Match of the Millennium

Description: Cybernetic Renegade takes on Dragon Ninja as a celebrated clash climaxes on a breezy night at Sound Beach as round two of the WORLD WARRIOR tournament continues!

[RYU HAYABUSA]
A spectacular aerial shot shows the Southtown shoreline at night, the carnival occupying the end of its boardwalk lit up in brilliantly varied neons. The tracking frame centers around the waves crashing below the smoothly turning ferris wheel, the hollering of stoked souls on a roller coaster.

The shot twists gracefully out to sea as the frame widens to encompass a vast array of fight afficianados spread out for at least a half-mile along both beach and boardwalk; with a line of VIP pass holders occupying the ferris wheel's capacity. Below the boardwalk, by those crashing, crested seas, the round two match between the Dragon Ninja and the Rogue Cyborg is moments away from its starting bell.

Theater glasses provide the ticket holders on the ferris wheel a remarkable, variable view of the action about to unfold below, while three partitions have been marked off and reinforced by barricades to protect onlookers along the beach from the violence about to erupt; the sea, of course, forms the fourth side of the barrier as the tide roars in, rumbling across the sands to lick at the corners of stalwart concrete and plexiglass obstructions. One moment, the venue had no ninja; the next, it does.

Hayabusa lingers looking out to sea as the moon rises, a shadow amidst the ocean winds. The cloth pieces of his modernized shinobi armor rustle in that breeze, as Hayausa draws a deep, steadying breath. The Shinobi Prince carries Ryuken at his side, resting in deceptive peace in its saya, while a simple bo-staff is slung across his back. Simple there is deceptive as well-- like a ninja.

The staff's length is hide-wrapped metal, bolstered at each end by a weighted cylinder. The mystical etchings carved subtly into its forging shimmering softly in the shifting moonlight, revealed and then hidden anew. The Dragon Ninja turns slowly, gracefully, as if oblivious to the excitement of the crowds as he seeks to isolate, and analyze, only his dangerous adversary for the coming bout.

[MAXIMA]
The World Warrior is in full swing and for Maxima he was already greeted with his first fight being against an unknown participant. Someone he had no data on and this went in blindly yet still came out a victor. Bezique had power, but she needed more practice. Perhaps exposing herself in such a big tournament wasn't the best idea.

Maxima's opponent this round is a very different manner. The cyborg is very aware of Hayabusa and his reputation, but also the data he has collected isn't exactly complete. A good ninja doesn't give away all his secrets afterall. Bezique was a tough fight. This one is going to be much tougher in his mind.

And that is what makes it exciting. The loud roar of his motorcycle gives way to his approach. People move aside to give the big Canadian space as he rides towards the scene of the fight. After spending some time in Metro it was nice to have a new local in Southtown to fight.

The motorcycle rolls to a stop and Maxima dismounts while reaching up to remove his shades. He tucks them into the jacket he wears and removes it to drape over the seat of his ride. Stepping forward he remains stoic and takes in all the sights and sounds of what will be the battlefield. This, this is the fight he wants.

"Ryu Hayabusa." He speaks up. He highly doubts he needed to get the ninja's attention that way. He is sure Ryu heard his arrival long before given how loud his motorcycle is. "I must admit this is a pleasure. I did not expect such a battle so early, but I look forward to seeing a true ninja in action."

[RYU HAYABUSA]
Indeed, the Dragon Ninja's attention is on Maxima even before the renegade strides into view. The way the unusual, potent signature reacts with the currents of chi around them; the whispers of unseen spirits and portents on the breeze. In the clouds. Writ upon the face of the moon. A subtle nod greets Maxima as he speaks his welcome, an understated but telling gesture... Ryu finds nothing to debate in these observations, and the shinobi's quiet acquiescance speaks volumes. Given-- as mentioned-- what Hayabusa may or may not be capable of.

To some, the itinerant monster slayer is a savior, to others a promise, or a ghost... even to the CIA, which considers the Dragon Ninja an indispensable asset, all the secrets are hardly laid bare. They are kept instead in the deepest, highest reaches of Japan; a legacy of great good sealing the promise of world-devouring malevolence.

