Description: Yagami and Sakazaki haven't fought together. It shows. But can their collective ego stand up to the Martyr of Might and his former student? (Winners: Iori and Yuri)
The rain falls down in sheets, broken only by the branches between the sky and the fighters below. An occasional flash of lightning flickers across the sky, rendering everything in stark tones for moments... the kind of dramatic lighting that can't be /made/; it just happens. The moon slips in and out of the shifting clouds, causing things to fade in and out as well. The only constant are the flickering lanterns set up beneath the eaves of the small shrine. The ground is muddy, but rarely mucky, as fallen branches and stones provide some coverage. The stone steps leading up to the shrine form a terraced waterfall, though. I'd be quite a sight if it wasn't so cold and miserable. Really, this is the sort of weather that spontaneously erupts when a fighter like Grant or Iori /thinks/ of fighting, much less /does/ it.
As for Shinobu, she stands within the enterance to the shrine. Still bearing a couple bandages, her right arm still hangs in a sling - after all, it's barely been past a week since Grant broke it. She raises her free arm over her shoulders, stretching as best she can as she patiently waits for her opponents. While she hardly seems to be in the best shape for a fight like this, she fidgets a little, tapping her feet on the ground, antsy to get started.
The rigorous training of Shinobu might of had some meager benefit. Although she utterly failed every expectation within his four trials, such physical duress is quite condusive to gaining durability. The last week and a half, Shinobu has been allowed a tentative recovery, Grant nowhere to be seen. This is the first she will see of him since the last assessment, within the muted confines of the shrine; And he has a few words for her within the onslaught of rain screaming from the black boiling sky. Approaching from behind, one massive hand moves to grasp her by the shoulder and turn her harshly around, four-horned crimson mask leaned in close. Whatever is said is lost over the roar of thunder and pattering rain. Of course this is her /injured/ shoulder being grasped, so it's probably going to be punctuated by discomfort. Withdrawing his arm, billowing brown cape almost completely obscuring his form and pinned to his left shoulder, Grant glances around as well for the opponents as he steps upon the muddy ground, standing just outside the enterance proper.
Rain. Most people hate it. Iori loves it, because it makes people miserable, and miserable people make him laugh. Shinobu isn't miserable enough for his liking, but the sight of the girl with a sling around her arm still makes the tall Orochi halfblood crack a smile. Not that it's all that visible, with the drenched veil of blood-red hair concealing his eyes from view. As good a time as any for him to reach up and slick his hair to the side, walking up to the entrance.
To Shinobu, he imparts that mocking smirk.
To Grant, a more steel-eyed nod.
And then a glance passes behind him, to someone he'd only heard about in passing, and didn't even bother meeting prior to the fight -- Yuri Sakazaki. Once she's there, naturally, the glance will be most withering indeed.
And finally, he turns once more to Grant and Shinobu. "Which one of you will be the first to waste my time?" Mmm, arrogance: it's what's for dinner!
Yuri isn't miserable by the rain. After all.. What's the feel of nature on your face compared to the joy of ten-THOUSAND pushups. Getting away from the dojo and out and about is pretty much always something to enjoy. No matter how dreary the sky may be.
She'd not really expected to be paired up with Yagami - their last meeting was .. interesting enough, and certainly not something that Yuri ever really wanted to repeat. She's pretty sure that attempting to tag Iori out would be met with a backhand of a most vicious sort. So Yuri hangs back a bit, waiting and biding her time. To Shinobu, a big smile, one that turns to a concerned look - fighting hurt? Never a smart idea. But she's not about to suggest they hold off. No, the rain today will bring a battle - the downpour will be its music. Hopefully the cold water will seal off any bruises quickly. Grant - she doesn't know at all - but the imposing man is frightening indeed.
"I'll, uh.. Just be over here, when you're ready for help, Mister Yagami.."
There's a definite wince as she's nabbed, but Shinobu just grins up at Grant with a wide, toothy grin. She grins at Yuri, waving to her. She even grins to Iori, beaming. Apparently, whatever's going on, whatever was said - she's not worrying about it. Instead, she crouches down, doing some stretches with her legs as she waits her turn. She's not going to be wasting anyone's time immediately, it seems. Maybe she has some arrogance of her own. Or maybe being away from Grant for about a half-week has done wonders for her mood. Or maybe both...
The moment that Iori walks forward, Grant takes a solid step towards the scion of the Yagami flame. There's absolutely no fear or hesitation visible within the harsh mountain of myriad steel; Both in flesh and in mask. A distant green glow begins to flare into life within black sockets, the water refracting off the crimson looking more like tears of blood then running water. In one simple gesture, Grant lifts his forearm and thrusts open his billowing cape. It settles behind him, motes of water cascading off upon the ground. Naked feet spread into a powerful stance, forearms held clenched at his hips. A deep purple bolt of energy crackles from knee to elbow, muscles seeming to pulsate in the foreboding light. There's a massive amount of tainted energy within Grant. But that's probably not surprising.
His statement is given to Iori, smooth and simple. A harsh baritone marked by a crack of thunder that casts the world into a shade of white that somehow only makes Grant seem that much darker.
"I will break you."
This is not said to the crowd. Shinobu herself might not hear it. It's purely for Iori, and none else. Attempting to brush Iori rather hard upon the shoulder, he then strides into the middle of the open area before the shrine, not seeming to have any difficulty with the relative lack of traction. Turning around swiftly, he flows into his powerful and flawless style, energy once more crackling over his form.
COMBATSYS: Grant has started a fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Grant 0/-------/-------|
To Sakazaki, the Orochi halfblood gives a brief nod, and a barely-audible grunt of acknowledgement. Iori Yagami needs help from no one, or so he'd like to believe. He's not going to waste time giving out training... at least, not training in the traditional sense of the word.
At least he had the common sense not to injure his partner before the tournament -- a fact which is not lost on him. His smirk reemerges. "I'd hate to burst your bubble."
