Description: Before Sagat decides to head out to wander the world and improve himself towards his ultimate end, he offers his friend Howard Rust a chance to spar out near the famous abandoned shrine of Southtown. Regardless of the outcome, there's a promise of aid and, one day, to have a rematch... and Thai food for dinner.
The return of Sagat to Southtown has been a rare extended stay. If one can count a little over a week an extended stay. For a man that is almost constantly on the move this is probably the longest he has stayed in one place for quite some time that didn't involve him helping rebuild a village or helping people out throughout Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia. In many ways it is a vacation for him. To actually be in a busy city like this for a few days is refreshing in many ways. Getting some time with a kindred spirit like Rust also makes the stay enjoyable for at least him. It is hard to judge how Rust really feels about things sometimes.
A day like today might be one of those days Rust might regret Sagat being in town for so long. The big man has mostly kept to himself, but before leaving this evening he asked if Rust would come with him. A mention of training and not feeling like doing it alone. The location is the small shrine that is rarely visited in Southtown. It is a peaceful place among the usual busy streets of the city and a good place for one to train and retain his focus.
For an hour, or an enternity depending on how bad Rust's body feels like complaining today, has passed since the training started. Nothing physical just yet nor has their been mention of actual sparring against one another. More Sagat showing Rust his usual techniques for stretching out and getting his body loosened up. A surprisingly less rigorous type of loosening up than what Takuma most likely demands from his students. This is more like yoga stretches that he probably learned from Dhalsim in the past. He has a few times mentioned the yogi's in passing and he does travel through India quite a bit afterall. "I know your knees can give trouble. You may want to implement those last few stretches in your training to see if that helps. It is supposed to improve flexibility."
Rust's body is always, on some level, complaining. He ran it ragged in his young adulthood to an unhealthy degree, and in many ways, runs it very ragged now. It was not a particularly good day at the Kyokugen dojo between the crabgrass, the crabgrass, some more rumored gang activity, and also the crabgrass... not to mention more students dropping out of the Kyokugen dojo (which in itself isn't new, but this is more than usual), plus did one forget to mention crabgrass?
He still came along without any complaint or really any hesitation. For all the raw intimidation value of Sagat's mere presence and the American man's poorly-hidden shame at having to lean on him every so often for financial aid given his legitimately rotten luck at making a living on organized fighting, Rust is - without question - a friend. As much a chance to catch up as anything, given Sagat's travels nowadays. A decent evening outing with a friend after a rough day.
"Didn't know that, that that's how you did your shoulders, either," Rust comments as he's leaning down low to really get that kink out of one of his knees that really really really wants to quit after one of the green belts actually gave it a pretty good shot, a brief wince as he flexes out the tinges of pain and stubborn tightness in that particular joint. Still, he's learned something today!
There is a nod from the large fighter. Given his size and age he has to be doing something right. He can still hang with some of the most dangerous fighters around and even after all the damage done to his body during the war against Vega he hasn't seemed to have lost a step. "It will be painful for the first week or two, but you will start to notice a difference." he comments then takes a moment to take a break from his stretches. He looks thoughtful for a few moments while his single eye gazes at the broken down shrine.
Eventually his attention returns to Rust and he turns to face the man. "I think I might be leaving again soon. It might be for a long time." Him being gone for awhile is not big news, but the fact he is gone for months and doesn't consider it a long time one has to wonder just how long he plans to be gone this time around. Is that perhaps why he has been lingering around for once? "I still have time to get in better shape. Still have time to one day beat my eternal opponent." It doesn't take a wild guess to who Sagat is talking about. He finally got his shot at Ryu again for the first time in ages during that hoax of a tournament that was supposedly run by Akuma. In the end almost beating Ryu was the best prize he could have recieved. He still wants more. Much much more. "I must challenge myself and continue to improve. I wish I could have stayed to give you an alternative training.....and to also train...." he trails off and shakes his head while attempting to change the subject
That subject change of course might not be the best of things. Sagat gets a bit of a grin that spreads across his face which still comes off as damn scary even if he is meaning to be mirthful this time around. "So before I go I can only offer one thing. Do you want to take a shot at me?" he asks and that grin widens. "I don't know when I will return so it might be your only chance for quite some time."
Howard nods a few times, unable to really say something to the observation about a week or two given he is currently stretching out that knee. He's been stretching out that knee for probably longer than Sagat himself has had to, but it is one of those physical shortcomings he has just about always had to deal with.
