Axel Stone (Streets of Rage)
Backstory:
A police officer before the events of the first game, he quits the force as the gangster Mr. X's corruption spreads across Wood Oak City, choosing to fight his Syndicate on his own terms when the police reveals itself to be far too corrupt to interfere, with the help of fellow ex-cops Blaze Fielding and Adam Hunter.
One year later, Axel, who has left the police to run a martial arts dojo, discovers that Adam has been kidnapped by a returning Mr. X, and finds himself forced to fight against the Syndicate once again, with the help of Blaze, as well as his friend pro wrestler Max Thunder and Adam's kid brother Skate.
Following a terrorist attack by an insane Mr. X who now seeks to plunge Earth into a world war, Axel, now reinstated as a police officer, sides with Blaze, Skate and Syndicate abdicate Dr. Zan to defeat him once and for all, the stakes higher than ever.
After the final death of Mr. X, Axel left Wood Oak City, deciding to live a simple life in isolation and spend his days training and studying in the search of true strength beyond his fists. However, he immediately returns to the city when Blaze calls for his help to take down the new Syndicate founded by Mr. X's children, Mr. and Ms. Y, joining forces with her, Adam's daughter Cherry Hunter and Gilbert Zan's apprentice, Floyd Iraia.
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics,
Martial Arts (An extremely skilled fighter capable of defeating hordes of criminals and policemen alike and fight ninjas, samurai or other martial artists, even incredibly skilled ones such as his rival Shiva, as well as combat machines, Axel is capable of performing a wide variety of kung-fu moves and "combo" enemies in various ways using many advanced techniques),
Weapon Mastery (Capable of using many kinds of weaponry picked off the ground with significant skill, including unusual ones like shuriken or kunai, and can perform special moves with baseball bats, planks, lead pipes and katanas. Should have training in firearm usage due to being an ex-cop),
Acrobatics (Can easily vault over enemies while grappling them, suffer no damage while being thrown, instantly landing on his feet with an air recovery and perform dodge rolls),
All previous plus Fire Manipulation (Many of Axel's moves surround his limbs with flames),
All previous abilities plus enhanced Fire Manipulation (Axel's flames are now powerful enough to set the ground ablaze and he is capable of manipulating the flames into the shape of a dragon to attack),
Vibration Manipulation (Can hit the ground hard enough to harm nearby foes with Dragon Crush),
Air Manipulation (Can create a tornado of fire with Dragon Burst),
Absorption (Vampiric Instinct causes all attacks to restore health),
Status Effect Inducement (Can stun people by tossing Stun Grenades at them)
Weaknesses: Special moves consume some health when used too frequently.
Cody Travers (Final Fight)
Backstory:
Cody has practiced boxing and martial arts since he was 9, he has a girlfriend who has been his "sweetheart since childhood", Jessica. Cody also took care of his younger brother Kyle, being something of a father figure to him.
Cody teams up with his best friend/rival Guy and the Mayor of Metro City, Mike Haggar, to save Jessica (Haggar's daughter) from Belger, the leader of the Mad Gear gang. Cody takes on many of Mad Gear's worst thugs, including Damnd, the first Mad Gear Gang member to kidnap Jessica, and Edi. E, a corrupt police officer who uses a gun and police baton against Cody, making the fight very difficult to win. His penchant for fighting often leaves the others free to pursue the other bosses of Metro City.
In the end, Cody confronted Belger on the top floor of his penthouse, and after a tough battle, Cody was able to use an uppercut to knock Belger through a window, sending Belger plummeting from the top floor to his death on the street below. Cody is then celebrated as the hero of Metro City and Jessica herself wants to celebrate with Cody, but Cody tells Jessica that he can't sit still while evil continues to stalk the streets. After sharing a passionate kiss with Jessica, Cody leaves the city for parts unknown.
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics,
Expert Brawler and Martial Artist,
Acrobatics,
Air Manipulation,
Weapon Mastery (Skilled with knives and able to use pipes, wrenchs and other items he can find around as weapons),
minor Power Nullification (His Criminal Upper cancels out normal projectiles),
Damage Boost (Can perform enhanced versions of his Special Attacks),
Status Effect Inducement (By hitting the opponent repeteadly, without them being able to recover, he can cause them to enter the "Stun" status, which leaves them unable to react),
Same as before to a greater extent:
Enhanced Senses (Was aware that Zeku was following him),
Attack Reflection (Can reflect projectiles with a pipe swing),
further Status Effect Inducement (His Focus Attack causes the opponent to enter a "crumpling" status)
Weaknesses: Can tend to be lazy and bored.
