Description: Jiro and Hotaru do battle against the former's old master on the stage at Howard Arena. Kain still has a bit of a lesson to teach Jiro, however... (Winner: Kain)
This is the Match of the Millenium.
The lights are honing down the primary arena as the fans within the stadium are all gathered together. The crowd have came all over the place to see the main event of this week's Saturday Night Fight; ranging from old friends, old gangs of Gedo, to even regular civilians that have nothing better to do. It's the main event that attracts all sources of life.
It is a wonder as to how long it has been since Jiro had last encountered Kain. In fact, it is even longer since that Jiro studied under Kain. Currently, Jiro is away from the stage for a few moments to reflecting back from when he first started his training and how he met Kain. ... Then, how Jiro was disbanded as the student.
There are no regrets.
At this moment, Jiro reaches out for his hands, staring at them for a few moments. He could recall that there was that drive of hatred which gave birth to those flames. While still influenced through the methods Kain taught Jiro, he found a new source. His own, personal source that he was able to create as his own thing. Not hatred, but indescriminate fury. Only this time, he can no longer succumb to it.
His reflection ends, then he turns to face the ring, staring out to see the thousands, if not millions of people gathered for the spectating of the match.
"Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later." He stands up, making his way towards the arena with a smile on his face. He's no longer that street thug looking for that power. He has that power: Himself and his friends.
It's time to show Kain what he and Hotaru are made of.
Ah, Geese and his sense of humor. When Kain looks at the SNF matchups he always expects there to be /something/ unusual about his fight. On the one hand, of course, as one of the most powerful combatants regularly appearing on the show, it makes sense for Kain to get some pretty tough matches thrown his way. On the other hand, Geese probably cares more about his own amusement than anything else, and given that Heinlein is his enemy Howard probably finds it quite amusing to make him jump through hopes or otherwise attempt to trip him up.
Presumably that's at least part of the intention behind the match tonight... But it's going to take much more than Jiro to unsettle Kain. The blond man doesn't appear at all perturbed by his opponents tonight, standing idly on the arena's stone floor while he waits for the match to begin. He does glance briefly at Jiro, but appears to have nothing to say to the ex-apprentice at the moment. Nor to Hotaru, who is also given a short look. This is a waste of his time, as far as he's concerned... But just walking away would look bad. And so he remains.
Invited to a SNF Main Event is a sign that Hotaru Futaba's career seems to be going places. Fight after fight she's given it her all. Victories and losses aplenty, but each week she's back for more. Something to prove. To herself. To her brother. To the world.
And now she's here, teamed up with Jiro for the first time in a SNF. Watching him mentally prepare himself to face the man he once sought power from, Hotaru is quiet, trying to picture what the young man is thinking. Facing the one that wanted him to seeth with hatred for the world... This isn't just an entertainment venue, it's a milestone.
As he enters the arena, Hotaru steps up to his side to walk along with him to the center. She refrains from taking hold of his hand. Out here, they're partners in a fight against a superior opponent, and that's the face the girl hopes to show the crowd. "Come a long ways for this, Jiro," she comments quietly as the two younger fighters find their starting positions. "Let's show them what we can do."
This is a match that Jiro will have to look at as another match. Except, it isn't. No matter. The young man would promise himself that he would not fail it. Or at least, he will show what his experiences had taught him.
As Hotaru steps into the arena along-side him, Jiro offers her a smile and he grins her way. "Yeah." They came a long way. Now, it's time to show Kain what they can do.
When Kain just give both himself and Hotaru a brief glance, the young man tightens his fist and he steps forward with his right foot, holding his guard up as he gets the feel of his rhythm. His eyes dart to Hotaru, then he nods. "Ready."
Now, it's just the matter of synching with her against the man who brought their fates together: Kain.
COMBATSYS: Jiro has started a fight here on the left meter side.
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Hotaru has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
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Hotaru 0/-------/-------|
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Kain has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
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Hotaru 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
Whatever Jiro and Hotaru can do, it doesn't seem that Kain is particularly interested in seeing it. He laces his fingers together, popping his knuckles before letting his arms back down to his sides, left hand hooked into his pants pocket. He looks from Jiro, to Hotaru, then back to Jiro... and smirks. His expression then changes to a thin smile as he tilts his head back to stare up toward the arena ceiling. "Well, Jiro. It's been quite some time, hasn't it? Yet why is it that I think you still haven't succeeded in finding what you think you've been looking for all this time?"
Kain slowly lowers his head until he's looking back at his opponents. "No matter. We'll see, soon enough." He shoots a glance toward the announcer's table. Looks like the people in that area are finally getting things ready. A good thing, too. It's such an annoyance having to wait around before attacking someone. Sure, verbal sparring before a match can be an amusement... But Kain isn't particularly interested in doing much of that with either of these opponents. Well, maybe a little.
"Still living in the past, maybe?"
It's given from the young man with a shrug. The words of doubt has fallen deaf on Jiro's ears. He came here to fight Kain, not go into verbal banter with Kain. "But, less talk..."
Soon, the sources of the flames come true towards Jiro as the eyes shift towards Kain. Mostly so Kain can get a -good- look at those focused eyes as Jiro tightens his stance. The flames erupt from the hands, forging itself into a blade of energy. The breath of life has escaped in the form of the chi through the strong emotions.
