Street Fighter II

Chapter 4

Metro City, USA

Guy stood at the window, looking at the once crime-ridden city, the city that he had once saved from a destructive element known as "Mad Gear." It had been about, what was it, 6 years since Guy, his best friend Cody, and the then mayor of Metro City, Haggar had cleaned up Metro City from Mad Gear in order to rescue Haggar's daughter and Cody's girlfriend Jessica, and now 3 years since Guy took to the streets of the city to fight Mad Gear again. He chuckled when he remembered Haggar's mayoral election promises to clean up the city from all forms of crime. The people didn't expect Haggar to do it in person. Sadly, people tend to try to forget the times of the past. About 15 months ago, Haggar was out-voted in the mayoral elections for a guy who, at least, still managed to keep Metro City safe. Haggar didn't really mind. He was thinking about retiring as mayor anyway.
Guy had left Metro City to fight as a Street Fighter in annual tournaments, testing his strength. It was during this time that he met his friend Ryu, whom had praised his Bushin ninjitsu fighting skills when he fought him for the first time, and had heard about his exploits in the first Metro City incident. Guy felt that it should be him to praise Ryu. Always did Ryu win the tournaments, and always Ryu inadvertently helped defeat a greater evil that was larger than just an evil in one city. This one covered the whole world. Shadowloo. Last year, Guy witnessed Ryu completely demoralize Shadowloo in one fell swoop when he killed Bison in the last tournament as he was healing Ryu's best friend, Ken. It was a victory he will greatly remember. That same year, Guy encountered Cody, now in prisoner's outfit and chained by the hands. Cody had suffered a major bout of depression after the first Metro City battle, becoming nothing more than a bum looking for a fight wherever it was. Separating from Jessica, Cody became a lonely wanderer. After defeating him in a subsequent, but reluctant fight, Guy knew what it felt like to be like Ryu and Ken. He also had a long, hard talk about Cody, still believing him to be his best friend, telling him what was wrong with the way Cody was, and what he should do. Cody came back and apologized to Haggar, and to Jessica, who had decided to give Cody a second chance, and had stayed with him ever since. The last he heard, Cody and Jessica were finally engaged.
Guy looked back at the bed, His eyes transfixed on the beautiful body of Maki, lying naked on the bed. She herself had fought against Mad Gear too, saving her sister, Rena, and then Guy's fiancé from Mad Gear, along with Haggar, who had fought in all three Metro City battles, and Carlos, Haggar's old roommate. That year, Guy was fighting in another Street Fighter tournament. Maki was Guy's best friend at the time.
For some strange reason that Guy to this day could never quite figure out, Rena broke up the engagement and ended their relationship two months ago. Last night, still in depression over the split, Maki phoned him up and got so worried about him, she ran to his home to console him. The next morning, Guy woke up to find Maki with her head lying on his chest. They were both naked with only the bed-sheets, a little wet, covering them up to the waist.
Maki stirred, her eyes open slowly to find Guy with only his underwear on, watching over her like some sexy guardian angel.
"Hey." Guy spoke quietly, his soft tones comforting her as she lay in bed. Maki lay smiling.
"I'm glad I can finally wake you up, seeing you like this."
"Thank you, for relieving me out of my depression Maki."
"Gee, I never thought I would be able to make you that relieved."
Guy smiled, a warming smile, signifying this sudden turn of events was as pleasing to him as it was to Maki. The two looked as if they would get on very well together.
"Well, shall we have breakfast now?" Maki asked.
"Sure, you go ahead and take a shower. I'll get breakfast prepared."
"Okay."
Guy walked downstairs, feeling a little more than pleased with himself. It was about 4 days time before he was supposed to have married Rena, and then they would have gone on their honeymoon in Hong Kong the next day. Thank God he took care of the two airline tickets waiting in a pot in the main hallway. He would just have to give the ticket to someone else that's all.
As Guy walked to the kitchen, He cheered triumphantly.
"Yeeeeessssss!!"

Hollywood, Los Angeles.

