Lunar Boot Camp

[Halbarad]

Ami sighs. Nothing here that she can simply grab and eat, and cooking is certainly not one of the things she's studied.

Leaving the kitchen, she heads back out through the gym-nodding to Makoto as she passes her-and enters the bedroom to see about selecting a dress to wear for the reception. As she comes in, she spots Rei on one of the beds, looking at the book the others had retrieved from the burning library earlier that day. She walks over to get a closer look at it herself.

[Corwin]

[15:24] <Corwin> As your several hours long journey approaches its end, the captain invites your four onto the bridge. Zoisite rejects the invitation, as does Endymion. Beryl and Alita, however, are there when a communication from Lunar surface arrives.
[15:25] <Corwin> "Unidentified vessel, this is Lunar control. Please respond."
[15:26] <Corwin> The liner's captain glances at you two, before responding, "This is the Divine Wind, on a diplomatic mission from Earth."
[15:26] <Corwin> There is a long silence, and he glances at Beryl and Alita again, muttering, "I thought they knew we were coming...."
[15:27] <Beryl> "I was under that impression as well, Captain."
[15:28] <Corwin> "Please hold your course, Divine Wind," a communications officer from the Moon responds at last.
[15:29] <Corwin> "Orders, Ma'am?" the captain asks, turning to look at Alita.
[15:30] <Corwin> The latter shrugs, and glances at Beryl in turn. "To wait, or not to wait," she muses.
[15:31] <Beryl> "It would hardly be becoming of us to not wait. But then again, a forceful appearance might help us at the bargaining table," Beryl muses.
[15:32] <Corwin> "If it were me, I'd fire at their communications tower," Alita says, more to herself. "But then again, Endy would get all whiny and stuff."
[15:33] * Beryl raises an eyebrow.
[15:34] <Corwin> "Well, you know how he is." Alita sighs. "Fine, tell them we'll wait. It's not like another hour would change anything."
[15:34] <Corwin> The captain relays this answer to the Moon, looking relieved.
[15:34] <Beryl> "How much firepower are we carrying? Just out of curiosity?" Beryl asks.
[15:35] <Corwin> "We should be able to take on a battle cruiser and win," Alita replies casually. "Anyway, I'll go prepare," she announces, turning on her heels. "Gotta make myself presentable for meeting her...."
[15:36] <Beryl> "Her?"
[15:36] <Corwin> -------------
[15:37] <Corwin> Makoto's glove beeps, interrupting her in the middle of preparing some sandwiches.
[15:41] <Makoto> Makoto looks at her glove curiously.  "How strange.  It's never done _that_ before."
[15:41] <Corwin> A few moments later, it begins flashing, light emitting from the gem imbedded in it.
[15:42] <Makoto> Makoto sets down the knife she was using and turns her hand over to inspect the gem, pressing it gently to see what happens.
[15:43] <Corwin> A holographic image of Genkai's face appears above the gem. "Hello," she greets the young princess. "Did I call at a bad time?"
[15:43] <Makoto> "Oh!  Not at all, Genkai-san," Makoto chirps.  "It's good to see you again."
[15:45] <Corwin> "I wish I had time for many pleasantries," she says, sighing. "But the Earth delegation has arrived ahead of schedule. Our information on their propulsion systems has apparently been flawed."
[15:46] <Makoto> "Ooooh?" Makoto noises, looking at the hologram with wide eyes.  "Well, should we go and meet them, then?"
[15:48] <Makoto> She frets for a moment.  "What should I wear?  Rei-chan said that the Earthlings could be dangerous."  Makoto frowns.  "Well, Eiko-chan didn't do my packing, so I should be able to find something nice."
[15:48] <Corwin> Genkai glances at Makoto's clothing, and hides a smile. "We are introducing them to our wonderful Lunar bureaucracy. You have time to change, Makoto."
[15:48] <Corwin> As if remembering something, she asks, "Could you inform your two friends at the same opportunity?"
[15:49] <Makoto> "Oh, good."  Makoto removes her favorite apron (the one that reads 'Piyu-Piyu' with a small chick on the front between the letters) and nods.  "I'll do that, Genkai-san.  Oh, and that reminds me.  How's your granddaughter Rika-chan doing?"
[15:50] <Corwin> Genkai snorts. "Cleaner, in more ways than one. Good day, Makoto." Her image disappears, and so does the glow from the gem.
[15:51] <Makoto> "Hmmm," Makoto muses, looking at the collection of small half-finished sandwiches forlornly.  "Well, duty calls."  Sighing, she walks from the kitchen, looking around for the other princesses.  "Rei-chan!  Ami-chan!"
[15:52] <Corwin> ------------
[15:55] <Corwin> Half an hour later, Sylphiel leads the trio of princesses through the maze of palace hallways, having come to pick them up. On her left hand is a glove, appearing just like the one the three wear. After a fairly short walk, the four of them reach a moderate-sized reception hall. A dozen of people are there, Queen Serenity amongst them. About half of those present are military, and all the women wear similar gloves to those the girls have.
[15:55] <Corwin> "Ah, welcome!" Serenity greets the trio, as Sylphiel excuses herself and leaves. "You girls are just in time!"
[15:56] * Rei-chan curtseys to the Queen, "We came as soon as we could, your Majesty."
[15:56] <Makoto> Makoto blinks curiously, but waits for one of the other princesses to speak first; Rei seems to know her way around these functions quite well.
[15:57] * Ami-hime also curtsies to the Queen. "I apologize for the delay, your Majesty. I wasn't expecting the Earth delegation to arrive so quickly."
