30/11/04
Characters: Ryo, Chun-Li, Vega, M.Bison
Sound Beach
Blue. Clean. Almost like a sliver of tropical island slapped into the
heart of Southtown, the ever-popular Sound Beach occupies a long strip of
land at the very tip of the peninsula upon which Southtown is located, and is
filled with people; even in the off-season months, when the chilly air and
even colder water drive swimmers out, it is still a peaceful place to be. But
in the summer, there's few other places where you're more likely to find the
young people of the city. This is partially in thanks to the Dream Amusement
Park, nestled into the southernmost corner of the beach, taking up a large
section of boardwalk before it hits the very end of land, leaving nothing but
water surrounding it.
[Exits : Southwest to Boardwalk, Pacific High, Northwest to
Downtown, South to Dream Amusement Park, and North to Harbor ]
The eastern sky alights in a fiery red as the morning sun creeps its way over
the horizon, casting its warning rays across the seascape and bathing the beach
in scattered light as daybreak creeps its way towards Southtown. A chill wind
touches the air, further tousling the blonde mane of Ryo Sakazaki as he hones
his skills, the pre-dawn regimen nearing its completion as the daylight comes to
pass. It's almost time for breakfast, after all. A hand held in front of him
in a steady, sidelong stance, his fingers outstretched, the wind cuts through
Ryo, fluttering the edges of a gi, not in his trademark orange, but of a dark
forest green. The man's right fist coils by his side, and with a quick step,
drives forward, cutting that air in an audible whoosh, followed quickly by the
left, in an angled downward chop that carries him up and around, a quick spin
setting the sand flying as he launches into the air, carried forward by a quick
snap of his left foot, the kick driving his flight a number of feet across the
beach before he lands deftly, tossing up and around a following roundhouse with
his right. His breathing remains rhythmic, his training paced, exerting but not
exhausting... That comes later in the day. Theoretically.
Not a time of day for many souls to be lingering upon the beach. Despite the
somewhat romantic landscape it provides for lone training, the beach is not the
most practical of places and so even here, in this city of warriors, few attend
its sprawl so early. And of course.. merrymakers and tourists have yet to even
begin stirring from their slumber. But all the same, Ryo Sakazaki has company.
A short distance from the Tiger's right flank as he lands, Chun-Li comes to a
graceful halt on the sands, booted feet making only the softest scrape as they
settle into gritty pits of gold. "Of all the people I'd expect to find out so
early..." she muses aloud, giving a small, amused smile and raising an eyebrow
towards the young man. Giving him just enough time to notice her prescence - his
attentions no doubt helped somewhat by the peeking sunlight glancing off her
decorative golden filligree - she then gives a light bow in greeting, a casual
gesture for her, arms not leaving their folded position across her chest. "It's
been a while, Ryo."
It's been a while, has it? Yes, there's been far too much..peace, tranquility
surrounding the Christmas-camouflaged blond fighter. Indeed, the gently rolling
sea and mostly unperturbed expanse of still-cool sand makes for quite the
soothing imagery. The birds, at least those deranged enough to be up and about
at this hour, drift along the gentle breezes above the beach, little more than
small white glops of lazy activity against the blue sky. It's just about
perfect, isn't it?
As everyone knows, and falling in form with all things cliche, the dulling
peace isn't meant to last long. Off in the horizon, a tiny black speck slowly
creeps its way across the long, blue expanse. As it nears, the muted sound of
helicopter blades churning the air can start to be heard. Nothing ominous,
nothing too unusual. The coast guard occasionally has air checks now and then,
after all. Within the bird's hollow black belly, Vega is resting comfortably at
one end of the long, comfortable back seat, his arms folded loosely across his
uniform-decorated chest. "This is your last chance," he says simply, not looking
at his minion seated nearby, but instead peering out the window, grimacing
heavily as the morning light hits his pale white eyes. "I've been tolerant
enough of your failures thus far."
The boxer sits nearby, sporting a huge smirk on his ugly face as he glances
out the window towards the rapidly approaching beach. It's obvious that he's
been looking forward to this day for a long time - after the last beating that
Ryo gave him, Bison has been doing little else but think about how badly he
planned on thrashing him the next time they fought. This time, there would be no
mercy.. Ryo would not be walking away from this, at least not if the elite has
any say in it. Obviously, there are no boxing gloves covering his massive,
weathered hands - he doesn't want to lessen the impact of any of his punches..
this one isn't just about business anymore, it's personal.
A pair of blue jeans, torn off just below the knee, cover the lower half of
his body - and the rest is left bare. Massive muscles bulging underneath his
skin with every slight movement, Bison turns his thick neck to gaze at his
leader. "Don't worry boss, this time I'll kill that fuckin' bitch.. Mark my
words." Truthfully, Vega's words do unsettle him slightly - he certainly doesn't
want to be on the receiving end of any 'punishment' from the man. But his
confident exterior remains solid, the grin not even faltering as he turns back
to look out the window again.
Few indeed. It's that solitude, and natural serenity, that Ryo seeks. To calm
his mind, to hone his body, to practice his art. He's been training far harder
of late than ever before, which is saying a lot for the avid Kyokugen
practitioner, but the focus shows, and ebbs only as he's interrupted. Somehow,
he knows before he looks. Perhaps it's the familiar presence, perhaps the sound
of the footfalls, or maybe just the hopes of a young warrior, but he doesn't
look surprised as his gaze, toned as the ocean depths, falls on Chun-Li. His
initial response is a smile, simple, but warmly pronounced and more than
genuine, as he shifts to a more casual stance, returning the bow in all its
formal and informal paradox, and replying amicably, "Too long." comes the frank
answer, honest and welcoming. Sure, he's missed her. And sure, he's wondered
where she's been. For one thing, the less than pleasant possibilities have a
way of weaseling their way into the mind, and the Tiger has simply had to remind
himself that, of all people, this woman can take care of herself. And anything
else she happens to have dumped onto her plate, "You're... looking well." He
amends, struggling only a moment with the approach to small-talk,not entirely
certain how to approach the reunion, but apparently willing to give it a try
nonetheless, "How have you been?" She may not have been around to nudge his
training as planned, but he's been expanding on what he's learned nonetheless.
Applying and evolving, albeit without the singularity of Bison's vengeful ire.
Perhaps that versatility will serve him well. The approaching helicopter earns
a glance, but nothing more just yet, his eyes drifting back to the Strongest
Woman in the World a bit too readily for his own safety.
Too long... and for little reason. The last stretch of weeks seem to be little
more than a blur, at least up until more recent times, and Chun-Li is no less
than lost than Ryo as to where such a reunion should begin. At least there's no
bad news to relay, but the lack of anything substantially good makes up for
this. Though of course, finally fighting the legendary Ryu is something of note,
as are several other smaller events that have occurred since the time in
Seattle. But yes, there's a lack of anything large to speak of. So why's she
here? A whim, a little spark of intuition whilst on her own early morning
routine told her to make her way along the beach, just one of those little urges
a person can sometimes get... like a certain activity is just right, should be
done. And it's paid off, in a small but satisfying way.
Ryo's queries are greeted with a soft laugh, the Chinese woman glancing
groundward as she scuffs idly with one foot, swirling concealed toes in a grainy
vortex. "Better than you might have thought..but things have a little surreal.
Like nothing really mattered after all that happened at the tournament, and.."
she hesitates, good humour fading from her expression, finally turning her deep
brown eyes back onto Ryo, "In Thailand. I've not been all that attentive
recently, I've been relying on my partners for news but..." she shakes her head
again, restoring a smile with some hesitation. It's not a subject too easy to
shrug off, and while perhaps the sudden unease in her manner might be some
foretelling.. it's not seen as such. Eventually brushed aside as it is. "We
don't need to talk about that. It is good to see you," a brow raises and she
nods now towards the section of beach disturbed so greatly by Ryo's movements,
"Still improving?"
Well, isn't that adorable? The two friends are welcome to chitter and yak up
all they want. The unease would be quite palatable to the Shadaloo leader, were
he in the area. Speaking of which, said dictator doesn't reply to Bison's
affirmation, having said what he wanted to and considering the matter finished.
His attention remains fixed on the pristine scene outside, his lip curling some
in mild disgust.
"Sir. We have a visual."
