Description: A battle between brother-in-laws turns chaotic. Ninja, assassins, fire, and Yabo. (Winner: Geese)
After Rolento's violent occupation, Metro's done an admirable job of rebuilding... in part thanks to subtle ventures from Geese. There are parts of the city that still show signs, however... places redevelopment hasn't quite reached. Like the site of one of the sprawling federal banks that was so thoroughly gutted. It's only fitting that Geese's newest cash-cow rest right here. Steel girders rise skyward in a magnificent engineering latticework against the night sky, illuminated by the passage of coloured spotlights projected upwards from the ground, revealing elaborate signage for 'Howard Center'. The crowds have been gathering for some time, there are food vendors, and plenty of Howard Enterprises agents on duty passing out various brochures. These explain the future of the commercial and entertainment megaplex, with many independent levels devoted to shopping, sport, entertainment, and media... all for the rejuvenation of Metro City, of course. There's literature available on the current Howard Enterprises programs in Metro and abroad that are funding urban clean-up and renewal, providing new youth programs to displaced children. Happy, shiny things.
That seems to be the air of the entire atmosphere, tonight, the construction site admirably 'cleaned up' despite the professed need for limited collatoral damage. It's a matter of image, and camera angles. Several pieces of heavy machinery are about... a backhoe, bulldozer, cement mixer, and the thoroughly-reinforced foundations of the in-process skyscraper itself. It's in an empty span of dirt and cement that the fighters are to meet, a throbbing rock soundtrack playing for the crowds as the announcer recounts the story of this site's revitalization, and tonight's exhibition involving a test of one of SNF's most brutal and renowned powerhouses... and the very man running the show. Who has yet to show himself, leaving the spotlighted construction site for the referee... and the challenger. For the moment.
Most times, there would be a severe amount of growling and threatening going on if anyone had tried to make Ryuji Yamazaki do what he's doing right now. But one of the few people that would be willing to put forth the monetary effort that it would require to get the Syndicate enforcer into a striped referee's shirt has done just that. In the middle of the spotlight, Yamazaki stands. Even though some of the officials told him not to, he's got a lit cigarette resting between the index and middle fingers of his right hand. It's lifted to his lips for a nice, deep drag before he tilts his head back and blows a thick cloud of smoke into the air. "Goddamn... a damned referee."
The heels of his shoes click against the ground as he starts to walk in a small circle while quickly chain-smoking down his cigarette. He's scanning the crowd at the moment, looking around for anyone that might be a particular problem, or a potential hitman hired by Kain. He knew the rules weren't in Heinlein's favor, and he also knew that Kain was no fool. The smaller blonde would hardly let himself be made a fool of, by Yamazaki's reasoning. Someone has to be out there, and Ryuji's trying to find out who.
Kain arrives without much fanfare beyond that which Geese has already provided for the event. He casts his gaze around the construction site as he enters, quietly confirming what he already knew. The fact that Geese is toying with him was already quite evident, and the lack of anything in the immediate vicinity to be destroyed simply reinforces that fact. But it doesn't matter. This is Kain's chance to show Geese just what kind of enemy he's dealing with. Rules be damned; Kain will play along with Geese for now, but he's not going to let these restrictions keep him from being able to win. They'll be tossed aside as soon as they start to become a real liability.
And for now, at least, Kain is using both of his arms and legs. He's not going to hop into position for Geese's amusement, thank you very much. It'll be enough of a pain once the match actually starts. He doesn't even spare Yamazaki a glance as he takes up his position on on the cleared ground, left hand resting casually in his pocket. He shows little outward sign of any stress at all, but this is probably the closest Kain ever really gets to actually being worried. I mean... This /is/ Geese we're talking about, here.
For all his useful talents and agreeable disposition, sometimes Yamazaki just doesn't see the bigger picture. Sure, it's a spectacle, but it's just that spectacle that makes the idea that much more amusing, at least in Geese's worldview. Humiliating Kain? That's a fun side-effect, of course, but the real show is in the message he's here to deliver. Heinlein has power, Howard is well aware of that... his dearest brother in law has certainly shown impressive drive since his return to Southtown, and frankly... Geese wants to see it. Personally. And in a controlled situation where he holds all the cards. Not that the international mogul expects someone like Kain to be intimidated or subjugated so easily, but as with all things... it's the thought that counts.
Kain is introduced, his violent elitism played up in a way that sounds -almost- flattering, the announcer recounting some of his victories, and recounting the philosophy of strength Heinlein has expressed on the show. In the end? It's more like they're hyping up a wrestler's facade. Then there's the philanthropist and billionaire CEO Geese Howard, the father of SNF, the king of Southtown. His own introduction comes off glowing, with the same sort of heroic, over the top flavour as Kain's, and the lights go wild as Geese walks calmly out of the shadows intentionally placed beyond one of the large vehicles, arms going wide as he greets the cheers. Sometimes he plays the villain on these shows, but in the setting he's created? He is the hero.
