Description: Talent in the youth of today is something always kept an eye out for, and this staged assessment of Kyosuke by Krizalid goes poorly for the teenager. Or is that well?
The rush of water is a constant sound in the background, the steady ebb and flow lasting long after the seagulls silenced their cries in lieu of finding their perches. Salt lay thick on the air, the distinctive scent a clear indication of ones location if the rest hadn't been clues enough. The wind matched the eddying flow of the sea, its cool touch lacking the heat of the sun overhead, night instead reigned and here the stars were allowed a brief respite to shine. It was late enough that the lights had dimmed from the nearby amusment park, along with the cheerful trumpeting music.
The brief taste of tranquility was the kind those downtown enjoyed purchasing in their Hallmark stores on CD, here...Kyosuke got it for free. Kind of. The grit of sand jarred against his flesh and the lightheadedness lazily began its egress. The teenager cut off the beginnings of a groan, instead laying still and opening his eyes a crack. Beach, most likely Sound Beach, night, late. Alone? Not likely. Quick assessments that didn't matter the longer he lay there. Not exactly the place he'd been earlier.
Making a decision, the youth rolled to sitting, his fingers tracing the sore-area at the nape of his neck. And again with some disatissfaction-- Kyosuke noted he was missing his supplies so recently bought from China Town. He wasn't having any luck recently shopping there...to think that someone'd swipe his last stash when he fought the legend Ryu.
That said, he openly assessed his surroundings, making no pretenses at being subtle. Someone'd brought him here for a reason, no need to waste time finding out why.
Someone took the time and effort to arrange abduction from the middle of downtown, to spirit the youth away from relative safety to that seemingly remote and otherwise deserted stretch of beach. The act alone spoke of money, power; the kind of people whom Kyosuke secretly desired to rise up and fight against. The Southtown Syndicate, they could certainly have pulled off something as elaborate as what unfolded that evening, without the rise of alarms.
In a way, perhaps the youth should have been flattered that someone had taken such a special interest in him. But then given the circumstances it could well have meant his downfall had only just begun. The removal of his belongings should have been the least of his worries, once the sedatives cleared through his bloodstream and rational thought returned.
Yet the assessment of the area that Kyosuke undertook revealed a silhouette there against the distant lights of the amusement park. Tall, and rugged up against the non-existent cold, the figure would prove to be the one responsible for the student's current dilemma. "Kagami Kyosuke... That's how you say it here, isn't it? Last name first, first name last?" that voice broke the tranquil lap of waves against shore, lilted with the tones of the Emerald Isle. "You have my apologies for any rough treatment my men may have caused you, but... all a necessity, as you will see."
Such was the kind of flattery and wooing that the teenager could do without, especially when he quickly found the source of it. Kyosuke frowned, the austere expression right at home on his face despite the delicate features that comprised it. The groceries were temporarily forgotten, instead the focus taken up by the forbidding figure that stood not too far off from where he sat. Decisively, Kyosuke rose to his feet, a smooth motion inspite of the sudden dizziness after having been lying for however long.
"It is." He answered summarily, his tone curt and not all together friendly. He was unable to place the accent the other used, and infact, from appearances alone... "Don't waste time with semantics if you aren't going to bother introducing yourself." Brushing his fingers against the rim of his glasses, he let his hand fall back to his side. His stance remained outwardly at ease, but he was tensed within. "I may not have classes tomorrow, but I still have an early start in the morning...it's already nearly midnight." Reading the positioning of what few stars resided overhead. And maybe a glance at his watch.
"What exactly have you brought me here for?" Wasting no time at all. It really irked him more than he realised to have lost his purchases again.
That figure remained where it stood, not too far off but somewhat ominous in nature. The silhouette itself showed him to be wearing a heavy coat, although that did not last long. "Yes, I have little intention of introducing myself," he replied evenly, with perhaps a touch of amusement laced into his accent for the up-front nature the boy showed to him. He sensed no fear. If anything, he could tell that Kyosuke held a similar dislike for pointless engagements.
Right to the point was the youth, and Krizalid allowed himself a slight smile beyond his vaulted collar. The silhouette spread its arms wide. "I have brought you here for a simple purpose; to fight!" he answered by way of announcement, voice close to merry as he heralded the onset of pain.
Abruptly, that silhouette became a pyre, as the figure burst into flames. His features revealed as he burnt; short white hair, turned orange as he ignited. Within moments he disappeared amidst that inferno, only to be replaced in a swirl of ashes by the man beneath. Krizalid beckoned the boy onward, a pointed glove extended. "Come, youth! Show me your fighting spirit if you wish to go home this eve! Show me the fire if you wish to live to see tomorrow!"