From the interior roof in the rear of the bay, a slim black panel separates
from the rest of the surroundings, lowered to hang straight down from a thin
black metal arm. With a faint blip, a pinpoint of white appears in the middle,
stretching quickly across to either side of what is distinctly a small
flat-panel screen. The white fills the screen in its entirety, color and shapes
coming in in less than the blink of an eye, showing a very wide angle shot of a
particular stretch of beach. Still a bit hard to make out, and certainly shaky
from the bird's movement, the green of Ryo's gi is easily visible, though it's
still a short while until he's recognizable. "Bring us in," the embodiment of
negativity commands after he looks away from the window and at his quarry. It's
not until a good half-minute later that Chun-Li comes into the very edge of the
picture however, and at that, Vega's previously sour expression cracks. One
corner of his mouth pulls up, baring a faint glimpse of pure white teeth as the
sneer grows. This is certainly an unexpected treat.
Bison's been training harder than a drunken irishman for the rematch
against Ryo, having spent the past month doing little but focus on improving his
strength, speed and physical stamina in order to avoid another defeat at the
Kyokugen tiger's hands. He'd gotten too lazy before, too decadent and focused on
spending his money instead of building on his boxing skills. This time he'll be
ready for whatever the japanese man has in store for him, and he'll regain the
respect of his employer at the same time.
He too remains silent, but when the pilot states that a visual has been
attained, he immediately snaps his attention towards the video screen. His
twisted grin slowly widening as the image of Ryo gets more and more clear, until
he can see the man in all his green-gi'd glory. The boxer has waited far too
long to get his revenge, and his wait is almost over. He can practically -feel-
his fists slamming into the man's flesh already.
"Everyone needs a break now and then." Ryo observes, not faulting Chun-Li in
the least for her detachment from recent events, "Of all people, I think you
earned one. I'm glad it was nothing bad, at least." Another small smile
punctuates that, the Tiger lifting his left hand to run over his errant blonde
locks, fingers splaying the hair across his head and helping to dry it from the
sweat and ocean spray that had darkened it with moisture, "And yes... I've been
keeping up with my training." There's a crack of a grin at that, as if she
really had to ask. Certainly, the Chinese woman knows him better than that by
now, right? Amotivated, the young Sakazaki is not. While he notes her slight
discomfort, he seems more inclined to set it at ease than to play into it, his
own uncertainty calming a bit. Sometimes, it's the small things, the minor
twists of fate that are the most welcome. Certainly, more welcome than the
major one that looms in that black whirlybird rapidly approaching from over the
water. It's that growing sound that finally drags Ryo's attention from Chun-Li,
his gaze drifting out over the ocean. While it's still a moment or three off,
the copter doesn't look much like a Coast Guard vessel. In fact, it looks
rather familiar as it nears. Rather unnervingly familiar, though the Tiger
doesn't initially place it, "Looks like we're not as alone as we thought." He
notes, his tone darkening a bit, with a furrow of thoughtful consternation
creasing his youthful features.
Oh, if only she knew... but omniscience isn't one of those traits the strongest
woman in the world can call her own. The helicopter's distant sound goes
unnoticed for some time, not even spared a glance. She has heard no warning of
Shadaloo activity, and though admittedly a movement in her direction is long
overdue... it's so long overdue as to be almost forgotten. Almost.
Still, regardless for the time, Chun-Li returns Ryo's grin with a knowing smile
and a slight shifting of her upper body. It would be lying to say she wouldn't
be tempted to a third bout, but this is purely a social call for now, and no
challenge is put forth. Not that she has much time for one, as Ryo's next words
register and his frown hammers the point home. The young woman knows better than
to place aside the instinctive feelings of any warrior at the level of the
Kyokugen heir. Quickly her gaze darts sidelong to follow his, and this is
accompanied a second later with a turning of her form, to place herself at a
more 'welcoming' angle to the approaching shape. A frown of her own makes itself
know as she concentrates on picking up even the slightest signal of danger,
perhaps a blossoming of some dread power or even regular chi-energy... for
-something- at least.
Of course, nothing comes forth. Vega is no fool, and if it were he in that oddly
familiar unmarked vehicle then no obvious sign would be put forth. Because
surely he would know who he is heading towards? But even without a fallible
sign, Chun-Li gives a slow nod in agreement with Ryo's expressed sentiment. "It
would seem not..." she murmurs, feet sliding across the sand to propel her a
little nearer to the water's edge. And a little nearer to the approaching
object, a hand lifting to shade her eyes against the molten rays soaking the
sky.
Once the nondescript black helicopter is finally noticed, it starts to become
obvious that, despite being a whirly, it's still capable of impressive speed.
Tilted forward, blades turning at full throttle, it dips lower to the ocean
itself. Water splays out in wide, foamy streaks in its wave, coming together and
colliding in miniature waves, leaving the surface churning and dishevelled as
the Shadaloo vehicle passes, like so many other things touched by the evil
empire. The drone of the engines starts to dull soon enough, slowing
considerably and having to level itself to keep airborn. A wide circle of
wind-tossed sand begins to dissipate in the now-violent wind, covering the
boardwalks, lounging chairs, everything within a twenty-yard radius. The bird
doesn't stop, however, oh no. It seems to have only slowed enough to drop off a
familiar-looking payload from a story's height above the beach, then turn in a
wide arc, its velocity still declining so it can make a proper, if unsteady
landing on the ever-shifting dunelets half a football field away.
The payload in question is none other than a pissed-off Bison, who stands
up from his seat on the helicopter and opens the side door, leaping out. Quickly
falling down towards the ground, he slams feet-first onto the sand below,
letting out a deep, cavernous chuckle as he comes face-to-face with Ryo for the
first time since their last battle. He casts a glance towards Chun-Li, as well,
but doesn't seem too concerned with her presence - he doubts she's the type to
double-team someone without at least waiting for Ryo to start getting shit
kicked. Besides, by that time she'll be.. occupied, as well.
"Well, well, you little fuckin' bitch.. thought you could hide from me, eh?
No such luck, I'm here to get my fuckin' revenge, and when I'm through with you
you'll be LUCKY if you wind up a vegetable!" As if to emphasize this point, he
begins to stomp towards his opponent, big black boots creating large imprints in
the sand as he advances on the man. He begins to punch his knuckles into the
pain of his other hand as he nears the man, each strike causing his muscles to
suddenly tense up.
COMBATSYS: M.Bison has started a fight here.
COMBATSYS: M.Bison gathers his will.
Score one for the less than omniscient, but rather observant Ryo. Not that it's
an overly gratifying prize he wins. He remains where he is, a bit further up
onto the sand than Chun-Li, similarly shielding his eyes and watching the sudden
acceleration of the helicopter. Well, that's definitely not standard practice
for patrols of the Southtown waters, and any delusions he had left about this
being routine are exorcized long before the careening launch of Mike Bison.
Ryo's eyes narrow on the large boxer as he hits the sand, not shying away from
the confrontation in the least. He's far from glad to see the big boxer, but at
the same time, he's far from turning down the chance to even out their tied
score. While he doesn't have Bison's vehemence about it, this is personal to
Ryo as well. And big Mike's charge leaves the Tiger with no illusions about his
intentions. As if there could be any other intent, "Does it look like I'm
hiding? Oh, right... Word definitions aren't your strong suit." Ryo shoots
back, and rather than charging Bison, he leaps up and back, shooting a hand
downward, aimed for the charging Elite, "Ko'ouuuu Ken!" He shouts, a sudden
surge of chi gathering in his extended palm and hurtling in blue-red fury down
at the burly ex-champ. It seems like his initial plan is simple... Rile Bison
up, and keep some distance from the initial exchange. As far as Chun-Li, he
doesn't ask for the help. This kind of scum is something he's compelled to mop
up alone, whether he's proving something to her, or to himself.
COMBATSYS: Ryo has joined the fight here.
COMBATSYS: M.Bison endures Ryo's Aerial Ko'Ou Ken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Ryo 0/-------/------=|======-\-------\0 M.Bison
Chun-Li is hardly allowing herself to slack off once the disturbance is thusly
noted, and as she follows its path and the subsequent unleashing of a mountain
of muscle her eyes flash with recognition and she glances straight towards
Ryo... allowing the braggart boxer to make his charge and challenge while she
speaks to the Tiger over the top of his apparent opponent. "I'll let you handle
this.. good luck!" But of course, he's already taking off and meeting said
challenge with his own fury. She knows he can handle it. Bison is the least
dangerous of those Shadaloo call their elite, and somehow it's obvious that he
won't be the only issue today. Just who she will have to deal with is further in
the air than Mike's inflated ego, but once more - Vega may be a crazed dictator,
but such a stupid act as this appears to be would be far below him. There'll be
more to deal with. A squad of less-than-elite troops at the least, and at the
most? She could be dealing with the Emperor of Muay Thai or that clawed
madman...
