The Road Successor
-Chapter 1-
Huang fidgeted with his clothes as he sat in the backseat of the vehicle Charlie and Chun Li got for their trip. "Is there a reason why you dressed me so…androgynously?" Huang asked unamused by his predicament. He was wearing a black tee-shirt with a red vest over it. Red shorts that didn't even reach the middle of his thigh, and underneath that black bike shorts. What made it worse was that he had long dark brown hair, just like Chun Li, and his body was so androgynous as it is, that he could be mistaken for her little sister. Not to mention his body hasn't hit puberty so he sounded either a feminine boy or a really tomboyish girl.
"Calm down," Charlie said grinning. "It's not like you're bothered by it, I can tell by the tone of your voice."
"That's because I'm positive Bison made this body so freaking androgynous so I could seduce men and women," Huang commented annoyed at that thought. "Added the fact that while he couldn't brainwash me, I bet he messed with my perception."
"Why do you think that?" Charlie asked worried.
"Because I'm not bothered by the prospect of being with a man," Huang replied bluntly. "And the other me that's either in a coma or dead was straighter than an arrow."
"Wow you are taking this whole situation well," Chun commented amused.
"You still haven't answered my question," Huang pointed out, "Where are we anyways, I think I blacked out on the plane ride."
"We're in India kid," Charlie told him.
"Oh. So we're going to see Dhalsim, right?"
"How the hell did you know-"
"I told you I know every character from the franchise. Dhalsim, a mystic from India, he's probably one of the few people on the planet that uses Yoga as fighting style, and he's blessed by the God Agni allowing him to breath fire and teleport at will," Huang rattled off with a grin. "He's also the most spiritual person on the Planet, and a really nice guy."
"Wow…" Chun Li was stunned. "It took us…what like weeks to get a profile on him, and you rattled off more information we had on him…wait does that mean you know EVERYONE's information and fighting styles?"
"Well…not everyone," Huang admitted. "Only long time fighters and my favorites, but I can identify a fighter instantly just by their looks. But if we're going to see him, we definitely need him on our side. Only he can deactivate Killer Bee."
"Who is that?" Charlie asked.
"One of Bison's Dolls," Huang said with a grimace. "She, along with twelve other girls are part of Bison's elite taskforce, and honestly…one of the few people on this planet Vega refuses to kill."
"Okay, you're going to have to explain that," Chun Li said turning to look at Huang. "Vega not kill a person?"
"Killer Bee is beautiful. Like…really beautiful. So much that Vega actually likes her enough to let her live." Huang explained. "If we can somehow get her and the other dolls out before-" Suddenly a thought occurred to him. "Oh shit. How did I forget that!"
"What is it?"
"There's a fighter that hates Shadow Law, and everything about them, but works for them, well not yet, but she will, because she'll get set up, and then shit happens," Huang said panicking. "The point is, we need to save her and her father to cut off a lot of shit that might happen in the future and we'll get a kick ass ally."
"Okay so where is she? Who is this person you're freaking out about?" Chun Li said pulling out her cellphone.
"Her name is Han Juri, right now she should be…er…fifteen? Hopefully not older because we're too late."
"Wait, Han…isn't that one of the Prosecuting Attorneys that's been building a case against Shadow Law?" Charlie asked.
"Charlie, turn this thing around! We need to save that man!" Huang ordered.
"What about Dhalsim? We were going to see him about you," Charlie asked as he quickly turned the jeep around and gunned back towards the airport.
"I got this, just keep driving," Huang muttered as he closed his eyes. 'Master Dhalsim…' he called out with his mind.
Surprisingly he got a response. 'Who are you little one? Why are you calling me with your mind?'
'My name is Huang Li, Master. My associates and I believe that I am a spirit misplaced by the cruelties of science and given form by those who would do life harm.' Huang replied honestly. 'We were heading your way, but there is a life we need to save. May we approach you about this matter another time?'
'Of course, little one,' Dhalsim replied. 'Do what you can. Your spirit is conflicted, hurting, but it's healing. I do not know what happened to you, but if your intention is good, then you need not worry.'
