SNF 2007.06 - A Taste of Things to Come

Description: Ryo and Marco bravely answer an invitation from Rugal to demonstrate their Kyokugen Might first hand. What started out as merely a curiosity for the crimelord rapidly evolves into a true testiment of of the pure willpower instilled by the Kyokugen discipline. In the end, Rugal decides that the match is worthy of being seen by the world at large.



The letter appeared on the wooden porch of the Kyokugen Dojo one afternoon. A simple, white envelope with a red 'R' wax seal over the flap. Inside was a letter, brief and cordial. An invitation to demonstrate the might of Kyokugen Karate to one Rugal Bernstein. The name would ring a bell with anyone who's been in the fighting circuits for at least a few years. As the coordinator of the King Of Fighters 2001 tournament, as well as few other famous fighting events throughout the world, Rugal's name has gotten around. Most know him to be an eccentric, wealthy, powerful fighter and little more.

The letter informed the dojo that they could send two of their warriors to the harbor at noon the following day if they wanted to accept the invitation. There they would find a helicopter waiting to ferry them over the ocean to a massive aircraft carrier somewhere out in the pacific ocean.

Rugal had spoken with Alan the day before. 'We'll be having guests. Representatives of the Kyokugen school of fighting. I wish to experience their style in person. Perhaps it will have strengths worth integrating into my own...' But it wasn't just idle chitchat. The leader of 'R' never engages in such. 'I want you there as well. It will be a team fight.' He doesn't spell it out word for word, but being invited to fight at Rugal's side in a serious fight means he's been impressed with Alan's abilities as of late.

After the helicopter flight, Marco and Ryo would have been dropped off on the deck of the carrier and escorted to an elevator that seems to only have one destination. This luxurious lounge high atop the massive control structure on the carrier. When the two men are dropped off at the parlor, Rugal is not in the room just yet.

Rugal may not be in the room, but /someone/ outside of the standard "R" uniform is. Alan R. B., though notified of the incoming guests, doesn't feel the need to warm up or be at all prepared. He is lying on one of the couches, some ridiculous pulp adventure novel in his hands, lazily flipping through the pages. Lightning crackles on his hands and face, quite a bit of it since he's so relaxed. His boots are brazenly on the velvet couch, though they are perfectly clean.

If Rodem is in the room, Alan occasionally shoots a somewhat nervous glance at him.

Rodem is indeed in the room, the large, black panther curled up beneath the grand piano. His eyes linger over the "R" fighter and stray toward the elevator doors when they open with a hiss. But beyond that, the oversized cat seems to be content to slip into a relaxing afternoon nap. Maybe there will be some leftovers when this fight is over...

The letter was, indeed, quite familiar. Dreadingly familiar, at that. One of the old hosts of King of Fighters tournament sending them an invitation to demonstrate their fighting style? Hm. Ryo Sakazaki was dubious at first. With all the mess going on in Thailand right now...would this be really the time, to fulfull the whimiscal, eccentric wishes of some crazy rich guy?

On the other hand, this is an open challenge to demonstrate the pure EXTREME strength of Kyokugen, and Ryo can't pass up on such an offer.

Taking Marco along with him -- one, because he was the only one around and two, few can match the big man's spirit of Kyokugen --, took the ride and evantualy ends up on the deck of the carrier. Nodding silently at the Senior Instructor, the Invincible Dragon makes his way toward the only, single obivious path.

Marco was less familiar with the name even though he had watched the Tournament itself - it was how he'd introduced himself to the glory of KYOKUGEN MIGHT. Although his master had been dubious, Marco was rather pleased about coming here. He enjoyed the idea beating up people, and proving to them to show this Rugal Bernstein that the power of Kyokugen is EXTREEEEEME!

The Black Beast nods at his master, in silent agreement. They're here to kick ass and take names. Words need not to be spoken now as the Helicopter lands and the duo walk towards wherever it is this other powerful German guy is. Is there a theme going on through all of these Strong Guys Who Are Rich And Powerful?

Marco scratches his chin, and finally speaks. "Master Ryo. Do you think this is a trap?"

At first glance, there may not appear to be any other exit from the room besides the twin wooden doors of the elevator that brought Marco and Ryo up to this floor. But after a few moments there is the sound of a metallic click and a release of hydrolic pressure and the next moment a wooden panel on the wall opposite the elevator slides open, revealing a hidden door that leads to a darkened hallway.

Through the door steps one Rugal Bernstein, owner of the carrier that will host this afternoon's fight. Through the large window it is possible to look off into the endless blue horizon and see the sun slowly dipping lower into the sky. Evening is still a long ways off, but depending on how vicious this fight ends up being, it could very well be the twilight of one or more of these fighters.

Dressed in a red, exquisitely expensive suit, his hands are covered in fingerless, black leather gloves. The door behind him slides close, sealing perfectly against the wall, making the door hidden once more. His expression is surprisingly cordial as he half bows his head toward Marco and Ryo, "Gentlemen. Thank you for making an appearance. Marco Rodriguez. Ryo Sakazaki." He seems to recognize both of the Kyokugen fighters by their fame in the fighting circuits at least. The corner of his mouth curls up a little. "I'm pleased that you sent two of your finest. Allow me to introduce my partner for our match, Alan R.B." the tall suited fighter gestures toward the boxer.

Taking a moment to pull the gloves on his fingers taut, Rugal moves into the center of the room where enough space has been cleared to fight. Not to say that the various furniture around the room might not end up getting smashed in the chaos anyway! "Whenever you're ready," he states. He doesn't seem to take much of a stance, himself, merely standing upright, his right hand folding and unfolding the end of the long black scarf that hangs open around his neck.

