Chapter four: First Strike
It took them several hours, but Charlotte and Dee Jay finally arrived in Japan. The plane set down in Tokyo. After the two fighters stepped off the plane, they looked around.
"So, where would we find Ryu?" Charlotte asked her Jamaican partner. "Tokyo isn't exactly the smallest city in the world."
"I know exactly where he'd be." Dee Jay replied. "The next Street Fighter tournament is starting today, and that pretty much guarantees that Ryu will be there."
Charlotte looked up at Dee Jay. "Do YOU have an invitation for this tournament?"
"Yep. I was gonna come 'ere to apply after my concert anyway, mon." Dee Jay replied with a grin. "In fact, you can also apply. You'd be a late entry, but at least you'd be able to talk to the others about Shadaloo."
Charlotte's eyes lit up. "I'd love to apply! Not only would it give me information, but I'd be able to fight with some of the best fighters in the world!"
"You got spirit, Charlotte." Dee Jay complimented, giving Charlotte a thumb's up. "I like that."
Taking her by the hand, Dee Jay led Charlotte through Tokyo. After about fifteen minutes, the duo arrived at the stadium where the first fights were going to take place. Dee Jay took Charlotte into the stadium and walked over to the counter in the main lobby. The woman at the counter smiled when she saw Dee Jay.
"You're just on time, Mr. Maximum." The woman said. "The tournament's going to start soon."
Right. But before I go in, I 'ave someone who'd like to join the tournament as a late entry." Dee Jay said, pointing at Charlotte.
"Very well." The woman said. She looked at Charlotte. "What's your name?"
"Charlotte. Charlotte Schugerg." Charlotte replied.
"What's your fighting style?" The woman asked.
"Baton-based." Charlotte replied, pulling out her baton.
"Okay." The woman said, writing this information down.
Charlotte gave the woman other information, such as where she lived and what how old she was. Once she finished, the woman looked at Charlotte and smiled.
"Welcome to the Street Fighter tournament, miss Schugerg." The woman said kindly.
Charlotte thanked the woman as she and Dee Jay walked further into the stadium. While walking, Dee Jay looked at Charlotte.
"Try not to say anything to Blanka." Dee Jay said. "Dan's the only one who can actually understand him."
"Thanks for the advice." Charlotte said. By now, the duo had arrived at a door.
Dee Jay pushed open the door and the two walked in. Inside was a large locker room, where many Street Fighters were waiting. Even Sagat was in the group. This seemed obvious, as Sagat no longer worked for Shadaloo. All he cared about was making sure that he and Ryu had a fair fight when the time came. Some of the fighters heard the door open and smiled when they saw Dee Jay.
"Hey, rhythm-man!" Ken greeted. "You're late."
"I know, mon." Dee Jay said.
"Hey, who's your friend?" Cody asked.
"Charlotte Schugerg." Charlotte said.
"Wait a minute! 'Schugerg'?" Dan asked. "You related to Rolento?"
"She's his daughter." Guy said for Charlotte.
As Charlotte explained to the others how she was Rolento's daughter, Dee Jay caught a glimpse of an orange-haired woman standing aside. She was thin, and wore a blue police uniform. Although she wasn't dressed the same, Dee Jay could tell who she was.
"Hey." Dee Jay said to Chun-Li. "Isn't that Juni?"
"Yep." Chun-Li replied. "A few years ago, I found her wandering around Southtown. I found out that she was no longer under Bison's control, and said that I could help her regain her memory."
"Did it work?" Dee Jay asked.
"It sure did. In return, she joined Interpol." Chun-Li replied. "I think it paid off. Juni's become a better fighter than most fighters on the circuit."
Dee Jay grinned. He was always glad to hear that people were having a good life.
Suddenly, everyone heard Blanka growl several words. Dan turned to everyone else.
"He says that the tournament is about to start." Dan translated for his green friend.
Charlotte grabbed her red beret and plopped it on her head. "I'm ready." She said.
All of the fighters piled out of the locker room and worked their way towards the main arena of the stadium where the first fights were going to take place.
Charlotte stepped into the stadium, which was packed with screaming fans. All of the fighters, Charlotte included, stood in a line at the edge of an arena as the announcer introduced them one by one. As the fighters were introduced, he or she would make a movement to show the fans which one the announcer was talking about. Eventually, it was Charlotte's turn.
