Joe's rematch with Vega ends tragic..

Joe_Higashi walks up and pushes the doorbell..many times and knocks loudly. *BAMBAMBAMBAM*
A maid scurries through to the door, pulling it open and looking out. "Yes. Yes. May I help you?"
Joe_Higashi smirks and steps forward. "Maybe you remember my face from yesterday. The name's Joe Higashi and I'm here to talk with Vega.."
 
The maid looks back, to call to Vega on who it is. Before she can, however, Vega's voice comes back. "By all means. Let him in!" The maid does so, stepping out of the way and pointing towards the main room.
Joe_Higashi glances around at the voice, a wide grin crossing his face. He steps eagerly past the maid and heads to the doorway.
Vega is seated in one of the chairs. He's looked better, to put it mildly. Not exactly completely blasted, but he's been here all night, pretty much. At least he slept.
Joe steps inside and imediately looks over to Vega, his grin is wide but fades a little. His expression taking a serious and determined turn. "Ah Vega...glad you let me in. I've been wanting to talk with you all night." He zips open his coat and widens his stance to stand comfortable.
Vega chuckles as he leans forward, letting his arm lean across his knees. There's no sign of any bindings across his leg. Well, except for some bandages and a splint that were left to one side and apparently ignored. "I didn't expect to see you back quite so soon. A social visit, I assume?" No, his voice tone says he doesn't believe that. But hey.
Joe shakes his head and crosses his arms. "Nope..we can hit the bars some other night pal. What I came here for is business.." He takes a look around pausing in his talk with Vega, letting out a slight whistle in admiration. "Nice place.. But.." He uncrosses his arms and steps forward, working one of his arms carefully and wincing somewhat. "I lost yesterday..you're good but still. I shouldn't have lost. I like your style, though it could use a little less dancing you still gave me a workout. But I am sure it was a fluke..know what I'm getting at?"
Vega watches the wince, glancing at the arm. He smirks slightly, then leans back, drumming his fingers along his arm."Maybe you should wait until you're at least recovered fully beforeyou make a challenge, Senor."
Joe straightens his arm and looks down to it, rubbing it with his other hand. "Nah..it's just stiff. But I want another shot at you..I admit I might have underestimated you. But I learn pretty fast and I'm sure I can take you again." He flicks back a strand of highlighted hair back as he shifts his weight to one foot.
Vega smirks at him, shrugging and standing up. "Well, if you insist." He easily sets weight on both legs, no sign of the limp he'd had last night. "Of course I seem to have the advantage in this case. If you're still wanting to challenge..." He lets the rest be unsaid as he straightens, crossing his arms and grinning.
Joe raises his eyebrow as he watches Vega stand. . o O (What the f###? No way...he got beat on as bad as I did yesterday. He must be on ALOT of medication or something..) Joe shakes his head and laughs, straightening himself up as well and puffing out his chest. "Up to you..I'm game if you are.."
Vega gives a mocking bow to the man, then raises his eyes towards him. "Well by all means. I believe you know where the dojo is." He straightens, eyes flicking a moment towards a section of the room, then back to Joe again. "Same rules as last time, I assume? Or are you looking for something a little less... structured, even?"
Joe's eyebrow quirks up at that. "Huh? Anything in mind..? I'm up for what ever you wanna play Vega. " He reaches behind him to the two long strands of cloth from his hachikama and gives them a firm tug.
Vega chuckles. "I tend to fight with a weapon, Senor." He slots his eyes and crosses his arms. "Of course, I wouldn't know if you have any sort of ability in the same. If you'd rather have the chance, I can be without it." Taunt taunt.
Was that a dare of sorts? Joe glances to your hands and ponders for a moment, then raises a finger. "Ok..how 'bout this? We fight hand to hand at first.." He pauses and thinks this over in his head one last time, but a nod of his head confirms his thoughts. "Then in the middle of the fight one weapon is made available to us. Whoever gets to it first uses it...eh? Eh?" He crosses his own arms and watches Vega, waiting for his answer.
Vega holds his own position, thoughtfully. He seems to be thinking for a moment, before he finally nods. "It's settled, then. And I must say, it sounds like an interesting match. I believe, though, we should use the Pit. Most likely better than having to clean the mats afterwards."
( A metallic-timbred voice, definitely female, echoes abruptly, "And you -must-  keep your mats clean, mustn't you, Spaniard?" Harken drops lightly to her feet from, literally, mid-air, resting her scythe on her shoulder as she glances over Joe. "Huh. I'll keep it impartial, Spaniard. You know better than that." )
Joe blinks and watches Vega for a moment before answering. "Pit...? Oh yeah, of course. Not too messy, easy to clean up. Yeah.." He glances around then back to Vega, giving a nod and a grin.
Joe glances over to Harken taking a slight step back then looks to Vega. "One of your friends 'dropping' by for a visit?"
Vega rolls his eyes over towards the woman. "I wouldn't _dream_ of putting the hired help through more trouble than it's worth, Harken." he calls towards her. He's all-too casual about the fact that she just appeared out of nowhere. He then nods at the comment, looking to Joe again. "You might say that."
