Description: Gothic and sneaky is no match for bum and insane! What better place to prove this than good ol' Ireland? Also, Seishirou blows everything up. EVERYTHING. (Winners: Terry and Tran)
Second Victory.
Dublin, Ireland.
Today's first round battle is being fought upon a rather unique arena. Given the relatively little attention usually given this tiny country, virtually the whole of its capital is currently turned out in a clamouring drove to witness the fight. Their precious tax money has gone unbegrudged toward creating quite the spectacle for the occasion - a large platform suspended over the River Liffey, swaying ponderously as it hangs from four boat-mounted cranes. Slicing through the city's central point, the river is surprisingly well placed to deliver in its assumed role. Pubs and bars flank the flowing waters upon either side, and at this point two of the intermittent bridges are near enough together that they offer yet more ample space for spectators. People fill whatever area they can on all four sides, drawing up yells both orchestrated and incoherent, waving banners and swigging openly from warming flasks of good ol' Irish uisge.
The air /is/ chill, but nobody cares. The atmosphere's electric.
Terry Bogard is among those swept away by the sheer enthusiasm of Dublin's turnout, a wide grin smeared across his features as he mounts one of the four precarious ramps leading onto the dizzying wooden stage. Finding his balance quickly, the Hungry Wolf all but bounds out into the centre, spinning around with casual vigour to fistpump in each compass direction, leaping off his heels once he's done and swaggering away to take a position in one corner. Reaching up to adjust his cap as he comes to a halt, those bright blue eyes fade from enjoyment to assume a little more focus as he awaits the arrival of the other competitors. Krizalid, Seishirou Ryouhara... not men he's faced before. This.. this should be worth the buildup.
Let's just hope his partner is capable of standing up.
COMBATSYS: Terry has started a fight here on the left meter side.
Nobody cares? The guy in the trench coat certainly -seems- to. Why else would he wear something so cumbersome and bulky to a fight. And he's no mere spectator. He actually comes creaking slowly up the ramp opposite that which Terry used, to step out onto the main platform and roll his feathered shoulders forward. He pauses there at the edge, to wait patiently for some sign that his 'teammate' will even show, eyes scanning from side to side before even thinking about focusing on Terry. There was no doubt in Krizalid's mind that Seishirou Ryouhara would be as unhappy about having to rely on him as he was of the young ninja.
"Hmph. I would've expected someone like him to be more punctual. Suppose he's dragging his feet purposely." he grumbles to himself, turning his head to face the elder Bogard Brother and sidling over to another corner of the stage. His eyes narrow, but he says nothing to the Legendary Wolf. For the moment, his thoughts are still elsewhere.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
For the record, Dr. Tran is drunk, but not to the point where it has anything to do with anything else. It's just one of those things that's brought on by the prospect of facing two people people who he doesn't really know all that much about. The unknown is a frightening thing. You wouldn't expect a man to face it down without a stiffening drink or three for the ol' resolve, would you? Of course not.
Walking steadily up his ramp, he doesn't seem to be feeling particularly showboaty, despite the crowd and the excitement and the pretty awesome locale. Despite the drinking, he's jittery. I mean, come on. Tran's been in tournaments before, but this is, like, the first real important one! This is the big-time! Other fights didn't really matter so much, but this is an opportunity for fame, money, and respect, not neccesarily in that order.
Still, he does smile and wave, although he's not putting as much heart into it as he could. Hopefully, he'll be more energetic when it comes time for him to actually fight. Moving up next to his partner, Terry, he looks around one more time and notes, "Is it always like this when you fight?" It certainly is the biggest crowd he's ever fought in front of, after all.
COMBATSYS: Tran has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
They say Terry Bogard's one of the best.
Ryouhara doesn't exactly pretend to think he's in the man's class, but he'd done far less advisable things before. The way he figured it, if someone worse than Kyo's flames existed in the world, it's probably something he'd want to know about anyway. Seeing that man fight with his own 'eyes,' that would be worth the inherent level of risk between him and .. well, that other guy who happened to be standing next to Terry. Dr. Tran, was it?
Ryouhara reflects on that, as he secures his leg ties with quick, confident tugs, despite the ill omen surround their half of the arena. He doesn't make his arrival with any fanfare, per-se. One moment he isn't there. The next, he is, kneeling and pulling the ninja equivalent of tying his shoes, just behind Krizalid. Given his knowledge of his own ability.. and the knowledge he held of his teammate's ability.... well. To put it bluntly, Seishirou's expression is a thin pressed line indicative of a grim countenance that rated their chances as two in ten.
Unless they got lucky. Or his comrade could absorb a lot more damage right now than Ryouhara figured he could. Neither were factors Seishirou particularly took stock in.
"Hey," Seishirou finally announces himself to his teammate in a droll tone, "Let's try not to think about it." Krizalid might know what he's referring to. Either way, as irritated as he might be... Seishirou doesn't seem too interested in making this an ego thing.
Despite their remote chances of success, he would like to at least attempt not to look like a fool today.
COMBATSYS: Seishirou has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
"Heh," Terry's good mood only seems enhanced by the arrival of his nervous teammate and their morose opponents. Shaking his head, he spares a lingering glance for the pair - a keen gaze drinking in the ninja and the trenchcoated man - getting a full measure of their likely ability before turning to face Tran. His judgement? If it's anything less than satisfactory, the Wolf doesn't show a single sign, nodding in recognition to his partner and then thrusting out a fist toward him. "Always? Nah. Not every tournament's this big, an' it's not always the fans are so awesome... we got lucky!"
After waiting for his knuckles to meet the doctor's own, the Hungry Wolf lowers his hand halfway, keeping it near his chest as he stretches out his fingers. Fist curling and uncurling against the cold winter air, the blonde starts forward to offer greeting to whoever he's down to face first. Seems he's taking the lead at any rate... he made a point not to discuss deep tactical planning with Tran, and just runs on instinct here. Perhaps those nerves will diminish once throwdown commences? He hopes so.
To the waiting opposition, he strides halfway and flips off a swift, two-fingered salute from the peak of his cap, then sinking back onto his heels to raise a flexible guard. A familiar enough stance to any that have seen him fight, a similarly familiar transition coming over Terry, eyes hardening and grin fading. The announcer begins to speak... and the Wolf is all business.
"So you decided to show afterall." He may not be a ninja himself, but he certainly has the perceptions of one. The silver-haired NESTS exec swivels his head to halfway look back over his shoulder at Seishirou before he's even announced his presence. Before he's vocalized that concern. And when he does, he gives a shake of his head and pats at the front of his coat a bit. It doesn't look the slightest bit dusty, so it's not too clear why he's doing it. Perhaps it's just a nervous habit, brought on by the vague reference to what's occurred between the two fighters in the past.
"Agreed. At least for the moment." He could say more in regard to that, but he won't. "I'll try to leave you in a good postion, but there are no promises." is the only thing further he has for Ryouhara before the announcer calls for the match to begin. And then the dark fighter is off like a shot, taking several long strides before leaping at Terry and twisting in midair to slash the talons on one hand at the Wolf's chest. "Shyaaaah!!"