"HYYYYAAAAAA!!!!!"
Fei Long lashed out with a lunging kick that hit his opponent square on the chin, knocking him backwards.
Turning round he landed a back fist on the guy that was about to lunge him with a knife on the cheek, then punching him in the gut, before finally kicking him to the chest, flooring him completely. Grabbing another enemy, Fei jumped over him, then threw him into another opponent, sending them over a railing that sent them falling down, luckily crashing onto a mat that was handily placed below.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Cage was having a tough time with his opponent, managing to block a couple of fist attacks before being floored by a third one. Running to try to surprise the 6 foot 2" man, Cage hid behind a cargo container. "Who does Hyu think I am, Bruce Lee?"
Fei looked at the bad guy brandishing a nunchaku at him then leapt into his fire cyclone. Although narrowly missing, the attack's force pushed the man towards the floor, landing, he turned and attack with a flurry of fists at another attacker.
"REKKA-KEN!" Fei Long cried, as the man took the force of the attack, still standing. Fei buried his head into his hand.
"Ughhh. You're supposed to fall DOWN!"
"CUT!!"
The cameras stopped rolling. Hearing the stuntman curse, Fei headed back to his seat. He needed a little rest after that last take. As he drank a cup of water, Nicholas Cage sat down beside him.
"Don't worry about it Fei. This sort of shit always happens with the stuntmen, you get used to it after a while. I doubt that this will go into the out-takes though."
"Yeah, I know. It happened back in Hong Kong as well, though mostly, the problem with the stuntmen was that I ended up hurting them too much."
Fei and Cage both let out a little laugh. It was Fei's first foray into the American film industry, and, like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan before him, he was determined not to mess this one up.
Truth is, he took pretty well to it in the end. Nicholas had been kind in helping him out with his first action movie:- "Firestarter", starring Nicholas Cage and Fei Long.
"So, what was it like when you were a Street Fighter? I never asked you that, did I?"
"Well, it was good as a way of practising my skills against real opponents. Unlike Bruce Lee, I never won all my fights though, there were some really skilled fighters entering these tournaments. Still, at least it gave me a chance to see my friend Chun Li again."
"Who's Chun Li?"
"My friend, that is actually rather personal and classified info. All I'll say is we've been friends since childhood in Hong Kong, and that she now working as an agent in Interpol."
"So what, were you two very close?"
"Nah, we were really just friends that's all. We had a splash once, but we ended it after a couple of months."
"I thought you said that was personal?"
"Changed my mind. Anyway, I think she had her heart set on Ryu. She certainly looked at him that way."
"Ryu?"
"Oh yeah, The Grand Champ. The real winner of the tournament. And the destroyer of Shadowloo. Ryu's a friend of mine from Japan."
"What's that about 'destroyer of Shadowloo'?"
"I can't tell you that."
"Why not?"
"Like I said, it's classified."
They were interrupted from their conversation by the Director, "OKAY PEOPLE, PLACES PLEASE!"
Fei and Cage returned to their places, Fei in the position before unleashing the rekka-ken. As Fei walked to his place, he thought about Chun Li and Ryu, wondering whether they ever hooked up. Maybe he'll pay them a visit after all this filming is over.
"Okay, Ready."
"Firestarter, Scene 23 take 3." The clapper-board snapped.
"Aaaaand…. ACTION!"
"REKKA-KEN!!!"
The stunt-man was knocked down. And stayed down. "CUUUUT!!!"

