Description: Atop the International Criminal Court in the Hague, the Netherlands, elevated above the admiring masses, two heroic prodigies battle it out for glory and justice. The spirited Chae Lim puts forward a strong effort, but exhibiting his technical prowess and the ferocity of his Soul Power, Alma stifles her momentum before she can unleash her true power. Is this the beginning of a new challenge for Chae Lim? (Winner: Alma)
Ladies and gentlemen, the Neo League!
Despite the superb modern architecture and clear blue skies, the undeniably lovely setting that is the Hague makes for an odd choice of venue with this particular locale: the International Criminal Court, now rising to new prominence after having indicted President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan of genocide and crimes against humanity. The questions inherent, of course, are whether or not the ICC will be able to enforce its degree. Lacking any force of its own, many believe that the judges nevertheless decided that to make no say on the matter would be a worse display of powerlessness than to recklessly make the accusation without having the power to capture their criminal. What the future holds is uncertain-- for the world, and for the two fighters about to meet here.
Perhaps the match was invited here to imbue the image of this place with an element of martial power that in reality it lacks. Perhaps the two particular fighters 'randomly' -- at least so far as the fighters themselves know -- selected to face each other here are of the sort that would demonstrate what heights of excellence the youth may achieve when violence is turned to an art form rather than used heedlessly, when it demonstrates rather than grinds down the dignity of humankind. Or perhaps this is all mere coincidence. But what is not coincidence is the mass of people shielding their eyes from the sun and staring up at the roof, or gazing at the televisions recently mounted around the base plaza, so they can see live what will be taking place -- mostly invisible to them -- up atop the fine architecture.
High above it all, Alma Towazu, psychic model and community center VP extraordinaire, stands with unconscious elegance, his beautiful androgynous features and mild-mannered expression turned up unflinchingly toward the blinding light. His pursuit of greater fighting ability has been renewed, and he asks of the League only that they match him against those he has never faced before. Unable to research his opponents, relying only on his own spontaneity and training, Alma, a creature of the light, seeks to thrust himself into the shadows.
It has become clear to him now...
"A beautiful day."
There is still much to learn.
Still, as always...
~ I have a good feeling about this. ~
It's always a beautiful day when you're Alma Towazu.
[OOC] *Alma says, "Oh: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Building_of_the_International_Criminal_Court_in_The_Hague.jpg"
[OOC] *Alma says, "I thought we could fight atop that skywalk between the two buildings. XD"
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "Good thing she's not afraid of heights. Okay, now to read then type!"
[OOC] *Alma grins!
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "'course, now I can't get Mr. Rogers out of my head. >_< *typus*"
The Hauge.
An area of the Netherlands that the Korean Tae Kwon Do artist has not yet traveled to. The morning has been spent bussing it to different tourist locations, so that pictures can be taken for her scrapbook. Everything is quite beautiful, clean and pristine here. The sun has been very compliant, and she's managed to get a lot of great pictures of the city.
There's only one more she'd really like to get.
Stepping out onto the skywalk, Chae Lim allows her doe browns to gaze at the ground. Quickly averting them so that she's not overcome by a sense of vertigo, she walks delicately across the top of the walk until she reaches the middle. Lifting her camera up to her eye, she sets the lens to look out over the city and snaps a picture.
*CLICK*
Tiptoeing over to the edge, she looks down again and snaps a picture of all of those gathered that are attempting to watch the fight from below.
*CLICK*
Done with these, she slides the strap up over her head and carefully places the camera in a location where it's not liable to go flying over the sides and crashing to the street below.
Turning toward her opponent, she bows respectfully but does not yet drop into stance. He does seem a little distracted, so she decides to announce her presence instead. "Mister Towazu. I was very sorry to hear of the plight of the YFCC."
[OOC] *Alma says, "Oh, I forgot. Hey, let's roll for first action. XD"
[OOC] ROLL: Alma rolls 1d10: 6
[OOC] ROLL: ChaeLim rolls 1d6: 6
[OOC] *Alma says, "!!"
