Description: For all the appeal of contemplating sweeping strategies with leaders and masterminds in an airborne fortress, Alma Towazu finds himself far more content to showcase the emerging talents of those students and volunteers who have supported and trained with the YFCC since its inception. Abel, Sonozaki, and Momoko rise to the community center's open challenge, and the group engage in a charity exhibition match, for which Alma ends up having to write even longer poses, though at least he is compelled to make with less internal monologue.
Upon some reflection--
"Welcome, friends and supporters!"
Alma prefers good works on a smaller scale.
The Scarred Beauty of Southtown stands before a thickening crowd of minglers, debutantes, and curious walk-ins, the usual cross-class crowd that YFCC events manage to draw, a community organizer's dream of diversity and social opportunity. Dressed in his usual slim-tailored suit, the elegant young man gazes out at the mixed attendees with a mild but sincere smile brightening his discolored, well-formed face, lit by the late-afternoon sun streaming through the bay windows into the center's lobby. One hand is outstretched toward the crowd as volunteers bustle behind and around him, clearing a central space, and in the other is held a non-alcoholic cocktail, something sophisticated and a little weird, like with ginger and tarragon.
"Thank you for joining us today, for the debut of some of our most skilled volunteers," he announces. Though he plays the part of host, Alma says nothing he does not feel. He didn't expect their students to develop so well; his effort was only to redirect their energies toward good works. But this-- well, this is more than he could have hoped. "Through their efforts in serving the community, extending even to the continued rebeautification of Sunshine City, and their training under our esteemed tutors, their strength and spirit as martial artists have increased exponentially. I am proud to display their discipline for you today, and to offer their ability as an opportunity for up-and-coming fighters in our area to demonstrate their own prowess."
What better way to reach out to other fighters, and bring them together, than to offer the opportunity for bouts with the YFCC's own junior class? Even if they cannot compare to the strength of the YFCC's active members and coordinators, Alma firmly believes this to be a worthy endeavor. Even as he speaks, he drifts back to the day before on the Sky Noah, to his strategizing and broad discussions of vision with Adelheid and Seishirou, powerful leaders in their own right, Alma's betters in numerous respects, if not overall. Still--
Idealists though they all are, and though Alma's vision of the world stands in deadly opposition to Ryouhara's, it is access to moments like this -- the ability to facilitate events like this -- that reminds Alma what he is really capable of, and how his dreams can be achieved in small ways.
"With no further ado, please, those that would like to compete in today's event, step forward and make yourself known!"
This seems like an interesting and fun place to be. At least for Momoko, who was in the crowd and heard about the fighters who are attempting to make their names on the fighting circuit. Sure, Momoko's young and not as big as some of the others might be, but what Momoko lacks in size, she makes up for in her heart... and her optimism!
"Hey!" Momoko says as she approaches Alma and the others. "I'm Momoko, and I do Capoeira! I heard you're gonna have some of your students try to exhibit their skills!" She cheers wildly. "That's great! Momoko would love to try demonstrating her skills with them!"
It took some time and effort, but a conversation with a rather eccentric man that introduced himself as Frei was not forgotten. He had said Southtown may hold some answers for the amnesiac that calls himself Abel. It is a town where many people cross paths and he was even told of a place to visit upon arriving in the town. He hadn't even considered coming to Southtown this early, but the mysterious call and promises of having some of his past revealed had drawn him overseas faster than planned.
It was still a few days before the appointed meeting and so Abel himself had took to wandering in the town and taking in the scenes. Upon passing the YFCC he was reminded of what Frei said and on top of that something interesting seemed to be going on. Curiousity gets the best of the Frenchman today and it isn't long before he is stepping into the building and caught up in a small crowd. An exhibition of some sorts is going on? This should be interesting.
That is when the scarred fighter tries to get himself closer to the front of it all and in a moment of clumsiness he trips against someone and almost goes sprawling out face first. He only manages to catch himself before he realizes he just stood forward when challengers were asked to appear. He looks a bit confused as to what to do for a few moments and he gives a faint and somewhat dopey grin as he rubs at the back of his neck. "Err, hello. I am Abel." He seems to be trying to at least save some face and act like he meant to step forward.
The King of Fighters is raging, the worldwide tournament consuming the fighting world in battles both known to the public--and unknown. But Setsuna Sonozaki isn't involved in that. There was a chance at an invitation... but... call it nerves. She's a strong fighter, for sure, and she knows it--but she isn't ready to get on the world stage quite that fully yet. She's been training, when she can, but other things have occupied her time--she needs to get back on the bike, so to speak.
So an invitational event like this, well... this is just about perfect. Alma's announcements come up, calling for volunteers--and Setsuna steps up, the third to do so. She doesn't look over at Momoko or Abel, though she hears the undoubtedly young voice and the older voie as well, and the taller teen presents herself. She makes quite a sight--black eyepatch over her left eye, the edgelines of a vertical scar just visible--the black straps blending into her black hair. A somewhat severe, aristocratic face is marred only by that patch; she's not clothed as a 'proper' fighter would be, wearing a cotton tanktop, loose over faded blue jeans, belted on with a wide black leather belt, double rows of chrome studs decorating it. She does have a few fighter's accoutrements--heavy leather gloves, fingerless, and heavy leather boots.
"Setsuna Sonozaki. I fight." Her voice is clear, precise, and dead-even, her gaze probably just a bit forbidding.
Alma regards the first entrants with satisfaction, but though his gaze sweeps the contestants, his eyes fixate on the scarred man that seems to have bumbled in almost by accident. Immediately his eyebrows quirk, offering only the slightest indication that the Thrice-Born Hero detects something interesting indeed.
~ The influence of psychic energy? But he's... ~
"Eh he he he!"
As much as the phoenix would like to contemplate the amnesiac's intriguing aura and powerful fighting spirit, he is swiftly preoccupied by a tugging upon his slim-fitting sleeve, eliciting a glance downward from the self-possessed young man. A chubby teenage girl, fresh-faced and grinning mischieviously behind her round glasses, wearing a flamboyant blue bomber jacket studded with cheap-looking fake stars over a pink tank-top with a fruit basket design and voluminous cargo pants, is regarding Momoko with a highly entertained expression. "Who let this little girl in?" she chortles, stuffing her hands in her pockets. "Is this really a fight?"
