Disclaimer: Same as before. I really don't like writing these, but what can you do?

Chap. 10

What is this?

Please…help…her.

Oh no. Zangief, come quick!

What is…? Oh, no. Get them inside.

Afterward…

I thank you for your help. We should go now.

Where to?

I don't know. Somewhere for us to survive, I guess.

No. You can stay here.

What?

After that story you just told us, it's obvious that you are lost in this world. Stay here until you can find it.

But sir, I couldn't…

Do you really mean it?

Nikita!

Come on, Necro. He seems so nice. Like a big teddy bear.

Hahahahaha! I've never been described like that before. So what do you say young man?

Uhhh…well…okay. I thank you a lot, sir.

Please. My name is Zangief. And you've met R. Mika here.

___

Zangief's mansion, the next day.

Shinji and Mel were warming up outside of the wrestling ring while their opponents were doing the same in it. While they did, Mel went on to explain the rules.

"Okay, Shinji. First thing you have to remember. Only one person can fight in the ring at one time. I'll fight first. When I get tired, I'll tag you in."

"Tag me in?" Shinji was really unfamiliar with this style of fighting, although he understood its use of grappling techniques.

Mel sighed, "I'll clap your hand. When that happens, then you come in to fight in my place. When you have to come out, you tag me."

"Okay."

"In order to win, you have to pin your opponent to the mat for three counts. That's what R. Mika will be there for. She'll be the referee." He glanced over at R. Mika, who was wearing a referee uniform. "You got it."

Shinji gave a thumbs-up, "Right."

"Let's go."

The two boys approached the ring were Zangief and Darun were waiting, "Are you ready, boys?"

Both of them nodded and Mel entered the ring, with Shinji at the corner. Meanwhile, Zangief remained in while Darun went to his corner. R. Mika entered and the bell was rung, courtesy of Nikita.

"Begin!"

Mel dropped into fighting stance, examining his opponent. Zangief was at least fifteen times his height, length, and weight. Still, he wasn't undefeatable. Mel let of a cry and launched a side kick. Zangief brushed the blow and Mel attacked again, this time with a strong punch. Again, it was swatted away. Mel backed away, trying to find some weakness in the massive frame. Man, he's like a wall. Wait a minute. Then that must mean he's slow around his legs. Let's find out.

Mel charged again and Zangief stood ready. However, Mel jumped upward around Zangief and landed behind him. He then kicked behind Zangief's knee, causing him to stumble slightly. Mel then went to further his attack, but Zangief decided not to hold back any longer as he spun himself around with his arms outward, clotheslining Mel. Mel was hurled to the mat and Zangief came at him. Mel rolled up off the mat and jumped up again, with the winds of his ki propelling him.

"Tatsumaki Senpuu-Kyaku!"

Mel spun his leg repeatedly upward in an arch, but Zangief blocked all of the kicks and grabbed him out of the air. Spinning again, Zangief flung Mel straight into the ropes. Mel crumbled on the mat again and arose again, slowly this time. Okay, plan B. Mel lunged again, with an insane fury of attacks. Zangief managed to block the attacks, but was surprised by the boy's fury and strength. He reminds me a lot of him. Mel let out another fast jump kick, but Zangief ducked the attack and grabbed him from behind. Flipping backward, Zangief hurled Mel again in a release German suplex. But somehow, Mel flipped out partway, and slid on the mat, landing on his feet. With Zangief open, Mel smirked and clenched his fist tight. Alright, here goes nothing.

"Shoryu-Kai!"

Mel shot up in a Shoryuken-like fashion, catching Zangief in the chin. Then in mid-air, Mel twisted around and reversed his fist's direction, smashing it downward in Zangief's face and sending him back. Zangief shook his head as Mel landed on the mat. Zangief rubbed his cheek and grinned. He then let his hand out and Darun tagged himself in. Darun entered and waited for Mel to attack. Mel charged again the same way as before. But Darun stuck his chest out, nullifying Mel's attack and dazing him a bit. Taking advantage, Darun grabbed Mel and flipped him in a backdrop. Mel landed hard, but arose again. Darun suddenly jumped forward, grabbed Mel's shoulders and spun around in a tornado DDT. Mel landed hard again and had to struggle to get up. Looking in the corner, he saw Shinji's outstretched hand. Managing a small roll, he tagged Shinji who helped him to his feet.

"Are you okay?"

"Sure. Just need to get the room to stop spinning a bit. Go on. It's your turn."

