Rugal - THREEWAY ROOFTOP KUNGFU BATTLE

Description: THREEWAY. ROOFTOP. KUNGFU. BATTLE. 'Nuff said, bihotches!



It's so very easy, to get in touch with people when they are not trying overly hard to hide themselves. Finding exact locations at exact times, even what they happen to be doing - that is what happens when you have an information network as potent as the secret organization known as R. People were far too easy to track down, which made it relatively convenient when performing an undertaking such as this. This was a very special event, after all.
The day Rugal would grace not one, but two fighters with his power.
The first one was the easiest to get ahold of, relatively speaking. Much more well known in both the criminal circuit and otherwise here in Southtown, the man known as Mr. Big was all too simple to pinpoint and send a message to. Being the third-ranked man of the Southtown Syndicate, after all, earns you a certain amount of prestige in the fighting world. So he was sent the message with a relatively speedy deliver, an envelope marked 'R'.
The second was a tad bit more difficult to get a hold of, but as Bernstein had already located and contacted him before this event, located the "God of Battle", Shenwoo, was easier than it might have otherwise been. He too was delivered a message, sealed with the letter 'R'. Something he should probably be familiar with.
The letter, in utmost simplicity, said to meet at the rooftop of a rather prestigious hotel - as prestigious as one can get, here. The upper floor and the rooftop of this establishment had been rented under the name 'R'. Simply that. And while Shenwoo might know who is waiting for him at the top, it may very well be a surprise for Mr. Big to see the elusive Rugal Bernstein, standing at the center of the roof, looking up towards the sky. He carries a glass of red wine with him on this most fine of nights, sipping it and savoring the taste. His black panther is also with him for this occassion, tail curling around his leg as it sits, protectively, by his side. It is a rather nice night, for a battle.

Punctuality is one of the better traits often exhibited by the self-styled 'God of Battle', as he demonstrated in his earlier bout with Rugal; and he's demonstrating it now, as well, as the flashy young fighter makes his way onto the roof of the hotel. He doesn't seem at all bothered by the late November chill in the air, dressed as he is in a pair of dark blue jeans and a black silk shirt, with the sleeves rolled up and a dragon embroidered in silver thread on the back. He /is/ actually wearing the shirt buttoned up for once, so maybe he does feel the weather... A little. He tugs his gloves tighter with his teeth, dark eyes glancing around now that he's up on the roof; and oh, there's Rugal, and... A big black cat. Isn't that sweet. "Wasn't expecting to hear from you again so soon," Shen says towards Rugal, head tilted slightly to one side, a wolfish, feral grin on his face. Oh, he knows Rugal is strong, stronger than Shenwoo himself... But that's hardly enough to make him shy away from a battle.

Tapping the toe of his eel skin boot to the horrible elevator music against his will, Mr. Big sighs uneasily as he absently fingers the elegant envelope in his hands. The elevator music, a smooth jazz instrumental version of Bon Jovi's You Give Love a Bad Name, is interrupted by a loud ding as the elevator smoothly slows to a halt. "This /has/ to be a trap." Mr. Big mutters to himself as he takes a moment to straighten his designer sunglasses and dust lint off of the shoulder of his snow white, ermine-lined coat. Trap or no, a man's gotta look good.
Stuffing the envelope into his coat pocket, Mr. Big tugs on one end of his deep blue cashmere scarf and wraps it around his neck once as the elevator door opens, exposing him to the harsh November air. Rubbing his white gloved hands together briskly, Mr. Big exits the elevator and scans the rooftop, intently searching for mercenaries, ninjas, attack robots, whatever it is that's supposed to be ambushing him. "Huh," Mr. Big murmurs with a shrug as his eyes settle on three lone figures, two men and a... giant cat? I guess someone got bored of all of the normal ambush scenarios. What, ninja merc attack robots not good enough anymore?
Rolling his shoulders casually, Mr. Big sighs softly and struts over to the other two men on the rooftop, taking care to give the other two a wide berth, creating a nice, dramatic triangle between the three. The harsh late autumn wind whipping at the white belt of his coat, Mr. Big squints behind his sunglasses as he considers each man in turn. "So..." Mr. Big begins after a few moments of silence. "Am I late for the cat enthusiast club?" he asks with a motion towards the panther. "Sorry, I seem to have left my pussy at home," he adds with a smirk.

