Match of the Millennium

Description: Saturday Night Fight loves the New Year because it means twelve months of thrilling new matches, exciting new fighters, and surprising new matches. In honor of the holiday, the promotion financed the construction of an arena constructed atop the Metro Square ball, gifting the city - the world - an opportunity to celebrate in violent style. To best stress test the arena, Zepp's armored behemoth Potemkin and the dynamic zephyr Rashid have been chosen to put it - and each other - through their paces while midnight approaches! (Winner: Rashid)

[POTEMKIN]
Saturday Night FIght has come, once again, to Metro City! And this time, it seems, that the work of a soldier is never done..not even on the eve of the New Year itself. Such is the life of the elite soldier of the Zepp Military, whose recent missions have been focused around spreading the good word about Zepp through his various good deeds and outreach efforts. Efforts that have varied from handing out toys with the U.S. military to..participating in combat stress tests meant to ring in the New Year. Truly a wonderful time. At least that's what Potemkin keeps telling himself.

For now, he simply does his duty. he's helicoptered in by several copters hauling his immense figure over the Metro City Skyline until he's above the arena and then an instant later he is deployed, thundering down towards the fighting stage and impacting with a loud *THOOOM* that shakes the building and sends an earthquake rumbling all the way down to Metro Square itself. When the spotlights illuminate his form, he's standing, his monolithic physique enormous and inhuman as he leans back, stretching his right arm away from him while his left arm curls into a flex that bulges a bicep bigger then a boulder in an sort of odd 'flex-salute'.

"Potemkin, deploying. Mission is to ring in the New Year with destruction and devestation upon all who stand in my way. Beginning mission - NOW!"

[RASHID]
A new year. One Rashid has somehow managed to survive to see. One that perhaps did not end on the best of notes. A loss of a close friend that he had to put down with his own hands and then to fall to FANG in his attempt in revenge. The fact he even survived the latter battle should give him reason enough to be thankful he lives, but Rashid has found his zest for life and his carefree attitude gone.

This isn't him. He knows it isn't him. His friend would not want him to live in such a way, but it is often easier to say he can do something and actually manage to do it. He can't sit around and mope forever. He has to become a better fighter and one day when he meets FANG again he will put that madman's plans to a permanent end.

He is not in need of a helicopter to get to the arena. It isn't fully certain how he got himself up there, but he seems to be riding a zephyr of wind as he flips about and lands in the arena. "I am Rashid of the Turbulent Wind. Remember it well my friend."

The man standing across from him is much larger and certainly stronger. It is a very much a speed against power situation the Arab finds himself in and he gives a nod to Potemkin. "Here is to a good fight. I am no soldier like you, but I shall do my best to show I deserve to be here." His confidence in his abilities are still shakey, but this may be the only way to get that confidence back. He better find it quickly or he may find himself crushed under Potemkin.

[POTEMKIN]
"Hmm..I believe I am at a slight disadvantage. You seem to be able to fly and we are well above the ground." notes Potemkin, bass voice managing to sound neutral and bemused while also mildly annoyed as he adds, "The SNF promoters seem to enjoy putting me in humorous situations. Nevertheless, I accept your offer of a good fight and hope that there is much to glean from it."

He seems affable enough, if slightly terrifying where physical appearnces are concerned. There's a loud *KA-CHUNK* sound as his gauntlets lock into a combat position and begin firing up the chi-tek ammo casings within. Potemkin slips into his combat stance and nods his head.

"You may begin.."

COMBATSYS: Potemkin has started a fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Potemkin         0/-------/-------|

COMBATSYS: Rashid has joined the fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Potemkin         0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0           Rashid

And by begin, Potemkin must be expecting Rashid to make a move at the same time as he does - because he suddenly lunges forward into a leap that rocks the arena from the pressure of his lift off. He soars overhead, all nearly nine feet of him, lunging closer to Rashid and then descending downward with a huge fist cocked back..that then blasts forward in a blur of movement that pushes a blast of air ahead of from the pure force of the attack. It is sudden and abrupt, almost looking like his arm is extended further then it shoudl be due to the sudden lash out speed of the attack.

