Description: With the tournament over, Antoine stayed for a bit to help some of the people in need. Along the way, he meets a large man with a massive scar. That burning desire to battle with the fighter taught Antoine a valueable lesson: Keep striving.
The land of China...
This is a path that is quite a ways from Taizhou. However, at the same time, it is not too far from the strange land. For a place that has seen war and famine, this side of China is lush and filled with life. Currently, within a river bank, the setting is more placid. Trees are abundant and the rocks that are a path to the river lay for an easy stepping travel.
Many buckets stand with water as a large stick are between the loops. Currently, the last bucket is being filled with water. This is accomplished by an ebony-skinned young man, kneeling along the ground while letting the water freely reach the top.
Sigh. Antoine looks ahead. It looks like that the tournament is over. "...Nothing else that I can do here. Give the people water and... I need to move on to find other fighters." He shuts his eyes. After all, that is his main purpose.
The worst part is if people thinks China will be safe from now on it is only going to get worse. There are other evil forces on the move right now and one of them is taking this chance to establish a new base of operations while everyone is still distracted by the events and the recovery of Taizhou. There has already been one altercation that has happened and made the news and it probably won't be the last. Too many things are being transported at once. Vega is in too much of a rush to set up things and it is only creating some mistakes.
Not that one of his main followers cares. While Sagat may have gotten dragged back into the employ of Shadaloo he still isn't fully supportive. He has already had to answer for saving Quon from that clusterfuck that occurred near the China and Thailand border, but Vega is not a fool. He would not kill a valuable asset like Sagat over one small fighter. Of course he has been less involved in dealing with the transport of things now. Instead he is working with a few select soldiers gathering intel now through the various villages. Of course at the same time he has tried to help those in need when he can.
So it would be no surprise that within the short time since his arrival in the village to help out that Antoine would have heard of an incredibly large man that arrived just a day earlier to help out. The fact he is over seven feet tall makes him easy to pick out among the tiny people that make up the place. Not to mention he is the only one hauling a cart full of rice forward with ease due to the lack of having animals to pull it at the moment. Of course as he pulls things along there are a few grateful farmers talking to him as he has not yet seemed to notice the other outsider yet.
Farah has arrived.
When he finishes the last bucket, he brings them together to line all of the buckets alongside each other. After a moment, Antoine finally appraches the center and lifts the buckets up over his back. He is starting to make his way towards th path to Taizhou.
Along the tread of a path, he does happen to come across one large man hauling a cart full of rice. He blinks for a moment, noticing the massive man. While carrying the buckets of water, he is drawing quite closer towards the one-eyed Muay Thai Emperor with a smile.
"...Looks like that I am not the only one offering help. That's impressive strength there!" The young fighter looks to be in high spirits today.
Shiden has arrived.
There is a hardly a noise that comes from Sagat as he lets the cart go once the farmers let him know he need not drag it any further. He just gives a nod and he keeps a stern look upon his features instead of even offering a small smile. That is until his single eye moves to regard the man that speaks up. He was not expecting another outsider out in this direction so he seems suspicious. "If I could offer more I would, but this is all I have to given to them." he finally says in response to Antoine.
One of the farmers comes up with some water for Sagat which he accepts and he keeps his gaze on Antoine as he drinks and offers what is left to the other man. "You are not one of the locals. What brings you out here?" he asks while his gaze moves to look off to perhaps someone else and he gives a shake of his head. If Antoine is perceptive enough he might have noticed a man in some sort of military uniform duck around the corner of a building soon after Sagat has made that gesture, though the large fighter moves to sort of block Antoine's vision from it before taking a seat. "You may want to move on soon. The military will be arriving soon for relief and they aren't taking too kind to outsiders right now.
A frown forms up. There isn't much that he can do for the people of Taizhou that he hasn't done already. And he will have to leave them to continue his journey. "...I know the feeling." Antoine looks over towards the stranger. It is only a grimace that forms up when Sagat tells him that he's not a local. "... I wouldn't go that far. I have been raised out here in China for eight years now. I consider this land my home."
As such, he furrows his eyebrow. "As such... I try to do what I can for the people here." He smiles faintly, "...I am actually going on a journey. ...To develop myself and upkeep the tradition of Chongquan. As such, I am hoping to find other martial artists through the world and test out my strength against them."
Blink.
He could had sworn he saw something.
