Description: In which Shihong assassinates Geese and takes over the Southtown Syndicate?! ALSO: Mars People INVADE THE EARTH??! No, you're not getting an actual log description! Read the log if you want to know what happens! Great googily moogily!
The past forty-eight hours have been, in short, 'very interesting.'
An invitation from the leader of R himself yielded some interesting revelations about the man and his fighting style--and his generosity. There's no way Shihong could turn down a generous fifteen grand when it was offered as compensation for her time. She learned some 'other' interesting facts as well, having first-hand experience with the infamous Metro casino run by a group that's likely a little thorn in most anyone's side.
And after a touchdown back in Southtown, Shihong Mao returns to familiar stomping grounds. But there's precious little time for her to get comfortable and relax. Instead, it's back to business as usual, starting with a report to Geese Tower. Whatever information she has, well...she wonders if it's anything NEW to the Southsynd leader.
The elevator rises, arriving at the top floor with a soft 'ding' and a hiss of electronic doors. Exiting with a confident stride, the Chinese woman tilts her head absently to the security outside the office. A suited man leans to the side, opening the door for the woman, promptly earning him a coy grin, a light fingerwave and a soft, sing-song 'thank you~' in passing.
And the moment the door closes behind her, the woman bows forward gently, an arm crossed over her bosom as she greets the lord of Southtown.
"Forgive me for arriving so late, mister Howard," the woman greets. "The flight had a few delays.
"But I've returned from Metro. I'm sure you've heard..."
'Interesting.'
It's a term that can often be used when one works for the Southtown Syndicate.
Like a king overseeing his kingdom, Geese Howard has found his rooftop office to be a comforting reminder of the power that he possesses. Despite the bad history here, it only serves to further cement the man's legacy. This is his empire. This is his castle. And no one can take it from him... and no one can truly harm him here, no matter how desperately they may have tried. It's relaxing. This office is Geese's ideal place to think. After all -- it gives him a beautiful view of all that which is his.
It is why this place is so precious to him, and why, as the door is thrust politely open for one Mao Shihong, he can be found sitting upon his ornate chair, dressed in a simple, black suit, black shirt, and blue tie. Slowly, he circulates a glass of scotch in his right hand, the ice clinking softly against the glass as he stares almost boredly into the amber liquid.
"Miss Mao," Geese begins, note even looking up from his glass as he addresses the woman, "please, come in. Make yourself comfortable. It's a beautiful night." Pale blue eyes lift up from that glass of scotch to consider Shihong, an easy, calm smile tugging at the corners of the King of Southtown's lips. "Care for a drink?"
The pause is only brief that follows his question as he shifts in his seat, left hand settling easily across his lap. "Of course. How's business in Metro...? I hope you enjoyed your trip. Meet anyone interesting?" His lips split into a simple grin as he poses the question, taking a languid sip of his drink. "Aaahhhh... and I hope Rugal was a good host, at the -very- least."
Despite the greeting given by Howard, the woman in black does not stir. Instead, she maintains her posture, still bent slightly forward, likely some form or gesture of respect for the king himself. But she is not completely motionless; features stir, a tiny grin sliding across her pale face as she lets her black eyes draw to a close.
"Thank you, mister Howard," the woman ultimately replies, rising to her full height once more. She pauses, sparing a moment to glance over the office before she turns her black eyes onto the man. "But as polite as your offer is, it does not seem right or proper of me, considering my rank." A low-level enforcer, being at ease around the lord of Southtown?
Even Shihong 'knows' her place at times.
Lifting a hand, she offers a lopsided grin. "Oh my, no," she replies, waving the lifted hand gently about. "Loose lips tell tall tales. I wouldn't want to deliver a report to you that isn't absolutely truthful." Assuming she is asked to do precisely that.
"But thank you, nonetheless."
Stepping into the room properly, the woman approaches the desk and stops a few feet short, hands drifting behind her back. "It was fine. It's been some time since I've been there," she admits, offering a tiny smirk. "And I did, yes. Namely, mister Bernstein. He is a generous host, yes. My efforts weren't in vain, to say the least." Black eyes wander, drifting toward the massive window and the cityscape beyond, a thoughtful expression passing over her pale face.
"If you wish to know anything, please feel free to ask. I will answer to the best of my ability."
"Proper?" Geese questions, lifting a brow. "Don't be silly. After all--
"We're all a... -family-, here."
Shihong's words are brushed off with a dismissive wave, Howard's tone wholly amused as he sets down his glass upon that opulant purple table. He lifts a leg, crossing it over his other as his hands settle into his lap. "No? That's a shame; life's not worth living if you can't enjoy the power you can take from it," the Southsynd tyrant notes absently, pale blue gaze shifting towards the skyline. "But good for you, Ms. Mao. What a wonderful work ethic. Not many people have the willpower to keep their... vices seperate from their work. It's a breath of fresh air."
Howard's feature's dissolve into a confident, perhaps arrogant smirk as Shihong continues on to the matter of Metro City. "Oh? It's good to see Bernstein at least has a sense of generosity, if nothing else. So, you fought along side him. At that quaint little casino, too. Speaking of which... how -was- the experience? I haven't given much time to indulging in curiosity." In otherwords, he hasn't really cared enough about Blackjack's movements to pay extensive amount of attention. Yet, the convenience of this is not something to be overlooked.
Enough ants can topple a giant if its not careful.
"And how -has- my old friend been? Bernstein's been scarce from the public eye lately. I would have written him off as dead if he didn't have the tenacity of an overbearing cockroach." As Geese speaks, he pushes himself up off his chair, left hand slipping into his pocket as he moves towards the edge of the rooftop. "I can't imagine he'd be dumb enough to tell you anything worth hearing, but all the same... how was the experience? Anything interesting of note...?"
"I would ask you forgive me still," the Chinese woman replies.
