Clocktower

A tall and feminie figure slowly made her way towards the clock tower, a rough cloth bag slung over her should which rattled and clinked slightly. Her long and shimmering purple hair was tied up in a high pony tail, well out of her face and her deep blue eyes held a determined focus.

When she neared the tower she set the bag down and stretched out, arching her back and holding her arms skywards before relaxing and rolling her shoulders and neck. She then bent down and opened the bag, pulling out one of her arm plates and began to secure it carefully to her right forearm.

Her chest was bound, though not to tight to restrict breathing or movement. Her martial arts robe ruffled slightly in the breeze as she began to secure the second arm plate, checking her hand wraps were still secure before pulling out the first of her two leg plates and sitting down on the dusty floor to put it on over her foot wraps. The second plate was soon in place and the woman took a deep breath before standing, allowing the cloth bag to disappear in a small flurry of sparks.

Juunikyuu stood in a relaxed stance, eyes shut and breathin steady, ignoring the gathering crowd as she waited for her team mates to arrive.

Wrapped in a dark trenchcoat, her hands stuffed in the pockets, Lucind only carried a little messenger bag, its strap going across her chest. Her unruly dark blue strands were tied and tamed with several grips.

Just like Ra'kar the Half-Siren ignored the growing crowd and chuckled about the description her team mate gave of the other captain.

"I'd say we should go and have a drink with him after the match. Or maybe we can bribe him with some bottles of Siren wine before the match starts." Lucind winked, then looked up when the other woman mentioned Juuni already being there.

"'lo, little one. You okay?"

"Aye. I don't know how companionable the rest of his team is... but I think he'd be a fun drinking partner. Maybe a bit of a letch... but he amuses me."

*she chuckled and waves back to Juunikyuu as she sets her bag down and starts strapping on her own armor.

She slips into her leg guards first, jointed at the knees they looked like fancy and elongated shin guards. They encased her shins and calves, and then guarded up the sides of her thighs in a semi-circle of metal, leaving only the pale flesh of her inner legs visible beneath the skirt of her robe. She straps them on securely and slips her steel toed boots back overtop.

Next she slipped on her breast plate, her kimono was so low cut, that one might have thought during a fight she could have 'fallen out of it'. But Ra'kar was as practical as she was sassy. The breastplate was contoured to fit her bust and chest, and slipped into place beneath the neckline of her robes. The beautifully tooled metal was cool against her pale flesh and a shiver ran down her spine as she did up the straps under her arms.

Beneath her kimono, was a two piece set of mail armour. If she needed to call on the rumoured blood sword... the split in the linked dress would make sense.

Her tail aided her by holding the breast piece in place while she slipped her arm guards on under her sleeves and lashed them into place. Plated guards they... as was all her armour... were crafted from light but durable elven metals. They would not slow her or impede her movement. It was like donning a second skin.

She snaps on her metal bracers that guarded the front of her hands and from ran from her wrists to half way up her arm beneath the elbow joint.

As for her tail, 'Adema' as the serpant like appendage was known... was encased in a jointed tail spine. It would protect her from being severed but upgraded her as weapon. True the tail tip was as sharp as any blade... but with the armoured spine, she had serrated spikes along her length and metal barbs that jutted out beneath the tail tip, acting like a metallic flail.

Now for the blades...

The back of her robe was left slightly open as not to hinder her wings, but down her spine she slipped a foot long sheath into place, adjusting it so that it fit comfortably between her shoulder blades and didn't dig or chafe.

Under the skirt of her kimono she had her kunai banded to her thighs, hidden neatly by the careful design of her skirt, there would be no creases or suspicious buldges in the fabric to give away the throwing blades.

In her bracers and the tops of her boots were hidden sheaths. This is were the 4 sisters A'mern went. A set of matching daggers that both Sierra and the demoness Ra'kar treasured.

Tucked into her Obi-sash was 'Little Wind' along with a small supply of about 15 bolts. but like most of her weapons, Ra'kar doubted she'd need it. But it was always nice to have reassurances and alternate options.

The most familliar weight was that of Gogyou No Sennyo. The elven short sword that was resting on her left hip in it's beautifully crafted scabbard. 'Elven Fire' was Ra'kar's main weapon of choice.

There was only one other that she wielded more naturally but she hoped that she would not have to draw on it during this match. That would mean she was in dire circumstances indeed.

Despite being armed to the hilt... Ra'kar moved as gracefully as ever and began her own warm-up routine.

She draws Elven fire and starts working through her sword dancing techniques along with some of her acrobatic's movements... getting a feel for the reduced balance of the ever-shifting gears.*

Ra'kar calls over to Juuni and Lucind from where she was warming up

"Make sure you guys stay loosened up during all the matches, you never know if you'll be needed as a striker... and with these time limits you never know when the next round will start!"

*She probably didn't need to be reminding them. Her team was more than competant, and with these two... they were both used to being prepared as they both served on the GSF.

She kept putting herself through her paces, but nothing that would use up her energy or tire her out. She was just keeping limber until their opponents showed up.*

((Tries to figure out when that is EST-wise. I'll stay up as long as I can luvey. We still need to discuss our terms ne? ))

Peppa Clause Wrote:

<<

An alll women team

Why didn't I see this one?

More and more this tournament looks almost classic in it's design.

>

(( ^~ *blows a kiss* 

I think that was what Ed was hoping for when he asked me to form an all Female team. ))

People were already pouring into the spectator stands, some of them were wearing the Femmes Fatales team colours of Black, Red and Gold and holding signs... others were waving banners for team MK2. Some had no preference and just wanted to see some good action. Whatever the reason and whomever they supported... the place was starting to get quite the gathering. Everyone trying to get the best seats to view the match from.

"Who the hell decided on this?!" snapped a voice a ways behind Kellindel.

The voice, sounding irritated, barely hiding what sounded like fear, belonged to Mooo, who was bigger than both of his teammates--and visibly uncomfortable with where they were fighting. Slightly-hunched, knees bent, standing on the balls of his feet and keeping his hands out a bit to keep his balance, Mooo gingerly crept along the gear, following after Kell.

He didn't carry any weapons--although his huge hands were covered with his trademark black gloves--which had metal bracers on the knuckles and glove-tops. His boots had mesh-metal soles, which made slight scraping noises on the gears as he finally made his way to his two teammates.

"God," he said under his breath. "This ain't gonna be fun," he finished, offering a shaky wave to their teams' opponents. He didn't know who he'd be fighting just yet, but Kami had mentioned something that had only served to further confuse him.

Ra'kar jumps down off of one of the gears, landing in a crouch. Getting to her feet she saunters over to her vice-captain and grins

"Does he suite your tastes then luv?"

She smiles and returns the wave from the man crouched on the rotating gear. As she watches the team passively. She was waiting for HIM to step forward and make himself known. Then they could get this party started.

((I'd say both Lu. ))

Uhh..it's been ages since a saw that movie..think I was five or so XD

But I'm fine with that description.

Metal crossbars - you mean those 'poles' which actually hold the gears in place, ne?

edit: So, are there actually several 'stories' then?

(( Oh, and while I remember, if everyone could list a rough estimate of when they can be online, it'll help with keeping the fights going quickly.

I personally can be around from roughly 4pm-8pm pacific, and then again from 10pm-5am. I work the graveyard shift so i don't generally get home and asleep until 8am, and that gap of time there is when i get ready and get to work. ))

((My time online brackets -->Is VERY tired <-- varies. But I can generally be on afternoon - evening EST and then on until about 2. While I'm at my parents anyways. If I'm at home I can be on whenever))

Ra'kar grinned at the Monk as he seemed to float to the ground

"Oh yes... this should be verry interesting indeed...."

