Description: Marz sets out to test herself against noted Shadaloo antagonizer, Roberto. Unfortunately, he sees through her cunning disguise! Will this be the last that the football prodigy sees of her, or will they meet again, for more vaguely uncomfortable situations?!
It was after school and the Soccer Phenom of Taiyo University stands alone at the edge of the city. Because indoor soccer practice wasn't today and the brothers were with the baby sitter he had plenty of time before he had to go an evening class.
So Roberto stood here alone, thinking about the choice he's made. His social life. His school work and how it was so different from when he was in High School and His current participation in Taiyo's Gorin Academy program.
Eventually he takes a deep breath and turns around before he begins to head back to the city dribbling the soccer ball as he goes. After all, practice doesn't end for him because he's not on the field.
Marz is out and about again. The girl had taken a rather... sound beating at the hands of Sagat, and though she hadn't exactly been expecting anything else, it had served to dent her pride just a little bit. Looking over the Shadaloo files, she decided to make another outing. This time... she was going to attack Roberto. Having analyzed the available data on file about the young fighter, he seemed like he would be closer to her level.
Of course, she still might need to be prepared to infiltrate Taiyo High at some point, so... she's donned the same disguise she used to fight Daniel. Dressed up in a fuku, with a Hello Kitty backpack, she walks, quite suddenly, in front of Roberto. Her purple hair tied up behind her in a ponytail, and a bright smile on her features. Though her eyes ... might hint that she's not as warm as she would otherwise appear.
"I think I recognize you. You are called Roberto, aren't you?" She asks, arms hanging loose at her sides.
The striker/goalie wasn't paying as much attention to his surroundings as he probably should because he was so lost in his thoughts. The fact that the girl practically appears in front of him causes him to raise an eyebrow before he steps back.
He takes a moment to bring himself into the here and now before looking at the fuku clad girl once more. "Yeah, I'm Roberto. How's it going?"
It's actually a bit of a surprise for him to be approached like that since he hadn't been in the fighting world for awhile. He had been focusing on his studies and soccer career except for occasional fights here and there.
Marz bows low to the boy, before she carefully takes off her backpack and sets it down by the side of the road. "It is going very well." She states, calmly. "I am very glad to meet you. I have been looking for people around my own age who are good at fighting... and your name came up. You have a unique style, and I would very much like to test myself against you."
She turns to face him a little more fully, though her arms remain relaxed by her side, and she doesn't... look like she's in a hurry to lunge in and attack. "I am still learning, you see. I am trying to get the hang of fighting a variety of different people."
The soccer star scratches his head. He's still used to people not taking his style seriously. They see the soccer ball and wonder if he's insane. Perhaps but even still there are people out there who are still quick to dismiss his successes as flukes.
Even still, that doesn't give him any reason not to be polite and so he removes his backpack and places it on the ground before moving back to the soccer ball and rolling it beneath his foot as he waits. "I don't really think of myself as a fighter, but I'll accept your challenge."
COMBATSYS: Roberto has started a fight here.
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Roberto 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Marz has joined the fight here.
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Roberto 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Marz
Marz's smile... hasn't dropped at all from her original expression. Which might, in itself, be quite creepy. When he accepts her challenge, she steps forward smartly, and, without another word, her fist has been balled up and aims to strike out in a simple, single, smooth motion... aiming to plant directly in Roberto's stomach, before she will step to the side.
Marz doesn't bother saying any other words. She's concentrating just a bit more seriously, now, and, after the punch has been thrown, her expression drops back to a more neutral, controlled look.
COMBATSYS: Roberto blocks Marz's Calculated Strike.
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Roberto 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Marz
The soccer star lets his foot roll off of the ball as the mysterious girl comes in with that smooth motion and his motion is just as smooth as he brings his hands together and slaps aside the strike with both hands as if it were a shot on goal.
The side step is watched carefully as he moves around to her flank as he dribbles the ball. Upon getting himself into position, he throws out a quick jabs. Since he doesn't really know anything about Marz and the jab is his best way of learning something about her at the moment.
COMBATSYS: Roberto successfully hits Marz with Quick Punch.