"Hailing all the way from Metro City, please welcome newcomer Charlotte Schugerg!" The announcer said.
As the fans went wild, Charlotte lifted the beret off her head and raised it into the air as she twirled the baton in her other hand.
Soon, the roll call was done as the announcer started the tournament. His voice came through the speakers again.
"First up," The announcer said. "Karin vs. R. Mika!"
"Go, Karin!" Sakura cheered.
"You can do this, Mika!" Dan shouted.
As the two women fought, Charlotte made her way over to Ryu. The Street Fighter saw her coming and looked at her.
"May I help you, miss Schugerg?" Ryu asked.
"Dee Jay tells me that you know about Shadaloo." Charlotte replied.
"I might." Ryu said. "Why?"
"Vega and Birdie almost killed me back in Metro City." Charlotte explained. "I need to know why they wanted to kill me."
"Hmm..." Ryu said, scratching his chin. "When Shadaloo commanders attempt a kill together, that usually means that Shadaloo is planning something."
"But what does that have to do with me?"
"Your attack could mean two things." Ryu said. "One, they want to kill you as an act of revenge because it was your father who defeated Bison, or two, they wanted to kill you because you could prove to be a threat to their new plan."
Charlotte pondered what Ryu had just said. Was it true that she could fight Shadaloo and foil their latest plan? That was something Charlotte somehow KNEW would stay in her head. Charlotte was brought out of her thoughts when she heard a bell ring. The teenage fighter looked at the arena and saw Mika kneeling beside a barely conscious Karin.
"Gee, are you alright?" Mika asked her defeated opponent.
"Mika wins!" The announcer said.
"YAHOO!" Dan shouted, leaping into the air. "Way to go, Mika!"
After Karin was helped off the arena and Mika stepped off herself, the announcer spoke again.
"Second fight, Guy vs. Adon!"
Guy walked into the arena, arms folded, as Adon leapt into the arena and struck his Maui Thai stance. Guy unfolded his arms as he looked at Adon.
"Go for it, Mr. Hinato!" Charlotte shouted at Guy.
"Come on, buddy! Thrash 'im!" Cody called out.
However, before the announcer could start the fight, a lone figure tore onto the arena, straight towards Guy.
The Bushin warrior didn't have time to react, and something that felt like a rock drove into his side. Guy let out a scream of pain as he collapsed to the arena's floor. Normally, he would've been able to take a blow like that, but since it took him completely by surprise, the wound hurt even more. Guy quickly lost consciousness as his attacker stood over him, grinning.
"It's Birdie!" Someone shouted. Judging by the voice, everyone could tell that it was Guile.
Adon growled at the intruder. "You jerk! You just knocked my competition out! You'll pay for that!" Letting out a scream, Adon leapt at Birdie, foot extended.
"Adon! Don't be so foolish!" Sagat shouted at his former pupil. He knew how fierce Birdie could be. But it was too late. Birdie had caught Adon foot and threw him aside like a rag doll. Adon hit the wall and fell into unconsciousness.
A young fighter dove into the arena, attempting to take Birdie on. His blue baseball cap gave him away.
"HI-YAHHHHH!!" Yun screamed as he charged at Birdie, fist outstretched.
Birdie smirked and thrust his arm out, grabbing Yun by the face. Yun attempted to throw his fists at Birdie, but his arms were too short to reach him due to Birdie keeping him at bay. Birdie shrugged as he lifted Yun off the ground and threw him aside.
"Yun!" Yang shouted as he rushed to his brother's side.
A few other fighters, including Ibuki, C. Jack, Cammy and Guile, attempted to fight Birdie, but they too were tossed aside.
Charlotte couldn't take much more. She dove into the arena headfirst, ignoring Dee Jay's shouts, telling her to stay back. She wasn't alone, either. A second fighter also tore through the arena, straight at Birdie. He was dressed in a black and white outfit complete with a skullcap that made him look like a superhero.
Charlotte and Skullomania ran at Birdie as Charlotte raised her baton into the air. Birdie attempted to punch the two, but his opponents were too quick. As Skullomania plowed his right fist into Birdie's stomach, Charlotte leapt into the air and delivered a blow to Birdie's head with her baton. Birdie suddenly attempted a backhanded swat, and it made contact. As Birdie sent Skullomania off the arena with his swat, he grabbed Charlotte and looked her straight in the eye.
