[i]Nothing is ever easy.[/i]

It was a lesson drilled into her from a young age. Even when you've found that toy you want, watch out that it doesn't get stolen. Even when you think you've passed the test, you need to start studying for the next. Even when you think you've won, don't take your eyes off the opponent. 

Right now, as they fall, Isabelle's mind shoves those lessons aside. Yes, they've been learned. Ingrained, even. But right now, right here? They are just distractions. As is the frustration.

A brawl is not something she can settle for - it's too messy, too dirty, and poses just too much of a risk to her image coming out of this primary. Winning isn't enough, she needs to do it with [i]style[/i] in order to secure the right kind of headlines tomorrow. Otherwise ... well, it doesn't even bear considering.

[i]Of course[/i] "Jacinta" wouldn't just give up. Isabelle makes a mental note to check her pride with her next match. She'd come into this one too fast, possibly too eager to end it when the opportunity arose. A new take on the old lesson.

Speaking of lessons ...

The two mecha twist in the air. Grappling as they fall to the next layer. Jacinta swings wildly and Isabelle spots her chance. It's risky, requiring her to briefly let go of the grip she has, but it's the only way.

She can't see the expression on "Jacinta's" face when Emberlight releases her. Is it surprise at the sudden freedom? Or triumph? Or, more correctly, suspicion? Did her opponent ever learn these lessons properly? Regardless, the two mechs drift slightly apart as they fall, a sliver of distance that allows Isabelle the space to maneuver.

Step one, catch a branch with her leg, at just the right angle to push off without losing control off the spin.

Step two, parry the strikes. One, two, three. Arms, leg and tail. Lessons of a different type taking the fore.

Step three, bring Emberlight up and over "Jacinta". Use the momentum from their fight to take the high ground. Well, as high as you can in free-fall.

Step four ...

The mechs crash to the ground in a cloud of dirt that momentarily shields them from the cameras. When it finally clears, Emberlight stands tall, a knee planted on the back of its opponent, and arms and legs firmly pinned. A halo of leaves and branches cascading down - testament to their passage through the canopy.

"Yield!" Isabelle commands, exerting enough pressure on "Jacinta's" arms to reinforce the message. 

"I've given you one chance, you will [i]not [/i]get another."

[Defy Disaster. Risking her hold on Jacinta to avoid the potential damage to her image. 5 + 4 + 3: [b]12[/b]]