Rust looks up a bit more (ack, should stretch out neck more, given the crick that goes through it) as Sagat mentions that he'd be out for a 'long time.' He mouths the name of who Sagat considers his eternal opponent without saying it outright... Ryu. He ran into him years ago too, in particularly less ideal circumstances. How is he holding up, Rust wonders? (Or Antoine, for that matter, who reminds him a lot of Ryu in more than one way.) And for Sagat to also train... oh.
Rust visibly sinks a little, knowing he almost stepped into that awkward moment minefield like when there was that last glass of plum sake on the table from their little drinking night. Rubbing the side of his head, Rust thinks about it in silence - if Sagat's going to be headed out, what left could he ask him for
"Well, uh, before you g--" He gets cut off by the great big mirthful grin of certain terror, ending up speaking what's on Rust's mind exactly. "Y-Yeah, one for the road. I, I get you." No hesitation beyond the usual stumbling of words. Well, that and the last bit of stretching for that knee.
A far cry from years ago when he had to be particularly careful and choosy about friendly fights. Liberating, in a way, even without the cushy sixty thousand US dollar salary of his previous work.
Clearing his throat and standing up straight, Rust puts on about a warm a face as he can for a man who had a very long, tiring, stressful day as his right hand goes to the makeshift hilt of Ol' Rusty through that toolbelt pocket as he stands up straight and gives it a tug. It's a little stubborn this evening, that pipe.
"'m good for it."
He must have been hoping to here an answer like that. In all honesty he has known Rust for so long and has seen the man in action. As much pain as he always looks to be in he is a steady hand and a good fighter. Sagat has always wanted to actually test him out and just see how durable the man truely is. Not that he has major plans to hurt him, but at the same time it would be rather insulting to hold back on the man and given Rust is one of the few he can truely call a friend he would not want to do anything that might upset him.
"I am glad to hear. If you are ready....." he trails off and he moves to take a few steps back. It allows Rust time to get himself ready as well as give him some space and a time to plan. Sagat himself lightly brushes a bare foot across the grass in front of him before he shifts to get in the stance of a Muay Thai warrior. "You may strike at me whenever you are ready."
It is only fair to allow Rust the time to prepare himself and attack first. He respects the ability that Rust has, but at the same time it is potential that is still untapped and perhaps will never fully be realized due to the man's late start in his fighting career. Sagat isn't sure there is much he can learn from Rust, but he has been pleasantly surprised before. Maybe these two old dogs can learn some new tricks from one another.
COMBATSYS: Sagat has started a fight here.
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Sagat 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Rust has joined the fight here.
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Sagat 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rust
Ol' Rusty gets out of its toolbelt sheath pocket-thing with two more hard tugs as Rust points the weapon down and back in his right hand. The grip on his right hand is notably lesser than his left, and yet, he still shows at least enough confidence in holding it there one-handed. His footwork has taken a notable improvement over the years, a notable swaying and subtle movement of his feet - no doubt one of the improvements in his stance from his Kyokugen training.
A marrying of his own fighting talents and style with what's been ingrained in him through a school of, uh, very hard knocks. (Plus cliches, apparently.)
The dirt is fairly firm here, Rust notes internally to himself as he sizes up Sagat's stance. Sagat is today's very peak of Muay Thai talent - every way he holds his limbs, how every one of the famed 'weapons' of Muay Thai are ready to strike. Every hand, foot, arm, and elbow. It's something to behold from a distance as a casual observer. Even something so simple is awe-inspiring and possibly terrifying when you realize you have to deal with how to best approach it. That is exactly Rust's challenge.
"All right, well," Ol' Rusty might actually be an edge in trying to match Sagat's great limb range as he nods his head and takes in a deep breath. His approach attempts to be decisive even in his slower walking speed across the dirt, a short jog towards the former Emperor as he falls to a low crouch - knee sliding against dirt - as he swings Ol' Rusty forward in an arguably risky (moreso than usual given attacking Sagat at all entails a significant risk) lunge down to one of Sagat's shins.
COMBATSYS: Sagat blocks Rust's Power Pipe.
