Rose Maynard vs Brave Yuko - Rising to the Occasion. [Ladder Match]

Match Type: Ladder Match
Victory Conditions: Wrestler must climb a ladder and retrieve the crest hung over the ring.

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Rosemary hadn't been debuted yet, much to her disappointment. While there was no confirmation of if it was true, rumor had it both herself and her tag partner Scarlet had been in pretty deep trouble with the upper management. It had nothing to do with her, not really. Scarlet had taken it upon herself to hospitalize one of the people from over on Tension in a bar fight of all things. It was speculated that this was the reasoning behind being held off television. It was nerve wracking not knowing if she was somehow in trouble or not. She found herself watching Friction every night it aired, waiting to be called out to wrestle last minute but it never came. Scarlet even got to debut, against the woman she had brutalized weeks prior... Meanwhile Rose was still in the back, taking notes.

Her primary role had become more like a caretaker than a wrestler these days, which she wasn't overly fond of. Scarlet had been a terror back in the day. A woman who had destroyed her countless times in the ring over the years. What started as a seething hatred eventually changed into a rivalry... now they were partners, or would be if they would let them wrestle. Still, every day she would have to go to Scarlet's place and wake her up, coax her to get ready, and cart them both to the arena for tapings. She felt like a babysitter almost, only the baby was capable of tossing her around if it threw a tantrum. Lucky for her, aside from annoyed muttering and dirty looks, outside the ring Scarlet wasn't especially violent. Unless she was fighting in bars apparently. The two made an unlikely duo, often times getting looks in the back from their banter.

All that changed tonight though. She had finally gotten herself a match... the problem was with who it was and the type of match it was. Brave Yuko. She knew the name the second she heard it from the lips of the staffer. She had never seen one of her matches. But she had heard about her, quite a bit in fact. Which worried her. She had done a fair bit of research after being given the heads up for their match, trying to learn everything she could about the girl. The more she dug, the worst she felt. They were the same size, the same build, both played up the role of a hero, and they even the same age, but Yuko was just... better. Her career spoke for itself, accolades out the wazoo. Meanwhile Rosemary, in her quest to defeat Scarlet hadn't ever held a title. With the fall of Cutlass, her record outside of losses to Scarlet amounted to next to nothing.

They had put her up against a legitimate superstar, in a ladder match, as her debut. If she needed more proof she was in bad standing with the brass, this was it. If they couldn't punish Scarlet, were they taking it out on her? She didn't know. The match hadn't even started and already Yuko was in her head. This was a terrible way to be. She was normally so upbeat and positive, but how could she be when she was going to be wrestling against the person she wished she could be. Talented, well known, decorated. She came into this federation willingly overshadowed both literally and figuratively by Scarlet. How was she going to pull herself out of that now that she couldn't chase her biggest rival anymore?

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Sky Captain Rosemary Maynard:

Rose's Theme:

Billowing white smoke filled the stage and ringside area stage, a precursor to when her music finally began. The arena was well lit in bight blues yellows and oranges, presenting the illusion of a sunny day as images of clouds were projected over the audience. Sky Captain Maynard appeared from behind the curtains, fists firmly planted on her hips, chest puffed out, head held high. The pristine white topcoat she wore draped over her shoulders like a cape billowed about her making her seem more imposing than her small frame actually was. She presented herself as the epitome of a gallant heroine as she could muster.

It was helped by how mystified the crowd was as she seemed to simply glide through the cloud as if she wasn't even moving... because she wasn't. The thick white smoke obscured the fact she was on a small segway, which took a surprising amount of practice to ride while striking a pose. She had tremendous balance and nobody would even know to respect that. The price we pay.