Yet. Jiro himself is separated from the fury that has caused the energy to form. As the fury-borne chi swirls in his hand, Jiro grins and quickly sprints towards Kain, aiming to close in the distance while swinging the blade out with precision across the man's stomach.
Blue eyes focus on the well dressed Kain Heinlein. She hasn't forgotten the brief but life-determining encounter outside of his manner one spring afternoon. While she was spared getting struck by his incredible power due to the aid of a young man she's come to think highly of over time, she was close enough to sense what Kain is made of. Proximity alone gave her an impression, but this time it's going to be a lot more than just sensing his power, she has to face it directly.
Breathing in then exhaling, the girl prepares herself, trying to put aside fear and doubts. Kain is powerful, but she's not in this arena alone. One more glance is cast toward the young man at her side before she gives him a quiet smile and a faint nod, then the girl's attention is back on Kain, remaining silent as the two exchange words. Her tight lipped expression makes it clear that she isn't enjoying their banter in the slightest so when the organizers start the fight in earnest, the girl is glad to get to it.
Jiro charges in and Hotaru runs right along behind him and just a bit to the side. He swings out with his hand to deliver the energy strike while Hotaru darts around the young man right after, seeking to get a grip on Kain's arms with both of her smaller hands.
If the aggressive opener succeeds, she'll use her hold on his arms to deliver a rapid sequence of kicking stomps right up the front of his fancy clothes before leaping off into a backflip to put distance between her and him afterward.
"Ready, and...
"FIGHT!!"
The announcement was boomed throughout the great expanse of Howard Arena mere moments before Jiro Kasagi explodes into action against his former master. The Saturday Night Fight Main Event, as typical, is packed with a wealth of spectators brimming the arena's stands, excitedly chowing down on popcorn or hotdogs or any other foodstuffs as they wave signs in the air, rallying for their favorite fighters. Truly, this will be a fight for all to see, and one certain people have been anticipating. Which is why, as the announcer's vocal chords wear thin at the announcement of the starting fight...
... The index finger of a single hand taps lightly on his shoulder.
"Eh? No one is allowed around this area, I'm going to have to ask you to--" he turns around in his seat, haughty in his words. Which is about when he sees the smug smile of Geese Howard bearing down upon him.
"Is that a fact?"
Silence, for a long moment, flows between the two in a split second of shock. And then-- "M-m-mister H-Howard! I'm -- I'm sorry, sir! I didn't -- I mean, I wasn't --" A short laugh interrupts the announcer's convoluted apology as the founder of Saturday Night Fight claps him firmly (perhaps too firmly) on the back with a single hand, sending the man rocking forward. "Haha! You don't have to apologize. But if you don't mind, I'm going to linger here a bit longer... this is, after all, better than the front row or any VIP booths, don't you think? Besides..." Howard slowly settles in, seating himself at the announcer's desk just beside an obviously petrified worker who now fears for his job and future. He leans forward, hands steepling together -- his expression smug, like a king watching a play written to his specifications.
"... A fight like this is best seen up close and personal."
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Jiro's Firebrand.
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Hotaru 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Hotaru successfully hits Kain with Shin-Jou Tai.
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Hotaru 0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
Kain shakes his head with a wry smile. "Oh, Jiro... Don't you remember, why you came to me seeking power in the first place? That which you thought was so important?" Kain smoothly swings his hand out as Jiro lashes with his chi sword. The movement of Kain's hand means that the blade actually strikes directly into his palm. It hurts a bit, but it seems Kain is stronger than the blade, as his hand slides down all the way until he can grab Jiro's hand, then give a quick shove against the young man's arm.
Hotaru fares a bit better, since Kain already has one arm occupied with Jiro. She manages to grab both of his arms before he can recover, kicking up his chest and then flipping off. He's knocked back a step and it takes a moment to recover his balance, but he still seems relatively unscathed. He turns to look at Jiro, smiling grimly. "So tell me, Jiro... Did you find the power to protect those you care about?"
And then for a brief moment Kain is a blur as he races toward Hotaru, swiftly closing the distance between the two of them. As he draws close he snaps one leg sharply upward, black fire swirling about his foot as it is driven up towards Hotaru's jaw with enough explosive force to send the girl flying.
COMBATSYS: Hotaru parries Kain's Schwarze Lanze!
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Hotaru 0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
Her attack succeeded and the girl lands from her backflip, feet touching down on the arena ground. No time is taken to rest or fall back, trying to stay focused on Kain the entire time. She may have landed that attack, but she knows the speeds he can achieve put anything she can do to shame. She knows he's going to attack back, but when he makes his move the long haired blond is a literal blur to the girl.
Moving too fast for conscious thought to track, only her reflexes save her from what would have been a jaw crushing kick as the Kenpo artist reacts at the last possible second. A sideways palm smack against his shin coupled with a hard lean to the side spares her the brutal strike.
And then it's her own turn to put her speed to the test as the girl leaps up from a quick crouch to try and plant her hands against Kain's shoulders while flipping up and over him. From being on the ground to hand-standing would happen in a blink of the eye from the perspective of the casual viewer. But they'll see her if she makes the handstand as a moment is taken to turn herself and drop down behind Kain, trying to get her arms around his neck and drive her feet into his back. Aggressive, but it might buy Jiro a moment to get his own attack in and show Kain that power he has found since parting ways.
At this point, the young man is reflecting back to the day that he met with Kain. It started off as a simple meeting, didn't it? But that reason fell back to one person that drove him through such lengths in accepting the dark powers.
