Description: Lord Vega of Shadaloo has come calling to Southtown, aiming to topple the recently-refurbished Young Fighters' Community Center. But even as he and his forces stand on the precipice of victory, Geese Howard deigns to instruct Vega upon the error of his ways. Yet... is this fight all that it seems...?
"When he comes, let him through. Make an effort, but do not sacrifice yourself to try and stall him. It is time that this happened." Vega's plans are simple - he knows that by leading the attack on the YFCC, Geese would be led into retaliation. None of his minions would be able to lead the strike, not with both Sagat and Bison on site - so in the end, Geese would appear. His orders to his Dolls in place, Vega has set the stage for what Geese will find, when he finally reaches the library.
The room has been transformed - some bookshelves removed, more sattelite communications machines moved in. It's a forward base, set up for ease of information spreading, to better manage and maneuver his forces here, there and everywhere. In the end, it's just another tool, that brings him closer to his real goal - the goal that Shadaloo strives for, in one way or another. Taking the YFCC is a challenge, called out to Geese Howard. A challenge from Vega - 'come and take back what you think is yours'.
He comes alone.
Or at least, by all appearances, he does. He arrives at the YFCC with all the pent-up fury of a storm waiting to be unleashed. The guards at the Community Center entrance, once at the alert, are now burnt and battered, their smoking bodies decorating the interior of the lobby as a single man strides past them, a hand tucked neatly into his pocket. Glass and concrete crunches beneath his foot falls. Guards storm at him--
--And Geese Howard manages to do nothing more than offer a look of complete disgust.
"I wonder if your boss told you that dying today would be part of your job description? Then again--"
The doors of the library EXPLODE open as the mangled corpse of two Shadaloo guards are used like makeshift battering rams, heads bent at unnatural angles as they collapse in a heap at the feet of Lord Vega. Geese Howard steps into the doorway, looking calm, focused -- and more than a little amused.
"-- I don't really give him the benefit of assuming he has foresight. Hello, Vega." Chi ebbs around Geese as he steps within -- even now, in this situation, as if he owned everything within.
"It looks like you've made another big mistake."
"Geese. So good of you to stop by."
Two of them can play /that/ game. Vega is unruffled by the awesome power that the man upholds. In the end, Vega is as fearsome in his own right. For now, he focuses on what is to come, what will occur and the afteraffects and reprecussions.
"This town isn't yours any longer - no matter the outcome of /this/ fight, Geese."
Vega certainly isn't going to make things easy on him, either - instead, he draws himself up to his full height, bulky frame moving with a speed and quickness reminicent of Thailand's war, and not the pasting the last time he fought at Howard's Arena. Today, no - today he is powerful indeed.
"I never make mistakes. Everything that happens today.. it happens for a reason you can't forsee." He laughs then, mad and crazy - beckning Geese onwards, inwards. "Come into Shadaloo's new light, Geese Howard. Come join the fray, and feel the fury of Vega reborn!"
COMBATSYS: Vega has started a fight here.
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Vega 0/-------/-------|
Shihong says, "did the logs get cut? like the in-game logs"
Billy
"I always knew you were too cocky for your own good," Geese says conversationally. His gaze sweeps the room, looking towards his left, then right. Geese isn't a stupid man; there must be some trick behind this expenditure of effort. But it doesn't matter; Howard's lips pull into a thin line, his icy gaze steeling itself.
"But I never thought you'd be so stupid as to think you could come here and take away /my/ city. I think you've become too big for your britches, 'Lord' Vega."
As Vega beckons, Geese complies, suddenly /propelling/ himself forward in a rush of speed to penetrate Vega's defenses in a singular lunge. A blur of armani fabrics leads Geese Howard right in front of Vega's imposing gaze, his right hand snapping upwards -- seeking to grip the dictator by his head.
"It seems it's time I remind you why you're only the clown in this little play."
And, if the grip is successful? Geese will just /fling/ the Lord of Shadaloo forward like a slingshot, aiming to toss him into a nearby shelf of books with phenomenal forward momentum.
