Description: Hinata and Sakura get free tickets to a match in Masters Stadium! A chance turn of events lets them be the challengers instead of mere spectators -- with Ken himself as the defending champion! Woooo!
Deep in the heart of Seattle, the home of grunge, stands a most impressive facility -- Masters Stadium. Even the most puffy, flowery speech can't do justice to the place that some fighters have aspired to journey to, year after year. ... Well, okay, it's only a year and a half old, but =still=, it's like Mecca to some people. Just deal with it!
And two such fans have travelled all the way from Japan to be here this fine evening. One fangirl is no stranger -- Sakura Kasugano made her professional debut in this very arena not long after opening. Even though she got stomped =bad= by K', she still remembers it fondly... though she's not looking for a fight tonight. Not... necessarily. She and the Sunshine Girl, Hinata Wakaba, have tickets for the main event tonight! ... Though, there's a dark secret the girl harbors, to be revealed as she pulls the tickets out of her pocket.
"... geez. I wonder who's fighting tonight..." she mumbles, peering at the ticket intently. "All it says is 'Mystery Bout!'" After entering the lobby of the grand facility, she turns back to the Sunshine Girl, stuffing her hands back into her down jacket. "But it's at the =Masters Stadium=, it's got to be cool, right? Got the best seats in the house, too, right at ringside!" Knowing famous people has its priveleges!
Hinata hasn't quite actually *entered* the building yet. She's standing on the threshhold of the entrance, eyes as wide as dinner plates and simply staring straight up with awe at the sheer majesty of it all. Her camera hasn't got a chance in hell of escaping, the way it's gripped so tightly between both fists. It looks like she might even break it. "...!" First-timer shock.
"This is the place!" she suddenly blurts, startling a few other people passing by. "This is seriously the coolest thing ever!" Several quick flashes strobe the entrance lobby, the Sunshine Girl not wanting to leave any of her visit to the vagaries of memory! It all has to be captured on film! On film! For all eternity! "Masters Stadium! I'm am so totally *here*! I can't believe this is happening! Pinch me!" She leans forward to Sakura, so amazingly happy that it's hard to tell where the grin on her face actually ends.
Heck, you'd think Sakura would have brought her camera too... in fact, she did! But it's just tucked away for the moment, since she's already done her fangirling of this place before. It's old news to her! The camera memory's being saved for the actual =fight=.
... Hahaha, no it isn't! She whips out the camera and logs a quick photo of Hinata's uber-grin to memory. *flash!* Blackmail, y'know, for when her kids start asking about the good ol' days! "Yeah, Hina-chan... this is totally it!" That's one reason Sakura likes hanging around Hinata -- for as big of a fangirl as she is, there's always =one better=, and that's Hina-chan! And just for the sake of completeness, she reaches over and gives Hinata's cheek a good firm tug. "Yoshaaa!"
She glances around, hoping the two won't stand out -too- badly. Big fluffy jacket, small gym bag, blue jeans... and a camera. If it weren't for the headband, she'd look just like any other Japanese tourist. "Now, let's see... they've got some awesome brochures over there... and the gift shop! They got some jerseys over there I'm sure Yuu would =love=!"
"So, you think they'll show?"
"No idea, I heard that school was being hard for them. If not, I'll just have the other fights do the twenty on twenty team fight. People always love that stuff" is the cool reply.
"You got it, sir."
The limo pulls up to the side of the stadium, letting Ken masters get out of the car. He's dressed in his gi, but he has a nice pimping red silk robe over with with some high end sandles on. Making his way toward the front doors without closing the limo door (as there someone paid to do that for him), Ken looks in at the lobby. There is always a special joy that he gets when he looks to the arena that he built that is doing so well.
But of course it would do well. It, like Ken, was destined for greatness.
Neither a Kasugano nor a Wakaba would be complete without headbands, so it's only natural that both still wear them. Having thought that even though her Taiyo uniform was very traditional and comfortable, being in America is a whole different deal! Still, she has to show some school spirit no matter where she is, and a bright red athletic jacket with the Taiyo crest on the on the shoulders is enough. "Eeeee... Sakura..." Hinata whines a little when her cheek gets stretched out.
Gift shop! Holy crap there's a gift shop! "Ooh! You're right! Yuu would die for this!" she says quickly and snaps a photo of the jersey, even though she fully intends to buy it anyway. "And postcards! And a copy of 'Fighting Philosophy' by Ken Masters! Aww, but it's the paperback edition. I've got the hardback one!" Hinata puffs her chest out with pride and a slight nod towards her brown leather backpack. Yep, it's in there, her careworn and dog-eared copy nestled quietly away. "And a photo book of Seattle! I can get that for Ayaka! I'm gonna blow all my New Year's money, but it's so worth it!" Hinata's camera snaps off a few more shots of the gift shop, the girl making a mental note to visit it on their way out to pick up everything she can.
Then she turns back to Sakura and catches something out of the corner of her eye. Her camera lowers slowly. Hinata's mouth gapes. "Ahhh!" she squeaks suddenly, pointing toward the front doors. "It... It's...!" It's HIM!
Sakura snickers as Hinata goes absolutely nutzoid over the gift shop. Really... yeah, she'd been there too. Following along behind the Sunshine Girl, she prattles, "Hee... the first time I was here, I'd gotten -Sagat- itchin' to get a tournament video. You shoulda seen the look in his eye when the guys told him they didn't have a DVD of the tournament battles ready for him yet, it was =priceless=..." *flash* Oh, and she's taking pictures of Hinata fangirling too -- for those too will be priceless.
She catches the limo's arrival out of the corner of her eye, but was cautious to let Hinata see it for herself -- she would -anyway-, right? And sure enough... "Well... =yeah=," she answers, matter-of-factly. Offering a wink, she adds, "Who do you think gave us the tickets?" Jerking her head to the side, she comments, "Race ya."
And then she turns on her heel and jogs over to Ken -- not too fast, but just fast enough to let Hinata know she'd better be following! And just to be sure... Sakura throws her hand up in an eager wave. "Ken! Hey, got the tickets just fine, thanks so much!" She -knows- Ken? The other people might be a bit surprised, but it's only natural for the Ansatsuken Angel, who seems just as casual as can be towards her master's red-attired rival!
Red RETIRED? KEN WOULD NEVER RETIR-Oh, it was attired? Oh, my bad.
Waving to Sakura, he gives a "Hey, kiddo! Glad to see that you could make it. I figured that Ryu is a cheapskate sometimes so I'd invite you out and let you see some good fighting. Improv your learning a little." Ken hasn't taken a direct approach to helping Sakura, just making sure that she isn't turned into a Ryu junior. Because she might grow up to be cute and it would be a crime for the next generation to have a female hottie with the personality of Ryu. A CRIME.
Looking toward Hinata, he gives a warm smile after the two rushed over. "So, this must be your friend?" He doesn't mind the eager response. Unlike Ryu, he likes the fame. More so when it's from girls. Proves that the younger generation still thinks he's sexy. And that's the important thing.
"Haaaa... baaa..." Hinata stumbles over her own tongue, not even watching Sakura turn to run. Who gave them the tickets? It couldn't be.. or could it? But that just.. she's just.. "He did?" She turns to look aghast at Sakura, but she's off by a few dozen feet from the departed Kasugano girl. *blink* "Wha.. hey! Sakuraaaaa!" You don't just run up to THE Ken Masters and say 'hey'! That's not how it's done!
"And this is the friend I said I'd bring along!" Sakura beams and looks to Hinata, who is as still as a statue. "Hinata," Sakura prompts. "Hinataaaaa..." It takes a quick elbow in the side to jostle Hinata from her coma.