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Roberto 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Marz
Marz attempts to step out of the way of the blow, and winds up getting socked in the mouth for her troubles. She shakes her head, and dances back quickly. "I see..." She murmurs, rubbing her lips with the back of her hand, she exhales slowly, and focuses more intently on the boy, furrowing her brows as she does so.
"You are fast." She comments, settling her arms back down by her sides. "Please... come at me again."
COMBATSYS: Marz focuses on her next action.
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Roberto 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Marz
Short of that one particular attack, Roberto still finds himself trying to figure the girl out. While he's pretty sure that her request to come at her again is a trap, he still goes forth if only to see what his opponent is capable of.
He says, "Ok." Then the soccer star temporarily abandons his soccer ball and moves forward to grab at Marz's hips with a quick motion and then dropping her on her back with a power bomb before kicking her away like she was a replacement for his soccer ball.
COMBATSYS: Roberto successfully hits Marz with Mundane Save.
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Roberto 0/-------/-----==|======-\-------\0 Marz
Marz just doesn't seem to be on top of the situation. Roberto's unconventional style sweeps her off her feet, and she finds herself slammed into the ground painfully, before she is kicked away. With a grunt, she jumps back up to her feet, and shakes her head. Trying to get a handle on her opponent again, she clenches her hand into a fist, and throws it forwards suddenly.
A small, compact orb of psychic energy shoots out from her palm, and aims to strike Roberto right between the eyes as she leaps back in an arc, deciding that... if she was going to get her footing back in this fight, she was going to need to take charge herself. Responding wasn't working... maybe this would help her break her opponents rhythm.
COMBATSYS: Roberto fails to reflect Psiball from Marz with Diving Header.
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Roberto 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0 Marz
Roberto watches as the ball of energy travels towards him. Normally he handles things like this like a goalie. Today he decides to handle it more like a field player. One problem. The thing that Roberto probably should've thought of before he acted was that while he likes playing on the field more than goalkeeping is that he's a much better goalkeeper.
The soccer star dives head first into the ball of energy and instead is blasted into a tree. With a groan he rises back to his feet. "Ugh... That... was a mistake."
While he shakes the cobwebs out he can't help but feel that there's something familiar about this energy.
Marz straightens up, and brushes her hair back behind her head. "Yes." She replies, reaching around behind her for a moment... she suddenly whips her hand forward again, and this time, there is a flash of glittering metal shooting out. The throwing knife- for that is precisely what it is- ricochets off the ground, and shoots up at an odd angle, aiming to stab into Roberto's shin.
Marz herself... is still moving back, putting as much distance between herself and her opponent as she can. She knew what he had tried to do, there... and if it had worked, well, it would have been very impressive.
COMBATSYS: Roberto blocks Marz's Thrown Object.
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Roberto 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Marz
The soccer goalie finally gets his head together. Unfortunately it isn't quick enough that he'd believe that he'd be able dodge the knife. Plus there's the fact that it's going for his legs. He decides to play it safe as he crouches down to snatch the dagger away before it can come close to endangering his scholarship.
With knife in hand he rushes forward at the doll with gritted teeth as bears down on her and then throws the dagger back at her. "I don't want it. Take it back!"
COMBATSYS: Roberto successfully hits Marz with Thrown Object.
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Roberto 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Marz
One might wonder... what sort of schoolgirl goes around with weighted knives tucked about their uniform. But, then, these were the dangerous, mean streets of Southtown. Maybe such things were just the norm around here. Again, she tries to duck out of the way of the attack, but she's just a little bit too slow, and instead, the knife cuts along her side, drawing a pained hiss from her lips.
Exhaling slowly, she straightens up, and tucks a stray strand of hair back behind her ear, straightening her cut shirt, and applying a little pressure to that annoying cut.
"You are good." She comments, "I believe I have a lot to learn from you."
COMBATSYS: Marz gains composure.
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Roberto 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Marz
The soccer player would be all for exchanging pleasantries but having someone take a shot at his legs doesn't put him in the happiest of moods. The gritted teeth however does soften to more of a frown and if it wasn't for his visor, a look of focus would definitely be visible on his eyes. "Thanks though I'm not sure what you can learn from me."
After that he continues his run forwward before swinging a foot right into Marz's breadbasket before following with a kick to the ribs.
