Description: On the beaches of Waikiki, a historic moment. Two men, one destiny: to be crowned 'Sexiest Man Alive'. Er, wait a second-- but that's what this becomes, as Benimaru Nikaido and Alma Towazu, models with a notorious rivalry, face off once more in a Strolheim Preliminary amidst the cheering and swooning throngs. But Alma has changed, and gotten stronger in more ways than one; and Benimaru, for all his extravagance, is more than just a pretty face. This fight will leave the viewer on the edge of their seat, but the lasting image -- and doubtless the cover of the DVD -- will not be any of the thrilling twists or fearsome strikes. It will be Alma and Benimaru together, standing tall... and shaking hands. (Winner: Alma)
Exhibition matches.. Really, there's no way around them no matter who you are it seems, but at least most tournament organizers try to make locals as painless as possible. As for making matches as painless as possible, that's another matter entirely.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Waikikibeach.jpg
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii is where this particular fight is going to take place, and it's one hell of a sight, especially during the evening as it is now. It may be hot, but the wind and ocean air helps in keeping things from getting too out of control. And the beach, of course, is crowded. Very crowded with people, beach chairs, palm trees and umbrellas, the spectators knowing what's about to happen.
Despite the locale, and the opportunity to stay in a very nice and nearby hotel, Benimaru Nikaido was not a happy man. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the blonde model was not a fan of his opponent, he'd much rather avoid the man altogeather rather than take an opportunity to beat the hell out of him, and it takes one heck of a personality to even bring that kind of annoyance upon him. And yet there the shootfighter is, clad in his very familiar black half-shirt and white jeans with fingerless operalength gloves. But he isn't mopeing, no, he's actually all smiles because of the hundreds of camera flashes going off, and shrieking fangirls pleading for his autograph.. So he's going to be busy for at least a moment more, letting himself get distracted by the chaos.
Alma Towazu is taking his time.
In general, this is common; under the circumstances, it is rare.
For Alma Towazu... is late.
Normally he arrives early, staking out the future battleground, getting a feel for the area in which he will be bringing forth his passion for the fight-- then he leaves, and wanders about, preparing himself mentally and spiritually, seeking a clarity of purpose untainted by petty emotion or ambition, resonating purely with the key components of his integrity. And he has, in fact, done exactly this in this case as well. So he's not late because he hasn't been trying.
He's late because it hasn't been working.
And as he approaches along the sandy beach, for now unnoticed by the crowd, dressed in long board shorts and a snug high-collared shirt but feet bared to press into the cool sand, Alma's expression may be as mild as ever, but there is a certain tension to his eyes, the slightest of furrows in his brow. The fact remains that whenever he thinks of Benimaru Nikaido--
~ I simply can't help it. ~
Petty emotion is really all that exists.
~ And I can't pretend to be above it any longer. ~
The feelings are, in all honesty, foreign to his self-understanding.
~ I can't stand his type. It would be one thing were he my parallel in form and opposite in spirit, like that Drake character; he intrigues me, seems to offer potential. But Benimaru stands for everything that grates on me, everything that strikes me as ignorant and self-destructive. His self-absorption is intolerable. But even... even being a narcissist... it wouldn't bother me if... ~
Looking up, Alma's eyes, for the first time, are soft when they gaze upon Benimaru-- a distant figure growing closer, hair and outfit unmistakable.
~ He weren't so like me. ~
Alma can feel himself changing. Ever since that fight with Ryu and Hotaru, ever since he realized that even upon mastering light it would not be enough to merely supress the darkness, that he himself cast a mighty shadow, he decided that he would embrace that, that this too was a pre-condition for embracing life as he had sworn to do that night of autumn rain. And this-- if you asked him, he would think it trivial; it would never occur to him on his own to resolve his superficial conflict with Benimaru. But if it were indeed merely trivial--
~ I am self-absorbed, too. ~
It wouldn't be so hard to overcome.
~ I wouldn't be thinking like this if I weren't. ~
This, too, is a great opportunity.
Soft-spoken Alma smiles softly, and for a moment thinks he can feel the world turning beneath his feet.
"Benimaru!"
The shrieks only intensify as the crowd parts to let the taller youth pass by, the two blonds now facing each other. Alma's smile is ever so faint, but his eyes are warm, reflecting the twilight above.
~ I can't control how he feels about me. But... ~
"It's an honor to be able to challenge you like this."
