Before the moments of impact time came almost close to a stop. She was betting it all on this strike. And Maki returned with the same idea. Wonderful. However with confidence and experience it was a no-brainer of who should emerge victorious. Eyes locked into the opponents and perfect form only a single thought constantly looped.
"I win."
WHACK!
Time resumed with the sound of a thundering strike! A massive pain shot across the side of her face as vertigo took ahold once more. "Huh?" Why was everything spinning? Her body didn't respond. It tumbled down onto the ring floor like a rag-doll being blown by violent winds. Taking a few good rolls Eiki ended up on her back staring up at the spinning lights. Her punch connected there was no doubt. Unless---
The lights faded slowly to black. The last thing she could remember was a muffled sound of excitement and the silhouette of the ref coming into view.
A dull buzzing all around her. Light burned in a blur of motion as sensation prickled. Maki set her teeth and she squeezed her eyes closed. Blood rushed in her ears, pounded against her head, and with a groan wakefulness asserted itself. Maki’s flicked open with a gasp of air followed soon by an equally sudden jolt of pain. She curled in her bed, air escaping between her teeth in a hiss.
Eiki hit like a damn truck.
“Oh good, you’re awake.” A doctor in a white coat said as she thumbed through pages on a clipboard. “And lucky you, you didn’t break or rupture anything important. Good job.” She said tucking the clipboard under her arm as she stepped over. She held a pin light up and clicked it on.
“Alright let’s make sure you didn’t rattle that pretty head of yours too much.” She said, flashing the light into Maki’s eyes. “Once I get you and the next bed over cleared, you’ll be good to go. Unless you like sitting around in an infirmary.”
She paused for a moment before frowning. “Sooner the better, Countess has her expo match soon and I’ll need those beds.”
Last Edit: Nov 13, 2021 16:30:57 GMT by UmbraSight
//... into the dark she stepped, but never did she feel free of the gaze...//
Pain. That was the first thing that was recognized when consciousness came back. And sure enough she joined Maki in a loud awakening. Right across the side of her face. Her hands cupped while rising." You couldn't have not damaged my best asset!?" Eiki lashed out. Pointing her finger at Maki and her eyes filled with a burning fury. The injured cheek had been imprinted with a fist-shaped-bruise. Not camera friendly for her 'side' of the DDC community.
"Jeez are you trying to put me out of a job?!"
It hadn't been long before the infirmary door swung open. "Yo doc I'm back again!" Shirase projected her usual thundering voice. Carrying two white plastic bags labelled "Yiga Sushi" in bold red type. "Got your order- oh hey you guys are awake finally! Ya'll really laid into each other!"
Shirase placed the two bags on the nearest table empty table pulling out a larger black container. "Ya'll wanna share? It's Crab and Avocadooooooooo." Glancing at both Eiki and Maki.
“Yeah, yeah, you’ll heal princess. You’re the one who tried to crack my ribs.” Maki said, squinting as the doctor flashed the pin light into her eyes. The doctor hummed lightly before she clicked the light off and scribbled something down onto her clipboard.
“Well, nothing obviously wrong with you. I’ll just need you to come back for a checkup in a few days.” The doctor said, stepping over to Eiki ready to give her eyes the same blinding treatment, but she paused as the door flung open.
“Ah, good timing, you can put mine on the desk.” The doc said, “and if you’re worried about your cheek swelling up then put your ice pack on.”
With a grunt doing her best to ignore the pain in her side Maki scooted herself up into a sitting position. “Crab and avocado? I could use a bite.” She said, rolling her shoulders. “Thanks.”
//... into the dark she stepped, but never did she feel free of the gaze...//
"To have a frozen face or to swell....that is certainly a conundrum." Eiki murmured to herself. Snatching the icepack from the nightstand on the side of the hospital bed. "Thanks but I'll have to pass, I'm on a rather stringent diet right now."
"Suit yourself! More for us!" Shirase cheered, placing the doctors order where directed. From the other bag, two plastic containers were pulled out. Red for Crab. Blue for Avocado."I figured you'd say something like that-"
"YOU ONLY GOT ENOUGH FOR TWO PEOPLE?! JACKASS!" Eiki gave wicked silent glare at her hungry friend across the room.
"WELL YA DIDN'T WANT IT ANYWAYS! I DIDN'T WANNA BE WASTEFUL!" Shirase turned swiftly returning an equally fowl gaze, similar to that of a banshee. Yikes.
Both Shirase and Eiki were good friends. They've been at each others hips for the last five years now. Their bond is so strong, they can communicate entire dialog with one another just by eye contact! Shirase slid a rolling chair over to Maki holding the containers out. One, avocado. The other, crab.
"So...which would you choose?"
Shirase was suddenly wore a pair of rounded sunglasses and a black high collar leather coat.
“Oh that’s not fair, she ordered for three.” The doctor called from her seat, her words punctuated by the snap of her breaking her chopsticks. Managing a wince, Maki leaned forward to look at the two different rolls as Eiki and Shirase bickered. She could definitely feel her stomach grumbling just looking at it, she’d spend the last few days nursing a pack of cup noodles after the ramen shop had destroyed most of her groceries.
