Description: Iori, Kain, and Ryu face off in a three way SNF Main Event. All three combatants give it their all, resulting in a extremely close finish. (Winner: Ryu)
Saturday Night Fights have been on a slight hiatus, but that doesn't mean the fighting fever that's gripped Southtown has shown any signs of abating. For one, there's been King of Fighters keeping everyone excited. For another, the release of a SNF-themed video game has been hitting the airwaves, getting the kiddies excited all over again. Far be it from Geese Howard to resist pulling attention away from the fight that was practically ripped from his hands by an unknown organization.
But, neither issue is present here in the arena itself -- the only mention being a small lead-in from the main announcer. The announcer who, as always, Iori is completely ignoring. Once given the signal, Iori strides out to center stage, hands tucked into his trenchcoat pockets. He hardly looks thrilled to be here, though, sporting the same terse, slightly agitated expression he normally wears, as he glances across the ring to see who else might be coming. Ryu, at least, he knows. Kain... he'd only heard rumors about.
COMBATSYS: Iori has started a fight here.
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Iori 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Ryu has joined the fight here.
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Iori 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Kain has joined the fight here.
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Iori 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/-------|
King of Fighters hasn't just renewed the public's case of fighting fever... it's kept some of the world's most notable combatants rather busy, and focused as well. One of those fighters is here tonight, however, despite his lingering presence in the tournament itself... after all, what better between-round workout than the main event of one of Southtown's most notable events? It's a circuit that has its own set of challenges, and tonight's matchup, well... Ryu couldn't be happier about it, from that standpoint. He's familiar with both the other combatants here tonight, and he's positive of one thing - both these warriors will be able to give him the kind of workout he's looking for to keep his skills sharp until the next round of King of Fighters. It's more than worth a flight to Japan for that purpose, in the World Warrior's book.
The Ansatsuken master ascends to the stonework arena with a steady calm, crimson-gloved hands lifting behind his head to take a firm grip of the tails of his bright red headband, drawing the overly-long item tight about his brow, and knotting it as he takes up a position off to one side of the fighting stage. Corded arms cross easily over his chest, as the nomad quietly considers the arrival of his opponents, similarly ignoring the announcer's ramblings. Well, ignoring them except for waiting for that one important word.
One might think that Kain would have some issues with participating in an event sponsored by his most hated enemy. And one would be right. Short of major events like King of Fighters however, Geese Howards Saturday Night Fights are one of the best places to make a name for one's self, as well as to meet up with some of the most powerful fighters alive. It should also serve as a reminder of Kain's presence to Geese, even if the crime lord does underestimate the younger man. As for the prize money... Well, Kain hardly needs it, but every cent will be accounted for, and put aside specifically to be used against Geese.
As for this particular fight... Kain has fought with Ryu once before, and is well aware of how strong the nomadic fighter is. Iori, on the other hand, Kain has only seen in action, although his performance in the first round of King of Fighters was rather impressive. He was somewhat less impressive in the second round, especially in his inability to keep his team together to the end of the fight. Still, he appears to be physically strong, at least. And Kain finds his purple flames amusing.
The Heinlein heir pays about as little attention to the announcer as Iori and Ryu do, calmly strolling into the arena, left hand tucked into his pants pocket. He idly flexes the fingers of his free hand for a moment once he's taken his position, testing the fit of his gloves. This should be an interesting fight. He was unable to defeat Ryu in single combat, but perhaps things will be different with another fighter thrown into the equation.
Heh. Yes, Iori's looking forward to it. He might not know exactly what's up between Kain and Geese, but it hardly matters to him. And it won't change the outcome of a fight among the three. Unlike Kain, though, Iori =was= able to defeat Ryu one-on-one, so... perhaps a little test of Mr. Heinlein is in order.
"Hmph." says Iori, watching the fighters enter. Once the word 'FIGHT!' is shouted by the announcer... well. He doesn't wait around for Kain to get any closer. As he uncurls his hand from his pocket, a small bloom of orchid-colored flame sprouts into existence. "Everyone's so damn quiet." he notes. And as it's quickly flung across the ground at Kain, a faint smirk crawls across Iori's face. "What's wrong?"
And there's the call. Rather than rush right into the fray, however, Ryu merely snaps his hands out before him, fists hovering in his trademark ready stance, guarding high and low as he weaves patiently to the side, shifting his weight lithely and keeping his attention focused on the other participants of this little bout, eyes shifting between Kain and Iori as the nomad's mind runs through his memories, and he considers what his senses are telling him about the circumstance at hand...
One thing he's sure of, is that he doesn't want to end up sandwiched between these two powerhouses. As such, his initial choice as Yagami greets Kain WITH FIRE!!! is to continue to observe, wait, and prepare.... his opportunity will present itself, soon enough.
COMBATSYS: Ryu focuses on his next action.
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Iori 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Kain overcomes Yami Barai from Iori with Schwarze Flame.
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Iori 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/-------|
Kain glances briefly in Iori's direction as the flame comes to life in his hand, but the blond man is not particularly bothered by the display. He smirks a bit in response to Iori's words, giving the other man a brief grin. "Well now, we're just getting started..." And then the purple fire is rushing across the ground toward him. He turns to face it, but remains in his casual pose, despite the fact that it doesn't appear at first glance to be very effective for fighting.
Kain makes no move to get out of the way, instead lashing out towards Iori with his free hand. Normally Kain launches fire through the air, but there's no reason that he has to be limited to that; not with his mastery of chi. And so he does a very good approximation of the attack Iori just launched, his own purple fire racing across the ground, but when the two meet there's a brief purple flash, and Kain's flames smash right through Iori's, dispersing the attack and continuing on toward Yagami.
