Description: (CHAMPION TITLE MATCH) Two criminal masterminds and a hobo walk into a bar.... (Winner: Ryu)
While the Champion's Belt itself is not of particular interest to Kain R. Heinlein, it's not a bad thing to have. But far more interesting are the people who need to be fought in order to acquire it, and that is why Kain has come to the Red Arena at Masters Stadium tonight. He stands at the edge of the forested area, calmly awaiting the start of combat. His white suit rather stands out against such a background, but luckily camouflage is unlikely to be a consideration in tonight's events.
If one knew Kain really, really well, one might be able to tell that he looks a bit more excited than usual tonight. While some people might be content to reach a certain level of ability and then just sit there, that is not for Kain. He continually strives for greater power, and while the process is slow there are occasional breakthroughs. And Ryu and Vega are both ideal test subjects when dealing with power of this level.
The previous holder of the Champion's Belt kind of, well, wandered off. As he is prone to do. It's of little consequence to the Ansatsuken Master, however - he's just as happy to return to a melee such as this, seeking the same sort of challenge as Kain Heinlein. It's an odd sort of parallel: while the philosophies of the two warriors clash in many ways, the principles behind their lives are similar. To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. Whatever he accomplishes, Ryu is driven to improve himself, to find the next step along that path. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but a prerequisite to that is the concept that one's power somehow elevates them, gives them the right to wield it according to that ever-darkening will.
This is not a concept that sits well with Ryu. For all his strength, there is humility in his purpose. Lest he become that which he hates. It's this distinction that seperates the Nomad from his contemporaries, that forces him to act against the aims of Kain, and particularly... Vega. There's a grim set to the Wanderer's jaw as he stands calmly amidst the waters within the Red Arena, wetting feet and legs in the flowing water, focusing his own inner chi, drawing the thrum of the arena, the subtle power of the water through him. Where the auras of Kain and Vega are almost overpowering, an inferno, a maelstrom of tremendous strength, Ryu's quietly resonates, a tangible rumble from deep within, embraced by his surroundings rather than forcing them away. His eyes are presently closed, headband fluttering ever so slightly from a breeze that should not be present, and seems localized around the King of Fighters.
"Ever the quiet entrance, Ryu. I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised." Vega doesn't enter the stage, as such. At least, to normal eyes - Ryu and Kain would be able to see him, but to others viewing outside, and on the cameras that transmit the battle to locales far and wide, it might seem that the master of PsychoPower had simply just come into existance at the Wanderer's side through a burst of purple and blue-black. Outwardly placid, the roil and rumble of Vega's aura around his hands and eyes show the megalomaniacal madness that is his stock in trade. He strides forwards, past Ryu, and towards Kain.
"Ah, a challenge! This should be an enjoyable way to test my newfound might. I've been waiting for a chance like this, Heinlein!" Vega throws his head back and laughs, feet sliding along the smooth sand as he draws himself into a position where he can see both of the other combatants. As he draws himself to his full height, the Dictator of Thailand draws his thumb along his throat, a unsubtle motion of just what he plans to do to the two other warriors in the next few brutal minutes.
COMBATSYS: Ryu has wandered into a fight here.
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Ryu 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Vega has joined the fight here on the top side.
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Vega 0|-------|-------
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Ryu 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Kain has joined the fight here.
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Vega 0|-------|-------
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Kain 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Ryu
While Ryu moves with the flow of chi, and Vega has... his own methods for interacting with the world, Kain bends chi to his will. There's not really a moral judgement to be made there, although the manner in which a person interacts with chi /can/ say something about the nature of their personality. Not that many people know Kain's real personality. Most don't get to see past the public face, let alone the layers below that. "Just what I was thinking, Vega."
Kain grins at the dictator, with little actual humor. There's a sudden tension in the air around him, and then a brief explosion of black flame. The ground is ripped apart, and several trees nearby bend or crack from the force of the blast. And then Kain is standing there, with both hands out and surrounded by dark fire. "No need to worry about holding back here... you can both handle yourselves." And, of course, holding back one hand like he often does would probably go poorly for Kain, given the caliber of opponent he's facing.
Kain then springs forward, a trail of black fire behind him as he lunges at Vega, swinging an arm at him with fingers hooked into claws. It's not nearly close enough to touch Vega, but the wave of flame following in the wake of the swipe extends the reach significantly.