COMBATSYS: Rashid blocks Potemkin's Mega Fist Shift.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////////  ]
Potemkin         0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0           Rashid

[RASHID]
"It is not flight, my friend. I assure you I rather not fall off this structure if I can help it." he tells his opponent while managing a smile. This may just be what he needs. To face someone that is actually not out to kill him. Just two men looking for a good fight and to learn something from it. He just needs to focus. A mistake against a man like Potemkin looks like it would lead to very painful consequences.

He holds off for a moment even though Potemkin makes it sound like he is going to give Rashid the first strike. Instead the big man quickly comes forward and the distance between the two closes quickly. The usually agile fighter is caught more off guard and best he can and raises his arms. It isn't so much the fist that connects, but the sheer power created by that punch that pushes Rashid back and tot he edge of the arena.

Strong, so very strong. He won't be able to take too many hits like that. Even more so if his defenses fail him and the mighty fighter finds an opening. He'll have to find his own openings as well and wonder if his strikes can even put a dent against the dense muscle of the big man.

There is only one way to find out. He does rush forward and looks like he is going to leap forward and just impact straight into Potemkin, but then he seems to push off the air and give himself a boost to carry him further upwards as he looks t step kick Potemkin in the chest before sailing over the head and looking to deliver another kick to the back of Potemkin's head as he tries to flip away and put distance between them again

COMBATSYS: Rashid successfully hits Potemkin with Riding Glider.

[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Potemkin         0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0           Rashid

[POTEMKIN]
A resounding clang occurs as Rashid's kick slams into the back of POtemkin's helm. The force of the blow rattles his slightly but it's not enough to prevent him from recovering quickly enough to turn and send a massive hand sweeping upward to try and grab hold of Rashid before he can flip away and out of Potemkin's immediate range.

"Impressive..." he notes, "You came right for me.." Most would have likely attempted to keep their distance but Potemkin takes particular note of Rashid's speed and boldness.

Not that it's stopping him from attempting to administer an appropriate response. Should he grab Rashid he will swing his arm around and wildly send the man smashing towards the floor of the arena.

COMBATSYS: Rashid parries Potemkin's Hammer Smash!

[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Potemkin         0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0           Rashid

[RASHID]
It is less Rashid trying to impress and more he wants to survive. He has often fought those quick like him and this is the first time where he is facing someone that greatly outmatches him when it comes to strength and reach. It means finding a plan of attack that works and he only had hoped going right at the man would help throw Potemkin off his game.

"A bit too early for me to brag, but the compliment is noted, my friend." There is a faint smile and Rashid slowly inches forward as he watches Potemkin come inwards and looks to grasp. Rashid is quicker though and he leaps upwards to where he actually lands on the extended arm of Potemkin before pushing it off and fliping up and over again. Twirling about in the air he kicks upwards in a bit of a low roundhouse that has no chance of reaching the bigger fighter.

It never was meant to though. It was enough of a kick to manipulate the wind around the Arab to create a small dervish of energy that looks to impact Potemkin in an attempt to keep him on his toes.

COMBATSYS: Potemkin endures Rashid's Whirlwind Shot EX.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Potemkin         0/-------/--=====|======-\-------\0           Rashid

[POTEMKIN]
"Hmmm.." rumbles Potemkin in response to Rashids words. He braces his enormous body and then just as Rashid unleashes the burst of manipulated wind towards the colossus..Potemkin dashes forward. His immense physique pushes off of the ground and to Rashid's perspective it's like seeing a semi truck suddenly rear up and then dive down towards him..

The wind impacts, true enough, but Potemkin keeps coming, rearing both of his immense arms back and then suddenly slinging them forward ina double fisted like strike intending on trapping Rashid and smashing the Arab inbetween the huge fists once Potemkin's unstoppable momentum actually places him in range.

COMBATSYS: Rashid interrupts Hammer Fall from Potemkin with Eagle Spike.

