Neo League 976 - #985: Gato vs MrJones

Description: Gato and Mr. Jones have a battle upon a bridge for the Neo League. Gato initially underestimates him, allowing the Groove Master to land a heavy blow that allows a significant comeback, proving his resolve to the judgemental warrior. Although he is still kicked into the heavens. (Winner: Gato)



How about a little 'warm up'?

With the NDP Finals looming in the distance and his investigation in SunShine City pending, Mister Jones decides to test the waters of the big boy's club by entering his very first Neo League fight! Gone are the days where Mister Jones was delegated only the scraps of fame, he has outgrown the little pond where he wiggled away aimlessly in his tadpole state and he is now ready to emerge like some kind of funky primordial goop into this wild new world!

Needless to say that the flows of Groove are in upheaval.

The emissary of Funk is already present on the tall bridge where the fight will ensue. His gaze is given to the sun that looms overhead, the sun rays reflected on his ever present shades as he sucks in breath...and smiles! Ready to continue the funky dance of life.

Jumping lightly on his feet, he throws a few punches and kicks to the air to stretch out and get the mojo going. Light kiais of "Woo!" and "Ata!" heard with each practicing strike.

In the fifteen minutes before the assigned start of the battle, Mr. Jones would have easily found he is not alone. Settled cross-legged upon the bridge in his assigned half of the starting circle, Gato Futaba has been in the midst of meditation. One hand rests upon either knee, head bowed forward and eyes closed. Any attempt made to speak with him by Mr. Jones would have ended only in stoic ignorance, lacking even the most base of acknowledgements. It is difficult to get a sense for the solemn figure, his intensity quiet and focused on inner matters. Only when the shuffling cameras settle into their starting locations and the cue given to start filming does his narrowed eyes snap open. Slowly he rises to his feet, closed fists at his side. He simply stands at his starting location, looking at Mr. Jones with hard eyes. There is something judgemental to that unblinking gaze, and it would not seem positive to the master of Groove. Still, without a word he brings up his fists, fluidly shifting into an aggressive stance as feet shift apart. "Come. Do not waste my time." A simple, impatient demand.

Awesome! Another hard case!

Just what Mister Jones needs.

To his credit Johnny Jones has endured many a stoney gaze without budging, he has grown accustomed to judgmental eyes staring in disapproval at his antics, either out of a misguided sense of superiority or simply because they're tying to get a rise of him. None of 'em have work, and to be honest, if Mister Jones can come out unscathed from movie critics tearing up his latest movie then he can withstand Gato's harsh comments.

"Take it easy mang!" Johnny grins at Gato making a simple relaxed shrugging movement with his shoulders. "Why you gotta be so hateful?" Guess this is the sort of attitude he could expect from the prestigious Neo League fighters, everyone takes it so seriously around here because it's the big leagues and what not.

However, Jonesy doesn't adjust his Groove to the situation, he makes the situation work with /his/ Groove. It is why when Gato engages a fighting stance immediately after the cameras roll, Jones walks in casually and bows respectfully first, hand over his fist to represent the ancient Kung Fu practice of Peace over Power before taking his signature Jeet Kune Do stance.

"Alright..."

"Let's dance."

COMBATSYS: MrJones has started a fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
MrJones          0/-------/------=|


COMBATSYS: Gato has joined the fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Gato             0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0          MrJones


COMBATSYS: MrJones focuses on his next action.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Gato             0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0          MrJones


"..." Gato does not react to Mr. Jones in the slightest, beyond something near a squint at the respectful bow. It is not returned. His right hand nearly level with his head, other palm facing the more eccentric fighter, a single 'tch' of disappointment leaves his lips. "So you cede the initiative to me...? Very well!" Suddenly, the eldest Futaba is rushing forward with a grace that belies his more solid starting stance; moving on the tips of his toes, center of balance low and heavily forward. The last meter towards Mr. Jones is slid upon one foot, before he lets out a sharp growl, lunging upwards in a short but powerful kick; right leg extended, other folded beneath, aiming to strike at Mr. Jone's center mass!

COMBATSYS: Gato successfully hits MrJones with Mu-ran-Geri.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////////     ]
Gato             0/-------/------=|====---\-------\0          MrJones


Gotta keep it Funkay, brudda.

