Description:
The agents have found worthy fighters and from the looks of it, at least two were found in Southtown. Not at all surprising to Ken, as that place attracts promising fighters for a variety of reasons. In the end, Ken doesn't care where a person comes from, as long as they are up for a fight and can give him some hope of a challenge. While Ken has pride the size of a skyscraper, like his humble 'brother' in arms, he wants to be the best... And you don't get there without a bit of pain. That in mind, Ken replaces big name fighters with a few lesser known fighters. Who knows, maybe this is a fight where they can further their name by putting on a good show. Only time will tell.
Waiting until the announcer calls his name, the famed blond runs from his entrance, just giving a wave toward the cheering fans as he takes a position by the beach. Of course, he's wearing his usual gi, but unlike Ryu's, it's clean, nicely hemmed, and freshly pressed. Ken tightens his glove and belt, merely waiting for the fighters to come out and take there positions where ever they wish to be. He doesn't mind if they surround him or line up... He's just here to see how his latest intense training has paid off. Oh, and have some fun too, but that goes without saying for American Champ.
Azrael is somewhat surprised that he'd be picked for an exhibition match against someone as powerful as the famed Ken Masters, but then he won't be fighting the man alone, will he? No, he'll have plenty of help from other fighters, only one of which he knows. He seems to be doing his best to concentrate and stay focused before the fight begins. It'll be an interesting test to see numbers vs a single powerful fighter, at the very least. And with Masters being so quick it wouldn't be surprising if he managed to simply stay out of harms way while picking them off one by one.
For the young redhead, it's time to prove his worth. Win or lose, he's more interested to know how he'll fare in such a match up. NESTS could easily order him to be support for other fighters against people who are well ahead of him in technique and power. When his name is called he strides out to sandy beach, walking over to Ken and facing him directly and bowing, "Mr.Masters, it's an honor to be able to fight someone of your talent." He looks around a bit at the crowd. Last week he was in such an arena in Hong Kong and the crowds had somewhat perturbed him. Now? Not so much. He needs to learn to ignore them and focus more on the combat. This should be a good opportunity for that, as well.
Even though her victory over Joe was narrow, to the say the least, and even though it was just some sponsered advertising gimmick fight for some store's grand opening, it still seems to have been enough to propel Hotaru's name forward enough to get invited to this event. Like often happens with her, she gets invited sight unseen but often seems to generate a grunt of doubt from event organizers when she actually shows up. But she's long since convinced herself that she has to work hard to move up the tiers of competition if she wants to earn her impossible to please brother's respect. The event intrigues her, having the chance to fight against someone with what seems like such stacked numbers.
Stepping foot in the Red Arena imbues her with a bit of stage fright, not something she's used to when it comes to competition fighting. But this place is a far cry from the makeshift stage she just recently fought on. Moving up to Ken, she maintains a serious expression, bowing to him, palms pressed together in front of her, "Thank you for this opportunity, Mister Masters." That said, she clasps her hands behind her back, moves away several yards, and waits patiently for the rest of those with whom she is supposed to be teamed up with in this event, eyes wide with anticipation and just a little bit of nervousness.
There had initally been another person selected by Ken's people instead of the young woman quietly making her entrance, but when that fighter was recently arrested by the Southtown Police on drug charges, there was a vacuum left on the fight roster. Through backroom whispering and quiet suggestion, the coordinators contacted the girl's people and made an offer.
Her people accepted for her while she was still in the ring yesterday. Getting her face known is apparently a priority... And for good reason. The name of the game is money, and fame is the best way into it. Luckily, her fight the day before hadn't been too rough, though she still bares some evidence of injuries past.
Though the night is hardly brisk, the exotic beauty shivers in her thick wool coat, the fur on the trim vibrating gently. Because she hails from a tropical area, the air of the night feels colder to her than to natives, though she does stop curling into her jacket long enough to wave to the crowd when her name is called, despite it being mispronounced. "It's cooooold," she complains, pouting her lip out at Ken as she steps in-line with the other two. The crowds don't seem to faze her nearly as much as the weather...
"God of Death," Lykaio gives a slight nod to Azrael as he enters the arena, three will-o-the-wisps already circling his body slowly. The greek is dressed in a somewhat darker grey business suit than usual, and he frowns at the shallow water at one end, carefully walking along the edge where the forest ends and the beach begins, not even seeming to pay attention to the announcer, although when a couple of people in the crowd respond positively, he turns his head to smile warmly at them for a moment. He looks back to Ken, and inclines his head, opens his mouth... then closes it, seemingly at a loss for words. Finally, he smiles slightly, his momentary unease vanished in a sea of confidence. "...I've been listening."
Apparently thinking that conveys everything, Lykaio turns his head and looks at his two female teammates. He gives a slight smile to Hotaru, a trace of concern in his eyes, then moves his gaze on to Leilani. A long, blank stare. "Goddess, I had not known you would be in this fight. Be careful where you aim this time."