[OOC] ROLL: Alma rolls 1d10: 8
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "That was me rolling the wrong dice. XD *ahems*"
[OOC] ROLL: ChaeLim rolls 1d10: 3
[OOC] *Alma laughs! "I didn't even notice you were rolling the wrong dice, I just saw the tie."
COMBATSYS: Alma has started a fight here.
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Alma 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: ChaeLim has joined the fight here.
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ChaeLim 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Alma
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "That's okay, I didn't realize I was rolling the wrong dice either. *^^*"
"Thank you."
For all his averted gaze and peaceful expression, Alma's words reveal that he is fully aware of the young woman's presence, and his solemn and soft tone demonstrate the gravity of the situation she is referencing-- and his gratefulness for her polite remark.
"We are in the process of rebuilding," he continues, "but it will be some time before we are finished." The young model smiles at the Korean sweetheart, and bows as well, meeting her gesture with equal respect. "In the meantime, participating in these matches will earn us some extra funds."
So all the money is going to the YFCC. Alma has more than one personal reason to pursuit further these combat sports. It is incredible, he often revels, how well things in his life come together like this. Such fortune is not something a man can consider himself to have earned, however much he influenced the phenomenon involved.
But such thoughts are for another time. He straightens, still smiling at the girl. "Miss Chae Lim. I hear that besides your excellence in Tae Kwon Do, you are interested in the art of fashion design." She more than the other fighters he encounters here might be inclined to notice Alma's clothes, impressive more for their cut than for their color; aiming for a subdued elegance, his style clearly attempts to stand out through not overtly standing out, and the young man's innate poise and outwardly placid manner suits this personal take. "Despite having less time to model these days, my passion for fashion has not declined; I would love to discuss your interests with you." The youth's smile widens, and warm eyes complement his mellowness. "If you are ever near the YFCC-- please drop by."
It is then that the announcer's voice can be heard echoing up from below; they are getting live feed, and remarking on it directly to the audience, though the amplification allows the fighters to hear. Louder still is the cheering, however, as it becomes clear the fight is about to beginning.
"Until then..."
Fluidly, Alma has shifted into his fighting stance, and though his smile remains, his eyes have grown intent and focused, a til-now hidden light beginning to shine behind them.
"Please do your best."
'FIGHT!'
All at once the fighting model has lunged, gracefully darting and swaying forward in an effort to confound his opponent before she can even begin, only to twist and bring forth his right hand, now wreathed in ethereal white flame. "Hyah!" Summoned forth is a lance of illusory Soul Power, aiming to burn nothing but pierce directly to the girl's very will-- though, by all appearances, also right through her torso.
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits ChaeLim with Self Expression.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
ChaeLim 0/-------/---====|=------\-------\0 Alma
Though Chae Lim herself has never set foot in the YFCC, it is difficult to be in Southtown without hearing about the community center. Like the dojang was for her, she is certain that the community center will be a good place for the younger generation. A place that will give them focus and discipline.
As Alma speaks, the Korean girl settles into her beginning stance and offers a smile. "Not only interested, Mister Towazu, but working on a clothing line. I've already created quite a few pieces for a friend." The name of the friend is not important in this instance, and she doesn't want to boast too much. "But I shall drop by sometime for a discussion about it."
Hearing the announcer's voice, her expression takes on a slightly more serious slant. "I always do my best, and I look forward to this challenge!" She knows who Alma is, but not so much about his style. Preparing for the worst when she notices the bright flame burning around his hand, she begins to twist to the side. Only to have the lance spearing into her very being.
"Auuugh!"
Needless to say, it's not exactly the most pleasant feeling thing to have happen. Eyes squeeze shut as she works away the feeling of pain that tears through her body, and when she peeks the doe browns open again she seems... calm.
Stepping forward, her right foot leaves the surface on which they stand. It does not come down in a normal step, instead slamming down atop the roof of the skywalk as the foot becomes enveloped in an airy, wind-like energy. As the foot crashes to the ground, there is a small explosion of energy that occurs, followed by an extremely large shockwave that shakes the very architecture upon which they fight.
