The sun begins to rise above Southtown, heralding a start of the new days - the rays of light that shine down upon Kim Kaphwan's slightly run-down Southtown dojo offer a small respite from the cold autumn chill that permeates the air. The Korean man has been awake a few hours, preparing breakfast for himself and his two guests - Ryu and Alex - for whenever they decide to crawl their lazy asses out of bed. After eating his sparse meal of heavily spiced rice and fish, the TKD disciple truly begins his day, walking out into the fairly large, and relatively well-equipped, training room and immediately going to work honing his skills - running across the length of the room before jumping high and backflipping into the air, his feet lashing out in what would be a painful attack were anyone standing in the way. He strikes the ground and immediately follows up with a spinning roundhouse, before ducking his body low to the ground and spinning in a leg-sweep. He seems to be full of energy on this bright morning, and his face betrays the joy he takes in the morning's first workout. Ryu is up a bit before Kim. He slept in one of the bedrooms, but not in one of the bunks, preferring to curl up in the corner and enjoy a blissful sleep on the seemingly uncomfortable hard floor of the dojo. He seems plenty rested when he emerges early the next morning, though, stirred by the smells of cooking and the sounds of training as Kim goes from one thing to the other. The Ansatsuken disciple emerges partway into the latter pursuit, spending a chunk of time upon waking simply meditating where he slept, before heading for the kitchen with a nod of good morning for his Korean host. Ryu's own rice is added to spices and Kim's fish, this morning, to concoct something rather similar to the Tae Kwon Do expert's own earlier creation. Fuel for the fighting soul. Ryu doesn't seem bogged down by morning groggyness, but neither does he seem particularly outgoing upon waking up. Christ. Whats with those two jokers. Alex lays on the hard mat in one of Kim's sleeping rooms. He shifts uncomfortably on his stomach, a pillow wedged over his head tightly under both of his palms, a futile attempt to shut out the noise being caused by the pair of awake martial artists. "I'm in hell..." The brawler glances at a small digital clock on the floor beside the mat and sighs. It's no use fighting it. After a great deal of yawning and cursing Alex is on his feet. He's exhausted, nearly the entire night spent weight training and stretching. He flexes a bit and rubs a sore spot on his arm. Chuckling to himself he starts to make his way towards the kitchen while half muttering, "Heh, you better watch out for these guns next time Lou..." Alex comes across the low table set with the sparse meal Kim has set out for him with love and tenderness. The broad american takes a seat on the floor, his thick legs bumping up against the side of the table in an awkward manner. Alex takes one look at the the skinny fish, small bowl of rice, and serving of vegetable laden soup and lets out a huge sigh. Kim leaps into the air, one foot shooting to kick at a wooden beam, he propels himself off the object, performing a spinning kick strangely akin to Ryu's hurricane kick before he lands into the air. Trying to adapt some techniques from his sparring partners? Perhaps, especially considering what an effective one it is. He notices Alex before his feet strike the dojo floor, and he grins at the man, showing no signs of fatigue as he jogs a short ways towards him. "Morning, Alex! There's breakfast in th-.." he doesn't need to finish the sentence, as his massive guest is already entering the kitchen. He nods slightly at Ryu, "Morning. I've got some work to do in the city, I'll try and track down Terry. He'll be able to help us." With that, he begins to head for the door of the dojo - his morning warm-up out of the way, he's ready to go about his day's work. Of course, adapting the Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku is a bit harder than just watching it performed. A fact Sakura would be all too quick to confirm. Which isn't to say Kim's style and improvisation aren't impressive in their own right, and a moment's observation is spared for the Korean's show on Ryu's way to make breakfast. He's certainly a man who can admire a well-performed fighting technique. Unlike Alex, the Ansatsuken wanderer doesn't seem to have a bit of problem with the simple fare available in the kitchen, and he cooks and subsequently chows down without complaint. Indeed, he seems to rather enjoy the meal, however unexceptional it may be. Enjoy every meal like your last? Maybe. Or maybe, he just lives in the moment, and doesn't worry about things that really don't matter. It's plenty to keep him satiated, same as the floor he slept on and the spartan training room. Ryu looks to Alex at the crack, and responds simply, "I had to watch out for them last time." The simple truth, and a sample of his respect for the brawler's raw talent. Though in function it's just as effective as a retort. Wow, muscles. Alex will need more than that. Convenient! The dojo's owner is heading out, but it's not as if Vega can know that. He hasn't gotten much new information since he departed his headquarters in Thailand, and frankly..it's a bit hard to get up to the minute data like that when you're going at supersonic speeds. Even near Southtown, supposed domain of that infamous criminal Howards, there's a small base of operations prepared to land and hide the Psycho master's favorite mode of transportation. Some people can be so easily swayed; if not with money, then with careful manipulation of one's hatred for the Hakyoukusaken fighter. Why, said agent was even nice enough to furnish a non-descript vehicle (read: shorter limo) to cart the dictator and his large, if mentally challenged underling. It won't reach the dojo until well after Kim's gone, however, at which point it will pull to a slow stop. Bison is the first one to step out of the short-limo when it slowly rolls to a stop in front of the run-down old dojo, his massive frame barely making it out of the doorway - but he manages somehow, and stands straight, moving around the car to open Vega's door, unless the Shadaloo