Description: One day, Ken finds a dead secretary with a note daring him (and his camera crew) to come to Burma. What he finds is a waiting platoon and a nonchalant dictator claiming to be here to make an announcement. But when Ken thinks he can sit back and take Vega lightly, how is a dictator to spur a man into fighting seriously? Murdering some of his cameramen is a good start. It proves to be just the thing to get good old Mister Masters hot under the collar. (Winner: Ken, by default)
On any other day, the Khakaborazi National Park would be a fine place to visit. It's a bit chilly, so the trees are covered in thick coats of sticking snow. Occasionally, a lump of frost will fall to the ground, digging a hole in the blanket upon the ground. In the center of the park is a small series of high peaks; one would usually think them a safe haven from the fury of the trees' snow-bombs, but every last inch of mountain is covered in what would be greenery, were it not for all this damned SNOW. It seems that the only proper place to hold a real fight is directly on the sole dirt road used for guides and tourists.
It's also the very same road that's blocked off on the northern end by a smattering of People's Republic of China-branded military vehicles. Upon closer inspection, there seem to be a number of crimson splotches in the park mixed in with the white winter wear of sniper camouflage.
The young Masters would have been filled in with this when he and his entourage reaches the park, of course. No tourists, no locals, nobody is allowed in or out. The Burmese officials are obviously under a great amount of stress and insist that they have no choice in the matter, lest their small country find themselves smashed beneath China's heel. Ken, his cameramen...they and only they are allowed entrance to the park's grounds. Anyone else, they insist, must stay behinds. But really, who's to stop anyone else from entering, aside from the reported platoon hidden in the trees?
As for Vega, he's already in the center of the park. Seated in some manner of folding chair, the cold apparently doesn't bother him in the slightest; surely nature itself would be hard-pressed to match the chill of his black heart. The man sits with an ankle resting upon the other leg's knee, one hand in his lap as the other bears a fresh, steaming mug of some liquid or another. It could be coffee. It could be cocoa. It could be blood. Does it really matter? For a man who's died, resurrected, and died again, he appears as though to have very few worries in the world...especially when he'd tried so hard to stay out of the public eye until now.
The fact that one of his assistants was used to deliver a message in a very personal way makes Ken extremely upset. Its one thing to leave a note in a door, but totally another to leave a note on the corpse of an assistant that hadn't even been on the job very long. This truly makes for bad publicity.
The Saturday Night Fight commission had a long and drawn out arguement with their chairman about even going. What if this were a trap, and someone was lying in wait to attack the chairman when he would truly be the most vunerable.
Ken truly wasn't hearing any of this.
Someone on his payroll is dead, and this means that it could have very well been one of his family, and there is a brief moment of utter surprise as he sees the despot dictator sitting there non-chalantly on a folding chair.
"...Please tell me this is some sort of horrible joke..."
"And when," the embodiment of villainy answers, pausing to hand his closed cup off to a uniformed (and armed) attendant, "have I been one for levity?" Easing his foot to the slush-covered ground, Vega stands without actually rising; it's odd to see if one doesn't know him, but he just floats to an upright posture. His heels settle on the ground and he stands perfectly straight, both of his hands pulled behind him. He bears no cloak today; only the brilliant, flashy red of his fitted uniform and its array of steely, glinting plates. Everything is perfectly clean, neat, and honestly impeccable. It had better be; he has plans on being televised today.
Despite his claim, the man bears an audacious smile, his brilliant teeth bared. "Oh, come now. I heard that you had met with an ex-employee of mine." As he speaks, he starts to pace off to the side, taking slow, measured steps. Each one comes with the clank of metal, his shinguards shifting with the motions. "It should be only fair that I, as a closer acquaintance, get my time?" He pauses, looks directly at Masters, and starts walking in the direction that he'd just come from. His chair has already been taken away by the assistant, who by now is far, far away, having taken on a -very- brisk march as soon as he was able. No man wants to be close to Vega when he's as pent up as he is now.
He comes to a stop again, and the smile is gone. With his dull eyes narrowing, a frown begins to tug at the corners of his mouth. "What, are you upset about the secretary? Bah." He waves a hand dismissively at the blonde man. "She was stealing from the company anyway. I did you a service."
"...And you couldn't just make a phonecall?" Ken's already motioning at the camera crew who are setting up at breakneck speeds. The tapes already been rolling, catching the psychotic dictator's confession all in crystal clear high defination quality. (The wonders of technology these days.)
