"..." (Open)

[Veyugan ~*]

"Another?"

The raspy voiced echoed throughout the wood grained walls of the shabby bar. It belonged to the elderly barkeep who bolstered a genuinely fake smile. A handle of Jack Daniel's whiskey was tilted toward Veyugan's glass, which was now completely devoid of the liquid that had filled it minutes before. A pair of white orbs flicked upward to drink in the sight of the old man. A curt nod was given and the dark colored liquor was allowed freedom from the dusty glass prison from where it was confined. The aroma enticed Veyugan, drawing his left hand to delicately wrap itself around the glass, raising it and tilting it backward. His lips parted lazily as his throat opened, allowing the whiskey to flow slowly into his stomach. There was no feeling. No burning sensation. No warmth flowing through his body. Nothing.

Why did he drink? If not for the sensation, or the warmth of being intoxicated? Habit. Jack was a faithful companion to him, and had been for a countless number of years. The liquor served as a link to old memories. Even though there was no feeling in the consumption of the liquid, the aroma always brought them flooding back to him. Trains of thought coursed through his mind as the Czech idly rubbed his finger along the rim of the glass. The power of his gloves caused the liquid within the glass to swirl in unison with his finger, creating a miniature tornado of whiskey.

Why was he here?

Why had he returned? He had rid himself of this place years ago. New places, new people, new adventures, everything for the past few years have been exciting and new. However, the last few months have been dreary. It had turned into the same mundane shit, over and over. Veyugan needed change; he thrived on it. So why come back to this lousy excuse of a town? Was it a place he could regard as a 'home'? No ... Not even New York had been a 'home' to him, and PHS #552 consumed a bigger portion of his life than 259.

Did he leave something behind?

Nothing could come to mind. The ceremonial dagger, his kris, remained at his side as it always had. The Gloves of Aquos strapped to his hand were still there. The Bugatti was in storage, and the Hayabusa was parked in front of the bar. No, the few possessions he had, remained with him all these years. There was nothing of value to him in this town, much less in the world.

With a deft movement of his hand, the glass was drained.

"Another?"

Veyugan allowed his head to shake as his eyes shot toward the dozen glasses he had just drained. An inaudible scoff was given as his body slowly began to ascend from the stool. Once more becoming lost in thought, Veyugan's legs carried him out of the bar, and into the city streets. Stepping off the sidewalk, his body leaned lightly against his motorcycle as his hands absentmindedly pulled out a pack of Newport cigarettes, and placed one between his lips. Flames burst from the lighter as the tip of his cigarette was lit, then smoldered to ash.

Veyugan hated people.

They were everywhere, especially tonight. They began to litter the sidewalk as Veyugan smoked his cigarette. He paid them no mind whatsoever, but he fucking hated them. Embers exploded from the cigarette butt as it collided with the temple of a passerby. An obscenity was thrown toward Veyugan, but the hayabusa had already roared to life, and was on its way down the road. There was a destination in mind. Maybe, just maybe Veyugan would find what he was looking for.

"..."

The engine fluttered and died as Veyugan pocketed the key. Led by his feet, the Czech found himself standing in the courtyard of PHS #259. It was in this courtyard that many battles were won, and few lost. Nostalgia began to seep into Veyugan's mind as his eyes scanned the dark courtyard, seemingly lifeless on such a cool night. Once more he was carried absentmindedly by his legs, a task they were accustomed to by now. Lead to a fountain, Veyugan lowered himself to sit on the rim of the fountain. Rippling and splashing water served as a pleasant aesthetic as he twirled his fingers, watching the water spiral downward in the same rotation displayed by his finger. Soon, he tired of the water, and his vision drifted.

White orbs bore ominously into the school, waiting.

[Deleted]

{OoC: Welcome back to Xinrpb.}

A puzzled look graced Kiyoshi's face as he pulled into the parking lot of public high school 259 only to see another motorcycle already parked. Given the time of night, there shouldn't have been anyone at the school. Kiyoshi dropped the kickstand of his motorcycle as he killed the engire and removed the key, eyes looking over the fine machine of whoever the unexpected moonlight stroller might be. It might have been nice to get eyes on this mystery person before announcing his presence but being the second to arrive and given the graveyard silence of the school at night, there was a certain level of certainty that whoever was here knew that Kiyoshi had come.