Ken smirks to himself. Two high schoolers, an ego filled greek guy, and a fighting girl that looks like she could give Mai a run for her money. While he would say that this is an easy fight, Ken's learned that fighting potential can take form in a wide variety of people. That thought in mind, Ken gets into his fighting stance.
"I'm glad you guys came, I expect you to give your all," Ken says to Hotaru and Azrael. Lyakio gets a nod with a smirk. "Good... Time for me to see what you got." And finally, he looks toward Leilani. "It might be a little cold now, but it won't be for long... Because now I'm gunna HEAT THINGS UP!" With that, Ken gets into a fighting position, his right hand bursting into flames for a second as he draws it to his side, the words and the bravado the sign that the four are allowed to come at Ken. He's confident despite the odds, that's for sure.
COMBATSYS: Ken has started a fight here.
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Ken 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Azrael has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Azrael 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Ken
COMBATSYS: Azrael has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Ken 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Azrael
COMBATSYS: Hotaru has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Ken 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Azrael
COMBATSYS: Leilani has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Ken 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Lykaio has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Ken 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
Well hey, at least if Azrael is in high school it's only because he was gone for so long! Surely he would have graduated by now. The young redhead can't help but notice the pride within Ken, and the confidence. Certainly he must be cocky, but then he's an incredibly powerful fighter being put up against ones that one on one wouldn't stand a change against him, or so one would think. Azrael nods to the Greek as he's greeted, "Lykaio." He gives his other two teammates a quick look and nods to them as well. Hotaru is somewhat known to him due to footage of her previous fights, but Leilani is a complete unknown
Ken drops into his fighting stance; it's time to get serious. Azrael reaches behind himself and pulls out his weapon, spinning it around a few times before narrowing his eyes. "I won't be holding back, even if it's four against one." He then holds out a hand and fires a quick burst of wispy black energy at Ken, one that if hits it's mark would momentarily stun him long enough for Azrael to rush in while spinning his weapon about and send three quick slashes of the blades on his weapon across his midsection. "Haaa!"
Hotaru doesn't get a sense of how powerful Ken is just by looking at him, because as far as surface appearances go, he could fit in with just about any number of confident men she's seen in competitions. But she can feel the difference. She makes a passing glance against those with whom she is loosely teamed. It isn't like a normal team, where people figure out ways to work with each other to supplement each other's strengths and weakenesses. Which means it is probably going to end up being more like four individuals not working very much in synch at all, she figures. All she knows of her teammates are their announced names (Including Leani, which is the best guess she was able to get from the announcer's pronounciation of Leilani's name) and what they look like. What they bring to the fight is anyone's guess.
Adopting a ready stance consistent with her style, Hotaru hangs back as Azrael goes on the offense. She takes a moment to focus, remembering her practice, her father's training, and her previous epxeriences.
COMBATSYS: Hotaru focuses on her next action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Ken 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
The Hawai'ian woman turns to Lykaio, her hands now resting on tilted hips. "Hey, now," she says, tone both indignant and a little hurt. She raises her hand, extending a finger to start counting off as she speaks. "First off, it wasn't my fault she stepped into it. Second, it won us the match, didn't it? Third, she took it way too hard. I mean, you're in a fight, you should be expecting to get punched li'dat." With a sigh and a roll of the eyes, she crosses her arms and leans onto the other leg. "Look, she was asking for it with the cellphone talk, an' I still feel pilao. But that aside, Mr. Masters here i'in't a girl and i'in't wearing a skirt, so I can't exactly punch him in the cooter, can I?"
Vauge recognition of being spoken to finally sinks into Leilani's head as Ken switches into combat stance. Without further ado, she shrugs off her thick jacket and pitches it aside, knowing full well it could be used against her if she still wore it. Her teeth chattering, she looks over her opponent and her teammates as she calms her shivering. Aside from Lykaio, she knows... nobody. She's heard of Ken Masters, sure, but hasn't once watched one of his fights. Hotaru or Azrael? Had someone asked the Hawai'ian about them yesterday, she would've looked at the person blankly. Hell, the girl nearly turned Shermie into a handpuppet, yet still really knows nothing about her other than she likes cellphones.
A sheltered life, really. But that doesn't stop the Shark from trying to read the red gi'd man's actions, and perhaps find a chink in the armor.
COMBATSYS: Leilani focuses on her next action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Ken 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
Lykaio stares at Leilani for a long moment, then nods slightly. "These things are all true. Seeing it made me ill, however." He shakes his head slightly, and attempts a smile, half succeeding. "...Perhaps I have misjudged you." And with that, Ken raises his fist, and he looks back immediately. The fight is on.
The Greek's first motive is to hang back... but as he sees Azrael begin to move, he steps up alongside him, waiting for a moment as he sees the wispy black energy come out. He rushes towards Ken right after the black energy is supposed to stun him, hair beginning to crackle with electrical energy - which only causes it to become more messy. Raising one hand, aiming a palm strike at the Anatsuken master's stomach, then stopping an inch before it could hit even if Ken was still there, and letting the electricity arc through his palm and towards his opponent's chest.