Suddenly, the Sunshine Girl finds herself looking up into the face of true glory. That winning smile, the tousseled blonde hair. It has to be him. It couldn't be anyone else! Her jaw works and she manages to make a few noises that sound like 'waa', but not much else happens for several seconds. Then Hinata is staring wide-eyed and slowly points to herself with a finger. "Waaaa..." She swallows hard and tries again. "Waaa... kaba. Wakaba. I'm Hinata Wakaba!" she blurts unsteadily, then ends with a quick bow from the waist. "Th-thank you for the tickets!"
Ken gives a chuckle to the antics of Hinata. Clearly, he views it as a compliment. "Hey, no need to be shy. And no problem. I figure if you are a friend of Sakura, you deserve to be with her when she goes out. After all, friends should always be there for one another." With that, he gives Hinata a thumbs up and a big smile, like he does for his martial arts safety commerials that tell kids that just because Ken can leap off a two story building that they CAN'T.
Looking toward the more controlled of the pair, Ken continues. "So, hope the plane tickets were okay. If you need a hotel too, Sakura, I can hook you up. I would offer the house, but..." Ken rubs the back of his head, just remember his poor attempts to explain why he should let two school-aged girls into his house and stay there for a couple of days. No trust. At all. "Either way, take it you are enjoying your first time to the Arena so far, Hinata?"
That =is= how it's done! Sakura =was= the man's teammate, after all! Though she's still tickled that Hinata's going all nervous and such over the man. Really... she gets like that around Ken sometimes too, but Hinata's bout of stammering is enough to give the more experienced fangirl (?!) a bit more confidence. Mussing Hinata's hair affectionately, Sakura nods back to Ken. "Oh, thanks, Ken! The plane ride was swank! I musta drank like ten colas on that trip!" And it wasn't even that long of a trip!
She smiles back, adding, "Yeah, Hinata's been =dying= to meet you... " she nods, stepping beside the girl more fully and winking back at her. "I'm trying to be a good friend and not totally embarass her though, I mean!" Crossing her arms behind her head -- confident, much? -- she grins, "You got time to give us the grand tour before this so-called 'Mystery Bout' kicks off, Ken?" Gee, it's almost like she's =friends= with the big man. Fancy that!
At least Hinata has controlled her immediate urge to throw herself at Ken's feet. So that's a plus! "H-.. hai!" She rises from the bow as if given permission from the king, such an honor to be treated as an equal! It nearly brings tears to her eyes. "It's... big. Really big and nice. Nice and big." The Wakaba girl's brain has siezed a bit, throwing vocabulary to the wind. Given enough time, she could probably compose a entire treatise on exactly *how* big and nice the Masters Stadium really is, but not just at the moment, no.
"I read your book!" Okay, that's a start. Now run with it, Hina-chan! "I mean.. I'm a really big fan." Good! That was two whole sentences in a row! She self-consciously smooths down her hair, then waves a limp hand at her friend. "S-Sakura.. I don't want to be any trouble."
Ken would offers to give Hinata a kiss. Back when he had first gotten onto the scene, he was horrible about stuff like that. However, time with Elsa has leashed in her husband to a level that most would consider normal.
"I'm glad you enoy it. I heard that you are a promising fighter. Perhaps sometime, you can show me your moves," he says with a wink. He might not have been told that, but most of Sakura's friends are decent fighters. Looking toward Sakura, he gives a nod. "I suppose I could show you around... We don't have too much that is 'special'. Usually it is just the fighters themselves that make this place awesome. Let's get going though..." Ken replies as he just starts walking down the lobby toward the White Arena, his silk red robe flowing behind him.
%Sakura... really doesn't think it's any trouble. Heck, Ken is probably eating up the attention here.... he =loves= fans, so long as they don't get all up in his personal space -- Eliza, doghouse, etc.
And Sakura and Hinata probably aren't anywhere close to that level, and there's enough security to ensure the =other= gawking fans don't get too close either. Miss Wakaba, welcome to VIP treatment!
"Eh, that's for him to decide, ain't it?" she responds, nodding to Ken. Even if she =weren't= the type to tell Ken all about the girl, there's plenty of other staffers to mention it. She walks along after Ken, keeping her fingers laced behind her head as she walks. In a lower voice to Hinata, she notes, "Loosen up, Hina-chan! You're startin' to make =me= nervous with all your bouncing around an' stuff!" She gives the shorter-by-one-inch girl a gentle hip-check, grinning broadly. "Maybe you'll get to show him your moves later, huh?"
But... just to stoke the flames a bit more, Sakura raises her voice so Ken can hear: "So yeah... you putting out any more books lately? I think the spine's gettin' all worn out on Hinata's copy..." Not to say she can't just buy another one here!
Hinata works her jaw without making sound for a little bit more. He's heard of her! He thinks she's promising! He WINKED at her! A burning red flush colors her cheeks as she smiles with little twinkles in her eyes. "S-sure! Okay!" She beams a thousand-watt smile to Sakura and returns the hip-check a little harder. Relax, girl. This is seriously the coolest thing ever.
Then she stops and blinks at the mention of her book. "Huh? It's not *that* torn up.." Hinata shrugs off her bag and digs around inside to pull out the obviously worn copy of 'Fighting Philosophy'. She thumbs through it quickly to inspect the general condition, complete with duct-tape reinforced spine and corners, sticky notes jutting out from at least twenty different pages, and even hand-scribbled notes in the margins. And a few very tiny and very carefully written little kanji that seem to read 'Hinata Masters' inside a little heart, though she snaps the book closed upon seeing them.
"It.. uh.. that is.. It's..." Her eyes dart from side to side. Quick! Subject change! "Who... who's the title match for tonight?"
"Books? Nah, not really. I mean, I already had one and that's good enough for me. I mean, if anyone is going to be writing books all the time, it will likely be Ryu. I'm more of the go out and do stuff then BEATING THE HECK out of anyone that calls me soft." There is a pause. "Some guy called me soft because he thought he was stronger than me. But just because he was bigger, it didn't mean he was a better fighter. It's not about size, but how you use it. And well, speed, power, AND style is always a winning trio in my mind." While he speaks he makes his way toward the White Arena. "As for the fighters? Might be me, might not. Depends who shows. A lot of these fights are rather haphazard, so I really don't keep track."
Sakura snickers a bit at Hinata's continued flustering. It's just an endless trip for her -- she hasn't giggled for this long since she was fighting Kyo for the championship. Besides, it's fun to poke at her friend.
Which... includes stealing a glance at the book. And for a moment, something catches her eye. Sakura reaches her hand out for the book, curiously inquiring, "Hey, what's--" -- and just before she does so, Hinata slams the book closed. Sakura's cheeks puff out in a bit of a pout. Is she just teasing? Maybe? "Hey, you've been adding notes to it, lemme see!" It's not like she hasn't already -made- the grand tour, after all!
Sakura =does= want to see the book, though; even while Ken's talking, she'd keep trying to snag the book, even if it leads to a Matrix-esque level of traded blows! Yes, she'd even resort to (weak) jabs and strikes to get what she wants, if necessary! Such a bully!
But regardless of the outcome: "Aaaah.... your books are so cool though! Everyone else acts like their way is the -only- way to fight, like there ain't nothin' better. The way you put it down on paper's just, y'know, =cool!= I mean, geez, it'd be sweet if you did some more videos and all. I know =I'd= get 'em." What =doesn't= Sakura purchase though, really?
She peers over at the White Arena, grinning lightly. "Oh... does anyone actually fight here any more? Seems like you're always wanting to put people in the Red Arena..."