Harken brushes the fingers of the hand not balancing the scythe against the serpentine hilt of a knife sheathed against one thigh, in a slot in her armor which could have been made for just such a purpose. "I'll be providing a weapon at some point during your match," she says. All this chit-chat is only unnecessary fluff before the real fun. The glance she gives Joe is faintly derisive; apparently she doesn't even think enough of him to offer an introduction.
Joe, however, intruduces himself anyway, waving over to Harken and grinning wide. "The name's Higashi, Joe! Nice to meet ya." Then he looks back to Vega and watches him for a moment, taking a final study of him. The thoughts of how he shrugged off yesterday still pester at the back of his mind. He shrugs and asks calmly, "Ok...I'm ready then."
Vega nods at Harken, then at Joe, chuckling. "Well then, if you'll just follow me?" He starts off towards the doorway towards the dojo.

The Pit
This room is huge, the inside walls separating everything cleared out, until it's as large as a warehouse, and about as high as well. Each wall is lined with stands, bleachers of benches one above the other, to give maximum view, no matter where you may be sitting. In the middle of the enormous room is a heavy fenced-off area, stretching upwards to around 20' in the air. There is no roof on the reinforced structure of the fence, the top left open for anyone brave enough to climb the outside and in. Of course, there is a gate, a heavy chain and lock attached to it just in case. The floor of the ring is thick with a well-packed dirt, easier to clean and work on than concrete, after all. Several spots of reddish-brown can be seen on the dirt here and there, and the fence is similarly stained in places. Several hooks protrude from the fence as well, to hand weapons that can be reached by those in the ring.
 Speakers ring the room, a DJ's booth attached near one side, carefully insulated against unwanted outside sound, and widely-windowed, so the fellow within it can watch the fight, putting on music to best suit the occasion. A list of songs hangs just below his booth, wide open for any of the people below it to see and request. You can 'list' the songs, suggest one to 'play', or even have another tune added to the list ('addmidi') At the back of the arena are a pair of doors, marked one for women, and one for men, which lead off to the respective locker areas.
Abandon hope, all ye who enter here. For this is Vega's arena. Full-contact, no holds barred matches are held here, for the pleasure of Vega and other interested watchers. While it is kept extremely clean and tidied, this place is most definately not the sort of place that any well-mannered people would find a regular placement at.
[Exits   : (M)en's Locker Room, (W)oman's Locker Room, and (O)ut ]
[Players : Vega, and Ryuji_Yamazaki ]
[Things  : None ]
Yamazaki is off to the side of the room standing perfectly still, one hand in his pocket, his large form hunched over slightly. He glances over to those entering and nods to them in a sort of greeting then takes his hand out of his pocket and squeezes his fist together. The knuckles pop creating an unerving sound, then he raises his arm and thrusts it down quickly. The arm becomes a blurry ribbon then swings for a second before the hand is placed back into his pocket.
Vega enters, leading Jow and Harken with him with a stride. Possibly Blade, unless he plans to be catching up later. "Welcome to my Pit." he says, almost ritually. His hand casts out, pausing as it scans over towards Ryuji. Vega arches his eyebrows, then nods a greeting to the man, continuing on in.
Harken follows a few feet behind the others, and finds herself a position along the rail to overlook the fight. Her scythe remains casually propped against her shoulder as though it were, say, a fishing pole and not a deadly weapon. "If you're finished with all your chatter, baby," she suggests to Vega, "Why not get on with it?"
Yamazaki snickers and looks over to Harken, giving her a look up and down then looks back over to Vega and Joe. . o O (Going to tangle again eh..?) He rolls his head on his shoulders and pops his neck, then rotates his shoulders before hunching over again to watch.
Joe takes a look around, stopping in mid step and placing his hands in his pockets. "Cozy in here, let me tell ya.." He then lifts each leg to stretch them out and then takes off his coat, slowly, being careful of his one arm. Slowly he curls and straightens the arm and massages it with one hand, looking over to see what Vega is up to.
Vega chuckles at the look. Well, he was the one who made the challenge. Vega easily unlatches the gate into the main fighting area, stepping back and bowing to Joe. "By all means." He smirks. "Ladies first."
Harken chuckles at that, although her low laugh falls somehow short of holding *real* amusement.
Yamazaki's steely gaze move over those present, he remains quiet making no movement.
Joe smirks as he walks over and past Vega, muttering. "Yeah..I'm not in tights..." When in the ring he leans down and stretches out. Straightening his legs and hunching over then stands up straight and twists his upperbody. A quick glance is cast over to Vega, then to his arm. Cautiously he practices a few punches to work out the stiffness. When finished he turns to face Vega, wrapping his hands and tying them secure.
Vega gives the gate a swing, letting it close behind him. He's far too entertained by the fact that Joe actually passed by him. He says nothing about the mutter, as though pretending he didn't hear it atall. His hands raise, fingers flittering for a moment before settling into his usual stance, one fist near his jaw and the other drawn back. "Well then. Shall we?"
Joe watches the man before him, takes a deep breath and then nods. "Hai.." He pulls on his handwraps with his teeth pulling them tight then cracks his fists together. He drops into his fighting stance, arms brought up in boxing style with fists open, one leg forward and raises slightly on its toes. Taking in a few deep breaths he calls out. "Saku saku ikuze!" then slides forward slightly and circles Vega, keeping some distance but closing in to fighting range.
