Description: Gradschool squares off against Ethereal in the first round of the Strolheim tournament. Isamu and Zach have an intense duel before battling each other to a draw and then Ryu steps up and quickly takes down Aranha before having a fierce and bloody war of attrition with Raizo Imawano. (Winner: Ethereal)
It is the Strolheim Castle, the stronghold of the titans. With the massive structure of the castle standing proud and strong, it is the estate for the figthers to prove themselves in this grand tournament. The motifs of the medieval era gives the scenic atmosphere. It is only natural that the grand tournament has a large amount of people waiting for a chance to fight against one another in the tournament.
With the afternoon slowly coming to an end, the sun gives off a crimson hue along the sky, awaiting the moon to take its place. The entrance of the castle is quite enough, leading to the great hall.
Slowly stepping into the limelight of the arena, the young shopkeeper is looking around, trying to survey his surroundings. It has been a while since Isamu decided to enter some official match. Yet, with this tournament up, he is waiting for his chance at Krauser. ...For now, he'll endure this test and possibly learn to understand other fighters.
Stretching his arms up, Isamu takes his glance around, trying to take in his surroundings to see what may be used against him, if anything. It's best to be safe than sorry.
Representing Team Gradschool, Zach Glen makes his way into the arena. His eyes are already picking out things like supports, and pillars. Such things make for excellent cover, after all.
They are also things you don't want to blow up, a darker part of himself mutters.
Zach glances at Isamu, taking in the other man. He frowns slightly. Nothing about Isamu's stance or bearing to tip off any indication of a fighting style. Oh well, he's had to hit the ground running before. Why would this be any different, he thinks as he bounces lightly on the balls of his feet. He throws a glance over his shoulder, where Raizo and Aranha are waiting in the wings. It falls to the psyker to start this off with a bang.
As Zach steps into the arena, Isamu's eyes follow the man, taking observations that the man is doing the same thing as well. Well, it is good that the opponent is taking into account of the area as well. A smile crosses the face to note that.
After a moment, Isamu gives Zach a nod, smiling at the man. "Let's do our best. I am sure your side is counting on you as mine are counting on me." His eyebrows furrow. He is curious... What makes these guys fighters? ...What makes fighters 'Fighters'? ...What drives them?
Isamu takes a step forward with the right foot, the left soon joining. His right fist smacks to the left palm, then Isamu points it out towards Zach before giving a bow. Then, Isamu takes his foot outward, shooting for the ball of the foot while the left leg twists a bit and bends. Both hands shoot out as he shifts his stance.
COMBATSYS: Isamu has started a fight here.
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Isamu 0/-------/-------|
Zach simply gives Isamu a short nod; he's not a martial artist per se so he doesn't really hold with what most would consider 'traditional.' Zach slides himself into something resembling jujitsu, with some variances to it. The stance is not as guarded, at first glance for instance. He looks far more ready to relocate quickly should the need arise.
Zach takes a deep breath, and mentally opens some doors that he keeps closed most of the time. Violet energy starts to seep off of him as he grins. "Our best, then," Zach says.
COMBATSYS: Zach has joined the fight here.
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Zach 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Isamu
And from behind Zach is Aranha with relaxed strides behind him wearing a black tank top, white slacks and denim jacket. He wanted to make sure that he saw everything. The environment, the opponents, and even his team mates. Any and all information will be taken in either for use now or for later.
The capoeirista settles in by a wall and leans against it as he pulls out a pair of Oakley Thumps and slides them on loosely allowing them to slide partially down his nose as he watches the first fighters take their stances and get the fight underway.
As Zach takes the jujitsu stance, Isamu notes it, assuming the throws will be used. Isamu will have to be careful, after all. No matter. As Isamu steps forward, left leg crossing over the right leg, then the right leg takes a step forward.
After the first step, Isamu's movements become faster as he immediately shoots towards Zach's direction. That right leg launches forward, bringing Isamu to immediately shoot out his right hand out in a knife-hand strike.
Yet, Isamu brings his hand low and the body twists towards the right, the left foot snapping off to sweep across the ground, aiming for Zach's ankles.
COMBATSYS: Zach blocks Isamu's Quick Throw.
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Zach 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Isamu
Zach lifts his back leg, allowing the kick to swing through to smack into his leading leg. All of his weight is on that limb, and it holds in the face of Isamu's opening gambit. Zach grunts a bit as he sets his leg down, allowing him to plant both feet firmly.
Glen's response to the strike is deceptively simple, really. Zach snaps a quick kick to Isamu's head while the other man is down there. However, the danger lies in what happens /after/ the kick, as a short burst of psychic energy follows in the wake of the kick and continues the arc well past Zach's foot!
Ryu's arrival to the fight is the last, for his team. Perhaps by choice, perhaps by cosmic flux. That does seem to be how the nomadic warrior makes his way through the world, after all. He climbs the stairs to the massive tower, already sensing the stirrings of battle above him. Dark eyes close, and a breeze that wasn't there before rises warmly up the stair case, setting the Ansatsuken Wanderer's sable mane aflutter. He is dressed much as he always is: a plain, simple white gi, cut comfortably. This one is tattered only at the shoulders, the sleeves missing entirely, leaving the so-named Dragon's thickly corded arms bare. His hands are covered by the protective sparring gloves, there for his opponent's safety, believe it or not! ... but his feet are bare, with no acknowledgement of the climate, or the high-altitude winds. He steps out onto the stonework arena, eyes immediately tracking to Isamu as he meets Zach rather violently indeed.
The young champion smiles, and steps aside, leaning himself against the outer wall much as Aranha does, and watching. For now he waits. He has taught his charges little aside from discipline, will, and endurance in these weeks. They are not ready for the rest of what he knows, as he was once not ready to know what he does now. The master becomes the student becomes the master, and all that other cycle of the universe jazz - he watches, takes in every motion, every subtle ripple of power washes over him, through him, digested with alert instinct.
COMBATSYS: Zach successfully hits Isamu with Light Kick.
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Zach 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Isamu
After the low strike makes its mark on Zach's leg, Isamu immediately brings his foot back and then he attempts to bring his leg back and spin over to maneuver himself away from the incoming foot. With the foot moving towards his head, the young man attempts to lower his head to let the leg slide past him.
Unfortunately, it does not work so well as Isamu is immediately landing face first towards the ground, then there is that resonating explosion of chi that washes against the young shopkeeper. Ergghnnn! The impact causes the ground to crack and the blast sends Isamu spiraling back.
...There is a realization that the man has that psycho energy. Isamu grits his teeth, learning to be a bit more careful. He immediately steps forward, launching towards Zach with his fist coming forth. As the fist strikes forth, there is a whirlwind of energy manifesting along his grasp, aiming to pierce against Zach's abdomen as well.
"Fuujinken!" He kiais.
COMBATSYS: Isamu successfully hits Zach with Fuujinken.
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Zach 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Isamu
Zach tries to hop back, but underestimates the reach of Isamu's technique, catching the full brunt of it right in the breadbasket. The winds surrounding the taller man's fist shred Zach's shirts, revealing a lean torso. Perhaps the most interesting part of it is the scar directly in the center of Zach's chest.
It's a little larger than a small fist.
Zach frowns, and retakes that jujitsu stance again. He raises both arms, purple energy rippling into existance, forming three razor-thin sheets as Zach lunges forward. Glen sweeps his arms down.
"KASANE ATE!" Zach calls out as the sheets slash for Isamu!
COMBATSYS: Isamu dodges Zach's Ka-Psi-Ne Ate EX.
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Zach 0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0 Isamu
Once the fist strikes true and Zach faces the full brunt of Isamu's chi, the young shopkeeper immediately brings both hands outward, taking his fighting stance once more. At that instant, the wind dissipates from his body.
As Zach takes the jujitsu stance, he watches the purple energy ripple into life, then he starts forward, taking the initiative to charge towards the path of the thin sheets. Isamu launches himself into the air, then he extends both of his hands forward to channel forth a burst of wind to give him a bigger boost. As his body flips over the razor-thin sheets of energy, he leaves the ground to its demise of being torn apart.