She steps forward and nods curtly.

"We are. My girls know the order we're fighting in and the terms of our match. We're ready to begin whenever you are."

((Between 10pm and 5am Pacific Standard Time. I'm usually on late at night, around the same times as Kami and Kell--we're in the same timezone. ))

His eyelids slipped to damn near closed as he scratched his chin. Taking one last glance at his teammates, he gave them a nod. A quick signal that he was ready to get started and they should find somewhere to stand by in case a striker was needed. Kami then leaned very far forward, touching the ground with his hands while still giving his arms a fair amount of slack. Suddenly he flipped up, arms extended over his head and causing a chorus of pops and cracks to sound from his spine. They were even audible over the sound of the immense clockwork.

"Woooo! That felt good. Okay, ready when you are miss Ra'Kar!"

He stood in a relaxed pose on the largest gear in the center, rotating at a fair clip around and around the room. In fact, he was almost too relaxed. He looked more like he was about to sit down and watch t.v. than fight someone. His arms hung loosely at his sides, hidden entirely by his oversized sleeves.

Lady Sierra Wrote:

(( OOC Guys, OOC ^~ And Lu... If I'm EST I know you're not lol. It's 5:53 am here  ))

(( We can always get started later if you need to sleep. ))

The demoness's eyes flashed a luminous, molten gold as she she waved a hand over her shoulder at her teammates to find a safe yet handy place that they could strike from if the situation required it.

"Mmmm... Let it begin then..."

Gripping her short sword loosely in her right hand she studies the monk a moment, taking in his stance. Casual... Too casual. She sheaths her weapon and jumps... with no small show of agility onto the gear's slippery and rotating surface, easily catching her balance.

"LET'S ROLL!!"

*She takes up a ready stance, her feet planted firmly (or as firmly as you could get in this environment) and slightly apart. Bowing gracefully from the waist in a show of respect and good sportsmanship... she takes off, speedily closing the distance between them.

As she nears him, her left arm would guard her torso, ready to raise in a block against a strike aimed for her head... Her right would swing out in fast and tight right hook. It was aimed to score hit on his larynx.. knock the wind out of him. She was running at him, slightly off to the left side. She hoped to knock him off balance... and test his reflexes. She didn't trust that relaxed state... Her eyes watched his muscles carefully, scanning for the first twitch that would give away a hint of his planned movements.*

(( :: 1/17 :: ))

((But it's 17 post per fighter...))

(( I count taking a ready stance as my first post. I wouldn't argue, as it gives your team the final post. ))

"Morning." Kellindel returned casually to the half-siren while the fighters prepared themselves. Rather than enter into conversation however, he followed Mooo to their "striking zone" gear as it seemed that things were going to get moving rather quickly.

He crouched low, resting on the balls of his feet so that he could jump in quickly while Mooo took stock of the battle.

"Strange that she isn't using her weapons though. Has plenty of them. Could have easily kept Kami from doing something like that if she'd distracted him with one of her knives first. Maybe she doesn't want to have an unfair advantage or is trying to start simple." He responded while watching Kaminosai's almost whacky form of defense.

"I really hope he is taking this seriously." As he spoke he glanced downward at the considerable fall below them. One wrong move by anyone and things could get nasty.

Kami smirked. There was a good reason why people didn't generally start a sweep after their opponent started one. Your opponent has just that split second ahead of you to get there first. Now, naturally, with all her weigh now squatting on it as she was, Kami wasn't going to be able to trip her up with his leg. But that was fine, instead he let his leg bump hers and hooked his ankle around the back of her foot. His torso continued to turn with the momentum from his spin, and his freehand shot up and delivered a powerful palmstrike towards her bent knee. If her leg hadn't been flexed as it was, there was no doubt her knee would be broken by that attack. Given that all her limbs were forward and she was throwing her weight that direction, there'd be no physical way to dodge such a blow or keep herself from falling backwards, unless those wings were far more durable than they should be. This would naturally throw her kick wildly off and remove the threat, but likely not the tail.

To handle that, kami's raised hand gripped the hem of his long sleeve and whipped it around, wrapping it around the incoming tail. A light tug yanked it upwards and away from him. The blades on the tails armor cut several small tears into the fabric. The large number of stitched up holes and rends in his clothing showed this wasn't something he wasn't used to however.

All the while, he still had a very relaxed and happy smile on his face.

(( :: 3/17 :: ))

"I'd have to agree with him on that move." Kellindel said as he watched their continued exchange. "It was foolhardy to try the same move as someone else after them when you have no grasp of their capabilities. Assuming you're faster than someone else will only set you up to take a hit. The best thing he could have done was followed through with compensation like that."

His sharp eyes moved from their legs up to their spare limbs. "Now he's pulling her into his attacks. It'll take some serious manuvering on her part to pull out of that situation when he has leverage and access to her supporting limbs."

(( :: 3/17 :: ))

*Ra'kar grinned as the monk tried to ensnare her foot and tail. She had actually been placing her weight forward and off to the side so that she could angle her leg upwards. As Kami struck for her leg she would roll to the side... using her momentum to follow through into a crouch. This would change the location of where her foot was. As she rolled up and to the side, her ankle would be beyond the reach of Kami's foot... unless he planned on breaking his leg by trying to bend it in unnatural angles... As she rolled over, her foot would now be in position to catch him across the jaw unguarded....

She would roll into her crouch, redrawing 'Elven Fire' as she did so.

But what of the tail? As the sleeve wound around the appendage, so the tail wound around it and his wrist... as if it were gripping it like a human hand. The tail wouldn't relinquish it's grip and would instead try to hurl Kami towards the edge of the gear, Jerking his arm at a dislocating angle, using the monk's own weight and the force of gravity to aide in popping the joint out of place. The spines along the tail's armor would bite into any unguarded flesh beneath the sleeve of the monk's robe. The sleeve itself, would be shredded into ribbons as Adema released him to follow the throw through...

The demoness's sword was held before her as she crouched... slowly getting to her feet... ready to guard against an unforeseen retaliation.*

"Well there is no way she could've known that Kami was an expert when it comes to grappling." Kellindel said to himself, weighing the course of the battle as he went. "But it didn't seem like her position gave her very much leverage to throw him and with such a narrow limb? I wonder if she actually can throw him. If so then that demon blood in her must be of one of the larger, uglier varieties and the petite look is just some magical trick."

His footing shifted as he settled in for a good wait. It didn't seem like he was going to have to jump in any time soon at this pace, but he'd have to be ready just in case.

Still leaning against the wall, the Half-Siren chuckled ever so slightly.

"Clinging to each other rather passionately, those two. Mean, is it fighting or lovemaking what they're doing there...?"

(( ~scratches his chin~ Hrm... i must've misunderstood the description of the tail armor.

As for her strength, Kami was basing it more on her build than her size. If i recall your bio said she was elven. And elves are generally weaker than humans in terms of physical strength. But still, if she's using the demon to boost her strength or something then all bets are off I suppose. I'll post again when I wake up, for now I have to go. Talk to you all later! ))

((Sorry Kami-kun... I'll dig up my ref pic...

As for her size, she looks frail and doll like... typical elven build and grace. But she is an elf demon. It's the same as a small woman of the vampiric or lycanthrope races have inhuman strength. No matter what she looks like... she's a different breed and her genetic make-up is different from that of a normal elf's.