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Sagat 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Rust
The movements and the way he carries himself show that despite not having the title of Emporer of Muay Thai he is far from past his prime. He has even stated to almost anyone that has asked him that he chooses not to take it back. He feels it is not something he needs anymore. Those foolish enough to think his ability is tied to that title shouldn't be fighting him to begin with. Even someone like Adon knows better than to take the former emporer lightly in any form or fashion. In fact the last time they fought Adon was promptly reminded who is the better of the two.
That single eye stays focused on Rust's movements and he seems to ready himself as the pipe is brandished then lashed out towards him. It aims for a shin and it gets one. Sagat raises one of those large legs and lets the pipe it it, but it is more deflected than anything. It isn't near of solid of a hit that Rust was hoping for and now he finds himself perhaps much too close to Sagat now to his liking.
That leg never gets fully lowered, but instead he snaps his foot forward, a quick and short kick aimed right at the shoulder of Rust that holds the pipe. More of a strike to knock him off balance more than anything. Despite the kick more being a speedy one than one that has his full power behind it it won't be a very nice feeling if it does catch Rust where he intends to hit the pipe wielding fighter.
COMBATSYS: Sagat successfully hits Rust with Light Kick.
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Sagat 0/-------/-------|===----\-------\0 Rust
There really isn't such a thing as a safe range with Sagat, as Rust probably well already knows from casual observation of his fights. Rust's only real option is 'in,' and as it is, the delivery of Sagat's short kick is suggestion enough that even the one true option he has still remains to Sagat's significant advantage.
It also makes Rust very glad that he learned that shoulder stretch as his upper body jerks backwards to a very loud grunt, the jolt of pain enough that his fingers let go of Ol' Rusty. With one surgical strike, Sagat very easily exposes one of Rust's persistent weaknesses while the pipe lays in the dirt while he brings his left hand forward into the dirt to stop himself from being shoved over completely. There's that burst of adrenaline - excitement, panic? - knowing that backing off means he can't pick back up the pipe easily.
The aging American man goes along and pushes in anyway, risking knees or worse as he brings his right leg down forward into a repeating series of low kicks that - on contact with dirt or Sagat - are particularly loud, leg sheathed in a flickering, highly washed-out color that's impossible to determine as being gray, blue, or green with teeth grit.
COMBATSYS: Sagat dodges Rust's Jackhammer Kick.
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Sagat 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Rust
Watch those movements and how Rust just always seems to be in constant pain when fighting. In a way it really helps him. It makes him look like he is weak and doesn't know what he is doing. It is an unintentional deception that works out well for him. Sagat has seen the man in action enough to know that overconfidence could lead to a big pipe against the side of his head or something like what is about to happen. Rust does have a good idea by going in low and trying to take the legs out from under the much bigger fighter. Sagat as a whole is dangerous, but his kicks are probably the most notorious of offense. To try and ground Sagat will never be a bad strategy.
Even with the stretching it seems Rust still has a bit of trouble getting things going, though. It is enough time that Sagat manages to quickly step away and avoid the several kicks aimed at his direction. He hmms lightly to himself and says nothing for now. It seems that he is saving any advice he may have for later for the time being.
Another few steps are taken to put distance between the pair and then Sagat crouches low momentarily before leaping forward, pushing off the ground with his bare feet and launching himself straight at Rust. Another move he is all too well known for is aimed right for the American's chest when Sagat brings his knee forward with all his weight behind it.
COMBATSYS: Sagat successfully hits Rust with Tiger Crush.
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Sagat 0/-------/-======|===----\-------\0 Rust
The Kyokugen pipe fighter might not like coming up short with those kicks, but there is something almost therapeutic about giving the dirt here so many kicks to the, er, dirt (dirt doesn't have a face) after such a hard day. Sagat's backwards movement undermines his own attempts to stay close, but it gives him the space to reach down and pick back up Ol' Rusty00
Or maybe that is a mistake, as Sagat leaps to strike with the grace and power of a tiger where something chest-height if Rust remained standing ends up face-height.
By his very habit, he tenses up his left fist and tries to bring his forearm in front of him, but it's a moment too late. Knee meets face, body tumbles back in a nearly comical crouching posture a short ways away.
The very act of one of his more famous talents so soon after trying those stretches might have just undone a bit of the good they gave him leading up to this fight, as his joints all pop very loudly as he flexes them to will himself to a stand. His grip on Ol' Rusty is, thankfully, largely kept. This is a silver lining of being forced back outside where he's likely to contend with the long reach of Sagat's limbs trying to come back inside.