"Hey! No! Stoppit! Cut it out!" Hinata's voice is an urgent whisper as she slaps at Sakura's hands. C'mon! You're gonna make her look bad in front of KEN! The entire altercation leads to a rapid flurry of grabs, blocks, defensive lateral tosses of the book, eventually coming down to Sakura holding Hinata at bay with one hand against the Wakaba girl's forehead and the book in the other. Seeing as they're close to the same height, this really shouldn't work but somehow does. Hinata flails to grab the book back.
It's her turn to puff out her cheeks in annoyance, folding her arms and leaving Sakura to flip through the book. Nothing she can do about it now! "Yeah! I'd totally get some study videos if you were to make 'em! It'd be just like learning Saikyo-ryu from Hibiki-sensei! I know you two must've studied together 'cause your styles are so similar."
"Usually I fight in the Red Arena. Because um, it's the better one in terms of having a more natural feel. The White Arena is usually used for those that don't want any flair or if there is a second fight going on. It still gets some use, just not as often," Ken points out before there is a pause.
A loooooooooooooong pause. Ken just gives a look. The kind look that says 'YOU DID SOMETHING WRONG'. The kinda look that he would give if Edge kissed his wife. If someone was picking on his son. And.... Tragically, it is given to Hinata. "What did you say?"
First? Sakura sticks her tongue out at Hinata. "Girl, you ought to know better than to challenge me!" Laughing casually, she winks back at Hinata. She makes a silent promise not to say anything incriminating to Ken, what with him standing -right there- and all!
Besides, Hinata can do that all by herself. Just as she flips to the page that has the 'Hinata Masters' scribbling, Sakura's eyes go wide -- but not from the book, but from Hinata's =words=. Did she just... =equate= Dan and Ken? She mouths out, "eeeee... no!" without actually =verbalizing=, taking three quick hops back from Ken =and= Hinata. "I... it's okay, Ken! She's just saying, like, um, Hibiki-sensei, er, =Dan= has put out videos, and, like... he's got -lots- of videos and stuff! Your videos would be like, way cool and all!" She glances back and forth between Ken and Hinata, trying -really really hard- to keep from ticking off either one of them. And probably failing, considering she can't decide whether to laugh, cry, or make the giddy half-grin she's attempting to pull off. "Ha-ha... I mean, that's funny, right?" Please don't hit us, please don't hit us...
Hinata stops dead. She looks up at Ken's face and, inch by inch, the beaming smile on her face withers and dies a cruel horrible death. Something has just gone drasticaly, horribly, and irrevocably wrong here and she's not exactly sure what it was. But Ken Masters no longer looks happy, and he's looking straight at her while not looking happy.
"D-... Dan Hibiki? He teaches Saikyo-ryu?" Oh man. Hinata is squirming on the spot. This is totally worse than the time she gave the dog a haircut. "I take his correspondence video course. It's.. it's how I learned martial arts." The heel of her tennis shoe rubs on the fine plush carpeting and suddenly Hinata finds she can't quite look up into Ken's eyes anymore. "Ansatsuken and Saikyo have a lot of similarities. I mean.. I thought they were.. that YOU two were..." Hinata bites her bottom lip, mostly to keep it from quivering a little. "Haaaaa..." She tries to continue but the words just stick in her throat like a handful of gravel. Ooooooh snap.
Ken is thankfully a man of great self control when it comes to making mistakes and the like. More so when it is someone nice like Hinata. But there is still that rage. His fist is actually giving off waves of heat. "...It's okay, Sakura... I'm sorry, Hinata, but well... Let's just say that Dan and Saikyo are kind of, a disgrace. It's a complicated story, but he couldn't control himself and I could. Which I am going to show right now, but excusing myself for a second. Excuse me." With a walk as calm as his voice, Ken enters the Men's Room. There is a couple of seconds of dead silence, then.....
BOOM! THUDTHUDTHUDTHUD! CRASH!
Ken comes back out, his silk robe having some crushed stone and dry wall dust on it. Looks like Ken is paying out of pocket to remodel that bathroom. "See, totally okay."
Sakura seems to be finding that book =reeeeeally= fascinating right now, for she's got her nose practically -touching- the pages of the book. That's right... the ever-mighty Sakura, who's gone toe to toe with the likes of Vega, Rugal, and yes, even Dan Hibiki, is cowering before the blisteringly hot gaze of Ken Masters, her occasional spiritual mentor and idol. Because she knows... tempting the beast is =so= not a wise move right now.
... Though when Ken disappears into the bathroom, Sakura nods sheepishly, peeking over the edge of the book. How was Hinata to know that could possibly be the most embarassing thing to say? Sakura -had- tried to drop hints before, but... well, maybe that's her own fault. Guiltily, she looks over to Hinata once the danger has stepped away, and gives Hinata a helpful, reassuring grin. Not... that that's gonna help, but Sakura sucks at this kinda stuff. "H...hey, it's... it's okay, Hinata. They just... got a history. Difference of opinion, that's all..."
Of course, it's about then that the 'difference of opinion' leads to booming and thudding thudding thudding and crashing and stuff, causing Sakura to squint her eyes shut and lurch forward from the shock. "... er... hee..." Now... now her grandest hope is for Hinata to -not run away-. "Um... er... hey, I know, wanna grab somethin' to eat?" She glances over to Mr. Anger Management as he reemerges. "... Something to eat, yes? Nachos, burgers or something? Please?" Sakura, nervous? HECK YES.
Hinata's head is bowed forward, staring at the toes of her tennis shoes as Ken explains that Dan and Saikyo-ryu are a disgrace then excuses himself. "I'm sorry, Sakura-chan." She winces visibly at each echoing crash and impact, each sound of breaking masonry. She grimaces, keeping her eyes lowered when Ken returns. To her credit, she managed not to run away or anything! Hinata just stood where she was when Ken left.
Then she bows to Ken, keeping her head lowered. "... I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it." Hinata swallows nervously, but keeps her eyes downcast. She opens her mouth to say something else, but stops and looks to one side. Her mouth has already gotten her in enough trouble today.
There is a long pause. Ken looks toward the downtrodden Hinata and looks towad Sakura, who likely looks rather sad or unhappy with the Ken too. Clearly he has some stuff to fix, and we aren't talking about the bathroom.
Cue the Ken Charm.
Kneeling down on one knee, Ken moves his hand to gentle brush under Hinata's. "Hey... Don't be like that. I should be the one to apologize. It's not like YOU knew that it was something that irks me. I'm sure sometime I might say something that might hurt your feelings." If Hinata's eyes don't meet his, he'll move his head about until they do. His eyes show a bit of concern, after all, he really does feel bad. Making girls cry isn't the Masters Mantra at all. "So, if there is anything I can do to make it up, just let me know. Perhaps I could sign something for you..." He feels that's a cop out. "...Here, you are Sakura's friend, you deserve a better 'I'm sorry' then that." He stands back up... And takes off his robe, slowly and carefully folding it up. "Would you like me to sign it, or you like a piece of paper to go with it?"
Well... it looks like Sakura's blatantly =lame= attempt to change the subject is totally and utterly ignored. However... =this is in fact a good thing=. And Sakura proves it by putting on her winningest smile, nodding. It's hard =not= to smile when Ken's overflowing with the charm that makes him a winner. ... Even if he did just pitch a temper tantrum just then! Sakura's willing to overlook that for now though!
Mainly because... man. Ken on one knee. Before =Hinata=. She pulls her camera out for this... but on second thought, that'd be =one freaky picture=. So instead, Sakura jams her camera back into her pocket, keeping her distance. She -would- shove his shoulder, but she honestly has no idea whether he'd belt her for it in his current mood -- it's been a while since she's seen the man angry!
But that won't stop the girl from smartaleckry. "Whoa, whoa there, she deserves more than the robe for -that- little number. You got it, flaunt it!"
Notice she's also got about ten feet of distance between herself and Ken when she's saying this.
