Strolheim 2 - Strolheim - Round 2: Team Ethereal vs. Team O+

Description: Pleasing the townsfolk is easy! Give them two great teams, a killer fight, and a lot of food and drink! It's merriment all around! Except for Naerose, who decides to take a nap!?! in the middle of it all! The crowd is wow'd by the fantastical amounts of energy, both physical and chi, and the absolute determination of some of the young fighters, even against all odds! Also, the human pinball makes an appearance! It's a fight you don't want to miss. (Winners: Ryu, Isamu, Kentou)



The warm sun overhead warms the chill of the German winter in the small hamlet of Strolheim, passing its heat along to the cobblestones and storefronts that line the quaint village square. Quaint, at least, when the air is not filled with the boisterous exclamations of brass and woodwinds, piped cheerfully and proudly from a band that's at least as wasted as most of the villagers gathered around the emptied square. Cafe tables are packed, makeshift stands are set up everywhere adding to the medleys of sausages and local brews and fierce distillations being offered up to native and tourist alike. Everywhere is a medley of tournament fans, beer fans, and cheerful townsfolk coming out on this sunny afternoon to bear witness to a great battle orchestrated by their eternally re-elected burgemeister and overall dude-in-charge, the mighty Lord Krauser.
Up until now, there had been dancing, drinking, devouring - well really, only the first of that trio has abated at all, as onlookers fill in all around the arena for the next match-up in the Teacher / Student Invitational. Two teams that have given quite a show up to this point, now facing off against one another... it is bound to be a round to remember, and the crescendo in both music and raukus cheers shows just how much the village is looking forward to it!
A pint-slamming chant begins, accented by the percussion provided by beer steins and shotglasses, in perfect tempo with the live entertainment: "BRING ON THE FIGHT! BRING ON THE FIGHT!!!"

How ever did someone like Naerose Delphine get the position of starter on a team? Not just any team either, but a serious team, at least serious enough to make it to round two. Most of the sports commentators were sure that the Red Witch would be a bench player, relief, brought in for the game after it's already won, or just to give rest to the main stars, but no, she might not be the super star of this team, but she was becoming the regular starter and that was just weird.

"Aw man.." The witch mutters to herself when she arrives. There is drinking and dancing and you can tell by the way she looks longingly at the party which doesn't include fighting that she wishes she was there instead of here. Many a person longs for the victory at the end of the race without running the race. Maybe Naerose was one of them.

"I ah.. " Naerose isn't the least bit excited by the chants, all she has playing in her head is the fact that she's met and battled Ryu before. He was no Yamazaki. He was, frankly, a lot more frightening than the mentioned knife fighting psychopath. She's dressed in her normal red attire, even now fidgeting with her hat to get her mind off what was to come.

A bench player? Benimaru Nikaido didn't think such a thing for a second, granted his thoughts are intensely biased when it comes to his current teammates and it's yet to be seen if it was a good thing or a bad thing.. After the fight with Yamazaki's crew though, Benimaru was quite certain that he had gotten through the worst of it, and his opinion of the red witch only improved. So nope, no benching here.

On the other hand, did he really have much choice? As usual Alexis wasn't being very co-operative and the model isn't even sure if the gymnast is here yet. Benimaru had a good feeling, though, he felt in this kind of atmosphere, Naerose had the advantage anyway! So there he is, not dressed as flamoyantly as last time, just his usual white pants and black half-top, and looking like he's under some sort of pressure as he stands by the red witches side. Ryu.. It's been a really long time since he saw that guy.

"Listen, Naerose, just relax.." he tells his teammate, a bit surprised she seems so nervous instead of her usual oblivious self, "I wouldn't put you up against the team leader, he's mine as far as we're concerned.. And it's extremely unlikely he'll be first up. So here's the deal.. You beat your opponent, and I'll cover your room service bill tonight, deal?" he asks with a bit of a nervous grin.

Consider the fight brought oh peoples of Germany.
Kentou had all but despaired. He thought he knew what depressing was, having lost critical fights in the past or given into flights of cowardice he is still ashamed of to this day. That was before he watched his team move on to victory.. while sitting on the sidelines the entire match. They didn't need him.
His one chance to fight side by side with Ryu, to show the entire world how much Hotaru had taught him - how far he had come - ... Up in smoke. Certainly, the youth was flattered to even be nominated on the team with the legendary wanderer. Just the chance to train in his presence was.. Fighters would kill for that honor. Kill for it. He appreciates everything.

But under no circumstances would he allow himself to go anything less than first in the next match. No way. Not unless Ryu-sama himself fought him for that spot the day of. And thankfully.. The heavens shined upon him and his teammates allowed him that privilege.

Kentou is not wasting that honor.
"YOSH!" A series of exercises and the boy is ready. A few high-speed routines and the youth's adrenaline is at optimal. A sheen of sweat on his brow, his breathing even and controlled. The roaring beer-powered fans echoing in his ears but he hears them not. All is focused upon ... A Red Witch?
As this curious competitor arrives, Kentou halts his exercises and squares off with her formally. Mousy eyes looking her over in confusion.. Mentally trying to place what kind of fighting style her uniform suggests as he offers Shaolin salute - Fist to Palm, sword in sheath.
"Ondori Kentou! Honored to meet you! Let us fight fair and square!"
Benimaru near her is paid a quick glance but instantly washed from his mind. The boy isn't worrying about him. He needs to focus on this 'NaihRosu' as best he can. IF he manages to beat her.. He can worry about anything else.

COMBATSYS: Kentou has started a fight here.

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Kentou           0/-------/-------|


COMBATSYS: Naerose has joined the fight here.

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Naerose          0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0           Kentou


Kentou huh? He looks nice, Naeroes even smiles at him, relaxing a bit, after all, Benimaru is supporting her right? How can this possibly go wrong?

"You're right mister Benimaru, I'm sure this will be fine. Lets just.. " the witch considers giving a hand to shake to the martial artist but then shakes her head.

"This will totally be awesome, okay so lets do our best or something, right right?" The witch raises both brows at Kentou and then gives him a really big grin of readiness.

"I'm going to start with something special, I mean here I come!" And the witch does come, she starts with what can only be described as trying to sweep Kentou's face. The problem is that the front of the broom is well, not very hard, yet it still could hurt if it got into your eyes and it would certainly hurt when the rest of the broom finds itself thrust into the face of the warrior. The only way to describe this attack is as random. Very random.

COMBATSYS: Kentou blocks Naerose's Random Strike.

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Naerose          0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0           Kentou


Oh hey, she's smiling! Kentou hazards a hopeful smile in return as the Witch seems like.. well.. Not very witchy in temperment. Its actually kind've a nice change of pace to have someone friendly and agreeable in a match these days. With that considered, it is now game-time and Kentou's expression evolves into one of determination. Fixing her with a focused look and spreading his awareness.
He doesn't know her style. No real clues except.. Wait... 'special'? ... A broom?! Is she even serious?
Well, she clearly didn't get put on the team for exceptional janitory skills so he's going to guess that swinging implement of cleanliness means business. The boy quickly adopts his stance, bouncing in place with high mobility as he swiftly lifts his arms and braces against the ... surprisingly strong hit.
"Erf.." The boy manages out as he blocks the thrusting implement, tossing him back a step as he snorts at a wayward brush straw at his nose. >.<; "Fuu! Faah!"
Well that's unique.
"FUUHAKEN!" Deciding to counter-attack with full gusto, Kentou immediately returns fire as his fists fly so rapidly they blur together in a mess of after-images. All aimed at Naerose's central body mass. No one hit terribly strong.. But collectively may add up to some damage as he probes her defenses..

COMBATSYS: Naerose dodges Kentou's Fuuhaken.

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Naerose          0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0           Kentou


The nice thing about using a broomstick as a weapon is that it affords you range and range affords you the chance to get out of the way of stuff. Naerose chances with avoiding Kentou's reprisal by dancing further back and adjusting her shades as she takes inventory of his own style. Proably that would of hurt, she's sure of it.

"Hey you have some speed there, I'm Naerose Delphine. The only other person I met in this tournement so far was a guy named Yamasakey or something. I'm really glad to see someone who isn't a maniac." Except he looks incredibly young, which makes her almost feel bad for her opponent except then she remembers some children are freakishly strong.

"Lets have a fun and fair match."

The witch has made an attempt at straight physical offense and then changes direction, charging at Kentou and tries to tackle him. The ground and her weight might hurt a bit but kicking off will hurt too and still ever present is that smile. She's very oblivious.

Someone who isn't a maniac. It's amusing, and brings a brief smile to Ryu's face as he watches the match unfold. He can't claim credit for Kentou's martial training, but he's done what he can to hone the young man's ethic and discipline into something that will carry him further than he's come, even at his young age. The Ansatsuken Master has seen Naerose fight, but despite her capabilities, his faith and hopes remain with his prodigious teammate. It's irrelevant, anyway - Ryu understands all too well Kentou's desire to contribute, to fight, to test himself and find what he came here to find... there was no argument to his leading the pack, this time out - in fact Ryu might have nudged him forward, had the boy not been so very gung-ho.
As it is the warrior in the white gi needs only watch, now, his smile held as the two engage in what he can only describe as sportsmanlike conduct - the test of a battle that will be hard fought, for reasons entirely seperate from hard feelings. The energy of the celebrating crowd, the warmth of the mountain sun.... it all adds up to a good day, in the deceptively simple Wanderer's book.

COMBATSYS: Kentou fails to interrupt Glomp from Naerose with Tekkoudan.

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Naerose          0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0           Kentou


....She's fast!
As Kentou's rapid fusillade of punches comes up nada, the youth's eyes widen. Ceasing his aggression as he momentarily assesses and half-steps backwards, the youth realizes that this is going to be an extremely hard fight. .... She even had time to readjust her sunglasses! ... Yikes. He's going to need to step up the speed if he wants to lay a hand on her.

Taking a moment to assess her words, the younger fighter once again smiles and nods from behind his upraised fists, "Thank you! You're fast too! I'm glad.. I'm.. not a.. maniac?" Blinking as he stammers the words out puzzledly. That's.. kinda a compliment right?
Oh crap here she comes! Way too fast!
"TEKKOU-" The youth blurts out as she charges straight for him. The boy tries to charge straight into her advance, leading with his fists but she manages to beat him to the punch. So to speak. Tackled clean off his feet the boy yowls as he's entirely bowled over by the larger opponent! Grunting as he collapses beneath her, discombobulated with flailing limbs!
Nuts, she is -fast-!

