Master Championship - [R1] Kelvin vs Daigo

Description: The Gedo boss witnesses first-hand how much sleepy Kelvin has improved. (Winner: Daigo)


Red Arena
   While the ground-level White Arena is used more often than the
upper-level Red Arena, the Red Arena is where the really spectacular fights
are held. Seating sprawls in all directions around this circular arena, the
high-price box seats providing shade for the lower seats. Shade is important,
as the arena ceiling is retracted almost all the time, even during bad
weather (nets are stretched over the seating at these times). Twenty-foot
high glass separates the spectators from the arena, the glass polished and
protected to reduce glare and other visibility impairments.

   The arena itself is a work of art. Fifty yards in diameter, the arena
manages to represent three different landscapes; light forest at one end, a
strip of sandy beach in the middle, and shallow water with stepping stones
strategically placed at the opposite end. All is quite real; this arena is
obviously intended for veteran fighters and those who think they can step up
to the challenge this offers versus a flat arena floor. The open air and wide
space allows for fighting masters to really exercise their talents without
worrying about limited space. The Red Arena is the centerpiece of Masters
Stadium, and it shows.


The last few days have been like a dream, and not just because the youth makes a
bad habit of walking around in a half-awake daze; to get a chance to see just a
small part of the land he doesn't get to very often.  Truly a great experience
on top of the tournament scene..not that it's much to sneeze at, mind you!  Lots
of surprises, which is sure to delight any fighting enthusiast.  A bit more
confident than his previous public appearances, it shows somewhat as Kelvin
makes his way out to the arena itself, through a cleared path in the 'forest',
shielding his eyes as spotlights switch on to track his slow, but determined,
movement towards the center.  Apparently some in the audience saw the last
pay-per-view, and are eager to see more of these two.  "There's a lot of
excitement.. ..I can practically feel it.  Everyone, I'll do my best," is his
understated and subdued utterance, as he comes to a stop on the sandy beach in
the middle..his shoes getting just a bit of the grit on top.  His eyes glance
around expectantly, but for what it's worth, there is a trace of a smile on his
face despite the very serious business ahead.

Iori can be found lounging in the first row of seating.  Slouching, the tall
red-haired man seems to be occupying much more than his due: his arms drape over
the seatbacks adjacent to him, while his legs are crossed and propped on the
railing before him.  He'd been here for quite some time, from the looks of it --
a weathered library book on Wu Shu and the ravaged remains of hamburgers and
fries lie beside him.  As Yagami sees Kelvin walk in, he looks up with a vaguely
bemused expression.  At last, something's happening.  He finds the layout of the
arena curious, though he wishes that glass wall were retracted.  It'd be so much
more exciting with the possibility of projectiles being hurled into the
audience.

Among the gathered crowd today is the female fighter who will be challenging the
victor of this battle in the next round. Not dressed in her traditional outfit
but in a lacy white top and a short black skirt, the world's strongest woman is
none the less garnering quite a few stares and murmurs from the nearby
spectators. There's no hiding that physique after all, and many who otherwise
might not know her face remember her from the previous night's match. This
tournament looks set to be a good one for her and the fight fans know it after
her initial performance... from which she shows absolutely no ill effects,
though a few bruises do mark her upper body under her clothes. Has Chun-Li heard
of the men she is about to view? Of course.. the name of Daigo is a familiar one
especially, and though she has yet to see Mr. Anderson at work she knows he has
a small tournament history of his own. She's looking forward to an interesting,
and enlightening matchup.

For his part, Daigo isn't so used to the big-time tournament scene either.  It's
all new.  Much unlike the rough and tumble gang-fighting that spawns in Gedo,
this is a much more organized bit.  The last time he did anything this special
was Chaos!, and that...even that didn't quite have THIS kind of audience.
Saturday Night Fight?  Pff.  That's like comparing some weekly wrestling show to
the almighty PPV event.  That was nothing.  This is special.  Daigo is well
aware of the change of atmosphere.  Even moreso is he aware that each fight in
this tournament needs to be taken more seriously than the last.  Kazama kids
don't mess around when you get right down to it.