Meanwhile, Isamu presses the advantage of bringing both feet out at Zach's chest.
COMBATSYS: Zach interrupts Heavy Kick from Isamu with Third Stance.
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Zach 0/-------/-======|======-\-------\0 Isamu
Zach does not back away in the face of the kick, actually. Instead, he steps forward, pulling himself upright from the lunging position. He brings up both hands, crossing them at the wrist as they reach the apex of the movement.
"RAH!" Zach yells out, as if the kiai will add anything to the two slashes of psychic energy that seem to lance out of the ground to slam into Isamu to knock the shopkeeper away from him. The kick strikes home, smacking the smaller man in the chest. Zach staggers back, keeping an eye on Isamu. This is proving to be an interesting fight.
Aranha cringes at the impact of both fist and winds. He can tell how much it hurt his team mate but he manages to rein it in long enough to continue to watch the two fight it out. But then he gets a bit more information about Isamu and any cheering he was about to do. Both in Isamu's drop kick and Zach's own response to it
Instead the capoeirista creases his brow in thought as he watches Isamu carefully. His thumb rubs his chin thoughtfully before he gives voice to his thought. "Interesting."
Although both feet strike true against Zach, Isamu is an unfortunate recipient in pain as the psycho power manifests from the man. When Isamu enters the trajectory of the field, the purple energy envelops along Isamu, introducing his senses into a world of hurt. His eyes widen and a gasp escapes his lips before he is shot to a distance from Zach.
Slowly soaring, Isamu is slowly regaining his senses....
Then, when he lands towards the ground, a clanking noise echos.
Isamu had brought a stick out that was once small, but it quickly extended to a staff.. Twirling the staff around, Isamu quickly sprints towards Zach's direction. Isamu steps towards Aranha, the young man starts forth with a lunge of the staff. At that point, the rapid session of strikes are assailing against Zach's form, striking at various points from the chest to the shoulders and the ribs.
The motions of the thrusts are akin to the sound of a machine gun firing off.
While in session, the wind's force manifests along, adding a searing slice along his thrusts.
COMBATSYS: Zach dodges Isamu's Shitsu.
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Zach 0/-------/-======|=======\-------\0 Isamu
Zach's eyes go wide as Isamu pulls out the staff. The psyker really was /not/ expecting that one! Zach bobs and weaves through the strikes, the concentration apparent on his face as the wind ruffles his shoulder-length hair.
The last missed strike knocks Zach's cap loose as Glen leaps clear of the staff. Zach eyes the weapon warily. This changes things considerably. "All right then," Zach says as he turns sideways and pulls both hands to one hip. It looks like he's... holding something in those hands. What it is becomes apparent quickly.
A small sphere of that psycho-power that Zach has been flinging around all match manifests in the cupped hands. It starts to brighten as Zach summons up more energy to call upon...
COMBATSYS: Zach gathers his will.
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Zach 1/----===/=======|=======\-------\0 Isamu
After the rapid sessions of the staff strikes proving to fail him as Zach is quicker than expected, Isamu brings the staff back, twisting it about before he brings it back to his frame. He takes a deep breath, placing the staff towards the ground.
This guy has a lot of power. Isamu needs to be very careful around the guy, or he will explode. That is why Isamu is going to play the defensive. When the staff slams to the ground, his stance shifts as he has the left side face Zach and the man calms his mind, keeping a good look at Zach when he gathers the energy.
Okay... you can do this... You can do this, Isamu.
COMBATSYS: Isamu calculates his next move.
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Zach 1/----===/=======|=======\-------\0 Isamu
A slow nod follows Isamu's calculations, as Ryu observes. The youth has patience, and insight into the changing conditions of battle - one cannot teach that, one can only declare its importance time and again. But his opponent... Zach has power, prodigious amounts of it, bubbling up within him. Strength is not everything, but it is a hurdle that Isamu's own strengths must find a way around. The nomad seems pleased with his charge's performance to this point, however, breathing not a word of correction but simply maintaining his focused vigil, silently supporting the spiritual Kimiyama's own intensity. This is just getting started, and he must remain ready as well.
Zach focuses his energy for a moment, his stance strongly reminiscent of just about any hadouken technique ever. He keeps tracking Isamu, who... hasn't moved. Zach frowns a bit. At least there's noone else along the path of what is to follow.
The growl starts low in Zach's throat before emerging in a loud roar. Glen thrusts both palms forward, fingers curled into claw-like shapes as the ball of energy follows the movement of the hands.
The difference between a hadouken, and what Zach is doing becomes immediately apparent. The globe expands slightly, before erupting into a sort of horizontal column almost as wide as Zach is tall. The energy is a very bright purple, and it seems to answer Zach's roar with one of its own as it washes towards Isamu!
COMBATSYS: Isamu blocks Zach's Burst Stream.
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Zach 0/-------/-----==|=======\=------\1 Isamu
There is the calm versus the storm. Zach was the one who brings forth the storm. That is why Isamu remains still and remains one with his energy. And it proves true to his own will as Zach unleashes the powerful globe shooting towards his path.
As the energy tears off towards Isamu, the young man manifests his chi once more, the wind swirling along him. The young mystic brings both palms forward, shooting the staff forward. As the stalward staff meets with the energy, his own energy manifests to form a wall against the rampaging purple ball of destruction. His eyes narrow as the wind before him becomes fiercer, blowing against him.
For the most part, Isamu can feel the torrent of energy tearing against his body, yet he does not lose faith. As the wind becomes fierce, it is absorbed to Isamu as he steps forward, walking through the storm of energy. Isamu looks a bit worn and bruised from the energy, but the motions remain fluid.
A funnel of wind surrounds Isamu, spiraling along him as he twirls the staff around. When the staff rapidly twirls about, Isamu steps closer towards Zach, aiming to bring him into the eye of the storm as the staff releases the gust of wind that seeks to ensnare him into its rippling blades.
COMBATSYS: Isamu successfully hits Zach with Sakufuu.
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Zach 1/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Isamu
Zach pulls his hands in as he watches the results of his gambit with a slight frown. "Didn't think so," he muses almost conversationally. "That move almost /never/ does the job."
Isamu answers with a big move of his own, and Zach tries to brace up under it. However, the winds are just too much, and tear into the smaller man with a fury. Zach roars, not in empowerment, but in pain as the scar on his chest erupts in a spray of blood. The psychic slumps to one knee, gasping for air as he looks at Isamu.
Purple energy boils forth from Zach's body, seeming to sweep back up and around him as if trying to support him while he tries to regain his bearings.
COMBATSYS: Zach gains composure.
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Zach 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Isamu
"...It was a valiant attempt... I didn't think my defenses would hold." Isamu admits out. At least, he mentions it to Zach after the fact that the man is called into the torrent of the explosion. But the sight of the blood splattering causes a wince and a frown. How unfortunate.
Isamu notices the purple energy boiling around him. It is about time that Isamu presses on aggressively. In fact, it is what the young man does. Lunging towards Zack's direction, Isamu quickly brings his staff outward, aiming to strike against the cranium of Zach.
But, that is second to the next strike coming forth. As Isamu spins around with the staff, he comes forward with the butt of the staff striking the chest.
COMBATSYS: Isamu successfully hits Zach with Medium Strike.
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Zach 0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0 Isamu
Zach rocks with the strikes as Isamu lays into him with the staff strikes. Zach growls. That staff is causing no /end/ of trouble for him. Time to do something about that. Zach pitches forward, attempting to lay a shoulder into Isamu's sterum with a large amoung of upward thrust.
The aim of this is to knock Isamu skyward. Zach then spins, and brings a fist around aimed at Isamu's torso. The fist glows, becoming covered with what appears to be a mail gauntlet of psycho power. If Zach's strike hits Isamu, then that is good. But what Zach is /really/ aiming for is the man's stick, and with the power he put behind it, the weapon should shatter pretty quickly!
