Description: A certain German soldier has been asking all the wrong questions in her attempt to hunt down Noboru Miyama. What will happen when the ninja decides to give her what she wants? Find out inside if the hunter will become the hunted in this week's action-packed episode of A Shinobi's Tale!
The unmistakable sound of an engine cuts through the silence of the warm summer morning, its deep guttural whine banishing the sense of quiet peace that can only be found in such remote locations. The hustle and din of city life is absent amid the fields of golden wheat that dominate the landscape here, the vast stretches of crops fenced away behind worn and rusted fences of barbed wire meant to mark out property lines more than act as any sort of real deterrent against entry.
Franziska stares quietly out over the rural scenery though she's long since ceased to be captivated by the sheer scale of the land dedicated solely to the growing of crops. Her long hair flutters loosely in the breeze, the open topped car doing little to shield her from the wind as it barrels down the long stretch of dirt road somewhere in the back stretches of America's eastern provinces.
The soldier's eyes shift occasionally when small paths diverge from the main road, usually branching off towards distant farmsteads or towering granaries, but none of them have thus far looked promising as far as hiding locations would go. For atleast the tenth time, she casts her gaze down to the small piece of paper resting in her lap, reading the lackluster report that her field agents had compiled in the short time since receiving her assignment from Vega. So very little to go on. It made her job harder, to be sure, but she's overcome worse odds. All this meant was more legwork.
"Kommandant." Franziska's head lifts as her driver speaks, glancing up to the road once more. It takes her only a moment to spot it. Not half a mile off the side of the road, a run-down barn sit half-buried in a grove of trees. If not for the sharp gaze of her escort she might have missed it completely in her distracted mood.
"Vell done," she says with a smile, gesturing to indicate that they alter course and the heavy jeep peels off the road with a jolt, barreling across the open fields towards the hidden refuge. Within a few moments the vehicle screeches to a stop and half a dozen more soldiers pour of of the back, none of them making any efforts at hiding their presence. Stealth isn't really a grunt's work anyways and it's not like her prey wouldn't be watching for just such an approach.
Franziska takes a moment to glance around as she stretches her legs, the muscles cramped from riding for so long. If she wanted to hide in the middle of nowhere, this looks like a pretty good place for it. "Kapitan, take your men und scout zee area. I am not in zee mood for any more surprises today."
She doesn't bother to wait for his acknowlegdement, already striding directly towards the towering doors at the front of the barn. With a heave, she manages to pull one of them aside and a wave of musty air assaults her senses, causing the woman to wrinkle her nose in disgust. "Oof, I do not envy anyvan who has chosen to hide avay in such a place. If you are in zere, make it easier on yourself and come out, ya? Vee vill haf a friendly little chat."
Some ninja clans pride themselves on their signature chi techniques. Others claim to produce the best assassins in the modern world. But the Miyama? The Miyama shinobi are a breed all their own.
Any other ninja might have balked at the idea of clinging to the bottom of a moving vehicle for hours at a stretch. They might agonize over how difficult it would be to sneak into position on a moving vehicle. And if they chose to try it, they probably wouldn't have the grip strength in their fingers and toes to pull it off.
Letting out the softest of sighs, Noboru relaxes the grip his toes have held on the heavy Jeep's under carriage for the past 6 hours. Despite the fact that he is stiff and tired, the ninja lowers both feet carefully to the ground before letting go of the vehicle with first one gloved hand, then the other. For a moment he lies there and listens.
The stomping of boots drifts toward him from the scattering grunts. He can also hear the quiet popping of hot metal from the jeep itself...And there, as he focuses the sound of Franziska's distant breathing near the barn doors.
Noboru slowly works his way out from beneath the jeep and rises smoothly to his feet. His golden brown hair is caked in dust, as is the rest of him, and hangs in a windblown mess about his eyes. Luckily his stamina and strength are such that he never let himself sag enough to get road rash, and he was able to dodge the worst of any bumps he might have taken due to pot holes. There's a lot of room under a truck that size, but he's a bulky shinobi.
Idly, almost dismissively, the big man flicks his single icy blue eye over the surrounding countryside. Mostly empty, the barn, the cluster of trees, and a scouting party of worthless grunts walking in the wrong direction. None of them are even bothering to look back.
That just leaves Franziska.
"hrrrr." Noboru rumbles mildly as he sets his sights on the diminutive commander. That sound is her only warning, however, because the relaxed, stalking steps he starts to take toward the barn entrance are softer than mouse whispers.
Unfortunately for the ninja, that sound is all it takes to alert someone like the opponent he finds himself up against. While she may not be a master of the power she wields like Vega or tap into the subtle flows of energy in the world around her, Franziska has trained her entire life to be aware of her surroundings. The soft growl tickles against the edge of her senses, little more than a minor discrepancy in the ambient noise, utterly imperceptible to someone that lacks her particular talents. But it's all she needs to go on the alert.