COMBATSYS: Iori endures Kain's Schwarze Flame.
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Iori 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/-------|
Heh. Iori might be appressed with Kain's adaptability if he knew Kain's prior style -- as it is, he hadn't had much opportunity for research with KOF going on. But once Kain's blast whips through his own, Iori can tell something's going on... but rather than try to get out of the way of the accelerated assault, it seems like Iori would just stand there and take it. Why would he do a crazy thing like that? ... Simple. Because he'd noticed Ryu standing over there doing nothing, and because he'd much rather screw with his game, knowing full well his potential. And that's why he crouches down, taking Kain's projectile in one hand, before suddenly hurling it off towards Ryu instead! Hot potato! "GURAAAAAAH!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu fails to slow Yami Barai from Iori with Shakunetsu Hadouken.
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Iori 0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/-======|
Hot potato, indeed. The sudden shift to the energies that come in at Iori weren't really what the nomad was expecting, but it doesn't stop him from seeking to add his own fire to the mix... it would seem like a promising idea, but in practice, it proves anything but, as the stunning speed of the purplish flames sweeping across the ground supercede the swift sweep of the Ansatsuken master's arms around from the side... the bloom of reddish energy that's conjured at his palms doing little as Yagami's blast knocks into his legs, and sprays searing flame up his form, devestating his focus and sweeping aside his own gathered chi in a moment as Ryu staggers backwards, obviously phased by the blast.
His inability to negate that blast of fire leaves him in an unenviable position... namely, continuing just what he was doing, without nearly so much of an advantage of patient surprise... now, he's suddenly on the defensive, and left looking for a way to correct the opening error, jaw clenching as his eyes narrow intently.
Kain glances between Iori and Ryu for a moment. Despite the fact that he's already been attacked once, he remains calm. He's quite confident in his own strength, but it's simply foolish to go rushing in without taking a moment or two to come up with a plan. Ideally the two other fights will wear themselves down for him, but Kain's not going to rely on a hope like that; not against two powerful fighters. He holds one hand out, flames engulfing it as his gaze travels between his two opponents. He'll choose his target in a moment, but for now he's willing to give them a chance to slip up...
COMBATSYS: Kain focuses on his next action.
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Iori 0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/-======|
One good thing about Iori's fights with Ryu is that they've been one of mutual respect. Iori doesn't often get agitated for undue cause around the fighter -- leading to a much more controlled set of responses as a result. ... Though the silence is killing him, as not only one, but -two- of his opponents are biding their time and waiting. Smirk taking a downward turn, his shoulders rock forward as he walks towards... Kain, once more. "I don't know about you guys, but I came here to fight." And then he suddenly breaks into a mad dash, wheeling his hand at the blonde German in a diagonal downward slash, before sharply reversing direction to come back with a fierce backfist. "GURAAAAAAOH!"
There it is. A moment. Not perhaps the /perfect/ one, but Ryu will take it, because as mentioned... he came here to fight. As Iori turns to charge Kain, whose clearheaded preparation, to say nothing of the surge of fiery chi in his grip, are not lost on Ryu... the nomad charges as well, coming in at the blonde fighter's flank in a sprinting rush. His motions, now that he sets to them, are nigh-instantaneous, an extremely quick path drawn in shifting angles across the stone, leaving his actual point of attack something of a mystery... That is, until his legs bend just slightly, and the nomad launches himself up and in, a sudden twist bringing his entire body around a full three-hundred and sixty degrees, right leg snapping out before him, parallel with the floor. The left remains extended below him, balancing his gravity-defying momentum as he hurtles into the fray, swinging one roundhousing kick after another, and another at Heinlein's skull, the twirling rotorblade force of the potent Ansatsuken technique nearly threatening to envelope Iori as well, if he doesn't back off quickly enough, "Tatsumaki Senpuuuu Kyaku!!!" Looks like Ryu isn't inclined to remain shy about this one.
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Iori's Yumebiki.
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Iori 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/--=====|
COMBATSYS: Kain just-defends Ryu's Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku!
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Iori 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/--=====|
Kain came here to fight as well, of course, even if he's not currently as adamant about it as Iori. He watches as the Orochi halfblood comes charging toward him, but that doesn't mean he's not paying any attention to Ryu. The shout from the nomad allows Kain to time the incoming attack. Of course, knowing that the attack is coming doesn't mean much if you're unable to stop it. Luckily for Kain, that's not a problem.
Iori's fist slams into Kain's arm to little effect, while Kain's other hand darts out of his pocket, reaching up to actually catch Ryu's leg just before the spinning kick slams into his head. The force is still enough to shove him back a bit, but that's just fine, because as Ryu drops down it takes only a slight turn for Kain to get both of his opponents right in front of him. The blond man throws his arms out to either side, and a split second behind the motion a purple flame flares up in front of him, quickly expanding outward into a large explosion, threatening to engulf both Ryu and Iori. Even if they avoid that, they're close enough that Kain doesn't have to run for the next part of his attack, thrusting one hand out toward either fighter and causing more purple flames to lash out at them.
COMBATSYS: Iori interrupts Schwarz Cutter from Kain with Yumebiki.
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Iori 0/-------/----===|=====--\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/--=====|
More of the purple flame -- though Iori can tell the 'scent' of it isn't quite like his. Isn't -anything- like his, really, in any sense other than color. But that still doesn't faze him much, for Iori's rushing forward into the brunt of the attack. Just as in his last attack, he starts off with a diagonal slash -- though this one comes from the other hand. An open-handed slash knocks Kain's outstretched arm away handily, just before the sharply-reversed backhand comes careening for the back of Kain's head. Sure, the flames light his trenchcoat on fire, but it's not something Iori seems terribly concerned about -- so long as he gets his hits in. "GURAA-GURAAAAAAAOH!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu fails to interrupt Schwarz Cutter from Kain with Joudan Sokutou Geri.
