Description: It's Ladies Night at The Duck Pond! Four women dressed for a night of clubbing, flashing lights, loud music. With Arika and Tessa working as a team against Akira and Maki, only one woman will be left standing! Or will they....? When the tables finally turn, the results are interesting. (Draw Match)
AKIRA steps into the Duck Pond, blushing up a storm. Normally she doesn't wear this outfit--but she had to! It was part of the GIG. Maybe she should stop signing up for this sort of thing, she not only gets beat up--but often humiliated by having to wear weird things! But she is here this time and in perhaps the oddest distribution of fighters yet! She is wearing a tanktop--but the midriff has been cut off, and instead of heavy slacks she's wearing shorts, and sandles. She even went so far to paint her toenails in glittery colors. She doesn't seem comfortable at all.
"At least this probably won't take very long..." Akira manages, avoiding looking at the audience--and the cameras to let the Viewers Like You see all the sordid details!
COMBATSYS: Akira has started a fight here on the left meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Akira 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Arika has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Akira 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Arika
COMBATSYS: Tessa has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Akira 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Arika
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Maki has joined the fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Akira 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Arika
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Maki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Tessa
This week's SNF gave Tessa a /valid/ reason to go shopping for a nice dress, so she was totally down for it from the very start. And due to the fact that she found one that she thought was *perfect*, she's even gone so far as to arrive fairly early. But it's not just because she wants to show off the dress, or anything. She kind of wanted to meet up with this Arika chick before the match began, too. She's had nothing but awesome partners for SNF so far, but you know, there's always the chance they might not be a team player and she'd rather not find something like that out in the middle of a hard battle.
In any case, she's now parked at a table near the entrance, in a black string-halter tube mini-dress with a high side-slit on one side. Not too unlike what she normally wears, but a lot less Chinese, and well... quite a bit shorter. It's got a triangular ornament of sorts handing from a leather thong that's tied around her neck, and of course, waiting just below her little table-for-two is the shield she never leaves home without, chromed and looking much like a stolen hubcap.
The young Italian woman looks between her watch and the fight officials once or twice before spotting Akira, but thankfully she doesn't get the names mixed up in her head and call out to her. That would've been awkward.
Buh-link? This is Maki's choice of attire? She's wearing a black tank top that covers her cleavage fairly well, along with a blue jean skirt that ends just above her knees, and a pair of black boots. To top that off, she's got on a black baseball cap that has some kind of goth-rock type of symbol on it, her blonde hair tied back into a ponytail so that it hangs out the back of the cap. On her face she wears a pair of dark sunglasses, which will be coming off before the fight begins, even though they're not that expensive really.
Maki's got some blue dye added to her hair, leaving some streaks here and there, which shows she hasn't quite got this thing down pat yet, but then again she never was big on the clubbing scene so you can't blame her. Nonetheless, as she makes her way to the fighting area, she seems to be enjoying herself as she strides along, leaving girls gazing in admiration and boys with their jaws hanging open. (For those who have girlfriends, they're getting slapped around now!)
The Duck Pond? Had to be a joke, right? It -had- to be. Not only is it a place that Arika knows -well- since coming to Southtown. The rest of the information she received also had her laughing a little. Dress in a clubbing outfit. Right. Like she doesn't wear clothing like that -normally-? Regardless, she's been here a while. Watching them set up the cameras, and the 'ring'. At least a section of the dance floor has been cordoned off for the match. She's also been on the lookout for her opponents and her teammate for the evening, and while she spotted Tessa earlier she's only now just making her way over to the table to introduce herself now. "'ello, mate. Looks like we'll be fightin' together against these other two. Feel like 'eadin' on out to the dance floor?" This asked with a nod to the cordoned off area before she turns and winks at the other woman. "They'll be 'avin' to fight each other too, so if we work together this'll hopefully be a snap." Before waiting for much of an answer, she weaves her way through the throng of people and leads the way to the ring
Per the 'instructions' the punk rock princess is dressed for a night of clubbing. A slinky and sassy black halter top is fit snugly to her chest. The shiny material comes down in a deep vee, allowing a fair amount of cleavage to be seen before the straps tie behind her neck. Just below the bustline the top is accented with a faux belt with a silver buckle detail that wraps about her mid-back. Sleek black leather pants ride low on her hips with a large silver belt and buckle accenting them. Though the pants look extremely tight, enough room is left to allow for a great deal of movement; including a slight flare at the ankles. Ankle strap stilettos are on her feet, with inch and a half tall see-through platforms in the front with the heels being about four inches long. Looks like Maki isn't the -only- one making heads turn. More than one drooling fanboy reaches out and tries to shove his number in the divas face and she simply takes them and winks, knowing full well that's what the real fans are expecting.
Despite Arika being a relatively new fighter compared to Akira, Akira knows her WELL. She almost got beat up by an audience because they couldn't get her dang name right! What's the deal there, huh?! She glances to Maki--who also beat the heck out of her before, and then Tessa ... whom she doesn't know at all, but she gives her a nod and throws a wave to her. Is that a shield??
"FIGHTERS READY..." An announcer calls, "FIGHT!"
But Akira doesn't fight. Every time she starts a fight, everybody tries to kill her! So instead, she hangs back on the defensive, focusing, and trying to get past the fact that she feels kind of guilty for wearing such revealing clothin.
"Good luck to all of you," She assures the other fighters.
COMBATSYS: Akira focuses on her next action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Akira 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Arika
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Maki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Ah, that's always the way. Tess figured she got here first but her partner had been here the entire time. Kinda figures though, seeing as this type of thing is more Arika's scene. Not that the Strolheim fighter looks out of place in a club herself, what with her exotic tattoos and her salon tan, but you know, she's a few years older, and she's certainly not a singer or a dancer. She just fights.
"Oh, hey, sure no problem." Tessa replies before sliding down off of her stool and reaching down to grab her shield. "Gets right to the point, doesn't she?" she asks one of the punkrocker's male fans offhandedly, just before handing the shiny hubcap-like thing off to him and pointing after her. "Go on then, follow her." Which she of course does as well, tailing the astonished boy until they're all at the roped-off dancefloor and taking back her weapon of choice as soon as the signal is given to get thing started. "Thank you." Aw, no tip. She's paying too much attention to Akira now that they're all in one spot and she can get a closer look at her.
"Nice outfit. And good luck to you as well." The tall Italian then takes a deep breath and shifts her feet some to take the old reliable Hapkido L-stance, and watches the young Kazama girl for all of ten seconds before trying to rush in and clip her in the side with her shield held out. Something tells her she's gotta be relentless with fighters of this caliber.
Maki remembers Arika, though she doesn't know the other fighters. Nonetheless, she's not here to get acquainted with anyone. She's here for a fight, which has a really weird setup, since it's a one-on-one-on-two (gotten enough dashes yet?) battle, Arika and Tessa both fighting together, while Akira and herself are on their own, meaning that not only does she have three targets to contend with, but she could easily be double-teamed at any moment.
But that's the reason why it's so much fun. The more challenge there is in a fight, the more exciting it is, both for the fighters and the attendees.
As soon as the fight is underway, Maki is ready to strike, heading for Tessa as she goes for Akira, bringing her leg up towards the woman's side with a quick kick to get a bit warmed up.