COMBATSYS: Terry dodges Krizalid's Cut Spin.
Well...the crowd is pretty big. This many people watching his every move, staring him down, judging him...remembering him. It's really an awesome opportunity. So yeah...yeah, Tran'll agree that it's lucky. He meets Terry's fist with his own, shaking his hand briefly afterward. Man, even when Terry's not trying he punches hella hard.
"Alright, well. Good luck. Looking at those two..." Tran briefly gestures toward Krizalid and Seishirou. "You might need it. Anyway, I'm going to go find a wrench or a pipe or something to bash their kneecaps in with. I won't be gone long." It's showtime, and Tran makes his first attempt at amusing this crowd and building some serious reputation. He waves to Terry, walking toward the edge of the platform, and never stops.
Dr. Tran just sort of tilts over the edge, twisting in the air to hit the water in a dive. It will probably even do him some good, clear his head for whenever it's time for him to actually do his part in the fight, which seems to have just gotten off to a good start for Terry!
Ryouhara nods, even sidelong at Krizalid. But that's all he does. That's all that's necessary to get the proper message across. He can only assume Krizalid is at least half as serious as he is about doing something useful here. Shoes properly secured, the ninja stands and sees Krizalid off.
He'll offer Tran the barest of glances at first, an idle one as the man speaks to get a good sense of his personality. However, shortly thereafter Tran jumps off the platform.
He frowns, removing a small scroll from one of the large voluminous pockets just past his sash. Well, that settles that. Ryouhara kneels, pulling a msall capped brush out of his wrist sleeve with his teeth. He'll take some visual measurements of the platform, shut his eyes for a moment or two. Then Seishirou starts to write.
They really are quite the pair. Intimidating to say the least - dark, gothically-styled Krizalid and a stern young man who can appear seemingly at will. Terry knows already that he's in for quite the fight. Reputations may not precede here, but first impressions count for a great deal. Unnerving really, that his knowledgeable gaze can reveal so little about the pair.. and only Ryouhara has betrayed any facet of his style in any concrete manner. Ninja. The primary uncertainty there lies in just how /good/ the boy wonder is, and how well his attacks might be turned around by the Wolf's partner.
But this is a concern for later in the battle, as right now the waiting legend is thrown a very direct challenge by the NESTS operative. Barely sunk into battle mein, he briefly cracks the concentration with a small grin, glance flickering off to one side as Tran's splash erupts. "Guess that's one way to perk up," the blonde comments offhand, attention rapidly spooling back onto the approaching assault. "This is my way!" Becoming a blur of motion, his ponytail streams out to one side as he lunges off to the right, ducking low to widely strafe those grasping claws.
"Good luck." Delivered rather coolly, the simple phrase rings off from just behind Krizalid as he comes in to land. Respect is important. But no mistake can be made that the Hungry Wolf is very much aware that this /is/ a fight, one that matters to all involved - though motives may vary. So his own battlecry goes up a flickering instant later, heralding a violent spike in his aura as red-gold flames blaze around a single clenched fist. "BURN.. KNUCKLE!" With abrupt timing the Southtown native launches himself forward directly into his foe's guard, aiming to catch him offguard with a crushingly fast blow to the sternum... an eruption of chi adding greater shock to the impact.
The crowd roars their appreciation. It's begun.
COMBATSYS: Terry successfully hits Krizalid with Burn Knuckle.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Terry 0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0 Krizalid
Krizalid is left in something of a precarious position when Terry proves a little too smooth to be caught offguard so early in the match. And the one attacking him is not one who takes failure well at all. He's already snarling when he lands, and Terry's words don't seem to help matters. In fact, that do quite a bit to frustrate him further. Being of the mildly-paranoid variety, the NESTS exec starts immediately starts to wonder if the Wolf is mocking him, or perhaps more simply, just hoping to jinx him by saying that. He doesn't have to worry long, though. He's struck quite suddenly, and though he manages to cross his arms up in front of his chest, they're thrown off kilter by the flare in Bogard's aura and the rest of the technique is allowed to carry through, staggering the gothic figure and shattering a couple of the heavy buckles on the front of his coat on his chest for good measure.
It was as he expected. This hurt every bit as much as fighting Zero, if not more. He would have to be more careful. Coughing slightly behind the collar of his jacket, unseen to most, Krizalid appears to just shrug off the pain and take a couple of steps back.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid focuses on his next action.
Any mockery is slight, a little fuel to whatever fire might burn in the veins of his opponent. Terry doesn't fight to shame other warriors, but through a pure enjoyment and desire to learn - about their style, about them, and in turn about himself. Whatever he can take away from a battle is welcome. Drawing forth the very best often takes a little jibe here and there, but on this occasion it was an honest wish... delivered with the same purity of intent as the fist driven into Krizalid's chest.
Recovering from the blow with an intake of breath, the Hungry Wolf straightens up and withdraws his hand, lifting the other to pull taut the glove over warmed flesh. Flickers of energy still work their way around retightening fingers as he begins to move forward almost immediately, mirror-imaging his opponent's movements so as to lose no ground. Coming to a stop at the same moment, Terry keeps his gaze firmly riveted to the Irishman's, measuring him from scant feet away while they each pause to regather themselves. But he'll be the one to break that lull.
Without a word or further gesture, the blonde darts forward with an attempted grapple, looking to coil his fingers very quickly and firmly in a double handful of that thick trenchcoat. Twisting the rough material should he succeed, he'll waste no time in spinning through one hundred and eighty degrees, dragging Krizalid with him to forcefully slam the tall man into the wooden planks underfoot. "HAH!"
COMBATSYS: Terry successfully hits Krizalid with Buster Throw.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Terry 0/-------/--=====|======-\-------\0 Krizalid
It only stood to reason that Krizalid's cumbersome jacket would become a hindrance in a battle of this magnitude. He was up against one of the greats, and still he left the thing on. And even when it's used as leverage against him, he still refuses to discard it. There better be a damn good reason, right? He can't even manage to roll with the throw after he's lifted by his coat it happens so fast. It's just like *WHAM* and he's flat on his back in the middle of the stage. And when he gets up, all he does is unfasten a few of the lower buckles on his jacket, giving himself enough room to raise his leg up near his head and them arc it back down violently. So violently in fact, that a horizontal typhoon about as big as Terry is comes roaring out from beneath his falling boot to surge toward the Wolf.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid successfully hits Terry with Typhon's Rage - Strike.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Terry 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Krizalid
The NESTS executive is no small burden to hurl about, and so Bogard is left with a moment of overextension. Lunging forward into this with little control over his motion, he looks almost set to topple clean off his feet - right until the last instant when a quick turn of the torso brings him swinging around to settle firmly upon his heels. Riveting his attention back onto Krizalid, he's just in time to observe the last unbuckling motion, and takes a single step back to avoid what he assumes will be a follow-up to that fearsome looking axe kick. This step proves his undoing.
