18/06/06
Characters: Terry, Takuma
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 ]
Sun, sea and sand - the recipe for a perfect relaxing day on Sound Beach. People
of all creeds flood the area, either strolling the boardwalk or laying out
towels and deckchairs close to the rolling waves. It might be thought chaotic on
any other day, but all present are inclined to allow each other space where
necessary, the atmosphere therefore chilled and comfortable. A few noisy
practices /are/ going on however, and at one end of the beach a group of youths
have a volleyball net pitched, their cries occasionally ringing out over the
golden stretch as a shot is made or missed. True to its name, the beach is also
lit by music, one of Duck King's proteges having hit the decks early in the
morning. He shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. All in all, a fantastic day
to be alive!
Terry lounges not a million miles from the ball game, head resting upon his
arms. His face is shaded by the eternal cap, his upper body entirely uncovered,
and the lower adorned with a pair of cut-off jeans. Beside him sits his duffel
bag, serving to shelter a cool beer from the sun's scorching rays, along with
his gloves and sneakers. Not much more can really be said! Life is good, the
Hungry Wolf is enjoying it, and it would take quite an interruption to threaten
that.
Indeed, the beach -is- rather chill... even when it's bright and sunny out. It's
a wonderful place, full of fire and youth, young, tight bodies and the skimpiest
of clothings. A place people go to watch and be watched, to rest and to
exercise. Other than the volleyball game, there're young studs running along the
beach, throwing frisbees to friends or to dogs, young women wearing next to
nothing, jogging down the beach... a beautiful sight.
Terry, however, will be feeling a different chill, the cooling of a few degrees'
worth of temperature as a shadow falls upon him, blocking his sun. The source of
that shadow? One Takuma Sakazaki, dressed out in his usual gi, of course, his
arms crossed and looking as stern as ever. Sun and sand don't mean anything to
him! Or maybe he's just missing the sake he needs.
Some people should be furnished with theme songs, for the good of mankind. That
particularly.. robust.. lady always blocking the aisles in your local
supermarket, hardened criminals, and Takuma. With warning given at their
approach, it would be far easier to prepare - whether that involve evasive
action, bracing for impact, or condemning oneself to an afternoon spent in
relentless training. Alternate solutions abound, and many would argue there is
no need for any such. These people are fools!
Not that the Hungry Wolf is jarred and astonished by his friend's sudden
imposition. A slight shifting of his body greets its new life in shadow, and a
soft grunt sounds from parted lips. Not quite asleep, the blonde /has/ been
resting fitfully and had no intention to move for a good hour or two. Now he's
forced to action, a hand shifting from behind his head to lift the hat over his
eyes. Peeking out from underneath, Terry cracks one eye open to fix Takuma with
a lethargic gaze, which swiftly turns to a chagrined stare as his disturber's
identity is revealed. "..mighta figured..." he grumbles, shaking his head just a
touch. Good humour is present, though, the words followed a moment later by a
lopsided grin as the Wolf waves his hand to one side. "Come to catch the sun,
Mr. Sakazaki? Plenty o' room right here - lemme getcha a beer."
Maintaining his charade otherwise straight-faced, Terry pushes himself upright,
the cap falling aside into the sand when he reaches instead for his duffel bag.
A quick rummage sounds a welcoming 'clink' as bottles knock together. Seems the
urban vagabond has his priorities dead right where luggage is concerned... he
doesn't withdraw a beer though, doubtless some twist of fate will prevent him
getting back to chillaxing. Does Takuma even drink beer?
Takuma -used- to have theme music. Usually it was the theme from Shaft, or a
James Brown tune... but his boombox died a while ago after it was accidentally
hit with a burst of chi. Huh, wonder how that happened. Takuma, in any case,
continues to loom, his shadow quite a bit longer than the man is tall... and yet
that imposing presence makes it all seem appropriate.
Of course, then there's Terry's lethargic response. Takuma should have figured
that Terry would remain cool as a cucumber, it's all part of Terry's mystique.
"I was merely on my morning jog from the other side of Southtown. However..." He
grins widely.
"I was just thinking that it had been far too long since we'd met again." Taking
the beer, Takuma crouches down, fixing Terry with that intent gaze.
"I heard about your loss to Kain. He seems to be a tricky fellow, I wouldn't
have expected such a defeat from you."
The jury reaches a unanimous decision on that one! Wise Japanese geezers can
indeed drink gaijin beverages.
Grinning broadly as the drink is snagged from his hand - and within an instant
of his actually withdrawing it - the Hungry Wolf is admittedly relieved that he
wasn't hauled straight up for a spar. It wouldn't be out of the question, but so
soon... it's certainly something the Kyokugen patriarch would do, though perhaps
more likely to his students. Master and pupil here are difficult roles to
assign, since they've each schooled each other in their own way. A debate for
the ages.