Shinji nodded and faced his opponent, who was awaiting his attack. Shinji dropped in battle stance and examined his opponent the same as Mel. When ready, Shinji made a high leap over Darun's head, but Darun turned to him and swung his fist out. Shinji ducked the first charge and jumped again at the second. Shinji then landed three light kicks on his head in sequence and flipped away onto the turnbuckle. Darun turned as Shinji hit the turnbuckle and bounced again instantly and repeated the same actions on his head. Darun grew slightly annoyed, but a plan kicked in. As Shinji made for another kick, Darun suddenly landed backward and caught himself before he hit the mat. Shinji missed his intended target and Darun suddenly popped himself upward, causing Shinji to bounce off of his chest and land on the mat. Shinji steadied himself as he rose. I guess Mom's technique didn't do so well. I better try something different. But before he could try anything, Darun tagged himself out and Zangief came back in. Shinji leaped up as before, but Zangief suddenly flashed in blue energy. In an instant, he swooped up, plucked the little boy from out of the sky and slammed him into the mat. Zangief then went to pin him and R. Mika slid on the floor.

"1...2..."

Shinji suddenly jerked his arm up, showing that he was still able to fight. Zangief picked him up, but Shinji suddenly went into a backflip, hitting Zangief in the chin and putting some distance between them. Shinji shook his head, trying to clear out the cobwebs. He cleared up, just to see Zangief come at him. On reflex, Shinji shot his palm out.

"Kikoken!"

His palm shimmered with energy and Zangief was pushed back by the force of the blow. However, that didn't stop him from coming a second time, grabbing him and flipping him back. Shinji rolled and stood back up as Zangief came again. Again, instinct took over, although this time, it was more forceful.

"Shoryuken!"

Unfortunately, his attack was off slightly and he only managed to graze the massive Russian. Zangief grabbed him as soon as he landed, turned him upside-down and spun in the air wildly. Shinji was helpless as he was smashed onto the mat by Zangief trademark move, the Spinning Piledriver. Zangief went to pin him again and again R. Mika counted.

"1...2..."

Shinji's body jerked again, surprising everyone, including Zangief. This child is as hard as iron. Even though he held back the driver's true force, it still should have been enough to take him down. R. Mika's mouth was wide open. How did he do that? I thought it was over for sure. Shinji slowly stood back up, his hair covering his face. His hands cupped together and a familiar blue energy began to fill it. Wind began to blow as Shinji prepared his attack, with the others watching.

"His power..."

"Haaaaa!"

The energy intensified and became a solid blue. Shinji's body began to crackle with electricity as he tried to steady the energy. The mat began to tremble violently under the force of power. But just as soon as it appeared, it vanished. Shinji knelt down, breathing hard. Everyone who had watched was now stunned by the disappearance of the energy. Shinji caught his breath and reached over to tag Mel. Mel tagged in. but kept his gaze on Shinji. Whoa, that was awesome, Shinji. How'd you do that? Shaking the thoughts away, her re-focused on Zangief and once again went into fighting stance. However, the fight was cut short by the entrance of Necro.

"Mr. Darun. This was delivered for you. The messenger said it was urgent."

Necro stretched his arm over to the ring and in front of Darun. In it was an envelop. Darun took it and nodded a thanks to Necro before checking it.

"It's from Mistress Purna."

Hello my old friend. I wish I could have written under better circumstances, but terrible things have been happening lately. I've been hearing reports that fighters have been disappearing worldwide. At first I thought they were just rumors. But then my friend, Blair was captured and disappeared. I fear they will be coming for me next. I need your help, as my bodyguard and my friend. Please return.

Pullum Purna

Zangief looked at Darun's now distressed face. "What is it, my friend?"

Darun blinked out of his stunned expression and folded the letter back up as he came down from the ring, "The princess is in danger. I must return."

Zangief nodded, "I understand. Can we be of any help?"

"No, thank you. I can deal with this." Her face became stern, "But you should be careful. I fear dangerous times are coming." With that said, Darun left the room, leaving behind people with worried looks on their face. Zangief then addressed the youths.

"So, I'm afraid that we can not finish our bout."

Mel nodded slightly. "It's okay. Another time." In truth, he didn't know if they could have stood up to the two wrestlers any longer.

Shinji walked beside him, "I guess we should go. Thank you for fighting with us, Zangief-san."

Zangief grinned slightly, "You boys have been wonderful guests. Not to mention the best fight I've had in a while. To return the favor, how about I get you boys a trip somewhere, anywhere in the world."