Song: Street Rager
Mayor Cody Travers was currently taking a walk through the city, his mind going back to nostalgic and fond memories of his past as a street fighter who used only his fists to keep the peace. While he was now the mayor of the city and had a litany of bureaucratic duties to tend to, he couldn't help but long for the simple yet fulfilling days when he had been able to fight crime with simply his fists without worrying about all the political red tape.
"Ugh, why does being mayor have to be so boring and stuffy?"
Cody's frustration and annoyance with the political bureaucracy that came with being mayor only grew as his walk continued, his boredom beginning to outweigh his nostalgia. The mayor couldn't help but look up at the sky, his eyes taking in the expansive vista as he expressed a quiet sigh. The clear blue sky was a welcome change from the stuffy atmosphere of the city, its openness and freedom a vast contrast to the political arena he was constantly navigating.
Cody was suddenly drawn out of his own thoughts by the sounds of a commotion emanating from an alleyway close to his position. The mayor glanced down the alley and, to his surprise, was able to discern that there was a man fighting against four thugs in the narrow path, his display of martial prowess quite impressive considering the disadvantage of the outnumbered position. The muscular man's fighting skill and technique allowed him to effectively hold his own against his opponents, seemingly unfazed by the disparity in numbers.
Axel Stone, an ex-cop and detective who was now rough around the edges and on a one-man mission to fix the rise in crime being perpetrated by the Y Twins, was currently fighting off four thugs in a narrow alleyway, his impressive martial skills and technique allowing him to hold his own against the multiple opponents. The ex-cop was no stranger to confronting criminals, his tough and stoic demeanour giving him a unique presence that could be felt even from a distance.
Axel Stone seemed to have finished off the four thugs with little more than a few bruises, his body bearing some battle scars but his overall wellbeing appearing to be in surprisingly good condition. At the sound of light applause, the ex-cop turned his attention towards his onlooker, his body language and demeanor calm yet alert.
"Well done, stranger. Not anyone can take on four chumps like you have and walk out without more than a single bruise."
After observing the mayor, Axel's expression quickly shifted into one of recognition, his voice carrying a sense of familiarity as he responded.
"Mayor Travers? That's you, right?"
"My reputation precedes me, I guess. Yeah, I'm the mayor. And what's a fine fellow like you beating on these poor saps for?"
A slight smile creased the corners of Axel's mouth as he responded to the mayor's question, his body language signaling a sense of relief at being recognized for his actions. The ex-cop's attitude and tone conveyed a certain lightness, despite his previous rough and no-nonsense demeanour.
"These four fellas thought they could push their luck and mug me. I guess they figured wrong, huh?"
"Indeed. However, I recognized a look in your eyes. This wasn't just a random mugging. You're a man on a mission."
Axel's features shifted into a more serious expression at the mayor's observation, his body language and tone taking on a more serious and resolute air.
"You'd be correct in assuming that this wasn't a random mugging. I'm currently on the trail of the Y Twins, those two scoundrels who have started a new crime wave in the city. Apparently they aren't content with just simple petty theft anymore..."
Cody pulled at his tie, before proceeding to unbutton his business jacket.
"I see. Well, as mayor of my fine city, I'm sure I could pull a few strings for you… if you can relief my boredom for the next few minutes."
Axel's expression shifted into a subtle but distinct smirk at the mayor's statement, a slight chuckle emerging from his lips as he responded.
"Relieving your boredom? Well, I suppose I couldn't see that hurting."
"Good, good."
Throwing off his business jacket, Mayor Cody started flexing in his blue button up and purple vest. He set his wristwatch, before getting into a fighting position.
"Three minutes ought to do it. Survive that long, and I'll be satisfied."
Axel couldn't help but be amused by the mayor's sudden display of fighting prowess, the ex-cop's expression shifting into a distinct smile as he observed the politician's preparation for the sparring duel.
"Just three minutes then? I'm sure I can manage that."
"Get ready now."
Axel nodded in response to the mayor's prompt, his body language conveying an almost arrogant confidence as he stepped forward and assumed a fighting stance. The ex-cop was clearly relishing the opportunity to face off against the politician, a slight smirk evident on his face as he stood ready.
"I'll show you how a real fighter does things..."
Axel began the duel with an offensive rush, taking the first step forward and launching a series of left jabs, a right strike followed by two high kicks. However, Cody was a competent street fighter, his technique allowing him to effectively block the strikes that came his way. The ex-cop's display of speed and agility prompted the mayor to step forward in turn, initiating his own attack with a flurry of punches and kicks. The two combatants were now locked in a heated exchange of blows, their respective fighting abilities perfectly matched.