Her weight is the factor though... She's 120 lbs... probably weighs in at about 150lbs with her gear. Her flexibility and agillity make up for it mostly, usually letting her squirm her way free of things... but she still is a lightweight either way.

Here's Adema's tail spine:

Her tail's a little longer than that, but it gives you a visual for the way the spines and barbs are. The metal jointinf should encase the whole circumfrance of her tail too... Hope that helps. <3

Peppa - LOL Love you too hun ^~ You just gave me an idea for some spectator-ness... *goes to edit*  ))

========

The match was heating up and the stands were full. Cheers and great whooping hoots could be heard in support of both sides, some of the men in the crowd were fanboys that had sprung up as soon as the Femmes had been announced as a competing team. Some even had 'Marry Me' signs. Somebody else cat-called at the women only to have a young woman slap him for being obscene. Someone else started to boo the all female team and wound up with a face full of softdrink from a FF-supporter! Things were getting interesting on and off the field now!

((Sierra is the daughter of a high elf and a kastian mountain elf. She however, is the incarnate of a demon created as an elemental guardian of Gaia. Because the soul of the demon was reborn within her, the vessle.. her body, is a guise in a sense of the demon within. That demon is Ra'kar. Her soul, abilities and knowledege and exist within Sierra. The body is shared, the abilities and strengths.. while they had to be relearnt for the most part are shared. Only the souls are seperate. While they are what they call 'soul sisters' they are still seperate identities. Both are aware of anything the other sees of hears though, unless one soul is rendered unconcious. Due to some plot from a story arch in Levi and some help from Vahn's twin Victor... Ra'kar was made the dominant spirit and is currently in control over Sierra. If that makes sense... I'm not entirely sure. I'm not entirely awake >_<;;

For the grab... if he tried to take ahold of her tail from beneath, the spines are too close together to hold onto it without getting cut, it would be like trying to grab a thick cable + the barbs. His hands would be safe, but his fingers wouldn't be...

And you're right about the weight and the throw. When I mean ground though... When someone tries to pick me up or toss me around, I dig plant my feet in and start throwing my weight backwards and then start trying to gain distance by stepping back one step at a time. Still... I wasn't thinking too well at 8 am >_<;; That in itself is going to have a negative effect for me once he lets go...

Okies. Now to post >_<;;; ))

(( Ahhh, i see now. I was a little worried before, as if her physical vessel was a demon this fight would tip wildly in Kami's favor. Then i'd feel like a jerk for suggesting the matchup. ~laughs~ As it is, she's still supceptible to some of his magic, just not nearly as much. ))

Kami's grin widened as she attempted to use fire to burn the ofuda away. Kami had expected that. He hadn't taken the time to pay attention to it in the bar, but here on the battlefield his sensitivity to the flow of elemental energies was turned to full, and people who were adept at an element or connected to it in any way had a tendancy to attract that elements energy. As it was, according to Kami's knowledge of Onmyoudo, the flow of the fire element in the room was drawn around Ra'Kar and strengthened by her mere presence. That's why he had taken precautions.

Looking closely, one would see there were two different ofuda in use around her tail, each with a different scripture on it. The one that was more plentiful was scripted to bind the metal element, effectively ruining the edge of the blades and spines on her armor so long as they covered it. The others, were to reflect the flame element, spaced somewhat evenly to protect the others. A few of the metal binding papers did burn away though, unfortunate as they were to be outside the protection of the others.

Meanwhile, after the papers finished plastering themselves they no longer needed Kami's attention. So, while Ra'Kar took the time to regain her balance, he took to the next step. He wiped his right index finger along the gash she had cut into his face, slicking away a small bit of blood from it. He drew a series of strange characters on the palm of his left hand with it which he then snapped outward, causing his rosary to fall out of his sleeve. He caught it with a flick of the wrist and wrapped it around his hand, then levelled his gaze at the charging demoness.

"Well since you asked..."

As she drew closer, Kami pointed his left palm downward to his side and raised his right arm horizontally in front of him. Aside from that he seemed to be just as relaxed as always. He took a long, deep breath, and began to chant a long string of odd syllables.

(( :: 6/17 :: ))

((lol Nope! Simple demons are overplayed ))

*Ra'kar glares in irritation having had noticed that some of the strips of paper still clung to her unburnt. Her right eye would twitch in annoyance. Those were to be dealt with in a moment.

But first... She needed to stop that chant... and he hadn't blocked her!

Her sword would strike him across the chest, but the elven blade would be unhindered by the pesky papers. Ra'kar had surrounded the sword with a shielding of void energy the moment she recognized the strips of paper for what they were. This miniscule barrier was woven to absorb anything of magical nature or energy that did not correspond with the caster's spiritual signature. To be touched by this barrier, would result in the ofuda's enchantments to be consumed by the void.

With the sword blade free of being dulled by the ofuda, it would connect across the man's chest from his left shoulder, across his collar bone his chest and to the top portion of his rib cage. It would be a nasty gash, but worse than that... there was enough force behind that strike to break his clavicle bone and knock the wind out of him, which would cut his chanting short... or he'd bite his tongue off... which would be a shame. She liked being flattered by the monk when they weren't fighting! X3

With her sword arm past his left side as the strike carried through... she would aim her elbow at the pressure point between the man's shoulder blades, the hilt of her sword aimed for a stunning blow at the base of his skull.

She had been 'stepping' into the attack to carry the force... and as such her right knee was raised to the monk's gut, on top of the smash from her right arm... it would likely double him over.

IF it did...

She would sidestep and aim her tail at his lower back. Adema's spines were useless at the moment... but the force of the whip-like limb was more than enough to put someone's back out if not fracture vertebrae.

All the while she was still guarding with her left arm and once the backwards blow had been delivered... she'd also be guarding with the right.*

(( :: 6/17 :: ))

((Ok my by request to Judge, I have to ask for a bit of clerification on this one. I'll highlight the parts in question.

Lady Sierra Wrote:

Her sword would strike him across the chest, but the elven blade would be unhindered by the pesky papers. Ra'kar had surrounded the sword with a shielding of void energy the moment she recognized the strips of paper for what they were. This miniscule barrier was woven to absorb anything of magical nature or energy that did not correspond with the caster's spiritual signature. To be touched by this barrier, would result in the ofuda's enchantments to be consumed by the void.

With the sword blade free of being dulled by the ofuda, it would connect across the man's chest from his left shoulder, across his collar bone his chest and to the top portion of his rib cage. It would be a nasty gash, but worse than that... there was enough force behind that strike to break his clavicle bone and knock the wind out of him, which would cut his chanting short... or he'd bite his tongue off... which would be a shame. She liked being flattered by the monk when they weren't fighting! X3

From my understanding here, Sierra did a diagonal slash. From the shoulder to the top portion of the rib cage.

Kaminosai Wrote:

Being in a fully relaxed position, his upper body bent backward as the sword pressed against his body, sliding upwards along his ribcage but missing the bones and flesh above entirely.

Kami, you bent back, if I understand this right. If you bend back during a diagonal strike, you move your upper body out of the way of the attack for an extra moment, but the sword would still be coming down, unless you bent yourself in a complete L shape, which would be both wow, and ow, at the same time.

Or am I mis-reading this?