Regardless, Terry's restored mood is soon darkened when his drinking companion
continues. Pushing himself fully to a seated position, legs stretched out in
front and drink cradled to his stomach, the living legend wears the semblance of
a frown as he replies. "Tricky," the acknowledgement delivered with a nod,
"Powerful, and none too slow. About the best I've fought since Ryu... or Geese."
That last name falls with a shameless heavy note, as one might speak the name of
a demon. Takuma has suffered at the same hand, after all. No need to veil his
emotions here. Not that the Wolf loiters in troubled regret, rather the frown
fades in the next moment. Rolling his shoulders in a shrug, he breaks out a
confident smirk, looking to Takuma with that familiar resolution. "We'll meet
again someday. I won't let this one pass without a rematch."
Naturally, Takuma drinks beer. He'd drink anything if he were dared... Fear
Factor? Japanese game shows? HAH! The bottle is taken by the neck, between two
strong fingers, and Takuma pfaughs, before draining the bottle in one single,
long draught.
"Ah, refreshing..." He plants the empty in the sand, one-handed, and nods at
Terry's description of Kain.
"That's one young fellow I wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley! I'll have to
test him sometime. I don't think his strength was a fluke. But you--"
Takuma turns his gaze to Terry again.
"It seems you still need training, Bogard! Training is the only way you'll
achieve the power you need to defeat Heinlein!"
C'mon, you knew it was coming, didn't you? Takuma pushes up to his feet, then
bounces on them a little, shaking out his legs, clearly already heading off to a
more clear area of the beach.
The first comment pertainting to Kain drags a chuckle from the Wolf, his gaze
then flickering downward as he shakes his head and lifts his half-filled bottle
for a swig. But it's received in a manner beyond levity - it does him good to
hear another refer to the regal european as a dangerous individual, whatever the
context. There's something about the man, a mannerism similar to that adopted by
the hated Howard for his public appearances, and it sets off unquantifiable
alarm bells. Puzzling. Not that there's space to comment on this or even
reflect, as a heartbeat later he's suddenly confronted with Mr. Karate!
"Woah, hey-" he begins to protest, lifting a hand with palm held defensively
outward. Grinning sheepishly, he leans back from Takuma and finishes his beer
with one last refreshing swallow. He's doomed, and he knows it; there's no way
he can get away from this. Best to just roll with it. Why didn't he pick a more
secluded spot on the beach? Too late to reverse any casually made decision,
Terry follows after his friend and now personal trainer, pausing only to grab
his gloves, then scoop his cap up off the floor and onto his head. A simple,
smoothly executed manuever that seems to bring a change over the scantily clad
hero. His pace quickening to catch up with the enthusiastic master, he's
noticeably less tardy and more excited. Hey - he's been sitting on his ass long
enough.
"Y'know, old man, it's no wonder you get stuck with the same old pupils. You
drive your students too hard!" Chuckling again as he comes to a stop a few feet
from the elder Sakazaki, he moves to pull on his father's mementos, leather
pulled tight around his hardened knuckles. "Ready when you are!" He announces
when he's done, springing twice off his unclad heels to test his limberness, and
the feel of the beach underfoot. Been a while since he threw down on the sand.
COMBATSYS: Terry has started a fight here.
"HMPH! If my students, even my children, cannot hold to the training I set then
they are not worthy to -be- Kyokugenryuu karateka! Kyokugenryuu thrives upon
adversity!" And that, as they say, is that. Takuma wiggles his toes, glad the
beach is warm and sunny but that the sand isn't blazingly hot... not that he
would, necessarily, -feel- it through his callused feet. Seeing Terry get ready,
Takuma takes a moment to find his center, his eyes closed, a brief moment of
meditation made...
And then he pounds his chest with his fists and shouts, "Alright Terry! Let's
have some fun!" And then he's running through the sand, kicking up sprays of
fine grit, leaving a larger imprint as he leaps high then aims to come down on
Terry's shoulder with a dropping heel kick... not exactly standard karate, but
Takuma's expanded his repertoire some in his decades of fighting. He's had to.
COMBATSYS: Takuma has joined the fight here.
COMBATSYS: Takuma successfully hits Terry with Strong Kick.
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Takuma 0/-------/-------|===----\-------\0 Terry
Karma strikes again! For dissing the sacred order of Kyokugen-ryu, Terry Bogard
meets his match in that rather gargantuan leading strike. His guard is barely
raised when Takuma runs in, fists curled loosely near his body and legs set as
firmly as they can be against the warm ground. "Bring it on," he murmurs a
moment before impact, glancing upward to see the mighty elder silhouetted
against the sun. Perhaps that helps in giving an opening, but either way -
Terry's suddent attempt to swing aside is turned into a skid across the beach,
his body ploughed forcefully down by the strike.
