WMAT B1 Mako Mankanshoku vs. Jericho Hawke
| WMAT B1 Mako Mankanshoku vs. Jericho Hawke | |
|---|---|
| Date of Scene: | 23 June 2014 |
| Location: | WMAT Arena - Yunzabit Heights |
| Synopsis: | The Honnouji Fight Club President takes on the Drifter With Nothing Left To Lose in this bracket B, round 1 match of the World Martial Arts Tournament.
Mako Mankanshoku versus Jericho Hawke, live at Yunzabit Heights! |
| Thanks to: | Satsuki Kiryuin, for commentating! |
| Cast of Characters: | Jericho Hawke, Mako Mankanshoku, Satsuki Kiryuin, Adelaide Flowers, Jinx |
| Tinyplot: | World Martial Arts Tournament |
LAST NIGHT
"Mako, you should go to bed early so you can make it to the tournament tomorrow~," Sukuyo Mankanshoku instructs her daughter. The entire Mankanshoku clan has gathered around the dinner table in their comfortable Honnouji condo, with Barazo and Mataro both stuffing their faces. Ryuko had stepped out for a moment, leaving the family to themselves.
"Mm--!" Mako swallows, then lifts her chopsticks, "I have a super great plan so I won't be late! Don't worry, Mom, I'll be there on time and everything!"
RIGHT NOW In the center of the Yunzabit Heights arena, a girl in a white and blue school uniform stands, her arms folded, her feet slightly apart for good stability. Her head bobs slowly and she snores fit enough to wake the dead. Mankanshoku Mako had left home last night and travelled to the fight arena, then spent the entire night standing here, waiting, until she fell asleep on her feet.
But at least she wasn't late!
Amongst the spectators accumulating in the stands, her family has also appeared. While Mataro and Sukuyo seat themselves, Barazo confronts an usher with a very important and very serious question, lines of age and seriousness etched across his face, his eyes shaded when he speaks: "You there. Is this event catered?"
"U-uh... Yes, sir."
Immediately, Barazo's face brightens. He claps a hand on the usher's shoulder, wearing a big smile, "Great!" and then he takes his seat as well,
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the World Martial Arts Tournament. Commentary today will be brought to you by Honnouji Academy's finest students under the request of Lady Satsuki Kiryuin. I am Honnouji Academy Student Council's Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Ira Gamagoori!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "The same, Athletic Clubs Committee Chair, Uzu Sanageyama!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "The same, Information and Strategy Committee Chair, Houka Inumuta."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "The same, Non-Athletic Clubs Committee Chair, Nonon Jakuzure~."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "We are speaking live from the Yunzabit Heighs once again-"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "And they're just as freezing as they were yesterday."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori grunts. "-where another match in the World Martial Arts Tournament will be taking place, this time between two combatants of relatively normal size. The first combatant has already arrived, a student from our own Honnouji Academy. No-Star Student Mako Mankanshoku, who-"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "She's asleep on the field."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori ...
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori bellows, "MANKANSHOKU! AT LEAST HAVE THE DECENCY TO WAIT FOR YOUR OPPONENT WITH YOUR EYES OPEN!!"
A booming voice bellows, "MANKANSHOKU! AT LEAST HAVE THE DECENCY TO WAIT FOR YOUR OPPONENT WITH YOUR EYES OPEN!!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori clears his throat. "Mankanshoku brings to this match a proprietary armament devised by Honnouji Academy, known as a Goku Uniform."
--
There is a skinny lady somewhere behind the Mankanshokus. She is dressed up in a Off-style Honnounji School uniform. She is also half-way drunk already, a magnum of champange in front of her. "KICK THE SHIT OUT OF HIM MAKO! BLOOD FOR THE SANDS!"
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "A Goku Uniform boosts all the physical parameters of its user - reaction times, speed, and especially strength in the case of Mankanshoku's uniform."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "With a uniform like that, even the slacker can be a dangerous competitor. Assuming she ever puts it on, that is~."
--
At the unmistakable sound of IRA GAMAGOORI'S BELLOWING, Mako snaps awake with a shout, "--WAH!" Flailing her arms for a few moments, she quickly comes to her senses, "--R-right, Gamagoori-Sempai!" The girl shakes her head, resumes her stance, and stares ahead in anticipation.
After a few moments, her head dips.
And then dips some more.
And then she's snoring again.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure deadpan, "I'm impressed. She managed a full half-minute awake."
--
Honestly he would have prefered the desert arena. But it wasn't his choice to make. No matter. The assassin isn't late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he intends to. On the back of his white horse. The wind of the arena kicks up his duster as he rides in, stops the horse near the edge of the arena, and begins to unload some equipment from the saddle.
It's just the usual things. A satchel of dynamite, his shotgun and long rifle, and the multitude of melee weapons he tends to keep stored under his duster. One would have to wonder how he moves the way he does with all that equipment on him. For now, he rather casually strolls over to his starting position, peering across the arena at his opponent. Under normal circumstances he might hesitate when confronted with a child, but he knows that the kids in the Multiverse can be more dangerous than most of the adults.
