Description: At the plaza of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, India, two heroes previously unknown to one another square off-- and when two spirits are equally indomitable, it is speed and technique that will see the victor through. (Winner: Maki)
Ladies and gentlemen, the Neo League!
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus -- or Victoria Terminus, as it was once called and is generally still known as -- is the historic railway station of Mumbai that serves as the headquarters of India's Central Railways, and it is bustling this evening as it always is, its interior packed with shouting and shoving throngs, rampant with oppressive heat and smells. Yet the aggressive frustrations of those struggling to beat thousands of others to their rides are invisible to those who, mere meters above, gaze upon the building's glamorous exterior. Outside, though the sounds of traffic in Mumbai remain obvious, there is a comparative tranquility, particularly as one is awed by the glitzy lighting and extravagant architecture that warranted it being nominated a World Heritage Site.
This, of course, is ironic, considering what is about to occur.
Alma Towazu, psychic model and youthful VP extraordinaire, stands with a quiet elegance, a mild and assuming smile belying his poise as he appears to study his surroundings. In fact, despite a slight and good-natured curiosity about these things, he is adjusting himself to the burgeoning energy that forms the ambience of this place and this city. It reminds him of Metro City; it is a bit overwhelming for one of his tastes. Nevertheless, Alma sees this is a sort of challenge-- one equivalent to what he will soon be facing here.
In spite of his many distractions and responsibilities, he is newly inspired to continue training and improving on his fighting style, and having requested a new opponent from the League coordinators, he remains unsure about whom he will be facing today.
That itself is part of the place.
~ Enough of the light... ~
Time to leap into the shadows.
Having fought in many locations before, some common, some not so common, and some just truly bizarre, India's most renowned railway station is something that is exquisite yet a familiar type of place for fighting in the Neo League. Of course, given that it is in India, it's quite a spectacle to behold. But who would've thought that a fight would be hosted here? Dhalsim, perhaps?
Unfortunately, Dhalsim isn't here today. He's probably off meditating. Instead, Alma is one of the challengers here in today's Neo League fight. And his opponent happens to be none other than the heroine of Metro City: Maki Genryuusai!
Finishing her warm-up, Maki adjusts her tonfa on her arm before looking towards Alma and giving him a sly smirk. "I'm ready when you are, let's get it on!" She says with a wink.
G, get it on?
Alma blinks once, lips parting thoughtfully before he smiles bemusedly, reaching up to rub the back of his head as though flustered by her wink; yet he is not in fact confused at her behavior, but rather at the recognition of an vibrant and heroic aura before him. How has he not met this fighter before? She doesn't even look familiar.
Hold on a minute...
Perhaps it is the fact that Mumbai has reminded him, from his unique perspective, of Metro City, but it occurs to him that he has indeed heard the tonfa-wielding blonde spoken of with respect in that metropolis. "Genryuusai," he murmurs, before his smile widens in recognition. "You must be Maki Genryuusai," he says more clearly, the amiable young man bowing slightly. "It's an honor to face you today."
The shift in his posture is subtle, and when he lifts his hands in the loose semblance of a guard position it is difficult to tell on the surface that he is preparing to fight; there is a faint rhythm to his sway, a careful positioning hidden in his languid grace, but one would only see that if one were already looking. No, what makes his intent clear is the change in atmosphere; there is a heightening of tension, as Alma synchronizes himself with the heartbeat of this place-- and begins to add his own influence.
"I am Alma Towazu, of Hiten-Ryu."
A faint halo of light begins to form around his fingertips as the announcer signals the beginning of the faint, and, first to lunge, Alma draws the eyes of the unsuspecting crowd -- soon to become an impromptu audience -- as he weaves deftly forward.
"Please--"
He thrusts out his fist, and with it is brought a lance of white scintillating flame, a soulfire that does not burn but aims to tear straight into the very will of his adversary, weakening their body with their resolve and sense of self.
"Do your best."
Don't hold back, hero of Metro!
COMBATSYS: Alma has started a fight here.
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Alma 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Maki has joined the fight here.
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Alma 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Maki
COMBATSYS: Maki blocks Alma's Self Expression.
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Alma 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Maki
"I intend to, let's hope you can do the same," Maki replies, before raising both arms into a bent position, ready to absorb the incoming blow from Alma. As the punch comes directly at her, Maki steadies herself, readying herself for the impact. The blow strikes, but Maki's forearms absorb it with minimal pain to her. As soon as Alma pulls back, though, it's Maki's turn to go on the offensive.
