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Testing the Legends
Apr. 29th, 2008 06:39 amThe songs had been sung, the drinks had been drank, the stories had been told... It seemed all that was left was to say goodbye.
...Oh, right. We're dealing with a pair of incredible superhuman martial artists! Like they were going to leave without at least a friendly spar to size things up. At least this fight would end better than the last he remembered.
Bowing respectfully at opposite sides of the practice ground, they settled into their respective stances. It was interesting to see the subtle differences, the way each was tuned more closely to face the styles of their own era. Each kept a close eye on the other, seeking out a weakness to capitalize upon, a flaw to exploit-
And when they broke stalemate, no man could say who moved first.
The flowing grace of their combat practically defied description. Feint within feint within block and strike and kick and move as they blurred across the grounds, subtlety and power the hallmarks of each as they strove. Muscle and sinew, bone and blood and power all focused towards the one goal of destroying the one who stood against them!
Attack and apart and clashing together again, neither one seemed to have a clear advantage. Fists thundered against ribs, a whirling foot nearly took its target's head off, and orbs of energy flew to collide with one another time and again...
Until at the end, two great explosions of chi and earth merged into one, covering the battlefield with a dirty haze. Gradually, the choking dust settled, leaving two filthy men laying on their backs (and occasionally choking and spitting off to the side as they tried to catch their breath).
"THAT was a battle to remember, Akuma. Though it would have been worth an ignominious defeat if you had shown me your true strength."
A chuckle, followed by a fair bit of coughing. "It was skill that needed testing, Master. You knew what I held back, and that was enough. If I could not hold up in technique, when fighting as an equal... well. But judging from this example, I would say I still have 'the edge.'"
Gradually, the two got up and shook themselves off, with many groans and several more coughs. Walking to the prayer gate together, they paused and bowed to one another, and then the redhead was off.
Goutetsu was feeling his years as he walked back, sighing as he heard the anxious scramble of little feet trying to get back to their blankets; darting forward suddenly, he grabbed the young redheaded boy by the scruff of the neck and dragged him back out into the open. "GOUKI! If you find sleeping so difficult, then twenty laps around the dojo ought to help!"
Watching the mumbling boy start his run, Goutetsu smiled softly. He'd have to be even harder on the boy, after seeing his magnificent future... After all, he needed to make the child live up to it, didn't he?
...Oh, right. We're dealing with a pair of incredible superhuman martial artists! Like they were going to leave without at least a friendly spar to size things up. At least this fight would end better than the last he remembered.
Bowing respectfully at opposite sides of the practice ground, they settled into their respective stances. It was interesting to see the subtle differences, the way each was tuned more closely to face the styles of their own era. Each kept a close eye on the other, seeking out a weakness to capitalize upon, a flaw to exploit-
And when they broke stalemate, no man could say who moved first.
The flowing grace of their combat practically defied description. Feint within feint within block and strike and kick and move as they blurred across the grounds, subtlety and power the hallmarks of each as they strove. Muscle and sinew, bone and blood and power all focused towards the one goal of destroying the one who stood against them!
Attack and apart and clashing together again, neither one seemed to have a clear advantage. Fists thundered against ribs, a whirling foot nearly took its target's head off, and orbs of energy flew to collide with one another time and again...
Until at the end, two great explosions of chi and earth merged into one, covering the battlefield with a dirty haze. Gradually, the choking dust settled, leaving two filthy men laying on their backs (and occasionally choking and spitting off to the side as they tried to catch their breath).
"THAT was a battle to remember, Akuma. Though it would have been worth an ignominious defeat if you had shown me your true strength."
A chuckle, followed by a fair bit of coughing. "It was skill that needed testing, Master. You knew what I held back, and that was enough. If I could not hold up in technique, when fighting as an equal... well. But judging from this example, I would say I still have 'the edge.'"
Gradually, the two got up and shook themselves off, with many groans and several more coughs. Walking to the prayer gate together, they paused and bowed to one another, and then the redhead was off.
Goutetsu was feeling his years as he walked back, sighing as he heard the anxious scramble of little feet trying to get back to their blankets; darting forward suddenly, he grabbed the young redheaded boy by the scruff of the neck and dragged him back out into the open. "GOUKI! If you find sleeping so difficult, then twenty laps around the dojo ought to help!"
Watching the mumbling boy start his run, Goutetsu smiled softly. He'd have to be even harder on the boy, after seeing his magnificent future... After all, he needed to make the child live up to it, didn't he?