Ryu isn't, well, a huge fan of fanfare. Unlike his brother from another mother whom this arena is modeled after, the Nomad is quiet as well. Another similarity to Kain is that few really get close to him, see his personality, know what truly drives him. There is also the issue that Gouki is just not good dinner conversation, but that's another angle entirely. There's the slightest of nods, dark eyes opening smoothly, as the Ansatsuken Master regards Vega wordlessly. It's not a cold response, but he has little left to say to the corrupt dictator - the titanic tyrant who has spurred so much death and decay. It's contrary to everything the nomad stands for, but in this moment... he is here for the contest, for the fight, not for a war of ideals.
It's not a battle anyone outside oneself can win, regardless, as far as the Dragon can tell. As Vega strides beyond him, towards the current King of Southtown, the overlord of Geese's vast criminal enterprise, the Wanderer seems to merely watch, consider. There are telling aspects to the energy spilling forth from both warriors. It has been some time since Ryu faced off against Kain directly, and he can sense the increased volume, the intensity of that fire. It isn't hesitation that drives him, but analysis - preparation. Water churns more furtively at his feet, ripples and waves surging outwards in rhythmic pulses as he draws a deep breath, and brings his fists into a ready position with a simple, gracefully executed kata, eyes locking on both his opponents.
COMBATSYS: Ryu calculates his next move.
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Vega 0|-------|-------
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Kain 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Kain successfully hits Vega with Schwarz Cutter.
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Vega 0|-------|-------
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Kain 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Ryu
Facing these two will be a intense test indeed - there's nothing more a challenge then tossing yourself head-first into a battle against two people who are masters of their fighting style, and an energy you've never been able to control or gather yourself. Vega's /studied/ chi, of course, but in the end, he's numb to it. He can't feel a connection with the world, the air, the energy of the Earth - he simply forces his way through it as a dumb, deaf and blind child would force their way through a crowded obstacle course. The only time he seems to feel it is when someone /makes/ him. In this case, it's the wave of black flame that boils and billows around Vega's form. His arms upthrust, Vega attempts to mount a defense, but is coated, covered, and left charred in the aftermath, wounded sore. "Hnng...!!"
But even that would not stop the dictator of Shadaloo from reprisal - the thought of the fate that would await him were he to show weakness outwardly, the way that others watching would view him - it goads him on, his ego pushed by the fact that he knows others see him. A brave face, an angry glare, and sparkling white eyes stare forwards, at Kain. He ignores Ryu for now - leave him to his dancing in the water, while he attempts to deal with the real, true threat. He charges in at Kain, his own meaty hand outstretched - attempting to grab Kain 'round the lapels and slam him into the ground, using his PsychoPower augmented strength and the sheer force of his will to battle at Geese's 'replacement'. "Perhaps.. I should return the favor!!"
COMBATSYS: Kain blocks Vega's Psycho Fall.
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Vega 0|-------|---====
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Kain 0/-------/--=====|=------\-------\0 Ryu
Once grabbed there's no resisting Vega's pull, unless you're willing to cut off whatever he just got his hands on. In this case Kain finds it better to spend the small amount of time available preparing for the imminent impact. He manages to orient his body so that he hits the ground feet first, digging in and then twisting away to break Vega's hold on him. The position is still somewhat undesirable, so Kain continues his twisting motion to spin away from Vega and open up some room.
He eyes Vega for a moment, both arms moving into an attack position... and then suddenly leaps into the air, up and backwards from the dictator. Kain snaps his arm out as he flies, a blast of flame a few feet in diameter leaping forth and shooting down like a meteor toward Ryu. It should make a big splash, if nothing else.
COMBATSYS: Ryu parries Kain's Schwarze Kanone!
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Vega 0|-------|---====
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Kain 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 Ryu
It's an impressive exchange, both for the visible shockwaves, and the tremors that erupt from the points of contact as Kain and Vega exchange blows. The nomad's eyes track each moment, each quiet shift of muscle and motion. Legs tighten, prelude to an imminent charge of his own, seeking to join the fray. It's then that Kain hurls himself skyward, and the flow of chi throughout the arena itself seems to shift. A burst of flame angles down for the Dragon, and he strides forward unabated. Water erupts in a spray to the side with the first powerful stride, the Ansatsuken Master weaving to the side and openening one palm, which is thrust directly into the path of the fiery blast.