Naerose ought to give Kentou a chance to get up, or she could combo him. The truth was that if she wanted to just win she would go in for a second attack, and maybe a third, continuing to pound him into the ground. Naerose looks at her team. She seems to relent a little, but the fact is, sorry guys, she just would rather make a new friend then win the tournement. At least have someone leave thinking - That Naerose, isn't such a bad person.

Naerose doesn't attack. She doesn't give Kentou a complete pass though either, that would be insulting to his own fighter pride. No, she had to do something that was both a point of respect and yet not completely throwing on the pressure. Naerose draws a deep breath and adjusts her shades - watching, but letting Kentou get up off the ground.

COMBATSYS: Naerose focuses on her next action.

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Naerose          0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0           Kentou


If Naerose just walked away from Kentou and apologized for hurting him, Kentou would -never- forgive her.
Kentou is a competitor. Young he may be, but his goal in life is for other fighters to take him seriously. Certainly he knows he has a long way to go in the path, compared to greats like Ryu or Beniharu, or even fighters here like Isamu or Naerose herself. Kentou knows he's the lowest on the totem pole here in terms of accomplishment. But that's fine with him. It gives him purpose. A -drive-. He has room to grow and fight to improve.
But only when others give him a chance and fight him head on.
These things are certainly going through his mind as Naerose gives him space. His limbs curled inwards in hasty defense as he prepares to defend himself against a follow up.. That doesn't come. Wide eyes blink as the youth stares skyward... But only for a moment. Quickly spinning his legs about as he spin-kips himself to his feet, arms up and at the ready. Immediately locating his opponent as he stares at her hard, breathing roughly.
Waiting and watching? Hoping he'll make another mistake to exploit? Maybe..
For whatever reason she gave him a split second, he doesn't intend to waste it! Man.. If it wasn't for those shades he could use Hizashi on her to soften her defenses! Instead he makes a snap decision and goes for a more conservative plan.
"HUT!" Barking his kiai, the youth blurs forth. Zipping across the ground in a rapid dash and taking to the air in a short jump. Leg arcing in a high axe for her!

COMBATSYS: Naerose fails to interrupt Medium Kick from Kentou with Spellbinder.

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Naerose          0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0           Kentou


It's an interesting exchange to watch - Kentou is just beginning to pin down the Witch's eccentric stylings, but if he can keep up his pace, his tenacity.... well, from where Ryu's standing, Naerose's seemingly frivolous and incomprehensible nature is one of her greatest strengths. To be misunderstood, or completely un-understandable, that is power over one's enemies. Or so Gouken used to tell him, and it's something that the Ansatsuken nomad has seen proven true time and again. Kentou holds nothing back, fights on without hesitation or fear - lessons that he brought with him from Hotaru, strong ones that Ryu would encourage, and nurture in both student and himself.
The gi-clad Wanderer draws a deep breath, dark eyes panning to follow the young boy's assault, to get a feel for Naerose's style, both in what he can perceive... and that which runs deeper than perception, thinking back to her questions, and sensing once more the elemental flow of the talented warrioress hidden behind that simple facade. But then, we all wear masks, and Ryu is no different - it is attention to, compassion for what goes beyond that breeds understanding. Understanding, which is strength of its own. He murmurs a quiet blessing, all his attention on the battle as it unfolds.

It was possible for things to go both ways, but do not think that the witch was giving Kentou a free hit. In his every move and her every move, almost like a dance, she was clearly waiting and watching his steps and acting herself in response to get ready and then to make an attack of her own. She lowers herself just before the hit comes in and makes a flash with her hands, the timing was only just off - but it all happens so fast that is hard to tell what went wrong. Naerose is flung back by the kick and unable to convert. The cameras would have a hard time following the movements with the flash that Naerose produces, harmlessly - just before she is struck. Though the reels of her previous fights indicate exactly what she had been planning and it wouldn't of been pretty.

"Good .. one." The witch manages, in a total daze on her backside, her hat and shades a little askew.

Ah ha! In some ways the youth was lucky. If he hesitated for even a moment, Naerose would likely of gotten her attack off and his position would be even worse. It was a bold attack, but managing to land it was the break he needed to regain a semblance of parity this fight. Unlike Naerose, watching and waiting isn't really his style. While the youth does not stamp on her fallen form, he's certainly not wasting time.
As she recovers, he takes a few steps back.. Not in retreat.. But to aim.
"YOUDAN!" Courtesy of training by Frei, the youth thrusts out his right hand, gritting his teeth as he summons the power. A sphere of emerald force grows larger and larger. Illuminating the immediate area until it balloons to the size of a basketball. With arm-trembling effort, the boy -shoves- the mass of energy forth.
Almost comically.. it rolls slowly forward. The Witch can easily move around it if she would so choose.. Except for an added wrinkle. The moment she does move.. Kentou spins about and hurls a sliver of verdant energy with his off-hand, "RENGEKI!"
The nail of energy strikes the sphere.. Causing the mass to -explode- in wide ranging force like a bomb at point-blank.

COMBATSYS: Naerose overcomes Youdan Rengeki from Kentou with Sagitta Major EX.

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Naerose          0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0           Kentou


The explosion of chi from Kentou is enough to make Naerose fall back further and also take him much more seriously. The one who wins a fight is the one who puts more effort into it. She proved that last time she fought when going against Yamazaki. She didn't win, but she didn't lose either. In a sense she did win though. Kentou hasn't exactly proven himself to be the over all winner. Not yet anyway, but Naerose had to maintain her position, if she was expected to be the winner. So it was an all out attack she responded with.

"You're pretty good, so.. here goes, Sagitta major!"

Like an arrow through a balloon, well sort of, she summons a huge javalin of ice and hurls it through the sparks of chi, letting their wake of energy drag the power away from her and continue on toward Kentou. It also buys her a chance to catch her breath though. That's awfully nice.

COMBATSYS: Kentou blocks Naerose's Sagitta Major EX.

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Naerose          0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0           Kentou


Ah-Ha! Take that! I... W.. Wait.. Okay, that's new!
As Kentou's spike of chi was just about to pierce the explosive sphere.. Naerose pre-empts him! Her own javelin of ice lances through his energetic construction, dispelling it utterly as the emerald power whirls away like a puff of smoke in its wake. Mousy eyes widen as he stares dumb-founded, "No wa..*SQUEAK*!"
A fraction of a second to react, the boy falls backwards. His arms lift upwards in a quick, sweeping block. Managing to deflect the javelin from it's course at the cost of sending the youth sprawling on the ground.
And pinning a spectator's beer mug to a seat a row down, but that's a different story.
Sprawled on the ground, the boy's chest heaves. All of these techniques are starting to take a toll on him. He needs to conserve his energy if he wants to have a chance at widdling down this Witch's formitable defenses. A more cautious approach sounds prudent this time.
"HaaHUT!" Flipping to his feet, the boy barrels in at Naerose. Not with blinding speed this time, but realizing that this witches ranged offenses are clearly superior to his own. His only hope now is in melee with her. The boy thrusts his fist forth in a straight-arming motion, a hard blow as he steps into the attack to add his total momentum into it.

COMBATSYS: Naerose dodges Kentou's Medium Punch.

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Naerose          0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0           Kentou


The chi gives Naerose all she needs to evade, a fraction of a second perhaps, but it allows her to twist out of the way and just move the blow and the mometum entirely.

"Here, take this, En Criento!" Cries the witch, leaving only a hand, no a palm, where she had been and in that palm a ball of power begins to expand rapidly into a swirling torrent of pure damage, exploding in place. Not even a small amount of added distance.

The witch is really starting to take this seriously, her face starting to bead with sweat as she straightens and holds her broom out in a guarded position.

COMBATSYS: Kentou dodges Naerose's End Creation.

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Naerose          0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0           Kentou


That'll learn Kentou to approach slowly and cautiously. As his fist whiffs past her, immediately she spins about and lobs an expanding ball of destruction at point blank range. The boy only has a moment to gasp, "WHOA NELL-" Before disappearing into the vortex of doom.
...Almost. Very almost. The youth manages to vault straight up at the very last moment. Vaulting high into the sky and just barely vaulting over the expanding sphere.
It happens rapidly now. No time to think, no time to talk. Every precious second and every heartbeat counts. The smaller boy lands behind her quickly and immediately -shoves- backwards into her. Rushing her with his shoulder in an abrupt, stamping motion, "HAAH!"

COMBATSYS: Naerose dodges Kentou's Strong Throw.

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Naerose          0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0           Kentou


With the speed of a witch tryng not to get hit, or thrown, she gets out of the way. That is more along the lines of Naerose twists along with the up comoing throw and then glides away, looking at Kentou with narrowed eyes over her shades.

"Pretty good.. " The witch steps back, digging her heel in and adjusts her stance.

"But I won't be kept down.. I will be.. myself!" Cries the witch before really digging herself in, clenching her teeth and with a sudden burst of wind and cosmic star fire like flaring up around her, the witch plagerizes Dragon Ball Z. Seriously. Big time.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!" she cries, while her hat just flutters in the sudden power flare.

"I will..! Not be held down!"

The area around her blows with the burst of her power as the witch flares up.

COMBATSYS: Naerose gathers her will.

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Naerose          0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0           Kentou


Uh oh.
The Witch once again manages to evade his attack but the youth has no intention of letting up! His only hope now is her great speed will fail her sooner or later if he stays on an unrelenting offense. Especially as he can't blast her down from a distance with any level of hope, as she's clearly superior in that arena. But.. It seems.. Naerose is done playing around!
As she begins to summon up an incredible amount of energy the boy stumbles back a step. The flare of power throwing him for surprised loop as he was half-expecting another flashy blast of energy. His arms briskly brought up defensively as he squints at the flare of power.
..Ooooh crap..
Gritting his teeth, the youth's fists curl tightly once again. His resolve unshaken even as the growing wind whips the tassles of his uniform and his extremely long braid. "HaaaaaaAAAH!" The rebel yell flies against the Witch's own cry. Not backing down even in the face of such a menacing display, the youth actually -charges- her again. Hopping once, the boy whirls his arms about in a fast windmill motion, gaining momentum as he spins into the rushing wind, "SOUSHOU-" Then thrusting his palm forth at the last, driving for her middle like hammering in a spike, "SHIN!!"

COMBATSYS: Naerose blocks Kentou's Soushou Shin.