COMBATSYS: Zach successfully hits Isamu with Second Stance.
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Zach 0/-------/----===|=====--\-------\0 Isamu
As Zach lunges forward to lay the shoulder against the man's sterum, Isamu blinks while be positions the staff close to him to block the imcoming strike. While the spinning fist moves towards his torso, Isamu's eyes widen and he manipulates the chi to aid him in his defenses against the strike. Yet, for some reason, it is unable to hold true. Instead, Isamu's staff quickly flies up towards the air, spinning around before landing against the ground at a far distance from him.
...Yet, it remains unshattered.
Thank goodness Isamu enforced the energy, at least. Isamu, on the other hand, is less than fortunate. As he is launched into the air, he lands right onto his back, making an explosion upon impact.
Slowly getting up, Isamu looks a bit worse for wear. A frown is given, realizing that Zach is doing some major damage to him. He grits his teeth, then he sprints towards Zach, narrowing his eyes before stepping forward. With the wind giving him momentum, he shoots forward to thrust his fist towards Zach's chest, aiming to bring an inverted fist strike to Zach's solar plex.
COMBATSYS: Isamu successfully hits Zach with Rekkuuzan.
[ \\\\\ < > //////// ]
Zach 0/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Isamu
Zach is sent stumbling back as the fist crashes into his chest. He coughs violently as the wind is knocked out of him. He wobbles dangerously for a moment, as if he is about to fall over...
However, Zach manages to keep his feet. He stares at Isamu for a moment, gathering another sphere of psychic energy in one hand. However, instead of blasting it at Isamu, Zach simply aims to club Isamu's noggin with the sphere!
COMBATSYS: Isamu dodges Zach's Impulse Flare EX.
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Zach 0/-------/------=|======-\-------\0 Isamu
Isamu's body is forced to a full throttle of the impact, lost in the momentum of raw power that sends Zach wobbling for a collapse. Unfortunately, Zach is able to keep to his feet and he is gathering that psycho power yet again. His eyes widens a moment, then he sees that the man is about to strike him towards the head.
This is a bad position, due to the fact that Isamu is too far into the momentum of the blow. So what does Isamu do?
Roll with it.
While in the momentum of the strike, Isamu tilts his body over to turn and roll to the side, tucking himself low to evade the strike coming towards his path. This leaves Isamu to roll for a bit until he brings both hands downward and handsprings himself back up.
Isamu's body is forced to a full throttle of the impact, lost in the momentum of raw power that sends Zach wobbling for a collapse. Unfortunately, Zach is able to keep to his feet and he is gathering that psycho power yet again. His eyes widens a moment, then he sees that the man is about to strike him towards the head.
This is a bad position, due to the fact that Isamu is too far into the momentum of the blow. So what does Isamu do?
Roll with it.
While in the momentum of the strike, Isamu tilts his body over to turn and roll to the side, tucking himself low to evade the strike coming towards his path. This leaves Isamu to roll for a bit until he brings both hands downward and handsprings himself back up.
After a moment, Isamu grits his teeth and notices that Zach is still up on his feet. Frowning a bit, Isamu rolls over towards the staff that was knocked out of his hand earlier, then he quickly tosses it towards the man's head like a javelin.
COMBATSYS: Zach overcomes Large Thrown Object from Isamu with Warning Shot.
[ \\\\\ < > //////// ]
Zach 0/-------/------=|======-\-------\0 Isamu
Zach spins as Isamu dives past him just in time to see the make-shift javelin. Glen whips a hand up, and summons yet another bolt of that purple energy. The sphere springs free this time, smashing the staff aside as it continues on its course towards Isamu.
"That was close," Zach wheezes as he keeps an eye on the taller man...
COMBATSYS: Isamu dodges Zach's Warning Shot.
[ \\\\\ < > //////// ]
Zach 0/-------/------=|======-\-------\0 Isamu
"Restraint. Precision." Ryu murmurs, as much to himself as anything, but the advice carries weight of lessons and lectures behind it, philosophies he sees in Isamu beyond the past weeks, "Choose every moment, or it will choose you." Down to the wire, these two battle, wind and fire - a tumultuous inferno that will consume them both, if they are not careful. A storm of warrior spirits and drive, all too beautiful to watch. Even the nomad cannot sense the advantage now - both view for it nearly constantly.
The eyes widen when he witnesses that Zach has managed to knock away the javelin from his path. Gritting his teeth, Isamu takes a deep breath before running towards the path of the staff, immediately bringing both of his hands forward as he launches outward, leaping over to vault himself away from the sphere, resulting with a strike to the monument-type pillar.
As Isamu escapes the sphere of energy, the young man immediately skids over to grab his staff, then he sprints back towards Zach's direction. The eyes narrow, then Isamu steps forward to meet with Zach, finally coming forth with the staff twirling about before the butt end of the staff rapidly strikes out against Zach with the whimsical dance of the blunt object.
The bane of Zach in this fight.
COMBATSYS: Isamu successfully hits Zach with Zetsu.
[ \ < > /////// ]
Zach 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Isamu
Zach yells out in pain as he takes the blows from the staff. He's going to feel those in the morning. Zach staggers forward, and attempts to grab Isamu by his collar. "Ain't... finished yet," he growls as the psychic then attempts to choke-slam the taller man.
The point-blank burst of psycho-power that erupts from the shorter man is more insult than injury. Or maybe it's more injury. Who knows?
COMBATSYS: Zach can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\ <
Isamu 1/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Zach successfully hits Isamu with Strong Throw.
[ <
Isamu 1/--=====/=======|
Zach then collapses into a heap, his breathing ragged as the injuries finally catch up to him.
As Isamu gives off the final blow with the staff, Isamu readies the staff, and then he switches his stance, ready to avoid the grab. Unfortunately, Isamu is caught by the hand and then he is lifted up. Egghnnn! Struggling to break free, Isamu is treated to the ground and then the burst of psycho-power as the results. Isamu is unconscious.
COMBATSYS: Isamu takes no action.
COMBATSYS: Isamu can no longer fight.
COMBATSYS: Ryu has started a fight here on the right meter side.
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Aranha has joined the fight here on the left meter side.
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Aranha 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Ryu
And in the end.... both are consumed by it. Ryu's dark eyes close, and he breathes a silent, meditative prayer, before his bare foot pad forward, carrying him towards the center of the tower. The coolness of the stone is reaffirming, the unresilient harshness something entirely different to the nomad. The cool footing grounds him, the energy coursing up through the stone itself, down into the earth, the power of the winds whipping about, tousling his wild hair, restrained by the long, bright red headband he wears. A remind of the important things, a reminder of the well from which he draws his own strength. The Hadou burns within him, his spirit fueled by the passionate show of his comrade, and their talented opponent. The Master of the opposing team, the Imawano Ninja Principal, may be the most notable and deadly member, but Ryu recognizes the up-and-coming capoerista as well. The graceful youth who borrows the namesake of a spider, the reclusive guardian of the insect world.
A hunter with both patience and unpredictable spirit. The Ansatsuken Wanderer finds his smile returning, his dark eyes burning with his own fervor, with the roiling energy that fills him with the intensity of a waterfall, and the natural ease of a quiet, summer spring, "You have fought bravely." He murmurs to Zach, to Isamu, nodding towards the fallen fighters, as his crimson-gloved hands rise to tighten the knot in his headband, all of his attention recentering on Aranha as the youth steps forward.
"Now, it is our turn."
COMBATSYS: Ryu focuses on his next action.
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Aranha 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Ryu
As the capoeirista watches both Zach and his opponent fall down to the ground Aranha begins to prepare himself both mentally for the fight ahead of him. He pushes himself off of the wall and slides his shades up on his face as he steps towards the open fighting area.
Until now, Aranha had been studying the area for things he can use as well as the previous fighters. But now it's time for him to study in the field of battle. His hand reaches up to the button on his shades to start his music and then with a dramatic spin, he flings his denim jacket aside letting it hit the wall before it makes it's way to the ground.