COMBATSYS: ChaeLim successfully hits Alma with Haki Kyaku.
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ChaeLim 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Alma
Alma is impressed.
Although the blaze of light strikes true, the young woman's will is, as anticipated, strong enough to quickly recover, and her immediate counter-attack takes him by surprise. Sensing her violent intent he raises his arms in an attempt to guard, but the foot crashes to the ground-- and his subsequent effort to leap above the strike is a second too late, taking his feet from under him and flipping him down back toward the ground.
The cheers of the crowd, the aura of his opponent...
He breaks his fall by slamming his palms against the ground and immediately twists into a counter-attack of his own, privileging gaining momemtum against his opponent over taking time to regain himself and hoping to strike unexpectedly as he spirals on his planted arms into a fierce side kick. Though the limbs do not burst into flame again, they acquire a faint halo of white and cherry-blossom pink as Alma trails after-images after him, rising with preternatural grace into a flowing series of kicks aiming to drive his opponent back while remaining quite balanced himself.
Still, kicks against a Tae Kwon Do artist?
We shall see how well this plan works.
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits ChaeLim with Autumn Rain.
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ChaeLim 1/------=/=======|=====--\-------\0 Alma
Apparently the plan works well.
Chae Lim, preparing herself for another attack on her will just takes a small step backward. Before she manages to settle back into stance again, the oddly colored kicks crash against her midsection and continually push her backward. The speed and agility of the man before her actually surprises her, and she smiles.
"You are..." A deep inhalation, followed by a sharp exhale is needed before the Korean girl continues her attempts to speak. "... more of a... challenge... then I thought."
Unwilling to allow the pain in her abdomen to stop her just yet, the Tae Kwon Do artist slides herself forward. Chambering her knee up, she whaps her foot outward with a somewhat swift movement of her own as she executes a simple thrust kick.
COMBATSYS: Alma interrupts Medium Kick from ChaeLim with Divine Intervention EX.
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ChaeLim 1/--=====/=======|=======\-------\1 Alma
Alma has reconnected.
[OOC] *Alma says, "Darn, did my pose go through?"
[OOC] *Alma still has it if not.
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "Nope. x.x"
Here it comes.
Alma owes as much to luck as to his speed as his kicks impact against the Tae Kwon Do prodigy, though his quick and difficult-to-expect recovery from the ground is also due some credit. Most importantly, however, by the time Chae Lim is able to counter-attack, Alma's series of fluid attacks have left him in a poised stance and an attentive mindset, ready to fend off whatever comes next. Given the power of his previous strike...
"It's just practice," he gently murmurs.
...who would think that the /real/ attack comes next?
For his practice shows here, with a thrust kick that could have knocked him into a much more vulnerable position leads Chae Lim into the innocent-looking young man's careful trap. He lurches forward unexpectedly, parrying and temporarily trapping the girl's leg to prevent her from kicking again with either limb and seizing upon that split second to slam his palm against that battered midsection of hers, aggravating the physical injuries just sustained with a final and fierce bolt of Soul Power once more, a beam that, like the first, appears to cut through the girl's body even as it only truly strikes dazzingly against her very will. The force, nevertheless, will blast her out of his loose grip and send her some meters away, giving Alma time to recover after that deft combination.
"Now," he says in his usual quiet tone, not unkindly, "it's your turn to challenge me, Chae Lim."
Shifting his stance, he brings his left hand forward, and beckons.
"Show me the power you possess inside."
Leg trapped unexpectedly, the Korean girl's eyes open wide. Blinking a few times in the second before his palm slams against her, she begins to lift her other foot up to send it out toward him as she twists to the side. The physical pain is not all that he's lashing out at her with. The bright, fiery energy slices through her leaving her feeling not only dizzy and out of sorts.