"I'm, I'm good," he raises his left hand briefly. To his credit, he does - most people smashed in the face by Sagat's knee tend to, well, bleed. Rust appears remarkably fine for all that's worth as he starts to slowly pace around the outer edges of Sagat's immediate physical reach, pointing Ol' Rusty outwards once as though to gauge the distance between the two, looking up to Sagat and sizing him up - especially watching the arms. It is fairly dark out here, after all.
COMBATSYS: Rust focuses on his next action.
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Sagat 0/-------/-======|===----\-------\0 Rust
It might just be easy for Rust to imagine the ground that he does kick is covered in crabgrass. If anything the shrine seems to be one of the few places untouched by the epidemic that has been spreading through Southtown. For how long that will last, no one knows. This training is hardly about crabgrass and in fact if anything it should serve as a great distraction for Rust. he could probably do without worrying about such a thing for a short time at least. Rather hard to think of crabgrass when you have a knee smooshing your face.
The larger fighter lands and quickly hops back just in case it is a rare moment where Rust could come out with a quick strike in retaliation. "Just let me know if you want to stop. This is training afterall." He knows better than to think Rust would really throw in the towel this early, but it at least is a gesture he feels like he should make. While he does want to Rust to learn something he certainly doesn't want to cause any long term injuries at the same time.
As Rust starts to circle him, Sagat moves to keep himself facing the other aged fighter. That single eye remains fixated on his opponent and he looks for a bit of an opening as well. He does have good reach, but right now that pipe can probably get a good strike in no matter what he does at the moment. He shuffles forward, then lunges to make a grab for Rust. One large hand looks to grasp at a shoulder and another at the American's hip before he looks to heft Rust up over his head and then turn about on his foot while looking to toss Rust away.
COMBATSYS: Rust blocks Sagat's Tiger Carry.
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Sagat 0/-------/--=====|=====--\-------\0 Rust
Even watching him, it proves impossible to escape Sagat's grasp even when he thinks to take a step back. "Gk!" The hand on his shoulder in itself strengthens the very soreness he feels after taking a kick to that earlier, as he is hefted up above Sagat with out much resistance.
He copes with this position by hurling his weight in a direction differing from where Sagat turns his foot to take a significant edge off the distance of the toss. Everything else there is just elementary fall taking of dispersing and redirecting the impact to his less injured shoulder as he tumbles to a kneel.
Working with his current position, he leans forward as he re-asserts his grip on Ol' Rusty in his right hand, wrist waving a little as he swings it forward from down low, the uppercut swing of his pipe carrying him forward as his feet all but glide against the dirt. The infamous Cement Upper, with its continued seeming irrelevance in regards to the very concept of cement - but the trademark advancing uppercut makes for his bid to try and land a real clean hit on Sagat as he exerts a shout that fights back a cough. (The pollen's been really getting to him.)
"I'll, I'll let," he means to finish it with 'you know' but it kind of just doesn't come to pass, too busy swinging pipe up high.
COMBATSYS: Sagat blocks Rust's Cement Upper.
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Sagat 0/-------/-======|====---\-------\0 Rust
He gets Rust hefted up, but judging by his grip alone along with how it feels like Rust is slipping from his grasp a bit early lets Sagat know that he didn't quite get the release he wanted when tossing the other man away. It is still enough time to let himself prepare for whatever Rust has planned. That plan seems to involve something of an uppercut using his pipe. Almost on instint Sagat starts to bring back a fist and start to crouch, but instead stops himself and he brings both arms up to cross them and stop the upward movement of the pipe.
The force of the hit causes a grunt to escape Sagat, but it could have been far worse if he didn't put a stop to the upward swing. At the same time it could have perhaps been much worse for Rust if he had time to realize Sagat was about to meet that strike with an uppercut of his own. That would probably not be the best of blows to try and have a trade with. The small relief Rust might gain from knowing he avoided the uppercut is cut short when Sagat starts to go on on the attack again.
His arms uncross and one moves to push the pipe away and out from between the pair, the other arm is brought about as a vicious forearm that Sagat looks to bring right across the face of Rust. As much as many usually fear his kicks in reality it feels like a truck being driven right into you no matter what limb is used. At least Rust is a sturdy man. If not he might be experiencing a dislocated jaw if the forearm hits true.