master beats him to it. Best to show some signs of respect to the boss, especially if it means the possiblity of a bigger paycheck. His dull, brown eyes take in the sight of the dojo with no small sign of disgust, snorting loudly and spitting up a ball of phlegm onto the grass below. "What a piece of shit. I thought this Korean fucker was supposed to be some kinda hero? I guess they only pay him in yen or some other shit currency." The brawler seems a bit miffed after Ryu's comment and he takes a moment to glance at Ryu sternly. Alex had thought he was speaking quietly enough to be out of earshot, but of course that damn Ryu had to be aggravatingly attuned to what was going on. "Hey, who was talking to -you-? He's trying hard not to be jerk right now, but its way too early to be congenial. Once settled down at the table Alex stares at the meal, his head leaning to one side with his cheek cupped in the palm of one hand. Uggggghh. He swishes the soup around with a chopstick gripped roughly in one fist. "Hey, HEY KIM! Hey bub, you got any eggs or something? Sorry man, but this shit ain't gonna fly. Kim! HEY KIM?" Alex calls out a few times. "Damn, that goofy fuck must be gone already." Alex sulks in front of the meal for a few more moments and then suddenly his ears perk up a bit. The hell--that voice! Bison! Alex stands quickly, obviously agitated and alarmed. He says nothing to Ryu at the moment, but is completely tensed up, suddenly fearing the worst. Ryu seems awfully concerned with Alex's temper... No really, he does. Alright, so, actually, he sits and eats his meal for a few more moments, quite content with assuming the brawler wasn't in fact talking to him, and not seeming to mind that one bit. Just because some Westerners need a pot of coffee in them before they can be civil doesn't mean he's going to follow suit, and when Alex starts bellowing for eggs, Ryu simply states, "Kim already went out." Maybe the Korean will hit up the grocery store, and bring back more varieties of tasty cabbages and slimy fishes for Alex to munch. It's not the sense or sound of Bison that gives Ryu pause, however. Distant and muffled though it may be, it's not the sort of thing that would shake the Ansatsuken warrior in the least. Another sensation, though... One he's never felt before. A power unlike anything he's used to, and at a magnitude that's enough to steel his nerves immediately. Someone like that, here with Bison, does surprise the World Warrior, and his response is simple. He leaves his food where it is, pushes his chair back from the table with a slow screech of wood legs on wooden floor, and turns to walk towards the door. His pace is smooth and steady, disciplined calm superceding concern or shock, as he heads outside to see who's coming to visit. What.. You think Vega would open his own door? Come off it. Bison doesn't get so much as a thanks for performing the service, but the guy should know that something like that is actually to be expected of people working under him. Still, even that little thing may score a brownie point or two. The door opens, inviting the damnable sunlight to bring the vibrant colors of his uniform to life, the rays glinting off of the gold, unforgiving steel of his shinguards and bracers. The car shifted with Bison's exit, and indeed, rocks just as much as Vega rears his mass from the cavernous back seat, though he's not quite as large as the boxer. "I'm more interested in seeing what kind of trash lives in this squalor," is the simple reply from the dictator, lifting a hand to straighten his cap, ensuring that his eyes are protected from the light. As the car door is closed, the driver pulls away to a nearby lot, where he'll wait for his 'cargo' to return to him. "This information had better be correct," he murmurs darkly, pulling his deep grey cloak fully around him as he steps toward the door with the sharp tap of military boots against the unyielding pavement. Bison remains still for a moment, muscular chest heaving as he squints his eyes against the morning sun, watching the car to make sure it pulls into the proper lot - everything has to go smoothly here. No matter what happens, Ryu is coming back to Shadaloo HQ with them.. He nods at the driver, satisfied that the man is in position, and turns to follow his 'master' towards the front doors of the dojo, massive stride carrying him quickly along the cracked and battered pavement. "Heh heh.." he chuckles darkly, obviously looking forward to seeing the boss destroy the World Warrior, who humilitated Bison so thoroughly. Alex's freezeup lasts only about a second, he can thank his stint in the Army for that one. He watches as Ryu elegantly sits up and walks for the front door. "God dammit wait, man don't be going all lone ranger on my ass!" It's obvious that the Ansatsuken heir will probably have little of Alex's gruff words. The blonde fighter quickly opts for decisive action. He runs to a window of the dojang and stealthily peers from it to get a view of the situation. Getting up in time to see the limo pulling away, he grits his teeth and mutters as the big black boxer comes in to view. Right behind him a military looking man he's never seen before. Alex's spider sense was buzzing, nothing about this bode well for him or his 'companion' Ryu. That prettyboy samurai will probably be heading off to the front porch with guns blazing...Alex snorts. He may be a meathead and is certainly overconfident, but his sinister encounter with Bison is making him think twice about what to do now. The bulky brawler slithers away from the window and then makes for the back entrance to the dojang, attempting to perhaps flank around the two approaching men for a better tactical situation...you know...just in case things start getting ugly. One of the current tenants of the dilapidated dojo appears in the doorway as Vega approaches, playing distraction for Alex's flanking maneuver, though whether he's aware or not of his ally's tactical decision is uncertain. Either way, Ryu's dark eyes fall on Vega, with an almost complete disregard for Mike Bison. As the World Warrior told the big boxer the first and last time the powerful Elite came to kill him, Ryu has no desire to have anything further to do with him. Which isn't