"You might want to keep your head up. You need some coffee or something?"
Casual as always, Adelaide plunks down in a good spot higher up in the crowds. Wouldn't do to get caught in the blast radius just in case this goes as crazy as it should be. Why yes, she does have a little flag with Mako's face on it; some enthusiastic-as-hell boy was selling it outside and she figured why not. That flag waves...and falters a bit when Mako falls asleep. Hand, meet face; this should go about as weird as she thought it would.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And it appears that Jericho Hawke has arrived at last! Mankanshoku's opponent appears to be armed with a variety of lethal weaponry, including explosives, but given the nature of Goku Uniforms, even fighting lethally will at best render this an even competition."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "Assuming she /ever puts on the uniform/."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Heh heh. Don't count the gunslinger out. Look at the way he's swaggering. This isn't his first rodeo."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "I didn't think it was possible for your jokes to get worse. I'll have to update my profile on you."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "Wordplay asside, Sanageyama is correct. There is a confidence to Jericho Hawke's movement not borne of arrogance, but rather experience. That alone speaks volumes about the match we're going to see!"
--
The arrival of her OPPONENT wakes Mako up again, "--Oh! Now Mako is fully energized!" Shifting her stance, she lifts one arm in a flex and props her other hand on her bicep, "I can beat anyone now!" ... "Oh, wait." Glancing down, she remarks, "I forgot something." Turning to the audience, she brings her hands to her mouth and shouts, "Papa! I forgot it!"
In the stands, Barazo Mankanshoku snaps to, pulling his face out of his food, "Ah! Right!" He pushes his plate into Sukuyo's lap and stands, collecting the suitcase at his feet. Planting his foot on the back of the seat in front of him (causing a complaint from its inhabitant), Barazo wheels back and then HURLS the suitcase into the arena.
Mako throws out her hands to catch it. And catch it she does. With her face. The suitcase explodes open and the girl goes down in a cloud of dust and clothing, including fresh-pressed heart boxers and one of Barazo's old ties.
Before the smoke can clear, however, the girl erupts from it with her hands overhead, "Fight Club President!" Twirling, she slams a Geta-clad foot down and frames her eyes with the fingers of one hand, the other twirling a golden baseball bat covered in bent nails, "MANKANSHOKU MAKO~!"
The bat-twirling stops and she points it at Jericho, "I'm ready! Let's have fun, okay~?"
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And Mankanshoku finally dons her uniform, presenting a much more imposing image almost immediately!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "With all that strength her uniform gives her, I wonder if that slacker's realized what she can do with all this uneven terrain yet."
--
There's a sudden thud at her shoulders, as that busy eater behind her suddenly jams a foot into the back of her seat. And it's a stadium seat; they're designed to fold up just as much as Addie is. A loud 'hrrkgbl' as she's nearly crushed, and she's about to protest - before the ponytailed woman realizes what the hell just happened. Oh, the hell with it, she thinks; she just got to help out the girl she's rooting for. Her kidney, meanwhile, is less supportive...
--
Well ain't that a fancy trick. Jericho lifts the brim of his hat a little bit as he watches the girl pull out her combat atire and weapon. And what a weapon it is. The cowboy pulls his hat back down, returning the shadows to his face, as he shifts his right foot back just a bit.
"I always have fun. Are you ready?" The gruff voice comes from below the hat, as he is simply waiting for confirmation from her that she's ready. Once he has it, well, he's going to do what he always does. This may be a friendly tournament, but Jericho wouldn't have gotten where he was if he didn't take every combat situation seriously. His hands rest down at his sides, not much of a combat stance.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And both combatants appear to be squaring off! Mankanshoku is suited up and ready, and while Hawke appears fairly casual, there is a certain tension to his form that betrays his readiness! All that remains now is to see... WHO WILL MAKE THE FIRST MOVE!!"
--
"Mako is always ready!" the girl insists, twirling her bat briefly and then lowering it to her side. Her stance is also not much of a combat stance, at least not if one is looking at martial arts. That bit of clover snaps upward with her smile and she reaches up, pulling her hat's brim to one side. The sleeves and coat itself billow behind her in Yunzabit's chill breeze.
One can almost SEE the menchi beams colliding between their gazes. While both cowboy and bancho seem friendly on the surface, there's heavy tension between them. Each one waiting for the other to strike. Subly, Mako's grip on her bat tightens.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "You can practically feel the air vibrating with tension! A staredown like this... I haven't seen one this good in a long time!"
--
That's all he needed to hear. Once she's given the go, so to speak, Jericho moves. He views this as just like any other quick draw. A duel, but with stakes that aren't quite as high as the death of the loser. Still high enough.
Jericho's hand movement is a blur, that gloved hand shifting backwards, pushing the duster off to the side, grasping hold of the revolver that had been concealed below the coat. He raises the weapon, but won't wait until it's fully raised to fire.
