SNF 2011.06 - Trifecta (...er, Duofecta?) - Zach vs. Yuri

Description: Saturday Night Fights returns to screen around the world. The opening card: two teammates from the King of Fighters square off in front of one of the largest casino resorts in Las Vegas. True to the grandness of the venue, the fight brings explosive action to the City of Sin. (Winner: Zach)



The Bellagio Casino is a massive resort smack dab in the middle of Las Vegas, notable not only for the towering hotel and casino, but for the rather large man-made lake between the hotel and The Strip. The lake is contains literally a thousand fountains that "dance" to music run through a rather impressive computer system that regulates the flow of the water through it to create the appearance of "dancing" water. Usually, the music is classical: Bach, Beethovan, Mozart.

Tonight, the selection trends more towards industrial rock: Ramstein, Nine Inch Nails, Ministry. Tonight, the Bellagio Casino is home to a Saturday Night Fight. The two fighters are known for displays of high energy, flash and flare. They are also King of Fighters teammates, even if that team did not get past the first round. Despite a valiant showing, they were knocked out of the tournament by a team of seasoned veterans. Fans of both Zach Glen and Yuri Sakazaki (and the Kyokugen Dojo) fill the arranged seating outside in the parking lot while camera crews get the action from almost every conceivable angle.

Zach Glen was not expecting this match. After his long trip from Japan to Africa to deal with some personal issues, he had returned to Southtown to face not only the authorities for his negligent actions, but a lawyer and fight promoter from Masters Entertainment. The purpose for their visit, it turned out, was to remind Zach Glen that he had a contract with Saturday Night Fights. One that he had not held to very well of late. One could not blame King of Fighters, Neo League, or even the impending apocalypse that is the return of Orochi on this, apparently.

Zach took this with good grace until he had heard who he would be facing. The very /mention/ of Yuri's name caused the lawyer and promoter both to take a couple of steps back from look on the explosive psychic's face. It had disappeared as quickly as it came, and Zach had made arrangements with Southtown PD and the airlines.

Zach currently stands at one end of the marked off fighting stage, staring at the other end with an intensity that rarely graces his face even during a professional fight. Yellow energy is already licking across his frame as introductions are made. 'Screw this shit,' Zach's bady language says. 'Just ring the damn bell already.'

Yuri Sakazaki, on the other hand, was eager to get into another fight. Even if she was once teammates with Zach, she doesn't mind taking him on in a battle. She stands at her end of the arena, warming up and stretching, showing patience as she prepares. In fact, she might be the reason that they haven't rung the bell yet. After her warming up is completed, Yuri turns to face Zach and grins widely.

"Hello Zach!" Yuri says eagerly, "Been a long time! It's gonna be so much fun to be engaging against you in this fight!" She gives a mock raspberry before getting into her fighting stance. "Ready when you are!"

COMBATSYS: Yuri has started a fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Yuri             0/-------/-------|


COMBATSYS: Zach has joined the fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Zach             0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0             Yuri


And then, the bell is rung, and Yuri starts to advance towards Zach, bouncing on her heels as she approaches. At first, it looks like she's going to launch into an attack, but then Yuri stops. "So Zach, have you learned anything new?" She asks, still grinning. "Come on, show me!"

COMBATSYS: Yuri focuses on her next action.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Zach             0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0             Yuri


Zach's left hand twitches a bit as Yuri acts chirpy. He has not forgotten that the hell he had put himself through in the last few months had happened because the young girl in front of him made a selfish choice that had put people in danger. Granted, he had made some similarly bad calls since then, but those were made during the defense of himself and others. Desperate battles call for desperate decisions. He never really found out /why/ Yuri had chosen to sneak of with the Mountain Lions.

He starts to reach back for the sheathed sword riding behind his hip and thinks twice of it. He remembered the 'spar' he had had with the girl. He will not need the blade, he thinks to himself. Energy flares around him as Yuri invites Zach to make the first move. He decides to act in a manner that is consistant with his mash-up fighting technique, leaping towards the young lady on a spray of yellow sparks.

He closes quickly, leaning towards the young girl to drive an elbow at the young girl's midsection before firing off a point-blank burst of Soul Power designed to knock Yuri Sakazaki for a loop. His recovery is a bit slow, as if he is gaging something within himself. It may provide an opening for his opponent.

COMBATSYS: Yuri blocks Zach's Aggressive Strike.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Zach             0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0             Yuri


Yuri doesn't say anything either, merely just getting into her defensive stance as Zach comes at her with that hard hitting elbow. It strikes her, but not as hard as if she'd been hit directly. Her defense works, but it still hurts a little bit. Yuri shakes her arm out and says, "Ouch! That's pretty hard!" But after that, she gets back into her fighting stance.

"But, I can hit back too!" Yuri brings her fist back and then sends forth a blast of chi. It's not as tough as Zach's power, but for Yuri it works!

COMBATSYS: Zach fails to slow Ko'ou Ken from Yuri with Pile Smash EX.