Despite herself, Hinata lets out a single sniffle. "Please, it's alright, Mr. Masters." No, she can't still be upset when the Ken charm gets turned onto HIGH like that. She wishes she could have said what was on her mind just a second ago, but maybe it's just not worth it after all. Hibiki-sensei might be a little strange. Okay, a LOT strange, and kind of loud, and he always smells like hair gel, but he's still a decent guy and he did teach Hinata martial arts. Indirectly, but he's still technically her sensei. For the moment, trying to meddle doesn't seem like a wise option. Eventually, though! It's the Wakaba way: everybody ought to be friends, no matter what!
"Your... your robe? Really?" Hinata lifts her head, cheeks piqued with a little blush. Then her jaw drops, looking aghast at Sakura. "Sakura-chan! He doesn't have to!" She quickly leans over and snatches her copy of 'Fighting Philosophy' back. Ping! Lightbulb!
"Would you.. sign *this* for me?"
"I can give a robe to Hinata... Anything else and I have OTHER people to answer to, Sakura," Ken offers with a faint smirk. Like his wife. And the press. Neither that would be kind on him for taking his shirt off to impress high school girls. Either way, looks like the normal Ken is around. As Sakura pointed out, Ken doesn't get mad at friends often, usually taking the right button to push. Saying that Dan and Ken were alike was one of them. Saying Geese and Ken were alike... He might have yelled at her until she was a puddle of tears. Thankfully, no one other than people he was fighting have said that yet. Good for them.
either way, Ken gives Hinata the robe, just putting it on her shoulder. "You got it," Ken replies, just pulling out a perament marker from his belt. He always keeps it on him. Since well, most people that want a signature will get it on anything at times. But well, going into details on that would be talking about the old days, and we can't go into those now.
Thoughts that don't cross Sakura's mind #27: It's rather odd how Ken protests that he's =not= like Dan... yet he always has a pen ready for autographs. HMM.
She's glad to see Hinata's reaction though. And really... as much as she has a pretty high BS filter for chauvinistic theatrics, she has to admit -- Ken's pretty smoove right now. And she nods cheerfully in response. She got in a good line, so she's happy!
That, and Hinata's got her book back. "Oh, and that's Hi-na-ta Wa-ka-ba. Spelled 'K-e-n f-a-n-g-i-r-l.'" She fiiiinally walks over to take her friend's side, grinning up a storm as she tousles Hinata's hair once more. "You two had me worried there for a minute! Hee."
Hinata shoves a firm elbow into Sakura's stomach to silence the 'fangirl' comment. Miss Kettle, meet Miss Pot. She still grins with a quiet 'eh-heh' back to Ken and twists the elbow in Sakura's soft middle a little more. Soft middle! Getting pudgy, Sakura-chan?
Watching with interest and fascination at the practiced sweeping moves of the magic marker on the title page of her careworn book, Hinata sheepishly smiles up at Ken and the blush on her cheeks deepens just a little more. Dude, she swears she saw a little heart in that signature somewhere. "Thank you.. Mr. Masters." Fingers tickle over the surface of the slick red silk robe, and Hinata barely manages to supress a supremely fangirlish giggle. Totally did not giggle.
Ken does have some traits like Dan. And he does have some traits like Geese. Perhaps the fact that there are some similarities makes it more painful. Dan and Ken both like attention. Geese and Ken both like power. The difference is that Ken is more focused. Ken has that training and morals to keep himself on the side of awesome. At least that's how Ken sees it. After the signature, which has 'To Hinata, Stay awesome, keep training - Ken Masters' he puts the pen away. "Hey, nothing wrong with having a hero. When I was a your age, I had my heroes too." Ken is silent for a moment. Man, did that line make him feel so old. Despite the fact that he ISN'T. "Either way, you guys want to continue the tour or watch the fight... Looks like my party's a no show, but that's life for you."
Oooh, elbow to the stomach! ... Sakura knows better than to retaliate against Hinata for that! She did deserve it after all. "Oof." she mumbles in reply, shutting one eye in silent solidarity against the continued assault on her midsection. And no, that's not fat! That's just... um... shut up!
Sakura suppresses a giggle of her own... heck, she knows Hinata's reactions well enough by now to know what she -must- look like right now. Hee. She's ribbed the girl enough tonight though, and that elbow's still in striking range.
"Eh?" She glances back at the lobby with a faint grin. "Well... nothin' sayin' we can't make our own party, is there?" She wraps her arm around Hinata's shoulder, jostling her about a bit. "I mean, you could keep the main event in the Red Arena, and stir up a little exhibition match against us two scrubs, right? Just for kicks?" She... =is= a bit more humble than she was at the start of the meeting though, as shows in her faint, daresay -fangirlish- smile. "I'd be fine watchin' the fight, tho, either way!" Though it's pretty obvious which option Ryu's pupil would -prefer-.
"S-Sakura!" Okay, so maybe Hina-chin still isn't quite cool with the 'let's be buddy-buddy with THE Ken Masters' thing yet. But offering to spar with him, just like that? Wait.. wait for it. Here it comes. Ping! That little lightbulb again that appears, metaphorically speaking, over Hinata's head. Maybe.. just maybe sparring with Ken + showing him how much she's learned from Saikyo-ryu = ... Profit? Or something anyway.
She lowers her head sheepishly, touching the tips of her index fingers together. "I mean.. it'd be a really great honor just to see you fight, but actually.. If your opponent for tonight didn't show and you don't have anything else to do right now. Which I would totally understand if you did! But still..." Dancing lightly around the issue, Hinata tries to make it clear how much she would actually enjoy that without actually saying how much she would enjoy it.
Ken chuckles to the two. If they really want to fight him, well, then he won't be the one that stops them from doing so. "Fine... fine... But Sakura knows that I fight hard. I might not be wanting to break a bone... But it doesn't mean you might not get a rather harsh thrashing," Ken admits as he just makes his way from the entrance of the White Arena toward the 'Employee's Only' section of the Red Arena. He merely has a few words with a man that seems to be an event organizer, the man just giving a tired sigh before running off. Must be hard working with such a loose canon like Ken, but the pay is through the roof.
Well, sure! Just because you don't -want- to break a bone doesn't mean it won't happen, sure. And really... as much as it might aggravate Sakura to fight Ken from time to time, she knows that sooner or later, she's gonna be able to make a sizable dent! It just takes practice, skill, speed and power -- all the things Ken keeps advocating! "Right, right!" She taps Hinata on the shoulder, giving her a reassuring nudge. "C'mon, it's just part of your training! Gotta keep challenging yourself with bigger and better, right?"
She gives the girl a reassuring wink, before waving to Ken. "I... uh... gotta change, though!" Holding up her small duffel bag, she grins charmingly. "Don't leave home without 'em!" That can't be...
Sure enough, it is! Just a few short minutes later, Sakura's in her famous schoolgirl fighting outfit, the winter edition! Pulling on her blue handguards, she nods back to Ken. "Well... I guess it's time to show you how hard we've been training, huh?" A confident smile is enough to chase away any of the reservations she may have against facing the top-level fighter! "C'mon, Hina-chan, let's go!" She throws up a fist. The audience cheers -- that's right, it seems like the two girls and Ken are the main event now!
COMBATSYS: Sakura has started a fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Sakura 0/-------/-------|
"Seriously?!" Hinata's face lights up like a Christmas tree beaming straight at Ken's back. He's already gone to speak to the coordinator.She balls both fists under her chin and seems to be skipping back and forth and hopping up and down while remaining in place the whole time. It's really weird looking, but obviously a distinct 'I'm so excited I can't stand still' Hinata-ism. She grabs Sakura by the shoulder with a hopping schoolgirl bounce. "He's really gonna do it! I'm gonna get to fight him! Ken Masters!"
