Match of the Millennium

Description: There is always a little bit of a problem with managing Juri. The taekwondo princess is known for doing what she wants, when she wants, and easily sports the power to back it up. She's tied up in this event in a strange way, because when Jae Hoon is flown all the way out to the luxurious new venue Zack Island for a match with the taekwondoka, it is immediately evident that someone has doctored the brackets to result in something that looks an awful lot like a death sentence instead of a nice relaxing gme of volleyball. Luckily, he's not alone, as someone else noticed the seed tampering. But Cage has a choice in front of him: Join in the fight and potentially disqualify himself from the tournament, or let Jae Hoon handle himself to keep his cover intact.

[JAE HOON]
Zack Island, huh?

Not exactly a destination Jae Hoon could confidently say he is aware of, if anyone inquires to him about it.

A jet away, the location is some distance from Southtown, which honestly makes the endeavour all that more thrilling. A passionate fighter in his own right, there is no denying that the prospect of an exciting match garners his attention, but there is just something special about cozying up on a plane, awaiting the arrival of some far away place that would serve as the hosting grounds.

Fortunately, the skies were crystal clear for the flight in, making the trip and the final landing seamless and smooth. Arriving a day prior, Kim's dutiful scion could have spent his time resting or sight-seeing, but with the true intentions of his purpose here lingering in the forefront of his mind, nothing seemed more important than preparation and training. He'd conducted research regarding his opponent prior to departure; she really is no one to fuss around with.

Thus, the utmost need to be on top of his game has become a priority.

An early night, a full belly, and a hydrated Jae Hoon makes for a successful day.

Bright-eyed and energetic, the salty splash of ocean water kisses his cheeks. The Korean teen arrives at the beach in eager anticipation, warmed by the sunshine twinkling rocks in the sand.

Stationed square between the shoreline and the border of grass is a construction ring, uplifted by metal so that remnants of grit can't catch on the glossy surface of the mat. Bodies are gathered in small groups around the base, chit-chatting among themselves. Alongside them are what appear to be judges, only indicated by their matching uniforms that look utterly stifling in this temperature.

Not like he's one to judge... he's kind of adorned in his own daebok, which isn't always the most breathable at times.

Ah well.

Quietly, and with dark strands being pushed out of his sight, Jae crouches at his assigned corner of the ring; distracted, a bag settles at his feet to which he withdraws a water bottle and stashes his cell phone and shoes. If his challenger arrives shortly after him, he doesn't notice her immediately.

[JURI]
There is an ancient Chinese philosophy known as yin and yang. Two polar opposite forces which at face value seem diametrically opposed to one another yet are intrinsically entwined in destiny. This concept has propagated throughout history into the rest of the world and can be seen represented in almost every culture. The struggle of good against evil, order versus chaos, white intertwined with black in a never ending contest for dominance upon which the balance of the world is maintained.

So perhaps there is a stroke of destiny at work this day. Diligent and honorable, as son of the legendary Kim Kaphwan should be, Jae Hoon finds himself subjected to the first subtle hint of the coming chaos as his opponent fails to show up on time.

At first it might seem that perhaps they're just a minute or two late, which could be entirely understandable. After all, this island is quite large and who could blame someone for losing track of time basking in the warm sunlight or soaking up the beautiful scenery? Zack Island was chosen specifically for its incredible vistas and wide unspoiled beaches.

But then a couple minutes slowly rolls into five minutes and then ten. By now the gathered crowd of spectators, eager to spice up their island vacation with a bit of martial showmanship, have started to mutter the stirrings of discontent. A faint murmur of chatter rises up to overwhelm the pleasant sea breeze and bolstered by its own momentum quickly starts to grow in strength.

By the time half an hour has rolled past and there is still no sign of the missing fighter the crowd has descended into near bedlam. Questions which were quietly shared between friends are now being shouted out loud as anger and confusion spreads. Considering the magnitude of the disrespect and unprofessionalism on display, the judges seem strangely reserved in their reactions to the lateness of Jae's opponent. A few of them seem visibly uncomfortable for some reason while others look just as upset as the crowd. Every so often several of them lean into a small huddle to whisper conspiratorially amongst each other. Their conversations are lost to the din of the masses but judging by their facial expressions and body language they're clearly arguing over something. One of the nervous looking judges shakes his head vigorously in response to something said and after a few more heated words the huddle breaks up again and the judges return to standing around, seemingly at an impasse.

And then something changes.

It's difficult to precisely describe the sensation that one experiences when subjected to the raw unfiltered will of a psychopath. All conversation comes to a sudden and instant halt as a wave of primal and inexplicable terror washes into the crowd. The people all stare silently, wide eyed and mouths agape in a rictus of startled alarm, their instinctive fight-or-flight senses screaming out the highest levels of warning. Yet the cold fingers of dread that have burrowed into their brains leave them all but paralyzed.

The sudden shift in mood is so swift it's almost palpable, a whiplash of emotion from one end of the spectrum to another with no visible cause. And yet there is something responsible for it - or rather, someone.

At the back of the crowd there is a sudden shuffle of movement. The shift is small at first but it takes only a few seconds for the activity to ripple outwards through the throng. Like a magnet of equal polarity passing through a pile of metal shavings, the crowd parts to make way for the passage of a single figure at she slowly stalks towards the stage.

From his elevated position, Kim's son gets a clear look at the source of this sudden psychic turmoil well before she reaches the edge of the arena. A young woman who can't be older than her late teens strides casually forward across the sands. Her features mark her clearly as Korean just like Jae himself and in her current state of attire she looks more like a K-pop model than any sort of martial artist.

Long raven black hair hangs in a loose curtain that drapes all the way down to her waistline while her bangs have been colored a striking neon fuchsia. Unlike a pop star, however, her slender form bears the obvious hallmarks of a well-toned athlete and her movements, while graceful, are those of a slinking predator rather than an upbeat entertainer.

Instead of her typical outfit, Juri has opted for something more appropriate for the weather and locale. A two-piece bikini clings tightly to her shapely body in a mixture of black and neon purple. A thin layer of sheer lacy fabric connects the top and bottom in a web-like pattern that wraps around her sides leaving her abdomen exposed. Across the bust of her top, thick black lines overlay the brilliant purple-pink in a pattern that, at first glance, might seem fairly meaningless but when viewed as a whole creates a stylized image of a long-legged spider.

And yet, while the beautiful young fighter's physical form might be rather captivating, it is the scintillating aura of flickering neon power that has everyone transfixed by her mere presence. Waves of what can only be described as pure malicious killing intent radiate outwards from Juri as she slinks through the crowd. A smugly amused grin twists her lips up at one corner as the civilians part before her, cowering and shivering in silent terror, unable to defend themselves from such a powerful concentration of tainted psycho power. The girl's left eye gleams with a sickly purple light as the Feng Shui Engine hums with power, siphoning the ambient energy from the world around her and to feed her poisonous will.

"My goodness, such an uproar. I didn't realize I had so many...fans."

In the deafening silence of her arrival, Juri's soft voice caresses the senses like an intimate whisper. Her tone is low and velvety, her words spoken like the enticements of a secret lover, full of longing and promises of things not spoken about. Yet beneath the surface of her playful demeanor there is the hint of something sinister and twisted as if the evil that has blackened her soul colors her very words.

Resting a hand on one hip the girl casts her gaze around in a lazy sweep of the area. As that baleful eye passes over each section of the crowd the people tremble and gasp as if cold spectral fingers had run down their spines. Even the judges prove unwilling to meet her gaze, either cowering like everyone else or staring hard at the ground.

"Well then... if there are no objections..."

With her back to Jae, Juri slowly twists at the waist and levels a devilish smirk over her shoulder at her opponent. The blazing power of the eye gleams like a sinister lens flare as she fixes him with her gaze, that unnatural power coming to bear upon his mind like a psychic sledgehammer.

"Shall we get started?"

[JAE HOON]
Jae "Ginger Spice" Hoon says, "Fair!"

A hint that is not so subtle, but chaos all the same, his opponent seems tardy.

Much of the discontented crowd certainly shows their annoyances, clearly eager to get the show on the road. It is a rather curious thing to witness, the sheer disruption of lateness causes, and Jae Hoon can't say he is particularly fond of this kind of behaviour. Subjected to such nonsense all his life, no thanks to his oh-so-courteous elder brother, the Korean teen must seem shocking to those around him, for he really shows no visible signs of disgruntlement.

Outwardly, he is the epitome of calm.

Inwardly, however, there is no denying that this is perhaps just /slightly/ irritating, if only because it looks bad on behalf of his opposite. In a professional standing, none of this shouts diligence or care, and that has to be the most disrespectful part of the whole thing.

Does his fellow martial artist not take any sort of heed to matters such as this? A match, regardless of how tremendously well known the tournament itself, is always something to be treated with the utmost importance.

Not everyone has his level of disposition, however.

Lucky for them, one could suppose.

Despite himself, Kim's scion remains patient, occupying his time with effortless warm-ups and frugal sips of his water in an attempt to drown out the steadily increasing noise of the crowd. Earthly-coloured eyes scan amongst the heads in the hopes of catching sight of his opponent before anyone else, but it is a fruitless effort. Everyone - including himself - are simply pieces on a chess board, awaiting the other team to assemble.

Jae has his back facing the group that begins to stir, but most certainly can he feel the disruption in the air. Like a poisonous whip lashing out, it draws his attention immediately behind him, settling squarely on the space where people part as though a knife were splitting them wide open. The figure that meanders within holds a presence unlike anything he's seen, and while most of the folk around her quiver and shrink, a flare bursts in his chest. An open flame burning, setting ablaze a fierce passion so deeply ingrained within.

What point is there in ignoring the fact that this woman means business? Malice and homicide drip off her like thick paint, radiating around her in an aura unseen by the common eye.

Sinister, indeed...

Steeling himself, the dutiful son of Kaphwan rises from a training stance to his full height, hands clenched tight at his thighs. Handsome Korean features contort as his eyes narrow, homing in on the lady in her approach. Clearly, there is something enticing about her, even if it is poisonous, but he falls short of any expectations of ensnaring his senses. Wits about him, he merely awaits her arrival to the ring.

Almost daringly so, for it is not lost on him that pretty well everyone there can barely meet her sharp gaze. Perhaps too afraid to be drawn in and spliced by whatever power siphoned from her mysterious iris.

"Certainly."

Refusing to bow to her almost suffocating omnipotent stare, fingers simply sweep dark strands from view, clearing all obstacles. Lithe form crouches into a poised fighting position, elbows hinged, his righteous and piercing gaze hovers above his knuckles, set firmly on his opponent. In his peripherals, a referee dares to tip-toe up into the space between them, to offer up a signal for the fight to begin.

Today would be a day truly meant to honour his family, for this woman?

Yeah. She will likely be his toughest adversary yet.

A hand swipes down, and a voice booms out with all the nervousness and confidence that could ever be combined (even as the referee immediately backs entirely away to avoid being collateral damage): "BEGIN!"

