Description: THE BEGINNING - A doll vs Oswald.. who will triumph!? Oswald's streak doesn't end here, folks, but there's an impressive display at least.. more than is expected! See this lengthy, and somewhat surprising battle, to the end! ( Winner: Oswald )
Out of the many places people could fight. Neo League has decided to make it just 'plane' dangerous to someone's health. At any rate, cameras are positioned all over, but on the grassy side of the runways, heavy mufflers over the ears of the various camera men.. if there are any at all. The cameras are bolted down, as well, sandbags and other various heavy objects making sure, as planes fly by, and land, none of the expensive cameras end up .. KNOCKED OUT.
And it seems they had added a new members as well, to the various fighting leagues. Or at least extended them. Because there happens to be a woman dressed in a blue leotard and a blue.. sweater like thing. On her arms are red bracers like the other dolls, and her red hair is half covered by the odd hat.
And she seems not at all to mind the planes, standing in the middle of the runway as one passes over head, taking off. Her hands clasp the medikit, holding it infront of her.. and an odd medic bag just on her back. She even has the medic band on her shoulder.
And is swinging the medikit while humming. "Hmhmmmhmmm." It seems, today, the medic is fighting. Is the fighter switching places for some cruel joke, to get Oswald to beat up a medical staff?!
Or would Oswald recognize the Shadaloo mark on the Medikit.
He had recovered well enough after his brutal clash with Hotaru, and managed to keep one step further than Jiro's skill and power in his last fight, despite Neo League's attempt to ruin his score - to try and shoot the odds. He was back at one-hundered-percent, and sitting well back in a chair in the food court, sipping on a overly expensive cup of airport java, eyes cast on the huge multipane window that shows the tarmac.
"Your opponent is at the fight area, you have five minutes." One of the staff lingers nearby to make sure Oswald follows his commitment or face the usual disqualification consequences. The empty cardboard cup clops loudly on the counter as he sets it down, uncrossing his legs as he walks down the stairs to the exit ramp.
...a few moments later...
"Well, miss." A voice speaks up from one of the passenger-boarding ramps that isn't connected to a plane at the moment, "So you are the one they call 'Aprile'. I'm pleased I get to fight a rather pretty opponent this time." With a little push of his feet, he hops down - a good twenty feet at that from where he was standing to land upon the tarmac, the impact making him crouch for a second or two before rising up and going into a short bow.
"I am Oswald. Your first opponent. You'll be getting a proper welcome into the League." If he does recognize the symbol, or even if he knows anything about it, he's not letting on at all. He's probably blissfully ignorant...
It's sure windy out, Aprile thinks, as another plane passes overhead. She holds her hand against the hat, forcing it to stay on.. although she doesn't seem to be moving very much. Somewhat weighted for a reason, this could give an interesting idea of he was to look closely. But for now, she perks up as a voice comes from ABOVE?
Ah! IS it? Lord Ve-"Guh?" She mouths, surprised, and then notices .. OSWALD. That's some sleek jacket he has going on there. As well as a smooth tongue. But it doesn't seem to effect her. "Yes... my name is Aprile, and it's a pleasure to meet you!" She bows, taking a few steps forwards. "I'm happy you're going to get something else out of it too!" The sights, she means. "But don't stare too long." Whatever that means.
"Oh a welcoming? That's nice of you!" She says, walking slowly closer, swinging the box back and forth, almost carelessly. "And it's been so long since I've done this.. but I shouldn't have any troubles!" She admits, smiling.. although what she's talking about is more or less obvious. "But you've got a big name from what I've seen. I'll have to try my best!"
"I am as much flesh and blood as the other fighters, be it ranked first, or rank fifty. The 'big name' only means that people win more money by betting against me, nothing more." and he reaches up to bring a finger to tip his wireframe spectacles as she approaches, "And simply nothing less."