Knowing there was little to change that fact, Kiyoshi started to make his way toward the courtyard as it was the only place he could currently check since he did not possess a key to access the buildings... yet. It didn't take long to find the owner of said motorcycle, though it wasn't what Kiyoshi would have expected to find. The larger male was also older, not a high-schooler so maybe college? Or given the age of some teachers it was possible that he was staff but there was still no reason for him to be around this late... odd to say the least. While thinking over this issue, Kiyoshi continued his walk forward toward the fountain where the guest was stattioned.

"So... what brings you around this place so late?"

Kiyoshi spoke quite freely, announcing his presence if he guy had yet to notice unlikely... but possible. He halted his approach several yards away to give himself ample time to guage the guy's speed and react if he was hostile, which was a distinct possibility. His arms were folded against his chest, eyes sternly focus on the man as he awaited a response.

[Veyugan ~*]

OOC~* Much appreciated. I apologize for the length in advance. I tend to get carried away.

'What in the fuck am I doing?'

Veyugan's eyelids fluttered momentarily, allowing the dried orbs to re-hydrate. Becoming lost in thought was a habit of Veyugan's, one he partook in regularly throughout the day, willingly or unwillingly. Sometimes, it felt as if his consciousness would lapse, allowing his subconscious to take full control of his being. Sometimes, it aided in clearing and refreshing his mind. Sometimes, it resulted in the Czech waking up to blood-stained hands.

Not that he complained in the least bit.

A swift hand removed an iPhone from his right pocket. His forefinger arched around the top of the device, depressing the power button. A brilliantly colored, high resolution screen allowed him a glimpse at the time. Almost a half hour to midnight. It seemed his stare-off with the school entrance had lasted nearly twenty minutes. Nothing out of the ordinary.

His right hand replaced the phone to its resting place in his pocket from where it ascended to gently massage his now closed eyes. All the while, his left hand had extracted a cigarette, placed it between slightly parted lips, and ignited the tip. Veyugan drew the smoke into his mouth, allowing it quick escape from his now parted lips. Out of habit, the first drag - which always tasted of butane - was never inhaled. The cigarette was raised to his lips once more as his experienced lungs filled themselves to the brim with the menthol smoke. Slowly, smoke poured from his nostrils and then his mouth as the nicotine was dispersed into his brain.

"..."

The footsteps had finally made their way to the courtyard. Veyugan's earlier trance was interrupted by the motorcycle piercing the sound of the night sky. Curiosity ran rampant within Veyugan as he wondered if he would run into anyone he had known from all those years ago. A slight shake of the head broke his ever-moving train of thought and Veyugan realized a voice was carrying a question through the courtyard. The question registered, and Veyugan took a moment to think. However, he didn't even have a finite answer.

Several foot long snakes of water rose from the fountain and coursed around the Czech's body as he absentmindedly thumbed his gloved right forefinger. They passed across his chest, around his neck and spiraled around his forearms and legs. Slowly, Veyugan allowed his body to rise - towering over the boy a few yards away. A pair of white orbs flicked upward - matching the firm glare displayed by an opposing pair of blue. There was no emotion behind the Czech's eyes. He seemed ... distant.

"Curiosity."

[Deleted]

Slowly Kiyoshi raised a brow at the sight before him, water being controlled and bent around someone like that... unreal. How the hell was that guy doing that? In response, the Japanese student shifted his weight slightly to the side as the distant stare and powerful ability were not a good combination for pleasent dialect. Often when he got that same feel and look about him, Kiyoshi would be off to create havok in some grandiose way that would leave many, including himself, seriously injured. Caution was critical right now... odd as he would usually jump head first into things but this had been planned as a scouting mission for future plans, not a battle night.

Alas there would be no preventing a battle if the other guy became deadset on it. Kiyoshi started to move, albeit slowly, to the side with every intention of keeping his distance from the man at the moment. When processing the answer his question had gotten, things only seemed to get stranger. Sure enough curiosity was fine but what was it about? The school... the people... it seemed it was really only half an answer and there would only be one way to get further into the matter.

"Curiosity about what exactly?"

Kiyoshi was going to be rather blunt about as there was no real way to artfully skate around to get to the information he wanted at the moment. That goal was simply what he had originally asked... why was the guy here? Giving his own rising ambition, there was a need to be perfectly aware of everything he could. Knowing the daylight/school day actions of every power party was easy as not much happened, however the night could give great insight to what was going on. Now if the guy was some agent of a kind, he would lie... luckily Kiyoshi had a counter measure resting in his pocket currently that would make that a non issue.