She clears her throat and settles down visibly, trying vainly to look dignified and mature about the whole thing. Then she shoots a dire look at Sakura. "What?! You brought your uniform, and *I* didn't bring mine? But.. but.." Aww man, it's just not Hinata's lucky day. Or maybe it is, because she is getting to square off against THE Ken, after all. Hurriedly, she digs into her bookbag and finds the only bit of her fighting ensemble that she brought besides her cross-trainers, a pair of bright yellow sock-like arm warmers. And the headband. Dude, the headband. "At least I've got these!"
Hinata straightens her Taiyo athletic jacket, bright red with little white stripes running down the sleeves, just like Hayato-sensei's! She rolls her wrists and pops her knuckles. Nervous in front of a crowd? Always, but she's got Sakura-chan here.. and Ken! Nothing can ruin this moment for her. She grabs the bicep of her right arm and flexes. "Yooooush! Don't go easy on us!"
COMBATSYS: Hinata has joined the fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Hinata 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Sakura
The blonde fighter is merely waiting for the girls in the arena when they come back, having been already to go when they got here. Standing on the beach in his stance when the girls come out (have already pumped up the crowd a little during the wait), he smirks to the pair of them. "Alright now, when you guys are ready, give me what you have... Don't hold back on me either," he says confidently. While it might be two schoolgirls, it's Sakura and her friend, so maybe together they'll give him a good fight.
COMBATSYS: Ken has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Sakura 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/--=====|
Sakura had grinned back at Hinata. Well... she -tried- to give the girl a hint that she might want to be ready to fight, but did she catch it? No! So she'd just stuck her tongue out in reply.
Yep! Sakura never -does- hold back against Ken... heck, =why should she?= Other than, y'know, wanting to avoid the hospital and all that. But really, Kasugano just wants to show Masters her hot-blooded determination, and she can't be doing that while waiting around for someone else. Even if it is one of her bestest friends. "Well, then!" She snaps two quick kicks in anticipation -- oh, the gym shorts. Ken's probably used to that by now though, and besides, it's for the fans! More money for him, in the long run. "HA! HA! HAAAAAAAA!" echoes her triumphant yell throughout the stadium!
But she's hardly all bark and no bite! The schoolgirl nods back to Hinata, curling her hands to one side. "Let's do this, then!" A blossom of blue flames spins about in her hands as she nods back to Ken -- just before she thrusts her palms forward! "HADOOOOOOUKEN!" And with the four-foot-wide bloom of flame rocketing towards Ken, let the fight begin!
Well excuuuuse her for not picking up on Sakura's subtle little hints! She was all excited about going to *America* and *Masters Stadium* and all, so she made sure to bring a camera and seventeen rolls of film, her pocket money, but not her Taiyo uniform!
Still, jeans, a t-shirt, and her warmup jacket are just as good, right? At least she's got her shoes, headband, and gloves! She punches her fists together and snaps them up into her bouncy fighting style, feet refusing to stay in one place for long. "Alright! Let's get 'im, Sakura-chan!"
This is all so exciting! Hinata even manages to tune out the crowd that normally makes her so nervous she sweats. "Haaaaaa..." The Sunshine Girl draws both hands together and to one side, mimicking Sakura's charge-up but leaning to the other side like a mirror image. The two girls are really in synch. A bright yellow light flares between her palms and Hinata thrusts her right hand forward, palming the bright yellow sunflower energy ball and releasing it directly in the wake of the Hadouken. Two fireballs for the price of one. "ORRRRYA!"
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Sakura's Medium Hadouken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hinata
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Hinata's Kikou Shoutei.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hinata
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/-------|
There is a blessing and a curse that comes from firing two projectiles one after the other. If one hits, it is a good chance that the other will do. If they miss? Well, that's exactly what happens as Ken just rolls out of the way of the attacks before he just starts racing right for Hinata, deciding just to give a swift kick to the side when he gets into range. She's lucky that the dodging and speed has made Ken a bit off balance. Sadly, considering that he is a martial arts master, that might not matter too much in the end.
Grinning as Ken effortlessly rolls to the side of their twin attack, Sakura nonetheless doesn't lose hope! "He can't keep up the ninja tricks forever!" Yes, Hinata, Ken is the leader of a secret clan of ninjas. How do you think the Neo League camera crews can get to any location in the world in the blink of an eye? It's the only plausible explanation for that, and how he can manage to evade so many of the schoolgirl's crushing attacks!
But really... nah. She'll just have to work harder, right? "Stay on him!" That's why Sakura dashes straight for Ken's new position, hoping to grab Ken's arm when he kicks Hinata, falling backward in an attempt to Tomoe Nage him over top of her. "Yuu-ttaa!"
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Hinata with Light Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-------|====---\-------\0 Hinata
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/-------|
Hah! Hinata allows herself an undeserved moment of happiness. She's actually getting to fight Ken Masters, and she just showed him her patented chi attack! She made that one up all by herself and it looks really cool too!
"Hey Sakura! Did you see th-" WHUMP. Oh, right. Ken Masters on the other side of the right, and he's years ahead of anything Hinata has ever fought before. She barely has time to react to the rolling kick to her left side that knocks her straight off her feet and to the side, separating the well-practiced Schoolgirl Formation!
She shakes her head to clear the sudden constellations of bright twinkling stars that seem to have cropped up. But they're so pretty! "Wha? Oh.. yeah! I'm not going down just from that, y'know!" Steadying herself, she glances at Sakura and tries to find the perfect move to compliment the setup. "Here I come!" Launching herself into the air, Hinata whips her right foot around as powerfully as she can to catch Ken in mid-air and play fighter baseball!
COMBATSYS: Sakura successfully hits Ken with Strong Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/------=|====---\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Hinata successfully hits Ken with Heavy Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/------=|====---\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/----===|
Ken tries to weave out of the way of the throw, merely getting ready to say something about how the two girls should really not try powerful moves, but weaker ones that have speed so they can hope to hit him, but well, sadly enough, he is proven wrong as he gets thrown and kicked in side in rather short order. He lands on the ground, getting up slowly.
The crowd is strangely silent, save a few schoolgirl fans that cheer wildly. Clearly, they are as surprised as Ken is on the matter.
Either way, Ken does his best to take it in stride. "Good. Keep it up!" he shouts out, not sure what else to really say before he rolls foward to get in close to Sakura, trying to kick her in the chin on the way up with his leg going all the way up to his chest before he clocks her shoulder with the same foot on the way down. One of the reasons why the girls go <3 over Ken. He's got speed, power, AND flexbility. All good things for um... Stuff that school girls shouldn't be thinking about until they're older.
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Sakura with Inazuma Kakato Wari.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/--=====|
Grinning as she =somehow= manages to land a blow on the man, Sakura springs back to her feet, grinning as she pumps her fist in triumph. "Yeah! That's =teamwork=, Hina-chan!"
Oof! Yeah... Sakura doesn't ever expect guys to be kicking -high- like that. Seriously, wtf? And then not only that, but he follows through with an axe kick on the way down. Serious ownage dealt to the Kasugano girl! "Ow... He hits just a bit harder, don't he?" She'd mention 'Hibiki-sensei', but after the last conversation, there's no point in signing a death warrant.
No... Sakura's going to try, try again... though this time, it'd mean dashing in close. The goal here: try and catch hold of Ken's gi, before using him as a springboard to vault backwards, grinding her heel into his sternum. It's a quick move... but hopefully one she can capitalize on! "Yut-taa!"
Teamwork, yeah! That's what being Best Friend 4-Eva is all about! Hinata and Sakura have trained together so much, it almost comes naturally now. The Dreaded Schoolgirl Combos. And yes, speak of the devil, here it comes again!
