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Post by Belladonna Atropa on Feb 21, 2018 9:31:03 GMT -6
In the time it took Ochra to munch down on another bite of his tasty looking donut, Bella fished her notepad out of her discarded jacket. A simple ringed travel pad with a pen tucked into the top, she flipped it open to a clean piece of parchment. An avid neot taker, the habit served her well. She wouldn’t classify herself as forgetful, but interacting with new people on a daily basis was a recipe for confusion if she didn’t take care to keep information logged. Eyes on the paper as he finished up his mouthful she jotted down her initial notes.
Ochra.
Saiyan.
Potentially handsome.
Seems nice.
Poor location chooser.
The basics were enough to jog her memory when it came time to recall an event or interaction and the short hand kept her from missing his answer. According to him their numbers were few, at least in the local area. They were gathering How spread out were they? When one considered they fled for their lives it was understandable they had not stuck together. Bella found it hard to imagine what such a scene must have been like. Destruction and death of your home as you ran for your life. She couldn’t let that happen to Earth, wouldn’t let it happen.
”Agreed. Sharing information will be key in the weeks to come. Sadly I think it will soon become ours as well. I doubt the WTF will leave you be after being so brash to assault your planet.” As much as she hated to think about it, the reality was that war was likely coming. Although a member of the PT and adequately strong, her experience was extremely limited in turns of real combat. Sure she had traded blows now and then, but only with low caliber thugs. Not a natural born fighter, Koban’s instructions had increased her capabilities, but she was far from a warrior. Maybe that needed to change.
”I am sorry for the losses your people have suffered and it’s not that we wouldn’t want to help you, we do. There is just too much uncertainty at the moment. If we are lucky, the WTF won’t even come to Earth. Of course even if that is the case, I am sure your people will want to retake their home, but that is an entirely different issue.” She added with a half frown. Bella wanted to help she really did, but she wasn’t exactly in a position to fly off into space and retake Vegeta. She would need to talk with Koban about this.
Saiyans scattered.
Trying to regroup.
Future, uncertain.
The words joined her short list as she looked to her paper once more. For a moment the end of her pen tapped against her chin. As she contemplated what to ask next one of the servers delivered her second cup of hot cocoa. With a smile and a nod she returned to the conversation.
”So, tell me, is there anyone in charge? I mean I can understand the Saiyans were scattered about in the chaos, but there has to be someone trying to call the shots right? You guys had a king, right? Did he survive?” Bella asked. She knew it was a heavy question, but one that needed to be put out there. If a figure head or leader was alive, that was where she needed to start. Not a leader in her own right, she could bring this individual to the PTs attention and as a group they could approach him or her. That is where talks needed to begin.
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Post by Ochra on Feb 21, 2018 10:20:57 GMT -6
Ochra watched as she pulled out a note pad and began writing down information. So she was one of those types huh? The sort who made sure they had stuff in writing. He was polite enough not to perk at what she was writing down. When the subject of them taking back Vegeta came up, Ochra shook his head. "I don't expect you guys to run off to Vegeta to help us. This is our matter. We just don't want your home to get ruined in the crossfire." he gave a small sigh. "Though the saiyans gave up their slaver ways long ago, the pride they share still remains. I doubt they'd want people helping them take back Vegeta. Especially from the Arcosians. The feud between the two peoples has extended back centuries." From the first arcosian warlord who conquered Vegeta, blood has been very bad between the two races, and it didn't seem like it was going to get better any time soon. When she asked about who was leading them, he shook his head. "Can't say that I know. I only met the one seeking out recruits, and I doubt she's in charge. Chances are I'll meet them soon enough. I'll try to keep you guys updated." He looked over the young woman as a thought occured to him. "So tell me, how are the pride troopers? You mentioned you were heroes, but how capable are you all? Combat wise I mean. If we can help each other, perhaps we can train together as well."Belladonna Atropa |
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Post by Belladonna Atropa on Feb 21, 2018 11:32:35 GMT -6
Ah yes, that good old Saiyan pride.
She had yet to visit Vegeta, even if it was on her list, but over the years a fair number of Saiyans did cross her path. Many of them, like the one so recently met atop a mountain during a storm, shared that prideful streak. Ochra wasn’t the worst, that was for sure, but she knew it must be in him. After all, he had requested that she train with him instead of get out of the storm. That aside, it was disappointing to find that no single Saiyan was in charge, not yet at least. Bella hoped that soon someone would take up the role of leadership. To remain divided only invited the WTF all the more.
