Blindfolded by Memories
Chapter 1. The Call for duty
"Class dismissed..." Everyone was happy that the first day of school was finally over. However--
"--Except you, mister Hoshi" Ryu couldn't help but to grunt in disapproval at his math teacher's request. After taking their books below his desk.
"What is it, mister Tasunoko?"
"Well, you probably heard what Principal Norita told us about the Justice High thing"
"Yes, what about it?"
"Well, since you're known as one of Pacific's most outstanding students, you should be careful..."
"I beg your pardon?" The teacher sighed.
"Well, the thing is, the students attacked in other High Schools had been known for outstanding academic or sport achievements, and since you are distinguished in both, well--"
"Don't worry..." Ryu showed a sober smile. "I'll keep my senses sharp"
"Well, thank you. Also, I would like you to do me a favor on this matters"
"... I'll be honored" The teacher showed a pleased grin on his face.
"I know you have a very difficult agenda, being the only person living in your house and all, but--"
"..." Suddenly, Ryu didn't felt so sure.
"Oh, well. We're conducting an investigation on the Justice case. And I would be very honored if you..." Almost reading his mind, Ryu knew the stumper.
"I'll do it..."
"Really? That's great of you! Well..." After that, Mr. Tasunoko handed Ryu a list. "What's this for?"
"These are the schools I want you to go" After giving a fast check.
"Okay... just one question"
"Yeah, Tell me"
"How many students are involved in this, besides me?" Mr. Tasunoko was a little reluctant to answer Ryu's question, but--
"(sighs) Eleven. 4 junior students, 3 sophomore and another 4 seniors" Ryu quickly knew which ones were the sophomore students.
Roy, Tiff & Boman, for sure- Ryu thought. "And... can you tell me about the seniors?"
"Well, they are--" After hearing the names, Ryu had a stupefied feeling for about 10 minutes.
Pacific's front gate, 11 minutes later
"I never should've let anyone else find out about what happened last year..." Ryu smacked his hand against his forehead.
"What? That's not entirely bad. Besides, you DID defeated the Muay Thai emperor Ryu" Fei-Long's optimism wasn't having effect on him.
"Damn right. Plus, you've earned everyone's re-- well, everyone except you know who" Ken was clearly referring to certain blond guy, which he dislikes as well.
"Yeah, and think about the chicks we're meeting" Guy was there as well, trying to cheer Ryu up.
"Hey, I'm not invisible! I'm also a girl" Chun-Li was clearly resenting Guy's comment. "(Annoyed grunt) Sorry" Chun-Li and Fey-Long started to walk in other direction.
"Well, see you guys"
"Later" Ryu sighed, as Ken looked at him annoyed. "Ugh, I gotta go too... I really hate that job"
"How many times I've told you to come and crash at my place? You're 17, the least you should be doing is working to maintain yourself"
"But you know how important the dojo was for Sensei Gouken" Ken looked annoyed once again.
"Fine, If you like to, I'll help with the arrangements"
"Thanks, Ken. You really make my day"
"Wow, since when you started to put the other cheek, Masters?" Guy comment made Ken's head drop a little.
"What do you meant by that?"
"Ah, don't bother" Guy put both hands on both pockets of his khakis.
"Anyway, the first I should do is go downtown and tell my boss about my new found situation. See ya"
"Take care dude" Both Ken and Guy waved Ryu goodbye.
As he found himself alone, a few blocks away from the school, he noticed some strange scenario. He was getting a strange feeling. He closed his eyes for a moment. A strange presence was surrounding him. When he finally realized...
"Who's there? Show yourself"
"Well, well, well. If isn't Ryu Hoshi himself: Pacific High proud Shoto-kan champion; also known in the underground as the one who defeated Sagat, former Alpha tournament champion" When the unknown person stood in front of him, Ryu recognized him immediately.
"Shimazu-sama? Is it you?" It was Hideo Shimazu, PE's teacher at Justice High School. Ryu has been acquainted with him, since he was Gouken's top student back when he was just a kid.
"Ah, seems you haven't forgotten about me. Tell me, you're still reluctant about our offer?"
"(Sighs) I don't know. With everything that's been happening at Justice High School, I think I'll be better off in Pacific" Prof. Shimazu looked confused about Ryu's comment.
"What do you mean?"
"But I thought you knew about the attacks to other schools" Hideo started to look a little mad at Ryu's words.
"What? You say that Justice High is involved in all that?"
"Well, from what I've been hearing, it is so. However, I find it a little farfetched, knowing Justice's reputation" Hideo looked down.
"It is sad to hear from someone outside the school that kind of thing. But I'm glad I found out. I guess our little reunion will be postponed, Ryu"
"It seems so"
"Well, with no further regards, farewell, young Hoshi" After that, with a quick leap Prof. Hideo disappeared just as fast as he appeared.
Take care, Shimazu-sama- Ryu thought. As he continued on walking, many things crossed his mind. How could somebody like Hideo Shimazu not be aware about the whole Justice incident? Was it all-true?
Meanwhile
"Don't you think Ryu's being a little bit over-serious about this whole deal?" Ken gave a quick thought at Guy's question.
"Well, he usually assumes things pretty seriously, but maybe he's right. Sides', he always wanted to keep a low-profile back in junior year. But after the whole Alpha Tournament kicked into surface last year, he was suddenly in the spotlight. That's the main reason he and Chun-Li... well--"
"Yeah, I know. Ryu's not much of a crowd's person, is he? By the way, why he's not using his headband these days?"
"Dunno. Before the summer vacation he wore it everyday" When both Ken & Guy were about to take a zip of their sodas, they were suddenly interrupted when a girl in high school uniform stood in front of them. She had hazel, short hair, and expressive chest-nut eyes. But the main deal was that she was wearing a white head-band.
"Um, can I help you?" After Ken's question, her voice sounded a little insecure.
"Are you... by any luck, Ken Masters?"
"Well, yeah" Ken scratched his head. Who was this girl? And why she knew about him? She looked so excited.
"Are you!" Then, out of the blue, she reached for Ken's hands. This made him blush a little.
"Hey, watch it! I know it's great to know me, but, you're not my--" Ken was suddenly interrupted.
"Do you know where I can find HIM?" She made special emphasis in that last word. Still not getting it, Ken looked somewhat confused.
"And by him, you mean--?" Then, she sight-pointed at her head.
"Ryu Hoshi, of course!"