The armed guards make the blonde Ansatsuken master nervous. If he manages to escape this intact, he may have to still deal with angry goons that have lots of bullets. This truly is shaping up to be the worst New Year's eve in history..
Ken slowly starts moving away from the dictator, eyes focusing on the world around him. Lots of guards. This isn't good. If there were ever a time that he wished Ryu snuck along and followed after him, this is one of those times.
"Regardless of the fact if she was stealing..." A deep breath escapes Ken's mouth as he tries to get a better feel for this situation, only to continue realizing just how screwed he is. "What exactly do I owe the honor of this to? I'm fairly certain you wouldn't come calling unless you had a good reason for it.."
The crimson clad Ansatsuken master slowly starts to fall into his more familiar stance. If Vega is planning to spring a trap, this man won't go down without a fight.
COMBATSYS: Ken has started a fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Vega has joined the fight here.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Ken 0/-------/------=|-------\-------\0 Vega
"I mean, there could be all sorts of reasons. I mean if you need money, I'm pretty sure you're going to have to go through a bank as I don't do personal loans to people who like blowing up small countries to prove a point.."
There is a brief moment where bravery meets stupidity, and Ken already is rushing forward towards the master of Psycho Power, quickly spinning on the ball of his left foot, bringing his right leg hurtling towards the man hoping to catch him off guard with a powerful roundhouse kick.
COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Ken's Inazuma Kakato Wari.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Vega
One would be insane to think Vega would slip on such a detail! After all, if the camera crew were invited, it would stand to reason that he would want things on tape. In fact, he even looks at the crew, giving them a sneer as they rush to set things up. They're obviously well-versed in quick setups, having to get everything working for fear of missing an important event...such as the dark lord claiming credit for one count of murder.
But really, that's only a drop in the bucket, isn't it?
Ah, but Vega, he can sense Ken's apprehension. The pressure, the stress, the tiny nigglings of dread, it encourages Ken's foe. He makes another gesture, this time simply lifting his right hand, arm bent at the elbow. It's a common signal: hold, wait, fall back. Any of those are fine. "You needn't worry about my men. They're simply...a precaution." An implied weakness? Never! But it reveals that by showing himself, even Vega himself is bearing some sort of risk. Ah, but Ken's retorts -are- ever interesting, aren't they? "I am hardly in need of your petty prizes," he answers. Even as he speaks, he thrusts out his left hand. There's a heavy smack of flesh against flesh as he catches the man's foot, absorbing the impact through muscle and bone.
"I invited -you- to bear witness to a declaration." While still holding onto the man's foot, he lifts his own right leg high, higher than Ken's: if the man fails to break free of the titan's grip, then he'll have to suffer the pain of a crushed throat beneath the Psycho Master's heel.
COMBATSYS: Ken just-defends Vega's Dead Rise!
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Vega
A slight grin appears on Ken's face now as Vega moves to begin his own assault, only to claim he has something to declare. There is still the fact that Vega is a powerful being. As that powerful leg is brought upwards to slam into Ken's throat, the crimson clad man's arms cross to allow the impact to send him hurtling upwards only to perform an escape that would be worthy of Chun-Li surges forth, allowing Ken to break free of the despot's grip, flipping over him in a flurry of grace.
"What, you're going to declare that you're no longer trying to sue Jay Leno over who has the better chin?"
If Ken is going to receive a beating, he's damn well going to earn it through his own means. The blonde man quickly starts to gather chi, forming that brilliant blue-white ball of chi that makes most foes either groan or quiver with fear. Who knows what category Vega falls under!
"HAAAADOOOOUKEN!"
Hands thrust forward to release the orb of energy, aimed straight for the largest target of all: Vega's ego inflated chest.
COMBATSYS: Vega dodges Ken's Hadouken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Vega
Yes, get your shots in while you can, Ken. Right now, Vega is still in a good mood! You can tell by the ever-present smile, the look of satisfaction that comes with finally being able to move his body around. For far too long has he been dormant, hiding away and manipulating things behind the scenes. But now, he's out and facing the prospect of a thorough thrashing...