As he steps half around it, the Wanderer's wide palm makes contact with the plume of flame, a sizzling connection of bluish chi and dark flame. The water under his feet swirls abruptly, its nature brought into the fray as the fires are moved, and then snuffed, vanishing beside Ryu as he rushes past, a transparent glow of blue-white fire coursing up his arm. It's energy that's transferred into a high jump of his own, angled directly up at Kain, seeking to collide with the new Lord of Southtown before he can even land and right himself. Right leg whips out, somehow redoubling the Dragon's momentum, as Ryu spins about time and again, his reaving leg a rotorblade of gravity-defying kicks seeking to hammer Kain through the air, and kick him into a much harsher landing than he intended.
"TATSUMAKI SENPUUUUU KYAKU!!!"
Slippery as ever, Kain Heinlein is. The man seems to eel out of the throw that Vega attempted with little more than a growl from the psychopathic Dictator to show for it. Hands spasmodically clutch at air as Kain re-engages the other target, The Wanderer, Ryu. And in that moment, well - Vega watches with eager interest.
The display of stymied power, the skill with which Ryu avoids and then counterattacks... It's unsurprising that Ryu would have improved over time, but the level at which the warrior operates at causes a bit of quailing, deep down inside Vega's black heart. How can he overcome a power such as that?!? And then the answer strikes him..
Cheat.
As Ryu engages Kain with that powerful sweeping series of kicks, Vega counts. He's seen this move many times before, both recorded and battered against his face. He knows how ong it takes, how many times the wanderer will normally kick.. and when Vega estiamates the strike is over and done, he launches himself towards Ryu's back - intent on getting a hold of that non-kicking leg, and using it as a fulcrum to put his own shiny boot in the small of Ryu's back. "You're... too... /quiet/, Ryu!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Kain with Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku EX.
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Vega 0|-------|---====
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Kain 1/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Ryu
While Kain can change the orientation of his body in mid-air, actually moving out of the way of an attack is much more difficult. And Ryu's leap doesn't give much time to even try. Kain is battered by a flurry of spinning kicks before being sent crashing to the ground, hitting the beach with enough force to send a cloud of sand flying up into the air. Kain sits up with a grunt, shaking sand from his hair and clothing as he stands.
It only takes a moment to assess the situation. Two targets, one potentially distracted by attacking, the other by being attacked. And so Kain picks Ryu as the currently more vulnerable opponent, rushing at him with an angle of attack opposite Vega's. While the psycho power user attempts to drive a foot into Ryu's back, Kain attempts to slam a flaming fist into the wanderer's stomach.
COMBATSYS: Ryu just-defends Vega's Aggressive Strike!
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Vega 0|-------|---====
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Kain 0/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Ryu fails to interrupt Fierce Punch from Kain with Shoryuken.
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Vega 0|-------|---====
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Kain 1/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Ryu
Ryu's forward momentum is impressive, even startling. To say nothing of the force of the legendary kicks. Despite all that force exerted, however, the nomad remains in remarkable control of his own faculties. Discipline. Focus. It is integral to the style adapted by the young champion. As Vega leaps in, grips his leg, Ryu twists about in about half of a blink of an eye, kicking downwards towards the ground with his free, previously whirling leg. His momentum suddenly shifts, crossed forearms descend and catch Vega's rising boot in the crook, absorbing the force with an alarmingly graceful, powerful motion. The kick is stopped dead, the nomad's descent abated, and he shoves away from the Shadaloo tyrant and into a second twist.
This one brings him about to face Kain, his right fist coiling at his side as he nears the ground, but the mighty Heinlein's flaming fist slips in a moment earlier than anticipated, a testament to the speed and strength of the flame-wielder. The explosion of dark energy drives the nomad back, landing on the ground in a harsh skid, fingers digging at the dirt and knees dragging trenches in the turf as his back suddenly slams hard into the arena's resilient tree, boughs rattling as he's brought to a sudden, resounding stop, "Nngh..." he grunts, seeking his stance once more, eyes swiftly rising to his adversaries, "Well done." He congratulates, the slightest of smiles finding his lips for a brief moment.