Howard wears his trademark gi and hakama pants, red and white offset by a well-earned black belt. Both pieces of the traditional attire are finely tailored of expensive cloth, giving the loose attire an almost formal look, pressed and pristine. For now. His sandaled feet shift on the packed dirt as Geese turns to look towards Kain, icy blue eyes veritably sparkling with the entertainment -he's- garnering from this, "You've earned quite a reputation. It's been too long." The words are spoken with a well-acted fondness, but Heinlein is free to read what he wants in their actual content. Thick arms fold over Geese's equally broad chest, a subtle smile on his face as he coolly regards Heinlein.
Kain offers Geese a smile with a lot of teeth in it, but that doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Indeed, it has been far too long." Shifting his posture slightly, Kain raises his left arm into the air, then with exaggerated care brings it back down, sliding it behind his back. "I've been looking forward to this for quite some time. I was starting to get the impression that you didn't want to see me. But here we are."
Kain gestures with his free hand, making a sweeping motion which encompasses the construction site. "This really is quite a piece of work. I can see why you wouldn't want anything here getting damaged." Shifting his weight slightly to the left, Kain lifts his right foot an easily noticeable distance off the ground, though he doesn't tuck his leg up and back, simply making it so that he's using only one leg to support his weight.
"Of course, you know that this fight isn't really fair. I mean, just look at it! It's really not fair at all for you to fight under these conditions. So I'll be generous and allow you to make the first strike. Wouldn't want you to have a handicap, would we? Now, shall we begin?" Kain sketches a quick bow toward Geese, an impressive accomplishment when you consider the balance issues he's dealing with. And, of course, the audience is eating this up.
COMBATSYS: Kain has started a fight here.
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Kain 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Geese has joined the fight here.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kain
Ah, was it finally time for the fight to start? Now, he could actually do his job. The cigarette is done by now, and he's had his nicotine fix. Kain has taken one leg off the ground, and Geese looks ready to go. "Alright, you both know the damn rules." Yamazaki looks over towards Geese first, then Kain. "Fight however the hell you want, doesn't bother me." This part, directed to Kain. "I see the other hand come out or both feet on the ground, and you know it's coming." He takes a few steps back to give the two fighters a bit more room, before raising one hand into the air. That loud, bass voice bellows out, "FIGHT!"
And the fight is on.
Geese looks momentarily somber at Kain's words, "Your company brings up memories." He explains simply, espousing a depth of grief and compassion over his wife's tragic death that's really just... not there. Which may bother -Kain-, but it's not likely anyone else is going to notice. Crimelord's don't come much more slippery, and Howard loves his 'public image' nearly as much. Just for the effect it gets from people, accomplished fighter or simple fan. Or fan of shopping malls.
"Fair?" Geese echoes, looking momentarily confused by the word, "This is Saturday Night Fight!" He belts out the words, laughing heartily as the crowd echoes the declaration in cheers, "You've made quite the show against odds to this point! This is an -event-! Show what you're made of, in an exhibition invite few ever receive. We're not thugs or kids with something to prove, Kain...." Geese smiles, too calmly, towards Heinlein, "Leave that kind of thinking in the streets where it belongs, and let's see what you can do."
Geese shifts slightly, his right side turned towards Kain, the smile drifting away to an image of pensive, confident contemplation, "I was right about your presence being a reminder. You do look very much like her." Sad, sad thing. Despite the posturing, though... Geese's attention is fully on Kain, trying to read the other master's reactions, and intentions... he knows what Kain is capable of, and right where he wants him. To that end, the more analytical facets of the crimelord's instinct goes towards seperating out the distractions until there's just him... and Kain. It doesn't even seem like Howard hears the call to 'fight', much less the reminder of the rules. He simply draws his right leg up before him, bent at the knee, and hooks his left arm behind his back, stern face even as he levels his gaze on Heinlein... and in those steely eyes, that's where the smirk does show.
COMBATSYS: Geese focuses on his next action.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kain
Now, of course, almost everybody knows that when a fighter tells you to come attack him, it's usually actually a bad idea. And considering Geese's style of martial arts, it's a particularly bad idea. But maybe he just wants to see Kain have to hop around like an idiot to close the distance. Either way, Kain has no intention of just letting this drag on pointlessly.
Kain swings his right leg forward, then pushes off with his left leg, taking a somewhat awkward step as he momentarily has neither foot on the ground before landing on his right foot. "Yes, this should work." And then he begins repeating the procedure, only considerably faster. It's not quite as controllable as normal running, but it's not overwhelming awkward. And it's closing the distance between the two men quite nicely. To hell with Geese's intentions; Kain is obeying the letter of the rules, and that's all he has even the slightest care about.