COMBATSYS: Rugal has started a fight here on the left meter side.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-------|


With a mighty yawn, Alan just tosses the book behind the couch, apparently uncaring for his position in the narrative. With his name mentioned, he more or less rolls right off the couch, coming to his feet. "So, these are the Kyokugen dudes?" His fingers thread to his belt, slipping on his iron rings.
"Jeez, come on, karate gis? At least show a little care, try to look good for the cameras." He rolls his shoulders, unbuttoning his black vest and tossing it onto the couch as well. Now ready for a fight, his movements are a bit quicker than a normal man of his level could manage, as he goes to stand by Rugal. Unlike his boss, he takes a boxing stance, up on the balls of his feet.

COMBATSYS: Alan has joined the fight here on the left meter side.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/-------|
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Alan             0/-------/-------|


Marco continues forward, following his Master Ryo, deeper into carrier where the battle will take place. For this he is prepared to wield all of his might to destroy his foes, the battle ground of the warrior is not a place to hold back!
"So, these are our challengers?" Marco says eyeing Rugal and Alan, these men are strange and unwieldy, hrmph. "These gi's are the garb of Extreme Warriors. You better respect it or your gonna get hurt!"

Marco cracks his knuckles, "Let's go!"

Ryo frowns faintly once Marco asks him that question, but more out of thought than of displeasure. "Perhaps, Marco, perhaps." He replies quietly as they entire the luxurious room.

Hmmm...so that's Rugal? The rumors were true, then. That's a pretty impressive fighter, just by apperances. "It would be an insult to not bring out our absolute best into this!" That's a lie. The absolute best would be bringing Takuma and himself, but that's a lie Ryo don't really realise. Marco's an incredible fighter and a great representant of Kyokugen's might! He'll make the style proud.

"I am ready -- what about you two?" Sakazaki replies, flexing down his legs a bit and motioning Rugal and this...Alan closer. "Come on! Come on!"

COMBATSYS: Ryo has joined the fight here on the right meter side.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Rugal            0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0              Ryo
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Alan             0/-------/-------|


COMBATSYS: Marco has joined the fight here on the right meter side.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Rugal            0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0            Marco
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Alan             0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0              Ryo


COMBATSYS: Ryo focuses on his next action.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Rugal            0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0            Marco
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Alan             0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0              Ryo


COMBATSYS: Marco focuses on his next action.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Rugal            0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0            Marco
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Alan             0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0              Ryo


After a moment, Rugal brings his hands together, still loosely gripping the end of his scarf with his fight hand. Folding his fingers together, he cracks his knuckles with a resounding pop. While his left eye, brown in color, is normal enough, his right eye is far from typical. A pool of black technology, a cybernetic eye where a human one once existed. Dark at first, it suddenly lights up with a flash of deep crimson as the veteran fighter studies both of these challengers. This will be an interesting fight indeed.

The crimelord waits for a long moment, giving each of the fighters time to take a position and prepare themselves. A ruthless man without mercy, he also obeys certain rules when inviting prominent men to demonstrate their might. Once the match has begun, however, he will seem far from gracious, however.

The transition from passively standing patiently to rushing forward to attack comes in an instant as Rugal leans forward into an extremely fast run, his arms out at his sides as if he intends to clothesline one of the Kyokugener's in passing. But once he reaches Ryo, he comes to a stop and pours all that momentum into two powerful swings - One fist crashing for the Sakazaki boy's face, his other arm coming in a split second later with a smashing blow to his gut.

Alan wheels his right arm, and follows after Rugal with a much more measured pace. He approaches Marco - really more because he would rather not get in Rugal's way and accidentally get clipped. If that happens he'll have both a huge bruise and be thrown directly into the wall. For some reason, he always flies into a wall when Rugal hits him. "Sorry, man, I don't respect dated wardrobes." He sneers... and then vanishes in a crackle of electricity.
Well, at least it seemed that way. In reality, Alan just moved really goddamn fast, darting around to Marco's side. "Don't blink!" Chi surges around his right hand as he snaps a simple jab at the Brazilian's face, faster than a non-fighter's eye could even follow.

COMBATSYS: Ryo interrupts Medium Punch from Rugal with Jab Punch.

[  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Rugal            0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0            Marco
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Alan             0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0              Ryo


COMBATSYS: Alan successfully hits Marco with Jab Punch.

[  \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////////  ]
Rugal            0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0            Marco
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Alan             0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0              Ryo


Ryo never fought this man before, but he has heard rumors about his exploits. No big details, mostly rumours and shadows, but all he DO know for sure is that this man is a nasty, powerful warrior.

But Ryo is a fearsome foe as well, and he very well intend of making that fact known to the leader of 'R'. Thrusting out his arms out and flexing his knees a bit, Sakazaki take up his trademark fighting stance and wait for Rugal to get close. The first punch crashes well into his face -- but the second don't come. The young man quickly retailated by delivering a swift, powerful punch straight into Rugal's stomach.

Both opponents charge towards their respective Kyokugen Warriors, and Marco steps back into an almost stationary fighting stance, the only true movement in his mighty body is the rising and falling of muscles as the clench and unclench. There is no tensing. He is too mighty for such things.

"Why you punk!" Marco growls but then...Alan vanishes in a burst of speed that catches Marco offguard and before he can react it smacks in the side of the head. Marco doesn't move very far, but he does spin around, bringing his meaty leg up he swings it hard aiming to catch Alan in the back of the knees.

"So, you're one of them fancy guys, eh?" KICK. "Let's see you dance!"

As his fist connects, Rugal believes the follow up swing surely can't fail. That Ryo decides to trade blows against him comes as quite the surprise, earning him a flicker of a raised eyebrow before that jab punch ends up knocking him back JUST out of range of the second swing, causing it to go wide and miss Ryo all together.

There is a hint of a grin on Rugal's mouth. It takes a lot of courge to trade blows with a man that puts such driving force into each of his attacks. There is that brief moment of regard for Ryo, but it's gone just as instantly. The match is just getting started after all.