"Oof..." Ending up on his back a short distance away, propped up on the forearm
used to turn his fall to at least some advantage, the Hungry Wolf might be
expected to pause a moment. That was an intense impact. But true to form and
reputation, he springs straight back up, leaving the floor in a bucking twist of
motion, kip-uping to a surprisingly solid landing and dashing directly toward
Takuma. "Not what most people'd call fun!" He calls, shaking his head even as he
begins to twist at the hip. Torque is gained then through a full three sixty
spin, sand whirling about his form as he moves with all the speed endowed from
his own experience. Then he's /ripping/ toward the bricklike warrior, right hand
lashing out tightly clenched and glowing with chi. Should impact come, this mere
ripple becomes a violent explosion enough to create a six-foot backwash and -
hopefully - send his opponent even further away. "BURNING!!"
COMBATSYS: Terry successfully hits Takuma with Burn Knuckle.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ]
Takuma 0/-------/---====|=====--\-------\0 Terry
Maybe it's because Takuma's gloating a little; he honestly expected Bogard to be
able to avoid that flying kick!
"Haha! C'mon Bogard, don't tell me you don'--OOUUUUFGGHHH!"
Well, he actually -did- see it coming... it's just... y'know. He thought he
could roll with the punch, but alas it actually catches him just above the
breadbasket and it sends him flying back... but as he flies he's reaching down,
and when he impacts, it's controlled, the momentum transferred first into a
roll, then as Takuma comes up, he's using his powerful legs to spring forward,
scything his right leg around in a sweeping roundhouse kick, following
up--without touching down--with a reverse left roundhouse kick. That's right
folks, for the audience at home, it's one of Takuma's favorite attacks, the--
"HI-EN SHIPPU KYAKU!" ... okay, so he shouts it too, big deal.
COMBATSYS: Terry blocks Takuma's Hien Shippu Kyaku.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Takuma 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Terry
Unf.
Terry proves once again that turnabout is fair play - and for these two, it
holds especially true. Both deliver their punches with all the force of a
speeding freight train, and with their skills so closely matched it is destined
to always be this way. You break my bones, I'll break yours. Friends forever!
The Wolf recovers from his trademark move with quick efficiency, landing on his
feet when impact comes and leaving his arm extended just long enough for that
energy burst to dissipate in a flow behind him. This places him in a fine
red-gold mist for a second, a dramatic view to anyone watching - and there a
few, people already milling away from the throng to view these two legendary
fighters in action. Cheers are a moot point, as both men are valued defenders of
Southtown, but the 'crowd' is certainly pumped. Much like Terry. All but
skipping away from his recovering opponent, ponytail trailing out behind him,
the elder Bogard takes a few steps in the opposite direction before turning to
meet that rapidly incoming trio of kicks. Takuma doesn't waste time.
"Ngh!" Teeth gritting hard, his forearms are brought to bear, a simple 'x'
formed at the first point of contact to all but absorb the blow. There /are/ two
others though. The second is caught on a single arm, hardened flesh meeting a
similar force of nature, leaving Terry with plenty of balance for the backward
roll he executes next, the third kick barely scraping past his head as he leans
away and drops onto his back. Curling around, he springs into a flip that brings
him straight back into action. Neither man wants to hang around all day, right?
There's sunning to be done! "POWER.."
"WAVE!" There's no need to not follow the landing's logical conclusion. The
Hungry Wolf hunkers down into a crouch, his left arm whirring overhead and then
coming down hard upon the sand, condensing a small area into a toughened state.
Which is fortunate. A scything wave of energy rattles away from his quivering
knuckles, tossing unimpacted sand left and right as it makes its dangerously
speedy approach to Sakazaki.
COMBATSYS: Takuma blocks Terry's Power Wave.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Takuma 0/-------/--=====|=======\-------\1 Terry
Takuma hears the crowds, the oohs and aahs... and briefly thinks about how, once
upon a time, he -lived- for that sound. Now of course, he knows better; the
fight is art, the fight is journey, and the fight is neverending. There are only
breaks, here and there, for the living of other-life. But this is where true
understanding lies. On the thin edge between victory and defeat.
Takuma crouches down, aiming a shoulder and one arm into that hissing wave of
energy; the impact forces him back a few steps, almost into a stumble, but it
doesn't seem to otherwise affect him too much; he rises, steam hissing off his
shoulder, and his feet shift into a lower stance, his arms up, tensed, arms
crossed in front of him as power rises, visibly and invisibly, a licking circle
of golden energy spiraling up around his feet.
"Huaaaaaaaah..."
COMBATSYS: Takuma gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Takuma 1/------=/=======|=======\-------\1 Terry
"Playin' the waiting game, huh?"
Smirk playing on his lips, Terry pulls his fist from the sand, unclenching it
and shaking out his hand as he drifts to his feet. He seems to be in no rush,
and half-turns to glance toward the spectators. Takuma is given all the time he
needs, but that time /will/ be taken full advantage of, the Hungry Wolf whipping
off his cap in a snapping motion and hurling it out toward the crowd. It lands,
by accident or design, almost directly on the head of an energetic youngster -
his fistpumping and shouting cut off in the moment. Not stopping to observe his
reaction, the Wolf runs a hand back across his head, smoothing down loose
strands and tugging his ponytail to a comfortable position against bare flesh.