"Hnf.. 'Well Done', indeed." Vega's glower grows with the grace and style being put on display by Ryu, whenever Vega attaacks. An annoyance that draws a bit of anger out of the Shadaloo leader, to be sure. Stymied in his attack, Vega rechambers his foot, and takes a quick, scuffling step back, into the water that washes along the beach. There, he debates his next move, the next place to bring his attack.
With the Wanderer recuperating, Vega turns on Kain - attempting to launch himself over Ryu as he gains his feet, to bring an attack from a slightly unexpected angle. Metal-shod boots swing out at Kain's head in a bone-bruising display of strength, attempting to drive Kain into the beach!
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Vega's Head Press.
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Vega 0|-------|----===
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Kain 1/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Ryu
Each movement from Kain continues to dislodge a few grains of sand from the various places within his suit that have been invaded by the beach. And so there's a momentary cloud left in the air as Heinlein dodges quickly to one side, leaping out of the way as Vega's feet come far too close to his head. He doesn't dodge far, though, landing with his left foot back, digging deep into the sand to get as firm a placement as possible.
Kain then uses that footing to return the favor to Vega, his right foot coming around in a swiftly rising arc, aimed to slam into the side of the dictator's head with explosive force, and then just keep going until whether by falling or flying away Vega is no longer in the way.
A hand presses momentarily to the tree, even after Ryu finds his footing. It seems to be more of a quiet apology, or an attempt to connect with that anchor of natural energy, than any necessity in righting himself. The bruise may already be rising - but the nomad has more than a little fight left in him, and he's more than prepared to give it to the others arrayed in this fight. Eyes narrow, and the Wanderer bursts forward in a sudden rush of motion, taking the battle to the others as Kain's fiery foot crashes in at Vega.
Ryu's answer is to rush for the Lord of Southtown's landing spot, seeking purchase on his fine clothes, and possibly ruining all that effort to de-sand and straighten them as his hands grapple for Kain's chest. Should his grip be found? The Dragon abruptly drops his weight backwards, heaving with his arms, the leverage and force of the motion accentuated by a rising right foot, which aligns itself with Heinlein's midsection and seeks to help hurl him free with remarkable force, in a classic sacrifice throw executed to nigh-perfection with a fierce, "HAAAAH!"
COMBATSYS: Vega interrupts Medium Kick from Kain with Psycho Vanish.
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Vega 0|-------|-======
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Kain 1/----===/=======|======-\-------\0 Ryu
Feet hitting empty ground with a hard impact, Vega misses Kain with his stomp. There's a growl of anger as Vega misses, the Lord of Shadaloo visibly vexed. Admittedly, he does always seem to wear his heart - or the black clump of hate and rage that passes for it' on his sleeve. He crouches down as he regathers his energy, to prepare for whatever firey onslaught may come. And come it does, Kain's foot whipping towrads him, even as Ryu prepares in the background.
"Why don't you play with Ryu a bit..?!" Vega taunts as Kain's foot hits Vega's shoulder. The beefy dictator uses the impact against Kain, a flicker of Psychopower as he seems to vanish from the path of the blow, fading into purple and blue afterimages. The flame that passes through hurts, burns him - but Vega retains enough control that he reappears in position to slam Kain in the back - pushing him right towards Ryu's grasping grip! "Hah!"
COMBATSYS: Kain dodges Ryu's Tomoe Nage.
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Vega 0|-------|-======
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Kain 1/----===/=======|======-\-------\0 Ryu
With his leg extended, Kain is off balance when struck by Vega's attack from behind, leaving him no choice but to be sent falling toward Ryu's grasp. But he's not completely helpless here. As Ryu reaches out for him, Kain shifts his weight even farther forward, causing him to hit the ground before Ryu actually manages to snare him. And he hits the ground rolling, heading right past Ryu as the wanderer rushes toward the spot Kain was just in.
But it's almost a moment before Kain comes to a halt, a glimmer of golden light appearing in his hand before he stops himself by slamming his palm into the ground. In that same instant the air above Ryu seems to change to pure chi energy, which comes crashing down in a series of waves intended to crushed everything beneath them into rubble.
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Kain's Himmlischer Atem.