She brought her hand to her side, wrapping her fingers around the hilt of the blade sheathed there. She drew it out in time for a metallic sound cue which played along side her entrance. Holding the blade aloft, a small spotlight hit it, just right, to make it appear to glow and shine. She wished she could see herself right now. Already excited for how cool she must look right at this moment. With a dramatic flourish, twirling the blade effortlessly between her fingers she thrust it forward. She slowly began to glide down the ramp, the edges of her coat fluttering behind her. As she got to ringside, she slowly turned, making one small trip around the ring, presenting herself to everyone in attendance. This crowd was larger than any she saw back at Cutlass, save for their Pay Per Views. It was so good to be back in front of so many eyes, to see the captivated looks on their faces.

After she had made her way around the ring, she seamlessly stepped down from the segway, nudging it under cover of clouds beneath the ring to preserve her secret. She dramatically sheathed her blade before walking up the steps proudly. Rather than climbing between the ropes, she hopped from middle rope to turnbuckle, standing tall atop the post. Arms raised high, she slowly looked over the crowd one last time. bending at the knees, she kicked up off the post, backflipping off the turnbuckle to land smoothly inside the ring. Her coat, which had fallen off in the display, was caught within her arms upon landing which drew a big cheer. Her hat had amazingly not fallen off somehow... bobby pins were another secret she;d be keeping to herself. As the lights came up and the smoke dissipated, she moved to the official, giving them an off mic introduction and exchanging a few pleasant words as she handed off her coat, hat, and sword.

She glanced up to the cable hanging from the ceiling, suspending what looked like a very traditional kite shield overhead. It looked smaller. Almost like a plaque of some sort. Even from a distance she could tell it was well designed, specially painted for the two of them. A crusader's cross down the middle, separating it into four quadrants, the top right and bottom left seemed to have a symbol made for her and one for Yuko painted on. At least some thought went into setting this match up beyond her destruction. That much as good. She gave her cheeks a few light slaps, trying to psyche herself back up. She couldn't be so negative about this. She was going to do fine.

“YU-KO!” “YU-KO!” “YU-KO!” “YU-KO!”

The sound of confident steps echoed through the empty hall. It had been a long and hard journey. Her time at Ring Dream was one filled with success and failure. Joy and sadness. Love and regret. Courage and fear.

There were times when she questioned even herself. Was she really fit return to the ring? Was her career stall just that, a stall? Or something more? Could she elevate the precedent she’d set so long ago?

Was this a new adventure that awaited her?

Either way, this wasn’t the time for doubt. Did she not hear them? Those calling out with such jubilation and fervour. And when a hero is called...

“YU-KO!” “YU-KO!” “YU-KO!” “YU-KO!”

...she will always answer.

This was the time to prove herself worthy of continuing the name she’d fought long and hard to uphold. For her to continue to let the word “brave” resonate unendingly within the hearts of the masses. Into the darkness traveled the lone heroine, to face the adversities beyond once more...

“YU-KO!” “YU-KO!” “YU-KO!” “YU-KO!”

“Ikimasho.”

Brave Yuko:

The Hero returns...:

Red lights flashed on and off along with the opening drums, staying alight along with the operatic rise and fall of the choir. After the opening’s crescendo, Yuko burst out from behind the curtain as her theme came into full swing. No longer flashing to the epic rhythm, the red and yellow stage lights were now accompanied by the hero’s shillehoute, traveling up and down the ramp as the drums and vocals continued. She stood at the peak with two fists tucked against her hip, eyes straight and her gaze centered firmly on the ring. She shot a fist into the air, summoning forth two serpents of flame down the edges of the ramp, creating jutting pillars of flame that continued unendingly in a constant rise and fall down its length.

The hero took off down the ramp, her scarf flourishing its strands far behind her as she approached top speed, running head first towards the ring. Two long waves of blue and white streamers soared overhead, as two hands reaching over the walkway to clasp together in completion of the grandiose spectacle. Yuko had long passed them by the time they’d reached the floor behind her. She leaped a foot onto the ring’s edge, shot straight up, and landed tightly on two feet on the top rope, gazing proudly into the distance as if she were standing on mere air! A wave of applause followed in her wake. The violins and trumpets cheered right along with them. Returning her attention to the ring, she gave a couple, practiced steps towards the turnbuckle, adjacent the one Rose had stood on from her entrance, and leaped sideways onto its peak. She took a moment to right herself before throwing her hands into the air, summoning forth a wave of applause. The drums and vocals rang out, the crowd sung the hero’s hymn as she smiled brightly to those who entrusted everything to her. She would not let them down. Not this night. Not ever again.