Cody's counterattack was quick and precise, launching a one-two punch combo with a left uppercut, followed a right low sweep and a left reverse roundhouse. Axel's own reaction to the combination was swift and decisive, managing to block the combo, sidestep the uppercut and jump over the low sweep, before moving in to block the roundhouse at the last second with his own. His eyes locked onto his opponent, the ex-cop's body positioning and stance signalling a counterattack.
Axel's quick flurry of punches caught Cody off guard, the flame-imbued fists exploding at contact with his blocking arms, and he took a brief moment to realize the trickery behind the blows. However, in that precious moment of distraction, the ex-cop seized his chance and launched a shoryuken, his flaming fist connecting with the mayor's midsection and sending him flying back a few steps. Cody managed to get up, noticing the dirt and small burns on his shirt, only to dryly chuckle to himself with amusement.
"Hehe, boy is my assistant going to give me a stern reprimanding."
Axel watched as Cody got back on his feet, the mayor displaying a slight chuckle at the tiny burns on his shirt and the prospect of his assistant's potential anger over his actions. The ex-cop decided to take this opportunity to crack a lighthearted joke in response.
"Your assistant is going to give you hell for this?"
"Yeah, but don't worry about it. I regularly annoy Marlowe. Let's stick to the fight."
Axel chuckled at the mayor's dismissal of the potential consequences of the fight with his assistant, the ex-cop now refocused on their fight. He watched as Cody brushed off any concern, the mayor getting back into his fighting stance and assuming a battle-ready position.
Axel's quick right hook was met by an unexpected block from the mayor, followed promptly by a devastating headbut that left the ex-cop stunned for a moment. The politician then took advantage of Axel's surprise, picking the man up and slamming him down onto the hard gravel of the alleyway. Despite the sudden fall, the ex-cop quickly rolled back to his feet, getting back into a fighting stance and taking up a battle-ready position once more.
As the two combatants entered close quarters, Axel managed to get a series of powerful knee strikes into the mayor's gut, delivering three blows before using a jumping split kick to launch him vertically and send him flying. Axel's display of skill and technique was highly impressive, but as he anticipated, Cody was not one to stay down for long.
Axel had just lifted up a lead pipe off the ground as he prepared to strike the mayor using the makeshift weapon, when Cody's quick-witted counterattack took him by surprise. Cody managed to grab hold of a discarded trash can lid, rolling around in time to prevent the pipe from connecting with his body and causing serious damage, the metal clanging loudly with the contact of the two objects smashing against each other.
Cody wasted no time in pressing his advantage, sweeping Axel's feet out from under him and standing back up. The mayor then moved to grab a pipe of his own off the alley wall, quickly tearing it free from the wall so he had a weapon comparable to his opponent. The two combatants were now both armed with makeshift pipes, the mayor and the ex-cop facing off against each other wielding their respective metal pipes.
Both fighters fought in a fierce, vicious contest of skill and brute force using the pipes as their makeshift weapons, the clangs and bangs echoing within the alleyway as their blows collide, striking a rhythmic pace. Despite how evenly matched they were, neither side gave an inch, neither able to break the others' defence and seize the advantage.
Neither side was able to withstand the damage and abuse that the pipes endured during their contest, the makeshift weapons eventually succumbing to the sheer force of the blows exchanged between the two combatants. Both men tossed aside their ruined pipes simultaneously, the ex-cop and the mayor both shrugging in resignation at the fact that the weapons were unusable now. Easy come, easy go, as they figured.
Axel took the opportunity to press his advantage, slamming his fist down on the ground and producing a wave of flame that shrouded his hands as he rose back up to an upright position. The ex-cop then followed up with an uppercut, the punch connecting against the underside of Cody's jaw and sending him flying high into the air.
Axel's attention was momentarily diverted as Cody feigned a punch, leaving an opening that was quickly and expertly exploited by the mayor as he dropped low and delivered a swinging kick to the ex-cop's crotch. This blow landed with a forceful impact, the ex-cop visibly wincing from the pain as he staggered backwards and collapsed to his knees.
As Axel struggled to regain some semblance of composure after the hit to his crotch, he was caught off guard by Cody's subsequent punches of the Zonk Knuckle, first coming from his right and then from his left, both strikes landing with devastating force. The ex-cop's eyes briefly closed in pain after the second punch, before they abruptly opened once more.
Axel's counterattack started with an effective block that caught Cody's third strike, and continued with an elbow strike with his opposite arm that caught the mayor across the face. The ex-cop then continued the attack with a sweep that brought the back of Cody's legs out from underneath him, resulting in the mayor being laid flat against the ground with a grunt.
As Axel attempted to stomp on Cody's groin, the mayor managed to roll out of the way and create some distance between himself and the ex-cop. The frustrated ex-cop glared at the mayor as the two reestablished some breathing room, both men now ready to resume their intense fighting.