"Sakura-chan! High and low!" Hinata calls to announce the move she's about to do. If Sakura goes high and can manage to pull off the springing kick off Ken's chest, then Hinata's followup is totally awesome to the max! She leans down to the ground, putting her palms flat and cocking her hips in the air like a sprinter about to take off, dashing right behind Sakura but staying as low as possible, so when Sakura goes up and hopefully backflips over Hinata, this happens:
"Shouyouken!" Springing up from the ground, Hinata lifts a fist burning with bright orange chi and spiralling around her entire body.
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Sakura's Sailor Shoot.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/--=====|
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Hinata's Shouyouken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/--=====|
Ken avoids the killer combo attack with a simple yet swift leap into the air, backflipping at the peak of the leap, merely landing on the sand as he smirks. "Nice move... A little slow, but I admit I was too when I was starting out." He doesn't say anything else, knowing that he needs to really pick up the pace. After all, they might get in another few good blows again. He races for Hinata this time, this time deciding to SHOW her how the Shoryuken works. It will likely be a painful lesson as Ken lets his fist burn with powerful flames as he gives the uppercut that carries him into the sky... But sometimes pain is one of the best teachers around and class is now in session. "Shoryuken!"
Uh oh. Whenever Ken starts backflipping, Sakura's knows something's about to hit the fan... and luckily (?!) it's targeted at her more frail friend (!!!). As much as she'd =like= to jump in front of her friend and take that bullet, Ken's =much= too fast for that. And, more likely, =both= would get hit. So instead... Kasugano just opts to stick with the things she's good at: fireballs. Curling her hands by her side, she silently prays that Hinata can get out of the way... but just in case, there's a brilliant blue plume of flames ready to act as insurance! "HADOOOOOUKEN!" The blue flames rocket off towards Ken!
COMBATSYS: Hinata dodges Ken's Shoryuken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/--=====|
Again, Hinata's just so proud to be showing her moves to Ken Masters! The Shouyouken, adopted and adapted by none other than herself, Hinata Wakaba and honed through YEARS (okay, *a* year) of intense training! Too bad she totally whiffs and looks really neat while hitting ineffectually at the air. But at least she didn't hit Sakura by mistake, so that's something!
Oh snap! Now it's gonna hit the fan. She's only ever seen a *real* Shoryuken in videos, and just watching it made it look painful enough. Not to mention being on the receiving end of one from Ken himself! Oh man, oh man, oh man! Move it or lose it, Wakaba!
"Hut!" She reflexively tries to leap backwards and away from the danger zone, but it's not quite enough! Her legs are still gonna get nailed! So, as she does, Hinata executes a perfect splits in midair and avoids the rising dragon punch by mere inches. Dude, she was so close she could *feel* the chi. Rotating in a clear and blatant defiance of physics, Hinata completes her somewhat awkward forward mid-air roll and brings the heel of a tennis shoe back down onto Ken with a flash of energy around her heel. Hey, he's already on his way back down, so why not help him out. "Strike!"
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Hinata's Enbukyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/--=====|
COMBATSYS: Ken overcomes Medium Hadouken EX from Sakura with Hadouken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/----===|
Ken blinks as he... missed? MISSED? That is just unacceptable. Though he doesn't have much time to dwell on it as he catches Hinata's foot with his hand, using the force of the kick to force him to the ground faster. Why does he want that? To give him the time to put his hands together, summon that chi and fire a blast of it to tear through Sakura's a split second before it hits him, the wake of Sakura's chi attack fluttering about his hands and arms like he was some sort of bish. Well, they are giving him a workout, that's for sure.
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Sakura with Hadouken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-======|==-----\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/--=====|
"Great dodge, Hina-chan!" she calls out, upon noticing Hinata's reaction. That's exactly how it ought to be done!
Maybe it's better for Sakura that her Hadouken earns the dubious honor of a counterattack, right? Since... well, if it weren't for Sakura's own strength, the Hadouken coming straight for her might be just a wee bit more powerful. As it is, though... well. Sakura -does- try and throw her arms before her as a shield, but it doesn't do a whole lot for her, forcing her to stumble backwards as if she'd been slapped but -hard-.
As good a time as any to take a moment to regather her senses, right? Chuckling faintly, she shakes her fist at Ken. "Thanks for showin' me how it's really done, Ken!" Grinning smartly, she extends her palm in front of her, adopting a horse stance... she's got to focus if she's gonna try and nail the guy!
COMBATSYS: Sakura focuses on her next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-======|==-----\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/--=====|
"Hey, no fair!" Hinata whines petulantly when her kick is merely caught. And after such a spectacular dodge, too! She's starting to put two and two together, though. Ken's really fast, so trying to hit him with powerful but easily telegraphed moves is *bad*.
"Don't think you get off that easy! Hinata Wakaba never gives up!" She lands lightly to one side, feeling slightly lucky that he didn't aim a Hadouken at her but slightly guilty that she feels lucky it hit Sakura instead. Oh well! Time to show Ken what Saikyo-ryu has taught her after all! When the big stuff falls short, go back to the basics. And so, quite simply, she crouches and plants a hand on the arena floor and lashes out with her right foot toward Ken's ankle. If she can upset his balance, Sakura might have a better chance for a follow up! This naturally places Hinata inside Ken's strike range, but.. that's fighting.
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Hinata's Light Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-======|==-----\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/--=====|
"No problem!" Ken replies to Sakura, merely taking know that she is preparing to go all crazy go nuts on him. He would normally show her the error of her ways, but well, best to let them get a good fight in. Just letting Sakura get all the time she needs, Ken adverts his attention to Hinata. Weaving his head back to avoid the kick, he merely just reaches out to try and get her and give her a nice toss toward the water. Perhaps she could use a little cooling off. Or maybe wet school girls get better ratings. Or maybe he just felt like he wanted to throw her and that is just where she ended up. "Good. I wasn't expecting you to give up for a loooong time!"
Wet schoolgirls? Oh, sure, it's =all= about the ratings. Pshyeah, right! Eliza was right to be so darn concerned about Ken! The amount of 'data' he could pull from archives on Sakura and Hinata is staggering, after all...
That's neither here nor there, though! The point is -- Sakura's expecting Ken to be a bit off balance from his attempt at tossing Hinata into the water! She leaps in close, hoping to drive her heel into the back of his knee, before giving him a good hard palm strike to the side, hoping to stuff the blonde into the sand. "HHNNNGH!" She can get fierce when she wants to, you just watch!
COMBATSYS: Hinata blocks Ken's Strong Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/--=====|
Sorry to disappoint. No wet schoolgirls today, Mr. Masters! Hinata gets snagged, yeah, and tossed like a very light but cute and perky sack of potatoes across the arena. "Waaaaaaaaaah!" Thump. She falls facefirst, a bit short of the water and gets a mouthful of sand. Hinata pushes herself up and sticks her tongue out. "Bleeeeh.. gross. Anything I eat for the next week is gonna be all gritty!"
She springs back to her feet and dashes back across the faux-beach, as well as anyone can dash on sand that is, heedlessly aiming straight for Ken with a rushing elbow tackle. Maybe if she just rushes him he'll get startled and make a mistake? ... Riiiiight.
COMBATSYS: Ken blocks Sakura's Strong Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/-======|
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Hinata's Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/-======|
Ken gets the knee to back of his leg, but he is able to block the palm. As he stays standing, he finds that his ninja-like reflexes serve him as he weaves out of the way of the elbow. He merely looks to the pair of girls, merely crackling his knuckles for a second. "Alright now... Time to get this thing party started!" he cries out before he makes his way toward Hinata, this time taking to the skies as he spins around like a top of doom with his leg extended outward. "Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku!" he cries out. Clearly he is trying to see how many of his special moves she can dodge before one nails her.