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Naerose          0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0           Kentou


With the torrent of energy finally starting to ebb and finally die, the witch brings her broom up in order to take the palm and deflect it off it's main course so it isn't as painful when it lands. Though the witch still winces considerably at the impact while looking t Kentou.

"Ugh. Still.. not bad."

Gritting her teeth more the witch makes a return attack, aiming her broom to try and hit Kentou with a wide strike, this time using the hard end as if it were a bow staff. Nothing unusual about this attack. It is exactly what you would expect from a stick fighter. A perfect marriage of speed and power, the witch gives the look of someone who is just trying to press, press PRESS.

Then a light bulb comes on . . In her head.
"Hey, is that one of Hotaru Futaba's...?" The witch grins, grins big.

COMBATSYS: Naerose successfully hits Kentou with Medium Strike.

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Naerose          1/-------/=======|=======\-------\0           Kentou


Aaah, Nuts! His hard strike doesn't manage to get through her defenses, but at least he managed to stop her from summoning more power as the winds begin to die down. Who knows what amount of pain she could have brought to bear on him if he didn't silence that strange technique when he did? Of course, who knows what incredible amount of pain she might hit him with right now if he isn't careful!
Once again joined in close battle, the boy works his stance. Moving quickly on his feet as he adjusts, eyes watching that whirling broom as his hands move in defense. Ever alert for openings.. ever prepared to-
"Sensei?" The boy blurts in distraction, The witch knows Hotaru? Oh that-
-WHACK.
Kentou staggers as the broom strikes him cleanly upside the head. His whole body whipping about as he takes a few stumbling steps away, stars whirling in his eyes. Ugh, that'll learn him to be distracted!
Trying to salvage what he can, he quickly ducks low and sweeps a leg out. Trying to break the Witch's balance and give himself a moment to collect himself!

COMBATSYS: Naerose dodges Kentou's Medium Kick.

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Naerose          1/-------/=======|=======\-------\0           Kentou


In contrast Naeroose is still paying attention. She should apologize for that cheap strike and after jumping over the kick she totally does,

"Sorry, I shouldn't of hit you when I was asking a question.." The witch lands, holds her broom out ready and then looks really serious.

"But hey, listen, when you see her next? Please tell her I'm sorry. Really sorry, okay? She'll know why.. Man she'll know why." The witch shakes her head and waits for Kentou before smiling to him,

"Okay, this time I'm going to let this be a real match, you know, not surprises. Here I come!"
And she does, she charges in and tries to fling Kentou hard over her head with both hands.

COMBATSYS: Kentou dodges Naerose's Strong Throw.

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Naerose          1/-------/=======|=======\-------\0           Kentou


The moment the Witch leaps over the kick Kentou hops back a few steps. Getting a little bit more distance as a hand moves to readjust his poor jaw. Ow. As she apologizes, the boy's wide eyes stare at her a moment before offering a hasty grin, "..My fault!"
And it was. He shouldn't let -anything- distract him in a fight. It was his own fault that her simple tactic got through his defenses. She shouldnt' be apologizing at all! But he has no time to explain that, after all.. He takes a moment to listen to this oddly timed apology. Sorry? .. Why? What? ...Huh?
The youth continues staring at her for only a moment, but nodding slowly in acknowledgement of her request. Sure.. And true to her word, here she comes!
As she reaches for him the boy twists to the side. Squirming through her grip and whirling to her side. Attempting to thrust a quick elbow at her ribs in passing as he tries to get a better position on her. The fight picking up again in earnest!

COMBATSYS: Naerose blocks Kentou's Jab Punch.

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Naerose          1/-------/=======|=======\-------\0           Kentou


Kentou's punch is met with a broom, that is to say, she deflects it again before giving him a sturdy nod, well more to his sturdy nod. The witch then pulls at her broom, fully back into the fight and darts to one side, trailing a thread too thin for the naked eye and tries to get past Kentou, the move is designed quick and efficient, but two parts. How do you block a thread anyway? And worse yet the thread isn't alone, oh now, it's coursing with energy, electrical chi. It seems if it wasn't bad enough Naerose is hard to predict, she's also got a lot of energies coursing through her. One could probably even look at her and shake their head, wasted potential, but not today, today she's trying for her team.

The thread, held in one hand while the other goes to the top of her broom which she also holds, then passes between her lips before the lasso end is left in an attempt to get Kentou around the throat and deliver quite a shock.

COMBATSYS: Kentou blocks Naerose's Threads of Fate.

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Naerose          1/------=/=======|=======\=------\1           Kentou


How does he intend to block a thread? Allow Kentou to demonstrate.
As Kentou's elbow is intercepted by a quickly reintroduced broom, the boy continues his whirling movement. Ever fluid as his arms whirl about, trying to stay within reach of Naerose at all times rather than allow her the full-range of her sorceries, of which he has no easy answer for. Instead, the boy must deal with this new devilry as it seems the woman's bag of tricks is endless. The woven thread is spied in the corner of his vision and only seconds given to react. Immediately the boy thrusts out a hand. His arm actually striking -into- the coil of the lasso. Forcing the loop to fall short of his head and wind back inwards, looping back around the broom handle. Of course, just contacting that string gives him a nasty shock.. But not as nasty as it would have been around his throat!
"HUTTAH!" While still in close, the boy completes his motion and thrusts both palms forward, ducking low and trying to nail her square in the middle with what short-range force he can bring to bare.

COMBATSYS: Kentou successfully hits Naerose with Fierce Punch.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////                   ]
Naerose          1/----===/=======|=======\=------\1           Kentou


When will a witch's luck run out? Well now. But worse yet, she's given a harsh reminder what happens if she tries to plan for the next fight. Who ever says you'll make it there Naerose? Well, she does, actually.

"Fine." the witch says and sets her broom down. She'll need both hands for this.
"I'll give this one my all..." She begins, bringing her arms back to either side. Like the earlier attack, white balls of power begin to form in either palm as she prepares her next move, the energy quickly growing and while one ball of power was not something to do at any range, as Naerose was knocked back a good many paces from the palm strike, this attack she seems to think will make it there.

"Here goes, I'm giving it my all!" cries Naerose as the energy causes her arms to shake with the effort of containing it,

"En Criento EN!" She cries and brings both balls together, the crash causing them to entwine in a romance of power and swirl in a torrent of destruction straight at Kentou.

COMBATSYS: Kentou slows End Creation End from Naerose with Hakki Shou.
Glancing Hit

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //                            ]
Naerose          0/-------/------=|=======\=====--\1           Kentou


COMBATSYS: Kentou can no longer fight.

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/------=|


This is it. As Kentou's powerful hit lands squarely, the boy knows he's finally managed to really get her attention. Breathing hard, the boy steadies himself as his fists remain out-stretched, rock hard in his follow through.
As the Witch casts her broom aside.. The boy audibly swallows. She's.. getting serious now. It's taken everything he had just to deal with her to this point. He can't back down now, especially as she declares she's giving it everything she's got. He's honored. If she worried about making a friend, she should not be. She just got one.
The boy knows he'll never close the distance as she begins generating that massive ball of energy. No way even he can run fast enough to get there and stop her. No choice, nothing in his usual bag of tricks could save him now.
Hotaru help me!
"HAKKI SHOU!!" The boy screams the words out as his fist semi-circles in tight arc. The motion generates a new ball of energy, gaining strength with the brisk motion and loosed in a fraction of a second! No thinking, no concentration, no mind. Just pure reflex after so many weeks of constant practice! The ball of energy dares to confront this massive sphere. Compared to Naerose's blast it is a minor thing, an inconvenience as the emerald energy is quickly eclipsed.. But -strikes- the dead center. Denting the rolling destruction as it waivers. He hoped to sling the blast before Naerose could complete the strike.. Hoping he could beat her to the attack, but it was no use.
Kentou does not regret. It was a damned good fight and it was his best shot.. And he did it! He can be proud of that. Proud indeed..

...As the energy washes over him. The youth disappearing within the vortex of destruction as his small frame is hurtled far and away.. Crashing a good distance away from the arena and crumpled prone.

If nothing else, Alexis will definitely say that the event has been... very festive. She's just been doing her best, hanging around to the back of the somewhat drunken crowd, trying to stay out of notice.
This time, she's not actually hiding from her /team/ so much as she's avoiding being hit on by the umpteenth drunken perv that doesn't know a hint of any respectable language (i.e. French or English).
Hanging back and watching the fight is great fun, and part of her wants to cheer for the witch, but part of her is still a bit upset with Naerose for outing her identity to Benimaru... and possibly a whole lot more people, if they caught the last fight.
Buuuuuuut.... there's one thing she's just /gotta/ do! It's the whole reason she even bothered showing up /early/.
That's right! Her showing up early has /nothing/ to do with Benimaru's whole 'teamwork' speech. She still doesn't like him, and she really doesn't want to do anything that will help him look good. Her showing up early has one purpose, and one purpose only:
"OHMIGAWD!"
The squeak comes as she finally spots Ryu in the crowd. "EEEEE~! Ohmigawd, you're him! You're really him!" Cute little fangirlishly starry eyes can almost be see. "Canni have your autograph? I mean, it's for me... ohboy. I'll need two'a them!" And a little black autograph book with a red pen are shoved under Ryu's nose. "One for me, and one for the guy I'm seeing. Please? Oh, pretty please?!? I know you gotta go fight soon, but... it'd totally make my entire trip here worth it!"

Benimaru had to admit, he was impressed with Kentou's performance.. With a little work, there's a chance he might even be as great as the shootfighter himself! But his showmanship.. That needs a whole lot of work. Which is quite fitting considering whom his teacher this tournament is.

Still he didn't expect Naerose to be remaining as fresh as she is now.. And it was difficult for him to tell who would be up next at that. What if it were Ryu, would the witch freak out? Would she ask him for a sandwich? He really didn't know. But his moment of concentration is broken upon a very familiar cry of Angel Papillion herself, and when it's a cheer -not- for him, he loses his composure and staggers forward, "W- What.."

But he quickly falls back into his calmer stance, arms re-crossed but now just muttering utter his breath. Look at her, she's fawning all over him like some crazed lunatic. Didn't she find his smell offensive or something? Or more important, is this how far she'd go to embarass him? His teeth gritting down hard, a few slender bolts of electrical chi dance about his body then vanish.

The effect of the blast is more or less what Naerose had intended. It made Kentou go away. While she liked him plenty, the bottom line was he was starting to really draw too much effort from her and she needed, really really needed to save up something for this next fight, which at this point, well, you could see by looking at the witch she was more than a little disapointed in the result form that. She might of underestimated her opponent a little.