Axel took a moment to reach beneath his jacket, promptly withdrawing a sharp-looking blade, a classic all-purpose knife. With a swift motion, the ex-cop threw the weapon at his opponent, only for Cody to use his superior reflexes to execute a smooth Tornado Sweep. The gust of air generated from the sweep was so powerful that it managed to deflect the knife, sending the weapon away and preventing it from striking the mayor.
The battle had now reached its final stage, the two fighters having endured a grueling bout of fighting. Both fighters took a moment to gather themselves, their fatigue and exhaustion beginning to set in as their adrenaline rushes started wearing off. However, neither fighter was willing to back down, both men cracking their knuckles and preparing for one final series of powerful attacks.
The final series of attacks came with a bang, Axel unleashing a mighty uppercut imbued with fire from his fist, while Cody's own attack was fueled by a powerful gale of wind. The two elemental strikes interacted, a whirlwind of flames and wind wrapping around the two combatants as their mighty fists crashed into each other, the ex-cop and mayor both fighting to the apex of their abilities.
As the whirlwind of flames disappeared, the smoke from its passing obscured each Fighter's position and identity, making it difficult to determine who the victor of the battle was. There was a moment of tense silence, the fighters' heavy breathing and exhaustion the only sounds ringing out through the alleyway.
As the smoke finally cleared, it revealed Cody's fist in the process of connecting with Axel's face, only for the timer to sound out at that exact moment. The mayor had ultimately emerged victorious in their fierce battle, his hand almost striking Axel's face but ultimately stopping by a split second. Axel rolled back and onto his back, his breathing laboured and his entire body now sore from the ordeal that had taken place in the last three minutes. As the mayor stood above him, triumphant, the ex-cop could only offer up a smile from his prone position. Cody returned the smile as his fist turned into a helping hand.
"That was a hell of a fight. Need a hand up?"
Axel managed a weak grin as the mayor held out a helping hand, his body now sore and aching from the previous three minutes of intense physical activity. The ex-cop took a moment to gather himself before reaching for the hand and allowing himself to be pulled back up to an upright position.
"Hell of a fight, indeed. You're not so bad yourself. Might've won that if the timer hadn't gone off..."
"Even if you won, I would've been satisfied. Certainly provided the fight I've been looking for that random street thugs can't give."
Cody shrugged as he went to retrieve his business coat he took off before the fight.
"Heh, glad I could deliver a proper fight for you. Most of the thugs on the streets these days can barely offer a decent skirmish, let alone a proper bout of fisticuffs."
Axel chuckled as he started stretching out his shoulders and trying to work out some of the lingering soreness from the intense fighting.
"Now, how about you come with me to my office. I'd be glad to help with your Y twins situation to make the city a better place."
Cody said as he slung his arm around Axel's shoulders, ending their fight with camaraderie. Axel was only too happy to end the fight on an amicable note, the ex-cop's face lighting up at the offer from the mayor to deal with the Y twins and make the city a better place. The former cop then looped his arm around Cody's shoulders, the two men returning to their senses as they walked back to the mayor's office.
Strength: This was a pretty close fight. For strength, both were pretty equal. At best, Axel Stone can potentially bust through a thin metal wall with the force of 48 pounds behind his punches(even if the details are a bit dubious), and withstand the explosion of a rocket launcher, about 10 pounds of TNT. But Cody, is no slouch either, being able to punch through 50 cm of concrete, which would require about 4 tons of punching power to do. That's 166.66X stronger. And Cody has gotten stronger since then.
Speed: Axel is able to dodge pistol gunfire, which would clock him around 342.25 mph in reaction time. However, Cody has been shown to punch faster than bullets can travel, going just slightly higher than the speed of sound. Around twice as fast as Axel.
Skill: Axel would be the more skilled fighter, as he's gone through formal police training to be proficient in martial arts, while Cody is more self-taught right off the streets.
Experience: Both fighters are about equal in the kinds of enemies they've faced against, and how long they've been fighting. The only difference is the scope in power is generally larger in Cody's case.
Powers: While Axel has roughly more numerous abilities than Cody by quantity, they aren't really anything that Cody can't do if he really wanted to. Both could use a type of elemental attack, and enhance their physical capabilities, and while Axel's passive ability to regain health with each attack is helpful, Cody would be striking too hard for that minor healing to matter.
The winner is Cody Travers.
Next time:
"The stronger you become in the Force, the more you can do, the more that's expected of you, and the less your life belongs to you."
"Everyone, don't let your guard down. A large brigade from Rigel is heading our way. Knights to the front; mages fall back. Fortify our defenses. Disperse the enemies and pick them off one by one!"