"Two can play at that." Grinning much like his namesake beast, Bogard slaps a
left fist into a right palm, eyes lidding as he then channels his own power.
Golden chi whiplashes into heated life around his feet, kicking up a miniature
hurricane about his legs.
COMBATSYS: Terry gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Takuma 1/------=/=======|=======\====---\1 Terry
Ah, now he has the energy he needs... Takuma smirks as Terry imitates his
tactics... not a bad idea, really, although somewhat curious for all that. He
would have expected Terry to rush in... but, no, he corrects himself. Terry is
too smart, too wily a combatant for that. Still, if time be given, time be
taken.
"Well, Bogard," grunts Takuma, good-naturedly, "Let's just say that I'm not as
youthful as I have been in the past. You young whippersnappers wouldn't
understand." Takuma grins wickedly; Terry, of all people, should know that
Takuma, despite being over the hill, is in no way past his prime. And yet he
doesn't attack... his eyes sharpen and he watches Terry, trying to divine that
next move. The Hungry Wolf, after all, is not to be underestimated.
COMBATSYS: Takuma focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Takuma 1/------=/=======|=======\====---\1 Terry
Past his prime? Not remotely. If Terry lives to be as powerful as Takuma in two
decades, he'll be satisfied in his existence - simply surviving that long with
limbs and sanity intact is a feat in itself for a dedicated warrior. So many
dangers and obstacles to overcome... but the Wolf /is/ sure he can get to that
same point, and takes the patriarch before him as a fine example to follow.
Moreso than certain others, like Saishu Kusanagi and the ever-mysterious Gen.
They have each become somehow tainted in their ways, one with a hint of
destructive madness and the other with world-weary antisocial tendencies. Never
mind the tendency to put on a tengu mask and yell at students... we can live in
ignorance of that one minor detail. Terry's not seen evidence of that as
anything but a training tool, anyway!
"Right, is that so?" Terry replies to this respected friend and elder with a
teasing edge to his tone, grin remaining on his lips and actually broadening yet
further. He starts to move forward, but slowly, fiery motes still dancing about
his lower body as he travels in a slow, purposeful stride. His right hand lowers
to his side, curling to a fist while the left remains raised and extended for
defensive purposes. He's prepared. "Sure you've had enough time to get the ol'
bones workin' again, or did ya need me to fetch a deckchair?"
We'll overlook the mask, if you overlook the fact the Hungry Wolf is now
positively overflowing with energy, his aura vibrant enough now to clamour on
even less developed senses. Not to be underestimated, indeed.
COMBATSYS: Terry gathers his will.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////////// ]
Takuma 1/------=/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Terry
A slight chuckle; Takuma does not mind the jab at his 'age', seeing as he just
did one himself... and yes, he most certainly sees that Terry is positively
overflowing with energy. The fact does not escape his eyes. However... he is
about as prepared as he can get, and so, he charges forward, as is his wont.
Takuma, you see, knows when he is prepared... and he can only hope that his
opponent will be less so. But Terry is indeed formidable.
"Ha! Perhaps we'll need -two- deckchairs, later, kid!" he shouts, his voice
laced with the joy of battle; as he nears, he begins firing off a rapid-fire
series of straight punches, alternating left and right, his fists blurring out
in a rapid non-pattern; fourteen punches he fires off, each laced with Takuma's
golden chi, and then he steps into Terry's body to fire off the last punch, a
right uppercut that, if all goes well, should hit Terry right on the chin.
COMBATSYS: Terry blocks Takuma's Zanretsu Ken.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Takuma 1/------=/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Terry
Buckle up. It's PARRYIN' time!
Keeping his pace even and steady for the approach, Terry is well able to see the
lead-in by his opponent. Not responding to the continued jiving save for a small
quirk of his lips, the Hungry Wolf is all business once more. Without his cap,
it's an odd sight to see him in any state save asleep or dead - but it was a
sacrifice made in some symbolic sort, an announcement that his energy, his skill
is all his own. Not connected to trappings. He needs to be all he can be if he
plans to ever defeat the devastating Heinlein... and here, he's one step to
proving that he has attained that level. "Huh!" Drawing back in a quick pace as
Takuma rushes in, the blonde is as prepared as he judged. His left hand moves to
intercept the first machine-gun round, forearm and palm used alternately to turn
away the first few strikes.
"...there!" When the volley open up in full, the elder Bogard has already seen
the opening that will come. Again forming a cross with his arms, he takes the
penultimate strikes with formidable endurance, before throwing his guard wide
open and stepping /toward/ the Kyokugen master. That uppercut misses his face by
an inch, a slight weave enough to avoid it, and Terry is left in prime position
to lash out a hand, attempting to gain a twisted grip upon Sakazaki's gi. Should
the grasp fall soundly, he'll pull the man in forcefully, and snap the other arm
up in a brutal uppercut to the jaw - before tossing the older warrior down onto
the beach.
