Description: Title pretty much says it all. Lucky Glauber visits and joins the Kyokugen Dojo in an attempt to step his B-ball up, learn some new tricks. Lesson #1: Takuma hates basketballs almost as much as your grandparents hate progressive social movements.
There is a time in every man's life where they have to realize they aren't the best at what they do. It is a humbling thing to realize to be honest. Most guys are too proud to ever admit such a thing let alone do something about it. Lucky on the other hand has come to decide that if he wants to keep fighting he is going to have to find a better way to improve. Playing several pickup games of street ball isn't going to help him win fights. He needs to concentrate more on the karate aspect of his style if he wants to succeed.
Not that he is giving up on his style entirely. He would just like to improve upon it. The problem is finding the right person to learn from. Sadly for Lucky he decided to check out the famed Kyokugen dojo without realizing just how much of a mistake that might be. He at least is familiar with the names even if he doesn't really know the people well enough. He has even some of the eccentric actions from a few of the family members in person and watching them on screen. He just hopes that there might be a chance that they are taking on new students as he enters the dojo.
Anybody familiar with Southtown could tell you whether or not the Sakazaki dojo is hiring (yes, 'hiring' is the appropriate term) at any given time; as it's visible from the highway, it's impossible to miss the gaggle of students omnipresent at its training grounds, swarming over its dilapidated structure, or clambering around in the nearby forests. Small, white ants, they'd look like. Lucky's doubtless going to feel better and better about his chances upon walking through the training grounds - He'd have no problem handling virtually any of the youth drilling here, though one or two standout pupils might give him a run for his money.
His walk takes him close to the staircase leading up to the platform surrounding the Dojo itself, and here is where Takuma Sakazaki sits stock-still, legs crossed, expression stern. Warm brown eyes flit from student to student, but he is otherwise silent. This is his life's work, and the children here its fruit. One assumes he is the happiest he's ever been, watching so many learn to express themselves through his art.
A prospective student stands before him. Lucky is subjected to a slow, toe-to-head lookover from Sakazaki; while his manner doesn't change, that stern frown definitely takes on characteristics of a sterner, sardonic smirk. "...I remember you from somewhere. Is there something I can help you with, son?" His voice is a low rumble, and his manner direct, but there's no lack of warmth in his tone - he's curious, genuinely curious, as to what Lucky's here for.
Among all the people around Lucky probably stands out with ease to some at least. Kind of hard to miss a seven plus foot black man wandering about in Japan. He is asking about where to find Takuma when he is finally shown the proper way. That is when he soon stands before the Kyokugen master and he gives a big smile. "Hey, you probably don't remember the name. I'm Lucky Glauber. I have been in some tournaments you have entered. We just never crossed paths fully." he explains and he straightens up to try and show he has some discipline at least.
He takes a moment to think things through and he clears his throat. "I was wondering if you know. You took on older students and stuff. I look to be older than alot of the kids here, but I could use some polishing up on my skills." he seems to fall back more in a relaxed position as he explains, he still keeps that cheerful smile on his face the entire time. "I figured if I couldn't learn anything from someone like the Sakazaki clan to help me then I may as well just hand up my sneakers and go back to being a basketball player."
While Lucky speaks, Takuma watches him. He's got no immediate response for the athlete's near-certain self-exposure just then; instead, one bushy eyebrow lifts while Sakazaki assesses his applicant. "I remember now. Sports Team. You boys put on a pretty pitiful show." He's not necessarily insulting Lucky past the initial barb; his tone is factual, nothing more. "That's probably why we never crossed paths." He flashes the much (MUCH) taller man a broad, perfectly-pearly grin, and clambers to his feet, albeit a bit slowly.
"We'll see if you can't learn something yet. You're old, but we'll see how poor your form is. The trick to teaching fighters is that they can't be too far in over their head." Sakazaki steps past Glauber, to approach the end of his viewing platform. He looks out at his training ground, eyes hard, and lifts his chin, abruptly.
All activity ceases. Hundreds of heads shift, countless eyes focus on Glauber and Takuma.
"MARCO!" A beefy man responds to Takuma's shout. "GET ME A FIRST DAN, NEED TO CHECK SOMETHING UP HERE."
In moments, a spunky, tousle-haired youth (age 15) is jogging up the steps to the Kyokugen Dojo's viewing platform, sweat patching his gi in various places. "Hah, heh..." He leans over, panting, bright eyes flitting between Glauber and Takuma. "Yes. master?"