COMBATSYS: Roberto successfully hits Marz with Heavy Kick.
- Power hit! -
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Roberto 0/-------/--=====|=======\====---\1 Marz
Marz is taken by surprise by the -speed- of the boy. She finds herself flung forward by the first kick, before collapsing to the floor with a grunt as the kick ploughs into her ribs. She coughs, and forces herself back up to her feet. Though she is now shaking, she narrows her eyes and straightens herself back up properly. That had... really hurt. She had seriously underestimated the speed of this boy, it seemed. Well... she wasn't going to give up just yet!
She advances suddenly, kicking and lashing out with her feet, the girl dances and twirls around him. She wasn't doing too well... but perhaps if she could just keep moving, she could stop him from getting a decent bead on her, and reclaim some ground. If she could just stop the dull, throbbing pain of her injured side, it would be a lot easier to tell if this was a good plan, or desperation on her part.
COMBATSYS: Roberto dodges Marz's Fantastic Footwork.
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Roberto 0/-------/--=====|=======\====---\1 Marz
And then Roberto shows a different type of from what he had displayed earlier. The soccer star practically looks like he's dancing with her. As he lashes out with kicks he weaves, twists, and spins. It looks like almost like a samba until you look at his footwork.
Once you start imagining a soccer ball at his feet, you realize he's utilizing fake-outs, spin moves and cuts to move himself out of the away and then he slips in close and then swings a chi enhanced foot upwards similar to the previous kick although this one is targetting the chin in an attempt to send the doll up into the air. When his foot comes down, his back will be facing her.
COMBATSYS: Marz parries Roberto's Thrust Kick!
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Roberto 0/-------/--=====|=======\=====--\1 Marz
Marz knew Roberto's fighting style... she knew what he was aiming for, and she, actually, makes the connection. Realizing what he is trying to do, the girl seems to leave herself open, coming forwards just as he does, and when he attempts to kick her in the chin...
She falls backwards, the kick comes up and she goes down, the sole of his shoe comes -very- close to her... but her positioning is fantastic! Just good enough, in fact, that after it comes down, and his back is to her... she is coming forwards already!
She slides down and towards the back of his legs, in a mimicry of a sliding football tackle... except, that when she comes up, she comes up in a way that no male would be in a particular hurry to attempt. She twists around in a wide, sweeping motion, and then twists her whole body up! The girl would probably seem to have come out of nowhere, her sneaker-clad foot shooting up from between his legs to kick him, well, right in the chin!
The difference is, she will control her leap, to twist in momentum and land, nimbly, back where she had started. Breathing heavily.
COMBATSYS: Marz successfully hits Roberto with Cannon Spike EX.
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Roberto 0/-------/-======|=======\=====--\1 Marz
And Marz takes a route that is very unconventional. Most people see Roberto Miura's back and go right for it and so when the attack comes right under him his plans are forced to change and he goes to cover up instead. Unfortunately it's too little too late and Roberto catches the foot in the chin and ends up stumbling backwards just short of stumbling into Marz.
While he wasn't aware enough to protect himself he was aware enough to see what move Marz used. When he considers how similar that Marz's energy felt to Aprile's and the fact that he has fought Cammy before, it's enough for the soccer player to put 2 and 2 together.
"You're with them aren't you? The red head already sent her message to me."
Marz blinks slightly, as she twists around and up to her feet, she meets Roberto's eyes, and clears her throat. Straightening herself up to resume her rather... relaxed stance, she shakes her head slowly. "I'm... sorry?" She asks, sounding just a little bit confused. "I honestly have no idea what you are talking about. I had heard you have a strange fighting style, and I wished to test my own style against it."
She clears her throat, and, despite the fact she is breathing very heavily, and... is actually still bleeding pretty nastily from that earlier cut- exacerbated by the heavy kick she took to the side- she doesn't look like she wants to stop.
"I'm sorry... I think you are very confused. Do you want to see this through? I... still think I could learn a great deal from you, after all."
COMBATSYS: Marz focuses on her next action.