She snapped back to the present as Shirase held the two rolls out. Why did this decision feel like it had the weight of the world behind it all of the sudden?
“Oh, if you wouldn’t mind I’m partial to crab. thanks.” Maki said with a grumble from her stomach. She cleared her throat as she looked over to Eiki, a faint flush of her cheeks. “If you’re that hungry princess we can split the roll.”
//... into the dark she stepped, but never did she feel free of the gaze...//
"Fine! I'll just have a little!" Eiki's face flushed red with frustration. Why were they so determined to destroy Eiki's habit before it even began? She was close to finishing her 'cutting' routine to transition to bulking. Well, just a small amount couldn't hurt much. "I'll have a little!" Eiki squinted. Swiping the warm tender sheets that nuzzled her legs off leaping out of the bed.
"Avocado is my preference." A moment was taken to do some light dynamic stretching. Twists and bends to limber up the ol limbs and ligaments. Once satisfied she walked over to the other side of the room.
"And I'd rather not split for free." Eiki chuckled getting a hand on a miniature table. Walking it over where the sushi distribution was taking place placing it beside Shirase. Shirase couldn't help but roll her eyes. The doctor always has to intervene. What's done is done though. Which really sucked. Shirase sighed sliding out an extra pair of chopsticks from a pocket. Always prepared just in case someone(which is a very common thing around these parts) asked. After graciously handing her blonde friend the remaining wooden utensils the containers were placed gently on the table and opened.
The aroma of fresh fish whisking over after escape of its confine.
"Ladies first right?" Eiki snickered her hand diving in to grab a single avocado roll.
“Just one? Going to lose that figure of yours if you don’t eat princess.” Maki said, taking a pair of offered chopsticks and breaking them apart with a pleasant wooden snap. It felt a bit nostalgic, like meeting up with friends after lessons to grab a bite at McRonalds. Granted she hadn’t ever really felt like she had been hit by a truck after those times but fresh fish can heal all wounds. As she fully sat up in her bed she rolled her shoulders, the stiffness leaving her torso with a series of pops. She did the same with her neck before she brought her hands together and bowed her head.
“Thanks for the meal.” She said, before looking back up. “Hope you don’t mind if I go second.” She added, skifully snatching up one of the crab rolls which quickly vanished into her mouth. She sighed as she chewed.
“Ah, I haven’t had good sushi in a while, thanks for sharing.” Maki said, her lips curling into a quick smile.
“Well, looks like you two made a quick recovery.” The doctor said, a hand held across her mouth as she swallowed a mouthful of food. “Eat up, I want everyone to have good weight for the yearly checkups.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked from Maki to Eiki before returning to her food.
//... into the dark she stepped, but never did she feel free of the gaze...//
Pointing a spear tipped finger nail at Maki, a cobra like glare plastered itself whilst shoving a roll down her mouth.
"Besides like doc said, I need to have a good weight for checkups. I'd prefer not to squander that hard work." Slinking a hand into the container, with the taste of sweet green fresh on her tongue.
"Some sushi isn't going to throw a thousand pounds onto you...you'd need five or six years of fast food mukbangs for that." Shirase chimed, grabbing both flavors after both friends, ensnaring them within her oral cage.
"We all don't have your metabolism doofus. Especially how that same metabolism transfers to your abilities. I'm envious, really fatty." Deviously chuckling, Eiki's finger tenderly jabbed Shirase's tummy.
"Well yeah, I have sort've the opposite; I can get too skinny way too fast!" Hastily standing up, the electric athlete lifted up her shirt. Exposing her abdomen to the room. Her usual muscle definition, a little less prominent than usual. "I've gotta eat double the average to keep myself from looking like a freakin stickbug! Maki? Doc? You both remember that summer I had a tapeworm right?!" Head on a swivel, her gaze darted to them both swiftly. Face reddening with shallow tears swelling in tear ducts.
“Don’t come crying to me when you lose all your curves.” Maki said, plucking up another crab roll and tossing it into her mouth. “If you don’t want any, more for me.” She added with a luxurious sigh at the taste of sweet crab. Eiki’s loss was definitely her gain, Maki knew what her fridge looked like right now, so she was going to enjoy some sushi while she could. Her gaze switched to Shirase as she joined in, a grin splitting her lips.
“Yeah, and who warned you not to eat from that convenience store on the west side?” Maki said, reaching out and poking Shirase’s stomach.
“My was that only last year? Feels like just yesterday I was telling you to eat more.” The doctor said with a sigh as she placed down her cup of miso soup and tossed a napkin over to Shirase. “Must be nice to have such a fast metabolism.”
//... into the dark she stepped, but never did she feel free of the gaze...//
"I wouldn't call it nice per se...especially on days where I forget to eat." Shirase shook head. "Well I was so hungry and just needed something! I was gonna pass out ,honest!" Her head darted between Maki and Doc. Face a blistering red all over.