"Be generous, Banana-chan," Alma murmurs sedately. "She is stronger than she appears."
"Umm..." The quiet, almost shy voice emerges from the administrator's other side, and Alma turns slightly, revealing a teenage boy slightly older than the girl beside him, wearing charcoal slacks and a vibrant red sport coat over a dark high-collared shirt, tailored as slim as the phoenix's own clothing. Indeed, the boy, though his hair is undyed -- by Psycho Power or by other means -- seems to have emulated Alma's style in numerous respects, right down to the hair. "I'm... I'm ready to fight, Alma-sama."
"Takuya-kun," Alma says gently, "once again, please don't call me that."
After a moment's consideration, Alma then smiles, a new light glinting faintly in his eyes as he sets his drink down atop the lobby's counter and steps forward into the cleared arena, eliciting new murmurs from the crowd. "I gladly accept all your challenges," he states before bowing formally. "I am Alma Towazu, director of this organization. This is Banana--" The stout girl, grinning, follows Alma's gesture (and cue) steps forward toward Momoko, winking cheekily. "--and this is Takuya." Though reserved-looking, the quiet young man glances at Alma's hand as it raises toward Sonozaki, and he moves accordingly, offering a slight smile toward the scarred girl. "Please, all of you, do your best."
As Banana begins hopping and skipping around in what appears to be her idea of a fighting style, and Takuya assumes a poised and relaxed stance, Alma turns his gaze back toward Abel, and smiles, though his face becomes somewhat more inscrutible.
~ This man... ~
"Abel-san," he murmurs, "I will accept your challenge personally."
~ ...who is he? ~
COMBATSYS: Alma has started a fight here on the right meter side.
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Alma 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Banana has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
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Alma 0/-------/-------|
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Banana 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Takuya has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
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Takuya 0/-------/-------|
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Alma 0/-------/-------|
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Banana 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Abel has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
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Abel 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Takuya
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Alma 0/-------/-------|
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Banana 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Sonozaki has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
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Sonozaki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Takuya
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Abel 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Alma
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Banana 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Momoko has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
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Momoko 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Banana
"Of course it's really a fight!" Momoko replies. "Momoko's no kiddly-diddly-doo! She's gonna show you what Capoeira is all about!" She goes into a brief dance like routine to show that she knows what she's doing. "Here, let me show you one of the ways we do this!" Momoko approaches carefully, and then delivers what looks like a swift dancing move, but is actually a swift kick aimed at Banana's stomach!
He isn't quite sure what he got himself into, but Abel supposes a little fight in a place like this couldn't hurt anyone. He is just another face in the crowd and probably easily forgotten once he leaves. That is of course the fact he doesn't realize how well Alma seems to be at reading auras of people. The frenchman seems harmless and even his intentions don't seem to be pointing towards any sort of wrongdoing, but there is a sort of unease and confusion in there tainted slightly with something darker.
He glances towards the two girls that stepped forward as well in turn then his attention shifts back towards Alma when he says he will be fighting. "Oh? Well, all right." he says in response and he gives a nod. He wasn't expecting a fight or else he may have come more prepared with his gear. Instead he will just be doing battle in the worn jeans and t-shirt he is wearing at the moment. He straightens up and offers a bow to Alma before he takes a deep breath. "I shall do my best."
Of course he isn't quite sure how good Alma is, but given the man is the one that seems to be hosting the event he shouldn't underestimate the man. It also seems like things are ready to start given Momoko is already on the move. Abel nods a bit and his features turn to a more intense expression as his gaze locks on Alma. The Frenchman lumbers forward and then he makes a quick step forward and dash to drive his elbow into the chest of Alma.
Looks like the outsiders get to go first. A three-on-three match, huh? But she doesn't expect much target switching--it's more like three simultaneous one-on-ones. Should be interesting. Careful to take a line of the fight that won't interfere with either Abel or Momoko, Setsuna recards her opponent--Takuya--with a discerning look--and half-smiles. Raising her left hand, she taps that side of her face, just at the temple--as if telling him to go for her left side.
Then she drops into stance--a hybrid boxing stance, her feet wider than a typical boxer's--and, just as Momoko and Abel join battle, she does too. Her charge is short and swift, as she looks to hammer Takuya in the chest with a pair of right-hand punches, a quick jab followed by a longer right straight, keeping her left hand cocked high for defense.
Time to test the newbies, as it were. She hasn't gone by the YFCC before, but of course, she's heard of it... and this is a great way to find out if it is a potential resource that could be very good for her in a lot of ways... or if it's just filled with poseurs.
COMBATSYS: Momoko successfully hits Banana with Snap Kick.
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Momoko 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Sonozaki successfully hits Takuya with Medium Punch.
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Momoko 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Alma blocks Abel's Quick Punch.
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Momoko 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Banana
The melee begins at once.
Only Alma holds his ground at first. Neatly parrying the Frenchman's elbow, his serious gaze remaining focused on Abel's features, as though seeking something there, even as he defends himself, his volunteers do not fare as well. Banana cries out in shock as the girl she's underestimated slips through her guard, faking her out with the dance-like motion, and plows a swift kick into her belly, and Takuya grunts quietly as, attempting to read Sonozaki's movements, he overextends to avoid her jab and is caught in the face by her straight right, stumbling back. But Takuya, seemingly the more experienced of the two, maintains his stance, though Banana stumbles.
"Together, everyone," Alma says softly, though his words cut through the growing shouts of the crowd. There will be little he can do for them, he expects, and that is as it should be. They will fend for themselves, and prove their training -- and he will learn what he can of this unusual man. Though the opportunity to witness Momoko and Sonozaki's styles is, of course, not lost on the phoenix.
"Haa!"