Either way, she's ready. And with barely a further glance towards Bison she
takes off along the beach, towards the section below the circling helicopter,
her hands already down beside her hip and glowing with a soft blue light as the
powerful woman harnesses her own energies. Whatever happens, she could certainly
use the first blow and so she's prepared for it, her manner already slipping
smoothly into the stoicism of battle. She trusts Ryo to do his part, and she'll
do hers... they can discuss matters afterward, depending on how this goes.
COMBATSYS: Chun-Li has joined the fight here.
COMBATSYS: Chun-Li focuses on her next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Ryo 0/-------/------=|======-\-------\0 M.Bison
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Chun-Li 0/-------/-------|
No, no such luck today, Chun-Li. The Emperor is preparing for his own important
battle, and Balrog? Well. Who knows? As of right no, however, no one exits the
helicopter just yet. It lands long before the young woman gets close to it, the
blades quickly coming to a stop as the dying gasps of the whirring engine come
to a halt. The door is still open, but with the rising sun hitting the back of
the black metal beast, it's very hard to see just what's inside. Even from the
distance that she's at, Chun-Li can certainly see movement within, however. The
helicopter shifts on the soft sand as its owner moves to where he can see out.
Even still, his clothes are very hard to see, being covered by the dark grey
cloak that lets him blend well into the dark, shadowy interior.
It starts that way, at least. A flare of dark violet energy blinks into
existance, swelling with as small arcs of electrical bright purple steak across
the surface. The cloak and what little bit of Vega's red uniform that can be
seen is bathed in the violet light, the inside of the bird looking more like a
dark light bulb than anything else. Holding the corrosive ball of psycho energy
over the palm of his hand, Shadaloo's glorious, perfect leader flings his arm in
front of him, releasing the first attack that closes the distance between
Chun-Li and himself in a quick streak, but high enough to not spoil the
recently-settled sands below it.
COMBATSYS: Vega has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
COMBATSYS: Vega successfully hits Chun-Li with Psycho Shot.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Ryo 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Chun-Li 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 M.Bison
If Ryo's hoping to keep some distance from the enraged boxer, then he's
bound to be disappointed, as it will take a bit more than a ball of chi to hold
Bison back. His grin having faded into a scowl of hatred the moment he came
face-to-face with his enemy, he breaks out into a charge as the ko'ou ken comes
burning through the air towards him. It's the same tactic he's always employed
in battles against the man, and it allows him to close the distance quicker than
usual. Granted, the ball of chi does cause him a great deal of pain when it
strikes his massive, bare chest - but pain is something he's used to. And
something he's entirely willing to endure a bit of if it means he has a better
chance of inflicting some serious punching on Ryo's face.
Hoping that his act of charging directly through the fireball is enough to
throw his opponent off his guard, Bison waits until Ryo's feet have touched the
sand again. Taking that as his timing cue, the mad boxer suddenly whirls in
place - completing a full 360 degree turn as he lets out a hideous bellow of
rage, the sound tearing through the relative silence of the beach. Using this
added momentum, he launches himself at the Kyokugen tiger with a massive right
hand - aiming to plant the punch squarely in the man's jaw. Bison's most
devastating, single blow - and it's his first attack of the fight.. a sure sign
that he's out to do Ryo some serious damage.
COMBATSYS: M.Bison successfully hits Ryo with Gigaton Blow.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Ryo 0/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Chun-Li 0/-------/---====|-------\-------\0 M.Bison
Ryo doesn't have time to worry about what's in the helicopter. In fact, he
doesn't have time for much at all, so quick is Bison's charge down the beach.
Perhaps he underestimated the boxer's sheer hatred, or maybe just his speed, but
whatever the case, the Tiger finds himself staring down the barrel of that
mighty fist as he tries to find a stable purchase on the shifting sand, the
unsteady ground not lending itself to his attempt at a sidestep, and as such,
the burly boxer's barreling blow catches him right in the face, snapping his
head around as it glances off his jaw, and creams the cheek beyond, spinning the
young Sakazaki around, to land in a crumpled heap in the sand. Spitting the
granuales out and shaking his head to clear it, Ryo spends only an instant
staring down at the crimson-stained beach beneath him, ignoring the blood that
flows freely from his mouth, already, and he changes tactics, launching from his
crouch in at the charging ex-champion, a slide that's carried as much by his
right fist as his legs bringing him low, a quick spring launching that fist up,
back at big Mike's sturdy jaw. It's not as forceful as the hit he just took, to
be sure, but it's quickly executed and powerfully placed, and it's sure to leave
a mark, "Raijin... Gou!!!" Ryo calls out as he springs, summoning his energy
and focus to fight past the sudden pain. He'll be damned if he's going to let
Bison beat him that easily. Hell, he doesn't plan to let Bison beat him at
/all/.
COMBATSYS: Ryo successfully hits M.Bison with Mouko Raijin Gou.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/-------/=======|==-----\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Chun-Li 0/-------/---====|==-----\-------\0 M.Bison
Glorious and perfect. Not words Chun-Li would choose. And as her intense gaze
keeps its vigil, her fingertips shifting with practiced skill around the slowly
forming ball of energy in her hands, she gets her first glimpse of the man she
so desires to kill, making himself known in typically dramatic fashion. Then she
can choose her words, though a thousand flash through her mind in an instant -
all the phrases she could ever find to pay homage to this abomination who
slaughtered her father and seeks some evil purpose for the world itself. So many
insults, jibes and furious outbursts come to mind that she is forced to settle
for none of them... only one is truly suitable, one moniker perfectly formed to
describe such a creature.
"Vega!"
Her feet find a firm grip in the sand below her, the powerful Chinese woman
unconsciously finding herself a secure stance from which to launch her attack.
But she's undeniably been thrown off-guard by this appearance, and while her
hands work their final molding at her hip she fails to notice that an attack is
already headed her way - a flashing orb thundering across the distance at truly
impressive speed to catch her full in the torso, scattering her own blue
energies to a pale dust upon the air. And scattering her a few hasty steps
backward, stumbling with the force of the aura utilised by her nemesis.
So this won't be as easy as the last time. She was not prepared, but now she
will be... she hopes. And breaking into a headlong dash, forcing aside the
dizzying effects of that last blow, she opens her own assault with a familiar
attack.. her body bending willow-like, a hand's fingertips finding the sand to
propel her expertly into a one hundred and eighty degree flip, then a cascade of
thunderous kicks aimed at head-height upon the Shadaloo dictator as she flies
forth. "SPINNING BIRD KICK!" The battle is joined, and only a brief further
prayer goes out that she won't find herself outnumbered again, this time.
COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Chun-Li's Spinning Bird Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/-------/=======|===----\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Chun-Li 0/-------/--=====|==-----\-------\0 M.Bison
Just after the shot of psycho energy is thrown, Vega is already following after
it. ..Not quickly, mind you, but he does step out of the helicopter and into the
harsh morning light..somewhat anyway, as he's still shaded by the bird itself.
His boot-covered feet land in the sand with muted clanks from his shinguards, a
sound soon repeated as he takes slow, confident steps toward his perceived
plaything.
"Aaah, Chun-Li.." he says in response to his own name, that vile sneer having
never left his face for one moment. "Are you still upset?" he asks, mustering
all the condescending, mocking nature that he can in the simple query. His words
are answered quickly enough, apparently! The edge of the cloak is pushed aside,
revealing the armored forearms that serve as his most common, horribly effective
guard. One after another, each kick is deflected to sail over his head, shifted
with the angle of his blocking arm. Some of the hits see fit to crash into the
muscle itself, but the effect is the same. As the barrage slows and finally
ends, Vega's arm, still raised, emits the same fearsome flame-like power that
he's so fond of showing off. Taking one step to the side and another to close
the distance between the two fighters, he lets loose a loud, mocking laugh,
bringing his fist down in a strong, sweeping motion. It's not so much his hand
that's to fear, but the gout of Psycho Energy that follows, a force deadly and
destructive by itself.
COMBATSYS: Vega successfully hits Chun-Li with Psycho Wave.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Chun-Li 1/-----==/=======|==-----\-------\0 M.Bison
All-consuming.
