Description: Kyo Kusanagi comes to this title bout with something to prove, and these two world legends go at it in a brutal marathon slugfest. In the end, the Kusanagi fire burns away the competition, and Kyo goes home with a brand new Shiny Trinket(tm)! (Winner: Kyo)
In Howard Arena, legends are written. Sometimes from the start, and sometimes it's just like a section in the middle or whatever; the point /is/, Howard Arena is a site where the impossible comes true, where dreams become reality and other various platitudes about important things happening. And right now, you can tell.
"LAAAAADIEEEES AND GENTLEMEEEEEEEN!" cries the announcer over the arena's state of the art PA system, doing his best to work the crowd up to a suitable level of hype. "Welcome, to SATURDAY! NIGHT! FIGHT!"
And what a fight it is; why even bother having the rest of the matches on the card? But they're all happening somewhere else, while here in the center of fighting culture, in the heart of the professional fighting Mecca that is Southtown, the people get to watch two living legends square off for the right to call themselves the champion.
In the background, the announcer keeps building the crowd, explaining - as if they needed to be - the rules of the match, pointing out the high stakes, and otherwise doing his job. And then, finally, as the crowd reaches a fever pitch, he begins to give them exactly what they want.
"And now... Originally hailing from Shinjuku, Tokyo, JAPAN... A former winner of the King of Fighters tournament, and the reigning World Warrior champion, I give you your challenger... KYO KUUUUUUSANAGI!!"
The announcer's good at his job; even the part of the crowd that /doesn't/ like the arrogant Kusanagi heir is on their feet cheering, as Kyo emerges from one of the entryways at the call of his name. The noise and excitement of the crowd washes over him as he brushes his dark brown hair out of his face, a look of pleased amusement on his face. Yeah, he might be lazy and often unmotivated... But even he knows that this is where he belongs, where he feels alive, in front of the crowds cheering his name. As he makes his way down to the fighting stage, Kyo raises his right hand over his head, setting it alight with a spectacular burst of orange-crimson flames, which rage in the space of a few heartbeats before he snuffs them out, clenching his fist overhead in a triumphant gesture. But, even as he steps up onto that stone table, Kyo turns his eyes to the other entryway. Time to settle some accounts.
It's the bout that everyone expected to finish World Warrior - and Howard Arena has it. Of course it's abuzz, and then some. The energy of the place thrums in every hallway, through every ounce of concrete and metal that makes up the massive arena. Ryu? Ryu is the calm center of it all, taking it in, almost reveling in it, without ever being distracted or overwhelmed by it. Where other fighters of his calibre are an overwhelming presence, to go with their power, Ryu flows through the place, and it through him - a balanced, meditative approach to both life and fighting that stands in stark contrast to the paths chosen by most with his skill, on both sides of the black and white fence of good vs. evil. It's a struggle Ryu is also involved in rather centrally, though it seldom seems to be by direct design. Whatever the truth, he jumps at a chance to fight Kyo Kusanagi again.
Kusanagi. Almost the flipside to the reserved young champion, who paces in barefoot, clad as he usually is in his plain, white gi. A thoroughly earned, kanji-emblazoned blackbelt is snug around his hips, and a long, bright red headband trails down his back, fluttering out behind him as he paces up the stairs to come face to face with the Scion of Flame once more. His eyes alight with fervor for the coming fight, the nonetheless collected nomad nods once to Kyo, seemingly oblivious to the thunderous roar of the crowd. He inclines his head only a moment before his feet shift, and his hands, gloved in crimson for Kyo's protection, come up before him.
The Ansatsuken Master is here for one purpose, as is generally the case. Kyo came here for a fight, and it's been a long time in coming. The first World Warrior faces off against the second, all his attention firmly on the arrogant, powerful flame-wielder.
COMBATSYS: Ryu has started a fight here.
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Ryu 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Kyo has joined the fight here.
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Kyo 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Ryu
"Hey hey, check it out," says Kyo, as Ryu finally makes his way up onto the slate and granite fighting stage. For his part, the Kusanagi heir stands casually; for the moment, at least. "It's the latest entry in the Old and Busted vs. New Hotness series. Don't worry, though," he adds, waving a hand vaguely. "I'm sure they'll take good care of you back at whatever museum you escaped from."
Sadly, getting Kyo to NOT run his mouth in a fighting situation is about as likely as getting Ryu to lighten up at a party. He probably just hangs out at the refreshment table and runs away if any girls talk to him, silly Ryu.
The leather of Kyo's fingerless gloves creaks faintly as he flexes his hands, before clenching them loosely into fists, held up and close to his body as his weight shifts constantly from one foot to the other; it's an understated fighting stance, but even Kusanagi-ryuu Kobojutsu had to have like, ONE element to it that wasn't flashy.
He smirks, of course; because he's Kyo Kusanagi.
Even as the announcer says that one word that the audience has been waiting for - a reverberating bellow of "FIGHT!!" - Kyo echoes this sentiment with a bellow of his own: "Let's go!!" the World Warrior cries, even as he starts rushing directly at Ryu, aiming to seize the initiative. After all, this is about more than just the rush of battle, or proving who's better than who.
This is ALSO about a shiny metal belt.
Closing with the Ansatsuken master at top speed, Kyo lashes out with a hooking right-handed punch, divine flame trailing behind the motion of his arm, and erupting at the point of impact, if any. If that first punch lands, then Kyo continues, stepping in and bringing his left fist up in a short, fiery uppercut, then striking again with his right in a straight complete with a third, more explosive, eruption of the Kusanagi flames that he wields with such a contemptuous ease!