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon has started a fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Jae Hoon         0/-------/-------|

[JURI]
The woman's arrogant smirk only grows more pronounced at the stalwart refusal of her opponent to succumb to the killing intent she wears like a cloak, clearly pleased at his eagerness. It would have been a pointless waste of her time to engage in battle with someone so pathetic that a simple display of power could overwhelm them. Like stepping on ants, there is a small amount of satisfaction to be gained in crushing an annoyance that happens to cross your path, to know that you are so utterly beyond the level of such tiny creatures that a simple twist of your heel can end their existence. But entertainment of that sort is in plentiful supply for someone of her power. Tournaments such as this, which draw those who have risen above the common man through training and dedication, are often the only place she can find anything vaguely resembling a worthy expenditure of her own prodigious might.

She expected no less than such honed dedication from the son of the legendary Kim Kaphwan. As a Korean herself who grew up during that man's heyday she heard no end to the praises sung about his incredible talents and strong sense of justice. In the time before her life was irrevocably turned inside out by her father's ill-fated attempt to wield the law against Shadaloo itself, she probably would have considered Kim to be something of a personal hero. Like all children, she took inspiration from the deeds of others, being yet too young to claim any personal accomplishment herself. Tales of daring warriors fighting for the cause of right and good delighted her and to know that such a man had come from her very own people was yet further cause for pride.

How foolish and naive she had been. So confident in the idea that justice and good would always prevail over evil. So convinced that people like her father would bring the villains low by remaining true and honest. So certain that she would one day follow in the footsteps of great men like them.

So utterly wrong.

The flickering nimbus of crackling sinister fire around Juri slowly begins to fade as she releases the gathered energy of the Engine back into the environment. As it disperses the intense psychic pressure likewise begins to wane, her killing intent shrinking from a roaring bonfire down to a flickering subdued candle flame. The ominous glow in her eye is the last thing to go as the Engine lowers its combat readiness from full battle mode down to a passive observation setting. Judging by the data it had gathered from the boy in those few moments, when his fighting spirit had flared in response to her malicious presence, she won't be needing its assistance.

Yet another disappointment.

Closing her eyes, Juri's head slumps slightly and she lets out a resigned sigh. Well, even if she can't get a real fight from this match there's still some entertainment yet to be had. Few things are more satisfying than shattering the egos of plucky young men eager to make their mark on the world. That her victim is the son of someone she once regarded as a hero only makes prospect all the sweeter. Perhaps if she makes him scream loud and pitifully enough his father might pay her a visit. Now /that/ would be quite the interesting encounter.

Crouching in place suddenly, the taekwonista launches herself into a graceful acrobatic flip that carries her all the way into the center of the ring. She lands as nimbly as if she'd hopped in place with her back still to Jae giving him an excellent view of her scantily clad form. She makes a little show of ignoring him as she goes through a few light stretches, bending her body in ways that seem more suggestive than athletic in nature but display her incredible flexibility all the same.

Only now that she is actually in the ring and seems distracted by the unfortunate young man does the referee start to slink forward. Only when the hand sweeps downwards and the cry goes out to signal the start of the match does Juri finally acknowledge her opponent once more, twisting around mid-stretch to smirk lazily at him again. The baleful light of her eye remains dormant but poisonous allure of her soft voice loses none of its wicked edge for its absence.

"Gimme all you got, kid. Let's see if you can break me."

COMBATSYS: Juri has joined the fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0             Juri

[JAE HOON]
Plucky and eager he may be, with the intensive flame of justice burning hot in his belly, the young scion of a legend can only stand witness to the evil that imprinted itself upon the mind of a once innocent being. Having no awareness of his opponent's past, it isn't possible to determine the exact cause for her baleful stares and overwhelming homicidal aura that serves to knock people over like dominoes.

What matters most to him is the desire to tame and bestow correction in honour of his father's name, wherever possible.

A tournament of this stature isn't always the place to do such, for the regulations and rules ground the fight in something more predictable and less personal. Even still, it remains to be a platform where any fighter could shine and inform the world of their truth.

For most, that would be enough.

Jae Hoon, though?

At least, for today, there is no denying that he wishes to bring pride to the Kim name by being a glaring example of what the members of such prestigious blood stand for.

What it means to breathe code, righteousness, and sheer determination.

If Juri's challenger had been the eldest son of Kaphwan, the alluring display of musculature and flexibility would have been a complete distraction and even an opening for candid flirtatiousness. Jae is considerably more down to earth than that, outright refusing to partake in such frivolous behaviours. To him, a match means everything, and shunting integrity to behave animalistically or without honour is just not something to be considered.

So, as she sprawls herself about, the Korean teen simply flexes his palms, digits spreading wide before forming into tight fists. They hover at eye level as he bends semi-low, yet light, on the balls of his feet. The referee signals the beginning of their fight, and he remains rooted for a moment or two, debating.

"I have no intention of breaking you," he begins as he half-circles to her right. "But I will do what it takes to knock that murderous intent down a notch."

And then, he's off.

One step, then another, before he's airborne. Given their height difference, it is not difficult to accomplish an attack from above, should luck be in his favour. Coming at his kin at an angle, the distance closes in, and when it does, he aims a rapid diagonal stomp over her brown meant to topple her halfways into the ring below her feet.

COMBATSYS: Juri blocks Jae Hoon's Hishou Kyaku.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0             Juri

[JURI]
Juri's tongue clicks dismissively at the young man's words, tut-tut'ing his rather predictable and thus boring response to her request for a proper fight. Nothing short of all-out assault is enough to feed her hunger for mayhem. What is the point of a battle if you aren't going to crush your opponent into a bloody quivering heap and gloat over the remains? She isn't here to compare her skills to fellow martial artists or flaunt her talents for the world to see. Juri's only purpose in engaging in these tournaments is the faint glimmering hope that just maybe someone will show up who is actually strong enough to make her feel excitement.

That's right, for all her mysterious femme fatale allure and godlike soul-crushing power, she's just a girl looking for a good time. While her parents were still around to set a forthright example Juri was on track towards becoming a rare breed, the child of a rich man who might do something positive with that inheritance, inspired by her heroes to better herself. After the attack, however, all that money turned into an avenue for hedonistic indulgence.

But as it turns out, the best highs are all natural. As her lust for vengeance led her to train her body into a weapon, Juri discovered that no amount of booze or psychedelics could match the incredible feeling of putting herself at risk against ever greater threats. She sought ever more power if only to climb to even greater heights. And now, standing very nearly at the top of that mountain, it has become increasingly difficult to find satisfaction.

The teen's gaze lazily tracks upwards as Jae Hoon leaps into the air in a graceful bound. She doesn't even bother turning to face him, seemingly content to maintain her casual pose, one hand resting loosely on her hip. The distance between the two warriors closes rapidly but it isn't until the first driving kick snaps down at her from above that Juri finally deigns to react.

The greatest masters of martial arts have a fundamental understanding of the flow of battle. While many younger and more brash fighters tend to be flashy and wasteful with their movements, a true expert can, with a single motion, alter the entire flow of a fight.

One step is all it takes.

With naught but a faint shift of posture, Juri shuffles backwards the span of a single pace. Instead of colliding with the back of her skull, the first of what was intended to be a barrage of painful heel stomps instead slides almost harmlessly past her shoulder merely clipping the pale exposed flesh. As he comes down in this new awkward position, Juri leans into his fall and wraps an arm around his extended leg, catching him on her shoulder in a seated position.

"Well," she purrs, pausing for a moment to peer up at him through the loose magenta of her bangs. "That just won't do."

Juri's grip tightens around the boy's leg, her fingers digging in hard enough to break skin were it not for the protective cloth of his uniform. A manic grin splits her face as she leans forward, whipping him off her shoulder at the ground like he's an oversized mallet at a carnival game and she's aiming for the high score. The force of the swing seems to belie the kind of strength a scrawny little thing like this girl should possess, even accounting for skill and technique, slamming him hard enough into the upraised platform to splinter its surface on impact.

"If you don't take this seriously, I'll just have to kill you! Maybe daddy will come give me a real fight instead! Ahahaha!"

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon blocks Juri's Medium Throw.

[   \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0             Juri

[JAE HOON]
It is a fortuitous thing that this particular assault is not a sequential flurry of blows, for if they all were to miss their mark, surely it'd be somewhat disheartening to the boy so keen on perfecting his skills. This is the nature of fighting, however, and not everything goes to plan.

Which can apply to anything that happens in the span of these moments.

A sharp eye peers over Juri like a watchful hawk observing their prey, noting all the subtle shifts in movement and hints at what could potentially be coming. Only a trained and skilled fighter could pick up on these nuances, using the knowledge obtained through diligent training and experience to turn the tides in their favour.

Having grown up so dutifully stuck to his father's side, Jae Hoon absorbed every teaching like a sponge. Unlike his naturally gifted elder brother, he had to work endlessly and tirelessly to earn his place in the world of martial arts, to even be recognised and acknowledged as a son of Kim Kaphwan.

To be sure, it hadn't been easy, the path he chose to walk, but it is something he carries with immense pride unto this day, and truly has no qualms displaying his drive to be someone worth being proud of.

Each day, he will continue to earn that place. Complacency gets a person nowhere, really.

Thus why he does often take these types of matches and tournaments rather seriously. As it's been alluded to before, it means everything to him to prove himself worthy, and to shine with the honour of his family's name, even this far away from home.

Deft fingers begin to twist around the hardened muscle of his calf and knee, clearly intent on finding purchase there. Suspecting that perhaps this would end up having him tossed elsewhere, the teen swivels his lean form just so that his leg could bend into a hooking motion meant for a kick, but simply utilised to bat the searching hand away. The momentum of this has Jae facing away from his opponent, with enough distance for him to perform a tuck-and-roll over the surface of the mat. He pops back up to his full height a few metres from her, balancing his weight back on to the balls of his feet once again.

"I won't go down as easily as you might hope for."

With an expression that contorts his handsome features into a rather stern scowl, the taekwondojin steps broadly into a light run. Once more, he closes the space between them, with a leg driving up tightly towards the underside of her chin. His heel bursts with a heated flare, the radiating yet concentrated and honed chi intent on burning whatever his foot may lay contact on during his attempt at landing a fierce blow.

COMBATSYS: Juri instinctively dodges Jae Hoon's Hien Zan.

[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0             Juri

[JURI]
Though denied her chance to inflict suffering on the studious scion of her former hero, Juri doesn't seem particularly upset. Her crazed grin settles back into a lazy but predatory smirk as she herself takes up a casual pose, hand returning to its resting spot at her hip as it cocks to one side. It's always more fun when the prey struggles, after all. If she can't get her fun with a life or death struggle then picking the wings off this little fly is a decent substitute.

"You misunderstand," the girl says, her voice velvety and seductive again. "I couldn't be happier than for you to prove me wrong and give me a good fight."