And then there were two.
Rugal does not immediately respond to Shenwoo. Rodem stares at the newcomer as one might a new meal, but it is soon soothed from any dangerous attempts at the Shanghai fighter's life as Rugal presses his free, gloved hand firmly atop its head. Soothed, the panther looks away once more - bored with the new arrival already. That is not the case for Rugal, of course. Instead, R's leader turns to greet the man with a grin, amused laughter to accompany it. "Well, I decided to make things a bit more interesting this time. You are one of the few I've met who has had such a commendable love for battle. So... I decided to give you a present." Well, give himself a present. But Shenwoo should appreciate it just the same. "And our surprise guest should be arriving momentarily--"
Ding!
Calm eyes, one normal and brown, the other a single point of red light, turn to stare at Mr. Big. There is the faintest arch of a brow at the man, and his witty commentary, before he too receives a laugh. One far too pleasant. "Aah, Mr. Big. The last of our guests tonight. This is Shenwoo, the 'God of Battle.' Don't worry; I don't quite plan on killing you." Yet, at least. "Instead, I've invited you - both of you - here to offer you a proposition. I think you'll both enjoy it."
He pauses, just for a moment, to take the final sip of his red wine. He's ready. There's a soft sigh of enjoyment, before he takes in both of the fighters. "I invited you both here, because - as Shenwoo can attest - I am something of a fighting enthusiast. So I would like to propose to you both a challenge." His hand leaves his pet's head. The large cat lifts itself slowly, stretching before moving past Bernstein's guests. "We will all fight each other, on this rooftop. No rules nor regulations. A test of strength, if you will. I'm sure that our friend Shenwoo will be up to the challenge..." His eyes turn to Mr. Big, "So what about you?"

Nope, no ninja mercenary robots. Or robots of any description, really; Shenwoo's never encountered /those/ sorts of things... All of his fights have been with regular, (mostly) flesh and blood people. He flexes his hands with a quiet creak of leather from both gloves, and that would be around when Big makes his arrival, all smooth remarks. The tall, lean blond man's dark eyes slowly slide over towards the 'surprise guest', sizing the Syndicate fighter up almost unconsciously. "Heh, fine by me," Shenwoo says, proving that Rugal's assessment of him was pretty much right on the money for that one. "Not gonna back out, are ya?" he wonders of Big, flashing another wolfish, toothy grin. Fighting new people? Always fun. The element of the unknown makes it all the better, in his mind.

"Hmm..." Mr. Big muses, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he strokes his goatee thoughtfully. "So, let me get this straight... you want to have a rooftop battle, just you..." Mr. Big says as he points a finger at Rugal, "...him..." he utters turning his digit on Shenwoo briskly, "...and me," he finishes while thumbing his chest. "No rules. No regulations. A test of strength..." Mr. Big chuckles softly as Shenwoo mentions something about him backing out, but otherwise ignores him as he uncrosses his arms and plants his hands on his hips. "Well, that sounds all fine and good, but I got two questions for you. Who the hell are you and what's in it for me?"

Well there is one confirmation. But for Big, there seems to be more questions. Something that will simply delay the inevitable and likely bore Shenwoo, as well. Not that Rugal particularly cares - which is why his lips split to expose white teeth in a rather large grin, slipping one hand into his pocket as he rather casually tosses that nice, expensive glass to the side. "Me? I'm sure it must be frustrating, my knowing who you are and you not having the slightest clue who I am. Well... allow me to introduce myself." Rugal dips low, a mocking gesture of a bow, his eyes levelly staring at the ground before rolling up to stare at Big. "I am Rugal Bernstein." Host of the King of Fighters, and much, so much less known leader of the organization 'R.' "As for what's in it for you, if the thrill of the fight isn't enough for you, I'll make sure that you are more than adequately compensated - even for your fine standards, Mr. Big. So... do we have a deal?"

And for his part, Shenwoo remains in the background for now; he doesn't really have much else to contribute until the actual fighting begins, which... Seems to be up to Mr. Big, at the moment. Standing with his hands at his waist, Shen keeps right on grinning, but his tapping foot betrays... Maybe anxiety? Somebody might get that impression, but it'd be rather a flawed one; anyone who knows what the Shanghai-born brawler is all about would know that it's more anticipation. /He's/ certainly ready to get fighting.

