Description: Dante finally takes the time to play around with Jiro upon a rooftop, although it is obvious who lost in the exchange.
Southtown is now approaching further into the time of spring, but it seems a little far off. The moon is present in a more crescent shape, as the stars are quite abundant. Considering that the streets are usually more threatening, there have been some Gedo punks patrolling now and then. However, there are none at this time.
While no longer with Gedo affiliation-wise, Jiro still does his thing of keeping the streets safe, while maintaining his own agenda. Perhaps he is doing that -to- maintain his agenda.
But currently, the Stray Dog is at the back alley, kneeling along side of a green motorcycle, which is starting to shine briskly. Carting it off, Jiro is jump starting the vehicle to see if it still runs. His Kawasaki Ninja activates, the headlights gleaming before it purrs like a kitten.
It's been a while since he ridden his motorcycle. "Heh, nothing else to do but ride the night. Hell, why not?"
"Ah... Jiro-kun. You are so careless."
This would be heard from far above the Stray Dog; A thin figure is settled cross-legged on the corner of the building, adjacent to the fire escape and mostly enshrouded in the shadows beyond what refracts from the street level. A young man in a black suit with too-long sleeves and blue lining, but for one with such intimate experience with Kain Heinlein, likely unable to be mistaken as anything but an intended doppleganger. Yet the tall and lean form would not be recognized as anyone known; Although now gaunt and pale, at one point powerful, regardless Daniel Brown is a stranger. He's leaning forward almost precariously with a hand on each knee, drawing his tongue across pursed lips.
"I understand you have been looking for me. A shame. The hunting dog left his nest. Did you think about poor Mimiru-kun, all alone?" Dante then recites from memory her address, and a few key details of the building itself. Even the interior decoration, and the color of dear Max's collar. In those mulling seconds, irrevocable proof he was both there -- and inside. What he did? Jiro would not know. Dante should be out of reach of any reciprocation at the moment, easily three stories up; Unless Jiro wants to scramble up the rusting fire escape to reach the figure.
But it seems the former Student has finally found his man. Or, as it might become apparent, was /allowed/ to be found.
Preparing to take the bike out for a ride, the Stray Dog is preparing to try to see if he can get some sort of lead on his target: Dante. The Stray Dog is about to get on the motorcycle until he hears a voice.
'...Careless.'
The motorcycle immediately stops as Jiro turns off the igniton key, turning to face the shadows of the building, narrowing his eyes. "..." The young man can vaguely see the guy, but it is rather hard, given the matching darkness. There is a form of irritation as Jiro keeps looking from side to side to see if he can spot the figure, but it doesn't take too long to pinpoint the source, at least, ideally.
At the thought of Mimiru left exposed and being taken advantage of sends the bile to build up in his mouth before the young man hisses out. More and more this man is describing the house, the Stray Dog immediately draws both fists downward. An ignition of white flames causes for the inferno to stream up from Jiro's fury to reveal itself in the form of chi. The rage now born, Jiro snaps at Dante.
"Son of a bitch!"
With that, Jiro leaps over towards the rusting fire escape, reaching his hands out to dig against the bars and climb up, aiming to catch up to the source of the voice.
"Ah! Such hatred! No wonder you were so useless to Kain. The purity of fire is from lack of emotion, but you let it control you." Dante states the last with something of a laugh, unfurling himself up to his full height while slowly rolling his shoulders. He seems to be taking the time that Jiro is utilizing to limber up and prepare, stepping back with both hands folded behind his back towards the middle of the roof. His stance finally spreads, squatting down almost laughably low with one fist pointed forward and the other drawn into his rib. Hardly something many would find intimidating, but it's one of the more deadly wushu. "You may not know me, but I am Dante. ...A rival of that fool, Taira. If you could call him being my whipping boy a rivalry..." How much actual conversation can be managed before he is assaulted is questionable, but that should at least be finished by the time it'd take Jiro to get all the way up and attempt to slug him right across the face.
COMBATSYS: Dante has started a fight here.
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Dante 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Jiro has joined the fight here.
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Dante
COMBATSYS: Dante focuses on his next action.