The Wolf's eyes widen noticeably when he sees the man-sized hurricane roar toward him, and without any thought - working on instinct - he attempts to keep moving, backpedalling with intent to hop into a tight somersault over the mass, but instead he's dragged in and buffeted around, finally knocked back to land heavily upon his back. Rolling with the impact, he suppresses his pained grunt and manages to flip off his shoulders to come around in a half-crouc, drawing a hand back across his mouth. "Whew.. ya might be a quiet one, but you know how to hit, huh?" Cracking a brief smirk, he says nothing else. Instead, he shouts something.
"POWERRR-" Dropping from a half-crouch to the real deal, Terry's right fist lashes up above his head before coming down in a piledriving smash to the stage. "WAVE!" The impact causes a slight sway, and throws up splinters of polished wood as a gout of chi erupts from around his tensed knuckles. This energy coalesces rapidly into a three-foot high surge that's closing on Krizalid with all the rapidity of his own attack, red-gold fury coming in for all the impact usually contained within the legend's fist...
COMBATSYS: Krizalid reflects Power Wave from Terry with Typhon's Rage - Reflect.
Krizalid begins to strongly consider throwing caution to the wind at that point and ditching his coat, to reveal the spiffy combat suit beneath. Afterall, not only did he manage to knock the Wolf's rhythm off for a moment and make this just a little less one sides, he's already revealed a little bit of what he considers his trump card in the process. The leg of his battlesuit, with all its wires and strange metal fittings... it was a little hard to miss given how far he extended it and held it aloft so high.
There's a little bit of a chuckle toward Terry's remark, but the Irishman doesn't get careless, however amused he may actually be. He waits for Bogard to show him what he's got for him in return, and *then* he goes back to chuckling, raising his leg once more and sweeping it down a little less dramatically this time, kicking up another hurricane. One that stays in place this time, swirling for a longer duration and serving as a shield for the dark-skinned man. It promptly swallows up the Power Wave and spits at back at Terry, while Krizalid stands back and buffs the talons of one glove on his jacket, his feathers ruffling a bit in the wind.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid successfully hits Terry with Reflected Power Wave.
- Power hit! -
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Terry 1/------=/=======|=======\====---\1 Krizalid
Terry leaves his fist firmly planted once the projectile leaves its source. From beneath the shadow of his cap, his gaze tracks progress just long enough to realise something is wrong, and with a startled blink the blonde slides to his feet, watching with mixed bemusement and respect as Krizalid manages to devour his attack completely... though suddenly his look becomes more knowing. As the hurricane finishes its final whirl and pitches the diminished chi wave forth, the Hungry Wolf seems ready for it, throwing up his hands and then leaping backward in a low aerial crouch, bringing opened palms around in a swiping parry that.. for a moment seems to be set to cut right through his own reflected attack.
"Ngh!" However, the timing is a fraction too late, and the airborned martial artist is flung back with additional momentum, spinning around before he crashes down hard, bouncing twice upon the stage. It's a moment before he pushes himself upright, grinning breathlessly and with a fierce gleam in his eyes. Aggravated, frustrated? Not hardly. Terry's excited, and it manifests openly as he thrusts a fist forward in challenge, a light flare of energy beginning in a glowing circle about once more grounded feet. "Damn good!" He offers brightly, tipping his head to one side in acknowledgement.
Then he waits, focusing chi and reharnessing lost focus. His gaze does not waver from his coated opponent; the only real change in his image is the fine mist rising from the summoned energy halo to flicker in golden motes about his shoulders. "Show me more, man."
COMBATSYS: Terry gathers his will.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Terry 1/-======/=======|=======\====---\1 Krizalid
Krizalid sees it all through the eye of that tornado, his white eyebrows raising slightly, and a hand reaching up to stop a bit of sweat from reaching his eyes.That was quite a bit more successful than he was used to Stopping the projectile was a pretty sure thing, but Terry being struck by his own attack when it was bounced back at him? Huh.
Of course, it's not all good news. Seeing Terry get blasted by it enough to make him bounce off the platform that hard, Krizalid now has reason to fear seeing another one of those waves come his way. To Terry's challenge, the gothic Irishman once again begins to loosen his coat, tearing free the rest of the buckles and whipping off his belt to step forward, leaving it all flapping in the wind as he rushes forward and tries to strike the Wolf's face with an iron palm. "Hn!"
COMBATSYS: Terry blocks Krizalid's Strong Punch.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Terry 1/=======/=======|=======\===----\1 Krizalid
Krizalid's approach heralds little reaction, the chi continuing to burn about Terry's passive form, that single fist still extended. The Wolf simply stands in wait, until the last motions where his expression shows a flicker of attention - a waking sign that forewarns a sudden burst of activity. That incoming palm is halted by a hard grip, leather creaking as Terry stops the attack dead. Gritting his teeth with the effort, a shudder in his tensed fingers betrays the strain just before he gives way, the Irish warrior's strength showing through to cause a noticeable stumble in his opponent's step.
But the legendary brawler sees it coming, and while he may have chosen a more favourable route, he is able to break free and duck into a spinning movement that carries him around to Krizalid's flank. Converse-clad heels shriek as they come to a halt, evenly spread below Terry's shoulders to give him a decent starting point for the flurry that follows. It begins with a swinging left fist, part and parcel of the momentum already gathered, that seeks to be firmly embedded in the stomach now bared beneath that intimidating trenchcoat. "Huh!" Should it connect, the blow is pulled just enough to buckle the man without pitching him backward...
Because the true attack follows. Bogard slides back smoothly, turning his right side to the NESTS executive as placement for a vicious thrust kick direct to the staggered man's head. "HAA-AH!" There's enough force to spin him clean from his feet.. but it's a ponderous manuever, and Terry knows it.
COMBATSYS: Terry successfully hits Krizalid with Strong Kick.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\=======\1 Krizalid
Krizalid can now be seen smirking for all he's worth with the collar of his coat opened up, no longer hiding anything from Terry or the crowd. And the combat suit he wears beneath starts to do something interesting just as soon as Terry catches his steely glove and puts effort into staving him off. It begins to shimmer, lighting up briefly as a humming sound is emitted from every part of it.
"That's it. There's what I'm after." The smirk spreads into more of a feral grin, but this is very short-lived, as the Irishman is summarily kicked in the head really friggin' hard. He's so focused on his newfound stolen combat data that he falls for the feint, and pays dearly for it. That is a HEADACHE.
"RRGH!!" The growl of rage brings forth an explosive surge of crimson fire from somewhere deep inside Krizalid, and his long flowing coat burns right off, the feathers along the shoulders curling and becoming floating embers as the NESTS operative is left wreathed in flame, clutching at the side of his head with one hand.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid gathers his will.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Krizalid
Feeling his relatively ponderous strike connect brings a fresh surge of energy to Terry, enough that it would see him dive straight back in with renewed vigour and a driving momentum. But.. Krizalid's curious trick did not go unnoticed, and on unfolding from his kick the Hungry Wolf wears a frown upon his brow. Retreating a single step, he lowers his hands to his side and stares at his recovering opponent with mixed emotion. Wonder, curiosity, concern and... maybe a little anxiety, a nagging hint playing in his mind that something is distinctly wrong in all of this. Despite his demeanour, there is good reason for the blonde's status as a living legend. Alarm bells have been set off.