When a group of fans are waiting for a punk rock performance and they get cheated, they tend to get a wee bit nasty. At least that's the excuse she'd give to Akira if she were asked. But since she wasn't it gives the punk rock princess quite a good deal of time to focus on the fight ahead of her. A cocky remark would be given in response to the 'good luck' but she simply offers a semi-neutral nod of the head and then turns to blow a kiss to the camera.
But then it's down to business.
Watching her 'teammate' head directly for Akira. Since Maki seems to focused on Tessa, the diva decides to go for Akira as well. Coming in from the opposing side, she sends a swift high-aimed jab at Akira's face, though strike or miss she rotates her shoulder and brings her right arm back. The left hand then slams forward aiming for Akira's chest in a palmstrike. The only oddity with this second attempted hit is that her hand is surrounded by a bright violet energy to pack a little more... er... punch... into her punch.
COMBATSYS: Arika successfully hits Akira with Diva Allegro.
Glancing Blow
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Arika
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Tessa successfully hits Akira with Sideswipe.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Arika
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Doubleteamed?! How expected. It's not like Akira's last hundred fights haven't ended up the exact same way. Well, if she has to lose to Maki, she'll lose to Maki, but she's going to make sure these kids have a tough fight! At least for a little while. She might get frustrated and leave with everybody piledriving her over any other opponent.
Akira is smacked in the head with the shield--but Arika's punch only manages to swipe the side of Akira's head, not managing to find full purchase on the Non-Rockstar.
"They really got antsy at me," Akira tells her, "For not being you." She then twists and flings herself for Tessa's body in a quick burst of flying jump kicks--bursts of wind chi flashing from out from the edge of her legs as she tries to slam into the other warrior repeatedly and brutally with her legs. Guess Akira isn't playing 'nicely' either.
COMBATSYS: Tessa just-defends Maki's Light Kick!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Arika
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Maki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Tessa just-defends Akira's Dancing Cyclone Kick!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Arika
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Maki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Hm, they didn't really talk it out beforehand, but it seems like Arika and Tessa are still thinking the same thing at the opening of the match regardless. Akira seems like the more suitable target, and it's probably because of the way she looking at them. Kinda seemed like she might be looking for openings, or at the very least waiting for something. And hopefully the hits they just gave her were enough to shake her concentration and keep them from getting hurt early on.
As for Maki, Tessa can see her coming, and she likes the aggressiveness. That's a little easier for her to predict. A well placed shield-block stops the blonde's kick, and then Akira goes and finally gets a little aggressive on her too! But the security officer can feel the wind chi coming, and somehow stops each leaping kick as it happens, backing up with her shield held high and eventually coming to the edge of the dancefloor without looking like she felt any of the force through the rounded plate of metal.
"You girls are pretty strong. I gotta be careful. *We* gotta be careful." she offers, tilting her chin up toward Arika just a bit after lowering her shield enough to be seen over the edge of it. And immediately after that, she lashes out with a kick of her own. A stepping sidekick that trails a bit of silvery energy behind it. In her case the energy is just for show, though, as it doesn't actually ever touch Akira in the event that her foot isn't avoided.
Just warming up, that's Maki's excuse for why her attack didn't work, but this is only the beginning. Once Genryusai Maki is fully warmed up, she's truly capable of inflicting a lot of damage. And that's something her opponents may find out the hard way if they don't watch themselves.
Seeing how Tessa is probably off guard right now after defending and preparing to counter-attack, Maki thinks of this as an opportune time to utilize something a little more flashy. Namely her Bushin Senpuu Kyaku, in which case she gets down on the floor and spins around on her hand while performing a huge spin kick. Some might even think she's breakdancing, but those who do shouldn't get too close!
"'course they did," Arika says easily as she begins to move around Akira in a circle. "There's only one me, and I'm it, mate." The punk rock princess sends her shoulders rolling back in a small, easy going shrug. So, her jab didn't hit as hard as she intended it to. Fight's only getting started.
Deep blue eyes shift momentarily to Tessa to see what she's planning, and a small nod is offered to her. Right. Being careful is key. Spotting the stepping sidekick, the diva backs up a few steps to snake around to the other side of Akira and swings her fist toward her at a near ninety-degree angle and in toward the Japanese teenager in what will hopefully become a decently powered right hook to her cheek.
COMBATSYS: Akira dodges Arika's Quick Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Tessa successfully hits Akira with Sterling Snapkick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/----===|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Tessa
Akira ducks underneath Arika's fist. "Yeah, well, that's not MY fault! They didn't have to throw things!" She complains--and is naturally distracted from Tessa, who snapkicks her in the head.
Akira blinks twice, and then turns, heading towards the edge of the arena to a large bulky bag that she had left here in an earlier visit. She pops it open, and digs into it for a few moments. What is she hoping to do?! Maybe she has gone off the deep end after seeing Tessa completely obliterate two assaults from two powerful fighters like it was a piece of cake!
COMBATSYS: Akira takes no action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Maki successfully hits Tessa with Bushin Senpuu Kyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/----===|=====--\-------\0 Tessa
As Maki guessed, Tessa is a little vulnerable with her foot outstretched and her shield momentarily down and out of the way, off near her hip until her kick is completed. But there's a little more to it than that. She's also a bit confused by the fact that Akira heads off to the other side of the ring to fetch something right after her expensive Italian shoe connects with her head. Should she follow? Or...
"Nngh!" Yeah, Bushin kind of hurts alright. But that doesn't stop the Strolheim chick from rushing right back in after getting knocked away and trying to bring her shield down on Maki's head, edgewise. She's really got no preference for what Arika does next, so she doesn't ask her for any favors just yet, but keeping an eye on Akira certainly couldn't *hurt*, right?
COMBATSYS: Maki endures Tessa's Falling Arch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/----===|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0 Tessa
When Tessa comes at Maki with her shield, Maki does the best thing she can, which is brace herself to take the attack as best as she can. Of course it does hurt a little, but in doing so, Maki's set herself up so that she's in an opportune position for a counterattack. After all, one of the best ways to win a fight is to take your opponent's advantage and turn it against them.
After deflecting the blow, Maki quickly goes to grab Tessa by the shoulders and throw her over her shoulder. If the onlookers aren't careful, they might find themselves becoming collateral damage, but that's a risk you take when you're in a club, fight or not. (Although it's more likely with the former.)
Keeping an eye on Akira is the plan. Primarily because the punk rock diva is annoyed with people bringing explosives to fist fights. So, chasing after Akira, she tries to stop her before she can reach the edge of the arena. How does she do this? Well at first she chases after the other girl.
Upon reaching a halfway mark, Arika begins hopping from foot to foot. No other reason than to confuse anyone that might be trying to figure out what she's up to. Then she pirouettes her body into a perfect three-hundred-and-sixty degree circle, and upon coming out of it she draws her right leg up nearly vertically, rotates it and snaps her instep toward Akira's head.
COMBATSYS: Akira blocks Arika's Rhythmic Roundhouse.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/----===|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0 Tessa
Akira hasn't used explosives-at all--but it might seem to be a proper reaction. No, Akira hasn't brought explosives at all. Nothing about it is related to bombs or detonations or explosions.
