06/05/06
Characters: Terry, Sakura, Shinobu
Taiyo High
Taiyo High has the distinction of being the largest school in Southtown.
Part of that is its enormous campus, helped along by Howard Enterprises,
which saw the benefit of being allied with the town's educational system. The
other part is the students of Taiyo. Taiyo has one of the least restrictive
admission policies in town, allowing nearly anybody to attend classes. This
makes it a popular place, and despite the lenient admission policies, a great
many of the students share something in common: they are nearly all spirited
individuals, each with a strong personality within them.
The campus is dominated by three structures. Directly in front of you lies
the several-story high main building, which houses the classrooms, offices,
and other facilities. To the west is the gigantic Taiyo Dome, nearly
outstripping the main building itself. To the east lies the auditorium,
consisting of open-air stands which slope down a hill covered by an enormous
ramada.
[Exits : Main Hall, Dome Arena, Auditorium, and Out to
Village ]
Taiyo High is hardly the least privileged of schools. Subsidised well by the
government, the students want for very little and seem to get all the
stimulation they need from a few.. more relaxed rulings. Unfortunately this
advantage has a minor downside - and aside from delinquent Gedo, Taiyo certainly
takes the most property damage when spirits get a little high. Telltale burns on
the walls tell of stray fireballs, and the odd piece of classroom furniture
finds itself entirely decimated. While there is money enough to cover repairs,
finding the manpower to actually take the necessary action is a good deal harder
- so in the last few days the maintenance sstaff have been helped along by a
famous face.
Terry Bogard, the hometown hero himself, has been toiling just as much as those
being paid to do so. He's found little time to socialise with the local colour,
but that 'little time' has been given all the same. A few beaming youngsters
walk around with signed backpacks, and aside from the occasional bizarre request
from an older girl the Wolf has had mostly charming fan encounters. Then,
there's Sakura Kasugano. The sun is hanging low in the sky when the blonde
fighter remembers their most recent meeting, and with an inward chuckle he turns
from his task to glance down toward the school courtyard, drawing a hand across
his brow. A promise is a promise... and besides, he might find a few lessons for
himself. The promise? To take part in /Sensei/ Kasugano's lesson.
Yeah, he was surprised by that one. But she's sure as heck got the talent.
For Terry, getting down to the agreed meeting place zero takes a few moments.
He's currently halfway up the side of the highest school building, fixing up the
paintwork and repairing a window. Stepping off the wooden platform onto the
ladder, he forgoes the tools and materials in favour of a hastier descent, and
in decent time he's setting those distinctive Converse sneakers onto a welcome
surface. Slipping past a group of ogling kids with a pat to the head of the
smallest - a wide-eyed urchin who's probably up to no good in his free time -
the Hungry Wolf moves to one corner of the yard, stopping only to grab some
bottled water from a vending machine.
He's.. almost on time, give or take a few minutes. The question is, how prompt
are the schoolgirls?
Not... very. Sakura had been running quite a bit late, for one reason or
another. It's not that she'd =forgotten= the meeting, more that whenever a date
and time are set for a meeting, reality conspires to make that time a problem.
At least, that's how Sakura sees it.
So yeah. It's only about thirty seconds after Terry shows up that the
unkempt mop of Sakura Kasugano can be seen peeking over the boundary walls to
the Taiyo High courtyard. That is to say, she'd jumped to get a sneak peek of
the courtyard before turning the corner. But she =is= jogging, wearing her pale
blue karate gi just to keep up with appearances. This =is= a lesson, after all,
she's got to be somewhat formal... right?
"Oh, hey, Mr. Bogard... sorry I'm late!" She skids to a halt, bowing in
front of him. "Thanks for coming over, it's... it's an honor, sir! I mean,
yeah... I.... I'm pretty sure you'll be able to help!" Beaming a bright grin,
it looks like she =needs= a bit of help to give Shinobu the guidance she needs.
Her stance willowy and relaxed, she takes a moment to peer around:
"Shinobu-chan's not here yet?"
"Haaaaaaaaah!", Shinobu shouts, charging around the school wall at a
breakneck pace. After a moment, there's a bit of a scuffling sound as she tries
to run /up/ the wall... and her head is visible for a moment before gravity
shows her who's the boss again. But her hand catches the edge, and the manages
to pull herself over the wall before then crashing in an ungainly fashion to the
ground.
Getting up again, Shinobu winces, shimmying and then slapping her cheeks
before looking around. Noticing the pair, she then starts walking over more
casually. "Yo.", she says, raising a hand. Formal Sakura may be, but it looks
liks Shinobu just ain't. As she comes to a stop nearby, she pauses, dusting
herself off as best she can.
Time is all relative, anyway. Minutes become hours become days become weeks...
and the cycle never stops, regardless of how one chooses to live. Speak to any
enlightened man, and he'll likely have little idea exactly what time it is, what
day it is, or why that even matters. Terry may not be enlightened, but he would
voice similar thoughts. If left to his own devices, things would be done 'in
their own time' but there's an even more important point to note - as time
carries on, so do other people. Despite all his reputation as the 'Lonely Wolf'
might suggest, the red-capped warrior cares for nothing more he cares for his
friends. Or for those he has yet to realise are friends. So he's here promptly,
and tries his best to be on time for everyone, when necessary.
Let's not mention the numerous 'slip ups' or the unforeseen months away.
Right.