Vega doesn't stop the aforementioned 'dancing' of course. He steps lightly, bouncing from foot to foot as he walks, watching the circling figure. He's moving as well, counter-circling, suddenly tensing and springing towards him in a snapkick. No waiting this time. He wouldn't want the man to be able to get too much going, after all. And yes, actually, he _is_ kicking with that right leg.
Yamazaki straightens his back and watches eagerly, leting out a low growl then a laugh as the action starts. He licks his lips and grins sadisticaly. Yeah, he loves a good fight.
Every muscle on Joe's body tenses at once as the kick lashes out. His eyes flash as he sidesteps barely then leaps up into the air, flipping and then comes down with his heal aimed right for Vega's shoulder. A streak of orange arching behind the oncoming foot. "OORAA!" All of this happening very quickly and sudden.
heel not heal..no casting. ^^;
Vega wasn't quite ready for the stomp so quickly, and isn't able to get his full punch the way he'd like to. He twists lithely, fist coming up in a swipe more than a strike. A little something to both block the attack from giving him a heck of a headache, and to throw him off-balance.
Joe hits the arm and rebounds, flipping back in the opposite direction and landing on his feet. He stoops slightly bending his knees then straightens up, using the momentum as he thrusts his leg up and whips out a high roundhouse kick at Vega's head. "..!!"
Vega turns, grinning at something with great entertainment. He doesn't comment on it thought, and the grin is wiped off his face pretty quickly by the incoming foot, which misses by mere millimeters as Vega leans back and to the side quickly. A half-second to balance, and he backflips back once, landing, and immediately springing into a downward punch towards Joe's shoulder. Let's see if we can slow him down a little, shall we?
Joe says, "EYAAHH!!" Joe's body jerks down and at an odd angle as Vega finds his mark. His legs wobble as he stumbles to the side then recovers a few feet away, clutching his shoulder. The arm imediatly throbs and numb up as Joe massages it while half standing in his stance. . o O (Shit..not good. My arm is worse off than I thought. But I have to stay on him.) He flexes his fingers and repeatedly curls and uncurls his arm to work out the stiffness that has settled in and threatens to lock up the limb. Taking a quick lunge forward Joe brings his knee up to gain height and then spring kicks, spinning in a single circle to give Vega another roundhouse. Hopefully to the face, but anywhere on the upperbody will do at this time.
Vega again leans back, backing away from the kick as it strikes him in the chest. The sound of fence clattering echoes from behind him as his back hits the links. He immediately brings a foot up, aiming a push-kick to Joe, hoping to send him back and give Vega a little more room. Being against the wall isn't a good thing, after all.
Joe moves in on Vega as soon as he can, but meets the foor square in the chest. Again, Joe's body jerks at an odd angle but he tries to keep his footing and position rather than be thrown back. He hunches over slightly gasping then reaches for Vega's leg. Hoping to give it a harsh pull to take Vega off his feet or at least hyper extend the joint and knee.
Harken watches the battle in silence, only the flickering of her golden eyes from side to side as she watches the movement betraying the fact that she is a living being, not a statue. Even her chest is still, no rise and fall of her breathing prsent to give her away.
Yamazaki cackles quietly as the fighter hits the fence, then nods as Vega's kick hits Joe.
Vega lets himself hit the ground rather than getting his joint tugged out. He doubts it'll do anything particularly damaging, but why limp when you can try something else? Once on his back, Vega's other leg comes up in another kick, this one more direct and faster, aimed to snap for the back of Joe's head before Vega's upper body hits the ground.
Joe tightens the muscles in his back and arches his shoulders up to take the hit rather than the back of his head. "AAHHH!" The impact causes him to let go and back up somewhat, shaking his head and rolling his shoulders to work out the sting. Quickly while he can he moves forward, leaping up and bringing his knee to his chest, then thrusting his foot down to stomp on Vega's down body.
Vega takes the pause of Joe's backing-off to roll out of the way as he comes down, moving to a crouch and sweep-kicking as he lands. Hoping top bring him down, Vega is already poised to continue the attack on the downed opponent, one hand already balled into a fist.
Harken calls out suddenly in a cool voice pitced to carry well despite the noise of the fight, "Are you boys paying attention?" She unsheathes the knife at her side, lifting it above her head with a free hand.
Joe lands and raises on leg to avoid the sweep, but miscaculating the length of Vega's leg his other  foot is taken out from under him. He falls and lands on his back, letting out a faint wheeze as the sudden impact, then tries to move to his side kicking out with his leg and bringing his hands up to block any attack Vega might have for him. He is actually expecting Vega to elbow drop on him so he bares down.
Yamazaki glances over to Harken, his eyes widening. He straightens his back and yells over to her, his voice low and gruff. "Eh? Whats this..weapons are allowed?" He places his hand in his pocket and watches Harken with a cold unmoving stare, his delight shown by a fatal smirk.
Vega was actually springing for a fist-strike, even before Harken's yell and the brandish of the knife. He strikes down, hand caught in Joe's, but probably delivering a rather stinging blow to those palms before the kick sends him back.
Vega whispers, "Vega mumbles low as he comes in, "By all means, Senor. If you can reach the knife, it's yours to use."" to you.