He weaves once before swiftly attacking, aiming to create some distance between Abel and himself as he unleashes a swift gout of soulfire to hammer against the amnesiac's body and will; though he shifts evasively with a smooth rhythm, Alma seeks to control the momentum of his opponent -- and quietly aims to encourage his volunteers by driving his own adversary back. In the meantime, Banana, adjusting her glasses and archly regarding Momoko in the new light, flashes another grin. "Humph. You're pretty good, Momoko. But my analysis indicates--"
And she leaps wildly into the air, a flash of bright blue chi illuminating her legs -- a power cultivated by the teachings of Frei and Hotaru -- as she spins into a fierce roundhouse kick. In the meantime, Takuya is taking the fight to Sonozaki, a blaze of formless red energy illuminating his fist as he lowers himself and then rushes, aiming to drive that lance of power directly, from a slight distance, into the fearsome girl's midsection, his eyes flashing with the resolve of a fighter making his debut.
"--you're SHORT!" Banana remembers to shout at Momoko, as she strikes.
COMBATSYS: Momoko blocks Banana's Rising Heat.
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Momoko 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Banana
"Momoko might be short, but she makes up for it with her skills!" Momoko replies, grinning big as she brings herself into a traditional defensive stance, deflecting Banana away while stumbling back a little, but regaining her stance quickly. "And Momoko's just getting warmed up! Here I come again!" Momoko flips into a handstand for a moment, then attempts to deliver a downward slashing kick, heel first, as she attempts to strike Banana with her bare foot on the way down.
COMBATSYS: Abel blocks Alma's Sacred Wave.
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Momoko 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Banana
Despite coming off as a bit of an awkward fellow at first it seems like that certainly the case when it comes to fighting. Abel finds his own attack easily handled and has to think fast to keep up with Alma. Even as that energy is brought forth the Frenchman is raising his arms up to try and protect himself as he actually barrels forward instead of letting Alma create too much distance between them. Some is gained since the initial blast slows him for a moment, but at the same time he moves quick enough to try and close that distance.
There is also something that seems to unnerve Abel when he is hit. Something too familiar about feeling that energy lash at him. It seems too familiar for some reason, but yet also escapes his thoughts as to why it would. It certainly isn't similar to that of most fighters he has dealt with since he started wandering the globe for answers.
He tries not to let that phase him though and he continues forward. he is aiming to grab Alma by the shoulders than plant a foot behind the other man's legs as he pushes. He is just doing his best to power the other fighter to the ground. This man looks fast so keeping him off his feet seems like the best way to handle him.
COMBATSYS: Sonozaki blocks Takuya's Energy Lance.
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Momoko 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Banana
Fights raging about her are a good test of her focus and concentration; even as the sounds of exchanges issue around her, she keeps her eye focused on Takuya. He has a very direct style, and Setsuna can appreciate that; hers is much the same way, a style built on the simplest applications of power, the most direct methods of fighting. The energy flares through her--but she doesn't seem to be affected by it. It may be a ruse, Setsuna adopting as macho a stance as any male fighter, but it plays well in this instance--
--as she suddenly reaches out, looking to get a grip on Takuya. That grip, if she gets it, is transitioned smoothly into the casually-clad girl slipping around the young YFCC protege and putting him into a heavy chokehold. Her left arm would lock around his neck, braced against an upheld right forearm--and she'd hold the choke for at least ten seconds before releasing him. It is, after all, a fair fight, not a more violent sort of encounter.
She'll never -go easy- on someone, but she doesn't want to kill anyone needlessly. That's a step that's only taken with deliberation.
COMBATSYS: Banana endures Momoko's Au Batido.
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Momoko 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|====---\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Alma dodges Abel's Drop Throw.
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Momoko 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|====---\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Takuya interrupts Chokehold from Sonozaki with Elemental Intervention EX.
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Momoko 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/----===|==-----\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|====---\-------\0 Banana
It all happens so fast, but--
"Go!"
Even if they fight separately for now, Alma Towazu is used to leading a team. Naturally, most of his attention must needs be fixated upon Abel, and not merely because he hopes to learn as much as possible about his adversary before this battle ends; the Frenchman is swift, and clearly experienced. Experienced, too, it feels, with Alma's own powers, which only confirms some of the Radiant Angel's suspicions. There are only a few people in this world with the power to effect psionic manipulations upon the spirit of another, and-- but there is no time now to think of this. At worst, Alma will hope to discuss this with the man after the battle.
Even as he shouts to his volunteers, the phoenix steps back, eluding his opponent's grasp with grace and poise. Timing his dodge correctly was much more difficult than it looks, but the young YFCC director, even as he maintains his focus on his own battle, the battles of his allies, and the vibe of the crowd itself, does it all in style, maximizing the effect of his presence as a whole. "Very skilled," he says gently, smiling slightly as his eyes flash with the rising power within him. "It's an honor to face you, Abel-san. I--"
Takuya's battle cry interrupts the brief moment. "Alma-sama!!" Alma actually flinches slightly, his gaze lifting heavenward for a moment even as he detects the impact behind him. The young volunteer, spurred to greater heights and sensing the danger of Sonozaki's assault, just barely manages to weave away from the aristocratic girl's grapple. Though the girl's smile is not lost on the youth, he does not reciprocate, focused too intensely on proving himself in battle-- and with a sudden surge of fighting spirit, he demonstrates his potential, emitting a piercing blast of power into Sonozaki's midsection and driving her back, toward Abel and Alma.
"Ugh-- A, Alma-san!" Banana echoes, though hard-pressed by her swift opponent. The somewhat rotund girl in the blue jacket does not appear as fast as Momoko, and struggles to keep up, but with a flash of determination in her eyes, she elects to demonstrate her toughness and grit it out. Taking the kick on the shoulder, she plunges in, aiming to catch Momoko while she's still unbalanced. "Hhhraahhh!" Shouting passionately, Banana's eyes gleaming behind her glasses, she aims to hurl a glowing blue orb of power close-range against her dancing foe, to explode against the girl and drive her back-- also toward Abel and Alma.
"Hmn," Alma acknowledges, focused again on Abel, but his lips curling in a slight smile. Even fighting separately, his volunteers are able to attempt to work together. Admittedly, if their assault cannot succeed, the melee made become more chaotic -- but it is not to their advantage to fight separately, either. "Well, then!" And he lunges toward Abel, weaving in and feinting a high kick that becomes instead a grapple of his own, aiming to wrap his leg around the Frenchman's neck and, igniting with pearly soulfire, attempt to hurl him bodily to the ground with explosive force. If he can neutralize Abel just for a moment--
He might be able to aid his subordinates more directly.
