Description: Under the city lights that shine like stars, Alma approaches the battle first foretold by his coming to Metro City: another clash of rivals, brought together again by a generous fate. Jiro Kasagi and Alma Towazu face off once again-- and though there is talk of love and peace and justice, basically they pummel each other with assorted explosions. What more could we ask for? (Winner: Alma)
It's approaching dusk as the sun has set. Things have gotten worse in Metro City, considering that the scientists were kidnapped, the Mad Gear are losing hard core. It has been tough on the Metro City Police force, and tougher for those of the Interpol to look into things. But otherwise, majority of the city has been of ignorance, which is pretty typical in the city. Many of them continue their daily job, trying to make productions as if things never happened.
While the streets are occupied, Jiro is actually around along with Hotaru. While he does wear the usual blue vest and black t-shirt with the white pants, he is sporting a brown trenchcoat. It was the same one he had used when he was his old self. But unlike the previous time, it's all buttoned up and such.
"Unfortunately, it looks like it's gotten so bad that Mad Gear's pretty much backed up into a corner, but it's more of they are weakening bit by bit by the Hellraisers."
Officer Kasagi is not too pleased with the current events.
In town, Hotaru wouldn't miss a scheduled match for Jiro. The girl made sure Jiro knew she didn't mind if their time together was punctuated by a Neo League bout. Fighting is a way of life for her as she throws herself time and time again into the chaos of battle, trying to scrape out another small bit if improvement. Her brother may not care, but she knows others do. Dear friends, and those that are closer still.
Hotaru clasps her hands behind her back as she listens to the Working Man side of Jiro describe the situation in the city between the two rival gangs. "I wish they would both just go away and be done with it," the girl states with a somber shake of her head.
Her clothing is casual. She's not here to fight, after all. A white, long-sleeved blouse covered by warm, blue jacket, is tucked into a blue skirt at her waist. A stiff autumn breeze blows through the area, occasionally tossing one of her pig-tails back over her shoulder until she shakes her head and sends it flopping back into place.
"But don't let that distract you for now," the girl encourages, leaning forward to plant a kiss on his cheek, "Need to focus on your fight if you're going to back into this league stuff, after all." she remarks with a grin as she backs away.
The crowd passes by in ones and twos and threes, scattered groups of friends sharing an evening, some at first glance little different from Jiro and Hotaru themselves. Yet many turn and look in their direction-- if only because at their arrival the Neo League camera operators previously lounging around the square begin to return to duty, efficiently beginning to set up their equipment. The sky is dimming now, highlighted only by the streaks of pink and purple cast out like searching arms from the setting sun, and by the scintillating lights of the city itself. Here in famous Metro Square the surrounding skyscrapers are adorned with all matter of advertisements and announcements, yet what elsewhere would look gaudy here is a reminder of the raw power and resilience of culture. For better or worse, society's influence pulses through the veins of all who pass through here; like a debt unpaid it weighs on you whether you accept it or turn away. These are a people who endure through Rolento's terrorism and Hellraisers' plague live here, a people for whom madness conveniently becomes reason. Men who fight for a more lasting order, for the true peace that is the presence of justice, men as Jiro has become, must always struggle with this survivalist attitude. For better or worse, it is real. And many, like the camera operators now almost finished setting up, call it home.
~ Home, huh? ~
One of them lights up a cigarette, remarking to her fellows on the absence of an opponent for Officer Kasagi. As curious onlookers emerge from the nearby subway station, their cameras, inactive, stay focused on the center of the brick-laid square before them.
~ This place isn't as strange as I thought before. ~
They need to pan up, higher up, higher still, up to the top of that classically styled subway stop, its otherwise pleasant facade littered with the conspicuous graffiti that is far more Metro City's style than any architecture itself, where a well-dressed young man lies upon the roof, arms crossed behind his head, gazing up at the sky, enduring the bright lights of the city. Smiling mildly, he reflects how quickly he's grown here to appreciate certain parts of city life that he never had before.