COMBATSYS: Geese has joined the fight here.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Vega
COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Geese's Medium Throw.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Vega
Or just cocky enough?!
"Your city, Howard? You really think you can lay claim to all that goes on here? I'm sure there's a purse-snatcher or petty thief that thinks otherwise." Vega barks out a laugh as he's charged, Geese getting a half-grip on Vega's head, but the throw, well.. Vega fades from sight halfway to the bookshelves, a mist of purple and blue. When he speaks again, it's from behind Howard, the lord of Shadaloo reaching out with his own hand.
"This town, all it's things - they don't /really/ matter, Geese. What matters is power. I intend to take everything you have and crush it." With that said, firmly intent - Vega brings his fist around in a quick, overhand smash, aimed directly at Geese's temple. Today, he's not pulling punches. Today, he's intent on crushing Geese under his grip.
COMBATSYS: Geese blocks Vega's Psycho Vanish.
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Geese 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Vega
There is something to be said for familiarity. Vega's ability to seemingly dissipate his mass and teleport instantly might take many people by surprise -- as well it /should./ But as Howard releases Vega, as he sees the Lord of Shadaloo simply /disappear/ in a haze of violet Psycho Power, as he /hears/ the man behind him--
--Geese grins.
The fist, brimming with violet energy, swings around towards Howard's face -- but instead of a vulnerable temple, it finds only a forearm smashing -upwards-, intercepting the blow before it can land even as Howard keeps his back to the Lord of Shadaloo. It's a dangerous thing to do. But more importantly--
--it's an insult.
"You know why you've been running around like a self-righteous, pompous ass, gobbling up people's thoughts and feelings like some sort of gluttonous, desperate pig?" Geese asks calmly as he -shoves- that fist away. His arm burns, fiercely -- but it hardly shows in his expression as he turns around. "Because I allowed it. Because you amused me. With your ridiculous little costumes, and your megalomaniacal complex. You were just a funny little man that I got a reasonable level of entertainment out of." Fire burns at Geese's arms, blue energy swirling around his fist.
"Your entertainment value has officially run dry."
The words are meant to goad and incite anger, even as Geese suddenly /slashes/ upward with his right arm, unleashing a slashing swath of cold, blue fire, meant to carve straight through Vega's chest in a singularly explosive impact. A distraction -- intent to leave the Lord of Shadaloo susceptible to assault.
"Oh, and by the way, I -can- lay claim to this city. These idiots beg and crawl for me because this is -my- city -- and at the end of the day, all you are is a bit actor. Just like the rest of them."
COMBATSYS: Vega fails to interrupt Slash-style Reppuken from Geese with Psycho Wave.
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Geese 0/-------/------=|=======\-------\0 Vega
His back to Geese, Vega finds nothing amusing about this. No, he knows that the man has been goaded to a level of anger he rarely has seen before. Vega is prepared for it - at least, in some fashion. His own skills are on fine display, his own effort no less than Howard's... But on some level, Vega is lacking.. Power matched against power, Vega comes up the loser.
Psycho Energy versus the Reppuken, his arms coming down as Geese' rise. He's knocked back a step or two by the explosive meeting of power, and certainly looks the worse for wear, smoking and cut on his chest. He still grins, though - manic and eager, even in the face of such a challenge as this. "An actor - with a very important part still to play. Come, Geese - you know better than this. I'm just the same as you, in the end. We both strive for power, we both ruthlessly use it. The only difference, perhaps - is the means to the end. You stay locked up in your stodgy tower, and I make my mark on the world in a more direct fashion."
"You think THAT'S the difference between us?"
Howard almost looks baffled for a moment; as if Vega has truly surprised him. The expression, however, is mocking. The King of Southtown seeks to drain whatever entertainment he can out of this debacle, and if he has to do it by trampling over the pride and ego of the Lord of Shadaloo, well --
--that just makes it all the better.