It's clear he's not serious about that statement, when the man launches forward with a quick strike, dispensing with the pleasantries. If he's scared by Grant, it doesn't show: flames instantly erupt from his right hand as he rockets forward. Hopping, he whips into a quick spin, a brilliant arc of violet flame carved into the air as he brings his palm crashing into Grant's mask. "GUUUROOOOOOOH!"
COMBATSYS: Iori has joined the fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Iori 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Grant
Yuri looks so very tempted to scamper over towards Shinobu's side of the clearing. But, well - she should probably be around for when and if Iori needs help. Really, right now, she's feeling more and more uncomfortable about this whole battle thing - but she's going to give it her best, gosh darn it. And that means cheering for her teammate. "Go, Iori! Go! RAAAAAH!" she says, trying to imitate his whole 'gurrroooooooooh' kinda attitude.
COMBATSYS: Iori successfully hits Grant with Tsumagushi.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0 Grant
An attempt was done to lean forward into the oncoming assault, but Iori is significantly more vicious then the Martyr of Might anticipated. The chi-embalmed blow strikes him dead in the mask, turning his entire body away in a horrific flex of muscle. He lets out some manner of very unhappy grunting sound, stumbling twice with his back towards Iori before managing to twist and flow back into his stance. He shakes his head a few times, but even through the dense rain it's obvious there's a nasty scorchmark sported for his trouble. But then he begins to rumble with energy, building up a spectacular amount that rumbles the ground and appears to resonate with the storm. Wind picks up, and flashes of lightning crack in the air quite unnatural. His body grows noticeably, fists bursting into deep purple fire. His cape dances around behind, and it's almost a suicidal amount of incoming chi. "Hnnnnnngh...!!"
COMBATSYS: Grant gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\0 Grant
"Hmph. All talk." scoffs Iori as his flaming palm crashes into Grant, knocking him backwards. "I'd hoped for better than that!" he roars, voice ringing clear despite the thunderous clamor of raindrops crashing into the stonework.
The display Grant puts up seems to earn even less of Iori's approval -- if nothing else, it seems to embolden him, rather than frighten him away. He'd make another comment -- but the initiative is a priceless gift, not one to be squandered away. Iori rushes forward, plowing his hand towards Grant's throat, fully aiming to grab the man by it, wrenching him off his feet and forcefully into the stonework. "KURAAAAAAAAH!"
COMBATSYS: Grant blocks Iori's Quick Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|=======\=------\1 Grant
Shinobu stands up straight, folding her arm behind her head for the moment as she stands back up. Watching the fight, she frowns at this turn of events. "Man, just hit him...", she says annoyedly, though the rain probably breaks up the comment before it hits any ear canals. Really, this fight has her torn. In theory, Grant should win, because he'll probably try and kill her under any other circumstance. But Iori is so much /cooler/ than her neandrathal ex-sensei. So it's a tougher call than it looks!
Grasped rather uncomfortably by the throat, Grant is lifted to his tiptoes before striking up with a chi-imbued forearm, knocking aside the actual hurling aspect of the maneuver. Slipping into an aggressive stance, Grant then bursts forward with incredible speed in an attempt to strike Iori within the... crotch. Yes, the crotch, ladies and gentlemen. A swift shot is aimed for the less useful Yagami treasure, attempting to knock back Iori and cease the pressure of his initiative. His feet slide masterfully across the mud, entire body seeming to prepare for something decidedly uncomfortable...
COMBATSYS: Iori blocks Grant's Ankoku Hebi.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/----===|=======\=------\1 Grant
Man. Can you believe no one's ever =tried= that against him? Seriously, Iori's such a jerk to everyone, and yet no one's been able to hit him. What the shiz, yo.
Likewise, Grant's not going to gain the illustrious honor of being the first to smash Iori in the vitals -- for the tall Yagami scion is quicker than that, dropping to one knee and shouldering the blow. Snarling, he's knocked back a few inches, but Yagami still finds himself within range for the rapid uppercut that he wants to follow it with -- a rather punishing blow aimed right at the man's chin. "HUUUUUUOOOGH!"
COMBATSYS: Grant just-defends Iori's Strong Punch!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/----===|=======\=------\1 Grant
The uppercut snaps out, but Grant just catches it in his fist, stopping the maneuver dead. Iori might be a vicious and powerful opponent, but in terms of physical strength he might be multiple times weaker without the rage of the blood. All the kinetic force is absorbed quite harmlessly into Grant's thick muscles, and he actually seems quite content to take a few seconds to relax. "You fight with the rage of your soul, despite your hatred for fighting... You are holding nothing back! I can admire that!" And then Grant suddenly rushes forward, attempting to impact Iori dead in the chest and send him flying backwards towards the end of the shrine's open area, a simple blur of forceful movement that's significantly more dangerous then it might initially seem.
COMBATSYS: Grant successfully hits Iori with Gou Dangai.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-======|=======\==-----\1 Grant
Iori, holding back? It's not a common sight, that's for sure. He does seem a bit annoyed at Grant's talking, but at the same time... the sentiment is shared, so he offers a a non-committed grunt rather than a rebuttal.
And while he has every intention of taking the blow like a man, only skidding back a few feet before slamming another punch into Grant... well, it seems that's just not going to cut it, and Iori goes flying back all according to the masked man's intentions. Rolling once on the ground to catch his breath -- and yes, he =is= winded by the sudden strike -- he coughs briefly before rising to his feet. That, friends, was a =punch=.
Iori takes a moment to recover from that, taking his time in striding back towards Grant, keeping his hands curled by his face. This is a fight worthy of his full attention.