That's the only word that could even begin to describe Bison's hatred
towards the Kyokugen tiger. It's evident in the way he moves, and the method
with which he attacks - he's more brutal and relentless than usual. There's a
certain aura of barely controlled fury that threatens to boil over into
murderous rage at any second. The fact that the's actually attempting to mount a
strategic offensive instead of just grabbing the man by the throat and
strangling the life out of him is a testament to his sheer willpower.
Letting out a deep, spiteful laugh as he watches his opponent sail
backwards - the mocking sound only growing louder and more boisterous when he
spots the blood flowing out of the man's mouth - Bison raises his hands in front
of his face in preparation for Ryo's counter-attack. Unfortunately, he too is
unprepared for the shifting sand when he attempts to weave to the side of the
blow, and so the uppercut cracks him underneath the chin. It's a much less
dramatic impact than his last attack, only moving the man's thick head a few
inches backwards - eliciting no reaction beyond that.
"You're fucking PATHETIC!" taunts the boxer, before shoving out with his
hands to push Ryo backwards. If he manages to do so, he takes off in a dash to
cover the few feet of distance between them - levelling a powerful right
straight at his already battered face. "EAT SHIT, MOTHERFUCKER!"
COMBATSYS: Ryo endures M.Bison's Dash Straight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/----===/=======|======-\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Chun-Li 1/-----==/=======|====---\-------\0 M.Bison
Blocked again.. but this was no issue before, and she bounced back well enough.
It only takes a few well-aimed blows to take down even the strongest of
opponents. Of course, Chun-Li knows that right now she does face the strongest.
He proved that by striding away from her in Thailand, despite the huge damage
inflicted repeatedly on his muscular person.. he underestimated her then, wasn't
prepared for what she can now deliver, but this time it feels different. A
changed man she fights now, one fully capable of dealing with her wrath -
however focused it may be. And as she unfolds from her destructive barrage, she
already knows how ineffective it was by the dull throb in her feet... from
striking a metal surface. Dropping to a crouch with aid from her extended hands,
the swish of her skirts is drowned out by an incoming whoosh as purple energy
once more splashes across her, whipping her onto her back and across the ground
with a wave of cool sand kicked up to either side.
So this is how round three progresses... she feels so much lke the child she was
when first facing Vega, such a disconcerting feeling. Embarassing, and more than
that - chilling, freezing her with a momentary fear before she shoves herself to
her feet, a half-flip, half-stagger that lacks her usual breathtaking grace.
"Don't speak to me like you would a child." She mutters coldly, a quiver in her
tone not able to be forced aside with sheer resolve. She's scared now, and it
takes a lot to keep that under control. "You felt my power, Vega. You know we
can fight on far more equal terms than we once could..." she finishes with a
short sigh and a brisk shake of her head, before ducking forward and executing a
short sprint, thrusting herself into her nemesis' guard with a few loping
strides, then stopping dead and thrusting both her arms forward, one leg
extended in front of her to increase the potential for power in two outthrust
palms... all her energy focused to their fore in order to deal a shattering blow
to Vega's breast.
COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Chun-Li's Sou Hakkei.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/----===/=======|======-\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Chun-Li 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 M.Bison
Somehow, Bison's all-consuming is not nearly the loveable, E.Honda at a Chinese
Buffet type of sentiment. It's that rage that Ryo notes, it's that intent that
draws him into this fight, that overriding need for vengeance that he seeks to
turn against the powerful Elite. He knows he needs something dramatic here,
something big, and that's just what he reaches for, going with the shove, and
coiling his arms in close to his stomach, fingers bent, cupping an empty
space... An empty space that begins to fill with raw chi as big Mike comes
forward, "Haaaaaoh..." Ryo begins, the young Sakazaki making no attempt to
guard his abused face from the strike, taking it full-on, and standing his
ground until the last possible moment, at which point Bison's charge is met by a
forward motion of the Tiger's arms, not aiming to strike the burly boxer
directly, but rather to carry that sudden surge of Chi forward, releasing a wave
that's easily as big as Ryo himself point-blank at Bison's broad frame, "SHO
KOOOOU KEN!!!!!" He shouts across the beach as the wildly flaring mass of raw
energy washes forth in a tidal wave of massive force, every ounce of the Tiger's
ability pushed behind it.
COMBATSYS: M.Bison blocks Ryo's Haoh Sho Ko Ken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Ryo 0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Chun-Li 1/----===/=======|=======\-------\0 M.Bison
Ah, that's the stuff. The cracking in the young woman's resolve is refreshing!
Does Chun-Li know how gratifying she's making this little slaughter out to be?
Hate him, fear him.. The array of emotions imprints itself in Vega's mind; dull,
fleeting wisps of the girl's feelings nearly palpable to the deranged psycho
power user. He's revelling in the dominance while it lasts, arms lifting and
lightly bent at the elbow as she rises. He shows no fear, that's for sure,
but..it wouldn't do to have some sort of effective comeback so soon.
"You are /nothing/," he bellows, the last word ringing through the air with a
dark, vicious emphasis. So he proves, once again, when the attack is made. Both
arms move forward, each catching one of the offending fists his his palms,
latching on the small, strong hands with a pair of death grips. Gritting his
teeth, Vega takes a step back and turns his body, attempting to bring Chun-Li
along for the ride and swing her around. Usually, he would be content to toss
them to the ground. Not this time, no. The sand is too forgiving. It's toward
the helicopter's unyielding shell that he tries to fling the 'lady', letting out
a harsh "HAAAA!" with the effort.
COMBATSYS: Vega successfully hits Chun-Li with Strong Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Ryo 0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Chun-Li 1/=======/=======|=======\-------\0 M.Bison
Were it not for his efforts to control his rage, Bison might be too focused
on trying to hit Ryo, and totally forget about defending him against any of the
man's counter-attacks. Fortunately, the boxer has the foresight to realize the
Kyokugen tiger was likely to take launch a massive strike, particularly with how
he made no motion to protect himself against the dashing straight. When the
massive wave of chi energy threatens to engulf him, he has little chance of
evading such a large radius of attack in such a short distance, and so he does
his best to protect himself. Crossing his forearms to cover his face and chest,
the Elite simply weathers the worst of the chi-storm, being pushed back across
the sand - even with his heels dug in - from the initial impact.
"You fuckin' SICKEN me! You call yourself a fighter? I call you a little
pussy BITCH who needs to run back home to MAMA!" Bison sounds like he's on the
verge of snapping and killing a bunch of orphans as he rushes back towards his
opponent. He seems focused on not giving his opponent the chance to gather his
wits or catch his breath, always pressing the attack with some form of dash
forward - this time coming within a few feet of Ryo and again executing a 360
degree turn, whipping around with his right arm extended. This time, there's
much less speed, momentum and power behind his blow - it's obvious that he still
hasn't fully regained his strength from the exertion of the last gigaton blow -
but it's still a brutal strike nonetheless.
COMBATSYS: Ryo dodges M.Bison's Turn Punch.
So the big fella has a bit more control than Ryo anticipated. He doesn't seem
phased by that fact... The power of that wave of chi is enough to be gratifying
in and of itself, and while he's still caught in a pitched and brutal battle,
there's no similar wrestling for focus going on in the Tiger's mind. He acts on
instinct, moves beyond the petty feud and focuses instead on the fight itself.
As an entity, Bison is a fearsome and cruel being, as a fighter, he is far from
invincible. Ryo knows this from personal experience, experience he means to put
into practice here, today. The beginnings of that quick turnaround are warning
enough to the young Sakazaki, but rather than getting out of the way in a manner
that would be accepted as 'safe' by conventional wisdom, the Kyokugen fighter
rolls /in/ underneath that dashing fist, coming up after a single somersault
into a ferocious rising uppercut, his powerful left leading this one, as all the
force of his legs and punching fist are thrown behind the strike,
"Ouuuryaaaaa!!!!" He shouts as he ascends, the trainwreck of a fist careening
upwards for Bison's jaw once more, with considerably more force than the last
uppercut. Ryo may be hurting from the last few hits, but he's not out of this
fight. A point he intends to drive home, forcefully, against his opponent's
imminently thick skull. Another thing he knows from experience is that if one
cracks Mike in the head enough, he will indeed crack. And there are no old men
around to save his hide, this time.
COMBATSYS: M.Bison interrupts Kohou from Ryo with Turn Punch Final.