It would only be an insult if it wasn't true. Lucky would be the first to admit he, D! and Brian didn't do that great when it came to tournament fighting. "Well yeah, that is why I am trying to change things." he admits and rubs at the back of his neck. "Really we have all started going off on our seperate ways to train and I am not too sure what the others are doing." It has been months if not longer since he has heard from either. Not so much a tweet or an email or the like. Not that he is much of a computer user, but he goes to the library enough to where he would be able to check such things!
He sort of turns his attention towards the young fighter comes jogging forward and Lucky looks down at him and then to Takuma then back to the kid. "Are you sure? I mean I can start off against something harder if you wish." he offers. Not that he would mind if he somehow got his ass kicked by the kid, but he is more worried he might accidentally do enough damage to hurt the little guy. Then again Takuma is a master so he probably knows best.
Tweets are important. Takuma will never realize this - he is too busy with other things - but it goes without saying that he's at least sympathetic to Lucky's predicament. The elder sighs - he glances from his pupil to the visitor, and nods understanding. "That's absolutely understandable, son. I see why you're here now." While he speaks, he's glancing at the youngster beside him, gesturing towards the training grounds. "Never mind, Isamu. Tell the kids to sit down, shut up, and pay attention."
He leaves the platform, pushing past both the young man and Lucky on his way towards and down the staircase. "Come on, then!! You're too good for my students?? Why are you trying to enroll in the program, then?!" By the time Sakazaki's stepped onto the concrete training grounds, all activity has ceased. Hundreds of students sit in concentric circles, eyes peeled, focused on the gap between them. Takuma takes his place near its center, and glances back to the stairway.
"You coming? They're waiting. Leave your panties up there on the porch, by the way."
COMBATSYS: Takuma has started a fight here.
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Takuma 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Lucky has joined the fight here.
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Lucky 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Takuma
Well it looks like Lucky made a grave mistake. HIs problem is he hasn't had much experience with crazy old men and he has yet to realize just how eccentric Takuma really is. He looks like he is about to say something, but he also wonders if trying to amend what he meant would just lead to more awkwardness. In this case he probably just paid for a one way trip to the hospital tonight since now he has found himself having to face the master instead of a pupil.
He has to admit he likes the old man's style, though. He certainly is a no nonsense type. "You got it!" he says with a smile despite knowing there is alot of pain that will be happening soon and most of it will be involving him. He jogs down towards the training area and he doesn't even seem to take a moment to really prepare himself. He just raises his hand and oddly a basketball comes falling from the ceiling to fall in his hand and he quickly tosses it forward towards the Kyokugen master. "Catch!"
COMBATSYS: Takuma overcomes Death Bound from Lucky with Ko'ou Ken.
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Lucky 0/-------/-------|===----\-------\0 Takuma
Lucky -did- make a grave mistake. Takuma was offering his charge an easy 'out' in allowing him to fight one of the more promising Kyokugenites. In denying that generosity, he's put himself up against the Ox himself; and as much as Takuma is famous for his eccentricity, he's equally famous for his stubbornness. Dense, squat karate master stands stock-still while Glauber performs his basketball magic. At the first indication that - yes - Lucky is planning on using that ball to ATTACK, Sakazaki outright frowns.
It's a perfect pitch from Glaber to a completely open Sakazaki, but Takuma's going to have none of it. At the apex of the ball's arc, he SLAMS one foot forward, THRUSTS a hand outwards, and a wall of force knocks the thing out of the air. Dust billows outwards in a straight line originating at that hand; the ball is no more, and if Lucky doesn't move soon, he's going to be joining it.
"If you're going to sit here and play children's games with me, I don't think I'll be teaching you much of anything! This is a school of -KARATE-, son! Show me that ball again, and I -will- put it through your stomach!"
COMBATSYS: Lucky blocks Takuma's Ko'ou Ken.
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Lucky 0/-------/------=|====---\-------\0 Takuma
That did not quite go as planned. While Lucky wasn't sure if he would even hit with that thing he certainly wasn't expecting the Kyokugen master to easily deflect it away and then fire back so quickly. It leaves Lucky with not much else to do but hunker down a bit and put his arms up to absorb the brunt of that blast. He bites his lip a bit and manages to keep from letting out any noises of pain before lowering his arms and revealing a smiling face. "Hey I appreciate the instruction, but it is part of my karate. It's part of me being me!"
He does at least oblige Takuma with something other than hurling a ball forward. Instead he takes a few steps forward and then launches himself towards the Kyokugen master. It is amazing such a large man can cover such distance in a jump and he extends one leg in an attempt to slam his sneaker clad foot squarly in the chest of Takuma. "Hah!"
