Description: This weekend, Ken's been set up against a couple dozen men and women seeking to make a name for themselves in the fighting world. Two men come and go without making the star even break a sweat...but the party is crashed by a rather dangerous individual, drawn by the taint of Orochi that still lingers in Ken's soul. (Winner: ????)
As always, the Red Arena is packed. Even the box seats are full, which is a feat considering that only one big name is in this match. It's an unusual thing, this week. Could the fight coordinators simply not find someone willing to match up to the mighty Ken Masters? Was the flood of requests to go toe to toe against the blonde businessman too much for the dam to hold back?
On one side of the arena, man after man is led in. Each of them bears a large, circular plastic tag on their chest (or pants, for those going shirtless,) with a number emblazoned on them. Once #20 walks in and more keep coming, one has to wonder if, just maybe, Masters' company is overvaluing him just a -little- bit...
"Laaaaadiiiieeees aaaand gentlemen! Please welcome our main event: the strong, the fast, the beautiful, your favorite... Ken! Masters!"
The voice booms over the loudspeakers set throughout the arena, easily outdone by the sudden burst of cheering from the lively stands that makes the glass separators wobble in their moorings.
"Today, our beloved hero will take on some of the toughest up-and-coming fighters that the world has to offer, one after another in a grueling endurance match! How many will be tear down before they simply give up? We're here to find the answer to just that!" Oh, the announcer is really painting a bad picture for the little guys. They know they're nothing but fodder anyway; after all, why let so many of them go up against him? The men on the lower end of the number line are quick to boast about how none of the people below them will get their chance...while the ones toward the end of the group know better: let the first guys wear him down, and maybe by the time their turn comes up, he'll be too exhausted to put up much of a fight. Cowardly, perhaps, but effective!
Generally, Ken wouldn't agree to this kind of thing. It's really just a lot of trouble and unless he has a good backup to make sure he isn't getting in over his head, he'll end up in another hospital. On the other hand, when the idea was pitched to him by the coordinators, it was something that really got his blood going. It really isn't often one gets to do an endurance match, is it?
"...This arena again?" Ken shakes his head slightly as he enters the arena himself, shoulders rolling as he starts getting himself worked up. Then his eyes finally catch sight of the scores of warriors that have found themselves ready and waiting to come fight the US Champion.
Ken's toes idly squeeze the sand beneath them, as the announcer starts going wild and trying to get this crowd roaring. One last check of his gloves to ensure they're nice and snug, and he's ready.
A bright smile and a thumbs-up is given towards one of the cameras, showing that confidence he's famous for. "All right! Let's get this show going!"
COMBATSYS: Ken has started a fight here.
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Ken 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Jeef Festerson has joined the fight here.
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Jeef Festerson 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Ken
Finally, the go-ahead! The first one to break off from the group is a large man, six and a half feet talk. One might eye him at about two hundred and twenty pounds. He's got something of a thin frame, which makes the meager bulk that he has look awkward. Still, with his bald head and Freedie Mercury moustache, he...no, he still looks awkward, no matter what.
"Ken Masters! It's an honor to be the man to put you down!" Jeef is one of the shirtless sorts, his #1 pin stuck directly over his crotch. His feet are bare, which may prove useful in this awful sand! The stuff flies up behind him as he kicks off, his left hand on his right shoulder as the other arm windmills wildly. With a boastful bellow, he comes in swinging!
COMBATSYS: Ken effortlessly dodges Jeef Festerson's Ramming Speed.
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Jeef Festerson 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Ken
A loud laugh seems to escapes Ken's mouth as he witnesses his first opponent. "I'm sorry, but you have to be one of the goofiest guys I've seen in a long time.." Of course, poor Jeef Festerson is already rushing towards the US Champion.
Sadly, Ken's still laughing rather loudly as he finally notices Jeef rushing towards him, arms flailing like he had a beehive on his rear, and the angry denizens were trying to take him down. With a slight shake of his head Ken's already sidestepping the first opponent, using the momentum to slam his left leg down towards Jeef's back. Maybe he'll go flying into a wall with the extra speed!
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Jeef Festerson with Medium Kick.