"Stay out of this!" Birdie growled.
With a shove, Birdie threw Charlotte out of the arena as she landed in between Sean and Area.
"You alright?" Sean asked as he got down on one knee.
"I'm fine." Charlotte said. "I just let my guard down."
Suddenly, everyone saw a blue-clad policewoman with orange hair charge into the arena, stop in front of Birdie and drew her gun.
"Freeze, dirtbag!" Juni shouted at the Shadaloo commander.
"Juni! Behind you!" Chun-Li cried.
Before Juni had time to react, someone knocked the gun from her hand and grabbed her from behind. Juni instantly felt three blades of cold steel against her neck.
"Nobody move!" Vega threatened. "Or else she gets it!"
"You could've come a little sooner, you know." Birdie growled at his partner.
"And intrude on your little fights with the Street Fighters?" Vega laughed. "Get real!"
Birdie muttered something under his breath as he picked up the still- unconscious Guy and slung him over his shoulder. Suddenly, a helicopter came into view and lowered inside the stadium. As soon as it got low enough, the side door opened. Birdie boarded the helicopter, bringing Guy in at the same time. Vega too got into the helicopter, but forced Juni in as well. Vega looked back at Charlotte, and grinned.
"Farewell, my dear!" Vega laughed, throwing a rose at Charlotte. It landed by her feet.
"GUY!" Cody shouted.
The helicopter, containing Guy and Juni, lifted off the ground and took off into the sky until it flew away.
Charlotte looked up into the sky, clenching her fists. Charlotte started seething, knowing that two fighters were now in the hands of Shadaloo.
Charlotte looked down at the rose by her feet, lifted her right foot into the air, and brought it down hard, breaking the rose into hundreds of pieces.
Shadaloo was going to pay.
To be continued...
Author's note: Hehehehehehe. Cliffhanger. Thanks guys for reviewing my story! I have a feeling in going to get more reviews for this story than any of my others! Please read and review.
It took them several hours, but Charlotte and Dee Jay finally arrived in Japan. The plane set down in Tokyo. After the two fighters stepped off the plane, they looked around.
"So, where would we find Ryu?" Charlotte asked her Jamaican partner. "Tokyo isn't exactly the smallest city in the world."
"I know exactly where he'd be." Dee Jay replied. "The next Street Fighter tournament is starting today, and that pretty much guarantees that Ryu will be there."
Charlotte looked up at Dee Jay. "Do YOU have an invitation for this tournament?"
"Yep. I was gonna come 'ere to apply after my concert anyway, mon." Dee Jay replied with a grin. "In fact, you can also apply. You'd be a late entry, but at least you'd be able to talk to the others about Shadaloo."
Charlotte's eyes lit up. "I'd love to apply! Not only would it give me information, but I'd be able to fight with some of the best fighters in the world!"
"You got spirit, Charlotte." Dee Jay complimented, giving Charlotte a thumb's up. "I like that."
Taking her by the hand, Dee Jay led Charlotte through Tokyo. After about fifteen minutes, the duo arrived at the stadium where the first fights were going to take place. Dee Jay took Charlotte into the stadium and walked over to the counter in the main lobby. The woman at the counter smiled when she saw Dee Jay.
"You're just on time, Mr. Maximum." The woman said. "The tournament's going to start soon."
Right. But before I go in, I 'ave someone who'd like to join the tournament as a late entry." Dee Jay said, pointing at Charlotte.
"Very well." The woman said. She looked at Charlotte. "What's your name?"
"Charlotte. Charlotte Schugerg." Charlotte replied.
"What's your fighting style?" The woman asked.
"Baton-based." Charlotte replied, pulling out her baton.
"Okay." The woman said, writing this information down.
Charlotte gave the woman other information, such as where she lived and what how old she was. Once she finished, the woman looked at Charlotte and smiled.
"Welcome to the Street Fighter tournament, miss Schugerg." The woman said kindly.
Charlotte thanked the woman as she and Dee Jay walked further into the stadium. While walking, Dee Jay looked at Charlotte.