"...that's what you're after?" He echoes after a moment, in a numb murmur, lips barely bothering to properly phrase the words. They are for his own benefit. Lifting his left hand he makes a slow, considering adjustment to his cap, the 'FATAL FURY' legend flashing in the dim light. Narrowed eyes continue to study Krizalid, while inside another taste of that burning spirit can be felt - a rising desire for Terry to push himself further, harder and faster for what time remains before the NESTS man tags out. This has to end...
"If that's whatcha want," he calls out, raising his voice now and beginning to slowly walk forward, cracking his knuckles before his chest. A smirk flicks onto his lips, and those eyes light up bright and clear. That old excitement has eclipsed concern. What is this turn of events but yet another challenge? "Come get it. I'll be glad to oblige, man!"
COMBATSYS: Terry gathers his will.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Krizalid
Grant has arrived.
Yeah, uhh, that guy is still on fire. And he's not just glowing like Kyo or K'. His coat is burning slower than usual. This -looks- pretty sweet from even the cheap seats, but Krizalid does not look pleased. His ears are ringing from the kick he took from Chuck Norris over there, and his trenchcoat is burning as hot as if it were covered in gasoline before the fight so he can hardly see over the flames until he's able to wrestle it off and slap it down on the wooden platform he and the Legendary Wolf are fighting atop. Sorry about the wardrobe malfunction, Terry, but Krizalid doesn't look like he's quite ready to 'come get it' just yet. That was something of an ordeal. "..." He'll just stare at the blonde fighter and try to regain his composure now as the orange glow fades from his form now, and look for an opening.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid focuses on his next action.
That flame is precisely what draws the dangerous tang of excitement... because Terry's felt it somewhere before. To burn like true fire is one thing, a parlour trick, but the signature in Krizalid's aura as it spikes so dramatically not only sets an alert - it ensures it keeps ringing, drawing the blonde brawler's attention consistently. It would almost be enough to throw him off his game. But 'almost' is never far enough, as the infused Irishman proves by standing stock still, refusing to budge despite the taunt sent his way. "Hmph." The Wolf's gaze turns downward, examining polished wood for the space of a few heartbeats. "Then I guess I'll have'ta come to you."
Time to find out exactly what all that focusing is about. He can practically taste the other man's aura now, and rightly expects to be charging into something huge... something dangerous... and also something oddly familiar. Where has he felt that before? Where has he /seen/ that before? It's lost in the flow of battle, which must continue. With this in mind the blonde lunges forward, taking two long steps and then breaking into a full-fledged sprint direct for his waiting foe. At such speed it takes little time for him to close, an arm snapping out to seemingly throw a jab to the jaw, then at the last instant it retracts.
"BURNING!!" The word erupts loudly at close-range, Terry's mouth spreading wide and then closing abruptly, teeth clenching together as he /hurls/ himself a half-step forward, just enough added torque from his upper body to bring a fully powered fist driving forward to collide with Krizalid's face. Chi blazes forth at impossible speed to provide a shock to the strike, the resulting explosion enough to carry Bogard forward a few feet further, on its momentum alone.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid reflects Burn Knuckle from Terry with Typhon's Rage - Reflect.
Oh man he's so not ready. Spending this much time preparing isn't enough to give total confidence to someone as afraid of failure as Krizalid is. Especially not when he's up against a fighter of this calibre. He's been unable to get his arms up in time to stop this guy even once, and he hits like a truck. The only thing that's done any good is to put something in his way. And that's why it's the only thing he even feels the need to consider here. The leg goes up as soon as he sees Terry come streaking toward him, and if he were a hair slower? He'd probably take a shot in the pills, but thank Heavenly Igniz he's got the timing just right. The whirlwind comes spirialing out, and Terry runs right into it.
There's no chuckling from the dark Irishman this time. Not even a smirk. His lips are pulled tight, and his expression looks grim.
Could the timing be any better? Terry is completely unable to see the countering strike coming, too intent upon the feint and subsequent deadly blow that he's sent careering out of control by the personal hurricane that Krizalid prepares for him. Red-gold streamers of light whiplash out in every direction, and as the Wolf is spun fully around on his feet he finds himself barraged by his own energies, little spiking strikes tendering his entire form. He almost fails to recover at all, sent crashing down less through physical damage and more confusion.. but then a hand lashes out wildly and goes to secure a firm grip upon Krizalid's neck...
If the grasp can be found, the NESTS man will find themselves yanked forcibly forward into his own dissipating defence system, a suddenly very stable Hungry Wolf balanced perfectly upon fully floored soles and dragging his right arm under control at his side, fingers curling to a tight fist. "That.. that was nice.." he comments with scant breath to deliver the words, managing an amused smirk right before he whips his arm upward. "HAAAH!" Knuckles rise to embed themselves in Krizalid's jaw, the force lifting him from his feet. But the Wolf will hold on, letting the full impact be soaked by his anchored opponent before hurling him bodily off to one side.
"But... we're done yet."
COMBATSYS: Krizalid blocks Terry's Grasping Upper.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Krizalid
Krizalid again can see what's coming through the eye of the hurricane, and for a moment he looks helpless to stop it. Terry's hand find purchase, snatching the silver-haired Irishman up by the neck, lifting him and pulling him back through his own dying windstorm. But what remains does little if anything to him, and he's able to dig the toes of his heavy steel boots into the finished wood floor and slow his momentum slightly, both of his clawed gloves coming up to close around Terry's wrist and squeeze. When he's inevitably thrown to the deck anyway, this enables him to fall somewhat gracefully and kick back to his feet in no time.
"You are correct, Mr. Bogard. I have a few things yet to show you." Though, what comes next probably isn't one of them. It's just an old-fashioned haymaker. Krizalid is hoping his Irish heritage and previous boxing prowess will make itself useful here.
COMBATSYS: Terry blocks Krizalid's Strong Punch.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Krizalid
Terry massages his wrist as he backs away after Krizalid's quick manuevering. He could feel the man slipping free, correcting his flight, and it makes him wary - enough that when that big punch comes in it meets a solid guard born from instinct, crossed forearms catching the fist and holding it for just as long as it takes the Wolf to cast his opponent a grin. "That it?" With a shove of his arms he thrusts the striking limb aside and immediately steps forward into the man's guard. His hands are still raising to assume a guard, so this time he leads with his foot, lifting one leg and bringing it up and around in a wide hooking motion.