”Yeah, I can see how there would be confusion in terms of ranks, but yes, please keep me updated.” Bella requested, making a mental note to give him her number before they went their separate ways.
When the gears shifted back towards the Pride Troopers she figured it was only fair. This wasn’t an interrogation after all and should be two sided. “How are the Pride Troopers?” That wasn’t a simple answer. Especially when she considered who she was talking to. A bounty hunter, a trained warrior, Ochra was clearly a capable fighter. The PT wasn’t nearly as developed as the Saiyan army or Earth’s army for that matter. How to explain this without over selling, but also maintaining the truth.
”Well, Captain Koban, our leader is as capable as anyone I know. Don’t let his friendly demeanor fool you, he knows how to fight. As for the rest of it, our experience varies. I don’t really want to speak for the others, but overall yes, I would have to say we are capable.” She explained before a short pause as her cheeks reddened a little. ”IF I am being honest, I have to admit, I am sort of lacking in the combat department. Koban has been teaching me, but I only took up the mantle a couple of years ago. Learning curve and all, yah know?”
Her tone turned a little sheepish with that reveal for who wanted to admit they weren’t the best of fighters? No to be fair she compared herself to the likes of Koban and other strong warriors. When put against your average individual she was more than capable in handling things. Really, she didn’t want to oversell herself when in the middle of a discussion with a professional. The fight for justice was stronger with Bella on its side, but she wasn’t about to win a martial arts tournament.
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Post by Ochra on Feb 21, 2018 12:15:07 GMT -6
Koban. She had mentioned that name before. Seemed like this was the kind of guy Ochra felt he should go meet. Seemingly friendly, but capable of holding his own in a fight. When she blushed and sheepishly admitted she wasn't much of a fighter, Ochra couldn't help but admit she looked kind of cute. He surpressed a good natured chuckle as he looked down at the smaller woman. "Hey now, no need to feel so down on yourself. I can see from here you've got plenty of potential in you." This woman reminded him a bit of Nashua. She was lacking in confidence too, but she had considerable potential. "Bringing it out takes work, but I can see you're the sort that doesn't shy away from that sort of thing. So chin up. You'll be a great fighter some day. If that's what you want of course." Not everyone was out for strength and the like afterall. No sense in forcing anyone down that path. Belladonna Atropa |
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Post by Belladonna Atropa on Feb 21, 2018 12:33:51 GMT -6
His words caused her to pep right back up. It wasn’t that she lacked faith in herself, she understood her limits. On the path of constant improvement she would never shy away from getting stronger, but she was just one of those people that fighting didn’t come naturally to. With proper training and guidance though, she would likely continue to improve and one day, be able to fight along Koban on even ground.
”Thanks. Maybe you can give me a few pointers sometime then. Although bounty hunters are an unsavory lot, I guess they know how fight, don they?” She joked. Bounty hunters that resided on the others side of the law were not her favorite people. He however, seemed perfectly fine. The truth behind his work was yet to be discovered, but the way in which he carried himself and appeared to show general concern for others was a good starting point. The final judgement would be held at a later date.
”Well yah know what? Why don’t you take me up on that sparring offer today then?” She suggested before taking another sip of her hot cocoa. The weather outside was awful, but there were establishments that served as training facilities for various warriors so they could make their way to one of those. Besides, she did owe him the debt since he agreed to come down. Driven a little by his encouraging words she figured a day stuck inside was the best of days to practice and with a Saiyan as her opponent, she was likely to be challenged.
Another larger sip of her hot cocoa followed and a slight wince at how hot it was. Clearly trying to rush a little in anticipation of what she assumed his answer to be, she paid for it with that strange tingle sensation you get when you singe your tongue. It hadn’t even crossed her mind that he might outclass her completely and all she was in for was a beating. Hey, whatever didn’t kill you made you stronger, right?