Through the hazy shades, Aprile can probably see his eyes open, they were closed probably for the greeting, one of his hands neatly in his jacket pocket, the other still up to his face, slowly removing the glasses and folding the arms neatly; slipping it into the breast of the veston.
"Karma will probably hate me for injuring one that took the hippocratic oath." He brings the hand down and into the opposite pocket now that its done putting the glasses away, "But I made a commitment to the League and its viewers. And... you need not worry about my staring, Miss Aprile. It's not in my nature."
His lips curl into a slight smirk, as he has yet to meet one that could distract him so. "I do hope you bring your best, I would be insulted if my opponents brought anything short but their best to the table." A short scuff of his shoe to set it snug into his foot and he slips into a fighting stance, bringing arms up defensively as he gives a nod, "The world is our stage, Aprile, let's show them what you are made of!"
COMBATSYS: Oswald has started a fight here on the left meter side.
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Oswald 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Aprile has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
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Oswald 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Aprile
Her hair, hanging in almost multiple points towards the middle of her face. Whatever has allowed her to keep it like that, it's sure some tough stuff alright! And her form is .. nicely accentuated by the clothing. Although the almost out of place tie hanging, yellow, between her breasts... might also hint at something, if Oswald was looking.
"Oh.. that's a good point.. well. Then that means like every other fighter, you'll be a challenge!" She doesn't seem to mind his rap sheet. Or the fact far stronger have fallen! It's not like it matters to her.
And the dolls always need their check ups.
The eyes .. only open now? Huh.. that's not expected.. there's soooomething about this guy! She notes. But for now, she shakes it off. "Well. Okay! You shouldn't worry about that though... I'm tough! I can take it! And that's a relief.... won't have to keep my box a bit higher during the fight." Seems she has ways of dealing, or the like.
"Oh no non o. Don't worry... I'll make sure you get nothing .. but the best care!" She answers, before running towards him .. and she's not exactly slow. But the bag on her back slows her down a bit.. even if she's pulling that box with both hands back.
And then the red cross on the box begins to bleed, but not literal blood, a red color, the doll swinging it forth, heavily, towards Oswald. "Hah!" And then she swings it the other way.. making a miniature cross which is THRUST towards Oswald with both that red energy and that box!
COMBATSYS: Aprile successfully hits Oswald with Peleative Care.
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Oswald 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Aprile
As expected, she was quick on her feet. Giving his head a full roll-round and bringing his shoulders in, he tugs his chin in and inhales deep to bring his body up to be as prepared as his mind is. It's the unusual nature of the attack that catches him just right, as she brings that box in for a cross-strike, the first of two hits avoided, but the second, lateral one hitting in just below where he had his arms raised defensively, good and square.
The strike drives his breath out in a brief, if muted grunt, as his eyebrows shunt in and he frowns hard, one eye closing a bit more than the other as he manages to stay on his feet. It's with the momentum of the hit that he moves with, sliding along to one side as he reaches a hand out to grab at the side of Aprile's head, giving a quick half-step forward to place his ankle just aside hers, then using it like a fulcrum to have her topple; the goal was to make her a little more friendly with the tarmac...
COMBATSYS: Aprile fails to interrupt Medium Throw from Oswald with 10th Floor Transfer.
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Oswald 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Aprile
And then comes Oswald. Her strike was able to pierce his guard... but as he slides to the aide, reaching a hand out to grab the girl, giving a quick half-step forwards and placing his ankle nearby, she whips the medi-kit to the side, aiming to spin around, faster and faster... but she's instead toppled to the ground.
The heavy equipment, apparently, is not conducive to having her be friendly with these trippings, as Oswald finds out rather easily, the girl, as 'frail' as she may be, collapsing to the ground more than readily. She hits the ground pretty hard.
Wincing, however.. she takes in a deep breathe, gets to her feet, and backs off. "Right.. I should... probably wait .. before exerting myself so fast next time..." But she's alright.. holding the box over her shoulder again and shaking the cobwebs out of her head.. especially as another plane .. pulls off her hat? "AH.. rats I forgot to hold it!"
