Description: Located on the roof top of the Burk Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, this fight sees the reuniting of an unlikely pair, Heidern and Rolento to face Kain and younger partner Kyosuke. The former's efficiency and co-ordination is frightfully precise, but even then the ending of this confrontation leaves its own unexpected twists.
Any wealthy individual who's interested in money and, more importantly, power is going to have some interests in the middle east. There are many opportunities for those are willing to go to the lengths necessary to take them. Unfortunately, that means there's also a lot of competition. Somewhat fewer competitors since Kain began making moves in the region, however. Dubai is a happening spot for some of the less shady business ventures that Kain has gotten himself involved in.
Today, though, is a trip for pleasure, rather than business. Having driven himself up to the man-made island on which the hotel for the fight sits, stands on the rooftop and spares a brief glance for the view. He can actually just barely make out his car from up here... Parked as close to the edge of the island as possible. Kain's no fool, and even if the money that went into the car isn't really of much value to him, he'd still prefer not to have it get destroyed if things go poorly here.
Kain grudingly agrees to take his place on the helipad to wait for the fight to start. He has no intention of staying there any longer than necessary, however. With only a cantilever holding the landing platform up, it's going to make for /far/ too tempting a target for... certain elements of this fight. Kain's not familiar with his partner for this fight, but that's of relatively little concern for him. Kyosuke can sink or swim in this match... but it's unlikely Geese would put together this fight without pairing Kain up with someone skilled. Unless he's planning on the other team self destructing.
Dubai. The Burj Al-Arab.
Stationed high above of the exquisite and likely most notable landmark in all of Dubai, the Burj Al-Arab is the scene for one of numerous Saturday Night Fights. For some, this is just another round of widely-televised fights. For others, this is a means of improvement.
For some, this just may very well be business.
Emerging from the farthest end of the rooftop through a door steps a tall, lanky figure, swathed in a dark, chocolate brown colored trenchcoat and olive green beret. Up here the wind is awful; as result, the split tail of his coat whips about wildly behind him, but he does not seem to mind - in fact, he out right ignores it. Instead, that solitary eye is focused and fixed on the blonde at the opposite end of the rooftop, a man familiar to Heidern. A man with whom he has a few associations, known only between himself and Heinlein.
Weathered features remain as cold and expressionless as he steps forward, long gloved fingers tucked away in the pockets of his coat as he approaches. Giving the other man a considerable amount of distance, Heidern's heavy footfalls cease, his chin lifting a touch as he focuses on Kain.
"It's been some time," he states, though he remains without expression. The execution seems stiff, almost hinting on borderline irritable. For good reason, likely:
He is not pleased with Howard Enterprises' sense of humor.
...Not one goddamned bit.
A sound that many people present might recognize -- Heidern more then any -- is the sound of an approaching helicopter. The sleek black vehicle can be seen, but appears to be shifting forward at an appreciable speed. Enterprising eyes would be happy to find it a stripped-down Blackhawk, lacking any manner of visible armaments beyond a large and ominous hook attached to a wench. Some might know what that might be for. Whirling around over the top of the expansive hotel, wind kicking up to a considerable level, a black line descends only a few meters from Heidern. And down it slithers a yellow form, that has not been encountered in years despite the pair's rivalry decreasing none in the intervening decades. Rolento Schugerg lands in a crouch, legs mildly splayed and hand resting to brace. The black cable snaps up, as the helicopter ascends to circle from a non-annoying height.
"...Heidern. It is has been some time, former comrade, since we've meet face to face." The scarred visage falls upon the man adjacent with obvious contempt, but no lack of respect. They were, once upon a time, fighting the same war on the same soil, after all. But after attempting to murder Clark and slaughtering many Ikari only some weeks ago, the tension between the pair is likely higher then ever. Rolento is literally impossible to find, unless he wishes it or chooses it.
Rising languidly, shoulders shrugging, white eyes shift to those opposite. "I am here to humor Geese Howard. And mayhaps some nostalgia. It has been thirty years since we stood on the same side; There is no ramifications for a one-time exemption on our war, when such is instead focused on another."
And then Rolento lifts up his left hand towards Heidern. A blurring series of hand signs are offered, which are gone in a moment. What they might entail... only his rival will know. For the unscalable breadth between the pair however, they might still be a frightfully powerful combination.
"Ready?" would be mulled towards his opponents.
COMBATSYS: Rolento has started a fight here on the right meter side.
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Rolento
COMBATSYS: Kain has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Kain 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rolento
COMBATSYS: Heidern has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Kain 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rolento
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Heidern
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rolento
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Kain 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Heidern
This wasn't exactly a three hours drive away. The exotic Middle-East was an avenue that Kyosuke hardly had much of a reason to visit on some whim of his. Not only did he have to have himself excused from classes for atleast a couple days, but all of the duties that came with it. And he took them very seriously, though there was one in particular that was his reason for being here at all.
The youth was the least known amongst all three, his experience a pittance against any by comparison. His entrance was hardly a fanfare, he'd been waiting patiently to the side for the rest to gather all along and only when the infamous commander had deigned to make his appearance, did he move to join his 'partner'. Each had their reputations, and Kyosuke had made it his business to study the higher ranking fights that were broadcasted. Win or lose, this would be a learning affair--
He wasn't a fool to think that the blond-haired man would fight with him much like he would expect his friends Hinata and Batsu too though. The faster he understood that he was mostly on his own, the better with which he could formulate his own strategies. The Taiyo High student said nothing, his gaze resting the longest and with some inherant disapproval of Rolento in particular before he'd simply nod his reply. What needed to be said would come forthright in action.
Kain glances briefly toward Kyosuke, looking the student over. "I'd suggest you seek better ground quickly once this starts. Other than that... Let's see what you're made of." If Kyosuke can't think of /why/ it might be a bad idea to fight on a platform suspended out over a many story drop, well, Kain's not going to take the time to lecture him.
Not least because now it's time to fight. Rolento is given a brief nod, and then a similar one is direct toward Heidern. Discussing any sort of business in front of Rolento would be rather foolish, regardless of how much he's already found out. Wouldn't pay to throw him any bones.
And even if Kain and Heidern have a professional relationship, that's not going to keep Kain from doing his best to stomp the two soldiers he's facing into the ground. And preferably get to a better location. Once the cue to begin is given, Kain races forward, heading straight toward his opponents. A short distance on he leaps up, launcing into a flying kick aimed at the center of Heidern's chest, meant to send both Kain and the soldier down to the center of the roof.