COMBATSYS: Krizalid has started a fight here.
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Krizalid 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke has joined the fight here.
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Krizalid 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kyosuke
The impression Kyosuke would leave the other with was one of confidence, and yes, this was true-- but the teen also carried some inner concern as to his opponents level of capabillities. Unlike Ryu, unlike Billy Kane, this man was entirely unknown to him. Whilst unsettling, it was something that would not, could not be allowed to detract from his responding to the situation at hand. Anyone who has gone to such lengths weren't interested in broadcasting their dossier.
Every detail was noted, admittedly a little taken aback by the sudden change, he gave no ground, merely filing it away. His brother would be interested in learning about this one-- when he made it back. When. Kyosuke didn't immeadiately advance when the other called him foward, instead a small smirk alight on his lips, adding a bit of an impudent take. The younger of the Imawano twins was a polite individual when warrented, "As you wish, but it will your blame alone when I send you back to your organisation with nothing but empty hands. I'll leave here of my own free will, not by some false pretense of your good graces." or not.
Fighting words if any, Kyosuke didn't bother to waste time with sparring punches like he had with his classmate, he intended to do exactly as Krizalid had asked. He inhaled deeply, the air surrounding him filling with static as he channeled his chi, advancing on the other he sissored his hands before him raking into being paired crescents of energy. They sliced through the air on towards their targed, echoed by the sound of their name.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid reflects Cross Cutter from Kyosuke with Typhon's Rage - Reflect.
- Power hit! -
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Krizalid 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kyosuke
COMBATSYS: Krizalid successfully hits Kyosuke with Reflected Cross Cutter.
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Krizalid 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Kyosuke
The teen need not have mattered too gravely concerning the unknown; the pain that this figure could provide would soon become quite known to Kyosuke. While his identity may remain in shadow, his abilities would soon become quite felt, and he would impart on Kyosuke a lasting impression. It all began with the burning of that coat, the symbolism lost on the youth. And from there, it staggered into the realms of combat.
The Cross Cutter sliced through the air towards Krizalid. He seemed a seasoned fighter, clearly, for rather than balk at the approach of the twin projectiles the Irishman stepped forward. Lifting his right leg, he lashed at the air--and it sliced in turn, summoned at his beck and call. The twin crescents, caught in this sudden updraft... turned, somehow, to head right back at their master.
Already, the suit this stranger wore shined with a mysterious light, as data was accumulated. Each move, right down to the shifting of muscles beneath skin, painstakingly catalogued within the suit itself for later analysis. Kyosuke is being tested, weighed and measured, for reasons that remain unclear to him. Despite the reasons, there is a broad smile on the tanned face of the older fighter, his arms spread wide again to welcome on the next strike. "You will have to do better, Kagami!"
It would be a learning experience for both, though from the start of the fight it was clear who'd be delt the harsher lesson of the two. A sound of suprise escaped from Kyosuke's lips as he'd charged right on in behind the paired cross cutter, not expecting them to be more pointedly...neutralised, but literally flung back at him so flippantly. It was difficult to truely underestimate ones opponent when you had no guage of their skill-- Krizalid had been a blank slate. Admittedly he ranked him as experienced, but how much...he climbed more than one rung after that last rebuttal.
What had been light steps across the surface of the sand suddenly shifted into a rough abrupt halt, toes digging into the gritty grains. He'd been too quick to avoid the repercussive blast of the other's kick, much less faced with his own attack. What was supposed to have been a triumphant utilisation of an opening was turned on its head and it was Kyosuke who was slamed harshly back and into the ground. Sand sleuced up in a sail before he braked to a halt, his clothing singed.
Kyosuke hissed in pain, deciding an swift change in tactics needed to be applied. He levied himself back to his feet, knees bent in a ready position. "Interesting move, I'll have to remember that." Kyosuke didn't fancy dealing with that again. There were a few seconds where he regaind and steadied his breathing, inturn waiting to see if the other would attack first-- or if he would be the agressor again.
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke focuses on his next action.
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Krizalid 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Kyosuke
It would indeed prove to be a learning experience for Krizalid, the tanned strangers learning with every single moment that passes by. Unseen, the suit was intertwined with his very body, connected in several places; and data was being fed directly into his system. What Kyosuke did not know at the time was just how much of a monster he was facing off against.