He doesn't even have to take a step forward to deliver the next attack, a swing of his left foot coming in low before turning to launch his right foot toward the Sakazaki boy's chest.

COMBATSYS: Marco successfully hits Alan with Light Kick.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////////  ]
Rugal            0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0            Marco
[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Alan             0/-------/----===|==-----\-------\0              Ryo


Alan is a boxer. He focuses on his upper body rather than his lower, and so he can't really handle Marco's sweep. His knees buckle easily, and he damn near pitches forward onto his face. "Agh!" He catches himself with a hand, rolling back to his feet.
"I don't like that. Fancy. Reminds me of that poncy motherfucker from earlier." He starts swinging his fists quickly, not striking Marco directly, but building up a wave of lightning chi. At the last minute he pivots, teaming up with his boss and firing it at Ryo. "Let's just say I'm stylish, not that I expect you to know the meaning of the word!"

COMBATSYS: Alan successfully hits Ryo with Thunderhead.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////////  ]
Rugal            0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0            Marco
[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////////     ]
Alan             0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0              Ryo


COMBATSYS: Rugal successfully hits Ryo with Medium Kick.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////////  ]
Rugal            0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0            Marco
[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////           ]
Alan             0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0              Ryo


That was an honest good headstart. Of course, it couldn't last for terribly long. Ryo's entire attention was focused on Rugal -- he's the head honcho after all, the one he REALLY has to worry about.

As such, he didn't see that wave of lightning homing into him.

"KRYARRRRRRG!" The Raging Tiger screams out, shivering and shaking from the electrical chi. That's when Rugal's kick comes in and sends the young Sakazaki sliding to the ground.

Okay. That was bad. That didn't felt good at all.

Scowling, Ryo kicks back to his feets and glares down Alan's way. No statement, no reprimand, just three words as he leaps like an arrow toward the lightning chi-slinging man:

"HIEN SHIPPU KYAKU!"

KYOKUGEN MIGHT extends its influence across the entire body. And when both Rugal and Alan move to pummel Master Ryo in a cowardly double team you KNOW that Marco is pissed!

"Hey wai--!!!" The growl that explodes from Marco is legendary, The Black Beast bellows in anger alongside his Master - in this expression of rage they are one and the same. Dashing towards Rugal as his Master goes after Alan to repay the favor, Marco launches himself up in a rising knee trying to knock Rugal into the air and then SMASHES his heel down to smack everybody's favorite technique-borrower to the ground. It's a variation but it's the same technique:

"HIEN SHIPPU KYAKU!"

COMBATSYS: Rugal fails to interrupt Hien Shippu Kyaku from Marco with Genocide Cutter EX.

[    \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Rugal            0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0            Marco
[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Alan             0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0              Ryo


There is no smugness as his powerful sequence of kicks strike home against Ryo. He could tell they hurt, but he also knows the fellow warrior is QUITE capable of taking a beating without going down. The tyrant hehs at Alan's assistance in dealing with Ryo, but he also smirks as the Kyokugen fighter decides to retaliate against the boxer.

Just as well... he'd like to test Marco out instead anyway. As the flying kick comes his way, Rugal steps forward as if intending to just eat the attack. But then it comes - swinging his leg out in a vicious circular motion, he attempts to trade hits with the powerful looking fighter... a simple trade before leading into an incredibly powerful follow up. But he never gets the chance as Marco's foot slips past him and strikes Rugal squarely in the chest, causing the man to slide back far enough that his own attempt to kick the man flies short.

"Impressive," comes the laconic reply. It seems he isn't interested in bantering dialog now, the challenge of the fight beginning to thrill him beyond words.

COMBATSYS: Ryo successfully hits Alan with Hien Shippu Kyaku.
- Power hit! -

[    \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Rugal            0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0            Marco
[                \\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Alan             1/----===/=======|=======\-------\1              Ryo


Alan's not having a good day. Rugal probably expected this - the Kyokugen fighters are, after all, pretty well-known. Well, Ryo is. Who's Marco again? Seriously, how can you have hair like that and expect to ever get famous. TRIM YOUR SIDEBURNS.
Back on topic, Ryo's foot drills into Alan, sending his shades flying off of his head and knocking him dangerously close to Rodem. He rolls a few times before slowing, and climbing back to his feet, completely unaware of his proximity to the cat. He doesn't close back in, blood trickling down the corner of his mouth as he drops his stance, body relaxing totally.
Electricity begins to whirl around Alan's feet, crackling around his hands and head especially. Regular shockwaves roll out from his feet. He briefly wonders why Rugal keeps putting him up against people who hit so damn HARD... but then realizes he doesn't care that much.

COMBATSYS: Alan gathers his will.

[    \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Rugal            0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0            Marco
[               \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Alan             1/=======/=======|=======\-------\1              Ryo


Ryo watches Alan fly and crash passively, landing from his flying kick. He nods firmly to himself. Okay, justice is done, time to return to the regular fighting. "Marco! Resume!" The Invincible Dragon instructs the giant before looking back toward Rugal. That man hurts like heck, but he have a LOT of fighting left in him! This battle has just started!

Time to test something on him. If this man is a juggernaut in the physical, then perhaps...

"HAH!" Sakazaki lets out, leaping upward and gathering an aura of chi into his right hand, quickly forming up and thrusting down a bright blue fireball at Rugal while he pummels closer toward him.

"KUUCHUU KO'OU KEN!"

Marco lands after his kick combo smacks Rugal back into the ground, Marco turns as Ryo offers instruction to him. Punk got beaten down, and Marco got to beat Rugal. Back to the fight! Marco rushes towards Alan now, with an "ORA ORA ORA!" escaping from his mouth as his AWESOME SIDEBURNS fill him with great might and justice!