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Jeef Festerson 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 Ken
It's true, Jeef is an unfortunate man! When he comes in close, he lowers his shoulder to try and ram Ken, first off, before he can unleash that horrible, horrible blow. But when the man simply steps aside and out of harm's way, he doesn't...quite know what to do. Plan A has failed him, and he apparently didn't have a plan B! The windmilling turns into an awkward attempt just to keep him from toppling right over after his failed shoulder slam. That foot to his back doesn't help at all! In fact, Jeef ends up faceplanting into the sand itself, buried to his shoulders. It's really sad.
Some fumbling and pulling later, his head pops free with a gasp! He stands up, one hand pressed to the slight dent that Ken's foot had left in him. "Shut up! We can't all be born pretty like you! EEEEEE!" Again, he rushes right in, both big arms spread out to try and grip the prettyboy by the waist, with every intention to lift him up and slam him face-first into the sand...just like he had to suffer!
COMBATSYS: Ken interrupts German Suplex from Jeef Festerson with Shoryuken.
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Jeef Festerson 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|==-----\-------\0 Ken
Man, this is not the day for being serious. Already Ken's got the goofiest looking schmuck in the world as an opponent, but now he's doing slapstick comedy? Once more Ken's laughing loudly as Jeef pulls his head from the sand. Now he's being told to shut up? "I'm sorry you look like a babboon."
Jeef may be trying to make Ken eat sand, but really that isn't on todays agenda. Chi suddenly errupts to life upon Ken's right fist as he crouches down low, only to launch himself towards the heavens. Of course, poor Jeef has found his silly looking chin attached to Ken's fist, which is burning with chi. Ken's fist and Jeef have left to go on a bogus journey.
And who says that playing with fire isn't a good thing?
For a man that thought he was rather heavy, Jeef flies quite readily! His jaw shatters before the might of Ken's fist, his head snapped back and the whole of him simply...flies. Ten, fifteen feet up in the air, his body makes a fine arc before landing shoulder-first into the sand. Usually, such terrain would be a hindrance, but it may be the only thing that's spared him further injury.
And yet, he's still not out. A pained groan comes with his lifting himself up, the man's head sunk low until he can bring a hand to gingerly press against the fractured bone in his mouth. There's a wince and a gasp that makes him pull that hand away, ball it in a fist, and give Mister Masters one hell of a glower! "It reawwy ishn't vair," he mumbles, trying not to move his lower jaw more than he has to. But what can he do? What could he possibly do?
COMBATSYS: Jeef Festerson focuses on his next action.
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Jeef Festerson 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|==-----\-------\0 Ken
Ken isn't really wasting any more time with Jeef, who might be staring at him with a glower. He's got other people waiting to try their luck against him, so its time to really kick this into gear.
Chi once is starting to be gathered between Ken's hands as he pulls them to his side. Already the chi is being formed into that familiar blue ball of energy that everyone knows and either loves or hates. The Crimson Clad man thrusts the ball of energy forth towards poor Jeef.
"HADOUKEN!"
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Jeef Festerson with Hadouken.
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Jeef Festerson 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|==-----\-------\0 Ken
COMBATSYS: Jeef Festerson takes no action.
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Ken 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Jeef Festerson can no longer fight.
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Ken 0/-------/-----==|
Oh, the look on Jeef's face. Upon seeing that well-known build-up, his shoulders droop and he takes on a look of utter resignation. Any thoughts of landing even a single hit on Ken's body disappears as the blue energy swells. He doesn't even make any effort to get out of the way when it comes smashing into his form; it's all he can do to just hold on for the ride. And is it ever a ride! Though at first, he digs his feet down and tries to hold it back, his feet leave skids in the sand with the effort. After a second, it finally proves to much, and he goes flying into the thick glass! It's a good thing, too; were that not there, he would have landed on top of a whole lot of people. After the crash, he falls down to the ground, beaten and more than a little unconscious.
"And there's the first--oh!" That 'oh' may be Ken's only indication as to the second slob coming in. This one's just plain thin, with heavy steel gloves. The fingers are curved and ground to fine points, much like a cat's claws...claws that seek to rip through Masters' back while he was busy finishing off Jeef!