[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////    ]
Zach             0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0             Yuri


Zach snarls to himself as Yuri sends the chi blast at him. He shifts his weight back, leaping away from Yuri as he brings one hand over his head. Soul Power flares at his call, forming a trio of razor-thin sheets of energy. The psion does not even land before he brings the arm down in a swift arc, his hand shaped like a claw as the energy scythes towards Yuri.

Something, however, goes wrong apparently. His aim, apparently, is off. The Pile Smash slams into the pavement directly /behind/ the classic Sakazaki technique, allowing the projectile to slam into his chest and knock him flat.

Zach stares at the sky for a moment before rolling away from Yuri and regaining his feet. His emerald eyes are narrowed and unforgiving as they stare at the girl.

"Ooops, looks like you made a mistake!" Yuri says, grinning and slapping her rear tauntingly. "Guess I got you there! And I'm just warming up!" Yuri takes a few more running steps and leaps into the air, doing a quick somersault. Then she straightens out and aims at Zach with a flying kick.

COMBATSYS: Zach blocks Yuri's Light Kick.

[       \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////    ]
Zach             0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0             Yuri


Zach's expression turns surprisingly fierce when Yuri decides to make with the taunting. His expression hardens into a mask that he generally only shows to people who have very directly wronged him. It's a very short list, and those people are some pretty bad people. Yellow light streaks red as it flares in response to the emotions burning inside of the psion.

Zach leaps toward Yuri, arcing high as the jump propels him into the air. He brings a fist back, growling as yellow and red energy wraps around the chambered fist. His movement shifts from up to down, and Zach leans towards Yuri. Locking his eyes on his target, Zach fires a second burst of power which launches him directly towards Sakazaki with terrific speed.

Moments before he lands, the psyker fires a thunderous punch aimed seemingly at smashing through his opponent with cratering force. Zach winces a bit as he brings his arm back a bit too slowly. Something wasn't right... perhaps an after effect of the choker?

COMBATSYS: Yuri stops Blast Bash from Zach with Saiha.

[        \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////////     ]
Zach             0/-------/----===|====---\-------\0             Yuri


Whatever the problem was, Yuri didn't care. She simply stood ready, watching for Zach to bring forth hi next attack. And when he came at her, Yuri stood still for a moment, then launched her response.

Bringing up both fists, Yuri yells out, "SAIHA!" and a shield of energy pops up, protecting her from Zach's incoming attack. She doesn't even break a sweat when she does it, which is a surprise since she usually gets hit when she uses it, even if it succeed. "Looks like your timing was off again!"

COMBATSYS: Zach blocks Zach's Blast Bash.

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////////     ]
Zach             0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0             Yuri


Zach's reply is not much of one. He regains an aggressive looking stance, as if he is about to lunge at the young woman in front of him. However, he does not do so. Instead, he balls his fists and stares at Yuri for a moment.

Not attacking, however, clearly does not mean doing nothing. More of that brilliant light Zach has been throwing off the entire fight ripples off of him. Zach is clearly preparing for something big. The main question would be... for what, exactly?

COMBATSYS: Zach gathers his will.

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////////     ]
Zach             1/-----==/=======|====---\-------\0             Yuri


"Oh, come on, you're waiting? At a time like this?" Yuri asks, shaking her head and scowling. "We're supposed to be fighting, not waiting!" Yuri bounces on her heels a few times, watching and waiting. "Are you gonna attack at all?" Now it's Yuri's turn to be impatient obviously.

After a moment, Yuri simply steps back, and then rushes at Zach, attempting to deliver a rising uppercut not unlike the Dragon Punch... albeit with a touch of Yuri Sakazaki style!

COMBATSYS: Yuri successfully hits Zach with Yuri Chou Upper.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////////     ]
Zach             1/=======/=======|====---\-------\0             Yuri


Zach takes the uppercut clean on the chin, rocking back with the strike. He takes two steps backward to avoid being knocked over. He recoils forward, locking onto Yuri with burning eyes. Soul Power burns through his system, aching to be used, to be unleashed on this annoying /brat/ of a girl. 'You want a fight,' his posture seems to ask as he reaches back with his left hand. 'I'll give you one.'

He adjusts the sword on his belt, watching Yuri's fall carefully as his right hand drifts over to the hilt of the weapon. He gives it another beat before he takes two strides forward. The blade is ripped free. Psychic energy wraps around the blade, dulling the edge without diminishing the power of the strike. The psion takes another pair of steps past Yuri as completes the strike.

He turns to face the young girl coldly, weapon ready at his side, his stance loose.

COMBATSYS: Zach equips Violet Miraitou.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////////     ]
Zach [E]         1/=======/=======|====---\-------\0             Yuri


COMBATSYS: Zach successfully hits Yuri with Mirai Blade.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Zach [E]         1/=======/=======|=======\-------\1             Yuri


Thinking quickly, Yuri attempts to move out of the way of the incoming attack... but fails. She finds herself getting caught and cries out as she reel back in pain, finding some blood under her gi top now. She glares daggers at Zach and goes from being spunky and cheerful to quite angry now. "All right, seems that you've really gotten into the fight. But I'm not done yet."

Yuri hops back and forth a few times, almost like a boxer, before attempting to move in and catch Zach off-guard with a few striking motions. Then she actually goes at him with a left jab.

