Maverik vs. Odin

[king]

"Well, the crowd has spoken! The first match this evening will be Maverik and Odin!"

Kurtz quickly skipped across the ring and jumped over the ropes. Oh yes, money was going to be coming in tonight.

[Odin Reeves]

“Perhaps. Perhaps I’ll feel something.” Odin’s solemn remark fell silent under the excitement shown by the crowd. The cheers, boo’s, and over all yelling barely made it acceptable for him to hear his own thoughts without shouting, but this was nothing new. He was use to being the center of attention inside the rope enclosed square, and was even more use to falling into the shadows after exiting them.

Drawing a shallow breath into his lungs he laid perched with his back against the far wall, his arms crossed in front of his chest as his head hung down. His muscular body was on display, but out of the public’s eye as he had yet to step forward. He had already changed out of street cloths into his fighting attire, consisting purely of black boxing shorts. Unlike in his last fight he wasn’t wearing shoes, having taped his ankles in stead so that he was allowed full range of movement with his legs, and wouldn’t have to worry about stepping back at an odd angle and twisting his ankle. Unfolding his arms from there secluded position he brought his elbows back, pushing them against the wall as he brought himself off of the cold surface to stand on his own two feet.

“Guess it’s time.” His guess was actually that of the truth, as Kurtz had already announced the first match with his name popping up as the opponent to Maverik. He knew nothing of this man, despite having gone to the same school as him, and the fact that this man was in fact a Student Dean at his new high school. Nonetheless Odin wasn’t about to start second guessing himself now, nor would over look whoever was in front of him.

After having made a semi-slow walk down toward the ring, having the crowd part for him as he went, it appeared to most that Odin wasn’t just making his way down, but was actually stalking the twenty by twenty foot ring. His gaze was near primal, but his expression wasn’t even close to anger. His body was perilous as he walked up the steps and slipped between the ropes. His adrenaline was starting to simmer before the opening moments of the match, his opponents presence was still needed, but once he arrived there was little doubt as to whether or not Odin’s mindset would boil over and his open assault would begin.

[Maverik]

Maverik had won the previous round on a technicality, and advanced onto the next fight. Xian had been glad that he hadn’t been hurt, but he wondered if it was really the best thing, considering his position. But still, he had advanced, and that was what he had wanted regardless. He knew the remaining participants. It was a 50% chance that a Watchman other than himself would be in the finals, and he wanted to be able to greet them in that ring. He wanted to be the final test before they reached the status of officer. He wasn’t going to let them gain such a thing without a fight…

He watched as Kurtz got into the ring, and called out the four names. He explained that he was going to let the crowd chose the match ups. An interesting decision for sure… It seemed that he wanted to milk the crowd for every last dime they had. Maverik scoffed silently through the bloodlust filled cries of match ups, disliking the whole event by this stage. It was no longer held as a test of skill as it had been under Victoria’s watchful eye… It was an underground fighting ring… Far worse than any simple tournament. Though they had rules in place, they were not enforced until they absolutely had to be. One second later, and Maverik’s knee cap may very well have been shattered if his kick had been unsuccessful… It was something he didn’t relay to his girlfriend, not wanting to worry her any more than she was already.

Suddenly, Kurtz threw his arms in the air, and shouted that the first match up would be Maverik against Odin, leaving Kyukaku and Xenarius to fight in the next round. “So there’s no question about it… A Watchman will advance to the final round…” He said as he stood up, his hand softly landing on Xian’s. “That means I can’t afford to loose… I have to be the one to fight him in the final round…” He said to both her and himself. The crowd cheered as Kurtz left the ring, and Maverik could feel the malice filling the room. “I have to win” He said as his eyes narrowed towards the stage.

He saw his opponent approaching the ring, and noted his attire. “Guess I should even the playing field…” He said quietly as he grabbed the base of his shirt, sliding it up his chest and over his head. His chest scars became visible against his body, and so too did all the smaller scars that were less obvious across his back and up his sides. He then slipped his shoes and socks off as he saw that Odin didn’t wear shoes either, making sure that they were both on an even field. Now all he wore were his long Gi pants, the perfect length so that he couldn’t possibly trip on them. He handed Xian his removed clothing and walked towards the ring.