COMBATSYS: Jasper Merlowe has joined the fight here.
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Ken 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Jasper Merlowe
COMBATSYS: Ken blocks Jasper Merlowe's Claw Slash.
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Ken 0/-------/----===|-------\-------\0 Jasper Merlowe
That's right, the 'oh!' was an indication for Ken. Of course, there isn't much time for him to react as he's spinning around, leg and arm coming down to block most of the claws force. A little trickle of blood does appear on his arm, which causes him to frown slightly.
"Okay, so you? I'm not going to hold back on." Its one thing to use weapons in a fight. It's an entirely different thing to sneak up on a guy and try to stab him in the back (Litterly in this sense!).
Ken's right leg quickly snaps upwards, aiming a brutal spin-kick towards Jasper's face.
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Jasper Merlowe with Ushiro Mawashi-geri.
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Ken 0/-------/---====|=======\=------\1 Jasper Merlowe
And such an effective retaliation it is! Both spittle and blood fly out in a messy arc away from Jasper's flapping lips as his entire body flies back in the other direction. There's far less resistance to the foot than Jeef had. He, too, goes sailing into the glass barrier, but this time, there's no drop of a useless body. Instead, his feet smack against the clear wall, one gauntlet up with its claws piercing the transparent material just enough to hold himself aloft. Tiny cracks run out from the holes in jagged lines, but he isn't even a tenth of the way through it. It should hold well enough.
"Amazing! Not a single clean hit has landed on Masters! But--ah, how is his opponent sticking to the wall like that?" Cameras zoom in on the man's claw, showing the trick behind it. It's all, of course, theatrics; something new for the giant screens overhead to display instead of Ken himself. The camera catches flakes of glass pulling away as Jasper just /disappears/ from the frame. Kicking off from the wall, he sails high overhead, letting gravity pull him down as he makes a ten-foot swipe toward his foe's face.
COMBATSYS: Ken interrupts Claw Dive from Jasper Merlowe with Jab Punch.
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Ken 0/-------/--=====|=======\=====--\1 Jasper Merlowe
Theatrics or not, claws still are dangerous. Its no wonder that for those viewing from home little messages are popping up that say 'Please do not try this at home!', as it'd be a very bad for another lawsuit or three to pop up in regards to some idiot trying something he saw on television.
As Jasper descends, claws aimed for Ken, a bright grin appears on the US Champion's face as his right fist suddenly flies forward, quickly slamming into the second opponent's face. Almost as quick as the fist was flung forward, its retracted, leaving Jasper to figure out what he must try next to take down the current king of the ring.
It's really amazing, you know. A man falling from so high, one would think that Jasper would easily be able to knock Ken down, if not slash him from crown to groin with one vicious swing. But no. With the effortless lash of a single arm, a move just as simple as breathing, Ken manages to swat the fly right out of the air. His descent is hardly slowed; it just means that the poor man is sent spinning and hits the sand on his back, rushing the wind right out of his lungs. For his credit, he's quick to get up, but he's coughing and hacking the whole way.
"Ha hah, you th--hakk!--thought you had me done, huh?" There's a bit of wheezing after that, but he continues, straightening his posture with both clawed hands up and turned toward him. "Come on! Finish me off, if you think you can!"
COMBATSYS: Jasper Merlowe focuses on his next action.
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Ken 0/-------/--=====|=======\=====--\1 Jasper Merlowe
Well, everyone heard it! He said to take him down, so who is Ken to deny this poor person their wish? The US Champion is rushing towards Jasper, hands outstretched to grasp the clawed foe.
If he does manage to grasp Claw Man, then he's going to go for the ride of his life, finding himself being tossed over Ken's shoulder and into the soft yet unforgiving sand in a fluid motion.
COMBATSYS: Jasper Merlowe counters Quick Throw from Ken with Claw Catch.
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Ken 0/-------/--=====|=====--\-------\0 Jasper Merlowe
Well, this one seems to have a little bite to go with his bark! Perhaps the easy fight thus far has made Ken complacent. Maybe he just didn't care to begin with! After all, he's Ken freaking Masters, right? What could this flimsy little #2 guy ever do to him? As the taller fighter approaches him, Jasper slinks back a little, wiggling his ankles to dig the balls of his feet right into the sand. His finger-claws flex and bend, waiting for the right time to strike.
