Ash - Around the World in 80 Days

Description: Seeking to experience new cultures throughout the world, Antoine chooses to immerse himself in the ways of the nation by challenging or being challenged by homegrown fighters. In France, the man encounters Ash Crimson in a quaint village far removed from the hubbub of more cluttered cities. Seeing that Antoine far outclasses his original opponent, Ash proposes that the Chinaman fight him instead...



France.
While the big city offers the Eiffel Tower and more of the sightings for tourists, there are those who move through the countryside. The less frequent and more rural portion offers a beautiful setting of villages and large, expansive lands. With the sun shining in the air, the essence of fall makes its way known as brown leaves flutter to the ground.
Within one of the villages..
A fight is going on. People of the villages are cheering and jeering.

"KICK THE OUTSIDER'S ASS!"
"FOR FRANCE!"

A fist starts flying and a figure moves into the air. Like a hurricane, the figure spins and a flash whips out against a larger, burly frenchman with a mustache. As he slams towards the ground, he falls unconscious. This earns jeers from the people, who now break away frm the fighting 'ring' in distaste.
The young winner exhales a sigh, lifting his head up towards the sky. A frown curls up slightly, but a smile grows as he can see the clouds through, then he looks out to the field. "...Quite a nice place."

When one takes their leave from the larger city, it is as though the world gets turned upon its own head. Here in the countryside of modern France, the daily lives of quaint farmers and the like are governed by French nobility. It is uncertain which family is law here, but it's likely that one particular Frenchman in the crowd happens to know them, and is far more than capable of notifying the head of house that a brawl has broken out on the dusty, gravel street... But he doesn't.

With this in mind, where does such things leave Ash? Or any other well-known combatants that hail from his homeland? They are the exceptions to the rule: The young flamewielder, for instance, has been fighting for as long as he can remember... Although he's certainly not as dedicated to honing his talents that Ash has done nothing else with himself. But he wouldn't run away, and neither would they.

When the street brawl concludes decisively, the platinum blonde haired man finds his interest fading. Wonder if there's anything else in this town worthy of his attention before moving on? Upper torso twisting, Ash even glances left and right down the lane, people dispersing back to their regular lives all around him, albeit clearly unhappy with the events that had just transpired. Sadly, what he sees is exactly what he expected - absolutely nothing. Looking back to the lone figure left behind, the flamewielder decides that this young man is probably the most entertaining here. "Bonjour," Ash calls to him on a whim, twirling a long strand of hair around a single finger, "Ahaha, that was quite a fight."

It is a nice day to enjoy the rest of France. There is music to hear, the language, and the environment. Yet, the ebony-skinned man cannot help but find himself in a predictament of the hostilities from the public. He just wanted to see the man's style. A dishaveled look accompanies him, then he exhales his breath. Turning over to face out, he is preparing to set foot to the next area.
...Until a voice calls out to him.
Turning to face Ash, Antoine looks a bit surprised as this was the first Frenchmen to properly greet him. Picking up on the language quite a bit, Antoine says, "Bonjour..." He fully faces Ash out of courtesy, now looking the young man over. ...Looks like a girl. He cannot help but quirk an eyebrow, but a smile is there the same.
"Thank you... I was just interested in seeing the man's style." Then, his eyes glance down before he shakes his head, "But, it seems that it was not how I expected it to turn out." Then, he offers a smile, "But, he fought admirably."

Well, Ash is French. They all look like girls here. Even the man with the moustache, upon closer inspection, appears to resemble a hefty woman sporting facial hair-- Wait, no. No, damnit!

Continuing to twist the pale tress until it's tightly coiled, once the flamewielder's greeting is acknowledged, he leisurely rises to his full height from the chair. The trapped strand is released, and he gestures freely to the fallen opponent now turned speed-bump for carriages and carts, though his gaze remains fixed on Antoine, "Perhaps it didn't turn out the way you anticipated because he was obviously outclassed." Rolling his shoulders in a casual way, Ash delivers what could be seen as a backhanded compliment nonchalantly. Take it however you want, the Frenchman doesn't mind whatever the outcome may be.

"At least you seem to be the chivalrous sort," Regarding Antoine with a returned smile, he is the only friendly face in a cesspool of hostiles. Ash nods once to himself, "I'd almost thought such things were lost to modern times." Striding forwards, the flamewielder approaches the obvious target, tucking long bangs away behind one ear as an ominous wind takes to the street, "You're clearly not from around here, mon ami." Whatever that wind may have represented, cold like the Frenchman's blue eyes, devoid of any warmth his actions and expression suggest, it dies away, "Je m'appelle Ash Crimson. C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer."