She pivoted on her backfoot to gaze and faced the center of the ring. The flames died down and the choir fading with it. Her smile, however, her unwavering countenance, went unchanged. Her eyes flicked over to her opponent. The Captain of the Sky. Waiting patiently for her.

“Ah ha! A random encounter!”

She forward flipped off the turnbuckle, landing on two feet as she strode confidently over to the woman, her hands balled up and swaying at her sides.

“Yuko approaches the woman.” She stopped just short of the center, letting crest dangle evenly above them. “Greetings, Miss Highwind! I am honored to have you as my one and only adversary this evening! I’m sure it will be a fine contest!” She raised on finger to the woman. “But you had best steel yourself, Captain of the Sky, for you stand in the ring with the Ring Dream’s holy sword! For I am The Legendary Hero, BRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEE YUUKOOOOOOOOOOO!”

She flourished her hands along with her name, fanning her right arm into the air and her left kept horizontal at her side. The audience arose once more in a joyous chant to the heavens.

“YU-KO!” “YU-KO!” “YU-KO!” “YU-KO!”

She let out a hearty laugh and continued on, keeping one arm raised. The bravery returns to the ring this night.

“And with the power surging forth from this right hand…” She clenched the fist, seemingly engulfing, through her vision, the distant crest in her grasp. “...I will prove myself to the noble patrons tonight as fit to carry on their traditions. To protect the sacred squared circle of AFW.” She brought her hand down and looked back to face her adversary. “Do you accept my challenge, Madame Rose?! Will you yourself become a noble fighter this day?!”

Yuko placed her fists to her hip, a proud smile unfaltering as she looked towards Rose. She wasn’t focused on the audience, not the official, not even the match in this moment. The Sky Captain had her complete attention. Was she fit to withstand the hero’s test? Did she truly possess the mettle? Could she prove herself worthy to become a true hero in time, just as she had?

“How does Rose respond?” She muttered to herself, not the least bit quiet enough.

As she stared on up the ramp at the spectacle that was Brave Yuko, her every throat drowned out by the uproar of the crowd and the thumbing pulse of the woman's epic theme song, she might as well have been invisible within the ring. Any fans that seemed to have known her, or had been swayed to consider her had instantly turned to the charismatic hero of legends. Rosemary had thought she had made a decent showing for herself, good music, interesting entrance, a show of athleticism... she even had started out rather confident. She couldn't recall ever being humbled into submission even before a contest started until today. Yuko was everything she had feared and more, an eclipsing force that threatened to push her back into obscurity. She couldn't help but be mesmerized, as much a fan as the audience as she watched wide eyed.

She looked on in stunned silence as Yuko effortlessly took to the ropes, standing on them with a perfected balance that had alluded Rosemary for all her career. Aqua-marine orbs drifting along to follow the girl as she could feel herself withering by the moment. She hadn't felt butterflies in her stomach since she had first started in the business. Why was she feeling like a little girl waiting outside the principal's office? As their eyes met, she took a recoiled step back as if her gaze alone had been enough to physically assault her.  She swallowed hard as Yuko approached...and let her know she was approaching? Odd.

"Hail." She gave a small nod, about to say something more when a finger was raised, drawing silence from her. She went briefly cross eyed staring at the fingertip. As Yuko resumed to speak, she opened her mouth to as something more each time the other woman ended a sentence but found she just kept going and going. As she shouted her name, Rosemary leaned further back as it grew louder, blinking wildly. Normally she was upbeat and full of charisma, but with Yuko here she had been demoralized into becoming a mute.