"SEIYAH!" Twisting his upper body around to add strength to the blow, he completes a full rotation after the strike's intended connection with the head, turning away and then falling back into his stance proper. "You're holdin' out on me. If we're gonna hold back, you might as well throw in the towel. Let someone else have a shot..." A slight feral cast to his grin now, he glances sidelong past Krizalid to catch a glimpse of waiting Seishirou - or so it seems, as in truth his attention does not leave the NESTS man. He wants to finish this.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid fails to counter Medium Kick from Terry with Desperate Overdrive.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///// ]
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|==-----\-------\0 Krizalid
As afeared as he still is of screwing this up, Krizalid sees fit to cash in his chips and rush Terry recklessly. He sees the kick, but he thinks he can catch it, if he can just slide across the finished surface of the stage fast enough. And his hands are just barely able to reach Terry's throat when he reaches his destination, they just don't ever get the chance to ever wrench him up by the scruff, because the man is stunned. He took that foot to the abdomen, charging at full tilt, hoping to unleash a rain of blows the likes of which only Yamazaki can match. The wind, however, is knocked right out of him, and he's sent stumbling back to one edge of the platform. Oog. Zero's gonna hit him with a bigass rock when he goes back to base. He just knows it.
Oof. Terry could feel something happening there, sensing an alarming rise in Krizalid's intent that he was ill prepared for - the sheer violent sensation that arises gives him pause for thought, briefly stealing his breath as he recovers from the attack and delivers his words regardless. Dropping to a half-crouch, he takes a moment to regain his focus, glancing between his two opponents as if pondering something. But is becomes only too clear where his intention lies, a spark still burning in his eye to conclude this drawn-out collision with the Irishman. So he swings forward from his crouch into a long slide at Krizalid, leaning on one forearm and using this to give him the distance and power he needs for the strikes that follow.Sp "FIRE KICK!"
His most devastating technique? Hardly... but Terry knows to sustain himself. For all the joy he takes in a fight, this particular battle has unnerved him in a way he cannot quite describe. Some deep intuition bids him keep this simple and swift. The straight sliding kick to the ankles is plain enough, but he sits up to deliver the blow and then is quite suddenly standing, spinning on this extended leg as it straightens and bringing the other around in another roundhouse much like the last... except for one thing. As his Converse comes in for collision, a waft of red-gold flame streams into the air, nicely coating the surface. Whether purely aesthetic or not, it at least gives some credence to the name...
And what's a little spectacle between friends?
COMBATSYS: Terry successfully hits Krizalid with Fire Kick.
- Power hit! -
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ]
Terry 1/--=====/=======|=====--\-------\0 Krizalid
AAH that hurt. It seems all that fire of Krizalid's has abandoned him. He used it up propelling himself at Terry along the ground, he used it reaching for the other man's throat, or perhaps it was just knocked out of him along with his breath. Whatever the case, he's got none handy. And to add insult to injury Terry -kicks him with some-. That's so not cool. The Irishman tries to dodge out of the way, but he was too slow for that when he wasn't this tired or pummeled and it did him no good. It does him NEGATIVE good now. It's like he loses his balance and leans the other way by accident, and it's just horrible. He falls into a flaming kick, and hears his ribs break.
But, before he lets the seering pain there bring him low, the wounded NESTS agent howls and tries to uppercut Bogard with all his might, lifting off of the ground and trying to carry the blonde man into the air with him, where there will be another raking from his opposite hand, followed by an upward stab of his talons. The arcs left by his hands leave purple arches of wind in their wake, looking much like a blue moon rising up into the sky.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid can no longer fight.
COMBATSYS: Terry just-defends Krizalid's Rising Darkmoon!
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Terry 1/--=====/=======|
Terry's kick might connect with more force than anticipated, but it doesn't seem to hinder the Hungry Wolf even slightly. He continues in his spin at full vigour, an expression of pure focused concentration cast over his features as he comes around to face Krizalid with his arms rapidly raising and resolve strengthening by the second. Which is just as well, because he is met instantly with those striking talons...
His eyes close, his teeth grit. His arms lock in.
There's a glaring flash of light as chi floods into the blonde's muscular forearms, veins bulging as trained flesh fights to contain the eruption. Krizalid's hand is diverted, flung wide by the blast that ensues - and for a moment it seems as though it actually consumes his opponent. As though the clashing of their energies were too much for mortal man to take. But then the glare fades away, restoring full sight to those present to reveal the Wolf a good six feet away from where he started, sucking in a deep breath and lowering his arms. A moment of uncertainty... and then he grins widely, spinning about to face Seishirou Ryouhara with an arm outstretched to beckon him onward.
"Your partner was pretty good, kid. Are ya ready?" Again that expression turns almost feral, the glow of a predator in Bogard's eye despite otherwise friendly intent. Retracting his goading gesture, he settles this unnerving image as he leans back upon his heels, rather plainly falling into his habitual stance - albeit a little looser, relaxed. Open, if not for the time he has to prepare while one fighter is hauled off and the other tossed in. He's earned a break, dammit!
COMBATSYS: Terry takes a breather.
COMBATSYS: Terry takes no action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Tran 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Terry 1/--=====/=======|
Krizalid is totally floored. He has no idea what the hell just happened, but at least Terry didn't hit him again. The only pain he feels is caused by his own movements, as he strains to push himself beyond his own pain threshold, all for naught. After the flash, he's very obviously on the ground, and it's not clear but he might very well be twitching. Not just his eyebrow or anything like that. A leg, an arm. Those are convulsions. And after the announcer goes and counts him out, the NESTS exec reaches for his painkillers. Ahh man.
This whole time.. Seishirou has only been paying just enough attention to the fight to avoid being hit by any stray projectiles and to casually observe how Bogard fights. It's been far from his primary consideration however, detecting weaknesses being less important than noting common factors and traits. This is because he is busy working out a plan.
While Terry and Krizalid have been working out their differences in a biblical fashion, Seishirou has been surrounding himself in all manner of arcane scrolls and script, kunai marking out ink he's put onto the arena in a defined circle around him, and all the scrolls around him marked with mostly unreadable text and calculations.
Yeah, he's gonna need it if his goal is going to be met.
The ninja notes Krizalid's defeat with an grim academic kind of acknowledgement. He did well.. but ultimately, he did exactly as expected.
Which means his estimate is still annoyingly accurate.
The ninja stands quietly, rolling up his scrolls, and sliding them, systematically, into pockets on his body. He'll leave the little circle he drew for himself, walking past Krizalid with but a single, brisk, nod, for his teammate. It's the /only/ allowance he'll make in that situation. Instead of gloating, or even congratulating Krizalid's performance verbally, he'll face Terry with a thumb hooked off of his pocket.
"Today seems like a good day for pain,"
It's exactly accurate as to his attitude, too.
He'll collect his intelligence, as is appropriate for his goal.
COMBATSYS: Seishirou focuses on his next action.
Having emerged on the riverbank a good ways downstream some time ago, it's taken a while for Doctor Tran to make his way back to the fighting area. For once, as he comes casually strolling up a ramp, whistling a merry tune, Dr. Tran is all wet /before/ a fight. Jumping in a river does tend to soak you to the bone, but he's fine. The fires of battle will warm him up! Well, maybe. Or maybe it'll be ninja fire. It's hard to tell at this point.