Casually reaching up to adjust her cap, the woman's unpleasant expression suddenly morphs into a coy smile. Rather than turn to face the source of the disturbance, however, she merely clasps her hands behind her back in a military at-ease fashion and strolls into the barn confidently as if nothing is wrong.
"Zere is little use in hidink. If you are in here, I vill find you. Save us both zee trouble, hmm? Vee can go somevhere more pleasant."
Agent Ochre wakes up.
Noboru follows Franziska through the open doorway without any sign of trepidation. In fact, he isn't showing much emotion at all on the exposed portion of his dusty face. He just seems relaxed.
Once inside the barn, the Shinobi flicks his gaze to the left, then right. Steady and silent, he reaches out with his left hand and lifts a pitchfork from it's place against the wall. Weapon in hand, he half turns to glance back over his right shoulder through the open door. No sign that the grunts know he's here.
Reaching back he grabs the barn door and hauls it shut with a relatively quiet series of rattles. Not enough to be sneaky, but certainly not enough to call undue attention to this area from those outside. With both doors now securely shut he casually props the pitchfork against them. That takes care of that.
"You will not find me if I do not want to be found." Noboru rumbles in a mild bass. His English has no trace of an accent, American or otherwise.
Slowly the big ninja turns fully about to face Franziska, features hard to make out in the low light. The slight cocking of his head is easy enough to see, however, and is a clear invitation. An invitation to what is the question. Combat? Answers to why she's been looking for him? Who knows.
Franziska's smile widens a little as the doors scrape closed behind her. She had expected her quarry to attack her outright but having the chance to speak with the individual that has followed her is a pleasant turn of events. Despite her prowess in martial combat, the small woman far prefers to engage opponents with her words than with her fists. It is mostly arrogance that drives her to seek out peaceful solutions rather than some deep held respect for life or an abhorrence towards violence, a way to prove that she is better than the common rabble.
Once her visitor is comfortable enough to address her, Franziska slowly turns to face the large man and takes a moment to absorb the sight that greets her. She makes no attempt to disguise her once-over of the unusually large ninja, one eyebrow quirking upwards ever so slightly in amusement.
"Vell, vell, quite zee big van, aren't you?" Unlike Noboru, the woman's heavy German accent is impossible to miss and she makes no attempt to disguise it either, quite proud of her heritage. As if suddenly remembering something, the woman closes her eyes and touches a pair of fingers to her forehead. "Ach, but vere are my manners?" She bows a little, inclining her head towards Noboru. "Franziska von Valken. It is alvays exciting to make new acquaintances in my line of verk."
Franziska stands up straight once more, her bright smile returning. Despite the odd situation, she seems to practically radiate friendliness and warmth. "Judging by zee fact zat you are not a voman, I shall assume zat you are not zee van called Munin. Might I have zee pleasure of your name?"
"Noboru Miyama." responds the ninja in his usual laid-back bass. Though he still remains a mostly vague silhouette, his shaggy head does dip in a slight bow of respect. After a moment he straightens from the gesture and clasps his black-gloved hands casually behind his back.
Noboru is quite a big man. He's truly massive if you take into consideration his line of work. But unlike most large fighters he holds himself with the composed ease of a practiced tactician. His baring seems to deliberately convey as much relaxed ease as possible. Like a master chess player psyching out his opponent. He makes it seem effortless, suggesting that it's naturally how he is, or perhaps he's had an ungodly amount of practice.
"You are lovely, ms. Valken. it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. However, you have been asking questions that make myself and my siblings uncomfortable. If you would be so polite as to cease those questions, we would be grateful." Recites the ninja without batting an eyelash. As far as his expression can be made out, he is utterly serious. There is no amused wrinkles around his eyes, unless perhaps the dimness hides them. His icy blue eye can be clearly seen in the dark. It stares impassively into Franziska's face with all the good humor of a pickaxe to the forehead.
The soldier's smile grows a little brighter at the compliment and she lets out an amused sound, apparently quite intent on making up for the ninja's lack of good cheer with own upbeat attitude. "Vhy, sank you. A voman always enjoys hearink such kind verds." She closes her eyes and lets out a wistful sigh. "I am truly sorry zat I vill not be able to accomodate your request."
Franziska's eyes slowly slide back open and she peers up at the much taller person before her from beneath the brim of her peaked cap with a coy smirk. "You see, I haf been "asked"," she unfolds her arms and makes little rabbit ears in the air with two fingers on each hand, "to seek out and locate certain individuals. Zee van who made zis request is not zee sort who takes kindly to failure."