That time, it seems, is once he's grabbed! The man allows himself to be pulled and lifted up, but before he can be thrown down, he wriggles from Ken's grasp. A foot smashes right into his face as he springs off behind him, but in the process, his head tucks forward, his whole body doing a somersault with a 360-degree slash, like a flippy saw. He lands on his feet and stands straight, proud, pointing toward the group of waiting fighters. "You see that?! This guy ain't so tough!"
Once more there's another warm trickle as Ken lifts a hand to gingerly touch his nose. His bottom lip however has successfully been split open, causing the US Champion to glance curiously over at Jasper's latest comment. "Not so tough?"
Ken rocks his head to the side slightly, neatly causing the bones to pop as he starts to stalk towards Jasper. "Wait your turn everyone! You'll be up soon enough!"
Leaping into the air, Ken's right leg extends outwards as he spins about, putting enough force into his next attack to create a slight whirlwind of sand beneath him. If he catches Jasper, well, he's going to have a good deal of pain to contend with.
"TATSUMAKI SENPUU KYAKU!"
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Jasper Merlowe with Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku.
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Ken 0/-------/-======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Jasper Merlowe
COMBATSYS: Jasper Merlowe takes no action.
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Ken 0/-------/-======|
COMBATSYS: Jasper Merlowe can no longer fight.
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Ken 0/-------/-======|
It's a fitting reward for his bravado. His guard is down just because he landed a single hit--a feat that, honestly, is likely more than any of the men assembled could ever hope for. "That's right!" Jasper is quick to answer back with a smug grin, both hands on his hips as he watches Ken approach. Again, he pulls back into that same stance as before, thinking that he's found his ace in the hole.
The problem is...he just can't compete when his opponent gets a little serious. He does his best to weave under the swinging leg, but it's so fast! He's knocked once, twice, thrice on the side of his head, fully unconscious by the first. The other hits are just vengeance, aren't they? He split Ken's lip, and now he might have a scar or something. It's so terrible! By the end of it all, Jasper, too, goes flying into the plate glass, landing in a heap exactly on top of Jeef, whom no one has come to retreive yet. The sight is terrifying, and now, the group isn't quite so eager to jump in. Opponent number three has already started bartering his place in line, after unsuccessfully trying to swap out with one of the higher-numbered guys. "Next fighter!" comes in through the speakers, with all cameras pointed toward the crowd. "Next! Fi--"
The announcer pauses then. There's a sound, a high-pitched whistle. For a few seconds, people look about, but the threat is skyward. A reddish streak screans into the arena from on high, a ball-like blur that smashes into the sand with the force of a meteor...and right into the crowd of men. The sheer force of the impact is enough to send them flying outward and away, littering the perimeter of the 'ring' with their battered forms. As the cloud of sand dies down, it becomes clear that the thick glass is cracked from top to bottom, a wide spread of spiderwebbed destruction. It's a wonder that it's even retained its shape!
Of course, with such a disaster, people are hurriedly scurrying away from the 'blast' site. So harsh was the landing that a tremor ripped through the arena, straining the weak bonds of wiring holding up speakers and displays. One snap here, another there, and bits of hardware start falling into the ring, smashing into the sand and sending grains billowing up. As for ground zero? It's a familiar sensation, the sheer killing intent that bleeds so readily. As the hunched-over figure rises in his concave pit, the glass wall before him shatters and falls down in a rain of glimmering destruction. Red and black flames surround the man, sucking in all light save for the hellish glow of his crimson eyes...but that quickly fades away. As the panic continues, as people are ushered out of the arena, Akuma half-turns, looking over his shoulder at Ken Masters himself. He utters not a word, simply sizing the man up.
COMBATSYS: Akuma has joined the fight here.
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Ken 0/-------/-======|=------\-------\0 Akuma
Already the cameras have been shut off, and people are being evacuated from the arena. There are few things Ken has managed to prepare for, and really, Akuma is one of those such things. All that the US Champion can feel for this beast that is now sizing him up is rage and hatred. This is the beast that has tormented not only his deepest of nightmares for so long, but also the murderer of his beloved master.
