealt with in a similar fashion to the first, as Tran manages to once more interpose first one arm, then the other. The last strike he stops by bringing his palm downward directly in the path of the blunted edge.
It's quite a bit of work, all told, even if it leaves Tran's arm pretty sore. He leaps back as well, still grinning, but makes no move to attack. "So why aren't you using that sword of yours like I'd expect you to? Are you afraid..." His grin widens. "That you'll hurt me?"
COMBATSYS: Tran gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0 Noriko
Shifting back to a more defensive stance, Noriko lets out an almost dainty snort. "Oh, please. Something tells me many enjoy inflicting pain on you." Noriko states in a teasing manner, regaining her own composure as well. "I do not use the blade because there is no reason to. It does not make my style any less effective. If you really would like, I can use the Asakaze killing blow on you... I should be able to adjust it so as to not live up to the name..." There's a genuinely thoughtful appearance, but this is only partially a joke. Tran might want to think twice before saying yes. Since Noriko is the type of woman who would definitely stab Tran with even partial consent. Then again, who wouldn't? "Now come! We can spar with words in privacy once this fight concludes."
COMBATSYS: Noriko gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Noriko
Scratching idly at his nose, with a vacant expression on his face, mouth somewhat slack, Tran notes, "I can't imagine why. I'm practically the most charming fellow in the world."
Dropping his hand quickly, the joke made, he crouches down, fist held at ready. "But I think I would like that, as a matter of fact. If you really do have to tone it down, I suppose it can't be helped, but..." Tran grins again, a crazy kind of gleam in his eye. The kind that frequently precedes terrible decisions, as a matter of fact.
Rushing forward toward Noriko, Tran makes no attempt at subtlety whatsoever, just hauling back with his fist and aiming a quick shot right at her jaw.
COMBATSYS: Noriko dodges Tran's Quick Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Noriko
Noriko snaps her head to the side, Tran only grazing her hair as opposed to impacting her face. "If you say so..." Noriko states, not appearing to hesitate at the offer. She then begins to swirl with energy, the deep autumn-colored chi raising into the air. In the distance the train can be seen approaching the side of a mountain; In about a minute, they will be basked in darkness. "By the time we reach that tunnel, I will utilize the true Asakaze maneuver." Noriko promises, spreading her stance. "If I fail, you will win. If I succeed... Well, you might regret allowing me to do it."
COMBATSYS: Noriko gathers her will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1 Noriko
Still grinning like an idiot, Tran pauses for a moment, watching Noriko. "Wondeful. Since you're busy preparing that and all, I suppose I'll have to prepare something, myself. I just hope I'm up to it by the time you get around to your killing blow." That tunnel isn't getting any further at all, so Tran will have to hurry. Taking another step forward, Tran reaches out with both hands for Noriko's head. With a grip, he'll take it and slam it directly into his. If you know a better way to get pumped up, Tran doesn't want to hear it.
COMBATSYS: Noriko blocks Tran's Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/--=====|=======\===----\1 Noriko
"I suppose we will see..." Noriko states contentedly enough, before she's suddenly grasped by the head. But she braces herself, and the thud of forehead to forehead would... actually feel more like hitting something very soft. Almost all of the kinetic force was absorbed into Noriko's frame. Shifting her katana, she then unsheathes upwards, creating a sudden wall of wind attempting to stagger Tran backwards. "It is time..." she offers, tensing in preparation for whatever is now to come. One way or another, the fight will be decided in a few more strokes!
COMBATSYS: Tran dodges Noriko's Break of Dawn.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/--=====|=======\===----\1 Noriko
A somewhat unsatisfying headbutt, but it will have to do until things come to a head. After releasing his grip, Tran again senses the surge of chi, but instead of meeting it head on like he usually might, he shoves off in a quick leap backward. The result is that while he feels a pleasant breeze across his face, Tran isn't seriously hurt. He is, however, a good deal closer than Noriko might have planned, and as such he follows up. He wants her to use her technique on him, but she has to earn it, first.
Stepping in again, he twists away, bringing his leg up off the ground slightly, and then whirls back around, bringing the back of his heel up toward the side of Noriko's head.
COMBATSYS: Noriko fails to interrupt Heavy Kick from Tran with Heavy Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/--=====|=======\=====--\1 Noriko
This attack is fully anticipated by Noriko. It's definitely a gambit; The dedication of movement means that an evasion would of worked. In this case, Noriko finds out the bad side of a coin flip. She's struck in the head, staggered backwards and almost dropping her katana. Thoroughly dizzied, she then falls to her knees, back towards Tran and barely managing to keep herself upright at the corner of the train. "...Ouch." is offered with a slight hiss, before she stands and looks back towards Dr. Tran. "Well... Twenty seconds or so... This has been a satisfying fight. We are very evenly matched. I hope you learned something from it."