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Kyo's Aragami.
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Kyo 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Ryu
There was a time when Kyo's attitude deeply offended and upset Ryu. There was a time when his devil-may-care bullshit would have gotten more, or perhaps less, than a wry sort of half-smile as the Wanderer considers his opponent. He doesn't really know Kusanagi - who knows why the kid is the way he is. The Ansatsuken Master knows enough about Kyo to know that lecturing him isn't going to help. Saishu is the master of that, and besides... they are both here tonight, to fight. Kyo can taunt, Ryu lets his actions speak for him. The mighty, fiery fists come flying in, the explosive force searing not across Ryu's skull, but into a dense, deflecting forearm. The nomad's own inner chi rushes into the defense with a shockwave of air, fires exploding outwards as Kyo's fist strikes immoveable brick. The stinging impact will leave a bruise in that hardened muscle, but for the moment Ryu merely grits his teeth and snaps his other hand forward, seeking to grab Kyo by the front of his jacket, at chest level.
It's a familiar, efficient technique: the crowd knows it and loves it, Kyo may even remember it! Should his grip be found, Ryu drops his weight backwards, leveraging his grip and adding a foot to Kyo's gut in a classic full-on sacrifice throw, ample force applied with the intent of sending the Kusanagi scion hurtling clear, at alarming velocity, towards a harsh reunion with the hard rock arena - or the equally unforgiving stairs beyond, "HAAAAAAAAH!!!!" would be the nomad's only retort to Kyo's trash-talking. But the entertained, intense flicker in his own eyes never fades. Old and busted, indeed.
Kyo's sheer chi talent is indeed impressive, watched and more, sensed with each passing moment... Ryu respects his peer's abilities, and studies them closely... but it's just as natural to the Ansatsuken Master, the ebb and flow of chi within and around him: he's been waiting for this.
COMBATSYS: Kyo blocks Ryu's Tomoe Nage.
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Kyo 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Ryu
"Heh," chuckles Kyo, as his attack is largely deflected. Well, he'd be bored if it was /easy/. Of course, this means he does indeed get caught by the front of his leather jacket - a jacket which likely costs more than Ryu's entire wardrobe of identical, beat up old gis - pulled into the inexorable throw and hurled away, but it's not as if he's not in control of what's happening, at least a little bit.
Rather than hitting violently, Kyo meets the stage with a roll to break his fall, distributing the impact over as much of his body as possible as he bleeds off momentum in a controlled tumble. As he does so, he makes a noise. It sounds like this: "Ootto!"
With his feet now underneath him at the edge of the stage, Kyo looks over at Ryu, and shakes his head as if highly, highly disappointed. Springing out of his crouch into a low profile sprint, Kyo crosses the stage in the blink of an eye. "Here, let me show you how it's done," he offers, reaching to grab Ryu by the front of his gi, then skid to a stop, twisting around... So he can toss Ryu over his shoulder, smashing him into the slate underfoot, then ride that momentum to bring /himself/ down on top of the Ansatsuken master, in a sort of impromptu elbow drop.
COMBATSYS: Kyo successfully hits Ryu with Issetsu Seoi Nage.
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Kyo 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Ryu
Kyo goes flying, but it's not that simple. Of course, in that odd parallel way, Ryu would be just as disappointed if Kyo didn't put up an impressive fight. He lands well, and while Ryu is rolling to his feet just as quickly, Kusanagi's renewed offense is doubly effective. Jerked by his simple wardrobe in reciprocal fashion, Ryu is flipped, and subsequently slammed down, the air leaving his lungs in a profound 'Whoomph!' as he grunts his pain. Kicking out of the impact, the nomad wastes no time in returning his attention to his opponent, "Not bad, Kusanagi." The King of Fighters congratulates, coming up in a crouch, and then suddenly /launching/ himself at Kyo.
His right leg rotors about, whipping with air displacing force and creating a small gale of its own, telling of the force carried by each rotating passage of that leg, which comes about time and again with blurring, nigh-instantaneous repetition in short order, seeking to quite profoundly stagger the Scion of Flame in return, perhaps a token for his own impressive display.
Either way, it's clear that neither fighter is looking to hesitate, tonight - one can almost feel the tension in the air.
"TATSUMAKI SENPUUUUU KYAKU!!!!"
COMBATSYS: Kyo blocks Ryu's Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku.
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Kyo 0/-------/----===|=====--\-------\0 Ryu
Rolling away after crashing on top of Ryu, Kyo gets his footing as quickly as he can and casts a mildly offended look the Ansatsuken master's way. "Not /bad/? You're in the presence of true, once in a lifetime /greatness/, and all you can say is 'not bad'?" Kyo is hurt. Which appears to be Ryu's plan, since he's helicoptering his way through the air at the Kusanagi heir with one stinky foot extended. Kyo is, naturally, having none of that.
Rather than get kicked in the head repeatedly, Kyo elects instead to get his forearms up in the way of the speedily repeated strikes, the leather insulating him from the impact a bit, training and conditioning handling most of the rest. There's enough force to knock the younger fighter back, but it's certainly not the effect that Ryu was probably hoping for.