~ If he indeed is revealing to me my own flaws, real or potential... ~
"I've been looking forward to the fight."
~ Then I believe I can control how /I/ react to /those/. ~
Many are now crying for his autograph as well, but he is ignoring them so studiously that they begin to quiet down; not to mention, his approach to Benimaru is a little unexpected. That is to say, there's nothing catty about it; his presence is not oppressive; neither does Alma seem to be overtly friendly or cheerful, in his typical manner that sometimes seems almost designed to piss off someone like Benimaru. His enigmatic attitude could easily inspire suspicion. But Alma seems a little older now-- and he certainly seems to have been giving things some thought.
"Please... do your best."
~ I wonder what this will reveal? ~
There's still so much to learn.
Benimaru won't pretend to be complex. If there's one thing he really 'gets' about Alma is that there's a lot going on in that guys head. He would say that he himself is much.. Simpler. Which, in a way, isn't really true, Benimaru isn't quite as one dimensional as he lets on but that's a secret that stays with himself... Well, and anyone else who catches on.
It's been so long, he can't really remember why he disliked Alma so much, but that only means that the younger model just gets dumped in the same category as he dumps most men. But perhaps in just moments time it was all going to come back at him like a slap in the face. He had just been signing another squeaking fans arm before he hears his name from a very familiar voice.. Wow, how could it be so familiar?? The long-haired fighter turns his head to look to the side, and the faint smile is returned with a much friendlier of his own. His thumbs slip into his pockets, and the cries of the fight fanatics fall on deaf ears for that moment, baby blue eyes looking his opponent up and down. He seems familiar somehow, and yet something feels very very different, different in a way that he just can't put his finger on at all. Benimaru is notorious for brushing off male fans, but it seems something compells him to do the opposite for this man. Meeting eye to eye, smile growing more winning, he gives a confirming nod of his head, "Oh believe me, I most certainly will.."
".. And you are?"
COMBATSYS: Benimaru has started a fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Benimaru 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Alma has joined the fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Alma 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Benimaru
"..."
Alma's expression grows still, taking on a cast that would perhaps best be described as 'carefully polite'. His brow has lifted slightly, his lips are faintly pursed, yet there is no tension in his face; it is the look of someone who is trying, out of consideration, not to smile.
"Who am I?"
Alma is silent for a few brief moments, during which time Benimaru may notice that the audience is starting to quiet down as a whole-- despite Alma's unexpected amiability or maybe because of it, an interaction that might have been disappointing is now transfixing their gaze. Alma himself seems relaxed; the air around them is growing tense.
"Why, Nikaido-san..."
And Alma smiles.
A wide, friendly smile, chin tilted down and to the side in an unconsciously (?) fetching gesture, one red-tinged bang draped over a sparkling eye that could either be cheerful or coy. But with that spirited smile rises up his right hand, and from the relaxed cup it forms issues a sudden burst of white, crackling Soul Power, a spiritual flame tinged with cherry-blossom pink and rich indigo. The seemingly undeniable warmth of his placid expression is called into question by that flickering fire, and what was once merely mysterious is made suddenly unnerving for the viewers at the sidelines as a shifting shadow drifts across his openly smiling face. There is nothing threatening about his look; rarely is there. So what is the source of this oppressive feeling, that draws the eye to the shadow and not the flame...?
"I'm your biggest fan."
Alma thrusts out his palm, and a swirling blast of fire darts forth.
COMBATSYS: Benimaru slows Sacred Wave from Alma with Raijin Ken.
Glancing Hit
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Alma 0/-------/------=|=====--\-------\0 Benimaru
Alma doesn't waste any time, but luckily for Benimaru, he's not known for being a sluggish fighter, even when it appears he doesn't have any guard, like at that split second before Alma prepares to strike. He does -look- surprised at least, but his arm almost literally moves on it's own, his left hand crackles with various hues of blue electric sparks and there's a brief flash in his eyes.
Quick as he may be, he's not quite quick enough as the flickering fire comes to contact with the back of Beni's hand. Or more accuratly the sudden explosion of energy that surround it, clashing for a brief moment but eventually leaves him staggering back a step or two. And that's when the model looks genuinely befuddled. "... What? You've got to be kidding me." he starts, with a chuckle of disbelief.
And then just like that he looks visably annoyed, keeping his other hand in his pocket, the other raising his middle and ring fingers to the bottom of his lower lip. "There's simply no way, you're not who I'm supposed to be fighting. Do you really expect me to believe that you're Alma Towazu?"