COMBATSYS: Banana successfully hits Momoko with Elemental Burst.
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Momoko 0/-------/-======|===----\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-------|=====--\-------\0 Banana
With something that big coming at Momoko, you'd think a cute dancing girl like her could avoid it. But as luck would have it, she gets hit by mis-timing her dodging by a fraction of a second. And in Capoeira, rhythm is important in moving right, and even the tiniest unit of time can mean the difference betwen success and failure.
Momoko goes down to the ground, but rolls backwards and gets back up, resuming her stance. "Wow, that was really interesting!" Momoko says, seeming quite intrigued. "Let me show you something now!" Momoko rolls towards Banana, attempting to continue her roll by actually rolling into her, and then delivering a swift kick to the legs.
COMBATSYS: Abel Toughs Out Alma's Sea of Flame!
~~ Alluring Hit! ~~
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Momoko 0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/----===|=====--\-------\0 Banana
His hands grasp, but cannot find the shoulders of Alma and Abel is soon left grappling nothing but air. It leaves him vulnerable for a moment too for two reasons. One he is left staggering forward and for two he is distracted by the yelp of one of Alma's students trying to get his attention. That means Abel isn't left with many options when dealing with Alma's strike this time around. Instead he is bumbling forward with that kick aiming to connect with his neck. All he can do is close his eyes and brace for impact as it slams down on him and then drives him down to the ground.
He grits his teeth and manages not to let out a cry of pain as he meets the ground. What Alma might not be taking into account is the recovery rate of which Abel manages to bounce back up and dive forward. Those students might be in over their heads, but at the same time Abel cannot allow himself to come off as a chump if Alma really feels honored to fight him. "You are a good fighter as well, sir. It is a pleasure to meet you. Frei told me to come here." he explains even as he lunges forward.
Those hands of his seek to grasp Alma once again and if he manages to get a firm grip he lifts the other fighter upwards and he then goes to swing him about with such force it almost looks like he kicks up a whirlwind before he goes to slam Alma hard into the ground.
The explosion of power does hurl her back--but she doesn't seem disturbed yet. In fact, quite the opposite; she stops herself short of Abel and Alma's clash, planting a booted heel into the mat. Her smile turns a little more genuine--and a little more fierce--as she regards Takuya. She moves forward two steps, feeling that clash right behind her... and then sets herself.
Power flows up around her, suddenly, a burst of grey, cold wind flaring around her, forming hissing arcs as she sinks into a modified horse stance.
There's a challenge in her eye, one that should read loud and clear to young Takuya--'come and get me'. But is he willing to try and reach through the storm to get at his opponent? It certainly looks fierce, doesn't it?
COMBATSYS: Sonozaki gathers her will.
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Momoko 0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-----==|=====--\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Momoko successfully hits Banana with Phoenix Arrow.
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Momoko 0/-------/-======|===----\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/-----==|=======\=------\1 Banana
COMBATSYS: Alma blocks Abel's EX Tornado Throw EX.
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Momoko 0/-------/-======|===----\-------\0 Takuya
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Sonozaki 0/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Alma
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Abel 0/-------/----===|=======\=------\1 Banana
For now, the YFCC crew appears to have their hands full.
Alma's eyes flicker -- more impressed than surprised -- as Abel weathers the effects of his artful technique with commendable resilience. Gritting his teeth slightly as he grounds himself, as it seems unlikely he'll be able to evade this swift attack, he steadies himself for the throw, and rolls neatly as soon as he hits the ground, seemingly having well-braced himself for the attack and dispersed most of the potential damage. To his side, Takuya, having broken into a light sweat, blinks at Sonozaki's approving stare, and he looks a little uncertain, for a moment ambivalent about how to approach the smiling but intimidating girl. It is at that very moment, however, that Banana cries out, flung back from Momoko's powerful strike.
"Banana-chan!" Takuya shouts, his head darting instinctively over to where his friend has fallen. The girl seems particularly dazed by the Capoerista's attack, and concerned that her moment of weakness will be exploited, the stylishly-dressed young volunteer lunges behind Alma, through a relatively safe zone, and confronts Momoko, abandoning Sonozaki for the moment to head off any possible assault. "Banana-chan, are you alright?"
"...Y... Yeah," the blue-jacketed girl says, dazedly rising to her feet but seemingly grateful for a moment to take a load off. "I'm... I'm good... no sweat, Takuya." Nevertheless, as she takes a deep breath, Takuya and Alma exchange a brief glance, whereupon the older of the volunteers lunges toward Momoko. Aiming to keep her occupied while Banana recovers, Takuya reaches out to grapple the small girl, hands glowing with red chi, and hurl her to the ground.
In the meantime, Alma simply aims to control the space between himself and Abel, taking new appraisal of the man's forbidding toughness. Both his will and body are resilient -- the path to victory here is not obvious. But the Scarred Angel will not let up. Not only for the honor of the YFCC.
He is driven to test this man's limits.
He does wish Takuya hadn't been so quick to leave the spirited Sonozaki behind, though, and thereby leave his flank unprotected.
COMBATSYS: Banana gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/-======|===----\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1 Banana
COMBATSYS: Takuya successfully hits Momoko with Down to Earth.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Momoko 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1 Banana
Momoko's caught and finds herelf thrown hard into the ground. When she gets up, she dusts herself off, realizing that it wasn't her previous opponent that hit her, but a different one. "HEY! Stick to your own opponents!" Momoko yells angrily, shaking her fist. "You got that?!" Momoko steps back, furiously glaring between her two opponents.
COMBATSYS: Momoko gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1 Banana
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits Abel with Light Kick.
- Power hit! -
> Determined Hit! <
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Banana
He finally gets ahold of the slippery Alma, but the other fighter continues to show how good he is in being able to handle the attack while suffering minimal damage. Abel despite all this manages to smile despite having a rather determined look the entire time he has been fighting with the man. "I do not feel disappointed in accidentally volunteering at all." he admits. It is a rare time he has fun like this. If only he could feel this way when he normally has to do battle.