...Kurow. He was the one who stalked Mimiru just to get him to join his cause. He was unable to beat him. He was unable to protect his little sister.
"Under your path, I nearly forgot -why- I first followed you in the first place."
He actually recalled the fight against Mimiru when she nearly won and he made her collapse. He was just going to leave her on the ground until Hotaru talked some sense into him.
His eyes drift back towards Kain as he sets his sights on Hotaru. His eyes narrow as he tries to make his way towards her, but he's too late.
---
Hotaru, however, is too quick for him.
"I found my power, but I know that they have their own power as well." Jiro steps towards Kain quickly, aiming to close the distance. Then, Jiro quickly aims to utilize the moment that Hotaru drips in on Kain to launch his right foot out against Kain's stomach.
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Hotaru's Ten Ranku-Tou EX.
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Hotaru 0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Jiro's Light Kick.
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Hotaru 0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
Kain smoothly brings one arm up under Jiro's kick, catching the incoming leg and sweeping upwards. Jiro's foot smacks against Kain's arm, but the small amount of pain is little price to pay for the opportunity to once again attempt to knock Jiro off balance, this time by shoving at his leg while he's only got one foot on the ground. This motion also serves to slip Kain out of Hotaru's reach as she attempts to get her arms around his neck. True, it will only take her a moment to make another grab... but Kain doesn't give her one.
Spinning around after pushing Jiro aside, Kain extends his right arm as he comes back around toward Hotaru. His fist glows blue as he summons up raw chi into his hand, and continues with his rotation to aim a spinning backfist at the kenpo fighter's head. Just because Hotaru was able to deal with Kain's first assault doesn't mean he doesn't still have a point to make.
You know, this whole 'throwing Jiro off-balance thing' is really starting to get tiring. The former pupil of the Ankoku flames staggers slightly, but he quickly regains himself to notice that Kain is going after Hotaru -again-.
The eyes narrow at the older man and he hisses out, "Ass."
From this point, Jiro actually twists his body from where he was shoved to push himself towards Kain's direction, but he stops moving onward while his body twists about.
Instead, his right leg is hooking out towards Kain's legs, aiming to trip him against the ground to give him a taste of his own medicine as far as -knocking folks off balance- goes.
Jiro learned to change up on tactics, after all.
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Hotaru with Fierce Punch.
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Hotaru 1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
Behind Kain turns out to not be much of a better place to be than in front of him, as even when mobbed by the two fighters, he proves to have no trouble both avoiding their combined attacks and dishing out his own. Landing on her feet after she failed to get the grip she sought, Hotaru attempts to back up and get a better picture of where things are going. A frantic flurry of attacks against someone of Kain's calibur doesn't strike her as the best bet here.
He's too fast though, his flaming fist catching the pig-tailed fighter in the side of the head before she can get out of the way. The impact is more than just a normal punch. As if Kain's brute force isn't enough, the searing agony infused by those black flames that course over his limbs so casually only make it worse.
Spinning off her feet, the girl lands several yards to the side, rolling over a few times before coming to a dust covered stop. That definitely didn't go well at all. This was looking to be a very brief fight for the girl if Kain's intentions continue along the same path...
Lifting her head, Hotaru seeks to set her eyes on Jiro, getting a fix on the young man, knowing that for as bad as that hurt her, it stands a chance of ruining his focus just as severely. Gritting her teeth, she breaths in and shoves herself back up. No time to let him think she's down and out with one attack!
Left hand wipes across her mouth, brushing away the trickle of blood there, and then the girl is on the offense again, charging back toward the pinnacle fighter to try her hand... or rather foot at landing a swift kick to his side. Hardly her best shot, but right now she just wants Jiro to know she can still /move/.
COMBATSYS: Jiro successfully hits Kain with Quick Throw.
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Hotaru 1/----===/=======|===----\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Hotaru successfully hits Kain with Light Kick.
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Hotaru 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
Kain shifts his leg to brace against Jiro's sweep, well aware that it's coming in, but when both his kick and Hotaru's kick arrive at the same time it somewhat limits Kain's defensive options. Hotaru's kick pushes his upper body one way, Jiro's kick pushes his legs another, and it's enough to knock Kain off his feet and send him crashing to the ground. But it seems it's still not enough to make him pay attention to Jiro. Kain is back up and on his feet quickly, and his attention remains focused on Hotaru.
Kain makes a quick hop toward Hotaru, lashing out with one leg at the apex of his brief jump. Black flame trails behind his foot as it snaps out, aimed to slam into the girl at chest height before unleashing an explosion of dark fire. While this is proving a bit more problematic than Kain had originally anticipated, he still has no intentions of changing his plan. If one attack isn't enough to put Hotaru down, well, he'll just need to try as many as it takes!
Thankfully, for Hotaru, Jiro doesn't lose his focus on the fight. Although she was taken out, Jiro trusts that she isn't out. She is stronger than that and he knows how far she had came along in the fight. Even if part of him is grimacing at the fact, to lose his focus just because Hotaru is hurt would be an insult to her capabilities.
"As I mentioned before, Mr. Heinlein. I have faith in my ability and my friends." He tightens his fist, then he grits his teeth as Kain is still focusing on Hotaru.
Not good.
He can't get a good maneuver in on getting in front of the strike from where he's at. So, he pretty much does what he can do. Stepping into the air, Jiro is attempting to go for the one maneuver that has gave him some luck, although not much against Kain.