As he approached it, he climbed in slowly, noticing the girls who commentated these fights up against the back wall, shouting their usual hype for the fight. They would see him front on as he slipped into the ring, and he wondered if anyone would be shocked by the 5 slash’s that crossed his chest like a tally. But it was unimportant. His opponent was what he now focused on. He was large and well built. A strong fighter, and so Maverik would have to rely on his ability to out maneuver him and strike fast at vital points. He nodded towards him somewhat respectfully, and carefully walked slowly towards the bulked man. He stood outside his striking range, and took a very basic Kung-Fu pose. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, and see what he was up against.

[Odin Reeves]

The faded green irises of Odin’s eyes scanned the crowd for the one person who he was to fight. The search was cut short as he noticed a man of similar height begin to remove his clothing on the far side of the ring, outside of it’s boundaries. The way the man displayed his physique told Odin two things that would be fundamental to incorporating a base outline for this fight. The first was that the man seemed more speed orientated. The second, gathered from the Gi pants, was that kicks were going to be used; whether they were the primary weapon or not was yet to be determined, and couldn’t be, but he’d have to make note of their on coming should he choose to use them.

‘Seems like I’m fighting someone like Taiku. Only this time I’ll have both arms… If he is anything like Taiku, this’ll be an interesting match.’ Odin’s thoughts at this time were irregular, usually he would block them out, keep them from interrupting his primary goal of creating a base outline for the match and setting forth his instincts to do the rest. Alas, this had not been done until the other man; his opposition – the object preventing him from retrieving his goal – had entered the ring and begun to walk toward him. His eyes closed, a risky thing to do when a match was to start once both combatants entered the ring. His mind cleared itself of doubt, compassion, and most of all; mercy.

The only thought that was held in the back of his mind was a simple one, one to follow for the match: Use fast strikes, grab kicks, ground and pound.

Opening his eyes he saw his opponent in an unfamiliar stance, something he had most likely seen in a martial arts movie, but had never picked up on. Knowing that it mattered little Odin’s left foot stepped forward as he raised his hands up to guard, his classic boxing stance showing itself once again. By stepping forward he was now within range of his punches, and without hesitation he started the match while his back faced the corner of the ring. Snapping out a quick left jab he did little to make it a stiff strike, just wanting to throw it out there and either tag his opponents face or not; either way it would return to guard. But his guard was changing, as he didn’t just start off with a jab, but a 1-2 combination. His front foot slid off to the slid a little, as well as a bit forward to stabilize his body weight, as his right hand snapped out in an explosive overhand straight. Once again, this was meant for speed, only packing the power of the torque in his hips and shoulders. Unless it was deflected or blocked with serious force, it to would return to his guard lickity-split.

His head movement was especially well done during the opening moments, as he tilted it off to his left as he threw his second punch. This meant that he could possibly be leaning into any oncoming strikes, but his left hand was a strong guard, and his right hand was nothing to wave at.

[Maverik]

As soon as Odin took his stance, Maverik knew what to expect. While it was true that boxing held great power and striking speed, its attacks were simple and very predictable. Maverik would be able to read his moves as long as he stuck to that strategy, giving him an early advantage. However, he couldn’t afford to get hit squarely as it would probably be more than he could shake off. So he was going to have to stay on his toes if he intended to meet the last Watchman in the final round.

The first strike was a quick jab, direct and simple for Maverik to dodge by side stepping. As the straight punch struck out, Maverik saw his opening. He quickly stepped out so that the punch flew past his face, the two forming something of an L shape in their stance. Maverik grabbed Odin’s wrist and pulled it in the direction he was punching, as he jammed his knuckles into his opponent’s armpit, his hand in a tiger palm position. It would strike a nerve cluster if he connected, causing a high amount of pain, perhaps even limiting the use of that arm.

Maverik was in no mood to mess about. If he saw an opening, he was going to take it. His determination was most likely evident on his face, though he wasn’t intending to show it. If Odin won, then he couldn’t be the final test. Something he couldn’t allow. He would stay true to the laws of the Watchmen… But he wouldn’t give Odin even an inch.