"...Perhaps.. ...But I have a question to ask of you."
The larger man listens intently and nods. There may be something of the start of a smile or the like that crooks at the edges of his mouth when he hears about the man starting a journey. Funny how things do seem to love to repeat themselves. Much like he set out to be the greatest Muay Thai master many years ago it seems that Antoine seems to be doing the same for his style. "A noble task. One I hope you find success with." he says and he slowly gets back to his feet as his gaze looks off in another direction again and his eye narrows.
His attention returns to Antoine and he gives a faint nod to the younger man. "Go ahead and ask. If it is something I can answer then I will." he replies. He is curious mostly how this man has approached and reacted to him. He isn't too surprised by locals not knowing who he is, but someone he at least thought was an outsider not recognizing him is actually a bit refreshing.
Being secluded in a temple from the rest of the world for eight years does that. Also, not being told of the fighters that already exist. That also plays a part.
"Thank you." A smile is returned. After a moment, Antoine turns around, taking the buckets that are currently along his back over to a bit of a distance from himself and Sagat. In fact, he is walking away from Sagat for a moment. Kneeling towards the ground and he places the bucket line down. This, in turn, reveals the duffelbag tied to it as well. Antoine is never without that duffelbag.
Turning to face Sagat, the young man takes several steps forward back towards his direction. "...There is something about you that draws me." He shuts is eyes. Then, they snap open.
"...I request a match against you."
That single eye raises a brow at the request it was made. He was thinking that Antoine may have been pretending to not know who Sagat was for the sake of leaving the large fighter alone, but now he has his doubts. "You wish to fight me.....I see...." he seems to actually ponder it as his arms fold over that broad chest and his single eye closes. This man may be skilled in his choice of fighting style, but Sagat has his doubts that a man that has never even heard of the former Emporer of Muay Thai is prepared for something like this.
He finally gives a large sigh and that eye opens as he looks to Antoine with a bit of a grimace. "I don't believe you should challenge me, but if you choose to attack me now with all you have then I shall accept your challenge." He keeps his posture with arms folded over his chest and he just waits to see what the other man might just do. A few of the farmers are also sort of gathering around along with some of the children of the village just to see what may happen.
COMBATSYS: Sagat has started a fight here.
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Sagat 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Antoine has joined the fight here.
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Sagat 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Antoine
Of course, Antoine honestly has no idea who this man is. However, the massive presence of the man is rather intimidating. At the same time, however, this impressive height and stature of the man is what draws Antoine to want to challenge him. He cannot back down from a chance to prove himself. With that chance provided, Antoine will seize that opportunity.
"...Maybe not. However, if I do not take the opportunity, I will that I will live with the regret leaving this place to continue my journey." His eyes narrow, "I have no intentions of livng with that regret." His fists tighten, then he slides the right foot forward. Both palms open and they slide forwardto guard while his knees bend slightly.
"I will give you no less than with all what I have."
With the gathered people around, Antoine is catching himself. His focus is on Sagat. Everything else around him... The gawking people... are a blur.
And Antoine is off. He shoots off of the right leg to press along the ground to add a bit of momentum. When he runs towards Sagat, he springs off of the ground with the right leg. The left foot snaps towards Sagat, followin with the right foot that snaps forward.
The main strike comes in the form of a right fist that is thrusted out invertedly. The knuckles are directed towards the stomach as he lashes the fist out like a whip. "Ksh!"
COMBATSYS: Sagat endures Antoine's Quick Punch.
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Sagat 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Antoine
It is good to see that there is a new generation with the kind of mindset that Antoine has. It is often people like him and seeing the likes of Quon fight with Vega's cronies that remind Sagat that the fighting spirit is not dead and there are still determined people in this world. Perhaps he is just turning into a nostalgic old man. He lowers his arms and doesn't make any attempt to move when Antoine comes in. The result is him making just the slightest grunt when the fist slams into his stomach and he glances dowards at his smaller opponent. "I can understand what you say. I have lived with reget often and still do. Do not let yourself be held down by it at your age."
Of course the advice might not stick too much with Antoine. it depends on how well he hands the rather large knee that comes upwards with the intent of slamming into the young fighters chest to send him sprawling backwards. For being so large and looking on the older side he moves with surprising quickness. He does find himself wishing to hold back just a bit, but at the same time that would be insulting to a man like Antoine. The young fighter will feel pain today, but Sagat will make sure Antoine will remember this battle and hopefully he will become a better fighter because of it.