When he sees that flash of brown hair, Terry glances upward, a smile tugging on
his lips. No matter how late she was, and no matter the nature of her arrival,
Sakura Kasugano could never maintain an air of mystery. By the time she comes
back into view, the elder Bogard has turned on his heel to face her, taking a
swig from the bottle in his hand as he observes her instinct kick in. She's..
bowing? An eyebrow lifts, right before that bottle lowers and a full grin breaks
out, the man shaking his head with a barely suppressed laugh. "An honour?" He
echoes, "Not sure about that.. from all I hear, I should be the honoured one,
Sensei."
Taking a step forward, the Wolf extends a hand - unclad in the usual leather
glove - curled for a grip. Warrior to warrior. Looks like he's only half teasing
with that last comment, as he spares a manner of bow of his own, chin dipping
downward and eyes meeting Sakura's with a more serious look. "Pleasure's all
mine," he murmurs, nodding and then, assuming his clasp is returned, turning
away to meet the final arrival. Which is when he promptly flinches in sympathy.
"...that didn't look too comfortable. Long time no see, Miss Ootsuka." Lifting a
hand to his brow, he tips the brim of that eternal cap in greeting to the
girl... not yet deigning to make any mention of the last time they spoke, though
there's a flicker of asking concern along with the amused sympathy in his gaze.
Hey, Sakura had given =thought= to running up the walls, but... well, it
would've been a waste of energy! Or something like that.
She doesn't seem too put off by Terry's lack of formality. Or the way he's
teasing her about it. Heck, she'll be respectful to whoever she wants to be
respectful to, dang it! It took a lot of chiding from Ryu for her to stop
calling him 'Mister', after all. Ditto with Ken Masters. So it's the same kind
of idea here with 'Mr. Bogard,' to whom Sakura just offers a shy giggle, and
pinkish cheeks.
And she shakes his hand as well. Surprisingly firm grip for a little girl,
there, but it doesn't last long before she hears the arrival of Shinobu.
"Oh, hi Shinobu. Glad you could make it!" Kasugano nods in greeting,
stepping back. "Cool, you two know each other! Makes it even easier then.
Uhm... okay, first! Last time we talked about senses, being able to feel what's
around you, to be able to sense the flow of chi throughout the area without
actually seeing it. Um... have you been trying any of those exercises? Trying
to feel the world around you?" She pauses to let Shinobu answer, before turning
to Terry. "Okay, so... what I wanna try now is to see if we can put this into
practice. You still okay with taking both of us on at once, Mr. Bogard? Since,
like, you can respond to things we don't even know about and all, right?" It
probably sounds like 'Kasugano-sensei' is winging it. ... That'd be because she
=is=.
Shinobu stares a Terry for a long moment with round eyes, frozen. She just
hangs there, before then saying, "Miss... Ootsuka?", uncomprehendingly, as she
remains frozen. Then, she slowly turns to Sakura, as if realizing she's being
talked to again. Relaxing, her shoudlers slump.
"Uh... feeling the world?", she says, getting a strange mental image for a
moment, and then puts her hand to her head. "I guess.", she replies, as if it's
still rather over her head, no matter how often she tries it. "But... two on
one? That's kind of unfair...", Shinobu says, pouting a little.
Given the nature of their last discussion, Terry doubts his knowledge of Shinobu
will make this any easier - but it does make it more interesting. That odd way
in which she demonstrated the wayward Grant's fighting style, and the seeming
talent in the movements, gave him pause for thought regarding her abilities. And
that intrigue is recalled now, while he watches her go strangely blank A frown
touches the Wolf's brow, and for a few seconds he remains noiseless as well,
before glancing sidelong to Sakura with a decisive nod. "I'm good on all counts.
But you guys aren't the only ones still learning..." Turning his attention back
to Shinobu he conjures up another grin, taking a step back and rolling his
shoulders loosely. "Let's see if we can't all take somethin' from this."
"Shinobu, feel free to kick us off. Maybe taking first shot'll get us a little
more even!" With that, there's a quick wink thrown in. Hardly cocky, the blonde
still puts on a good show of it, tossing aside his drink before springing twice
off his heels. All that remains is a swift adjustment of that cap, and he's
firmly in battle stance; feet planted firmly to the floor, fists loosely raised
and blue eyes keen upon the seemingly clumsy schoolgirl. But for all the
confidence, he observes her with deep interest - ready to watch each nuance of
her movement when she decides to approach, and to analyse whatever attack she
may throw.
He suspects it will be some way from orthodox.
COMBATSYS: Terry has started a fight here.
"It's not unfair! Maybe if we were out to kill each other, but this is
just for fun. Heck, I fought two people at once last night! Ain't nothin'
wrong with it." She laces her fingers together, stretching them over her head.
"I wantcha to fight him, just like you normally would -- just try and visualize
what's gonna happen before it happens. Figure out where I'm at, what I'm doing,
and plan your strategy so that it matches. Y'gotta respond to the flow of
energy throughout the fight, just pick up on it and ride the wave, just like we
were doing the other week with the pole."
She nods quietly to Terry, grinning eagerly. "I hope I =never= stop
learning, myself!" Learning's fun-damental, don'tcha know! The Ansatsuken
quasi-sensei steps back, bare feet stepping fluidly against the brick courtyard
as she moves out of Shinobu's path. She curls her left fist before her,
gesturing with an open right hand for Shinobu to begin. "Whenever you're ready?"
she half-chirps, eager to see Shinobu's first move.
COMBATSYS: Sakura has joined the fight here.
Shinobu rubs her neck. "I dunno, it still seems unfair...", she says, looking
over she rolls her neck around. She falls quiet, absorbing what was sad, even if
it does pass through her little filter. Looking over to Terry, she hops back,
and says, "Man, don't get too confident.", with a wide grin.