The moment the end of the barrel has cleared leather and he can shift it forward, he does so, pushing the weapon out and up, while his left hand moves down to pull back the hammer. It only takes a fraction of a second before the first shot is fired from the hip.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "WHAT AN INCREDIBLE QUICKDRAW! Even my eyes could only barely follow that!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "Indeed! In the blink of an eye, Jericho Hawke has his revolver out and is opening fire! With reflexes like that, this fight won't be easy even for a Goku Uniform user!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "His technique is impressive. Equal parts natural talent and perfect, trained muscle memory. I'll have to analyze his movements very closely."
--
Lightning quick Quickdraw. The gunshot goes off. A thin spray of red shoots out behind Mako, marked by crimson sparks of Life Fiber. In the same instant, before the smoke from Jericho's gun has even fully cleared the muzzle of his revolver, the Fight Club President is moving. Even the brief moment where her geta dig in for traction causes the stone beneath her feet to crush down into small but noticable craters.
Mako explodes forward, that digin from her geta hurling up a huge cloud of powderized stone behind her. It'll take her a moment to cross that distance, and so she buys time by diving a hand into her billowing coat. What she removes is a pipe wrench, covered in a golden coating of hardened Life Fiber. The girl shouts a wordless attack cry when she sweeps her left hand outward, hurling the tool at the assassin while she charges him. Mako Mankanshoku does 2 damage to Jericho Hawke with a Graze hit. Mako Mankanshoku hit Jericho Hawke with her Wrench! weak attack! <Standard Mechanic>
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And Mankanshoku begins moving just as quickly, moving past- NO! SHE'S BEEN CLIPPED BY THE SHOT, I CAN SEE HINTS OF BLOOD! Mankanshoku has been hit but she's moving in immediately, bringing around what appears to be a pipe wrench as a bludgeoning weapon!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "There's no martial arts tournament in the world that would sanction such a weapon, but this isn't just a tournament in the world, it's the World Martial Arts Tournament!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "You say things that sound poignant, but when you actually look closely, they /don't even mean anything/."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Anyone with a fighting spirit will understand perfectly!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "Exactly."
--
She's faster than he expected. He's going to have to be extra careful with her. That flash of movement and she's already covered most of the distance between them. He catches that glint of gold, and his feet shift.
He's not going to make it the full way out of the path of that wrench. He probably couldn't dodge a ball, either. He finishes fanning the hammer back and then brings his left arm up, turning it so as to avoid hitting the blade mechanism, and lets the wrench slam against the back of his armored hidden blade. The impact rattles his arm and makes him visibly wince, but he has to keep his focus on the fight.
With the wrench deflected enough to move into his next attack, he finishes his footwork and raises the firearm once again. This won't be a shot from the hip, but a much more carefully measured shot. He figures he'll get this one shot in before she finishes closing the gap and he has to switch to melee.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And Hawke has turned aside a brutal smash with his left arm!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "Given the bone-crushing force behind that strike, his arm is almost certainly armored in some way. But even then..."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Heheh... He's definitely feeling it."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "But she's still not quite in melee range yet, and thrown weapons will only go so far against an enemy who's using a revolver! He has his weapon up and ready, and this time he's not just shooting from the hip! Another shot, carefully aimed, with Mankanshoku STILL CHARGING IN!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "My my, charging straight at an armed opponent. If she wants to get in close unharmed, she'll really need a better way~."
--
Much like the first, the second shot zips through Mako with a spray of red, both dark blood and glowing crimson Life Fiber. The uniform seems to be saving her from anything fatal, though. The hit makes her wince, just enough to make the next step hesitate.
The step after that SLAMS down, hurling up a dense cloud of powdered dust and sand and snow. This time, Mako is not throwing anything. She's right where she wants to be: In Jericho's Face.
If he thought that the wrench she threw was solid...! The girl twirls her bat quickly, clasping it now in both hands, and swings the nail-encrusted sporting impliment in a wide arc for the side of his body at around rib level, "EEEI~!"
The swing has enough force to hurl sand and snow away, and even dislodge small rocks. Blocking would be ill-advised, it'd be kind of like getting hit by a small car. Given how fights in the DBZ region tend to go, it looks like Mako fits right in!
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "I don't know if she can hear Jakuzure or if it was a flash of insight on her part, but after taking another bullet from Hawke, Mankanshoku has put her brute strength to use in creating a cloud of dust with one single stomp! Covering her approach just enough to get her into melee range, where her strength gives her the advantage!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "She might not have any formal training, but with all that strength, Mankanshoku can fight like a wild thug and still pull it off!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "We really did give her a fitting Goku Uniform."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "I'm going to revoke your wordplay privileges. Somehow."
--
Jericho tries to move into a more defensive stance as soon as the cloud of dust and dirt is kicked up, but he knows that his plan isn't going to work. He got caught flat footed, plain and simple. The sound of the battlecry makes him turn, just in time to catch the bat to the chest. Now he may wear very basic armor under his duster, just some leather, nothing fancy enough to deflect a blow of that magnitude.