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Iori 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/-======|
Ryu lands out of the hurricane kick on his left foot, ready to move. That... didn't go the way he'd intended, at all. With the upsurge of chi energy being wielded by Kain, the nomad has too choices - try to defend himself, or try to capitalize. He chooses... poorly. Bringing his right leg up near his body, Ryu begins a twist to bring that side of his body in-line with Kain... just in time to be /blasted/ by the gout of flame, thrown aside even as Yagami drives back against Heinlein. For his part, gi flaring, Ryu just sort of skids back, landing hard to his back as the air is stolen from him by the searing impact. It's not often he takes a hit like that, and today, well... Maybe his mind is just elsewhere? The World Warrior finds himself forced, once more, to reflect and recenter... and try to find a way to recover from his thus-far complete and utter failure in the ring. His eyes focus on Kain and Iori's exchange as he presses a palm to the floor, and after a moment, pushes himself back to his feet. It's too early for this sort of pain.
Although Ryu was dealt with as planned, Kain wasn't quite expecting Iori to actually make it through his attack. Thus his hand gets knocked aside, and he just barely manages to hit Ryu with the second blast of flame before Iori's hand collides with the back of his head, sending him stumbling forward a few steps. Well now, that actually managed to hurt. It's hardly the kind of blow to end the fight, however.
And indeed, Kain recovers quickly. Ryu has landed a short distance away, so it looks like Iori will receive Kain's attention for the time being. Kain takes a few quick steps towards Iori before suddenly swinging his foot up in a kick aimed at Iori's midsection, driving it forward with enough force to actually lift him off the ground. Flames spring into being around his foot as it comes up, exploding outward around Iori at impact. Kain's not content to let Iori simply fly, burning, through the air, though. He leaps after Yagami, hands coming up over his head for a moment, purple chi appearing briefly in his grasp before it's launched at Iori, causing another explosion to slam him back into the ground, hopefully leaving Kain to land lightly on his feet.
COMBATSYS: Iori dodges Kain's Schwarze Lanze.
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Iori 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/-======|
Well, he'll be able to land lightly on his feet, no doubt about that -- for as soon as Kain begins his motion, Iori leaps backwards, letting the kick contact nothing more than a gust of air. When Kain continues with his assault, Iori's simply not present for it at all -- as he's instead taking a moment to regain his senses from the recent volley of attacks. He takes a step back, gritting his teeth as he alternately curls and opens his hands, glancing beteen the two as he readies himself for the next attack.
COMBATSYS: Iori focuses on his next action.
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Iori 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/-======|
Ryu may have been taken down by that last hit he took... but he's far from out! As Iori darts away from the German's powerful flame-imbued assault, Ryu again takes advantage of the opportunity. With speed every bit as formidable as what he began with, the nomad charges several strides to bring him in on Heinlein's flank as the blonde descends back to the arena, the Ansatsuken master's right hand snapping out straight for Kain's chest. Should he find a purchase there? Well, the World Warrior will use his grip and drop his weight backwards, dragging Kain with him, and as the nomad's back reaches the arena floor, his right leg would snap out at the blonde fighter's ribcage, adding to the leverage of powerful arms as Ryu seeks to send Heinlein flying, angled for a harsh reunion with the unforgiving grounds, emitting a focused "Haaaah!!" at the moment of said hurling, the entire affair exercised in one fluid, quick motion. At least, that's what he's aiming for.
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Ryu's Tomoe Nage.
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Iori 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/=======|
Ah, now this is it! This is a real fight! Kain is greatly enjoying himself here, and the possibility of taking some more powerful hits than what he's dealt with already isn't enough to dampen his spirit. This is the kind of rush that lets him have some understanding of the way Grant views fighting, and can briefly distract him from thoughts of vengeance against Geese. That doesn't mean he's distracted away from anything else, though, particularly not things like Ryu charging in toward him.
Kain spins to one side as Ryu lunges for him, pivoting around the Ansatsuken fighter and leaving him to deal with recovering from the momentum behind his attack. But now, it looks like Iori's getting a bit lonely over there, doesn't it? Perhaps Kain should invite him over to play. "Have you found the fight you were looking for?" He flashes Iori a grin, quickly followed by thrust his hands out, flames flaring out from the sleeves of his coat and forming into two balls of fire, which shoot out toward Iori, spiralling around each other as they fly.
COMBATSYS: Iori negates Schwarze Flame from Kain with Yami Barai.
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Iori 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/=======|
Iori did -- he's being tested in ways he'd rather not be. One could also argue that he's got the best view in the house for the fight between Ryu and Kain -- though that view also puts him squarely in the sights of a Mr. Heinlein. And... just as Kain improvised his attack, Iori can change his. Did you know that Kyo once preferred throwing ground-wave fireballs like Iori's? Conversely, Iori's capable of the same feat, conjuring a burst of flame in his palm, and then striding towards the twin balls of flame screaming his way. The bloom flares bright, tripling in size as Iori rams his fist forward, neatly smashing Heinlein's twin helix of flames into nothingness. Shaking his hand off, he tosses back a disdainful scowl. "Not yet," he notes -- and considering he just stopped the blow, he has every right to be cocky.