"Try not to say anything to Blanka." Dee Jay said. "Dan's the only one who can actually understand him."
"Thanks for the advice." Charlotte said. By now, the duo had arrived at a door.
Dee Jay pushed open the door and the two walked in. Inside was a large locker room, where many Street Fighters were waiting. Even Sagat was in the group. This seemed obvious, as Sagat no longer worked for Shadaloo. All he cared about was making sure that he and Ryu had a fair fight when the time came. Some of the fighters heard the door open and smiled when they saw Dee Jay.
"Hey, rhythm-man!" Ken greeted. "You're late."
"I know, mon." Dee Jay said.
"Hey, who's your friend?" Cody asked.
"Charlotte Schugerg." Charlotte said.
"Wait a minute! 'Schugerg'?" Dan asked. "You related to Rolento?"
"She's his daughter." Guy said for Charlotte.
As Charlotte explained to the others how she was Rolento's daughter, Dee Jay caught a glimpse of an orange-haired woman standing aside. She was thin, and wore a blue police uniform. Although she wasn't dressed the same, Dee Jay could tell who she was.
"Hey." Dee Jay said to Chun-Li. "Isn't that Juni?"
"Yep." Chun-Li replied. "A few years ago, I found her wandering around Southtown. I found out that she was no longer under Bison's control, and said that I could help her regain her memory."
"Did it work?" Dee Jay asked.
"It sure did. In return, she joined Interpol." Chun-Li replied. "I think it paid off. Juni's become a better fighter than most fighters on the circuit."
Dee Jay grinned. He was always glad to hear that people were having a good life.
Suddenly, everyone heard Blanka growl several words. Dan turned to everyone else.
"He says that the tournament is about to start." Dan translated for his green friend.
Charlotte grabbed her red beret and plopped it on her head. "I'm ready." She said.
All of the fighters piled out of the locker room and worked their way towards the main arena of the stadium where the first fights were going to take place.
Charlotte stepped into the stadium, which was packed with screaming fans. All of the fighters, Charlotte included, stood in a line at the edge of an arena as the announcer introduced them one by one. As the fighters were introduced, he or she would make a movement to show the fans which one the announcer was talking about. Eventually, it was Charlotte's turn.
"Hailing all the way from Metro City, please welcome newcomer Charlotte Schugerg!" The announcer said.
As the fans went wild, Charlotte lifted the beret off her head and raised it into the air as she twirled the baton in her other hand.
Soon, the roll call was done as the announcer started the tournament. His voice came through the speakers again.
"First up," The announcer said. "Karin vs. R. Mika!"
"Go, Karin!" Sakura cheered.
"You can do this, Mika!" Dan shouted.
As the two women fought, Charlotte made her way over to Ryu. The Street Fighter saw her coming and looked at her.
"May I help you, miss Schugerg?" Ryu asked.
"Dee Jay tells me that you know about Shadaloo." Charlotte replied.
"I might." Ryu said. "Why?"
"Vega and Birdie almost killed me back in Metro City." Charlotte explained. "I need to know why they wanted to kill me."
"Hmm..." Ryu said, scratching his chin. "When Shadaloo commanders attempt a kill together, that usually means that Shadaloo is planning something."
"But what does that have to do with me?"
"Your attack could mean two things." Ryu said. "One, they want to kill you as an act of revenge because it was your father who defeated Bison, or two, they wanted to kill you because you could prove to be a threat to their new plan."
Charlotte pondered what Ryu had just said. Was it true that she could fight Shadaloo and foil their latest plan? That was something Charlotte somehow KNEW would stay in her head. Charlotte was brought out of her thoughts when she heard a bell ring. The teenage fighter looked at the arena and saw Mika kneeling beside a barely conscious Karin.
"Gee, are you alright?" Mika asked her defeated opponent.
"Mika wins!" The announcer said.
"YAHOO!" Dan shouted, leaping into the air. "Way to go, Mika!"
After Karin was helped off the arena and Mika stepped off herself, the announcer spoke again.
"Second fight, Guy vs. Adon!"
Guy walked into the arena, arms folded, as Adon leapt into the arena and struck his Maui Thai stance. Guy unfolded his arms as he looked at Adon.
"Go for it, Mr. Hinato!" Charlotte shouted at Guy.