COMBATSYS: Heidern blocks Kain's Schwarzer Stob.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Heidern
That single eye stirs at the whooping of distant helicopter blades, the Ikari Commander's gaze stirring from the blonde man before him and his partner toward the approaching black vehicle. That gaze of Heidern narrows only slightly as he makes note of the hook, and the line that drops from within. The movement of yellow causes the man's jaw to square, teeth clenched tightly behind dry lips. He knows precisely who comes now, and likely do the other fighters present.
Lifting his hands from the deep pockets of his coat, Heidern simply removes the jacket, bundling it into his hands before he casts it aside over a broad shoulder. For a good, solid minute, the Ikari CO says nothing to the newest arrival to the Burj Al-Arab rooftop. He needs that moment to collect his thoughts properly.
That single eye stirs, settling on the scarred USPL commander.
"Indeed." His reply is short, but sweet. A moment is spared, that single eye sliding back onto Kain and his younger partner for the bout. Again it narrows, gazing intently at the pair. "I just hope you haven't gotten rusty, Schugerg. That would be an awful shame." The respect is likewise, but there is a shred of contempt underlying his words. This is a bad situation in his eyes - after all, he owes the man a few favors, especially for attacking his Ikari.
But that is best saved for later. That eye catches movement, and once the hand signals are relayed, the old Ikari bows his head slightly and slides into his formal fighting stance, one arm crossed over his broad chest. The cue has been given, and Kain capitalizes on the opportunity.
Shifting his weight, Heidern accepts the blow, though the kick delivered meets a sturdy, gloved palm before the blonde is shoved aside with effort. Hopping back, the man gives himself some breathing room before he focuses all of his attention entirely on Kain, jaw squaring. Kain hurts. It would be wise to avoid as much damage from him as utterly possible.
COMBATSYS: Heidern focuses on his next action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Heidern
"You were the brawns, Heidern. I was the brains. Do not forget that in the course of this fight." A rather overt claim, although one mayhaps not easily argued. Who is the better at raw tactics and small unit command is likely Rolento, which might be exemplified by his ruthless demeanor and zero tolerance as opposed to hindered by it. Noticing that Heidern is abruptly engaged by the strongest of the four by far, Rolento subtly backflips away from a flare of that purple fire, landing in a squat before turning his attention to Kyosuke, white eyes assessing him carefully. "Are you familiar with how battles are won, Kyosuke? We have discussed this to some degree before, I am sure, yet I remain curious." One hand moves to his bandolier, yanking free a grenade and wedging a thumb beneath the pin in preparation...
COMBATSYS: Rolento focuses on his next action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Heidern
Admittedly, even that one bit of advice no matter how disinterested it was, was suprising to the teenager. Kyosuke almost smiled, instead something more like an amused smirk alit on his face. "I'll be sure to avoid taking any unecessary spills over the edge." Yes, he knew exactly how important it was to have stable firm footing in an 'arena' like this. These attacks, as memory would serve with someone like Rolento, wasn't exactly feather light touches.
The decisions on who the team's main opponents were had been made without him, and though he never really had much of an easy choice-- left overs were fine. Kyosuke stayed where he was even as Kain sprinted past him. He remained aware of what was occuring between the pair, but his attentions rounded on the canary-hue garbed militant. "It was discussed, on the other hand regarding our last meeting...you didn't exactly linger to give me a proper example." Picking at the fact Rolento decided to break and run for it verses trying to finish off the tenacious student.
"Am I to believe we are to continue where we last left off?" His voice was somewhat flat, the sarcasm present albiet in a milder form. He shifted into a ready stance, sliding his foot foward as he continued to observe Rolento closely. He brushed his hand against his glasses, and then waited.
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke focuses on his next action.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Heidern
Kain has no real concern with any sort of 'fairness' when it comes to these battles. He certainly won't hesitate to attack Rolento should the opportunity present itself. For the moment, though, Heidern is the greater concern. Neither man is to be taken lightly, but Kain is currently within easier reach for the Ikari commander.
Heinlein moves with the push from Heidern, leaping back and down to the central area of the roof. Now he can move a little bit more freely, and it's just a matter of enticing someone to come down and join him. A quick flick of his wrist is all it takes for Kain to send a blast of fire racing up towards Heidern; presumably he won't want to just let Kain pick him off from a safe location, and will come to bring the fight back to closer quarters.
COMBATSYS: Heidern dodges Kain's Schwarze Flame.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Heidern
Though Rolento speaks, Heidern seems to do little to acknowledge the other soldier, save for the faintest twitch of a slender black brow. Setting his jaw tightly, the Ikari Commander simply narrows his gaze, focusing his attentions entirely on the elder blonde before him. He and the student are his opponents, after all. Rolento is merely aid in this fight.
With a sigh the man simply clears his thoughts and lets long fingers unfurl before they again curl, an idle gesture that seems to compliment the odd but light bounce of his tight stance. The fight has begun by Kain's hand - clearly he has to return the favor at some point. Staring all day just wouldn't do, right?
Again Kain moves. It would seem he has it in for the Ikari CO, and this just won't do. As that plume of violet flames soar toward the man his lanky form veers aside swiftly, that single eye narrowed intently. Without an ounce of hesitation he kneels briefly before he springs up high above, his body swiftly rotating midair, descending hands first right for Heinlein's waiting throat...
"Negative. There are two approaches to battle in this situation. Either remove the weakest link overtly..." Rolento yanks out the pin, and it clatters to the ground. Twisting around, one foot shifts as he turns towards Kain, subtly pausing just long enough. Regardless of whether Heidern manages to lay his proverbial hands upon Heinlein, his assault is unleashed. "...Or to remove the strongest via ambush!!" Hurling the ordinance, it almost whistles through the air towards Kain, attempting to impact him within the chest before detonating in a flash of fire and shrapnel, aiming to overwhelm his own defenses and capitalize on the difficulties of dealing with Heidern. Kyosuke, it appears, is going to be ignored for later. The true plan of the veteran fighters has just been revealed.
Kyosuke's eyes widened, taken by suprise by this decision in tactics. He'd expected the former, for by his reckoning he was the weakest link this this partnership, and by eliminating him quickly, well. The rest was only a footnote. The decision to literally go the other way though is something he now has to content with. At the outset the student didn't expect to be placed in a position so swiftly such that he may actually act as shield to Kain-- personalities considering. Being who he was however, Kyosuke wouldn't stand there slackjawed...but react.
