Intro Phase 2 - "Dueling Hearts"

New Cast Appearing:
Storen as TheStoryteller, Yuriko, Jean, Tadashi, Various NPCs
Stelas as Saki
Session Start: Sat Apr 16 18:41:01 2005

New Meribia, Zen Zone

<TheStoryteller> The Zen Zone of Horam... the place where warriors are made to conquer the Blue Star through strength of mind and body. A place of trials.. a place of dreams.. and a place of tears for some who do not make it. This testing ground has however recently undergone a transformation from it's simple, martial style in recent weeks...
<TheStoryteller> What was once a training area has now been fenced off into a giant arena, with rows & rows of seats surrounding the raised fighting platform. Crowds from all over the land fill it to nearly overflowing, watching as the strongest warriors battle it out for the title of Grand Champion!
<TheStoryteller> The single elimination matches has progressed smoothly so far, as many of the contestants taste defeat and victory. A bell rings out into the air, signaling the start of the first semi-final match!
<TheStoryteller> On one end of the arena walkway, flanked by several younger students, emerges the up-and-coming fighter and pride of the 4 Dragon Dojo, Saki Isai. Leading her to the platform is an old man dressed in karate ghee with the colors of red, blue, black & white. All of Horam knows him as the sensei of this prestiguous fighting academy.
<TheStoryteller> One crowd section cheers. "Tadashi! Tadashi!"
* Saki follows along solemnly in formation, her eyes glancing around to survey both the crowds and potential opponents. There's a brief flash of unimpressedness about her gaze, but it's gone quickly enough.
<TheStoryteller> Tadashi does not smile, but bows his head once, honored at the reception they receive. "One more step on the dragon's back to the highest rank. I have faith that you will triumph, Saki-san."
* Saki nods curtly in response, making a non-committal noise as she tightens the straps on one glove. "Don't worry, master. I will." She nods again, satisfied with her adjustments, before bowing her head slightly in deference to Tadashi.
<TheStoryteller> Emerging from the opposite runway is the woman who will be Saki's opponent for this match. She is not accompanied by anyone, striding out alone... This blue-haired female martial artist you recognize as Yuriko, sometimes known by her moniker the 'Whispering Dragon'...
<TheStoryteller> She smiles and waves to the crowd, and gets a good amount of applause. Horam regulars recognize her as the 35-year-old fighter that has been advertising starting her own Blue Dragon dojo recently.
* Saki chuckles to herself as she lifts her head and recognizes the figure, a half-grin forming as she cracks her knuckles in preparation. "Looks like it'll be a good match."
<TheStoryteller> Both of the figures step onto the platform, engraved with many of the ancient Horam designs. You immediately recognize stylized intertwines characters for "strength", "courage", tenacity" and victory" in the flooring.
<TheStoryteller> An annoucer's voice rings out, and you notice that standing in the middle of the contestants is the grean-haired fighting legend, Jean Horam herself!
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] Hello Meribia! *waves* And welcome to the next exciting installment of the Goddess Festival martial arts tournament!
* Saki nods once more - almost to herself, it seems - then seems to almost get comfortable. The slight awkwardness in her processional gait is gone, despite standing still and waiting for the announcement.
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] Today's contestants have fought long and hard to be here... the first semi-final match shall now begin!
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] To my right, representing the 4 Dragon Dojo of Tadashi... I give you Saki Isai!
* Saki doesn't respond towards the crowds around her in any way, instead opting to bow to her opponent, arms linked in front of her.
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] And.. to my left. Showcasing her budding new Blue Dragon Karate style for the world... the "Whispering Dragon", Yuriko Dalton!
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko waves again to crowd, enjoying the attention. She then places her palms together in a meditative pattern and respectfully bows to Saki...
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] Remember the rules. No hitting below the belt. No eye-gouging. No striking an opponent while they are down. And always remember to respect each other.
* Saki straightens, then steps forward once into a ready position, hopping lightly on her feet.
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko nods, slipping slowly into a fighting stance reminiscent of a crane.
<TheStoryteller> Jean steps back from the center, and once clear signals with her hand. A huge GOOOOONG sounds - the match has begun!

~~ COMBAT! ~~


<TheStoryteller> >> Tournament Semi Final: Saki vs Yuriko!

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 1 !