Even after the jacket is released the capoeirista continues to move, swaying in the dance of his martial art as he makes his way closer to the nomad. "It is our turn dance indeed." He picks up on the World Warrior/King of Fighter's penetrating gaze and his mission becomes clear. Gather information and make sure his sensei will be well equipped for the battle ahead. And to do so he puts out a feeler to see what he can find out about the Wanderer.
COMBATSYS: Ryu parries Aranha's Light Kick!
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Aranha 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Ryu
Where /is/ Raizo, anyway? He hasn't even shown up yet!
In truth, Raizo would have preferred a setting where he could drop down out of the trees. In battle, surprise and confusion are a ninja's enemies far more than simple weight of strength, and while Raizo is a strong man, he still likes to keep his opponents guessing. Unfortunately this plan was defeated by Strolheim being on a mountaintop and the battle being very far from the gardens.
Which is why Raizo appears now, a rope for his failed attempts to find a tree to dangle from looped around his shoulder, stepping out from one of the alcoves and onto the battle arena itself.
He stands back, watching the second round battle begin. Although he looks ridiculous, in a suit and tie, with his massive fingernails sharpened to claws and his face like a beast's, he carries himself with great weight and poise. His eyes flick to Zach, unconscious, and he grunts. "I'm late," he observes, flatly.
This young fighter has spirit as well - it's instantly tangible to the Ansatsuken Master. He weaves, feints through the flow of battle with practiced ease, the insight into rhythm and motion many warriors never attain. It is a river that Ryu, too, can sense, his weight shifting lightly on his feet, knees subtly bending. He answers each step of Aranha's with a quiet shift of his own, anticipating, or perhaps simply acclimating, to the energy he feels all around him. It brings him back to the lessons of his own, to the teachings imparted upon Sakura. Do not rely on the eyes, do not rely on the ears, rely on no one forum - but rather, all of them, and more.
'Only when you accept the greater whole, when you become part of every battle, tied to every soul, can you truly see.'
The young champion has made it his life's work to uphold his Sensei's legacy, and as Aranha's foot snaps in, his gloved hand snaps downward. A padded palm slaps solidly over the Capoerista's ankle, and Ryu steps a single, graceful sidestep away, weaving with the force of the blow in flawless synchronicity. The wind roars, and his own aura spikes, as if reinforced by the buffetting breezes of their elevated arena. Indeed, a veritable cyclone rushes in, as Ryu launches himself right back at Aranha in blatant defiance of gravity.
It would be poor form to start his part in this tournament with anything less. One of his legendary techniques, one of the infamous, deadly elemental arts of Gouken's Ansatsuken - thankfully no longer geared to decapitate. Every blow is measured, resounding, powerful yet perfectly disciplined with every blurring, sharp rotation as he seeks to crash his foot into Aranha again, and again, and again, the nomad's kiai echoing out over the bordering mountains.
"TATSUMAKI SENPUUUUU KYAKU!!!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Aranha with Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku EX.
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Aranha 0/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Ryu
Aranha for lack of a better word, is simply a hapless victim in the face of Ryu's experience and skill. His feeler of a kick is used against him and his foot is evenly sidestepped even as it's pushed aside. The capoeirista doesn't even get a chance to place his feet before the nomad is already upon him, defying gravity with his own kicks.
The capoeirista's sunglasses fly from his face as they shatter on the wall and then after the last of the kicks, Aranha follows suit though with less shattering than his shades.
Using the wall as a support, he picks himself off of the ground and then smiles as he makes a run up the wall before kicking off of it to launch himself right at the Wanderer feet first. Capoeira isn't the only thing he's known for.
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Aranha's Sky's the Limit.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Aranha 0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0 Ryu
Ryu lands out of the mighty Hurricane Kick on bent legs, coming down smoothly but with clear evidence of the sheer /force/ behind the whirling assault. His dark eyes track Aranha as the warrior flips himself off the edge of the tower, using the stonework as a vault to launch right back in at Ryu. The improvised, unusual dropkick is met with crossed, braced forearms, the nomad's resilient guard absorbing the sting as he steps back, the bruising strike vibrating through his dense musculature. Pushing off the guard, Ryu twists about - what goes up, must come down, and he's waiting for Aranha's landing. Not that he'll have to wait long.
The Ansatsuken Master seeks to grab the Capoerista on his way down, by the front of his clothing, even as he whips a heel in low, looking to catch his footing while it's still uncertain - and abruptly shove him backwards over the sweep, ideally flipping Aranha harshly to his back on the stones, "HAAAAAH!!!"
It's just another step in the dance, after all. I dip, you dip, we dip!
COMBATSYS: Aranha dodges Ryu's Medium Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Aranha 0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0 Ryu
Aranha was quite aware of Ryu attempting to reach out and grab for his tank top and just as aware of Ryu setting his foot up to catch his own feet and so Aranha adapts on the fly. He can't avoid the shirt grab but he can make sure his feet aren't there when Ryu's foot gets there. After that Aranha frees himself from the shove by performing a split under the World Warrior's attack while slipping out of his tank-top. Revealing scars of varying levels of grotesque-ness
He pushes himself into a handstand from the split and swings himself around so that he's facing Ryu. After that he launches a series of snap kicks from the handstand raining the blows upon Ryu's head.
COMBATSYS: Ryu interrupts Inverted Flurry from Aranha with Shoryuken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Aranha 1/--=====/=======|======-\-------\0 Ryu
Scars that someone Aranha's age shouldn't have, perhaps. Reminders of brutality far and beyond the fistfights all fighters endure - nay, seek out. There is a level of sympathy as Ryu catches that sight, reminders of his own traumas, and whispers of those visited upon the Capoerista. But his opponent is strong - strong indeed to fight on past it all. Ryu is here for one reason, and one reason alone, however: he is here to fight. To fight at his very best, to test himself, push just as far and as fast as he can. This is no spar, no training session, no exploration of another fighter's skills. There is a reason Ryu's invitation was not given a second thought, either by the nomad or, likely, by the propreitor of Strolheim himself. This is a place that resonates with the Ansatsuken Wanderer - not just for the mountains, the power of the land still burning bright in this secluded area, but for the philosophies and power of the inhabitants. A glimpse of times long past, honor long forgotten by most.
Not unlike the wilderness palace where he himself was raised, and trained. Wordlessly, the nomad steps up, launching himself in at Aranha's assault. He drops low, the Capoerista inverts, and in perfect, percussion-led synergy, they collide. The first kick snaps across his face, cleaving painfully off his skull, but it doesn't stop him.
It's not 'just an uppercut', as some like to think: Ryu explodes out of his crouch like an artillery shell, led by a rising right fist. In an instant, the offensive momentum the dancing Arachnid offers is reversed - and then redoubled. The impact of that singular fist reverberates outwards, a shockwave accompanying an all-but explosive strike, "SHOOOOORYUKEN!!!"
This one lacks the penetrating, scarring power some may remember from its past, but little of the sheer force and disciplined precision. In a flash, Ryu is approaching the clouds, launching upwards, upwards, and sending Aranha away, hurtling for the far stonework barricade, a singular turn punctuating the technique, executed at the apex.
The impact of the Ansatsuken fighter's fist shakes the very foundation of the capoeirista, folding the young fighter over the fist like an origami tent before sending Aranha on a crazy flight up into the air as he spins in ways even he didn't know he could.
The landing is painful not just because of the height that he traveled on top of the Wanderer's fist but also because of the skidding upon hitting the ground.
Aranha slowly rises to his feet returning to that dance of his although it's shaky and almost... lethargic. His wobbily footwork brings him closer and closer to Ryu and then all of a sudden he finds it within himself to draw upon speed that he hadn't shown before in the fight closing the distance and then becoming a whirling dervish of kicks as he spins and spins throwing blue glowing kick after blue glowing kick as he attempts to overwhelm the other fighter's defenses, just enough to put a dent on the fighter. There's a pause in the kicking as Aranha tilts himself into a handstand and then finishes with a tornado of handstand kicks which are also likewise glowing.