Of course, Geese has plenty of time to observe Kain's approach, and Kain isn't stupid. He's not going to stick a limb in there to get caught. But he can make it look like he's planning to. He swipes an arm at Geese as he closes in, but it quickly becomes apparent that it's not going to come close enough to hit. That still doesn't leave much time, however, as Kain's arm explodes into flames, trailing purple fire across its path. Fire which continues to follow Kain's arm, even should it wash over Geese. Nope, no projectiles here!
COMBATSYS: Geese dodges Kain's Schwarz Cutter.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kain
Oh... ohgod. It's almost too much for Geese to keep his calm front up... when Kain starts /super-hopping/ towards him. It's a moment when Howard is -very- glad it's all on camera. For posterity, and all. Despite Heinlein's impressive balance and control, it's not your most impressive charge, but it's one Geese seems to want to see through to its very end, calmly facing Kain down until the actual strike launches out. It's then that Howard moves, in seeming perfect synch with the gout of flame that lashes for him, his right foot dropping down in a backstep, a further twist aside carrying him clear of the violent energies... while re-establishing his stable footing. Geese? Geese shakes his head, "What is this?!?" he asks, deep voice still ringing with the melodramatic 'challenge' of it all, "I don't want to see you -hop-!" The crimelord twists back in, both hands snapping out for the front of Heinlein's suit, the sleeves of his gi billowing backwards from the sheer force of even the attempted grapple.
"I want to see you -overcome-!" And if he has his grip? The Syndicate boss twists one powerful one-hundred eighty degree twist, building an incredible amount of momentum in that simple motion, his intent to hurl Kain bodily free, with moon landing force, on a collision course with the 'hoe' portion of the backhoe.
... "Show me something of your stature! Our stature! ... isn't that what you tell that boy who fancies himself your protege?"
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Geese's Rebound Throw.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Kain
Kain's ability to move freely is obviously rather compromised, making avoiding Geese's grab an unlikely proposition at best. And so he gets yanked up, spun around, and launched toward the backhoe. But he's not completely at a loss. Twisting himself around in the air, still managing to keep his arm behind his back, he hits the backhoe foot first, with enough force to put a dent into the metal.
No time to hang around, though. Gravity is about to come calling. Bending his knee for a split second, Kain springs off the machinery with only one leg, launching himself in an arc through the air back toward Geese. He yanks his body around once again, leading with the same foot with which he sprung off of the machinery. Waves of fire spring up around his leg and trail behind him as he shoots toward Geese. He doesn't respond to Geese's challenege with words, but neither does he snarl or do any other such unbecoming thing. He simply concentrates on the matter at hand, which is driving his foot into Geese's face.
COMBATSYS: Geese counters Schwarzer Stob from Kain with Joudan Atemi Nage.
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Geese 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Kain
Kain's silence isn't quite as gratifying as some snarling or raging retort might be, but Geese will take it. It shows, at least, that Heinlein does understand the nature of his set-up.. and while falling into it might be more amusing, the message is what matters. That, and the spectacle. Ratings = Moneys, and Geese does enjoy money. He does not, however, particularly enjoy being kicked in the face. A subtle forward lean answers Heinlein's flying charge, and as the flaming foot slams in, Geese's right arm sweeps up and intercepts it at the ankle. There's a near-shockwave of energy at the contact, Kain's flames blasted aside by an invisible, but -more- than tangible force... almost the -absence- of air rather than the abundance of it.
And in the same motion as Geese deflects Kain's kick high and wide? His left hand snaps in as he steps back and twists, using the limb as a fulcrum by which to bring his brother-in-law around, and slam him facedown into the dirt. The grip is released the moment after the sudden, final shift of force is applied, Geese taking a single half-step back from the flipped Kain into a calm ready stance.
The left arm still held behind Kain's back twitches for a moment as Kain starts to lift himself up from the ground, his fist momentarily clenching. He plants his right foot firmly on the ground before leaping up, landing on only his left foot. He doesn't bother brushing off the dirt on his suit as he faces Geese for a moment before springing into action.
Launching himself forward, Kain ducks in low, skidding the last few feet toward Geese on his right foot. He then springs up off the ground, whipping his left foot around at the side of Geese's head, intending to then kick off of the older fighter so that he can regain his footing, with his blue chi surrounding his foot to heighten the impact of the blow.
COMBATSYS: Geese endures Kain's Light Kick.
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Geese 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Kain
"Hmph." Geese grunts as Kain pulls himself up out of the dirt, not bothering to shift much at all, his arms hanging at his sides as Heinlein charges him once more. Rather than stepping back, or lifting his arms to defend against the blow, the veritable King of Southtown steps just inside, catching the harsh snap on the back of his skull, with ringing impact that's compounded by the searing flame. The pain doesn't seem to dissuade Geese, however.
