Description: Rugal decides he would like to know more about the recent rising star among Geese Howard's men. And, as all things one wants done right, he decides to take care of this investigation personally.
Typically in Southtown, night is the best time of day to get a job done -- provided it's a job of the less than -legal- variety. That way, there's not much attention drawn to it. Who knows what obscure and dangerous things go on in the middle of the night in the far off corners of the city? Especially in Gedo Street of all places, the proverbial slums of Southtown. Here, violence is not an uncommon activity; people who come here often even engage in it actively as a -hobby-.
Today, however, night does not grace the sky. The sun hangs in a hesitating position just above the horizon, painting the sky a brilliant hue of pink and dyeing the clouds similar shades. It's warm out, bordering on uncomfortably hot; combined with the mild humidity, some might say its downright unpleasant. The people at the river bed this fine evening, however, don't seem to notice nor care. They're your typical thugs: some dressed in leather (which subsequently makes things even more uncomfortable for them) some dressed in the finest clothes their two-bit jobs can afford, and many of them wearing their guns plainly visible, shoved into the waistbands of their pants. They're all common thugs, low-level grunts for the Syndicate and gangmembers of the minor gangs operating here in Gedo.
All except one man who stands at the bottom of the steps leading to the riverbed, dressed in fine red and black silk. He doesn't seem to be truly observing the going-ons between the men. It's a simple drug deal, something he is only here for in order to ensure that those doing the deal know who their getting their material from. Dark eyes slowly lift up towards the sky, an idle habit; one accompanied by the subconscious lift of the man's large hand to his neck, rough fingertips tracing the length of a dangerously jagged-looking scar that marks his skin. For some, this all is just a waste of time. There's only minor benefits for a man of his stature being here. Minor connections, a perceived sensation of loyalty.
But Duke of all people knows, even the smallest of steps still inevitably take you to where you want to be... no matter where that place is. And the man known as 'Hell's Executioner' still has so many more steps to take before he can see his own goal come to fruition.
The interaction between the crime cartels has always been less than social. They've all infiltrated each other with spies, betrayers, double crossing spineless fools that will do anything for the right price. It's to the point that while the factions may operate in secret to the rest of the world, they find it very difficult to operate with the protection of secrecy when it comes to each other. Who knows who among those gathered at the riverbed tonight is the leak. It could be any one of them. A plant from "R" who has yet to be found out. Or maybe just someone who knows someone else who will pay good money for the right kind of intel.
Whatever the case may be, three long, black sedans pull to a stop on the street above in perfect unison. Out of the front two cars exit four men from each, all in black suits, white shirts, and black ties. Rugal's men. The competing crimelord himself exits from the third car, stepping onto the pavement with his black, polished, leather-soled shoes. His men stay near their cars. While no guns are visible, they're almost definitely packing.
Thus it is that only Rugal walks toward the steps leading down to the river bed below. His glance at the drug deal going on is only in passing, his eyes are on Duke. This territory is Geese's turf. Rugal isn't here to butt in on drug traffic in Southtown. He has so many other perfectly corrupted locales to suite his needs for now. "Good evening," he offers in greeting. He knows who Duke is, Duke no doubt knows who he is. Introductions would be rather unnecessary.
There's something about these evenings; the summer sunsets that aren't exactly hot, but aren't cool. Aren't overbearingly humid, but aren't dry. Everything at a perfect sort of equilibrium. Duke, throughout his years of working in various illegal activities, has always viewed this kind of environment, this kind of day, as something distinct. Almost always--
--It's just a calm before the storm.
Of course, the ambitious Syndicate lieutenant's instincts are typically never wrong. And this evening, they once more are right on the money. The fact that there are nice, shiney sedans pulling up through Gedo Street of all places -- the fact that there are cars pulling into the -riverbed- -- is enough of an indicator for those involved that something is amiss. Several look on; some of the gang members in a confused fashion, those that work for Duke in more of a worried one. They know what happens to when information is leaked out and Duke finds out. Typically, one way or another... the rat gets crushed, or they -all- get crushed.
Duke has never really taken the time to appreciate the irony of this particular code of conduct of his.
That dark brown gaze of Duke's is unnervingly calm, however, as the cars pull up. There's only a visible reaction when the last of his new guests makes himself known. The distinct clothes, the glowing red point of a fake eye -- anyone in the criminal underworld knows who Rugal Bernstein is. The reaction from Duke's men is priceless. Some of them fumble backwards. One of them runs off. Another starts to sloppily move for his gun, frantically trying to pull it out of the less-than practical position he's put it in at the waistband of his pants. The action, however, is halted when Duke turns his head to shoot a glare at the men. Instantly, any hostile motions are stopped.