Mel smiled, "Really, thanks." His face then shrank down, "But where?"

"Why not England?"

The comment came from R. Mika. "Since you guys are looking for good fighters, you can go there. I've heard that there are plenty of good ones there."

Shinji thought a bit, "Hey, that's not a bad idea. Okay."

"England, it is."

__________

Japan

"So what have you discovered?"

Kairi, Nanase and Hayate gather in a rented apartment building. They had spent the entire day seeking information on the whereabouts of Hokuto or any information relevant to her disappearance.

"Not much." Hayate responded. "Only rumors of a street fighters and world warriors disappearing around the world."

Nanse nodded, "Me too. Well, from the looks of it, it's more than a rumor."

Kairi shook his head. That's the same response I got. This isn't getting us anywhere. But we have to keep trying. "We should ask around some more. Maybe..."

It was then that the lights flickered slightly. It didn't seem like anything, but it put Hayate on high alert mode. Kairi saw the strange look on his cousin's face.

"What is...?"

He put his finger up to his lips, "Shhh. We're not alone."

Suddenly, a loud crash sounded beside them. Three shadowy figures had crashed through the windows and attacked. Caught off-guard, the three fighters were knocked out of the room and into the hallway. People who were there scattered as the fighters regained their bearings. Standing up, they found themselves surrounded by the shadows. They all jumped at them, but the three were ready.

"Maryuu-Rekku!"

"Tenshoukon!"

"Hisen Zan!"

All three fighters launched their anti-air moves and all three shadows were caught and hurled through the air. The last one landed before a dark area and as Kairi, Nanase, and Hayate came, three new figures stood waiting. They were all shadowy black with purple glowing eyes, but definitely different. The first was a heavyweight man with purple face markings; obviously a sumo wrestler. The second was some kind of creature with spiky hair and snarling fangs. The third was a young man, wearing a leather shirt and pants. The three dark fighters settled into fighting stance.

"Targets acquired."

They each jumped forward and attacked, each one knocked down the three fighters. They slid across the ground and rolled up.

Kairi growled, "Who are these guys? They aren't the same as the others."

Hayate answered, "I recognize them. They're known street fighters."

Nanase picked up her stick, "Not exactly friendly, are they?"

The sumo attacked first, launch his entire body at Hayate. At the same time, the beast-man did a similar action, only by tucking itself into a tight ball and smashing into Nanase. Kairi turned to Nanase, but then faced his own opponent, who was merely standing there.

"Let's get this started then."

The dark warrior complied by turning himself around and launching a flying kick at Kairi. Kairi was caught squarely in the chest and he slid across the ground. He managed to roll back up to his feet, but the dark fighter came at him in a fury of attacks. Kairi blocked a few but was caught by the last one, which was an opened palm strike in the chin. As Kairi backed away dazed, the fight suddenly ducked low to the ground.

"Haaa!"

The fighter suddenly somersaulted in the air, his feet going skyward and creating a flash blade of energy. Kairi was unprepared for it and was promptly hurled into the wall. As Kairi recover, the dark one arched his hand back and shot it out. A ring of energy was hurled at Kairi, but he managed to evade it. Enough of this. Kairi jumped at the dark fighter with lightning speed and smashed his knee into his face. While still in mid-air, Kairi summoned his own ki.

"Shinki Hatudou Kai!"

A ball of energy smashed the dark fighter into the ground and he was motionless. Kairi looked down at his defeated opponent. No way. That was too easy. He then heard a sound come from behind him and turned to engage his next enemy. However, it was only Nanase.

"Whoa, it me."

Kairi calmed down a bit, "What happened?"

"I don't know. I beat the beast-man, but it was strange. I really didn't hit him all that hard."

"The same with me. This is...Wait, Hayate. We have to help him."

Kairi moved to the area where Hayate was fighting when he heard a scream. One of the defeated shadow soldiers had revived and was holding Nanase from behind. Kairi turned only to see her being dragged and the shadow jumping out of the window. Kairi shot his head out, but both of them were gone.

"Nanase!"

His cry was cut short when he was hit behind by a blade of energy, nearly knocking him out the window. Looking up, he saw the dark fighter he had fought earlier standing over him, arm arched back and hand glowing as he readied his attack again.

"Target acquired."

"Hadoken!"