Another spotlight lights up.  Daigo Kazama, of Gedo High, walking into the
arena.  Already the elder Kazama can see where Kelvin went first, and so he
follows, through the forest, and to the beach.  Taking up a spot opposite the
smaller man.  For surely he is a better man now than he was before.  This, Daigo
is aware of. Even as the Gedo Boss takes up his spot on the arena, his arms
relaxed, his one-eyed gaze settling on the dreamy-eyed lad, a hint of a smile
crosses one half of Dai's mouth.  For a first match in this tournament, this
particular matchup couldn't have been any better.

"You look ready.  I look forward to seeing how much you've learned.  I knew you
had talent...don't disappoint me."  Spoke softly, but firmly, before Daigo
slides into a proper battle stance, raising his big beefy arms to a boxer's
form.

Indeed.  Still rough around the edges, the young man is showing
improvement..especially for the one man that's down in that arena with him.
That spark in those half-lidded eyes, so easily missed by many others, is
stronger this time.  The only question remains; is he going to be on top of his
game tonight?  "I'll give you nothing less than my best," he
acknowledges..before moving into an odd rendition of a ready stance of his own.
An odd spectacle to those in the audience that haven't seen it in person, he
actually seems to grow more relaxed, rather than tense up as many in this sport
do..all just part of his 'style'.  Setting his feet, he gives a respectful bow
of his head towards Daigo, and quips softly but sharply, "I'm ready when you
are, big guy."  Oh, he gets a verbalized nickname now!  At this point, he does
his best to shut out the noise around him, all the eyes falling upon him, and
focus upon only that which is before him.  That Mona Lisa's smile fades, as it's
time to get down to 'business'.  He can't afford to mess this one up.

COMBATSYS: Kelvin has started a fight here.

COMBATSYS: Daigo has joined the fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Kelvin           0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0            Daigo

The stage is set.  The fighters are ready!  Kelvin vs. Daigo, FIGHT!

Daigo can see, in his own way, the improvements.  The higher confidence
especially shines through.  That's good.  One can't fight if they can't be
confident in their skills.  But will they be enough..?  Dai nods back to
Kelvin's respectful bow, and flashes a hint of a smirk, before his own eye
narrows, and his stance shifts.  Daigo's shoes scuff up a small cloud of sand as
the Gedo Boss braces, and pushes off, taking the three steps it'd take for him
to get in close to Kelvin.  Wasting no time at all in starting this fight off,
Dai gives a grunt to go with the best move he's ever had to lead a fight with.
A quick left jab, always meant to shake up the opposition's noggin'.

COMBATSYS: Kelvin blocks Daigo's Jab Punch.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Kelvin           0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0            Daigo

It comes in amazingly fast, too!  It never ceases to numb the mind how a guy
with so much muscle mass can yet rush forward with speed like that.  A good
thing for Kelvin that he's not too intimidated at the sight, apparently.
Keeping any sense of panic tightly under wraps for the time being, he stands his
ground up until Daigo is practically right on him.  At this point, the
physically unlikely occurs.. ..the little guy actually manages to raise his arm
in time to absorb the shock from Daigo's fist -- one that by all rights, looks
like it could probably wrap around Kelvin's body, if the Gedo boss were so
inclined.  The hit glances off almost harmlessly, and while a bit of the sand
that gets kicked up shows that it wasn't entirely absorbed.. ..Kelvin actually
seems none the less for wear.  "Testing my new defenses," the youth assumes,
though he doesn't verbalize it.. ..and while Daigo might be able to afford these
kinds of hits, Kelvin can't be so reserved.  Using the proximity for his hopeful
advantage, Kelvin's feet dig into the dirt, as he thrusts his body upwards
towards Daigo..looking to use this to knock him off balance long enough to send
the larger man reeling with a followup throw.  Well..it worked on Ralf..sorta.

COMBATSYS: Daigo blocks Kelvin's Positive Momentum.

[  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Kelvin           0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0            Daigo

Of course, that jab was just to test.  It's always a test.  A fake-out.  A way
to see just how focused the opponent is going to be.  And Daigo is not
disappointed to find his jab blocked.  Moreso to find the youth digging in to
try and use Daigo's new proximity to Kel's advantage.  Unfortunately throwing
one of a larger mass doesn't always work, and when Kelvin thrusts up to knock
Daigo off-balance, the Kazama merely takes the hit and steps back instead.
Though with Kelvin so close, and throw-happy, Dai really can't help but return
the favor by attempting to grab the man by his collar, and chuck him over
Daigo's shoulder, at the crunchy sand!