"We're not animals now, are we? I think we can greet these people without shooting them." A pause. Duke's gaze rotates back to Rugal, considering the man with a thoughtful stare. "Good evening to you, too," he offers in way of a greeting. He doesn't move from his position even a single inch. Though he's calm... Duke is most certainly guarded right now.
"I doubt you're here to enjoy the sights of Southtown's broken down slums, so..." Calmly, Duke's hands slip into his pockets.
"...Why are you here, Mister Bernstein?"
There's not a flicker of hesitation as the guns are pulled. Even Rugal's men remain silently by their cars. If anything, they're there to keep further interference from coming from other directions besides Duke's men. If someone wants to take potshots at Rugal with weapons insignificant enough to be hand held, it would be his pleasure to demonstrate why that isn't a prudent way to wrap up their existance.
A gloved, fingerless hand waves casually toward the rest of the men in the river bed. "If they wish to conduct their transaction, I'm not here to interfere with that. There's better ways to make inroads into Southtown's trade after all." He pauses, adjusting the glove on his hand before placing his other hand in his suit pocket. He doesn't wear gloves all the time. But he does carry them in his pockets everywherehe goes. That he already has them on is a sign to those who know him best that this isn't going to be kept to a social call for long.
"I'm here for you. Duke, isn't it. I don't know enough about you, Duke." His human eye narrows a little. If he had two good eyes, it might almost look inquisitive rather than menacing, "But you've been making a bit of a name for yourself lately. Often I find it necessary to evaluate the best men working for men like me. It helps me determine if perhaps they are undervalued by their current employer. Maybe their benefits aren't what they should be. Or maybe they just might be better suited as a part of "R" rather than just any ol... syndicate."
The man stretches his arm, then brings it back in, flexing it a little, though it's hard to tell exactly beneath the sleeves of his coat and shirt. "What I'm offering you right now is a chance to help me get to know you better, Duke. Well... offering is probably not the right word for it."
Though Duke doesn't know much about Rugal -- beyond the rumors and the infamy of his fighting career -- he knows enough about men in his line of work to know what kind of visit this is going to be. The only question is to the intentions. After all... Duke is, in the end, just a man of the same heart as Rugal. A visit here means only one thing. Either Rugal Bernstein is here to engage in friendly banter, or --
-- he's here to make a -point.-
The men under Duke's employ hesitate for a few seconds longer at Rugal's words. Finally, though, the transaction begins again -- albeit more slowly, more worriedly and paranoid than before, with both sides sparing glances towards Rugal and his entourage as they work. Duke says nothing to them. They know what's in store later. Tomorrow, or the next day -- the future bodes ill for the people that came here. What an unfortunate twist of fate for them.
"Don't feel bad," Hell's Executioner remarks off-handedly, his shoulders rolling in what might seem to be a casual gesture -- in reality, the ambitious lieutenant is relaxing his muscles in a slow, simple process, preparing himself for what's to come. "Nobody knows that much about me. I've seen to that." Only what he lets be known, and he imagines that's why Rugal is here today -- a thought just confirmed by the arms dealer's words. A slow smile crawls across Duke's lips. Its dry. Some might consider it 'unpleasant.' But it's one of the only kinds of smiles he knows.
"So this is a recruitment drive, eh...?" Duke questions as his hands slowly pull out of his pockets. His men look back towards him, blinking thoughtfully -- and then they return to their work. "And a test, on top of that. It's not every day the infamous Rugal Bernstein makes requests of me..." This is a curiosity. Of course, Duke knows what's coming. And what he sees... is opportunity.
"... so I guess I'll oblige you for a little while."
"A cautious man when it comes to information then," Rugal remarks, his tone conveying approval about not many people knowing much about Duke. It takes a lot of that to get by in the sort of business both of their organizations engage in. The tyrant of "R" takes a couple steps forward then, one hand still in his pocket. Duke is a large enough man that the suited Bernstein can look him right in the eye without having to glare down. Another nice, albeit rare trait. Height does matter when it comes to intimidation.
"You may think of it that way, yes," he allows. Most recruitment drives don't begin with a violent fight. But most recruiters aren't Rugal Bernstein either. His right hand begins folding and unfolding the tail end of the black scarf that hangs open around his neck. His left hand remains in his pocket.
The scar at Duke's neck is eyed and the corner of Rugal's mouth curls up just slightly. "If your ability proves unimpressive... you might have to test the rumors I've heard about your... tenacity for living." The stakes are always high when Rugal steps off the Black Noah. Apparently he wants Duke to feel that quite clearly. "Show me!" he demands, pulling his hand out of his pocket and releasing the scarf to go back to dangling against his pant leg. He remains remains perhaps uncomfortably close in, leaving little room to react to whatever Duke may chose to do next.