"And I'm always ready!" Here's your kick!" Dashing forward a short
distance, she leaps forward to try and plant a sneaker on Terry's chest with a
kiai of "Wai-TA!" It's terribly telegrapthed, even if the pontential follow-up
isn't.
COMBATSYS: Shinobu has joined the fight here.
COMBATSYS: Shinobu successfully hits Terry with Spin Crasher.
As the foot connects... Shinobu bends at the knee, throwing her arms to
either side to try and catch Terry's hands... before then quickly turning as she
lashes out with her other leg in a midair spin kick! As she connects, she kicks
back off, flipping back onto her feet unsteadily as she teeters a little.
Never stop learning. It's an admirable goal, and Sakura's exclamation draws a
wide grin from the Hungry Wolf. His gaze remains fixed upon on Shinobu, but his
attention does wander briefly as this distracts him - and maybe this is what
makes the wild schoolgirl's approach so successful. That first kick is spotted
and jerks Terry back into the game, his eyes blazing as he shifts himself
forward and into motion. His intention is to drop beneath the incoming foot, and
weave around Shinobu to make a counter from the opposite side... but something
catches him as wrong, and a single hesitation sees the veteran fall right into
the trap. His hands are caught, and the real attack successfully penetrates his
defences before he can so much as stagger.
But stagger he does now, and then some. Launched backward by the blow, the elder
Bogard finds his assumption correct. Unorthodox, unpredictable, and interesting.
Just as Sakura already demonstrated why she is Ryu's pupil, Shinobu makes clear
the reasons for this next stage in the hieriarchy. "Good," he manages to offer
breathlessly, landing across his shoulders and promptly cutting into a tight
flip to get back to his feet. His own landing is far from unsteady, and without
a moment's pause the Wolf is launching forward off a single step. "Don't get too
cocky yourself!" Passing Sakura by in a blur, Terry continues on toward her
student with his right fist igniting in fire as it extends, red-gold chi
exploding about his knuckles.
Shinobu had better recover quickly.
"BURNING!!"
... Terry's thought processes would make Sakura feel old if he shared them.
;_; So it's probably a good thing he didn't! "Good, good! Just like that!"
chirps the more experienced schoolgirl, with a pump of her fist for
encouragement. "Yeah!" Not like Kasugano can take any real credit for it, of
course, but she =should= cheer on her student's success, right? Right.
But, about half a second after Terry tears by her with his famous Burning
Knuckle -- a move she's rather unabashedly added to her own repertoire as of
late -- the Ansatsuken Angel herself springs into action! But rather than
follow suit with the identical attack, she has something different in mind --
lunging into a wild haymaker from her off hand, but following it up with a
vicious uppercut from her right. "Hyyyaaaaaaa!" This way, she doesn't blast
Terry into Shinobu if she hits -- or worse, hit her own student!
COMBATSYS: Terry successfully hits Shinobu with Burn Knuckle.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////////// ]
Shinobu 1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Terry
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <|
Sakura 0/-------/-------|
Shinobu gets blown away, hitting the ground and rolling several times before
coming to a stop against the school wall. As she rights herself, she stumbles a
little... obviously dazed. But then she steps forward, crouching into her horse
stance with a slide of her sneakers. Holding her fists close to her chest, she
tenses, shaking for a moment, and then throws out a fist. "Hai-ta!", she cries
out, before standing up straight with a determined expression.
COMBATSYS: Shinobu gathers her will.
COMBATSYS: Terry interrupts Fierce Punch from Sakura with Rising Tackle.
-* CRITICAL HIT! *-
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Shinobu 1/---====/=======|=====--\-------\0 Terry
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <|
Sakura 0/-------/-======|
Terry's fist hits home with all the power of a freight train, possibly settling
any debate as to the fairness of this match. When that chi explodes against
Shinobu's breast, hurling her backward, it does bring a brief flicker of guilt -
albeit quickly masked by the warrior inside. The blonde brawler is one for one
here, and though their abilities are clearly mismatched there is no reason to
become complament or let compassion stay his hand. He wouldn't have wanted it
that way, when he was learning. Sakura doesn't seem the type either, and nor
does Shinobu. So he straightens up without comment, bright blue eyes briefly
tracking the tumbling schoolgirl before he spins around at the whisper of winds
beside his ear.
"Huh!" Breath expelled in a single exclamation, Terry barely evades that
incoming fist with a quick twist of his hip and a ducking motion. This leaves
him seemingly open for the second blow, buckled over and with nowhere to run,
but there's a reason he has become legend. "RISING TACKLE!" His voice rings out
in the exhilaration of desperation, and before that uppercut can fully connect
Sakura is met with another indistinct rush of movement. One moment the Hungry
Wolf is prey for the taking, the next he's ducked fully to the floor and
launched himself up with the application of a strong palm, his knees /slamming/
into Kasugano's chest to lift her clean off her feet. With this done, the man's
legs extend fully upward and he completes one full rotation of his body only to
keep spinning, left arm lashing out in a repeated lariat as he travels higher,
carrying his schoolgirl burden up into the air.
She's released soon enough after six completed turns, left to make her own bumpy
landing while Terry flips himself over and falls back to earth with relative
grace. Landing with a soft *whump* against the courtyard floor, he straightens
up slowly, reaching behind him as he keeps his eyes once more on Shinobu. A
shifting of leather sounds soon enough, as he reaches behind him and pulls free
/those/ gloves. "You girls are talented, I'll give ya that. Let's see what else
ya got... c'mon..." Expression darkening in concentration, he hunkers down
before the 'clumsy' girl, adjusting each glove in turn as he awaits her next
assault.