{OoC: P.S. Happy birthday}

[Veyugan ~*]

OOC~* Thank you for noticing.

As the gaze from both men locked fiercely, Veyugan's cigarette had burned down to the filter, warming his fingertips. With a deft movement, his left hand flicked the cigarette a few good yards to his side. While the butt was spinning through the air, his left forefinger made a quick flicker of movement as one of the snakes of water darted toward the cigarette. It collided dead on with the cherry, allowing a barely audible hiss to sound. However, the sound of the sizzling cigarette could clearly be heard from yards away - especially in the deafening silence of the night sky.

Never faltering, his white orbs drank in the image of the boy in front of him.

A bit young. Definitely no one Veyugan had ever seen before during his time at the school. A current student? Most likely. The Czech would place the boy at a sophomore or junior level, by the sight of him. The boy's body slowly rotated, and his legs carried his body sideways. There was caution in his movements. Veyugan could smell it in the air around him. A smell that always caused his lips to curve into a smirk.

The smirk remained plastered to his lips as his eyes continued to bore into the child's returned stare. The conversation was going as Veyugan wanted. The Czech was never much for words, more so action. His responses, if he was imposed to actually supply one, were very 'to-the-point,' consisting of only few words. This made the other fuel the conversation almost single handedly. It truly was a great way to drain information from people, as most people just liked to hear themselves talk.

The deliberate cautionary movements of the boy reflected a similar kind of curiosity Veyugan had professed to possessing mere moments before. However, the Czech's curiosity was of a complex composure. An answer to that question would not come easily, as even within the confines of his own mind, and answer didn't exist. However, there was a different curiosity, aside from why he had returned at all. So, that is what he used to quench the apparent thirst of the newcomer.

"Tell me about the school."

A simple command. Veyugan wanted to know how the school had fared over the past few years. He wanted to know if this boy could read deep enough into Veyugan's appearance and behavior and see that he had actually attended the school that lay behind him. The boy looked observant, now Veyugan would see just how observant he was.

[Deleted]

Without faltering his own gaze, Kiyoshi noted the speed of the movement of the water as it was sent aside to douse the cigarette butt. Much of that observation was done through the peripherals of his vision, which any fighter worth their weight would have to train at a school like 259... or more so 552. It was impressive to say the least but as the original shock of the power started to dwindle the more minute uses of it did little to replenish that. Alas it was still an overwhelming advantage for the man who already had size on his side, if this did break into combat Kiyoshi only really had the hope of superior physical ability, which seemed like a long shot at best.

The leisure evasive stroll around was brought to an abrupt end when the guy responded with more of a command to be supplied with information rather than doing the polite thing and answering first before asking a question. Kiyoshi's eyes narrowed slightly showing the smallest indication that he had little patience for being ordered to do anything. In a more rash mood he would have dropped all false civilities and attack but in his current state where was a weight to the purpose it served, which was currently none. With a short hard chuckled, Kiyoshi shrugged lightly as he formulated his response.

"What is there to say? Same shit, different place... students beat the crap out each other day in day out."

Nothing at all informative in what Kiyoshi said while having the additional perk of being completely true. Besides it would certify whether or not this guy was an alum by his reaction, should he give a motion of shock and confusion then he wasn't... anything else could be construed as the opposite. Perhaps there was more underneath the surface but really its face was a school of violent delinquents battling each other over mostly simple pride. Occasionally there were greater motives involved however they were rare and nothing to explain to this guy. Having answered better than his counterpart Kiyoshi smiled much in the way one would smile to a child who wasn't getting the message.

"Now... why are you here?"

[Veyugan ~*]

The smirk widened.

Although Veyugan was providing little to no emotion behind the words and actions he spoke or performed, the boy was feasting off of what little the Czech did supply. Exactly as he wanted. If you give a mouse a cookie... The boys movements, albeit quick and subtle, spoke volumes. The sudden halt of movement, a ever so slight narrowing of the blue orbs within the boys skull, a small chortle that seemed forced - all indications in a change of emotion, however small. It wasn't surprise, no the eyes would widen, not narrow. Anger? Most likely not. The jawline would become taut, ears would perk slightly, and the eyes would narrow more deeply than that. It seemed the command may have annoyed the boy.

Veyugan took in the response to his command a little disheartened.