'Thank you for your kind words and wisdom, Master,' Huang thanked him before opening his eyes. "We're good guys."
"How do you know that?" Charlie asked.
"Master Dhalsim is a spiritualist, and a psychic. I called out to him with my mind."
"Huh…how about that…" Charlie muttered impressed.
::::
After another long flight, they found themselves situated in a hotel room in South Korea. Chun Li was talking to her superiors about the alleged threat on Prosecutor Han's life out on the balcony while Charlie and Huang sat inside.
"So what's the plan?" Charlie asked.
"It's simple, we protect the target," Huang said brushing his hair. "God I need a haircut…"
"We know that, but we don't know where they are and why," Charlie pointed out.
"Luckily for you, I'm a master tactician and planner," Huang said with a smile. "As it turns out, there's a martial arts tournament for teens this weekend that's open to all competitors. And if there's one thing I know about Han Juri is that no matter what her motivation is, she's vain about her skills. Actually, a lot of woman martial artists are, Charlie, you might want to remember that."
"Duly noted," Charlie said chuckling. "So I take you'll be entering this tournament? With no fighting skills?"
"I'm pretty sure I have them," Huang said dryly. "Bison likes his pawns combat ready yet expendable, which is why a lot of them are mindless. And I'm pretty sure Bison's men will be there as well."
"So what, you're putting yourself on the line for a girl you've never met?" Charlie asked confused.
"It wouldn't be the first time I did something for a pretty girl," Huang replied with a grin. "And besides, this is also a test to see if Bison knows I'm missing and if he has some sort of trigger to control me."
"You're playing a dangerous game," Charlie muttered.
"I know," Huang said tying his hair into a pigtail. "And if I know our favorite megalomaniac right, he's going to flip shit that his precious project got free, and switch the target from the Hans to me. Then all I need to do is lay low, and he'll be making mistakes left and right, making it easy for you guys to foil his plans."
"And when did you think up this plan?" Chun Li asked coming into the room.
"Oh while I was in the shower," Huang said with a grin. "Come on, we need to head down to the tournament site and register. Chun Li, I need you to come with specifically."
"Why is that?" She asked confused.
"Why to enter your lovable baby brother into the tournament to test well he is of course! You being one of the strongest women to walk the earth, they'll instantly recognize you and publicity will rise!" Huang said getting dressed in a blue Chinese silk shirt with a gold trim, black gi pants and slippers.
"You've been doing that a lot lately," Charlie commented. "It's like you don't have a shred of shame in you."
"I thought I did," Huang said cheerfully. "Then I realized it might be hereditar-" Huang ducked a kick from a blushing Chun Li. "Wow I do have some skills."
"Shut up and let's go." She muttered dragging Huang by his arm while Charlie laughed. Some things you don't need your friends knowing.
"Bye Charlie!" Huang said cheerfully.
::::
Just like Huang said, as soon as they made the scene down at the arena, all eyes were on her. Hushed whisperings and wide eyes as the World Strongest Woman made an appearance with a teen in tow.
"M-Ms. Chun Li, it is an honor to meet you," the promoter said with a smile. "What brings you down here?"
"Well I wanted to see some of the up and coming fighters," Chun Li said with a smile, playing her role instantly. "I want see if I'll have any competition soon or not. I'm also here to sign my litter brother up for the competition."
A hush fell over the stadium where a lot of the competitors were scoping out their competition. "Y-Your little brother?"
Chun Li nodded and side stepped to allow Huang to speak. "Hello…m-my name is Huang Li," he said timidly, playing his role too. Huang told Chun that they need to contrast in public for the guise to work. "My sister w-wants to test if I'm ready for the next tournament circuit."
"My little brother is a bit shy," Chun Li said sighing. "But he wants to be a martial artist, so he needs to see what he's up against."
"I see, and what style does he practice?" the promoter asked.
That was a big question, Chun Li realized, but by the look in Huang's eyes, he knew what style he uses.
"I-I use a different style t-than my sister," Huang began nervously. "I-I use Muay Thai and Tae Kwon Do."