Hakama billowing behind him, he steps firmly in on Kain, looking to quite literally strong-arm him out of his attempt at breathing room, one hand going for his chest, for a firm grip... the other snapping in for his guts, palm open. That unlikely lever would reveal its intent as Geese quickly twisted from those points, not unlike one might a fishing pole reel, twisting as he seeks to loft Kain... and send him flying end over end away. Quite a distance away, potentially. Kain still isn't playing the game right! A nod is given to Yamazaki, regardless of the outcome.
COMBATSYS: Geese successfully hits Kain with Shinkuu Nage.
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Geese 0/-------/-======|=======\-------\1 Kain
The fight's been a boring one for him, so far. There's not been a whole lot going on for him to enforce, as Kain has been fairly stable as far as the rules go. He's been standing back out of distance, keeping out of the way of both Geese and Kain. "Man.. someone needs to fuckin' break something already." His eyes slowly drift back over towards Geese again, only to see the Howard Enterprises CEO sending Kain snapping end over end... and the nod. Ah, /that/ is what he's been waiting for. Right on cue, his left shoulder drops down a bit, and that arm goes dead. He squints one eye, and starts murmuring to himself.. "Come on... cooooome ooooonnnn.." Taking aim like a skeet shooter at a clay pigeon, he waits for Kain to get just into range before his arm snaps back to life, crossing the distance in the blink of an eye as he brings a leather-clad fist across to try and smash right into Kain's abdomen.
COMBATSYS: Yamazaki has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/-------|=====--\-------\0 Geese
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Kain 1/------=/=======|
COMBATSYS: Yamazaki successfully hits Kain with Snake Tamer.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/------=|=====--\-------\0 Geese
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Kain 1/----===/=======|
COMBATSYS: Geese has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/------=|=======\===----\1 Kain
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Geese 0/-------/-======|
Getting launched into the air by Geese is bad enough, but getting attacked from behind by Yamazaki is just adding insult to injury. At least it knocks Kain slightly back in the right direction. Kain climbs back to his feet, not bothing with one leg any more. And he doesn't even bother to /look/ at Yamazaki. He just starts marching toward Geese, with purple fire trailing up both of his arms.
A quick slashing motion with each arm and two waves of fire are shooting toward Geese in an X pattern. Kain doesn't pause to see whether or not they hit, he just keeps on walking, with flames continuing to billow out from the sleeves of his suit.
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Geese with Schwarze Flame.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/------=|=======\====---\1 Kain
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Geese 1/-------/=======|
Use only one arm and leg. It's -impossible!-. Or nearly, particularly when the fight is of this magnitude. Of course, in that jumble of limbs and quick movements, one can't help but conclude that Kain was using each and every limb. If not particularly proactively. Geese isn't so much calling in the cavalry, however... as he is passing the 'ball'. An arm is thrown up in front of that swirling cross of flame, but the brutal blast of energy washes over him, searing the left side of his gi and tearing the shoulder soundly, reddening flesh as Howard is driven backwards under the power. There's a momentary smile, as if he thinks this particular turn of events constitutes something better, instead of something burningly nasty.
Part of that may be the fact that despite the show of force, Geese steps back, calmly reassuming a defensive stance, and waiting for the referee to continue. Surely Heinlein has -something- else up his sleeve, and Howard seems more interested in the silent taunt than the finishing blow. He simply waits for Yamazaki to continue.
COMBATSYS: Geese takes no action.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/------=|=======\====---\1 Kain
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Geese 1/-------/=======|
Indeed, he's not about to lay up now, now that an actual foul has been committed. He was taking a moment to be amused at the way that the Snake Tamer impacted Kain in mid-air, but the flames that soon wash over his boss are enough to bring him back to getting this done. Normally, he's supposed to take the whistle that the third-party officials gave to him to signal a foul, but.. well, that just tells Kain that he's coming, and when he's coming. Instead, he strolls right across the impromtu arena, ending up right close to Kain. And somehow, his hands manage to stay nestled in their pockets as he brings his right foot up... and up... .. and up, to the point that his legs are almost a full 180 degree angle before that leg comes down swift and hard in an attempt to drive one of his shoe-heels into that meaty spot between Kain's neck and shoulder.
COMBATSYS: Eiji has joined the fight here.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 1/-------/=======|=======\====---\1 Kain
COMBATSYS: Eiji endures Yamazaki's Yakiire.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 1/-------/=======|=======\====---\1 Kain
The deal was made not long ago, but it was something that intrigued a certain assassin for hire when he was called for. A chance to not only to harass the Southtown Syndicate, but also a chance to shed more of Yamazaki's blood. Something that has not been done for quite some time. For now Eiji Kisiragi had waited in the shadows from not far off to make sure this match would go without a hitch and in case it didn't he was to come in and offer aid. It seems like he felt now was the right time as Yamazaki was rearing up for another attack.