Void of expression, the Czech's eyes blinked in acknowledgement to the response. White orbs finally pulled from the boy - coming to assume he was not a threat - and replaced the school as its point of focus. How pathetic. This school still had a weak pillar system? If students continued to wreak havoc within the halls and upon the grounds of the school with no punishment, than the school must have no one fit to contain the students. Disappointing. The Czech was looking forward to finding someone to stand against - an equal. It has been quite a while since he had a worthy fight.

Fixating their gaze back upon the boy, Veyugan heard another question - supplied by a cheeky little smirk. The words of William Blake flashed through his mind as the Czech's head tilted sideways as his eyes narrowed lightly, flashing back with life. His hunger was returning. Since the boy needed to be spoon-fed, Veyugan would have to be the one to feed him.

Mock on, Mock on: 'tis all in vain!
You throw the sand against the wind,
And the wind blows it back again.

"I'm here to find someone of ... worthy stature."



The Czech paused briefly before finishing his sentence, adding emphasis on worthy. It seemed the boy was not as observant as he thought, or hoped he would be.

[Deleted]

Noticing the widening smirk, Kiyoshi started to realize that his counterpart was enjoying the visual response of annoyance that he showed. It should have been expected as most people in these places liked to play mind games with people in even the most subtle of ways. Relatively new to that game and being hot-headed to boot made the whole idea of controlling emotions and keeping stone-faced a bit foreign to him. The only experience Kiyoshi had with it was playing poker, which was a different animal entirely.

However Kiyoshi did get the information he sought after, more or less. The void expression and look away toward the school for a moment, Kiyoshi took as signs of being an alum of the school. There was little to go on but Kiyoshi had pretty much take any response other than shock as a yes to previous attendance and that included no expression at all. But what may have been better was that even against someone who seemed so controlled in his responses both verbal and physical, Kiyoshi still had the ability to stimulate a response through his more taunting and childish actions. The return of a spark in narrowed eyes gave a hint that the Japanese student had set of something, be it ever so small, in his Czech guest. Again the man spoke this time pausing before emphasizing a certain word that was likely intended to offend in some way or challenge.

"... worthy? Yeah... I don't think there is anyone here on your level..."

Kiyoshi paused for a long moment while placing a hand to his chin in a pose that mocked thinking. There had been enough of the dance around, if they were going to fight... so be it. After a good wait Kiyoshi smiled widely before finishing his thought in blatant insult despite all the previous displays.

"... no one's that weak."

[Veyugan ~*]

OOC~* Sorry for the delay.

The Czech remained statuesque, eyes fixated upon the frame of the boy in front of him. His tongue still tingled as the last word left his lips. Veyugan wanted to know how the boy would react, seeing as a mere command was almost enough to set the boy on the verge of charging him. It must have been obvious by now that the game of cat and mouse enthralled Veyugan. A game he was all too familiar with; a game that pleased him in the most sadistic of ways. A passion of his - the ability to infiltrate someone else's mind and affect the way they acted. Depending on the person, Veyugan was able to get inside their head with such ease, he could literally decide their next move for them.

Like a life sized marionette.

The mere thought of it sent the smirk into a full on grin - a grin that was unreadable to anyone who wasn't used to the Czech's way of thinking. To the boy - it would most likely appear to be a random smile. Nothing yet had been said from his hopefully soon to be blue eyed puppet, and it had been several seconds since the words had left Veyugan's mouth. Another action from the Czech to increase, yet again, the boy's curiosity. Ironic, really, how losing one's train of thought could be beneficial.

Returning back to a simple grin, Veyugan's lips sealed as he began to gnaw ever so lightly upon his tongue, waiting to hear the punchline from the boy's joke. White orbs saw a hand rise to the boy's chin. It looked similar to La Penseur, 'The Thinker' statue that was currently on display in Paris. However, the boy wasn't deep in thought. It was apparent by the way his words seemed to trail as he finished speaking - the boy already knew what he was going to say.

The Czech managed to suppress a chuckle at the boy's final final words. How ... cute. The boy had pride, and it seemed Veyugan might have rubbed it the wrong way. Funny, the Czech was arrogant, but never blatant. Yes, he implied many things, but rarely came out and said what was on his mind. That was the nature of the mind games he liked to play. Telling someone they were weak would only do so little. Making them realize that on their own ... well, that's an entirely different ballgame.

"You speak about a subject of which you possess no knowledge. I expected more from such a ... critical thinker."