COMBATSYS: Sagat successfully hits Antoine with Aggressive Strike.
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Sagat 0/-------/------=|======-\-------\0 Antoine
Antoine gave his strike in. That was the intent. He wanted to get a feel for the warrior. Whatever the case is, this man is -very- sturdy. This means that Antoine will have to be more careful.
...Don't let regret hold him down at his age. That is sound advi---Oh hey. Those ribs are going to feel it.
"Hrrk!"
The sound of bones crunching stir in the air as the large knee lifts up to slam against the chest. His eye widen and everything feels like that it is caving in. The eyes widen as he can feel the wind leaving him. After a loud gasp, he takes several steps away and he shudders. After recovering from that blow, Antoine grits his teeth and he presses his right foot forward.
tHe seeks to slide his right leg forward. The arm slams out to tighten the fist for a one inch punch to the abdomen. Then, he is seekin to use that leading leg to slide behind Sagat's leg. The other palm shoots out towards Sagat's chest, seeking to topple him over.
COMBATSYS: Sagat blocks Antoine's Wind Chases the Clouds.
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Sagat 0/-------/------=|=====--\-------\0 Antoine
With Antoine knocked away Sagat reaches to tug at the hem of the loose shirt he is wearing. He lifts it up and tosses it aside as he displays the large scar across his torso. "I wish you luck. If you battle remember you can end up like this." he replies and holds his arms out to where nothing is obscuring the scar. "I hope you are prepared for both the highs and lows." He finally starts to move to take on his fighting stance as Antoine comes at him once again. It is like punching and kicking at a wall really. Only most walls don't exactly punch or kick back.
He seems more than prepared for Antoine's attack and he doesn't even budge as an arm comes down to block the strike aimed at his chest. He pushes forward in an attempt to knock Antoine back and throw him off balance before he steps forward and slings his leg outwards in a powerful roundhouse kick aimed to slam against the side of the other fighter's head. Even if he easily outmatches Antoine the older fighter is finding some enjoyment of finally having a fight between two men for no reason other than to show off their style. No death and no large consequences ride on this and it isn't often the Muay Thai master can enjoy that sort of fight.
COMBATSYS: Sagat successfully hits Antoine with Medium Kick.
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Sagat 0/-------/-----==|=======\=====--\1 Antoine
With the distance provided, Sagat takes off the shirt to expose to the young man the scars made from the fight. The potential of a fate of what is to come. Some may see it as a disgrace to pride. Others may see it as a reminder of what a fight can do to you and how dangerous it is. How close to death can one come? What battle scars can the fight bring in a mental and a physical sense?
Antoine looks at Sagat's scar. The fighter looks thoughtful for a moment. However, he continues to dive into the battle, "Even so... I will continue. Whatever the consequences are... it is better to keep my tradition preserved and honed at any cost." Sifu would want it that way.
After Antoine fails to make a dent on Sagat, Antoine is thrown off-balance by the Muay Thai master. A foot slams against the side of the head, causing his head to twist the other way. Eyes widen, he immediately skids across the ground before he rolls over. "Nnnggghh...."
Slowly, Antoine is starting to get up to his feet. He already looks beaten. He is bleeding across the head. The eye is twitching. A grin forms, "...No regrets..." Then, the young man feels the lick of electricity building in his body. Appearing as blue lightning, the chi resonates from him. Antoine makes his move towards Sagat, seeking to close the distance between himself and the fighter.
Skidding across the ground, both hands are brought to his side as they open. A ball of lightning manifests between the hands. As the build up continues, the voltage soon spreads across his body.
With a left foot out, his arm follows suit to thrust the palm at Sagat. There will be a burst of chi exploding with the force towards Sagat's abdomen.
COMBATSYS: Antoine successfully hits Sagat with Perfect Storm EX.
> Determined Hit! <
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Sagat 0/-------/---====|==-----\-------\0 Antoine
He certainly has spirit. That is something he saw in the young man he had to save not long ago. In fact Antoine is reminding him a bit of Quon for the short time he got to see the latter in action before saving him from being murdered. He is just in bad need of more training from the looks of it. Both of them for that matter. Then again for a man his age it is often hard for Sagat to remember the days when he struggled like this as a youth.