Harken's eyes snap briefly to Yamazaki. A faint smirk of her own echoes his, and she answers him, "Prearranged terms of the battle, sweetheart." With that, she gives a flick of her wrist, and the knife is sent expertly into the ring, where it impacts into the ground perhaps ten feet from the pair. Her aim is good enough that it is equidistant from the two fighters, and the hilt quivers there a moment before going still, awaiting the faster claimant.
Joe rolls backwards and to his feet, regaining his stance and watching Vega. Eyes narrowed cautiously to a whisper given to him when Vega was close. He slowly looks over to Harken then the blade, then back to Vega. He doesn't move, his body bouncing as he keeps his position and recovers his energy. His eyes never leave Vega, watching for any movement and ready to react.
Vega rolls back from the attack, keeping his position poised. His eyes are slightly narrowed, a half-smirk over his features as he waits for the man to do something. Every muscle is tensed, as though just waiting for him to make some move. Any move.
Joe plays this waiting game for a moment then, slowly sliding his foot forward and closing in the distance, then starts to circle, not wanting to keep a straight line between him and Vega. His eyes lock to his, the cheerfulness present from yesterday nowhere to be found today. Now concentration and determination are present.
Vega chuckles as the man moves slowly, still watching him like a predator. He draws a slow step closer as well, almost as though stalking him, the look in his eyes more than faintly amused. In fact, they could almost be described as eerie. His fingers flitter again, then he raises a hand, crooking them in an invitation, eyes never leaving Joe.
Joe doesn't even blink as he takes a quick step forward raising his knee as if to lunge at Vega but instead stomping his foot down and bringing his arm back. There is a flash from his palm then a ribbon of orange as it races around his arm and into his fist. Quickly he swings his arm up in a deep uppercut motion and takes another step forward. "Hurricane.." Then alternates by raising his opposite arm. "Uppah!" A quick and sudden burst of spiraling orange chi races out and along the ground as a ten foot funnel and towards Vega.
No, no, no! Vega doesn't like that move one bit. As the dirt from the pit swirls in the high wind, picked up and tossed about, Vega leaps backwards and to the side, grabbing hold of the fence and clinging to let the wind pass. He wasn't fond of that attack the first time it hit him, he doesn't feel like getting caught in it a second time. Even if there isn't a wall that he can be driven hard into.
Joe lowers his arm after the attack and takes a step back. "Ready for that huh..well---*!" He cries out and grabs his shoulder, a sharp pain stabbing him from the inside of his arm. Desprately he tries to shake it off and shift back into his stance. Slowly takes a step back but not retreating, just making sure there is distance incase Vega attacks.
Vega chuckles as he easily leaps from the fence, landing on the ground. "You aren't much a a challenge this way." he says, with almost a tinge of disgust. "Wait until you've recovered." He crosses his arms, tilting his head to look arrogantly at the man, giving his braid a casual toss.
Joe raises his eyebrow as his eyes widen. "No way...I can take you no problem!" He rushes forward then lunges low, sliding in with a kick aimed for Vegas shin. Dust kicks up as he slides along the ground, and small scrapes cut into the bare skin of his legs.
Harken smirks faintly, apparently at Joe's words.
Vega glances towards Harken a moment, shrugging a shoulder. He then notes the slide, leaping frmo his place and rolling, grabbing for the knife in the sands. He returns to a crouch, turning the curved blade in his fingers as he smirks at Joe. "I suppose if I have to finish dealing with you the hard way, I can." He lets his fingers play over the blade a moment. "You've had your chance."
Joe rises to his feet and returns to his stance, one arm slightly lower than before. And his shoulder is hunched slightly, but otherwise he seems ready. His eyes watch Vega carefully, only at times glancing to the blade in his hands. Then they move to lock to Vega's own, narrowing slightly.
Vega passes the elegant knife from hand to hand for a moment, finally settling it in his left. He's given Joe all the chances he's willing to give. If the man doesn't feel like taking it, then who is Vega to argue? His eyes narrow as he advances in a light bouncing step, watching carefully for a motion from the hurt man.
Yamazaki's eyes dart to the knife in Vega's grasp, the sight causing him to chuckle low and cross his arms. "Alright...lets see some blood boys." His chuckle becomes a dark laugh, his shoulders rock heavily as he laughs.
Harken's glance drops back to Yamakazi, her eyes far more interested as *those* words come out of his mouth. Hmmmmmm?
Yamazaki glances up from the fight and to Harken, nodding then reeling his head back as he laughs like a madman, highpitched and sharp. Then he slaps the side of his head, the laughing halting imediately and looks back to the fight.
Joe shifts his footing and steps sideways, taking himself out of Vega's straight line path to be at an angle to him. He quickly takes a second to check his handwraps and then raises both fists, his eyes locked to Vega's movement, muscles tensed tight.
Harken's smirk widens a bit, and she nods back to Yamakazi before turning her eyes back to the fight. She's fairly certain it's nearing its conclusion.
Vega steps lightly to the side, then springs towards the man, knife aimed in a quikc slash for Joe's side. His smile tinges a little more maniacal, though not even near what Ryuji's is. He's just starting to enjoy things is all.
Joe blinks at the sudden movement and twists his body, side stepping then hopping back, the blade barely missing. "DAMN!" A few more hops and he is to the side of Vega, his foot snapping out quickly in a kick that will hopefully nail him in the back.