to say that Bison will be spared a thrashing if that's what it takes. No, Ryu's eyes just now are only for Vega, an intense gaze that recognizes all too well the capability of the eerie looking dictator. To find his eyes met only by pupiless chill is indeed unnerving, but it doesn't show on the young champion's face. He simply frowns, sure that this visit is the illegitimate lovechild of all that is wrong in the world. His greeting is a straightforward, calmly spoken, succinctly worded, "Why are you here?" He steps down the steps to the dojo, his stance noticably tensing as he comes down to solid ground. The 'meeting', if you can call it that, sends a sharp chill through the red-adorned dictator, indeed. Not out of fear, however! Underneath his clothing, goosebumps rise on his forearms, all of which is still hidden underneath that cloak of his. His face, stern and grim at first, gradually breaks into a wide, very toothy sneer. The air around him grows even more chilly, Vega's incredibly evil aura apparently permeating his environment; cold, oppressive, and dark. Even still..as he faces a force of similar ability, his pure white eyes narrowing slightly with more than a cursory glance at the Ansatsuken prodigy, he feels..exhilerated! Bison hasn't seen his leader with this expression for quite some time, having had no one that seemed even worth his time. Slowly, Vega's emotions are forcibly quelled, though he can't seem to lose the mocking sneer. "Ah, you have to be Ryu. There's no mistake about it." he replies, apparently ignoring the man's question. ..Well, directly, at least. Lifting his head and straightening his posture to portray his full 'regal' stature, he looks down and speaks again, his voice strong and quite commanding, "You will come with us. A fighter that can best one of my men so handily would be useful. Bison folds his thick arms over his chest as Ryu steps out from the dojo, sneering at the Japanese man - although his expression is wasted, since he is not even offered a glance by the object of his hatred. He says nothing for the moment, remaining silent in order to give his master the chance to speak, simply standing and gazing at the Ansatsuken disciple with disgust in his eyes. Vega's mention of his almost embarassing defeat against the impressively skilled man brings a small twitch to the massive man's face, but it's barely noticeable. Just a ... painful memory. That's going to be righted if Ryu doesn't come along peacefully. "You'd best listen to the boss, boy. Unless you wanna get hurt." He doesn't mention -who- will be doing the hurting, but it's fair to say that Ryu knows Vega is the only one here who is any match for him. The former military man is surprisingly stealthy for one so large. He certainly may not look it at times, but he utterly understands the need for subterfuge and guile in many situations. Coming around a rear corner of the building Alex strains his ears to hear the exchanges of words between Ryu and the two Shadaloo elite. Crouching low and with expertly trained movements Alex dashes along the side of the building to hide behind a couple of wooden barrels. This vantage point allows him to listen more closely to the conversation and to also spring out for a dashing assault if need be. "The hell..." He listens intently, puzzling over the nature of the dialogue. "Who the hell is this guy?" Just what in the hell are they recruiting for? Alex bides his time, he doesn't know enough about this new person to take any action...yet. He hasn't attacked outright, but still, any guy that can hold Bison's leash has to be tough. Go with them? Be forcibly inducted into an order he knows nothing about, but suspects only the worst of? "That's not going to happen." Ryu replies simply, steadfastly, not showing the least bit of hesitation in his defiance, despite being apparently outnumbered two to one, with one of those two being easily the most powerful and deadly presence he's felt since Akuma. And while Vega is indeed imposing, Ryu has tracked down and fought the aforementioned demon of Ansatsuken, and dangerous as he may be.... Lord Vega is no Akuma. Ryu's only other response to the order, and the double threat, is to fall into the trademark ready stance of his style. His legs shift shoulder width apart, and his fists draw back beside his body. One guards his neck, the other, his waist, and he levels his eyes on the Shadaloo dictator. He doesn't expect this to be pretty, but he's definitely not going to back down here. Nor does he waste his breath telling them to turn around and go back the way they came. He knows better. Vega is not a man who came all this way to go without his prize. Not unless the World Warrior can keep himself from them by force. Vega..denied? This whelp, this insignificant little insect, he dares to defy the will of Lord Vega? The overlord's gaze is even more stern, as if ti shoot billions of tiny psycho-powered daggers into the man's face, his lips turned down in a heavy, clear frown. For sure, he's not going to leave without something..though whether it's the fighter himself or a victory over him, either will do. After all, it's only due to Bison's failures that he's here. 'Who is the stronger fighter', he asked the boxer back then. 'Ryu, or me?' The question repeats itself in his mind, the answer ringing out clearly. Today, Vega will answer Bison's indecisiveness, show him just who is the most powerful fighter. "Very well, /boy/.." he starts, that last word dripping with malice and contempt. "If you must be taken by force, so be it." For a moment, his gaze leaves Ryu, his head only barely turning off to one side, in the general direction that Alex is hiding. You can't tell where his eyes are going, and he doesn't offer much evidence of having sensed anything. He only replies, simply, "Bison, stand guard." Turning back to Ryu, he stands firm, tilting his head down to look at him. Apparently, he feels so confident that he's allowing the man to make the first move..or at least the chance. This is the one and only time, however. COMBATSYS: Vega has started a fight here. Bison has no intention of making this fight a two-on-one, and Lord Vega certainly doesn't, either - afterall, the master of Psycho Power should be able to handle