Snapping his fingers, Kyo once again sets his right hand alight, focusing on the flame as he gathers the power of his ancestors, bringing forth energy from seemingly nowhere. "C'mon, Ryu. Let's see what else you got up your sleeves... Oh. /Right/."
COMBATSYS: Kyo gathers his will.
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Kyo 0/-------/=======|=====--\-------\0 Ryu
It's all Ryu can do not to chuckle, landing out of one of his own trademark attacks smoothly, in the face of Kyo's ready guard, and sharp tongue. Once in a lifetime greatness? The nomad doesn't seem inclined to concede the point, but then... he is a bit of an unusual champion. Others would certainly join Kyo in patting himself on the back for being among the best, of the best. Despite lacking sleeves, the Wanderer does have a trick or two left. Of course, whether he can get a step ahead of Kyo to make good use of them, is another question altogether. For the moment, he draws forth energy that should be familiar to Kusanagi. Focusing his spirit, there's a sudden upsurge within the Ansatsuken Master, his mind focused on primal clarity, an elemental force brought to the fore with searing intensity. Roiling flames rush together as the nomad shoves his hands forward, palms splayed open. The flames lick from his fingertips, all but explode from his palms, firing forth a swirling, densely packed blast of meteoric chi, its raging intensity threatening to add still more fire to Kyo's gathered mass.
It's the only polite thing to do, right? "HADOOOOUKEN!!!"
:D
COMBATSYS: Kyo blocks Ryu's Shakunetsu Hadouken EX.
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Kyo 1/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Ryu
Actually, this is usually the point where Kyo's arrogant banter pisses his opponent off so bad they try to eat his face. Sadly, it seems Ryu just doesn't have any buttons to push, but that's okay; Kyo trash talks as much for his own amusement as any actual tangible benefit, if not more so.
The sudden blast of raging, elemental chi tears through the air towards Kyo, but once again the Kusanagi heir is able to get his arms in the way of the attack, causing it to detonate prematurely; much of the force is batted aside by Kyo and his still-gathering power, though he doesn't escape unscathed. "Trying to use flames against me, huh? Tch... You oughta know better."
Staggered only a little by the remnants of the elemental blast, Kyo moves to close the distance between himself and Ryu, grinning wildly. "I'm really tired of that copycat crap!!" Once he gets close enough to Ryu, he suddenly lunges into a wild haymaker with his left fist, flames raging along the path of his punch; if the first punch hits, with a shout of: "YOU'RE WIDE OPEN!!" Kyo steps in to swing his right fist up in a fiery backfist at the underside of Ryu's jaw, before throwing himself off the ground in a rising shoulder tackle at the Ansatsuken master, which at the point of impact turns into a whirling motion, flames trailing from Kyo's outstretched hands, in a variation on his own 'rising punch' technique. "RAAAAGH!!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu dodges Kyo's Dokugami.
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Kyo 0/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Ryu
Pushing Ryu's buttons? Well, Kyo could start killing kittens. Kitten murder makes Ryu very angry, some would even say exceptionally volatile. As it is, however, the Ansatsuken Master retains every bit of his wits as he faces off against his dangerous opponent, who's already doing an impressive job of demonstrating his reputation tonight. The shiny object up for grabs? Who cares about that. Ryu challenged for the 'title' only for the fight it represented.... the challenges are no different. Perhaps if Kyo kept a more regular, disciplined training regimen, and spent less time smoking doobies with his friends in a van down by the RIVER, the fight would have already come and gone.... but the spotlight makes little difference. Kusanagi's skill is a chance to excell, even if Saishu's keeping his mouth shut about the $5-$10 he may or may not owe Gouken regarding a bet about which of their sons-and-students would grow up strongest. It's just like the old codger not to pay up.
Of course, that could have something to do with the truth still being somewhat up in the air. With no definitive advantage to either youth, there is little choice but to fight... and fight again. The analytical nomad is well aware of the pure strength Kyo pours into his attack. The haymaker whooshes loudly as it whips through the air.. but air is all it hits. In a blurring instant, the Wanderer drops low, and weaves sidelong in a graceful, swift movement that carries him underneath the volatile punch, and in the same motion sets him in motion in on the attacking scion's flank. The momentum of the dodge carries into a swift, high velocity turn, his left foot snapping outwards in a forceful sweep, aligned in such a way that Kyo will need to rethink his footwork, fast...
Or have his ankles swept clean out from under him, depositing him on his face and/or overpriced jacket.
COMBATSYS: Kyo counters Medium Kick from Ryu with Nue Tsumi.
>>> Decisive Hit! <<<
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Kyo 1/------=/=======|=======\=------\1 Ryu
Oh crunk.
Kyo's eyes narrow faintly as his wild haymaker is completely avoided by the Ansatsuken master; he threw all of his weight behind the attack, after all, so it's very likely - at least from the gasps in the crowd - that there's no way Kyo could avoid Ryu's certain reprisal, having left himself wide open in turn. But assuming that just because he's in a bad situation that the Kusanagi heir doesn't have a trick or two left in the bag is a a bad idea. A really, really bad idea.
Dropping low onto one knee, Kyo forestalls the attempt to drop him on his tuchus instead, simultaneously bringing his elbow down in a thunderous strike to the top of Ryu's pointy damn head, the sacred flames of the Kusanagi clan erupting at the impact.
He learned this one from that aforementioned old codger, as it happens. "Too obvious, RYU!!" Kyo shouts at the strike, because again, it's Kyo Kusanagi! He doesn't really shut up.