[15:57] * Makoto follows suit.
[15:58] <Corwin> "Neither was I," Serenity replies, shrugging. "Sneaky bastards, those Earthlings."
[15:58] <Rei-chan> "We will have to be careful around them," Rei agrees, "No telling what tricks they might have up their sleeves."
[16:00] <Corwin> Queen Serenity is about to say something, but Sylphiel announcing the arrival of the Earth party interrupts her. Three people walk into the reception hall -- a man in a gray military uniform, and two women who couldn't be further apart, one petite and seemingly fragile, while the other a veritable red-headed giantess.
[16:02] * Rei-chan draws herself up, standing beside the Queen and dismissing the man entirely as she gives the two women a careful once over.
[16:03] <Corwin> "Yo," the petite girl greets everyone, her eyes darting around, as if in search for something. "So she's not here after all?" she mumbles to herself.
[16:03] <Makoto> Makoto resists the urge to hide behind Rei-chan and peek over her shoulder -- barely.
[16:04] * Ami-hime eyes the approaching group warily, not exactly sure what to expect from any of them.
[16:04] * Rei-chan frowns slightly at the lack of politeness from the smaller girl, glancing at the Queen to see how she responds.
[16:05] <Corwin> Serenity is seemingly unaffected by the girl, and focuses her eyes on the other two Earth delegation members.
[16:06] <Corwin> The rest of Serenity's various aids are silent, waiting for a word from their queen.
[16:07] * Rei-chan follows suit, reluctantly admitting to herself that the Earthlings aren't the animal-skin bedecked savages she had half expected.
[16:08] * Beryl saunters into the room gracefully, silk Chinese sty le dress clinging just so in all the right places. Black of darkest midnight, the dress flowed to just above the floor. A slit up one side made every step tantalizing, hinting at the wonders underneath. An ebony lily design wrapped around the upper portion of the low cut dress, coming to rest on her right breast.
[16:08] <Beryl> Waves of red hair cascaded down her back like a crimson river. Beryl brushed her hair back casually, revealing lily-shaped diamond earrings. All in all, she was quite an impressive sight.
[16:10] * Rei-chan is torn between gaping at the new arrival in lust, and feelings of jealousy that she had elected to wear her own far more conservative formal robes to this occasion. 'Damn, I knew I should have went with the cheongsam... it's all those perverts' fault!'
[16:11] <Corwin> "I am Serenity," the silver-haired queen says, once all three approach her. "Welcome to Luna."
[16:12] <Corwin> The petite girl waves at her with a smile. "I'm Alita, and this seems like a fun place."
[16:12] <Corwin> Serenity smiles as well. "We try our best."
[16:14] <Beryl> "I am Beryllium Wil Tesla Himemiya. It is an honor your Majesty," Beryl bows.
[16:15] * Beryl calmly scans the room once she rises.
[16:15] * Rei-chan quirks an eyebrow. 'Beryl?' But otherwise makes no response.
[16:15] <Corwin> The uniformed Earthling steps forward, and bows deeply, as if trying to outdo the red-head. "I am General Zoisite of the Earth's armed forced. On behalf of King Azusa and Earth, please accept our greetings."
[16:16] * Ami-hime blanches as the red-haired woman gives her name, but gives no other outward sign of acknowledgement.
[16:20] <Corwin> Serenity nods curtly. "As I've said, welcome. I am curious, however. Was there not supposed to be a representative of the Earth's Royal House on this delegation?"
[16:23] <Beryl> "Yes, there is. However, the prince has taken ill. Nothing major, I assure you. He will meet with you at his earliest convenience."
[16:24] <Beryl> "For the moment, I have been given authority over the delegation."
[16:24] <Corwin> "Space sickness," Alita says with a snort, earning her a nasty glare from Zoisite. "Gosh, he's such a baby sometimes."
[16:26] <Beryl> "But a cute one, none the less," Beryl said, effecting an air of casualness.
[16:26] <Corwin> Alita shrugs. "I guess. If you like wimps."
[16:27] <Beryl> "Depends on your point of view I suppose. After all, most people can't keep up with the likes of you." Beryl's amusement is easily seen.
[16:27] * Rei-chan takes a step forward from her position next to Queen Serenity, frowning slightly at the off topic conversation, and hoping to get things back on track. "I am Princess Rei Aresion of Mars, I hope these talks can pave the way towards better relations between Earth and the peoples of the Silver Millenium," she says, bowing slightly towards the Earthlings.
[16:28] * Beryl inclines her head slightly, but otherwise says nothing.
[16:28] <Corwin> "Yeah, yeah," Alita says, sauntering forward. "I bet you like a good fight just as much as I do."
[16:30] * Ami-hime nods. "I am Princess Ami Hermesia of Mercury, and it is an honor to be present at such a historic occasion."
[16:30] * Rei-chan smirks slightly and is about to reply in the positive, but catches herself in time, feeling that Queen Serenity wouldn't approve. "There is no harm in a little rivalry, but outright hostilities help no one," she says, hoping her answer will keep from offending either the Queen or the Earthlings.
[16:33] * Beryl smiles at the young Mercurian princess. "My, aren't you the cutest little thing?"
[16:34] * Ami-hime narrows her eyes and frowns, but says nothing in reply.
[16:36] * Beryl blinks and gives an internal shrug. "Kids these days," she thinks.