Sky Captain Rosemary Maynard was suppose to be a hero as well. She was suppose to be brave, cunning, and hound her prey until she finally caught them. She didn't feel like Rosemary Maynard. She felt like Rosemary Drake. The nobody wrestler with a scrolling list of losses to her name. She was a professional... she was good as well. Why did she feel so small compared to Yuko. The woman was mind flooding her.

She suddenly snapped out of her haze as she was addressed. "Huh? I... Y-yes. I'm noble... I mean, I try to be. Always..." She found herself nodding along like a ecstatic child. She took in a deep breath, trying her best to stand up straight and nod a bit firmer. Take two. "I, Sky Captain Rosemary Maynard, will best your in honorable combat, when all is said and done, this..." She pointed a finger upwards to the crest. "Will be my prize." She breathed in deeply through her nose, mustering a confident smile. "I am an unsung hero of our age, perhaps it's time you returned to the legends whence you came." She puffed out her chest, arching her brow.

Yuko, in a rather chivalrous display, forced herself to resist the urge to let out a snicker as she saw her fellow heroine crumble quickly in the face of such raw courage. The battle had nary begun, and the fair maiden was practically quaking in her boots! How would she endure the rigors of battle if she cracked under the slightest pressure?! She’d make for a poor white mage, indeed.

It was of great joy to her, then, to see the Captain of the Sky rise above such dire straits. Her composure rekindled, her inventory in proper order, she seemed to have found the words she was looking for. And rather strong ones they were.

“Rose appears confident!” She muttered again.

“Oh-ho! A very noble jest!” She said, poking the air towards Rosemary. “You must have leveled your charisma rather well to forge such fine quips!” She closed her eyes for a second, rubbing her chin as she dwelled on her opponent’s words before snapping them right open and taking a step forward. “But jokes are mere words! A battle is what demonstrates the true worth of any class! And that is what we are here for. To do battle!”

She stood sideways and pumped her fist towards Rose, but dropped it back down before the woman got the impression she was offering a fist bump. That gesture was one she would receive later. When this fight had ended, the music played, and when they had plenty of gold to spend.

“If you wish to sprout your wings in this federation, Sky Captain, you will have to earn them! But oh, not from me, not from the referee, not from the administration looking down on us from above with great judgement! But from them!” She flourished her arm out to the side, making a grand sweep across the rows of seated audience members watching the exchange with equal parts excitement, equal parts anticipation. “They are the ones who determine the worth of that crest! They are the ones who will ensure this remains an honorable contest! They are the ones...who will deliver you to the heavens!”

She shot an open palm into the air, extending her arm as far as the skies would take it. A round of cheers followed in its wake, accompanying its temporary rise to meet the starlight of flashing cameras and phones surrounding them. She brought them arm back down with a sharp chop to her side, letting her scarf flourish behind her for but a moment after.

“For the honor of the arena, let us do battle!” She said, clenching her fist tightly in front of her. “On this day, we shall see which one of us is worthy of the bravery to be called true heroes, and which one of us are mere...legends.” She grew a confident smirk. “A true battle for the ages, is it not?!”

Rosemary couldn't help but feel this conversation had reached her far too late in her career. When she had started out in the business, how would she have turned out if she had someone like Yuko at her side to give her pep talks like this? She understood just about everything the girl was saying down, yet the way in which she presented it all was enthralling to the point she could listen to her talk about it for ages. She lived her gimmick, not to the extent of Scarlet, or possibly Yuko. She wasn't sure how much of this was an act, it was all rather convincing.

Things like this captivated her, giving her a bit more faith in what it was they did here. This was not only just to entertain the masses, but transport them someplace new, different, to escape from whatever was on their mind to experience the story being told in the ring. She felt pretty honored to share that with Yuko, as overwhelmed as she was by the girl's credentials. She made her feel alright with her lack of confidence, as if trying would be enough.

"Hm. You do me a grave disservice taking my claims as little more than revelry." She inclined her chin, doing her best to paint herself as an imagine of nobility, steadfast and unwavering. It was hard to pull off, standing eye to eye with Yuko. It certain came across more presentably then when she had done it against other larger women than her. In the end, most people tended to underestimate her.