It's a delicate balance; or less delicately, an endless war that the last scion of the Celestial Dragons has spent his life battling... a truth likely to endure however long the young master lives. "Maxima; a King of Fighters." A renegade prototype with few equals. It is definitely safe to say the sentiments are reciprocal in this bout.

The lights from the carnival all down the beach put on a brilliant, multihued show as the countdown hits to just that confrontation. Gentle illumination from warm spotlights sweeps to fill the sands within their arena with light. The crowd reaches a fever pitch... and as the bell sounds, Hayabusa is in motion.

Ryu crosses the distance between himself and Maxima as that bo-staff is whirled off his back, coming up braced beneath one arm as the opposite weighted end comes in for Maxima's formidable jawline. The upwards stroke would be enough to launch even the large cyborg-- launch him, perhaps, directly into a rising, whirling series of kicks as the Dragon Ninja twists airborne after his quarry.

COMBATSYS: Ryu Hayabusa has started a fight here.

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Ryu Hayabusa     0/-------/-------|

COMBATSYS: Ryu Hayabusa equips the Lunar Staff.

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Ryu Hayabusa [E] 0/-------/-------|

COMBATSYS: Maxima brings his battle systems online.

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Maxima           0/-------/-------|====---\-------\0 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

COMBATSYS: Maxima interrupts Shoryu Senku Kyaku from Ryu Hayabusa with M4 Remodel Missile Cannon EX.

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Maxima           0/-------/-======|=======\-------\1 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[MAXIMA]
"King of Fighers, but with a lot of help from my friends." Maxima replies with a smile. Sure he competed, but he would be a fool to pretend he was the reason the team won. K' and Abigail were far much more deserving of the title. Maxima may have made plans to form the team, but it was everyone else in the end that made the tournament win a reality.

Not to say he is weak by any means. If he were he certainly wouldn't have been allowed to compete here and his win against Bezique is proof enough he at least has skill to hang with the other fighters. At the same time a rabbit girl play magician and a legendary ninja are very different opponents.

The cyborg does his best to eliminate all the other noises around him. The loud sounds and flashing lights serve as a good distraction. A perfect place for someone like Ryu to fight. His stealth combined with the distractions are a perfect marriage.

Yet even so Maxima manages to keep focus enough his gaze darts about seeming to catch Ryu just as he attacks. That bo-staff comes about, but Maxima raises his arm to stop it with is forearm. Even so the force of the strike pushes him back and when Ryu may look to deliver additional kicks he may find the big, meaty hand of Maxima coming forward as steam blasts out of the vapour cannon. A combination with a solid punch and a release of energy connecting.

The ninja is fast. If anything Ryu has a big advantage and Maxima knows it is all about keeping alert and picking his spots.

[RYU HAYABUSA]
"So it goes." Hayabusa observes humbly. After all, it is a King of Fighters against a King of Fighters in this round-- and the Dragon Ninja isn't about to dismiss the contributions of his own teammates. The legendary ninja didn't even make an appearance at the finals, after all.

The fight is hardly decided, and in all the humility and careful analysis, both warriors take steps to do their best indeed. An energy-pulsing hammerblow launches the Dragon Ninja back the way he came, tumbling into a forced, but surprisingly agile somersault before skidding to a three-point crouch along the sand.

The Lunar Staff whirls through the air, its balance recovered and potential energy couched at the Dragon Ninja's side. Emerald-flecked eyes, the bulk of visible human beneath the Shinobi Prince's helm and mask, lock on Maxima. Ryu takes a deep, centering breath, murmuring a few lines of an ancient, lost incantation as the ocean laps at his boots.

All the neon, all the cheers, there is nothing to the ninja but himself, his opponent, the crashing of the waves; the surging of energy around them both.

COMBATSYS: Ryu Hayabusa calculates his next move.

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Maxima           0/-------/-======|=======\-------\1 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[MAXIMA]
This clash between cyborg and ninja is going to be much like a game of chess. Each movement is important and the smallest mistake or hesitation could easily shift the momentum. Maxima can be slow and methodical, but he can also keep up the pressure and he is pretty sure Ryu is much the same.

The fact Hayabusa hangs back after that initial exchange to take in the situation and concentrate on his next move shows both men are willing to take their time and make sure no motion is wasted. The Canadian gives a slight nod as he starts forward towards his opponent.