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Post by Ochra on Feb 22, 2018 5:32:59 GMT -6
At her comment about him being a bounty hunter, Ochra gave a small snort, not so much out of offense, but rather because he almost expected it. Crime fighters like the Pride Troopers would look down on a bounty hunter, wouldn't they? "It really depends on the bounty hunter now, isn't it? Some will just go for any bounty put out there, regardless of whether the target's actually guilty of a crime or not. Me, personally, I tend to go after those who I know need a good ass kicking. Mass murderers, slavers, crime bosses, you name it. And it's not like I go out of my way to kill them. I mean sure, some of them I'm left with little choice, but you tend to get paid more for bringing them in alive anyway." In a sense, Ochra wasn't really too different to the Pride Troopers. Both fought against criminals, and Ochra was pretty certain the Pride Troopers get paid for their work. The main difference was that Ochra was more on the fringe, while the Pride Troopers seemed more mainstream. Then the offer of that sparring match came up, and the tone of the conversation changed to something a bit more positive. Ochra smirked, clearly liking the idea. "Sounds good to me. But where shall we spar. I doubt the storm's going to let up any time soon." He wouldn't mind fighting out in the snow to be honest, but he seriously doubted Bella would be up for it. He quickly finished the rest of his doughnut, setting some zeni down to pay for the doughnut and the coffee (may have a paid a bit much, but hey, consider the extra a tip). He rose up from his seat, offering his hand to her. "Shall we be on our way?"Belladonna Atropa |
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Post by Belladonna Atropa on Feb 22, 2018 9:09:22 GMT -6
”Oh, I couldn’t agree more.” She clarified right after her spoke. ”I am not against bounty hunters as a whole, only those that operate on the other side of the law. Really, they’re just thugs.” Bella explained openly. It wasn’t hate, the girl didn’t hate anyone, but she definitely liked some less than others. Deep down she believed there was good to be found in everyone and she tried her best to pull it from them. Of course there were those who wouldn’t change and that couldn’t be helped. In those scenarios she opted to give them a one way trip to prison.
Not at all surprised he accepted her offer so quickly; she brought her mug back to her lips. With several loud gulps she finished the beverage and shuddered. Hot! Paying her own tab, the hot cocoa not part of her initial order, she too slid out of the seat, but not before she scooped up her jacket. Now where to? Outside of the city there were plenty of places to fight, but she realllly didn’t feel like tussling in the snow. She wanted to get stronger and stay dry.
”Hmmm. Well, if I recall, there is a factory under construction over on 35th Street. Want to see how much space is available there? We just need to be a little careful is all, don’t want to go wrecking up the place.” She suggested as she began to slip on her jacket. Zipping the thing up she then looked up to him, lopsided smile on her face to indicate that she was ready to go. If he agreed and was equally ready, she would take the lead out onto the street. Snow already stuck to the sidewalk, a good inch more since they entered the shop. This one was going to be a doozy. Hood pulled up, hair and horns covered, she took to the air.
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Post by Ochra on Feb 23, 2018 10:18:04 GMT -6
It seemed his new sparring partner already had a place in mind. A factory under construction nearby. It wasn't his first choice for a sparring spot, more preferring somewhere more open, but in this weather he really couldn't come up with any better options outside of flying far from the city, and he doubted she wanted to go that far out. Besides, it would add another layer of challenge to the match. Fighting without demolishing the building. "Sounds good to me. Let's go."The two of them stepped out into the snow covered street, seeing a thick layer of the cold powder on the ground. Bella seemed to have the right idea as she took to the air. But as Ochra followed him, he shuddered as the already cold wind rushed through his damp jacket and scarf. Dammit, why did he think endurance training during a snow storm was a good idea? Though he wouldn't say it to Bella. She'd probably respond with 'I told you so' or something of the sort. Thankfully the factory wasn't that far off, and as they approached it he could see that at least the building itself had been finished. It took a lot of self control not to just run inside, but once he was in he pulled off his jacket and scarf. Sure, there was no heating yet in the building, but it felt better than having wet clothes on you. He looked around. The building was empty, no machinery had been installed yet. Good, this gave them plenty of room to work with. "I think we should establish some ground rules. First of all, no ki blasts. He don't want to wreck the building."Belladonna Atropa |
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Post by Belladonna Atropa on Feb 23, 2018 15:47:39 GMT -6
With the weather the way it was, they were indeed lucky that the trip wasn’t a long one. An avid traveler of the city streets, she knew the place was perfect for them. Vaulted 40ft ceilings, big open floor with no machinery and only metal beam supports stretching from the floor to the roof in an evenly spaced pattern. Those would be the only real thing they had to watch out for…and putting a hole in one of the walls. Easy enough, right?