The plan: Deposit Kyo on his rear via sheer kicking might. The actual result of experiment: Fire exploded in face, lanched backward and smashed by elbow. Now and then, something gets lost between planning and execution. It could have something to do with the battle being between two young champions, in their prime, fighting almost as well as they could ever be expected to fight. It's awe inspiring, and even Ryu has to respect the way Kusanagi puts a stop to his offensive as he crashes backwards, rolling with the impact and kicking upwards, backflipping back to his feet on the other side, a trail of blood running down his face from his nose and lip. He nods once to Kyo, and maddeningly, he agrees, "Clearly."
He'll need something else. He draws a deep breath, brows furrowing slightly as he studies Kusanagi. There's got to be an opening - he's obviously been training, apathy or no... but Ryu isn't going to let a change of pace stop him. The Ansatsuken Master waits, blocking out everything except the Kobojutsu scion.... peaceful and clear does not necessarily mean quiet or weak, however... there is a resonance, most notable for its controlled understatement, perfectly melding with the undying fervor of the packed arena... no, the world's foremost hobo just looks pleased... and prepared to go however many extra miles Kyo would like to try for. He draws a deep breath in, and beckons the Scion of Flame forward, "I hope you're not done yet."
COMBATSYS: Ryu gains composure.
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Kyo 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\1 Ryu
With that dealt with, Kyo is free to get his footing back again, straightening up and only breathing a little heavily, wiping his mouth with the back of one of those black and yellow Kusanagi clan gloves. "Heh... Technically, I think that's what I'm supposed to be saying," he remarks; wouldn't /Ryu/ be the one who should be done by now, after getting hella set on fire like that? Still, if Ryu wants to take a moment to settle his old man bones and catch a breather, who is Kyo to say otherwise? Instead, Kyo settles back into his Kusanagi-ryuu stance, keeping his fists up as he watches Ryu.
Like that, Kyo starts to pace sideways in a slow semicircle around the Ansatsuken master, watching him very carefully indeed, looking for the right opening with which to continue visiting his fiery offense upon yonder hobo. "You look like you're gonna start taking a nap there. I hear people of your advanced age get kinda cranky when they're tired. You want me to go get you some 'appo joos'?" Kyo wonders, affecting babytalk at the end just for that extra asshole garnish.
It's like parsley for being a jerk.
COMBATSYS: Kyo focuses on his next action.
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Kyo 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\1 Ryu
"Not just yet." Mmm, apple juice. The momentary respite does wonders for Ryu, his focus recentered, the momentary shock of the potent hits shrugged off, at least for the time being. Kyo is anything but done, as Ryu is well aware, the scion's own preparations in the momentary lull not lost on the nomad. He remains where he is a few moments longer, considering, and then the time for talk and consideration is over. Much as he would like Kyo to get him some nice cold juice. And perhaps a sandwich.
The Ansatsuken Master weaves in with a feinting left, and suddenly lunges sidelong, and comes in at Kyo from a new trajectory with a quick series of shifting steps. The high velocity charge culminates in further attempts at abusing poor Kusanagi's costly clothing: the dangerous hobo grapples for a hold once more, intent on rebutting Kusanagi's earlier demonstration. It's a dangerous ploy, of that Ryu is well aware... but sometimes the only option is to spring the trap, and hope you come out the other side. Whatever Kyo has in store, the nomad is apparently eager to find out.
Ideally, finding out will also include securing that ironclad grip, and heaving Kusanagi up and around with a potent twist of his shoulders, before slamming Kyo down on the opposite side, "Hyaaaah!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Kyo with Seoi Nage.
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Kyo 1/-----==/=======|=======\=------\1 Ryu
Yes, what DOES Kyo have in mind? Apparently not the right thing, this time. Rather than make an attempt at avoiding the attack or whatever, the Kusanagi heir instead tries to ride out the throw, getting flipped over and smashed into the ground... But apparently he'd underestimated just how /hard/ he was going to end up hitting the stone with his back, as the air rushes out of his lungs in a sudden gasp, spoiling his attemtpt to take advantage of any post-attack lag on Ryu's part.
Rolling to one side, Kyo barely bothers catching his breath before hurling himself at the Legendary Hobo Who Isn't Terry once again, trying to catch him by the front of his gi for a second time. This time, though, there's no fancy tossing about. This time, there is only one word: "BURN!!"
And then a hugenormous explosion of raging Kusanagi flames!
COMBATSYS: Ryu fails to interrupt Koto Moon Positive from Kyo with Joudan Sokutou Geri.
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Kyo 1/---====/=======|=======\===----\1 Ryu
Back and forth, for every step that one gains, the other adds in a new one. The dance keeps getting more and more complex, or at least intense, as both Ryu and Kyo struggle to stay one step ahead of their opponent - and for the most part, don't quite manage it. His slam delivered, Ryu recovers his stance quickly, moving to intercept Kyo's charge. Only this time, the delivery is far more abrupt, the explosion of chi even more intense than what he senses in Kusanagi's initial rush. Ryu twists to face Kyo sidelong, leg preparing... but he never gets far enough, by far. The eruption of flame destroys all semblance of concentration, the searing chi washing over him, momentarily leaving Ryu with the hallucination of being caught in a lavaflow. Blasted backwards, he slides to the harsh arena floor, and then pushes himself back to a crouch, the edges of his worn gi charred by the sheer heat produced by the bloodline energies, "Heh. I was looking forward to this, Kusanagi. You're not letting me down."