"Outstanding! And you can use both of those styles together?"
"Y-yes."
"Then allow me to sign you up myself! I want to see what the brother of the World Strongest Woman can do!" The promoter filled out the information while Chun Li helped. Huang eyed the crowd who were whispering to themselves and looking at them.
'There,' Huang thought with a mental grin. 'I recognize that hair anywhere.' Staring right at him with a frown was Han Juri, next to her was her father, Prosecutor Han. Huang made his eyes widen and he shied away from her "intense" stare. His eyes soon met another as he recognized that man anywhere. 'Vega? You got to be kidding me.'
"And done," The promoter said with a grin. "The tournament is this weekend, starting at Six PM. You can come down here tomorrow if you want to test your skill in an exhibition match."
"Oh?" Huang asked interested.
"They're set up so that participants can get a friendly spar in and loosen up before the big night," The promoter explained.
"I-I see."
"Come along, Huang," Chun Li said with a small smile. "You can size up the competition another time." Huang nodded and they left, knowing two pairs of eyes were watching them leave.
::::
"So how'd it go?" Charlie asked when they returned.
"Oh they bought it, hook, line, and stinker," Huang replied with a grin. "Not only was Han Juri was there with her dad, you wouldn't believe was standing off to the side watching sis's every move."
"Oh?" Chun Li asked confused. "There was someone else?"
"Yeah, but you probably wouldn't of recognized him without his famous mask," Huang said as he covered his face with one hand.
"Vega is here too?!" Charlie exclaimed.
"Oh yes, he was in the crowd, probably sizing up any potentials for Shadowlaw," Huang said with a grin. "All the players are set," Huang said as he sat down on the bed. "Vega is probably reporting his findings to Bison right now, Han Juri has targeted me as a potential threat in this tournament, and I get to show off my mad skills that were installed into me by a man who was so evil, his good side became a woman."
"Wow really?" Chun Li asked.
"Look up a woman in Italy named Rose. She's Bison's better half. Literally."
::::
Bison growled as he listened in on the report Vega was giving him. "And you're sure it was Project Siranaq with Chun Li?"
"Indeed. I recognize his beautiful face anywhere. What struck me as odd was his demeanor."
Bison anger subsided for a bit. "Explain."
"He was timid, shy, almost as if he was afraid of his own shadow," Vega explained. "But his instincts did not die, as he immediate searched the room for his perceived strongest foe."
"And who pray tell was his target?" Bison asked interested.
"Why Prosecutor Han's daughter of course," Vega said amused. "He immediately recognized her as a threat and when their eyes met, he panicked and looked away, afraid. But I could tell by his stance. He was excited, as if he wanted to fight her right then and there. It was such a beautiful thing."
Bison chuckled then laughed. "Excellent! Try to get to Project Siranaq and see if you can…persuade him to come home."
"As you wish, Lord Bison."
::::
Chun Li panted as she looked at her opponent incredulously. "Are you freaking kidding me right now?"
Huang looked at her with a smile on his face, tired, "What did I tell you?"
Charlie stood off to the side, his jaw slightly ajar, "What the hell kid…"
It was like Huang told them; Bison liked his tools combat ready. As such when he asked Chun Li for a spar, she was surprised to see how good he was. It was like fighting Sagat but much more agile.
While Huang lacked the ability to project Ki, he could deliver lightning fast kicks and knees just as fast as Chun Li, and could match her Hyakuretsukyaku blow for blow. His Bao Chushou as he called it allowed him to deliver a flying kick that knocked his opponent's into the air. His Bao Qie was an attack similar to Charlie's Flash Kick, and his Bao Yu was a three hit striking technique that cut through the air.
"So, do I pass?" Huang asked with a yawn.
"Yeah, you're good," Chun Li said yawning as well. "That's enough for tonight. Tomorrow, you need to impress the crowd with your skills."
"Not only that," Huang said frowning. "I need to be on a look out for Vega."
"Is it creepy you know how Bison operates?"
"It's only creepy when you're not the one thinking like he does."