"..." Sakura raises an eyebrow as Ken knocks her aside... that didn't hurt him at all? Wow! Rebuffed, she watches as Ken deftly weaves out of Hinata's way. "Huh!" she comments, renewing her determination as she has a moment to think about it. "C'mon, Hina-chan, you can do it!" she cheers... but that doesn't mean she's letting up on him! Hopping once in preparation, she then breaks into a dashing leap, throwing her arms out to either side in hopes of catch the airborne Masters in the throat with a flying lariat And if she manages =that=, they'll =both= be dragged into the water for a spell! How's that for fanservice?!
COMBATSYS: Hinata endures Ken's Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-======|=======\===----\1 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 1/-------/=======|
Hinata throws up her arms and braces herself as best she can in the sandy turf. Ken's pulling out all the stops and this one looks like it's going to hurt a lot. Shielding her head and face, the first of the flying roundhouse kicks slams into her guard and drives the lightweight schoolgirl backwards several inches. The following kicks do the same, driving Hinata gratingly backwards and her feet deeper into the sand, but she never yields!
"Mooooeeerooooo!" she suddenly bursts, energy flaring around her in a bright wave. Taiyo spirit all the way, yo! Even being driven six inches into the sand like a tent peg and beaten like a red-headed stepchild can't keep her down! Hinata lunges forward surrounded by bright chi, whipping her right food around in a broad circle, her heel trailing a blaze of rainbow energy and accelerating her like a top right back at Ken, kick after kick, her incredible spirit keeping her in the air!
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Sakura's Strong Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 1/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Ken endures Hinata's Rasen Enbukyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 1/-----==/=======|
Grr. That should have knocked the guy over, really. Maybe if it'd =hit him=. There goes Yagami with the underestimation again.
Stepping backwards, he's ready for the punches that follow -- the lower met with an open palm, the higher met with a swivelled forearm. "Hmph," comes the reply in a startling bout of parallelism between the two experienced fighters.
Though... with victory so close, Iori is starting to get a little frustrated. There's more than one way to skin a Bogard -- and that's exactly what Iori attempts, lashing out with... well, not a punch, but that same forehead that'd cracked through pavement before. Only this time... it's headed squarely for Bogard's own forehead, as the Orochi halfblood aims to put him down for the count. "RNNNNNGH!"
The attack on Ken DID hurt, but Ken is good at ignoring things... Even pain at times. He is able to push Sakura away from him, where she goes, he doesn't know or mind, but he is too close to Hinata to really think about doing anything. She just took it. Impressive. Either way, he decides to return the favor, merely taking the kicks, despite the bruising that it causes across his body. But he stands his ground. "I think I didn't give you a good showing the last time I tried a shoryuken... Let me try, ONE MORE TIME! Shoryuken!" he cries out, hoping that the uppercut will do much more this time around.
Hurrrrk! Sakura had totally expected to grab Ken. In fact, she was counting on that.
But since she'd been shoved aside, and she was headed for the water...
Yeah. Looks like the promise of wet schoolgirls is brought to fruition with a loud *SPLORSH!*
Sakura... picks herself out of the water, looking like a drowned rat. Her school uniform, as is usual for this arena, is sopping wet, but at least she's got some sportswear on underneath it. Shaking her head dry like a puppy, she stalks out of the water towards Ken. "C'mon, Ken, you aren't still mad about before, are ya?" Though before she gets =too= close, she's curling her hands to the side, another bright blossom of blue flame swirling in her hands. This time... the flame's just a bit bigger than before -- about five and a half feet in diameter. "HADOOOOOOOOUKEN!"
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Hinata with Shoryuken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///// ]
Sakura 0/-------/-------|=======\-------\1 Hinata
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 1/---====/=======|
Having given it her all, Hinata lands from the Rasen Enbukyaku and pants, hands on her knees. Not a very tenable position for a fighter, but doing that took a lot out of her. She swallows and raises her fists to guard again, but in the face of a Masters Shoryuken... she doesn't stand a chance.
With a loud CRACK, Hinata's head snaps backwards from an uppercut to the chin. A true Shoryuken packs enough of a punch to lift her off the ground, WAY off the ground in fact, and send her gliding in a gentle airborne arc to land in the water with an almost tranquil-sounding *sploosh*.
Look, Ken! You got your wish! TWO wet schoolgirls! Dragging herself out of the water, Hinata's hair is plastered over her face. "Okay! That does it! Here I come!" She's already pushing herself far, but this might be too far. Rushing at Mr. Masters, Hinata's right arm stabs out in several quick blurring jabs, each one punctuated with an ever-increasing wallop of rainbow-colored energy, topping it all off with a surprisingly cheery and festive *rainbow* Shouyouken! "ORRRRYA!" This had *so* better work, because it's all she's got left.
COMBATSYS: Hinata can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Ken 1/---====/=======|-------\-------\0 Sakura
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Hinata's Hisshou Rengekiken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Ken 1/---====/=======|-------\-------\0 Sakura
COMBATSYS: Sakura successfully hits Ken with Large Hadouken EX.
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Ken 1/=======/=======|=------\-------\0 Sakura
Ken blinks as the final attack comes from Hinata, just doing what he does so well, bobbing and weaving with an exceptional ability. He waits until she is done, getting ready to say something when he gets slammed into by Sakura's powerful, powerful Hadouken. Well, maybe it only gets ONE powerful in there, but it is enough to send him to the ground. Getting up slowly, he looks toward Sakura. The pair of then are pretty good. Hinata's endure and counter was enough to give Sakura a clear edge. The man just steels his gaze. Clearly this is going to take all of his skills. Sakura isn't nearly his ability, but she has a massive edge on him. He doesn't do anything, merely moving to catch Hinata and put her down gently since well, she might be pretty darn hurt after that blow. "Give me your best, Sakura," the young man offers.
COMBATSYS: Ken takes no action.
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Ken 1/=======/=======|=------\-------\0 Sakura
Hmm... well, she was -hoping- Hinata would be able to land a solid impact on Ken, but it doesn't seem like it's going to happen! ... and then Ken basically =stops= fighting altogether. Like his only mission in life was to punish Hinata! Such a cruel, cruel man. But at least Hinata got to experience the full terror of Ken Masters!
Pausing to give a thumbs-up to Hinata, Sakura notes, "Y'did great, Hina-chan! S'cuse me for goin' on ahead... but I can't back down from a challenge!" And Sakura rushes forward, running first for the shore... and then leaping into the air, cutting one rapid somersault before snapping out with both hands chopping downward at Ken! Double-chop action, with water slinging every which way like a lawn sprinkler! "Hriiii-HAAAA!" And if she manages to hit with that, she'd just keep bouncing on past him to safety.
Hinata groans lightly and starts to crawl on hand and knee away from the fray and the fury of Ken Masters. It's not really that she underestimated him. She really did give it her best, but it just wasn't good enough. Not yet anyway! A fight coordinator waits on the sidelines to help her out of the arena, since it seems she's having enough trouble moving under her own power. "Did I win?"
"Uhh.. not exactly," the coordinator responds and helps her to a booth. One of the cameras zooms in on Hinata gingerly sipping water from a plastic bottle. She momentarily looks startled, then gives a sheepish wave to the crowd. She's okay, folks!
COMBATSYS: Ken blocks Sakura's Sakura Otoshi.
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Ken 1/=======/=======|-------\-------\0 Sakura
Ken blinks as Sakura does her high attack, giving a smirk as he lowers his arm, the repeated smack down bruising his arm a bit. "Nice attack," Ken replies to Sakura, waiting until she touches down on the ground before just trying to take her by her shirt and just toss her toward the woods. Seems like he figures it is time for a change in venue.