It was exhausting really, to have to say so much to get a message across. But, it was a necessary speech. Veyugan's eyes would drift away - coming to focus upon a dark, low hanging cloud - watching as it drifted along in the night sky. After a few seconds of silence, Veyugan would speak again, imitating the boys previous tactical approach of getting inside someone's head.

"How disappointing."[/b]

[Deleted]

Kiyoshi noted the adjusting facial formations of the taller student with less intent on their individual meanings. At this point his focus was more refocused on the indication of attack as he had in the past agitated people into charging him, also into making the simplest of mistakes. However nothing came forward... not all that surprising given the amount of control that the man seemed to focus into even the smallest physical response. A total control that could be very useful to someone with certain aspirations. After all the best negotiators were the ones who gave away the least...

However for any of that to happen there would need to be a change in the current dialog, which was not coming anytime soon as Kiyoshi was pretty much locking in on a certain course of action from which deviation was virtually impossible. Now after taking that course to its resolution perhaps... but that destination needed to be reached. Back to the continuing conversation, the Japanese student couldn't help but smirk in good humor that the snipe of 'critical thinking' that had been thrown at him. He had never and would never claim to be brilliant but he was smart enough.

"Yeah well... I'm no Socrates or anything but I've outsmarted people much smarter than you."

As he spoke, Kiyoshi knocked on the side of his thick skull as a sort of show that he often used it less as a mental weapon and more the physical type. Simply put, rather than out-think you... he'd head butt you in the face. Still that wasn't to say he had his moments where he did, they were just rare like getting a teacher to make the mistake to disqualify himself in a structured battle. Going back to the mention of aspirations, those rare moments would have to become much more frequent if he was to succeed. Kiyoshi shifted his fist from the side of his head toward the Czech guest with a small shrug before making an even more blatant challenge.

"However... I think my point still stands. Nothing to really prove me wrong now is there..."

[Veyugan ~*]

Growing quite bored his of cloud-watching, Veyugan's gaze slowly settled back down to fixate upon the boy yet again. A smirk had formed upon the boys lips - apparently from the Czech's snide remark. So it seemed the boy had now found Veyugan's comments humourous as opposed to annoying. Was playtime coming to an end? No matter, as the Czech was growing weary of the conversation on hand. However, it seemed it would have to be drug out for just a little longer. As the boy finished his sentence, Veyugan wished he had a cookie as he figured the boy definitely wanted one after coming up with that brilliant insult. But the question was: Chocolate chip or sugar?

Probably sugar. Little kids loved their sugar.

After the Asian rapped his fist against his skull, he ... offered it to Veyugan? Wait, what? The Czech arched an eyebrow at this action. It was unclear to him what holding a fist out meant - especially in this circumstance. Well, maybe he didn't want a cookie for outsmarting people, maybe he wanted Veyugan to bro-fist pound him instead. Funny, if that was his intention, he would just be another one of those bro's that got left hanging when the other bro didn't see him offer it.

Turning slowly on his heel, the Czech turned his back toward the boy. Again with the remarks. Honestly, he was growing tired with this boy. He had failed to warrant an emotional response from Veyugan thus far with his words; why keep trying? It truly was rare - comparable to seeing bigfoot riding a unicorn on a rainbow with a leprechaun's pot of gold - for the Czech to be pushed to the point to take the offense. It went against his nature. No, Veyugan prided himself on his ability to read attacks too much to take the offensive. Unfortunately, it seemed that this boy wouldn't charge him. Maybe he was scared? Afraid of charging the goliath that stood before him; so he resorted to cheap antics such as throwing insults. Insults never worked. He better use rocks. That's how David did it.

Slowly raising his right arm, Veyugan flicked his wrist back at the boy - clearly a form of dismissal. Ever since he was a young boy, the Czech was indifferent to what others thought about him. Hopefully now the boy would realize his words had no affect whatsoever upon Veyugan. Lazily, he would mutter these few words only loud enough for the boy to hear.

"Without experimentation ... It's nothing more that a theory."

It was clear both parties were ready and expecting the inevitable fight. However, how long would it take for the boy to realize it was all in his hands to make the first move?

[Deleted]

Yet, more controlled responses and eventually a gesture of dismissal. Despite all the hiding of his irritation at Kiyoshi's comments, wasn't trying to get them to leave you alone one? Now it was easily just the Czech just trying to make Kiyoshi do it, which wasn't really hard in fact just saying so usually worked. But during all this the Japanese male could not help but wonder how sad a life that was... to live in such constant restraint of every little thing, never once just living on instinct and emotion. At first at had been envy at the control, now it was pity that he did not try to hide in any way. No, it was plastered all across his face and body language.