"Alright." she says and picks up her broom then sits down with a plop.

"I'm tired~" she whines, though keeps her eyes around the area to see who is next, speficially she is watching Ryu though who is no doubt about to unleash a world of pain on her.

"I'm tired AND I'm hungry." She adds the second part incase anyone wasn't sure if she was hungry or not. The answer? Yes she is. Asking Ryu for a sandwich however, hand't quite occurred to her. Instead with her hat down a little, falling over her forehead she appears to be.. asleep? Is this a clever ploy...?

COMBATSYS: Naerose gains composure.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/-------|


COMBATSYS: Ryu has wandered into the fight here.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0              Ryu


COMBATSYS: Benimaru has joined the fight here.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0         Benimaru
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              0/-------/-------|


Benimaru gives another glance to the witch and.. Well, ok she -did- keep her part of the bargain, but he actually meant for her to keep fighting even after she defeated Kentou! So once she decides to take nap, the blonde cringes and raises a hand to his eyes. "... That girl.. All right, well a deal's a deal."

The model, lover, and fighter makes his way into the brawl with just a few steps and sets one hand on his hip, the other to his side. He's not certain if Ryu's actually going to give the autograph or not, but on the plus side, he'd be annoyed even if Alexis -weren't- fawning over him. ".. How many years has it been.. Never thought I'd see him again.." he mutters under his breath.

Kentou's performance is impossible not to commend - Ryu nods slowly, satisfied, even as the young fighter is blown away under the weight of Naerose's luminescent assault. It might seem inhumane, but the boy did what he came here to do - no one was forcing Kentou's hand, and from where the gi-clad warrior is standing, there is honor in that, regardless of one's age. Crimson-gloved hands reach to tie back his long, red headband, and the nomad closes his eyes for a moment, expressionless and focused inward, outward, on himself and the universe around him - the tingling remnants of chi in the air, the roar of the crowd drowning out to white noise in the back of his mind. His thoughts clear, his purpose is singular, focused - and suddenly one of the fighters is screaming and waving a notebook under his nose.
Dark eyes flutter open slowly, and the nomad takes in Alexis perhaps a bit more impassively than he would have at other moments. It takes a few passing instants for a small smile to find his face, "Of course." He signs the book, those three little letters - it's pretty meaningless to him, but he's not a cruel or dismissive person. Unlike BENIMARU.
He nods once to Alexis, "Fight well, if we meet in the arena."
He then steps forward, and out towards... Benimaru?!?! It looks like the Shootfighter is stepping up between the Ansatsuken Master and the weary witch. Ryu blinks once, looks back, then towards Benimaru, and nods slowly. How many years has it been? ... this guy again.
The nomad's features shift to stern focus, and bare feet slide apart as he lifts his hands, clenching one into a tight fist as he readies himself, and eyes Benimaru thoughtfully. He hasn't fought this fellow in some time, but there was a time when both were keenly aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the other. Ryu looks back to those times, and rushes the model SLASH fighter without hesitation. Closing the last steps, he throws himself into the air, whipping a singular, whirring rotation as his right leg lashes out, aligned perfectly with Benimaru's face, "HAAAAAH!!!"
... he would greet Nikaido, but certain drunken tirades have put him off when it comes to the blonde's conversational skills!

COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Benimaru with Senpuu Kyaku.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////    ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|====---\-------\0         Benimaru
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              0/-------/-----==|


There is a little bubble over Naerose' mouth as she begins to snore, her knees bent, her arms around them and her head down. Her hat is even pulled over her features and frankly no one really knows what to make of it. The announcer is stunned for a moment before sort of just moving on to get the chants going for the two main event fighters. No one has just laid down to a nap in the middle of a fight before without being declared out.. At least none come to mind. As the fight rages around her, Naerose is oblivious and the only really nice thing about it is the masters are nice enough to avoid hitting her while she snores peacefully.. in the fighting arena.

As far as Benimaru knows, Ryu never greets anybody ever. Granted he doesn't have a lot of experience with the nomad's behavior when it comes to tournaments, but when he comes right on in with the fight in order, the model doesn't look disappointed.

Instead he looks kicked in the face. From the crowds view it looks like Benimaru just stood there and took it.

With the thud of body hitting body, the shootfighter lurches and stumbles to the side, head turning in the same direction, but once his foot kicks outward he screeches to a halt and brings the back of his hand to his cheek. That.. Wasn't quite as bad as he had remembered it to be in the past, it looks like the model's improved since the last time they met after all and that? That actually brings a smile to Beni's lips.

Almost as if taunting the nomad, he suddenly stands up straight, the slender bolts of electrical chi once more dancing about his form but this time more sporadically as he tightens one opera glove, then the other, and finally tightens a headband that he isn't wearing. Oh it's on now.

Yay! Her autograph book has been signed! Alexis couldn't be happier at the moment...
Until, that is, Ryu recognizes her as one of the fighters in the tournament!
Jaw dropping, she just starts to stammer and blink a whole lot. She can't believe it! That's like being recognized as a /real/ fighter! Oh! Just wait until she gets back to Southtown and tells...

Well, that is if she's not grounded for life. Thanks to a certain witch, her parents are going to know she's been fighting and she's going to be in Trouble. Yes, with a capital 'T'.

COMBATSYS: Benimaru focuses on his next action.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////    ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|====---\-------\0         Benimaru
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              0/-------/-----==|


Did.. did he just get MOCKED!?!?
.... actually, Ryu doesn't seem to notice. Benimaru was just getting ready for the fight, right? And possibly tightening his hair so that his brain doesn't float away. Ryu studies the recoil and resilience of the shootfighter - perhaps he has gotten better, indeed.
It brings a smile to Ryu's face, rather than any worry or hesitation, and the nomad springs into motion once more. Two blurring steps cover the distance as the Ansatsuken Master charges right back into the fray, feinting in at Benimaru and shifting at the last moment to bring his arm out, rather than in, as he suddenly twists his weight around, whipping that appendage in for the Shootfighter's throat.
It's been a long time, but Beni doesn't seem to have lost his steps - he'll just have to find out what new ones might be there, and adjust accordingly. For now, Ryu sticks with the tried and true, seeking to sweep a leg behind Benimaru's as he slams him by the neck, backfirst into the harsh cobblestones.
Everywhere there is the sound of beer being chugged. It's a moment of brisk anticipation!

COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Benimaru with Medium Throw.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|=======\-------\1         Benimaru
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              0/-------/----===|


Benimaru should have known better.. With people like Ryu, sometimes you just have to get to the heart of the matter, you have to be blunt if you're going to mock someone. Well the moment was lost, he wasn't going to complain about it instead it was just time to fight and fight hard. Before he does that, however, he'll find himself caught by Ryu's arm, "Wha-"

The hollow thud of body hitting cobblestone follows, loose stones on the ground bouncing off the ground from the sudden impact. Maybe he wasn't expecting Ryu's leg, but at least once he hits the floor, his knees tuck in and he rolls back to get to his feet.. Though he grasps the back of his head. He supposes he isn't the only one that's been improving after all.

Shaking off the pain it looks like it's finally the model's turn to strike, and when he closes in he starts off the combination with a front kick to the nomads sternum, twists quickly into a sobat-kick toward the same area, and then finalizes with a back-flip kick, one foot then the other aimed toward Ryu's chin while a bolt of electricity snaps up from the flooring in hopes of ripping through the fighter with a good old-fashioned shocking. "HyaaAAH!"

COMBATSYS: Ryu auto-guards Benimaru's Handou Sandan Geri!

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////           ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|=======\-------\1         Benimaru
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              0/-------/----===|


Blunt, like a springing threesome of brutal kicks. Still, while taunting may not be enough to phase the veteran fighter, he has a few tools to deal with the direct approach, as well. His eyes narrow, broad brow furrowing with concentration as he carefully studies Benimaru's approach, intuitively picking apart the Shootfighter's graceful style in the half-instants he has before that whipping foot careens in for his chest. He steps back once, and twin palms clasp around Nikaido's footwear, shoving off and away from him, helpfully in the same direction as Benimaru's momentum intended to travel! The second kick comes around, and Ryu, with maddening grace of his own, crouches low and weaves a single, even step beneath it, coming up on the other side as Benimaru's potent kick ravages the air.
Speaking of air, the skyward flip is impressive indeed : perfectly executed, a study in lithe, technical precision, but Ryu has kept his wits, and then some. A braced forearm collides with the electrified outskirts of the strike as the nomad paces back one more, conservative halfstep, but the electrical chi never touches skin. A faint layer of blue erupts at the borders, and energy explodes outwards, even as the nomad's feet slide back subtly along the cobblestones, holding his defensive stance despite the apparent force of the deflection, for all appearances unscathed.
Again, he smiles calmly at Nikaido, "You've gotten better." The Wanderer helpfully acknowledges, "Been training?" The unspoken part of course being 'Like I advised you to do YEARS ago?' .... knowing Benimaru, he may fill in other choice bits here that the frank warrior just doesn't mean to imply. Regardless - this is a battle meant to test all involved to their limits, and the Shootfighter is no stranger to the intensity of the gi-clad Wanderer in such a situation.
Ryu steps forward, then again on his right, a motion timed in perfect synch with the angled descent of his right, gloved fist - careening straight for Benimaru's solar plexus with force meant to drive him to his knees in one quick, efficient strike, "HYAAAAH!!!"

COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Benimaru with Sakotsu Wari.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////                ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|=======\====---\1         Benimaru
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              0/-------/--=====|


In the model's eyes is the look of disbelief. Ok sure, that wasn't his most impressive technique, but how could Ryu handle it so easily like that? Was the model perhaps putting up a little too much flair in there? Again, thought, there really wasn't time to worry about it, it was about acting at this point, Benimaru was going to have to go down to the wire a lot earlier than he had planned to. Getting himself into a deeper moment of concentration, the shootfighter does get his arms up, he does see the fist coming his way but it just isn't enough as it bursts through his guard and into his gut..

It's humiliating for the model how he's brought to his knees before Ryu. Really, that was the absolute last thing he wanted and yet he tries so hard to keep that from happening, his hand slapping to the floor and his knees buckling, but not quite touching the ground, NOT QUITE! "Nnnggh..."