At that, he's offering a hand, because Ash is such a nice guy. He obviously wants to make friends, if only due to there being nothing better to do.

Outclassed? Admittedly, Antoine did not take too kindly to that. It's not that he wanted to fight someone of a lower class. He just interested in other styles. Yet, thei attention falls over towards Ash, who returns his smile. The young man tilts his head over, "Thank you." He then looks over to Ash's shoulder. ...For a moment, he felt a change in the wind. His eyes shut and he exhales a bit. It feels rather strange. Yet, he allows it to pass by. He makes mental note of it, but he doesn't quite make a big deal out of that.

"I am afraid not. I have traveled long from China." The young man extends his hand out towards Ash's hand. He takes it with a firm grip. After finding himself learning Chinese from his time, he returns the greeting. "Antoine Haung, A vous aussi."

Then, he removes the hand, placing it to his side as he changes hands to hold onto the duffelbag hanging on his shoulder. "I have been traveling the world, seeking to learn of other fighters and other styles." A smile brightens, "I have ran into some great people along he way. ..At the same time, I always wanted to see the cultures of other worlds."

Oops, Antoine takes his flippant remark to heart, oh well. At least the young man recovers in a manner which suggests that he isn't too affected by the Frenchman's words, so the world continues turning. "Aaa~ Parlez-vous francais?" Outside of France, encountering a foreigner with even the slightest ability to comprehend a more civilized tongue is very uncommon. This clearly pleases the likes of Ash, and it shows in his actions. His handshake is surprisingly strong but friendly for one so feminine, and once the introductions are over, he retracts his hand, pressing a considering fingertip against his lower lip.

That duffelbag, slung over Antoine's shoulder and probably dirty due to being lugged around everywhere, reminds him of someone. Ryu, if Ash happens to be recalling that individual's name correctly. He ask if there was any connection between to two, but not all hobos are interrelated. That'd be silly! So instead, "Are you from the mainland, or Hong Kong?" Believe it or not, the flamewielder is fairly seasoned for one so... not looking like the type at all. He even speaks Mandarian, having lived in Shanghai. It's a thuggish, uncouth Mandarian, learned from less savory types, but Mandarian nonetheless. ... Perhaps Ash will stop by Shanghai on his way back to Southtown. It's been quite sometime since he's had the crab.

"I also wouldn't suggest fighting any of the commoners here in France's countryside, 'ntoine." His grin is... strange. Forced, yet natural. It completely contradicts itself on his face, but still manages to simultaneously exist there as a recognizable expression, "If you'd liked to learn, all they know are bare-fisted brawling styles that can be found anywhere. Best to challenge city-folk or the French nobility, if they have the time to waste on anything besides high society and wine-tasting." Recapturing platinum blonde bangs once again, he brushes the recently cut ends against a cheekbone, "Or you can fight me - I'm not from around here, ahaha." The wind... it's back, and its presence is heavy, "I can do more than just throw a simple punch."

Despite his uncough appearance, Antoine isn't the type to be so. It is in his earnest to learn about the different cultures and immerse in it. Bridging the gap out of ignorance is important to the young artist. His eyes drift over towards the man after the handshake is made. "...Only a little bit." Antoine admits, "As I mentioned, I seek to not only find other fighters... but immerse myself in the culture." He shuts his eyes, "To do that, understandin their languages is a stepping stone." His eyes drift up towards the horizon, "This place is beautiful. It is nice seeing a place like this after..." Taizhou. It is a pity that the people have to live like that.
After a moment, Antoine looks over at the Frenchman. "I grew up in the mainland, yet a little far off from most of the cities. Lived at a shrine.. which is now empty." He shakes his head for a moment, "...It's a bit of a ways from Taizhou..." He furrows his eyebrows as memories of the place come to mind. Antoine tilts his head over, treatingthe man with a smile.
"Hrm... I see..." There is disappointment, "Yet.. as unrefined as their brawling can be, many do have a strong instinct. Sometimes, their personal instinct can sometimes perservere over those who have style, but lack the instinct." After a moment, he frowns at the 'time wasting'. However, as he explains of challengin him...
That wind carries again. So, suspicions are right. As such, Antoine shuts both of his eyes, furrowing his eyebrow. Re-opening his eyes, he takes several steps back with a smile. "I would be glad to." With the respectable distance, drops a hold of the string attached to the duffel bag, letting it hit to the ground with a thud.
Antoine is bringing both of his hands up in a guard. "...I promise... to give it everything I have."