Marco is a juggernaught of the physical. Chi is not beyond him, but fists are so much better when you have been instilled with EXTREME KYOKUGEN MIGHT. Which is encapsulated as Marco thrusts his fist towards Alan's face.

"YAA!"

COMBATSYS: Rugal blocks Ryo's Kuuchuu Ko'ou Ken.

[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Rugal            0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0            Marco
[               \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Alan             1/=======/=======|=======\=------\1              Ryo


As the fireball comes his way, Rugal simply lifts his arm, allowing it to crash against his suit's sleave. It shreads the fabric a little, even though it doesn't seem to phase him much. A testiment to both the /power/ of the incoming chi based attack, but also a warning as to just how well Rugal is able to cope with such things.

But now his attention is back on Ryo, deciding to stick to the Sakazaki boy. The corner of his mouth curls slightly as he leans forward and leaps from off the carpet, attempting to drive a straight flying kick into Ryo's chest. If it connects, he'll swing his other leg around to follow the attack up with a second hit. It would seem he's beginning to mimic the moves the Kyokugener's have thrown at him, attempting to evaluate their power.

COMBATSYS: Alan interrupts Medium Punch from Marco with Mjolnir.

[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////         ]
Rugal            0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0            Marco
[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Alan             0/-------/----===|=======\=------\1              Ryo


For his level, Alan has great skill with landing a blow - it's his natural ability to channel the forces of the world that really shines, surpassing those even above his skill level. This is probably what Rugal sees in Alan most of all. As Marco comes flying at the boxer, he doesn't try to get out of the way, instead jumping /at/ him, lifting his hands up and locking his fists together. Chi crackles around his joined limbs, whirling around immensely. His entire body leaves a crackling trail.
"Eat... THIS!" As he nears, Alan starts to to somersault, fists tracing a spiral through the air. He straightens just as Marco's blow comes at him - it impacts him solidly in the chest, but his forward momentum keeps him from being hurled back. His hands swing down hard at the top of Marco's head, a massive wave of thunder and lightning crashing soon after. The roar echoes about the parlor, nearly deafening, but it doesn't drown out Alan R. B.'s voice.

"MJOLNIR!"

The wave throws Alan back several feet, though his usual grace is impossible thanks to Marco's punch. He lands in a kneel, excess electricity crackling out from him in a series of bolts instead of the controlled shockwave. His eyes are almost closed, in a pained grimace. Electricity no longer crackles around him.

COMBATSYS: Rugal successfully hits Ryo with Medium Kick.

[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////         ]
Rugal            0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0            Marco
[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////                  ]
Alan             0/-------/----===|=======\=====--\1              Ryo


Two brave fighters meet and DEADLY body blows are struck! Marco's fist strikes against Alan but then...KAABAAAAAAAAM!

The Thunderbolt punch that strikes Marco both shocks him, and sends him sprawling to the ground as his face feels the full fury of the electrified punch.

"Urggh," Marco groans as he gets to his feet. "What a mighty blow!"

Marco dips into his chi, filling his body with that great power that lies within him and gathering it to his fist he gathers it in his palm and in a violent movement thrusts it forward sending a ball of fire shooting toward Alan.

"KO'OU KEN!"

This is not going excatly as Ryo supposed...but he had a faint feeling that it would go that way the moment he has seen Rugal. This man is a beast, a juggernaut. The way he blocked his Ko'ou Ken confirmed it in Ryo's mind.

He wont let that intimidate him. He fully intend on giving his best of the best. The flying kick collids with the Tiger's chest, the second kick sending him spiraling a few metres away where he lands on the ground with a loud THUD.

Okay. Change of plan. Time to bust it up a notch.

Kicking back to his feet, Sakazaki stares at Rugal for a very brief moment, then closing his eyes. The world around him slows to a crawl. Concentrate! Dig into your reserves of power and unleash it all! Bring out the HEART OF KYOKUGEN!

His eyes reopen, burning with an inner fire and determination. "ORAORAORAORA!" The Heir to Kyokugen shouts out as he blurrs with motion, dashing at Rugal to slam a fist STRAIGHT into his face...

And a dozen others in his chest, arm and stomach. Not just punches, too: his feets soon join in the crazy, destructive, chaotic dance of the Dragon and Tiger. The blurr finishes with a brutal flying uppercut with Sakazaki shouting at the top of his lungs:

"MORRAAAATAAAAAAAAA!"

COMBATSYS: Rugal counters Ryuuko Ranbu from Ryo with Scorpion Blow.

[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////           ]
Rugal            0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0            Marco
[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Alan             0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0              Ryo


As the powerful two-hitting flying kick pounds into Ryo, Rugal press off the young man, lunging backward to land on his feet, sliding to a stop some distance a way. There is a mumbled 'Hmn...', a thoughtful expression on his face. Yes, that attack they both used, the Hien Shippu Kyaku, has strong merits indeed. He will have to keep in mind for later.

When Ryo charges up to deliver his next onslaught of attacks, Rugal seems to react in turn, standing up straighter, extending his arms out at his sides, his fingers clenching and uncleching, his face lighting up with a malicious glow as if responding to the power in the fighter before him. "Yes... yes..."

When Ryo charges in, Rugal rushes forward to meet him, one hand coming out to STOP Ryo's fist, then his leg coming up to STOP Ryo's incoming kick, meeting power with equal power - not enough to injure, but enough to no doubt jar him. It's then that his other hand lashes forward and grabs Ryo by the front of his gi. Clenching his other hand into a fist, Rugal brings it forward with crushing blow for Ryo's stomach with enough force to send him flying as he releases that hold on the young man's orange gi. "Hahahaha. That's some spirit you have there, Ryo Sakazaki. Some spirit indeed." Leaning forward a little now, Rugal clenches his hands at his side, "Let's see more of it. Show me the guts of Kyokugen in the face of overwhelming POWER!"