He stayed at the ready, but his curiousity got the better of him for that moment as the hat bumbles and dances on the jetstream pushed air, coming to a stop against a chainlink fence a little distance away. "We'll get it later." He responds in a grave tone as he starts to circle, slowly, arms still up, fingers curling into tight fists for a moment or two before his arms seems to wholly relax, but staying up at the defensive.
"Pace yourself if you must, miss." He says in a steady yet non-monotone voice, low, rather and rather cold.
His stance squares to face Aprile direct now, as both arms come in toward him, and with a quick flourish, flare out to his sides, each hand holding a fan of cards pinched 'tween fingers and thumbs. His eyes squint very tight- or maybe they shut- as he brings one arm up and allow a single card to escape up into the sky... and down to earth once more...
COMBATSYS: Oswald successfully hits Aprile with Queen.
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Oswald 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0 Aprile
And the single card slices into her defenses.. even as she tries to raise the medikit upwards, Aprile's just too slow compared to Oswald, it seems. What a way to start! The box isn't able to prevent the slipping .. and surprisingly nasty card from sliding it straight into her.
"Hah.... " She says, wincing, holding her arm. ".. I'm going to have perform a medical procedure.." She says to herself, although Oswald .. probably overhears. As such.. "Now to ready everything.... Ah, I'll be fine! Just you watch." She beams back, before .. holding the box.
That red chi begins to flood over her, and surround her. It's growing as well.. whatever she's planning.. she's certainly got it at least in mind! "Just .. it'll take a few seconds!" The energy is certainly recognizable.. but could he tell the difference between it and chi?
Eh, maybe!
COMBATSYS: Aprile gathers her will.
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Oswald 0/-------/----===|=======\===----\1 Aprile
His foot lifted in a move to step forward, but he halts in full as that crimson energy flowed about her. He did not know the difference between that energy... and well anything else - but he did remember that the last time he saw that sort of coloured chi - it was quite a bad thing altogether.
Hesitation - Oswald hated it. It's the kind of thing that can destroy you at a poker table, and the kind of thing that makes opportunities worth millions become sadly missed. Pale white eyebrows furrow in scrutiny as she unleashes that power on herself... but he couldn't wait any longer. With a quick breath out, he steels his resolve and rushes forward, leaping into the air and bringing a leg up to do a swiping kick at the girl, aiming for her shoulder or forearm...
COMBATSYS: Aprile blocks Oswald's Strong Kick.
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Oswald 1/------=/=======|=======\====---\1 Aprile
Oswald doesn't take the time.. and rushing into her, steeling his resolve, and leaping into the air.. the swiping kick... hits the box. At first, it fights.. but then, it's driven into her shoulder, the girl kneeling as the energy stops flowing due to the interruption. "Very .. good... This is a great test!" She suddenly says, smiling. "I'm sure he'll be pleased."
And kicking back, leaping to her feet, the girl raises the box again.. "But I could use a bit of a pick me up.. so I can keep entertaining you at least!"
The red mark on the front glows once more.. but it's over her that the glowing energy focuses, before spiraling around herself.
"I said I'd make sure you wouldn't be disappointed and I'm not keeping my promise.. so this'll really help!" The girl.. looks like she really should be hurt. Marks here and there, blood here and there.. well, she's not doing too good.
But she doesn't falter for a moment. And that energy? The wounds are closing. Lots of them, undoing the damage that he just did and more.. with any luck.
Now /that/ however, he knows. Nagare had used that to turn the tide of the fight in his favor - he would not make that same mistake twice. "NOT THIS TIME." He blurts out as he turns with his landing from the kick, flaring out those cards once more from the fan to single stacks, and with a flick of his thumb, a single card shoots out and with a *plink*, embeds into the painted pavement.