"Failure is likely either way." states the big Ninja, masked face tilting up to cast an idle glance toward the ceiling as he takes a moment to flex his broad shoulders with a soft series of crackling pops. Despite the direction of the conversation, both of his hands remain clasped behind his back. There is no sign that the dusty man is ready for a fight. However, he is a ninja. That probably means he is.
"Unless you have other plans," Noboru continues idly as his icy gaze drifts back down to the diminutive woman before him, "I will take my leave shortly. If we need to speak further I will find you. I, suggest you let me exit peacefully." As he speaks, the ninja shifts his gaze off to Franziska's left. Is he staring at something behind her? it looks disturbingly like he's staring at her with his bad eye, but it's blank white and clearly damaged. He probably cant' see a thing through it. Probably.
Franziska closes her eyes once more and slowly shakes her head, still smiling as if she were speaking to an old friend. "Unfortunately, I cannot do zat eizer. You see, my... hmm... let us call zem my employer," she says, her hands moving in the air as she speaks, constant small gestures that accompany her words in an energetic fashion that is somewhat at odds with her gentle tone and relaxed demeanor. "Zis person sent me to discover zee location of two invididuals: a voman named Munin," she says, pausing somewhat for dramatic effect before slowly unfolding a finger to point at Noboru briefly. "And zee van who helped her escape. I believe zat is you, mm?"
Franziska's hands return to her back, clasping together gently. "I sought zat if I vas aggressive enough viz my search zat I vould draw zee attention of zee van who vanted to protect zee girl. It vould seem zat my theory vas correct. Now zat I know vere you are... vell, zee only vay to ensure zat you do not change zat is to keep a close eye on you."
Her smile widens a little more taking on a cast that is slightly disturbing considering what she is implying. "A very close eye."
COMBATSYS: Noboru has started a fight here.
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Noboru 0/-------/-======|
COMBATSYS: Franziska has joined the fight here.
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Noboru 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Franziska
Noboru lets out a grumbling, rumbling 'hrrrr' of a sigh as his shaggy head starts to shake. Slowly the bulky ninja pads a step forward, then another. His hands remain clasped behind his back as he shortens the distance between himself and Franziska, shifting his gaze yet again to return his calm stare to the young commander's pretty face.
"As you wish." States the shinobi as he wanders into striking distance.
There is no flickers of Noboru's gaze to alert Franziska what is about to happen. one moment his body language is suggesting that he is about to walk right past her, and the next moment his right foot has planted and his right hand is swinging the pitchfork up and around from where it had been hidden behind his back. The swing is quick and hard, aimed to smack his smaller opponent up side the head with the tool's oak shaft.
COMBATSYS: Franziska blocks Noboru's Random Weapon.
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Noboru 1/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Franziska
The response is much as she anticipated but Franziska lets out her own soft sigh, silently releasing the faint hope that he might be willing to come along peacefully. Her natural charms have worked their magic on quite a few occasions in the past but people like the man before her are the difficult sort that require less... diplomatic solutions.
She waits patiently as the ninja approaches, standing with the same casual at-ease posture despite the quickly approaching mountain of flesh. There is a strange calm that fills the room between the two of them, neither displaying any hint of trepidation or anticipation for the battle that is about to unfold; just the quiet resolve of two warriors squaring off.
When the attack comes, Franziska responds with equal alacrity, her body shifting sideways as she throws an arm up to deflect the deadly instrument. The haft of the pitchfork cracks noisily against the surface of her greatcoat, wood splintering on the hidden plates of armor in her sleeve. Batting the weapon aside, she reaches out to grab at Noboru's wrist while thrusting her other hand towards his elbow in the hopes of catching the arm and locking his joint in place.
COMBATSYS: Noboru endures Franziska's Gelenksperre.
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Noboru 1/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Franziska
Noboru looks very unsurprised when the handle of his pitchfork cracks loudly against Franziska's hidden armor. Letting the weakened weapon slip from his fingers he steps forward into the smaller fighter's grapple attempt. He does not fight her locking up his right elbow, but hard muscles flex beneath her fingers as the ninja tenses his arm to prevent her from breaking it.
Looming over the young woman, the hulking shinobi slips his left hand from behind his back. The Six inch blade of the balanced throwing knife he holds has a dull grey finish to keep it reflecting what little light there is, but it still stands out a bit against the black of his glove. Without a sound he attempts to slip the blade beneath his and Franziska's grappling arms, angling the blade upward to try and ram it hard into her gut, right where the liver is located. He continues to struggle against her one-handed as he makes the attempt, feet braced and muscles flexed.
Noboru's mismatched gaze does not leave his smaller opponent's face throughout their struggle. He does not look angry, or even particularly intense. he just looks like a man doing a thing that he's done fairly often. Focused on the task without being consumed by it.