[16:37] <Corwin> "I am Makoto de la Joviana," the princess from Jupiter finally says, gathering up her nerve while wishing Eiko was there. "I'm a princess too! Nice to meet you!"
[16:39] <Beryl> "You as well," a genuine smile touching her lips. At least someone here had a proper name. "A Jovian princess I take it?"
[16:41] <Makoto> "The fifth in succession," Makoto confirms.
[16:43] * Beryl turns her gaze back to Serenity. "I hope our talks will bare fruit."
[16:44] <Corwin> Serenity nods, a contemplative look on her face. "So do I, Miss Beryl."
[16:48] * Beryl tenses slightly at the shortening of her name, but holds her temper. "The trip was long. I'm sure my people would like their rest," Beryl hinted, none too subtly.
[16:50] * Ami-hime tenses slightly at hearing Beryl's name repeated, but again holds her silence.
[16:51] <Corwin> "Some of us, anyway," Zoisite comments, shooting a glare full of superiority at Beryl. "I am always ready to discuss matters of importance."
[16:51] <Corwin> Serenity takes her eyes off Beryl, and nods absently. "Excellent. I'm sure my general staff have a lot they would like to go over with you."
[16:52] <Corwin> At a wave of her hand, the military personnel exchange glances, before approaching the Earth general.
[16:56] * Beryl gives Zoisite an unreadable look, but does not jump to the bait.
[16:58] <Corwin> "I'm sure that Sylphiel, our High Priestess, would be delighted to show you to the quarters assigned for you, Miss Beryl," Serenity tells the red-head, and at her words, Sylphiel appears by Beryl's side, bowing respectfully.
[17:02] * Beryl bows back. "Of course. Zoisite, try not to give away the kingdom, would you?" Beryl waits for Sylpiel's lead.
[17:03] <Corwin> A giggle escapes Makoto's mouth, as she recalls the Queen bemoaning the exact same thing just a short time earlier.
[17:13] <Corwin> Though not having much love for her two companions, Beryl trusts Zoisite's competence as a general and devotion to Earth, at the very least, and feels at ease leaving him with Serenity's military aids. She follows Sylphiel's lead, and exits the room with a bow at Serenity.
[17:14] <Corwin> Alita opts to remain in the room, ignoring both Beryl and Zoisite, not really under either of their command. She keeps eyeing Rei, but otherwise remains silent.
[17:14] <Corwin> Zoisite leaves as well, taken to an adjacent room.
[17:16] * Ami-hime discreetly watches Beryl leave the room with the priestess, inwardly relieved that the red-haired woman is gone.
[20:44] * Rei-chan notices Alita's scrutiny and draws slightly closer to her. "Something else you wanted to ask me, Lady Alita?" she asks pleasantly.
[20:46] <V-chan> "Ask you? No." Snorting, she adds, "And don't call me a lady. That couldn't be farther from the truth."
[20:46] * Ami-hime blinks, taken aback by the woman's rather abrupt manner.
[20:47] * Rei-chan clenches a gloved fist slightly at the Earthling's tone. "Perhaps I was mistaken, then," she says, her veneer of pleasantness slipping as she drifts back over towards Queen Serenity before she causes a diplomatic incident.
[20:47] <V-chan> Serenity moves to her remaining aids, giving the girls a smile as she goes, speaking with the advisors in hushed tones.
[20:48] <V-chan> "Was it something I said?" Alita asks Ami with a smirk.
[20:48] * Ami-hime blushes. "I... I'm just not used to people being quite so forward."
[20:49] <Rei-chan> "I suppose things work differently on Earth," Rei says philosophically.
[20:50] <V-chan> "But that girl's a Martian, isn't she? I didn't think they were such wimps." Alita ponders, scratching her chin. "Endy should fit right in with your bunch, then."
[20:51] * Ami-hime coughs. "Exactly what position do you hold on Earth, Miss Alita?" Ami asks, trying to steer the conversation onto a less inflammatory subject.
[20:52] <V-chan> "I wonder..." Alita drawls out. "I'm supposed to be a combat instructor to the head wimp, I think." She smiles toothily. "Doesn't bother me in the slightest! The job has perks."
[20:53] <Ami-hime> "Head wimp?" Ami looks a bit puzzled.
[20:53] * Rei-chan grits her teeth. "I think you should reconsider your opinion," she says, now sounding anything but pleasant, "Mars isn't known as the Star of War for nothing."
[20:54] <V-chan> "Endy," she replies, before hearing Rei's challenge. Alita's grin widens. "So there's spirit in you after all, beneath all these layers?"
[20:55] <Rei-chan> "It's always unwise to judge by surface appearances," Rei replies, thinking of Genkai and the pervert at the library.
[20:55] <V-chan> "Would you like to back those words with your fists, Martian Girl?" Alita asks, stepping towards the raven-haired princess.
[20:57] * Rei-chan grins, "Now isn't the time or place, but a... friendly, spar could be arranged." She suspects Alita could prove a challenge, but surely not on the same order as Genkai or... the pervert. Besides, it would do her some good to show the upstart Earthling her place.
[20:58] * Ami-hime breathes a sigh of relief. She had been afraid the two older girls would start fighting right then and there.
[21:00] <V-chan> "I'll be looking forward for that, Your Highness Crown Princess Rei Aresion of Mars," Alita says, listing the other girl's titles, before stepping past her and towards the Queen.
[21:01] <Rei-chan> "As will I, Alita," Rei replies quietly, paying more careful attention to how the other girl moves as she walks off.
[21:02] <V-chan> Alita walks with the gait of a trained fighter, resembling Genkai's grace to Rei's watchful eyes.
