Description: Zangief has stolen Christmas! With the children of the world (or at least, the children in the audience) faced with the prospect of traditional toys of his homeland, can anyone stop Zangief inflicting his view of the best holiday in the world on them?! Up steps Hayato, the Burning Phys Ed Teacher, to try and free the modern-day toys that everyone really wants on Christmas Eve!
Ho Ho Ho!
It's Christmas Eve, and all across the world, families are getting together to sit down and enjoy the virtues of family, good food, and togetherness. December 24th, right in the heart of winter for most of the western world, and certainly chill right across the United States. What better way to banish that cold than through the medium of violence?!
The house lights are down, casting the crowd in shadow, with harsh electric lights focused down on the ring itself. In the very center of the ring stands Zangief. Clad from head to toe in fuzzy red cotton. The Red Cyclone has decked himself out just like Santa, down to large buckles on his boots, and even his beard has been sprayed bright white for the season.
A large brown sack is slung over one shoulder, bulging with toys and gifts. A candy cane and nutcracker poke out of the top, but the sack is almost as large as he is. Which is saying something.
The crowd are excited, and there's a lot of cheering, and jeering, from all sides. A walkway to the dressing rooms is currently dark, just waiting the arrival of the first opponent, the man who would step forward to... Save Christmas!
Being Japanese, Hayato's views on Christmas aren't quite the same as those of your average American. Still, it's a fun holiday, and he certainly knows who Santa Claus is. And this fight seemed too fun to pass up. The fact that Christmas is a bit less of a Big Deal in Japan does mean that he has no problem with being busy fighting on Christmas Eve, though.
The Burning Phys Ed Teacher strides out of the dressing room and the lights snap on, illuminating him as he grins and waves to the audience. Conveniently, red and white are already the colors Hayato wears most of the time, so his track suit is already suitably festive for the occasion. He has gone the extra mile, however, and wrapped his shinai in red and white ribbon to give it the appearance of a large candy cane.
When he reaches the end of the ring Hayato leaps up, catches the top rope and then vaults himself over and into the ring in one smooth movement. He flips Zangief a quick salute with the shinai and flashes a grin. "Now, I know you want all the good little girls and boys to get into the spirit of giving, but they are still going to get some toys from that big sack of yours, right? There's a lot of Christmas joy to be had in receiving gifts, too!"
Never let it be said that Zangief can't poke a little fun at himself. At first, he'd been skeptical of the idea of playing the bad guy for Christmas. Although he doesn't approve of the commercialization of it, the fundamental message is something very close to his heart. Doing good, helping others, a strong community spirit... these are the ideals that Zangief tried to represent every day.
When Hayato makes his appearance, the larger man pulls himself up to an even more intimidating height. "That depends on you, Comrade!" He rumbles, letting the hefty sack of presents drop into the ring with a hefty thud. One hand reaches out to pat the bag, as he continues to rumble.
"These are all wonderful, traditional toys! Toys such as I had when I was a boy, and I'd like to give them to all the good little boys and girls who are with us tonight, BUT!"
Suddenly, there's another light, shining on a different sack suspended above the ring, precariously. "In there are all modern gifts, electronic doo-dads and gizmos! Dancing puppies and game-boy devices HMPH! Such silly things distract from sharing and family, and I don't want to give them out! It's the thought that counts, and all of my gifts have so much more... soul! I WON'T allow it!" His voice booms, angry and menacing. He's really laying it on thick.
He does spare Hayato a wink, though. Because the large man feels the need to let the other know that he's not a total loon. No matter how things worked out, the kids would be leaving with /something/, right? Even if he does, privately, think they might enjoy a hand-made doll or ball-in-cup more than a manufactured tickle me Elmo or an X-box.
Hayato rubs his jaw thoughtfully. "You do make a good point. But!" He points at Zangief. "You shouldn't deprieve the good little boys and girls, just because some children may not appreciate how fortunate they are! Besides, if the children fail to appreciate the feeling of the season, well, that's what coal is for." The teacher grins.
"But I don't think words will settle this!" Hayato takes a heavy step forward, driving his foot hard into the surface of the ring and pointing his shinai at Zangief. "I'll show you my spirit, for the sake of Christmas, and the springtime of youth!" Someone up in the control both decides this is a good moment to accompany with a brief display of pyrotechnics.
And as the sparks from the pyrotechnics begin to fall, Hayato rushes across the ring toward Zangief. He reaches out toward the wrestler's red shirt with his left hand, grinning as he tries to yank the other man toward him. His right hand comes swinging up in an arc, aiming to drive into the wrestler's chest, flipping him up and over Hayato's shoulder.