Well... Sakura didn't think Shinobu would take well to that Burn Knuckle.
That's just... yeah. OW. Anything coming from Terry Bogard has gotta hurt a
bit.
She just wasn't totally prepared for her series of punches to just be
knocked away so easily -- let alone for Terry to twist himself around after her
first punch whiffs so spectacularly badly. He's like a ninja too! What's =up=
with that?! Sakura doesn't have the luxury of processing that thought, though,
as her spine is twisted back and forth by the series of blows propelling her
into the air, yelping a bit at the pain.
Something to get the adrenaline pumping, that's for sure! But Sakura has a
few moments to compose herself when she's falling back to the earth, righting
herself with a quick kick to the side and landing in a three-point crouch. "...
Owww, gah." she mumbles, as if the screaming before wasn't enough. But rather
than just quit, she glances over to Shinobu with a grin, noting that she's
building up for something -- and decides to add something else to the fire.
Rising, she curls her hands by her side, a brilliant blossom of blue chi
sprouting from her palms. Taking two strides forward, she swings her hands
towards Terry with a cry of, "HADOOOOUKEN!" Thus unleashing one of her
signature moves at Bogard -- a five-foot-wide mass of pulsing, concussive
energy.
Gathering up her energy in her hands, Shinobu creates a little blue bubble,
letting it swirl forth in the palms of her hands. Winding up baseball-style, she
flings it towards Terry. But it's not actually aimed at him. It's aimed... about
three feet behind.
After all, the main danger isn't the bubble - it's the maelstorm of blue,
aqua chi within. Of course, the idea is to cut off his escape route... or at
least narrow his options down.
COMBATSYS: Terry dodges Sakura's Medium Hadouken.
COMBATSYS: Terry endures Shinobu's Petite Pop.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Shinobu 1/--=====/=======|======-\-------\0 Terry
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <|
Sakura 0/-------/-======|
Pulsing, concussive. Hardly the kind of thing a person wants to simply walk
into, nor in any other way take the full brunt. Terry knows this attack well
enough, and observes the Hadouken's forming with a knowing nod as he finishes
yanking on the second glove, leather tight about his knuckles. He'll need the
luck these gloves bring him - as a roving gaze captures Shinobu executing her
own attack not a second after Sakura's telltale cry. Once again he is faced with
one direct attack and one.. very unusual. A small bubble against a whirling
maelstron of potential pain. It's obvious which one he has to avoid first, and
without a single glance back toward the Ansatsuken prodigy he focuses himself
and slides backward, arms swaying to take a position parallel with his legs as
they assume positions to back and fore. It leaves Terry standing in a tight
formation, enough that he can seamlessly drift around that blue-white blaze.
There's no further words in taunt or encouragement; instead the Wolf remains in
concentration, now turning that deep, sixth sense onto Shinobu's seemingly
whiffed attack. Seemingly, but he knows otherwise, can still sense that blossom
of chi. An instant later it's upon him, that explosion of surprising force
sending the aquatic stuff down upon him. Ignoring the pain, Terry is already
moving with it, falling forward into a swift, athletic roll - part recovery and
part offensive setup.
By the time he surfaces between the two combatants, a decision has already been
made as to the next step - it's a perfect demonstration of what Sakura has
already advised her pupil. See the fight, /be/ the fight, and take control. The
Hungry Wolf keeps moving, not a disjointed step marking his progress from roll
to sprinting lunge toward Ryu's protege. He closes the distance in three steps
and then swivels from the hip, springing off the floor to lash out with a
spinning kick at her left temple. "HAH!" Completing a full rotation, his aim is
clear... knock the girl away and open the battelground once more.
COMBATSYS: Sakura fails to interrupt Strong Kick from Terry with Shou'ou Ken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Shinobu 1/--=====/=======|=======\-------\0 Terry
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ <|
Sakura 1/---====/=======|
Sakura has really come to respect Terry Bogard's skill, the awesome
abilities that allow him to go toe-to-toe with the strongest competitors and
come out ahead! ... She just wishes there was more that she could =do= against
him. It's as good a time as any to follow her own advice, and follow the
streams of chi, using them as reference markers for her to slip in and out, and
come out on top! "SHOOOU--"
Doesn't work that way, though -- for just as she's stepping to the side,
figuring Terry to zig one way -- well, she ends up stepping into his kick.
Which kinda ruins the effect of the uppercut she'd planned to nail him with,
since that kick sends her flying backwards, spinning like a globe to the side
before landing in a heap on the courtyard floor.
"See that, Shinobu, what I just did? Don't do that!" She shakes her fist
sternly, then breaks into a light snicker, pushing herself back to her feet.
"Man, I know that...", Shinobu says, but she already coming forward,
rushing up on Terry brings her fists back. Then, she cries out, "Punch...",
gefore throwing out two fists together as she tries to take Terry with more
momentum than anything else. "... Punch!" Well, at least she has moxie to make
up for the really stupid move name.
Whether or not this is working out isn't even entering her mind. She's
approaching this with the simplest tactic at the moment - keep trying until it
hurts. And then, try some more.