COMBATSYS: Rugal has started a fight here.
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Rugal 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Rugal takes no action.
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Rugal 0/-------/-------|
He's heard all the rumors about Rugal Bernstein -- there's few who haven't. He knows what defeat means to the unlucky some who catch Rugal's interest -- those who he is -not- interested into inducting into his ranks. Were Duke any other man, he might feel more intimidated. As it stands... though the presence of Rugal Berstein, the burning stare of that cybernetic eye, is certainly something that unsettles him deep within, he maintains a look of collected calm. He's seen too much to be outright affected -- even though the other man's presence is certainly not one that sets Duke at ease.
But even so -- Rugal came here for a reason, and that reason is quite clear when the leader of "R" makes his advance, speaks his words. "... heh." As he listens, Duke shuts his eyes. A reputation like his can have both positive and negative consequences. There's opportunity here... he just has to see what route this takes. And so, as Rugal finishes speaking -- the smile fades from Duke's lips. His eyes open, and he turns his dark gaze more pointedly on the other man.
"You get right to the point. I like that." Right fist clenching, Duke's left foot pulls back, pressing closely against the nearby step. His body tenses, stance ready. "Alright then... I'll -SHOW YOU-." And then -- Duke's right hand lashes out, seeking to grab Rugal by the throat with a tight grip. If he should succeed, Duke will lift, and then... swing -around-, his body pivoting towards the side as he seeks to -slam- Rugal straight into the ground beneath them. "GRAAAGH!"
COMBATSYS: Duke has joined the fight here.
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Duke 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rugal
COMBATSYS: Rugal endures Duke's Strong Throw.
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Duke 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Rugal
The first test seems to be to see what Duke can do given an opponent that is unable to stop him in the slightest. Duke's hand gets a grip on his throat, and for a moment all Rugal does is glare back as if challenging him to make him feel it. And then up... and back down to the ground. The concrete beneath Rugal's back cracks, forming a spider-web shaped imprint that will remain as a permanent feature of the river bed regardless the outcome of this fight.
Rugal may not seem thrashed by the force of the attack, but he seems to have felt something, taking a moment to sit then rise to a standing position and turn back in at Duke. There is just the slightest hint of a nod as his foot idly pushes down on the shattered concrete, pebbles sinking into the ground. "Heh." It's hard to say if he's impressed as his expression is impassive still.
And then he's back on Duke with a two stage kicking attack, one foot swinging low to strike at Duke's knee with the power to incapacitate. The moment it is planted again though, his other foot comes in higher, striking to plant the bottom of his shoe right into Duke's chest with an incredible amount of force.
COMBATSYS: Duke endures Rugal's Medium Kick.
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Duke 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Rugal
Of course -- the real measure of Duke's worth likely won't come until later into the fight. He only demonstrates a portion of raw strength here, insofar as the brutality he gives off from that single slam into the ground. He knows this will be an uphill battle for him -- just as it was with Kain. And just like Kain... he sees this as an opportunity to measure just how much further he has to go. And just how much opportunity Rugal can supply into getting Duke to that place.
But now, it's time to take a moment to test -Rugal's- own strength. This isn't just a chance for Rugal to see what Duke is made of -- Hell's Executioner has a vested interest in seeing just how strong "R"'s leader is. So, as that strike comes at his knee... Duke doesn't try to evade it. Instead, he takes it full on, the powerful blow smashing straight into his knee and sending him staggering. Not a moment later, Rugal follows it up with a -second- strike. One that crashes straight into Duke's chest painfully. There is a grunt of effort on Duke's part, but Rugal may note... he's going with the strike.
So much so, that Duke voluntarily allows it to knock him backwards through the air for a short distance. As he flies, the ambitious lieutenant's leg tenses visible, flaring briefly with power. And when he lands, he lands STOMPING that foot into the ground. The crash is so violent, so brutal, that it creates tremors across the ground like a localized earthquake, meant to unsettle Rugal's footing. Only a moment afterwards, fiery chi sprouts from Duke's leg, screaming outward in a circular, blazing wave with intent to knock Rugal straight off his feet.
COMBATSYS: Rugal slows Seismic Impact from Duke with Reppuken.
Glancing Hit
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Duke 0/-------/-======|==-----\-------\0 Rugal
After his foot knocks Duke back it is with the right eye that Rugal begins to study him the most. That gift of Goentiz's. A cybernetic window into the world that has allowed Rugal to see so much deeper into his opponents than he ever would have before. It glows red now, boring in on Duke. Muscle contractions, build ups of chi, spikes in strength. Everything becomes open to Rugal, piece by piece. The longer the fight goes, the more he will know. Given enough time, even the condition of his mind will gradually become understood.