"I will just have to make that chosen tactic as costly as possible then!" He gathered the chi about him, the air suffusing with a familiar icy-blue glow, snapping his hands foward he ushered the twinned crescent heads on off to Rolento. The distance seperating them was too much to aid Kain, so Rolento it was.
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Heidern's Neck Rolling Slashes.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0 Heidern
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Rolento's Grenadier.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-------|===----\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0 Heidern
Swiftly bring up his left elbow, Kain manages to deflect Heidern's grasp with his arm. Much better than letting those deadly hands get anywhere near a vital area. The grenade is problematic, but still dealt with. Kain swings his right fist up, a blue glow surrounding it as he backhands the incoming projectile. The explosion is powerful, but the blast of energy from Kain deflects much of it away from Heinlein, leaving him relatively unscathed from the encounter.
This has, however, all worked together to leave Kain in a somewhat vulnerable situation. Rather than attempt to twist himself back into a better stance and immediately press the attack, Kain once more hops back away from Heidern in an attempt to give himself time to assess the situation. Rolento and Heidern... /cooperating/? This could be bad.
COMBATSYS: Kain focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-------|===----\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0 Heidern
Try as the Ikari CO may, those long and infamous gloved fingers are deflected by a precise jab. Heidern is quick to recover from the staved off attack; fingers grip the elbow before he pushes off with strong arms, shoving himself back and away, to land a distance from the blonde. For now it would seem that Kyosuke is not acknowledged or even regarded - Heidern is entirely focused on the elder blonde before him. As he sees it, he poses the greatest threat of all.
Kyosuke can be dealt with later.
Fortunately, this distance also keeps the other soldier out of the blast radius and, ultimately, harm's way. Landing with a heavy thud, the one-eyed soldier clenches his jaw slightly, watching as the smoke clears. Only when he has the vaguest image of Kain in his sights does the man suddenly tear forward, a hand lower to his side, forming a knife-hand. Only when he nears does he thrust it forward with frightening precision, toward Kain's stomach. Fingers seek to lodge themselves within his gut, to otherwise bleed him out with a vicious wound before his gloved hand will tear back and away.
Heidern Assassination Techniques are not gentle or merciful.
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke successfully hits Rolento with Cross Cutter.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-----==|======-\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0 Heidern
The twin bolts of energy flare towards Rolento, who has burst into a run; He merely ignores them as they blast into his side, staggering him. But he bursts into a roll, using the sudden inertia to literally barrel himself in Kain's direction at a rather fantastical speed, reaching him at almost the exact same moment that Heidern does. After the attempted evisceration of the hand, Kain might find a baton lodging directly into the potentially bloody wound, before Rolento would attempt to snarl and hurl the blonde into the air. Were such to be managed, Rolento would leap up after him, whipping out a string of grenades to snap upon his form and then forcedly hurl him away. Only to detonate, with rather incredible force. But the moment he touches down he sideflips away with an amount of acrobatics Heidern might envy. "Scatter! Do not give him opportunity to assault us both in tandem!" Likely does not need to be said, but he is aware of Kain's capability to saturate large swathes of terrain with that deadly fire...
There is little rejoicing that the crescents met their target head on, because it became rapidly clear that Rolento had made the focus of this fight his partner. One who so casually shrugged off the paired earlier attacks. The two combined must have stung though, atleast he knew blocking either of them would have inflicted enough damage to make him wince. Not believeing himself to be near the same level, it didn't matter. He needed to step up to the plate and do more to aid the other.
He was somewhat limited in his choices, especially when his chosen opponent was running in the opposite direction. Kyosuke casted aside the distance he'd been using to his advantage, and aimed to bring the gap to a more finite measure. He darted on behind the Commander, waiting for his chance to slip past his defenses and quick-stepping to lash out with a vicious punch, aimed right for that self-righteous overly pretentious face of his.
COMBATSYS: Heidern successfully hits Kain with Storm Bringer.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|======-\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Heidern
COMBATSYS: Kain fails to interrupt Fatality Package from Rolento with Schwarze Kreuz.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|=======\-------\1 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/-======|===----\-------\0 Heidern
Once more Kain attempts to knock Heidern's hand away before it can reach him. This time, however, he's not quite as successful. The razor fingers slice cleanly through fkesh, staining Kain's jacket with blood but failing to hit any organs. This is small comfort, however, when it leaves Kain open to the follow through attack From Rolento.
Flames rise up to meet the incoming grenades, but not quite quickly enough. The explosives are engulfed, but they're already too close to Kain for the damage to be effectively redirected. Heinlein is sent sprawling by the blast, but he quickly begins climbing back to his feet. Battered and bleeding, but showing few signs of slowing down just yet.
A flash of energy lancing toward Rolento is caught out of the one-eyed soldier's peripheral, but he makes no motion to aid or avert his eyes away from Heinlein. Instead, the Ikari CO is focused entirely on this blonde, and like a machine, will see to it that he falls first - or until Heidern himself falls. This will be a test of endurance, so to speak. Endurance and sheer brutality. He's positive Kain holds no punches.
So...why should Heidern?
Success. Those long fingers delve deep, a spray of blood oozing from the vicious wound before the cycloptic soldier RIPS his hand free, a glorious spray of red painting the pristine white rooftop of Burj Al-Arab, likely to the dismay of the management. This is of no concern - instead, the Ikari CO leaps back, giving Rolento room enough to lodge the baton into the wound and tend to the deadly man as necessary. Heidern scatters, distancing himself from Rolento, his jaw set.
Once the smoke clears, Heidern moves AGAIN. Diving forward with considerable swiftness and speed, the soldier seeks to snare Kain by his shoulders and sweep a foot out from underneath him, to ground him with a solid slam. Should this succeed, his form will maneuver around, positioning his body near Kain's wounded midsection, to again drive deadly fingertips into his stomach before ripping them mercilessly out and kicking him aside.