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Dante
Continuing his sprint along the wall, the Stray Dog can't help but continue running up the stairs, growling under his breath. The young man is trying his hardest to climb up the stairs as the flames are burning within him, calling for destruction. But while the Stray Dog keeps his trail on Dante, there are words coming at the back of his mind. Kain's words...
~ "It seems you need more work on holding your emotions in check, Jiro. It's far too obvious that there's something bothering you." ~
~ "Have you learned /nothing/? Keep your emotions in check!" ~
As Jiro climbs up against the wall, the Stray Dog extends his right foot against it, then he utilizes his current spot as the foot is up to the edge of the brickish part of the building to launch himself into the air.
Winding his hands back two spheres of light illuminate in his hand, gathered up to draw forth a flaming ball in each hand, then the white flames are tossed out towards Dante's direction, "RIOT CROSS!"
The flames are spiralling together, shooting out towards Dante's direction. In fact, the technique is similar to Kain's Scharze Flame. Only difference is that they are closing in at Dante, converging together into a large X formation upon explosion.
COMBATSYS: Dante overcomes Riot Cross from Jiro with King Cobra.
- Power hit! -
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|===----\-------\0 Dante
The figure opposite seems to be completely calm, merely settled in that stance. His features are placate and intrigued, but not particularly invested in rancor or revenge. Wry amusement, at the best; A smirk tucking at his lips. As Jiro rises and unleashes those surges of fire, an actual chuckle while one of his own hands combusts into purple fire.
"Oh... This must be something you learned from Kain."
Dante, in contrast, is completely calm. Much of the Heinlein could be seen in his visage; The poise, the subtle arrogance, the calm calculation. There is little doubting he might be a far better candidate. And as the sound of hissing serpents flashes across the surroundings, Dante flashes out his fingers. Blooming to life is a cobra made of Ankoku fire, spreading a wispy hood and lunging forward. It impacts Jiro's own, nigh-devouring them before snapping forward with apparent hunger, seeking to writhe and sink the apparent fangs into his neck. Only this might be more literal; It would incite a sharp pain, before the manifested creature exploded harmlessly. It would be the two pinpoints of red and the feeling of almost poison thereafter that is dangerous...
COMBATSYS: Jiro slows King Cobra from Dante with Thrown Object.
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Jiro 0/-------/------=|=====--\-------\0 Dante
After the flames are launched out at the new Heinlein, the Stray Dog glares at Dante while the arrogant young man starts to draw forth his own Ankoku fire. The boy's eyes widen, becoming more wildlike before the blooming flames sail devours his flames and comes forth his direction.
Reaching for a knife from his pocket, Jiro is quick on his reflexes to let the knife spring to life from its sheath, then he whips it straight towards the flames' direction. The snake is cut to the jaws, in a way, but the serpent devours the flames and strikes Jiro right across the neck.
He grunts in pain, reaching a hand out to cling against the bar handle as he nears the top. "...Eghn.." He thinks to himself.
~ He... he is like Kain. But different. ~
One foot shifts forward across the rooftop, loafered toe pointing towards Jiro. Dante's entire body then ripples to the side, rear leg squatting in preparation to move. There's a slow breath as focus comes within, coaxing the fire of his power to surge through his body. An enhancing ability; One little tactic Grant showed him, that thus far has shattered many opponents of significantly higher caliber then the opponent opposite. A flutter of tension as if a coiled serpent, before Dante /moves/. There's a literal burst of dust from the surroundings, clearing the area between the pair in a split second. Shooting up two meters away, both legs arch out in an attempt to catch Jiro about the neck by his thighs, and link the ankles behind his head. It's disturbingly quick and likely quite disorienting to say the least. "Allow me to demonstrate the difference between us...!!"
COMBATSYS: Jiro counters Burmese Python from Dante with Bull Fist.
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Jiro 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\0 Dante
Unfortunately, Jiro is actually finding himself in a bad position, as far as the foot points out at Jiro as he remains hanging along the edge-side of the roof. He growls as he steps up into place, looking at the man who also had some connection to Taira. As the flames ignite, Jiro knows that he'll better act fast.
And the moment that Dante shoots up into the air, the Stray Dog actually sees his chance to strike. Using his foot for leverage, he kicks at the wall to push himself into the air, up to the roof top itself.
At the same time, Jiro gains a momentum burst to close the distance between himself and the mid-air Dante. His right hand shoots past his legs aiming to wrap around his neck and it reaches for the throat.