COMBATSYS: Franziska blocks Noboru's Hidden Blade.
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Noboru 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Franziska
Despite her small size, Franziska is amazingly strong. Even against the muscle-bound hulk of a ninja, she hardly seems to strain when he pushes against her grappling attempt. Realizing that she isn't going to get very far on that front, she instead merely stalls momentarily, waiting to see what his next move will be.
She almost misses the knife in the darkness but the flex of his muscles alerts her to the hidden movement of his fist and her swift reflexes once again save her from being impaled. Releasing her grip on his empty arm, she throws her palm dowards, pushing the blade away from her body at the last second. The razor-sharp edge still manages to get a piece of her, biting into the soft flesh beneath her fancy dress uniform. The tip comes away with a faint red smear on it but Franziska merely clucks her tongue in annoyance.
"And here I sought vee could keep zis civil."
She casually brushes the front of her shirt down, smoothing out a few wrinkles and then smoothly slips back into a combat stance, one hand held out before her. "Vhy don't you just save us both zee trouble and tell me vere zee girl is hiding, mm?"
Franziska darts forward without waiting for an answer, her movement an explosive burst of energy that launches her across the small gap between them in a flash. She brings her right fist up and swings, attempting to drive her knuckles into Noboru's torso.
COMBATSYS: Noboru blocks Franziska's Aggressive Strike.
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Noboru 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Franziska
"hrrr." Grunts the ninja in reply to both the statement, and the question. Possibly even in reply to the sudden fist aimed at his stomach.
Glove impacts glove as Noboru deflects Franziska's gut shot away with a right-handed back fist. His left hand has dropped to his side, blood-tipped knife dangling loosely from his fingertips. The ninja doesn't act like he is in a fight at all. For the most part he still seems relaxed and watchful. He is using just enough effort to get by for the moment. It is a cautious tactic, but it makes it difficult to tell how fast or strong he really is.
Road dust puffs off of the Shinobi's right coat sleeve as his hand darts into the temporary gap he just created in his smaller opponent's defenses. Staring cooly down at Franziska, the ninja attempts to close his gloved fingers around her throat. Even taking into account his size, the big ninja is hellaciously strong. If he can get the grip he will squeeze tight and lift her off of her feet, half turning so he can launch her one-handed through the shadowy interior of the barn. The intended flight plan will take her over an empty wooden crate, two stacked square bails of hey, and land her against a large empty wooden shelf along the western wall.
COMBATSYS: Franziska endures Noboru's Strangulation.
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Noboru 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Franziska
Franziska takes a step back defensively when her fist meets the ninja's massive paw, her mindset a defensive one when facing an opponent of such incredible size. Durable as she is, she knows that a properly skilled fighter can leverage their strength enough that even her enhanced body will feel it, something Noboru seems to be relying on.
But there is one mistake her opponents almost universally make and that is underestimating the depths of her resolve. Some people might call it recklessness or even insanity but she is calculating and shrewd enough to know how far she can let the pedulum swing against her before turning that momentum back against her foes. Even as the thick fingers close around her neck, Franziska braces herself against the crushing strength the ninja brings to bear. Her muscles go taut and power flows through her skin reinforcing her natural resilience to new heights.
The woman goes sailing through the air like a sack of bricks when she is tossed but rather than flail aimlessly she tucks her limbs in, her body smashing through the wooden barrier like a cannonball. The impact sends an explosion of mold and dust into the air temporarily obscuring the far side of the barn. For a moment there is only the sound of shifting debris and cracking wood as the shelves collapse but Franziska comes flying out of the haze soon after seemingly little worse for the wear.
Her friendly smile still firmly in place, the diminuative soldier sails back at Noboru in an almost exact reversal of the arc she took upon being thrown. Her leg snaps out with devastating force, the heavy combat boot swinging in a bone-crushing arc towards the ninja's thick torso.
COMBATSYS: Noboru counters Knochenbrecher from Franziska with Punjab Lasso.
- Power hit! -
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Noboru 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Franziska
Tossing the crazy little soldier across the barn is satisfying in its own rite, but it also gains Noboru time to think. Remaining one to two steps ahead is how he has learned to deal with smaller, quicker fighters. On top of that, this girl is tough. Tougher than he expected her to be. But with a little planning there are few obstacles he can't overcome.
In the heat of the moment it is difficult for a fighter to catch every little detail. Add a thick cloud of hanging dust, and it is very likely that Franziska misses the odd way Noboru twists his right wrist. She also might miss the thin leather cord that slips out of his right sleeve to be held delicately between his thick fingers.