COMBATSYS: Terry blocks Shinobu's Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Shinobu 1/--=====/=======|=======\-------\1 Terry
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ <|
Sakura 1/---====/=======|
Sakura's attempt at turning the Wolf's rapid approach to her advantage is a
noble one, but it goes barely noticed as a lightspeed red sneaker knocks her out
of the competition for a precious few seconds. It's all Terry needed to keep on
top here, and as he lands he keeps turning through an extra one-eighty, gaze
passing the recovering Kasugano to settle upon the madly charging Ootsuka. Once
again there is no time for banter, and the blonde warrior's arms are already
raising on instant assessment of the situation, hands opening to each catch a
single fist. The attack is all but stopped dead, though an uncomfortable tremor
does run up those thickly muscled arms. But now Terry has control again, and
gives Shinobu a light push backward as he finds time for comment, half-grin
playing on his lips
"Good choice o' name, though you might wanna check copyright on that one." What
would the fight be without a trace of good humour? But it passes quickly, and
the Wolf is fully back in the fight, taking a single step backward. Trusting
that a light push to the schoolgirl is a rather sturdier push to him, he asks
simply, "You wanted to know about chi?" Then the man drops to a crouch, right
hand shrieking backward with fingers curling inward. The moment a fist is made,
those knuckles once more ignite, but this time it's only a trace of chi that
greets the beholder, and what follows... is so much more.
"Focus." Terry murmurs, blue eyes focusing hard upon Shinobu's own, and without
further ado his fist careers in a tight arc downward, leather protesting with a
fierce creak as that aura of energy is sandwiched powerfully between rock and a
hard place. "ROUND WAVE!" What was a blossom, becomes an explosion, as red-gold
chi erupts in a wide circle before the Hungry Wolf, creating multiple cracks in
the concrete as it rages upward fully five feet. It's enough to engulf Shinobu
to the neck in fiery love, unless.. she finds that focus.
The teacher in Sakura might want to scold Shinobu for taking the most
direct route to attacking Terry... but her own performance against the Hungry
Wolf has been similarly direct. But... there is some wisdom to be gleaned from
Terry's words, she realizes -- focus is exactly what's needed!
But she still wants to attack the guy, really she does. And in her case,
'attacking' just happens to mean closing the tremendous gap she'd left open.
Weaving behind in Terry's wake, she hopes she can remain in something of a
'blind spot' -- if there is such a thing -- in coming up behind the living
legend. Her goal would be to latch her arms around his shoulders, and hopefully
immobilize him long enough for Shinobu to get a hit in. But her true goal would
be to catch Terry in a German Suplex, bending over backwards to slam the Wolf's
head into the concrete in a wild departure from her typical style.
"DOURYAAAAA!"
COMBATSYS: Terry successfully hits Shinobu with Round Wave.
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Shinobu 2/<<<<<< ////////////////// ]
Shinobu 2/<<<<<< //////////////// ]
Shinobu 2/<<<<<< //////////////// ]
Shinobu 2/<<<<<< //////////////// ]
Shinobu 2/<<<<<< //////////////// ]
Shinobu 2/<<<<<< /////////////////// ]
Shinobu 0/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Terry
[ \\\\\\\ <|
Sakura 0/-------/-======|
A valid tactic, and one Terry might expect from a prodigy like Sakura. Not
everyone could hope to pull it off with such an attack - but she does everything
right. Barring the ending. With one arm extended to deliver the blazing punch,
the blonde brawler has another free for a defensive focus. When balance is no
longer necessary, with his feet upon the floor and the blow already struck, his
left hand is free to execute whatever might be necessary, and in this case...
necessity is created by that massive incoming kick. Thinking fast and acting
faster, the Wolf lashes out with an open palm, risking the extension of both
arms as he catches the crushing strike in the very centre of its drive.
It stops. Dead.
"..." Terry breathes in slowly, meeting Sakura's gaze over the various extended
limbs and pausing before he gives a single nod, chin dipping downward in some
acknowledgement both of her prowess, and what she still has left to learn.
Condescending? No. It's a gesture that might pass between equals, even if the
effect is somewhat dispelled as he turns away, letting Sakura recover by herself
as he presents himself to the other girl. "Alright, kiddo, show me what ya
showed /him/!" His sentence ends in a harsh tone, breath wrenched from Terry's
lungs with the effort from a sudden evasion. An evasion which turns into
several, the blonde weaving in and out of repeated punches, then into many.. and
finally, his arms snap out to either side as he /leaps/ backwards, that massive
haymaker meeting only warm air where the Wolf once stood. Dodge, wolfie, dodge.
Breathing heavily after that burst of activity, it seems for a moment as thought
the elder Bogard may have nothing to offer at this stage. And that moment has to
end. He takes another step backward, coming close to the courtyard wall, and
then drops to an offensive crouch, arm once more rising and falling to bring a
searing fist down like a hammer. *whoomph* "POWER WAVE!!" Red-gold flares into
life, and a slashing blade of energy rips out across the stone, this time
leaving hardly a mark - it's more controlled, focused...
Upon Sakura.
COMBATSYS: Sakura dodges Terry's Power Wave.
Sakura blinks back at the nod. That =look=. It shows she was on to
something! Just... y'know, lacking in the delivery or something. Or maybe it's
that Terry could 'read' her intentions and form a suitable counterattack?
Either way, it proves her point: Terry's a badass! ... Yes, the lesson plan
changed, and no, she's not going to say why.
Sat down and basically left to her own devices, Sakura picks herself up and
dusts her gi off. She snickers a bit at Shinobu's vector of attack -- very
direct, but... heck, it could be effective if it landed! Shinobu =is= pretty
strong. But... Terry's response confuses her. What she showed him? Him, who is
'him?' Not HIM him, is it? It's a question Sakura will have to ask later,
because she's only got a split second to focus on that whole 'power wave' thing.
Oddly enough, Sakura's ready for this. She doesn't understand why, but
that's part of the whole 'prodigy' territory. All she knows is that her leg
muscles fired as soon as she sensed the attack, and she flipped over the wave!