COMBATSYS: Takuma fails to counter Grasping Upper from Terry with Mouko Burai
Gan.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Takuma 1/--=====/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Terry
Takuma knows his Zanretsu Ken didn't have the impact he desired, and so he set
himself to respond to Terry's next move--his aim, to push aside the grasping arm
and retaliate with a punch to Terry's chest.
Instead, he gets uppercut and thrown down, and he has to spit sand out of his
mouth. He rolls backwards, kipping back up to his feet, his eyes narrowing. Less
playfulness, this time around...
Takuma will be given little time to prepare himself. Even as he moves to a fresh
stance, the Hungry Wolf is steaming in on him, having paused only to shake off
his fist and suck in a breath. "Don't hang around, now!" Grinning once more
despite his focus on the battle, Terry sprints the short distance between them
and hurls himself to a dynamic crouch, bare feet kicking up a slew of sand as he
comes to a rather abrupt and momentum-charged halt. His fist is moving again,
this time up behind him and then forcefully down, down, down...
"ROUND WAVE!!" Whoomph. Impact comes with a positively gigantic outpouring of
chi, a mighty splashing eruption seeking to engulf everything within six feet of
the Wolf's gaze in a painful red-gold mess. It's more controlled than it looks,
but how hard is that?
COMBATSYS: Takuma blocks Terry's Round Wave.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Takuma 1/-======/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Terry
Engulfed by the wave of energy, Takuma has little choice but to throw his arms
up and raise his chi to absorb as much of that shimmering blast as possible; at
the last moment he throws himself backwards, flying through a low arc, landing
in three-point stance, then pushing back up to his feet.
"Very good, Terry. Did you lack this fire fighting Kain?" It isn't meant--or
said--as a taunt, merely a question. Takuma thinks that Terry's potential is of
a magnitude greater than his, and so he, as a teacher, feels compelled to find a
way to help Terry reach that potential... even if it is only a potential found
in philosophy, rather than true power. At a medium distance, Takuma does take an
actual breather, at this moment, as he is breathing hard now.
COMBATSYS: Takuma gains composure.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Takuma 1/--=====/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Terry
Terry rises to his feet without the same frantic urge in his movements, fist
coming away clean from the sand as that gout of energy dissipates away. Lifting
his forearm, he draws it back across his forehead, wiping away a sweaty sheen.
Takuma's words are heeded as the Wolf takes a breather himself - or seems to,
chest rising and falling smoothly as he nods at the question. "To an extent. I
held back too much when I felt what he could do... but beyond that?" His
shoulders lift in a shrug, and Terry takes a step back, fists curling at his
side and stance lowering once he stops moving. "Kain's a man to be wary of."
More flame begins to dance, both in the Wolf's eyes and beneath his feet, a
healthy glow enveloping him unlike the hasty billowing fire that existed
earlier. This is more refined channelling, controlled and careful. "Next time, I
won't be so careful. His power lies in completely overpowering an opponent
before they can conceive a tactic... y'know the type." There's a grim edge to
the last, and the man's nod carries similar weight. "With you, an' with everyone
else I've been facing lately, I try to remember who I was years ago. When I
knocked Howard from his precious monument." A grin replaces the solemn
expression, small but very distinctly there, and a light twinkles in the
vagabond's gaze. "I've been letting myself get old."
COMBATSYS: Terry focuses on his next action.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////// ]
Takuma 1/--=====/=======|=======\==-----\1 Terry
"I don't doubt that, Terry." Once again, the train engine that is Takuma
Sakazaki begins chugging across the plain of sand, at once distant and very very
close; it's all a matter of the perception of time.
"But don't let your wariness stop you from doing what must be done!" With that
proclamation, he's suddenly... leaping?
No, he's coming to a stop, digging his heels in and... flicking a seashell at
Terry's stomach, a round, flat one roughly the size of a saucer for tea.
"And be prepared for anything!" he adds. The old bit, he'll let that go... for
now.
COMBATSYS: Terry fails to interrupt Thrown Object from Takuma with Overshoot
Geyser EX.
- Power hit! -
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////// ]
Takuma 1/--=====/=======|====---\-------\0 Terry
Prepared for anything? Almost.
Anything except /seashells/.
Terry would be the first to admit he did not expect this odd choice in tactics,
but he holds true to his word. Find the young, plucky instinct to grind his
confidence into the opponent's face - not an arrogant thing, but merely the
drive and enthusiasm from whence he earned his moniker. A name as well known as
that he was born with. The Wolf stirs, not to be set aside by Takuma's sudden
shift in momentum, disregarding the hurtling object to drive forward with a
lunging shoulder-strike, a long-distance tackle that would be designed purely
for a setup. "OVERSHOO-"
He hits the ground a moment later, bucked into a forced recovery roll by the
surprising strength behind the foreign object, his body rolling fully about
twice before he springs back to his feet. A smirk that is part amusement, part
chagrin, plays on his lips, but he readies himself regardless - wordless and
intent upon only Sakazaki. Bring it on.