It's sincere, perhaps even encouraging. Not that Ryu expects Kyo to either appreciate the thanks, or return the sentiment. He has an image to maintain, after all. God, that one stung - this is what he came out for. Whatever one wants to say about Kyo, that dick can /fight/. It's all Ryu can do to push back to his feet, for the moment, facing his rival once more.
"Wish I could say the same," Kyo replies immediately, on the subject of 'letting him down', because he's not one to return a compliment in the midst of a fight. Or ever, usually. Oh, sure, he has his moments... But nine times out of ten, you're going to get some matter of jerk response.
Watching Ryu push himself back up, though, it doesn't seem like Kyo's going to take it easy on the Ansatsuken master anyway, as his stance widens and his right hand comes up, holding a torch of sacred flame in his palm. "Still, hey... You're the legendary Ryu, right? Nomad fighter, boring as a loaf of white bread, hangs out with that chump Ken Masters... So I figure you deserve to lose your title as spectacularly as possible. Wouldn't wanna disappoint the crowd, would we?" The flames... Migrate, as Kyo himself bursts into flames, his form enveloped in orange-crimson energy, 'tendrils' of it rising off of his shoulders in slow waves. The power collects with frightening speed, and soon there is a truly astounding amount of it, residing for the moment right where Kyo is.
It's time.
Suddenly, Kyo slides forward, sweeping his right hand back and then across his body in a wide arc, letting loose an enormous, hellish swath of Kusanagi flames, bolstered by the fire that peels off of his body and joins the flames originally held in his hand. It's surely a terrifying assault of legendary proportions, enough to make lesser fighters wet themselves in fear...
But who would notice if Ryu did? Ha ha ha! "EAT /THIS/!!" Kyo bellows, as the spectacular explosion fills the air...!
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Kyo's Orochinagi+.
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Kyo 0/-------/-------|======-\-------\0 Ryu
Hmph! What utter nonesense! Urine shows up TERRIBLY on white... wait.
The talented hobo knows what's coming. If he weren't familiar with the legendary Orochinagi(+), well, he just wasn't paying attention. The massive eruption of fire is tangible even before Kyo begins visibly charging his cannon.... Ryu draws a deep breath, and smiles slightly, mostly inwardly. Bring it on. Steeling his own inner chi, the ground around Ryu rumbles with the collision as the Orochinagi plows full force into a heaving slam, courtesy of braced, crossed forearms. He slams full on into the center of the blast, the resulting shockwave showering him in rampant flame, driving him backwards, feet skidding nearly to the very edge of the arena. The skin of his arms is sunburnt red, his face flushed only a shade or three lighter from the raw heat... but the vast majority of the astounding blast was felt even by the audience. As in impressively exploded outwards from the point of impact in a sheer maelstrom of crimson and wisping bluish fire, erupting in a superheated firework that doesn't nearly do its job in dropping the nomad.
"I'm sorry, was that supposed to be...." He rolls it back over in his mind. What was the full insult, exactly? "That thing you were talking about?" The nomad shakes out one arm, and then the other.
"You keep distracting me, talking about food. It's really not fair." The Ansatsuken Wanderer cheerfully observes, offering no indication that he's kidding at all, and not just totally oblivious. Of course, in reality, the calculating and intuitive champion is just shaking off the sting of that tremendous blast - and zeroing in on his opponent.
COMBATSYS: Ryu focuses on his next action.
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Kyo 0/-------/-------|======-\-------\0 Ryu
There are, sadly, ways that could've gone worse for Kyo. Ryu's ability to stand fast before the fiery might of the Orochinagi is nothing to be sneezed at, and it seems like, for a moment at least, even Kyo is at a loss for a snappy remark to be made about the situation, even as Ryu himself manages to make one. At the last comment, though, about food, Kyo ohs. "Really? Aw, I'm sorry, dude. That's pretty thoughtless of me. Here." And then, of all things, Kyo goes and reaches back to pull out his wallet, fetching from the leather fold a couple of bills. What do you suppose Kyo is going to go with those? Well, as it happens, he bunches them up and tosses them right at Ryu.
Of course, Kyo himself is /right behind/ the tossed, crumpled up bills, aiming to sock Ryu right in the mouth with a snapping punch from his left fist. That's a pretty mean trick to play on a hobo, KYO KUSANAGI.
COMBATSYS: Kyo successfully hits Ryu with Quick Punch.
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Kyo 0/-------/------=|=======\-------\1 Ryu
Aw, Kyo is sorry! It's enough to shock and dismay Ryu! The world must be ending. RAGNAROK IS COMING. Oh wait, no. Still a dick.
The wad of bills isn't really so much distracting, as one more attempt at insulting... Kusanagi isn't getting much of a rise out of the nomad, but his swift strike does slip directly past the Ansatsuken Dragon's guard, cleaning his proverbial clock and sending his skull backwards with a potent snap. He recovers his footing quickly, however, and doesn't seem too concerned about the booze money. Instead, he steps right back on Kyo, looking to overwhelm Kusanagi's guard in turn, and hook a sweeping foot behind one ankle...
While simultaneously, forcefully applying his forearm to the scion's throat, intending to guide him quite unceremoniously and at rather high speeds, directly into the ground, "Haaaaah!!!" He has to hand it to Kyo - the mighty firewielder knows how to crack a guy in the face.