"Bernstein, huh?" Mr. Big repeats after Rugal's introduction. "Hmm... nah, doesn't ring a bell," Big admits with a wolfish grin. "Don't feel bad though, I don't really follow the fighting circuits. I'm too usually too busy for that sort of thing," he adds, frowning noticeably as he speaks. It's probably unlikely that Mr. Big hasn't heard of Rugal, but Mr. Big isn't one to inflate someone's ego by admitting that /he's/ heard of /them/. "Ah, the thrill of the fight..." the Southtown Gangster says wistfully, though with a mocking chuckle. "Yeah, I don't really buy into to that 'just and honorable battle' crap. 'Cause well, I'm not much for justice and, heh... I ain't that honorable. I mean hell; if I wanted to fight you I'd just ambush your monkey ass in some dark alleyway or run you over with my Caddy. But hell, if you're going to pay me then I'm game. We better hurry up though; the "God of Battle" here probably has to get back to Hot Topic before the mall closes."

Well, not only is Mr. Big a gangster, but he's also a comedian! During the time that the man talks, Rugal sets about tugging on those fingerless gloves of his a bit more firmly, straightening his crimson coat. He acts as if he does not listen, but he does. He hears everything Mr. Big says. He simply plucks out the most important part, the life in his normal, brown eye flaring with life. "So you accept, then? Excellent! It would have been rather dull if you hadn't." Though, odds are, Rugal wouldn't have let the man /leave/ without a fight. "If you're so worried about honor though, don't be; No one said honor was required here." His legs brace. He offers a most charismatic smile, which does poorly to hide his bloodlust. "Just that you prove you are strong." And then, he leaps. Big said he agreed, after all - the deal is effectively sealed. And, moving with rather remarkable speeds for a man his size, he seeks to begin the fight with a bang. Just as (... before the mall closes) leaves Mr. Big's lips? He has an elbow coming, straight for his face. He said to hurry up, after all. Rugal is simply obliging.

COMBATSYS: Rugal has started a fight here on the left meter side.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-------|


COMBATSYS: Shenwoo has joined the fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Rugal            0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0          Shenwoo


COMBATSYS: Mr.Big has joined the fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Mr.Big           0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0          Shenwoo
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-------|


And what's Shenwoo's response to Mr. Big's comment? He just grins all the more broadly. Besides, he doesn't really /need/ to stay anything... Rugal's demonstrating that he definitely knows how to make a lasting statement. So, here comes the self-styled 'God of Battle', dashing towards Big and Rugal. Where does he plan on getting involved, here? Will he go after the dangerous German, or the Syndicate fighter? And the answer is... Mr. Big! Skidding to a halt, he tries to get in after Rugal's elbow is dealt with - hit or miss - with his hands clasped together in an axehandle position and swung down at Big's cranium. If that first hit lands, continuing in an arc past where it hits, he then swings his fists right back /up/ for a second hit. "RAAH!"

COMBATSYS: Mr.Big blocks Rugal's Medium Punch.

[  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////////  ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0          Shenwoo
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-------|


COMBATSYS: Mr.Big dodges Shenwoo's Kouryuu-Geki.

[  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////////  ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0          Shenwoo
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-------|


His mouth cracking into a toothy grin as he throws up a forearm to ward off the elbow, Mr. Big laughs loudly as he absorbs most of the impact on his guard. "Hey, that almost stung!" Mr. Big mocks with ersatz indignanty. Catching sight of Shenwoo closing in on him, Mr. Big ducks and slips his double axehandle like a boxer, then spinning away to avoid the upstroke, "Heeey, both of you, huh?" Mr. Big asks as he prances backwards, weaving his fists in front of him and shrugging his shoulders fluidly like Bruce Lee in a Kung-fu flick. "That's fine with me, but you're both going to feel pretty bad when I knock your asses out!" Big cackles as he reaches into his coat and pulls out his trusty bato--
--wait a minute... those aren't batons... no... can it be?! Would he dare?! YES HE WOULD! Instead of his usual escrima batons, Mr. Big draws forth a set of 24 carat, gold plated NUNCHUCKS. Grasping one half of the weapon in each hand, Mr. Big slowly raises the nunchakus above his head, pausing for a moment as a groovy 70's funk beat fades in. (Well, it /may/ only be playing in his head, but you can listen too at http://www.silverfishcomics.net/stuff/human_tornado.mp3)
Suddenly flying into motion, Mr. Big begins whipping the nunchaks under his arms and behind his back, the ends of the weapon a blur as they spin. Trading hands a few times, Mr. Big ends his exhibition with the nunchakus under his right arm, his sunglass covered eyes staring directly at the floor of the rooftop. After remaining motionless for a few moments, Mr. Big slowly extends his left hand towards the other two fighters and motions them towards him with a flick of his fingers.

