Description: In her journey through the Koreas it seems that a fight that was probably destined to happen finally does indeed.....happen. Takako keeps moving on to prove herself by challenging all fighters and Kim Kaphwan finds himself dealing with a little girl that is much tougher than she looks.
How did Takako reach South Korea from North Korea? Well, she walked.
The young fighter has issued her challenge ahead of time, and now that she has arrived at the Kaphwan dojo, she has brought with her a small camera crew. Takako has failed to achieve victory against the Legendary Wolf, but her determination and spirit has shone through regardless. Apparently entirely unphased by the fact that she lost, she had simply dusted herself down, and carried on to the next obstacle.
Kim Kaphwan is likely the best practicioner of Tae Kwon Do in the world, and certainly the most famous. She would be doing Korea a disservice if she did not challenge him. And whilst she is not a fan of Korea, she is also not one to dishonor others without a reason.
Except Arshe. She may never be rehonored.
The sun has been up for a few hours, but it is still very much morning when she arrives. Bokken over her shoulder, intent on walking into the dojo and locating the man to whom she had sent her letter.
Mr. Kaphwan.
They say you are spirit of justice. Your justice spirit has yet to clash even once in this, the league of neo! I am currently ranked --seco-- third in the league. I will be of fighting you this Saturday in the morning I pass through the place you are. Prepare!
Yours sincerely,
Fujiwa Takako.
The letter was a bit of surprise. One that Kim was not fully expecting despite the fact he has heard of the small fighter that has been traveling about up north. One that apparently has no fear and wishes to do battle with only the best. Well who is he to decline such a request when she obviously wishes to better herself? That and on top of it maybe he can instill a few bits of JUSTICE as he gives her the fight she so desires. There is nothing to lose and he would be able to help change a young girl's life! WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
The TKD master was up bright and early for the match and was already training much to the dismay of the men that he is rehabilitating. That means their morning has started earlier as well. He has already put in a good hour of training by the time Takako would show up. Even with the workout he seems to be full of energy and all smiles while his 'students' right now look like they just want to go back to bed. Something they might be able to finally do given that Kim is soon distracted.
"HELLO! Welcome to my dojo!" he shouts as he rests a hand on his hip then gives a thumbs up to Takako when he finally sees her. It is his first real look at the young lady and he is surprised at how tiny she really is. Sometimes the smallest of dogs have the biggest bite, though! Kim himself is not a large man, but he has fell several opponents bigger than him. To underestimate Takako would be an insult. "I have been preparing for you!"
COMBATSYS: Kim has started a fight here.
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Kim 0/-------/-------|
Takako expects nothing less! She is glad that Kim is taking her seriously; that he is training, too! It is reassuring to know that there are other people in the world who demand as much of themselves as she does. To slow down, to stop, to rest... these things are for other people! The weak, and the undedicated. To master her art will require years upon years of gruelling hard work. It has already demanded years of her young life, and she has only just started to feel like she is making progress in the battle against mediocrity.
"It is an honor to meet you, Master Kim Kaphwan." She says, coming to a stop a respectful distance in front of the Tae Kwon Do Master. Her hands clasp together, and whilst he gives her a big thumbsup, she bows low in respect instead. She is a serious little thing, and whilst she is indeed quite small... there's not a single sign that she is intimidated as she straightens to face the Master, and draw her wooden practice sword.
"It is good to be here. I promise that I will give you my very best, and I hope that you will do the same." She works her shoulder back, stretches her legs briefly, and then returns to her stance. As always, she is in no rush to catch her opponent off guard, nor to claim any kind of unfair advantage; she won't move to strike until he indicates that he, too, is ready to begin.
wild
Hmm, she does seem rather on the serious side. He is more used to the likes of May Lee or Chae Lim. Someone that is usually a bit more peppy and not so serious over a fight. This isn't a bad thing, but certainly one he isn't used to. He is quick to clasp his own hands together and return the bow with one of his own. It has been quite some time since he has actually done that to start a fight, but he does so to show respect to Takako.
He then straightens back up and he grins. "Right! Let us begin!" he declares as he readies himself as well. He lightly hops about on his feet as he keeps his hands somewhat raised. He keeps stays where he is for now and instead seems more intent to let Takako come at him and show him what she has. She probably has at least seen a few videos of him fighting to know what he can do, but he has not seen the young woman in action and would rather feel her out a bit first and see just how tough of a cookie she really is.