COMBATSYS: Takuma counters Light Kick from Lucky with Mouko Burai Gan.
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Lucky 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0 Takuma
Few things go 'as planned' when one is supplicating themselves like Lucky is. You're exposed, perhaps a little embarassed, and now that Takuma's outlawed 'ball use', Lucky's running out of options. Even so, that jump -- Takuma's eyes widen, surprised, while more than a few scattered oohs and aahs disrupt the audience's otherwise rigid silence. The way Glauber can -jump- is absolutely incredible.
"The way you jump... that's good. You've got a hell of a pair of legs." As he speaks, Sakazaki is stepping sideways, lifting an arm before his chest, fist clenched, forearm presented as a block. Past this, he simply stands his ground, which is significant. You really, really, really don't want to be on the attacking end when Takuma's going to sit there and -take it-.
Lucky's foot hits Takuma's forearm, and does approximately nothing - it might as well have impacted iron. Immediately Takuma's lunging forward, using his upraised arm to grip Glauber's leg and pull him inwards. His right hand follows up to LURCH into a straight punch to the small of the basketball player's back, effectively punching him into the ground some ten feet away.
"Try again! Jumping's one thing, but if I have all that time to think about where you're going to wind up, you're in trouble."
Takuma adds, as an afterthought: "You say you're just being yourself, but the reason you're here is because you aren't -satisfied- with yourself. Shut your mouth, stop defending your errors, and listen to me. We're going to make a man out of you if it kills us."
On top of being rather agile for his size his lanky size for being a big man is deceptive. He body seems more stronger than it should be when he takes that punch. It still sends Lucky aside and hitting the ground hard, but there was no real cracking of bones or the like from taking the hit. "Making errors is part of improvement anyways." he grunts as he gets back to his feet and he rubs a bit at his back wherre that punch landed. Things aren't going so well so maybe he should rethink his actions. Instead of trying to defeat the old man perhaps he should just concentrate on even hitting him. Start small and then go from there.
He seems to like that idea and he takes up a rather generic karate pose as he hops from foot to foot. H looks to be trying to find an opening and when he finally does he lurches forward and throws a punch, though it is a feint so he can spin about and bring his other hand around in a chopping motion to slam down on the top of Takuma's shoulder.
COMBATSYS: Lucky successfully hits Takuma with Strong Punch.
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Lucky 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\0 Takuma
Lucky's stance-change is laughable; he's a beginner, this is expected. In the audience, one youngster takes the opportunity to bark out a derisive laugh, but this is cut short as he's promptly *SMACKED* in the back of the head, and reprimanded by an older fellow. Sakazaki's standing firm, himself, and offers his opponent a quizzical look, the slightest sort of grin. "...Oh? Alright, then. You're willing to start tearing down that high-flying, fancy bullshit that sunk you in the tournament back then." Takuma's talking even as Lucky lunges forward, and... and...!
Glauber manages to SMACK the smile off of his face. Takuma tumbles to a knee, grimacing - his face is going to be bruised from THAT hit - and all around, students gasp, awed.
Hunched, his shoulders quaver. Slow laughter wracks his form. "...Hah hah hah... ah! You hit hard! That's good!! I was -worried- I'd never get to see how much strength you had!" Sakazaki doesn't attempt to get up just yet. Rather, he looks up from his kneel, smirks, and JUTS a hand in towards the basketball player's hoodie, fingers extended. If he connects, he'll simply seek to follow the punch up with a brutal tug downwards, and introduce Lucky's face to cement.
COMBATSYS: Takuma knocks away Lucky with Power Throw!
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Lucky 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\1 Takuma
It is probably easy to see that Lucky never really had formal training. He might not admit it in front of all these people, but he mostly learned from watching old Jim Kelly movies when growing up. That is why his style is so odd overall. He tries not to pay attention to what the students might say and it seems like his planning even pays off. He actually seems surprised he manages to land his attack cleanly on Takuma. So much to the point he fails to react properly when the teacher goes to grasp him. "Oh shi-" he tries to step out of reach, but the wiley old man grabs him and soon Lucky eats pavement. It is forceful enough he actually bounces off the concreate and away from Takuma.
With a grunt he manages to get back to his feet. He is already feeling the soreness, but he has to prove he is worth training still. He put his foot in his mouth and he is paying the price. Maybe if he can get something good going against Takuma things will work out for him in the end. He moves forward again, a quicky dash before he leaves his feet again. His sneakers flashing almost as if they ignite with a flam as he swings a roundhouse towards the head of Takuma and he keeps twirling to attempt to land a second kick against his shoulder.