He's sent for a ride, clearing the smoke cloud and crashing down several feet away. He hits the ground with a thud and rolls over a few times before he comes to a stop. He picks himself up, and quickly dusts himself off. That revolver goes back inside of the holster under his coat, and he quickly considers his options. Moving back into melee range wouldn't be the best idea, but if she's going to keep pushing it, and he's sure she is, he'd be better off getting in close on his own terms. He opts to move in and get it done on his terms. Best to knock it out now while he can push the advantage. From under his coat comes a weapon one might not expect, a Native tomahawk.
As he pushes towards her, his left foot plants itself, and then he pushes off with his right, intending to kick her bat out of his way, before he comes around with the tomahawk in full force. He just has to be sure her weapon is out of his way first before he strikes.
--
Tomoe is here in the stands, not in hee avatar form that Mako would normally know her as, not in the avatar form that Mako would know so well. Her form of flesh and blood. Sheena as she's actually known is has a thing of food in a lounge back on the island, she'd have come out there but there wasn't anything in the ways of stands however she's totally cheering Mako on in the bar and trying to rally others to Mako's cause!
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And with incredible force, Mankanshoku unleashes a swing that quite literally sends Hawke hurtling, several feet away! But despite taking a direct hit with superhuman strength, he's standing up and simply brushing himself off!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "Make no mistake. He's still combat capable, but he can't afford to take more hits like that. The wisest choice would be to... hmm?"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "Did he just take out an axe?"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "Tomahawk."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Hoh? Gutsy move... but he's sharper than he looks. If he keeps retreating, she'll just keep pressing, so he's taking the fight to her!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "He's definitely taking things into melee, and while that's a risky proposition, he moves as if he's got the skill to pull it off! Even Mankanshoku's uniform won't protect her fully from a weapon like that!"
--
Following the hit, Mako snaps her bat back to a one-handed grip and turns, pacing after the downed Cowboy. He surprises her, though, when he's back up and jumping back in on her with an axe! Yes, it's a tomahawk, but this is Mako here. She probably can't even say 'Tomahawk'. The bancho takes a step back and thrusts her bat up defensively. In the same maneuver, her coat's left sleeve swings up as well. Though the blow is stopped, the axe's head chops into the uniform with a spray of glowing red dust from damaged Life Fibers.
Mako grins, the clover in her teeth dancing with her enthusiasm.
The right sleeve of her coat, still fluttering in the breeze, suddenly swells out as if a giant arm were now wearing the coat properly. A large white glove emerges from the end, fingers flexing and then closing into a fist. With no warning whatsoever, this giant fist snaps up and sweeps around in an attempt to coldcock the cowboy right across the Everything.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And Jericho Hawke's swing cuts solidly into Mankanshoku's uniform! Despite her best attempt to stop it, his superior training cuts right through her defenses!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "His skills certainly are finely-honed."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "You know, if you started a Wordplay Club you'd all fall under my authority."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "But Mankanshoku isn't done at all! She's just taking the opportunity to get in close and- SHE'S DEPLOYED AN INCREDIBLY HUGE FIST FROM THE SLEEVE OF HER UNIFORM! AT THAT CLOSE RANGE, THERE'S NO WAY HE CAN- SOLID IMPACT, I CAN HEAR IT /ALL THE WAY OVER HERE!!/"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure flatly, "I sure can't."
--
At first Jericho is sure he's got her. There's no way she'd be able to evade the blow. And she doesn't evade the blow. Which clearly was her plan all along, as the huge fist comes quite literally out of nowhere, and slams into Jericho with the force of a train. At least that's what it feels like to him as he gets launched backwards through the air once again. This landing is even harder than last time, and he's not nearly as quick to rise to his feet.
He does get back up, though, and spits something out onto the ground. Blood, from the looks of things. He's not down for the count yet, though. Not by a long shot. Once he's back up to his feet, he takes a second to pop his neck and adjust himself, trying to shake off the pain from that blow. With that out of the way, he runs through his options real quick. She's got too many tricks up her sleeve (hah) to get in close again, at least not without playing his ace in the hole early. He'll have to do this the hard way.
He reaches into his satchel, and pulls out not a stick of dynamite, but a bundle of it. The type of stuff they use to clear mine shafts. He drops it to the ground at his feet, not bothering to light it. Instead, he hauls back and kicks it like a football, sending it flying towards Mako. But without being lit, it's not going to do much damage.
Well unless he hits it with the Winchester rifle he just drew.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "AND HAWKE FLIES LIKE HIS NAMESAKE, BUT ENTIRELY UNDER SOMEONE ELSE'S CONTROL!! The incredible force behind Mankanshoku's blow must be like a car hitting, because he's even further away and having a much harder time standing up again! But he is on his feet, and it looks like he's prepared to keep fighting! He's... what is he pulling out there? Is that-"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "My goodness."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Heh... hehehahaha! INTERESTING!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "My, this fight just got my attention. He's starting to fight ~smartly~. Dynamite is a very good place to start."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And he's thrown it without lighting it- my god, HE'S SETTING IT OFF BY SHOOTING IT IN MIDAIR!!"