"It would be unseemly of me to blend work and comfort in front of the man who supplies me with a sufficient paycheck." Black eyes flicker, a dim flare of red in black depths as rouge red lips tug into a tiny, almost coy grin. "Besides,"
Folding her arms over her chest, the woman's eyes droop, half-lidded as she focuses her attentions entirely on the Southtown tyrant. The once-coy smile falters, giving way to an expression serious and stern.
"I would like to set myself apart of the general riffraff I must consider my colleagues and 'equals.'" Cherise excluded, of course--the insane Frenchwoman will always be on par with Shihong as both teammate and colleague. "I take certain pride in my capabilities and talents," she's sure to add.
A sigh escapes the woman shortly thereafter, shoulders shrugging beneath the coat draped over her form. She approaches a step further, drawing closer to the desk with her arms still laced behind her back. "Thank you, mister Howard," Shihong replies, grinning demurely. "Like I said...I like to set myself apart from the rest." She has a name to carve for herself someday, after all.
Glancing aside thereafter, she listens closely before black eyes draw shut, lips curling at the corners of her mouth in amusement. "Lacking. Unimpressive. You'd be better off sending a subordinate to do more 'in-depth' investigating--it isn't worth your time, sir." But by no means does she imply it isn't worth looking into whatsoever. Not in the least.
As for Howard's friend...well.
The woman chuckles softly.
"He seems to be doing just fine for himself. He put up quite an impressive display against mister Imawano and ultimately bested the man, before he aided me in taking out some man named 'Aranha.'" She shrugs. "He has some issues with Rugal Bernstein, it seems. As well as that casino." The woman moves, turning partially away from Howard as she drops her arms to her sides.
"And you're correct. He said nothing to me, other than exchanging pleasantries. Really, he's a gentleman. If you hadn't gotten to me first, I may have very well joined 'R,' sir." A joke, the woman laughs lightly behind a hand. The moment passes quickly enough, however.
"I'm sure mister Bernstein had an agenda, inviting me there." Glancing over a shoulder, black eyes fix on the imposing blonde. "Possibly to gauge my ability and worth, since I am in your employ. I just hope I made an impression on the man. But obviously I am no threat to him, or his operations. Likely, I am merely am a minor concern, if any at all to the man."
Geese nods and smiles. He says "Okay" he says and nods and smiles.
"Set yourself apart, eh. Good." A smile draws across Geese's lips, amused.
"Ambition is something I can rely on."
With a simple pivot of expensively-clad heel against expensively-laid ground, Howard turns from the brilliant radiance of the illuminated Southtown skyline as if he has already grown bored of staring at the splendor; the act of a man familiar and used to power. His gaze instead turns towards the clear waters of his artificial pond, considering with a thoughtful -- perhaps, calculating -- expression.
"Blackjack isn't a primary concern, but we wouldn't want them growing too big for their britches. Undeserved arrogance is the worst kind," Howard says plainly, lips pulling into a thin line. "It'll be amusing to see what they try next. At the very least I can look towards them for a suitable means of entertaining myself."
A brief pause settles over Geese as he turns, facing Shihong once more. "That having been said, there's always a few exceptions in packs of losers. I'd like you to play scout for me. See if you can find any talent worthy of note. It'd be a shame to waste good talent on a group like that."
Competition always gives way to opportunity, after all.
Words of Aranha are noted with a brief nod of Howard's head, and little more. Something to be considered for later -- someone who hates Rugal is someone he can potentially use. "Oh yes, Imawano. Another person I should arrange to have a meeting with. Tell me -- what did you garner of the old man's opinion on Bernstein?" His question lingers as Shihong speaks. 'If you hadn't gotten to me first, I may have well joined 'R,' sir.' An amused grin spreads across the crime boss' lips.
"Lucky me."
Walking back to his desk, Howard leans forward, swooping down to pick up his scotch. "Hmm. Of course, Bernstein always has reasons for doing things. His sense of taste might be wanting, but his intelligence certainly isn't." Howard mulls over this a moment longer before letting it slide away, shoulders lifting. "It'll be amusing to see what that cyclops has planned." Concerned? Not really.
Life is boring without challenge.
"And you?" The question comes abruptly. Geese levels icy eyes on Shihong the instant its asked, a pale blonde brow lifting. "How did you perform? Didn't let our gracious host down, did we...?"
"Thank you," the woman replies, nodding her head.
With the 'pleasantries' aside, the woman's thoughts turn to the business at hand. Watching the blonde as he moves, Shihong listens, arms crossing over her chest as red lips remain poised in the tiniest of grins. It only grows as he mentions Blackjack, black eyes hooding gently before she simply shuts her eyes. She says nothing; he has said enough.
But her features falter slightly, as he mentions scouting the 'opposition.' Tilting her head slightly, the woman's lips purse, eyes drifting to the floor as she considers. "Well," she begins. "There might be one person of note. She and I have met numerous times in your Saturday Night Fights. She's a tricky little thing, and her improvisation is impressive." Pausing, black eyes drift back to Howard.
"You may want to look into her. Her name is Ayame, I believe."
Moving on.
"As for Bernstein and Imawano...well. It was hard to discern. I was distracted. I wasn't able to get a good feel between the two. I'm going to presume there's no friendship between them." Bowing forward from the hips up, she offers him a polite gesture. "I apologize. I will see what I can discern at a future date from either Imawano, or Bernstein himself." Hopefully the latter, she secretly notes.
"I cannot say what, if anything, mister Bernstein may have in mind for the future. If my memory serves me, he took a blow during the events of 'Jinchuu.'" Briefly her thoughts stray, back to her encounter with the mysterious ninja girl and the scroll she was given. Then a thought crosses her mind.
"I would assume, then, that Bernstein does not harbor pleasantries for mister Ryouhara. I believe you may be able to exploit something there, if you have not already." She pauses, eyes drawing shut as she amends, "But it is not my place to make such suggestions. I apologize."