COMBATSYS: Daigo successfully hits Kelvin with Quick Throw.

[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Kelvin           0/-------/---====|-------\-------\0            Daigo

Unfortunately for Kelvin, he had thrown his full weight into his attack.  With
the lack of footing, he makes fairly easy pickings for the much larger man to
essentially snatch out of the air.  To his credit, his eyes stay focused even
while he feels his weight being shifted, and subsequently..thrown though the
air.  Even worse, sand is a fairly new fighting surface for him, and he's rather
ill prepared for what follows.  Trying to twist himself to minimize the impact,
he just ends up sliding along his side, eventually coming to an ungraceful stop
next to a rock.  No, he didn't quite slam into it..but it's enough to jostle it
out of place.  Coughing out a bit of sand, he uses that very boulder as a hand
hold to quickly get back to his feet..though he doesn't seem to be too eager to
charge in like that again.  Instead, his eyes seem expectant, even as he takes a
few moments to reconsider things.  Time stands still for noone.. ..while
Kelvin's been training, in his own little ways, no doubt Daigo has a few new
things to show him as well.

COMBATSYS: Kelvin focuses on his next action.

[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Kelvin           0/-------/---====|-------\-------\0            Daigo

Daigo learned a lot about throws, yes.  A fight with Hyo will teach you more
than you ever wanted to know about sharp instruments of death, and throwing
people around.  And how to block trees, if you're so inclined.  So Daigo's
learned a new trick or two, sure.  Having just dusted Kelvin with some beach
sand, Dai turns around to see where his opponent's gotten off to.  Seeing Kelvin
on his feet, the Gedo Boss nods with moderate approval, and cracks the knuckles
of his right hand.  "Come on.  You can do better than that." Dai states,
advancing on Kelvin almost in a stalkish manner, but not moving in for another
attack yet.  His method's always been more defense than offense.  Why change
that now?

COMBATSYS: Daigo focuses on his next action.

[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Kelvin           0/-------/---====|-------\-------\0            Daigo

It might be that very mentality that is Kelvin's worst enemy in this battle.
While he's at least been trying to put some token shift into self-initiated
offense..it often ends up like, well, that.  At the core of it, he'll always be
a reactionary fighter.  Yet, in times like these, it's not like the two can
spend the whole match simply staring at each other..things simply don't work
that way.  Taking a deep breath to swallow down any remaining hesitation, Kelvin
responds to Daigo's challenge, taking his own easy time in wandering to meet him
halfway until the very last few steps, where he suddenly springs to try and grab
Daigo by one of those meaty forearms or wrists -- either will do nicely -- and
with a subtly sweeping motion send him sailing.  That is, of course, the best
case scenario.  There is issued a soft grunt, however, as his less powerful
muscles try to get gravity, and Daigo, to cooperate.  He *can* do better than
this..!

COMBATSYS: Daigo blocks Kelvin's Zero Momentum.

[        \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////////  ]
Kelvin           0/-------/--=====|=------\-------\0            Daigo

Unfortunately Daigo's never been good at cooperating with painful situations.
Though he's perfectly throwable, the Kazama is able to use the momentium to
strike the ground rolling, minimizing most of the damage that would've been done
to his body.  His coat gets covered in sand as a result, but better a little
sand in your shorts than a sprained back, right?

Daigo rolls right to his feet, and doesn't even spare a moment to brush sand off
his knees.  "Better..." he grunts, and then takes his turn on the offensive,
retaliating by stepping in, and swinging his right fist in a wide right hook for
Kelvin's gut!  On the way, said meaty fist flares up with the phoenix chi
Daigo's good at manipulating.  Phoenix Fist!

COMBATSYS: Kelvin blocks Daigo's Phoenix Fist.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Kelvin           0/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0            Daigo

Perhaps learning from the last time he got caught with dead footing so close to
Daigo, Kelvin's feet are firmly planted on good ol' Terra Firma this time.
Managing yet another block that would seem impossible, given the size and weight
difference, he gets his arm up in time to block the incoming punch itself.
However, this time the attack itself strikes more true than the last time Kelvin
was faced with it..and he's not able to simply shrug off the torrent of chi that
washes around.  Perhaps this will satisfy Daigo, as this finally causes the
youth to back away once again, giving some breathing room before he's right back
in it, clothes mildly scorched and looking somewhat worn.. ..this go around,
forgoing the grapples in favor of a swell, ol' fashioned and
uncharacteristically hook flying towards Daigo's jaw -- looks almost like it
belongs to a different style entirely.  Another memorable repeat of
history..will he be able to ignore it again?