~ I can feel him approaching, even here. He's changed... ~
Alma's smile widens, eyes softening.
~ ...but not too much. ~
He always loved the city in his own way-- only because it ever presented a bombardment of experience, of unusual characters, of opportunity. A young man who otherwise might be too easily satisfied keeping to himself is thus drawn out, out of love of the absurdity of it all if nothing else, called to reach out, to cry out and be heard even if silence would not be unsatisfying. It means a lot to him, more than he can say. But he spent so much time fighting in such a limited world; a world limited by his perspective. He needed to take little steps. And he did. He didn't waver; he didn't fail. With every breath he grew stronger-- and now look at him!
~ Did you ever expect this, father, mother? ~
And there's still so much to be done.
Duke told him that it was /his/ city, and maybe it's true. Alma knows he is not nearly powerful enough to challenge that in any case. But the young man has one advantage. His home is not in a house and not in a city. He's proved that to himself, here. Proved what he thought was true but needed to know. His home is more than that-- just as his family is more than it was.
~ ...I can feel /her/, too. ~
He knows now, without any doubt: there is no despair left in him. He can go halfway across the world and in his own little Alma way make it his home. Every victory, every defeat, makes him crave only to live life more. And if that means wandering off like the oddball he is, or trying to lead a community center organization and succeeding or failing, if that means shame or guilt or pain or sacrifice--
~ The lights here are so bright, I can't see the stars. ~
It doesn't matter.
~ But I feel them all around me, so... ~
He's ready.
~ This must be heaven. ~
He leaps.
Rising smoothly and spontaneously to his feet from his laid out position, pushing off lightly with his feet, he hurtles down from the roof of the subway station, eliciting gasps from those onlookers that spot him as he tucks and flips, plush white high-collared zip-up top and dark blue designer jeans rippling around his tall form, his head only a flash of red and gold. He spins, twists-- and lands with a startling lack of sound on dark Oxfords, one burnished bronze palm hitting the brick in silence.
"The wait," he says softly, "was worth it."
Alma Towazu looks up grinning, a beautiful man with the eyes of a child.
"Jiro!" he calls out, rising. "Little brother! What a man you've become!"
Yeah, the Working Man side of Jiro has been out lately. Hell, he didn't even pick a fight with Katana, the leader of Mad Gear, because it seemed very counterproductive as to the case. However, it did give him a good feeling that something was amiss.
It is after the consideration that Jiro listens to Hotaru's words. "Yeah, but it won't be that easy. I have the feeling I will need you guys for some extra hands." He shuts his eyes, able to recall how well the first mission in dealing with the Hellraisers went when he was with the SWAT. That, itself, sucked. His eyes do look at Hotaru when she encourages him to just think about his match in the League fight.
He offers her a laugh and he smiles at her kiss. He places an arm around her waist, aiming to pull her close to a hug. "You're right." His eyes do focus on the new surrounding of the lights and glamor that is starting to give the indication that they are approaching the Neo League area. Jiro offers a mere snort at the thought, but his eyes do actually focus over towards Alma as the man shows up.
There are a lot of things that Jiro would like to say. Thank you for helping me back at Nepal. ...Thanks for saving our asses when Zinan nearly killed him. ... Thanks for staying alive?
But instead?
"Yo, Alma." THe former Stray, now officer, approaches the older man. "Thanks." He smirks, nodding at his teammates, "It's good to see you." He gestures his hand towards Hotaru, "And introducing our new teammate."
Jiro's hug draws her in tight for a moment and Hotaru relaxes in his hold, leaning against him. "You know we'll help when it's time to make it count. You just have to give the word." She grins a little, "I mean, I DID fight in a war, you know." The voice is teasing, but there is a serious side to it as well. She doesn't want to be left out if she can help, and if he goes it alone and something severe happens, well...