Clutching him while he lands on the roof top itself now, Jiro winds his fist back and snarls out, "SEI!" He tightens his fist in a low stance, then he immediately thrusts his entire weight to go alongside of his fist before he calls out, "DO!"
The fist is strong enough to send him across the rooftop.
"There is a huge difference. I don't suck."
"I can control my power. As for my emotions, why let something that is natural to you not be in existance?"
That could perhaps be his problem. Not controlling that emotion may be a weakness.
Well, that was certainly unexpected. It seems that in some instances, Jiro simply doesn't need to have a true style. Street smarts and raw instinct work well, although such was not entirely accomplished naturally. The impact sends the lithe figure flying -- he's as light as he appears, landing upon his back and skidding sideways before coming to a stop on all fours, sprawled out like a reptile low to the ground. A slow arc of crimson is going down his lip, licked at with a tongue. He looks no more perturbed or distraught by the outcome then he was at the onset. "That is a rather meager insult." Shifting, Dante suddenly flares his right hand with fire, which begins to crackle like oil set on a stove. It causes obvious pain, sweat pouring down Dante's features. "...We truly are contrasts, aren't we? But you could control the wrong aspect of these Ankoku flames... I have the foundation, and you have the furnace. Even if you /might/ surpass me now..."
Again Dante moves, slithering low to the ground almost akin to his namesake before his coiled arm, still enflamed, snaps to grasp Jiro by the face. "...I am only taking my first steps!!" With a twist, entire body shifting to bolster the inertia, he would maneuver to hurl Jiro just as his condensed fire detonates, to send him towards the middle of the rooftop. That, at least, would allow them more even ground for fighting!
COMBATSYS: Jiro fails to interrupt Strong Throw from Dante with Heaven's Diminisher.
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Jiro 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Dante
After sending the reptilian-style fighter towards the ground, Jiro whistles at the sight of watching him fly across. He seems quite pleased with the results. But, once Dante has a hand ignite in flames, the Stray Dog readies himself, drawing his right foot against the ground. It too is soon illuminating with white flames. Set forth, the burning inferno scorches the air while the stance tightens.
"Do tell me, what is the 'right' aspect of the Ankoku flames, eh?" His eyes narrow, looking more curious now, "Foundation..." He snarls, then he watches for Dante's movements as he snaps out towards his face. The young man immediately launches his right foot out towards Dante's direction, "Eat this, fu---nnnngnnrrr!" He is caught by the face, then he's hurled across the ground with the condensed flames.
He lands right on his face, skidding across the cold ground. Lying on his side, his left hand slams on the ground, trying to force himself up. "...Son of a... bitch."
"Come now, Jiro-kun. You are supposed to have experience. That is what I lack. I have not had a fight in years with a man I might call near an equal." Dante states, coming back up and adjusting his suit, brushing at it while spitting the last vestiges of blood aside. "That is what I feared of you. And you proved it correct once... But that was simply brash." Slowly he spreads his stance, squatting down low and bringing up a hand once more. Again, it's the Nanquan stance. So far, Jiro knows that he can move like greased lightning within it, but not too much further. "And if you still do not know. They are drawn from emotions, but they are controlled by the mind. Your body is the vessel, the conduit. ...You can pull it freely, but you lose control at the second stage. For me, it is the body that is weak, but that can be fixed with training and trials. Fool. Did Kain teach you nothing?" He waits, rather patiently, for Jiro to initiate the offense again. But seems completely confident about his own chance for victory at this point.
COMBATSYS: Dante focuses on his next action.
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Jiro 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Dante
"Shut up." That is all Jiro states, before he decides to take a deep breath. His anger is becoming more and more apparent. He had control of his emotions before, but perhaps it is the fact that he's succumbed and losing his outward appearance as well is what is causing him to not think clearly. The Stray Dog tries to rationally analyze his predictament, but he's -really- wanting to give in to the urges that his emotions are telling him.
/CRUSH HIM!/ /CRUSH!/ /DESTROY!/ /MAIM!/ /BASH!/ /KILL!/ /TEAR HIM APART!/
Perhaps it is true that his emotions have been drawing him. Perhaps there is a struggle of trying to keep his emotions in check when he had been working so hard to control his -power-. That is why Jiro's eyes widen once more as he is berated. Kain's words come back.