COMBATSYS: Mr.Big gathers his will.

[  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////////  ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0          Shenwoo
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-------|


Golden... nunchuks. Well then. Things have certainly gotten more interesting!
The fact that Rugal's attack has been blocked? That's not a problem at all, really, and in fact makes him laugh all too happily. Good. Good! That means he's got some skill too him, especially with how he dodges Shenwoo's attack as well. It seems, then, that Mr. Big feels fit to show off his new, kickin' weaponry. For it, Rugal archs a brow; he does not stay in such a way for long, however.
Instead, he refocuses his efforts, this time applying a bit more pressure onto the God of Battle even as Big beckons them forward. Shenwoo can't get off /that/ easily, after all. It simply wouldn't be proper. So, Rugal leaps towards the Shanghai martial artist, spinning to deliver a swift kick to the Shenwoo's side. That is, after all, the joy of a free for all. Spice makes everything nicer.

COMBATSYS: Shenwoo blocks Rugal's Light Kick.

[  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/--=====|=------\-------\0          Shenwoo
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-------|


Actually, calling Shenwoo a 'martial artist' is overstating things by a fair margin... There's no real /art/ to the way he fights, his self-devised, cobbled-together pseudo boxing style. He is, however, someone who definitely learned how to fight the 'hard way'. Anyway, back to what's /happening/. Rugal's kick at the tall young man's side actually just meets one tightly muscled forearm, as Shen lets out a low chuckle. "Too slow," he says Rugal-wards, before... Rushing towards Big. The nunchuk-user is still the unknown quantity in the fight, to Shenwoo. Sure, he can dodge Shen's attack there, but he wants to see how /strong/ Mr. Big is. How hard he hits, how well he takes hits. With an enthusiastic - and maybe a little insane - laugh, the berserker charges right at Mr. Big, recklessly, heedless of those nunchuks or whatever defense Big might offer up, with the sole and admirable intent of grabbing Big by the lapels of his shirt, jacket, whatever he can get hands on, and smashing his head against that chrome dome. "GRAAAAAH!"

COMBATSYS: Mr.Big endures Shenwoo's Strong Punch.

[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0          Shenwoo
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-------|


"Awww yeah..." Mr. Big purrs as Shenwoo rushes him. Sure, Mr. Big might like to /say/ that he doesn't enjoy fighting for fighting's sake, but how much water does that hold when you're busting out gold-plated nunchucks and rocking out to phantom Dolemite themesongs while you battle? I mean really. His grin redoubling as Shenwoo grabs him by the lapels, Mr. Big makes no move to avoid the attack, in fact he seems to get a sick pleasure out of the headbutt! "Hah! Is that the best you got?" Mr. Big laughs after Shenwoo's noggin bounces off of his own chrome dome. "Here, it's my turn now!" You want to see how strong Mr. Big is? How hard he hits? How fast those auric nunchucks fly?
Well here's your chance! Pushing Shenwoo away from his chest with his left hand, Mr. Big quickly advances towards his young opponent, snapping out his nunchaku with an upward swing towards the kid's chest, raising his arm to catch the striking end on the upswing and continuing the move in reverse. Weaving forth around 7 or 8 lightning fast strikes or so, Mr. Big quickly changes direction of the weapon, passing it behind his back before spinning a few strikes towards Shenwoo's knees and face. Providing the fact that he's made contact so far, Mr. Big will finish his combo by flipping both ends of the nunchucks into one hand and leaping up towards Shenwoo's face, aiming to hit him in the jaw with a rising nunchaku uppercut with enough force to carry the 'God of Battle' into the air with him.