COMBATSYS: Lucky successfully hits Takuma with Cyclone Break.
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Lucky 1/-----==/=======|=======\==-----\1 Takuma
These fire kicks, these things are nuts. Lucky's heated sneakers batter into Takuma's head, neck, and chest not once but -twice-, and leave the karate-man falling into a standing stumble. He finds his footing after an awkward forced step back (or three), reasserts his stance, and laughs. AGAIN.
"Ha ha..! Alright, alright. I'm not so disgusted with you anymore. You might be able to beat one of my kids, sure -- that's enough to get me to think about it."
Takuma takes a step back, raises his hands, and smiles. "...Are we done here, or did you have something you wanted to prove to me? I'm open to either option, son."
COMBATSYS: Takuma takes no action.
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Lucky 1/-----==/=======|=======\==-----\1 Takuma
Once again surprise crosses the features of Lucky as he manages to land his kicks. He lands in that awkward fighting stance of his and he seems ready for whatever only to find Takuma taking a moment to give Lucky one last chance to probably get out of a hospital visit. The sad part is he seems to be taking a moment to ponder as that smile returns to his face. "You wanted me to not use the basketball, but I want to show you one last reason why I incorporated it." he admits.
He might regret this later but he reaches upwards again and that ball comes falling back into his hand. It actually is crackling with energy too once his hand touches the object and he goes to slam it hard into the ground. It actually hits hard enough it imbeds in the concrete instead of bouncing and then it explodes into a large beam of energy that fires right for Takuma. "Might not be a surprise for you, but I can catch some opponents off guard with this!"
COMBATSYS: Takuma fails to interrupt Hell Bound from Lucky with Small Random Weapon.
- Power fail! -
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Lucky 0/-------/-----==|=======\====---\1 Takuma
Well, it works. That ball slaps into the concrete, and a SPIKE of chi energy -races- through the terrain to pummel Takuma, whose fantastic idea of 'defense' included 'standing there'. He's not shrieking, or even surprised, but there is one telling spike of a thick eyebrow before his entire figure is enveloped by force. As that flareup of energy fades, it leaves the master dropped to a knee, breathing a bit more heavily than he'd like, and giving Glauber an expression that's -significantly- less pitiful than his first impression.
"...Alright, boy. I'll grant that you've got some skill. I'm impressed, so I'll take you on as a student, but I'm telling you, -now-. If you ever show me that damned ball again, I -will- make you regret it. It'll be the last, most educational experience of your fighting career. Are we understood??!"
COMBATSYS: Takuma has left the fight here.
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Lucky 0/-------/-----==|
Well he isn't sure how, but he managed to do it. Once he was forced to take on the old man Lucky wasn't sure things were going to turn out well. He is impressed with himself more than anything. Maybe he does have a shot at improving himself further. He gives a big grin and he straightens up to give a bow. "You won't regret it." he tells Takuma before straightening up. Of course how much he is going to listen about not using the basketball again is unknown. He may keep it away at least when in the dojo if the old man is around.
He is trying not to fistpump right then and there with all the excitement he is feeling. He will have something to talk about to the guys if he runs into them again. It certainly is something worth bragging about. Looks like things are already somewhat going to his head. "I'll leave all my information and such. I will begin as soon as you want!"
COMBATSYS: Lucky has ended the fight here.
"Ahuh." Takuma's dusting his knees off, and already walking away from the training area. He rolls either shoulder, one at a time, before ascending the steps to his viewing platform. "You can start by giving the family car a wash and a wax. After that, the shingles are getting a little loose, and I'm worried about our gutters getting clogged up in the autumn. It sounds like chores, and it is, but I don't want to see that damned ball anywhere near your hands until they're finished. We're working on that discipline of yours, first."
Most students are probably laughing behind his back, but Lucky doesn't care. he is pleased with himself these days and what are a few chores when he personally got to take on a master of Kyokugen and still be standing. He quickly nods. "No problem. They will be done quicker than you think." When the guy puts his mind to it stuff like that will be some cake. Of course there is going to be the noise of Lucky's boombox blasting when he gets to cleaning the car and the like. But that is a beating that will happen another day that is more sunny and where Takuma may learn to breakdance......yeah right.
Log created on 17:31:17 10/17/2010 by Takuma, and last modified on 01:17:45 10/23/2010.