Takuma's eyes flash with amusement and he continues his charge across the sand;
the picking up and throwing only delayed him a little bit, and so he continues
forward, this time lunging as if seeking to tackle Terry in much the same way...
except that he simply seeks to perform a ramming shoulder. Rather American
Football in its execution, really, but no one said the art of fighting had to be
a -pretty- one. He feels some measure of sympathy for Terry's failed
technique--Takuma knows that the Overshoot Geyser is a painful piece of
work--but maybe it'll serve as a lesson in and of itself.
Or maybe he just feels slightly guilty over the momentary triumph he felt. Naw,
couldn't be that.
"Come now, Terry! Fight me to the last! Only then can we enjoy the spoils of
battle!" By which he means good food and good drink, hot women and hot sake.
It's the only way to celebrate a win... or mourn a loss.
COMBATSYS: Terry blocks Takuma's Medium Throw.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Takuma 1/--=====/=======|=====--\-------\0 Terry
Tackling can be a surprisingly valid tactic - there's a lot to be learned from
any style, even from physical motions applied in sports. Terry is not shy to
employ whatever methods he has picked up over the years, neither is Takuma, and
that marks a notable point in their development as warriors. Sticking ridig and
strict to an ancient style is all fine and good, but sooner or later you will
reach a very definite limit... train in the opposing philosophy, and
theoretically there needs to be no ceiling. The sky's the limit.
Valid tactic or no, it does not do a great deal here. The Hungry Wolf is barged
into successfully enough, but he rolls with the blow and darts around the
Kyokugen master, bouncing once off his heels before he keeps moving. Energetic
and speedy, he barely lets Takuma finish his delivery before he's storming in at
his left flank, spinning upon a single point of balance to thrust out a basic
karate kick. "HA! Sounds good, old man!"
COMBATSYS: Takuma blocks Terry's Medium Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ]
Takuma 1/-======/=======|======-\-------\0 Terry
Yeah! That's the spirit! Takuma whirls, throwing his forearms out instinctively,
meeting the impact of bare foot with the limbs rather than his flank. A simple
thrust-block and Takuma's dropping down, seeking to scythe one foot through
Terry's leg while he's hopefully off-balance, to take the young man onto the
sand.
"That's a good kick there, Terry!" he cries, grinning wickedly, "but a little
slow!" Yeah, yeah, he's gettin' back into the taunting. What can he say? He's
having fun and this is how it shows.
COMBATSYS: Takuma successfully hits Terry with Medium Kick.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Takuma 1/=======/=======|=======\-------\1 Terry
Oof. A little slow is about right - Terry's kick is blocked, but far worse is
his attempt to use the retort to his own advantage. Taken clean onto his back by
the sweep, this seems an inevitability. Takuma was wily and quick there, too
much for any evasive action to have been taken. The Wolf's intent is to use his
descent to spin straight back up into an assault of his own, but this clearly
fails, and the breath is knocked from him by the impact. "...alright," murmuring
solely for his own benefit, he swings up to his feet a moment later and wastes
no time.
It isn't precisely what he'd hoped, but this couldn't be avoided. "We'll see
who's slow!" Grinning wildly to dispel any mild embarassment, the elder Bogard
dashes forward in a lightning fast two-step, then reaches out to take his
opponent and erstwhile instructor in the throat. Using his entire body for
leverage, he flings himself forward into a short leap, extending his arm to take
the man down hard and fast. "C'mon!"
COMBATSYS: Takuma endures Terry's Quick Throw!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////// ]
Takuma 2/<<<<<< / ]
Takuma 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\1 Terry
The first strike hits Terry's jaw, a classic left cross. Which is followed up
immediately with another strike, this one a right body blow. And then a left
uppercut. Right hook. Somewhere after that, a high, quick snap kick to the jaw.
More hits. And more. And then the finale, Takuma pulling his hands to his
stomach then throwing them outwards, issuing a wave of chi to blast Terry back
across the sand.
Hit or be hit; kill or be killed. That's the base of the warrior's life. Terry
understands this, Takuma knows.
Who is slow? In this case, it certainly isn't the wily elder statesman of
karate. Though momentarily emboldened by his successful takedown of Takuma,
Terry can feel something minutely wrong even as he continues his leap into a
deft recovery roll. Tucking in his clotheslining arm, he hits the sand in a
rising puff of dust, mostly-bare body lost momentarily in the blur - but there
is no hiding his location to Kyokugen's finest, and on the very second he rises
and turns to face his opponent the Wolf is already dealing with an onslaught. He
should never have expected less. Lips pulling taut as he concentrates in that
brief instant, the Hungry Wolf lifts his arms before him in a simple 'x' block.