Takako is indeed a serious sort. It can be very offputting to those used to dealing with more cheerful fighters. She doesn't think any less of Kim for being informal; informality itself is not the enemy. Slackness is the enemy, and... Kim is clearly not a slack man! His talent in fighting is also quite undeniable. Perhaps whens he has achieved the kind of success he has, she will calm down as well.
It seems unlikely, though.
When she is sure Kim is ready, the girl steps forwards. There's no hesitation, no restraint. It is time to enter the fray, and demonstrate what it is she can do! She comes in hard and fast, her sword swinging around with her, as she aims to impale the weapon into Kim's midsection. He's a kicker, so her instinct is to try and get in close and quick, and if she has any say in the matter, she won't be retreating; keeping the forward momentum up to stay close to the older, larger man. She can be quite a frustrating target like that!
COMBATSYS: Takako successfully hits Kim with Medium Strike.
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Kim 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Takako
She comes in quick and Kim looks ready to be on the move. There is a bit of a timing issue in the fact it seems he doesn't realize just how quick Takako is in closing the distance. He lets out a 'oof!' when the bokken jams into his stomach as he is staggered back a few steps. Not enough to take him down, but if he is well aware now of the kind of power she can put behind her strikes. He might have to be a bit more careful not to make a mistake like that again. Even so that grin doesn't fade and he nods. "Pretty fast!"
The fact she is trying to stay in close is actually something he is fine with as well. He is a kicker, but he prefers a more close quarters fight than someone that would prefer to stand back and throw energy at him all day. He can adjust his fight plan alot better when dealing with someone like this. It also seems Takako is about to get her first real taste of the kicking power of Kim as well. It is a quick one to test her reflexes. The small ones are usually quick so he will just have to go for quick strikes and keep her on her toes by his guess. His left leg quickly lashes forward, a quick kick aimed to hit Takako right in the shoulder should she not be able to get out of the way.
COMBATSYS: Kim successfully hits Takako with Snap Kick.
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Kim 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Takako
Takako brings her sword swinging around, drawing it back as Kim comes in for the kick. Unfortunately, she's too slow to manage to turn the attack aside, and she winds up getting hit pretty clear across the shoulder. The blow has her stumbling back a couple of paces, and she hmphs. "You are as well!"
She's frustrated... but she's not angry with Kim, she's angry with herself. She saw that coming! She should have been able to defend! It is time to do better! %r The smaller fighter turns her other shoulder to him, and comes in again. This time, she leads with her sword, but she doesn't overcommit herself. Trying to react to the flow of the fight, she aims a slapping smack below, but the real attack is a pair of slashes to the torso, with her weapon being drawn back in a sweeping motion after, to try and dissuade errant Kim-feet!
COMBATSYS: Takako successfully hits Kim with Killing Flurry.
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Kim 0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0 Takako
Quick, but he isn't quick enough. Even after delivering that quick kick he has a hard time getting himself properly rebalanced to deal with the quick strikes that aim to batter his torso. Both strikes land solidly and there is a visible wince as Kim is a bit taken by surprise at how hard she can actually hit despite her size. Maybe he will have to be more careful and rely less on his actual speed and concentrate more on just trying to deflect the strikes that come his way.
He does hop back a few steps to try and give him some breathing room for a moment at least. That sword does give her some extra reach so it isn't like moving back will buy him much time. Especially if she continues to press forward. Of course he might catch her by surprise just for the fact it isn't the feet she has to worry about this time. More so the fact Kim is Looking to grasp her top with a hand and then plant a foot behind one of her legs as he looks to just do a rather quick takedown and get the young fighter off her feet. She might be much less dangerous that way.
COMBATSYS: Takako fails to interrupt Sakkyaku Nage from Kim with Kami's Roar EX.
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Kim 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0 Takako
Takako has learned the hard way that she is particularly vulnerable to being thrown around. The thing is... honor also dictates that she shouldn't /dodge/. Her father had always been very clear on the fact that a true practicioner of Fujiwa-style Kendo weathers the assaults of their enemies and comes through it to deliver their own assault.
So she actually lets Kim grab her, and she draws her head back. "HYAAAAAAAAAAA--- aahaahahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
That was Takako preparing to slam her head into Kim... and instead bouncing her face directly off the floor. Her nose is bloodied pretty badly, and she rolls away to get back up to her feet, shaking her head. "Gahn. Don't... count me out yet!!" She shouts, trying to reclaim some manner of dignity after /headbutting the floor/.