[ \\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/-------/=======|=======\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Chun-Li 1/=======/=======|=======\==-----\1 M.Bison
But how can she be nothing? After all she's achieved, the fights she's won and
the accolades she has earned since being taken on by Gen all those years ago,
and then later by Interpol... she is elite. She may not be a braggart or an
egomaniac, but the Chinese woman is all too aware of her abilities. How can this
be going so poorly? And after a reunion that should have been pleasant, the
returning to a friendship left on hold for a few near-silent weeks... why things
are now like this is beyond her wildest nightmares, like the events of the last
few years never occurred. And back even further than that. Every part of her
confidence looks to be crumbling before Chun-Li's eyes, her hands gripped and
her body plucked up as though by the hand of God.. her efforts to twist aside
and turn the subsequent soaring toss to her favour, are as nothing. She slams
into the harsh metal of the 'copter with a grunt that is equal parts despair and
anger. Anger at herself, for whatever she's done wrong.. has she slackened off
so much? She wasn't caught this off-guard, not enough to excuse three such
painful blows.
It doesn't help that this is only one half of a poor showing from her side in
this pair of duels, and a quick glance through tearing eyes towards Ryo gives
her more cause for the panic slowly welling up within. What happens if they lose
so badly? The last time she was hammered into such oblivion by her nemesis, he
gave her a second chance.. left her to live for his own sadistic amusement. But
she doubts things could go the same way now... would he really give another
shot? But no. These thoughts are foolish. This isn't over, and picking herself
up from the sands an instant after painful impact she's already steeling herself
to make some kind of comeback. It can't end so easily. "No, Vega..." she heaves
in a breath, "I'm something. We both are. And your little ambush won't tell us
otherwise!" She dashes forward again, the last word coming in a half-gasp as she
extends her efforts for another charge. Once more her hands cup at her hip, and
this time a swirling hurricane of energy forms almost instantly, building out
around her as she runs. She must make Vega feel her pain again, know she cannot
be beaten like a ragdoll... no matter how she is beginning to doubt that
assertion.
"KAAAA-" As the cry builds, it becomes an abyssal shriek upon the woman's lips,
a scream for attention from whatever divine balance watches over them from afar.
She must prove herself, and save herself and Ryo from any ill fate at the hands
of these brutes. Defeat cannot be allowed to happen. Not again. She cannot
afford it. "KOUSHOU!" She lunges the last few feet into Vega and thrusts her
hands forward again, the chi built up around her forearms exploding in a
gigantic orb of light, swirling around them both and creating a beacon of force,
spinning rapidly to catch her hated foe within its pain. Overkill indeed, but
she needs to use everything she has, to win back what is becoming a pathetic
fight.
COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Chun-Li's Kikoushou.
[ \\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/-------/=======|=======\==-----\1 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > ////////// ]
Chun-Li 0/-------/----===|=======\==-----\1 M.Bison
Wretched girl. There is no god to save you. The only diety here is Vega
himself, in strength, in sheer power. The only one destined to conquer this
miserable, weak world is he, and there'll be no thought given to any other
possible outcome. Bow, submit, or suffer endlessly at his hand.
It really is a shame that Ryo isn't watching this, really. How would he feel,
seeing his companion tossed around so? The mere thought fills the vile
juggernaut with wicked mirth, his sneer breaking into a full, tooth grin at the
good guys' predicament. As soon as the painful-sounding hollow thump causes the
helicopter to shift slightly to one side in the sand, Vega's attention is drawn
to the battle between the Lesser Tiger and his own minion. Seeing Ryo taking a
beating is satisfactory, but..he also sees how Bison isn't coming away
unscathed. That single fact is enough to sway the unbalanced Lord's emotions,
drawing a deep frown and then a scowl to his face. "Pathetic.."
It's Chun-Li's words that draw his attention again, and..quite honestly, he's
glad that she's still up. He is not glad, however, at how close she is, and the
massive surge of bluish chi that threatens to overcome him. Digging his feet
deeply into the sand, his arms cross as bars across his face, leaning into the
blast to fend off the girl's efforts, his cloak barely able to hang onto the
pins in his pauldrons as it flaps helplessly in the storm of energy. Indeed, it
doesn't come out unscathed, eventually falling against his back with myriad
holes and tears.
In the end, as is common, Vega stands untoppled, slowly pulling his hands to
his chest. With a snap of his arms, his right hand juts out, the wrist held by
his left hand. Chun-Li's seen this stance before, many times over. The sand
around him flies in all directions as his strong legs push him forward, his body
turning parallel to the ground and spinning quickly, a small, but still horribly
dangerous swell of purple psycho energy eminating from his outstretched hand and
up his arms, fading as it crosses his shoulders.
COMBATSYS: Chun-Li dodges Vega's Psycho Torpedo.
Bison doesn't need old men to defeat Ryo - all he needs is hatred, time to
train, and a relatively level playing field. No ambushes or surprises on either
side, just two men giving it their all in a desperate attempt to knock the other
down first. When it comes to such a knock-down, drag-out brawl, there's no doubt
that the murderous boxer has a definite advantage. The Kyokugen tiger is not
without his own surprises, however, and he easily rolls under Bison's brutal
turn punch, his fist sailing through little more than air. Rather than stop and
attempt to block the counter-attack that follows, Bison -keeps- spinning -
completing another 360 turn as he comes back around at Ryo with another punch,
this one even more powerful than the last.
His timing is near-perfect, as at the moment his opponent's fist impacts
the underside of his chin, his own punch slams into the side of the man's face -
robbing the rising uppercut of much of it's potential damage and causing Ryo a
fair amount of its own. Bison is laughing nearly-continously now, his constant,
mocking display seeming to be all but a total declaration of victory at this
point.
No ambushes or surprises on either side? Evidently Bison isn't living in the
same reality as the rest of us. Sure, Ryo would love to be rushing to Chun-Li's
aid, whatever the odds, but first things first. And first things first, means
that mountain of muscle in front of him. Unfortunately, taking down Bison is
harder when the big boxer has the drop on him, than when Ryo has said drop. As
such, his Kohou is cut short, in brutal fashion, the fist colliding with his
face and crunching his nose with an audible crack, sending the Tiger backwards
into another flumping tumble to the sand. This time, thankfully, it's to his
back. He's not out of this yet, though it may look that way with the initial
impact, and the Kyokugen prodigy rolls with the momentum, tumbling back to his
feet, his breath coming in heavy, deeply laboured breaths as he once more
summons forth a massive charge of energy, flaring blues and reds coruscating
together in a rapidly forming mass that's propelled forward on his arms, the
wave riding along his extending forearms and palms until it's released in its
tidal fan that sweeps across the sand, bearing down on Bison, "Haaaaoh Sho
Koooooo Ken!!!!!!" He intones, focusing his energies into that final attack, a
steadfast attempt to drop the bigger fighter where he stands, stubbornly
refusing to give in to the repeated slams to his face, to the blood that runs
freely from his battered visage. No, this is going to end in fire, and the sand
that's thrown about by the Ryo-sized chi-ball is testament to that.
Bison laughs a few times more.
No ambushes or surprises on either side? Evidently Bison isn't living in the
same reality as the rest of us. Sure, Ryo would love to be rushing to Chun-Li's
aid, whatever the odds, but first things first. And first things first, means
that mountain of muscle in front of him. Unfortunately, taking down Bison is
harder when the big boxer has the drop on him, than when Ryo has said drop. As
such, his Kohou is cut short, in brutal fashion, the fist colliding with his
face and crunching his nose with an audible crack, sending the Tiger backwards
into another flumping tumble to the sand. This time, thankfully, it's to his
back. He's not out of this yet, though it may look that way with the initial
impact, and the Kyokugen prodigy rolls with the momentum, tumbling back to his
feet, his breath coming in heavy, deeply laboured breaths as he once more
summons forth his strength, leaping up and back, once more seeking a moment's
respite from the powerful attacks, his palm shooting downward at Bison and
hurling a substantial charge of chi energy, the flaring projectile gleaming in
fiery reds and vibrant blues as it hurtles downward at the weakened Elite,
"Ko'ouuuu Ken!!" Ryo shouts, refusing to give this one up without a fight. One
way or another.... It will end in fire.
COMBATSYS: M.Bison blocks Ryo's Aerial Ko'Ou Ken.