"Ah," Akira says, "Here it is." And she draws out an item from the bag. A helmet with a skull painted around the face.
It's worse than a bomb.
Akira is smacked in the back of her head, but she doesn't seem to notice. It probably hurt. Did it? It's impossible to tell with the helmet on.
Akira crouches down, slides forward, and slams her shoulder for Arika's chin. "HAA!! TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR FANS!" She bellows. "Or are you hoping to ride off MY Prestige?!"
This is a bit of a change from before.
COMBATSYS: Tessa just-defends Maki's Medium Throw!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/---====|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-----==|======-\-------\0 Tessa
Hm, that didn't quite feel right. Tessa's been in enough fights to know the difference between when someone is unable to *avoid* being hit, and when they just plain try to tough it out and shrug off the pain. So she's once again on her guard and even backing away from Maki by the time the Bushin ninja tries to grab her by the shoulder. The shield is thrown up in front of her shoulder and she spins it slightly to deflect the blonde girl's attempt just in the nick of time, saving a few innocent bystanders from having to catch her.
"Woo, almost got me. I hope you're not forgetting you and that Akira girl aren't on the same team, though. It's looking like she went and got serious all of a sudden." And Tessa herself is more than a little bit interestes in seeing just *how* serious, so she backs off of Maki for the moment and heads on over there, just for moral support. She's not about to doubleteam Akira again, but she's gonna watch pretty carefully.
COMBATSYS: Tessa focuses on her next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/---====|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-----==|======-\-------\0 Tessa
Well, Maki's throw didn't quite land that time, but at least she's getting the blood flowing within her, which means her true inner fighter is starting to come out now. Still, that Tessa truly has a way with defending against various types of attacks, whatever they might be. Is there some kind of secret to it, or is Tessa just that good?
Whatever the reason, Maki decides to shift her focus to Arika instead, Tessa's teammate. As soon as she's readied herself, Maki jumps off of a nearby table and flies at Arika with a swift flying kick that seems to be aimed directly at her!
COMBATSYS: Akira successfully hits Arika with Gate Shoulder.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Maki successfully hits Arika with Hassou Kyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Tessa
No response is given to the whining yell from Akira. Why? First of all because the diva really -isn't- responsible for her fans. The -FANS- are responsible for the fans. Secondly, there's a shoulder hitting her jaw and she doesn't want to risk that she'll wind up biting her tongue. The hit is enough to send her flying backward, directly into the flying kick.
Both of these things leave her on her rear on the floor.
But not for long.
Pulling herself up to her feet and shooting Akira a very dirty look, she raises her left shoulder up on a slight angle. Eyes then turn to wink at a camera and she blows the audience a quick kiss before attention is given back to the other girl. Her left arm is then dropped and held out at her side. The elbow bends and she mockingly holds the neck of a guitar. Twisting her right hand in toward her stomach she closes her eyes for a moment as she pictures a power chord in her mind, her fingers moving to mimic the proper position.
At that exact moment an extremely bright explosion of multi-colored energy goes off behind her. It then arcs off in a beam toward Akira.
COMBATSYS: Arika successfully hits Akira with Siren Song.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/--=====|======-\-------\0 Tessa
Akira cracks her knuckles. "Not as easy you think, huh? Guess you give off a poor image." She is about to twist away from the blast--but suddenly stops, and takes the multicolored strike head on, skidding across the floor though she manages to remain standing. Though just barely. "Ugh..." Akira grunts. "That hurt..."
She sinks one knee to the ground and pants dizzily for a moment--seems like she's not launching another assault. "I was gonna leave, but I think I can stick it out a bit longer now if you're so insistent." She gives a vague gesture to Maki--indicating that she's got Arika handled. Despite all appearances. Not that she isn't thankful for the help.
COMBATSYS: Akira gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Tessa
Well, Akira certainly got louder, and that shoulder-attack looked pretty fierce. And- dammit, Tessa can't read minds or else she would have tried to intercept Maki. She thought she was going after Akira like she suggested, but she went and jumpkicked the poor musician instead while she was off-balance from being shouldered.
"Christ, you two really don't like each other, do you?" she calls out to the two A-name girls. And, though she'd really like to get back at Maki for the cheap shot she just delivered, she'd rather try and give Akira one of her own while she's down on one knee like that. She's not too big a fan of trying to kick someone while they're down, but well, with Strolheim's influence she's been learning to curb that feeling, and it's like she decided earlier in the fight, she's gotta be relentless! So she plants her feet, and reaches way back with her shield, and then hurls it right at the faceplate of Akira's helmet, hoping to crack it and make it harder for her to see out of!
To be perfectly frank, Maki doesn't play favorites really. She knows Akira's grateful for the assistance, but it doesn't really matter in a situation like this. It's pretty much everyone for themself, save for Arika and Tessa, and there is no time for formalities.
And it's nothing personal, but when Maki goes at Tessa with a rather hard punch aimed at the stomach, it's just a demonstration of her attacking skills. Even if she usually wields a tonfa, her fists are still just as useful as her tonfa!
"Bloody HELL," Arika just tries to shake off the previous two hits. With a slight smirk she turns to Tessa. "Can't say I hate 'er or not, mate. First time I've laid eyes on'er other than that bogus match on the tele with me fans." Though seeing that Akira isn't making a move to attack and Maki seems to be focused on Tessa once again, the punk rock princess moves over to the side of the 'ring' and winks at one of the fanboys. With a snap of her fingers, he brings her a bottle of water which she gratefully sips from before handing it back and refocusing her attention on the fight.
COMBATSYS: Arika focuses on her next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Akira dodges Tessa's Shield Boom.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Tessa
Akira brings up her arms--just in case she fails, and seems to be gradually becoming rather more winded--but she doesn't. She ducks under the flying shield, blinks, and manages to catch the shield in her hands. It tires her out a bit, stumbles as it tugs back towards Tessa, but manages to keep a grip on it for a little longer. She twists around, spins (spins spins), and then flings the Shield for Arika's body! Maybe Akira believes Tessa gets her incredible power from her Captain America shield and wants that power for herself! But more likely it's that Tessa is kind of scary AND that Akira has been training with the Kyokugen team, which insists that she use random thrown objects and random non-thrown objects as weapons all the time. She has no idea why, but it usually seems to work!
"HA!" She shouts to focus her strength--and then, "I don't know," She tells Tessa, a little more subdued, "Guess I'm in a bad mood."
COMBATSYS: Tessa blocks Maki's Medium Strike.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0 Tessa
And Tessa without her shield, what timing. She's once again looking pretty open to attack, but the woman is still a martial artist, and Hapkido is a pretty defensive art. Her attack may miss Akira entirely, and it may surprise her even more that the younger girl *caught* it and held on long enough to throw it at her partner, but damned if she's gonna let that happen *and* get punched in the stomach at the same time.
A knee goes up to stop Maki's powerful strike, and it makes Tess skid back a few inches, but she quickly tries to fire off a return punch at Maki's cheek before running off in search of her shield. Maybe she can get there before it hit Arika, but likely not.