Yamazaki cackles at Vega and barks out loudly, his voice echoing throughout the pit. "CUT HIM UP!!" He reaches behind him and brandishes his own nine inch blade, holding it over his head and laughing loudly.
Harken raises an eyebrow distastefully at Ryuji's behavior, and says acidly, "Don't act like a fool, baby. It doesn't become you."
Vega is used to hearing shouts from the stands. If anything, it's just inciting him more. He doesn't show it, though, twisting as the foot hits, grimacing slightly but aiming the knife for a slash upwards on Joe's leg.
Yamazaki quiets down and looks over to Harken, bowing his head slightly. "Sorry...the thrill of seeing blood gets to me. Such a pleasant sight.." The way his mood and actions switch so suddenly is eerie. He now stands perfectly calm, watching the fight and twirling his blade easily between his fingers.
Joe is recovering from his kick when the knife cuts into his leg, not deeply luckily but enough to cause a faint spray of blood. He cries out and tucks his leg in, hopping back on one foot and away from Vega. "Kusou!!" Carefully he tests the leg by seting it down slowly on the ground, tapping his foot lightly, then returns to his stance. Blood trickling lightly down his leg. He shrugs it off and tries to not let it distract him, worse can happen if he is not careful. Watching Vega he again circles his dangerous opponent, keeping his stance tight.
Harken would forgive far worse, for that cause. She nods smoothly to Yamakazi.
Vega doesn't press the attack right away, hopping back to give any attacks directed at him a chance to pass by, then chuckling suddenly at something as he again moves in, knife-armed hand making a strike for Joe's arms, hoping he'll block by instinct.
Joe's eyes are on Vega and after the wake up from being cut just a second ago his body reacts by sidestepping again, spinning as he does. He tightens his fist and spins again lashing out his arm to tag the back of Vega's head. As he steps drops of blood form a trail in the dirt on the area's floor.
Yamazaki watches on and licks his lips, chuckling.
Vega lets himself roll with the attack , coming up in a crouch, the blade held along his face. His tongue darts out to touch the blade, tasting the blood trickling along it before he leaps in again, a roll and upwards stab. Similar to the punches in the arena, but with the blade, decidedly more deadly.
Harken's eyes narrow, their gold lit with some inner fire as she leans against the rail a bit more, her smirk widening as though she, too, can taste the blood on the blade.
Joe dashes to the side as Vega's knife closes in, but he didn't move fast enough! The cry out from Joe and a spray of blood is the tell-tail sign that the blade finds its mark. Out of instinct Joe kicks his leg out then leaps back, clutching his bleeding side. "Agh...asshole!" In retaliation he steps forward and uppercuts, sending another spiraling funnel of chi towards Vega, joined by a heavy dust cloud. "Hurricane UPPER!!"
Vega isn't fast enough to avoid the strike this time, twisting in mid-air to hit the fence with his front, rather than his side. Gives him a chance to cling, as well as to brace against the many blows which can be heard in the wind. A muffled growl of pain comes from inside as the dust and dirt strike, as well the wind itself. It finally fades, leaving a bruised and battered Vega hanging there. Not for long, however, before he kicks off with a shout, hands drawn in against his body, then lashing out sharply towards Joe.
Joe stands shakey as his attack runs its course holding his bleeding side. A woozy feeling creeps in on him, around his head and behind his eyes, causing him to shake his head to clear himself up. But before he can he is grabbed, without being able to struggle or lash out with a counter.
Vega grabs, the knife held out of the way for the moment. Another twist and a violent throw towards the ground, and he sends the woozy man down for the count, he hopes. And this time, he's already twisting to land a little bit away from him, rather than get grabbed and land on top of him.
Yamazaki stands still, his arm dangling and swaying with knife in hand. The sight of the blood on the floor brings a deep smile to his face, a fanged sharp tooth glimmering from his clentched jaw.
Sanosuke walks into the Pit from the doorway, blinking as him eyes adjust to the sudden light.
Sanosuke has arrived.
Harken stands leaning into the rail -just- slightly, watching Vega and Joe fight with bloodlust plain in her eyes.
Sano slips in, having been here before, situating himself near the exit, just watching the battle.
Joe is slammed to the ground by Vega's throw, his mouth opening wide but no sound escaping, his body hunching over as he lands and kicks up dirt. He rolls to the side and onto his stomach, sheer will and the survival instinct kicking in and forcing him up to his knees. He coughs hard and holds his side, blood running over his hand and down his wrist. "..*gasp*..goddamit...*gasp*"
Vega leaps away from Joe, letting the blade raise towards his eyes. There's a gleam of bloodlust, and a grin on his face that almost echoes Ryuji's, if a little mro subdued. "I'd suggest, Senor, that you give in now." He again licks the blade before continuing with, "I believe it might be a better match if you wait until you've healed."
Yamazaki steps forward as well and looks down into the pit, his knife raised slightly and drawn over the railing making a hissing sound as metal slides over metal. He growls low down to Vega. "Finish him...."