As for herself? "I believe so," she replies, standing upright and meeting those icy blue eyes without hesitation. "We were both victorious. I admit, the fight was a bit tough, but in the end, I was still on my two feet with mister Bernstein." A beat. Brows knit softly...before her features relax, a ghost of a smirk passing over red lips.
"I do not believe he was bored."
"Ayame. Quaint name," Geese notes impassively, lips pulling into a small, thoughtful frown. "Well then, after this meeting is over, you have your new assignment: track down this Ayame and arrange for her to meet with me. I'd be interested in seeing just what she can offer." Of course, he knows who she is; he's not an oblivious man, and Saturday Night Fight has had a contender going by that alias for some weeks now. But... it never hurts to be sure.
The subject of Raizo and Rugal is met with a dismissive shake of Howard's head, disinterest filling his expression. "It's not important. I doubt it'd be hard to guess how either feel for one another. The only question is whether it's worth my time to try and exploit it." His words trail thoughtfully, taking a long, languid sip of his scotch. His gaze rolls straight up to take in the sky; dark clouds roll past, blotting out the moon and the stars. "Those two... are hardly worth the time to think over, at the moment."
But then, there is talk of Ryouhara. Geese smirks as Shihong speaks, his right brow twitching upwards as he observes the cloudy night sky. "Don't apologize," he speaks, plainly, "it's a sign of weakness. If the idea was a stupid one, then you could feel fit to apologize, for all the good it'd do. I'll see to Ryouhara. Ninja are tricky to be found when they don't want to be..."
But that's never stopped him before.
"Hmmmm," he muses softly, eyes shutting as he rolls his glass in hand. "Hah. Wasn't bored. A fight-mongering barbarian like him would be hard-pressed not to be bored. At least you gave him quite a show, I'm sure." His head dips, looking towards Shihong thoughtfully, head tilting vaguely to the side.
"Though, I wonder if you've improved at all since I brought you in. If you want to distinguish yourself... let's see how far you've come so far." As Geese speaks, he turns to face his employee fully; still holding his glass of scotch, his stance is calm. Casual.
"Let's see what you've got, eh?"
When given orders from Howard, the woman's features stir ever so slightly. Initially, her black eyes widen discreetly, lips pulling taut before she merely exhales. He wants her to hunt her down, to meet with Howard? Somehow, Shihong secretly decides, it won't be easy. Then again...if the girl is anything like Shihong...well.
The Chinese woman bows her head gently. "Very well," she obliges. "I shall do so as quickly as possible."
Lifting her head once more, Shihong regards her employer with a stern look as he speaks. "You're correct," she replies. "As for whether or not it could be to your benefit..." Eyes drift aside, a hand lifts, her finger idly tapping on her cheek. "There may be something to be gained. Raizo is immensely powerful. Mister Bernstein had some difficulty handling him one on one. What could be gained from the principal of Justice High?" Another pause.
The woman's black eyes hood slightly, her jaw tensing lightly before she shrugs lightly.
"Perhaps favors, for one of your own? It never hurts to have allies in the most unlikely of places..."
She shrugs once more, dismissing the thoughts. But before she can add once again that it isn't her place to offer advice, the blonde cuts her off, drawing a bemused look over porcelain features. A sign of weakness?
"Understood, sir." The woman nods once, lips daring to curl into a tiny smirk.
His compliment earns him another bow from the woman, a respectful gesture given in kind for his generosity. "I tried my best, sir," Shihong explains, slowly rising up from her bow before she meets his gaze. And that's when he catches her off guard.
Is he asking her to fight? In his office?
A slow blink is issued, black eyes widening slightly...before she grins demurely. "If that is what you want, well." Pausing, she shrugs again, letting the long trenchcoat shed freely from her body, but caught in the opposite hand. Eyes dart to the side, her lips pursing...before she grins.
Flinging her arm, she casts it forward, at the King of Southtown, an attempt to distract the blonde. She follows behind, ready for a follow up as she shouts, "Then I am forced to oblige!"
COMBATSYS: Shihong has started a fight here.
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Shihong 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Geese has joined the fight here.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shihong
COMBATSYS: Geese dodges Shihong's Thrown Object.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shihong
'I tried my best, sir.'
"Of course. I'd hate to be paying you to do any less than that."
The words sound amused as Geese idly loosens his tie, allowing the crimson cloth to hang from his neck. He looks like he should be coming from a board meeting rather than engaging in a fight, but the look in those icy eyes suggest he is anything -but- ill-prepared to deal with his current companion.
He is in the midst of calmly unbutttoning his suit as Shihong strikes out with her -- rather unique -- assault. Yet... he doesn't seem to notice. Even as Shihong rips forward in a graceful and fluid stretch of speed, Geese looks down, slipping off his suit with idle movements. The ice in his glass clink together as he shrugs off that black attire. The trenchcoat flings through the air at rapid speeds. 'Then I am forced to oblige!'
"Yes, you are."
... And finds nothing but air to cling to.
With one backwards jerk, Geese moves rigidly -- yet gracefully -- into a pivot, thrusting himself to the side and letting the trenchcoat fly past him harmlessly. He's still sliding his arm out of the last sleeve of his suit -- and in the same, almost idle gesture, his right hand snaps out, taking a solid grip onto Shihong's coat before it can fly further. "A unique way to start. But you'll have to do better than that to catch me unawares. Let's see something with some 'oomph' behind it." Moving smoothly, Howard lays both suit and coat against the arm of one of his chairs, simultaneously setting down his cup of scotch. As he lifts up to a full stand, he levels his gaze on Shihong once more. Smirking. Left hand lifts, index finger crooking in a beckon.
"Faster."
COMBATSYS: Geese takes no action.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shihong
His response earns him a wry grin, as she peels free her attire and holds it in hand. But a flash of ingenuity draws her lips further along her features, her hand clenching around the black garment. Black depths hood, observing. And then, without missing a beat, she moves, hurling the flowing coat right at the Lord of Southtown.