"You two just might win this one," Ken replies with a chuckle, regardless if the attack hits or misses.
COMBATSYS: Sakura dodges Ken's Medium Throw.
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Ken 1/=======/=======|-------\-------\0 Sakura
It's good that Ken thinks so highly of his rival's one and only student! ...cuz, Sakura's got a bit of an uphill battle in front of her! She does seem pleased to know that Hinata's okay, catching sight of the coordinator out of the corner of her eye. The -bulk- of her attention, though, is focused on the grab centered on grabbing her sopping-wet shirt! And her response to that is quite simple -- roll to the side!
... of course, that has a -downside-. "... crap!" she comments, pushing back to her feet. "Now I got sand stuck all over me!" she laments, slapping the sand off her thighs and torso -- to say nothing of the uniform itself! "Nnngh... well, I still got a long way to go, so..." Determination! Drive! Speed! Power! All critical components of the Master Plan, delivered with pinpoint accuracy and no small amount of crowd-pleasing panache as Sakura hops in close, thrusting her right hand down and snapping her left hand and right foot up! Her skirt flares wide -- the color of the day is 'blue' -- as a size six Converse All-Star rockets up towards the US Martial Arts Champion's chin! "HYAAAAAAAA!"
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Sakura's Medium Kick.
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Ken 1/=======/=======|-------\-------\0 Sakura
The head moves to the side, and thus, Ken avoids the kick. It's like breathing air to him, dodging slower attacks. He tries to grab Sakura on the way down, merely rolling backward a couple of times and trying to toss her away. "Getting slow again, Sakura," Ken points out before flipping back to his feet.
The crowd goes wild... Mostly because of wet school girls and Ken being the elite fighter that he is. He is having a good time, but well, this is turning out to be a good fight. A painful one, but well, you only get this good by training hard and fighting people that build up a sweat.
COMBATSYS: Sakura blocks Ken's Jigoku-guruma.
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Ken 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|==-----\-------\0 Sakura
What's 'slow' to Ken is quite clearly -fast- for Sakura... though that's to be expected! She =was= trying to nail him pretty hard though, and it's the =balance= that... well, she's still trying to find the best approach for. Earlier, she was just going on the mentality of =trying to hit him=, and... well, that worked better with Hinata around!
Now, though... well, she gets snagged =this= time by the throw, though she's quite clearly rolling with it. Haha, rolling with Ken in the sand, won't Hinata "Masters" be jealous? Not to mention any of his fangirls in the audience! But she's quick to snap out of the toss before it can hurt her =too= badly, at least.
She hops back to a safe distance, though, brushing a bit more of the sand off of her. Bobbing lightly on her feet, she edges towards the trees... heck, he might not have -thrown- her there, but it's drier! And she can use trees to their benefit -- which she does! A quick glance to the side: she triangle-jumps against a tree, springing to a high branch and grinning back down at Ken. He wants 'fast?' "I'll just have to =give= you 'faster', then!"
COMBATSYS: Sakura focuses on her next action.
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Ken 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|==-----\-------\0 Sakura
Ken does nothing after he gets up. Of course, while he doesn't attack, he is far from done fighting. He waits for Sakura, just watching her as his fists tense. "Good... Show me your best and I might just do the same!" Ken replies, ready for the assault that he knows will come.
COMBATSYS: Ken focuses on his next action.
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Ken 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|==-----\-------\0 Sakura
... Oh crap! Sakura didn't expect him to be =waiting= for her! She just figured he'd be attacking and stuff. Oh well... if this is a trap, so be it! She nods once, tentatively, then again, more assuredly: "Okay!" And bobbing once, twice upon her little branch, she leaps off, catapulting herself towards Ken at high speed! "Get ready for this! HAAAAA!" Nothing more than a descending punch, but maybe, just maybe the determination will pay off!
COMBATSYS: Sakura successfully hits Ken with Fierce Punch.
- Power hit! -
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Ken 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|==-----\-------\0 Sakura
Ken tries to raise his hand to block the fist with a simple ease when... SAKURA GETS STAR WARS POWER. Or something just as equally hidden, mysterious and powerful. He gets send flying, landing on the ground where he remains there for awhile. He flips back to his feet, racing for Sakura one again. Something that might surprise Sakura... He's bleeding from the head somewhat freely. But well, stuff like that happens in a fight. Even to Ken. He just lashes out with a powerful punch for her gut, hoping to return the favor.
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Sakura with Fierce Punch.
- Power hit! -
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Ken 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\-------\1 Sakura
Star Wars Power. ROCKSOME. Sakura'll have to remember what she did next time!
But =this= time, it means she gets smacked right back! And... as Ken warned, he does not hit lightly! She just about loses her lunch from the blow, too, staggering backward with her hand over her mouth and everything!
Well... now? Now it's time for the power of improvised attacks! Case in point -- leaping into a jumpkick with the intention of getting one more solid hit upon Ken! "HNNNNYAAA!"
COMBATSYS: Ken just-defends Sakura's Light Kick!
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Ken 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\-------\1 Sakura
"This is it!" Ken cries out as the kick is met with a firm forearm. The energy within him doesn't damper, but instead, FLARES to life. New energy bursts within him, which is good because he has great need of it right now. "Time to show you my best... And if you weather this, you will have WON this fight! Souryuuuuuuu..." The ground about Ken BURSTS until flames as he leaps into his most POWERFUL uppercut he has, a pillar of flame going from the ground he was. Ryu might hold back and lose a fight like this. Ken doesn't like losing, and thus, it's time to show her the best. "Reppa!"
COMBATSYS: Sakura fails to interrupt Shouryuu Reppa from Ken with Haru Ichiban EX.
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Ken 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Sakura
COMBATSYS: Sakura has reached second wind!
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Ken 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Sakura
Well... Sakura's =seriously= not ready to keel over yet! In fact... she knows Ken's been saving up his energy for a rainy day because, come on, he hasn't even used his sure-kill uppercut yet! So... Sakura tries to run smack into him and knock him the heck out with a low-revolving kick, knocking him right out of it!
... It doesn't work! And Sakura gets slung against a tree. But the tree slaps her right back to her feet, even though her uniform's all... fiery and stuff! "... One more for the road!!!"
Ken decides to press the assault, merely letting his foot flying through the air right for her chin. It isn't much, but he doesn't have the strength of his usual banter or style.
COMBATSYS: Sakura fails to interrupt Light Kick from Ken with Haru Ichiban.
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Ken 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Sakura
Sakura tries her darndest to plow through and nail him again! Second time's the charm? No? Oh, right, it's =third= time's the charm. Ugh, she totally gets smacked by the kick, nailed to a tree, and... whoops, slumps forward. Doesn't look like she's getting back up again... yet? "Aaaagh..." Or maybe she will!
Ken races right for Sakura again, merely trying to grab her and toss her aside. Of course, he goes a little extra, giving a roundhouse kick to help her on her way. Of course, he might miss. He's so tired, he's seeing double.
COMBATSYS: Sakura interrupts Tsukami Nage from Ken with Shou'ou Ken.
[ \\ <
Ken 1/------=/=======|
COMBATSYS: Sakura can no longer fight.
[ \\ <
Ken 1/------=/=======|
Grabbed! And she runs forward into the kick, socking him right in the chin with an uppercut just like her master told her to! Bad touch, bad touch! "SHOOOOOOU'OOOOU KEN!"
... course. She also falls the heck over afterwards, landing in a big ol' plume of sand. But you can't fault her for trying!
Ken gets uppercutted and falls down. A double KO. The crowd goes wild. Eliza makes Ken sleep on the couch when he gets home, all is right in the world.
Log created by Sakura, and last modified on 07:03:35 02/12/2006.