COMBATSYS: Tessa successfully hits Maki with Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0 Tessa
In spite of Maki's best efforts to get out of the way of the sudden strike aimed at her face, her effort is in vain, and she finds herself getting hit in the cheek. "Ow!" She says as she staggers backward, rubbing at where the hit landed and making sure no teeth have been knocked out.
As soon as she gets her focus back, she decides that it's time to formulate a strategy of some kind. She steps back, focusing on the other fighters and trying to formulate a plan of action.
COMBATSYS: Maki focuses on her next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Akira successfully hits Arika with Large Thrown Object.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\0 Tessa
"Could be that you're just a bit--" The last word in that sentence is pretty much cut off as the shield knocks her back against the rope. What the HELL does this brat have against her? Could it be that her -FANS- hurt the other girls feelings? Aww. Poor baby didn't like the audience throwing things at her?
What the Hell ever.
The shield should clatter to the floor after hitting the punk rock princess, but it will likely wind up back with Tessa. However it goes, Arika just gives her head a shake and clutches her stomach in an attempt to feel if any of her ribs are broken or cracked. Deep breaths are taken, and sharp pains are felt but thankfully it doesn't -feel- as though bones are going to penetrate her lungs.
"Tessa," wince, "mate, get your shield and start layin' out some pain."
Arika needs time to catch her breath.
COMBATSYS: Arika gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Akira has saved the state of this fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\0 Tessa
Akira's feelings seem to be a rather turbulant thing so it's entirely possible her feelings were hurt. Maybe she just likes having some degree of respect. Or maybe she's just a bigger bitch when she has her helmet on. Who knows? Either way, she doesn't want to go in close to Arika right now either, who seems to be preparing for some sort of move or another, but she doesn't have much choice in the matter. For one thing, she's out of things to throw! She could throw the bag, she supposes, but that's not very useful. Tapping her teeth together lightly behind her helmet, Akira thinks about what what she's going to do next--and decides to go for something a little risky. While Arika hangs out on the defensive--Akira charges ahead on the offensive, dashing in close, grabbing for her arms--and aiming to swing her across the dance floor--letting go at the apex of the swing to send her flying!
Seems like Akira and Tessa are both headed in the same direction. The ex-officer wants her shield back even more now that Arika's politely asked her to come collect it and start smacking their opponents down a little more with it. And well, she may not have her hands on it just yet, but with the way she's running and cartwheeling she's closing the distance pretty quick.
"Hey! You still have two opponents besides her, it's really not that great of a strategy to keep picking on her like that!" Tess shouts, right at the very instant she gets back her weapon and springs up high in an arch that carries her right up over Akira's head. And if she gets the timing right, she's going to revolve several times and thing bring first her heels, and then both fists and shield down on the helmet-wearing schoolgirl one after another, right around the area of a shoulder-joint. Maybe if she's lucky she can dislocate and make those Gate Shoulders of hers a little bit less of a threat!
The battle only gets faster and faster and more intense with every moment, and with targets switching every moment it seems, it's only right that Maki try to take a moment to formulate a plan of action. Even if it's a quick spur-of-the-moment plan, a planned fighter fights better than one who just attacks wildly without any type of plan.
Without any warning, Maki abruptly dashes towards Arika and then jumps into the air, doing a quick 180 degree flip and attempting to grab her by the shoulders. If successful, Arika's going to be thrown across the dance floor thanks to Maki's Tengu Daoshi technique!
COMBATSYS: Arika dodges Akira's Quick Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Maki 0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Arika blocks Maki's Tengu Daoshi.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Maki 1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Right. So, these two women are SUPPOSED to be fighting each other, but they have yet to actually attack one another? Both are teaming up on the newcomers? Surprising that Arika must pose such a big threat to them to have them both come at her at once. If the punk rock princess weren't so aggravated by the fact that only her teammate seems to have any -real- fighting spirit at all, she'd likely find the scenario amusing.
Akira's attempt to throw her across the dance floor is met with nothing more than a snort as she spins herself to the side to avoid being grabbed in the first place. Not surprising that this can be done, considering how much time Arika spends in places like this and how swiftly one has to move when ducking out of the way of regular club traffic. Maki's attempt though see's her thrown across the dance floor a few feet and bumps her into a dancing couple. This stops her from going too much further, but she calls over her shoulder, "Sorry 'bout that, mates, seems these girls wanna get rowdy."
But she's not out of the fight by any long shot at all. Clambering up onto a nearby table she dives off of it, somersaults forward and comes out of it; stiletto heels pointing straight at the face of the helmet Akira happens to be wearing.
COMBATSYS: Akira blocks Tessa's Riot Revolution.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Maki 1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Akira interrupts Heavy Kick from Arika with Gate Elbow.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Maki 1/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Akira doesn't think Arika is a big threat. It's probably more likely that Akira doesn't like Arika. The REAL threat in this match is Tessa. Just Defending everything left and right, shrugging off one of her greatest techniques as if it was nothing! Akira ain't approaching THAT again for a while. But Akira understands the plight of the doubleteamed as she has been doubleteamed in her last three matches, both times rather brutally. And that one time with the old man, that was just humiliating!
She steadies herself, raises up her arms, and takes the shield strike right in the arms--She grunts in pain but slides back away from Tessa, taking a moment to study her reach, defenses, and all around power. She's a tough girl with that shield...but Akira thinks she's starting to get an idea of how she fights.
Arika manages to scrape Akira's raised arms--but using one arm, Akira tugs the leg forward, and then slams her other elbow up and into Arika's chin!
There's no witty comment, at the very least.
So being defensive makes you a threat, huh? That seems like an odd way to look at it. Sure, it might be kind of unnerving to see someone deflecting attacks left and right, but it's not like she's doing that *and* laying the other girls low with powerful attacks. They barely even look winded, and she's been getting pretty solid hits on them too.
"Tch, you really are resilient for a kid." Tessa remarks as her strikes bounce off of Akira's guard and she's left to go flipping back down into a crouch, just in time to see Arika get tag-teamed again. "I'll be right back Arika. If that didn't get her off of you then maybe this will... "
There's a brief pause in her relentless attacking once more as she dances her way back to the edge of the ring and leans back over some of the ropes to grab a table right out from in between one of the cuter couples in the audience. "Sorry, I'll bring this right back if I don't break it!"
And then, well, she rushes right back into the fray and tries to haul off and smash Akira in the stomach with the heavy wooden thing, with her shield slide back onto one of her wrists and out of the way.
Maki's attack misses, leaving her feeling rather vulnerable after that, but fortunately, she seems to be ignored by Arika. Which could be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you view it. On one hand, it could be that Maki is grateful she's not taking any counterattacks, but on the other hand, that could be an insult to her fighting skills.
But there's no time for thoughts like that now. Arika's just been countered herself, and that's the opportune moment for a forward kick aimed at her stomach. Hopefully she won't lose her lunch all over the dance floor!
COMBATSYS: Arika blocks Maki's Strong Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\1 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
The girl with the skull on her helmet can just think whatever she pleases. To everyone -watching- the fight, it just looks like she's terrified of the newcomer. Says a whole lot about a person when a supposed 'seasoned' fighter is taking out the opponents that -apparently- pose no threat at all.