"But for now," she states, leaning back, pulling away, hands returning to clasp behind her back as Alma leaps down. "Your fight." Her expression brightens as her eyes set upon the third to appear for this bout, one hand coming up from behind her back to wave! Brother. The one that cares. The one that's real to her. The one that matters.
She follows Jiro, just a little behind and to the side. This is his moment after all, and she can wait in the wings. This is their fight. She's had hers. He introduces her as a teammate and the girl blushes sheepishly. A teammate. It sounds good. It's been a long time since that word has been used with respect to her. "What a treat," she remarks, far more interested in this match now. "You two..." She shakes her head, rolling her eyes with an expression of pretend annoyance, "Play nice."
"Yo!"
Alma winks.
Yes, he's been doing a lot of travelling, hasn't he? Most would be eager to tell the tale of their adventures if they as he did traversed the world in search of his ailing brother, feeling the call of his need. But really, in a world as vibrant as Alma's, it's all par for the course. Besides, he doesn't want to call too much attention to that particular journey. Whatever that chief's daughter said, being the god of her village does /not/, he remains convinced, automatically make her his wife.
As he rises to his feet his expression settles into one more characteristic of him, calm and mild, but his eyes though they soften remain bright as before, glittering with pride and love. His soul swells up within him as he looks upon the path his brother has chosen after all his trials; soon, though, he looks toward Hotaru, even as Jiro continues speaking. He doesn't say anything; he just gazes at her, still smiling widely, smiling as though that itself is all that needs be said.
Only once Jiro refers to her as their teammmate does Alma stir, smile becoming a grin again as the older fighting model reaches up to thoughtfully cup his sculpted chin, slipping the other hand into the pocket of his snug jeans.
"Hmm," he says in a voice warm with good humor, "good choice."
Having now spoken to Jiro while looking at Hotaru, he now looks back toward the boy as he speaks to the girl. "Little sister," he says, softer and gentler, "you grow more beautiful every time I see you. I feel whole in your presence." He says this unashamedly, without a trace of a blush, heady though it is. "Now that you are here, I wonder if I felt you would come all along; I cannot imagine this now without you here as you are."
He steps forward toward his best friend and true rival, seemingly ignoring the crowd that has gathered or the cameras that have begun rolling; for him, they have blended in with the lights and the stars and the sky. They are the living stage for his battle-- and that is not to belittle them. No, it is to compliment them, for he is admitting all of it, all of them, everything, into what he holds most dear...
"Hotaru," he murmurs, loud enough to be heard yet seemingly thinking aloud now, "I'm so glad we all made it this far."
Alma pauses for a moment before his gaze refocuses on Jiro, and smiling firmly he extends a hand, though they are too far apart for either to reach. "Jiro!" His voice is clear. "You told me when we parted in Southtown that I needed to be honest, that I didn't need to worry about burdening anyone anymore. You were right. I didn't know I was afraid, but I was. I thought I was open, visible and free, but in so many ways I kept myself small. I kept to what I understood. I didn't want to be wrong, and hurt anyone else. I did so many things that would have been difficult for others, but even in the moments where I felt myself close to death-- I was confident I was right, doing what was me. So... I don't think I took any /real/ risks. Putting my being on the line was easy; grasping something before I felt certain it became me, making an effort before I felt it was essential to my integrity, has been hard."
As anyone who has seen all the paperwork he does can attest to.
"I've pursued my passions and stayed true to my duties, and struggled to be worthy of my memories and dreams. Now I'm reaching beyond all of that. We both are, aren't we? And I, on my part... I don't know if it's right and... I don't suppose I'll ever know... but..."
His extended hand clenches into a raised fist.
"You're here with me!"
~ And somehow, for the first time, having no idea whether this path is right... ~
"And I'm here with you."
~ ...feels more right than anything. ~
"Let's share with each other what we've become."
Alma's fist trembles as white flame traced with pink and purple arises from the aether.
"Jiro..."
~ I love you! ~
"Show me what you've got!"
COMBATSYS: Alma has started a fight here.
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Alma 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Jiro has joined the fight here.