"You.." Rarely does Ken speak with such malice in his voice, as few have truly earned his deepest ire like Akuma has. The wounds he felt from Akuma's fists all those years ago are still fresh upon his mind. He has never once forgotten the savage beating he received, and like some children's story gone wrong, Ken is now stuck facing the evil alone again. Of course, Ken has been training. He's no longer the snotnosed brat that just won the US Championship, but now truly a man and legend amongst the fighting circut. His fists clench as the adrenaline slowly starts to surge forth through his veins...
Deep within Ken still lies a portion of the taint he received before the King of Fighters tournament truly started, only to have seemingly died off once Orochi was pushed back again. Unfortunately for Ken, this isn't the case as once more his body starts to no longer become his own, leaving the rage in charge. A loud and mournful scream escapes Ken's mouth as the Rage of Orochi once more takes hold, leaving one monster to face another.
COMBATSYS: Ken has awoken to his Rage. Watch the hair.
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Ken [E] 0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Akuma
COMBATSYS: Ken focuses on his next action.
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Ken [E] 0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Akuma
Ah. There it is.
For a long time now, Akuma has been isolated in diligent training. Always striving, always seeking perfection, he is. Deep underground, he hadn't been disturbed in some time. The comings and goings of mortal man are nothing that he concerns himself with, and nothing could reach him where he was.
That changed the very day that Orochi himself nearly set foot upon this world.
Like an opening umbrella, the catasrophe of chi spread its tendrils across the world from that very place of great interest, waves of power rippling through the earth that had never been felt before. Never had Akuma sensed such energy! And yet, as soon as he set out to find its source, it disappeared. A visit to the island in question answered much, but rewarded little: the ebb of Orochi's might still lingered in the destroyed surroundings, a taint that time would eventually scrub clean. But that's not all. Somewhere in the world, there still roam men scarred with the taint of the godling's might. How does this force compare? Such a strong creature might finally be one worthy of mortal kombat!
And so his travels bring him here.
Standing before Ken, he shows little emotion. His mouth is pulled into a meager frown, his eyes taking in the transformation from Ken: worthless pretender to Violent Ken: possible lead to the one that he seeks. But first...
Akuma draws his hands to his hip. Within his palms forms a whorl of demonic might, streams of violet chi willed to life. Once again, a lining of dark power lines the whole of his body, swelling up and then receding, feeding itself into the maelstrom. With a swift, fluid turn, his foot slams into the sand before him, arms thrusting forward to propel the giant, purple orb, the mere pressure that precedes it capable of sending fear through mortal men--were his appearance alone not enough to do so.
COMBATSYS: Ken parries Akuma's Gou Hadouken!
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Ken [E] 1/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0 Akuma
A loud gutteral roar escapes Ken's mouth as the taint of Orochi starts coursing through his veins. Sparks fly from the broken equipment around the stadium, creating a battlefield fit for monsters such as Akuma. The pressure alone is enough to drive the rage wild, yet the undisputed master of the Satsui no Hadou isn't here to just stand there and look good.
The massive orb of chi that is launched towards Ken is generally regarded as a threat, yet it won't be accepted as easily as Akuma may think.
Practiced motions, and tried and true methods win out as Ken's hands reach out, deftly redirecting the ball upwards and way, slamming into what was left of the Jumbotron that explodes into a violent mess of debris, showering the arena once more. Of course, now its time for Ken to dish out some violence of his own.
Even a beast such as Akuma must hand it to Ken, as his younger Ansatsuken practicioner is suddenly rushing forward, creating a tempest of sand behind him from his own pressure as he spins on the ball of his left foot, bringing his right leg upwards to attempt to deliver a hellish kick upon Akuma's monsterous head.
COMBATSYS: Akuma effortlessly blocks Ken's Inazuma Kakato Wari EX.