[               \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////        ]
Potemkin         1/------=/=======|=======\==-----\1           Rashid

[RASHID]
The wind impacts, but well Rashid isn't too surprise the result. Potemkin just powers through and carries his momentum forward. His eyes go a bit wide and he has to make a quick decision on what he should try to do.

Taking a deep breath he steps forward to rush forward himself. This isn't a fight where he should try and play it safe. This is the time to be unpredictable and see what it might do for him. That is why he leaps inwards and he feels a fist impacting into his torso while he is already flipping forward. He ragdolls a bit before he regains his positioning in midair and suddenly he is carried forward and his foot ignites with energy as he drives it right into Potemkin's chest and knock him back.

Rashid flips backwards and lands on the ground while cradling his ribs. It was a bit costly, but also he can only hope such a reckless move will leave Potemkin wondering what the Arab might just do next.

[POTEMKIN]
Reckless but powerful. It's as strong a hit as any POtemkin has felt and all, nearly three thousand pounds, of him, goes tilting to the side, literally nearly toppling over and in the process causing the arena stage to lurch violently atop the Ball. SNF staff are sent reeling as the structure rights itself and Potemkin stumbles, attempting to shake his head to recover his wits.

It takes a moment of reflection and also a moment to re-evaluate his combat strategy. He eschews giving any sort of compliment - the fact that Rashid just put him on his back foot should be cmpliment enough. Instead he swings his massive fist around in a wide arcing backswing to try and press Rashid back and further away from him to give him a moment to breathe and recover.

COMBATSYS: Rashid blocks Potemkin's Swift Backhand.

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////         ]
Potemkin         1/------=/=======|=======\===----\1           Rashid

[RASHID]
It is like taking on Tremor in Rashid's mind. The deadly ninja did not have the speed of Potemkin, but he was like kicking a brick wall over and over again much like this. All Rashid can do is keep going and chipping away. Take risks while also making sure not to get overconfident.

If anything this is helping him focus on the thoughts that have been gnawing on the back of his mind recently. He is feeling challenged and he feels some confidence come back. No, he didn't defeat FANG, but he also knows he didn't submit and give the man the satisfaction he wanted. His body was poisoned and broken, but his spirit was not.

He brings his arms up to block that backfist, but the power still is enough to send Rashid skidding back across the arena again, but he quickly drops his arms and surges forward. Potemkin doesn't get time to rest. Rashid is coming right at him and the wind is picking up wildly around him.

He leaps forward as he twists about with arms extended. The wind gathering around him and growing stronger as he becomes something of a whirling dervish himself looking to impact against Potemkin and knock him back once more. I combination of strong winds and strikes emerging from them as Rashid looks to throw several spinning fists and kicks while inside that mini tornado.

COMBATSYS: Rashid successfully hits Potemkin with Ysaar Mixer.

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Potemkin         1/------=/=======|==-----\-------\0           Rashid

[POTEMKIN]
It's like a Tornado whipping itself up into a frenzy against the side of a mountain. Potemkin seems suddenly immovable and invulnerable. His white eyes flash, piercin and intense and visible even through the torrent of the dust and debris whipped frenzy caused by the tornado. Rashid's kicks batter against his vast form and then at the last second, Potemkin suddenly reaches forward, lunging through the funnel cloud to grab for Rashid's entire body with both of his semi truck cab filling fiss.

"Impressive! But let us see if I can turn the tide!" he inteons deeply.

The SNF promoters cringe..but they did want the stage Stress Tested.

A successful grab sends Potemkin and Rashid both hurtling skywards, spiraling into the air and then descending back down, dozens of yards, for the surface of the arena and the ball beneath it...

COMBATSYS: Rashid dodges Potemkin's Heavenly Potemkin Buster.

[                \\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Potemkin         0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0           Rashid

[RASHID]
Well the staff did want a stress test, but involving a man like Potemkin was perhaps not the best choice for it. That is why everyone is holding their breath right about now when Potemkin is surging towards Rashid they aren't sure what to expect.