That probably comes from spending so much time with Benimaru.
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Kyo with Medium Throw.
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Kyo 0/-------/-----==|=======\=------\1 Ryu
Well, come on, just look at Benimaru. Is there anything about him that DOESN'T make you want to punch him in the face?
There's a bit of smug satisfaction on Kyo's part as his punch hits home, but he doesn't get to enjoy it very long, as he rather suddenly finds himself caught by the throat and tripped over the hooking leg behind his ankle, crashing to the stone underfoot despite his best efforts to recover on the way down.
Coughing a little, Kyo rolls over one shoulder to put some more room between himself and the Ansatsuken master, slowly rising to his feet as he does so. Now, it seems, it's Kyo's turn to need a breather, watching Ryu warily, waiting for the next attack to come his way from the more experienced fighter.
COMBATSYS: Kyo gains composure.
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Kyo 0/-------/------=|=======\=------\1 Ryu
Speaking of those one tends to want to punch in the face...
Kyo's breather is going to be rather abruptly interrupted indeed, as the powerful flame-wielding champion eyes the nomad, he charges forward. His headband trails behind him, shadowing the sudden motion as Ryu closes the distance to Kyo in a heartbeat, the last cap crossed with a blurring, triphammer of a straight. His right glove launches from zero to mouth in the blink of an eye. While he is momentarily without a taunt, Ryu is relatively certain that Kusanagi is still asking for this.
Not that he expects him to just stand there and take it. Down to the wire, Ryu throws his strength behind the stunning strike, and seeks to follow it up with a second: a quick, stinging jab from his left. Nothing fancy, but then, Ryu wasn't trained to fight fancy. Efficient, simple, and dramatically powerful - the straightforward, somewhat harsh tools of a harsh legacy, a perfect killing artform.
Its legacy burns bright in Ryu, though not for its chaos or destruction... rather than striking to maim or kill, Ryu is disciplined, controlled, measuring every step, each strike - yet it doesn't seem to slow him down.
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Kyo with Medium Punch.
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Kyo 0/-------/----===|=======\=------\1 Ryu
It's amazing how quickly things can turn around in a fight; it's that heartbeat difference that makes things so exciting though, isn't it? Especially for the fans. Previously, Ryu could scarcely seem to manage a hit against the Kusanagi heir, but now Kyo's defense doesn't seem to be up to the task anymore. Did he simply expend too many resources at the start of the match? Could this be... The end?!
Whatever the situation is, Kyo tries to get his guard in the way of Ryu's punch, but can't get his arms in the way in time; instead, he gets hit right in the MOUF, and then punched a second time as well, enough to stagger Kyo briefly, but... "Not enough," Kyo mutters, suddenly throwing himself into another hooking, fiery punch aimed at the side of Ryu's head. "NOT ENOUGH!!" the Kusanagi heir bellows, following up the expected first impact by stepping in, and swinging his left fist up in a head-rocking uppercut, complete with yet another explosion of Kusanagi flames at impact!
COMBATSYS: Kyo successfully hits Ryu with Aragami.
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Kyo 0/-------/---====|=======\====---\1 Ryu
The double-crack lands true, but truly, the nomad had hardly expected such a lovetap to keep the Kusanagi scion down. Kyo is a legend for a reason - both warriors are, and the fight tonight is showing that, above all else. The quick combination is answered, and then some, by Kyo, as the new World Warrior rushes right back into the fray. This development was far from unexpected, but it is still enough to stagger Ryu once more. This time he doesn't even attempt to move away, shrugging off the explosive blast to the face, and standing his ground defiantly.... for the uppercut.
His intended plans blown away, Ryu will have to think on his feet. Once he regains them. Landing hard on the unforgiving arena, Ryu groans low and shoves a palm to the cool stone, prying his face off of it and regaining his footing once more, with willful determination. Even as he rises, his arms are braced at his side, palms opposing as a tremendous surge of chi brings a cerulean vortex to swirling life between his hands. The rampant energy is focused, and refined in a remarkably brief time - all its force centered within the blast itself, densely packed around a volatile mass of purest spirit. The energy from the arena itself seems to pour into it, and as the sphere grows, the very air is drawn in with a rushing intensity, "SHIIIIIIINKUUUUUUU....."
Then the burst of focused chi is hurtled forwards, consuming all between Ryu and his opponent, its fierce vacuum crossing the gap with frightful speed, burning with dark, brilliant blue fire as it careens for Kyo, echoed by the trademarked cry, "HADOOOOOOOUKEN!!!!"
COMBATSYS: Kyo just-defends Ryu's Shinkuu Hadouken!
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Kyo 0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0 Ryu
You know who you should really feel sorry for? Whoever the poor sap is who has to main event Saturday Night Fight /next/ week. Seriously, at this point it doesn't even matter who walks out of Howard Arena with the title, this is a match that has more than lived up to its hype.
Staggering back a bit in a gambit to regain his balance after throwing his weight behind those strikes, Kyo soon finds himself facing down that Shinkuu Hadouken, which is probably not a position anyone wants to find themselves in, no matter HOW good they are. Teeth gritting, Kyo suddenly throws himself backwards, both forearms on fire as he puts them up against the might of that insanely overpowered Hadouken, mitigating its speed with his own... Until the whole thing finally wears itself out, and Kyo's standing at the far edge of the fighting stage.
Looking REALLY pleased with himself.