When the blast wave comes in, Rugal decides to share a little trick. A technique that perhaps Duke is familiar with. Something the crimelord copied from Geese as if simply to rub it in his face that he could do whatever the other man could. The ease with which he flings his arm back and down into an under-handed swing conceals the raw power behind the attack. "Reppu-" And there it is, for a moment on the ground, a flair of chi, a waving pulse of power intended to bore through Duke's energy and deliver a painful blow.
"-ken!" Only, it lasts just briefly, crashing against the Seismic Impact as if meeting equal power. And then it's gone, allowing just a flicker of the original attack wash over Rugal. Considering how much energy was absorbed by the Reppuken, it probably comes as no surprise that he barely looks phased in the end. Still, this time he nods slightly. "Powerful." comes the single word of appraisal.
For a moment, there is a brief flash of a wry grin on Duke's face as he lands. He recognizes that stance, and the churning of energy that follows after it. He knows the motions, too -- Geese's infamy knows no bounds, especially amongst his lackies. The beginning of the words are uttered, and Duke braces as that wave of fire crashes through -- and then nothing. There is a lingering moment of silence as Duke stares forward, observes the brief spurt of energy, the clash of power--
--and then watches as his succeeds. Perhaps over a quickly formed, weaker Reppuken, but even so -- it is, in his mind, a good point to be made clear. His own abilities are not to be scoffed at. He comes to a stand easily as Rugal speaks. "Everything I know, I've taught myself." And to him, he has so much more to learn. He hates to admit it -- but he's still too weak to be at the top.
But then, this is where individuals like Rugal come in. As the other man speaks, Duke offers little more than the inclination of his head before he rushes off, cutting through the distance between them. No stop, no time to rest. Right now, there's only time to act, to keep Rugal on his toes. With a single twist, Duke seeks to plant his elbow quickly into the arms dealer's sternum in an unbalancing strike. "GRAAAGH!!" It's followed up shortly after that bellowing roar with another twist, Duke's right leg swinging outward and down to impact SOLIDLY against the side of Rugal's skull with fast, prodding force.
COMBATSYS: Duke successfully hits Rugal with Light Kick.
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Duke 0/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Rugal
It's hard to tell if Rugal is trying to avoid the next attack or not. The quick elbow to his sternum causes his feet to slip just a few inches, but it's far from enough force to send him off balance. And when his right leg comes in, it smacks against Rugal's head with enough power to turn his face to the side, but his feet remain planted.
A gloved hand comes up and the back of it brushes against his mouth, wiping away a small amount of spittle that had been knocked free from the kick. "That kick was backed with some strength, but little conviction." the tyrant replies, accusing Duke of not having put enough into it.
Two, long strided steps are taken forward while Rugal pulls back both of his arms. When he slams them forward next, it is with the amount of force that would literally smash through a brick wall. And that force is bearing in on Duke's chest, coming in from both sides, powered by muscles concealed by the suit coat, perhaps making it possible to underestimate the damage they would inflect with a direct blow.
COMBATSYS: Duke blocks Rugal's Fierce Punch.
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Duke 1/------=/=======|==-----\-------\0 Rugal
Not enough conviction? The accusation draws a rueful sort of look onto Duke's face, a smile that is far from pleasant slipping past his features. "Far be it from me to disappoint you, Mr. Bernstein. My conviction shows itself in a different way." Whether it's a bluff or not is anyone's guess. Likely, from the look in those dark brown eyes of the Syndicate enforcer, he is telling the truth -- this is something of a test on -both- sides, after all.
He doesn't have much time to consider it, though. Soon enough, Rugal is swiping forward with his arms. It's a surprising amount of physical force, but comes at such a pace that Duke can predict it -- and react to it in short order. As those fists fly forward, Duke's forearms are there to greet them, stopping both blows before they can pound against his chest. The force causes him to take a single staggering step backwards, but despite it... he grins.
Pushing Rugal's fists -away- from him only a second after contact, Bernstein may note a strange crackle in Duke's right palm. Black electricity surges between the enforcer's fingertips before he THRUSTS his hand up into the air. A moment later, a giant sphere of deep red energy, crackling with a corona of black, surrounds Duke's hand. Black chi lances out from all around him as the thing attempts to slam into Rugal, intent on not just dealing physical damage -- but sapping from him the very reserves of strength he utilizes.
COMBATSYS: Rugal reflects Gravitational Wave from Duke with Dark Barrier EX.