Even when you're getting your butt whooped.

"Ooof!" Johnny Jones' respectful bow is returned with a fierce flying kick to the solar plexus. The Action Star had straightened out in the last second and brought his arms down to protect his midsection, though that only worked to drive his own arms righto his stomach! Driven back, the Groove Master staggers slightly, eyes boggling under his shades realizing this cat is 'Fo' Real' as they would say back home.

He sucks in air, holding it for a moment to not pass out, and exhales quickly to dash towards Gato, adjusting his shades in the process with one fluid, practiced movement. "Okay then.." Jonesy mimics the movement and explodes forward using his back foot, right fist leading as if propelled by a rocket to ram it right on Gato's nose! "WOATAA!"

COMBATSYS: Gato blocks MrJones' Gaudy Punch.

[   \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////      ]
Gato             0/-------/-----==|=====--\-------\0          MrJones


As smooth and naturally as breathing, Gato responds to the incoming punch. He shifts backwards, absorbing the blow with a vertical forearm that feels akin to impacting steel. A sharp scuff is left in it's wake, but already the Japanese warrior is responding. His foot stomps violently, launching him a meter into the air away from Mr. Jones. In that split second, he similarly strikes out with his open palm, a ki cry of his own following. Centered on the ground at the Disco fanatic's feet, an explosion of cerulean chi expands outwards, kicking up a cloud of dust upon the bridge. Regardless of success, it would seem Gato is trying to forge some distance, although it is impossible to know for what ends.

COMBATSYS: MrJones blocks Gato's Kou-Ga.

[   \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////        ]
Gato             0/-------/------=|=======\-------\0          MrJones


Grunting as solid knuckle impacts equally solid arm, Johnny Jones feels his arm flicked out of the way and slides back to adjust his stance in case of a quick counter attack. Dropping low into almost a squat, Jonesy readies himself for an incoming onslaught only to see that Gato's plan was to fly away from him. His head gazes up, following Gato with his eyes despite the glare of the sun (that's what the shades are for, dawg!), feet backing up slightly to try and amble around the airborne fighter.

When Gato cries out, he knows that's coming, Jones reflexively brings his arms up on an X block to stop the incoming chi blast by putting a physical barrier between it and more tender parts of his body..like his afro! However, the chi blast strikes right infront of him causing a cloud of dust to fly out and cloud his vision.

Undaunted, Mister Jones actually flies right out of the dust cloud with almost the same movement Gato had done in the beginning! His right leg is curled under him whilst his left foot leads aiming to strike Gato's chest with a flying kick that takes him from his launching spot all the way up to the other Kung Fu expert in a single bound! "SHOOO!"

COMBATSYS: Gato counters Slide Double from MrJones with Hou-zan Sai Meki-Ga.

[    \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Gato             0/-------/------=|=======\-------\1          MrJones


Managing to land cleanly and adjust his stance in the few moments before Mr. Jones, exploding out of the whirling cloud of debris and dust, finishes launching that kick. It is fast; Gato can tell that much. He is not fighting someone with the talent of a joke, despite the initial appearance. Yet still, he actually closes his eyes and presents a shoulder, actually lowering his arms as if to allow the assault. Air exhales from him, until the very moment that Mr. Jones' foot hits. Then his entire body shifts, seemingly only a couple inches, in his direction. An explosive contraction of muscles, loose and relaxed until that moment. All that kinetic force intended to leverage into Gato redoubles backwards, shooting up the joints of ankle, knee and hip while also sending him with surprising force in the opposite direction. "Jeet Kune Do... where did you learn it?"

One moment he's looking forward.

And then the next he's upside down!?

"What the--" As his foot connects with /something/ Jones suddenly feels his entire body being flipped around as if with magic! "GAAAAAH!!" The Action Star does several spins in the air away from Gata as the force of his kick is deflected and used against him, flipping and flipping and spinning some more until he finally lands on his back with a grunt. "Dang it!"

Immediately jumping back to his feet, Johnny looks annoyed but not defeated just yet, his shades even flash to signify his redoubled efforts. "Oh, I watched a lot of movies when I was kid." Responds the Groove Master casually when Gato questions where he learned his fighting style, his tone of voice making it impossible to tell if he's kidding or not.