COMBATSYS: Antoine has started a fight here.

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Antoine          0/-------/-------|


COMBATSYS: Ash has joined the fight here.

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Ash              0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0          Antoine


Such a positive young man, Ash thinks upon explanation. Definitely someone who wants to know the world and understand the people in it. To draw the best from his experiences, rather than focus on the negative... Such a trait is to be respected, even admired, but sometimes ignorance is bliss. Sometimes it's better not to know, because one can unintentionally delve too far into the way of things and never escape, like Taizhou. The Frenchman wisely keeps his distance from anything he does not wish to understand and involve himself with, but not to worry. He won't say anything to discourage it in others if they're living freely, doing what they will.

At that last bit, Ash laughs lightly. It's a musical, airy sound, and he splays his fingers across his open mouth politely. Don't expect the same courtesy from the Frenchman himself - he's not the type to give it all in a fight, unless his opponent proves to be worthy. Currently, Antoine is regarded as someone capable of entertaining him in a bout, but otherwise a mere toy. It's just the same as when the flamewielder spoke with the other in the first place. He wanted something to do... Not that any of this comes to mention, nor is the suggestion of his thoughts projected by Ash's relaxed stance and attitude...

"I look forward to it." And with his opponent backing up to deposit the duffel bag, those blue eyes simply observe Antoine's actions with mild curiosity. When he seems ready, Ash's grin loses the indecisive edge and becomes real. Cheeky, even. It's funny how he didn't care to be found just days ago, but deciding that a return to Southtown is in order, there's notoriety to be built. He'll make a good start of it here. Might as well go first, too. Because Ash is an opportunist.

Springing away from where he stands, the Frenchman sprints across the short distance before leaping into the air, his movements cat-like. "I hope you're ready!" And his lean body twists, long leg out and brought down in an attempt to connect his heel with Antoine's shoulder.

COMBATSYS: Ash successfully hits Antoine with Medium Kick.

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Ash              0/-------/-------|=====--\-------\0          Antoine


Although Ash does not quite say it, Antoine suspects that Ash will show him what he can do. However, with the fight beginning, Antoine is noicing the change of Ash's movements. It becomes more purposeful. It is strange how lax the guy seems as a fighter. He furrows his eyebows, keeping a hard stance as he awaits his opponent's first move.
That actually comes forth in the form of a whiplashing kick. Antoine takes the right arm up and then he steps forward. He seeks to bring the rm out to guard against the incoming foot. Unfortunately, the power of his movement strikes through the defenses, breaking into the shoulder. The connection causes a loud ring of pain to emit from Antoine.

~ Damn! This guy is strong! No... he is not an ordinary fighter. ~

However, he leans along the ground as he is kicked, trying to utilize it to set his motion.
As he performs a full spin, he lanches his left leg out, emitting a bit of lightning behind it. Then, the other leg comes out to snap at Ash;s head. That last foot will lean forward, stomping to the ground to shift the stance.

COMBATSYS: Ash dodges Antoine's Crossing the Bridge.

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Ash              0/-------/-------|======-\-------\0          Antoine


Heel connecting soundly, while the sensation Antoine experiences is that of the purest pain, Ash himself is awash with satisfaction. After his meeting with Alma, and following their subsequent match, the Frenchman had thought that perhaps the year spent peacefully had dulled his abilities and senses. Now, today is not the case. His leg retracts, knee drawn momentarily to his chest, and while the other shifts his position, the flamewielder lands gracefully and looks relaxed once more. His hands even drift to the pockets of the fleece jacket, making Ash appear as though he were just out and about on a casual stroll through town.

The incoming foot is observed with one pencil-thin eyebrow arching high up on his forehead, and at the last possible second, Ash turns to the side. He lazily watches what might have been an uncomfortable hit drift by, noting silently, 'Saa, lightning?' Could it be that Antoine is a shootfighter, similar to a certain model that the Frenchman occassionally finds himself detesting? The power is uncommon, but he'll know in due time. Until then, the second strike intended for his head misses completely. The flamewielder ducks underneath, and it disturbs nary a hair on his head.

Smirking deviously, the lean fighter moves in for another hit while Antoine is likely committed to his attack. Fair is fair in a fight, as long as you're not kicking dirt in someone's face! He may find Ash in his face, if the Chinaman's really unlucky, as the flamewielder extends a hand for the front of his shirt. Should young Crimson be successful in that, the other will find himself punished by a knee driving upwards, a punches to the chest, and a final, devastating uppercut, constantly pulled back into the attack by his clothes and released only once the freckle-faced fighter is finished.