".... Damn you.." He hisses, locks of his hair falling over his eyes as he forces himself up quickly, and his arms swing in wide in an attempt to grapple the nomad about his waist. Desperate times coming to desperate measures, he'd then lurch upward and twist to the side in mid-air, intending to slam the thicker bodied fighter right down onto the rock while yelling, "I don't need your damn sympathy!! I'll kick your ass!!"

COMBATSYS: Ryu interrupts Front Suplex from Benimaru with Hadouken.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////                     ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2         Benimaru
[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              1/------=/=======|


Leave it to Nikaido to question his strength far more than Ryu would! The fight he puts up speaks for itself, but not in the way Benimaru clearly feels it does, just this instant. The harsh words steal Ryu's smile, but it is not with hostility or anger - or the sympathy that Nikaido fears. No, there is no hesitation or relief in sight, but the Shootfighter's grip entangles his waist, and suddenly they are headed upwards. Kicking out violently, a shockwave of inner chi roils through Ryu, and he hurtles free before he can be slammed down - launching away from Benimaru, his right hand shoots downward, palm open, as a brilliant surge of blue-white energy erupts forth in a blinding flash, coursing over itself with luminous intensity as the sudden coalescence blasts downward.
"HADOOOOUKEN!!"
.... The sad side-effect of this is increasing Ryu's momentum - momentum that was not very controlled to begin with.
Ryu crashes to earth, soundly landing on one knee and one bent leg, his gloved palm slamming down with earth-rumbling force as he tries to stabilize the crash landing, and skids to a stop nearer to the border of the arena. His headband flutters down after him, and his gaze snaps back up to Nikaido. He would tell him he holds no pity for a fighter of such strength, try to take the sting he now feels out of Nikaido's spirits.... perhaps apologize for the taunting exchanges of the past. But Benimaru would hear none of it, not now, and so the nomad exercises patience... and merely focuses his attention on the still-dangerous electrified blonde.

That Ryu, he's certainly a versatile one, Benimaru had no choice but to concede to that .. As 'basic' as the mans techniques were, there seemed to be an answer for every problem that could be presented toward the nomad in battle.. Beni would have never dreamed that his opponent would literally fireball his way out of the grappling technique, and the abrupt burst of energy sends Ryu off in one direction, and the shootfighter in the other, thunking along the ground and rolling on his side as the intense sting dances about his upper torso.

And yet, he's not tumbling for long, a single palm smacks onto the ground and he single-hand springs to his feet, sliding a few inches along the flooring at the tips of his toes. His breathing was getting heavier, the adrenaline was rushing through him, and for the first time in a long time he had to fight very very hard to quell the fury inside him.

Why? Why was it that a man like -Ryu- was so powerful? Why was he so great? And most of all why did everyone seem to love that bastard!! There was nothing great about him, nothing!!

His blood boiling, the slender bolts about his form seemed to grow thicker as he hunches over, crossing his arms like an 'x' and as his eyes widened, they seemed to glow a lighter hue. He didn't feel comfortable bringing out this technique so soon, but.. he really had little choice in the mater, the gap was so huge he'd do damn near anything to hurt the guy at this rate.

Ryu'd never seen this attack before, that was an advantage at least. "I can do this, I know I can god -dammit-," he hisses to himself, his body completely enveloped in a coat of sparking energy that blasts toward Ryu, the image of Nikaido with his fist extended. Following is a second wave of intricately modeled energy, with his knee extended, then a third with a foot extended entirely.

Then finally rushes Nikaido himself, energy gathering about his right fist as, once he's close enough, finalized the combination with a fierce uppercut toward Ryu's jaw, "Gen'ei.. HURRICANE!!!"

COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Benimaru's Gen'ei Hurricane.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////                      ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|=======\-------\0         Benimaru
[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              1/------=/=======|


The funny thing is, Ryu would agree with Nikaido. He's not that great. There's nothing particularly exceptional about him, at least in the sense that he is not a particularly beautiful snowflake that means more than every other snowflake due to some esoteric worldly equation of power, accomplishments, and raw hubris. No, Ryu is simply, well, Ryu. The so-called Dragon, living the only life he knows how to lead - and trying not to let it consume him in the process. It's a monumental task, in many ways, but no different from the demons everyone faces, assuming theirs can also kill just about anyone with their bare hands. Those gloves? They are for Benimaru's friggin' /protection/.
The nomad's jaw clenches, teeth grind momentarily together, as he senses the upsurge in rage and electrified fury moments before Benimaru surges forward, the crackling waves of model-infused current washing over him with sudden abandon. The first collision nearly breaks his guard - crackling energy ripping into his muscles as he's driven backwards, footfalls momentarily haphazard as the fluctuations threaten to render his limbs useless - but his own inner power courses through him, up through the ground, blows in on the breeze, burns through with the rays of the sun, and Ryu's crossed arms flex, and he /heaves/ back. The second crushing blast washes in, and he slams right back into it, explosions of electricity rushing through, around, outwards - more dissipated as he uncannily adapts to the assault mid-technique, stepping back to meet the last strikes in similar fashion, the outpouring chi all but exploding outwards in a brilliant, arcing show of rampant lightning and thunder with each destructive hit.
It's this stalwart guard that Benimaru meets as he slams home the uppercut, crossed arms intercepting it, shoving it forward, away from its target... as Ryu steps in on his. For a moment, he's eye to eye with Nikaido - calm, focused, intent on that singular purpose despite the raw hate suffusing the skilled model / fighter.
And then he's no longer meeting Benimaru's gaze, he's grabbing for the fellow's shirt, borrowing a move from Ken's book as he seeks to jerk Benimaru up by his collar and slam his knee up and into his opponent's ribs once, twice, thrice... before he would shove him clear with a sudden motion.

COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Benimaru with Medium Kick.
> Determined Hit! <

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///                           ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|=======\===----\1         Benimaru
[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              1/-----==/=======|


Pshyeah right! If anyone told Benimaru those gloves were safety procaution's he'd just laugh until his gut exploded. And he has a very very strong gut, by the by. Benimaru's life, however, is obviously much more simple than Ryu's, his only real goal is to claw and crawl his way out from under Kyo's shadow. And unfortunatly for him the results of this match only sink him in deeper- The blonde was paying attention, he knows that Kyo ripped the Championship belt out of the nomads hands. The model himself? He was barely able to scratch the fighter and it was pretty much eating poor Benimaru alive. Was his fury hampering his performance, though? Most would say not, as it tends to be a sign of him getting serious, the only bad thing is he's harder to see within the bright glow of his electrotechnics.

But back to the fight, despite Benimaru's best efforts to push himself away from Ryu, the clinch is like a vice, and multiple blows slam home into the shootfighter's ribs. It's not just his gut that's strong though, while his ribs take a hell of a beating, they stay in place, and with a bit of thrashing Benimaru finally manages to shove himself away while drawing closer and closer to passing out from the pain. With energy dancing around his fingertips, at the snap of a finger he's on the other side of Ryu, displaying speed that he's perhaps never shown before with his palms spread out before him and a two lengthy pillars of brightly glowing electrical energy 'impaled' within Ryu if he hadn't managed to get out of the way, they look like twisting flourescent bulbs.

The glow intensifies as his body tenses, and when his hands clench into fists, a violent shock with an ear-splitting hum follows, light bulbs burst and various glasses lens crack.

And in the end, that's it, the glow from Benimaru's eyes go dim, his arms falls to his sides, and he stands there, frozen in place yet 'clearly' unconscious. The refusal to fall before Ryu leaving him in that state.

COMBATSYS: Benimaru can no longer fight.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////       ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|=======\==-----\1              Ryu


COMBATSYS: Benimaru successfully hits Ryu with Denei Spark.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|=======\=====--\1              Ryu


COMBATSYS: Naerose has left the fight here.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              1/-======/=======|


COMBATSYS: Ryu wanders on to find the next challenge.


Lots of things make Benimaru laugh insanely. Like mirrors, Kyo's underwear drawer, and when the halflife of his hairgel starts eroding his scalp. Obviously, also hobos - though in this case he seems more infuriated than manic! Ah, well. Of course, they might get along better if Benimaru realized how little Ryu thinks of the length and breadth of Kyo's shadow - there are a lot of facets to everyone, but the arrogant young Kusanagi doesn't sit well with the Wanderer, skilled or no. Of course, battles between such masters are unpredictable things indeed... a single bout proves little in the world the pair occupies, or Benimaru's selectively self-depricating recollections would wash away the doubt with memories of King of Fighters!
Benimaru falls away, as anticipated - but it seems Nikaido is not done yet! Anything but. The tremendous upsurge in Benimaru's chi widens Ryu's eyes - power he wasn't aware Benimaru could summon, particularly as battered as the model / fighter is at this point - but there's no denying the sudden rush of motion, and while he twists, and backpedals, Benimaru's closed his proverbial circuit. Electric column explodes through Ryu, the nomad the circuit breaker for that tremendous, sudden burst. For a moment the crowd swears they can see his skeleton through the scorching electricity as he spasms violently, and drops to one knee, smoke rising from his chest and back, "Nngh..." the man known only as Ryu groans through gritted teeth, again holding himself on one knee and his outstretched palm, "Knew you... had it in you." He observes of the.... gargoyle'd Benimaru.
But there are other members to Nikaido's team, including the napping witch who was saved her time from frying pan to fire by the timely intervention of the blonde electrician.
Ryu's choice now is to focus back on them - centering his own chi and rising slowly, as he draws a deep breath, murmuring to himself, and over his shoulder towards Isamu, his still-conscious teammate, "This isn't over yet."

COMBATSYS: Ryu gains composure.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Naerose          0/-------/-------|=======\====---\1              Ryu


Needless to say, Isamu had been watching the whole time. The performance within the fight was quite amazing. Witnessing Ryu in action again was quite tremendious. Yet, his eyes kept focus on Benimaru as well. The manifestation of lightning was impressive. He will have to have a talk with the model at some point. ...Maybe.
For now, Isamu does observe the two opponents, and then towards Ryu when he is glanced at. "No, it's not. If I may..." Isamu slowly steps up, "I'd like to put my weight into the field now." The young man steps up a bit, gathering up the courage to try to make his way. He glances back at the crowd of people, watching and clapping.
Everyone is enjoying the fight. The people are cheering and the children have been mixed between jeering and cheering. Many of the men have been drunk stupored and are shouting incomprehensible phrases.
A frown is cast once, but his attention moves back to Ryu and the square.