His gaze also quickly scans to see how the other two are doing against the other YFCC fighters that came forward. He just grins some. The YFCC seems to do well at covering one another when one is having trouble. That just might be why he needs to continue to keep Alma on his feet. Even so he finds himself feeling Alma's foot plant firmly against him and actually the force of the blow makes the Frenchman stagger back a step. He quickly regains his footing and then presses forward. He goes to slam a fist into Alma's midsection before quickly thrusting his other hand forward to push him backwards.
Hmmph. Turning away from the fight to help out 'Banana'... Hmph. Is it jealousy or irritation that crosses her features? Hard to say; either way, she is inspired to act. "Shouldn't look away from your opponent," she says, acidly, as she rushes forward--hands darting out as she jumps forward in a low arc, grabbing for Takuya. If she gets her grip, well... then Takuya is going for a -ride-. She is slim of body and arm, but surprisingly strong--as he'll find out.
Wherever she grips--front, back, side--she'll turn him one-eighty degrees. Then, as she releases him, a swirling, grey cyclone will hurl him upwards into the ceiling, or nearly so, to drop him back down to the mats.
"Come on now, you have your own problems to worry about..."
COMBATSYS: Sonozaki successfully hits Takuya with Tornado Hold.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 1/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Banana
COMBATSYS: Alma fails to interrupt Combo Attack from Abel with Divine Intervention EX.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 1/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Banana
Alma's attention has been attracted by the flare-up of Momoko's power. Though he had been preoccupied by the unusual nature of Abel's own aura, it is clear now that the little Capoerista possesses a similar strength. "Miss Momoko," he says quietly, and not unkindly, even as he steps away from his own opponent after his swift kick, "I understand your hesitation, but you must be prepared to respond dynamically to a battle as it changes. If you find yourself challenged, please consider it an opportunity to have your limits tested yet further, in an arena in which--"
And, his focus back on Abel, he steps forward, eyes narrowing as he braces himself for the impact, nursing a glowing power within his half-closed fist.
"--your every effort will be valued!"
Indeed, Alma's own effort is not inconsiderable; he was actually fairly confident he had timed his counter appropriately. But Abel is both tough and swift, and the phoenix's sudden strike goes awry, the fire within his hand emerging a moment too late as the amnesiac strikes him in the midsection a moment, well, too soon. That lance of power bursts free, echoing resoundingly toward the ceiling and dissipating around the windows as Alma stumbles back, flinching, and almost falls from the shove. "Mmn... I should know better than to turn my attention from you," he murmurs, more to himself than to Abel.
Takuya could learn a similar lesson. Banana cries out in surprise and in a too-late warning as the young man, his attention focused upon Momoko, fails to notice the assault until too late. The audience is awed by the tornado that results, hurling the young man high and then sending him plummeting to the earth. But as he rises to his feet, wincing, his friend is already there, the chubby girl huffing with face flushed as she charges toward Sonozaki. "Speak for yourself!" she shouts energetically, rushing toward the scarred girl with abandon as she lashes out with a series of passionate strikes, attacking with all the determination required of a serious YFCC student. "Takuya! L-Let's get her!"
Having just felt how powerful Sonozaki can be, the still somewhat shocked Takuya can only nod wordlessly, and leaving the irate Momoko be for a moment, he also plunges toward his original opponent, aiming to catch Sonozaki from another angle and overwhelm the aristocratic girl, sweeping low with a scything kick to make her stumble and, perhaps, fall into Banana's fruity attacks.
Having calmed down a little, Momoko realizes that neither of her opponents are coming after her again. Instead, they're double-teaming Sonozaki. Deciding to go with Banana again, Momoko rushes at her and says, "Hey, Momoko's your opponent, silly!" Her cheerful attitude returning, Momoko attempts to leap onto Banana's shoulders. If successful, she'll wrap her legs around her neck, twist her neck like a submission hold type of technique, and then fall towards the ground with them... except Momoko will be recovering before she hits the ground!
COMBATSYS: Takuya successfully hits Sonozaki with Light Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\1 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Banana successfully hits Sonozaki with Passionate Drive.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 1/---====/=======|=======\-------\1 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Banana
Abel feels almost a bit bad about the situation. Alma certainly has his hands full in trying to keep the morale of his students up while also dealing with a fighter himself. The result probably isn't too flattering since he takes a rather heavy hit when trying to instruct the other two fighters. Can they handle the heat of it all despite seeing Alma take the heavy strike from the French fighter? It will probably be determined very soon.
Despite it all Abel actually seems to hesitate a moment after landing his first solid hit on Alma. "Should we stop?" he asks while tilting his head. "You seem to be caught up trying to teach while you fight." he says to the man and then his own gaze travels to where the other fighters are. It seems he shouldn't worry too much from the look of it and he decides not to. It is a bit of an insult anyways to think Alma can't handle such pressure.
Abel just narrows his eyes again and he takes a deep breath. Forward he comes once more for Alma and this time he comes with a dashing straight punch followed up by him quickly spinning on his foot and offering a backhand of a closed fist. if he is lucky it is enough to throw Alma off balance so he can grab him and throw him to the ground once again.
Assaulted from two directions, Setsuna finds herself unable to defend--turning from one, to the other, she frowns--and her moment of hesitation costs her,s lammed from one side to the other. The twin attacks stagger her, and she hisses at both hits, then glares at the two fighters with her one good eye. "Ganging up, huh... not what I expected from a fight like this..." But that's her fault, not theirs. Still, she feels compelled to target Takuya, her original target...
And so, recovering from her stagger, she suddenly launches forward, uttering a fierce kiai--becoming a frenized storm of blows as she bears down on the young fighter. Holding nothing back, she attacks with fists, elbows, knees and kicks, a ten-second onslaught of fists and knees and feet, and with the last blow, a double palm-strike, she leaps backwards, that grey wind slashing around her arms and hands as she hurls a pair of man-height blades of wind at the young man--blades that rip the air with a snarling hiss.