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Duke 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Rugal
"Hn," Rugal replies as Duke claims to be ready to show him conviction from another direction. The message is clear. 'We'll see.' That eye of his had gone dark during the exchange of attacks, a pool of black, unliving technology where human cells should exist. But it lights up again, analyzing the force that the Syndicate man of new fame gathers.
And when he brings that power smashing forward, Rugal extends his own right hand, meeting Duke with his own power. A shield appears at his fist, a sickly green pool of miasmic energy. A barrier meant to stop Duke's incoming attack short. And with the way Rugal reacts so casually, it's as if he expected that to be accomplished easily.
But there is a change in his demeanor in an instant when the two powerful men collide, Duke's own energy smashing against Rugal's chi, applying enough pressure that the suited man brings his left hand over to brace the wrist of his right arm, leaning forward just slightly to counter-act the collision.
In the end, it is enough. "RAAAAH!" comes the roar as he pours enough strength into his defense to cause it to explode back against Duke. Rugal lowers his arm, unclasping his wrist. Even though he overcame the attack, his brow is furrowed now. "Yes... that is power. That is the strength I'm looking for. Show me more!"
Now that's a technique that Duke's certainly heard of, but never thought he'd get the opportunity to experience first hand. There is a momentary look of shock in Duke's expression as that churning barrier of emerald chi is brought into direct collision with the sphere of power that he has ushered into existence. Unexpected, but only momentarily surprising. He wants to see, after all -- he wants to see what -power- Rugal Bernstein has at his disposal.
And he gets that chance. Not only when Bernstein stops Duke's attack... but then rebounds it, causing that crackling sphere of black and crimson to almost literally implode, compacting and backlashing against Duke. The resultant blows isn't much; the explosion of power is brief and weak, and doesn't really stagger Hell's Executioner a single step. But that isn't the point, and he knows it. The point is... this man just rerouted his entire attack back at him. And that alone is grounds for a certain degree of respect.
Not enough respect to make Duke awe-struck, though. The moment that power explodes back on him, Duke is rushing -straight- through it, lashing out with his right shoulder. From there, he'll simply plow himself, shoulder-first, into Bernstein, intent on hefting the other man upward and then -slamming- him back down into the ground behind Duke. "RAAAARGH!!" Show him more? Soon enough. Sooner than he'd think.
COMBATSYS: Rugal dodges Duke's Quick Throw.
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Duke 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Rugal
Duke's recovery is fast. Fast enough to probably catch most men off guard after having expended such energy to repell him in the first place. But not so fast that THIS opponent can't see it coming. When Duke's shoulder comes in for him, Rugal lifts a hand while stepping to the side, pressing it against Duke's shoulder, not so much avoiding his attack as redirecting the momentum such that it becomes harmless.
His hand moves along Duke's shoulder, keeping contact as he moves with swiftness his stature would not imply he had, so that he ends up completely behind his equally large opponent. At that point, his other arm comes around as well, trying to meet the first in order to deliver a bear hug like crush for a moment. If that succeeds, Bernstein simply leans back, dropping Drake over his shoulder in a powerful suplex to the concrete.
COMBATSYS: Rugal successfully hits Duke with Medium Throw.
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Duke 0/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Rugal
Once more, Duke finds himself seemingly outclassed by a clearly stronger opponent. Still, it's enough of a learning experience that frustration doesn't even enter the man's mind. Instead, he keeps his focus on what he must do in order to make his mark -- and in the process, makes a momentary mistake. Rugal is faster to recover than expected, as well, and the fact that he's just narrowly evaded Duke's attempt to launch him off his feet --
--just to be picked up and hurtled off his own feet in a single instant. Duke is -slammed- into the concrete with such force that it breaks beneath Bernstein's might, cracking underneath the force of the blow. It dizzies Duke, enough so that for a moment, he is relatively disoriented.
It doesn't last long. Soon enough, Duke's rough, large hands are pressing against the cracked ground, pushing off to launch himself back onto his feet with relative ease. Blood dribbles down his lip, staining his blonde goatee. But only a moment afterward, Duke launches himself forward in a sudden surge of motion. In comparison to Rugal, it may be slow, but the intent is clear enough. Duke seeks to SLAM his fist into Rugal's face in a brutal haymaker that, if successful, will be followed up by a second swing of his left fist in an uppercut aimed JUST underneath Bernstein's jaw. "GRAAAAGH!!"
COMBATSYS: Rugal dodges Duke's Strong Punch.
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Duke 0/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Rugal
COMBATSYS: Duke has saved the state of this fight.
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Duke 0/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Rugal
COMBATSYS: Rugal has left the fight here.