But it misses its mark, the fabric simply flapping through the air, sailing past the blonde, until it is snatched out of the air. But the woman is far from concerned with its fate, or its success; a simple ruse, meant to distract the man. Unfortunately, it accomplishes little in that respect. Calm as ever, the blonde merely sheds his own coat and sets it aside, out of harm's way.
Rouge red lips pull into a light smirk.
"Of course, sir," Shihong replies, eyes hooding as she observes the blonde and his beckoning gesture. Far be the Chinese woman to deny him precisely what he wants. Breathing in, the woman's eyes snap shut, nostrils flaring as she exhales. And then...
Pushing off her back leg, the woman dashes forward before she crouches and leaps into the air. Twisting, she lets her leg rotate, swinging it around as she spins before dropping it downwards, right for Howard's skull.
COMBATSYS: Geese dodges Shihong's Medium Kick.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Shihong
Ingenuity doesn't pay off for Shihong today as Geese thrusts backwards in a full-motion swing, bringing him presented in a calm poise ready to fight. The casual stance he once assumed has been abandoned in favor for the rigid stance of Geese's Hakyokusaken; knees bent, hands clenching and unclenching, expression stern. He is very much in his element. And now that he has -formally- prepared himself--
--the fight can truly begin.
And so it does, with the explosion of action on part of the transporter. The Chinese enforcer moves forward in a flurry of dark fabric, leaping into the open air of the rooftop office. He tracks her movements calmly, noting the agility and the speed. His lips once more twitch into a calm smirk.
"I thought I said fast."
The idle commentary is complemented by another shift on Geese's part. Shihong's heel swings down but, instead of striking skull, she slings through the air, greeting the ground instead of more pliant flesh and bone. Geese jumps back; his right hand snaps back behind him, gripping onto one of the smaller statues decorating his office -- a golden statue of a samurai, katana raised triumphantly in the air. "You're an observant woman. So observe." Geese spins the sculpture between his hands, holding it as if it were a staff. "Wait for your opponent to leave an opening, and then strike with something to punish that opening." His eyes narrow.
"Don't give -any- leeway."
As Shihong makes full landing, Geese thrusts -forward-, launching that statue outward like a lance. He puts the full brunt of his force and effort into it. Lunging forward with the blunt end of the statue, he seeks to bludgeon Shihong soundly across the head with it -- putting all emphasis and focus into the swing and over-extending himself in the process. "HMPH!"
COMBATSYS: Shihong blocks Geese's Random Weapon.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Shihong
Despite the chiding from her employer, the woman moves regardless, exercising agility and effeminate grace as she leaps, spins and lashes a leg out for his skull. But like before, the Southsynd Lord is far too fast for her and, as result, he simply leaps out of harm's way, taking in hand a small statue shortly after. It draws a discreet frown across her lips. This cannot possibly end well.
But she doesn't let it concern her. Instead, the woman makes her landing, crouched low before she stands upright in one fluid gesture. Grinning demure, the woman's eyes half-lid, dark depths flickering with delight as she quips, "Forgive me for being bold. But not all of us have your talent, sir."
However, as he asks her to observe, she does so- -the statue in particular. Pursing her lips, she watches it twirl, his words falling upon open ears. Look for the opening to punish? That she can do. But this?
This isn't the time. Not now.
As he lunges, the woman twists her body ever so slightly, a foot sliding back behind her for support. As the blunt in drives toward her head she lifts a forearm, intercepting the blow against her arm. Impact is harsh enough to draw a hiss from the woman's lips, eyes swiftly narrowing. And then she's gone.
Not really, though. Dropping to the ground she plants her hands on the floor, feet igniting with psychic energies. Swinging them harshly outward, she intends on slamming her heels into his knees before she swings her legs upwards with every intention of rising into a handstand. But her feet do not still; in the process, her legs stagger, one heel intent on slamming into his chin, followed by the other, legs still very much afire with Psycho Power.
COMBATSYS: Shihong successfully hits Geese with Coiled Serpent.
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Geese 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Shihong
'Not all of us have your talent, sir.'
"Touché." After all...
... No one else has Geese's talent.
Geese moves forward with the full brunt of his momentum brought to bear upon the comparatively smaller Shihong. The bottom of the statue hits forearm instead of head, but is still accompanied by the distinct -CRACK- of the bludgeon making impact with flesh and bone. For a moment, an unpleasant smile crosses Geese's lips; it fades as rapidly as it appears, just as Shihong disappears from sight.
Over-extended as he is, Howard isn't able to recover himself in time to deal with Shihong's attack. Vermillion Psycho Power burns more than physical force, but the combination of the blow to his knees, and then his chin, is enough to make even the mighty titan of Southtown stagger backwards several steps.
Psycho Power burns upon the flesh and the mind, but Geese has become used to it by now. It's dismissed with the shake of his head as he re-tightens his grip upon the statue. "Hah! Better. You found an opening and pressed without hesitation. Good... now..." Throwing the statue upwards into the air with a spin, Howard plucks it back down, poised as if the statue wear a javelin.
"... That power of yours. There's not many who can use it. You seem to use it just as an extension of your physical blows. Can you control it seperate from that? Just like chi, you can project that energy outwards -- use it to gain ground between yourself and your opponent. Like any good projectile. Like... -THIS-."
With the surge of muscle, and with all the simplicity of any other gesture, Geese hurls that expensive statue as if it were little more than a very large rock, the makeshift missile cutting through the air with a dead-on path to nail Shihong directly in the gut, even as Geese leaps a few feet backwards, in preparation.
COMBATSYS: Shihong dodges Geese's Large Thrown Object.