However, interesting as Tran being soaked may be, far more interesting is what he's carrying. God knows where he found it on such short notice, but he is holding a wrench. A wrench as large as his arm. The thing is huge. What it might normally be used for is anyone's guess, but today it's here as a implement of ninja destruction. Like, destruction inflicted upon ninja. Not ninja doing the inflicting. That would be terrible.
He calls out as he approaches, "Hey, Terry! Win yet?"
It's only after issuing his challenge that Terry even takes time to note the academia surrounding young Seishirou. An eyebrow raises then, as he waits, in acknowledgement. Should be an interesting match. One he'd almost like to partake in himself - but he's hogged the stage for long enough, and while the ninja speaks, the Wolf glances off left and right in search of his teammate. "Pain?" He echoes after giving this quick sweep, turning back to the youth with a chuckle. "Dunno about that, but it's sure a fine day for a fight. Hope yer up to it - this guy's pretty surprisin'. Anyway."
He sucks in a breath, filling his lungs and focusing on Seishirou with a fair intensity. Considering the doctor has yet to make his swaggering way back up the ramp... in fact, he's a short distance behind Terry right now... looks like he'd better keep the shinobi entertained. So he goes in hard, fast and potentially very painful. But with just enough opening left to see just how good his partner's opponent is gonna be.
After all, if Tran falls then Ryouhara becomes Bogard's match.
Breaking into a dash, the blonde fighting legend covers the distance in a blur, ponytail streaming out behind and traces of chi beginning to work up his arm in streaming rivulets. As the last few feet are closed, he leaps into the air, spinning fully around to strike the solemn young man with a rising shoulder tackle. "POWER..!" If that connects, he'll be propelled into the air and set up perfectly for the massive overhead punch that follows - or would /normally/ follow. As it happens, Tran's prescence becomes known just before Bogard takes off, so rather than hammer Sei directly downward he abruptly switches momentum in the air, cutting into what looks a nearly impossible manuever. A somersault. Over Sei's head.
"DUNK!!"
Which sets him up perfectly to be hammered down in an explosion of chi, right toward Tran.
/If it hits/. "All yours, buddy!"
COMBATSYS: Seishirou endures Terry's Power Dunk.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/-------|=======\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|
As far as Seishirou was concerned, he was expecting things to go this way. As Tran ..climbs back over the platform in a very timely entrance, no doubt from some kind of swim with the big headcracking instrument, the ninja doesn't seem to pay an awful lot of attention. He's watching Terry very closely as that wolf charges him and makes his sky high leap. .. EVen Seishirou has to admit a .. certain amount of trepidation, facing something like that.
But he has one thing in his favor.
He .. /expects/ to be hit.
Ryouhara is exploded quite handily by Terry's ruin, sending the ninja into the polished stone of the platform and.. sending him /flying/ into the air. The energy smashes through his body with a .. terrible calamity, knocking away his senses, and sending the ninja's smouldering body in a low arc right towards Tran. So he's giving it over to that.. uh, doctor?
Well, Ryouhara calculated for that too.
It's a little hard to fight through the haze of pure ouch, but all Seishirou will need for this is one kunai. He spins it out of his satchel -even as he gets hit,- and holds onto it for dear life. His 'eye' will be focused on Tran that whole way. And from about three feet away? Seishirou will let fly that weapon /right at Tran's weapon wrist/ as if his life depended on it.
Well, the alternative is to be knocked back across the arena like a baseball, so maybe it does. Seishirou's a dead eye with this kind of thing, and from his waiting until the absolute last second, he's able to throw with full force and authority, using the vigorous swing of his precision throw to arrest most of his forward momentum in the air, something he has a knack for. Hopefully, he can hit Tran's arm or wrist with it.
One handseal later, wherever that kunai lay, is where it explodes.
Ryouhara, for the record, left unmolested, will probably hit the ground a good 5 feet back from Tran like a sack of potatoes.
There's only so much you /can/ plan for in that situation.
And that really hurt.
COMBATSYS: Tran fails to interrupt Kunai Critical from Seishirou with Random Weapon.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Tran 0/-------/-======|=======\-------\0 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|
Wait, what? Already? So soon? Tran's not quite ready just yet, only halfway paying attention until Terry shouts out to him. Oh, and hey, his partner just absolutely /blasted/ a ninja at him. Tran winces ever so slightly.
While normally this could be a costly mistake, here it doesn't matter too much on account of how there's probably no way that Tran would have been able to bring his huge-ass wrench around fast enough to smack Seishirou like a baseball. Tragic that. Naturally, there are consequences for such a thing. The doctor actually manages to keep a hold of his weapon after the kunai strikes home, and is in the process of laboriously bringing it about to smack into Sei, probably after he's landed, when boom. Tran's hand asplode, and his wrench goes flying off a short ways, too heavy to actually make it far enough to be lost to Tran forever. One has to wonder whether it would be better for the doctor if it did go overboard, but no matter.
The other effect is that Tran gets knocked down because he pretty much just exploded. Tumbling a few feet away, he's probably going to rise a little bit more slowly than Seishirou, because crap that hurt. And unlike some ninja, he isn't used to getting whomped on all at once like that!
Sadly, this doesn't seem like it will stay the case for much longer.
One could say over time, Seishirou's developed a tolerance for being beaten up. Of course, one could also say Seishirou is just an obsessive. One of the two, either will work and Ryouhara can't admit to actually caring which it was. He's able to detonate the kunai, though he is not aware of the damage it does until be becomes dimly aware of a wrench hitting the ground, the sound allowing him to track where it went. Well, will, once he gets his bearings.
Remind him not to do that again. Ow.
Ryouhara gets to his feet, favoring various joints.
He wasn't able to see everything he needed to see.. but that was .. just a taste of Terry's power. With the looks of it, Tran felt his attack. Hn. But the only solution that'll allow him to complete his objective.. is to go all out.
He rotates forward on his heel. And seeks to stomp Tran into the ground. It's almost deliberately slow, compared to his attack earlier--he'll allow Tran maybe a half second to get up. But if Tran doesn't take it, Seishirou fully intends to fold his spine in half under his heel. He'll need to be very careful with how he uses his scrolls and techniques here.
Pure physical is the traditional fallback.
COMBATSYS: Tran fails to interrupt Strong Kick from Seishirou with Real American Hero Cutter.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Tran 1/----===/=======|=======\-------\1 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|
You know, it almost looks like Tran /wants/ to get the crap kicked out of him. But of course, that's stupid. Who would even do a thing like that? You would have to be crazy. Crazy or drunk. Or both. Or maybe he's just trying to end this quickly, one way or another. The world may never know, because he isn't about to start telling.
Mind, this doesn't mean he's not about to start talking. "Hoo, damn, that hurt! I...I don't think I like getting exploded." As it turns out, Tran is a bit slow in getting up, although not neccesarily because he's hurt so bad. It could be that he was just trying to gather some chi to blast Seishirou right in his ninja face, but...well, frankly, his hearing's suffering a bit after that blast. He doesn't really notice Seishirou coming until it's too late, and by then of course it's too late. Stomp. "MY SPINE!"