COMBATSYS: Rust guards against Sagat's Aggressive Strike.
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Sagat 0/-------/-======|======-\-------\0 Rust
Sagat's arm uncross is forceful enough that Rust has to match the inertia of the deflected pipe that he staggers a step. The problem is, it forces him to expose his right side - the side he is generally less noted for defending with - against an incredibly aggressive approach by one of the great jaw-busting elbows of Sagat. No time to swing to his left side...
He meets the forearm head on with his right elbow anyway, entirely by instinct. With how much he throws his weight into it, by any and all appearances it's like he's attempting to match Sagat's arm blow for blow - a clash meaty enough that a hard 'whump' resounds through the air. A seeming losing prospect becomes, in very brief, a stalemate even as Ol' Rusty digs a bit into his own left shoulder (to say nothing of the painful feedback that reminds him that his right shoulder still smarts after that first shot). The fact the pipe ends up poking himself there may well be the reason why it's still in his hold and not, say, flung right out of his hands again to some other patch of ground
Rust's eyes are narrowed, of a man who stands with relative confidence against the blow as opposed to the usual sort of cautious and sometimes even outright intimidated expressions.
Reasserting his grip on Ol' Rusty a bit upwards (mostly to not have it still leaning against his left shoulder), he tries to make work of Sagat's more unbalanced position to try and grab said forearm and give him a hard tug over an outstretched leg in a tripping motion. Given Sagat's great strength, that alone might not be enough - but that's where a sudden, single strike down against Sagat's (hopefully) exposed back with the current butt end of Ol' Rusty should fill in the rest of the blanks in the equation.
COMBATSYS: Rust successfully hits Sagat with Armed Pipe Combo.
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Sagat 1/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Rust
The bare feet of Sagat dig into the ground and he remains in close quarters as Rust does his best to match the larger fighter in strength. The two remain tangled up until the point where Rust decides to make the first move. Sagat starts to go along with what Rust is doing at first. It is like he has something planned himself, but he didn't expect for that pipe to come in and slam into his back which causes him to full lose his balance and end up on the ground and eliciting a loud grunt from the Muay Thai master.
The old Sagat would probably not have like this one bit. To be tossed to the ground in such a fashion would cause him to end up in a fit of rage rather quickly. No matter how strong he was in those days in the past it was his temper that was his greatest weakness and what sent him down the wrong path for many a year. It is not rage that fills him now, but he actually seems to let out a small chuckle as he starts to push himself back up to his feet. Getting to a knee he brushes a bit at the dirt that is covering him and he shakes his head. "I should pay more attention." he muses.
He also is possibly leading Rust into some form of a false sense of security. He is downed at the moment, but it quickly changes when he pushes off his knee and he brings a fist upwards. He refrained from it last time, but the way his body is launching upwards and how that fist is aiming for Rust once more that he isn't holding back a second time. "TIGAH!"
COMBATSYS: Sagat successfully hits Rust with Tiger Uppercut EX.
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Sagat 1/------=/=======|=======\====---\1 Rust
Rust isn't being complacent with this first decisive exchange on his end, even as his right elbow crackles in complete protest of having to had hold back the very might of Sagat. For all his aches and pains, he's a man that largely works with them. He has no real pithy commentary for Sagat - he's not calling this last exchange luck in the least but there's no pushing luck against a man like Sagat.
In the heat of the moment, Howard moves to leap over the recovering Sagat with his personally unimpressive leaping height. This would be tactically sound on just about anyone else, given he's not personally wasting time between the previous attack sequence and movement. Good, I should clear him here, he thinks--
'TIGAH' hits him almost as hard as the uppercut, where the issue with this particular choice is driven home (into his gut). In midair, there is absolutely zero way to really anchor himself and minimize the blow. Sagat's mighty fist knocks all the air out of Rust's gut and then some. It feels like that fist, in that single motion, strikes into him at least ten. It sure sounds like it struck him many times where visually it seems like there should only be one, each one a little louder than the last as it goes all the way up to the American man's chin.
Saliva sprays out of Howard's mouth, sparkles of light from what illumination the moonlight provides as he pops into the air another good fifteen feet. The only real boon - if any - is that most of his momentum is purely vertical. Unless Sagat moves away, Rust lands pretty close to--
Well, it's worth noting before we get too far in that in the daze of the Tiger Uppercut, his notable ability in taking good falls takes a brief hit, hitting the ground on his head and upper back and having the seeming honor of lying near Sagat's feet as blood dribbles out the side of his mouth.