In a quasi-mirror of Kain's deft evasion, Ryu drops back as the blonde slips free of his grab, dancing away for a moment before he realizes that Heinlein's reprisal isn't focused on him. His eyes follow the darting path of the dual flames with a calm eye, considering their course before his gaze snaps back to Kain. He /feels/, more than sees, the bloodline flames that Yagami brings to bear in opposing that blast, that conflicting chi not quite as important a his own focus... making better use of his own fire.
The nomad's arms shove forward, bringing a brilliant flare of reddish chi with them as he brings the heels of his hands together in front of him, the massive surge of flaming energy swirling together in a flash, its spherical mass projected in at Heinlein's flank with no lack of raw power, the flaring ball orbited by a flaming tendril of that same fiery chi, "Hadoooouken!!!!" he calls out... this is indeed the fight he was looking for, it's just a matter of putting himself back into it.
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Ryu's Shakunetsu Hadouken.
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Iori 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Kain
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Ryu 0/-------/-======|
Once again, Kain is aware of Ryu's attack. A bit hard to catch somebody by surprise when you're shouting, right? And despite the fact that the Hadouken is by now means slow, Kain is fast enough on his feet to avoid it. At the last second he pivots to one side, swinging around the incoming projectile. Kain doesn't stop spinning, however. He ducks low as he goes, springing back up as he nears the 360 degree mark.
Using that built up momentum, Kain leaps toward Ryu, flying in with a straight kick aimed for the nomad's chest. Nothing's ever quite that simple with Kain, of course. As he leaves the ground purple flames gather around Kain's leg, flaring out around it and streaming behind him in his flight. And if his foot impacts with Ryu, it'll be along with all of that flame washing over the World Warrior.
An idle mind is dangerous when left alone, though -- and Ryu and Kain might find out just how bad Iori's mind can be when he has the time to think about his next action. And with Kain practically leaping towards Ryu as he is, Yagami has the time to formulate exactly -how- he plans to take the blonde down. His choice in this case would be to dash in close to the two fighters, and whip out a rapid roundhouse at the fighter, hoping to knock him out of the air at about the same time as he impacts Ryu -- or slightly thereafter. "Don't forget about ME!"
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Ryu with Schwarzer Stob.
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Iori 0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1 Kain
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Ryu 1/------=/=======|
Before Ryu can sidestep, that well-thrown flying kick collides squarely with his chest, sending the air out of his lungs in dramatic fashion once more as he's driven back in a gout of flame, flesh seared as further blackened chars appear across the front of his gi, small flash-fires burning for a lingering moment as he slides away from Kain, gritting his teeth and planting a palm to the floor as he skids on his knee and shin... not the most pleasant way to be blasted away, but it beats faceplanting, particularly since it allows the nomad to plant that other foot back under him and rise against Heinlein's momentum, his right fist snapping up forcefully as the World Warrior pushes back to his feet, launching a potent uppercut with the simple aim of planting his gauntletted fist on the underside of the blonde's chin, focusing the strike with a fervent, "Kyaaaaah!!!" Never say die, right? Besides, where Kain's at could become a /very/ painful place to be, under the circumstances.
COMBATSYS: Kain just-defends Iori's Medium Kick!
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Iori 0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1 Kain
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Ryu 1/------=/=======|
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Kain with Fierce Punch.
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Iori 0/-------/---====|=======\=====--\1 Kain
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Ryu 1/------=/=======|
Iori's kick is coming in at Kain just as he rebounds off of Ryu's chest, but the blond man can hardly be said to be off his guard. His hand lashes out, catching Iori's kick and letting the force behind it simply push him through the air, rather than do any actual damage. Unfortunately he's not quite so lucky with Ryu, getting a clean landing just in time for Ryu's fist to slam into his jaw with enough force to take him right back off his feet, landing roughly on his back.
Kain had been planning to grant Iori's wish for some more attention, but that blow to the head draws his attention back to Ryu. Once he gets to his feet his hands go back and to one side, a spark of yellowish flame appearing between his palms. "Himmlische..." The flame quickly grows to fill the area between Kain's hands, and he thrusts his arms forward, palms facing toward Ryu. The chi energy balloons outward into a massive yellow sphere, the sun brought forth in minature today in Howard Arena, complete with a crackling corona of energy around the already massive orb of energy. "...Seele!" And with that shout the orb shoots out toward Ryu. The nomad has seen this attack before, but it's a bit different this time. Rather than flying straight toward Ryu, the orb zig-zags wildly through the air. Make no mistake however, the target toward which it is streaking is still Ryu.
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Kain's Himmlische Seele.
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Iori 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 1/----===/=======|
... And even after all that, Kain still persists in attacking Ryu. And Ryu still persists in attacking Kain. Many would find this situation to be perfectly acceptable, but Iori finds it maddening that neither fighter is giving him the time of day -- and indeed, that Kain is just =brushing him off= like that. TIme for something a bit more ... aggressive. "You're pissing me off!" he shouts, going for something a bit simpler -- a full-bore punch to the side of the head, as he throws his entire body into the blow. "GURAAAAAAAAH!"
Ryu throws up crossed arms in the path of the massive orb of crackling golden energy, the miniature second sun caught squarely by the World Warrior's hardened guard, and his own opposing chi, in a massive fluctuation of immense amounts of power as he sliiiides backwards under its persistent force, feet sliding across the stone as he's shoved by the sheer power of that mighty attack. Nonetheless, the resisting force and his own resilient guard proves enough to dull it, until after several instants, the Ansatsuken master digs in his heels and stops the sphere's momentum, fist lashing out through it to dissipate the last bits of ebbing chi, the flames extinguishing about his form as he draws a deep breath, and settles his attention forward. Rather than charging /right/ back in, the World Warrior takes another moment to calm his mind, taking relaxed breaths as he steps back several more steps from the immediate battle... this one's taxed him nearly to his limits already, and just a glance at Iori and Kain tells him he'll need more to perservere. So the time is taken, patiently assessing, waiting.