[ \\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/-------/=======|=======\==-----\1 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\ < > //////// ]
Chun-Li 0/-------/----===|=======\===----\1 M.Bison
Chun-Li would almost laugh, if this weren't so tragic. She can see Vega through
the maelstrom past her hand, can see his ever-sneering face and feel his aura of
utter contempt for everything he beholds... a true monster this one, and a
monster she means to fight to the last, even with the apparent path set before
her. She has not only to turn this battle around, but smash down her feelings of
panic and dread. They do not belong to her any more, those emotions belong to
her childhood, irrational fears of make-believe bogeymen. For all his hideous
nature, Vega -is- a man and thus not entirely infallible. She could feel that in
their last encounter. So, swallowing hard as she lets her energies dissipate and
lowers her arms, her breathing instantly growing heavier with the unleashing of
such a burden of chi, she steps back and prepares for the next violent impact.
All she needs to do is remain standing. That will do, for now.
And there it is. Familiar, once feared and now feared again despite her undying
pleadings with her own self. This attack. One that in its more furiously
unstoppable form she managed to evade twice last time... but how long ago that
feels. No. How far in the -future- that feels.. like another her that she must
find again. And she will. This time she does it again, moving with sheer blind
instinct and hurling herself into a vertical leap, spinning about at her
dozen-foot zenith to catch a glimpse first of Ryo's battle, then of her
abominable foe. Time to strike again, and show him that she can be herself again
- what she knows herself to be, a powerfful woman with yet more room to improve
but plenty of strength to use in the meantime. No slip of a girl, no mere
stripling just free from childhood.
She must be Chun-Li.
"KOUKEN!" Again the chi flares from two flung forth hands, a golden pinpoint
blossoming outward then curling down towards Vega at a rapid tilt, its organic
blue sheath emerging and throbbing just shortly after it leaves pale flesh. This
worked before, and may be seen coming, but she knows her aim is true... the only
question is how well Vega is prepared for more of the same, after what she
released moments before.
COMBATSYS: Vega just-defends Chun-Li's Kikou Ken!
[ \\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/-------/=======|=======\==-----\1 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\ < > //////// ]
Chun-Li 0/-------/---====|=======\===----\1 M.Bison
Oddly enough, Bison doesn't immediately rush in to attack his opponent -
simply standing firmly in place and, with an uncharacteristic calmness, raising
one hand in front of his face, catching the hurtling ko'ou ken in his palm. It's
painful, there's no doubt about that, but Bison simply accepts it with a smirk
as the chi fizzles out on his skin. "You're weak, Ryo. You'll always be weak!
FUCKING HIT ME!"
And then, the boxer simply.. stands there, hands clenched firmly into fists
at his sides. He's waiting for the man's attack, and when it comes.. this fight
will be over.
COMBATSYS: M.Bison focuses on his next action.
The poor helicopter has taken far more abuse than a good ride should in this
fight! First, Chun-Li goes careening into it. Then, it's met with a hit from
Vega himself, seeing as how his prey has leapt out of the way entirely. Again,
the large metal shell is shaken with the impact, even pushed a few feet in the
opposide direction, the supporting rails sliding in the sand. The dictator lands
on his feet, emitting an annoyed grunt at the damage that the slippery little
waif has caused him to inflict on his expensive getaway ride. A large dent is
clearly visible, the black paint even corroded away where the concentrated
psycho energy touched. Well. Now this mortal, non-god man, as Chun-Li feels, is
pissed. VERY. PISSED. OFF.
The sharp cry from above is met with a quick look, Vega's head snapping in the
direction of the flying female. With gritted teeth, his lips part and bare his
teeth with a loud snarl. His right arm comes up just in time to meet the chi
projectile head-on, again using his bracer to take the damage, his arm bending
slightly with the effort. The flashing blue is quickly met with the venemous
purple light, his whole arm seeming to spontaneously combust in the energy. The
chi ball is eventually overcome and nullified, the 'fire' spreading across
Vega's body, lifting off him from the shallow outline covering him. "Pathetic,
weak.." He murmurs, folding his arms tightly across his chest. His feet snap
against each other, and his body just..glides along the ground, trailing wisps
of psycho energy behind him. His opponent is temporarily ignored as he turns,
gripping his right wrist again as he suddenly takes off like a shot, the simple
outline exploding in an excess of brilliantly-hued psycho power. He has,
apparently, snapped just as much as his underling has, and has taken it upon
himself to finish the matter. Like a deadly locomotive, he careens, spinning and
sustained a few feet above the ground, toward the blooded green-gi clad fighter,
not even seeming to care that one of his own men is directly in the line of
fire. Vae victus.
COMBATSYS: M.Bison fails to interrupt Final Psycho Crusher from Vega with
Gigaton Blow.
- Power hit! -
COMBATSYS: M.Bison can no longer fight.
COMBATSYS: M.Bison has left the fight here.
COMBATSYS: Ryo dodges Vega's Final Psycho Crusher.
Chun-Li hangs in the air after firing off her response to Vega's effectively
evaded attack. She falls slowly enough, spiralling onto a slow flip and then
landing with a spray of sands in a light crouch, perched on her booted feet with
both hands held to the floor on either side of her body. Then she watches Vega's
display slackjawed, her lips shifting in unspoken words of disgust and hatred...
what is he doing now? That's a new trick, and one she quickly grows to loathe as
she does everything else in this man... and she stands then, easing herself into
her ready stance for the first time in this match, her fists quivering with
unconcealed rage. "This isn't over, Vega. I will-" she stops with a tight little
gasp as he just turns away from her, directing his attentions to this other
battle, the one for which she was ready to fight for just as much as she was her
own. But how dare he ignore her!
She lunges forward in quick strides, aiming a thunderous kick at empty air as
Vega enters his cataclysmic finishing technique... the air warm where his trail
suddenly passes, gathering another gasp of surprise and shock from the powerful
Chinese woman. This is wrong. It's so very wrong, and her leg lowers
unsteadily.. in the same motion her eyes panning right to follow his progress.
INTO his own lieutenant?! "RYO! Get out of there!" She screams, uncaring what
happens to that idiot Bison but for her own friend to be caught in that.. she's
not felt that sting, but she can put together a pretty good picture from what
she's seen. If the Tiger is caught in that, he could be killed. Anyone could. In
any state of mind or body. This is Vega we're talking about - maybe not a god,
but among men he is a titan. A killing machine.
With the cry sent out, Chun-Li can only wait for the agonising split-seconds to
pass... praying that the worst has not come to pass. And preparing herself for
her own destruction, should it be coming.
COMBATSYS: Chun-Li takes a breather.
Holy....
Maybe it's the momentary pause in combat Bison provides, maybe it's that
instinctual connection to the battle, every synapse firing /move/ into his
battered head that spurrs Ryo to action. But he does finally spare a glance
towards Vega and Chun-Li, and what he sees... Well, it's not pleasant. There's
a battered Chun-Li, a rather fine-looking master of Shadaloo, and... The mother
of all energy techniques, hurtling around and with that malevolent Psycho Master
towards him. In as much desperation as planned technique, Ryo throws himself to
the side and down, diving down towards the sand scant inches in front of the
hurtling torpedo of raw power, his momentum carrying him through several
haphazard and rather less than graceful tumbling flips, the gritty sand getting
in wounds that it has no business invading, and Ryo comes to his feet gritting
his teeth (no pun intended). He knows that, even with Vega's utter disregard
for his flunky's safety, he and Chun-Li are still in a very bad place, and he
tries to gain what upper hand he can, focusing his energy and gathering what
strength he has left, a swirling vortex of fiery chi cascading up through the
Tiger's frame, the flaming aura ebbing some distance above his head, a shout of
fierce consonance punctuating the gathering of power. Is it enough? Against
Vega? It's doubtful. But against Vega? Ryo will take what he can get.
COMBATSYS: Ryo gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/--=====/=======|====---\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Chun-Li 0/-------/---====|
Bison may be dumb, but even he can send the immense, sudden surge in psycho
power that eminates from behind him. Turning his head to the side and glancing
over his shoulder, he notices Vega executing his deadliest technique.. flying
-right towards Bison-. Sure, Ryo may be the main target, but the dictator
obviously doesn't care that his underling is in the way. Lackey or not, that
thought pisses the already enraged Bison off, and in a moment of sheer
carelessness and lack of regard for his own health, he actually spins -towards-
his leader. After the spin, he dashes forward in a rushing punch, aiming to
strike the Shadaloo Lord - the man who employs him, and the one who could kill
him with little effort - with a powerful blow. Unfortunately, he simply can't
fight his way past the sheer power of the Final Psycho Crusher, and the dark
energy of the technique strikes him far before Vega's outstretched hands do,
sending the massive boxer -sailing- backwards. So far that he sails completely
-over- Ryo's head, before crashing harshhly into the sand several dozen feet
away. There's no movement coming from the Elite, and there's blood leaking out
from every orifice on his face.. eyes, nose, mouth, ears.. He's hurt.