That grand demand for the youth to do better did not fall on deaf ears, but after it the Irishman stared at his opponent. Fixedly, bead-like eyes kept a keen watch, the macabre markings across his brow dimly visible in the moonlight. "Your brother," he began, his words designed to slide past defenses. "He is a far better fighter than you, is he not?" His expression turned momentarily sly after speaking those words, but he was quick to bow his head to hide the fact. It seemed almost an idle question, but given the circumstances... how could anything that night have been sheer happenstance?
He opted to do the same as Kyosuke, unwittingly; kept his focus on the youth, awaiting his next strike. Within that suit, he beckoned once more for the opponent to lash out.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid focuses on his next action.
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Krizalid 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Kyosuke
Kyosuke's eyes narrowed to slits behind the gleam of his glasses, it was the strongest reaction Krizalid would recieve from what could have been called a taunt. The teenager he'd engaged was a person who wasn't easily goaded into rash moves, he maintained his collected calm which was best for rational strategic thought...mentioning his brother however told him many things-- nothing to do with antagonising his pride. Rather, it signified that the man was knowledgable about their relationship, his brothers skills...and insinuating a threat.
The short exhalation of breath was sharp, not quite a snort of discontent. "It isn't exactly one of the most well kept secrets." He replied with deceptive ease, Kyosuke on the other hand was treating this as the first strike. As Hyo was protective about Kyosuke, the same could be said of his elder sibling. That movement to hide the other's ill-will wasn't lost to the ever perceptive Imawano. "Does your organisation of an interest in him aswell?" If it's one thing he could be sure of, Billy Kane and this man here had no relation...these were two seperate problems. Good, and bad.
Using his the small trench as leverage, Kyosuke launched himself towards Krizlaid, aware that such a frontal attack could invite another repercussive defense. He'd seek to literally step past him, his arm slinging about to catch the other by the neck, and literally slam him into the shifting earth before rounding on him where he'd lay.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid blocks Kyosuke's Quick Throw.
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Krizalid 0/-------/----===|==-----\-------\0 Kyosuke
The deceptive nature of Krizalid remained just that, right down to that easy smile of his that hinted at so much more. "What organization is that?" he questioned in turn, his intent clear. There would be no giving of information back to the teen, not so easily at least, save the information that he wanted to impart. Perhaps it was that expression which gave boost to Kyosuke's feet, bringing him in so close for that strike.
But even as the student's arm came across his neck, the Irishman is swift to respond. He brought his right arm up to cease the assault in its tracks, his retaliation swift. "You're fast," he stated, though his vocals were pained from the thwarted strike.
Even as he threatened to stagger back from the force of impact, Krizalid exerted control over his own body--and brought his left fist to bear. It's the fist he used for all kinds of things, in particularly for punching upstart youngsters in the face, rather than letting them slide by without repercussion. He thought to test the speed of the youth, with this strike.
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke fails to interrupt Strong Punch from Krizalid with Shadow Wave.
- Power fail! -
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Krizalid 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Kyosuke
Kyosuke was under no misguided impressions that this 'nameless' man was working alone, and had to be connected with some kind of organisation, group, collection of person, whatever one wanted to call it. Clearly they had the resources to gather information on individuals in the fighting circuit, or just plained skilled beyond your average run of the mill combatant. Did he think that he'd get answers from him? No, but he was hoping that there'd be little slips, little inadmissions through silence or outright ignoring any comments or questions. He thrived on the details of any given situation...
And sadly what the details of tonight were telling him, was that he was outmatched. As if the solid fist to the face were any further indication-- Kyosuke was unable to back off enough, fast enough to fall into his targetted attack. Instead his head snapped back and he stumbled, the pain an explosive shock to his senses and the coppery tang of blood a familiar yet new addition to this interlude.
The unspoken 'but not fast enough' hung there where Kyosuke was forced to recoup, a hand had reflexively gone to his face, wiping away the blood there. The world spun, and he was forced to wait till it ground to a halt.
A trained professional, Krizalid was never likely to reveal anything unwittingly. Every nuance he took that night, guided by his perfectionist tendencies, was all sculpted for the ending he intended to orchestrate. And Kyosuke was being played like quite the fiddle, while the NESTS Fighter's aim proved to be more than true. That fist exploded into the teen's face, sending him back a step. That unspoken 'not fast enough' did not remain unspoken.