Well now, isn't this something else. Rugal leaps back, even as his attack is blocked. He doesn't truly mind, after all, and he gets to see something even more entertaining in the process. Shenwoo headbutts the Syndicate member, and Mr. Big... takes it like a man. Rugal knows very well what that means, of course. It means that there is something even more potent coming along the way for their young friend, but also - it means that Mr. Big is setting himself up for a potential disadvantage.
Rugal waits. He is a patient man, after all, and he watches as Big strikes out at Shenwoo. Regardless of success of failure, though, he claps, "Superb!" Before he rockets off his feet once more, racing towards both Big and the other man. Keeping in the habit of switching out opponents, Rugal focuses on the pimp daddy himself, rushing towards Big as he executes his powerful assault on Shenwoo. He crouches low, trying to get right into Big's defenses, before he leaps high into the air in a rising knee blow, aimed right underneath Big's chin. He's not quite ready to use all his power yet. He's simply content... to test the surface.

COMBATSYS: Shenwoo endures Mr.Big's Drum Shot Typhoon.

[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/-------|=======\-------\0          Shenwoo
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-------|


So anyway, here comes an asswhoopin', right? But Shenwoo? He doesn't even /try/ to dodge, or block, or anything. He just stands right there and takes it, his lean body rocked by every strike of Big's 'chuks, not making a sound. Not a grunt, not a mutter; clearly, the blond youth is, er... A liiiiittle crazy. When he's finally knocked up into the air, Shenwoo actually /laughs/, dropping back towards the ground and landing hard on his feet. Yeah, that kinda hurt... But it doesn't seem to have stopped him at all, as he goes after... Rugal! Keep things interesting, indeed. He doesn't even bother to give Bernstein time to land from his attempt to knee Big, instead coming in to try and grab the German by the ankle and drop him to the roof, hard. If that succeeds? He keeps Rugal's leg extended, and tries for a hard stomp on the knee. Nice guy, Shen is.

COMBATSYS: Mr.Big fails to interrupt Medium Kick from Rugal with Medium Strike.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0          Shenwoo
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/------=|


Frowning slightly as Shenwoo takes his brutal barrage like a man, Mr. Big appears pretty put off by the fact that the kid didn't even so much a squeal through all of that punishment. Oh well... there will be more opportunities for that later. His ear perking at the sound of footsteps rushing towards him, Mr. Big spins towards Rugal just as the man leaps into the air. His nunchaku flashing out from beneath his arm, Mr. Big attempts to crack Rugal in the face for his trouble, but he just didn't notice the attack in time. "Gah!" Mr. Big grunts as the knee slams into his chin, sending him stumbling back a few feet. "Lucky shot," Mr. Big growls as he tenderly massages his jaw.

COMBATSYS: Rugal endures Shenwoo's Saikouhou-Geki.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1          Shenwoo
[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/----===|


Seems like Rugal is finally going to see some action in this fight. He has been waiting for it, and so, when Shenwoo rushes after him... he does not even move. It's debatable if he has time to, but by the way he is braced, it seems he was rather well prepared. He slams into the ground, and it hurts - just a little bit, at least. Enough to make the German laugh loudly in exquisite joy over the strength of the other man. Even when he is /stomped on the knee/. Thankfully, he's more enduring than that. "Very good power!!" And now that he's had a taste, it's only fair that he returns the favor to Shenwoo, isn't it?
Blue-white chi flares along Rugal's arm, even as he presses his hands to the ground, and leaps into the air. It's only a moment after that his arm lashes forward and upward, releasing all that built up chi. It comes raging in the form of a ground-based projectile, ripping through the solid ground of the rooftop and racing towards the Shanghai fighter with every intent of knocking him right off his feet.

COMBATSYS: Rugal successfully hits Shenwoo with Reppuken.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////                   ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/----===|=======\=====--\1          Shenwoo
[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-======|


Oh, dang. That's probably not good. Shenwoo tries to get out of the way of the projectile, but to no real avail... He is instead blasted back and away, off of his feet indeed, landing in a bit of a heap. "Heh... You hit like a freakin' train," he says to Rugal... But, after all, he's been keeping with the whole 'round robin' spirit of this little free-for-all so... Rugal is not his next target. Quite the contrary! He spits out a little blood as he gets to a lazy crouch on the rooftop, on one knee, arm resting over his raised knee. His attention roams off of the German, though, towards Big instead, and he grins broadly. "So then..." And then he explodes out of that crouch, tearing across the rooftop so quickly that he blurs, almost too fast for most eyes to follow, right towards Big. He throws his left fist forward, the one with that big metal ring on it, but that's not the sole source of potential harm here; he's surrounded by a shockwave of energy, centered and focused on his leading fist, as he charges at the nunchuk-wielding Big. "SHYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!"