Regardless, now that he's back on his feet, the question stands, what kind of attack will he do against Gato who has been able to deflect everything he has sent at him? "OooOoOoOo!!" Running directly for the other Kung Fu master, Johnny Jones leaps into the air with another flying kick for the head!! Hey, if at first you don't succeed, try again! "ATAAAA!"

COMBATSYS: Gato dodges MrJones' Arc Fliegan.

[    \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////               ]
Gato             0/-------/------=|=======\-------\0          MrJones


Despite the advantage gained from launching Mr. Jones away, Gato did not press forward. He calmly resumes his stance, focusing on his balance and motion. This lack of haste makes the launched kick more transparent... it is fast and powerful, but also very straightforward. Pivoting, he circles around the Groove master as he flashes by, before launching himself forward once more, again using an explosive force. It might not be immediately apparent what the intent is, until both legs shoot up in an attempt to wrap about Mr. Jones' neck -- only to twist violently around, trying to draw forth a rather unpleasant *crack* while hurling him across the bridge in the same motion. "So you are self taught."

COMBATSYS: MrJones endures Gato's Mu-Ga.

[   \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Gato             0/-------/----===|=======\=====--\1          MrJones


Okay...maybe the old saying was, if at first and second don't succeed try a third time?

It's pretty obvious that Jones is outclassed here, he came into this looking a little apprehensive but now it's pretty certain the fight was an uphill one from the beginning, if you could call this a fight. Cursing slightly as he misses, Jones lands on his feet and spins on his heel rapidly to keeps his eyes on his opponent, never one to give up even if the odds are stacked against him.

"Yep!!" Jones clenches his teeth as the legs come in to wrap around his head, he knows what it's coming, and it's because of this same reason that he decides to man up and go for risky technique. "Pretty much!!" Gato twists his neck well enough to warrant that sickening crack as it's bent out of shape, but then Groove Master does not falter, the power of Disco rendering him immortal just as Disco itself! (It is kinna making a comeback anyway).

Rather than going flying, Jones wraps his arms around Gato's legs and holds on tight for the ride, snarling furiously in the process as he spins along with the Kung Fu Master and drops forward, still holding on to Gato's legs! The reason for this? Hoist Gato upside down and slam his head first on the ground!

An unconventional technique for the Groove Master, but he ran out of ideas. "HAAAII!!"

COMBATSYS: MrJones successfully hits Gato with Enter the Groove Master.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Gato             0/-------/-======|=------\-------\0          MrJones


Well, that was certainly an unorthodox technique. It is no simple matter to stop Gato's follow-through movement, but the ironclad tenacity of Disco has no equal in this mortal world. He tries to bring up his forearms to guard it, but experience can only go so far when thrust into the unknown. His head and upper back strike the ground of the bridge, hard enough to send a spiderweb of cracks a meter around. His eyes are wide, spray of spittle spouting into the air. Somehow he yanks free and rolls away, but getting back to his feet he is still having difficulty with his balance. "...I see." His tone remains the same, one hand rubbing the back of his skull, coming away with blood. "Then it is sad. To see such talent wasted, having no Master to shape and guide it... forced to imitate the tripe on television." Once more he slowly exhales, eyes closing a moment. When they open, the vestiges of damage have vanished. "I shall show you the true soul of a martial artist. Then, you may understand the world you hope to enter!!"

COMBATSYS: Gato focuses on his next action.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////                       ]
Gato             0/-------/-======|=------\-------\0          MrJones


Sure, it looked totally awesome and almost as if Jones had intended to do that, fans will claim that even when faced with adversity Mister Jones can still keep his cool and go for just the right technique that will get him out of a hairy situation. Truth be told though it /was/ a desperation attack and Jones had merely moved out of reflex, doing whatever the hell it took to put the hurt back on Gato.

Surprisingly, or perhaps not, trusting on the Funk works and Gato is slammed and rolled away from Johnny who is now busy trying to align his neck with his spine, that is gonna be sore in the morning for sure! "Guh...phew!" He shakes his head and readies himself for Gato's next attack, only to see that he is now attempting to lecture him! How strange, and here he thought that he was the strong silent type.