Without missing a single beat, Maki gets back into her fighting stance, and then spins around quickly, attempting to deliver a swift spin kick, aiming the heel of her sneaker at the side of Alma's stomach.
COMBATSYS: Alma blocks Maki's Light Kick.
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Alma 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Maki
"Hmmnn--"
Alma grunts softly as he brings his arm up and close to block Maki's swift kick, and he too attempts to attack immediately; in this case, to perhaps seize the initiative while Maki's leg is up and her balance is off. Attempting to briefly trap her leg where it is with the arm he has blocked with, Alma twists to further unbalance her and then lashes out with a fierce low sweeping kick in an attempt to take out her remaining leg.
"Hah!"
But this is only the beginning, for if he succeeds in this and sends Maki spiralling out of control, he will follow this up by spinning into a powerful second kick, a back kick that aims to hit Maki in the side as she is falling and send her hurtling away!
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits Maki with Heavy Kick.
Glancing Blow
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Alma 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Maki
Maki reels from having her kick blocked, finding herself a little off balance by the whole thing. She attempts to regain her footing by turning around a little while bringing her other foot back down to the ground, when she sees the kick from Alma coming at her. She attempts to get out of the way, but her lack of balance has given her a brief lapse in speed.
In fact, just before her other foot touches the ground, Alma does, indeed, take her leg down. But even though he is able to follow up with that kick to the back, which is a bit of a cheap move one might add, Maki is able to recover in midair and perform a forwards roll, minimizing the impact. She rolls onto her feet and then gets back into her fighting stance. She slowly approaches Alma, keeping a steady eye on him as she does so.
COMBATSYS: Maki focuses on her next action.
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Alma 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Maki
~ Hmm... she's fast. ~
Alma shifts warily himself as he only barely makes contact with his second blow, and attempts to match the readiness demonstrated by his adversary, retreating a step as she steadily advances. He realizes that he will have to prepare himself if he is to either penetrate her defenses or adequately defend himself--
~ But how? ~
And it is then that he notices the voices.
'Go! Fight!' 'Do it, cute girl!' 'Wait, which girl?'
The audience; already they are roused, the energetic people excited by the display the foreigners are putting on before them. Alma smiles, chest swelling with newfound spirit. Of course-- here is his greatest opportunity, to pursue what he seeks most: to connect himself with the hearts of others, to thereby heighten himself.
Breathing out, he empties himself of concerns; breathing in, he draws in the energies of the world around him.
The passion within him, that sea of flame, ignites, and its light may be seen shining in his eyes as he stares Maki down, awaiting her approach.
COMBATSYS: Alma gathers his will.
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Alma 0/-------/-======|==-----\-------\0 Maki
Alma is gathering his power by focusing deeply. A tactic Maki is very familiar with, partially because she knows how to use it herself. But one must remember that while focusing on gathering their power, they are also vulnerable to attack. And Maki intends to utilize that moment.
Maki takes a few running steps, and then springs forward and flies directly at Alma, her foot extended like she's throwing a jump kick, except she's flying directly at him. Let's hope he can watch out or something!
COMBATSYS: Maki successfully hits Alma with Hassou Kyaku.
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Alma 1/------=/=======|===----\-------\0 Maki
Despite his focus, Alma is not quick enough to prevent his prepared opponent from darting just through his guard and striking him with the kick, sending him skidding back-- yet he retains his footing somehow, tough enough and aware enough at least to provide a solid bulwark against which Maki kicks, and this is what may give him the opportunity to counter-attack.
"Hahh!"
Attempting to seize the momentum by responding before Maki can touch ground again after her leap, Alma lashes up with a fierce kick, the halo of light that soon suffuses the long limb suddenly igniting in mid-slash, trailing with it a plume of that fiery Soul Power. Whether or not he is able to make contact, he will rise with the attack, buoyed by his own energies, and lash out with two more blazing roundhouse kicks, aiming to strike her once in the torso and once in the head.
This match is only beginning!
COMBATSYS: Maki blocks Alma's Rising Fury.
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Alma 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Maki
As soon as Maki lands from her attack, she sees that Alma is already going on the offensive in return, and knows that she has to react quickly. Thinking fast, she goes into her defensive stance again, which allows her to absorb most of the damage once again through her forearms, but still hurts nonetheless. Alma puts up a good fight, and those kicks that strike her are quite evident. But Maki's got a good amount of fight in her as well, and she's about to show Alma just what she's truly capable of.