Juri remains obnoxiously smug in the face of her opponent's serious glower, completely unconcerned by whatever motivations might be driving him to do his best. The simple fact of the matter is that this daddy's boy isn't a threat to her, no matter how much discipline or focus or heroic spirit he might muster up. He could have practiced every waking moment since the day he could walk, thrown the same kicks a hundred thousand times, ingrained every technique and tactic his legendary father could possibly cram into his little sponge brain into his very muscle memory. Whatever his preparations, they weren't enough to make him ready to face a monster like her.

As Jae once more rushes to close the gap, his opponent again seems unconcerned. The taekwonista once more remains nonchalantly stationary until the last moment before moving. With a display of grace and timing that borders on supernatural, Juri twists her upper body to one side, leaning backwards like a reed bending in a sudden breeze. The flaming kick slams fiercely into the space that her head just occupied, thoroughly ravaging that patch of empty air in a rather flashy display of burning spiritual power.

The dodge looked so smooth and natural it was as if she had practiced it beforehand, known precisely what he was going to do even before the flames sparked to life around his foot. And in a way, that is true. Though the Feng Shui Engine might not be funneling its prodigious power into her body at the moment, it yet remains the world's most complicated and advanced battle computer. Utilizing theories and sciences that she couldn't even hope to understand, the eye analyzes her opponents in real time, forming predictive algorithms. The way he breathes, the posture of his body, the timing of his reactions, the movements of his eyes, the flex of his muscles - these and so many countless other little details are compiled at astonishing speed to create a near perfect model. Often times, when there is enough data available, she can tell what someone is going to do before they even do themselves.

So it is with deceptive ease that the girl casually evades his kick for Jae Hoon has been nothing if not diligent in his pursuit of honor. Every tournament that he has participated in, every exhibition match, every single time there has been footage available to study, Shadaloo has gathered it up and fed it into the Engine. So it is with any fighter who manages to make break through the ranks and distinguish themselves. Even if she wasn't a walking Category Five natural disaster - how do you fight a machine that knows you better than yourself?

Grinning from ear to ear, Juri's flexible evasion swiftly morphs into a brutal counter attack. She continues to allow herself to fall backwards, lightly hopping off one foot once her center of gravity has shifted far enough. Suspended upside down in midair, her long leg snaps up in a vertical slashing kick at Jae Hoon. Searing neon magenta power erupts to life around her lower leg, sheathing her shin in its own burst of flame-like energy. Whether he is swift enough to back step out of the path of her scything strike is irrelevant for the true danger of the attack is unleashed as destructive wave of psycho power.

"But you'll have to do much better than that if you want to get me excited!"

COMBATSYS: Juri successfully hits Jae Hoon with Fuhajin.

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Jae Hoon         1/-----==/=======|====---\-------\0             Juri

[JAE HOON]
How intriguing, this effortless yet swift and simple dodge.

The air around his foot puffs from the heat radiating off his heel, colliding with nothing. Juri's lithe body manages to steer entirely clear of the incoming attack, and with complete ease. That level of precision certainly takes a level of honed skill, and with such a display, it is quite possible that Jae has overestimated his own abilities today.

It is not difficult to note when one could potentially be outmatched, and there definitely lingers some uncertainty about whether this is one of those scenarios or not. It's not as if he is aware or privy to the fact that there are just some forces hiding in the shadows gathering countless tidbits of data and feeding them to their warriors. At least, not any that are glaringly obvious just now.

How would he know anything about his opponent's interpersonal connections, anyway?

And truly, it is only when, in the moments after, that he realises that this fight will be considerably more difficult to rise above than originally anticipated.

She is quick, with a body poised like a viper ready to strike venom into the hearts of her challengers - or prey, in this case. In an airborne position, her descending kick should be something relatively easy to deflect. The taekwondojin contorts his lean frame to brace for the incoming onslaught, but he miscalculates and falls short of the mark, allowing for the destructive chi to come barrelling down into him.

The neon-coloured energy-flames singe away at the arm guards secured to his forearms, leaving the flesh underneath utterly exposed to the heat of their impact. An intense psycho power bursts magenta before his very eyes, thrashing his arm uselessly downwards with a vicious momentum that could have easily broken the bones should he not have properly prepared. The intensity of the blow harshly sends Jae Hoon down onto his knees and into the mat with all the air pushed from his lungs, his sternum aching dully from the force.

For a few moments, he remains downed, only managing to push himself to his palms and knees to allow himself breathing room. But he only stays long enough to gather one or two breaths before the roaring spirit within surges through him anew.

"If killing is what gets you excited... then I will absolutely disappoint you."

A determined burst of quickened energy brings the Korean boy right back up and into Juri's personal space by way of a roundhouse that splits his form nearly in two, thanks to impressive flexibility. A heel would aim to snap up under her chin, followed up by another succeeding kick that shoots out from a back flipping motion Jae hopes to create through utilising the momentum of pushing off the floor mats beneath the pads of his finger tips. The aim of the game is to send his adversary flying away with the final blow, but whether luck is on his side or not is questionable at best.

[JOHNNY CAGE]
FADE IN.

ZACK ISLAND - NIKI BEACH - CONTINUOUS

Enter JOHNNY CAGE.

The Dead or Alive Tournament's most famous sign-up is on his way! Well, it's kind of weird the way he's on his way because the Hollywood Superstar is riding one of those super annoying beach ready segways. He's shirtless, of course, because he's on the beach and showing off that 'JOHNNY' tattoo across his chest with all the pride of a man that has no shame. Sunglasses are on, of course, and his winning smile is in full effect.

The Badass in Beach Shorts is deftly controlling that segway with one hand because his other hand has his camera up and out because he's very likely live-streaming his beach ride.

JOHNNY CAGE
And to all my fans out there, just know, that I'm bringing this tournament home, baby! Another win for your superstar, and mine, JOHNNY CAGE!

Johnny finishes recording and swipes off his phone. The segway stops moving and he takes a breather for a moment. He's likely been riding and streaming for quite sometime now, probably. Just taking a tour of the island and definitely not using his live streams and videos as a way to do some twisted selfie-flavored recon of the Island. That makes absolutely no sense! He's just an actor!

The sounds of fighting cause him to perk up though.

JOHNNY CAGE
Uh oh. I smell drama.

Johnny Cage steers that segway (at top speed) across the sand and off in the direction of the fight that seems to be in full swing. And what a full swing that is.

Cage turns his camera back on and starts recording the fight from this weird selfie angle that's allowing for himself and the fight to be in the same shot.

JOHNNY CAGE
This is Johnny Cage right back at you guys! I'm still on the island but this time we got us a fight going! Check it out!

Johnny turns the camera back to fully capture some of the battle between Juri and Jae Hoon, whilst checking some Tournament Bracketing on his phone. His eyes narrow and something looks a little 'off'. That phone gets put away and Johnny Cage is back in front of his recording.

JOHNNY CAGE
Alright guys, listen, if there's one thing I love about tournament fights is that they are fair fights! And DoA is definitely no different! Everybody's been paired off beautifully and this tournament has been great!

Johnny Cage takes the camera and starts setting it up on the stand he has attached to the segway to record himself and the fight.

JOHNNY CAGE
But I think the computer or whatever made a little mistake with this one.

Johnny thumbs over his shoulder to the battle at hand.

JOHNNY CAGE
I know I probably shouldn't get involved because rules but I just /know/ the DoA Top Brass wouldn't want to lose such a hot ticket as Johnny Cage just for trying to fix a computer error. /Right?!/

It almost seems like Johnny Cage is talking directly at the DoA Top Brass that he's sure are going to watch this video.

Johnny grins and pulls down his sunglasses for a moment.

JOHNNY CAGE
Besides. We all know how Johnny Cage feels about rules, right?

Johnny winks.

JOHNNY CAGE
Ruck Fules.

Another plug for some Johhny Cage merch, the 'Ruck Fules' t-shirt now available on ILoveJohnnyCage.com. Just click on the Merch Store and get your 'Ruck Fules' t-shirt today!

JOHNNY CAGE
It's Showtime!

Johnny grins and pushes his sunglasses back up on his face and turns to run towards the ring where Juri and Jae Hoon are engaged in vicious battle.

That red recording light blinking (helpfully) as it records all of this madness.

CUT TO:

COMBATSYS: Juri instinctively dodges Jae Hoon's Hou-yoku Ten-Shou Kyaku EX.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Jae Hoon         0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0             Juri

[JURI]
Juri once again making it look easy as she avoids an attempt at determined reprisal from the young Kim.

Landing lightly from her graceful backflip, the teen casually rolls her body upright and into her infamous fighting pose. Standing on one leg, the other raised up in front of her like a shield, she balances stork-like in a posture that looks more like some kind of meditative kata or an action pose designed to sell movie ticket rather than anything that would give her a useful advantage in combat. But, appearances can be deceiving, as she quickly demonstrates.

When the impressively acrobatic lunge sends Jae Hoon crashing forward to engage, his target yet again proves frustratingly one step ahead. From Juri's perspective, the Engine traces the probable path of the boy's counter attack, feeding that data into her mind as white ghost-like silhouettes across her vision. A dozen potential scenarios play out in the blink of an eye, each one quickly considered against a host of criteria and subsequently discarded until the most likely outcome is determined. As usual, the battle computer's predictive models are frighteningly accurate.

To those unaware of her special little toy, Juri's reaction speed might make her seem somehow prescient; either simply so ridiculously talented at fighting that she can read him like an open book or actually able to read his mind. Regardless of the source of her talent, the young taekwonista once more makes her opponent look almost clownishly slow as she snaps her hanging foot down onto the arena and propels herself in a quick sideways hop that carries her clear of smashing roundhouse kick and its subsequent flaming reversal.

Needless to say, this leaves the poor kid in something of an unfortunate position. Whiffing a big attack like that is always bad, even when evenly matched against an opponent that isn't some kind of nightmarish sadist that gets their jollies from inflicting pain and humiliation on anyone unfortunate enough to cross their path. But that is precisely what Juri is and there isn't a snowball's chance in hell she's going to pass up such a golden opportunity.

The hopping evasion flows smoothly into a ballerina-like pirouette as Juri whips around to stand behind the spot where her victim will come regrettably plummeting back to earth via the laws of gravity. But something gives her a brief pause as she does so, a silent alert that resounds in her mind as the Feng Shui Engine detects something unexpected.

Shifting her head slightly to toss a quick glance in the direction of the warning, she catches sight of perhaps the most recognizable fool on the entire planet - except maybe Zack when he puts on one of his ridiculous costumes. Helpfully, this particularly idiot has tattoo'd his own name across the front of his chest - so that he can look down and remember it when he isn't wearing a shirt with one of those little stickers that says "Hi, my name is..." she presumes. Yet for all his buffoonery, the one, the only, the real Johnny Cage, is yet another example of books and covers that don't quite match up. His skills are on the level and, while no match for someone like her, he's got a lot more experience than this little whelp.