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Aranha's Royal Flush EX.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Aranha 0/-------/-----==|======-\-------\0 Ryu
The Shoryuken is a difficult hit to shake off, indeed. The best of fighters are shaken by it, but Aranha shakes it off. He has time to rise, Ryu is unmoving once he lands... while others might seek to capitalize on the renewed offensive, or even the dancing Arachnid's attempt to right himself, Ryu instead studies him - watching the rhythm, slowed though it may be, and feeling the crescendo this reserved verse brings, nonetheless. It burns from within him - surges without, Ryu feels the energy as much as sees it, as much as he feels it as he slams a vertical forearm into the first kick. Teeth gritted, he steps backwards, the swinging strikes colliding with aligned guard once, twice, again. He darts, never quite finding a step to carry him ahead, out of the onslaught, but matching each of Aranha's strikes with deflections of his own, stepping ever further paces away from the full velocity and force of the harm presented to him.
The explosive energy is considered with an almost scholarly undertone, intrigued, as if he was getting a full sense of the musical spider's self for the first time. Each style has its own fingerprints, each warrior's soul, its own resonance. The inverted kick slams against Ryu's crossed arms, his bare feet skid backwards, his arms ache, bruises rise on his forearms, now....
So, the nomad smiles. It is not a disarming or condescending thing, he smiles out of enjoyment, the thrill of the fight, the spirit with which the dancing Arachnid throws himself into the fray. Fighting at his fullest, Ryu is certainly dangerous, but Aranha embraces it, rises to the occasion, to the very best of his ability, "It is right that you are here." The nomad observes, with nothing but calm acknowledgement, traces of respect.
Aranha may not be able to move the mountain, but the journey is always what matters. Ryu's journey brings him forward, snapping around to face Aranha sidelong in the same motion that his left leg snaps upwards, outwards, a swift, efficient, triphammer of a snap-kick aligned with the Capoerista's ribs, "Hyaaaah!"
COMBATSYS: Aranha blocks Ryu's Medium Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Aranha 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0 Ryu
Aranha brings up his arm as he rocks away from the Ansatsuken fighter's kick. The impact sounds loudly against his bicep as he spins with the impact. It seems to be a testament to the Wanderer's skill. The impact of just defending against that simple snap kick is as painful as taking the impact from a similar strike being taken full-on from one of his peers.
In spite of it all Aranha smiles not only at the compliment being paid to him but the fact that in some way he's still contributing to his team by taking on such a stronger opponent. "I'm glad you think so. There are many others who think otherwise."
Spinning with the kick Aranha whirls around as his hand glows blue. Whipping his hand out he sends a blue chi spider web at the wanderer as he moves just outside of punching range.
COMBATSYS: Ryu overcomes Web Shot from Aranha with Hadouken.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Aranha 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Aranha fails to interrupt Hadouken from Ryu with Bad Beat.
[ \\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Aranha 1/-----==/=======|=======\-------\1 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Aranha can no longer fight.
> ///////////////////////// ]
|=======\-------\1 Ryu
"Many know nothing but to judge and condemn." Ryu answers simply, calmly. It doesn't seem to leave a bitter taste in his mouth... human nature is what it is, and the nomad is the last to fault people for their dark sides. For their weakness. He knows all too well that it lies within him, just as surely, in measure he cannot begin to fully comprehend. As pure as his purpose may be, it is that Demon that drives it, that certainty that if he were not this, he would be the other. Sometimes, the path less travelled, the rocky trail is the only option, even when there is unlimited choice. The blue, webshaped blast is met by Ryu's own, as he reaches down, down, down into that well of primal energy that entwines them all, that surges through the wind, that rushes through ever fiber of his being. His hands sweep forward, and blue fire burns off his palms, rushes forth from his fingertips, swirls together into a densely packed sphere of brilliant blue-white chi.
The burst erupts forth, coursing about itself and trailing wild flames as its nigh-instantaneous conjuration reaves the web apart, rushes through the opening created by the dissipating chi, its own form more wild now, flaring, threatening to come apart.... but not before it reaches the dancing Arachnid, the hurtling blast crossing the remaining distance in the blink of an eye, as if actually encouraged on its path, if not its stability and strength, by the improvised meeting with Aranha's own power.
"HADOOOUKEN!!!" The Surge Fist. A burst of purest spirit, untainted, uncompromising.
Upon seeing his web burst apart and seeing the wanderer tap into the wellspring to both bolster himself and power his signature attack right for him. While the Aranha takes on what would appear on the surface would be selfless action but done with no altruistic intent. Aranha wants to go further in the match.
Tactically he sees that if he wants to give Raizo an easier time, he'd need to hit solidly with something. And he throws himself right into the wild burst of chi choosing to sacrifice the pawn in an attempt to improve Raizo's position. Unfortunately, it was a situation where no option was good and he just chose the lesser of two evils in an attempt get something out of deal.
Aranha instead finds himself flying away instead his back slamming against the wall as he slides down wall leaving a trail of blood from the impacts of the match before he settles down in a seated position.
A couple wet coughs leave his lips and then he laughs. "Looks like I didn't get much out of sacrificing the pawn."
"Perhaps not," Raizo rumbles, as he steps forward, tossing his rope aside. "Not bad, either of you. Remember, there are those who are simply stronger in this world...there is no shame in losing to powerful men."
He grins at Ryu. It's not a nice sort of look - his whole face is constructed in away that even when he tries to be friendly, he looks like he's going to eat you. "But it's always important to remember...to give all you have at all times. Isn't that so, young man?" the bear rumbles.
COMBATSYS: Raizo has joined the fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Raizo 0/-------/-------|=======\-------\1 Ryu
Ryu answers Raizo's assessment with a nod, "Even the best lose." He answers calmly, a truth that he once had difficulty accepting, a lesson which nearly cost him everything he held dear, "What matters is how you fight, and why." He turns towards Raizo, unintimidated by the massive ninja's grisly visage, sensing the spirit behind the words, and the warmth in the smile. He does indeed agree, as surprising as it is to find kindred ideals in the gigantic manbearslothbadgerKILLERWHALE.
The relatively short nomad is dwarfed by his towering adversary, but there's nodenying the strength packed into the gi-clad warrior's densely muscled frame, or the unflinching fervor with which he meets Raizo's gaze. The Justice High principal may not be as infamous as some - but people like him do their best work from the shadows, and fame is hardly a measure of enlightenment or strength. The nomad raises his hands, left fist forward, right coiled back, hovering near his line of sight, "Tell me, Raizo Imawano...." there is sincere curiousity in this voice. He has never met this man, and it seems one of those crossings that is nearly fated, "What do you see beyond your fist?!?!"
Charging, Ryu thrusts his own forward, turning his weight behind a sudden, sharp straight, aligned squarely with the massive man's solar plexus, "Haaaah!!"
COMBATSYS: Raizo blocks Ryu's Medium Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////////// ]
Raizo 0/-------/-------|=======\=------\1 Ryu
Oh, that Ryu is a powerful guy is without question, even though his frame is so much smaller than Raizo's. But Raizo's body has its own secrets - the man /is/ a ninja, and a ninja master no less, and a ninja master of a school that specializes in some of the most horrible things on Earth on top of it all. Shadaloo uses its Psycho Power and NESTS relies on its clones; the Imawano subjugate through malicious abuse of pure ninja lore.
Raizo's combat stance is a tense thing, with his hands open to bare his claws. It's always hard to read men like him. There's something he's hiding, the question is going to be what...someone like Raizo wouldn't rely on strength alone, would he?
Raizo rumbles in response as Ryu addresses him, and then his face curls into a grin. Ryu's coming at him; his hands move quickly, a forearm sweeping up and knocking the punch to the side. "I haven't been asked a thing like that in a long time," Raizo rumbles. It's like talking to a train. "What do I see..."
His eyes sparkle, and he bares a clawed hand. "I see...a world, undermined!" he swings, then, lunging forward to sink his huge claws into Ryu's flesh.