COMBATSYS: Daigo blocks Kelvin's Andersons' Crushing Swing.

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Kelvin           0/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0            Daigo

It could be safely said that Daigo saw it coming.  The funny thing about a
person's head, is that for being the hardest part of one's body, it's usually
the most targetted.  This being because jaws and noses are easy to break, and
cause brain damage with.  But should one person, say, turn their head enough,
they could use it to do things like...headbutt.

Or in this case, block a fist.  Kelvin's attack doesn't quite score on Daigo's
jaw.  Rather, the Kazama turned his head just enough to take it like a man on
the forehead, and while it'll still probably leave a bit of a lump, that's just
par for the course.  You expect to get a lump or two in a fight, right?

On the other hand, this might leave Kelvin open...  Open enough for Daigo to
reach up, and grab at Kelvin's arm, tossing his own weight back to roll on his
back, and hopefully drag Kelvin along with him.  A rolling throw, Daigo using
the full momentium that he can to (hopefully) toss Kelvin right over the sandy
part of the arena, and to the watery rocky section.

COMBATSYS: Kelvin blocks Daigo's Rolling Slam.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////    ]
Kelvin           1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0            Daigo

It might not look like it out there in the audience, but Kelvin actually manages
to raise a successful defense.  This time, rather than sliding through sand in
an uncontrolled collission course, he has some sense of where he's going.  Daigo
might feel this loss of complete control over the carnage, as when Kelvin is
finally launched from the big man's awesome Kung-Fu grip, he twists with a lot
better effect than last time.  He still lands rather unflatteringly in the
water, getting soaked, and no doubt the force of impacting the surface still has
all the sting of bellyflopping into a pool off the high dive, but.. ..he's able
to avoid being pummelled by the rocks themselves, something he's grateful for.
Getting back up to one knee in the water..at least he's durable..he takes a
moment to let some water drain lest he fly back in completely water logged.  His
eyes get a determined look..despite all of this, he's bound to show Daigo his
spirit.

COMBATSYS: Kelvin focuses on his next action.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////    ]
Kelvin           1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0            Daigo

It's almost like a game of tag so far, this fight.  Back and forth, most of
either's attacks ending up blocked.  Even now, Daigo gets to his feet, and sure
felt the loss of control towards the end of his rolling slam.  This time the
Gedo Boss has time to brush sand off his pants, gazing over towards where Kelvin
landed, soaked, and stands now, water streaming out of the other man's clothes.
Yes.  Kelvin's definately learned how to take hits better this time.  There
won't be any Kelvin Football this evening.  Daigo advances through the sand, to
the watery part of the arena, and steps out onto one of the rocks, carefully
circling his opponent.  "That was better..." he comments, idly, widening his
stance to take up two rocks, then holding out one hand, palm up, and...

The Bring it! gesture is made.

COMBATSYS: Daigo focuses on his next action.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////    ]
Kelvin           1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0            Daigo

One man's tournament is another man's learning experience.  Win or lose,
everyone takes something away.  Kelvin is determined for that something to be
positive, unlike some of the other underdogs that have left with their tail
tucked between their legs.  Yet, that burning within doesn't break through his
surface, even if he does shatter his silence to give a bit of a knowing smile.
It doesn't take a master tactician to know that things are not in Kelvin's favor
-- it never was, practically from the beginning.  Here is where he intends to
redeem that coupon, good for one positive something.  The pond does its own
imitation of the parting of the Red Sea, as Kelvin rushes almost like a blur out
of it.  That's something he hasn't shown often, or even to Daigo..he can be
quick, when he feels the need for it.  Other than that aspect, it's nothing of
remark.. ..it appears that he's aiming to simply introduce Daigo into the
ground, using the smaller man's *own* momentum for once.

