Description:
Saturday Night Fight... Under normal circumstances, Kain sees little need to spend much time preparing for his fights. He's /always/ prepared to fight and generally any individual opponent isn't enough to challenge him. But even when they can, or when they band together to pool their strength against him, Kain still doesn't usually go out of his way to prepare. In a 'real' fight, one might not even know there's going to be a battle until it begins.
This time, however, Kain is making an exception. With the way the fight has been billed, and a perusal of some old fight recordings, Kain has some interest in meeting up with Oswald. And so Kain shows up a good while before the fight, hoping to catch the card player when he comes in.
The arena is a much different place this long before the fight. The bright lights are off, and there's no cheering crowd screaming their lungs out in the stands. There are a few SNF staff members wandering about getting things ready, but they're a fair distance off from the location where Kain leans back against the wall, keeping an eye on the stadium entrance.
Kain's a good judge of predictions. One of the large fire doors hisses open, then there is silence for a few moments followed by the sharp and striking sound of the large metal partition falling shut once more. In the fast emptyness of the arena, the sound almost sounds like a far off explosion. Compared to the sound of the climate-control air fans and the hum of the 'normal' lighting, Oswald's footsteps sound alien and improper in such an environment.
He knew Kyo, he definately knew Makoto... but this 'Kain' was a mystery to him. There was no doubt with what he had learned with his usual investigations that Kain was considered to be a near-legend of a fighter, but other than such Oswald knew very little. "Hm." His first sound is short and terse, left hand in his jacket pocket casually, with the other at his side, "...And you must be Kain. A pleasure to meet you, Herr Heinlein."
His German has a surpringly immaculate tone, very hard to discern his accent. Well practiced, fluid. "I'm surprsied to find you here."
Kain remains leaning against the wall, though he does turn his head in Oswald's direction. "And you must be Oswald." It's not all that often that Kain gets to use his own German, but he's quite fluent. Heinlein looks Oswald over for a moment, but whatever judgement he comes to remains hidden. It takes but a moment, and then his attention is redirected to Oswald's face. Many people find Kain's habit of looking them directly in the eyes almost constantly while talking to them a bit disconcerting.
"I was hoping I'd find you here. I thought to discuss the upcoming fight with you, as well as get your opinions on the opponents we'll be facing." Kain has faced both of them before, and knows well that neither is to be underestimated. Makoto's skill might not be quite up to par with Kyo's, but she's capable of being dangerous nevertheless. "We do seem to have some time before we'll need to be in place, after all. Unless you have something else that needs attending to?"
Well, if he was making eye contact, may as well return the favor. There's silence for the first little bit as he reaches up to pluck the glasses from his face, folding them neatly and pocketing them in the breast of the jacket. His own eyes, much like Kain's are crimson, and if Kain were to read him, there's a certain sense of excitement about him though he remains quite in control of himself overall.
Further down, depending how far one would go, there are feelings of worry, many unanswered questions though it would seem not to be involving the fight - almost like something was preoccupying him, but he's doing well enough in keeping his personal feelings from interfering with judgement so far. "I certainly am not going to object to that, and I do have extensive information on Makoto. Kyo, other than the fact he's a ... very particular fighter holding a unique form of Chi-energy... I know little about. I actually considered attempting a fight against him in the League - before I managed to surpass him in status."
His arms come up as he slips down a few steps to sit upon the side of one of the many spectator seats, crossing before him in a snug gesture, "Odds are Kyo far outmatches me, but a challenge is a challenge. Makoto is a girl that fights on the verge of pure offense. Almost ridiculously pure offense. She favors hard hits that balance well on speed - and her form of art makes her excellent at predicting and short-forming other's strikes in favor of placing her own. She's an impressive fighter, this will be my third role in a fight involving her. The previous two I dealt with as a Chaos Agent."
He uncrosses one of his arms, making a simple motion towards Kain, accompanied with a nod of his head, "And you? How do you see them both?"
Although he strolls down to the same level as Oswald, Kain chooses to remain standing while the gambler gives his opinion. "I would say that your assessment of Makoto is accurate. As for Kusanagi..." Oh, Kyo Kusanagi. While his opinion of Kyo is nowhere near the hatred he holds for Geese, his feelings are still strong enough that his lip curls slightly in distaste as he thinks about him. All that natural power and he squanders it, wastes it! "He has power, it's true. But he's not one to think very far ahead in a fight, and he's arrogant. His temper, while not as short as some, is still something that can be taken advantage of."
Leaning against the back of the row of seats further down, Kain holds out one hand a short distance in front of him. "As for his flames... the advantage will be somewhat less useful here." Black fire springs out from each fingertip on Kain's right hand, five points of darkness shimmering and dancing. Then they leap together, swirling into a sphere that floats above Kain's palm for a moment before fading away as Heinlein lowers his hand.
There's a distinct twitch in both eyebrows as that black flame sprouts in his palm and twists into a sphere, eyes opening just a bit wider as he stares in well-muted but tangible surprise - even amazement at the display. A quick flit of eyes to his ... he's not even concentrating? How could he weild power so potent it can manifest visibly with such remarkable ease?
This was big. This was /BIG/. No one made any serious mention of this.