COMBATSYS: Momoko successfully hits Banana with Iyan.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Momoko 1/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|=======\-------\1 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/---====|==-----\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Alma dodges Abel's Change of Direction.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Momoko 1/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|=======\-------\1 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Takuya blocks Sonozaki's Divine Storm.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Momoko 1/-------/=======|=======\===----\1 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|=======\-------\1 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 Banana
"No, please," Alma demurs, inclining his head politely to Abel as the man advances. "This is my own responsibility. I could not forgive myself if you held back on my account." Then, despite the pressure his student and he himself are under, the phoenix flashes a smile at the interesting man he's discovered today. "On the contrary, Abel-san--" Weaving about the straight punch and under the backhand, he pivots to the other side and manages to elude the Frenchman's potential grapple. "--I am not at all surprised Frei sent you here, and I am glad you came. We will have to speak more..."
Banana and Takuya's cries emerge from behind him almost simultaneously.
"...s... some other time!"
He cannot afford to look back and check on his subordinates now. Their training must serve them as best it can. For now, putting his all into this confrontation, Alma, his eyes flaring with power, plunges his fist toward the ground and unleashes a pillar of sworling energy, the broad geyser lancing upward at an angle and aiming to catch Abel up in a continuous barrage of Soul Power -- not only battering at his considerable fighting spirit, but fixing him in place for a moment, perhaps long enough for Alma to get a sense of what else is afoot.
For their parts, poor Banana has been flung to the ground. "Banana!" Takuya cries, only to stumble and find himself forced into a defensive position, curling up as he aims to weather the storm of power that Sonozaki unleashes upon him. "Takuya!" Banana cries in response, seeing her fellow volunteer in dire straits once again, even as she scrambles to get herself off the ground and meet potential threats. The otherwise high-spirited girl clenches her jaw with concern and uncertainty, but knows that it is precisely now she needs to make her own decision. "I'll... I'll finish you!" she suddenly declares at Sonozaki, fending off her own fatigue and sparing a worried backward glance at Momoko before charging off toward the scarred girl again, inspiring herself with courage born of concern for her friend. "Huuahh!" And she hurls herself at Sonozaki in a full-force tackle, not a particularly artful strike, though Banana does have the advantage of superior weight. Not that it is kind to mention that overmuch.
This means that the girl does not see that Takuya appears to have survived with his guard intact, emerging from those blades of wind with his sleeves tattered and arms bruised but still on his feet, eliciting some applause from friends and supporters. Immediately, seeing that Banana has dropped her guard and is open to another attack from Momoko, he rounds again on the dancing girl. "Watch out," the quiet boy says softly, before lunging suddenly, and aiming to tackle as well -- but in his case, hitting Momoko with an explosion of force with which he bears her down to the ground, channeling raw red chi into her even as they hit the floor.
Someone's been watching Hotaru's fights.
COMBATSYS: Momoko fails to interrupt Energy Climax Tackle EX from Takuya with Bananeira Dois Golpes.
>> Decisive Hit!! <<
[ \\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Momoko 1/---====/=======|===----\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Abel 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 Banana
Momoko thinks she has this in the bag, and attempts to deliver an upside-down one-two kick, but fails and is tackled to the ground. She finds herself sitting up and barely able to get up... when she does, she's doubled over, struggling to catch her breath...
COMBATSYS: Abel Toughs Out Alma's Full Confession EX!
[ \\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Momoko 1/---====/=======|===----\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Abel 1/------=/=======|==-----\-------\0 Banana
He finds himself grasping at air again and that only leads to Abel feeling himself ready to defend himself against whatever Alma might have planned. It seems that plan seems to involve another swirl of powerful energy aimed right for him. There is no real easy way to get away from it so much to Alma's chargrin Abel just staggers forward right into and THROUGH the powerful blast that throws his charge off a few steps. Off to the right as he goes and his gaze seems hazy as he tries to focus himself on getting ahold of Alma.
Worries about the other fighters or no he continues his assault. Alma is the one that is expecting to see what Abel can do and even if this is just a exhibition he doesn't want to disappoint the man. Frei may also be laughing from far away at the problems that the Frenchman is causing against Alma. There is nothing fancy about what the fighter does. He just rears back with a fist then comes forward to slam it right into the face of Alma at full force as he looks on with that determined look. He has to connect now and throw this fight into his favor if he can help it.
COMBATSYS: Sonozaki dodges Banana's Teenage Dream Tackle.
[ \\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Momoko 1/---====/=======|===----\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Abel 1/------=/=======|==-----\-------\0 Banana
"Not today," remarks Setsuna; she waits patiently for the girl to come at her, then slips the tackle. She makes it look as though Banana just barely missed her--but the truth is she had it 'in the bag' all along. Or so she'd say to anyone who asked. As she slips the larger girl, she turns towards her--a graceful, twisting motion...
... which is combined with a hard, knifehand chop that's aimed for the back of Banana's neck. Surely this action will have Takuya on her again, but Setsuna's philosophy is to deal with the enemy as they come to you--choose your battleground then manuever them into it...
And Banana's played into that perfectly. That the two of them are joining battle against her together, well. It's not -fair-... but that's life. Deal with it, don't whine about it--that's what she was taught. Battles are never fair--there's no such thing.
COMBATSYS: Abel successfully hits Alma with Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Momoko 1/---====/=======|===----\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Abel 1/------=/=======|==-----\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Banana just-defends Sonozaki's Strong Punch!
[ \\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Momoko 1/---====/=======|===----\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Abel 1/------=/=======|==-----\-------\0 Banana
It's down to the wire for the YFCC crew. Though Takuya is able to tackle Momoko to the ground and temporarily immobilize her with a powerful surge of energy, Alma grunts as he is driven back by Abel's fierce punch, for once again the man has plunged through his attack with unexpected grit; the phoenix is able only to brace himself such that the strike impacts against his forehead, leaving his head ringing but helping him keep his feet. Banana, however, with a passionate cry, appears to be giving her all against her new adversary -- though it looked for a moment like Sonozaki would be able to finish her with that decisive blow, with unextinguished spirit the YFCC volunteer deflects the scarred girl's blow and shoves her back. "I, I won't lose!" she manages, adjusting her glasses as she huffs to catch her breath, and with another shout summons up a sheathe of shimmering blue chi about her fist and dashes forward, crying out again as she attempts to spear Setsuna through with her own form of power.