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Alma 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Jiro
There is a pause. The young man shuts his eyes, taking in the sight of Alma. It has been a long time since Jiro and him have been best friends and rivals. His eyes focus towards the older youth to reflect back. It is funny how they were drawn together. Perhaps he was right...
It has been a long time since Jiro had actually met Alma. He does remember that it was never on good terms. Reflecting back to those times, Jiro is looking at Alma.
~ "What do you want?" ~
~ "I want to fight you. Will you fight me?" ~
The eyes focus at Alma, as he can reflect back into the fourth of July. That is the most interesting time that he did meet his friend. Few days after his very birthday. It earns a feral grin from the boy, who actually laughs at the thought. "....It's been so long since we met."
He tightens his fists, feeling the energy drawn before him. His own trials, Alma was so part of. When he met Kain, Jiro was succumbed by the power that he wielded. His hands lift up, staring at the palm. It is a unique way of drawing chi that only a few selected have been able to do. The Martyr of Might. Kain Heinlien, him, and Dante. All of them have learned to draw the power of the chi through their emotions. It was, for the longest time, that Jiro drew it through the hatred as they had. But he had drew it through another source.
Fury.
Those scarlet flames burn to life as the fury swells up inside of him. Learning to draw himself through the emotions without succumbing to it, there is that brief attunement through the Ankoku Shinkuu-Ken. ... But it is not that anymore, is it? Jiro doesn't draw it from the same darkness as they would.
It's not the Ankoku flames.
It is his own, as he came to with himself. That rage, understood and now controlled to his own will. That was the key to not becoming the beast.
The young man drifts his gaze back at Alma, smiling at his older brother. "We've been through so much.." He tightens his fists, then he smirks, "It's time to show you all that I've learned since our trip." Jiro starts to sprint towards Alma, deciding that it would be best to open up with a classical favorite.
The clothesline; his right arm extends out as it shoots forward to capture Alma's throat with the meaty part of the arm.
At Alma's approval of her addition to the team, Hotaru grins, taking the acknowledgement in stride, though her cheeks tint slightly - a shade easily missed in the strongly colored light of the setting sun. But then comes the rest of his words and the blush becomes much more apparent. A verbal acknowledgement of the completeness of the trio - perhaps fate arranged for all three to be together here. Maybe it was pure chance. But Hotaru knows that whatever it was, it is right.
"The three of together again, after all that happened." The time in the mountains, in the jungle. The time their lives were tested in different ways. A time that changed so much yet some things have become immutable, and that includes the way she feels about both of the young men present. "If I wasn't here, I'd be rather upset when I found out," the girl replies with an easy smile, bowing her head a little as she takes a step back.
Not even a year since she had returned to Southtown, yet she can't imagine life otherwise. Prior years have faded - turned pages in the book of life. But these last months define her now for in them have formed the links that keep the girl going no matter what. "This far? Mm... there's so much further yet. All in good time. A year from now and we'll be enjoying another crisp Fall evening together, I bet." Hotaru states without a shread of doubt. "Maybe another match." The paths in their lives have a way of coming together like this.
Another step backward is taken. This is their moment. Their fight. She's just glad to be a part of it. She'll be on the sidelines, blending in with the others. Watching her Jiro and her Alma show everyone what they can do. "Hmm," she muses quietly to herself, repeating the words spoken only moments before, her breath faintly visible in the air. "Good choice." And with that she pulls her jacket a little tighter then clasps her hands together in front of her.
COMBATSYS: Jiro successfully hits Alma with Fierce Punch.
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Alma 0/-------/----===|-------\-------\0 Jiro
"That's for the shock collar, asshole."
By the way, Jiro did -NOT- forget about the match versus Vyle and Hotaru. That was a grudge held until Jiro had the chance to physically hurt Alma again.
Classic.