COMBATSYS: Kelvin successfully hits Daigo with Linear Motion.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////       ]
Kelvin           0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0            Daigo

Daigo, allow Kelvin to show you something.  This is the ground.  It's covered
with water.  Say hello, Daigo!  HE-THUD-LLO!

It was much faster than Daigo actually expected in the watery section of the
arena.  Charging like a bull doesn't usually do much to knock walls down, but if
you find that one weak spot, anything comes tumbling down.  Daigo has a
half-second to widen an eye, and almost get his arms up, before he's knocked
into the water himself, flat on his back.  Impacting another of the rocks strewn
about, with a loud, painful grunt.  Ouch...  Even so, Daigo's no stranger to
pain, and he really hadn't been hurt much this fight, so the shock is momentary,
and the Gedo Boss is able to quickly get back to his feet.  His turn to
drip-dry.  Footing is less sure in the waters, especially when not using the
rocks, so Daigo's charge isn't as fast as Kelvin's all-out tackle, but still Dai
tries to be quick about closing the distance again, and...crouching at the last
moment to try to uppercut Kelvin back towards the sand!

COMBATSYS: Kelvin counters Fierce Punch from Daigo with Empty Hand.

[                  \\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////       ]
Kelvin           0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0            Daigo

Rather than rest on that small victory, Kelvin knows that he can't just lay down
and take a nap yet.. ..or Daigo will make him regret it.  No, it's not quite
*satisfying* to see Daigo go down like that..he's not a vicious person, outside
the arena or inside..but to know that he can still manages to actually move the
wall of muscle?  It's a priceless morale booster.  Now somewhat dried out,
Kelvin has found some dryer spot in the middle of it all -- a fairly dry, heavy
rock that he falls back to in the pinch, seeing Daigo recover -- as the bed of
the water does not exactly afford much in the way of footing.  Not that this is
much better, but.. ..his mouth opens as he grits his teeth, seeing that heavy
hand aiming to just knock him right off.  Instead, he leans forward, opposite
the angled surface that is his perch..and..meets Daigo's fist head on?  That
can't be right -- but it is!  His comparitively small hand can be seen for that
split second to be holding the much larger man's in its palm, but that isn't the
end of it.  To add insult to injury, Kelvin's other hand is already in motion,
slicing at Daigo's captive wrist with a relatively weak, but surprising,
knife-hand.  That one's new, too..and it must be annoying, not that Kelvin seems
to be gloating about it.
A second's worth of pain lances through Daigo's wrist, the fist he'd been making
faltering, and the momentium of his assault...paused.  It does seem that
Kelvin's learned a few things, alright.  Daigo certainly isn't disappointed.  He
would have been more mad if the fight had turned out to be a short mud-stomping
session.

Even so, that moment of gloating might be all Daigo needs to remind Kelvin who
he's fighting.  Even as Dai's right hand stings with a fading numbness, his left
swings out in that annoyingly fast jab-punch he's perfected so well.  It never
seems like much of a hit.  More of a slap upside the head than anything, but
discipline is oft-times painful, and he still has a lesson to teach the other
fighter.

COMBATSYS: Kelvin blocks Daigo's Jab Punch.

[                  \\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////      ]
Kelvin           0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0            Daigo

Unfortunately, Daigo is once again denied one of his trademarks.  Perhaps his
hands hadn't recovered as quickly from the surprise as he'd have licked, or
Kelvin is just on top of things tonight.. ..once again, his forearm, the one
whose sleeve still bears some scorching from an earlier assault, raises to meet
the challenge..and what should have likely sent Kelvin off his rock, instead
scoots the rock itself..which might have just saved Kelvin's body from having to
absorb the brunt of the shock.  Realizing with that slipping that his higher
ground is quickly turning against him, however, Kelvin gives a push off with his
foot, both sending him landing back into the water itself..and..
.inadvertantly, sorta rolling the rock over towards Daigo's foot.  Kelvin's
eyes go wide for a moment, as that was sort of an accident..but..well..hopefully
Daigo can move out of the way.

COMBATSYS: Daigo blocks Kelvin's Random Weapon.