COMBATSYS: Hayato has started a fight here.
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Hayato 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Zangief has joined the fight here.
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Hayato 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Zangief
COMBATSYS: Zangief blocks Hayato's Power Punch.
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Hayato 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Zangief
Zangief puts his fists on his hips, and laughs heartily, "Yes! Show me your spirit! Maybe you are right! But, I don't think--" And then Hayato is running at him?! Zangief's years of experience pay off magnificently, and although he's punched and lifted up, as he hits the ground, he rolls, and comes back up with a grunt, and a crack of his neck. His fuzzy hat slightly askew, which lends him a somewhat crazed appearance.
"Hnnn. Well, then, Comrade, the time for talking is over!" He declares, "Prepare to find out why they call me... The Red Cyclone! ORA!"
Suddenly, Zangief is twirling across the arena. Spinning like a top, both meaty arms extended wide, and aiming to smash painfully against Hayato, in one of Zangief's more recognizable favorite techniques.
COMBATSYS: Hayato blocks Zangief's Double Lariat.
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Hayato 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Zangief
Hayato may not be as big as Zangief, but the teacher nevertheless has quite a sturdy body, honed with Hard Work and Guts! Hayato brings his own arms up, and although Zangief's spinning limbs thud into Hayato's guard, they aren't able to break through. Even so, the teacher is unable to avoid being slowly forced back across the ring. "Hnng... You've got some real power, friend!" But even Zangief can't keep spinning forever, and so Hayato just needs to wait for the moment to make his move.
And when it comes Hayato strikes without hesitation. He drops his guard and then lashes out with his shinai, creating a red and white blur as he unleashes a flurry of slashes across Zangief's torso at rapidly varying angles. And then suddenly there's a pause as Hayato swings his arm back, before bringing the shinai slicing back around toward Zangief's head.
COMBATSYS: Zangief fails to interrupt Scolding Slash from Hayato with Banishing Flat.
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Hayato 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Zangief
Zangief indeed can't keep spinning forever! But, that doesn't mean he can't try! When he spots Hayato's guard drop (not easy through a spinning haze), he tries for one more sudden, thrusting spin forwards. His fist glows bright green and flares with power for just a short moment... and then the shinai smashes upwards, cutting across his torso in the opposite direction, with just enough force to break his momentum forwards. A testament to the skill of the Burning Phys Ed teacher!
The blows come fast and hard, and don't end until Zangief is stumbling backwards, with the fuzzy hat tugged down over his eyes. He harumphs and huffs, yanking it back up hard and shaking his head as though to clear it. "Hmph! You haven't seen anything yet, Comrade!" He replies, gruffly. "With the children relying on me, you can't knock me down!!!"
Hayato settles back into a ready stance rather than lunging after Zangief again, when it doesn't look like the wrestler is going to fall. It would be too easy to fall right into a trap that way... and if Zangief gets his arms around you, you're in trouble. "You're not the only one the children rely on! I'm a teacher, I've dedicated my life to helping kids! Helping them to get the most out of their youth!"
The teacher's eyes blaze as he makes this proclamation. In fact, his whole body develops a blazing aura, flickering around him as he points at Zangief. "I know you mean well, but I won't let that stop me! For the children's sake!" And, okay, maybe Hayato wouldn't mind something from the bag full of electronic toys for himself...
COMBATSYS: Hayato gathers his will.
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Hayato 0/-------/-======|==-----\-------\0 Zangief
Zangief cracks his neck, works his shoulder for a moment, and then steps forwards after Hayato finishes speaking. "A teacher, hmmm?" He repeats, following up with another hefty stomp forwards. Slowly closing the distance, so as not to rush Hayato. Because really, what sort of person tries to catch fighters by surprise? Everyone should see what is coming, it makes it so much more entertaining for the viewers at home!
"Perhaps I should teach you a lesson then, Comrade!"
Reaching out with both hands, he aims to grab Hayato by the shoulders. It's easy to see coming, but, the sheer strength behind that grip can be surprising, to say the least. If Hayato doesn't get out the way, he'll find himself being hefted easily off his feet, and turned upside down. By now, Zangief's fans in the crowd will already be cheering wildly.
Because if all goes according to plan, Hayato's head will be crushed between Zangief's thighs, and he'll suddenly leap into the air, spinning wildly, with a loud, "ORA!" This might even seem sedate, if a bit claustrophobic... until they impact the ground again, and all that massive force aims to transmit right through Hayato's skull.