[21:03] * Rei-chan twitches slightly at the similarity to Genkai's movements. 'No way. Even if she uses the same style, she won't have near the old ghoul's experience....'
[21:05] <V-chan> "It's been a pleasure, Serenity!" Alita tells the Queen of the Moon with a wide smile. "I already got myself a promising spar, and it was well-worth the wait you put us through!"
[21:05] <V-chan> Serenity returns the girl's smile, as she had before. "It was an unfortunate mix-up."
[21:06] <V-chan> Alita nods in mock seriousness. "Undoubtedly."
[21:06] <Rei-chan> "Well, I can say that things certainly won't be dull around here now, Ami-chan," Rei says, moving to stand next to the Mercurian Princess.
[21:07] <V-chan> "Would you like someone to show you to your quarters?" Serenity asks Alita. "Or would you like to join General Zoisite--"
[21:07] <V-chan> "Not on your life," Alita interrupts her. "Our tastes run too far apart."
[21:08] <V-chan> "I see." Serenity frowns. "Perhaps you would like a tour of our... training facilities?"
[21:09] <V-chan> Alita's eyes light up. "A Lunar gym? She could be there!" The petite girl nods excitedly. "I want to go! I want to go!"
[21:09] <Ami-hime> "That's for certain." Ami lets out the shudder she'd been suppressing. "Seeing that other woman was..." She trails off, unable to even say her name.
[21:10] <Rei-chan> "Spooky, isn't it," Rei nods, speaking in a low whisper, "Still, I doubt she's our Beryl. It'd be far too convenient."
[21:11] * Ami-hime nods. "Stranger things have happened though. I know I'll be keeping an eye on her while she's here, anyway." she murmurs to the older girl.
[21:12] <V-chan> "What would you like to do now?" Serenity calls out in a louder tone, addressing her guests. "I've extended an offer to Miss Alita to see the Lunar Guard's training facilities, and when she leaves that will effectively end our little reception."
[21:12] <Rei-chan> "I'll certainly be keeping an eye on her myself," Rei replies, her expression becoming slightly glazed as her mind wanders...
[21:13] * Rei-chan jolts out of her brewing fantasy at the Queen's voice. "Oh! Ah, yes, I'd be happy to accompany Alita on her tour," she says, meeting the other girl's eyes with a challenging glint.
[21:14] <V-chan> "You highness," Makoto addresses the Queen, approaching her hesitantly, "I would like to check on Eiko-chan -- that's the girl I came with -- but I don't know where she went, and...." She wrings her hands. "What should I do?"
[21:17] <V-chan> "I believe she's being entertained by my daughter," Serenity replies to Makoto. Catching a middle-aged minister's elbow, she asks him, "Would you be so kind as to show our visiting dignitary to my daughter's quarters?"
[21:18] <V-chan> The man gapes at the queen for a brief moment, before bowing deeply. "It shall be done, My Queen." Turning towards Makoto, he says, "This way, please, Your Highness."
[21:19] * Ami-hime glances towards the retreating Jovian princess for a moment, and then shrugs. "I suppose I can accompany you as well. There isn't much else for me to do at the moment, it would seem." She is definitely not spending any more time with the Lunar princess than necessary.
[21:19] <Rei-chan> "If you're lucky, Ami-chan, you might see something interesting," Rei smiles at the younger girl as she heads over towards Alita.
[21:20] <V-chan> Serenity taps her lips, before walking towards the exit and tapping one of the guards on the shoulder. "Our guests would like to see the Lunar Guard's training facilities," she says, indicating the three girls with a wave of her hand.
[21:21] * Ami-hime nods and follows the dark-haired princess. "It's certainly better than the alternative."
[21:21] <V-chan> The young man salutes to the Queen, and then stands rigidly and waits for the girls to come near, before leading them on their tour.
[21:22] <V-chan> ----------------
[21:24] <V-chan> The guard's tour of the facilities ends at a spacious gym, in the center of which there is a closed off arena usually used for sparring. A few more guards are training in the gym, but the arena itself is unused.
[21:26] <V-chan> Alita vaults herself into the improvised ring, grinning as she bounces on the soles of her shoes.
[21:27] <V-chan> "You use this place for spars, don't you?" she asks the guard with a smirk.
[21:28] <Rei-chan> "So eager, are you Alita?" Rei asks, smirking at the confident girl.
[21:28] <V-chan> "Why, I thought you'd never ask," she replies with a smirk of her own.
[21:29] <Rei-chan> "Just give me a moment to get changed," she says, indicating her cumbersome robes, "These aren't exactly suited for what we have planned." She gets the attention of their guide, "I require a training uniform, and a place to get changed."
[21:30] <V-chan> He dutifully directs Rei to an adjacent room, where spare uniforms are kept. Rei finds it much like the facilities she saw while on Mars.
[21:33] * Rei-chan sheds her robes as quickly as possible, dressing in a uniform of her size, and tying off her long hair with a ribbon from her former outfit so it won't get in the way during the fight. That done, she re-enters the gym and hops onto the ring herself.
[21:33] * Ami-hime smiles. "Good luck, Rei-sempai!"
[21:33] <V-chan> As Rei hops into the ring, she notices her guide being dragged out of it, unconscious. Alita shrugs, as Rei looks at her. "I got bored," she says simply.
[21:34] <Rei-chan> "Thank you, Ami-chan," Rei gives the younger Princess a smile before facing Alita, and noticing the guard, "I suppose that counts as a warm-up for you. Give me a second to loosen up, myself," she says, doing a few stretches.