[Odin Reeves]

Pressure. Odin was stuck in the corner, his body under attack, he was under pressure, and it was a lovely feeling to say the least. His adrenaline was rising, his pulse beating stronger, his instincts sharper then ever. It was as though he was beginning to enjoy this, enjoying being the under dog just through sheer luck. His personal strengths, his characteristics that made him a well-crafted fighter seemed to be his downfall – at the moment – and that’s what made this a true rush.

Given his weaving technique his head was low, but able to see directly under his out stretched, and at the moment secure, right arm. His opponents step wasn’t hard to see, and so he instinctively moved in closer using his own footwork, breathing out the last bit in his lungs while doing so. His right foot graced over the ground as he took a quick step – almost slide – forward, pushing off a bit with his left leg. This was done as he was roughly being pulled in order to keep his arm out stretched, but he had different intentions. With his movements he brought himself closer to his opponent, moving in closer to the palm attack, but by doing so he was also in close enough use his strength as an advantage. He thrusted his right elbow off to the side, just a bit, as he pulled his fist back. He’d either force Maverik to let out through sheer power, or he’d easily block his vision off. Either way this was an area that Odin could commit to, fighting on the inside having always been one of his strengths.

His ribs were struck, the blow rather dull with a small tinge of pain. Perhaps it was because he was use to being hit, and prepared for it, or it could’ve been because his opponent had struck a solid surface with an attack meant to go into a softer area. Which one didn’t matter, as Odin wouldn’t have the time to think about it, or even really register that he had been hit, since he was throwing out a strike of his own. His left fist had snuck down from his guard, as he stepped in, not that Odin had to worry about a kick given their position and distance from one another. As he bent his arm in, thrusting his elbow outward, he’d undoubting block his opponent’s vision to anything below his shoulder. So as Maverik’s shot struck his ribs, Odin’s left hand was already shooting out in a upper cut toward his stomach/solar plex area. The attack was meant for speed, however, if Odin struck then he’d have no hesitation to really dig his fist up into whatever under belly of his opponents defense in which he was lucky enough to strike.

[Maverik]

Maverik was never known for staying in one place for long in a fight. So much so, that he wasn’t even in place long enough to see the elbow thrust, much less receive the uppercut that Odin threw. As his fingers crashed into Odin’s side, Maverik immediately spun around. He rotated his body by stepping in somewhat of a semi-circle, until his back was in line with Odin’s. He did two things from here… He threw his elbow backwards, jamming it between two of Odin’s ribs, with much more force than his previous strike. The other thing he did, while unknowingly using his opponents attack as time to perform all this, was to throw his heel into the back of Odin’s knee, hitting but a moment after his elbow. His strike would be hard and fast, though it would push as well, throwing Odin to his knees if it connected, no matter the resistance he might give.

Maverik wasn’t giving an inch. He had gotten in close, and he was going to stay there until the last feasible moment… He was good at evading attacks, but he was also out to prove his ability to dish out a few of his own. The crowd seemed to burst into a grand cheer every time he or Odin made a move. It was understandable that they would want to see the carnage, but they seemed especially pumped seeing this fight take place. Perhaps it was because both fighters had already advanced from the first round. Perhaps it was because Maverik had survived a round with Shamino, or because of the chance of Odin slamming Maverik with all of his brutal strength. He couldn’t tell what it was that motivated them so, but he wanted to block it out. He wanted to focus only on this fight. To be all he could be, and to achieve his goal… The final round…

[Odin Reeves]

The spin of a man the same height was impossible to miss, especially when done in front of ones line of sight. Odin saw his opportunity, going for it without regret or mercy anywhere in his mind. His lack of hesitation would be an advantage; his determination would become a lit fuse, his actions an explosion of speed and strength.