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Ken [E] 1/-----==/=======|==-----\-------\0 Akuma
Sand flies off in the wake of Akuma's extension of force, like a ship cutting through water. But it isn't even a challenge for Ken. Not as he is now. Like a rock, he stands in the very epicenter of his decimation, not taking even a single step closer. His eyes don't follow the deflected attack, nor is there even the slightest flinch as another jumbotron comes falling down in a hundred shredded bits and pieces. Indeed, it hardly looks like he's even staring directly AT Ken, but with eyes like his, who can tell?
At least he finally has some rage in him.
As Ken comes close, he's already in motion. The landing of his foot, the shift in his balance, everything tells him what to expect. As the foot comes crashing down toward him, so too does his bent arm come up to meet it. Flesh smacks against flesh, his elbow flexing like a spring to absorb most of the impact. And then, just like that, the immovable object explodes into motion! Gripping Ken by both his leg and his belt, his biceps tense and bunch. A swift turn, and he's primed to smash Masters back-first into the arena wall, not three feet in front of him.
COMBATSYS: Ken fails to interrupt Seoi Nage from Akuma with Shoryuken.
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Ken [E] 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 Akuma
Once that kick slams into Akuma's arm, Ken's already attempting to pull back. Chi is surging to life upon his fist, traveling down his arm as he attempts to drop down to deliver that famed attack while the legendary demon goes to play monkey-grab with his gi.
Unfortunately for Ken, Monkey-Grab Akuma wins out in the end, and he's sent flying over the monster's shoulder, slamming into the concrete wall of the arena. Small spiderwebbing cracks remain on the wall as the Crimson Clad one drops down to the ground, slowly trying to regain his senses.
Right now, he's really in trouble, because while he's trying to regain his footing and balance, Akuma most likely is going to keep bringing the heat.
Ke-- Ken's in a pickle!!
There's not even a moment's respite for Ken, oh no! As soon as he's smashed into the wall, the demon is upon him! In an instant, two heavy steps bring him to rejoin the blonde man, rushing up with his right forearm extended. He catches him square in the throat, holding the man pinned to the wall before he can drop to the ground--dangling, even, until he can regain his footing. His face comes close, the heat of hell threatening to sear his face.
And when he speaks, it's akin to a snarl.
"Who gave you this power?"
Ken has all of two seconds to react before Akuma draws his left hand into a fist. The knuckles creak as the digits tuck into a rock-hard ball, then seek to drive into the captive man's spleen. This feeling is different from Satsui no Hadou; it just feels like pure, unabashed rage.
COMBATSYS: Akuma successfully hits Ken with Aggressive Strike.
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Ken [E] 1/-======/=======|=====--\-------\0 Akuma
Well, what good is a spleen anyways? What does a spleen even do, besides getting squished and beat down in the bloodist of brawls? Right now isn't the time to answer that, because Ken's now in a world of pain.
of course, the legendary demon's question is going to go unanswered because it's rather hard to talk when you're getting punched in the /SPLEEN/, Akuma. Yet, that fist has to be pulled back if it wants to be used again, and thats the moment Ken will strike back.
Deftly pushing back against the wall, Ken uses the force to break free of the hand that was squeezing him by the throat, only to roll away slightly as the tainted chi starts coursing down his arm. Instead of being smart and trying to put distance between himself and Akuma, Ken's rushing right back towards the demon, launching himself like a rocket to deliver his next attack.
If it lands, then Akuma's going to feel the heat (in a litteral sense) as the tainted chi explodes from Ken as he dishes out a violent Shinryuu Ken.
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Akuma with Shinryuu Ken+.
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Ken [E] 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Akuma
The demon is indeed NOT invincible! Ken's able to force the superhuman away through the force of Orochi's gift, sending him sliding back in the sand. Rather than be toppled over, Akuma pulls into a couch, one hand digging into the soil exposed beneath all of the blown-away sand. Five deep grooves of tilled earth run for a few inches before he comes to a stop, but Ken just isn't stopping! With an increasing scowl, two bronzed arms lift and cross before his face, but this is nothing like the blonde's normal attacks. The fierce fires rage as if to consume him whole, his clothes billowing before he's lifted up in the mighty torrent! Up and down he goes, landing on his shoulders with his feet overhead.