Well, it certainly wasn't an attack designed to deceive in any way. Though tricky Tran can be, this isn't an instance of such. Giving Noriko some room to breathe, he takes a step or two away, first eyeing the approaching tunnel, then his opponent. "It's...interesting to consider, I'll admit." Shrugging out of his coat, Dr. Tran holds it up and then lets go. It seems to instantly speed away due to the speed of the train.
"If I have, I'll tell you later. But for now, we've got to finish this." Reaching for the front of his shirt, Tran then proceeds to rip it straight off, revealing his well-built chest, sweaty from the exertion so far. And then he settles down and waits, intently staring at Noriko. Preparing.
COMBATSYS: Tran focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/--=====|=======\=====--\1 Noriko
There's no response from Noriko forthcoming, and she merely remains where she is while gathering her breath. There doesn't appear to be any ensuing opportunity to utilize the Asakaze technique. A shame. Time is running out. Yet a few seconds, carefully spent, can last an eternity. And Noriko eats what little remains to raise her eyebrows at the torn off shirt, in a manner that's not /quite/ impressed. Maybe distantly interested. But her grip loosens, entire body growing slack. The mouth of the tunnel ahead gapes wider, prepared to cast them both in darkness. And one way or another, the eventual victor will be dictated before it reaches them!
COMBATSYS: Noriko gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/--=====|=======\====---\1 Noriko
Noriko's reaction is just fine. After all, Tran didn't rip his shirt off for her - he did it...for the fans. All, what, two of them? Sure.
Forcing himself to relax, he continues staring at Noriko, wondering what she's waiting for. It hits him in a moment of clarity, and he chuckles briefly. "I see...well!"
Tran then rushes forward, fist raising to bring a vicious downward blow directly into Noriko's forehead with a shout. He's giving her the opportunity she needs- it's not the best one he might give, but it should suffice.
COMBATSYS: Noriko fails to interrupt Strong Punch from Tran with Total Eclipse.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Tran 0/-------/-======|==-----\-------\0 Noriko
And that opportunity is taken. It might be a good thing for Tran that Noriko failed. There was actually a moment's hesitation; Every card was in her favor. But she did not draw before the fist connected, for whatever reason. But she does attempt to, much too late. The blow is wildly off the mark, and the steel of the katana snaps forward right beside Tran's head. The force behind it to someone of his perception would be... fairly terrifying. It might of pierced into the train down to the hilt. The detonation of wind thereafter actually rattles the vehicle, before both are cast into darkness. When light returns, Noriko is limping away, carefully sheathing her sword. "Ah... I apologize. My instinct was to... strike for your heart. I did not think... that would be very appreciated!" And probably not. "This is not to undermine your technique; Had you been any slower I'd of still managed. Well played." She's breathing hard now. "Normally I would concede, but I wish to see this to the end. Do not underestimate me... I am not quite finished yet."
Tran's reaction may be somewhat unexpected, to be honest. Standing quietly through Noriko's explanation, he grins slyly. "So, what you're saying here is that you didn't want to break my heart." He throws his head back at this, and starts laughing, long and hard. After a few moments, he winds down, still letting out a half-chuckle every now and then. It belies how serious he is when he says, "But really...I guess this time, it simply wasn't meant to be." Taking a few steps forward, he does add, "Next time, though..." And then he lunges, driving his fist in toward Noriko's gut.
COMBATSYS: Noriko dodges Tran's Quick Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Tran 0/-------/-======|==-----\-------\0 Noriko
That almost makes Noriko facefault. Seriously. Her stance is completely lost, and she stumbles upon the moving train in her present condition. Then she begins to laugh as well, although significantly more muffled and dignified. "I am too deep in training. I can see that now. The sword feels different when I use the back. Striking areas to wound with the edge are different then to wound with the blunt. So for the rest of the battle, I will use the other side..." Noriko then visibly shifts her katana over, the curve facing away from Tran instead of towards. "The remainder of the battle might be more uncomfortable. But it should be interesting. It will be nothing you will not recover from, in the worst case."
COMBATSYS: Noriko gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/-======|=------\-------\0 Noriko
Noriko also like, dodges.
Shaking his head, a shadow of the glint from before left in his eye, Tran says, "Remind me to show you the video of the time I fought a guy named Serim. Total butthead, by the way, but his sword's bigger than yours. I can't imagine yours will feel much worse than that."