Kyoto, Japan

Sakura sat at her computer, finishing off the final touches to her updated web-site, which, unsurprisingly, involved a certain idol of hers. The update included a section which included a typical training session with Ryu and her.
It was about a few months ago, before she returned home. She had learned much, but still wanted to continue on. Sakura had left school when she saw a Street Fight involving Ryu. Since then Sakura had been following Ryu around, trying to learn his techniques. She had returned on a number of occasions, but whenever she was able to, she always left, to find Ryu yet again.
Since Sakura was a child, for some reason or another, she was always bullied by other kids. Her meek and shy personality was just ripe for bullies to go about with their version of 'fun'.
Sakura couldn't stand it. She was about to go into depression when she saw a fight brewing in a field of grass on her way home. Watching the fight, she saw a man in a white gi, with a red headband around his forehead. The other fighter was a pretty fat sumo wrestler. Sakura recognized the sumo wrestler as E. Honda, a Yokozuna in the sumo wrestling world. While the fighters attacked each other, Sakura watched in awe as the young fighter fought against the wrestler, as they punch, kicked and threw each other into the grass. At last, Honda flung his body, head first, into Ryu. Sakura looked with astonishment as Ryu charged up what looked like lightning into his hands, and threw at the oncoming torpedo. Honda was flung back into the ground. Getting himself off the ground, the both bowed at each other, and then shook hands, Honda laughing, as if they were sort of blood-brothers. But it was the young warrior that Sakura stared at. As they parted, Sakura ran after the man.
"Hey mister, wait."
Ryu turned and saw the young girl running towards him, "And who might you be? Are you here to challenge me to a fight?"
"Challenge you? Hell no, I don't even know how to fight!"
"Then there is little point in talking to me."
"I saw your fight. You were amazing! I've never seen anyone fight like that before."
"I guess you've never been as far around the world before. Listen, I must leave on my journey."
"Journey? What journey?"
"I do not know where it will go, but…"
"Bullshit. You're not going on a journey, are you?"
"Hmmm…I guess childhood has changed these days, if you know such a word."
"It's not my fault. They always say it."
"Who?" Ryu was inquisitive about Sakura, as she suddenly started crying.
"The bullies. They always hit me, treating me like a bunch of dirt, like some kid that needs picking on…it….they….I hate them!"
"Sakura….I don't know how to help you…."
"I DO! Train me. Teach me how to fight back. I want to learn that fireball move you did on that sumo wrestler."
"Wha…but I'm no teacher, I still have much to learn myself!"
"Please. I'm begging you." Sakura started to sob.
"…..Well…..alright. Seeing as I'm not going anywhere, I'll teach you the basics of Shotokan Karate, but no more. OK?"
Sakura was overjoyed. "Thank you so much, Mr.……ummmm…"
"Call me Ryu."
So Ryu took Sakura under his wing. He was quite impressed with her enthusiasm. He was also quite impressed by how good a teacher he actually was. Ryu showed her a few punches and kicks, and she managed to copy each one perfectly, as if she was born to be a fighter. After only a few hours training, Sakura could do most of the basic martial arts moves. Ryu decided to teach her one special move, the hurricane kick. Ryu told her all about ki, how a trained fighter could channel it through to one of his or her limbs, and release it in a powerful force. He then showed her the move.
"TATSUMAKISENPUKYAKU!"
Ryu leaped up into the air, and spun in mid air five time, with one leg outstretched, keeping a perfect horizontal level until he finished. Sakura started clapping. Ryu spoke, "Now you try it!"
Sakura stopped clapping. "Me? I couldn't possibly…."
"All you have to do is be able to concentrate."
"………..alright."
Sakura stood, trying to concentrate. Suddenly, with a loud cry, she sprung upward, trying to kick like Ryu, but she spun with her foot once, landed, slipped, and fell over.
"Owwww."
"I guess, you must train with this."
"But I can't. Damn it, how can I fight with this skill?" Sakura said angrily.
"Sakura, do not be angry. You must learn to concentrate your ability, while remaining calm. In time you will learn. A warrior fights with his skill, not anger." Ryu suddenly picked up his duffel bag.
"Huh? Where are you going?" Sakura asked
"I said I would only teach you the basics. I already broke my promise to you, as I showed you how to do the hurricane kick."
"But there's so much more I want to learn from you! I want to learn how to use that fireball you used!"
"Remember what I told you about ki, and you will learn someday. You have a lot of potential, as you learned all the basic moves within the space of a few hours. Take this."
Ryu put down his bag, and took out of it a white head band.
"I used to wear this till a friend of mine give me the one I am wearing. I give it to you now. Farewell. We may meet again."
Ryu gave Sakura the head band, turned, and left. Sakura watched Ryu leave, clutching the head band to her chest. She gave a little smile, and for the first time in months, she felt happy.