[21:35] <V-chan> Alita leans against the ropes warding off the sparring arena, glancing at Rei through half-lidded eyes.
[21:35] * Rei-chan finishes her warm-up and faces Alita once more. "Any special conditions for the spar?"
[21:36] * Ami-hime watches somewhat anxiously, having never seen a fight like this in person before.
[21:36] <V-chan> "Knockout or submission?" Alita offers. "And I'll hold off the high blows. Wouldn't want to mar that pretty face o' yours."
[21:38] <Rei-chan> "How nice of you," Rei says dryly, "I think knockout or submission works well," she bows to Alita before saying "Ami-chan, can you call the beginning of the match, please, seeing as our guide is indisposed."
[21:40] <Ami-hime> "Me? I.. I suppose so." Ami waits for the two to face off against one another, then nods. "GO!"
[21:41] * Rei-chan tests Alita's defences with a fast thrust kick at her midsection, holding back on the power until she can properly gauge the other girl.
[21:43] <V-chan> The kick doesn't reach Alita, who smirks, and suddenly disappears from view, trying to sweep Rei off her feet.
[21:46] <V-chan> Alita's leg sweep goes through Rei's guard, already incomplete due to being unbalanced from her earlier attack. Rei feels her world tumble along with her, and crashes on her back, rebounding off the mats slightly. As she lies there, stunned, she hears Alita's laugher echo in her ears.
[21:46] * Ami-hime winces as she sees Rei hit the mat. "Come on, Rei-sempai! You can do it!" she shouts, then blushes as she realizes what she's just done.
[21:47] * Rei-chan picks herself up quickly, "Heh, you're pretty good," she admits. "But we're only just getting started."
[21:49] <Rei-chan> Back on her feet and ready to go, Rei launches a quick jab at Alita.
[21:51] <V-chan> Surprised, Alita barely manages to bring her left hand up from her guard and intercept Rei's jab. Her laughter stops, though the mirth seems to have migrated to her eyes. Still holding onto Rei's arm, she attempts to backhand the other girl with her free, right hand.
[21:52] <V-chan> Rei manages to lean back in time, freeing her hand from Alita's grip in the process.
[21:53] * Rei-chan smirks, feeling this fight is on her level. After being so easily overmatched in recent encounters, it feels good.
[21:53] <Rei-chan> Using her backwards momentum, Rei spins round, launching an elbow jab at Alita's chest.
[21:55] <V-chan> Alita is too fast, and avoids the jab with time to spare. Instead of attacking, she settles into a defensive stance, and beckons Rei towards her.
[22:00] <Rei-chan> Happy to oblige, Rei moves in, making a palm thrust to Alita's solar plexus.
[22:01] <V-chan> The strike goes wild, Rei's hand landing on Alita's left shoulder and sliding forward, as Rei stumbles towards her opponent.
[22:02] <V-chan> Startled by Rei's action, Alita reflexively launches an uppercut at the other girl.
[22:04] <V-chan> Rei brings her left arm to block the strike to her chin just in time, but that isn't enough to stop Alita's attack. Rei finds herself flying through the air, once more landing on the mat on her back.
[22:05] <V-chan> "Get up!" Alita calls out. "Show me your fire, Martian Girl!"
[22:05] * Ami-hime cringes as Rei slams into the mat once again.
[22:06] * Rei-chan flips to her feet, looking none the worse for wear, "More than happy to," she calls back, her blood pumping furiously.
[22:33] <Rei-chan> A determined expression on her face, Rei lashes out with a roundhouse kick at Alita, only barely holding back her full strength now.
[22:35] <V-chan> Both girls attack with roundhouse kicks at the same time, but Rei is a bit faster, and her foot slams into Alita's back, sending her flying at the ropes. She grabs them to steady herself, and whirls around, facing Rei again.
[22:36] * Ami-hime claps her hands excitedly as Rei's attack lands successfully.
[22:36] <V-chan> "Not bad," she says, settling into a stance Rei is used to see swordsmen in, of all people.
[22:37] <V-chan> At some signal only she can hear, Alita goes into action. She comes in from the front, her right hand going for Rei's chest in a quick jab.
[22:39] * Rei-chan brings her hand down to knock the jab away, but is too slow.
[22:41] <Rei-chan> "Oohf" Rei grunts, stepping backwards from the blow, before ducking down and countering with a foot sweep!
[22:42] <V-chan> Having struck Rei's chest, Alita nimbly leaps back, avoiding the leg sweep.
[22:43] <Rei-chan> "I can definitely see why you've got the combat instructor job," Rei admits, recovering her stance.
[22:43] <V-chan> "Perhaps we should stop?" she asks with mock concern. "We wouldn't want you to get all sweaty, now would we, Highness?"
[22:43] <Rei-chan> "Oh, no. I'm enjoying this far too much to stop now," Rei replies, tossing her ponytail back from where it has fallen over her chest.
[22:44] <V-chan> "I'm glad," Alita says, waiting for Rei to come at her.
[22:44] * Rei-chan takes a step forward before launching a right cross at her opponent.
[22:45] <V-chan> Alita opts to dodge the attack instead of blocking it, this time, perhaps sensing the power her opponent put behind it.
[22:45] * Rei-chan quickly retracts her fist, preparing to defend the inevitable counterattack.
[22:48] <V-chan> A mischievous glint in her eyes, Alita launches her body into the air, flipping agilely over Rei's head, and attempting to tag the back of it with her index finger.