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Raizo's Claw Stab.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Raizo 0/-------/-----==|=======\=------\1 Ryu
Note to self: Those claws? They are sharp.
Ryu takes in Raizo's answer even as the abrupt lunge brings his guard up, a mid-level deflection nonetheless seeing the blades sink harshly into his flesh. Not as deeply as Raizo might hope, however, as the nomad's resilient, if punished guard shoves right back, his centered chi giving him all the strength he needs to shove off the assault, and snap his hands forward. The man is massive, there is no denying it - but a little leverage can go a long way. Should the nomad find his grapple, he abruptly drops his weight backwards, throwing one leg up aligned with Raizo's midsection. His goal is clear: the classic sacrifice throw is meant to launch Raizo right over him, and towards the other side of the tower, where his landing courtesy of Air Ansatsuken may be rather rough indeed. No one can prevent a little turbulence, right?
"HAAAAH!!!" The kiai is only prelude, and when he gets the chance, well. The Ansatsuken Master remains curiouser and curiouser, "Undermined? By those who do not heed its ebb and flow, the needs of other living beings?" He inquires, voicing his best guess from what he's assessed of the Justice Principal thus far. Truly, this tournament has already been an introduction to some remarkable people, with remarkable ideas. Of course, the King of Fighters wouldn't exactly call the cosmos 'broken'. That would just undermine all of his much-appreciated Zen. The intuitive young champion is certain he's far from seen all of Raizo's tricks, but he is no certain of one thing:
That big bastard is a lot faster than he looks.
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Raizo with Tomoe Nage.
> Determined Hit! <
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Raizo 0/-------/=======|=======\====---\1 Ryu
Ryu gets his grip, and that's all he needs to upend Raizo, earning him a rare "Whoa!" from the the titan. The big man goes flying to the far end of the tower, landing roughly and rolling to a very bad stop. Apparently he is not so great at the whole being thrown thing.
He grunts, deeply, and drags himself first to hands and knees, and then up to his feet, rumbling, "Oh yes," as he does so, a determined grin still broad on his features. "This world is full of those who believe that their will is the only will, and that the rest of humanity lies beneath them." He holds up his hand, and it sparkles with growing chi power, a single, glowing spark of energy, drawing power into that fist. He sets himself, his entire body growing tight, like a spring ready to leap for the sky.
And then he's moving, sprinting across the distance between him and Ryu in great loping strides. He roars, "I REJECT SUCH EVIL!" as he plants one foot, and lets the whole rest of his inertia exit his body through his fist, which is hopefully by this point situated in Ryu's chest.
COMBATSYS: Raizo successfully hits Ryu with Roppu Zuki.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Raizo 1/-------/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Ryu
It's a sentiment that's difficult to argue. Even if the hurling of the giant manbear is successful, Raizo wastes no time in getting up, or confirming his opinions are in-line with what Ryu had assessed. It's the wrong time to be thoughtful, some would say, but it's not the pensive philosophizing that snares the nomad, but rather the sheer speed and force of the titanic principal's assault. The shifting weight is timed perfectly, and as Ryu weaves aside, the massive, meaty fist collides solidly with his chest, off to one side just enough to spin him abruptly about, backwards, and deposit him in an unceremonious roll to the unforgiving ground. His arm smashes down as he tumbles, and he plants one palm solidly, chiseled jaw clenching as his gaze snaps back upwards to Imawano. The enjoyment is tempered by focus, will of his own - the ante just got upped, to say the least. The kind of fight he came here for, indeed.
The nomad shoves to his feet, graceful despite the brutal hit, his hands flowing through a brief kata to come up before him, palms open, focus entirely on the mighty Imawano. The energy within him is nearly palpable, the current building with intense, certain grace as bluish fire all but bleeds from him - not releasing energy, but merely representing the evergrowing charge, as if the mountains themselves reached out towards him, flower through him. The Ansatsuken Wanderer draws a slow, steady breath, "Such is within us all." He answers, simply, his rich voice maintaining his stable, confident calm, "For each that choose their path, others will rise against them, another will stride untouched between them, and more will never open their eyes to see it. But as surely as you will not abide such evil, the Earth will reject it, and there will always be those who will stand strong against it. Who will choose to walk a path not dominated by selfish desires, or illusions of self-importance." He is not special; no more than Raizo, no more than Aranha, or Isamu, or Zach, or Kentou. No greater than Rugal.
"One needs only listen, and avoid being deafened by those who always play the same, singular refrain."
COMBATSYS: Ryu gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Raizo 1/-------/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Ryu
Raizo's intensity fades to a dull roar as Ryuis hurled back, and Raizo waits, arms clenched, ready for the war to resume. But Ryu stands back, and Raizo...waits, quietly, for the gi-clad warrior to be ready. He can sense it, distantly - he can see what Ryu is doing in general, if not in specific. Raizo's branch of Imawano does not rely extensively on chi manipulation, but Raizo is a perceptive sort of man.
"Oh, yes," Raizo rumbles, with a thin smile on his broad face. "But to stand aside, on the belief that others will rise...that is a path of fools. All that is needed for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing, is the saying?"
The giant consolidates his position, his red eyes locked on Ryu with a deep intensity. The nomad will not be able to so much as twitch without those eyes seeing it. He is old, yes, but to mistake that for weakness would be madness itself.
COMBATSYS: Raizo focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Raizo 1/-------/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Ryu
"Any who do not act, pay the price in one way or another." Ryu answers calmly, "But some act too hastily, or with misconceptions of what the meaning of each of our echoes are." He postulates, the energy within him building further, higher, as if he could not bask in that light enough, "You are correct, however. We must never hesitate, but be ever heedful of the consequences of each action." His hands drop to his side, turning each until his splayed palms are diametrically opposed. It's a quiet start, compared to what comes next.
Coursing down his arms comes a current of what appears to be purest electricity. His muscles tense, untouched by the rampant flux, the bolting arcs of lightning surging from his fingertips, a white-hot sphere of bluish electricity coursing together with ever-increasing fury, "DEEEEEEENJIIIIIIN....." the nomad's deep voice cries, the fervent call carrying, as the skyhigh arena is filled with tingling current. In simple instants a coursing charge of raw elemental force is conjured forth, focused from the power channeled through Ryu. Chi manipulation, or perhaps simple energetic cohabilitation, is central indeed to the style of Ansatsuken passed on to the gentle, yet mighty spirit that is the Wanderer. The so-named Dragon breathes lightning, thrusting both hands forward and setting the bolting burst hurtling between the two warriors.
They never made tasers like this - the crackling sphere all but erupts around itself with bolting ball lightning as it sheers the distance between them in an instant, echoed by the trademarked, focusing kiai:
"HADOOOOOOUKEN!!!"
COMBATSYS: Raizo fails to interrupt Denjin Hadouken from Ryu with Yasha Guruma.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Raizo 1/----===/=======|=======\-------\1 Ryu
"But to wait too long...that too is folly," Raizo rumbles, bracing himself. This is going to be bad. This is a bad plan. But he's going to give it his all. Ryu is truly an impressive warrior - perhaps, superior to Raizo himself? He doesn't think of it too hard - if he is, he is. Raizo will fight on regardless. That is his way.
Ryu begins to thunder, but Raizo continues, "Mistakes are important on the path to success. To act too fast can bring ruin, but so too can it bring wisdom. If you wait forever for the right moment...you'll be left behind by the very thing you were waiting for! YASHA --"
Raizo LEAPS, suddenly, his voice rising to a thunderous cry. He is going to plow into the ball. He is going to simply rip through it and then into Ryu beyond.
But Raizo's thunder becomes a cry as the energy is fiercer than he anticipated. He is fried and then dropped to the floor, flat on his belly, sizzling faintly. His suit smolders.
"Ow," Raizo mutters, taking a moment out from the philosophizing.