Even as Yamazaki is bringing the foot downwards for a strike the ninja is almost a blur as he speeds in and that heel cracks down right on top of the short fighter's head instead of hitting Kain. "Geese Howard, Krauser and Strolheim send their regards." With that being said the ninja quickly blurs forward towards Yamazaki intent on dragging an energy filled hand across the gangster's side to cut him right open.
Kain pays no attention to the commotion behind him; this is what Eiji was paid to take care of, after all, and the ninja is quite good at what he does. And even if he can't beat Yamazaki, he can most likely keep him occupied long enough for things to end, one way or the other.
Flame continue to lick from Kain's sleeve cuffs, and a pale blue aura encases his hands. Flames are now even sparking from his shoes as he walks, as the Heinlein heir starts gathering more and more power into himself. The situation is a bit worse than he might have hoped... While much of that power is being stored up to be unleashed in a storm at Geese, some of it is siphoned off to help Kain's body keep moving smoothly despite the injuries he's sustained. Geese and Yamazaki both hit hard, and Kain has taken some nasty blows to the torso. "Glad to see there are no more distractions."
COMBATSYS: Kain gains composure.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 1/-------/=======|=======\===----\1 Kain
The announcer runs with the mysterious arrival from Strolheim, as if the entire thing had been part of the script. Of course, the identity of Kain's ally was hardly known, but that this fight might have an interloper? That's part of the fun. Geese simply stands his ground as Kain is relieved from his rules debate with the referee, his gaze intent on his beloved brother-in-law. A soft chuckle sounds once, and Geese shakes his head, "More distractions." He observes simply, "It balances out." Eiji's appearance is a welcome thing, at least in part... especially with the standard of Strolheim proudly proclaimed. A bit of competition with his half-brother, and a nice little hint as to the sort of associates Heinlein is seeking, "But now our fight ends!" One way or another, this is the series of instants that decides the confrontation.
The Syndicate boss is well aware of the power Kain still stores.. Heinlein is a fighter of the same calibre, despite the picture orchestrated tonight, and it behooves Geese to get there first. In a blur of red and white, Howard crosses the distance in a single forward leap, his focused chi and the launching of both hands before him, reaching out for Kain as he touches down just before the recovering master. His motion is somewhat similar to what it was before, as one hand comes in high, and the other low for Heinlein's torso, but rather than seeking to launch him end over end away, Howard attempts to grapple the fairer blonde, and quite literally huck him up into the air, with disorienting force and speed. The power behind the toss is carefully calculated, however, and as Kain falls back to earth... Geese turns in a sidestep off to one flank, his palms sweeping through a fluid kata before clapping together before him, which would result in a brilliant -explosion- of white chi, touched with crackling arcs of darkest blue, in synch with the moment Kain drops within range of those dangerous hands. The intent is to literally blast the fight from Kain, and instead of giving him the opportunity to simply fall? Geese seeks to blast him across the dirty ground.
COMBATSYS: Yamazaki endures Eiji's Bone Cutter.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/-------|=======\===----\1 Kain
There's almost a momentary stop when his foot slams into the head of someone shorter than he was expecting. He's not about to argue, though, as he slams his shoe-clad foot as hard as he can into Eiji's head. He hops back a step, then, and his grin is wide across his face. "Finally! I knew you were here somewhere, you little shit." He hops back a couple steps, and flexes his left hand before clenching his fist hard enough to make his knuckles pop. "Now, no more of this referee crap!" He just grabs the white and black striped shirt and tears it off, leaving a simple white t-shirt underneath. And that's done just in time to see the image of his new opponent start to blur. He tenses his stomach and just grunts as his stomach is sliced open, going through shirt and flesh. He's moving in mid-bloodloss, though, as he brings his left hand up and across in an attempt to drive his knuckles right into the side of Eiji's head.
COMBATSYS: Eiji dodges Yamazaki's Quick Punch.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/-------|=======\===----\1 Kain
This is what Eiji always did like about Yamazaki. A man much like him that only cares about destroying people without care about how their own body ends up. He could be one of the few people that the ninja really respects. He feels his hand hit home and start to cut and his attack is quickly cut off at seeing the incoming hand and he ducks out of the way and twists about to swing a leg outwards towards the opened wound with quite a bit of force to just further add pain to that injury. A risky move at that given how quick the thug can be as well, but this is mostly just to buy time for Kain and let him have a chance at defeating Geese.