The next day, Sakura was about to leave school, but was stopped by a gang of bullies.
"Hey little girl, ready for another session of pain?"
Sakura felt the adrenaline rushing, but remained calm. "Maybe the tables could turn today you thick shit."
Sakura took the head piece out her pocket, and put it around her head. The bullies laughed at this retort, and one of them charged. Sakura launched a high kick at his chin, sending him into the air, and down onto the floor. The other bullies were stunned by this, and charged at Sakura. Sakura remembered Ryu's words about anger and stayed focused. She launched an mid kick into the ribs of one bully, then using the same leg attacked the head, creating a perfect one-two. He kneeled on the floor, groaning about the pain in his ribs and his head. On of the younger ones launched a fist into Sakura's face. Sakura deftly parried the blow and attacked with her own fist into the stomach. The boy, winded, immediately received an uppercut into his chin. He flew back into the other bullies. Sakura punched, kicked and threw the gang every time they attacked her. The only problem was, she was still a young girl ,still weak and fragile despite all of Ryu's training. Every time she scored a successful hit on one of them, it only enraged them more. She started getting tired, and made a mistake, causing one of the bullies to manage to strike her in the stomach with a cheap low shot. Sakura baked away, winded.
The leader started laughing, "Heh, heh, you're good! I'm amazed you fight so well."
Sakura, shook of the pain in her stomach, and ran towards the boy who had punched her. She jumped into the air and cried out.
"TATSUMAKISENPUKYAKU!!!"
Her leg whipped round like a tornado as she jumped up, kicking the bully three times, knocking him down and out.
The leader was stunned. So was Sakura. She couldn't believe she had been able to perform Ryu's move, albeit a little differently. She was so stunned in fact, that she didn't notice two of the bullies grab her by the arms, and pin her against the wall, still holding on to her arms.
"LET ME GO! LET ME…."
The leader walked up to Sakura, giving a little smile. "Well now, you ARE a tough one, for such a pretty girl."
Oh God, is he going to rape me?
The leader stroke Sakura's cheek, then put his hand up her skirt and fondled her breast. The other hand was about to go down her skirt.
Oh God, he IS going to rape me!!!
"DON'T TOUCH ME YOU PERVERT!!!!" Sakura put her legs up, and kicked the bully-turned-rapist away in the head. The bully staggered back, then withdrew a flick-knife from his trouser pocket.
"You little BITCH!"
"LET GO OF HER NOW!!"
The leader turned around and saw another girl, about the same age as Sakura, also with a white head-band.
"Not another one. Get her."
The bullies that were watching leapt at the other girl. But, weakened from the fight with Sakura, did not do well. The girl leapt and kicked her way through the bullies, knocking each one down.
Sakura realised that this was her chance. She slipped out her holder's grasp, and kicked on in the damaging area, which made him keel over in pain, she then back-kicked the other guy in the head, knocking him against a wall. The leader turned, and enraged at Sakura's release, ran at her, knife in hand.
Whether it was instinct, Sakura didn't know, she immediately drew her hands back, and charged up her ki, a small glowing ball in her hand. "HADOKEN!!" The next thing everyone saw was a flash of white coming from Sakura's extended hands, which hit the leader full face, and sent him crashing to the ground, completely unconscious.
The other bullies were completely shocked at this turn of events. "Leggit!" One bully cried out, and the other's agreed. They ran from the alleyway where the fight had started, leaving only Sakura, the other girl, and four unconscious bullies.
"Are you all right?" the girl asked Sakura.
"Yeah, just a little shaken." Sakura was still looking at her hands, amazed that she could perform the move that won her the fight.
"Wow, you sure taught them! But I guessed you needed a little help. My name's Hinata. What's your name?"
"Sakura." She responded quietly.
"I'm from Haito High-School in Tokyo. I was here on vacation to visit my Uncle, but I lost my way and found you. You don't mind giving me a tour of Kyoto, do you?"
"Uhhh….sure."
They walked out of the alleyway. Hinata spoke, "Boy, you were pretty good back there. I've been doing martial arts for about eight years now. How long have you been doing it?"
"Ummm… 22 hours."
"22 HOURS! You're joking……"
Sakura met her best friend that day. She grew happier every day, the bullies never touched her anymore, she received regular emails from Hinata every day. But she still felt empty. She still wanted to learn more from Ryu than she already knew. So when she saw Ryu leave Japan again the following year, on a spur of the moment, she followed him, asking him to train her some more, and training by herself in different places so that she could become stronger.
Sakura smiled at the past few years, as she packed up her bag to go back to school.

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