[22:53] <V-chan> Rei turns around swiftly, and dances out of the way of the tap, Alita's finger brushing against the other girl's bangs.
[22:53] <V-chan> "You've got potential," Alita says simply, retracting her hand. "Endy would've been so owned by this."
[22:55] <Rei-chan> "Very flashy," Rei admits, "I never expected you to do that. But it'll take more than a flashy trick to beat me."
[22:55] <V-chan> "I can do basics, too," she replies, settling into a boxing stance now.
[22:56] * Rei-chan adopts a kick-boxing stance, "So I've seen," she acknowledges.
[22:58] <V-chan> Alita advances slowly, but then steps in suddenly, wind rushes at her passing, as she comes at Rei with a right hook.
[22:59] * Rei-chan simply slides to the left, letting the blow pass her by before she counters with an uppercut to Alita's stomach.
[23:01] <V-chan> Rei isn't the only one to move, as Alita changes her own path accordingly.
[23:02] <V-chan> Alita turns to face Rei, standing well within slugging range, and grins at her opponent.
[23:04] <Rei-chan> Pulling back her right fist, Rei grins back as she feints a jab towards Alita's face, only to lower her body enough to make a sweep at the other girl's legs.
[23:06] <V-chan> Alita's feet leave the ground, as she unexpectedly turns what seemed like a dodge at first into an attack, her right knee flying at Rei's stomach.
[23:07] <Rei-chan> Rei spins on her still ground foot, recovering from the failed sweep and barely getting her body out of the knee's path.
[23:08] <V-chan> Alita flips, and lands on her arms briefly, before pushing off the mat again and landing in a crouch a meter from the ropes.
[23:17] <Rei-chan> Her heart racing, Rei leaps towards her foe aiming to bring her heel down on Alita's head.
[23:17] <V-chan> Alita blocks with her forearms, and then pushes off the ground, springing up and sending Rei flying back.
[23:19] <V-chan> Rei is shocked, finds herself unable to twist in the air in time and lands on the mat for the third time, stunned again.
[23:20] <V-chan> When Rei's eyes refocus, she feels her arms wrapped back against the ropes and propping her up, and sees Alita looking at her in concern. "Oi, Martian Girl. You okay in there?" she asks, slapping Rei lightly on her face.
[23:22] * Ami-hime approaches the edge of the ring. "Are you all right, Rei-sempai?"
[23:23] * Rei-chan shakes her head groggily, "I... I'm okay," she says, regaining her focus, "Don't worry," she manages a grin, "there's still plenty of fight left in me. I'm not ready to quit yet."
[23:23] <V-chan> Alita brings her fists together, and pushes off Rei's chest, jumping back.
[23:24] * Rei-chan nods, bringing her own guard up, and ready to resume the battle.
[23:25] <Rei-chan> Calling on her inner reserves, Rei dashes towards Alita with a fierce punch to her midsection.
[23:27] <V-chan> Alita brings her left elbow on Rei's punch, redirecting the blow downwards, before launching a straight at Rei's face.
[23:28] * Rei-chan tilts her head to the side, letting the fist fly right past her.
[23:30] <V-chan> Alita's left comes up with a short upper at Rei's chin.
[23:32] * Rei-chan barely bats the uppercut aside before the blow connects, following by launching her knee up at Alita's stomach.
[23:33] <V-chan> Alita folds around the knee, before pushing off the other girl and jumping back, holding an arm in front of her stomach.
[23:33] * Rei-chan breathes a little hard from her exertions, but wears a look of triumph at landing a good blow.
[23:35] <V-chan> "I knew I was right about you," Alita says, looking just as triumphant. She straightens up, and looks Rei straight in the eyes. "Now I won't feel bad about going all out against you."
[23:35] <Rei-chan> "All out? Sounds interesting," Rei smirks, deciding to do just the same as she advances with a thrust kick using her full strength.
[23:39] <V-chan> Alita jumps straight up, blocking the kick with her right leg before twisting in mid-air and coming at Rei with an aerial spin kick that she barely avoids, bending over backwards. Alita passes over her head, and turns around swiftly, launching a rabbit punch at the back of Rei's head.
[23:40] <V-chan> Rei is feeling triumphant about avoiding the Earth's main combat instructor attack, and then Alita disappears from her view, and everything becomes black.
[23:42] <Ami-hime> "Sempai!" Ami scrambles into the ring and moves to Rei's side, checking the girl for any serious injuries.
[23:45] <V-chan> Alita raises the topmost rope, while pushes the rest of them down, and gets out of the ring, headed for the showers. A few moments later, running water is heard from that direction, and soon Alita emerges with a bucket, water splashing out of it as she makes her way back towards the ring quickly. "Get away from her," she tells Ami, climbing back in. "There's only one thing that'll bring her out quickly."
[23:46] * Ami-hime moves away from Rei, nodding.
[23:47] * V-chan gets towards Rei, and upends the bucket over the prone girl's head.
[23:47] <V-chan> Rei -- You feel cold water, as you come to.
[23:48] <Rei-chan> "Gwah!" Rei sits bolt upright at the feeling of cold water all over her, then cradles her head, feeling awfully dizzy after the sudden movement.
[23:48] * Rei-chan looks up to see Alita. "Guess I lost, then," she admits, though she doesn't seem too upset, rather looking at Alita with respect.
[23:50] <V-chan> "You're way better than Endy," she says, offering her free hand to help Rei up, the empty bucket held in the other. "I wish I had you as a student instead," she adds wistfully.