~ "Have you learned /nothing/? Keep your emotions in check!" ~
From that point, Jiro's expression becomes dull, then he shuts his eyes, this time masking his face. Summoning up the white flames, Jiro loses his outward rage in favor of a cool expression, "Hrmph. Fine then."
COMBATSYS: Jiro gains composure.
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Jiro 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\1 Dante
"What a terrible student. You ask how to use the fire, then you tell me to shut up." Dante sounds absolutely condescending now, laughing into one hand before resuming his focus on the fight at hand. Although when he calms down, there's a more serious expression visible from Dante, before he suddenly shifts. One foot forward, the other bracing behind. Familiar at this stage, no doubt. He then bolts forward with startling speed, again rippling through the air as a blur far beyond the speed and accuracy of many people decades past. If he's at the start of his journey, it's certainly an impressive one. And he would flip high into the air, descending with one heel scorching purple, attempting to strike into Jiro's shoulder and force the other boy to his knees if the maneuver works as intended. He'd land flat, but instantly attempt to flow back to his stance immediately thereafter.
COMBATSYS: Dante successfully hits Jiro with Medium Kick.
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Jiro 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Dante
"...I didn't ask how to use the fire. I -know- it is drawn through your emotions. You say that I am the---..." He shakes his head, "You know what? I will just feel better punching you." He snarls, then he sprints straight towards Dante's direction, especially as he bolts forward to meet with him. Then, the Stray Dog steps right into the force of the incoming foot coming towards his shoulder.
Unfortunately, he manages to pull the heel to send him back and down enough to drop him on his knees. He pants, growling under his breath.
~ ...I ... I am more experienced than this jackass. Why am I being sackbeaten like a beginner?! ~
He slowly staggers up, growling at Dante, "Drawn from emotions, but controlled by the mind."
~ Am I this weak minded to have lost control of myself?! ~
The Stray Dog narrows his eyes, then he tightens his fist. "Not... done yet." The Stray Dog immediately launches himself towards Dante's direction, immediately closing in with several front snap kicks, then he launches himself forward to leap off of the ground with a spinning outward crescent kick towards the side of his head.
COMBATSYS: Jiro successfully hits Dante with Light Kick.
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Jiro 0/-------/-======|=======\===----\1 Dante
"You truly are predictable. Ah..." There was an attempt to merely barrel through the myriad kicks via a lunging approach, but they strike into Dante a bit too roughly for it to gauge an actual opening. But such is mostly irrelevant; He suddenly shifts forward with surprising speed, slipping down low and trying to actually go beneath Jiro's legs. He'd try to draw up behind, and hook his elbows beneath the Stray Dog's armpits, and interlace his fingers behind Jiro's head in a vicious lock. Both black-pantsed legs would similarly shift to flit around his thighs, and hook the toes at the base of his calf. It would probably look peculiar if anyone saw it, but that's secondary to the damage it can inflict. "Prepare for pain..." would be hissed into an ear, if the maneuver is managed."
COMBATSYS: Jiro blocks Dante's Redtail Boa.
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Jiro 0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Dante
And although the maneuver does not go off quite as desired, it would probably still be incredibly uncomfortable. Dante would attempt and constrict, unleashing a vicious amount of force upon shoulders and legs, while igniting into purple fire. The cling would be nigh-tenacious, although after the fierce resistance and lack of purchase from the resisting Jiro incites Dante to slip off and land in a crouch, although it's probably hardly comfortable regardless. The Ankoku aura vanishes in a last aura of hisses, leaving the blackened clothing singed. "Hrrmph. Why can't you accept your fate? I am your successor!"
The Stray Dog decided to stick to simple, yet possibly more effective movements, which involves a lot of kicks, but they did do good for him as the struck the man across the body and the face. After that whipping lash, the young man lands on both legs, then his eyes widen when he attempts to move low and actually go beneath him. As he appears behind Jiro, the Stray Dog is caught along the Full-Nelson.
Now, oncce he attepts to shift along his thighs, the Stray Dog is immediately pushing the constricting hold off, tightening his muscles at the process, despite of the uncomfortable feeling towards his body. Growling under his breath, Jiro immediately expands both arms out the moment that Dante slip off, turning around before he states, "Why? Fate is relative through someone's opinion."