Alas Kiyoshi would have to make the first physical move in this battle, nothing out of the ordinary there as that was the case with pretty much every battle he'd ever been apart of save for one or two exceptions. He'd come to expect it. Not to mention the one thing he'd noticed in his years... the first attack always failed unless the defending party wanted to show how tough they were by taking it intentionally. It was good strategy to be on the evading side of that but someone had to be the aggressor. Besides, while Kiyoshi did have other things to do tonight, it wouldn't prevent that. He could walk away now or after a short workout, the other guy obviously wouldn't charge to stop him on either occasion so why not indulge...

Kiyoshi started to shake out his limbs as all the posturing had tired caused him to stiffen up a bit. Sure it would telegraph the intent but it wasn't like that would change anything. After finishing his loosen up, Kiyoshi's eyes once again fell on the Czech, gleaming with obvious intent. In one fluid motion, the Junior burst forward at full speed toward his target while contemplating his method of attack. Always the showman, it wasn't hard to figure what he would do. He reared back his right arm so though readying to lay all of his charging weight behind it, however once in range he lept to the air. Now it was not a high jump but more of a lunge forward during which he extended both legs out directly in front of him and aimed toward the man's gut. Classic dropkick.

[Veyugan ~*]

Ah, the scent of it.

It was apparent Veyugan had uttered the right words. His body rotated slowly, allowing his eyes to take in the sight of the asian boy once more. A genuine smile spread across his lips as he watched the boy warm up his body. The Czech just simply rolled his neck as he emptied the contents of his pockets, placing the iPhone, lighter, pack of cigarettes, and wallet upon the rim of the fountain that lay behind him. Cracking his knuckles, Veyugan inhaled deeply and sharply. How he loved the smell of the air just before a fight. It enticed the Czech. Anticipation was growing within him. Within his chest, his heart beat began to beat a little quicker.

The rush was back.

Slowly, the Czech spread his legs, right foot leading the left by a good half a foot. His weight was distributed roughly sixty/forty, the majority upon his right foot. In essence, he was leaning slightly into his opponent. The asian boy burst forward - quite quickly to Veyugan's surprise. Maybe it would be a good fight after all. Quite early in the rush, his right arm went up. The image shot through Veyugan's mind; why give away an attack so soon? A smirk. It was with high probability that this motion was to throw off the Czech. So the question was; what would this diversion ultimately lead to?

Ah, an aerial attack.

The Czech's eyes absorbed the shift in weight toward the boy's legs, albeit an ever so slight change of pace. As it became apparent the attack would be a kick, Veyugan started to shift his weight to his left quickly, pushing off with his right foot hard to bring his body to his left - the boy's right. Rotating his body, his left arm would shoot out to deter the path of the legs from his stomach. However, the Czech wasn't quick enough to complete the task with the intended outcome. The boy's right foot grazed his abdomen harshly. Veyugan was able to dodge the brunt of the attack, but didn't manage to avoid it entirely.

Even through his clothes, the Czech's abdomen felt as if he had attempted to slide across a carpeted floor. Not painful, more so uncomfortable. The path of the asian boy now would be to fly toward the fountain. Given the origin of attack, Veyugan assumed the boy's descent from the air would lead his feet just above the rim of the fountain - causing him to fall into the water that filled the base. However, that path could easily be avoided by lowering his feet in air to touch the rim, halting his approach. From there, he could push off the fountain, and go from there. There was a possibility the boy could turn in mid-air - causing him to ultimately face his opponent when his feet contacted the rim - although unlikely. Therefore, for a split second, his back would be turned toward the Czech.

Time to move.

Veyugan pushed off his left foot, now the bearer of the majority of his weight - toward the back of his opponent. A gap of five to six feet would be closed in a little less than a second - a task easily managed due to the length of the Czech's stride. On the approach, his right foot would touch ground first, followed by his left. Once his left foot made contact with the ground, he would force his body upwards, his right knee coming up swiftly to force itself - hopefully - into the back of his opponent. His body would arch back slightly - adding a little more force behind the attack, but also giving ample room to react to the possibility of a backward headbutt or elbow.