COMBATSYS: Geese successfully hits Kain with Rashoumon.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Kain
Kain attempts to keep Geese from getting a clean hold on him, and he succeeds... after a fashion. He manages to get his arms in the way of Geese's grappling, but it doesn't end up doing much to keep him from getting launched up into the air. And glowing with eldritch energy or not, it doesn't do Kain much good when Geese's hands slam into him. Not much... But some. Using chi against someone with that much power roiling inside them is less effective than it might be.
It certainly looks effective enough, though, as Kain goes flying through the air, then the dirt, trailing sparks of white and purple chi as he digs a furrow in the ground. The next breath that Kain takes doesn't sound very healthy... Geese probably broke something there. Nevertheless, Kain manages to slowly climb to his feet. His entire body is wreathed in flames now, and the purple has darkened to the point where it's become nearly pitch-black in color.
Despite his injuries, Kain's arm is steady as he lifts it up toward Geese, with more black flame starting to swirl in the palm of his hand. The flames leap forth, racing toward Howard as Kain himself follows, at a considerably slower pace. Each footstep leaves scorch marks in the dirt as Kain's power starts to overflow. He channel far greater amounts than this in a fight, but the key here is hanging onto all of it at /once/.
COMBATSYS: Yamazaki counters Heavy Kick from Eiji with Sadomazo.
- Power hit! -
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Yamazaki 0/-------/=======|=======\=------\1 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Kain
COMBATSYS: Geese overcomes Schwarze Flame from Kain with Reppuken.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/=======|=======\=------\1 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Kain
For a moment, it looks like all the fight is out of Kain. ... For a moment, there's a vague hush over the portions of the audience focused on he and Kain rather than Yamazaki and Eiji. The hit heard round the world, though in this case, it's literal rather than metaphorical. Thank god for television. Geese draws a deep breath after the tremendous expenditure of power, the chi literally bleeding off his hands, a trailing flame of dark fires not terribly unlike Kain's own. But where Kain's burns... Geese's chi is colder. Overpowering in its sheer, cuttingly hateful force. It's a stark contrast, though the signatures are both so intricate and powerful that most fighters? Would just be staring.
In fact, even Geese is staring, down the barrel of a crossed edge of fire that he -knows- will burn him, and burn him badly. It's not slackjawed awe from the Syndicate boss, however, and without hesitation, his right arm whips up from his waist, dragging even more of that tearing windshear from the void with a deep shout of, "REPPUKEN.", a crackling edge of blue-purple chi crashing outwards, its jagged, blade-like wave slicing clean through the Schwarze Flame. The floorbound burst fizzles out considerably afterwards, but defiantly flares at the approaching Kain, threatening to bathe his ankles in its remnants.
There's a momentary frown as the ninja manages to just.. move.. right past his fist. "One of those dodgy little bastards, are ya?" There's a brief growl rumbling in his throat as he watches Eiji start to spin around. He's seen enough of these martial artists, though, to know what's coming. Instead of moving, he just braces his heels and tenses the muscles in his legs, and starts to throw his entire body into forward motion. There's no time for a proper setup, though, as he so loves to do. Eiji's boot slams hard into the open wound, but there's no grunt of pain when the wound is opened more.. only loud, cackling laughter. And that laughter is quickly followed a moment later by that big right hand coming right back up. "DODGE THIS, YA LITTLE SHIT!" Just as quickly, his hand comes right back down again, and he slams his leather-clad knuckles square into the middle of Eiji's face.
That kick connects and the ninja has already experienced what has followed before. That fist comes across in a harsh manner both times and Eiji doesn't even get close to having time to avoid either of them. He staggers back a step and almost looks to fall back fully, but then he whips forward to stand up again and a bit of a grin forms behind the mask. "You can hit harder than that. Don't disappoint me." he says and his form blurs and almost looks to shoot out into two seperate entities that move to slash again at the sides of Yamazaki, though only one will do any damage if it managed to nail the gangster. The two blurring images then reform behind Yamazaki and the ninja spins on a foot to face him again with arms folded and awaiting his opponent.
COMBATSYS: Kain overcomes Reppuken from Geese with Schwarze Flame.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Kain
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Geese with Schwarze Flame.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Kain
Kain doesn't intend to play any games right now. He's got a great deal of power built up, but he doesn't want to waste it. But he also can't afford to let himself take much more damage at this point. If Geese slips up even for a moment... Well, he probably won't, but even Geese Howard can't keep himself from ever having an opening. Even if he can, though, Kain is going to have to unleash this power pretty soon.
He's able to bleed off a little of the edge right away, though. Geese managed to blast through his Schwarze Flame, a feat that not many have accomplished. Not without using things like cars to soak up the blast, at any rate. But Kain has more where that came from. The Reppuken is coming in low, but that's not a problem. With the briefest flick of his wrist in Geese's general direction, Kain causes a wave of purple fire to leap up from the ground right beneath Geese's attack, well before it even gets near Kain. It blasts apart Geese's chi, then races on toward Howard looking very much like a black version of the attack it just destroyed.
