Description: As the first round of the King of Fighters tournament draws to a close, it seems that the Shadaloo team has some time to 'relax'. The Adonis, Balrog, has decided to request a special meeting with Sagat. What sort of questions could he have for the former Emporer? And why is Sagat asking a favor of the psychotic Spaniard?
Wadi Musa, Jordan.
Population: Roughly 25,000 inhabitants.
It is the only town bordering the archaeological site of Petra, and a tourist trap. At least the weather is pleasant, if humid, and... Sigh. Nevermind. The paved streets are covered in filth - dust, garbage, the camera-toting masses and the ugly... A wonder of the world does not deserve such disrespect, but its creation was out of ignorance. That cannot be changed. Those from the past did not know that future generations would not appreciate their beautiful works of art and architecture, surrounding Petra with /this/.
Green eyes lidding, his disgust at these imperfections is just barely concealed. It takes all the willpower the Spaniard possesses.
Crisp burgundy shirt left unbuttoned, his collar is popped, and somehow the wanted nobleman manages to blend in, regal bearing or not. The foreigners and sight-seers pay the murderer in their midst no mind, except for the occasional comment from some smitten girl, admiring him. Balrog is used to this. Continuing to neglect a bloody steak on his plate, the Adonis gently thumbs the rim of a crystal champagne flute. He waits patiently for a certain guest, but it is unknown whether or not the man will show.
"Sir, would you like a refill?" A waitress addresses him in fluent English, though she sounds breathless. Balrog's smile is stunning in return. Tipping his glass towards her, she refills it with the bubbling liquid, then hurries away, blushing.
At least she's decent to look at.
It has been an interesting time in Jordan to say the least. Sagat is sure Vega has been laughing the whole time that the large Muay Thai warrior has had to be sticking around with two bloodthirsty psychos as they get their fight out of the way. He admits in a way the fight itself was rather nice. He felt challenged for the first time in awhile and he even managed to take down two worthy fighters before being taken down himself. Of course Juri was the one that seemed to take the worst punishment from the Shadaloo side of things. Balrog on the other hand was the lucky one to some extent despite the fact he probably wanted to be involved.
Juri is taking some time to recover, but Sagat was actually fine not long after the battle. He is still bruised in a few places, but he seems a little less for wear as he stalks into the cafe where his fellow Shadaloo compatriot is sitting. He is dressed in a simple button up shirt and some pants with no shoes as he stalks over to take a seat at a table. "Water." is all he says if the waitress comes his way. If she was wanting to be near Balrog she has decided against it at this point with the giant cyclops being so near.
That single eye of his narrows a bit on the Spaniard and his hands come to rest on the table. "So what do you want to talk about? You seemed eager about something." he comments as tilts his head slightly to the side. He has to admit he is somewhat interested on what Balrog has to say.
Wanted to? Balrog desperately wished it, if only for the sake of all that is beautiful. The Outlaw Team was beyond hideous, and the matador desired their absolute destruction, to ensure that he would never lay eyes upon such a sight ever again.
Alas!
Instead, Balrog watched the first tournament fight calmly from the shadows, and left as soon as victory was assured, without saying a word to either teammate. There's no need. In Shadaloo, camaraderie does not exist. There is no unity. Vega does not require such meaningless things.
So, why did he invite Sagat here? And why does the Spaniard, with his attractive face split by a charming smile, gesture politely and say in earnest, "Congratulations." It is a mystery. Bringing the glass to his fine lips, the murderer takes a polite sip of his champagne, chuckling afterwards at the Muay Thai champion's order of 'water'. How plain, like the very man himself. To think that he would come here without shoes!
"But of course, that's not why I asked you to come, as impressive as you were." It is a rare compliment from the Adonis, who refrains from commenting further and perhaps insulting Sagat. He brushes long bangs of honey-coloured blonde-brown hair away from his handsome features, setting the flute down upon the table by his ignored plate. As a noble, he has disposable income - he doesn't care if the steak goes to waste.
Lacing long fingers together, he rests his wrists upon the polished surface of the table, "This is probably the first time we've spoken," Balrog begins, and his mouth tics with amusement at a corner, "where you are not a messanger." Another smooth rumble of laughter. "I wanted to ask you about Cammy, and what you know about her. Some time ago, I met her in the laboratory. What is she?" Not who. A human would not be contained in a vat like that over an injury. There's absolutely no way.
The question that Balrog asks is one that actually surprises the large warrior. A single brow raises and he takes a look around to make sure no one else is really within distance to hear them speak. Then again when a man like Sagat is sitting at a table people probably aren't really rushing to get nearby. "I am surprised you don't know." Then again Sagat himself only knows a few things mostly from talks with Senoh. He ponders if it is worth revealing what he knows to a man like Balrog, but then he gets a bit of an idea.