A sudden purple blast of ki energy slammed into the dark fighter and smashed him against the wall. Shaking his head, his eyes locked on a female figure in a karate uniform. Kairi looked as well and was shocked at his savior.

"Sakura? What are you doing here?"

Sakura looked at him briefly, "I thought you would be in trouble." She looked back, "I guess I was right."

The dark warrior focused on Sakura more, "Mission aborted. Returning to HQ." Once saying that, it jumped out of the window as well.  Sakura didn't bother to look out as he had probably already disappeared. She went over to help up Kairi.

"Are you alright?

Kairi took her hand and she helped him up, "Yeah. But they took Nanase. Wait, where's Hayate?"

"I'm right here." The battered swordman walked in on them, "After Sakura helped me, they just up and left."

Kairi growled. They tricked us by playing possum. Now they have Nanase too. Kairi turned to Sakura again, "So I take it you know something about this?"

"Yeah. It's a long story."

Sakura then told Kairi of what she heard from Chun-Li and the others before she left. She went on to explain about the mysterious organization behind the abduction of the fighters around the world.

Hayate rubbed his cheek, "Another organization. That does make sense."

Kairi stared down, deep in thought. Hokuto. Nanase. What has happened to you? Kairi clentched his fist, but kept his voice even as he answered. "And now we know what they are doing with the fighters. The question is, what do we do now?"

"Well, why don't we ask him?"

Sakura pointed to one of the corners. Apparently, one of the shadow soldiers was still there, just regaining consciousness. Unfortunately, he woke up just to have an enraged Kairi grab him by his vest and hold him against the wall.

"Where are my sisters? Tell me!"

The soldier try to shake his way out, but there was no escaping Kairi's boiling rage.

"I...I don't know...I swear!"

"You're lying!"

The other two began to feel dark energy emit from Kairi as he shook their prisoner violently. His fists were beginning to shimmer and glow as his rage increased. Sakura held his shoulder.

"Kairi, stop! You have to calm down."

Kairi turned to glare at her, but Sakura kept her gaze. Kairi seemed to grow even hotter in anger, but he then started to settle. The unearthly glow vanished and he dropped the soldier on the ground. Kairi kept his head down.

"I'm...sorry."

The soldier began to scramble to escape, but he only met up with the razor-sharp blade of Hayate's sword

"Not so fast. If you don't know where they are, then tell us where your base is at."

The soldier scrambled back, "I...I can't. He'll kill me."

"Who?"

"The master. He'll rip me apart if he found out I ratted on him."

The soldier's arm suddenly jerked up. Hayate prepared for an attack, but rather the soldier had pulled out a small needle and injected himself. His body then convulsed violently on the ground and then lied still. As the others watched in shock, Hayate checked for a pulse, only to find none.

"Leathal injection. He'd rather die than fail." He stood up and whispered, "What are we up against here?"

Kairi looked back up again, his face stern and focused. "Whatever it is, I have to find it."

Sakura stood in front of him. "We have to find it. You're not alone Kairi. Not in this."

Kairi looked down at her. He wanted to tell her that he didn't want her getting hurt. But he found himself unable to at the moment.

"But...Nanase was taken..."

Her hand returned to his shoulder, only more gently this time, "We'll get her back. You don't have to worry."

The gentle touch eased him somewhat, "I'm worried about you two."

Hayate gave him a strange look while Sakura pouted, "You don't think I can handle it?"

"Sakura, this isn't a joke. Whoever this is is playing for keeps."

She stood even with him, "I've dealt with would-be-conquerors and demons long ago when I was younger. I didn't back down then and I'm not going to start now."

Kairi was silent. He looked over to Hayate, who merely folded his arms. "And you know where I stand in this."

Kairi shook his head, but said nothing in protest. Thank you

__________

Europe, England

The two young fighters exited the plane and grabbed their duffel bags. They were conversing with each other as they exited the terminal when they heard the screams of people and a couple running.

"What's going on?"

Their answer came when a tall figure walked out into the clearing. It was wearing a trench coat and hat. But what was strange was that is face was all metal, with yellow eyepieces it looked like.

"Who is that?"

The figure looked in the direction of the boys and suddenly leaped. Shinji and Mel moved to the side as the creature landed heavily on the ground and came toward them.

Mel grinned, "Well, it looks like R. Mika was right about this place having good fighters." He tossed his bag away, "You ready Shinji?""

Shinji followed suit, "Yeah."

AN: For those of you that don't know who the three shadow fighters are, they are E. Honda, Blanka, and Remy. There, now you know.