He has perhaps already given Ryu too much time to figure things out, but he isn't going to hang out in wait much longer. The cyborg lumbers forward as he brings his left arm back before he thrusts it forward and looks to plant another solid blow against the ninja. Already the vapour cannon is charging up to release another burst of steam and energy right as he looks to deliver the punch

COMBATSYS: Maxima successfully hits Ryu Hayabusa with Maxima Press.

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Maxima           1/------=/=======|=======\=====--\1 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[RYU HAYABUSA]
Ah, but in a game of chess, everything is entirely symmetrical, consistent, predictable. Every piece performs reliably, in line with the associated rules and the interplay thereof. In a battle between masters on the caliber at play here? Is there even a board game to metaphorically equate to the chaotic crashing of currents around them, to the surity with which the slightest mis-step, the smallest mistake, the briefest instant's bad luck can sweep one into the rocks.

So it is for Hayabusa. Prepared, focused, perfectly analyzing his opponent's intentions... he none the less zigs when he should have zagged, perhaps, and in this instant? It's right into Maxima's fists. Staggered off-balance, the Dragon Ninja is then -launched- along the surf in a skid of sand both dry and damp, a splashing recovery of violent momentum.

Once, twice, thrice Hayabusa hurtles heels over head, regaining more control with each tumble. Then he backflips out of the last of the momentum, ignoring the pain, the protests of his lithe frame, as he touches down silently along his previously projected path-- and flickers to his left, away from the surf, flanking around Maxima.

In that same fluid motion, the Lunar Staff is situated upon his back, the ocean winds pick up into a tumultuous maelstrom, and all currents focus directly upon Hayabusa's grip; around Ryuken. The Dragon Sword comes free of its saya in an instant, and despite the weighty lunge behind the stroke, it might seem at first too short, like it -just- missed Maxima even should it find purchase.

In the immediate aftermath of that slash, however, its arc erupts in a ragged blade of moonlit chi, the energy reflecting and refracting the neon and spotlights around them... and erupting in a gout of the cyborg's blood along the slice opened at an angle up his torso, should the Shinobi Prince have his way in this clash of Kings.

COMBATSYS: Maxima fails to interrupt Blade of the Empty Air from Ryu Hayabusa with M19 Model Blitz Cannon EX.

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Maxima           1/-----==/=======|=======\=======\1 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[MAXIMA]
A solid hit that knocks Hayabusa away and perhaps knocks him off his game just for a moment. He had several ideas in his head, but getting hit was obviously not one of them. It might make the ninja think twice, but at the same time Maxima can't let himself be satisfied. The fight has just started and even a good solid hit like what he delivered isn't going to keep someone of Hayabusa's caliber down.

The cyborg does his best to keep track of the movements. Ryu obviously has the speed advantage and Maxima isn't even going to try and pretend he has a chance on keeping up with quick movements. He isn't built for that and he figures he will be playing the waiting game quite a bit.

The first time int worked, but in this case Ryuken is much more dangerous to deal with than a simple staff strike. Maxima's eyes narrow and he looks to swing a big hand about to try to catch Hayabusa with a powerful blow once more, but his timing his off, the ninja proves his speed is supernatural.

There is the sound of metal being torn by the swath of energy ripping through Maxima's torso and creating a rather impressive wound.

It staggers the bigger fighter who falls to a knee a hand comes to rest over the wound. He know this was bound to happen. There would be scars and Maxima will have to repair himself once more after this one. At least he has the advantage of going to Abigail's scrapyard for material. Slowly he rises up fully and steadies himself. His eyes narrowed and his focus fully on Ryu and what he may try next.

[RYU HAYABUSA]
/ Off the jagged rocks /
/ The resilient hull rebounds /
/ Jolted but unbreached. /

As the Dragon Ninja charts the roaring currents around them, seizes the momentum of the bout back from his formidable foe, the crowds seem split between adulation and stunned tension; those at the top of the ferris wheel lean out over the battlefield almost in tandem.

The gathered winds free themselves in a gusting tumult as a practiced chiburi precedes the return of Ryuken to the artifact's saya, a bit of Maxima's blood spattering on the sand. Once more, the Lunar Staff whirls free, and seeks to launch the cyborg into the air...