--
The schoolgirl sweeps back with her bat, both sleeves now sporting gloved hands protruding from them, even if the left sleeve has a huge tear in it from the tomahawk. That's a pretty serious hole that might hinder her later. When something is thrown her way, the girl snaps up her Sleeve-arms to catch it with both hands, but when she doesn't see a lit fuse like in those old cartoons, it perplexes her for a few moments.
And then Jericho shoots it and it explodes basically right in her face.
In the smoke and fire of Dynamite exploding, Mako sails back. She lands on her head, tumbles a few times, and somehow winds up on her feet, smoldering. The gloves of her coatsleeves are tattered but still hand-shaped. Singed, Mako tosses her bat upward, catching it in one of those sleeve-hands, so that she can rummage in her jacket with her actual hands. What she pulls out is a length of gold-covered, Life Fiber-reinforced chain.
Planting her feet, Mako sweeps the chain overhead in a wide arc and then sends it out in an arc in an attempt to tangle Jericho up in it. She then yanks, using both hands, in an effort to haul the cowbow up overhead and then slam him down into the ground behind her.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "-no! Mankanshoku's caught it, and- HE'S SHOT IT IN HER GRASP, IT'S BLOWN UP RIGHT IN HER FACE!! Mankanshoku's mistake has cost her dearly, but despite being hit as hard as she's hitting, she's still standing up and going into the fight again!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "Ah, that golden chain! She's using it a lot like you use your whips, Froggy~."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori clears his throat. "I'm pleased to see my technique has become a model for my juniors."
--
Seems that despite his best efforts, even fighting at ranged isn't quite working out in his favor. Jericho wasn't shocked when he hit the dynamite with the round, and at this point, wasn't even shocked when she was still standing afterwards. What does catch him off guard is when the metal chain comes sailing in and wraps around him. He tries to pull away from it but before he can he gets hauled up into the air and slammed back down at full force onto the top of his head. This has the unfortunate side effect of smashing his hat. Nobody smashes his hat. It takes the assassin a bit to get back to his feet, and he looks down at his smashed hat.
He's not angry, that's not the right word. He knows it can be repaired, but it's just the principal of the thing. The now hatless Jericho turns around to look at his opponent. That coat is the problem. He needs to get rid of it. Just like disarming an opponent by taking out their gun or knife. In order to do it effectively, he'll have to get in close. A risk, sure, but his best weapons for the job are close quarters. He dashes for her again, this time no visible weapons. He looks like he's going to fight her hand to hand. But of course, he's an assassin. What kind of assassin would he be without his signature weapons? The flash of steel and the infamous sound of the hidden blade mechanism signals the deployment of them as he grows close. A flurry of strikes from the hidden blades, aiming to cut into the coat, and strike Mako herself where opporitunities present themselves, of course. The final strike will be an attempt to finish off the sleeve he damaged with the tomahawk.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "Hawke is back on his feet, but he's absolutely showing his fatigue now! It takes him a moment to get up on his feet, and he's considering his options before going in again!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "It looks like he's changing his strategy. In his place, I'd be figuring out how to blunt that brute strength of hers."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "The most obvious answer is 'take her uniform away', of course... what the hell, he's running at her again."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And he's got some sort of... hidden blades, up each sleeve! He's attacking and slashing, and- no, he's trying to cut her up, but he's just as focused on her uniform!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "Oh~? It looks like he made the smart call after all!"
--
- <J-IC-Moderated> Satsuki Kiryuin> Ira Gamagoori says, "This is Ira Gamagoori, reminding the Multiverse that the nimble and skilled killer known as Jericho Hawke is currently battling Honnouji Academy's Mako Mankanshoku! In this contest of brute strength and finesse, either side could win, and if you don't tune in, YOU'RE MISSING A POSITIVELY PITCHED BATTLE!!" Uzu Sanageyama adds, "This is the kind of contest a tournament is all about! If you're not already here, listen in on Frequency 900.7 and we'll paint you the best picture we can with words!" Nonon Jakuzure mutters something about 'some people fingerpaint'.
--
With a flick of her wrist, Mako reels her chain back in and tucks it inside her cape-like jacket. Her sleeve drops her bat into her waiting hand while her other hand reaches up. The brim of her hat is gripped between thumb and forefinger, and she tugs it aside to cover one eye while leaving the other visible. She brings her bat up behind her in preparation for a swing counter.
Snikt!
Mako's eyes widen. He didn't have knives a second ago! Swiftly, she brings her bat forward and braces it with both hands, defensively. The first blow chops right into the reinforced weapon, gouging a huge chunk of Life Fiber reinforced out of it. The second blow digs into her coat and sends out a spray of blood and life fibers behind her, while the third tears a ragged gash along the coat's billowing edge. The final slash severes the arm of her coat completely, right where the tomahawk had weakened it. The 'hand' disappears as it falls, fluttering to the torn up ground like so much cloth. Even the dancing red lines on its inner edges fade.