There is a tumble as the force of the blast sends her backward across the top of the skywalk. Her body stops only when she reaches the side of the building. Unfurling herself from the impromptu Korean ball that she's become, Chae Lim staggers to her feet.
A shaky movement draws her back into stance, but she does not stay standing there for long. Despite the screaming pain within her body, she leaps forward. Front foot tapping against the ground, she swings her body around for a swift spin-kick. "HA!" This is followed by a flurry of foot movements that lash kick after kick out toward him. These kicks are only stopped when she turns her body slightly and snaps off a vertical kick. "YAH!"
COMBATSYS: Alma blocks ChaeLim's Hou'ou Tenbu Kyaku.
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ChaeLim 0/-------/----===|=======\=------\1 Alma
Alma has dropped a connection.
"Hrrnn!"
Gritting his teeth, Alma quietly endures the blows launched against him, and with breathtaking agility and a surreal sense of where her attacks will land he parries each one. Clearly the worse for wear after the assault, he nevertheless does not stumble or falter, and it is also quite clear his defenses have successfully held.
But a moment of truth has now arrived. Punishing attack after punishing attack have been landed on poor Chae Lim, and this one may be the clincher if she cannot draw upon the last of her inner strength, unhelpfully made shaky by Alma's potent psychic attacks.
Twisting in, inside the reach of those fierce kicks and possibly through her remaining guard, Alma, seemingly now in a trance, lashes up with a fierce and potentially stunning uppercut...
[OOC] *Alma says, "More if."
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits ChaeLim with Stream of Consciousness.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
ChaeLim 1/-----==/=======|=------\-------\0 Alma
[OOC] Chae Lim missed every dodge. XD
[OOC] *Alma says, "Jesus."
[OOC] *Alma says, "I didn't deserve to get that lucky, I'm sorry."
[OOC] *Alma says, "I really didn't expect to hit with Autumn Rain... that was my INT+ prep for DI EX."
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "Eh. Happens. Besides, someone's got to win."
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "This just means: BLOCK against Alma next time. XD"
[OOC] *Alma says, "Hahahah, yeah, word up. XD XD"
[OOC] Chae Lim will be right back.
[OOC] *Alma says, "Sure, take your time, I'm just workin' on the side. XD"
[OOC] Chae Lim is back. "Just waiting for the 'more if'. XD"
[OOC] *Alma says, "What the-- ahhhh, CRAP."
[OOC] *Alma says, "Man, I'm sorry about that."
[OOC] *Alma says, "I got totally distracted. Okay, here I go, sorry sorry. x_x"
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "No worries. ^^ If I was in a hurry I would have prodded you. XD"
The hit strikes true, and the blow is sufficient to open Chae Lim's defenses to the coming storm.
For Alma's punch is only the beginning, and as it stuns the girl and lifts her several feet into the air, the young man's fists and feet blur into action, shearing into her with a series of elbow and knee strikes that carry her forward, driving her far down the sky walkway before twisting into a couple more fierce kicks, each attack suffused by that halo of white light.
Despite the intensity of his strikes, his expression is peaceful, and his gaze appears elsewhere, seeming to look beyond Chae Lim rather than at her. There is much to be seen there. Her aura is a worthy one, and one he is grateful to have clashed with: that he has stifled it before she could truly unleash its potential is a testament only to his improved technique.
Nevertheless, trance or no, even Alma's formidable good-guy image may be tarnished by this relentless assault against the popular young Tae Kwon Do girl.
He can do no less.
Ceasing, letting the girl be flung back by the final blow and his conscious mind returning, Alma breathes heavily but gazes with clear eyes at the result of his fearsome counter-strike.
This is a matter of respect.
This is the clash of souls.
He is confident that she, with her own true spirit, will understand.
That's right.
This is a matter of respect.
Chae Lim is once more struck by surprise, this time with such power that by the time he's following through with the last of those fierce kicks, her body is just rag-dolling backward along the skywalk. Her body skids along the remainder of the distance,and the Korean girl lays there with her eyes closed, breathing coming slow and raggedly.