COMBATSYS: Azrael successfully hits Ken with Necrotic Slash.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Ken 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Lykaio's Release Omega.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Ken 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
Ken prepares for the onslaught... Only to find that for the most part, it doesn't come. He gets a trio of slashes by Azrael's knife as he tries to zig-zag out of the way... And it hurts. Huh, color Ken surprised. He takes a step back and ducks under lighning, showing that he DOES still have some defensive ability about him. While Azrael is right there, he knows there are two people that aren't attack him. That means they are either channeling energy, or getting ready for something else. Perhaps a women's team attack or something. Clearly it's time for Ken to show that he won't hold back, even against ladies. Moving past the knife-wielder as if he didn't exist, he rolls along the ground, deciding to bring out his big move to start things out. He leaps out of his roll right in front of Hotaru, his fist trying to connect with her chin or chest (or both, depending on how the blow lands... Look at Sagat). This wouldn't be so bad until one factors in the fire that bursts from his hand as he does this, giving it a burning bit of 'umph' behind it. Looks like Ken isn't holding back either.
COMBATSYS: Hotaru fails to reflect Shoryuken from Ken with Kobi Kyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/--=====|=======\=------\1 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
Two move forward to attack, and two hang back. Really, that's not too terrible a tactic, considering the power of their opponent. Lykaio doesn't seem able to land his attack, but Azrael's seems to have gone exactly as planned, the energy hitting his mark and slowing Ken down /just/ enough to be able to get him with the blades of his weapon. He spins it around a little and prepares to make a defense... and the superior fighter just rolls on past him. Now that's interesting. He doesn't even have time to try and slice him as he go by, he's so quick on his feet.
He seems to be going for Hotaru... well, she's a fighter, she can handle herself. Whatever the outcome is, Azrael slows the spin of his weapon and moves into a more defensive stance, facing Ken. He holds his weapon by the center and holds it out from him with one hand, and a wellspring of black energy begins to swirl up around him, only a trickle at first, but before long he's covered with the energy, black and wispy and almost incorporeal. And then to Ken, he speaks. "I've shown you what I can do, now why don't you show me what you can?"
COMBATSYS: Azrael gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/--=====|=======\=------\1 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> ///////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
Focus, focus, focus. Must focus. Must concentrate. Must not think about the crowd. Think fighting, training, speed- ACK. How Ken got from where he was originally attacked over to her so fast is something Hotaru doesn't even have time to give thought to. Trying to react with an attack of her own, she fails terribly in the attempt. *KAWPOW* Sent flying up, backwards, and then crashing down to the ground, her only solace is that she doesn't land too hard, given her weight. She doesn't even get up for a long moment, but finally wills herself to to a seated position, before slowly struggling to her feet, though she doesn't look too steady. Lifting one arm to rub her collarbone, Hotaru does all she can to keep from losing her grasp on the present situation, taking stock in her teammates.
Not so much getting ready for 'something else' as just 'getting ready', Leilani watches as Azrael's slashes hit home, whilst the crackling electricity of the Greek fella simply creates ozone. No openings yet seen, the Hawai'ian takes a step away from Hotaru, and just in time. As Ken rolls into her teammate, fist blazing, she drops to a crouch... and as his feet leave the ground, she senses that chink in the armor she's been hoping for.
Rising like tidal waves, the Shark leaps up after the blonde billionare, hoping to catch him by the shoulders. If she makes contact, the momentum should be enough for her to teeter him over so that he'd land on his face, and perhaps she might land on his back, crouched like the world's cutest frog. Ribbit.
Lykaio smiles slightly as Azrael's slashes land, then blinks as the electricity doesn't hit it's target, and quickly lowers his hands towards the ground before the electricity decides to go back into his body, instead passing downwards into the sand. Only then does he hear the sound of a schoolgirl flying through the air, and turns around, eyes narrowed as he looks to Ken. He runs as fast as he can towards Hotaru's new location, kicking up sand behind him, pulling a black heavy-duty rubber glove out of his pocket and shoving his left hand into it as he does so. He tries to interpose himself between his fallen comrade and Ken to give her a moment to get herself back together, then offers her a hand up - his gloved one, of course.
COMBATSYS: Lykaio assists Hotaru.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/--=====|=======\=------\1 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> ///////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Ken blocks Leilani's Quick Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-======|=======\=------\1 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> ///////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
As the woman tries to push him forward, Ken goes down, but he catches himself on his hands and knees rather gracefully. He's could comment to her about WHY he skilled at defending himself against stuff like that, but Eliza is likely listening and he has learned how cold a leather couch can be at night. He gets up, not even minding if the woman is behind him. He has speed and skill to keep him safe... As well as other things to worry about.