There was no way in hell. This guy.. This guy was -cool-. Alma's a dork!
Alma wastes no time.
Psychologically, he will have the initiative-- and subconsciously he is strongly aware that if he is match his adversary's speed, he must maintain it. Guile and taunts are far from Alma's specialty, so he may not do so in the conventional senses, yet they do not need to be so long as he maintains his momentum-- and his enigmatic aura, enhanced by a still mild-mannered smile that continues to belie the flames flickering around his hands.
He lunges before he responds.
"I have no expectations..."
Legs scythe outward, and the rippling heat is summoned forth to be burst into flame that now wreathes them. Body moving fluidly, Alma attempts to launch a fierce side kick to Benimaru's midsection-- and if it connects, he will attempt to seize upon the lift it gives them both to slash out with a series of two more kicks, buoyed by the vibrant power of his Soul Power and rising with his increasing passion.
"All the evidence who I am..."
Even if he cannot break through his opponent's defenses, he will still attempt to pummel against them with those kicks-- but if he can, after carrying the shootfighter up with him, his final strike will aim to slam Benimaru back down to the ground from whence he came.
"...is here!!"
COMBATSYS: Benimaru blocks Alma's Rising Fury.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Alma 0/-------/------=|=====--\-------\0 Benimaru
And Alma's words are simply met with a slightly raised brow. In reality, the odds of Alma having a twin are near impossible. The odds of Alma having a twin with this kind of fighting talent are literally impossible. This Beni-quation could mean only one thing. This must be guy, even if he is nearly unrecognizable. Beni's movements are as smooth as the crowd expects, the kick slamming into the older model's forearm, the following kicks forcing him to withdraw his other arm to assist in brushing them off. Sparks flicker about his form with each moment of contact and Benimaru's grin becomes more devilish, his eyes half-lidding. ".. I think I'm catching on, now.. The evidence I'm seeing right now is a wanna-be that can never hope to reach my level of greatness no matter how hard they try.. But I'm a giving man, Towazu, I'll go ahead and put you out of your misery tonight!"
Benimaru is then on the offensive, he leans back while shooting his right knee upward, and then snaps the rest of his leg upward in and attempt to kick his opponent right under his chin. Assuming this connects, his leg is left extended, and then whips down onto their shoulder with a quickly excuted axe kick! "Who do you think you are, trying to be as cool I am!"
COMBATSYS: Alma blocks Benimaru's Medium Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Alma 0/-------/-----==|=====--\-------\0 Benimaru
Alma grins.
Though his conscious mind is often subsumed in the flow and the rhythm of the fight he has immersed himself him, he cannot help but reflect as the kick smashes up against his blocking forearm, only barely managing to bring his guard up in time to deflect Benimaru's lightning-fast strike. To be like Benimaru? Really?
What a terrifying thought.
Yet his own visceral displeasure at such a suggestion he now regards with a new absurdity, taking a certain odd pleasure in his instinct toward a childish response. It is this that makes him grin, not Benimaru's comment-- and that is why the grin, in seemingly total defiance of the situation, is purely good-humored, and anything but mocking.
It's these sort of expressions, intelligible but only to Alma, that truly make his young man's image-- and make someone who would otherwise be just a nice young man particularly interesting.
Well, these, and those flames of his.
"I wouldn't dare."
There it is-- Alma's old deadpan voice.
"No one, Benimaru..."
Yet now-- he grins, too.
"...could be quite like you."
It is certainly a veiled insult, but rather than evince irritation at his opponent, Alma appears to be enjoying himself. And his attitude does not change as he counterattacks, twisting and slashing out into a responding kick that arcs high but cuts low, aiming to catch Benimaru before he finishes recovering from his own attack and sweep his legs out from under him.
COMBATSYS: Benimaru interrupts Light Kick from Alma with Quick Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Alma 0/-------/--=====|======-\-------\0 Benimaru
There are still various thoughts going on through Benimaru's mind at the moment.. He really doesn't make a habit of folowing up on Alma's antics, but he realizes that it's been a very very long time since he last had to deal with this guy. But long enough to create such a different atmosphere? What is he, into Yoga now or something? Though perhaps what's more important here anyway is that he end things as quickly as possible and move on.. That is until that damned deadpan voice rears its ugly head again..