Seeing that his ally is somehow managing to handle herself for now, the quiet Takuya looks quickly back from his original opponent down to the girl which he is still pinning to the ground. "You're a good fighter, Momoko," he murmurs quietly. "But I'm going to end this now!" For Banana-chan, and for Alma-sama, Takuya summons a sheath of red chi about his own hand, duplicating Banana's technique, and aims to drive it down hard upon Momoko's little form before she can escape.
Alma, for his part, cannot be outdone. Shaking his head brief to drive away his own fatigue, his eyes narrow faintly as he smiles again, the spark within undiminished. This Abel fellow is preternaturally tough, more so even than his fighting spirit indicated. There is clearly more Alma has to learn about his opponent's will -- and he moves to test it, along with his defenses. "Hmn!" Rallying and bringing the fight once more to Abel, Alma moves lightly on his feet as he weaves in with a blur of jabs, moving to carefully control the space between the amnesiac and himself -- clearly an artful attempt to keep potential grapples at bay, if possible, for he knows that if he is immobilized, there is no way he will be of use to his subordinates.
Besides, being at the receiving end of one of the techniques he's been able to avoid so far is something he's /not/ curious about.
COMBATSYS: Momoko blocks Takuya's Energy Lance.
[ \\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Momoko 1/-======/=======|===----\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Abel 1/------=/=======|==-----\-------\0 Banana
There's no way that Momoko can get out of the way, so she tries to block the incoming attack... and it works, although it also leaves Momoko hurting even more. How she can still manage to maintain her fighting stance, albeit weakly, is anyone's guess. But it is obvious that Momoko's low on steam, and she'd better do something if she wants to keep it going. Which is why Momoko stumbles backwards, moving away...
And then begins to summon all of her power and then, sends it forth in the form of a large beam of energy! Right at Takuya!
COMBATSYS: Abel endures Alma's Spring Shower.
[ \\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|====---\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Abel 1/----===/=======|==-----\-------\0 Banana
He manages to connect and there is a bit of a smile that forms once again upon the features of the Frenchman. He is starting to feel himself a bit worn out from pushing himself so far, but at the same time he feels pleased about his performance so far. The adrenaline is kicking in and he has no reason to slow down just yet. In case the meeting he is to have goes south this will allow him to practice and have himself prepared for whatever may happen. Of cofurse the downside is he might tire himself out at this rate and might have slowed himself down by then.
Even so he continues onwards and he doesn't seem fully phased by the blows that Alma lands upon his body. He grunts and an eye squints closed as he manages to keep his stance momentarily before being driven back a step. Of course it might seem to be part of his planned as he leaps off the ground and he soon twists about and brings a leg upwards and then down to slam his heel across the face of alma. "Hah!"
COMBATSYS: Banana successfully hits Sonozaki with Energy Lance.
[ \\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Abel 1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0 Banana
Didn't she see this before? She doesn't defend successfully this time--the impact jolts her. And she looks... ragged. None of the hits she's taken have been monumental--but they're adding up, and fast. Even on the losing end of the fight, Setsuna remains outwardly calm. She is, for instance, quite certain that without their little teamup, that she would have had Takuya's number... or at least a much better showing of it.
Refusing to give in to the urge to rub where she was just struck, instead she seeks to retaliate on Banana with a brutal assault, turning her right side forward and snapping her right leg around, aiming her booted toe for Banana's knee--and then spinning around, completely hurling herself through a circle to snap that same leg high, in a roundhouse kick aimed to take Banana right in the temple, a power kick that is almost certainly one that would, with a minor adjustment in angle and attack, a killing technique.
Only her basic restraint keeps it from doing so--but, if it lands, it should definitely be quite a bit of a stunner.
COMBATSYS: Momoko successfully hits Takuya with Esper.
[ \\\\\\ < > // ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\1 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|====---\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Abel 1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Banana dodges Sonozaki's Fierce Kick.
[ \\\\\\ < > // ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\1 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|====---\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Abel 1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0 Banana
COMBATSYS: Alma dodges Abel's Wheel Kick EX.
[ \\\\\\ < > // ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\1 Takuya
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|====---\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Abel 1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0 Banana
Though Alma cannot faze Abel with his strikes, he too is prepared for what is to come, in his own way. The poised stance he has adopted is designed precisely to take him out of range of what his adversary next attempts, and he weaves to the side, neatly avoiding the amnesiac's powerful wheel kick. A bead of sweat trickles down the Scarred Angel's well-formed brow, being pushed harder than he even anticipated by an opponent he knew would be an interesting match. But he must seize this opportunity. Drawing upon a sudden surge of strength, even as he smiles slightly again at the inspiring efforts of his opponent, he unleashes a fierce battle cry as he flows in for the attack, aiming to let his own natural rhythm take over as his fists whirl out in a dangerous dance, designed to slip through Abel's defenses and hammer him down toward the ground, at last launching him away with a final crushing body blow.
Banana, for her part, splits. "Eeagh!" she cries, dropping to the ground and scrambling away from Sonozaki's dangerous kick, the girl momentarily forgetting her training as her courage briefly fails her. The scarred girl's pretty scary looking, to be fair. "I- I'm not gonna lose to you!" she then stammers, as though to remind herself, some of her spirit returning as she gets to her feet. "I'll-- Takuya!!" But she is soon distracted as Momoko's powerful blast fells her compatriot, Takuya unable to ward off this next blast. He falls to his knees, but even as he collapses, he shoots Banana a silent look, which does not in this particular moment say 'Your name is ridiculous.' No, the quiet young man does not need words to express that, this time, she should fight her own battle. The two young volunteers summon up their remaining determination, and both turn to face what are now their respective opponents. Banana, though breathing heavily, summons up another powerful blast of energy, hurling a surging blue orb toward Sonozaki -- and Takuya springs from his crouching position, rushing toward Momoko in a blur of fists and feet, aiming to overpower her before at last he falls to the ground.
COMBATSYS: Takuya can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Banana
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Abel 1/----===/=======|
COMBATSYS: Momoko dodges Takuya's Passionate Drive.