Seeing his opponent begin to step around, Odin’s right foot never dropped down to it’s heel, his left pushed forward as he went into a pivot, his body keeping semi-close to Maverik’s after the beginning of the spin. Odin’s left leg came up on his opponent’s as it stopped, landing just a tad bit behind it as Odin’s trained, controlled right arm went over the attacking elbow to slipped in front of Maverik’s neck, pulled back, and was re-enforced by Odin’s left hand as it grabbed his own wrist and pulled back. The circuit would be complete, a rear-naked choke would be the move of choice, and Odin would be in the prime position to do whatever he wanted.

His adrenaline, like in any fight, had been pushed. The difference in this fight is that he felt the excitement it was bringing, the thrill of a true battle. That’s why Odin knew that he needed to enter the finals, he needed the rush of fighting the best, becoming the best, or else he would’ve never entered to begin with.

[Maverik]

Here’s where things began to get interesting. Odin seemed to abandon his uppercut, most likely losing his ability to do much of anything with that arm for a few seconds having just forced his arm to halt halfway through a powerful attack. Maverik would twist his body and deliver a far more powerful side kick to his target, having noticed Odin’s attempt to get behind Maverik. The new attack would be far more powerful, and his movements would make choking him nearly impossible. Maverik’s foot would connect with his opponent’s knee cap rather than the back of his leg, quite possibly fracturing it, if not tearing the ligament all together. If Odin were to avoid this, he would have to abort his own attack entirely.

Maverik knew what he was doing. If he was forced to break one of Odin’s limbs in the process, then so be it… It was up to his opponent to keep his head and not allow himself to fall into such positions. Even now, Maverik was holding back. He didn’t want to cripple, or kill his opponent. But he would do some serious temporary damage if that’s what it took to keep him down.

Maverik felt bad acting like this in a tournament. Especially with Xian watching, as he had never been violent like this in front of her before. But his past was quite bloodied, and she would see this side of him sooner or later. Perhaps seeing it in a ring such as this would be better than seeing it emerge in a real fight, where constraints were an unaffordable luxury. He would have to make all this up to her later… Make up for his actions. He only hoped that the other Watchmen were at least learning something from the way he moved and how he fought.

[Odin Reeves]

Odin isn’t what one would call a speed-orientated fighter. His punches were fast, faster then most 20lbs lighter then himself, but his overall body movements seemed stiff when reaching a point of movement, even more so apparent when he was forced to move. But if there was one category he was working on improving, it was moving his feet while in the ring. Otherwise he’d have to be crazy to do that entire running, skipping, and side step maneuvers each day, just to stand still and try to duke it out.

Concentrating on Maverik’s shoulders led Odin to notice the beginning of the pivot, his target dissipating instantly. He was no longer close enough to actually bring his arm in front of his opponent’s throat and pull back. But that didn’t mean he had to stop his actions and take the shot. Unlike more technical submission experts, Odin usually stepped back with one foot while applying a standing rear-naked choke. He did this for added leverage so he could move into a slam. It was basically part B of his instinctive plan on choking someone out. So when his fellow combatant continued to pivot around Odin removed the desired target from it’s area, not actually knowing he was aiming for his knee, but it was needed for the next move.

Pivoting back on his left foot he pushed off with his right, taking a step back as his left hand, the one that had first attempted a quick upper-cut to the belly, once again went upward in a semi-outstretched manner. Odin was attempting to slip his left hand up underneath his opponent’s right arm, since most kicking based moves required the arms to be out a bit for balance, he was almost positive there would be an opening. Should he be successful Odin’s hand would quickly plant itself on the back of Maverik’s neck or head, this being following with another backward push from his right foot and a thrust from his left hand. The perfect ending to this move would to bring Maverik down to the ground, Odin following with his left arm as the guide, however if this was not possible Odin at least thought a torque of the shoulder would be present, with pain somewhere within his opponent’s shoulder.

[Maverik]

Odin’s leg went back, and Maverik turned to kick, his foot connecting with nothing but air. But he wasn’t about to give up there… He planted his foot into the ground, and lurched himself forwards, grabbing a firm hold on Odin’s shoulders as soon as they were in reach. Maverik would attempt to drive his right knee into his opponents chest as it came forward from where he had been standing. Once, twice, three times he would slam his fast and hard knee strikes into the boxers ribs, bruising him, and quite possibly damaging the bones. He would quickly drop backwards, landing on his hands. He would then throw his legs out hard in an attempt to strike Odin’s shins hard, and possibly knock his legs out from under him.