Joe shakes his head and pushes himself up, one hand to his side, the other held up in a tight fist, the handwraps loosened and dangling. "Hell..*cough*...no asshole..you're good. But I ain't giving up...!!!" Quickly he takes a look around him, judging then nods. There is a flash as his body flickers then glows brightly, a harsh whirlwind spinning around him sending dirt up in its wake. "KYAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Joe's eyes glow a bright orange as he growls then steps forward, swinging his arm up. "SCREEEEEWWWW....." then repeats with the other fist, leaping up summoning a high whirlwind that roars as it races towards Vega at alarming speed."UUUUPPAAAAAAH!!!!!"
Yamazaki covers his face as the whirlwind streaks out and a cloud of dirt is kicked up. "Damn kid..."
Vega has had to deal with that attack before. He still doesn't much like it. He gives an almost snarling sound as he lunges to the side, tumbling to escape the worst of the blows, readying the blade. From that same roll he leaps, almost a diving strike, blade held forward so the edge is angled towards the man.
Joe lets his body fall to the side as Vega leaps by him, again getting grazed, another faint spray of blood from his arm. "Eyaah!" He rolls over and to his feet then turns to Vega, swaying and holding his side. Rushing forward he leaps up and spins, lashing out with his foot and streaking towards Vega, a stream of orange behind his foot. "Slash KICK!"
Vega grins, a feral flash of teeth as he twists to avoid the worst, grunting in pain as the strong attack grazes his ribs. Very well, then. If the man doesn't want to take the surrender, suppose there's only one thing to do. Amber eyes narrow, a serious look coming into them as he swings a roundhouse, trying to knock Joe to the ground. As soon as the foot touches ground, he's already turning and lunging, this time poising the knife for a stab.
Joe's head reels back and blood sprays from his mouth as he falls back and to the ground, his arms crossed over his chest. A cloud of dust kicks up and then settles, the dirt mixing with the blood flowing from his wounds. Then as Vega lunges to him he reaches out and deflects the strike with his palm, taking the stab in the side rather than dead center in his chest. He bites down swallowing the cry and swings his fist to the side of Vega's head.
Yamazaki clentches his fist and shakes it, grinning.
Sano narrows his eyes, starting to go towards the cage to get a better look.
Vega is starting to no longer notice the people outside. Right now, his entire world is that man on the end of his knife. He turns the blade, trying to tear the wound further as he pulls it, rather than just pulling it out of the wound straight. His teeth grit, head jerking away at the punch, though he's not immediately thrown back from it.
Joe's eyes widen as he screams out in pain, "EYAAAAHHH!" and arches his back, the pain jolting through his body. He struggles and wraps his leg around Vega to hold him down, then brings his knee up to Vega's side with a brutal kick and punches at his head. Blood sprays out from the wound and begins to pool on the ground near the combatants.
Yamazaki pounds hard on the railing almost breaking it. "Come ON!" he growls, teeth clentched tight, his body hunched over as he stares down into the pit. His eyes are wide and have a faint purple glow to them, the sight of the blood causing him to chuckle more lowly.
Vega jerks one way, then the other as he's struck, leaping backwards to put a little bit of room between he and Joe. He wipes a hand along his mouth, wiping a line of blood away from his mouth, his eyes never leaving the injured figure. He once more starts to circle, eyes deadly serious, glazed with bloodlust. He seems to be measuring Joe up, every muscle slightly tensed.
Joe slowly pushes himself up, his vision blurred and the taste of his blood smothering his frantic breathing. He can't stay down, not when he is in danger. Will causes him to dig in and rise to his feet. He sways again and takes a step forward, hands raised in his boxing stance, blood rushing down his side and over his legs. He coughs and shakes his head, his breathing audible by a quiet gurgle from his throat. As he keeps his front to Vega, circling with him, he almost trip. But rather than fall he moves with the trip and ducks low, then leaps up, a bright aura around his body as he strikes up with his knee.
Vega lets a low snarl erupt as the knee hits, letting the man bear in close purposefully. It hurts, it knocks him back, but at the same time it brings Joe in against him. Gleaming eyes lock onto Joe's face, the knife turned, grasped tightly, then raised in a slash towards more vital areas: neck, face, throat. While he's this close, he plans to take advantage of this.
Joe cries out again as he leans back and the blade cuts open his chest, not deep but enough to cause damage. Because he leaned back though nothing vital was cut into, just the tip of the blade finding it's mark. He falls back again and rolls, then pushes himself forward to lunge at Vega before he can react. Joe is hurt, bad. His body is fighting for survival now. He brings his elbow in to strike Vega's ribs and hopefully knock the knife from his grasp from the impact.
Yamazaki grins at the cry from Joe and cackles, rubbing the side of his face and leaning even more to see what will happen next.
Vega keeps a tight grip on the knife, though the strike does his his solar plex, causing him to backroll as the air is knocked out of his lungs. He gasps a few times, trying to regain his breath fully as he comes to a full crouch, eyeing the man, knife caught carefully in his grasp again.
Joe is on Vega again, running towards him. He trips once and falls to one knee, gripping his side, then he looks over to the side and turns to the fence. Lifting his hand he looks down to the blood collected in his palm then looks to Vega, eyes narrowed. He spits blood then takes to teh fence, climbing up then leaping off with a jumping kick. Wincing in pain at the exertion from the quick movements. But this is his life on the line.