"Heh," Kyo laughs, brushing his hair back out of his face and flashing a cheshire smirk at Ryu. "The hell was THAT supposed to do? Besides suck, I mean." Because, see, it's a vaccuum hadou--ahh, never mind.
Snapping his fingers to ignite more flames, Kyo throws his hand forward, sending a 'seed' of flame sputtering towards the rock underfoot... Whereupon it blossoms into a burst of divine Kusanagi fire, tearing its merry way along towards Ryu. "I think you're just about done, here!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu dodges Kyo's Yami Barai.
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Kyo 0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0 Ryu
There's an old adage about the unexpected, and its power. As potent as Ryu is at the fireball game, let's face it: Kyo Kusanagi knows fireballs. The astonishing defense is something that the nomad can only watch, legitimately awed for the moment by the sheer strength and finesse of the nullification. Kyo's actually gathered power for the effort, his fiery spirit rising up to oppose the mighty Hadouken. As the blast is destroyed, Ryu simple refocuses his attention - yet again, he will have to improvise. Kyo is determined to keep him on the defensive, but Ryu isn't about to make it easy to finish the job.
As Kusanagi demonstrates just that aforementioned expertise, the Ansatsuken Wanderer throws himself sidelong into a singular roll, tumbling up into a crouch well clear of the fiery blast, which erupts off the side of the arena, and maintaining his own distance from Kyo. The arrogant titan's words bring a smile to Ryu's lips, and he pushes back to his feet, "I do believe you're right." The nomad answers, with far more ambiguity than Kyo's smug boast. There is still cool, calculating confidence there, however... this is not a man who surrenders, and all of a sudden, his own energy rushes back to the fore. A wispy aura of translucent, shifting blue fire courses from his body, chi roaring up through the stone, out around him in a barely-visible sheen of gathering power.
He's not done either, not yet.
COMBATSYS: Ryu gathers his will.
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Kyo 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0 Ryu
Leave it to Ryu to ruin a perfectly good line by NOT getting hit and hopefully taken out of the fight but good. Kyo clicks his tongue in mild irritation, watching as the Ansatsuken master starts to gather his power. Oh, Kyo can sense that, feel the subtle change, but the visible aspect is pretty neat, too.
"Okay, time to go big or go home," Kyo says, as though he hadn't been doing exactly that already. For a second time, he holds his right hand palm-up in front of him, tensing as the flame erupts there and he gathers more power of his own, the flames casting odd shadows on his face as he looks past the fire in his hand and directly at Ryu.
There's a tension in the air; and, for just this moment, the crowd is so silent you could hear a pin drop. Or the guy who got the chili cheese fries.
COMBATSYS: Kyo gathers his will.
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Kyo 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\0 Ryu
POWER UP.
The entire arena is filled with tangible, nigh unbelievable levels of chi energy. Both champions bring their a-game to their a-game, trying to push past the 'all' that they've been giving the rest of the fight, and find a whole new level of fight that somehow defeats this newest, impressive challenge before them. For his part, Ryu looks to be enjoying it despite the pain throughout his body. Bruises or no, he battles on, and as Kyo answers his summoning of power in kind, the nomad once again decides to share just a little with the Scion of Flame.
That whole thing about Kyo being the master of fireballs? Fake-out double selfpsychology. It's a powerful motivating tool, and an old but far from busted standard is conjured with alarming speed and intensity. Wildly luminescent blue fire pours off Ryu's hands, forging itself into a coalescent mass of searing, pure chi, the nomad reaching deep to keep his own power focused, to go that extra step... or ten... or twenty that he needs to take. Go big or go home indeed, as if there was ever another option.
All it takes is a sweep of his hands forward, and the surge of energy is on its way to Kusanagi. Everybody sing!
"HADOOOUKEN!!"
COMBATSYS: Kyo just-defends Ryu's Hadouken!
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Kyo 1/------=/=======|======-\-------\0 Ryu
Aha, there we go. Another Hadouken, this one smaller; fun size, if you will.
With all that gathered power behind him, though, to Kyo the burst of chi hardly seems consequential at all... His guard comes up, empowered by all that building energy, the tremendous force of chi and the ancestral power of the Kusanagi bloodline, and Ryu's Hadouken splashes harmlessly against Kyo's forearms, barely even warming him up a little bit.
"Hey, not bad, I /almost/ felt that one," Kyo notes, in a tone which is not at all encouraging! Rushing forward again, Kyo closes the distance between himself and Ryu with what is, no doubt, very hostile intent; when he gets close enough to the Ansatsuken master, he ducks low, calling forth the divine Kusanagi fire once again as he throws himself upwards, arms extended and each trailing flame in a whirling, rising strike, aimed to take Ryu up /with/ him before knocking the older fighter away. "ORYAAA-!!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu dodges Kyo's Oniyaki.
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Kyo 0/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Ryu
Another surge of energy, another chance for Kyo to display his sheer capacity for chi manipulation. As masterful as Ryu is, it is true: he cannot breach Kyo's guard tonight, not with bursts of his own energy. No, if he wants to take Kyo down he'll have to find another way. The dissipating energy is littleb arrier to seeing what's coming, but seeing and avoiding the devestating Kusanagi-ryuu variant of an all-out uppercut are two different things. The rising maelstrom of flame and fists looks set to consume Ryu, the audience gasps, the heat licks over his face... and then the nomad is simply no longer there. In the instant Kyo rises, the Ansatsuken Master all but teleports in a graceful, singular leap to the side. Kyo rises forcefully, but passes through nothing. What was it Kyo said about almost feeling it?