"Anyway Mrs.eats-a-lot, you gonna finish that?" Eiki raised an eye brow. Slowly moving her chopsticks pass Shirase. Her blue eyes darting constantly to the container of roll whilst maintaining a grin. Then to Shirase. Then to the rolls. Then to Shirase. Then to-
"Of course!" Shirase waved away the eager chopsticks."What happened to watching your figure?"
They shared a chuckle right before Eiki sifu style grabbed another out of the container.
This was a nice feeling. Some camaraderie with a a group of people. This feeling had been absent for some time now a nice break from the monotony of the D.D.C. experience...however once they exited the infirmary reality would rear its head. In the end it's all about the business. But for now, enjoy this moment.
The glare of the blazing summer sun caused Maki to shade her eyes as she exited the metro station. After resting up in the infirmary and having a meal with some friends she was feeling better, but her muscles still protested and her head still pounded. Did Eiki have to punch so hard for the ranking exam? What an actual pain in her neck. Still, that was over now so she could take some time to relax. What was the point of being a person who could burn half a city block if you couldn’t take some time off after getting into a punching match to make a bunch of faceless judges happy? Today however was one of the better sort of days for taking some time for herself, because it was on Shirase to decide what they’ll be doing, this was her suggestion after all.
“Alright, so whats the plan? Just hitting the town until it gets dark? Can always crash back at my place and not worry about having to catch the last train.” Maki said, rolling her shoulder.
//... into the dark she stepped, but never did she feel free of the gaze...//
Summer heat....the raging blaze lingered heavy with the intention of wrath from the suns overbearing rays. This was the kind of weather that would boil eggs on concrete and make metal sweat. This had to be one of God's legendary tests for the world....
Or the weak! This was the best weather! Expose your skin, get a nice even tan! Summer was the time to get out and get active! Shirase was the epitome of summer vibes(according to herself). The smell of humid air, the cherry hymn of ice cream trucks skipping down your street and waterparks! To not love wave pools is a cardinal sin and all sinners must be punished by being left out to dry! Or smite down with a guerilla squad equipped with super soakers...which ever comes first.
"Well I heard from the "grape vine" that somewhere, there happens to be a super rare, expensive by traditional methods stuffed animal."
Phone whipped out of her back pocket like the trusty revolver in a Spaghettis Western. A few quick slides, and types later the screen was revealed to an email.
"WIN THE CHALLENGE! EARN THE BEAR!
Exclusive offer on this extremely rare, recalled, Matsu-DA Toys Inc line! Only for a limited time!
Only at Mojas Arcade!"
"So what if we, used our awesome skills and crazy devilish looks to I dunno....win that bear? It's been quite some time since we conquered a challenge, together?" Shirase wrapped her arm around Maki's shoulder."Wad'ya say pard?" Raising her brow she glanced at Maki. Then at the screen. Then back at Maki. Then the screen again. Then Maki. The screen. Maki. Screen.
"And maybe after, sure, I can crash at your place and we can order a pizza on me."
Her sports clothes traded out for a light sundress Maki was prepared to take on the blistering heat of the day. Or, about as ready as anyone could be given how hot it was out, and she was a girl who knew a thing or two about heat. Still, it was the time of year you could get away with showing a little extra skin so she might as well enjoy wearing something cute while she could, it wasn't like she’d be going down to the beach this year to cool off. Maybe if she saved up she could go halfsies on a trip to the springs this year.
“Oh, is there now?” Maki asked, raising an eyebrow. She rested her hands on her hips, leaning in to check Shirase’s phone as the woman brought up her email. She was looking to win a big stuffed animal from an arcade by the looks of it. How hard could that be? Maki leaned against her as Shirase put an arm across her shoulder, a grin quickly crossing her lips. “Conquer a challenge huh? You sure you aren’t just looking for me to make doe eyes at some underpaid kid so you can get another bear?”
“sure, I’m down. I don’t know when the last time I was in an arcade was, but it’s got to beat the heat,” she laughed, “maybe we can grab some ice cream as well.”
//... into the dark she stepped, but never did she feel free of the gaze...//
"Well its a plus, if you do decide to convince em with those lookers of yours."
"Ice cream, pizza and staying up pass our bed times? It's like being a kid again!" Shirase chuckled. Thumb acting with its own resolve, Shirase started scrolling on her screen. A few clicks here. A few there. The Maps app, pulled up with the address of a particular establishment came up. An establishment of frozen delectable dairy treats. Depending on who you were, your priorities and how you could get across town....it wasn't too far.
"Heard there was this Ice Cream place some where on the way. If we hurry up we should be able to catch em before they close!"
She had resisted the urge to dart off, the natural urge. But an idea popped into existence instead.
"Race ya."
There it was, that iconic grin. Whenever it showed itself it either meant trouble or entertainment of some sort. A grin so confident and so powerful in its ability that it exuded a radiant aura that rivaled the very heavens. And we can't forget the 'subtle' yet just as effective thumbs up that follows. A small bolt of lightning danced from her thumb with an intense gaze at Maki. "Or did that spar with Eiki turn your legs into noodles?"
Shirase was only wearing some brown sandals, a crop top and high rise shorts. Surely Maki's sundress couldn't stop her.