COMBATSYS: Antoine blocks Ash's Vendemiaire.

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Ash              0/-------/------=|=======\-------\1          Antoine


Ash managed to not only turn to the side from the first kick, but overall got away from the last kick. After the landing and the shift of the stance, Antoine turns to face Ash, watching his movements. "...You're very relaxed... It's... unnerving a bit..." Antoine quirks hi eyebrow, then he notes when Ash is reaching over towards the front of his shirt.
His arm shifts over towards the right, seeking to lock against the arm to keep it from trapping him. While he does find the knee moving towards his gut, he brings his hands down to guard against it, then he lifts the hands up again to guard against the fist. Yet, the uppercut catches him, sending him flying back.
As he lands on the back, he rolls back to cover the shock and then flip himself back, wushu-style. As he takes his stance. Antoine lunges forward, seeking to extend his right palm forward. He seeks to plant it towards Ash's gut, then he steps forward to drive the left fist upward for an uppercut. That uppercut seeks to move to the chin and he twists in that rise-up.

COMBATSYS: Ash fails to interrupt Heaven Descends to Earth from Antoine with Rapide Ventose.
>>> Punitive Hit!!! <<<

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Ash              0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0          Antoine


The rough knee is blocked, his fist is stopped, and it seems that Antoine is very fortunate today... But why give up? The slender Frenchman's temporary tenacity wields results, uppercut catching the other harshly and sending him flying. Ash dramatically drops the extended-skyward arm, fanning himself briefly before pausing to check the paint on his fingernails. No chips? No breaks? Good. Wouldn't want that to happen. It'll make him unhappy...

... Although if he expends anymore energy, Ash may very well be irked regardless. He doesn't want to sweat in his jacket, but removing the article also sounds like a bad idea, lest he get cold.

At the observation, the freckle-faced fighter feigns innocence, "Ahaha, oui? I never really noticed." But it's entirely intentional. Ash Crimson is not a simpleton, but a calculating, shrewd man who fully understands human nature and how they are wont to judge. He can no longer count the times he has been underestimated due to mannerisms or appearance alone, and such things are precisely why the flamewielder projects something so seemingly unthreatening... To anyone wise, what they see instead is downright unsettling, making the Frenchman unpredictable and dangerous. He is regarded as an unknown entity, and it is the very best place to reside.

By this time, Antoine is there with his palm, and the lean Ash takes the hit, absorbing the impact into his stomach for the express purpose of luring the Chinaman in. His own hand draws back behind him, and there's a flicker of strange green chi, shapeless and seemly boiling in his grasp, but the flamewielder has made a mistake. He knows it too, a second too late. His wide mouth pulls down in a concerned frown, and Ash utters a soft, "Tch." before he's struck in the chin.

The man's head snaps back painfully, face fully exposed, and he really hates 'flying', but Ash doesn't have much choice. Both feet lift from the ground and he rises up into the air against his will. At least the landing will be conducted how he chooses, so his slender frame twists, feet coming around over his head. The Frenchman touches down on a storefront's metal awning. Startled faces peer at him from the second floor of the building - probably the shopkeeper's home - as if to say, 'What, another fight?!' "Not bad!" Wonder what Antoine will do now that he's up here. Hm!

As Ash is now landing on the awn of the building. His eyes drift over towards the flyin Ash, whonow makes his landing on top of the awning. As the startled men and women are there, peering from the second floor, Antoine is actually trying to get his resolve together. He promised Ash that he would not hold back. It would be an insult.

Antoine looks up from where Ash is at, then he gets a head start with a sprint. "Thank you.... but I am not done yet!" With he distance provided, Antoine springs off of the ground, taking a leap towards the awing. As soon as he makes a gentle touch, he leaps off of the ground and he spins in a full three-sixty turn. He whips out the right leg to hook it out towards the face of Ash.

COMBATSYS: Ash dodges Antoine's Strong Kick.

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Ash              0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0          Antoine


Of course not. The Frenchman hardly expected this to be over so soon; he hasn't even done enough to ensure a solid victory! So when Antoine makes his proclamation, Ash beckons the other fighter forwards, and perhaps baits him into proving that he's worth more consideration than a mere toy.