And he seems to be on a direct path straight through the crowd, sprinting at a dead run as if he plans to throw himself into the fray. How interesting. Maybe this fight can provide her with a little entertainment after all. Yes, crushing the ego of a blowhard like Cage sounds very appealing!

Juri's tongue dances quickly across her lips as if she just caught whiff of a full course meal. But, before dealing with the actor, she has a foolish upstart to teach a lesson. Making this boy scream will set an excellent back drop for the so-called action hero. She so does love playing the role of a villain.

Flashing a maniacal grin at the interloper, the girl whirls in place as Jae Hoon begins to drop from his flipping kick. One of her legs swings out in a wide arc, aiming to catch him square across the back as he drops and hook him into the crook of her knee. She spins a full rotation on her heel and, if her victim is in tow, slams him hard onto the mat.

"Weak! So weak! Ahahaha!"

A small hop carries Juri into the air and she decides to prove precisely how serious she was in her previous threats as her heel comes smashing down like a hammer onto the space between Jae's shoulder blades with pulverizing force. While she could easily snap his spine with the power at her command, there's no fun in taking him out so quickly and cleanly. And though she holds back, she's not content to land merely one such potentially crippling blow. Bouncing up from the first kick to drive a second in the small of his back the twisted girl cackles with violent glee as she backflips off him like a trampoline - unless he can conjure up a miracle to save himself, of course.

COMBATSYS: Juri knocks away Jae Hoon with Weakened Assatsu Geri.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Jae Hoon         1/------=/=======|======-\-------\0             Juri

[JAE HOON]
It seems his efforts are entirely fruitless in ways unexplained. Is it just his lacking ability to get ahead of her game that is causing his scramble, or is it simply the fact that this madness driving her forth is just too maniacal for him?

After all, despite his unending experience in the contained room of a dojang, he is only a little budding sprite in the world of professional fighting. There are many personalities, skills, and the like that can outmatch him completely, and perhaps this is just one of those moments, for his lack in ability of landing a solid blow on Juri provides the proof.

Still, Jae Hoon is nothing if determined, continuing to head in without the distraction of any incoming surprises laying outside the realm of their one-on-one.

The foot comes crashing in, and settles in the air instead of the intended place.

Damn...

Having clearly miscalculated, the Korean teen shows no evidence of panic in the split seconds between his impending flaming foot and when his opponent closes in on him once more.

The trajectory of her assault has no margin for error. It slams next to the sensitive column of his spine, immediately rippling pain all through the corresponding shoulder blade and the nerves surrounding it, as well as the entirety of his rib cage rattling upon impact with the mat. Thoroughly winded once more, with palms spread wide over the surface, he's barely grasped at a couple of ragged breaths before another kick drives over his lower spinal area. Not enough to cause any permanent damage, but certainly there will be a smattering of ugly bruises likely already forming over the thin layers of skin that linger just underneath the fine cloth of his daebak.

The world spins.

Every raw surface of his body trembles slightly as the adrenaline courses hot in his veins, rattling him in its attempt to staunch the pain.

He groans into the taut fabric of the mat, cheek pressed tight against it as he feebly pulls air into his lungs. Feeling a little more than rough, his upper torso wobbles upward so that his weight can distribute evenly on his forearms and elbows. Cheekbone already coloured with deep purple bruising, with piercing brown irises that cast their gaze intently across the stretch of the ring, it is only for a beat that he notices a body embarking on a mission through the crowd on their way to the fight.

No matter. No distraction.

Slowly, he uses every bit of effort to raise his body into a proper seated position. Without tearing a single eye from Juri, even with their intensity slightly shrouded by dark eyebrows, he allows his energy to shift. To cocoon itself. To prepare.

To be calm, for the potential incoming storm that awaits him.

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon enters a meditative state.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Jae Hoon         1/-----==/=======|======-\-------\0             Juri

COMBATSYS: Johnny Cage has joined the fight here on the left meter side.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////                 ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/-------|=======\==-----\1         Jae Hoon
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             0/-------/-======|

COMBATSYS: Johnny Cage has joined the fight here on the right meter side.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Jae Hoon         1/-----==/=======|-------\-------\0      Johnny Cage
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             0/-------/-======|

COMBATSYS: Johnny Cage has joined the fight here on the left meter side.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////                 ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/-------|=======\==-----\1         Jae Hoon
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             0/-------/-======|

[JOHNNY CAGE]
INSERT - JOHNNY CAGE'S SNEAKERS

Those expensive and custom designed Cage Kicks, in the black and purple flavor, touch down on the mat with a dramatic flair. While the focus of this shot is on the expensive Cage Kicks (in stores now), in the background we can see Jae Hoon in that seated position he chose.

This means Johnny Cage has put himself between Juri and Jae Hoon.

SHOT - MICHAEL BAY SPIN

The shot revolves around Johnny Cage, panning upward on the entire rise, making sure to get some very clear and awesome shots of his beach shorts and the JOHNNY tattoo and then his smug smile that's only given more smugness thanks to the expensive sunglasses on his face. Johnny Cage takes this crucial introduction moment to pose with some annoyingly stylish flair and offers a pair of finger guns in Juri's direction.

FREEZE FRAME - ON JOHNNY CAGE

TEXT: HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER!

As the freeze frame ends, Johnny Cage almost immediately goes into his first section of witty banter. Nobody invades a fight without coming with some one-liners.

JOHNNY CAGE
Oh hey! Pippi Longstocking! I didn't know you were in town!

The Hollywood Supertar is probably going to make things worse but that's kind of his MO. He even looks down at Juri's feet and makes a slightly disgusted face.

JOHNNY CAGE
Oh god, please tell me you're free-footin' it out here because of the sand and the beach? I don't think I can handle any weird fetishes at the moment.

Another big grin from Johnny Cage as he starts to pull himself into one of his many fighting stances. This is the one he uses in all of his Thunder Rally films. It's a good one to use in a fight like this because it shows off the tatt. It also gives him a moment to try and talk to Jae Hoon over his shoulder quickly.

JOHNNY CAGE
(to Jae Hoon)
Psst. I'm here to Luke Skywalker you. If you got any fight left in you, now's the time to Super Saiyan it up.

Johnny Cage looks back at Juri and swings his arms around in an overdramtically stylized kata that ends with one arm outstretched and his fist turned upward towards the sky. Johnny Cage smirks as the middle finger rises on that fist and beckons Juri to: Bring It On.

CUT TO:

[JURI]
Were she concerned with winning this match then perhaps Jae's tenacity might give his tormentor cause for concern or irritation. But if anything, Juri seems all the more pleased at his disciplined response to what very well could have been a life-destroying injury had she wished it to be. The soft moan of pain that slips unbidden through his clenched teeth is like a drug to the demented teen her eyelids droop slightly with lazy pleasure at the sound.

Chipping away at the pride and egos of the stalwart and the brave is something of an art which she has spent years perfecting. Those who are skilled and strong are quite often well aware of their own potential. It isn't uncommon for success to lead to an excess of confidence, particularly among young men, for whom such martial prowess is a badge of honor and manliness. They hold images in their mind of what a proper warrior should look like, conjure up elaborate dreams of glory and fame to drive them to ever greater heights, and play out fantasies of facing down ever more brutal and impressive foes.

How many, do you wonder, ever imagined that their most crushing defeat would come about at the hands of a teenage girl? Judging by the expressions of utter shock and disbelief of the many such delusional fools she has ground beneath her heels that number is probably zero. And, oh, how sweet it is to listen to the lamentations of shattered machismo and crushed male pride. Beating up girls just can't even come close to comparing to that giddy flutter that dances around in her stomach to see a man broken and begging at her feet.

To her great frustration, the man who's face she'd most like to smack the smugness off of has thus far proven one of the few people on this planet that can actually surpass her nigh demi-godlike power; the selfsame bastard responsible for killing her parents and driving her to the madness that now grips her revenge-blackened heart. The utter humiliation of being repeatedly cast down by Vega grinds at her nigh constantly, a persistent unreachable itch that does nothing to lessen her propensity for wanton violence. Worse perhaps is being spared by the psychotic warlord with the full knowledge that he is both aware of her designs to ruin him and utterly unconcerned. With his disregard the man has inflicted upon her the most grievous insult she has yet ever received - to be ignored.

Thus it is with petty glee that Juri inflicts her torments upon the young Kim and watches with eager anticipation of yet more sadistic expressions of her favorite pastime as he struggles to endure with stoic resolve.

Fortunately for Jae Hoon, a target whose ego and pride are as unto his own as the Titanic is to a tug boat cheerfully hurls himself into the arena like a matador with a red cape. Juri's attention is drawn quite thoroughly onto the boisterous interloper, her lazy smirk widening a few notches as the actor unloads with both barrels of his verbal shotgun rather than attempting to take a shot at her while she was momentarily distracted. Though she knows him only by reputation, Johnny Cage's ego is already far exceeding her expectations.

Leaning forward in an overtly seductive manner, the teenager slinkily arches her back and thrusts her modest, if scantily clad, chest out. Her hands rest lightly against her bare thighs and begin a slow and immodest journey up the front of her torso, tracing the lacy web-like spider design of her swimsuit in ways that are definitely inappropriate for cable television.

"What's the matter, hot shot? Am I too kinky for you to handle?"

Juri practically purrs the words, her low silky voice caressing the libido of every man within earshot like soft velvet.

"Well, don't you worry... my kicks will make you feel real good!"

Moving with the speed of a viper that was laying in wait, Juri suddenly shifts her weight backwards and pivots on one heel. One of her bare feet whips up, her leg snapping out with such speed that most people probably can't even track the movement. There isn't a great deal of force behind the strike - in fact, she isn't even really aiming to hurt the blowhard physically so much as strike an opening blow to his galaxy-sized ego. With only the tips of her toes, she rakes a swift but precise swipe at the front of Cage's face, trying to snatch the expensive shades right off the man's face.

[JAE HOON]
What could be considered interesting about someone of Jae Hoon's stature is, in fact, the lack of ego his opponent seems to be expecting from him.

Certainly, there is an expectation the young fighter places rather harshly upon himself, if only because it continues his drive to be respectable, honourable, and deserving of the Kim family name. Pressures around the legendary name his father holds are considerably high, especially of those from his own esteemed household. With someone naturally born and graced by talent, his elder brother has no troubles carving himself into the world. However, the ego that seems to stem from that mentality is rather gargantuan, and triple-fold what his sibling boasts.

Through the desire to prove himself, the youngest scion strives to be strong, not because he wants to be the best there ever could be in a fighter. To be someone his father can be proud of, regardless of whether he accomplishes ultimate perfection of taekwondo or not, is always at the forefront of his mind.

After all, there is always something to be learned from.

The humblest of Masters know this to be true.

Contemplating this while containing himself in a calm meditative state allows his mind to heal somewhat from the fractures his opponent is attempting to break apart. A mind of resolution isn't always easy to penetrate, nor is it something that can be stamped out like a low flickering candle. Even if he walks away unsuccessful today, the knowledge of a lesson well learned gives him the strength to continue onwards.