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Vega 0|-------|-======
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Kain 0/-------/-------|=======\-------\1 Ryu
As he grasps for nothing but air, Ryu quickly rights his focus, twisting to the side and leaping a short span backwards, to keep both Vega and Kain within his range of vision. In this sort of fight, letting either combatant slip past his alert preparations is just a recipe for disaster. Case in point: the sky itself burns, churns, and unleashes brilliant, scorching waves of pure chi. Arms rise as if to shield his eyes from the sun, and as the cascade of eruptions drop in on him, one after another, they wash over a solid, prepared guard, breaking like waves on the beach. Ryu is driven backwards, groundward, dropped to a crouch before the onslaught abates, his skin reddened, scorched.
.... but he weathers the storm, as well as anyone would be likely to, pushing back to his feet and working the pain out of his arms with a sweeping motion. This time, Ryu's attention shifts to the Shadaloo overlord, rushing the would-be world ruler and crossing the distance with a triphammer straight from his left fist, carrying the crimson sparring glove in like a bullet for the center of Vega's ire-twisted features. It's quickly followed by a flurry of rights and lefts aligned with jaw and ribcage, seeking to pummel the overlord back, "Hyaaah!"
COMBATSYS: Vega dodges Ryu's Medium Punch.
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Vega 0|-------|-======
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Kain 0/-------/-------|=======\-------\1 Ryu
That is a place that Vega would not want to be. Oh no, Vega is /quite/ glad that he's avoiding the fate of being face to explosive burning black flame that is Kain Heinlein's calling card. In fact, he's taken a step back just out of sheer surprise at the ferocity of the blows - that Ryu can stand up to it, even being pushed back, well - it's a testament to the Wanderer's might.
However, Vega will not be shown up - and as Ryu launches himself towards Vega, the Dictator of Shadaloo's eyes narrow, calculating and wary. He moves inches, fractions of an inch, each motion timed to one of Ryu's jabs or haymakers, staying at the very edge of Ryu's reach. Time and again, until the onslaught ends - and then Vega just grins widely at Ryu. "Close - so very close, Ryu. But now - you're in range for /this/! PSYCHO WAVE!!" With that, Vega claws at the air, and billows and gouts of purple and blue psychopower follow his grip - rent from his spirit, he sweeps his arms down and it follows in a blaze of harsh energy, intent on finishing the job of tanning Ryu's hide!!
Between the explosion and now the clash between Ryu and Vega, Kain has been lost to the cameras. He's not where he was last seen lying, but the producers haven't spotted him on one of the other camera feeds yet, so perhaps he's nearest one of the cameras focusing on Ryu and Vega? Oh wait, there he is! There's a white and black blur behind Vega that focuses into Kain leaping at the dictator from behind, his right arm swathed in black flame as he drives his elbow toward the back of Vega's skull. Should that connect he'll follow it up by following through on the motion while sliding his arm back, allowing the back of his fist to collide with the side of Vega's head.
COMBATSYS: Vega successfully hits Ryu with Psycho Wave.
- Power hit! -
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Vega 0|-------|-======
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Kain 0/-------/-------|=======\======-\1 Ryu
Oh, Vega is most certainly not shown up. After enduring the wrath from on high that is Kain's most fearsome attack, Ryu's own combination is deftly evaded by the tyrant - who follows up with brutal, raw power. The explosive wave of Psycho Power washes over Ryu, who's caught unable to adjust his own assault, the calculated rebuttal catching him mid-step as he seeks to weave away... and is instead blasted full-on by the ragged edge of rending wrath. His gi ripped, his body ripped into, Ryu is sent spiralling away, end over end and back to the ground, crashing heels over head and rolling a short distance before even his palm finds the ground.
There's a long, low groan, the blackness momentarily threatening to overtake him. The nomad breathes, draws a long, slow inhalation and releases it with a more controlled murmur of determination through his lips. He only begins to rise, but already starts to pull the energy inward, drawing what strength he can into his battered frame, unwilling to surrender.
COMBATSYS: Ryu gains composure.
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Vega 0|-------|-======
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Kain 0/-------/-------|=======\=====--\1 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Vega interrupts Strong Punch from Kain with Psycho Crusher.
~ Cruel hit! ~
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Vega 0|-------|-======
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Kain 0/-------/-======|=======\=====--\1 Ryu
For just a second, Vega relishes the sight of Ryu's form being thrown backwards by the giant explosion of Psycho Energy - the might of Vega's terrible wrath, made real by his will. His grin is bloodied, but Vega still manages that smile, a barking little laugh through singed lungs. It's cut short, far too quickly though, as Kain manages to catch him from behind, sending him face-first into the water, sand digging into newly-opened wounds and his cape set all aburning. The strength of it is such that he's down when Kain passes past him...