COMBATSYS: Mr.Big dodges Shenwoo's Zetsu Gekiken.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////                   ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0          Shenwoo
[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-======|


Flipping his nunchaku under his right arm as Shenwoo turns towards him, Mr. Big grins broadly and extends his left palm casually out before him, his finger pointing towards the charging God of Battle. "Do not concentrate on the finger, kid..." Remaining motionless until the last possible moment, Mr. Big quickly spins away from the huge chi-driven haymaker, whipping out his nunchucks from under his arm as he spins around behind Shenwoo and attempts to wrap the chain connecting the two batons around the young man's neck. Grabbing the other side of the weapon if he's able to maneuver the nunchaku just so, Mr. Big will life Shenwoo into the air with the nunchucks wrapped around his neck. "Or you will miss all of this heavenly glory..." Mr. Big quotes with a predatory smile as he flips the blonde around and drives him headfirst into the rooftop. That is, if he's able to pull it off.

Well, since Shenwoo seems to be able to still stand after that last attack, he can still fight. And while Rugal would continue to pursue the offensive, the fact that Mr. Big and Shenwoo have concentrated on one another seems to catch Rugal ever so slightly. His eyes narrow, and a vicious grin spreads past his lips. While Mr. Big focuses on the bruised and battered Shenwoo, Rugal will settle his sights on Mr. Big once more. Instead of unleashing another fancy maneuver, however, he sticks with the basics. He launches off the ground, rushing towards Big with unnatural speed, and running low to the ground. No matter the outcome of Big's tussle with Shenwoo, he intends on smashing his fist RIGHT into the Syndicate member's ribcage with an alarming amount of force, before spinning around abruptly and elbowing Big right in the gut, with enough force to knock him back and a good distance away. All done... with a laugh.

COMBATSYS: Mr.Big successfully hits Shenwoo with Million Dollar Buster.

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////                         ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1          Shenwoo
[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-======|


You know, Shenwoo is clearly off of his game tonight. It's just not working out for him at all! He gets beat around some more, and smashed headfirst into the rooftop, but that doesn't mean he's anywhere near about to give up, no sir. Even on the ground as he is, he can see Rugal about to come in and hit Big, so... Why not add to it? He doesn't bother getting up, just rolling onto his back and lashing out with both feet at Big, trying to hit at the same moment as Rugal smashes his fist in. He's not being particularly specific about just where he hits, though.

COMBATSYS: Shenwoo successfully hits Mr.Big with Heavy Kick.

[                \\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////                        ]
Mr.Big           0/-------/=======|=======\-------\1          Shenwoo
[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-======|


COMBATSYS: Mr.Big parries Rugal's Fierce Punch!

[                \\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////                        ]
Mr.Big           1/-------/=======|=======\-------\1          Shenwoo
[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-======|


"Too slow sucka!" Mr. Big informs Rugal as he twists his nunchucks around the German's wrist, rendering his punch harmless. The Southsynd Lieutenant would have come off looking pretty damn smooth, if not for Shenwoo's cheap shot, the kick catching him in the side and almost knocking the wind out of him. Luckily for Mr. Big, the kick sends him spinning away from Rugal and he's able to get the nunchaku untangled in time to avoid losing his grip on the gilded weapon. "I'm starting to get tired of you kid..." Big mutters to Shenwoo as he fixes his eyes on Rugal. "...but I think I'll deal with you later..." Ducking his right shoulder slightly, Mr. Big rushes towards the German, lashing out at his face with the nunchucks as he closes in, then leaping up to try and deliver a nunchaku-packed rising uppercut to his jaw, similar to the one he hit Shenwoo with earlier.

COMBATSYS: Rugal interrupts California Romance EX from Mr.Big with Genocide Cutter.