How 'bout that. It's all down to discipline and training!
Oh yeah, and the fact that she wanted to kick Terry in the head.
"Oooouka-kyaku!"
Shinobu pauses as Terry avoids all her attacks, gasping for breath. And
then, she falls back, trying to puzzle that out silently. And in the middle of
the fight... she sits down crosslegged, folding her arms. Apparently, she's
having a good, hard think about this, most likely to Sakura's costernation. But
going at Terry like a rabid monkey isn't working out well, and she needs a
better idea. And fast.
COMBATSYS: Shinobu focuses on her next action.
COMBATSYS: Terry just-defends Sakura's Medium Kick!
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Shinobu 0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Terry
[ \\\\\\\ <|
Sakura 0/-------/-======|
Impressive. A fair verdict for a moment that causes Terry a swift blink and a
reconsideration of his situation. Watching Sakura soar overhead while Shinobu
unexpectedly hangs back, he finds his momentum lost - his prediction false as to
the course of the battle. But what was lost can be found somehow, and even while
he drifts smoothly to his feet, fist leaving the floor and focus changing, it
seems the Hungry Wolf has no problem with this. It takes a force of will, but a
moment later he stands bent to one side, arms raised to catch Sakura's sweeping
leg in both hands. The grip is brief, but as expertly released as it was made...
and the blonde spins away without a scratch. If anything, he appears
rejuvenated.
"One on one for the moment, huh?" He remarks to the Ansatsuken prodigy with a
grin, whirling about to face her with just a quick glance moving to ensure
Shinobu is remaining still. "Alright." Shrugging his shoulders to work out any
trace of tension, the Wolf takes a moment to circle about his young opponent
before seemingly spotting an opening, and rushing in with a blurred pumping of
those powerful legs. Despite the speed of approach, his intent is less flashy
and more simple martial arts - left foot setting firm to the floor on the last
step, whereupon Terry comes to a halt and snaps out the right leg in a basic
karate kick to the side. "HAAAH!"
COMBATSYS: Sakura fails to interrupt Medium Kick from Terry with Shou'ou Ken.
-* CRITICAL HIT! *-
COMBATSYS: Sakura can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Shinobu 0/-------/=======|=====--\-------\0 Terry
Well... perhaps Shinobu's taking the smart route, taking Sakura's original
lesson to heart as she tries to sort out the conflicting pathways of chi. ...
Somehow she =doubts= this, but that's mostly the adrenaline talking. Sakura
wants to be hardcore! She wants to show Shinobu just what can be possible if
you try your best, without worrying about the odds!
Well, apparently, you can get your ass kicked like WHOA.
"I'm cool with that, sure..." comments Sakura, a defiant look in her eye
despite the cards obviously being stacked against her. But a cool head isn't
what Sakura's known for -- more her sense of perseverence! And when Terry
closes in with a simple kick, Sakura launches forward, fully intending to
uppercut the bejeezus out of Terry. Instead... she gets another kick to the
chest. If she would have just =moved= she would've probably been safe, but
no... it's just not in the cards! Without getting into excruciating or
uncomfortable detail, that hurt Sakura just a bit more than kicks elsewhere
might have -- and as the schoolgirl flumps to the side, bouncing once or twice
on the hard concrete ... well. From how she's curled up, she probably =won't=
be getting back up for a while.
Not very hardcore at all.
Shinobu doesn't look to Sakura as she falls. She's too busy thinking this
out. Slowly, she gets up, looking to Terry. "Don't think I left the fight...",
she says, and then dashes at Terry, leaping forward as if to body-block him.
As she comes in closer on the veteran, however, she twists to the side,
swinging back with a fist as she tries to catch him on the flank. It's a unusual
angle for an attack, and she hopes to at least get in another solid hit on the
fighter... and control that space, if only for a moment.
COMBATSYS: Terry blocks Shinobu's Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Shinobu 0/-------/=======|=====--\-------\0 Terry
"Wouldn't dream of it!"
Terry's reply comes as he:wheels away from Sakura, not waiting to ensure she
will stay down nor ensuring she is otherwise dandy. There's no time to linger on
the former - he can depend on senses beside sight for that - and the latter...
it's all but completely assured. Shinobu, however, is still a wild card. The
only one of the pair to score a completely solid hit, he still hasn't quite
figured out how to combat her style. Even if on this occasion he successfully
defends, twisting from the hip to send her blow glancing off hard muscle. It
stings, but only a little. Leaving the Wolf nice and free to make his counter.
This appears to be a delayed matter. Terry keeps moving once the threat has
passed, lunging in to his left shoulder and taking a swaying step away - a sway
which turns into a full rotation of the body. He emerges from the manuever with
an immediate attempt to drop the landing Shinobu from her feet, his right leg
extended across the floor as he rushes forward on a chi-fuelled burst of
momentum. This sweeping kick to the ankles is only the beginning, though, and
should it hit home as planned then the falling girl has a second kick to deal
with as the Wolf spins back to his full height and brings the opposite leg
around in a high roundhouse. "FIRE KICK!"
COMBATSYS: Shinobu blocks Terry's Fire Kick.
[ \\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Shinobu 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\0 Terry
Crouching, Shinobu blocks the attack with a wince, buckling but refusing to
fall. Her bent knee takes the hit - before she guards herself with her arms,
taking the second blow there. "Fire?", she echoes. "Fire is so... so..." She
reaches out to try and snag the leg, trying to grab it with both arms before it
fully retracts. "... lame!", she retorts, going a bit off-balance as she flails
for the limb.