As they made their way in, Bella unzipped her jacket and slipped it off once again. No chair to set it on like before, she moved over to set it down against the wall in a spot she deemed clean enough. Back down to her sleeveless blouse she was perfectly comfortable in the outfit. Sure it was cold outside, but she ran warm, that demonic blood of hers different from your average human or saiyan. As she turned back to him he was already laying down ground rules.
”Yeah, good idea.” She agreed without hesitation. For her the rule worked two fold. The building was safe from any arrant blast and Ki blasts weren’t exactly her specialty. On recently had she figured out how to use her energy to amplify her strikes. That was all well and great, but she didn’t possess a fighting style like most warriors so her punches were often poorly executed. Still, she always gave it her best.
”Uhh, beyond that, do we really need anything else? Like before, I am going to be honest, I am no pro when it comes to combat, but I think I can give you a decent challenge. On top of that, I want to see what a bounty hunter is capable of.” Bella always tried to be as forward as possible with people. She saw no merit in overselling herself or putting on a tough girl act. Like with most things, she wore who she was on her sleeve.
A roll of her shoulders preceded an adjustment to her hair. Arms up she tightened the clips and tie that held the mass of red locks in place. She was yet to discover the right combination to keep her hair up through an entire fight, but she felt progress was being made. One day, she would be able to tie it up and not have to worry about it becoming a rat’s nest of a mess. ”I am ready when you are.”
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Post by Ochra on Feb 24, 2018 8:24:09 GMT -6
"Hmm, not that I can really think. I believe we're both in control enough of our actions not to damage the place with fists alone. I'd say though that we should stop if anyone gets too badly injured. After all, this is a training exercise. We're not here to kill eachother." Ochra replied, looking over his fighting partner as she removed her jacket. There was something about her, now that he could see her clearly. He had noticed something different about her ki earlier while they had been at the shop, but now he was noticing something in her hair as well. He couldn't quite put his finger on it though. "That being said, I don't expect you to hold back. There's now way to get better if you're not giving it your all."He brought his arms up, almost akin to a boxing pose, his arms a little forward so he could defend against attacks before they got in close. He shifted his body slightly to the side, a move to give her a smaller target to attack. Eyeing her with an intense gaze, he started shifting himself towards her, small quick movements, barely lifting his feet from the ground unless he needed to back up or change direction quickly. Shifting from side to side, he closed in on her, before lashing out with a quick jab. More to test her reflexes than anything, getting ready to move backwards incase she pushed for a counter attack. Belladonna Atropa
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Post by Belladonna Atropa on Feb 24, 2018 10:54:36 GMT -6
”Oh, I agree, lets not go overboard. Besides, I really don’t want to mess up my hair if it can be helped.” She joked, well half joked. A primp and proper girl in terms of her appearance, it was no easy task to tame her thick locks each morning. Early to rise, usually before the sun, she took care in her appearance and outfit every day. It wasn’t an act of vanity, but she did like to maintain a clean appearance. Sadly, she understood this little exchange was more than likely to undo some of her hard work.
”The same goes for you.” She responded as she shifted into her own stance. Compared to him though her shift was just a turn to the side. Koban helped train her, but she was not a professional fighter just yet. Arms at her sides she actually kept them there until he closed in.
Glad he took the first move, she watched his quick, short and precise steps. They looked so practiced, wasting as little energy as possible but with maximum mobility to stagger his approach. With a deep inhale she made no attempt to block his lead strike. Instead her head snapped back to avoid it.
Aware what a proper counter was, she wasn’t quite there yet in terms of form. Instead of some fancy maneuver or a slick sidestep, her left arm rose with a palm strike for his chin. If it connected and she was able to snap his head back, a lowered shoulder would go for his chest to try and knock him off his feet. While he possessed a clear style, she had none.