For now they can breath a sigh of relief because Potemkin finds his hands empty once more when he looks to grab the agile opponent. Rashid ducks low while falling backwards into a roll to carry in back a few feet as he pops back to his feet. That was a bit too close, but he seems to have a bit of luck on his side. He is feeling a bit daunted by the fact his assault on Potemkin didn't do as much damage as he hoped, but standing around isn't going to help him. It just means eventually Potemkin will grab him and it....it won't feel good.

Rashid hops forward and takes a few steps before going into a forward roll again. Popping out of it once closer to Potemkin as he kicks his feet out low looking to kick out one of the bigger man's legs out from under him.

COMBATSYS: Potemkin blocks Rashid's Nail Assault.

[                \\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////           ]
Potemkin         0/-------/--=====|=------\-------\0           Rashid

[POTEMKIN]
"Whoolf!" rumbles Potemkin as he slams back down into the arena floor into a crouched stance, having missed his opportunity to truly try and even the score. Rashid is indeed proving to be more slippery then he first anticipated. There have been others of similar keen but the winds seem to truly be with this this fighter.

Rashid's follow up attack seems to be as effective as if the Arab were to try and kick out the base of one of hte pyramids from beneath it. Potemkin is immovable and his enormous legs weather the assault as the goliath suddenly lunges a massive hand down towards Rashid for another grab effort.%^r
As his hand surges in towards Rashid his the metallic rim around his gauntlets opens up and a discharge of pure chi surges through the gauntlet with the intention of unleashing it right into Rashid in a surging rush of heated chi while his hand squeezes the other fighter at the same time..

COMBATSYS: Potemkin successfully hits Rashid with Heat Knuckle Extended.
-* CRITICAL HIT! *-

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////                    ]
Potemkin         0/-------/=======|=======\-------\0           Rashid

[RASHID]
Rashid continues to chop the tree down, but he finds it easier said than done. His feet impact against leg and Potemkin doesn't budge. And it isn't a good place for Rashid to be because he is easily in reach of the big fighter who finally gets ahold of Rashid with his big meaty hand.

The Arab struggles, but he can't squirm free before that blast of heated energy is released and there is a loud cry of pain as he can't get away. This is exactly what he was worried would happen. Finally getting caught in the grasp of his much stronger opponent with little chance to get free. His ribs were already hurting, but after the powerful squeeze combined with that blast of energy has left Rashid weak in the legs and short of breath.

He sucks it in and tries to focus. He can't let that happen again if he can help it. He needs to just take a moment to try and catch his breath and figure out what to try next. Or is it more he just seems to see doing so for a moment makes Potemkin drop his guard.

Rashid quickly sucks in a breath and pushes off his feet. He sails forward before seeming to land on the air as if it is a platform once more and pushes upwards and angles himself down to come spiraling at Potemkin once more and looking to deliver a big Heel onto the top of the bigger man's head.

COMBATSYS: Rashid successfully hits Potemkin with Dash Eagle Spike.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////                   ]
Potemkin         0/-------/=======|=======\=------\1           Rashid

[POTEMKIN]
The gap has been closed but the match isn't over yet and Potemkin is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. He huffs and then draws himself back up to his full height and widens his stance as Rashid goes free from his burning grasp .. and then when the Arab comes back in, Potemkin braces his immense body to weather the assault of his next attack - and again remains yet unmoved.

Grimacing, he reaches up and lunges a massive hand for Rashid once again. To come in close on Potemkin is to risk such things and the monstrous wrestler is quick to try and take advantage of such proximity to him. His hands lunge, attempting to reach up and pull Rashid from overhead and down to the ground once more. This is then followed up by Potemkin swinging his other hand aroun dlike a hammer going for a nail.

Again the arena lurches, cracks showing despite the titans efforts at directing the force of his blows appropriately.

COMBATSYS: Rashid interrupts Grasp And Pound from Potemkin with Ysaar.