COMBATSYS: Alan dodges Marco's Ko'ou Ken.

[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////           ]
Rugal            0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0            Marco
[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Alan             0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0              Ryo


With his chi drained by the Mjolnir, Alan isn't moving as fast. He's moving like any other fighter of his level now, but compared to before he seems sluggish. His avoidance of Kyokugen's signature fireball is more desperation than anything else, the boxer flinging himself to the side. He feels the chi's heat as his legs just barely clear it. The boxer sneers - what a boring technique.
As the "R" fighter rolls back to his feet, electricity starts crackling on his skin once more. "Ha! You call that chi?" He steps back with one foot, swinging his hand up at Marco and snapping his fingers. "Strike!" A sizzling lightning bolt leaps across the parlor, streaking toward him. "Twice!" He does it again! Oh man, it's a lightning party.
As he does so, Alan glances over to Rugal's side of things just in time to see him basically halt Ryo's attacks and punch him away. "Yeah, you show him what for, boss!"

COMBATSYS: Marco blocks Alan's Lightning Strikes Twice.

[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Rugal            0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0            Marco
[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Alan             0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0              Ryo


That was quite a shock for Sakazaki to have the Ryuuko Ranbu to be interrupted so...so /easily/. It was not even the painfull stomach blow that did it -- it was the fact that all that burning INNER FIRE was spontanously stopped! Just like that!

This guy is a monster. He's absolutely convinced of it now.

But it takes a man to take down a monster and that, also, Ryo is convinced about it. Altought the man is not holding up pretty well right now. He's not done. It's been said many time, but it's only over for Sakazaki when he's blacked out!

The Raging Tiger stumbles back, gritting his teeth and some of his inner fire returning. Pull it together, man! There has to be something...think of SOMETHING.

His gaze flick toward Alan when he brags about his boss' exploits. Hrrmph. That's it! Of course!

"REARRRRRRRRRG!" Ryo screams out in pure, undiluated battle spirit, lashing out at Rugal to grab him by an arm, pull him over and snap a kick at his feet to then swiftly throwing him over his shoulder toward Alan's big mouth.

COMBATSYS: Ryo successfully hits Rugal with Tomoe Nage.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Rugal            0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0            Marco
[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////                        ]
Alan             0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0              Ryo


COMBATSYS: Ryo successfully hits Alan with Tomoe Nage.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Rugal            0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0            Marco
[                            \\  < >  //////                        ]
Alan             1/-----==/=======|=======\==-----\1              Ryo


Marco is also quite similarly convinced that Rugal is a Monster, and this lacky of his damn annoying. How dare he mentally narrate his insulting the Sideburns. THE SIDEBURNS ARE AWESOME!

As Master Ryo rocks out and hurls Rugal into Alan, Marco takes this opportunity to rush forward - he has something special in mind for this - as Rugal crashes into Alan, Marco leaps forward and grapples Rugal midair.

"Now you see?" He says to Rugal face to face, midair, "This is KYOKUGEN MIGHT!"

And HEADBUTT's him. In the air.

In a spectacularly lame pose, Alan is hit by the full force of the thrown Rugal, knocked away from him to impact the wall. If his shades were still on, they'd fall off then. The boxer makes some kind of hilarious, cutting insult at Ryo, pushing off the wall and throwing four massive lackluster bolts of lightning at the star student of Kyokugen. Then he falls over! Hopefully Rodem will not eat him.

COMBATSYS: Alan can no longer fight.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Rugal            0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0            Marco
                                  >  //////                        ]
                                 |=======\==-----\1              Ryo


COMBATSYS: Rugal dodges Marco's Kyokugen Zu-Tsuki.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Rugal            0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0            Marco
                                  >  //////                        ]
                                 |=======\==-----\1              Ryo


He can tell Ryo isn't finished. The young man has spirit to him. Guts too. Lessor men would be reduced to quivering after having their strongest attack stopped short with such precision, such control.

When Ryo comes for him again, Rugal lifts his arms, as if expecting another punch or kick. When he is grabbed and thrown instead, Sakazaki actually manages to catch him comletely by surprise. Sent flipping over into Alan, what happens to the younger boxer is of little concern to Bernstein. But even airborn, Rugal is aware of his own surroundings as well. As Marco reaches for him with what would have no doubt been a horribly painful attack, the man reaches out with his hand, applying /just/ enough pressure to keep him from getting a hold. It's really all he can do from this position.

Back on his feet after rolling off Alan, the man actually starts to laugh. Hardly the jovial laugh of an easily humored veteran fighter. But the laugh of a man who has seen something so surprising, so impressive, he can't find words to express himself in any other way. "Improvised tactics to take advantage of position. You are acutely aware of the battlefield, Ryo!" He adjusts his suit coat, putting it back into position after that nasty tumble. "And you, Marco, coordinating your attack with his was masterful timing. Against a lessor man, the combination of your might would be... most effective."

And with that, Rugal lunges forward, attempting to strike the Senior Kyokugen instructor with a swift roundhouse kick. He has more power in that single kick than some people have in their entire bodies. Even if it misses, the force of air it cuts through will be strongly felt by his target.

COMBATSYS: Ryo dodges Alan's Thunder Storm.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Rugal            0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0            Marco
                                  >  //////                        ]
                                 |=======\==-----\1              Ryo


COMBATSYS: Ryo gains composure.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Rugal            0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0            Marco
                                  >  /////////                     ]
                                 |=======\-------\1              Ryo


Improvisation in a moment of danger or deseperation is one of Kyokugen's prime strength. Pure guts, absolute fighting spirit and sharpness of mind in the two. That what makes it such an EXTREME style! Mind you, Ryo's still surprised that even worked. Ah well.

