Description: Rugal and Kain engage in a business discussion in the midst of an incredibly grueling spar. The outcome of the spar isn't as important as the results of what the men discussed.
A large clearing in the otherwise thick forest marks the estate of one Kain R. Heinlein. An out of way place that probably sees few door to door solicitors, it makes for the perfect location for what the tyrant of 'R' has in mind for today. Of course, he could have flown here, his expert pilots having no trouble landing a chopper down in the clearing if needs be. But today, Rugal walks, stepping out of the forest and into the open.
Patient, yet deliberately he approaches the large porch on this side of the manner. No doubt Kain himself has stood at that very location to watch many an exchange of violence take place in this very clearing in the past.
And oh, hey, there's a companion with the man. A large, black panther slinking along at his side. Rodem wanted some time off the boat to go for a walk too, it would seem. Perhaps explains why Bernstein didn't just fly in. Dressed in a dark red suit replete with the coat and thin black scarf that goes with the finely pressed white shirt, the powerful crimelord is prepared to meet with one of the few people he actually considers a peer in this world.
But even though their paths have crossed amicably well in the past, that doesn't mean he's likely just here to chitchat either. The man pauses at the base of the steps to the porch, one hand lowering to pat the top of the large black cat's head as Rodem sits on his haunches at his side. Rugal already has on a pair of tightly fighting, black leather fingerless gloves, suggesting that there is more to this housecall than an interest in talking about something on his mind.
A tall man in formal attire opens the door to the mansion a moment later, giving Rugal a brief bow. "Greetings, sir. Mister Heinlein will arrive in a moment." It wouldn't do to keep important guests waiting. Luckily Kain doesn't have any plans keeping him occupied. Rugal may well note that the man at the door moves with a grace and control that one would not expect from a mere butler. Kain chooses his personal staff very carefully.
And the man tells no lie. A few moments later he steps back as Kain strides out from the doorway, walking down the steps toward Rugal. He extends a hand toward the crimelord, offering a friendly handshake. "Ah, Rugal. A pleasure to see you again." To call them friends would be stretching the truth, but Kain does respect Rugal's abilities, and that's worth quite a lot in his book. Heinlein does glance briefly at Rodem, but appears neither surprised or disturbed by the large predator's presence.
The helpstaff is given a polite nod of acknowledgement. The expression on Bernstein's face is neutral as he observes the greeter with an analytical eye that goes beyond simply human capabilities. While he waits, the man glances around the property idly. It's an interesting change in environment from the metal floating fortress he spends nearly all of his time living aboard. Kain's wealth and ability to work out his plans with a certain discreteness have afforded him the opportunity to live in such a location rather than having to brood aboard a carrier now floating in the Pacific Ocean. For the infamous crimelord, visits to the shore are precious few.
When Kain steps forth, the fellow blond extends his hand to accept the proffered handshake with a firm grip appropriate for men of their stature. "Likewise, Kain," the man replies, his voice deep. "It's been a long time. There are a number of developments that have transpired since that are worth discussing, but..."
Rodem yawns wide, white fangs protruding from his gaping maw as he slips back to his feet, walks in a circle around Bernstein's legs, then saunters off toward the tree line. Lacking much of an interest in alliances, business, or world affairs, it seems the cat is headed off to go torment some forest animals in the meantime.
"I find it best to carry on such discourse while engaging in something more active than simply sitting around. Perhaps a spar would fill in nicely, if you have the time of course." The invitation to fight and chat as only real titans of the fighting world can. It's been a long time since the two have had the chance to test their strength against each other. Perhaps it's long overdue for an opportunity to remind each of the power they weild.
While there are some dangers in the woods, it's unlikely that Rodem will attempt to make use of any of the training grounds Kain has set up, and Heinlein certainly has no concern for whatever prey might be out there. There are no traps or security devices... Kain himself is generally enough to keep the grounds safe. And so Kain says nothing about the cat slinking off, instead nodding in response to Rugal's proposal. "An excellent idea. If you'd care to follow me, I have a somewhat more suitable location behind the house. Damage to the front walk is an unnecessary hassle." For some fights it might not be so bad to spar out here... But given the abilities of these two men, somewhere less likely to suffer collateral damage would be preferred.