And that is Kain's mistake.
Roaring incoherently, Vega rises from the waters like Godzilla from Tokyo Bay, the liquid around him boiling off as his personal aura flares out like a furnace of frustration. "NO MORE!!" he shouts at Kain as the man tries to bring that fist back into his face - and then he leaps forwards, arms outstretched, hitting Kain in the back and attempting to drive him from the beach to the forested area and possibly into the glassed-off-areas of the spectator viewing in one motion, one charged blaze of PyschoPower, with Vega wrapped inside. "PSYCHOOOOO CRUSHAAAAA!!!"
And so Kain finds himself being driven across the arena, and through most of the obstructions set up within it. Several trees are smashed apart as Heinlein's body is forced through them, propelled by Vega. And finally Kain does hit the arena wall, but although a number of cracks shoot through it it does hold. And then Kain falls to the ground with a thud. He's just going to need a moment now to confirm that he did not just have every bone in his body broken and his soul set on fire. With a grunt Kain manages to heave himself up to his feet, but he doesn't appear eager to immediately leap back into the fray after taking that hit.
COMBATSYS: Kain gains composure.
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Vega 0|-------|-======
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Kain 1/------=/=======|=======\=====--\1 Ryu
Ryu has certainly seen what Vega is capable of in the upper echelons of his power - Kain's is not the least bit enviable position. Still, all three of the titans remain (sort of) standing, and also (sort of) fully prepared to continue doing battle. As Ryu more fully rights himself, taking stock of the situation, his own is somewhat less than stellar as well. An expectoration containing more blood than saliva is expelled to the side, and the nomad's dark eyes snap back to his adversaries. Despite his injuries, the Dragon is far from done - he cups his hands at his side, focusing his energy, flexing muscles as crackling energy rushes down his arms.
Splayed palms twist, oppose, and fingers curl as a brilliant flash of light seems to center all the illumination in the arena on a singular point between his hands, darkening the rest for the blink of an eye, and conjuring into being a tremendous, swirling vortex of cerulean energy. "SHIIIIINKUUUUU..." Headband and tattered white cloth seeks to leap into the coruscating void, which grows exponentially before being heaved forward, rending ground and devouring the air itself in a rapid path straight for the Shadaloo Overlord, "HADOOOOUKEN!!!!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Vega with Shinkuu Hadouken.
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Vega 1|-----==|=======
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Kain 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Ryu
Oh, how he hates those words. Those two words that constantly drive him to madness - or at least, blistering pain upon pain. Vega's heard them far too often, from Ryu, from Ken, from Sakura - and each time, it's a frustrating exposure to an element that he just cannot seem to overcome. In this case, he hears it, and he braces, turning towards Ryu as he sees the ball of blue-white purity heading directly for him. It's too much, really.
It always is.
Vega's blown backwards, near Kain - leanding against the glass in a heap, crumpled and much more mortal than he pretends to be. Slowly he staggers to his feet, dazed, wounded and burned. But he still stands, he still fights.. he still..
Can fall to the ground, to his knees - and then face-first into the dirt of the forest, silent.
COMBATSYS: Vega takes no action.
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Kain 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Ryu
COMBATSYS: Vega can no longer fight.
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Kain 1/------=/=======|====---\-------\0 Ryu
When Vega rises to his feet Kain raises his hand in preparation to strike... but then the Shadaloo Lord collapses on his own. That's one down, but it also means that for a moment Kain wasn't paying attention to Ryu, which could be very bad at this point. He quickly whips around, both arms coming together as he locates and then spins to face Ryu. A flicker of energy in his hands expands out into a massive sphere of roiling chi energy, which leaps forth from Kain's hands and races toward the nomad.
Chunks of trees are ripped away as it flies through the forest, and then it blows a trail through the sand as it races toward the final point of impact.
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Kain's Himmlische Seele.