...but this time the Shinobi Prince weaves left with a whirl, darts right with a whirl, and comes at the cyborg from an abrupt and unconventional angle with the air-splitting upwards stroke. In the instant that would follow contact, Hayabusa would all but appear as if from time and space, inverted above Maxima.

From there, a tangle of bo-staff and augmented limbs would abruptly ensnare the soaring cyborg... before driving him head first directly back to the sand, in a suddenly high-velocity, corkscrewing spiral.

COMBATSYS: Maxima interrupts Izuna Drop from Ryu Hayabusa with Bunker Buster.
- Power hit! -

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Maxima           0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[MAXIMA]
Hayabusa sees and can smell the blood. Or even the oil too of where the cyborg is leaking both given the gash that was delivered across his torso. Maxima made a mistake and it is wise to continue the assault and not give him time to think much more.

Or was he perhaps playing possum? At the same time it can be a stroke of luck because when Hayabusa comes in with that staff looking to strike and knock Maxima in the air he finds the hit to land solidly only for Maxima to stand his ground.

The ninja is close and the cyborg does his best to take advantage of that. He finds Hayabusa at least surprised enough that he gets hit with a big fist once more. It is less Maxima getting lifted up and slammed on the ground it is another blast from the vapour cannon that lifts Ryu up and knocks him away once more. It was perhaps more luck than skill, but he is doing his best to bring this chess match back to a stalemate.

[RYU HAYABUSA]
Only to be jolted anew, of course, by the next set of rocks in the river.

Again, chaotic tumult does that. Hayabusa is battered bloody by the brutal impact that opposes his dropping of the Izuna, and once more Maxima creates space between the combatants by sheer force of cybernetic limbs and pulverizing chi-jets.

But turnabout is fair play, and once more in the moments that follow that tremendous impact the battered Dragon Ninja recovers his bearings with remarkable acumen and resilience that belies his much smaller frame-- and is suddenly coming back in at Maxima. A murmur leaves his lips, and those bloody wounds surge with liquid, pulsing outwards only to be assimilated into a flaring red whirlwind around the Dragon Ninja.

Next is an onslaught as if struck from all directions at once. Right, left, above-- Hayabusa darts and strikes with alacrity untrackable by the typical human eye, a flurry of swift slashes and strokes of both Ryuken and a ragged accompaniment of tearing windshear drive a hurricane of blades in at Maxima with violent intent indeed.

COMBATSYS: Ryu Hayabusa successfully hits Maxima with Annihilating Demon EX.

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Maxima           0/-------/-======|>>>>>>>\-------\1 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[MAXIMA]
The early strike was enough to already have Maxima slowed down and the inhuman speed of Hayabusa makes it one chaotic mess that Maxima isn't really able to do handle. The ninja surges forward and his barrage begins. It is swift and brutal and there is little that Maxima can do about it.

Hayabusa is a blur of strikes that cut both flesh and metal. There is little Maxima can do but do his best to protect his vitals as best he can, but more blood and oil is being splattered across the stand. If anything he is just lucky he doesn't have any major vitals pierced.

"Heh, I knew this would be a challenge. I love it." It has the adrenaline going. This is why he wanted to be in the World Warrior. To face off against opponents he may not normally encounter and gather data.

He remains where he stands, his gaze fixated on Hayabusa while he straightens back up. He is fighting hard to keep himself standing straight, but he is redirecting power to his cybernetic body to try and repair what damage can be done. "Come on, finish the job."

COMBATSYS: Maxima enters a meditative state.

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Maxima           1/-------/=======|>>>>>>>\-------\1 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[RYU HAYABUSA]
"Correct once more." Hayabusa quietly observes, any quirk of a smile hidden behind the master shinobi's dark mask.

So far, Maxima has kept him on the ropes impressively-- but it seems, rather than exhausting and diminishing the Dragon Ninja, this challenge, despite the pain, only pushes him to fight harder still. To push the proverbial envelope to the limit. The surging crimson aura around him is testament to that dedication, to that fervent fighting spirit.

"Soon I should think-- one way or the other." Could he finish Maxima as invited? Perhaps. Perhaps not-- the cyborg has his own remarkable defensive options, and the weathering of the Annihilating Demon is not lost on the last scion of the Celestial Dragons. The young swordsman is an expert, to understate the situation... and not here to seek to slay Maxima. It's a safe guess that any vital stroke would be deflected of Ryu's own volition... but that doesn't make the battle particularly easier.