Still, as Vega speaks, Geese doesn't move. He stands tall, calmly removing his suit, loosening his tie, unbuttoning the top buttons of his blue shirt -- preparing himself, almost casually, as Vega makes his recovery. "What you are is nothing more than a man who doesn't know when he's bitten off more than he can chew. There's more differences between us than night and day, 'Lord' Vega. And since you were so eager to drag me here to show you just how worthless you really are--"
Geese Howard, the proverbial King of Southtown, lifts his right hand, beckoning Vega forward -- inviting him. Challenging him.
"-- I'll be generous enough to go through the painstaking process of teaching you each and every one of those differences."
COMBATSYS: Geese calculates his next move.
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Geese 0/-------/------=|=====--\-------\0 Vega
Blah, blah, blah. Isn't Vega normally the talky one? Geese Howard seems to be getting a little bit big for his britches. Or Hakama, whatever it is. Instead of being the aggressor, Vega just pokes and pries, and gets Geese to give up all these wonderful soundbytes, things that he'll be able to use later. At least, if he survives the fight.
"Let's see - shall we talk about the first one being 'raw power', Geese?" With that, Vega launches himself forwards. His hand gleams bright with Psycho Energy, an aggressive, eager attack, aimed right at the man's solar plexus. Vega may lose this fight today, but he's already prepared for that. The war, however - that, Vega is not going to lose at all - and what happens here will set that up perfectly!
COMBATSYS: Geese counters Strong Punch from Vega with Joudan Atemi Nage.
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Geese 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0 Vega
Geese Howard is in fact talking it up, conversationally at that. Whether he's normally the talky one or not isn't really applicable at all; Howard is simply speaking to infuriate the other man. He is angry.
But he'll be damned if he doesn't make Vega pay his pound of flesh for being too cocky.
That punch flings out, searing with delicious Psycho Power. Geese holds his ground, waiting until the very last moment before, in a literal blur, he moves. The motions aren't something any normal eye could keep up with; in one moment, he is stopping Vega's attack short, slamming a hand against his wrist. In the next, Howard's free palm is driving into /Vega's/ solar plexus, using it as a lever to suddenly /flip/ the man through the air violently, aiming to launch him into the nearby desk like a cannonball.
"Yes, let's talk about power. And how yours and your lack of ability to do anything other than flail wildly makes you an idiot." Geese pauses here. "Should I keep going?"
Ah yes, Vega remembers this. He remembers quite vidily being tossed hither and yon, must like a tempest in a teapot. Hurled violently into the desks, Vega crashes down, slow to stand - but still smiling, all the same. Words? Words don't come until he gathers breath - spit and blood fleck his lips, but the dangerous look in his eyes still remains strong. The predator may have again met someone far beyond him - but he still fights. This battle may be a loss, but the war is what matters, after all. Appearances must be kept.
"Assume all you wish, Howard. Whatever happens here is meaningless, in the end. This city will slip through your fingers before the day is done. Your hold is weak and tenuous, and if your 'power' is only enough to knock me down a peg, I'll laugh all the longer tomorrow." With that, Vega steps in /again/. Even with all the damage the man has taken, he's still more than willing to bring the fight to Geese, a quick series of kicks aimed at knocking the man off-balance, sending him to the ground or back into one of the walls. It's not enough to take him out - but it certainly should give the other man pause for thought!
COMBATSYS: Geese blocks Vega's Medium Kick.
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Geese 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Vega
"You're sorely overestimating your ability," Geese remarks with amused venom tinging his voice, "if you think that -you- or any other megalomaniacal moron tyrant of the week can wrest control of -this- city from -my- hands. You think you can just walk in here, in Syndicate territory, and get away with it with just a slap on the wrist?" Howard straightens his stance once again as Vega rises up to a standing position, his eyes narrowed upon his enemy.
"I'm going to kill you today, Vega. And I'm going to make you beg for mercy before I do it, because I am not happy."