COMBATSYS: Iori focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-======|=======\==-----\1 Grant
This time, Grant is the one who doesn't stop the momentum in the slightest. He rushes forward, dancing to the side before rearing back his right arm once more and attempting to solidly punch Iori directly in the... Crotch again? What's up with that, man? But it does seem to be due to tactical reasons. Iori is the most significant threat in this bracket, likely moreso then even Terry. As such, the Martyr of Might is attempting to keep his mind and utilize his delicious assets to the utmost... For now. He's purposefully keeping Iori at bay, with quick shots. What for? The reason might become evident very soon! "Hrrmph! Blind rage will not work on me!!"
COMBATSYS: Iori interrupts Ankoku Hebi from Grant with Oniyaki.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Iori 1/------=/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
COMBATSYS: Shinobu has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Grant 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 1/------=/=======|
COMBATSYS: Grant has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Iori 1/------=/=======|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
> ///////////// ]
|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
COMBATSYS: Yuri has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Iori 1/------=/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
COMBATSYS: Iori has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Iori 1/------=/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
What's up with that, indeed? Iori shakes his head balefully -- it'd be next to impossible to hear the light cluck of his tongue, but it's nonetheless present. Once more, he drops low, this time blocking the punch with a bent leg, the corded muscle vibrating with a loud splash of water. As he flashes a feral grin back to Grant, Iori lights his hands on fire once more. Both of them, this time.
"And your thug tactics -- " he starts, uncoiling from his low crouch, spinning the back of his left hand right into Grant's lowered chest. Continuing with the spin, he rises with the spin, creating a broad double-helix of flame that threatens to envelop Grant whole -- which is little more than flavoring for the spinning lariat that crashes into the masked man. "-- are =pathetic!="
"That's it, Iori! You show him what's what!" That's right! Shots to the pills aren't kosher! Not at all! Not at one bit! Admittedly, Yuri's a little scared of freakydeaky Yagami, but she's still willing to cheer for a team-mate. That'd be a good thing! Yeaaaaaaaah! "Gyooooooooooooooouh get 'em!"
Wow, Grant finally got Iori to talk. And it was painful. He was not expecting his quickest and outright cheapest maneuver to thusly fail, and is blown backwards by the gout of flame and hammerblow, skidding along the mud and rolling to a stop quite thoroughly injured. Shuddering he manages to push himself back to his feet, spreading his stance and breathing heavily through the mask. But then he begins to hum with energy once more, flowing into an aggressive and very retributional position. "Good. The fight is no longer a waste of my time..." is offered, before he then /explodes/. Figuratively. He is now completely wreathed in deep purple flames, the water vaporizing before reaching him. The storm again wigs out, more crashes of lightning as a vortex makes the rain swirl /sideways/. The ground is shaking an incredible amount. If there's one thing Grant can do, it's aesthetics. "Shall we take this to the next level?!" He's daring Iori to attack him. DOUBLE DOG DARING.
COMBATSYS: Grant gathers his will.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Iori 1/------=/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
It'd definitely be a good thing for Yuri if Iori wins this. She might live another day!
But provoking Iori seems to be a baaaaad move for Grant, as he's experiencing for himself now. Double-dog dare or no.
"Hmph." Iori scoffs again, as Grant once more stalls for time -- as he sees it. "It's futile to spend time gathering your strength if you never apply it, masked man." Breaking into a roar of laughter, Iori raises one hand, slicking his hair off to one side. "I suppose you think you can =leverage= that!" he booms -- yes, he has a vocabulary that consists of more than guttural roars! (Though Yuri's really starting to make him wonder.)
Oh right. He also has a blossom of purple flame gathering in his hands. A blossom... that Iori sweeps across himself, slinging it to the temple's stone floor. The violet bloom races towards Grant, with Yagami chortling all the while. "Die, then, in your callous ignorance!"
So... there's a storm, right? So it should be only natural for there to be lightning. It's uncanny for lightning to be able to strike -thrice- though, in one single instant -- and with all three bolts converging upon one single point. It sure would suck for Grant if he were to be standing there when it all happened.
COMBATSYS: Grant just-defends Iori's Ya Sakazuki!
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
The response is simple. Grant whirls with chi once more, and the entirety of the three lightning bolts impact those flames he gathered. It seems there might of been a quite applicable defensive quality to such, given that not a single mote of chi pierces through. When the swirling onslaught ends, Grant is completely unharmed beyond a scorched ring about his body. And then he suddenly whisks off his aura, letting out a rather amused laugh. "I believe... I have wasted enough time..."
And then Grant moves forward, like a rushing train. He rears back his right arm, which crackles with chi, and then snaps out an impressive uppercut fully intending to take Iori off the ground and send him very airborne, Grant flitting up into the rain like a rocket regardless of hit or miss as his cape trails out behind. He then seems to hover for an instant, shifting into a mid-air stance... The tides might have significantly turned at this stage!
COMBATSYS: Iori dodges Grant's Kyou Chou-Jin.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
What the... Well, suffice to say, Iori's not laughing =now=. Snarling, he rushes to the side, letting Grant pass by him without a scratch. "... impressive," he notes levelly, crimson eyes locked onto his target.
Though... he's careful not to give the man =too= much credit. Lunging in low, he snaps a quick kick for the man's kneecaps. "GURRRRAAAH!"
COMBATSYS: Grant fails to interrupt Light Kick from Iori with Ma-Heki.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
For some incalculable reason, Grant's rush forward to meet the kick fails as he descends towards the ground. Those powerful pectorals that have shattered the likes of Guy and Sagat into naught but fragments are deflected by a simple kick, Grant instead hitting the ground on his chest and bouncing away, rolling to a stop beneath his cape before raising with a chuckle. That was certainly not expected, but at the moment a risk quite worth taking. He cracks his neck to either side, again flowing into his combative stance and just gesturing Iori forward. The time for sweet, sweet talking has now passed. When one survives the Ankoku nipples, all bets are off!
Yagami is mysteriously unaffected by the so-called legendary attack. Perhaps he'd heard of it in rumors, but without a more effective demonstration, he's loathe to give it more than a "Hmph." in reply.