"The decisive moment, Aprile! No more foreshadowing!" He shuts his eyes tight and concentrates before his front leg bends deep and he pushes from the ground with the furthest once, going into a smooth, horizontal leap toward the girl, one arm outstretched to her neck...
COMBATSYS: Aprile successfully hits Aprile with Coffin Dodger.
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Oswald 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Aprile
COMBATSYS: Aprile interrupts Joker' from Oswald with Pathology Consult.
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Oswald 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Aprile
It's a vicious grab to the neck, and Oswald flings the girl back up against the huge wheel of one of the intercontinental planes that line the tarmac, and barely, just barely the girl has time to straighten herself before the first cut comes... then another... and another... each new one coming faster than before.
It's a swarm of titanium plated trumps as his body and arms are a full blur as he unloads the equivilant of a machine gun's belt ammo toward the girl, fifty-two-and-one... incoming...
Aprile isn't able to see it coming. It just /comes/. "Huh?" Not this time? "Did you meet someone else bef-ah!" Flaring out those cards, a stack, and the single cars slams into the pavement.. oh .. that .. she'll have to do something. QUICK.
The energy seeps into her.. and she'll need it already, because she's barely able to bring the medi-kit back and down infront of her. "Now or never? .. I'll give it my all!" And Then as he leaps towards her.. Aprile prepares to sit on the defensive.. before changing it about.
However, grabbed by the neck, she's t his mercy.. and thrown into the huge wheel, slashes ripping through her.. wounds that had closed moments ago being inflicted once more as she suddenly rushes forwards.
And that swarm of cards? The girl charges forwards, a small aura of red psycho energy deflecting some, before it's thrusts forwards, some cards slamming into her and sticking out.. and about half way through, at the 24th card, the psycho energy rips towards Oswald.. mostly to blast the cards from his hands, and disrupt his rhythm more than do any lasting damage.
"There... I hope that's satisfactory!" But she's not really talking to Oswald.. saying it more to the air. "But I'll still keep trying!"
"W...what!?" the look on his face is probably priceless as she barrels through the cards - no doubt the Gambler figured she wasn't the type to do something that gutsy, "AUGH!" He almost swears as the cards go flying and flutter all over, many of them falling to the ground points-down and showing off just how sharp they are as they effortlessly sink into the tar-and-concrete ground.
The smack hits him broadside and it's more of a nuisance than injury, though there's a sting definately felt by his body and his ego. "Well... who would have known?" He composes himself quickly enough, though his arms are down a little lower in defense, one eyebrow lifted over the other as he gives her a rather incredulous look with those ruby eyes, "Impressive... I don't know who you're talking to, but they must be rather amused by now."
"You obviously wish to be tested." He lets his posture righten full, one arm coming up to flick at his shoulder, brushing off some dust or perhaps a hair, it's rather hard to tell from here, "I will give you another proving ground..."
The strangest effect overcomes you as his eyes meet yours. For a second, it's almost like he makes the world around you go dark, suddenly coating it with a burst of ink as his form blurs and liquifies... he's inbound... but what is he planning?
COMBATSYS: Oswald successfully hits Aprile with Deep Strike.
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Oswald 0/-------/----===|=======\===----\1 Aprile
One part illusion, one part hypnosis? Maybe... subterfuge? Whatever the technique is, Oswald uses it to a 'T' as he rushes in faster than the emulated darkness allows his image to appear. It's a solid and quick dash, and the midnight veil over her eyes breaks only at the final moment as he is already in the full course of a tremendous double-card swing, bringing both arms up in an almost foolishly open attack - as both cards cross from left to right about her body...
Oh this is bad. This is bad. As she survives the worst of it.. what happens next is .. actually one of the more impressive things. "I'm glad you think so! .. It went all according to plan. So next I just... tested?" And then, looking to him.. she falls for the trap!