COMBATSYS: Ryu takes a breather.
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Iori 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 1/----===/=======|
COMBATSYS: Iori successfully hits Kain with Medium Punch.
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Iori 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0 Kain
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Ryu 1/----===/=======|
Kain does require a bit of recovery time after launching such a powerful attack at Ryu, leaving him unable to throw up a guard in time to stop Iori's attack. The Orochi halfblood's fist slams into Kain's head, sending him staggering for a moment. The blows are starting to add up a bit, but Kain's hardly out of things yet. And if Iori wants attention so desperately, Kain will just have to oblige him, even if Ryu is making himself a tempting target at the moment. We wouldn't want Iori to get all emo, now would we?
Kain glances over toward Iori for a moment, grinning at him. "You've got quite a temper." Kain is more aware than that of most, as raw anger seems to be the most powerful thing that he's picking up from Iori at the moment. Of course, that might well make him careless... Perhaps careless enough for Kain to get in an attack of his own, which he attempts to do by returning Iori's punch, dashing the few steps toward the man and making a full-armed swing for his jaw, a halo of flame surrounding his fist to give it a little extra 'oomph'.
COMBATSYS: Iori blocks Kain's Flame Fist.
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Iori 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Kain
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Ryu 1/----===/=======|
Master of the obvious. Why is it that the quietest people tend to favor stating things left better unsaid? ... Not like Iori's excluded from that equation though. But he =is= excluded from blanket assumptions that being angry makes him careless -- conversely so! It's when he's angry that he's most -effective-, absorbing the brunt of Kain's flaming fist with a deftly-raised forearm. Though, out of the corner of his eye he'd noted that Ryu was left all alone as a result -- and as such, Iori ducks low, pushing away from the blonde to come right back at Ryu. It might not be his trademark flaming uppercut, but it's an uppercut just the same, aimed for Ryu's recuperating ribcage -- "GURAAAAAAH!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Iori's Fierce Punch.
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Iori 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Kain
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Ryu 1/---====/=======|
Ryu gets his moment to rest and reassess, even with Yagami's efforts to oppose it. By the time Iori barrels in, the nomad's had the time he needs to reconsider the flow of the battle, and that underhanded fist is caught squarely on the front of one forearm as Ryu twists away from the strike, bringing his right arm around his gut to intercept the strike, dark eyes focused on Iori. It's a stinging impact, and one that's going to leave a hell of a bruise, but... one good turn deserves another, and Ryu's left arm is coiled back for a reason... one that becomes all too apparent, if no less dangerous, as he steps back in with a twist, bringing his left foot forward and that side of his body around, as his fist /slams/ up and under at Iori's ribcage in return, a fierce strike meant to steal the flame-wielder's wind... and set him up for the epilogue.
With a massive, centered surge of chi energy, the nomad drops low, swinging his right side in on Iori and launching himself upwards with his right fist, the blow aligned to rake Yagami's chest and slam that truck-stopping gauntletted fist against Iori's chin, Ryu's entire form shooting skywards trailed with bluish chi. But, if he connects.... Iori will be going a lot farther, "Shoooryuuuuuken!!!!!"
And now Kain is given a moment to hang back while the other two fighters go at one another. Now, that's nice and all, but Kain doesn't really need to rest up that much. Sure, he's taken a bit of a beating, but he's still got more than enough energy left. He demonstrates this by continuing to show Iori the attention the man was looking for earlier. Pulling his hands back into a position much like the one he used not long ago, Kain summons a greenish-blue flame into being between his palms. There's no cry this time... If Iori's foolish enough not to watch, why warn him? As Kain thrusts his hands forward and the chi expands into a large sphere once again however, the sound of the crackling flames will probably be enough to catch Iori's attention. Hopefully not enough time to let him react to it, though, as it streaks forward from Kain's hands, trying to engulf the Orochi halfblood.
COMBATSYS: Iori parries Ryu's Shin Shoryuken!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/----===|
COMBATSYS: Iori dodges Kain's Himmlische Seele.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/----===|
Yeah, well... Iori has a way of beating expectations. It's not reliable, and in fact, it often works at times he needs it less than others -- such as in this fight, in which he's remained relatively lucky so far. And even -moreso- once Ryu's penultimate attack uncoiles just inches away -- for Iori quickly sidesteps it, pushing against Ryu's fist the instant it screams overhead. Granted, his other fist isn't so gentle -- a left punch to the gut, an uppercut from his right, and then a leaping two-fisted smash from overhead. He's so passionate about driving Ryu backwards that, at least to bystanders, it might seem as if Iori didn't even notice the blue-green sphere that goes whistling by the space left in his wake. Really, though... he did notice, and this was all part of the veteran fighter's plan to piss off the blonde German.
COMBATSYS: Iori successfully hits Ryu with Aoi Hana EX.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Kain
[ \\\\\\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/-======|
Crunch. Crack. Slam! Ryu is driven back /quite/ effectively, the trio of strikes crushing him out of the larger, more impressive, utterly negated Shoryuken. The Ansatsuken master is left to little more than the ability to stagger, dropping to his knees and nearly flailing over intirely as he falls to his side, landing harshly on his elbow out of sheer stubbornness, unwillingness to just lay down and take it. He grits his teeth, spitting out a bit of blood to the arena floor as the nomad picks himself back up to a crouch... a crouch that immediately becomes an aerial offensive, Ryu launching himself up and in on Iori with a quick spin, his right leg snapping out before him to serve as rotor for his gravity-defying flight, the straight course barrelling him in at Yagami as kick after kick is angled for the flame-wielder's skull, "Tatsumaki Senpuuuu Kyaku!!!!"