Soon enough, the Chinaman has graciously accepted the offer and joined him on the awning, but the mental creaks worryingly under their combined weight. Ash alone was barely enough for the structure to support, however, the two of them is simply ludicrious. The steel starts to sag underfoot, and glancing down, Crimson considers this for a moment. A plan formulates in his head in a nano-second, kick swinging in towards his head, then Ash seeming disappears...

What the flamewielder actually does is drop to a seated position and slide right out of harm's way, perhaps comically. He reaches the end of the awning too, hands firmly grasping the ledge, body twist-turning acrobatically against the force of inertia. Landing, where the Frenchman winds up is on the ground and underneath. Head falling back, he looks straight up at the dents in the steel, quickly calculating just where the other happens to be before crouching down. Run, Antoine. RUN!

The same mass of shapeless green chi bubbles forth from around his ankles, but it's soon distinguishable, were his opponent able to see it now. Sickly emerald flames, curious in their nature and nonconformity, blazing upwards as Ash kicks off backwards into a rising strike. The heat of the blaze and the force of the attack both melt and break through the metal as one, and Antoine will find himself caught up in it all if he sticks around there. Afterwards, Ash barely touches down on the structure during its collapse, but doesn't linger. He leaps away to the safety of the street and impassively surveys the damage wrought. He does not care about other people's belongings, obviously!

COMBATSYS: Antoine dodges Ash's Nivose.

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Ash              0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0          Antoine


The weight shifts.
Antoine can actualy feel that the pressure from the awning is building up. The sound creeks over as the metal structure shifts and deents once more. While Ash actually gets away from that kick... When he lands on the awning? It finally gives. The sound of it tearing from the structur stirs as Antoine is about to fall along side of the building. "Damn!" His eyes widen, then he looks down to see that Ash is preparing something.
As Ash manifests the shapeless green chi around his feet, Antoine is able to see that he is now seeking to catch him with it. With his descension towards the ground, the young wushu artist knows that he does not have much time to act. So as he starts to fall and skid across the wall, he finally plant both feet against the structure and he flips off.
The aerial somersault spins him along the air as he aerial saults over Ash's upcoming maneuver. With the flames blazing along, it barely streaks along his hair. The flames washing and wreathing nearby.
He lands onto the ground, Antoine finally sprints forward, seeking to close in on Ash. He dashes off of the back leg, then he crosses his arms together. With a quick snap, he seeks to shoot he palm towards Ash's chest. "HA!"

COMBATSYS: Ash just-defends Antoine's Moving the Mountain!

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Ash              0/-------/--=====|-------\-------\0          Antoine


Although the outcome does not coincide with his invisioned result, and is thus somewhat disappointing, Ash still can't help but allow an impressed 'fwuu!' to escape from his thin lips. What is this sound, and why? Well, believe it or not, the Frenchman doesn't know how to whistle. Isn't that weird? At his age, not having been taught something so simple!

Cringing at the metal's protests as the structure falls screeching inwards upon itself, Crimson isn't granted much time to otherwise leisurely hang around, hands once again to be found in the pockets of his fleece jacket. It seems that Antoine will be keeping closely after him as long as he's able, and for now, that suits Ash just fine. He'd get bored if his opponent had no determination, after all. Antoine's rushing strike is eyed critically, and when the Chinaman is in close enough? Ash doesn't attempt to take advantage of the opportunity, nor does he neatly hop out of the way. Instead, the palm strikes his... shoe?

Faster than the eye can follow, the flamewielder has drawn a single leg up and intercepted the attack cleanly. "What style is this?" He wonders aloud, dropping the defensive foot afterwards and smiling faintly. As far as he can recall, Ash hasn't honestly seen anything like it. ... Not that such things honestly matter. Also, if he wanted a reply, attempting to punch people in the head before they have the chance to respond is not the proper way to conduct one's self in a conversation! But that's what Ash does, fist arcing high above his head, taking a step forwards and trying to soundly floor Antoine, should it connect.

COMBATSYS: Ash successfully hits Antoine with Messidor.

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Ash              0/-------/-======|=======\-------\0          Antoine


With the opened palm extending out towards Ash, it comes to a sheer surprise when Ash manages to halt the process further with a foot. The eyes widen towards Ash, looking over the Frenchman with a flabbergasted look. "Uhh...." He grits his teeth.
He shifts his stance over, now tightening both fists. When Ash questions about his style, Antoine answers, "Chongquon. Strong fist..." He takes a deep breath, "Tradition has been through generations." When Ash brings his fist out towards his mouth, however.. "I will show you..." He tightens his fist, then he extends his left arm out in a sweeping motion. The hand seeks to capture the fist before it actually makes contact.
Ash is too quick. That fist hits pretty hard, ending with his head reeling back and he drops to the ground. He collapses onto the ground, clutching against his head. "Ehgh..." He rolls back up to his feet, growing tired... However, he brings forth his resolve. He shifts his stance out, then he slams his foot towards the ground, putting him closer to Ash. The impact causes a slight shudder to the earth.
Both palms extend out, seeking to slam against the Frenchman's chest."SHOU!"