Kain then leads the way into the mansion, if there are no objections from Rugal. The servant closes the door quietly behind the two men then vanishes back off somewhere into the depths of the house. There's not a chance to see much of the interior of the mansion aside from the main hall. What's there has expensive, but tasteful and not overwhelming decoration. The only thing which might be considered otherwise is the massive portrait of Marie Heinlein hanging on the wall behind the main staircase.
It's a short trip through the house and out a rear door which opens on the rest of the grounds. Most of the actual estate is covered with woods, but a fair sized area has been cleared, with parts of it set aside for various activities. A safe distance away from the house is a circular sandy pit, surrounded by stones. It's easily large enough for two fighters to move around, a fair distance away from anything valuable, and easily repaired in the event of damage. A perfect place for a fight. It's to this which Kain then gestures. "Would this be suitable?"
Rugal can understand the need to have a suitable place to fight. Recent battles on his own properties have caused... inconvenient damages to say the least. "Yes, yes, of course," the man replies, his German accent still tehre even after decades of not living in the nation of his birth. Best to fight in a place where they can go all out.
The short tour through the manor provides him a brief glimpse into the life of Kain Heinlein. One can tell a lot about a person just by seeing the place they chose to live. Even the incredibly large portrait is observed, Bernstein going so far as to pause, his human eye trained on the painting for a second, as if offering a moment of respectful silence, before continuing on. Her death has provided him with a mutual ally in dealing with one of the most powerful men on the planet, after all...
The sand pit is observed with a nod of approval. "Very practical." he remarks, his tone suggesting that he might like to invest in something similar for himself. It sure beats having fighters showing up and wrecking the deck of his carrier with their explosive attacks after all. Stepping into the pit, his feet traverse the surface easily. His hands come up to adjust first the coat over his shoulders and then the black scarf that hangs open around his neck, extending down toward his knees. But the coat stays on. He knows Kain doesn't dress down for combat and neither does he see a need to.
And that simple gesture appears to be all the preparation the man believes necessary as he stands up a little bit straighter. His right arm is out at his side at an angle while his left arm is bent at the elbow, his hand held out in front of him, clenching and unclenching its fingers as he begins to breath with precise control. And that isn't all he is doing, either.
That 'new eye' of his, a cybernetic gift from technology to replace that which was stolen decades ago, lights up briefly, a pin-point of red in a pool of black as he studies Kain intently. Much time has passsed since their last spar. The opportunity is taken to study just how much has changed about Heinlein in that span of time.
"So." begins the man, bringing up the first topic of conversation that he plans on covering in the midst of an incredibly intense battle. "Thailand."
COMBATSYS: Rugal has started a fight here.
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Rugal 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Kain has joined the fight here.
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Rugal 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kain
COMBATSYS: Rugal focuses on his next action.
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Rugal 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kain
Kain shifts his feet on the sand a few times, making a brief show of adjusting for the surface. Of course, he's fought in this pit so often that the slightly unstable footing brought about by wearing shoes on sand bothers him almost not at all. Still, better safe than sorry. He hooks his left thumb in his pants pocket, while his right arm is allowed to hang free at his side, ready for a full range of motion.
Since Rugal is the guest, and the one who has something he wishes to speak about, Kain holds back for a moment to see just what it is the crimelord wishes to discuss. "Ah. Yes, Thailand. Quite a mess that seems to have turned out to be. Quite beneficial for one who makes prudent investments, however." And not just of the financial kind. But of course, this isn't /just/ a chat. When Kain finishes speaking he springs into motion, quickly closing the distance between the two men. He skids to a stop as he draws close, sending up a spray of sand as he pivots on one sliding foot, bringing his right leg around and up in a circular motion. As he completes the circle his legs snaps up at a sharp angle, aiming a kick shrouded in black flame up and at Rugal's chest with explosive force.
COMBATSYS: Rugal fails to counter Schwarze Lanze from Kain with Genocide Cutter.
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Rugal 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 Kain
When Kain comes in and swings his leg out, Rugal reacts in kind, his own suit covered leg lashing out, a slashing thin line of chi trailing behind it as he seeks to kick aside the other man's assault and transition into a devestating attack of his own, mouth set with determined intensity as the match really is on now.