"I will, kid, just be patient, there is enough pain for everyone to enjoy!" Ken might be confident, but if he wants to win the fight, every action must be precise and planned. He's lost to beginners before and he doesn't plan to again. Thankful that his attack has put the hurt on Hotaru and kept her from attacking again for the time being, the fighter decides that he better finish what he started. Knowing that Lykaio is helping the young woman, Ken decides to try the high road to get to her. Racing for the woman, he leaps into the air, perhaps leaping over the shocking youth to extend his foot to try and hit the little miss with the ponytails. Jump kicks, gotta love 'em.
Hmm. Ken is focusing his attacks on a single member, and for the moment that's Hotaru. Azrael seems to have failed, then, having hoped his dark lightshow would draw fire away from the young woman, if only so she can stay up and keep fighting longer. Luckily he hadn't just stood there and done nothing, the gathering of his strength was true. He narrows his eyes slightly, moving quickly in a circular motion around the other fighters so that he's facing them from the side. He then eases up on his weapon and holds it with two hands near the end of one of the blade. Wielding it not unlike you would a lance, he charges forward at full speed towards Hotaru, not aiming for her, but Ken as he jumps in. He'll definitely arrive after, so that'll give him time to make any adjustments to his course in the attempt to simply spear him from the side as he rushes forward. If the weapon hits it'll sink in deep before a surge of negative energy is poured through it, once again an attempt to stun Ken long enough for Azrael to get some hits in, but this time he'll wield the weapon powerfully, trying to get several very hard slashes across his body.
COMBATSYS: Hotaru dodges Ken's Medium Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-======|=======\=------\1 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
Lykaio's offer of help is accepted by Hotaru, the hold she takes of his hand used to steady herself once she is back on her feet. She offers him a smile of thanks, but there's little time left to do anything else as the martial artist bears down on her to strike again. Enjoying the dubious honor of being the first to be targetted by the champion level fighter, the girl worries less about trying to attack him and more about trying to NOT get clocked like that last attack. This time her reflexes are heightened by not only the help she gets from her teammate, but a certain amount of fear and adrenaline. The incoming jump attack is avoided by leaping backward, providing a perfect point from which to launch an attack of her own. "Rengeki Shuu!" she calls out in traditional fashion, performing a diving kick right back at Ken.
Despite not actually forcing Ken's face into the ground, Leilani still lands crouched upon his back, managing to pause for a moment before momentum makes her hop off and forward. Cameras flashed as the two landed, however, and the image of the young Hawai'ian girl looking down curiously at the back of Ken Masters' head will become fodder for print media for weeks. It's almost kitten levels of adorable.
It's all the better Ken didn't tell her about the reasons he's used to catching himself like that... She'd likely play along with it, much to the strain of his marriage. But that's her schtick; it pays the bills and lines her pockets. As the blonde man hefts himself up and presses the attack on Hotaru, the Shark pauses for only a moment before rushing after. Despite his nice, clean and mended gi, Leilani decides to give him some extra ventilation. The back of her hand suddenly erupts in a row of bone-white shark's teeth, which glow slightly in the light as she arcs her hand upwards at that nice spot between Ken's shoulderblades, where the happy tendons lie.
Lykaio smiles back at Hotaru, then narrows his eyes as he watches Ken attack her again. He takes a step back to see Azrael and Leilani rushing, and makes a fist, electrical energy crackling along his arm... but then lowers his head slightly. With this many allies in possible contact with Ken's body from various angles, he can't attack safely. Yes, Lykaio has learned it the hard way: teammates conduct electricity.
So instead he takes another step backwards, his eyes flickering over the inevitable dance of blades, legs, and fists, trying to make it into some larger pattern.
COMBATSYS: Lykaio focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-======|=======\-------\1 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Leilani successfully hits Ken with Shark's Bite.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-======|=======\-------\1 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Ken blocks Hotaru's Rengeki Shuu.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/=======|=======\=------\1 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Azrael's Morbid Massacre.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/=======|=======\=------\1 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Leilani
And now they come and despite the bad position, Ken can't help but give a grin. The assault that he was waiting for... the true testing of his ability as a fighter. Ken pays the price for leaving his back open as the 'teeth' dig into his back. While one would think that Ken has left himself wide open, that is only partially true. As the knife comes for him, Ken just catches Azrael's wrist and with his free arm, Ken blocks the swift kick of Hotaru. Ken pushes Hoatru away before spinning around to try tugging Azrael toward Leilani, though there is little force to keep it painful. It likely won't keep the two off of him for long if at all, but he can hope.
Ken reaches for Hotaru despite the fact that he's Lykaio is prepping to hit him, trying to get his hands on her shirt top. The Greek is too far away and Ken's too much in the thick of it to do anything. Should he get the top, he will then try and take her pull her to the side as if to toss her aside like a rag doll. Of course, that isn't very painful, so he quickly spins around right after he lets her go in order to give a swift roundhouse to her gut.