[23:50] * Ami-hime gives Rei a critical once-over again, looking for any serious bruises or other injuries. "Are you all right?"
[23:52] <Rei-chan> "I'm alright, Ami-chan," Rei reassures the younger Princess before addressing Alita, "I have been training since I was little. Most of my recent fights have been... disappointing, though," she admits with a frown, before smiling. "I haven't had a fight like that since last time I sparred with Shayla Shayla back on Mars. She usually beat me too..." she trails off wistfully, recalling that she could usually guilt the Priestess into spending time with her because of it.
[23:53] <V-chan> Ami -- You find no serious bruising, though Rei's arms should be treated for the myriad of small bruising that came from her blocks.
[23:54] <V-chan> "Shayla Shayla? The fire priestess?" Alita asks in surprise. "I heard about her skill."
[23:55] <Rei-chan> "She's very good," Rei nods, "I try to see her whenever I can, but..." she blushes, "Um... royal visits to the temple are so disruptive that I don't get as many opportunities as I'd like...." Not exactly the truth, but not far off....
[23:56] <V-chan> "Yeah, I heard about her temper, too." Alita snorts. "Sounds like my kind of gal." Suddenly looking around, she asks, "She's not here, is she?"
[23:58] <Rei-chan> "Oh, no," Rei shakes her head, "I can't imagine her ever leaving Mars unless absolutely necessary." The thought of Shayla Shayla's fiery temper brings a warmth to Rei's heart and... other places... as she develops a rather goofy little smile.
[00:02] <V-chan> "Yeah, what a prude." Alita sighs. "So she's the head priestess of Mars. She could still visit!"
[00:03] <Rei-chan> "Yes, that celibacy rule of hers is very annoying. But I'll break through, yet," Rei swears distantly.
[00:04] * Ami-hime tugs on Rei's hand. "Come on, Sempai. Let's go get you cleaned up."
[00:05] <Rei-chan> "Hmm?" Rei notices Ami. "Oh, yes, you're right Ami-chan, I suppose I do need a shower, now."
[00:06] <V-chan> "Uh, sure, see you around," Alita tells the older princess. "Rei, wasn't it?"
[00:06] * Rei-chan looks to see if the guard is awake yet to guide Alita back to wherever she is staying.
[00:06] <Rei-chan> "Yes, Rei. It's sounds far better than Martian Girl, I think," Rei smiles at Alita.
[00:08] <V-chan> "Martian Girl Rei." Alita ponders, rolling it off her tongue. "Yeah, too wordy."
[00:08] <V-chan> With a wave, she jumps out of the ring and heads over to the unconscious guard who took them to the gym, slapping him awake.
[00:10] <Rei-chan> "Well, I'm sure the guard will be able to show you to wherever you'll be staying," Rei chuckles slightly, "I'll see you around, Alita. Maybe we'll have a rematch some time?"
[00:12] * Ami-hime climbs out of the ring and scurries over to the changing room, bringing Rei's formal dress with her as she returns.
[00:13] <V-chan> "Sure thing!" Alita replies, pausing in her activities. "I'll introduce you to Endy!"
[00:14] * Rei-chan nods to Alita as she vaults out of the ring, wincing slightly as she lands. "Thank you, Ami-chan," she says, taking her clothes from the younger Princess. "Let's be on our way, then."
[00:16] * Ami-hime shakes her head as Rei winces. "You should be more careful! You could have really gotten hurt doing that!"
[00:17] * Rei-chan waves it off, "Don't worry. This time tomorrow I'll be good as new."
[00:17] <V-chan> "That's the spirit!" Alita's voice echoes, as the two princesses leave the gym.
[00:18] * Rei-chan smiles slightly. "I think I was wrong about the Earthlings," she tells Ami as the head back towards their quarters.
[00:19] <Ami-hime> "That particular one certainly seems like she could teach you a thing or two." Ami frowns.
[00:20] <Rei-chan> "Yes, she certainly was good," Rei agrees, rubbing the back of her head, "But at least I gave it a proper fight. I think I needed that after what I've had to deal with recently."
[00:22] * Ami-hime presses the button for the elevator leading down to their quarters. "I'll take a better look at you once you've cleaned up a bit. I do know a bit about healing."
[00:23] <V-chan> The elevator arrives, promptly this time.
[00:25] * Rei-chan steps into the elevator. "I won't turn down any help," she says amiably enough, before frowning. "Didn't Genkai use a keycard to access our quarters?"
[00:27] * Ami-hime thinks for a moment. "I believe so. I have no idea where she got it, or where we'd get one ourselves though."
[00:28] * Rei-chan recalls what happened in the bathroom. "Maybe those gloves she gave us will grant access?" she says, pushing the button for the lowest floor.
[00:28] <V-chan> The lift doors close, and it descends, until stopping with the same error message it gave to Genkai a few hours earlier that day.
[00:29] * Ami-hime presses the jewel on the back of her glove, hoping that it will do something to help.
[00:30] <V-chan> The jewel beeps in return.
[00:30] <Rei-chan> Rummaging in her pile of clothes, Rei pulls out her own glove and dons it.
[00:31] * Rei-chan puts the back of her hand against the crack where Genkai swiped the keycard, so the jewel is touching it. Nothing else seems obvious....
[00:32] <V-chan> As Rei brushes the back of her hand against the crack Genkai touched with the keycard earlier, and gem in Rei's glove glows with a soft light, and the lift starts moving again.
[00:33] <Rei-chan> "I think that did it," the Martian Princess says, waiting for the lift to stop, hopefully at their quarters.