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke successfully hits Rolento with Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-----==|=======\==-----\1 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 0/-------/-======|==-----\-------\0 Heidern
"Hrrmph." Rolento is struck heavily by Kyosuke, attempting to roll away evasively but failing; It's somewhat irrelevant, as it's highly doubtful that the boy will manage to overtake him before the duo drops Kain at this rate. Rushing forward, Rolento would be right behind the Heinlein; And a single grenade bounces down, attempting to settle between his legs. Heidern is hopefully smart enough to get away. "Ready?" is once more offered, before Rolento starts rolling backwards, as a proverbial onslaught of horrific explosions is unleashed, attempting to juggle Kain along the rooftop before being sent flying overhead, with a final dark and suitably sinister laugh as Rolento comes to a stop. Heidern and Rolento are indeed a devastating team -- that much most would not be able to question.
It is an eventuality that Kyosuke is becoming more and more aware of as being a likely future. Though inexperienced, the teenager was sharp enough to read the ebb and flow of a fight, and through his own checks and assessment-- if Kain failed many more of his attempts to circumvent the other attacks from both men...then left to his own, the fight was surely concluded. It left Kyosuke in a nasty position, and there was little fact to support him standing any chance if that happened.
So, there were his options, bleak all around-- he was left with only a couple dismal choices.
Unfortunately, as events unfurled Kyosuke was robbed of all but one by the time he realised precisely what was occuring once Rolento escaped his immeadiate vicinity again. "The ground infront of you!" The teenager yelled loudly over to Kain, already making a dash towards the ivory-eyed man, there was no way he was going to linger too close to the blast, and he'd be there waiting for him before all was said and done.
Upswinging hand, and channeled chi into a snapping pillar of energy below Rolento's feet.
COMBATSYS: Heidern successfully hits Kain with Lead Belcher.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 1/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Heidern
COMBATSYS: Rolento successfully hits Kain with Mine Sweeper.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Rolento
[ \\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Kain 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 Heidern
Whatever horrible things Heidern does to Kain's internal organs are masked from the cameras as Heinlein is engulfed by a relatively focused blast whch the uninjured soldier is able to easily avoid. And when the blast clears... Kain is not in good shape. He's fallen to his knees, one hand clutched to his stomach, and a pool of blood growing underneath him. Then the temperature on the rooftop begins to noticeably drop as a dark aura flares up around Kain.
Kain R. Heinlein does not believe in allowing emotions to control him. This does not mean that he does not have emotions; he simply has conquered their ability to influence their actions, and mask any sign of them in his face or body language. This does not mean that they do not exist for him. If he /did/ allow himself to actually feel right now, he would be pissed off. He still feels respect for his strong opponents... But that doesn't mean that he likes to lose.
Both of Kain's arms rise up, one hand slowly dripping blood to the floor. He doesn't even look up at his opponents, his head hanging forward. Black flame swirls about Kain's hands and then erupts into two massive columns of fire, one racing toward each of the soldiers on the rooftop. Under other circumstances he might simply destroying the entire rooftop... But massive property damage at this height, and when he's in this condition, would be a bad idea. Instead he'll just settling for burning scorch marks into the roof as his blasts streak toward Rolento and Heidernr.
Unfortunately, drawing on that level of energy and actually focusing it is a bit more than Kain can handle in his current situation. His chest heaves as he coughs up a spatter of blood, then slumps down to the floor, flames dying away in his hands.
COMBATSYS: Kain can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Rolento
> //////////////////////////// ]
|====---\-------\0 Heidern
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Heidern with Himmlischer Atem.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Rolento
> ///////////////// ]
|=======\==-----\1 Heidern
The notable shift in Kain's aura is noted by the aging soldier, but his stern, emotionless face expresses precisely that: no outright emotion. Instead, that single eye which remains on his weathered face narrows, focusing on the younger man as he summons that energy. Oh, he knows the pain of those flames. That is why he would desperately like to avoid them. So focused is the man, he hears nothing, save for the beating of his heart ringing in his ears.
Then, flames.
With a blur of motion, Heidern ATTEMPTS to get out of dodge. While in the whole milisecond of planning this was a good and sound tactical decision, the execution seems anything but. When the flames zig, Heidern zags, and is ultimately struck, sent flying back upon impact a good distance. When the elder Ikari CO lands, he rolls a good few feet before he comes to a stop. Then, a cough racks the man.
Slowly but surely, however, the tenacious old bastard rises to his feet, taking a moment to simply collect his wits about him and try to make sense of up and down. Kain hits like a sonofabitch, and - somehow - the soldier managed to survive. The front of his fatigues are smoking, singed black by the sheer, raw power of Kain's awful strength. One glance his way, however, reveals he won't be getting back up anytime soon.
With a slow, gradual slide, that solitary eye moves from the fallen Heinlein to Kyosuke.
COMBATSYS: Heidern gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Rolento
> ///////////////////// ]
|=======\=------\1 Heidern
COMBATSYS: Rolento dodges Kain's Himmlischer Atem.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Rolento
> ///////////////////// ]
|=======\=------\1 Heidern
COMBATSYS: Rolento blocks Kyosuke's Lightning Uppercut.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0 Rolento
> ///////////////////// ]
|=======\=------\1 Heidern
Well, watching that much energy saturating Kain's hand is one of the more ominous things Rolento has been privy to. It seems he's the quicker of the pair, as he suddenly backflips straight upwards; Clearing the assault by such a slim margin it blackens the back of his uniform, ashes fluttering in his descent to the ground to land upon the charred surface of the rooftop. That might of killed him, in actuality. So the most dangerous opponent was dispatched, and without any lack of speed. "Commencing execution of Kyosuke..." Rolento mulls, twisting around and bracing himself as the flutter of energy flashes over his frame, doing a comparably laughable job of singing his ensemble. He gathers himself as well, stance spreading and baton slapping into his hand.
COMBATSYS: Rolento gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Rolento
> ///////////////////// ]
|=======\=------\1 Heidern
It went without saying, that Kyosuke had ensured that he would in no way be standing between the now fallen Kain and his last rebuttal. The wash of energy shook the roof of the hotel, and made the metal rigging shudder where it was scored. They held though, apparently the blond fighter had no desire to sacrifice his own life for something such as this. The collapse did leave the Imawano twin with precisely the kind of scenario he didn't care for. Had it been preventable? Maybe, but as things looked now, his chances of winning this was close to zero. Both military men were indeed a devestating pair.
The sound of continued its rustle in the high winds, and after he'd backed off a few feet from Rolento, he slid a glance on over to Heidern. Kyosuke wore a severe expression, the darkness of his eyes thoughtful as he tried to rally his strategies. He decided to target the one he was most familiar with, "It's about time, I've been waiting my turn whole night." Quipping back evenly, as if he had this entire fight under control.