All the power and effort that went into Azrael's attack, all the energy he poured into it is wasted. The forward blade flares with the dark energy that then dissipates into nothingness, leading the young man to frown just a little bit. It wouldn't have been a mistake if he had been successful, but that failure means it was. He put too much into that single attack. A slight sigh escapes him, but not one of sorrow or annoyance; he's simply releasing the negative emotions caused by the minor failure. He turns back around after he's pulled aside and out of the way. Ken will certainly get to Hotaru before there's anything he can do about it, but since he's keeping himself occupied Azrael can make some more attempts at attacking full force, almost without any chance of retaliation. He rushes forward again, twirling his weapon about masterfully and moving in on Ken's backside, arcing the blades low and attempting to hack at his Achilles tendon. If he loses the use of one leg, his expert evasion techniques will be useless.
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Hotaru with Tsukami Nage.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Ken 1/------=/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Leilani
Normally it's not too hard to hop back to safety after someone blocks her Rengeki Shuu, but Hotaru has yet to test many of her moves against a fighter of such incredible calibur and her normal assumptions aren't holding up. She knew this was going to hurt when she accepted the invitation. One would have to be intentionally oblivious to the fighting circuits to not know who Ken Masters was. Having her shirt grasped, Hotaru attempts to react quick enough by kicking herself free, but it's no use. Adding injury to, well, injury, the kick to her gut crumples the girl to the ground. It feels like she's just not getting much of a chance to gain any distance from Ken, when all she really wants is a moment to clear her spinning vision.
Dropping into her next attack is more instinct combined with a desperate hope to survive this long enough for her teammates to help her out. Drawing back on her last ditch option, she gathers herself enough to roll forward toward Ken, trying to turn the tables, and coming out of the roll with an arching backflipping, chi-laden kick. It's not among the moves her father taught her, nor would he probably approve if he knew she had figured it out. "Ten-shou Ranki!"
The Shark has bite, and the teeth do the job of making party streamers out of the back of Ken's gi. A slight smile creeps upon her face for a moment before her concentration is lost in the haze of activity. As Ken skirts one attack and then another, the Hawai'ian is forced to step back for a moment, which gives her ample time to see Hotaru take the kick to the stomach.
Her own stomach muscles clench painfully in sympathy. Ohh, that looked NASTY. Watching the girl's reaction is cringeworthy. Yikes. Rather than try and get in on that action, Leilani decides that discretion is the better part of valor, and holds back for a moment, slowly moving in a circular fashion around the combat, looking for a good spot to strike again. Besides, the kick the girl's giving looks... vicious.
COMBATSYS: Leilani focuses on her next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Ken 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Leilani
Lykaio watches the attacks flow back and forth, the movement of bodies and blade, waiting for a moment when there's an opening as Ken orchestrates this bizzare ballet. He flinches as Hotaru is hit yet again, and begins to move forwards, getting closer as he takes his glove back off and tosses it aside. And then, finally, as Leilani steps back, he sees his chance. He takes a long step forwards, and aims a simple downwards kick with a bit of a swing at the shin of the leg Azrael isn't slashing at. Nothing fancy, really, but there's still electrical force behind it....
----------------------------<Paste from Azrael>----------------------------
Normally it's not too hard to hop back to safety after someone blocks her Rengeki Shuu, but Hotaru has yet to test many of her moves against a fighter of such incredible calibur and her normal assumptions aren't holding up. She knew this was going to hurt when she accepted the invitation. One would have to be intentionally oblivious to the fighting circuits to not know who Ken Masters was. Having her shirt grasped, Hotaru attempts to react quick enough by kicking herself free, but it's no use. Adding injury to, well, injury, the kick to her gut crumples the girl to the ground. It feels like she's just not getting much of a chance to gain any distance from Ken, when all she really wants is a moment to clear her spinning vision.
Dropping into her next attack is more instinct combined with a desperate hope to survive this long enough for her teammates to help her out. Drawing back on her last ditch option, she gathers herself enough to roll forward toward Ken, trying to turn the tables, and coming out of the roll with an arching backflipping, chi-laden kick. It's not among the moves her father taught her, nor would he probably approve if he knew she had figured it out. "Ten-shou Ranki!"
meters
The Shark has bite, and the teeth do the job of making party streamers out of the back of Ken's gi. A slight smile creeps upon her face for a moment before her concentration is lost in the haze of activity. As Ken skirts one attack and then another, the Hawai'ian is forced to step back for a moment, which gives her ample time to see Hotaru take the kick to the stomach.
Her own stomach muscles clench painfully in sympathy. Ohh, that looked NASTY. Watching the girl's reaction is cringeworthy. Yikes. Rather than try and get in on that action, Leilani decides that discretion is the better part of valor, and holds back for a moment, slowly moving in a circular fashion around the combat, looking for a good spot to strike again. Besides, the kick the girl's giving looks... vicious.