[Corwin]

Rei and Ami enter their private gym complex, the lift's doors closing behind them.

Makoto and her guide finally manage to track down Princess Serenity, who had been showing Eiko her entire wing of the palace, to the red-head's delight.

Beryl is taken to her quarters, noticing a piece of paper on a table as soon as she enters, held down by an elephant-shaped paperweight.

[Ebiris]

"Well, guess that worked," Rei says as the arrive at their intended destination. "I'll take a quick shower, then you can see that I'm not really hurt much." Heading into her quarters, she drops off her robes (except the glove), and grabs a towel before heading to the bathroom.

[Halbarad]

Ami simply shakes her head and heads into the bedroom, seating herself on one of the beds as she waits for Rei to finish her shower.

[Corwin]

Rei's shower goes pretty much like previously, except she finds out that the opening in the stall's door stores her glove, returning it after her soak at the large bath.

[Ebiris]

All cleaned up, and having the tension soaked out of her stressed muscles, Rei departs the bathroom with a towel wrapped around herself and a smile on her face.

Entering the bedroom, she uses the towel to cover herself from Ami as she puts on some underwear, followed by a soft flannel nightgown (red, of course).

"Okay, Ami-chan, you can look me over, if you like," she says, turning to face the younger Princess, "But after that I'm going to bed. The flight here was pretty stressful, and the rest of the day hasn't been much better." To emphasize her statement, she stretches her arms and yawns.

[Halbarad]

"All right, this shouldn't take more than a few moments." Ami carefully looks over the older princess, making note of the slight bruising on her arms and the quite-noticeable lump on the back of her head. She shakes her head ruefully. "This is why I hate fighting."

Ami carefully places one hand over the bump on the back of Rei's head and the other on her upper arm, then closes her eyes in concentration. "This should only take a moment."

OOC: Healing Touch, just need the effect and cost described. ^_^

[thepanda]

Curious, Beryl goes to check on the note.

[Corwin]

Beryl learns the Endymion isn't feeling well enough to leave the ship. If anything, his mysterious illness intensified. Looks like she's the head of the delegation for the foreseeable future.

[Brian]

Finding Eiko intact, if distracted, Makoto waves.  "Eiko-chan!  There you are.  Oh, are you and Serenity-hime getting along well?"

[Corwin]

"Oh, totally!" Eiko chirps. "I've never seen so many fun things!" In a conspiratorial whisper, she tells her friend, "Mako-chan, I think some of these things are contraband from Earth!"

[Corwin]

Ami's little hands glow a soft blue, and the bruises on Rei's arms disappear, while the big one on the back of her head doesn't look as menacing anymore. Suddenly, Ami collapses, draping herself over Rei, tired as hell.

OOC: Ami uses 60ep, Rei's back to 52hp

[thepanda]

Beryl shakes her head sadly.

My prince, get better soon!

Not in any particular mood to start delegating this early, Beryl decides seeing to the welfare of her people would probably be a good thing. Right after she unpacks.

[Ebiris]

"Ami-chan!" Rei cries worriedly, seeing the younger girl collapse even as she starts to feel better.

"You really didn't have to do that," she remonstrates gently, picking Ami up and putting her on the other bed. "Now you'll need to rest as well... but you said you weren't planning on staying here. Do you even have any bedclothes with you?"