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Roberto 0/-------/-======|=======\=====--\1 Marz
"You're from Shadaloo aren't you? That kick... It was similar to Cammy's and that energy felt way too similar to that red head from Shadaloo who interrupted a soccer practice to kick my can in an attempt to send a message to me. I'm sorry, it's too hard for me to believe that this is coincidental." Roberto stops his attack for a moment. Instead of going after her. This time he moves for his soccer ball and cracks his neck. His hands fall to the side as he watches Marz. With nothing left to say, he rolls the soccer ball under his foot back and forth as the two engage in a dramatic standoff.
COMBATSYS: Roberto pumps himself up.
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Roberto 1/-------/=======|=======\=====--\1 Marz
Marz, for all her flaws... is a very good liar. If only because her expression has a tendency not to change all that much, and her tone is very difficult to read. "I... have no idea what you are talking about." She said, moving to pick up her bag. "I've learned what I can off the television, you see... I wouldn't be surprised if there was a lot of similarity in other ways, to other fighters." She shrugs, and sighs. "But. Obviously, you don't want to continue. So I will leave, and go back home. Thank you for the instructive spar, and I am sorry if I... upset you somehow."
There -is- something off in her sentence structure. Her words just a bit faltering, maybe. But it sounds more like she isn't sure what she's meant to say, than that she doesn't believe what she's saying.
COMBATSYS: Marz drops her guard to recover.
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Roberto 1/-------/=======|=======\=====--\1 Marz
Roberto doesn't know what Psycho Power is even though he's had a lot of it blasted into him. He knows that it's not chi but the times he's been hit with it has on some level felt different from person to person with the only difference being Aprile and Marz's energy being so similar.
Needless to say he's not going to attack because she doesn't seem to be pushing the issue further. Instead, he reaches for his own bag and begins to dribble his soccer ball back towards the city. "Yeah this fight has reopened some wounds," he says as he does his own walking away. Unsaid is the fact that he doesn't believe her in spite of her saying the right things in the right tone. Seeing the move by itself would've left doubts as to whether she was Shadaloo or not but the feel of the energy in addition to it removed all doubt.
COMBATSYS: Roberto has left the fight here.
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Marz 1/-======/=======|
COMBATSYS: Marz has ended the fight here.
Marz picks up her bag, and, after a moments thought, she hurries after the boy. "Just a second." She says, hurriedly. Pulling a little cellphone- with a dangling Hello Kitty mascot on it- from her pocket, she smiles brightly, and rushes around to get in front of Roberto.
"Would you mind if I gave you my phone number?" She asks, hurriedly. Her words tumbling out in a mad rush... because she didn't want to /antagonize/ him, and she was still in rather a lot of pain. "I'd really like to fight again... or maybe just, you know... hang out, some time? I did not mean to upset you."
The soccer star pauses as he raises an eyebrow, unseen beneath the visor. He pauses to think about it. First there's the thought that there's someone he suspects of having connections to Shadaloo having his number and that by itself makes him uncomfortable. Then there was that whole situation with Gabriel and that makes him even less comfortable especially since that involved him changing cell phone numbers. And now there's the whole situation with Yurika and while they aren't dating getting another girl's digits might not be that good an idea either.
After adding up all those factors, Roberto decides on a different tact. "How about email address instead? Not exactly comfortable giving out my phone number to people I just met," he admits. Though seriously after Gabriel who would? The soccer star slips off one shoulder and reaches in for a business card with his website and fan mail email address. Might as well keep some distance.
Marz scratches behind the back of her head for a moment, then. "I... guess. But. Actually... I wasn't going to take yours. Just... you know. If you want to talk, we can. But. If you think I'm... out to kill you or something, well, you don't ever have to see me again."
She drops her eyes, then, looking at her feet. She sighs, "Honestly... I'm pretty new in Southtown. We only recently moved to the area, and I probably won't be here long. I figured..." She shakes her head. "It's alright. Forget about it. I will... see you later, or something."
"Uh... err..." Is all he can get out of his lips has he looks down at the business card then at Marz and then at the business card again. As he tries to find something... Anything to say but comes up with nothing.
With a quick whipping motion he slips the backpack back on to his back and then finds himself on a long walk home to Gorin Heights.
Log created on 12:42:07 12/18/2008 by Marz, and last modified on 17:10:41 12/18/2008.