Match of the Millennium

Description: Masaaki has come to a startling revelation: the Syndicate is using darkstalkers to foment chaos in Southtown! Innocent people could get hurt left and right if this activity becomes widespread. Masaaki recalls hearing about the new Dragon's Den Casino on television, and heads over there to see if there's any connection between the darkstalkers advertised there and the ones he'd run into previously. He might not like what he finds out though...!

[NOBORU]
One night is much like another at the booming Dragon's Den casino. The brilliant orange and reds of the setting sun are swallowed up by the glossy black exterior of the towering black fortress, while a buzzing ants nest of potential patrons blanket the beach beneath. Still relatively new as businesses go, everyone who is anyone is trying to get in, chattering excitedly over the sound of the live band that has set up on a stage to one side of the beach.
Scantily clad women in traditionally perverted bunny outfits slip gracefully through the crowd, offering out smiles and refreshments while anyone with a VIP pass is escorted down a cleared path to bypass the line completely, further outlining how much more important they are than everyone else. Life as usual for the young and the rich. A time full of heady excitement and anticipation.
It's hard to believe that a bloody gang war is going down in this very city.
However, no matter how oblivious the general populous might be, the security staff are certainly prepared. Three bouncers are posted at the front door, all big, and each with a bulge under their jacket that hints at weapons normally not carried by your basic door guard. Around the back of the casino, two more guards are posted beside a steel door with an electronic card lock. The place is a damn fortress, with scattered security cameras overlooking nearly every inch of the grounds, fire doors included.
inside, the Dragon's Den is a roar of sound and activity. Isle upon isle of slot machines crowd the vast majority of the first floor, with a wide ring open along the walls for people to circle the around and hunt for a spot. At the center of the isle is a second open space that houses a large fountain constructed entirely of black stone, molten lava cascading down from the top with bubbling regularity.
A broad set of stairs lead up to the second floor, where more high stakes games of chance are played, cards shuffled and dice rolled. Whatever form of gambling one might be looking for, they can surely find it here. If not in an open room, then perhaps down one of the many guarded hallways that lead deeper into the building.

[MASAAKI]
Unfortunately for the security turning a Casino into a Fortress isn't something that would deter Masaaki from trying to get in anyway, as even the hint of something having any connection to the Southtown Syndicate is enough to send him on a rampage.

Which is why he is right now kicking the guards at the backdoor through the very same door they were supposed to guard, handily bypassing such minor concerns like electronic locks or just doors in general as he makes his way into the back of the Casino.

[NOBORU]
Perhaps it is bad luck, stomach problems, or some other unknowable condition, but the two guards posted at the back door go down with surprisingly little fight. Hell, maybe Masaaki is just that good. Whatever the answer, the black-suited men crash through the back door and tumble to the ground, both very unconscious and sporting shiny new footprints upon their foreheads.
Through the doorway, a long hall stretches further into the building toward the distant sounds of the central room, machines chiming and voices clamoring to be heard. Off to the left, a half open door lets out hot steam scented heavily with various spices, the sounds of clanging pots echoing out into the hall. The rest of the luxurious length of hallway is mostly bare, line on both sides with identical sets of doors. Fortunately, each door has a metal plaque set beside it, and a glance would reveal restrooms, storage, utility, basement, etc.

[MASAAKI]
If one were to hide something, like a Darkstalker provided by Duke or at least by the ones who sent Duke his own, where would he hide it? Far away from everything else, of course. Therefore the basement, which is about to be missing a door as Masaaki just keeps going hastily before the local Security can catch up and stop his momentum.

[NOBORU]
'Clang!'
Masaaki hits the door and it bursts open, rebounding off of the back wall with a sound that echoes down the spiral steps, clearly announcing his arrival to anyone who might be listening.
Down,d own, and around. The cement steps twist into the earth, walls bare and ceilings undecorated. It is a far cry from the lavish opulence of the upper floors.
Far above, back the way Masaaki came, the basement door swings shut with another loud 'BANG.'
Down below, where the stairs end and the hallway stretches out into darkness, the sound of heavy panting can be heard. A thick musky scent hangs in the air, smelling of damp fur and animal hate, 5while two large eyes glow red in the dim illumination. Fangs gleam as a monstrous shape stalks forward to meet the intruder. Humanoid, standing hunched on digitigrade legs. Large pawed feet tipped in claws. huge hands. A bulky grey-furred torso rippling with overdeveloped musculature, and a wolfish face surrounded by a tangled mess of shaggy black hair.
Apparently, Kira does indeed have at least one weaponized pet darkstalker, and it has been let off of its leash.

