They Say Dragons Never Truly Die(Kenichi/Vanyel)

His homeland had finally earned the tranquil peace it deserved. There was no longer the fear of war or destruction. Japan was free to enjoy an era of peace, a period by which they could continue to develop and evolve and even prepare themselves in times of conflict. He was a generous man.

A man with a heart of gold, a martial warrior who would offer his heart to this country's inhabitants and it's people. It was his home, after all. No matter how many lessons or studies he received in China, the Soul of Yamato would always burn within him and he would never forget his roots even at the end of his life.

One of his efforts to assist his homeland was a local tournament he used to find those who shared a mutual interest in martial arts, who wished to be able to defend themselves and even find a place to simply fit in and experience the fighting styles between fellow and heartfelt rivals. It was a fine display of martial prowess and the man who orchestrated this tournament could be no one other than the relentless dragon - Kenichi Murata.

Sitting within a large chair, a wide grin would dominate the man's features as he spectated the battles with his eyes, containing his excitement as he indulged in a large feast, befitting his appetite alone. O, how he wished to leap into the arena, to face these fine warriors in a brilliant display of combat. At his right and left side were two females who served as both his judges, his proteges, and the women providing him with a meal. Beautiful women feeding him fine cuisine. What else was there to be desired?

Within the arena, there was a referee to ensure that no foul play would be allowed in this tournament. To keep Kenichi updated on the participants, there was an announcer who would call their names and announce their names to keep track of every single one of them'.

To be certain, there was a significant itch that burned within this young man's spirit. He wished to test his mettle, to face someone who aimed to defeat him and receive the prize money granted to the victor of the tournament. Money always seemed to be enough of a motivation for anyone to join a tournament but the true test was in seeing who was willing to take a pummeling and reach him as their final obstacle. A true test, indeed...

A woman of average height would enter the locker room after the combatants had properly dressed themselves in fighting gear, going through a list of the names of participants. This process was a typical procedure to ensure that those who entered were still present and hadn't caught cold feet before their match. Gazing at the participants, she would announce the names from the clipboard verbatim.

"Shenghuo. Akemichi. Hao. Keichi. Takeda. Omaeda. And lastly, Vanyel. All of you please make your way to the arena."

When she finished speaking, the guards standing at the entryway leading to the Arena would step to the side, allowing them to make their way through to the a booming crowd. An audience filled with thousands who were eager to this year's participants. Kenichi as well as those who supported him in the founding of the tournament did their best to advertise and present this event to those who even if they held no desire to see a conflict like the past world wars, they could watch an event where warriors displayed their respective talents and skills.

The participants would make their way to the stage. From Kenichi's point of view, this year's participants looked as interesting as the last year's competitors. Taking a small bite of meat from his bun, he would be presented with a microphone and held his hand up towards the two females tending to his every need, a momentary pause on his pampering to set the atmosphere for the tournament. Swinging the microphone around in a dazzling fashion, Kenichi begins to speak, directing his gaze towards the crowd.

"What a fine crowd this is! Let me say that it is an honor to stand before my fellow citizens in this setting I've created. Though we have all surely witnessed battles of the supernatural, there is still a profound beauty in not in developing both the mind and the body. Discipline that forces one to come face to face with themselves, to question their spirit, to go beyond the threshold and stand at the top of that mountain - to roar, exulted by your success!"

Leaping from his chair, Kenichi would perform an aerial somersault, landing before the group of contestants.

"Do you any of you have what it takes to put your skills on display for this audience? To go through the obstacles and meet me at the summit? To defeat the Relentless Dragon? Doubtful, but I'll allow you kids to have your fun~! With that, it's time to begin. First match is Vanyel versus Shenghuo~!!! Let the games begin!" A boisterous grin would form in his face as he gazed at the men before him, tilting his head as he glanced in Vanyel's direction.

In much the same fashion that he had leaped from his chair, he would leap towards it in a graceful display, twisting his body through the air so that he could land neatly without disturbing the lovely pair of woman at his side. When he returned, they resumed his pampering, feeding him a bountiful amount of food as they resume singing his praises.

"With that, let the first match begin!"

Shenghuo, a man standing at six feet, would turn to Vanyel as the other contestants settled into the role of spectators, the crowding cheering the two contestants on. Running a hand through his black locks of hair, the man would take a deep breathe as settled into a stance reminiscent of Muay Thai. His expression was firm as he gazed at the the male, sizing him up as he slowly stepped into his space, kicking off with his left foot to soar towards him and execute a swift and merciless kick towards his chest. If he aimed to dodge, he would quickly take a few steps backward to strike again... or would he dodge and counter?

( https://youtu.be/Xfl62rNQXzs )


Shenghuo did not expect for Vanyel to go on the offensive so soon. His kick was turned against him and Vanyel took the opportunity to make him pay for his decision by shifting into another stance as he executed a fierce and powerful strike towards his stomach causing him to stumble back.

Shenghuo shifted a few steps backward as he brought his knee upward as a means of shielding himself from the flurry of strikes - to keep Vanyel from landing any other strikes against him, in the hope that he would be able to regain his footing and turn the tide of battle in his favor.

He would charge in against this time as he swiftly launched his right foot forward towards Vanyel's face - to execute a fierce push kick to the face. If that proved fruitless, he would charge in yet again, launching his left foot towards his chest before pushing his body ever closer, aiming his left elbow at the dragon of Kyushu's head.

The crowd stared on in awe, cheering the two men on while the other contestants studied the movements of Vanyel and his opponent, wondering who would emerge victorious.

(https://youtu.be/d-C_BtFdT7Q )

To say Shenghuo was astonished by Vanyel's reaction time was a severe understatement. The raven-haired martial artist felt as though he had forced Vanyel into a corner and thought he was prepare to land the finishing strike, only for the Dragon of Kyushu to catch his elbow with one hand, pulling him forward to land a fierce headbutt that left the man dazed, ill-prepared to launch a counterattack as he found himself swept off of his feet by Vanyel's leg as his back hit the ground. Vanyel quickly climbed atop the man to launch another strike and Shenghuo knew he no longer had the advantage, that most of it had been surrendered to his opponent.

"I yield." He would raise his hand up as chuckled sheepishly, impressed by the man's technique. He certainly didn't expect the fight to end as quickly but it'd be an experience he could learn from in the future. As soon as Vanyel would rise up, Shenghuo would pay his respects by bowing his head. The crowd, impressed by Vanyel would soon find their champion to cheer for as they began to shout his name exultantly, as thunderous applause was heard throughout the entire audience. Even Kenichi stared on, somewhat amused by the show they had put on. Vanyel Xiaoyang? Perhaps he'd find a worthy opponent, after all...

:Vanyel Xiaoyang has won the first match. Take a break to get yourself together, fighter. Your next opponent will be Omaeda. Of course, if you wish to face him now, then Omaeda may make his way towards the arena." The announcer would gaze in his direction to gauge Vanyel's mood.