Extinguishing the flame within his fist, Alma grins and lunges into the attack, the crowd erupting all at once as the two young men close in on each other. What, this again? But it's a tried and true technique for an obvious reason. The sheer ferocity of Jiro's attack can no longer surprise Alma, but the way in which that rage is now focused and controlled is new.
"Wwhhn--"
Swept off his feet by the force of the blow, Alma flails back and alights on a palm, pivoting so that he nimbly regains his footing after only a moment, struggling to get his breath back quick enough to fight-- and respond.
"I blame your sister's bad influence," he manages, sounding amiable enough even as he weaves in to the attack, lashing out with a kick in what appears to be an attempt to scythe the shorter fighter's legs out from under him. But it's a ruse, and the kick is too short to hit anything-- it's when Alma twists back after the seeming miss that the glowing energy again pulsing in his hand is revealed.
"/This/ is for--"
Thrusting out his hand with the grace of one releasing a dove into the air, a plume of searing white soulfire quickly bursts forth to strike a potentially unsuspecting Jiro.
"--suggesting I date her!"
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits Jiro with Sacred Wave.
- Power hit! -
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Alma 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Jiro
As the momentum of the clothesline is made, it draws Jiro forward to press on with the attack of driving his fist towards Alma's face. But he is able to redirect his aggressiveness to a more defensive state just as quickly now. As he launches his right leg out to distance himself from the leg kick, the true reason for the attack actually halts him.
"Eghn---!"
He is caught in surprise by the dove-like energy blasting across his face. The sheer impact of the light consuming him forces him to stumble back, dizzily trying to regain his senses. But, Jiro presses on, lunging towards Alma with a high back-hand aiming towards his face, but he quickly snaps it back and instead lunges himself to a twist.
In time, his left heel comes out and launches out towards Alma's stomach.
COMBATSYS: Alma blocks Jiro's Light Kick.
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Alma 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Jiro
"Heh heh!"
Alma can't suppress a chuckle, of all things, as Jiro strikes back, the sensation of their auras impacting lingering in the psychic's consciousness. He can't contain himself anymore; as ever, his heart is thrilling at this opportunity.
So he reacts instinctively, seeming to sense the kick before it begins, attuned to his rival's movements. Alma's own left leg arcs up, powerfully slamming Jiro's strike aside as he quickly twists into a second kick, this one an attack with his right leg. Eyes flashing, momentum gathering, Alma grins to himself even as his kick ignites with coursing soulfire glittering with vibrant color.
The flaming kick will lash out at Jiro's torso, and whether it connects fully or at all, it will buoy Alma up into a full spin that lifts him off the ground and into another flame-wreathed kick toward Jiro's head-- as though the model could not stop himself even if he /did/ want to.
"Ha ha!"
And clearly, he doesn't.
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits Jiro with Rising Fury.
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Alma 0/-------/-======|======-\-------\0 Jiro
Can we say ouch?
It is as if there is the resounding pain in the strikes that Alma provides Jiro. Although Jiro had came forth with the back kick, ALma had snapped his leg against his own to deflect the attempt to strike forth, then he came in with his own attack.
As Jiro turns around into the Rising Fury that Alma provides, the young man merely steps into it, aiming to get a good closure on the next movement that he wanted to do. His chi channels forth in the form of the scarlet flames, the fist winded back and he tries to slam his fist in, but he is caught by the foot, which sends him recoiling back. Hissing in annoyance, Jiro merely grunts and he smiles at Alma.
"For something new."
He merely sweeps his right hand up, the scarlet flames that remained manifested sends off a wave of energy in the form of a cutter towards Alma's direction.
"Balefire!"
COMBATSYS: Jiro successfully hits Alma with Balefire.
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Alma 1/-------/=======|=======\-------\0 Jiro
"Hm--?"
Alma, twirling gracefully through the air after his series of kicks, twists quickly to face again his tenacious foe, only to find that Jiro is attacking in a manner unprecedented. For most it would be nearly impossible to avoid an attack while in midair; for Alma it is merely very difficult. Too difficult, in this case.