The world becomes dark, and everything is inky.. oh where is he. "I don't like this.. Where did you go? Is it supposed to be-"
OOF. The double swung cards slam into her, ripping across both sides, causing her to stagger as a rather massive amount of blood is drawn, the girl collapsing forwards after a few steps away. "Ah ... I.. hope that's not going against me..." She notes, getting to her feet, staggering, this time.. really looking bad. "Status.. not good.. but I can still fight!" And with that, despite her bad condition .. she runs forwards.
One would think she wouldn't continue you. But you're wrong. She's on a path straight towards Oswald.. no matter what shape her body is in! "Spin .. Drive Smasher!" And suddenly.. pack and all .. the girl is spiralling through the air, feet first at Oswald.. if she strikes, the red energy around her feet will slam right into him .. and then drill him upwards, before kicking him away!
COMBATSYS: Aprile successfully hits Oswald with Spin Drive Smasher.
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Oswald 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 Aprile
A good clean hit comes as a result of his failed attempt to shimmy out of the way. The first kick launches him up after the vicious stabs, and then strike after strike, Aprile gets excellent airtime with the Irishman's body before she returns the favor he paid her a short while ago, slamming him into the tarmac with a good solid kick.
His body has a momentary hard and barely absorbed bounce as the unyeilding pavement does little to soften the blow. With a loud but short groan, Oswald sits up and climbs back to his feet. He took the hit well and still had much energy to fight with - even if he wasn't standing as straight and tall as he was before. "G... GOOD!" He calls out as he brings a hand up to wipe his brow from sweat, keeping his hands up before him.
"/That's/ what I'm talking about when I say a good show, leave the crimson healing voodoo magics from the city for the big fights or when you have ample time." His hands come up to his head and grip one on the side, other at his chin as he gives his head a little twist to try and ease out a kink in his neck before he sets into a quick paced approach to the girl. It's straightforward for an attack, barely feinted, but he reaches to the collar of her sweater to grab at the fabric tight then twist her over his hip as he turns, into the classic judo nage throw.
COMBATSYS: Aprile fails to interrupt Medium Throw from Oswald with 10th Floor Transfer.
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Oswald 0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0 Aprile
COMBATSYS: Aprile can no longer fight.
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Oswald 0/-------/-======|
Leave the crimson healing voodoo magics from the city for the big fights? "But .. that's my job! I cannot, as long as there are those who need it, stand by ... especially not while Lord V-" And then suddenly Oswald is rushing towards her again, aiming to do the same thing as before, reaching the collar of her sweater.. but this time twist her over her hip.
She goes down hard.
But this time, she doesn't get up. AH... "Wooo... I think I'm out of it ... you win..." She concedes, staggering to her feet afterwards, despite the blood and the sweat and the ripped fabric. She's not in a good condition at all.. but she's only barely able to stagger upwards... "I believe I'll require more practice.." She states to some unseen force.
"Or perhaps... we should look into this man. He is incredibly skilled." Oh. Certainly not Oswald.. she's talking to that is. ABOUT however. Turning again, she bows.. and collapses onto her back. "... I guess I packed too much..." She comments, stuck on her back for the time being. "Too much weight.." She looks like some kind of upside down crab or snail or something!
His head reclines a bit at the... utterly bizarre display from the strangely dressed girl. For a second he seems to have some intense trepidation about it all, arms coming up to cross before him, not quite knowing what to do with himself at the moment.
"Well... I...." He pauses, looking toward some of the League staff off on the outskirts, as if looking to them for an answer. While they don't yell across the distance, one of the brings their arms up to form an 'x' above their head, marking the fight terminated.
With a little nod, he turns his attenion back down to the girl for a moment, and she can hear his footsteps leading away... and a minute or so later coming back. Something soft is put in her hand, then her fingers are made to clench it.
"Your hat, Miss. I look forward to fighting you again in the future."
COMBATSYS: Oswald has ended the fight here.
Log created on 18:44:42 03/17/2008 by Aprile, and last modified on 21:37:51 03/17/2008.