He swept foward, a rightly balled fist lancing out for Rolento, keeping Heidern within his field of vision as he did.
Having since collected the wits otherwise knocked ajar by Kain's particularly potent last-ditch strike, the Ikari CO has now decided that his opponent is Kyosuke Kagami. Once that solitary eye finds its mark, it does not leave the young man. Instead, it narrows only slightly, studying him carefully before he eases back into his usual stance. Long fingers again curl and unfurl ever so slightly, an almost idle gesture. He thinks he's quite ready to resume this soiree now.
He doesn't immediately lash out, however. He'll give the young blonde the honor of doing that - and he does not disappoint in the least. He observes closely as the youth lashes out for the other seasoned soldier, his once-comrade, before he decides to make his move. Dashing forward with likely uncharacterstic swiftness for a man of his years, the Ikari CO lifts a leg high before he seeks to bring that knee down on top of Kyosuke's waiting skull, to deliver a harsh blow before he follows through with the top of his foot, to fell the young man flat on his face.
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke successfully hits Rolento with Quick Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Rolento
> //////////////////// ]
|=======\=------\1 Heidern
The punch strikes rather stoutly into Rolento, who attempted a cursory evasion but doesn't seem to have been too unduly affected by the impact beyond allowing a grunt of annoyance. "You shall be disposed of promptly." Rolento's hand snaps out, attempting to grasp the offending fist before it can be retracted -- so it can be twisted and double Kyosuke over, all the better to allow Heidern's foot to shatter his skull and drive him face-first into the ground. A simple but brutal combination between the pair; That's already been shown to be sufficient to defeat Kain, a task that even three of Geese's best could barely manage.
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke blocks Rolento's Medium Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Rolento
> //////////////////// ]
|=======\=------\1 Heidern
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke interrupts Shooter Narnagel from Heidern with Shadow Wave.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Rolento
> ///////////////// ]
|=======\===----\1 Heidern
Fighting Heidern wasn't personal, infact he had some respect for the aged warrior and the team he lead...for Rolento on the other hand-- that was another story. Though far from a vendetta, he would enjoy seeing this one removed from society. There had been many students injured that day when he'd come to 'recruit', and in the back of his mind, he was doing this for his brother aswell. For the Imawano pride, Kyosuke would try his hardest to make Rolento pay dearly for any attacks he landed on him.
"Always speaking so surely." Came the quietly uttered reply, the flash of movement behind him wasn't lost, instead he responded quickly to Rolento's seeking ensnarement. His wrist twisted out of the man's grip before it could firmly be gripped, so quickly that the skin burned. With that he was already leaping foward to meet the Ikari instead of backing off, slippig past that flying foot to sissor his hands before him...and the blast of arrowed chi, his poignant yell aiding his direction.
No, Kyosuke wouldn't make this so easy, though he had already lost in his mind...he would leave a lasting impression. Maybe even, gain the other's respect.
At this point it's beyond being anything with the Ikari Commander: he has otherwise devoted himself to simply ACTING, letting his body follow the natural flow of things while in the heat of combat. After a moment of breath, the soldier seems ready and willing to re-engage himself and return to that nigh-mechanical mindset like before. Eyes hood, his jaw set. Without further adieu, Heidern jerks to action.
Lifting his leg high, there is a look of mild surprise which flashes through the old man's eye as the kid is fiercely clipped, but otherwise find gumption enough to weave a suitable counterattack into Heidern's chest. It doesn't seem to stir the man; instead he staggers back a step or two, a gloved hand lifting up, to rub idly at his chest.
Then, slowly, that single eye lifts, his gaze focused on Kyosuke. He does not move yet - instead, he bides his time, observing the youth and his ministrations closely before a suitable plan is put into action against the youth.
COMBATSYS: Heidern focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Rolento
> ////////////////// ]
|=======\===----\1 Heidern
Allowed some further time to recuperate by focusing on Heidern, Rolento fluidly backflips away, continuing to catch his breath. It was a considerable exertion to bring down Kain within that margin after all, and not one he would care to attempt again even with one of the foremost in assassination measures at his back. Yet he brings up his radio, hissing something within it. What this entails is unknown, but there's no change in the helicopter; It's still too far away to do anything, and the exterior doors closed. White eyes shift, lazily, towards one of the ascended tennis courts, before either half-glove is adjusted as the grip on his baton is taken. "Let us finish this. I do not enjoy wasting my time on guaranteed outcomes."
COMBATSYS: Rolento gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/---====|==-----\-------\0 Rolento
> ////////////////// ]
|=======\===----\1 Heidern
Presently with the lay of the field, and his capabillities, Kyosuke was unable to find a suitable method of conveniently attacking both men simultaneously. But given the choice of whom to do so-- Heidern's ingle unblinking eye is regarded for a moment. But only so, there was no immeadiate intention to persue Kyosuke, so his response was no longer filled with any kind of hesitation. Even if it was to think things through. His breathing was a bit quicker now, his shape momentarily better than the pair.
That would change, and quickly. Heidern's brief respite was only to choose an attack that would hurt. He was certain of it. "You'll have to excuse me then if I don't try to be quick about it-- more time spent here is less time spent on building your so-called utopia." Kyosuke returned, having stepped back and turned instead to face Rolento. His sneakers dug into the ground and he rocketed towards him, jacket flapping behind him. Similar to one he'd blocked earlier, this was it's thunderous cousin.
COMBATSYS: Rolento endures Kyosuke's Super Lightning Uppercut.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/-------|======-\-------\0 Rolento
> ////////////////// ]
|=======\===----\1 Heidern
It would seem Kyosuke Kagami has chosen Rolento as his victim. This does not seem to concern the likes of Heidern - his solitary eye is entirely focused on the youth, even as he spares a moment, casting his gaze toward the Ikari Commander before ultimately turning his attentions onto Rolento. Herein lies the problem, you see.
Heidern has been biding his time up until this point. For a while now, he has been waiting for the most opportune moment to unleash himself to the utmost. Slowly, the large, polished black boots stir beneath him, his weight shifting. Shoulders tense a touch, long fingers curling, equally tense. Gradually that single, sharp eye of the Ikari Commander narrows.. .right onto Kyosuke's back as he unleashes his attack at Rolento.