He winds that right arm backwards and he immediate swings it outward...
For the clothesline.
Only not.
The left arm swings forward as the right arm pulls out in an arc. That left arm is imbued with the crimson flames once more and it finally slices its way towards Kain's direction..
It is not like the Scharze Flame that he mimiced so long ago. ...It's his own device.
Although that jump was heading towards Kain's direction, it was -not- straight his way. In fact, he's trying to make a dive to join by Hotaru's side to actually get a better chance of keeping her in the fight.
COMBATSYS: Hotaru dodges Kain's Schwarzer Stob.
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Hotaru 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
She's starting to get where this is going. Kain is going after her. He probably doesn't fear Jiro at all, so it isn't just a tactical choice to weaken Jiro's concentration... He's trying to make a point by beating her to a pulp as quickly as possible.
But understanding the plan can make it possible to turn it against him as well, and Hotaru makes good to try and accomplish just that. He jumps, taking to the air to deliver his next strike, the flaming kick aimed to deliver a crushing strike that /might/ just finish what his backfist started.
But when Kain's leg comes down, Hotaru isn't there, having scrambled to the right as fast as she can go. The ringing in her head from the first stunning punch taught her that she doesn't really want to take another hit like that...
Sliding to a stop, she whirls around, blue eyes fixing on Kain as she holds her ground this time. If he wants to chase the small fighter around the arena, he might just end up wearing himself out in the endeavor. "I know what you're trying to do," the girl replies. "But I'm not Jiro's weakness." she states coolly. She won't be used like that. Not if she can help it.
COMBATSYS: Hotaru focuses on her next action.
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Hotaru 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Jiro's Balefire.
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Hotaru 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
If there's one thing Kain is good at seeing coming, it's chi attacks. Heinlein slips smoothly to one side, allowing the slice of crimson flame to go sailing harmlessly past him. He keeps his attention on Hotaru, however, despite the attack from Jiro. At her words, he smirks at the girl. "Weakness? Oh, Jiro has plenty of those... but I don't need to abuse them to defeat him."
Kain holds out his right hand, summoning a crackling black flame into his palm. "No, attacking you serves little purpose from a tactical standpoint, aside from the rather obvious one of wittling down the number of opponents I face. But then for that it doesn't particularly matter which one of you it is. No, this is just a little extra lesson for Jiro. At no charge." Kain then casually flicks his wrist toward Hotaru, sending the black flame shooting out toward the girl's face.
This is annoying, especially that Kain is still focusing on Hotaru. Not only that, but the energy was quickly avoided, which wasted a bit of energy.
"Damnit..." He grits his teeth, then he finally launches himself down towards where Hotaru -was- at. Damnit. This is not cool. The young man glares at Kain once more, especially when he mentions about the extra lesson.
"Aww, thanks for the lesson. Here is my appreciation."
Jiro is winding back for the signature move for Kain. The arm launches forward, and thn this time, he aims to swing the arm out for a powerful clothesline against the older man.
He knows Hotaru can stand strong...
But damnit, he is -not- going to let Kain keep attacking her.
One of the perks of his cover identity as a novelist -- one which, thanks to Soma's gift for florid prose, is usefully actually true, as his published works prove -- is is that the ICPO agent has access to the Howard Arena press box. Since he often writes about fighting and fighting entertainment, it wasn't hard to get that access. It's not exactly the premium locale of the commentator's box, but it has some definite perks over being in the actual seats. For starters, the bank of monitors showing the various camera feeds... the direct piping in of the floor mics... and thankfully, some peace and quiet.
There's also the fact that you can see *everything* from in there if you're perceptive. And Soma Travedi... is indeed perceptive.
He'd actually shown up at this bout to put some nagging suspicions to rest. Jiro's past with a mysterious figure like Kain Heinlein did not escape the ICPO's notice. It's a measure of their faith in him that this didn't matter when it came to actually hiring the poor guy. But Soma -- who is Jiro's "senpai", effectively, in the Special Crimes Directorate -- heard about this match and, hedging against his own need to be at the studio for his own match, decided to show up.
It's been an interesting ride.
The Stray Dog's closeness to Hotaru, who Soma recognizes from the Suiryuu, is somewhat surprising. The banter between all three parties is *very* surprising; clearly the Futaba girl had something to do with Kasagi and Heinlein herself. But perhaps most interesting is that singular figure in the commentator's box. Soma's violet eyes fixate on Geese Howard, narrowed in... unpleasant surprise. Why did he choose to view this fight in person? Is there some sort of connection?
All of that said, however... Soma rather likes Jiro, deep down. And thus as the fight progresses, he stares at the monitors, frowning at Kain's repeated insults. "Don't let him talk to you like that," the Indian mutters. "Come on, you're making us look bad."
COMBATSYS: Hotaru fails to reflect Schwarze Flame from Kain with Kobi Kyaku EX.
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Hotaru 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
A lesson that seems to be well under way as Kain lashes out with another blast of his heated flames toward the girl. It's then that she has to know. She has to try. To test her chi manipulation against his. It's not often one has an opportunity like this.
Kain's intent is clear, and she hopes to at least slow it down in the process of defending herself. A swift kick, from low to high, writes a wall of chi into the air. As she spins around to complete it, the girl leans hard against the the barrier, hoping against hope to weather the might of the dark flame.