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] You seem like a worthy opponent. I'm looking forward to this...
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko begins concentrating deeply.
* Saki tosses her head, grinning at the compliment. It's not a particularly nice grin, but it seems to count. "... likewise. Let's have a good match."
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Saki's action.
* Saki shifts stance, her movements speeding slightly as her posture becomes more open. Stilling for a moment, she shouts out as her hands ball into fists, before setting her feet and preparing to attack.
<TheStoryteller> >> Saki actives Flicker of Embers... Muscle Up! Dex Up! Stamina DOwn! Will Down!
<TheStoryteller> >> Yuriko grins and gathers a glowing blue aura about her. "Counter Rage!" ... Countering is enabled!

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 2

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] Come, show me what your heart can do!
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko prepares to attack...
* Saki loses her grin, the expression falling away to a flat expression of concentration. There's no reply to Yuriko's call.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Saki's action.
* Saki drives forward, throwing out a fist at Yuriko's midsection before pivoting on one leg to send a pair of snap kicks to the girl's side.
<TheStoryteller> >> Saki uses Flurry of Blows attacking with additional force! 1: 28! 2: Miss! 3: 27!
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko is caught by the punch and one kick, but catches your leg and counters with her own hard roundhouse!
<TheStoryteller> >> Counter! 18!
* Saki skids backwards with the blow, dust kicking up around her as she reverts to her stance. "Tch..."
<TheStoryteller> >> Yuriko twirls, hopping and kicking you twice in rapid succession as she seems to hover in mid air. 1: Miss! 2: 19!
* Saki immediately goes on the defence as Yuriko follows up, her wrists managing to get in the way of the first assault but falling wide of the second. She staggers back a little, her glare deepening as she shakes her head.

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 3

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko hmms, as if detecting something in her fighting style. She draws her hands back, cupping a ball of energy slowly growing within them.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Saki's action.
* Saki once again goes on the offensive, trying to wear Yuriko down before she has the chance to counter. A feinted kick snaps up towards her shoulder but then slams into her side instead, then Saki rushes forwards to slam both fists into her opponent's chest.
<TheStoryteller> >> Saki engages Flurry of Blows! 1: Miss! 2: 27! 3: CRITICAL! 52!
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko staggers back from the last double fisted strike. "So much anger..."
<TheStoryteller> [Yuri] But power alone cannot win a match.. your spirit must also be strong!
* Saki spins back in preparation for the counterattack, breathing hard. It's hard to tell if she's really hearing what Yuriko's saying amidst her concentration.
<TheStoryteller> >> Yuriko finishes dathering her power into a huge ball of pure chi, firing it at Saki faster than a bullet! "Blue Dragon.... HADUKEN!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Saki is blown over by spirit, water and light mixing for much pain! 58 damage!
* Saki's eyes widen as the ball of energy streaks towards her, desperately trying to throw her fists up into a block in time... but far too late, as she is knocked down with a loud whuff of pain. She flips up to her feet, but staggering now; her eyes are practically burning.

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 4

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko slips back into an attack stance.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Saki's action.
* Saki yells out in rage, desperately pressing the attack before she can recieve another chiball to the face. A series of punches rain down on Yuriko's midsection, trying to get through her guard.
<TheStoryteller> >> Saki strikes out with Flurry in desperation! 1: 26! 2: 27! 3: Miss!
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko does down to a knee under the assault, breathing heavily, and some blue hair in her face.
<TheStoryteller> She is not knocked down entirely, and as per the rule continues to fight!
<TheStoryteller> >> Yuriko counter attacks! Miss!
<TheStoryteller> >> Yuriko attacks normally! 1: 19! 2: 20!
* Saki growls lowly as she swings herself around a lashed-out counter, furtively trying to build a defence before the next rain of blows come... and knock her to the ground, a wince of pain on her face. "Hn!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Sakis strength begins to fail her... she is KO'd!
* Saki tries to drag herself up off of the ground, but instead drops back, clutching at her side in pain.