If there's one thing that Grant's inspired though... it's the sight of =blood= -- displays of which are rarely in such chillingly short supply for a fight involving Iori. Snarling, he rushes towards Grant, capitalizing on his moment of apparent weakness -- though the true goal for his sudden burst of speed is a point just =past= Grant.
His talons are left behind, though, with Yagami's aim being to carve four parallel grooves into the man's chest as he rushes past. And if he manages to retain his grip, he'd wrench suddenly to the side, rending those four shallow gulleys into raging canyons of blood as he rips his talons free of the flesh beneath. "GURRRRAAAAAAOH!"
COMBATSYS: Iori successfully hits Grant with Saka Sakahagi.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/------=|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Well... This was decidedly unpleasant. The flash of fingers were not expected in the slightest, and Grant stumbles back with a hiss of pain as the burst of crimson flows over his chest. A few coughs are done, cape resettling over his body before he seems quite fit to...
Leap backwards. He lands within a crouch just behind Shinobu, who is unruely shoved forward to meet the rampaging Iori. "Hrrmph." is all that he says. He needs a few moments to pull himself together, ladies and gentlemen. And at the moment, what better to use for such then a useless one-armed meat shield? Let's see how long Iori takes to devour her soul.
COMBATSYS: Grant takes a breather.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/------=|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
COMBATSYS: Grant takes no action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/------=|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Shinobu narrows her eyes. "Man, and you were whining about me losing...", she says, a little annoyed to be stepping in so soon... but she doesn't have much say in the matter. And so, she then /runs/ at Iori, heedless of the certain death she seems to be rushing into. She may not be strong, but she's fierce! "Here I come!"
As she comes close, she hops forward, trying to grab of the Iori's arms with her free hand in midair. And she's smiling, as if utterly clueless of the pain that'll probably come down in her.
COMBATSYS: Iori blocks Shinobu's Spin Crasher.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
"H.. HEY!!!"
Yuri isn't pleased about this change of events at all. In fact, one might say she's down-right uninterested in this fight continuing this way! Towards Grant, the Martyr of Minicing away, she shakes a fist, most dissapprovingly! Towards Iori, she jumps and shouts in the pouring rain, bouncing back and forth, trying to get his attention. "Tag me in! Tag me in!" .. Not that he'll listen.
Scowling as Grant leaps aside, Iori rises to his full height, seething as the rain plunks down onto his drenched hair. This... was undesirable. "Coward," he calls out, eyes remaining focused on Grant as he exits, stage right.
And if -that- was sour, you should see the look Shinobu gets. Not a happy camper, to say the least.
Yuri's cries are halted with a raised hand for one moment. "Not yet." he intones, glowering at Shinobu. Indeed, he raises his arm, brushing her hand away, before forcibly -jerking- his arm out of the young woman's grasp. Damn tease.
Of course, this is followed by a rather painful uppercut to the jaw. "Should know better than that!" he roars -- he may be -looking- at Shinobu, but it's rather clear he's =talking= to Grant.
COMBATSYS: Shinobu blocks Iori's Strong Punch.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|===----\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Turning her side to Iori as she lands, she takes the blow on her shoulder. Her good shoulder and part of her back take the blow instead, and she winces, stumbling away. That didn't feel good. Not at all. But it beats a broken jaw!
She brings her smile back, though, and says, "Don't worry about him!" Ducking a little, she then moves in on Iori. "You're fighting ME!" And with that declaration, she bursts into her familiar flurry of punches, throwing out strikes faster than most eyes can see. Of course, it's really just flailing more than punching, but she's just trying to break his concentration for the moment. She can't win a fight like this, but she can try to make him pay for it!
COMBATSYS: Iori dodges Shinobu's Rumble Punch.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
At least she's keeping a good attitude about this fight. The number of people who smile while charging at Iori Yagami is depressingly few after all. And while the strikes may be faster than -most- can see... Yagami apparently thinks in bullet-time, for he's quick to step out of the way, swerving to let Shinobu rush past him. "... I'm afraid I'm -not-." he declares, leaping back -- and conveniently onto the stonework beside Yuri, dropping into a low crouch.
"Don't disappoint me." he intones, not even bothering to look over to the over-enthusiastic girl. The threat of what might otherwise pass is better left unsaid.
COMBATSYS: Iori takes a breather.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
COMBATSYS: Iori takes no action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
"Hey! Stop picking on her! That's pret... oh. Er. Okay..?"
Yuri's given her mission, and yes, Mister Phelps, she chooses to accept it. She takes a moment to wring out the upper portion of her braid, and then steps into the muddy clearing, to better face Shinobu. Alright.
Her hand slaps against her opposite palm, and she prepares herself for the coming battle. She doesn't hesitate more than she has, and then just steps in, one, two - and then.. a sneaky move! She spins her head, and the very heavy, very wet braid of hair comes flying around, right towards Shinobu's noggin! Here we go! "Show me hat you've got, Shinobu!"
COMBATSYS: Yuri successfully hits Shinobu with Medium Punch.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|=====--\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Shinobu's brief melee with Iori hasn't left her well off, and she gets smacked hard in the face, falling back. Shaking her head, Shinobu says, "Man, that was dirty...", as she shakes a fist at Yuri. Then, she counterattacks!
Reaching out, she tries to snag the offending braid. It may have hurt, but it gives her an idea! Yuri's not the only one who can turn that into a weapon...
COMBATSYS: Yuri blocks Shinobu's Quick Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/------=|====---\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Oh, ow!
"He.. hey! Leggo!" Trying to look tough for Iori and Grant is a little failing as Shinobu goes for the hair grab! She yanks her head forwards, pulling the strands out of the other girl's slick grip, wincing as strands get yanked left and right and OUT oh ow. But in this case, it's better than getting chucked away by it, right? It gives her a chance to gather her feet under her, and prepare.