But Ken won't let him have his way, it seems. As the dictator finds his prey having slipped from his grasp and flipping around like some restless child, Vega himself stands still. The hand that was holding a foot clenches into a fist, his gaze firm upon it. The cameras show him wholly engrossed with the missed opportunity, and one might think that he's grown slothful as the bright flash of energy careens in toward him from behind...
But of course, he only appears to be engrossed. Ken should know better. Moments before the manifested chi can collide with his back, Vega disappears, flesh folding into the ether. An instant later and he reappears next to Ken, his right arm already in motion. The man's elbow comes flying in front the side toward the side of Ken's face, his whole arm encased in a virulent coating of Psycho Power!
COMBATSYS: Vega successfully hits Ken with Jab Punch.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0 Vega
THWACK!
The elbow slams into poor Ken's face rather soundly, causing him to stumble away in an effort to try to keep his balance. "Okay, so maybe the shot about your chin was a bit much. What about your underlings? I mean, I did run into one of them who seemed to be having a hell of a time kidnapping me."
If Ken can play the psychology card, and keep Vega from truly focusing, maybe he'll have a chance at surviving this encounter intact. "What? You going to give me the silent treatment now? I thought you had this big declaration of some great importance?"
Once more Ken is rushing forward, this time allowing his right fist to snap forward, like a Vega-Seeking missile aimed right at the mass of Psycho Power.
COMBATSYS: Vega fails to interrupt Jab Punch from Ken with Psycho Wave.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Vega
For as good as he gives, Vega gets! He doesn't spare any distance after smashing into that pretty face, nor does he raise his guard. But the aura around him is palpable, one to make the cold air feel even more uncomfortable. And that sneer, god! It never goes away. It's always there, beaming a hole into one's MIND like some sort of vile cheshire.
"Why, does lack of conversation make you weak? Does it grate against--"
Ah. A ruse. A feint, even! Without a look of worry, the dark master merely lifts a hand and a trail of violet power remains in its wake. Surely, assaulting a nigh-invulnerable power could only harm the boy for trying, but he's fast and he's strong. The fist plows through the meager 'shield' and pops Vega right in the face! The impact causes him to stumble back, boots squishing against the slush beneath while he regains his footing. At least the sneer is gone, replaced be a far more dour expression. "Yes..." Wiping his mouth with one hand, he checks for blood before balling it up into a fist and holding his position. "But it will be just as relevant AFTER I've reduced you to a sopping mass of broken bones and rent flesh." Now he spreads his feet, knees bending slightly. One arm is tucked near to his side, bent at the elbow. "The world is in for a nightmare like none they've ever faced." After a moment's pause, he adds, regaining his awful smirk. "Unless you can kill me here and now."
"Oh god, please tell me its not you doing Broadway. I don't think /anyone/ could handle that." Just the thought of it is enough to make Ken shudder slightly, only to smirk as Vega starts to truly take this brawl seriously. There's a slight bit of satisfaction in popping the arrogant dicator in his face, yet that will cost him most likely in the long run of this fight.
"Why would I want to kill you? I mean, its not like you're a real threat or anything. Look at the people who work for you! If they couldn't kidnap me, you have a problem."
This isn't a ruse or a feint, this is Ken trying to truly get under Vega's skin and annoy the man into making a mistake. The more he talks, the more Vega will have to work at ignoring him, which means that he can't fight at 100%!
A quick step forward and Ken's hands reach outwards for Vega's finely hemmed clothing. If he latches on, then the poor clone-man is going to go for a violent ride as he's launched with an expertly performed throw!
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Vega with Jigoku-guruma.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/----===|=====--\-------\0 Vega
Oh, Ken. What an innocent, naive man you are. Oh sure, it's easy to get under Vega's skin. He's already taken the bait, making threats and talking. Once again, he's caught flat-footed and grabbed, rolled around and discarded like so much trash. He lands on his back in the dirty slush. It's an awful feeling, having your clothes go damp and chilly, slimy and smearing against your skin. But indeed, Masters' words appear to ring true. Vega, as he is, seems to be no threat whatsoever; that his strength is skulking about in the shadows and sniping at those too weak to defend themselves.
It makes for excellent television.
Turning over, Vega's hand presses against the ground. His knee pulls up under him, booted toes finding footing on the grey mass beneath him. A grunt leaves his chest as he rises up again, both hands brushing at his mussed attire. But he's not calm. He may -appear- calm, but deep down, he's seething. Rustiness is one thing. Weakness is another thing entirely. And Vega? Right now, he appears weak.