Jiro hooks a right hand upward, aiming to thrust it straight towards Dante's chin for an uppercut, "Your fate is that I'll crush you. The fact is that you're a dick and a /moron/."
COMBATSYS: Jiro successfully hits Dante with Strong Punch.
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Jiro 1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Dante
The fist impacts Dante right across the face before he can fully recover, sending him stumbling backwards with an obvious hiss of pain, almost taken completely off his feet. He brings up one hand, dabbing at the blood up his lip before flicking it away to splatter upon the ground. But still, there's no look of genuine aggravation or hatred on his features. "Am I? Tch. You don't even yet know how foolish you really are." He merely flickers with energy, appearing to be somewhat rejuvenated while taking a couple steps to the side, licking the blood from his fingers. Relenting the offensive, at least for the moment. "Have you had any regrets? You could of gone far. The sacrifice... it was worth this power. It was beyond what I had fathomed in all my life..." One hand still reaches up, gesturing for the Stray Dog to continue. This is by no means a genuine lull in the battle, even if he's backing off a fair amount.
COMBATSYS: Dante gains composure.
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Jiro 1/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0 Dante
"You know." The Stray Dog tilts his head, considering that thought, "I have had regrets, actually. Not taking Kain up on the order to kill Alma. I was unwilling to kill a fruit who had been stalking me, trying to make me see love sunshine, and all of that bullshit. Why? Was it for a pretty face with a pure heart? Yeah. Funny, she disappeared on me after I came back, trying my best to be a better person." The Stray Dog frowns slightly, narrowing his eyes as he thinks back. He does, however, shrug once more, "I do regret not being able to control my emotions. In fact, the more I think about it, I should have controlled my emotions."
"You know." The Stray Dog tilts his head, considering that thought, "I have had regrets, actually. Not taking Kain up on the order to kill Alma. I was unwilling to kill a fruit who had been stalking me, trying to make me see love sunshine, and all of that bullshit. Why? Was it for a pretty face with a pure heart? Yeah. Funny, she disappeared on me after I came back, trying my best to be a better person." The Stray Dog frowns slightly, narrowing his eyes as he thinks back. He does, however, shrug once more, "I do regret not being able to control my emotions. In fact, the more I think about it, I should have controlled my emotions."
The Stray Dog continues to approach Dante, his steps are quite slow as if he is pacing himself. Like a predator, Jiro is taking his time, toying with the 'prey'. But at the same time, he vents. "I realize, after she disappeared, that all of that self-betterment was for nothing. It is true that I wanted power, it is true that I let my weakness of friendship and morality stop me." He considers a little more, "But, I am a little regretful that I can't go back to Kain after realizing what foolishness it was to let such influences keep me from bettering myself, from doing what /I/ wanted to do. I suffered human wants and needs that everyone wanted. After all, we are all human, even Kain. But, in the end, I'd be alone and by myself. I won't be able to depend on my friends or anyone. And depending on them was a mistake."
White sparkles illuminate Jiro's fist, flames burning along the hand. "But, there are things that can't be reversed, only thing is to move forward." His stance tightens while he crouches low, then he allows the energy to condense itself into a white glowing hand, few waves of flames escape every now and then.
"But, moving forward starts with making you my bitch." A feral grin curls on his lips, then he immediately pounces out towards Dante, extending his right fist invertedly while he leans forward, aiming to lunge the strike towards his chest. This is a small technique that Dante should find familiar.
It's Taira's technique after all.
Jiro aims to plant it, and should it make mark, there will be an explosion of chi enough to send Dante back.
COMBATSYS: Dante blocks Jiro's Exploder Knuckle.