Looks like Kain saw Geese's Reppuken, and raised him another Schwarze Flame. This one, despite its hurtling velocity as it burns through the dissipating blade of his own energy, Howard tries to sidestep. The motion is quick, but the gout of flame is faster, and it blasts solidly into Geese's chest, spinning him about and down into a crouch, a stern clench coming to the crimelord's broad jaw. That hurt, and he knows Kain still has more. Poking the hornet's nest does have its negative aspects, but this... this just makes it interesting. The Syndicate boss pushes back to his feet and brushes down the front of his now tattered gi, grunting lightly.
He doesn't tarry, several quick steps carrying him the rest of the distance between himself and Heinlein, as Geese leaps into a quick twist, bringing his left sandal around and squarely in for Kain's face in the same motion as the short ascent, looking to put his brother-in-law back down... or at least kick that defiant spirit out of him before he can unleash it on his terms. Kain's succeeded once at changing the rules of this game, but Howard isn't going to give away the show.
COMBATSYS: Yamazaki endures Eiji's Shadow Attack.
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Yamazaki 1/------=/=======|=======\=------\1 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Kain
Dodging, at this point, would only take more effort than he's got the time to show right now. Rather than trying to find out which one is the real Eiji, he just braces his legs. He throws his arms out a bit, and just takes another slash across his midsection. A second cut opens up along his torso, and that only makes him laugh all the louder. "You think that's all I've got, little man?" He slowly turns around to face the ninja again, blood trailiing down along his stomach and legs. "Don't worry, you can find out just what I've got soon enough." He turns his head sharply off to one side, causing his neck to pop before he straightens up to his full height before he just steps forward. His right foot comes up, and he steps forward in mid-kick as he tries to drive a rather non-chalant kick into Eiji's ribs.
COMBATSYS: Eiji endures Yamazaki's Light Kick.
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Yamazaki 1/-----==/=======|=======\====---\1 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Kain
The ninja cants his head to the side and nods in response to Yamazaki's words. "I certainly don't expect to be disappointed." he says in a calm tone and makes no attempt to avoid the kick sent his way. Instead he unfolds his arms and he steps into it letting that foot slam hard into his ribs which elicits a grunt from the ninja as the red energy he wields explodes around him and his eyes narrow while remaining in close to the gangster and brings both energy covered hands up in an uppercut to knock the larger man into the air. If Yamazaki managed to get airborne all hell shall break loose.
COMBATSYS: Yamazaki endures Eiji's Dark Hunter EX.
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Yamazaki 1/--=====/=======|==-----\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/-----==|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Kain
A blur of red errupts upwards with fists slamming into Yamazaki sending him higher and soon his body is cut about in all places as the bright red energy blur moves about opening small wounds here all over the gangster's body. The blur slows only to show the ninja delivering large kick to the midsection of Yamazaki then flipping about in the air to bring his leg back down across the back of the head and one giant blast of energy finally is released to send Yamazaki back to the ground where the ninja lands not too far. "Now it is your turn to show me your best." he murmurs and flicks his wrist to flick some droplets of blood from his fingers and onto the ground.
COMBATSYS: Kain fails to interrupt Light Kick from Geese with Himmlischer Atem.
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Yamazaki 1/--=====/=======|==-----\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/----===|
COMBATSYS: Kain can no longer fight.
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Yamazaki 1/--=====/=======|==-----\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/----===|
When Geese begins to move, the flames around Kain suddenly flare up and begin to shift. Even as Geese's foot comes up in an attempt to strike Kain in the face, Heinlein's hand shoots out toward Geese and all of that black fire suddenly coalesces in his palm into one small black flame. And if Kain's chi was hot before, and Geese's was cold, that flame in Kain's hand is like the chill of the void between the stars. A power focused there that was able to knock the fight out of even Ryu in one massive shock. And there's no time for Geese to do anything else...
...Except for finish the kick which he already started. The sandal clad foot slams into Kain's face, and he just doesn't have the energy to stay on his feet. He topples over, death trailing from his fingertips and when he hits the ground he stays down. But when that flame touches the ground, a wave of cold spreads out from the point of impact, quite possibly to the point where even the people watching in the audience feel it. The ground becomes icy to the touch, although that quickly begins to fade, and anyone who /is/ close enough to feel the backlash will likely feel a profound sense of unease for a few moments. But... That's it. Kain wasn't able to launch the attack properly, and what was there ended up getting channeled into the ground. And it seems that /that/ was the last of the fight in him.