Grunting at the impact, Alma is sent spiralling out of control but recovers just in time to land in a crouch-- and somehow, he's still grinning, eyes glinting. "I can feel it," he says quietly. "Your rage, honed like a blade."
Lunging forward, weaving in rapidly with a natural fluidity that draws the eyes of the crowd, Alma closes with a staggering feinting series of steps that finishes in a fierce low kick to his rival's knee.
"I knew you could do it!"
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits Jiro with Light Kick.
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Alma 1/------=/=======|=======\=------\1 Jiro
After the energy lashes across Alma's form, Jiro takes the moment to collect the satisfaction in striking Alma with the honed energy. It is one of his newer attacks tha the had yet introduced Alma to. It's why he felt that he had to share a special moment with his friend.
To top things off, Jiro waggles a finger, then he snorts at the thought, "Yeah. Took me a while. I think Taira would be happy knowing that."
%t Once Alma lunges forward to give off a feint series of steps, he launches himself back from the incoming knee strike. Unfortunately, Alma's fierce kick strikes him on the knee, dropping him towards the ground.
"Shit...!" He hisses, then he grins and he manifests his chi once more. Trying to sustain himself, Jiro opts for a different maneuver. While on the ground, Jiro utilizes one hand to have him roll towards Alma's direction.
And while he rolls, Jiro merely swings his left arm around, aiming to not really smack Alma to the ankle, but to clamp and give a quick yank while rolling to the other side while avoiding pressure on the knee so that it can recover enough for him to get up.
COMBATSYS: Jiro successfully hits Alma with Medium Throw.
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Alma 1/----===/=======|=======\=------\1 Jiro
"Hmmnnn--"
Charging power into his hand, Alma pursues his fallen opponent...
"--nnaahh?"
...and stumbles, baffled, as Jiro trips him up and sends him to the ground. The two of them end up rolling past each other, but Alma, shaking his daze away, turns about determined to finish what he started before he was sent down.
"You've learned a lot," the young model says, sounding composed despite the blows he's taken. "You're realizing your potential. But I've grown stronger too--"
Beginning to rush forward now, he lowers himself and reaches down with his right hand, trailing it alongside him. He does not touch the ground, but a faint light traces its way across the brick with him, chasing his fingertips.
"Witness my hand!"
That hand glows with a preternatural power, and as he draws it up it begins to rage like an uncontrollable blaze, his entire arm shuddering with energy.
"Feel my power!!"
Crying out to the heavens, Alma strikes forward, reaching for Jiro's heart.
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits Jiro with Blaze of Glory EX.
- Power hit! -
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Alma 1/----===/=======|=======\======-\1 Jiro
It's rather interesting.
As Alma is caught onto the ground and Jiro finally rolls himself back up, Jiro is actually standing up to his feet. "Yeah, it took me a few years to realize that." He smiles a little more at Alma, "Thanks." He chuckles, "For everything."
He stares as Alma rushes forward, then he grunts as he feels the power resonating from Alma. As he is drawing the hand out with the powerful energy, Jiro is actually leaping right into the trajactory of the blow.
When the glowing hand actually pierces towards Jiro's heart, his eyes widen as he feels the raw power erupting and consuming his entire body. He releases a thunderous scream as the powerful blow pierces him.
Jiro is landing at a far distance from Alma, skidding across the ground. "...Shit..." He coughs up a bit of blood, then he laughs. "...Nice..." He staggers up, then he looks towards Alma. Pressing onward, Jiro launches himself towards his best friend and rival, aiming to close the distance as his right fist winds back. It's as if he aims to draw forth a powerful punch across Alma's face.
Yet.
He actually aims to surprise Alma with a flaming uppercut from the arm that appeared to be unused, the left one. That left one aims to strike Alma off-balance for the next maneuver.
COMBATSYS: Alma blocks Jiro's Scarlet Slaughter.