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Jiro 1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Dante
"Ah... So you let some beautiful flower coerce you with her words of good will? I had a voice like that also, if not some petite number instead. The very man who taught me my style. They rebuilt my confidence and my will, and forged the basis of my fighting style." The smile becomes somewhat lighter now, as the black clad figure continues to circle, somber and almost jaded. Like a snake preparing itself to strike, more then anything else. His right hand flares to life with purple energy, beginning to hiss and rattle. In very the same manner Dante is courting the Stray Dog, neither yet making their move, both quite assured in the position they hold over the other. "Then mayhaps we are not so unalike, Jiro. My old master and old friend could take me no farther, and I had only to shed my emotions and friendship for that step. I had nobody to save my shattered soul that day, when I slew him and took the journey you could not. Yet from it I grew stronger... I have nothing in my life now, but that. That hunger for power, and never to be weak again" The flare of his hand grows louder, intensifying, before he spreads his stance and suddenly shifts into an assault. "One flip of the coin, Jiro. One chance meeting never done, And you might stand where I am now!!" One forearm interposes, catching the vicious fist and wrenching it aside, the explosion of chi taking place adjacent to Dante as opposed to in his chest. And then he attempts to strike with the Ankoku energy, ball of flame taking the shape of a serpent's head, into Jiro's shoulder once more. To envenom him, and send him stumbling backwards anew. The battle it appears is coming to the final conclusion; Who will prevail might be the true question...
COMBATSYS: Jiro blocks Dante's Taipan.
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Jiro 1/------=/=======|=------\-------\0 Dante
"...Yes, a beautiful flower. Doubt she had the feelings that I did for her, but I was willing to try." He shuts his eyes, "That willingness was a mistake." The fist continues to strike, almost seemingly half-hearted, but immediately afterwards, Jiro leaps back away from the older man, folding his arms. "..." Soon, it slowly starts to dawn on him. On that brief moment that the collision is made, the story makes a swoop to his mind and almost brings a realization to him.
Time is still for him as he considers it. Even as the ball of fire in the shape of a serpent's head, he holds his arm up, guarding himself from the impact. The Stray Dog immediately lands back on his feet, thinking to himself as he realizes something.
It is true. Dante and him are like mirror images of another world, in one sense. "So, you are what I could have been..." He fights against the venom, even as it attempts to tear into his blood, Jiro swings his arms out to break its hold. "Tsch. Your poison won't work on me." He snarls, tightening his fists before he immediately sprints forward.
COMBATSYS: Jiro successfully hits Dante with Quick Throw.
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Jiro 1/------=/=======|==-----\-------\0 Dante
"But it is." Dante states, attempting to shift away and coming alarmingly close, as Jiro's leg sweeps out and catches his ankle. The man crashes heavily upon the ground, inciting a snarl of discomfort, but he manages to whirl around and slip back up to his feet with something of a laugh. "It is, Jiro... I can sense it within you...! But part of purging that taint from my body is striking you down." And then he suddenly bursts into motion once more, snapping up both legs in an attempt to wrap them tightly around Jiro's neck in the same manner as before, trying to tightly strangle his neck. "...And you will die to it, as just another step on my journey...!" is cried out, with almost disturbing vehemence.
COMBATSYS: Jiro counters Burmese Python from Dante with Public Execution.
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Jiro 0/-------/------=|=====--\-------\0 Dante
The Stray Dog stands now, both hands into his pockets while he watches Dante. But eventually, he brings his hands out of his pockets and has his guard up. Snarling a little more, Jiro immediately launches himself straight at Dante, immediately planting his foot towards the man's stomach to send him off-course before he can wrap his arms around him, followed by a quick roundhouse kick with that same right leg. He steps forward with a sprinting leap, pivoting the right leg for a spinning hook kick with the left leg, then a crescent kick.
The next step is the right leg slamming down then the left leg comes up to plant against the man's chin, aiming to send him into the air. Jiro leaps up into the air, spinning around with the leg sky high, "PUBLIC...."
Then, he slams the foot down at Dante's head in the motion of an axe kick, "EXECUTION!"
Landing on the ground, he twists his thumbs down, "Bitch."
The gambit failed, and the blow upon the already thoroughly battered student lands smoothly after repelling him, and is slow to rise with one hand gripping his face almost oozing with blood that splatters the roof. "Ah... This will hardly do..." Dante states, with an almost exasperated sigh. "To beat you by such a slim margin would be a mockery to Kain if he witnessed it. I was wise to feel you out first." He manages to shakily get to his feet, spreading his stance and spitting to the side. Blood splatters the ground, as he manipulates the fire within his right hand and squints towards the figure opposite. Again the cacophony of a den of snakes, apparently summoned from nothing. Before he spreads his stance, molding the chi and hurtling a rather significant course of purple Ankoku fire once more. It swivels, attempting to bite Jiro this time in the chest before dissipating with an explosive burst. The finale might be closer then he had anticipated...!