COMBATSYS: Ash dodges Antoine's Immovable Mountain EX.

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Ash              0/-------/-======|======-\-------\0          Antoine


Chongquon? Strong fist? Even without the additional explanation, Ash would've assumed that it's a traditional style. Certainly with some added personal variation, as well. No one sticks to the very linear art in which they are initially taught. Not even him. ... Well, maybe Elisabeth, but let us save this contemplation for later, because as his fist connects, too quick for the guard, Antoine is struck to the ground and Ash's imposing form looms over him. Lightly tugging at a strand of platinum blonde hair, is that it? He did hit the younger Chinaman fairly hard.

"Tres bien." The Frenchman says approvingly as Antoine rolls to his feet, but how much more is the younger man capable of before he succumbs? It is with arrogance that Ash has decided on his own that he outclasses his opponent, but to walk away now would be insulting. Not that the lack of regard he has shown for the Chinaman from the very beginning can't be seen as such. The flamewielder has done nothing but toy with the other, and it continues... The strange shudder of Earth underfoot only serves to reveal Antoine's intentions.

Spinning out of reach, he twirls past the reaching strike and potentially behind his opponent, "Too slow!" A hand snaps up, then takes aim for the back of the man's neck. Perhaps it will knock Antoine out, but this isn't what Ash wants, so it's far more gentle than the punch to the head, at least.

COMBATSYS: Antoine fails to interrupt Medium Punch from Ash with Wind Chases the Clouds.

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Ash              0/-------/-======|=======\=------\1          Antoine


COMBATSYS: Antoine can no longer fight.

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Ash              0/-------/-======|


Tradition is key. Antoine must maintain hat tradition. At any cost. Oddly enough, it is Antoine who does follow the style to the teeth. Each part and maneuver to that style is purposeful and direct. At the same time, quite beautiful. That is why Anoine attempts to follow through the style.
As both of the palms strike out to direct the impact to the Frenchman's chest, he finds his attempts smoothly avoided and the hand makes its way towards the back of the neck. Antoine actually leans forward, aiming to hook his arm against the other arm. However, Ash manages to knock aginst the back of the head. This sends Antoine stumbling back before he skids to the ground with a thud. "Nngg... damnit..." He coughs up, holding his head.

Okay... So maybe he overestimated himself, thinking that strike was nothing more than a faint smack. It's not very often this happens to Ash, fully aware of his abilities and strength even after a year's break, and as such, he looks rightly surprised to see Antoine stumble and hit the gravel street. Guess he doesn't have to make the oh-so-not-difficult-and-careless decision to walk away now, because this fight is over. The Frenchman knows it, and it's likely that his opponent does as well. As such, any signs of tense anticipation, if they ever even existed, fade from his lithe form, and the flamewielder steps forwards to the downed practitioner of his ancient art.

Once there, Ash crouches close-by and grins. So he was entertained for a bit and things ended quickly enough before he got bored; the man can't complain, "You did very well." He says consolingly, and perhaps Crimson doesn't actually mean this, but his expression seems honest, "Maybe next time we meet." When you've grown stronger, Antoine. As it stands now, unless blessed with ungodly luck at random, the Frenchman is quite certain he's light years ahead. This wasn't a very fair fight at all, but he didn't really know before extending the challenge... And just like he so casually made that offer way back when, he now quite easily does the same with his hand, a gesture meant to help the Chinaman stand, should he require it.

Some of the villagers watch on from their windows, while others dot the street, keeping their distance. Even the moustached man, who has long since been forgotten, pulled himself out of the way upon regaining consciousness, now lurking in a darkened storefront. Tonight, the patriots will toast to Ash - even if they have no idea who he happens to be, the blonde clearly fights for his homecountry.

COMBATSYS: Ash takes no action.

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Ash              0/-------/-======|


COMBATSYS: Ash has ended the fight here.

Log created on 12:31:59 10/16/2010 by Ash, and last modified on 16:17:48 04/26/2011.