COMBATSYS: Yuri successfully hits Zach with Jab Punch.

[                     \\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////            ]
Zach [E]         2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|=======\-------\1             Yuri


Zach takes the jab. He makes no move to avoid it, no dodges or blocks. The strike connects with his right cheek. He stares at Yuri for a long moment before finally breaking his silence. "Is that it," he asks coldly. None of the warmth, none of the enthusiam that might have been present in his banter during that spar back in Kenya.

With no more preamble than that, Zach brings that wakazashi blade up over his head. The blade is angled slightly to towards his right shoulder. Yellow energy sweeps up the blade and around Zach's arms. The psion takes one step forward, his whole body dedicated to this one swing of the sword.

The strike comes quickly, a swath of yellow psychic 'flame' roars in the wake of the swing and is perhaps more dangerous than the sword itself.

COMBATSYS: Yuri endures Zach's Burst Strike!
*KNOCKED AWAY*

[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Zach [E]         0/-------/------=|=======\=======\1             Yuri


There's no way Yuri can avoid such a harsh attack. No way whatsoever. Instead, she simply braces for the impact... and finds herself literally blown across the arena. She tumbles and lands in a crumpled position, part of her uniform and leggings ripped, and her face bruised and bloodied. It's obvious Yuri' pretty much on her last legs here...

"Unnngh... dammit," Yuri says as she pushes herself up, and looks up at Zach weakly. "I underestimated you..." Yuri says in a strained voice. "But... but I won't give up!" Yuri slaps her face a few times to try to get herself back into this.

COMBATSYS: Yuri gains composure.

[                    \\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////                    ]
Zach [E]         0/-------/------=|=======\======-\1             Yuri


Zach circles Yuri with surprising calm as he flicks the blade to one side, flinging sparks of soul power away before the sword is sheathed. He is waiting for Yuri to make the next move, apparently, while catching his own breath.

"That won't be enough," Zach intones coolly.

COMBATSYS: Zach gains composure.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////                    ]
Zach [E]         0/-------/-------|=======\======-\1             Yuri


"You don't know me..." Yuri says as she regains her ability to fight a little. "You don't know what I'm capable of, Zach!" Yuri's fighting stance is a little shaky and off-balance, but the determination is still visible in her eyes. "I'll show you what I've got!"

Yuri stumbles towards Zach, quickly catching herself so she doesn't fall. "Ready?" Yuri takes a deep breath and blows it out, and then brings her fists behind her, focusing her energy into them. "Here it comes! DENJIN HAOH SHO KO KEN!" And with that, Yuri brings forth a HUGE blast of energy that flies directly at Zach. Notable is the fact that it's larger than Yuri!

COMBATSYS: Yuri successfully hits Zach with Denjin Haoh Sho Ko Ken.

[                        \\\\\\  < >  /////////                     ]
Zach [E]         0/-------/--=====|=====--\-------\0             Yuri


Zach raises his hand, willing a small amount of soul power to the fore, forming a thin barrier. The energy blasts into Zach, shoving the psion back several feet. Sneakers squeak against marble flooring as Zach keeps his footing. The dust clears, showing a slightly smoking Zach. It is entirely possible that the only reason he is still standing is his will to stand standing outstrips Yuri's ability to dish out damage. He does not look at all happy.

"Still not enough," he states flatly as he reaches for the sword once more. The blade sweeps free, spraying a wide swath of golden energy spikes towards Yuri.

COMBATSYS: Yuri blocks Zach's Third Stance.

[                         \\\\\  < >  //////                        ]
Zach [E]         0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\0             Yuri


Yuri steadies herself on her feet and brings up her guard, knowing well it'll be the end of her fight most likely, but she doesn't care. She steadies herself to take the strike, and when it comes, she lets out a grunt of pain, knowing that the last of her strength has left her. Yet, she steadied herself for one reason. To finish Zach off (hopefully.)

"Not bad... but you still haven't won..." Yuri says, as she gathers the strength for one final attack: A simpler Haoh Sho Ko Ken. Meaning it's smaller, but it still hurts. Once Yuri sends it, though, she's going to fall flat on her face. Splat!

COMBATSYS: Yuri can no longer fight.

[                         \\\\\  <
Zach [E]         0/-------/--=====|


COMBATSYS: Zach overcomes Haoh Sho Ko Ken from Yuri with Pile Smash.

[                           \\\  <
Zach [E]         0/-------/--=====|


Zach's left hand whips upward, fingers spread wide. Once more, sheets of amber rip into the night as Zach simply drops the hand. The sheets fall, slamming into Yuri's projectile in a spray of yellow and red sparks. The Sho Ko Ken disperses in a puff of vapor. The sheets slam not into Yuri, but into the ground around her in splashes of yellow and red.

"Hmph," Zach snorts as he resheathes the blade. "We're done," Zach says as he turns on one heel and stalks off into the crowd.

COMBATSYS: Zach has ended the fight here.

Log created on 18:51:05 06/06/2011 by Zach, and last modified on 17:59:56 06/07/2011.