And it registers the moment Alma's kick comes into play. The model isn't nearly as far out of recovery time as his opponent may think, when it cuts down the foot plants firmly into Benimarus shoulder.. However, the impact isn't as hard as it should be, the model's already moving in the same direction as the kick, falling lower and lower to the sand but then spirals in a full three sixty before hitting the floor, slingshotting Alma into the air and onto the sandy floor flat on his back.
Hair fallen over his face, Benimaru just.. Smirks. ".. So there you are, you little bastard." he murmurs, surprisingly calm. And then stands up straight, a very unpleasent glare shot down to him. "Towazu.. I've had -enough- troubles to deal with this year, I don't need -your- crap added to it, you understand? So here's what I recommend you do. Stay down there, flat on your ass and concede so we can be on our way.. Or you can instantly regret getting back up. The choice is yours, 'old friend'."
"Nrrgh!"
Alma finds himself on his back before he knows what's happened, his breath half-knocked out of him. He was right to be wary of Benimaru's quickness. He may have not been wary enough.
"...heh."
But looking up through his one unshaded eye at the smirking man above him, Alma finds himself smiling again. It's just too funny.
He's really never met anyone this unpleasant.
Now, somehow, it is becoming delightful.
Is this really all it took?
"Well..."
But then, it has been quite a while.
"...if you're leaving it up to me..."
And he's come quite a ways.
"...I'll choose the path of regrets."
There is a sudden and brief spiral in the sand, and suddenly, in a burst of dust, Alma has emerged standing tall again, several meters away. His high-collared shirt is now uncomfortably caked with that sand, and with an utter lack of concern or self-consciousness Alma reaches up and pulls it over his head, tossing it to the side. (It lands in the hands of an applauding Benimaru fangirl, who stares at it in utter bafflement before an Alma fangirl -- probably five years younger -- quickly snatches it from her.)
This feels good.
Grinning again now, Alma takes a deep breath, and takes it all in.
"Sorry to add to your burdens."
This feels /really/ good.
COMBATSYS: Alma gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Alma 1/------=/=======|======-\-------\0 Benimaru
Benimaru knew that was going to be the answer Alma would pick, of course. ".. God, always with the dramatics.." he sighs with a shake of his head. Sure, he looks calm and collected, but there was a slight tinge of shock with how quickly Alma moves, nearly getting sand in his eyes, to escape. Benimaru's gaze is deadpan, that is until Alma's shirt comes off and screaming fangirls follow.
The model is then looking very, very sour.
".. Oh you son of a bitch." he hisses, "You son of a -bitch-, so that's the way you want to play, huh?? Ok, fine, FINE here's how it's going to be!" Benimaru whips his hand out to the side, and of course what follows is a streak of electrical chi and the shootfight rips forward, his footing simply astounding to be moving so quickly on sand. "This is it, this is the final battle, Towazu! The winner of this match will be recognized as the undisputed 'Sexiest Man Alive'!!" His hand chops in front of him and another arched streak of electricity follows, though this time the burst of energy is more colorful, thicker, it's an arched wave of electrical energy that is lashed at Alma while he himself is screeching to a halt! "UNDISPUTED!"
COMBATSYS: Alma blocks Benimaru's Raimei Tou.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Alma 1/-----==/=======|=======\-------\0 Benimaru
For the first time--
"Huh?"
Alma is at a loss.
Only because he has centered himself so totally is Alma able to bring up his fists in time to deflect the burst of energy, gritting his teeth in response to the collision of auras but even this failing to disguise the confusion on his face. "Final... sexiest... what??"
Alma's innocently baffled expressions forms a pleasant contrast to the smooth rippling of his exposed abdom-- well, we don't need to go there.
'Kyaaaa!!'
But they will.
"I don't know what you mean--"
He really doesn't, too.
"But if that is your challenge--"
~ If that's what gets you riled up... ~
"I accept!"
He rushes again, unsure what he is getting into, both with this challenge and in the context of the fight, considering the time it took him to recover from Benimaru's strike. But the raw fact of a honorable challenge, one close to his opponent's heart, inspires Alma regardless of its nature.
"Hrrahh!"
To make up for lost time, Alma's leg slashes up in a feint at a kick-- but only sand emerges, bursting up from the ground toward Benimaru's competitively pretty face. It's a fortunate accident-- that may or may not work. Twisting fiercely as he moves, Alma lashes out with a backfist, aiming to slam the blow into the side of his opponent's head before he can recover...
With all of his resolve.