[                  \\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////       ]
Kelvin           0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0            Daigo

The rock doesn't so much crush Daigo's foot as it does just sorta roll onto his
toe.  It might've been a big rock, but Daigo did try to step back.  He just
didn't step far enough.  It can hurt to have a stubbed toe.  It certainly
doesn't feel good.  A little pain is nothing, though, and Daigo jerks his foot
back, thus stepping /over/ the rock, and attempting to stomp his way closer to
Kelvin again.  Now he just attempted to make a couple attacks, and got thwarted
pretty handily.  The Gedo Boss is hanging back again, not quite getting close
enough to throw a punch, but waiting to see if Kelvin has any more sneaky tricks
up his sleeve before Daigo launches any more offensives.  This game of tag can't
go on forever, after all...

COMBATSYS: Daigo focuses on his next action.

[                  \\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////       ]
Kelvin           0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0            Daigo

It certainly can't..but Kelvin is more than willing to at least make Daigo work
for it.  Having become sort of friends on the battlefield, he's come to know
that Daigo wouldn't a walk-through-the-park style of victory.  He wants to test
himself, more than anything..and that much is easily respected.  It's amazing
that the sleepy one's done as well as he has, though, considering this isn't his
'ideal' fight.  Speaking of which.. ..it looks as though his opponent for the
night is stalking over for another try, yet..stops a few feet away.  Rather than
utter a statement of relief that his foot didn't get crushed, which might cause
resentment at thinking the Gedo boss weak -- he'll have to settle for the
thankful look on Kelvin's face.  That humanitariasm is short-lived, however, as
once again Kelvin launches forward.  This should be familiar..as he's already
called upon it once tonight, but is hoping for a better result given these
circumstances.  Stepping off on one foot, and not wasting any more precious
time, the youth is already in his seemingly most likely position..making a grab
for Daigo.  It's almost like those forearms and wrists have bullseyes or
cross-hairs painted on them, as that's once again his target; a quick attempt at
a grab, and an outbound throw..and once again, he has to exhale sharply to will
his body to make it work.  As Daigo is typically secure in knowing..it's hard to
fight physics.

COMBATSYS: Kelvin successfully hits Daigo with Zero Momentum.

COMBATSYS: Daigo endures Kelvin's Zero Momentum.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////         ]
Kelvin           0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0            Daigo

Given the situation, Daigo had more than enough time to watch this new attack
come to him.  It might come as a shock when he almost seems to drop his guard
for that very moment, and allows his wrist to be claimed for the lethal throw...
Daigo's body moves with gravity, and a little physical persuasion from Kelvin's
behalf, sends Daigo to the ground.  Though, as Kelvin had done with Daigo
before, the smaller figher might feel as though Daigo twisted around mid-throw,
to land not as far away as he should have.  Still on a rock...and those HURT,
mind you...but closer than comfort should allow.

That was Daigo's plan.  Rather than attempt to pick at Kelvin until he falls
over, he's going for a more direct approach.  By enduring the throw, he's
positioned himself to better attempt to break through Kelvin's defenses...
Daigo practically springs up from his prone position in the water, sending a
veritable splash of rain from the attempt, and from a mere couple feet away,
steps forward and throws a big right cross for Kelvin's cheek.  His fist again
lit up with ye olde Phoenix chi.  Surprise, Kelvin!

COMBATSYS: Daigo successfully hits Kelvin with Phoenix Fist.

[                        \\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Kelvin           1/-------/=======|=======\-------\0            Daigo

Surprise, indeed.  Kelvin still isn't too familiar with how these matters work..
.how to turn a poor defense into a good offense, as it's not a tactic that he's
seen employed often, if ever.  It's something that Daigo gives him an impromptu
and rather punishing lesson in.  At first, Kelvin is frankly perplexed that
Daigo just seemed to roll with it and take it.. ..but it becomes all too clear
his true intent.  And so, one good clean hit leads to another.  The junior of
the two combatants makes at least a token attempt at blocking, but it's much too
little, too later.  Rather than merely flowing around his forearm, this one
connects just as intended.  A nigh sickening 'thunk' resounds throughout the
arena, as Kelvin goes flying backward..temporarily stunned, there's no hope of a
soft landing.  It actually manages to send him up onto the sand again, where
he..with surprising calmness, shakes his head clear, and raises a hand to his
cheek..one that's now got a painful, yet not *too* serious, combination of a
bruise and burn.  "..teach me how to do that sometime," comes his somewhat
muddled response, breaking his prolonged verbal silence, and thereafter climbs
up to his feet..and this time, it's his own turn to concentrate and try to
gather himself, rather than rush blindly in.  It's clear that he's almost worn
down, despite his spirited and resilient effort..but he still has the potential
for a few good licks, should he not his guard down again.