His own counter fails to connect, however, missing Kain's leg by millimeters, leaving him completely open to the swath of black chi-fueled flame that pours over him as a result. The damage an attack like that can inflict is obscene - it's enough to send the crimelord staggering backward, feet slipping against the sand for a meter until traction is found and he braces himself for a follow up.
"I backed the resistence. Sold them arms," comes the next statement. "Almost gave them away... Anything to nudge the tide there. Lord Vega was getting too powerful. I believe he and his mysterious allies will have a long period of recovery ahead of them now." A minor comment on the state of world affairs as it were, the rise and fall of earth-dominating factions and how it affects those who move within the shadows.
"I'm sure there will be retaliation... his pet assassin, Balrog, already paid me a visit. But there's time to worry about that later," the man states, standing up straighter, recovering from the jolting pain of Kain's first assault. His mastery over chi and the ability to use it to inflict agony is nothing shy of incredible.
"Anything new with Geese Howard?" comes the inquiry next. "Your match against him in his own fighting circuit was... well, it was an excellent chance to see what you, and if I might say, we, are up against in him." Already arms moving to prepare for another attack, the man may have been injured but it only goes so far.
Kain smoothly lowers his foot back to the sand, the flames winking out once Heinlein's foot is back in contact with the ground. "I chose to avoid direct involvement in the whole thing, although several of my associates in the region have been taking advantage of the ripples caused by the situation." Kain steps slowly around the sandy pit, starting to circle around Rugal, or at least force him to keep moving to keep his eyes on Kain.
"Ah, yes... I believe Howard was expecting a different outcome for that fight." Kain grins for a moment. "I was happy to correct his assumptions. Though he's no pushover, of course. He's still as strong as he's ever been, and he has powerful minions. A direct assault still, sadly, seems inadvisable." While Kain is speaking his right hand bursts into flame and he slowly begins to lift it. On the last syllable he suddenly flicks his wrist, launching a blast of black fire toward Rugal. And several moments later he makes a quick motion with his left arm to send another fireball following in the wake of the first.
COMBATSYS: Rugal blocks Kain's Schwarze Flame.
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Rugal 0/-------/-======|===----\-------\0 Kain
Listening to Kain, digesting his every word, committing it to memory for further analysis even after this encounter has run its course, doesn't mean that he isn't watching him just as acutely. When the first blast flies in at him, the man strikes out with his left arm, literally forcing an open palm through the wave in order to disperse as much as the potential damage as possible, followed by raising his right arm in a solid blocking motion to absorb the impact of the second wave.
There is a slight grunt. An acknolwedgement that what Kain can dish out is not to be taken lightly. He knew that before coming here... but time may have dulled his memory of just how skilled the man is with chi.
"Geese's real power comes not just from his prowess as a fighter," Bernstein replies, "But from being a man of business. An entertainer. He knows what the people want and he gives it to them. I must admit I thought it strange to see you take such a vested interest in his weekly spectacles."
And then he is on the offense again, left foot sinking into the sand behind him as he pushes down with the force necessary to take to the air, turning once in order to deliver a sharply angled, swift kick toward Kain's chest with his left leg. And if it connects with anything, his right leg will follow up with a sweeping strike toward the fellow German's head, all intended to deliver a crushing attack with both leg and body strength behind the strikes. "HAAH!"
COMBATSYS: Kain fails to interrupt Medium Kick from Rugal with Schwarze Schleife.
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Rugal 0/-------/--=====|====---\-------\0 Kain
Kain attempts to slide in past Rugal's first strike, stretching out one hand toward the other man's throat. He's not quite quick enough, however, getting clipped in the side by the initial blow, leaving him in no position to defend himself against the followup strike. Rugal's foot connects with the side of Kain's head, sending him crashing down into the sand. A quick shove flips Kain over and then some quick movement of his legs lets Kain pop back up to a standing position.
He reaches up briefly to touch his head at the point of impact, but it comes away with no blood. Seems he wasn't hit /quite/ as hard as he thought, though it certainly was painful. "Indeed, it is because there are many types of power aside from sheer physical force that I do participate in Geese's little games. It serves wonderfully for public relations. Fans can be very useful, as can fame. It can be a double edged sword, but what is life without some risk?"