COMBATSYS: Benimaru endures Alma's Quick Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Alma 1/----===/=======|=======\-------\1 Benimaru
That's perfectly fine, Alma doesn't need to get it. If he doesn't get it, as far as Benimaru is concerned, then he is the ultimate fool!! And while that thought makes the model grin inside, on the outside he is drawing himself into the 'game', and instantly taking things seriously.. Seriously, but allowing his emotions to get the better of him. His annoyance calls for power, and he's going to make sure that he beats Alma down to a pulp without batting an eyelash. The problem is, however, that the younger model, while seeming to be the same, is still emitting that aura of difference and the kick of sand is a much larger 'clue' to notice than any of his stupid, subtle wordings.
Getting more and more charged, the sand finds itself just simply getting blasted away, as if it were splattering against a wall.. Which is sort of what happens, the chi emitting from him is so intense, it is sort of acting like a field, and then the backhand shoots out and slams into Benimaru's cheek. Oh does it hit his cheek.
And Benimaru, despite seeming to have done that on purpose, seems pretty pissed. Alma's shifting in and out of the Towazu Nikaido 'knows'. There was a part that he was starting to like..
And it made him hate Alma that much more. "What that's it? You're nowhere -near- my league, Towazu!!" It's the sudden spike of fury that makes Benimaru launch back a little faster than he probably should, he fights back with a wide right hook, followed by a straight left into the belly, and then with that same motion, twirls around with a back kick to the same spot. "You lack the speed! The beauty! The charisma!"
COMBATSYS: Alma interrupts Fierce Punch from Benimaru with Divine Intervention EX.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Alma 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\===----\1 Benimaru
Some things, Alma does get.
The situation begins to become intelligible to him once again as soon as his fist meets Benimaru's face. A model's face is important. Even Alma instinctively protects his face from harm. For Benimaru to simply accept the blow--
Something within the young man ignites.
In his own way, the nature of this challenge becomes apparent. For the first time that he can remember, Benimaru seems truly enraged. For the first time, it truly seems to him...
"Hyahh!"
...that Benimaru is taking something seriously.
Having come to terms with the shadow that is his feelings toward Benimaru, the trivialities of the circumstance suddenly melt away. Never had he thought that he would feel this way in the presence of this man-- he never expected to encounter the requisite sincerity. But the ferocity of the challenge permeates his senses. For Alma, it's not about pride. It's not about proving himself stronger. And now, it's not even about showing how he is right, and how Benimaru is wrong.
Sand flies as the first two blows are parried.
This is the clash of souls.
A light brightens in the depths of Alma's eyes.
"URRRAHHH!"
And with a final cry to the heavens, Alma steps into the third kick, seamlessly moving into the ever-so-brief opening created by Benimaru's increasing irritation and slight imbalance, seizing upon it fiercely. Thrusting his palm forward, even as the kick half-collides against his side, a beam of light explodes from his palm and shears through his opponent's body, seeming to pierce him through, illusory flame striking directly against his very being-- such as it is.
The damage is not physical, but the force will thrust Benimaru away, and in the end, it will be Alma standing tall, hair rippling, fists lightly clenched at his sides, chest heaving with quiet breaths, eyes stern and shining.
"Prove it."
Even and calm is the challenge.
"RNNNGH!!" That certainly brings back unpleasent memories, the first clash of those flames were easily shrugged off.. This time around the impact is much more forceful and try as he might to stay on his feet, he ends up flat on his back.
But only for a moment, because the moment his back hits the sand, Beni's knees snap upward and he rolls backward, handspringing backward to stand once more. It seems Alma's gotten stronger. How this was possible is beyond him, but in a way it made him... Pleased.
Which, in turn, makes him angry.
"... Hmph." Prove it, he says. The models response to that is to simply cross his arms and pull his half-shirt up over his head, and then flings it over his shoulder. Whatever he says after that is compltely flooded out by the uproar of the crowd, and in just a few seconds an unofficial Strolheim Exhibition free-for-all is going on behind him. HOT.
Sparks dancing about his form once more, Benimaru sprints closer to his opponent, leaning forward so deeply that one would think just one minor slip-up would have the model eating sand. Instead, his gloved palm hits the sand and his entire body sweeps toward Alma, legs extended as far as possible and hair whipping backward, "Shinkuu!!!" he yells, intending to slam that weight into the other's kneecap, practically a blurr as he twirls six more times should the blow connect, "Katategoma!!!"