"But where is your speed now?" he questioned, tone harsh and somewhat cutting. It seemed that he expected more out of Kyosuke -- and had thus far been disappointed. "I had expected more from you," Krizalid added as he closed that distance with a simple step towards the teen.
While Kyosuke still reeled from that devastating strike to the face, another followed. The Irishman bent slightly at the knee and then vaulted upwards, his fist flying as he delivered an uppercut. Muscles flexed strong as he unleashed at close range, but it was not simply the left-right-left combination that the teen had to worry about. As if summoned by that fighter's beck and call, the winds themselves sought to strike at Kyosuke, to rip into his body, laced heavily with the man's chi. "Fight harder, if you wish to live!"
COMBATSYS: Krizalid successfully hits Kyosuke with Rising Darkmoon.
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Krizalid 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Kyosuke
Except he wouldn't be given a chance to do so, those precious seconds quick stepping ahead with their staccato beats-- each intime with the thudding of his heart and the echo of his pluse in his ears. It seems that there were many who expected 'much' of Kyosuke, perhaps using his older brother as a guage to his capabilities...by no means was he a slouch, but even he found his progress was far from remarkable. It could be that those he had engaged in recently had far too many years experience on him, but regardless...Kyosuke was learning from each hardhitting blow that he took.
And they were hard.
The sky was quite beautiful as he had earlier observed, whirling overhead and shrouded in its velvetine rich blue with dappled stars. It was less peaceful here closer to the earth where the ravaging winds cut slices through his clothing, scoring his skin such that the ivory hue had long forwent its pristine glacial white. Scarlet scattered across it, just as bright as the inner lining of his jacket.
Kyosuke failed to halt the uppercut, and was sent into a backward saumerault right into the harsh sand again. His glasses were sent askew on his face, teetering on one ear and on the bridge of his nose. It felt so good to just lay there-- but it wasn't quite over yet. The stranger wouldn't let it be over just yet, and though Kyosuke had a sense of where this fight would end, he'd meet that challenge.
The time between his muted groaning as he struggled to his knees, and the sudden rift of surging energy from the ground towards the heavens was remarkably succinct. Where was his speed? His hand speared towards the other's face, as the air heated beneath the summoned blast of chi. His answer came with his actions-- so few of them left.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid reflects Super Lightning Uppercut from Kyosuke with Typhon's Rage - Reflect.
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Krizalid 0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0 Kyosuke
It definitely proved to be a devastating combination that Krizalid laid into Kyosuke with. Up into the air the two went, with the victim sent tumbling into the sand thereafter. As he floated there in the air after the strike, the Irishman stared down with a cold gaze as the boy hits the turf. In those bead-like eyes, there was a heavy sense of disappointment. The data he had received so far was less than satisfying.
Landing gently, his boots sunk lightly into the sand. As his mouth opened, no doubt with a snide remark on the tip of his tongue, the teen burst into action before his abruptly wide eyes.
And while the youth had speed, shown in that moment, it would prove to be inconsequential in the face of his opponent. Krizalid wore the slightest smirk on his face -- and again, he lashed out. With his hands that time, he summoned that chi and hurled it right into the face of Kyosuke. Again, the very air seemed to slash at the teen, and the NESTS Fighter followed it up -- by seizing Kyosuke by the wrist.
Then, in that penultimate moment of their battle... Krizalid turned that appendage around, and attempted to strike Kyosuke in the face with his own fist.
What had been a theory before, became a fact, atleast as far as he was concerned...it was a little late to learn this lesson, but it was one he wouldn't forget in the future-- that is if 'they', represented by Krizalid, found him useless enough to set free. Not entirely a fate to be entirely sad about. His hand gripped after the complete dissolving of his pillar of chi, the backlash of this caused some further injury...though not nearly as bad as before. The hold of the other was firm, strong, but even then he fought it-- his own fist grazing his cheek rather than an outright slam like earlier.
But now he had him in his grip, and Kyosuke snatched the other hand with his-- and literally swivled using his momentum, with the aim to body slam the other into the ground.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid fails to interrupt Strong Throw from Kyosuke with Random Weapon.
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Krizalid 0/-------/---====|==-----\-------\0 Kyosuke
The entire night seemed to be against Kyosuke. From the moment he was injected from afar and brought to this remote location, it seemed that the odds were against him. Every move he had attempted to that point had in some way been countered, interrupted, or downright flung back in his face. Demoralizing to say the least, it seemed that Krizalid was going to run right over the teen.