COMBATSYS: Hayato interrupts Screw Piledriver from Zangief with Devastation Kick.
? Strange Hit! ?
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Hayato 0/-------/-----==|=====--\-------\0 Zangief
Zangief manages to grab Hayato by the shoulders, and suddenly escape is no longer an option. Hayato tries to pull away, but there's no resisting that pull and he's yanked off his feet and flipped around. It's not until Zangief is launching skyward that Hayato really has an opportunity to figure out what he's going to do next, and by then he's not in a very good position.
But somehow, Hayato manages to partially break free. At least enough to cock his right leg back. Blazing chi flares up around his foot as he kicks wildly upward, driving a kick directly into Zangief's bushy white beard. The angle is awkward and Hayato can't get his full power out, but Zangief also isn't really in a position to dodge.
All of this frees Hayato up enough to twist so that he hits the ring with his shoulders rather than his head. Which is all well and good... but he wasn't able to completely escape, and that means the next thing to happen is Zangief landing on top of him.
Zangief isn't sure exactly what happened, except it hurt quite a lot, and by the time it is over, he's possibly on fire(?!). When he hits the ground, he rolls, but again he is pretty surprised by the strength with which the Burning Phys Ed teacher has managed to hit him.
Zangief is not a man to stay down for long, and there's markedly less finesse in his attack this time. In fact, there's not even a pithy one liner. Perhaps it's just the amount it /hurt/, but his beard is on fire, and he's roaring.
"GRAAAAAAAAARGH!"
The intent is pretty simple. He aims to grab hold of Hayato by the throat, and hurl him as hard as he can into the turnbuckle. Not what one would call a sophisticated move, but nonetheless effective when he's ... angry.
COMBATSYS: Zangief successfully hits Hayato with Power Throw.
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Hayato 0/-------/--=====|======-\-------\0 Zangief
Hayato doesn't stay down for long either, but he's a bit slower than Zangief at getting to his feet. And then he doesn't have a chance to say much of anything, either. Well, aside from "Urk!" when Zangief grabs him by the throat. Then he's hurled with a great deal of force into the turnbuckle. There's a cracking noise as he impacts with the turnbuckle, and it leans back at an angle for a moment before the tension of the ropes pulls it more or less back into place, pushing Hayato forward a bit.
The Burning Phys Ed Teacher pushes himself back to his feet with a grunt. He takes a moment to mentally assess himself. That impact shook him up, but he's still feeling more or less okay. He can keep going! He still has a grin on his face as he strides back toward Zangief. It takes a fair bit to get Hayato angry, at least as far as fighting is concerned. So he's still enjoying this just fine as he closes in on Zangief and lashes out with a right straight toward the other man's jaw.
COMBATSYS: Zangief endures Hayato's Fierce Strike.
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Hayato 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Zangief
Zangief takes it on the chin. That isn't quite fair to say, exactly. He sees what Hayato is doing, and he clenches his jaw. Stepping forwards into the blow, it smashes into his jaw, and, on a lesser man, it might even be enough to force him back. But Zangief refuses to go back even an inch. Although his hat is restored to a perfectly straight angle, rather than the oddly jaunty one it had been before.
He then whips his head forwards. Hopefully, before Hayato can fully recover from putting himself into the blow. The bloodied santa-lookalike has apparently given up on fancy demonstrations of technique, at least for now. Following up with one rather successful demonstration of raw strength with another.
His head comes forwards with as much force as he can put behind it, and hopes to make contact directly with the Burning Phys Ed Teacher's noggin. Really, who ever said that Zangief doesn't use his head in a fight?
COMBATSYS: Hayato blocks Zangief's Fierce Punch.
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Hayato 0/-------/-======|=======\-------\1 Zangief
Once again Hayato brings his arms up in time to block an assault from Zangief. The Russian's mighty fist collides with Hayato's guard and the teacher rocks back for a moment, but quickly recovers. He peeks at Zangief over his guard, then swiftly pivots on his left foot without completely dropping his arms.
This brings Hayato into position to bring his right leg swinging up and around, attempting to drive a kick into the side of Zangief's torso, right under the ribs. It looks like Hayato is planning to save his breath for now, rather than trying to restart the banter. While it might have a fun premise, this is a pretty serious fight.
COMBATSYS: Zangief blocks Hayato's Strong Kick.
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Hayato 0/-------/-======|=======\=------\1 Zangief
Zangief brings his hand around, and takes the kick on his open palm. Breathing hard, sweating like a pig underneath all the extra layers he just isn't used to wearing, Zangief might just be starting to slow. A sign that some might take to mean it is the perfect opportunity to strike!