It's a bad situation, but one that the warrior in the white gi throws himself back into wholeheartedly. Rushing a step, then a second, and then leaping forward, he thrusts his left knee forward, aligning a forceful flying strike with Kyo's chest.
It certainly isn't going to put the new World Warrior down - but Ryu likely doesn't intend to stop there, either.
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Kyo with Light Kick.
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Kyo 1/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Ryu
By this point, things almost seem all or nothing; the two mighty fighters either landing their hits solidly, or completely defeating the incoming attack. This time, it's Kyo whose attack passes without incident, leaving him in midair as Ryu throws himself into a flying kick. Gritting his teeth, Kyo aims to take it and keep going, but the whole 'not on the ground yet' thing works against him, the blow striking his chest and driving him back, sending him skidding on his heels against the slate of the fighting stage.
This is really coming down to the wire, here.
But two can play the 'kicks in the air' game; as Ryu lands, Kyo is already taking the necessary steps forward to throw himself into the air, swinging up first one foot, and then the other, in a quick one-two kick aimed to knock the Ansatsuken master up and away. "Ha-! Huaa-!!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Kyo's 75 Shiki Kai.
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Kyo 1/------=/=======|=------\-------\0 Ryu
His knee is driven home, but it doesn't forestall the Kusanagi scion long. The counteroffensive comes almost the same moment that Ryu's bare feet touch stone once more, flexing arms swinging aroung, a vertical guard deflecting the rising kick early, most of its power evaded as another bruising hit is scored against the nomad's abused guard. He steadies his nerves, takes a quick step back from the strike's partner. Kusanagi's strength hasn't waned, despite the fierce battle.... but neither has Ryu's. If he can just... keep... fighting.
Again the nomad pushes on, and as Kyo lands the tide turns once more, Ryu rushing back in on him with sudden ferocity. His right fist cocks back, arm tenses, and the blow is launched in tandem with a forward strike, sending his fist crashing downward, angled for Kusanagi's solar plexus, "HYAAAAAH!!!"
Both fighters have outdone the expectations of the crowd, that much is readily apparent from the ever more enthused response to their persistence. It can't go on forever, but for the moment, it's clear neither man is willing to give an inch.
COMBATSYS: Kyo counters Sakotsu Wari from Ryu with Nue Tsumi.
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Kyo 1/-----==/=======|====---\-------\0 Ryu
Landing spryly after the doubled kick, Kyo grits his teeth; there's no smirks here at the moment, with true focus finally being drawn out of the normally lazy and overconfident Kusanagi heir. There's no attempt to break up the relatively close quarters on Kyo's part, and he's forced to take a risky gambit when Ryu suddenly lunges at him with a dangerous attack that could spell the end of the match for the reigning World Warrior...
But not this time.
Instead, Kyo slips slightly to the side, reaching /into/ Ryu's attack to grab at his striking arm, and then using the Ansatsuken master's own momentum to guide him right into Kyo's other fist, which has momentum of its very own behind it, and a wreath of Kusanagi flames ready to erupt right against Ryu's head as the two forces impact powerfully. "It's over!!"
This time, Kyo skips another step, and steals the initiative once again. The forceful strike might not be the most painful, but the burning impact is enough to steal the air from Ryu's lungs, and send him staggering backwards, injuries piling up now, indeed. His jaw clenches, dark eyes flash back upwards at Kyo, and the nomad refuses to yield. Not... yet.
He can't push onward much farther now, that strike took his legs right out from under him. So he doesn't stand, leaping upwards and seeking to catch Kyo in a sudden whirlwind of legs and wind. The whirling kicks come about for Kusanagi time and again as Ryu leaps upwards, seeking to pummel the Scion of Flame up, up, and kick him clear at the apex of the twisting onslaught. Of course, the pain makes this a bit more haphazard than it might ideally be: but the kicks are no less dangerous, "TATSUMAKI SENPUUUUU KYAKU!!!!" Kyo's premature declarations are starting to make him look delirious! .... but teetering on the edge of consciousness, Ryu takes that final strike at his opponent, looking to drop Kyo solidly, right alongside himself.
COMBATSYS: Ryu can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\ <
Kyo 1/-----==/=======|
COMBATSYS: Kyo just-defends Ryu's Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Kyo 1/-----==/=======|
But is it really a premature declaration?! Ryu manages to get himself up long enough to swing those fast whirling kicks at Kyo again, but it's clear who has the superior position here, as Kyo puts his arms up and half blocks, half simply knocks aside the repeated strikes of the Ansatsuken master's feet, until Ryu has finally played himself out.
And then, with Ryu fallen, the only one left standing in the right in Kyo Kusanagi, who lifts his right hand over his head, once more wreathed in flames. "Looks like this victory belongs to me," Kyo says, snuffing the flames out by clenching his hand, before he turns and starts to walk away from the fallen Ansatsuken master.
Not only the victory, but the big shiny belt too, as on his way out Kyo gets to listen to the announcer excitedly declare him the winner AND the new Saturday Night Fight champion! As if Kyo really needs his ego puffed up any /more/.
COMBATSYS: Kyo has ended the fight here.
Log created on 21:30:04 09/13/2008 by Ryu, and last modified on 14:51:40 09/16/2008.