But 'lo, a twist! With business up close and personal at the time, Kyosuke capitalized--seizing the NESTS Fighter and slamming him down onto the soft sand. It took the wind out of him, there within his suit, but still those eyes shone with malice.
Oh yes. Krizalid was crushing him with his eyes. Oh yes.
Some say, 'third times a charm', well Krizalid would be disappointed if he expected the youth to pull out yet another move similiar to what he'd had literlly flung back at him in this fight! He would wait for something that would never come, as wearied as Kyosuke was, managing to channel enough chi for another fantastic display of rippling icy blue-white energy escaped him. Instead, it was back to basics...something which suprisingly didn't fail him.
All that hate, all that malice, Kyosuke ignored it...still holding onto the other, he finally released Krizalid, but not before sweeping in low to follow through with a flying kick as he bent foward. It was a move that sent his opponents literally flying, opening the way for further shots at before they had the support of the ground beneath their feet...But tired as he was, there may be none of that.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid blocks Kyosuke's Leg Launcher.
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Krizalid 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 Kyosuke
It would seem that Krizalid was not even meant to have a moment's rest, as Kyosuke follows up on his strike with another. That leg swept in low, taking the man's feet out from under him--but as he is thrown, he simply rolled out of the attempt. Landing again on the sand, the Irishman slid backwards a yard or so, dissipating the force of the throw into the turf beneath. "I do hope you're happy," he stated then, voice deadpan. "Now I've got sand in my boots."
It served as a non sequitur to the statements he had given precisely. Although it may have seemed like a spanner in the works, in truth it spoke volumes of the insanity that stemmed within Krizalid. The Irishman dashed forward across the sand then, his purpose plain; he moved to seize Kyosuke by the neck and place him deep into the beach beneath their feet.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid successfully hits Kyosuke with Chokeslam.
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Krizalid 0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0 Kyosuke
Happy? Kyosuke didn't have the time to enjoy any of his successes, infact turning his back on a skilled enemy might not have been the best of moves-- he rose up out of the sky-high leg toss just intime to see Krizalid sprinting towards him. His breath choked to a stifled close, and he gasped out of reflex, a prelude to the literal smash into the sand that was far from relenting at the speeds the NESTs operative used. His glasses pressed almost painfully against the skin of his face, their surface scatching as they pressed against the sand.
Struggling against the smothering sand, his hand flailed and grasped the first thing he caught-- a piece of driftwood. It would have to suffice, pushing up out of the churned earth, he blindly lashed out with it. One of the cons of wearing glasses came to fore, a rare thing for Kyosuke.
COMBATSYS: Krizalid interrupts Random Weapon from Kyosuke with Quick Punch.
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Krizalid 0/-------/=======|=====--\-------\0 Kyosuke
Having stood over Kyosuke after delivering that devastating chokeslam-- CHOKESLAM-- CHOKESLAM!! -- Krizalid seemed about to make good on his intent to bury the teen several feet beneath the sand. But then the wily youth found a piece of wood, and brought it up against the side of the man's head.
His head tilted... and then he buries a fist right into Kyosuke's face. "Enough! You are a disappointment, Kagami Kyosuke! You are FINISHED!" He called it as it was, and he seemed to think the fight was done and dusted.
It's true, Kyosuke had little left in him to prolong this fight. He was bested by someone superior in their skills, of that he would not argue, on the other hand...that didn't mean he would accept it peacefully. The youth had a lot of spirit in him, even through the pain of another smashed fist he refused to simply succumb. Rallying his flagging reserves, he threw himself back-- aiming to latch his legs about the other's neck in a modified attack...if successful it'd drag the other into the air before releasing him into the ground again as he rolled back.
That done, his energy would be spent, and though he didn't pass out he'd lay there, spent and barely concious.
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke can no longer fight.
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Krizalid 0/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Krizalid dodges Kyosuke's Hurricaranna.
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Krizalid 0/-------/=======|
Having seized a last-ditch opportunity, the teen threw himself into one last assault--but Kyosuke's legs whistled through the air as Krizalid neatly sidestepped the attempt. "Pathetic," he noted with a disappointed sigh, before pulling a Zip(tm) Disk out of his suit and pocketing it. Valuable combat data!
"Goodbye, Kagami," the Irishman noted, leaving him there on the sand to wake up with a dog licking his face. He disappeared back to his Nest.
Get it? Get it?!
COMBATSYS: Krizalid has ended the fight here.
Log created by Kyosuke, and last modified on 23:01:22 05/07/2007.