But he doesn't stay like that. In fact, it almost seems like he'd /meant/ to land like so. Both hands press into the firmer ground he'd landed on, again coiling up like heavy springs. No sooner has he hit the ground than he's spring up and off of it, sending himself flipping through the air and back toward the enraged businessman. The retaliation is simple, his right hand lifting and coming down in a furious, toppling palm strike!
It doesn't look like Ken's managed to do much more than get his opponent embroiled, at least outwardly.
COMBATSYS: Ken parries Akuma's Hyakki Shuu!
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Ken [E] 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Akuma
If anyone had managed to stick around to watch this fight, they truly would be in awe as to the sheer force of the attacks that have been delivered thus far (Even though Ken is going to most likely need a new spleen after this). It's still not enough however for the raging crimson clad man to even consider toppling the raging demon that has come to ruin his fun and games.
As Akuma brings his hand down to deliver that mighty palm strike upon Ken, the US Champion is already neatly pushing it aside, sidestepping the demon to get behind him. Tainted chi springs forth upon Ken's right foot, only for him to swing it towards Akuma, attempting to unleash yet another devistating attack.
If Ken manages to connect, fiery kick after kick will be dished out towards Akuma, only for it to end with Akuma being once more drug towards the heavens in a fiery cyclone of flames.
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Akuma with Shippuujinrai Kyaku EX.
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Ken [E] 0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1 Akuma
The man in front of Ken is no slouch. Having put an end to the man that was like a second father to him, Akuma has fully earned a lifetime of hatred. And now, now the blonde man has been given both the means and the opportunity to exact revenge.
Little more than a grunt rumbles from Akuma's throat as his strike is so effortlessly turned aside! He lands heavily on his feet, and he doesn't have to turn to know that the man is still upon him. Blow upon blow rains down upon him, the flames charring and searing and piercing into his iron flesh. There are cracks, pops, grunts as joints are strained, and when it's finally over, he falls. Dear god, he actually FALLS. Instead of bouncing back up, the beast is a lump on the soil...
But the earth shudders. Tremors rock the footing below, but only for as long as it takes him to pull himself up. A coating of dark flame encases him completely, licking off of his silhouette in thin wisps. An arm dangles limply, the shoulder obviously dislocated. All it takes is a hand to grip it, wrench it, and with a sickening wet sound, ram it back into its socket. Immediately, that limb returns to life, fingers flexing and bicep tensing. With that done, both the shaking and the display of frightful energy cease. "Finally...! For just a shred to turn you into someone that can actually wound me!"
Again, Akuma takes to the air! His foot swings out, but wide, slipping just over Ken's head. Feints comes left and right, his strokes cutting through the air before him. His right arm swings out, missing Ken's face by an inch! His leg is not so careless, however, sweeping down to try and take the man's knees out from under him while his attention may be diverted above.
COMBATSYS: Ken blocks Akuma's Light Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Ken [E] 0/-------/---====|=======\===----\1 Akuma
Akuma isn't the only one who is capable of tensing his muscles to absorb an impact. Generally, thats pretty common fair most fighters, and Ken isn't that different. Of course, the force of Akuma's kick isn't something to scoff at, but the Ansatsuken user does manage to stand his ground.
The words go unanswered, except for another roar from Ken as his right fist snaps forward, like a heat-seeking missile. It may not do much, but it is fast, and there is always a deeper meaning by each movement.
COMBATSYS: Akuma endures Ken's Jab Punch.
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Ken [E] 0/-------/--=====|=======\===----\1 Akuma
Is there? Is there truly any reason behind the movements of a man lost to insanity and rage? Truly, Ken's soul is gripped by a monstrous thing, but not a second passes by where Akuma thinks that any of this is due to Ken's own ability. The things that hurt, the things that burn, it's mostly the touch of Orochi. It's what he'd been searching for, true...but for someone like the weakling Masters to wield it is truly a travesty. As blows are traded, this concept becomes more and more apparent to him.
What's worse is that this fight is beginning to leave a bad taste in his mouth. This is not a glorious opponent that he's up against.