The large man straightens up in his seat and he hmms a bit. "I can tell you what I know, but I will ask for a favor in exchange." he says and falls silent as his water is finally set down. The waitress scurries away quickly and Sagat turns his attention back to the Spaniard. "She is an experiment of sorts from what I understand. Unlike the other Dolls that Vega keeps she is not just a brainwashed girl, but something more." In all honesty that is about as far as he can really go. He never really wanted to know the details. Nowadays he actually is more curious himself, but he has not been in a position to where he can pry answers from anyone.
"If you are looking for something more I can't provide it. Senoh isn't exactly the trusting type and I am unsure if asking Vega would be a good option now is it?" he asks while smirking slightly. "Why the interest? Did something happen between you two?" He hasn't seen or talked with Cammy for awhile now. Well before he had to get Balrog and bring him back into the fold. He has to wonder what sort of altercation may have occurred.
Surprised? A dubious brow arches high at the giant's admission, for surely Sagat was aware that all the Spaniard knows... is what is deemed necessary. Maybe he was wrong? Maybe the Muay Thai champion is as stupid as he looks; Balrog used to think /so highly/ of him. The matador sighs gently, wondering if any information will be shared by this point, and his patience is eventually rewarded with the promise of some knowledge and a hinted proposition, "A favour?" He smoothly asks, pupils narrowing not in suspicion, but penetrating, focused interest. What would this man ever want from him?
His question there is not answered, and what happens next instantly bonds him to an unknown agreement. He doesn't have time to frown with displeasure - Balrog is genuinely shocked by this news, "If not a girl, then perhaps a cyborg?" Somehow, that doesn't seem right. Doesn't Vega have those already? And don't they monitor various things around the globe? Cammy appears far more advanced than mere machines. She has emotions.
He fingers the generous curve of his chin, nails lightly grazing an unblemished cheek. "Asking Lord Vega was something I considered, but I doubt it'd prove fruitful--" The Spaniard trails off, green eyes flashing in a blink. Slowly, his faded smile returns. There's a strangely perverse and unsettling quality to it, "Of course nothing happened," So he claims, "That troll of a doctor stabbed me for being too near the glass. She was in a vat of sorts..." His shoulders roll in a helpless shrug, as if to say 'who wouldn't be curious?' His hand moves to his champagne, lifting the glass by the stem.
"Beauty comes in all forms..." He murmurs, tipping the glass flute back, washing more of the amber liquid down his throat.
So that is what it is. It looks like the Spaniard has fallen for the looks of Cammy. That could be a bit of a bad thing for both given Vega does seem to keep close tabs on Cammy when he can and Balrog is easily quite the obsessive one. He has to wonder if will just be a passing fancy for the other fighter or if he will persue the girl more over time. "No, not a cyborg." he says. At least Sagat doesn't think that is the case. There is a cybernetics division, but the result there was Juri as well as Seth. "She is human as far as I know."
He considers things and this might work to his advantage. Sagat is far from stupid. He can be quite cunning when he wants to be and even now a few gears are turning in his head. "The favor. It might actually be of interest to you since in a way it does involve Cammy." he says to see if that helps garner any interest from the other fighter.
The Muay Thai warrior crosses his arms over his massive chest. "There is a fighter I wish to see become stronger. Cammy is hindering his growth I believe. I have him mostly taken care of by asking for help from an outside source to try and keep him away from Cammy." he then leans forward. "There is someone else she is starting to grow attached to. Someone that doesn't realize how dangerous it is to be making friends with one of Shadaloo's weapons." He had warned Ibuki, but he wonders just how much the ninja may have listened since. He hasn't been keeping tabs as much as he would like to, but if he can Balrog to perhaps do some dirty work this might work out.
He also finally seems to be getting to the point. "I can give you the information if you are interested. I had some intel gathered on the girl. Her name is Ibuki. I would like you to pay her a visit and show her that she should not get involved and go back to trying to have a normal life." He then narrows that eye and adds on to that. "And do not kill her. Rough her up, but nothing more. Or else we might have a very unpleasant talk afterwards."
Balrog has never been very forthcoming with his obsession with Cammy, even to the Doll herself - Sagat deduces the situation quite smartly and with little information, and the Spaniard reveals no more to answer other ponderings, because he is not asked... If he did, the Muay Thai champion would know that this is no passing fancy, and he will not actively persue. He understands that doing so would incur Vega's wrath, given how the dictator favours his precious Bee. It is not wise for anyone to cross Shadaloo's leader, even in his current state.
/ANYONE/.
The murderer may be insane, but he is far from stupid.
As is Sagat, it would appear!
The man's interest is piqued. He brushes the fringe from his impossibly handsome face and there's a soft clunk as his glass meets the wood table again. Balrog's expression is decidedly dangerous. The Adonis does not fear Sagat in any capacity. He might comply with the last request. "I wonder," His pause is deliberate, drawing out the moment, "It seems to me that you want to protect these people. To 'help' them." The Spanish ninja snickers, "It's very touching."