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Geese 0/-------/------=|===----\-------\0 Shihong
There's no time to lament over her wounded arm; instead, the woman drops, ignoring her singing arm as it cries with grief. Instead, she swings her legs out and ultimately upwards, rising in a handstand, all while smacking the blonde with her legs. Ignoring his plight, she merely follows the motion, letting her legs descend as she rises properly once more.
Immediately those black eyes fix on Howard, before those eyes flicker onto the statue in his grasp. It's noted, as a hand absently lifts, rubbing gingerly at her forearm. Howard's strength is not to be trifled with--she knows this well from their prior engagement. With that in mind, she knows she will not underestimate him. She can't afford it.
"Thank you, sir," the woman replies coolly, the faintest of smirks drawing over her lips, as the statue in his hand is repositioned. Not once do her eyes leave it. Not while it's in his grasp.
And she doesn't regret it.
Watching the statue blaze forward, the woman clenches her jaw, her heel digging against the ground. And just before the object crashes into her midsection, Shihong twists, pivoting sharply on her heel to allow the golden samurai to merely sail past and hit the distant wall with a harsh thud. She pauses then, glancing over a shoulder. Did it lodge INTO the wall..?
But there's a question lingering in the back of her mind. "I cannot," she explains. "I never learned. My style focuses primarily on using my body, and this power as a tool. That is what I was taught, to use it in tandem with every strike."
Pausing, black eyes briefly lighten with amusement, lips tugging into a smirk.
"This is about all I can do," the Chinese woman notes. ..before she leaps forward toward the blonde. Closing in with little more than a foot between, she digs a heel into the ground, her right arm lifting, forearm over her forehead as her left arm drives forward, her palm's heel aimed for his stomach. But it does not connect; instead, a sudden and angry swell of vermillion power erupts.
"HAAH!"
COMBATSYS: Geese interrupts Swallow's Wings from Shihong with Slash-style Reppuken.
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Geese 0/-------/=======|=======\==-----\1 Shihong
"Nimble, aren't we?"
An astute observation, given that the statue has lodged itself into an upraised section of the rooftop, rather than Shihong's stomach.
Geese looks more amused than irritated that his gamble didn't pay off -- mainly because that was only the first step. The distance gained from his backwards leap gives him more than ample time to prepare for Shihong's approach. As if he expected it, -anticipated- it, he simply looks smug as the Chinese woman pivots just barely out of the way of the makeshift projectile. Pale brows lift in a vague look of curiosity. Not because of Shihong's agility -- he already knows well enough about that. But...
"Your style needs some adjustment, then," Howard observes mildly as Shihong explains herself, once more assuming his stance. "The power you have is more than just a supplement. Being able to control that power seperate from your physical body, well... that takes true skill. It's a gift that is wasted when not utilized to its full effectiveness. Those who teach differently are the losers of the world, those who'll never accomplish anything worthy of note. Here..." Dark blue power crackles to life in an erratic dance across Geese's fingertips. Shihong approaches rapidly. A cold smile drags across his lips.
"Let me show you."
The moment that Shihong thrusts her palm forward, Geese too is moving, suddenly exploding with activity. His right hand sweeps outward the second that vermillion energy ignites. In start contrast, icy blue fire, cold as death, sparks in a swath of pure destructive fury just in front of Shihong. "REPPUKEN!" Cutting into her torso with pure chi, Geese provides more than ample power to launch the enforcer away with only a slight singe to the fabric of his shirt for her troubles.
"That... is nothing. That's the just barebones of how energy can be manipulated." Explaining smoothly as remnants of blue fire licks across his arm, Geese levels his gaze upon Shihong, lip pulling upward in a smile. "You have potential to go further than that. Whether you waste it or not is another matter entirely. From there, learning how to focus and project that energy -outwards-... that's the real accomplishment. Something that seperates you from the common 'riffraff.'" He pauses in consideration here. "Consider this a lesson.
"Free of charge."
"...What?"
For a brief moment, the woman's amused expression falters, pale features seized with muted disbelief.
Her style...needs adjustment?
Thin black brows begin to furrow slightly, but she swiftly catches herself. Instead, the look fades, her lips pulling taut across her face as she just meets his gaze. She says nothing, brooding silently over his words. Surely he meant nothing offensive by it. And it becomes clearer when he explains, causing her shoulders to relax slightly. She notes it, but moves regardless. Her talent isn't utterly underdeveloped.
He proves her wrong in an instant.
Blue chi erupts from his hand, crashing through her burst of red. Razor-sharp and utterly awful, the blast of fierce blue cuts through and into the woman, impact launching her back and away from the Southsynd boss. So potent is the strike it sends her crashing into the wall, striking with her back before she falls to the floor.
Distantly, somewhere amidst the fogginess and pain, she thinks she didn't need a demonstration.
Slowly and carefully, Shihong pulls herself up, long arms supporting her as she rises to her feet. Her eyes pinch shut not once, twice, but three times, trying to shake off the discomfort in her body and the pounding throb in her head. Absently she presses a hand to her midsection, where his Reppuken has left a particularly unpleasant burn in her attire and wound against skin.
"I-I see..." she replies, eyes narrowing sharply in response. Is the woman offended? Hardly. If anything, her interests have been piqued at the prospected, eyes drifting to the floor at her feet as she mulls. So, according to his logic, she's no better than common 'riffraff?'
Her jaw tenses, eyes darting up as she focuses her black eyes on the blonde before her. Depths, often black, light up like embers, hints of red dancing in her gaze as she smirks.
"I refuse to be common 'riffraff,'" she states confidently. She may not have the power or reputation that his lieutenants or some of his higher-level enforcers do, but by no means does she write herself off so easily. She'll get there. She's resolved to make her name known someday. Somehow.
Red lips curl back over pearly whites, eyes widening as she delivers a harsh cry. Lunging forward, the woman closes in--but rather than drive a straight kick into his stomach, she lifts her leg high above before she harshly drops it, to drive it into his head or shoulder.