That said, Tran rolls away in agony, holding one hand to his lower back. That sure did hurt.
... Blink.
Huh.
Now, while it could be said Seishirou is rather evil by default and could enjoy the pain of others, he seems more perplexed than anything by Tran's being beaten hard. After the explosion, Seishirou's own ears are still ringing too, but actually having to deal with explosions constantly as an effect of his style, it's something he has another tolerance to, and deals with relatively well. Which is probably why he may or may not have calculated that Tran wouldn't have been able to hear him.
It's ultimately immaterial, not something Ryouhara is going to lose sleep over.
One hand forward and open, one hand back and shut, in a traditional fighting stance. He focuses carefully on the middle distance between them, apparently deep in some calculation he's performing at the back of his head.
Perplexed or not, Seishirou will allow Tran the moment he needs to get up.
Call it an act of honor.
If you prefer.
COMBATSYS: Seishirou focuses on his next action.
Now that might very well be a mistake, because despite being down, Dr. Tran is far from out. Really, his pain tolerance is better than that. After a few moments, he's not rolling around in agony so much as pretending to roll around in agony. The pain is still there, sure, but he's gotten over it. What's the point, then? He's rolling. He's rolling and he looks vulnerable, and that means it's an excellent position for a surprise assault!
Rolling somewhat nearer to Seishirou, Tran abrubtly ceases his moaning and groaning and general cries of pain, and then say softly, "Boo." Of course, at the same time, two twin jets of steam shoot forth out of his eyes, target: Seishirou.
COMBATSYS: Seishirou overcomes 3 2 1... Dr. Tran from Tran with Katon Goukakyuu no Jutsu.
So engrossed in his train of thought, Seishirou might not even notice Tran's veiled approach. Which is why when Tran rolls up and pops to his feet, Seishirou's expression brightens considerably. It's less suprise, or terror, or even cool expectation over... interest. Tran's suprise tactic gets a majority of Seishirou's attention for one split instant. It's a good move. Something he can respect. Which is why the ninja whirls back and away from Tran as he begins to channel steam through his eyes (?!), facing Terry very briefly, his hands easily rolling through handseals like lightning, the heat of Tran's nearby steamblast absolutely on his back. He whirls again, on his leading foot this time, essentially creating some space in front of Tran's eyesteams. Just enough space for him to whirl his face forward...
And blow an impressively huge gout of fire right over and through it, after Tran.
COMBATSYS: Tran negates Katon Goukakyuu no Jutsu from Seishirou with Real American Hero Cutter.
Of course, Tran doesn't expect Seishirou to just stand there and let the steam hit him or anything. That would be too easy, and not terribly effective, besides. In fact, he was sort of expecting something like this, as evidenced by the steam starting to gather on his fingers. Of course, the fact that Seishirou's using fire evokes a mild sense of surprise in Tran, as he had no idea, but the basic principles are the same.
Swinging one arm across his body, Tran sends a huge steam boomerang crashing into the midst of Seishirou's firey attack. It douses it fairly effectively, keeping a single hair from becoming singed on Tran's body. Taking a step or two back afterward, trying to regain some energy after once again attempting (and this time succeeding!) on such a chi-intensive move, it looks like Tran won't be doing anything further for the moment.
Huh.
"An impressive control of chi," Seishirou mutters absently, though appreciatively. "A fascinating focus." It's something he'll be thinking about later. Partially, it's because Seishirou is already plotting out a counterstrategy. While he's relatively sure he's still got some moves that would be useful here, he's determined that another trade like that with chi would, in the grand scheme, be useless.
That is exactly why Seishirou bolts into the /midst/ of the dissipating heat and moisture. He is.. but a flicker of movement before he maneuvers to Tran's side.. and tries to put a flying kick right across Tran's jaw. Sometimes.. he finds simple is best.
COMBATSYS: Seishirou successfully hits Tran with Medium Kick.
[ \\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Tran 1/-======/=======|=======\=------\1 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|
Well, Dr. Tran certainly wasn't expecting Seishirou to come at him so quickly. He was expecting, you know, maybe the ninja would have the decency to wait for the air to clear, so they could get a good, long stare in at each other, you know? But no, it is evidently not to be, as Seishirou catches the doctor pretty much totally off guard. He goes reeling from the force of the kick, staggering away. He notes, in a sort of slurred voice, "Your mom's a fascinating focus!"
Brave words. Brave words said from over there, which is where Tran's going to be. Preparing and waiting, looking to do something at least a little bit effective against Seishirou. It's time to be careful.
COMBATSYS: Tran focuses on his next action.
Seishirou shakes his head at Tran, simply.
His mother?
Mn. He frowns.
"So," he starts, conversationally, his eyes again focusing on the concept of Tran, more than the reality of him. "Do you have something interesting for me?" the ninja asks, about as friendly a tone as he'll manage, a grudging, mildly interested thing. "I think it'd be in your best interest to show me now," he mentions. Casual.
But ultimately there is something absolutely serious to his face, the narrowed, arrow straight gaze focused on nothing less than the fight coming to him.
COMBATSYS: Seishirou focuses on his next action.
"Oh, okay then. Hang on. Let me muster a little something up." Tran seems a little put off by Seishirou's sort of...threat. Maybe. It's something is what it is, and it's full of implied violence no matter what Tran does. Therefore...it's time to do something a little off-kilter. "Lesse here...I could...no, wait...or I could...oh, crap, I keep forgetting that was outlawed after the incident with the orphanage...Ah, I have it!" Taking a few lateral steps, keeping Seishirou well within his range of vision, Dr. Tran moves toward his previously dropped wrench, bends down, and hefts it up. "This is the vital part, you see," he says by way of explanation.
Abruptly, steam starts to build up, sheeting his arms thickly. Tran leans back and starts to run at Seishirou...and then he just hucks the wrench and lets the steam dissipate. "Jerk!"
COMBATSYS: Seishirou interrupts Large Thrown Object from Tran with Jab Punch.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Tran 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\==-----\1 Seishirou
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|
And, you know, for a moment?
Seishirou looks forward from his preoccupation with numbers and measurements, realizing that Tran is clearly up to something. Wrestling with the calculations as an afterthought, Ryouhara watches this crazy doctor carefully. He takes one step to the side, preparing.
And then Tran throws the wrench at him.
He is.. /almost/ offended that it would work.
Almost, if he didn't need to clip it on his way past.
Ultimately, it doesn't matter an awful lot. Seishirou charges low to the ground, deflecting the wrench with an errant shoulder. He approaches Tran on a very precise angle calculated to bring Tran as far away from Terry as possible with the force. His goal?
To knock all the wind out of Tran with one square fist to the solar plexus.
"Never said I wasn't."