Recovering from his leap, Bernstein's feet dig once again into the sand as he reasserts his footing in preparation for continuing his assault. "Yes, the people can be," he replies, his tone suggesting that he isn't merely agreeing for the sake of politeness but rather Kain has touched on something the tyrant of 'R' has been giving some thought to himself. "Came to realize the prudence in your activities after spending time observing the impact the exposure has had."
But right now he says nothing further, chosing instead to stay on the assault. He can get back to his pursuing his line of thinking in a moment. For now he intends to try and press the small opening his last attack has given him, leaning forward into a charge, his arms out at his sides as if he intends to just simply bodily run directly through the other man.
It is only once he is just shy of doing so that he comes to a stop, his right arm swinging forward, a knuckled fist driving in toward Kain's chest, followed by his left hand arching lower, hooking in with a palm press toward the man's stomach.
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Rugal's Medium Punch.
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Rugal 0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0 Kain
Rugal's fist is brushed aside by Kain's arms, impacting only at an angle. The following palm strike is stopped by the back of Kain's fist, which is quickly drawn back to avoid being grabbed. Kain hops back a pace after deflecting the attack, giving him enough room for the actions he's planning to take next. "Indeed. The time hasn't come yet to make widespread use of them, but there are various uses. It's amazing some of the people who watch these fights, and some of them have access to interesting information. They may not swoon to meet a celebrity, but it provides an excellent entry point."
The time Kain has taken to speak has probably given Rugal a chance to try to move into a more advantageous position, but Kain keeps moving while he's speaking. And then he suddenly lashes out with his right foot, a glow of raw blue chi surround his lower leg as he attempts to drive a kick into Rugal's shin. He then quickly withdraws his foot and snaps it out again toward Rugal's stomach.
COMBATSYS: Rugal interrupts Medium Kick from Kain with Genocide Cutter.
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Rugal 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\1 Kain
Nothing like a furious exchange of rapid blows to put a damper in an otherwise scintillating conversation. Rugal's swift but sure strikes are defended against expertly by Kain, the man demonstrating his ability to not just react but to predict with precision.
Heinlein's words are heard and there is a slight nod of acknowledgement, but that is not enough to take Rugal's attention off of the attack coming next from his skilled opponent. And then it's time to trade chi-laden kicks once again, not too different from how the match began. Only, this time Rugal's timing is less conservative, willing to accept the first strike from the chi-master's two kicks in order to make more sure his own retaliation.
Right after Kain's right foot strikes his shin, Rugal kicks back with equal, if not superior force, "Genocide-" comes the growl, the man sticking so very strictly to his rituatl of naming the devestating technique in order to ensure all who feel it know exactly what they have been struck by. Bernstein may be quite the technique thief. But this one, the dreaded Genocide Cutter... this one is his own. And he damn well intends people to remember it.
The first strike comes at an upward angle, swinging low to high, with the force necessary to launch his opponent off his feet. The follow up comes second, from his left leg, deceptively thin, red, piercing, lancing energy trailing behind his foot as he crashes it into Kain for the second hit. "CUTTER!"
The attack delivered, there's nothing left to do but drop back down to the sand, Bernstein's legs digging into the surface as his traction is restored. He felt that attack of Kain's. The chi laced with each strike the man can muster is not to be taken lightly. But he already knew that by now.
"The idea has occured to me that perhaps there might be room for another league amidst those that already exists," Rugal comments. That this is directly linked to the discussion already in progress regarding Geese, SNF, and Kain's participation in the events is clearly implied.
Kain is sent flying back by the slicing chi, flipping backwards in mid-air. He slams both hands into the sandy ground to gain some control over his movement, using the motion to pop himself back and up onto his feet. "Really now...?" Kain doesn't have much more to add right at the moment, but he is intrigued by the possibilities raised. It remains to be seen exactly what Rugal is going for, though. As far as the resources for such a thing... Geese may be extremely wealthy, but that doesn't mean there aren't other people who come close. Say... Kain and Rugal, perhaps.
Crouching down slightly, Kain draws his arms back and to the side. There's a spark of blue light between his palms and then a moment later he thrusts both hands forward, palms splayed out toward Rugal. That small light rapidly begins to expand into a massive sphere of roiling, greenish-blue chi. Sand is blown aside and clothing is whipped up by the crazily shifting wind summoned up by the rapidly shifting energies, and a path is blown through the sand as the orb launches straight toward Rugal.