Mako's grin tenses, but she keeps smiling under the onslaught. Once she sees herself an opening, the girl ducks back and then springs forward, leading with the spiked teeth of the geta on her right foot with a kick aimed straight at Jericho's jaw. When she brings this foot down, she attempts to slam it down on top of his head. Bringing her left hand up, she switches her bat from right to left and then swings the bat in the process of getting it out of her way. For a final blow, Mako draws back her right hand, light glinting off the gold of her custom knuckleduster, before she strikes at the center of Jericho's chest with all of her strength and a wordless shout of effort.
The design of her knuckleduster is such that, whatever she hits, it will have her name literally stamped into it.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "It looks like the transfer student wasn't expecting those blades of his. Keeping your best weapons up your sleeve for a surprise is a smart way to play things."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Until the moment you bare your fangs?"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "It's better than just wildly beating on something with a stick."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "Mankanshoku's uniform is taking damage, and so is the student wearing it! Her Goku Uniform is going to be needing some major repairs after this fight, and the medics had better be on standby as well!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "Isn't her father a doctor?"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "Given his reputation, it's better that she see the medics."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori clears his throat. "Regardless, Mankanshoku is pressing the assault again, going in for a simple and fierce barrage of strikes on her opponent while she has him in brawling range!"
--
Jericho continues to strike at the jacket, until the kick right to his jaw. It spins him around, and he retracts the blades, catching a second kick in the process. This stumbles him enough to get caught by the bat, but as she hauls back to hit him with that knuckle duster, he decides that enough is enough. His right foot plants itself, and the dirt around him kicks out from the force. The spectral image of a bull appears behind him, and he brings his left hand up to intercept the knuckle duster, stopping it dead in midair. To Mako, it might feel like she just punched a wall.
That bull image vanishes, dropping back down into Jericho, and concentrating itself into his right arm. He hauls back himself, and then thrusts the arm forward, still holding onto Mako's hand, bringing the blow down at an angle to try to punch her square in the face with the concentrated might of his Bull Rush ability. One of the more powerful attacks the assassin can bring to bear, he hopes this one will be enough to keep her down.
--
Up in the stands, Miss Jinx is still behind the Mankanshokus, her champagne bottle empty, and several emptied out tubs of popcorn and other food products besides. She may be drunk as hell by now. "MAKE HIM BLEED ALL THE BLOOD MAKO! BE THE BOSS SHOW HIM WHO'S BOSS AAAAHHHHHHHH!"
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "W-WHAT?!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Impossible-!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "With his level of strength, that should have broken his arm."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "I'm not sure how he did it, but for a moment, an image of a bull appeared behind Hawke, and he stopped one of Mankanshoku's blows dead in the air! I don't know what ability he's mustering up, but it's giving him the strength to match her blow for blow!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Saving a trump card like that for such a perfect moment... what an interesting guy."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "He really does work well with the element of surprise. I wonder if he's for hire~."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And now he's drawing in all that power for a single punch of his own! Just how will this crushing strength match up against Mankanshoku's Goku Uniform constitution?!"
--
Jericho's fist strikes Mako's head with a dull, unsatisfying KLONK. Like hitting a hollow log. With a yelp the girl slams down into the ground in a spray of stone and dust. As the dust clears, she's laid out, arms and legs sprawled. Uncerimonously, her hat flutters down to rest on her head once again. Her bat clatters to rest a few meters away, the piece torn out of it glowing with constantly shifting Life Fiber lines.
In the stands, Barazo rises to his feet, thrusting his fist into the air, "Come on, Mako! Come on!" Beside him, Sukuyo wiggles in her seat, "Rush him down~!" And, beside her, Mataro plants his foot on the back of the seat in front of him and presents two thumbs down, "Get up and send him straight to hell, sis!"
On the field, Mako's fingers tighten, her hands balling into fists. Though she starts to get up, she has more immediate priorities. Her remaining sleeve flutters and then disgorges its tattered hand again. With the sound of cracking knuckles, the fingers flex and then ball into a fist. It whips around, aimed for the side of Jericho's head, while Mako herself is rising to her feet.
"It hurts," she's still smiling, "...But if they're cheering... Mako will never give up!"
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And Mankanshoku takes the hit straight on the head, putting her right to the ground! It looks as if she may be down for the- NO! MANKANSHOKU IS RALLYING THE POWER OF HER GOKU UNIFORM AND PUSHING HERSELF TO HER FEET!!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Even if she's the bottom of the barrel, Mankanshoku's a Honnouji student! If nothing else, she's got guts to spare!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "Wasn't it you that once said 'either that, or she's an idiot'?"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "THE PAST IS THE PAST! SHE'S FIGHTING ON, THAT'S WHAT MATTERS!"