COMBATSYS: Hotaru successfully hits Ken with Ten-shou Ranki EX.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Ken 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Lykaio successfully hits Ken with Medium Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Ken 1/---====/=======|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Azrael's Fierce Strike.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Ken 1/---====/=======|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Leilani
The kick sends Ken to the ground, but as he gets up he gets nailed in the leg as he tries to avoid the slice of Azrael's knife. Ken falls to the ground again, but he's far from out, even in this painful and seemingly beaten position. He gives a smile to the little miss, even as she tries to stay out of the fight. "Sorry, but I only let myself pull that trick on me one." That said, he leaps over to the two guys before he lands in front of Leilani. He begins a series of roundhouse kicks giving a syllable for each kick. "Now it's time to say good..." Ken then goes into a spinning kick which takes himself and perhaps Leilani into the air, juggling her with his wounded leg. "NIGHT!" Regardless if he hits the move or not, he lands with a wince, clearly pushing himself rather hard for this fight. But that's exactly what he wanted.
He missed again; or rather Ken dodged again. Hopefully, if nothing else, he's causing the fighter enough distraction for his teammates to hit. At this point, Azrael isn't sure if he's 'succeeding' at this task or not, but though it worked for the first attack it seems simply charging Ken isn't going to work. He'll have to be more... subtle. His eyes widen a bit at the pure power and force of Hotaru's attack though, which seems to had a rather powerful effect on Ken. That's very impressive, considering the power of the American champion; he'll have to remember to be weary of it in the future.
This time he doesn't rush after Ken as he goes to attack Leilani, instead simply turning to face him and spinning his weapon around slowly, looking for an opening of some kind that he can take advantage of, specifically paying attention to the wounded leg.
Regardless of the outcome of Hotaru's last ditch attack, she gave her it all and the two severely painful blows she had taken thus far in the match caught up with her. Drained of energy and the ability to stay standing after landing from her attack, she just sort of slips to her knees then falls on her side, passed out cold. Good luck teammates!
COMBATSYS: Azrael focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Ken 0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> //////////////////////////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Leilani fails to counter Shippuujinrai Kyaku from Ken with Counter Strike.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Ken 0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> ////////////// ]
|=======\====---\1 Leilani
Man, this guy's pretty dang good. As her female teammate attacks, the strength of the blow gives her pause... Which isn't a good thing when Ken recovers. His leap over the boys causes Leilani to be caught flat-footed, and her attempt to strike at Ken's leg instead has her caught in the vortex of pain, blasted repeatedly by the blonde billionare's kicks.
Landing unceremoniously on the floor, her butt sticking straight up into the air, the Hawai'ian takes a moment to ponder her situation before standing. Perhaps it's time she, too, decided to make with the pain. After all, her pride is now as bruised as her ribs. That wasn't a graveful way to land. Slipping forward, the Shark attempts to snag one of Ken's wrists... If she does, there's a rollercoaster he gets to play on.
[EDIT ACTION TO FOLLOWING]
Man, this guy's pretty dang good. As her female teammate attacks, the strength of the blow gives her pause... Which isn't a good thing when Ken recovers. His leap over the boys causes Leilani to be caught flat-footed, and her attempt to strike at Ken's leg instead has her caught in the vortex of pain, blasted repeatedly by the blonde billionare's kicks.
Landing unceremoniously on the floor, her butt sticking straight up into the air, the Hawai'ian takes a moment to ponder her situation before standing. Perhaps it's time she, too, decided to make with the pain. After all, her pride is now as bruised as her ribs. That wasn't a graceful way to land. But first, a little moment to try and recover some dignity.
Lykaio blinks, watching Hotaru's attack with raised eyebrows. He shakes his head slowly, and watches Ken knock her up into the air with repeated kicks. He rolls his shoulders a bit, looking uncomfortable. "...Taking out the girls first?" A slight shake of his head, and he grabs two of his orbs from the air, one in each hand, squeezing them slightly so that electricity coats his arms... then steps back towards Ken and tries to pummel his stomach with both fists.
COMBATSYS: Lykaio successfully hits Ken with Penultimate Skill.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Ken 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> ////////////////////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Lykaio
> /////////////////////////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Azrael
> ////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
Ken almost is about to pat Leilani on the butt and tell her that she should just stay down, but it seems like he has other things to worry about (which likely is good because it keeps Ken out of trouble). Like getting a couple of fists in his gut. He flies a few feet, just landing on his back.
Ken is taking a beating at this point. Sweat pours down his brow, the champ looking like he's hurting and tired. Of course, that's natural and expected, he's fighting four fighters of varying skill. But Ken doesn't want to be natural. He doesn't want to be expected. He wants to be the power. After all, he is an aggressive sort of guy. Unlike his powerhouse peers of Vega and Geese though, he has morals... And is much less powerful. In order to edge out those that would curb his ego and desire for a 'kind leadership' in the global market, Ken must be strong enough to defend himself and those that depend on him. That in mind, Ken rises once more.
Ken pulls his hands together, channeling the energies about him into his palms, condensing them into one nice ball of blue chi energy as his wrists are pressed together and pulled to his side. While Ryu can do the move with more power and flair, Ken can use the technique too when he needs to. Once the ball has been formed, the American Karate Champ thrusts out the palms, letting the ball of chi energy fly right for Azrael? While it would seem like he was gunna try and blast the hot hula dancer or lightning boy with the chi, he turns around, scanning the area for a target and that target seems to be the knife wielder. Of course, this attack is followed by that famed cry that gets an echo and some cheers from the audience. "HADOUKEN!"