"Yaah!" Maki yells out as she suddenly drops onto the ground, but not lying on her side or anything like that. Instead, she's literally balancing on the tip of her tonfa, and then spins around quickly like a miniature whirlwind, her foot extended outward, ready to strike anyone who might get too close.
COMBATSYS: Maki successfully hits Alma with Bushin Senpuu Kyaku.
-* CRITICAL HIT! *-
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Alma 1/-======/=======|=======\-------\0 Maki
Just a little bit more...
Alma is focused entirely on matching his opponent's speed, pushing his body to the utmost to penetrate her guard. His kicks are parried, but he feels the impact they are making, and his spirit rises with the possibilities presented. Of course, once she has successfully defended, they are in opposite positions: now he is the one in the air and at the disadvantage, and she is grounded. But he attempts to touch ground as quickly as possible, urging himself to keep up the offensive, and reaches out as soon as he lands.
His overeagerness is his undoing.
Already unbalanced by the fact that he has only barely landed after throwing himself into that aerial assault, when he reaches out he connects with nothing, as Maki has already ducked-- when she nimbly sweeps his legs out from under him, he is not even prepared to break his own fall, let around roll to safely. When he collapses he cracks his head audibly on the pavement, only adding to the injury.
Yet Alma seems undismayed by this embarrassing turn of events, his expression calm and eyes remaining intent as a trickle of blood traces its way down his forehead from the scalp wound inflicted by the painful fall. As he rises with all the speed he can still muster, he slashes up once, seeming to chop at the air-- and if Maki isn't ready, the sword-like blaze of Soul Power that follows will cleave her up diagonally through the middle, as Alma attempts to unleash the spirit that, though frustrated in his attempts to express it thus far, continues to boil within him and yearn to be unleashed.
"Hrraahh!"
But can he recover in time?
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits Maki with Blaze of Glory EX.
Glancing Blow
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Alma 1/=======/=======|=======\-------\1 Maki
Maki loves it when her signature move strikes her opponent, it's gives her an emotional upper edge in the battle. Not to mention, it feels kinda unique spinning around on a tonfa. How does she do it? That's a question that will have to be answered later.
When Maki jumps back onto her feet, she sees the incoming attack a split second before it hits, meaning that her attempt to get out of the way is pretty much futile. It looks like she's been cleaved, indeed, but surprisingly, it doesn't hurt as much as it should. Maki drops to the ground briefly, mainly out of the shock from the blow, but still manages to get back to her a few a few seconds later, albeit using her tonfa to give herself a boost back up. She then turns to face Alma, and then approaches him slowly, like she's got something in mind. And then, without warning literally, she attempts to grab him by the shoulders and slam him into the floor.
COMBATSYS: Alma blocks Maki's Quick Throw.
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Alma 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\=------\1 Maki
"Hmph--!"
It's not full contact, but--
"Haa!"
It is an edge.
Alma seems truly intent, now. Apparently ignoring his wound, the young man, though he stares only at Maki, lets his spirit swell with the power surging all around him, and finally finds the strength to match this fierce fighter's incredible speed. The slash does not knock her back as intended -- she again almost evades his tactical, fearsome strike -- and so he is vulnerable, yet with liquid grace Alma's defense arise again as she attacks, and his arms come up to knock her hands away. Immediately his palm snaps forward-- but it is not an attack, only a gentle shove, and for that reason it may work.
And if it does work, the true attack will come, as seamlessly Alma leans down to fall into a near-kneeling position and slam his fist powerfully onto the ground, unleashing a cry to the heavens as he brings his gathering power to bear, a glowing geyser surging forth from where he has struck to explode up and under where Maki should be, potentially blasting her off the ground and carrying her up into the air, engulfing her in overwhelming psychic energies.
COMBATSYS: Maki blocks Alma's Full Confession.
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Alma 1/-------/=======|=======\===----\1 Maki
Maki's hands are knocked away, which doesn't really hurt that much honestly. But it does give her time to see that Alma's planning something mighty big. Although, in this case, big would be an understatement, with such energy that he's focusing into this whole thing. It's a wonder that Maki could even defend herself against such an attack.
Yet, as the geyser erupts from the floor, Maki crouches down and assumes her best defensive position possible. She gives it her all, and while she does feel some of the pain, compared to what it could be like, it's a lot better than being sent sky high. As the Bushin fighter gets back to her feet, she is offered a quick sip of water from one of the fight assistants. She accepts, quickly downing the water and giving her back a little more fight.