COMBATSYS: Dante successfully hits Jiro with King Cobra.
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Jiro 0/-------/----===|=====--\-------\0 Dante
After having Dante planted on the ground, Jiro has a feral grin curling on his lips. "Now then." The Stray Dog snorts a moment, then he snarls viciously at the older man when he is starting to get onto his feet. Not wanting to give him any more time, Jiro starts off by springint at the man's direction, until he sees the flaming snakes coming forth to drive itself at his direction.
Eyes widening, Jiro immediately attempts to swoop over to the other side, but he is caught by the flaming snake's bite, caught within the chest and it explodes within a burst against him, "ARGH!" He hisses as he is caught back, feeling the poison seep in. Not wanting to lose this battle, Jiro is staggering to his feet, strategizing as to how to deal with this man. The Stray Dog immediately staggers up to his feet, trying to drive himself a little more distant, before he approaches the edge of the railing to where a trashcan rests. Oh hey, where did that come from? Oh, right, roof cleaners. Picking it up, Jiro turns to face Dante.
"Meh, taking out the trash now." He launches his right hand out, thrusting the object at his direction.
COMBATSYS: Dante fails to interrupt Large Thrown Object from Jiro with Strong Throw.
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Jiro 0/-------/----===|
COMBATSYS: Dante can no longer fight.
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Jiro 0/-------/----===|
There's a sudden, peculiar movement as Dante rushes forward. This is a flip of the coin, as the trashcan hurtles forward. Both might fall, or neither. Yet the item crashes into him, and the momentum is too much to shrug aside. Dante impacts the ground with somewhat heavy finality, rolling to a stop and shrugging the item off him. "Oho..." Dante states, managing to shift himself back to his feet. If he had only a minute, he'd still be able to fight. But for now, Jiro -- even almost weak as a kitten -- has too much of an advantage to continue. "...Well, this is but the first hand. Beating me once means nothing, by such a tiny margin... You one by experience, but I am the superior fighter..." Backing up to the edge of the building, there's a sudden laugh, as if some new joke reached his eyes. "...It shall be the most intelligent who reigns supreme in the end. We shall see how your luck holds out next time." And with that he steps backwards, falling in a ripple of black fabric. Yet there's a very soft thud, as Dante lands in an open dumpster as opposed to the floor. Slipping out, the open top crashes shut thereafter -- meaning Jiro will get two broken legs trying to follow in the same manner. "But know in your heart... I accomplished in months what you have spent a lifetime finding!" And with a final laugh he shifts, flickering around a building corner and out of sight.
After sending the trashcan smacking against Dante, the Stray Dog watches him land on the ground with a laugh, despite of his bleeding, and more poisoned state. But even then, that poison is starting to subside itself. The Stray dog looks at Dante, narrowing his eyes before he stands up to his feet, panting and he snarls. While Jiro is weak, he -is- at his deadliest. Never back an animal into the corner.
He tightens his fists, growling at Dante as he spits on the ground, "Superior?! My ass." He walks over towards him, then he watches him. "..." He watches him all off.
Almost wanting to run after him, he stops. He stares for those few moments, lowering his head.
~ "If you're going to let yourself be held back by emotional attachments, then there's nothing more you can learn from me. In the end, the unwillingness to do /whatever/ is necessary will hold you back. Perhaps you'll still achieve some measure of strength, but it's obvious now that you don't have the requirements necessary to be truly strong." ~
His muscles tightens as the words of Kain return in his mind, he is gritting his teeth once more. He almost starts to tear up, but that is the rage boiling along the Stray Dog's soul as the flames ignite with life once more. Although Jiro is panted, exhausted, and nearly beaten, he can't help but feel the strength growing from the rage pent up.
~ "Then mayhaps we are not so unalike, Jiro." ~
Jiro -slams- his fist into the ground, "...I refuse to accept that. I refuse."
But feeling that there is no one else, Jiro falls on his knees and he collapses on the ground in exhaustion.
Log created by Dante, and last modified on 19:48:41 03/23/2007.