COMBATSYS: Darkstalker Brute has started a fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Darkstalker Brute0/-------/-------|

[MASAAKI]
That sight does give Masaaki pause, as dealing with creatures like this is still way beyond his non-existing paygrade. Or rather, it gives him pause until he remembers that he himself also has his very own fangs and claws of some kind which he introduces to the Darkstalker in the form of a throwing knife flying directly at it.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki has joined the fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Masaaki          0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0Darkstalker Brute

COMBATSYS: Masaaki successfully hits Darkstalker Brute with Blade Fang.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////    ]
Masaaki          0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0Darkstalker Brute

[NOBORU]
As if sensing Masaaki's initial hesitation, the hulking brute stalks forward a step, black nose drawing in a long sniff of cool basement air. Jaws lolling, it appears almost excited at the prospect of violence, a long line of saliva slithering out form the left side of its mouth to stretch slowly toward the floor.
And then, there is knife.
Jaws clacking shut, the hairy beast swipes at the oncoming blade with one oversized hand, palm just missing as the blade flashes in to hit it squarely in the chest.
Pissing it off.
Blood sprays from the from his right pectoral as the giant wolf reaches up to tear the knife free, flinging it away over one shoulder with a snarl of brutish contempt. Teeth bared in a bone-vibrating snarl of animal fury, the hulking brute bounds forward and leaps the first four steps between itself and Masaaki. Descending in a fury of fur and blazing red eyes, the beast lashes out wildly with first its left, then its right hand, claws like daggers poised to tear several bloody furrows across the gangster's face and chest.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki blocks Darkstalker Brute's Scent of Blood.

[   \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////////     ]
Masaaki          0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0Darkstalker Brute

[MASAAKI]
The lash with the claws is handily blocked by the Yakuza moving his arms in the way, limiting the injuries to smaller bloody gashes across his arms and shoulders instead of anything worse. Aside from the damage to his suit, of course.
That attack is of course quickly followed by Masaaki taking half a step forward, ducking as he does so and attempting to ram his fist straight into the Darkstalkers gut.

COMBATSYS: Darkstalker Brute blocks Masaaki's Tiger Drop.

[   \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////      ]
Masaaki          0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0Darkstalker Brute

[NOBORU]
Up this close, the wreak of the furry monster is near overpowering. As broad as a gorilla and much taller than even a tall man, the beast hulks over Masaaki even while standing two steps below him, hot breath gusting across the fighter's face and blowing his hair back.
The shallow cuts in the Yakuza's arms tingle unpleasantly, likely something he will have to worry about later, but at least his chest wasn't torn open. The counter attack, however, does not go over quite as well as planned. Stepping down means stepping directly into the towering brute's shadow, and the brutal gut punch meets the monster's tensed abs as it hunches up and braces for the impact. That leaves only the man and the beast, stinking drool dripping down from its open jaws to splatter onto Masaaki's right shoulder.
A deep, motor-engine growl rumbles out of the monster's chest as it responds with a heavy swipe of its left hand, attempting to batter Masaaki sideways into the wall with bone-jarring force, before digging dirty claws into his back and hauling him off of his feet to twist and hurl him down the stairs one handed. Only if he can send the Yakuza tumbling will the werewolf bound along after him, crashing down the steps with his long tail stretched out behind him and chest heaving with deep, snarling breaths.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki endures Darkstalker Brute's Combo Grapple.

[        \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////      ]
Masaaki          0/-------/--=====|====---\-------\0Darkstalker Brute

[MASAAKI]
The Yakuza is in fact thrown into a wall and then sent tumbling down the stairs, but whats likely less expected is him recovering from the impact with the ground fast enough to jump back up to throw himself feet first at the pursuing Werewolf in attempt to kick it directly in its snarling mug.