Tch. "Slippery maggot!"
Vega doesn't seem satisfied with merely creaming his own lieutenant. Honestly,
if he had only stomped Ryo from the start, he wouldn't have had to suffer such a
fate. Did he not say that this was his last chance? Such is the way things are
run in his organization. If anyone had /any/ notion of Shadaloo working as a
happy team, they're wrong. So. Fucking. Wrong. The conquerer lives up to his
title, smashing through his opposition, even if it is one of his own in a
chilling lack of regard for his employee. Unfortunately..Ryo has more time to
react, and sees the beginning of what Vega himself can do. He's a smart man to
move out of the way, but as far as this man is concerned, it's only delaying the
inevitable. The spinning of his body slows, the 'flames' dying down and finding
themselves quickly snuffed out as he lands, skidding in the sand, on his sullied
boots.
The look on his face as he turns to Ryo is frightful in itself. His brows are
heavily furrowed, eyes nearly glowing under the faint shadowing his captain's
cap offers. Without any other word, he crouches down and pushes forward,
flipping head over heels toward the young blonde man, aiming to bring his heavy
boot down on his head not once, but twice, and finally lay the little worm to
rest.
COMBATSYS: Vega successfully hits Ryo with Double Knee Press.
[ \\ < > //////////////////// ]
Ryo 1/=======/=======|=====--\-------\0 Vega
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Chun-Li 0/-------/---====|
Chun-Li stands astounded for a few more moments after Vega sets down, hearing
the rolling thuds of both Ryo and Bison as they make their rather different
escapes... one from consciousness, the other from oblivion. And her chest heaves
as she gives the most relieved of sighs, her body shaking with the action. So
one goes down, but this changes nothing... all it means is, as the dictator
knows, a delay from what can only now be crushing defeat for the good guys. As
for any real surprise that this monster would take such action - there is none.
Nothing he could do, no matter how foul, could ever unhinge Chun-Li for long.
The world's strongest woman is smarter than that, knows her enemy far too well.
And now she has to prove that, to save her friend from sheer brutalising at this
man's hands.
"This isn't over, Vega!" She offers forth in challenge, taking one step forward
and then another, forcing her aching body to ignore the lull and the loss of
adrenaline that came with it, forcing it back into the flow of action. But then
something else happens - the next attack is aimed towards Ryo. Why is she being
ignored? Why does Ryo deserve so much punishment? This is her fault, he is only
involved because of involvement with her... but of course. The more mental pain
Vega can inflict, the happier he will be. Such an abomination of nature. Such a
twisted subject of what it means to be human. Evil, in the flesh. Not seeing the
result but just the intent, she surges forward with every last pore screaming
for further rest.. but still she accelerates, blurring into a gold-blue flash as
she streaks towards Vega with intent to intercept. She knows already she'll be
too late, but even so she's ready to do what she can...
This really isn't over. She'll prove that, and even as she sees the blow connect
when she stands scant feet away from becoming Ryo's saviour, her right leg
flashes up and out in a vicious kick towards the still-airborne Vega, that
begins a flurry of similar kicks, her extended limb nothing but a blinding flash
of power. He'll learn, or she'll die trying to teach him.
Slippery indeed, but Ryo is worn out, and battered from his fight with Bison,
and in no shape at all to be taking on Vega himself. Heck, he hasn't even had
breakfast yet! A glance is paid to Chun-Li, somewhat regretful. He knows he's
not going to be able to turn this around, knows they're both hurt, and badly.
But he's determined to give her a fighting chance, if he can. Ryo manages to
regain his stance in time to see Vega hurtling in at him once again, and the
guard he attempts to life with his arms is next to useless, those armored boots
knocking his arms aside, and crashing into his head and face once again, more
blood splattering as more cartiledge and bone crunches, the Tiger's face a mask
of bruises and blood, rather battered indeed as he struggles to fight off the
blackness. It's not a perfect option, he's seeing through blurred vision and it
seems like one of his eyes doesn't want to open, but Ryo summons up the last of
his strength, lashing out at the close-proximity Psycho Master, attempting to
pin him between Chun-Li's machinegun assault, and one of his own... Left fist,
right fist, left fist... One after another in quick succession. Not as precise
as it might normally be, but all of the Kyokugen prodigy's strength is thrown
behind the strikes, that flash in for Vega's chest and ribs, one after another.
And another, and another. Right, left, right, knee... He presses forward,
driven by sheer stubborn determination, "Ora.... oraoraoraORA!" He manages
through clenched jaw, inexplicably goading Vega on, and finishing with a
fearsome uppercut, that follows through with his elbow, "Moraaaataaaa!!!!" The
momentum of that ending strike carries Ryo around a quick spin in the sand, and
dumps him right back there, and he doesn't move again.
COMBATSYS: Ryo can no longer fight.
COMBATSYS: Ryo has left the fight here.
COMBATSYS: Chun-Li successfully hits Vega with Hyakuretsu Kyaku.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Chun-Li 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Vega
COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Ryo's Ryuuko Ranbu.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ]
Chun-Li 0/-------/--=====|=======\=------\1 Vega
Two down. Two weak, pathetic, annoying little pests out of the way. The moment
that Vega's feet touch the yielding sand again, he stands up straight, folding
his arms as he looks down at the young blond man with utter comtempt. "You
should have learned not to mess with us, worthless fool. Know your place!"
Having finally come to do what he wanted, his boiling blood starts to cool. His
chest swells with a heavy breath as he arms unfurl, finally turning to face
Chun-Li off. Yes, there's still one to finish. However, when Ryo gets UP again,
he stops in his tracks, snapping his attention to the man with a muted grunt.
The attack is an impressive effort for a doomed man, but it proves to do little
in the way of vengeance. Hell, the sheer /audacity/ is enough to ignite Vega's
hatred again, and with minimal effort, each strike is blocked and nullified with
metal and brawn. ..Maybe it did serve some purpose, however. His attention
turned, he doesn't notice Chun-Li coming at him until it's too late. A
half-grunted "Uh?" escapes his lips as he glances over his shoulder, not given
the chance to turn and guard himself. The flurry of booted blows to his thick
form lands cleanly, and at the end, he finally stumbles. It's only one step, but
it's an obvious show of a flawed fighter. This just will not do.
Even pained, even with a new array of batterd muscles up his back and side, he
grins. It's not the happy grin, if he's even capable of such a thing. No, it's
that malicious display of his that unsettles lesser people, causes children to
cry in their sleep. For the third time this morning, he grips his wrist, his
form again outlined by virulent energy. "Psychoooo..." he starts, bending at the
knees just before rocketing forward, spinning with a loud cry of
"CrushAAAAAAAA!"
COMBATSYS: Vega successfully hits Chun-Li with Psycho Crusher.
[ < > //////////// ]
Chun-Li 1/-======/=======|=------\-------\0 Vega
Chun-Li's eyes narrow as her first kick lands, and though she can see Ryo
struggling against Vega's solid guard, and sees him hammer into the sand moments
later, she continues her own assault.. feeling each meaty thwack raise her
spirits and bring her back into that confidence she can normally harness. On
lowering her leg from its raging inferno of kicks, she slips into her stance
briefly, recovering for a second before making an attempt at brushing aside
whatever else her staggering opponent has planned. Briefly is about right, as
she feels the surge of his energies she starts to backpedal and prepares to
sling her arms across her defensively. But she's just too late, and her nemesis'
own inferno - of energy - catches her full-on, blowing aside her hastily erected
guard and hurtling her back with its force, impaled on the end of his solid
arms.
But she won't let it rest there, and the young woman fights the blackness
threatening at the edges of her vision to pull her arms back around, chi blazing
from fingertip to deft fingertip, a spinning ball summoned up through all her
pain and knowledge of defeat. She may still be impaled, propelled by the sheer
force of Shadaloo's warlord, but there is one thing left in her... her will to
fight is not dead, yet. And she thrusts her hands towards his grinning face,
that visage so nightmarish, that long threatened her nightmares before she
developed her own power. Though.. sometimes, it still does. And likely if she
survives, the next few nights will once again be full of this ghastly vision.