The words ring hollow, and he leans back in his chair, pulling the braid over his shoulder so that he doesn't rest against it. Balrog smirks, "Why are you with Shadaloo, Sagat? Surely you did not need to join such an organization to beat /him/." Any answer will not surprise him - Sagat could say that he was planning on completely usurping Vega and the viper would not bat an eyelash. This large man is such an anomally... He's been wanting to ask this question for some time.
The conversation seems to be taking a turn where the cyclops doesn't seem to really care what is being asked. It is something he has pondered many times and in all honesty he has been asked this question more times than eh can remember the past few months. He certainly doesn't want to be in Shadaloo anymore. That is exactly why that conversation with Gen turned into a rather interesting one indeed. "We all have our reasons. Mine have just changed over the years."
Balrog certainly has been around to see the change in demeanor that Sagat shows these days compared to when he was truely loyal to Vega. He seems to be more at peace with himself. Is his age catching up with him finally? A look at what he did recently against both Raiden and Mr. Big probably proves that is not true. Even so he seems to be more calm when fighting. The tiger has started to control his rage much better after all this time.
"I doubt you care anyways so there is no need for you to act interested." He starts to rise from the table and that glass of water he ordered remains untouched. "What about my request? Do I perhaps have to ask Juri?" Truth be told he hopes he won't. Balrog is insane, but at least somewhat more reliable to keep his word. Juri he still hasn't fully figured out yet. That woman is dangerous. He also seems to have skirted the question about if he cares about them or not. He doesn't really feel any need to give his thoughts on that.
And he'll not need to. Sagat's words, actions and accompanying silence are all the Spaniard's spies, confirming his suspicions. The Muay Thai champion has lost a measure of his ferocity since they last spoke. He is a tiger no longer. He is tamed and domesticated. Balrog makes a sound of displeasure, "I care, in some way," He replies, and his tone is indecipherable until the Adonis continues, almost gleefully, "And I am interested. Perhaps you will betray us? Do grant me the honour in being the first to attempt to kill you." He is so kind to his guest!
But Sagat surely understands. This is just a natural progression of events. A consequence of one's actions. Also, Balrog enjoys torturing the lame and ugly.
He stands as well, bowing gently. It is a blend of politeness and absolute mockery. "I'll deal with her." The Spanish ninja says, "In fact, it would be my pleasure..." And with that, he takes his seat once again, assuming a position of the utmost comfort, crossing one slender leg over the other. The Adonis lifts the end of his braid, examining the soft hair for splits. "And rest assured, if she is beautiful, I will spare her life."
That is his only promise to the one-eyed man.
"I still haven't met this 'Juri'. I wonder how she is healing?" But that is all Balrog says - the only thing that alerts anyone he was even there for the fight in any capacity. He peers at his champagne flute. Hopefully the waitress will come back, now that more intimidating parties intend on departing. He would like a refill, and a more pleasant-looking individual to occupy his vision now.
The cyclops only nods when it seems Balrog agrees to the request. The promise he gets is even something more than he would expect to hear from Juri if he had to ask her. That really would have been a last option. He would prefer to do it himself than ask that woman. "I am sure you two have alot in common. That means you both will hate eachother." He has no doubts those two will clash. Their urge for bloodlust makes it inevitable and no matter how beat up each will get they will love it. He rather not be around when that happens.
He just gives a bit of an evil grin when he ponders the request from Balrog as well. "Vega will only have himself to blame if I betray him. He brought me back afterall." he says and he goes to turn around. "But if I leave feel free to come after me. I wouldn't have it any other way." He actually laughs a bit after that as he starts to stalk away.
"How about next round you go first. I am sure you feel upset you didn't get to have fun last time. Me and Juri don't want to have all of the fun afterall." With that being said he begins stalking off. He has much to do with his plans. He also will have to be sure to get someone to keep tabs with Balrog to see what might just happen. He hopes he didn't condemn Ibuki to death. If anything at least this will make her stronger.
Ha. Sagat is a funny man. "That would be lovely." Balrog replies, consenting to go first in the next round of the tournament, swishing the droplets of champagne around in his flute. He gazes longingly across the cafe, willing the waitress to return. She is very pointedly avoiding him until the tall giant officially leaves. The Adonis hmphs, brushing long bangs from his face.
As the assassin said earlier, and he keeps his word... Should Ibuki prove beautiful, Balrog will spare her life. Did the Muay Thai champion condemn her to death? Only time will tell... But he will not respond kindly to spies or an observer. Sagat will learn this the hard way, if he even tries.
Log created on 22:01:59 03/06/2011 by Balrog, and last modified on 14:38:28 03/29/2011.