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Alma 1/--=====/=======|=====--\-------\0 Jiro
Although the guard is up, Jiro is actually moving on forward with the next strike. Although that hand was winded back, it was still in motion of a maneuver. As the uppercut was used to draw the man off balance, the energy behind it was the scarlet flames that made it more devastating. Yet.
That's not the end of it.
The winded back hand launches forward, aiming for a right cross across Alma's cheek. The impact of the swinging fist actually roars to life as an explosion ensues from the impact of the powerful strike.
"Ggghh!"
Alma's arms rise just in time. Deflecting the uppercut isn't enough to stave off the resounding explosion that follows, and as the two of them are obscured in a flash of light and the rising dust even the closer members of the audience find themselves taking a step back.
The light fades and the dust clears and Alma can be seen on one knee, arms still crossed in front of his head protectively, face obscured from view. Unmoving, only his blond hair, fluttering slightly in the passing breeze, is unstill.
He flickers.
And before any non-fighter realizes it the Alma kneeling is merely a translucent afterimage, for in a flash, more akin to teleportation than a mad dash, the Hiten-Ryu fighter has brought himself face to face with his opponent once again, eyes glowing with ethereal light.
"SURRENDER!"
Against another adversary, the powerful blows Alma has inflicted on his rival's psyche might make this a legitimate proposition; when he brings his fists up they glow with that perilious aura again, threatening to scatter spirits and shatter minds. But this is Jiro. Alma is just saying it for it to have been said. And to encourage his opponent, as he always tries to do, to no matter what happens, bare their soul...
A barrage of punches, imbued with crackling fire, pummels against whatever defenses Jiro can muster, arms blurring as though his limbs have doubled.
...and let the glory carry them away.
COMBATSYS: Jiro fails to counter Trial By Fire from Alma with Excessive Force.
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Alma 0/-------/--=====|
COMBATSYS: Jiro can no longer fight.
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Alma 0/-------/--=====|
The impact of the explosion forces Jiro's body to be comsumed by the force of flames that drive around him. He grunts under his breath, narrowing his eyes at the older man as he keeps a focused lock on him. It is unfortunate that Jiro would find himself in such a position of hanging on.
Although Alma is down himself, Alma does have an ace up his sleeve. He pretty much took such a beating against Alma, Jiro will have to try to stay up for the next coming attack.
There is an opening. That first punch. When Alma comes forth with the punch, Jiro steps into the strike and launches his right hand out to grasp at the wrist.
Jiro makes a miscalculation, which costs him dearly as he is struck against the face by the punch. Then, there are several more punches involved in beating against his form. As the piercing fists cut down his attempt to stay up, Jiro laughs and then ...
... collapses onto the ground.
"Haah... haah... haah..."
Breathing heavily, Alma unclenches his fists--
"...haah... haah... ha ha... ha ha ha..."
--and reaches up to rub the back of his head.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
His laughter, clear and true, heralds the beginning of the applause.
Grunting a couple times from the strain of shifting his injured body as the adrenaline and Soul Power recede, Alma lowers himself to his knees besides Jiro, before managing another grin. "That was pretty good," he says, reaching down to clasp the younger man's hand with both of his own. "It's been far too long."
"I guess my own training wasn't for nothing," he continues, as his grin softens into a smile and the camera operators begin to shut down their equipment. "But I know I still haven't seen most of what you have to offer. ...As always."
He stays there, beneath the glittering lights of this foreign city.
"I'm going to have to leave here soon," Alma says, quieter now. "I can't stay with you here just yet. I have... an appointment." As he always used to say. "But you have her-- and even when I'm gone, you know-- you always have me. Jiro..."
He lifts the young man's hand up, cradling it gently.
"...Thanks."
Alma brings Jiro's hand to his lips, just once, before lowering it again.
"I'm always with you, one way or another."
And he grins again.
"Watch over me too, hey?"
COMBATSYS: Alma has ended the fight here.
Log created on 00:48:27 11/12/2007 by Alma, and last modified on 09:51:28 11/12/2007.