Crap! Huge spinning flying wrench has been proven to be ineffective! What can Tran do as a result? The answer is actually pretty easy. Get punched. Right in the gut. Grimacing, the wind partially knocked out of him, the doctor still manages to get a few last words in, even while preparing for something else. "I...should...have...listened to...your mother...in bed last night!" The last all comes out in a rush, as Dr. Tran first takes a step forward, fist sheathed in steam, and tries to punch the crap out of Seishirou's chin, driving an explosive uppercut straight at the ninja, with more than enough force to send him flying straight upward. But that's not all, because of that succeeds, Tran's going to struggle to stay up long enough for Seishirou to come down, and then BAM. A headbutt just as explosive as the punch.
Afterward, of course, the doctor is in on condition to fight whatsoever, or even stand, being thoroughly assbeaten.
COMBATSYS: Tran can no longer fight.
COMBATSYS: Tran successfully hits Seishirou with Here Comes Dr. Tran!.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Terry 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\=====--\1 Seishirou
That's troublesome.
Seishirou sees the move coming. Knows exactly how to deal with it... but, well. Sometimes? These things happen. He miscalculated the exact speed of the massive uppercut Tran unloads on him, and the steam explosion and fist annihilate his punched chin thuroughly. He .. /eats/ the following headbutt. Hard. It knocks the ninja clear up and back and away from Tran and .. well, back towards Terry. He'll slam into the pavement and skid there for a moment. He'll lay there, comtemplating his life thus far and how Tran just put a big wrinkle in it.
But only for a moment, before he bridges his back and jumps up onto his feet in one smooth motion, It's easy, simple. But still something born of labor, because right now, between Terry's fist and Tran's fist, Seishirou's looking a little ragged. You'll excuse him if he sniffs loudly and spits blood a little bitterly. "Damn it..."
"I should've been paying attention."
And therein lies fact.
Seishirou hasn't actually been paying a great deal of attention to Tran's tactics beyond an academic interest since his first moves easily landed in him. No. What he was actually paying attention to.... was Terry, the whole time. Positioning, attention, everything. Making sure the Hungry Wolf wasn't able to gain a distinct advantage over him with a sudden attack from behind. He'd been keeping his senses attuned to what was going on behind him more than what was going on in front of him. While Terry may or may not have noticed it... it was clearly Seishirou's mistake.
Though getting caught off-guard was distinctly less palatable to the ninja.
He wipes a stray bit of blood off his chin.
2 out of 10 chance. He hates being right.
"It looks like your team wins, Bogard," Ryouhara remarks, little irritation evident in his voice. "As expected, you defeated my teammate. But dealing with the unknown factor.." Seishirou says of Tran, ".. has left me too battered to even make an attempt at finishing the job he started." He shrugs. The win... was not something he was actually concerned with, in the end. "I only got a small amount of data..." But he doesn't seem upset. He'll just need to get stronger. That's how it always is.
"Still..." Seishirou continues.
He draws a scroll from a sling on his satchel.
He slides open the scroll, flicking it into the air off the platform. A set of handseals later, and the scroll poofs into empty paper. It might not actually be clear what happened. Until red SD panda-shaped ninjutsu bubbles start to float up past the platform. They're.. uh.. pretty much everywhere around the arena. They're even floating up around at least three of the suspension cables on the suspended cranes. It can be well assured they're underneath the platform too. Seishirou lets this sit for a moment.
"You wouldn't begrudge me one last test, would you?"
Six handseals sets off the party.
A massive chain reaction of explosions begin to take place, ripping through the reinforced platform underneath everyone's feet, blasting through the suspension cables on the platform...disturbingly easily. Seishirou's learned how arena technicians reinforce their arenas. And strategic placement, as always, is the one determining factor, as well as his new method of explosion techniques. The ninja is limned in smoke from a nearby bubble almost instantly. He's probably going to be gone in about 3 instants, unless Terry makes it a large priority to chase him down and beat him. Seishirou's not betting on that.
Because there is his teammate to look after. Seishirou's goal is not necessarily to injure either of them, in fact, and he'd be disappointed if he did. If he wanted to do that, he would have put the explosives in more fighter-critical locations. His plan.. is to blow up the entire arena and dump it all into the river.
It'll be interesting to see how Terry and maybe even Tran can handle it.
Besides.. if he doesn't like Krizalid on principle, he deserves to see something amusing on the replay.
Exploding daggers, fire breath, and flying wrenches. This probably goes down as one of the oddest, openly sanctioned tournament bouts the Hungry Wolf has ever witness. Let alone been part of. But despite - possible even /because of/ - these unorthodox tactics, Seishirou Ryouhara is more than proving himself in Terry's eye. Even that last crushing combination from Tran fails to diminish his opinion as regards the young shinobi's skill. That was close, and he's certain there's a great many more tricks not displayed in the last few action-packed minutes. Not how he'd choose to fight, but definitely interesting.
Time to get a little more involved.
"You got style, kid," The legendary blonde comments as he pushes himself to his feet and strolls away from the platform's edge. Pausing to glance down at the fallen doctor, he gives his crazy teammate a critical once-over and spins back around without a word, taking one further step closer and then coming to a halt. A kunai's toss away, Terry is all prepared to raise his guard and clash with Ryouhara when he's blindsided by a declaration of victory. "...but you're still-" Cutting himself off, a memory returning of another time, another ninja, the Wolf frowns and looks down with a curt nod. "Right."
With his gaze downturned, blue eyes staring blankly at the wooden boarding, Terry leaves himself unaware of the signals raised by Sei. Those hand signals go unnoticed, until he looks up a couple of seconds later. 'One last test'? His uncertainty is answered as all hell breaks loose.
Lunging forward at the rapidly disappearing youth, the Hungry Wolf seems all set to stop him somehow, plunge a limb through that gathering smoke to wrench Seishirou back into view and shake sense back into him. But then the platform sways drunkenly, coming free from its support with a deafening shriek - an alarm horn going up from one of the crane boats carrying the task. It's one of these that collides with the river wall a few moments later, sending spectators screaming away from the collapsing arena. Terry has to think fast, and he does.. mostly.. turning tail with a spat curse and making for his unconscious teammate. It's the work of a moment to sling Tran over a shoulder and then, slip-sliding all over the place, he sprints to the platform's edge just as it gives away with one last violent protest. A bodily toss sends the dimunitive doctor flipping clean over onto the riverside pavement, but Terry's too late to make a similar save himself.
One last crackle comes over the announcer's speaker system before that too meets a grizzly end, collapsing as the north river wall gives way in a cloud of crumbling mortar. The stage itself hits the water with a mighty splash, sending sloppy waves cascading out into the bars on either side...
Havoc overcomes Dublin's centre briefly as friends and families scrabble to find each other, terrified that they've been subject to some act of international terrorism. Few even manage to rationalise Seishirou Ryouhara's part. And none think to look for the fighters themselves - after a display like that they can surely survive a little wanton destruction. Mundane citizens matter more, and this is a sentiment Terry Bogard would no doubt agree with. He can look after himself.
Hopefully this is the case.
Because when the chaos dies, there's not a sign of the Hungry Wolf.
COMBATSYS: Terry has left the fight here.
COMBATSYS: Seishirou has ended the fight here.
Log created by Krizalid, and last modified on 15:39:49 03/06/2006.