And prepare she does! Shinobu's going to see just what Yuri's got when her A-game is out in force. And that, today, is a giant leap, and a high-raising of her hands. Lightning flashes behind her, the thunder rolls, and her hands clasp together, swinging down in a giant arc of red-gold chi. This time, she's going all - out! She'll pay for it later - but you know what..? She wouldn't ever give less than her best!
"RAIOOOOU KEN!"
COMBATSYS: Shinobu dodges Yuri's Raiou Ken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|====---\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Leaning far to the side, Shinobu weaves out of the blast's path with a step, and then suddenly forward as she lunges at Yuri. "C'mon, show me how strong you've gotten!" And then, there's a swift haymaker, that, coupled with Shinobu's forward motion... covers a lot of space. Reckless, but then, Shinobu's already been tenderized by Iori. She's got to make up for that, quick!
Of course, it could also just be the fact she's slipping forward in the mud. Ooops.
COMBATSYS: Yuri endures Shinobu's Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Was that a CHALLENGE?!
Yuri's pretty darn sure that was! She's challenged to show _just_ how tough she is. Called out, even! What does one do when they're called out? They attack! With temerity, even! With vigor, and energy, and all that good stuff!
Yuri stands and steps into the giant haymaker, her head snapping back, getting an eyeful of rain - she's pertty sure that the stars in her eyes was just lightning - and not an impending concussion. But she could be wrong..! The good thing, though - is that her head rocks back forwards quickly. And she's grinning! In an eerie imitation of Iori Yagami, she lolls her head and shoulders forwards. They shudder.. quake in the pouring rain.. And then her head flies back! "GYAAAAAAH-HAAAH-HAAAAA!" With that done, she reaches out, both hands coming around, formed into claws..!
"KO'OOOU.. KEN!" Instead of violent purple chi, red-gold energy comes blazing forth from Yuri's hands. This time, it coalesces, a wide blast the height of her body, and rushes forth, burning air and singeing raindrops as it moves right towards Shinobu!
COMBATSYS: Shinobu blocks Yuri's Ko'ou Ken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Raising her good arm in a boxing block, Shinobu... takes the blow, sliding backwards in the mud with the mud. Leaving foot-shaped divets behind, she lowers her arm with a grin. "You're going to have to..." She then slams her foot into the ground with an axe kick, sending mud and water spattering in all directions as she falls into her horse stance of power! "... do better than that!" Raising her fist, she challenges /again/. Looks like she's actively trying to get Yuri's goat!
COMBATSYS: Shinobu gathers her will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
"Nuh-uh! You haven't done anything, c'mon, show me what _you_ have!" Yuri's more than willing to show off her 'I can do what you do' skills today - so far, she's borrowed from Iori - now it's time to borrow from Shinobu's teammate! She puts her hands in front of her, and streams of chi whip up and around her, whisking the water in her area up and away in a blazing spiral , leaving her dry for that split second before nature takes it's toll again - refreshed, focused, rejuvenated - Yuri beckons Shinobu onwards.
"Come and get _me_!!"
COMBATSYS: Yuri gathers her will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Yuri 1/------=/=======|=======\==-----\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Shinobu blinks, her wet bangs falling into her eyes as she stares for a moment, standing up straight. "Huh?" Then, after a moment, she grins almost predatorily... and the fact her bangs hide her eyes for the moment doesn't help. With a couple splashing steps, Shinobu cries out, "Get ready!" And then, there's the hurried kiais and even faster punches! "Yayayayaya!", she calls out, throwing out her trademark left-handed flurry! It's not exactly her slickest trick, but it should suffice to wake Yuri up.
COMBATSYS: Shinobu successfully hits Yuri with Rumble Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Yuri 1/---====/=======|=======\===----\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
"I'm aaaaugh!"
That was supposed to be 'ready'. It's not. In fact, she's caught a little flat-footed by the slapping with the arm that she thought Shinbou had broken. It must have been the other one. Instead, of course, she gets beaten around like a little red-headed stepc.. wait, That's Iori! Instead, Yuri takes the flurry of punches - and takes it poorly. She wobbles, and then falls half-forwards, one knee into the mud. But she's not done for yet! IN fact, she's more than ready to show Shinobu a thing or two!
From her kneeling position, she coughs, voice barely heard of the sudden crash of thunder and lightning, so very close by. "Nuh.. not bad. But.. but I gotta win, Shinobu. This time.." With that, she rolls backwards, the back of her gi top now brown and soggy with mud, her hair hopelessly gunked up.. And then she leaps forwards, both feet out, directly at the other girl! "YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!"
COMBATSYS: Yuri successfully hits Shinobu with Hien Hou'ou Kyaku.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
The first foot hits at knee level - And Shinobu gets to feel the stompity stomp of Yuri's feet going from knee to shoulder in one continuous set of bicycle kicks, over and over. At her chin, well, it's a flip kick, letting the Kyokugen student land a foot or two away, with a wobble. And a panting of breath.
Whamwhamwhamwhampow! Shinobu starts to fall back, buckling, sliding back through the mud. It's clearly a series of clean hits, And it looks like Shinobu /should/ fall. But, instead, she rights herself, regaining her balance with a bit of a stunned look. She then giggles through her injuries, and says, "Good, that's a good one!" She salutes with two fingers. "Later, Yuri!" And with that, she runs away and springs, landing on the roof of the shrine. She wobbles for a moment, barely keeping her feet, and then says, "Go, Grant!", pointing as if she might actually be relishing this single chance to boss him around... even if it might hurt later.
COMBATSYS: Shinobu takes a breather.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
COMBATSYS: Shinobu takes no action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Merely striding forward, Grant does not seem to be very satisfied by the performance his former pupil accomplished. It might be impressive for a girl with one arm, but she'd not /have/ that injury were she able to follow directions! "Well..." Grant mulls, cracking his head and massaging his chest. "...Yuri Sakazaki. Brother to Ryo, daughter of Takuma. What did you think of the hole I smashed within your pathetic dojo? The broken bodies of your two strongest fighters? Will you be able to avenge them...?" Grant then opens his arms, quite invitingly. Offering Yuri a completely free shot, it would seem... And goading her not to back down!