Edit: Gah! It ate my diagonal slashes! I must edit! ))

Kaminosai Wrote:

(( Huh... no, i just COMPLETELY misread her attack is all. I'm not sure how i made a mistake like that. Okay, lemme edit that then. ))

((Not a problem! I think she had to change the angle of her strike in responce to your attack. So that it could cut through the papers. But I know how you feel. ))

(( It's fine, i just have to do a different post is all. Anyway, it's a shortsword yes? so something like two feet long or less? ))

Kami's brow furrowed as the strike he had been expecting towards his chest was changed into a sweeping strike towards his shoulder, this would require a whole different defense than he had planned altogether. He continued chanting and twisted his upper body, trying to move the shoulder she was targetting further away. Meanwhile he tried to move his left arm upwards to intercept. It wasn't quite fast enough however, and the edge of the sword bit into his flesh just before he could reach. It managed to draw across his shoulder in damn near hit the collarbone before he managed to block it's progress with his left forearm. The wards to reflect the Metal element were still thankfully covering that arm.

He sucked the air through clenched teeth in a quick pause between syllables as he continued to chant through the pain. His voice was strained and the look on his face made it clear he was far from comfortable. But a slight pause in the chant wasn't enough to disrupt it, she'd have to do something to make him stop altogether for more than a few seconds.

Meanwhile, his body went from relaxed to tense in an instant, rolling his inner chi through his body like a wave and into his right arm. As she stepped forward to get into range to knee him, his hand moved only a few scant inches and smacked against her abdomen. Even with the armor, and even if she managed to get her free hand to block in such a short instant, it would likely still not be enough considering all the effort she was putting into followup strikes. All of kami's strength was focused onto that one point and enhanced with inner bodily energy, more than enough to send her 150lbs flying backwards.

(( :: 7/17 :: ))

(( Ugh... forgot about the void field thing too. I'm sorry my full concentration isn't on this. I'm at work and i've had a months worth of paperwork dumped into my lap to be done before morning. :domo: I'll have a much shorter and concise post in a minute. just to keep things moving since we're already going into the third day. ))

The wards on his arm were set to reflect the metal element, meaning they'd begin resisting the the sword before actually reaching the blade or being touched by the field. There was still enough force to slice into his arm however, which caused him to choke between syllables again.

As for her followup attacks after taking his counter-blow, if she had made just one she might have been able to put a good amount of force into it. But making multiple from that position while being knocked backwards just wasn't reasonable, and as such the blows more or less glanced off. The tip of the sword barely scratched through his kimono and drew only a little bit of blood on the deepest part of the cut, and the kick was little more than a hard nudge. Kami stumbled backwards all the same. The pain was awfully sobering, but it was just as hard on keeping his balance as the alcahol had been. He dropped to one knee, and all of the sudden his chanting stopped. With an exasperated shout he slammed his left palm against the gear.

"Four winds of Heaven and Earth divination!

Mountains of the west, devour the setting sun!"

Suddenly, all of the energy running throughout the fire element in the room was forcefully redirected and fueled into the earth element. Any fire, either magical or naturally ocurring, was now severely weakened and nearly uncontrollable. Kami stayed as he was, panting heavily and looking quite the worse for wear from his wounds. There was some shifting around in his robes and more ofuda covered them, acting both to staunch the bleeding and block out the pain.

(( So much for concise.... ))

Lady Sierra Wrote:

((Sorry to seem to nit-pick hun... But you forgot about the hilt-strike at your jaw, that would have connected before you hit her and your mandible (jaw) would be broken or disloacted, likely you'd be spitting a couple teeth out... point being though... You wouldn't be able to chant let alone shout... ))

(( So i did. ~sighs and edits~ ))

(( Actually, i'm not editting. I'm sorry but there's no way that attack would reach my face in the split second to hit you. ))

(( Yes, but you'd have to A: recover from your initial movement having changed your mind on how to strike (just as i got penalised in reaction time switching how i was blocking your strike earlier), B: likely have to either swing the sword around or change your grip on the handle to get around my arm, and C: travel the distance to my face. All in the span it took to move my arm a few inches. I'm not saying you couldn't throw the attack, i'm just saying you'd miss as i'd knock you back first, which would shorten your reach considerably. ))

Hey Moo, looks like you and me are probably going to be up sometime soon so I was just wondering what time is good for you to be online and the such. I'm running on GMT and have a bad habit of getting incredibly tired and going to bed early

((By the by Moo, do you remember Kit-kun? He's mah friend

And Iunno hat PST is compared to GMT... I'm easily confused in the mornings... -4 would mean that right now for you its about 7:45am?))

I'm officially a moron.

It's 3:44am here, so that'd make it -8 GMT (thanks, Kami ).

And yes, I remember Kit-kun--how's he doing?

Quote: As she stepped forward to get into range to knee him, his hand moved only a few scant inches and smacked against her abdomen.

(( You hit her after she sliced at you, because the knee was a follow up. So she's only contending with your block. Lets say there's less than half a foot between your arm as you raise your arm to block your chest. She was already reversing the strike as you brought your arm up because she doesn't want to bleed you to death. Her sword would be coming down point towards the ground due to a rotation of her wrist. She's bringing that sword up as soon as it touches your arm. She's an elf demon, both of which are extremely agile and she's dance trained enhancing her agility that much more... She'd make the connection with his jaw as his fist connects with her abdomen, that would likely save his jaw from being broken... but under his chin would be cut up from the hilt, and it would still likely be dislocated... She's trained in sword dancing and martial arts... if you can't control your blade you aren't skilled. You're responsible for the wellbeing of your oponent ne?))

(( 2ft arcing motion (at least) vs less than 1 foot straight motion (at most). Even starting the motion to strike before being hit, that's still not enough time to complete it. And yes, I understand your character is very agile. So is mine. ))

((Saaa. The main point I'm trying to make is that by the time you went to strike her, her sword would have already been about the same distance to your chin because you said that he struck AS she stepped to knee him. She did that AFTER she started the strike on your chin. -_-;;

Whatever though... I want to get this match over with tonight, so moving on ^_^;; I'll post now...))

========

A collective gasp went up from the crowd as the chi-focused strike sent the woman flying! A moment of silence as they held their breath... and then a second gasp as they would see that she was going to be okay and the fight wasn't over yet! They errupted into wild cheering. Some screaming for the monk to finish her off, others yelling for Ra'kar not to give up!

Good thing you didnt see the other form that shares Juunikyuu's body then No doubt you'll see her after the fight when Juunikyuu's energy gets too low...

And if it helps, Juunikyuu is effectively a living star, who looks like a female

And who were these requests coming from? At a guess I'd say Reiko... Considering what he wants to do to my character anyways...

Ra'kar hovered in the air as the same metaphysical netting of void that surrounded her blade, spread over her body like an unseen second skin. Over her body and down her tail... Nullifying the ofuda. As they fell to the ground that was now far beneath her... the demoness spat out a mouth full of blood, (she'd bitten her cheek when he nailed her in the abdomen) she laughed and called out to her opponent.

"How about loser buys the first round at the bar tonight?!"

*She winked and brought her sword up before her. All that effort had been for naught... The problem with trying to manipulate the energies in this room... was that there wasn't very much to manipulate. And as for any elements that the demon summoned... She herself had mastered manipulation abilities millennia ago. She had also learned to hold onto her energies when she used them... she guided her magicks and then recycled the energy put into it. Waste not Want not ^_~

The end result was... that her energies were just that. HER OWN. She relinquished them to no one.

Now... to do something about those damned papers once and for all...

Just as she had summoned the void about herself, she cast a like barrier around the monk's being. Thus... she would nullify all the strips of paper he had on him.

Her main focus however... although it may not have been noticeable... for this was a very subtle thing she did... As she held her blade she appeared to wipe it clean of his blood on her sleeve... Really what she did was use the sleeve and her height above everyone, to mask her finger squiggling a rune in the red substance.... thus sealing her opponent's blood.*

(( :: 8/17 :: ))

Dammit! I'm not a prissy magical girl My character is an Angel Senshi, she fights hand to hand and has a stave and some powers yes. But she is no Magical Girl!

sits in a corner twitching

...