COMBATSYS: Terry blocks Shinobu's Quick Throw.
[ \\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Shinobu 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\0 Terry
Probably just as well that the move is another good example of 'stupid naming'.
Sure enough, there's not even the slightest flicker of energy to greet the blows
as they land, no sign of the supposed 'fire'. Which makes grabbing Terry's leg a
more comfortable process, and Shinobu succeeds in toppling the Wolf once more,
the pressure enough to knock him off his feet and into the ground with a muffled
grunt. But something's wrong with the picture - and the teetering Shinobu might
happen to notice the blonde has caught himself on an elbow, remaining just off
the ground and relatively unharmed.
She doesn't have long to look. A heartbeat later, the legendary fighter exerts
enough pressure to spring up to his feet, placing him not a foot from where he
stood a moment before. Only this time he attacks with fist instead of foot, his
right arm leading into a swift, snapping uppercut to the schoolgirl's jaw -
easy, effective and nothing like as potent as the attacks preceding it... "Hah!"
COMBATSYS: Shinobu endures Terry's Medium Punch.
[ \\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Shinobu 1/----===/=======|=======\-------\1 Terry
Getting hit by the punch, Shinobu starts to reel... but before she can fall
back, her arm reaches out to try and snag the old man by the lapels. Partly to
break her fall, but also partly... to reverse her momentum. Right now she's
fighting moment-to-moment, trying to figure out what to do next in the very
instant she does it. She knows she isn't going to win... but, at the very least,
she can make Terry remember the loss.
COMBATSYS: Terry fails to interrupt Strong Throw from Shinobu with Medium Throw.
[ \\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Shinobu 1/---====/=======|=======\=------\1 Terry
As she actually catches Terry, Shinobu yanks herself forward into a
powerful headbutt, looking to whack Terry's nose with her hard, hard head. Then,
she reels back once more, hanging loosely as if ready to just start banging away
anymore. Hey, it worked against Sagat!... sort of.
Truth be told, Terry is surprised that his young opponent is still standing. So
surprised that it makes mounting a defence unlikely, and with the unpredictable
nature of her movements it seems impossible to actually get away - so what's
left? Roll with whatever she decides to do, without even knowing what that is,
or fight her in kind. So when he's dragged inward, the Hungry Wolf begins to
lift a knee, to extend his leg and send Shinobu hurtling away with a throw
well-used by Ansatsuken practicioners... but it's not to be, and instead she
out-unpredicts him, head coming in for sharp contact with his own. And for a
while, there's not much to be done about that, the 'old man' blinking dazedly
into the girl's eyes as she teeters there.
Finally, he cracks a bemused half-grin. "Is this what ya showed him?"
It might sound sarcastic... but he looks impressed, for what can be divined
beneath the confusion.
How'd such a little girl have such a hard head?
Shinobu keeps ahold of Terry, and narrows her eyes as she says, "Man,
you're not gonna get to see that!", before bringing herself forward again. It
may not have the surprise of the last one, but it at least has a bit more
momentum to it. Looks like being stubborn is really one of her better
'skills'... through nobody's likely to tout Stubborn-style Kempo anytime soon!
COMBATSYS: Terry endures Shinobu's Quick Throw!
[ \\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Shinobu 1/---====/=======|=======\=------\1 Terry
It's a surreal situation, this one. Terry finds himself gripped by a
slip-of-a-girl, and somehow brought to a dead standstill by her mighty headbutt
- enough that he can't do a damn thing whenn she decides to go for a second,
beside consign himself to it and weather the strike. Why? One of the mysteries
of stubborn-style, perhaps, and all joking aside it does speak volumes of
Shinobu that her opponent hasn't slithered away in the last few seconds.
Character can be a powerful weapon, as potent as any fist or inner wellspring of
chi. "Ngh."
But the Wolf's been held in thrall long enough, and when this headbutt connects
he jerks backward a little /too/ suddenly. Taking the full shock, he uses the
momentum and hauls himself away from the schoolgirl in a long, staggered step.
Pausing to crick his neck critically, a hand lifting to test for bruising, he
regards her with open interest... before giving a slow shake of his head.
"That's your choice, and I understand... got a few tricks I'm savin', myself..."
Tailing off with a downward glance and a smile, this is all the warning Terry
gives for what follows. ...or possibly not quite 'all', as Shinobu might feel
his energies soar to the fore as he drops to a crouch not for the first time.
"POWER..."
Again that mighty fist comes down, once more chi blossoms about colliding
knuckles, but this time.. it's bigger, and more ferocious. Should Shinobu not
manage to get herself away, she'll soon find the ground below her wreathed in a
bright, burning inferno of chi. The air around her, the same, as a gargantuan
pillar erupts to engulf a good chunk of the courtyard in the Wolf's power.
"GEYSAAAAAAH!!" But oddly, this time the paving does not crack - there is no
damage beside a few overturned vending machines and wastebins.
At least, no other /property/ damage. On the human side?
COMBATSYS: Terry successfully hits Shinobu with Power Geyser.
[ < > ///////////// ]
Shinobu 2/<<<<<< //////////// ]
Shinobu 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Terry
Sakura looks up, finally stirred from naptime. Getting hit hard enough to
pass out is probably not good for her health, long-term. But... well, hey,
Shinobu's still going. That's a good thing, right? Sakura pushes herself to a
lotus position, folding her hands up in her lap as she watches her student
continue fighting against Terry. Does this count as 'education?' ... Well,
it's better than what she was -originally- planning, that much is true. She
watches bemusedly, knowing better than to risk rejoining the fight, at this
point. She'll be sure to have some words to share with Shinobu later -- when
they're both conscious!