COMBATSYS: Geese dodges Shihong's Strong Kick.
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Geese 0/-------/=======|=======\==-----\1 Shihong
The difference between them -- though clear as crystal already -- is solidified the moment the melee reppuken sears through the air. The exchange is brief and brutal, and while Geese is singed, Shihong is battered. He retains his impeccable footing even as Shihong crashes, his expression smug as hers is pained. The gap is established solidly here.
And so are his words.
"Many people already have the talent to project their energy from their body. It's hardly a rare feat. But there's something to be said for the process of learning." As he speaks, Howard rolls up the sleeves of his shirt, easing more into the fight the longer it progresses. "Any idiot can throw around projectiles; how you utilize that ability to manipulate your energy, that's what matters. Trash spews trash without thinking. People who are worthwhile know exactly how to use that power. That's skill."
Shihong leaps forward with a cry, leg lancing high into the air before swinging down into a savage descent. For any other, it might be difficult to track. For Geese, however... it's another matter entirely.
"If you think you have it, then show me."
With a sudden push, Geese takes an almost casual step backwards. Moving -just- beyond Shihong's swinging foot, it grazes just past his nose in its sweep. A calm smile lifts across his lips. But, before that leg can descend completely, Howard snaps out like a springing snake; his right hand lashes outward, rough fingers attempting an iron grip on Shihong's heel.
"Words don't mean anything, they're just distractions for the simple-minded. SHOW me!"
And, if his grip holds true, Geese Howard will pivot on his heel in a sharp sideways jerk. His right arm slings -outward-, the intent being to fling Shihong like a whipcord into his would-be throne with a gesture meant for speed, but certainly not lacking in power. "HRMPH!"
COMBATSYS: Geese successfully hits Shihong with Fast Throw.
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Geese 0/-------/=======|=======\=====--\1 Shihong
Despite the smug expression and Howard's arrogant words, there is wisdom hidden just beneath its surface. While some would likely take offense, the woman is sharp enough to see between the lines and discern what she could likely benefit from. Her response to them is, however, simple; there comes no response from the woman. Instead, the Chinese woman's features harden, eyes pensive as she just holds her ground for the moment.
And only when he has finished does she slightly bow her head, eyes shutting.
"Understood, sir."
She isn't trash. She's better than that. Someday...someday, Shihong will surpass fighting world mediocrity and make something of herself. She will be a name people know, and do not take lightly. Maybe even someday she will surpass Howard. A difficult task that. But it's one she is willing to pursue.
Money, power, fame; those will be hers. She just has to continue to push herself.
With those on her mind, Shihong makes her attack. But unsurprisingly Howard capitalizes on her inexperience, weaving out of the way of her heel. But as it begins to fall...it suddenly finds itself caught in the iron vise grip that is Howard's hand. Immediately her black eyes lift, surprise written on her features. How..?
An instant later, the woman's body crashes noisily into Howard's throne, the large chair rocking as she impacts. Fortunately, Shihong's body isn't far heavy enough to break the damn thing; instead she sags against it, spending the moment catching her breath.
Pushing off the large chair, Shihong stumbles to her feet, heels clicking against the concrete floor of the open air office. He wants her to show him? Very well.
Her pace breaks into a sprint, the woman covering distance between. It's a predictable path she treads, but the intention is clear: there is considerable power waiting as she closes in. And with one sharp and violent twist of her lanky form, the woman's leg chambers briefly before she shoots it upwards, every muscle firing off as she delivers a straight vertical kick shooting upwards, for Howard's chin.
COMBATSYS: Geese endures Shihong's Colossal Kick!
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Geese 1/-------/=======|=======\======-\1 Shihong
Better than Howard.
There is something to be said for -too much- ambition.
Not that it's not an entertaining passtime for Howard to indulge the hopes and fancies of dreamers. Which he does by way of introducing Shihong to the hard structure of his ornate chair in a most brutal introduction. Wiping his hands clean, Geese offers an impassive stare towards Shihong. He turns, facing her fully. Waiting. After all--
--his request was quite specific.
And so Shihong indulges him. It takes some time for her; pushing back onto her feet, recovering from what must have been a disorientingly fast blow for her. In his defense, Howard is patient in waiting. He lowers himself once more into his distinctive fighting stance. Icy eyes lock in on Shihong.
"Let's see what you can do, eh? It should be fun."
As soon as Shihong moves in, Geese is following her every move. By the time her body rips upwards, Geese is already upon her. "You're sacrificing your guard for a predictable move! -Not- good enough!" The kick lances high once more, impacting Howard's chin. But he stands his ground. And Shihong may notice the fact that a dark blue sphere of boiling fire has manifested within Geese's right palm.
The very second that the kick connects, Howard's right hand snaps out. He seems almost intent on blasting her with that horrible chi from point-black. That burning sphere swings ever closer... before the blue fire completely dissipates from his palm just inches before impact. A feint.
It doesn't stop his forward momentum though, and with lighting speed Howard seeks to capitalize on Shihong's open guard by driving an open palm into her chest, the blue enough to crack stone and -- at the -very- least -- deprive Shihong of precious air as she is once more knocked away.
"Pathetic! Show me something better!"
COMBATSYS: Shihong endures Geese's Quick Punch!
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Geese 1/------=/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Shihong
It takes the woman a moment, eyes struggling to find focus once again after his strike. But soon enough she finds her spirit and, charging forward, sets her sights on Howard once again. Gritting her teeth, Shihong twists her body, a leg thrusting upwards to deliver a powerful kick to the man's face. But it isn't enough--he tells her as much, drawing a brief flicker of red in those black eyes.
She doesn't have time to dwell on his words. From the corner of her eyes, there is a flicker of icy blue, the familiar prickle of chi energy close by washing over the back of her neck. Their close proximity makes it difficult for her to swiftly react. As her leg lowers, his glowing palm dares to crash into her chest. But...