Ryu, right? Either way, the massive boxer doesn't need his master's words to know that he should just stand back and keep his eyes out - he's thinking that he's looking out for Kim, not knowing about Alex's presence at the dojo. It would be a compliment to the military man's stealth skills, but it's not particularly difficult to sneak around Bison. "Kick his ass, boss!" COMBATSYS: Ryu has joined the fight here on the right meter side. "Heh..." Alex whispers to himself. This oughta be good. He positions himself slowly to look through a thin gap between the barrels. He's not about to jump up and make himself known just yet. This guy looks pretty dangerous, but still Alex has more respect for Ryu than he lets on. Might be best just to see how he handles himself for a while. Still...he's desperately curious about the whole situation in general. What are these damn bastards doing here? And just what does that jerkoff former heavyweight champion have to do with Lou? Its almost too much to bear, but Alex waits patiently to see if his questions are answered. Ryu doesn't flinch in the face of Vega's mocking words, his confident sneer. No, for every ounce of intimidating demeanor the Shadaloo boss can muster up, the World Warrior matches it with calm intensity, the chill wind that cuts the clear morning setting his overly long headband fluttering behind him, the red ribbons of cloth dancing on the breeze as Ryu steps forward once, twice, three times to close part of the gap between himself and the pupiless man with the gargantuan aura of power. Normally, there would be polite challenges, respectful nothings exchanged. At least, that's how the Ansatsuken wanderer prefers it. There's nothing in Vega's attitude to suggest he wants, or cares about such a thing. Only the deadly intent with which he came. And Ryu is loathe to let that pass for a moment without throwing himself into the fight, "I'm glad we agree." His deep voice intones dryly, taking no real pleasure in Vega's agreement with his unspoken terms. Bison is still utterly disregarded, particularly since he's not readily joining this fight. The wind about Ryu intensifies suddenly, and ferociously, as his hands drop back to his waist, and his feet slide further apart in the grass, one of those absolutely massive and sudden rushes of chi filling the void between his splayed, curved fingers with a rushing burst of fiery energy that burns searing hot and glows like a miniature sun, taking mere instants to reach its full potential as the legendary nomad's arms sweep forward, heels of his hands coming together as the thrusting motion sweeps the wave of intense chi forward, "Hadooooouken!" Ryu shouts as the vaguely spherical blast of superheated fury careens inexorably in at the mountainous Vega. No, he will not be taken easily. COMBATSYS: Vega dodges Ryu's Shakunetsu Hadouken. [\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////////// ] Vega 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Ryu "Aaaaah.." Vega's cap lifts just a little as his browline does, his mouth opening with lips still held spread to expose his minty-fresh Colgate(tm) teeth. Bison wasn't just talking out of his ass, the natural ease and grace with which Ryu commands his chi is indeed something to behold. While he may be somewhat impressed, he's certainly not afraid. The attack is sidestepped easily enough; it's an actual step, too, no need to fall back on fancy tricks just yet. He doesn't get away completely unscathed, though! The searing energy singes a small line along his cloak, leaving a black mark to contrast slightly with the grey as it passes by to..fizzle out, start a forest fire, hit Bison..whatever. Stepping closer to his opponent, Vega creeps one of his large hands out from between the edges of his decorative covering, the metal bracer reflecting a vibrant purple light. His fist snaps out toward Ryu's face quickly and head-on, encased in a flame-like purple swell of psycho energy. COMBATSYS: Ryu just-defends Vega's Jab Punch! "Haha! Yeah!" It appears as though Bison is going to be a very vocal spectator in this bout, cheering on his boss when the would-be dictator simply steps out of the path of Ryu's hadouken. It looks as though all his attention were focused on the fight unfolding in front of him, and he certainly doesn't seem to be standing on guard, or even paying much heed to anything other than the two, incredibly powerful men. Shit, half the reason he came along was because he knew it would be a hell of a fight, and he didn't want to miss it. "Yeah...thats the Ryu I know..." That big martha in the Santa Clause getup doesn't look too tough now. Alex watches Ryu's expert defense with a great deal of admiration. Perhaps he was overreacting to the entire situation... Ryu's expression grows a bit sterner as Vega simply sidesteps the hurtling fireball. That's not a trick he's seen from too many people, and the sheer natural ease with which the Shadaloo boss performs the dodge is enough to confirm Ryu's intuition. This is no normal fighter. But then, neither is he, and his resolve is far from shaken, his defense as strong as his impressive offense. For a moment, it looks like he isn't even going to move in response to Vega's rather dramatic, and astoundingly quick strike... But then he does, his left snapping up and in-line with Vega's fist with a blurring motion that rivals the Psycho master's ability to teleport, catching the strike easily in his palm and stopping the momentum dead, the purplish energies of the gathered Psycho Power dissipating into the guard without noticeable detriment. In fact, a mild rush of chi empowers the muscles of that blocking arm, rather than hurt the World Warrior at all. Vega will have to do better than that, and so will Ryu, and so he uses his advantage to come up and in at Vega's overextended side, a quick leap and simultaneous twist of his upper body bringing his lower half around in a quick spinning motion, his right leg snapping out parallel to the ground, his left perpendicular, as he flies straight in with no regard for gravity or physics, "Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku!" Ryu calls to the morning air as his helicopter-rotor of a right foot kicks up gusting winds about his