The impulse to try to overpower Kain's waning guard serves Geese, in this instance... though the sheer power and focused will in that cold surge is felt even before the attack is channeled into the ground. That backlash of angry chi has been building in Kain for some time now, and even Geese isn't arrogant enough to doubt its power. The battle of chi and Heinlein's defiant second round have certainly roused the crowd, though... even if some aren't entirely sure what was going on down there. From hero to villain to... HEY NINJA! ... what he was saying about ratings? This sort of spectacle qualifies. Plus, he certainly got to see Kain in all-out mode. Mostly. The swell of energy beneath his feet makes that close enough for Howard, just now.
A deep breath is drawn, and Geese steps back from the fallen Heinlein. All in all, it was a good night for Geese... and he got a bit of a workout to boot. The 'damned close call' was a bonus. The crimelord tightens his belt, and turns half-away from Kain, the announcer calling the fight for Geese with much gusto... and hyping up the last moments of the 'unexpected' extra chaos round. Strolheim's motives are always in question, but Geese isn't going to deny Yamazaki his part in this little exhibition. He just pays a bit closer attention to that battle instead, and waits, his arms crossing over his chest.
COMBATSYS: Geese focuses on his next action.
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Yamazaki 1/--=====/=======|==-----\-------\0 Eiji
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Geese 0/-------/----===|
[OOC] Kain says, "Rolento. You missed my total anti-climax. :|"
This is what he wanted to see. Some brute force, rather than just useless ninja tricks. As he goes airborne, there's just laughter coming from his lips. Granted, an occasional cough of blood finds its way out, as well, but laughter. More laughter, more laughter, more laughter. "YES! Hit me, god damn it!" His body jerks this way and that, moving with each of the blows until the final one sends him back down towards the ground. .. until that energy blast slams into him, and he skids a good few yards across concrete. Finally, though, he stands up, and blood tinges the grin spread wide across his lips. "You want to see my best? Stupid choice, kid." He shakes his head with a brief sigh, right before he starts charging headlong at Eiji. His feet pound across the cement until he's just within arm's reach, and he brings his right hand up hard, aiming to drive an uppercut right up underneath Eiji's chin.
COMBATSYS: Eiji fails to reflect Drill from Yamazaki with Shadow Slicer.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/------=|
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Geese 0/-------/----===|
COMBATSYS: Eiji can no longer fight.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/------=|
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Geese 0/-------/----===|
.. and when he feels his knuckles connect, he throws all his weight into it, lifting Eiji right up off the ground and tossing him a good eight or so feet into the air. As soon as the ninja starts his gravity-enforced descent, Yamazaki's left hand flashes out from his side, catching him right in the stomach with a quickly-pulled together Snake Tamer. When his fist slams into the airborne Kisarijim he pulls his hand back and it lashes out again, slamming right upside his head. His hand and arm start working like a bungee cord, back and forward, back and forward, smashing leather-clad fist into Eiji's face, head, and general upper torso a good seven or eight time. Somehow, he manages to keep him airborne for this entire assault, and right before it looks like Eiji might hit the ground.. Yamazaki slides forward, and he slams his fist as hard as he can into Kain's 'trump card's head, leather meeting skull with a sickening thud.
The ninja begins to glow at the hands again, his face focused on what is coming right at him. The mad train of hate and violence that errupts right through the summoned energy the ninja brings forth. Much like the last time he experienced the bliss of pain from this move he is allowed to feel it once again. Busted bones, scrapes and cuts, everything feeling exquisite even as he starts to lose conciousness. His body slumps forward near the end and that fist slams hard into the face which actually caves in and soon the thug's hand busts right out the back side of the dissipating energy that was once the ninja's body. He couldn't allow himself to be left unconcious in the open and the ninja seems to be well hidden from view to where he can slump over and rest for some time. As lovely as that felt it always does cause enough damage to where he will be taking some time to heal.
Up, up, and away goes Eiji... and with it, any chance that the Strolheim agent plans to shift his target to Howard is gone. Well. There's a considerable relaxation of Howard's expression once the ninja is taken down for the count. Strolheim was certainly not the representative he expected to see, but it's one he respects well enough to keep his eye on. Howard turns away from the skeletal building and waves to the gathered fans, a proud smile now fixed on his face. He raises a fist in the air, and then turns back towards the shadowed parts of the yard, from where he entered this fight. The announcements go on, of course... all the proceeds from tonight's chaotic main event going to other projects to 'revitalize' Metro City. Spreading Howard Enterprises' reach is happy news... at least in Geese's book.
Howard strides 'offscreen', so to speak, leaving the soundtrack to supervise the dispersal of the crowd. Or the movement of fans to various souvenier (for charity!) vendors. Likely Kain's cooperation in this sort of venture is one more piece of the joke. But that ninja...
... Geese will have to send that ninja a bonus.
COMBATSYS: Geese has left the fight here.
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Yamazaki 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Yamazaki has ended the fight here.
Log created by Geese, and last modified on 13:54:14 10/21/2006.