::::
The next day, the Li siblings found themselves down at the stadium. It was really packed now, as people came down to see the hopefuls of tomorrow's tournament.
"W-wow, I'm actually nervous," Huang said with real emotion and not the faked one he put on yesterday. "I didn't think it'll be this many people…"
"Welcome to the minor leagues," Chun Li said with a grin. "Once you get older, the venues get smaller or bigger depending on the scope of things."
"Y-yeah…" Huang scanned the crowd. "Holy-"
"Huang," Chun Li warned.
"I wasn't going to cuss," He muttered embarrassed that she scolded him. "We got some big hitters in the crowd watching today alone."
"Like who?" Chun Li asked as she scanned the crowd.
"Twelve o'clock, seven foot Russian. That's the Red Cyclone, Zangief," Huang muttered. "At two o'clock we got old man Gen. God even at this distance he scares me." Huang shivered. He did not want to piss of one of the few practitioners of the true Assassin Fist.
"Master Gen is here?" Chun Li asked amazed.
"Yeah…Eight o'clock is Vega, looking smug as usual. Seven, we have…holy…Eagle." His jaw dropped.
"What?"
"Eagle, one of the original ten, and one of three scariest brits in the world, what in god name is he doing here?" Huang said shocked.
"Original Ten?"
"One of the competitors from the first Street Fighter tournament," Huang explained. "He was hired to defeat Sagat, and that didn't turn out so well."
"Wow, you're like a walking book of knowledge," Chun Li said amused. "Looks like you're up."
"Wasn't paying attention, who am I fighting?" Huang asked stretching.
"A Kid named Yang Lee, from China," Chun Li said.
"…Oh boy…"
::::
Huang nervously stepped into the ring where a young Yang waited on him. "H-hi." Huang greeted
"Are you sure you want to fight here?" Yang asked with a raised eye brow. "You look like you're going to pass out."
"Wasn't expecting this many people," Huang replied honestly. "But I'm here…let's have a good match."
"Likewise."
They looked at the announcer and nodded.
"The sixteenth exhibition match, Huang Li Xiang vs Yang Lee! Begin!"
Yang wasted no time rushing Huang down, using his Kaihou to close the gap. Little did he know that Huang knew his style in and out. As soon as his dash ended, he was caught by surprised as Huang delivered several fast kicks before launching him with a Bao Chushou. While Yang was in the air, stunned by his opponent's quick counter, Huang took a move out of his sister's book and delivered a Tenshoukyaku on the falling Yang. They both landed, Yang out cold, and Huang grinning.
"W-Winner! Huang Li Xiang!" Huang bowed to the fallen Lee Brother, and got off stage.
"How was that?" Huang asked nervously.
"Not bad…you read his attack and made him pay for it," She praised. "But that last bit was a bit much…"
Huang blinked. "Y-Yeah it was actually. I didn't want to knock him out, and I thought he could take it…" He looked down ashamed.
"Oh don't get all depressed…look at me." Chun Li forced him to look at her. "You're a marital artist now, and you should realize that most fights don't end with people surrendering. You capitalized on his mistake and you put him down. You weren't trying to kill him were you?"
"N-No, of course not!"
"Then you're fine." She said huffing. "Honestly you can act so mature and then you have these random bouts of actually acting your age."
Huang smiled. "I wonder when you'd act yours." He got cuffed in the back of the head for that. "Ow!"
"You deserved that," Chun Li said smiling at his pain.
-End of Chapter 1-
Huang Li's Moves:
Bao Chushou – Panther Shot, basically his version of the "rising" attacks like the Shoryuken, except he kicks.
Bao Qie – Panther Cut, basically another rising kick move, except more like the Flash Kick.
Bao Yu – Panther Rain, an attack similar to Yang's Tourouzan, except with…Kicks, seeing the pattern here?
If Huang was an actual character, he'd be like Elena, specializing in Kicks and using no punches. But that might change later.
Also notice the nod to the other Muay Thai fighters? Sagat is the Tiger, Adon is the Jaguar, and Huang is the Panther, which is a nod to the theme I'm setting up for him.