While she wasn't the best, in time she had overcome nearly every adversary she had faced, save for one. If she fell tonight, it wouldn't be the end of it, she swore that to herself. She would pick herself up, dust herself off, and keep moving as she always had. It was unlikely her star would ever shine so bright as someone like Yuko, but it didn't need to. She was happy enough to be here, finally doing what she had come to love over the years.

While there was some truth to Yuko's claims about the importance of the fans, she didn't agree wholly.  She appreciated the fans, liked making people happy, but at the end of the day there was only one person she had to live with, herself. She could put on a show, there was no doubt about that, but she needed to know she was giving her all every time she stepped into that ring. If the day came when she looked in the mirror and couldn't tell herself this was all worth it, that would be when she finally set down anchor and called it quits. She wouldn't openly confront Yuko about that though. There was no point, it didn't fit into the narrative... also it was a bit too personal to just share out of the blue. Instead she nodded along, remaining amiable.

"My mark never escapes, you'll see soon enough." She found herself smirking back, raising her own fist to mirror Yuko as she drew herself several steps away in preparation for the bell. "I know who and what I am. Let history sort the rest out." There was a notable spring in her step as she waited patiently, swaying gently in place. She grew her lips into her mouth, sucking on them with nervous anticipation.

She hadn't wrestled in so long, and now she was up against a real pro. Ring rust be damned, she was going to have to kick things into high gear fast and find her rhythm again. The wait while mere seconds, extended out before like an agonizing mile before the bell finally rang.  She was determined to keep things entirely sportsmanlike. Arms raised, she only moved in on Yuko when it was apparent the other woman was ready. Nothing fancy out the gate, she came in close attempting to lock in with a collar and elbow tie up to start things off right.

Steadfast. Courageous. Determined. Good equipment. There were few things she saw in Rosemary that Yuko scarcely emulated herself. Had the two met on similar sides of the battlefield, they’d have made a formidable party.

Indeed, she could already feel their mutual fires resonating, a flame that burned inside her back when she was still in her prologue as merely Yuko Yamada. Though she didn’t know much about this adventurer, she could tell that she’d completed more than a few quests in her time. She’d seen that look in many an adversary in the past. More often than not, they’d end up being some of the fiercest competition she’d enjoy for some time. None of them went easily.

But in the end, she would always be Brave Yuko. Defender of all that was good and holy. An inspiration to everyone and the vanguard against those who would see She was their only champion. And now, with the power latent in her left arm, she’d carry that same peace far and wide through AFW. Evil takes many forms, power changes hands, but bravery lives forever!

“Very well, then, Captain of the Sky. Prepare to see the power of my holy sword!” She shot her left fist into the air. “Ikuzo!”

The crowd roared back to life an instant, then died down straight away in quieted observance as the battle got underway. Yuko crouched down and stepped took a couple steps around her enemy, looking for any clear weakness or missteps in her stride. Not long after they were both ready, it seemed, the captain was already coming towards her.

“Yuko begins battle. What will she do? Command?”

It appeared as though Rosemary was lining up for a tie up. Should Yuko accept?

No.
-->Yes.

"Yuko engages in the tie-up."

The hero dashed forward and eagerly met the woman’s arms. The two stayed locked in the center of the ring, knocking against each other with the grace of deer knocking antlers in the wilderness. Despite the fair maiden’s size, she was a rather poised individual. Yuko pushed back with vigorous purpose, attempting to gain some ground on her.

“Impressive strength for an agility build.” She said, feet shuffling back and forth. It seemed as though there was no ground to be gained right away. Yuko resolved to speed up the process. “Skill-->Monkey Flip!”

Falling backward, Yuko would move to place her foot against the captain’s stomach, holding her on above as she fell. At the apex of their descent, Yukp would kick out and attempt to send her adversary flying towards the ground behind her onto her back. The move was a bit haphazard and would cost her a bit of mana. Not the best strategy for starting out a battle, but if it put Captain Rosemary at a disadvantage from the start, it may just be worth it.