He digs his heels into the ground as Antoine comes forward and he draws forth the chi that manifests to look like lightning. For a moment there is a bit of a flashback of his earlier years and the shakes it off as he steps foward as if to accept to blow. It seems he may have underestimated Antoine just enough that the strike is enough to knock Sagat back, but not off his feet. He regains his balance and he glances down at himself a moment before nodding. "A good technique. I figure it is only fair to reciprocate with one of my own." He leans forward and launches himself towards Antoine. Given the height difference he comes in rather low before exploding upwards and aiming to slam his fist against the chin of Antoine as he goes upwards with a vicious uppercut. "Tiiiiiigeeeeeeer, UPPERCUT!" he roars as he twists about in the air after throwing his fist upwards.
COMBATSYS: Antoine endures Sagat's Tiger Uppercut EX.
*KNOCKED AWAY*
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Sagat 0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1 Antoine
...One wonders how Quon is doing these days.
Antoine took a chance. It was a chance that would open his path that will lead to somethig promising. With that lightning-enhanced strike making impact on Sagat, it is enough to actually knock Sagat back. However, the man is still standing. At this time, Antoine is panting. He looks over at Sagat as he looks a bit dishaveled. "...Nngg..." He smiles faintly. At least, until he sees Sagat lean and launch towards him.
The eyes widen as the fist actually catches him off-guard. The impact of the fist that strikes him against the head sends it reeling back. One can hear the bones cracking apart as the chin takes the worst of it. That isn't all. His body is almost ten feet off of the ground from the devastating impact.
And the ground? Even worse. It's like a meteorite crashing to the ground. He rolls along the ground, knocked further than expected.
Standing up, he grits his teeth. He slowly takes several steps towards Sagat... Then, he nods. "....Heh...I barely have the strength to continue."
Pause.
"Yet... with that last bit of strength left.... I promised that I'd give it my all."
Pause.
"I will not go back on it."
Even a minute ofhis strength, he is not going to give up. That is why Antoine lunges forward to close the distance between himself and Sagat. He immediately slams the right foot forward, thrusting the right palm to the abdomen. Next, Antoine seeks to step forward with the left hand. His body twists in position to shift the fist out to strike at Sagat's chest. "Shoooooooouuu!"
COMBATSYS: Antoine can no longer fight.
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Sagat 0/-------/-======|
COMBATSYS: Antoine successfully hits Sagat with Heaven Descends to Earth.
Glancing Blow
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Sagat 0/-------/-======|
Perhaps he went a bit overboard, but if Antoine is to learn anything he will have to take his share of lumps like any other fighter. He is impressed by the fact Antoine manages to stand after such a strike. Of course it doesn't look like he is going to be able to stay upright too much longer. The kid is fighting on fumes at that point, but Sagat lets him continue forward. That first strike lands rather solidly, but Sagat has enough time to twist and avoid the second one. He dips low though to catch Antoine if he falls forward and easily keeps the fighter from hitting the ground as he hefts him upwards with one arm. "An amiable attempt." he tells the fighter and he moves towards one of the huts to set Antoine on the ground and leans him back against the wall.
"You have a long road ahead of you. Just some advice. Get yourself out of China for awhile because it is going to remain messy for awhile longer." he looks to the farmers and motions one closer before leaning in and talking to one. He doesn't have enough time to linger and makes sure Antoine is treated properly so he makes sure they will take care of him. The large fighter retrieves his shirt and he pulls it back on before looking over his shoulder towards Antoine. "I wish I could teach you more, but I have a job that I must do." Not one that he wants to do, sadly. He starts to stalk off and it isn't before long that two men in military style uniforms flank his right and left and leave the village with him.
COMBATSYS: Sagat has ended the fight here.
Despite of all of the other energy spent...
Sagat helps the man from collapsing. He is kept up with the free arm and hen he is taken towards one of the huts to be pressed against the wall on the ground. He lifts his head up, gazing at the sky to get the feeling back. "Alright..." He considers the next advice. Leave China.
"One I handle the last task of water delivery... I will continue my journey. I did not have plans to remain her for too long---.." Of course, as Sagat starts to leave, the man looks at the taller one.
"Thank you." Unaware of the military men with him, Antoine busies himself with gazing at the ceiling. "I hope we meet again for a rematch. ...Now I can continue my journey."
Log created on 21:53:46 08/14/2010 by Antoine, and last modified on 01:33:43 10/09/2010.