[ \\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Banana
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Abel 1/----===/=======|
Even in her weakened state, Momoko can somehow muster up the agility to dodge out of the way... and then she lands in a slumped over position. "Wow.... that was quite a workout... Momoko needs water!" She looks around and tries to find a bottle of water...
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits Abel with Stream of Consciousness.
[ \\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Banana
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Abel 1/-======/=======|
Almost any other bit of the fight is forgotten. The teens fighting with the students are all in the background and Abel finds himself fully focused on Alma. Even more so he seems to keep pressing on and despite anticipating what Alma might be doing, Abel finds himself caught up in that attack that drives him back and punishes him more than he expected. It grounds him and his eyes close for a moment as he breaths heavily. It has been a long time since he had been pushed this sort of limit. Even so he finds himself being caught up in the thrall of a good fight.
He starts to get to his feet and his eyes remained closed for a moment. That is when he raises his hand and covers that face for a moment as he takes a deep breath. That aura of his has remained pretty normal, or as far as normal can be for a man like him, and unbothered this whole fight. That seems to change as it seems to be spiking and going out of control. That hand pulls down and the Frenchman opens his eyes. Those eyes are almost all white aside from a bit of black surrounding them.
Alma can probably hear a laughter that seems to come from that aura and there is a weird flash. One that might remind him of a certain big chinned warrior that might just be distracting enough to keep him from realizing from the rather angered Abel barrreling towards him.
COMBATSYS: Abel successfully hits Alma with Soulless.
[ \\\\\\ < > ///// ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Banana
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Abel 0/-------/-----==|
And he decends upon the other scarred fighter with a furious pounding of fists and kicks. He doesn't seem to hold back at all and people might wince at the sight of him pummeling Alma before grasping and then throwing high into the air at full force that almost creates another dervish from the power of his throw. He leaps high up into the air and that horrid gaze of his locks eyes with Alma for a moment before grappling him and driving him hard into the ground at high speeds. Abel bounces off the other fighter and lands on his feet breathing heavily. His eyes have also returned to normal and if Alma is in any shape to pay notice that aura returns pretty much to normal.
COMBATSYS: Banana successfully hits Sonozaki with Elemental Burst.
[ \\\\\\ < > ///// ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Banana
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Abel 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Sonozaki takes no action.
[ \\\\\\ < > ///// ]
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\0 Alma
[ \\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Sonozaki 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Banana
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Abel 0/-------/-----==|
The blue orb explodes right in Setsuna's chest; the girl is flung backwards, flipping once, landing on her face, bouncing... her body folding at the waist so that the next turn spins her, where she lands on her back... and momentarily looks to be well out. Then... she rises again, gritting her teeth, her lone right eye blazing with determination. Alma can feel it pouring off her, in waves, intermixed with anger, burning fierce and bright. But as she rises, she also staggers...
But even bent and hunched over, the soul of the young fighter stands tall in stead of her body. Banana and Takuya may have done for her, largely, in a physical sense, but what they did... hasn't broken her spirit. And she's come to a conclusion about the fighting capabilities of the people who are students here, at the YFCC. Still...
She's going to find the time to have a rematch with both Takuya, and Banana. Just not the two of them at the same time. She's not too proud to admit when she's outclassed. Knowing your limitations is as important as pushing them.
That power--
"Hrgh--!"
Alma suspected as much.
But he was not prepared for the full force of what results, could not anticipate what would emerge once the Pandora's Box of Abel's sealed spirit was finally, if only briefly, unlocked. Yes, there are only a few people in this world that are capable of inflicting upon Abel what seems to have occurred here -- and Vega is one of them. But the phoenix has no time to speak of such things; indeed, he does not even have time to raise his guard before the amnesiac is upon him, beating him soundly and hurling him away, sending the Thrice-Born Hero to collapse on the edge of the arena.
"A-Alma-san!" Banana shouts, as she stumbles away, her eyes widening as she sees both that Sonozaki is still, somehow, standing -- oh, man, this scarred girl is so terrifying -- and that Momoko has at last defeated Takuya. "Oh... oh, man... it looks bad for Banana-chan." But, gritting her teeth, the chubby girl pounds her fist into her palm. "No matter! I'll defeat all of you, for the glory of--"
Ding! Ding!
"That... won't be necessary."
Alma, though one eye is squinted shut and he cradles his chest with one arm, is smiling slightly, glancing first toward his subordinate and then sweeping his opponents in turn before settling upon Abel. "You are each formidable warriors, and I am grateful for you joining us today." His words are gentle, almost at odds with the intensity of their conflict only moments before. "I hope you come to challenge my volunteers again, and continue to foster their growth." Whatever sinister aspects Alma may have noticed about Abel, his expression does not reveal them -- but though his smile appears sincere, his eyes are thoughtful.
The crowd begins to bustle at the sound of the automatic timer, and Banana steps away, hesitating for a moment before bowing to Sonozaki and then to Momoko. "Th-Thanks for the match," she matches. "You guys were really tough. I'm gonna take care of Takuya, okay?"
"Al...ma...sama..." the quiet young man murmurs from his fallen position. Alma winces slightly, though his smile only falters for a brief moment. It's at that point where the psychic can see public embarrassment coming from a mile away. Nevertheless, he soon turns to regard Abel once more.
"Yes," he agrees with his subordinate. "And you, Abel-san-- once again, I'm glad you chose to come to us. There is a great deal," he adds, even as he attempts to catch his breath, "I would like to discuss."
Perhaps, as he suggested to Adelheid and Seishirou on a very different topic, it is time to try his hand at 'psychic therapy' once again.
COMBATSYS: Alma has left the fight here.
[ \\\\\\ <
Momoko 0/-------/-----==|
[ \\\\\\\ <
Sonozaki 0/-------/---====|
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Abel 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Momoko has left the fight here.
[ \\\\\\\ <
Sonozaki 0/-------/---====|
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Abel 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Sonozaki has left the fight here.
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Abel 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Abel has ended the fight here.
Log created on 16:32:41 03/06/2011 by Alma, and last modified on 14:08:27 03/07/2011.