COMBATSYS: Grant takes a breather.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/-------|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
"You did _what?!_"
See, this is Yuri. Yuri doesn't hear when her stupid brother and her stupid dad get themselves whooped up on. No, no, they're still trying to protect her from this stuff. The hole? Something about a 'training accident' - now it all fits into place. She's justifiably upset about it, and well - she's more than willing to show Grant she's got what it takes. Offering a free shot? Well.. she'll take it! Maybe. Maybe she should let Iori.. MUST AVENGE FAMILY.. Iori stronger.. FAMILY AVENGE.. Iori faster..
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!" No, there's not a lot of technique here - she rushes in, slides down at the very end of her run, and tries to get a hold of the wet man. If she can, she'll grab his shoulders, put her boot _right_ in his dangly bits, and heave him up into the air. It's a throw! A throw of power, justice and.. well, hopefully not getting her ass kicked!
COMBATSYS: Yuri successfully hits Grant with Silent Nage.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/------=|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
The swift kick was not exactly where Grant expected. In a rather comical display, within the raging storm of wind and rain, the Martyr of Might is hit within the mountain in his pants. He raises an inch of the ground, before swiftly doubling over and thudding upon his knees. Obviously that was an exceptionally painful experience for him, made more apparent as he raises up and rears back his right arm. A spark of deep purple energy swirls before entombing his hand. His entire body is thrown into the following detonation of energy, attempting to blast Yuri backwards and hopefully very far away where she'll die. Someone got hit in the jewels in this fight... Grant had been hoping it wouldn't be him!
COMBATSYS: Yuri fails to reflect Kokuen-Ryuu from Grant with Saiha.
[ \\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
Explosion of energy! Ugh! Not good. Not good at all! Yuri tries to get up and block, wobbling a bit as she brings her hands forwards to intercept. Sadly, today, Mighty Casey has struck out, and the red-gold shield flickers weakly, then fades out as the explosion of power catches her, and knocks her away, towards where Iori is. She's still moving, though - and if he _tries_ to tag her, well.. Yuri's gonna just brush it off. That was _personal_.
"C'.. Cmon! Let's see what you've.. you've REALLY GOT!"
There's something of a snort, Grant raising himself back to his feet and marching forward. His entire body is wreathed in deep purple flames once more, fists tightly clenching as the surge of energy seems to empower him. Walking across the broken sticks and mud, he then crouches down before the hapless girl, leaning his demonic countenance in. "You are a child who plays games." Grant offers, the tone now of a mentor giving a very important lesson. "Kyokugen is a mockery. A pale imitation of stronger styles. The epitome of your revenge... Your honor and pride... Was a kick to my genitals!" Grant then begins to laugh, turning his back to Yuri in a flicker of cape and beginning to march away. "Bring Iori back in. Mayhaps he can overcome me, and you will not be humiliated!!" A dismissive gesture follows, as the Martyr of Might turns towards Iori upon the sidelines quite expectantly.
COMBATSYS: Grant gathers his will.
[ \\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
"Oh, you're scared of me, aren't you? Big man, kick to the jimmy, and he gets all wussy and whiny!"
Shinobu watches, holding her injured arm. She feels a little guilty about unleashing Grant on Yuri like that, but... this is a team fight, as much as Grant and Iori might want to ignore that fact. Tilting her head to the side, Shinobu says to Yuri, "Aw, let the two freaks have their fight...", apparently not terribly interested in seeing Yuri get pasted either. Mind, she's not sure she'd act much differently in the same situation. But it's not like her to be quite so introspective.
Yuri's all sorts of agitated now, walking back and forth infront of Iori, slapping her hands into fists, getting herself psyched up. Oh, she's taking him on, She's gonna lay Grant OUT, gosh darn it. This is gonna be the wickity-wack big 'ol smack DISASTAH...
Iori's been lounging upon the wall, one leg stretched out along it as he observes the fight. And when Grant gets nailed in the jewels... well, he can't help but break into a smile.
Maybe he'll keep Yuri around for a while. She's amusing.
At least, that's his thought right before she gets smacked around by Grant's energy blast... and then he =backs away= only to start calling out names and such.
Oh, he's mad now. Slipping to the temple floor, he makes one giant Hulk-ish leap, landing right behind Yuri and grabbing her forcefully by the shoulder.
"My turn."
He then shoves her off to the side, grabbing her by the wrist, and then -forcing- her to tag him in. "Sit down."
COMBATSYS: Yuri takes a breather.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
COMBATSYS: Yuri takes no action.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Iori 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Grant
And then he surges forward, whipping his hand straight for Grant's mask with an aim of slamming him into the ground -- with a nice big burst of purple flame to accelerate his descent. "GUWWWOOOOOGH!"
COMBATSYS: Grant fails to interrupt Koto Moon Negative from Iori with Majin Engetsu-Rin.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Iori 0/-------/---====|=======\===----\1 Grant
Oh, that's what Grant wanted. Iori is coming straight at him, preparing to grasp him by the mask. So now all Grant has to do is get hit in the face, blasted backwards, and roll to a stop dazed and completely disoriented. Wait, wasn't he supposed to kick Iori in half? Obviously it never came up, Grant managing to get to his feet with deep breaths, beginning to laugh once more. "Ah... a pity..." Grant's eyes begin to flare significantly more green. "...My apologies, Kain... I might not be able to manage this one!!" But still he beckons Iori towards him, absolutely fearless of what might take place. That, at least, might be respectable. No regret. No backing down. He's in this to the end!
Iori admires the man's tenacity, even though he's not showing it. That'd be admitting weakness, after all, and Iori's not about that. Snarling, he continues to press his charge, plunging in close with a series of blows: an overhand slash, a followup punch to the gut, and a fairly direct kick to the abs to finish off the set. "HUUU! HUUU! HUUAAAAARGH!"