COMBATSYS: Rugal reflects Himmlische Seele from Kain with Dark Barrier.
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Rugal 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Kain
Advisory: In case of giant sphere of rolling, burning death, insert one Dark Barrier for your protection. When Kain's rapidly expanding energy sphere comes hurling over the sand, Rugal extends his right hand forward with what may look at a glance like an unwise dismisal of the power of the incoming attack. But as he stretches his fingers out, the nature of his defense becomes clear as a swirling disk of sickly green chi appears in the path of the incredible projectile.
But the Himmlische Seele is not a technique to be repelled casually by any means. Bernstein's feet brace against the sand, seeking what traction he can manage, the muscles in his right arm tightening as he pours even greater amounts of his well honed power into the shield that is to spare him the damaging attack. His left hand clasps against his forearm as his feet finally find their hold, and leaning forward, with a growl elicited by the effort required, Rugal finally drives back the attack from whence it came. "GRAGH!"
The miasmic-green chi disk vanishes and Kain is left to deal with his own power being sent back at him as the tyrant of 'R' stands up straighter again, his arm lowering against his side. He would just charge in to follow up something like that, but repelling an energy attack of that magnitude from Kain is no small task. "As powerful as I remembered," the man utters. Further words on what plans he has in mind will need to wait a moment.
COMBATSYS: Rugal successfully hits Kain with Reflected Himmlische Seele.
- Power hit! -
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Rugal 0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Kain
The ball of chi seems to wobble a bit as it returns from Rugal, not having been meant to remain stable as long as it has. Not to mention expending much of its energy against Rugal's Dark Barrier. The orb sheds chi in streamers behind it as it flies before finally washing over Kain in a fading cloud. It's still enough to send Kain stumbling back, but it would be a sad commentary on his control over the flow of chi if he couldn't weather his own attack.
The fading remnants of the blast are still hovering around Kain when a brief blast of black fire flares up around his body then fades out. "Well played." Kain rolls his neck briefly, keeping his eyes firmly on Rugal as he does so. This has been a bit of a setback, but that doesn't mean he can't handle it. But he /is/ going to have to come up with a new plan...
COMBATSYS: Kain focuses on his next action.
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Rugal 0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Kain
Rugal observes Kain's ability to walk out of the strike of his own attack with remarkable aplomb. It's to be expected, really. It almost wasn't worth expending the extra effort to send the attack flying back at him. But sometimes you do something just because you /can/, not because it's exactly prudent. At the compliment, there is a slight dip of the head. The respectful acknowledgement one gives to another he considers his equal in the field of combat.
"There's room for a new league of competition. One that emphasizes different techniques in fighting that the existing primary leagues do not. I observed the nuances of team centric combat throughout the King of Fighters tournament years ago. That tournament brought in outstanding ratings and gave many new fighters the chance to step into the spot light by being teamed up with more established veterans. The masses do so love new, hopeful faces showing up from time to time after all."
Bernstein straightens up, his strength restored in the moment he takes to speak now that Kain has had time to collect himself as well. "I believe it's possible to create an entire league built around the concept of teams. It would open some of the same avenues that Howard has when it comes to manipulating those who venture into his own events. The control he has over some of the most powerful people in the world is not to be underestimated."
The idea touched upon, if not in detail, at least enough for Kain to understand where Bernstein is coming from now. And with that, the tyrant is back on the offense, charging forward, sticking to the ground this time in order to maintain the traction needed to deliver a powerful attack. His left leg starts the assault with a swift but vicious roundhouse, aimed chest level. Using the momentum of the attack to turn himself around, he then follows up with three swift strikes with his right leg, aiming for Kain's shin, then stomach, then chin, pouring an incredible amount of force into each blow.
COMBATSYS: Kain interrupts Strong Kick from Rugal with Schwarze Kreuz.
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Rugal 1/--=====/=======|====---\-------\0 Kain
The first blow lands cleanly, Rugal's leg driving into the side of Kain's chest. But then Kain lashes out with his arm, grabbing the limb briefly. His grip isn't enough to hold onto Rugal for long, but he doesn't need to. He just needs to keep the crimelord at close range for a brief moment. Kain's entire body erupts in black flame, sand flying away from the force generated as everything within several feet of Kain is engulfed in black. The energy builds for several moments longer before exploding outward, and Kain releases his grip on Rugal's leg as he straights back up from that initial kick.