But the swath of power so casually created by Heinlein smashes through the girl's attempt at defense eliciting a cry of pain as the barrier is crushed and she goes staggering backward from the blast. This time she doesn't fall, but that the girl is nearly finished is quite clear. Hands come up to rub against her burned face before she pulls her fingers back, wincing from the sharp pain it causes.
Trying to choke back the blinding agony, the girl stays quiet this time.
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Jiro's Fierce Punch.
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Hotaru 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/-------|
One thing about a signature move... People get to know it well. When Jiro comes rushing toward him, Kain waits until the last moment, then suddenly ducks down and takes a step back, letting Jiro's arm sail over his head. Obviously that won't keep Jiro busy for long, but Kain doesn't need very long. It's but the work of a moment to pop back up to his feet, moving into a position such that Jiro is going to have to turn around in order to face him.
And the moment when Jiro /does/ turn around... That's when Kain is going to make his move. While Jiro's turning, Kain intends to rush past him. He has no desire to pass particularly /close/ to him, however. He's on a direct path toward Hotaru, bringing up his right arm for what looks at first like a nasty blow to the throat with his stiffly held fingers. Now /that/ is to inspire fear and hesitation. But it's also a slightly harder attack to successfully pull off, so at the last moment Kain falls back to something more basic, hand closing into a fist, glowing blue with pure chi energy, which he attempts to slam directly into Hotaru's face.
COMBATSYS: Jiro endures Kain's Medium Punch.
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Hotaru 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\-------\0 Kain
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Jiro 0/-------/--=====|
Kain had been picking out Hotaru this entire fight. Of course, that is -very- annoying. His partner is not the only person in battle, and he does need her around so that they can team up on Kain. He is not going to let her fall out so quickly, especally if Kain wants to do what he wants to do to her.
So what does Jiro do?
Defend his partner.
He had been in pretty good health the entire trip, so why not work on defending his partner in this? Especially when he's aiming for her face.
The young man immediately kicks off of his left leg to have him dash back towards Hotaru's direction before he turns around in a race against Kain.
... And as Kain comes forth with the strike.
Jiro angles out into the fray to get in the trajectory of the strike. As the finger actually pierces against Jiro's face, the blood starts running across his face, almost busting up his nose at the process. It really hurts, but his face still tightens to show no sign of pain.
Then he starts to growl and roar off towards Kain, "Pay attention, asshole!" The inferno wells along the young officer as the flames lick out against his body. Much alike Kain's own energy when he enveloped his body in flames, Jiro has learned to draw the flames to engulf him as well.
Expanding his arms out, the flames erupt with a burst to push Kain back.
He's coming at her again. He's too fast. She thought perchance to make him chase her around to wear him out, but it's just a simple game to Kain, the effort he's having to expend is trivial and Hotaru can tell that. But she can't possibly hope to survive another impact like that. Hands come up, feet rooted as for a moment the girl loses her confidence. All she can do is brace for it now...
But the moment doesn't come - the sound of fist impacting /someone/ is heard, but she's still standing. Lowering her arms slowly, the girl finds the young man standing between her and Kain, "...Jiro..." comes the startled whisper. When did he get there? How did he manage so fast in light of Kain's incredible speed?
But then the still new officer draws up more of his own power as he seeks to strike Kain head on, leaving Hotaru a moment's reprieve to make her own action. Breathing in, the young fighter decides not to let the opportunity to go to waste. It is unlikely that she'll be presented with another chance like this. Now or never to give it all she's got. The distance isn't far to charge as Hotaru bolts onto the offense, leaping over Jiro to land behind Kain if possible.
It may make the next attack obvious enough for him to predict, but if she's quick enough, it might not matter. The landing from the jump turns immediately into a crouch. The surge of chi will be easy for Heinlein to detect as everything the Futaba child has within her is poured into the next attack that starts as a chi-laden flip kick into the air, intended to crush any defense the brilliant combatant might have... "Tenshou-...!"
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Jiro's Defiance.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Hotaru 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Jiro 0/-------/--=====|
COMBATSYS: Hotaru successfully hits Kain with Ten-shou Ranki.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Hotaru 0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Jiro 0/-------/--=====|
But sometimes just knowing an attack is coming isn't enough to defend against it. The gambit pays off as the girl feels her chi-laden flip kick connect against remarkable odds. Her momentum takes her into the air, driven upward by the force behind that strike... but at the apex she flips forward into a dive, colliding with Heinlein just hard enough to finish taking him down to the ground. "...Ranki!"
By the time the dust settles, the girl is sitting atop him, knees in his stomach, palms pressed firmly against his chest. Against the likes of him, time is of the essense... Having already expended a lot of her strength just to take him down, the girl pulls in more from the environment around her, drawing heavily from the living fount of chi she's sitting on, combining all of the pent up power into a visible sphere of blue, pulsating chi. "aaaaAAAAAAH"
The clock is ticking though and Kain is likely to strike back violently. Allowing the energy to collapse back into her, Hotaru channels the entirety of it back into the blond. "Kyaaaa!" The result is a direct blast against his chest, an invisble blast wave exploding outward, kicking up dust in every direction.
In the silence that follows an exhausted sigh punctuates the finality of the attack as the girl slumps forward slightly then gathers her strength, shoving herself to her feet to try and make a hasty escape... She has a feeling she's going to be hearing about this one one way or another.