Maverik was starting to get a feel for the fight. The crowd’s noise was slowly fading, and his intentions were becoming very clear. He was going to try and bring his opponent down hard, trying to deal massive amounts of damage to the well built guy. His mind was still occupied however… With such violence being used, Maverik could hear the faint sound of Dead Eye trying to guide him. Trying to use him. Maverik fought these thoughts as hard as he fought Odin in the ring. He couldn’t let that happen. For Odin’s sake, and his own.

The Watchmen were at the fight. He knew this to be true, as he caught glimpses of them when he had entered the ring. If Dead Eye were to resurface here, he would surely tear Odin limb from limb, and at the same time, destroy their faith in him. He had to be a good leader. A strong leader… And strong leaders didn’t give into their inner demons. And neither, did they lose when they were so close to their goal. He would beat Odin, and he would do it without Dead Eye’s interference. This was the determination on Maverik’s mind…

[Odin Reeves]

This fight was turning into a fast paced event, neither fighter choosing to slow down, take a breather, or relax for half a moment. If they did, it would certainly result in their downfall. That’s how Odin felt as he stepped away from the devastating knee strike; his eyes nearly locked on the lower half of his opponent’s frame. His eyes were so focused on watching the lower half of his opponent that he had failed to keep an eye on the upper body, resulting not only in his shoulders being used as support, but his own move failing without a seconds doubt.

However, not all was lost for the ambidextrous boxer from Varron, New York. His opponent had decided to plan on Odin’s stomping grounds, go into his new passion that he tried to incorporate into every tournament fight; Grappling. Having hold of Odin’s shoulders meant that he was positioned in one place for at least a moment, a moment being all the larger man needed.

Stepping in with his left leg as Maverik sent up the first knee Odin did two things; first he limited the striking area, not so much the force, and second – he trapped the leg before it could retract. The knee would be caught not only between the two bodies, but also by Odin’s left arm as it slipped underneath the crevice of the joint. Having hold of the limb wasn’t all Odin had, his right arm was guided to go underneath Maverik’s outstretched left arm, wrapping around the back for a firm, skin-to-skin hold. That’s when Odin would unleash the power stored within each and every muscle of his being. He’d not only lift the lighter individual, but he’d pivot around on his back right foot, throwing his body into Maverik’s as he’d sent the speed-based fighter toward the canvas, with a his upper back and head being the main points of impact should the whip-lash technique work.

Both men were determined to continue, anyone could tell that, but the question wasn’t who had heart, but who could rid themselves of mercy and hesitation without going over the edge.

[Maverik]

ooc: Terribly sorry about the shortness… But I’m too tired to write out a full post at this time. Feel free to respond to this for now.

ic: A little known fact about Maverik was that when in close quarters, he could grapple with the best of them. As Odin’s arms wrapped around him and attempted to crush his leg between their bodies, Maverik’s hands quickly slipped up behind Odin’s head. A single swift blow would free Maverik, as he would try to slam the strong bone in his forehead hard into Odin’s nose, in all likelihood breaking it, blinding Odin, and stunning him momentarily. If all went according to plan, Odin would release Maverik and stumble backwards, allowing Maverik to drop down and throw a powerful kick to Odin’s knee, trying to knock his feet out from him, sending him crashing into the ground.

[Odin Reeves]

Odin felt the hands of his opponent move from his shoulders to his skull; he felt the small tug that would insure his head staying still, unable to escape. From there Odin knew what was going to happen, and adjusted himself accordingly.

Rather then resisting the hands gripping his head Odin choose to ignore them, throwing his head forward roughly around the same time as his opponent. The difference, however, was that he hadn’t thrown it forward so far trying to attack, but rather tilted it downward in order to defend. The end result was a forehead-on-forehead collision, where the top of Odin’s skull, combined with his bulky neck, took the extent of the force from the head banging.