--
Good lord, these two are /really/ going at it. A CERTAIN FLATTY is honestly dumbstruck; it's the first match of the WMAT she's seen like this and it's downright amazing. Of course, she's still cheering for Mako, but then the girl gets laid right the hell out and the gunsmith worries, on the edge of her seat. Which doesn't save her from much, when Mataro does his best to plant her into the ground...hey wait a minute! That's the little brat that sold her the flag!
Fine, they wanna cheer, let's cheer! "MANKANSHOKU! GET OFF YOUR ASS AND START BEATING HIS! THE ONLY TIME YOU F***ING LOSE IS WHEN YOU F***ING QUIT, NOW SHAG IT AND WIN, DAMMIT!" It's /amazing/ how well a petty officer's voice can carry when they're yelling at someone.
--
Jericho admires guts, and bravery, no matter what. He's a lot like that himself. Willing to keep getting back to his feet even after he's been knocked down. As the crowd cheers for her, Jericho smirks faintly. Nobody's chanting his name. But that's alright. He doesn't do this kinda thing for glory, or for the fans, or even to spread the message of the brotherhood. He does this kind of thing because he wants to challenge himself, see how far he can push himself. Any mook can murder a couple dozen hired goons. This is something different.
Of course his thought process is very rudely interrupted by the large fist coming at him again. This time, however, he knows about it, and can be prepared to block it with something other than his face. His arms come up to defend against the blow, and do an admirable enough job of deflecting most of the damage away from things like vital organs or brain meats. Mustering his strength, Jericho pushes the giant hand away from himself, to give him a clear look at Mako.
And by look, one might mean shot, as his right hand vanishes into the duster again. No revolver this time. A sawed off, lever action shotgun is brought to bear, the motion of the draw flipping the weapon around to rack a shell into the chamber, as he levels it at Mako's chest. At this range, hopefully he won't miss with a scatter gun.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "Mankanshoku certainly has guts, but guts will only carry her so far against a trained fighter like this! Trying the giant fist again isn't working out for her at all, he manages to deflect most of the force away from himself and give himself an opening for another attack of his own!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "His draw's a little slower this time, is his arm injur-"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "What the hell?!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "My goodness."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "A SHOTGUN AT THAT RANGE IS OVERDOING IT!!"
--
Reaching up, Mako tugs her hat to the side once again--It had landed perfectly aligned, after all. That squared away, she lifts her hands and smacks one fist into her other palm, "I won't give up, so I hope you're ready, there's only one way this is gonna end!" And as soon as she draws her hands apart and to the ready: Shotgun.
There's a glorious spray of red behind Mako, both the dark crimson of blood and the glittering glowing sparks of Life Fiber. It actually makes Mako jerk with a flinch, the tattered back of her coat fluttering up from the barrage. A thin trickle of red runs from the corner of her mouth and the girl tips her head foward, teeth bared in...a big, cheerful smile.
"Keep up, okay?"
Trailing drops of red when she moves, now, Mako lunges forward with such force that the ground underneath her explodes with both her kickoff. She leads in on Jericho with a flying kick, making use of those spiked geta sandals. And, using that to get herself into Beating range, just starts wailing on him with both hands, as fast and as hard as she can pound on him. While she exclusively relies on her knuckleduster in her right hand, her left hand periodically dips into her coat to pull something out, use it, and discard it.
Over the savage few seconds, a wrench, a ball and chain, a crowbar, and two halves of a broken baseball bat litter the ground around the pair. For a final blow, Mako rears back with her right hand and then, putting all of her weight and strength into it, slams her fist into the center of the cowboy's chest.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "I didn't think it was even possible for one person to absorb this much punishment! Mankanshoku takes a shotgun blast straight to the torso! Even with her Goku Uniform that's a dangerous injury... AND YET SHE'S SMILING EVEN NOW!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "She's got something up her sleeve just yet... AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S HER FISTS!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "I'm going to get one of the clubs to write you all better dialogue, I swear..."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "BOTH OPPONENTS ARE STRUGGLING TO STAY ON THEIR FEET AT THIS RATE, AND WITH MANKANSHOKU SO BADLY BATTERED, IT'S JUST A QUESTION OF WHO'S GOING DOWN FIRST!!"
--
Nobody's supposed to get up from taking a scattergun shot at that range. Jericho is somewhere between shocked and impressed. He's more impressed with how much she is able to damage him after that blast. The flurry of attacks that come at him are all over the place. He tries to block anything that he can, but most of it is useless. It seems the only thing Jericho doesn't get hit with is a kitchen sink, and that might come if he doesn't counter this soon.
Then she goes for the blow with the knuckle duster again. This is his chance. He has to make the most of it. As the blow comes towards him, he shifts to his right, and brings up his left arm to deflect the blow, to push it aside. Then the sound of those blades again. This time he's not going to go for a series of slashes and strikes. This time, he's going to be much more direct.
Both of the hidden blades are thrust forward, intent on driving into her chest, and taking her down to the ground with the blow, bringing his whole weight down onto her with the blades leading the way.
"Via con dios, amiga."