When the commander's flying kick comes screaming out of the dust, the shinobi is ready for it. His right hand swings out and over in a tight circle, the cord lengthening as it swings around and down toward the top of Franziska's head. She has crossed roughly half the distance when the noose at the end of the cord drops neatly onto her shoulders and the ninja twists his wrist and jerks.
Three things happen very quickly. First, the noose around the German's neck is pulled very tight. Second, the force of the shinobi's tug throws her kick off target, and third, Noboru takes a step in the opposite direction, causing the female fighter to fly harmlessly past.
Danger averted, Noboru gives another jerk and twist on his end of the cord to pull Franziska out of the air and sling her roughly to the ground, then releases the cord and balls his right hand into a fist. Jutting out his thumb causes a mechanic blade to slide out of his sleeve with a soft 'snick'. He uses this to cut himself free from the Punjab lasso, then takes a step back from the down woman as his hidden blade automatically retracts back out of sight.
Through all of this the big Ninja's left hand hangs forgotten at his side, blood-tipped throwing knife dangling from his gloved fingers.
The look of shock on Franziska's face when she realizes what is about to happen shatters the mask of calm amusement that she has maintained up until this point. Her hand lifts to grab at the make-shift noose in an attempt to interpose her fingers between the loop and her neck but she isn't fast enough. The garrote cinches tightly and the momentum of her own attack carries her right into the ninja's carefully laid trap.
She gags audibly as she is whipped through the air but it turns into a strangled gasp when Noboru slingshots her around into the floorboards. She hits the ground hard, momentarily stunned from the impact and lack of air flowing to her brain. Her hands claw at the leather binding and she tears it away only moments after being cut loose, her chest heaving as she sucks fresh air into her lungs.
The unsightly display lasts only a few seconds. Despite the brutality of the attack, Franziska manages to push herself to her feet and turns around to level her gaze on her foe. There is a glint of something different in her narrow eyes now, perhaps respect or maybe a far less pleasant sentiment. The woman rubs at her neck for a moment, her white-gloved hands brushing over the thin red line that is already starting to form.
"A rather nasty trick you keep up your sleeve." She bends down to retrieve her cap which has fallen loose in the scuffle, carefully resting it back atop her brow. Slowly, her good humor starts to return as the pain in her lungs fades away and the smile works its way back onto her face. "I am beginnink to see vhy I vas tasked vit huntik you down."
COMBATSYS: Franziska gains composure.
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Noboru 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Franziska
"I am still willing to leave peacefully." rumbles the brutish ninja as he starts to advance on the commander with slow, silent steps. His good eye stares flatly at the woman through the dimness and the dust. There is no fear in him. No loss of composure. But she hasn't punched him in that probably smug face of his yet, so that isn't surprising.
Closing with Franziska yet again, Noboru comes in with a hard, low gut punch, right hand curled into a tight half fist. However, the blow lacks any real force despite the flexing of his arm. It's a faint. The real strike comes from the shinobi's left hand.
His dull grey blade swipes up from the hip in a quick diagonal cut aimed for the pretty blond's chest. This is followed by an equally quick backhanded slash aimed horizontally across her stomach once he has pulled his right hand back.
COMBATSYS: Franziska interrupts Random Weapon from Noboru with Eisenkorper.
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Noboru 0/-------/--=====|====---\-------\0 Franziska
Agent Ochre falls asleep.
Narrowing her eyes slightly, Franziska's smile turns into a smirk at that comment, and not a pleasant one. Though his voice make lack much in the way of emotion she can tell that he is subtlely making fun of her or atleast hinting that his suggestion would be the wiser course of action. Yet another person that underestimates her. This party is just getting started.
"And I still cannot let you do zat."
Franziska turns sideways and thrusts a hand out, meeting the punch and easily deflecting it aside. Again the ninja's clever feints almost catch her off-guard but she is wary now and after seeing several of his tricks in action she has a better idea of what to expect. Rather than dodge the blade, however, she simply ignores it. The knife sniks through the air, leaving a thin gash across her torso that severes her tie clean in half but she uses the time that might have gone into dodging to step into the follow-up.
Wedging herself underneath Noboru's arm, she takes advantage of her small size to get inside of his range and brings her own small fist around into his exposed ribcage. The impact of her fist brings with it a loud pop and a wave of force far stronger than a mere punch should be able to create. Psycho Power crackles around Franziska's fist for a few moments as she steps back and takes up a defensive stance, already preparing to deal with whatever the large man plans to throw at her in retaliation.
"Hnn." Noboru grunts as the psycho-powered punch hammers into his ribs. It isn't much of a sound, but it is something. Pulling back at the same moment Franziska does, the big man gives a slight shake of his head. There is no hint of joking about him as he responds simply, "Then we fight. You are both strong and lovely. It is a shame."