With the somersault comes a whole lot of momentum which is stopped abruptly by an annoyingly bony elbow to the chin. As soon as Arika is able to shake that off, she's sent sprawling back into the dancers again though this time she seems to fade into them as the lights dim and strobe lights kick in. The music in the Duck Pond gets cranked up a notch, and the speakers above the ring seem to blast it out down onto the fighters.
Sneaking into the crowd like she has allows the punk rock princess to navigate in behind Akira. From there, her leg swings out quickly in an attempt to situate itself in front of and between the Japanese girl's legs. At the same time, her arm is lifted toward Akira's throat and her free hand makes a grab for the other girl's stomach, the fingers spread out like a claw.
COMBATSYS: Akira dodges Tessa's Random Weapon.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Arika successfully hits Akira with Dominant Diva.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Akira doesn't know what the people watching the fight are thinking. She does not doubt Arika can read their minds, but that's probably because Akira can't read Arika's mind either and thus would not even think of doubting it. Of course, it's not like Akira fights for the audience. She fights for herself.
Akira says, "Well, I just try to think like my brother." She takes a moment to watch after Tessa--and rolls away from the table. She seems impressed.
"Ah!" She tells Tessa, "You are a student of Kyokugen too, huh? You should talk to Takuma, he is a big fan of the table technique!"
Her attitude seems to have changed again--it's pretty odd. She holds up a finger in a 'one moment' gesture before she's knocked off her feet by the opportunistic Akira-- but she manages to roll away again with a grunt before too much damage is done to her stomach. "Man, who taught YOU? Kurow?" She complains, holding one hand up to her injury before hopping forward and grabbing for Arika's shoulder and aiming to shove her down unceremoniously to the ground.
O- oh hell no. Kyokugen? That bunch of karate freaks that her boss hates more than life itself? "What? What does swinging a table at you have to do with Kyokugen? ...on second thought, nevermind, I probably don't want to know. Takuma. Tch. When I saw the skull I figured you were with Skull-Cross or something, but Kyokugen too? I never expected them to be taking gangsters as students of all things."
And all of this is said while Tessa makes good on her promise and puts that table back where she got it, just like she said. But when she's done with that, she goes after Akira yet again, and she looks even more determined to knock the girl away from her partner before it's too late. She's running full tilt, and trying to jam her shield up under Akira's helmet with a fierce uppercut. "Hngh!"
Arika manages to defend Maki's kick pretty well, but then again it was rather slow so it was easy to see coming. Then again, that's the price you have to pay for powerful atttacks. Nonetheless, it's not enough to stop Maki from targeting Arika. Instead, she simply goes for the woman with a powerful punch that would normally be used with her tonfa, but even without it still packs a powerful punch!
COMBATSYS: Arika dodges Akira's Quick Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Arika blocks Maki's Genkou.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|=------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Nothing is said to Akira in regards to her training. Why waste the breath? Though while Akira is busy babbling, the punk rock princess easily backsteps to avoid the grab. "Heh." But she's got little time to say anything else to Akira now.
Mind always on the fight, Arika can hear Maki coming toward her. As the other woman swings in with her punch, she blocks it with the side of her right arm wincing in pain as the powerful punch rams against her bone.
Faltering a little, Arika closes her eyes. All of her energy is focused into what she figures will be her last attempt at damaging Akira. After blocking Maki, she twirls into a perfect three-hundred-and-sixty degree circle and then lashes out at Akira with a snappy roundhouse kick toward her chest.
COMBATSYS: Arika has reached second wind!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Tessa successfully hits Akira with Fierce Strike.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Akira 1/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Akira dodges Arika's Rhythmic Roundhouse.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Akira 1/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Akira ducks underneath Arika's strike--figuring Maki finally put her over the edge. Of course, this is incorrect, but she takes her attention off of Arika for a moment to look over to Tessa-- and she tries to avoid the blow again, BUT FAILS! Tessa is truly the dominator, slamming her shield into Akira's helmet and sending her flying across the dancefloor. Akira hits the ground powerfully, skids, and then slides to a pained stop. "Ugh..." She comments, not quite getting up yet. Instead, she takes time to recover.
COMBATSYS: Akira gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Well, that's quite the accomplishment in Tessa's book. After trying for half the fight just to get Akira to /back off/ of her temporary teammate, she's finally done it. For how long, no one really knows, but she's at least down and having to take a moment to recover at the very least, and this will hopefully give Arika an opportunity to get back on the offensive after all the crap she's had to defend against.
"You're okay, right Arika? I'm really sorry I couldn't take more of the heat off you sooner, but I guess they're afraid of the shield." the young Strolheim elite calls over her shoulder to the punk princess, shield raised and keeping her opponents in the corner of her vision.
COMBATSYS: Tessa focuses on her next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|-------\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Apparently, Arika has more strength than Maki took her to have, but then again, Maki's done that plenty of times herself, so it's nothing new to her. Nonetheless, she decides to let Tessa have a little of her undivided attention this time. While Tessa is focusing, Maki decides to utilize her signature move once again, which many will view as the breakdancing spinkick, but it's really her Bushin Senpuu Kyaku!
Very little surprise registers on Arika's face as Akira dodges the kick. If it had been a fresh fight, she might have shown just a wee bit but as it is, she's running on reserved energy. Fatigue is beginning to set in, but she can't let it stop her from pressing on.
"I'll live, mate," the punk rock princess calls to Tessa, "been hit worse than this before." Standing toe to toe with Zangief kind of does that to a girl.
Immediately her attention turns back to Akira though and she lunges forward with a swift jab toward the girl's shoulder in the hopes of catching her off guard.
COMBATSYS: Akira interrupts Quick Punch from Arika with Light Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|===----\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Akira takes the hit in the shoulder, but it doesn't seem to phase her very much--especially as she retaliates with a quick kick to Arika's stomach--aiming to force her back.
She breathes out for a moment, looking gradually more tired. She wonders how long she can put up her dukes like this.
"Guess you really are a fighter to still be up after all this..." She murmurs.
COMBATSYS: Maki successfully hits Tessa with Bushin Senpuu Kyaku.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //// ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|===----\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Tessa
Oh, that move again. Tessa couldn't stop it before, and it doesn't look like she can this time either. But it's not because she doesn't put the shield out there and try to block. The attempt is quite obvious, but because she's still a little bit more worried about Arika, Tess just isn't putting all of her effort behind it like she should. The shield could have been reinforced with chi but she didn't really think it was necessary, and she pays for it a little. The shield would have stopped a regular whirlwind kick like that no problem, but not one with chi on it.
"Mmph!" Yeah, that's a little bit too powerful and it throws her shield back in her face and sends her tumbling back toward the ropes again, where she waits and leans on them for a brief moment, wiping a little blood away from the corner of her mouth.
COMBATSYS: Tessa gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //// ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|===----\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Tessa
Maki's attack hits home, and it looks like she's shown Tessa that she means business in this fight. Namely because those boots can really hurt when they hit someone at that rate of speed. And how does Maki do it without getting dizzy? Good question.
But there's no time for questions now. Right now Maki's got to decide who her next target should be. Three prospective targets, one weakened, the other two still standing strong. All of them making for good targets. That's the decision Maki ponders.