And with that, left on cracked pavement, Shinobu starts to stir, getting
back up again as her hair falls over her eyes. This is the sort of dramatic,
shonen-esque moments most kids dream about. A point where most villains would
choke up with disbelief! And she's living it!
Unfortunately, the wracking pain keeps her from appreciating the full
beauty of the moment. "That wasn't your best attack... was it?", she says,
narrowing her eyes as she looks through her bangs up to Terry.
So... chi it is, chi upon chi upon chi. Terry isn't exactly prepared for a
physical attack, so this is just as good as anything else - right now he's not
expecting a single thing more from Shinobu Ootsuka, and with Sakura down it
seems he can finally come to terms with how tired he is becoming. That is, until
the hurtling schoolgirl somehow manages to add another attack to the mix.
"What the-?" Eyes flickering upward as he senses A Disturbance, the ponytailed
blonde soon finds himself rocked by that odd aquatic chi for a second time.
Fortunately.. familiarity breeds an instinctively good defence, and when the
first traces of energy creep into his vicinity, the Wolf calls on his own aura
for protection - a gentle light burning off his shoulders as he holds himself in
a tight crouch, arms shielding his face and upper body. He weathers the storm,
then looks up... to meet the still-burning eyes of the schoolgirl...
Lowering his arms and setting palms to the floor to push himself upright, Terry
shows little of the adject disbelief that might be expected. What he does
display is a smile, small but sincere, and a gaze which says it all. Impressed?
To say the least. No way should that kid still be standing, but stand she does.
As to her question, it sees the smile take a knowing, secretive edge, and the
man responds with a nod. "You're right, kid. Not my best. It was, some time ago,
but now I got somethin' else... somethin' I won't show to anyone until I have
to." He takes a step forward, hands shifting before his lower body as he adjusts
his gloves one at a time, light creaks accompanying each firm jerk. "Until I
/mean it/. Y'still good to go?"
A gust kicks up around his feet. "I'm ready when you are."
COMBATSYS: Terry gathers his will.
[ \\\ < > //////////// ]
Shinobu 0/-------/--=====|====---\-------\0 Terry
Shinobu rushes towards Terry, saying, "Whatever. I'm gonna knock off that hat!",
grabbing one of the dustbins in her rush. Whipping it around with both arms, she
tries to whack Terry upside the face as she skids to a halt. Not the most subtle
attack, but she's gotten past the point where she can even try and strategize.
Right now it boils to Terry + dustbin = ??.
COMBATSYS: Terry interrupts Random Weapon from Shinobu with Buster Throw.
[ < > //////// ]
Shinobu 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Terry
Terry's eyebrow lifts a notch when Shinobu shifts gears effortlessly from
dramatic to surprising. Looks like he'll be kept guessing right until the end -
and of all the things he might expect, a crazy charge with a trashcan sure as
heck wasn't one of them. By the time the schoolgirl reaches him, he's not sure
whether to laugh or frown, so he settles for a neutral. And just focuses on the
fight. Odd, unorthodox, whatever. She's a fighter, like him. Watching her
approach with relaxed care, the Wolf is well prepared for the wild swing, and
catches the bin in both hands - staggering backward as the shockwave runs up his
arm, but catching it all the same.
"Nice try, but I hope ya learned something..." he murmurs, tailing off to flash
a tired, but amiable grin, "I know I did. HYAAH!" Mouth contorting with the cry,
he throws himself into what must be the last burst of activity, twisting around
while keeping a firm grin on the randomnly chosen object, using Shinobu's grip
against her to sling her hard into the ground, trailing behind her weapon.
Clank, thud, ouch.
Terry + dustbin = pain
Shinobu + pain = Fourth Wind?
Yeah, Shinobu goes down. Again. Well, maybe she can start a hobby of
looking for spare change on the ground, at least.
"Haaaaaah!", she cries out, straining too hard to vocalize any quips.
Instead, she kicks out in a sweep, swinging around on her back before shoving
herself up off the ground into a airborne helicopter kick... before inverting
herself and trying to finish off the combo with a airborne axe kick, trying to
bring Terry down to Earth.
Speaking of which, she's crashing right down herself with the attack,
expending the last calories of energy left in her legs, it seems.
COMBATSYS: Shinobu can no longer fight.
COMBATSYS: Terry dodges Shinobu's The 37th Chamber.
[ \\\\\\\\ <|
Terry 0/-------/--=====|
It comes close, he almost gets caught out again...
Shinobu takes punishment with the same gigantic stubborn streak he used to bear.
Maybe even better!
But at the last instant, as he begins to slump to one knee with an exhausted
sigh, Terry sees that interesting sweep kick coming his way and jerks backward,
feet leaving the ground in a short leap to evade the motions that follow. The
axe kick cuts to within a few inches of his nose, so barely is the final assault
evaded. Blinking once, then turning weary blue eyes onto the schoolgirl's fallen
form, it takes a few moments for the Hungry Wolf to finally assure himself that
the lesson is over. But that thought does it.
"Some lesson," he notes with a wry chuckle, the sound barely audible before he
collapses onto his knees, breath expelled from his lungs in that much-needed
sigh. His head hangs low, letting loosened bangs fall across his eyes, and
well.. he probably won't be moving for a few moments. After that, he can pick
himself up and fetch the school nurse - even if it will be to no avail. Sakura's
no less tenacious than her student. They're a good pair.
Anyway. Nap time.
COMBATSYS: Terry takes no action.
COMBATSYS: Terry has ended the fight here.
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