While Ken's fist is snapping out toward him, Akuma's own hands are pulling back to his side. The jab is answered with a forward snap of his head, his forehead colliding with a powerful shuddering of bone! Once again, he wills a whorl of violet energy between his palms, building and roiling about until it's thrust forth. With Ken this close, could he possibly avoid it as he did before?
COMBATSYS: Ken blocks Akuma's Gou Hadouken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Ken [E] 0/-------/-======|=======\====---\1 Akuma
The chi that Akuma thrusts forward is enough to force Ken into defense, arms crossed as the energy washes over him. This isn't the time however for him to be lolligagging around. The Rage has given him what he has yearned for deep within his heart, a chance to avenge that was taken from him by the very man that stands before him.
Ken's hands thrust forward, seeking to grab ahold of Akuma. Hopefully, he will be able to send Akuma on another trip, this time with some umph.
COMBATSYS: Akuma blocks Ken's Jigoku-guruma.
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Ken [E] 0/-------/=======|=======\=====--\1 Akuma
It's not enough. These small, niggling attacks are not enough to put Ken down. Even up close, the man is proving to be incredibly resilient, weathering blows that would have destroyed normal men. Even the point-blank attack isn't enough to get him away; he's simply too incensed, his heart too entwined in the sweet gift of the snake god.
That is it. Akuma has simply had enough of this farce.
He's grabbed, and it seems like he's not resisting at all. Pulled, dragged, kicked away... The demon flies upward and back! But though it may appear as though Ken might have scored another blow on the horrific being, if indeed he's still capable of feeling joy and accomplishment, it's all dashed away when he simply turns in midair. Time seems to freeze as his hands draw back again, his body creeping backward inch by inch. By comparison, the glut of energy pouring through his being is immense! The light around him dims as his glows his a fiery black and red, his eyes bright and ominous through the inky shroud. A 'hou!' accompanies both hands jutting forward, hands bent at the wrists and fingers curled. From those two hands come a sheer torrent of violent chi, flowing from his body like a dam bursting. The train of power comes screaming down at Ken from on high, burning with all the fury of Hell itself... But which flame is stronger? Can the Orochi taint withstand such soul-searing might?
COMBATSYS: Akuma successfully hits Ken with Messatsu Gou Hadou'.
[ \\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Ken [E] 1/---====/=======|=====--\-------\0 Akuma
There just isn't enough speed that Ken can muster through the rage of Orochi to truly defend himself properly against the flurry of chi attacks that pound against his form. Once they have finished however, the crimson clad Ansatsuken user is still standing. It's obvious to Akuma now that Ken's body is running wild on its own.
The unconscious body of Ken is now rushing towards Akuma, Orochi still wriggling its way through the poor man's veins. A final spurt of Ki suddenly errupts upon Ken's right foot as he slams it towards the demon, looking to land kick after kick after kick in a cartwheel like motion, leaving trails of flames following after him. A final kick will be sent forward, seeking to send Akuma flying off like he were Team Rocket, and they were blasting off again.
COMBATSYS: Ken can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Akuma 0/-------/--=====|
COMBATSYS: Akuma effortlessly dodges Ken's Guren Senpuukyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Akuma 0/-------/--=====|
After weathering the sort of power that Akuma had drawn out from within, there's no way that he should be in any shape to come after him. The beast lands on his feet, propelled far away from the man he'd just roasted nearly to death. If he had any doubt as to whether or not he'd been able to best the godling's shard left within Masters, it evaporates with his final, meager attempt at vengeance. There's nothing near the life within those flames as there used to be, and even the swing is slow, sloppy. It takes nothing but a shift of his weight to avoid each kick, until the whirlwind of energy finally burns itself out.
This time, Akuma grips one of those flailing legs and swings him to the ground, letting the sand buffer the meager impact of a powerless toss. Immediately, his foot comes down upon Ken's throat, laying enough force to choke, to silence him.
"You are not even worth killing. To let yourself be consumed by a shadow of one's might shows how weak you really are."
The pressure upon the man's neck is released as the demon, the very object of Ken's rage, walks off in utter disgust.
COMBATSYS: Akuma has ended the fight here.
Log created on 13:00:40 11/13/2011 by ED-209, and last modified on 09:26:56 11/15/2011.