COMBATSYS: Alma dodges Benimaru's Shinkuu Katategoma.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Alma 1/=======/=======|=======\===----\1 Benimaru
All the pieces come together.
The nature of Alma's "psychic powers" are occasionally subject to some debate by those unfamiliar with their workings. It is in moments like these that one suspects that he has read Benimaru's mind, when it is so obvious even to an untrained eye that Alma's lesser speed could never have overcome his opponent's blurring rapidity except that he clearly leapt /just before/ the attack began, at the precise moment when it was too late for Benimaru to cancel his own assault. But Alma cannot read minds. He has trained, trained with his body and with his intuition, to perceive subtle signals. He has help, the vibrant shadows only he can see revealing secrets his eyes do not. But even this sixth sense is just a piece of the puzzle. He has practiced. He has engaged Benimaru before, and seen him fight.
He knows this move.
Only that saves him.
Soaring above, Alma rises as Benimaru drops, theoretically taking them both out of range of attack-- if Benimaru did not crouch as a part of his technique, Alma might well have kicked him in the head. So it appears as though the contact is broken, and the momentum must be renewed-- for a moment. Until Alma twists in midair, flipping upside-down so that his feet splay upward and his gaze is pointed down at his lowered opponent, and he thrusts out his hand, white light surging around it.
A typical projectile would be one thing, darting down to strike his adversary in this moment of weakness, but this is even more elaborate. A prismatic light surges down, but while it might seem to be the strike and distract the gaze, it will pass through or besides Benimaru harmlessly on its path towards the ground. It will fade then, momentarily.
But as Alma flips away, continuing with his evasion, and perhaps too drawing the eye away; away from the real attack, which is the sudden and thunderous eruption of a scintillating geyser beneath Benimaru, potentially exploding him up and out of his attack even before Alma's bare feet touch the ground.
Whatever the outcome, Alma's stance will be sure and calm as he lands, and he will gaze upon his now equally bare-chested foe with equanimity.
~ BenimaruÉ despite it allÉ have I misunderstood you? ~
Vain and without noble purpose the man may be. Yet--
~ Have you not been a hero yourself? ~
From whence this sudden sincerity of purpose, even in this superficial guise?
COMBATSYS: Benimaru just-defends Alma's Full Confession!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Alma 0/-------/-======|=======\===----\1 Benimaru
Potentially, indeed. Realisticly?
Not if you're Benimaru Nikaido. He may certainly seem like a rampaging bull, but with his experience even he can control just how berserk he really is. He has a complete understanding of how each of his techniques work. And it's becuase of this Alma is fooled into believing that Beni is stuck to be whirlwinding longer than he has to.
A wall of sand shoots upward when his toes dig into them. He's standing once more, his eyes locked on his opponent, head tilted just so slightly to the side, and his arms raise to cross in front of his face. Does he even realize that Alma 'missed' on purpose? The energy erupts quite impressivly, and yet even more sand blows up from below, up to his waist, and he simply doesn't move, save for his hair that whips upward until the wind settles.
And then just like that the older model is darting forward to catch up with his opponent lashing his right hand out in an attempt to clutch right around the younger fighters neck, "I've got a little tip for you," he murmurs, voice slightly shaky. With a grunt, the bolts that he so loves to show off races and dance about his body in a spiral, and then with a burst of power intends to pump the chi into Alma, effectivly 'electrocuting' him while he finished his sentance, "If you're seriously dreaming to defeat me.. Then you'd better fight as if you wanted to kill me! Can you do that, Towazu? Hmmmmn? Because I sure can to you!"
COMBATSYS: Alma endures Benimaru's Benimaru Collider.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Alma 1/----===/=======|=======\=====--\1 Benimaru
A serious dream.
Is this a dream?
Alma is hefted off the ground, but even he flinches against the surging electricity, even as it shudders through his form, his gaze does not waver from Benimaru's eyes, and those words echo in his head. The ultimate challenge. The truest form of his so-called clash of souls-- where indeed the soul is revealed, for everything is one the line.
He would never force it. Life is too important; respect is too important. Human dignity must be preserved. He simulates that test, through psychic assaults, through assaults upon one's being, the life of the self rather than the body, and tests his own self just as strenously.
Has he actually be called to this...
"...Nik...aido..."
By /HIM/?
Is this flippant man... serious?
This is not a dream.
It is just as real as the flame that burns within his heart.
Alma words, forced out through a choked throat, remain clear, as a hand wreathed in flame reach up to clasp a hand wreathed in lightning.