He feels sorry for him? Why? Not everyone has the fortune of knowing a good master, Johnny did the best he could with the tools the world gave him, he thinks he did a pretty good job. "I ain't calling ya sifu if that's what you're getting to." The Groove Master snorts slightly seeing Gato concentrate on his next attack.

A time he uses to not let up the pressure.

One moment Gato is staring at him across the bridge, then he closes his eyes and when he opens them...Mister Jones is right in front of him swinging a left jab right for the mouth! "SHOO!"

COMBATSYS: MrJones successfully hits Gato with Jab Punch.

[              \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////                      ]
Gato             0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0          MrJones


Eyes watch Mr. Jones unblinking, before a small snort leaves his nose. "It is too late for you." There's a hint of derision to his voice, although he does look a touch surprised at the speed that is used to approach. The strike lands true, thumping into Gato's chin and twisting his head up and away. His rigid body absorbs it, and he's otherwise not moved an inch. Suddenly his leg pivots, settling behind him. His left hand shoots up, settling level with Mr. Jones' chest. Instinct would be to evade at this point. But it may be far too late.
With speed that seems another dimension from what he has displayed thus far, Gato aggressive steps forward, one foot sinking into the bridge half an inch. Muscles bulge, kinetic force funneled as if a liquid through every flex of muscle and tension of ligaments. Hundreds of hours of training, and thousands of practice, visibly bleed out.
It is simply a palm thrust; Gato striking out with his right hand, the heel intended to strike into Mr. Jones' solar plexus. But it has been honed to a razor's edge, the simple motion itself sending an explosion of force in all directions. Small rocks and pieces of litter pepper the cameras and distant crew of the Neo League, as he aims to send the Disco master spiraling away like some manner of afro-heavy football!!

COMBATSYS: MrJones auto-guards Gato's Mou-Ko Kou Hakan!

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////                     ]
Gato             0/-------/=======|=------\-------\0          MrJones


"Never say never, brudda."

Where Gato has hundreds of hours training, Johnny has thousands. Where Gato has thousands of practice, Jones has millions. Sure, self taught training is no match for actually training under a bonna fide master in a temple and the works. One hundred hours of self taught practice is the equivalent of just one under a grandmaster. But a thousand? Millions? Day and Night, practicing with wild abandon trying to imitate the movies he grew up with until he got them. Just. Right?

It yield some results.

Gato's mistake is slamming that foot down on the concrete telling Jones exactly what he's going to do, is a finishing move that Kung Fu villains do in the movies all the time. The attack is like a freaking missile sent directly right at Jones chest, one that would surely blow him up due to his speed. Fortunately that speed is it's own weakness as Jones knows, the Groove Master times the attack just right and slaps Gato's elbow just as he's about to connect, redirecting the attack so it hits nothing but the air right next to Jones.

With a clear opening, Jonesy returns the strike with a quick knuckle thrust right for the neck, aiming to crush Gato's windpipe! "HUAA!"

COMBATSYS: Gato blocks MrJones' Retro Knuckle.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////                      ]
Gato             1/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0          MrJones


Indeed, simply stopping that much force is a difficult venture. But Mr. Jones manages to flawlessly divert it, using the minimum strength neccesary for the maximum result. Although he appears to be quite wide open, such does not hold up under the next assault. Again his forearm interposes, and the sharp CRACK echoes out like a gunshot. A grin is actually upon Gato's face now, the first sign of anything but dismissive scorn. But he wastes no more time with palaver. Pivoting sharply, he brings up his knee, aiming to strike Mr. Jones in the chest while he finishes rebuilding his stance, aura pressing foreward like a steamroller. If the goal was to get Gato to battle seriously, then Mr. Jones has succeeded!

COMBATSYS: MrJones blocks Gato's Aggressive Strike.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////                        ]
Gato             1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0          MrJones


Gotta hold on! Gotta keep it funkay! Mister Jones's fist connects once again with Gato's blocking arm instead of softer parts as the Groove Master intended. Yet he presses on still, funky energy flowing through him keeping him from going down where other, less funky men, would falter.

Johnny Jones' intention has always been to earn the respect of others, and though he might not be winning this seeing Gato's ferocious grin directed to him tells him that he has taken another step towards becoming the Groove Master. His goal so close, he redoubles his efforts and doesn't slack on the defense, bringing both palms down to stop the incoming knee from crushing his chest cavity!