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Duke 0/-------/=======|
It's fortunate for Duke that crashing slam to the ground doesn't keep him down for long. For the instant the suplex has been delivered and his arms released from around Duke's waist, Rugal's back only touched the ground for an instant before he rolled to the side and got back to his feet. He comes in for Duke immediately, as if intending to leave almost no time to recover, allowing his opponent precious little time with which to strike back at him. Part of the trade is knowing when to back off and knowing when to just keep driving home one vicious blow after another.
The swing for Bernstein's face is avoided as the powerful man weaves low and Duke's arm swings just over his head, not slowing his forward momentum in the slightest. In close and low now, Rugal's left shoulder comes slamming upward into Duke's chest, bearing with it the combination of leg and torso strength from one of the most powerful men alive.
If the shoulder slam finds its mark, Bernstein turns his body to toward the left, bringing his right fist forward and upward into a vicious smash toward Duke's chin. He has poured an incredible amount of force into this attack, perhaps risking being left open if it fails - an attack that demonstrates committment to finishing the job.
COMBATSYS: Duke endures Rugal's Fierce Punch.
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Duke 1/---====/=======|====---\-------\0 Rugal
Despite the impossible odds, despite -everything-... Duke has proven himself to be thoroughly toughened to the blows that have ceaselessly rained down upon him in this battle. He's undeterred by the fact that his strikes have all but failed under Rugal's uncanny ability to maneuver himself out of the way. He feels neither upset nor discouraged by this. Instead, he keeps powering through, that powerful swing of his body evaded deftly by the arms dealer. His momentum continues to carry through, setting himself up rather poorly for what comes next--
--at least, to the common observer. Anyone else? Would see that Duke is clearly not even attempting to defend himself at this point. He takes in the full blow of Bernstein's might in the form of that titanic uppercut. Yet somehow, someway, Duke manages to keep his bearings. The main reason for this is because Hell's executioner is still -moving- straight into that punch that slams forward towards him, taking the full brunt as his head snaps upward and blood flies from his mouth. There is a distinct snapping noise, like bones crushing. And then...
"GRAAAAAGH!!"
Duke swings. With a single hand, Duke swings forward in one entirely brutal haymaker meant to SLAM into the side of Rugal's face with such force, with such POWER, that it will most assuredly send him crashing to the ground if it connects...
COMBATSYS: Rugal fails to interrupt Volcanic Bomb from Duke with Scorpion Blow.
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Duke 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Rugal
More than enough force to send even the mighty Rugal to the floor, Duke seems to tailor that haymaker specifically -for- that very reason. Slamming his fist into the side of Rugal's visage, Duke seems intent on simply flooring the man and being done with it... except, the moment that Rugal begins to fly into the ground, the Southsynd lieutenant's hands snap OUT, seeking to grasp Bernstein quiet solidly by the legs. From there, Rugal will be spun once, twice, -three- times before he is released STRAIGHT into the air with a bellow of, "HRAAAAGH!!"
--But, it doesn't end there. The moment that Rugal is released, Duke is already making a dead spring towards where the other man will land, leaping into the air to intercept the crimelord as he descends. Taking a solid grip onto Bernstein's body, Duke proceeds to aid his fall with a singularly mighty powerbomb -- SMASHING Rugal harshly into the hard ground with such strength that the cement literally explodes outward, chunks of debris flying all around them in an absolutely -brutal- display.
As Duke comes in for him again, Rugal lunges forward as if to meet him head on, his arm reaching out to grip for that scarred neck of the Syndicate man, fingers extended like claws ready to clamp down and choke the rest of the fight out him. But Duke's fist strikes true only a split second before Rugal would have had him, sending the tyrant off his feet for the second time this fight. The punch alone could've killed most fighters, and the concrete powdering power bomb at the end would have just been the cruel thrashing of an already felled foe.
In this case, it was enough for Rugal to feel something, the tyrant lying atop the wrecked cement for a long moment, having finally been slowed down from the frantic pace that he had sustained thus far. Finally he sits up, pushing himself to his feet with a hand against the concrete, rubble falling from off his back and one shoulder. Blood trickles down from the side of his mouth. His own blood - a change from the carnage he is used to inflicting upon others.
His next gesture is to pull back his coat with his gloved hands, shrugging the garment from his shoulders to drop to the ground at his feet. "I can see that the name you are making for yourself is warranted. Now I only wonder how it is you've managed to lay low for so long..."