With a grunt, he thrusts himself away, retaining control over his body despite the power raging through him, his own inner strength battling it and winning. And as he does, eyes clear and bright, he reaches forth with his right hand, the flame open it focusing and tightening until it becomes the tiniest pinpoint on his fingertips yet so brilliant it seems more threatening the smaller it gets.
There is nothing but resolve in his heart.
"Yes!"
It is satisfied; it is challenging; it is triumphant.
It is respectful.
Alma reaches out to counter-attack with a simple press of fingertips upon Benimaru's forehead-- a movement that, for all its simplicity, seems charged, the world around them filled with tension, surging with anticipation. Here it is; here is everything.
They have earned it, both of them.
In this moment, they have transcended petty emotion.
Who would have thought?
COMBATSYS: Benimaru fails to interrupt Absolution from Alma with Electrigger.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Alma 0/-------/-------|====---\-------\0 Benimaru
Benimaru's raises an eyebrow. See, there are some answers that Benimaru doesn't expect. He expected, you know, something flowery. Or some sort of monks advice to be sputtered from that fool mouth of his. Instead Alma answers in such a way that it just throws Benimaru off completely.
".. What."
That had to be a joke or something. Alma was simply pulling his chain, there was simply no way, the model simply standing there with his hand still raised as his opponent touches his forehead. But you know what the saying goes... Better safe than sorry. Unfortunatly for Benimaru, by the time he made that decision, the slender, sexy bolts of electrical chi snap, crackle and pop a moment too late. His baby-blue eyes flash briefly, his hand whips downard in an attempt to slam it down upon Alma's head, and there's a brief, very very brief flicker of the buildings lights nearby.
But it's simply too late, Alma's created an opening and beaten him to the draw, and quite frankly, the model has absolutly no idea what happened after that. Lightning indeed did rip from above, striking the ground at either fighters side, but then his arms go slack, his upper body slouches forward, and he collapses ungracefully to his knees and then face down into the sand at his opponents side. Intense pain surged in his body, and it felt to him that he was down for at least five minutes, rather than the five seconds it took to slam his palms onto the ground and push himself up to his knees, taking a deep gasp of breath as if he had just awaken from a nightmare.
What the -hell- happened? he's left to wonder, hand rubbing down his face to brush the sand from it, and quickly look upward, remembering he's in a fight. For his damn life!
Every moment counts.
Alma can feel the raw power of his spiritual impact, can sense with every mote of his being that he was a hairsbreadth close from colliding into an awe-inspiring attack himself. It will not be long until Benimaru recovers even from this; this fight is not over. But this second is just as crucial as the last-- and it is only now that Alma can seize the initiative.
Once this is finished, he will think.
"Urrahhh!"
For now, he can only act.
Alma, too, must recover from the sheer power he has released, his own psyche shuddering from how much has been offered up. But even as Benimaru falls to the ground, the other model is leaping into the air, twisting into a fierce hooking kick as he shouts again with all of his remaining strength. And if his timing is right, his flame-wreathed foot will collide with Benimaru's head as he rises, slamming him once more into the sand.
Is this the decisive moment?
COMBATSYS: Alma successfully hits Benimaru with Shooting Star.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///// ]
Alma 0/-------/-----==|======-\-------\0 Benimaru
Hey, Alma won't be the only one doing the acting here! And one thing Benimaru can most certainly do, is move. Unfortunatly for him, however, his body is completly shaken up, his timing and rythem is off, he simply just can't back into the groove fast enough. Long story short, try as he may, the blonde is just a sitting duck for his attack, the energy surrounded foot meets its mark and the models eyes cross when he almost comically droops forward, and then slingshots himself back onto his back and rolls to the side. This was bad.. This was really, really bad, if Benimaru didn't end things right now.. Well, no use worrying about that, he can, and -would- end it with the last of his strength! "Nnggh, damn him.." he grumbles to himself, scrambling to get to his feet once more, and snaps his fingers in front of him. All right, this was it, no if's ands or buts here.
His eyes close and a slender bolt strikes down from above, his hands raise in the air and when his eyes open once more, it's almost like they are glowing!
Instantly the crowd begins to roar in approval, spotting that small, arrogant smirk on his features. Camera's start flashing from every angle!