Though, their match is unexpectedly joined by a presence he couldn't have anticipated.

Eyes blinking in rapid succession, the teenaged boy pulls from his reverie to glance upwards, taking in the tattooed form standing between himself and Juri. All too familiar is the celebrity before him, who could be recognised by even the most casual of martial arts fans.

If they weren't in the middle of a match, surely Jae Hoon would fanboy a little bit over who is siding with him today, but he keeps all composure, even when Cage leans down to provide verbal support in the moments before he engages in combat.

"Of course."

Breaking entirely of his inward focus, Kaphwan's youngest rises to his feet. In this time, their challenger has deemed it fit to display herself for the male audience, though he most definitely isn't - and won't - pay attention to that nonsense.

Just how perverted does she take him for?

Brushing off the worn fabric over the knees of his daebak, hands rise into fists at eye level once more, though it seems that the moments he's taken to do this has been more than enough for Juri to launch an assault at his comrade in arms. Brow creasing, Jae lingers just to the right of Johnny, hopefully in peripheral sight, in anticipation of being able to land a blow at the right moment.

Which, he finds, snug right as she's thrusting out a swiftly aimed kick towards the hotshot Cage.

When he guesses that her attentions are split, he bends halfways with intent to direct a flurry of side kicks into her midsection. Five at the most will hit her, if he times himself well, and /if/ he has finally managed to seek out a weak spot in her defenses.

COMBATSYS: Johnny Cage blocks Juri's Weakened Light Kick.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////                  ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/------=|=======\=------\1         Jae Hoon
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             0/-------/=======|

[JOHNNY CAGE]
EXTERIOR - NIKI BEACH - CONTINUOUS

Johnny Cage looks absolutely appalled at the words headed in his direction by the likes of Juri. He's already wearing his sunglasses but even brings a hand up to shield his eyes from the asinine movements that shouldn't be happening in this day and age. Somebody's going to have to get some censorship bars or something. Sheesh.

JOHNNY CAGE
Okay, first of all, you're like twelve so: Gross.

Johnny Cage doesn't allow himself to be distracted by Juri's words as he backs up some to give himself some room. He knows all about the different levels of witty banter and when it is being used for evil.

Sometimes, he's the one using it for evil.

INSERT - JURI'S CRUSTY FOOT

It comes sailing up towards Johnny Cage's immaculate face and it looks like it's going to strike true but Johnny Cage's wrist it up to take the brunt of that toe flavored kick in his direction.

JOHNNY CAGE
Whoa! Hey, let's watch the face, huh? I've got to be on set in like five minutes. I can't walk in there looking like your pedicure.

Johnny Cage's random banter is dropped as he rolls on his heels to give himself some space... and also motion with a wink and a nod in Jae Hoon's direction to make sure the tandem attacking starts up. They're going to have to work together on this one.

As Johnny finishes rotating out of the bulk of harm's potential way, the ego-driven movie star follows up Jae Hoon's lead with one of his most signature moves. No power up needed as he extends a leg and slides across the mat, Johnny Cages trailing behind him, as he aims to slam into Juri with his own super stylish sneaker!

JOHNNY CAGE
Wah!

CUT TO:

COMBATSYS: Juri dodges Jae Hoon's Shakka Shuu.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////                  ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/-------|=======\==-----\1         Jae Hoon
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             0/-------/=======|

COMBATSYS: Johnny Cage successfully hits Juri with Shadow Kick.
Glancing Blow

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////                  ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/----===|=======\==-----\1         Jae Hoon
[  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             1/-------/=======|

[JURI]
Juri is, in fact, not twelve though her behavior might be akin to that of a spoiled child at times. Were she to have never been found by Shadaloo and used in their twisted experiments to create the Eye then she might very well have just been another worthless socialite, spending her days pissing away her fortune on booze, drugs, and other hedonists excesses. Unfortunately for the world, Vega has a rather perverse sense of humor and turning the child of one of the most staunch defenders of justice into an unhinged lunatic by infusing her with his own power is pretty high on the cosmic irony charts.

With Cage now thoroughly hogging the spotlight, as is his wont, most of the super-powered teen's attention is given to her new plaything. Her smile widens as they exchange verbal salvos like a pair of battleships maneuvering into position, two titanic egos circling each other for a chance to unleash a full broadside. In classic school ground fashion, Cage chooses to fixate on some of her physical features with his barbs. A solid strategy if the person being insulted is sensitive to such things but Juri is all too aware of the womanly allure that she possesses.

Sadly, her attempt at a more pointed rebuttal is deflected and both the boy and his blow-hard ally chose to abandon banter for some rough housing. As both of the warriors launch themselves at her, the teen's left eyes twinkles faintly with a purple flare. Despite having her attention mostly focused on the action star, Juri has not completely forgotten about the Kimlet. Even before her leg has finished its rapid snap at Cage's schnoz she's already flowing into a sideways roll that could only have been intended from the start. While it might not be much of a stretch to realize that his decision to attack in a moment of perceived distraction could easily have been anticipated or even baited into action by the sadistic girl, the manner of her evasion once again suggests near prescient levels of foresight.

But it turns out that Jae's efforts might not have been entirely without impact. Forced to divide her attention, if even a little, Cage's blindingly quick power slide across the mat proves just quick enough to get a little piece of the aggravating and elusive target. Hopping into a backwards leap immediately from her sideways roll, Juri grimaces slightly as the kick glances off the side of her slender shin. The impact staggers her motion somewhat, forcing her to rapidly backpedal a few steps and tumble to one knee.

"Well, this is hardly fair, ganging up on a girl like that."

There is no anger or concern that colors Juri's voice as she speaks. She smiles openly but there is no warmth to be found in that expression, only the feverish hints of the madness boiling beneath the surface of her calm facade.

"But if you two want to play rough then I can certainly oblige..."

From her crouched position it is a simple matter for the girl to launch herself into a flying lunge. She moves with the speed of a roaring missile, practically blurring as she dives into the space between Cage and Jae Hoon. But her attack does not come immediately - instead she darts straight through the gap and only when behind them does she whirl around and prepare to unleash fresh suffering. Were either of them able to keep track of her blinding movements and turn to see her face in the brief heartbeat before she lashes out, they would get a momentary glimpse of the sadistic demon lurking behind her pretty mien.

Not wanting to ruin the fun too quickly, Juri chooses to turn her attentions to the fresh meat this time. From behind Cage, her foot smashes towards the small of his back like a piston, a sheathe of blazing neon psycho power imbuing the devastating kick with the force of a miniature wrecking ball.

[JAE HOON]
Teamwork.

Such a sure-fire way to increase the chances of success.

Having someone as famous as Johnny Cage on his side through this would certainly amp up their game, marginally so if luck is on their side. Even if many may not consider it to be such an honour to fight against a bit of an egomaniac like his new companion, Jae Hoon will absolutely take up arms with someone of his stature.

And, really, anyone who is quick to dispose of evil or intending to bestow justice on those who rightfully deserve it. It's not as if he's privy to the terrible life Juri has led, but there is no denying the stench of homicide and ruin that radiates from every bit of her aura.

So, excited to prove himself to a big shot - and even slightly encouraged by the offered wink and playful nature - though his blow is entirely dodged, by whatever means that provides her with this incredible insight, he feels tremendous relief in the opening he has created for his teammate. Handsome features brighten up like a star as Cage is able to not only block an advance from her, but also manages to sneak in a hit that serves to offset her, if only a little.

"Excellent work!" Jae praises, regardless of the pride-stroking he is doing by saying so. A well landed hit deserves compliments. Eager to get back on his feet, his weight shifts through light bouncing as he relocates and repositions in the space next to the newcomer. Just maybe, there's a chance at leveling out the playing field here!

Maybe.

In what appears to be a flash, there's motion suddenly blurring in the space between them. It causes the young Korean teen to stiffen his posture, though his irises remain curious in their wandering in order to keep a close eye on their opponent. Whirling around, it is only through his peripherals that he sees Juri posturing to unleash a rather terrible assault to Johnny's backside.

"Watch out!" comes the cry, though whether it is too late or not is uncertain.

What he does know is that in a feeble attempt to buy his teammate some reaction time, he goes in for the kill, so to speak. After a simple half-skip back to allow himself proper movement, a leg kicks sideways and out, aiming right for the side of his kin's ribcage and upper torso area, intending to throw her back and away from Johnny entirely.

COMBATSYS: Johnny Cage fails to counter Kasatsushu from Juri with Mime Time.
- Power fail! -
*KNOCKED AWAY*

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////                 ]
Johnny Cage      1/----===/=======|=======\==-----\1         Jae Hoon
[   \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             1/---====/=======|

[JOHNNY CAGE]
TEXT: IT'S MIME TIME!

Johnny Cage is feeling it. He's in the zone. That's the kind of egotistical asshole that he is, y'know. When he's feeling it, he's feeling it. And that's what's happening right now... and also keeping him from paying any attention to what may or may not be about to happen to him.

It may. Oh it may. But we'll get there in a second.

For the moment, Johnny Cage is taking a moment to look in Jae Hoon's direction and offer one of those celebratory fistpumps to show that he's loving this whole teamwork idea. He's even going for the Chef's Kiss motion. It's a whole big deal.

But then...

INSERT - JOHNNY CAGE'S BACK

One of those bad pedicures comes sailing at the small of said back.

Johnny Cage realizes it too late but attempts to activate his Cinematic Chi to create a Mime Box around himself but it's no use. It shatters (not that anyone can see it) and that Taekwonfoot connects full force with the back of Johnny Cage.

X-RAY: JOHNNY'S SPINE

There are quite a few bones shattering from impact. Oof.

Johnny Cage's body goes sailing clear to the other side of the mat where he smacks into ground, hard, and rolls with some incredible pain.

He's still breathing but damn. He's going to be down for a little bit.

CUT TO:

COMBATSYS: Juri fails to interrupt Medium Kick from Jae Hoon with Kaisenrenkyaku.
-* CRITICAL FAIL! *-

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////                 ]
Johnny Cage      1/----===/=======|=======\===----\1         Jae Hoon
[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             1/---====/=======|

[JURI]
The thud of impact as Juri's foot connects with its target is so forceful that it creates an almost palpable wave that radiates through the crowd of onlookers. The spectators cringe in unison as the actor's body bends backwards several degrees further than it probably is supposed to, bowing around the sledgehammer of force. Time seems to slow to a crawl for a few moments, a plume of magenta flame erupting from his belly as the psycho power blasts completely through him like a ghostly eruption before sending the smug actor sailing bodily across the arena.

Once again, Jae's participation in the melee proves equal part ineffective and helpful. His cry of warning to his unexpected ally comes too late - or it might be more appropriate to say that their opponent is simply too fast, her speed and reflexes on an entirely different level than their own. Yet while Johnny suffered the full brunt of the girl's cruel assault providence proves to be on the boy's side as he once more attempts to intervene.