dangerously spinning form, bringing that punishing right leg around once, twice, thrice, in a brutal triplicate of aerial roundhouses level with Lord Vega's skull. COMBATSYS: Vega just-defends Ryu's Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku! Well, Vega might have been disappointed if his opponent were so easy to topple! Hell.. Facing off against an opponent like Ryu makes this fight even better! Once he wins, the dictator's power will be permanently cemented in all of his followers, a catalyst for a glorious uprising in morale and loyalty! That's why, as his meager attack is so readily stopped, even with the sliver of psycho power that he added to the attack, the cloaked man's expression widens even further. The arm bends, retracting the hand just a bit..but he's prepared. Using only that same arm, he stands his ground, the bracer little more than a flash of reflected sunlight as it rises once, twice, three times to deflect the strong kicks. Immediately after the last block, Vega reaches out with a speed that looks inhuman to lesser men than the fighters present, seeking to grab him by the neck and, with a simple turn, fling him violently to the ground. COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Vega's Deadly Throw. Bison doesn't need to see his master defeat Ryu in order for his power to be cemented in the boxer's mind - he's already aware of what the Shadaloo lord can do, and despite his own painful experiences with the Ansatsuken disciple, a few days of 'thinking' have made him more and more sure that he'll fall before Lord Vega. He grins widely as the Ansatsuken disciple's hurricane kick is stopped harmlessly by Vega, glad that the fight is going according to his prediction. "Too late to give up, Ryu! It's only a matter of time!" "No no no no no...you dumbass, that move is so easy to block! What are you thinking?" Alex speaks from experience on this, having avoided the the hurricane kick in his previous bout with the world warrior, although his defense was substantially more crude. He cringes when he sees Ryu flung by the brutal dictator, but notices that Ryu seems to land on his terms after that move. Heh, the prick is tough to throw ain't he? Ryu's face maintains its stern, singular focus as his spinning whirlwind of pain is simply deflected, absorbed into those armor plated forearms. This is going to be an interesting fight. He's not caught entirely off guard by the throw, however... There's no doubt in the legendary nomad's mind that his failed hurricane kick is going to be countered by one attack or another, and so he goes with the throw, not even fighting to prevent his neck from being grabbed, though the impact with the ground is less than stunning, as the warrior in the white gi simply rolls with the momentum, coming back to his feet after two quick, graceful tumbles, his hands already by his waist. The answer to this toss is another sudden rush of chi, this time in blue and white coruscating waves that flow in a quick, dramatic torrent from Ryu's cupped palms, a sphere of raw energy rushing its way to life as it's hurled forward in much the same way as the fiery blast, Ryu's arms sweeping forward, etched in that tremendous wave of power, "Hadoooouken!" is the Ansatsuken disciple's response to the flow of the fight thus far, ignoring Bison's taunts, and remaining unphased by Vega's obvious prowess as he unhesitatingly fights to his fullest, unwilling to fall before this nefarious dictator. This sphere of chi is far faster than the last, and lacking little of the hitting power. Grass is blown aside as the powerful burst hurtles its bulletlike course at the Shadaloo boss' broad chest. Like hitting the broad side of a barn locked inside, right? COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Ryu's Hadouken. [ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ] Vega 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Ryu The roll is commendable to be sure, but Vega obviously doesn't see fit to give the fighter his due credit. "Slippery little worm," he proclaims, turning to face the man and his petty little attempts at damaging him. Both arms are well-hidden under the cloak, but the bumps and swells make it obvious that both arms are crossed underneath it, his balled fists clutching the edges of the fabric to hold it closed. Sure, it doesn't have any special anti-chi lining or anything..but it looks a lot better, doesn't it? Ryu's trademark move is held at bay with apparently little effort on Vega's part, his guard as strong as the Japanese man's attack. "You think that this is power? HAH!" No sooner does the blue light dissipate than the being of pure evil rushes forward, allowing his cape to fly back behind him and billow in the wind, finally revealing his outfit to his adversary. There isn't much time to admire, however, as the man's body lifts off of the ground in what looks like a leap at first, both of his arms pushed out in front of him. Much like the famed Hurricane Kick, Vega's Psycho Torpedo keeps him levitated as he shoots toward Ryu like a lance, his body encased in a small shimmer of the same fiery violet energy from before. COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Vega's Psycho Torpedo. [ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ] Vega 0/-------/-----==|====---\-------\0 Ryu Ryu doesn't make any assumptions about his techniques. He knows his fighting ability, he knows how to apply what he knows in the most effective way, and he knows that he's not often bested. He's not, however, tied up with pride at this juncture in his life, and Vega's taunt falls on impassive ears, much in the way his spinning, energy-encased torpedo of a flying attack lands on hardened, muscular forearms, the searing energy and impact nonetheless driving Ryu back under the sheer force of it. It could have been a lot worse, however, and Ryu doesn't seem so much as momentarily dazed by the attack. He doesn't rush right back into the fray, though, holding his ground and his close range with the dictator in a ready defensive stance, a sudden surge of chi skyrocketing his already impressive aura into overdrive as a bit of energy-laden light seeps into his eyes, a languid blue-white. He doesn't taunt, doesn't speak, just waits. And