Her fighting spirit, and need for the challenge will not allow her to just rest now. She must see this through to the end, though this particular challenge is very likely a lost cause. Alma requested that she challenge him, and so despite the possible internal injuries she forces herself to roll over so that she may push herself to her feet. Swaying as she stands, she extends her arm. Her pointer finger extends as she asks for just a brief moment. Slowly, she draws herself into stance.
Suddenly, against all odds, she's racing across the skywalk toward the man. Halfway to him, she makes a long jump-kick angled at his torso... and though the movements are not as fast as previously, she again unleashes a series of kicks, each one accentuated with a sharp, "HA!" The final movement from the Korean girl is an overhead axe kick.
Dropping to the ground after this attempt, she just bows her head and concedes defeat.
"You were a much worthy challenge, Mister Towazu."
Pausing before she allows herself to succumb to the pain, she coughs.
"Next time... I shall prove... more of a challenge... to you."
COMBATSYS: ChaeLim can no longer fight.
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Alma 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Alma dodges ChaeLim's Kuuchuu Hou'ou Kyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Alma 0/-------/------=|
[OOC] Chae Lim playfully curses dodge. XD
[OOC] *Alma laughs. "Yeah, seriously."
[OOC] *Alma says, "That was probably thanks to the DM/Clarity I threw on it too, though."
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "Ahh, it was good RP. That's why I come out. XD"
[OOC] *Alma says, "Thanks, dude, yeah, I'm glad our characters have finally met."
[OOC] *Alma says, "I always thought the fashion angle would be a sweet hook."
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "And besides, it makes for good playful rivalry and future RP, which is always a bonus with me. ^^"
[OOC] *Alma says, "Definitely! I won't be so lucky next time, I'm sure."
[OOC] *Alma says, "But if you ever want to social, too, please let me know."
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "You probably will. XD But that's fine. Chae will just see it as a challenge that she's got to overcome."
[OOC] *Alma says, "It's sweet to have a character with a good attitude like that."
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "Yeah. I need at least one. ;)"
[OOC] *Alma laughs!
[OOC] *Alma says, "Yeah, right, this one won't kick me while I'm down. XD"
[OOC] Chae Lim says, "Nope! She's a good sport. *pats Chae on the head*"
"Eh--?"
Alma knew an attack was coming, and sensed also that the young woman is on her last legs. But what his aura sense did not quite grasp was the determination she would show in that final assault, and a sharp intake of breath accompanies her sudden plunge into action as Alma rapidly twists and dodges, manages to neatly evade her series of kicks.
But he doesn't have time to catch his breath.
"I am happy..."
The axe kick slashes down--
"...to have challenged you."
--and brushes just past his shoulder, as he gracefully leans aside.
Standing tall, breathing heavily but otherwise not visibly injured, Alma regards his fallen opponent quietly for a few more moments to collect his breath-- and then smiles softly. "You're extremely talented," he murmurs, his calm tone conveying his sincerity. "If you continue to fight those who push you to your limits-- then you will, indeed, soon push me to mine."
Standing above her as he is, the tall blond blocks out the sun, sending refracting its rays around him blindingly as he continues to smile.
"Until then, Miss Chae Lim..."
And he leans down, hand on one knee, to offer her a hand help.
"Well fought."
Only then do the cheers arise from below.
COMBATSYS: Alma has ended the fight here.
Not one to refuse a helping hand in a situation like this, the Korean girl weakly takes his hand and begins to draw up to her feet. The very least she can do is show the crowd below that she's still alive after that fierce attack. Every muscle in her body is screaming with pain, but the medics will take care of that in short order.
"You... as well..." Chae Lim replies to the man, only offering a small side-glance to the medics who aid her off to the side where they begin to take care of her injuries.
[OOC] *Alma says, "Sweet. XD Thanks very much for the scene, dude."
[OOC] *Alma says, "I'll stop the log here."
Log created on 18:26:10 09/16/2008 by Alma, and last modified on 21:36:01 09/16/2008.