Instead of seeking to finish the job, however, Hayabusa probes Maxima's defenses like a railgun might, suddenly shooting through the air in a helm-first collision course with the cyborg's canuck-hewn granite features. He doesn't announce the effort in quite the way one Honda might-- nor does Hayabusa have quite the mass the sumo champion does. This does not seem to diminish the danger of the technique as exercised by the Dragon Ninja.

COMBATSYS: Ryu Hayabusa successfully hits Maxima with Fudo Kaganui.
- Power hit! -

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Maxima           1/-----==/=======|=======\-------\0 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[MAXIMA]
There is a quirk of the lips. Maxima is not in the best of shape, but he didn't expect to come out of this unscathed. If anything it is good to get a bit of a beating to remind him he has a lot more work to do to improve himself. Bezique was an interesting fight, but this is exactly what he needed.

Forward Hayabusa comes and launches himself. Was he going to finish things? No, it doesn't seem to be the case, but he slams hard into Maxima who causes the big Canadian to stagger back and fall onto his back after the high impact move. It hurt, but certainly not something that is going to keep him down.

The cyborg starts to get back to his feet, his body still doing its best to keep him going, bit with each hit he doesn't just have the energy to keep going much longer.

Taking a deep breath there is the sound of something other than the vapour cannons coming to life. A whirling sound of something big charging and slowly Maxima's chest starts to open up. Another cannon is revealed and already there is a gleam of built blue energy that is growing larger before it finally fires off looking to mow Hayabusa right over

COMBATSYS: Ryu Hayabusa overcomes M24 Atomic Laser from Maxima with Art of the Inferno.

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Maxima           0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[RYU HAYABUSA]
Hayabusa did not expect a solid flying headbutt to KO his formidable adversary, no... and that anticipation, even at the extreme end (rapids metaphor repeats here), proves wise. Because what follows is perhaps more dangerous and impressive than almost anything else leveled at the Dragon Ninja thus far. The main battery charges, Ryu backflips off the impact, and then... stands his ground in the eye of that gathering storm.

A murmur leaves his lips as the cannon steals sight from any who dare look directly upon it, but it is no expletive, no prayer-- instead, a powerful jutsu, summoning the very heart of the flame to himself.

From the void it roars, filling his mind, suffusing his being. His crimson-touched, half-transparent aura erupts as if the most flammable source known to man, surges around Ryu in an orbiting ring of harshest fire. One by one, three flaring comets erupt from that ring and rush forward, inexorably seeking the cyborg.

The first slams into the center of that incoming beam, and a superheated eruption of blue and crimson surges outwards in a tremendous vertically-aligned shockwave, bisecting the fighters as sand blasts to glass, as the lapping surf sizzles away into angry, hissing steam. As the second fireball blasts through the beam, and back in at Maxima... as the third follows it, seeking to test the temper of this augmented opponent in a conflagration of devouring chi.

COMBATSYS: Maxima endures Ryu Hayabusa's Art of the Inferno.

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Maxima           0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[MAXIMA]
It was perhaps a last ditch effort for Maxima. A powerful beam hoping to somehow take down the ninja. He expected Hayabusa to be too fast and just avoid it. What he didn't expect was the ninja to summon his own powerful aura to not only quell the blast from the M24 Atomic Laser, but manage another burst that comes too quickly to keep Maxima from any form of defense.

It is a desperate time that calls for desperate measures. All Maxima can do is perhaps do something to surprise Hayabusa. Staring down that release of fire the cyborg actually charges forward right into it.

The impact of cyborg and fire causes the former to stagger back a few steps, but he isn't overpowered by it. His body is smoking and his hair along with his resplendent mutton chops are singed from the blaze.

Once again Maxima surges forward, looking to quickly close the distance between himself and Hayabusa as best he can. He leaps forward and extends his legs looking to slam his giant feet right into the ninja in perhaps one of the lesser impressive attacks in his arsenal as he looks more like a wrestler than a killer cyborg.

COMBATSYS: Ryu Hayabusa counters Dynamite Drop from Maxima with Moonpiercer EX.