"As with all things..." Ryu murmurs, watching the deadly manbear as he's launched backwards by the bolting electricity, holding his thought until he's sure he doesn't need to move - or eat a healthy helping of delicious claws - right away, "There must be balance." He shifts his footing, reseating his stance, and drawing a deep breath in the wake of the massive expenditure of energy, though the alert would notice his capacitors are far from sapped, "I would argue that mistakes teach nothing, however. Sometimes one merely falls. It is understanding and accepting our mistakes that makes us stronger, that teaches us how to do better. Seeing our own flaws. There is always something external, some reason to justify it or ignore the lesson. To believe we are somehow 'above' it. Better. It is only through conscious effort we can improve."
He has seen many mistakes that were nothing but tragic. Many acts that were never reconsidered, never benefited anyone - or at least not the one who chose them. It's a sad state of affairs, in many ways, but the King of Fighters does not seem melancholy. If anything, the young champion is at ease with it, glad for his part in it, content to be able to act, to consider and reconsider, to study every ripple in a rushing waterfall, even if none will ever come again.
It's much the same way he watches Raizo, takes in every nuance, the twitch of an electrified muscle, the fighting fervor still in the mighty principal's eyes. This isn't over, and for Ryu, this contest is what matters - it's the way others might study a particularly informative book, or their favored hobby. The Ansatsuken Master is a warrior born, he's never known or wanted anything else.... and Raizo is an adversary, and a warrior to be respected, and learned from.
COMBATSYS: Ryu focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Raizo 1/----===/=======|=======\-------\1 Ryu
Raizo listens. He hasn't had to do that in so long - hasn't really been in a position where he could. He is an instructor, and has been for decades. And now, the young King of Fighters lectures him on life, on philosophy, on fighting and on peace.
Other men would be furious. Mugen would already be wringing Ryu's neck, shrieking in fury and employing all of the dark Imawano arts at his disposal to crush the nomad's spirit and body. Perhaps he would be better at it than Raizo. The Principal of Justice High refused to walk that low path, and the high road is always the longer.
But Raizo merely smiles, as he drags himself upright again, taking his time, taking a long breath and pondering those words. "Yes," Raizo murmurs, as he finally brings himself to his feet, dusting off his arms and legs. "Balance, always balance. It is always the hardest point to reach - that blessed point between the extremes."
He doesn't attack - standing back and gathering his wits.
COMBATSYS: Raizo gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Raizo 1/-----==/=======|=======\-------\1 Ryu
While by this point, the Ansatsuken Wanderer has been mentor to more than a few fighters, some very briefly, some for years, like Sakura Kasugano.... he has never considered himself a teacher, a Sage. His path is far from complete, his own drive to learn, to better himself, ever present. That Raizo takes the young champion's contradictions and assertions, the treatment of a peer, and makes what he can from it himself speaks volumes for the Justice Principal's character, at least in the nomad's own book. After all, the fundamental point of what he's saying is that ego and accomplishment get in the way, whatever side of the fence one is on. A point that Raizo seems to understand. The deadly Imawano ninja does not strike Ryu as a man of extremes or impulse, despite his appearance and rampant savagery in combat. While there must be quite the story there, this is neither the time nor place to request it.
Instead, the nomad inclines his head slowly to the mighty manbear, quiet agreement punctuating that arc of discussion - and spurring the young champion to motion. The man known only as Ryu rushes with a blurring, sudden acceleration as if launched from a cannon. He sprints a step, then two and three in an instant, and then he's in the air. A singular, whirring rotation synergizes with the ascent, and he turns about to bring his foot out and in, a swift, efficient flying kick levelled squarely with Raizo's skull, "HYAAAH!!!"
COMBATSYS: Raizo blocks Ryu's Senpuu Kyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Raizo 1/-----==/=======|=======\=------\1 Ryu
Dialogue helps men understand one another - but warriors often understand each other best through coming fist to fist. Admittedly, Raizo sends some mixed signals, with his vicious fighting style and monstrous appearance hiding a strong moral center.
The dialogue lapses for now. Raizo knows it will mark a return to open combat, and he's right; Ryu streams at him, Raizo watching him closely. The bear-man waits...waits...
"Hup!" Raizo grunts, snapping one forearm up to catch the incoming fist, while his free hand balls up tight, and Raizo swings it forward in the same instant - driving that enormous arm toward Ryu's exposed gut.
COMBATSYS: Ryu endures Raizo's Strong Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Raizo 1/----===/=======|=======\===----\1 Ryu
Mixed signals are nothing new - from where Ryu's standing, everyone is a study in complexities and contradictions. Except perhaps Vega. The nomad throws all his weight behind the quick flying kick, but Raizo's meaty arm is a formidable barrier indeed. The impact is not unlike kicking the bulkhead in a particularly resilient battleship, and Ryu finds himself dropping down, right in front of the mighty manbear....
His options are limited, and the nomad's intuitive sense of new styles, new warriors, tells him all too clearly what's coming even before the jackhammer strike launches outwards. He tenses his stomach, focuses his mind, energy coursing through him, fluctuating up his arms, through his entire upper body. CRACK. The massive Imawano's strike collides squarely, launching Ryu backwards. /JUST AS HE PLANNED./
... hey, improvised efforts to survive and make the best of a bad situation count as plans too! The nomad's feet touch down on the stonework of the castle tower, and he skids some distance in a wide stance, his hands dropping to his sides, energy already focused on what he has to do. His fingertips splay, muscles tense, and his dark eyes lock back on Raizo, crackling power burning behind them as a dark, midnight spark erupts between his open hands, "SHIIIIIIINKUUUUUUUUUUU....."
There's a flash of light, or was that a flash of darkness? The light is stolen from the daylight itself, all focused into a singular flashbulb moment as that cerulean vortex yawns wide, suddenly surging to astounding proportions in the nomad's braced grasp. The swirling mass of rampant energy draws in the air, it tugs at the ends of Ryu's headband, every seam of his gi leaps as if it were trying to dive right in, and drag the Ansatsuken Master with it. In instants, the dense mass coalesces into a charge of energy few could match with hours to prepare - a localized wormhole of purest energy that is suddenly thrust forward, swirling with coalescent, luminous intensity across the distance that now seperates the pair, the searing blast seeking to consume the titanic Justice Principal abruptly, erupting all around him with an implosive, destructive shockwave.
"HADOOOOOOOOUKEN!!!!!!"
COMBATSYS: Raizo interrupts Shinkuu Hadouken from Ryu with Ursa Ultimate.
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Raizo 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Ryu
Ryu had a plan...but Raizo is the sort of man who lives to unravel the plans of his enemies. And while Ryu and Raizo are men who will come away with this battle with a healthy mutual respect, the policy still holds strong. Raizo sees the world grow dark, and grits his teeth. He hasn't seen such powerful chi manipulation in...a long, long time. He grunts, and...charges forward!?
The bear man takes two steps, three, while Ryu screams his battlecry, and then thrusts that perfect storm of power directly into Raizo...and Raizo refuses to bend. The big man laughs a bawdy, "NOT SO EASY!!" as the blast engulfs him.
And Ryu finds that it was not bluster. The bear man plows through the blast like a truck, or a train, or perhaps a meteor, tearing through that energy and eventually reaching Ryu, claws bared and a broad grin on his face, as he begins to simply tear into Ryu with savage strength, heedless of the horrors being wrought on his body.
The resounding impact of the Shinkuu Hadouken would keep most opponents down, and then some - not so with the massive manbear opposing him today. Ryu's eyes widen in momentary surprise as Raizo overcomes the Shinkuu Hadouken with not but the ferocity of his own charge, clawing through the conflagration with impressive force indeed, and slamming solidly into the Ansatsuken Master himself. Lines of red erupt through sudden tears in his gi as he's slashed back, treated to a mauling that would rip a lesser man apart quite lierally. Blood sprays free, deep cuts draw the fight from him, and Ryu is launched backwards to his knees, sprawling over himself as he tries to keep his limbs from bending TOO horribly awry as he crashes to the rock.