The -thing- that killed her father.
Her attack comes with this very thought, and to her the whole thing seems to be
in slow motion... though to an outsider, this whole process has taken but a
moment. Her palms come together, then part to slam forth for the man's face, no
cry emanating from the defeated woman but just her energy, her wrath spilling
forth to catch him with a violent orb of chi. Unless his own force can nullify
it, she may yet get some satisfaction from this fateful bout...
COMBATSYS: Chun-Li can no longer fight.
COMBATSYS: Chun-Li has left the fight here.
COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Chun-Li's Kikoushou.
> //////// ]
|===----\-------\0 Vega
Apparently, the only one that will come away from this day satisfied at all is
Vega himself. He's deadly serious, and the sheer depth of the cold, vicious
energy that strikes Chun-Li is powered by all the anger and malice that the
dictator can muster. The actual damage is done when the Psycho Power pushes
Chun-Li, making little contact himself, aside the the searing pain of his
fingers pressing against the abdomen; tiny sources of the very energy in
question. Imagine his surprise to see her fighting back, though! The glaring
blue and white chi threatens to overcome him for the second time, his own purple
light shoved aside from the impressive wall. Vega has to lower his head and
actually lifts his hands to hold it at bay, the entire effect slowing him down.
Finally, his feet lower and skid through the sand as he lands, and now bolstered
with a foothold, he shoves both hands directly into that monstrous wall,
answering it with his own guard of arms and swelling power. He only has to hold
off until Chun-Li flies further back from the moment, but still..that was close.
Horribly close.
Now is the time that he would sling his cloak around himself, were it not a
tattered mess. A vicious glare is sent the young girl's way, just to be sure she
has no other tricks before turning and walking back to Ryo in slow, painfully
ominous steps that grind against the sand and clank with his shinguard's
movements. Oh hell.
Ryo lays in the sand. In a bleeding heap. He looks dangerous.
The slight stirring from the gi-clad warrior is mostly futile, as he doesn't
seem able to right himself. Merely lolling his head to the side, towards the
sound. Between the sand, and the swelling, he's not seeing so well just now.
Not close enough. She's failed... again. But far worse than last time, there's
no room even for a sense of small victory. Chun-Li has been beaten almost as
badly as she was all that time ago, when she challenged Vega alone in a moment
of utter idiocy. She wasn't ready then. And nor does she seem to be now, as she
sails back from that crushing final impact to hammer back-first into the sand,
her body only a fleshy sack of innards as it rolls several times before coming
to a disjointed stop. Nothing physical is broken, these are bruises and burns
that will heal in time, but her spirit is shattered into a million pieces... her
last attempt at regaining her composure was short and hardly sweet, and now she
lies truly defeated. On the edge of consciousness, bruised lips part slightly in
faint protest, a murmur of defiance breaking past her pitiable appearance...
hair dishevelled, dress creased and torn, colourful marks gracing her pale
flesh. Her dulled gaze, shot through with blood, is locked onto Vega now he
strides away. She wants to move, to get up and go after him, to save her friend
from whatever fate she has landed him in...
But she can't move. Her body won't allow it, and her soul hangs in uncertainty
for the future... how many years must she train before these failures can be
forgotten? How many times must she fall from grace before attaining true
strength? The path lies before, long and cold, and the present lies even closer.
Painfully close. And far from long and cold, a terrible feeling tells her this
will be short, hot and bloody...
Bison is fucked.
The sounds stop just a mere foot from Ryo's head. If he can see anything, at
least the blurred outline and sheen of the guards, it's something. It would be
far better if he were merely unconscious, though. He can feel the large hand
gripping him by the neck; strong, thick, and hot from battle. With a
surprisingly smooth and careful pull, Vega lifts the conquered man up and over
his head, allowing him to dangle at arm's reach. He doesn't want to break his
neck, after all. No, for being such a pain for as long as he was, it wouldn't do
to kill him outright. Instead, his fingers squeeze around the throat in its
grasp, and in the process, that creepy glow pours of from the wrist up. The
effect isn't pleasant in the least; he would have known had he not dodged his
attack. Corrosive, invasive, cold as night, the effect so close to his head is
akin to a multitude of pins pricking his mind, while the actual flesh is
submitted to a burning sensation. Oh, and the squeezing. The 'Lord' is kind
enough to turn around, however, just to make sure that he's in Chun-Li's view.
Hell, he even walks closer, in case she's having a similar problem seeing.
A choking sound announces the uncomfortable nature of the situation as Ryo is
lifted skyward, rather easily, still dazed and barely holding to consciousness,
unluckily for him. A fist bats uselessly against the gauntletted arm that
suspends him, but the Tiger lacks the strength to do the slightest bit of good
in dislodging that grip. He struggles, with what he's got left, but again, it's
nothing compared to the Shadaloo leader's ironclad grip. The fight for air soon
becomes the least of his worries, however, as those positively agonizing waves
wash over him. His struggles become squirms, just as futile, and his choked
gurgle now mutes, slightly, the sound of screams. It's not a pain like any he's
felt before, searing and violating and overwhelming in its multiple angles of
evil power. Blood spurts from the young Sakazaki's mouth, and his nose, as a
violent spasm wracks him, the choked cries continuing for only a few moments,
though it feels like an absolute eternity before unconsciousness returns,
washing over him with the welcome respite of darkest void.
And Chun-Li can only watch, not even the energy left in her body for reaction.
Not of any noticeable kind. Deep down though, the fires only now beginning to
die out are hastily being refired, hatred overwhelming helplessness and sending
its flame to her eyes - the dulled brown glinting with just a hint of the spirit
thought broken. One would expect a sob, a scream or an unintelligible murmur in
place of such. But instead she stares, one hand's fingers curling a little in
the grainy sand to one side of her broken form, the other motionless as the rest
of her body. She's breathing, but this is all. Somehow this all feels like a
dream, another nightmare of Vega's power.. after they fought off the more
powerful Sagat and his leader, to fall like this - without even the dictator's
full attentions, thrown into Bison as they were - just comes across as unreal.
But the part of her that knows the truth is stoking that fire, keeping the more
pleasant of her dreams alive through what might otherwise destroy her... hate is
a force like any other. A powerful one indeed.
Good. She can hate all the wants, all the better. It makes people..susceptible.
A prime example would be Sagat; why else would such a previously noble,
honorable man side with someone like Vega? The hatred and anger in his heart,
the lust for revenge makes him malleable. Such is the effect that empowers
someone like the Shadaloo leader. What do you think fuels him?
The damage done, he finally releases his grip on Ryo, letting the man fall in a
crumpled heap to the ground. ..Actually, scratch that. He reaches down with the
other hand, lifting him by the gi, and proceeds to wipe the blood that had been
smattered across his bracer off with the man's own clothing. The job done, he
drops the man back to the ground, nudging him over with the edge of his boot. A
short glance is spared to Chun-Li, those blank, merciless eyes looking directly
at hers. The anger she feels is vaguely felt by him, just gleaning a mere taste
of the fury she must feel. That causes him to grin mirthfully down at her,
uttering a low, deep chuckle as he walks on, back toward his helicopter. By now,
the small crew has already rushed out to drag the boxer into the cargo bay,
but..well, he's a big guy. They've barely finished by the time their leader gets
there.
Yes, hate leads one down a sinister path... if care isn't taken, the young woman
herself could end up dead or worse - so eaten by her anger that she stops caring
for anything else. And on watching these final moments between predator and
prey, such a threat hangs over her with all the grim power of the Reaper
himself. From somewhere, she finds the strength to grit her teeth, sending a
snarl towards Vega, her moving hand clenching to a hard fist now, fingernails
digging into Chun-Li's palm and drawing warm blood. Now it's her turn... now she
must face the same fate...
...or not. Once more, that hateful man laughs his bastard laugh and turns to
walk away, leaving her in a crumpled heap and worse - far worse than the last
time - leaving the body of a friend in his wake. A friend whose involvement she
blames entirely upon herself, because such it is. But what can she do now?
Nothing. Nothing but harness this hatred for another time, and her bloodshot,
burning eyes follow Vega's path away from the beach, and his path away from her
clutches for the third time. Then, she drifts into unconsciousness, what little
of her body still held strength to move growing slack and plunging her into a
deep, dreamless oblivion...
And just as well. For when the dreams come...
(
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