COMBATSYS: Azrael fails to interrupt Hadouken from Ken with Morbid Massacre.
[ \\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> ////////////////////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Lykaio
> ////////////////// ]
|=======\====---\1 Azrael
> ////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
Hmm. Leilani just got creamed by the powerful attack of Ken's while trying to reverse it on him, but Lykaio really seemed to put a pounding on the American Master. Hmm... the Greek hadn't tried that assault on him when they had fought, but perhaps that's a good thing... That was certainly very painful. And now it's Azrael's turn to face the powerful fighter, but not with a simple punch or kick, but with a burst of blue energy, one of the classics of streetfighting. The smart thing to do would be to hunker down and brace for impact. But at this point... Azrael essentially considers Ken out of the game. Hotaru's attack was simply too damaging for him to recover, or so he thinks, and what Lykaio just did won't help him a bit. So rather than doing the smart thing, he tests himself against it's power. He sets his weapon like a lance again and charges straight forward into the energy, tip hitting first followed by the young man. It's a good attempt, but it's not going to work. The odds of that were as close to nothing as it can get, but the amount he's able to stave it off before it blasts him away and throws him on his back is a good measure of his strength. And that of Ken's as well. He picks himself up slowly, almost to the point of laughing. Well, at least he's having fun?
Shaking cobwebs from her head, Leilani is glad to have a moment's respite, thanks to the attacks of her teammates. If the other woman was still standing, she's sure they'd whittle him down... eventually. Still, she momentarily braces when Ken starts his motions for the Hadouken, but finds herself with an opening. Excellent.
Exploiting that chink in the defenses left by the chi blast, Leilani rushes forward. Instead of an attack, however, she seems to be grabbing for Ken's face... where she intends to plant a rather serious kiss on his lips. Not only will it provide good fodder for the tabloids, but typically the unwilling victim of this will try and push her away. If THAT happens, his wrist will be hers for the taking... And then the road will get exceptionally rocky for the Ansatsuken practicioner.
Lykaio sees Ken building up power, and smiles faintly, recognizing the beginnings of the move. He raises his own hand and pours energy into one of the orbs until it turns large, pulsing with energy, waiting until Ken moves to release it on it's path... and then the Karate Champ turns around and blasts it at Azrael. He stares for a long moment, then shrugs slightly, and releases the orb nevertheless sending it hurtling towards Ken's feet - it's not like he wants to hang around holding it. When the orb hits Ken's feet, the ground, or whatever, it should explode into a large blast of electrical fire.
COMBATSYS: Leilani successfully hits Ken with Kapu Ku'i A Lua.
[ \\ < > /////// ]
Ken 1/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Lykaio
> ////////////////// ]
|=======\====---\1 Azrael
> ////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Ken blocks Lykaio's Saint Elmo's Fire.
[ \ < > /////// ]
Ken 1/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Lykaio
> ////////////////// ]
|=======\====---\1 Azrael
> ////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
Welcome to the Pain Train. Toot toot!
Having snagged Ken's wrist, Leilani twists it, locking the arm out. Striking upward at the armpit with an open palm, the blow forces the joint out of socket with a rather loud 'pop'. Wrenching the arm around again, she whips the arm up and down like she was putting sheets on a bed, forcing the joint to slip back into place. Turning and twisting the arm with, she forces the Ansatsuken practicioner to stumble before violently yanks in the opposite direction, tearing the shoulder out of joint again. Twisting the arm around, she then steps under the limb and slams her elbow back under the arm, popping it back into joint. Wrapping her arm smoothly around the damaged limb, her armpit forcing Ken arm to lock out again, she violently leans back and rockets her arms up, again wrenching the limb out of socket. Letting the arm go, she suddenly headbutts the injured shoulder, letting the joint set one last time.
And, for insult to injury, she kisses the shoulder. A kiss to make it better, broddah.
Ken gets nailed in the back by the Lykaio's electricity despite his attempts to brace himself, which gives Leilani the chance to get up close and personal. While he's a good kisser, Leilani wouldn't know since that usually requires him to want to kiss. When he tries to push away, the plan works and he gets his arm ravaged. He doesn't give Leilani the satisifaction of screaming. Ken takes his pain like a man even if she fights like that sadist Vice. His face is riddled with the expression though. He falls foward to almost rest on the crazy fighting woman's shoulder, but he catches himself. His blood drips from his back and his leg, staining the sand red. His body is a mess of bruises in various stages of development, but he isn't down yet. He has one more thing to he needs to do. "Miss... You are likely a special kind girl, but I'm married... And I'm required to share a special message from my wife."