The very second that groundwards slam connects, Duke is already pushing -off- of Rugal, making a short hop back through the sky and landing several feet away from the momentarily felled Bernstein. He saw that hand coming. Just a fraction of a second too late to stop his attack. It's almost unnerving. Almost. But Duke is not the spineless type; that his punch barely overcame that iron grip of Rugal Bernstein... just means that he was a split second faster in the altercation. And that's good. It's a point to be made; despite Rugal's dwarfing skill, Duke is still not a push over.
Still, Hell's Executioner is offered a small reprieve. It's not a voluntary one by any means, and Duke knows that in any other circumstance, Bernstein likely would have kicked his head in. But it is there in the compliment that Rugal gives him. For a moment, Duke offers a dark, amused sort of grin, his neck tilting up as his fingers run along his scar in a habit that he could never quite shake.
"...Good luck trying to find it out."
Most people would have stopped her to catch their breath, or attempt to figure out a more in depth strategy. Duke, however... knows it's not quite the time for that. Instead, his legs tense and, in a split second he is -leaping- across the distance between himself and Rugal. He seems to go for a simple punch to the jaw, an uppercut. Yet, midway through the carry, Duke stops abruptly... and leaps. One simple leap, intent on slamming his knee straight into Rugal's gut in a speedy poke with so much of a second's hesitation.
COMBATSYS: Duke successfully hits Rugal with Light Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Duke 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Rugal
"Hn," Rugal replies, calmly lifting his two hands to the coller of his white dress shirt. With the greatest of ease, he pulls the clothing apart, buttons snapping free as he sheds it just like the suit coat from a moment before. Even as Duke comes at him, he seems more interested in removing his shirt than he is in defending himself against either the apparent punch or kick that his attack ends up being.
He grunts at the impact as the knee strikes him in the stomach now covered simply by a tight fitting dark green muscle shirt. If he is bothered by the attack, it wouldn't be obvious with the way he chuckles, "Well, I do enjoy a good mystery. Keeps the mind sharp."
His left hand slams forward, palm open, driving toward Duke's chest. But the motion is a feint as once again Rugal rolls his right arm back and downward, unleashing a blastwave against the ground that rolls with incredible force toward Duke. "Reppuken!"
COMBATSYS: Rugal successfully hits Duke with Reppuken.
[ \\\\ < > /////////// ]
Duke 1/-------/=======|=======\==-----\1 Rugal
And the blow hits home. Even weak as it may be to Rugal, it serves its purpose well against him. It shows quite clearly that he is not simply another lumbering buffoon like some of the others in Geese's Syndicate. And it just goes to further solidify his impression upon the mighty Rugal. But the fight isn't /quite/ over just yet. And in fact, Duke realizes when he sees that sudden surge of motion that Rugal puts forth...
... things are looking rather bad for him.
The Reppuken again. Except this time, Duke gets to feel it full-force instead of it serving as a defensive purpose. This time... it SLAMS into him before he can even get a chance to solidify his defenses, sending him BLASTING backwards from the sheer force of it. It is a painful blow indeed, but as Duke flies...
... Rugal might note fire swelling up all around the Syndicate lieutenant's body.
It's an intense surge of power that follows shortly thereafter. As -soon- as Duke lands, his lips are pulled back into a snarl, all the reserves of that rage built up within him simply POURING itself out into an intense, rippling effect of power that blazes all around him. The summer evening grows noticeably hotter as Duke's arms rear up.
"GRAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!"
In one, jerking motion, Hell's Executioner SLAMS his upper body -downward- fists-first into the ground. He begins to pound at it relentlessly, as if attempting to defeat the cement rather than Rugal. But as he does, the moment those strikes begin to bash into concrete, blood oozing from Duke's fingers...
... the entire ground all around them EXPLODES into a hellish storm of fire.
Concrete and rubble blaze upwards in gigantic chunks as the floor literally BURSTS in the wake of a fiery, rage-empowered chi inferno. At the center of it all, Duke, roaring out as he continues to slam his fists amidst the firestorm that seeks to consume Rugal in all its fury.
COMBATSYS: Duke can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ <
Rugal 1/----===/=======|
COMBATSYS: Rugal reflects Ground Zero from Duke with Dark Barrier EX.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Rugal 0/-------/---====|
Again the red, piercing analysis from the crimelord's right eye begins to study Duke, observing the build up of blazing energy, the intensity of the strikes against the ground, the ability to block out the damage he is doing to his own body in order to create this show of incredible power. With his second sight, Rugal sees it all. And what he sees causes him to smile, pleased with what his insight and Duke's drive to overpower him in spite the odds has revealed.
The first chunks of concrete strike against his body, lacking the force to even puncture skin. But that won't be the case for long, as the level of explosive fury being unleashed by Duke continues to escalate. Still, Rugal simply gazes at the other man, even as small chips of stone scrape across his skin, scraping and drawing blood. Finally when the firestorm consumes the man, concealing him from sight, does Rugal finally react.