Those kicks all suddenly thrust forward, and Geese is /there/, moving /forward/ into the strikes as he smacks forearms against soles in a quick series of thrusts, aimed at slapping each kick aside and dispersing much of the force. Violet energy burns at his arms with each deflection, the last enough to stagger him back; Psycho Power burns away at his sleeves, but he doesn't pay attention to it.
Because there's blue fire now churning at his palms to pay attention to.
"DOUBLE!"
Geese's right arm swings up, cold blue chi /exploding/ from the ground in a wave of fire. His left arm follows shortly, chi transferring from his hand directly into the mass, adding another blossom to the tidal wall of burning sapphire; the mass, now as large as Vega is tall, launches off, aiming to engulf the Lord of Shadaloo in terrible fire.
"REPPUKEN!"
COMBATSYS: Vega fails to interrupt Double Reppuken from Geese with Psycho Crusher.
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Geese 0/-------/-======|=======\===----\1 Vega
Terrible, terrible fire indeed. It sears and scars, and in the midst of it, Vega brings his own burning fury to play. It rages in the room, threatening to engulf the wave of power that's thrown towards him. However, in the end, Vega makes no headway towards the other warrior, his own effort for naught - sent spiralling backwards afterwards - staggered and beaten back against the far wall, flame starting to flicker around the library, books scorched, computers destroyed. And still, Vega laughs.
"Kill me? Hehn... I'll just be back.. again. Stronger, more crafty. In the end... all this buys you is time, Howard. Satisfy yourself with that... because I offer you no other solace." With that, Vega returns to his feet again, so slowly. He's weakened, certainly - his best attacks brushed aside with ease, much in the way that Vega himself decimated Kyo mere hours before. In the end, well - turnabout is fair play, isn't it? Slowly, he brushes off bits of rubble and the burnt, charred remains of his cape. He settles down into a fighting posture - and then beckons Geese in, again. Much like the Blanka weeble in the corner - Vega hasn't quite fallen 'don' permanently, yet.
Excess traces of deep blue flame lick chaotically around Geese's wrists as he pulls his arms back to his sides. He watches as Vega's smoking body eventually makes landfall, and as Vega laughs? Howard shuts his eyes.
"Hah. You're a worthless, simpering little cockroach, you know that? Here's another difference between us: planning. What did you think you were going to accomplish here? Making yourself look like a buffoon?" As Geese speaks, he walks towards the recovering Vega, rolling his wrists in idle motions. While he hardly looks worse for wear, he certainly is /angry/, even if it doesn't show on those composed features -- anger he deigns to vent by amusing himself at Vega's expense. Vega rises, and Geese lashes out, to grab the man by the collar--
"You never really needed any help with that. Now let me show you the way out."
And, if that grip holds, Howard is going to just /toss/ Vega straight out of a nearby window, utilizing all his significant strength in the effort.
COMBATSYS: Vega fails to interrupt Power Throw from Geese with Final Psycho Crusher+.
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Geese 0/-------/-======|======-\-------\0 Vega
COMBATSYS: Vega can no longer fight.
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Geese 0/-------/-======|
COMBATSYS: Geese has ended the fight here.
Worthless? Simpering? Cockroach?! Ok, at least that one is somewhat true. Vega's been through more than most, and suvived to live another day. That much, well - he'll accept it in kind. The talk about planning, though - that just makes the beaten dictator laugh - laugh in Geese's face. Even though there's little to no reason to, he finds that issue with planning far, far too amusing. He might even educate Geese as to the 'why', were he able.
"*Hrk!*" This is the sound of a dictator being unable to actually /keep/ laughing - the sound of one Vega being gripped by the throat and collar, the grin in his face still rictus, set in stone seemingly. Even as he's hurled out, he's vanishing - his part played, and the items he'd needed gotten. The scars and bruises are nothing more than annoyances that will be tended to, and whatever unconciousness catches him after he lands, thrown through the plate glass window, well - that will be dealt with eventually. But his plans? Oh, no matter what happened today, they still go on.
Log created on 17:08:15 03/01/2009 by Geese, and last modified on 20:53:02 03/02/2009.