"Come on, buddy! Thrash 'im!" Cody called out.
However, before the announcer could start the fight, a lone figure tore onto the arena, straight towards Guy.
The Bushin warrior didn't have time to react, and something that felt like a rock drove into his side. Guy let out a scream of pain as he collapsed to the arena's floor. Normally, he would've been able to take a blow like that, but since it took him completely by surprise, the wound hurt even more. Guy quickly lost consciousness as his attacker stood over him, grinning.
"It's Birdie!" Someone shouted. Judging by the voice, everyone could tell that it was Guile.
Adon growled at the intruder. "You jerk! You just knocked my competition out! You'll pay for that!" Letting out a scream, Adon leapt at Birdie, foot extended.
"Adon! Don't be so foolish!" Sagat shouted at his former pupil. He knew how fierce Birdie could be. But it was too late. Birdie had caught Adon foot and threw him aside like a rag doll. Adon hit the wall and fell into unconsciousness.
A young fighter dove into the arena, attempting to take Birdie on. His blue baseball cap gave him away.
"HI-YAHHHHH!!" Yun screamed as he charged at Birdie, fist outstretched.
Birdie smirked and thrust his arm out, grabbing Yun by the face. Yun attempted to throw his fists at Birdie, but his arms were too short to reach him due to Birdie keeping him at bay. Birdie shrugged as he lifted Yun off the ground and threw him aside.
"Yun!" Yang shouted as he rushed to his brother's side.
A few other fighters, including Ibuki, C. Jack, Cammy and Guile, attempted to fight Birdie, but they too were tossed aside.
Charlotte couldn't take much more. She dove into the arena headfirst, ignoring Dee Jay's shouts, telling her to stay back. She wasn't alone, either. A second fighter also tore through the arena, straight at Birdie. He was dressed in a black and white outfit complete with a skullcap that made him look like a superhero.
Charlotte and Skullomania ran at Birdie as Charlotte raised her baton into the air. Birdie attempted to punch the two, but his opponents were too quick. As Skullomania plowed his right fist into Birdie's stomach, Charlotte leapt into the air and delivered a blow to Birdie's head with her baton. Birdie suddenly attempted a backhanded swat, and it made contact. As Birdie sent Skullomania off the arena with his swat, he grabbed Charlotte and looked her straight in the eye.
"Stay out of this!" Birdie growled.
With a shove, Birdie threw Charlotte out of the arena as she landed in between Sean and Area.
"You alright?" Sean asked as he got down on one knee.
"I'm fine." Charlotte said. "I just let my guard down."
Suddenly, everyone saw a blue-clad policewoman with orange hair charge into the arena, stop in front of Birdie and drew her gun.
"Freeze, dirtbag!" Juni shouted at the Shadaloo commander.
"Juni! Behind you!" Chun-Li cried.
Before Juni had time to react, someone knocked the gun from her hand and grabbed her from behind. Juni instantly felt three blades of cold steel against her neck.
"Nobody move!" Vega threatened. "Or else she gets it!"
"You could've come a little sooner, you know." Birdie growled at his partner.
"And intrude on your little fights with the Street Fighters?" Vega laughed. "Get real!"
Birdie muttered something under his breath as he picked up the still- unconscious Guy and slung him over his shoulder. Suddenly, a helicopter came into view and lowered inside the stadium. As soon as it got low enough, the side door opened. Birdie boarded the helicopter, bringing Guy in at the same time. Vega too got into the helicopter, but forced Juni in as well. Vega looked back at Charlotte, and grinned.
"Farewell, my dear!" Vega laughed, throwing a rose at Charlotte. It landed by her feet.
"GUY!" Cody shouted.
The helicopter, containing Guy and Juni, lifted off the ground and took off into the sky until it flew away.
Charlotte looked up into the sky, clenching her fists. Charlotte started seething, knowing that two fighters were now in the hands of Shadaloo.
Charlotte looked down at the rose by her feet, lifted her right foot into the air, and brought it down hard, breaking the rose into hundreds of pieces.
Shadaloo was going to pay.
To be continued...
Author's note: Hehehehehehe. Cliffhanger. Thanks guys for reviewing my story! I have a feeling in going to get more reviews for this story than any of my others! Please read and review.