[Deleted]

A small smirk formed on Kiyoshi's face as he felt the contact of clipping the guy's side, which was more than he could have normally hoped for but now was the problem of stopping and turning around quickly. The process could be started while he continued his flight past his target by twisting slightly and dragging his left arm along the ground as though it was a brake. This would make it easier to stop when his feet hit the edge of the fountain as they did with his body almost on his left side. Now there would be to paths up, turn and rise or rise and turn, each had its positives and drawbacks. Kiyoshi choose to rise first by shoving off the ground with that same left arm and quickly gathering his feet underneath him, granted the quick response of his opponent would not allow a full turn.

Still halfway up and halfway turned, there was little response Kiyoshi could muster when the knee came flying in. The step to turn had pretty much forced him to step into the blow while his other foot was jammed against the fountain wall, which either meant holding his ground or being knocked into the water. Kiyoshi was choice was an obvious one as the knee collided with tremendous force into this side causing a harsh expulsion of the air within his lungs and an agonizing shock wave of force to crash through his internal organs. Despite it all, this Japanese fighter wasn't about to stall or back down from anyone, however he did require time to recover and rebound.

While bearing his weight against the knee that had struck him, Kiyoshi quickly dropped his left arm around the limb in hopes of grabbing hold of it and keeping pinned against him. If that was a success no time would be wasted as the Akechi would spin on his own left while simultaneously placing his right foot behind the planted left foot of this opponent and thrusting his right foreman into the larger man's chest. The combination of those actions would be intended to throw the Czech off balance, then Kiyoshi could lift and toss the captured limb thus effectively dropping him onto the ground. Whilst doing the toss, he would have to lean back his head to make sure no snap kicks caught him in the head. If successful, Kiyoshi would essentially stagger to his left to get some ground between him and the recovering Czech, during which he could catch his breath. However this was all contingent on catching the knee before it could be withdrawn... failure to do that would leave Kiyoshi awaiting another attack.

[Veyugan ~*]

It seemed the boy had found a way to halt his approach toward the fountain - using the friction of dragging his left arm against the ground to slow him. As his feet connected with the fountain, he swiftly made his ascension from the ground. Veyugan had to give credit to the boy where it was due - his movements were fairly quick. But not quick enough.

The blow collided with tremendous force into the left side of his opponent. Not the intended target of the knee, but the Czech would take it. A smirk splashed across his lips as Veyugan heard a wheeze from the asian boy - noting that the wind was knocked from him.

As his right leg began to retreat from his opponents side, the asian's left arm wrapped itself around Veyugan's limb, just below the knee. White orbs drank in the sight - noting a wide opening. With the boy's left arm currently wrapped up in something, the Czech had a perfect opportunity to make his move.

Veyugan lunged upward, pushing off with his left foot. Knowing his right leg was currently pinned against the boy's side, there were a few things that could happen. One, nothing. Veyugan would only gain a few inches off the ground - granted, that was all he really needed. Two, the boy would be unable to successfully keep the leg pinned between his side and arm, allowing the only restraint around Veyugan's leg to be his arm. That would give a good half foot to Veyugan's ascent. Third, the grasp could be broken entirely, not as possible as the aforementioned, but still possible.

Regardless, as his body began to move up, it would also rotate clockwise slightly as the Czech drew back his right arm. At the peak of the small jump, Veyugan would rotate his body counter-clockwise, bringing his right fist down into the base of the skull - where the spine started. An aerial haymaker. However, as his body began to rotate into the haymaker - the boy's right arm shot out, connecting solidly with the Czech's chest. A dull pain now ached just above his sternum. This forced Veyugan out of his rotation - causing his body to move back, draining power from the punch. It had a chance to connect, but also had a chance to miss as well - whiff by the boy's left ear - since his body had been pushed back. Veyugan wouldn't know until he felt something as his eyes had moved toward the ground - looking for a place to land so he wouldn't lose balance.

Ah, the boy had intended to trip Veyugan. The asian's right foot was planted just behind where Veyugan's left foot had been before he jumped. This movement went unnoticed by the Czech as he was focused on the boy's neck. It seemed Veyugan had jumped in the nick of time - avoiding what could have been disaster.

Well, we're not out of the woods yet.

Veyugan stretched his left leg far back, letting his foot touch the ground. If the boy still clutched his right leg, the Czech would really have no choice but to push back toward the boy from his left leg - sending another punch, this time into the boys face. If the boy didn't have the leg, Veyugan would then draw back his right leg, allowing that foot to touch ground after his left, positioned just behind it, ready to counter if an attack came his way.