With that, he does the whole kick combo again, landing on his feet regardless if it hits or misses. He then summons the last of his strength to fingersnap three times. "That's my man, b****. Hands off." That important message delievered, Ken falls to the ground, face first. Hopefully he dosen't land on Leilani and defeat the whole purpose of his message.
Ken gets nailed in the back by the Lykaio's electricity despite his attempts to brace himself, which gives Leilani the chance to get up close and personal. While he's a good kisser, Leilani wouldn't know since that usually requires him to want to kiss. When he tries to push away, the plan works and he gets his arm ravaged. He doesn't give Leilani the satisifaction of screaming. Ken takes his pain like a man even if she fights like that sadist Vice. His face is riddled with the expression though. He falls foward to almost rest on the crazy fighting woman's shoulder, but he catches himself. His blood drips from his back and his leg, staining the sand red. His body is a mess of bruises in various stages of development, but he isn't down yet. He has one more thing to he needs to do. "Miss... You are likely a special kind girl, but I'm married... And I'm required to share a special message from my wife."
That said, a vault of legs to push him upward. Of course, his head doesn't lead the way, but instead, his fist, which is again flowing with the red fires that have secured him many a wins in the past. It seems like a normal Shoryuken but it takes him much higher into the air... And it's much more painful and faster. He then summons the last of his strength to fingersnap three times. "That's my man, b****. Hands off." That important message delievered, Ken falls to the ground, face first. Hopefully he dosen't land on Leilani and defeat the whole purpose of his message.
COMBATSYS: Ken can no longer fight.
> /////// ]
|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Lykaio
> ////////////////// ]
|=======\====---\1 Azrael
> ////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Leilani
COMBATSYS: Leilani blocks Ken's Shoryuken.
> /////// ]
|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Lykaio
> ////////////////// ]
|=======\====---\1 Azrael
> //////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Leilani
Azrael seems to have picked himself up with nothing to do afterwards. Leilani and Lykaio have finished Ken off, and he's making a final attack against the former. Azrael puts his weapon away in the harness on his back and shakes his head a little. Overall he'd have to say he was nearly useless. He managed to get a single hit in, and the rest of his attacks were dodged. There's nothing more for him to do in the fight. He looks over to Leilani, Lykaio and Ken. "Good fight." Other than that... he really doesn't have much to say to anyone. Someone, probably a medic, will take care of Hotaru.
COMBATSYS: Azrael has left the fight here.
> /////// ]
|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Lykaio
> //////// ]
|=====--\-------\0 Leilani
The fire of Kilauea may burn hotter, but they sure feel the same when scorched upon one's skin. Covering up, Leilani feels the bandages on her arms melt as the Ansatsuken practicioner's flaming fist comes rocketing by, the heat reddening the skin on her forearms and making her instinctively step backwards. Thank god the fight is over... Because she'd be a doorstep with just another one of Ken's sneezes, let alone a strike. As he lands and delivers the message, the Hawai'ian nods slightly, only to move suddenly to catch her opponent as he loses consciousness and falls forward. Gently lowering him onto his back and the ground, she then steps away as paramedics converge upon both him and the other woman. Quietly, she retrieves her belongings and makes her way out of the arena.
Soon after exiting, a reporter runs up to Leilani, whom has once again donned her jacket and is shivering in the not-so-chilly night air. "Excuse me," the man asks, a cameraman following right behind him. "Miss Kekiloani? A question about the fight... Don't you think that the way it ended was a little... Forward? Is that kind of action justifiable in a combat situation?"
The shivering woman smiles, as if thinking of a distant memory. "Well, he is likely to deny it, but we have... a history."
COMBATSYS: Leilani has left the fight here.
> /////// ]
|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
> //////////////////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Lykaio
Lykaio blinks, just staring as Leilani pops Ken's arm in and out of it's joint what seems like half a dozen times in slow motion. He wipes the sweat from his face with his palms, then lowers his hands, and stares at the Hawai'ian for a long moment. "...No. No, I don't think I misjudged you." A slight shake of his head.
He looks down to Ken, clearly uneasy with how this ended. "...Is that why you invited me to this fight?" He sighs slightly, but... there's no real reason to hang around. Ken is probably going to need some medical attention, and perhaps a talk with his wife.
The Greek closes his eyes for a moment, perhaps reflecting on the meaning of existance... then opens them, and turns to Azrael. "...Did you eat yet? I was thinking of grabbing lunch."
COMBATSYS: Lykaio has left the fight here.
> /////// ]
|====---\-------\0 Hotaru
Azrael looks back when he realizes Lykaio was talking to him. He stops for a moment and turns around, "I need to think about what's happened here today." A short pause and then, "I'll take a rain check, though." He adds that second part after he realizes that he's still on orders to learn more about him. Wouldn't do to alienate him.
Lykaio smiles slightly, not seeming to take umbrage at Azrael's polite refusal. "That's probably wise. Until we meet again, then, God of Death." A slight incline of his head. A glance to Hotaru to confirm that she's alive, and then he turns away.
Log created by Azrael, and last modified on 05:45:24 04/26/2007.