Dazed for no more then half-a-moment, Odin’s grip would not falter. His weight had shifted back on his right foot for a second, but his thick headed structure played out well as a defensive measure, allowing Odin to keep his hold. Only now he had time to adjust himself, and completely throwing Maverik across the ring with a technically strong move, rather then just brute force. So, Odin’s feet switched, his right came forward in a step, his left went back. Directly from this position Odin’s strength was unleashed as he not only lifted, but also spun around at the same time. His right arm was still underneath Maverik’s left – as well as wrapped around the back – his left arm underneath the knee. The slam would occur a bit different than originally planned if Odin had spun the other way. His right arm would’ve been caught underneath his opponent’s frame, where as now Maverik’s right side would land with more weight on it, rather then his left.

Depending on the landing, Odin’s weight could quite possibly go toward popping his opponent’s hip out of place, as the joint would act like a spring upon landing. Odin’s force going into it, pushing the knee upward and into Maverik, all before springing back with it’s resistance.

[Maverik]

Maverik’s forehead struck Odin’s skull, but that wasn’t where he stopped. His left hand then shot up to the back of his head, firmly pushing down and keeping Odin in place as he pulled his right arm back, and slammed his elbow into the flesh next to his opponent’s spine, not breaking his back, but in all likely hood knocking it out of place, temporarily crippling his opponent if the strike connected. At the same time, he would slam his unrestrained foot hard into Odin’s knee, giving him two points to now defend, and lessoning his ability to react. And just to be sure, he would pull himself up, and drive his knee the rest of the way, cracking into Odin’s face, quite possibly breaking his nose.

Maverik’s attacks were fast, hard and brutal in their motions. He would do his all to beat Odin, never allowing him an inch, or a second to breath. Maverik was all over his opponent, covering all his bases and dealing as much damage as he could muster. It was now a test of time more than a test of strength. One would have to fall before their animal like instincts kicked in and caused them to deal irreparable damage to the other.

The crowd cheered at the sheer brutality of the fight as it was. The high rollers sipping on their drinks and enjoying their show. It was this kind of thing that sickened Maverik. He hated how his fight, though for a purpose, was some sick game to be enjoyed by those with a thirst for blood. He wished to see those people step into the ring. Just once… And realize what it was like to know that every movement counted. Every flinch, every breath, every bead of sweat became a matter of life and death… Just once, he wanted them to know that feeling, and then try and find enjoyment in watching their sport…

[Odin Reeves]

The relentlessness of Maverik’s assault would’ve irritated Odin, should he have stopped to think about what was happening, but such was not his way – especially in the middle of a fight. When his head was pulled down after the initial contact of skull-on-skull Odin rejected the idea of turning and throwing his opponent hard against the canvas, using the whiplash effect for a knockout. Instead he used what was given to him as he was forced to lean forward. Thrusting his body forward he broke out into a short run, only a few steps would be needed, as he’d near the ring corner he had previously started at. A jolt of his shoulder and a push from either arm would throw the lighter fighter against the thin padding of the metal connectors. The elbow strike meant for Odin’s back would strike his shoulder at most, becoming more of a glancing blow with the tip rather then a direct blow. The kick to his knee most likely wouldn’t even occur, as the aiming for a motionless object while flying backwards was difficult enough, more so when one isn’t expecting to do so.

After his opponents back hit the ring corner Odin would begin unleashing swift, solid strikes with the use of his hands. His left leg would be forward, and as such he’d start off with a short left uppercut heading at Maverik’s stomach. This would be performed near unison with Maverik’s feet touching the mat, and would be followed up with a right hook to the body – kept short and swift in order to continue the combination. Whether or not his opponent had received the full of both strikes or not Odin’s left hand would rocket upward at a diagonal, going for the chin with another swift uppercut that hadn’t been pulled back for power, just unleashed. The end of this combination would he overhand straight right, meant for Maverik’s chin or nose, depending on the snap back of his head. If this didn’t knock him out then it would appear he had a stronger chin then most 235-250lb boxers that Odin went against.

[king]

Going to have to give this one to Odin. I noticed some improvement in your posts, but mainly this match was decided by the fact Maveriks posts seemed to be repeatedly rushed.

Anyway, finish it up by monday