Noboru's left hand has dropped back down to his side, bloodier knife still held easily in that hand. Maybe he's guarding his injured side, he might have some cracked ribs. Alternatively, it could just be an element of his style. keep them worrying about the knife. bring it into the fight now and again to make sure they respect it.
There is no using the knife now. Two stalking steps brings the shinobi back into melee range with Franziska, and he wastes no time. Once again he leads with a low, vicious uppercut, driving a right-handed half-fist up hard toward her abdomen. This time the maneuver isn't a faint. He has the full power of his muscle behind it.
COMBATSYS: Franziska blocks Noboru's Blunt Force Trauma.
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Noboru 0/-------/--=====|=====--\-------\0 Franziska
"Flattery vill get you everyvhere, dear man," she responds with a playful tone.
The woman moves with greater ease now, finally seeming to slip into the groove of the battle. Her size plays a key role in the strategy she employs, keeping her body low and twisted to the side to present the smallest target possible while forcing the much larger man to stoop down in order to leverage his great strength. His attack is easy to read, lacking the same subtle approach that he's used until now and she shifts her tactics to match. His fist collides with her vambraces as she brings both arms up defensively like a boxer. The worst of the blow is warded off but she still loses ground, sliding backwards a few inches from the sheer power behind the attack and their difference in mass.
Rather than release another of her explosive punches, Franziska paces herself and changes up her game a little, hoping to throw the big man off. Riding the force of his punch, she turns to the side and spins, lashing out with a high kick that sends the heel of her boot careening towards his face. It's a somewhat awkward manuever in her tight-fitting uniform but she pulls it off with practiced ease.
COMBATSYS: Noboru dodges Franziska's Medium Kick.
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Noboru 0/-------/--=====|====---\-------\0 Franziska
Abruptly, the Shinobi's entire style seems to change. Having sunk into a deep crouch to handle the height difference, he watches with that same mildly focused gaze as Franziska slides backwards from the force of his blow and starts to pivot.
His duck of the rising heal is perfectly timed. As the kick swings up toward his head he drops down onto his left knee and hunches, letting it pass right over the top of him. His left hand slides the bloody throwing knife into the open front of his jacket while his right hand snaps up from the ground to try and grab the German right between the legs, hopefully before she can get both feet solidly back on the ground. Despite the placement there is nothing naughty about this touch. If the ninja can get a good grip he will catapult her up and over his head to land somewhere off behind him.
If Franziska didn't have a large, combat-ready shinobi going for her crotch she might wonder how he timed his dodge so well when the eye on his left side is apparently sightless. Hell, maybe she thinks about stuff like that While ninjas are going for her crotch. Some people are too dedicated to their work.
COMBATSYS: Franziska fails to interrupt Medium Throw from Noboru with Eingreifen.
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Noboru 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\0 Franziska
Franziska is too busy flying through the air to worry about how such a large man moved so quickly.
The last few moments of the fight do flash through her mind as she careens once more into the floorboards, however. Upon feeling her kick strike air and realizing what that has to mean, the woman turned and attempted to throw herself bodily at Noboru, using her surprising weight (thanks to her armor) to try and shoulder-check him aside. It didn't work out very well. With extra momentum working against her, Franziska only helped him launch her bodily across the room which brings her to where she is now.
A soft grunt escapes her lips as she pushes up to her knees, a somewhat embarrassing admission to the amount of unpleasantness that particular unscheduled flight brought upon her. Climbing back to her feet, Franziska turns and rubs at her face, plucking a small splinter out of her cheek and flicking it aside.
"If I did not know better I vould sink you are flirting vit me, Herr Miyama."
Noboru rises smoothly to his feet, long coat shedding a puff of travel dust. Wheeling about, he is just in time to watch Franziska pluck the splinter from her cheek. There is still no expression on his dirty face, but for just a brief moment his good eye seems alight with amusement that shows clearly in the dim barn.
"Perhaps I am. What will your soldiers say if they find you in a strange barn with a strange man, your hair and clothes disheveled." The ninja's mild, rumbling voice might hold a hint of the amusement that showed so strongly in his eye just moments ago. "I believe I like you. But I will not be speaking to Vega on anyone's time but my own."
With that uncharacteristic bout of banter over, Noboru stalks quietly toward his smaller opponent. He is unhurried as ever, though he does take a moment as he walks to listen closely for any sign that the grunts might be returning. She and he have made a little racket, what with the collapsing shelves and leaping about.
Both shoulders hunched and empty hands at his sides, the big shinobi prowls into striking distance. Low down at his hip his right hand curls into a half fist as if he's about to throw another power strike, but instead his left hand streaks up in a quick, hard half-fisted jab aimed right for the center of Franziska's chest. He steps in behind the blow, attempting to send her staggering backward.