COMBATSYS: Maki gains composure.
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Alma 1/-------/=======|=======\=------\1 Maki
Hey, don't ignore me!
No, to be fair, Alma is reeling a bit from his own attack, having to take a deep breath to stabilize himself even as Maki takes a moment to recover-- but as soon as he is able, he throws himself on the assault again. Perhaps because he is aware he will be unable to close the distance in time, Alma attacks as he rushes in, unleashing another blast of Soul Power, but this one quick and darting, aiming to seek its way in past Maki's formidable guard and this time impact solidly against her.
But he's not keeping her at bay; no, he's closing in even as he casts this swirling gout away. The question is, will be he approaching a stunned and disadvantaged opponent, or running straight into a trap...?
COMBATSYS: Maki endures Alma's Sacred Wave.
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Alma 1/-----==/=======|=======\===----\1 Maki
As Maki hands the bottle of water away, she turns to face Alma, and then sees his incoming attack. She's in no position to avoid it, and her arms are getting tired from all that blocking. So she decides to do the next best thing: Attempt to go with it. She twists her body to the side, meaning that as soon as the projectile hits her, it sends her into a bit of a spin. But this can be a good thing too.
For, you see, as Alma gets closer to Maki, she's gained enough control to allow herself to swing her tonfa directly at Alma in a tonfa-uppercut type of attack if you will.
COMBATSYS: Alma fails to interrupt Genkou from Maki with Divine Intervention EX.
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Alma 0/-------/-======|=======\=====--\1 Maki
Again, just not quick enough.
Alma did not expect the woman to be prepared enough to spin with his strike, and neither did he think she would be able to do so quite so well; he was prepared for a follow-up attack, however, and it is thus that his attempt to parry snaps up almost immediately, revealing what awaits-- a glimmering power that wreathes the fingertips of his other hand. But his block comes up too slow, for her movements occur earlier than he anticipated, and that gathered energy is brought to bear for nought. The tonfa-uppercut slams up under his chin, and dazed, Alma staggers back.
Were he more clear of mind right now, he would congratulate the hero of Metro City on her expert timing; as it is, the handsome youth is too stunned to speak, seeing only stars-- and for the moment, apparently vulnerable to further attack.
Talk about turning a bad thing into a good thing. Maki's spinning from the impact allowed her to gain the upper hand on Alma, leaving him a bit dazed and confused. So what's she going to do now? Hand him some water and wait for him to recover? No way, she's gonna take this chance to go all out against him!
Out of seemingly nowhere, a burst of energy comes from the fighter in red. And then, she rushes at Alma, attempting to deliver him a swift flurry of tonfa strikes and kicks, all carefully laid out in a sequence that will result in an optimal combination attack. Hopefully, Alma can recover in time, or else...
COMBATSYS: Maki successfully hits Alma with Bushin Gou Rai Ha.
[ \\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Alma 1/-----==/=======|=------\-------\0 Maki
Surely it must be the end.
The audience watches in awe as Maki releases all of her pent-up energy, surging forth to batter the vulnerable young model with a barrage of strikes, knocking Alma about relentlessly. The final blow sends him sliding back-- seemingly unable to defend himself now, the watchers catch their breath, waiting for the youth to slump and collapse.
"...hrraaahhh..."
This time, however, they wait in vain.
"Haaaahhh!"
From whence this sudden burst of determination arises none can say, but with a iron resolve Alma does not fall but immediately surges forward, flames bursting around all his limbs as he responds in kind, unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks of his own, aiming for Maki's body and legs. He may well be facing a more talented and more experienced opponent; he has been unable to stifle her speed, his rhythm not up to the task, and much as with his fight against Bison, could not break her defenses so as to gain some momentum. But if this is so, it only seems to inspire him all the more-- such is the spirit he shows here.
If he can hit her, he will; if not, he may show her his will.
Either way, perhaps Alma will be able to leave his mark.
COMBATSYS: Maki dodges Alma's Trial by Fire.
[ \\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Alma 0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0 Maki
Having just finished delivering such a flurry of blows, you'd think Maki would be extremely exhausted after using up all her energy, and probably slump to the ground and pass out. Actually, she is a little tired, but far from down and out. She takes a moment to catch her breath, and then looks up at her injured opponent. Even after taking such a beating, he's still getting up for another go at Maki. And who is Maki to disappoint him?