Knowing full well that the hero wannabe will move to try and strike at what he perceives to be an opening in her defenses yet again, Juri's predatory gaze lingers not on broken older man but Jae. The deadly gleam in her eye twinkles even as she sends the first of her opponents flying away, already beginning to flow into another attack that will catch the overly eager boy unawares.
%tHowever, as it is wont to do at the absolute worst of times, a sudden alarm screams klaxons into her mind. The HUD across her vision ripples and distorts, the augmented reality overlay fragmenting into a hazy array of chaotic information. A spark all but explodes from the front her left eye as the Feng Shui Engine malfunctions, discharging uncontrolled power into the air to avoid an overload.
%r "Argh?!"

Recoiling in pain and surprise from the unexpected interruption, Juri is thrown momentarily off balance as she crouches low to the ground, preparing to unleash a rising counter-strike after slipping below the incoming kick. Instead Jae's foot catches her square in the side of the head, unleashing a considerable blow directly into the malicious teenager's face.

Apparently whatever power she possesses does not protect Juri fully in that moment. Caught completely vulnerable, the blow sends her reeling backwards with a cry of shock, knocking the look of sadistic smugness right off.

For a few brief moments, the young girl lies still. Stretched out flat on her face, her arms and legs splayed out in random directions, it seems at first as if the lucky strike might very well have simply knocked her clean out.

Would that these two poor souls have been so lucky.

Something in the air changes, a stifling stillness spreading out like an oppressive blanket. Juri stirs, her fingers curling up with an ominous slowness into tight balls. She says nothing as she slowly pushes up to her hands and knees, hunched over and trembling like a wounded animal. There is the brief possibility that his fortunate blow had harmed her more than expected, that she might be too punch-drunk and woozy to fight any longer. But no, the truth is far worse, for it is not weakness that sees her shake thus - but raw barely restrained fury.

Rising to her feet, the girl finally turns to face her opponent's once more. Though Cage had managed to grab her attention with his ridiculous personality and the promise of a potentially entertaining fight, Juri's gaze is laser-focused anew upon Kim's youngest son.

The old saying 'if looks could kill' would result in a genocidal massacre of everything within view were it to hold a kernel of truth in this moment. A mask of psychotic emotion twists the teenager's expression into something unsettling, a sensation magnified to near mind-melting levels by the psychic pressure of her renewed aura.

One hand clutches at the wounded side of her face, her eye aflame with purple fire between the narrow spines of her delicate fingers. Her shoulders rise and fall with exaggerated motion as she heaves in ragged breaths, struggling to restrain the inner demons desperate to burst free. She could kill every single person here without even straining herself if she cared to - simply wipe this entire island free of life like a living nuclear bomb. But such a display on live television would be enough heat down upon her that even the merciless murderer hesitates. But rationality and reason only hold so much sway in the mind of this psychopath.

"You're... going to pay... for that...!"

[JAE HOON]
A fraction of a second too late, the warning goes into the air with no impact. All eyes of the spectators, judges, and Jae Hoon himself watch as the prowing teen smashes her foot square into Cage's back, sending him and his entire weight off like a discarded ragdoll. It is one thing to behold the impact right in front of one's eyes, but another entirely to understand the pain of which was bestowed upon the poor fellow.

Unable to focus on it for the time being, Kim's son rotates his body into the kick, praying against all odds that for /once/, something would land. Whether fortune is on his side regarding the success of it is rather debatable, for surely the hit would not please his opponent.

What couldn't quite be anticipated is the intensity of the strike, at least to onlookers.

Jae Hoon knew how much he'd throw into it, and now, he's seeing the fruits of that labour, as Juri damn near flies away, eventually tumbling downward to the mat where she lays still. Almost deathly so.

And that is when it changes.

Despite the location of the match residing on a sandy beach of Zack Island, the shift in the air is tangible, as though they were locked in a tight room instead of being outdoors. All the tiny hairs on the young scion's arms stand on edge, threatening to rip a chill right through to his spine. Steeling himself, he taps over to where Johnny lay, pained, and kneels down to him. Worry creases his youthful and handsome features, seen evenly through long strands of midnight blue hair draping over one eye. "Hey... you think you can get up? We're about to get into some real trouble here..."

Their adversary is standing now, the aura of her homicidal energy radiating, smacking against him like a tidal wave. Still, he attempts to grab at Cage's arm, hoping to help sit him up, but only doing so if it doesn't push him into it, if he's not ready. Deep brown irises don't dare to tear from where Juri stands, towering, pure venom seemingly dripping from every part of her.

Yeah, this isn't good.

Regardless of if his comrade is sitting upright or not, Jae Hoon remains crouched low, preparing himself for the potential of an onslaught to come right for him. All of his chi is swirling deep within, pooling to the centre, held tight as he hones in on every minor movement she makes in between now and what is to come, like some sort of radar that traces vibrations in the air.

He likely might be her target now. Therefore, he must be ready.

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon focuses on his next action.

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////                 ]
Johnny Cage      1/----===/=======|=======\===----\1         Jae Hoon
[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             1/---====/=======|

[JOHNNY CAGE]
EXTERIOR - NIKI BEACH - CONTINUOUS

Johnny Cage struggles to get to his feet. Fists are used to push himself up from the sand and he staggers back and forth for a moment in order to get his bearings. It's not until he turns around dos he notice that Jae Hoon and Juri were not in front of him. Maybe his head was still ringing from the vicious kick and aftermathic impact getting kicked clear across everything had on his soul and body.

Ow doesn't even begin to cover it.

Still, though, Johnny Cage is on his feet and looking like he's ready for more. Even if he doesn't particularly look like he's going to be able to move that quickly. He's pretty wobbly at the moment.

JOHNNY CAGE

Hey! I said... hey! World's Worst Girl Scout!

Johnny Cage grins at his horrible zinger but makes sure to say it with enough confidence that it zings anyway. Actors like him can make anything work with the right motivation. And protecting Jae Hoon is that motivation. At least right now.

JOHNNY CAGE
First of all, thank you for leaving the money maker alone. Appreciate it.

Johnny Cage points up to his face and grins. He's in so much pain but he's stalling through it.

JOHNNY CAGE
Secondly? You're about to get your ass kicked.

INSERT - JOHNNY CAGE'S HANDS

Johnny brings his hands up and balls them into fists. As they take their fistian shape, the shimmer of the metal of his brass knuckles can be seen. Of course, these are no ordinary brass knuckles. The egotist wearing them just had to make sure they spelled out: C-A-G-E. Because of course he did.

Johnny Cage rushes (as well as he can rush at this moment) in the direction of Juri and aims to start wailing on her with brass knuckled fist after brass knuckled fist after brass knuckled fist after... well, you get the idea. That's it. That's the move. Fists of Fury, baby.

CUT TO:

COMBATSYS: Johnny Cage issues a challenge!!

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////                 ]
Johnny Cage      1/----===/=======|=======\===----\1         Jae Hoon
[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             1/---====/=======|

COMBATSYS: Juri blocks Johnny Cage's Say Uncle.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////                 ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/---====|=======\===----\1         Jae Hoon
[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             1/--=====/=======|

[JURI]
Fresh insults are hurled at her again, the pompous actor attempting to engage the banter anew. Juri is in no more mood for exchanging light-hearted words, however, and her murderous gaze doesn't even so much as flicker from the subject of her ire. Words continue to pour of Cage's face, the only wind still stirring on the beach, but it is naught but meaningless background noise to her.

The rage that threatens to consume her seems an oddly disproportionate response to what amounted to little more than a rough smack in the face. Though she might look like nothing but a typical teenager it's obvious that she's made of far sterner stuff than her soft delicate features might imply. The kick that Jae had landed was nothing short of lethal, even if he hadn't meant it to be. A blow of that force hitting someone in the face at that angle should have snapped her neck if not outright crushed her skull. Yet she has nothing to show for it but the beginnings of an modest bruise, a testament to the ridiculous power that now infuses her body.

But, like all power, there are prices to pay. The experiments that she endured to become a worthy vessel for the Feng Shui Engine were but another set of scars layered onto her warped soul. Whatever kindness and humanity she had left were all but extinguished in the years she labored under Vega's heel, his own perverse power driving her ever deeper into the depths of madness as time after time she attempted to seek her vengeance only to be humiliated and cast down. Whatever normality she has left is mostly a facade, a thin mask that allows this creature to operate in normal society until something is foolish enough to tear it away.

By some great cosmic irony, Jae Hoon's desperate wish to make a meaningful impact upon the fight had been granted - and in so doing has likely sealed his doom.

Cage's fists manage to draw more of a response from the girl than his insults. Finally forced to acknowledge the threat, Juri's aura flares like a freshly lit candle and she turns to ward off the barrage of reinforced punches. Chaotic purple flame clashes brilliantly with Cage's strange green power, his brutal strikes seeming to hit a palpable barrier as they hammer home against a mostly unmoving target. The teenager glares at the actor with contempt, one hand casually swatting away the few strikes that manage to penetrate the wall of her raw will made manifest, deflecting them as if a small child were throwing a tantrum in her direction.

"You're just not good enough. I can't feel a thing."

After a few seconds of allowing Cage to wail away without effect, Juri thrusts the palm of her upraised hand out towards the man's chest and unleashes a small fraction of her gathering power. A blast of pure force erupts like a concentrated burst of wind, driving the man away from her with dismissive effort.

Her attention returns to the wary young Kim. Though a maniacal grin slowly spreads across her face the blazing fury in her eyes remains unchanged as she directs her killing intent at him.

"Hope you kissed your mommy good bye this morning, little boy!"

The candle flame of blazing purple flame in Juri's eye shines with a burst of fresh intensity as she delivers her threat. Her posture shifts and she leans down into a low crouch, body coiling up like a spring prepared to explode into violent motion. Twin swirls of neon fire rise up around her in long thin streaks of power that slither about like living things. She moves a moment later but not to hurl herself at the young Kim as he might expect. Instead, the murderous teen launches herself straight up into the air, her body twisting like a cat to flip herself upside-down. The two writhing tendrils of power converge onto Juri's foot as she leaps, sheathing the entirety of her leg from the knee down in a blazing conflagration of angry neon light.

"Because you won't have the chance again!"

As she falls back towards the ground the motion brings Juri's enflamed leg downwards in a sharp snap that traces a blazing crescent from apex to floor. A towering wave of raw power erupts from the arc of that kick, a literal ten-foot tall tsunami of destructive energies. The arena upon which they stand, a construct of mere wood and steel, all but evaporates as the vertical blade of psycho power rips through it with the ferocity of a hungry shark's fin cutting the waters as it bears down upon its prey.

Bits of shattered wood and pulverized metal fly in all directions showering the helpless onlookers with shards of deadly shrapnel as if a hand grenade had just been detonated in their midst. Cries of shock and pain follow the path of the colossal wave of destruction and chaos erupts as those too terrified to run away before now scramble over one another in their haste to avoid being part of the collateral damage of the girl's wrath.