There is the sound that Duke heard before, the chi barrier of pure, controlled energy Rugal had used, and then the flames that sought to immolate the man go blasting outward in both directions, revealing the head of "R" with his arms raised out to his sides, shimmering pools of unhealthy green energy swirling at his fists, forming two equally powerful, reflecting barriers on either side of him.
"Enough!" he calls out as the energy fades away, lowering his arms to his sides. "That is quite enough. I have seen what I needed. You fought well." He pauses, perhaps recalling the words spoken by another titan among fighters, a faint smirk crossing his mouth. "You have my gratitude."
Normally, the fury that Duke exhibits isn't something that can be taken lightly. Normally... it's something to be feared. But now, so beaten as he is and from the aftermath of that blast of power, it comes out far more slowly than originally intended. If not, well -- then it might have been something to be feared.
Regardless, Duke doesn't seem to be able to put forth much more effort beyond that. As Rugal defends himself so expertly against that raging inferno, Duke doesn't look surprised -- in fact, it's almost expected that his blazing shot of power is so easily taken out. Powerful it may be -- but that time, it was extraordinarily ill-prepared.
In the aftermath, Duke is left on one knee, panting for breath. However... it doesn't take him too much longer to get back onto his feet. Rugal beat him, but not too soundly that he cannot get back up. He wobbles as he stands, staggering for a moment before he clutches at a wall. The ground beneath them is charred; certain parts of that cement have even been turned into slag at the wake of his fury. He pays it no mind. Instead, he looks towards Rugal as he speaks as the fires fade... and he smirks.
"... Hmph. I hope I've impressed you then, Mister Bernstein." It's not necessarily politeness that compells him to say this; the way Duke speaks is wry as his head dips down in an inclination; a nod of respect to the other man. "So I assume I passed your little test...?"
Slowly Rugal bends down, scooping up the charred remains of his coat and shirt by hooking his finger through what's left of them and flinging them over his shoulder. Not because there's anything salvageable there, but he seems inclined to clean up after himself all the same. Even if this specific location has been ruined by the fight between the two beyond all recognition. The city workers will certainly have their hands full with this mess come the morrow.
That Duke can even stand after all they did to each other is noteworthy in and of itself. It would seem the rumors of his ability to just keep fighting beyond all odds are not mere pieces of fiction. "Indeed," Rugal replies, the red, piercing glow finally fading from his right eye, leaving only metallic blackness.
The hand that is not holding onto his tattered suit and shirt slips casually into the pocket of his pants as he walks toward Duke... and then on by him to head for the stairs leading back up to the street level. He pauses as his foot lands on the first step, half turning to address Duke. "When you decide that you've had enough of Mister Howard's cartel... there is room for you among bigger things. I know you will find the benefits very rewarding. A man of your power and ability could climb much higher than Geese will ever let you. I... suspect he will be keeping you on a very short leash. And that would be an unfortunate waste of potential."
He bows his head slightly, "Good evening," before turning to ascend the steps slowly, the sound of his leather soled shoes echoing against the concrete battleground.
The words that Rugal offer him like a sweet sort of promise reach Duke's ears, but are not immediately responded to. He looks towards the men completing the deal -- it has actually long since been finished, many have just stopped to stare at the fight that has just raged on before them. His thick right hand clasps against his neck, rolling backwards as it makes a series of cracks. Slowly, Duke offers a thoughtful frown to the men, before looking back towards Rugal.
"Maybe when I know what's coming my way. Words don't mean much." It's a lesson that he's already learned time and again, and one that he's practiced himself. He doesn't consider it hypocrisy; its the fault of those he tricks that they can't catch on. But Duke leaves that discussion at that. It's left ambiguous for a reason, and it seems that he is content to leave Bernstein at that and let him be on his way. Slowly, Duke turns on his heel and begins to walk across the ravaged ground. But then--
--he pauses. A brief, simple pause as he looks over his shoulder at Rugal's retreating form. "There's an opera house opening at Metro City soon. I highly recommend it. You should come to see the grand opening -- they'll be featuring Wagner's Götterdämmerung. It promises to be a great show." And then, he turns to walk again, towards his underlings and those Gedo gangsters. All of whom, he knows, were in hearing range. None of them will be leaving here alive.
Duke can't help it if crazy Germans killed his men, after all. These things happen in the heat of battle.
COMBATSYS: Rugal has ended the fight here.
Log created on 01:08:11 06/26/2007 by Rugal, and last modified on 03:34:28 06/27/2007.