[                         \\\\\  < >  //////                        ]
Mr.Big           1/-======/=======|=======\-------\1          Shenwoo
[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            1/-----==/=======|


Well. Shenwoo appears to be in relatively bad shape, and as a comparison, Mr. Big seems to be doing much, much better. And, always believing in equality, Rugal decides to even the scoreboard a bit. Fortunately, Mr. Big's moment in the sun is knocked away from him as Shenwoo smacks him around some with a rather nice kick. As for Rugal, well... he just grins, that tell-tale grin as he crouches low to the ground. "Let's see who's stronger than. It'll be a regular standoff." Really... it's fun. Fun enough, that Rugal RUSHES towards Big as the Southsynd Lieutenant begins to close the distance, at a rate of speed that essentially makes him little more than a blur. Mr. Big's attack hits, but only strikes Rugal's shoulder. And only receives that horrible, mocking laughter for his efforts, as Rugal shoots up into the air, and delivers a fierce kick straight into Big's jaw, as he originally intended to do to Bernstein with his nunchaku.
It's only the first of three kicks, however. This one launches Big into the air, followed by Rugal jumping after him shortly, slamming another chi-powered kick into the man's back. Even as Big soars, Rugal twists through the air, countering Big's upward momentum with an axe-kick of titanic strength, right to the gut, to send big crashing to earth. Harshly.
"I guess /you/ were too slow that time around, eh?"

Oh man, poor Mr. Big. Shenwoo knows what /that/ attack feels like, and he knows it isn't terribly pleasant. Anyway, with the other two off clashing on their own, Shenwoo has the time to hop back to his feet, kipup style, staggering a bit. He's battered and he's tried as all hell - he's got to admit, that weird guy with the nunchuks is pretty strong; and the brawler feels a twinge of regret that he hasn't really been on his A game thus far. It's distressing! Shen, naturally, waits for Rugal to drop back down from kicking Big around, at which point he calls upon what speed he has left; he walks towards the German in a slow, casual pace, before finally stopping, and then... It /almost/ looks like there's two Shenwoos for the briefest instant, as a flickering afterimage of him standing in place remains and Shen ploughs forward with a punch at the one-eyed man's face. It's nothing big and fancy, alas... But he might just plain not have the steam for anything like that, right now.

Yeah, I guess so. x_X;
Finding himself sailing through the air after the first kick, the only thought that comes to Big's mind is 'Wait... this isn't how California Romance is supposed to work...' soon followed by 'GAAAAAAAAH!' and 'GRAAAASDHGKBK!!!' as the next two kicks connect. Slamming back onto the rooftop, Mr. Big picks himself up to his feet, probably more out of habit than conscious effort, and shakes his head vigorously, trying to condense the multiple versions of Shenwoo and Rugal into one. "...I...I'll get you..." Mr. Big slurs, drunk with pain as he stumbles towards the person he thinks is Rugal. Lashing out at Shenwoo as he attacks Rugal, Mr. Big whips his nunchucks out at the teenager, managing to blur the weapon with another brutal combo just like the earlier one he took on the chin. "DIE RUGAL!" Mr. Big shouts as he swings his nunchaku at Shenwoo's neck and head, finishing off the combo with another rising uppercut.

COMBATSYS: Mr.Big can no longer fight.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Rugal            1/-----==/=======|=======\-------\1          Shenwoo


COMBATSYS: Rugal fails to interrupt Quick Punch from Shenwoo with Kaiser Wave.
- Power hit! -

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Rugal            0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1          Shenwoo


[OOC] Rugal LAUGHS.

[OOC] Shenwoo says, "YEAH, THAT'S RIGHT."

Well, what do you know. Seems like miracles do happen. That miracle happening to be Shenwoo's rather singular event in which he is fast enough to actually break through Rugal's planned attack on the boy. There is, in fact, an immense amount of chi curling around his arms as Shenwoo approaches. And as he gets close, Bernstein twists, intending to unleash the blast on Shenwoo with rather devestating effects - except that fast fist plows RIGHT into Rugal's jaw. It doesn't hurt so much, but the force staggers him back, his arms flinging upwards so that the massive Kaiser Wave he had prepared - and it was truly large, too, greater than usual - is unleashed UPWARDS in a short, blinding flash towards the heavens. Now that... THAT is irritating. And it earns Shenwoo a rather agitated look--except, it seems that Big is rushing at Shenwoo under the impression that he is R's leader. So, for now... Rugal will just stand back, and allow the fun to take place.

COMBATSYS: Shenwoo dodges Mr.Big's Drum Shot Typhoon.

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Rugal            0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1          Shenwoo


Neatly keeping out of the way of Big's attack, Shenwoo lets the nunchuk-wielding fighter do his own thing before keeping up his assault on Rugal. You didn't really think he was going to stop with just one punch, did you?! No, the pseudo-boxer keeps right in close to Rugal with that energy attack misfiring - they have pills for that, Bernstein! - getting right in the leader of R's face for a speedy one-two combination with both fists. "Ora! Ora!" Still not much with the flashy... But maybe Shen is just building up to something super impressive and awesome?!