COMBATSYS: Juri knocks away Jae Hoon with Sakkai Fuhazan.
! VENGEANCE !

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >                                ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/---====|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2         Jae Hoon
[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             0/-------/--=====|

[JAE HOON]
Funny, the mockery Juri offers him, as if he were a little child standing as the barrier to the end of this fight. Likely, they are actually relatively close in age, though with the twisted horror that contorts her face, it is highly difficult to ascertain just the correct number of years that stand between them.

Something not of import, really, but definitely worth briefly noting, if only for a moment.

If only he'd had the opportunity to send his mother off with a happy farewell.

In truth, he'd not seen her since his departure to Southtown, which happened many, many months ago now. The same could be said for his father, whom, for the briefest fracture of a moment, he wishes were here.

Would it be simpler to take Jae's opponent down if he was? Hard to say.

With Cage deflected off somewhere else, Kim's young scion stands alone. A pillar of determination, he doesn't fret at his adversary's threats. Remaining calm, only the tightening of his fists at his sides can be seen as the single-most motion, even as she begins to propel herself skyward. Eyes daring not to tear from her, he watches with both interest and readiness, preparing to leap away the moment that tremendous and swirling power descends. It cascades down, along with Juri herself, but instead of the aim being for him...

It smashes clean into the mat beneath all their feet with precision unseen.

In that moment, Jae Hoon /knew/ he was in trouble.

As a feeble attempt to get clear of the assault, the teen means to dive off the edge of the ring into the sand nearby, but only makes it so far when the collision occurs. With the surface crashing underneath his feet, he's not quite able to get purchase in order to scramble away entirely. Even though he manages to make it to the sandy beachside, much to his misfortune, he isn't able to escape from the totaling of the ring itself.

The impact of hitting the ground alone is cause for immediate severe bruising on the whole length of one leg. Hip to ankle, his weight crushes downwards on the hard ground. The pain vibrates up his entire side, and just when it can't get worse, there goes the thought that there very likely is a fracture somewhere along one of the bones. Blinded by that pain for a moment, it takes a second for him to realise that many shards of wooden shrapnel have cut along his exposed forearm, a small number of tinier pieces embedded but not entirely of concern at the moment.

To say he is a hurting unit is definitely an understatement. Jae Hoon is in a world of discomfort right now.

Fruitless as it may be, it is only with sheer resolve and adrenaline kicking in that he is able to move. Unwilling to stay down, he makes a wobbly start to a stand, pushing himself past the throbbing sensation that threatens to take him right back down. One step, two step, slowly at first, then rather suddenly, he advances towards where Juri stands, and with tremendous effort does he take an attempt at reaching for her. Amongst the rubble, it is difficult to stand, but there is a keen awareness that landing in it wouldn't feel too nice.

And so, fiercely, his hands would try to find placement on her torso, in which he would use every ounce of his strength to try and toss her right clean over his shoulder, square into the mess she created.

[JOHNNY CAGE]
Johnny Cage is knocked away or something like that because by the time he realizes he hasn't actually been connecting with those brass knuckles of his, it because super annoying and obvious that he's super annoyed. Thus the rolling of his eyes and the taking off of his brass knucks to toss them aside. It's all about style and maybe those were cramping his.

JOHNNY CAGE
You're lucky I didn't wear my diamond ones!

Johnny's horrible attempt at saving face is waved away dismissively as he realizes that escaping is probably the next order of business. Also, he figures a little timing action with Jae Hoon might help things out.

INSERT - JOHNNY CAGE'S HAND

As Johnny Cage's hand rises, green energy gathers in his palm and it becomes a swirling forceball of chi energy. Which, of course, is sent sailing across the way.

JOHNNY CAGE
CAGEDOKEN!

Even Johnny's not stupid enough to stay still after hurling that chi in Juri's direction. He's on the move, rushing in Jae Hoon's direction and extending an open hand of 'Come With Me If You Want To Live Vibes'.

JOHNNY CAGE
We should run. Fast. And also now.

CYT TO:

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon successfully hits Juri with Tai-Otoshi ES.
Glancing Blow

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >                                ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/---====|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2         Jae Hoon
[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             0/-------/--=====|

COMBATSYS: Juri just-defends Johnny Cage's Out Take EX!

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >                                ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/---====|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2         Jae Hoon
[        \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             0/-------/-======|

[JURI]
The sounds of pain and fear drown out all else as the injured and terrified onlookers turn to flee in the sudden storm of destruction. As is often the case during moments of panicked chaos in crowded areas, more damage is done to those trying to flee by their fellows than anything Juri herself is responsible for. Those that stumble and trip are born down by the weight of the bodies pushing forward, pressed flat and carelessly trampled by men and women reduced to little more than animal instincts of self preservation. Many that fall never rise again, a call-back to an older time when the words 'he fell' were synonymous with 'he died'. Be it the trampling hooves of an enemy cavalry charge or the rubber soles of a few dozen pairs of Nike sneakers, the outcome is much the same.

Though she could not care less for the collateral damage caused by her wild outburst, it is somewhat ironic that among those present Juri is the one to experience the suffering of those poor souls the most keenly. The raw emotion of the crowd swirls through the air like a dense cloud of pungent incense. Like the waves of a stormy ocean lapping against the shore, she senses them pressing upon the shoals of her mind. The psycho power flowing through her is both a boon and a hindrance in that regard for it is only because of that intense connection with her inner potential that she can even sense such things. It rarely manifests in ways that would be considered psychic in the colloquial sense but when it comes to attunement to the world around her the girl is on a completely different level thanks to the Feng Shui Engine.

Yet for all the intensity of it, that maelstrom of negative emotion is akin to fingernails attempting to carve through solid stone as it presses against her aura of psychotic will. Juri's twisted grin grows more poisonous as the colossal energy wave smashes into its target with deadly precision and speed, taking obvious maniacal glee in the suffering that it causes upon its inescapable impact. And when Jae somehow rises to his feet after taking a blow that has knocked down solid stone walls the girl's smile only gets wider.

It might seem strange that Juri seems pleased that her violent outburst failed to have the desired effect but only to those who are unaware of the sheer depths of her depraved sadism.The more he fights, the more he resists, the more he digs down deep for those hidden little caches of personal resolve and determination to stand firm in against the forces of evil - well, that's just another little spark of hope for her to enjoy snuffing out.

Spurned but unwilling to be forgotten, Cage is the first to recover from being cast aside. Unfazed as ever and still spitting one liners despite the sudden escalation in danger level, the actor once more succeeds in drawing the teenage killer's notice. A mass of power, probably fueled by the actor's inexhaustible ego, sails into the murderous assassin like a tiny green comet. The power and speed behind the strike proves credible enough that she turns her full attention towards countering the strike, snapping one flame-wreathed foot up in a sharp kick. The two opposing energies meet with a crackle of explosive pyrotechnics that noisily disperses the projectile into a quickly fading cloud of shimmering particles.

Though clearly unharmed by Cage's attempt to distract her, it once more provides the younger warrior at his side a brief window of opportunity. Rather than turn and flee, however, Jae once more leaps into the fray, perhaps too woozy from his pummeling to be thinking clearly or simply too stubborn to give up until his body quits moving.

Whatever his reasons, the wild charge fails to reproduce the spectacular luck of his previous tandem assault. Juri remains almost entirely stationary as both men unleash their respective assaults, her eyes glinting with eager anticipation of their pitiful attempts to overcome her supernatural power. As Cage's blast shatters upon her defenses, the young Kim slams into her from the side all but unopposed. His arms close tightly around her slender waist, the last of his strength crushing powerfully down as he heaves her into the air with surprising ease. He is granted whatever satisfaction might be gleaned from hearing her let out a soft grunt of pain in that brief moment of contact, the tactile feedback that his attack had at least earned some measure of acknowledgment from his foe.

Juri is quick to demonstrate precisely how little she has to fear from him, however. Even as she is hoisted up and over, the teen's body writhes with almost inhuman agility. Her trip across his shoulders becomes less of a throw and more of a controlled fall as if she had once again known precisely what he intended and prepared to act in the exact manner necessary to minimize its impact. Instead of plunging headfirst into the ruined stage to get a dose of her own medicine, the teen twists with acrobatic grace and lands neatly on the balls of her feet, failing to even suffer a scratch to her brightly painted purple toenails.

"Tch. Even working together, that's all you've got? Neither of you clowns are worth a damn."

Whatever excitement had been present on Juri's face a few moments ago has vanished by the time she turns to face her two opponents again. She regards them with open disappointment mixed with contempt, her hands sliding down to rest akimbo on her waist. With a bored sigh, she lifts one foot and thrusts it square at Jae's chest in a dismissive kick. The strike is more intended to simply shove him away like a piece of trash she found lying in the road, sending him tumbling towards Cage like a human bowling ball, but even that simple strike has rib-cracking force behind it as she is never one to miss a chance to inflict a little extra misery.

"Get out of my sight. I'm done wasting my time on you."

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon interrupts Medium Kick from Juri with Chou Hou'ou Kyaku EX.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >                                ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/---====|>>>>>>-\-------\0         Jae Hoon
[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             1/------=/=======|

COMBATSYS: Jae Hoon prepares to take his last stand against Juri!

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////                         ]
Johnny Cage      0/-------/---====|>>>>>>-\-------\0         Jae Hoon
[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Juri             1/------=/=======|

[JAE HOON]
Coupled up with his companion, in most normal circumstances, they would certainly be a formidable foe. However, this girl they're up against? There is absolutely nothing normal about her, which could be gathered right from the very moment she stepped into the vicinity. The way people had parted like waves wherever she walked... that tremendous presence that could only be held by certain individuals.

Whatever this maniacal power is that is contained within her, it is pretty well too much for both himself and Johnny Cage. At least, for today.

Even still, that doesn't quite stop Jae Hoon from /trying/, despite everything pushing back against him. Though easily ignored by the adrenaline coursing through his veins, his body aches terribly. No doubt, he will be a hurting unit later, but that isn't his focus.

The throwdown between himself and Johnny is enough to give him a window. A brief moment in which he could twist himself into position, right as Juri homes in on him like a fast-loading radar and prepares to bestow another potential bone-crushing blow to his already unstable frame. With a foggy mind, he isn't quite able to comprehend the fact that he's using his fractured leg to perform this movement, rather his intent is entirely meant to blast their adversary away and allow him an opening to break free from the fight.

Because clearly now, there are no referees to do just that, with the state of the ring and the people surrounding it.

With the possibility of some of the crowd facing their demise, there is absolutely no way Jae could escape this charade without a final say.

Burning up the length of his calf, brilliant flames ignite. The chi erupts with such ferocity unseen prior, and such power coupled with a bellowing cry could shake the bones of any of his opponents, though likely not Juri herself. With the blood of Kaphwan wildly flowing, egging him further, bringing him close to the edge but not taking him right over, he unleashes.