That is when Heidern strikes. In a literal blur the man kneels swiftly before he springs high into the air, his body rotating at its apex before he swiftly descends, long, gloved fingers seeking to ding themselves right into Kyosuke's shoulders...
The statement about Rolento's utopia is met with his eyes widening, and the grip on his baton increasing to the point knuckles stand out white, wood creaking ominously. "...Your insubordination will no longer be tolerated...!!" Suddenly slapping the ground with his baton, Rolento is hurtling through the air with incredible speed, completely heedless of the gargantuan gout of chi that's been summoned. He literally blows through it, taking the entire brunt as it chars and blackens his body; All to insure that a brutal strike of his baton will hit true, aiming to crack against Kyosuke's face and send him into the ground, back-first. Such would take place at almost the exact same moment Heidern's ultimate killing assault is unleashed, to boot; Making the chances of survival for the hapless Kyosuke likely minimal at best...
COMBATSYS: Rolento successfully hits Kyosuke with Mekong Delta.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0 Rolento
> ////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Heidern
COMBATSYS: Heidern successfully hits Kyosuke with Final Bringer.
[ \\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Kyosuke 1/----===/=======|=======\-------\0 Rolento
> ////////////////// ]
|-------\-------\0 Heidern
Fortunately for the likes of Heidern, Rolento's words go unheard. He's far too engrossed in his tactics, waiting for the right moment to strike - and he does, with brutal ruthlessness. There is no shred of mercy for the young man as Heidern leaps high and descends, long, talon-like fingers aimed right for his shoulders as he's kicked back by Rolento's harsh blow. Without hesitation they bury in, deep, securing his hold on the young man. Rotating his body once more, the elder man falls right in front of him. For the briefest of moments, that single eye of his looks straight into the youth's eye. There is no feeling or emotion there. He just moves.
A hand parts from Kyosuke's shoulder and forms a solid knife hand, right in front of his eyes. And, once satisfied, he simply thrusts it forward, straight into the kid's gut. Regardless of reaction, the man's form glows with an odd, red aura, long, razor-like fingers plunging ridiculously deep into his stomach, where they curl mercilessly. That single eye just stares forward. There is no delight on his face, even if the young man writhes.
As swiftly and awfully as the attack comes, Heidern releases him after a few seconds by RIPPING his hand from his gut, a horrific spray of red erupting from the wound, splattering atop the roof of Burj Al-Arab. Slamming a palm against Kyosuke's shoulder, he seeks to send him stumbling back, to fall even. Heidern?
He simply turns his back to the kid, a hand jerking out to his side, to free long fingers of the young man's blood. His face remains utterly expressionless.
It was so easy to manipulate the commander into anger, though it would hardly benefit Kyosuke in this endevour, neither would it make much of a difference in worsening it. They had already proved what a deadly double-team they could be, Kyosuke had steeled himself for the enevitability for instead of witnessing it, experiencing it instead.
There was little time for him to recover from his chi-draining attack, Rolento taking the damage as if it were nothing as he blitzed on through. Kyosuke wasn't strong enough as his body took the full brunt of the assault, ploughing him back and setting him up nicely for Heidern's vicious descent. Pain stabbed through his body, and the blood welled up in his throat, coughing it out to stain the roof red. A deja-vu repetition of Kain's early downfall. He collapsed to his knees, bracing with a hand as glasses slid down over his nose. "Not yet..."
The low mutter was his own fair warning, he had nothing to lose, and he staggered, attempting to struggle back to his feet. His once white pristine clothing was now a rich crimson, bright enough to rival the inner lining of his jacket, and the weakness lay like a heavy shroud upon him, whispering to him to just close his eyes. Give in.
Not yet. How own words echoed in his head, urging him on. Once again the air became suffused with the glow of his chi, and then...like before, the arrowheads foward as he went through the motions of summoning them into existence. Not two this time, but five-- these speared towards the pair of men, drawn towards each other to coalesce potentially into one larger projectile.
COMBATSYS: Heidern endures Kyosuke's Super Cross Cutter.
[ \\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|=======\-------\0 Rolento
> ///////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Heidern
Not yet, the youth states. Part of Heidern respects his tenacity.
But this is a fight. There can be no room for mercy - it would insult his opponents and it would insult his skill, which he has spent countless years crafting. Pulling away from the kid to let him fall to his knees, Heidern simply disposes of the blood saturating his black glove, a sheen now coating its black surface, thanks to Kyosuke's insides.
Whether his words are a warning or not, Heidern makes no motions to avoid him. Instead the lanky soldier turns around slowly, to face the young man directly. What does he have planned? All is revealed in a glow of chi energy, familiar arrowheads not only aimed for the Ikari Commander, but Rolento as well. That single eye hoods dangerously.
Quite suddenly the man plows THROUGH the attack, taking it full-on without a shred of hesitation. Bursting through the blast, Heidern swiftly lifts a hand up before he thrusts it forward, a tightly-clenched fist aimed right for the young man's forehead. It's quick and the least-potent attack thus far. He knows he's on the verge of unconsciousness.
Thus he wishes to end it quickly, if not to spare him from the potential brutality Rolento may have in store for him.
COMBATSYS: Rolento slows Super Cross Cutter from Kyosuke with Grenadier.
[ \\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|=======\-------\1 Rolento
> ////////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Heidern
Rolento merely falls backwards, again yanking off a grenade and hurling it through the air towards the gathering ball of light. Although Heidern merely vanishes through it in an attempt to incite some mercy in the final moments, he instead causes a massive detonation, that severely weakens the chi into little more then a wave that blasts over Rolento's form, staggering him slightly but seeming to do rather insignificant damage. As the smoke and shrapnel clear, blood spitting to the side, he glances again towards the tennis court above before looking back towards the pair of fighters. One hand reaches into his jacket, pulling out a slender lighter-sized metal object quickly concealed in the palm of his left hand.
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke just-defends Heidern's Jab Punch!
[ \\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/------=|=======\-------\1 Rolento
> ////////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Heidern
It's true, Kyosuke was almost at the point of blacking out, with or without help. He would lose enough blood soon to finish the job these two had of defeating him, but it his resolve to make good on his words, as best as he was able too that gave him that extra strength. Kyosuke lunged foward, rising more strongly to his feet as he did, ignoring the splatters of red that shadowed his steps. It was enough to place him at a different height such that he bypassed the other's punch-- and grappled at the Ikari leader, to try to slam him down to the ground with him.