COMBATSYS: Grant blocks Iori's Light Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////// ]
Iori 0/-------/---====|=======\====---\1 Grant
The trio of incoming blows are shrugged aside fairly lazily. Grant doesn't seem too concerned, but the solid thwacks into delicious meat are obviously having an effect. Grant is apparently only standing up on raw willpower alone. There's no real opportunity for any other option. To even have a chance at this, he has to press his body into the blackness. Into the void, which hours a day are spent merely to keep at bay for one day longer. His form trembles, crackling with deep indigo as he rushes towards Iori like a piston, rearing back his leg as a sheath of energy begins to form. "Majin...!" His voice is breathless, and it almost looks as if he might collapse. But then the onslaught begins! "ENGETSU RIN--!!"
COMBATSYS: Iori interrupts Majin Engetsu-Rin from Grant with Yumebiki.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //// ]
Iori 0/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Grant
And indeed, Grant does manage to get off a few solid kicks of horrific vorpal energy, but it's obviously not going to be quite enough to finish off Iori as might of been desired!
Mmmrgh. Iori can tell his hits aren't doing much against Grant's meaty defenses, but at the same time... he has a significant goal in mind here. And it involves the concept of 'attrition' -- whittling down Grants defenses little by little. The alternative is just picking him up and chucking him into stuff, but that trick never works.
No... by forcing Grant backwards, Iori hopes the masked man will turn his hand, and play his last trump card. Indeed, it seems that he will -- in favorable fashion. Drawing back, he raises his left arm to defend against that breathless, piston-like kick, taking it at an oblique angle.
But that's when Iori shunts himself off to the side, applying liberal force in a tangent to Grant's attack vector. For those that aren't following the geometric terms, he'd taken the kick and shoved back with his left arm, long enough for him to follow through with a brutal right-handed rake across the masked man's chest, his long talons sharp enough to pierce through even Grant's hardened flesh. But that's not all -- he follows up by stepping in to deliver a hard backhand, powerful enough to knock Grant aside.
"You've stalled for TOO LONG, old man!" he howls, snapping his hand back to his side with a scowl.
Too much. Something gives in Grant even before the retribution is inflicted by Iori. But somehow, he's not knocked back. Although his leg impacts the ground rather hard, the blow meant to send him flying doesn't do such. There's a final burst of green energy in his eyes, as he suddenly lurches towards Iori, attempting to grasp him by the face...! This is all the Demon of Might has, and the only thing that could possibly make a difference. The entirety of the fight rests on the impossibly minute chance that his bloody, trembling palm closes on Iori's face through little more then raw surprise...
COMBATSYS: Grant can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Iori parries Grant's Random Weapon!
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 1/-------/=======|
But it's not enough. Grant then collapses upon his face, as the light winks out like a pair of distant stars. He manages to prop himself up with a forearm, breathing heavily as the aftermath of that decision burns through his body. But he does manage to turn his head towards Yuri, looking at her with a foreboding interest. Before thudding upon the ground, a last spark of energy leaving his body with an almost static-like shimmer of energy.
His bloody and trembling palm doesn't come close to Iori's face for two reasons. One -- Iori's face moves the hell out of the way. Two -- Iori's giving a good slap to the back, helping him to the ground all the more quickly. "Fall!" he howls, just in case he missed one of the numerous memos.
And when he does, Iori glares down at him for a moment, keeping one fist balled just in case he decides to pull a Saishu and rise back to his feet.
And, seeing that he doesn't, the tall Orochi redhead turns his crimson gaze onto Shinobu. "... Come on, girl. Show me."
COMBATSYS: Iori takes a breather.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 1/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Iori takes no action.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/=======|
Raising her chin, Shinobu's pupils go to pinpricks as she watches in anger.
A week of training, beatings, a broken arm, and he's the one that falls first? Angry doesn't begin to describe it... a rare few have ever seen this look on her face, and it's the look of rage that goes beyond a simple nasty look. It's a dead-eyed rage.
"That's it?", she finally says contemptuously. If Grant wasn't plainly out, Shinobu might go after /him/ instead, and forfeit entirely. Not that she's likely to win anyway.
Instead, though, she turns to Iori. Despire her anger, she's not one to go halfway in a fight, even if her chances are slim to none to worse than nothing. Grabbing the sling, she yanks at it, tearing it away. And then she raises her strangely functional right arm, flexing her hand to pop her knuckles with an open hand. Looks like she was bluffing... as she brings her hands together, drawing together raindrops inside a azure bubble, focusing on it and making it swell. "Man, time to put out that stupid fire!" And then, she leaps off the roof, diving at Iori.
As she connects... with Iori or the nearest patch of Earth... the raindrops vanish for a moment a radius as they seem sucked in by the bubble like a whirlpool. And then, the whole thing detonates in a geyser. It's more show than tell against somebody like Iori, but it's at least a proper effort!
COMBATSYS: Iori blocks Shinobu's Final Finish.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 1/-------/=======|
Wow, someone's sleeping on the couch tonight. It's not gonna be Iori though, from the looks of it -- for it takes but another raised arm for him to deflect the geyser, forming an effective shield against the true brutality of a move that could easily send a lesser person into the hospital. Smirking faintly, he nods back at Shinobu. Once again... he's pleased with her initiative and bravery. "Not many are as headstrong as you..." he notes wryly, stepping back and brushing himself off. Not that he has any chance of getting =dry= in the midst of a rainstorm.
"... But it's not quite enough."
And that's when Iori rushes forward, bringing his arm overhead in a high slash, aimed at razing the girl across the face.
The kid gloves are off.