One wordless wheeze later, he might surprise Sagat to show that, yes, he can still stand after that, slightly woozy as he might appear. He doesn't need to say that was a good hit that legitimately got him - he looks the part already!
As if deciding that maybe risking being on the outer edges of Sagat's limbs might be a better call to catch his breath, he leaps back up to swing one of his legs outward, and then spin into a second one whose momentum carries him not forward, but a short ways backward - a notable spin on the famed Hien Shippu Kyaku.
COMBATSYS: Sagat blocks Rust's Girder Sway.
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Sagat 1/------=/=======|=======\====---\1 Rust
It was a decision that was made in a split second. One that was partially regretted, but Sagat knows what kind of punishment Rust can take. He didn't want to hold back, but there are things the large fighter will avoid. His famed uppercut will probably be the worst that the former emporer will unleash this evening. What is the point of this if he might strike such a blow that Rust would get concussed and forget that the exchange even happened? Of course the elbow strike and the following uppercut alone had enough force to probably cause one alone.
He doesn't seem to be taking Rust lightly in this case either. Even with him grounded the big man is in a more defensive stance so he is more than ready that first kick is sent his way. He brings up a leg to let it glance off of his shin and he leaps back a few steps to where the second one avoids him. It does give Rust the seperation he was wanting for the moment at least. A short time to try and clear the cobwebs from his head while Sagat is kept at a distance. Wait, are Sagat's hands glowing?
So much for there being a good distance between the two fighters. Not when one of Sagat's other more well known moves helps eliminate that sort of thing. He just grins as he brings back his fists and he then steps forward, He brings his hands forward, but there is no usual shout and no blast of energy to follow. If anything it looked to be a feint to throw Rust off his game and Sagat instead used that forward step to break into a run and he leaps into the air again, this time spinning about and extending a leg to slam his heel into Rust's shoulder once more.
COMBATSYS: Sagat successfully hits Rust with Fierce Kick.
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Sagat 1/------=/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Rust
Now what, Rust thinks as he lands on his feet following the two kicks. That moment of fierce determination sinks a little as the younger of the two clears their throat to get some of the pollen-y grime out of his lungs. He knows Sagat's strengths from observation. Both his arms are in varying degrees of injury, and his leg length cannot match Sagat's. Taking Ol' Rusty in both hands, he does not really give an inviting appearance of strength. It's more the look of a man giving serious thought as to what to do next, his profile a little lower for how he leans but that might not be much of a boon.
The glow in the hands tells all. If Sagat were trying to throw a higher fireball, he's pretty sure he'd have been in an okay position to crouch. Instead, Sagat's feint provides a whole new issue when Sagat is jumping in deep with outstretched leg at such speed and ferocity that his current lower posture may provide enough delay to make outright escape impossible.
Rust makes a judgment call to lean to his left a moment too late, heel slamming into his right shoulder with such strength that Ol' Rusty goes flying up, up, up into the air well out of his hand as the momentum slams Rust onto his very back with a halo of dust, twigs, and leaves.
The clutching of his right shoulder in his left hand says enough already as he sits up ever-slowly with a wince, "I, I don't think I oughtta take a, another one," and that's probably the truth. That last one might have nearly dislocated his shoulder (not that it's hard for him to correct himself). "I'm, uh, gonna have to, to call it a matc-" he sees a spinning Ol' Rusty-shaped break in the light coming down fast, at which point he feels obligated to add somewhat hurriedly in his tired voice, "watch your head!"
It's barely enough to warrant the exclamation mark.
Ol' Rusty, loyal to its master (actually, inanimate objects do not have the concept of loyalty ingrained in them at all), makes a last desperate (no, totally coincidental) bid to bounce off of Sagat's head.
COMBATSYS: Rust can no longer fight.
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Sagat 1/------=/=======|
COMBATSYS: Rust successfully hits Sagat with Thrown Pipe.
- Power hit! -
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Sagat 1/-----==/=======|
Sagat lands after delivering the kick and starts to fall back into his fighting stance. That is when Rust signals he thinks he has had enough and Sagat only gives a nod as he straightens back up fully. "You are going to be o...." he trails off when Rust mentions for him to watch his head. Sagat was not paying attention to the pipe and had assumed it went flying and landed elsewhere. He starts to raise an arm upwards, but then the pipe clangs off his exposed head with enough force it actually rattles the big man and makes his knees buckle.