COMBATSYS: Darkstalker Brute endures Masaaki's Dropkick.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Masaaki          0/-------/=======|=======\-------\0Darkstalker Brute

[NOBORU]
The hulking werewolf is most of the way down the steps, clawed feet scraping the cement and teeth exposed in bloody-minded rage, when Masaaki springs up from the ground with both feet aimed for its face. There is no time to block. No time for the brutish thing to think. There is only anger and instinct, and the meaty THUMP of shoes striking snout.
charge brought to a staggering stop, the werewolf rises up from its forward slouch to its full, towering height of nearly eight feet tall. Blood pouring from its battered snout and dripping from its fangs, it throws back its head and releases a deep, ear-splitting howl that resonates up and down the hallway, causing dust to puff out from every hidden crack and crevasse. The sound rolls out form the monster with enough force to throw its hair out behind it, overlong arms coming up to reach toward the ceiling while it empties its lungs toward the heavens.
Then, far from defeated, the monster drops down with a double over-hand smash of its fists towards Masaaki's skull, attempting to pound him through the floor as punishment for the pain he has caused.

COMBATSYS: Darkstalker Brute successfully hits Masaaki with Mighty Roar.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////           ]
Masaaki          1/------</<<<<<<<|=======\-------\1Darkstalker Brute

[MASAAKI]
The smash is something Masaaki can't stop as his attempt to block it simply results in him breaking down under the sheer force and crashing to the floor. At least, pain and adrenaline are excellent motivators for him as he quickly gets up, lurches towards the Wereworlf and tries to kick it in the gut with a snap kick.

COMBATSYS: Darkstalker Brute endures Masaaki's Light Kick.

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////               ]
Masaaki          1/-----<</<<<<<<<|=======\===----\1Darkstalker Brute

[NOBORU]
Blood continues to drip from the monster's nose and drizzle from the tear in its chest, matting its fur and driving it ever deeper into a mad frenzy. A continuous growl rumbles from his chest and its lips remain pulled back in a snarl of bestial rage, fists rising and falling to pound uselessly into the cement even after Masaaki has rolled away to safety. The ground vibrates with each heavy smash pf the wolf's fists, it seeming to forget for just a moment who it is actually mad at.
And then, Masaaki kicks it.
The Yakuza's foot flashes up to strike it dead in the gut, drawing its attention away from the blood-splattered cement. Acting entirely on instinct, the monster powers forward into the kick, making no move to defend itself. Swooping down, it opens its maw wide and attempts to sink its long, curved teeth into the juncture of Masaaki's right shoulder and neck. If it can get that grip, it will jerk him off of the ground and whip him left to right, up and down, smashing him accidentally into the wall once or twice while it slings him all about. Only after a painful 30 seconds will the warrior be released, flung straight up toward the ceiling with violent disregard.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki blocks Darkstalker Brute's Primal Fury.

[               \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////                ]
Masaaki          1/---<<<</<<<<<<<|>>>>>>>\-------\0Darkstalker Brute

[MASAAKI]
While he can't avoid being bitten and jerked around Masaaki manages to brace for impact enough to greatly lessen the impact of being slammed into the wall and the ceiling, before pulling off a clean landing a step right on his feet only a few steps away from the Werewolf.
From there the Yakuza simply glares at the Werewolf, before he rips off his suit jacket to display the Dragon Tattoo on his back as he flings himself forwards, trying to ram the Werewolf into the next best wall and then simply punch, kick and headbutt it with reckless abandon into the very same wall.

COMBATSYS: Darkstalker Brute just-defends Masaaki's Dragon King!

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////              ]
Masaaki          0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\-------\0Darkstalker Brute

[NOBORU]
Having released its prey, the hulking wolf takes a moment to snake out its broad pink tongue and noisily lap up the blood from around its muzzle, giving Masaaki a crucial moment in which to toss off his coat and prepare himself for the beating he is about to dish out. And, perhaps if he'd left the coat on, it would have worked.
The sound of fabric slapping ground draws the beast's attention down with a sharp snap of his head, red eyes locking onto the Yakuza mid charge. With no room to dodge, and its blood roiling with hate, the beast does the only thing its primitive mind can think to do.
Huge, furry hands close around Masaaki's upper arms and hoist him up off of the ground, robbing him of his forward momentum and keeping him from pushing off to gain any further traction. Lifting him up and up, the wolf brings them nose to snout and draws in one long, deep breath, before letting it out in a point blank roar directly into the unfortunate man's face. then, with all the mindless rage it has shown up to this point on full display, it lifts the gangster high over head and rears back, attempting to hurl the man as hard as it can down the dark hallway and deeper into the underground complex.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki endures Darkstalker Brute's Power Throw.