Mr. Big swipes the empty air a few times before upper cutting no one brutally. "Take that!" Mr. Big shouts triumphantly before collapsing to the ground in a silent heap.

COMBATSYS: Rugal interrupts Quick Punch from Shenwoo with Jab Punch.

[                \\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////                         ]
Rugal            0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1          Shenwoo


This is getting awfully repetitive! As it stands, Rugal ducks inwards and towards Shenwoo as he keeps out of Big's assault, such that the God of Battle need not go too far before he is right in Rugal's face. Before Bernstein ducks low, at least, only one of Shenwoo's blows lightly nicking R's leader in the shoulder as he goes for an assault of his own - his own one-two punch, a blow to the younger man's sternum, and then a quick jab underneath his chin to send him staggering back. "Is all you have left these weak little punches?"

"Tch," mutters Shenwoo, as his attack is deflected and he gets hit in turn. It's not hard, but well... He's already taken quite a lot of punishment. He might've miscalculated earlier in the match when dealing with Big's assault. "Heh, who knows?" he replies to Rugal with a laugh, taking a step in and swinging a hard left-handed uppercut at the German's jaw. Too much punishment, and he expended too much energy uselessly, it seems. But that doesn't mean he's just going to sit down...!

COMBATSYS: Rugal interrupts Strong Punch from Shenwoo with Genocide Cutter.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >                                ]
Rugal            0/-------/-======|=======\=======\1          Shenwoo


This is enough for Rugal. It's more than adequately time to end this little fight. He rushes once more, in a movement similar to how he had done to Big. Shenwoo should know exactly what will happen next. The uppercut smashes against his forehead, but it doesn't stop R's leader in the slightest. Instead, he keeps on going, dipping low before delivering the first kick. Except this time, he does it differently. This time, he smashes his chi-covered boot against the side of Shenwoo's body. The force is enough to send the boy rocketing, and the maniacal crime lord is soon to follow him, leaping afterwards with an upward kick straight to the man's spine, before delivering a final, leaping roundhouse kick to Shenwoo's ribs, sending him smashing into the wall beside the elevator door. "Still impressive as ever."

Ow, ow, ow. Shenwoo smashes into the wall pretty hard, slumping towards the roof... And he sits there for a long moment, breathing raggedly. His shoulders heave, and he's tired and he knows he can't go any further... But he's going to force himself to. Just a little further. "You..." he murmurs, before letting out an incoherent cry, suddenly surrounded by a visible, violent red aura, the ground underneath him cratering slightly around him, cracks appearing in the facade of the roof... And then he's off like a shot again towards Rugal, trying for a wild right haymaker...!!

COMBATSYS: Shenwoo can no longer fight.

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


COMBATSYS: Rugal blocks Shenwoo's Bakuma Assault.

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


He remembers this one. But still, there's only so much that Shenwoo can do in the condition he's in, and Rugal is only BEGINNING to feel the effects of the battle. It will be sore in the morning, he imagines, but he will not be nearly as bad off as Shenwoo or Mr. Big. So as the God of Battle rushes for him once more, Rugal Bernstein braces himself... and intercepts that swinging arm with one of his own. He barely even budges, though the force stings along his muscles and bone, but all he gives Shenwoo? Is a wide grin. "You've lost." He states this simply, even as he steps back and away from the God of Battle. "I have rented the upper floor of this hotel for the day. Since you managed to come in second, can stay here and rest. Every expense will be covered by me. Take the opportunity to rest some, Mr. Shenwoo! I imagine you'll be quite sore in the morning." And that said, Rugal calmly strides to the elevator, the sliding doors opening and allowing him inside before shutting close once more.

Unfortunately, since the first attack is forestalled, the rest of the fight pretty much goes right out of Shenwoo, who falls back to a sitting position on the roof, breathing raggedly. "Heh," chuckles he, shaking his head ruefully. "Guess you thought of everything, huh?" The brawler acknowledges what Rugal said with a nod and a wave as the German heads towards the elevator. Yeah, Shen will definitely avail himself of the opportunity, he'll just... Rest up a bit here, first. Ow, man.

COMBATSYS: Rugal has ended the fight here.

Log created on 23:53:50 11/28/2005 by Rugal, and last modified on 10:46:54 11/29/2005.