But for now, there's a whole STREAM OF POTENTIALY LETHAL LIGHTNINGS heading his way. Ryo's eyes widens faintly, throwing himself to the ground, barely out of the way of the four massive bolts. Man, that was nasty.

Sakazaki get back to his feets, taking a brief moment to breath and readjusting his -- surprisingly -- undamaged orange gi. Go, Marco. Fate is in your hands, now!

Kyokugen Might! Never forget!

Marco flies midair, just barely missing his grapple he swings his head trying very hard to crack Rugal with his forehead but just before he can land a blow--all he strikes his air. Damn. This Monster of a Man was greatly skilled, maybe as skilled as Master Takuma!

Understanding the situation he is in, when Marco lands he takes no time to gather himself and go on the defensive. Marco is a masterful man, but he is not a Master himself. But as Rugal speaks to him Marco does his best not to show any intimidation, when you play with the big boys you play to wind.

"No more words, come and taste Kyokugen Might!"

Marco puffs. Man, he's starting to get worn out. Marco forcibly takes control of his breathing taking a deep breath in and out, and somehow finds a hidden reservoir of strength. And as Rugal comes for him, Marco drops his shoulder and rushes at Rugal in a burst bringing his arm crashing upward in a violent uppercut.

"OORIYAH!"

COMBATSYS: Marco counters Strong Kick from Rugal with Joudan Harai.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Rugal            0/-------/=======|======-\-------\0            Marco
                                  >  /////////                     ]
                                 |=======\-------\1              Ryo


That Marco was able to stop a kick that Rugal has used to shatter trees with ease amazes Rugal to no end. The uppercut that digs into him immediately after is even more impressive, sending Rugal literally off his feet, crashing into the grand piano off to the side with a musical smashing of wood and sprung coils flying lose. Rodem, who was sleeping beneath the piano, got out of the way just in time, leaping out onto the middle of the floor, his hair raised with some surprise at the large amount of noise, hissing at the two Kyokugen'ers.

Pushing himself back ot his feet, Rugal sheds the jacket, leaving it on the floor. Then rips the white shirt from his shoulders, tossing it aside as well, leaving a tight, green muscle shirt over his musclar body.

"Very well done, Mister Rodrigues... very well done indeed." He looks at the two young mean, realizing that Alan is no longer able to continue fighting. "I see it's time to finish this!" Rugal roars, the power of his voice rattling the glass within the room. And with that, he's off toward Ryo, charging with his arms out at his sides, attempting to clip him in passing with a clothesline.

COMBATSYS: Rugal successfully hits Ryo with God Press.

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Rugal            1/------=/=======|======-\-------\0            Marco
                                  >  ///                           ]
                                 |=======\=====--\1              Ryo


The moment his arm smashes into Ryo, Rugal carries him all the way across the room, slamming him against the wall. His other hand reaches back, powering with a silvery lightning like energy, and then the next instant he brings it smashing into the young man's gut before throwing him to the side. "Ha!" It's hard to tell if it was a mocking sound or just the exclaimation of a man putting his all into that powerfull attack.

Once more, Ryo can feel his strength of body failing him. That's hardly a new sensation. Broken ribs, sore muscles, energy ripping through his essence -- that's the signals of certain defeat. Sakazaki can't take it anymore.

That's usualy when the Raging Tiger's spirit and mind comes in and bitches slap the body back into gear, to milk out the MOST out of it. Ryo's form might be broken and slammed PAINFULY into a wall with some silvery lightnings...but he is not done!

Not yet! Not until he's down on the floor!

The same burning, inner fire comes back in the young man's eyes, an large burst of blue chi surrounding the heir. A powerful shockwave bursts out occasionaly as he stands back up, causing visible cracks on the metalic ground. "HAOH!" His voice intones, echoing strangely with power gathered into him.

Arms crossed, all that bright blue chi gathers into them, quickly thrusting them out and hurling a gigantic wave of that energy toward Rugal. A wave easily as tall as a giant.

"SHOOOO KO KEN!"

COMBATSYS: Ryo can no longer fight.

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Rugal            1/------=/=======|=======\==-----\1            Marco


Marco's arm sends Rugal flying, and for the moment it seems things are looking up!

But then, Rugal goes into super run mode SLAMMING Ryo into the wall before he can do so much as think to stop him. What speed and power? Where the hell did this man come from? Marco growls. He didn't have time to ask questions, he had to act!

"Why you beast," Marco growls rushing Rugal. "EAT THIS!"

Marco clenches his fist, tensing it, his entire arm is enveloped in a orange chi and then in an instant he rips out a gigantic KOHOU ripping into the sky with a massive NOT-SHORYUKEN. Believe no lies.

COMBATSYS: Rugal blocks Ryo's Kuuchuu Ko'ou Ken.

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Rugal            1/-----==/=======|-------\-------\0            Marco


COMBATSYS: Marco successfully hits Rugal with Kyokugen Ko Hou.

[                  \\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Rugal            1/---====/=======|-------\-------\0            Marco


As Ryo gets up one last time, Rugal's human eye narrows in his direction. But it's his cybernetic eye, his right one, that begins to glow again. Studying the man, analysing what he has left to give. He's put his all into this fight, Rugal accertains. That will be the last attack coming from him. Raising his arm to block the fireball, the tyrant grunts, his feet slipping on the carpetted floor just a little. "Hmn." There was more force to that attack than he had counted on, given Sakazaki's condition.

But then comes the next attack. Rugal attempts to step around Marco, thinking to attack him from behind and END this... only to have the man smash into him all the same. The damage the Senior Instructor dishes out on the crimelord with his next attack is nothing short of incredible. Rugal has faced the attacks of many men and laughed them off as mere annoyances. Falling back to the ground after the uppercut, Rugal crashes onto his back with a grunt. But then he's back on his feet, his eye narrowing with consternation.