Well, he'll probably be disappointed by the fact that, despite the attack is quite immense and could easily put Maki down easily, she manages to dodge out of the way of it. "Ah ah, that won't do," She comments, before attempting to leap into the air, and then do a one-eighty flip. When she finishes the flip, she intends to drop down and grab Alma by his shoulders!
COMBATSYS: Alma dodges Maki's Tengu Daoshi.
[ \\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Alma 0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0 Maki
Unfortunately, Maki misses completely, but fortunately, she doesn't wind up like a cartoon character, falling flat on their face with a crashing sound created by cymbals. She rolls as soon as she hits the ground and gets back into her fighting stance. But it looks like Alma is good at dodging too. Worth noting.
It's not clear how he does it.
When Alma's opponent escapes his response, a murmur goes up from the crowd-- okay, now /this/ is surely the end.
Was it an accident?
It couldn't have been, not against a fighter of Maki's caliber. Alma's momentum is carrying him forward, and somehow, his still-burning spirit adds the edge to his alertness that he needs to tell himself to just keep going. He slips right out from under Maki's hands--
"I'm not..."
His words are barely audible, breathed out as almost a sigh as he twists-- until he lashes out with a fierce kick to strike near Maki's knee, and twisting to follow up with all of his remaining might, exhausting himself by casting out the last of his energy while he can-- slashing out again with that blazing blade, seeking this time to cut through Maki's middle.
"DONE!"
He has a split-second chance: if he can kick her just as she emerges from her roll, the cut might be true. But he is tired, and unleashing a blow like this again is wearing on him. Still, despite it all, it is not in Alma's nature to give up. And still, despite the intensity of his final word and his growing fatigue, when he turns to face his opponent as he attacks, blood still forming a trail down his brow--
He is smiling.
No wonder they call her a hero.
COMBATSYS: Maki dodges Alma's Blaze of Glory.
[ \\\\ < > //////////// ]
Alma 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Maki
Maki's called a hero not just because of her fighting for justice, but also because of how she always keeps herself going even in the toughest of battles. No matter how difficult her opponent may be, she doesn't let them intimidate her. She'll fight them to the end, giving it her all, and not giving up untill the end. And speaking of which, the end might be near for Alma, since even though Maki's getting run down herself, she still has her fighting spirit to guide her and protect her.
And that spirit just protected her by helping her get out of the way of the incoming attack, prolonging her roll just a little so she avoids being hit, and then when she gets up, she comes back at Alma with a swing of her tonfa.
COMBATSYS: Maki successfully hits Alma with Medium Strike.
- Power hit! -
[ < > //////////// ]
Alma 0/-------/---====|=------\-------\0 Maki
Ah, well, it was a bit too much to ask.
Alma still has a lot to learn. Unable to score a clean hit this fight, his desperate efforts were to little avail against Maki's own formidable speed and spirit.
He is not, after all, the only hero in town.
It occurs to him amidst the haze that falls over him as the tonfa strike impacts against his abdomen and knocks the last of the breath from him that he wishes he had learned a little more about his opponent this match; he had been utterly focused on the fight, pushed unsuccessfully to his limits, and had not truly managed to share. Usually it is the full impact of his psychic energies that causes Alma to believe he has succeeded in sharing something of himself-- yet there are better ways than all that.
And so, blearly, aware that he is tightening the thread of his soul to the snapping point in this last act, Alma throws himself into a final blazing kick, leaping into the air and hooking his foot around in a final effort to catch the woman in the head--
"...well... done."
--but there will be no landing for him, whatever the result. The last of his strength abandoning him mid-flight, he will hit the ground in a sprawl, and will not rise.
"...they were right... when they said... you were strong!"
Alma Towazu, one eye squinted shut, will manage a grin as he looks up at his opponent-- but that is about all he can manage now.
COMBATSYS: Alma can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Maki 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Maki dodges Alma's Shooting Star.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Maki 0/-------/------=|
Unfortunately, that last ditch effort will hit nothing but air, as Maki ducks down to avoid it. When she gets up, she finds her opponent is down for the count. She'd go over to congratulate him, but the Neo League doctors are tending to him. Meanwhile, the announcer is stating over the microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen, your winner: Maki Genryuusai!" A mixture of cheers and some booing (apparently Alma has his fans too,) can be heard as Maki waves her tonfa to the crowd briefly. She doesn't stick around long though, instead making her way out of the fighting area to take care of post-match stuff.
COMBATSYS: Maki has ended the fight here.
Log created on 20:57:45 09/13/2008 by Alma, and last modified on 13:25:47 09/14/2008.