~~ Yuriko wins the battle! She advances to the Finals. ~~


<TheStoryteller> The gong sounds in the background, indicating all is over for now on the field of battle.
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko walks over and helps up the wounded Saki.
* Saki almost snarls at the help... but then the energy of the fight drains out of her and she nods, accepting the hand up but treating herself gingerly. "... hh... G-good fight."
<TheStoryteller> [Yuri] Yes, you were an excellent opponent. You honor your school very much!
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko is obviously not too hot herself, having been bruised in many places by Saki's fury.
<TheStoryteller> [Yuri] Before I go on to the next match, a suggestion for you...
* Saki winces and rubs at a particularly bad point of pain on her neck, then grins without mirth. "Not as much as winning would've honored it. Hn?"
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko stares at Saki, as if sizing up her soul for a moment.
* Saki takes an involuntary step back, entirely uncomfortable with that notion.
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] You have so much potential -- but you also have much rage inside you. It's dangerous to rely on just that to become stronger...
* Saki opens her mouth once, then shuts it again, at a complete loss for how to respond to that. "..."
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] If you can match it with love, perhaps you could become the strongest fighter on the Blue Star!
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko steps back and bows again.
* Saki looks practically lost at that, blinking once... but recovering enough to know to bow to an opponent who defeated you.
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] In any case, I hope your journey for strength is fruitful. Until next we meet, Saki Isai...
* Saki is back onto familiar territory there, at least. With a curt nod, the half-grin is back. "Until the rematch, Yuriko Dalton."
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko straightens, and turns to return to her edge of the arena, the crowd a mix of cheears and some boos of course. :P
* Saki breathes out slowly, one hand rubbing the back of her neck absently as she watches Yuriko leave the arena, before turning and heading back to her own camp, still testing her joints by rolling a shoulder.
<TheStoryteller> Tadashi comes out now to assist his pupil. "You fought very well. You were simply out matched. Next time we'll defeat her for certain."
<TheStoryteller> The rest of the 4 Dragon girls and boys try to cheer up Saki and go on about her amazing power.
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] What an intense fight! It's only going to get better... in 1 hour the final match approaches. The beautiful Yuriko vs. the brave fighter Ryllan Barak! see you there!
* Saki grins without humor again. "Next time, yeah. Until then?" She shakes her head, accepting the loss for now and responding to a couple of her pupils' compliments as the noise of the arena continues.
<TheStoryteller> The sounds of the arena fade as Saki tends to her battle scars...

<TheStoryteller> >> Later that day...

<TheStoryteller> The crowds have gathered again after an hour intermission for the final match. The winner of this shall take on the mayor herself! The tension is palpable...
* Saki is leaning against one of the barriers of a set of stalls, intently watching the ring for the final match.
<TheStoryteller> Jean appears suddenly, with a card in her hands. She looks a little less than thrilled at whatever she is reading...
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] Ahem! Attention ladies and gentlemen. I have a special announcement...
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] It has been brought to my attention that, due to an unforseen accident, Yuriko will be unable to compete in the final match versus Ryllan Barak...
* Saki glances upwards at that, her brow creasing. She pushes away from the barriers to stand upright, arms crossed.
<TheStoryteller> The crowds instantly start going wild. "Hey! We want our match! What the hell's goin' on!"
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] By the standing rules of the grand tournament, Ryllan will be declared by default our finalist. He shall proceed to the ultimate challenge versus mayor Bree DeAlkirk.
<TheStoryteller> Another section of the crowd seems to be very happy at this development..
* Saki glances around, looking unsettled, then uses the sudden roars of the crowd to slip away from the main ring in search of Yuriko.