Kain does frown for a moment when Iori seems to evade his attack without even noticing it, but it'll take a bit more than that to actually get the German angry. He's still quite calm and collected, and enjoying the fight. Of course, if he could put a bit more hurt on Iori it would make things that much better. Since both of his opponents are currently busy with one another, Kain has a perfect opportunity to make an attempt at just that.
Getting in too close to Iori while Ryu is spinning around in there would be rather dangerous, so for the moment Kain is content to hang back a bit. That doesn't keep him out of the fight, however, as he shows by whipping both hands out toward Iori, sending another pair of purple fireballs spiralling toward the Orochi halfblood. And still, even with all these flames he's been throwing about, Kain doesn't even look winded. The bruises on his jaw are a good sign that the fight is still having an affect on him, however.
COMBATSYS: Iori blocks Kain's Schwarze Flame.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Kain
[ \\\\\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/--=====|
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Iori with Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Iori 1/-----==/=======|=------\-------\0 Kain
[ \\\\\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/=======|
Hmph. Iori wasn't totally ignorant of Kain's attack welling into existence behind him -- in fact, as soon as his series of attacks lands on Ryu, Iori whips back to find the flames hot on his tail. He whirls sharply, driving his elbow into them and rending the flames in two. Still, the way he bares his teeth, it's pretty obvious to tell it still smarts quite a bit. ... But really, Kain's attack served better as a distraction than as a true attack, because it's left him wide open for Ryu's hurricane kick. The first kick clocks the Orochi halfbreed on the shoulder, spinning him around sharply -- the second slams into his torso, and then the third collides with his head, sending him flying to the arena floor.
Not that he stays there very long, though, before pushing himself back to his feet. Seems Kain got his attention at least -- long enough for Iori to sprout flames from his two palms, glaring at the man with hateful malice. Just a typical Yagami greeting, really! While his mouth screams, "OOOOAAGH! OOORAAAAAH! RAAAAAAAOH!", his actions scream, 'You want fire? Here's some fire!' -- specifically, one slash of purple flame rushing towards Kain's feet, followed by a second, and then Iori rearing both hands over his head and SLAMMING them into the arena floor. They apparently need to fix it every time Iori comes here, really -- for the floor splits in twain, purple flame blaring out and threatening to swallow Kain whole. "GURAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Ryu follows through on the momentum from his attack as he lands, rushing in on Iori as the flame-wielder rises. The World Warrior may be essentially running on empty here, but it's not going to stop him from going all-out... and it could make Iori's attention shift to Kain a bit dangerous for the man. Planting his left foot, Ryu twists the right side of his body around, a coiled right fist snapping outward and inward. It's thrown like a straight punch, more or less... but the strike angles downward, aligned with Iori's chest. Or his side, if his opponent doesn't quite turn to face him in time. Either way, the blow carries Ryu's weight behind it, no force pulled from the quick, efficient strike, which is focus'ed with a fierce, "Hyaaaaah!!!"
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Iori's Yami Sugi.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Kain
[ \\\\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/=======|
As the massive waves of purple flame come rushing toward him, Kain summons up his own chi, an explosion of similar fire filling the air in front of him. It's not quite enough to completely stop Iori's onslaught however, some of the attack getting through and leaving Kain a bit more scorched than he was previously. And now, Heinlein begins to get a bit worried. He's starting to get pretty worn down, although at least that's also the case for both of his opponents.
As Ryu charges in toward Iori so does Kain, although the blond man doesn't intended to remain there like Ryu apparently does. As he gets close he leaps forward, coming in toward Iori with a flying kick aimed at the chest, flames springing up around as his leg as he comes in, and threatening to explode around Yagami on impact. If it misses, Kain hopes to let his momentum simply carry him on and away from Iori. If it hits at all, he kicks off, backflipping away from Iori with the intent of landing on the ground a relatively safe distance away.
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Iori with Schwarzer Stob.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Kain
[ \\\\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Iori interrupts Sakotsu Wari from Ryu with Yumebiki.
[ \\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0 Kain
[ \\ <
Ryu 1/-----==/=======|
The problem with throwing all your weight into a punch is that it also overcommits you to one particular course of action. And... in the case of Ryu's punch, it just means that Iori gets to abuse that disadvantage. Liberally. In what should be a familiar trick by now, though it's a bit closer margin than Iori would've preferred, as Ryu's punch hits him at about the same time as he knocks the fist away with a diagonal sweep of his arm. He follows it up with a backhanded smash to the face, but it, like Kain's fireball before it, also served to unsettle him long enough for another person's attack. In this case, Kain's flying kick crashes into his relatively unguarded ribcage, thus negating all the coolness points the Yagami scion may have gained from going toe-to-toe with Ryu. The flames set him on fire once more, sending Iori reeling backwards while Kain flips to safety. Whatever his defenses may have been before, they're a ruined mess now...
It's not the solid connection Ryu would have preferred, but.. he'll have to take it. After all, the sudden backhand that smashes into his face with a rather profound crunch, and a spray of blood with the reeling motion that the World Warrior staggers into, doesn't leave him with much choice but to relish that glancing injury... His step off-kilter, his consciousness not all that it could be, Ryu is nonetheless determined to fight on, refusing to let up on the battle at hand, even if the beating he's taken till now should likely seal his fate. Instead, it just gets his attention, brings his game up one more level. As he regains his footing after several stumbles backwards, Ryu sets his feet wide, and brings his hands around to his side.... there's a brilliant flash of light, centered on the space between them, "Shiiiiiinkuuuuuuuu...."