Truth be told, though, this is just the sort of moment Zangief enjoys. When he's beaten and bloodied, and giving just as good as he's getting to the opponent. Especially when there's not (really) anything riding on the line other than the enjoyment of the crowd. This was just what he needed to pick himself up after Seishirou's beating!
With another sudden surge, Zangief throws himself at Hayato. Aiming to scoop the teacher up in his hands, if he can manage this, he'll find himself being crushed to his chest in a literal bearhug, aiming to just, catch some of his breath back, by squeezing some out of Hayato. And, he'll even growl...
"Hah, you are pretty tough, friend! Though, I like it better when you hit without the fire. At least you aren't throwing things like a woman!"
COMBATSYS: Hayato fails to interrupt Choke Hold from Zangief with Intercepting Strike.
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Hayato 0/-------/-======|=======\=------\1 Zangief
Hayato tries to step back as Zangief reaches for him, but isn't able to slip away. He gets crushed up to the wrestler's chest, but manages to avoid having all the air squeezed out of him immediately. "Heh... I can't help it, that's just my Burning Spirit!" And the fire in his eyes shows that Hayato's not about ready to give up, either. He manages to free an arm reaching out to grab Zangief by the head while drawing his own head back...
And then he's being squeezed a bit harder. The remaining air is forced out of Hayato's lungs with a grunt, and he's unable to follow through on his plan, his arm dropping and bouncing off of Zangief's shoulder as he struggles to breathe or, even better, break free.
Zangief eventually lets go, because even he can only hug someone for so long. When he does, he raises his hands above his head, and turns his back on Hayato. This is done, in the world of wrestling, because it really isn't very sporting to keep kicking a man after you've just crushed the air out of him. And, well, it'd give Zangief a moment to catch his breath back, too.
"Do you see now, children?!" Zangief bellows to the crowd, "I, The Red Cyclone, will not be beaten! Soon, all of you will be enjoying a wonderful, traditional Christmas time! Toy soldiers and trains for the boys! Adorable dollies and teddy bears for the girls! HO! HO! HO!"
COMBATSYS: Zangief gathers his will.
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Hayato 0/-------/-======|=======\=====--\1 Zangief
Hayato falls to his knees after being released, quickly taking several deep breaths as he attempts to recover. His ribs ache, but it doesn't feel like any of them actually broke under the crushing force of Zangief's arms. The teacher finishes getting his breath as Zangief gives his declaration of victory, and then Hayato slams his fist into the floor of the ring with a loud thud. "And I'm sure there's plenty of children who will appreciate those toys! But that doesn't mean they should be the only ones given out!"
Hayato forces himself back to his feet, standing there right in front of Zangief. He's not tall enough to meet the other man eye to eye, but he does tilt his head back enough to look Zangief right in the eye with a burning gaze. And a wide, toothy grin. Oh yeah, this is the life!
COMBATSYS: Hayato gathers his will.
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Hayato 1/-----==/=======|=======\=====--\1 Zangief
"NO! I won't allow the children of today to be corrupted by these decadent toys!"
And, that, it seems, is the end of the discussion as far as Zangief is concerned! He's barreling forwards again with all the force of a freight train. Now that he's caught his breath, he's aiming to crash into Hayato, and just, carry on, scooping and spinning as he goes, so that he ends up stretching against the ropes of the ring, with Hayato in his arms. If this is all going according to plan, this is not a situation that the Burning Phys Ed Teacher is likely to enjoy!
Because when the ropes help throw Zangief forwards again, he'll bring Hayato with him, up, and around, to crash heavily into the mat, in an old wrestling favorite!
COMBATSYS: Hayato Toughs Out Zangief's Flying Powerbomb!
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Hayato 1/---====/=======|=======\======-\1 Zangief
Hayato stands his ground as Zangief charges at him, but once the wrestler actually impacts with him, remaining in place is no longer an option. The teacher is swept up, then feels the ropes against his back as the two bodies stretch them to their limit. And then they're launched forward, but as Zangief prepares to slam Hayato into the mat, Hayato wraps his arms around him, clutching back. The teacher kicks his legs down as they come crashing down, taking the full force of the impact up through his feet and legs.
It hurts, and it's not a position that can be hold for long, but Hayato doesn't need it to be. "It's not about the nature of the toys! It's about the spirit of the season!" And then he tries to continue the descent to the mat, but on /his/ terms, tilting back to bring Zangief down headfirst.
COMBATSYS: Zangief endures Hayato's German Suplex.