It doesn't happen. Instead the flames disperse and, as result, the man's iron-like palm crashes into her chest. It drives her back, knocking the wind out of Shihong's lungs with a loud, audible gasp as black eyes shoot open wide. Her body pitches back...but she doesn't fall.
Instead, the woman suddenly lurches forward and drops low, sliding a short distance forward, right for Howard. In an instant her body ignites with Psycho Power, vermillion red power roaring as her legs drive forward with every intention of kicking his ankles and legs out from underneath his body...
COMBATSYS: Shihong successfully hits Geese with Guardian of the Gods.
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Geese 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 Shihong
In one, swift motion, Shihong's legs lash out, taking the Southsynd crimelord's legs out from beneath him. There is no mercy in her motions, however; the instant his footing fails and he begins to fall, the woman's psionically-imbued body twists in a flurry of blinding motion, rising in a handstand before she springs up and drives herself straight for the blonde's chest. Driving him upwards with a powerful strike coupled with blazing unnatural energies, she sails past, her lean figure rotating in midair before she harshly drives both of her heels downwards, slamming the man back-first into the concrete. The resulting impact is only emphasized by another potent burst.
And with the burst of energy, Shihong uses it to launch herself up and off the crimelord, twisting gracefully midair before she lads a few feet away in a deep crouch. Her features remain stern, black eyes alight with an eerie red hue as she gasps to catch her breath.
So, Shihong is a gambler.
Lucky her, then, that her gambit pays off.
As Shihong accepts the full brunt of Geese's assault, he knows what is going to come next. His response is to smile; a self-assured sort of smile that suggests, whatever might come, he'll certainly be ready for it. He's not.
Psycho Power ignites with furious life around Shihong's body, lifting in plumes of vermillion. A powerful leg takes out Geese's footing, bringing him into a freefall -- just before he feels heels digging into his chest with a distinctly red-hot, burning sensation. He goes airborne once more in a short-lived stint; the Chinese enforcer is there to assist his downwards momentum with a swinging kick, Psycho Power burning at his very mind.
Howard impacts ground with a sickening -thud- that sends spiderline cracks throughout the ground beneath him. His body smokes, blood trailing down the corner of his lips. He looks almost... beaten. There is silence, for a long time. And then...
Clapping.
Applause comes from the prone form of Geese as his hands smack together over and over. It draws to a close as Geese pulls himself up from the ground, his shirt tattered from the burning power that Shihong put to use, skin charred here and there. The scar on his chest is readily apparent as he comes to a full stand. His gaze levels on Shihong and a smirk draws across his lips. "Good! Good power. You have what it takes to go far. All you need... is a good teacher to show you how to -exploit- that." As Howard speaks, tendrils of dark blue flame lift from his hands. "You know how to use your power in a simple, brutish way. Now... if you want to -project- it... you need to do something like this." Geese's hands swing upward into the air, bubbling with power.
"RAGING!"
He swings -down-. Hands touch concrete and, with that contact, the power Geese had been gathering simply EXPLODES. Tendrils of fire of the darkest blue pitch rip outward and slice into the air, writhing about and wreathed in deep violet. The vicious tongues of chifire undulate outward, swirling about in a chaotic yet coldly -refined- storm of sheer, unrelenting power, threatening to consume Shihong in its wake.
"STORM!!"
COMBATSYS: Geese successfully hits Shihong with Raging Storm'.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ]
Geese 0/-------/------=|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Shihong
Crouched low, the woman remains poised in such a fashion for some time, merely observing as the elder blonde lay there, prone and silent. And in that very moment, Shihong wonders if she has maybe, just maybe, beaten the king of Southtown. She was certainly putting her all into the attack, and then some. Cautiously, the woman rises up from the crouch, mindful of her wounds. Midway she pauses, flinching lightly before she simply clenches her jaw.
But just as black eyes begin to wander elsewhere, applause immediately draws her gaze back onto the fallen blonde. Curious and clearly surprised, the woman says nothing, even as he begins to pry himself off the ground. Instead she observes keenly and listens as the blonde speaks, and suggests a curious solution.
She needs someone to teach her how to exploit her power?
"I'm not even sure what the 'power' I have really is, to be honest," she admits, faintly smirking. But the one thing Shihong knows most of all is...most everyone else's power hurts her. A lot more than it ought to. A conundrum.
"Like what--??"
But before the words carry fully off thin red lips, Howard has suddenly dropped down and instantly erupted with awful blue chi. Razor-like energy swells and shoots upwards, winds of pure energy lashing outwards and into the woman's form. It burns. It stings. It hurts like nothing else.
Unable to maintain her footing, the woman shoots back again from the sheer power, her body only coming to a halt as her back collides into the violet table before the Southsynd lord's 'throne.' Impact causes the woman to elicit a breathless gasp. A moment later Shihong drops forward, a low, agonized groan slipping past bloodied lips.
Can she even move, she wonders.
Fingers twitch, a light curl of long, spidery digits against smooth concrete. And soon, slowly, the woman begins to peel herself from the ground. It's a slow and agonized process, driven by sheer determination and resolve. Black eyes are no longer such; red as the psychic energy she has at her disposal, Shihong glares heatedly at the Lord of Southtown.
And then she makes her move, tearing forward with every intention of grabbing his arm, wrenching it painfully and scaling his chest. And should she do precisely that, legs ignite at her apex above him, her body and arm twisting, wrenching his arm again before she drives both heels down hard, to send him sprawling face first into the ground, followed by an eruption of vicious red energy, to add insult to injury...
COMBATSYS: Shihong can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Geese 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Geese counters Savage Tiger EX from Shihong with Chuudan Atemi Nage.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Geese 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Geese has ended the fight here.
And, just like that... it's all over.