"Phew!" Johnny exhales to keep his bearings and flicks his right arm forward aiming to crash his rock solid forearm right into Gato's collar bone! Always keeping real close to him, moving fast as lighting, just like Gato. "WATAA!"

COMBATSYS: Gato dodges MrJones' Slide Double.

[                   \\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////                         ]
Gato             1/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0          MrJones


It is true. Gato did not expect the ability to enjoy this fight. And had it only been measured by the merits of the beginning, that would have been accurate. But the sheer tenacious nature of Mr. Jones after the attempted takedown has thoroughly dispelled that particular illusion. That he properly defended in desperation is not an act of luck, it is an act of instinct. And one can only gain instinct within the forge of long, hard training. The forearm strike is dodged in a sharp forward descent, sliding along the back of his yellow cheongsam. Again he raises up his hand, before fiercely throwing all of his weight into another blow, snarling out his own absolution. Neither wishes to lose at this junction, but one of them will. If the iron-shattering strike of uplifted palm has any say in the matter... it will be the eldest Futaba.

COMBATSYS: MrJones endures Gato's Shin-Ga.

[                     \\\\\\\\\  < >                                ]
Gato             1/------=/=======|=======\-------\0          MrJones


Too close and with no room to dodge, Mister Jones may be pretty tenacious as Gato has found out, but he does lack that natural flow of movement the other Kung Fu master truly posses. Unlike Gato, he can't instinctively get out of attacks as he did when he evaded the forearm strike to the neck, Jones is a little too unrefined on his technique as he learned them all through watching movies and practicing in street fights, he never really had what one could call a sparring partner.

And so, when presented with an attack that he neither can avoid nor defend against, he goes back to his roots and applies balls to the wall, reckless techniques. "HRAAA!!" He /SLAMS/ his forehead right into the palm, which utterly crushes his shades in the process, and trades Gato's blow for one of his own, thrusting a piston like strike right for Gato's liver! "HRRRR!!"

COMBATSYS: MrJones can no longer fight.

[                     \\\\\\\\\  <
Gato             1/------=/=======|


COMBATSYS: Gato interrupts Retro Knuckle from MrJones with Tatsu Kiba.

[                        \\\\\\  <
Gato             0/-------/------=|


The final exchange is at hand. Gato leverages all his force into the blow, but it is obvious that Mr. Jones will not be sent away. He is most vulnerable in the few moments after his entire flow is dedicated to those incredible palm thrusts. Another instinct accurately pinpointed by Mr. Jones! Yet, the advantage of a Master shines now. He was able to clearly identify his flaws, and work to remedy them. Without a heartbeat of hesitation, he leans backwards, the strike hitting him along the side of the liver, hitting only a grazing strike that slides off. And then the heel of a foot impacts Mr. Jones in the torso. Green fire-like chi erupts around him, and with a roar he launches skywards, a good fifteen feet. Mr. Jones is launched high into the air at the apex, and with a simple flip Gato lands in a crouch, forearms still lifted in an aggressive combat stance. "It is not talent that decided this fight. It is our histories as martial artists!!" A moment later, the Disco King would thump on the ground, as Gato stands resolute. The Neo League officials call the fight without much hesitation. The kenpo master does well hiding the extent of his wounds, brushing off the advancing medics.

COMBATSYS: Gato has ended the fight here.


"Dang it!!" To Mister Jones credit he at least has /enough/ energy to curse out loud when his attack gets deflected. He might be running low in steam but he always has enough saved to say that one witty one liner. Even when it may be his last, Jones is going down with style!

Trading blow for blow doesn't work when your opponent is a million times faster than you, Jones slams his fist against Gato's stomach only to find that the other Kung Fu Master is already sending another attack which hits him right on the jaw sending him flying. Johnny Jones spins in the air and actually lands in a crouch avoiding a skull fracture, but as he takes a single step forward in an attempt to straighten up he falls flat on his knees and face, a finger up as if to trying to give Gato some parting words.

That witty one liner?

"Whatever..."

And then he flops face first.

Still got a long way to go to be the Groove Master.

Log created on 13:44:19 06/23/2012 by Gato, and last modified on 23:14:15 06/24/2012.