It's designed to catch that first incoming blow, and would be followed by a
rapid deflection, his forearms unfolding in a slashing motion lit by glowing
chi...
It would have created the perfect opening to leap away, but the subsequent
follow-up comes entirely too fast. Each punch hammers into the living legend,
driving him back and forcing the air from his lungs, the focus from his eyes.
Staggering and dazed for the final blitzing explosion of energy, Terry has no
strength to counter it - but he does have the resolve to offer one final retort.
As he is blasted away, as his feet leave the ground and his body arches
backward, that deep driving force within dictates the singular motion of one
wild fist, tight-clenched fingers rearing in attempt to deliver a sharp set of
knuckles to Takuma's jaw. It's a long shot. A far cry. Desperate? No. A display
of the fire they both know is there...
The very fire he'll have to harness if he can ever hope to defeat this latest
demon.
COMBATSYS: Takuma counters Overshoot Geyser from Terry with Mouko Burai Gan.
[ \\\\\\\\\ <
Takuma 1/------=/=======|
What's that phrase? 'Not this time, evildoer!' Not that Terry's an evildoer or
anything... not at all. But man. Who gives a hit for free, even if they know
their opponent's down already? Who?
Not Takuma, that's who. He'd actually started turning away, thinking Terry was
finished. But something--call it instinct, training, wiliness...
Takuma swivels back around, Terry's wild punch meeting a solid Kyokugen forearm,
sliding his rear foot back to absorb even more of that force. The impact echoes
like a shot, residual kinetic energies ruffling the older man's gi and hair...
and he chooses, in that moment, to simply leave it there. His other hand shoots
out, grabbing Terry by the shirt... and letting him down to the ground.
"A good fight, Bogard. A good fight," he grunts, rubbing the blocking forearm
surreptitiously. Terry's knuckles were indeed sharp, even if he didn't get the
contact he wanted.
A faint smirk - amused and self-aware - appears on Terry's lips the very instant
his stray fist is deftly caught. Strike or no, he knows he would have fallen
within seconds. It's failure compels him to relax, release that coiled tension
to accept whatever might be forthcoming from the older man. A final demolishing
punch, or whatever words he might see fit to offer. His fallen opponent is
prepared for either or both, a relieved resignation coming over him now that the
frail last moment comes to an end. "Ha..." Meeting neither, he can't stifle a
short laugh, gripped by the thickly-muscled warrior and spared the ignoble fall
to the sands he would have had without interference.
Throwing out a hand to brace himself against the warm ground once he's released,
the Wolf sucks in a deep breath before casting his gaze up toward his friend.
"Looks like you take the advantage," he admits without sheepishness, faint quirk
of the lips pulled into a more stated grin. "I'll get ya next time." After
holding his stare for a few moments, he nods wearily and lowers his eyes, their
bright blue undulled by the match - perhaps they even shine /more/ brightly. A
defeat to any other man sits as a lesson for Terry. A reminder that he can never
be perfect, that there will always be areas in which to improve. No particular
conclusion is drawn from today as of yet, though. That can all be mulled over in
time. In meditation. For now, there are other concerns.
"Y'know," Voice coming at a sedate pace, the Southtown hero closes his eyes as
he speaks, drawing in the cool sea breeze and allowing his heartrate to wind
down, muscles to relax, "I seem to remember something about a party at your
place. After a hot day like this, an' a victory like that, it'd be poor form to
back out on that now, don't you think?"
The reply comes as a laugh and a nod, both things which come easily to the
Kyokugen master--he's pretty damn laid-back when he's not fighting or
teaching... or dealing with his no-good children.
"I think I recall something like that, come to think of it. Let's go by the
boardwalk, we'll get some fresh shrimp and crab for the hibachi... and some
beer." It's a good plan, really.
"Maybe my idiot son will show up, too," he continues, though it's really said
with a measure of fondness.
"So, tell me, Bogard... what'll you do once you've crushed your enemies? Finally
shack up with that Mary? She's quite a woman."
Food. Just thinking about it sends a brief quiver through Terry's stomach.
Anyone that knows him well has encountered his appetite at some point, and while
he may be no Li Xiangfei or Sie Kensou he can still put away the grub up there
with the best. Could be his undoing one day! Though he'll need to cut back on
the exercise first, and the frequent tenderisings by brawny powerhouses. Fat
chance. Regardless, the proposed plan draws approval from the kneeling blonde,
his left hand lifted with a raised thumb his answer, followed shortly by a dry
chuckle when the Kyokugen heir is given his due.
Still trapped in his moment of recovery, the Hungry Wolf has barely had time to
lower his hand and pull his thoughts back into focus when Takuma breaks out the
personal question. At first it's passed off as a jovial thing, entered with the
good humour expected and nicely free from complication - but then he has to
bring in the bella donna. Terry's eyes snap open, a grin appearing that may just
be a little dopey. A little embarassed. Thankfully there's no blush nor other
sign, just a faint hint that the targeted soft spot might be exactly that.