Ryu's attention shifts from Naerose, to Isamu, and the serious concentration fades to a relaxed sort of smile. It's good to have such good students! While Ryu certainly doesn't mind the breather, it's hardly the source of his satisfaction... anyone who knows the nomad at all knows that he's perfectly content to fight, and then fight some more, and then fight even MORE, whatever condition he happens to be in. The buildup of chi within him suffuses him and subsides - not disappearing but rumbling deeper, held in reserve as he paces a step back, and nods to the second of his workhor.... students. Ignoring the crowd, and unconcerned with his own alleged fame (he barely notices, after all), the nomad turns to walk towards the edge of the arena, dropping a hand on Isamu's shoulder as he passes.
"Then you shall have your fight, and I have no doubt it will be an effort worthy of this challenge." Which is a thing of spirit, not victory or defeat... the aptly named team clearly believes in itself, if not with the same tactical, military precision that some others have exemplified, "Don't stop at your all." The Ansatsuken Master encourages, stepping on beyond Isamu, and leaving him to step forward to face the Witch.

The nap is going to end. It ends, it ends because Benimaru just made a lot of noise. The bubble over Naerose's head pops and her head jerks up with a start. The witch looks this way and that and realizes where he is then quickly freaks the heck out. I mean freak the heck out, the witch rolls over and starts to push herself to her feet and then grabs her broom, she needs to then wipe her chin with her sleeve.

"What a nightma-"
She sees Ryu.
"Oh Dang!" cries Naerose and then starts shaking her this way and that. " No no no no.. Benimaru said, he said.. " The witch looks around for Benimaru.

"He said I could have a snack and I havn't had a chance to get a snack yet and that's totally not fun! Wait. Wait, I mean fair. It's not fair." The witch looks balefully toward the various vendors and doesn't realize Isamu is even coming. Then Ryu stands aside and she's like.. Ooooo.

"So wait.. my opponent is.." The witch zeros in on Isamu.

"Umm okay."

"Hey, Lets be friends!" The witch is all smiles as she moves over to Isamu as if to shake his hand and instead tries to grab his wrist and throw him down.

"Sorry about this."

COMBATSYS: Isamu has joined the fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/-------|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/-------|


COMBATSYS: Naerose successfully hits Isamu with Medium Throw.

[    \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/-----==|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/-------|


Alright.
When Ryu allows the student to pass into the ring, Isamu offers his teacher a nod, then he steps into the ring. His eyes focus on his opponent. The young woman who is focusing on him. A nod is given, "Hello."
When she offers the hand out towards him, Isamu offers a nod, then he reaches over to take the hand, "No matter the outcome of the fight, it is good to fight honora----" His words are cut short as she shifts her weight over to throw him down. He attempts to catch himself by landing on his feet, but instead, he falls flat on his back with a grunt.
There is no honor in this person. No matter. Isamu quickly springs himself up, using his legs to vault him upward and then he spins around the moment his feet land on the ground. He makes a spin and he twists his right foot to knock against her temple.

COMBATSYS: Naerose blocks Isamu's Light Kick.

[    \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/-----==|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/------=|


Naerose has a broom for this kind of situation and she knows how to use it. First to try and keep herself from getting hit. It totally works, and then to hit back, well we havn't got that far. The broom is planted in the ground to stop the foot from reaching Naerose with the speed and ouchie it is intended, then she lifts her broom over her head and then prepares to strike Isamu. This time it is intended to knock him back, maybe even down. She is moving up the range of things she can maybe do to Isamu. This time it risky move, aimed at dealing some real damage. She's pretty sure she knows the risk, if Isamu wants to take a risk himself, maybe he could make her regret, but she's willing to make the swing, though the range maybe close, if it connects.

"I'm not gonna lose!"

COMBATSYS: Naerose successfully hits Isamu with Fierce Strike.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/-----==|


This is not too good for Isamu. Starting off in this fight and there is a lot of reprocussions for the damage that he is taking. As she blocks against the strike towards her head, Isamu quickly brings the foot back, and then he spins around to avoid the incoming broom that is geared towards his head. Unfortunately, Isamu is caught by the impact of the broom, and then he lands right onto the ground with a twitch.
Alright, time to step things up. Isamu immediately launches himself towards Naerose's direction, extending his right hand outward to release a blade of chi. The wind is cutting straight towards the path of Naerose, aiming to cut against her form.

COMBATSYS: Naerose parries Isamu's Shippu Zan!

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/----===|


With a whip of her broom, Naerose bats Isamu's strike aside and presses onward. The every move she makes with a deliberate thrust of her broom, her body trailing behind. Yes she is quite determined and then to follow up, the witch gets on her broom and like a bottle rocket who had it's fuse lit and then shots off at Isamu. It's a crash course. Course because she's heading at him with alarming speed, crash because it is the only logical conclusion that this can possibly end up with. Lets face it, witches were .. well Naerose was not meant to fly. She is like a fence post turtle. She didn't get there on her own, she doesn't belong there and nothing good will come of it. Her hat flaps in the wind as she holds it down with one hand and holds onto her broom with the other, her face a grin of a woman who is sure that one way or another, her life ends tonight.

COMBATSYS: Isamu just-defends Naerose's Delphine Charge EX!

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/---====|


This is a tad off-putting. She manages to redirect his wind with the broom, brushing the chi aside as if it was nothing. When she thrusts herself forward, broom first, Isamu becomes very cautious about his next move. She has a bit of determination in her. That is good. However, Isamu will not make it easy on the witch. Since she has her weapon, Isamu may as well draw upon his weapon.
When she charges at the young man, Isamu immediately brings his hand to the side, flicking out a nightstick. That nightstick extends to a staff with a twist. The other hand grips it as the staff is twisted with a spin. While twirled, a force of chi echos out, the clash of energy meets with one another, resounding in a thunderous roar as sparks emit. Then, Isamu steps forward, bringing the staff outward to thrust it right at her face to send her back. Then it comes overhead for another strike against the chest.

COMBATSYS: Naerose blocks Isamu's Medium Strike.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/--=====|


A stick fight is something Naerose can totally abide by. She is herself a stick user and can use her broom-stick to deflect the blow off course. The pivot of her body gives her a chance to strike back and what better way to do that then to strike with the same kind of thing she just had come her way? A broom fight it is.

Though you can tell the witch is still wanting to have food. She wants a treat, not to be in an epic duel and while she can't help but dread the upcoming world hobo, Isamu has only to defeat her. Yes Naerose is really hungry. She even looks it. Hungry. Better watch out!

COMBATSYS: Isamu just-defends Naerose's Medium Strike!

[        \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/--=====|


The first collision of strikes makes the clanking noise that echoes into the air. Then, the next one makes yet another clank and knocks Isamu over to the side, nearly putting him off-balance. When the staff twirls about, Isamu lifts the staff upward through the otherside. The staff continues to twirl about as Isamu takes a distance from the woman.
It is when Naerose comes forth with the broom once more does Isamu bring his hands upward to deflect the first strike, which emits a resounding clatter. The next strike is met with the other end of the staff, which Isamu uses to shift his weight over and launch himself forward to meet with Naerose.
The first thing that the young man does is thrust the staff outward, aiming to slam the butt against her chest. From there, Isamu releases a multitude of strikes, the staff rapidly poking out to jab at her vital points. Though, it also serves for something else.

COMBATSYS: Isamu successfully hits Naerose with Shitsu.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            1/-------/=======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[                  \\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          1/-------/=======|


Naerose takes a hit and begins to just look frustrated. After all, Isamu was doing very well and she needed something amazing if they wanted to stand a chance. Things were not looking good. Naeroes frowns as she eyes Isamu. The witch presses her lips together, knots her brow then hangs back.

"You know what? This is tiring and while it might.. I dunno.. mean I have to fight longer.. It's worth it." The witch contents and moves closer to the edge of the designated area, toward a drunk and totally pilfers his beer nuts.

COMBATSYS: Naerose gains composure.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            1/-------/=======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[               \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/=======|


It is rather disheartening that the opponent is showing no real interest in the fight. Isamu is looking over to see his opponent walk -OUT- of the fighting ring in order to get something to eat. It is understandable to eat, however, to walk away from the opponent is disrespectful. Even if Isamu doesn't usually put everything into the fight with certain opponents, he will give them the respect of showing his attention.
...This one lacks that regard. Furrowing his eyebrow, Isamu brings his staff down and he channels the chi together. A manifestation of the wind comes forth in his grasp. Then, Isamu brings his hands together. "...Senpuuu....."
Then, Isamu brings both hands forward, releasing a powerful gust of wind to blow straight towards Naerose's path.
"HAAAAAA!!!"
The powerful gust of wind is a pure cyclone that plows through everything in its path, seeking to tear into the witch.

COMBATSYS: Naerose overcomes Senpuu Ha from Isamu with Sagitta Major.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            1/-------/=======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[                \\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/--=====|


No interest at all? That was a touch unfair. Naerose was taking interest in a lot of things, one of them being the possibility of coming out of this fight without being beaten to a bloody pulp. But for that she needed energy. Food energy. Sugar would be great and the beer nuts, well don't mind if I do. But that was then, this is now, the nuts as it were, are gone too quickly and Isamu hurling a projectile, well it gives her time to lift her hand, covered in sulty nut remains, summon a javelin of ice, point it at Isamu and let him have it, with a mouth full off food call of ,

"Sagitta major!"

COMBATSYS: Naerose successfully hits Isamu with Sagitta Major.

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            1/-----==/=======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[                \\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/-======|


This is quite the situation for Isamu to be in. With Naerose displaying her capability to use the chi to summon forth a javelin of ice. His eyes widen when she brings forth the destructive lance towards his direction. As it sails towards him, Isamu quickly steps back to reach for the staff once more, positioning his hands in order to deflect it. It is unfortunate that Isamu gets the full brunt of the lance piercing his chest. Both eyes widen and he gives off a grunt as the lance strikes true, forcing a gasp from him as he stumbles back.
Dropping to a knee, Isamu positions the staff towards the ground. A grunt echos once more, then he looks at Naerose. As he sprints over towards her direction, the young man closes the distance between himself and her. With the staff raised, his body emits a silhoutte of a shadow following him before he slams the staff towards the ground in her path.
An explosion of wind echos forth as the impact arises, aiming to launch her into the air.

COMBATSYS: Naerose blocks Isamu's Tenpa Kassatsu.

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/------=|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          1/------=/=======|


The witch sees it coming, but she really doesn't like what she sees. Digging her feet into the ground the witch raises her broom and hunches down to avoid taking too much damage from the explosion of chi, earth and Isamu. Though as she is fighting to keep ground there is her only chance to hit Isamu. Once again the witch is force to do the unthinkable. She needs to take this fight more seriously, like the last one.