(( At this point i don't even think i'll finish before my shift is over. They never left me any sort of note or anything, so i didn't find out about it until my night was almost half over. I'm probably going to have to pull overtime just to get it done, and i'm proably going to pass out right when iget home because of it. I'm worried about the time limit too, but honestly work comes first. I'll try to wake up early, like 2-3pm PST so we can finish, okay?

Also, what exactly does "sealing blood" entail? ))

((Work does come first ^_^

And 2-3pm pst would be 5-6pm EST I think oO; I can do that ^^ That would mean that by morning tomorrow Mooo and Juuni should be set <3

Mmm. Sealing blood. Sierra Ra'kar is a Blood Speaker.... Sealing someone's blood for her, is like her holding a fabric voodoo doll of your body. ^_^;; But she controls blood not flesh...))

(( Yeargh, didn't get home until 9am, and then was kept awake by my roommate's most of the day. Yet here I am. I'll have a post up in a bit.

Edit: Woop, made a typo previously. Fire feeds into Metal on the complimentary path in Onmyoudo, not Earth. Fixing it now. ))

Kami smirked as his opponent attempted to circumvent his magic. He was used to it, nobody ever actually understood how his magic worked. They couldn't really be blamed for that, as Onmyoudo was a relatively unknown art in this day and age. She couldn't have been expected to understand that his method of affecting elements was wholly different than any other magic she was used to. His spell had nothing to do with her or her own magic at all. She could cast her fire spells to her hearts content.

He felt the hairs on his neck pick up as a feild of Yin energy surrounded his body. He actually scoffed out loud at it. Kami was spiritually strong enough to seal away Kyuubi's single handed. Such a simple spell done in such haste wasn't really a threat. Besides, she was hardly the first void-mage he'd run into on gaia. You couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting several, and he was pretty used this trick by now. Plus, the turning of the gear meant the distance between them was increasing steadily. He didn't need to fear an attack just yet.

Most people didn't know how to unlock the power in their blood. For Kami, it was a necessity, both to his magic and his martial arts. That was where most of his spiritual power lie, as blood is the most powerful of catalysts in his realm of magic. It served as the connection between his flesh and his spirit, and as such wasn't so easy to gain control over. He brought his hands up to his chest and put them together. Pinky and and ring fingers folded, with the middle and index fingers pointed skyward and his thumbs side by side. He furrowed his brow and seemed to growl under his breath for a moment in concentration. He focussed the power of his indomitable spirit to bear via his own blood. With a loud shout, it exploded outwards from his body. Nothing visable of course, unless someone had the gift of seeing pure spiritual energy. Given what little time or care Ra'Kar gave into doing the spell, this would be more than enough to dispell it.

"Well... since i still owe you for the other day, I suppose I'll have to win this quickly. You've proved I don't need to handicap myself anymore after all."

His face once again relaxed into a smile as he said this. His left hand reached into his left sleeve and pulled out what looked like a foot long peice of wood connected to a chain. A sharp yank pulled the chain out, revealing seven more similer segments of wood and chains. His left hand whipped to the side, and each of the lengths of chain shortened into the wood, bringing them together into a seven foot long quarterstaff. Aside from it's unusual construction, it seemed perfectly normal. The end of this staff was stamped against the ground as he took his stance. Hips dropped slightly, knees bent, with his staff planted against the gear behind him in his right hand. His left hand was held outward, palm facing Ra'Kar with his rosary still wrapped around it. With his long red hair, it looked awfully reminicent of a kabuki actor.

((Don't worry hun... I can see it making a difference but if I had made a slip like that I'd want it fixed. Go for it.

I WILL however point out though... Kami wouldn't be able to sense anything in his blood being affected yet. She hasn't actually done anything to him that would cause him to take notice. She's being very subtle and biding her time with that trick. All she did was seal it. Nothing more... she's just 'holding the doll' so to speak.

The void she's surrounding you with... well it won't be dispelled so easily... but I'll leave that 'til I see what you do in revision. ))

((What she's doing isn't a spell. All she's done is drawn a rune in your blood. It's like picking up a piece of hair someone shed or a toe-nail clipping... a piece of cloth from their clothes. There would be nothing to sense as of yet. It's a step in preparing for her blood speaking, not the actual magick. The rune, written in your blood will act as link once activated. It's sealed and dormant at the moment. The seal being the rune.

I'm not underestimating his spiritual ability or strength. Just try and keep in mind that Ra'kar is a being created of magicks. She is born of fire and darkness, granted a soul and life by her Goddess. And she's got a few millenia on your lengthened human years. Energy manipulation for her is mostly an innate trait, just expanded on. It comes as naturally to her as breathing because to her, energy's flow through her as much as oxygen.

Moderate elemental stuff is almost subconscious for her. She's been doing it forever. 'tis 2nd nature and doesn't require very much focus on her part. Like I said, it's PART of her. It's just like her brain telling her arm to move or her fingers to close into a fist.

She lives for her power. All she does is further her abilities and get enjoyment out of people where she can. 'tis her nature. ))

((I'm not saying your character is weak. I'm just saying that he is facing someone who's forte's run parallel to his own. Neither of them will be very effective against eachother because it will go back and forth. He'll try and manipulate her and she'll try and manipulate back.

The demonic rune is a magick symbol. But it is dormant. It is simply a drawn seal, an unopened portal. Until she activates it there is no link to you metaphysicaly. It's as if it were drawn in ink right now.

The void as you would have seen would have had trouble in what it had been sent to accomplish. It wouldn't be able to cloak you, but it wouldn't disperse either. It would wind up in the air between them like a net to absorb elemental energies period and nullify the field.

Abilities cause dispute. That's why I haven't been throwing spells at you. She's a mage, you're a monk. It would get us nowhere. I just want to fight and get this finished. I'm here for fun but I don't back down on something I believe in either. ))

Bubbles [v3] Wrote:

You have ten more minutes to clear up the argument or I get off my a**, read the posts and make a decision by myself. Way too much OOC in here. =o

(( I agree wholeheartedly.

Regardless of what it's purpose is, I don't understand how you can draw the rune itself without using magic to do so. But if it's really going to keep dragging this out then I'll edit it. That's not my only way of getting around it anyway. If you want to have the field hanging about somewhere that's fine, my only concern was that the spell didn't work as intended.

Edit: There, done, moving on please! ))

Well since I get no answer from Sierra, here's what happens.

The demon lady is all the way up, with the blood, and she does draw the rune. The rune itself is magical, yes. If Kaminosai has a way to know what happens all the way on those drops of blood up there, he can feel the rune being drawn, even if it's effects are dormant.

If he can't, then he won't notice the effect before the rune is actually triggered and reaches the rest of his blood. If it can indeed reach the rest of his blood is up to Sienna's judgement and knowledge of her own character's powers.

Edit your posts accordingly, and if you can't get along again, ask a judge, please. Like it was mentioned, there aren't a kazillion months left to the tournament, and it's only your first fight.

Sierra, sorry! mixes up all the time, sucks

goes to edit X_x;

Oh, and no more arguing will be allowed on the question. The decision is final, and it will stay so. Please go on with the fight. =3

((No Prob 'trick. Sienna gets called Sierra all the time too. No worries ^_^

And okay. Sorry Kami, I'm not trying to take the fun out of this. After all, that's why we're in HoH to begin with. I really don't want to bicker. After all, your character is well put-together and a good challenge. S'not personal.