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Kain 0/-------/------=|======-\-------\0 Ryu
The Hadou, the gleaming well of strength that Ryu and Ken draw their arts from.... it's a far cry from most sources of power, most foci of chi. An all-encompassing, spiritual well of an intensity that most practitioners only graze. Light and dark, a deep ocean possessed of the best and worst of which man is capable - the choices made by all humans, the range of intents in the spirit itself. Vega is blasted by the consuming blast, falling from the fight - but Kain.... Kain is still a very real and immediate threat. The spike of energy within the accomplished mastermind is proof enough of that. The massive orb of mighty flame crashes across the arena, and all Ryu can do is hunker down. Make it through.
The Dragon squares his side, braces one leg back, slamming a forearm and elbow outwards into the center of the brilliant fireball at the last instant. It erupts all around him, blasting outwards, around, but not penetrating his guard. Breath comes heavily as the blast dissipates, leaving the Wanderer's intent gaze locked on Heinlein's, "This isn't over." The nomad insists smoothly, calmly, despite the strain in his voice. He'll fight on. It is his destiny. At this instant, he charges, sprinting the distance between himself and Kain over the torn sections of ground dug by his braced bare feet, and launches himself into the air. A single, blurring rotation is executed, right heel shooting outwards square for the flame-wielder's skull, "HAAAAH!"
COMBATSYS: Kain fails to interrupt Senpuu Kyaku from Ryu with Schwarze Lanze.
> Determined Hit! <
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Kain 0/-------/-======|=======\-------\1 Ryu
As Ryu's foot comes spinning in from the side, Kain's foot comes lancing upwards. It's a close contest, and anyone who blinks will miss it, but Kain's foot has a longer path to travel and he didn't start his movement soon enough. So Ryu's kick crashes into the side of Kain's head, and with one foot off the ground Kain doesn't have the stance needed to stay in place. He's swept off his remaining foot, getting flung to the side and crashing to the ground. He rolls as he hits, twisting about and popping back up in a spray of sand, but for a moment it's just for show. His head is ringing too much to launch an immediate followup attack on Ryu.
The foot collides with Kain's skull, and then immediately snaps back under Ryu, who lands a bit lighter than his opponent, on lithely bending legs. He straightens quickly, finding a second wind and shifting lightly on his feet, shifting one forward and facing Kain sidelong as he rises. Already, the nomad's hands are back at his sides, arcs of electricity coursing from his core and out to his fingertips, the bolting crackle of energy coursing into a central point between his palms, fluctuating in a white-blue light and thrumming larger, and larger, "DENJIIIIIN..."
The sheer volume of current escalates with alarming speed, surging forth as it's heaved forward, arms tensing and projecting the blast in the blink of an eye across the space between Ryu and Kain, coursing with an overcharge of potent lightning chi, the pulsing, rough sphere of energy seeking its ground in the flame-wielder's chest. "HADOOOOUKEN!!"
COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Kain with Denjin Hadouken.
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Kain 1/-------/=======|-------\-------\0 Ryu
Kain attempts to swing an arm into the way of the incoming projectile, but with an electric crackle the hadouken strikes him in the chest. The blond man is blown off his feet, with sparks of electricity running down his limbs. As he falls he sweeps out with his left hand, projecting a focused beam of brilliant golden chi and sweeping it in a wobbly path across the arena in front of him. It blinks out a moment before he hits the ground. For a moment, then, Heinlein attempts to rise, only to fall back down to the floor and lie still.
COMBATSYS: Kain can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Kain's Himmlische Macht.
[ \\\\\\\\ <
Ryu 0/-------/------=|
The brilliant taser++ is eyed on its way to target... but not at the expense of the followup. The last gasp of effort from Kain is no less dangerous than the man has been in the rest of the fight, but Ryu remains ready for it - if only by sheer stubborn will and determination. The blazing beam crashes into crossed forearms, bleeding fire around the King of Fighters and blasting the remnant bits of gi from his shoulders. Chest heaving, Ryu takes a step away from the point of impact, raising his arms for the instant it takes Kain to fall once more, mouth opening as if to speak, then falling silent as he relaxes his ready stance.
A calm nod is paid to Heinlein, the announcer calling the fight after the final adversary is counted out, and presenting the stoic Wanderer with a gaudy belt trophy as the battle ends... and the Shadaloo tyrant undoubtedly makes his escape once again.
COMBATSYS: Ryu wanders on to find the next challenge.
Log created on 12:58:16 11/28/2009 by Ryu, and last modified on 23:05:01 11/28/2009.