The deeply toned incantation brings forth a swirling mass of darker-toned blues, the vortex dragging inexorably at the air about it, the nomad's headband fluttering towards the epic levels of energy soon pushed into the attack, Ryu's arms flexing as he focuses his own power, the power around him, into the ultimate Hadouken. It grows in leaps and bounds, swirling rampantly as the spherical construct reaches its full fury, and is shoved forward at the landing spot of Kain's backflip. A safe distance? Against Ryu, there is no such thing, "Hadoooooouken!!!!" he finalizes, shoving the densely packed mass of wildly coruscating energy along its swirling path for the blonde fighter.
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Ryu's Shinkuu Hadouken.
[ \\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0 Kain
[ \\ <
Ryu 0/-------/-------|
The Shinkuu Hadouken is coming in too fast for Kain to risk dodging it. He /might/ be able to get out of the way, but taking a clean hit from that would hurt. A lot. So instead he holds his ground, once more throwing up a wall of flames in front of himself, which the energy blast smashes into. There's a brief conflict between the two sources of chi, but eventually Ryu's attack overwhelms Kain's defense. It did, however, at least give him time to throw his arms up, so that while he's pushed back considerably by the blast, and his forearms are left smoking in the aftermath, he took less punishment than he might have.
And now it seems that the fight is getting down to the wire. It's going to take quick wits and reflexes to be the fighter who's left standing here, and Kain still intends to be the one who pulls it off. He doesn't waste any time in his recovery, quickly dashing back toward his opponents. He veers toward Iori, shifting into an elbow-first charge toward the fighter/musician, with purple flames licking up around his arm. Those flames suddenly become much more prominent right before Kain reaches Iori. The fire leaps from his arm, blasting out toward Iori, the hungry flames doing their best to consume the man.
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Iori with Schwarz Cutter.
[ \\ < > ///////// ]
Iori 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\0 Kain
[ \\ <
Ryu 0/-------/-------|
Kain can try to be the last one, but he shouldn't count Iori or Ryu out yet. Mainly because they still have a big bag of tricks left! As Kain rushes forth with an elbow, Iori realizes he probably wouldn't be best sticking around for it, and tries to get out of the way. The fact that Kain suddenly lights on fire is a problem, though -- distracting him for the one split second he'd need to get out of the way. As a result, he doesn't, and he's plowed over with the elbow, falling backwards head over heels from the blow. ... Apparently, his defenses are weathering.
But still, one shouldn't count out the bag of tricks. Already adding to the damage in the floor, Iori pushes back to his feet, breaking into peals of laughter at his lack of fortune. And at Kain. "Isn't it about time...?" he asks, one orchid bloom of flame gathering in his hand. It's got a bit lighter hue to it, though... and when Iori casts his hand at the ground, sending the blast racing along towards Kain... well, it's not -quite- the same as before. For as soon as it reaches the general vicinity of Kain, it will erupt into a small column of flame -- which is met from the heavens above by a gigantic firestorm of lightning. Iori staggers to the ground, planting his hand on the ground for support, but he picks himself up shortly afterward.
Breathing heavily, Ryu holds his ground, shifting his weight lightly from foot to foot. Yes, he's exhausted... yes, he's badly beaten up. But no, he's not down yet, and as with any of the fighters now in the arena... that means it's anybody's fight. Not a one of them is about to lay down, give up, before this is well and truly /over/, with a very, very concrete certainty. So it is that Ryu can't waste any time past what's used for that momentary study of the aftermath of his attack, and Iori's brutal offering to the mix. Yagami is the closer of the two, and just now, it's a total tossup in terms of which poses the bigger threat to him... and so Iori gets the prize.
The Ansatsuken master propells himself in a quick high-jump, his arcing course bringing him in right on Iori as he rises. As Ryu descends, the legendary nomad's left hand snaps around, fingers curled, in a quick and potent overhead chop aimed to give a potent strike to the base of Yagami's neck, timed to focus Ryu's descending weight behind it, "Haaaaah!!!!" No surrender. No hesitation.
COMBATSYS: Kain just-defends Iori's Ya Sakazuki!
[ \\ < > /////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/------=|=======\-------\0 Kain
[ \\ <
Ryu 0/-------/-------|
There is... a whole lot of hurting heading in Kain's direction out of that bag of tricks mentioned earlier. Iori's flame races toward Kain, but he doesn't make a move to get out of the way. Instead a calm look passes over his face for a moment... Just before the attack reaches his feet, the pillar of flame shooting upwards to be struck by the indoor lightning, probably causing quite a bit of astonishment in the crowd. And then...
The flaming column explodes outward, but not in any manner which Iori intended. Still in the same place, and looking no worse for the wear, is Kain. His own purple flames have engulfed his body, shooting out of all the openings in his clothing with a loud roar and a furnace blast of heat, and causing the German's long coat to billow outwards. The sheer force of energy being manifested actually lifts his feet off the ground for a moment, before the flames fade away and Kain's feet tap back down to the floor.
His opponents may be weakened, but Kain is never one to hold back. Give your enemy half a chance, and you'll find them turning the tables against you. And so Kain raises his right hand into the air, a flash of golden light appearing in his palm for a moment before he clenches his fist. "Himmlischer..." And in the air above the fighting ring a greenish-blue glow comes into being, as Kain's chi takes form. There's only a moment to observe it, however, before it comes crashing down toward Ryu, looking to drive the Ansatsuken master into the ground. "...Atem!" Overkill? Perhaps, but going easy on an opponent like Ryu is only asking for trouble. And Iori is still on his feet, for the moment, so if Kain were to slip up here, who knows what might happen?