Now lets motor! <3

EDIT :: Sorry B </3

EDIT-EDIT :: Wings, unfurl and act as a buffer/drag system, slow her.. flap and she hovers...))

*The barrier that served as a second skin around the woman would pull away, joining the flow of the void between the two fighters like a wave in the tide.

As the monk tried to dispell it by emitting a large pulse of his own personal energy, the void would meet a moment of resistance before acting like a vaccum and consuming the energy. The demoness had stopped using any kind of flame energy as she shielded herself with the void... And now Kami would see why.

A break in the continuity of the energy field, it acted like a black hole and would absorb any energies present. Natural or otherwise.

The void couldn't be tamed... merely manipulated. Sure it meant that Ra'kar couldn't cast her magicks at the moment... But it also meant that the paper strips would be useless against her as well.

She was leveling the playing field.

Ra'kar smiled at her opponent's reply and regulating her breathing, she lets the dagger in her left wrist sheath slip into her grip and dives at Kami, her wings tucked tight against her body as she closes the distance rapidly.

That staff had quite the reach... this was going to get fun.

She was divebombing him... or so it would appear. If she continued her current course she would come in straight at him and throw her weight into him in a body check... *

(( :: 8/17 :: ))

((It did just a bit more, it'll keep you from plastering her blades or tail, and prevent you from helping heal ^_^;; And I'm sorry luff. I didn't mean to cause such a headache. ))

*Ra'kar had been going for a feignt and had tilted her wings back to guide her upwards, pulling out of the dive and leveling out just beyond the staff's reach, but as her opponent thrust himself into the air, balancing atop the 7ft staff she angled her wings back again and shot up at the monk.

She would come with a sword strike from the left, it would move in upwards-diagonal aimed for the man's elbow joint. She was striking with the back of her sword, dull enough that it wouldn't sever the limb if it connected, but sharp enough to cut and definitely hard enough to break or dislocate the bone and joint.

If it connected, it would be driven even hader into the man's arm as her body would follow behind it in an aerial check.

She was sure that the man was ready for something like this though, and her left arm and the dagger that she clutched, were ready to raise in defense as they were hald across her breast.

She wanted to split his focus though... as she swung with the blade, she would wait for him to move in a counter... then her tail would snake out in a whiplike motion to crack against the staff and send the monk off balance.*

(( :: 9/17 :: ))

((A little hard to follow at 4 am, but that was nicely done Kami-san ^_^

EDIT :: goes back to try and get the fire going again as she abandoned it to post ))

*The fact that Ra'kar had been going for a feignt, had meant that appearing to divebomb her opponent wasn't her actual intention. She would have actually slowed her decent and leveled out about 5 ft above the gear's surface... just over 10 ft away from Kami at the same time he pulled off his fancy staff-work and sprung into an impressive hand stand.

As she shot up towards the Monk though and he gathered himself... her eyes widened. His Pectoral, delts and all his arm muscles tensed. She saw the movement... AWAY! Back! Now! Then he moved into a jump with his arms instead of legs?! She had the image of the staff swung at her on a sideways angle with a solid blow and immediately she tried to change her course.

She threw herself into a backwards saummersult, her wings working over time to throw her back in the aerial roll and propell herself out of distance. Her tail recoiling with her as the monk snap kicked it... then-- CLANG!!

The metal of the tail spine clashed off of what-? The Staff?! Except it was no longer a staff but a spiral of what seemed to be 7 very sharp sections and a whole lot of chain. It was more of a bladed whip now than anything else... COOL! Wait... No it wasn't!! >_<;;

She pulled out of the backwards roll as Kami landed... (hopping and dancing)... to let her eyes take in the sight of what had almost been a very painful snare.

Her breath escaped in a hiss through her teeth. Close. Too Close.

She needed a moment to get her bearings. This was a whole new ball game... She would be about 9 ft off the ground by now, and roughly a third of the gear's breadth away from her opponent as she stayed suspended in the air, watching him closely. Her senses on guard in case someone tried to strike her from another angle.*

(( :: 10/17 :: ))

*Ra'kar blinks at her opponent, her mouth slightly agape as he finishes his performance and retires from the fight. She drifted down to the gear and tilted her head at him... She was left with a totally unsatisfied feeling about the match. But what could she do? They were short on time and it was his decision. Maybe there would be a way to make it up later, outsides of the tournament.

Ra'kar bows to him, bending low from the waist... which was usual. She did not show such a mark of respect to very many people. She straightens in one fluid movement and heads over to the monk.*

"Thank you for the fight Kami-san. You taught me some interesting things... and your dance was beautiful."

She hops down off the gear and wanders over to her team mates her brow furrowed as she reaches in her gym bag for a water battle that contained juice mixed with electrolytes.

((I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the fight more Kami-san. Perhaps another time when you're not pre-occupied with work and I'm not trying to function at 5 am ne? ))

Besides from shaking her head a little Lucind gave no comment on the round's end and just provided Ra'kar with a towel to remove sweat and blood.

The Senshi had been watching the fight closely but she would be the first to admit that this was not how she had expected it to end. Still, a win for the team was a win and now it was her turn.

She smield to herself and stretched her arms up above her head one last time, arching her back and reaching up on the balls of her feet before completely relaxing and took a deep swig from her water bottle before tossing it aside. The bottle disappeared in a flurry of sparks and Juunikyuu leapt up onto the moving gears, stumbling only slightly before she regained her footing. The rough bindings on her feet helping her to grip a little easier as her toes clenched and unclenched.

The gars moved rhythmically and Juunikyuu took a deep inhale, closing her eyes before they opened once more, a fierce and determined gaze about them as she waited for Ra'kar and Kami to depart and Moo to take his stand.

*Ra'kar takes the towel wordlessly and wipes the dust and sweat from her face. She was not a happy demon.

Her eyes flashed as she tried to let her irritation go. To try and forget about it, she turns her attention to the round about to start. Juunikyuu's round. The demoness remembered her fight with the Senshi fondly and grinned as she called out to her team mate*

"Yo'Juuni... Give 'em Hell!"

A little bald man stood straight up atop a cog and coughed loudly to get everyone's attention.

TEAM MK1 VS FEMMES FATALES

Kaminosai vs Ra'kar

FORFEIT!

Paramedics are waiting outside the door, if either of you are wishing to use their services, both for magical and conventional treatments."

And the bald man went back to silently watching the match.

+Enter Mir+

A rather slim man was, oddly, ascending the vertical outer face of the clocktower. It appeared as though he was simply placing his palms, and like some kind of spider-man sticking to it's surface, what was actually going on was much more violent and metallic.

The wind howled pas thim, screaming in his ears. Meanwhile, his mind was worrying about being late. Well, not really. Hard to worry when you're an alternate. Either way, he planned on being of use.

"Ugh..."

c*k...Thunk...c*k...Thunk...

He ascnended, slowly, to a small alcove just above the clockface itself. After working on a large brick for maybe half a minute, he crawled in, he found himself situated directly above the arena, hidden in shadows.

Much as a junkie would administer heroin, Mir withdrew a small black canister with the word "Heaven" written on it in a pictogram language he had developed, called "Thari". It held little significance, the writing part anyway. This capsule, was inserted directly into his right arm. He withdrew a similar red canister, with two vertical black lines drawn upon it's casing. This, went into his left.

As his master had taught him, he began meditating. He withdrew his mind inside himself, and shut down it's frantic information processing for a time, instead following the paths inside his self that energy flowed through like steam valves, or pressure sluces on a dam.