Jiro's attack is indeed similar to one of Kain's own. That makes it rather simple to deal with. Kain could, in all likelihood simply punch right through Jiro's flames, but it is far less effort to simply leap back out of the range of the attack. And of course, Kain isn't done with Hotaru yet, thanks to Jiro's annoying intervention. And it seems Hotaru isn't done with him, either. Kain is blasted off his feet by the force of the impact, then hammered into the ground by the chi blast from Hotaru. But even now... Well, when it comes to trading explosions, Kain tends to come out ahead.
And so even when Hotaru is getting up, Kain is already recovering from her attack. He'll need to actually take a moment to breathe in a second or two, but that can wait. He reaches up with both hands, attempting to snare Hotaru by the head before she can rise. If Kain were a simple brawler, this would be the point at which he'd slam his forehead into Hotaru with a vicious headbutt. Kain being himself, however, if he manages to secure the girl he'll unleash black flame from both hands, engulfing her head... /Then/ he'll headbutt her.
There is the fact that Jiro did not do too well in igniting the energy to actually explode on Kain. That one was a really crappy. But, on the bright side, it did allow Hotaru to intervene.
Although, there was one thing that had -always- struck Jiro rather odd. It was the one technique that Hotaru always uses. He thinks he was struck once before, and well.
The good thing is that the technique did strike Kain, which put him in a bad position. However. The end result of the technique does force Jiro to -stare-.
...
...
...
Wait. what. For some reason, Jiro -REALLY- should feel bad about seeing that technique used in front of him. On -KAIN- no less. There is a pause from the young man, as he's rather speechless for some time. But eventually, he regains his composure and he glances over Hotaru's way. The tone is rather thoughtful as she's taking a breather.
"...We -really- should talk about that technique at some point."
Although, when Kain is coming up to headbutt Hotaru, Jiro lifts his foot up, then he attempts to -drive- it straight towards the older man's head to knock him back on the ground.
COMBATSYS: Hotaru dodges Kain's Medium Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Hotaru 0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Jiro 0/-------/--=====|
His hands reach Hotaru's head a second too late, fingers brushing against her cheeks as the girl pulls out of range in the nick of time. Close. Too close. The burst of speed his movement proved even caused her to back up several steps before recovering her balance, adrenaline coursing through her system as she strives to stay one desperate step ahead of Kain.
Jiro's remark is heard and the girl's mouth tightens. Hey. The move works, okay?! But now's not the time to debate it. Kain is far from finished... and he might be a bit more fed up with the girl now than even before. But she can't just stand around...
Breathing in deeply, Hotaru charges forward, leaping into the air, flipping forward into a sharp, knee-first dive toward Kain. If the knee drop connects, a swift kick with her left leg comes next, followed by Hotaru backflipping away once again. She doesn't want to stay in close to a fighter of his calibur for any length of time if she can help it!
COMBATSYS: Jiro successfully hits Kain with Medium Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Hotaru 0/-------/----===|=======\===----\1 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Jiro 0/-------/--=====|
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Hotaru's Rengeki Shuu.
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Hotaru 0/-------/---====|=======\===----\1 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Jiro 0/-------/--=====|
Kain is far too quick to let his head be stomped back into the ground, but actually standing back up to evade Jiro's attack is a bit more than he's capable of doing at the moment. His shoulder bounces back off the ground after Jiro's weight is applied to it, but even that isn't enough to make Kain redirect his attention. He simply shrugs it off, rising back to his feet as Hotaru leaps toward him. Her knees connect with Kain's raised forearm as he shoves back, not having much choice but to let her backflip away.
Of course, that doesn't mean Kain can't follow, and he's already closing in on Hotaru's position before she even gets there. A quick twist of his body and it's quite simple to bring his leg up, swinging a flaming kick in toward the side of Hotaru's head.
Well, the comment was made. That's all he wanted to do. They -will- have a chat about that move, dangit!
There was satisifaction in knocking Kain's head right into the ground once more. He snarls at Kain as he is -still- focused on Hotaru. This is really annoying to see that Kain has not paid any attention to him in this fight.
However, he's not going to let that stop him.
There is one maneuver that Jiro is going to let loose on the older man. First off, Jiro steps forward, then he manifests the scarlet chi to burst into life, revealing a trail of flames to start scorching the air to release -his- own flaming kick at Kain's head.
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Hotaru with Light Kick.
Glancing Blow
[ \\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Hotaru 0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Jiro 0/-------/----===|
Again for the head. Kain seems pretty intent on knocking it right off her shoulders at this rate. Granted, she's trying to make that as hard to accomplish as possible! Landing from her backflip, the girl is swift to react to the blond's sweeping lunge.
The window of to react is far too narrow this time to make a clean get away though, for even as she weaves to the side to avoid the physical impact of his foot, flickers of the flame he manipulates with such ease still manage to blast the side of her face, adding to the injury already sustained from the earlier swath of fire. "Ah!" the Kenpo artist gasps, hand coming to try and ward off the burning chi.
But only for a moment. Both hands snap down to her sides as the girl stomps forward, attempting to drive both palms directly into Kain's stomach, pouring not just arm strength but leg and torso strength into the strike as well as she attempts to drive him back. "YA!"