The roar of the crowd sounded to her like the crashing waves upon the shore as heroes collided for the first time in their Friction careers. Brave Yuko’s form was impeccable, as she had expected. Grip firm as both women assumed the standard collar and elbow hold. She tried to lead, leaning forward and back, side to side, to find any opening to force her hand.

The Sky Captain wasn't sure what to make of Yuko. She had the look, she had the personality, she has the charisma, and of course the skill. She had seen videos of this woman, knew her from so many different circles, but she had expected something different from her. It was the way she announced herself… why did she do that?

“My thanks!” A compliment from Brave Yuko? She would take it with a wide smile, trying to to blush. Much of what she did in the ring went unnoticed by her opponents, to receive praise without having won was a rarity. Being noted for her strength was something she couldn't recall ever having happened. “Your technique is immaculate!”

There it was again, calling out her next move! Was this for real, or a mind game? Rosemary had precious little time to consider as she was dragged forward onto her opponents boots, rolling through with the Legendary Hero before she was kicked off hard. Had this been a sudden move, she surely would have been laid out, but having warning, she was better prepared. Even if her mind was left confused, her body’s muscle memory made up for the gap.

Rosemary’s body tucked inward as she flew, letting the momentum carry her through completely onto the flip to land on her feet in a stumble. The crowd let out a mighty roar at the acrobatics feat, almost as if the two had choreographed the routine. She let the energy transfer into forward movement, legs kicking out in a hard sprint to steady herself as she ran for the ropes.

With a quick pivot she threw her back into the elastic cables bringing them to the limit before she shot off light a rocket back towards Brave Yuko. She held a hand out in front her, letting the other fall back behind her, outstretched in an obvious telegraph as she shouted. “Sky Captain uses lariat!” if her opponent could do this to mess with her, she could do it right back!

She wanted to bait a duck from the Legendary Hero as she closed in. An attack never came, instead she made for another attempt displaying her acrobatic abilities. If Yuko had leaned forward to attempt to avoid her feigned attack, she would throw herself forward, trying to twist in the air, rolling across Yuko’s back to continue to the ropes again. Had she gone for another move however, Rosemary would attempt to leapfrog the woman instead.

If she hadn't been stopped and traveled past to the far ropes, she would take to the air again in a large leap. Her boots contacted the middle rope as she compressed into a crouch along the straining cable. Springboarding off the ropes, she kicked both of her legs back hard, trying to catch Yuko with a dropkick.

Although the woman across from her was an enigma to her at best, Yuko was certain that Rosemary could provide her with a fine match. The thrill of combat and the rush of adrenaline had been too far removed from her. If there was anyone in this arena tonight that could reinvigorate her, it would have to be Miss Highwind.

A wide, confident grin worked its way onto Yuko’s face upon hearing the compliment her opponent had given her in return. It was reassuring to hear that her technique hadn’t lost its edge after being so long removed from the ring, especially from someone so righteous of character. She’d have to repay her tenfold by showing her one of the abilities such experience had unlocked for her.

The monkey flip seemed to have gone according to plan, but in one smooth motion Rosemary not only barreled safely away from the hard impact, but kept the momentum going to come right back with a lariat. Yuko was almost back on two feet, but kept low upon seeing her adversary’s attack.

“It wasn't very effective!” For such an agile contestant, she went for an attack with a dreadfully long attack time. Only...there was no attack! Deceit! Rosemary was as cunning as she appeared! By the time she had realized the Captain had taken an alternate route and turned to face her, she was already coming down on Yuko for a dropkick. The only thing she could do was bring her forearms together in a guard.

“Ngh!”

The force was enough to send her onto her back, smacking harshly against the canvas and stunning her for an instant before she curled her body back, going with the momentum to roll herself backward and pop up back to two feet against the ropes. An impressive display to be sure. One that reminded her of her past Ring Dream glories. A simpler foe may have been confounded altogether.