"Never did beat around the bush, huh?" A shake of his head, and he decides it's
time to stand, pushing himself upright on the planted right palm and rising to
his full height with a sigh which might be inspired purely through effort, if it
didn't flow almost directly into speech. "Yeah, she's special. Maybe too
special. Didn't think I'd ever worry about anyone like that, not since my little
bro..."
'Like what?' is left unanswered, as Terry gives a loose shrug, meeting Takuma's
eye without further hesitation. Any wistfulness seems at least to be logically
grounded, that smitten depth in his gaze not dominating as it might be in less
together men. "But who am I kidding? She can look after herself. Could probably
look after /me/," he chuckles, reaching up rub the back of his neck as he
conveys a hen-pecked smile, "God knows she's already put her foot down on one
count. Not sure my pride can take too much of that..."
A final comment that is as much in good humour as the Kyokugen patriarch's
opinion of of his son, though clearly a way around dealing with exactly what the
feeling here is. It's a big step to even contemplate going from lone wolf to
mate, and there are clearly unspoken complications.
Never say that Takuma doesn't know where to hit. It's not always to hurt, like
some might think--it's an invaluable tool for a teacher, knowing where, when,
and how to push someone's buttons. Takuma just grins, glancing to the side, at
his erstwhile sparring partner, companion, and friend.
"Son," he begins, pausing for a little sigh...
"Son, there are things you beat around the bush about. There're things that need
patience and time. And there're things that need doing, right now. I know, I
know," he's already raising a hand to forestall any protests.
"You've got things to do, dangerous things. There's Geese, and Kain, and that
crazy bastard Yamazaki, and who knows what else is out there. Well, kid,"
Takuma hocks a loogie and spits into a trashcan as he passes by it,
"Trust this old man when I tell you that those reasons are why you shouldn't be
pushing her away." The tone of his voice speaks clearly--and yet he knows that
Terry may reject the advice. And who knows? Perhaps he's right. Takuma has
always been one to seize the moment, regardless. His wife understood that. But
she wasn't a fighter... and Takuma's enmity with Geese was never as deep.
As they pass by the spot Terry previously occupied, the blonde ducks down
quickly to grab his waiting bag. The cap is momentarily forgotten, quite a feat
in itself and certainly indicative of just how deeply distracting this subject
matter is. Slinging the duffel over his shoulder, he barely catches the look
from Takuma before the man begins his lecture - and protest is forthcoming from
the start, that sigh catching a twinge of lingering doubt and forcing the Wolf
to first stammer, and then laugh, his voice fading to silence as he allows the
wiser man to speak. Age may not always be wisdom Experience is a rarer and more
valuable commodity.
Dangerous things. That draws a shake of the head, Terry's gaze gliding sidelong
to briefly drink in the nearby beachgoers. A mixed group of schoolkids passes,
laughing and joking among themselves, their passing serving as reminder of
exactly why there are these tasks before him. From the single girl reclining in
the sun to the old couple holding hands in their deckchairs, then back to the
exuberant teens batting a ball about on the volleyball pitch... they're all
important, and all reasons the Hungry Wolf will continue to defend Southtown as
best he can. From Geese, from Vega, and anybody else whose influence threatens
simple happiness. A spell is cast broken - fortunately - by Takuma's crudely
spent pause.
Odd how that works out.
"Right," Terry affirms his understanding quietly, giving a nod when the older
fighter stops talking. Reasons. There is one crucial reason which his friend
misses, because he does not know, and for a fleeting moment the features of
another fearful man impose themselves upon his thoughts. Rugal Bernstein; the
man whose employee left Mary bloody and broken on her own floor. A man whose
further acquaintance the blonde has been told not to make, in no uncertain
times. It brings a frown, as his gaze returns to Takuma. "It's.. complicated," a
weak protest, for sure, accompanied with another, less certain shrug. "Mary's
into some pretty deep stuff herself, she--" Abruptly he silences, looking
straight to the fore and then shaking his head, just once. "You're probably
right. Be the first to admit I've been tryin' not to think about it."
Experience and age are things Takuma most definitely has in spades. And he
expects Terry will realize that. So he shakes his head and sighs ruefully.
"You're strong. You'll do what you will and nothing will stop you. I just thank
God you're on the right side. Can you imagine if you tried for world conquest?
I'll tell you the truth... when we face off, if you have that fire in you, I
wouldn't want to be me."
Takuma cuffs Terry lightly on the shoulder. "Alright, enough with the maudlin
talk. Here. You go get the beer, I'll get the food. Meet at the dojo in thirty
minutes and bring a change of clothes, you're not leaving tonight because you're
going to be -smashed-. Sound good?" Takuma turns, to head towards the seaside
markets, knowing Terry, a man of his word, will do his part as well.
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