This is not going to do at all.
Drawing in a deep breath, the would-be Lord narrows his eyes at Ken. His breath leaves him on a throaty, low growl, but despite exhaling, he doesn't look to have deflated at all. Violet flames lick out from his outline here and there as like-colored darkness begins to encase it from top to bottom. The effect makes his eyes appear to glow brighter as his features are increasingly overshadowed.
"You are not NEARLY as important as you think yourself." It's evident that he wishes to yell, to shout, to snarl. Holding back as it he takes a great amount of self-restraint. "You have a single task here, and that is for the world to see that no matter how the "heroes" of the world may think otherwise, Vega is IMMORTAL. You will never, NEVER! free yourself from my influence."
COMBATSYS: Vega gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/----===|=======\=------\1 Vega
"Blah blah blah. Seriously, you're not a god." That ever present smirk on Ken's face says it all. Vega's not scaring him. On the contrary, all Vega is managing to do is make Ken pity the dictator. Sagat did better, and he was just one of Vega's many many goons.
Ken shakes his head slowly at the dictator, wondering just what sort of nonsense the guy has running through his head. Maybe theres been a few wires crossed and a good sound beating might fix that problem. "Were you dropped on your head as a child or somethin'?"
Ken slowly exhales slightly as chi starts to gather once more within his body. This time he's going to bait the dictator into another screw-up.
COMBATSYS: Ken gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/=======|=======\=------\1 Vega
Oh, that is it. That is just IT. No longer is Vega able to restrain himself. The stronger his rage, the more his power swells, and buddy, there just isn't a body alive that can contain his might. Even now, it looks like his uniform is too tight around the arms and chest...and he isn't even well and truly pissed off yet.
"Insolent pustule!" He raises a hand again, but this time, he extends it. A single finger points directly at one of the cameras. Vega himself does not care to look. He doesn't need to; an instant later, the slightly-shaky sight of a laser point appears on one of the cameramen's head. But a second after that, there's a muffled THWIP and the sudden, sickening sound of something impacting wet flesh as a sniper round burrows through the man's skull. Bits of blood and hair and -meat- smatter on the back of the camera, but the lens is left clean. It's a shame that the same can't be said for the ground, soon having to suffer the dead imbecile's steaming blood upon it.
But is that enough for the man? Oh, no. It never is. Even as most people would look upon the aftermath in horror, the Shadaloo leader is in motion. The same hand that pointed outward is now upturned, fingers bent to clench a swelling ball of roiling rage. Deep purple, it too seeks to consume light instread of shed it. Ken has two options: worry about the guy who's already been shot, or worry about the one that threatens to assault his psyche like rusty barbs grasping for fresh flesh.
COMBATSYS: Ken auto-guards Vega's Psycho Shot!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/=======|=======\==-----\1 Vega
"..Seriously? You're going to call me out, for some big announcement, and then systematically try to kill off my staff?" Now Ken is pissed. He's had bigger and badder beings try to force him into submission, and fail miserably at it. Vega isn't any different. He truly can't allow himself to get distracted by this, as repulsive and horrific it is.
The ball of energy slams into Ken's chest, wisps of the purple energy flailing wildly as it starts to dissipate. A casual glance is given to his own chest, before once more turning his attention back to Vega. "...That's it? 'INSOLENT PUSTULE!' Pssh. I've been called worse."
The blonde man's right hand rises upwards, as eyes filled with anger and pity seem to stare daggers at the dictator. The hand folds slightly, beckoning the angry mighty chinned man forward. "Come on. I don't seem to have all day anymore, as you're taking to killing what little crew I came here with."
COMBATSYS: Ken focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Ken 1/----===/=======|=======\==-----\1 Vega
And now who's gotten under whose skin? Oh sure, all it took was a bullet to get Ken really riled up, but that's enough. It doesn't matter than Ken has the sense of a bulldog or the wit of a hippo. He's pissed, he's on camera, and Vega can just -taste- the rage.