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Maxima           1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[RYU HAYABUSA]
The rampaging multiple fireballs could easily be seen as an attempt to belatedly answer the invitation-- to end this. And indeed, the technique COULD have been. That Maxima emerges through the flames with fight left to burn does not shock or alarm the Dragon Ninja. Once more, the young champion stands resolute.

The cyborg goes airborne, and the master shinobi steps back-- just once. With a rush of air and a blurring whirl, the Lunar Staff comes free from its sling on his back and up and around in an instant, gently but forcefully accompanying the cyborg's descent to guide his reaving boots do the sand, just adjacent to rather than through Ryu.

In the same instant that Maxima slams ground, the bo staff reverses, its opposite weighted end illuminating with silvery chi, as if reflecting the moon overhead, the spotlights nearby-- until its bloom doubles, redoubles, and erupts around the cybernetic warrior's skull as the staff-mounted mace slams into the side of his head, once more guiding his momentum towards the urging embrace of the sands beneath them.

[MAXIMA]
Admittedly Maxima wasn't sure what was going to happen, but to be honest things get a bit confusing to him because one moment he was looking to strike the ninja and the next moment he is slamming feet first into the ground due to the use of Hayabusa's bo-staff.

It only gets worse because before he has any chance to really refocus he feels that chi imbued staff slam into the side of his head and rattle him. and send him stumbling about and falling over into the ground face first. He remains there for a few moments before it seems that somehow that strike was still not enough.

Maxima manages to push himself up to his knees then get up fully to his feet where he staggers a bit before managing to keep himself balanced. "Heh.....magnificient." The cyborg does not fear losing. What he wants is ways to improve. His cybernetics give him some advantages over a normal fighter, but even then someone like Ryu easily shows it takes more than advanced technology to beat someone.

Turning about Maxima looks to just close in one last time. His hands reaching high before slapping together and coming down in a huge chopping motion to slam right down on the ninja's shoulder with what strength he has left.

COMBATSYS: Maxima keeps on fighting!

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Maxima           0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

COMBATSYS: Ryu Hayabusa dodges Maxima's Mongolian.

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Maxima           0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[RYU HAYABUSA]
This time, the cyborg's persistance is, in fact, a surprise to the carefully analytical shinobi. The Dragon Ninja is nothing if not adaptive, and this sudden shifting of currents anew is met with lithe agility. Maxima's meatpaw comes down with alarming force, and Ryu weaves aside in a graceful twist, letting it pass behind him-- and rustling his ninja armor as it passes.

Hayabusa steps back, to the side, and back once more in the span of a blink of an eye, surveying Maxima without immediately pressuring the renegade prototype.

It's the eye of a predator, but unlike with King Kiske, the Dragon Ninja cannot simply wait for this one to bleed out. Still, in the master shinobi's remarkably vast arsenal and bag of tricks, the augmented gladiator has forced him to execute nearly every one. A rarity.

"Indeed." The same cool, frank baritone rings now as at the start of the fight, barely tremulous with the pain in the Dragon Ninja's frame, barely breathy from the exertion that has been demanded.

"And it seems we are not quite finished yet." It could be a question, but it rings as an observation. The last scion of the Celestial Dragons takes inventory of the situation with the calm patience, the steadying reserve and resolve of a warrior who must always be prepared to face another wave after the current surf subsides. Besides... they are here to push their limits, to test their mettle. Has that been fully achieved while either has the capacity to simply tap out? The world may never know...

COMBATSYS: Ryu Hayabusa gains composure.

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Maxima           0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[MAXIMA]
There is actually a laugh from the cyborg. "Not yet, but soon enough indeed. It is good to face someone like you. To test my limits and find faults." The big Canadian cricks his neck and watches Hayabusa for a few moments.

He is on his last legs. Even his attempts to use his cybernetics to repair what damage it can have been exhausted. Bezique gave Maxmia a bit of trouble, but Hayabusa dragged out every last bit of energy that Maxima had. He hasn't accepted defeat, but even if he does lose he isn't done in this tournament. There will be other fights, but perhaps non as satisfactory as this one.

His movements are slow, slower than normal even. He has never been quick to move and the fact he finds the energy to surge forward and look to take Ryu down says a lot about him.

The ninja made the smart move to hang back to be honest. It gives him time to see Maxima is tired and battered even if not yet beaten. He sees Maxima launch off the sands of the beach once more and look to deliver one more big kick.