And boy, oh boy did he have a dam. He opened his blue eyes, withdrew back into the shadows, letting them dilate, take more light in.

Striker in position, ready to deliver instant pain to tough opposition, he thought, sounding cool in his head.

((Kay then, let's wait what the others say. Anyway, last round most likely has to be done quickly in case we don't get some additional time due to inconvenient time lags.

edit: I'll be around after midnight, when all the celebrating stuff is over...))

While waiting for the next round to begin, Lucind picked up bits and pieces from the crowd talking, whispering and commenting the first round, making assumptions of the final result of the match. The wind, coming into the building at the tower's top where the huge bells hung, transported faint informations from outside.

The Half-Siren stretched out once again and waited for things to go on.

((No offence guys but this is getting bloddy ridiculous. Where is Moo or Kell, either would do just so we could at least start the second round!))

The crowd was beginning to get a little restless, shifting and whispering amoungst themselves as the Senshi continued to keep herself warmed up.

((Then you need to make an entrance post I'm at work 11-5 today however, and wont have any internet access at all in that time. I'm going home tonight and tomorrow is my birthday but I'll be able to rp this evening and some tomorrow unless Kell and Lu-Lu wish to go first.))

Juunikyuu arched her back into a great curve, hands on hips before rolling her shoulders individually one last time. Her ears flickered and the tip of her tail twitched. She was itching for the fight to begin.

In the background she could hear the media fighting their way through the crowd towards Ra'kar and she smirked to herself. She was going to win this fight. It wouldn't be some sucky forfeit.

"Miss Ra'kar! Miss Ra'kar! Is this how you expected the fight to turn out?!"

"Julie Davies for Gambino News Network. How do you feel Miss Ra'kar?"

"Question from Durem News Front. Why are you entering this tournament Miss Ra'kar?"

Juunikyuu's smirk turned to a slight grin as her opponent finally entered into the fighting arena. She shifted her weight slightly and spread her feet, her right slightly in front of her left to give her more balance and a quick start if needed. Her left arm rose at an angle, the covered forearm shielding her chest while the right hand rose at a lesser angle in front of that and to the side. The tip of her tail swished side to side eagerly and her ears twitched, listening intently to the noise around her. All of the Senshi's senses were homed in on Moo and she watched him carefully as the crowd fell silent.

Her energies began to gather around her, forming an invisable flaming aura around her. ((Flaming as in thats what it'd look like if you could see the aura, not that it'll burn you ))

"I've been ready, where were you?" she asked in jest before nodding in a slight bow, "Lets go!"

((Guess thats my first post eh? ::1-17::

Sorry for the delay, was getting breakfast ))

So there's metal in those gloves eh... Best avoid getting hit by those, it definatly wun be pretty!

Now, Juunikyuu wasn't part cat for nothing, in fact she was pretty nimble even without the addition of the neko gene's she shared with her younger form. They just gave her a little boost in agility and sensorary areas.

Her gaze remained fixed on Mooo's movements. She made careful note of the extra reach he had over her and decided she had best perhaps compensate. Her tail snaked up and wound around her waist out of harms way before her muscles clenched and released in a burst of the energy she had been storing.

The Senshi jumped upwards, almost at Mooo but higher, catching hold of one of the overhanging bars that pinned the gears in place with both hands and swung herself up and over it releasing her grip and landing a little uneasily on the slim pole. She was soon back in her safety zone as her tail unwound from her waist, giving her a a helping hand with the balance and the rough grip of her bare feet and bindings helped her further.

She grinned cattily down at Mooo and began to summon more energies to herself, muttering under her breath slightly. A small drip of blood from her thumb fell and landed on the gear below her. She had obviously caught it on a metal splinter when she swung from the bar but this didn't bother her. In fact, it could prove to be to her advantage.

Now she was out of the way for the moment the Senshi had time to stop and gather her thoughts. If she could keep Mooo at a good enough distance he couldn't touch her. But that wouldn't make for a satisfying or an interesting fight... So she had other plans.

((I hope thats an okay post, if not, let me know

::2-17:)

((Nu, she had swung up onto it. Like gymnasts use those poles to swing from? Iunno the exact name She'd have swung over it, let go, twisted and landed... if that makes sense... Sorry ))

The Senshi watched Mooo's movements carefully as her aura flamed a little higher before stopping, almost at what was possibly its peaking point. Her ears twitched and eyes widened slightly in a flutter of a panic as Mooo charged at her with his punch. She definatly didn't want to get hit by thos metal lined gloves, not if she wanted to keep her bones intact!

And so, she did exactly what Mooo expected... And a little more.

She jumped backwards in a flip, her back arching deeply, her hands connecting with the pole, arms bent, as she kicked her feet up and over herself before pushing upwards and landing lightly on the horizontal gear that the pole was keeping in place.

Now came the 'little more' part.

From her contact with the pole, Juunikyuu had left a drop of her blood on the metal surface and it had begun to spread out in a runic pattern. A reasonably small one but it was there. If Mooo touched the pole, it would transfer onto him giving the Senshi another possible advantage and if not, the blinding light it was about to emit would quite possibly throw him rather off course and obscure his vision.

Next the Senshi would summon her staff. Holding out her right hand it would appear in a flurry of sparks. The smooth silver glinting slightly, picking out the runic symbols engraved upon it. Using her left hand Juunikyuu would then hoist herself up onto the horizontal gear above her, stumbling a little at the sudden change in direction before regaining her steady footing and waiting her eyes seeming a little glazed, ready for the light blast.

<insert shock here>

Juunikyuu had known Moo was physically strong but -that- went beyond all her expectations. As Moo began to swing the gear she felt a fleeting sense of panic and searched the surroundings for options. A vertical gear about 20 ft in front of her made methodical ticking noises as it rose upwards and she took a chance as Moo screamed his frustration at her. She powered herself forwards and when she reached the tip of her gear platform she kicked off, just as the loose gear crashed into the bottom of it, splitting the other with such force that the two became stuck and the rythmatic movements of the clock tower became stuck. The gears strained and groaned as they tried to move but with the missing gearing that was almost impossible.

The gear was almost within reach for the Senshi but the sudden jolt of the gears stopping caused her holding to fail and she let out a small shriek as she tumbled downwards just as the light rune on the pole exploded in a flash of brilliant light causing the crowds to gasp and shield their eyes. In the midst of the flash there was a dull thud of a body falling against metal followed by the tinkling sound of metal on metal but when the light cleared and the dots dancing across peoples vision began to clear with it, Juunikyuu was nowhere to be seen.

((Dum dum dum! 3-17 ))

Mooo wasn't frustrated--far from it, he was having a blast--but it'd be even better if he'd struck the fear of God into her from the get-go, make her think he was totally batshit, and rattle her.

As expected, the gears ground to a halt, and Mooo had to start hopping from gear to gear--it was annoying, to be sure, but he wasn't complaining to anyone but himself. When that flash hit, Mooo was actually leaping between horizontal gears--he covered his eyes with his arms, suddenly disoriented as he tumbled onto the next gear, rolling almost to the end.

Slowly pulling himself to his feet, he surveyed the battlefield quizzically. Juuni was nowhere to be seen, or even heard. He'd best be on his guard, 'cause if she popped outta nowhere, he wanted to give her one hell of a surprise.

Kami had been spending the past few minutes tending to his own wounds. Sure, the magical healers and stadium doctors down below could probably help him, but he was a holistic physician himself. It was a matter of pride that he be able to at least heal himself. If he couldn't do that, then what good was he in a battle?