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Hayato 1/--=====/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Zangief
Zangief hits the mat, but, if there's one thing he knows, it is how to turn wrestling around in his favor. The suplex was unexpected, but when it began, he knew just how to roll with it. Which might come as something of a surprise when he's suddenly coming up, aiming to snare one leg and one shoulder, and hold Hayato high above his head, turning to face the crowd.
If all goes according to plan, he'll shout, "And now I finish this! Come on, Comrades! It is time! ULTIMATE!"
And he'll bring Hayato down, slamming him into the ground before scooping him up in another crushing Screw Piledriver, his head pressed uncomfortably again, until he hits the mat the first time.
Only to be launched up for a second spinning trip to the cry of, "FESTIVE!" ... Backed by jingling bells in the background.
The second crushing smash will actually dent the ring, splintering wood before Zangief, snaring an oversized candy cane from the bag of toys he has strategically landed near, swings it around to clock Hayato, and send him flying up into the air.
"BUSTEEEEEEEEEEER!"
COMBATSYS: Zangief successfully hits Hayato with Ultimate Atomic Buster.
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Hayato 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|====---\-------\0 Zangief
And for a few moments it looks like Santa Zangief has got this... in the bag, so to speak. Hayato is repeatedly launches into the air and slammed into the mat, causing the entire ring to shake each time. The second time the ring actually starts to buckle, and if he'd hit it much harder Hayato would probably actually be stuck in it.
But Hayato surges to his feet with a shout, just as Zangief brings the candy cane swinging around. Hayato starts bringing his arm back, and as the candy cane comes in he just rolls his head, smashing right into the minty weapon. It shatters at the impact, and Hayato doesn't even seem to notice the blood that starts dripping down the side of his head. He's too concentrated on his fist, rocketing right toward Zangief's face. It glows with the power of his spirit. More than mere fire, Hayato's fist is imbued with the pure energy of the teacher's Burning Soul!
COMBATSYS: Hayato successfully hits Zangief with Burning Cross Counter.
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Hayato 0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1 Zangief
Zangief was truly not expecting Hayato to get back up. The Ultimate Festive Buster has never failed him before! But, nevertheless, Hayato DOES get back up. And, although he truly expects to be able to just /take/ the punch to the face, like he did the last one, this time, Zangief staggers, stumbles, and falls to the mat with a heavy, and final, thud. The burning spirit is just too much to endure.
Somewhere in Russia, a small girl gasps, and tears come to her eyes. She clasps her mittens to her mouth. "No, not Comrade Zangief!" She cries, looking away. Her stern grandfather, perhaps a veteran of the proud Soviet days himself sternly clasps her shoulder. "Do not look away, child. There is still... hope!"
And though his eyes are unfocused and his knees are shaking, like the true behemoth he is, Zangief does come up again. Truly, this is a Christmas miracle! One which he intends to enact by, first, grabbing Hayato's throat...
COMBATSYS: Zangief can no longer fight.
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Hayato 0/-------/---====|
COMBATSYS: Zangief successfully hits Hayato with Ultimate Atomic Buster.
[ <
Hayato 1/-------/=======|
Lifting Hayato into the air, Zangief again brings him crashing down into the mat. Where before, this was a planned series of serious moves, this time, however, the attack is the very last of Zangief's will being poured out into an expression of his dedication for the children of the world! He MUST steal Christmas... to SAVE Christmas!!!
The Red Cyclone flies up into the air, spinning around with Hayato to deliver the fourth screw piledriver of the match. No sooner has his head smashed into the ground, than he is leaping into the air again, though. The move is less precise, far less controlled, and concludes with Zangief crushing Hayato into the dirt... and then trying to stand up...
Before he flops over on top of the other man, very unconscious.
One of Hayato's arms stick out from underneath Zangief and twitches for a few moments, before finally going limp.
After a few moments longer, the event staff cut out the lights illuminating the sight.
COMBATSYS: Hayato takes no action.
COMBATSYS: Hayato can no longer fight.
For a few moments, there is confused, silent, darkness. Then, it is broken by a booming announcer.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN."
"As both fighters are unable to continue, the children will receive BOTH types of gift! Please make your way to the highlighted exit points." And the lights come up, as the bags of toys have been retrieved by staff, to be handed out to the excited ticketholders as they vacate the arena! Well. Lets be honest. On balance, this was /probably/ the best result for all concerned. Even the one the fighters themselves would probably prefer. For the children!
Log created on 12:57:57 12/28/2010 by Zangief, and last modified on 16:09:44 12/28/2010.