prepares. COMBATSYS: Ryu focuses on his next action. [ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////// ] Vega 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\1 Ryu For as much as Vega seems like a force of nature, wild and unstobbable, Ryu is definitely his counterpart: calm, tranquil, focused. ..Well, not, quite literally. He does know full well how much contact with his dreaded power will harm a normal man, and despite the fact that his attack is still partially nullified, he would be outright shocked to think that this man could stop the amount of energy he expelled. ..Even so, like last time, it's a mere shred, hardly a drop of his true, terrifying force. As soon as his feet touch the ground, complete with the clanking of his metal shinguards shifting to accomodate his benting ankles, his right hand is already out and to his side. With his palm up and fingers outstretched, it's like he's cupping a non-existant ball. At least..it starts that way. With gritted teeth and a slightly shivering arm, a pinpoint of light appears a foot over his hand. It quickly swells into a quite sizable ball of purple energy. Unlike the previous showings, this thing is like a tightly-compacted bunch of lightning, with tiny, brighter streaks of light arcing around restlessly in the middle. Ryu's pause may prove a mistake, giving Vega the time to prepare this. With a swing of his arm, much like throwing a baseball, the clump of energy is sent sailing toward the Shotoscrub. COMBATSYS: Vega successfully hits Ryu with Psycho Shot. The two men do indeed fight like forces of nature. Ryu as committed and involved in the fight as Vega. Even so, that surge of strange energy draws Ryu's eyes, and finally manages to penetrate his seemingly flawless defense. He just can't get out of the way in time... There's not enough room, and he has time to backpedal a step before the surging, evil power connects squarely with his chest. Instead of dropping like a fly, however, Ryu holds his footing, and grits his teeth past the pain. He's felt far worse, and Vega may well notice that his vaunted Psycho Power is not nearly as super-effective on the Ansatsuken warrior as it is on other fighters. As for the power being a drop in the bucket? Ryu soon demonstrates that his previous remarkable attacks were similarly miniscule, his hands dropping back to his waist to summon up an answer to Vega's mighty projectile, a swirling void of blue-white and darker cerulean rushing to life between his splayed fingers, the surge of power entirely off the scale compared to the previous chi techniques, and instead of blasting its energy outward, this swirling mass of absolute power seems to draw everything around it inward, a sharp wind flowing through the entire area, going so far as to tug tufts of grass loose and tear up the ground beneath Ryu as that fierce wind is drawn inexorably into the charging attack, its might growing exponentially from Ryu's own chi, and that around him, "Shinkuuuuuuu...." He incants, arms rushing forward to hurl the gathered energy at Vega in a tremendous tidal wave of blindingly quick power, the mass of energy digging a quick trench in the ground in its path to the Shadaloo boss, "Hadooooooooouken!!!!" COMBATSYS: Ryu successfully hits Vega with Shinkuu Hadouken. [ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ] Vega 1/-----==/=======|===----\-------\0 Ryu Poor, poor Ryu. If he still thinks that he's facing Vega's full power, he has another thing coming to him. The clean hit with his corrosive power is followed by an overconfident little sneer, the Lord's frame straightening up with arms crossed over his chest in a taunting posture. However... The ease with his Ryu retaliates is most unexpected. The sneer fades to a full frown, the man's arms already unfolding to try and block the attack. The swollen orb of dangerous chi is much faster than the last two however, slamming into Vega's gut like the horrible offensive demon that it is. Arms are left to dangle from his body as it's shoved back, feet digging into the ground and sliding back with the force, poor blades of grass upturned and dirt flying until, with a concentrated effort, the Shadaloo leader buckles down and stops his backward progress, which just so happens to coincide with the end of life power dip of the hadouken itself. Silent for only a second, Vega soon emits a low snarl, bending at the knees to leap up..far higher than many fighters are capable of, flying towards Ryu with his feet down and legs bent again. Just as he nears his prey, his legs snap out, fully straightened to try and land on the guy's head, arms folded across his chest whether he hits skull or earth. COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Vega's Head Press. And if Vega thinks that the fearsome Shinkuu Hadouken took any of the fight out of Ryu, he's sorely mistaken. There is no fatigue and very little of the drain one would expect from /that/ amount of chi in the World Warrior's face or motions, and the Shadaloo boss' quick, unorthodox flight doesn't throw him off his game. Crossed forearms rise to impact the descent of those booted feet, and while it's still a painful meeting, Ryu's arms come off far better for the exhange than his head would have, and his response is poetry in motion. Going airborne against Ryu is an exercise in russian roulette, as the powerful Ansatsuken style he employs is full of options for just such an occasion. Right now, Vega gets to see the most dangerous of those options, Ryu dropping with the momentum of the strike, snapping to a crouch far quicker than Vega's likely to fall, and launching himself right back up at the malevolent dictator. This time, it's not forearms that lead, but one powerful boulder of a right fist, Ryu's muscles tensed, all his strength aimed for Vega's chest and chin as his legs add their power to the strike, "Shoryuuuuuuken!" The legendary nomad incants as he hurtles skyward, intending to send the Psycho Master right back the way he came. Painfully. COMBATSYS: Vega just-defends Ryu's Shoryuken! [ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ] Vega 1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0 Ryu If anyone knows that technique, it's Sagat. And..who does Sagat work