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Post by Ochra on Feb 25, 2018 16:37:04 GMT -6
The woman definitely seemed to know what she was doing. Using as minimal movement as possible, she avoided his strike, simply moving her head to the side, before responding with an attack, a simple palm strike aimed for his face. Ochra quickly jerked back, putting some distance between them and avoiding the strike. "Not bad. Not bad," he said. Just simple, opening strikes to gauge your opponent. Not a bad move to make in a battle, especially against a new opponent. His body bounced in place, keeping his guard up and keeping his body moving. His eyes remained fixed on her as he shifted to the side, slowly strafing around her. He was trying to find some opening on her, a way to get a strike in without getting hit himself. Then, he lurched froward, going down low and aiming a fist for a body blow, aiming at her left side. Belladonna Atropa |
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Post by Belladonna Atropa on Feb 26, 2018 12:33:09 GMT -6
In terms of speed and power, Bella was capable of keeping up with plenty. It was style that she lacked. A twist here, block there was all she was really capable of. Never would you see her pulling off some fancy reversal combo, at least, not at this point in her life. Thanks to her demonic blood and in part to the time she did spend training, her body was fit enough to handle combat.
When that palm strike missed and he separated from her, the red head began to walk to her right. Arms still awkwardly at her sides she kept close watch on him, too cautious to go on the offensive just yet. In her heart she wanted to rush right in and start swinging. As a young girl she admired those types of fighters who were willing to put it all on the line for that offensive onslaught. However, her head kept her from rushing in. Fools rush in, right? Maybe if she got stronger, more durable she could try it, but against someone she felt so evenly matched with, she didn’t want to risk it.
On he came, arms up in that stance of his. The Trooper brought her own arms up, prepared to do her best to intercept any shot that came for her head. If only that is where he intended to strike. ”Uggh” The grunt escaped her as his fist connected with her side, smaller body jolting as the blow connected. Still, despite her lack of experience, Bella was tough. She took the hit and fired back with a punch of her own. The counter strike wasn’t anything fancy, but her right fist hooked for the man’s jaw, looking to pay him back for the body shot.
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Post by Ochra on Feb 27, 2018 10:29:08 GMT -6
The woman had miscalculated where the shot was aimed and paid for it with a blow to her body. Predicting your opponent's moves is something that takes time and experience to get a grip on. Until then, it would be good for her to offer as much protection to her body as she could. But she was made of tougher stuff, she could take a hit, as proven when she grit her teeth and barely the hit, responding with an attack of her own. It wasn't anything fancy, but really, it didn't have to be. Making sure an attack worked was more important than how it looked. And work it did, as her punch connected with his jaw. Ochra's head snapped back as he pushed himself backwards, putting a safe distance between them. With one arm up for guard, he rubbed his jaw with the other, his fingers brushing the stitches along his cheek. "Not bad. Certainly got some strength to you. Just need to keep your guard up a bit. Despite the old saying, aiming for someone's body can be just as effective as their head." He brought his arms up again, flexing his fingers before clenching his fists tightly. "Now then, let's see how you deal with this!" Ochra shot forward, closing the gap between the two of them, throwing a series of blows at her. He alternated between aiming for her head and her body, mixing up her shots, more to see how well she delt with a continued assault, rather than just one attack. Belladonna Atropa |
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Post by Belladonna Atropa on Feb 28, 2018 13:44:47 GMT -6
Bella took the compliment with a small smile. Strength she had. Durable, she was, but it was easy to exchange one blow for another. If you were the stronger fighting going toe to toe was easy, however, when a flurry of attacks came at someone inexperienced, that was a completely different story.
Back in Ochra came, fists moving in a practical blur as he opened up his offense. Put on her back foot from the start, her arms attempted to lift into a defensive position. Jolted movement’s allowed her to block a jab and the one after it, but then a shot caught her in the side. A slight wince caused her hands to drop and his next shot slammed into her cheek. Head jolted to the side as her balance failed, Bella staggered backwards only to receive another shot, this time to the other cheek. Outmatch in terms of delivery, she looked for power to help her balance the scales.
Left foot planted to the ground behind her after that second hook to her face, the read head gritted her teeth as she pushed through the pain. With a step forward she brought her left arm forward in a jab of its own, knuckles aimed for the center of his tone chest. Unlike the first blow she threw a moment ago, this time her hand glowed with a bluish energy. Encased in Ki, and not a Ki blast by definition, the energy empowered strike packed far more punch than a normal one of her jabs. Hopefully it was enough to launch him away from her and save her body and face from any more stiff shots.
”Hyah!” The sound derived more from the power put behind the strike than anything else. She attempted to get herself pumped up with the short cry, trying to get her blood flowing to give him a challenge. Bella knew she had to be the least experienced out of the two and didn’t want to bore him by allowing herself to be a punching bag.
[N1] Writing Hand! Used to strike for 2,640 PL worth of damage.
2/3 KP
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