[                           \\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Potemkin         1/--=====/=======|===----\-------\0           Rashid

[RASHID]
Another hit, but it feels once more little damage is done. Rashid is feeling out of breath and weakened from the hits he has taken. He isn't sure there is much left in him and another direct hit might be the end of him. Part of him wants to play it safe. Part of him thinks it is best to stay out of reach and try to duck and dodge.

Part of him has had some tough battles in the past where he almost lost his life and it has lead him to take more risks.

No, he isn't worried about Potemkin doing anything like that, but Rashid has realized over the past year he can't just always rely on agility and he has to use the element of surprise. Even when he is grasped there is a bit of a smirk. Sure he gets slammed to the ground and the air knocked out of him, but through it all that smirk shows and Potemkin might realize he may have fallen into something of a trap. The wind is picking up around him and before perhaps that one big hammer down blow could take out Rashid the big man instead is being lifted up off the ground and away from the Arab.

The heavy winds toss him about for a few moments before he is knocked away from Rashid and giving him time to get to his feet. He is a bit wobbly but he is willing himself to keep going. To just give up now would seem like an insult to his opponent who has been giving it his all as well..

[POTEMKIN]
It may be a moot point soon as it's not just Rashid's own assault but Potemkin's own exhaustion that may do him in. He may be able to become a fortress of invincibility but only for a time and not without cost. Now it's catching up to him and in truth it is what will put him down.. But that doesn't mean he lacks the resolve to see this to the end.

"I commend you. YOu've pushed me to my limit, fighter. Whatever path you're on and mission you undedrtake..I wish you well. But first, you must overcome this!!"

Potemkin rears back, cocking a fist and flexing his arm. His bicep swells like someone has stuffed a Buick unde his uniform - and it indeed begins shreding the Zepp limiter suit, ripping it to shreds like so much tissue and revealing the brown skin, not to far from Rashid's own complexion, under neath. He's no machine or robot and the overcoat he wears continues to split apart as his muscles engorge and swell towards truly superhuman and titanic sizes. Before long only his helm remains intact as the gauntlet on the punching fist itself splits asunder and a sudden roar of chi and heat fills the air. The arena begins to buckle from the sheer pressure of the behemoths strength. Pieces falling to Metro Square below.

"MAGNUM...OPERA!!!!"

Potemkin swings and even if he misses, the sheer force of his blow sends a funneling shockwave ripping across the arena, splitting it in half and roaring across the way towards the nearest building, shaking it from the force of the punch..

COMBATSYS: Potemkin can no longer fight.

[                       \\\\\\\  <
Rashid           0/-------/----===|

COMBATSYS: Rashid narrowly escapes Potemkin's Magnum Opera!

[                       \\\\\\\  <
Rashid           0/-------/----===|

[RASHID]
The big man still stands and Rashid can only offer a small smile in response at the words of Potemkin. "Thank you. I graciously accept them." he says and gives a respectful nod to his opponent. He isn't sure if he can remain standing long enough to take down Potemkin, but he will try.

Or he can just stare in awe for several moments as Potemkin swells and muscles bulge. It is quite a sight and he goes a bit wide eyed as he realizes this is not something to just stand and gawk at. He starts to move and when that giant punch is delivered Rashid jumps high and he pushes off the air once more to continue climbing higher as if he is flying once more.

He avoids the strike much to his relief and he has to redirect his landing to a part of the arena that doesn't look like it might break under his weight and send him plummeting down below. He gently touches down as best he can and has himself prepared, but it seems it isn't needed. Potemkin's strike seems like his final one and somehow Rashid finds himself still standing.

"Thank you. You helped me more than you know." This was no easy task and if anything it helped Rashid regain confidence in himself. If he can take on someone like this and somehow find a way to win then he knows he can one day face FANG once more and pay him back for what he did. That day is still a long way away, but sometimes one has to take small steps and in this case Rashid is finding new resolve to keep growing stronger. Then one day maybe he can finally put an end to FANG and Shadaloo as a whole.

COMBATSYS: Rashid has ended the fight here.

Log created on 18:59:18 01/26/2019 by Rashid, and last modified on 22:31:02 01/26/2019.