for? That's right! The name of one of the most feared techniques in the fighting world (or at least, of those people that know of Ryu) strikes his ears shortly after he pushes off from the man's impressive guard, already flying backwards and away in a short arc. The momentum is apparently to his advantage, as Vega merely needs to reach down and grab Ryu's wrist, allowing him to pull his face out of harm's way, no matter how...sturdy his chin looks. "This is the technique that felled Sagat? Pathetic!" With a surge of Psycho power, Vega is somehow able to twist himself in midair, attempting to use his hold to sling his opponent to the ground below, helped along with a forceful push of vile energy. COMBATSYS: Ryu blocks Vega's Psycho Fall. [ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////// ] Vega 1/---====/=======|=====--\-------\0 Ryu Well, no. That wasn't the precise attack that felled Sagat. For one thing, this Shoryuken lacks the capacity to tear right /through/ its target, rather than simply delivering a painful impact. It's a moot point, though, because Ryu isn't about to answer Vega's taunts, and the Shoryuken doesn't land to show its strength despite the failure to scar. The fight is a close one, but it doesn't take an expert warrior to see that the World Warrior came away from that last exchange in a weaker position. It doesn't shake his nerves, or stall his focus, however... It just means he has to seize the advantage again. And in that pursuit, he readies one more tremendous sphere of chi, his fingertips splayed by his waist in opposite directions as a sudden rush of superheated energy burns to life in his cradled palms, the fireball hurled forward in a quick, defiant motion that is meant to inform Vega in no uncertain terms that this fight is /not/ over, "Hadooooouken!" Ryu calls as the wildly flaring, rampantly fiery fireball sends its intense, napalmy pain at the Shadaloo boss, singing underbrush and charring the ground in its path. Well, no. That wasn't the precise attack that felled Sagat. For one thing, this Shoryuken lacks the capacity to tear right /through/ its target, rather than simply delivering a painful impact. It's a moot point, though, because Ryu isn't about to answer Vega's taunts, and the Shoryuken doesn't land to show its strength despite the failure to scar. Instead, Ryu is hurled back the way /he/ came, and while it's a forceful toss, the energy once more fails to add the impact needed to stun the young warrior, and he lands more on his terms than Lord Vega's, rolling away from the powerfully evil man. The fight is a close one, but it doesn't take an expert warrior to see that the World Warrior came away from that last exchange in a weaker position. It doesn't shake his nerves, or stall his focus, however... It just means he has to seize the advantage again. And in that pursuit, he readies one more tremendous sphere of chi, his fingertips splayed by his waist in opposite directions as a sudden rush of superheated energy burns to life in his cradled palms, the fireball hurled forward in a quick, defiant motion that is meant to inform Vega in no uncertain terms that this fight is /not/ over, "Hadooooouken!" Ryu calls as the wildly flaring, rampantly fiery fireball sends its intense, napalmy pain at the Shadaloo boss, singing underbrush and charring the ground in its path. COMBATSYS: Vega fails to slow Shakunetsu Hadouken from Ryu with Psycho Shot. [ \\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ] Vega 1/=======/=======|=======\-------\1 Ryu Much like a tuft of down, Vega's flight back to earth is a little slower, his drop actually halted a few inches above the ground with a puff of wind that spreads outward from directly under him. Bobbing in midair only for a scant second or two, he eases himself down until he touches terra firma, his footguards creaking as the joints turn and metal scrapes against metal. His cloak settles down soon afterward, and in the meantime, he emits a harsh "Tch.." at the lack of damage caused to Ryu. Truthfully, this man is much more powerful than he gave him credit for. He seems well-trained for sure, and he doesn't hesitate in his attacks. A large, red-covered arm moves out to the side in preparation of the next attack, that shimmering orb of purple energy growing over Vega's hand. By the time the special hadouken is fired off however, the Psycho Shot hasn't fully manifested itself. Still, with a swing of the arm, the counter is fired off, this time releasing a much smaller attempt that, unfortunately, is torn right through by its larger, red counterpart, which in turn slams against Vega with considerable force, singing his clothing and body in the process. He has to take a few steps back, arms flailing until, with a loud roar form the center of the inferno, his arm waves with a flash of Psycho power behind it, extinguishing any chi flames in its path. The look on his face is priceless, though. He's /pissed/. In a quick run, Ryu comes in behind his fiery technique. Its impact, coupled with Vega's efforts at lessening the burning pain of the blow, give the remarkably quick Ansatsuken fighter time to close the distance, the last bits traversed by a quick, forward arcing leap that brings him in at the Shadaloo boss' head, his left foot leading in a quick, perfectly executed leaping kick. It's not his mightiest move this morning, but it still carries no lack of hitting power in its blurring flight at Lord Vega's pissed-off face. Wordless and diligent, Ryu simply acts, and reacts, with stunning precision. No moments lost, no openings neglected. The look on his chiseled face is one Bison would be familiar with... That grim, focused intensity that despite its relative calm, burns brightly in the young champion. This is not just any fight... Once again, his person, his life, his freedom of choice are being questioned by outside, evil forces. And he not only doesn't like that, he takes righteous offense. It all inspires him to fight all the more fervently. Swift like the wind. Quiet like the forest. Aggressive like fire. Strong as a mountain. Just as Gouken so capably taught him. Just like it says on his well-earned black belt. COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Ryu's Medium Kick. [ \\\\\\\\ < > //////////// ] Vega 2/<<<<<< ] Vega 0/-------/---====|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Ryu And what a range it is. Ryu doesn't have time to do more than get his arms up in front of him as Vega begins hurtling inin that murderous, spinning trainwreck of psycho power. But those arms don't do much... He just doesn't have time or positioning to mount a resilient guard. As such, Vega's mightily spinning form crushes past the attempted block, and into him full on. That searing energy is transferred to the Ansatsuken warrior in agonizing waves, and when Ryu finally falls free of the devestating attack, it's in a skidding crash that draws a vaguely Ryu-shaped ditch in the ground, throwing up dirt and grass. His body is nearly overwhelmed with pain, and wants to just quit on him, but once again Ryu clenches his jaw, and by sheer force of will, rolls to his feet, his response as quick as it is potent, arcing bolts of what appears to be lightning surging through his arms as he cradles another sphere of chi, this one growing with incredible speed to a burning white, wildly coruscating semi-stable sphere of raw current, "Denjiiiiin..." Ryu intones, and ss quickly as the charge is summoned, it's released at Vega, a defiant lightning bolt of roughly spherical energy striking in at Vega with the speed and power of its natural inspiration, "Hadooooouken!!!!!!" The summoned power is focused throughout Ryu, as he wrestles with the blackness, determined to finish this on his terms..... COMBATSYS: Ryu has reached second wind! [ \\\\\\\\ < > //// ] Vega 0/-------/---====|=======\-------\1 Ryu COMBATSYS: Vega blocks Ryu's Denjin Hadouken. There's a low, loud laugh from Vega as he sails toward and THROUGH Ryu, almost literally if the aftermath is any indication. The swollen aura dies down as he falls to his feet, his cape pushing forward and around his body when he stands. It really is a dramatic pose, with this awfully smug expression on his face. But..then, he stands. Hrmm.. Ryu is still too cool and collected, though less than before, but..his control is superb! He should have just stayed down, pretended to be dead..anything! The fact that he DOES get up only serves to throw fuel on Vega's fire, his jaw clenching to the point that his teeth grind against each other. "Annoying insect! You DARE to think you can win?!" His right arm curls and 'catches' the fireball in his guard, a combination of his bracer, pauldron, and thick, muscled arm taking the brunt of the attack. With a wave of his arm, the orb is deflected entirely, but not before having done its part to cause a bit of pain. Not that Vega will show it in front of his men..he can't have them thinking that he's week. Bison must be getting one hell of a show! He rushes in with chilling speed, his right arm lifting and swinging down sharply a mere foot in front of Ryu. He obviously didn't aim to hit directly, preferring the swath of psycho energy that follows it do the damage. COMBATSYS: Vega successfully hits Ryu with Psycho Wave. Ryu doesn't think he can win. He /believes/ it. And that gives him strength, hope, even in the face of such a tremendous and tangibly dark power as the Lord of Shadaloo. As has been proven time and again throughout the brutal fight, however, it takes more than belief and skill to make it so, and Vega's potent wave of Psycho Power is no pushover. Ryu attempts to sidestep and dart in around the attack, but it's just too powerful, and he's caught on the outskirts in a blast that sears him to his already injured core. Nonetheless, the World Warrior does not abort his attack, coming in at Vega with his left fist, pushing past the pain and impact of the lashing energy and bringing his arm up and under, fueling that punch at Vega's ribs with dire impact. He doesn't even wait to see if it connects, the motion leading fluidly into a second, bringing the figuratively cornered Ryu down in a crouch, and up in a fearsome uppercut, his right fist leading the attack as his entire form shimmers with a blur of blue-white chi, still fueled to a strong level despite the exhaustion of the fight, "Shoryuuuuuuken!" He calls out, steeling his nerves, calming his spirit, and striking out with everything he's got, whether he can clear his head enough to land on his feet, or not. COMBATSYS: Ryu can no longer fight. COMBATSYS: Ryu has left the fight here. COMBATSYS: Vega dodges Ryu's Shin Shoryuken. Believe all you want, this is reality. It's bitter, it's spiteful, it'll kick you when you least want it to. Vega's arm swings back up after his attack, already frowning at the pest's attempt at retaliation. Did he not say tell Bison that Vega would crush this 'Ryu'? "Idiot.." Vega doesn't even know if Ryu can hear him, nor does he particularly care. He seems...awfully relaxed and sure of himself, yet /again/ crossing his arms over his chest, his heels together in a perfect military stance, aside from the whole crossed arms bit. The elbow closes in on him, and at the last moment, through..but not through the dictator himself, no. His form shimmers, dissipating in strips of violet light, leaving Ryu to connect once, then twice, with nothing but air. With a similar effect, Vega comes into view a few feet away, standing with a silent, focused glare at the failed fighter. As Vega teleports away from the strikes, Ryu is left to uppercut the air, sailing upwards in a flight that at first flies true, but begins to wobble at its apex, no graceful twist or style to speak of accentuating the landing as Ryu veritably crumples back to the ground, his legs buckling below him as he sprawls to the grass. This time, it doesn't look like he's getting back up. He put up his best fight, certainly proved his ability in the face of Vega's supreme power, but in the end it's the Shadaloo Lord that remains standing, and the World Warrior can only lose consciousness on the dirty ground, oblivious to his fate. Beating Ryu in body is one thing, however... Vega has not won the true battle, has failed to bring Ryu to a point even close to where he would be an asset to Shadaloo. He does not lose his composure, does not reveal any sign of the 'true' potential that lurks inside of him. In other words... Vega is lucky. And does not meet Sagat's fate.