COMBATSYS: Maki focuses on her next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //// ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|===----\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Tessa
Forced back by the light kick, Arika grabs at her side. Ribs are definitely bruised if not cracked, and it's making the punk rock princess grimace a little. Nonetheless, she's still springing into action. Taking a deep breath, she leaps up onto a table and runs across the top of it and drops down to situate herself behind Akira again. Once there, her arms fling out in the hopes of catching the other girl. The right tries to lock around Akira's neck and pull back while the left attempts to catch her in a small bearhug from behind.
COMBATSYS: Akira interrupts Quick Throw from Arika with Quick Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > / ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|======-\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Akira 1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Tessa
Akira seems to have shifted to a defensive game. And it seems to be working. She ducks down under the arm--though it does srape her neck this time--but manages to twist around and slam her elbow into the center of Arika's back--aiming to force her to the ground one last time! Akira seems to gradually be recovering her strength--but will it be enough?! And is Arika seriously down for the count this time? She just keeps getting up and up again!
And during her little break, Akira starts to once again overpower poor Arika. What is it with her? Tessa has a hard time believing it's the helmet that's making her so spiteful toward the rocker chick. There's some kind of personal vendetta there, deep down under the mask.
"God, that is such dirty fighting. How old are you, kid? Maki and me are still over here sitting pretty and you're still picking on the most bruised and beaten girl here. Are you even having fun? We all know she's not. Now c'mon, quit being a bully! And you, Maki, I've been to Metro, I know how they do things out there. Your friends wouldn't stand for crap like this. Why don't you attack that gangster brat at least once before it's down to the last two of us here, huh? You're not her teammate for Christ's sake!"
But she's not going to waste her time waiting for the blonde to respond to her request. She doesn't really expect much from her, frankly, and if she gets attacked from behind as she's rushing Akira with her shield, then so be it.
Is Arika truly down for the count this time? Or is she just feigning it again? Not wanting to take chances, Maki decides to target Tessa once again. While Tessa is rushing at Akira with her shield, Maki is rushing at Tessa attempting to deliver a very hard hitting punch.
A fist to the back is more of a punch than a throw, but regardless, Arika goes down. Hands shoot out in front of her to break the fall to avoid faceplanting onto the dirty dance floor. Even so, it looks like she's down for the count.
Tessa's words spur her to get back up to her feet, albeit with a bit of a punch-drunk swagger. Going into this, the diva had -no- issue with Akira, but since the other girl has deemed it appropriate to make this some sort of personal vendetta, it's only fair that she remains Arika's focus now.
With her very last ounce of energy, the diva jumps toward Akira and tries to grab her shoulders and pull her down toward the knee that's quickly jutting upward in the direction of Akira's stomach.
COMBATSYS: Arika has reached third wind!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Akira 1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Akira dodges Arika's Femme Fatale.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Akira 1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Tessa successfully hits Akira with Sideswipe.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Akira 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Tessa
Akira seems to be having trouble keeping Arika down and out for the count enough as it is! "Both really desperate but..." No, Akira reminds herself, you have to end one fight first before changing your strategy.
And so it goes. Akira flips away first from Arika--who unleashes one more assault--but manages to get away from it again. "Resilliant..." Akira has to admit approvingly.
Unfortunately, Tessa sideswipes Akira with her shield and she crashes to the ground painfully AGAIN. "Agghhh..." Akira grunts, before scuttling back to the edge of the arena. Talk about an exercise in futility, she considers. If only Arika went down this would've been so much easier.
But she hasn't, and there isn't anything she can complain about. She closes her eyes for a moment, taking in deep breaths, and then opens then again.
COMBATSYS: Akira gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Tessa dodges Maki's Deep Strike.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Tessa
Sorry, but Tessa is kind of running hard and fast here. It's gonna take something with a little bit more speed on it if you're gonna try and punch her in the spine like some kind of backstabbing criminal. The punch doesn't even come close, and when Strolheim's shieldmaiden is finished knocking down the self-proclaimed Kyokugen fraternizer she turns right back around and shakes her head, crossing her arms with her shield slung over one forearm and shining in the bright lights of the danceclub with a myriad of colors. Duck's disco floor is sweet like that.
"So should I take that as a no? You'd rather keep harassing us newbies until we're down? You act like we haven't even warn her down for you any. Like you gotta save as much of your strength as you can just for her. Are you afraid of her, Maki? Look at her. She's over there catching her breath, so she can bully me or you later. My money'd be on you, though. She's kinda been ignoring me since early on."
And well, to punctuate all of this, she's gonna kick the Kazama girl in the side. "Kyokugen. I can't believe you."
"It's not that I prefer to harass newbies, not in the least. Rather, I prefer to lessen the odds when we're double-teamed. And I realize that Akira is my opponent as well, but I figure I'll wait untill things are a little more evened out, if you know what I mean. But that doesn't mean I can switch at any time," Maki says with a grin as she attempts to deliver a swift jump kick towards Akira.
Banter. There's talking going on. Arika can hear it, knows what's being said, but she's remaining focused. Tessa might actually stand a chance if she can whittle down Akira enough, so when she spots the girl fall to the ground and scuttle across the dance floor, she chases after her. Both fists are chambered, the right slamming quickly toward Akira's shoulder while the left comes in at an angle toward her stomach.
COMBATSYS: Arika successfully hits Akira with Quick Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Akira 1/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Akira endures Tessa's Light Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Maki 1/---====/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Akira 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Akira interrupts Light Kick from Maki with Destructive Barrage.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Maki 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Tessa
Akira tries to avoid Arika's punch--but cannot! She takes the smack right into the stomach and bowls over for a few moments coughing up blood--though the helmet covers this up. Just not as well, because it's kind of cracked. You can see the smile.
Akira does not avoid the kick to her side. She takes it, and sets her eyes firmly on Tessa.
"You little ladies want Kyokugen?" Akira asks, before laughing for a fair while, eyes raised up to the sky for a moment, "Then very well! But don't say I never did anything for you. Your resilliance... you've earned this victory. So I'll give you your helping hand."
Akira twists and grabs for Maki's leg--interrupting her assault, and seeming to avoid any real injury in doing so. Her body glows with light blue chi, her movements blurring as her smile widens confidently, "We were all fighting for what was in our best interests to win, so I'm not going to give any preachy attitude, but if you were such 'newbie' fighters, you wouldn't be doing so well." She drives her elbow into Maki's stomach, then knees her in the face to knock her up into the air. "If you are so upset with me treating you with RESPECT as fighters, then I will give you that handicap you so desire!"
Akira then twists one last time into a spinning jump kick--slamming into Maki's underside and slamming her up into the CEILING of all places.
"THERE! Now quit your DAMN WHINING. I've been in more UNFAIR fights than you have!"
The shieldmaiden uncrosses her arms and moves them to her hips at that point, raising an eyebrow as she listens to first Maki, and then Akira. What Akira has to say is quite a bit more profound, however, and the display of power that comes immediately after is even more so.
"Oh, don't get what I said wrong. I meant that we're newer to circuit fighting, and this show. But that's fine, it doesn't matter now. I've got nothing left to say. And long as nobody's holding back any longer then I've got no beef!" That and, man she just can't believe Arika is still standing. She's pretty sure even with her shield she couldn't have taken *that* much punishment.