Vega is the master of fence-climbing attacks. You'd have to be pretty fast to catch him with one. And unfortunately Joe, hurt and stumbling, you just don't cut it. Vega jumps back, waiting till Joe's feet touch the ground, then lunges in once more, grabbing to throw him down. If the throw doesn't finish it, the follow-up Vega has planned should.
Joe lands and swears to himself for missing, then twists his body as Vega reaches for him. He's been grabbed once too many times this fight. As he twists he kicks up quickly with his leg, aimed for Vega's midsection to daze him hopefully then swings his elbow out towards the side of Vega's head, for the spot where his jaw meets his ear.
Vega brings the hand holding the knife up in a sudden motion, aiming to stick the arm coming after him. It might even be pure reaction, from the startled way he yanks his head away from the elbow strike, grimacing and growling again, low. His piercing eyes snap shut, his jaw working quickly to check and make sure nothing was broken or displaced.
Joe lets his body fall back as the knife slashes up, out of instinct and due to the fact that his head is swimming. As he falls he kicks out with one foot, aimed for the front of Vega's kneecap. When Joe lands he coughs and wraps his arms around his upperbody.
Knees weren't made to bend like that. Fortunately, it doesn't break anything, even if it does send a somewhat startled Vega falling to the ground as well. He hadn't expected Joe to have that much fight remaining. He draws to a crouch, bad leg left against the ground as the other braces him. It's an almost animalistic pose, his eyes locked on the downed form of Joe. It's almost as though he's measuring him up, readying for another strike. It's obvious enough that Vega doesn't intend to let this one end so 'nicely' as the last one.
Joe looks down to Vega and narrows his eyes, shaking his head as a trickle of blood streams into his eye. Seeing a chance he rolls over to his stomach kicking out again as he does in a roundhouse type move then rolls again to his knees, gasping for breath. Slowly he forces himself up and moves over to the fencing surrounding the pit to brace himself, clutching the fence. He keeps his attention on Vega out of the corner of his eye.
Vega jerks back to avoid the kick, giving another muffled growl at the shock of pain. That leg's still somewhat sore, apparently. He doesn't give Joe a chance to regain his breath, however. As soon as the man is against the fence, Vega makes a move, blade flashing in the low light of the arena in a strike towards him, eyes boring into his own.
Somewhere on the muck, Lyrae has connected.
Joe pulls himself along the fence, hoping Vega would take the bait. Just the effort of pulling himself takes what strength he has left in him, but he tries for this. The blade slashes past Joe's side grazing him slightly but thankfully not cutting in like before. When he is in position he quickly reaches behind Vega and attempts to grab for his hair, then push him into the fence head first.
The reinforced fencing holds up to the slam of Vega's head, but so does Vega, unfortunately for Joe. His eyes snap open, all but glowing now, the color in them is so bright. Knife again flashes out, once more aiming for a telling blow across the man's throat or neck, free hand grabbing the fence. There's the sound of breaking links as the powerful grip rips a few from their place, bendiog them into twists of metal.
Yamazaki watches closely, eyes narrowing as Vega attacks more aggressively. "Hmm..." He grins sharply and watches, sensing the end of the match soon.
Joe ducks down as the knife slashes over his head and into the fence, sparks flying from the strike.  Gripping the fence as well he pulls himself up while pushing up with his wobbly legs, fist tight in a standing uppercut ained at Vega's jaw. "KURAE!" His eyes flash in intensity, the look on his face almost animalistic as well. Survival the key issue for Joe right now with dissregard for his injuries.
*WHAP* Vega's head snaps back, the hand tangled in the fence slashed slightly from the jagged edges. He stumbles, falling back, shaking his head as he tries to clear the brief haze. His teeth grit, body shaking for a moment as though in an internal struggle.
Joe sways and lowers his fist, then falls back, his fingers sliding down the links in the fence to get a hold on. He catches himself on one knee and his hand, shaking his head as he tries to focus on Vega. But blackness floods him and takes him out, his head bows down as his body falls forward and to the ground.
Yamazaki nods and watches, closing his blade and placing his hand and the knife into his pocket.
Vega shakes it off, still trembling slightly as he looks up, then to the downed figure. He raises from his position, knife turned again in his grasp as he moves to approach. From the look in his eyes, this isn't quite done for him. Apparently, he's either forgotten there are other people here, or doesn't really care.
Joe doesn't move, his breathing shallow and blood running from his many knife wounds.
Shayla creeps in and looks around.  o.o  (Please tell me that idiot isn't here.....dammit!  Joe!)
Sano calls out, "Hey! Hasn't he had enough?"
Vega is in the pit alongside Joe, moving in with a deliberate step. He's holding a bloodied knife, and the look in his all but glowing amber eyes isn't quite 'all there'. He pauses just long enough to glance at Sano, then flashes a grin. "I offered enough times, didn't I?"
Shayla blinks and approaches the arena letting herself in the gate quietly...
Yamazaki growls and yells over to Sanosuke. "Quiet kid..let the fight end..."
Sano growls right back at the gangster, "Stick it..." as he turns back towards the arena. "How 'bout a handicap match?  I figure, two injured fighters against you'll do, eh?" He motions towards his heavily bandaged midsection.
Vega glances towards Shayla's approach, then over towards Sano. He blinks, as though coming slowly out of the moments, then flashes a grin. "If you insist." he says. He straightens slowly, knife wiped casually clean against one arm, never letting his eyes leave the moving figures. Joe's down. Joe isn't anything to worry about, after all.