He grumbles a bit under his breath as he leans down and grasps the pipe where it now rests on the ground. His free hand rubs the top of his head and he walks over before offering the pipe back to its owner. "I suppose I should have paid more attention to my surroundings." he states and then offers a hand to help Rust back up to his feet if it is needed. He just is sure not to tug too hard to pull anything out of socket or further straing his shoulder.
"I have been wanting to test your skill for quite some time. You are much better than many give you credit for." Of course Sagat has known that for quite some time. He saw Rust take down Vega when it was just down to the two of them against the vile dictator. Sometimes it just seems the American lacks confidence at times. A bit of encouragement couldn't do any harm he supposes. "When I do return I hope we can do this again."
COMBATSYS: Sagat has ended the fight here.
"I, I dunno," Rust replies, exactly as dumbfounded as Sagat is at that humorous final moment of the little friendly spar. He takes the pipe in his left hand and shuffles it under his armpit as he wiggles his fingers on his right hand to be extra sure-- yes, he'll probably be okay, even as the gesture is taken as the invitation to be helped up. There's a brief wince even with Sagat's very special care not to pull too hard. (In all fairness, Rust is about always sore somewhere.)
"Thanks," he murmurs as he steadies himself. His legs aren't too shaky, which helps, as he fumbles with getting Ol' Rusty back into its proper toolbelt place while Sagat comments about his skill. The compliments aren't much new - a lot of people say much the same thing, met with a largely humble nod of thanks as he goes back to rubbing his shoulder after the rusted length of pipe is back where it should be.
"Yeah..." His shoulder really disagrees with this agreement so very much, but shut up, shoulder. He turns around to make better eye contact with Sagat. "I, I just want to say, really, thanks for, well... a lot of things. I know, half the time you see me I'm just, I'm just... beat. Tired, bad day." It is true that Howard there tends to be very sedate when Sagat's around.
"I mean... what I'm getting at is, well. Wherever you go, just remember. Something comes up, you just, you just let me know." He's having a hard time putting some words together, but as a counterpoint he did get the serious business end of the famed Tiger Uppercut not that long ago.
It's still kind of funny to look upon Sagat now, knowing what was going on when he first saw him in person. Even as undeniable friends, there is that deeply ingrained 'oh crap there is FREAKING SAGAT' that wedged into his psyche from a truly stressful time - the Southtown Invasion.
"So, uh, now that I think about it, that's... that's kinda mushy, isn't it," he rubs the side of his head, fingers digging at that dark violet... mess on his scalp.
"Well, you know what I'm just, ah getting at." Reaching out with his left hand with an open palm towards Sagat, he thinks maybe a good, solid, firm handshake might suffice if he's up for it. "'m a busy man, but I'll make time."
The stammering and mumbling is something Sagat is used to. In a way it is an endearing trait for Rust. It would almost be weird to hear him speak differently after knowing him after all this time. He remains silent as he listens and then he looks to the extended hand before letting out a small laugh. "I am glad to hear you would." he says and a large, meaty hand grasps the offered one and gives a firm, single shake before releasing. "I will still help some. I know you will say you don't need it, but I set up a deposit to be made for you to at least handle bills if things get too rough.
And how is Rust going to complain if he wanted to? Sagat doesn't exactly seem to carry anything like a cell phone on him so he can only be reached by the luck of just running into him randomly if he is not wanting to be found. "Two grand a month. Do what you want with it." At least he isn't offering such a large sum as he was in the past that did make it hard to want to accept at times. It seems his wealth hasn't taken too big of a hit. Then again he is a hero in Thailand and treated as such so he probably doesn't have to worry about much in terms of finance when there. Plus when on the road he often sleeps in the forests and such. He probably still has a good bit of money from his time as an Emporer and such.
"I will still be around tonight. I will leave early. If you don't mind just keep the room open for when I do come back." At least it isn't a tough room to keep lean. He has a large bedroll in there and that is about it. "I'll get dinner on the way home. I will get us some proper Thai food. As proper as I can get around here at least." Hopefully rust can handle spicey or it might be a long night indeed."
Log created on 21:12:26 05/24/2013 by Rust, and last modified on 18:49:46 05/25/2013.