The tempest fury called to Geese through sheer skill and willpower roars in dwingling intensity. The moment that the Chinese transporter explodes backwards like nothing more than a pebble in the wake of a violent storm, the winds and whips of burning blue chi start to trickle away. The proverbial storm dies down into nothing more than a few lingering wisps of wind as Geese Howard pulls himself easily back to his feet. Idly, he dusts dirt and traces of smashed concrete from his shirt. He frowns.
"Get up."
Of course, Shihong complies. Out of her own reasons, out of sheer willpower, she gets back on her feet. Howard looks largely impassive as she stands, head canting to the side and arms crossing over his broad chest. "You've got staying power. That's good. But..."
Shihong lashes outwards with a glare of red. Yet, before she can even begin her assault -- she'll find her OWN arm grabbed, pre-empted with a grip of steel and cold blue eyes to counter the intensity of her red stare. Geese smirks in an unpleasant twitch of lips.
"But we're done here."
Which is about all the time Shihong will get to react before a churning mass of fiery blue chi collides with her sternum. A sphere of terrible, cold power rips into the enforcer's body with concussive and burning force alike. The grip on her hand is released, to allow the Shanghai woman to go flying back from the brutality of the assault. And Geese still stands.
"... I'll show you how to project your power. If you think you have the strength to handle it. I don't cater to weaklings and idiots. So... do you?"
She's tired. She's sore. Her body aches from head to toe.
But she won't just lie down and accept it. The gap in their talent is considerable, but she refuses to accept that it can end so easily. Slowly but most surely Shihong peels herself off the concrete, breathing ragged as she struggles to keep herself conscious after his Raging Storm.
'Get up,' Howard demands of her. She's almost to her feet.
And then she's moving right for the Southsynd crimelord, eyes afire with muted anger and sheer determination. With the blonde in her sights, she has one intention: to grab him and wrench his arm awfully. To introduce him to more pain. To prove her worth, to prove she is more than merely 'another faceless nobody' within the Southtown Syndicate ranks. She's better than that..!
But even that--even her resolve--isn't enough. In an instant her arm is snared, gripped within the vise-like hand of Geese in retaliation. Red eyes flicker, immediately rising to look straight into the gaze of the blonde, lips parting as a curious croak escapes her throat.
An instant later, a burst of furious blue energy erupts against her form, sending the woman blasting backwards once again. She flies, her wiry figure spiraling gracefully through the air before she hits the concrete floor on her shoulder--hard.
Gritting her teeth, the woman rolls from her shoulder onto her back with a pained groan. Wincing harshly, Shihong lifts her hand, rubbing at her shoulder before she carefully begins to move, cautiously stirring before she again slowly rises, supporting the bulk of her weight against the violet table she'd crashed into previously.
But during her rise, the tyrant presents a most curious offer. He will help her harness her power, if she has the strength.
Shihong's features shift, and expression of muted disbelief. Is he, a man of considerable talent and strength, the king of Southtown, offering to help her hone her talents? Is he serious?
"Are you sure, sir?" the woman asks, words laced with surprise.
There aren't many people Geese has offered to train. Even in this case, he does not elect to take Shihong on as a -pupil-. However, she's a smart girl. Talented, certainly. Resourceful.
It's best to keep such people under your thumb.
And as such, the offer is made. To help 'better' Shihong. It's one that Howard makes with a stern face, arms crossing over his broad chest as he looks towards Shihong, and waits. Bruised, beaten and battered. But...
.. it's hardly even the tip of the iceburg in terms of Howard's training regime.
Hands slide into pockets in a casual gesture as Howard waits for Shihong to recover herself, calm and patient as ever. The look in her eyes is one of shock. His response is a measured smile and the lift of a brow. It's certainly not an offer one hears every day -- so why do it? It's a question she's likely asking herself. And the answer is simple: solidify his control over a potentially valuable pawn. Teaching something as simple as spewing energy in exchange for further loyalty is hardly a difficult concept.
And then she finally speaks.
'Are you sure, sir?'
"What a ridiculous thing to ask."
Shihong's words are dismissed with a simple wave of Geese's right hand. "I'm -always- sure. I'll take it that means yes, then. I'll send for you when it comes time to begin your training. You'll have plenty of time then to prove to me that you're more than just a nobody. You can go, now." He offers no assistance to help her out; simply goes back to his would-be throne, picks up her trenchcoat, and offers it to her. She can make it out just fine on her own.
The strong help themselves, after all.
Whatever Howard's intentions, the woman has her reservations, and for good reason. But those are of no concern for the moment; instead, Shihong wonders if she's hearing him correctly. He wants to help her? It's difficult to discern, what with the throbbing in her ears and the pain that wracks her body. A hand drifts behind her, supporting her weight for the moment. Her legs desperately want to fail her.
But she asks the inevitable. Is he certain? Is he willing to waste his valuable time on her? Casual and confident as ever, his response is simple. Dismissing her words with a casual gesture, he brushes her concerns off. Is it a yes?
"Er, s-sorry, sir. ...Yes, I will accept."
Pushing her body off the table's side with a gentle shove, the woman stumbles forward, jaw tense as she moves in a less-than graceful fashion. His clarification earns him a soft nod of her head, a hand reaching up to absently pinch at the bridge of her nose. "Very well," she obliges, accepting the proffered coat he oh-so politely retrieved for her from off his 'throne.'
At the door, however, Shihong pauses before casting a glance over her shoulder. Regarding the Southsynd crimelord with a solitary black eye, the woman's gaze settles on the blonde, lips pursed lightly.
"Thank you for your time, sir," she ultimately states, bowing her head in a nod before slinging her coat over a shoulder, draping it over her battered form. Doors groan, opened from the outside for the Chinese woman, held by the guard as she takes her leave.
What an intriguing turn of events.
Geese tries to pick up Princess, but gets peed on.
Geese tries to pick up Princess, but gets peed on.
Log created on 00:07:32 02/05/2008 by Geese, and last modified on 00:59:06 02/10/2008.