[                  \\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Masaaki          0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1Darkstalker Brute

[MASAAKI]
The Yakuza is quickly thrown down the hallway where he impacts with the ground and briefly slides over the very same, leaving behind a trail of blood before he staggers back to his feet and runs back at the Werewolf, drawing his Katana to slash at it several times as he does so.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki successfully hits Darkstalker Brute with Blade Rush EX.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////                 ]
Masaaki          0/-------/-----==|=======\==-----\1Darkstalker Brute

[NOBORU]
Even as Masaaki is tumbling across the ground, the brutish werewolf is stalking after him, heavy paws padding and shoulders hunched forward. The human getting back to his feet only spurs the beast forward, eager for blood. The human drawing a sword provokes no fear, though perhaps it should. Like so many attacks before this one, the beast simply steps forward, as if planning on ignoring the bite of the blade entirely.
Steel flashes.
Blood fountains.
The beast staggers back a step as blood fountains from its chest, splashing across Masaaki's face and splattering the wall and floor. A second strike forces the wolf back yet further, snarling and snapping in sudden pain as more blood sprays out. The third strike just manages to clip its shoulder as the wolf shies away, panting and swaying a bit on its feet as its front pours rivers of scarlet. Still, it is a tough monster, clearly. Blows that would have killed a man have only managed to force it back, and as the scent of blood fills the hallway, it grows ever more agitated.
Able to contain itself no longer, the brute bounds forward, paws splashing through its own blood. Closing the distance, it opens with a quick swipe of one hand toward the Yakuza's sword, attempting to hook its claws around the blade and drag it well clear. It has learned to respect the edge, but not yet to fear it. At the same moment, its other hand swings down in a clobbering blow meant to catch Masaaki up side the head and stagger him, softening him up just long enough for the wolf to release the sword and follow up with three alternating swipes of its claws, left right left, foaming drool dripping from its jaws as it advances.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki endures Darkstalker Brute's Frothing Combo.

[                       \\\\\\\  < >  ////////////                  ]
Masaaki          0/-------/---====|=======\====---\1Darkstalker Brute

[MASAAKI]
As is obvious now Masaaki once again gets hit brutaly with every strike and swipe, staggering him even more than he allready is and sending him tumbling backwards as the swipes leave bloody gashes across his body. It takes him considerable effort to even find the strength to attack once again as he lurches towards the Werewolf and attempts something ridicilous as he tries to pick him up and try to bend him over his own shoulders to make it suffer at least somehow.

COMBATSYS: Darkstalker Brute just-defends Masaaki's Backbreaker EX!

[                       \\\\\\\  < >  //////////////                ]
Masaaki          0/-------/----===|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2Darkstalker Brute

[NOBORU]
Claws, face, and chest dripping blood, the enormous werewolf steps over Masaaki as the stubborn Yakuza begins to rise once more. Full of rage and animal aggression, it reacts violently when the punch-drunk human throws his arms around its middle, digging its claws into the cement and anchoring itself in place to prevent him from picking it up. While anchored and unmoving, Yakuza squeezing its slashed up middle, the beast bares its teeth and thrashes, attempting to shake the human off. Whether it can or not, both sets of its claws rake down over and over, rending and tearing any part of the unfortunate man they can get their tips into. its own blood is flung out in every direction from the ferocity of its motions, breaths coming in heavy pants of effort.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki blocks Darkstalker Brute's Alpha's Rage.

[                         \\\\\  < >  /////////////                 ]
Masaaki          0/-------/--=====|>>>>>>>\-------\1Darkstalker Brute

[MASAAKI]
The unfortunate Yakuza is looking nearly like minced meat by now as he only barely manages to defend himself against the attack and keep standing, which makes him look even worse as he tries to hit the Werewolf once again with a sluggish combination of punches and tornado kicks.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki successfully hits Darkstalker Brute with Dragon Rush.