"It's not too late to end this now," he warns, his tone ruthless but reserved, as if forcing himself to be polite. "You have fought hard. There is no need to endure what I will do to you if you do not chose to relent now... Still... the spirit of Kyokugen is strong within you. I suspect retreat is not an option for you, is it Marco..."

There's precious little time to answer, for the next moment Rugal is smashing forward, his arms out at his sides, a sickly violet chi trailing off his hands, his fingers stretched out as claws. It may look like the attack he just did to Ryo a moment ago, but there is SO much more power to it now...

COMBATSYS: Marco counters Gigantic Pressure from Rugal with Joudan Harai.

[                     \\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////              ]
Rugal            0/-------/---====|=------\-------\0            Marco


Marco's fist pummels into Rugal's flesh, tenderizing flesh and channeling the power that comes from training with the Sakazaki Clan. Landing upon the ground Marco stands his ground, Master Ryo was down and out and it was just him and the monster now.

Marco was not a man prone to fear, but there was something wrong with this guy. He's not...normal.

This train of thought is only further compounded by Rugal's eerie violet chi surging through the air. Wide eyed, Marco stares at Rugal and narrows his eyes.

"No, It's not," Marco says quite straight forward. Then, Rugal charges forward ready to bring terrible, screaming power to Marco.

Marco narrows his eyes and snarls. Rugal forgot one, truly important thing.

EXTREME
KYOKUGEN
MIGHT

"ORA ORA ORA ORA!" Marco screams out as he repeats the move he did earlier, only more hardcore, he charges forward lowering his shoulder and directly upon the point of impact SMASHES his forearm upward catching Rugal under the chin.

"Never underestimate The Black Beast of the Kyokugen Dojo."

When Marco's fist strikes home, Rugal is stopped dead in his tracks. All of that power, all of that force, all of that potential energy that was about to be driven into the Senior Instructor's body is brought to a screeching halt as Bernstein is sent flying back, slamming into the glass window that looks out over the aircraft carrier's deck. There is the sound of a chink in the insanely thick, translucent surface and as Rugal peels himself away from it, one might notice a small crack in glass designed to withstand the force of even a proximity explosion from a missile.

Rugal is still on his feet, however, but Marco's power has stopped him in his tracks for the moment. Lifting a hand, he rubs it across his mouth, wiping away a trickle of blood that he coughed up after the last powerful blow from Marco.

"Very well done..." he allows, standing up straight now, "If you believe you can finish this... SHOW ME!" the tyrant roars, standing up straight now, his arms out in front of him, fingers flexing open and closed. Waiting... for a moment.

COMBATSYS: Rugal gains composure.

[                  \\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////              ]
Rugal            0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0            Marco


After punching Rugal again, and literally smashing his body against a raging bull and punching its lights out to survive. Marco is puffed. And there is no reserve of strength which Marco has to fall back to. But still. Marco is not thinking about this, he's merely puffing as he fights to catch his breath.

The Black Beast stares at Rugal as he speaks. What would happen to himself and Ryo should he fall? This set up on the boat, the Helicopter. All of this seems rather suspicious to him now that he thinks about it!

"Who are you really?" Marco growls even as he charges forward and pulls back his fist. "What is the purpose of all this."

As he finishes his last question he throws a punch at Rugal's face. If he won't give answers free, Marco will punch them out of Rugal.

Ryo is totaly down for the count. Had to be mentioned. That's what happen when you alpha strike before being knocked out. Silly Sakazaki.

COMBATSYS: Rugal counters Medium Punch from Marco with Scorpion Blow.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////                   ]
Rugal            0/-------/----===|=====--\-------\0            Marco


At Marco's accusing questions, Rugal provides only silence, his expression impassive, offering nothing in the way of answers now. When Marco's fist comes in, Rugal's hand reaches out, catching the blow and then clamping his hand down tighter, applying crushing force to the other man's hand.

His other arm rolls back and then comes slaming forward, all of the muscles in that powerful limb of his tensing and constricting with perfect precision to deliver an attack with incredible force. Yet... he doesn't release Marco's hand at that moment either, instead pulling the Kyokugen fighter forward and hurling him to the carpet at his feet.

"Bold questions," Bernstein replies as he just stands there over Marco. "But really... I have come to expect that from you by now." Finally he takes a few steps backward as if wary of retaliation from the fighter that's proven to be full of so many surprises, studying the man with one human and one cybernetic eye. "I am Rugal Bernstein. This is my ship. And you are my opponent. And the purpose of this? Well... I believe I've given you enough information already."

His mouth curls into a bit of a smile, "Your technique, while still clearly Kyokugenryuu, has many subtle differences. Have you spent a lot of time training on your own?" the man guesses, able to discect the nuances of his opponents' styles with absolute precision. "Is there any left to show?"

Marco grunts as his fist is caught, not wincing once when Rugal began to /squeeze/ the Kyokugen Fighters fist. He'd just burned through so much of his stamina. He just didn't have the capacity to keep fighting like this. But no use letting Rugal onto this.

"That's right. Training in the wilderness with the bears," then he's thrown to the ground. Man. This is getting almost as rough as one of Takuma's training sessions.

The Black Beast rises quickly, trying to catch Rugal offguard as he jab punches at Rugal's face, "AAARGH!"

COMBATSYS: Marco successfully hits Rugal with Jab Punch.

[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////                   ]
Rugal            0/-------/----===|=====--\-------\0            Marco


Though Rugal seems to be opening a little with talking, it's possible that he's far more worn out than he's letting on. When Marco comes at him, he raises his arm to block the attack. Hey the jab slips past all the same, striking him in the cheek.

It wasn't really enough to get a rise out of him, and he's hardly knocked aside. In fact, he kind of frowns a little. "It seems... you've gone beyond your potential. For now, anyway."

Now that they're so close, Rugal seeks to capitalize on that with a crushing clothesline across the man's chest intending to send him crashing to the ground.