"It sounds like your parents and I would have gotten along wonderfully, then." The projectile was just a warning shot. No sooner had he released the little ball than he'd hunched up, pulling his center of gravity back. His right hand is bunched up in a tight fist, the left gripping the thick steel binding about its wrist. The fiery outline about him feeds upon itself, growing darker and more potent, its flames licking ever higher. His eyes gleam with violet malice...and then he's in motion. It's an attack that Ken of all people should know quite well by now; the dictator launches himself forward, -wills- himself to fly fist-first as a living rocket of spinning power, wisps of energy rotating about him in a dangerous sheath. To suffer its might is to feel the agony of a slow, suffering death in an instant, nerves and synapses overloaded with an external source of unstoppable willpower.
COMBATSYS: Ken fails to interrupt Psycho Crusher from Vega with Shinryuu Ken+.
*KNOCKED AWAY*
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0 Vega
The comment about Ken's parents is enough to truly set him off. Teeth grit as he fights back the rage, knowing that this slimeball doesn't even deserve it. This is just a pathetic tyrant throwing a temper tantrum about not having the spotlight anymore.
"What would you know? I'll bet yours dropped you off a bridge out of fear that you might start eating their cats or somethin'!" The explosion of his own chi is audible enough for the cameras to pick up as he rushes towards the mighty tyrant.
"SHINRYUU --"
The attack is cut short as the anger has managed to bite Ken in the ass, allowing the despot to overcome his own attack, and sending him hurtling backwards, rolling across the ground like a sack of potatos. There is a few moments where his body threatens to give out right on the spot, but he over comes it by his own force of will, shakily climbing up to his feet. "Shit..."
Coming to a sliding stop, Vega lands hunched over. He's quick to straight upward however, both hands still balled up into fists, his elbows tucked back. He's grinning madly once again; for the first time this day, it actually feels like he has a body worth hanging onto for a bit longer. For a while, he had been cursing it, how it's so slow to move, how useless it is. But perhaps Ken had just been incredibly lucky.
And now it's time for him to pay for humiliating the Psycho Master.
"Pathetic. I finally show a fraction of my might and look at you." He stays right where he is, wasting no time in his gloating. A quick turn of his head has him facing the cameras, facing the remaining cameramen. He can feel their fear, their terror at not knowing which of them those soulless eyes are staring at. Who is next? Any of them? All of them? The panic is utterly delightful, and as he takes slow, threatening steps toward the group, he simply feeds on the effect he's having on them. It's refreshing, invigorating!
COMBATSYS: Vega gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0 Vega
Ken can't allow Vega to keep goading him like this. Not when he had the cranky being rampaging about, claiming he was going to destroy Ken like yesterday's news.
"You know.. I've had worse."
Ken's eyes focus solely upon Vega now. If he wants his crew to survive, then he has to put this man down and teach him a lesson about playing this kind of game. The blonde Ansatsuken master's eyes close for a moment, as he forces the anger and hatred to the side. This isn't the time for it. Vega will be brought to justice for this, but right now he has a duty to do. He has to get his people out of here safely..
COMBATSYS: Ken enters a meditative state.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Ken 1/-------/=======|====---\-------\0 Vega
And the way to stop Vega is to sit still and think on the matter? Incredible.
While Ken sits still, Vega keeps encroaching upon the cameras. With a sweep of his hand and a glut of violent power, one camera finds itself caught up the torrent, lifted and sent smashing into a tree with a brilliant display of broken glass and flakes of silicon. Any man that tries to run is allowed to, and if they don't, then they're suicidal anyway. To be in Vega's proximity when he's angry is just inviting death. His presence makes the air heavy, makes one choke on the palpable power. One man, the poor guy, doesn't make it in time. He wants to run; he wants to lift his feet and get the hell out of here, especially with his co-worker dead and bleeding out just a few feet away, but he can't.
And Ken chooses to just sit there. "A fine boss you have," Vega says in a gravelly taunt, a moment before his hand lunges forth. Gripping, squeezing, he lifts the bystander by the throat, bleeding excess mental energies that corrode from within. If his opponent will not fight, then he'll give him reason to.
COMBATSYS: Vega gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Ken 1/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Vega
"All of you. Leave." The remaining crew quickly abandon their posts, leaving the cameras rolling unattended. This of course doesn't matter whatsoever to Ken. If his people can get out of there safely, they will.. If not, then he's going to destroy Vega.
"I'm not going anywhere Vega. As a matter of fact..."
The Ansatsuken Master quickly rushes forward, aiming a quick kick towards the mans wrist, seeking to force him to release the poor crewmember who is stuck in the tyrants grip.