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "And Jericho is battered and smashed by Mankanshoku's barrage of sheer ferocity, but at the last moment he turns aside one of her blows and moves in with those blades again and- THERE IS NO WAY THAT IS NOT A LETHAL ATTACK!! If it were anyone but Mankanshoku, I would call this a clear breach of rules!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Honestly, that girl could headbutt a speeding train."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "Even she's going to have trouble getting through an attack like that, however. I'm almost certain this match is over."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "Is it~?"
--
Mako snaps her extended arm back, fingers flexing, knuckles popping, and her foe is still on his feet. Albeight, a bit more wobbly than before. When he closes in again, she sweeps aside with her coat's remaining sleeve, fouling the incoming Hidden Blade and pulling it off its mark. Instead of burying itself in her chest, the interference of the cloth yanks the blade aside until he drives into her shoulder instead. The hand on the end of the sleeve reaches, but then suddenly snaps back to her.
Face to face with Jericho, the girl smiles, her kinked clover sprig straightening, "Are those even words?"
She bumps the tip of her bat against Jericho's midsection--Her sleeve had retrieved it. She's not like, hitting him with it, though. Just bumping him.
And then the bat's sides explode outward, shedding the wooden exterior to reveal A MISSILE inside. With a hiss, the missile fires. But at this range, it barely even starts moving before both fighters are engulfed in a MASSIVE fireball. The blast rattles the stands, even at this distance.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori says, "SHE'S STILL ON HER FEET! SOMEHOW SHE'S MANAGED TO AVOID A LETHAL HIT AND /MANKANSHOKU IS STILL ON HER FEET!!/"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Houka Inumuta says, "Now would be a perfect time for- and there it is. One of the surprises built into her armament. But at that range, she might be caught in it too. Come to think of it, we-"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori, Houka Inumuta, Nonon Jakuzure and Uzu Sanageyama all transmit a loud, rumbling boom.
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "I hear a ringing. Somebody get the phone."
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "What?"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Nonon Jakuzure says, "I SAID I HEAR A RINGING, SOMEBODY GET THE PHONE!"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "I CAN'T HEAR YOU, THERE'S TOO MUCH RINGING!"
--
A huge fireball exploding right in front of him is the last thing Jericho expected. He's barely ever had any dealings with missiles, so he's not sure how one is able to have that much explosive inside of a bat and not have it go off. But when the dust and fire clears, Jericho isn't down. He's still on his feet. Torn up, battered and bleeding, but still standing. He knows his opponent has to be on her last legs...He just has to finish this.
He takes a step towards Mako, and reaches out a hand towards her, "No matter what, don't let anybody tell you different. You fought like a beast here, and you're a damn good fighter. You earned your title, for sure."
And then he drives his head forward with all the force he can muster.
--
Once again, on impact, Mako's head makes a dull THUNK. Like hitting a hollow log.
She stands in place for a moment, but there's nothing else she seems to be planning to do. Like a delayed reaction, the girl wobbles. Slowly she falls back, landing on her butt, and then keeps going until she's flat on her back, arms spread out to either side. Fluttering, her coat's remaining sleeve comes to rest a moment later.
She just lays there, staring skyward on a makeshift blanket of shifting Life Fibers. And then, after a long and awkward moment where she might be presumed dead, the girl starts laughing, "...Wow! I think I just lost!"
Up in the stands, Barazo rummages in his coat and then puts on a doctor's hat. Similarly, Sukuyo dons a nurse cap. Both parents stand and shuffle down to the aisle and then charge down to the edge of the observer's platform. Barazo vaults the railing, realizes how far the drop is, and falls flat on his face three meters down. Sukuyo, more carefully, climbs the railing and then lands on top of him. Seems like medical care will be provided free courtesy of Dr. Barazo Mankanshoku, Front Alley Doctor, today.
--
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Ira Gamagoori is silent for several seconds. Then, abruptly, "AND WITH A SINGLE HEADBUTT, THE MATCH IS DECIDED! AFTER AN INCREDIBLE CONTEST OF SKILL VERSUS BRUTE STRENGTH, /JERICHO HAWKE WILL BE ADVANCING TO THE NEXT ROUND!!/"
- -<RADIO: WMAT7>- Uzu Sanageyama says, "Heheh... She fought pretty hard, gotta give her that. He'll be out of it for a day or two, no doubt. But he still pulled the win."
--
- <J-IC-Moderated> Satsuki Kiryuin> Ira Gamagoori thunders, "AND AFTER A TREMENDOUS, BLOW-FOR-BLOW BATTLE, JERICHO HAWKE HAS DEFEATED MAKO MANKANSHOKU, AND /WILL BE ADVANCING TO ROUND TWO/!!"
- <J-IC-Moderated> Hei says, "Congratulations."
- <J-IC-Moderated> Mako Mankanshoku says, "I-It's fine! When I can move again we'll totes have lunch and he said I could feed his pony."
- <J-IC-Moderated> Jericho Hawke says, "If that's what I have to face in the first round, it's going to be a hell of a thing when I see who I'm up against in the second round. And yes, yes I did."