New Meribia, Zen Zone - Fighter's Camp

<TheStoryteller> Saki leaves the confusion behind, and goes over to the encampment housing the fighters. Many are empty now, with their prospective contestants long gone. A few still are occupied, and it's not long before Saki finds a small crowd gathered around the tent used by Yuriko.
<TheStoryteller> [Bunny Karate Girl] Like, is it true? Someone attacked her while she was healing? That's so like against the rules!
<TheStoryteller> [Wind Karate Man] How did somebody get the drop on her though? She's supposed to be faster than Wind Karate can run away!
* Saki listens to the chatter for a moment, trying to peer over the group... then she just gives up with subtlety. "... hey. Let me get through, willya."
<TheStoryteller> A few notice Saki and let her through. She obviously commands a good degree of respect among the assembled.
* Saki nods to herself with not a small degree of satisfaction, then rather useless knocks on the tentflap before tugging it aside and looking in on Yuriko.
<TheStoryteller> Coming upon her dwelling, Saki can see the proud Yuriko with one eye closed, nursing what appears to be several huge gashes across her midsection, legs & right arm.
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] Itai....
* Saki mutters a curse under her breath, kneeling next to the woman and appraising the wounds quickly. "... hey, who did this? Were these from me?"
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko looks up from trying to dress and clean the wounds, noticing Saki standing before her. "Saki? What..?"
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] No, something, a monster. it was too fast to see. Before I knew it, I was being gutted by huge claws...
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] I managed to fight it off, but I'm... in no shape to fight this way now!
* Saki offers a hand with the first aid, shaking her head at some of the wounds. "... Damn. Any idea what it was? I can't believe a monster would be so close to so many people."
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] Yes, it's so strange. It appeared out of nowhere and the people who ran after couldn't find a trace, either.
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko shakes her head. "I hope this isn't some form of foul play. How dishonorable!"
* Saki sighs, finishing the bandaging and scrutinizing Yuriko's face for a moment before smirking grimly as she turns her head. "... sorry for beating you up so much. Maybe you could've taken it otherwise."
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko manages a weak grin. "No need to apologize. We both gave it our all. That's what's most important."
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] Thanks for your concern though. Maybe you're already starting to understand...
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko tries to stand up, wincing visably, but she doesn't fall.
* Saki shakes her head. "It's as you said. There's no honor in tricking someone out of the competition. The finals should go on." One glance at Yuriko and the idea of getting her to return is abandoned, however. "... I wanted to ask you. What did you mean?"
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] I don't know if you remember... but legends all throughout time have said that a hero who holds love in his heart will rise up and conquer dispair and darkness. I believe in such things...
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] The Hylan academy folks often speak of a dark time that will be upon us. When dispair and darkness will need people to rise up and challenge it.
* Saki crosses her arms, looking skeptical. "... that'd be a job for heroes, though. Not martial artists looking to duel."
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] Maybe it's silly, but I'd like to help prepare people to fight with hearts and bodies to maximum potential for such a battle! To protect what's most precious to them.
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] So tell me, Saki.. what do you fight for?
* Saki is once again nonplussed into silence, eyes wide. After a couple of moments she answers, but her voice is far from certain. "... well... the honor of the Four Dragon Style. And... to learn other ways."
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] Naturally... but your words seem a little empty. :/
* Saki mutters to herself lowly, her arms across her body almost like a shield. What little can be caught involves not having much else to do and owing the leader of the dojo.
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] When I spoke that you needed love, I meant that you need to find something you would give your all for. A cause.. a special person... whatever it may be, something to fight for besides yourself.
* Saki turns her head to one side, not replying at the moment. She looks very lost; quite different to the confidence she had in the ring.
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko falls a bit quiet. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to preach so much."
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] Just think of it as my contribution to your search for strength! There are many philosophies, as varied as the souls in this city.
* Saki nods once, half in thought, before almost coming to and looking Yuriko over. "... thanks. You'd better rest up. We still have to have that rematch sometime. Want me to confirm your okay to Jean if she needs it?"
<TheStoryteller> As Saki mentions this, Jean shows up at the tent entrance.
<TheStoryteller> [Jean] Oh, am I interrupting something? I was just here to check up on Yuriko.
* Saki shakes her head. "Just doing the same."
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko bows very carefully to Jean. "I'm alright. The injuries are not fatal. My apologies for letting you down."
<TheStoryteller> Jean grins, one hand on her dancer's skirt. "The show goes on, one way or the other. Just take it easy! I'll do my best to find more information about that mysterious attacker."
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko nods. "Well, at least I will be able to study Bree's legendary technique from the stands."
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] Why don't you join me Saki?
* Saki considers, then nods. "That's wise. I doubt whatever it was will show up again, but it can't hurt. Let me let my dojo know."
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko flexes some of her joints, testing them. She appears able to walk fine, though no battles for her for a day or two.
<TheStoryteller> Jean leaves the two to their plans. "If you require a healer, just let me know. I've got a whole staff on call from the Virtue Society's Meribia Division."
* Saki watches Yuriko check herself over, then motions to the tentflap. "Let's go. I think we earnt ringside views."
<TheStoryteller> [Yuriko] Thank you for the offer, but a true warrior uses his wounds as teachers, too.
<TheStoryteller> Yuriko nods at Saki and follows her outside.
<TheStoryteller> The crowds of martial artists disperses. No they weren't eavesdropping on the drama, no-siree
<TheStoryteller> Jean hurries back to the tournament grounds, as the crowds grow restless for the championship bout. Will Bree have the courage to actually fight fairly...?

~~ SESSION END ~~

Session Close: Sat Apr 16 21:05:51 2005