Shaking one hand, limbering it up, Tran proceeds to slash diagonally forward with one hand, sending a thin arc of chi zipping forward toward Noriko. He repeats with his other hand, sending it along seconds afterward, so that the two when viewed from, say, Noriko's point of view, might form a rapidly growing, slightly lopsided X.
COMBATSYS: Noriko dodges Tran's Double American Hero Cutter.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/--=====|=------\-------\0 Noriko
"You know another person who uses a sword?" Noriko asks, apparently genuinely interested. However, then she has to deal with a sudden 'X' rushing for her, which is accomplished with the sacred art of leaping straight into the air. There wasn't much room in any other direction, but Tran displayed the assault with all the subtleness of a rushing semi honking twenty yards down the road. Descending rapidly, the sword is held overhead before Noriko unleashes a single downwards strike, landing just behind Tran. The vorpal chi-imbued strike then detonates, whether Tran is now sporting a very significant chest injury or not. Assuredly, this maneuver is going to be far more uncomfortable without the back of the blade being used. "I have not heard of anyone named Serim..." Conversational. Cutting Tran doesn't detract from conversation, not in the slightest.
COMBATSYS: Tran blocks Noriko's Crimson Sunset.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Noriko
"If you can really call it that, yeah." Bringing his arms up again, crosswise, Tran manages to catch the blade between them, though not without a significant amount of harm as it bites into them. Tran winces slightly, and then more as the wound is agitated by the chi that blasts over him immediately afterward. "He's a total jerk, I assure you, but he's in the league. Track him down sometime."
Evidently Tran can carry on a conversation, too. However, unlike Noriko, he would like to take this time to back off for a moment, dashing away with a low leap. Holding steady, Tran tries to catch his breath again, getting ready for more action.
COMBATSYS: Tran gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Noriko
"I believe I will." Noriko states matter of factly, not appearing to be very happy that Tran is again taking time to recover himself. That makes it much more difficult to bridge the gap, thank you very much! There is one aspect to the swordswoman that many do not realize. People think she doesn't like to shed blood or to hurt people. In reality, she could care less. It's a very hidden facet, but she does not dislike fighting due to the violence. Only if it's pointless. So she makes a peculiar commentary. "I'm sorry, Dr. Tran." Before unsheathing her katana suddenly. This is peculiar, since no wind was forthcoming. Oh, wait. She just inverted it, and stabbed it downwards with every ounce of force she could manage, attempting to imbed it into Tran's right thigh. It's not exactly a kosher maneuver in Asakaze battojutsu, but there's no rule /against/ it...
COMBATSYS: Tran fails to interrupt Random Weapon from Noriko with Random Weapon.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Tran 1/-----==/=======|=------\-------\0 Noriko
Hah! Dr. Tran can see it coming a mile away! There's only one way to deal with an attack as straightforward and slow as that one; Tran just reaches for his...his...wait, he doesn't actually have anything suitably large with which to bludgeon/stab/other Noriko. Crap. Thusly caught off guard, Tran can only take Noriko's stab hard. It pierces straight through, the tip sticking out of the back of his leg.
Tran grins, although one could also see it as an effort to grit his teeth against the pain. Both work. Focusing on the wound for a moment, he exhales slowly, saying softly, "Interesting technique."
"I didn't want you to believe I had any issue with hurting you, Dr. Tran." Noriko assures, yanking out the katana. It actually hurts a hell of a lot more without it in there, but Noriko's aim was true. The good doctor would realize it's only a flesh wound. Didn't hit bone, nerves, or artery. That was hopefully a conscious effort, as opposed to luck. "I did not pick up a sword only to be queasy about using it." She flicks the blood aside, before slowly sheathing the weapon anew. "But you could of avoided that very simply. It seems you have something of a masochistic streak..."
COMBATSYS: Noriko gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Tran 1/-----==/=======|-------\-------\0 Noriko
It hurts, sure, but perhaps Dr. Tran's focus has a purpose? He hisses as the sword is withdrawn, and staggers back a step, before falling down onto his butt. "Well, that works out fine. I didn't want you to have any issue with hurting me."
Looking up at Noriko from his seated position, Dr. Tran notes, "And maybe I do, who can say? Masochistic, a little crazy...whatever the explanation is, the fact remains." And evidently, it continues, as he doesn't get up. Instead, he just...sits there. Looking at Noriko expectantly.
COMBATSYS: Dr. Tran drops his guard to recover.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Tran 1/-----==/=======|-------\-------\0 Noriko
There's something of an exasperated sound, Noriko tsk-tsking audibly. "You are being silly, Dr. Tran... You had a significant advantage, only to whittle it away with poor decisions. I have studied you, and this is a long-term consistency. And you stated with some bashfulness that you never won... Well, I should not lecture you too much." She then suddenly unsheathes her sword, and a vicious crescent arc strikes out towards Tran, attempting to hit him in the face. Rather hard, at that. Noriko then charges forward, apparently in anticipation of something she might do, or Tran might do... "Let us finish this dance! Haaaa...!"