But Brave Yuko was no ordinary hero. Indeed, Rosemary would have to farm many more levels to harm her defense. She bounced away from the ropes and ran straight for Rosemary, bringing her fist back as she gained speed, readying her strongest punch straight for the woman’s chest. Only, when she was just a couple feet away, she threw the fist forward...early?

“Medapani!”

No! What appeared to be a miscalculation on the hero’s part was actually her merely throwing her weight forward! The rest of Yuko’s body followed suit, bringing one leg high overhead in a downward arc, aiming a Koppu kick straight for Rosemary’s head.

Rosemary was familiar with the give of her dropkick, one that would normally send her opponent tumbling to the mat. A solid impact, though the trajectory had been dead on, Yuko had managed to mount a defensive however. Her boots felt the resilient push back of striking those shielding arms providing her foe protection against the harsher damage it could have inflicted. It sent the veteran to the floor, but the control she maintained did little to help the Sky Captain to gain the upper hand.

The brunette dropped to the mat after hitting her mark. Immediately she kicked her legs up, rolling up onto her shoulders. Her palms slipped back, fingers splayed against the mat before her weight shot upward. A simple kip up landed her upright again, ready and willing to face the oncoming threat of a rebounding Yuko.

Her boot slipped forward, bracing herself to meet the charging hero head on. She couldn't hide the smirk working itself across her face as she raised her palms. Her for may be strong, but was she fast enough to evade Rose from redirecting that threatening blow? They were about to find out.

Her brow nit at the shouted word she had no clue as to it's meaning. She had unwittingly given its purpose meaning, clearly baffled as to its meaning. She had leaned into to cat h Yuko’s punch, only to find it we'll out of her range. “Wha…” Her eyes had been following the woman's arm so closely that as it dipped from her view only than did her bright sapphires register the real thread arcing down at her from above. She had just used a similar trick and here it was repaid in full… with interest.

The soaring heels of Yuko’s boots impacted the top of Rosemary’s head. Her hat, while a buffer, did very little to ease the sudden parting force the whipping kick brought down on top of her. Her head snapped downward, solid stance fighting the downward drag of the kick as long as Yuko’s limb had remained in contact with her. As it slipped away, Rosemary’s body snapped backwards with a violent recoil, sending the Captain to the mat with means that left her far less likely to rise instantaneously.

While the two combatants were certainly of a similar build, there existed a clear finesse in Rosemary’s movements that only those possessing Yuko’s level of experience and keen perception ability would be able to pick up on. Her movements were swift and agile, and her attacks struck true, especially if the woman’s dropkick was anything to go by. Above all, however, she moved with confidence. Whatever history this captain had, sailing the skies and capturing untold numbers of fugitives, was certainly one to inspire many an aspirational squire.

But there was only so far that experience would take her against the truly brave. Yuko was on a quest for redemption, and neither a fellow protector of the people nor daring captain of the sky would keep her from her destiny.

Her Koppu kick landed with resounding success, earning a few offhand oohs and flinches from the audience watching the rising action take place. Yuko pushed herself up from the ground to a sitting position, looking over at Rosemary to find her unmoving on the ground. “Skycaptain is stunned!” An expected outcome that she was happy to see become reality, but what would Yuko’s follow-up?

Possibilities raced through her mind. A simple base attack, perhaps an elbow drop or senton, would be a safe enough option to keep. The woman’s character build appeared similar to her own, meaning her DEF would be low. But if that were the case, then a heavy damage skill would only be all the more devastating if she remained stunned. Her luck may not have been high enough, but what was bravery without a taste of danger?

Pressing her palms to the canvas, Yuko tucked her legs in and pushed herself up to two feet. She’d kick forward and run to the set of ropes at Rosemary’s side. Jumping up and bringing her legs out, she’d bounce against the middle rope and arch her back with the recoil to go into the air with a backflip. “Springboard leg drop!” As she flipped through the air towards the hopefully downed captain, she’d shoot her legs out at the zenith of her ascent so that, as she came down, they would slam hard into Rosemary’s chest.