He spits blood, gasps for breath, slams a hand stubbornly against the stoney ground, coughing raggedly once, "No... it's.... NOT!" He confirms, for his part, forcing himself to fight on. He's not done yet, and Raizo's impressive fury only spurs the Wanderer on. This is the kind of battle he lives for. Already beyond his 'limits', beyond what most men would stand up for, much less continue to fervently fight through, the nomad shoves to a crouch, and in short order, back to his feet. He isn't going to have much breathing room - but Raizo /must/ be feeling it as well, he can sense the ragged edge to his motions, to the massive manbear's breathing. The Titan is only human - albeit an exceptional one indeed. But Ryu isn't going to relent. Shaking off the Shinkuu is an impressive feat, but like the mighty Justice Principal, Ryu is not done unveiling tricks of his own.
.... just, very close to it. He's needed nearly every card in his deck today, and now he's all-in, heaving forward with both arms as he surges to his feet, a tremendous heat emenating around him as licks of rampant, fiery chi burn forth from his hands, roaring together in a maelstrom of purest fire. Rare indeed is such mastery of the elements, but the nomad's style and philosophies are a diverse conglomerate of more than one primal force, and the meteoric, molten blast that rushes forth blackens rock itself momentarily as its crackling mass passes, whirling about itself with fiery, flaring intensity as it threatens to ignite Raizo in all-new intensity.
Out of the frying pan.... and into the fire, "HADOOOUKEN!!!"
COMBATSYS: Raizo parries Ryu's Shakunetsu Hadouken!
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Raizo 0/-------/-======|=====--\-------\0 Ryu
As the capoeirista leans back against the wall licking his wounds in the figurative sense he watches with wide eyes as not only Ryu releases the massive amounts of energy and Raizo rushes through it like a run away 18 wheeler. It's the likes of which Aranha doubts he will ever see such a display again at least in terms of it taking place right in front of him. The brutality and energy colliding in a massive explosion it was all breath taking.
Raizo doesn't get to fight enough. He has chosen a path where he must be a calm, rational man, operating Justice High and the various businesses that fund the ridiculous fortress-academy's needs. Kurow has been momentarily driven off to whatever hole he's been lying in. Hyo is probably off beating him senseless and/or plotting Raizo's demise with him. Geese Howard hasn't sent any more attackers since Raizo tore Billy Kane apart and mailed the scraps back to Howard Enterprises. Takuma and Saishu haven't come to him in nearly a year. Rugal hasn't intruded on Raizo's time in months. All the people in Raizo's life who might force the old man to go to war have been, for now, contained, or simply gone their own ways.
Raizo is smiling. He does not get to push himself like this often. He's tired, yes - exhausted, because Ryu's strength is great. But neither is prepared to throw in the towel. They will fight until one is fallen, get the most out of this rare event. That is the way of such men.
Ryu is preparing himself for another blast of force, and Raizo is not prepared to let Ryu knock him down like /that./ The big bear man takes a step forward, a second, a third, and then...
Often, Raizo uses the Yasha Guruma to simply plow into an enemy and rip them open. He does not regularly use its savagery for one of its trickier applications:
By chaining the chi-manipulating move together end to end, he can stay in the air for quite a while.
"YASHA GURUMA!" Raizo roars, and shoots at an /upward/ angle, rolling into a ball and sheathed in violet chi he rolls up and over Ryu's fireball, "YASHA GURUMA" and further along behind it, and then "YASHA GURUMA!" Raizo screams again, and angles downward now, coming in at Ryu like a fiery bomb of meat and raw chi.
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Raizo's Yasha Guruma EX.
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Raizo 0/-------/-======|=======\-------\0 Ryu
Ryu, well. All he does is fight! Sure, he may not cross those who are his match as thoroughly and enjoyably as Raizo every day, but every spar and new warrior is a lesson in itself, to him, and perhaps to them. Then there's all the training.... a month in the mountains of Strolheim before this battle even began. Reunited with old friends, tracked down by fascinating strangers on a mission, and generally honing his own elemental fury to a fever pitch. Here, then, is the elder Imawano, putting all of it thoroughly to the test. The nomad's dark eyes track Raizo's graceful, forceful motion over and through the Scorching Surge Fist, the eruptions of Ursine Chi registering high indeed on the Ryudar. This bear-ninja is powerful, there is no doubt. Fast, forceful, and unrelenting.
The Ansatsuken Master smiles, an expression that touches his eyes, along with wearyness - and determination. No, he's not done, and as improv builds upon improv, the young champion improvises again. The slashing arc crashes groundward, and the nomad throws up his arms, stepping /into/ Raizo's descent with a heaving shove, the claws and arc of chi ripping across his resilient guard with forceful aplomb, tearing existing cuts open and spraying a renewed splatter of blood beyond the two fighters, onto the stonework (and perhaps some of their teammates). It is an honor to be covered in Ryu's blood.
He steps in as Raizo lands, breathing out a deep, centering breath and thrusting his hand for the manbear's meaty wrist. Should he find his grapple? Ryu steps forward, and to the side, flanking Raizo with a painful twist of his own arm, for the half-instant it takes him to launch a palmstrike at the precise juncture of shoulder and arm, looking to violently pluck his tendons like harpstrings, and flip him forcefully to the ground, muscles tensing to accelerate the slam, "HAAAAAAH!!!"
Never give up! NEVER SURRENDER!!!
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Raizo with Medium Throw.
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Raizo 1/-----==/=======|=------\-------\0 Ryu
Ryu finds his grip. Raizo's eyes widen, because he knows this is going to be horrible. He tries to intercede with his other hand, but he's not fast enough; Ryu slams Raizo's tendons painfully, and then slams the bear man to the dirt.
Part of him wants to stay down. He knows he's not getting back up after the next exchange. But he has to try. To give this one last push...
Always one more push. The Imawano are not a kind people, and that determination serves Raizo well now, as he rises, pushes himself painfull to one knee, looks Ryu in the eye...
...and smiles.
"HUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Raizo thunders, suddenly, surging forward with one clawed fist, and reaching to grab Ryu by the face.
If he succeeds, Raizo puts all the remaining strength of his body in that arm, swinging Ryu around like a baseball in full-arm circles, and then HURLING the Ansatsuken warrior downrange with all of his strength, laughing a slightly unhinged sound all the while.
And then, spent, the titan falls flat on his face, unconscious.
COMBATSYS: Raizo can no longer fight.
> /////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Ryu dodges Raizo's Ningen Taihou.
> /////// ]
|=------\-------\0 Ryu
It's an exchange that has no need of words. The hard-pressed manbear and the Wanderer on his last legs. Neither giving ground, neither willing to stop until they absolutely -have- to stop. Raizo flips clear, lands hard - but stubborn will never says die. The Justice Principal's gaze is met steadily, determination burning just as bright in the weary onetime World Warrior's eyes. Said eyes narrow, and he shifts his stance as Raizo ROARS, dropping one leg back.... it's like playing chicken with a freight train, if the freight train had barbed wire lining its cow catcher. The clawed manbearninja hurtles forward, and suddenly, almost miraculously.... it's as if the Ansatsuken Master isn't exhausted at all. He moves like a bolt, a subtle bend of his legs the only warning as he /vaults/ skyward, clearing four or five or six Raizo's in a fluid, high-velocity arcing leap. The titanic teacher hurtles through empty space, and as his legs give way.....
Ryu lands on the far ledge of the tower, unphased by the apparent near-fall, or the height of his seemingly precarious perch. Bare feet touch lightly, despite the exertions of battle, and he breathes a long, slow breath. He doesn't need to look back, he can sense the state of the battlefield, the exertions of all those involved. His dark eyes close, his thick arms cross, and a fierce wind sets his bright red headband tails fluttering out behind him as he inclines his head towards the mountains, a quiet moment of reflection. A chance to get his breath, and calm his aching muscles. The nomad smiles, ever so slightly. They did it.
COMBATSYS: Ryu has ended the fight here.
Log created on 20:17:02 11/17/2008 by Aranha, and last modified on 13:48:23 11/20/2008.