He looked up just as Mooo and his opponent were preparing to start. Kami's eyes narrowed critically as he looked at the catgirl. He seemed to be gauging her capabilities. His well trained eyes looking all over her body. He seemed to be judging her spiritually as well. Trying to narrow down what her nature might be like. After a minute or so of staring, he leaned over to Kell to give his opinion.

"34b - 26 - 36"

Then he went back to tending the cuts on his arm. Only distracted as the clockwork in the tower came to a screeching halt. Kami braced himself out of a slight fear of falling while looking about him wild eyed. After a couple blinks, he just chuckled to himself. The look of shock on on Juuni's face was something not altogether unfamiliar to him.

"Heh, she's smart to keep herself away. The only reason I could take Mooo's hits was because of how drunk off my a** I was. I was lucky I only found a couple busted ribs afterward. I just hope he doesn't bring this place crashing down on our heads..."

He hid his eyes as the flashbang went off, when shook his head and went back to his cuts.

Ah... crap...

That was exactly what Juunikyuu thought of the situation. But then Moo did something he might well regret. As the gear turned Juunikyuu slipped off it and continued to fall, just with the gear above her. And then she felt the cool metal touch her back as Moo hopped and her eyes widened as she figured what would come next.

She didn't want to have to do this, it'd hurt. But at the same time, being pinned by the gear would be a great disadvantage to the Senshi, especially if she was counted out by the judge.

The scars on both the Senshi's shoulder blades stretched and began to weep blood furiously before they spilt open and in a flurry of ailvered blood spatter and feathers the Angel's wings literally exploded out of her back with a burst of star energy as she let out an ear piercing and pain filled scream.

She hoped, the force of the wings erupting from her back would be enough to at least throw the gear off, even if it meant Moo would jump down onto her instead. It'd be easier to beat him off than having a piece of thick metal gear between the two of them. And if she was lucky, the gear might be pushed back up into Moo as he jumped. But she couldn't control the direction the explosion made the metal go.

Depending on the outcome would depend how she landed.

((I can't post her landing until I know how the explosion effects Moo ))

((My character doesn't have "blood" Kell She has raw star energy... And these are the light runes I talk about in her bio, yup yup

waves two lil flags, one saying Moo, one saying Juuni

I'm impressed I've lasted this long myself

EDIT: Oh and Kami... baps :domo:))

(( STRIKER ))

Awrighty--nice save, by the way. Also, I think the regulation is against willfully endangering the audience or inactive teammates.

I'll be on for a little bit longer, but Juuni and I can probably finish this up tomorrow night, since I'll be unavailable in the day. Otherwise, we can figure something out.

((Edited a little because I dun think she can get healed fully by medics and mage-medics until after the current fight....))

Ra'kar smiled at Lucind, one eye scrunched shut against the pain as she nods in the direction of the fight that was still going on.

"S'our little one okay?"

*She would get the siren to help her up a couple of levels. Not so much 'help' as make sure she didn't trip. She could still function, she had an extremely high pain tolerance... it was just, well... difficult. And with her sight wavering, she didn't want to fall off of one of the gears.

If the blue-haired woman could do something more for the pain than Ra'kar could, she would appreciate it. If she was needed, she could still deliver a fair amount of damage. Granted... it was going to hurt like hell. Not that her arm didn't already... But either way, they both needed to be in a good striking position. Just in case.*

((Mooo - I know, and Juuni couldn't dodge that without blasting it, which would put the spectators at risk. ^_^;

Now I'm off for the night... err... morning >_<;;; 'tis 6:05am. Ni Ni mina-san <3))

Lucind didn't glance back but her ears tilted a little and she nodded. "She'll be fine. - Nice move, by the way. But lemme give you a painblocker or you're going to pass out within the next couple of minutes."

Carefully the blue haired woman sat the captain down on a wooden box which had been brought there by a broadcasting team, used to keep all kind of technical stuff in it. She knelt next to her and leaned forward as if she wanted to tell Ra'kar something secret.

"Just relax, 'kay. It's easiest when you don't try to fight.."

The Half-Siren then starting to sing and despite the noise around its effect wasn't interfered. It was an intesified version of a

About Sirens Wrote:

ni wah = song of meditation; relaxation, recovery; applicable to singer and audience; useful to temporarily block off pain

For Lucind didn't have much time she added a little more psionic force than usual: this song wasn't made for really messing with someone's mind or soul. The Half-Siren would just enter the outskirts of Ra'kar's mental system to manipulate her cerebral signals and install a temporary shield.

After about twenty seconds, Lucind straightened to look at Ra'kar.

"It should work for about fifteen, maybe twenty minutes..."

She suggested to fix the broken arm to prevent any further damages.

Well, the last of the judging is done, and the scores are in and averaged out. Obviously there is going to be a lot of bitching, but its only expected when testosterone is flaring up in unbelievable levels.

Points are awarded in 4 categories, each part is worth 5 points. On a rating scale of 1-5 for each category.

1. Did they break any rules?

1. How long did it take them to post?

1. Were they creative?

1. Could you tell what they were doing? Also being were they able to describe their moves clearly?

So winning is not about beating the living crap out of someone, but rather RPing as a whole. Though of course, winning a round does provide bonus points, and contrary to that, arguements result in deduction of points.

Femme Fatales: 16.25 pts

MK2: 15.16 pts

*The demoness returns from her visit with the mage-medics, her shattered bones no longer so. She felt as good as new! She stretches her arms out behind her head as rubs at the formerly ingured shoulder. Strong as ever! And good thing too as some fanboy ran up and slapped her a**... likely a dare from his friends, Still... she turned on him. He would have a split second to register that her fist was headed for his face.

Of course she didn't hit him... as much as she'd of liked to. She was sure there'd be a risk of a DQ if she KO'ed some 'innocent' spectator. Her fist stopped mere centimeters from his face.

He opened wide eyes to her and tried to stutter something. She just grinned before turning to leave again and blowing him a kiss.

The poor 'kid' was half in awe, half terrified as he sank to his knees, trembling and just stared after her.

==========

Ra'kar makes her way back through the crowd and finds her teammates getting swamped with press.*

"Ladies congratulations on your win! Is there anything you'd like to say?"

"Please tell the viewers of the Gambino News Network, Is the Heaven or Hell tournament everything you expected it to be?"

"Durem News Front Readers want to know, If you win what will you girls do with the prize money?"

"Barton Broadcast is interested to know; Who do you most want to fight? Is there an individual or whole team?"

"Oh there's someone in this tournament I want to fight all right... s'too bad she's my captain!" Juunikyuu said with a laugh.

"Miss Juunikyuu, it is your wish to fight your team member Ms. Ra'kar?"

"That's why she joined the tournament ladies and gents, her promise for competing on my team is a rematch after this is all over."

Ra'kar interrupted as she eased in amongst the other two women and draped her arms over their shoulders, smiling at the camera's.

"What did you think of your opponents?"

"They were good fights, it's too bad they ended as they did. I'm sure we'll fight again sometime." Lucind replied softly as he looked at her captain. The half siren was putting on a good face, but Ra'kar got the impression that the noise and hub bub of the press wasn't really her thing.

"Ladies--"

"I'm sorry but that's all for now. We have to meet up with our other teammate and get something to eat. It's well past supper you know..."

"One last Question Ms. Ra'kar! Is it true that you are engaged to team GLACIER's fighter Vahn Kyonuske?"

Ra'kar's eye twitched as she turned and walked away without replying. She gathered up her gymbag and stormed out of the tower. She NEEDED a drink in a bad way...