And as for just standing there and talking? Nah, she's not gonna do that. There's that heavy triangle-ornament hanging from her neck and it's been bothering her this whole fight, smacking against her as she ran and such, and she thinks she's like to get rid of it right about now so she pulls it up over her head and starts swinging it around before letting it go flying in Maki's direction. "Catch!"
COMBATSYS: Maki dodges Tessa's Thrown Object.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Maki 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Tessa
Catch? What is this, baseball? Well, Maki's definitely not in the mood for any baseball right now. Especially when it involves a large shield like that. So she does a sideways roll, avoiding the shield with the greatest of ease while hoping that an innocent doesn't find themself on the receiving end of that unknowingly!
As soon as she gets back to her feet, Maki takes a moment to focus her inner strength for a moment, concentrating on her next attack, and then literally unleashes it in a flash as she jumps off of a nearby table and flies at a very high rate of speed towards Tessa, which, if connects, will not only hurt a bit, but will also be turned into a 2-in-1 as Maki grabs her by the shoulders and throws her to the ground right after!
Whining? Who's been whining? Arika certainly hasn't considering the sheer amount of damage that's been done to her body at this point. Though she wants to press on, even -she- has to stop when Maki is slammed up toward the ceiling. Letting out a low whistle followed by a slight grimace (with the thought that she's damned happy that it's not -her- heading skyward), she takes a step back and glances at Akira.
Peripheral vision allows her to catch the -ornament- that's flung in Maki's direction, the dodge and the attempted retaliation. This does not stop her from moving forward though. Swiveling her body back toward Akira, she sends a backfist to the side of the girl's stomach in an attempt to hit the soft fleshy part just below the ribs.
COMBATSYS: Akira fails to interrupt Strong Punch from Arika with Quick Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > //// ]
Maki 1/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Tessa
Akira twists around, "Still on me, eh?" and so saying, she throws her fist towards Arika's chin--but this time, comes up short, taking the strike hard in her chest. "Ggh..." She grunts, stumbling back.
"Mmm..." She considers. "Ouch."
COMBATSYS: Maki successfully hits Tessa with Tesshin Hou.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > //// ]
Maki 1/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-----==|=======\=------\1 Tessa
Oh snap, was that perhaps a good luck charm Tessa threw away? Not only does it miss, but she gets Bushin'd in the face pretty bad immediately after, and then thrown to the ground with her shield clattering on the dancefloor and spinning and spinning like a top until she finally gets a hand on it to make it stop. But it seems that someone in the audience was nice enough to catch the ornament for her, as she soon finds it tossed back into her lap for whatever reason.
"Nngh. Nice." But yeah, that looks like it really hurt, and Tess is a little bit wobbly for it when she kicks back up to her feet, but she's not so out of it that she can't still try and punch Maki in the mouth again, with that triangle ornament clutched in her fist.
COMBATSYS: Maki fails to interrupt Quick Punch from Tessa with Light Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-----==|=======\=------\1 Tessa
It really did hurt, yeah, and Maki can attest to that when she was taught the move herself and had to learn how it worked from both sides. Especially when she didn't know how to escape from throws properly at the time. Unfortunately, she's not in the mood to be reminiscing about stuff like that right now. She just blew a chance at countering a punch aimed at her face, by trying to go low with a kick.
Maki staggers backwards, rubbing at her jaw, and pauses when she feels something on her hand. It turns out to be blood, as apparently she got hit good this time, even if it was a quick attack.
Shrugging her shoulders at Akira, the punk rock princess spins on her heel and lunges toward Maki tossing blonde hair over her shoulder. It's a feint of an attack though, as Arika is changes directions nearly as quickly and attempts to crack her elbow into Akira's ribs. Nothing fancy. Nothing excruciatingly painful. Just a simple elbow jab to try and keep Akira away from Tessa.
COMBATSYS: Akira just-defends Arika's Quick Punch!
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //// ]
Maki 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-----==|=======\=------\1 Tessa
Akira isn't even trying to get anywhere near Tessa. She only assaulted her once--and then changed targets completely. Arika doesn't have to try to keep Akira away from Tessa--which endsd up problematic because Akira grabs Akira's fist in her hand and then aims to throw her AGAIN--this time into the ground. "Unff.." Akira grunts.
Wait, Arika is keeping Akira away from her? But... she's the princess here, and Tessa is the knight, with the shield. Don't switch things around!
Not that the shieldmaiden is really in any position to rush in and rescue Arika from the helmet-wearing schoolgirl right this moment, though. She's still busy with Maki, and she's already committed to pouring all of her chi into her shield and bracing it down against her shoulder. She's getting ready to charge and go what will probably her last round with the blonde street-ninja. The big blue aura of awesome that flares out around her shield and makes a sort of forcefield around it says that much, and it's heading right for Maki like a freight train.
COMBATSYS: Tessa successfully hits Maki with Super Charger Heaven.
[ \\\\\ < > //// ]
Maki 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Tessa
All aboard the Tessa Express! Going nonstop at Maki Genryusai!
OK, so maybe you don't ride freight trains places, but that's exactly what it feels like when Maki is hit by the attack from Tessa. She goes flying across the dance floor, tumbling into a nearby table and causing someone's drink to come crashing down onto her head, which really hurts even more.
Fortunately, the patron isn't so much concerned about their drink as they are about helping Maki back to her feet. She nods in a dazed manner to the person as she struggles to keep her balance amidst the fact she never was good at wearing heels and that her head is bleeding a little from the impact.
At that, the girlfriend of the guy who helped Maki to her feet offers her a drink of water, which does help a little, although it's not much really.
COMBATSYS: Maki gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\ < > //// ]
Maki 1/-----==/=======|====---\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Arika blocks Akira's Quick Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Maki 1/-----==/=======|=====--\-------\0 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/----===|-------\-------\0 Tessa
When her fist is grabbed, Arika just glares at the schoolgirl gangster in front of her and smirks. No point in stopping the 'throw' really, so the punk rock princess simply throws herself into it and rolls right back up to her feet.
While Tessa and Maki battle it out on the other side of her, Arika twists her body to face Akira again and comes in with a one-two punch. A quick jab sent to the shoulder, followed by an uppercut that's intended to catch her on the base of the chin just below the helmet.
COMBATSYS: Akira interrupts Strong Punch from Arika with Reflex Stance.
[ \\\\\\\\ < > ]
Maki 1/-----==/=======|=======\=------\1 Arika
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Akira 0/-------/---====|-------\-------\0 Tessa
Akira catches the punch again, she doesn't seem so tired anymore. As if she could do this all day. Maybe all the head injuries have gotten to her. "Ufn..." She grunts before slamming her knee one (hopefully!) last time into Arika's belly. "You're really freaking resilliant. Are you gonna get up again?"
For a moment, Tessa almost starts to go over there to finish Maki off. Almost. But she sees how close she is to that helpful bystander from the crowd and thinks better of it, clicking her tongue a bit and turning on her heels to give a glance in the direction of Arika and her opponent with the name that's only one letter different.
"Aw, not again! Sometimes I really wish I could be in two places at once." Tanks always do. But anyway, even though she might be a little bit late to the party she goes dashing right over to the punk rocker's side, and gives her a little encouraging pat on the back just before trying to clip Akira in the side with her shield for a third time. Maybe if she works that kidney enough she'll finally give it up. "Hyah!"