COMBATSYS: Noboru successfully hits Franziska with Precordial Thump.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Noboru 1/-------/=======|=======\=------\1 Franziska
Franziska's eyes widen along with her smile at Noboru's response, clearly delighted that he has finally shown a little more personality. "Oh dear, now you haf gone und made me blush. I hope you vill take responsibility for zis."
Despite the joking around, she moves to take up a proper fighting stance again. Her arm moves to block the first punch but, in his typically sneaky ninja fashion, Noboru's real attack comes a moment later on the other side. The meaty fist plows straight into the woman's undefended chest and a dull thud echos throughout the room in response. Franziska's cheerful expression twists into a look of surprise and pain for a moment, clearly caught unprepared such a powerful blow. She takes several involuntary steps backwards to keep from falling over on the spot, still refusing to go down despite the mounting damage being inflicted upon her slight frame.
"Nrgh... naughty boy... you like to play rough."
She doesn't care that much about winning any more - there will be other chances to tackle this opponent, particularly if she continues to chase after the Munin girl - however, she is determined to wring as much entertainment as possible out of the fight now that she's having fun. Launching herself at Noboru, the soldier-girl attempts to give him a taste of his own medicine, aiming a fierce straight-armed punch at his heart.
COMBATSYS: Noboru blocks Franziska's Herzschlag.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Y< >Y ///////// ]
Noboru 1/-------/=======|=======\=------\1 Franziska
Agent Ochre wakes up.
"Hrrrr." Noboru rumbles idly as he starts to follow Franziska's stumbling steps. Studying the pretty woman carefully he gives a little shake of his head, dust trickling out of his shaggy golden-brown hair. But, whatever he is thinking about he keeps to himself.
The German's lunging straight thumps solidly into Noboru's left forearm as he deflects the blow aside. Rather than strike back he drops into a half crouch and steps in nearly chest to chest with her. Both of his big gloved hands attempt to draw her into a clench by her biceps. If he can get hold of her it will be straight muscle against muscle as he starts to force her arms in against her sides...
COMBATSYS: Franziska blocks Noboru's Chiropractic Therapy.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Noboru 1/-------/=======|=======\===----\1 Franziska
Franziska's smile doesn't falter when her attack is blocked, somewhat impressed with the amount of speed that her opponent seems to possess despite his size. The lab monkies at MIMIR would have a field day if she managed to bring him in somehow though her chances of that are looking quite slim at the moment. It's clear that the ninja is extremely skilled, practically making a mockery of her attempts to land a solid hit.
She takes a step backwards to reposition for another strike but her movements are sluggish and slow, more due to fatigue than her usual methodical fighting style. Noboru's sudden advance overtakes her with incredible ease and it's only through sheer willpower that she manages to hold him back, her teeth grinding audibly as she pits her own considerable pyscho-fueled strength against his raw muscle. Even with her natural talents, it's a lop-sided match up. Noboru's crushing grip slowly begins to force her arms against her ribs, squeezing her tightly as her quickly fading strength gives way.
Atleast, that's what she wants him to think. Franziska suddenly lifts her head and smirks at him, the two of them face to face for the first time. She lets loose an amused chuckle, as if she knows something he doesn't, and that's the only warning he gets. Seeming to gain a surge of fresh strength, the woman twists sideways and drops low, escaping the clutch even as she brings her now free fists to bear.
The first punch comes in low, driving towards his abdomen as psycho-kinetic power dances around her fingers. This is followed by a second strike of equally devastating force, her other arm swinging upwards like piston in a powerful uppercut aimed at the bottom of his broad jaw.
COMBATSYS: Franziska successfully hits Noboru with Eisernes Kreuz.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\ R< >R ////// ]
Noboru 1/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Franziska
There is no look of triumph or smugness in the big ninja's eye as he stairs down at Franziska. His midnight blue coat strains as his muscles push against it, slowly forcing her into position to--and she has slipped his grip.
Noboru's gloved hands come together with a 'thump' as he attempts to turn his crushing squeeze into a guard for his abdomen. It's too little, too late, though. Her first strike slips beneath his hands and hammers hard into his stomach. It's enough of a strike to cause part of his breath to leave him, though hitting his stomach is like hitting a bag of cement. Still a bit stunned from the opening strike, the second comes in over his guard and slams right on the sweet spot at the tip of his chin, rocking his head back and forcing him to stumble a couple of steps away.
Unfortunately for Franziska, even a dazed and confused Noboru can be dangerous. As he staggers another step back both gloved hands press against his abdomen as if in pain from the initial strike. However, as he pulls them away there is something grey held between his black-gloved palms. Still a bit wobbly, Noboru tosses the object to the ground at the German commander's feet, then throws himself into a backward leap that takes him over the crate and onto the bails of hay he threw her over earlier. With a quiet huff he rolls off of the hay and thumps onto the floor on the other side, out of sight.