"So are you suggesting a cooperative endeavor? It's true, I could provide a more legit cover for such a thing, allowing it to be more widespread and profitable. The commercial ties could also be quite lucractive... But more importantly they would involve edging into areas that are currently controlled almost completely by Howard..."
Another chance to experience the power Kain is able to draw forth first hand as the black flames scorch over the 'R' leader, finally blasting him away with the culminating eruption of chi. Earlier in the fight he would have been able to weather such an attack much better than this, no doubt recovering cleanly before striking the ground. But the strength poured into each of the blows the two have dealt against each other is enough to wear down even titans of combat, and all the man ends up doing is landing on his back, sliding several feet, leaving a small trench in the sand. He'll be glad for the suit coat at his back, no doubt. Worn down, but not out, Rugal pushes himself back up to his feet, hand pressing against his knee for strength to finally rise back to standing tall.
"You already have a name and presence, well established by virtue of your appearances in the broadcast events. Many consider you the most powerful fighter alive with the way you have dominated the matches you have been through. Your consistent triumphs in the arena of combat make you an automatic celebrity to the public." Rugal states matter of factly. The idea that Kain loathes almost every one of those teaming masses is a secret they don't have to be privy to after all.
"Together we could finance it. Put forward the costs of the elaborate staging required for these matches, the advertising, the publicity, the prizes, compensation, and so forth. Were I to undertake it alone, any business endeavor would be plagued constantly by law enforcement institutions, legal foundations, and just about any other organization I have had to cut my way through over the years. You, though... you could act more openly. And the people already know your name. You're as established as any other fighter has ever been..."
All the while, Rugal has drawn his arms behind him, standing up straight at first, as small sparks of white, blindingly bright energy begins to collect in his clenched fists. The surge of power pouring down his arms would be impossible to miss and as what started as small flares have grown into large, pulsating spheres of crackling power, the man's voice trails off, giving Kain something else to think about just now.
Bernsteins' arms slam forward, spread apart, coming just close enough to bridge the seperate pools of ridiculous power that had collected in each of them. And then, in the next instant, a gigantic wall of raw power goes blasting across the sand toward Kain.
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Rugal's Kaiser Wave.
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Rugal 0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0 Kain
Kain crosses his arms in front of himself as the Kaiser Wave comes driving in toward him. There's a flare of blue energy from his arms as the blast hits him, driving his feet back through the sand... but in the end doesn't manage to break through his guard. Kain slowly uncrosses his arms, taking a deep breath. "It is an intriguing idea... It will take time to implement properly, but I believe I can arrange for the necessary funds and equipment."
Heinlein slowly lowers his arms as a blue glow suffuses his body. He's about hit his physical limits... But he has methods of surpassing those. He'll pay for it later, but he can force his body to move at full power even after he's become worn down, simply by willing it. Many people wouldn't even be able to survive attempting something like this, especially as they'd be unlikely to be able to properly control the energy levels. Kain isn't most people.
COMBATSYS: Kain gains composure.
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Rugal 0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0 Kain
The Kaiser Wave has the power to end most fights. Even warriors who try to weather it out will usually be pasted to some wall and need to be scraped off for medical attention. But a man like Kain is a different breed of fighter than most, and his ability to stay standing and appear ready to continue even after such an attack is admireable. To have a man in his corner for establishing something intended to compete with the likes of Geese Howard and even Ken Master's little league will require that kind of power. Were Rugal a smiling sort've man, he might even allow himself such an expression of satisfaction now. He's not.
"Then I think we are agreed," the man replies. "Time... is fortunately not the limiting factor. Better to be thorough than rushed." And with that, the man charges forward again, attempting to deliver another decisive attack as he draws his arms back behind his head then slams them both forward at the same time toward Kain's chest, both fists clenched tightly as he pours all the momentum of his charge and the strength of his body and arm muscles into a crushing blow. "RAH!"
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Rugal's Fierce Punch.