Another bolt crashes, and then an electrical image of Benimaru launches foward, his fist extended to drive his fist into Almas gut. But should this attack connect, this energy actually intends to blast right through him, and then a second follows with an extended knee. A third with a solid uppercut, and then finally the flashy model himself blazes foward with a high kick to launch his foe straight up into the air and then his fingers to brush through his blonde locks. ".. Too bad.. You almost had m-.. nngh.." Benimaru suddenly stumbles forward a few steps, the staggering eventually leading to a collapse to the ground once more, as he clutches his forehead.
COMBATSYS: Benimaru can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Alma 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Alma blocks Benimaru's Gen'ei Hurricane.
[ \\\\\\\ <
Alma 0/-------/--=====|
Alma connects.
Skidding and sliding across the sand, the taller youth's dexterity is in full evidence as with a wild, almost primal grace he manages both his own tremendous flame-spurred momentum and the shifting terrain to come to a poise stop. A star is shining inside his heart, and when he hears the roar of approval, it matches perfectly the howl of triumph echoing within his own breast. Triumph not at overcoming his adversary, but simply at having been able to grasp this opportunity to reveal all of his strength, to be recognized by a strong fighter-- by a worthy individual.
~ Benimaru... ~
It is thus that this feeling of victory is accompanied even more strongly by a yet more unexpected sensation: that of profound respect. For his old foe has, despite all their irreconcible differences, shown to Alma that he is, in his own way, a man of intensely strong spirit. This feeling could not have been more potent even if Benimaru had been decisively victorious himself.
~ We may never be friends... but I'm glad I understand you better. ~
Alma despises the self-important-- but he prizes the sincere.
There is, indeed, still so much to learn--
He turns, smiling, sweeping his gaze out to the roaring crowd and Benimaru.
--such as that even psychics can be fooled.
He can only blink in surprise as his opponent rushes forth.
The audience... isn't cheering for him.
"Hrrnngh!"
How is it possible? They will watch this moment over again, analyzing it, wondering at how the slower model managed this against his lightning-fast rival. It is purely determination that fuels him, that gives him the edge he needs. A moment of pure and unsullied clarity falls upon him, pushing him beyond his limits, straining at the borders of his mind.
His right hand shoves that punch just to the side, so that it strikes off-center; the energy explodes but the impact is deadened, spinning Alma to the left but not incapacitating him as it should. His hand is thus in place to parry the knee; the uppercut glances off the side of a twisting head. Alma staggers, left hand rising to protect his struck temple-- the kick glances off his left arm, and he stumbles again. Benimaru is standing tall, sweeping his hand through his hair; Alma looks on the verge of collapse.
But then he straightens.
And Benimaru falls.
"..."
Silence descends upon the viewers.
"...Benimaru..."
He steps forward, bare chest heaving, droplets of sweat adorning his smooth brow-- and smiles ever so gently, eyes still bright, giving not the slightest indication of that peculiar, perhaps unique sense of victory that had secretly washed over him before.
"...Good fight."
He extends his hand, offering help.
The audience holds their breath.
COMBATSYS: Alma has ended the fight here.
Benimaru has to shake out the cobwebs there, but he simply just can't get back up so easily. Oh he can fling about the chi of his almost endlessly, it seems, but getting back into the fight, that takes a whole lot more effort considering the state he's in. But he knew, of course. He knew quite well, from the first slam of energy that he had unleashed.
So how exactly is he going to deal with this? Throwing a tantrum most certainly is not something Nikaido does. And he is a bit of a sore loser. His head turns to notice Alma's hand, but of course it isn't accepted and he gets up on his own, his own shoulders heaving, breath rushed, and most definatly looking at least twenty times more sexy than his opponent.
It really was a good fight. This was so much more different, for him, than it had been in the past, but he never thought in his wildest dreams he'd end up not being the Undisputed 'Sexiest Man Alive'. Wow. That is really really annoying. And then with a smirk, he snatches his opponents hand and gives it a firm shake. The very moment he clap echos in the sky, the crowd roars even louder than before. His expression is actually almost unusualy delighted, but his words might betray his gesture. ".. I won't accept this, Alma. Don't you dare think this is over." Hmn, so much for that being the 'final battle'.
That moment, in the crowds eyes, however, is front-page worthy. It'd damn well better show up on a front page! It's a shake that doesn't last for long; Benimaru withdraws his hand, slips his thumbs into his pockets and turns around to walk off, likely back to his room.
Log created on 01:04:12 09/29/2008 by Alma, and last modified on 11:38:07 09/30/2008.