Kim just might not realize just how much danger he was in for a moment there. The fiesty young lady was about to be the one that got him by surprise only to instead find herself a bit too late in getting the drop on him. Perhaps grounding her was a good idea. Of course now she might be a bit more expecting from now on in knowning that the TKD master isn't afraid to grapple at times and not just use his feet. "Of course not! I never would have thought that!" he responds and he gives another infectious grin. Anyone brave enough to seek out fighters like Kim and challenge them aren't going to be easy pickings. Determination alone can often keep a fighter standing for quite some time.
He is also by no means holding back. Sure he gives Takako time to get back to her feet, but once she is he is already on the move once more. He kept himself somewhat close, but out of range where she could have perhaps taken a swing at him even from the ground. Of course that distance is closed upon quickly by the elder fighter. "So why are you challenging everyone? Proving something to yourself? Improving you own style? All of the above!?" he asks as he unleashes another quick kick, this one aimed low to it a leg and possibly take it out from under her.
COMBATSYS: Takako endures Kim's Medium Kick.
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Kim 0/-------/---====|=======\=------\1 Takako
Takako walks forward into the kick, and it crashes into the side of her leg. The girl does not go down, however. She doesn't... really seem to notice the kick. In truth, it really does hurt, but the bruise is a small price to pay. Both hands grasp her sword tightly, and the training weapon is carefully brought back into position.
"I am challenging myself. To become better tomorrow than I am today. You are a powerful fighter! But, the real opponent... in ANY fight... is yourself!"
There haven't been many times when she has tried to explain herself in the middle of a fight, but there it is. The real reason why she has pushed herself to seek out the strongest, and why the fight that she loses so much does not bother her at all. On some lips, it might sound corny... but Takako has developed self-betterment into the very focus of what she is. She truly believes it! And whilst she has nothing to prove, to herself or to anyone else... she'd be lying if she said she didn't hope to obtain approval for her attitude; validation for her choice.
And with a sweeping motion, the bokken comes up and around, aiming to catch Kim, and hurl him into the air of the dojo...
COMBATSYS: Kim blocks Takako's Fujin's Echo.
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Kim 0/-------/--=====|=------\-------\0 Takako
The response is an interesting one. Corny perhaps? Well, given the sort of lines Kim often gives he can't ever really call it that. When he really thinks on it he never considered himself as his real opponent. It is an interesting way to look at things. On top of that it makes him start to ponder perhaps a bit too much given there is a fight happening right now. Kim almost pays for it in fact as he has very little time to deal with the strike sent his way. He hops back while raising a leg, letting the bokken slam against the shin as he looks to push off the wooden sword and put some distance between them once more.
"That is a good reason! It is a fair and just reason too! It is good to hear such an answer come from yo." he says and gives her another quick thumbs up. He is really liking this girl. A shame she seems to have her own path to walk. She could perhaps become a good weapon of JUSTICE if he met her earlier in life.
He seems to be favoring the leg he just took the blow to, but he hasn't lost too much speed. He moves in quick again and then at the last moment there is a sudden burst of speed as he looks to flip backwards and deliver a powerful kick to the jaw of the young woman as Kim goes skyward and uses his momentum to somersault back and away.
COMBATSYS: Takako blocks Kim's Hien Zan EX.
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Kim 0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0 Takako
Interestingly, Takako has never thought of herself as the Just sort. She doesn't particualrly care about heroes or villains. She doesn't even really think of herself as a good person. She is a fighter - she fights, to become the best fighter that she can be. In the same way that an athlete pushes themselves, not for any higher purpose than to be the best that they can personally be. If there is one thing that Takako has, though, it is focus. Whilst Kim is distracted by the implications of what she said... the girl herself pushes the accusation of justness back in her head, and pushes herself into the fight.
The smashing kick is met by the flat of her sword, and it sends a shock through her shoulders. The girl stands firm, and closes her eyes. For a moment, she doesn't move at all.
When she comes forwards, it is with one of the shouts that Kendo artists are so famous for on her lips. "HYAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" And the blade is crashing around as Kim lands. Probably too slow to catch him entirely by surprise... but her aim is not subtle, it is to smash through Kim's guard in a series of three, swift, brutal strokes. One after the other.
"What about you?" She shouts, through the motion, "Why do YOU fight me, KIM KAPHWAN?!" She doesn't mean it to sound like an angry accusation... but her voice is rising with the intensity of the match.