COMBATSYS: Rugal successfully hits Marco with Medium Throw.
-* CRITICAL HIT! *-

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////                          ]
Rugal            0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1            Marco


Marco huffs and puffs, this is getting ridiculous. His body is wrecked. Surely a collection of bruises that a man should just fall over and fall asleep for still somehow don't manage to keep Marco down. The man is insane. As Rugal comes to throw him, Marco still tries to move but is unable in this state to bring his full might to bear and Rugal SLAMS him into the ground.

Now. He should be done. Seriously.

But no. Marco rises. Marco feels the desire to cry out 'I still function!' but decides against it.

"MY potential comes form KYOKUGEN MIGHT. Not something you decide!" Marco booms. Channeling his full power and might, Marco collects his hands together and swings them backward and forward unleashing a wrecking ball sized fireball.

"HAOH SHO KO KEN!"

COMBATSYS: Rugal reflects Haoh Sho Ko Ken from Marco with Dark Barrier.

[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///                           ]
Rugal            0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0            Marco


COMBATSYS: Rugal successfully hits Marco with Reflected Haoh Sho Ko Ken.

[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  /                             ]
Rugal            0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0            Marco


After that crushing clothesline, Rugal begins to step back, bringing his hands together, clapsing them in front of him. He definitely thinks Marco is done for. That last attack he did to him was more than most mortal men could ever /recover/ from, let alone get back to their feet and /fight/.

But Marco gets back up all the same, driven by powerful pride in his art. Determination. Guts. Raw, fierce willpower. Rugal arches an eyebrow a little, shaking his head as his astute insight causes him to notice the build up of amazing chi within the man that shouldn't even be standing right now. "Do you think this wise? What is going to happen to your body if you keep PUSHING it so?"

But the mammoth fireball comes all the same, a veritable wall of chi and might. Rugal unclasps his hands, holding his right hand out, flaying his fingers open, ushering into existance a dark, sickly green swirling barrier of miasmic energy. The world famous Haoh Sho Ko Ken collides with this shield, and for a moment Rugal looks somewhat perturbed, as if being met with more force than he anticipated having to deal with.

Bringing his left hand over to grip his wrist, he leans into the attack, pouring more of his strength into it to FINALLY send the massive fireball flying back toward Marco. "RAAAGH!"

Marco's eyes sort of just glaze over when the Haoh Sho Ko Ken flies back towards him. It's just...there's simply not enough left in Marco's body to make him just resist this. Nothing.

The fireball smashes into him. Marco goes sprawling to the ground. His eyes close. Is this the end? As the effects of his own chi smoke off his body, Marco remembers.

Master Takuma taking him in, great Master Ryo and Master Robert and little Yuri. The Sakazaki clan that took him in, all smiling at him. Cheering him on, calling for him to get up.

Marco's eyes snap open.

"...ORA," he gets up groggily and then shakes his head and stares at Rugal. "...ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORIYA!!"

Marco rushes toward Rugal, bracing his fist to do THE ORIGINAL FLYING UPPERCUT PUNCH. ACCEPT NO IMITATIONS!

COMBATSYS: Marco can no longer fight.

[                    \\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/----===|


COMBATSYS: Rugal counters Kohou from Marco with Quick Throw.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  <
Rugal            0/-------/------=|


"Heh," Rugal mutters as the wall of Marco's own repelled chi smashes into him. Surely that's it. Surely he can go no further. "You fought well," begins Rugal, using a line he's ripped off from another titan among fighters... as if nothing this guy can come up with is original! "... you have my grat-"

"What?!" As Marco pulls himself back to his feet in spite impossible odds, Bernstein braces himself, marvelling at the way Marco forces himself to continue on, charing himself up with the relentless encore of Ora, Ora with enough volume to rattle everything in the room. Even Rodem, who had taken to lying behind the bar after his grand-piano sleeping spot got wrecked, peeks his sleek, black head out from behind the counter, as if witnessing for himself the true beast within the man that should have fallen so long ago.

"Impossible," growls Rugal as Marco charges him again. "To force yourself to charge me again? In spite all this? You are a men among men, Marco. But you are fighting one who is far beyond BEYOND that! You should have stayed down!!"

The uppercut is avoided entirely with a lean and Rugal lashes out with his hand to catch Marco by the neck on his way back down, holding him in place with a single arm, tightening his grip, "You... you lasted too long. With all I did to you, you should already be /dead/. And now... now I will make it a reality." His teeth grit and his grip tightens, threatening to snap the bones of the man who had done so proud by Kyokugen Ryuu - his defiance, his refusal to stay down has infuriated the tyrant of "R" as if taking Marco's stubborn tenacty as a personal slight.

OOC: The camera feed cuts out here, going to static...


But a moment passes as the man slowly begins to look around the room, seeing the damage caused by this amazing clash against the two Kyokugen fighters. The wrecked furniture, the dented walls, the cracked glass, the smashed piano... all evidence of a fight he will long remember. A true test of his OWN might as provided by the two who accepted his challenge.

Releasing his hand from Marco's neck, Rugal allows him to drop finally, his arm lowering against his side, fingers clenching and unclenching. "You really do have my gratitude," comes the grumbled concession to the perhaps unconscious Marco. Turning, the crimelord walks away, back to the wooden panel that had opened for him. Placing his hand in the right spot, he murmurs, "Amarathine..." With a hiss, the wooden panel slides to the side, revealing a dark hallway into which the tall man strides, vanishing as it closes behind him.

Ryo and Marco will be taken home, left outside the Kyokugen Dojo, an enveloped letter at their side. 'Thanks for the practice. - R'

COMBATSYS: Rugal has ended the fight here.

Log created on 22:44:00 06/30/2007 by Rugal, and last modified on 13:19:08 07/01/2007.