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Jiro's Heaven's Diminisher.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Hotaru 0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Jiro 0/-------/---====|
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Hotaru's Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Hotaru 0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Jiro 0/-------/---====|
Once again, Kain catches an attack from Jiro in the palm of his hand. The flames are painful, and the impact of the kick forces Kain's arm back, but then he shoves forward once more to drive Jiro away. Hotaru's attack, meanwhile, is simply sidestepped, the girl's intent quite clear from the moment she brings her hands to her sides. The power of the statement Kain intended to make his been rather... diminshed, but he's not going to back down now. And even if he's getting worn down, he knows that Hotaru is digging deeply into her reserves, and that Jiro can only keep up a continuous assault for so long... Now it's hopefully just a matter of getting this match to be one-on-one.
But that means taking down the persistant Futaba. Kain lunges in toward the girl once again, lashing out with his right fist, engulfed in that blue glow from his chi. A quick blow to the chest, then a snap blow to the stomach. Given the condition she's in, Kain is hoping a blow to a sensitive area will be enough to rid him of Hotaru for the time being.
This is not getting any better for Jiro. He knows that Hotaru is being focused on, and Kain is going to make things one on one soon. Unfortunately, with Kain focusing -ON- Hotaru, it does make things rather tiring.
He had focused his energy into the attacks. But unfortunately? He's been getting out of it. So Jiro has to gather his hits about him and resettle himself. "Damnit..."
Using the energy is too much on him for now.
COMBATSYS: Jiro gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Hotaru 0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Jiro 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Hotaru with Jab Punch.
[ \\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Hotaru 1/------=/=======|=======\=====--\1 Kain
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Jiro 0/-------/-----==|
At least he isn't clocking her in the face again! But in spite her best efforts, there's nothing the girl can do to get out of the way. Kain's attacks are relentless and eventually he was bound to take down the less experienced fighter. The smack to her chest staggers her and the second punch to her stomach knocks the wind out of the more fragile combatant here.
Eyes widen as she coughs up flecks of blood, the punishment from all of Kain's attacks finally catching up with her. But there's that drive to get one last hit in if at all possible.
Breathless, Hotaru lunges toward Kain, hopping into the air with a spin as she tries to deliver two rapid chi-laced palm strikes. On her feet she jumps into a second spin with two more windmilling strikes delivered, hoping to shatter the man's guard enough to leave him open for further attacks...
If she gets her wish, she'll add a rising shoulder slam and finish with a chi-laden dive back into Kain before collapsing to the ground. Otherwise she'll swing until she's weary and finally just drop forward to the arena floor, no longer able to continue.
COMBATSYS: Hotaru can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Jiro 0/-------/-----==|=======\=====--\1 Kain
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Hotaru's Sou-shou Tenrenge.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Jiro 0/-------/-----==|=======\=====--\1 Kain
Hotaru's lunge leads to little more than the girl slamming into the stone floor, as Kain quickly hops out of the way. He prods her with his foot for a moment, but it doesn't appear that she'll be back in the fight anytime soon. And then, finally, he turns to Jiro. "I must admit, this was more difficult than I had anticipated... But you can take little credit for that." Kain glances down toward Hotaru for a moment. His original plan had been to hurl her toward Jiro, but considering the effort he's already had to put into this battle, the time for playing should probably be over.
Kain holds out his hand, a flash of golden light appearing in his palm. He clenches his fist and then the air above Jiro's head begins to swirl with a maelstrom of blue chi. Jiro knows quite well what is coming... But knowing it and escaping it are two different things. The chi continues to whirl about for just a moment, then slams down in three punishing waves toward the younger fighter.
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Jiro with Himmlischer Atem.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Jiro 1/---====/=======|=------\-------\0 Kain
It takes Jiro a few moments to actually catch his breath, knowing that things are starting to turn for the worst when Hotaru finally gets the leverage of being attacked by Kain once more. Damnit. And Hotaru is now down.
That was uncool.
Now what's even more uncool is the next move that he was shown. ... The last time he had dealt with that move, Jiro was given a taste of power as to what it would do to him.
He had to reflect on that power.
Now? It's being used against him as a weapon to tear him apart. The chi whirls down his way, tearing against Jiro's form. The first one knocks him to one knee with a tight jerk, then the other knocks him to both knees. Not even given a chance to attempt pulling himself up, Jiro is knocked -further- into the ground.
...He can do nothing but cough up blood, gritting his teeth. He grits his teeth once, then he slowly staggers himself up, before he leans up and then spits in disgust. "...Bastard..."
Swallowing the force of chi together, Jiro is drawing the flames to engulf him, then he tightens his stance before he launches himself out towards Kain.
It's a quick rush, especially as the fist launches back and then outward to strike against Kain's face. Should that swing hit, it will result in a powerful explosion to send him back.
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Jiro's My Little Phantom.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Jiro 1/----===/=======|=------\-------\0 Kain
Now things are starting to swing back in Kain's favor, it seems. He's still got to deal with being worn down from the length of the fight, but so is Jiro. And Kain has a great deal more experience to draw on. Still, rushing right in to attempt to crush Jiro is probably not the best idea. And so after Kain leans out of the way of Jiro's punch, letting it sail over his shoulder, he takes several more steps back. Hardly a retreat, though. Just gaining enough room that Jiro is going to have to move in order to reach him.
Kain rolls his neck for a moment and shakes out his arms, sparks of black flame leaping from his fingertips. He takes a deep breath, then slides back into his combat stance. "Ah, Jiro... Just what do you think the outcome of this is going to be? You could ask the girl if you're not sure, but I don't think she's in any condition to answer right now."