...leaving himself open to Rolento who'd gained some distance.
COMBATSYS: Heidern interrupts Back Roll Throw from Kyosuke with Moon Slasher.
[ \\\ < > /////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Rolento
> /////////// ]
|===----\-------\0 Heidern
The blast of fire thwarting Kyosuke's attack from behind seems utterly ignored. Instead, Heidern moves swiftly, zeroing on the young blonde with every intention to stop him right then and there. He wants to put the kid out, unconscious. There is no need to push this fight on any further. And yet...he continues to prove his tenacity. Though Heidern's fist moves fast and swiftly, the young man seems to find every means of pressing this fight onward. The jab seems to accomplish precious little.
Heidern's brow ticks slightly. That single eye slowly narrows as his ears catch sound of hissing cloth, Kyosuke's garments betraying him.
In one graceful motion the man kneels, a hand thrusting out at his side. The moment those hands grasp down - hard - on the man, that hand outstretched suddenly JERKS to motion, slicing through the air - and likely Kyosuke's garments. Like a sword the hand makes a circular motion, and in its wake a blur of blue chi erupts, to knock the kid back and away.
And that seems to be the conclusion. Rolento has reaffirmed that Heidern's still significantly stronger then him. That was half the reason he came to this meeting, after all. That he withstood the rigors of aging so well incites another wave of disdain, shrouded far in his mind from genuine envy. Always the lesser fighter. He never had chi to wield, after all. He was never gifted in a perfect body. All he had was his mind... One that many would call mad, but none can call anything but dangerous. "This fight has concluded." Rolento states, turning his back towards Kyosuke quite brazenly, not seeming to fear any last reprisal as he maneuvers himself to a location within the middle of the hotel's roof, a fair distance from both the fallen Kain and likely near-fallen Kyosuke. "...It has been an enlightening experience. One can only fathom the strength we would have, were our paths not to part. I honestly consider your short-sighted ambition, naive compassion and belief of duty to the very people who resent you as laughable liabilities. Such can never be rectified, can it?"
COMBATSYS: Rolento focuses on his next action.
[ \\\ < > /////// ]
Kyosuke 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Rolento
> /////////// ]
|===----\-------\0 Heidern
No truer words were spoken by Rolento tonight-- but then this fight had been concluded long before. Kyosuke was only now ready to give into it. The blow knocked the breath out of him, and his vision started to cloud over. His blood stained lips tugged at one end in a bit of a pain-filled smile, "It's been...quite the experience, I regret it couldn't last longer." Edging out each word with effort. He inclined his head a hairsbreath, then his legs gave out beneath him, and he sank into that painfree slumber.
COMBATSYS: Kyosuke has left the fight here.
> /////// ]
|=======\-------\1 Rolento
> /////////// ]
|===----\-------\0 Heidern
When the deed is done, Heidern slowly comes to rise from that kneeling position, his single, good eye narrowed slightly as he looks toward Kyosuke's thoroughly thrashed person. There is no ounce of hatred or anger, no shred of arrogance or delight on those weathered features of his; instead, the man simply stares, lips pulled into a thin line across his face. A single brow descends, that single eye slowly drawing to an almost thoughtful close.
Heidern's reason for coming was likely the same as Rolento's own, though far be the Ikari Commander to express as much. He finds no glory in boasting his prowess, despite his age. No, there's nothing there, save for those feelings of contempt, for his rival. ...that, and an ounce of respect. Though Rolento may not be on par with strength, his mind is as sharp as ever. This bout has proven as much.
That single eye slides open once again, turning from the fallen youth toward Rolento as he speaks. For a long few minutes, the Ikari CO's expression remains stern and unyielding as he just gazes across the void, toward Rolento. Enlightening, he says. Heidern's eye narrows a touch more, those depths cold as he continues to regard his former comrade in arms.
"Believe what you will, Schugerg," Heidern finally replies, his voice carrying across the rooftop, speaking volumes over the roar of wind so high above the sea. "But the past has long-since been put behind us. You drew your line in the sand, and there is no turning back. Your ambitions and desires have since blinded you, your misconceptions shrouding reality." Rolling his neck on his shoulders, the elder Ikari remains stern.
"My men, liabilities? You really are a fool." His words pause briefly, his jaw squaring before he states, his chin aloft a touch, "I will not press this engagement further, Schugerg. To fight you in this state would be a dishonor to ourselves and our potential.
"Our business here is done."
COMBATSYS: Heidern has left the fight here.
> /////// ]
|=======\-------\1 Rolento
"You refuse to see what I did. And always have. I wager the weight of your medals has dulled your mind, while the sins I committed were considered crimes. We both fought the same war, and we both fought to win it. It's amusing how the same intent... can be so vastly misconstrued. Were my evils justified? Would they have ended in less deaths, had we not instead lost?!" A bloody spit to the side is done, as he merely grins. It's an old man's grin, exasperated and tired, and having no fight left to it. "We truly are opposites of the same coin, Commander Heidern. I am a man who will do anything it takes to get my objectives done. ...Anything. But you must truly ask yourself... Am I weaker for it? Or merely more disliked? Regardless, this shall be the last time we fight as allies. Those days are forever behind us, and our future is that of enemies."
And then Rolento turns to face Heidern, although there's still a good twenty feet between him. His baton is sheathed, before his other hand reaches out, fingers extended. Offering to shake, were Heidern to walk over and take it. His helicopter has finally stabilized, but only dropped a black line, about fifteen meters behind the USPL leader. Yet he remains; Looking almost awkward, allowing this final show of mutual respect. One that will never be done again, in these last twilight years of both men's hard and tortured lifetimes.
COMBATSYS: Rolento has ended the fight here.
Far be Heidern a man to rudely cut someone off in the middle of banter, however insulting or scathing one's words may be. Rolento's words are precisely that - and yet, despite the venom laced between every syllable, seething disgust between each breath...the man's expression remains stern. His features show no sign of hatred or disgust. He just...exists in that moment, a man - if one could call such a lifeless look remotely "human."
Eventually, that solitary eye stirs, hooding a touch before the man simply draws his eye to a close. Still does he employ silence here, his posture stiff and form unmoving as he simply holds his ground. Does he consider the words of Rolento Schugerg, or does he simply cast them off as the words of a madman, driven to these lengths by years of twisted beliefs and desires?