Maki's torn between who to target right now. It seems Arika's on her last ropes, so she chooses to leave her alone. Instead, she decides to turn her attention to Akira, since she seems to be handling double-teaming very well. Forget her earlier philosophy about taking out the higher opposition, now it's every fighter for themselves!
Maki leaps off of a nearby table, attempting to demonstrate the Hassou Kyaku on Akira, since she successfully demonstrated it earlier!
Damned straight Arika is going to get up again, albeit -really- shakily after yet another hit to her stomach. Even with the boxing techniques she picked up while learning Dambe, the punk rock princess is hurting. There's only so much that she can take. Pulling herself along the ropes, she makes her way to the central area of the dance floor and up onto the stage.
A tired look is given to the cameras, but even so she winks and blows a kiss out to the viewers. Raising her left shoulder up on an angle, she fakes holding the neck of an electric guitar. Like before, her right hand slides down to the proper air-guitar position and as the song that's playing hits an appropriate power chord, she focuses all of her remaining energy together and sets off a bright explosion of multi-colored energy behind her which then coalesces together to form an arc that's directed at Akira.
All of this has Arika falling to her knees on the stage though, eyes closing as she clutches at her stomach.
COMBATSYS: Arika can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\ < > //////// ]
Maki 1/-----==/=======|-------\-------\0 Tessa
[ \\\\\\\\\\ <
Akira 0/-------/---====|
COMBATSYS: Akira blocks Tessa's Sideswipe.
[ \\\\\\\ < > //////// ]
Maki 1/-----==/=======|=------\-------\0 Tessa
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Akira 0/-------/---====|
COMBATSYS: Akira dodges Arika's Siren Song.
[ \\\\\\\ < > //////// ]
Maki 1/-----==/=======|=------\-------\0 Tessa
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Akira 0/-------/---====|
COMBATSYS: Akira interrupts Hassou Kyaku from Maki with Dancing Cyclone Kick.
[ \\ < > //////// ]
Maki 1/--=====/=======|=------\-------\0 Tessa
[ \\\\\\\ <
Akira 0/-------/--=====|
In order.
Akira steps to the side away from Arika's final super technique! It's not even all that impressive. She just stepped out of the way. She watches Arika fall to the ground and stares at her for a few moments, to make sure she's really down. "You down?" She asks uncertainly, "You have to be down this time, okay? My feet are hurting from kicking you, it's making this a hard fight."
Then Tessa comes in and is deflected to the side with a quick push of her arms. It still hurts, Akira, she's barely able to stand, but she -is- standing. "Ugh. Man." She grunts, "This is hard to deal with. You are really desperate to take me down. That's good... because you need all you can against a Kyokugen TRAINEE! If I were Ryo or Takuma you wouldn't have lasted two minutes!"
Then Maki comes in, glorious Maki. Akira doesn't remember what the Hassou Kyaku is, but it doesn't matter. She's faster, and throws a twirling jumpkick into Maki's stomach before she can properly find purchase. "HYAAAH!!" She screams with her strike.
So Tessa is thrown off balance when her shield impacts Akira's hands and gets shoved to the side. Okay. But at least she doesn't get kicked in the stomach. Yow.
But the real question is, is it gonna be Tessa and Akira all by themselves now? Is Maki gonna get up from that, the way Arika kept doing? "Man, dropping like flies now, aren't we? Even I'm tired. But I'm not done yet. Let's go, kid. My boss really hates that Kyokugen stuff and I'm anxious to see more of why."
Before she keels over, yeah. Tired tired tired. It doesn't take much to step in and swing your shield down on someone's head with both hands, though. She'll be alright, she thinks.
Maki finds herself getting hit rather hard by that counterattack from Akira, and unfortunately, it's a very hard hit, sending Maki tumbling to the floor and crashing into a couple more patrons. Maki tries to get back onto her feet, but she finds her legs buckling beneath her and her vision getting blurred, as it's obvious that was the last attack she could take.
But Akira had best remain on guard, since Maki's got one last surprise coming. Maki's weakness suddenly vanishes as, in a sudden burst of energy, she rushes towards Akira, intending to deliver a fast flurry of punches and kicks. Whether or not it connects doesn't matter, since once it's over, Maki's heading down for the count.
COMBATSYS: Maki can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Akira 0/-------/--=====|=------\-------\0 Tessa
Arika is actually down this time, helped from the stage by two nearby fans who then usher her over toward the medics. Shortly thereafter they begin to wrap her ribs and offer an ice pack for her bruised jaw. While she's still conscious, she's just run right out of energy to keep going - having focused it all into that last attack. Either way, she's watching from the sidelines, silently cheering for her teammate.
COMBATSYS: Maki successfully hits Akira with Bushin Gou Rai Ha.
- Power hit! -
[ < > /////// ]
Akira 1/------=/=======|=------\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Akira interrupts Falling Arch from Tessa with Aerial Barrage.
> ]
|=======\-------\0 Tessa
COMBATSYS: Akira can no longer fight.
> ]
|=======\-------\0 Tessa
Akira loves Mega Man. She is, in fact, a fan. She loves the little tyke who fights for everlasting peace, for great justice, and for a certain kind of honor that is just rare in today's society. Maki pummels Akira with her fists, but still she does not yield! She can barely move, but Arika is not the only resilliant person on the field. She has no idea why so many people hate Kyokugen. It's just a fighting style! Maybe, Akira thinks, it's because Takuma beat them all up. He's kind of silly and it can hurt one's pride pretty easily to lose to him.
"But..." Akira hisses, "It works." She dashes in with one last burst of speed and leaps straight into Tessa--taking the shield slam in the shoulder. She knees Tessa up into the air, hops back up into the air, and slams Tessa back down into the ground with a vicious axehandle.
Akira grins for a few moments--and then passes out as well. KATHUNK. Probably from blood loss from all those punches and kicks she was taking!
In Tessa's case, no. She'd actually never even met a Kyokugen fighter before this Akira girl, which is why she just asked her to show her what it was all about. Up till now she'd only seen her using whatever Takuma taught her to stuff Arika and Maki's moves. Not hers. As for her boss, she's not really sure why he hates it either, but, just like the helmeted gangster probably takes after her brother, and Takuma from the sound of it, the Strolheim chick tries to take after her awesome ninja boss and hate it for no apparent reason. Anything to get him to accept her more. She wants a promotion, man.
Not that.. this really has anything to do with what's happening right now. Winning or losing this fight isn't going to gain or lose her any promotion, or even respect, probably. And that's a good thing, since she just totally got launched and then pounded back down onto the lit-up dance floor. "Guh!! G- good work, kid. That's it for me." The tattooed woman grunts out, breathlessly, just before rolling over onto her side and holding the back of her head for a moment, and then placing her shield over it like a hat. She's gonna take a long nap. The kind that's more like a coma.
And then of course, when nobody moves for a good ten or 20 count, the officials chime in over the speakers and declate this a DKO, to everyone's amazement.
COMBATSYS: Tessa has ended the fight here.
Log created on 20:49:33 05/11/2007 by Arika, and last modified on 19:52:31 05/16/2007.