COMBATSYS: Kain gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Jiro 1/----===/=======|-------\-------\0 Kain
Damn. He managed to avoid his strike. Not good.
As Jiro is passing through Kain, he finally starts to turn around to face Kain, esepecially as he is taking some room in. While Kain aims to catch his breath, Jiro grits his teeth and he snorts at the older man.
"...Honestly? I'm not sure. But if I can...?" He tightens his fists, drawing forth the scarlet flames to finally erupt into his grasp. Hissing forth a powerful roar, those flames burn in his hand with nothing more than the pure fury that he has inside of him.
"We'll just have if we can make things favorable on our end."
From there, Jiro actually sprints towards Kain, aiming to close in the distance between himself and his former teacher. His right arm swings upward, aiming to capture Kain within a powerful uppercut. But it's not just any ordinary uppercut, as the scarlet flames mix in for the blow.
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Jiro's Scarlet Slaughter.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Jiro 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Kain
Kain's timing is a hair off, though he's still able to deflect the uppercut. He just takes a more solid blow to the arm than he'd expected when sweeping Jiro's attack aside and off target. "Well, I'd say it's about time to bring this to an end. Wouldn't want the people watching to get bored, right?" And then the arm which Kain just used to block Jiro's attack snaps out, hand reaching for the younger fighter's throat.
If Kain should manage to connect he'll dig his fingers into Jiro's neck with a steel grip, lifting him up off the ground while black flames spring out from Kain's hand to engulf his entire head. There's some danger to Kain from random flailing with such a technique, of course, but in many cases targets are too concerned with the pain and being unable to breathe.
COMBATSYS: Jiro fails to counter Schwarze Schleife from Kain with Excessive Force.
[ \\ < > //////////// ]
Jiro 0/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0 Kain
After the fist strikes against Kain's arm, the young man grunts as he is unable to make the mark that he wanted to on Kain. This, unfortunately, leaves him a bit more tired.
When Kain reaches out for the throat, Jiro is reaching his hand out to grab at Kain's hand.
...Unfortunately, it's too late. He's grabbed by the throat and his head is engulfed in flames. Choking and consumed by the flames, Jiro is feeling his life slowly slip away from his grasp.
...Any strength that he had earlier is slowly slipping.
His body goes limp.
Kain can still see that Jiro has a small spark of fight left in him, but it's not enough to matter, or so he sees it. As far as Kain is concerned, this fight is over. Particularly since he still has his hand locked around Jiro's throat. He continues to engulf Jiro's head in flames, of course, since there's no particular reason to stop. Other than wanting Jiro's suffering to end, that is, and how likely does that seem.
After a few moments, though, Kain decides that the boy has probably had enough. Or at least enough of what can safely be shown on television. With a quick movement of his arm Kain tosses Jiro aside, then begins to walk toward the edge of the arena, assuming that the fight will be called in his favor before he actually reaches the edge.
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Jiro with Quick Throw.
[ < > ///////////// ]
Jiro 1/----===/=======|==-----\-------\0 Kain
It was then that Jiro tried to struggle to make some sort of movement. He couldn't move... He can't move.
...He can't continue.
As the young man is thrown across the arena, Jiro's trying to reach out for some source of energy. ... However, that grip for energy fades away and he tilts his head over, falling into the state of unconsciousness.
"..Sorry... Hotaru..."
He couldn't finish it for them.
COMBATSYS: Jiro takes no action.
> ///////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Kain
COMBATSYS: Jiro can no longer fight.
> ///////////// ]
|==-----\-------\0 Kain
Brilliant.
Absolutely brilliant.
The aftermath of a truly close fight leaves all the audience stunned. Kain's brutal efficiency, Jiro's last moments before darkness takes over him. This is what SNF is about. The announcer looks on, breathless. And Geese Howard, sitting just beside him, smiles. It isn't because of the thrill of the fight, or Kain's ruthlessly mighty turnaround.
It's because this has all been endlessly -hilarious- to watch from so close.
As the announcer begins to make the proclamation of a winner, though, Geese shifts. A hand rests on the other man's shoulder, causing him to start once more. "Let me handle this one, eh?" he requests, in that way that can considered as anything -except- a request. "U-uh, sure -- sure, Mister Howard..." He's not one to argue. After all -- he likes his job.
Gripping onto the microphone as he stands, Geese moves effortlessly past the commentator's desk, striding confidently towards the ring. "It's my esteemed -honor- to announce the winner of this fight..." he begins, voice booming over the microphone as he makes his way towards center stage. "Kain R. Heinlein!" A pause. And then?
The audience cheers.
In the drowning boom of whoops and hollars, Geese pulls the microphone away from his lips, clapping a hand on Kain's shoulder -- as a gesture of -congratulations- for the public eye. "It's good to see you haven't gotten so rusty that a couple of kids could take you out, eh?" He lets the sentence linger, icy gaze looking towards Jiro. "Too bad; and here I was hoping they might actually do something worthwhile." The microphone lifts up once more as he turns to regard the audience, making a gesture towards Kain. "I can't wait to see what you accomplish next week, Mister Heinlein!" More applause. And though he's all grins, he's only remotely pleased.
Clearly, Geese needs to get someone more competent, next time.
COMBATSYS: Kain has ended the fight here.
Log created on 18:43:34 12/01/2007 by Kain, and last modified on 14:54:25 12/17/2007.