Slowly, Heidern's eye comes to open, observing as his former comrade approaches, covering the stretch of roof that lay between them. There are no words for the man. Instead, Heidern's eye drops, observing the hand that lay outstretched as he comes to pause a short ways away. Will he meet the proffered hand, or simply ignore it? The weight of the silence that hangs between them is almost suffocating, save for the whooping of helicopter blades above.
The sound of footfalls breaks that silence. With a poised and soliderly posture, Heidern approaches the man, meeting Rolento halfway atop the Burj Al-Arab rooftop. He pauses at a "friendly" distance, but does not make any motion to accept his hand. Instead, he looks upon the other soldier with a stern gaze.
"Our views will always remain vastly different, Schugerg. Though you may be blinded by them, I never confessed that you were "weaker" for your beliefs and ideals. Though the years have passed, you have not dulled. Clearly, you have gotten stronger. You are formidable, yes. But what has happened, what did happen all those years ago...cannot be forgotten." Pausing, the man seems vaguely thoughtful before his jaw sets. "I saw what you did, but I do not agree with them. I never will, Schugerg. Believe what you will of my perceptions. I have a job that remains unfinished. Our business is not yet done. You know that well."
Perhaps unexpected is the stretch of a lanky arm, his hand produced between them, reaching out and accepting Rolento's hand with a firm, assured grasp. The handshake of a man who feels no doubts or disgusts or anger - a handshake which offers a sense of respect, likely the last shred of decency to be exchanged between either soldier on this last battlefield where they were united in arms.
"You are correct. We never have seen eye to eye, and never will; You had attempted to eliminate me once before, and I am sure I am high upon your list now for the ideals I thought you might embrace. It is truly a shame."
A few heartbeats pass. Rolento looks upon the ragged face opposite, knowing well the trials and sacrifices Heidern has made. The harsh battle with Rugal Bernstein, that cost him his family and his eye. The effect his weakness has, so intimately linked to every member of Ikari. But he feels no sympathy, and he feels none of the same. And like every other time in his life, there is no hesitation as the hand is firmly shaked.
"...Mission complete."
From the ascended tennis court, which Heidern's back faces, a figure shifts. An Arabian man, the silent scorpion of the desert, El Gado. The other half of this encounter is taking place now – assassination. He was ensured and verified a lack of Ikari presence here; But Geese was more then willing to allow one of his own operatives into the building. The gleam of steel muzzle, as a long rifle aims towards Heidern's back.
By the time the sound is heard, it'd be far too late to do anything. The subsonic shot is anti-material, capable of penetrating a foot of tank armor. And against the thoroughly weakened and likely unaware Heidern, the effect could be devastating. Like thunder, the shot echoes through the still sky.
Rolento immediately is leaping backwards regardless. In his other hand, the previously procured lighter-sized device is pulled out, and the top pressed within the breadth of a half second.
The ground beneath where Heidern would of been standing suddenly detonates straight up, an enormous and unbelievably condensed eruption of flame and shrapnel that tears a ten-foot round gaping hole. The plume goes up easily forty feet, black smoke boiling as the very stone is partially melted. It was a lure; Rolento positioned him in the one place where he had gathered enough HE anti-vehicular shaped charges to potentially kill his rival. And were the sniper shot to hit, his chances of evading should have been minimal. But live or die, evade or connect, the response is the same.
El Gado has already vanished down a line from the tennis court, towards the ground level. Rolento similarly grips his own, and the helicopter quickly flits upwards.
"There are no such thing as rules of engagement in a true war. There is only victory... and defeat." The latter is mused to himself, mayhaps as justification of the attempt, as the helicopter flits away towards the horizon.
A shame, but Heidern shows no ounce of pity or remorse. Instead, the soldier lets his last remaining, good eye focus on that odd but off milky-white gaze settled on the scarred face of his comrade-turned-rival. Again does the Ikari Commander seem at a loss for words, Rolento's own met only with a heavy silence. In that moment, the man does not hesitate to meet the man dead in the eye, his jaw squared. He likely considers everything in this fateful instant, all that has happened - all that will come to pass in due time.
Their past is a colorful one, stained red with the blood of many fallen. Even now, on this particular battlefield, blood has been shed, staining their hands. Unlike their felled opponents, these two men cannot fight without spilling it. Brutality and mercilessness is in their blood, ingrained in their very existence. It is second nature. You simply cannot take it out of a true soldier, no matter how hard one tries. Especially soldiers such as Heidern and Rolento Schugerg.
They shake hands.
Something is amiss. When Rolento speaks, Heidern knows it. His senses can feel it.
There is something very much not right here. Though to the untrained eye such would likely be unnoticed, to a man as sharp and astute as Rolento, he might noticed the slightest shift that occurs within that single eye which remains embedded there on weathered features. Mission complete. Those words never bring good tidings.
Clarity comes at the sound of deafening gunfire. All is swiftly put into perspective in that single, fateful moment. The slight nuances of Schugerg in combat, those glances cast aside...they make sense right then and there.
It's a force like no other. Struck from behind, the man is jarred violently, a spray of red erupting from the front of singed fatigues. It's almost impossible to discern the point of exit on the body - the blood shed is immense, numerous as it spills forth like a macabre fountain, staining the rooftop beneath his very feet. The scent of the sea's breeze is clouded with the awful, coppery stench of blood. For the briefest of moments, the man expresses utter agony, his face wracked with pain.
And yet, as a show of sheer tenacity - sheer WILL and strength...the Ikari does not fall to his knees. That single eye just slides up from the blood-stained ground at his feet...and settles right on Rolento's gaze as he hops back. Though his face lacks any expression, his eyes seem hard. Callous. Cold. Spiteful. They speak volumes not string of profanities ever could. And yet, beneath all that, there is the faintest light of disbelief.
How..?
A split-second later the ground beneath his very feet erupts in a glorious display of flame and shrapnel, a suffocating plume of smoke rising from the rooftop as it all but destroyed in one act of sheer cruelty. Some may very well call it overkill. At its center, Commander Heidern vanishes from sight, even as Rolento grabs his line and ascends into the awaiting copter.
Below, on the shoreline, chaos erupts. Distance screams and panic can be heard. Sirens begin to wail in the far off distance. Within Burj Al-Arab, fear and uncertainty flood the building as people flee every which way. In one cruel act, a chain of events has been set swiftly into motion.
And the fate of Commander Heidern uncertain.
Log created by Kyosuke, and last modified on 17:08:20 04/22/2007.