COMBATSYS: Kelvin focuses on his next action.
[                        \\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Kelvin           1/-------/=======|=======\-------\0            Daigo

"Sure." Comes Daigo's grunt of a reply, finally getting a little satisfaction
that his style hasn't...since his fight with Hyo...somehow weakened.  A good
solid hit will do wonders for your self-esteem.  Just ask Kelvin!  Now that the
fight's back onto the sandy beach side of the arena, Daigo stalks his way back
out of the pool-side, and advances again.  He's not going to let up so easily...
One good punch deserves another, you see, and Daigo's never been one to cut
anyone slack in a fight.  That's not how it works!  "Let me show you again..."
Dai says, this time launching part two of the Phoenix assault, a swift left
uppercut to compliment his earlier right cross!  Watch that Phoenix chi fly!
Watch the trails it leaves behind!  Just don't watch so long that you miss the
impact, now...

COMBATSYS: Daigo successfully hits Kelvin with Phoenix Fist.
[                           \\\  < >  ////////////////////          ]
Kelvin           1/---====/=======|=======\=------\1            Daigo

There's no way to downplay it..  ...that hurt!  Especially coming so soon after
the last, Kelvin hardly even has time to blink.. ..the first time he's really
done so the whole fight.  This is as appropriate a moment as any, though, as he
tries to shift backwards at the last minute.  He knows that it's practically
over the moment it connects solidly, sapping away most of what vigor remained in
his already overtaxed frame.  Sadly, momentum, health, and luck just aren't on
his side.  Yet, after it connects, even if it's not as intentional as Daigo's
own similar gesture..he gets a smile, even while that spark fades for his eyes.
Or, does it?  "..thanks..but, one thing before I go.."  Rather than fall
straight down where he stands, as every muscle and ounce of sensebility in him
wants to, and just nap..for once, he sees it through until the last.  His hand
seeks Daigo's forearm, still close by from where its impact had dealt the
finishing strike..sneaky scoundrel!

COMBATSYS: Kelvin can no longer fight.

COMBATSYS: Kelvin has left the fight here.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Daigo            1/-----==/=======|

COMBATSYS: Kelvin successfully hits Daigo with Centripetal Force.
[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Daigo            1/--=====/=======|

From there, Kelvin finds one last well of strength to begin to try spinning the
big man around.  Once, twice -- three times, he digs in his foot as he uses his
weight to give Daigo his final going away present!  Of course.. ..he's totally
spent from the effort after, but..he knows the big man will appreciate it..in
some strange, twisted way.

And Daigo flies!  Crashthud.  The big man's surprised at just how much energy
one person can have when in their last few moments.  Though he shouldn't be,
having been one of those people who has had to give their all to the bitter end.
At any rate, the 'going away' present smashes Daigo a good one, makes him skid
to a halt in the sand, and...after a moment, sit up in a bit of a daze.  One
that takes a couple moments to shake off.  Though when he rises...Daigo is the
victor.  Hurrah.  To his feet, Daigo gets, spitting sand out and wiping more off
his clothes, then marching his way to Kelvin, and...picking the other man up.
Even if he's unconscious, Daigo's impressed with the amount of fight put up.  It
was certainly more than before.  "Not bad..."

Kelvin isn't quite unconscious for a few moments longer.  Certainly long enough
to be picked up again!  Uh oh, not going to kick a guy when he's down are you?
Of course not..Daigo's beyond that, and he must realize the little guy's got
little, if any fight left, as it turns out to be a simple gesture.  Going to
help the fallen comrade off the battlefield?  It brings that same easy smile to
Kelvin's bruised face, even as his eyes close complete and he seems to be fading
out to whatever strange worlds he visits when he's even more out of it than
usual.  "..good work, yourself..no regrets, right..?"  And then, what little
remained slips away, leaving Kelvin still and quiet..except for the faint
gushings of air accompanying what appear to be..sound sleep.

The fight over, the arena needing to be reset before the next match, Daigo
simply walks off with Kelvin over his shoulder.  Round one, complete.

Log created by Kobun, and last modified on 15:27:06 04/26/2005.