A flurry of rapid and explosive fiery kicks barrage either side of the teenage girl's head, meant to rattle and disorientate as they slam in with brute force that will absolutely hurt even him later, once the rush wears off. A final ascending kick swirls around as he rotates his body mid-way, launching the forceful blow straight from his core into a banger of a hit that collides right on the underside of her chin.

And when the surge begins to subside in the moments after, Jae immediately feels the crash threatening to teeter him over.

It is then that Johnny's hand shoots into his peripherals. Glancing at it, seemingly with a lot of effort, he holds his gaze over it for a long moment or two before taking action. His own hand grasps at it, feebly but firmly until they're clasped tight, he nods affirmatively to his comrade's suggestion of high-tailing it out of there.

Running isn't his style, but even he knows that if he stays, he will become a corpse among the masses here.

[JOHNNY CAGE]
INSERT - JOHNNY CAGE'S PHONE

There's an image of Johnny Cage's IFDB (Internet Fighting Database) page and Johnny's finger is scrolling through the information there.

JOHNNY CAGE
Uh, actually, I'm almost worth a billion dollars. So...

Even Johnny Cage knows when to let things go and this is one of those times. Which is why he's holding up a hand as he puts his phone away.

JOHNNY CAGE
You know what, you're right. Not worth a damn. No, I'll do you one better. Not worth SHIT! See? We got that PG-13 rating, baby!

All this jibber jabber is just an excuse to make sure that he keeps himself between Juri and Jae Hoon for the next little bit while walking backward to try and make sure that he keeps an eye on Juri while he's leading Jae Hoon to a safer location. Which, y'know, is anywhere but here.

Johnny Cage snatches his camera off the segway on his way past.

JOHNNY CAGE
Oh, hey, you can totally have this. Consider it like uh... a gift or whatever. It's pretty sweet. It goes at least twenty miles an hour. Your toes'll love it. Trust me.

Johnny Cage just can't seem to stop talking while escorting Jae Hoon to safety. If there are any parting shots, he'll be the one to take them. Maybe that's why he's talking so much.

JOHNNY CAGE
Oh and next time you're in Hollywood, call my agent. Juice Boxes and Happy Meals on me, kid! Ciao!

CUT TO:

[JURI]
Shock is the primary sensation that Juri experiences as her offer to allow the worthless insects to scurry away with their lives is rebuffed in the most surprising fashion. Until now the son of Kim had shown very little that actually merited her attention. He has skill and dedication, that much is clear, but no amount of practice would ever put him on even footing with a monster such as herself. As such she hadn't even taken the time to consider that he might lash out in one final act of defiance instead of taking the chance to flee in the face of an unwinnable fight.

Too late, the Engine chirps in warning as the boy draws upon the last scraps of his vigor. His foolishness manages to take her so thoroughly off-guard that the barrage of flaming attacks slips past her casual kick with ease. Blow after blow smashes fiercely into her unprotected head and she staggers backwards under the barrage of retaliatory strikes. The final thundering kick connects square with the disoriented girl's chin and the sheer force of the strike sends her sailing backwards in an uncontrolled tumble into the ruins of the stage.

Seeing their moment to escape, both Cage and Kim turn to run in the aftermath of that final unexpected rebuke. It takes only a few seconds for the teenager to regain her senses. An explosion rocks the beach as a plume of violent power erupts towards the heavens with the fury of a newborn volcano. A plume of sand and debris sprays high into the air only to come raining down upon the fleeing duo in a hailstorm of painful shrapnel.

Should either man chance to glance behind himself to spy the source of this conflagration they would find their opponent standing tall amidst a blazing bonfire of pyscho power, her face a demonic mask of fury. With a wordless scream of rage, Juri's feet begin to snap out in a rapid series of acrobatic kicks. Her body whirls like a dervish of destruction and with each rotation a pair of crackling purple wave explode from the tips of her feet to tear across the beach towards the retreating fighters.

Within moments the peaceful idyllic crescent of Zack Island's famous resort beachfront turns into a hellish re-enactment of World War II's infamous D-Day. Explosions rip into the beach all around them, violent blasts that shake the soft terrain and send harsh plumes of biting sand spraying into the air. The bombardment nips at their heels while errant blasts detonate to their left and right. But through fortune or their own frantic evasion efforts none manage to land solid hits. Perhaps in her blind rage the girl's aim is lacking or it may be that they are simply too far away for her to get a clear shot. Regardless her efforts merely serve to add a rather impressive display of fireworks to incentivize their hasty withdrawal from the field of battle.

[JAE HOON]
Some of the wisest fighters know when it's best to call it quits, when they're completely out of their realm. It's a tricky line that can be easily crossed if one isn't entirely privy to the situation they're in. Openings don't come often, after all, and if there is the chance to run, that line can be misconstrued as cowardice.

In this very moment, with Juri threatening to blast both of them into the next world, it is just the smartest thing to do, to preserve what little is left of one's life. They have to run.

Mildly delirious in the wake of his adrenaline crashing, Jae Hoon simply allows for Johnny to lead him from the scene without question. Most of his ramblings go in one ear and out the other as pain surges, throbbing incessantly at his senses. No doubt the fracture is the cause, but certainly having to move with full body bruising and splinters shifting in your skin isn't all that pleasant to endure either.

It /is/ thanks to Cage's efforts, though, that the young teen is able to stay somewhat aware. Even awake, instead of unconscious somewhere, as everything begins to settle down on him like a heavy brick wall.

Behind them, explosive noise erupts. Whatever tantrum their opponent is having, it isn't something entirely on his radar - at least, in the sense of being right in front of him to witness. His comrade is certainly making a clear effort to ensure a barrier is provided between them and her, to avoid any further casualties. Definitely, that was a lesson to be learned for the young scion, even if he isn't all that focused on it at present.

Today is a lucky one for them, to be sure.

With escape, they're able to see another day, even if it means spending a few of them recovering in the hospital somewhere. Hopefully back in Southtown, with Cage's connections and such. Unable to think of much else outside of his reprieve, Jae dutifully follows, with all intents and purposes of getting the fresh hell off this island in one piece.

However, he does offer a quiet: "Thank you..." as they skirt off the beach, leaving the destruction, and its cause, behind.

[JOHNNY CAGE]
INSERT - JOHNNY CAGE'S SUNGLASSES

In the reflection of the expensive sunglasses belonging to Johnny Cage is the explosive display of explosiveness that is being tantrum'd by their former opponent. Technically, attempted murderer might be more apt a statement considering how this whole thing shook out but semantics, right? Anyway, it's happening in the reflection of Cage's sunglasses which makes it look so much cooler because camera angles are everything. EVERYTHING.

JOHNNY CAGE
No need to thank me! Y'know, at least until we are actually safe, alive, and you're ready to buy tickets to my next flick.

Johnny Cage offers a wink in Jae Hoon's direction and then pushes Jae Hoon so that they can actually get the hell out of dodge in favor of not being destroyed by this extreme display of viciousness that is being thrown about behind them.

JOHNNY CAGE
Speaking of... let's amscray. Stat.

And with that, JohnnY Cage makes sure to stay behind Jae Hoon while they make their escape so that they can actually survive long enough for him to make some more witty comments in whatever his next 'bout ends up being.

CUT TO:

[JURI]
Only when her targets have managed to finally reach the safety of cover, either by disappearing around the tall cliffs or diving into the dense jungle does Juri finally cease her outpouring of destruction. The blazing aura about her flutters out like a candle in a sudden stiff breeze, an exaggerated sigh slipping past her lips as she returns her hands to her hips in a nonchalant gesture.

Even though the Feng Shui Engine augments her life force with the raw energies of creation siphoned from the world around her she is not without her own limits. That final display of power was somewhat tiresome, more so for the pageantry she had used to make it seem more deadly than it was. While she had certainly been taken aback by Jae Hoon's ferocious final attack, it was naught but the snapping of a cornered animal that knew it was about to die. Even with her defenses all but completely lowered and adrenaline coursing through his veins the best he managed to do was to give her nasty bruise. Hardly worth even commenting on, much less losing herself to wild fury.

What then was that absurd display just now? Nothing but a bit of fun on her part. With the fight itself offering little more than a bit of bad luck to spice things up she needed something to try and make the outing worth her while. Like as not, she'd have had more fun just chilling on the beach and enjoying the exotic scenery and colorful drinks. It is her own fault, perhaps, for assuming that a mere tournament would provide her with the sort of mortal threat required to really get her blood pumping. She'll just have to settle for scaring the living shit out of everyone involved - well, those that survived, at least.

"Such a waste of time," she laments, shrugging her shoulders in exasperation.

With her thoughts turning towards the survivors of the wild stampede that had erupted in the wake of her unleashing a glimpse of the true power that sleeps within, the girl's head swivels to scan the aftermath. Her gaze passes callously over the handful of bodies of those trampled in the panicked rush, not even a glimpse of pity or remorse coloring the bored expression she sports. Only when her eyes spy that which she was looking for does a faint smirk play across her pretty features as she turns to stalk over towards the object of her search.

Lying crumpled against the trunk of a half split tree sits one of the contest judges. Juri leans down to take a fistful of the man's shirt into her slender fingers and hauls him to his feet with disturbing ease, careless of the obvious bloodstains soaking his side. A pitiful groan slips past the judge's lips and his eyes flutter open only to go wide with terror upon seeing the face of the teenager.

"Sleeping on the job? Tsk tsk. I may just have to give you a one star rating when I fill out my feedback sheets."

Swallowing hard, the judge takes a moment to glance around and take in the situation. The sheer devastation that liters the beach is fairly self-explanatory. What isn't obvious, however, is why she has turned her attention to him. Surely she can't mean to just kill him in cold blood for the sport of it... right?

A cold sweat breaks out on his forehead. His mouth opens slightly but he struggles to speak, his voice caught somewhere in his chest. After a few moments he manages to gather up his courage and licks his lips slowly, choosing his words with obvious care.

"What is it you want from me?"

Juri rolls her eyes and sweeps her free hand out towards the shattered arena.

"The fight is over. I'm the only person still standing here."

The man's expression is one of confusion. His gaze shifts back to the ruined beach and the bodies of the fallen. After everything this girl caused, she wants... a verdict? The sheer temerity nearly makes him laugh in her face but his terror quickly quells the urge. Insane - she must be utterly insane. The best option is simply to give her what she wants and perhaps she will leave him be.

With a grunt of effort, the judge slowly lifts his uninjured arm into the air.

"Winner... Juri Han..."

Juri's eyes crinkle slightly with amusement and she releases her grip on the judge's shirt allowing the man to slump bonelessly back onto the tree. Without another word she turns and slinks towards the interior of the island, humming an upbeat tune as she sets off in search of a clean beach and a stiff drink.

Log created on 19:06:19 02/10/2022 by Juri, and last modified on 23:20:18 03/09/2022.