"Damnit." The witch mutters and then holds her broom up, getting onto it and letting it suspend her before aiming for another crash course at Isamu, but this time it's worse than before. Instead of just crashing into him this time the witch seems intent on dragging off the other stick fighter and drop him from height.. He'd make a good pillow for a landing too.

COMBATSYS: Naerose successfully hits Isamu with Aquila Charge.

[                      \\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/-------|


Unfortunately, Isamu is panting from trying to draw the powerful strike onto Naerose. While she is taking her chance in striking the young warrior, Isamu prepares himself for the witch's next move. And when she comes forth with the charge, Isamu blinks as she prepares to crash onto him.
He is twirling the staff around once more, preparing for a quick counter. Unfortunately, she actually grabs him and drags him off. His eyes widen, caught under the grasp, and then he is tossed off towards the ground.
And then, she crashes down on him, making a huge crater out of the fighting field. In pain, on the ground, Isamu coughs up a bit of blood, then he staggers up, weary, but still going strong. No point to rest. Instead, Isamu is drawing from the flow of chi, gathering the energy around him before he twirls the staff around. The staff twirls around so much that the wind is drawn into play. Like a vaccum, the wind is seeking to ensnare the witch and bring her into the field.
What will likely come next is a world of hurting as the wind blades lash out from all corners.

COMBATSYS: Naerose blocks Isamu's Sakufuu.

[                       \\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/---====|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[                      \\\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/-----==|


With her broom Naerose only jsut manages to block the incoming blow and is sent a slight stagger back. Now she's tired. Really tired. The witch is gasping for breath, taking in deeeep deep gasps to keep herself on her feet and fixes her shades, eyeing Isamu.

"Man. I can't get a break here.." She complains and holds out her palm toward him.

"Okay, please go down.. please." She is really begging here it seems.

A white ball begins to develop in her palm and with a splaying of her fingers she lets it go with a sudden burst, no range just pure damage of her white chi.

"En Criento!"

The witch practically falls over from the effort of her own attack.

COMBATSYS: Naerose successfully hits Isamu with End Creation.

[                           \\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Isamu            0/-------/=======|=======\====---\1              Ryu
[                       \\\\\\\  <
Naerose          0/-------/----===|


When Naerose is begging for Isamu to go down, the young man grits his teeth, waiting for her to strike him. When she releases the sudden burst of energy, both eyes are widening with shock. What the. The young man is enveloped by the white chi. He hisses out in pain, before he falls towards his knees.
Yet, he stands for one more go.
Channeling the chi in him once more, Isamu quickly shoots his body forward, aiming to thrust the right hand out towards her chest. The impact is quite strong enough to send her sprawling back.

COMBATSYS: Isamu can no longer fight.

[                       \\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Naerose          0/-------/----===|=======\====---\1              Ryu


COMBATSYS: Isamu successfully hits Naerose with Rekkuuzan.

[                          \\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Naerose          0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1              Ryu


After the powerful blow towards the chest, the momentum is suddenly lost. It was transferred all towards the witch's form. Instead, Isamu is falling straight onto his knees, and then he lands on his face.

Ugh.. " The witch coughs and staggers back, looking utterly out of evergy as she drops to one knee, using her broom to support her as best she can. The witch lifts her shades and her attention toward Ryu and allows the sweetest of smiles.

"If you put into perspective all that I have done.." She takes a deep breath and uses her other hand to try and keep her broom upright,
"I'm not afraid of losing because I've already won." The witch decides to do. She hardly has any chance to do anything else, but she summons another javelin over her head and points it toward Ryu. She only has one chance and she's far to shaken and weak to do anything significantly cool with it. Pointing at Ryu, the witch sends the javelin at the world warrior.

"Man, I never got my free food." Is the last thing she manages to say.

COMBATSYS: Naerose can no longer fight.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              1/--=====/=======|


COMBATSYS: Ryu dodges Naerose's Sagitta Major.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              1/--=====/=======|


COMBATSYS: Alexis has joined the fight here.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Ryu              1/--=====/=======|-------\-------\0           Alexis


Still hanging back, the gymnast bites her lip. That makes the two heavy hitters of her team down, and well... that means it's her against /Ryu/?
This does not bode well for Team O+ making it any further in the teacher/student tournament. Which in a sense is good for Alexis, since it means she won't have to worry about sabotaging Benimaru any more. Mainly 'cuz he did it himself this time! It's bad though, 'cuz it means she doesn't get to meet any more of the fighters she was hoping to.
Once more, she's left amazed at how well the red witch fared. Since meeting Naerose, she figured the woman for the comic relief sort, but she's /definitely/ proving that there's more to her than would seem from first impressions.
"It's cool, Naerose! I got'cha covered on the food thing!"
Alexis runs in, dropping a giant pretzel (with only one bite out of it) beside the witch. "There ya go!"
Then she gulps once, preparing herself to get squished like a bug. "Hiiiii! So it's me'n'you now," she says to Ryu, looking a bit terrified.
Gulp.
"Uhhh g'luck?"
Riiiiiiight. 'cuz he needs it?

Just receiving an invitation to Strolheim's little shindig is at least a small victory... with no minor measure of prestige or acknowledgement of ability and/or potential. Few places in the world is strength as carefully weighed and valued as within these borders... and few places is it exercised so broadly, yet subtly. There are, after all, reasons why even Geese Howard treads carefully around the House of Strolheim.
Ryu would agree that all involved have won their own victories today - the impressive, nay astounding display as Naerose goes through /both/ of his teammates does little to diminish the heart and fervor that Isamu and Kentou have shown. Courage, skill, and more than a little bit of spirit have been exchanged here today... and while Benimaru's emotions may have gotten the better of him, there is no denying the impact of the Shootfighter's style, even when countered effectively. Isamu's last-ditch effort crashes into Naerose, but the reeling witch has presence of mind to send that energy spear hurtling towards the nomad. Leaping aside, the brilliant lance dissipates into a million tiny sparkles of starlight luminescent despite the bright sun, and the nomad rolls to a crouch a short span to the side, rising smoothly.
Ryu's chest is still sore, but he's caught his breath well - the fatigue of battle washes away, and he steps forward as Isamu /and/ Naerose fall away, a slow inclination of his head offering respect to the two warriors, his eyes closing for only a moment before he looks back to Alexis, listening as she steps forward. Sensing the trepidation, "Don't be afraid, as long as you fight with your heart, and hold true to the ideals of honor and compassion... we are all victors here today." Even the nefarious comic trickery of the Red Witch, seemingly, "Come, remember what I said. Release your fear, and show me what you are capable of. I do not strike to maim or kill." A gloved hand beckons her forward, but Ryu does not immediately attack - it would be sort of like Shoryuken'ing a deer in headlights.

COMBATSYS: Ryu takes no action.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Ryu              1/--=====/=======|-------\-------\0           Alexis


"Bwwwhhhaaaaat?!?"
Alexis just stares at him. She should be wearing her mask. Her cape. These little pieces of material give her more courage than she could ever hope for. Don't ask her how or why, she just knows that they /do/.
(Very likely because she doesn't have to worry about her parents finding out about her fighting, thus it gives her more confidence.)
Without these items, she is feeling a little naked. But even as she gulps again, she shakes her head vehemently in denial.
"I'm not afraid! I'm /totally/ gonna rock this fight. I mean, even if I lose, I'm fighting against /Ryu/ for crying out loud!" Shooting one fist up into the air, she grins and hops back a step.
He may not strike to maim or kill, but she's positive that he strikes to be really, really painful!
From the minute distance she has on him, she tosses her body into an aerial spin as she leaps from right foot to left. Twirling about several feet off the ground, she juts her right leg out just as her body reaches the highest it can, snapping a kick toward his torso.

COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Alexis' Tour Jete.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Ryu              1/--=====/=======|-------\-------\0           Alexis


Though it doesn't seem like Naerose has awoken, no she is far gone from all of that fighting. Totally ragged out. Not an ounce of energy. She can't even cheer Alexis on. Infact she doesn't even try to crawl out of the ring while the final bout begins, instead some of the drunks have to drag her out and she's set with her team's corner where she snores happily. There is however one mystery. something rather unsolved. That is to say, what happened to the pretzel that Alexis had so kindly gifted to her? It should be there and if she's asleep, but the pretzel. . is totally gone. Not even a crumb left and yet.. One of the medics on hand check to make sure she's okay.

"She's just asleep, nothing to fear," and he moves on. The mystery is part done, that is to say, she's clearly not dead, but.. Somehow the pretzel is missing. How could a sleeping person devour a pretzel instantly without anyone noticing? Surely this is her power?

Fear is universal... but there is strength in overcoming it, facing it. Whether denied in the first place or not, Alexis has clearly found her courage! Her insistence is met solely with a nod, and stalwart preparation in equal measure.... she is here to fight, and so is he. The Ansatsuken Master takes careful analysis of the Gymnast's rushing assault, studying the timing, the rhythm, the overall style of her attack - trying to put his finger on her style, get a sense for the flow of her internal energy. Having never faced the unconventional warrioress before, there's a learning curve to this process, and a sort of testing force to the powerful block his sweeping, vertically aligned forearm delivers to her flying kick, moments before it crashes home.
Directing the force off and to the side, Ryu pushes off in the opposite direction, twisting about to deliver a measured, but undeniably efficient incursion of his own. Left fist coils back and snaps outwards, a triphammer blow delivered in a blurring instant, carrying that gloved fist straight forward and seeking to plant it in the center of Alexis' ribs as the acrobatic girl lands, possibly making her reunion with the ground a fair bit less graceful than it was intended to be, voice carrying a fierce, focusing kiai across the square as mugs are raised and songs continue unabated.

COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Alexis with Medium Punch.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////        ]
Ryu              1/-======/=======|=====--\-------\0           Alexis


'cuz Naerose is a very conventional fighter? Alexis would actually be glad to be thought of as using a rather unconventional technique, because truthfully, she's equated quite a bit with aerial wrestlers. Kind've what she was going for, but not really. She uses a lot more finesse and agility... at least she believes she does, so nobody tell her any differently!
As her foot touches lightly upon the ground, her body is met with a speeding train. A train that actually looks a lot more like a fist crashing into her ribs than a locomotive, but it definitely /feels/ like a train.
"Aaaaaaaaaack!"
Sent sprawling backward in a haphazard manner, it's only her gymnastics skill that provides any semblance of saving grace. After rolling for several feet toward the crowd, she's able to gain control of it and spring back up, one hand clutching at her bruised ribs.
"W-woah! Dude, you hit /way/ hard..."
Despite the amount of pain that's traversing through her body, she's grinning as she bounces forward. For show, she twirls around to let the drunken partiers know that she's still alive. In fact, she takes a bow!
Actually, she's balancing neatly on her right leg, her left extended high behind her. Dropping forward so that her legs make a nearly perfect straight line, she reaches her hands down to take hold of the Ansatsuken Master's ankles, making to grip them tightly before standing back up as swiftly as she can in an attempt to yank him off of his feet.

COMBATSYS: Ryu full-parries Alexis' Needle Scale!

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////         ]
Ryu              2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=====--\-------\0           Alexis


Naerose may not be conventional... but Ryu has certainly faced her before! And at greater length than the lancing chi-bolt, for that matter. Adapting to and learning from new styles is a fundamental principal to the Ansatsuken Wanderer's adaptation of Gouken's hybrid artform.... some would call it watered down, but sometimes, the longer, harder path can yield unexpected results. It is a lesson Ryu suspects his Sensei already knew - and one he has been coming to learn himself, of late. The energy within Alexis surges, even as she rights herself and puts on the graceful show for the crowd, which serves the secondary purpose, intentional or not, of giving such martial artists just a bit harder time pinning down her style... or her timing. Or just what the athletic young warrioress might do /next/.
That's where the undertone comes in, that subtle flow of the cosmos through them all, the ebb and rise of chi. It emenates everywhere in this town, and the rhythm of the fight may change, the intensity may crescendo.... but always is it carried on the symphony that one can only hear in true silence, the colours that resonate best in darkness. Ryu breathes, and Alexis drops, in seemingly the same instant the Ansatsuken Master hurtles straight /upwards/.
It's like a sudden starter's pistol, careening skywards in a heartbeat, the same instant that Alexis reaches forward, Ryu is simply gone. A synergistic, opposing reaction to her action - or is it the other way around? Ryu's fluid highjump carries him several Naeroses into the air, a perfectly executed forward tumble changing his angle of descent... so that he's coming down behind the split-legged gymnast. At the last instant of descent, he comes about quickly indeed, a nigh-instant twist sending his right foot out, leg whipping in a sudden flying roundhouse like a rotorblade, a single swipe aligned squarely with his opponent's skull.

COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Alexis with Senpuu Kyaku EX.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////               ]
Ryu              2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\===----\1           Alexis


See? Squished like a fly!
With no hopes of even managing a tumble out of the way this time (but she tries, OH DOES SHE TRY!), the gymnast nearly gets her head knocked off by the ever-powerful foot of Ryu.
Body sprawling forward, she skids along the ground until she crashes into a woman. Said woman was carefully balancing a tray full of drinks, which get sent skyward sending a rain of beverages down upon the crowd. This is where Alexis would typically apologize with a cutesy 'oops sorry!', but all that comes out when she tries to say anything is, "Unnnnghhhhh...."
Inhaling slowly, she drags herself up to her feet. A shaky hand motions at Ryu, as though she's trying to point at him. "You're... tough. Tough is good... but..." A slow exhalation, and she allows her eyes to fall closed. "But so is tenacity!"
With her exclamation, she turns her back to him. Whether this is folly or not remains to be seen, but it's not as though she's crossing her arms over her chest and staying perfectly still either. Almost immediate to her turning away from him, she's flipping through the air with a roundoff back-handspring. As her body agilely springs about, she's angling her downward trajectory at his neck, so that her legs can latch around it in a tight grapple before she executes a full sideways twist as she tries to toss him to the crowd.
It's a longshot. A very longshot. But she's going to give it her all!
(But not for Benimaru! He's out of the fight. This fight... this right here? This is all hers, win or lose, team or no team.)

COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Alexis' Yurchenko Toss.

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////               ]
Ryu              2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|====---\-------\0           Alexis


Ryu does not advance as Alexis is sent sprawling away - but neither does he lower her guard. Even when she turns her back on him... wily indeed.
The attack that is led into with nary a warning is a dangerous one, of that there is no doubt. Rather than seeking to evade this strike entirely, however, the nomad barely moves, dark eyes tracking the gymnast's trajectory, working out on at least an instinctual level what she may likely try... relaxing his mind, yet focusing to prepare to move with it. Her legs snap tightly around his neck, and in the same moment that Alexis throws herself sidelong, that the leverage begins to rob him of his footing, both of the nomad's gloved hands snap together, equally tightly slamming onto the outsides of her legs. As tightly as she grips, the nomad grips right back, and as he's hurled up, and around.... that tight hold keeps him from sailing clear, turning it into more of a tandem somersault as he finally releases and lands just beyond her, rolling up into a crouch from one shoulder, and pushing swiftly back to his feet.
Tenacity counts for more than a little - but Ryu returns it in spades. Leaping forward that single stride that seperates them, he seeks to capitalize on the deflected offensive as well as he can. One hand snaps for the front of the young warrioress' shirt, and should his grip be found? There would only be time to lock stern gazes for an instant before Ryu dropped his weight backwards, launching a leg upwards for her midsection to add to the leverage, intent on sending the gymnast flying up, up, and away, back towards the other edge of the arena in a sudden, forceful sacrifice throw.
"HYAAAAAH!"

COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Alexis with Tomoe Nage.
-* CRITICAL HIT! *-

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///                           ]
Ryu              1/-======/=======|=======\======-\1           Alexis


Okay... ow.
The already bruised ribs just about crumble under the power of the unexpected kick. Up up and away she goes, sailing high above the crowd. Far, far into the distance to CRASH /through/ a roof, plummet down a flight of stairs, and roll out onto the ground once more. It's like an all out game of Alexis pinball.
She lays there, broken and bloodied.
Her hand gets trampled upon as several people in the crowd rush over to make sure she's still alive.
"YEAAAAAOOOOOW!!!!" If she wasn't already in enough pain, that certainly did the trick! Yelping, scowling, and really wishing she was the type to curse so that she could let loose a string of curses that would bolster her back to her feet.
Through the crowd, she can be heard with a slightly wavering, pained voice, "Y... you /so/... owe me this..."
Now, here's hoping that he obliges nicely. After all, it is a tournament and he's not likely to stand still... but if she's going to get squished like a little insect, she wants to at least go out on /her/ terms.
Dragging her bruised, battered, and broken body back toward the much more powerful fighter, she looks up at him. She's in a great deal of pain, that much is obvious even without the wince or the lip tremble. But she's gotta do it. She's gotta do her best (NOT FOR THE TEAM... UGH! DEFINITELY NOT FOR THE TEAM! SHE'S GOT HER OWN REASONS!), because without doing her best, she's going to fail herself.
And so it is that her hands reach out, just a grab in an attempt to draw Ryu into a piledriver position. Oh, she knows that the chances of this /actually/ working are slim. Probably slimmer than the chance of her surviving even this long in a fight against someone like him. Still...
... if she manages to grab him up into the hold, she forces her body to jump into the air so that she can execute a 180 flip rotation.

COMBATSYS: Alexis can no longer fight.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              1/-======/=======|


COMBATSYS: Ryu dodges Alexis' Arabian Frontflip.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu              1/-======/=======|


Alright. Ryu /may/ have underestimated the aerodynamics of his opponent. That, or the lithe gymnast's attempts at evasion went /horribly awry/. It's not often he's utterly stunned by the impact of his own assault, but this gets tallied up there as one of them. Where did she /go/? Ryu stands agape upon recovering from the rolling throw, and once Alexis finally recovers, well... his attitude shifts a bit. He just can't keep this up without risking reneging on his own promise! For the nomad, that disciplined compassion, such as it is, is quite important indeed... and so when Alexis comes at him again, his motions are lightning fast, "There is no debt here." He replies calmly, twisting as she grapples in, dropping one hand to her wrist to guide the momentum aside with as much gentle grace as he can manage.... perhaps she'll come at him again, but he's relatively sure these are the last bits of fight the defiant girl has in her, just this instant. He doesn't move to evade further, intending to make her transition to the ground a bit more gentle should she fall away from the effort... but his guard does not fully drop. Does it ever?
... well there was the time Sakura beaned him in the head with a rock while he was asleep, "You fought hard, all of you did, your should be honored... but this fight is over." They made their own window, even past the loss of their teacher, but in the end the unified spirit and efforts of the nomad's teammates holds true... even over the sheer overwhelming femininity of Nikaido's entire team!

COMBATSYS: Ryu wanders on to find the next challenge.


"B-but..." Alexis' lip wobbles outward as he shifts so easily away from her grasp. All her remaining energy seems to drain from her at once, along with all the color in her face.
The pain is finally settling in.
"N-No! You... you owe me! I... I want a fight when... when the tournament is done!" And pain-filled peridots look up at the Ansatsuken master in a somewhat pleading fangirly manner... though more pained than anything else, really.
He may feel that there's no debt, but the gymnast obviously feels that she could have done better, and has this burning need to show him that she's not just a pushover!
She is, however, in agreement. The fight is over. There's not a chance, injured as she is, that she can throw a pebble let alone get up and try pummeling him again with her strange little unconventional technique.
Her footing slips, and she starts to falter forward, her knees hitting the ground with the rest of her body following in short order. Once her wrist is let go of, she just lets it drop and waits for one of the medics to notice that she's in need of assistance.

Letting her down gently, in the literal sense, seems to have been the right way to go... not everyone is looking to rip out his throat or flay his mind with Psycho Power, after all! Ryu makes sure Alexis topples with a bit more grace than another faceplant, which is the least he can do after flinging someone into /someone else's house/. Nodding once, the warrior in the white gi takes a step back, "Continue honing your talent, you will find me again." And he will not refuse her challenge to spar - that much, also, he can offer. Perhaps it will be the other way around, but such currents are difficult to predict - but he is certain paths will cross once more.
His smile returns, and he scans over to Benimaru, and Naerose, then his own teammates, who he moves to take his place beside, and help his beleagured comrades appreciate the victory, and the jovial and overly robust crowd. Also, it's really time for a /drink/... and that food smells good! Oh maaaaan. The Wanderer and Naerose will now engage in the most ancient and important of contests: DEVOURING IT ALL.

Log created on 19:15:36 12/07/2008 by Alexis, and last modified on 10:33:28 12/09/2008.