"...unbelievable." He finally breaks silence after a good few seconds of staring, though the look that finally takes him afterwards isn't one of child-like awe-struck but more analytical, calculating. This was the kind of thing he would want to possess, he would have to learn more, someday. "That's... a reassuring statement, Mister Kain. While I am well versed in turning energies against their masters, the idea that we will sport a similar center of attack makes the battlefield that much more favorable. I assume you will take care of our Kusanagi-problem, and I will see about keeping Makoto from being a nuisance?"
Kain nods briefly. The fact that Oswald knows enough to be impressed by such a seemingly simple display on Kain's part is a mark in his favor, but there are still things to be discussed. "I would not claim that I have a 100% chance to beat Kusanagi by myself... but I should certainly be able to keep him occupied for a time. If you can wear Makoto down to the point where I can swiftly connect a solid blow without having to leave my back open to her partner, that should be enough to take care of her. And if we both turn our attentions on Kusanagi, his chances of victory strike me as being rather slim."
For a moment Kain lets his gaze wander over to some of the SNF staff, who are currently in the process of getting the announcer's table ready, and a few more inspecting the fighting floor. All the cleaning and such has long since been taken care of, of course. "Barring some unfortunate accidents, I don't forsee us having any difficulties. I wouldn't try to give you any further instructions on how to handle yourself, of course. You know your own skills better than I."
"While I do know my capabilities, only a fool would turn down advice. It's really a test to see if the suggestion will have an opt opportunity to be used in battle." He shifts a bit in his seat, brow furrowing as he sets both hands on his knees, pressing the fingers in a tad, "I've not seen any distinct use of energy from Makoto - at least not one I remember. However if Kyo does turn his attention to me or decide to unleash his power in a moment that may not be opportune for you - I can always attempt to be at the right place, at the right time, and see if I can spring a surprise against him."
"If I would offer a suggestion, myself, is that we stay acutely aware of each other's state during the battle for certain. And I will keep Makoto busy."
An easy suggestion for Kain to follow. Especially considering that he can have a rough idea of the state of everyone in such a short proximity without even having to be looking in their direction. Fireballs may be as far as many people get, but they're far from the only use of chi. "Indeed. No plan survives contact with the enemy, but I believe we're both quite capable of improvising should the need arrive."
Kain looks at Oswald thoughtfully for a moment. The man does seem to have much in his favor, though it remains to be seen firsthand just how competent he is in combat. Still, there are other measures of men, and Kain is interested in more than just the one. "It seems we do still have some time to kill before the match begins. I understand you have a fondness for cards?" Kain grins. He's no professional gambler, but he's picked up many useful skills in his life. And no many people can bluff against him.
"It's no secret." he makes a quick flick of his hand and one of the 'classic' cards that so many have fallen to just happens to 'appear' between his fingers, "They are a love of mine and paired with my battle sense and intuition - my weapon of choice."
He pinches it suddenly, giving it a little flick to make it profile to Kain, showing the cleverly disguised blades and titanium reinforced edging, before leaning forward with an extended arm, offering it to him for perusal. If accepted, would seem rather light in touch, well crafted, surprisingly balanced, and - receptive? It's a very stealthy design, but it almost feels like energy could be flourished /through/ the actual card, even amplified, shaped, almost as if the card was made to allow Chi to course through it like it had its own veins.
"I usually would not speak of such but it's been well televised now, and I rarely surprise fighters by their presence. However..." He pauses, posturing himself a bit, making his back straight from the barest of slouch he allowed it to have while he outstretched, "...it's how I end up using them against my opponents that raises eyebrows in the end."
Kain takes the card, turning it about for a few moments as he examines it from several angles. "Quite an interesting design." Tilting the card up on one corner, Kain balances it on his fingertip for a moment, checking the weight and balance. Then, with little warning, he flicks the card toward Oswald. There's no real force behind it, or attempt to actually injure the other man, but by their very nature the cards are dangerous. If Kain is right about Oswald, though, it's unlikely to be a problem.
After waiting a moment to see Oswald's reaction, Kain continues. "Care to kill some time with a more traditional use of cards?" Sadly, they don't have enough people to properly play Oswald's preferred game, but there are many other possibilities.
And Oswald studies the man studying the card. Kain was a mystery to the man that was a Mystery to so many, so it was only natural for him to try and learn more. Intrigue always caught his eye.
As the card is flicked, he plucks it out of the air with a single snap of his hand, the arm lashing out like a whip and removing the obstructing, bladed thing as it flies and just as quick as it was thrown it disappears, back from whatever holster that borne it a moment ago. "It's been a long time since I've had a nice, relaxing game of cards, Mister Kain. I know a bistro just outside. It would be good to gain our center there before the arena starts to fill. If you like, of course. The Latte they serve there is always well-prepared."
Kain nods, straightening up from his leaning position. "That sounds like an acceptable place to wait." Kain's not a major consumer of coffee, as one has relatively little use for stimulants when one can tap into the very force of life flowing through the world. Still, well brewed coffee has something to be said for it when it comes to flavor.
Kain glances over toward the people still setting things up for the fight, with a clock nearby. "Yes, we should have enough time to relax for a bit and still make it back here without having to force our way through the waiting audience." Not a particularly difficult task for Kain, but still one that is best avoided.
Log created on 15:06:33 03/21/2008 by Oswald, and last modified on 16:55:44 03/21/2008.