COMBATSYS: Shinobu endures Iori's Ya Otome.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/-------|
And so is just about every reservation Iori may have had about unleashing his full strength. Shinobu is, indeed, fearless in the face of a most fearsome foe. But, even against Grant, Iori's =true= nature hasn't really been shown. "CRY!" That changes abruptly as he rushes forward, unleashing a seemingly endless series of slashes, punches, knee strikes, headbutts, and ... well, it's hard to =see= what he's doing, since he's just moving so damn fast. "SCREAM!" The only time he slows down is when he lashes out, grabbing Shinobu by the face and gripping tightly. "AND DIIIIIE!" His hands glisten with a bright purple glow, split-seconds before erupting into a furious violet blaze.
And yet...
When threatened with death over a week ago now, Shinobu's response was, "... I don't worry about stupid stuff like that." And it's not just bluster; if an attack kills her, it kills her. If somebody's strong enough, there's not much she can do about it, right?
And so, Shinobu stares down the attack, knowing it's too fast to avoid. Iori's stronger than her in ways even Grant isn't, and so all she can do... is get a little crazy. And it hurts. It hurts probably worse than anything she's experienced since Ryu, and at least he didn't set her on fire. But Grant, if anything, taught her to take that pain and make it her own. But she can't find an opening... there's just too much, too fast. And so, she gets blown away. End of story, right?
Well, not quite. As she goes flying, Shinobu tries to snag ahold of Iori's shirt. And just as she tried with Grant, her swift, quick intention is to bash in Iori's head with her own in midair. Desperation at its finest, folks.
COMBATSYS: Shinobu has reached second wind!
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Iori endures Shinobu's Strong Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/------=|
"Mm." Apparently, while he was expecting =Grant= to pull a Saishu, Yagami wasn't expecting it from =Shinobu= of all people. Then again, he hardly =knows= the girl, so perhaps it can be excused.
Still... he's willing to see what the girl has left in her, after taking down his Ya Otome and then having the gall to =stand back up=. So he rolls with it, letting the girl pull him into a throw. "Come on, girl."
And then she headbutts him. "Rich." he chuckles, reeling back slightly. It hurt... but not as much as it -could- have.
Problem is, he grabs onto Shinobu's shirt while she's grabbing -him-.
And he's also headbutting her right back. *WHAM*
COMBATSYS: Iori successfully hits Shinobu with Strong Punch.
Glancing Blow
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ////// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/-----==|
Shinobu slips her head /forward/ rather than try and slip away. As such, the impact is lessened, as she catches the headbutt before hit has a chance to reach full acceleration. But it still hurts. A lot. "I'm not done yest." She slumps back a bit, and then grins sharply. "Yayayayayaya!", she cries, trying to barrage Iori while he's still got her. The punches are hyperfast... but random, going everywhere. It's a blossom of fists, but then it suddenly stops, coalescing into a overhand, overextended punch as she tries to actually get Iori to reel.
COMBATSYS: Iori dodges Shinobu's Dragon Entry.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ///// ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\0 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/-----==|
It'll take a bit more than that -- for Iori's riding the crest of an adrenaline high after taking down Grant. "Impressive... for someone of your level," he notes coldly, stepping backward with the rhythm, calmly evading each blow.
With his hands behind his back. Yes, he's showing off a bit. "You'll never hit me if you're that slow though." Yagami can be a real ass sometimes. ... Okay, most of the time.
But just as the flurry of punches fades, and the overhand punch rockets close, Iori makes one sudden sidestep to clear himself. "Whereas..." And he rockets out one solid punch to the side of Shinobu's head, faintly bemused. "... you should have fallen by now."
COMBATSYS: Iori successfully hits Shinobu with Quick Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ]
Yuri 0/-------/=======|=======\====---\1 Shinobu
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/----===|
Nearly stumbling past Iori, Shinobu blinks. Granted, that attack is about as subtle as an ape three stories past giant. But still, she expected him to at least ball up, to guard the attack. But not to get away scot free!
And she's whacked upside the head. She falters to the side, but then cups her palms, making another bubble. "People like you..." As she swings around towards him, the bubble swells in her hands, drawing in moisture and liquid power. "... think you know everything!", she shouts, and then tries to plant it in Iori's chest.
The explosion this time is more like a burst, like a giant balloon detonating... enough to send Shinobu flying away from the kamikaze assault. As for Iori... well, who knows?
COMBATSYS: Shinobu can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Yuri 0/-------/=======|
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/----===|
COMBATSYS: Iori blocks Shinobu's Final Finish.
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Yuri 0/-------/=======|
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/----===|
"Mm." is Iori's initial reply to the accusation that he knows everything. He really =isn't= so egotistical as to think that, even though he certainly -carries- himself that way. So the remark is a bit of a quandary to him. But... a more pressing issue is the gigantic bubble swelling in Shinobu's hands.
And this draws a smirk from Iori. "Doesn't matter to me." he answers with a faint grin, instants before impact. He raises his arm, turning away. Drops of water splash against him, the concussive wall of expanding water being enough to force him back a good three steps or so... but as the water passes, Iori is much the same as before -- drenched, but standing tall nonetheless.
"Not bad... but I asked you to =fall down!=" And rushing forward, he delivers one swift punch to Shinobu's jaw -- nothing fancy.
Shaking his head, he runs his fingers through his hair, grinning like crazy. "Ha ha..." One more glance to Yuri, and he breaks into a small round of chuckles. "Heh."
Riotous laughter ensues. This is apparently the most hilarious thing Iori's seen all day, to listen to him. And considering his =normal= schedule, it probably is.
COMBATSYS: Iori takes no action.
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Yuri 0/-------/=======|
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Iori 0/-------/----===|
COMBATSYS: Iori has left the fight here.
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Yuri 0/-------/=======|
Shinobu skids to a halt in the mud, standing, looking about ready to give Iori all she's got!
Punch.
And then she falls over unceremoniously, her eyes rolling back in her head.. Okay, maybe not. But at least she's unconscious with a friend! What's more, Grant will really have to stretch to pin this on her, dammit.
Log created by Yuri, and last modified on 15:39:12 03/06/2006.