COMBATSYS: Takako successfully hits Kim with Violent Hurricane.
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Kim 0/-------/-======|===----\-------\0 Takako
"Why do I fight you?" he asks and actually looks perplexed as if she should already know that answer. Of course he isn't really able to give his answer right off the bat. He is set tryiing to defend himself from the series of blows aimed his way. His feet may be doing well in delivering blows, but they seem to be betraying him when it comes to trying to use his fancy footwork to stay out of reach of that bokken. Even attempts at a proper defense to slow those strikes never get set up and the young woman manages t deliver several solid blows.
"I fight for Justice!" he replies as if that might be the end all explanation for what he does. At least he seems to elaborate some. "Not all people are like us. They are not gifted with physical prowess or even an iron will or determination." he says. Even if he is looking a bit battered now he straightes full up as he almost looks to be getting into full speech mode. He makes a fist and raises it high. "I look to train those that wish to help me and rehabilitate those that went down the wrong path in life. My strength is my family and friends. My strength comes from my ideals. MY STRENGTH IS JUSTICE!"
It seems he is nice and worked up now. He does at least remember he is in a fight and he quickly drops back down into his fighting stance. "I hope that answers your question! Now let us continue!" With that being said he takes to the air again, his body twirling about as he extends a leg outwards aimed at coming downwards to strike the top of Takako's head as he lands on the ground in a split. "Hooooo'haaaah!"
COMBATSYS: Takako endures Kim's Hangetsu Zan.
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Kim 1/-------/=======|=======\=------\1 Takako
Takako stands absolutely firm as Kim's foot comes down for her. The girl is tough! There's no denying that. She's managed to get several good hits in, and whilst she doesn't have much else, she does have that /fighting spirit/. The quality which pushes her above and beyond most people. The blow strikes true, but her only response is to grit her teeth.
The girl is actually a little surprised by how much that had hurt. She feels strangely weightless, like a ghost. But she knows that really, this is because her brain is stepping in. 'No, Takako', her brain says, 'That is enough. You've been getting hit a lot lately, sit down and have a rest'.
'Shut up, brain'. Her heart answers. 'I'm not DONE yet!'
"It... is, a good, answer." She growls.
"Now let me show you, what I can do!"
She steps forwards, and her knee buckles. For a moment, she is looking Kim right in the eye. Oof! Okay, that wasn't expected. Shut UP legs, you aren't allowed to stop working yet!
And with a mighty ... grunt of pain, she brings her sword up, a *surprising* amount of strength in such a small package... but she really is determined to sweep Kim off his feet.
Literally.
COMBATSYS: Takako can no longer fight.
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Kim 1/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Takako successfully hits Kim with Fujin's Echo.
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Kim 1/------=/=======|
And up he goes!
Takako *springs* up after Kim, and though she's a little wobbly in the air, she holds one hand in front of her, steadying her aim and closing one eye. Now that she's only looking at one Kim, she can aim properly.
Her bokken clubs around Kim seven times in total, battering him this way and that, in a blindingly fast motion. When she hits the ground, she actually manages to stay standing... for a second. And then her legs topple out from under her, and she faceplants the floor for the second time this fight.
"Oooohnnnn...."
There was some extra pep in the kick delivered. Something that should have downed the girl. Or at least Kim thought it would be enough. Given her tenacity to the whole situation he wasn't quite sure what would happen. It is amazing how tough some fighters can be at times and how often Kim finds himself surprised by alot of the new blood he encounters. He is scrambling to his feet after realizing Takako isn't down and out just yet and he finds limited time in getting his leg up to absorb the sweeping blow much like he did earlier.
Instead he finds himself going skyward from the momentum of the strike as Takako seems to turn into a small ball of hate and pain. One that batters him quite good with the bokken. Kim is really starting to realize it was good to get some training in this morning to loosen him up. If he came into this more tense things could have gone alot worse than this.
He lands hard and lays there for a few moments, but as he starts to get up he sees Takako still on her feet.....for just a few moments. She faceplants on the ground soon after as the TKD master looks to be a bit hobbled by the punishment he took. "Such an interesting girl." he murmurs to himself as he walks over. He hopes she doesn't take offense to the fact he picks her up while unconcious and gets her to a bed for a bit. She deserves a nice rest.
COMBATSYS: Kim has ended the fight here.
Log created on 11:04:23 05/19/2012 by Kim, and last modified on 19:49:20 05/19/2012.