[                          \\\\  < >  //////////                    ]
Masaaki          0/-------/-======|>>>>>>>\>>-----\1Darkstalker Brute

[NOBORU]
The brutish werewolf staggers a step after its combo, head swaying a bit dizzily on its bullish neck. Blood continues to sheet down its chest and splatter to the floor, though the edges of the cuts are already beginning to clot, proving that the creature must have some small amount of regeneration working to keep it standing. Still, whatever healing factor it might have isnt' enough to keep it up indefinitely, and the blood loss is clearly getting to it. That is probably why, when the Yakuza comes charging in for yet another blitz of attacks, it can do little to defend itself. It tries to step forward into the first punch, to barrel through it like it has most of the others, but the fist strikes it solidly in a gut wound and sends it stumbling heavily backward beneath the hail of punches and kicks, each hammering solidly into its bulky torso.
Forced ever backwards, the bulky monster's shoulder bumps off of the wall and it slumps there, drawing in deep, pained breaths. But even through the pain and the blood loss, its bright red eyes glow with barely controlled hate.
Shoving off of the wall, the brute lunges forward with sudden speed, mouth falling open to reveal its rows of slick white fangs. Head turning sideways, it attempts to clamp those teeth around Masaaki's throat and drag him to the ground, chest vibrating with a vicious growl of defiance.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki endures Darkstalker Brute's Rending Bite.
COMBATSYS: Masaaki refuses to stay down!

[                            \\  < >  /////////                     ]
Masaaki          0/-------/=======|=======\===----\1Darkstalker Brute

[MASAAKI]
Masaaki is brutaly dragged to the ground and actually stays there for a moment, before he abruptly forces the jaw of the werewolf open and janks his head out of the deathgrip of those fangs. After all, it just so happens that he too has a tendency to recover at a similiar rate the Werewolf has displayed so far, which gives Masaaki the chance to stagger back up, rip a part of the railing of the nearby stairs out and swing it at the Werewolf in an improvised last ditch attack.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki successfully hits Darkstalker Brute with Light Random Weapon.

[                           \\\  < >  /////                         ]
Masaaki          0/-------/----===|=======\=====--\1Darkstalker Brute

[NOBORU]
Breaths coming in deep, labored gasps, the werewolf can do little to stop Masaaki pulling himself free of its maw. Digging claws into the cement, it begins to labor slowly up in pursuit, jaws hanging open, when the Yakuza turns and swings a long length of metal hard into the side of its head.
Slumping sideways against the wall, one eye dilating, the wolf lets out a choked howl of rage and pain, before the strength of desperate rage once more floods its limbs. Suddenly blind to pain, to exhaustion, to everything, the monster lunges to its feet and drives the claws of one hand toward Masaaki's chest, attempting to dig them into the muscles there and drag him in for a single, vicious bite to the skull. Only then will it whip him through the air, smashing him into the wall, slash its free claws across his gut, and end by turning and hurling him back toward the stairs with brutal force.

COMBATSYS: Darkstalker Brute successfully hits Masaaki with Leader's Wrath.

[                                < >  //////                        ]
Masaaki          1/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0Darkstalker Brute

[MASAAKI]
By the end of that completely unimpeded assault the Yakuza is more a dead heap of red that staggers a last time towards the Werewolf before he throws himself at him with a last burst of momentum to crash into it before he simply falls flat regardless of the results and doesn't get up another time.

COMBATSYS: Masaaki can no longer fight.

[                        \\\\\\  <
Darkstalker Brute0/-------/-----==|

COMBATSYS: Darkstalker Brute dodges Masaaki's Dropkick EX.

[                        \\\\\\  <
Darkstalker Brute0/-------/-----==|

[NOBORU]
It is more fatigue than skill that sees the hulking monstrosity swaying out of the way of Masaaki's final flying kick. Even as the Yakuza drops to the ground, the wolf stumbles against the wall, drawing in deep, heaving breaths. Only after a couple of moments pass does it turn its hateful red eyes down to Masaaki, jaws opening...
A sharp, shrill whistle echoes down the hall, two short blasts, one long, and the wolf immediately turns away from Masaaki to stagger off deeper into the complex. Obedient as any dog, he leaves Masaaki lying there in a lake of their combined bloods, able to live another day, and take whatever knowledge he thinks he might have gained with him.
As to why he still lives? Well. Maybe some day he might find out.

COMBATSYS: Darkstalker Brute has ended the fight here.

Log created on 15:35:14 08/21/2018 by Noboru, and last modified on 08:56:32 08/22/2018.