The object he tossed onto the ground at Franziska's feet is a fist-sized grey sack, almost perfectly spherical. It lies happily on the ground before her, the top emitting a thin stream of black smoke.
Holy poop it's a Bomb! It's about to explode!
COMBATSYS: Noboru successfully hits Franziska with BOMB!.
[ \\\\\\\\ < > ]
Noboru 0/-------/------=|====---\-------\0 Franziska
It doesn't take a lot of guesswork to figure out what the object is; there's only so many small spherical things in the world that emit smoke and she's pretty sure all of them explode. Despite her heroic display of finesse and strength moments before, that last defiant act took almost everything she had left to give.
Franziska stares at the bomb in silence for a few moments and sighs, not even bothering to dive for cover. Her arms come up protectively around her face as she turns her head away, almost too late to block the worst of the blast. The entire barn shudders as the bomb detonates, dozens of years of accumulated mold and dust raining down across the entire facility in a dark brown cloud.
When the musty haze finally clears, Franziska has been relocated to the far side of the barn. The surface of her once-pristine uniform is charred and scorched in several places, particularly around her legs and arms where the worst of the blast struck. She sits sprawled out haphazardly against the wall, though is clearly still conscious as her half-lidded eyes shift slowly up from the floor to peer across the room at the bales of hay where the ninja is taking shelter.
Casually extending her arm, she fishes around on the floor until her fingers close around something solid and she flings the object, which turns out to be a chunk of wood, in a lazy arc towards Noboru's hiding place.
"Bastard," she mutters, followed a few moments later by. "Call me sometime."
COMBATSYS: Franziska can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\ <
Noboru 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Noboru blocks Franziska's Small Thrown Object.
[ \\\\\\\ R<
Noboru 0/-------/------=|
Four black-gloved fingers can be seen gripping the edge of the hay bail before the rest of Noboru comes into sight. Clearly something in Franziska's last effort broke something important in the ninja, because he's having a hard time getting back to his feet. However, slowly but surely the big man forces himself up to a kneel, glancing out over his protective wall toward the rest of the barn.
There's Franziska, tattered but alive, and there's a chunk of wood headed right for the side of his head. Batting the projectile out of the air with his free hand, the shinobi digs his fingers deeper into the hey and heaves.
Icy blue eye staring off into the middle distance, the mold, dirt, and dust covered brute manages to force himself to his feet. The distant shouts of approaching soldiers drift in through the doorway, both doors flung open by the force of the improvised explosive.
"Hrrr." Noboru grunts toward Franziska, following the rumbled noise with an idly muttered, "Crazy women." This is perhaps the most derogatory thing he's said all fight.
Without another grunt or groan the shinobi forces himself to stand up straight and square his shoulders.This probably hurts a lot, judging by the way his blue eye goes out of focus. But he's standing, and moving with a complete lack of stiffness or fatigue. He'll pay for this later, but for the moment he forces himself to reach beneath his coat with both hands and palm a shuriken in each. The sounds of shouting soldiers are growing ever closer.
"Your men will only die if they follow me. Don't send them." States the ninja, casting one final glance Franziska's way before turning sharply on his heel and jogging off into the deeper dark of the barn. There's no telling where he is going with those internal injuries of his, or how he would manage to fight off a group of soldiers in his condition. But, knowing Noboru he probably has a plan for both if it comes to that.
COMBATSYS: Noboru has ended the fight here.
A few moments later the silhouettes of several bulky figures take shape in the thick cloud of dust that lingers throughout the barn. Bright spots of white in the shape of cartoonish angry eyes burn through the haze as the faint sunlight reflects off the polished surfaces of the MIMIR soldier's protective face masks. They advance into the building, guns raised, but a quick shout of alarm goes up as the pointman spots their commander laid out against the far wall.
Franziska tilts her head back, letting it hit the wooden boards with a dull thump but she doesn't even register the discomfort of the impact. Her entire body feels like its covered in wet mud, her limbs nothing more than heavy weights to keep her pinned to the floor. An almost pleasant numbness sets in and she manages to smirk up at her subordinate like a medical patient on painkillers, only just now realizing that the dull buzzing sound in her ears is a voice.
"--mandant! Are you alright?"
Franziska blinks and then inhales deeply, offering a quick nod. "I am... fine. Just... help me to zee car, ya?" She winces sharply as two of the soldiers take her arms and leverage her up off the floor, pausing long enough to scoop up her hat and plop it back on top of her frazzled hair. "Und remind me to sank Herr Vega for settink up such a vunderbar blind date."
Log created on 10:42:30 07/24/2014 by Noboru, and last modified on 20:08:09 07/28/2014.