Shayla looks at Joe and can't believe the mess he's in!  o O (Oh this is just great.)
Sano snorts, looking for the way into the arena.  Knowing that there's a knife, now, he'll just be ready to deal with that. And he IS fresher, at least.
Yamazaki cackles and takes out his blade, clicking it open and holding it up running his finger over the blade.
Shayla stands just in the entrance of the area looking at Vega warily, then over at Yamazaki giving him an annoyed glance.  She begins to step forward slowly, not taking her eyes off of Vega, making her way over to Joe to see if he's still alive.
Yamazaki glances down to the arena then yells out. "Hold on!" A dark grin forms over his face as he hops down and into the pit, landing then slowly rising to his feet.
Vega glances towards Ryuji, stiffening a moment. He steps back from Shayla and Joe, crossing his arms, the cool blade resting against his arm. He watches, silently, not yet sure what the nut is doing here.
Yamazaki closes his blade and walks over slowly towards Shayla and Joe, eyes locked on Joe's down unmoving form.
Sano pauses, not yet entering the pit, as he turns his head towards Ryuji.
Shayla glances at Ryuji from out of the corner of her eye, but continues over to Joe.  When she reaches him she kneels onto a knee and places a hand on his shoulder, bending over to see if he's breathing.
Vega arches his eyebrows as he sees where Ryuji's going, then snorts audibly. "Take your own kill." he says, though his words are dripping with sarcasm.
Shayla's head turns quickly and she glares at Yamazaki, her blue eyes flashing.  "You'd better stop, or I'll make you."  Her left hand clenches into a fist and she tenses waiting to see if he'll make any sort of hostile moves.
Yamazaki raises his eyebrow to Vega then glances over to Shayla. With a forceful movement he pushes his arm down to Joe and grabs him by the shoulder, then pulls him with him as he begins to walk away.
Joe is dragged rather easily..
Shayla jumps to her feet quickly and runs forward skidding to a stop in front of Yamazaki.  "Hey!  What are you doing?"
Sano snorts, hopping down into the pit, then stands and watches Ryuji, commenting to Vega, "What's with him?"
Yamazaki tilts his head to the side and rolls his eyes, leaning down to lift Joe up and hoists him over one shoulder with great ease. "Out of the way kid..I'm cleaning up for the show.." He licks his lips and starts to walk away, heading back to the spot where he watched the match moments ago above the pit.
Vega is staying where he is. He smirks slightly, still watching the man. "I wouldn't know." he murmers, still tesned.
Joe doesn't stir, hanging limply in Ryuji's grasp.
Sano frowns, looking up to make sure Joe's all right.  There's something... wrong... about Ryuji's attitude.
Shayla blinks at Yamazaki, then looks around slightly annoyed.  "Grrrr....Hey!  Who are you calling a kid!  If you so much as even _think_ of putting him out of his misery like you tried to do to Eria you'll taste my lamp of fire buddy!" She follows closely behind him watching his every move.
Vega is pretty sure of Ryuji's attitude, actually. He steps back out of the way, wiping the blade again before inspecting it carefully.
Somewhere on the muck, Terry has disconnected.
Yamazaki makes his way to the top and turns to face Shayla, his form towering over hers. His shoulders rise and fall deeply as he stares down to her, then he lifts Joe up and drops him almost on top of Shayla. Then he turns back to look down to the next fight, hand placed back in his pocket, face set with a sadistic expression.
Joe slams down hard then doesn't move, lying on his side.
Blood slowly trickles from the many wounds and starts to pool next to Joe's form.
Vega looks over towards Sano, eyebrows arching questioningly. Well, he got what he wanted. Vega tilts the knife, turning it over in his grasp slightly. "Are you satisfied with that? Or are you still looking for a fight?"
Shayla doesn't seem at all intimidated by Yamazaki's gaze, but when Joe comes down on top of her....well _that_ was unexpected.  She Ooofs! and falls over catching him.  She looks down at him in her arms and panics when she sees the blood beginning to emerge.  "Oh shit!  Umm....ok,...."  she starts to look him over for the open wounds.
Vega looks over towards Sano, eyebrows arching questioningly. Well, he got what he wanted. Vega tilts the knife, turning it over in his grasp slightly. "Are you satisfied with that? Or are you still looking for a fight?"
Sano snorts, turning his head, keeping his hands in his pockets as he smirks back towards Vega. "Depends. You still lookin' for one?"
Vega narrows his eyes slightly, the hue showing through even then. "If you are..." He taps his blade lightly. "...I am."
Shayla yanks off her cloak and ties it tightly around Joe's stomach to try and cut the bleeding.  Then pulls Joe's arm and hoists him up onto her back, his blood soaking over her clothing.  Erk!  o O (I'm not gonna be able to carry him far....)  She grunts as she shakily gets to her feet and slowly begins to carry him out.
Sano smirks, shrugging. "Want to try that with or without the toy?"
Yamazaki glances over to Shayla for a second then looks back down to the fight, saying nothing.
Shayla o O (Great, there goes my last wardrobe...grrr....mental note to self, yell at Vega later....)  *grunt puff*

Shayla makes her way out to the street with Joe..
 

To be continued...