COMBATSYS: Ryu Hayabusa counters Diving Kick from Maxima with Mekkyaku - Koryu EX.

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Maxima           0/-------/--=====|====---\-------\0 [E] Ryu Hayabusa

[RYU HAYABUSA]
"It is to your credit how few there are to exploit." Hayabusa notes simply, respectfully, even as the renegade prototype lurches forward defiantly. Powerfully. Once more, Maxima is a mighty airborne missile that threatens to crush a ninja beneath, and once more, the Shinobi Prince does not shy from meeting the cyborg upon that very forceful footing.

It is after all to -his- credit that he finds the gaps in the augmented fighter's capabilities to hammer nonetheless. The dive kick is driven to the opposite side by a sweep of the subtly glimmering staff, even as Hayabusa twists the opposite direction-- coming up around the massive warrior and at Maxima's six o'clock.

There's really no time to ponder this predicament, as that same twist brings the weighted butt of that artifact into Maxima's back, rattling his ribcage with force to kneel the mightiest combatant. Another full rotation brings the staff's opposite end up and around, cracking solidly into the back of the cyborg's skull and sending him hurtling face-first for the beach.

[MAXIMA]
It was at a point Maxima wasn't sure what was going to fully happen. It was all about delivering what he could and it was not enough in the end. That diving kick is stopped and Hayabusa manages to avoid it and in fact do more than just get out of the way.

The feel of the staff slamming against his back drives him forward and already close to face planting into the ground, but the followup more than makes it a certain thing.

The cybord lays there face down with little to no movement. He wanted to fight futher, but even with his cybernetics trying to repair his beaten and broken body he has no strength left to continue on.

He rolls over onto his back. His gaze looking to the sky. "I thank you for this. I hope you continue to do well, Hayabusa." he says while giving a grin. Does he pass out? He is close. his body is unable to move, but he lays there feeling pleased as a whole. A stumbling block in World Warrior, but he has other fights ahead of him. Hopefully for him others as satisfying as this one was.

COMBATSYS: Maxima takes no action.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu Hayabusa [E] 0/-------/---====|

COMBATSYS: Maxima has suffered catastrophic damage and fallen offline.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Ryu Hayabusa [E] 0/-------/---====|

[RYU HAYABUSA]
The entire fight, Hayabusa has been unsure what is about to happen. There are only probabilities and their branches, efforts and outcomes; causality. It is this interplay and their own dance that leaves Maxima fallen, but far from diminished.

"You fought well, and bravely." The Dragon Ninja observes quietly, even before enough time passes to discover whether the cyborg intends to lash out one final time in a hail mary to seize their match; probabilities, and their branches.

The Lunar Staff whirls behind Ryu as he secures it anew, reflexively also checking the crimson, black and gold wrap of the katana at his side. He then steps forward, above Maxima, and turns to offer a gauntlet-reinforced hand. "Come; there are things we should discuss." The Dragon Ninja notes enigmatically, and without apology therefore. Some things just aren't meant for discussion in an arena.

A polite wave of his hand, a nod of his head, Hayabusa will give no interviews; answers any questions hollered at him succinctly, or not at all. His own motorcycle is a sleek affair of black and red, a tempered Japanese speedster. Some would call it fitting. "Follow me." It is a ride Ryu is certain Maxima will want to make, even rattled.

[MAXIMA]
There is no last attack. There was a chance he could take the ninja down, but really he was fine how things ended. He has no excuses and he has no feeling that he didn't give it his all. It was a good fight and it was best to stop now before further damaging himself.

What he didn't expect his the ninja's offer after the fight. Maxima had planned to lay where he is and let his body start to repair itself as people drifted off and he was given some time to himself.

"Hmm?" He sits up and notices the offer being made. "Full of surprises." the cyborg says with a laugh and he starts to get up to his feet. He is slow to move, but he is more than able to make it to his own ride. If anything feeling the wind against him while riding on his motorcycle will help him recover.

"Lead the way. I hope it is a good, long ride." he says with a smirk as he slips his jacket on and pulls the shades out to slip them on. Some people do wear their sunglasses at night.

Log created on 14:12:26 09/26/2023 by Ryu Hayabusa, and last modified on 20:45:29 10/01/2023.