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Rugal 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Kain
"I'll have my people start looking into the logistics of such an operation." Rugal's coming in as Kain finishes speaking and Heinlein smoothly turns to the side as Rugal lashes out with both hands. Once he's slipped past the blow it's easy to move around behind Rugal while the crimelord is recovering from that heavy blow. Continuing along with the smooth motion that brought him around in the first place, Kain chops out with the side of his hand toward the back of Rugal's neck. Black fire springs up around his hand as it slices through the air, coming closer by the moment to impacting just below the base of Rugal's skull.
COMBATSYS: Rugal blocks Kain's Medium Punch.
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Rugal 0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0 Kain
"Excellent," mutters the crime lord, his voice souding a little horse now. It was easy to converse and combat earlier in the fight, but after what the two men have put each other through, it comes as no surprise that his ability to pontificate is winding down.
His lunging attack is avoided expertly by Kain who seeks to take advantage of the obvious opening left by such a committed attack. But Rugal's foot crunches down, stopping himself from stumbling forward even as his fists fail to connect with anything. The recovery gives him the chance to move his right arm behind his head, blocking the attack without having to turn around to do so. It's a last second thing - that was so very close to connecting cleanly, but a defense is a defense.
Only then does he have the time to turn around, lashing out with his foot in a wide arching hook, intent on striking Kain viciously in his ribs. The parlance of business has been completed. Now it's just time to finish up the grueling spare.
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Rugal's Medium Kick.
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Rugal 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Kain
The sweeping strike from Rugal means Kain doesn't have the opportunity to lean out of the way, but there is an option. He drops back, seeming to fall as Rugal's foot lashes out. The crimelord's leg passes just inches above Kain as he falls back, catching himself on his hands behind his back. It's a somewhat awkward position, but the strength in Kain's arms is enough for him to lift himself up, with a little help by kicking off the ground with his left foot. His right foot, meanwhile, whips up and toward Rugal's jaw as Kain flips back with the intention of springing back up to a standing position. The time for discussions is definitely over... but that doesn't mean the fight is.
COMBATSYS: Rugal fails to interrupt Medium Kick from Kain with Genocide Cutter.
- Power fail! -
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Rugal 0/-------/---====|====---\-------\0 Kain
While Kain's next attack comes in from an awkward angle, that makes it equally difficult to deal with from the man rapidly expending his strength by pouring so much into each of his attacks. But like all the previous exchanges of rapidly delivered kicks, Rugal attempts to deal with this one just the same, his foot lancing out on an intersecting course for Kain's side.
But his footing isn't strong enough, as he's sacrificed a lot of traction in order to keep up with the pacing of the last several exchanged blows. Already mid-kick before he realizes that, however, there's nothing Bernstein can do to keep from getting struck right on in the chin as was the intent, the blow landing with enough force to shatter what was left of his recovering balance and send him off his feet into a backward roll.
He comes out of the roll into a crouch, one hand pressed against the sand until he straightens back up to his full height, this time making sure that his feet are well planted.
Kain lands in a crouch himself after his flip, standing back up a few moments before Rugal. He extends both hands out toward Rugal, flipping his wrists briefly, almost as if he's a magician preparing for a trick. Closing the ground between the two of them seems like a poor choice at this juncture. Rugal looks more battered than he is, but that just means he's all the more likely to put all he has into an attack.
So instead Kain stands his ground, black fire engulfing both of his hands. And then the flames shoot out, but not as a pair of fireballs. Twin jets of flame launch from Kain's palms toward Rugal, sweeping with the motion of Kain's arms as he attempts to keep them centered on Rugal. He doesn't keep the blaze up for long, a few seconds at most, but they should be several rather painful seconds indeed...
COMBATSYS: Rugal reflects Schwarze Flame from Kain with Jab Punch.
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Rugal 0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0 Kain
On his last legs but not down, it seems Bernstein has a few tricks left for dealing with the incoming attack. When the torrent of force is sent crashing in on him, the man strikes out with one palm, a small flash of chi pouring form the extended limb as he digs deep into the last of his strength to force the scalding jets of flame back from him. If any of that gets back to Kain at all, it will hardly have been his intention - the primary purpose there purely a precisely timed execution of a small burst of chi for his own defense. Even as the attack is repelled, the man leans forward just a little, his expression a mixture of intensity but also exhaustion.
COMBATSYS: Rugal successfully hits Kain with Reflected Schwarze Flame.