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Iori with Medium Punch.
[ < > /////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0 Kain
[ \\ <
Ryu 0/-------/------=|
... yeah, it's pretty safe to assume Iori's ire is raised a few notches now. He'd enjoyed fighting Ryu, for the most part, but this unknown German element was driving him nuts -- and seeing one of his strongest attacks brushed away by the gout of flames erupting forth from Kain just poured salt on the wound. But even still... Oh wait, there's a chop from Ryu coming to clock Iori in the side of the head as he's staring in disbelief. So much for anger working to his advantage.
But as he staggers forward from the blow, he's not... entirely out yet. One hand falling towards the ground, he pushes off and breaks into a mad rush for Kain. No shame in defeat -- if he can take down Kain with him! It may be a bit ridiculous for him to even try, but it'd be even worse for him to just keel over! Which... would be why he flings himself into a flying dropkick, aiming to nail Kain as hard as he can with both feet flying. "GURAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
... And thus, expending every last ounce of his reserves, he's practically unconscious five seconds after he leaves the ground, likely to fall like a rock afterwards.
COMBATSYS: Iori can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > // ]
Kain 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Ryu dodges Kain's Himmlischer Atem.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > // ]
Kain 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Ryu
Overkill? Not this time. Ryu may be on his last legs, but they're still /his/ legs, and the nomad isn't the fighter he is by being an easy kill. In this case, he /throws/ himself aside, and forward, catching the surge of chi and recognizing it from the last time Heinlein brought the wrath of the heavens down on his head, and with that leaping tumble... the World Warrior leaves the intensive blast of chi with nothing but hardened rock. It's enough to take a chunk out of the slate covering of the arena, however... Geese'll just have to deal with the bill, given the impressive bout that's going around to produce the property damage. Not like it's the first time! It's also not as if any of the three really give a damn about Howard's bank account. Rolling out of the dodge, Ryu vaults off one palm and back to his feet in a half-flip, hitting the ground running as he crosses the last spans of distance seperating himself from Kain... His answering blow, as he brings himself within arm's length, is to step forward on his right foot, snapping a powerful right hook around towards the side of Heinlein's skull, accompanied with a twist of the World Warrior's upper body, adding even /more/ force to the powerful cross, "Haaaaaaaaaah!!!!!"
COMBATSYS: Iori successfully hits Kain with Strong Kick.
-* CRITICAL HIT! *-
[ \\\\ < > /// ]
Kain 0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Kain endures Ryu's Fierce Punch.
[ < > /// ]
Kain 1/------=/=======|=------\-------\0 Ryu
And Iori's feet slam into Kain, threatening to send him flying... Except for the fact that Kain is blocked in that direction by Ryu's incoming foot. Both impacts are extremely painful, leaving Kain's vision blurred for a moment and making it a wonder that he manages to remain on his feet. Brief as that situation will be. But because Ryu's kick keeps him from getting knocked away, Kain has time for one last, close-range attack.
Kain doesn't have much time, so he moves as quickly as possible, pulling his hands back and summoning up a spark of flame for the third time this fight. It wavers for just a moment, but Kain's control is enough to keep it in check, even with his body failing. He thrusts his hands out, hoping to catch Ryu even as the flame expends into a giant sphere again, but even if Ryu manages to back off enough to avoid that Kain launches the orb forward, hoping to send it crashing into the nomad before he can really get his defenses together.
And once the flaming sphere leaves Kain's hands he stumbles forward, falling to his knees, supporting himself with one hand. Flames flicker around his free hand for a moment, as he struggles to remain concious, but it seems he's no match for severe head trauma. A moment later the German man slumps forward, completely out cold.
COMBATSYS: Kain can no longer fight.
[ \\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Ryu dodges Kain's Himmlische Seele.
[ \\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/------=|
Despite the force behind the powerful punch, Ryu's fist snaps back nearly as quickly as it was launched at Heinlein's skull, and between that and the smack Iori gave the powerful German.... the World Warrior is fairly confident that Kain isn't going to need further punishment. That doesn't mean the nomad doesn't notice the tremendous surge of chi, however. If anything, Heinlein's hate-fueled flames are /more/ tangible than others who wield energy on the same level.... few and far between as those warriors are. As such, in his current condition, the young champion is /entirely/ certain he doesn't want to be in the path of that flaring star that Heinlein looses his way. So, with a display of alacrity that stands in paradox to his seemingly battered form, Ryu throws himself back and to the side, launching into a sudden leap that leaves that searching sphere with nothing to impact but air... and of course, the barrier at the far side of the arena, its resounding force released well clear of the World Warrior, who lands in a crouch, his breath coming all the more heavily. This one... was by the skin of his teeth, and no small amount of sheer persistence. Never say die, indeed. As he pushes back to a standing position, eyes darting around the arena with a cautious quickness, the count goes down... and the announcer confirms just what the World Warrior is realizing.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The winner..... RYU!!" .... The guy certainly seems excited about his job, but the nomad isn't particularly concerned with what he has to say now, either. He'd like to move to his opponents, offer his congratulations on their skill, offer them a hand up... but right now, he just sinks to one knee, waiting for the ringing in his skull to stop. It's catching up more fervently, now that he's lost the intense motivation to push himself onward despite the odds. He kneels, and he breathes... just... give him a moment's rest.
COMBATSYS: Ryu has ended the fight here.
Log created by Kain, and last modified on 20:25:22 06/12/2005.