COMBATSYS: Noriko successfully hits Tran with Fall of Dusk.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Tran 1/---====/=======|=------\-------\0 Noriko
Musing aloud, Tran says, "Poor decisions, yes...but with a purpose in mind, at least." The glint in his eye is still there. At least he knows full well what he's been doing. And then he gets nailed in the face with Noriko's chi, sending him sliding away on his back, having not been in any significant position to defend himself. Recovering slowly, rubbing at his face from the pain, he smiles again.
"I'll be sure to tell you what the purpose is some other time!" Pushing up onto his feet, Dr. Tran cracks his neck, and then stands his ground again, waiting for Noriko to come at him.
COMBATSYS: Tran gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Tran 1/----===/=======|=------\-------\0 Noriko
Suddenly Noriko slides to a stop just in front of Tran, then sticks out her tongue. Apparently the secondary assault was only a bluff, given she hops backwards and then begins to swirl with energy once more. The city is actually not too far in the distance. How long have they been fighting? Quite awhile, Noriko believes. Ten minutes or so... It is probably not the most exciting ten minutes ever, given how antsy the cameraman is getting, but they are both doing little more now then having fun. Whether Tran genuinely cares if he loses or not, Noriko's having fun with the opportunity to stab the doctor. On a consentual basis, at least.
COMBATSYS: Noriko gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Tran 1/----===/=======|-------\-------\0 Noriko
For himself, Tran just stands there, grinning. He's enjoying himself, as well, and that's all he really cares about at this point. It hurts a bit, sure, but he's not one to let a little pain get in the way of things. He's even forgotten that he's supposed to be putting on a show for the camera, here, totally ignoring the cameraman.
Evidently, however, he's decided that it's time to get at least a little serious again, as just like before, he attacks Noriko from afar, sending a wide slash of chi slicing toward her.
COMBATSYS: Tran successfully hits Noriko with American Hero Cutter.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Tran 1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0 Noriko
This time, Tran's tenacity succeeds. Noriko is worn out mentally; As she said, she'd of simply conceded this fight a long awhile earlier in almost any other circumstance. She attempts to dart to the right. More then enough time. Oh, wait. It's the edge of the train. Wobbling at the point of falling over, Noriko gets a swift gash in the side for her trouble, totally fubaring the third 'almost guarantee' of the conflict. Tran might have completely wasted his advantage, but Noriko also knows he is very lucky! Focusing herself, she turns back towards Tran and bows a bit at the waist. "Well... Let us end this on a climatic note. I can see you are prepared for the maneuver you have been saving. One more solid hit should finish me, so I suggest you not waste it if you want some manner of show..."
COMBATSYS: Noriko focuses on her next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Tran 1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0 Noriko
Wagging his finger from side to side, Tran clucks his tongue. "I had a plan, you know, but now you've got and voided it. So...I guess I'll just have to revert to something else, instead. Hopefully, this will be good enough!" Hopefully, indeed, because Tran's not exactly feeling perky at this point, either.
Taking a few steps forward, chi building, Tran loses his grin and assumes a face of concentration. He dashes forward then, only to change direction so that he winds up to the side of her. And then he halts, crouches down, and explodes.
Well, not really, but steam does come blasting upward in a circle around him, a huge geyser shooting up and trailing off as the train continues on its way.
COMBATSYS: Noriko fails to interrupt -Q- is for Dr. Tran from Tran with Crimson Sunset.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Tran 0/-------/----===|
COMBATSYS: Noriko can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Tran 0/-------/----===|
Well, Tran is suddenly beside Noriko. Noriko whirls to face him, and begins the process of unsheathing her sword. It would definitely end the fight, there's no doubt about it, but it's her best opportunity. But Tran gets off his little maneuver of steam before she can hit him with her sword, and after the chi-summoned vapor dissipates... Oops, Noriko's not there anymore. A small black speck can be seen a fair bit to the side, hitting the ground with an audible thump despite the grinding wheels as the train speeds far on past. ...Well, it looks like Tran won! Although he probably didn't need to blast her off the back of the train, did he?
Blinking, Tran looks around in confusion for a moment. He turns his head, and catches a glimpse of the rapidly receding Noriko. "I, uh..." Scratching his head, he turns to the cameraman and shrugs. "I'm sure she'll be fine."
Log created by Tran, and last modified on 04:33:05 03/20/2006.