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Rugal 0/-------/--=====|=====--\-------\0 Kain
The reflected flame does sting Kain's hands from the backlash and the small explosion caused by it, but on the whole it doesn't seem to have caused him great injury. It does cause him to flinch back for a moment, however. He's already running forward as he shakes the pain out of his hands, closing the distance between himself and Rugal. Hopefully Rugal will need at least a moment of his own to recover... At least, that's what Kain is counting on. He feints with a quick blow from his right hand aimed at Rugal's face, but then he suddenly ducks lower, his true objective a jab with his left fist, aimed to strike the crimelord right in the solar plexus.
COMBATSYS: Rugal counters Jab Punch from Kain with Medium Kick.
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Rugal 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\1 Kain
While the man seems to have lost the strength to go back on the offense, his ability to contend with the attacks coming his way seems to be formidable all the same. His inhuman eye flares briefly as Kain comes in, providing him with just enough precise information to see the feint for what it is, the swift punch toward his face lacking the power behind it to be a real strike fom a man of Kain's capability, even if it probably could knock some people's heads clean off all the same.
Seeing through the feint allows him to react with precise timing to intercept the other man at the last second, his foot coming up, the heel being planted right into Kain's chest to knock him away with a growl of exhertion, "RAGH!"
His foot stomps down into the sand after that, the man leaning forward hard against it, an ever so faint smirk of satisfaction working its way into his expression. He's been watching Kain's broadcasts for some time. He's seen how the man has improved in his abilities. That he can stand here and last, toe, to toe, for so long against him tells Bernstein that he's still got it. Just like he figured.
Kain is sent crashing back into the sand after the kick hits him in the chest. He lets out a grunt as he hits the ground, skidding backward a fair distance. With another grunt he sits up, then climbs back to his feet. That was certainly painful, but it's still not quite enough to take Kain out of the fight. Even if he is having a little bit of trouble breathing freely now.
Heinlein draws both of his arms back and to either side, black flame surrounding his fists. He then swings his arms forward in a manner that should be rather familiar to Rugal. The motion doesn't really matter so much, given Kain's power over chi, but it makes it easier to concentrate on forming the black flame into a rather impressive knockoff of a Kaiser Wave, only made of black fire.
COMBATSYS: Rugal fails to reflect Himmlische Seele from Kain with Dark Barrier.
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Kain 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Rugal can no longer fight.
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Kain 0/-------/-------|
Of course he recognizes the move used on him earlier in the match. The man is adept at learning the nuances of others' styles over the course of a single fight, let alone the multiple encounters that they have had to date. And as before, he prepares to clash energy against energy, his hand extending forward as he attempts to create the more powerful method of reflecting than the lighter weight defenses he had used moments ago.
But dealing with the impressive wall of black flame once before was already a very demanding feat that took a lot out of him for the rest of their exchange. Trying to pull off the same stunt again is pretty much just pure ego at work. The disk forms, as before, the man already leaning into the defense, knowing full well what kind of power it will take to force back Kain's assault.
But in the end, it isn't enough to drive it back, the the Dark Barrier collapses, allowing whatever portion of the Himmlische Seele that wasn't diminished already to pour over him unabated. "Argh," the man growls, knocked stumbling back across the sand, mouth clenched as he tries to recover his footing. But compensating for the stumble backward leaves him falling forward instead, his knee dropping to the sand, followed by his opposite hand as the Rugal falls into a crouch.
There are no words for several long moments, the man staying upright by willpower alone. "The time you have spent in battling so many different fighters has done you well," the man finally speaks, conceding the battle to Heinlein. "Very well. We will coordinate again when matters we have set in motion today are closer to fruition. I will have my men communicate the initial logistics that I have planned out thus far." Slowly, body aching, he rises back up to his feet, muscles straining. From the treeline his feline companion for this excursion slips out before coming to sit at the edge of the sand pit.
The walk back to his travel arrangements outside the forest surrounding the estate will do him good. "Thank you for your time, Kain. It's good to know that there are yet a few individuals left worth conducting business with." And with that, the man turns to walk away, his strength slowly returning him, bit by bit, fueled by a body that refuses to acknowledge its own injuries.
COMBATSYS: Kain has ended the fight here.
Log created on 16:20:41 09/01/2007 by Rugal, and last modified on 04:57:13 09/02/2007.