"I'm going to kick your ass more then its been kicked in a long time. Maybe Guile'll send me a christmas card next year for it."
COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Ken's Light Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Ken 1/---====/=======|=======\=------\1 Vega
Oh, NOW he tells them to leave! There's just one problem with that: before the poor men get very far, they're greeted with a fresh hail of gunfire before them. Anyone brave enough to venture past the threshold is sure to be treated to fresh lead lodging into their soft, vulnerable bodies...but is it really any worse a fate than being trapped with Vega? Ah, but surely their charismatic employer will save them!
As Ken indeed comes in to try and draw Vega's attention, the dictator spins about, still gripping the poor man by his throat. In an instant, he's stuck the innocent between himself and the encroaching foot, letting meat and bone buffer the impact. What's worst is that, an instant later, that same victim suddenly bursts into purple flames, coated from head to toe in awful energy. If his throat weren't securely clenched in Vega's fist, he might be able to scream. As it is, all he can do is struggle and choke as the Psycho Master swings him about as some sort of makeshift club. It's not even a very strong swing; he misses entirely, but the 'weapon' leaves a massive trail of potent force in its wake, far larger than the man that it trails.
"Talk is cheap." Oh, the other cameras had better be capturing all of this!
COMBATSYS: Ken dodges Vega's Psycho Wave.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Ken 1/---====/=======|=======\-------\1 Vega
Horror crosses Ken's face as his foot strikes his own employee, only for those who tried to escape to be shot at, leaving them bleeding and dying. This isn't good, and all it seems that Vega wants is an audience for his big declaration. Well now, it might be time for Ken to disrupt the man's big plan..
Ken quickly rushes backwards as the makeshift club is swung towards him, allowing the poor man to slam into the ground, hopefully finally putting him out of his misery. This of course leaves Ken a chance to start retaliating in another way. The first camera gets a shot of a frantic Ken, only to suddenly be displaying static as its smashed with an expertly placed kick.
"One down. There aren't many cameras Vega. I guess you should hurry up and get to your big dramatic reveal before I finish smashing my own stuff, and then get back to kicking your pathetic coward ass."
A slight grin starts to return to the mans face. This whole ordeal will be pointless if Vega doesn't have an audience.
COMBATSYS: Ken takes no action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Ken 1/---====/=======|=======\-------\1 Vega
Oh, this is rich! As Ken goes about destroying his OWN equipment, Vega stands where he is.
And he laughs.
"Have you finally lost your last wit? Ignorant wretch. Do you think I need YOU to make a statement?" With a swing of his arm, the man he'd been strangling is finally set free! He's thrown toward one of the remaining cameras, the near-dead body colliding and tumbling with the expensive piece of technology. Seconds later, there's a second burst of gunfire as another camera is torn to shreds.
"Why, this is a message for you, Mister Masters, and your nauseating, fuzzy attempts to better these useless worms that struggle to lift themselves from the mire of weakness." He points directly at the blonde man, a fresh grin spread nearly from ear to eat on his face. "What you see now is just a portion of my power. Soon, I'll command a force that will ensure that even that usurper Orochi never dare set foot in MY realm ever again." His hand drops and his heels tough together. Both arms fold over his massive chest, and then he lifts upward. Ankles slacken as his feet dangle, the man hovering a foot off of the ground before stopping. "Assemble your headstrong friends. Bring all of the worms you want. I'll have this world and it will be more amusing to let you flail against the inevitable force ethat will consume everything."
Ah, hubris. Have you no limits?
COMBATSYS: Vega takes no action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Ken 1/---====/=======|=======\-------\1 Vega
Ken grins slightly. "So thats what this is all about. You're feeling threatened because someone more powerful then you showed up, and made the world tremble, while you were off hiding with your tail between your legs. Oh sure, technically Shadaloo won the King of Fighters Tournament, but thats only because everyone else was to busy dealing with a real threat. Which you aren't."
Ken can play the psychology card just as well, forcing himself to appear as if none of this phased him in the slightest. "If I'm an insignificant worm, oh all mighty Lord Vega.. Tell me something." The blonde Ansatsuken master quickly rushes forward, quickly spinning once more on his left foot, allowing his leg to hurtle towards the dictator in another vicious roundhouse.
"How come you haven't shut me up yet?"
COMBATSYS: Ken successfully hits Vega with Inazuma Kakato Wari.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Ken 1/--=====/=======|=======\=------\1 Vega
In a rare act of mercy, Vega had honestly planned on leaving. His message had been delivered, he'd riled Ken up to the boiling point, and he'd killed at least one person. It's not a bad day. It's not GREAT, but it's a start. Oh, but Ken, he is nothing if not overly talkative. Even the great Psycho Master himself has to let out an irritated snort as the boy keeps trying to verbally one-up his obvious superior. It's gotten to the point that he simply lands, feet now firmly on the slush once more and his eyes close. "Yes, yes, whatever. Today has exceeded my expectations, so I am going to--"
Going to get kicked right in the ribs, it seems. Even as the foot came rushing in, his form had already begin to flicker, ready to yield to the ether and make good his escape. But Ken is too determined, or Vega is simply not taking him seriously enough. Likely both. Oh, there's the gratifying feel of heel meeting bone as one of the dictator's ribs creaks. The only thing that saves it from being broken completely is the slippery ground beneath him. Pushed a full three feet away, he comes gliding to a stop, a hand immediately clutching his side. As to be expected, the look of joy is gone, again replaced with an awful frown...and we can all remember what happened last time.
With a feral snarl, Vega lurches forward head-first, but it's different from last time. Instead of spinning lengthwise, he flips end over end, his booted heels rising and coming down toward Ken's head once, twice, three times! He will not be content unless he's smashing that pretty face into the filthy ground!
COMBATSYS: Vega knocks away Ken with Knee Press Nightmare.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Ken 2/<<<<<<</<<<<<<<|-------\-------\0 Vega
Oh, Ken's face does strike the ground, leaving him a crumpled heap on the ground. There's a faint muffled sound from the face-down man, who slowly starts to pull himself to his feet. Laughter. The sound was laughter, and its all Ken can manage. This is not a fight he is meant to truly win, as he's already lost the moral victory long ago. "Heh.. heh heh heh.."
Chi starts seeping around Ken's right leg. "I'm still standing Vega. You're really failing at this whole 'Shut the guy in red up!' thing. Then again, I guess thats to be expected from a guy who is on the run from Butch with a broom for a head and his pal Charlie."
Ken suddenly rushes forward, forcing his body onward as he starts to cartwheel towards the despot dictator, creating wheels of flames that trail after him as he zeroes in on Vega, seeking to draw him into the brutal flurry of flaming kicks, only for it to end with a skyward Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku, creating a violent whirlwind of flames.
"GUREN SENPUU KYAKU!"
COMBATSYS: Vega stops Guren Senpuukyaku from Ken with Psycho Vanish.
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Ken 0/-------/----===|=------\-------\0 Vega
Just as an insult to the injury, Vega grinds his heed on Ken's head as he's shoved in the muck. He's still bearing that awful frown, and when he pulls away, Ken does not disappoint! He's up. He's cracked. He's insane! Oh, that crazed chuckle is music to the man's ears.
"Funny. I don't ever remember anyone like that being a problem."
Truly, he does not even look bothered one whit. In fact, he now looks a little bored! At the beginning of it all, Masters might have been proving himself to be a challenge, but it's since gone downhill. A lucky hit here, a tap there...but he's shown no evidence that his might is anything to fear. He looks quite battered down already, and he'd only been hit...twice? Terrible. "Men!" he calls out, turning to walk away. His voice booms throughout the area, bouncing from rocky outcropping, sifting between the trees. "We are done!"
Ah, but Ken isn't! Credit is certainly due: he DOES try. It would be commendable for most. But now, it's just a child failing to learn from experience. The roar of chi whips through the air, and indeed, though Vega himself! But again, the man's body is naught but an afterimage, a flickering echo of Psycho Power that's distorted and fades while the rush of air sends it whirling about in thin shreds and wisps. The sound of soldiers moving in clear throughout the area, each armed man hauling ass back toward their transports, doors slamming and engines roaring as they return to the safety of the Chinese border.
And Vega, he is nowhere to be found. Likely, he's already seated in one of those transports, drinking from the cup he'd handed off before this juvenile bout of mutual taunting. At least it killed some time in an otherwise uneventful day.
COMBATSYS: Vega has left the fight here.
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Ken 0/-------/----===|
Log created on 13:47:45 01/03/2012 by Vega, and last modified on 19:35:50 01/03/2012.